Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

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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

Golden Horde. temp. Töde Möngke (Mengu). AH 679-687 / AD 1280-1287. Æ Yarmaq – Multiple Pul (29mm, 7.08 g, 7h). Qrim (Crimea) mint. Undated issue. Cf. Album G2063; ICV – ; Zeno 44. Quant.Geek

Ghaznavid. Mahmud (AH 389-421 / AD 998-1030) Multiple Dirham AH 389 (AD 998/9) XF, Andaraba mint, 11.24g, A-1608. Quant.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

This is an 18 tray cabinet with trays of multiple recess sizes. The customer designed the layout of the trays with multiple sized recesses on them in order to display a variety of coins on the same trays. The first image was taken by me before shipping, and the other was provided by the customer.cmcdon0923

Here is a cabinet I built for a collector that combines multiple storage methods. There are several standard trays for raw coins, two open format drawers for thicker items such as slabs, two drawers for holding 2x2 flips/envelopes, and a single 4" deep drawer on the bottom.

CabinetsByCraig.net1 commentscmcdon0923

"As de Nîmes" or "crocodile" Ӕ dupondius of Nemausus (9 - 3 BC), honoring Augustus and AgrippaIMP DIVI F , Heads of Agrippa (left) and Augustus (right) back to back, Agrippa wearing rostral crown and Augustus the oak-wreath / COL NEM, crocodile right chained to palm-shoot with short dense fronds and tip right; two short palm offshoots left and right below, above on left a wreath with two long ties streaming right.

Ó”, 24.5 x 3+ mm, 13.23g, die axis 3h; on both sides there are remains of what appears to be gold plating, perhaps it was a votive offering? Rough edges and slight scrapes on flan typical for this kind of coin, due to primitive technology (filing) of flan preparation.

IMPerator DIVI Filius. Mint of COLonia NEMausus (currently Nîmes, France). Known as "As de Nîmes", it is actually a dupontius (lit. "two-pounder") = 2 ases (sometimes cut in halves to get change). Dupondii were often made out of a golden-colored copper alloy (type of brass) "orichalcum" and this appears to be such case.

Key ID points: oak-wreath (microphotography shows that at least one leaf has a complicated shape, although distinguishing oak from laurel is very difficult) – earlier versions have Augustus bareheaded, no PP on obverse as in later versions, no NE ligature, palm with short fronds with tip right (later versions have tip left and sometimes long fronds). Not typical: no clear laurel wreath together with the rostral crown, gold (?) plating (!), both features really baffling.

But still clearly a "middle" kind of the croc dupondius, known as "type III": RIC I 158, RPC I 524, Sear 1730. It is often conservatively dated to 10 BC - 10 AD, but these days it is usually narrowed to 9/8 - 3 BC.

It is a commemorative issue, honoring the victory over Mark Antony and conquest of Egypt in 30 BC. The heads of Augustus and Agrippa were probably positioned to remind familiar obverses of Roman republican coins with two-faced Janus. Palm branch was a common symbol of victory, in this case grown into a tree, like the victories of Augustus and Agrippa grown into the empire. The two offshoots at the bottom may mean two sons of Agrippa, Gaius and Lucius, who were supposed to be Augustus' heirs and were patrons of the colony. Palm may also be a symbol of the local Nemausian deity, which was probably worshiped in a sacred grove. When these coins were minted, the colony was mostly populated by the settled veterans of Augustus' campaigns, hence the reminiscence of the most famous victory, but some of the original Celtic culture probably survived and was assimilated by Romans. The crocodile is not only the symbol of Egypt, like in the famous Octavian's coins AEGYPTO CAPTA. It is also a representation of Mark Antony, powerful and scary both in water and on land, but a bit slow and stupid. The shape of the crocodile with tail up was specifically chosen to remind of the shape of ship on very common "legionary" denarius series, which Mark Antony minted to pay his armies just before Actium. It is probably also related to the popular contemporary caricature of Cleopatra, riding on and simultaneously copulating with a crocodile, holding a palm branch in her hand as if in triumph. There the crocodile also symbolized Mark Antony.

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was born c. 64-62 BC somewhere in rural Italy. His family was of humble and plebeian origins, but rich, of equestrian rank. Agrippa was about the same age as Octavian, and the two were educated together and became close friends. He probably first served in Caesar's Spanish campaign of 46–45 BC. Caesar regarded him highly enough to send him with Octavius in 45 BC to train in Illyria. When Octavian returned to Rome after Caesar's assassination, Agrippa became his close lieutenant, performing many tasks. He probably started his political career in 43 BC as a tribune of the people and then a member of the Senate. Then he was one of the leading Octavian's generals, finally becoming THE leading general and admiral in the civil wars of the subsequent years.

In 38 as a governor of Transalpine Gaul Agrippa undertook an expedition to Germania, thus becoming the first Roman general since Julius Caesar to cross the Rhine. During this foray he helped the Germanic tribe of Ubii (who previously allied themselves with Caesar in 55 BC) to resettle on the west bank of the Rhine. A shrine was dedicated there, possibly to Divus Caesar whom Ubii fondly remembered, and the village became known as Ara Ubiorum, "Altar of Ubians". This quickly would become an important Roman settlement. Agrippina the Younger, Agrippa's granddaughter, wife of Emperor Claudius and mother of Emperor Nero, would be born there in 15 AD. In 50 AD she would sponsor this village to be upgraded to a colonia, and it would be renamed Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (colony of Claudius [at] the Altar of Agrippinians – Ubii renamed themselves as Agrippinians to honor the augusta!), abbreviated as CCAA, later to become the capital of new Roman province, Germania Inferior.

In 37 BC Octavian recalled Agrippa back to Rome and arranged for him to win the consular elections, he desperately needed help in naval warfare with Sextus Pompey, the youngest son of Pompey the Great, who styled himself as the last supporter of the republican cause, but in reality became a pirate king, an irony since his father was the one who virtually exterminated piracy in all the Roman waters. He forced humiliating armistice on the triumvirs in 39 BC and when Octavian renewed the hostilities a year later, defeated him in a decisive naval battle of Messina. New fleet had to be built and trained, and Agrippa was the man for the job. Agrippa's solution was creating a huge secret naval base he called Portus Iulius by connecting together lakes Avernus, Avernus and the natural inner and outer harbors behind Cape Misenum at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. He also created a larger type of ship and developed a new naval weapon: harpax – a ballista-launched grapnel shot with mechanisms that allowed pulling enemy ships close for easy boarding. It replaced the previous boarding device that Romans used since the First Punic War, corvus – effective, but extremely cumbersome. A later defence against it were scythe blades on long poles for cutting ropes, but since this invention was developed in secret, the enemy had no chance to prepare anything like it. It all has proved extremely effective: in a series of naval engagements Agrippa annihilated the fleet of Sextus, forced him to abandon his bases and run away. For this Agrippa was awarded an unprecedented honour that no Roman before or after him received: a rostral crown, "corona rostrata", a wreath decorated in front by a prow and beak of a ship.

That's why Virgil (Aeneid VIII, 683-684), describing Agrippa at Actium, says: "…belli insigne superbum, tempora navali fulgent rostrata corona." "…the proud military decoration, gleams on his brow the naval rostral crown". Actium, the decisive battle between forces of Octavian and Mark Antony, may appear boring compared to the war with Sextus, but it probably turned out this way due to Agrippa's victories in preliminary naval engagements and taking over all the strategy from Octavian.

In between the wars Agrippa has shown an unusual talent in city planning, not only constructing many new public buildings etc., but also greatly improving Rome's sanitation by doing a complete overhaul of all the aqueducts and sewers. Typically, it was Augustus who later would boast that "he had found the city of brick but left it of marble", forgetting that, just like in his naval successes, it was Agrippa who did most of the work. Agrippa had building programs in other Roman cities as well, a magnificent temple (currently known as Maison Carrée) survives in Nîmes itself, which was probably built by Agrippa.

Later relationship between Augustus and Agrippa seemed colder for a while, Agrippa seemed to even go into "exile", but modern historians agree that it was just a ploy: Augustus wanted others to think that Agrippa was his "rival" while in truth he was keeping a significant army far away from Rome, ready to come to the rescue in case Augustus' political machinations fail. It is confirmed by the fact that later Agrippa was recalled and given authority almost equal to Augustus himself, not to mention that he married Augustus' only biological child. The last years of Agrippa's life were spent governing the eastern provinces, were he won respect even of the Jews. He also restored Crimea to Roman Empire. His last service was starting the conquest of the upper Danube, were later the province of Pannonia would be. He suddenly died of illness in 12 BC, aged ~51.

Agrippa had several children through his three marriages. Through some of his children, Agrippa would become ancestor to many subsequent members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He has numerous other legacies.Yurii P

*FAKE* Pegasos: Epirus, Ambrakia AR Stater, Unpublished die-combination(?) EDIT : NOW CONFIRMED MODERN FAKE

Greek (Classical). Epirus, Ambrakia. AR Stater (8.42g, 20mm). Mid-4th cent. BCE.
Obv: Peagasos flying right, A below. Rev: Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet; spear to right.
Ref: Unpublished in Ravel Colts or refs consulted. Obv die: Ravel A58. Rev: Ravel P110.
Prov: Ex-VAuctions 353 / Pars Sale 9 (5 Oct 2020) Lot 31 (corr., Anaktorion?); VAuctions Pars Sale 6 (20 Apr 2020), Lot 56 (corr. same).
Notes: Struck with two later-state dies: The obv. was re-engraved after CNG 93, 217 was struck: [LINK-ACSearch]. The rev. die may be most interesting: Among various specimens, a die crack in the left field appears in multiple states. Here, it looks like a dolphin or hippocamp; comparing various coins, perhaps a die crack was quickly re-engraved to appear as field symbol (to stop it expanding?). One other example from both dies is listed in the Pars VCoins shop (item # PCW-G6511).1 commentsCurtis JJ

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
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01 - Julian II - Silver Siliqua - VowsRoman Empire
Emperor Julian II (355 - 363 AD, sole reign from 361 - 363 AD)
Silver Siliqua, Constantinople Mint, struck 361 - 363 AD.

obv: DN JULIANUS P F AUG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front.
rev: VOTIS V MULTIS X within wreath, 'P CON' in exergue.

Size: 19 mm
Weight: 1.9 Grams
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01 - Julian II - Silver Siliqua - Vows - 001 Roman Empire, 4th century AD Silver Siliqua.
Emperor Julian II (355 - 363 AD, sole reign from 361 - 363 AD)
Silver Siliqua, struck 361 - 363 AD, Constantinople Mint, Prima Officinae.

obverse: " DN JULIANUS P F AUG " - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front.

reverse: " VOTIS V MULTIS X " - within wreath, '' P CON '' in exergue (below), for Constantinople mint.

Size: 19 dia.
Weight: 1.9 Grams
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01 - Julian II - Silver Siliqua - Vows - Reverse.Roman Empire
Emperor Julian II (355 - 363 AD, sole reign from 361 - 363 AD)
Silver Siliqua, Constantinople Mint, struck 361 - 363 AD.

obv: DN JULIANUS P F AUG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front.
rev: VOTIS V MULTIS X within wreath, 'P CON' in exergue.

Size: 19 mm
Weight: 1.9 Grams
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01 - Julian II - Silver Siliqua - Vows - Reverse. BRIGHT.Roman Empire
Emperor Julian II (355 - 363 AD, sole reign from 361 - 363 AD)
Silver Siliqua, Constantinople Mint, struck 361 - 363 AD.

obv: DN JULIANUS P F AUG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front.
rev: VOTIS V MULTIS X within wreath, 'P CON' in exergue.

Size: 19 mm
Weight: 1.9 Grams
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Slightly off color photo; too much lighting.
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01-40 - AUGUSTO (27 A.C. - 14 D.C.)AE Cuadrante (Serie de los Triunviros Monetales) 18 mm 2.7 gr.
4 Legados Monetarios fueron designados cada año en 5 y 4 A.C., aunque curiosamente continuaron labrándose “triunviro III VIR”. Las cuñaciones en 5 A.C. (Legados APRONIUS, GALUS, MESSALLA y SISENNA) son desconcertantemente complejas, exhibiendo una multiplicidad de combinaciones de los cuatro nombres en anverso y reverso.

Anv: "MESSALLA SISENNA III VIR" - Leyenda alrededor de un yunque o altar.
Rev: "GALVS APRONIVS A A A F F" - Leyenda alrededor de gran "S C ".

Las leyendas NO coinciden con las listadas en toda la Bibliografía que poseo, solo en RIC Vol.1 Nota de pié de página 77 menciona que CBN #777/8 lista 2 "imitaciones" con la leyenda coincidente con esta moneda, al no lucir como imitaciones RIC las atribuye a simples confusiones de los acuñadores al permutar las leyendas
Acuñada 5 A.C.
Ceca: Roma
Referencias: RIC Vol.1 #447 var Pag.77 - CBN #777/8 (Como Imitaciones) - Sear RCTV #1699-1702 var Pag.333/4 - Cohen Vol.1 #420/25 var Pag.122 - DVM #110 var Pag.71 - BMCRE #258nmdelvalle

01-40 - AUGUSTO (27 A.C. - 14 D.C.)AE Cuadrante (Serie de los Triunviros Monetales) 18 mm 2.7 gr.
4 Legados Monetarios fueron designados cada año en 5 y 4 A.C., aunque curiosamente continuaron labrándose “triunviro III VIR”. Las cuñaciones en 5 A.C. (Legados APRONIUS, GALUS, MESSALLA y SISENNA) son desconcertantemente complejas, exhibiendo una multiplicidad de combinaciones de los cuatro nombres en anverso y reverso.

Anv: "MESSALLA SISENNA III VIR" - Leyenda alrededor de un yunque o altar.
Rev: "GALVS APRONIVS A A A F F" - Leyenda alrededor de gran "S C ".

