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Image search results - "2003"

Rome. Vespasian (AD 69-79). AR denarius (3.52 gm). Rome, AD 79. Laureate head of Vespasian right / Capricorn left; below, globe. RIC 1058. Ex: CNG 42, lot 42, 1997; Ex: CNG Triton VI, lot 836, 1/13/2003; Ex: NAC 92, lot 2240, 5/23/16; Heritage Auctions, Auction 3036, lot 33400, 1/16/20182 commentspaul1888

77cfCarausius 287-93 AD
AE antoninianus
Obv: "IMP CARAVSIVS P AVG"
Radiate, cuirassed bust left holding spear and shield
Rev "[LEG VIII A]VG"
Bull standing right
London mint
-/-//ML
RIC - (cf 77)

An obverse and reverse die duplicate of Lyne 23 (Num Chron, 2003)mauseus

(0193) SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (Corybantes rev.)193 - 211 AD
AE 27 mm; 10.2 g
O: AY K L CEP - CEYHROS Laureate draped bust right
R: MESAMBR - IA[NWN] Two Corybantes performing Pyrrhic dance, holding shield above their helmeted heads and short swords.
Thrace, Mesembria; cf Karayotov Vol. II, Plate CXXXII 19 and 20
note: Karayotov only lists two example from the same pair of dies:
19) Coll. of Metodi Minchev, Burgas
20) Varna, AM, II 19652; Lazarenko 2003, p. 76 Fig 2. (Lazarenko is a reference in a Bulgarian language numismatic journal)
laney

(0193) SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (Retrograde Reverse Legend)193-211 AD
AE 27 mm, 10.41 g
(struck under governor Aurelius Gallus)
O: [AV KL] CEP - CEVHRO[C P] Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind
R: VP AVR GALL - OV NIKOPOLIT / PROC I (retrograde, beginning at 5 o'clock, counterclockwise)
Dionysos, nude, wearing boots, standing left, resting with raised left hand on thyrsos, lowered right hand holding kantharos and pouring
wine
ref. a) not in AMNG
obv. AMNG I/1, 1304
rev. legend not in AMNG
AMNG I/1, 1306 (depiction)
b) not in Varbanov (engl.)
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2015) No. 8.14.8.8
d) Blancon list 43, 2003
Nikocopolis ad Istrum; very rare
(one of the rare coins with retrograde legend)laney

0003 Sasanian Empire Khusro II -- Year 35 -- CtesiphonObv: Pahlavi script legend: to the l. on two lines reading down leftward and outward (with the first word extending through the inner rim) is GDH/'pzwt (xwarrah abzūd) and to the r. on one line reading down is hwslwd (Husraw) = Khusro has increased the royal glory; frontal bust facing r. of bearded Khusro II with a hair globe drawn to the back of the neck, crown with three merlons and attached to the top of the crown cap are wings (lines within the base, wings open) with an attached crescent and star, double pearl diadem with three ribbons behind, earring made up of three dots, neckline edged with a row of pearls, both shoulders decorated with a crescent and star, double row of pearls from shoulders to breast, two dots on the breast, star in upper l. field and star and crescent in upper r. field both extending through the inner rim, two dotted rims with a star on a crescent at 3h, 6h, and 9h.
Rev: Pahlavi script legend: to the l. reading down is year pncsyh of Khusro II's reign and to the r. reading down is the mint mark WYHC = year 35 of Khusro II's reign, Ctesiphon; fire altar with a base consisting of two slabs and a shaft with two ribbons pointing upwards to the r. and l. of the shaft with four altar slabs on top and flames consisting of four tiers rendered as four then three then two then one upward stroke, star to the l. and crescent to the r. of the top two tiers, to the l. and r. of the altar are two frontal facing attendants each holding a sword pointing downwards with the r. hand over the l. hand and wearing a crescent cap, three dotted rims with a star on a crescent at 3h, 6h, 9h, and 12h.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Ctesiphon;1 Date: year 35, 624 - 625 AD; Weight: 4.11g; Diameter: 32.6mm; Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Göbl II/3.

Notes:

1See Schindel (2005) pp. 296 - 299 for an argument identifying the Pahlavi mint signature WYHC with Ctesipon.

See Daryaee (1997) for an interesting study of the religious and political iconography on the coinage of Khusro II*. He argues that Khusro II implemented iconographic changes in regnal year 2 (591 - 592 AD) as a direct result of suppressing the rebellion (with the assistance of the Byzantine Emperor Maurice) of the brilliant general Wahrām Chōbēn (Wahrām VI) in 591 AD. Further iconographic changes were carried out in regnal year 11 (600 - 601 AD) in response to the final defeat in 600 AD of the 10 year rule/rebellion of Wistahm**, his uncle (as the brother-in-law of his father Ohrmazd IV) and former staunch supporter.

*The study cannot be intended to be complete. For example, there is no discussion of the legend 'pd that appeared, beginning in the 12th regnal year but not present for all subsequent years or at all mints, in the second quadrant outside of the rims on the obverse. Gariboldi 2010 (p.64) translates the legend as "good", "excellent", "wonderful" while Göbl 1983 (p. 331) translates it as "praise".

**There is some debate about when Wistahm was finally eliminated. Daryaee, following Paruck 1924, relies on (purported?) numismatic evidence that the last coin minted in his name was for year 10. Therefore Daryaee states that 600 AD was the year of elimination (Daryaee 1997, p. 53 n. 38. Also see Daryaee 2009, p. 33 n. 166 for a slightly more tepid assertion). Frye 1984 implies a 10 year rule for Wistahm, stating that "it was not until 601 that the rule of Chosroes [Khusro] was restored over all of the empire..." (p. 336). Göbl SN, however, states that 10 years of reign are said to be represented, although personally he had only seen coins of years 2 through 7 (p. 53). Thus Wistahm's years in SN's Table XI are listed as "591/2 - 597?" Malek 1993 also lists Wistahm's years as 591/2 - 97 (p. 237).

Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins June 8, 2018, from the Jyrki Muona Collection; Ex CNG e-auction 59 (26 Feb 2003), lot 77; Ex CNG e-auction 57 (4 Apr 2001), lot 47.

Photo Credit: Forum Ancient Coins

Sources

Daryaee, Touraj. "The Use of Religio-Political Propaganda on Coins of Xusrō II." The Journal of the American Numismatics (1989-), vol. 9 (1997): 41-53.
Daryaee, Touraj. Sasanian Persia: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire. London: I. B. Tauris, 2009.
Frye, Richard. The History of Ancient Iran. Munich: C.H. Beck'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, 1984.
Gariboldi, Andrea. Sasanian Coinage and History: The Civic Numismatic Collection of Milan. Costa Mesa: Mazda Publishers, 2010.
Göbl, Robert. Sasanian Numismatics. Braunschweig: Klinkhardt and Biermann, 1971.
Göbl 1983: Yarshater, Ehsan, ed. The Cambridge History of Iran, vol. 3 (1), The Seleucid, Parthian and Sasanian Periods. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1983: 322 - 336.
Malek, Hodge. "A Survey of Research on Sasanian Numismatics." The Numismatic Chronicle (1966-), vol. 153 (1993): 227 - 269.
Paruck, F.D.J. Sasanian Coins. Bombay: 1924.
Schindel, Nickolaus. "Sasanian Mint Abbreviations: The Evidence of Style." The Numismatic Chronicle (1966-), vol. 165 (2005): 287 - 299.2 commentsTracy Aiello

0159 Hadrian Dupondius 118 AD Roma & HadrianReference.
RIC II, 554. C. 92. BMC 1138. Hill 57; Strack 511, RIC III, 159

Bust A4

Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG
Radiate head with bare bust with drapery

Rev. PONT MAX TR POT COS II / ADVENTVS AVG S C in field
Roma seated right on cuirass and shield, holding vertical spear and clasping hands with Hadrian, standing left, and holding scroll.

13.80 gr
29 mm
6h

Note.
Ex Lanz 94 lot 505 1999
Ex Lanz 106 lot 391 2001
Ex Lanz 114 lot 362 20032 commentsokidoki

022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), AE-Dupondius, RIC² Not in !!! (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) Not in !!! (Vespasian), Roma, S-C, ROMA, Roma seated left, Not listed in RIC !!!, Rare !, 022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), AE-Dupondius, RIC² Not in !!! (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) Not in !!! (Vespasian), Roma, S-C, ROMA, Roma seated left, Not listed in RIC !!!, Rare!
avers: T CAES VESPAS•IMP•P•TRP COS II, Radiate head right.
reverse: Roma seated left, holding wreath and parazonium, S-C across the field, ROMA in exergue.
exergue: S/C//ROMA, diameter: 27mm, weight: x,xxg, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 72 A.D., ref: RIC² Not in !!! (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) Not in !!! (Vespasian), C-Not in !!!,
Q-001

"Titus' coins with obverse legend T CAES VESPAS IMP P TR P COS II were struck in year 72, first issue.No ROMA reverse is listed in RIC for Titus in this issue, so you may have found a new type! "by FlaviusDomitianus. Thank you FlaviusDomitianus.
""Titus' issue of bronze coins with COS II and the abbreviations CAES VESPAS is altogether rare. RIC 411-417 only lists two sestertius types, R2 and R3; one dupondius type, FELICITAS PVBLICA, R2, unfortunately not illustrated, it would be nice to compare the obverse die with your coin; and four As types, all R2.

The same ROMA reverse die of your coin was apparently also used for dupondii with other obverse legends:

RIC 396, pl. 31, Vespasian COS IIII.

RIC 438, pl. 34, Titus CAES VESPASIAN P TR P COS II; also pl. 34, RIC 436 (rev. only), which should have ROMA around edge and SC in exergue, but in fact has ROMA in exergue and S - C in field, so seems to be another example of RIC 438.

Titus CAES VESPASIAN PON TR POT (instead of P TR P) COS II: my collection ex G. Hirsch 229, 2003, lot 2219; not in RIC."" by Curtis Clay, Thank you Curtis.
6 commentsquadrans

056. Isaac II, 1185-1195. BI Trachy.Obv. Isaac
Rev. Christ
S2003.LordBest

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 350DObv:- IMP CAE L SEP - SEV PERT AVG, laureate head right
Rev:- P M TR P III COS II, Mars advancing right, holding spear in right hand, trophy over left shoulder
Minted in Alexandria. A.D. 195
Reference:- BMCRE 328 (Same rev die?). RIC 350D (R - B M). RSC 397a.
ex - Barry Murphy collection (sold in 2003).

