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The patina on this one is a beautiful dark green and glossy
Constantine II CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C LDC left
PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS 2 6 to 8, three seen with a base, two of them with dots in top layer SMTS Delta Thessalonica RIC VII Thessalonica 157 C3 326-328
James b4
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Phocas. 602-610. Æ Follis – 40 Nummi (32mm, 12.92 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Dated RY 5 (606/7). Crowned facing bust, wearing consular robes, holding mappa and cross / Large XXXX; ANNO above, Ч to right; TЄS. DOC 47; MIBE 91; SB 653. Good VF, dark brown-black patina, hint of earthen deposits, cleaning marks. Overstruck on a Nicomedia follis of Maurice Tiberius (SB 512). Quant.Geek
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Justinian I. 527-565. Æ Decanummium (17mm, 3.46 g, 6h). Uncertain mint, possibly Perugia. Dated RY 26 (552/3). Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Large I; cross above, date across field; P. DOC 357; MIBE 101a; SB 328. VF, dark green patina, minor roughness. Rare.


Quant.Geek
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John Comnenus-Ducas. As emperor of Thessalonica, 1237-1242. BI Trachy (20mm, 1.67 g, 6h). Type R, Variety A. Thessalonica mint. Outstretched wing to left / Facing half-length bust John, holding banner decorated with two cross-in-rings. DOC 31; SB 2217. VF, dark green and brown patina, hint of roughness, small flan split.


From the Iconodule Collection.
Quant.Geek
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John Comnenus-Ducas. As emperor of Thessalonica, 1237-1242. BI Trachy (14mm, 0.38 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / Facing busts John and St. Demetrius, holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC –; SB –; NAC 56, lot 830 (hammer 800 CHF). VF, dark green patina, obverse struck with worn die, ragged flan. Extremely rare.


From the Iconodule Collection.
Quant.Geek
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Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine overstruck on Phocas & Leontia . 610-641 / 602-610. Æ follis (26.89 mm, 8.78 g, 6 h). Host coin, Theopolis (Antioch) mint, 602-610 / after 610. overstrike, Thessalonica mint. Overstrike: fragmentary, d N hЄRA[CLIЧS PP AVG] Host coin, also fragmentary, [O N FOCA] NЄ PЄ [AV] , Overstrike: Heraclius (on left, and Heraclius constantine, barely visible on right) standing facing, each holding globus cruciger, cross between their heads Host coin: Phocas on left and Leontia standing facing; Emperor holds globus cruciger, Empress holds cruciform scepter; cross between their heads / Overstrike, large M between A / N / N / O and date (not struck-up), cross above, B below, ΘЄC in exergue Host coin, large m between [A / N /] N / O and date (unclear) cross above, ThЄЧP' in exergue. Host coin, Cf. SBCV 671; Overstrike, Cf. SBCV 824. VF for type, dark green patina on devices, lighter encrustation on fields - overstrike at ~ 90º ccw.

multiply struck: host coin is Phocas & Leontia from Antioch, SBCV 671 or similar overstrike, at ~ 90º ccw, is Heraclius from Thessalonica
Quant.Geek
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Constantius II. AD 337-361. (22mm, 4.27 g, 12h). Contemporary imitation. Uncertain mint, possibly in the Balkans. Struck circa AD 348-351 or later. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Soldier left, spearing fallen horseman to lower left; shield to right; •ISNSI•. Cf. Sergeev 271-2; for prototype: cf. RIC VIII 81 (Constantinople mint). Good VF, dark brown patina with traces of green. Interesting contemporary imitation of the FEL TEMP REPARATIO type. 1 commentsQuant.Geek
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Roman Imperial
Family of Constantine I (A.D. 307-363)
Constantine I. A.D. 307/10-337. ’ follis (23 mm, 4.10 g, 6 h). Rome, A.D. 312/3. IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Constantine I right / SOLI INV-I-CTO COMITI, Sol standing facing, head left, extending arm and holding globe; RT. RIC 336a. VF, dark olive-green patina, clashed reverse die. The portrait of Constantine is engraved such that he has 'eyes to God'.
paul1888
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Philip I Arabs, 244-249. Dupondius 248, Rome, on the city's 1000th anniversary. Bust / cippus. RIC 162 C. 197 10.14 g. Dark brown patina, rare good Very nice
Ex auction Leu 10, 1974, 319 (hammer price: 1700 CHF).

While Claudius (47) and Antoninus Pius (147) used the founding date of 753 B.C. As a basis, Philippus Arabs assumed the Capitoline era, which began a year later. The boundary stone (cippus terminalis) is used in Roman iconography to mark the beginning and end.
paul1888
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Philip I the Arab, February 244 - Late September249 A.D., Seleucia ad Calycadnum, Cilicia. Orichalcum medallion, cf. RPC VIII U2169; SNG Levante 778; SNG BnF 1040; SNG Righetti 1630; SNG Pfalz 1078; BMC Cilicia p. 140, 50 (various legend arrangements), VF, broad flan, portrait, dark brown patina, light encrustation, a few small pits, marks, Seleukeia ad Calycadnum (Silifke, Turkey) mint, weight 34.823g, maximum diameter 40.0mm, die axis 180o, obverse AYT K M IOYΛIOC ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse CEΛEYKEΩN TΩN ΠPOCT, confronted busts of Tyche, right, draped, kalathos on head, cornucopia behind, and Apollo, left, laureate and draped, laurel branch before, KAΛYK/A∆N/Ω in three lines above, EΛEYΘEP/AC in two lines below; 40 millimeters1 commentspaul1888
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7 GalbaGalba. A.D.
68-69 AD
Æ as (27 mm, 10.29 g, 6 h). Rome.

O: IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P, laureate head of Galba right

R: LIBERTAS PVBLICA, S C across fields, Libertas standing left, holding pileus and scepter.

RIC 328 var. (bare head); BMC 144; BN 160 (same dies). Dark brown and green patina, light roughness.

Good fine.

Ex Triskeles Auctions
RI0040
Sosius
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29.6 Aquilia Severa - Wife of ElagabalusEGYPT, Alexandria. Aquilia Severa. Augusta, AD 220-221 & 221-222. Potin Tetradrachm (23mm, 11.63 g, 11h). Dated RY 4 of Elagabalus (AD 220/1). Draped bust right / Homonoia standing left, right hand raised, holding double cornucopia with left; L Δ (date) to left. Köln 2369; Dattari (Savio) 4178; K&G 58.3. Near VF, dark brown patina, light porosity.

Ex CNG eAuction 318
Sosius
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680 - 710, ANGLO-SAXON, AR Sceat, struck c.685 - 700 at Essex or East Anglia, EnglandObverse: Pearl diademed head facing right within ouroboros (serpent eating its tail), unintelligible pseudo legend around.
Reverse: Bird standing facing right upon cross, annulets on either side, all within ouroboros (serpent eating its tail), unintelligible pseudo legend around.
Primary Phase, Series BI
Diameter: 12mm | Weight: 1.05gms | Die Axis: 12h
SPINK: 777 | Metcalf: 100 - 106 | Abramson (Sceatta List): 16 - 40

This coin was struck at the time in which the Beowulf legend was set, though the coin predates the earliest manuscript of that saga by about three centuries. These coins constitute the earliest indigenous currency found on the British Isles and they are a fascinating glimpse into the so called "Dark Ages" during the post-Roman period.
The departure of the Romans sometime around 414 AD induced the inhabitants to create their own coinage. These primary phase sceattas are among the earliest of all Anglo-Saxon coinage and are generally thought to be modelled after coinages found in the surrounding areas and, of course, based on the earlier coinage from the Roman Empire. Most scholars now believe that the word "sceat" has been a misinterpretation of the word for "weight" and that the coin would probably have been classed as a denier or a penny. However, while archaeological finds and further research has provided more information on where these types may have been created, there is still little known about under whom they were struck.
This was a time of transition from paganism to Christianity, and these coins often show elements of both, featuring mysterious birds and beasts as well as crosses. This particular coin has not only a cross and a bird, but some wonderful ouroboros "snake circles" used as borders on both sides as well. The fantastical imagery and designs often found on these coins can be very attractive to many collectors.
1 comments*Alex
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7 MaxentiusMAXENTIUS
AE Follis (24-27 mm, 5.96 g)
Aquileia Mint, late Summer 307.

O: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, Laureate head right.

R: CONSERV VRB SVAE, Roma seated l. on shield in tetrastyle temple, r. handing globe to Maxentius (in military dress, stading r.), l. hand holding sceptre; seated captive between;

Victories as acroteria; she-wolf and twins in pediment; AQP in ex.

RIC VI Aquileia 113.

Dark patina. Extremely fine.

Ex Auctiones GmbH
3 commentsSosius
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70.5 HanniballianusROMAN IMPERIAL
Hanniballianus
Rex Regum, AD 335-337. Æ Follis (15mm, 1.73 g, 12h). Const. mint, 6th officina. Struck AD 336-337.

O: Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
R: Euphrates reclining right, leaning upon scepter; reed behind, overturned urn below, CONSÏ‚.

RIC VII 147; LRBC 1036. Good Fine, dark green patina with some earthen deposits.

Ex CNG
Sosius
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Antiochos IV EpiphanesAE 16 (chalkos), Antiochos IV, Epiphanes, 175-164 B.C. Obv: Radiate head of Antiochos facing right. Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΞΟΥ on either side of Godess (Tyche?), enthroned, holding Nike, bird at feet. Dark brown patina, VF. SG II, 6990, Hoover HGC 9, 637 (R2).Molinari
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Antiochos IX, KyzikenosAE 20, Antiochos IX, Kyzikenos, ca. 113-95 BC. Obv: Winged bust of Eros facing right. Rev: Nike holding wreath, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΞΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΥ. Dark brown patina with red earthen highlights, VF. SG 7173.Molinari
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C POBLICIUS Q F. 80 BCHelmeted bust of Roma right / Hercules strangling the Nemean lion; bow and quiver at left; club below. Cr. 380/1.

POBLICIA, a plebian family, but of consular rank. Its cognomen on coins is Malleolus. There are fifteen varieties, all of silver, on some of which a small hammer or mallett is engraved, evidently alluding to the surname Malleolus.

The first of Heracles' twelve labours, set by King Eurystheus (his cousin) was to slay the Nemean lion.

