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Crawford 244/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Aburi Gem, AE QuadransRome, The Republic.
C. Aburi Gem, 134 BCE.
AE Quadrans (5.95g; 21mm; 12h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of youthful Hercules wearing lion-skin headdress; ••• (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Prow facing right; C•ABVRI|GEM above; ••• (mark-of-value) before; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 244/3; Sydenham 491a; BMCRR 1002; Aburia 3.
Provenance: Ex Professor Dr. Prix Collection [Otto Helbing Auction 63 (29 Apr 1931), Lot 60].
In Essays Hersh, Mattingly dates this issue to 133 BCE. This example is special for its 1931 provenance. It is quite rare to find fairly common Republican bronzes illustrated in pre-War auction catalogues.
CarausiusAug 15, 2022
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Crawford 512/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Clodius VestalisRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
C. Clodius C.f. Vestalis. 41 BCE
AR Denarius (3.99g; 20mm; 12h).
Rome mint, 41 BCE.
Obverse: C•CLODIVS - C• F•; Draped, laureate bust of Flora, facing right; flower behind.
Reverse: VESTALIS; Veiled female seated to left, extending culullus in right hand.
References: Crawford 512/2; HCRI 317; Sydenham 1135 (R3); BMCRR 4196; Clodia 13
Provenance: Ex Nomisma 65 (17 Jun 2022) Lot 40; Aretusa Auction 1 (18 Sep 1993) Lot 265; De Nicola FPL (Sep 1968) Lot 248.
Flora was the Roman goddess of flowers and springtime, with an association to fertility, and her festival began at Rome circa 240-238 BCE. Crawford prefers the later date, which would eliminate the Flora connection to the moneyer’s kinsman, C. Claudius Cento, consul in 240 BCE; David Sear thinks the 240 BCE date of the festival is correct and that the connection to C. Claudius Cento is the reason for the obverse type. The reverse depiction of a seated Vestal Virgin might be a punning allusion to the moneyer’s cognomen, Vestalis, or it may depict one of the Vestal Virgins who were members of the Claudia gens (Claudia Quinta ca. 200 BCE, or Claudia, daughter of Appius Claudius Pulcher, consul in 143 BCE). Grueber argues that the coin depicts Claudia Quinta who was instrumental in bringing the cult of Cybele to Rome, and from whom the Claudians assumed the cognomen “Vestalis.”CarausiusAug 15, 2022
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Crawford 348/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Rubrius Dossenus, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
L. Rubrius Dossenus. 87 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.82g; 15mm; 7h).
Rome Mint, 87 BCE.
Obverse: DOSSEN; Laureate head of Neptune facing right, trident over shoulder.
Reverse: L•RVBRI; Victory holding wreath and palm, standing to right before garlanded alter with snake coiled around top.
References: Crawford 348/4; Sydenham 708; BMCRR 2459-60; Rubria 4.
Provenance: Ex Artemide Auction 57 (30 Apr 2022) Lot 337; Aes Rude Titano Auction 3 (23 Jun 1979) Lot 117.
L. Rubrius Dossenus is not known except for his coins. The snake-coiled alter on the reverse may allude to prayers to Aesculapius, the Roman god of medicine and healing, as a plague had broken out among the troops fighting Marius at the time. A similar snake-coiled alter is seen on the obverse (and on certain rare reverses) of AE Asses produced by the same moneyer. A snake is an attribute of Aesculapius. During an ongoing plague, a Roman temple to Aesculapius was built from 293-290 BCE, on an island in the Tiber where a sacred snake, brought from the god’s sanctuary in Greece, had slithered after arrival in Rome. Babelon and Grueber suggest that Neptune on the obverse may refer to that maritime trip to the Aesculapian sanctuary in 293 BCE, though Crawford thinks the type generally seeks favor for naval victories (and good health) in the ongoing Marian conflict.
This quinarius type is not rare, although it rarely comes as complete as this example. CarausiusAug 14, 2022
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Crawford 472/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Papius Celsus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
L. Papius Celsus. 45 BCE
AR Denarius (3.61g; 21mm; 3h).
Rome mint, 45 BCE.
Obverse: TRIVMPVS; Laureate head of Triumphus, facing right, with trophy over shoulder.
Reverse: CELSVS•III VIR || L•PAPIVS; she-wolf places stick on fire; eagle, with wings extending outside dot border, fans flames.
References: Crawford 472/2; HCRI 83; Sydenham 965 (R4); BMCRR 4023; Papia 3; Bahrfeldt Nachtrage, Vol. 1 (1897), pl. IX, nr. 206 (this coin).
Provenance: Ex Nomisma 65 (17 Jun 2022) Lot 52; Tradart (8 Nov 1992) Lot 154; Sternberg XI (20-1 Nov 1981) Lot 527; Peter Hoefer Collection (Feb 1980) [Silbermunzen der Romischen Republik Privatsammlung PH]; E. J. Haeberlin Collection [Cahn-Hess (1933) Lot 2742], acquired before 1897, per Bahrfeldt.
The moneyer, who was a member of the Papia gens, likely had ancestral origins in Lanuvium, as another of his denarii (with same reverse) depicts Juno Sospita on the obverse. Ancient Lanuvium, a Latin town 32 kilometers southeast of Rome, was famous for its temple to Juno Sospita, who is often depicted on coins by members of the Papia gens [see my example here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=149837]. The reverse depicts one of the foundation myths of Lanuvium: when Aeneas witnessed a she-wolf bringing wood to feed a fire and an eagle fanned the flames, while a fox tried to extinguish the blaze with a wet tail. The eagle is shown with its wings extending beyond the line border of the coin, suggesting a divine origin. Lanuvium and Lavinium are frequently confused, and this confusion appears to have applied to this foundation myth in literature, both ancient and modern.
The provenance of this coin is almost as interesting as its devices. It can be traced back to the famous E.J. Haeberlin Collection, jointly sold by Cahn and Hess in 1933. Also, it is described and shown on the plates of Bahrfeldt, Nachträge und Berichtigungen zur Münzkunde der römischen Republik, vol 1 (1897) where it is cited to the Haeberlin collection; thus we know Haeberlin acquired it before Bahrfeldt’s publication in 1897!
CarausiusAug 14, 2022
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Crawford 473/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Lollius Palikanus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Lollius Palikanus. 45 BCE
AR Denarius (3.97g; 20mm; 4h).
Rome mint, 42 BCE.
Obverse: HONORIS; Laureate head of Honos, facing right.
Reverse: PALIKANVS; Curule chair flanked by corn-ears.
References: Crawford 473/2a; HCRI 87; Sydenham 961 (R4); BMCRR 4014-15; Lollia 1.
Provenance: Ex Edouard Schott Collection [E. Bourgey (21-2 Mar 1972), Lot 206].
Precise identity of the moneyer is uncertain, as his coins only reference his cognomen. He might have been the son of Marcus Lollius Palikanus who was a prominent Tribune in 71 and Praetor in 69 BCE. This coin possibly refers to Marcus’ attaining the position of Praetor, which was a “curule” magistrate exercising judicial authority and, when the consuls were engaged outside the City, legislative and executive authority in place of the consuls.
CarausiusAug 14, 2022
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Crawford 468/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.03g; 19mm; 4h).
Spanish mint, 46-45 BCE.
Obverse: Diademed head of Venus Genetrix, facing right, wearing earing and necklace of pendants; Cupid on shoulder.
Reverse: Gallic captives, bound and seated under trophy of Gallic arms; CAESAR in exergue.
References: Crawford 468/1; Sydenham 1014; BMCRR (Spain) 89; Julia 11.
Provenance: Ex Inasta Auction 100 (24 Jun 2022) Lot 180; Varesi E-Live 2 (20 Sep 2020) lot 253; Busso Peus Auction 393 (31 Oct 2007) Lot 488; Numismatik Lanz Auction 42 (23 Nov 1987) Lot 399.
This was part of Caesar’s military mint output during the Spanish campaign against Pompey’s sons. The obverse depicts Venus Genetrix to whom Caesar dedicated a temple in Rome. The reverse, alluding to Caesar’s triumphs in Gaul, was perhaps directed toward his remaining veteran troops from the Gallic campaign. The male captive on right, with wild hair and pointed beard, bears some resemblance to the Gallic head depicted on Crawford 448/2a, which is often attributed as Vercingetorix but which Crawford thought was merely a typical male Gaul.
CarausiusAug 14, 2022
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Crawford 450/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, D. Junius Brutus Albinus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
D. Junius Brutus Albinus, 48 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.74g; 20mm; 5h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Pietas facing right, her hair tied-up in a knot, wearing necklace and cruciform earing; PIETAS behind.
Reverse: Two hands clasping caduceus; ALBINVS·BRVTI·F, below.
References: Crawford 450/2; HCRI 26; Sydenham 942; BMCRR 3964; Postumia 10.
Provenance: Ex Leu Numismatik 11 (14 May 2022) Lot 222; Alde (19 Oct 2016) Lot 183; Andre J. Collection [E. Bourgey (20 Dec 1929) Lot 78].
Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, not to be confused with his cousin, Marcus Brutus, lived on a similar trajectory to his cousin. He was first close with Julius Caesar, having served in the Gallic Wars and on Caesar’s side in the civil war against Pompey. Eventually, Albinus joined the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. After the assassination, the Senate gave him control of Cisalpine Gaul where he came under assault by Antony who wanted control of the province. Albinus was killed by Gauls while trying to escape to Macedonia to join the other Liberators. This coin type was struck during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey when Albinus sided with Caesar. The reverse, with its symbols of concord, alludes to Caesar’s policy of reconciliation during the war.
This coin is an upgrade of my prior example, and with an exceptional provenance.
CarausiusAug 14, 2022
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Crawford 460/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Q. Metellus Pius Scipio & P. Licinius Crassus Junianus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Q. Metellus Pius Scipio and P. Licinius Crassus Junianus, 47-46 BCE
AR Denarius (3.74g; 19mm; 3h).
African mint, 47-46 BCE.
Obverse: METEL• PI[VS] - SCIP• IMP; Bust of Jupiter, facing right; eagle and scepter below.
Reverse: CRASS• I[VN] - [LEG•P]RO• P[R]; Curule chair; scales and cornucopia above; corn-ear on left; carnyx (or dragon head?) below.
References: Crawford 460/2: HCRI 41; Sydenham 1048 (R6); BMCRR (Africa) 4; Caecilia 49.
Provenance: Ex DNW Auction (13 Apr 2022) Lot 1339; purchased from Associated Arts Co., July 1969
This scarce type was struck for Q. Metellus Pius Scipio by his legate, P. Licinius Crassus Junianus, possibly in a mint at or near Utica. A descendent of the great Scipio Africanus, Metellus Scipio inherited little of his famous ancestor’s military talent or character. In the civil war against Caesar, he was a supporter of Pompey with whom he shared the consulship in 52 BCE. He was also Pompey’s father-in-law, through his daughter, Cornelia. After Pompey’s murder in Egypt, Scipio commanded Pompey’s remaining troops at Thapsus (in modern Tunisia) where he was defeated by Caesar. Later cornered by the enemy, Scipio took his own life and his legate, Crassus probably shared the same suicidal fate.
The obverse bust of Jupiter (confirmed by his attributes of eagle and scepter) is of similar style to the terminal bust shown on Pompey’s denarius issue [see my example here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=166939]. Sear and Grueber think the ear of corn and cornucopia refer to Africa’s grain production fertility; and the curule chair likely refers to the imperium of Scipio’s shared consulship with Pompey. Sear thinks the dragon head may be in rebuttal to Caesar’s trampling elephant coinage [see my example here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=148765], although Grueber thinks the device is a carnyx head, possibly referring to the Scipiones’ successes in past Spanish campaigns.
CarausiusAug 14, 2022
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Crawford 545/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marcus Antonius and D. Turullius, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius and Decimus Turullius, 44-30 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.84g; 19mm; 4h).
Military mint, 31 BCE.
Obverse: M ANTONIVS AVG IMP IIII COS TERT III VIR R P C; bare head of Antony, facing right.
Reverse: Victory holding filleted wreath and palm branch; D TVR to right; all within laurel wreath border.
References: Crawford 545/1; HCRI 387; Sydenham 1211(R7); BMCRR (East) 227; Antonia 146; Turullia 5.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3093 (29 Oct 2021) lot 31125; obverse collectors’ marks [fleur-de-lis stamp and India-inked #2] suggest a modern history in old European collections.
This is one of the final denarius issues struck by Antony in the lead-up to Actium. The obverse inscription is notable in that it mentions: an uncertain fourth imperatorial acclamation which is lost to history and likely not of real importance; and an intended third consulship with Octavian, which Antony never actually served (Octavian chose another partner).
Decimus Turullius was part of the assassination plot against Julius Caesar and initially fought with the Liberators against the Triumvirate. While a naval commander for Cassius, Turullius sourced wood for a fleet by ordering that a grove of trees sacred to Asclepios, on the Island of Cos, be cut down. He later defected to Antony after Philippi. Turullius was captured by Octavian following Actium, and it is said he was executed on Cos in that same sacred grove that he cut down years earlier.
This scarce coin has an interesting pair of collectors’ marks on the obverse field – a stamped fleur-de-lis and an India ink “2”. The fleur-de-lis is likely not an ancient banker’s mark, but a modern collector stamp as occurs on coins from collections of royalty and nobility in the 17th- 19th centuries. The India ink number is probably later than the stamp, perhaps late 19th or early 20th century. Whether both marks are from the same collection is not yet known. I have so far been unable to determine a likely collection for the fleur-de-lis mark, although a French noble or French royal collection seems plausible.
CarausiusAug 14, 2022
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Crawford 463/5, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Mn. Cordius Rufus, AR SestertiusRome, The Imperators.
Manius Cordius Rufus. 46 BCE
AR Sestertius (0.73g; 11mm; 6h).
Rome mint, 46 BCE.
Obverse: MN CORD; Diademed head of Venus, facing right.
Reverse: RVFI; Cupid advancing to right, holding wreath and palm.
References: Crawford 463/5b; Sear, HCRI 67 (this coin illustrated); Sydenham 980a (R5); BMCRR 4045-48; Cordia 7; RBW 1609 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex J. de Wilde Collection [CNG 120 (12 May 2022) Lot 727]; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 384]; Numismatic Fine Arts XXIV (18 Oct 1990) Lot 1348; Consul E.F. Weber († Sep 1907) Collection [Hirsch XXIV (10 May 1909) Lot 322].
Another rare, silver sestertius from 46 BCE! The moneyer may have originated from Tusculum where an inscription was found identifying him as a Praetor. There was a cult of the Dioscuri at Tusculum and some of Manius’ denarii bore the Dioscuri on the obverse. His coins, such as this sestertius, also honor Venus, which may be either a canting pun to Venus Verticordia or a nod to Julius Caesar, whose gens claimed descent through Venus.
CarausiusMay 24, 2022
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Crawford 464/7, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, T. Carisius, AR SestertiusRome, The Republic.
T. Carisius, 46 BCE.
AR Sestertius (0.65g; 12mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: [Mask of Silenus]; [T·]CARISI[VS] below.
Reverse: Panther advancing right with thyrsus; III VIR in exergue.
References: Crawford 464/7a; Sydenham 988 (R8); RBW 1620 (this coin); BMCRR 4076; Babelon, Carisia 12 (this coin illustrated inaccurately as Carisa 13); Borghesi, Oeuvres, Vol 1, Pl. 1, Fig 7 (this coin illustrated inaccurately); Riccio, Le Monete Delle Antiche Famiglie di Roma (2nd Ed., 1843), Carisia 9 and Pl. 54, Fig 2 (this coin cited and illustrated inaccurately); B. Borghesi, “Dodici sesterzj illustrati”, Giornale numismatico, No. IV, July 1808, pp. 52-57, extracted and republished in Borghesi 1862-4, vol. 1, pp. 29-38 (this coin described inaccurately).