A rare dated type.1 commentsmaridvnvm

088p Valerian I. (253-260 A.D.), Mysia, Kyzikos, SNG France 858, AE-25, -/-//NEΩKOΡ, Burning altar, #1088p Valerian I. (253-260 A.D.), Mysia, Kyzikos, SNG France 858, AE-25, -/-//NEΩKOΡ, Burning altar, #1
avers: AVK ΛIK Λ VAΛEPIANOC, Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right .
reverse: CTΡACΩ CTΡATΩY KYZIKEΩN NΩN (retrograde), NEΩKOΡ in ex. Burning altar between two serpent-entwined, burning torches. CΩCTΡATΩY (magistrate).
exergue: -/-//NEΩKOΡ, diameter: 25,0mm, weight: 7,68g, axis: 7h,
mint: Mysia, Kyzikos, date: 253-260 A.D., ref:SNG France 858, CNG e-Auction #68, closed 9 July, 2003, cf. SNG von Aulock 1286 (no altar); cf. SNG Copenhagen (same).
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

091b. Poemenius (?) in the name of Constantius IIPoemenius was a Roman officer who seized control of Trier in 353 in support of Constantius II and in opposition to the usurper Magnentius. These coins with a Constantius II obverse and a Magnentius reverse are ascribed to this revolt. For details, see Walter C. Holt, EVIDENCE OF THE COINAGE OF POEMENIUS' REVOLT AT TRIER, American Journal of Numismatics (1989-) , 2003, Vol. 15 (2003), pp. 61-76.
lawrence c

1. Augustus (27 BC-AD 14)Denomination: AR Quinarius
Date: 25-23 BC, struck under P. Carisia.
Obv: AVGVST, bare head right.
Rev: P CARISI LEG, Victory standing right crowing trophy, dagger and curved sword at base.
Diameter: 14.5mm
Weight: 1.81 g
Mint: Emerita
RIC I 1a.
Ex Klaus Berthold Collection. Acquired 2003.
Ex Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio August 2020 Auction - Online Sessions (11 August 2020), lot 22122.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Feature Auction 112 (11 September 2019), lot 580.
Ex Fritz Rudolf Kunker Auction 318 (11 March 2019), lot 966.Romancollector

181 – THEODORAFlavia Maximiana Theodora was a Roman Empress and wife of Constantius Chlorus.

for obverse, reverse and coin details click here
shanxi

2. Trajan (AD 98-117)AE Sestertius (35mm, 27.71 g). Rome mint. AD 106-107. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head right with drapery on left shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Dacia seated left on shield in attitude of mourning, before trophy; S C in exergue. RIC III 564 var.

Ex Ploil Collection.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2021 (10 May 2021), lot 1299.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 101 (24 Oct 2017), lot 249.
Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 125 (13 October 2003), lot 475.Romancollector

2003 American 1/4oz Platinum EagleUSA, American 1/4oz Platinum Eagle, 25 Dollars, 2003, SCWC KM 284, UNC, edge milled, weight 7.78g (APW 0.25oz), composition 0.9995 Pt, diameter 22.0mm, thickness 1.32mm, die axis 180°, Philadelphia, PA mint, 2003; obverse LIBERTY arcing above, behind seven rays of diademed and draped Statue of Liberty bust facing, E PLURIBUS UNUM (Out of Many, One) incuse arcing along Liberty's raised arm below left, 2003/IN GOD/WE/TRUST in four lines to right, JM (John Mercanti) monogram over Liberty's shoulder to left, raised border surrounding; reverse UNITED STATES/OF AMERICA in two lines above, .9995/PLATINUM/1/4 OZ. in three lines to right, bald eagle soaring right, wings outstretched, with seven-rayed sun rising on horizon in background to lower left, $25 incuse in exergue, tiny TDR (Thomas D. Rogers) incuse monogram at bottom right of exergue, raised border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Suisse Gold (14 Aug 2023); £328.46.Serendipity

2003 ISAAC II ANGELUS El Aspron Trachy S-2003Simon

22003 Licinius II/IOVI CONS-ERVATORILicinius II/IOVI CONS-ERVATORI
Obv: DN VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C
helmeted, cuirassed bust
left, holding spear and shield.
Rev: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI
Jupiter standing left, holding Victory
on globe and sceptre, eagle with wreath in beak at foot
left, captive at foot right,
X over II MU in right field
SMHA in Exergue
Mint: Heraclea 19.5mm 3.4g
RIC VII Heraclea 54; Sear 15407
1 commentsBlayne W

25.28. András III., (Andreas III.), King of Hungary, (1290-11301 A.D.), CÁC III. 28.26.1.1., H-, CNH I.-, U-, PTN 14, No 101, AR-Obolus, RRR!, #0125.28. András III., (Andreas III.), King of Hungary, (1290-11301 A.D.), CÁC III. 28.26.1.1., H-, CNH I.-, U-, PTN 14, No 101, AR-Obolus, RRR!, #01
avers: Two Fish, border of dots.
reverse: Branch of raspberry (?) with leaves and two fruits, a border of dots (Very similar to the reverse of the U-334, but smaller).
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 12,1mm, weight: 0,32g, axis:4h,
mint: Esztergom, date: A.D., ref: Huszár-, CNH I.-, Unger-,
First published: 08.11.2003., PTN 14., No 101.,
CÁC III. 28.26.1.1., Very Rare!
Q-001quadrans

31-30 - ANTONINO PIO (138 - 161 D.C.)AE Dupondio 25 x 22 mm 10.4 gr.

Anv: "ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II" - Busto radiado viendo a derecha.
Rev: "[TR POT XIX] COS IIII - S C" - Pax (La Paz) de pié de frente viendo a izquierda, sosteniendo rama de olivo en mano derecha extendida y cornucopia en brazo izquierdo.

Acuñada 155 - 156 D.C.
Ceca: Roma

Referencias: RIC Vol.III #952 Pag.144 - Sear RCTV Vol.II #4288 Pag.235 - BMCRE IV #2003 var Pag.336 (Nota + pié de página) - Cohen Vol.II #981 Pag.364mdelvalle

31-32 - ANTONINO PIO (138 - 161 D.C.)AE Dupondio 25 mm 13.2 gr.

Anv: "ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P [IMP II]" - Busto radiado viendo a derecha.
Rev: "[TR PO]T XIX COS IIII - S C" - Providencia de pié a izquierda señalando con el dedo índice de la mano derecha un globo en tierra a sus piés y portando largo cetro vertical en mano izquierda.

Acuñada 155 - 156 D.C.
Ceca: Roma

Referencias: RIC Vol.III #953 Pag.144 - Sear RCTV (Edición 1988) #1285 - Cohen Vol.II #978 Pag.364 - DVM #115 Pag.140 - Strack #1124 - BMCRE IV #2003 Pag.336 (Nota ++ en pie de página)mdelvalle

61-05 - Isaac II Angelus (12/09/1185 - 08/04/1195 D.C.)AE/Vellón Aspron Trachy 30 x 27 mm 4.1 gr.
Moneda "Escifulada" cóncava.

Anv: "MÎ¡ - Î˜V" (Madre de Dios) en campos izquierdo y derecho - La Virgen sentada en un trono de frente, vistiendo nimbus (Halo redondo que rodea su busto), Pallium (Tipo de capa o manto) y Maphorium (Largo velo que cubre su cabeza y hombros), sosteniendo delante de Ella la cabeza nimbada de un Cristo niño mirando al frente.
Rev: " I / CAA / KI / OC (a izquierda) Î”EC / Î O /TH / C (a derecha)" Emperador de pié de frente vistiendo corona, divitision (Larga túnica de seda usada por los Emperadores y Obispos, de color púrpura o blanco), Loros (Ropa elaboradamente adornada que constituye el vestido consular de los Emperadores) y sagion (Sago - capa corta romana de uso militar). Portando Cetro con crucifijo y Akakia(Rollo de pergamino o tejido fuerte, relleno de tierra, que llevaban los emperadores bizantinos como símbolo de su mortalidad. En realidad es una cristianización de la mappa consular romana). Él es coronado por la Mano de Dios arriba a la derecha. " * " en campo izquierdo.

Acuñada 1185 - 1195 D.C.
Ceca: Constantinopla

Referencias: Sear BCTV #2003 Pag. 405 - Hendy CMBE pl.20.9-13, pl.21.1-7 - B.M.C.#19-31 - Ratto M.B.#2180, 2184-91 - Morrisson C.M.b.B.N. #1-40mdelvalle

61-06 - Isaac II Angelus (12/09/1185 - 08/04/1195 D.C.)AE/Vellón Aspron Trachy 27 x 29 mm 2.8 gr.
Moneda "Escifulada" cóncava.

Anv: "MÎ¡ - Î˜V" (Madre de Dios) en campos izquierdo y derecho - La Virgen sentada en un trono de frente, vistiendo nimbus (Halo redondo que rodea su busto), Pallium (Tipo de capa o manto) y Maphorium (Largo velo que cubre su cabeza y hombros), sosteniendo delante de Ella la cabeza nimbada de un Cristo niño mirando al frente. " * " en campo izquierdo.
Rev: " I / CAA / KI / OC (a izquierda) Î”EC / Î O /TH / C (a derecha)" Emperador de pié de frente vistiendo corona, divitision (Larga túnica de seda usada por los Emperadores y Obispos, de color púrpura o blanco), Loros (Ropa elaboradamente adornada que constituye el vestido consular de los Emperadores) y sagion (Sago - capa corta romana de uso militar). Portando Cetro con crucifijo y Akakia(Rollo de pergamino o tejido fuerte, relleno de tierra, que llevaban los emperadores bizantinos como símbolo de su mortalidad. En realidad es una cristianización de la mappa consular romana). Él es coronado por la Mano de Dios arriba a la derecha.

Acuñada 1185 - 1195 D.C.
Ceca: Constantinopla

Referencias: Sear BCTV #2003 Pag. 405 - Hendy CMBE pl.20.9-13, pl.21.1-7 - B.M.C.#19-31 - Ratto M.B.#2180, 2184-91 - Morrisson C.M.b.B.N. #1-40mdelvalle

706a, Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D.6, Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D. AE setertius, Date: 66 AD; RIC I 516, 36.71 mm; 25.5 grams; aVF. Obverse: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT PP, Laureate bust right; Reverse: S C, ROMA, Roma seated left, exceptional portrait and full obverse legends. Ex Ancient Imports.

NERO (54-68 A.D.)

It is difficult for the modern student of history to realize just how popular Nero actually was, at least at the beginning of his reign. Rome looked upon her new Emperor with hope. He was the student of Seneca, and he had a sensitive nature. He loved art, music, literature, and theatre. He was also devoted to horses and horse racing—a devotion shared by many of his subjects. The plebs loved their new Emperor. As Professor of Classics Judith P. Hallett (University of Maryland, College Park) says, “It is not clear to me that Nero ever changed or that Nero ever grew-up, and that was both his strength and his weakness. Nero was an extraordinarily popular Emperor: he was like Elvis” (The Roman Empire in the First Century, III. Dir. Margaret Koval and Lyn Goldfarb. 2001. DVD. PBS/Warner Bros. 2003).

