Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Image search results - "Emperor"

AE3, Constantinople mint, 395-401 AD
Obverse: DN ARCADIVS PF AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITI, Emperor standing facing in military uniform, being crowned from behind by Victory.
CONSB in exergue
RIC 60
17mm, 2.1gms.
Jerome Holderman

Tacitus, 25 September 275 - 12 April 276 A.D.

Obverse:
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right

AK K Λ TAKITOC CEB

AK: AVTOKRATOR is the equivalent of the Latin Imperator, 'emperor'.
K Λ is an abbreviation for K AV IOC, 'Claudius' transliterated into Greek.
TOK: TAKITOC= Tacitus
CEB: SEBASTOS (greek indication for augustus).

With the pellet between TOC . CEB

Reverse:
ETOVC A (year 1)

Dikaiosyne standing left holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. Diakaiosyne is the Greek equivalent of Aequitas ('Equity, Fair Dealing' to quote Sear).

Domination: Billon TETRAdrachm (4 drachms): size 21 mm

Mint: Alexandria, provincial.

Comment:
These Egyptian issues are not in RIC, but the old standard catalogue for these is Milne, where yours is no. 4492, with the pellet between TOC . CEB. They are also listed in the new Sear vol.III (though in not as much detail), where the nearest is 11831, which doesn't have the pellets in the obverse legend (Milne 4489). Other references : Curtis 1832, BMC 2403v ; Geissen 3115.
1 commentsPeter Wissing

HONORIVS - AE3 - Mint of Antiochia - 393/423
Obv.: DN HONORIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
Rev.: VIRTVS EXERCITI, emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield. Victory, standing beside him crowns him with a wreath which she holds in her right hand. ANTA
Gs. 2,1 mm. 17,5
Cohen 56, RIC 72 Maxentius

probably a Byzantine trachy of the Latin occupation (1204-1261). Obv: Bust of Christ. Rev: Standing emperor holding scepter cruciger and globus cruciger. Dumbarton Oaks Vol IV, pl. XLIX, 4, and Sear 2024.Alexios

MAXIMIAN AE3 (Half-follis). 317-318 AD- Posthumous issue struck under Constantine I. - Mint of Siscia
Obv.: DIVO MAXIMIANO SEN FORT IMP, laureate veiled bust right
Rev.: REQVIES OPTIMORVM MERITORVM, Emperor seated left on curule chair, raising hand & holding scepter, SIS in ex.
Gs. 1,7 mm. 17,1
RIC 41 (R3), Cohen 495

1 commentsMaxentius

Antioch RIC VIII 37 Constantine the Great AE3.
DV CONSTANTI-NVS PT AVGG, veiled head right /
No legend, emperor veiled to right in quadriga, the
hand of God reaches down to him, star in top centre.
Mintmark: SMANH. Coin #150
cars100

Silver tetradrachm, Prieur 720 (1 example), SNG Paris 2331, Weber -, VF, 13.043g, 26.9mm, 180o, Aegeae mint, 132 - 133 A.D.; obverse AUTOKR KAIS TRAIA ADRIANO SEB P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse ETOUS •QOR• AIGEAIWN, eagle standing facing on harpe, wings spread, head turned right, goat in ex; rare;

Aegeae issued tetradrachms only during the reigns of Hadrian and Caracalla. The issues were probably related to visits of these emperors to the town or to its famous sanctuary of Asclepius. -- The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms and Their Fractions from 57 BC to AD 253 by Michel and Karin Prieur

ex FORVM
dealer's picture1 commentsareich

Antoninus Pius - AE Dupondius

Roman Empire
Emperor Antoninus Pius. 138 - 161 AD. AE-Dupondius. Rome Mint.

obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II - Radiate head of Antoninus Pius right
rev: TR POT XIX COS IIII - Annona seated right, holding cornucopia; at feet, modius.
'S C' below, in exergue.

25.83mm, 11.80g.2 commentsrexesq

Empress Faustina Sr.(138-141 AD)
Wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138 - 161 AD)

Bronze Dupondius or As, Most Likely an As.
Rome Mint

obv: DIVA FAVSTINA - Draped bust right
rev: AETERNITAS - Aeternitas seated left on starry globe, right hand outstretched, left hand holding sceptre. SC in exergue.

11.0 Grams1 commentsrexesq

Antoninus Pius
Empress Faustina Sr.(138-141 AD)
Wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138 - 161 AD)

Bronze Dupondius or As, Most Likely an As.
Rome Mint

obv: DIVA FAVSTINA - Draped bust right
rev: AETERNITAS - Aeternitas seated left on starry globe, right hand outstretched, left hand holding sceptre. SC in exergue.

11.0 Gramsrexesq

Emperor Severus Alexander. AD232. AE Sestertius. Reverse, cut.

obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG - Laureate bust right, seen from front, draped and cuirassed.
rev: MARS VLTOR - Mars with spear and shield in the 'Ready-for-Action' position.
'S C' to either side of Mars.

22.3 grams.rexesq

Emperor Severus Alexander. AD232. AE Sestertius. Reverse.

obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG - Laureate bust right, seen from front, draped and cuirassed.
rev: MARS VLTOR - Mars with spear and shield in the 'Ready-for-Action' position.
'S C' to either side of Mars.

22.3 grams.
--------------------------
Fantastic 'MARS ULTOR' reverse!!1 commentsrexesq

Emperor Severus Alexander. AD232. AE Sestertius. Obverse.

obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG - Laureate bust right, seen from front, draped and cuirassed.
rev: MARS VLTOR - Mars with spear and shield in the 'Ready-for-Action' position.
'S C' to either side of Mars.

22.3 grams.1 commentsrexesq

Severus Alexander
Ancient Rome
Emperor Severus Alexander(222 - 232 AD) AE (Bronze) Sestertius
Struck at the Rome Mint in AD 229 - 230.

obv: IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG - Laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder.

rev: P M TR P VIII COS III P P - Emperor riding in quadriga right holding eagle tipped sceptre in one hand and holding the reigns in the other.
'SC' below, in exergue.

Weight: 21 Grams
Size: 32 - 33 mm

References: Cohen 377, RIC 495 5 commentsrexesq

Severus Alexander
Ancient Rome
Emperor Severus Alexander(222 - 232 AD) AE (Bronze) Sestertius
Struck at the Rome Mint in AD 229 - 230.

obv: IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG - Laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder.

rev: P M TR P VIII COS III P P - Emperor riding in quadriga right holding eagle tipped sceptre in one hand and holding the reigns in the other.
'SC' below, in exergue.