Provenance: Ex STR collection; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (2012) Lot 395]; bought from W. Verres in Aug 2002; Sarti Collection [Hirsch VII (1903), Lot 1606]; Bartolomeo Borghesi (d. 1860) Collection, acquired before July 1808 (when it was described in the Borghesi article in Giornale numismatico).
An extremely rare coin with only 5 obverse and 4 or 5 reverse dies known to Crawford (Richard Schaefer identified 6 obverse dies in his Roman Republican Die Project). Crawford listed two obverse varieties – the first with inscription beside and below Silenus’ head (464/7a), and the second with inscription above Silenus’ head (464/7b) for which my coin was the basis. The misinterpretation of my coin by Borghesi, a famous 19th century collector with mediocre eyesight, and the subsequent reliance by cataloguers on the numismatic artist Dardel’s line drawing of the coin which followed Borghesi’s misinterpretation, resulted in the cataloguing of the second obverse variety by Babelon, Sydenham and Crawford. In fact, Borghesi was holding the obverse upside down and thought Silenus’ beard was the top of his head – an easy mistake to make with limited, 19th century numismatic aids and resources. My comparison of this coin to known dies for the type yielded a die match to the Berlin specimen (Crawford’s plate for 464/7a) which proved that the visible obverse device is actually Silenus’ beard, and thus the inscription runs beside and below and beard as per Crawford 464/7a. Recently, an example of the type was auctioned which bore an obverse inscription running over the top of Silenus’ head, providing plausible support to the Crawford 464/7b variety.
Prior researchers have alternately identified the obverse mask as either Silenus or Pan. See, Sear HCRI, no. 75 (Silenus); Crawford 464/7a and 464/7b (Pan); Banti 1981, Carisia 36-38 (Pan); BMCRR, no. 4076 (Pan); Babelon, Carisia 12 and 13 (Pan); Cohen, Carisia 9 (Silenus); Borghesi 1862-4, vol. 1, p. 32, n. 2 (Silenus); Riccio 1843, p. 46, Carisia 9 (Silenus). Silenus is typically identifiable as an old man with pug nose and some horse characteristics (notably, ears and tail), while Pan is recognized as part goat and part man. I believe that this coin actually depicts a Silenus.
CarausiusMay 24, 2022
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Crawford 28/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Didrachm-QuadrigatusAnonymous, 225-214 BCE.
AR Didrachm/Quadrigatus (6.79 g; 20mm; 12h).
Apulian Mint.
Obv: Janiform head with straight neck truncaction.
Rev: Jupiter and Victory on fast quadriga, right; ROMA in relief within semi-trapezoidal linear frame below.
Reference: Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 65; BMCRR 101; Gentilehomme II.B.1.
Provenance: Ex Andrew McCabe Collection [Roma E-Sale (6 Jan 2022) lot 856]; Pierre Egbers Collection (active 1930s to 1960s) [Joel Creusy (6 Nov 2014), lot 78]; French export permit no. 159230.
The last few series of Roman silver didrachm coinage, produced from 225-214 BCE, are nicknamed "quadrigati" because of the common reverse type of Jupiter and Victory in a fast quadriga. Crawford's arrangement of quadrigati into distinct series requires a great amount of study to understand. Collectors and dealers alike often misattribute quadrigati among Crawford's series.
The Crawford 28 series of quadrigati, to which this example belongs, really should be split into two separate series. The first (early) series of 28s are almost certainly the earliest of the quadrigatus coinage - struck in good silver and of fine style in high relief with ROMA incuse in a rectangular tablet. The second (later) series of 28s, shown here, is of lower quality style and fabric; the neck truncation is wide and straight; ROMA is in relief in a linear frame. Like other Apulian coins, they often show tabs or other signs of cast flan production, visible on the edge of this coin but not in the photos.
CarausiusApr 24, 2022
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Crawford 518/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.67g; 17mm; 11h).
Military mint travelling with Octavian, 41BCE.
Obverse: C•CAESAR•III•VIR R•P•C; Octavian’s bare head facing right.
Reverse: POPVL IVSSV; Equestrian statue (Octavian?) left.
References: Crawford 518/2; HCRI 299; Sydenham 1317 (R5); BMCRR Gaul 79-80; Julia 97; Banti & Simonetti 701/2 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Charles Chamberlain Collection [CNG eSale 509 (9 Feb 2022) Lot 624]; Andrew McCabe Collection [Italo Vecchi Ltd. 17 (15 Dec 1999), Lot 804]; acquired privately from Baldwin’s in 1992; Barone Dr. Pompeo Bonazzi di Sannicandro (1876-1956) Collection [Rodolfo Ratto (23 Jan 1924) Lot 1444].
This type is scarce and generally comes very poorly struck or from worn dies. Obverse die links prove that this type was struck together with the Crawford 518/1 denarii struck by Balbus as Propraetor (see adjacent coin by Balbus in this gallery). Crawford reports 11 obverse dies and 12 reverse dies; Schaefer RRDP has 24 obverse dies for BOTH 518/1 (Balbus type) and 518/2 and 15 reverse dies for 518/2. Based on an inscription, published by Orelli, from a Vatican plinth containing the words “IVSSV POPVLI” (“by order of the people”) originally associated with a statue of Julius Caesar, Babelon thought the reverse depicted a statue of Julius Caesar dedicated in 42BCE at the time of Caesar’s apotheosis. Grueber disagreed, pointing out that since most public statues were erected by order of the Roman people, a similar inscription could apply to a statue of Octavian. He assigned the reverse type as depicting an equestrian statue of Octavian dedicated in 41BCE after the Battle of Philippi. Sear agrees with Grueber on this point, while Crawford merely describes the statue as a “Galloping equestrian statute” without specific attribution.
This coin was part of the important Bonazzi Collection, which was sold anonymously in two parts by Rodolfo Ratto in the mid-1920s. Bonazzi began collecting about 1910 and quickly assembled a broad collection of Roman Republican coins in a very short time.
CarausiusFeb 20, 2022
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Crawford 494/42, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Mussidius Longus AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Mussidius Longus, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 19mm; 3h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: CONCORDIA; Veiled head of Concordia facing right; crescent beneath chin.
Reverse: L•MVSSIDIVS•LONGVS; Shrine of Venus Cloacina with two statues, inscribed CLOACIN.
References: Crawford 494/42c; HCRI 188b; Sydenham 1093b; BMCRR 4246; Mussidia 6.
Provenance: Ex Peter J. Merani Collection [Triton XXIV]; H.J.Berk BBS 201 (13 Jul 2017), lot 163; H.J. Berk BBS 166 (15 Oct 2009), lot 280; Eton College Collection [Sotheby's (1 Dec 1976), lot 409].
Nothing is known of the Mussidia gens except for the coins of L. Mussidius Longus. The reverse depicts the open air, circular shrine of Venus Cloacina containing two statues and a balustrade. Remains of the shrine survive in the Roman Forum today. In antiquity, the shrine was located near Rome’s main sewer outlet, the Cloaca Maxima, and reflected the importance of Rome’s sewer system to the health and well being of the City. Sear interprets the reverse as an allusion to purification needed after Caesar’s assassination.
CarausiusFeb 07, 2022
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Crawford 18/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, AE Aes Grave QuadransRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Apollo/Apollo Series, c. 270 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Quadrans (79.29g; 43mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Boar running to right; ••• (mark of value) in exergue.
Reverse: Boar running to left; ••• (mark of value) between spokes.
References: Crawford 18/4; ICC 36; Haeberlin pg 87, pl. 36.
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins; Errett Bishop (†14 Apr 1983) Collection.
All of the Crawford 18 series Aes Grave repeat the same device on the obverse and reverse. Haeberlin reports an average weight of 84 grams for 128 specimens of the quadrans.
CarausiusFeb 07, 2022
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Crawford 24/6, ROMAN REPUBLIC, AE Aes Grave QuadransRome, The Republic.
Roma/Wheel Series, c. 230 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Quadrans (65.83g; 40mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Hound prancing to left; ••• (mark of value) in exergue.
Reverse: Wheel with six spokes; ••• (mark of value) between spokes.
References: Crawford 24/6a; ICC 69; Haeberlin pg 61, pl. 25, n 12-14.
Provenance: Ex Dr. Erwin Hartmann (†1979) Collection [Dorotheum Auction (27 May 2021) lot 758]; Karl Hollschek (†1941) Collection [Dorotheum 1108 (Oct 1960) Lot 1017].
The Roma/Wheel Series of aes grave is an interesting series for its types. This Quadrans depicts a prancing hound, a device also used on roughly contemporaneous Republican struck half-litrae (see Crawford 26/4 – two examples in my gallery). The wheel on the reverse of this series is previously unseen on Roman coinage. There were several series of Etrurian aes grave bearing spoked wheels produced in the 3rd century BCE (see HN Italy 56-67; ICC 145-190). It is unclear whether these Etrurian aes grave were inspired by or inspiration for the Roman wheel series.
Haeberlin reported 88 specimens of the quadrans, with an average weight of 65.73 grams.
CarausiusFeb 07, 2022
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Crawford 457/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar and Aulus AllienusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar and Aulus Allienus, 48 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.64g; 20mm; 6h).
Sicilian mint, 47 BCE.
Obverse: C CAESAR IMP COS ITER; diademed and draped bust of Venus, facing right.
Reverse: A ALLIENVS PRO COS; Trinacrus facing left, placing foot on prow and holding a triskeles and cloak.
References: Crawford 457/1; HCRI 54; Sydenham 1022 (R7); BMCRR Sicily 5; Alliena 1.
Provenance: Ex NAC Spring Sale (10 May 2021) Lot 1098; M. Ratto FPL 1 (Feb 1966) Lot 363.
Aulus Allienus was a friend of Cicero's. Two of Cicero's extant letters are addressed to him. He was the legate of Cicero's brother in Asia in 60 BC, and praetor in 49 BCE. In 48 BCE, he held the province of Sicily. He continued in Sicily until 47 BCE when he received the title of proconsul. While proconsul in Sicily, he sent troops to support Julius Caesar in Africa against the Pompeians. These coins were issued as initial pay for those troops.
The coin depicts Venus on the obverse, alluding to the Julia gens’ mythical descent from the goddess and her first appearance on a coin of Caesar (many would follow). On the reverse, Trinacrus holds a trinacria (triskeles), the symbol of “three-cornered” Sicily - his right foot on the prow of a vessel. These devices make clear the Sicilian origin of the issue. Trinacrus is described by numismatic scholars as a son of Neptune, whose myth appears to have been created as an explanation for the early name for Sicily (Trinacria), which is more likely derived from the island’s triangular shape. Grueber agreed with the Trinacrus attribution because the god is depicted in the same position as Neptune is often shown, with his foot on a prow.
The coin is one of the rarer issues in the name of Caesar (R7 in Sydenham). Crawford estimated fewer than 30 obverse dies and fewer than 33 reverse dies. Schaefer’s Roman Republican Die Project includes just 13 obverse and 13 reverse dies.
CarausiusJun 06, 2021
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Crawford 496/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marc Antony, 44-31 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.95g; 18mm; 5h).
Military mint travelling with Antony, 42BCE.
Obverse: Antony's bearded head right; M ANTONI - IMP.
Reverse: Facing bust of Sol within distyle temple; III - VIR - R·P·C, around.
References: Crawford 496/1; HCRI 128; Sydenham 1168; BMCRR (Gaul) 62; Antonia 34.
Provenance: Hess Divo 329 (17 Nov 2015) lot 138; J.D. Collection [NAC 72 (16 May 2013) lot 1272]; Gilbert Steinberg Collection [NAC-Spink Taisei (16 Nov 1994) lot 1994]; Numismatic Fine Arts FPL 15 (Jul-Aug 1979) lot 33.
This coin was likely struck shortly after Brutus’s and Cassius’s defeat at Philippi in 42 BCE. Antony is still shown with his beard of mourning (he and Octavian would not shave until Caesar’s assassination was avenged), and it’s likely that the die engravers had not yet been instructed to remove the beard following Philippi. This is the last bearded image of Antony to appear on his coinage. There were two versions of this coin type: one with IMP spelled the standard way, as on this example; the other with IMP ligate. The reverse type emphasizing Sol was a common theme on Antony’s eastern coinage, perhaps reflecting his growing enchantment with eastern Hellenistic culture.
CarausiusJun 06, 2021
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Crawford 041/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Post-Semilibral, AE As (Struck)Rome, The Republic.
Anonymous. 215-212 BCE.
AE As (58.04g; 37mm; 12h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus: I (mark-of-value) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; I (mark-of-value) above; ROMA in exergue.
References: Cr 41/--; see Russo, Essays Hersh, no. 1; McCabe Group A2.
Provenance: Ex Vitangelo Collection [Roma e-Sale 80 (4 Feb 2021) lot 937].
The earliest two series of struck bronze Asses (McCabe A1 and A2) were heavy and struck on broad flans in low relief. The flans for A2 were produced in two-part moulds, and often show casting voids as on this specimen. Russo and McCabe consider these part of the Crawford 41 series of early struck prow bronzes, which is otherwise incomplete (except by near contemporaneous aes grave asses).CarausiusFeb 28, 2021
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Crawford 407/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Hosidius C. f. Geta, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Hosidius C. f. Geta, 68 BC.
AR Denarius (3.91g; 17mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: IIIVIR – GETA; diademed bust of Diana, facing right, with quiver of arrows over shoulder.
Reverse: C.HOSIDI.C.F.; wounded boar running to right, pursued by hound.
References: Crawford 407/2; Sydenham 903; Hosidia 1.
Provenance: Ex Kunker Auction 257 (10 Oct 2014), Lot 8422.
This type was struck in a serrate and plain-edged variety. Obverse and reverse styles differed on both varieties. Additionally, there are very rare hybrids, with the style and legend variety of one type on edge style flans of the other. The hound on the coins of C. Hosidius are shown in two distinct styles: on the non-serrate coins, in an ultra-slim, almost linear body style; and on the serrate coins, in a more lifelike, heavier style. In both cases, the hunting scene suggests that this dog should be a Laconian or Vertragus hound. Indeed, the dog is slim on both types, with a short haired tail – not a bushy tail, like a Molossian.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2021
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Crawford 26/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE Half LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous. 234-231 BCE.
AE Half Litra (1.93g; 13mm; 12h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Roma in Phrygian helmet, facing right.
Reverse: Dog prancing toward right; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 26/4; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 44-48.
Provenance: Ex CB Collection; privately bought from Baldwins 7 Jan 2011; Rauch Auction 87 (8 Dec 2010) lot 189.
Another example of this charming type, and a bit heavier and larger than the previous example. The pose of the dog is unusual, as it appears to be prancing in some way, and the dog is rendered somewhat differently between dies. On many dies, its snout is clearly upturned, perhaps honing a scent. On some dies, the dog is rendered skinnier than others, with ribs visible. All things considered, I believe the coins show a Laconian or Vertragus hound, two popular breeds of Roman hunting hounds.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2021
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Crawford 26/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE Half LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous. 234-231 BCE.
AE Half Litra (1.58g; 12mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Roma in Phrygian helmet, facing right.
Reverse: Dog prancing toward right; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 26/4; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 44-48.
Provenance: Ex NAC 84 (20 May 2015), Lot 765; purchased privately from Or Gestion Numismatique (Paris) in 2009.
The pose of the dog is unusual, as it appears to be prancing in some way, and the dog is rendered somewhat differently between dies. On many dies, its snout is clearly upturned, perhaps honing a scent. On some dies, the dog is rendered skinnier than others, with ribs visible. All things considered, I believe the coins show a Laconian or Vertragus hound, two popular breeds of Roman hunting hounds.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2021
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Crawford 27/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE Double LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Club Series, circa 230 BCE.
AE Double Litra (5.3g; 19mm; 6h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Youthful head of Hercules in lion skin headdress, facing right; club below.
Reverse: Pegasus flying to right; club behind; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 27/3; Sydenham 7; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 51-2; Historia Numorum Italy 316.
Provenance: Ex Judy Day Fink Coll. [CNG (7 Jan 2021) lot 366]; bought from Ed Waddell.