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Herbert W. Benario
Emory University

Introduction and Sources
The five Julio-Claudian emperors are very different one from the other. Augustus dominates in prestige and achievement from the enormous impact he had upon the Roman state and his long service to Rome, during which he attained unrivaled auctoritas. Tiberius was clearly the only possible successor when Augustus died in AD 14, but, upon his death twenty-three years later, the next three were a peculiar mix of viciousness, arrogance, and inexperience. Gaius, better known as Caligula, is generally styled a monster, whose brief tenure did Rome no service. His successor Claudius, his uncle, was a capable man who served Rome well, but was condemned for being subject to his wives and freedmen. The last of the dynasty, Nero, reigned more than three times as long as Gaius, and the damage for which he was responsible to the state was correspondingly greater. An emperor who is well described by statements such as these, "But above all he was carried away by a craze for popularity and he was jealous of all who in any way stirred the feeling of the mob." and "What an artist the world is losing!" and who is above all remembered for crimes against his mother and the Christians was indeed a sad falling-off from the levels of Augustus and Tiberius. Few will argue that Nero does not rank as one of the worst emperors of all.

The prime sources for Nero's life and reign are Tacitus' Annales 12-16, Suetonius' Life of Nero, and Dio Cassius' Roman History 61-63, written in the early third century. Additional valuable material comes from inscriptions, coinage, papyri, and archaeology.

Early Life
He was born on December 15, 37, at Antium, the son of Cnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbusand Agrippina. Domitius was a member of an ancient noble family, consul in 32; Agrippina was the daughter of the popular Germanicus, who had died in 19, and Agrippina, daughter of Agrippa, Augustus' closest associate, and Julia, the emperor's daughter, and thus in direct descent from the first princeps. When the child was born, his uncle Gaius had only recently become emperor. The relationship between mother and uncle was difficult, and Agrippina suffered occasional humiliation. But the family survived the short reign of the "crazy" emperor, and when he was assassinated, it chanced that Agrippina's uncle, Claudius, was the chosen of the praetorian guard, although there may have been a conspiracy to accomplish this.

Ahenobarbus had died in 40, so the son was now the responsibility of Agrippina alone. She lived as a private citizen for much of the decade, until the death of Messalina, the emperor's wife, in 48 made competition among several likely candidates to become the new empress inevitable. Although Roman law forbade marriage between uncle and niece, an eloquent speech in the senate by Lucius Vitellius, Claudius' closest advisor in the senatorial order, persuaded his audience that the public good required their union. The marriage took place in 49, and soon thereafter the philosopher Seneca [[PIR2 A617]] was recalled from exile to become the young Domitius' tutor, a relationship which endured for some dozen years.

His advance was thereafter rapid. He was adopted by Claudius the following year and took the name Tiberius Claudius Nero Caesar or Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus, was preferred to Claudius' natural son, Britannicus, who was about three years younger, was betrothed to the emperor's daughter Octavia, and was, in the eyes of the people, the clear successor to the emperor. In 54, Claudius died, having eaten some poisoned mushrooms, responsibility for which was believed to be Agrippina's, and the young Nero, not yet seventeen years old, was hailed on October 13 as emperor by the praetorian guard.

The First Years of Rule
The first five years of Nero's rule are customarily called the quinquennium, a period of good government under the influence, not always coinciding, of three people, his mother, Seneca, and Sextus Afranius Burrus, the praetorian prefect. The latter two were allies in their "education" of the emperor. Seneca continued his philosophical and rhetorical training, Burrus was more involved in advising on the actualities of government. They often combined their influence against Agrippina, who, having made her son emperor, never let him forget the debt he owed his mother, until finally, and fatally, he moved against her.

Nero's betrothal to Octavia was a significant step in his ultimate accession to the throne, as it were, but she was too quiet, too shy, too modest for his taste. He was early attracted to Poppaea Sabina, the wife of Otho, and she continually goaded him to break from Octavia and to show himself an adult by opposing his mother. In his private life, Nero honed the musical and artistic tastes which were his chief interest, but, at this stage, they were kept private, at the instigation of Seneca and Burrus.

As the year 59 began, Nero had just celebrated his twenty-first birthday and now felt the need to employ the powers which he possessed as emperor as he wished, without the limits imposed by others. Poppaea's urgings had their effect, first of all, at the very onset of the year, with Nero's murder of his mother in the Bay of Naples.

Agrippina had tried desperately to retain her influence with her son, going so far as to have intercourse with him. But the break between them proved irrevocable, and Nero undertook various devices to eliminate his mother without the appearance of guilt on his part. The choice was a splendid vessel which would collapse while she was on board. As this happened, she swam ashore and, when her attendant, having cried out that she was Agrippina, was clubbed to death, Agrippina knew what was going on. She sent Nero a message that she was well; his response was to send a detachment of sailors to finish the job. When she was struck across the head, she bared her womb and said, "Strike here, Anicetus, strike here, for this bore Nero," and she was brutally murdered.

Nero was petrified with fear when he learned that the deed had been done, yet his popularity with the plebs of Rome was not impaired. This matricide, however, proved a turning point in his life and principate. It appeared that all shackles were now removed. The influence of Seneca and Burrus began to wane, and when Burrus died in 62, Seneca realized that his powers of persuasion were at an end and soon went into retirement. Britannicus had died as early as 55; now Octavia was to follow, and Nero became free to marry Poppaea. It may be that it had been Burrus rather than Agrippina who had continually urged that Nero's position depended in large part upon his marriage to Octavia. Burrus' successor as commander of the praetorian guard, although now with a colleague, was Ofonius Tigellinus, quite the opposite of Burrus in character and outlook. Tigellinus became Nero's "evil twin," urging and assisting in the performance of crimes and the satisfaction of lusts.

Administrative and Foreign Policy
With Seneca and Burrus in charge of administration at home, the first half-dozen years of Nero's principate ran smoothly. He himself devoted his attention to his artistic, literary, and physical bents, with music, poetry, and chariot racing to the fore. But his advisors were able to keep these performances and displays private, with small, select audiences on hand. Yet there was a gradual trend toward public performance, with the establishment of games. Further, he spent many nights roaming the city in disguise, with numerous companions, who terrorized the streets and attacked individuals. Those who dared to defend themselves often faced death afterward, because they had shown disrespect for the emperor. The die was being cast for the last phases of Nero's reign.

The Great Fire at Rome and The Punishment
of the Christians
The year 64 was the most significant of Nero's principate up to this point. His mother and wife were dead, as was Burrus, and Seneca, unable to maintain his influence over Nero without his colleague's support, had withdrawn into private life. The abysmal Tigellinus was now the foremost advisor of the still young emperor, a man whose origin was from the lowest levels of society and who can accurately be described as criminal in outlook and action. Yet Nero must have considered that he was happier than he had ever been in his life. Those who had constrained his enjoyment of his (seemingly) limitless power were gone, he was married to Poppaea, a woman with all advantages save for a bad character the empire was essentially at peace, and the people of Rome enjoyed a full measure of panem et circenses. But then occurred one of the greatest disasters that the city of Rome, in its long history, had ever endured.

The fire began in the southeastern angle of the Circus Maximus, spreading through the shops which clustered there, and raged for the better part of a week. There was brief success in controlling the blaze, but then it burst forth once more, so that many people claimed that the fires were deliberately set. After about a fortnight, the fire burned itself out, having consumed ten of the fourteen Augustan regions into which the city had been divided.

Nero was in Antium through much of the disaster, but his efforts at relief were substantial. Yet many believed that he had been responsible, so that he could perform his own work comparing the current fate of Rome to the downfall of Troy. All his efforts to assist the stricken city could not remove the suspicion that "the emperor had fiddled while Rome burned." He lost favor even among the plebs who had been enthusiastic supporters, particularly when his plans for the rebuilding of the city revealed that a very large part of the center was to become his new home.

As his popularity waned, Nero and Tigellinus realized that individuals were needed who could be charged with the disaster. It so happened that there was such a group ready at hand, Christians, who had made themselves unpopular because of their refusal to worship the emperor, their way of life, and their secret meetings. Further, at this time two of their most significant "teachers" were in Rome, Peter and Paul. They were ideal scapegoats, individuals whom most Romans loathed, and who had continually sung of the forthcoming end of the world.

Their destruction was planned with the utmost precision and cruelty, for the entertainment of the populace. The venue was Nero's circus near the Mons Vaticanus. Christians were exposed to wild animals and were set ablaze, smeared with pitch, to illuminate the night. The executions were so grisly that even the populace displayed sympathy for the victims. Separately, Peter was crucified upside down on the Vatican hill and Paul was beheaded along the Via Ostiensis. But Nero's attempt, and hope, to shift all suspicion of arson to others failed. His popularity even among the lower classes was irrevocably impaired.

[For a detailed and interesting discussion of Nero’s reign please see http://www.roman-emperors.org/nero.htm]

The End - Nero's Death and its Aftermath
Nero's and Tigellinus' response to the conspiracy was immediate and long-lasting. The senatorial order was decimated, as one leading member after another was put to death or compelled to commit suicide. The year 66 saw the suicides of perhaps the most distinguished victims of the "reign of terror," Caius Petronius and Thrasea Paetus. Petronius, long a favorite of Nero because of his aesthetic taste, had been an able public servant before he turned to a life of ease and indolence. He was recognized as the arbiter elegantiae of Nero's circle, and may be the author of the Satyricon. At his death, he left for Nero a document which itemized many of the latter's crimes. Thrasea, a staunch Stoic who had been for some years an outspoken opponent of Nero's policies, committed suicide in the Socratic manner. This scene is the last episode in the surviving books of Tacitus' Annals.

In the year 68, revolt began in the provinces. . . the end of Nero's reign became inevitable. Galba claimed the throne and began his march from Spain. Nero panicked and was rapidly abandoned by his supporters. He finally committed suicide with assistance, on June 9, 68, and his body was tended and buried by three women who had been close to him in his younger days, chief of whom was Acte. His death scene is marked above all by the statement, "Qualis artifex pereo," (What an artist dies in me.) Even at the end he was more concerned with his private life than with the affairs of state.

The aftermath of Nero's death was cataclysmic. Galba was the first of four emperors who revealed the new secret of empire, that an emperor could be made elsewhere than in Rome. Civil war ensued, which was only ended by the victory of the fourth claimant, Vespasian, who established the brief dynasty of the Flavians. The dynasty of the Julio-Claudians was at an end.

Nero's popularity among the lower classes remained even after his death.

. . . .

It is not excessive to say that he was one of the worst of Rome's emperors in the first two centuries and more of the empire. Whatever talents he had, whatever good he may have done, all is overwhelmed by three events, the murder of his mother, the fire at Rome, and his savage treatment of the Christians.

Precisely these qualities are the reasons that he has remained so well known and has been the subject of many writers and opera composers in modern times. These works of fiction particularly merit mention: Henryk Sienkiewicz's Quo Vadis, one of the finest works of the 1907 Nobel Laureate in Literature, and John Hersey's The Conspiracy. Nero unquestionably will always be with us.