Weight: 21 Grams
Size: 32 mm - 33 mm

References: Cohen 377, RIC 495
-----------------------

~*~I will most likely be taking this coin out of it's plastic prison soon. I will post more pics after doing so.~*~rexesq

wileyc

Aurelianus Antoninianus, RESTITVT ORBIS reverse
Aurelianus (270-275 AD). AE silvered Antoninianus (22-23 mm, 3.77 g), Serdica (Sofia), 274-275 AD.
Obv. IMP AVRELIANVS P AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right.
Rev. RESTITVT ORBIS, woman (Victory?) standing right, presenting wreath to emperor standing left, holding sceptre.
Ex. KAA.
RIC V, 1, p. 298, 298.Antonivs Protti

Antonivs Protti

AE sestertius. Struck under Claudius, circa 50-54 AD, uncertain eastern provincial mint located in the modern-day Balkans.
Obv : TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG F BRITANNICVS, draped bust left.
Rev : - No legend, Mars advancing left, holding spear and shield, SC in fields. 35mm, 19.4g. Extremely Rare.

Ref : BMCRE 226
Cohen 2
RCV 1908, valued at $32,000 in Fine, which is a few multiples greater than any other sestertius issued during the several centuries the denomination was in use.
A large number of the surviving examples of this series (one may even suggest a majority of them), due to their rarity, have been subjected to modern alteration techniques such as smoothing, tooling, and repatination. As such, it's actually pleasant to see a bit of field roughness and a 'plain brown' patina of old copper on this example, evidence that it is just as ugly as it was the day it was last used in circulation back in Ancient Rome.
Britannicus, originally known as Germanicus after Claudius' older brother, was the emperor's original intended heir and natural son. Machinations by Agrippina II eventually saw Britannicus supplanted by her own son Nero, (by Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus) who took the throne upon Claudius' suspicious death. Britannicus himself died a few years later, reportedly poisoned by his step-brother. The future emperor Titus and Britannicus were close friends, and Titus became quite ill and nearly died after eating from the same poisoned dish that killed Britannicus.R. Smits

TRAJAN
Dupondius 98-99 A.D.
26.3mm, 9.3 grams

OBV: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM PM,
Emperor radiate head right.
REV: TR POT COS III PP, Abundance seated left on chair formed of two cornucopiae, holding scepter.
RIC-II-398

SEVERUS ALEXANDER
Denarius
19.3 mm, 3.1 grams

OBV: IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate head right
REV: VIRTVS AVG, Emperor in military dress, walking right, carrying spear and trophy.
RIC-IVb-225

In the picture we can see how the head of an emperor closely resembles the preceeding one. The top three coins are COS II. RIC 9 (3.6g); RIC 12 (3,40g); RIC 22 (3.31g). All have good weights and the RIC 9 is quite possibly overstruck at 3.6g.

Below the three Trajans is a Nerva and it's very similar to the first issues of Trajan. I think it's safe to say that the engravers did not meet the emperor in person. Paddy

Detail of shield decorated with Emperor on horseback charging left, holding spear appearing to impale bound captive seated left.gordian_guy

Shield detail showing Emperor on horseback right surrounded by soldiers carrying shields.gordian_guy

Valentinian I AE3
Obverse: DN VALENTINIAN VS PF AVG, pearl diademed, cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor in military dress advancing right, head left, holding labarum and dragging captive behind.
Right field- star over A
D Gamma SISC in ex. 18.8 mm., 1.8 g.NORMAN K

ISLAMIC, Anatolia & al-Jazira (Post-Seljuk). Artuqids (Mardin). Najm al-Din Alpi. AH 547-572 / AD 1152-1176. Æ Dirham (33mm, 17.13 g, 9h). Unlisted (Mardin[?]) mint. Undated issue. Diademed and draped male busts, vis-à-vis; laqabs of Najm al-Din Alpi above and below; tamgha to lower left / Byzantine emperor standing facing being crowned by the Theotokos standing facing; genealogy of Najm al-Din Alpi around. Whelan Type II, 40-41; S&S Type 28; Album 1827.3; ICV 1201.
1 commentsQuant.Geek

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

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

Uncertain Emperor (Justin I or Justinian I ?), (circa AD 500-600). Uncertain mint
Pentanummium Æ

12mm., 2,30g.

Pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Large epsilon, star and date.

nearly very fine
1 commentsQuant.Geek

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 hÐ„RA[CLIÐ§S PP AVG] Host coin, also fragmentary, [O N FOCA] NÐ„ PÐ„ [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, Î˜Ð„C in exergueHost coin, large m between [A / N /] N / O and date (unclear) cross above, ThÐ„Ð§P' 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

Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, A.D. 260-269. BI antoninianus (20 mm, 3.04 g, 7 h). Treveri, A.D. 266. IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus right / FIDES [E]XERCITVS, four military standards. RIC 303; Mairat 120; AGK 20; RSC 65. Quant.Geek

Obv: Brockage
Rev: Full-length figure of emperor standing, wearing stemma, divitision, jeweled loros of simplified type and sagion; right hand holds labarum-headed? scepter.; left hand holds sheathed sword, point downward; illegible legend to left.
Dim: 17mm, 1.1g
Quant.Geek

ARAB-BYZANTINE: Standing Emperor, ca. 680s, AE fals, Dimashq, A-3517.2, bird on T left, mint name in Greek to right / anchor above and downward crescent below M, Arabic duriba / dimashq / ja'iz around
Dim: 4.35g, 6 h
Quant.Geek

Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 113-114. IMP TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate and draped bust right / COS VI P P SPQR, Trajan's column surmounted by statue of the emperor; at base, two eagles. RIC 307; BMCRE 522; RSC 115. 3.53g, 20mm, 6h. Ex: Roman Numismatics E-Sale 58, lot 1102, June 20, 2019; Ex: Spink Auction 18055, Lot 296, November 7, 2018; Ex: CNG E-auction 393, lot 242, March 15, 2017; Ex: Dr. Lawrence D. Sporty Collection; Ex: CNG Inventory # 874073, June 2010.1 commentspaul1888