Another example of this type, with better surfaces than the prior and a charming green patina. This is among the earlies struck Roman bronze coinage to be issued in concert with Roman silver coinage. Both the 27/1 Didrachm and this AE Double Litra (and its related Litra) share a common club symbol on obverse and reverse. The dating for this type has been in flux, with Crawford choosing a later date of 230-226 BCE while Burnett recently assigned a date just before 230 BCE.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2021
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Crawford 145/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Victory & Spearhead Series, AE AsRome. The Republic.
Victory and Spearhead
Series, 189-180 BCE.
AE As (31.14g; 33mm; 5h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark-of-value) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; Victory crowning spearhead above; I (mark-of-value) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 145/1; Sydenham 293; BMCRR 497
Provenance: Ex Barone Dr. Pompeo Bonazzi di Sannicandro (1876-1956) Collection [R. Ratto (23 January 1924), Lot 264].
Grueber surmises that the symbols on this type may allude to a military victory by an ancestor of the anonymous moneyer. He mentions the use of Victory as a symbol on later denarii by C. Terrentius Lucanus (Crawford 217/1 – see my example in this gallery), suggesting this coin may have been produced by a member of the Terrentia gens; but this is pure conjecture.
This coin is a strong example of a type that generally comes either poorly struck or poorly preserved. The coin was part of the important Bonazzi Collection, which was sold anonymously in two parts by Rodolfo Ratto in the mid-1920s. Bonazzi began collecting about 1910 and quickly assembled a broad collection of Roman Republican coins in a very short time. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he favored bronze coins that were un-tooled, and this coin boasts excellent, natural surfaces.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2021
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Crawford 504/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus and C. Flavius Hemicillus, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Q. Caepio Brutus & C. Flavius Hemicillus, 44-42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.83g; 19mm; 12h).
Military Mint, Early Summer 42 BCE.
Obverse: C·FLAV·HEMIC·LEG·PRO·PR; Draped bust of Apollo, facing right with lyre before.
Reverse: Q·CAEP·BRVT·IMP; Victory holding palm branch and crowning trophy.
References: Crawford 504/1; HCRI 205; Syd 1294 (R7); BMCRR East 55; Junia 49; Servilia 31.
Provenance: Ex Barry Feirstein Collection [NAC 45 (2 Apr 2008) Lot 38]; privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk Ltd.
This rare type was issued by Brutus and his legate during the lead-up to the decisive battle of Phillipi. There is debate as to whether this legate is named in the historical texts, because there are multiple, conflicting references to Flaviuses serving with Brutus.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2021
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Crawford 362/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Mamilius Limetanus, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
C. Mamilius Limetanus, 82 BC.
AR Serrate Denarius (3.97g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Draped bust of Mercury facing right, wearing winged petasus ; caduceus over l. shoulder; behind, I.
Reverse: C·MAMIL – LIMETAN Ulysses advancing right, holding staff and extending his right hand to his dog Argus.
References: Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 741; Mamilia 6.
Provenance: NAC Sale 78 (26 May 2014), Lot 627.
The Mamilia gens claimed descent from Telegonus, the son of Ulysses and Circe, and so they depict Ulysses on their coins. This denarius is probably the most popular “dog” type in Roman numismatics, depicting the famous scene from Homer’s Odyssey in which Odysseus returns home to Ithaca, disguised as a beggar, and is recognized only by his faithful dog, Argus, who dies after greeting his long-lost master. Homer clearly describes Argus as a hunting hound, trained by Odysseus before he left for Troy. During Odysseus’ absence, Argus hunted deer, hare and wild goats. The 20-year-old Argus is described by Homer as swift, strong and a good tracker in his youth. On the coin, he looks like a slim and short-haired Laconian hound.
The purpose of serrate denarii has long been disputed. They were first employed for the Wheel Series denarii of 209-208 BCE (Crawford 79/1) and were used from time to time thereafter. Some argue that they were meant to complicate counterfeiting (at least a partial failure, as fourree serrati are known); others that that were intended to display solid metal content for certain government expenses; others that they were merely decorative. An interesting theory that I recently read suggest they were intended to dissuade mint workers from swallowing denarii while on the job! No serrate denarii were produced after 59 BCE (Crawford 412/1, redated by Hersh and Walker), so either they were not particularly effective at their intended purpose, or the added production costs were simply too great, or the need (whatever it was) ceased. The serrations were almost certainly cut prior to striking, as the chisel cuts are typically flattened by the strike.
CarausiusFeb 19, 2021
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Crawford 409/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Plaetorius Cestianus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Plaetorius M.F. Cestianus, 67 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.03g; 18mm; 5h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: CESTIANVS – SC; Draped bust of winged goddess (Vacuna? Isis? Fortuna?) wearing plumed helmet with corn-ear wreath and quiver, facing right, with cornucopia before; all within bead and reel border.
Reverse: M·PLAETORIVS·M F AED CVR; Eagle on thunderbolt with spread wings and head facing left; all within bead and reel border.
References: Crawford 409/1; Sydenham 809; BMCRR 3596; Plaetoria 4.
Provenance: Ex CNG Auction 55 (13 May 2000) Lot 1058; Munzen und Medaillen 53 (29 Nov 1977) Lot 198.
The moneyer is Marcus Plaetorius Cestianus, who was Curule Aedile in 67 BCE and Praetor in 64 BCE. Cestianus issued coins in two different years – once as Curule Aedile (those coins with AED CVR also in their inscriptions) and a second time in a non-aedile capacity, but in both cases by order of the Senate as both series contain “SC” in their inscriptions. The presence of AED CVR in the reverse inscription of this coin identifies it as part of his earlier, Curule Aedile issue of 67 BCE. In their analysis of the Messagne hoard, Hersh and Walker redated the non-aedile coins to 57 BCE. They note that Cestianus’ non-aedile issues do not appear in hoards until long after his Curule Aedile issues of 67 BCE, and they postulate that he issued the non-aedile coins in 57 BCE as pro-praetor (having been praetor in 64 BCE).
The identity of the goddess depicted on the obverse of this coin has long been debated by scholars. The bust mixes attributes of multiple deities, including Minerva (helmet), Diana (quiver), Victory (wings), Ceres (grain wreath, cornucopia), Apollo (curls). These mixed characteristics led some to identify the bust as the Sabine goddess Vacuna, who was often conflated with other deities, though Crawford thought that attribution was incorrect. Others think the obverse may be Isis because of the wreath (which may appear to include lotus and poppy on some specimens) and note the similarity of the reverse to a Ptolemaic eagle. Harlan 2012, agrees with Meyboom 1995 that Fortuna is the only goddess that combines cornucopia, armor and wings, and Harlan suggests this is the likely attribution of the bust. He also notes that the Plaetorii were from Tusculum where an inscription records the care of the temple of Fortuna by an aedile of the Plaetoria gens (Marcus, son of Lucius – not our moneyer). Note that a later coin of Cestianus (which can be found in my Forum gallery here https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-166944 ) refers to the worship/oracle of Fortuna at Praeneste. This moneyer was descended from a Cestia gens member who had been adopted into the Plaetoria gens, and the Cestia had ties to Praeneste. So, indeed, Fortuna seems a reasonable candidate for the bust attribution.
CarausiusJan 16, 2021
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Crawford 494/39, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Mussidius Longus, AR Denarius Rome, The Imperators.
L. Mussidius Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.72g; 16mm).
Rome mint, 42 BCE.
Obverse: Wreathed head of Julius Caesar facing right.
Reverse: L·MVSSIDIVS·LONGVS; caduceus on globe, flanked by rudder, cornucopia and apex.
References: Crawford 494/39a; HCRI 116; Sydenham 1096a; BMCRR Rome 4238-9; Mussidia 8; Julia 58.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3087 (17 Dec 2020) Lot 30041; Dr. Walter F. Stöcklin (d. 1975) Collection [Nomos Obolos 9 (25 Mar 2018) Lot 108]; acquired before 1975.
The moneyer is not otherwise known to history. Struck during the lead-up to Phillipi, the coin certainly reflects favor on the Caesarian side of the conflict, with the portrait of the late dictator on the obverse and devices referring to Caesar’s accomplishments on the reverse. The rudder and globe refer to Caesar’s military success and imperium over land and sea. The apex refers to his position as Pontifex Maximus. The cornucopia and caduceus allude to the blessings and happiness that Caesar bestowed on Rome. Multiple legend arrangements appear on this type, with curved and straight-line arrangements sometimes above, beside and below the devices.
The obverse fields show some raised striations, possibly caused from die cleaning or otherwise preparing the die for use. Other examples from the same obverse die show similar field striations.
This coin comes from the Stöcklin Collection, sold by Nomos over a series of auctions beginning with Nomos 14 in 17 May 2017. The collection consisted of ancient coins assembled over three generations in the family by Sebastian Roš (1839-1917), his son-in-law Dr. Walter F. Stöcklin (1888-1975) and grandson Dr. Walter M. Stöcklin (d. 1981).
CarausiusJan 09, 2021
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Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, Plated (Fourree) DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
Plated (fourree) Denarius (2.53g; 20mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.
Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.
Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.
References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35; Smyth XIV/28 (this coin described).
Provenance: Naville Auction 62 (13 Dec 2020) Lot 393; Duke of Northumberland Collection [Sotheby's (1982) Lot 482]; acquired before 1856.
While it is generally accepted that there were no “official” plated denarii issued by the Roman Republic, there were very-rare exceptions during the Imperatorial Period. Cornuficius’ coinage struck in North Africa circa 42 BC (Crawford 509) are more often found plated than solid and may have been an “official” plated issue. Whether the tyrannicides may have run into occasional silver shortages during the lead-up to Phillipi which required issuance of plated coins on an emergency basis can only be guessed; however, plated coins of the tyrannicides are certainly not common enough to support such a theory. I have seen a few very high-quality plated examples of the above type, but not huge numbers. Also, ancient forgeries would have been produced from impressions of genuine coins and should be of good style. For a solid silver example of the type, see my gallery coin at: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-158193
Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.
The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking a regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.
The coin comes from the Duke of Northumberland Collection, catalogued by Admiral William Smyth in his 1856 book, "Descriptive Catalogue of A Cabinet of Roman Family Coins Belonging to His Grace the Duke of Northumberland," and sold by Sotheby’s in 1982. The Smyth book has no plates (line drawn or otherwise), but it does contain detailed descriptions of the collection coins with weights in grains. This coin is described in Smyth’s book, therefore it must have been acquired by the Duke’s family before 1856. Smyth described the collection as being in the Duke’s family for many years, so the ownership history conceivably dates to the 18th century. In describing this coin, Smyth said: “[t]his remarkably well-plated denarius, in very high preservation, and though fully spread, weighs only 39.5 grains…” Indeed, the coin is remarkably well-plated, with only one spot of the core visible on Neptune’s cheek, and the flan quite full at 20mm. Except for the one spot of visible core, the surfaces are exceptional, with deep iridescent tone, reflecting over a century spent in the Duke’s cabinet.
CarausiusDec 26, 2020
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Crawford 464/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, T. Carisius, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
T. Carisius, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.91g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Juno Moneta facing right; MONETA behind.
Reverse: Anvil with garlanded Vulcan cap (die?) above; tongs to left; hammer to right; T. CARISIVS above; surrounded by wreath.
References: Crawford 464/2; Sydenham 982; BMCRR 4056; Carisia 1.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction #231946 (14 Nov 2019) Lot 62150; Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019), Lot 92.
Little is known about T. Carisius beyond his coins and some ambiguous prosopographical evidence. He may be the Carisius that commanded the left wing of Octavian’s fleet during a naval battle with Sextus Pompey at Tauromenium, as reported in Appian. He may be the T. Carisius identified as praetor of the Volcae in Narbonese Gaul on inscriptions found in Avignon, France in 1841 and in Beaueaire, France in 2001. He may also be the father or brother of P. Carisius, who served as legatus pro praetor in Spain, ca. 25-23 BCE, and issued a large coinage for Augustus.
Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the massive output by the moneyers T. Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to Caesar's legionaries. Carisius issued a large series of silver coins, including various designs of denarii, quinarii and sestertii. His fractional silver are notoriously scarce.
This reverse design of this coin is often debated, with scholars falling into two camps: those who think that coin-striking implements, including a garlanded reverse punch die, are depicted; and those who think general metal smithing implements and a garlanded cap of Vulcan (pileus) are depicted. Crawford (1974) called the disputed device a punch die. Sydenham (1952) called the device "cap of Vulcan, laureate" (See Syd. #982). In BMCRR (1910), Grueber called the device "cap of Vulcan (pileus), laureate" (See BMCRR vol 1, 4056). Barfeldt (1896), correcting Babelon, believed it was a cap of Vulcan. Babelon (1883) identifies it as a die. I believe the upper device is a garlanded cap of Vulcan, not a punch die. It matches similar depictions of garlanded caps of Vulcan on other Roman Republican coins (see, e.g. my Crawford 266/2 here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-166897 ). Some have noted a pellet, resembling a coin, on some dies between the anvil and “punch die”. I believe these pellets are merely central compass points used by the die engravers which are exposed on some dies.
CarausiusDec 18, 2020
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Crawford 405/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Plaetorius Cestianus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Plaetorius M.F. Cestianus, 57 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.00g; 20mm; 7h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Female (Fortuna?) bust, facing right.; Φ behind.
Reverse: M PLAETORI· CEST·S·C; Boy facing front, holding a tablet or wooden lot inscribed SORS.
References: Crawford 405/2; Sydenham 801(R5); BMCRR 3525; Plaetoria 10.
Provenance: Ex Naville 60 (27 Sep 2020) Lot 398; from a European Collection, purchased in 1986.
A difficult type, often off-center and with a high-relief reverse design that is prone to heavy wear of the face and tablet. On this example, while not apparent from the photo, the boy’s head is practically three-dimensional in its relief. The unusual, full-frontal reverse design and generally pleasing style make this a very-popular type among Roman Republican collectors.
The moneyer is Marcus Plaetorius Cestianus, who was Curule Aedile in 67 BCE and Praetor in 64 BCE.
Cestianus issued coins in two different years – once as Curule Aedile (those coins with AED CVR also in their inscriptions) and a second time in a non-aedile capacity, but in both cases by order of the Senate. The presence of S·C in the reverse inscription of this coin identifies it as special coinage produced by Senatorial decree. Crawford arranged Cestianus’ non-aedile coins in 69 BCE, ahead of his Curule Aedile issue in 67 BCE; however, hoard evidence strongly supports flipping this order around. In their analysis of the Messagne hoard, Hersh and Walker redated the non-aedile coins to 57 BCE. They note that Cestianus’ non-aedile issues do not appear in hoards until long after his Curule Aedile issues of 67 BCE, and they postulate that he issued the non-aedile coins in 57 BCE as pro-praetor (having been praetor in 64 BCE). In Roman Republican Moneyers and Their Coins, Michael Harlan disagreed with this late date, suggesting instead a date within a year of the AED CVR coins, and explaining their different workmanship and absence from hoards on Cestianus striking the coins overseas for Pompey during his pirate war.
The imagery refers to the worship/oracle of Fortuna at Praeneste, where lots were used for divination. There is some disagreement on the identity of the obverse bust but it seems very likely to be Fortuna, even if inconsistent with other depictions of that deity. Sors were lots, and it is a tablet or wooden lot that the boy holds on the reverse. The moneyer was descended from a Cestia gens member who had been adopted into the Plaetoria gens. The Cestia had ties to Praeneste.
CarausiusDec 11, 2020
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Crawford 477/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, 45-44 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 18mm; 8h).
Spanish Mint.
Obverse: SEX MAG[N-IMP] SAL; bare head of Pompey the Great, facing right.
Reverse: PIETA[S]; Pietas facing left, holding palm and transverse scepter.
References: Crawford 477/1b; HCRI 232a; Sydenham 1042 (R7); BMCRR Spain 93; Pompeia 18; RBW 1670 (this coin).