Las leyendas NO coinciden con las listadas en toda la Bibliografía que poseo, solo en RIC Vol.1 Nota de pié de página 77 menciona que CBN #777/8 lista 2 "imitaciones" con la leyenda coincidente con esta moneda, al no lucir como imitaciones RIC las atribuye a simples confusiones de los acuñadores al permutar las leyendas

Acuñada 5 A.C.
Ceca: Roma

Referencias: RIC Vol.1 #447 var Pag.77 - CBN #777/8 (Como Imitaciones) - Sear RCTV #1699-1702 var Pag.333/4 - Cohen Vol.1 #420/25 var Pag.122 - DVM #110 var Pag.71 - BMCRE #258nmdelvalle

013 - Jovian (363-364), AE3 - RIC 118AObv: DN IOVIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VOT / V / MULT / X within wreath.
Minted in Sirmium (ASIRM in exe), first officina, 363-364 AD.pierre_p77

037a. Philip I The ArabAugustus 244 - 249

Arab origin from Syria; son of an Arab chieftain who had attained Roman equestrian rank. Philip was the Praetorian Prefect under Gordian III and almost certainly engineered his fall. On Gordian's death, Philip was proclaimed emperor. He had good relations with the Senate. The major domestic event during his reign was the celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Rome, for which he and his family struck a series of coins. He faced significant economic and border problems, to include having to deal with multiple usurpers. One of his generals, Trajan Decius, marched against him and in battle of Verona, Philip was killed either in battle or by own troops.lawrence c

046a. GallienusCo-Augustus (with Valerian) 253 -260
Sole Augustus 260 - 268

After Valerian was seized by the Sasanids, Gallienus took control in the midst of a security crisis. It did not get any better for him as the central government lost control of Gaul, Britain, and Spain. Gallienus had shown earlier that he was an able commander, but he was unable to cope with the multiple threats. In operations against Aureolus, Gallienus killed by one of his own officers. Future emperors Claudius II and Aurelian were involved in the plot.lawrence c

098-117 AD - TRAJAN AE dupondius - struck 99-100 ADobv: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM PM (radiate head right)
rev: TR POT COS III PP (Abundantia seated left with scepter, on chair formed of two cornuacopiae), S-C in ex
ref: RIC II 411 (C), C.629(2frcs)
12.40gms, 26mm

After cleaning this coin looks like this, a multi-layered brass dupondius.berserker

1) Julius Caesar ElephantJULIUS CAESAR.
AR Denarius.
49-48 BC.
Military Mint traveling with Caesar in Gaul

CAESAR in exergue, elephant right, trampling on serpent / Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priest's hat.

Cr443/1; Syd 1006; BMCRR (Gaul) 27, RSC 49, Sear5 #1399

Good Fine, multiple bankers' marks
RM0031Sosius

104. Antoninus Pius & Marcus AureliusAntoninus Pius & Marcus Aurelius

In preparation for the succession, Antoninus' daughter Faustina married Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 145 and she soon became Augusta in place of her deceased mother. Marcus Aurelius was associated in imperial powers and he and L. Verus both held the consulship multiple times in preparation for their accession. In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius expressed his enduring love and respect for his adoptive father: "Do all things as a disciple of Antoninus. Think of his constancy in every act rationally undertaken, his invariable equability, his piety, his serenity of countenance, his sweetness of disposition, his contempt for the bubble of fame, and his zeal for getting a true grasp of affairs."

Check

Sestertius. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right / AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII COS S-C. Cohen 34. ecoli

104a. Faustina Sr In Roman mythology, Pietas was the goddess of duty to one's state, gods and family.

Pietas was also one of the Roman virtues, along with gravitas and dignitas. Pietas is usually translated as "duty" or "devotion," and it simultaneously suggests duty to the gods and duty to family (which is expanded to duty to the community and duty to the state thanks to the analogy between the family and the state, conventional in the ancient world – see, for example, Plato's Crito). Vergil's hero Aeneas embodies this virtue, and is particularly emblematic of it in book II of the Aeneid when he flees burning Troy bearing his father on his back and carrying his household gods.

Faustina Sr Æ As. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS, SC in field, Pietas standing left, by altar, right hand raised, holding incense box in left hand.

RIC 1161, Cohen 43, BMC 1558

Check
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1ad Cleopatra VII51-29 BC

Alexandria, 80 Drachmai

Diademed, draped bust, right, KLEOPATRAS BASILIS[SHS]
Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, cornucopia in left field, mark of value P (= 80) in right field

Svoronos 1871

Plutarch wrote: [Cleopatra] was to meet Antony in the time of life when women's beauty is most splendid, and their intellects are in full maturity. . . . She received several letters, both from Antony and from his friends, to summon her, but she took no account of these orders; and at last, as if in mockery of them, she came sailing up the river Cydnus, in a barge with gilded stern and outspread sails of purple, while oars of silver beat time to the music of flutes and fifes and harps. She herself lay all along under a canopy of cloth of gold, dressed as Venus in a picture, and beautiful young boys, like painted Cupids, stood on each side to fan her. Her maids were dressed like sea nymphs and graces, some steering at the rudder, some working at the ropes. The perfumes diffused themselves from the vessel to the shore, which was covered with multitudes, part following the galley up the river on either bank, part running out of the city to see the sight. The market-place was quite emptied, and Antony at last was left alone sitting upon the tribunal; while the word went through all the multitude, that Venus was come to feast with Bacchus, for the common good of Asia. On her arrival, Antony sent to invite her to supper. She thought it fitter he should come to her; so, willing to show his good-humour and courtesy, he complied, and went. . . . For her actual beauty, it is said, was not in itself so remarkable that none could be compared with her, or that no one could see her without being struck by it, but the contact of her presence, if you lived with her, was irresistible; the attraction of her person, joining with the charm of her conversation, and the character that attended all she said or did, was something bewitching. It was a pleasure merely to hear the sound of her voice, with which, like an instrument of many strings, she could pass from one language to another; so that there were few of the barbarian nations that she answered by an interpreter. . . .Blindado

1ds Diocletian284-305

AE antoninianus

Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust, right, IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
Zeus and Diocletian, CONCORDIA MILITVM

RIC 284B

According to the Historia Augusta, after the death of Numerian: Then a huge assembly was held and a tribunal, too, was constructed. And when the question was asked who would be the most lawful avenger of Numerian and who could be given to the commonwealth as a good emperor, then all, with a heaven-sent unanimity, conferred the title of Augustus on Diocletian. . . . He was at this time in command of the household-troops, an outstanding man and wise, devoted to the commonwealth, devoted to his kindred, duly prepared to face whatever the occasion demanded, forming plans that were always deep though sometimes over-bold, and one who could by prudence and exceeding firmness hold in check the impulses of a restless spirit. This man, then, having ascended the tribunal was hailed as Augustus, and when someone asked how Numerian had been slain, he drew his sword and pointing to Aper, the prefect of the guard, he drove it through him, saying as he did so, "It is he who contrived Numerian's death.''

Eutropius summarized a long and important reign: DIOCLETIAN, a native of Dalmatia, [was] of such extremely obscure birth, that he is said by most writers to have been the son of a clerk, but by some to have been a freedman of a senator named Anulinus. . . . He soon after overthrew Carinus, who was living under the utmost hatred and detestation, in a great battle at Margum, Carinus being betrayed by his own troops, for though he had a greater number of men than the enemy, he was altogether abandoned by them between Viminacium and mount Aureus. He thus became master of the Roman empire; and when the peasants in Gaul made an insurrection, giving their faction the name of Bagaudae, and having for leaders Amandus and Aelianus, he despatched Maximian Herculius, with the authority of Caesar, to suppress them. Maximian, in a few battles of little importance, subdued the rustic multitude, and restored peace to Gaul. . . .

Diocletian promoted MAXIMIAN HERCULIUS from the dignity of Caesar to that of emperor, and created Constantius and Maximian Galerius Caesars, of whom Constantius is said to have been the grand-nephew of Claudius by a daughter, and Maximian Galerius to have been born in Dacia not far from Sardica. That he might also unite them by affinity, Constantius married Theodora the step-daughter of Herculius, by whom he had afterwards six children, brothers to Constantine; while Galerius married Valeria, the daughter of Diocletian; both being obliged to divorce the wives that they had before. . . .

Diocletian, meanwhile, besieging Achilleus in Alexandria, obliged him to surrender about eight months after, and put him to death. He used his victory, indeed, cruelly, and distressed all Egypt with severe proscriptions and massacres. Yet at the same time he made many judicious arrangements and regulations, which continue to our own days. . . .

Diocletian was of a crafty disposition, with much sagacity, and keen penetration. He was willing to gratify his own disposition to cruelty in such a way as to throw the odium upon others; he was however a very active and able prince. He was the first that introduced into the Roman empire a ceremony suited rather to royal usages than to Roman liberty, giving orders that he should be adored, whereas all emperors before him were only saluted. He put ornaments of precious stones on his dress and shoes, when the imperial distinction had previously been only in the purple robe, the rest of the habit being the same as that of other men. . . .

But when Diocletian, as age bore heavily upon him, felt himself unable to sustain the government of the empire, he suggested to Herculius that they should both retire into private life, and commit the duty of upholding the state to more vigorous and youthful hands. With this suggestion his colleague reluctantly complied. Both of them, in the same day, exchanged the robe of empire for an ordinary dress, Diocletian at Nicomedia, Herculius at Milan, soon after a magnificent triumph which they celebrated at Rome over several nations, with a noble succession of pictures, and in which the wives, sisters, and children of Narseus were led before their chariots. The one then retired to Salonae, and the other into Lucania.

Diocletian lived to an old age in a private station, at a villa which is not far from Salonae, in honourable retirement, exercising extraordinary philosophy, inasmuch as he alone of all men, since the foundation of the Roman empire, voluntarily returned from so high a dignity to the condition of private life, and to an equality with the other citizens. That happened to him, therefore, which had happened to no one since men were created, that, though he died in a private condition, he was enrolled among the gods. Blindado

1dt Maximianus286-305, 306-308, 310

Quarter Follis

Laureate head, right, IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS P F AVG
Genius standing left, with modius on head, cornucopia & patera, GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, SIS in exergue

RIC 146

Eutropius records: [Diocletian] thus became master of the Roman empire; and when the peasants in Gaul made an insurrection, giving their faction the name of Bagaudae, and having for leaders Amandus and Aelianus, he despatched Maximian Herculius, with the authority of Caesar, to suppress them. Maximian, in a few battles of little importance, subdued the rustic multitude, and restored peace to Gaul. . . . While disorder thus prevailed throughout the world, while Carausius was taking arms in Britain and Achilleus in Egypt, while the Quinquegentiani were harassing Africa, and Narseus was making war upon the east, Diocletian promoted MAXIMIAN HERCULIUS from the dignity of Caesar to that "of emperor, and created Constantius and Maximian Galerius Caesars. . . .

Maximian the emperor, brought the war to an end in Africa, by subduing the Quinquegentiani, and compelling them to make peace. . . .

Herculius was undisguisedly cruel, and of a violent temper, and showed his severity of disposition in the sternness of his looks. Gratifying his own inclination, he joined with Diocletian in even the most cruel of his proceedings. But when Diocletian, as age bore heavily upon him, felt himself unable to sustain the government of the empire, he suggested to Herculius that they should both retire into private life, and commit the duty of upholding the state to more vigorous and youthful hands. With this suggestion his colleague reluctantly complied. Both of them, in the same day, exchanged the robe of empire for an ordinary dress, Diocletian at Nicomedia, Herculius at Milan, soon after a magnificent triumph which they celebrated at Rome over several nations, with a noble succession of pictures, and in which the wives, sisters, and children of Narseus were led before their chariots. The one then retired to Salonae, and the other into Lucania.

But after the death of Constantius, CONSTANTINE, his son by a wife of obscure birth, was made emperor in Britain, and succeeded his father as a most desirable ruler. In the meantime the praetorian guards at Rome, having risen in insurrection, declared MAXENTIUS, the son of Maximian Herculius, who lived in the Villa Publica not far from the city, emperor. At the news of this proceeding, Maximian, filled with hopes of regaining the imperial dignity, which he had not willingly resigned, hurried to Rome from Lucania. . . , and stimulated Diocletian by letters to resume the authority that he had laid down, letters which Diocletian utterly disregarded. Severus Caesar, being despatched to Rome by Galerius to suppress the rising of the guards and Maxentius, arrived there with his army, but, as he was laying siege to the city, was deserted through the treachery of his soldiers.

The power of Maxentius was thus increased, and his government established. Severus, taking to flight, was killed at Ravenna. Maximian Herculius, attempting afterwards, in an assembly of the army, to divest his son Maxentius of his power, met with nothing but mutiny and reproaches from the soldiery. He then set out for Gaul, on a planned stratagem, as if he had been driven away by his son, that he might join his son-in-law Constantine, designing, however, if he could find an opportunity, to cut off Constantine, who was ruling in Gaul with great approbation both of the soldiers and the people of the province, having overthrown the Franks and Alemanni with great slaughter, and captured their kings, whom, on exhibiting a magnificent show of games, he exposed to wild beasts. But the plot being made known by Maximian's daughter Fausta, who communicated the design to her husband, Maximian was cut off at Marseilles, whence he was preparing to sail to join his son, and died a well-deserved death. . . .Blindado

1eo Jovian363-364

AE 3, Heraclea

Diademed bust left, draped & cuirassed, D N IOVIANVS P F AVG
VOT V MVLT X in wreath, Mintmark HERACA

RIC 110A

Zosimus recorded: A meeting of the officers and soldiers was afterwards convened, in order to appoint a successor to the empire : since it would be impossible for them without a ruler to avoid the dangers to which they were exposed in the midst of an enemy's country. The general voice was in favour of Jovianus, the son of Varronianus, tribune of the domestic forces. When Jovian had assumed the purple and the diadem, he directed his course homewards with all possible speed. . . . They then marched forward four days, continually harassed by the enemy, who followed them when they were proceeding, but fled when the Romans offered any resistance. At length, having gained some distance of the enemy, they resolved to crops the Tigris. For this purpose they fastened skins together, and floated over. When the greater part had gained the opposite bank, the commanders crossed over in safety with the remainder. The Persians, however, still accompanied them, and followed them with a large army so assiduously, that the Romans were in perpetual danger, both from the unfavourable circumstances in which they were placed, and from the want, of provisions. Although the Roman army was in this condition, the Persians were willing to treat for peace, and for that purpose sent Surenas with other |90 officers to the Roman camp. Jovian, upon hearing this, sent to them Sallustius, prefect of the court, together with Aristaeus, who, after some discussion, agreed on a truce for thirty years. The conditions were, that the Romans should give up to the Persians the country of the Rabdiceni, and that of the Candueni, Rhemeni, and Zaleni, besides fifteen castles in those provinces, with the inhabitants, lands, cattle, and all their property ; that Nisibis should be surrendered without its inhabitants, who were to be transplanted into whatever colony the Remans pleased. The Persians also deprived the Romans of great part of Armenia, leaving them but a very small part of it. The truce having been concluded on these conditions, and ratified on both sides, the Romans had an opportunity of returning home unmolested, neither party offering or sustaining any injury, either by open force; or secret machination.