Otacilia Severa, Augusta, February or March 244 - September or October 249 A.D.
|Otacilia| |Severa|, |Otacilia| |Severa,| |Augusta,| |February| |or| |March| |244| |-| |September| |or| |October| |249| |A.D.|, From the issue celebrating the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Rome. Celebrations included display of many exotic animals including, it seems, a hippopotamus.
RS76152. Silver antoninianus, RIC IV P116b, RSC IV 63, Hunter III 10, SRCV III 9160, Choice EF, near perfect centering and strike, much luster, excellent portrait, 4th officina, Rome mint, weight 4.040g, maximum diameter 22.6mm, die axis 180o, 248 A.D.; obverse OTACIL SEVERA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, hair in horizontal ridges, plait up the back of head, crescent behind shoulders; reverse SAECVLARES AVGG (Secular games [provided by] the Emperors), hippopotamus standing right, IIII (4th officina) in exergue; Ex Forum Ancient Coinspaul1888

ARAB-BYZANTINE: Standing Emperor, ca. 680-690, AE fals (7.28g), Dimashq, ND, A-3517.3, without T, star left of emperor, ΛEO to right / anchor above & star below capital M, choice VF, R. Reverse Arabic legend "dimashq / wafiya / ja'iz hadha", somewhat coarsely engraved.
Estimate: USD 120 - 160Quant.Geek

Commodus. Æ Sestertius. Ex Kricheldorf.
Zoom inZoom inZoom outZoom outGo homeGo home
zoom view
Reign: Emperor, A.D. 177-192.
Denomination: Æ Sestertius.
Diameter: 30 mm.
Weight: 20.43 grams.
Mint: Rome, A.D. 180.
Obverse: Laureate head right.
Reverse: Commodus seated left on platform, holding roll, attended by officer holding scepter; Liberalitas standing facing, holding tessera and cornucopia; citizen mounting steps of platform.
Reference: RIC 300; Ex Kricheldrof, Liste 3 (1955), lot 70; Ex MünzZentrum Köln, Auktion 64 (1988), lot 359.2 commentspaul1888

Honorius AE2, Cyzicus. 392-395 AD. DN HONORIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor standing facing, head right, holding globe and labarum. Mintmark SMKBAntonivs Protti

Honorius AE4. Antioch mint, 406-408 AD. DN HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM, three emperors standing side by side holding spears, outermost ones rest hands on shields, the middle one holds a globe.Antonivs Protti

Arcadius AE2. 392-395 AD. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped bust right / GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor standing facing, head right, holding standard and globeAntonivs Protti

Claudius II Posthumous antoninianus. DIVO CLAVDIO, radiate head right / CONSECRATIO, garlanded altar with flames above, no decoration on front. Minster hoard 478.
*Claudius II ("Claudius Gothicus"), the first of the soldier-emperors, ruled for less than two years (268–270 AD). His destruction of the Gothic cavalry earned him the name of Gothicus. He died of smallpox in January 270 and was deified by his brother Quintillus who succeeded him for a short time.Antonivs Protti

ARCADIUS. 383-408 AD. Nicomedia mint. AE2.
Ovb: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG .
Rev: GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and globe. In exergue SMNB.
RIC 46bAntonivs Protti

Theodosius I. AE2. 379-383 AD. Constantinople. DN THEODO-SIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right / REPARATIO-REIPVB, Emperor standing facing, head left, holding Victory on globe in left hand and raising kneeling woman, sometimes wearing crown or turreted headdress with right hand. Mintmark: CONSA. RIC IX Constantinople 54c.Antonivs Protti

Magnus Maximus, AE2. Lyons. AD 383-388. DN MAG MAXI-MVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right / REPARATIO-REIPVB, Emperor standing left, holding Victory on globe and raising kneeling, turreted woman. No fieldmark. Mintmark LVGP. RIC IX Lyons 32; Sear 20649.Antonivs Protti

Roman Empire: Galerius as Augustus, Follis, 8.03 grams, Eastern half of Roman Empire, Praetorian Prefect of Diocletian. Obverse: Galerius facing right, IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS PF AVG; Reverse: Genius standing left, naked but for chlamys over left shoulder & modius on head, right holding patera, left cornucopiae; GENIO IMPERATORIS "To the genius of the emperor." ALE = Alexandria mint1 commentspaul1888

Constans, Siscia RIC VIII 199Constans, AE 3, Sisica
Obverse: DN CONSTANS PF AVG, pearl diademed and curiassed bust right.
Reverse: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Emperor standing facing, head left, holding Phoenix on globe and labarum on galley, Victory sits at the helm.
Gamma SIST(symbol 3) in ex. Siscia mint, 18.9 mm, 2.0 g.NORMAN K

JUSTIN I and JUSTINIAN I as joint Emperors, AE Follis (40 Nummi), struck 4th April - 1st August 527 at ConstantinopleObverse: D N IVSTIN Є IVSTINIAN P AV. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Justin I, star on shoulder, facing right.
Reverse: Large M, cross above and officina letter (B = 2nd Officina) below, star to left of M, cross to right; in exergue, CON
Diameter: 30mm | Weight: 14gms | Die Axis: 6
SBCV: 125 (var) | DOC: 10.-
RARE

Justin I's health slowly declined in his old age and, on the first of April 527, he formally named his nephew Justinian as co-emperor and his successor. Justin only lived for a few more months and, when he died at the age of 77 on the first of August, Justinian smoothly succeeded him.
*Alex

1st Century CE, IRON AGE BRITAIN, Tribes: Catuvellauni and Trinovantes, AE Unit, Struck c.10 - 40 at Verlamion under CunobelinusObverse: CVNO - BELIN. Bare head facing left.
Reverse: TASCIO. Metal worker, wielding hammer, seated facing right.
Diameter: 15mm | Weight: 2.24gms | Axis: 3h
Spink: 342 | ABC: 2969 | Van Arsdell 2097

