| Image search results - "1947" |
10 Vespasian and TitusVespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Antioch, Syria
Silver tetradrachm, Prieur 113, McAlee 336, RPC II 1947, Wruck 86, aVF, Antioch mint, weight 13.89g, maximum diameter 24.3mm, die axis 0o, 70 - 71 A.D.; obverse ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤ ΚΑΙΣΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, laureate bust right; reverse ETOYC Γ IEPOY (Holy Year 3), eagle standing left on club, wings spread, palm frond left; ex CNG auction 149, lot 286; ex Garth R. Drewry Collection, ex Harmer Rooke (26-28 March 1973), lot 488 (part of).
Struck to pay Titus' legions during and after the First Jewish Revolt. RPC notes c. 320 different dies indicate 6,500,000 Syrian tetradrachms might have been minted. This was the quantity Titus would have needed to pay his four legions. Hoard evidence finds many of these types in Judaea confirming they were used to pay the legions.
Purchased from FORVM!
RI0002
Sosius
|
|
NUMERIAN as Augustus. Billon Tetradrachm struck AD 284 at AlexandriaObverse: A K M A NOVMEPIANOC CEB. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Numerian facing right.
Reverse: ETOYC Γ (= regnal year 3 = A.D.284). Eirene standing facing left, raising her right hand and holding transverse sceptre in her left.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 8.03gms | Die Axis: 12
Curtis : 1947 | Emmett : 4020 | Milne : 4735 | Dattari : 5609 | Geissen : 3198 | BMC : 2466
EX FORVM*Alex
|
|
058 Ferenc I., (Franc I. of Habsburg-Lotharingia), King of Hungary, (1792-1835 A.D.), H 1947, U 1365a, 1826 B, AR-Thaler, #1058 Ferenc I., (Franc I. of Habsburg-Lotharingia), King of Hungary, (1792-1835 A.D.), H 1947, U 1365a, 1826 B, AR-Thaler, #1
avers: FRANCISCVS I•D•G•AVSTRIAE IMPERATOR •, Laureate bust right.
reverse: HVN•BOH•LOMB•ET VEN• - GAL•LOD•IL•REX•A•A•1826•, Crowned two-headed eagle.
diameter: 39,0-39,7mm, weight: 28,2g, axis: 0h,
exe, mint mark: -/-//B, mint: Körmöcbánya, date: 1826 A.D.,
ref: Unger III-1363b, Huszár-1947,
Q-001
quadrans
|
|
064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC -Obv:– IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG, laureate head right
Rev:– BONAE SPET.., Spes standing holding flower and lifting skirt.
Minted in Emesa. A.D. 193
Reference(s) – Cohen -. RIC - (cf. 351A, ). BMCRE - (cf 334a). RSC -
RIC 351A is BONAE SPES cited from Numismatic Chronicle 1896, p. 203, Plate 13. RIC 351A coin comes from the Brickendonbury hoard from 1895 and can be seen t confirm the BONAE SPEI reading.
BMCRE 334a is also BONAE SPEI citing T.T. Caistor 1947. maridvnvm
|
|
14-05 - NERON (54 - 68 D.C.)AR Denario 18,6 mm 3,32 g.
Anv: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P P - Cabeza laureada a derecha.
Rev: ANEPÍGRAFA - Águila legionaria entre dos estandartes.
Esta emisión se realiza para conmemorar una invasión planeada del Cáucaso que se anticipó por la muerte de Neron. Para encabezar la invasión, Neron creó una nueva legión, "La Legión de Alejandro el Grande", estaba compuesta de reclutas italianos que midieran más de 1,80 mts. de alto.
Acuñada: 67 - 68 D.C.
Ceca: Roma
Rareza: R2
Referencias: RIC I #68 pag.154 - Cohen I #356 Pag.303 - BMCRE I #107 - CBN #238 - DVN #4 Pag.84 - RSC II #356 Pag.16 - Sear RCTV I #1947 Pag.384mdelvalle
|
|
1947 GEORGE VI AE PENNYObverse: GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP: . Bare head of George VI facing left.
Reverse: ONE PENNY. Britannia seated facing right, right hand resting on shield, left hand holding trident, lighthouse in background to left; 1947 in exergue.
SPINK: 4114
George VI's portrait was designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget (1893 - 1974), this is marked by a small "HP" below the King's neck.*Alex
|
|
1947 JOHN II HYPERPYRON NOMISMA IV DOC 1 Thessalonica First Coinage SBCV-1947
JOHN II HYPERPYRON NOMISMA IV DOC 1 Thessalonica First Coinage SBCV-1947
OBV Christ Bearded and Nimbate , wearing tunic and kolobion, seated upon a throne without back: r. hand raised in benediction , holds gospels in l.
REV Half length figure of emperor on l. and of Virgin , holding between them Partriarcghal cross on long shaft. Emperor wears stemma, divitision, collar piece, and paneled loros of simplified type; holds anexikakia in r. hand. Virgin wears tunic and maphorion. Manus Dei in upeer left field.
Size 29mm
Weight 4.5gm
Thicker metal than Constantinople issue, very difficult to differentiate between the same issue from different mints.Simon
|
|
1947 LYDIA, Magnesia ad Sipylum Sabina, Homonoia standingReference.
RPC III, 1947/10; BMC 57; Cop: 260
Obv. ϹΑΒΙ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΗ
Draped bust of Sabina, right
Rev. ΜΑΓΝΗ ϹΙΠΥΛΟΥ
Homonoia standing l., holding patera in r. hand and cornucopia in left.
4.29 gr
17 mm
6h
Note.
Homonoia was believed to be the daughter of Soter, the saviour daimon, and Praxidike, the goddess of judicial punishment and vengeance. okidoki
|
|
Abdera, Ar Drachm, c. 386/5 - 375 B.C. Magistrate Romnemon.Obv:– Griffin seated left
Rev:– PO-MN-EM-ON, Kantharos in square.
Minted in Abdera, Period VII c. 386/5 - 375 B.C.
Reference:– May 440, Group CXVI. Magistrate Romnemon. Same dies citing 3 examples, Oxford (ex May, ex Spink (1947) ex Kedros (1938)), Berlin, Lischine
2.39g, 14.44mm, 180omaridvnvm
|
|
Akanthos, Macedon ObolAR Obol
Size: 9 mm Weight: .60grams Die axis: 12h
Akanthos, Macedon
390 - 382 BCE
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo to right.
Reverse: Seven-stringed lyre, around which AKANΘION
References: British Museum Collection, object number 1947,0406.168 (online)
Notes:
- Akanthos was a colony of the Aegean Island of Andros.
- Situated on the Chalkidike peninsula, Akanthos was an important and powerful city. The city was never willing to join the Chalkidian League, 430 – 348 BCE, a federation based on Akanthos’ rival Olynthos. The Chalkidian league’s famous lyre coinage is well known, and bears the name of magistrates rather than city epithets. Yet the use of the lyre on this coin, along with the inscription AKANΘION, indicates there was at one time some significant cooperative arrangement between Akanthos and the Chalkidian League.
Purchased from eBay USA, 2004Pharsalos
|
|
Antioch ad OrontesAE 16, Antioch ad Orontes, ca. 2nd cent. B.C. Obv: Turreted head of Tyche facing right, ΑΝΤΙΟΞΕΩΝ to right, all within dotted border. Rev: ΕΤΟ / ΕΙΠ garlanded and lighted altar. Green patina, XF. Lindgren I, 1947.Molinari
|
|
aphrodisias0001aSemi-autonomous AD 218-235 (Includes time of Elagabalus)
Aphrodisias, Caria
Obv: ΙƐΡΑ ϹV-ΝΚΛΗΤΟϹ; draped bust of the Senate, right.
Rev: ΑΦ[ΡΟΔ]ƐΙϹIƐΩΝ; leafless tree within a lattice enclosure.
24 mm, 7.87 gms
RPC Online 5376.
From Numismatik Naumann, Auction 83, lot 501. Charles M
|
|
Archbishop of Canterbury, CeolnothStruck c.865-868AD Kent, Canterbury mint. AR Penny 1.20g Ceolnoth Group III. Floriated Cross type. Obv tonsured bust facing, breaking inner circle 'ARCHIEP- CEOLNOD'; Rev 'BIARNRED MONETA' (Moneyer Beornraed) around, in inner circle a floriated cross. S.895? (Group III) N.247.