Jovian marched through all the towns in great speed, because they were so filled with grief [because they were being given over to Persian rule], that the inhabitants could not look patiently on him; such being the custom and disposition of those countries. Taking with him the imperial guard, he proceeded to Antioch. . . . Jovian now turning his attention to the affairs of government, made various arrangements, and sent Lucilianus his father-in-law, Procopius, and Valentinian, who was afterwards emperor, to the armic.s in Pannoriia, to inform them of the death of Julian, and of his being chosen emperor. The Bavarians who were at Sirmium, and were left there for its protection, as soon as they received the news, put to death Lucilianus who brought such unwelcome intelligence, without regard to his relationship to the emperor. Such was the respect they had to Jovian's relations, that Valentinian himself only escaped from the death they intended to inflict on him. Jovianus proceeding from Antioch towards Constantinople, suddenly fell sick at Dadostana in Bithynia, and died after a reign of eight months, in which short time he had not been able to render the public any essential service.
Blindado

1er Procopius365-366

AE3

Diademed, draped & cuirassed bust left, D N PROCOPIVS P F AVG
Procopius standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand, left resting on shield set on the ground; Chi-rho in upper right field & unidentified object in left at foot; mintmark CONS Gamma.

RIC 17a

Zosimus tells us: On [Valens'] departure from Constantinople, the rebellion of Procopius commenced. This person had been intrusted by Julian, being one of his relations, with a part of his forces, and had been charged to march with Sebastianus through Adiabene, and to meet Julian, who took another route. Permission, moreover, was given him to wear a purple robe, for a reason which no other person was acquainted with. But the deity being pleased to ordain it otherwise, and Jovian having succeeded to the imperial dignity, Procopius immediately delivered up the imperial robe which he had received from Julian, confessing why it had been given to him, and entreating the emperor to absolve him from his military oath, and to allow him to live in retirement, and to attend to agriculture and his own private affairs. Having obtained this, he went with his wife and children to Caesarea in Cappadocia, intending to reside in that place, where he possessed a valuable estate. During his abode there, Valentinian and Valens being made emperors, and being suspicious of him, sent persons to take him into custody. In that they found no difficulty, for he surrendered himself voluntarily; and desired them to carry him wherever they pleased, if they would suffer him first to see his children. To this they consented, and he prepared an entertainment for them. When he perceived them to be intoxicated, he and his family fled towards the Taurica Chersonesus. Having remained there for some time, he found the inhabitants to he a faithless race, and was apprehensive lest they should deliver him to his persecutors. He, therefore, put himself and his family on board a trading vessel, and arrived in the night at Constantinople. He there resided in the house of an old acquaintance, and making observations on the state of the city after the departure of the emperor, he attempted to raise himself to the empire, and formed his design on the following incident.

A eunuch, named Eugenius, had not long before been discharged from the court, who entertained but little friendship for the emperors. Procopius therefore won this man to his interest. . . . Their first attempt was to bribe the court guards, which consisted of two legions. Then arming the slaves, and collecting with ease a considerable multitude, chiefly volunteers, they sent them in the night into the city, and occasioned a general commotion; the people issuing from their houses, and gazing on Procopiusas on a king made in a theatre. But the city being in general confusion, and no person being sufficiently collected in mind by reason of the surprise to know how to act, Procopius imagined his design to be still undiscovered, and that he might secure the empire if the enterprise were no further revealed. Having then seized on Cesarius, whom the emperors had made prefect of the city, and on Nebridius, who was appointed to succeed Sallustius in tbe prefecture of the court, he compelled them to write to the subjects of the empire whatever he wished. He also kept them separate, that they might not consult with each other. Having formed these projects, he proceeded in a splendid manner towards the palace. Ascending a tribunal before the gate, he gave the people great hopes and promises. He then entered the palace to provide for the remainder of his affairs.

The new emperors having divided the army between them, Procopius determined to send persons to the soldiers, who were as yet in confusion, and went by the command of the emperors from place to place without any order. He thus hoped to seduce some of them to his party. Nor did he fail of accomplishing his purpose with ease by distributing money amongst the soldiers and their officers; by which means he collected a considerable force, and prepared to make an open attack on the enemy. Procopius then sent Marcellus into Bithynia with an army against Serenianus and the imperial cavalry that was under his command, in hope of cutting them to pieces. This force having fled to Cyzicus, Marcellus, whose army was superior to theirs both by sea and land, took possession of that town; and having taken Serenianus, who fled into Lydia, put him to death. Procopius was so elevated by this fortunate commencement, that his forces considerably augmented, many being of opinion that he was able to contend with the emperors. Both the Roman legions and the Barbarian troops now flocked to his standard. Besides the reputation of being related to Julian, and of having accompanied him in all the wars he had ever been engaged in, attracted many partizans. He likewise sent ambassadors to the chief of Scythia beyond the Ister, who sent to his assistance ten thousand men. The other Barbarian nations likewise sent auxiliaries to share in the expedition. Procopius however considered that it would be imprudent in him to engage with both emperors together, and therefore thought it best to advance against him who was nearest, and afterwards deliberate on what course to pursue.

Thus was Procopius employed; while the emperor Valens, who heard of this insurrection at Galatia in Phrygia, was filled with consternation at the news. Arbitrio having encouraged him not to despair, he prepared the troops that were with him for war, and sent to his brother to inform him of the designs of Procopius. Valentinian however was little disposed for sending auxiliaries to one who was incapable of defending the empire committed to his charge. Valens was therefore under the necessity of. preparing for war, and appointed Arbitrio to the command of his army. When the armies were ready to engage, Arbitrio circumvented Procopius by a stratagem, and thereby seduced from him a great number of his men, from whom he received previous information of the designs of Procopius. On the advance of the emperor and Procopius towards each other, the two armies met near Thyatira. Procopius at first appeared to have the advantage, by which he would have gained the supreme authority, Hormisdas in the engagement having overpowered the enemy. But Gomarius, another of the commanders of Procopius, imparting his intention to all the soldiers of Procopius who were attached to the emperor, in the midst of the battle cried out Augustus, and gave a signal for them to imitate his example. Thus the most of the troops of Procopius went over to Valens.

After having obtained this victory, Valens marched to Sardes, and from thence into Phrygia, where he found Procopius in a town called Nacolia. Affairs having been ordered for the advantage of the emperor by Naplo, an officer of Procopius, Valens again prevailed, and took him prisoner, and soon afterwards Marcellus, both of whom he put to death. Blindado

1eu Theodosius379-395

AE4

Pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right, D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG
VOT V MVLT X within wreath, ASISC in ex

RIC 29d

Zosimus recorded: [Valentinian] commanded some legions from the stations in Pannonia and Moesia, to embark for Africa [to crush a rebellion]. On this the Sarmatians and the Quadi. . . , availing themselves, of the opportunity afforded by the departure of the legions for Africa, invaded the Pannonians and Moesians. . . . The barbarians therefore revenged themselves by plundering all the country along the Ister, carrying off all that they found in the towns. The Pannonians were by these means exposed to the cruelty of the barbarians, while the soldiers were extremely negligent in the defence of their towns, and committed as much mischief as the Barbarians themselves in all places on this side of the river. But Moesia was free from harm, because Theodosius, who commanded the forces there, courageously resisted the Barbarians, and routed them when they attacked him. By that victory he not only acquired great renown, but subsequently attained the imperial dignity. . . .

When the affairs of the empire were reduced to this low condition, Victor, who commanded the Roman cavalry, escaping the danger with some of his troops, entered Macedon and Thessaly. From thence he proceeded into Moesia and Pannonia, and informed Gratian, who was then in that quarter, of what had occurred, and of the loss of the emperor [Valens] and his army. Gratian received the intelligence without uneasiness, and was little grieved at the death of his uncle, a disagreement having existed between them. Finding himself unable to manage affairs, Thrace being ravaged by the Barbarians, as were likewise Pannonia and Moesia, and the towns upon the Rhine being infested by the neighbouring Barbarians without controul, he chose for his associate in the empire, Theodosius, who was a native of a town called Cauca, in the part of Spain called Hispania Callaecia, and who possessed great knowledge and experience of military affairs. Having given him the government of Thrace and the eastern provinces, Gratian himself proceeded to the west of Gaul, in order, if possible, to compose affairs in that quarter. . . .

During the stay of the new emperor, Theodosius, at Thesslonica, a great concourse arrived there from all parts of persons soliciting him on business, both public and private; who having obtained of him whatever he could conveniently grant, returned, to their homes. As a great multitude of the Scythians beyond the Ister, the Gotthi, and the Taiphali, and other tribes that formerly dwelt among them, had crossed the river, and were driven to infest the Roman dominions, because the Huns, had expelled them from their own country, the emperor Theodosius prepared for war with all his forces. . . . The army having made this good use of the occasion afforded by fortune, the affairs of Thrace, which had been on the brink of ruin, were now, the Barbarians being crushed beyond all hope, re-established in peace. . . .

Meanwhile, the emperor Theodosius, residing in Thessalonica, was easy of access to all who wished to see him. Having commenced his reign in luxury and indolence, he threw the magistracy into disorder, and increased the number of his military officers. . . . As he squandered the public money without consideration, bestowing it on unworthy persons, he consequently impoverished himself. He therefore sold the government of provinces to any who would purchase them, without regard to the reputation or ablity of the persons, esteeming him the best qualified who brought him the most gold or silver. . . .

Maximus, who deemed his appointments inferior to his merits, being only governor of the countries formerly under Gratian, projected how to depose the young Valentinian from the empire. . . . This so much surprised Valentinian, and rendered his situation so desperate, that his courtiers were alarmed lest he should be taken by Maximus and put to death. He, therefore, immediately embarked,and sailed to Thessalonica with his mother Justina. . . . [A]rriving at Thessalonica, they sent messengers to the emperor Theodosius, intreating him now at least to revenge the injuries committed against the family of Valentinian. . . . The emperor, being delivered from this alarm, marched with great resolution with his whole army against Maximus. . . . Theodosius, having passed through Pannonia and the defiles of the Appennines, attacked unawares the forces of Maximus before they were prepared for him. A part of his army, having pursued them with the utmost speed, forced their way through the gates of Aquileia, the guards being too few to resist them. Maximus was torn from his imperial throne while in the act of distributing money to his soldiers, and being stripped of his imperial robes, was brought to Theodosius, who, having in reproach enumerated some of his crimes against the commonwealth, delivered him to the common executioner to receive due punishment. . . . The emperor Theodosius, having consigned Italy, Spain, Celtica, and Libya to his son Honorius, died of a disease on his journey towards Constantinople. Blindado

2) The Pompeians: Sicinia 1Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius.
AR Denarius, 49 BC. Mint in the east moving with Pompey.

Q. SICINIVS III. VIR, diademed head of Apollo right; star below; multiple bankers' marks / C. COPONIVS. PR. S. C., club of Hercules, arrow & bow.
RM0023

Crawford 444/1a; Syd 939, Sicinia 1, Sear5 #413Sosius

4) Antony: SosiusGAIUS SOSIUS
General to Antony
Æ 26mm (14.5 g). ~ 38 BC.
Cilicia, Uncertain Mint.

Bare head right / Fiscus, sella, quaestoria and hasta; Q below.

Coin has been attributed to multiple rulers, including Julius Caesar, Augustus and Brutus. Now believed to be Sosius, General to Antony and Governor of Syria.

RPC I 5409; Laffaille 324; Grant, FITA, pg. 13. aFine, brown patina, scratches. Rare.
0001SOS

Sosius was wily and accomplished man. A talented general, he received a triumph. However, he consistently picked the wrong side in Rome's Civil Wars (Senate vs. Caesar, then Antony vs. Octavian) yet somehow managed to keep his head.

According to Wikipedia:

Gaius Sosius was a Roman general and politician.

Gaius Sosius was elected quaestor in 66 BC and praetor in 49 BC. Upon the start of the civil war, he joined the party of the Senate and Pompey. Upon the flight of Pompey to Greece, Sosius returned to Rome and submitted to Julius Caesar.

After the assassination of Caesar, Sosius joined the party of Mark Antony, by whom in 38 BC he was appointed governor of Syria and Cilicia in the place of Publius Ventidius. As governor, Sosius was commanded by Antony to support Herod against Antigonus the Hasmonean, when the latter was in possession of Jerusalem. In 37 BC, he advanced against Jerusalem and after he became master of the city, Sosius placed Herod upon the throne. In return for this services, he was awarded a triumph in 34 BC, and he became consul along with Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus as his colleague in 32 BC.

