| Last comments - Carausius |
Cr 39/2 Æ Quadrans Collateral Semi-Libral Seriesc. 217-215 b.c.e.
o: Head of Hercules right, wearing boar-skin; three pellets behind
r: Bull charging right; three pellets above, snake below, ROMA in ex.
37.81 gm
purportedly ex PNC collection. ex Vecchi Auction 3, lot 56 (1996) (not verified by me)
AKA, the "Anomalous Anonymous Series", which I particularly like. All the types are scarce, and the quadrans seems a bit scarcer than the lower denominations.PMah01/29/22 at 03:51Carausius: Confirmed, it's Vecchi 3, Lot 56
|
|
Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 520aSeptimius Severus AR denarius
3.69g, 19.0mm, 0 degrees, Laodicea mint, 198-202 CE.
Attribution: RIC IVa 520a Cohen 798. BMCRE 289.
O: L SEP SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate head right.
R: VOTIS DECENNALIBVS, in oak wreath.
1 example in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.104.
Ex-CNG eAuction 493 (9 June 2021) Lot 602, ex-ROMA Numismatics, Auction XII (29 Sept 2016) Lot 835.Ron C206/19/21 at 04:45Carausius: Nice coin!
|
|
RIC 1161 VespasianIMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III
Laureate head right
AEQVITAS AVGVSTI SC
Aequitas standing left with scales and rod
Lugdunum (Lyons), 71 CE
10.16g
RIC 1161 (R)
Ex-ForumJay GT403/14/21 at 23:26Carausius: Nice rarity!
|
|
RIC 0024Domitian AR Denarius 81 CE (Group 3)
Obv: Head laureate right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Rev: Curule chair; above wreath; COS VII DES VIII PP
RIC 24 (R2); BMC P. 299; RSC 58a
NGC Cert # 4683673-007; XF
Not in RIC plates
Stacks Bowers The February 2021 World Collectors Choice Online Auction Lot 71061 February 23, 2021
I cannot resist these early denarii for Domitian. If the denarius was struck in 81 CE, then I am interested. The short legend on the reverse makes this a group 3 denarius. I have been lucky enough to add a few of these to my collection. Note that the reverse legend does not include TR P. Since TR P would have been assumed as soon as Domitian rose to the purple, it is a mystery as to why it was omitted on these coins. Of course there are other reasons to like this coin. This includes the really interesting portrait and the overall look of the coin.
orfew02/25/21 at 04:30Carausius: Attractive coin, Orfew. The curule chair with wre...
|
|
|
Cr 519/2 Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus AR Denariusc. 41 b.c.e. Greek coastal mint or possibly a Shipboard mint
o: Bearded head of Lucius (?) Ahenobarbus r., AHENOBAR before
r: CN.DOMITIVS.IMP Ship's prow r., w/ military trophy
HCRI 339 Domitia 21
3.79 gm.
A flip-flopper of exquisitely flexible principles, Gnaeus salvaged his family’s future by deserting to Octavian days before the battle of Actium, paving his posthumous way to becoming Emperor Nero’s great-grandfather. Suetonius says that Gnaeus “omnibus gentis suae procul dubio praeferendum” -- was “undoubtedly the best of his entire extended family, ever”. Considering that the entire extended family was considered remarkably depraved, Nero’s father most of all, that is faint praise indeed.
Lucky he was also to have previously commanded the "Liberators' " fleet and at sea instead of standing in the mud at Philippi, as the trophy presumably represents his irrelevant victory over Domitius Calvinus in October 42. To my eye, the trophy is not distinctly nautical standing alone and perhaps the entire design reflects a naval trophy that he erected on a friendly shore point.
His allies Brutus and Cassius having committed suicide, Gnaeus took his 72 ships and two legions a-pirating rather successfully for nearly a decade. Thinking he had made a good pile of stolen booty but that the tide was turning (indeed, he also struck an aureus), he then struck a deal with Antonius (an add-on to the Sextus Pompeius work-out) and became consul for 32. Dry land politics being more fickle than piracy, he soon had to choose between Octavian and Antonius and headed east. There, he suddenly became a Model Virtuous Roman in antagonism to Cleopatra, persuading no one, and finally rowed over to Octavian, who accepted him rather than having Agrippa treat him to a game of "walk the plank". Yet he died a few days later of “fever”, which tended to happen to temporarily incapacitated power brokers recuperating near Octavian (see my Cr. 449/2 Pansa) or Livia Drusilla (see, "I, Claudius"). His defection and various marriage connections (and I would like to think a map to his buried pirate treasure, but wrong movie ...) kept his descendants comfortably depraved for almost 100 years.
This denarius is scarce, and particularly scarce with anything other than a horrible obverse. It perhaps depicts pater Lucius, who also ran afoul of Caesar and Antonius (see my post of Cr. 448/3 L. Hostilius Saserna). This specimen shares the weak obverse strike seen on most, yet is a slight bit less worn and less marked than many. On the better-struck coins, whichever Ahenobarbus this is can be seen to sport a scraggly beard, presumably to cue the "red beard" cognomen, but the portraits on almost all dies are quite distinctively coarse. The reverse, which is the main appeal of this specimen, is much more carefully engraved, with distinct waves, "eye", oar box and trophy. The keel and "beak"/rostrum are clear, and the prow-stem is outlined and shows internal beam-structure.
PMah02/21/21 at 06:52Carausius: Very nice example. I routinely lose these at auct...
|
|
1828 Half DollarBought at a coin show long ago for $4512/18/20 at 02:09Carausius: Steve, the breadth of your numismatic interest ama...
|
|
RIC 0159 Vespasian SestertiusIMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM TR P P P COS III
Laureate head right
IVDAEA CAPTA SC (in exergue)
Palm tree; to left, captive standing right; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass; both figures surrounded by arms
Rome, 71 CE
24.22g; 36mm
RIC 159 (C3)
Ex-Incitatus
A common but sought after historical type on a large flan. Not quite as rough as appears in photo. In hand the IV of "IVDAEA" is visible. An unmolested sestertius.Jay GT412/18/20 at 02:05Carausius: Wonderful, historical coin!
|
|
Cr 25/7 Æ cast Quadrans "Sickle series"Rome, c. 241-235 b.c.e.
o: Right hand with open palm; in l. field, three pellets (value), in r. field, sickle
r: Three pellets (value) between two barley-grains
68.5 gm
This series repeats the Cr 14 types, with the addition of a sickle. However, this issue, was produced some 30-40 years later on a lighter weight standard: the "14" were based on an As of approx 332 gms, but this issue was about 272 gm As. Extremely close readers of this gallery will note that my "14" specimens are actually lighter-weight average than my "25/sickles".
Although I am not a pedigree fanatic, my posted 25/sickle coins are in the pedigreed camp:
NAC Auction 61 (RBW Collection), lot 23; NAC Auction 7, 1994 (purchased by RBW), lot 342; RBW 44 (this coin)PMah12/03/20 at 00:24Carausius: Very nice example
|
|
Galerius as Augustus Follis of TrierDenomination: Follis
Era: C. 305-307 CE
Metal: AE
Obverse: IMP MAXIMIANUS PFAVG. Cuirassed bust of maximianus r.
Reverse: GENIO POPU LIROMANI. PTR In exergue. In fields: S|F.
Mint: Trier
Weight: 10.19g
Reference: RIC 652b (Triere)
Provenance: Jean Elsen Auction 144, lot 710, 14-MAR-20
Obverse with nearly full silvering but struck from a very worn die. Reverse struck from a new die and with remarkable detail in the figure of Genio. Mint state/FDC
07/13/20 at 16:11Carausius: Reverse detail is really stunning!
|
|
Diocletian Abdication issue follis - TrierDenomination: Follis
Era: C. 305-307 CE
Metal: AE
Obverse: DN DIOCLETIANO FELICISSIMO SEN AVG. Bust in imperial mantle. r. holding olive branch, l. holding mappa.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIA DEORVMQVIESAVGG. PTR in exergue. In fields S|F. Providentia stg r., extending r. hand to Quies, stg l, r, holding branch, l. leaning on scepter
Mint: Trier
Weight: 9.45g
Reference: RIC 676a (Trier)
Provenance: Jean Elsen Auction 144, lot 703, 14-MAR-20
A couple of tiny areas of vertigris, otherwise EF
07/13/20 at 16:10Carausius: Attractive example of one of my favorite LRB types...
|
|
Crescent - RRC 57/2Denomination: Denarius
Era: C. 207 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, X. border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; above, crescent; in linear frame, ROMA. Line border.