Copyright (C) 2006, Herbert W. Benario.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

1 commentsCleisthenes

712a, Domitian, 13 September 81 - 18 September 96 A.D.Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. 77-78 AD; RIC 242, VF, 18mm, 3.18grams. Obverse: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIA[NVS], laureate head right ; Reverse: COS V below man with hand raised out behind him on horse prancing right. RSC 49a. Scarce. Ex Zuzim Judaea.

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Titus Flavius Domitianus(A.D. 81-96)

John Donahue
College of William and Mary

Domitian was born in Rome on 24 October A.D. 51, the youngest son of Vespasian, Roman emperor (A.D. 69-79) and Domitilla I, a treasury clerk's daughter. Little is known about Domitian in the turbulent 18 months of the four (five?) emperors, but in the aftermath of the downfall of Vitellius in A.D. 69 he presented himself to the invading Flavian forces, was hailed as Caesar, and moved into the imperial residence.

As emperor, Domitian was to become one of Rome's foremost micromanagers, especially concerning the economy. Shortly after taking office, he raised the silver content of the denarius by about 12% (to the earlier level of Augustus), only to devaluate it in A.D. 85, when the imperial income must have proved insufficient to meet military and public expenses.

Domitian's reach extended well beyond the economy. Late in A.D. 85 he made himself censor perpetuus, censor for life, with a general supervision of conduct and morals. The move was without precedent and, although largely symbolic, it nevertheless revealed Domitian's obsessive interest in all aspects of Roman life. An ardent supporter of traditional Roman religion, he also closely identified himself with Minerva and Jupiter, publicly linking the latter divinity to his regime through the Ludi Capitolini, the Capitoline Games, begun in A.D.86. Held every four years in the early summer, the Games consisted of chariot races, athletics and gymnastics, and music, oratory and poetry.

Beyond Rome, Domitian taxed provincials rigorously and was not afraid to impose his will on officials of every rank. Consistent with his concern for the details of administration, he also made essential changes in the organization of several provinces and established the office of curator to investigate financial mismanagement in the cities. Other evidence points to a concern with civic improvements of all kinds, from road building in Asia Minor, Sardinia and near the Danube to building and defensive improvements in North Africa.

While the military abilities of Vespasian and Titus were genuine, those of Domitian were not. Partly as an attempt to remedy this deficiency, Domitian frequently became involved in his own military exploits outside of Rome. He claimed a triumph in A.D. 83 for subduing the Chatti in Gaul, but the conquest was illusory. Final victory did not really come until A.D. 89. In Britain, similar propaganda masked the withdrawal of Roman forces from the northern borders to positions farther south, a clear sign of Domitian's rejection of expansionist warfare in the province.

Domitian's autocratic tendencies meant that the real seat of power during his reign resided with his court. The features typically associated with later courts - a small band of favored courtiers, a keen interest in the bizarre and the unusual (e.g., wrestlers, jesters, and dwarves), and a highly mannered, if somewhat artificial atmosphere, characterized Domitian's palace too, whether at Rome or at his Alban villa, some 20 kilometers outside of the capital.

On 18 September, A.D. 96, Domitian was assassinated and was succeeded on the very same day by M. Cocceius Nerva, a senator and one of his amici. The sources are unanimous in stressing that this was a palace plot, yet it is difficult to determine the level of culpability among the various potential conspirators.
In many ways, Domitian is still a mystery - a lazy and licentious ruler by some accounts, an ambitious administrator and keeper of traditional Roman religion by others. As many of his economic, provincial, and military policies reveal, he was efficient and practical in much that he undertook, yet he also did nothing to hide the harsher despotic realities of his rule. This fact, combined with his solitary personality and frequent absences from Rome, guaranteed a harsh portrayal of his rule. The ultimate truths of his reign remain difficult to know.

Copyright (C) 1997, John Donahue.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Perhaps the reverse of this Domitian/Horseman specimen depicts Domitian as he rode a white horse behind his father, Vespasian, and his brother, Titus, during their joint triumph celebrating their victory over Judaea (see: Suetonius. The Twelve Caesars. Trans. Robert Graves. London: Penguin, 2003. 304).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes

A. Overstrike: Bar Kochba AE over Flavian AE, Hendin Plate CoinPhoto Credit: NYS (edited).
Judaea, Bar Kochba Rebellion AE Middle Bronze (25mm, 9.88 g, 6h; undertype Agrippa II – Titus [87/8 CE]), 133/4 CE.
Obv: 'Sma' (abbreviating Simon; Paleo-Hebrew). Seven-branched palm tree, two bunches of dates.
Rev: 'Year two of the redemption of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew). Grape vine leaf on tendril. Undertype portrait of Titus visible.
Ref: Hendin GBC2, 160a (this coin illustrated).
Prov: Ex David Hendin Collection (w/ his tag), Goldberg Sale 21 (15-17 2003, Pre-Long Beach Auction), Lot 1607; CNG e-538 (10 May 2023), Lot 244.
Also: NY Sale 48 (14 Jan 2020), Lot 90; Goldberg 116 (2 Jun 2020), Lot 894; CNG e-486 (24 Feb 2021), Lot 245; NY Sale 54 (11 Jan 2022), Lot 105.

Notes: A fascinating overstrike with visible Flavian bust, probably a “Judaea Capta” issue of Agrippa II struck in Caesarea Paneas, 75/6 CE. In my opinion, the undertype is RPC II 2285 & the bust of Titus is a die match to ex. 7 (ex Galst).2 commentsCurtis JJ

Abakainon. Laureate Zeus and Boar LitraGreek Sicily. Abakainon. 440-430 BC. AR Litra (0.60 gms, 12.0mm, 1h). Laureate and bearded head of Zeus right. QA-B-A-K in corners, ꓘ-A / A-β. / Boar standing right. NI-A-I-И in corners, A-I / I-И. gVF. Bt. Herakles Numismatics, FUN Show 2015. Coin ethnic reads from obverse (ABAK...) to reverse (…IAIN). SNG ANS 3 #895; Weber I #1167 var (placement of rev. legend); HGC 2 #9 (same); Campana CNAI 8. cf. Bertino Abaceno pl. XII #11; McClean I #2003. SNG Cop - .1 commentsAnaximander

Achaean League, Antigoneia.Greece. Achaian League. 188-180 BC. AR Triobol or Hemidrachm (2.37 gm, 14.1mm, 11h) of Antigoneia in Arkadia. Laureate head of Zeus Amarios, right. / Large AX league monogram. Α-N across fields, ΕΥ (magistrate) below, all in laurel wreath, tied at bottom. VF. Bt. Treasure Coins of Puerto Rico, 2003. Mantineia was renamed Antigoneia in 222 BC in honor of Antigonos Doson. Benner p.48 #9; BCD Pelop. 1492.3; BMC 100-101; Clerk #192 (pl.VIII #1); Hunterian II p.131 #20; HGC 5 #926; SNG Cop 3 #280; SNG Delepierre 1973; Weil ZfN 9 (Antigoneia) #1.Anaximander

ACHAIA, Achaean League, Tegea. 88-30 BC. AR Hemidrachm (2.49 g, 8h). Laureate head of Zeus right / XA monogram; T-E across field; all within wreath. Clerk 223; BCD 1744; SNG Copenhagen 293; Benner-Tegea-4. Toned.

From Collection C.P.A. Ex Tkalec (24 October 2003), lot 94.

exCNG 78, lot 695.
4 commentsDino

Aelia Capitolina, Judaea. Antoninus Pius (138 - 161 AD). AE (22 mm, 9.65 gm, 12hObv. Draped bust of Antoninus Pius r., laureate; IMP ANTONINVS AVG PPP
Rev. Dioscuri standing facing, looking at each other, one hand on spear, the other on hip, between them eagle standing facing, looking l.; CO AE CA (colonia Aelia Capitolina).
References: Sofaer pl. 72,24. Rosenberger -. Meshorer (Aelia) 28Canaan

Aelius. Spes. As.Roman Empire. Aelius, Caesar. 136-138 AD. AE As (12 gm, 27.0mm, 7h) of Rome, 137 AD. Bare head right. L AELIVS CAESAR. / Spes advancing left, holding flower and lifting skirt. TR POT COS II; S-C in fields. VF. Bt. Herakles Numismatics, 2003. RIC II.3 (Hadrian) #2700 (1st ed #1067); BMCRE 1931-1933; Cohen 57-59; PV Hill UCR 818, 821; SRCV II #3993; Strack 895.Anaximander

Aeolis, Kyme, ca. 151-145 BC, AR Tetradrachm Head of the Amazon Kyme right, hair bound with tainia.
KYMAIÎ©N METROÎ¦ANHZ Bridled horse standing right, left foreleg raised above an oinochoe (one-handled jug), all within laurel wreath.

Oakley obverse die 1; BMC Aeolis p111, 74, SNG Copenhagen 104 (same obverse die).

(33 mm, 16.77 g, 12h).
Forum Ancient Coins.

Dating to 151-145 BC based on the analysis of recent hoards: Commerce (“Demetrius I” Hoard), 2003 (CH 10.301) by Lorber and Gaziantep Hoard (CH 9.257; 10.308) by Meadows and Houghton date the stenophoric civic issues of Kyme to the interval ca. 151-145 BC.3 commentsn.igma

Antiochos II Theos. Apollo Delphios Tetradrachm of Seleukeia.Seleukids. Antiochos II Theos 261-243 BC AR Tetradrachm (17.073 gm, 29.3mm, 9h) of Seleukeia on Tigris. Diademed head of Antiochos I, right. / Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, slight drapery on thigh, holding arrow and bow, controls to left & right, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ. VF. Bt. Herakles Numismatics, 2003. SC I #587.1a; Newell ESM 178; SNG Spaer 382-383; SNG Cop 7 #80; ACNAC Houghton CSE I #455; HGC 9 #236g; SNG Cop 7 (Seleucid Kings) #80.Anaximander

Antiochos VI Dionysos. Spiked Macedonian Helmet Drachm of Antioch.Seleukids. Antiochos VI. 145-142 BC. AR Drachm (4.20 gm, 16.6mm, 2h), Antioch on the Orontes. Radiate and diademed head of Antiochos VI Dionysos right. / Spiked Macedonian helmet with ibex horn, right. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ | ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΔΙΟΝΥΣΟΥ, ΤΡΥ b/w horn and spike, ◬Π monogram below. gVF. DNW 13 Mar 2018 #810. SC 2003a; HGC 9 #1037; BMC - ; Naville X (1925) #1234; SNG Spaer 1818. cf Newell SMA 257ff (different monograms).Anaximander

Antoninus Pius, RIC 579, Sestertius of AD 139 (Aurum Coronarium: Asia)Æ Sestertius (22.74g, Ø33mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 139.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right.
Rev.: COS II (around) S C (in field), ASIA (in ex.) Asia, towered headdress, standing left, holding crown and anchor, prow at feet.
RIC 579 (R2); Cohen 64 (fr.40); BMCRE IV 1184; Strack 779 (listed in 6 collections); Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 41 (2 spec.); Sear (Roman Coins & their Values II) 4150
ex CNG, eAuction 60 (2003)

Part of a series celebrating Antoninus' remission of half of the special tax (aurum coronarium) normally levied on the provinces at the time of the accession of an emperor.2 commentsCharles S

Antoninus Pius, RIC 598b, Sestertius of AD 140-143 (Apollo)Æ Sestertius (26.1g, Ø33mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-143.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate and draped bust of Antoninus Pius facing right, wearing paludamentum.
Rev.: APOLLINI AVGVSTO (around) S C (in field), Apollo, standing left, holding a lyre and a patera.
RIC 598b; Cohen 63; BMCRE IV 1231; Strack 822 (5 coll.); Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 35 (2 spec.); Sear (Roman Coins & Their Values II) 4149
ex Alex Kalman (Philadelphia, 2003)Charles S

Antoninus Pius, RIC 747a, Sestertius of AD 140-144 (Italia)Æ Sestertius (26.0g, Ø 31mm, 12h), Rome mint, Struck AD 144.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laurate head Antoninus Pius facing right
Rev.: TR POT COS III (around) ITALIA (below) S C (in field), turreted, draped Italia seated left on globe adorned with stars, holding cornucopiae and long sceptre.
RIC 747; Cohen 470; BMC 1645; Strack 882; Banti 197; Sear 4185; Foss 128/59a

Type belonging to series: Scenes from ancient Roman legends, struck just prior to 900th anniversary of Rome in 147.