When civil war broke out between Antony and Octavian, Sosius espoused the cause of Antony and violently attacked Octavian in the senate, for which he was forced to flee to the east. In 31 BC, Sosius commanded a squadron in Mark Antony's fleet with which he managed to defeat the squadron of Taurius Rufus – according to Dio 50.14 – and put it to flight, but when the latter was reinforced by Marcus Agrippa, Sosius's ally Tarcondimotus – the king of Cilicia – was killed and Sosius himself was forced to flee. At Actium, Sosius commanded the left wing of Antony's fleet. After the battle, from which he managed to escape, his hiding place was detected and Sosius was captured and brought before Octavian but, at the intercession of Lucius Arruntius, Octavian pardoned him. He returned to Rome and completed his building project on the temple of Apollo Medicus (begun in 34 BC), dedicating it in Octavian's name.

Unknown sons, but two daughters : Sosia and Sosia Galla, possibly by an Asinia,[1] a Nonia or an Aelia. However the name reappears with Q. Sosius Senecio, (consul in 99 and 107).[2] and Saint Sosius (275-305 AD).

Sosius attended the Ludi Saeculares in 17 according to an inscription CIL 6.32323 = ILS 5050 as a quindecimvir.
RM00024 commentsSosius

704a, Caligula, 16 March 37 - 24 January 41 A.D.Caligula, 37 - 41 AD, Ionia, Smyrna. AE 17mm. Klose, Smyrna 27a. RPC 2473. 2.89 gm. Fine. Menophanes, Aviola, Procos, 37-38 AD. Obverse: AION, laureate head right; Reverse: Nike holding wreath right. Ex Tom Vossen.

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

GAIUS (CALIGULA) (A.D. 37-41)

Garrett G. Fagan
Pennsylvania State University

Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (Caligula) was born on 31 August, A.D. 12, probably at the Julio-Claudian resort of Antium (modern Anzio), the third of six children born to Augustus's adopted grandson, Germanicus, and Augustus's granddaughter, Agrippina. Caligula was the Roman Emperor between A.D. 37-41). Unfortunately, his is the most poorly documented reign of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The literary sources for these four years are meager, frequently anecdotal, and universally hostile.[[1]] As a result, not only are many of the events of the reign unclear, but Gaius himself appears more as a caricature than a real person, a crazed megalomaniac given to capricious cruelty. Although some headway can be made in disentangling truth from embellishment, the true character of the youthful emperor will forever elude us.

As a baby he accompanied his parents on military campaigns in the north and was shown to the troops wearing a miniature soldier's outfit, including the hob-nailed sandal called caliga, whence the nickname by which posterity remembers him. His childhood was not a happy one, spent amid an atmosphere of paranoia, suspicion, and murder. Instability within the Julio-Claudian house, generated by uncertainty over the succession, led to a series of personal tragedies.

When Tiberius died on 16 March A.D. 37, Gaius was in a perfect position to assume power, despite the obstacle of Tiberius's will, which named him and his cousin Tiberius Gemellus joint heirs. (Gemellus's life was shortened considerably by this bequest, since Gaius ordered him killed within a matter of months.) Backed by the Praetorian Prefect Q. Sutorius Macro, Gaius asserted his dominance. He had Tiberius's will declared null and void on grounds of insanity, accepted the powers of the Principate as conferred by the Senate, and entered Rome on 28 March amid scenes of wild rejoicing. His first acts were generous in spirit: he paid Tiberius's bequests and gave a cash bonus to the Praetorian Guard, the first recorded donativum to troops in imperial history.

The ancient sources are practically unanimous as to the cause of Gaius's downfall: he was insane. The writers differ as to how this condition came about, but all agree that after his good start Gaius began to behave in an openly autocratic manner, even a crazed one. The sources describe his incestuous relations with his sisters, laughable military campaigns in the north, the building of a pontoon bridge across the Bay at Baiae, and the plan to make his horse a consul. Their unanimous hostility renders their testimony suspect, especially since Gaius's reported behavior fits remarkably well with that of the ancient tyrant, a literary type enshrined in Greco-Roman tradition centuries before his reign. Further, the only eye-witness account of Gaius's behavior, Philo's Embassy to Gaius, offers little evidence of outright insanity, despite the antagonism of the author, whom Gaius treated with the utmost disrespect.

The conspiracy that ended Gaius's life was hatched among the officers of the Praetorian Guard, apparently for purely personal reasons. It appears also to have had the support of some senators and an imperial freedman. As with conspiracies in general, there are suspicions that the plot was more broad-based than the sources intimate, and it may even have enjoyed the support of the next emperor Claudius, but these propositions are not provable on available evidence. On 24 January A.D. 41 the praetorian tribune Cassius Chaerea and other guardsmen caught Gaius alone in a secluded palace corridor and cut him down. He was 28 years old and had ruled three years and ten months.

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. For the elite, this situation proved intolerable and ensured the blackening of Caligula's name in the historical record they would dictate. The sensational and hostile nature of that record, however, should in no way trivialize Gaius's importance. His reign highlighted an inherent weakness in the Augustan Principate, now openly revealed for what it was -- a raw monarchy in which only the self-discipline of the incumbent acted as a restraint on his behavior. That the only means of retiring the wayward princes was murder marked another important revelation: Roman emperors could not relinquish their powers without simultaneously relinquishing their lives.

Copyright © 1997, Garrett G. Fagan.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Ancient Smyrna

The 5,000 year-old city of Izmir is one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean basin. The original city was established in the third millennium BC (at present day BayraklÄ±), at which time it shared with Troy the most advanced culture in Anatolia.

Greek settlement is attested by the presence of pottery dating from about 1000 BC. In the first millennium BC Izmir, then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the most important cities of the Ionian Federation. During this period, it is believed that the epic poet Homer resided here.

Lydian conquest of the city around 600 BC brought this golden age to an end. Smyrna was little more than a village throughout the Lydian and subsequent sixth century BC Persian rule. In the fourth century BC a new city was built on the slopes of Mt. Pagos (Kadifekale) during the reign of Alexander the Great. Smyrna's Roman period, beginning in the first century BC, was its second great era.

In the first century AD, Smyrna became one of the earliest centers of Christianity and it was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Both Revelation and the Martyrdom of Polycarp indicate the existence of a Jewish community in Smyrna as early as the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation indicates that the Christians were spiritually "rich" and apparently in conflict with the Jews (2:9).

The origins of the Christian community there, which was established in the 1st century, are unknown. Ignatius of Antioch stopped at Smyrna on his way to martyrdom in Rome in 107 AD, and he sent a letter back to the Christians there from later in his journey. Smyrna's bishop, Polycarp, was burned at the stake in Smyrna's stadium around 156 AD.

Byzantine rule came in the fourth century and lasted until the Seljuk conquest in 11th century. In 1415, under Sultan Mehmed Çelebi, Smyrna became part of the Ottoman Empire.

The city earned its fame as one of the most important port cities of the world during the 17th to 19th centuries. The majority of its population were Greek but merchants of various origins (especially Greek, French, Italian, Dutch, Armenian, Sephardi and Jewish) transformed the city into a cosmopolitan portal of trade. During this period, the city was famous for its own brand of music (Smyrneika) as well as its wide range of products it exported to Europe (Smyrna/Sultana raisins, dried figs, carpets, etc.).

Today, Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and is nicknamed "the pearl of Aegean." It is widely regarded as the most Westernized city of Turkey in terms of values, ideology, gender roles, and lifestyle.
© 2005-08 Sacred Destinations. All rights reserved.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/izmir-history.htm

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

707a, Galba, 3 April 68 - 15 January 69 A.D.Galba AE As, 68-69 AD; cf. SRC 727, 729ff; 27.85mm, 12g; Rome: Obverse: GALBA IMP CAESAR…, Laureate head right; Reverse: S P Q R OB CIV SER in oak wreath; gF+/F Ex. Ancient Imports.

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

Galba (68-69 A.D.)

John Donahue
College of William and Mary

Introduction
The evidence for the principate of Galba is unsatisfactory. The sources either concentrate on the personality of the man, thereby failing to offer a balanced account of his policies and a firm chronological base for his actions; or, they focus on the final two weeks of his life at the expense of the earlier part of his reign. As a result, a detailed account of his principate is difficult to write. Even so, Galba is noteworthy because he was neither related to nor adopted by his predecessor Nero. Thus, his accession marked the end of the nearly century-long control of the Principate by the Julio-Claudians. Additionally, Galba's declaration as emperor by his troops abroad set a precedent for the further political upheavals of 68-69. Although these events worked to Galba's favor initially, they soon came back to haunt him, ending his tumultuous rule after only seven months.

Early Life and Rise to Power
Born 24 December 3 BC in Tarracina, a town on the Appian Way, 65 miles south of Rome, Servius Galba was the son of C. Sulpicius Galba and Mummia Achaica. Galba's connection with the noble house of the Servii gave him great prestige and assured his acceptance among the highest levels of Julio-Claudian society. Adopted in his youth by Livia, the mother of the emperor Tiberius, he is said to have owed much of his early advancement to her. Upon her death, Livia made Galba her chief legatee, bequeathing him some 50 million sesterces. Tiberius, Livia's heir, reduced the amount, however, and then never paid it. Galba's marriage proved to be a further source of disappointment, as he outlived both his wife Lepida and their two sons. Nothing else is known of Galba's immediate family, other than that he remained a widower for the rest of his life.

Although the details of Galba's early political career are incomplete, the surviving record is one of an ambitious Roman making his way in the Emperor's service. Suetonius records that as praetor Galba put on a new kind of exhibition for the people - elephants walking on a rope. Later, he served as governor of the province of Aquitania, followed by a six-month term as consul at the beginning of 33. Ironically, as consul he was succeeded by Salvius Otho, whose own son would succeed Galba as emperor. Over the years three more governorships followed - Upper Germany (date unknown), North Africa (45) and Hispania Tarraconensis, the largest of Spain's three provinces (61). He was selected as a proconsul of Africa by the emperor Claudius himself instead of by the usual method of drawing lots. During his two-year tenure in the province he successfully restored internal order and quelled a revolt by the barbarians. As an imperial legate he was a governor in Spain for eight years under Nero, even though he was already in his early sixties when he assumed his duties. The appointment showed that Galba was still considered efficient and loyal. In all of these posts Galba generally displayed an enthusiasm for old-fashioned disciplina, a trait consistent with the traditional characterization of the man as a hard-bitten aristocrat of the old Republican type. Such service did not go unnoticed, as he was honored with triumphal insignia and three priesthoods during his career.

On the basis of his ancestry, family tradition and service to the state Galba was the most distinguished Roman alive (with the exception of the houses of the Julii and Claudii) at the time of Nero's demise in 68. The complex chain of events that would lead him to the Principate later that year began in March with the rebellion of Gaius Iulius Vindex, the governor of Gallia Lugdunensis. Vindex had begun to sound out provincial governors about support for a rebellion perhaps in late 67 or early 68. Galba did not respond but, because of his displeasure with Neronian misgovernment, neither did he inform the emperor of these treasonous solicitations. This, of course, left him dangerously exposed; moreover, he was already aware that Nero, anxious to remove anyone of distinguished birth and noble achievements, had ordered his death. Given these circumstances, Galba likely felt that he had no choice but to rebel.

In April, 68, while still in Spain, Galba "went public," positioning himself as a vir militaris, a military representative of the senate and people of Rome. For the moment, he refused the title of Emperor, but it is clear that the Principate was his goal. To this end, he organized a concilium of advisors in order to make it known that any decisions were not made by him alone but only after consultation with a group. The arrangement was meant to recall the Augustan Age relationship between the emperor and senate in Rome. Even more revealing of his imperial ambitions were legends like LIBERTAS RESTITUTA (Liberty Restored), ROM RENASC (Rome Reborn) and SALUS GENERIS HUMANI (Salvation of Mankind), preserved on his coinage from the period. Such evidence has brought into question the traditional assessment of Galba as nothing more than an ineffectual representative of a bygone antiquus rigor in favor of a more balanced portrait of a traditional constitutionalist eager to publicize the virtues of an Augustan-style Principate.
Events now began to move quickly. In May, 68 Lucius Clodius Macer, legate of the III legio Augusta in Africa, revolted from Nero and cut off the grain supply to Rome. Choosing not to recognize Galba, he called himself propraetor, issued his own coinage, and raised a new legion, the I Macriana liberatrix. Galba later had him executed. At the same time, 68, Lucius Verginius Rufus, legionary commander in Upper Germany, led a combined force of soldiers from Upper and Lower Germany in defeating Vindex at Vesontio in Gallia Lugdunensis. Verginius refused to accept a call to the emperorship by his own troops and by those from the Danube, however, thereby creating at Rome an opportunity for Galba's agents to win over Gaius Nymphidius Sabinus, the corrupt praetorian prefect since 65. Sabinus was able to turn the imperial guard against Nero on the promise that they would be rewarded financially by Galba upon his arrival. That was the end for Nero. Deposed by the senate and abandoned by his supporters, he committed suicide in June. At this point, encouraged to march on Rome by the praetorians and especially by Sabinus, who had his own designs on the throne, Galba hurriedly established broad-based political and financial support and assembled his own legion (subsequently known as the legio VII Gemina). As he departed from Spain, he abandoned the title of governor in favor of "Caesar," apparently in an attempt to lay claim to the entire inheritance of the Julio-Claudian house. Even so, he continued to proceed cautiously, and did not actually adopt the name of Caesar (and with it the emperorship) until sometime after he had left Spain.