CUNOBELINUS
Cunobelinus was a king in Iron Age Britain from about 9 CE until about 40 CE. He is mentioned by the Roman historians Suetonius and Dio Cassius, and many coins bearing his inscription have been found. Cunobelinus controlled a substantial portion of south-eastern Britain, including the territories of the Catuvellauni and the Trinovantes, and is called “Britannorum rex" (King of the Britons) by Suetonius. He appears to have been recognized by the Roman emperor Augustus as a client king, shown by the use of the Latin title Rex on some of his coins.
Numismatic evidence appears to indicate that Cunobelinus took power around AD 9 after the death of his father Tasciovanus, minting coins from both Camulodunum, capital of the Trinovantes and Verlamion (Roman Verulamium), capital of the Catuvellauni. Some of the Verulamium coins name him as the son of Tasciovanus, a previous king of the Catuvellauni. Cunobelinus' earliest issues are, however, from Camulodunum, indicating that he took power there first, and some have a palm or laurel wreath design, a motif borrowed from the Romans indicating a military victory. It is possible that he was emboldened to act against the Trinovantes, whose independence was protected by a treaty they made with Julius Caesar in 54 BC, because problems in Germania severely affected Augustus' ability to defend allies in Britain.
Cunobelinus, however, appears to have maintained quite good relations with the Roman Empire, he used classical motifs on his coins and his reign also saw an increase in trade with the continent. Archaeological evidence shows an increase in imported luxury goods, including wine and drinking vessels from Italy, olive oil and “garum” (fish sauce) from Spain, as well as glassware, jewellery, and tableware from the wider continent, all of which, from their distribution, appear to have entered Britain via the port of Camulodunum. Rome's lucrative trade with Britain was also reported by Strabo, according to him the island's exports included grain, gold, silver, iron, hides, slaves and hunting dogs. It seems likely that Cunobelinus was one of the British kings, mentioned by Strabo, who sent embassies to Augustus.
Cunobelinus died about 40, probably within a year of that date, as he was certainly dead by 43.
Traditionally it has been suggested that the “Lexden Tumulus” on the outskirts of Colchester was Cunobelinus' tomb, but without evidence confirming that, it is also possible that the tomb was built for the earlier Trinovantian king, Addedomarus. Interestingly there is a second tumulus, though this one is not so well known, 665m to the northwest of the Lexden burial mound, on a grassy area in the middle of a modern housing estate. This tumulus, known as ‘The Mount’, probably dates from around the same time as the well-known one at Fitzwalter Road, Lexden.

CLICK ON MAP BELOW TO ENLARGE IT

1 comments*Alex

Honorius AE3, 395-401 AD. Obverse: DN HONORI-VS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right
Reverse: VIRTVS-EXERCITI, Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and
resting left hand on shield. Victory, standing beside him, crowns him with
a wreath held in her right hand.
SMKB in ex. Cyzicus mint. RIC X 68
NORMAN K

JUSTINIAN I, AE Follis (40 Nummi), struck 529 - 533 at Antioch (Theoupolis)Obverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Justinian enthroned facing, holding long sceptre in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left.
Reverse: Large M, cross above and officina letter (Δ = 4th Officina) below, asterisk in field to left of M and outward facing crescent in field to right; in exergue, +THEUP
Diameter: 34mm | Weight: 18.69gms | Die Axis: 5
SBCV: 214 | DOC: 206d.1

Much of Antioch was destroyed by a great earthquake on 29th November 528 and, following this disaster, the city was renamed Theoupolis.

530: In the spring of this year Belisarius and Hermogenes (magister officiorum) defeated a combined Persian-Arab army of 50,000 men at the Battle of Dara in modern Turkey, and in the summer a Byzantine cavalry force under the command of Sittas defeated a major Persian invasion into Roman Armenia at the Battle of Satala.
531: On April 19th, at the Battle of Callinicum, a Byzantine army commanded by Belisarius, was defeated by the Persians at Raqqa in northern Syria. Nevertheless, Justinian negotiated an end to the hostilities and Belisarius was hailed as a hero.
532: On January 11th this year anger among the supporters of the most important chariot teams in Constantinople, the Blues and the Greens, escalated into violence towards the emperor. For the next five days the city was in chaos and the fires that started during the rioting resulted in the destruction of much of the city. This insurrection, known as the Nika riots, was put down a week later by Belisarius and Mundus resulting in 30,000 people being killed in the Hippodrome.
On February 23rd Justinian ordered the building of a new Christian basilica in Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia. More than 10,000 people were employed in the construction using material brought from all over the empire.
2 comments*Alex

JUSTINIAN I, AE Half-Follis (20 Nummi), struck 527 – 528 at AntiochObverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing right.
Reverse: Large K, Large latin cross to left dividing letters A–N / T–X; officina letter to right of K (Γ = third officina).
Diameter: 28mm | Weight: 5.8gms | Die Axis: 12
SBCV: 224a | Not in DOC
Rare

This coin was struck prior to Antioch being renamed Theoupolis following the great earthquake that virtually destroyed the city on 29th November 528.

527: One of Justinian's first acts as sole emperor was to reorganise the command structure of the Byzantine army. He appointed Belisarius to command the Eastern army in Armenia and on the Byzantine-Persian frontier.
528: In February of this year Justinian appointed a commission to codify all the laws of the Roman Empire that were still in force from Hadrian to the current date. This Code of Civil Laws came to be called the Codex Justinianus.
On November 29th a great earthquake struck Antioch, killing thousands and destroying much of the city including the Domus Aurea (Great Church) built by Constantine the Great.*Alex

JUSTINIAN I, AE Half-Follis (20 Nummi), struck 529 – 533 at Antioch (Theoupolis)Obverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Justinian I enthroned facing, holding long sceptre in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left.
Reverse: Large K, Large latin cross to left dividing letters T–H/Є–U/O/P; officina letter to right of K (Δ = fourth officina).
Diameter: 28mm | Weight: 8.4gms | Die Axis: 11
SBCV: 225 | DOC: 208.6
Rare

Much of Antioch was destroyed by a great earthquake on 29th November 528 and, following this disaster, the city was renamed Theoupolis.

530: In the spring of this year Belisarius and Hermogenes (magister officiorum) defeated a combined Persian-Arab army of 50,000 men at the Battle of Dara in modern Turkey, and in the summer a Byzantine cavalry force under the command of Sittas defeated a major Persian invasion into Roman Armenia at the Battle of Satala.
531: On April 19th, at the Battle of Callinicum, a Byzantine army commanded by Belisarius, was defeated by the Persians at Raqqa in northern Syria. Nevertheless, Justinian negotiated an end to the hostilities and Belisarius was hailed as a hero.
532: On January 11th this year anger among the supporters of the most important chariot teams in Constantinople, the Blues and the Greens, escalated into violence towards the emperor. For the next five days the city was in chaos and the fires that started during the rioting resulted in the destruction of much of the city. This insurrection, known as the Nika riots, was put down a week later by Belisarius and Mundus resulting in 30,000 people being killed in the Hippodrome.
On February 23rd Justinian ordered the building of a new Christian basilica in Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia. More than 10,000 people were employed in the construction using material brought from all over the empire.
1 comments*Alex

