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Crawford 495/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Octavian, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.70g; 20mm).
Military Mint in Italy.
Obverse: LEPIDVS· PONT· MAX· III· V· R· P· C; bare head of Lepidus facing right.
Reverse: C· CAESAR· IMP· III· VIR· R ·P· C; bare head of Octavian facing right.
References: Crawford 495/2d; HCRI 140a; Sydenham 1323var (rev legend); Aemilia 35var (rev legend); BMCRR (Africa) 29-31var (rev legend); Banti & Simonetti 7 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Leu Numismatik Auction 8 (30 Jun 2019) Lot 949; Bank Leu 7 (9 May 1973) Lot 317; Valerio Traverso Collection [Michelle Baranowsky Auction (25 Feb 1931) Lot 1273]; Joseph Martini Collection [Rodolfo Ratto Auction (24 Feb 1930) Lot 1334]; Rodolfo Ratto Fixed Price List (1927) Lot 629; Dr. Bonazzi Collection a/k/a Riche Collection [Rodolfo Ratto Auction (23 Jan 1924) Lot 1352].
This reverse die differs from most of this denarius issue in that the inscription begins with the initial “C” for Octavian's first name (Caius), while the remainder of the issue begins, simply, "CAESAR." The coins appear to celebrate the formation of the Second Triumvirate, although it is unclear why Lepidus did not also strike coins with Antony’s portrait.
This particular example appeared in a remarkable number of important Roman Republican coin sales between 1924-1931, including sales of the collections of Dr. Bonazzi and Joseph Martini.
CarausiusJul 15, 2019
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Crawford 041/10, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Post Semi-Libral AE UnciaRome, The Republic.
Anonymous (Post Semi-libral Series), 215-212 BCE.
AE Uncia (7.87g; 24mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right; pellet (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Prow facing right; ROMA above; pellet (mark-of-value) below.
References: Crawford 41/10; McCabe Group A1; RBW 135.
Provenance: Ex Nomisma E-Live Auction 10 (18 Jun 2019) Lot 12.
This series is the second of the “prow” struck bronze series. It is most easily recognized by the left side of the prow device which has a clearly delineated edge, while on later series the left side of the prow appears to extend off the side of the coin. The series was issued during the Second Punic War and reflects the continued reduction in weight standard of the Roman bronze coinage during the conflict; this issue having occurred on the heels of the “semi-libral reduction” of 217-215 BCE. It would soon be followed by further weight reductions.
CarausiusJul 11, 2019
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Crawford 148/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Marius, AE AsRome, The Republic.
Q. Marius, 189-180 BCE.
AE As (31.17g; 32mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Janus; I (mark of value) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; Q.MARI above; I (mark of value) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 148/1; Sydenham 367 (R7); BMCRR 822; Maria 1.
Provenance: Ex Nomisma E-Live Auction 10 (18 Jun 2019) Lot 22; Bombarda Collection; NAC 9 (16 Apr 1996) Lot 587.
This is a particularly fine example of this scarce type. Not much is known of the moneyer beyond his coins. He is likely NOT an ancestor of Gaius Marius who would later serve seven consulships and challenge Sulla.
CarausiusJul 11, 2019
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Crawford 27/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, 230-226 BCE.
AE Litra (3.58g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Beardless head of Mars, facing right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; club behind.
Reverse: Horse rearing to right; club above; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 27/2; Sydenham 23a; BMCRR (Rom-Camp) 53.
Provenance: Ex Nomisma E-Live Auction 10 (18 Jun 2019) Lot 7; Numismatica Gino Marchesi.
This is one of the last series of struck bronzes issued by the Roman Republic before the introduction of standard "prow" types on the aes grave circa 225 BCE. Unlike many prior struck bronze issues, this coin is related to a contemporaneous issue of silver didrachms which bears the same devices and club symbol.
CarausiusJul 11, 2019
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Crawford 341/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Titius, AE AsRome, The Republic.
Q. Titius, 90 BCE.
AE As (14.45g; 27mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Janus.
Reverse: Prow facing right; Q.TITI above; * (control) to right.
References: Crawford 341/4d; Sydenham 694b (R4); Banti 8 (R7); Titia 4.
Provenance: Ex Naville 50 (23 Jun 2019) Lot 386.
This coin has a few problems, but it is exceptional in several other respects that help overcome those problems. First, it is extremely fine, showing practically no actual wear with only a few areas of flatness due to strike and flan production flaws. Republican struck bronzes in EF are extremely rare. Second, it has an exceptional patina. Third, it bears a star control mark before the prow, making it one of the rarer varieties of Titius asses – Rarity 4 in Sydenham and Rarity 7 in Banti.
CarausiusJul 07, 2019
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Crawford 488/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius. 43 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.19g; 19mm).
Military mint in Cisalpine Gaul.
Obverse: M.A[NTON IMP RPC]; Antony's bare, bearded head facing right; lituus behind.
Reverse: CAESAR DIC; Laureate head of Julius Caesar facing right; jug behind.
References: Crawford 488/2; HCRI 123; Sydenham 1166; BMCRR (Gaul) 55; Antonia 5-6.
Provenance: Ex Roma E-Live Auction 1 (25-6 Jul 2018) Lot 531; Bernard Poindessault Collection [Oger-Blanchet (17 Nov 2017) Lot 148]; Edouard Schott Collection [E. Bourgey (21 Mar 1972) Lot 337].
This is one of Antony’s earliest issues following the creation of the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus. The titulature "RPC" (tip of "C" just barely visible beneath Antony’s portrait on this specimen) reflects the new status. Antony is depicted with a slight beard of mourning, as is Octavian on his coins until the defeat of the Tyrannicides at Philippi the following year. Both Antony and Caesar have symbols of the augurate behind their portraits, as both were members of the college of augurs, and this served to highlight their common bond. The somewhat comical portrait style is reflective of the military mint, with limited die engraver talent.
CarausiusJul 07, 2019
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Crawford 544/18, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Antony Legion V DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius, 44-31 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.79g; 19mm).
Military Mint traveling with Antony, 32-1 BCE.
Obverse: ANT AVG III VIR R P C; galley facing right.
Reverse: LEG V; Aquilia between two standards.
References: Crawford 544/18; HCRI 354; Sydenham 1221; BMCRR (East) 196; Banti 75 (this coin); Antonia 110.
Provenance: Ex Kress 109 (24-25 Oct 1958), Lot 749.
Produced by Antony in the lead-up to his final defeat at Actium by Octavian’s navy (commanded by Agrippa), the legionary series was a huge issue that recognized 23 legions under Antony’s command. These coins would continue to circulate throughout the Empire for several centuries after Antony’s loss, partly because their notoriously debased silver discouraged hoarding. Thirty-seven examples of the LEG V variety appeared in the 1905 Delos hoard of 604 Antony Legionary denarii, making it one of the most common varieties of the series. However, an example with a verifiable old provenance, such as this coin, is quite rare.
CarausiusJul 07, 2019
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Crawford 16/1a, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous. 275-270 BCE.
AE Litra (9.89g; 22mm).
Southern Italian Mint.
Obverse: Nymph’s head, facing right, wearing diadem.
Reverse: Lion walking right, head facing; ROMANO in exergue.
References: Crawford 16/1a; Syd 5; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 23-27; RBW 10; HN1 276.
Provenance: NAC 114 (7 May 2019) Lot 1241; Hoskier Collection [Hess (15 Feb 1934) Lot 543].
This is one of the larger issues of early Roman struck bronzes. Hoard evidence suggests a mint south of Rome. Fabric and style also support a South Italian mint, as the flan, which appears to have been cast with hemispheric molds that leave characteristic edge sprues, is typical of Neapolitan coins of similar age. The lion on the reverse is sometimes shown with a spear in its mouth and sometimes not. There is no spear evident on this coin. There does not seem to be any direct connection between this issue and contemporaneous silver issues. Connections to contemporaneous silver would be evidenced on later struck bronze coins by common devices and symbols (i.e. club and sickle series). CarausiusJun 14, 2019
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Crawford 097/22a, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L Series, AE AsRome, The Republic.
L Series. 211-208 BCE.
AE As (27.67g; 37mm).
Luceria Mint.
Obverse: Janus head; --- (mark of values) above; L below.
Reverse: Prow to right; ROMA below; I (mark of value) above.
References: Crawford 97/22a; RBW 417-419.
Provenance: Ex Ambrose Collection [Roma X (9 Sept 2015), Lot 659]; Bombarda Collection [Tkalec AG (8 Sept 2008), Lot 236].
Possibly over-struck, though the under-type is not attributable.
CarausiusJun 14, 2019
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Crawford 513/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, M. Arrius Secundus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
M. Arrius Secundus. 41 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: M. ARRIVS - SECVNDVS; bare head, with slight beard, facing right.
Reverse: Victory honors - wreath, spear and phalera.
References: Crawford 513/2; HCRI 319; Sydenham 1084; BMCRR 4210; Arria 2; G. Lahusen, Die Bildnismunzen Der Romischen Republik, pl. 63, nos. 12 and 16 (this coin illustrated twice).
Provenance: Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019) Lot 134; Munzen und Medaillen XIX (5-6 Jun 1959) Lot 172; Munzhandlung Basel 10 (15 Mar 1938) Lot 486.
M. Arrius Secundus was likely son of Quintus Arrius, who had a victory in the Servile War against one of Spartacus’ lieutenants, but subsequently lost a battle to Spartacus himself. He was the only member of his gens to strike coins, and not much else is known about him.
The slightly-bearded, obverse portrait, while probably depicting the moneyer’s father, Quintus Arrius, also bears a striking resemblance to contemporaneous portraits of Octavian. However, without any inscription naming Caesar, a positive identification of the portrait remains debated by scholars. David Sear suggests that the portrait is deliberately ambiguous, as the political and military climate was very risky and the moneyer likely wanted plausible deniability that the portrait was Octavian. The reverse shows awards of victory granted to the moneyer’s father for his Servile War victory: a laurel wreath, golden spear and phalera (a military decoration attached to a harness and worn over a cuirass).
CarausiusJun 14, 2019
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Crawford 500/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Cassius, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
C. Cassius Longinus. 44-42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.38g; 20mm).
Military Mint in Smyrna.
Obverse: C. CASSI – IMP; tripod with cauldron and laurel fillets.
Reverse: LENTVLVS SPINT; jug and lituus.
References: Crawford 500/1; HCRI 219; Sydenham 1308; BMCRR (East) 79; Cassia 14.
Provenance: Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019) Lot 121; P&P Santamaria (4 May 1961) Lot 168.
This coin was struck for Cassius, one of the chief assassins of Julius Caesar, when Brutus and Cassius met in Smyrna, circa early 42 BCE. The tripod obverse type was borrowed from a slightly earlier Aureus produced for Cassius by his legate, M. Aquinus. The tripod may reference Cassius’ membership in one of the sacred colleges. Cassius was elected to the augurate in 57 BCE, to which the implements on the reverse of this coin certainly allude. The coin was produced on Cassius’ behalf by P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, who also produced coins for Brutus at the same time. For more information on Spinther, see my example of his Brutus denarius at: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-145289
Until the discovery of a large, mint-state, hoard in the early 2000’s, this was one of the rarest types in the Roman Republican series. While recent hoard examples of the type are scarce, old provenanced examples, like this, remain extremely rare.
CarausiusJun 14, 2019
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Crawford 17/1a, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE Double Litra - Rome, The Republic.
Anonymous. Before 269 BCE.
AE Double Litra (5.7g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Goddess in crested Corinthian helmet, facing left.
Reverse: Bridled horse head on base, facing right; ROMANO behind.
References: Crawford 17/1a; Sydenham 3; BMCRR (Rom-Camp) 6-7.
Provenance: Ex Dan Clark Collection (active 1980s-1990s).
This is one of the larger issues of early Roman struck bronzes. There does not seem to be any direct connection between this issue and contemporaneous silver issues. Connections to contemporaneous silver would be evidenced on later struck bronze coins by common devices and symbols (i.e. club and sickle series). CarausiusJun 14, 2019
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Crawford 25/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AE LitraRome, The Republic.
Anonymous. 241-235 BCE.
AE Litra (2.67g; 15mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Beardless head of Mars wearing crested Corinthian helmet, facing right.
Reverse: Bridled horse head facing right; sickle behind; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 25/3; Sydenham 26; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 64-67.
Provenance: Ex Volteia Collection.
This series is the first Roman coinage to bear the inscription ROMA, a change from the earlier ROMANO inscriptions. The early ROMANO inscriptions 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. The move to the nominative case ROMA, may have been a simple shift to Roman/Latin usage consistent with the coinage taking on a more “Roman” character, as minting activity had moved from southern Italy to Rome many years before. The sickle symbol on the reverse, as well as common devices across denominations, links this issue to contemporaneous Roman silver didrachms also bearing the sickle. This marks the first time in the emerging Roman coinage that a clear-intentioned, bi-metallic series emission can be established.
CarausiusJun 14, 2019
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Crawford 410/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Pomponius Musa, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Q. Pomponius Musa, mid-50s BCE
AR Denarius (3.58g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo(?), hair tied-up, facing right; tied scroll behind.
Reverse: Q. POMPONI – MVSA; Clio, muse of history, facing left and leaning on column, while reading open scroll.
References: Crawford 410/3; Sydenham 813; BMCRR 3610-11; Pomponia 11.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3072 (15 Jan 2019), Lot 35407; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3-4 May 1978), Lot 469]; E.J. Haeberlin Collection [Cahn-Hess (17 Jul 1933) Lot 2490].
As the muse of history, Clio is typically depicted in ancient art with an open scroll or tablet.
Q. Pomponius Musa, who punned his name by depicting the Muses on a series of coins, is unknown except for his coins, which makes precise dating of the series difficult. For many years, scholars (including Crawford) dated the series to 66 BCE. However, the absence of any examples of the series in the large Mesagne hoard caused Hersh and Walker to bring down the date of the series to 56 BCE. Michael Harlan, retracting his reticence with the Mesagne dating, later proposed a date of 52 BCE.
There are two varieties of Musa denarii: the first depicts Apollo/Hercules Musarum (see my gallery example); the second, of which there are nine sub-varieties, depict Apollo and a Muse. The above coin is of the second variety.
Apollo is often depicted androgynously on ancient coins. The standard references consistently attribute the obverse heads on both varieties of Musa’s coins as Apollo; but the depictions are notably different between the Hercules and Muse varieties. On the Hercules variety, the deity’s hair is down and tied, and generally consistent with many depictions of Apollo on other Roman Republican coins (see, e.g., denarii of L. Calpurnius Piso and C. Calpurnius Piso). Comparatively, the head on the above Muse variety is considerably more feminine in appearance and laureate, though lacking earrings, necklaces or other feminine accents. Admittedly, this more feminine type head has also been attributed by scholars as Apollo on other coin types (see, e.g., denarii of P. Clodius and C. Considius). However, within the same series the different styled heads appear to depict different deities. Given the Muse emblems behind each head on the nine Muse types, it’s possible that the feminine heads do not represent Apollo, but the Muses themselves. Michael Harlan agrees with this interpretation in both editions of "Roman Republican Moneyers and their Coins." More research on this issue is needed.CarausiusMar 31, 2019
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Crawford 410/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Pomponius Musa, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Q. Pomponius Musa, mid-50s BCE
AR Denarius (3.96g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo(?), hair tied-up, facing right; scepter behind.