According to one version of the myth, the Nemean lion took women as hostages to its lair in a cave near Nemea, luring warriors from nearby towns to save the damsel in distress. After entering the cave, the warrior would see the woman (usually feigning injury) and rush to her side. Once he was close, the woman would turn into a lion and kill the warrior, devouring his remains and giving the bones to Hades.

Heracles wandered the area until he came to the town of Cleonae. There he met a boy who said that if Heracles slew the Nemean lion and returned alive within 30 days, the town would sacrifice a lion to Zeus; but if he did not return within 30 days or he died, the boy would sacrifice himself to Zeus.[3] Another version claims that he met Molorchos, a shepherd who had lost his son to the lion, saying that if he came back within 30 days, a ram would be sacrificed to Zeus. If he did not return within 30 days, it would be sacrificed to the dead Heracles as a mourning offering.

While searching for the lion, Heracles fetched some arrows to use against it, not knowing that its golden fur was impenetrable; when he found and shot the lion and firing at it with his bow, he discovered the fur's protective property when the arrow bounced harmlessly off the creature's thigh. After some time, Heracles made the lion return to his cave. The cave had two entrances, one of which Heracles blocked; he then entered the other. In those dark and close quarters, Heracles stunned the beast with his club and, using his immense strength, strangled it to death. During the fight the lion bit off one of his fingers. Others say that he shot arrows at it, eventually shooting it in the unarmoured mouth.

After slaying the lion, he tried to skin it with a knife from his belt, but failed. He then tried sharpening the knife with a stone and even tried with the stone itself. Finally, Athena, noticing the hero's plight, told Heracles to use one of the lion's own claws to skin the pelt.

When he returned on the thirtieth day carrying the carcass of the lion on his shoulders, King Eurystheus was amazed and terrified. Eurystheus forbade him ever again to enter the city; in future he was to display the fruits of his labours outside the city gates. Eurystheus warned him that the tasks set for him would become increasingly difficult. He then sent Heracles off to complete his next quest, which was to destroy the Lernaean hydra.

The Nemean lion's coat was impervious to the elements and all but the most powerful weapons. Others say that Heracles' armour was, in fact, the hide of the lion of Cithaeron.
ecoli
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EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius.AD 138-161Drachm (33mm, 23.58 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AVT K TAI/ AAP ANTWNEINOC CEB EVC, laureate head right / Sun in Leo: Lion leaping right; above, radiate and draped bust of Helios (Sun) and eight-rayed star; L H (date) below. Good VF, untouched dark green patina with touches of red. One of the finest known examples for the type.

Alexandria saw an immense output of coinage during the eighth year of Antoninus Pius's reign. The Zodiac drachms, mythological types, and a host of issues for the nomes appeared that year. One explanation for this activity centers on the celebration of the renewal of the Great Sothic cycle, the point when the star Sothis (Sirius) rises on the same point on the horizon as the sun. This cycle of 1461 years began early in the reign of Pius in AD 139, and apparently prompted a renewal in the ancient Egyptian religion, while the coin types also stressed the connections to the Greco-Roman Pantheon.
Private collection of Mr. B. Mazeh
Brahim M
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Egypt, Alexandria. Domitian. A.D. 81-96. AE drachm.Egypt, Alexandria. Domitian. A.D. 81-96. AE drachm (34.7 mm, 23.61 g, 11 h). Alexandria mint, Struck A.D. 95/6. [AVT KAIC ΘЄ] OVIOC ΔOMIT [CЄB ΓЄPM], laureate head of Domitian right / Frontal elevation of triumphal arch; L - IE ( yr. 15 = A.D. 95/6 ). Emmett 257.15. Near VF / VF, very dark green smooth patina. Scarce (Emmett "frequency" 2). RPC II, 2728.
From the D. Thomas Collection; Wz Group CEM; Ex Walter Niggeler Collection; Ex Bank Leu/Munzen und Medallien.
3 commentsAncient Aussie
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Gallic 3 Marius, May - August or September 269 A.D.Bronze antoninianus, Schulzki AGK 8a, Mairat 238, SRCV III 11123, RIC V 17, aEF, rev a bit weak, 2.822g, 19.5mm, 180o, Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint, 2nd emission; obverse IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right; reverse VICT-O-R-IA AVG, Victory standing left, wreath in right, palm frond in left; nice portrait, nice dark sea-green patina, slightly irregular flan; scarce

Purchased from FORVM
1 commentsSosius
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003a. DrususDrusus

Tiberius' son, Drusus Caesar, d. 23, called Drusus Junior, served in the provinces Pannonia ( 15) and in Illyricum ( 17? 20). In 22 he was made tribune. Meanwhile, Sejanus, Tiberius' minister, had become jealous of Drusus' power and tried to turn Tiberius against him. Drusus may have been poisoned by Sejanus or by his wife under Sejanus' influence.

As. Sear 2594, restitution issue by Titus. 10.0 g, 26x27 mm. Glossy dark green patina with slight roughness. OBV.: Drusus left, DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N. REV.: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST around SC.
1 commentsecoli
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004. Caligula GAIUS (CALIGULA). 37-41 AD.

Whatever damage Tiberius's later years had done to the carefully crafted political edifice created by Augustus, Gaius multiplied it a hundredfold. When he came to power in A.D. 37 Gaius had no administrative experience beyond his honorary quaestorship, and had spent an unhappy early life far from the public eye. He appears, once in power, to have realized the boundless scope of his authority and acted accordingly. His reign highlighted an inherent weakness in the Augustan Principate, raw monarchy in which only the self-discipline of the incumbent acted as a restraint on his behavior.

Æ As (28mm, 10.19 gm). Rome mint. Struck 37-38 AD. Bare head left / Vesta seated left, holding patera and sceptre. RIC I 38; Cohen 27. Near VF, dark brown surfaces. Ex-CNG
ecoli
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004b. Agrippina SeniorAgrippina Senior. Died AD 33. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 24.10 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Gaius (Caligula), AD 40-41. Draped bust right / Carpentum drawn left by two mules. RIC I 55 (Gaius); Trillmich Group I. Good Fine, dark gray-brown patina, rough surfaces.

Check

From the Ronald J. Hansen Collection. Ex Noble 79 (26 July 2005), lot 3590.

Ex-CNG printed sale 94 320/300
1 commentsecoli
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006b. Claudia Aug.JUDAEA, Caesaraea Panias. Diva Poppaea and Diva Claudia. Died AD 65 and AD 63, respectively. Æ 20mm (6.00 g, 12h). Struck AD 65-68. Statue of Diva Poppaea seated left within distyle temple / Statue of Diva Claudia standing left within hexastyle temple. RPC I 4846; Meshorer, Caesarea, Pl. 7, H; SNG ANS 858; Hendin 578. Fine, dark green patina under light earthen deposits.

Ex-CNG
ecoli
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011a. Julia TitiJulia Flavia (17 September 64 - 91) was the only child to the Emperor Titus from his second marriage to the well-connected Marcia Furnilla. Titus divorced Furnilla after Julia's birth. Julia was born in Rome.

When growing up, Titus offered her in marriage to his brother Domitian, but he refused because of his infatuation with Domitia Longina. Later she married her second cousin Titus Flavius Sabinus, brother to consul Titus Flavius Clemens, who married her first cousin Flavia Domitilla. By then Domitian had seduced her.

When her father and husband died, she became Emperor Domitian’s mistress. He openly showed his love. Falling pregnant, Julia died of a forced abortion. Julia was deified and her ashes her mixed with Domitian by an old nurse secretly in the Temple of the Flavians.

AEOLIS, Temnus. Julia Titi. Augusta, AD 79-91. Æ 16mm (2.18 gm). Draped bust right / EPI AGNOU THMNIT, Athena standing left, holding palladium and scepter, shield resting on ground. RPC II 981. Near VF, dark green patina, small flan crack. Ex-CNG

From the Garth R. Drewry Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 51 (15 September 1999), lot 875; Marcel Burstein Collection.
ecoli
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012a. DomitiaDomitia, wife of Domitian. Augusta, 82-96 AD.

In 70, Domitia was married to Lucius Aelius Lamia, but she attracted the attention of Domitian, son of emperor Vespasian. Shortly afterwards she was taken from her husband and remarried with the future emperor. They had a son in the next year and a daughter in 74, both died young. Domitian was very fond of his wife and carried her in all his travels. In 83, Domitia Longina's affair with the actor Paris was disclosed. Paris was executed and Domitia received her letter of divorce from Domitian. She was exiled, but remained close to Roman politics and to Domitian.

CILICIA, Epiphanea. Æ 21mm (7.18 gm). Dated year 151 (83/84 AD). Draped bust right / Athena standing left, righ hand extended, left resting on shield; ANP (date) left. RPC I 1786; SNG Levante 1813; SNG France -; SNG Copenhagen -. VF, dark green patina, some smoothing. Very rare, only 1 specimen (the Levante specimen), recorded in RPC. Ex-CNG
ecoli
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064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 349Obv:- IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:- FIDEI LEG TR P COS II, Fides standing left holding Victory and standard
Minted in Alexandria. A.D. 194
Ref:- RIC 349

2.25g. 18.71mm. 0o

Dark toning with lustre in the fields.
maridvnvm
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065 - Julia Domna denarius - RIC 610Obv:– IVLIA DOMNA AVG, Draped bust right, hair tied in bun behind
Rev:– MONETA AVG, Moneta standing left, scales and cornucopia
Minted in Alexandria. A.D. 193-196
Reference(s) – BMCRE 329 (Lincoln 1927, appears to be a die pair match). RIC IV 610 (Rated R2, citing Cohen). Cohen 143.