Provenance: NAC 120 (6-7 Oct 2020) Lot 626; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (2012) Lot 441]; Munzen und Medaillen FPL 511 (1988), Lot 62.
Likely struck in Spain after Caesar departed following his victory at Munda over the Pompeian forces led by Sextus’ brother Gnaeus, this was Sextus Pompey’s first coinage and was used to assemble forces and ships to resurrect the Pompeian cause. There is uncertainty whether this issue occurred before or after Caesar’s assassination on the Ides of March in 44 BCE; with Sear suggesting Sextus may have felt more comfortable issuing coins after the assassination. The use of Pompey the Great’s head and imagery relating to Sextus’ pious devotion to his father’s cause were common devices on Sextus’ coinage until his eventual downfall.
This is one of the rarities of the Imperatorial series, with Schaefer’s Roman Republican Die Study including only 7 obverse dies (for 2 varieties) and 10 reverse dies. There is a known obverse die link to a coin of Sextus’ elder brother, Gnaeus, used to strike coins before Munda. This coin is likely the earlier of the two obverse varieties as it omits the name “Pius” which Sextus later adopted. Many of the issues with the obverse of this coin are die damage – including the flatness to the head and the die break before the forehead.
There is dispute as to the meaning of SAL on the obverse. David Sear believes it is part of legend (possibly an abbreviation of salutatus), while Crawford thinks it is a mintmark of Salpensa in Spain.
CarausiusDec 10, 2020
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Crawford 447/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Pompey the Great, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Pompey the Great & M. Terentius Varro, 49-48 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.77g; 18mm; 2h).
Mint travelling with Pompey in Greece.
Obverse: VARRO·PRO·Q; Diademed, terminal bust of Jupiter, facing right.
Reverse: Scepter flanked by dolphin and eagle; MAGN·PRO|COS in exergue.
References: Crawford 447/1a; HCRI 8; Sydenham 1033; BMCRR Spain 64; Pompeia 7; Terentia 15.
Provenance: Ex Schulman Vault Collection [Schulman Jubilee Auction 365 (22 Oct 2020), Lot 1510]; from a collection formed in 1950s-80s.
In 49 BCE, when Caesar crossed the Rubicon into Italy with his legions, Pompey was forced to flee to Greece to raise an army (his legions at the time were in Spain). This is the last coin type produced for Pompey before the decisive battle of Pharsalus in 48 BCE. Caesar’s victory in that battle would cement Caesar’s prominence in the Roman world and prompt Pompey’s flight to Egypt, where Pompey was immediately murdered by agents of the Ptolemaic royals.
This coin refers to Pompey’s imperium throughout the Roman world and his military prowess on both land and sea. Terminus was the Roman god of boundaries and boundary markers, and terminal busts were typically used as boundary markers in ancient Greece and Rome. In this case, the terminal bust alludes to the borders of the Roman empire over which Pompey had Senate-granted authority. The reverse suggests Pompey’s military successes on sea and land against Mediterranean pirates and Mithridates.
The coin was produced by M. Terentius Varro as Proquaestor. He was not likely the author of the same name, but perhaps his son or grandson.
This type is now generally assigned to a military mint with Pompey in Greece. However, numismatists previously thought it was an earlier issue by a Spanish mint, and it is worth noting the similarity of flan fabric to other Spanish issues – particularly the way flans were chisel-cut, which is particularly visible on the reverse of this specimen at 10h, 11h and 2h. For Spanish issues with similar flan fabric, see Crawford 469/1 (Spain); Crawford 532/1 (Spain). In addition, Crawford 519/2 (uncertain Eastern mint) often shows similar fabric.
CarausiusDec 10, 2020
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Crawford 266/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Cassius Longinus, AE DodransRome, The Republic.
C. Cassius Longinus, 131 BCE.
AE Dodrans (17.08g; 29mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Vulcan facing right, with laureate cap; tongs and S:· (value mark) behind.
Reverse: Prow facing right; C·CASSI above; S:· (value mark) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 266/2; Sydenham 503(R5); BMCRR 1035; Cassia 2.
Crawford dated C. Cassius Longinus’ moneyership in 126 BCE; however, in Essays Hersh, Mattingly proposed an earlier date of 131 BCE. Cassius was consul in 124 BCE, so 126 seems a bit late to have begun his climb up the cursus honorum. Crawford proposed that the moneyer might have been the son of the consul of 124, but the absence of any “C. f.” (son of Caius) abbreviation in the reverse inscription suggests otherwise.
The Dodrans was a scarce bronze denomination, produced only twice during the Roman Republic. The first production was this series in 131 BCE; the second production was by M. Metellus in 125 BCE (Crawford series 263, redated by Mattingly). The word “Dodrans” is a contraction of the Latin “de quadrans”, meaning one quarter less than an As. It is identified by the value mark S:· (a Semis and 3 unciae) for a total of 9 unciae, or three-quarters of an As of 12 unciae. In addition to the Dodrans, C. Cassius also struck a bronze Bes of eight unciae. By 131 BCE, the As had been out of production for nearly 15 years, and it’s possible that the Dodrans and Bes were experimental denominations to satisfy demand for larger bronze coins. Alternatively, they may have satisfied the need for special payments to fund corn or wine distributions.
CarausiusDec 06, 2020
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Crawford 34/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AR Didrachm-QuadrigatusRome. The Republic.
Anonymous Series, 225-212 BCE.
AR Didrachm-Quadrigatus (6.63g; 22mm).
Uncertain Mint.
Obverse: Laureate Janiform head of the Dioscuri.
Reverse: Jupiter and Victory in fast quadriga galloping right; ROMA incuse on raised tablet in exergue.
References: Crawford 34/1; RBW 82; Gentilhomme pl. 1, no. 13.
Provenance: Ex Italo Vecchi Coll. [Roma XX (29 Oct 2020) Lot 390].
The last few series of Roman silver didrachm coinage, produced from 225-212 BCE, are nicknamed "quadrigati" because of the common reverse type of Jupiter and Victory in a fast quadriga. Crawford's arrangement of quadrigati into distinct series requires a great amount of study to understand. Collectors and dealers alike often misattribute quadrigati among Crawford's series.
The Crawford 34 series of quadrigati, to which this example belongs, is a scarce series. The coins are generally of good style and metal. Stylistically, the series 34 quadrigati typically display a broad, single sideburn, wide faces and the hair at the very top center of the Janiform heads show a distinct horizontal pattern. Neck truncations are typically straight. On the reverse, Jupiter's thunderbolt extends beyond the line border, the front legs of the horses have a strong “connect-the-dots” character, and ROMA is always incuse on a semi-trapezoidal tablet. These coins are often misattributed as Crawford 30 which share the broad, single sideburn; however, the Crawford 34 Janiform heads are much broader with distinct hair patterns at top center.
CarausiusNov 24, 2020
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Crawford 217/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Terentius Lucanus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Terentius Lucanus, 147-late 140s BCE.
AR Denarius (3.58g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; X value mark and Victory crowning Roma, behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri with couched spears galloping to right; C.TER.LVC beneath; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.
References: Crawford 217/1; Sydenham 425; BMCRR 775-81; Terentia 10; Smyth XV-21 (this coin described).
Provenance: Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 120 (6 Oct 2020), Lot 504; Duke of Northumberland Collection [Sotheby's (4 Mar 1982), Lot 241(part)], acquired before 1856.
The moneyer may be the son of the Terentius Lucanus who, according to Suetonius, purchased and subsequently freed a slave later known as the comedic playwright Terence. Victory with wreath appears on both the silver and bronze issues of this moneyer, perhaps referring to a military victory by a member of the Terentia gens or to some contemporaneous Roman victory. While Crawford dates C. Terentius Lucanus’ coins at 147 BCE, Mattingly prefers a date in the late 140s BCE and suggests he was moneyer with L. Cup and C. Scribonius based on typology, abbreviation styles and prosopography.
The coin comes from the Duke of Northumberland Collection, catalogued by Admiral William Smyth in his 1856 book, "Descriptive Catalogue of A Cabinet of Roman Family Coins Belonging to His Grace the Duke of Northumberland," and sold by Sotheby’s in 1982. The Smyth book has no plates (line drawn or otherwise), but it does contain detailed descriptions of the collection coins with weights in grains. This coin is among those described in Smyth’s book, therefore it must have been acquired by the Duke’s family before 1856. Smyth described the collection as being in the Duke’s family for many years, so the ownership history conceivably dates to the 18th century.
CarausiusNov 24, 2020
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Crawford 245/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Marcius, AE QuadransRome, The Republic.
M. Marcius, 134 BCE.
AE Quadrans (6.42g; 21mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Hercules wearing lion-skin headdress, facing right; ●●● behind.
Reverse: Ship’s prow facing right; M·MARCI-MNF above; ●●● value mark below.
References: Crawford 245/3; Banti 18 (this coin illustrated); Sydenham 501a: BMCRR Rome 1017; Marcia 10.
Provenance: Ex Hessian Vordertaunus Collection [Peus 419 (27 Apr 2017), Lot 138]; ex Alberto Banti Collection [Peus 322 (1988), Lot 141].
CarausiusNov 24, 2020
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Crawford 251/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Fabrinius, AE TriensRome, The Republic.
M. Fabrinius, 132 BCE.
AE Triens (4.77g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Minerva, facing right; ●●●● value mark, behind.
Reverse: Ship’s prow facing right; M· FABRI-NI above; ●●●● value mark to before; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 251/2; Sydenham 453a; BMCRR Rome 982; Fabrinia 2.
Provenance: Ex Hessian Vordertaunus Collection [Peus 419 (27 Apr 2017), Lot 144]; ex Italo Vecchi FPL (1976), Lot 104.
According to Crawford, the moneyer is known only from his coins. According to Stevenson’s Dictionary of Roman Coins, the entire Fabrinia gens is known only from Roman Republican coins. M. Fabrinius produced bronze coins, but no silver coins.
CarausiusNov 24, 2020
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Crawford 337/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, D. Junius Silanus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
D. Junius Silanus, 91 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.94g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Diademed head of Salus, wearing necklace, facing right; SALVS below neck truncation; M control mark before; all within torque border.
Reverse: Victory driving fast biga to right, holding reins, whip and palm branch; ROMA below; [D]· SILANVS· L· F in exergue.
References: Crawford 337/2c; Sydenham 645a; BMCRR 1846; Junia 18.
Provenance: Ex Hessian Vordertaunus Collection [Peus 419 (27 Apr 2017), Lot 231]; purchased privately from Spink, London (13 Nov 1972).
This obverse of the coin celebrates several ancestors of the moneyer. Silanus may have descended from D. Junius Silanus, praetor in 141 BCE, who was born Manlius Torquatus – the obverse torque border being a punning allusion to this descent. C. Junius Babulcus Brutus received a triumph for his victory over the Samnites and built a temple of Salus, dedicated circa 302 BCE, which may be related to the head of Salus on this coin.
CarausiusNov 24, 2020
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Crawford 149/3a, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Mamilius, AE TriensRome, The Republic.
L. Mamilius, 189-180 BCE.
AE Triens (10.51g; 22mm; 1h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Minerva, facing right; ●●●● (mark-of-value) above.
Reverse: Ship’s prow, facing right; above, Ulysses with staff, flanked by [R]O-MA; ●●●● (mark-of-value) to right; [L·]MAMI[LI] below.
References: Crawford 149/3a; Sydenham 369b(R6); BMCRR ---; Mamilia 3.
Provenance: CNG eSale 473 (29 Jul 2020) Lot 233; Gitbud & Nauman Auction 23 (10 May 2014) Lot 641.
This coin is rare, and it was missing from the British Museum collection when the BMCRR was published in 1910. The Mamilia gens claimed descent from Telegonus, the son of Ulysses and Circe, and so they depict Ulysses on their coins. The Mamilia moneyer of this Triens is otherwise unknown to history and did not produce any known silver coins. See Crawford 362/1 for later denarii of C. Mamilius Limetanus, 82 BCE, depicting Ulysses meeting his dog, Argos.
CarausiusAug 24, 2020
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Crawford 313/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Memmius Galeria, AE SemisRome, The Republic.
L. Memmius Galeria, 106 BCE.
AE Semis (12.94g; 25mm; 6h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn, facing right; S (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Ship’s prow facing right with prow stem ornamented by head of Venus and Cupid, to right, crowning the head; L·(ME)MMI and S (mark-of-value) above; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 313/3; Sydenham 575a; BMCRR 1358; Memmia 4.
Provenance: Ex Naville 59 (26 Jul 2020) Lot 463; Naville 3 (2013) Lot 71.
The Memmii claimed descent from Mnestheus, described in Vergil’s Aeneid as a senior lieutenant under Aeneas. Venus was the titular deity for the family, and thus her head ornaments the prow stem. The denarii issued by this moneyer also show Cupid crowning Venus with wreath.
CarausiusAug 24, 2020
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Crawford 150/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Titinius, AE SemisRome, The Republic.
M. Titinius, 189-180 BCE.
AE Semis (20.38g; 25mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn, facing right; S (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Ship’s prow facing right; M. TITINI above; S (mark-of-value) before; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 150/2; Sydenham 365a (R5); BMCRR 657; Titinia 2.
Provenance: Ex Nomisma E-Live Auction 12 (2019) Lot 2113; Dr. Giuseppe Toderi FPL 2 (1977), Lot 115.
CarausiusAug 24, 2020
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Crawford 124/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Meta Series, AR VictoriatusRome, The Republic.
Meta Series, 206-195 BCE.
AR Victoriatus (3.02g; 19mm; 5h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter, facing right.
Reverse: Victory standing toward right, crowing trophy with wreath; meta in field between; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 124/1; Sydenham 259 (R5); BMCRR 494-5; RBW 569 (this coin).
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [NAC 61 (2011) Lot 563]; bought from Charles Hersh in March 1998; Lawrence Collection [Glendining (7 Dec 1950) Lot 37]; Haeberlin Collection [Cahn/Hess (17 Jul 1933) Lot 310 (part)].
Shortly after the introduction of the denarius coinage, the Romans began adding symbols and letters to their coins. This Victoriatus contains a meta symbol on the reverse. A meta was a tall, conical, turning post. There was a meta at either end of the central divider of the Circus Maximus, denoting the turning point for chariot races. These turning posts probably served a critical function as the dirt and dust clouds from the chariots and their teams likely obscured participants’ visibility. During the Flavian period (nearly 300 years after this coin was struck) the Meta Sudans, so named because of its water feature, was erected in Rome as a turning point for triumphal processions.
CarausiusAug 24, 2020
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Crawford 193/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, TVRD Series, AE AsRome, The Republic.
C. Papirius Turdus, 169-158 BCE.
AE As (28.69g; 34mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate Janus head; I (mark-of-value) above.
Reverse: Ship’s prow facing right; TVRD above; I (mark-of-value) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 193/1; Sydenham 366; BMCRR 796; Banti 1/3 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Spring 2020 Auction (25 May 2020) Lot 386; Kunst und Munzen Auction 18 (1-3 Jun 1978) Lot 174.
We know from Cicero’s letters that the Turdii were a plebeian branch of the Papiria gens. Crawford thought the moneyer might be the son of C. Papirius Turdus’, who was tribune in 177 BCE. The moneyer produced no known silver coins.
CarausiusJul 12, 2020
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Crawford 043/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L Series, AE TriensRome, The Republic.
L Series, 214-212 BCE.
AE Triens (24.79g; 30mm).
Luceria Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Minerva facing right; ●●●● above (mark-of-value=4 unciae); L behind
Reverse: Prow right with two mariners on deck and club within deck structure, star symbol on flank of prow and small wing on keel; ROMA above; ●●●● (mark-of-value=4 unciae) below.
References: Crawford 43/3a; Sydenham 125; BMCRR (Italy) 5; RBW 152-153.
Provenance: Ex A.J. Scammell Collection [Dix Noonan Webb (3 Jun 2020) Lot 103].