The Principate of Galba
Meanwhile, Rome was anything but serene. An unusual force of soldiers, many of whom had been mustered by Nero to crush the attempt of Vindex, remained idle and restless. In addition, there was the matter concerning Nymphidius Sabinus. Intent on being the power behind the throne, Nymphidius had orchestrated a demand from the praetorians that Galba appoint him sole praetorian prefect for life. The senate capitulated to his pretensions and he began to have designs on the throne himself. In an attempt to rattle Galba, Nymphidius then sent messages of alarm to the emperor telling of unrest in both the city and abroad. When Galba ignored these reports, Nymphidius decided to launch a coup by presenting himself to the praetorians. The plan misfired, and the praetorians killed him when he appeared at their camp. Upon learning of the incident, Galba ordered the executions of Nymphidius' followers. To make matters worse, Galba's arrival was preceded by a confrontation with a boisterous band of soldiers who had been formed into a legion by Nero and were now demanding legionary standards and regular quarters. When they persisted, Galba's forces attacked, with the result that many of them were killed.
Thus it was amid carnage and fear that Galba arrived at the capital in October, 68, accompanied by Otho, the governor of Lusitania, who had joined the cause. Once Galba was within Rome, miscalculations and missteps seemed to multiply. First, he relied upon the advice of a corrupt circle of advisors, most notably: Titus Vinius, a general from Spain; Cornelius Laco, praetorian prefect; and his own freedman, Icelus. Second, he zealously attempted to recover some of Nero's more excessive expenditures by seizing the property of many citizens, a measure that seems to have gone too far and to have caused real hardship and resentment. Third, he created further ill-will by disbanding the imperial corps of German bodyguards, effectively abolishing a tradition that originated with Marius and had been endorsed by Augustus. Finally, he seriously alienated the military by refusing cash rewards for both the praetorians and for the soldiers in Upper Germany who had fought against Vindex.

This last act proved to be the beginning of the end for Galba. On 1 January 69 ("The Year of the Four Emperors"), the troops in Upper Germany refused to declare allegiance to him and instead followed the men stationed in Lower Germany in proclaiming their commander, Aulus Vitellius, as the new ruler. In response, Galba adopted Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus to show that he was still in charge and that his successor would not be chosen for him. Piso, although an aristocrat, was a man completely without administrative or military experience. The choice meant little to the remote armies, the praetorians or the senate, and it especially angered Otho, who had hoped to succeed Galba. Otho quickly organized a conspiracy among the praetorians with the now-familiar promise of a material reward, and on 15 January 69 they declared him emperor and publicly killed Galba; Piso, dragged from hiding in the temple of Vesta, was also butchered.

Assessment
In sum, Galba had displayed talent and ambition during his lengthy career. He enjoyed distinguished ancestry, moved easily among the Julio-Claudian emperors (with the exception of Nero towards the end of his principate), and had been awarded the highest military and religious honors of ancient Rome. His qualifications for the principate cannot be questioned. Even so, history has been unkind to him. Tacitus characterized Galba as "weak and old," a man "equal to the imperial office, if he had never held it." Modern historians of the Roman world have been no less critical. To be sure, Galba's greatest mistake lay in his general handling of the military. His treatment of the army in Upper Germany was heedless, his policy towards the praetorians short sighted. Given the climate in 68-69, Galba was unrealistic in expecting disciplina without paying the promised rewards. He was also guilty of relying on poor advisors, who shielded him from reality and ultimately allowed Otho's conspiracy to succeed. Additionally, the excessive power of his henchmen brought the regime into disfavor and made Galba himself the principal target of the hatred that his aides had incited. Finally, the appointment of Piso, a young man in no way equal to the challenges placed before him, further underscored the emperor's isolation and lack of judgment. In the end, the instability of the post-Julio-Claudian political landscape offered challenges more formidable than a tired, septuagenarian aristocrat could hope to overcome. Ironically, his regime proved no more successful than the Neronian government he was so eager to replace. Another year of bloodshed would be necessary before the Principate could once again stand firm.

Copyright (C) 1999, John Donahue.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

710a, Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC II, 10, aVF, 3.5 g, 18mm, Rome mint, 69-71 AD; Obverse: IMP CAESA[R] VESPASIANV[S AV]G - Laureate head right; Reverse: COS ITER [T]R POT - Pax seated left holding branch and caduceus. Ex Imperial Coins.

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

Titus Flavius Vespasianus (A.D. 69-79)

John Donahue
College of William and Mary

Introduction

Titus Flavius Vespasianus (b. A.D. 9, d. A.D. 79, emperor A.D. 69-79) restored peace and stability to an empire in disarray following the death of Nero in A.D. 68. In the process he established the Flavian dynasty as the legitimate successor to the Imperial throne. Although we lack many details about the events and chronology of his reign, Vespasian provided practical leadership and a return to stable government - accomplishments which, when combined with his other achievements, make his emperorship particularly notable within the history of the Principate.

Early Life and Career

Vespasian was born at Falacrina near Sabine Reate on 17 November, A.D. 9, the son of T. Flavius Sabinus, a successful tax collector and banker, and Vespasia Polla. Both parents were of equestrian status. Few details of his first fifteen years survive, yet it appears that his father and mother were often away from home on business for long periods. As a result, Vespasian's early education became the responsibility of his paternal grandmother, Tertulla. [[1]] In about A.D. 25 Vespasian assumed the toga virilis and later accepted the wearing of the latus clavus, and with it the senatorial path that his older brother, T. Flavius Sabinus, had already chosen. [[2]] Although many of the particulars are lacking, the posts typically occupied by one intent upon a senatorial career soon followed: a military tribunate in Thrace, perhaps for three or four years; a quaestorship in Crete-Cyrene; and the offices of aedile and praetor, successively, under the emperor Gaius. [[3]]

It was during this period that Vespasian married Flavia Domitilla. Daughter of a treasury clerk and former mistress of an African knight, Flavia lacked the social standing and family connections that the politically ambitious usually sought through marriage. In any case, the couple produced three children, a daughter, also named Flavia Domitilla, and two sons, the future emperors Titus and Domitian . Flavia did not live to witness her husband's emperorship and after her death Vespasian returned to his former mistress Caenis, who had been secretary to Antonia (daughter of Marc Antony and mother of Claudius). Caenis apparently exerted considerable influence over Vespasian, prompting Suetonius to assert that she remained his wife in all but name, even after he became emperor. [[4]]

Following the assassination of Gaius on 24 January, A.D. 41, Vespasian advanced rapidly, thanks in large part to the new princeps Claudius, whose favor the Flavians had wisely secured with that of Antonia, the mother of Germanicus, and of Claudius' freedmen, especially Narcissus. [[5]] The emperor soon dispatched Vespasian to Argentoratum (Strasbourg) as legatus legionis II Augustae, apparently to prepare the legion for the invasion of Britain. Vespasian first appeared at the battle of Medway in A.D. 43, and soon thereafter led his legion across the south of England, where he engaged the enemy thirty times in battle, subdued two tribes, and conquered the Isle of Wight. According to Suetonius, these operations were conducted partly under Claudius and partly under Vespasian's commander, Aulus Plautius. Vespasian's contributions, however, did not go unnoticed; he received the ornamenta triumphalia and two priesthoods from Claudius for his exploits in Britain. [[6]]

By the end of A.D. 51 Vespasian had reached the consulship, the pinnacle of a political career at Rome. For reasons that remain obscure he withdrew from political life at this point, only to return when chosen proconsul of Africa about A.D. 63-64. His subsequent administration of the province was marked by severity and parsimony, earning him a reputation for being scrupulous but unpopular. [[7]] Upon completion of his term, Vespasian returned to Rome where, as a senior senator, he became a man of influence in the emperor Nero's court. [[8]] Important enough to be included on Nero's tour of Greece in A.D. 66-67, Vespasian soon found himself in the vicinity of increasing political turbulence in the East. The situation would prove pivotal in advancing his career.

Judaea and the Accession to Power

In response to rioting in Caesarea and Jerusalem that had led to the slaughter in the latter city of Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers, Nero granted to Vespasian in A.D. 66 a special command in the East with the objective of settling the revolt in Judaea. By spring A.D. 67, with 60,000 legionaries, auxiliaries, and allies under his control, Vespasian set out to subdue Galilee and then to cut off Jerusalem. Success was quick and decisive. By October all of Galilee had been pacified and plans for the strategic encirclement of Jerusalem were soon formed. [[9]] Meanwhile, at the other end of the empire, the revolts of Gaius Iulius Vindex, governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, and Servius Sulpicius Galba , governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, had brought Nero's reign to the brink of collapse. The emperor committed suicide in June, A.D. 68, thereby ensuring chaos for the next eighteen months, as first Galba and then Marcus Salvius Otho and Aulus Vitellius acceded to power. Each lacked broad-based military and senatorial support; each would be violently deposed in turn. [[10]]

Still occupied with plans against Jerusalem, Vespasian swore allegiance to each emperor. Shortly after Vitellius assumed power in spring, A.D. 69, however, Vespasian met on the border of Judaea and Syria with Gaius Licinius Mucianus, governor of Syria, and after a series of private and public consultations, the two decided to revolt. [[11]] On July 1, at the urging of Tiberius Alexander, prefect of Egypt, the legions of Alexandria declared for Vespasian, as did the legions of Judaea two days later. By August all of Syria and the Danube legions had done likewise. Vespasian next dispatched Mucianus to Italy with 20,000 troops, while he set out from Syria to Alexandria in order to control grain shipments for the purpose of starving Italy into submission. [[12]] The siege of Jerusalem he placed in the hands of his son Titus.

Meanwhile, the Danubian legions, unwilling to wait for Mucianus' arrival, began their march against Vitellius ' forces. The latter army, suffering from a lack of discipline and training, and unaccustomed to the heat of Rome, was defeated at Cremona in late October. [[13]] By mid-December the Flavian forces had reached Carsulae, 95 kilometers north of Rome on the Flaminian Road, where the Vitellians, with no further hope of reinforcements, soon surrendered. At Rome, unable to persuade his followers to accept terms for his abdication, Vitellius was in peril. On the morning of December 20 the Flavian army entered Rome. By that afternoon, the emperor was dead. [[14]]

Tacitus records that by December 22, A.D. 69, Vespasian had been given all the honors and privileges usually granted to emperors. Even so, the issue remains unclear, owing largely to a surviving fragment of an enabling law, the lex de imperio Vespasiani, which conferred powers, privileges, and exemptions, most with Julio-Claudian precedents, on the new emperor. Whether the fragment represents a typical granting of imperial powers that has uniquely survived in Vespasian's case, or is an attempt to limit or expand such powers, remains difficult to know. In any case, the lex sanctioned all that Vespasian had done up to its passing and gave him authority to act as he saw fit on behalf of the Roman people. [[15]]

What does seem clear is that Vespasian felt the need to legitimize his new reign with vigor. He zealously publicized the number of divine omens that predicted his accession and at every opportunity he accumulated multiple consulships and imperial salutations. He also actively promoted the principle of dynastic succession, insisting that the emperorship would fall to his son. The initiative was fulfilled when Titus succeeded his father in A.D. 79.[[16]]

Emperorship

Upon his arrival in Rome in late summer, A.D. 70, Vespasian faced the daunting task of restoring a city and a government ravaged by the recent civil wars. Although many particulars are missing, a portrait nevertheles emerges of a ruler conscientiously committed to the methodical renewal of both city and empire. Concerning Rome itself, the emperor encouraged rebuilding on vacated lots, restored the Capitol (burned in A.D. 69), and also began work on several new buildings: a temple to the deified Claudius on the Caelian Hill, a project designed to identify Vespasian as a legitimate heir to the Julio-Claudians, while distancing himself from Nero ; a temple of Peace near the Forum; and the magnificent Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre), located on the site of the lake of Nero 's Golden House. [[17]]

Claiming that he needed forty thousand million sesterces for these projects and for others aimed at putting the state on more secure footing, Vespasian is said to have revoked various imperial immunities, manipulated the supply of certain commodities to inflate their price, and increased provincial taxation. [[18]] The measures are consistent with his characterization in the sources as both obdurate and avaricious. There were occasional political problems as well: Helvidius Priscus, an advocate of senatorial independence and a critic of the Flavian regime from the start, was exiled after A.D. 75 and later executed; Marcellus Eprius and A. Alienus Caecina were condemned by Titus for conspiracy, the former committing suicide, the latter executed in A.D. 79.
As Suetonius claims, however, in financial matters Vespasian always put revenues to the best possible advantage, regardless of their source. Tacitus, too, offers a generally favorable assessment, citing Vespasian as the first man to improve after becoming emperor. [[19]] Thus do we find the princeps offering subventions to senators not possessing the property qualifications of their rank, restoring many cities throughout the empire, and granting state salaries for the first time to teachers of Latin and Greek rhetoric. To enhance Roman economic and social life even further, he encouraged theatrical productions by building a new stage for the Theatre of Marcellus, and he also put on lavish state dinners to assist the food trades. [[20]]

In other matters the emperor displayed similar concern. He restored the depleted ranks of the senatorial and equestrian orders with eligible Italian and provincial candidates and reduced the backlog of pending court cases at Rome. Vespasian also re-established discipline in the army, while punishing or dismissing large numbers of Vitellius ' men. [[21]]
Beyond Rome, the emperor increased the number of legions in the East and continued the process of imperial expansion by the annexation of northern England, the pacification of Wales, and by advances into Scotland and southwest Germany between the Rhine and the Danube. Vespasian also conferred rights on communities abroad, especially in Spain, where the granting of Latin rights to all native communities contributed to the rapid Romanization of that province during the Imperial period. [[22]]

Death and Assessment

In contrast to his immediate imperial predecessors, Vespasian died peacefully - at Aquae Cutiliae near his birthplace in Sabine country on 23 June, A.D. 79, after contracting a brief illness. The occasion is said to have inspired his deathbed quip: "Oh my, I must be turning into a god!" [[23]] In fact, public deification did follow his death, as did his internment in the Mausoleum of Augustus alongside the Julio-Claudians.

A man of strict military discipline and simple tastes, Vespasian proved to be a conscientious and generally tolerant administrator. More importantly, following the upheavals of A.D. 68-69, his reign was welcome for its general tranquility and restoration of peace. In Vespasian Rome found a leader who made no great breaks with tradition, yet his ability ro rebuild the empire and especially his willingness to expand the composition of the governing class helped to establish a positive working model for the "good emperors" of the second century.