1st Century CE, IRON AGE BRITAIN, Tribe: Iceni, AR Unit, Struck c.60 - 61 under Boudica (Boadicea)Obverse: No legend. Abstract Celtic style head with slit for eye and no ear facing right. Three pellets below head, branch emblem behind neck.
Reverse: No legend. Celtic style horse facing right, lozenge-shaped box with pellets on outer corners below horse. Section of large elaborate wheel-like object above horse, pellet below horse's tail.
Class: Icenian O
Diameter: 14mm | Weight: 0.9gms | Axis: 10
Spink: 434

The first known recorded example of this coin was made by William Stukely, an English antiquarian whose ideas influenced various antiquaries throughout the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Stukeley published over twenty books on archaeology and other subjects during his lifetime and he is regarded as an important forerunner of archaeology for his emphasis on methodically measuring and documenting ancient sites. He died of a stroke in early 1765.
The theory that this coinage was connected with Boudica was originally reported in 1987 and this was endorsed by R D Van Arsdell, an authority on the Celtic coinage of Britain, as Boudican in the 1990's. At the time though this was disputed by many in the numismatic community, some of whom continued to rely on older studies that lumped all "Face-Horse" coins together in a group dating before 20 CE.
However, John Talbot of the University of Oxford carried out research on these issues and, as his die-link and hoard work gradually progressed through the 1990's into the early twenty-first century, these coins were confirmed to be the final coinage of the Iceni. As Talbot's findings were only gradually revealed over a period of time, the accepted dating used in some dealer catalogues did not always keep up with the latest information. During his studies, Talbot discovered that coins from several die sets are only found in the Boudican Rebellion hoards. He also confirmed that these coins were struck in abnormally great numbers for any Icenian issue. But, because he was not certain that this was enough evidence to date the coins to 61 CE. he suggested only that they could have been struck any time after the Claudian Invasion of 43 CE.
Considering though that some die sets are known only from the Boudican Rebellion hoards, that it is still the case that these coins appear in uncirculated condition in the hoards, and that to date none of these coins have been found from secure contexts earlier than the time of the Boudican rebellion, it would appear that the 1987 report was essentially correct and these coins must have been struck nearer to the date of the Boudican Rebellion than earlier, possibly in connection with the financing of that rebellion. The conclusion now is that these coins can, with some confidence, be attributed to Boudica.

THE ICENI
The Iceni were a tribe located in eastern Britain during the Iron Age and the early Roman era. Their territory was bordered by the Corieltauvi to the west, and the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes to the south. In the Roman period, their capital was Venta Icenorum at modern-day Caistor St Edmund.
Julius Caesar did not mention the Iceni in his account of his invasions of Britain in 55 and 54 BC, though they may have been related to the Cenimagni, whom Caesar notes as living north of the River Thames at that time. The Iceni were a significant power in eastern Britain during Claudius I's conquest of Britain in AD 43, in which they allied with Rome. Increasing Roman influence on their affairs led to a revolt in AD 47, though they remained nominally independent under king Prasutagus up until his death around AD 60. Roman encroachment after Prasutagus' death led his wife Boudica to launch a major revolt from 60–61. Boudica's uprising seriously endangered Roman rule in Britain and resulted in the burning of Londinium and other cities. The Romans finally crushed the rebellion, and the Iceni were eventually incorporated into the Roman province.
Archaeological evidence of the Iceni includes torcs, which are heavy rings of gold, silver or electrum worn around the neck and shoulders. The Iceni began producing coins around 10 BC. Their coins were a distinctive adaptation of the Gallo-Belgic "face/horse" design, and in some early issues, most numerous near Norwich, the horse was replaced with a boar. Some coins are inscribed ECENI, making them the only coin-producing group to use their tribal name on coins. The earliest personal name to appear on coins is Antedios (about 10 BC), and other abbreviated names like AESU and SAEMU followed. The name of Prasutagus also appears on some coins as PRASTO.

QUEEN BOUDICA
Queen Boudica was married to Prasutagus, ruler of the Iceni people of East Anglia. When the Romans conquered southern England in AD 43, they allowed Prasutagus to continue to rule. However, when Prasutagus died he left a will dividing his lands between the Roman emperor and his family. The Romans decided to rule the Iceni directly and confiscated all the king's property. When this was contested they are said to have stripped and flogged Boudica and raped her daughters. These actions exacerbated the widespread resentment at Roman rule.
In 60 or 61 AD, while the Roman governor Gaius Suetonius Paullinus was leading a campaign in North Wales, the Iceni rebelled, other tribes joined them, and Boudica led a major uprising against the occupying Roman forces.
Boudica's warriors defeated the Roman Ninth Legion and destroyed the then capital of Roman Britain, Camulodunum (Colchester). They then went on to destroy Londinium (London) and Verulamium (St Albans) killing thousands in the process. Finally, Boudica was defeated by a Roman army led by Paulinus. A great number of her army were killed and, though Boudica's fate is unknown, she is alleged to have either died in battle or poisoned herself to avoid capture. The site of the battle which brought an end to her uprising is also unknown.
The photograph below is of the Victorian statue of Boudica (Boadicea) situated on the Thames embankment in London.

CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THEM

3 comments*Alex

6 NeroNERO
AR Denarius (19mm, 3.43 g, 6h)
Rome mint. Struck ~65-66 AD

O: Laureate head right

R: Salus seated left on throne, holding patera.

RIC I 60; RSC 314. aVF

Ex-CNG Sale 35, Lot 737, 9/20/95

In AD 65-66 two new types appear on the coins of Nero, Jupiter Custos- “Guardian”, and Salus- “Well-Being” (of the emperor). Nero gave thanks for surviving the Pisonian Conspiracy, which got its name from G. Calpurnius Piso, a senator put forward as an alternative emperor by senior military officers and government officials who feared the increasingly erratic Nero. The plot was discovered, many prominent Romans were executed, and others, such as the philosopher Seneca, were forced to commit suicide. This delayed the emperor’s fate for a few years.

RI00431 commentsSosius

6.75 Revolt of VindexRevolt Against Nero, Gaius Iulius Vindex, Governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, c. Late 67 - May 68 A.D.

Struck by Gaius Iulius Vindex, the Roman governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, who rebelled against Nero's tax policy and declared allegiance to Galba, the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, as the new emperor. Vindex was defeated and killed in battle near Vesontio (modern Besançon), but the military continued to support Galba. On 9 June 68, deserted by the Praetorian Guard, Nero stabbed himself in the throat.