The Luceria series of Roman Republican bronzes are complex, and there are likely more series than those identified in Crawford. The thick flan fabric of this coin has a pronounced conical cross-section. The die planes were quite flat and the devices in low relief. The star symbol and bulbous prow stem are common style items among heavier weight, thick-flan examples of the early Luceria series. Andrew McCabe’s website identifies coins with these characteristics as from “Luceria Mint A”. There are other probable series with different flan characteristics, style and lacking the star symbol.
CarausiusJul 01, 2020
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Crawford 122/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Dog Series, AE AsRome, The Republic.
Dog Series, 206-195 BCE.
AE As (35.91g; 34mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark-of-value) above.
Reverse: Prow right; dog symbol above; I (mark-of-value) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 122/3; Sydenham 251; BMCRR 489-90.
Provenance: Ex A.J. Scammell Collection [DNW (3 Jun 2020) Lot 119].
Shortly after the introduction of the denarius coinage, the Romans began adding symbols and letters to their coins. In many cases both anonymous coins and coins with symbols/letters can be linked by identical styles, suggesting they were near-contemporaneous issues by the same mint. Symbols were frequently re-used on subsequent series; see, for example the three separate Anchor Series of coins produced in the late third century and second century BCE.
This particular bronze As bears a dog symbol above the prow. The identity of the moneyer or persons responsible for producing these symbol coins is generally unknown. However, because some symbols are later repeated on certain named coins in the Republican series, family connections to the earlier symbol coins are sometimes proposed by researchers. In the case of the dog symbol, we see later silver and bronze coins of the Antestia gens bearing similar dog symbols. For an example, see the following coin in my gallery: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-145800 . It is possible, though unproven, that a member of the Antestia gens was responsible for production of this early bronze dog series as well.
CarausiusJun 29, 2020
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Crawford 497/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.96g; 21mm).
Military Mint, 42 BCE.
Obverse: CAESAR·III-VIR·R·P·C; Bare head of Octavian with slight beard, facing right.
Reverse: Curule chair with legs decorated by eagles and wreath on empty seat; inscribed C[ÆS](AR) [•DIC •PE]R.
References: Crawford 497/2a; HCRI 137; Sydenham 1322; BMCRR Gaul 76; Banti-Simonetti 386 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex John L. Cowan Collection [CNG eSale 469 (Jun 2020) Lot 351]; acquired from Pegasi (6/8/2013); CNG Triton XVI (2013) Lot 968; Goldman Roman Imperatorial Collection [Rauch 83 (2008), Lot 170]; Kunker 124 (2007) Lot 8562; L. Simonetti Collection [Banti-Simonetti (1974) 386]; Hess-Leu Auction 41 (24-5 Apr 1969), Lot 68.
Octavian is depicted with a beard of mourning for Julius Caesar, which he would not shave until Brutus and Cassius were defeated at Philippi later in the year. While the obverse visually reflects Octavian’s personal status as the mourning, adopted son and heir of the recently deified Julius, the obverse inscription highlights his new political status as a member of the triumvirate with Antony and Lepidus. The reverse honors Julius Caesar by referencing his Senatorial appointment as dictator for life and showing a memorial wreath on the curule chair representing Caesar’s imperium. Curule chairs were symbols of political and/or military power in the Roman Republic, perhaps originating from the folding campaign stool of a general, and also derived from the Etruscan kings who dispensed justice from a seat in the royal chariot (“currus”). In the Republic, only high-level magistrates would use curule chairs, including consuls, praetors and certain aediles (so-called “curule aediles”).
CarausiusJun 28, 2020
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RIC 264, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 19mm).
Italian Mint, ca. 30 BCE.
Obverse: Victory standing on prow holding wreath and palm, facing right.
Reverse: Octavian, holding branch, in slow triumphal quadriga advancing right; IMP CAESAR in exergue.
References: HCRI 416; RIC 264; BMCRR 4343; Julia 154.
Provenance: Ex NAC Spring 2020 Sale (25 May 2020) Lot 761; UBS 78 (2008) Lot 1232; Munzhandlung Basel Auction 6 (18 Mar 1936) Lot 1514.
Following the defeat of Antony by Octavian and Agrippa at Actium, Octavian was undisputed leader of the Mediterranean world. By 30 BCE, Octavian had taken complete control of Egypt and the Ptolemaic treasury. The Ptolemaic treasury provided the silver with which Octavian would strike much of his IMP CAESAR coinage of this period both to pay-off his retiring legionary veterans and to fund celebrations in Rome. The obverse of this coin, with Victory standing on a ship’s prow, clearly celebrates the naval victory at Actium. The reverse may depict Octavian’s triumphal entrance into Alexandria. A similar type with CAESAR DIVI F legend was struck in much smaller quantities, likely before the Ptolemaic bullion was moved to Rome.
CarausiusJun 28, 2020
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Crawford 259/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Marcius Philippus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Q. Marcius Philippus, 126 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.92g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; * behind.
Reverse: Armed horseman galloping to right; Macedonian helmet with goat horns behind; Q PILIPVS below; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 259/1; Sydenham 477; BMCRR 1143; Marcia 11.
Provenance: Ex A.J. Scammell Collection [DNW (3 Jun 2020) Lot 121 (part)].
Crawford chose 129 BCE as the date for this issue, but H.B. Mattingly in Essays Hersh chose a later date of 126 BCE based in part on the find of an FDC coin of Philippus in the ruins of Entremont (Aix-en-Provence, France) which was captured by the Romans in 123 BCE and abandoned. Crawford argues that the horned Macedonian helmet on the reverse alludes to Phillip V of Macedon as a naming reference to the moneyer. Goat-horned helmets were apparently a mark of Macedonian kings. In his Life of Pyrrhus, Plutarch references that Pyrrhus was recognizable by his helmet with “its towering crest and its goat’s horns” (Plutarch Pyrrhus 11).
CarausiusJun 28, 2020
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Crawford 271/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Mn. Acilius Balbus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Mn. Acilius Balbus, 123 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.83g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; BALBVS behind; ROMA below; * at chin; all within wreath.
Reverse: Jupiter hurling thunderbolt in quadriga driven by Victory to right; round (Macedonian?) shield below; MN.ACILI in exergue.
References: Crawford 271/1; Sydenham 498 (R3); BMCRR 1019; RBW 1089 (this coin); Acilia 1.
Provenance: Ex NAC Spring 2020 Sale (25 May 2020) Lot 482; RBW Collection [NAC 61 (2011) Lot 1085]; privately purchased from NAC in August 1991.
Crawford chose 125 BCE as the date for this issue, but H.B. Mattingly in Essays Hersh chose a later date of 123 BCE based on a re-analysis of hoard evidence. The moneyer, Mn. Acilius Balbus, was later Consul in 114 BCE. The obverse wreath border and reverse Victory perhaps refer to the military exploits of M. Acilius Balbus (Consul 150 BCE) who participated in the Third Macedonian War against Perseus in which Rome won victory at Pydna in 168 BCE. The round shield on the reverse, with its central boss and stellar pattern, may represent a Macedonian shield.
CarausiusJun 28, 2020
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Crawford 346/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Marcius Censorinus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Marcius Censorinus, 88 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.99g; 18mm)
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Jugate, diademed heads of Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius, facing right.
Reverse: Desultor, wearing conical cap and holding whip and reins, riding one horse galloping right, with second horse to left; four pellets beneath; C.CENSO in exergue.
References: Crawford 346/1h; Sydenham 713d; BMCRR 2367 var (fractional symbol on rev); Banti 31 (R7) (this coin illustrated); Marcia 18.
Provenance: Ex Numismatica Ars Classica (25 May 2020), Lot 536; Bank Leu (Dec 1970), Lot 104.
The moneyer, C. Marcius Censorinus, was a supporter of Marius in the struggle against Sulla. He was killed during the conflict circa 82 BCE. He was a member of the gens Marcia, who claimed descent from the early Roman kings Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius. The jugate heads of Pompilius and Marcius are used on much of Censorinus’ silver and bronze coinage. Numa Pompilius was the legendary 2nd king of Rome, who is crediting with establishment of Roman religion and religious institutions. Among these institutions were the sacred college of priests and the position of Pontifex Maximus. Ancus Marcius was the legendary 4th king of Rome. Ancus Marcius ordered the Pontifex Maximus to display some of Numa Pompilius’ religious commentaries to the people of Rome to facilitate proper religious observance.
The reverse likely refers to the role of the Marcia gens in founding the Ludi Appolinares in 212 BCE. It was the prophecy of a soothsayer named Marcius that instigated the first of these games during the Second Punic War. They were soon declared an annual event, held at the Circus Maximus. Desultors, horse and chariot races would certainly have been part of the entertainment.
CarausiusJun 10, 2020
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Crawford 480/21, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, P. Sepullius Macer, AR DenariusRome, Moneyers of the Imperatorial Period.
P. Sepullius Macer, 44 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.15g; 18mm).
Rome Mint, April-May 44 BCE.
Obverse: CLEMENTIAE CAESAREIS; Tetrastyle temple with globe in pediment.
Reverse: Desultor wearing conical cap and holding reins and whip, galloping left with 2 horses, palm branch and wreath behind; P SEPVLLIVS above; MACER below.
References: Crawford 480/21; Sear, HCRI 110; Sydenham 1076 (R6); BMCRR 4176-7; Julia 52; Alföldi, Caesar in 44 BC, plate 148-1 (this coin illustrated); FFC 42 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Heritage 3083 (24 Apr 2020), Lot 30103; Jose Fernandez Molina Collection a/k/a Alba Longa Collection [Aureo & Calico 339 (14 Nov 2019), Lot 1043]; Leo Benz Collection [Lanz 88 (23 Nov 1998), Lot 782]; Auctiones (12 Jun 1979), Lot 467; Munzen und Medaillen Auction XXVIII (19 Jun 1964), Lot 239.
Reverse die links to Crawford 480/22 (see my example in this Gallery at https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-145227 ), identify this type as one of the earliest issued after Caesar’s assassination, when Antony tried to assert control of Rome. The type is scarce, with Crawford reporting only 5 obverse and 6 reverse dies, and this coin has a rare obverse die with CAESAREIS rather than CAESARIS. Julius Caesar was well known for offering clemency toward his vanquished rivals throughout his career, including toward many of his assassins who sided with Pompey during the Civil War. The obverse of this coin refers to the temple to Caesar’s mercy that the Senate had authorized shortly before the Ides of March. The temple is depicted with minimal special detail because it had certainly not been constructed and possibly not even designed by the time this coin was struck. Some historians believe the temple was never constructed because Octavian (later Augustus), who did not share his uncle’s predilection for clemency toward enemies, did not wish the temple to become a source for unfavorable comparisons. The desultor on the reverse alludes to the Parilian games held in April 44 BCE, after the assassination, in honor of Caesar’s victory at Munda. Desultors were equestrian acrobats who thrilled crowds at the games by leaping from one horse to another at full gallop.
CarausiusMay 25, 2020
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Crawford 437/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Caldus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Caldus, 51 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.04g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: [C.COEL.CALDVS] COS; Bare head of C. Coelius Caldus facing right; standard with HIS behind; boar-shaped standard before.
Reverse: C.CALDVS - CALDVS.IIIVIR - IMP.A.X; Table inscribed L.CALDVS VIIVR.EPV with figure preparing epulum; flanked by trophies with shields.
References: Crawford 437/2a; Sydenham 894; BMCRR 3837; Coelia 7.
Provenance: Gorny & Mosch 269 (10 Mar 2020), Lot 965; Künker Auction 288 (13 Mar 2017), Lot 296; Sternberg Auction XI (20 Nov 1981) Lot 513; Spink/Galerie des Monnaies Auction (15 Feb 1977) Lot 446; Leopold G. P. Messenger Collection [Glendining (21 Nov 1951) Lot 62]; Clarence S. Bement (d. 1923) Collection [Ars Classica VIII (25-8 June 1924) Lot 125].
In a paper published in the 2016 Numismatic Chronicle, Bernard Woytek convincingly argues that this coin references military victories by the moneyer’s grandfather, C. Coelius Caldus (Consul in 94 BCE), in Spain and Transalpine Gaul. The obverse depicts the 94 BC consul, C. Coelius Caldus, as confirmed by the consular title abbreviation COS. References to Spain and Gaul appear on both sides of the coin. The obverse includes a vexillum inscribed HIS[pania] and a boar-shaped standard that was used by Gallic tribes. The reverse has two trophies: the left comprised of Spanish-style armor (round shield and crested helmet); and the right comprised of Gallic-style armor (oblong shield, carnyx, etc.). The left and right portions of the reverse inscription identifies C. Caldus as an imperator for 10 years. In the reverse center, a person prepares the epulum, a ritual meal. Woytek proposes that this meal was a supplication served in honor of C. Coileius Caldus’ victory against the Salluvii in 90 BCE. Caldus’ son Lucius, the moneyer’s father, was a member of the Septemviri Epulones, the college of priests that organized such feasts. Based on the inscription on the table on the reverse of this coin, it seems possible he was a member of this college of priests when they organized the supplication meal in honor of his father. The bottom portion of the reverse inscription identifies our moneyer, Caldus (IIIVIR means he is one of the three men superintending the coining of money). Ultimately, the coin references three members of the family: moneyer, father and grandfather.
CarausiusApr 03, 2020
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Crawford 340/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Piso Frugi, AR Quinarius - Owl SymbolRome, The Republic.
L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 90 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.84g; 13mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo, facing right; owl symbol behind.
Reverse: Victory standing toward right, holding wreath and palm; L·PI - SO in fields; FRVGI in exergue.
References: Crawford 340/2e; Sydenham 672; Calpurnia 13b.
Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 56 (22 Mar 2020) Lot 417.
Like the denarii of L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, the quinarii have a series of symbols, numbers and letters marking either or both dies. Each symbol appears on only one die. The quinarii are remarkably scarcer than the denarii, with Crawford counting about one-tenth the number of obverse and reverse quinarius dies versus denarius dies. Victory on the reverse, like the Victory appearing on the reverse of the Asses of this series, likely refers to the ongoing Social War.
CarausiusMar 27, 2020
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Crawford 103/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, MT Series, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
MT Series, 211-210 BCE.
AR Quinarius (2.03g; 16mm).
Apulian Mint.
Obverse: Head of Roma in winged helmet with splayed visor, facing right; V (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; MT monogram below horses; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 103/2b; Sydenham 183; BMCRR (Italy) 228.
Provenance: Ex Classical Numismatic Group Esale 463 (11 Mar 2020) Lot 292; New York Sale 23 (2010), Lot 99.
Quinarii of the MT series are typically struck on very broad, thin flans, and this coin is no exception. This fabric also yields frequent flan cracks. There are a variety of styles to the monogram and helmet types on these quinarii. The cross bar for the T of the monogram can appear on either the left or right tip of the M. The helmets are typically Attic style, although the RBW Collection included a rare example with a Phrygian helmet. In The RBW Collection book, Andrew McCabe theorizes that the MT series may have been struck in Luceria.
CarausiusMar 26, 2020
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Crawford 502/3, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus and L. Sestius, AR QuinariusRome, The Imperators.
Q. Caepio Brutus and L. Sestius, Spring-Early Summer 42 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.86g; 12mm).
Military Mint travelling with Brutus.
Obverse: L· SESTI – PRO Q; veiled and draped bust of Libertas facing right.
Reverse: Q CAEPIO [BRVTVS] PRO COS; Victory advancing right, holding palm and wreath.
References: Crawford 502/3; HCRI 202; Sydenham 1291 (R7); BMCRR (East) 46; Junia 38; Sestia 3.
Provenance: Ex Classical Numismatic Group Esale 463 (11 March 2020) Lot 316; Jonathan Kern Collection [Heritage 3035 (2014) Lot 29180]; UBS 78 (9 Sep 2008), Lot 1151; Münzen und Medaillen Auction XVII (2-4 December 1957), Lot 321.
Brutus’ birth name was Marcus Junius Brutus, but he was later adopted by his uncle, Q. Servilus Caepio, and he took the name of Q. Caepio Brutus. Thus, we see many versions of his name on his coins. This quinarius was produced by L. Sestius, proquaestor to Brutus who later gained Augustus’ trust.
