| Last additions - Charles S |
Faustina I Maior, wife of Antoninus Pius, AD 98/105-140/141Orichalcum sestertius (27.5g, 32mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck after her death, AD 141-161.
DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right with hair waived and coiled on top
AETERNITAS around the edge S Cin field, Ceres, veiled, standing left arranging draperies and holding a torch.
RIC (A.Pius) 1100 [scarce]; Cohen 46Charles SMay 22, 2012
|
|
Plotina, wife of Trajan, A.D. 105-123Orichalcum sestertius (27.10g, 36mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Trajan, AD 112.
Obv.: PLOTINA AVG - IMP TRAIANI, diademed draped bust right, hair elaborately dressed in two tiers over brow, stephane above, elaborately waved at the back, falling down her neck in plait.
Rev.: FIDES AVGVST / S C, Fides standing right holding grain ears in right hand and basket of fruits in left.
RIC (Trajan) 740 [R3]; Cohen 12Charles SMay 22, 2012
|
|
Vespasian, RIC 757, Dupondius of AD 74 AD (crossed cornucopiae)Æ Dupondius (13.2g, Ø22mm, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 74.
Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG laureate head left
Rev.: PON MAX TR POT P P COS V CENS winged caduceus between two crossed cornucopiae
RIC 757 (C2), Cohen 377
ex G.Henzen
This issue belongs a group of brass denominations which have in the past been attributed to Commagene and other mints, but can now firmly be tied to the mint of Rome: see RIC II (2007 edition). This dupondius was minted in association with smaller bronze denominations meant for circulation in Syria.Charles SMay 22, 2012
|
|
1. Aeneas travels from Troy to Italy Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (24.15g, Ø 33mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right.
Rev.: S C [left and right in field], Aeneas wearing a short tunic and cloac, advancing right, carrying Anchises on left shoulder and holding Ascanius by right hand. Anchises (veiled and draped) carries a box in left hand, Ascanius wears a short tunic and Phrygian cap and caries a pedum in left hand. RIC 627[R2], BMCRE 1292, Cohen 761; Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali) 373 (4 specimens); Foss 57b.
This sestertius was issued in preparation of the 900th anniversary of Rome which was celebrated in A.D.147.
The scene depicts Aeneas leaving Ilium, as the Romans called Troy, with Ascanius and Anchises. According to Vergil (Aeneid, Book 2), Aeneas, the son of the goddess Venus and the Trojan Anchises, fled with some remnants of the inhabitants of Troy as it fell to the Greeks, taking with him his son, Ascanius, his elderly father, Anchises, and the Palladium, the ancient sacred statue of Athena. The Trojans eventually made their way west to resettle in Italy. There they intermarried with the local inhabitants and founded the town of Lavinium, and thereby became the nucleus of the future Roman people. One of the descendants of Aeneas' son Ascanius (known now as Iulus) was Rhea Silvia, mother of Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. The mythological depictions on this coin reinforce the importance of Ilium, not only as the seedbed of the future Roman people, but also as the mother city of the future caput mundi.Charles SMay 22, 2012
|
|
Roman Empire, Augustus, Posthumous SestertiusÆ Sestertius, 26,9g, Ø 35-36mm, 12h, Rome, AD 22-23
Obv.: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER, Augustus radiated seated left, feet on stool, holding laurel branch and long sceptre, altar in front
Rev.: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXIIII around large S C.
RIC (Tiberius) 49 (R); Cohen 74; Sear (RCV I) 1782; Foss (Roman Historic Coins) Tiberius:5
This type, issued under Tiberius, refers to the consecration of Augustus after his death in AD 14. According to Sear (RCV I) this type may represent the statue of Divus Augustus set up near the Theatre of Marcellus in Rome.
Charles SDec 03, 2010
|
|
Tiberius Asia earthquake relief sestertiusÆ Sestertius, 28,3g, Ø 35mm, 12h, Rome, AD 22-23
Obv.: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXIIII around large S C
Rev.: CIVITATIBVS ASIAE RESTITVTIS, Tiberius laureated seated left, feet on stool holding a patera and a long sceptre
RIC 48 (S); Cohen 70; Sear (RCV I) 1764; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 56:15
This type publicizes the measures undertaken by Tiberius for the relief of those cities of the province Asia which had been affected by a devastating earthquake in AD 17 centered near the city of Sardis (Sear RCV I and Foss RCH)
Charles SDec 03, 2010
|
|
Gaius ("Caligula"), RIC 33, Sestertius from A.D.37-38 (three sisters)Æ Sestertius (23.4g, Ø 33-34mm, 6h), Rome mint, struck AD 37-38
Obv.: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, laurate head left
Rev.: AGRIPPINA - DRVSILLA - IVLIA (left, above and right) S C (ex.), Caligula's three sisters: Agrippina (Jr.), the eldest sister, as Securitas, leaning on column, holding cornucopiae, and placing left hand on Drusilla's shoulder; Drusilla, the middle sister, as Concordia, holding patera and cornucopiae; and Julia Livilla, the youngest, as Fortuna, holding rudder and cornucopiae.