Mint: Rome
19mm, 4.42 gm., 1h
Reference: Crawford 57/2
Provenance: Bertolami E-Auction 83, June 6, 2020
Comments: Well centered with clear symbol. GVF
06/28/20 at 03:15Carausius: Terrific example - nicely centered and complete.
|
|
C. MEMMIVSDenomination: Denarius
Era: C. 57 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Ceres r.; C.MEMMIVS.CF downward on l.
Reverse: Trophy; Naked, kneeling captive with hands tied behind below trophy; on l. IMPERATOR downward; C.MEMMIUS downward on r.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.98 gm.
Reference: Crawford 427/1
Provenance: CNG 114, Lot 608
Comments: According to Crawford, the reverse recalls victory of Memmius uncle in Bythinia and Pontus c. 58 BC. Michael Harlan makes a good argument that the event was an earlier victory, probably in Spain by the moneyer’s father or grandfather.
Lovely grey old toning, GVF.
05/25/20 at 02:21Carausius: Beautiful example of one of my favorite Roman Repu...
|
|
RIC 0023 VespasianIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Laureate head right
COS ITER TR POT
Mars advancing right wiht spear and aquila
Rome, January- June 70 CE
RIC 23 (C)
3.36g
Ex-Gert Boersema; Ex-Col. Franz Pouwel, Netherlands
Early portrait style
Jay GT404/11/20 at 03:17Carausius: Attractive early style and great toning. Congratu...
|
|
Roman Republic, L. Titurius Sabinus Denarius - Rape of the Sabine Women (Crawf. 344/1a)AR Denarius
Rome, 89 BC
3.82g
Obv: Bare head of King Titus Tatius (R),
TA (ligate) before, SABIN behind.
Rev: The Rape of the Sabine women;
Two Roman soldiers, facing each other, each carrying off a Sabine woman in his arms.
L•TITVRI below
Crawford 344/1a; Tituria 1; Sydenham 698; BMCRR Rome 2322-3
Roma Numismatics Auction 19, 27/03/2020, Lot 698
ex. NAC Auction 114 - Part I, 06/05/2019, Lot 419
ex. Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 94, 18/09/2013, Lot 973;
ex. Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, List 316, September 1970, no. 26.Optimo Principi03/27/20 at 22:38Carausius: Excellent example with exquisite reverse detail. ...
|
|
Victoriatus - RRC 93/1aDenomination: Victoriatus
Era: 211-208 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter. Beaded border.
Reverse: Victory holding Wreath over military trophy. ROMA in Exergue. "MP" in field between Victory and trophy
Mint: Metapontum?
Weight: 2.50 gm.
Reference: RRC 93/1a
Provenance: Aegean Numismatics, February, 2020
Comments: The MP monogram was regarded by both Grueber and Sydenham as a mint mark. D’Ally suggested it might be a moneyer but more likely, two confederate cities. Crawford did not speculate on the meaning of the MP monogram. It has been suggested that MP stands for Metapontum
RRC 93 groups two different styles that could not be more different. 93/1a is characterized with a distinctive head of jupiter with a pointed nose, perpendicular hair above the wreath, and rather straight locks on the back of the neck. The reverse shows victory with natural proportions holding a wreath over a trophy with no skirt or base, but two greaves below the shield. It is not a rare issue, but not common at all. In the recently discovered “VHoard” of more than 1700 victoriati, there were only 4 of this variety.
RRC 93/1b for comparison has a much more rounded head of Jupiter with wavy locks on the back of the neck. The reverse shows Victory as a rather squat figure. RRC 93/1c is of the same style as RRC 93/1b, but is fully anonymous without the MP ligate.
The coin has relatively minor laminations, one on each side, but these are small and in the fields without obstruction of the main devices. Light weight at 2.50 g. Possibly due to the laminations in the flan. Otherwise VF
03/10/20 at 18:58Carausius: Informative write-up and a clear example.
|
|
Denarius, RRC 53/2 group 9Denomination: Denarius
Era: C. 206 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma R,; X behind. Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri on horseback right, each holding spear, star above each head; ROMA in 3-line frame.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 4.15 gm.
Reference: RRC 93/1a
Provenance: Ex Leu Numismatik Auction 2, May 11, 2018, Hammer CHF 1000
Ex CNG Triton XXII, January 8, 2019, Hammer $1050
Ex Roma Numismatics, Auction 18, September 29, 2019 Hammer £650
Comments: Brinkman Group 9
Group E1 (Revue Numismatique 2018, Debernardi/Brinkman)
Well centered with lovely light toning. Small old dent on visor edge. Good EF
03/10/20 at 18:54Carausius: Exceptional coin, Steve!
|
|
Diadumenian (217 - 218 A.D.)AR Tetradrachm
CYRRHESTICA, Cyrrhus
O: AVT K M ΟΠЄ ANTΩNINOC, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
R: ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak.
13.16g
26mm
Prieur 923; Bellinger 127
Ex. Savoca Coins London, Monthly London Auction #4, Lot 643, 1/12/2020
Published on Wildwinds!Mat03/09/20 at 14:55Carausius: Nice coin. Why did you bracket part of the revers...
|
|
RIC 0050Titus (Caesar, 69-79). AR Denarius
(18mm, 3.26g, 6h). Rome, AD 79.
Obv: Laureate head l.
Rev: Jewish captive kneeling r. before trophy.
RIC II 50; RSC 297.
Ex: Bertolami Fine arts E Live Auction 38 Lot 610 December 11, 2016
Ex: Artemide Aste E Live Auction 11 Lot 362 January 26, 2020
orfew02/18/20 at 00:53Carausius: Attractive coin and lovely toning.
|
|
684cfCarausius 287-93AD
Antoninianus
Obv "IMP C CARAVSIVS IVG" (sic)
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev "TVTELA AVG"
Tutela stg left with hand over altar (no patera) and cornucopia
Rotomagus mint
RIC - (cf 684); Beaujard & Huvelin 75mauseus02/17/20 at 22:14Carausius: Nice. Classic Rouen style.
|
|
SOLD! Æ Aes Grave (cast) QuadransHead of young Hercules left, wearing lion skin; ••• (mark of value) to right; all on a raised disk
Prow of galley right; ••• (mark of value) below; all on a raised disk.
Rome, Circa 225-217 BC.
Libral standard
40mm; 58.73g
Crawford 35/4; ICC 80; HN Italy 340; RBW 88
aVF for type,
Ex-Canadian Coin
Not as rough in hand.Jay GT402/12/20 at 23:16Carausius: Great! Congratulations. 
|
|
01.- A. Postumius Serrate Denarius (81 BC)A. Postumius A.f. Sp.n. Albinus. 81 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (18.7 mm, 3.85 g.). Draped bust of Diana right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; bucranium above / Togate figure standing left on rock, holding aspergillum over head of ox standing right; lighted altar between them. VF, toned.
Purchased at Aureo & Calico auction in 2015.Oscar D02/06/20 at 20:51Carausius: Pretty example of a type that I love.
|
|
Q. Pomponius Musa - DenariusDenomination: Denarius
Era: 66 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Muse of Astronomy r. Star behind.
Reverse: Urania stdg l., holding rod in r. hand and pointing to globe resting on tripod; on r., Q.POMPOI downwards; on l., MVSA downward
Mint: Rome
Weight: 4.09 gm.
Reference: Crawford 410/8
Provenance: Herb Kreindler. Ex Roma Auction 18, 9/29/2019 $2704
Ex CNG Triton XXII January 2019 lot 882 $3000
Ex Alan J Harlan Collection, privately purchased from A.H. Baldwin & Sons LTD.
Comments: Exceptional obverse style. EF. Rare in this high grade.
01/24/20 at 01:48Carausius: Beautiful Muse. I agree that the obverse is the M...
|
|
L SCRIBONIUS LIBO - Tongs - denarius . RRC 416/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: 62 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: LIBO BON.EVENT; Head of Bonus eventus r.
Reverse: PVTEAL. Above well head (puteal). Well head is decorated with lyres, festoon and Tongs. SCRIBON in exergue.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 4.09 gm.