Reverse: MVSA - Q.POMPONI; Melpomene, muse of tragedy, facing left and holding club and theatrical mask.
References: Crawford 410/4; Sydenham 816; BMCRR 3615-16; Pomponia 14.
Provenance: Ex Fay Beth Wedig Collection [CNG eSale 439 (6 Mar 2019) Lot 442]; NAC 11 (29 Apr 1998), Lot 253.
Q. Pomponius Musa, who punned his name by depicting the Muses on a series of coins, is unknown except for his coins, which makes precise dating of the series difficult. For many years, scholars (including Crawford) dated the series to 66 BCE. However, the absence of any examples of the series in the large Mesagne hoard caused Hersh and Walker to bring down the date of the series to 56 BCE. Michael Harlan, retracting his reticence with the Mesagne dating, later proposed a date of 52 BCE.
There are two varieties of Musa denarii: the first depicts Apollo/Hercules Musarum (see my gallery example); the second, of which there are nine sub-varieties, depict Apollo and a Muse. The above coin is of the second variety.
Apollo is often depicted androgynously on ancient coins. The standard references consistently attribute the obverse heads on both varieties of Musa’s coins as Apollo; but the depictions are notably different between the Hercules and Muse varieties. On the Hercules variety, the deity’s hair is down and tied, and generally consistent with many depictions of Apollo on other Roman Republican coins (see, e.g., denarii of L. Calpurnius Piso and C. Calpurnius Piso). Comparatively, the head on the above Muse variety is considerably more feminine in appearance and laureate, though lacking earrings, necklaces or other feminine accents. Admittedly, this more feminine type head has also been attributed by scholars as Apollo on other coin types (see, e.g., denarii of P. Clodius and C. Considius). However, within the same series the different styled heads appear to depict different deities. Given the Muse emblems behind each head on the nine Muse types, it’s possible that the feminine heads do not represent Apollo, but the Muses themselves. Michael Harlan agrees with this interpretation in both editions of "Roman Republican Moneyers and their Coins." More research on this issue is needed.
Melpomene, whose name actually means “songstress” was originally one of the muses of song, but her role changed to muse of tragic theater after the development of drama in classical Greece sometime in the sixth century BCE. She is generally depicted holding a club or knife and a tragic mask, which Greek actors wore on stage when performing dramatic plays.
CarausiusMar 31, 2019
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Crawford 340/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Piso Frugi, AR DenariusRome, The Republic
L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 90 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.78g; 19mm)
Rome mint.
Obv: Laureate head of Apollo facing right; N (control mark) below chin.
Rev: Horseman galloping to right, holding whip; dolphin above; L·PISO·FRVG and ROMA below.
References: Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 658a; Hersh Class IV, Series 20.
Provenance: Ex Spink & Son Ltd; Mario Ratto Fixed Price List (Feb 1966) Lot 297.
Apparently overstruck with remnants of undertype visible on reverse.
L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi was moneyer in 90 BCE, during the time of the Social War. He later attained the office of Praetor in 74 BCE, but did not appear to distinguish himself further.
The Social War was a civil war between Rome and her Italian allies who had broken-away in a demand for citizenship rights. It was a time of massive coinage output by the Rome mints, likely to pay the costs associated with the conflict. As a result, Frugi’s coins are among the most common in the entire Roman Republican series. Crawford estimates 864 obverse and 1080 reverse dies were used to produce Frugi’s denarii. Both obverse and reverse dies bear control marks of varying complexity, and no control mark has more than one die. The earlier dies in the series which bear ROMA, either spelled-out (as on this coin) or in monogram, in the reverse exergue, are typically of finer style than the later dies without ROMA or monogram. For another fine-style example with ROMA in monogram form, see my gallery coin at: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-146453
This type alludes to the annual celebration of the Ludi Apollinares instituted by Frugi’s ancestor during the Second Punic War. These games were held at the Circus Maximus in July of each year and lasted 8 or 9 days, consisting of horse racing and performances.
CarausiusMar 23, 2019
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Crawford 039/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Collateral Semilibral Struck AE QuadransRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, Semilibral Reduction, 217-215 BCE.
AE Struck Quadrans (38.77g; 31mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.
Obverse: Youthful head of Hercules in boarskin headdress, facing right; three pellets (mark of value=3 unciae) behind.
Reverse: Bull leaping right, snake below; three pellets (mark of value = 3 unciae) above; ROMA below.
Reference: Crawford 39/2; Sydenham 94; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 116.
Provenance: Ex SKA/Credit Suisse (Bern) 7 (27-29 Apr 1987), Lot 656; Dr. Busso Peus Auction 300 (28 Oct 1980), Lot 206; Munz Zentrum Auktion XXX (21 Nov 1977) Lot 76; Signorelli Collection.
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 and their relationship to contemporaneous Second Punic War events are interesting to ponder. Hercules is an important figure, appearing on two of the 10 available sides of the series. Likely this is a paradigm of Roman strength and heroism during the War. While Crawford 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.
Frequent visitors to my gallery may notice that this coin is a duplicate of a coin already in my collection. Indeed, I recently chose to upgrade my original specimen (viewable here: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-143993 ) with this companion. The type is difficult to find as well preserved as this specimen, so when I saw this coin, I snatched it up. For now, I’ll keep them both. The pair illustrates the general fabric of this series – well made, conical flans, likely produced in open moulds; flat fields (struck from flat-planed dies); and generally low relief.
CarausiusMar 02, 2019
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Crawford 474/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Valerius Acisculus, AR Denarius - SEAR PLATE COIN!Rome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
L. Valerius Acisculus, 45 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.17g; 21mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Filleted head of Apollo facing right; star above; pick-axe and ACISCVLVS behind; all within a wreath border.
Reverse: Europa riding bull to right with billowing veil; L VALERIVS in exergue.
References: Crawford 474/1b; HCRI 90a; Sydenham 998a; BMCRR 4102; Sear RCV I 469/2 (this coin illustrated); Banti 35/2 (this coin illustrated); Valeria 16.
Provenance: Ex Student and his Mentor Collection [NAC 83 (2015) Lot 442]; Credit de la Bourse (1995) Lot 1146; Munzen und Medaillen Liste 412 (1979), Lot 43; E.J. Haeberlin Collection [Cahn-Hess (17 Jul 1933) Lot 2800].
L. Valerius Acisculus issued an interesting series of types in 45 BCE. Not much is known about the moneyer except that he was also a Tribune of the Plebs. The pick-axe on obverse of these types is a punning allusion to the moneyer’s name, as the Latin word for pick-axe is “acisculus”. Scholars have long debated the meanings of the other devices, some going to great lengths to argue connections to the moneyer’s family. However, more recently, Crawford and Sear both concluded that the types, including the laurel wreath border on the obverse of this coin, likely allude to Julius Caesar’s military successes against Pompey and in the East.
CarausiusMar 02, 2019
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Crawford 474/5, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Valerius Acisculus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Valerius Acisculus, 45 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.17g; 22mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Radiate, draped head of Sol facing right; pick-axe and ACISCVLVS behind
Reverse: Luna in biga galloping right; L. VALERIVS in exergue.
References: Crawford 474/5; HCRI 94; Sydenham 1002; BMCRR 4110; FFC 1171 (this coin illustrated); Valeria 20.
Provenance: Ex Jose Fernandez Molina Collection [Aureo & Calico Alba Longa Auction (7 Nov 2018) Lot 716]; NAC 18 (29 Mar 2000) Lot 337.
L. Valerius Acisculus issued an interesting series of types in 45 BCE. Not much is known about the moneyer except that he was also a Tribune of the Plebs. The pick-axe on obverse of these types is a punning allusion to the moneyer’s name, as the Latin word for pick-axe is “acisculus”. Scholars have long debated the meanings of the other devices, some going to great lengths to argue connections to the moneyer’s family. However, more recently, Crawford and Sear both concluded that the types likely allude to Julius Caesar’s military successes against Pompey and in the East. The obverse of this coin, in particular, is likely a nod to Caesar's eastern victories, with Sol's cult having a strong eastern following.
CarausiusMar 02, 2019
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RIC 266, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.92g; 20mm).
Italian Mint, Summer 30-29 BCE.
Obverse: Octavian’s bare head, facing right.
Reverse: Roman Senate House; IMP CAESAR on architrave.
References: RIC 266; HCRI 421; BMCRR 4358; Julia 161.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3063 (16 Jan 2018) Lot 33381; Spink Num. Circ. Vol LXXVIII, No. 6 (June 1970), inv. #6871, pl. 11.
The coin celebrates the dedication of the Curia Julia, a new meeting house for the Roman Senate, construction of which was commenced under Julius Caesar and completed by Octavian circa 29 BCE. Julius Caesar was assassinated at the Theater of Pompey where the Senate was meeting while construction of this new Senate house was underway. It is both ironic and politically astute that Octavian should commemorate this new Senate house on a coin, given that his hold on power made the Senate effectively irrelevant. The structure still stands today, having been restored through the imperial period and later converted to a church.
CarausiusFeb 17, 2019
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Crawford 538/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Octavian, 44-27 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.79g; 20mm).
Italian Mint, Summer 37 BCE.
Obverse: IMP CAESAR-DIVI·F·III·VIR·ITER R·P·C; Octavian’s bare head, bearded and facing right.
Reverse: COS·ITER·ET·TER·DESIG; Simpulum, aspergillum, jug and lituus.
References: Crawford 538/1; Sydenham 1334; HCRI 312; BMCRR (Gaul) 116.
Provenance: Ex Ernst Ploil Collection [NAC 101 (24 Oct 2017), Lot 41]; Peus 386 (26 Apr 2006), Lot 663; Astarte 5 (1999), Lot 703.
The obverse inscription records the renewal of the second triumvirate in 37 BCE.
CarausiusFeb 17, 2019
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Crawford 502/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Brutus, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Brutus, 44-42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.76g; 17mm).
Military Mint, Spring-Summer 42 BCE.
Obverse: L·SESTI - PRO·Q; Veiled and draped bust of Libertas, facing right.
Reverse: Q·CAEPIO·BRVTVS·PRO·COS; Tripod with axe on left and simpulum on right.
References: Crawford 502/2; HCRI 201; Syd 1290; BMCRR East 41; Junia 37; Sestia 2.
Provenance: Ex Alan J. Harlan Collection [Triton XXII (9 Jan 2019), Lot 951]; Kunker 288 (13 Mar 2017) Lot 314; Theodor Prowe Collection [Hess (20 May 1912) Lot 933].
Marcus Junius Brutus was posthumously adopted by his maternal uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio. Afterward, Brutus sometimes used the name Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus, which both honored his uncle and advertised his maternal descent from Gaius Servilius Structus Ahala. Ahala was a Roman Republican hero who had killed someone with regal aspirations. In his early political career, Brutus issued coins with the portrait of Ahala on one side (see Crawford 433/2; http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-144687). Following the assassination of Caesar, Brutus resurrected his use of the name Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus, as on this coin, again alluding to this Servilian connection in his family tree. Combined with the bust of Liberty on the obverse of this coin, the message is clear: that the assassins were liberators from monarchy in the old Republican tradition of their ancestors. The reverse shows the symbols of Brutus’ membership in the college of priests.
This example comes from the collection of Theodor Prowe of Moscow, one of the great collections of the early 20th century, which was auctioned in three separate 1912 sales by Bruder Egger (Greek) and Hess (Roman).
CarausiusFeb 17, 2019
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Crawford 25/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR DidrachmRome. The Republic.
Anonymous, 241-235 BCE.
AR Didrachm (6.62g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Beardless head of Mars wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with gryphon, facing right.
Reverse: Bridled horse head facing right; sickle to left; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 25/1; Sydenham 24; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 57.
Provenance: Ex Ed Waddell inventory #7484 (c. 1985).
This didrachm series is the first Roman silver coinage to bear the inscription ROMA, a change from the earlier ROMANO inscriptions. The early ROMANO inscriptions 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. The move to the nominative case ROMA, may have been a simple shift to Roman/Latin usage consistent with the coinage taking on a more “Roman” character, as minting activity had moved from southern Italy to Rome many years before. The sickle symbol on the reverse, as well as common devices across denominations, links this didrachm issue to contemporaneous Roman bronze coinage also bearing the sickle. This marks the first time in the emerging Roman coinage that a clear-intentioned, bi-metallic series emission can be established.
CarausiusFeb 17, 2019
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Crawford 544/14, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Antony Legion II DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius, 44-31 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.64g; 17mm).
Military Mint traveling with Antony, 32-1 BCE.
Obverse: ANT AVG III VIR R P C; galley facing right.
Reverse: LEG II; Aquilia between two standards.
References: Crawford 544/14; Sydenham 1216; HCRI 349; BMCRR East 190-92; Antonia 105.
Provenance: Ex Pat Coyle Coll. [Goldberg Auction 69 (29 May 2012) Lot 3471]; NAC 40 (16 May 2007), Lot 624.
Produced by Antony in the lead-up to his final defeat at Actium by Octavian’s navy (commanded by Agrippa), the legionary series was a huge issue that recognized 23 legions under Antony’s command. These coins would continue to circulate throughout the Empire for several centuries after Antony’s loss, partly because their notoriously debased silver discouraged hoarding. Forty examples of the LEG II variety appeared in the 1905 Delos hoard of 604 Antony Legionary denarii, making it one of the most common varieties of the series.
The Legio II was likely a legion that was disbanded after Actium.
CarausiusFeb 05, 2019
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Crawford 245/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Marcius, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Marcius, 134 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.95g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right; modius behind; * below chin.
Reverse: Victory in biga galloping right; two wheat ears and M-MAR-C below; RO-MA in exergue.
References: Crawford 245/1; Sydenham 500; BMCRR 1008-13; Marcia 8.
One of the moneyer’s ancestors was an aedile in charge grain distribution to the Roman people, and the modius and wheat ears refer to this family connection.
CarausiusFeb 04, 2019
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Crawford 156/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Prawn Series, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
Anonymous Prawn Series, 179-169 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.87g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right; behind, X.
Reverse: Luna in biga galloping right; prawn below horses; in exergue, ROMA in linear frame.
References: Crawford 156/1; Sydenham 343; BMCRR 585.
Provenance: Ex Frederick S. Knobloch Collection [Stack's, 3-4 May 1978, Lot 97]. CarausiusFeb 04, 2019
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Crawford 249/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, P. Maenius Antias, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
P. Maenius M.f. Antias, 132 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right; * behind.
Reverse: Victory in quadriga galloping right; P. MAE ANT below; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 249/1; Sydenham 492; BMCRR 988-90; Maenia 7.