RIC 33 (R); Mattingly (BMCRE) 36, 37; Cohen 4 (25 Fr.); Sear (Roman Coins & their Values) 1800
ex Harlan J. Berk, Buy/Bid Sale 130 (2002)
Addtional information from H.J. Berk: This specimen in the style of a provincial branch mint, apparently rarer than those in Rome-mint style. Very slightly granular.
This type was produced on two occasions, a first issue in 37-38, and a second in 39-40. This example belongs to the first, issued when the three women were all still alive. Drusilla, Caligula's favourite sister (the one with whom he is said to have had an incestuous relationship), died tragically on June 10, 38, nearly three months after the last coins of the first issue were struck. By the time the second issue was produced (beginning March 18, 39), Drusilla had been accorded the status of a goddess, providing the curious circumstance of a goddess being portrayed in the guise of a personification. Life in the palace worsened after Drusilla's death and Caligula's affection for his remaining two sisters declined.
Drusilla married to Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, who had also been Caligula's lover. At least after Drusilla died, Lepidus extended his sexual liaisons to include Agrippina and Julia Livilla, his former sisters-in-law. By late in 39 this web of relationships seems to have evolved into a failed plot by Lepidus against Caligula, who executed Lepidus and sent his two sisters into exile out of their suspected complicity. All of this palace intrigue occurred in the midst of the second issue of 'three sisters' sestertii, the production of which Caligula probably halted immediately since of the three sisters shown, one was dead and two were in exile for having plotted against his life. Examples of this second issue are excessively rare (RIC 41:R4). Charles SDec 03, 2010
|
|
Gaius ("Caligula"), RIC 37, Sestertius of AD 38 (oak wreath)Æ Sestertius (25,55g, Ø 34mm, 6h), Rome mint, struck AD 38
Obv.: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, laurate head left
Rev.: SPQR / P·P / OB·CIVES / SERVATOS, Text in oak wreath.
RIC 37 [R]; Sear (Roman Coins and Values) 1801; Foss (Roman Historic Coins) 13
First issue to celebrate the title PATER PATRIAE awarded to him by the senate in AD 38.
Charles SDec 03, 2010
|
|
Roman Empire, Augustus, Sestertius of 18 BCÆ Sestertius, 25,72g, 37mm, 10h; Rome, 18 BC
Obv.: C MARCI L F CENSORIN AVG III VIR AAA F F around large S C, large S C
Rev.: OB / CIVIS / SERVATOS three lines in double wreath.
RIC 325 [R2]; Mattingly (BMCRE) 178; Cohen 454; Sear RCV II 1647Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
Roman Empire, Domitian, Sesterius with Secular Games Ceremony from AD 88-89Æ Sestertius, 26.3g, Ø 36mm, 6h, Rome, AD 88-89
Obv.: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P VIII CENS PER P P, laurate head right
Rev.: COS XIIII / LVD SAEC / SVF P D / S C in ex., Domitian seated left on platform gives fumigant to citizen accompanied by child.
RIC 376 [R2]; BMCRE 428; C. 81; Sear RCV II 2761; Foss (Roman Historic Coins) 30
This issue is part of a series which commemorates major events of the Secular Games which took place in october AD 88: this scene depicts the distribution of purifying incense (suffimenta) to the people. This ceremony took place at the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, which is visible in the background.Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
Roman Empire, Nero dupondius "MACELLVS", Rome mint, AD 64Æ dupondius, 13.4g, Ø 28mm, 6h
Obv.: NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM PM TR P IMP P P, radiate head right
Rev.: MACELLVS AVGVST[I] left and right border, S C below, left end right of the steps II in exergue, Frontal view of the Macellum Magnum.