Reference: Crawford 416/1b
Provenance: Sovereign Rarities
Comments: Nicely toned, complete, AEF
01/24/20 at 01:46Carausius: Pretty example, and scarcer with tongs vs. hammer.
|
|
Anonymous, Victoriatus, Crawford 44/1Roman Republic, anonymous, 211-206 BC
AR - Victoriatus, 3.39g, 18.46mm, 225°
obv. Laureate head of Juoiter r.
rev. Victoria stg. r., holding palm branch over l. shoulder and crowning with raised r. hand tropaeum with wreath
ref. Crawford 44/1; BMC 296; Sear RCV 49
F+, lightly toned, a bit excentric
Jochen01/02/20 at 13:23Carausius: Nice and tough to find with full circles on both s...
|
|
44330 Roma/DioscuriAnonymous.
209-208 BC.
AR Serrate Denarius (3.8 gm).
Obv:Helmeted head of Roma right
Rev: The Dioscuri riding right; six-spoked wheel below..
Mint: Rome 19.3mm 3.8 gm
Crawford 79/1; Sydenham 519; Sear 39
Blayne W12/08/19 at 18:50Carausius: Nice, clear symbol. The wheel series is the first...
|
|
GREEK, ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm(24mm, 17.20 g, 2h).
Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597. Good VF, toned. Attractive early style.
This tetradrachm belongs among the earlier period of the “frontal eye” issues of the mid-late 5th century. The palmette is still delicate, as is the general style of the owl, and the incuse is rather deep and abruptly transitions to the flat surface.Leo11/29/19 at 20:24Carausius: Style strikes me as transitional. Probably before...
|
|
Roman Republic, M. Volteius Denarius - Hercules and the Erymanthian Boar (Crawf. 385/2)AR Denarius
Rome, 78 BC
3.87g
Obv: Head of young Hercules (R), wearing lion’s skin headdress
Rev: Erymanthian Boar charging right
VOLTEI•M•F in exergue
Bab. 2; BMC 3158; Crawf. 385/2; Syd. 775.
Künker Auction 312, Lot 2669
The monstrous, wild Erymanthian boar lived on Mount Erymanthos in Arcadia, a haunt of Artemis. For his fourth labour, Hercules was given the task to capture him and finally succeeded in doing so, by luring the animal into deep snow where it tired. He brought the boar alive to his client Eurystheus, who was so frightened he hid in a bronze wine jar.Optimo Principi11/28/19 at 23:45Carausius: Lovely example of the type with exceptional detail...
|
|
Roman Republic, Mn. Acilius Glabrio - Salus with Valetudo holding Snake (Crawf. 442/1a)AR Denarius
Rome, 49 BC
3.72g
Obv: Laureate head of Salus (R), SALVTIS upward in field.
Rev: Valetudo standing (L), resting l. arm on column and holding snake in r. hand
MN·ACILIVS – III·VIR·VALETV
Crawford 442/1a; Acilia 8; Syd. 922
NAC Auction 114 - Part 1, 06/05/2019, Lot 475
ex. NAC 73, Student and his Mentor part II, 18/11/2013, Lot 176
ex. Nicolas Collection, Etienne-Paul Nicolas (1904-1981), Leu 17, 03/05/1977, Nicolas, Lot 648.Optimo Principi11/28/19 at 23:43Carausius: Wonderful coin and provenance. Congratulations!
|
|
Roman Republic, A. Postumius Albinus Denarius Serratus - Hispania, Togate Figure with Legionary Eagle (Crawf. 372/2)AR Denarius Serratus
Rome, 81 BC
3.90g
Obv: Veiled head of Hispania (R)
HISPAN upward in field behind.
Rev: Togate figure standing (L), raising hand to legionary 'aquila' eagle, fasces with axe to right.
Crawford 372/2; Postumia 8; Sydenham 746; RBW 1393
NAC Auction 114 - Part II, 07/05/2019, Lot 1315
Optimo Principi11/28/19 at 23:15Carausius: Very nice example of the type. I considered purcha...
|
|
Cr 28/4 AR Half-Quadrigatus/DrachmAnonymous, Rome mint
2.99 gm; 17 mm
c. 225 BCE?
Laureate head of Fontus/Janus
Jupiter in quadriga driven by Victory l., holding sceptre and thunderbolt; in ex. ROMA.
This type is associated with the series starting with the rare AU stater with Dioscuri/Oath scene, through the first Quadrigatus/ Didrachms. The half-piece has no value mark. The halves are considerably rarer than the full Didrachms and were presumably unsuccessful despite filling a gap to the unwieldy cast bronze denominations. A precursor, in a sense, to the denarius.
This coin is much nicer in hand than the photo.PMah10/12/19 at 04:06Carausius: Good example of a scarce denomination.
|
|
RIC 0159 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l. Captive stg. r.; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass; both figures surrounded by arms
RIC 159 (C3). BMC 532. BNC 490, pl. XLIV (same dies). Hendin 1500.
Acquired from Witter Coins, eBay, October 2019. Ex Triton V, 16 January 2002, lot 1913 (From the Robert Schonwalter Collection). Ex Worner List 1, January 1951, no. 394. Formerly in NGC holder #4683650-005, with grade 'F', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
Ambition sighed: she found it vain to trust
The faithless column and the crumbling bust;
Huge moles, whose shadow stretched from shore to shore,
Their ruins perished, and their place no more!
Convinced, she now contracts her vast design,
And all her triumphs shrink into a coin.
A narrow orb each crowded conquest keeps,
Beneath her palm here sad Judea weeps. -
Alexander Pope, To Mr. Addison, Occasioned by his Dialogues on Medals II. 19-26
For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen ... Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground - Isaiah III.25-26.
In 70 AD Jerusalem was besieged and sacked and the Temple razed by the Roman forces commanded by Titus Caesar. The following year a massive joint Triumph was held in Rome for Vespasian and Titus to celebrate their successful conclusion of the Jewish Rebellion. Coins were also issued to commemorate their victory. These so called 'Judaea Capta' coins first appeared in late 70 just after the fall of Jerusalem in August, both in the precious metals and at first sparingly in bronze. It wasn't until 71, the year of the triumph, that the bronze coinage came into its own with a whole host of 'Judaea Capta' types. Probably the most famous of these depicts the ubiquitous date palm with a standing bound captive to the left and a seated Judaea to the right, both surrounded by arms. The second bronze issue of 71 saw these produced in massive quantities (Colin Kraay knew of 23 reverse dies paired with this obverse). Although the overall allegorical meaning of the reverse is readily apparent, what each individual device specifically symbolises is open to debate. We are on firm ground to assume the date palm represents the land of Judaea as H. Mattingly proposed in BMCRE II (although J. M. Cody speculated the palm possibly represents the Roman victory). The motif of the standing captive is copied from earlier Republican coin issues, reminiscent of the Gaulish and Spanish captives on those Republican types. His dress indicates he is a barbarian from outside the boundaries of Roman civilisation. In the spirit of the 'Vercingetorix' denarius, H. St. J. Hart proposed the captive is actually either Simon Bar Giora or John of Gischala(!), the two defeated Jewish commanders. The seated female figure is the personification of Judaea, the daughter of Zion. This figure is frequently seen on the various designs of the series, often paired with the palm tree. Her attitude of mourning and dejection leaves little doubt she is lamenting the defeat of her people.
Modern viewers see this as a forlorn scene of defeat, however, to the Roman coin designers the images are meant to convey victory over a worthy foe. The Jewish War was an important event for the fledgling Flavian dynasty - in essence it gave them the legitimacy to rule. The ensuing propaganda onslaught after the 'Gotterdammerung' fall of Jerusalem is awe inspiring. The slight of hand the Flavian regime pulled off which transformed defeated rebel provincials into a foreign menace is truly amazing. The coins were a major part of the regime's propaganda commemorating Vespasian's defeat of the Jews and saving the empire. Their efforts paid off, for even today this 'Judaea Capta' type is one of the most iconic and recognised reverses in the whole of Roman coinage.
Fantastic surfaces in good metal. A beauty in hand.David Atherton10/12/19 at 04:02Carausius: Congratulations. A solid Judea Capta with an equa...
|
|
T.DEIDI - Denarius, Crawford 294/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 113 or 112 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma R; Behind, Roma monogram downward; Below, voided X mark of value; Border of dots
Reverse: Battle between gladiator armed with whip and gladiator armed with stave; in exergue, T.DEIDI; border of dots
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.87 gm.
Reference: RRC 294/1
Provenance: Aureo & Calico Alba Longa sale, November 7, 2018, Lot 326
The moneyer is believed to be T. Didius who later became consul in 98 BC. Moderate dark toning, well centered and about EF.
10/03/19 at 13:29Carausius: Wonderful example and a perfectly centered reverse...
|
|
L.CENSOR - Denarius, Crawford 363/1dDenomination: Denarius
Era: c. 82 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo r. ; border of dots.