Provenance: Ex Stack's Auction, 14-15 June 1971, Lot 109.
The reverse refers to the moneyer’s ancestor, C. Maenius, consul in 338 BCE, who had a victory over the Latins near Antium and received the surname Antias or Antiaticus. Antium was a Volscian city that was in revolt at the time. The rams of the ships of Antium were taken by Rome and used to adorn the Rostrum in the Roman Forum.
CarausiusJan 09, 2019
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Crawford 428/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Cassius Longinus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Q. Cassius Longinus, 55 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.91g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Bonus Eventus or Genius of the Roman People head facing right; scepter behind.
Reverse: Eagle on thunderbolt, facing right; lituus to left; jug to right; Q CASSIVS below.
References: Crawford 428/3; Sydenham 916; BMCRR 3868; Cassia 7.
Provenance: Ex Fernandez Collection [Aureo & Calico Alba Longa Auction (7 Nov 2018) Lot 227].
The identity of the head on the obverse is in doubt. Crawford interprets the obverse as Genius of the Roman People and the reverse an allusion to imperium. Michael Harlan theorizes that the head is Bonus Eventus and that it ties to symbols of the augurate on the reverse. Augurs, after all, want to predict good outcomes. Harlan's interpretation doesn’t fully explain the scepter on the obverse, which is not a typical characteristic of Bonus Eventus.
CarausiusJan 07, 2019
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Crawford 359/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Cornelius Sulla, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Cornelius Sulla, 84-83 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 21mm).
Military Mint.
Obverse: L·SVLLA; diademed head of Venus facing right; before, Cupid holding palm to left.
Reverse: IMPER – ITERV; two trophies with jug and lituus between them.
References: Crawford 359/2; Sydenham 761a; BMCRR East 3; Cornelia 30.
Provenance: Ex Nomisma 58 (6 Nov 2018) Lot 76.
These coins were struck in the east, just before Sulla’s march on Rome. The fabric and style of these coins are certainly different from other Roman Republican denarii of the era, more eastern than Roman. Perhaps not obvious from my photo, the obverse is struck in very high relief and the reverse has pronounced cupping (from a convex reverse die, which more efficiently drives the metal into the high relief obverse die). The obverse honors Venus, whom Sulla considered his protectress. The jug and lituus on the reverse are suggestive of the office of Augur, but Crawford did not think Sulla was an Augur at the time these coins were produced. The implements may refer to an ancestor of Sulla that was an Augur, or, as Crawford surmises, to Sulla’s imperium. The trophies on the reverse refer to Sulla’s victories in the east against Mithradates. Two trophies were also used by Sulla in an issue of tetradrachms in the Athenian “New Style” form.
Sulla’s seizure of dictatorial power following his march on Rome (leading an army that was loyal to him, rather than to the state) became a paradigm for Roman political struggles thereafter. Julius Caesar would initiate similar consequences when he crossed the Rubicon at the head of his army 30+ years later. Unlike Sulla, Caesar showed no interest in resigning his power. Also unlike Sulla, Caesar would strike coins bearing his own likeness. Sulla’s portrait did not appear on a Roman coin until 25 years after Sulla’s death (See, Crawford 434/1).
CarausiusJan 07, 2019
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Crawford 544/10, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Antony Legion XVII Classicae DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius, 44-31 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.41g; 20mm).
Military Mint traveling with Antony, 32-1 BCE.
Obverse: ANT AVG LLL VIR R P C; galley facing right.
Reverse: LEG XVII CLASSICAE; Aquilia between two standards.
References: Crawford 544/10; Sydenham 1238; HCRI 373; BMCRR East 223; Antonia 128
Provenance: Ex Nomisma 58 (6 Nov 2018) Lot 214.
Produced by Antony in the lead-up to his final defeat at Actium by Octavian’s navy (commanded by Agrippa), the legionary series was a huge issue that recognized 23 legions under Antony’s command. These coins would continue to circulate throughout the Empire for several centuries after Antony’s loss, partly because their notoriously debased silver discouraged hoarding. Only 8 examples of the LEG XVII Classicae type appeared in the 1905 Delos hoard of 604 Antony Legionary denarii.
The Legio XVII Classicae was likely a legion of marines formed by Antony and disbanded after Actium. They were not the Legio XVII destroyed at Tuetoburg Forest under Varus in 9 CE.
CarausiusJan 05, 2019
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Crawford 322/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Fabius C. f. Hadrianus, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
C. Fabius C. f. Hadrianus, 102 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.99g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Veiled and turreted head of Cybele, facing right; Є behind.
Reverse: Victory in fast biga galloping right; heron/stork below; C· FABI· C· F in exergue.
References: Crawford 322/1a; Sydenham 589; BMCRR 1581; Fabia 15.
Provenance: Ex Nomisma 58 (6 Nov 2018) Lot 93.
This is the second variety of Fabius’ denarii, without the obverse inscription referencing public silver [EX· A· PV] behind the head of Cybele. For more on the public silver inscription variety and an explanation of the heron/stork on Fabius’ coinage, see my other gallery entry here: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-149699
CarausiusJan 05, 2019
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Crawford 286/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Sergius Silus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Sergius Silus, 116-115 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.94g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Roma in winged helmet, facing right; ROMA and * (mark of value) behind; EX S C before.
Reverse: Horseman galloping left, holding severed head and sword in extended left hand; Q and M SERGI below horse; SILVS in exergue.
References: Crawford 286/1; Sydenham 544; BMCRR (Italy) 512; Sergia 1.
Provenance: Ex Nomisma 58 (6 Nov 2018) Lot 165.
M. Sergius Silus struck this coin as quaestor by special decree of the Senate. The coin celebrates the deeds of the quaestor’s ancestor, also named M. Sergius Silus, the great grandfather of Cataline (the infamous conspirator prosecuted by Cicero). During the Second Punic War, he lost his right hand in battle, and fitted a prosthesis that allowed him to hold a shield. Thus, he is depicted holding both his sword and the severed head of a foe in his LEFT hand.
CarausiusDec 31, 2018
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Crawford 043 (unlisted) and 97/5b, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L Series, AE Quadrans - EXTREMELY RARE!Rome, The Republic.
L Series, 214-212 BCE.
AE Quadrans (22.56g; 29mm).
Luceria Mint.
Obverse: Hercules facing r wearing lion skin; ●●● (mark-of-value=3 unciae), behind and below.
Reverse: Prow right; ROMA above; L●●● (mark-of-value=3 unciae), below.
References: Crawford 43 (unlisted) and 97/5b; Syd --; BMCRR --; RBW 400 (see discussion at 399); see Russo, “Unpublished Roman Republican Bronze Coins” (Essays Hersh, 1998), #37 discussion.
Provenance: Ex Kölner Münzkabinett Auction 109 (16 Nov 2018); ex Prof. Hildebrecht Hommel Collection; purchased from Cahn (Basel), 13 Mar 1973.
This type is extremely rare, with no examples appearing in the Paris collection as of 1974, none in Berger’s Kestner-Museum Hannover catalogue, and only 4 examples in addition to my coin on ACSEARCH as of 31 December 2018. Crawford cites an example in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, collection. Both Roberto Russo and Andrew McCabe have persuasively argued that Crawford 97/5b should be reassigned to the Crawford 43 L series, which otherwise lacks a quadrans. Both the weight and style of this coin are consistent with the earlier Crawford 43 series, which is based on an As of about 83 grams. McCabe notes that the Oxford example, on which Crawford based 97/5b, was badly corroded and probably lightweight. Subsequent examples of the type in trade have weighed 22+ grams, consistent with an As of about 85-90 grams.
CarausiusDec 31, 2018
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Crawford 317/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Appuleius Saturninus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Appuleius Saturninus, 101 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.92g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Saturn driving fast quadriga right, holding harpa; ROMA in exergue.
Reverse: Saturn driving fast quadriga right, holding harpa; ·V below; L·SATVRN in exergue.
References: Crawford 317/2; Sydenham 580 (R6); BMCRR 1561-3; Appuleia 3.
Provenance: Ex P&P Santamaria (4 May 1961) Lot 150.
The type is one of an interesting series of three types by Saturninus, two of which depict Saturn as a naming pun. The first of the three types is a standard Roma head/quadriga; the second has Roma heads on both sides of the coin; the third (this coin) has quadrigae on both sides of the coin. The letter control marks on this double-quadriga type are unique to each die. Crawford attributed Saturninus' coinage to 104 BCE; but H.B. Mattingly, in Essays Hersh (1998), argues for a slightly later date based on a consensus that Saturninus was Quaestor in 104 BCE.
Saturninus was Quaestor in 104 BCE and Tribune of the Plebs in 103 and 100 BCE. He was a supporter of Marius and as Tribune he engaged in a series of aggressive political maneuvers including introducing land grants for Marius’ veterans. During an election, he arranged the brutal murder of the political rival of one of his allies, and this proved to be his downfall. Cornered and captured by a militia assembled by Marius himself, Saturninus and his conspirators were ultimately killed by a lynch mob.
CarausiusDec 31, 2018
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Crawford 419/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Lepidus, 61 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.97g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate and diademed female head, facing right; palm branch behind.
Reverse: Horseman advancing toward right with trophy over l shoulder; AN. XV. P.H.O.C.S. around; M.LEPIDVS in exergue.
References: Crawford 419/1c; Sydenham 830a; BMCRR 3644; Aemilia 22.
Provenance: Ex Fernandez Coll. [Aureo & Calico Alba Longa Auction (7 Nov 2018) Lot 85]; Leo Benz Collection [Lanz 88 (23 Nov 1988) Lot 118]; Künst und Münzen 18 (June 1978), Lot 250.
This coin was produced by Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, later triumvir with Octavian and Antony, during his early political career. The reverse celebrates the Second Punic War heroism of his ancestor, also named M. Aemilius Lepidus, who killed an enemy and saved a citizen at the age of 15 and in whose honor a statue was erected in Rome. That statue may be depicted on this coin. The reverse inscription abbreviates “AN[norum] XV PR[ogressus] H[ostem] O[ccidit], C[ivem] S[ervavit]” (Aged 15, he killed an enemy and saved a citizen.)
CarausiusDec 31, 2018
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Crawford 420/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, P. Plautius Hypsaeus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
P. Plautius Hypsaeus, 57 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.96g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Draped bust of Leuconoe facing right; dolphin behind; P.YPSAE·S·C before.
Reverse: Jupiter driving quadriga left; C·YPSAE·COS / PRIV – CEPIT in exergue and behind.
References: Crawford 420/2a; RBW 1515 (this coin); Sydenham 911; Plautia 12.
Provenance: Ex NAC 84 (20 May 2015), Lot 807; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (2012), Lot 291]; Crédit de la Bourse (April 1995), Lot 1068; NAC 6 (11 Mar 1993), Lot 285.
This coin is a special issue by Senatorial decree (S.C.) for reasons unknown to history. The moneyer, P. Plautius Hypsaeus, struck coins individually, as moneyer, and jointly with M. Aemilius Scaurus as Curule Aedile. On both series, he used this reverse type, referring to the capture of the Volscian town of Privernum by his ancestor, C. Plautius Decianus, consul in 329 BCE. The obverse refers to the mythical descent of the Plautia gens from Leuconoe, the daughter of Neptune.
Crawford thought Hypsaeus’ individual series preceded his joint series as Curule Aedile with Scaurus; however, the individual coins were absent from the Mesagne Hoard, suggesting it must have post-dated the 58 BCE terminus of that large hoard. Accordingly, Hersh and Walker redated Hypsaeus’ individual series to 57 BCE.
CarausiusDec 18, 2018
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Crawford 445/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Lentulus and C. Marcellus, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
L. Lentulus, C. Marcellus, 49 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.89g; 18mm).
Apollonia in Illyricum Mint.
Obverse: Head of Apollo facing right; L·LENT·C MARC COS surrounding.
Reverse: Jupiter facing right, holding thunderbolt and eagle; to right, alter decorated with garland; to left, * Q.
References: Crawford 445/2; HCRI 5; Sydenham 1030 (R3); BMCRR East 21; Cornelia 65.
Provenance: Ex NAC 92 (24 May 2016), Lot 1866; Vico 120 (2009), Lot 173; Argenor Numismatique Auction 4 (27 Apr 2001), Lot 94.
The dating for this type is firm because it was struck for the consuls, Lentulus and Marcellus, who shared the office in 49 BCE. Both consuls were Pompey supporters who fled Rome when Caesar marched on the City. Lentulus was later killed in Egypt, where he fled with Pompey following the defeat at Pharsalus. Little further is known of Marcellus and he likely died during the wars.
The head of Apollo on this type was chosen because the coins were struck in Apollonia, where Apollo was prominent on the coinage.
The Quaestor that produced these coins was T. Antistius. Antistius was already Quaestor in Macedonia when the Pompeians arrived in flight from Caesar. Cicero reports that Antistius was reluctant to assist the Pompeians who forced him to produce their coins. Antistius’ ambivalence is evidenced by his desire to remain anonymous, choosing only to identiy his office by the letter Q. He was pardoned by Caesar following Pompey’s defeat at Pharsalus.
CarausiusDec 18, 2018
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Crawford 038/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous (Semilibral) Series, AE SextansRome, The Republic.
Anonymous (Semilibral) Series, 217-215 BCE.
AE Sextans (24.25g; 31mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Mercury facing right wearing petasus; ●● (mark-of-value=2 unciae), behind.
Reverse: Prow right; ROMA above; ●● (mark-of-value=2 unciae), below.
References: Crawford. 38/5; Sydenham 85; BMCRR 59.
Provenance: Ex Burgan Numismatique Auction (17 Nov 2017), Lot 102; ex Etienne Page Auction, Hotel Drouot (1972).
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 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 (see them in this gallery), 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 Crawford 38 series of struck bronzes, to which the above coin belongs, consisted of only four denominations: sextans, uncia, semuncia and quartuncia. In addition, Aes Grave production continued on a semi-libral basis for the As, Semis, Triens and Quadrans. Those Aes Grave denominations would later be replaced with struck coins when the weight standard reduced even further.
CarausiusDec 18, 2018
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Crawford 494/38, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Vibius Varus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
Caius Vibius Varus, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.56; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Bust of Minerva wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis, facing right.
Reverse: Hercules standing front, head left, holding lion skin, hand resting on club.
References: Crawford 494/38; HCRI 194; Sydenham 1140; BMCRR 4303-5; Banti 67/10 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Künker Auction 280 (26 Sep 2016), Lot 396; ex Peus Auction 328 (1990), Lot 507; ex Kunst und Münzen (June 1977), Lot 209.
There is little known about any of the four moneyers of 42 BCE besides their coins. Grueber notes that there is equally little known connection between the Vibia gens and the devices on this coin. Sear suggests that the type represents the strength of the triumvirs in their impending fight with the republican forces.