Ex cgb.fr auction dec 2014; ex Elsen 76 (2003); ex Prof M. Caselli collection.
Charles S

Antoninus Pius, RIC 952(=dup.), As of AD 155-156 (Pax)Æ As (9.3g, Ø24.7mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 155-156.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laurate head of Antoninus Pius facing right.
Rev.: TR POT XIX COS IIII (around), S C (in field), Pax standing left holding branch and cornucopiae.
RIC 952(=dupondius)*
ex Forum Ancient Coins
*This type is not listed in RIC, Cohen, BMC nor Strack. These references all list this type as Sestertius and Dupondius only. Another example of this As-issue is listed in this Forum's "Gallery of Unlisted and Unpublished Coins". It was also published by Bakes, James R. (2003): An Apparently Unpublished As of Antoninus Pius, The Journal of the Classical and Medieval Numismatic Society 4.3 (September 2003), pp. 127-128, illus. : (The author describes a new as of Antoninus Pius with Pax reverse and the legends ANTONINVS AVG PI VS PP IMP II and TR POT XIX COS IIII SC. (Oliver D. Hoover))Charles S

Antoninus Pius, RIC 953, Dupondius of AD 155-156 (Providentia)Æ Dupondius (10.3g, Ø 26mm, 12h). Rome, AD 155-156.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, radiate head right.
Rev.: TR POT XIX COS IIII around, S C in field, Providentia standing left holding scepter and pointing at globe.
RIC 953 (S); BMC 2003 (f); Cohen 978; Strack 1124.
Ex Silenoscoins, 2003Charles S

Antoninus Pius, RIC 1004, Sestertius of AD 159 (Temple of Divus Augustus)Æ Sestertius (22.23g, Ø30mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 159.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right.
Rev.: TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST (around) COS IIII (in ex.) S C (in field), Octastyle temple of Divus Augustus with statues of Augustus and Livia. The temple stands on a podium of three steps. Both statues in the centre, standing on a base, have the right arms raised. There are statues to the left near the foot of the steps and other statues of soldiers on pedestals at each side of the top step. The statuary on the roof can be identified as Augustus in quadriga flanked by Romulus on the right and Aeneas carrying Anchises on the left. Unidentified statuary in the pediment.

RIC 1004 (S); BMCRE 2063; Cohen 805; Strack 1167; Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali II-3) 406; Sear (Roman Coins and their Values II) 4235.
ex Triton VI (2003)

The second Temple of Divus Augustus, commenced under Tiberius and dedicated by Caligula in August AD 37, suffered during the great fire of 80 which began on the Capitoline Hill and spread into the Forum and onto the Palatine. It was possibly restored or rebuilt under Domitian, although it is not mentioned in the Chronographia, and it certainly received further restoration under Antoninus Pius in 158. The temple under Antoninus was Corinthian octastyle and contained the seated figures of Divus Augustus and Livia within, generally drawn on the coinage at an elevated level to suggest perspective. Charles S

Artuqid, Najm ad-Din as-Sa'id Ghazi IObv. Outer hexagram, Shahada
Inner hexagram, al-Imam al-Mustasim/billahi Amir al-Mu'minin
Rev. Outer hexagram, duriba bi-Mardin sanah thalatha arba'in sittami'ah
Inner hexagram, al-Malik as-Salih Ayyub/ al-Malik as-Sa'id Ghazi
AR Dirham
AH 643, 1245-1246 ADSkyler

Asia Minor, Lykia, Masikytes, Augustus, lyresAugustus
Asia Minor, Lykia, Masikytes
AR Drachm, 28-19 BC
Obv.: Λ - Y, Bare head right
Rev.: Two Lyres, Aphlaston left, Μ / A right
Ag, 19.5mm, 3.48g
Ref.: RPC 3309, SNG von Aulock 4351, Troxell, LL 150, 116 (same obv.- die)
Ex Auctiones, Auction 12 (12.6.2003), Los 383
Ex Lanz Auction 158, Lot 4412 commentsshanxi

B & S. Steinhouse/Nachlass Zkainim Home For the Aged (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)AE token, 34 mm., 15.78 gr., undated (but probably minted ca. 1927).

Obv: B & S.S & N.Z. HOME FOR THE AGED, and • MONTREAL •, within border around rim, 25¢ to left and right of building in center, SOUVENIR below building.

Rev: KEEP ME and GOOD LUCK within border in upper and lower rim, “תשליכנו / לצת זקנה אל„ [Do not cast us off in our old age. (Psalm 71:9)] and DO NOT CAST US / OFF AT OUR OLD AGE, in center, between profiles of elderly man and woman facing left and right, respectively.

Ref: Randolph, Marc A. “Jewish Homes for the Aged Tokens,” The Shekel, XXXVI No. 3 (May-June 2003) 14-19, Figure 2.

Note: The B & S. Steinhouse Old People’s Home opened in Montreal in 1923 and soon merged with the Nachlass Zkainim Home. In 1927, encouraged by the newly formed Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Montreal, the combined B & S. Steinhouse/Nachlass Zkainim Home For the Aged amalgamated with the Montreal Hebrew Sheltering Home, a/k/a Moshav Zkainim (which was founded in 1910, and then housed six residents on Evans Street). The institution raised funds for the construction of a larger building on land owned by the Montreal Sheltering Home on Esplanade Street. By 1945, the average age of new residents was over eighty, and increased medical and nursing staff were required. The institution changed its name to Maimonides Hospital and Home for the Aged to reflect this expanded role. The institution still exists, as the Maimonides Geriatric Center of McGill University.

Note: The token was issued sometime between 1923 (when B & S. Steinhouse Old People’s Home opened) and 1945 (when the amalgamated institution changed its name to Maimonides Hospital and Home for the Aged), and probably no later than 1927 (when the combined B & S. Steinhouse/Nachlass Zkainim Home For the Aged) amalgamated with the Montreal Hebrew Sheltering Home, a/k/a Moshav Zkainim). It may even have been issued in connection with the fund drive that was initiated in 1927 to build the larger building on Esplanade Street.Stkp

Baktria, Apollodotus I. Elephant & Humped Bull Square Drachm.Apollodotus I Soter. 174-165 BC. AR Square Drachm (2.42 gm, 16x16mm, 12h) on Indian standard of Paropamisadai or Gandhara. Elephant standing right. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΠΟΛΛΟΔΟΤΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ. ⷬꓗ monogram in ex. / Humped bull standing right. Karosthi legend Maharajasa Apaladatasa tradarasa (of Great King Apollodotos the Savior). Monogram C in ex. gVF. Bt. Tom Cederlind 2003. Bopearachchi Série 4D #33-40, Smithsonian #9-10; HGC 12 #119; MIG 2 Type 207b; Sear Greek II #2591; SNG ANS 9 #317-323. Anaximander

Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I, ca. 171-145 BC, AR Tetradrachm ΒΑΣΙΛΕYΣ MEΓAΣ EYKPATIΔHΣ Diademed and draped bust of a mature Eukratides right, wearing a crested helmet decorated with ear and horn of a bull.
HΛIOKΛIOΣ KAI ΛAOΔIKHΣ Co-joined busts facing right of Eukratides parents, Heliokles and Laodike, ΦΛΩ monogram to left.

Bopearachchi Series 15 A; SNG ANS 526-527; Mitchiner 182a; Qunduz 245-246; HGC 12, 133; Sear 7572.

(30 mm, 16.16 g, 12h).

Gorny & Mosch Giessener Munzhandlung Auction 126, October 2003, 1534.
The distinctive reddish black remnant patina of this coin is a characteristic of the silver coins from the Mir Zakah deposit. It is probably from this, the largest hoard of coins ever found, that the coin is derived.

This issue may have been inspired by the earlier “pedigree” coinage of Agathokles and Pantaleon, but equally likely given the many apparent anomalies associated with the issue, is that it was issued by the parents of Eukratides as statement of their position and prestige in Baktrian society. Heliokles’ bare head indicates that he was not a king, whereas the diadem on Laodike’s head suggests that she was of royal blood. Tarn identified her as a Seleukid princess, daughter of Seleukos II and sister of Antiochus III. On the other hand, Hollis in Laodike Mother of Eucratides of Baktria makes a plausible case that Laodike was the daughter of Antiochos III. Hollis argues that Eukratides was in this way connected to the Seleukid royal family and was perhaps facilitated by the latter in his endeavor to seize the Baktrian throne.

This coinage has a number of curious characteristics. The legend on this coin names Eukratides is in the nominative case, so that it serves to label his portrait rather than to identify him as the issuing authority of the coinage. The legend naming his parents, on the other hand, is in the genitive, normally used to indicate a filial relationship an argument supported by Hollis. However, it could also imply that Heliokles and Laodike had authorized the coinage. Both sides of the coin have defined filleted borders, unique in the coinage of Eukratides. All other issues bear only an obverse border around the image of the king. The fabric of these coins indicates that Heliokles and Laodike occupy the obverse, anvil struck side of the coin. Nevertheless, they are most frequently described in the opposite manner, in accord with the convention that the ruler occupies the obverse side of the coin.1 commentsn.igma

Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I, ca. 230-200 BC, AR Tetradrachm Diademed head of a relatively youthful Euthydemos right.
Î’Î‘Î£Î™Î›Î•Î©Î£ EYÎ˜YÎ”HMOY Herakles seated left on rock, resting club on pile of rocks, monogram in inner right field, letter A in exergue.