Depictions of liberty and victory were common on the coinage of the tyrannicides, who projected the image of liberators. Contrary to this image, much of the silver used to produce their coinage was acquired by extorting the cities of the East.
CarausiusMar 25, 2020
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Crawford 340/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Piso Frugi, AR Quinarius - Knife SymbolRome, The Republic.
L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 90 BCE.
AR Quinarius (2.06g; 15mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo, facing right; knife symbol behind.
Reverse: Victory standing toward right, holding wreath and palm; L·PI - SO in fields; FRVGI in exergue.
References: Crawford 340/2e; Sydenham 672; Calpurnia 13b.
Like the denarii of L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, the quinarii have a series of symbols, numbers and letters marking either or both dies. Each symbol appears on only one die. The quinarii are remarkably scarcer than the denarii, with Crawford counting about one-tenth the number of obverse and reverse quinarius dies versus denarius dies. Victory on the reverse, like the Victory appearing on the reverse of the Asses of this series, likely refers to the ongoing Social War.
CarausiusMar 25, 2020
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Crawford 068/2, Corn Ear Series, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
Corn Ear Series, 211-208 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.87g; 15mm).
Sicilian Mint.
Obverse: Head of Roma in winged helmet with splayed visor, facing right; V (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; ROMA in line border below.
References: Crawford 68/2b; Sydenham 192; RBW 282 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Classical Numismatic Group Esale 463 (11 Mar 2020) Lot 293; RBW Collection [Numismatica Ars Classica 61 (10 May 2011) Lot 296]; Credit Suisse Sale 5 (1986), Lot 237.
The Crawford 68 series of denarii and quinarii are easily distinguishable from other early, anonymous silver issues by the large spike at the back of Roma’s helmet. The coins of the series come in two varieties: some marked with corn ears on the reverse, and some unmarked; but the style of both varieties are identical. The corn ear mark identifies the series as a Sicilian mint issue.
CarausiusMar 21, 2020
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Crawford 195/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Ass Series, AE SemisRome, The Republic.
Ass Series, 169-158 BCE.
AE Semis (11.72g; 25mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn facing right; S (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Prow, with prow stem decorated by female head, facing right; Ass symbol above; S (mark-of-value) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 195/2; Sydenham 298a; BMCRR ---; RBW 838.
Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics Auction 10 (26 Oct 2014) Lot 87.
Crawford reported only two Roman Republican bronze series in which the reverse prow stem was decorated with a female head: Crawford 205 (P.SULLA); and Crawford 213 (Mast and Sail). The Ass Series should be a third such series, and there are likely others to be discovered. The top of the prow stem is a high-point and quick to wear, thus any ornamentation on this point is often undiscernible or missed. There is no missing the female head decorating the prow stem on this coin; it is even better seen in hand with a steeper light angle. Having reviewed multiple die examples of the Ass series in various print and online sources, I find the As and Semis of this series typically have a female head decorating the prow stem; while prow stems on the smaller denominations (triens, quadrans and sextans) do not appear ornamented. On those denominations with the ornamentation on the prow stem, the ornamentation is often poorly preserved, which is likely why is was previously missed in the standard catalogues.
The ass symbol may identify the otherwise anonymous moneyer as a member of the Junia gens. Grueber and Crawford both noted that the ass was the symbol of M. Junius Silanus and was used on Silanus’ coins as a naming pun (being the ass of “Silenus” the companion of Bacchus) (Crawford 220/1).
CarausiusMar 17, 2020
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Crawford 185/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, VARO Series, AE AsRome, The Republic.
VARO Series, 169-158 BCE.
AE As (32.05g; 32mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark of value) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; VARO above; I (mark of value) before; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 185/1; Sydenham 364; BMCRR 542-4; Terentia 4.
Varro was a cognomen used by men in a branch of the Terentia gens. Crawford mentions that the moneyer of this coin may be Aulus Terentius Varro, one of ten legates sent by the Senate in 146 to assist the consul Lucius Mummius in reorganizing Greece under Roman rule. It was Mummius who burned Corinth, killed all the male citizens and sold the women and children into slavery as punishment for their uprising against Rome.
CarausiusMar 09, 2020
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Crawford 190/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, OPEI Series, AE QuadransRome, The Republic.
OPEI Series, 169-158 BCE.
AE Quadrans (4.28g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Youthful head of Hercules wearing lion skin, facing right; ●●● (mark of value) behind.
Reverse: Prow facing right; OPEI above; ●●● (mark of value) before; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 190/4; Sydenham 363c; RBW 814; BMCRR ---; Opeimia 10.
Provenance: Ex JD Collection [NAC 78 (26 May 2014) Lot 1693]; DNW Auction (27 Sept 2007) Lot 2433.
Possibly struck by Q. Opeimius who was consul in 154 BCE; however, there is another OPEI series (Crawford 188) of similar time period that might also belong to that consul. This is a scarce denomination for this series, with only five examples in the BnF collection in Paris and none in the British Museum as of 1910.
CarausiusMar 07, 2020
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Crawford 041/9, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Post Semilibral AE Sextans OVER-STRUCK on Semilibral AE UnciaRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Post-Semilibral, 215-212 BCE.
AE Sextans (11.76g; 25mm) overstruck on AE Uncia.
Rome Mint.
Obverse: o/t: Head of Mercury wearing petasos, facing right; u/t: Prow facing right (not visible);
Reverse: o/t: Prow facing right; ROMA above; two pellets below. u/t: Head of Roma in crested helmet, facing left (remnants of crest visible below prow).
Over-type references: Crawford 41/9; Sydenham 107; BMCRR 72.
Under-type references: Crawford 38/6; Sydenham 86; BMCRR 88.
Overstrike references: Crawford Table XVIII, #18 (12 examples cited).
The economic hardship on Rome imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption in about 217 BCE of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. Around 215 BCE, the weight standard was further reduced and continued reductions occurred thereafter. Because of the weight reductions and wartime exigency, Roman mints often overstruck earlier high-weight coins. It’s uncertain whether overstriking was merely a convenience to avoid producing new flans, or a potential money saving maneuver for the state as smaller denomination, early coins would be over-struck at a higher denomination. Thus, with the above coin, we see a Crawford 38 Uncia over-struck as a Sextans – thus doubling its denomination. The crest of Roma’s helmet from the obverse of the old Uncia remains visible beneath the ship’s prow on the reverse of the new Sextans.
CarausiusMar 07, 2020
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Crawford 042/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, AR Didrachm - Quadrigatus - VERY RARERome. The Republic.
Corn-Ear Series, 214-212 BCE.
AR Didrachm-Quadrigatus (6.83g; 20mm).
Unknown Sicilian Mint.
Obverse: Laureate Janiform head of the Dioscuri.
Reverse: Jupiter and Victory in fast quadriga galloping right; corn ear below; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.
References: Crawford 42/1; RBW 138 (this coin); Sydenham 66 (R8); BMCRR 108; Hersh 9a (O-6; R-4).
Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 47 (3 Mar 2019) Lot 352; RBW Collection [NAC 61 (2011) Lot 141]; privately purchased from Munzen und Medaillen in August 1981.
The last few series of Roman silver didrachm coinage, produced from 225-212 BCE, are nicknamed "quadrigati" because of the common reverse type of Jupiter and Victory in a fast quadriga. Crawford's arrangement of quadrigati into distinct series requires a great amount of study to understand. Collectors and dealers alike often misattribute quadrigati among Crawford's series.
The Crawford 42 series of quadrigati, to which this example belongs, is the rarest of all the quadrigati series. In his study of the 42 series quadrigati, Charles Hersh could only locate 33 examples of the type. Based on the corn-ear control symbol, the series was likely struck somewhere in Sicily, perhaps during Rome’s Second Punic War offensive against Syracuse, from 214-212 BCE. While Crawford puts this series last in order of his various quadrigati series, it is likely they were produced near the same time as the debased, lightweight quadrigati that ended the Crawford 28 series. The coins are generally of debased style and metal, thought their weight is good, and in this regard they are similar to Crawford 31 quadrigati. Stylistically, the series 42 quadrigati typically display well-defined, separated “J”-shaped sideburns, with horizontal hairs, on the Janiform head. Neck truncations range from open C curve (as on this example) to straight and V truncations. On the reverse, Jupiter's thunderbolt is entirely within the line border, angle of the horses is on the low-side, and ROMA is always in relief in a linear frame. The type usually has a corn-ear on the reverse beneath the quadriga; however, “anonymous” versions of this series, without corn-ears but stylistically identical to the corn-eared coins, are known.
CarausiusFeb 22, 2020
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Crawford 084/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Roma Monogram Series, AE SemisRome, The Republic.
ROMA Monogram Series, 211-210 BCE.
AE Semis (16.09g; 28mm).
Mint in Southeast Italy.
Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn facing right; S (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Ship's prow facing right; S (mark-of-value) above: ROMA below; ROMA in monogram to right.
References: Crawford 84/5; Sydenham 190a; BMCRR (Italy) 193; RBW 344.
Provenance: Ex Triskeles 5 (27 June 2013), Lot 110; RBW Collection (not in prior sales); Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), Lot 227.
Several 19th century researchers thought that the monogram could represent a family name, such as Romilia or Romanillus. Today, it is generally accepted as a monogram for Roma.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2020
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Crawford 390/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Lucretius Trio, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Lucretius Trio, 74 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.89g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Neptune with trident over left shoulder; control-mark V, behind.
Reverse: Winged boy riding bridled dolphin to right; L·LVCRETI TRIO below.
References: Crawford 390/2; Sydenham 784; BMCRR 3247-70; Lucretia 3.
Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatics XII (29 Sep 2016) Lot 530; CNG Triton XVII, Lot 532; Archer M. Huntington (d. 1955) Collection, ANS 1001.1.24776.
L. Lucretius Trio is not known to history. His coins were attributed to 76 BCE by Crawford, but Hersh and Walker down-dated the issue to 74 BCE in their analysis of the Mesagne Hoard (ANS Museum Notes 1984). Michael Harlan proposed an even later date of 72 BCE.
The coin’s design has received various interpretations over the years. Grueber thought it referred to a naval victory by one of the moneyer’s ancestors. The use of Neptune, wearing a victor’s wreath, is clear. Crawford thought the reverse may depict Palaemon, a child sea-god who came to sailors in distress. Palaemon’s mother was Leucothia, whose name bears slight resemblance to Lucretius. Harlan believes the reverse depicts a winged Cupid gleefully playing on a dolphin, and that the coin alludes to naval victories by Lucullus over Mithridates in 73 BCE (remember, Harlan proposed 72 BCE for the issue date). Whichever interpretation is correct, it’s a charming design somewhat reminiscent of 3rd century didrachms of Taras.
The obverse dies bear control-marks, each specific to a single die.
CarausiusFeb 21, 2020
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Crawford 463/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, M. Cordius Rufus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
M. Cordius Rufus, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.55g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Crested Corinthian helmet facing right, with owl perched on crest; RVFVS behind.
Reverse: MN·CORDIVS; aegis with head of Medusa.
Reference: Crawford 463/2; HCRI 64; Sydenham 978; BMCRR 4042; Cordia 4.
Provenance: Ex Jack Frazer Collection [Triton XXIII (14 Jan 2020) Lot 603]; CNG 64 (24 Sep 2003) Lot 827.
Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the large output by the moneyers Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to the legionaries. The coinage of this year often alludes to Caesar, rather than the moneyer’s family. On this coin, we see references to Minerva (the helmet, owl and aegis being among her attributes), the Roman goddess of strategic warfare, which likely related to Caesar’s military triumphs.
M. Cordius Rufus is not generally known beyond his coinage. However, his name appears on an inscription found at Tusculum, identifying Manius Cordius Rufus as praetor, proconsul, aedilis lustrando Monti Sacro. It is possible that his family originated in Tusculum, a city in the Alban Hills, sixteen miles southeast of Rome.
CarausiusFeb 14, 2020
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Crawford 511/3, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, Summer 42-40 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 20mm).
Sicilian Mint (Catana?).
Obverse: MAG·PIVS·IMP·ITER; bare head of Pompey the Great, facing right, flanked by jug and lituus.
Reverse: PRAEF/CLAS·ET·ORAE/MARIT·EX·S·C; Neptune standing left with foot on prow and holding aplustre, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders.
References: Crawford 511/3a; HCRI 334; Sydenham 1344 (R4); BMCRR (Sicily) 7; Pompeia 27.
Provenance: Ex Phil Peck ("Morris") Collection [Heritage 61151(26 Jan 2020) Lot 97155]; Professor Angelo Signorelli Collection [P&P Santamaria (4 Jun 1952) Lot 732].
Sextus Pompey was younger son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's assassination, in 43 BCE, Sextus was honored by the Senate with the title "Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts" (Praefectus Classis et Orae Maritimae), which title is abbreviated on the reverse of this coin. Near the same time, Cicero recommended him for augurship; however, Sextus would not actually received augurship until after the Pact of Misenum in 39 BCE. Instead, shortly following the Senate’s designation of Sextus as Commander, the Second Triumvirate was formed and they placed Sextus' name on their proscription list. Sextus soon occupied Sicily with his fleet where he provided haven to other Romans proscribed by the Triumvirs. He retained control of Sicily from 42 to 36 BCE. In 42 BCE, Octavian sent Salvidienus Rufus to dislodge Sextus, but Rufus was defeated. It was likely between this defeat of Rufus and the Pact of Misenum with the Triumvirs (39 BCE) that Sextus struck much of his coinage, including this type.
Piety, or devotion, was an important character trait to the Romans on multiple levels including devotion to parents and family; devotion to the state; and devotion to the gods. The surname “Pius” was adopted by Sextus in recognition of his dutiful continuation of the struggle of his father in support of the Republic, and this notion of piety is strongly depicted on Sextus’ coinage. The obverse of this coin shows Pompey the Great, reflecting Sextus’ devotion to his father’s memory. Pompey’s head is flanked by symbols of the augurate, perhaps alluding to both Sextus’ claim to the augurate following Cicero’s recommendation and Sextus’ devotion to the gods. The rough seas around Sicily were beneficial to Sextus and particularly rough on his enemies, thus Neptune is prominently displayed at the center of the reverse. The reverse also depicts the Catanean brothers of Sicilian myth, Amphinomus and Anapias, helping their elderly parents escape the deadly lava flow of Mount Etna. Representing devoted children, the Catanean brothers may be allegorical references to Sextus’ surname “Pius”, or an indication of the Sicilian city (Catana) in which this issue may have been struck, or both.
This is a particularly complete example of this difficult type which frequently comes off-struck or on small flans.
CarausiusFeb 11, 2020
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Crawford 039/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Semilibral Reduction AE SemunciaRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, Semilibral Reduction, 217-215 BCE.
AE Struck Semuncia (6.03g; 20mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.
Obverse: Turreted, draped female bust right.
Reverse: Rider on horseback holding whip and galloping right; ROMA below.
Reference: Crawford 39/5; Sydenham 97 (R4); BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 136-138; R. Gobl, Antike Numismatik, pl. 1420 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex CB Collection (private purchase); SC Collection (bought from Richard Pearlman Dec 2015); Numismatic Fine Arts 17 (May 1976); Prof. Bonacini Collection [Rinaldi & Figlio FPL 1 (1942) Lot 4]; Sir Arthur Evans Collection [Ars Classica XVII (3 Oct 1934), Lot 1013]; Martini Collection [R. Ratto (24 Feb 1930) Lot 74].