There are 58 recorded coins of Ceolnoth at the SCBI/EMC but only 3 coins of this moneyer for him. He also struck 6 more recorded coins for Alfred, Edward the Elder and some Danish imitative Alfred coins from East Anglia. This actual type is not listed in the corpus. However, a fragment at the British Museum, see BNJ28 CE Blunt 'A new coin of Ceolnoth' and JJ North plate III/9, is likely the same. Infact, I believe these coins are of the same dies and moneyer. Blunt & North describe 'LD' in the fragmented moneyer legend though it is likely 'ED' with the top half of the 'E' missing at the break. The Floriated Cross design is also found on coins of Aethelberht for the moneyers Dudda and Oshere but only 4 on database (N.621). In superb condition, a single find from the Driffield area in Yorkshire. This coin is potentially the only complete specimum and should be considered a great rarity. It is now recorded in the 2011 'The Coinage of Southern England' by Rory Naismith, Volume 1 Plate 65 C218.2b.
Gareth Williams at the British Museum kindly commented:
'I agree with your reading of the coin, and think that it is probably from the same dies as our fragment 1947, 14-4, 6, as you suggest, although it's difficult to be absolutely certain - the angle of the D on the reverse in particular looks slightly different, but that may just be the lighting on the photograph'
Rory Naismith from the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is studying the period for his PhD dissertation. He kindly commented as below:
'The Ceolnoth in particular is quite spectacular: not only is it, as you say, the only known whole floreate cross penny of Ceolnoth, but it is also a stunning coin of considerable historical importance. There is some reason to believe that it was found as part of a small hoard comprising at least three floreate cross pennies, the other two both being of Aethelberht by the moneyer Dudda. One is unfortunately only a small fragment, but the other is beautifully preserved. As the only known hoard of floreate cross coins, this is understandably a find of some significance, although it is odd to find it deposited so far north. A trawl through the BM and as many other catalogues and find records as I could find turned up only a total of nineteen floreate cross pennies, including yours, struck by seven moneyers. It was probably a lot larger than this meagre record seems to suggest: were it not for the large Dorking hoard of 1817 the preceding Inscribed Cross phase would be almost as little-known, and many moneyers who produced this type reappeared in the Lunettes coinage, so they may well have continued over the intervening period as well'.
The initial coinage of Group III has as the reverse motif a cross crosslet with pellets in the angles [coin 1, illustrated above]. Those of Ceolnoth are of good style and feature a neater tonsured bust of the archbishop possibly wearing his pallium. Those of Aethelwulf for the same period, Phase II at Canterbury, tend to have a rather crude right facing bust with thick lettering in the legend - although a few are of better style. Not all of Aethelwulf's coins of this type have pellets in the angles of the cross crosslet. This type was struck until c.852, when it was replaced by a coinage that was to become standard at Canterbury throughout the remainder of Aethelwulf's reign and the majority of the reign of his son Aethelberht. The Inscribed Cross coinage, struck only by Ceolnoth and the two aforementioned kings, have an identical reverse with a large voided cross that contains the moneyers name within and in the angles. Comparitively large numbers of these coins survive and they have been the subject of much study with regard to dating, reduced silver content and so on. Toward the end of his reign, c.854, Aethelberht minted a new coinage mirrored by Ceolnoth, the extremely rare Floriate Cross issue. These coins as would be expected have a large floriated cross on the reverse and had a very limited striking - perhaps as little as a year. Less than ten examples survive today for the king and archbishop. Illustrated below is the only known complete example of the Floriate Cross type of archbishop Ceolnoth.
AlexB
|
|
AURELIAN RIC TEMP 1947OBVERSE: IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
REVERSE: CONCORDIA MILI
BUST TYPE: A = radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from front
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/S//-
MINT: SISCIA
EMMISSION: 1
WEIGHT: 3.82
AXIS: 12H
RIC TEMP: 1947 (36 EX.)
EX DATTARI COLLECTIONBarnaba6
|
|
BCC LS32 Lead Seal EagleLead Seal
Caesarea Maritima
Mid 6th - Early 7th Century CE
Obv: Eagle standing facing, head right,
wings spread, within wreath.
Rev: Block monogram with Greek
letters: I, A, O, Y, K, Akakios, a personal
name meaning "innocent, not evil", from
a', negative, and kako', evil.
20 x 16 x 2.25mm. 4.42gm. Axis:0
cf. Dumbarton Oaks online BZS.1947.2.813
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
J. Berlin Caesarea Collectionv-drome
|
|
BCC LS46 Lead Seal NONNOS ABRAMIOSLead Seal
Caesarea Maritima
Byzantine 6th Century CE
Obv: Block monogram with Greek
letters: N, O, Y, "NONNOY" (of Nonnos)
Rev: Block monogram with Greek
letters: M, A, B, P, I, Y, X?, N?,?, O?
and possibly others. Abramiou?
PB15.5 x 14 x 3mm. 2.89gm. Axis:0
cf. DOAKS BZS.1947.2.1563 (obv).
and DOAKS BZS.1951.31.5.2940 (rev).
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)v-drome
|
|
Buckle #004, AR Buckle,Buckle #004, AR Buckle,
type: AR Buckle, the heavy prong/tongue and how it overlaps the buckle.
"I believe 5th - 6th century. The very thick tongue which extends beyond the buckle ring and hooks down is the diagnostic. Likely "Germanic" though there are some thoughts that they were made in Roman/Byzantine Empire for use by groups like Ostrogoths, Gepids and/or Sarmatians." by Shawn Caza, thank you Shawn.
" Early Christian and Byzantine Art. Walters Gallery/Baltimore Museum of Art. Baltimore, 1947: page 99, No. 467A, Plate LXVII. Found in Egypt, 4th century." by Russ, thank you Russ.
size:28x13 mm,
weight:5,49 g,
date:??? A.D.,
ref: ???.
distribution: ???,
Q-002quadrans
|
|
C. Marcius Censorinus Denarius, 88 BCE (Craw. 346/2b)Roman Republic. C. Marcius Censorinus AR Denarius, 88 BCE
Obv: Diademed head of Apollo right. Rev: Horse galloping right, C•CENSORI below, CX above; serpent entwined staff in exergue.
References: Crawford 346/2b; RSC Marcia 19; Sydenham 714; ANS 1947.2.85 (same dies; LINK); British Museum 1843,0116.775 (same dies; LINK).
Provenance/Publication: Internet purchase (c. 2001-15?) by CSJ for JJ Collection; this coin illustrated in ANS RRDP Richard Schaefer Binder 11 (300-399), p. 358, Col. 4, Row 2 (Die-pair 64?): LINK, with note, "LONG ISLAND NOV10."
Coin-in-hand video: LINK
Hist Notes: Censorinus was among the “last men standing” in Sulla's Civil War, captured after the decisive Battle of the Colline Gate (Kalends of Nov. 82). Sulla sent his severed head to the remaining Marian army, which promptly deserted Marius the Younger, who then committed suicide.Curtis JJ
|
|
Cr. 408/1a, Republic, 67BC, C Calpurnius Piso L F FrugiC Calpurnius Piso L F Frugi
Denarius, 67 BC, Rome
Obv.: Laureate head of Apollo right, wheel behind
Rev.: [C] PISO L F FRV, Horseman with palm, star above
Ag, 17mm, 3.89g
Ref.: Cr.408/1a, Syd.850f.
(scratches strongly enhanced by photo light)
Ex Numismatik Lanz, Auction 158, Lot 355
Ex Gorny & Mosch, Auction 225, Lot 1947
Ex Pecunem Gitbud&Naumann auction 29, Lot 505shanxi
|
|
Crawford 517/5, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marc Antony and M. Nerva, 41 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.69g; 20mm).
Ephesus mint.
Obverse: M·ANT·IMP·AVG·III·VIR· R·P·CM·NERVAPROQ·P; bare head of Marc Antony, facing right.