Reverse: Marsyas, bald headed, facing l. upward, with r. arm raised and holding wine -skin over l. shoulder; behind, column bearing statue of Victory; before, L·CENSOR downwards.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.94 gm.
Reference: Crawford 363/1d
Provenance: Schulman b.v., private purchase, 2-Aug-2017
Comments:
Very common but interesting and unique type. This example is well centered and EF.
10/03/19 at 11:48Carausius: A well struck and centered example!
|
|
Cr 352/1b AR Denarius L. Julius BursioRome, 85 BCE
o: Laureate, winged, and draped bust of Apollo Vejovis right; to left, trident above bow
r: Victory driving galloping quadriga right, holding reins and wreath; EX • A • P in ex.
Sydenham 729; Julia 6; Type as RBW 1348
(18.5mm, 4.04 g, 10h)
From the Andrew McCabe Collection.
I have noted some of my other coins whose types bear a variation on the indication of "from the Public Silver", usually interpreted to mean an issue that required a supplementary grant of authority from the Senate outside the normal annual authorization, as all of the coining metal was "public", including the precious metals from time to time appropriated from the temples of the state religion.
Since this coin is ex McCabe, I will quote his notes on the relative rarity of this type directly:
"The British Museum collection has 115 examples of RRC 352/1a or 352/1c with moneyers name L. IVLI BVRSIO, but just 4 examples with EX A. P. Crawford in RRC, p. 605, says that this issue was struck from money left to the Roman people by Ptolemy Alexander I of Egypt, which probably arrived at Rome in 86 BC. Given the rarity of the EX A. P. issue, perhaps the bequest was modest! "
As with the other 3 coins posted in this group, the coin is much better in hand, although the photos of the silver coins are clearer than the bronze.
PMah07/29/19 at 04:04Carausius: Pretty coin, and a scarce variety to boot!
|
|
Cr 206/1 AR Denarius S Afra150 BCE Rome mint
o: Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind
r: Victory in biga right, SAFRA below horses, ROMA in exergue
Afrania 1 3.67 gm 19.00 mm
A "controversial" coin, if one is a bit of a pedant. Both Crawford and Sear note that the absence of a period/dot/stop after the "S" must lead to the conclusion that this is not issued by a "Spurius Afranius", but rather someone else. Indeed, Sear, due to his system, repeats the assertion for each of the seven types in this issue, from denarius to uncia, using up roughly a half-page of type, net. However, Sear makes no attempt to identify "S Afra", and Crawford cops out with "Safra" representing an unknown cognomen. I personally find it a bit difficult to hang such an argument on the absence of a dot but disregarding a usually distinct space between S and A. The Afranii were a fairly prolific bunch; one of them may have felt a need to be a bit hip-er than others. Plus, "Safra" does not seem to mean anything in Latin, which would be a bit unusual for a cognomen.
So, which explanation fits best: omission of a dot in a design versus a meaningless cognomen used by an unknown person who is not one of the members of a sound-alike gens that was sometimes of tertiary importance .....?
This coin is in wonderful condition for the type.PMah07/29/19 at 04:01Carausius: Attractive coin.
|
|
494C Vibius Varus c.42 BC
AR denarius
Obv Head of Bacchus right
Rev "C VIBIVS VARVS"
Panther springing left towards altar, surmounted by Bacchic mask and thyrsus
Rome mint
Crawford 494/36mauseus07/20/19 at 16:54Carausius: Lovely coin. One of my favorite reverse types of ...
|
|
RIC 0387 Domitian AsIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P
Laureate head right with Aegis
SC
Mars advancing left with Victory and trophy
Rome, 85 CE
13.67g
RIC 387 (C)
Holed in antiquity and plugged in the late 19th century?
Ex-Manfred Olding 2019 n 184; Ex-Sammlung Heynen 1976;Ex-Paul Schürer (1890-1976); Ex-Fritz Reusing (1874-1956)
Comes with old tag probably from Heynen or Schürer. Olding tag incorrectly attributed to RIC 420 (different ending to legend)
Reusing was a German portrait painter of the early 20th Century whose portraits included Richard Strauss, Igor Strawinsky, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein. After Reusing's death his nephew Paul Schürer inherited and curated the collection. Heynen was a friend of Reusing's, and at an earlier date had evidently sold or exchanged or given a substantial number of coins to Reusing, this being one of those coins!
Thanks to David Atherton and Curtis Clay for the brief biography and info.Jay GT406/06/19 at 20:47Carausius: Congratulations on this terrific coin and great pr...
|
|
3360 CILICIA, Mopsus Hadrian Tetradrachm, SabinaReference.
Prieur –; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; RPC III 3360/6 pl. 152
Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΘΕ ΤΡΑ ΠΑΡ ΥΙ ΘΕ ΝΕΡ ΥΙ ΤΡ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ Ϲ, Π Π (in field)
Laureate and draped bust of Hadrian, r., with paludamentum
Rev. ϹΑΒΕΙΝΑ ϹΕΒ ΑΔΡΙ ΜΟΨΕΑΤωΝ ΠΟΛΕωϹ
Draped bust of Sabina as Artemis on crescent, r. with stephane and quiver on shoulder
Note.
From the Michel Prieur Collection. Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection.
13.15 gr
27 mm
6hokidoki03/23/19 at 22:03Carausius: Wonderful coin and provenance. Congratulations!
|
|
Stratonikeia, Cariacirca 100 BC
AE 20 (20mm, 6.38g)
O: Lareate head of Hekate right, wearing crescent moon crown.
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm and wreath; ΣTPATO above, [NIK]EΩN below.
cf SNG Cop 489; cf Sear 4942; BMC 151,31
Scarce
ex Aegean Numismatics
Stratonikeia was located in SW Asia Minor, about 11km from Lagina, the largest known sanctuary of the goddess Hekate, "whom Zeus honored above all others" (Hesiod). It is likely that the cult of Hekate originated in this area a millennium or more before Her introduction into Greek religion at the conclusion of the Titanomachy, the legendary battle between the Titans and Olympians.
During an annual ritual the Priestess would lead a procession from the polis to Lagina where she would open the sanctuary with a sacred key. This key would eventually become one of the attributes depicted on later images of Hekate.Enodia02/28/19 at 04:54Carausius: Pretty bronze!
|
|
C. Scribonius, DeariusC. Scribonius, Dearius
RRC 201/1
154 bc
3,80 gr
Av: Helmeted head of Roma, X behind.
Rv: The Dioscuri riding right, C. SCR below; ROMA in linear frame.
Ex
Artemide Aste Asta Numismatica XLVI (3-4 Dicembre 2016 - live ore 15:00), Lot 95:
Norbert02/18/19 at 02:36Carausius: Very sharp example!
|
|
L. SCRIBONIUS LIBO - Denarius, Crawford 416/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 62 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: LIBO BON.EVENT; Head of Bopnus eventus r.
Reverse: PVTEAL. Above well head (puteal). Well head is decorated with lyres, festoon and hammer. SCRIBO in exergue.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.86 gm.
Reference: Crawford 416/1
Provenance: Tom McKenna, Private Purchase, 6-Jan-1978
Comments:
This was my first ancient coin purchase. I purchased this coin for $65 along with the Seaby RSC Vol. 1 reference at Tom McKenna’s home in January of 1978. I still own and cherish both. Nicely toned VF.
02/05/19 at 04:21Carausius: Lovely first coin. I acquired my first ancient co...
|
|
Caduceus (early) - Denarius, Crawford 60/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 211-208 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma R; X behind. Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r.; Caduceus symbol below.; ROMA in raised letters in frame. Line border
Mint: Unknown mint in central Italy
Weight: 4.72 gm.
Reference: RRC 60/1
Provenance: Aureo & Calico Alba Longa sale, November 7, 2018; Ex. The Goodman Collection, Triton I, December 2-3, 1997, lot 892.
This issue is one of the most crude but distinctive of the early denarii. Lovely light toning, well centered and about EF.
01/29/19 at 12:55Carausius: Wonderful example, and great provenance!
|
|
Cr 44/7 AR Sestertius AnonymousO: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, IIS [= 2 and Semi]
R: The Dioscuri galloping right; below, ROMA in linear frame
0.81 gms; 13.50 mm
Broad flan, toned
A bit light, but achieving a consistent weight in casting flans was one of the challenges with this small coin at a time when the silver weight was still a critical component of acceptance.
Although the quarter-denarius seems like it should have been a very handy coin, saving the need to carry two large As and the Semis, the silver sestertius was minted only sporadically and then was discontinued. Accordingly, they are relatively rare, and I have to say this one is very nice.