RIC 189 [R2] var (rev. legend); Cohen 130 var (same); BMCRE p.236 * ("variety of rev. legend MACELLVS (!) AVGVST·S·C·, obv. CLAVDIVS···GERM·, radiate, r., in Naples; 'Macellus' (for 'Macellum') does not inspire confidence as an ancient reading."); Sear (Roman Coins and their Values II) 1963 var (same); Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 12b
This is a very rare full legend instead of the usual abbreviation "MAC AVG". In addition, the variant "MACELLVS" is used instead of the usual "MACELLVM". This type (with normal legend) is listed as extremely rare (R2) in RIC. A coin of the same reverse die but in (a)EF condition was auctioned by Numismatica Ars Classica, 2 April 2008, Auction 45, Lot number: 91.Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
Vespasian, RIC 1191, dupondius, Lugdunum mint, AD 72-73 (Pax)Æ Dupondius (13.4g, Ø 28mm, 6h). Lugdunum mint. Struck AD 72-73
Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII, radiate head right, globe at tip of bust.
Rev.: PAX AVG (around) S C (field), Pax standing left, sacrificing from patera over altar, holding branch and caduceus.
RIC 1191; Cohen 301;
ex D.Ruskin ("found near Withey, Oxfordshire, UK").Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
9. Juno Sospita, goddess of LavuniumÆ Sestertius, 28,89g, Ø 31mm, 12h, minted AD 140, Rome
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS P P TR P COS III, laurate head right
Rev.: IVNONI SISPITAE around, S C in field, Juno Sospita with goat skin head dress, advancing right preceded by snake, brandishing javelin and holding shield, pinched in the middle.
RIC 608 (scarse); BMCRE 1248; Cohen 473; Foss 56
This issue is part of a series of coins struck between 140 and 144 figuring scenes from ancient Roman legends. Juno Sospita was the godess of Lanuvium, the birthplace of Pius, and one of the most ancient figures in the Roman pantheon.
Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
8. Janus, first king of Italy, and inventor of civilisationSestertius minted AD 140, Rome. 24.70g, Ø 32mm, 12h. RIC 644, Cohen 881, Foss 55
Obv.: ANTONINVS - AVG PIVS PP, laurate head right.
Rev.: TR POT COS III round edge SC in field, Janus standing facing, holding sceptre.
ex CNG eAuction 233 lot 335 (June 2010); ex the John Bitner Collection of Secular Games Coinage; ex Astarte XV (27 November 2004), lot 234.
Sestertius issued in preparation of the 900th anniversary of Rome, celebrated on 21 April 147.
Janus was believed to be first king of Italy, serving as both leader and teacher to all within his lands. In honor of his deeds, he was elevated to the status of a deity by the Romans, with Romulus himself, one of the mythical founders of Rome, building and dedicating the Temple of Janus.Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
Antoninus Pius, RIC 621, Sestertius of AD 140-144 (Roma)Æ Sestertius (28.4g, Ø 33-34mm, 12h) Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS P P TR P COS III, laurate head right
Rev.: ROMA AETERNA (around), S C (in ex.), Roma seated left on throne, holding palladium and spear; shield at side.
RIC 621; BMCRE 1276; C. 694; Strack 846; Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 330 (7 spec.); Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 24b; Sear (Roman Coins and their Values II) 1276
ex CNG Auction #29, lot 62687, May 2001
Issued to celebrate the completion in AD141 of the temple of Venus and Rome, designed and begun by Hadrian. This could also belong to the series of ancient Roman legends issued in this same period, as the Palladium held by Roma is the statue of Pallas Athena, stolen from Troy and brought to Italy by Aeneas. It was regarded by the Romans as guardian of their city.Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
Roman Empire, Antoninus Pius, AE Sestertius, RIC 641Æ Sestertius, 24.4g, Ø 32-34mm, 12h, minted AD 140-144, Rome
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS P P TR P COS III, laurate head right
Rev.: SECVRITA-S PVBLICA / S C, Securitas standing left, holding sceptre and leaning on column.
RIC 641; C. 783; BMCRE 1312; Sear RCVII 4232
Charles SDec 02, 2010
|
|
Roman, Vespasian Dupondius Commagene mint, A.D.74Æ, 13.2g, 28mm, 7h
Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG, laurate head left
Rev.: PON MAX TR POT P P COS V CENS, Winged caduceus between two crossed cornucopiae.
Ref.: RIC 798b (scarse), C. 377Charles SDec 01, 2010
|
|
Roman, Antoninus Pius superb portraits from two sestertii from the same dieThe nicest portrait of Antoninus Pius in my collection, twice.