Reverse: L·ANTONIVS – COS; bare head of Lucius Antony, facing right.
References: Crawford 517/5a; HCRI 246; Sydenham 1185; BMCRR (East) 107; Antonia 48; Banti & Simonetti 3 (this coin illustrated)
Provenance: Ex Private Japanese Collection [Heritage 3081 (12 Jan 2020) Lot 30157]; Heritage 3030 (5 Jan 2014) Lot 23911; Stack's (14 Jun 1971) Lot 332; Valentine John Eustace Ryan (d. 1947) Collection [Glendining (2 Apr 1952) Lot 1932].
This coin was struck in Ephesus by Marc Antony and the pro quaestor M. Cocceius Nerva (ancestor of the Emperor Nerva) during the year of Lucius Antony’s consulship. Lucius Antony was Marc Antony’s younger brother and supporter. During Lucius’ time as consul, Octavian was in the process of allotting confiscated land throughout Italy to army veterans. In response to the unpopular policy, Lucius Antony conspired with Marc Antony’s wife, Fulvia, to defend cities and landowners against Octavian’s confiscations. Lucius and Fulvia expected Marc Antony’s Gallic colleagues to support their efforts, but such support never materialized. As a result, Octavian besieged them at Perusia, where they were hunkering-down, and they eventually capitulated. Octavian pardoned them, rather than risk incurring Marc Antony’s wrath. Lucius was made governor of Spain where he eventually died.
The portraiture of the brothers Antony on this coin are quite distinct, and likely veristic; Lucius being depicted with a bald pate and a more aquiline nose compared to his elder brother.
Carausius
|
|
Denmark/Faroe Islands (British Occupation). Christian X (1912-1947)Hede 24C, Sieg Faroe Islands 5, KM Faroe Islands 5
25 øre copper-nickle (holed; 4.5 g., 22.5 mm., 0°). Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom, dated 1941 (100,000 struck).
Obv.: 1941 / DANMARK, Crown above, C monogram with X within and R flanking hole.
Rev.: 25 / ØRE, spiral ornament to sides.
The 25 øre coins minted in London for circulation in the Faroe Islands during the German occupation of Denmark are identical to those minted in Copenhagen from 1926-1940 except that there is no mint mark or mint master initials.Stkp
|
|
Denmark/Faroe Islands (British Occupation). Christian X (1912-1947)Hede 26C, Sieg Faroe Islands 4, KM Faroe Islands 4
10 øre copper-nickle (holed; 3.01 g., 17.5 mm., 0°). Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom, dated 1941 (100,000 struck).
Obv.: 1941 / DANMARK, Crown above, C monogram with X within and R flanking hole.
Rev.: 10 / ØRE, spiral ornament to sides.
The 10 øre coins minted in London for circulation in the Faroe Islands during the German occupation of Denmark are identical to those minted in Copenhagen from 1926-1940 except that there is no mint mark or mint master initials.Stkp
|
|
Denmark/Faroe Islands (British Occupation). Christian X (1912-1947)Hede 28C, Sieg Faroe Islands 3, KM Faroe Islands 3
5 øre bronze (holed; 7.6 g., 27 mm., 0°). Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom, dated 1941 (100,000 struck).
Obv.: KONGE AF – DANMARK, Crown ABOVE double C monogram, X between.
Rev.: DANMARK / 1941 / 5 ØRE, ornament to sides.
The 5 øre coins minted in London for circulation in the Faroe Islands during the German occupation of Denmark are identical to those minted in Copenhagen from 1926-1940 except that there is no mint mark or mint master initials.Stkp
|
|
Denmark/Faroe Islands (British Occupation). Christian X (1912-1947)Hede 29C, Sieg Faroe Islands 1, KM Faroe Islands 2
2 øre bronze (holed; 3.8 g., 21.1 mm., 0°). Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom, dated 1941 (100,000 struck).
Obv.: KONGE AF – DANMARK, Crown ABOVE double C monogram, X between.
Rev.: DANMARK / 1941 / 2 ØRE, ornament to sides.
The 2 øre coins minted in London for circulation in the Faroe Islands during the German occupation of Denmark are identical to those minted in Copenhagen from 1926-1940 except that there is no mint mark or mint master initials.Stkp
|
|
Denmark/Faroe Islands (British Occupation). Christian X (1912-1947)Hede 30C, Sieg Faroe Islands 1, KM Faroe Islands 1
1 øre bronze (holed; 1.9 g., 16 mm., 0°). Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom, dated 1941 (100,000 struck).
Obv.: KONGE AF – DANMARK, Crown ABOVE double C monogram, X between.
Rev.: DANMARK / 1941 / 1 ØRE, ornament to sides.
The 1 øre coins minted in London for circulation in the Faroe Islands during the German occupation of Denmark are identical to those minted in Copenhagen from 1926-1940 except that there is no mint mark or mint master initials.Stkp
|
|
Egypt, New Kingdom, 16th - 11th Century BC, Faience ScarabEgypt, New Kingdom, 16th - 11th Century BC
Blue faience scarab measuring 27mm. Intact with a nice blue color, simple incised details, blank base.
ex. DeVries Collection. Carl DeVries (born 1921, died 2010), research associate and professor for the Oriental Institute, was a renowned collector of antiquities. Dr. DeVries attended Wheaton College in Illinois, earning his B.A. in 1942, M.A. in 1944 and B.D. in 1947. Because he lost an eye as a teenager he could not serve in the military during World War II. Wheaton recruited him as a 22-year-old to be head coach for track and football. Known as "The Kid Coach”, he served on the coaching staff from 1942 to 1952. He served as an instructor in Biblical archaeology at Wheaton from 1945 until 1952 before leaving to pursue his Ph.D. in archaeology from the University of Chicago, which he attained in 1960. As a member of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago he excavated in Egypt from 1950 to 1972 and served on many culturally important undertakings such as the Nubian Expedition and Aswan Dam Recovery Project. Many items in his collection were purchased in Luxor from Sayed Molattam, a noted antiquities dealer based in Luxor, where Devrie’s work with the Oriental Institute was based.Randygeki(h2)
|
|
Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #1099Taras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
302 - 281 BC (Period VI)
AR Drachm (16mm, 3.09g, 3h)
Nikokrates, magistrate.
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone.
R: Owl with closed wings standing right on Ionic capital, head facing; [NIKO]KPAT[HΣ] to left, TA to right.
Vlasto 1099 (this coin); HN Italy 1052
From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. ex CNG
“Michel P. Vlasto was born in Athens on the 1st February 1874 and Studied in Marseilles.
… He was a born artist and very good at drawing. His artistic feeling made him a real worshipper of Greek art; everything beautiful charmed him; if he could have done so a museum would have been his home. The real pleasure he felt in admiring a beautiful work of Greek art was so intense that he used to say he could not imagine life without Art and that beauty and Happiness went together. As a result he could not feel happy unless he was surrounded by Beauty. The room where he used to spend most of his leisure was a kind of temple in which a few perfect specimens of Greek art were the idols he worshipped in a real religious way.
… But all these splendid surroundings were only the frame of the world famous collection of Tarentine coins which represented his chief interest in life and really his sole hobby. But he did not limit himself to collecting coins as most collectors do; he was a real self-made scholar; his knowledge of Tarentine numismatic was complete; there was not a single coin in a public or private cabinet which he did not know, and nothing was said or written about Tarentum, its history and its art which escaped him. He published several contributions to numismatics and many of his books are famous.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)Enodia
|
|
Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #1489Taras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
325-280 BC
AR Litra (11mm, 0.64g, 12h)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin leaping right; small dolphin left above, |-HP(?) below.
Vlasto 1489 (this coin); McGill II, 182; HN Italy 979
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex MNS
“The part of the small denominations, which owing to their small size, have always been ignored by the collectors, show such a sequence of small works of art, and so complete, that every museum would be pleased to have it in its cabinet. For many numismatists some of these tiny pieces, will be a real revelation.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)
Enodia
|
|
India. Princely States. Kutch. Vijayarajii V.S. 1998 - 2004 (A.D. 1942 - 1947) Copper Dhinglo 1943.India. Princely States. Kutch. Vijayarajii V.S. 1998 - 2004 (A.D. 1942 - 1947) Copper Dhinglo 1943.