CarausiusDec 16, 2018
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Crawford 085/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, H Series, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
H Series, 211-210 BCE.
AR Quinarius (2.3g; 17mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Roma wearing helmet with splayed visor, facing right; V (mark-of-value = 5 asses) behind.
Rev: Dioscuri galloping right; H below horses; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 85/1a; Sydenham 174; BMCRR (Italy) 199.
Provenance: Ex Student and Mentor Collection [NAC 73 (18 Nov 2013), Lot 32]; ex Nicolas Collection [Leu 17 (1977) Lot 41].
The H quinarii should be divided into multiple series, because several distinct styles have become apparent which are not contemporaneous per the hoard evidence. This particular coin is from the earliest phase, notable for its splayed visor and simple necklace on obverse, and “large” H and raised horse tail on reverse.
CarausiusDec 16, 2018
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Crawford 379/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Procilius, AR Serrate DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Procilius, 80 BCE.
AR Serrate Denarius (3.77g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Head of Juno Sospita, wearing goatskin, facing right; S.C. behind.
Rev: Juno Sospita, holding shield and spear, in biga galloping right; snake below horses; L. PROCILI F in exergue.
References: Crawford 379/2; Sydenham 772; BMCRR 3150; Procilia 2.
Provenance: Ex Student and Mentor Collection [NAC 83 (20 May 2015) Lot 339]; privately purchased in 1968.
The letters S.C. on the obverse indicate that this coinage was a special issue, by decree of the Roman Senate, for an unknown purpose. Like the coins of Papius and Roscius Fabatus, the images of Juno Sospita on this coin suggests that Procilius was native of Lanuvium which was home of a cult to Juno Sospita. The snake on the reverse, alludes to the snake in the grotto of Juno Sospita’s Lanuvium temple. Each year, a girl was sent to the grotto to feed the sacred snake, and only a virtuous girl would survive the ordeal.
The reason for serrating the edge of certain Roman Republic denarius issues remains uncertain. Some moneyers issued both serrate and plain edged coins. The practice ended with the serrate issue by Roscius Fabatus in 59 BCE. Possible reasons for the serrations include:
• Proof that the coins were not plated.
• Confounding forgers.
• Making the coins look painful to swallow (reducing theft by mint workers).
• Artistic preference.
CarausiusDec 16, 2018
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Crawford 394/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Postumius, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Postumius, 74-73 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.95g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Draped bust of Diana facing right, with bow and quiver over shoulder.
Rev: Hound running to right; spear below; C. POSTVMI and AT or TA (ligate) in exergue.
References: Crawford 394/1a; Sydenham 785; BMCRR 3238; Postumia 9.
Provenance: Ex Student and Mentor Collection [NAC 83 (20 May 2015) Lot 347]; ex Frank Sternberg Auction VII (24-5 Nov 1977), Lot 390; ex Cuzzi Collection [Baranowski (Dec 1929) Lot 280].
The moneyer may have been the Caius Postumius that prosecuted Lucius Licinius Murena for election fraud in 63 BCE. It is uncertain what the ligate letters AT (or TA) denote on the reverse, and there is another variety of this issue without the monogram. Diana is a popular deity on coinage produced by the Postumia gens, and the hound and spear on the reverse are also attributes of Diana, the huntress. Diana appears so frequently on Postumian coins because on the eve of the battle of Lake Regillus (c. 496 BCE), during a sacrifice to Diana, the augurs foretold the domination of Rome over Latium. A. Postumius Albinus led the troops at this decisive battle. Thus, the gens subsequently claimed responsibility for fulfilling the prophecy of Diana.
Crawford dated this issue to 74 BCE, but Hersh and Walker in Mesagne down-dated the issue to 73 BCE. Michael Harlan suggests an even later date of 71 BCE.
CarausiusDec 16, 2018
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Crawford 406/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, P. Sulpicius Galba, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
P. Sulpicius Galba, 69 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g;18mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Veiled head of Vesta facing right; S.C. behind.
Rev: Priestly implements, i.e. knife, culullus and axe; P GALB in exergue; AE-CVR in fields.
References: Crawford 406/1; Sydenham 839; BMCRR 3517-8; Sulpicia 7.
Provenance: Ex Student and Mentor Collection [NAC 83 (20 May 2015) Lot 356]; ex Münzen und Medaillen Auction 52 (19-20 June 1975), Lot 378.
Galba issued these coins by special Senatorial decree while he held the office of Curule Aedile. The type selection suggests that he was also a Pontifex at this time, as the reverse depicts the priestly implements used in ritual sacrifice and often included on coins struck by members of the priestly college. The Senatorial decree, represented by “S.C.” on the obverse may have been related to grain distribution, though this is conjectural. Among other duties, Curule Aediles were responsible for maintenance and distribution of the public grain supply.
CarausiusDec 16, 2018
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Crawford 529/4, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian and Antony, AR QuinariusRome, The Imperators.
Antony and Octavian, 39 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.60g; 14mm).
Military mint moving with Octavian.
Obverse: III ·VIR - R·P·C; veiled and diademed head of Concordia facing right.
Rev: M·ANTON - C·CAESAR; two hands clasped around caduceus.
References: Crawford 529/4b; HCRI 304; BMCRR (East) 128.
The coin likely celebrates the reconciliation of Octavian and Antony, memorialized by the pact at Brundisium in October of 40 BCE. Sear suggests that Octavian may have issued this type in Gaul, a former Antony stronghold and a big user of quinarii.
CarausiusDec 07, 2018
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Crawford 416/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Scribonius Libo, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Lucius Scribonius Libo, 62 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.76g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: LIBO - BON EVENT; diademed head of Bonus Eventus facing right.
Rev: Scribonian well head, decorated with garland and two lyres; anvil symbol on top step; [P]VTEAL above; SCRIBON below.
References: Crawford 416/1c; Sydenham 928; BMCRR 3381; Scribonia 8.
This type was produced with at least four different reverse symbols on the top step of the well head: hammer, tongs, cap and anvil. The hammer is extremely common, tongs scarce, and the anvil and cap are the rarest of the four reverse symbols on the type. Previous authors, including Crawford and Michael Harlan, have not recognized the cap variety which is distinct from the anvil by its domed top. The anvil is squared, as on this coin.
The moneyer may have been Lucius Scribonius Libo, who was the father-in-law of Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great. He took the side of the tyrannicides in the Civil War after Caesar’s death. He later deserted Sextus Pompey and was elected consul in 34 BCE. It’s also possible that the moneyer was the father of this later consul.
The Scribonian well head was in the Roman Forum and designated a sacred spot that had been struck by lightning. Grueber and Crawford suggest that the reverse symbols, of which they only recognized three (see above), were actual decorative devices on the four-sided wellhead, and that they allude to Vulcan, whose thunderbolt had struck the spot. The added cap symbol confirms their analysis and is also consistent with the Vulcan theme.
CarausiusDec 07, 2018
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Crawford 214/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Atilius Saranus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Atilius Saranus, 148 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.95g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right; SARAN behind; X (mark-of-value = 10 asses) before.
Rev: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; M·ATILI, below; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.
References: Crawford 214/1b; Sydenham 398; BMCRR 679-682; Atilia 9.
Provenance: Ex Varesi (4 Jul 2018), Lot 142.
This is one of the first denarii to include the moneyer’s praenomen, nomen and cognomen, an important development in the evolution of the coinage as a means of advertising young politicians. The obverse mark-of-value is moved from behind Roma’s head to under her chin to make room for the cognomen.
CarausiusDec 04, 2018
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Crawford 103/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, MT Series, AR Victoriatus - VERY RARERome, The Republic.
MT Series, 211-210 BCE.
AR Victoriatus (2.79g; 17mm).
Apulian mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter facing right, hair falling in neat ringlets; border of dots.
Rev: Victory crowning trophy; MT ligate in lower right field; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 103/1c; Crawford Plate XX (same dies); Sydenham 117; BMCRR (Italy) 232.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [NAC 61 (Oct 2011), Lot 457]; purchased from Ed Waddell in Dec. 1983.
About 212 BCE, when the Romans introduced the denarius system, they also introduced a collateral denomination of silver coin, the victoriatus. As evidenced by its different weight standard, debased metal, iconography and missing denominational mark, the victoriatus was not integral to the denarius system but was produced for a special purpose. While the denarius and its fractions, the quinarius and sestertius, all depicted Roma and the Dioscuri, victoriati depicted Jupiter and Victory crowning a trophy. Further, while denarii were produced from nearly pure silver, victoriati were made from debased silver of about 70% purity. Based on the weight standard of Magna Graecia drachms, victoriati were likely designed specifically for payments to Greek cities of southern Italy and hoard evidence supports circulation largely in southern Italy.
The MT Victoriati come in three varieties: those with straggly hair (which come with either a bead and reel border or border of dots) and those with neat hair. This example is the “neat hair” variety. MT Series Victoriati are very rare; there were only three examples (including this specimen) on acsearch on 9/15/18. Crawford counted only six obverse and five reverse dies covering all 3 varieties of the type.
Rome ceased issuing victoriati circa 170 BCE. Perhaps because of their debased metal (which discouraged hoarding), victoriati continued to circulate in Gaul for many years until they functioned as de facto quinarii due to metal loss from wear. Their continued popularity caused Rome to later issue quinarii bearing the same devices (Jupiter/Victory and trophy).
CarausiusDec 04, 2018
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Crawford 422/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus, 58 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.87g; 19mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: King Aretas kneeling right and extending olive branch in right hand and holding reins of camel in left hand; M SCAVR/AED CVR above; EX-SC on side; REX ARETAS in exergue.
Rev: Jupiter in fast quadriga galloping left; scorpion below horses’ feet; P HVPSAEVS/AED CVR, above; CAPTV on right; C HVPSAE COS PREIVER in exergue.
References: Crawford 422/1b; BMCRR 3879; Sydenham 913; Aemilia 8; Plautia 8-9.
Provenance: Ex SC Collection; Stack's Auction (14-15 Jun 1971), Lot 240.
Scaurus and Hypsaeus struck these coins as curule aediles, by Senatorial decree. Grueber states that lavish public games were the reason for the special issue, while Crawford suggests the corn dole and/or Caesar’s agrarian law were the more likely reasons. Scaurus, as governor of Syria, was victorious against the Nabataean king Aretas who surrendered and paid a fine of 300 talents to Pompey. It was this event that he chose to depict on the obverse of the coin. On the reverse, Hypsaeus refers to the capture of the Volscian town of Privernum by his ancestor, C. Plautius Decianus, consul in 329 BCE. Hypsaeus chose to repeat this reverse type on a denarius he struck as moneyer in ca. 57 BCE (Crawford 420). This issue has a large number of legend varieties and the scorpion is missing from some dies.
CarausiusNov 26, 2018
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Crawford 511/4, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, 42-36 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.49g; 20mm).
Sicilian mint, 42-40 BCE.
Obverse: MAG PIVS IMP ITER; Pharos of Messina with two windows and a balcony, surmounted by statue of Neptune wearing helmet and holding trident and resting foot on prow; galley with aquila passing before.
Rev: PRAEF CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C; the monster, Scylla, her body terminating in two fish-tails and the foreparts of three dogs, facing left and wielding a rudder with two hands.
References: Crawford 511/4a; HCRI 335; Sydenham 1348; BMCRR (Sicily) 18-19; Banti 8/3 (this coin illustrated); Pompeia 22.
Provenance: Ex Kuenker Auction 312 (8 Oct 2018), Lot 2712; Walter Niggeler (d. 1964) Collection [Leu/Muenzen und Medaillen (21-22 Oct 1966), Lot 964].
Sextus Pompey was younger son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's assassination, in 43 BCE, he was honored by the Senate with the title "Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts" (Praefectus classis et orae maritimae). Shortly following this honor, the Second Triumvirate was formed and placed Sextus' name on their proscription list. Sextus soon occupied Sicily 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. The rough seas around Sicily were beneficial to Sextus and particularly rough on his enemies, thus Neptune and the marine monster Scylla, destroyer of ships, are prominently displayed on this coin.
CarausiusNov 26, 2018
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Crawford 535/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AE 31Rome, The Imperators.
Octavian, 38 BCE.
AE 31 (16.72g; 31mm).
Italian mint.
Obverse: DIVI F; Bare head of Octavian facing right; star before.
Reverse: DIVOS IVLIVS inscription in two lines within laurel wreath.
References: Crawford 535/2; HCRI 309; RBW 1823 (this coin); Sydenham 1336; BMCRR (Gaul) 108-110; Julia 101.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [CNG e-Sale 364 (2 Dec 2015), Lot 190] and [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 572]; ex Stack's (30 Apr 1986), Lot 1761; ex Frederick Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3 May 1978), Lot 737].
While probably a dupondius or sestertius, the actual denomination of this coin is uncertain, thus I call it AE 31. The star on the obverse may represent the bright comet that was seen for 7 days shortly after the assassination of Julius Caesar and was interpreted as a sign of his divinity. The reverse refers to the laurel wreath that the Senate granted Julius Caesar the right to wear at all times. The coin type is certainly Octavian’s attempt to portray himself as the son and rightful heir of the god Julius.
CarausiusNov 25, 2018
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Crawford 518/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Octavian, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Octavian and Lucius Cornelius Balbus, 41 BCE
AR Denarius (3.36 grams; 18mm).
Military mint in Italy.
Obverse: C•CAESAR • III • VIR R•P•C; Bare head of Octavian, facing right.
Reverse: Club; BALBVS above, PRO • PR below
References: Crawford 518/1; HCRI 298; Sydenham 1325a; BMCRR (Gaul) 83-5; Julia 91.
Provenance: Ex Andrew McCabe Collection [CNG Esale 432 (14 Nov 2018) Lot 276]; ex American Numismatic Society Collection 1001.1.12863 [CNG 96 (14 May 2014) Lot 732]; ex Archer M. Huntington (d. 1955) Collection.
This scarce type was produced by Octavian’s legate, Lucius Cornelius Balbus, as propraetor. Balbus was a native of Gades (Cadiz) in Spain where there was a temple to Hercules, to which the Club reverse alludes. Balbus was favored and honored by both Pompey and Caesar. Upon Caesar’s assassination, he allied with Octavian who appointed him praetor urbanus and ultimately, in 40 BCE, he received the consulship (the first foreign-born citizen to do so). He was extremely wealthy and bequeathed 25 denarii to every Roman citizen in his will!
CarausiusNov 25, 2018
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Crawford 039/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Collateral Semilibral Struck AE TriensRome. The Republic.
Semilibral Reduction, 217-215 BCE
Æ Triens (54 grams; 37 mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.
Obverse: Head of Juno (?) right, wearing double-crested diadem, her hair tied in three ringlets down neck; scepter or sword over left shoulder (?); ●●●● (mark of value) behind.
Reverse: Hercules, naked but for lion skin, grasping centaur by hair and preparing to strike him with club; ●●●● (mark of value) before; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 39/1; Sydenham 93 (R6); BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 113-115.