This coin is part of a short-lived, semi-libral series, struck collateral to the standard prow types (Crawford 38) in 217-215 BC. The economic hardship on Rome imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. The Series 39 types appear quite propagandistic in the context of the Second Punic War. On the obverse of this coin, we have a female bust wearing a turreted crown, a device previously unseen on Roman coinage though frequently seen on eastern Greek coinage. The head may represent Roma, but more likely represents Cybele who protects people and cities during wartime. Cybele’s cult officially appeared in Rome circa 205-204 BCE. The reverse alludes to the cavalry’s importance in the war effort. The coin type would not be repeated in Roman bronze coinage; however a similar type AE Biunx (with horseman carrying spear rather than whip) was produced in Capua from 216-211 BCE, after the Capuans allied with Hannibal. While Crawford, relying on Rudy Thomsen’s analysis, attributes this series to the Rome mint, I believe the types and fabric of the coins are inconsistent with the contemporaneous, Crawford 38 prow types which are also attributed to Rome.
CarausiusFeb 02, 2020
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Crawford 517/5, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marc Antony and M. Nerva, 41 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.69g; 20mm).
Ephesus mint.
Obverse: M·ANT·IMP·AVG·III·VIR· R·P·CM·NERVAPROQ·P; bare head of Marc Antony, facing right.
Reverse: L·ANTONIVS – COS; bare head of Lucius Antony, facing right.
References: Crawford 517/5a; HCRI 246; Sydenham 1185; BMCRR (East) 107; Antonia 48; Banti & Simonetti 3 (this coin illustrated)
Provenance: Ex Private Japanese Collection [Heritage 3081 (12 Jan 2020) Lot 30157]; Heritage 3030 (5 Jan 2014) Lot 23911; Stack's (14 Jun 1971) Lot 332; Valentine John Eustace Ryan (d. 1947) Collection [Glendining (2 Apr 1952) Lot 1932].
This coin was struck in Ephesus by Marc Antony and the pro quaestor M. Cocceius Nerva (ancestor of the Emperor Nerva) during the year of Lucius Antony’s consulship. Lucius Antony was Marc Antony’s younger brother and supporter. During Lucius’ time as consul, Octavian was in the process of allotting confiscated land throughout Italy to army veterans. In response to the unpopular policy, Lucius Antony conspired with Marc Antony’s wife, Fulvia, to defend cities and landowners against Octavian’s confiscations. Lucius and Fulvia expected Marc Antony’s Gallic colleagues to support their efforts, but such support never materialized. As a result, Octavian besieged them at Perusia, where they were hunkering-down, and they eventually capitulated. Octavian pardoned them, rather than risk incurring Marc Antony’s wrath. Lucius was made governor of Spain where he eventually died.
The portraiture of the brothers Antony on this coin are quite distinct, and likely veristic; Lucius being depicted with a bald pate and a more aquiline nose compared to his elder brother.
CarausiusFeb 02, 2020
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Crawford 505/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Cassius and M. Servilius, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
C. Cassius and M. Servilius, Summer 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 19mm).
Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius (likely Sardis).
Obverse: C·CASSI·IMP; laureate head of Libertas, facing right.
Reverse: M·SERVILIVS - LEG; aplustre with branches terminating in flowers.
References: Crawford 505/2; HCRI 225; Sydenham 1312 (R7); BMCRR (East) 83; Cassia 21; Servilia 42.
Provenance: Stack's (17 Jan 2020) Lot 20084; Edward J. Waddell e-Sale (1990s) Lot 42; R. Ratto FPL IX (1933) Lot 1057; Valerio Traverso Collection [M. Baranowsky (25 Feb 1931), Lot 1270]; R. Ratto FPL (1927) Lot 625; Leo Hamburger Auction (27 Nov 1922), Lot 61; Johann Horsky Collection [A. Hess (30 Apr 1917) Lot 2600].
This rare type comprised part of the final series of coins struck in the name of Cassius, lead conspirator against Julius Caesar, probably at Sardis in Summer, 42 BCE. It celebrates Cassius’ victory over the fleet of Rhodes in the waters off Kos. The aplustre, an ornamental stern of a Roman galley, is symbolic of Cassius’ naval victory, and the floriate branches (roses) may refer to Rhodes. Shortly after his victory over the Rhodians, Cassius met-up with his co-conspirator Brutus in Sardis, where this coin was likely struck. Within just a few months of producing this coin, Cassius’ troops were defeated by Antony at Philippi and he committed suicide on his own birthday, 3 October 42 BCE. Marcus Servilius struck this final coinage on behalf of Cassius. Servilius was tribune in 44 BCE and was respected by Cicero. After Caesar’s assassination, he served in the east as a Legate under both Cassius and Brutus, and he struck coins for both men. He was likely related to Brutus, whose mother’s name was Servilia. Legates were staff members of military commanders, on whose recommendation they were appointed by the Senate. Legates often served as deputies for their commanders, but practically exercised no independent authority. For example, a Legate had no independent authority to strike coinage, and did so based solely on the imperium of the commander for whom he served – thus we see the names of both the Legate and his commander on this coin.
CarausiusFeb 02, 2020
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Crawford 13/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR DidrachmRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, 310-300 (c. 295?) BCE.
AR Didrachm (7.13g; 21mm).
Mint in Central Italy (Neapolis?).
Obverse: Head of Mars, bearded, in crested Corinthian helmet, facing left; oak spray behind.
Reverse: Bridled horse head facing right; [ROMANO] on base below; wheat stalk behind.
References: Crawford 13/1; HNI 266; Sydenham 1; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 1-4.
Provenance: Ex vAuctions Sale 343 (6 Dec 2019) Lot 155; Pegasi Auction VI (8 April 2002), Lot 316.
This coin is part of the very first series of Didrachms produced in the name of Rome. It was a small issue, with only four obverse dies and fifteen reverse dies currently known. In 1974’s Roman Republican Coinage, Crawford assigned the issue to 280-276, however, subsequent evidence and scholarship caused him to reassign the coins to 310-300 BCE. Later scholars, including Rutter in Historia Numorum Italy (2001) have concurred with this revised dating. In a recent tweet, Professor Liv Yarrow announced that her forthcoming book will propose a more recent date of c. 295 BCE; we’ll have to wait for her book to see the evidence to support this re-dating.
While these didrachms bore the inscription ROMANO, they were not struck in Rome and didn’t really circulate in Rome! They were likely produced in Naples or some other nearby mint for a particular purpose. In Coinage & Money Under the Roman Republic (1985), Crawford proposed that the purpose for the issue was the construction of the Appian Way from Rome to Capua, begun in 312 BCE. If Professor Yarrow's proposed later dating is correct, the purpose would need to be reconsidered. The average weight and purity of these coins is consistent with contemporaneous Neapolitan standards, and the fabric of the coins is also consistent with Neapolitan silver issues.
The ROMANO inscription may have been either an abbreviation of the genitive plural ROMANORVM (“of the Romans”) or dative ROMANO (“by the Romans”) either of which would be similar grammar to Greek coin inscriptions.
CarausiusDec 28, 2019
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Crawford 400/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Axsius Naso, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Axsius Naso, 71 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.90g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Beardless head of Mars in helmet with side-feather plumes and peaked visor, facing right; VII (control mark), behind.
Reverse: Diana driving biga of stags to right, spear in right hand; hounds below and behind: VII (control mark) in left field: L·AXSIVS·L·F in exergue.
References: Crawford 400/1a; Sydenham 794 (R6); BMCRR 3448-53; Axia 1.
Provenance: Ex Auctiones eAuction 66 (15 Dec 2019), Lot 224; purchased privately from Nomos; Spink Num. Circ. vol. LXXVI, No. 10 (October 1968), Item 7026 (pl. 19); Sir Charles Oman (d. 1946) Collection [Christie's (2 July 1968) Lot 15 (part)].
The moneyer was identified as a banker on a contemporary tessera nummularia (small bone piece attached to groups of coins for accounting purposes). He is not otherwise known. There are two obverse varieties of this issue of coins, one on which Mars helmet is crested and plumed and the other (this coin) with just side plumes. The dies were paired with matching, Roman numeral control marks; however, the same control marks are known to be used on multiple die pairs. Die numbers I-X were used on this variety. Die numbers XI-XX were used on the crested helmet variety.
Among other things, the goddess Diana was a hunting goddess equated with Artemis and a moon goddess equated with Luna. As huntress, she is often portrayed with bow or spear. In the case of this coin and others of the Republican series, her chariot is drawn by stags which also allude to her hunting connection. The addition of the hounds on this type makes the hunting connection abundantly clear.
This coin is from the Sir Charles Oman Collection. Sir Charles Oman (1860-1946) was a well-published military historian and numismatist. As an historian, he is widely regarded for restructuring medeival battles from myriad accounts. He authored an important book on English coinage in 1931. He collected Greek silver, Roman and English Coins. He was President of the Royal Numismatic Society from 1919-1930 (a remarkable run). He received the Medal of the Royal Numismatic Society in 1928.
CarausiusDec 26, 2019
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Crawford 336/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Allius Bala, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Allius Bala, 92 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 18mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Diademed head of Diana wearing necklace, facing right; N below chin.
Reverse: Diana Lucifera driving biga of stags to right, holding scepter and reins in left hand and torch in right hand; grasshopper below; C·ALLI in exergue.
References: Crawford 336/1b; Sydenham 595; BMCRR 1744; Aelia 4.
Provenance: Ex CB Collection; privately purchased from CNG (Inventory #940265); The Aurelia Collection [Owl Ltd and Thomas P. McKenna (Oct 1980) Lot 120].
The moneyer is only known from his coins. This type was struck with a series of control letters and symbols. There are multiple dies bearing the same letters and symbols. The grasshopper is the most common of the reverse die symbols, having been paired with most of the obverse letters.
Among other things, the goddess Diana was a hunting goddess equated with Artemis and a moon goddess equated with Luna. As moon goddess, she is often portrayed driving a biga with a crescent above her head or a torch in hand. In the case of this coin and others of the Republican series, her chariot is drawn by stags which also allude to her hunting connection.
CarausiusDec 24, 2019
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Crawford 114/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Rostrum Tridens Series, AE AsRome, The Republic.
Rostrum Tridens Series, 206-195 BCE.
AE As (30.7g; 34mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark-of-value) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; rostrum tridens and I (mark-of-value) above.
References: Crawford 114/2; Sydenham 245; BMCRR (Rome) 451-3.
Provenance: Ex Dr. Hans Neussel (d. 1993) Collection [Peus Auction 420/421 (1 Nov 2017) Lot 73]; purchased from Dr. Kurt Deppert Kunsthandlung, Frankfurt (July 1958).
Shortly after the introduction of the denarius coinage, the Romans began adding symbols and letters to their coins. In many cases both anonymous coins and coins with symbols/letters can be linked by identical styles, suggesting they were near-contemporaneous issues by the same mint. Symbols were frequently re-used on subsequent series; see, for example the three separate Anchor Series of coins produced in the late third century and second century BCE.
This particular bronze As bears the symbol of a rostrum tridens – the bronze ramming prow of a Roman galley. This symbol had been previously used on an earlier issue of denarii (Crawford 62). The rostrum tridens was an important symbol to the Romans, representing both the strength of their navy, which had become a powerful force in the Western Mediterranean from its start in the First Punic War, and the trophies of naval victories. Rostra were often taken from captured vessels. The Romans used six captured rostra to decorate the speaking platform, thereafter referred to as the Rostra, in the Comitium. Even today, a speaking platform is called a rostrum.
CarausiusDec 14, 2019
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Crawford 041/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Post Semi-Libral, Aes Grave AE AsRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Post-Semilibral, 215-212 BCE.
AE Aes Grave As (41.26g; 35mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Janus head.
Reverse: Prow facing left; I (mark-of-value) above.
References: Crawford 41/5a; Vecchi 105; Syd 101; Haeberlin pg. 119-123.
Provenance: Ex Spink Auction (23 Mar 2016), Lot 1085; NAC Auction 7 (1 Mar 1994), Lot 419.
By the time of this issue, weight standard of Roman bronze coins had reduced to the point that larger denomination bronzes could be struck from dies. The Crawford 41 series contains both cast and struck asses. Crawford acknowledged that he was likely lumping multiple series into the 41 series. The cast asses are of widely varying weight with style ranging from mediocre to comically horrendous. The devices also vary, with prows facing left or right. Haeberlin reports weights ranging from 132 grams down to 41 grams. There are probably multiple issues produced by multiple mints at play. This is not surprising as the exigent wartime circumstances (Hannibal's invasion) may have forced decentralized coin production.
CarausiusDec 14, 2019
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Crawford 174/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, A. Caecilius, AE TriensRome, The Republic.
A Caecilius, 169-158 BCE.
AE Triens (6.88g; 21mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Minerva facing right; ●●●● (mark-of-value) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; ●●●● (mark-of-value) before; A·CAE above.
References: Crawford 174/3; Sydenham 355b; BMCRR 820; Caecilia 10.
Provenance: Ex Gemini XII (11 Jan 2015), Lot 276; RBW Collection [NAC Auction 61 (5-6 October 2011), Lot 735]; privately purchased from Kurt Spanier on 12 Dec 1990.
The moneyer may be the son of the A. Caecilius that is mentioned in Livy as an Aedile in 189 BCE. While asses of A. Caecilius are common (30 specimens in the Paris collection), trientes are scarce (only 4 examples in the Paris collection). This is the case with many second century Republican bronze series; the fractions are often considerably scarcer than the As of the same series, but are frequently overlooked by collectors in favor of the larger denomination.
CarausiusDec 08, 2019
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Crawford 346/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Censorinus, AE AsRome, The Republic.
C. Censorinus, 88 BCE.
AE As (11.73g; 27mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: NVMA POMPILI ANCVS MARCI; Jugate heads of Pompilius and Ancus Marcius facing right.
Reverse: Prows of crossing ships; to right, a spiral column surmounted by statue of Victory; C.CENSO and ROMA in field.
References: Crawford 346/4a; RBW 1321; Sydenham 715; BMCRR 2415-2418; Marcia 21.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [CNG e-Sale 364 (2 Dec 2015), Lot 169]; purchased privately from Frank Kovacs, 3/27/1992.
The moneyer, C. Marcius Censorinus, was a supporter of Marius in the struggle against Sulla. He was killed during the conflict circa 82 BCE. He was a member of the gens Marcia, who claimed descent from the early Roman kings Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius. The jugate heads of Pomplius and Marcius are used on much of Censorinus’ silver and bronze coinage. Numa Pompilius was the legendary 2nd king of Rome, who is crediting with establishment of Roman religion and religious institutions. Among these institutions were the sacred college of priests and the position of Pontifex Maximus. Ancus Marcius was the legendary 4th king of Rome. Ancus Marcius ordered the Pontifex Maximus to display some of Numa Pompilius’ religious commentaries to the people of Rome to facilitate proper religious observance.
The reverse of the coin may refer to a naval victory of one of the moneyer’s ancestors, though the precise victory is uncertain.
CarausiusDec 08, 2019
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Crawford 494/32, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marc Antony and C. Vibius Varus, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.78g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Bare head of Antony with mourning beard, facing right.
Reverse: Fortuna facing left, holding Victory and cornucopia; flanked by C*VIBIVS - VARVS
References: Crawford 494/32; HCRI 149; Sydenham 1144; BMCRR 4293; Vibia 29; Antonia 26
Provenance: Ex JD Collection [NAC Auction 72 (16 May 2013), Lot 1265]; UBS Auction 78 (9 Sep 2008) Lot 1136; acquired from Hubert Herzfelder (d. Mar 1963).
This, one of the finest depictions of Antony on Roman coinage, depicts him with a beard of mourning for Julius Caesar. Antony and Octavian would wear such beards until the Liberators were defeated at Philippi later in 42 BCE. The moneyer, Varus, also struck similar coins for Octavian, though on a much smaller scale. Because of similar style on a later military mint issue by Antony, some scholars postulate that Antony so loved his portrait on the above coin type that he drafted the die engraver into his military mint.
The reverse alludes to the expectation of good fortune and victory for the Triumvirs over the Liberators.
CarausiusDec 06, 2019
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Crawford 450/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, D. Junius Brutus Albinus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
D. Junius Brutus Albinus, 48 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.94g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Pietas facing right, her hair tied-up in a knot, wearing necklace and cruciform earing; PIETAS behind.