KM y77
|
|
India. Princely States. Pratabgarh. Raganath Singh. V.S. 1947 - 1986 / A.D. 1890 - 1929. Copper Paisa 1896.India. Princely States. Pratabgarh. Raganath Singh. V.S. 1947 - 1986 / A.D. 1890 - 1929. Copper Paisa 1896. Legend and date / Shri / Raj / Dev-/ gadh Prata- / pgadh.
KM 40
|
|
India. Princley States. Bahawalpur. Amir Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan V 1325 - 1365 A.H. (1907 - 1947 A.D.) copper paisa.India. Princley States. Bahawalpur. Amir Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan V 1325 - 1365 A.H. (1907 - 1947 A.D.) copper paisa. toughra / mint.
KM 48
|
|
Israel - British Mandate (Palestine) (1927-1947)Km1 - 1 mil - 1943
Km2 - 2 Mils - 1927
Km3 - 5 Mils - 1927
Km3a - 5 Mils - 1942
Km4 - 10 Mils - 1935
Km4a - 10 Mils - 1943
Km5 - 20 Mils - 1927
Km6 - 50 Mils - 1933
Km7 - 100 Mils - 1927Daniel F
|
|
Jamaica(From right to left - sorry!)
Km33 – 1 Farthing – 1950-1952
Km25 – ½ Penny – 1914-1928
Km31 – ½ Penny – 1938-1947
Km37 – 1 Penny – 1953-1963
Km45 – 1 Cent – 1969-1971
Km64 – 1 Cent – 1975-2002
Km46 – 5 cents – 1969-1989
-----
Km47 – 10 Cents – 1969-1989
Km146.1 – 10 Cents – 1991-1994
Km146.2 – 10 Cents – 1995-2003
Km49 – 25 Cents – 1969-1990
Km147 – 25 Cents – 1991-1994
Km167 – 25 Cents – 1995-2003
-----
Km65 – 50 Cents – 1975-1990
Km57 – 1 Dollar – 1971-1979
Km145 – 1 Dollar – 1990-1994
Km164 – 1 Dollar – 1994-2006
Km163 – 5 Dollars – 1994-1995
Km181 – 10 Dollars – 1999-2005
Km182 – 20 Dollars – 2000-2002Daniel F
|
|
Jewish Home for Wayfarers (Los Angeles, California)Obv: JEWISH HOME FOR WAYFARERS • 1930 TENTH AN-NIVERSARY 1940 • around rim, I HAVE / CONTRIBUTED and AN 6853 / 127 SO. BOYLE AVE. / LOS ANGELES above and below building.
Rev: הכנסת אורחים בית (≈ Home for Wayfarers) and העשירי היוכל לחג נדבתי (≈ I Have Contributed / Tenth Anniversary) around rim, Star of David in center flanked by 1940 and 1930, תש ה אל in center.
Ref: None known.
Founded in 1930 George Saylin, a Latvian immigrant and 1910 graduate of the Buffalo School of Medicine who moved to Los Angeles in 1922. It is listed in the 1946-1947 Jewish Annual Yearbook, and stated to be in the Rowan Building (which was at 131 West 5th Street, and was a prominent office building in the business district). Stkp
|
|
King George VI Half Crown 1947King George VI (1936 to 1952) HALF CROWN Cupro Nickel Date-1947
Obverse: Uncrowned portrait of King George VI left, legend around.
Lettering:
GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX
HP
Reverse: Quartered shield of arms flanked by crowned royal cyphers, legend above, denomination and date below.
Lettering:
FID:DEF IND:IMP
GG GG
K· G
HALF CROWNMacedonian Warrior
|
|
King George VI One Schilling 1947 ScottishKing George VI (1936 to 1952) One Shilling (English) Dated-1947
Obverse: Uncrowned portrait of King George VI left, legend around.
Lettering:
GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX
HP
Reverse: Crowned lion seated atop crown holding sword and sceptre dividing date, shields flank, legend above, denomination below.
Lettering:
K G
·FID·DEF·IND·IMP·
19 47
·ONE·SHILLING·
Reverse: I in IND points at a bead, I in SHILL points at a beadMacedonian Warrior
|
|
|
|
|
Liberty Walking Half DollarLiberty Walking Half Dollar, 1943
Minted 1916-1947, 12.5 gr., 30.6 mm, reeded edge, .900 silver, .100 copper, Designer: Adolph A. Weinman.
1943, fine, 53,190,000 minted.
Reference: KM 142Daniel F
|
|
Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 26. Elagabal, HrHJ (2018) 8.26.38.19 (plate coin)Elagabal AD 218-222
AE 27, 11.07g, 26.83mm, 0°
struck under governor Novius Rufus
obv. AVT K M AVRH - [ANTWNEINOC]
laureate head r
rev. VP NOBIOV ROVFOV NI - KOPOLITON PROC ICT /
in l. and r. field RO - N
Tyche Euposia as City Goddess, wearing mural crown, stg. l., holding cornucopiae in l. arm and rudder in
outstretched r. hand; on the cornucopiae std. a small child (Ploutos) l.!
ref. a) not in AMNG:
rev. cf. AMNG I/1, 1972 (different die breaks)
obv. AMNG I/1, 1968
b) Varbanov (engl.) cf.4090 (doesn't mention Ploutos!)
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2018) No. 8.26.38.19 (plate coin)
about VF, nice serious portrait
Both references don't mention the small child! For more informations please look at the coin AMNG 1868 of Diadumenian from Nikopolis! Tyche Euposia here doesn't wear a kalathos but a mural crown. So it is the City Goddess!
Jochen
|
|
Nero Denarius (Eagle & Standards, RIC I 68) v.1NERO, AD 54-68
AR Denarius (17.24mm, 3.47g, 7h)
Struck AD 68. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P P, laureate head of Nero right
Reverse: Legionary eagle between two standards
References: RIC I 68, RCV 1947
A scarce type. Lightly toned with an excellent portrait.
From the T. R. Hardaker Collection (1942-2019)
"This type, among the last coins struck by the very unmilitary Nero, would seem to be an attempt to curry favor with the Roman legions of the provinces, which were beginning to rebel against his capricious rule. It did not work." - Classical Numismatic Group (lot description)CPK
|
|
Osroes II - AR drachmEcbatana
c. 190 AD
bust left with long, tapered beard wearing tiara with ear flap and pellets on crest and vertically on side of diadem with loops and four pendant ends; segmented necklet
archer wearing balshyk and cloak, seated right, holding bow
(TA)
Sellwood 85.3. Shore 439.
ex Gabinet Numizmatyczny D. MarciniakJ. B.
|
|
Probus, Antoninianus, CLEMENTIA TEMP, ε (Dot)AE Antoninianus
Probus
Augustus: 276 - 282AD
Issued: 276AD
22.5mm 4.30gr
O: IMP CM AVR PROBVS PF AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust, right.
R: CLEMENTIA TEMP; Probus standing right on left, holding eagle-tipped scepter, receiving globe from Jupiter holding scepter to right.
Exergue: ε (Dot), above line; XXI, below line.
Antioch Mint
RIC 920, ε (Dot); Sar 11960.
Aorta: B87, O38, R13, T94, M1.
nomismaauctions 132133194762
3/25/17 4/17/17Nicholas Z
|
|
Probus, Antoninianus, PAX AVGVSTI, V, XXIAE Antoninianus
Probus
Augustus: 276 - 282AD
Issued: 280AD
20.0mm 3.90gr
O: IMP C PROBVS PF AVG; Radiate, cuirassed bust, right.
R: PAX AVGVSTI; Pax standing left, holding branch and scepter.
Exergue: V, right field; XXI, below line.
Siscia Mint
Aorta: 1703: B72, O63, R89, T52, M6.