Bopearachchi Series 5C; SNG ANS 9, 137 (same reverse die); Kritt, A8; HGC 12, 40.
Mint “A” - Ai Khanoum ca. 225-220/215 BC.

(29 mm, 16.7 g, 12h).
CNG 782054; ex- Semon Lipcer Coll.; ex- CNG 63, May 2003, 923.
1 commentsn.igma

Bavaria. Otto. 3 Mark. 1908-DMunich mint, KM996, J-47.

Bavaria. Otto. 3 Mark. 1910-DMunich mint, KM996, J-47.

BCC IS8 Pseudo-Byzantine imitation of Constans IIUmayyad Period - AE Fals
Pseudo-Byzantine SICA Type E, 'LITOIE'
group, Imitation of Constans II group I-IV.
ca. 640-670 CE Uncertain Syrian Mint
Obv: Standing Emperor with globus
cruciger and staff surmounted by cross.
Pseudo inscription around [ Э I T Λ ] I X
Rev: Cursive M surmounted by cross.
Pseudo inscription around ~ Э Λ retrograde
C (or crescent) O....Λ
20mm. 3.04gm. Axis:0
see: Walker BMC II pp. xcvi ff. and
A. Oddy 'The Christian coinage of early
Muslim Syria', ARAM 15 (2003) pp. 185-196.
Plate 3, number 2 (die match)
Surface find, Caesarea Maritima, 1972v-drome

BCC LA4 Miniature Lead AmphoraLead Amphora
1st-4th Century CE
Type A variant
Hollow cast miniature lead vessel in the
shape of an elongated amphora with a
cylindrical or slightly funnel-shaped neck,
an everted rim, and small looped handles,
which are crushed. The almost straight
shoulders, only slightly broader than the
neck, taper in a straight line to a pointed
base. The body is in the unusual form of
an inverted four-sided pyramid. The decoration
consists of horizontal lines creating four registers
with no surviving linear or geometric elements.
The top register, below the shoulder, bears traces
of an inscription, possibly an O followed by an A,
but nothing else is discernible. The two halves are
slightly misaligned, more noticeably along one
seam than the other.
Pb 4.9 x 1.3 x 1.2cm 15.36gm.
cf. L. Y. Rahmani, Israel Museum Studies in
Archaeology, Volume 2 - 2003, Fig. 13.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1974v-drome

BCC LA6 Miniature Lead AmphoraLead Amphora
1st-4th Century CE?
Rahmani, Type B
Hollow cast miniature lead amphora with a
slightly funnel-shaped neck, everted rim,
and small looped handles, only one of which
survives with an occluded opening. The upper
and lower attachment points are linked by
horizontal lines. The wide, almost straight
shoulders taper in a curved line to a narrow
elongated stump base with vertical fluting.
There is no exact parallel to this style of base
in the reference cited below. The only remaining
decoration on the body consists of horizontal
lines creating two or three registers with just
traces of a possible inscription still visible. The
vessel is crushed almost flat.
Pb 4.05 x 1.45 x 0.95cm 14.08gm. Capacity: Unc.
See: L. Y. Rahmani, "On Some Roman to Early
Medieval Lead Miniature Amphorae" Israel Museum
Studies in Archaeology, Volume 2 - 2003.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1974
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)v-drome

BCC LA7 Miniature Lead Amphora Type CMiniature Lead Amphora
1st-5th Century CE?
Rahmani, Type C
Hollow cast miniature lead amphora with
ovoid body, slightly funnel-shaped neck,
no shoulders,and an everted rim. Small
looped handles extend from mid-neck to
the top of the body and are linked by upper
and lower horizontal lines. Decoration consists
of vertical fluting which runs from the lower
horizontal line to converge at the semi-rounded
base. The vessel as well as the handles are
partially crushed almost flat and the mouth
is squeezed shut.
Pb 3.85 x 1.85 x 1.1cm 17.74gm. Capacity: Unc.
See: L. Y. Rahmani, "On Some Roman to Early Medieval
Lead Miniature Amphorae" Israel Museum Studies in
Archaeology, Volume 2 - 2003.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1977
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)1 commentsv-drome

BCC LA8 Lead Amphora Type CMiniature Lead Amphora
1st-5th Century CE?
Rahmani, Type C
Hollow cast miniature lead amphora with
ovoid body, badly damaged and missing
the upper part of the neck and handles.
Identical to, and probably from the same
mold as, BCC LA7, at one time it would
have had a slightly funnel-shaped neck,
no shoulders, an everted rim and small
looped handles. These extended from
mid-neck to the top of the body and were
linked by upper and lower horizontal lines.
Decoration consists of vertical fluting which
runs from the lower horizontal line to converge
at the semi-rounded base.
Pb 3.1 x 1.65 x 1.55cm 16.97gm. Capacity: Unc.
See: L. Y. Rahmani, "On Some Roman to Early Medieval
Lead Miniature Amphorae" Israel Museum Studies in
Archaeology, Volume 2 - 2003.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1978
(click for larger pic)v-drome

BCC LA9 Lead Amphora Type C (Variation) Prize UrnMiniature Lead Amphora
1st-5th Century CE?
Rahmani, Type C Var. / Atypical Form
Hollow cast miniature lead amphora in the
shape of a prize urn,crushed almost flat.
The upper part of the vessel consisted of
an almost straight sided, wide mouth and
neck, and a slightly tapering midsection
without distinct shoulders, expanding to an
ovoid body attached to a small round base.
Small looped handles span the midsection
set off by two horizontal lines. Vertical
fluting from the lower line decorates the
body, converging at the base.
Pb 5.425 x 2.2 x 0.75cm 20.16gm. Capacity: Unc.
See: L. Y. Rahmani, "On Some Roman to Early Medieval
Lead Miniature Amphorae" Israel Museum Studies in
Archaeology, Volume 2 - 2003.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1977
(click for larger pic)v-drome

Bulgarian Second Empire. Scyphate Trachy.Crusader Imitation. Bulgaria, Second Empire, Petar IV-Ivan I. 1185-1207 AD. Imitative Æ Trachy (2.56 gm, 28.3mm, 6h) of Veroja (?). The Virgin Mary ("Theotokos"), nimbate, seated on throne, wearing tunic and maphorion, holding head of Christ. [MP]-[ΘV] / Emperor standing, facing, holding sceptre & akakia. aVF. Imitative trachy based on Byzantine Aspron Trachy of Isaac II Angelus (1185-1195, 1203-1204). Bt. Gables Coin, 1999, sold as Latin Empire of Constantinople, 4th Crusade. cf. Sear Byzantine #2003 (for Byzantine prototype). Raduchev & Zhekov 1.1.3; DOC Type B, 2.Anaximander

Bull, Gallienus, AE Antoninianus, RIC V, I 285Gallienus
As sole Augustus, 260-268 A.D.

Coin: AE Antoninianus, invoking the protection of Sol against the revolt of Aureolus.

Obverse: GALLIENVS AVG, radiate bust facing right.
Reverse: SOLI CONS AVG, a Bull, standing to the right. XI in exergue.

Weight: 2.34 g, Diameter: 21 x 20 x 1 mm, Die axis: 200°, Mint: Rome, struck between 267 - 268 A.D. Reference: RIC V, I 285, Note: 1 of 25 AE Antoninianii, ranging from Gallienus to Tetricus II, I bought from a seller in 2012. He had 125 for sale in total, and had in turn bought them from the original finder, who is said to have found this Hoard in 2003 near Harlow in the County of Essex.Constantine IV

BYZANTINE EMPIRE - Isaac II AngelusBYZANTINE EMPIRE - Isaac II Angelus (1185-1195 & 1203-1204) Billon Aspron Trachy, 1st Reign issue. Obv.: The Virgin enthroned facing, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium; she holds before her the himbate head of the infant Christ facing; on either side of nimbus MP - Θν (with line above). Rev.: Isaac standing facing, wearing a crown, divitision and loros, and sagion; he holds cruciform sceptre and akakia, and is crowned by manus Dei in upper right field; to left ΙC / ΑΑ / Κ / Ι / ΟC ; to right ΔΕΣ / Π / Ο / Τ /ΗC Reference: SBC 2003dpaul7

Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class B Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1823; DOC B.1-64; Zervos Type B-2) - Attributed to Romanus III (1028-1034Obv: IC-XC to right and left of bust of Christ facing with nimbate cross behind head, dot in each limb of nimbus cross, holding book of gospels, a dot in center of dotted square on book
Rev: IS-XS ЬAS-ILЄ ЬAS-ILЄ to left and right above and below cross with dots at the ends, on three steps
Dim: 27 mm, 8.65 g

An extremely rare variation of the Anonymous Class B Follis. The arms of the nimbus cross has only dots and the book of Gospels has five dots. Using Orestes H. Zervos' classifications of the Class B folles, these types were found during the excavation of Corinth. See the following paper:

Zervos, Orestes H., The Substantive Varieties of Anonymous Folles of Class B, Nomismatika Khronika No. 22/2003Quant.Geek

Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class B Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1823; DOC B.1-64; Zervos Type B-2) - Attributed to Romanus III (1028-1034)Obv: IC-XC to right and left of bust of Christ facing with nimbate cross behind head, dot in each limb of nimbus cross, holding book of gospels, a dot in center of dotted square on book
Rev: IS-XS ЬAS-ILЄ ЬAS-ILЄ to left and right above and below cross with dots at the ends, on three steps
Dim: 25 mm, 7.99 g

An extremely rare variation of the Anonymous Class B Follis. The arms of the nimbus cross has only dots and the book of Gospels has five dots. Using Orestes H. Zervos' classifications of the Class B folles, these types were found during the excavation of Corinth. See the following paper:

Zervos, Orestes H., The Substantive Varieties of Anonymous Folles of Class B, Nomismatika Khronika No. 22/2003Quant.Geek

Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class B Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1823; DOC B.1-64; Zervos Type B-2) - Attributed to Romanus III (1028-1034)Obv: IC-XC to right and left of bust of Christ facing with nimbate cross behind head, dot in each limb of nimbus cross, holding book of gospels, a dot in center of dotted square on book
Rev: IS-XS ЬAS-ILЄ ЬAS-ILЄ to left and right above and below cross with dots at the ends, on three steps
Dim: 27 mm, 8.65 g

An extremely rare variation of the Anonymous Class B Follis. The arms of the nimbus cross has only dots and the book of Gospels has five dots. Using Orestes H. Zervos' classifications of the Class B folles, these types were found during the excavation of Corinth. See the following paper:

Zervos, Orestes H., The Substantive Varieties of Anonymous Folles of Class B, Nomismatika Khronika No. 22/2003Quant.Geek

Byzantine Empire: Isaac II Angelus, 1st Reign (1185-1195 CE) BI Aspron Trachy, Constantinople (Sear 2003; DOC 3b)Obv: MP - ΘV in upper field; Virgin nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorion, seated upon thrown with back; holds beardless, nimbate head of Christ on breast
Rev: ICAAKIOC ΔЄCΠOTHC in two columnar groups; Full-length figure of emperor wearing stemma, divitision, collar-piece, jeweled loros of simplified type, and sagion; holds in right hand scepter cruciger, and in left, anexikakia; Manus Dei in upper right field
Quant.Geek

Byzantine Empire: Isaac II Angelus, Billon Aspron Trachy.Constantinople 1185-1195 A.D. 2.41gr - 30mm, Axis 6h.