Provenance: Ex Munzen und Medaillen 47 (1972), Lot 74.
Crawford dates his 39 series of collateral, semilibral struck bronzes to the early years of the Second Punic War, 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. Crawford deduces that Hannibal’s defeat of Rome at Trasimene in 217 B.C. likely tipped the financial scales to the semilibral reduction. He notes that Capua overstruck Roman coinage of the late semi-libral period when Capua joined with Hannibal in 216-215. Further, in Roman Republican Coin Hoards, Crawford reports that hoard #56, found at Capua in 1909, contained three trientes and four sextantes of the “collateral” series; thus the series must have circulated in Capua for a time before the town switched sides to Hannibal in 216-215. It appears that the standard, prow-type semilibral coins (Crawford 38) came first, because hoards containing the Crawford 39 coins almost always contain semilibral prow types as well.
The obverse of this Triens is particularly enigmatic. Both before, during and after production of this series, the goddess depicted on trientes was typically Minerva. In Roman iconography, Minerva’s attributes are the Corinthian helmet, aegis and spear. The goddess on this triens lacks the Corinthian helmet that was used to depict Minerva in previous Aes Grave series of libral and semilibral weight standard (See Crawford 35 and 38 Aes Grave) and on the subsequent, prow-type, struck trientes (Crawford 41 and 56). Some authors are non-committal as to the goddess’ identity (Crawford, for one, in his catalogue; though elsewhere in his text he refers to “Juno”); others attribute the goddess as Juno who, as Jupiter’s consort, is typically rendered with a diadem crown and scepter; and others believe the goddess is Bellona, a war goddess who is typically rendered with helmet and weapon. Firm identification depends, in part, on proper understanding of the headgear. I think attempts to call the headgear a “helmet” or “partial helmet” are misguided efforts to explain the crest. In my opinion, the headgear is a crested diadem. The odd crest attached to the end of the diadem is possibly a misinterpreted element borrowed from portraits of Tanit on Punic coinage, which always show Tanit with a stylized wheat leaf in this location (Tanit’s depiction was likely borrowed by the Carthaginians from Syracusan tetradrachms). There is also some confusion as to what the goddess holds over her left shoulder. Condition issues and poor strikes on some examples often eliminate this aspect of the design. Fortunately, my example is quite clear and one can see the shadowy image on the left shoulder which extends in straight-line behind the left side of the goddess’ head ending in a visible, rounded point above her head. Crawford may have thought the lower part of this element represented the goddess’ far-side curls (“hair falls in tight rolls onto BOTH shoulders” emphasis added), but this interpretation does not explain the point above her head. The point is not likely to represent the opposite crest, as the crest on the visible side does not extend above head-top level. A more plausible theory, proposed by both Grueber and Sydenham, is that the goddess is holding a scepter over her left shoulder, which is consistent with Juno’s attributes. Other possibilities are that she bears a spear, which is an attribute of Minerva, or a sword, which is an attribute of Bellona.
The Series 39 types and their relationship to contemporaneous Second Punic War events are interesting to ponder. Hercules is an important figure, appearing on two of the 10 available sides of the series. Likely this is a paradigm of Roman heroism during the War. In the myth depicted on this Triens, Hercules kills a centaur for assaulting his wife – is this an allegorical reference to Hannibal’s assault on Italy (and the likely response from Rome)?
Despite its beauty, this type would never again be repeated on a Roman coin. However, related imagery can be found on quincunxes of Capua and quadrantes of Larinum, Apulia, immediately following the defection of those towns to Hannibal’s side of the Second Punic War.
CarausiusNov 25, 2018
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Crawford 039/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Collateral Semilibral Struck AE SextansRome. The Republic.
Semilibral Reduction, 217-215 BCE.
Æ Sextans (24.15 grams; 30 mm).
Uncertain Italian Mint.
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.
Provenance: Ex Goldberg 87 (15 Sep 2015), Lot 2084; Sternberg XXII (20-21 Nov 1989), Lot 173.
Crawford attributes the 39 series to the Rome Mint, circa 217-215 BCE. While I agree with the dating, I question the mint attribution. They are among the earliest Roman struck bronze coins intended for use in central Italy. Previously, Roman struck bronzes were generally intended for use in Magna Graecia, while the cast bronze Aes Grave were used in Rome and central Italy.
The types in this series are beautiful, bold and unusual, and, excluding the Hercules/bull Quadrans type, were never wholly repeated in subsequent Roman Republican bronze series. The types 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).
CarausiusNov 25, 2018
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Crawford 069/6, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Corn-ear and KA Series Sextans overstruck on Heiron II bronzeRome. The Republic.
Corn Ear and KA Series (211-208 BCE), overstruck on bronze of Hieron II (275-215 BCE)
AE Sextans (5.87g; 20mm).
Sicilian Mint.
Obverse: (overtype) Mercury head right, wearing petastos, two pellets above; (undertype) Poseidon head left.
Reverse: (overtype) Prow right, corn-ear above, IC before, ROMA below; (undertype) Trident; dolphin on either side; IEPÑ NOΣ below
Overtype References: Crawford 69/6b; Sydenham 310d.
Undertype References: SNG Copenhagen (Sicily) 844-856
Overstrike References: Crawford Table XVIII, No. 65.
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins.
During the Second Punic War, Roman military mints often overstruck war booty bronzes into Roman types. Weights of the bronze undertypes were of little consequence since the coins were fiduciary anyway; thus we often see a wide-range of weights on these overstruck coins. Module was perhaps more important for visual differentiation. Sometimes, the undertype is barely noticeable. Other times, the result is a clear melding of the devices of overtype and undertype, as on this coin. Here we clearly see Poseidon’s remaining profile from 6-9h on the obverse. The reverse shows signs of the trident base at 8h to the left of the prow. The Mercury/Prow overtype is remarkably crisp and complete. Crawford contains a table of known overstrikes in the Roman Republican series which includes the types combined on this coin.
CarausiusOct 18, 2018
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Crawford 039/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Collateral Semilibral Struck AE UnciaRome, The Republic.
Semilibral Reduction, 217-215 BC.
AE Struck Uncia (10.88g; 24mm).
Uncertain Mint.
Obverse: Facing draped bust of Sol; pellet (mark of value) to left.
Reverse: Crescent, two stars and pellet (mark of value) above; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 39/4; Sydenham 96; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 125-135.
Provenance: Triskeles 5 (27 June 2013), Lot 95; ex RBW Collection (not in prior sales); purchased privately from Ed Waddell in 1994.
This coin is part of a short-lived, collateral series struck contemporaneously with 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.
In attributing the 39 series to the Rome mint, Crawford relied on the earlier analysis of Rudy Thomsen in “Early Roman Coins”. However, Thomsen’s analysis of the hoard evidence was flawed, in my opinion, because he included temple deposits north of Rome which deceptively widened the apparent circulation dispersal of this collateral series. Eliminating these temple deposits shows a clearer circulation focus south of Rome, in Campania. Also, the types and fabric of the coins are inconsistent with the contemporaneous, Crawford 38 prow types which are similarly attributed to Rome (and which do have Roman prototypes in the prow series Aes Grave). However, some of the unusual collateral types are copied by Campanian towns after their defection to Hannibal. Further study is needed.
CarausiusOct 04, 2018
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Crawford 384/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Papius, AR Serrate DenariusRome. The Republic.
L. Papius, 79 BCE.
AR Serrate Denarius (3.82g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Juno Sospita, wearing goat skin headdress tied at neck, facing right; control symbol (aplustre) behind.
Reverse: Griffon leaping right; control symbol (prow stem), below; L•PAPI in exergue.
References: Crawford 384/1 (symbol pair 134); Sydenham 773; BMCRR 2981 (symbol pair 5); Papia 1 (symbol pair 47).
Provenance: Ex Herbert & Aphrodite Rubin Collection [Goldberg 96 (14 Feb 2017) Lot 1963]; bought from Ariadne Galleries in 1980’s; The Numismatic Auction Ltd. (Tradart) 1 (13 Dec 1982) Lot 203.
Papius is only known through his coins. Juno Sospita was a deity who’s temple was in Lanuvium, a Latin town 32 kilometers southeast of Rome, and it’s likely that Papius came from that town.
These denarii have paired obverse and reverse control symbols, with almost all symbol pairs appearing on only one set of dies (N.B.: I'm aware of at least one pair that appears on multiple dies). Crawford counts 211 die pairs. The paired control symbols have some loose relationship to one another, i.e. the bow and stern of a galley on this coin. Sydenham argued that the symbols were propaganda for popularist trade guilds. However, because of the breadth and variety of symbol material, Crawford rules-out any intended meaning. This same control system of paired symbols would be re-used 20 years later by another Lanuvian, L. Roscius Fabatus.
CarausiusOct 04, 2018
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Crawford 412/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Roscius Fabatus, AR Serrate DenariusRome. The Republic.
L. Roscius Fabatus, 59 BCE.
AR Serrate Denarius (3.95g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Juno Sospita, wearing goat skin headdress tied at neck, facing right; L•ROSCI, below; control symbol (two-handled cup or bowl) behind.
Reverse: Female figure feeding serpent from fold of cloak; control symbol (pileus/cap?) behind; FABATI in exergue.
References: Crawford 412/1 (Symbols 199?); Sydenham 915; BMCRR 3394 -3510; Roscia 2.
Provenance: Ex John Barton Collection; Aes Rude Chiasso 4 (6 Apr 1979), Lot 240.
Crawford dated the issue to 64 BCE, but Hersh and Walker brought that date down to 59 BCE based on their analysis of the Mesagne hoard. Harlan picks a median date of 62 BCE based on some prosopographic assumptions.
The moneyer would go on to serve as lieutenant for Caesar in Gaul in 54 BCE. In 49 BCE, he was elected praetor and intermediated between Pompey and Caesar. He was killed at Mutina in 43 BCE.
Juno Sospita was a deity who’s temple was in Lanuvium, a Latin town 32 kilometers southeast of Rome, and it’s likely that both Roscius and L. Papius, whose 79 BCE coinage is a model for Roscius’ issue, came from that town. The reverse depicts an annual rite of the Juno Sospita cult in which a girl is sent into the grotto beneath the temple to feed the sacred snake. Only chaste girls could survive the ordeal.
Like Papius’s coins, these denarii are struck on serrated flans – the last of the Roman Republic to be produced with this fabric. Like Papius’s coins, Roscius’ denarii have obverse and reverse control symbols that are paired, with no pair of symbols appearing on more than one pair of dies. On both Roscius’ and Papius’s coins, the paired control symbols have some loose relationship to one another. Roscius re-used many of Papius’s symbol pairs, but reversed their locations on the coins.
The symbol pair on my coin is very rare. As of 10/1/18, there are no matching examples on Acsearch, Coinarchives or CNG’s website database. The pair is unlisted in Babelon, Sydenham, BMCRR and Banti. It resembles symbol pair 199 in Crawford, although some differences are evident. In his manuscript on Roman Republican series marks, Charles Hersh includes a hand drawn entry AI within the section of previously unpublished Roscia symbol pairs that is a precise match for the symbols on this coin. He cites the Vienna Museum (38465) and Vatican Museum (5158) for that entry.
CarausiusOct 04, 2018
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Crawford 410/8, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Pomponius Musa, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Q. Pomponius Musa, mid-50s BCE
AR Denarius (3.98g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo(?), hair tied-up, facing right; star behind.
Reverse: Q. POMPONI – MVSA; Urania, muse of astronomy, facing left, holding wand over globe on tripod.
References: Crawford 410/8; Sydenham 823; Pomponia 22.
Provenance: Ex William C. Boyd (d. 1906) Collection [Baldwin's 42 (26 Sep 2005), Lot 64]; bought from Spink in 1900.
Q. Pomponius Musa, who punned his name by depicting the Muses on a series of coins, is unknown except for his coins, which makes precise dating of the series difficult. For many years, scholars (including Crawford) dated the series to 66 BCE. However, the absence of any examples of the series in the large Mesagne hoard caused Hersh and Walker to bring down the date of the series to 56 BCE. Michael Harlan, retracting his reticence with the Mesagne dating, later proposed a date of 52 BCE.
There are two varieties of Musa denarii: the first depicts Apollo/Hercules Musarum (see my gallery example); the second, of which there are nine sub-varieties, depict Apollo and a Muse. The above coin is of the second variety.
Apollo is often depicted androgynously on ancient coins. The standard references consistently attribute the obverse heads on both varieties of Musa’s coins as Apollo; but the depictions are notably different between the Hercules Musarum variety and the nine Muse varieties. On Hercules variety, the deity’s hair is down and tied, and generally consistent with many depictions of Apollo on other Roman Republican coins (see, e.g., denarii of L. Calpurnius Piso and C. Calpurnius Piso). Comparatively, the head on the above Muse variety is considerably more feminine in appearance and laureate, though lacking earrings, necklaces or other feminine accents. Admittedly, this more feminine type head has also been attributed by scholars as Apollo on other coin types (see, e.g., denarii of P. Clodius and C. Considius). However, within the same series the different styled heads appear to depict different deities. Given the Muse emblems behind each head on the nine Muse types, it’s possible that the feminine heads do not represent Apollo, but the Muses themselves. Michael Harlan agrees with this interpretation in both editions of "Roman Republican Moneyers and their Coins." More research on this issue is needed.
CarausiusSep 29, 2018
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Crawford 089/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Club Series, AE AsRome. The Republic.
Club Series, 208 BCE.
AE As (54.36g; 37mm).
Southeastern Italian Mint.
Obverse: Head of Janus; I (mark of value = 1 As) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; club, above; I (mark of value), before; ROMA, below.
References: Crawford 89/3; Sydenham 213; BMCRR 312.
Provenance: Ex Roma E-Live Auction 2 (30 Aug 2018), Lot 495.
Club Series Asses are massive. Crawford suggests that the weight standard of this series was based on an As of approximately 54 grams, and the weight of this well-preserved example is consistent with that proposed weight standard. The fabric of this coin and other examples (see, e.g., McCabe “Anonymous Struck Bronze Coinage,” example RRC89.3.3) display a pronounced, conical-shaped flan consistent with flans produced in open molds. Note how the reverse face of this coin has a much smaller diameter than the obverse face, evidencing the conical flan.
CarausiusSep 29, 2018
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Crawford 322/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Fabius C.f. Hadrianus, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
C. Fabius C. f. Hadrianus, 102 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.01g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Veiled and turreted head of Cybele, facing right; EX· A· PV, behind.
Reverse: Victory in fast biga galloping right; A· and heron/stork below; C· FABI· C· F in exergue.
References: Crawford 322/1b; Sydenham 590; BMCRR 1592; Fabia 14.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Europe Auction 44 (26 Nov 2014), Lot 35.