RIC 712, XXI-V, right.
okta2000-2013 281947189457
3/7/16 1/29/17Nicholas Z
|
|
PVDICITIA, RIC V 25 RomeSalonina, Augusta 254 - c. September 268 A.D. Billon antoninianus, RIC V 25, F, grainy, Rome mint, 1.953g, 22.2mm, 165o, obverse SALONINA AVG, diademed and draped bust right, crescent behind; reverse PVDICITIA, Pudicitia seated left, raising veil with right, scepter in left, VI in exergue. Pudicitia was the personification of modesty and chastity. Ex FORVM, photo credit FORVMPodiceps
|
|
Quatrième République (1946-1958) - Lavrillier - 5 francs - 19475 francs Lavrillier, aluminium, 31 mm, 9 ouvert
A/ REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE, tête laurée de la République à gauche
R/ RF // 5 FRANCS / 1947, couronne de laurier
Réfs : F-339.9 (45 575 600 ex. avec F-339.10)
Gabalor
|
|
Quatrième République (1946-1958) - Lavrillier - 5 francs - 19475 francs Lavrillier, aluminium, 31 mm, 9 fermé
A/ REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE, tête laurée de la République à gauche
R/ RF // 5 FRANCS / 1947, couronne de laurier
Réfs : F-339.10 (45 575 600 ex. avec F-339.9)
Gabalor
|
|
Quatrième République (1946-1958) - Lavrillier - 5 francs - 1947 B5 francs Lavrillier, aluminium, 31 mm, 9 ouvert
A/ REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE, tête laurée de la République à gauche
R/ RF // 5 FRANCS / 1947 B, couronne de laurier
Réfs : F-339.11 (30 838 800 ex. avec F-339.12)
Gabalor
|
|
Quatrième République (1946-1958) - Lavrillier - 5 francs - 1947 B5 francs Lavrillier, aluminium, 31 mm, 9 fermé
A/ REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE, tête laurée de la République à gauche
R/ RF // 5 FRANCS / 1947 B, couronne de laurier
Réfs : F-339.12 (30 838 800 ex. avec F-339.11)
Gabalor
|
|
Quatrième République - Morlon - 1 franc - 1947 splittéeAluminium, 23 mm
Av./ REPVBLIQVE - FRANÇAISE, buste drapé de la République à gauche, coiffée d'un bonnet phrygien orné d'une cocarde sous une couronne composite de blé, chêne et olivier nouée par un ruban ; sous le ruban MORLON.
Rv./ LIBERTE - EGALITE / FRATERNITE, en deux lignes, 1 / FRANCS au-dessus du millésime 1947 encadré des différents, le tout entre deux cornes d'abondance symétriquement opposées.
Réfs : F-221.10Gabalor
|
|
|
RIC 0920 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.96g
Rome mint, 76-77AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS IIII; Minerva stg. r. on prow, with spear and shield; to r., owl
RIC 920 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1947. RSC 45b. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.
The first appearance of Minerva on a denarius struck for Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian. His devotion to the goddess came early in life, so it comes as no surprise he wished to honour her on the coins minted in his name. This denarius is a clear indication Domitian had some say in what reverse types were struck for him under Vespasian. The Minerva on prow is an early prototype of one of the four standard Minerva types (M2) Domitian would later extensively strike on his own denarii as Augustus. An extremely rare type for him as Caesar.
A pleasing coin with a Vespasian-like portrait.David Atherton
|
|
RIC 4a, p.225, 80b - Caracalla, MarsCaracalla
Denar
Rome mint, 205 A.D.
Obv.: ANTONINVS - PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right
Rev.: PONTIF TR P - VIII COS II, Mars advancing left, foot on helmet, branch in right and scepter in left
Ag, 3.27g, 18.8mm
Ref.: RIC 80(b); Cohen 420 c; Hill 765.
Ex Numismatische Gesellschaft Graz, 1947
Ex Collection Karl Pollak
Ex Lanz Numismatik
shanxi
|
|
RIC II 1² Domitian 0511Obv.: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI
Rev.: IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P
Domitian 81-96, Denar 87, Rom, 19mm 3,45g, ss, (C), INV:R294
Ex. LEU Numismatik A 29 Lot 1947, 25.02.2024Dirk J
|
|
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, NUMERIAN as Augustus. Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria. Struck A.D.284Obverse: A K M A NOVMEPIANOC CEB. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Numerian facing right.
Reverse: ETOYC Γ (= regnal year 3 = A.D.284). Eirene standing facing left, raising her right hand and holding transverse sceptre in her left.
Curtis : 1947 | Emmett : 4020 | Milne : 4735 | Dattari : 5609 | Geissen : 3198 | BMC : 2466.
Weight : 8.03gms. Diameter : 19.7mm.
Purchased from FORVM*Alex
|
|
ROMAN IMPERATORS, Augustus Plated Denarius - Bearded Barbarian Offering Vexillum (Hybrid, RIC 288/416)Plated Denarius
After 12 BC
3.16g
Obv: Diademed and draped bust of Feronia, r.
FERON TVRPILIANVS IIIVIR
Rev: Bearded barbarian, with cloak over shoulder, kneeling r. and offering vexillum.
CANINIVS GALLVS III VIR
RIC – For obverse: C 484. RIC 288 and for reverse: C 383. RIC 416.
ex. Elvira Clain Stefanelli (1914-2001) collection, curator of the National Numismatics Collection at the Smithsonian
ex. V.J.E. Ryan Collection, Valentine John Eustace Ryan (1883-1947) sold by Glendining & Co., 2nd April 1952, 5th Part, Lot 2060 (Plate coin)
ex. Haeberlin Collection, Ernst Justus Haeberlin (1847-1925), Cahn & Hess, Frankfurt, 17th July 1933, Lot 3259 (Plate coin) Sold to Spink for 26 Reichmarks.
ex. Lawrence Collection, Cyrus Jay Lawrence (1832-1908) and his son, Richard Hoe Lawrence (1858-1936) of Westchester, New York.
Optimo Principi
|
|
Roman Provincial, Alexandria, Egypt, Claudius I (41-54 AD) AE Diolbol, Year 2Roman Provincial, Alexandria, Egypt, Claudius I (41-54 AD) AE Diolbol, Year 2
Obverse: Laureate head right.
Reverse: AYTOKPA, LB, Bundle of six grain ears.
Reference: Pending. No reference book.
Owned: Bryan Aaker
Gil-galad
|
|
RPC 1947 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 12.40g
Antioch mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY; Eagle standing l., on club; in l. field, palm branch
RPC 1947 (7 spec.).
Many of the tetradrachms struck at Antioch, such as this example, have an 'Alexandrian' style about them. The dies to those coins with this peculiar style are thought to have been engraved in Alexandria and then struck at Antioch. Perhaps the demands of a region at war with thousands of legionaries to pay outstripped the capabilities of the Antioch mint, which could explain why some of the work was outsourced to another mint. These tetradrachms are found all throughout Israel in hoards and single finds, good evidence that they were indeed used to pay the troops during and after the Jewish war. This specimen dates to just after the siege of Jerusalem.
A hefty coin in hand with a crude but delightful portrait. Struck on a thick flan.David Atherton
|
|
RPC 2422 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 10.91g
Alexandria mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: AYTOK KAIΣ ΣEBA OYVEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laurerate, r., date LΓ before neck
Rev: EI-PH-NH; Eirene standing l., with corn-ears and caduceus
RPC 2422 (16 spec.).
Acquired from Beast Coins, August 2015.
The regnal year 3 tetradrachms struck at Alexandria are not quite as frequently encountered as those of year 2. Notice the style of the portrait is strikingly similar to the contemporary 'Syrian' tetradrachms (see my RPC 1947 for comparison). Strong evidence that some of the 'Antioch' issues were actually struck in Alexandria.
Despite the wear, the bold portrait of Vespasian is quite pleasing. David Atherton
|
|
RPC II 1947 VespasianusObv: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY, Laureate head of Vespasian, right
Rev: ETOYΣ IEPOY / Γ, Eagle standing, left, on club; in left field, palm branch
Silver Tetradrachm mm 25.22 g 14.76 die axis 12 h - Struck in Antiochia ad Orontem (Syria, Seleucis and Pieria) 70-71 A.D.