Silver denarius, Unpublished, civil war restitution of Augustus, gF, porosity, marks, uncertain (Lugdunum?) mint, weight 3.167g, maximum diameter 19.0mm, die axis 180o, c. late 67 - May 68 A.D.; obverse CAESAR, bare head of Augustus right; reverse AVGVSTVS, young bull walking right, head turned facing; ex Roma Numismatics e-auction 6, lot 321; only two examples known to Forum

Purchased from FORVM2 commentsSosius

Arcadius, Heraclea RIC 27b, 383-395 CE & 395-408 CE
Arcadius AE2
Obverse - D N ARCADIVS P F AVG. Pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse - GLORIA ROMANORVM. Emperor standing , head right, holding labarum and globe.
SMHB in ex. Heraclea Mint 21 mm diam. desert patinaNORMAN K

Aurelian, 270-275 CE.Aurelian Bronze Antoninianus
Obverse: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: IOVI CONSER, Emperor standing right, holding sceptre, receiving globe from Jupiter who is standing left and holding sceptre.
22.3 mm., 3.2 g.NORMAN K

Honorius RIC 68 CyzicusHonorius bronze AE4
Obverse: D N HONORI-VS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VIRTVS-EXERCITI, Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield. Victory, standing beside him, crowns him with a wreath held in her right hand.
SMKB in ex. Cyzicus mint,14.9 mm, 2.0 g.NORMAN K

Julian II RIC 100, Heraclea 355-360 CEObverse: DN IVLIA-NVS NOB C, bare-headed, cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: SPES REI-PVBLIC, emperor helmeted in military dress, standing left, holding globe and spear.
SMHD in ex. Heraclea mint. 17.4 mm., 1.8 g.NORMAN K

Procopius AE3, 365 CE.Obverse: D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left.
Reverse: REPARATIO FEL TEMP, Emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand and resting left hand on shield. Chi-ro at top right.
Uncertain mint, 17.2 mm, 2.4 g.NORMAN K

Valens RIC IX 23b type xxi(b) Rome Obverse: DN VALEN-S PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
Reverse: GLORIA RO-MANORVM, Emperor advancing right dragging captive with right hand and holding labarum in left.
Mintmark: R dot QVARTA
RIC IX Rome 23b, type xii (b) 16.7 mm., 2.0 g.NORMAN K

Valentinian I, RIC VII 5a Siscia, 364-376 CEValentinian I AE3
Obverse: DN VALENTINIAN VS PF AVG, pearl diademed, cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor in military dress advancing right, head left, holding labarum and dragging captive behind.
Right field- star over A
D Gamma SISC in ex. 18.8 mm., 1.8 g.NORMAN K

#31071; #23527; #37325; #23542;North Sung Dynasty
Emperor HUI TSUNG
AD 1101-1125

CH'UNG-NING CHUNG-PAO
Bronze 10 cash
Orthodox Script
36mm, 11.1g
S622
Nice patinaSamson L2

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 265Obv:- SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:- FVNDATOR PACIS, Emperor, togate and veiled, standing left holding olive branch
Minted in Rome.
Ref:- RIC 265. RSC 205. BMCRE W330.maridvnvm

1 DiocletianDiocletian
AE Antoninianus. Cyzicus mint.
IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, radiate and draped bust right / CONCORDIA MI-LITVM dot , Emperor standing right with parazonium, receiving Victory from Jupiter holding sceptre, officina letter in lower centre, mintmark XXI dot.
Cohen 33. RIC 106 Cyzicus1 commentsSosius

1 Diocletian Pre-Reform RadiateDiocletian
AE Antoninianus, 293-295, Antioch, Officina 9
IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA MIL_ITVM, Emperor standing right, short scepter in left hand, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left, scepter in left, ED in lower middle field, XXI in exergue
RIC V, Part II, 322
Ex Max Mehl Coins
Ex Andreas Reich

Thanks to FORVM members stinats and Genio Popvli Romani for helping to attribute this coin!Sosius

1 Gordian IIIGordian III
Ant 4.6g
241-242 AD

O: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG. Radiate and draped bust right.

R: P M TR P V COS II P P. Emperor standing right, holding globe and spear.

RIC IV-3 93; Cohen 266; Sear (5) 8650Sosius

1 Gordian IIIGordian III
AR Ant 4.6g
Rome Mint

O: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, radiate and draped bust right.

R: PM TRP II COS PP, Emperor, veiled, standing left, sacrificing out of patera over tripod-altar and holding short scepter.

RIC IV-3 68; Cohen 216; Sear 8637Sosius

1 Gordian IIIGordian III
AR Antonianus, Rome Mint
238-239 AD

O: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right

R: IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing front, with head left, thunderbolt in right hand, over Emperor standing left

RIC IV-3 2; Sear (5) 8614 1 commentsSosius

1 Gordian IIIGordian III
AE Sestertius, Rome Mint
240 AD

O: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, bust r.

R: PM TR P III COS II PP SC, Emperor standing right in military dress, holding transverse spear and globe

RIC IV-3, 305 Sosius

1 Gordian IIIGORDIAN III
AR Antonianus, Rome Mint
240 AD

O: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG

R: PM TR P II COS PP, Emperor, standing front, head left by altar, togate and veiled, holding patera over altar and wand

RIC IV-3 37: Cohen 210; Sear 5 8637Sosius

1 Gordian IIIGORDIAN III
AR Antonianus, Rome Mint
241-243 AD

O: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG

R: PM TR P III COS II PP, Emperor standing right in military dress, holding transverse spear and globe

RIC IV-3 91; Cohen 242; Sear (5) 8644Sosius

1 Gordian IIIAR Antoninianus
Rome Mint
240 AD

O: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG

R: PM TR P II COS PP, Emperor standing front, head left by altar, togate and veiled, holding patera over altar and transverse sceptre

RIC IV-3 68; Cohen 216; Sear 8637Sosius

143 - Carausius - Antoninianus - RIC V Pt 2, 205Obv:- IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev:- CONCORDIA MILITV,, Emperor and Concordia standing facing each other clasping hands
Minted in Camulodonum, //C
Reference:- RIC V Pt 2, 205

3/42 gms, 23.16 mm. 180 degrees1 commentsmaridvnvm

182bisCarausius 287-93AD
AE Antoninianus
Obv: "IMPP CAES PII FF FR AVGGG"
Radiate, cuirassed, jugate busts right
Rev: "VIRTVS AVGGG"
Three emperors standing left holding batons and globes
London mint
-/-//MLXXI
RIC -; Bourne (2009) - (cf 24 obverse & 6 reverse)1 commentsmauseus