A dark blue-black tone. Finder's spade mark on obverse.
maridvnvm
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0661 Focas, 602-610Æ half follis, 23.4mm, 5.18g, Fair
Struck 602-603 at Nicomedia
Phocas and Leontia standing facing, with Phocas holding globus cruciger and Leontia, nimbate, holding cruciform sceptre, a cross between their heads / XX, cross above and NIKO B in exg. Scarce early issue, dark brown patina. Polished.
Ex: Glenn W. Woods
Sear 661; MIB 71
Lawrence W
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0aa Defeat of Hannibal on Sicily, 222 BCCn. Lentulus, moneyer
90-85 BC

Quinarius

Laureled head of Jupiter, right
Victory crowning trophy, CN LENT in ex

Seaby, Cornelia 51

Possibly a reference to this event: [Q. Fabius Maximus, afterwards called Cunctator] broke up his camp at Suessula and decided to begin by an attack on Arpi. . . . Now at last the enemy was roused; there was a lull in the storm and daylight was approaching. Hannibal's garrison in the city amounted to about 5000 men, and the citizens themselves had raised a force of 3000. These the Carthaginians put in front to meet the enemy, that there might be no attempt at treachery in their rear. The fighting began in the dark in the narrow streets, the Romans having occupied not only the streets near the gate but the houses also, that they might not be assailed from the roofs. Gradually as it grew light some of the citizen troops and some of the Romans recognised one another, and entered into conversation. The Roman soldiers asked what it was that the Arpinians wanted, what wrong had Rome done them, what good service had Carthage rendered them that they, Italians-bred and born, should fight against their old friends the Romans on behalf of foreigners and barbarians, and wish to make Italy a tributary province of Africa. The people of Arpi urged in their excuse that they knew nothing of what was going on, they had in fact been sold by their leaders to the Carthaginians, they had been victimised and enslaved by a small oligarchy. When a beginning had been once made the conversations became more and more general; at last the praetor of Arpi was conducted by his friends to the consul, and after they had given each other mutual assurances, surrounded by the troops under their standards, the citizens suddenly turned against the Carthaginians and fought for the Romans. A body of Spaniards also, numbering something less than a thousand, transferred their services to the consul upon the sole condition that the Carthaginian garrison should be allowed to depart uninjured. The gates were opened for them and they were dismissed, according to the stipulation, in perfect safety, and went to Hannibal at Salapia. Thus Arpi was restored to the Romans without the loss of a single life, except in the case of one man who had long ago been a traitor and had recently deserted. The Spaniards were ordered to receive double rations, and the republic availed itself on very many occasions of their courage and fidelity.

Livy, History of Rome, 24.46-47
Blindado
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103c. Antinous EGYPT, Antinoöpolis. 2nd-3rd centuries AD. PB Tessera (22mm, 4.45 g, 2h). Dated year 2 of an uncertain era. Draped bust of Antinous right, wearing hem-hem crown; L B flanking / Victory advancing left, wings spread, holding palm frond and wreath. Milne –; Dattari (Savio) 11655; Köln –. Fine, dark gray surfaces.ecoli
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1249 - 1286, Alexander III, AR Penny, Struck 1280 - 1286 at Roxburgh, ScotlandObverse: + ALEXANDER DEI GRA . Crowned head of Alexander III facing left within circle of pellets; sceptre topped with fleur-de-lis before. Cross potent in legend.
Reverse: REX SCOTORVM +. Long cross pattée dividing legend into quarters, with three pierced mullets of six points and one mullet of seven points in quarters of inner circle. The total of 25 points is indicative of the mint of Roxburgh.
Class Mb with unbarred "A", wider portrait and cross potent mintmark in legend.
Roxburgh only accounts for some 9% of Alexander's second coinage so issues from this mint are quite rare.
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 1.0gm | Die Axis: 3h
SPINK: 5054

Alexander III's reign saw the introduction of the round halfpenny and farthing to Scottish medieval coinage.
Following the English recoinage of Edward I in 1279, Alexander introduced his second coinage which began in 1280 and ended when he died in 1286. This coin was therefore struck between those dates.


Alexander III was born at Roxburgh, he came to the throne when he was just 7 years old following the death of his father, Alexander II.
At the age of ten, in 1251, Alexander married Margaret, daughter of Henry III of England. Henry seized the opportunity to demand from his son-in-law homage from the Scottish kingdom. Alexander did not comply but In 1255, after a meeting between the English and Scottish kings at Kelso, he was compelled to consent to the creation of a regency representative of both monarchs.
The early years of Alexander III's reign were dominated by a power struggle between the two factions, but when he reached the age of 21 he was able to rule in his own right. His first action was to claim control of the Western Isles which were then under the domination of Norway. The Norwegian King Haakon rejected the claim, and in 1263, responded with a formidable invasion force which sailed around the west coast of Scotland and halted off the Isle of Arran. Alexander craftily delayed negotiations until the autumn storms began which resulted in the Norwegian ships being greatly damaged. Haakon, losing patience, attacked the Scots at Largs, but the battle proved indecisive and his position became hopeless. The Norwegians set sail for home but Haakon died en route, on Orkney, towards the end of the year. In 1266, at the Treaty of Perth, Norway formally ceded the Western Isles and the Isle of Man to Scotland in return for a monetary payment.
Alexander, when only 44 years old, met his end on the night of 19th March 1286. After entertaining guests at Edinburgh Castle he decided that night that he would return home to his wife near Kinghorn. His aides advised against it because there was a storm and the party would have to travel in darkness for many miles along a treacherous coastal path. Alexander was determined to travel anyway and ignored his advisors. It is not clear what happened, but it seems he got separated from the rest of his group and his horse lost its footing in the dark. The following day Alexander's body, and that of his horse, was found on the shore at the foot of the cliffs, the King's neck was broken. In 1886, a monument to him was erected in Kinghorn, on the side of the cliffs, at the approximate location of Alexander's death.
Alexander had no heirs, which ultimately led to a war with England that lasted almost thirty years.
1 comments*Alex
Edward_III_denier_au_leopard.JPG
1327 - 1377, EDWARD III, Billon Denier au Leopard, struck 1327 - 1362 at Bordeaux, FranceObverse: + EDVARDVS : REX around beaded inner circle containing legend ANGL between two lines, Leopard facing left above, trefoil of pellets below. Cross pattée in legend.
Reverse: + DVX AQITANIE around beaded inner circle containing cross pattée. Cross pattée in legend.
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 0.70gms | Die Axis: 3h
Second type issue. Very Rare
SPINK: 8090 | Elias: 95c (RR)

Unlike English silver coins which, with few exceptions were maintained at sterling fineness, these small denomination continental coins were often debased. At the time of issue they would have had a good silver appearance, but after some use their color darkened, hence they became known as "Black Money".
Black money coins were hastily produced in large numbers and often poorly struck. They were the common circulating medium at the time and consequently they became very worn so that, during the ensuing years during which there were frequent re-coinages, they were the first into the melting pot. Surviving examples are therefore now quite rare and most of those that have survived are of a low grade.


Edward III was King of England from January 1327 until his death in 1377. He is noted for his military success and for restoring royal authority after the disastrous and unorthodox reign of his father, Edward II. During his long reign Edward III transformed the Kingdom of England into one of the most formidable military powers in Europe. His reign also saw vital developments in legislation and government, in particular the evolution of the English parliament, though it also saw the ravages of the Black Death.
Edward was crowned at the age of fourteen after his father was deposed by his mother, Isabella of France, and her lover Roger Mortimer. But at the age of seventeen he led a successful coup d'état against Mortimer, whom he executed, and began his personal reign.
In 1337, after a successful campaign in Scotland, Edward declared himself the rightful heir to the French throne which started what was to become known as the Hundred Years' War. Following some initial setbacks, the first part of this war went exceptionally well for England, the victories at Crécy and Poitiers led to the highly favourable Treaty of Brétigny in which, though Edward renounced his claim to the French throne, England made great territorial gains. However Edward's later years were marked by international failure and domestic strife, largely as a result of his inactivity and poor health.
Around 29 September 1376 Edward fell ill with a large abscess and, after a brief period of recovery, the king died of a stroke at Sheen on 21 June. He was succeeded by his ten-year-old grandson, King Richard II, since the Black Prince, Edward's son and Richard's father, had predeceased Edward on 8 June 1376.*Alex
1526_-_1530_Henry_VIII_AR_Halfgroat.JPG
1509 - 1547, HENRY VIII, AR Half-groat, Struck 1526 - 1530 at York, England under Archbishop Thomas (Cardinal) WolseyObverse: HENRIC•VIII•D•G•R•AGL•Z•F•. Youthful profile crowned bust of Henry VIII facing right within circle of pellets. Mint-mark: Voided cross.
Reverse: CIVITAS EBORACI. Shield bearing coat-of-arms on cross fourchée; T - W in upper field divided by shield; galero (cardinal's hat) below.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 1.0gm | Die Axis: 8h
Virtually uncirculated but with a dark, almost black, tone
SPINK: 2346

The T W on the reverse of this coin refers to Thomas Wolsey, known to posterity as Cardinal Wolsey, one of the most powerful figures at the court of Henry VIII. Although this coin is undated, the issue of Henry VIII's second coinage only began in 1526 and so, since Cardinal Wolsey died in 1530, it must have been struck between those two dates.

CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE AND FOR MORE INFO ON CARDINAL WOLSEY
*Alex
1619Hadrian_RIC_1769.jpg
1769 Hadrian Sestertius Roma 130-38 AD Hadrian standing vis-à-vis JudaeaReference.
RIC 1769; Strack 755; Banti 37

Bust C2+

Obv. HADRIANVS COS III P P
Bare head draped bust, viewed from side

Rev. ADVENTUI AVG IVDAEAE; S C in ex.
Hadrian standing right, one hand raised in gesture of address and the other holding scroll: facing him is Italia standing left holding patera over altar placed in the centre, and also holding incense box. Two children stand by her feet. Victim bull at foot of altar

26.16 gr
31 mm
12h

Note.

Hadrian’s arrival in Judaea is commemorated on a very rare ADVENTUS sestertius. On the reverse, the emperor greets the figure of Judaea sacrificing over a pagan altar, accompanied by two children. It would be hard to imagine an image more offensive to Jewish sensibilities.


Hadrian made a brief visit to Judaea circa AD 130, during his second great provincial tour of AD 129-132. Prior to his arrival, rumors spread among the Jews that he intended to rebuild Jerusalem and the great Temple, destroyed during the Jewish War of AD 66-73, so he was at first warmly welcomed. However, Hadrian decided to rebuild the city as the Roman veteran colony of Aelia Capitolina, with a temple to Jupiter replacing the one once dedicated to Jehovah. This ultimately sparked the bloody Bar Kokhba Revolt of AD 132-135, which devastated the province and darkened Hadrian's final years. The rare coinage issued to mark his visit, with the legend ADVENTVS AVG IVDAEA ("the Emperor Enters Judaea") depicts Hadrian being greeted by a female personification of the province and two children. Judaea was renamed Syria Palaestina in response to the Bar Kochba conflict, though precisely when this occurred is not known.