PMah01/21/19 at 13:23Carausius: Agree with Steve's assessment. Very pleasing ...
|
|
Cr 56/5 AE Quadrans Anonymous c. 211 BCE (20.4 mm, 6.04 grams)
o: Helmeted head of Hercules right, 3 dots behind
r: ROMA - Prow to right, 3 dots behind
Crawford 56/5.
Overstruck, possibly Hieron II of Sicily with Zeus/Trident
Ex. RBWPMah01/21/19 at 13:20Carausius: Youre likely correct on the undertype, as I see Ze...
|
|
Julius Caesar - Denarius, Crawford 485/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 43 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate head of Caesar r., border of dots
Reverse: Pax (or possibly Venus) standing l. holding caduceus & scepter; on r., L. FLAMINVS, downwards; on l., IIII. VIR upwards
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.70 gm.
Reference: Crawford 485/1
Provenance: Superior Galleries, The Dr. Feori Pipito Collection Sale, lot 780, December 12, 1987.
Bankers mark on laurel crown and test cut on edge about 12:30, Otherwise, well centered, nicely toned GVF.
01/15/19 at 19:54Carausius: Fantastic Caesar portrait in the finest style, and...
|
|
Augustus/Actium - Denarius, RIC I, 171aDenomination: Denarius
Era: c. 15-13 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: AVGUSTUS DIVI F; Bare head r.
Reverse: Apollo Citharoedus in long drapery, stg. l., r. holding plectrum, l. lyre; IMP to l., X to r.; ACT in exergue.
Mint: Lugdunum
Weight: 3.88 gm.
Reference: RIC 171a (Lugdunum), BMC 461, RCV 1611, RSC 144
Provenance: Jonathan Kern, February 23, 1987.
This issue commemorates the victory over Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium on 2 September, 31 BC.
Lovely toning, well centered and GVF.
01/15/19 at 19:52Carausius: Beautiful coin! Shouldn't the "era" be someti...
|
|
0205 - Denarius Anonymous 209 BCObv/ Head of Rome r.; behind, X.
Rev/ Dioscuri riding r., stars above their heads, spearhead r. below, ROMA in ex.
Ag, 21.8 mm, 3.74 g
Mint: SE Italy
RRC 88/2b [40-40 (all var.)]
ex-NAC, auction 84, lot 1633.dafnis01/08/19 at 00:09Carausius: Very attractive example!
|
|
P. MAE ANT MF - Denarius, RRC 249/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 132 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma R; voided X behind.
Reverse: Victory in Quadriga R.; P.MAE AT monogram to r. ROMA in exergue.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.83 gm.
Reference: Crawford 249/1
Provenance: Tom Cederlind, private purchase, 30-Oct-2009
Comments: The issue is very common in relatively high grade.
Well centered attractively toned coin, about EF.
01/05/19 at 15:32Carausius: Nice example, Steve!
|
|
Crawford 419/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Lepidus, 61 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.97g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate and diademed female head, facing right; palm branch behind.
Reverse: Horseman advancing toward right with trophy over l shoulder; AN. XV. P.H.O.C.S. around; M.LEPIDVS in exergue.
References: Crawford 419/1c; Sydenham 830a; BMCRR 3644; Aemilia 22.
Provenance: Ex Fernandez Coll. [Aureo & Calico Alba Longa Auction (7 Nov 2018) Lot 85]; Leo Benz Collection [Lanz 88 (23 Nov 1988) Lot 118]; Künst und Münzen 18 (June 1978), Lot 250.
This coin was produced by Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, later triumvir with Octavian and Antony, during his early political career. The reverse celebrates the Second Punic War heroism of his ancestor, also named M. Aemilius Lepidus, who killed an enemy and saved a citizen at the age of 15 and in whose honor a statue was erected in Rome. That statue may be depicted on this coin. The reverse inscription abbreviates “AN[norum] XV PR[ogressus] H[ostem] O[ccidit], C[ivem] S[ervavit]” (Aged 15, he killed an enemy and saved a citizen.)
Carausius01/01/19 at 04:51Carausius: Thanks Jay. There are several varieties, some with...
|
|
Hammer and Apex, Denarius, Crawford 59/1bDenomination: Denarius
Era: c. 211 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with splayed visor. Behind, “X”. Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; Hammer and apex above riders; in linear frame, “ROMA”.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 4.15 gm.
Reference: Crawford 59/1b
Provenance: NAC 78, Lot 374, 29-MAY2014
Comments: Anonymous denarius with apex symbol above and between riders and hammer symbol above and in front. The coin is Good EF. Crawford differentiates 59/1a from 59/1b as straight and curved visor varieties. The curved visor varieties (59/1b, this coin) are scarce but much more common than the straight visor varieties (59/1a) which are very rare. The straight visor varieties are in the style of the caduceus series, Cr. 60.
12/19/18 at 04:01Carausius: Wonderful example of a rare type.
|
|
Staff and Feather - Denarius, Crawford 130/1aDenomination: Denarius
Era: c. 206-200 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor; “X” behind; In front, Staff; Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; Below, feather symbol; in exergue, “ROMA”.
Mint: Uncertain
Weight: 3.90 gm.
Reference: Crawford 130/1a
Provenance: Numismatica Ibericoin, 6-Jul-11
Comments:
Staff and feather. One of the few early denarii with a symbol on both the obverse and the reverse. Crawford differentiates 130/1a from 1b with a curl on the left shoulder. In this example it is just a blip at 5:30. Well centered and nearly complete but for a weak area in the near horse’s hind legs at 8:00 reverse. Really lovely surfaces and old toning, AEF.12/19/18 at 03:55Carausius: Wonderful coin with very interesting obverse style...
|
|
C. SERVEILI M.F - Denarius, Crawford 239/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 136 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma R, necklace of pendants and elaborately decorated griffon tufts along the back of the helmet. Wreath behind above mark of value - voided x. ROMA below.
Reverse: Dioscuri Riding in opposite directions, heads reverted; In exergue, C. SERVEILI.M.F; border of dots.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.90 gm.
Reference: Crawford 239/1
Provenance: CNG auction 85 lot 780, 16-Sep-2010. ex. Edward Gans collection. (Gans was the founder of the original Numismatic Fine Arts and issued catalogs until the early 1960’s. NFA was later purchased by Bruce McNall)
Comments:
This unusually elaborate style of Roma on the obverse and the dioscuri on the reverse is unique to this issue, and one of the early deviations from the consistent Roma/Dioscuri fashions of the first 70 years of the denarius.
This issue is quite common with many high grade examples available. The coin is somewhat darkly toned but with underlying silver sheen. Lovely and Near EF.
12/19/18 at 03:48Carausius: Very pretty coin, with terrific detail on the Dios...
|
|
Carausius Antoninianus - LITIT AVCarausius antoninianus
286 - 293ad
Obverse:
IMP CARAVSIVS PF AVG
Bust facing right
Reverse:
LITIT AV
Laetitia standing facing left
Rarer type?Harry G12/17/18 at 16:06Carausius: Well done, getting the scarcer Laetitia reverse in...
|
|
128/1. Decia - denarius (206-200 BC)AR Denarius (uncertain mint, 206-200 BC)
O/ Helmeted head of Roma right; X behind head.
R/ The Dioscuri galloping right; shield & carnyx below horses; ROMA in exergue.
4.01g; 20.5mm
Crawford 128/1 (less than 10 obverse dies/less than 12 reverse dies)
- Privately bought from Münzen & Medaillen Basel.
- Ex collection of Elvira Elisa Clain-Stefanelli (1914-2001), former director of the National Numismatic Collection (part of the Smithsonian Institute).
- Naville Numismatics Live Auction 29, lot 479.
* Anonymous (shield & carnyx), Decius?:
This very rare issue has traditionally been attributed to a descendant of a line of three heroes named Publius Decius Mus. The first of that name was Consul in 340 BC; he received the Grass Crown after having saved his army from destruction against the Samnites, then sacrificed himself at the Battle of Vesuvius during his consulship in an act of devotio (exchanging his life against the victory of his army). His son was four times Consul (312, 308, 297 and 295 BC) and similarly sacrificed himself at the Battle of Sentinum in 295 BC against a coalition of Etruscans, Samnites, and Gauls. The third of that name was Consul in 279 BC and fought against Pyrrhus, who successfully thwarted his attempt to sacrifice himself like his ancestors (cf. discussion in Broughton, vol. I, p. 193).