Sestertii minted Rome, A.D. 140-144.
Left: 28.4g, Ø 33-34mm, 12h (RIC 621) / Right: 24.4g, Ø 32-34mm, 12h (RIC 641)
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS P P TR P COS III, laurate head rightCharles SDec 01, 2010
|
|
Roman, Vitellius sestertius minted Rome, A.D. 6925.02g, Ø 36mm, 6h
Obv.: A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP AVG PM TR P, laurate head right
Rev.: S C, Mars, helmeted, naked, advancing right with spear and legionnary standard.
Ref.: RIC 141 (R); BMCRE 58; C. 79; Sear (II) 2208Charles SDec 01, 2010
|
|
Tiberius sestertius minted under Augustus, Lyon, A.D. 9-14Obv. TI CAESAR AVGVSTI FI IMPERATOR VI, laurate head of Tiberius left; countermark: (NC)APR : Nero Claudius Augustus Populus Romanus.
Rev. ROM ET AVG, Altar of Lyon flanked by Victories on columns.
22.1g, Ø 36mm, die axis 6h
Ref.: close to RIC Augustus 248b [R4] (which is IMPERATOR VII); close to Cohen 36 (but IMPERATOR VII; same countermark)Charles SDec 01, 2010
|
|
Antoninus Pius, RIC 778, Sestertius of AD 145-161 (Mars)Æ Sestertius (24.5g, Ø30.5mm, 6h). Minted AD 145-161, Rome.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS IIII, laureate head right.
Rev.: S C (in field), Mars, helmeted and wearing a cloack, advancing right, carrying a spear and a trophy.
RIC 778, Coh. 751, BMCRE 1705; Strack 1003; Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 363 (14 spec.); Sear (Roman Coins & their Values II) 4219.
ex Künker (Osnabrück), Coin Auction 143 (2008); ex Künker Auction 71, Osnabrück, 2002, Nr. 885
Charles SJan 29, 2009
|
|
6. Romulus, founder of RomeAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (25.6g, 32-33mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 140-144. Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS - P P TR P COS III, laureate head right. Rev.: ROMVLO - AVGVSTO [around] S C [in field]. Rare. RIC 624; BMC 1286-1287; Cohen 704.
Issued in preparation of the 900th anniversary of Rome celebrated in 147 AD. This type refers to Romulus, the founder of Rome. He is depicted much like his father, the god Mars.
Legend continued from "Wolf suckling twins"... After reinstating their grandfather Numitor, Romulus and Remus decided to found their own town. Romulus started to build city walls on the Palatine Hill, but Remus made fun of him because they were so low. He jumped over them to make his point, which angered Romulus so much that he killed his brother. Romulus continued alone building the new city and named it ROMA, after his onw name. Charles SJan 29, 2009
|
|
5. Tiber, the river godAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (24.8g, 32mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 140-144 AD. Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PI - VS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right. Rev.: River god the Tiber reclining left, resting right hand on prow and holding reed in left.
Struck in preparation of the 900th anniversary of Rome celebrated in 147.
The Tiber plays a crucial role in ancient Roman legends: While sailing on the Tiber, Aeneas found the place where Rome should eventualy be built: A white sow with thirty piglets on the river bank; Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romulus and Remus, was thrown into the river to be drowned, and fell into the arms of the River god himself who married her; Romulus and Remus were saved by the Tiber who safely left the twins in a pool where they were rescued by a wolf.Charles SJan 29, 2009
|
|
3. Mars descends on sleeping Rhea SilviaAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. As. Rome mint. Struck 140-144 AD. Obv.: [ANTO]NINVS - AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right. Rev.: TR POT COS [III around] S C [in field], Mars holding spear and shield descends on sleeping Rhea Silvia.
This coin was struck just prior to 900th anniversary of Rome which was celebrated in 147 AD. According to Titus Livius (59BC to AD17) account of the legend, Rhea Silva was the daughter of Numitor, king of Alba Longa and descendant of Aeneas. Numitor's younger brother Amulius seized the throne and killed Numitor's son. Amulius forced Rhea Silvia to become a Vestal Virgin, a priestess to the goddess Vesta, so that the line of Numitor would have no heirs; Vestal Virgins were sworn to celibacy for a period of thirty years. Rhea Silvia claimed that the god Mars, however, came upon her and seduced her in the forest, thereby conceiving the twins Romulus and Remus. When Amulius learned of this, he imprisoned Rhea Silvia. (In another version of the story, he ordered her to be thrown into the Tiber, where she fell into the arms of the river god who married her.) Legend continued on "Wolf suckling twins"...Charles SJan 29, 2009
|
|
2. Sow with piglets under oak treeAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (25.9g, 33mm, 12h), Rome mint, struck 141-143 AD. Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right Rev.: S C in ex., Sow under oak tree suckling seven piglets; one more to the right.