Judaea was the empire’s most troubled province during Hadrian’s reign. For Romans, offering ritual sacrifice to the imperial state cult was a normal civic obligation. Most ancient religions were broadly tolerant of each other’s deities, but the Jews’ fierce insistence that their one, invisible God forbade any form of idolatry in their land was a constant source of tension.
2 commentsokidoki
IMG_6686~2.jpeg
1810-A French Napoleon Silver Demi FrancFrance, Napoleon I (First Empire, 1804-14/15), Silver 1/2 (Demi) Franc, 1810-A, SCWC KM 691.1, Gadoury 399, F. 178/10, aUNC, this example has a dark right, plain edge, weight 2.5g (ASW 0.0723oz), composition 0.9 Ag, 0.1 Cu, diameter 18.0mm, thickness 0.8mm, die axis 180°, Paris mint, 1810; obverse NAPOLEON-EMPEREUR ⬪ (Emperor Napoleon), laureate head of Napoleon I right, a ribbon descending behind neck, Tiolier raised below truncation for engraver Pierre-Joseph Tiolier, toothed border surrounding; reverse EMPIRE FRANÇAIS ⬪ (French Empire), DEMI/FRANC ⬪ (Half Franc) in two lines, within closed olive wreath tied with bow at base, 1810 ⬪ in exergue, flanked by rooster privy and A mint marks, engraved by Pierre-Joseph Tiolier, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex CGB Numismatics Paris (18 Dec 2023); £94.60.1 commentsSerendipity
64C5358F-405B-41BB-9081-0E4AE06904D7.jpeg
1871 Japanese Silver 20 SenJapan, Meiji (1867-1912), Silver 20 Sen, Meiji 4 (1871), SCWC KM Y3, JNDA 01-20, JC, 09-20, incomplete sen variety, aUNC, dark toning, engraved by Kanō Natsuo, edge milled, weight 5.0g (ASW 0.1286oz), composition 0.8 Ag, 0.2 Cu, diameter 24.0mm, thickness 1.2mm, die axis 0°, Osaka mint, 1871; obverse • 錢十二 • 年四治明 • 本日大 (Great Japan, Year 4 of Meiji, 20 Sen) outwardly clockwise from lower left, lower stroke of 錢 incomplete, three-clawed Imperial serpentine dragon coiled leftward, ten-spiked tail pointing to right, clutching Pearl of Celestial Wisdom (tamashi) inscribed with counterclockwise incuse spiral in right talon, within beaded circle, toothed border surrounding; reverse sunburst crest in beaded circle, within open paulownia and chrysanthemum wreath tied with bow at base, chrysanthemum between two paulownia flowers above, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Baldwin's (2021); scarce; £200.00.Serendipity
Edward_7_Farthing_1903.JPG
1903 EDWARD VII AE FARTHINGObverse: EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA:BRITT:OMN:REX FID:DEF:IND:IMP: . Bare head of Edward VII facing right.
Reverse: FARTHING. Britannia seated facing right, right hand resting on shield, left hand holding trident; in exergue, 1903.
Diameter 20mm | Die Axis 12
SPINK: 3992

Edward VII's portrait was designed by George William De Saulles (1862 - 1903), this is marked by a small "De S" below the King's neck.
All Edward VII farthings were darkened artificially at the mint to avoid confusion with half sovereigns. An acid gas, sodium thiosulphate was used to react with the surface of the farthings after they had been struck, permanently altering their appearance chemically by turning them black. This coin still retains some of it's original black appearance.
*Alex
1921b.jpg
1921A ALEXIUS Metropolitan TETARTERON S-1921 Doc 34 CLBC 2.4.2 Grierson 1043
Bust of Christ, bearded with cross behind head, wearing tunic and kolobion; holds gospels in l. hand. UU in fields of cross.

Rev Bust of emperor wearing stemma, divitision, collar piece, and jeweled loros of simplified type; holds in r hand jeweled scepter and in l, gl. cr.

Size 18mm

Weight 3.5gm

Metropolitan Issues were minted in Constantinople, each of these coins had an added silver content of 3% and were also issued with a very light silver wash (Silver traces are common on Cosmopolitan issues but intact fully silvered coins are very rare.) These more than likely were tariffed at a higher rate than the Thessalonica issues that have been shown to have no silver content. Cosmopolitan issue are in general far scarcer than the Thessalonica issues

DOC catalog lists 3 examples with weights ranging from 1.6gm to 3.49gm and size is universal at 18mm

All of the Constantinople coins are uncommon but this one appears very rarely, I would mark its rarity 4/5 This example has a very dark patina in hand, I lightened this pic for a better view of the details. This is one of the most difficult of Alexius coins to obtain.
Simon
dime_1929_dr-martin_obv_03_rev_02.JPG
1929 Dime - Dark Toning~
~~
USA, 1929 'Mercury Dime'. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in Pennsylvania.
A gift from an elderly man I worked for who collected coins and was a professor of the classics at Princeton University. You can see quite a bit of good detail on this coin remaining, the dark toning kinda makes it less noticeable, but I really like this little guy!
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rexesq
dime_1929_dr-martin_obv_02_rev_01_a.JPG
1929 Dime - Dark Toning~
~~
USA, 1929 'Mercury Dime'. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in Pennsylvania.
A gift from an elderly man I worked for who collected coins and was a professor of the classics at Princeton University. You can see quite a bit of good detail on this coin remaining, the dark toning kinda makes it less noticeable, but I really like this little guy!
~~
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rexesq
k6.jpg
1977 MANUEL AE HALF TETARTERON S-1977 DOC 20 CLBC 4.4.7
OBV Small neat letters

REV Bust of emperor, beardless, wearing stemma, divitision, collar piece ( Most frequently decorated 5 jewels) and paneled loros of simplified type; holds in r. hand labarum on long shaft and in l. Globus cruciger.

Size 16.40mm

Weight 2.8gm

This is a Thessalonica minted coin, it contains no silver. It is believed to be valued at 1/864 Hyperpyron and the Metropolitan (Constantinople) issues at 1/288 Hyperpyron.The half tetartera at 1/1728 Hyperpyron. These coins are much more common than Metropolitan coins and very abundant in today’s marketplace.
DOC lists 12 examples with weights ranging from 2.04gm to 2.77 gm with sizes from 18mm to 21mm.

The rarer of the two monograms of Manuel, this coin is always heavier than the the other monogram coin. This example has a beautiful darkened highlights on a copper base.
Simon
PCrassusDenAmazon.jpg
1ab Marcus Licinius CrassusFormed First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey in 60 BC, killed at Carrhae in Parthia in 53 BC.

Denarius, minted by son, P Licinius Crassus, ca 54 BC.
Bust of Venus, right, SC behind
Amazon with horse, P CRASSVS MF.

These coins were probably minted to pay Crassus' army for the invasion of Parthia. The reverse figure is sometimes described as a warrior or Gaulish horseman, but this example clearly accords with those who identify the figure as a woman! Member of the first triumvirate, 59-53 BC.

Seaby, Licinia 18

Plutarch wrote of Crassus: People were wont to say that the many virtues of Crassus were darkened by the one vice of avarice, and indeed he seemed to have no other but that; for it being the most predominant, obscured others to which he was inclined. The arguments in proof of his avarice were the vastness of his estate, and the manner of raising it; for whereas at first he was not worth above three hundred talents, yet, though in the course of his political life he dedicated the tenth of all he had to Hercules, and feasted the people, and gave to every citizen corn enough to serve him three months, upon casting up his accounts, before he went upon his Parthian expedition, he found his possessions to amount to seven thousand one hundred talents; most of which, if we may scandal him with a truth, he got by fire and rapine, making his advantages of the public calamities. . . . Crassus, however, was very eager to be hospitable to strangers; he kept open house, and to his friends he would lend money without interest, but called it in precisely at the time; so that his kindness was often thought worse than the paying the interest would have been. His entertainments were, for the most part, plain and citizen-like, the company general and popular; good taste and kindness made them pleasanter than sumptuosity would have done. As for learning he chiefly cared for rhetoric, and what would be serviceable with large numbers; he became one of the best speakers at Rome, and by his pains and industry outdid the best natural orators. . . . Besides, the people were pleased with his courteous and unpretending salutations and greetings, for he never met any citizen however humble and low, but he returned him his salute by name. He was looked upon as a man well-read in history, and pretty well versed in Aristotle's philosophy. . . . Crassus was killed by a Parthian, called Pomaxathres; others say by a different man, and that Pomaxathres only cut off his head and right hand after he had fallen. But this is conjecture rather than certain knowledge, for those that were by had not leisure to observe particulars. . . .
2 commentsBlindado
PCrassusDenAmazon2.jpg
1ab_2 Marcus Licinius CrassusFormed First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey in 60 BC, killed at Carrhae in Parthia in 53 BC.

Denarius, minted by son, P Licinius Crassus, ca 54 BC.
Bust of Venus, right, SC behind
Amazon with horse, P CRASSVS MF.

Seaby, Licinia 18

These coins were probably minted to pay Crassus' army for the invasion of Parthia. My synthesis of reviewing 90 examples of this issue revealed a female warrior wearing a soft felt Scythian cap with ear flaps (visible in this example); a fabric garment with a decorated skirt to the knees; probably trousers; an ornate war belt; a baldric; a cape, animal skin, or shoulder cord on attached to the left shoulder; and decorated calf-high boots. She matches the historically confirmed garb of the real amazons—Scythian horsewomen—and of course holds her steed. The horse’s tack is consistent with archeological discoveries of tack in use by Scythians and Romans.