Obv: MP|ΘY - Virgin Mary seated facing, holding nimbate head of Christ facing.

Rev: ICAAKIOC ΔECΠ OTHC - Isaac standing facing, holding sceptre and akakia, crowned by Manus Dei.

Ref: BCV 2003.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.Christian Scarlioli

Byzantine Empire: Isaac II Angelus, Billon Aspron Trachy.Constantinople 1185-1195 A.D. 2.52gr - 29mm, Axis 6h.

Obv: MP|ΘY - Virgin Mary seated facing, holding nimbate head of Christ facing.

Rev: ICAAKIOC ΔECΠ OTHC - Isaac standing facing, holding sceptre and akakia, crowned by Manus Dei.

Ref: BCV 2003.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.Christian Scarlioli

Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class B Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1823; DOC B.1-64; Zervos Type B-2) - Attributed to Romanus III (1028-1034)Obv: IC-XC to right and left of bust of Christ facing with nimbate cross behind head, dot in each limb of nimbus cross, holding book of gospels, a dot in center of dotted square on book
Rev: IS-XS Ð¬AS-ILÐ„ Ð¬AS-ILÐ„ to left and right above and below cross with dots at the ends, on three steps
Dim: 27 mm, 8.65 g

An extremely rare variation of the Anonymous Class B Follis. The arms of the nimbus cross has only dots and the book of Gospels has five dots. Using Orestes H. Zervos' classifications of the Class B folles, these types were found during the excavation of Corinth. See the following paper:

Zervos, Orestes H., The Substantive Varieties of Anonymous Folles of Class B, Nomismatika Khronika No. 22/2003Quant.Geek

Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class B Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1823; DOC B.1-64; Zervos Type B-3) - Attributed to Romanus III (1028-1034)Obv: IC-XC to right and left of bust of Christ facing, with cross nimbus having

with a central pellet in each arm and

in each upper quarter, wearing tunic and himation; right hand raised in blessing in sling of cloak, left hand holds book, with

on cover, from beneath
Rev: IS-XS Ð¬AS-ILÐ„ Ð¬AS-ILÐ„ in small letters to left and right above and below cross with dots at the ends, on three steps
Dim: 29 mm, 9.32 g

An extremely rare variation of the Anonymous Class B Follis. The arms of the nimbus cross has

with a central pellet and the book of Gospels has five dots. Using Orestes H. Zervos' classifications of the Class B folles, these types were found during the excavation of Corinth. See the following paper:

Zervos, Orestes H., The Substantive Varieties of Anonymous Folles of Class B, Nomismatika Khronika No. 22/2003Quant.Geek

Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class B Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1823; DOC B.1-64; Zervos Type B-4b) - Attributed to Romanus III (1028-1034) Obv: IC-XC to right and left of bust of Christ facing, with cross nimbus having a square in each arm and

in each upper quarter, wearing tunic and himation; right hand raised in blessing in sling of cloak, left hand holds book, with

on cover, from beneath
Rev: IS-XS Ð¬AS-ILÐ„ Ð¬AS-ILÐ„ in large letters to left and right above and below cross with dots at the ends, on three steps

A common variation of the Anonymous Class B Follis. See the following paper for various classifications of the these types of folles:

Zervos, Orestes H., The Substantive Varieties of Anonymous Folles of Class B, Nomismatika Khronika No. 22/2003
Quant.Geek

Byzantine Empire: Æ Anonymous Class B Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1823; DOC B.1-64; Zervos Type B-4b) - Attributed to Romanus III (1028-1034)Obv: IC-XC to right and left of bust of Christ facing, with cross nimbus having a square in each arm and

in each upper quarter, wearing tunic and himation; right hand raised in blessing in sling of cloak, left hand holds book, with

BYZANTINE, Bulgarian Imitation 1200-1202(?)Obv: Virgin Enthroned
Rev: Emperor Holding Sceptre and Akakia
DO IV pl XXVI 2
Imitation of Isaac II Angelus, Sear 2003

BYZANTINE, Isaac II Angelus 1185-1195 ConstantinopleObv: Virgin Enthroned
Rev: Emperor Holding Scepter and Akakia
Sear 2003

C. Vibius cf PansaRRC 342/5
90 b.c.

C VIBIUS cf PANSA
Syd 684 / 90BC
From "Münzbörse Berlin" / 2003 Norbert

Calabria, Tarentum. Time of Hannibal, c. 212-209 BC. Nomos3.98gg. (5h). Obv: Naked youth on horseback right, holding reins and carrying filleted palm; ΣΩKAN - NAΣ below. Rx: Taras astride dolphin left, holding aphlaston in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm; eagle standing with wings spread behind; TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 984. HN Italy 1082. SNG ANS 1272. Perfectly struck; Mint State.
Ex Philip T. Ashton Collection. Ex Berk 130, 6 January 2003, lot 81.

Hannibal used the region around Tarentum and Metapontum as winter quarters during his occupation of southern Italy. He installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.3 commentsLeo

Caligula (Augustus), Thracian KingsCaligula (Augustus)
Reign of Rhoemetalkes III, Thracian Kingdom
AE 6.94g / 22.75mm / -
ΓΑΙΩΚΑΙΑΡΙ or ΓΑΙΩΚΑΙΣΑΡ - Bust left
Ρ-Σ; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - Nike r. with wreath and malm on globe
Mint: (38 - 46 AD)
Ref: RPC 1725; Gorny & Moshc 126, 13-14 Oct 2003 Lot 1659
Further references:
http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotviewer.php?LotID=59717&AucID=63&Lot=1659
http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotviewer.php?LotID=94344&AucID=101&Lot=1637
http://www.cervantesvirtual.com/servlet/SirveObras/44602782922868295254468/025000_0004.pdfScotvs Capitis

Caligula RIC 0016SH86638. Silver denarius, RIC I 16 (R2, Rome), RSC I 2, Lyon 167, BnF II 21, BMCRE I 17, cf. SRCV I 1807 (aureus), VF, toned, attractive portraits, bumps and marks, some pitting, lamination defects, ex jewelry, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, weight 3.443g, maximum diameter 18.2mm, die axis 180o, 2nd emission, 37 - 38 A.D.; obverse C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT (counterclockwise from lower right), laureate head of Caligula right; reverse DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE (counterclockwise from lower right), radiate head of Divus Augustus right; ex Classical Numismatic Group, e-auction 69 (23 July 2003), lot 90
Ex: Forum Ancient coins, March 2, 2018.

This is my second denarius of Gaius. I was extremely happy to get this one. I know the surfaces are a bit rough, but it is still a VF example of a rare coin. Denarii of Caligula do not show up for sale very often outside of large auction houses. When they do appear they are often very expensive. I waited for about 2 1/2 years for a coin like this to show up. As soon as it did I bought it.

I want to share a quick word about where I bought this coin. It was a purchase from Forum Ancient Coins. Coins are guaranteed authentic for eternity, and the service is second to none. Forum is also an incredible source of information concerning ancient coins. If you have a question about ancient coins, chances are that question has been asked and answered on Forum Ancient Coins. Many experts frequent this site and they are always willing to share their expertise.

Anyone trying to assemble a set of the 12 Caesars in silver will need to find a denarius of Gaius. His is one of the most difficult to add along with denarii of Claudius and Otho. It has also been suggested by some that it is the fault of 12 Caesars collectors that drives the prices so high. While true that there is a lot of competition for these coins when they appear, it is also true that there are alternatives to the denarii of Gaius. One popular choice is the Vesta As. These are quite common and can be had in nice condition for reasonable prices.

On the obverse we have the typical portrait of Gaius, while on the reverse we see a portrait of his great grandfather Augustus. Augustus is depicted as a Divus or god. The reverse legend "Pater Patriae" refers to Augustus as the father of the country. One reason Augustus was on the reverse was to remind the people of Rome of their emperor's connection to the Julio-Claudian ruling dynasty.

Why are denarii of Gaius so scarce? One explanation is has to do with Gresham's law or bad money drives out good money. The theory is that the monetary reforms of Nero, which debased to coinage in both weight and fineness, caused people to hoard the older more valuable coins of emperors like Caligula and Claudius. The problem with this explanation is that there are plenty of "tribute penny" denarii of Tiberius. The other possibility is that perhaps smaller numbers of Gaius' denarii were originally minted. Maybe there was already enough silver coinage circulating and therefore fewer were needed. Whatever the real reason, we are unlikely to ever get a satisfactory answer.
4 commentsorfew

Campania. Neapolis AR NomosCirca 275-250 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.21 g, 11h). Sambon–; HN Italy 586; BMC 87; SNG France–; SNG ANS–. Obverse: Diademed head of nymph left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; to right, Artemis standing right, holding torch in both hands. Reverse: Man-headed bull walking right; above, Nike flying right, placing wreath on bull's head; IÎ£ below; [N]EOÎ OÎ›ITÎ©N in exergue. Good VF, toned. Scarce symbol for issue.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 21
Ex Classical Numismatic Review XXXIX No. 2 Summer 2014, lot 979726

The obverse of early Neapolitan coins represent the siren Parthenope who, according to legend, committed suicide after her failed attempt to seduce Odysseus and his shipmates as they passed the Sorrento peninsula. Her body was washed up on the shore of nearby Megaride, a tiny island in the Bay of Naples. The locals interred her in Mount Echia, now the hill of Pizzofalcone. The Sirens were originally the islands found at the mouth of the river Achelöos in Greece which flowed into the Ionian Sea between Akarnania and Aetolia. The man-headed bull on the reverse of the coins was meant to represent Achelöos, the greatest water god of ancient Greece and father of Parthenope. This coin, however, belongs to a later group known as Class VI (Numismatic Circular, vol. 14, 1906). The latest coins with the obverse head always facing left may well be identified as the head of Dia-Hebe. She is associated with Dionysus Hebon and the Neapolitan bull on the reverse was reinterpreted as the bull with which Dionysus Hebon was always depicted.

3 commentsJason T

Caracalla, 198–217 CEAR denarius, Rome, 210 CE; 3.69g. BMCRE 105, RIC 231, RSC 632. Obv: ANTONINVS – PIVS AVG BRIT; head laureate right. Rx: VICTO – RIAE BRIT; Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm.

Notes: Second special issue of the joint reign of Severus, Caracalla, and Geta commemorating victories in Britain. Scarce; fewer than thirty specimens in the hoards studied by P.V. Hill (thirteen in Reka Devnia [nine in Sofia, the four Caracalla VICTORIAE BRIT denarii in Varna seem to have the wrong Cohen numbers]).