Bibliography

Since the scholarship on Vespasian is more comprehensive than can be treated here, the works listed below are main accounts or bear directly upon issues discussed in the entry above. A comprehensive modern anglophone study of this emperor is yet to be produced.

Atti congresso internazionale di studi Flaviani, 2 vols. Rieti, 1983.

Atti congresso internazionale di studi Vespasianei, 2 vols. Rieti, 1981.

Bosworth, A.B. "Vespasian and the Provinces: Some Problems of the Early 70s A.D." Athenaeum 51 (1973): 49-78.

Brunt, P. A. "Lex de imperio Vespasiani." JRS (67) 1977: 95-116.

D'Espèrey, S. Franchet. "Vespasien, Titus et la littérature." ANRW II.32.5: 3048-3086.

Dudley, D. and Webster, G. The Roman Conquest of Britain. London, 1965.

Gonzalez, J. "The Lex Irnitana: A New Copy of the Flavian Municipal Law." JRS 76 (1986): 147-243.

Grant, M. The Roman Emperors: A Biographical Guide to the Rulers of Rome, 31 B.C. - A.D. 476. New York, 1985.

Homo, L. Vespasien, l'Empereur du bons sens (69-79 ap. J.-C.). Paris, 1949.

Levi, M.A. "I Flavi." ANRW II.2: 177-207.

McCrum, M. and Woodhead, A. G. Select Documents of the Principates of the Flavian Emperors Including the Year of the Revolution. Cambridge, 1966.

Nicols, John. Vespasian and the Partes Flavianae. Wiesbaden, 1978.

Scarre, C. Chronicle of the Roman Emperors. The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial Rome. London, 1995.

Suddington, D. B. The Development of the Roman Auxiliary Forces from Caesar to Vespasian, 49 B.C. - A.D. 79. Harare: U. of Zimbabwe, 1982.

Syme, R. Tacitus. Oxford, 1958.

Wardel, David. "Vespasian, Helvidius Priscus and the Restoration of the Capitol." Historia 45 (1996): 208-222.

Wellesley, K. The Long Year: A.D. 69. Bristol, 1989, 2nd ed.

Notes

[[1]] Suet. Vesp. 2.1. Suetonius remains the major source but see also Tac. Hist. 2-5; Cass. Dio 65; Joseph. BJ 3-4.

[[2]] Suetonius (Vesp. 2.1) claims that Vespasian did not accept the latus clavus, the broad striped toga worn by one aspiring to a senatorial career, immediately. The delay, however, was perhaps no more than three years. See J. Nicols, Vespasian and the Partes Flavianae (Wiesbaden, 1978), 2.

[[3]] Military tribunate and quaestorship: Suet. Vesp. 2.3; aedileship: ibid., 5.3, in which Gaius, furious that Vespasian had not kept the streets clean, as was his duty, ordered some soldiers to load him with filth;,they complied by stuffing his toga with as much as it could hold. See also Dio 59.12.2-3; praetorship: Suet. Vesp. 2.3, in which Vespasian is depicted as one of Gaius' leading adulators, an account consistent with Tacitus' portrayal (Hist 1.50.4; 2.5.1) of his early career. For a more complete discussion of these posts and attendant problems of dating, see Nicols, Vespasian, 2-7.

[[4]] Marriage and Caenis: Suet. Vesp. 3; Cass. Dio 65.14.

[[5]] Nicols, Vespasian, 12-39.

[[6]] Suet. Vesp. 4.1 For additional details on Vespasian's exploits in Britain, see D. Dudley and G. Webster, The Roman Conquest of Britain (London, 1965), 55 ff., 98.

[[7]] Concerning Vespasian's years between his consulship and proconsulship, see Suet. Vesp. 4.2 and Nicols, Vespasian, 9. On his unpopularity in Africa, see Suet. Vesp. 4.3, an account of a riot at Hadrumentum, where he was once pelted with turnips. In recording that Africa supported Vitellius in A.D. 69, Tacitus too suggests popular dissatisfaction with Vespasian's proconsulship. See Hist. 2.97.2.

[[8]] This despite the fact that the sources record two rebukes of Vespasian, one for extorting money from a young man seeking career advancement (Suet. Vesp. 4.3), the other for either leaving the room or dozing off during one of the emperor's recitals (Suet. Vesp. 4.4 and 14, which places the transgression in Greece; Tac. (Ann. 16.5.3), who makes Rome and the Quinquennial Games of A.D. 65 the setting; A. Braithwaite, C. Suetoni Tranquilli Divus Vespasianus, Oxford, 1927, 30, who argues for both Greece and Rome).

[[9]] Subjugation of Galilee: Joseph. BJ 3.65-4.106; siege of Jerusalem: ibid., 4.366-376, 414.

[[10]] Revolt of Vindex: Suet. Nero 40; Tac. Ann. 14.4; revolt of Galba: Suet. Galba 10; Plut. Galba, 4-5; suicide of Nero: Suet. Nero 49; Cass. Dio 63.29.2. For the most complete account of the period between Nero's death and the accession of Vespasian, see K. Wellesley, The Long Year: A.D. 69, 2nd. ed. (Bristol, 1989).

[[11]] Tac. Hist. 2.76.

[[12]] Troops in support of Vespasian: Suet. Vit. 15; Mucianus and his forces: Tac. Hist. 2.83; Vespasian and grain shipments: Joseph. BJ 4.605 ff.; see also Tac. Hist. 3.48, on Vespasian's possible plan to shut off grain shipments to Italy from Carthage as well.

[[13]] On Vitellius' army and its lack of discipline, see Tac. Hist. 2.93-94; illness of army: ibid., 2.99.1; Cremona: ibid., 3.32-33.

[[14]] On Vitellius' last days, see Tac. Hist. 3.68-81. On the complicated issue of Vitellius' death date, see L. Holzapfel, "Römische Kaiserdaten," Klio 13 (1913): 301.

[[15]] Honors, etc. Tac. Hist. 4.3. For more on the lex de imperio Vespasiani, see P. A. Brunt, "Lex de imperio Vespasiani," JRS (67) 1977: 95-116.

[[16]] Omens: Suet. Vesp. 5; consulships and honors: ibid., 8; succession of sons: ibid., 25.

[[17]] On Vespasian's restoration of Rome, see Suet. Vesp. 9; Cass. Dio 65.10; D. Wardel, "Vespasian, Helvidius Priscus and the Restoration of the Capitol," Historia 45 (1996): 208-222.

[[18]] Suet. Vesp. 16.

[[19]] Ibid.; Tac. Hist. 1.50.

[[20]] Suet. Vesp. 17-19.

[[21]] Ibid., 8-10.

[[22]] On Vespasian's exploits in Britain, see esp. Tac., Agricola, eds. R. M. Ogilvie and I. A. Richmond (1967), and W. S. Hanson, Agricola and the Conquest of the North (1987); on the granting of Latin rights in Spain, see, e.g., J. Gonzalez, "The Lex Irnitana: a New Copy of the Flavian Municipal Law." JRS 76 (1986): 147-243.

[[23]] For this witticism and other anecdotes concerning Vespasian's sense of humor, see Suet. Vesp. 23.

Copyright (C) 1998, John Donahue. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis, an Online Encyplopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/vespasia.htm
Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

90 BC Calpurnius PisoLaureate head of Apollo right

L PISO FRVGI
Naked horseman galloping to the right holding palm-branch
CXXXI ? in exergue

Rome 90 BC

3.71g

Sear 235

"This extraordinarily large and complex issue represents one of the principal war coinages of the Romans during the conflict with the Marsic Confederation. The control-Marks are legion and consist of letters, mumerals and symbols in a multitude of combinations on the obverse and reverse" SEAR Millenium Edition

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Anv: "[CONSTA]-NS P F AVG" - Cabeza con diadema de perlas, viendo a derecha.
Rev: "VOT XX MVLT XXX" - Leyenda en 4 líneas dentro de una corona de laureles. "SMNÎ“" en exergo.

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Ceca: Nicomedia (Off.3ra.)
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Referencias: RIC Vol.VIII (Nicomedia) #51 Pag.475 - Cohen Vol.VII #197 Pag.435 - DVM #60 Pag.297 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #8592.c. Pag.206 - Sear RCTV (1988) #3972 - LRBC #1150mdelvalle

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Anv: "DN CONSTAN - TIVS P F AVG" - Cabeza con diadema de perlas, viendo a derecha.
Rev: "VOT XX MVLT XXX" - Leyenda en 4 líneas dentro de una corona de laureles. "SMANA" en exergo.

Acuñada 347/8 D.C.
Ceca: Antioquia (Off.1ra.)
Rareza: C4

Referencias: RIC Vol.VIII (Antiochia) #113 Pag.521 - Cohen Vol.VII #335 Pag.492 - DVM #83 Pag.299 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #8657.e. Pag.213 - Sear RCTV (1988) #4000 - LRBC #1398mdelvalle

A135-20 - Juliano II (360 - 363 D.C.)AE3 Centenional 19 x 20 mm 2.5 gr.

Anv: "DN FL CL IVLI - ANVS P F AVG" - Busto con yelmo diademado y coraza, portando lanza a derecha y escudo a izquierda, viendo a izquierda.
Rev: "VOT X MVLT XX" - Leyenda dentro de una corona de laureles. "PCOSNT" en exergo.

Acuñada 362 - 363 D.C.
Ceca: Arles - Arelate (Off.1ra.)
Rareza: R2

Referencias: RIC Vol.VIII (Arles) #324 Pag.229 - Cohen Vol.VIII #151 Pag.62 - DVM #28 Pag.305 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #8915.b. Pag.235 - Sear RCTV (1988) #4074 - LRBC #470mdelvalle

A141-02 - Valentiniano II (375 - 392 D.C.)AE4 Medio Centenional 14 mm 1.0 gr.
Hijo de Valentiniano I, Augusto jr. de Occidente con su Padre y Graciano su medio hermano hasta 383 D.C. y luego Augusto Sr. hasta 392 D.C.

Anv: "DN VALENTINIANVS P F AVG" - Busto con diadema de perlas, coraza y Paludamentum (capote militar) sobre ella, viendo a derecha.
Rev: "VOT X MVLT XX" - Leyenda en 4 renglones dentro de una corona de laureles. "SMKB" en exergo.

Acuñada 378 - 383 D.C.
Ceca: Cízico (Off.2da.)
Rareza: C

Referencias: RIC Vol.IX (Cyzicus) #21b Pag.244 - Cohen Vol.VIII #73 Pag.148 - DVM #53 var. Pag.312 - Salgado MRBI Vol.III #9179.n. Pag.284mdelvalle

Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C.Alexandros III Philippou Makedonon (356-323 BC), better known as Alexander the Great, single-handedly changed the entire nature of the ancient world in little more than ten years.

"Born in the northern Greek kingdom of Macedonia in 356 BC, to Philip II and his formidable wife Olympias, Alexander was educated by the philosopher Aristotle. Following his father's assassination in 336 BC, he inherited a powerful yet volatile kingdom, which he had to secure - along with the rest of the Greek city states - before he could set out to conquer the massive Persian Empire, in revenge for Persia's earlier attempts to conquer Greece.
Against overwhelming odds, he led his army to victories across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt without incurring a single defeat. With his greatest victory at the Battle of Gaugamela, in what is now northern Iraq, in 331 BC, the young king of Macedonia, leader of the Greeks, Overlord of Asia Minor and Pharaoh of Egypt also became Great King of Persia at the age of 25.

Over the next eight years, in his capacity as king, commander, politician, scholar and explorer, Alexander led his army a further 11,000 miles, founding over 70 cities and creating an empire that stretched across three continents and covered some two million square miles.

The entire area from Greece in the west, north to the Danube, south into Egypt and as far east as the Indian Punjab, was linked together in a vast international network of trade and commerce. This was united by a common Greek language and culture, whilst the king himself adopted foreign customs in order to rule his millions of ethnically diverse subjects.

Primarily a soldier, Alexander was an acknowledged military genius who always led by example, although his belief in his own indestructibility meant he was often reckless with his own life and that of those he expected to follow him. The fact that his army only refused to do so once, in the13 years of a reign during which there was constant fighting, indicates the loyalty he inspired.

Following his death in 323 BC at the age of only 32, his empire was torn apart in the power struggles of his successors. Yet Alexander's mythical status rapidly reached epic proportions and inspired individuals as diverse as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Louis XIV and Napoleon.

He continues to be portrayed according to the bias of those interpreting his achievements. He is either Alexander the Great or Iskander the Accursed, chivalrous knight or bloody monster, benign multi-culturalist or racist imperialist - but above all he is fully deserving of his description as 'the most significant secular individual in history'."

By Dr Joann Fletcher (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/alexander_the_great.shtml)
Cleisthenes

Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C. Lifetime IssueSilver drachm, Price 2553, VF, 4.297g, 16.4mm, 0o, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C. Lifetime Issue; Obverse: Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; Reverse: BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne. Ex FORVM.

Alexandros III Philippou Makedonon (356-323 BC)

"Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, single-handedly changed the entire nature of the ancient world in little more than ten years.

Born in the northern Greek kingdom of Macedonia in 356 BC, to Philip II and his formidable wife Olympias, Alexander was educated by the philosopher Aristotle. Following his father's assassination in 336 BC, he inherited a powerful yet volatile kingdom, which he had to secure - along with the rest of the Greek city states - before he could set out to conquer the massive Persian Empire, in revenge for Persia's earlier attempts to conquer Greece.

Against overwhelming odds, he led his army to victories across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt without incurring a single defeat. With his greatest victory at the Battle of Gaugamela, in what is now northern Iraq, in 331 BC, the young king of Macedonia, leader of the Greeks, Overlord of Asia Minor and Pharaoh of Egypt also became Great King of Persia at the age of 25.

Over the next eight years, in his capacity as king, commander, politician, scholar and explorer, Alexander led his army a further 11,000 miles, founding over 70 cities and creating an empire that stretched across three continents and covered some two million square miles.