188Carausius 287-93
Antoninianus
Obv"IMP CARAVSIVS PF AVG"
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev "[PM T]RP II COS PP"
Emperor togate seated left in curule chair
Camulodunum mint
-/-//C
RIC 188?
This is the only known coin with "TRP II COS", all other extant specimens except the coin below are "TRP IIII COS". A discussion of this coin in relation to the other dated coins of Carausius can be found here.mauseus

188Carausius 287-93
Antoninianus
Obv"IMP CARAVSIVS PF AVG"
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev "PM TRP [II? CO]S PP"
Emperor togate seated left in curule chair
Camulodunum mint
-/-//C
RIC 188mauseus

195 - 211, SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AR Denarius, Struck 210 at Rome, alluding to BritanniaObverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory standing right, holding palm branch in her right hand and placing uninscribed shield on palm tree with her left.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 2.83gms | Die Axis: 7h
RIC IV: 336 | RSC: 730 | SRCV: 6384 | SPINK: 651A
SCARCE

This coin commemorates the success of the Roman campaigns in Scotland during 209 and 210 culminating in the death of Severus at York, England, in February 211.

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS
Lucius Septimius Severus was Roman emperor from 193 to 211. He was born in Leptis Magna in the Roman province of Africa.
Severus seized power after the death of the emperor Pertinax in 193 (the Year of the Five Emperors).
After consolidating his rule over the western provinces, Severus waged a brief, successful war in the east against the Parthian Empire, sacked their capital Ctesiphon, expanded the eastern frontier to the Tigris and enlarged and fortified the Limes Arabicus in Arabia Petraea. In 202, he campaigned in Africa and Mauretania against the Garamantes, captured their capital Garama and expanded the Limes Tripolitanus along the southern desert frontier of the empire. In 198 he raised his elder son Caracalla to Augustus and in 209 did the same to his younger son, Geta.
In AD 209 Severus invaded Caledonia (modern Scotland) with an army of 50,000 men, but he fell fatally ill of an infectious disease in late 210 and died at Eboracum (York, England) early in 211.

SEVERUS' CAMPAIGNS IN BRITAIN
In 208 Septimius Severus travelled to Britain with the intention of conquering Caledonia (Scotland). Modern archaeological discoveries have helped to throw some light on the scope and direction of this northern campaign.
Severus began by occupying the territory up to the Antonine Wall, this is evidenced by extensive Severan era fortifications and the likely reoccupation of some of the forts on that wall. Over the previous years Hadrian's Wall had fallen into disrepair and Severus strengthened and repaired much of it, he did this to such an extent that many early Antiquarians thought that he was the emperor who had actually built it. Severus constructed a 165-acre (67 ha) camp south of the Antonine Wall at Trimontium, probably assembling the main body of his forces there. Severus then thrust north across the Antonine Wall into Caledonian territory, supported and supplied by a strong naval force. He retraced the steps of Agricola of over a century before, rebuilding many abandoned Roman forts along the east coast, and he re-garrisoned the naval base at Carpow, likely built by Commodus in 185, and possibly the place named as "Horrea Classis" or "Poreo Classis" in the Ravenna Cosmography.
By 210 Severus' campaigning had made significant gains, despite Caledonian guerrilla tactics and purportedly heavy Roman casualties.
According to Cassius Dio: “Severus did not desist until he approached the extremity of the island. Here he observed most accurately the variation of the sun's motion and the length of the days and the nights in summer and winter respectively. Having thus been conveyed through practically the whole of the hostile country (for he actually was conveyed in a covered litter most of the way, on account of his infirmity), he returned to the friendly portion, after he had forced the Britons to come to terms, on the condition that they should abandon a large part of their territory.”
The Caledonians had sued for peace, which Severus had granted on the condition that they relinquished control of the Central Lowlands of Scotland, but later that year (210), they, along with the Maeatae, revolted. Severus prepared for another campaign, now intent on exterminating the Caledonians. However the campaign was cut short when Severus fell ill and withdrew south to Eboracum (York) where he died on 4 February 211. Severus was succeeded by his sons, Caracalla and Geta. Caracalla continued campaigning in Caledonia during 212 but soon settled for peace, and shortly after that the frontier was withdrawn south to Hadrian's Wall.
On his death, Severus was deified by the Senate and his remains were buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome.

CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THEM

*Alex

195 - 211, SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AR Denarius, Struck 210 at Rome, alluding to BritanniaObverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory seated on shield facing left, holding another shield resting on her knee in her right hand and palm branch in her left.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 2.35gms | Die Axis: 12h
RIC IV: 335 | RSC: 731 | SRCV: 6385 | SPINK: 651C
SCARCE

This coin commemorates the success of the Roman campaigns in Scotland during 209 and 210 culminating in the death of Severus at York, England, in February 211.

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS
Lucius Septimius Severus was Roman emperor from 193 to 211. He was born in Leptis Magna in the Roman province of Africa.
Severus seized power after the death of the emperor Pertinax in 193 (the Year of the Five Emperors).
After consolidating his rule over the western provinces, Severus waged a brief, successful war in the east against the Parthian Empire, sacked their capital Ctesiphon, expanded the eastern frontier to the Tigris and enlarged and fortified the Limes Arabicus in Arabia Petraea. In 202, he campaigned in Africa and Mauretania against the Garamantes, captured their capital Garama and expanded the Limes Tripolitanus along the southern desert frontier of the empire. In 198 he raised his elder son Caracalla to Augustus and in 209 did the same to his younger son, Geta.
In AD 209 Severus invaded Caledonia (modern Scotland) with an army of 50,000 men, but he fell fatally ill of an infectious disease in late 210 and died at Eboracum (York, England) early in 211.