Adrienne Mayor writes that amazon imagery on Greek vases suddenly appeared in 575-550 BC, initially depicting them in Greek-style armor. By the end of the century, as the Greeks learned more through direct and indirect contact with Scythians, they began to appear wearing archeologically confirmed Scythian-Sarmatian-Thracian patterned attire. (Adrienne Mayor, The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2014, 199-200). To this, artists added their own creative ideas regarding colors, fabric patterns, and decorations. “They dressed the warrior women in body-hugging ‘unitards’ or tunics, short chitons or belted dresses, sometimes over leggings or trousers. . . . In paintings and sculpture, pointed or soft Scythian caps with earflaps or ties (kidaris) soon replaced the Greek helmets, and the women wear a variety of belts, baldrics (diagonal straps), corselets, shoulder cords or bands, and crisscrossing leather straps attached to belt loops like those worn by the archer huntress Artemis. . . . Amazon footgear included soft leather moccasin-like shoes, calf-high boots (endromides), or taller laced boots (embades) with scallops or flaps and lined with felt or fur.” (Mayor, 202)
The artists apparently had detailed knowledge of gear used by real Scythian horsewomen to equip their imagined Amazons. “Archeological discoveries of well-preserved sets of clothing confirm that real horsewomen of ancient Scythian lands dressed much as did those described in Greek texts and illustrated in Scythian and Greek artwork.” (Mayor, 203)

Plutarch wrote of Crassus: People were wont to say that the many virtues of Crassus were darkened by the one vice of avarice, and indeed he seemed to have no other but that; for it being the most predominant, obscured others to which he was inclined. The arguments in proof of his avarice were the vastness of his estate, and the manner of raising it; for whereas at first he was not worth above three hundred talents, yet, though in the course of his political life he dedicated the tenth of all he had to Hercules, and feasted the people, and gave to every citizen corn enough to serve him three months, upon casting up his accounts, before he went upon his Parthian expedition, he found his possessions to amount to seven thousand one hundred talents; most of which, if we may scandal him with a truth, he got by fire and rapine, making his advantages of the public calamities. . . . Crassus, however, was very eager to be hospitable to strangers; he kept open house, and to his friends he would lend money without interest, but called it in precisely at the time; so that his kindness was often thought worse than the paying the interest would have been. His entertainments were, for the most part, plain and citizen-like, the company general and popular; good taste and kindness made them pleasanter than sumptuosity would have done. As for learning he chiefly cared for rhetoric, and what would be serviceable with large numbers; he became one of the best speakers at Rome, and by his pains and industry outdid the best natural orators. . . . Besides, the people were pleased with his courteous and unpretending salutations and greetings, for he never met any citizen however humble and low, but he returned him his salute by name. He was looked upon as a man well-read in history, and pretty well versed in Aristotle's philosophy. . . . Crassus was killed by a Parthian, called Pomaxathres; others say by a different man, and that Pomaxathres only cut off his head and right hand after he had fallen. But this is conjecture rather than certain knowledge, for those that were by had not leisure to observe particulars. . . .
1 commentsBlindado
LucillaSestVenus.jpg
1bm LucillaWife of Lucius Verus, executed 182 AD

Sestertius
Draped bust, right, LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F
Venus standing facing left holding apple, drawing out robe, VENUS

RIC 1767

Daughter of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior, she married Lucius Verus in 164.

According to Herodian: For the present, however, the memory of his father and his respect for his advisers held Commodus in check. But then a disastrous stroke of ill fortune completely altered his previously mild, moderate disposition. It happened this way. The oldest of the emperor's sisters was Lucilla. She had formerly been married to Lucius Verus Caesar. . . . But after Lucius died, Lucilla, who retained all the privileges of her imperial position, was married by her father to Pompeianus.

Commodus, too, allowed his sister to retain the imperial honors; she continued to occupy the imperial seat at the theaters, and the sacred fire was carried before her. But when Commodus married Crispina, custom demanded that the front seat at the theater be assigned to the empress. Lucilla found this difficult to endure, and felt that any honor paid to the empress was an insult to her; but since she was well aware that her husband Pompeianus was devoted to Commodus, she told him nothing about her plans to seize control of the empire. Instead, she tested the sentiments of a wealthy young nobleman, Quadratus, with whom she was rumored to be sleeping in secret. Complaining constantly about this matter of imperial precedence, she soon persuaded the young man to set in motion a plot which brought destruction upon himself and the entire senate.

Quadratus, in selecting confederates among the prominent senators, prevailed upon Quintianus, a bold and reckless young senator, to conceal a dagger beneath his robe and, watching for a suitable time and place, to stab Commodus; as for the rest, he assured Quintianus that he would set matters straight by bribes.

But the assassin, standing in the entrance to the amphitheater (it was dark there and he hoped to escape detection), drew his dagger and shouted at Commodus that he had been sent by the Senate to kill him. Quintianus wasted time making his little speech and waving his dagger; as a result, he was seized by the emperor's bodyguards before he could strike, and died for his stupidity in revealing the plot prematurely.

This was the initial reason for the young emperor's hatred of the Senate. He took Quintianus' words to heart and, ever mindful of what his attacker had said, now considered the entire Senate his collective enemy.

This incident also gave Perennis sufficient excuse for taking action, for he was always advising the emperor to eliminate and destroy the prominent men. By confiscating their property, Perennis easily made himself the richest man of his time. After the attempt at assassination had been thoroughly investigated by the prefect, Commodus without mercy put to death his sister, all those actually involved in the plot, and any who were under the slightest suspicion as well.
3 commentsBlindado
megalodon.jpg
2-3/4" Megalodon tooth. Megalodon Shark Tooth Fossil from Cape Fear river basin, North Carolina. Dark black root with nice blue-grey enamel. lived approximately 28 to 1.5 million years ago, during the Cenozoic Era (late Oligocene to early Pleistocene).1 commentsancientone
c1~0.jpg
2011 Alexius III Angelus-Comnenus, 1195-1203. Trachy SBCV-2011Alexius III Angelus-Comnenus, 1195-1203. Trachy (Bronze, 27 mm, 2.88 g, 6 h), Constantinople, 1195-1197. Bust of Christ Pantocrator facing, raising right hand in benediction and holding scroll in left. Rev. Alexius and St. Constantine standing facing, holding between them globus cruciger, and each holding a labarum. DOC 3. SB 2011. Dark patina. Extremely fine.

Ex Nomos, pictured lightened.
Simon
s-2015c.jpg
2015c ALEXIUS III ANGELUS-COMNENUS AE TETARTERON S-2015 DOC 5 CLBC 8.4.3 OBV Bust of St. George , beardless and nimbate , wearing tunic, breastplate wearing tunic, breastplate, and sagion; holds spear in r. hand resting on l. shoulder and in l. scroll or hilt of sword.

REV Full length figure of emperor wearing stemma, divitision, and chlamys; holds in r. hand labarum on long shaft and in l. Globus cruciger.

All examples of Alexius tetartera are difficult to obtain these days, however DOC has many examples in their collection. This one has a dark black patina obscuring a very interesting portrait of Saint George.

Size 17.84mm

Weight 3.7gm

DOC lists 22 examples with weights from 1.91gm to 4.55gm and sizes from 17mm to 22mm
Simon
Tacitus-ric147.jpg
275 AD - Tacitus - 275-276 AD - PaxIMPCMCLATACITVSAVG - Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
PAXAVG - Pax striding left, holding scepter and branch, Q in exergue

Ticinium Mint, References RIC-147, Cohen 67

Nicely silvered, with beatiful dark toning, much nicer in hand
jimwho523
akragas.jpg
275-240 B.C. AE 19, Apollo left/ Two eagles left on hareSICILY. Akragas. Circa 275-240 B.C. (19mm - 4.40 g). Laureate head of Apollo left / Two eagles standing left on hare. SNG ANS 1128 var. (denomination); Calciati I pg. 223, 140. Dark green, almost black, patina, some earthen deposits. Ex Vauctions Podiceps
probus.jpg
276-282 AD - Probus - Clementia - TripoliaIMPCMAVRPROBVSPFAVG - Radiate, draped bust right.
CLEMENTIA TEMP, in exe XXI; Emperor holding scepter, receiving globe from Jupiter holding scepter.

Tripolis Mint; Ref. Ric 5,part 2, 927; 22 mm, 3.90 gms
Nice dark green patina, I rate this a VF
1 commentsjimwho523
triobol.jpg
3. Attica, Athens. 300-287 BC. Ar Hemidrachm (triobol).
Obv; Helmeted hd of Athena right.
Rev; Owl. Dark tone but good silver.
Scarce old collection coin.
1.97g. 13mm.
4 commentsDino
image~22.jpg
302c. Gordian IEGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian I. AD 238. Potin Tetradrachm (23mm, 11.50 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left, head right, wreath in beak; L A (date) across field. Köln 2598; Dattari (Savio) 4665; K&G 68.1; Emmett 3342.1. Fine, dark brown patina, rough surfaces. Rare.

From a Hungarian Collection formed primarily in the 1930’s.
ecoli
IMG_9258.JPG
311a. AureolusAureolus. Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 267-268. Antoninianus (19mm, 2.17 g, 7h). Struck in the name of Postumus. Mediolanum (Milan) mint, 2nd officina. 3rd emission, mid AD 268. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Postumus right / Concordia standing left, holding patera and rudder; prow of galley to left; S. RIC V (Postumus) 373; Mairat 215-21; AGK (Postumus) 6b; RSC (Postumus) 19. Near VF, dark brown patina.

Aureolus was an extraordinarily capable general who served under Valerian and Gallienus. Around AD 258, Gallienus stationed a new cavalry unit at Mediolanum that was to serve as a quick reaction force against any new invasions along the frontier of the central empire. Aureolus was given command of this unit. In AD 260-261 his forces defeated the armies of the usurpers Ingenuus and Macrianus, and recovered the province of Raetia. Following these victories, Gallienus and Aureolus led a Roman army against the breakaway Gallic provinces under Postumus. Gallienus was forced to leave the field after being injured in battle, and left the campaign in the hands of Aureolus. Aureolus ended the campaign shortly thereafter, and while the reason is uncertain, the historical record suggests it was due to either his incompetence or else treachery (he had come to a secret agreement with Postumus). While the former seems unlikely, given Aureolus’ record, the latter is possible, as there are indications that he had been preparing for a revolt as early as AD 262. Regardless, at some point in AD 267, Aureolus revolted and established his base at Mediolanum, where Gallienus besieged him in AD 268. The details of the revolt are unclear, but it appears that Aureolus first appealed to Postumus for aid, and, failing to gain the Gallic Emperor’s support, declared himself emperor. About the same time, Gallienus was murdered, and was succeeded by Claudius II Gothicus, who continued to beseige Mediolanum. Soon, though, it appeared that an agreement was reached, and Aureolus emerged from the city to meet Claudius. Any such concord, however, was simply a ruse, as Aureolus was taken into custody and executed.
ecoli
Const-1-Sciasa-RIC-53-unclean.jpg
316-319 AD Constantine I - AE3 - Victories - Siscia mintIMPCONSTANTINVSPFAVG - Helmeted, Laureate, curaissed bust right
VICTORIAELAETAEPRINCPERP in exe. (Delta)SIS - Two victories facing, inscribing VOT/PR on shield placed on altar, X on cippus.