RIC 629; BMC 1298; Cohen 775; Sear (II) 4226.
Minted in preparation of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome, celebrated on April 21st, 147 AD. According to Vergil, The Trojan exile Aeneas sailed up the Tiber until he came upon a white sow nursing thirty piglets, and was to found a settlement on the site of this good omen, the town of Lanuvium, the precursor to Rome. Charles SJan 29, 2009
|
|
4. Wolf suckling twinsAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (23.3g, 30-32mm, 12h) Rome mint. Struck 140-144 AD. Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P , laureate head right. Rev.: TR POT COS III [around edge] S C [in ex], wolf in a cave suckling the twins Romulus and Remus. RIC 650; BMC 1318-1321; Cohen 917; Sear (II) 1274.
Coin issued in preparation of the celebration of the 900th anniversary of Rome in the year 147 AD. Ancient Roman legend continued from "Mars descends on Rhea Silvia"... He ordered a servant to kill the twins. The servant however decided to set them adrift in the river Tiber. The Tiber, which had overflown, left the infants in a pool by the bank, where a female wolf, who had just lost her own cubs, suckled them. Subsequently, Tiberinus (or Faustulus) rescued the boys and they were raised by his wife Larentia. Romulus and Remus went on to overthrow Amulius, reinstating Numitor as King of Alba Longa. Legend to be continued...
Charles SJan 29, 2009
|
|
Mules get vacationNerva. 96-98 AD. Sestertius (24.7g, 32-33mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 97 AD.
Obv.: IMP NERVA CAES AVG - PM TR P COS III P P, laureate head right,
Rev.: VEHICVLATIONE ITALIAE REMISSA, two mules grazing back to back, cart behind with shaft pointing upwards.
RIC 93; Cohen 143.
One of the measures which Nerva took to reduce the burden of the citizens was the assumption by the government of the costs of imperial post, formerly assumed by the municipalities.Charles SJan 29, 2009
|
|
ElephantAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. As (8.6g, 26mm, 11h). Rome mint. Struck 148-149 AD. Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG - PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head right, Rev.: MVNIFICENTIA AVG [around] COS IIII [in ex.] S C [below], Elephant walking right. RIC 862a; Cohen 565.
This coin was struck in conjunction with very impressive games and displays (for which many elephants were imported from Africa) for the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome celebrated on April 21st, 147 AD.Charles SJan 28, 2009
|
|
Eagle perching on the globeAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (26.7g, 32mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius, 161-169 AD. Obv.: DIVVS ANTONINVS, laureated head right. Rev.: CONSECRATION [around] S C [in field], Eagle perched left on globe with head turned right.
RIC (M. Aurelius) 1265; Cohen 162
This coin refers to the funeral and deification of Antoninus Pius in 161 AD.
Charles SJan 28, 2009
|
|
Wolf with Romulus and RemusAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (23.3g, 30-32mm, 12h) Rome mint. Struck 140-144 AD. Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P , laureate head right. Rev.: TR POT COS III [around edge] S C [in ex], wolf in a cave suckling the twins Romulus and Remus. RIC 650; BMC 1318-1321; Cohen 917; Sear (II) 1274.
Coin belonging to a series depicting scenes from ancient Roman legends, issued in preparation of the celebration of the 900th anniversary of Rome in the year 147 AD.Charles SJan 28, 2009
|
|
Sow with pigletsAntoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Sestertius (25.9g, 33mm, 12h), Rome mint, struck 141-143 AD. Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right Rev.: S C in ex., Sow under oak tree suckling seven piglets; one more to the right.
RIC 629; BMC 1298; Cohen 775; Sear (II) 4226.
This type is part of a series depicting scenes from ancient Roman legends minted in preparation of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome (celebrated on April 21, A.D. 147). According to Vergil, The Trojan exile Aeneas sailed up the Tiber until he came upon a white sow nursing thirty piglets, and was to found a settlement on the site of this good omen, the town of Lanuvium, the precursor to Rome. Charles SJan 28, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