RPC II 1947 - Prieur 113FlaviusDomitianus
|
|
RPC II 1947v VespasianusObv: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY, Laureate head of Vespasian, right
Rev: ETOYΣ IEPOY / Γ, Eagle standing, left, on club; in left field, palm branch (Γ reingraved over B)
Silver Tetradrachm mm 25.22 g 14.76 die axis 12 h - Struck in Antiochia ad Orontem (Syria, Seleucis and Pieria) 70-71 A.D.
RPC II 1947 - Prieur 113A (1 example mentioned in the book)
ex CGB E-auction 163 lot 99794FlaviusDomitianus
|
|
Septimius Severus, Denarius, RESTITVTOR VRBISAR Denarius
Septimius Severus
Augustus: 193 - 211AD
Issued: 200 - 201AD
19.0 x 18.0mm 2.60gr 6h
O: SEVERVS AVG PART MAX; Laureate bust, right.
R: RESTITVTOR VRBIS; Septimius Severus standing left, sacrificing over altar and holding spear.
Rome Mint
Aorta: 733: B3, O78, R280, T184, M4.
okta2000-2013 281761194732
8/8/15 1/24/20Nicholas Z
|
|
Sinkhote Alin Meteorite12 g.
Type: Iron
Structural classification: Octahedrite, coarsest
Group: IIAB
Composition: 93% Fe, 5.9% Ni, 0.42% Co, 0.46% P, 0.28% S
Country: Russia
Region Sikhote-Alin Mountains, Primorsky Krai
Coordinates 46°09′36″N 134°39′12″E
Fall date February 12, 1947 10:38 a.m. local time.
TKW >28 tonnes (31 short tons) (est. 70 tons)
Strewn field YesRandygeki(h2)
|
|
SpainKm767 - 1 Peseta - 1944
Km775 - 1 Peseta - 1947
Km796 - 1 Peseta - 1966
Km806 - 1 Peseta - 1975 (76-80 design)
Km816 - 1 Peseta - 1980 (82 World Cup Soccer)
Km821 - 1 Peseta - 1987
Daniel F
|
|
Taras, Calabria276-272 BC
AR Drachm (15mm, 2.98g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with Skylla hurling rock; I on neckflap.
R: Owl with closed wings standing left on olive branch; TAPA[N] to right, AΠ monogram to left.
D'Andrea XLII, 1246 (this coin); Vlasto 1065; Cote 431; Evans VII, V; SNG France 1947
Very Rare
ex Auctiones GmbH; ex Rutten & Wieland
D'Andrea Plate Coin
Series XLII, 1246
This type is described by Sir Arthur Evans in ‘The Horsemen of Tarentum’, and is the same coin which M.P Vlasto later acquired for his own famous collection. This coin isn’t as nice as the Evans/Vlasto specimen, but I was very happy to find it. Left-facing owls are very rare on Tarentine drachms. I have only found one other type with the left facing owl, but that with Athena also facing left (Vlasto 1101, Cote 489).
Enodia
|
|
Taras, Calabria335-333 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.22g, 11h)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp; Ξ behind neck-flap.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; [club] to left, TA above.
D'Andrea XXX, 609; D'Andrea Diobols E, 83 (thiscoin); Vlasto 1296 (this coin); HN Italy 912
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex Pegasi Numismatics; ex MNS
Vlasto plate coin, #1296
D'Andrea Diobols plate coin, Series E, Type 83
"Mr. Vlasto's collection of Tarentine coins is certainly the most complete that exists; practically all known varieties are represented; its catalog can therefore be considered a real corpus of the coinage of Tarentum. Numerous are the rare or unique specimens; but what makes this collection an outstanding one is its large number of exceptionally well preserved coins. Mr. Vlasto was never content with his specimens; if he could get a better one, he never missed the opportunity. He used to tell me that in some cases he had changed six specimens of the same coin and that he would even change the sixth if he could find a better one. The result is that many of his coins are really wonderful gems of priceless value. Any collector would be proud to have just one of them in his collection."
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)Enodia
|
|
Taras, Calabria272 - 240/35 BC (Period VI)
AR Drachm (16mm, 3.09g, 3h)
Nikokrates magistrate.
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone.
R: Owl with closed wings standing right on Ionic capital, head facing; [NIKO]KPAT[HΣ] to left, TA to right.
D'Andrea XLII, 1425; Vlasto 1099 (this coin); SNG France 1951-52; SNG ANS 1324-25; HN Italy 1052
From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. ex CNG
Vlasto plate coin, #1099.
“Michel P. Vlasto was born in Athens on the 1st February 1874 and studied in Marseilles.
… He was a born artist and very good at drawing. His artistic feeling made him a real worshipper of Greek art; everything beautiful charmed him; if he could have done so a museum would have been his home. The real pleasure he felt in admiring a beautiful work of Greek art was so intense that he used to say he could not imagine life without Art and that Beauty and Happiness went together. As a result he could not feel happy unless he was surrounded by Beauty. The room where he used to spend most of his leisure was a kind of temple in which a few perfect specimens of Greek art were the idols he worshipped in a real religious way.
… But all these splendid surroundings were only the frame of the world famous collection of Tarentine coins which represented his chief interest in life and really his sole hobby. But he did not limit himself to collecting coins as most collectors do; he was a real self-made scholar; his knowledge of Tarentine numismatic was complete; there was not a single coin in a public or private cabinet which he did not know, and nothing was said or written about Tarentum, its history and its art which escaped him. He published several contributions to numismatics and many of his books are famous.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)
Enodia
|
|
Taras, Calabria276-272 BC
AR Litra (11mm, 0.64g, 12h)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin leaping right; small dolphin left above, |-HΦ below.
D'Andrea XLII, 1265; Vlasto 1489 (this coin); McGill II, 182; HN Italy 979
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex MNS
Vlasto plate coin, #1489.
“... The part of the small denominations, which owing to their small size, have always been ignored by the collectors, show such a sequence of small works of art, and so complete, that every museum would be pleased to have it in its cabinet. For many numismatists some of these tiny pieces, will be a real revelation.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)
Enodia
|
|
United States of America: 1947 Walking Liberty Half DollarQuant.Geek
|
|
University Class, circa 1350--Laurentius de VoltolinaStudents in the front row are attentive; those near the window are chatting, and there is a student asleep in the third row-foreground. This is quite similar to my 12th grade International Baccalaureate English Literature class. As my colleague on the FORVM Disccusion Boad, G. Moneti notes, "I guess people don't change all that much after all" (http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=31329.msg219475#msg219475). Cleisthenes
|
|
[906a]Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 Dec 192 A.D.COMMODUS AR silver denarius. RSC 190. RCV 5644. 16.5mm, 2.3g. F. Obverse: L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, bust of Commodus wearing lion skin in imitation of Hercules and Alexander the Great, facing right; Reverse: HER-CVL RO-MAN AV-GV either side of club of Hercules, all in wreath. RARE. Ex Incitatus.
This coin refers to Commodus' belief that he was Hercules reincarnated. According to the historian Herodian, "he issued orders that he was to be called not Commodus, son of Marcus, but Hercules, son of Jupiter. Abandoning the Roman and imperial mode of dress, he donned the lion-skin, and carried the club of Hercules..." (Joseph Sermarini).