Siscia mint, Ric 53, 18 mm, 2.85 gms, 45 degrees
slightly rough surfaces, Great detail, Dark green patina, aEF ....
jimwho523
akragas_bunny.jpg
338-317 B.C. Æ 18 Litra, Zeus left/ Eagle left on hareSICILY. Akragas. Circa 338-317 B.C. Æ Litra (18mm - 5.42 g). Laureate head of Zeus left / Eagle, with head lowered, standing left on dead hare; Δ below wing. SNG ANS 1113; Calciati I pg. 206, 116. Dark green patina. Ex VauctionsPodiceps
80_1_b.jpg
4.5 Hadrian AE Denarius - NilusBronze denarius of Hadrian
travel series, Nile River
unusally good quality for fouree core. Suggested that this coin could be a test strike for a new die, or fouree that never had silver coating.
nice dark green patina.
silver version minted in 136 AD in Rome.
Ecgþeow
60140LG.jpg
501d. HanniballianusHanniballianus. A.D. 335-337.

Dalmatius's second son, Hannibalianus, was appointed Governor of Pontus, as well as Cappadocia and Lesser or Roman Armenia. Hannibalianus also received the title Rex Regum, which some scholars believe suggests that Constantine intended to install him as a client king over Persia once his contemplated campaign against Rome’s eastern enemy was brought to a successful conclusion. In a further gesture of reconciliation between the two branches of the imperial family, Hannibalianus was married to Constantia, one of Constantine's daughters.

Æ 15 mm (1.20 g). Constantinople, as Rex Regum, A.D. 336-337. FL HANNIBALLIANO REG[I], bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / [SE]CVRITAS PVBLIC[A], river-god Euphrates reclining right, beside urn and reed; [CONSS]. RIC 147; LRBC 1034. Near VF/VF, attractive dark green patina with earthen highlights.
1 commentsecoli
coin415.JPG
506. VETRANIOVETRANIO. 350 AD.

Constantius first met with Vetranio at Serdica, and both moved on to Naissus in Serbia. On 25 December 350 both men mounted a platform before the assembled troops; Constantius managed, by means of a strong speech, to have the soldiers acclaim him emperor. He then took the purple away from Vetranio. The emperor led the old man down the stairs of the platform, called him father, and led him to the dinner table. Vetranio was allowed by Constantius to live as a private citizen at Prusa on the equivalent of a state pension for six years until his death.

Æ Centenionalis (Æ 22mm, 5.08 gm). Sisicia mint. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; A behind / Vetranio standing left, holding two standards, each inscribed with a Chi-Rho. RIC VIII 281; LRBC 1168. VF, dark green patina. Ex-CNG
ecoli
SevAlex-RIC-599.jpg
66. Severus Alexander Aes.Aes, 222-223 AD, Rome mint.
Obverse: IMP CAES M AVR SEV ALEXANDER AVG / Laureate bust of Severus Alexander.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIA DEORVM / Providentia standing, leaning on column, legs crossed, holding cornucopiae and wand; globe at her feet.
11.44 gm., 28 mm.
RIC #599; Sear #8098.

The reverse of this coins shows evidence of clashed dies and a partial double strike.
The coin is considerably darker than this photo.
Callimachus
TiberiusTributePennyRICI30RSCII16aSRCV1763.jpg
703a, Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Tribute Penny of Matthew 22:20-21Silver denarius, RIC I 30, RSC II 16a, SRCV 1763, gVF, Lugdunum mint, 3.837g, 18.7mm, 90o, 16 - 37 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM, Pax/Livia seated right holding scepter and branch, legs on chair ornamented, feet on footstool; toned. Ex FORVM.


De Imperatoribus Romanis
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors


Tiberius (A.D. 14-37)


Garrett G. Fagan
Pennsylvania State University

Introduction
The reign of Tiberius (b. 42 B.C., d. A.D. 37, emperor A.D. 14-37) is a particularly important one for the Principate, since it was the first occasion when the powers designed for Augustus alone were exercised by somebody else. In contrast to the approachable and tactful Augustus, Tiberius emerges from the sources as an enigmatic and darkly complex figure, intelligent and cunning, but given to bouts of severe depression and dark moods that had a great impact on his political career as well as his personal relationships.

. . . .

Early life (42-12 B.C.)
Tiberius Claudius Nero was born on 16 November 42 B.C. to Ti. Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. Both parents were scions of the gens Claudia which had supplied leaders to the Roman Republic for many generations. . . [I]n 39 B.C., his mother Livia divorced Ti. Claudius Nero and married Octavian, thereby making the infant Tiberius the stepson of the future ruler of the Roman world. Forever afterward, Tiberius was to have his name coupled with this man, and always to his detriment.

. . . .

Accession and Early Reign (A.D. 14 - 23)
The accession of Tiberius proved intensely awkward. After Augustus had been buried and deified, and his will read and honored, the Senate convened on 18 September to inaugurate the new reign and officially "confirm" Tiberius as emperor. Such a transfer of power had never happened before, and nobody, including Tiberius, appears to have known what to do. Tacitus's account is the fullest. . . Rather than tactful, he came across to the senators as obdurate and obstructive. He declared that he was too old for the responsibilities of the Principate, said he did not want the job, and asked if he could just take one part of the government for himself. The Senate was confused, not knowing how to read his behavior. Finally, one senator asked pointedly, "Sire, for how long will you allow the State to be without a head?" Tiberius relented and accepted the powers voted to him, although he refused the title "Augustus."

. . . .

Tiberius allowed a trusted advisor to get too close and gain a tremendous influence over him. That advisor was the Praetorian Prefect, L. Aelius Sejanus, who would derail Tiberius's plans for the succession and drive the emperor farther into isolation, depression, and paranoia.

Sejanus (A.D. 23-31)
Sejanus hailed from Volsinii in Etruria. He and his father shared the Praetorian Prefecture until A.D. 15 when the father, L. Seius Strabo, was promoted to be Prefect of Egypt, the pinnacle of an equestrian career under the Principate. Sejanus, now sole Prefect of the Guard, enjoyed powerful connections to senatorial houses and had been a companion to Gaius Caesar on his mission to the East, 1 B.C. - A.D. 4. Through a combination of energetic efficiency, fawning sycophancy, and outward displays of loyalty, he gained the position of Tiberius's closest friend and advisor.

. . . .

[I]n a shocking and unexpected turn of events, [a] letter sent by Tiberius from Capri initially praised Sejanus extensively, and then suddenly denounced him as a traitor and demanded his arrest. Chaos ensued. Senators long allied with Sejanus headed for the exits, the others were confused -- was this a test of their loyalty? What did the emperor want them to do? -- but the Praetorian Guard, the very troops formerly under Sejanus's command but recently and secretly transferred to the command of Q. Sutorius Macro, arrested Sejanus, conveyed him to prison, and shortly afterwards executed him summarily. A witch-hunt followed. . . All around the city, grim scenes were played out, and as late as A.D. 33 a general massacre of all those still in custody took place.

Tiberius himself later claimed that he turned on Sejanus because he had been alerted to Sejanus's plot against Germanicus's family. This explanation has been rejected by most ancient and modern authorities, since Sejanus's demise did nothing to alleviate that family's troubles.

. . . .

The Last Years (A.D. 31-37)
The Sejanus affair appears to have greatly depressed Tiberius. A close friend and confidant had betrayed him; whom could he trust anymore? His withdrawal from public life seemed more complete in the last years. Letters kept him in touch with Rome, but it was the machinery of the Augustan administration that kept the empire running smoothly. Tiberius, if we believe our sources, spent much of his time indulging his perversities on Capri.

. . . .

Tiberius died quietly in a villa at Misenum on 16 March A.D. 37. He was 78 years old. There are some hints in the sources of the hand of Caligula in the deed, but such innuendo can be expected at the death of an emperor, especially when his successor proved so depraved. The level of unpopularity Tiberius had achieved by the time of his death with both the upper and lower classes is revealed by these facts: the Senate refused to vote him divine honors, and mobs filled the streets yelling "To the Tiber with Tiberius!" (in reference to a method of disposal reserved for the corpses of criminals).

Tiberius and the Empire
Three main aspects of Tiberius's impact on the empire deserve special attention: his relative military inertia; his modesty in dealing with offers of divine honors and his fair treatment of provincials; and his use of the Law of Treason (maiestas).

. . . .

Conclusion
. . . Tiberius's reign sporadically descended into tyranny of the worst sort. In the right climate of paranoia and suspicion, widespread denunciation led to the deaths of dozens of Senators and equestrians, as well as numerous members of the imperial house. In this sense, the reign of Tiberius decisively ended the Augustan illusion of "the Republic Restored" and shone some light into the future of the Principate, revealing that which was both promising and terrifying.

[For the entire article please refer to http://www.roman-emperors.org/tiberius.htm]

Copyright © 1997, Garrett G. Fagan. Used by permission.

"Some of the things he did are hard to believe. He had little boys trained as minnows to chase him when he went swimming and to get between his legs and nibble him. He also had babies not weaned from their mother breast suck at his chest and groin . . . "
(Suetonius. The Twelve Caesars. Trans. Robert Graves. London: Penguin Books, 1979. XLIV).

Jesus, referring to a "penny" asked, "Whose is this image and superscription?" When told it was Caesar, He said, ''Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:20-21). Since Tiberius was Caesar at the time, this denarius type is attributed by scholars as the "penny" referred to in the Bible(Joseph Sermarini).


Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes
TiberiusHierapolis.jpg
703b, Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Hierapolis, PhrygiaBronze AE 16, RPC I 2966 (1 specimen), F, Phrygia, Hierapolis, 3.300g, 15.6mm, 0o; Obverse: TIBEPIOC KAISAR, laureate head right; Reverse: IERAPOLEITWN ZOSIMOS [...], Apollo Archegetes (Lairbenos) standing left, playing lyre; reverse countermarked with star of six rays, in oval punch, 2.5 x 3.5 mm, Howgego 445 (3 pcs, 1 of which from this magistrate); dark patina; very rare. Ex FORVM.