300 years later, Trajan restored several issues of the Republic, including this one, but with the addition of DECIVS MVS on the obverse (RIC 766). Babelon thus assumed that this denarius was minted by the son of the last Publius Decius Mus (Decia 1). In this hypothesis, the shield and Carnyx refers to the second Mus -- the one who fought the Gauls.
However, Crawford contested this view, writing: "The restoration of this issue by Trajan with the added legend DECIVS MVS provides no grounds whatever for supposing that it was originally struck by someone of that name - the family was certainly extinct by this period."
It is still very strange that Trajan picked this rare denarius, from an irregular mint, for restoration. He could have chosen many other anonymous issues of the early Roman coinage, and simply add the name of Decius Mus. It thus shows that the imperial mint had retained some specimens or archives of previous issues up to the 3rd century BC, because due to its rarity, this denarius had already disappeared from circulation by the time of Trajan. A list of the magistrates behind each issue could therefore have been kept as well; Trajan might have selected the moneyers whom he thought were significant for the history of Rome and restored their issue. A Publius Decius Subulo was living in these years (Livy, xliii. 17) and perhaps minted this coin; his name could have been preserved in the archives of the mint, which might have led Trajan to pick his denarius for restoration.Joss12/14/18 at 16:32Carausius: A wholesome example of a rare type. I agree, Craw...
|
|
L.SAVF - Denarius, Crawford 204/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 152 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor; “X” behind; Border of dots
Reverse: Victory in Biga.L.SAVF below. ROMA in raised letters in a two line framed border.
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.97 gm.
Reference: Crawford 204/1
Provenance: Naville 5, 24-Feb-2014. Lot 96
Comments:
Moneyer L. Saufeius, Not otherwise known.
Reverse slightly off-center obscuring the ROMA Legend, otherwise EF.
12/11/18 at 13:00Carausius: Terrific surfaces.
|
|
C.SCR - Denarius, Crawford 201/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 154 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor; “X” behind; Border of dots
Reverse: C.SCR - Dioscuri riding r. C.SCR below. ROMA in raised letters in and framed border
Mint: Rome
Weight: 4.30 gm.
Reference: Crawford 201/1
Provenance: CNG eSale 277, Lot 173, 11-APR-2012.
Comments:
Crawford suggests the moneyer is C. Scribonius, Praef. Socium 181 BC.
Lovely example, graded at least GVF.12/07/18 at 23:26Carausius: Nice centering and attractive. Just yesterday, I p...
|
|
Bruttium, Rhegium Æ 23Laureate head of Asklepios right
ΡHΓINΩN
Hygieia standing left, holding serpent; III to left
Rhegium, 203-150 BC
6.28g Æ 23
(R2) Very rare
HN Italy 2560; SNG ANS 786-8, MIAMG.3645
Ex-American Rarities (Boulder); Ex-Ebay
Jay GT412/06/18 at 03:52Carausius: Great! Congratulations.
|
|
ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q Pompeius Rufus, AR Denarius honoring Sulla.Q Pompeius Rufus (moneyer) in honor of his grandfathers Lucius Cornelius Sulla (Dictator 82–79 BC) and Q Pompeius Rufus (Consul with Sulla in 88 BC).
AR Denarius, Roma mint, Struck 54 BC.
Obv. SVLLA COS, bare head of the dictator L.Cornelus Sulla, consul 88 BC, right.
Rev. RVFVS COS / Q POM RVFI, bare head of Q.Pompeius Rufus, consul 88BC, right.
RSC Pompeia 4 (I, 77); Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908.
3,72g.
Provenance: Munzengalerie Dieter Grunow, Germany.
12/04/18 at 03:59Carausius: Lovely coin and a terrific Sulla portrait!
|
|
ROMAN REPUBLIC, Ti Claudius Ti.f. Ap. n. NeroAR Denarius, Rome mint, 79 BC
Obv: Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder. S.C. before. Border of dots
Rev: Victory in biga right, holding palm branch and reins in left hand, and laurel wreath in right hand. Control-mark A.IIII above exergue. TI.CLAVD.TI.F/ APN in exergue. Border of dots.
Weight: 3.88g
Crawford 383/1 | Sear RCV I 310 | RSC Claudia 6
ex F Sternberg Auction VII, Zurich, November 1977, Lot 378
nemesis12/04/18 at 03:56Carausius: Very pleasing example. I have several coins from ...
|
|
VAR monogram - Denarius, Crawford 126/1Denomination: Denarius
Era: c. 206-200 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor; “X” behind; Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; Below, VAR monogram; in two line border, “ROMA”.
Mint: Uncertain
Weight: 3.90 gm.
Reference: Crawford 126/1
Provenance: NAC 72, 18-NOV-2013, Lot 40; ex Glendening’s Sale 8-OCT-1975, Dr. H. F. Harwood part 1, lot 17
Comments:
VAR monogram. From the “Collection of Roman Republican Coins of a Student and his Mentor – Part II” sale by NAC. Rare. Crawford suggests the moneyer is A. Terentius Varro, who was prefect in 184 BC. Lovely old cabinet tone, Some minor oxidation that does not distract from the overall detail of the coin. NAC graded about EF. The coin is VF.11/20/18 at 18:20Carausius: Wonderful coin and terrific provenance. I've ...
|
|
RIC 0144 Domitian Denarius IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M
Laureate head of Domitian right
IVPPITER CONSERVATOR
Eagle standing front on thunderbolt, wings outspread, head left
Rome 82-83 AD
3.37g
RIC 144 (R)
Ex-inumis FranceJay GT411/10/18 at 15:33Carausius: Lovely coin, Jay! Congratulations.
|
|
Crawford 30/1 Didrachm quadrigatusDenomination: Didrachm
Era: c. 225-214 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate, Janiform head of Dioscuri. Border of dots
Reverse: Jupitetr in quadriga r., driven by Vicotry. Jupiter holds scepter in l. hand and hurls thunderbolt with r. hand, ROMA incuse on raised tablet. Line border
Weight: 6.66 gm.
Reference: Crawford 30/1
Provenance: Private purchase from an associate of Matteo Cavedoni (Numismatica Florentina) 1-JUN-2007
Comments: This is Crawford’s 3rd sequence of quadrigati, distinguished by Victory standing on the tailboard of the chariot rather than in the chariot with Jupiter. Reverse slightly off-center, otherwise nicely toned and GVF.
10/12/18 at 13:57Carausius: Lovely, high-relief example. In addition to the l...
|
|
Denarius, Crawford 197/1aDenomination: Denarius
Era: C. 157-156 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor. Behind, “X”. Border of dots
Reverse: Victory in biga right, holding goad in right hand and reins in left; in linear frame, ROMA
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.99 gm.
Reference: Crawford 197/1a
Provenance: CNG 75
Comments: GEF with lovely light iridescent toning and considerable luster.
10/10/18 at 20:49Carausius: Beautiful coin!
|
|
Denarius, Crawford 164/1bDenomination: Denarius
Era: after 179-170 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor. Behind, “X”. Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; in linear frame. “ROMA”. Line border
Mint: Rome
Weight: 3.51 gm.
Reference: Crawford 164/1b
Provenance: Negrini Asta Publica December 16, 2011, Lot 163
Comments: The distinguishing characteristics of Crawford 164/1b include:
• Unusual waving style cape with three broad lines, unique to this sub-variety
• Extra horse’s tail
• Stars nearly in front of the heads of the Dioscuri
• Stars are four pointed “X”s
• Obverse displays very large triangular griffon tufts on the back of Roma's helmet
Quite scarce. Struck on a slightly oval flan, otherwise, GVF.
10/10/18 at 20:48Carausius: Excellent example of the taxonomy.
|
|
Denarius, Crawford 75/1cDenomination: Denarius
Era: c. 209-208 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with splayed visor of three straight lines. Hair curl visible on far side of Roma’s neck. Behind, “X”. Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; in linear frame. “ROMA”.
Mint: Sicily
Weight: 4.33 gm.
Reference: Crawford 75/1c
Provenance: CNG auction 85 lot 762
Comments: Crawford 75/1c is the unsigned version of the C.AL series represented in Crawford’s 75/1a and 75/1b.
Obverse: The visor is composed of three raised nearly parallel lines extending from the hinge over the ear. Occasionally these are slightly splayed but always straight lines. The three lines are most commonly close together, nearly parallel, and don’t separate near the end. There are four prominent locks of hair falling from the back of the neck, and sometimes less prominent ones surrounding. There is a distinctive curl in front of the ear, and another curl in front of the neck. There is frequently a loop under the visor, although there is none on this example.