The entire area from Greece in the west, north to the Danube, south into Egypt and as far east as the Indian Punjab, was linked together in a vast international network of trade and commerce. This was united by a common Greek language and culture, whilst the king himself adopted foreign customs in order to rule his millions of ethnically diverse subjects.

Primarily a soldier, Alexander was an acknowledged military genius who always led by example, although his belief in his own indestructibility meant he was often reckless with his own life and that of those he expected to follow him. The fact that his army only refused to do so once, in the 13 years of a reign during which there was constant fighting, indicates the loyalty he inspired.

Following his death in 323 BC at the age of only 32, his empire was torn apart in the power struggles of his successors. Yet Alexander's mythical status rapidly reached epic proportions and inspired individuals as diverse as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Louis XIV and Napoleon.

He continues to be portrayed according to the bias of those interpreting his achievements. He is either Alexander the Great or Iskander the Accursed, chivalrous knight or bloody monster, benign multi-culturalist or racist imperialist - but above all he is fully deserving of his description as 'the most significant secular individual in history'."

By Dr. Joann Fletcher
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/alexander_the_great.shtml

"When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer."--attributed to Plutarch, The Moralia.
http://www.pothos.org/alexander.asp?paraID=96

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C., Possible Lifetime IssueThis is the same coin in my collection, different picture, as the Alexander tetradrachm listed as [300mem].

Silver tetradrachm, Price 3971, VF, 16.081g, 26.1mm, 0o, Egypt, Memphis mint, c. 332 - 323 or 323 - 305 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse ALEXANDROU, Zeus enthroned left, legs crossed, eagle in right, scepter in left, rose left, DI-O under throne. Ex Pavlos S. Pavlou. Ex FORVM, "The Memphis issues are among the finest style Alexander coins. Experts disagree on the date of this issue. Some identify it as a lifetime issue and others as a posthumous issue (Joseph Sermarini).

Alexandros III Philippou Makedonon (356-323 BC)

"Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, single-handedly changed the entire nature of the ancient world in little more than ten years.

Born in the northern Greek kingdom of Macedonia in 356 BC, to Philip II and his formidable wife Olympias, Alexander was educated by the philosopher Aristotle. Following his father's assassination in 336 BC, he inherited a powerful yet volatile kingdom, which he had to secure - along with the rest of the Greek city states - before he could set out to conquer the massive Persian Empire, in revenge for Persia's earlier attempts to conquer Greece.

Against overwhelming odds, he led his army to victories across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt without incurring a single defeat. With his greatest victory at the Battle of Gaugamela, in what is now northern Iraq, in 331 BC, the young king of Macedonia, leader of the Greeks, Overlord of Asia Minor and Pharaoh of Egypt also became Great King of Persia at the age of 25.

Over the next eight years, in his capacity as king, commander, politician, scholar and explorer, Alexander led his army a further 11,000 miles, founding over 70 cities and creating an empire that stretched across three continents and covered some two million square miles.

The entire area from Greece in the west, north to the Danube, south into Egypt and as far east as the Indian Punjab, was linked together in a vast international network of trade and commerce. This was united by a common Greek language and culture, whilst the king himself adopted foreign customs in order to rule his millions of ethnically diverse subjects.

Primarily a soldier, Alexander was an acknowledged military genius who always led by example, although his belief in his own indestructibility meant he was often reckless with his own life and that of those he expected to follow him. The fact that his army only refused to do so once, in the13 years of a reign during which there was constant fighting, indicates the loyalty he inspired.

Following his death in 323 BC at the age of only 32, his empire was torn apart in the power struggles of his successors. Yet Alexander's mythical status rapidly reached epic proportions and inspired individuals as diverse as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Louis XIV and Napoleon.

He continues to be portrayed according to the bias of those interpreting his achievements. He is either Alexander the Great or Iskander the Accursed, chivalrous knight or bloody monster, benign multi-culturalist or racist imperialist - but above all he is fully deserving of his description as 'the most significant secular individual in history'."

By Dr. Joann Fletcher
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/alexander_the_great.shtml

"When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer."--attributed to Plutarch, The Moralia.
http://www.pothos.org/alexander.asp?paraID=96

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

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

ARCADIUS (395-408) - CONSTANTINOPLE - RIC 87bSilique, 392-395, R
A/D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Arcadius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Maître Arcadius Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOT/X/MVLT/XX//CONS
Votis decennalibus/Multis vicennalibus, Vœux pour le dixième anniversaire de règne et pour le vingtième à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 2.08 gr - 19 mm - 12h
RIC IX 87b, RSC 28Ac
Siliquae

ARCADIUS (395-408) - MILAN - RIC 27aSilique, 388-393, S
A/D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Arcadius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Maître Arcadius Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOT/X/MVLT/XV//MDPS
Votis decennalibus/Multis Quindecennalia, Vœux pour le dixième anniversaire de règne et pour le quinzième à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 1.83 gr - 17.5 mm - 12h
RIC IX 27a, RSC 27C
Siliquae

ARCADIUS - MILAN - RIC 13Silique, 383-387, S
A/ D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Arcadius Pius Felix Augustus
Notre Maître Arcadius Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/ VOT/V/MVLT/X//MDPS
Votis quinquennalibus/Multis decennalibus
Vœux pour le cinquième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les dix ans à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée
Argent, Poids : 1.31 gr, Diamètre : 16.6 mm, axe des coins : 0h
RIC IX 13, RSC 27BSiliquae

Artabanos I. 127-124 BCAR dr., 3,39gr, 19,3mm; Sellwood 20.1; Shore 59; Sunrise 278 (Artabanos III, 126-122);
mint: Ekbatana, axis 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/diadem, knot and ribbons; cap like short hair in 5 waves, long beard; earring with 3-pearl pendant, multiple-turn torque w/pellet finial; dotted border 9 to 14h;
rev.: archer, right, w/bow in right hand, on omphalos; 4 line legend in 2+2 format: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY,
ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY;
AU condition;

Ex: Jean Elsen Auction V 70, ex: Peus Auction 370/371;
also in: Parthika.frSchatz

Artabanos I. 127-124 BCAR dr., 3,59gr, 19,5mm; Sellwood 20.1, Shore 59, Sunrise 278;
mint: Ekbatana, axis 14:30h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/diadem, knot and 3 ribbons, pellet on center ribbon; short, cap like hair, medium long, pointed beard; earring, multiple turn torque; dotted border 8 to 16h;
rev.: archer, right, w/bow in right hand, on omphalos; 4-line legend in 2+2 format: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY
(ΦIΛ)AΔEΛ(ΦOY);

ex: Classical Coins, Goleta, CASchatz

Artabanos I. 127-124 BCAR dr., 3,65gr, 20,3mm; Sellwood 19.2var., Shore 58var., Sunrise --;
mint: Ekbatana (?), axis: 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/diadem, knot and 2 ribbons; short cap like hair in 5 waves, side lock (?), medium long beard; earring, multi-turn torque; eastern portrait (?); dotted border 9 to 13:30;
rev.: archer, right, on omphalos, w/bow in right hand; 4-line legend in 2+2 format: (B)AΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKO(Y) ΘEOΠATOPO(Σ); exergual line;

ex: Pars Coins1 commentsSchatz

Artabanos I. or Artabanos III. (Assar), ca. 126-124 BCAR dr., 3,68gr., 20mm;
mint: Ekabatana, axis: 12h;
Sellw. 20.2, Shore 60, Sunr.: -;
obv.: bare-headed bust, left, w/diadem, knot, and 2 ribbons; medium long hair in waves, mustache, long,pointed beard; earring w/3 pendants, multi-turn torque; cuirass or tunic; dotted border 12-15:30h and 17-19h;
rev.: archer, right, on omphalos w/bow; 4-line legend w/guide lines: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓΑΛoY APΣAKoY ΦIΛAΔEΛΦoY; exergual line;3 commentsSchatz

Artabanos I., 127 - 124 BCAR tdr., 16,02gr., 28,9mm;
Sellw. 21.2, Shore --, Sunrise 275-277var.;
mint: Seleukia, axis: 13h;
obv.: bare-headed, right, w/ diadem, knot, and 2 ribbons; short, cap-like hair, mustache, med.-long pointed beard; earring, multi-turn torque w/flattened end; cuirass; reel-and-pellet border 7 - 13h;
rev: goddess, left, on throne, cornucopia cradled in left arm and winged goddess w/diadem on extended right hand; right and left 2-line legend: BAΣIΛEΩΣ APΣAKOV; below goddess’ right arm monogr. Θ, in outer left field composite monogr., in exergue HΠP (year 125 BC);

ex: CNG Auction 103, # 441.Schatz

Artabanos I., 127-124 BCAR dr., 3,09gr, 20mm; Sellwood 20.2, Shore 60, Sunrise --;
mint: Ekbatana, axis: 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/diadem and ribbons; short cap like hair in waves, medium-long beard; earring, multi-layer torque; dotted border 10 to 16h;
rev. archer, right, on omphalos, w/ bow in right hand; 4-line legend in 2+2 format w/ dividing lines in between; BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY (Φ)ΛΛΛEΛΦo(Y) for: ΦIΛAΔEΛΦoY; exergual line;
plenty of horn silver on rev., apparently horn silver was removed from obv., thus the low weight;

ex: CNG EAuction 216, part of 6 coin lot.

Schatz

Artabanos I., 127-124 BCAR dr., 3,66gr; Sellwood 20.1, Shore 59; Sunrise 278 (Artabanos III. 126 to 122 BC);
mint: Ekbatana or Rhagai (?), axis: 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/diadem, knot and ribbons; short cap like hair in 5 waves, long beard, mustache; earring w/2-pearl pendant, multi-turn torque w/pellet finial (?); dotted border 9 to 12h;
rev.: archer, right, on omphalos, w/bow in right hand; 4-line legend in 2+2 format: BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY ΦIΛAΔEΛΦ(OY); exergual line;

ex: CNG Sale 63.Schatz

Artabanos II., 10 - 38 ADAR tdr., 14,74gr, 26, 4mm; Sellwood 61.2.; Shore 330 var., Sunrise -;
mint: Seleukia; axis: 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/ 4-strand diadem, 2 loops and 4 ribbons; medium-long hair in 4 waves, mustache, long tapered beard cut at end; 3-turn necklace; tunic or cuirass;
rev.: king, right, on throne, facing goddess w/palm branch in outstretched hand; above arm ΓOP (ΓOPΠIAIOY?); exergual line; 7-line legend: (BACIΛCΩC) (BACIΛCΩN) (ΛPCΛKOY) (CYCPΓETOY) ΔIKAIOY CTOYC (C)ΠIΦANOYC (ΦIΛ)EΛΛHNOC.

ex: Vienna Coin Show, VA; ex: Triton II, 12/98, #1380 (multiple coin lot).
Schatz

BCC BW1-BW5 Islamic Weights Dirham Series5 Islamic Bronze Weights
Caesarea Maritima
Fatimid? 10th -12th Century CE
Five Polyhedral, (Faceted Truncated Spheres)
with bird's-eye markings in horizontal rows.
Dirham series based on a unit of about 2.9 gm.
multiplied decimally and divided duodecimally.
1. 20 Dirham, Dia. 24mm. 57.71gm.
2. 10 Dirham, Dia. 18mm. 28.70gm.
3. 5 Dirham, Dia. 14mm. 14.16gm.
4. 1 Dirham, Dia. 8mm. 2.86gm.
5. 1/3 Dirham, Dia. 6mm. 0.96gm.
The largest weight is very close to 60x the
smallest. cf. Holland, W.W.O.C.M. #123-#128
and Holland, "ANSMN 31 (1986)" #3-#39
Surface finds Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection1 commentsv-drome

BCC LSR10 Rectangular Lead Seal COSRectangular Lead Seal
Roman ca. 1st-3rd Century CE
Obv: C.O.S Rev: C.O.S
One side bears the impression of
a truncated, wedge-shaped die or
boulloterion, with multiple strikes
and ghost letters.
2.1 x 0.6 x 0.5cm 4.53gm. Axis:0
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1977
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)v-drome

BCC LSR17 Rectangular Lead Seal -MM-?Rectangular Lead Seal
Roman 1st-3rd Century CE
Obv: ?MM? Rev: M?M
Mis-strikes and multiple strikes make
this one very difficult to read. The flan
could also have been flipped between
strikes. Possibly AMM-? on one side,
though the "A"could just be a remnant
of the first "M". The underside, also
mis-struck, may read M?M. The shapes
of the letters seem very similar in many
respects to the inscription on LSR16, but
I am unable to determine whether they
may be from the same dies.
2.1 x 0.62 x 0.45cm 3.63gm. Axis:0?
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1971
J. Berlin Caesarea Collectionv-drome

BCC LW1xLead Weight with Greek
Inscription in Six Lines
1st to 3rd century CE.
87x43mm. 153.5gm.
ΙΤΑ/ΛΙΚ/ΗΗ/ΜΙΛ/ΙΤΡ/Α, (ιταλικη ημι λιτρα,
half an Italian litra).
Surface find, Caesarea Maritima, 1974
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection

An identical specimen, from the same mold, was found near Caesarea Maritima in 1949, and is listed in the Corpus Inscriptionum Iudaeae/Palaestinae, Vol. II, Ameling, Cotton, Eck, et.al. on page 621. According to the authors, the term “litra”, derived from the Roman word “Libra”, came to indicate local weight standards between the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. Therefore when the Roman standard was intended the word ιταλικη was added to distinguish them. The weight of 153.5, when multiplied by 2, is about 19 grams short of the Roman libra, however the object may have had a handle at the top and the original weight must have been fairly close to the standard. Around the end of the 3rd century CE the local standards were replaced by the Roman system and the descriptive word ιταλικη was no longer required.v-drome

Bracelet, bronzeBronze bracelet
Byzantine, 7th century or later.
Diameter 80mm.
Multipart bracelet consisting of six hexagonal faceted emerald green glass beads strung on a wire, bound with a bronze strap that was looped over to form a hook and eye closure. The whole is held together by seven bronze bands wrapped around the strap, with wire re-inforcements.Lawrence W

Byzantine Anonymous Follis: Class K [003]8.01 grams
25.8 mm
Attributed to ALEXIUS I, Comnenus (1081-1118)
SEAR 1901
multiple "Mardin" type countermarks:
Types 1 and 13, plus one unidentifiable2 commentscmcdon0923

C. Vibius Varus. Rome, 42 BC. AR Denarius. C. Vibius Varus. Rome, 42 BC. AR Denarius, . Laureate head of Hercules r. / C·VIBIVS – VARVS Minerva standing r., holding Victory and spear

There is very little known of the Roman moneyer C. Vibius Varus, however the year in which he had money struck was a time of extreme turmoil in Rome. Caesar had been assassinated on the Ides of March and his adopted son Octavian (later Augustus) was determined to hunt down his killers who had fled, Brutus and Cassius. The second triumvirate had been formed, composed of Octavian, Mark Antony and Lepidus. Money was necessary to build and stabilize the troops not to mention show the strength of the new leadership.