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

TIBERIUS (A.D. 14-37)

Garrett G. Fagan
Pennsylvania State University

The reign of Tiberius Claudius Nero (b. 42 B.C., d. A.D. 37, emperor A.D. 14-37) is a particularly important one for the Principate, since it was the first occasion when the powers designed for Augustus alone were exercised by somebody else. In contrast to the approachable and tactful Augustus, Tiberius emerges from the sources as an enigmatic and darkly complex figure, intelligent and cunning, but given to bouts of severe depression and dark moods that had a great impact on his political career as well as his personal relationships. His reign abounds in contradictions. Despite his keen intelligence, he allowed himself to come under the influence of unscrupulous men who, as much as any actions of his own, ensured that Tiberius's posthumous reputation would be unfavorable; despite his vast military experience, he oversaw the conquest of no new region for the empire; and despite his administrative abilities he showed such reluctance in running the state as to retire entirely from Rome and live out his last years in isolation on the island of Capri. His reign represents, as it were, the adolescence of the Principate as an institution. Like any adolescence, it proved a difficult time.

. . . .

It is all but inevitable that any historical assessment of Tiberius will quickly devolve into a historiographical assessment of Tacitus. So masterful is Tacitus's portrayal of his subject, and so influential has it been ever since, that in all modern treatments of Tiberius, in attempting to get at the man, must address the issue of Tacitus's historiographical methods, his sources, and his rhetoric. The subject is too vast to address here, but some points are salient. Tacitus's methods, especially his use of innuendo and inference to convey notions that are essentially editorial glosses, makes taking his portrayal of Tiberius at face value inadvisable. Further, his belief in the immutable character of people -- that one's character is innate at birth and cannot be changed, although it can be disguised -- prevents him from investigating the possibility that Tiberius evolved and developed over his lifetime and during his reign. Instead, Tacitus's portrayal is one of peeling back layers of dissimulation to reach the "real" Tiberius lurking underneath.

Overall, Tiberius's reign can be said to show the boons and banes of rule by one man, especially a man as dark, awkward, and isolated as Tiberius. For the people of the provinces, it was a peaceful and well-ordered time. Governors behaved themselves, and there were no destructive or expensive wars. In the domestic sphere, however, the concentration of power in one person made all the greater the threat of misbehavior by ambitious satellites like Sejanus or foolish friends like Piso. Furthermore, if the emperor wished to remain aloof from the mechanics of power, he could do so. Administrators, who depended on him for their directions, could operate without his immediate supervision, but their dealings with a man like Sejanus could lead to disaster if that man fell from grace. As a result, although he was not a tyrant himself, Tiberius's reign sporadically descended into tyranny of the worst sort. In the right climate of paranoia and suspicion, widespread denunciation led to the deaths of dozens of Senators and equestrians, as well as numerous members of the imperial house. In this sense, the reign of Tiberius decisively ended the Augustan illusion of "the Republic Restored" and shone some light into the future of the Principate, revealing that which was both promising and terrifying.

[For the complete article please refer to http://www.roman-emperors.org/tiberius.htm]

By Garrett G. Fagan, Pennsylvania State University.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.


Hierapolis in History

Usually said to be founded by Eumenes II, king of Pergamum (197-159 BC), Hierapolis may actually have been established closer to the 4th century BC by the Seleucid kings.

The name of the city may derive from Hiera, the wife of Telephus (son of Hercules and grandson of Zeus), the mythical founder of Pergamum. Or it may have been called the "sacred city" because of the temples located at the site. (The name Pamukkale is sometimes used just to refer to the white terraces, but the modern name of the whole area is also Pamukkale.)

With Colossae and Laodicea, Hierapolis became part of the tri-city area of the Lycus River valley. Hierapolis was located across the river from the other two cities and was noted for its textiles, especially wool. The city was also famous for its purple dye, made from the juice of the madder root.

The hot springs at Hierapolis (which still attract visitors today) were believed to have healing properties, and people came to the city to bathe in the rich mineral waters in order to cure various ailments.

Hierapolis was dedicated to Apollo Lairbenos, who was said to have founded the city. The Temple of Apollo that survives in ruins today dates from the 3rd century AD, but its foundations date from the Hellenistic period.

Also worshipped at Hierapolis was Pluto, god of the underworld, probably in relation to the hot gases released by the earth (see the Plutonium, below). The chief religious festival of ancient Hierapolis was the Letoia, in honor of the the goddess Leto, a Greek form of the Mother Goddess. The goddess was honoured with orgiastic rites.

Hierapolis was ceded to Rome in 133 BC along with the rest of the Pergamene kingdom, and became part of the Roman province of Asia. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 AD but rebuilt, and it reached its peak in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

Famous natives of Hierapolis include the Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c.55-c.135 AD) and the philosopher and rhetorician Antipater. Emperor Septimus hired Antipater to tutor his sons Caracalla and Geta, who became emperors themselves.

Hierapolis had a significant Jewish population in ancient times, as evidence by numerous inscriptions on tombs and elsewhere in the city. Some of the Jews are named as members of the various craft guilds of the city. This was probably the basis for the Christian conversion of some residents of Hierapolis, recorded in Colossians 4:13.

In the 5th century, several churches as well as a large martyrium dedicated to St. Philip (see "In the Bible," below) were built in Hierapolis. The city fell into decline in the 6th century, and the site became partially submerged under water and deposits of travertine. It was finally abandoned in 1334 after an earthquake. Excavations began to uncover Hierapolis in the 19th century.

Hierapolis in the Bible

Hierapolis is mentioned only once in the Bible, when St. Paul praises Epaphras, a Christian from Colossae, in his letter to the Colossians. Paul writes that Epaphras "has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis" (Colossians 4:12-13). Epaphras was probably the founder of the Christian community at Hierapolis.

Ancient tradition also associates Hierapolis with a biblical figure, reporting that Philip died in Hierapolis around 80 AD. However, it is not clear which Philip is menat. It could be Philip the Apostle, one of the original 12 disciples, who is said to have been martyred by upside-down crucifixion (Acts of Philip) or by being hung upside down by his ankles from a tree.

Or Philip could be Philip the Evangelist, a later disciple who helped with administrative matters and had four virgin-prophetess daughters (Acts 6:1-7; 21:8-9). Early traditions say this Philip was buried in Hierapolis along with his virgin daughters, but confusingly call him "Philip the Apostle"! In any case, it seems a prominent person mentioned in Acts did die in Hierapolis.
Sacred Destinations - Hierapolis-Pamukkale
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
LarryW2272.jpg
7266 Prusias II, 185-149 BCBronze Æ22, 21mm, 7.08 grams, Nice VF
Head of Dionysos right, wreathed with ivy / [B]AΣIΛEΩΣ ΠPOYΣIOY, centaur Cheiron standing right playing lyre, monogram MT. Dark green patina, photo lightened.
Ex: MediterraneanCoins GmbH
Sear 7266; BMC Pontus, pg 211, #10 and plate 38, #4; SNG Cop 638; SNG von Aulock 256.
Lawrence W
LarryW2330.JPG
7268 Prusias II, 185-149 BCBronze Æ18, 16.6mm, 3.99g, gF
Head Dionysos right wreathed with ivy / BAΣIΛEΩ[Σ] ΠPOYΣ[IOY] Herakles naked left holding club and lion's skin. Dark brown patina: photo greatly lightened.
Ex: Forvm Ancient Coins; Lodge Antiquities
Sear 7268; BMC Pontus, pg 210, #7
Lawrence W
74_4b-Roettiers-medal-tag.jpg
74.4b. James Francis Edward Stuart.Ticket that came with the Roettiers Jacobite medal.

It is about 32 mm in diameter, and made of laid paper (the horizontal laid lines can be seen on the photo).
The ink is dark brown to black. Based on these characteristics, I believe it may date from the 19th century.

The reverse side references the following article (which can be found online):
“Medals of the Pretender. (Continued from Vol. II, p. 42.),” The Numismatic Chronicle (1838-1842), Vol. 2 (June 1839-April 1840), pp. 124-132.
Callimachus
titus sest-Cohen114-Paduan.jpg
79-81 AD - TITUS AE sestertius - Paduan obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII (laureate head left)
rev: IVDAEA CAPTA (Jewess seated right under palm tree, mourning; on left side Jew standing right, heap of arms), S-C in ex.
ref: C.114 (12frcs) Paduan, RIC II 93 (S)
18.35gms, 32mm, bronze
Rare

A well-known Paduan medal after Giovanni Cavino, but this is not the 20th century cast with dark patinated aluminium alloy, and it is in Cohen and RIC catalog as Paduan coin. OK, you say this is a fake, but I say it has room in my collection.
2 commentsberserker
87a-George-V-Coronation-Medal.jpg
87a. George V and Queen Mary.Official Medal for the Coronation of George V & Queen Mary, 1911.
Designed by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennel.

Obverse: GEORGE V CROWNED JUNE 22 1911 / Crowned bust of George V wearing Coronation robes; Orb at left; laurel branch below.
Reverse: QUEEN MARY JUNE 22 1911 / Crowned bust of Queen Mary; roses and a ribbon below.

12.24 gm of .925 Sterling silver; 30 mm; toned UNC.
Eimer # 1922, BHM #4022.

This medal has spent most of its life (110 + years) in the small envelope in which it was issued.
That accounts for the absolutely flawless surfaces on the medal, and the dark toning of these surfaces.
The toning is mostly dark brown, but with flashes of gold, blue, and mauve.
If you like toning on coins, this one is gorgeous.
Callimachus
21312p00.jpg
Abbaitis-Mysoi Bronze AE 18, BMC 1, SNG Von Aulock 3330, VF, mint, 6.957g, 19.4mm, 225o, 2nd Century B.C.; obverse laureate head of Zeus right; reverse MUSWN / ABBAITWN, thunderbolt and legend in wreath; dark patina

purchased 09/09/2007 Forum e-bay auctions
1 commentsJohnny
pellene.jpg
ACHAEA, Pellene. 350-300 BC. Æ DichalkonACHAEA, Pellene. 350-300 BC. Æ Dichalkon - 13mm (2.08 g). Laureate head of Apollo right / PE monogram and ram's head within laurel wreath. BCD 595.1; SNG Copenhagen 214. VF, dark green, almost black, patina with some deposits.