Reverse: The rider’s cape is of the “scrolling” style. The stars above the head of the dioscuri most often have long rays around a center dot. The tail of the far horse is visible between the two pair of hind legs.
10/05/18 at 02:59Carausius: Wonderful example that perfectly illustrates the t...
|
|
Crawford 20/1 - Hercules and Wolf and TwinsDenomination: Didrachm
Era: c. 269-266 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Hercules R. Club and lionskin over shoulder. Border of dots.
Reverse: She-2olf r., suckling twins. ROMANO in exergue.
Weight: 7.21 gm
Reference: Crawford 20/1
Provenance: CNG shop, 09-MAR-2009
Comments: Obverse fully centered and complete. Reverse struck from a somewhat worn die, and slightly off-center obscuring the “O” in ROMONO. GVF/VF.
09/28/18 at 19:28Carausius: Wonderfully centered, well-struck example.
|
|
Roman Republic, Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus) - Janiform head and Jupiter in Quadriga (Crawf. 30/1)AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus)
Uncertain mint, 225-214 BC
6.57g, 22mm
Obv: Laureate head of youthful Janus or Dioscuri
Rev: Jupiter holding sceptre and brandishing thunderbolt, in quadriga driven to right by Victory; ROMA incuse on raised tablet below.
Crawford 30/1; RSC 23; Sydenham 64b
Roma Numismatics Auction XVI, 498
From a private Swiss collection, outside of Italy prior to January 2011.Optimo Principi09/28/18 at 19:25Carausius: Perfect!! 
|
|
Roman Republic, Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus) - Janiform head and Jupiter in Quadriga (Crawf. 30/1)AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus)
Uncertain mint, 225-214 BC
6.57g, 22mm
Obv: Laureate head of youthful Janus or Dioscuri
Rev: Jupiter holding sceptre and brandishing thunderbolt, in quadriga driven to right by Victory; ROMA incuse on raised tablet below.
Crawford 30/1; RSC 23; Sydenham 64b
Roma Numismatics Auction XVI, 498
From a private Swiss collection, outside of Italy prior to January 2011.Optimo Principi09/28/18 at 00:30Carausius: Beautiful coin. Note that in your description, ROM...
|
|
Tiberius Obol Ex Dattari plate coin AlexandriaEgypt, Alexandria. Dattari. Tiberius, 14-37 Obol circa 19-20 (year 6), Æ 20.1mm., 5.67g.
Obv: Laureate head r.
Rev. TIBEPIOY Hippopotamus standing r.; in exergue,
L Geissen -. RPC 5087 (this coin cited). Dattari-Savio Pl. 4, 103 (this coin).
Brown tone, About Very Fine.
From the Dattari collection.
Naville Numismatics Aution 43, Lot 250 September 23, 2018
orfew09/24/18 at 23:49Carausius: Congratulations!
|
|
RIC 1160 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.14g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: VICTORIA NAVALIS; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 1160 (R2). BMC 809. BNC 809.
Acquired from Victor's Imperial Coins, September 2018. Formerly in NGC holder 2077395-004, grade 'Ch F'.
The Victory on prow type is traditionally attributed to the naval victory Vespasian won on Lake Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) during the Jewish War. By any definition it is a most bizarre 'naval' battle indeed. Near the close of the Galilean campaign, Vespasian and Titus marched to Lake Gennesaret in order to secure the cities along its coastline. Tiberias fell without much resistance, but the neighbouring city of Taricheae was a tougher nut to crack. Home to many of the Jewish rebels who had fled Tiberias, they put up a small fight on the plain outside the city and were quickly defeated by Titus' troops who then stormed the city and began slaughtering the inhabitants. Many of the rebels took flight to waiting boats they had previously commandeered on the lake. These were likely local fishing or ferry vessels not intended for use in war. Vespasian ordered the legionaries to construct large rafts in order to pursue the rebel's makeshift flotilla. With the coastline guarded by Roman horsemen the legionaries launched their rafts and sailed out in a large line toward the enemy. The Jewish boats were no match for the heavily armoured Roman rafts. The legionaries easily picked off the Jewish rebels who had no means of escape. The slaughter was intense, so much so that Josephus claims 6,500 Jews were killed. Several years later during Vespasian and Titus' Jewish War Triumph in Rome, ships were displayed to commemorate the battle. Were the Victoria Navalis coins struck with the same event in mind? As unlikely as it seems, the impromptu 'naval' battle at Lake Gennesaret is the best candidate for Vespasian striking this Actium-lite reverse type. The connection to Augustus would not have been lost on his contemporaries. Flavian propaganda at its most exaggerated.
This Victoria Navalis dupondius struck at Lugdunum (Lyon) is much rarer than the Rome mint variants, which are more commonly seen on the As issues. The 'severe' portrait along with the globe at the base of the neck help to distinguish them from their Rome mint counterparts.David Atherton09/13/18 at 13:53Carausius: Interesting coin and story.
|
|
Sybaris, Lucania550-510 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.44g)
O: Bull (Ox?) standing left, head turned back to right; VM in exergue.
R: Large MV monogram; four pellets around.
SNG ANS 853; HGC I, 1235; HN Italy 1739; Hands Type I, IV
ex Tom Vossen
This coin dates from the original Greek colony, Sybaris I, before its destruction by the Krotones in 511-510 BC.
The MV monogram on the reverse actually reads 'SY' for Sybaris, and I believe the VM in exergue on the obverse is 'MV' retrograde.
The bull device seen on all early types from Sybaris, and later on the coins of her colonies at Poseidonia and Thurii, may in fact be a white ox at the mother city.Enodia09/11/18 at 01:48Carausius: Congratulations on this oldie but goodie.
|
|
Cr 25/3 AE Litra Anonymousc 241-235 BCE Anonymous bronze Litra
16 mm, 3.07 grams
o: Head of Mars, right, beardless, wearing Corinthian helmet
r: ROMA below Horse head, right, with bridle; behind, sickle
Crawford 25/3
Ex. RBW collectionPMah09/11/18 at 01:38Carausius: Lovely little coin in fine style with little actua...
|
|
Victoriatus of Luceria with scraggly hairDenomination: Victoriatus
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter. Bead and reel border.
Reverse: Victory holding Wreath over military trophy. ROMA in Exergue. Archaic "L" in field between Victory and trophy
Weight: 3.01 gm
Reference: Crawford 98/1a
Provenance: CNG, private purchase from Victor England, Aug 11, 2016
Comments: Struck with new dies both obverse and reverse with reflective fields. Slightly ragged flan and minor weakness in Victory’s head. Otherwise FDC.
09/11/18 at 01:32Carausius: Beautiful surfaces.
|
|
Victoriatus of Luceria - Archaic L-T monogramDenomination: Victoriatus
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter. In border of dots.
Reverse: Victory holding Wreath over military trophy. ROMA in Exergue. L-T monogram in field between Victory and trophy
Weight: 3.43 gm
Reference: Crawford 98a/1b
Provenance: CNG private purchase from Victor England, August 2, 2017
Comments: Unusual obverse style for this issue. Reverse slightly off center, otherwise EF.
09/11/18 at 01:16Carausius: Really terrific group of victoriati.
|
|
Victoriatus of Luceria with hair in ringletsDenomination: Victoriatus
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter. Bead and reel border.
Reverse: Victory holding Wreath over military trophy. ROMA in Exergue. Archaic L in field between Victory and trophy
Weight: 3.13 gm
Reference: Crawford 97/1b
Provenance: CNG private purchase from Victor England, August 2, 2017
Comments: Near FDC
09/11/18 at 01:04Carausius: Fabulous example with the characteristic tight cur...
|
|
Julius Caesar Denarius - Cr 468/1Julius Caesar Denarius. 46-45 BC, Spanish mint. Diademed head of Venus right, Cupid on her shoulder / CAESAR below Gallia & Gaulish captive seated beneath trophy of Gallic arms. Syd 1014, Crawford 468/1. Aldo09/09/18 at 05:07Carausius: Nice, complete example of a scarcer type.
|
|
RRC 53/2 Denarius Group 1Denomination: Denarius
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Roma with Peaked visor, X mark of value behind
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r., flag cape., ROMA in raised letters in trapezoidal frame.
Weight: 4.44 gm
Reference: Crawford 53/2
Provenance: Roma Numismatics. February 3, 2018
Comments: Trapezoidal frame group. Group 1 with flag cape and front hooves of the horses rising high.