While not certain, the moneyer may be Caius Fabius Hadrianus, who was praetor in 84 BCE, propraetor in 83–82 BCE and who was burned alive in his official residence during a Sullan uprising in 82. He struck two distinct series of this denarius: one, without an obverse inscription but with Greek letter control marks behind the obverse head; the other with Latin letter control marks on the reverse and the EX· A· PV obverse inscription. The obverse inscription is an abbreviation for EX A[RGENTO] PV[BLICO] meaning “from the public silver”. Only eight issues of Roman Republican coins reference the public silver, and it is not abundantly clear why this reference is needed since official silver coinage should always be struck from state silver. Fabius’s issue is the first of four issues struck circa 102-100 to bear a “public silver” inscription, which Crawford attributes as a sign of the populist times. Given that Hadrianus may have been killed in 82 by Sulla supporters because of his populist sympathies, Crawford’s attribution of the inscription as a populist message may be correct.
The bird on the reverse of the coin deserves some comment. According to Pliny, some members of the Fabia gens took the cognomen Buteones (a Buteo is a type of hawk or bird), after a bird settled on a Fabian’s ship and was taken as a good omen in advance of a victory. Both Grueber and Crawford interpret the heron/stork on the reverse of this coin as further evidence of Pliny’s story, and as likely proof that Pliny got the type of bird wrong in his retelling of the story. The bird is certainly important to the moneyer, as he also included the symbol on his AE Asses.
CarausiusSep 29, 2018
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Crawford 411/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Manlius Torquatus, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
L. Manlius Torquatus, 59-58 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.92g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Sibyl facing right, wearing ivy wreath; SIBVLLA below; all within laurel border.
Reverse: L•TORQVAT - III•VIR; Amphora on tripod flanked by stars; torque border.
References: Crawford 411/1a; Sydenham 837a; BMCRR 3512; Manlia 11.
Provenance: Ex Baldwins Auction 100 (27 Sep 2016), Lot 505; Künker Auktion 216 (8 Oct 2012), Lot 642; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 54 (24 Mar 2010), Lot 232; Spink Num. Circ. March 1989, No. 948; Glendining (30 Apr 1980), lot 136.
There are two obverse varieties of this denarius: one with a laurel border (as this coin); the other with a border of dots. The torque border on the reverse is more than just a naming pun; it refers to an ancestor’s defeat of a Gallic warrior in a one-on-one challenge, following which the Manlia ancestor removed the bloody torque from the dead Gaul and wore it – earning the cognomen Torquatus. The remaining devices allude to the position of either the moneyer or an ancestor on the 15-member (quindecemviri) religious college who guarded the Sibylline Books.
With its very high obverse relief and deep reverse cupping, this coin shares similar fabric with those of C. Calpurnius Piso Frugi. Crawford dates their issues two years apart (67 for Frugi and 65 for Torquatus). However, in their analysis of the Mesagne hoard, Hersh and Walker downdated Frugi to 61 and Torquatus to 58. In “Roman Republican Moneyers and Their Coins” (2nd ed.), Michael Harlan dates both Frugi and Torquatus to 59 BCE, based on their common fabric, prosopography and because Torquatus’ small output could not have been the sole issue in his year. Indeed, Crawford estimates fewer than 10 obverse dies and fewer than 11 reverse dies for both varieties of Torquatus’ denarii which suggests a very small issue.
CarausiusSep 29, 2018
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Crawford 332/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, T. Cloulius, AR QuinariusRome. The Republic.
T. Cloulius, 98 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.79g; 16mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter, facing right; O control mark below
Reverse: Victory crowning trophy with wreath; T·CLOVLI between; captive seated below and carnyx to left of trophy; Q in exergue.
References: Crawford 332/1b; Sydenham 586a; BMCRR 1103; Cloulia 2.
Provenance: Ex Boston Museum of Fine Arts Collection [Triton I (2-3 Dec 1997), Lot 2313 (part)], acquired before 1968.
The silver quinarius, a half-denarius denomination, was introduced as part of the denarius reform of the silver coinage circa 212 BCE. The early quinarius and its fraction-sibling, the sestertius, were discontinued just a few years after their initial introduction. However, the contemporaneous victoriatus, a coin produced on the drachm standard largely for trade with Greek communities, continued in production until about 170 BCE. By the close of the second century and later, many worn victoriati continued to circulate but were valued as quinarii because of wear and their debased fabric. Thus, when the Romans reissued the quinarius, they employed the victoriatus imagery of Jupiter/Victory crowning trophy. Indeed, these new quinarii were referred to as victoriati. The denomination was particularly popular in Gaul and often turns up in first century Gallic hoards.
This quinarius was struck by T. Cloulius, a partisan of Marius. The carnyx near the trophy on the reverse refers to Marius’ victories over invading Gauls in 102-101 BCE. The coins may have been issued in connection with Marius giving colonial lands to the veterans of these Gallic victories. No obverse control mark has more than one die. The reverse exergual letter Q likely refers to the moneyer's office of quaestor rather than a denominational mark.
The coin was formerly part of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts collection. In 1997, the MFA deaccessioned a group of 890 coins which had been acquired by the MFA between 1872 and 1968. CarausiusSep 13, 2018
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Crawford 332/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, T. Cloulius, AR QuinariusRome. The Republic.
T. Cloulius, 98 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.94g; 17mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter, facing right; D control mark below
Reverse: Victory crowning trophy with wreath; T·CLOVLI between; captive seated below and carnyx to left of trophy; Q in exergue.
References: Crawford 332/1b; Sydenham 586a; BMCRR 1103; Cloulia 2.
The silver quinarius, a half-denarius denomination, was introduced as part of the denarius reform of the silver coinage circa 212 BCE. The early quinarius and its fraction-sibling, the sestertius, were discontinued just a few years after their initial introduction. However, the contemporaneous victoriatus, a coin produced on the drachm standard largely for trade with Greek communities, continued in production until about 170 BCE. By the close of the second century and later, many worn victoriati continued to circulate but were valued as quinarii because of wear and their debased fabric. Thus, when the Romans reissued the quinarius, they employed the victoriatus imagery of Jupiter/Victory crowning trophy. Indeed, these new quinarii were referred to as victoriati. The denomination was particularly popular in Gaul and often turns up in first century Gallic hoards.
This quinarius was struck by T. Cloulius, a partisan of Marius. The carnyx near the trophy on the reverse refers to Marius’ victories over invading Gauls in 102-101 BCE. The coins may have been issued in connection with Marius giving colonial lands to the veterans of these Gallic victories. No obverse control mark has more than one die. The reverse exergual letter Q likely refers to the moneyer's office of quaestor rather than a denominational mark.
CarausiusSep 10, 2018
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Crawford 383/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Tiberius Claudius Nero, AR Serrate DenariusRome. The Republic.
Ti. Claudius Ti.f. Ap.n. Nero, 79 BCE.
AR Serrate Denarius (4.13g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Draped bust of Diana facing right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; S.C, before.
Reverse: Victory driving biga galloping right; A.LXXXVIII below; TI CLAVD TI F AP N, in exergue.
References: Crawford 383/1; Sydenham 770a; BMCRR ;Claudia 5.
Provenance: Ex CNG Classical Numismatic Review (Fall 2015), Lot 411607; CNG Inventory 735603 (August 2003); Numismatica Ars Classica N (26 June 2003), lot 1540; Eton College Collection [Sotheby’s (1 December 1976), lot 195].
The moneyer is Tiberius Claudius Nero, son of Tiberius ("TI F") and grandson of Appius ("AP N"). He served under Pompey in the war against the pirates in 67 BCE, and was the grandfather of the Roman emperor Tiberius. There are two series of control marks for the reverse: one, marked from I to CLXV; the second marked with letter A and I to CLXXXII. Each reverse control mark has only one die. The letters S.C on the obverse mean that this coin was struck by special Senatorial decree, as opposed to routine coinage which was still authorized by the Senate but not specially marked. The reason for the special decree is not certain in this case. The obverse of the coin may refer to the introduction of the worship of Diana by the Sabines from whom the Claudii originated, though Crawford disputes this reading. The reverse may refer to the Second Punic War victories of C. Claudius Nero.
This example comes from the Eton College Collection, which was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1976. Eton College initiated its ancient coin collection by acquiring a large group of British Museum duplicates in the 1870s, and Eton added to this collection in the ensuing years. By the mid-1970s, the ancient coin market was white-hot, and Eton decided to cash-out the lion’s share of its collection, keeping a representative core for study purposes.
CarausiusSep 09, 2018
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Crawford 317/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Appuleius Saturninus, AR DenariusRome. The Repubic.
L. Appuleius Saturninus, 101 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.88g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing left.
Reverse: Saturn holding harpa in fast quadriga galloping right; pellet and sideways E, above; L·SATVRN below.
References: Crawford 317/3a; Sydenham 578; BMCRR 1533 var (dot to left of control letter); Appuleia 1.
Provenance: Ex Stöcklin Family Collection [Nomos 14 (17 May 2017) Lot 229].
The moneyer was L. Appuleius Saturninus, who was Quaestor and twice Tribune near the close of the second century BCE. Crawford attributed the coinage to 104 BCE; but H.B. Mattingly, in Essays Hersh (1998), argues for a slightly later date based on a consensus that Saturninus was Quaestor in 104 BCE. This was a large issue with Crawford estimating 370 obverse dies and 462 reverse dies. No reverse control mark has more than one die. Given the large number of reverse dies, the control marks get somewhat convoluted, with letters in various orientations and combined with one or more pellets. The type, bearing Saturn, is certainly a pun on the moneyer’s name (Saturninus); a common practice among both Greek and Roman coin producers (see, e.g., Greek coins of Selinos bearing celery plants and Roman coins of Q. Pomponius Musa bearing the Muses).
CarausiusSep 09, 2018
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Crawford 210/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Caius Junius, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
Caius Junius C.f., 149 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.70g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; X (mark-of-value = 10 asses), behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; C·IVNI· C· F, below; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.
References: Crawford 210/1; BMCRR 660-3; Sydenham 392; Junia 1.
Provenance: Roma Numismatics Auction VIII (28 Sep 2014), lot 832; Roma Numismatics Auction V (23 Mar 2013), Lot 504; NAC Auction 54 (24 Mar 2010), Lot 166.
This moneyer is unknown except for his coins. His coins have the distinction of being the first in the Republican series to bear patronymic initials, specifically identifying the moneyer versus other family members. In this case, the letters “C· F” represent Caii Filius (son of Caius). Thus, the moneyer is clearly identified as Caius Junius, the son of Caius Junius. In the later decades of the second century, this practice of individual identification, combined with type selections that highlighted ancestral deeds, was employed for political messaging campaigns by young moneyers on the path to consulship. The practice appears to have accelerated following the adoption of secret ballots circa 139 BCE (See, H.B. Mattingly, “Roman Republican Coinage c. 150-90 BC”: Essays Hersh, 1998).
CarausiusSep 09, 2018
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Crawford 458/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar, 47-6 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.87g; 18mm).
Military Mint in North Africa.
Obverse: Diademed head of Venus facing right, wearing necklace.
Reverse: Aeneas walking left, carrying his aged father, Anchises on his shoulder and the palladium in his right hand; CAESAR in right field.
References: Crawford 458/1; HCRI 55; BMCRR (East) 31-5; Julia 10.
Provenance: Ex Stöcklin Collection [Nomos 14 (17 May 2017) Lot 275]; ex E. J. Haeberlin Collection [Cahn-Hess (17 Jul 1933), Lot 2663].
Struck in Africa near the end of Caesar’s civil war struggle with Pompey, the coin advertises the mythical roots of the Julia gens descent from Venus and Anchises. The obverse depicts the goddess, Venus, while the reverse shows Aeneas carrying his aged father, Anchises, from Troy. Sear thought that among Caesar’s coinage, this issue was second in size only to the "elephant" coinage, and Crawford estimated 390 obverse dies and 433 reverse dies.
CarausiusSep 03, 2018
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Crawford 340/4, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Piso Frugi, AE AsRome. The Republic
L. Piso Frugi, 90 BCE
AE As (11.3g; 27mm)
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Janus; I (mark of value = 1 As) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; Victory on prow; L PISO, above prow; [FRVGI] in exergue.
References: Crawford 340/4; BMCRR Rome 2179; Sydenham 677 (R2).
Provenance: Ex NAC 92 (24 May 2016), Lot 1626.
L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi was moneyer in 90 BCE, during the time of the Social War. He later attained the office of Praetor in 74 BCE, but did not appear to distinguish himself further.
The Social War was a civil war between Rome and her Italian allies who had broken-away in a demand for citizenship rights. It was a time of massive coinage output by the Rome mints, likely to pay the costs associated with the conflict. As a result, Frugi's coins are among the most common in the entire Roman Republican series.
In addition to a copious silver coin production, Piso also struck a full complement of bronze coinage. The appearance of Victory on the prow of Piso’s asses, together with some naval imagery on his quadrantes, may either refer to a past naval victory of an ancestor or to the progress of the Social War.
Bronze coins of this era of the Republic often have pronounced casting sprues from the flan production phase of the minting process. This coin has two sprues at 1h and 7h obverse, and at 3h and 9h reverse. These are an expected part of the fabric of Roman Republican bronze coins of the Social War era.
CarausiusSep 01, 2018
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Crawford 337/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, D. Silanus, AE AsRome. The Republic
Decimus Silanus, 91 BCE
AE As (13.46g; 28mm)
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Janus; I (mark of value = 1 As) above.
Reverse: Prow facing right; D SILANVS L F, above.
References: Crawford 337/5; Sydenham 649; BMCRR 1853-8; Junia 23; RBW 1234 (this coin).
Provenance: Ex Roma Auction XI (7 Apr 2016), Lot 590; ex RBW Collection [NAC 63 (2012), Lot 9]; purchased privately from Freeman & Sear 14 Jan 2006.
The moneyer is unknown except for his coins. The As is the only denomination of bronze coin known to have been struck in Silanus’s name. There was a full series of contemporaneous, anonymous bronze coins struck in response to the Lex Papiria. It’s likely that additional bronze coin production was simply not required, and so Silanus focused on silver coin production to defray the costs of the war.
Bronze coins of this era of the Republic often have pronounced casting sprues from the flan production phase of the minting process. This coin has a sprue at 11h obverse, 7h reverse. These are an expected part of the fabric of Roman Republican bronze coins of the Social War era.
CarausiusSep 01, 2018
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Crawford 494/23, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, P. Clodius, AR Denarius - Sear Plate Coin!Rome. Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
Publius Clodius M. f. Turrinus, 41 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.01g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo, facing right; lyre behind.
Reverse: Diana facing with head right, holding a torch in each hand; M.F – P.CLODIVS in fields.
References: Crawford 494/23; Sear, HCRI 184 (this coin illustrated); BMCRR 4290-1; Sydenham 1117.
Provenance: Ex The Mayflower Collection [Heritage Auction (30 April 2012), Lot 26089]; ex J. Schulman Auction 262 (14 May 1975), Lot 1249.