Reverse: Two hands clasping caduceus; ALBINVS·BRVTI·F, below.
References: Crawford 450/2; HCRI 26; Sydenham 942; BMCRR 3964; Postumia 10.
Provenance: Ex Goldberg 80 (3 Jun 2014), Lot 3067; Jacob K. Stein Collection [Gemini V (6 Jan 2009) Lot 246]; displayed at Cincinnati Art Museum, 1994-2008, no. 138.
Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, not to be confused with his cousin, Marcus Brutus, lived on a similar trajectory to his cousin. He was first close with Julius Caesar, having served in the Gallic Wars and on Caesar’s side in the civil war against Pompey. Eventually, Albinus joined the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. After the assassination, the Senate gave him control of Cisalpine Gaul where he came under assault by Antony who wanted control of the province. Albinus was killed by Gauls while trying to escape to Macedonia to join the other Liberators. This coin type was struck during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey when Albinus sided with Caesar. The reverse type, with its symbols of concord, alludes to Caesar’s policy of reconciliation during the war.
This particular example was part of a 182-coin exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum from 1994-2008. The intense, rainbow toning on the reverse can perhaps be attributed to the reverse being the “display” side during that 14-year museum run.
CarausiusDec 05, 2019
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Crawford 427/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Memmius C.f., AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Memmius, 56 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.98g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Ceres, facing right, her hair tied in knot, wearing grain-ear wreath and cruciform earing; C.MEMMI C.F, before.
Reverse: Bound captive kneels before trophy, his hands tied; flanked by IMPERATOR - C.MEMMIVS.
References: Crawford 427/1; Sydenham 920; BMCRR 3937; Memmia 10.
Provenance: Ex CNG Classical Numismatic Review 39 (Jul 2014); Heritage CICF Sale 3032 (10 Apr 2014), Lot 23847; Dix Noonan Webb (30 Sep 2013), Lot 3051; Clarence S. Bement Collection [Naville Ars Classica VIII (25-8 Jun 1924), Lot 246].
Ceres on the obverse relates to a second denarius type of Memmius, which claims that an Aedile named Memmius was the first to hold the games of Ceres (likely before 210 BCE). The reverse refers to a military success of another C. Memmius, which, based on the style of helmet and shield, Michael Harlan suggests may have occurred in Spain.
CarausiusNov 28, 2019
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Crawford 433/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Junius Brutus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Junius Brutus, 54 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.79g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Libertas, facing right, her hair up, wearing necklace of pendants and cruciform earing; LIBERTAS behind.
Reverse: L. Junius Brutus walking left with two lictors and an accensus; BRVTVS in exergue.
References: Crawford 433/1; Sydenham 906; BMCRR 3862; Junia 31.
Provenance: Ex Dr. Michael Phillip Collection [Stack's Bowers 2016 NYINC Auction (12 Jan 2016) Lot 31131]; Stack's Auction, 7-8 Dec 1989, Lot 3233; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3-4 May 1978), Lot 511].
Struck by chief assassin of Caesar during his early political career. At this time, Brutus was in opposition to Pompey, and it's likely that this coin type is intended to remind the general public of Brutus' pedigree against tyranny. Brutus’ ancestor, Lucius Junius Brutus, overthrew the Etruscan kings of Rome and helped form the Republic, becoming one of the first Consuls in 509 BCE. The reverse of this coin shows Lucius Junius Brutus, as Consul, walking with his attendant lictors and accensus. Liberty on the obverse alludes to the overthrow of the monarchy – a role that the moneyer himself would play 10 years after this coin was struck.
A few words on those men accompanying Brutus on the reverse:
The lictors were attendants who carried fasces and accompanied the consuls at all times. They proceeded before the senior consul and cleared his path and they walked behind the junior consul. They also made arrests, summonses and executions. A consul had twelve lictors.
The accensi were civil servants that also accompanied the magistrates in addition to lictors and acted as heralds. They typically walked behind the magistrate, but an early custom had them precede the consul in the months when the lictors did not walk before him. This appears to be the scene depicted on this coin – the accensus precedes Brutus and one of the lictors is behind him.
CarausiusNov 28, 2019
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Crawford 27/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Club Series, AE Double LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Club Series, circa 230 BCE.
AE Double Litra (7.35g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Youthful head of Hercules in lion skin headdress, facing right; club below.
Reverse: Pegasus flying to right; club behind; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 27/3; Sydenham 7; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 51-2; Historia Numorum Italy 316.
Provenance: Ex CNG eSale 453 (2 Oct 2019) Lot 452; David Freedman Collection [CNG 61 (25 Sep 2002) Lot 4].
This is among the earlies struck Roman bronze coinage to be issued in concert with Roman silver coinage. Both the 27/1 Didrachm and this AE Double Litra (and its related Litra) share a common club symbol on obverse and reverse. The dating for this type has been in flux, with Crawford choosing a later date of 230-226 BCE while Burnett recently assigned a date just before 230 BCE.
CarausiusNov 16, 2019
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Crawford 039/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Collateral Semilibral Struck AE SextansRome, The Republic.
Anonymous (Semilibral) Series, 217-215 BCE.
AE Sextans (25.91g; 29mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.
Obverse: She-wolf facing right, head turned left, suckling the twins, Romulus & Remus; ●● (mark-of-value) below.
Reverse: Eagle facing right with flower in beak; ROMA to right; ●● (mark-of-value) behind.
References: Crawford 39/3; Sydenham 95; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 120-124; RBW 107.
Provenance: Ex Reinhold Faelton Collection [Stack's (20-2 Jan 1938) Lot 923]; Otto Helbing Auction (24 Oct 1927) Lot 3267.
The economic hardship imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. From 217-215, Rome produced two, contemporaneous series of struck bronzes on this new, semi-libral weight standard. From hoard evidence, we know the first of the two series was Crawford 38, consisting of “prow” types derived from the libral and semi-libral prow Aes Grave (Crawford 35 and 36) that preceded it. These "prow" coins were almost certainly produced in Rome and likely also in satellite military mints as needed. The second series of struck semi-libral bronzes was the enigmatic Crawford 39 series, with its unusual types, production of which commenced after the start of the 38 Series prow-types (hoards containing 39s almost always include 38s) and produced in much smaller numbers than the huge 38 Series.
The types on the Crawford 39 series are entirely pro-Roman, at a time that the Republic was in dire straits under threat of Hannibal’s invasion. This Sextans depicts the favorable founding of Rome, with the She-wolf suckling the City’s mythical founders, Romulus and Remus, on one side, and a powerful eagle bringing them additional nourishment or good omen on the other. This is the first depiction of the Wolf and Twins on a Roman bronze coin, the scene previously being depicted on a silver didrachm circa 269 BCE (Crawford 20/1).
Reinhold Faelton (1856 - 1949) was a musician, composer, the Dean and founder in 1897 of the Faelton Pianoforte School of Boston, Massachusetts, and a coin collector for over 50 years. His collection of ancient coins was sold by Stacks in January 1938. This Stack's catalogue was one of the earliest to feature photographs of actual ancient coins in the plates, rather than photos of plaster casts of the coins (which was the standard at the time). The resulting plates were mixed-quality but mostly poor, making it an arduous task to use this catalogue for provenance matching.
CarausiusNov 16, 2019
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Crawford 507/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus with Casca Longus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Brutus with Casca Longus. 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 21mm).
Military mint, 42 BCE.
Obverse: CASCA LONGVS; Neptune's head facing right; trident below.
Reverse: BRVTVS IMP; Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding filleted diadem and palm.
References: Crawford 507/2; HCRI 212; Sydenham1298 (R6); BMCRR (East) 63; Junia 44; Servilia 35.
Provenance: Ex V.L. Nummus Auction 12 (15 Sep 2019) Lot 68; Brüder Egger Auction 45 (12 Nov 1913) Lot 871.
Publius Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Julius Caesar, and he was Tribune of the Plebs at the time of the assassination. Plutarch reports that a nervous Casca was the first to stab Caesar on the Ides of March with a glancing blow: “Casca gave him the first cut, in the neck, which was not mortal nor dangerous, as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold action was probably very much disturbed. Caesar immediately turned about and laid his hand upon the dagger and kept hold of it. And both of them at the same time cried out, he that received the blow, in Latin, ‘Vile Casca, what does this mean?’ and he that gave it, in Greek, to his brother [Gaius] ‘Brother, help!’” [Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans, Arthur Clough (Ed.)] After Caesar’s assassination, Casca was given command of Brutus’ fleet. Nothing is known of Casca following the Battle of Philippi in October 42 BCE, where he likely perished or committed suicide in the aftermath.
The Neptune obverse refers to Casca’s naval command and the naval superiority of the conspirators before Philippi. Coins of the conspirators are replete with depictions of liberty and victory, and this coin is no exception. The reverse, with its broken scepter, clearly alludes to the assassins’ hope to eliminate monarchy in the Roman state and restore the Republic. Some authors have speculated that Victory is breaking the regal diadem on this type, although I don’t think that is abundantly clear.
CarausiusOct 09, 2019
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Crawford 533/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius. 43 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.07g; 18mm).
Military mint in Athens, Summer 38 BCE.
Obverse: M ANTONIVS M F M N AVGVR IMP TER; Antony in the priestly robes of an augur, standing right and holding lituus.
Reverse: III VIR R P C COS DESIG ITER ET TERT; Radiate head of Sol facing right.
References: Crawford 533/2; HCRI 267; Sydenham 1199; BMCRR (East) 141; Antonia 80.
Provenance: Ex Kentfield Collection [Heritage Auction 3067 (9 Jun 2018) Lot 33340]; Valerio Traverso Collection [Michele Baranowsky Auction (25 Feb 1931), Lot 1274].
In 50 BCE, Antony was appointed to the College of Augurs, an important group whose job was divining the will of the gods by interpreting auspices (birds and such) and providing advice based on these divinations. Antony was particularly proud of this appointment and referred to it frequently on his coinage, perhaps as a means of highlighting his traditional republican sensibilities. On this coin, he is depicted in full augur regalia. Sol on the reverse is a reference to The East, which Antony controlled per the renewal of the Second Triumvirate several months earlier. The inscriptions reference his augurship, second imperatorial acclamation, and designated second and third consulships. The coin was likely struck in Athens where Antony and Octavia were living after their marriage.
CarausiusSep 16, 2019
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Crawford 343/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Porcius Cato, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
M. Porcius Cato, 89 BCE.
AR Quinarius (2.08g; 14mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: M.CATO; Liber head facing right wearing ivy wreath; rudder (control mark) below.
Reverse: VICTRIX; Victory seated left, holding patera in outstretched hand and palm over left shoulder.
References: Crawford 343/2b; Sydenham 597c; BMCRR (Italy) 677-93var (symbol); Porcia 7.
Provenance: Ex Elsen 141 (15 Jun 2019) Lot 152; Elsen List 60 (Oct 1983), Lot 37.
The precise identity of the moneyer is uncertain. Crawford believes the obverse head of Liber alludes to the Porcian Laws which broadened the rights of Roman citizens with respect to punishments and appeals. This issue of quinarii was huge, with Crawford estimating 400 obverse and 444 reverse dies. The obverse appears in two varieties: one with control marks below the head, and one without. The control marks include Greek and Latin letters, numbers and symbols.
CarausiusAug 26, 2019
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Crawford 24/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Roma/Wheel Series, Aes Grave SemisRome, The Republic.
Roma/Wheel Series, c. 230 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Semis (103g; 49mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Bull leaping to left; S (mark of value) below.
Reverse: Wheel with six spokes; S (mark of value) between two spokes.
References: Crawford 24/4; ICC 67; Sydenham 60.
Provenance: Ex H.D. Rauch Auction 95 (30 Sep 2014), Lot 272; Tkalec 2006, Lot 93.
The Roma/Wheel Series of aes grave is an interesting series for its types. This Semis depicts a leaping bull, a device that would be used on later Republican struck bronzes with a snake below the bull (see Crawford 39/2 and 42/2). The wheel on the reverse of this series is previously unseen on Roman coinage. There were several series of Etrurian aes grave bearing spoked wheels produced in the 3rd century BCE (see HN Italy 56-67; ICC 145-190). It is unclear whether these Etrurian aes grave were inspired by or inspiration for the Roman wheel series.
This example is on the light side of reported weights in Haeberlin; however, as museums and collectors tend to favor heavier examples of Aes Grave, Haeberlin’s reported weight range (based on museum and major private collections) is likely “overweight” in heavier specimens. CarausiusJul 20, 2019
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Crawford 35/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Janus/Prow Series, Aes Grave SemisRome, The Republic.
Janus/Prow Series, circa 225-217 BCE.
AE Aes Grave Semis (135.3g; 52mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn, facing left; S (mark of value) below neck; all on raised disk.
Reverse: Prow facing right; S (mark of value) above; all on raised disk.
References: Crawford 35/2; ICC 76; Sydenham 73; BMCRR 23-29.
Provenance: Ex Munzen und Medaillen GmbH, Auction 40 (4 Jun 2014), Lot 455; Auctiones AG Auction 13 (1983), Lot 505.
The prow series of libral Aes Grave was a very large issue. E.J. Haeberlin included over 300 examples of the Semis in the weight analysis within his monumental "Aes Grave". The Prow series Aes Grave was initially based on an As of about 270 grams. The iconography likely refers to the role of Rome's new and powerful navy in the victory over Carthage in the First Punic War. Both obverse and reverse iconography from the various denominations of this series would continue through the Republican struck bronze coinage.
CarausiusJul 20, 2019
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Crawford 106/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, "Anonymous" Staff and Club Series, AE SemisRome, The Republic.
Anonymous Staff and Club Series, 208 BCE.
AE Semis (16.22g; 28mm).
Etrurian Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Saturn, facing right; S (mark-of-value) behind
Reverse: Prow right; S (mark-of-value) above; ROMA below.
References: Crawford106/5 var (no symbol above prow); McCabe Group E1.
Provenance: Ex Naville 48 (7 Apr 2019) Lot 326; Otto Collection [Hess (Dec 1931), Lot 822]; Niklovitz Collection [L. Hamburger 76 (19 Oct 1925), Lot 240].
In "Roman Republican Coinage", Michael Crawford recognized many silver “symbol” Republican series for which there were parallel “anonymous” types omitting the symbols. In his article “Unpublished Roman Republican Bronze Coins” (Essays Hersh, 1998), Roberto Russo noted that the parallel issue of anonymous silver coins to series with symbols applies equally to the bronze coins. (Essays Hersh, 1998, p. 141). Andrew McCabe takes this approach much further in his article “The Anonymous Struck Bronze Coinage of the Roman Republic” (Essays Russo, 2013) in which he links many of the anonymous Republican bronzes to symbol series based on precise style considerations. The takeaway from all this is that for many of the Roman Republican symbol series of the late Second Punic War and early 2nd Century BCE, there are parallel anonymous series identifiable by style. The rationale for these parallel issues is unclear, though possibly related to (a) governmental approvals for the issue or (b) mint control of the metal source from which the issue was struck or (c) workshop identification.
This coin is an anonymous version (missing symbol) of the Staff and Club Semis of the Crawford 106 series, produced in Etruria. It is identical in style to the Etrurian Staff and Club coins and only misses the symbols. Not surprisingly, these coins are commonly misattributed as Crawford 56 anonymous bronzes.
CarausiusJul 20, 2019
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Crawford 323/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Julius, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Julius, 101 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.0g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; corn ear behind
Reverse: Victory in biga galloping right; L.IVLI below.
References: Crawford 323/1; Sydenham 585; BMCRR 1676; Julia 3.
Provenance: Ex Collection of a World War II Veteran; acquired July 1963 from Richard M. Muniz.
The moneyer was likely not a Caesar, though a member of the same Julia gens. Comparatively, just a few years earlier, in 103 BCE, an L. Julius Caesar struck coins with a prominent “CAESAR” inscription. The corn ear on the obverse may refer to a corn distribution, the purchase of which might have been the purpose of the coins.
CarausiusJul 15, 2019
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