De Imperatoribus Romanis:
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors
Commodus (A.D. 180-192)
Dennis Quinn
Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, the son of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his wife-cousin Faustina, was born in Lanuvium in 161 AD. Commodus was named Caesar at the age of 5, and co-Augustus at the age of 17, spending most of his early life accompanying his father on his campaigns against the Quadi and the Marcomanni along the Danubian frontier. His father died, possibly of the plague, at a military encampment at Bononia on the Danube on 17 March 180, leaving the Roman Empire to his nineteen-year-old son.[[1]] Upon hearing of his father's death, Commodus made preparations for Marcus' funeral, made concessions to the northern tribes, and made haste to return back to Rome in order to enjoy peace after nearly two decades of war. Commodus, and much of the Roman army behind him, entered the capital on 22 October, 180 in a triumphal procession, receiving a hero's welcome. Indeed, the youthful Commodus must have appeared in the parade as an icon of new, happier days to come; his arrival sparked the highest hopes in the Roman people, who believed he would rule as his father had ruled.[[2]]
The coins issued in his first year all display the triumphant general, a warrior in action who brought the spoils of victory to the citizens of Rome.[[3]] There is a great deal of evidence to support the fact that Commodus was popular among many of the people, at least for a majority of his reign. He seems to have been quite generous.[[4]]. Coin types from around 183 onward often contain the legend, Munificentia Augusta[[5]], indicating that generosity was indeed a part of his imperial program. Coins show nine occasions on which Commodus gave largesses, seven when he was sole emperor.[[6]] According to Dio, the emperor obtained some of this funding by taxing members of the senatorial class.[[7]] This policy of munificence certainly caused tensions between Commodus and the Senate. In 191 it was noted in the official Actus Urbis that the gods had given Commodus to Populus Senatusque Romanus. Normally the phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus was used. [[8]] While the Senate hated Commodus, the army and the lower classes loved him.[[9]] Because of the bad relationship between the Senate and Commodus as well as a senatorial conspiracy,[[10]] Rome "...was virtually governed by the praetorian prefects Perennis (182-185) and Cleander (186-9)."[[11]]
Commodus began to dress like the god Hercules, wearing lion skins and carrying a club.[[12]] Thus he appropriated the Antonines' traditional identification with Hercules, but even more aggressively. Commodus' complete identification with Hercules can be seen as an attempt to solidify his claim as new founder of Rome, which he now called the Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana. This was legitimized by his direct link to Hercules, son of Father Jupiter.[[13]] He probably took the title of Hercules officially some time before mid-September 192.[[14]]
While the literary sources, especially Dio, Herodian, and the Historia Augusta, all ridicule the antics of his later career, they also give important insight into Commodus' relationship to the people.[[15]] His most important maneuver to solidify his claims as Hercules Romanus was to show himself as the god to the Roman people by taking part in spectacles in the amphitheater. Not only would Commodus fight and defeat the most skilled gladiators, he would also test his talents by encountering the most ferocious of the beasts.[[16]]
Commodus won all of his bouts against the gladiators.[[17]] The slayer of wild beasts, Hercules, was the mythical symbol of Commodus' rule, as protector of the Empire.[[18]]
During his final years he declared that his age should be called the "Golden Age."[[19]] He wanted all to revel in peace and happiness in his age of glory, praise the felicitas Commodi, the glorious libertas, his pietas, providential, his victoria and virtus aeterna.[[20]] Commodus wanted there to be no doubt that this "Golden Age" had been achieved through his munificence as Nobilissimus Princeps. He had declared a brand new day in Rome, founding it anew in 190, declaring himself the new Romulus.[[21]] Rome was now to be called Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana, as noted above, and deemed "the Immortal," "the Fortunate," "the Universal Colony of the Earth."[[22]] Coins represent the archaic rituals of city-[re]foundation, identifying Commodus as a new founder and his age as new days.[[23]]
Also in 190 he renamed all the months to correspond exactly with his titles. From January, they run as follows: Lucius, Aelius, Aurelius, Commodus, Augustus, Herculeus, Romanus, Exsuperatorius, Amazonius, Invictus, Felix, Pius.[[24]] According to Dio Cassius, the changing of the names of the months was all part of Commodus' megalomania.[[25]] Commodus was the first and last in the Antonine dynasty to change the names of the months.
The legions were renamed Commodianae, the fleet which imported grain from Africa was called Alexandria Commodiana Togata, the Senate was deemed the Commodian Fortunate Senate, his palace and the Roman people were all given the name Commodianus.[[26]] The day that these new names were announced was also given a new title: Dies Commodianus.[[27]] Indeed, the emperor presented himself with growing vigor as the center of Roman life and the fountainhead of religion. New expressions of old religious thought and new cults previously restricted to private worship invade the highest level of imperial power.[[28]]
If Eusebius of Caesarea [[29]] is to be believed, the reign of Commodus inaugurated a period of numerous conversions to Christianity. Commodus did not pursue his father's prohibitions against the Christians, although he did not actually change their legal position. Rather, he relaxed persecutions, after minor efforts early in his reign.[[30]] Tradition credits Commodus's policy to the influence of his concubine Marcia; she was probably his favorite,[[31]] but it is not clear that she was a Christian.[[32]] More likely, Commodus preferred to neglect the sect, so that persecutions would not detract from his claims to be leading the Empire through a "Golden Age."[[33]]
During his reign several attempts were made on Commodus' life.[[34]] After a few botched efforts, an orchestrated plot was carried out early in December 192, apparently including his mistress Marcia. On 31 December an athlete named Narcissus strangled him in his bath,[[35]] and the emperor's memory was cursed. This brought an end to the Antonine Dynasty.
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alföldy, G. "Der Friedesschluss des Kaisers Commodus mit den Germanen," Historia 20 (1971): 84-109.
Aymard, J. "Commode-Hercule foundateur de Rome," Revue des études latines 14 (1936): 340-64.
Birley, A. R. The African Emperor: Septimius Severus. -- rev. ed.-- London, 1988.
________. Marcus Aurelius: A Biography. London, 1987.
Breckenridge, J. D. "Roman Imperial Portraiture from Augustus to Gallienus," ANRW 2.17. 1 (1981): 477-512.
Chantraine, H. "Zur Religionspolitik des Commodus im Spiegel seiner Münzen," Römische Quartalschrift für christliche Altertumskunde und für Kirchengeschichte 70 (1975): 1-31.
Ferguson, J. The Religions of the Roman Empire. Ithaca, 1970.
Fishwick, D. The Imperial Cult in the Latin West. Leiden, 1987.
Gagé, J. "La mystique imperiale et l'épreuve des jeux. Commode-Hercule et l'anthropologie hercaléenne," ANRW 2.17.2 (1981), 663-83.
Garzetti, A. From Tiberius to the Antonines. A History of the Roman Empire A. D. 14-192. London, 1974.
Grosso F. La lotta politica al tempo di Commodo. Turin, 1964.
Hammond, M. The Antonine Monarchy. Rome, 1956.
Helgeland, J. "Roman Army Religion," ANRW II.16.2 (1978): 1470-1505.
Howe, L. L. The Praetorian Prefect from Commodus to Diocletian (A. D. 180-305). Chicago, 1942.
Keresztes, P. "A Favorable Aspect of Commodus' Rule," in Hommages à Marcel Renard 2. Bruxelles, 1969.
Mattingly, R. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Volume III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus. London, 1930.
Nock, A. D. "The Emperor's Divine Comes," Journal of Roman Studies 37 (1947): 102-116.
Parker, H. M. D. A History of the Roman World from A. D. 138 to 337. London, 1935.
________. and B.H. Warmington. "Commodus." OCD2, col. 276.
Raubitschek, A. E. "Commodus and Athens." Studies in Honor of Theodore Leslie Shear. Hesperia, Supp. 8, 1948.
Rostovtzeff, M. I. "Commodus-Hercules in Britain," Journal of Roman Studies 13 (1923): 91-105.
Sordi, M. "Un senatore cristano dell'éta di Commodo." Epigraphica 17 (1959): 104-112.
Speidel, M. P. "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993): 109-114.
Stanton, G. R. "Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and Commodus: 1962-1972." ANRW II.2 (1975): 478-549.
Notes
[[1]] For a discussion of the circumstances surrounding the death of Marcus Aurelius, see A. R. Birley, Marcus Aurelius: A Biography -- rev. ed. -- (London, 1987), 210.
Aurelius Victor, De Caes. 16.4, writing around the year 360, claimed Aurelius died at Vindobona, modern Vienna. However, Tertullian, Apol. 25, who wrote some seventeen years after Marcus' death, fixed his place of death at Sirmium, twenty miles south of Bononia. A. R. Birley (Marcus Aurelius, 209-10) cogently argues Tertullian is much more accurate in his general description of where Marcus was campaigning during his last days.
For the dating of Marcus Aurelius' death and the accession of Commodus, see M. Hammond, The Antonine Monarchy (Rome, 1956), 179-80.
[[2]] For the army's attitude toward peace, the attitude of the city toward the peace, and the reception of the emperor and his forces into Rome, see Herodian, 1.7.1-4; for Commodus' subsequent political policies concerning the northern tribes, see G. Alföldy, "Der Friedesschluss des Kaisers Commodus mit den Germanen," Historia 20 (1971): 84-109.