09/03/18 at 01:32Carausius: Interesting note on the angle of the horses. I...
|
|
Crawford 53/2 Denarius Group 6Denomination: Denarius
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Roma with Peaked visor, X mark of value behind
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r., streaming cape., ROMA in 3-line rectangular frame.
Weight: 4.3 gm
Reference: Crawford 53/2
Provenance: Harlan Berk July 15, 2011, Ex. M&M AG Auction 19, June, 1959.
Comments: Group 6 denarius with curved visor and small griffon tufts. Streaming cape. Well Centered and EF.
09/03/18 at 01:26Carausius: Beautiful coin and terrific provenance.
|
|
RIC 1425VESPASIAN (69-79). Denarius. Ephesus.
(3.00 g. 17 mm.)
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P.
Laureate head right.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE.
Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm frond; monogram to right.
RIC² 1425. (R3)
Condition: Very fine.
Numismatik Naumann Auction 69 Lot 348
Here is another Vespasian denarius minted in Ephesus. The quality of the engraving on these issues never fails to impress me. While the portrait on this example is a bit worn, the reverse is truly impressive. The victory is lovely and the legend is clear and crisp. This is an example where, in my opinion, the reverse outshines the obverse.
The other interesting aspect of this coin is its rarity. According to a reliable source this example is the second known of its type. It is listed in RIC II Part One as R3-one known example in the collections examined. The RIC example is the other known example. I feel very lucky to be the custodian of this coin.
I will continue to pursue these Ephesian denarii mostly for their style and because the reverse themes make them interesting. I hope that more will find their way into my collection.
orfew09/02/18 at 19:30Carausius: Wonderful coin! Congratulations.
|
|
1676 Charles II AR "Pattern Farthing"Obverse: CAROLVS•A•CAROLO•. Laureate and cuirassed bust of Charles II with long hair facing left, 1676 below.
Reverse: QVATVOR•MARIA VINDICO•. Britannia seated facing left, holding laurel branch and spear; BRITANNIA in exergue. No pellet between MARIA and VINDICO.
Diameter: 26mm | Weight: 5.9gms | Die Axis: 12h
Peck : 492
PATTERN OR MEDALET - RARE
This periwigged portrait of Charles II was designed by Jan (John) Roettier (1631 - 1700).
The legend, "Quatuor Maria Vindico," means "I claim the four seas," which Peck explains was "intended to give prominence to the king's pride and interest in the navy." The reason this legend never appeared on circulating coinage was probably because the legend was thought to be too provocative to the King of France.
It was Montagu who called this a Roettier pattern farthing of Charles II which, until the discovery in 1903 of 89 specimens in the cabinet of the Marquis of Ailsbury, had hitherto been considered the rarest of the "pattern farthings" of this type.
Peck, however, rejected Montagu's idea that these were patterns and wrote that it was much more likely that they were official medalets. In support of this view it should be noted that not only was this issue struck on a broader flan than usual, it was produced some four years after the issue of regular farthings had begun. It is perhaps also significant that this issue is unknown in copper and that it's die orientation is 12h (medallic orientation), against the 6h orientation which is the norm for the regular farthing coinage of the period. Incidentally, the silver value of this "farthing" would have been equivalent to one shilling and sixpence, that is 72 times the face value of a farthing at the time.*Alex08/29/18 at 02:39Carausius: Fascinating rarity!
|
|
Cr 344/4a AE As L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus Rome, 89 BC. (31mm, 11.94g, 9h)
o: Laureate head of Janus
r: Prow right, L TITVRI L F above, [SABINVS] below, I before
Crawford 344/4a; RBW 1304PMah08/28/18 at 04:17Carausius: Attractive coin that I nearly bid on myself!
|
|
Cr 390/1 AR Denarius L. Lucretius Trio Rome, 74 BCE
o: Radiate head of Sol right
r: Crescent moon surrounded by seven stars; TRIO above, L•LVCRETI below
Crawford 390/1; Lucretia 2.
(3.85g, 16mm, 12h)PMah08/28/18 at 04:16Carausius: Very attractive example.
|
|
Cr 448/1a AR Denarius L. Hostilius Saserna Rome, 48 BCE
o: Female head right, wearing laurel wreath
r: Victory walking right, holding trophy over left shoulder and caduceus in right hand; L•HOSTILIVS downwards before, SASERNA upwards behind. Crawford 448/1a; RSC Hostilia 5.
3.90g, 18mm, 10h.PMah08/28/18 at 04:12Carausius: Lovely coin. I prefer this of your two specimens....
|
|
RRC 53/2 Denarius - Group 3Denomination: Denarius
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Roma with Peaked visor, X mark of value behind
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r., streaming cape., ROMA in raised letters in trapezoidal frame.
Weight: 3.97gm
Reference: Crawford 53/2
Provenance: NAC 92 Part 1, May 25, 2016, From the collection of E.E. Clain-Stefanelli.
Comments: Trapezoidal frame group. The hind legs are in a crouched pose with the hock bent further to the left than any other part of the leg (similar pose is seen in 53(A)). Hatched tail between horse’s legs (unique to this variety). Complete and about FDC. One of the finest known specimens of this variety.
08/25/18 at 16:58Carausius: Beautiful coin with wonderful surfaces and metal q...
|
|
Crawford 53/2 Denarius Group 4Denomination: Denarius
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Roma with Peaked visor, X mark of value behind
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r., Scrolling “B” cape., ROMA in raised letters in three-line rectangular frame.
Weight: 4.43 gm
Reference: Crawford 53/2
Provenance: Titano 42, Lot 75, September 15, 2012
Comments: Group 4 with scrolling cape (Cape terminates in a scrolling capital “B”). Large stars. Loop under visor, a characteristic also often seen on group 1 and usually seen on the Sicilian issues RRC 72-78.
08/25/18 at 16:56Carausius: Exceptional detail on the Dioscuri!
|
|
Group 53(A) Not in CrawfordDenomination: Denarius
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Roma with Peaked visor, X mark of value behind
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r., streaming cape., ROMA in raised letters in trapezoidal frame.
Weight: 4.41gm
Reference: Crawford 53/2
Provenance: ROMA Coins, June 1, 2016, Ex. InAsta 21, lot 150.
Comments: 53(A). Early Trapezoidal frame group. Style is not in Crawford plates. Head of Roma with four locks of hair at the back of the neck (Most varieties have 3 locks). The hair binding is clearly visible above the four locks of hair, and this is unique to this variety in the 53/2 series. On the reverse, the horse's hind legs are bent at the hock, so that the hind hooves are ahead of the hock. Very Rare.
08/25/18 at 16:55Carausius: Interesting variety!
|
|
44/6 Quinarius - Dot VarietyDenomination: Quinarius
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Roma with 3-bar splayed visor, V mark of value behind. Dot under neck.
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r. with streaming cape. Horse’s tail hangs down. ROMA in relief.
Weight: 2.22 gms
Reference: Crawford 44/6
Provenance: CNG, eSale 279 lot 209
Comments: Early Quinarius. Group 2, with splayed visor and horse tail hanging downward. Three bar visor. This is the “dot” variety, with dot below the truncation. See P. Debernardi, “The Orzivecchi Hoard and the Beginnings of the Denarius.” NC, 2014 pp. 75-89.
08/23/18 at 12:58Carausius: Your entire group of sestertii is terrific. I'...
|
|
Victoriatus Cr. 44/1Denomination: Victoriatus
Metal: AR
Obverse: Jupiter L.,
Reverse: Victory holding up wreath in r., Trophy on l. with helmet, shield and spears. Trophy has skirt and base, with two raised rings around column.
Weight: 3.23 gms
Reference: Crawford 44/1
Provenance: Victor England, March 2017
Comments: Obverse head in high style for the issue. Reverse well struck.
08/23/18 at 12:56Carausius: Very attractive example and particularly well stru...
|
|
Denarius Group 3Denomination: Denarius
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Roma with three line splayed visor, X mark of value behind
Reverse: Dioscuri riding r. with streaming cape. ROMA in semi-incuse frame.
Weight: 4.44 gm
Reference: Crawford 44/5
Provenance: Numismatica Tintina Auction, July 27, 2010
Comments: Among the earliest denarii. Group 3, With three line visor, unbound hair, and sharply bent wing, pointing downward on Roma’s helmet. Reverse b. There are three reverses for this variety, one with flag cape and one with a wavy cape, and one with streaming cape. This is the streaming cape variety.
This variety is die-linked to group 1 and group 4.
08/12/18 at 14:14Carausius: Beautiful example with wonderful surfaces.
|
|
|
|
|