ex Barry P. Murphy
Dino
VA15731LG.jpg
ACHAEA. Patrae. Septimius SeverusACHAEA. Patrae. Septimius Severus. 193-211 AD. Æ Diassarion (25mm - 7.98 g). Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Ares advancing right, holding spear and trophy over shoulder. BCD Peloponnesos 570.2 (same dies - recorded as unpublished). Fine, dark brown patina, rough surfaces. Very Rare.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 81 (20 May 2009), lot 2799; BCD Collection (not in previous LHS Sale).
ecoli
Persian_AR_Siglos~0.jpg
Achaemenid Kings of Persia, Artaxerxes I - Darius III AR Siglos 17mm 5.63g 450-330 BC.
O: Great King kneeling r. with Bow and Dagger. Three bankers marks.
R: Oblong punch.
SG4683, Head CoLP 27. Darkly toned. Nice heavy weight. _3690
Antonivs Protti
elisa.jpg
ACHAIA, Achaean League, Elis. 167-146 BC.AR Hemidrachm. 2.30g. Laureate Head of Zeus right/ AX, F-A across, LY above, Sigma Omega below; all within laurel wreath. Dark toning. EFBCD-664, Agrinion-349a, Clerk-281; BCD 664; Benner-Elis-27. HJBerk BBS 160, lot 105.4 commentsDino
37413_Rhodos,_Carian_Islands,_c__350_-_300_B_C_.jpg
AE 11; Head of Rhodos right/ hibiscus, RORhodos, Carian Islands, c. 350 - 300 B.C. GB37413. Bronze AE 11, SNG Keckman 384 - 425 (various symbols), F, dark patina, Rhodos mint, 1.143g, 10.8mm, 45o, obverse diademed head of Rhodos right; reverse P O, hibiscus, bud at right, symbol off-flan. Ex FORVM, photo credit FORVMPodiceps
93733q00.jpg
AE 18 Pergamum, Mysia, bronze Bronze AE 18, RPC I 2374; SNG BnF 1964; BMC Mysia p. 134, 205; SGICV 4910; SNG Cop -, F, dark green patina, reverse off center, Pergamon (Bergama, Turkey) mint, weight 4.116g, maximum diameter 18.3mm, die axis 0o, c. 40 - 60 A.D.; obverse Θ EON CYN-KΛHTON, draped bust of the Senate right; reverse ΘEAN PWMHN, turreted and draped bust of Roma rightNORMAN K
2540368.jpg
Aelia FlaccillaAelia Flaccilla. Augusta, AD 379-386/8. Æ (22mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Diademed and draped bust right / Victory seated right, inscribing Christogram on shield set on column; CONЄ. RIC IX 55.5; LRBC 2149.4 commentsTLP
IMG_9316.JPG
Aeolis, KymeAEOLIS, Kyme. 6th century BC. AR Hemiobol. Forepart of horse right / Floral pattern. SNG Copenhagen 34; SNG Kayhan 91; SNG von Aulock 7692; Klein 334. VF, darkly toned.ecoli
kyme_SNGaulock1625.jpg
Aiolis, Kyme, SNG von Aulock 1625Kyme, c. AD 450-320
AE 9, 1.05g, 9.34mm, 0°
obv.: Eagle stg. r.
rev.: Vessel with handle r.
        in l. and r. ield K - Y
ref.: SNG von Aulock 1625; BMC 16-20
VF, dark green patina, obv. excentric
Jochen
MFBd_copy.jpg
Akarnanian LeagueAE 20, 5.68g, Akarnanian Federal Coinage, Thyreeion Mint, c. 250 BC. Obv: Athena to left in helm. Rev: Acheloios as a man-faced bull facing left. Dark green patina with some earthen encrustation. SNG Cop 423; BMC Thessaly p. 170, no. 21-4; BCD Akarnania 41-3; MSP I, 460.Molinari
seleukidR_copy.jpg
Alexander I, BalasAE 19, 5.93g, Alexander I, Balas, 150-145 BC. Obv: Alexander in crested helm. Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ either side of Nike crowning the King's name and holding palm, monogram )?) to l., dark brown patina, reverse slightly off center, otherwise a fine example, VF. S 7040, B.M.C.4.55,51-2, Hoover HGC 9, 899 (R2).Molinari
SeleukR_copy.jpg
Alexander II ZebinaSerrated AE 15, Syria, Alexander II Zebina, ca. 128-123 B.C. Obv: Head of Dionysos facing right. Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ around winged Tyche wearing modius with anchor and cornucopiae, grape cluster and monogram. Dark brown patina with some base metal exposed, gVF. Lindgren III, pl.63, 1111, SC 2242, Hoover HGC 9, 1166 (R1).Molinari
alex3_miletos_pan.jpg
Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C. Miletos mintBronze AE 1/4 Unit, Price 2102Ab, weight 1.1g, max. diameter 11.65 mm, Miletos mint, Posthumous issue c. 323 - 319 B.C.; obv. Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝ∆ΡΟ[Υ], bow in case above, club and stalk of grain below. Dark brown and green patina with some earthen residue. Appears to have little or no wear! (much better in hand) Very scarce denomination from this mint.1 commentsSteve E
Alexander_III_Herakles-Weapons.jpg
Alexander the Great * Macedonia, 337 to 323 BC. Bronze drachm
Obv: Alexander III guised as Herakles in lion skin headdress, right-facing, enclosed within ornamental dotted circle.
Rev: (Top to bottom) * Lighting bolt, knotted Olive-branch club right-facing, AΛEXANΔΡ[OY], Unstrung bow in ornamented traveling/storage case, Monogram Δ.

Exergue: (N/A) Monogram Δ present in undefined exergual space.

Mint: (Pella?)
Struck: 337-323 BC.

Size: 18.50 mm.
Weight: 6.38 gms.
Die axis: 360°

Condition: XF. Exceptionally lovely coin, more-so in hand. Superb high relief and all details distinct and present.
Beautiful tone, rather dark-golden in the higher relief’s contrast delightfully against a yet-darker gold background in the lower areas of the flan. The flat area around the portrait and within the dotted circle is a strong, accentuating black-olive (not well-communicated by the present image).
Exquisite example of the type.

Refs:*
Not found in Sear GCATV.
Sear 6739, is an Æ 20. Partially descriptive.
4 commentsTiathena
Alexb.jpg
Alexander the Great Bronze CoinAn Alexander the Great bronze coin minted between 325-310 BC. 19 mm, 4.72 g. Possibly a lifetime issue but likely not. The coloring brings out the detail on this very dark coin well.

Obverse: Head of Herakles in lion skin headdress

Reverse: B A Bow and case above, studded club below

Attribution: SG 6742 var
chuy1530
fresco_red_detail.jpg
An Introduction to Roman Painted Fresco DecorationFresco decoration consists of paint that was placed on still-wet plaster.
It was usually placed on walls, but occasionally on the ceiling or even, more rarely the floor.

This sample is one of three similar ones, shown together in another photo in this gallery,
it consists mostly of red (which was the most common wall panel colour) with a grey-brown
design that may be some sort of vertical border.

According to Behling, pure red accounted for 31-51% of fresco fragments found at Carnuntum. Dark red, red/brown, rose, violet/red accounted for another 25-30%. Red was the most frequent color in multi-color fragments. By contrast blue, yellow and green were much rare at roughly 1% each.

9 x 9 cm.

References:
Carnuntum Jahrbuch 2008, Zivilstadt Carnuntum - Fundbericht Haus II, part VI Wandmalerei (by Claudia-Maria Behling).
- fresco colours were described using the Munsell Soil Color Charts, New Windsor, 2000.
SC
Anchialos_Commodus_Serapis_CNG_158_#145.JPG
Anchialos Commodus governor Julius Castus (184/5 AD)AE29 13.02g

AV ∙ KAI Λ ∙ AVP | KOMOΔOC
Laureate head right

HΓ ∙ IOY ∙ KACTOY | AΓ | XIAΛEΩN
Serapis enthroned left holding scepter with Cerberos at feet

AMNG II-; Varbanov (E) –; Mionnet-; BMC-; SNG Cop.-

Pretty dark green and brown patina

Ex: CNG electronic auction 158 lot 145; From the Garth R. Drewry Collection; Ex Coin Galleries (12 April 1995), lot 305
rennrad12020
AMNG_II_461a_Colonnade_cg_(2).jpg
Anchialos Septimius Severus St. BarbarusAE 25 12.5gr

Anchialos

Septimius Severus

T. Statilius Barbarus (196-98 AD)

Ob: AY K Λ CEΠ | CEYHPOC ΠE
Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right

Rev: HΓM CTA BAPBAPOV AΓXI AΛEΩN (inscribed circularly)
City gate with colonnade on top flanked by two towers

AMNG II 461a; Varbanov (E) II 186 (depicted); Mionnet -; BMC-; SNG Cop.-

Attractive dark mahogany patina.
rennrad12020
imitative_rome_I_c_BC.jpg
Ancient imitative, Saturn/ProwRoman Republican, 1st Century B.C., Ancient Imitative. Bronze semis, cf. Crawford 339/2 (official, Rome mint), VF, porous dark patina, 3.598g, 16.7mm, 0o, obverse head of Saturn right; reverse , prow right. An unofficial imitative of a late anonymous issue. ex FORVMPodiceps
680_-_710_Anglo-Saxon_AR_Sceat~0.JPG
ANGLO-SAXON, PRIMARY SCEAT, AR Sceat, struck c.685 - 700 at Essex or East Anglia, EnglandObverse: Pearl diademed head facing right within ouroboros (serpent eating its tail), unintelligible pseudo legend around.
Reverse: Bird standing facing right upon cross, annulets on either side, all within ouroboros (serpent eating its tail), unintelligible pseudo legend around.
Primary Phase, Series BI
Diameter: 12mm | Weight: 1.05gms | Die Axis: 12h
SPINK: 777 | Metcalf 100 - 106

This coin was struck at the time in which the Beowulf legend was set, though the coin predates the earliest manuscript of that saga by about three centuries. These coins constitute the earliest indigenous currency found on the British Isles and they are a fascinating glimpse into the so called "Dark Ages" during the post-Roman period.
1 comments*Alex
2190391.jpg
AnonymousAnonymous. After 211 BC. Æ Triens (22mm, 7.34 g, 2h). Uncertain mint. Helmeted head of Minerva right; four pellets above / Prow of galley right; four pellets below. Crawford 56/4; Sydenham 143b. VF, dark green patina, minor porosity.

Ex A.K. Collection (Triton XII, 6 January 2009), lot 463 (part of).

Ex-CNG 219 lot 391 60/100

The triens (plural trientes) was an Ancient Roman bronze coin produced during the Roman Republic valued at one-third of an as (4 unciae). The most common design for the triens was the bust of Minerva and four pellets (indicating four unciae) on the obverse and the prow of a galley on the reverse. It was not a common denomination and was last struck c. 89 BC.


ecoli
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