SEVERUS' CAMPAIGNS IN BRITAIN
In 208 Septimius Severus travelled to Britain with the intention of conquering Caledonia (Scotland). Modern archaeological discoveries have helped to throw some light on the scope and direction of this northern campaign.
Severus began by occupying the territory up to the Antonine Wall, this is evidenced by extensive Severan era fortifications and the likely reoccupation of some of the forts on that wall. Over the previous years Hadrian's Wall had fallen into disrepair and Severus strengthened and repaired much of it, he did this to such an extent that many early Antiquarians thought that he was the emperor who had actually built it. Severus constructed a 165-acre (67 ha) camp south of the Antonine Wall at Trimontium, probably assembling the main body of his forces there. Severus then thrust north across the Antonine Wall into Caledonian territory, supported and supplied by a strong naval force. He retraced the steps of Agricola of over a century before, rebuilding many abandoned Roman forts along the east coast, and he re-garrisoned the naval base at Carpow, likely built by Commodus in 185, and possibly the place named as "Horrea Classis" or "Poreo Classis" in the Ravenna Cosmography.
By 210 Severus' campaigning had made significant gains, despite Caledonian guerrilla tactics and purportedly heavy Roman casualties.
According to Cassius Dio: “Severus did not desist until he approached the extremity of the island. Here he observed most accurately the variation of the sun's motion and the length of the days and the nights in summer and winter respectively. Having thus been conveyed through practically the whole of the hostile country (for he actually was conveyed in a covered litter most of the way, on account of his infirmity), he returned to the friendly portion, after he had forced the Britons to come to terms, on the condition that they should abandon a large part of their territory.”
The Caledonians had sued for peace, which Severus had granted on the condition that they relinquished control of the Central Lowlands of Scotland, but later that year (210), they, along with the Maeatae, revolted. Severus prepared for another campaign, now intent on exterminating the Caledonians. However the campaign was cut short when Severus fell ill and withdrew south to Eboracum (York) where he died on 4 February 211. Severus was succeeded by his sons, Caracalla and Geta. Caracalla continued campaigning in Caledonia during 212 but soon settled for peace, and shortly after that the frontier was withdrawn south to Hadrian's Wall.
On his death, Severus was deified by the Senate and his remains were buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome.

CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THEM

5 comments*Alex

195 - 211, SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AR Denarius, Struck 210 at Rome, alluding to BritanniaObverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory advancing right, holding wreath in her outstretched right hand and palm branch in her left.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 3.5gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC IV: 332 | RSC: 727 | SRCV: 6382 | SPINK: 650
SCARCE

This coin commemorates the success of the Roman campaigns in Scotland during 209 and 210 culminating in the death of Severus at York, England, in February 211.

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS
Lucius Septimius Severus was Roman emperor from 193 to 211. He was born in Leptis Magna in the Roman province of Africa.
Severus seized power after the death of the emperor Pertinax in 193 (the Year of the Five Emperors).
After consolidating his rule over the western provinces, Severus waged a brief, successful war in the east against the Parthian Empire, sacked their capital Ctesiphon, expanded the eastern frontier to the Tigris and enlarged and fortified the Limes Arabicus in Arabia Petraea. In 202, he campaigned in Africa and Mauretania against the Garamantes, captured their capital Garama and expanded the Limes Tripolitanus along the southern desert frontier of the empire. In 198 he raised his elder son Caracalla to Augustus and in 209 did the same to his younger son, Geta.
In AD 209 Severus invaded Caledonia (modern Scotland) with an army of 50,000 men, but he fell fatally ill of an infectious disease in late 210 and died at Eboracum (York, England) early in 211.

SEVERUS' CAMPAIGNS IN BRITAIN
In 208 Septimius Severus travelled to Britain with the intention of conquering Caledonia (Scotland). Modern archaeological discoveries have helped to throw some light on the scope and direction of this northern campaign.
Severus began by occupying the territory up to the Antonine Wall, this is evidenced by extensive Severan era fortifications and the likely reoccupation of some of the forts on that wall. Over the previous years Hadrian's Wall had fallen into disrepair and Severus strengthened and repaired much of it, he did this to such an extent that many early Antiquarians thought that he was the emperor who had actually built it. Severus constructed a 165-acre (67 ha) camp south of the Antonine Wall at Trimontium, probably assembling the main body of his forces there. Severus then thrust north across the Antonine Wall into Caledonian territory, supported and supplied by a strong naval force. He retraced the steps of Agricola of over a century before, rebuilding many abandoned Roman forts along the east coast, and he re-garrisoned the naval base at Carpow, likely built by Commodus in 185, and possibly the place named as "Horrea Classis" or "Poreo Classis" in the Ravenna Cosmography.
By 210 Severus' campaigning had made significant gains, despite Caledonian guerrilla tactics and purportedly heavy Roman casualties.
According to Cassius Dio: “Severus did not desist until he approached the extremity of the island. Here he observed most accurately the variation of the sun's motion and the length of the days and the nights in summer and winter respectively. Having thus been conveyed through practically the whole of the hostile country (for he actually was conveyed in a covered litter most of the way, on account of his infirmity), he returned to the friendly portion, after he had forced the Britons to come to terms, on the condition that they should abandon a large part of their territory.”
The Caledonians had sued for peace, which Severus had granted on the condition that they relinquished control of the Central Lowlands of Scotland, but later that year (210), they, along with the Maeatae, revolted. Severus prepared for another campaign, now intent on exterminating the Caledonians. However the campaign was cut short when Severus fell ill and withdrew south to Eboracum (York) where he died on 4 February 211. Severus was succeeded by his sons, Caracalla and Geta. Caracalla continued campaigning in Caledonia during 212 but soon settled for peace, and shortly after that the frontier was withdrawn south to Hadrian's Wall.
On his death, Severus was deified by the Senate and his remains were buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome.

CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THEM

1 comments*Alex

205Carausius 287-93AD
Antoninianus
Obv “IMP CARAVSIVS PF AVG”
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev “CONCORDIA MILITV”
Emperor and Concordia standing facing each other clasping hands
Camulodunum mint
-/-//C
RIC 205mauseus

245bisCarausius 287-93AD
Antoninianus
Obv "IMP C CARAVSIVS AVG"
Radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right
Rev "IOVI CONSERV"
Emperor standing left receiving globe from Jupiter
Camulodunum mint
-/-//SPC
RIC -1 commentsmauseus

286 - 293, CARAUSIUS, AE Antoninianus, struck 289 - 293 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: IMP C CARAVSIVS P F AVG. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Carausius facing right.
Reverse: PAX AVG. Pax standing facing left, holding olive branch in her right hand and vertical sceptre in left; across field, S - P: in exergue, MLXXI.
Diameter: 23mm | Weight: 3.9gms | Die Axis: 6h | Some remaining patches of silvering.
Unlisted. cf.RIC V ii : 98
VERY RARE

Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius, of Menapian origin and commander of the fleet under Maximianus, rebelled and set himself up as Emperor in Britain in A.D.287. Carausius thwarted all the attempts of Maximianus to recover the lost territory and even extended his authority over part of Gaul. In A.D.293 however, Constantius took over the struggle from Maximianus and succeeded in capturing Boulogne, Carausius' main stronghold on the Continent. Soon after this Carausius was murdered by his chief minister, Allectus, who succeeded to the throne.*Alex

7850 files on 88 page(s)