Provenance: Ex Berk BBS 131 (April 2003), lot 396; from the Curtis L. Clay Collection, acquired from dealer Mario Ratto, Milan (March 1967); from the Mazzini Collection, Turin.

Literature: Ing. G. Mazzini, Moneta Imperiali Romane, ed. Mario Ratto (Milan, 1957–8), vol. 3, pl. 37 (this specimen illustrated).5 commentsBritannicus

castelin04_var3Elagabalus or Caracalla
Rhesaena, Mesopotamia

Obv: Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right..
Rev: Vexillum with unclear symbols in fields.
14 mm, 2.80 gms

Castelin 8 variant (bust type)Charles M

ChileKm218.1 - 10 Pesos - 1986 - (1981-1987)
Km228.2 - 10 pesos - 1995 - (1990-2008)
Km219.1 - 50 pesos - 1981 - (1981-1987)
Km226.2 - 100 Pesos - 1989 - (1988-1999)
Km236 - 100 Pesos - 2006 - (2001-2008)
Km235 - 500 Pesos - 2003 - (2000-2003)
Km197 - 1 Escudo - 1971 - (1971-1972)Daniel F

City of Constantinople Commemorative, 330 - 333 A.D.Bronze AE 3, RIC 63, VF, Constantinople, 2.524g, 18.5mm, 0o, 330 - 333 A.D.; Obverse: CONSTAN-TINOPOLI, Constantinopolis' helmeted bust left in imperial cloak and holding scepter across left shoulder; Reverse: Victory standing left, right foot on prow, scepter in right, resting left on grounded shield, CONSZ in exergue; nice style. Ex FORVM.

Constantinople Commemoratives minted by the actual city of Constantinople mint are much scarcer than those minted by other Eastern mints.

The village that was to become the site of Byzantium/Constantinople/Istambul was founded c. 658 B. C. by a Greek colony from Megara; the site was then occupied by the Thracian village of Lygos. The chief of the Megarian expedition was Byzas, after whom the city was naturally called Byzantion (Lat. Byzantium). Despite its perfect situation, the colony did not prosper at first; it suffered much during the Medic wars, chiefly from the satraps of Darius and Xerxes. Later on, its control was disputed by Lacedæmonians and Athenians; for two years (341-339 B. C.) it held out against Philip of Macedon. It succeeded in maintaining its independence even against victorious Rome, was granted the title and rights of an allied city, and its ambassadors were accorded at Rome the same honours as those given to allied kings; it enjoyed, moreover, all transit duties on the Bosporus. Cicero defended it in the Roman Senate, and put an end to the exactions of Piso.

The city continued prosperous to the reign of Septimius Severus, when it sided with his rival, Pescennius Niger. After a siege of three years (193-196) Severus razed to the ground its walls and public monuments, and made it subject to Perinthus or Heraclea in Thrace. But he soon forgave this resistance, restored its former privileges, built there the baths of Zeuxippus, and began the hippodrome. It was devastated again by the soldiers of Gallienus in 262, but was rebuilt almost at once. In the long war between Constantine and Licinius (314-323) it embraced the fortunes of the latter, but, after his defeat at Chrysopolis (Scutari), submitted to the victor.

Constantine had chosen this city as the new capital of the Roman Empire, but owing to his wars and the needs of the State, he rarely resided there.

(The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IV; Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company;Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.1 commentsCleisthenes

City of Constantinopolis Commemorative, 330-346 A.D. (Cyzikus)Constantinopolis City Commemorative, issued by CONSTANTINE THE GREAT AND HIS SONS, of the period AD 330-346, commemorating the transfer of the Seat of the Empire from Rome to Constantinople, AE3/4, aVF, Cyzikus. Obverse: CONSTAN-TINOPOLI, Constantinopolis wearing imperial mantle, holding inverted spear, laureate helmet, bust L.; Reverse: No legend; Victory stg. L., right foot on prow, holding scepter and leaning on shield; star?pellet?SMK pellet? in exergue.

The village that was to become the site of Byzantium/Constantinople/Istambul was founded c. 658 B. C. by a Greek colony from Megara; the site was then occupied by the Thracian village of Lygos. The chief of the Megarian expedition was Byzas, after whom the city was naturally called Byzantion (Lat. Byzantium). Despite its perfect situation, the colony did not prosper at first; it suffered much during the Medic wars, chiefly from the satraps of Darius and Xerxes. Later on, its control was disputed by Lacedæmonians and Athenians; for two years (341-339 B. C.) it held out against Philip of Macedon. It succeeded in maintaining its independence even against victorious Rome, was granted the title and rights of an allied city, and its ambassadors were accorded at Rome the same honours as those given to allied kings; it enjoyed, moreover, all transit duties on the Bosporus. Cicero defended it in the Roman Senate, and put an end to the exactions of Piso.

The city continued prosperous to the reign of Septimius Severus, when it sided with his rival, Pescennius Niger. After a siege of three years (193-196) Severus razed to the ground its walls and public monuments, and made it subject to Perinthus or Heraclea in Thrace. But he soon forgave this resistance, restored its former privileges, built there the baths of Zeuxippus, and began the hippodrome. It was devastated again by the soldiers of Gallienus in 262, but was rebuilt almost at once. In the long war between Constantine and Licinius (314-323) it embraced the fortunes of the latter, but, after his defeat at Chrysopolis (Scutari), submitted to the victor.

Constantine had chosen this city as the new capital of the Roman Empire, but owing to his wars and the needs of the State, he rarely resided there.

(The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IV; Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company;Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

Claudius. Cistaphoric Diana Ephesia.Roman Empire. Claudius. 41-54 AD. AR Cistaphoric Tetradrachm (= 3 denarii, 11.05 gm, 26.0mm, 7h) of Ephesus, 41-42 AD. Bare head of Claudius left. ↑TI CLAVD ⤸CAES AVG. / Cult statue of Diana Ephesia (Artemis) in tetrastyle temple, polos on head and fillets from wrists. DIAN-EPHE. VF. Bt. Herakles Numismatics, 2003. BMCRE 229; RIC I (Claudius) p. 130, #118corr. (obv. type A), plate 17; RPC I #2222; RSC II #30; SRCV I #1839.Anaximander

Clipped trachy of Issac II SB 2003Obverse: The Virgan enthroned facing nimbate and wearing pallium and maphprium, holding nimbate head of infant Christ facing; on either side of nimbus MP-theta-V barred.Reverse: Isacc stanging facing wearing crown, divitision and loros, and saigon which is sometimes ornamented with a star (no star in this coin); Isaac holds cruciform sceptre and akakia, and is crowned by manus Dei in upper field to r.; to L., I/CAA/KI/OC to r., deltaEC/IIO/TH?C or similar as there are varying forms
Mint: Constantinople
Date 1185-1195 CE
Sear 2003
20mm, 1.36gwileyc

Clipped trachy of Issac II SB 2003Obverse: The Virgan enthroned facing nimbate and wearing pallium and maphprium, holding nimbate head of infant Christ facing; on either side of nimbus MP-theta-V barred.
Reverse: Isacc stanging facing wearing crown, divitision and loros, and saigon which is sometimes ornamented with a star (no star in this coin); Isaac holds cruciform sceptre and akakia, and is crowned by manus Dei in upper field to r.; to L., I/CAA/KI/OC to r., deltaEC/IIO/TH?C or similar as there are varying forms
Mint: Constantinople
Date 1185-1195 CE
Sear 2003
21mm 1.49gwileyc

ColombiaKm212.2 - 10 Centavos - 1956
Km226 - 10 Centavos - 1967
Km215.1 - 20 Centavos - 1956
Km246.1 - 20 Centavos - 1971
Km281.1 - 10 Pesos - 1989
Km282.1 - 20 Pesos - 1991
Km272 - 50 Pesos - 1989
Km283.2 - 50 Pesos - 2003Daniel F

Constantine I, Follis, IOVI CONSERVATORI, (Dot)TS(Dot)Γ(Dot)AE Follis
Constantine I
Caesar: 306 - 307AD
Augustus: 307 - 337AD
Issued: 317 - 318AD
21.0mm 2.20gr 7h
O: IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG; Laureate, right.
R: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI; Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on a globe and a scepter; eagle to left.
Exergue: (Dot)TS(Dot)Γ(Dot)
RIC VII Thessalonica 19; Aorta: 2003: B59, O59, R101, T157, M17.
Rated R1
zurqieh_dubai 391120213128
8/29/15 1/31/17Nicholas Z

Constantius I. Tetrarchs sacrificing outside camp gate. Argentus of Nicomedia.Roman Empire. Constantius I. 293-305 AD. AR Argentus (3.40 gm, 19.4mm, 12h) of Nicomedia, officina 3, 295 AD. Laureate head right, CONSTANTIVS CAESAR. / Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius, & Galerius sacrificing over tripod outside camp gate with six turrets, PROVIDENTAIE AVGG. Ex: SMN Γ. gVF. Bt. Guy Clark 2003. RIC VI p.555 #18; Pink p.27 #2; RSC V #245Aa; SRCV IV #13942.1 commentsAnaximander

Convention - Sol aux balances 1793 AAAtelier de Metz (AA) refrappe
REPUBLIQUE FRANCOISE, la table de la loi, avec gravé LES HOMMES SONT EGAUX DEVANT LA LOI en cinq lignes, de part et d'autre une grappe de raisin et des epis de blé, a l'exergue L'AN II
LIBERTE EGALITE, balance surmontée d'un bonnet phrygien, entourée d'une couronne de chêne, au centre I . S a l'exergue AA 1793 en deux lignes
10.89 gr
Ref : Gadoury 2003 # 19
The King is no more present (he's had been executed on jan 21st the same year), and "humans are equals towards Law"
03-3051 commentsPotator II

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.
Carausius

Crawford 23/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, AE 28 - RARERome, The Republic.
Anonymous (circa 240 BCE).
AE 28 (17.05g; 28mm).
Sicilian Mint.

Obv: ROMANO; Head of Roma facing left in crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin; cornucopia symbol behind nape of neck.

Rev: ROMA-NO; Eagle standing left on thunderbold, head turned right, sword before.

References: Crawford 23/1; Sydenham 30 (R8); Burnett & McCabe O5/R5:2 (this coin illustrated); Manganaro (1981-82) pl. 16 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex Tony Hardy Collection [CNG 63 (21 May 2003) Lot 1112].

Burnett and McCabe recently published a paper regarding this issue in which they conclude that it was likely small (only 6 obv and 8 rev dies identified) and minted in Sicily circa 240 BCE. This would have been about the time that the inscription on Roman coins was changing from ROMANO to ROMA. The reverse was based on a Ptolemaic bronze octobol and the obverse likely depicts an early rendering of the goddess Roma (in Corinthian, rather than Attic, helmet). Three obverse symbols have been identified (helmet, plough and cornucopia) and a fourth is uncertain.
Carausius

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