For a commentary on the early years of Commodus in the public perception as days of optimism, see A. Garzetti, From Tiberius to the Antonines. A History of the Roman Empire A. D. 14-192 (London, 1974), 530. For a more critical, and much more negative portrayal, see the first chapter of F. Grosso, La lotta politica al tempo di Commodo (Turin, 1964).
[[3]]The gods Minerva and Jupiter Victor are invoked on the currency as harbingers of victory; Jupiter Conservator on his coins watches over Commodus and his Empire, and thanks is given to divine Providence (H. Mattingly, The Roman Imperial Coinage. Volume III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus, [London, 1930] 356-7, 366-7). In 181, new coin types appear defining the new reign of Commodus. Victory and peace are stressed. Coins extol Securitas Publica, Felicitas, Libertas, Annona, and Aequitas (ibid., 357).
By 186 Commodus is depicted as the victorious princes, the most noble of all born to the purple. Herodian (1.5.5) describes how Commodus boasted to his soldiers that he was born to be emperor. See also H. Chantraine, "Zur Religionspolitik des Commodus im Spiegel seiner Münzen," Römische Quatralschrift für christliche Altertumskunde und für Kirchengeschichte 70 (1975), 26. He is called Triumphator and Rector Orbis, and associated with the Nobilitas of Trojan descent (Mattingly, RIC III.359; idem, Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum. Volume IV: Antoninus Pius to Commodus, [Oxford, 1940], clxii).
[[4]] Dio tells us that Commodus liked giving gifts and often gave members of the populace 140 denarii apiece (Cass. Dio, 73.16), whereas the Historia Augusta reports that he gave each man 725 denarii (SHA, Comm., 16.3).
[[5]]Mattingly, RIC, III.358.
[[6]] Idem., CBM, IV.clxxiv.
[[7]]Cass. Dio, 73.16.
[[8]]M. P. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993), 113.
[[9]]Mattingly, CBM, IV.xii. Commodus was also popular amongst the northern divisions of the army because he allowed them to wield axes in battle, a practice banned by all preceding emperors. See, Speidel, JRS 83 (1993), 114.
[[10]]Infra, n. 34.
[[11]] H. Parker and B.H. Warmington, OCD2, s.v. "Commodus," col. 276; after 189, he was influenced by his mistress Marcia, Eclectus his chamberlain, and Laetus (who became praetorian prefect in 191 (Idem.).
[[12]]Herodian, 1.14.8. Hadrian appears on medallions in lion skins; but as far as the sources tell us, he never appeared in public in them. See J. Toynbee, Roman Medallions,(New York, 1986), 208.
He would often appear at public festivals and shows dressed in purple robes embroidered with gold. He would wear a crown made of gold, inlaid with the finest gems of India. He often carried a herald's staff as if imitating the god Mercury. According to Dio Cassius, Commodus' lion's skin and club were carried before him in the procession, and at the theaters these vestiges of Hercules were placed on a gilded chair for all to see (Cass. Dio, 73.17). For the implications of the golden chair carried in procession in relation to the imperial cult, see D. Fishwick, The Imperial Cult in the Latin West, (Leiden, 1987-91 ), 555.
[[13]] H. M. D. Parker, A History of the Roman World from A. D. 138 to 337, (London, 1935), 34; For medallions that express the relationship between Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, and Lucius Verus extolling Hercules as a symbol of civic virtue, see Toynbee, Roman Medallions, 208. For a general statement on the symbolism of Hercules in the Antonine age, see M. Hammond, The Antonine Monarchy, 238.
For a discussion of Commodus' association with Hercules, see
Rostovtzeff, "Commodus-Hercules," 104-6.
Herodian spells out the emperor's metamorphosis in detail (1.14.8).
[[14]]See Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor," 114. He argues this general date because a papyrus from Egypt's Fayum records Hercules in Commodus' title on 11 October 192.
[[15]]For a preliminary example, Herodian writes (1.13.8), "people in general responded well to him."
[[16]]As Dio reports, Commodus, with his own hands, gave the finishing stroke to five hippopotami at one time. Commodus also killed two elephants, several rhinoceroses, and a giraffe with the greatest of ease. (Cass. Dio, 73.10), and with his left hand (ibid., 73.19). Herodian maintains that from his specially constructed terrace which encircled the arena (enabling Commodus to avoid risking his life by fighting these animals at close quarters), the emperor also killed deer, roebuck, various horned animals, lions, and leopards, always killing them painlessly with a single blow. He purportedly killed one hundred leopards with one hundred javelins, and he cleanly shot the heads off countless ostriches with crescent-headed arrows. The crowd cheered as these headless birds continued to run around the amphitheater (1.15-4-6; for Commodus' popularity at these brutal spectacles, see Birley, The African Emperor, 86) (and Dio tells his readers that in public Commodus was less brutal than he was in private [73.17ff]).
[[17]] According to Herodian (1.15-17), "In his gladiatorial combats, he defeated his opponents with ease, and he did no more than wound them, since they all submitted to him, but only because they knew he was the emperor, not because he was truly a gladiator."
[[18]]Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.360.
[[19]]Cass. Dio, 73.15.
[[20]] Mattingly, RIC, III.361. For Commodus' propaganda of peace, see W. Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.392.
[[21]] W. Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.392-3. In 189 a coin type was issued with the legend Romulus Conditor, perhaps indicating he began the official renaming process during that year. For a discussion on Commodus as Romulus, see A. D. Nock, "The Emperor's Divine Comes," Journal of Roman Studies 37 (1947), 103.
[[22]] HA, Comm. 7.1; Cass. Dio, 73.15.
[[23]]Mattingly, RIC, III.361. See also, Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.386.
[[24]]The title Felix is first used by the emperor Commodus, and is used in the titles of almost all successive emperors to the fifth century. See, D. Fishwick, The Imperial Cult in the Latin West (Leiden, 1987-91), 473.
HA, Comm., 12.315; Cass. Dio, 73.15; Herodian, I.14.9. These new names for the months seem to have actually been used, at least by the army, as confirmed by Tittianus' Altar. See M. P. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993), 112.
[[25]] Cass. Dio, 73.15.
[[26]]Legions:Idem.; the Grain fleet: SHA, Comm., 12.7. For a further discussion of Commodus' newly named fleet, see, A. Garzetti, From Tiberius to the Antonines, 547. For coins issued extolling the fleet, see Mattingly, CBM, IV.clxix; RIC, III.359; the Senate: Cass. Dio, 73.15; the Imperial Palace: SHA, Comm., 12.7; the Roman People: Ibid., 15.5.
[[27]]Cass. Dio, 73.15.
[[28]]Mattingly, CBM, IV.clxxxiv.
[[29]]Eusebius, Hist.Ecc., 5.21.1.
[[30]]For a discussion of the treatment of Christianity during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus as well as persecutions during the reign of Commodus, see Keresztes, "A Favorable Aspect," 374, 376-377.
[[31]]Herodian, 1.16.4; Dio, 73.4. A Medallion from early 192 shows Commodus juxtaposed with the goddess Roma, which some scholars have argued incorporates the features of Marcia. See, Roman Medallions, "Introduction." Commodus was married, however, to a woman named Crispina. He commissioned several coins early in his rule to honor her.
[[32]]The Christian apologist Hippolytus tells that she was a Christian (Philos. 9.2.12), Dio tells that she simply favored the Christians (73.4). Herodian does not take a stand on the matter either way (1.16.4).
[[33]]Cass. Dio, 73.15. He pronounces Commodus' edict that his rule should be henceforth called the "Golden Age."
[[34]]H. Parker and B.H. Warmington note that Commodus..."resorted to government by means of favorites...which was exacerbated by an abortive conspiracy promoted by Lucilla and Ummidius Quadratus (182)." (OCD2, col. 276).
[[35]]Herodian, 1.17.2-11; Dio Cass., 73.22; SHA, Comm.,17.1-2.
Copyright (C) 1998, Dennis Quinn. This file may be copied on the condition that the entire contents, including the header and this copyright notice, remain intact. Used by Permission.
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
|
|
|
|
|
|