Nothing certain is known of this moneyer besides his coins. The Clodii were an old patrician family of Sabine origin that also had plebeian branches. It is impossible to know whether this moneyer was of the patrician or plebeian side of the family, though his use of the spelling Clodius suggests he was plebeian. Some researchers have suggested (others disagree) that he was the Clodius sent into Macedonia by Caesar in 48 BCE, who fought on the side of Antonius in the Perusine War, and who was put to death by order of Octavian in 40 BCE.
CarausiusSep 01, 2018
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Crawford 31/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR Didrachm-QuadrigatusRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, 225-214 BCE.
AR Didrachm/Quadrigatus (6.81g; 20mm).
Rome Mint (?)
Obv: Janiform head with V neck truncation; pellet beneath neck.
Rev: Jupiter and Victory in quadriga galloping right; beneath, ROMA semi-incuse on raised tablet.
Reference: Crawford 31/1; Sydenham 64c; BMC 100; Gentilhomme Class B, 5th Variety, No. 103 (Plate 3, No 1 and Plate 2, No 9).
Provenance: Ex Freeman and Sear, 2003.
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.
Crawford 31 series didrachms are generally of weak style, low relief and debased metal. The series is recognizable by the Janiform head with a “V” neck truncation, sideburns forking into four, distinct tendrils, and either with or without a pellet control mark below the neck. Although not catalogued separately by Crawford, I find that there are two distinct varieties of Crawford 31 didrachms: the first with a pellet below the Janiform neck and an incuse or semi-incuse ROMA inscription; the second with no pellet below the neck and ROMA in relief within a linear frame. The above coin is the first variety, showing the pellet and semi-incuse inscription. I believe the two should be recognized as separate and distinct varieties within the same series. The meaning of the obverse pellet is unclear, but it may be a control mark indicating the workshop or source of the silver for the issue. Crawford attributes the series to the Rome Mint; however, given the debased metal, fabric and mediocre style common to the series, it’s also possible that the series was struck by a military mint or Italian satellite mint early in the Second Punic War.
CarausiusAug 29, 2018
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Crawford 053/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, ca. 209-208 BCE
Uncertain Italian Mint
AR Denarius (4.64g; 19mm)
Obv: Head of Roma in peaked-visor helmet, facing right; X (mark of value = 10 asses) behind.
Rev: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; ROMA, within full trapezoidal frame, below.
Reference: Crawford 53/2.
Provenance: Ex Hess Divo 331 (1 Dec 2016), Lot 75; ex Giesseener Munzhandlung Dieter Gorny Auktion 44 (1989), Lot 525.
Crawford series 53 Anonymous Denarii can be easily distinguished from the Crawford 44 Anonymous Denarii by "peaked" visor to the helmet. CarausiusAug 25, 2018
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Crawford 480/06, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar and Lucius Aemilius Buca, 44 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.77g; 21mm).
Rome Mint, Feb-Mar 44 BCE.
Obverse: CAESAR DICT- PERPETVO; wreathed head of Julius Caesar facing right.
Reverse: Fasces and winged caduceus in saltire; axe, globe, clasped hands and L BVCA in angles.
References: Crawford 480/6; HCRI 103; Sydenham 1063; BMCRR 4157-9; Julia 37; Alföldi, Type XIII, Plate XCVIII, No. 78.
Provenance: Ex Goldberg Auction #104 (12 Jun 2018) Lot 3248.
Caesar was granted the title of Dictator for Life in mid-February, 44 BCE, thus all coins bearing DICT PERPETVO inscriptions can be firmly dated to the final month of Caesar’s life. This was a period of massive coinage output because Caesar was preparing for a campaign against the Parthians for which a substantial war chest would be needed. To meet the production needs, the college of moneyers was expanded from 3 to 4 moneyers. Nevertheless, manufacturing stress is evident by the frequent poor strikes and off-struck coins that survive today from these final Caesar portrait issues.
The moneyer Lucius Aemilius Buca may have been a relative of Sulla. He does not appear to have struck coins after Caesar’s assassination. With its symbolism, the reverse of this coin suggests Caesar’s growing grasp on religious, military and political power.
CarausiusAug 19, 2018
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Crawford 480/10, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar and P. Sepullius Macer, 44 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.84g; 20mm).
Rome Mint, Feb-Mar 44 BCE.
Obverse: CAESAR - DICT PERPETVO; wreathed head of Julius Caesar facing right.
Reverse: P SEPVLLIVS – MACER; Venus facing left, holding Victory and staff; shield at feet.
References: Crawford 480/10; HCRI 107a; Sydenham 1073: Julia 48; Alföldi, Plate LXVI, No. 2 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Andrew McCabe Collection; privately purchased from Ritter 2010; ex Rauch Auction 85 (26 Nov 2009) Lot 323; ex Professor L. Fontana Collection (bef. 1974).
Caesar was granted the title of Dictator for Life in mid-February, 44 BCE, thus all coins bearing DICT PERPETVO inscriptions can be firmly dated to the final month of Caesar’s life. This was a period of massive coinage output because Caesar was preparing for a campaign against the Parthians for which a substantial war chest would be needed. To meet the production needs, the college of moneyers was expanded from 3 to 4 moneyers. Nevertheless, manufacturing stress is evident by the frequent poor strikes and off-struck coins that survive today from these final Caesar portrait issues.
The moneyer P. Sepullius Macer struck coins during and after Caesar’s lifetime, including one type for M. Antony that also appears in my gallery. His output of coins was particularly high compared to the other three moneyers of 44 BCE. This reverse type, common among the four moneyers, alludes to the descent of the Julia gens from Venus and Anchises.
CarausiusAug 19, 2018
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Crawford 443/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Julius Caesar, AR DenariusRome. The Imperators.
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.93 g; 19mm).
Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BCE.
Obverse: Elephant walking right, trampling serpent; CAESAR in exergue.
Reverse: Simpulum, aspergillum, axe and apex.
References: Crawford 443/1: HCRI 9; Sydenham 1006; Julia 9.
Provenance: Ex Ploil Collection [NAC 101 (24 Oct 2017), Lot 10]; privately purchased December 1980.
Caesar’s “elephant” issue was massive, with Crawford estimating 750 obverse and 833 reverse dies. Stylistic variations range from elephants depicted accurately to elephants with pig-like characteristics. The CAESAR inscriptions on the well-executed elephant varieties typically have letters with serifs; while inscriptions on the piggish varieties have letters without serifs. Woytek believes the series was struck in Gallia Narbonensis and Hispania Citerior in circa 49BC during Caesar’s campaign against Pompey loyalists in Spain. Other scholars, like Crawford and Sear, believe the issue was commenced shortly after Caesar invaded Italy in 49 and continued until the defeat of Pompey at Pharsalus in 48 BCE. What’s clear is that Caesar struck these coins without authority, as he did not hold the office of moneyer or legate. As for interpretation of this coin type, many scholars, including Crawford and Sear, interpret the obverse (elephant trampling the serpent) as representing good (Caesar) triumphing over evil. Michael Harlan interprets the obverse as blaming the civil war on Pompey’s faction; the elephant representing Pompey’s supporter, Metellus Pius Scipio (whose family badge, frequently seen on Metellan coins, is an elephant), trampling the snake symbol of Salus, the health and safety of Rome. The reverse clearly depicts the emblems of the priesthood and alludes to Caesar’s office of pontifex maximus.
CarausiusAug 19, 2018
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Crawford 465/8, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Considius Paetus, AR SestertiusRome. Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
C. Considius Paetus, 46 BCE.
AR Sestertius (0.89g; 12mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: C·CONSIDIVS; winged bust of Cupid facing right.
Reverse: Two filleted cornucopiae on globe.
References: Crawford 465/8a; Sydenham 997 (R6); Banti 31/3 (this coin illustrated); BMCRR 4097; Considia 10.
Provenance: Ex Professor Hildebrecht Hommel Collection [Dr. Busso Peus Auction 422 (26 Apr 2018), Lot 192]; Kress Auction 137 (1966), Lot 254.
The moneyer is not known except for his coins. The type is rare, with Crawford counting an aggregate of 13 obverse and 14 reverse dies for two varieties of the type. The meaning of the type is pro-Caesar, with Cupid on the obverse relating to Venus and referring to the Julia gens' mythical descent from that deity; and the cornucopiae and globe on the reverse referring to domination. The silver sestertius, equal in value to a quarter denarius, was originally established with the adoption of the denarius system in circa 212 BCE. However, the denomination soon ceased, perhaps because reduction in the size and weight of the bronze coinage during the Second Punic War made tiny silver coinage less convenient than reasonably sized bronzes. The silver sestertius was revived in 91 BCE with the adoption of the Lex Papiria, and therefore AR sestertii of 91-90 BCE, which are rare, bear the legend E.L.P. (e lege Papiria). This revival was short-lived and the silver denomination would again sink into obscurity until revived a final time during the Imperatorial era. The reason for the attempted revivals of this silver denomination may be that the Roman unit of account had changed from the as to the sestertius when the denarius was re-tariffed at 16 asses in circa 141 BCE. Ultimately, Augustus would restore the sestertius denomination as a large bronze coin.
CarausiusAug 17, 2018
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Crawford 044/7, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AR SestertiusRome. The Republic.
Anonymous, 212-208 BCE
AR Sestertius (1.0g; 12mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, right; IIS (mark of value) behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with spears; two stars above; ROMA below in linear frame.
References: Crawford 44/7; Sydenham 142; BMCRR 13-18.
Provenance: Ex Volteia Collection [CNG 102 (18 May 2016), Lot 777]; ex August Voirol Collection [Munzen und Medaillen 38 (6-7 Dec 1968), Lot 105].
The IIS mark of value denotes that the coin is worth 2 asses + a semis, or 2.5 asses. This quarter-denarius denomination was part of the introduction of the denarius coinage following the Roman sack of Syracuse. The subsequent reduction in the weight standard and size of the bronze coinage eliminated the need for this tiny silver denomination, and it was soon discontinued. However, the denomination would be resurrected for short times during the Social War and Imperatorial eras.
There are various styles of anonymous AR Sestertii that likely correspond to the various styles of anonymous denarii. Some of these stylistic variations may represent different issues and/or different mints. This particular coin depicts Roma with unbound hair and a necklace of a simple line; the helmet visor is "splayed" and consists of two lines with a central, partial third line; the tail of the Dioscuri's horses are fully extended. CarausiusAug 02, 2018
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Crawford 195/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Ass Series, AE As Ass Series, 169-158 BCE.
AE As (27.59g; 30mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark of value), above.
Reverse: Galley prow facing right; ass, above; I (mark of value) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 195/1; Sydenham 298; BMCRR I 520-4; RBW 837.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection duplicates [Triskeles vAuctions 320 (16 Sep 2016), Lot 414]; purchased privately from Kurt Spanier, 17 Jan 2003.
Towards the middle of the second century BCE, the Rome mint produced several series consisting only of bronze coins. The Ass Series is one of them. The demand for bronze coins may have increased as Rome phased-out production of small-change silver coins - victoriati and sestertii. The production of bronze peaked at the middle of this century and then dropped considerably until the Social War in 90 BCE. This drop in bronze production is partly related to the re-tariffing of the denarius in 145 BCE from 10 to 16 asses. As a result these mid-second century asses and the large bronzes that preceded them would circulate for many years.
CarausiusJul 17, 2018
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Crawford 183/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Wolf and Twins Series, AE AsRome. The Republic
Wolf and Twins Series, 169-158 BCE.
AE As (26.42g; 35mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark of value), above.
Reverse: Galley prow facing right; she-wolf suckling the twins, Romulus and Remus, above; I (mark of value) to right; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 183/1; Sydenham 297; BMCRR 514-6; RBW 775.
Provenance: Ex SteveX6 Collection; ex CNG eSale 307, Lot 269; ex RBW duplicates (not in prior sales); purchased from Bank Leu (Jan 1985).
Apparently RBW purchased more than one Wolf and Twins As from Bank Leu in January 1985, as the specimen in the NAC auction shares the same Bank Leu origin and date. I have the original RBW ticket for this coin and so I’m confident that the provenance information is correct.
CarausiusJul 17, 2018
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Crawford 194/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anchor (Third) Series, AE AsRome. The Republic
Anchor (Third) Series, 169-158 BCE.
AE As (35.22g; 35mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus; I (mark of value), above.
Reverse: Galley prow facing right; I (mark of value), above; anchor, before; ROMA, below.
References: Crawford 194/1; Sydenham 238; BMCRR 519; RBW 831.
Provenance: Ex Dr. Walter Neussel Jr. Collection [Peus Auction 420/421 (1 Nov 2017), Lot 72]; ex M&M Deutschland 9 (2001), Lot 338; Munz Zentrum Auktion XXX (21 Nov 1977) Lot 137.
The two series of Anchor bronzes are easily distinguishable by style and fabric. The first bronze anchor series (Cr 50) is of finer style and struck on good quality flans; the second bronze anchor series (actually the third anchor series overall) (Cr 194), exhibited here, is less refined, with upward gazing Janus and often poorly cast flans. In BMCRR, Grueber suggests a possible connection between coins with anchor symbol and the Quinctia gens, because anchor symbols also occur with the letter Q (see Crawford 86B).
CarausiusJul 17, 2018
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Crawford 238/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Antestius Gragulus, AE QuadransRome. The Republic.
L. Antestius Gragulus, 136 BCE
AE Quadrans (3.87g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of young Hercules wearing lionskin headdress, facing right; ●●● (mark of value), behind.
Reverse: Prow right; ●●● (mark of value), before; LANTES (NTE ligate) above; ROMA below.
References: Crawford 238/3e; RBW 983 (this coin illustrated); Sydenham 452d; BMCRR 981var (see note 1); SRCV-I 1142.
Provenance: Ex FORVM Ancient Coins; Andrew McCabe Collection; RBW Collection [NAC 61 (Oct 2011) Lot 979]; Goodman Collection [CNG 45 (1998) Lot 1536].
The moneyer is not known except for his coins. He may have been the son of C. Antestius who was moneyer in 146 BCE. Some of his quadrantes depict a jackdaw on the prow which was likely a pun on his name Gragulus. These quadrantes are quite rare, with Crawford reporting only 9 total examples in Paris of 5 different varieties.
CarausiusJul 08, 2018
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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).
Military mint travelling with Antony, 42BCE.
Obverse: Antony's bearded head right; M ANTONI - IMP (ligate).
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: Italian export permit No. 13168 of 2018; ex Nomisma 32 (2006), Lot 129.
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; the other with IMP ligate, as on this example. The ligate version is the scarcer version of the two. The reverse type emphasizing Sol was a common theme on Antony’s eastern coinage, perhaps reflecting his growing enchantment with eastern Hellenistic culture.
CarausiusJul 07, 2018
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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 (6.82g; 21mm).
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; Sydenham 66 (R8); BMCRR 108.
Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 41 (24 Jun 2018) Lot 389; ex NAC 50 (4 Apr 2011), Lot 1729; purchased from Freeman & Sear, before 2011.
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 tbe 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.
CarausiusJul 07, 2018
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Crawford 408/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Piso Frugi, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
Caius Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 61-59 BCE
AR Denarius (3.98g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Apollo facing right, hair tied with fillet or taenia; eagle head (control mark), behind.
Reverse: Horse and rider galloping right; C PISO L F FRV, below; grain ear in exergue.
References: Crawford 408/1b; Sydenham 841d; Hersh O-252/R-2060; Banti 196 (this coin illustrated); Calpurnia 24.
Provenance: Ex JD Collection [NAC 78 (26 May 2014) Lot 447]; ex A. Galerie des Monnaies Geneva (Nov 1976), No. 33.
Caius Piso Frugi, was the son of Lucius Piso Frugi who produced a huge coinage during the Social War in 90 BCE. Caius was son-in-law to Cicero, marrying Cicero’s daughter Tullia in 63 BCE. He was quaestor in 58 BCE, during which time he fought hard for repeal of Cicero’s exile. He died in 57 BCE, just before Cicero returned to Rome. Cicero thought very highly of him.
Crawford dated Caius’ coinage to 67 BCE, the year of his engagement to Tullia. The near mint state condition of Caius’ coins in the Mesagne Hoard caused Hersh and Walker to bring down the date of Caius’ mint magistracy toward the close of the hoard material, circa 61 BCE. In “Roman Republican Moneyers and Their Coins” (2nd ed.), Michael Harlan suggests a slightly later date of 59 BCE, which would be the latest possible date for the series given the hard dates of Caius’ quaestorship in 58 and death in 57.
With his coinage, Caius reissued the coin types of his father which allude to the celebration of the Ludi Apollinares instituted by Frugi's ancestor during the Second Punic War. These games were held at the Circus Maximus in July of each year and lasted 8 or 9 days, consisting of horse racing and performances.
While his father’s 90 BCE coinage was hurriedly and sloppily produced due to wartime exigency (dies were often used to the brink of destruction), Caius’ coinage was considerably well made – struck in high relief and good style. Reverse dies were convex – resulting in characteristic “cupped” reverses – to fully-strike the high relief obverses. Obverses are in two varieties: the first, with Apollo’s hair bound with a fillet or taenia; the second with his hair laureate. Hersh (1976) knew of 204 obverse dies. Laureate dies are considerably fewer than fillet/taenia dies. The reverses are quite varied, depicting the horsemen wearing various caps or capless and carrying whip, torch, palm or nothing. Hersh knew of 232 reverse dies. Obverse and reverse dies bear a series of control marks consisting of symbols, letters, Greek and Roman numbers and fractional signs. The obverse/reverse die links in the series are very random within the estimated three workshops, and are considered evidence for the “die box” method of die management by the mint officials.
CarausiusJul 06, 2018
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Crawford 408/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Piso Frugi, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
Caius Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 61-59 BCE
AR Denarius (3.96g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo facing right; wheel with four spokes (control mark), behind.
Reverse: Horse with rider carrying palm, galloping right; II or П above; C PISO L F FRVG, below.
References: Crawford 408/1a (O17/R31); Sydenham 850f; Hersh O-17/R-1023; Banti 245/2 (this coin illustrated); Calpurnia 24.
Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 39 (29 Apr 2018), Lot 472; DeFalco FPL 80 (1968); Munzen und Medaillen XVII (2-4 Dec 1957), Lot 185; De Falco FPL 31 (Dec 1955), Lot 155.
Caius Piso Frugi, was the son of Lucius Piso Frugi who produced a huge coinage during the Social War in 90 BCE. Caius was son-in-law to Cicero, marrying Cicero’s daughter Tullia in 63 BCE. He was quaestor in 58 BCE, during which time he fought hard for repeal of Cicero’s exile. He died in 57 BCE, just before Cicero returned to Rome. Cicero thought very highly of him.
Crawford dated Caius’ coinage to 67 BCE, the year of his engagement to Tullia. The near mint state condition of Caius’ coins in the Mesagne Hoard caused Hersh and Walker to bring down the date of Caius’ mint magistracy toward the close of the hoard material, circa 61 BCE. In “Roman Republican Moneyers and Their Coins” (2nd ed.), Michael Harlan suggests a slightly later date of 59 BCE, which would be the latest possible date for the series given the hard dates of Caius’ quaestorship in 58 and death in 57.
With his coinage, Caius reissued the coin types of his father which allude to the celebration of the Ludi Apollinares instituted by Frugi's ancestor during the Second Punic War. These games were held at the Circus Maximus in July of each year and lasted 8 or 9 days, consisting of horse racing and performances.
While his father’s 90 BCE coinage was hurriedly and sloppily produced due to wartime exigency (dies were often used to the brink of destruction), Caius’ coinage was considerably well made – struck in high relief and good style. Reverse dies were convex – resulting in characteristic “cupped” reverses – to fully-strike the high relief obverses. Obverses are in two varieties: the first, with Apollo’s hair bound with a fillet or taenia; the second with his hair laureate. Hersh (1976) knew of 204 obverse dies. Laureate dies are considerably fewer than fillet/taenia dies. The reverses are quite varied, depicting the horsemen wearing various caps or capless and carrying whip, torch, palm or nothing. Hersh knew of 232 reverse dies. Obverse and reverse dies bear a series of control marks consisting of symbols, letters, Greek and Roman numbers and fractional signs. The obverse/reverse die links in the series are very random within the estimated three workshops, and are considered evidence for the “die box” method of die management by the mint officials.
CarausiusJul 06, 2018
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Crawford 453/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Plautius Plancus, AR DenariusRome. Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
L. Plautius Plancus, 47 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.94g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: L·PLAVTIVS; Facing mask of Medusa with coiled snakes on each side.
Reverse: PLANCVS; Victory facing, leading four horses and holding palm.
References: Crawford 453/1a; HCRI 29; Sydenham 959; BMCRR 4006; Plautia 14.
Provenance: Ex The New York Sale Auction XXXII (8 Jan 2014) Lot 205; NAC 54 (24 Mar 2010), Lot 256.
Lucius Plautius Plancus was a brother of L. Munatius Plancus, who became Prefect of the City under Caesar. Lucius was adopted by L. Plautius. In 47 BCE, Lucius was a moneyer and produced this coin. Two styles of the obverse were produced, one with coiled snakes on either side of Medusa's head; the other without snakes.
In 43 BCE, Lucius was proscribed by the Second Triumvirate and executed. The same year of Lucius’ proscription and execution, his brother, L. Munatius Plancus, placed in the capitol a painting by the 4th century BCE, Greek artist, Nicomachus of Thebes in which Victory is driving a quadriga and holding a palm. David Sear, in “History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators” suggests that Lucius may have owned the Nicomachus painting in 47 BCE (it would have passed to his brother upon his execution) and that the reverse of this coin was inspired by the painting. Sear is not the first numismatist to have proposed this theory regarding the Nicomachus painting. Eckhel had an equally conjectural theory for this coin type that connected the devices to a story involving one of Lucius’ ancestors as the basis for an annual celebration in Rome where masks were worn.
Regardless of the true derivation and meaning of the type, the coin is a remarkably artistic design for the period, and surely the devices must have some connection to the moneyer’s natural or adopted family.
CarausiusJul 02, 2018
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Crawford 071/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C/M Series VictoriatusRome. The Republic.
C/M Series, 211-208 BCE
AR Victoriatus (3.26g; 18mm).
Sicilian mint (?)
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter facing right; C behind.
Reverse: Victory crowns trophy; M between; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 71/1a; RBW 300; Sydenham 112; BMCRR (Italy) 252.
Provenance: Ex Andrew McCabe Collection; Vecchi 7 (6 Oct 1997) Lot 571; NAC 1 (29 Mar 1989) Lot 561.
About 212 BCE, when the Romans introduced the denarius system, they also introduced a collateral denomination of silver coin, the victoriatus. As evidenced by its different weight standard, debased metal, iconography and missing denominational mark, the victoriatus was not integral to the denarius system but was produced for a special purpose. While the denarius and its fractions, the quinarius and sestertius, all depicted Roma and the Dioscuri, victoriati depicted Jupiter and Victory crowning a trophy. Further, while denarii were produced from nearly pure silver, victoriati were made from debased silver of about 70% purity. Based on the weight standard of Magna Graecia drachms, victoriati were likely designed specifically for payments to Greek cities of southern Italy and hoard evidence supports circulation largely in southern Italy.
Crawford’s attribution of the C/M Series victoriati to a Sicilian mint is uncertain and partly based on style.
Rome ceased issuing victoriati circa 170 BCE. Perhaps because of their debased metal (which discouraged hoarding), victoriati continued to circulate in Gaul for many years until they functioned as de facto quinarii due to metal loss from wear. Their continued popularity caused Rome to later issue quinarii bearing the same devices (Jupiter/Victory and trophy). CarausiusJun 22, 2018
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Crawford 097/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L Series VictoriatusRome. The Republic.
L Series, 211-208 BCE
AR Victoriatus (3.13g; 18mm).
Luceria mint
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter facing right; bead-and-reel border.
Reverse: Victory crowns trophy; L between; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 97/1b; RBW 395; Sydenham 121; BMCRR (Italy) 157-8.
Provenance: Ex Andrew McCabe Collection; ex RBW Collection (not in prior sales); private purchase from H.J. Berk 15 May 1994.
About 212 BCE, when the Romans introduced the denarius system, they also introduced a collateral denomination of silver coin, the victoriatus. As evidenced by its different weight standard, debased metal, iconography and missing denominational mark, the victoriatus was not integral to the denarius system but was produced for a special purpose. While the denarius and its fractions, the quinarius and sestertius, all depicted Roma and the Dioscuri, victoriati depicted Jupiter and Victory crowning a trophy. Further, while denarii were produced from nearly pure silver, victoriati were made from debased silver of about 70% purity. Based on the weight standard of Magna Graecia drachms, victoriati were likely designed specifically for payments to Greek cities of southern Italy and hoard evidence supports circulation largely in southern Italy.
Like the LT Series victoriati that were also struck in Luceria, Crawford notes that the L Series Victoriati went through three obverse phases: the first, with bead-and-reel border and Jupiter with scraggly hair; the second, with bead-and-reel border and Jupiter with neat ringlets; and the last, with dot border. This coin clearly belongs to the second phase.
Rome ceased issuing victoriati circa 170 BCE. Perhaps because of their debased metal (which discouraged hoarding), victoriati continued to circulate in Gaul for many years until they functioned as de facto quinarii due to metal loss from wear. Their continued popularity caused Rome to later issue quinarii bearing the same devices (Jupiter/Victory and trophy). CarausiusJun 22, 2018
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Crawford 098A/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, LT Series VictoriatusRome. The Republic.
LT Series, 211-210 BCE
AR Victoriatus (3.06g; 18mm).
Luceria mint
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter facing right.
Reverse: Victory crowns trophy; LT ligate between; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 98A/1b; RBW 429; Sydenham 137; BMCRR (Italy) 178-80.
Provenance: Ex Andrew McCabe Collection; private purchase in 2012 from CNG #910522; ex CNG 88 (14 Sep 2011) Lot 1130.
About 212 BCE, when the Romans introduced the denarius system, they also introduced a collateral denomination of silver coin, the victoriatus. As evidenced by its different weight standard, debased metal, iconography and missing denominational mark, the victoriatus was not integral to the denarius system but was produced for a special purpose. While the denarius and its fractions, the quinarius and sestertius, all depicted Roma and the Dioscuri, victoriati depicted Jupiter and Victory crowning a trophy. Further, while denarii were produced from nearly pure silver, victoriati were made from debased silver of about 70% purity. Based on the weight standard of Magna Graecia drachms, victoriati were likely designed specifically for payments to Greek cities of southern Italy and hoard evidence supports circulation largely in southern Italy.
Like the L Series victoriati which were also struck in Luceria, Crawford notes three phases of the LT Series victoriati: the first, with a small head and mint/control letters split between obverse and reverse; the second, with larger head and monogram LT on reverse; the last, with careless, spread devices and mint/control marks again split between obverse and reverse. This coin belongs to the second phase of the series’ development. While the L almost certainly represent Luceria, the meaning of the additional letter T is uncertain. Crawford suggests it may be a magistrates initial or indicate the purpose of the expenditure.
Rome ceased issuing victoriati circa 170 BCE. Perhaps because of their debased metal (which discouraged hoarding), victoriati continued to circulate in Gaul for many years until they functioned as de facto quinarii due to metal loss from wear. Their continued popularity caused Rome to later issue quinarii bearing the same devices (Jupiter/Victory and trophy).
CarausiusJun 22, 2018
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Crawford 083/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous Spear Head Victoriatus - RARERome. The Republic.
Anonymous Spear Head (First) Series, 211-210 BCE
AR Victoriatus (2.67g; 17mm).
S.E. Italian mint
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter facing right.
Reverse: Victory crowns trophy; ROMA in exergue.
References: Crawford 83/1b; RBW 337; Sydenham 223var (no spear head); BMCRR 320var (no spear head).
About 212 BCE, when the Romans introduced the denarius system, they also introduced a collateral denomination of silver coin, the victoriatus. As evidenced by its different weight standard, debased metal, iconography and missing denominational mark, the victoriatus was not integral to the denarius system but was produced for a special purpose. While the denarius and its fractions, the quinarius and sestertius, all depicted Roma and the Dioscuri, victoriati depicted Jupiter and Victory crowning a trophy. Further, while denarii were produced from nearly pure silver, victoriati were made from debased silver of about 70% purity. Based on the weight standard of Magna Graecia drachms, victoriati were likely designed specifically for payments to Greek cities of southern Italy and hoard evidence supports circulation largely in southern Italy.
Like early denarii, victoriati were produced in both anonymous series and in series marked with letters or symbols. Some anonymous series are clearly related to letter/symbol series of identical style and fabric, and it's interesting to ponder whether the anonymous or letter/symbol series came first and why. This rare coin is an anonymous version of Spear Head Series victoriatus, being identical in style to its marked cousin. Note, on the obverse, the three loose ringlets at Jupiter’s neck and, on the reverse, the large knot and drape in the front of Victory’s garment and the bulbous, round base to the trophy stem – all these stylistic cues are identical in those marked Victoriati of the first Spear Head Series.
Rome ceased issuing victoriati circa 170 BCE. Perhaps because of their debased metal (which discouraged hoarding), victoriati continued to circulate in Gaul for many years until they functioned as de facto quinarii due to metal loss from wear. Their continued popularity caused Rome to later issue quinarii bearing the same devices (Jupiter/Victory and trophy).
For further information on anonymous victoriati, I recommend Ken Friedman’s and Richard Schaefer’s guide hosted on Steve Brinkman’s website: http://stevebrinkman.ancients.info/anonymous/AnonymousVictoriatii.html.
CarausiusJun 22, 2018
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