This coin of Hercules struck under Varus is suggested to be an allusion to the then recently deceased Julius Caesar according to Crawford (p. 511 in his book RRC). The crown Hercules wears is suggested to be the crown of Alexander the Great. No small message during this tumultuous year.
This coin holds historical interest but equally is special for its metaphors back to the man Julius Caesar was believed to be, or at least was suggested by his admirers.2 commentsBritanikus

Caecilia 23?Caecilia 23? (130BC) moneyer Q. Caecilius Metellus cos 123 BC Rome

Semis

Ob: Laureate head of Saturn right; behind S
Rev: Prow right above Q ∙ MET (TE ligature), right S, in exergue ROMA

BMCRR I 1059

Sydenham 510

Crawford: 256/2a Q. METE

There is some confusion concerning which Q. Caecilius Metellus was the moneyer. Sydenham states that this difficulty arises from the fact that during this period (125-100 BC) the Metelli were at the height of their power and therefore would have multiple junior family members beginning the cursum honorum at the mint. There are a large number of variant legends.

Nice green patina, 6.03gr.
1 commentsrennrad12020

CAMPGATE, ArcadiusObv: ARCADIVS partially visible, bust appears to be pearl-diademed
Rev: GLORIA REIPVBLICE partially visible, multi-level "campgate", TES below
AE4, 13 mm (Ray Wilk)

Celtic Britain, Durotriges (Circa 58 BC-45 AD)Stater, Abstract (Cranborne Chase) type

5.26g

Obverse: Devolved head of Apollo right

Reverse: Disjointed horse left; pellets above, [pellet below], pellet in lozenge above tail, [zigzag and pellet pattern between two parallel exergue lines].

Van Arsdell 1235-1; BMC 2525-54.

The Durotriges ("dwellers by the water" or, perhaps, "water-rat kings") were well known for their continental trade and hill forts. They were the only tribe who did not add inscriptions to their coins, perhaps indicative of decentralized rule among multiple hill-fort based tribes using a common currency, and the only tribe to strike a stater in silver.

The history of the Durotriges can be divided into two broad phases, an early phase, roughly 100-60 B.C. and a late phase from 60 B.C. until the Roman conquest. The early phase was a time of rapid development brought about by overseas trade, while the late phase was a time of retraction, isolation and economic impoverishment. The economic decline is dramatically portrayed by the progressive debasement of their coinage, particularly when you compare the magnificent white-gold Craborne Chase staters of ca. 50-40 B.C. with the crude cast bronze Hengistbury coins of ca. A.D. 10-43.

The Durotriges resisted Roman invasion in AD 43, and the historian Suetonius records some fights between the tribe and the second legion Augusta, then commanded by Vespasian. By 70 AD, the tribe was already Romanised and securely included in the Roman province of Britannia.
2 commentsNathan P

Celtic Ring, EireCelts, Eire. 2nd c. BC. AR Ring (0.87 gm) of Limerick. Plain ring, possibly proto-money, similar to 4-spoked wheel money (rouelles). VF.
Bt. Lionheart Antiquities 1999. cf van Arsdell 1-3. (Consigned for sale, 2021)
Prior to the use of regular round struck or cast coinage, the Celts employed items of various shapes and metals for trade. Although not conclusively identified as an early form of money, these rings have been found in coin hoards and do bear some resemblance to other Celtic objects accepted as "proto-money," such as small bronze or potin wheels. R.D. Van Arsdale, in his book The Celtic Coins in Britain (London, 1989), notes that precious-metal rings such as this may have had multiple functions; as items of personal adornment (many were hair ornaments), as a means of displaying wealth, and as a medium of exchange. The weights and diameters vary, making it difficult to establish whether denominations existed. The authors of ABC (C. Rudd. Ancient British Coins. Aylsham. 2010), on the other hand, regard these as jewelry and ornaments, albeit some ceremonial wealth-storage value attached. Anaximander

CHINA - Qing Dynasty, Emperor Wen Zong, Xian Feng ReignCHINA - Qing Dynasty, Emperor Wen Zong, Xian Feng Reign (1851-1861) AE 10 Cash. Obv.: XIAN FENG ZHONG BAO Rev.: BOO DUNG left and right; DANG SHI (Value Ten) above and below. Dongchuan Mint, Yunnan Province. 38 mm. Reference: Hartill #22.1024dpaul7

Chinese Charm with coin inscription from Later Zhou Dynasty 951 - 960 A.D.Cast Bronze Chinese Charm, Weight 8.8g, Max diameter 26.8mm, Obv. 周元通宝 zhou yuan tong bao "Zhou First Currency", Rev. Dragon on left, Warrior with sword on right (depicting "Zhou Chu killing the dragon"), Rich brown patina.

Background info courtsey Primaltrek.com

In addition to official coinage, China also has a long history of producing "coin-like" charms, amulets and talismans.

Coins, as a form of money, represent power. Coin-shaped charms are, therefore, a very compact form of power. They are filled with symbolism and are believed by the multitude of Chinese to have vast powers.

Cast throughout the centuries, these ancient charms, informally referred to by the Chinese as "ya sheng coins" (压胜钱), "flower coins" (huaqian 花钱) or "play coins" (wanqian 玩钱), were not used as money but rather to suppress evil spirits, bring "good luck", "good fortune" and to avert misfortune.

For the most part, all these old charms,...were privately cast and their quantities and dates are almost impossible to determine. Nevertheless, they serve as important cultural artifacts from the life of the common Chinese throughout the centuries.

Emperor Shizong did cast coins in earnest beginning in 955 AD, the second year of his Xiande (显德) reign, with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao (周元通宝). To obtain the copper to make the coins, Emperor Shizong ordered the confiscation of bronze statues from 3,336 Buddhist temples. He also mandated that citizens turn in to the government all bronze utensils with the exception of bronze mirrors.

Zhou yuan tong bao coins are very well made and still exist in large quantities. Because the coins were made from Buddhist statues, they are considered to have special powers. For example, it was believed that the zhou yuan tong bao coin could cure malaria and help women going through a difficult labor.

Because of the common belief that the coin has special powers, the zhou yuan tong bao became very popular as the basis for charms and amulets. There are many charms with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao on the obverse and a dragon and phoenix on the reverse. Images of the Buddha, zodiac animals, and other auspicious objects can also be found on the reverse sides of zhou yuan tong bao charms.

The theme of this charm is "Zhou Chu killing the dragon".

A folk story about Zhou Chu appeared in the 430AD book "A New Account of the Tales of the World" and proved to be very popular. The story claims that Zhou Chu was such a hot-headed bully in his younger days that he was called one of the "Three Scourges" by the villagers in his hometown (in today's Yixing), along with a dragon and a tiger. Upon hearing the term, Zhou Chu went on to kill the tiger and the dragon. After he and the dragon disappeared for 3 days fighting in Lake Tai, the villagers celebrated wildly, just when Zhou Chu returned with the dragon's head. That was when he realized that he was the last scourge that the villagers feared. Determined to mend his old ways, he sought out Eastern Wu generals Lu Ji and Lu Yun, and received encouragement. Eventually he became an accomplished general beloved by his people~Wikipedia3 commentsSteve E

Chulalongkorn Coat of ArmsChulalongkorn (Rama V--Chakri Dynasty) Coat of Arms

Origin/Meaning:
The arms of the Kingdom of Siam were created during the reign of King Chulalongkorn the Great, Rama V, when the Kingdom was exposed to Western traditions, ideas, and also European threat of colonialism. King Chulalongkorn, who visited Europe twice, modernized Siam and adopted many of the European traditions to his court, including the use of heraldry.

On the top of the coat of arms is the Great Victory Crown of Thailand, the most important royal regalia and the symbol of kingship. Under the crown is the symbol of the Royal House of Chakri, the King's royal family, which is a disc intersected with a trident. The royal multi-tiered umbrellas of state are also present on either side of the crown. To both sides of the coat of arms are the other regalia, the royal sword and the royal baton. In the background is the draped robe - either the Royal robe of the King or the robe of the Order of Chulachomklao - an order created by the King. The supporters are two (again) mythical creatures, one is the Royal Lion, rajasiha, and the other is Elephant Lion, gaja-siha.

The shield itself is partitioned into three parts, signifying the Thai part of the Kingdom (the 3-headed elephant) on the top, the Laotian suzerainty (another elephant), and the Malay suzerainty (two "kris", or Malayan short swords).

The chain under the Arms is a necklace that is a part of the Order of Chulachomklao.
The ribbon under the Arms is inscribed with the motto (in Pali, the language of the Buddhist canon) which may be translated as "Unity brings happiness".

When the present seal (the Garuda) was made the State symbol, King Chulalongkorn's great arms were no longer used as a State symbol, however, it still adorns the hats of Thai police officers to this day.
Literature : Information provided by Apirat Sugondhabhirom
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Sitemap © Ralf Hartemink 1996, -
Cleisthenes

CONSTANCE II ( 337-361) - ANTIOCHE - RIC 186Silique réduite, 355-361, S
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//ANT
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 1.94 gr - 18.5 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 186, RSC 343
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - ANTIOCHE - RIC 106Silique, 355-361, S
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles).
R/VOTIS/XXV/MVLTIS/XXX//ANT
Votis quinvicennalibus Multis tricennalibus, Vœux pour les vingt-cinq années de règne et plus pour les trente années à venir.
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée. Une étoile dans le médaillon.
Argent - 2.82 gr - 19 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 106, RSC 340
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - ANTIOCHE - RIC 36Silique, 337-340, R2
A/NO LEGEND
Buste à droite, regardant vers le haut, diadémé (Perles).
R/VOTIS/XX/MVLTIS/XXX//ANT
Votis vicennalibus/Multis tricennalibus, Vœux pour le vingtième anniversaire de règne et plus pour le trentième
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 3.02 gr - 20.32 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 36, RSC 339bSiliquae

CONSTANCE II - ARLES - RIC 207Silique lourde, 355-361, S
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//TCON
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 2.82 gr - 19 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 207, RSC 342, Ferrando 1016
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - ARLES - RIC 261Silique, 355-361, C4
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//PCON
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 2.1 gr - 18 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 261, RSC 343
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - ARLES - RIC 261Silique, 355-361, C4
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//SCON
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 2.23 gr - 17 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 261, RSC 343, Ferrando 1030
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - ARLES - RIC 261Silique, 355-361, C4
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//SCON
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 1.71 gr - 17.5 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 261, RSC 343, Ferrando 1030
Commentaires : Une monnaie "fautée" ! Double frappe de l'aver, désaxée de 39°, qui donne cette impression de double diadème.Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - CONSTANTINOPLE - RIC 102(02)Silique lourde, 351-355, S
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//C•B
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 3.04 gr - 21.08 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 102(02), RSC 342
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - CONSTANTINOPLE - RIC 102(03)Silique lourde, 351-355, S
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//C•G
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 3.04 gr - 21.08 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 102(03), RSC 342(3j)
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - CONSTANTINOPLE - RIC 104(05)Silique, 351-355, S
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//C(PALME)€
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 3.84 gr - 20.5 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 104(05), RSC 342-3k
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - CONSTANTINOPLE - RIC 133(01)Silique réduite, 355-361, C1
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//C•A
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 1.85 gr - 19 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 133(01), RSC 342Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - LYON - RIC 180Silique, 353-355, R2
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles).
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//LVG
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 2.79 gr - 20 mm - 0h
RIC VIII 180, RSC 341-342
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - LYON - RIC 216Silique réduite, 360-363, C5
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//LVG
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 1.85 gr - 16.54 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 216, RSC 343
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - NICOMEDIE - RIC 40Silique, 340-350, R2
A/D N CO[N]STAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles).
R/VOTIS/XXV/MVLTIS/XXX//SMN
Votis quinvicennalibus Multis tricennalibus, Vœux pour les vingt-cinq années de règne et plus pour les trente années à venir.
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 3.17 gr - 21.9 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 40, RSC 340
Commentaires : "N" absent, du à un coin bouché.Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - NICOMEDIE - RIC 81Silique, 351-355, R1
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//SMN
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 3.07 gr - 19.95 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 81, RSC 342Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - SIRME - RIC 17Silique, 355-361, C1
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//•SIRM
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 3.47 gr - 21.7 mm - 6h
RIC VIII 17, RSC 342-3f
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - SIRME - RIC 68Silique réduite, 355-361, C2
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//SIRM
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 1.99 gr - 19.36 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 68, RSC 342-3u
Siliquae

CONSTANCE II - SISCIA - RIC 360Silique réduite, 355-361, S
A/D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus, Notre Seigneur Constance Pieux et Heureux Auguste
Buste à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX//SIS
Votis tricennalibus/Multis quadracennalibus, Vœux pour le trentième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les quarante à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 2.25 gr - 17.2 mm - 12h
RIC VIII 360, RSC 342-3t
Siliquae

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