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Ancient Greece, Attica, Athens. 449-413 BC, AR Tetradrachm (17.16 grams) Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right; Reverse: Owl standing right S.25262 commentspaul1888

Metapontum, Lucania, c. 340 - 330 B.C.
|Italy|, |Metapontum,| |Lucania,| |c.| |340| |-| |330| |B.C.|, NEWLeukippos (or Leucippus) was a son of king Oinomaos of Pisa. He fell in love with the nymph Daphne and disguised himself as a girl to join her company. When she discovered his true identity in the bath, he was slain by the nymphs. Based on this portrait, his plan was doomed from the start.

Another Leukippos, unrelated to the coin, was a philosopher in the first half of 5th century B.C. This Leukippos was the first Greek to develop the theory of atomism; the idea that everything is composed entirely of various imperishable, indivisible elements called atoms. His theory was elaborated in far greater detail by his pupil and successor, Democritus. Leukippos was born in Miletus or Abdera.
GS110591. Silver nomos, Johnson-Noe B3.15 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 497 (same); Historia Numorum Italy 1576; SNG ANS 443, VF, fine style, toned, areas weakly struck, irregularly shaped flan, Metapontion (Metaponto, Italy) mint, weight 7.812g, maximum diameter 22.5mm, die axis 315o, c. 340 - 330 B.C.; obverse ΛEYKIΠΠOΣ (clockwise from above), head of Leucippus right, bearded, wearing Corinthian helmet with a plain bowl, dog (control symbol) seated left behind; reverse barley ear, stalk and leaf on right, bird with open wings on leaf, META upward on left, AMI below leaf; from the CEB Collection, Ex: Numismatic Fine Arts, Inc, Summer Bid Sale, June 27, 1986, lot 45.paul1888

Calabria, Tarentum; 302-281 BC, Drachm, 3.22 grams, Vlasto-1053. Obverse: Head of Athena right wearing crested helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone. Reverse: Owl standing right on olive spray, head facing, TAP upwards to left, [I]OP downwards to right. Ex: Kunker 226, 11 March 2013 lot 135, ex:Hess 236, 3 April 1939, E. Nitsch collection.paul1888

Gaul, Massalia. 100-49 BC. AR Drachm (2.61 grams). Draped bust of Artemis right./ Lion prowling right. S.77. de la Tour. 942. Ex: Lawrence M. Cutler collection, EX: Numismatic Fine Arts, Fall Mail Bid Sale, October 18, 1990, lot #1.paul1888

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

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

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

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

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

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

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*Alex

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

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

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

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

CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THEM

5 comments*Alex

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

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

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

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

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1 comments*Alex

A 53 Parliament of Owlscicerokid

Antiochos VIII & CleopatraAE 19, 5.78g, Antiochos VIII & Cleopatra, 123 BC, Obv: Radiate head of Antiochus right.. Rev: Owl standing right, head facing on prostrate amphora / ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΞΟΥ, IE in ex. , Seleukid date 190 (123 BC), aXF. S 7139, B.M.C.4.87,10, SC 2263, Hoover HGC 9, 1189 (S).Molinari

Athens New Style Tetradrachm 146/5 BCObs : Athena Parthenos right in tri-form helmet
34 mm Thompson issue 19
Thompson catalogue:Obs Gaziantep 146?:Rev NEW?
Rev : ΑΘΕ ethnic
Owl standing on overturned panathenaic amphora
below control mark ME
2 magistrates : XAPΙ ΗPA
RF symbol : Cock with Palm
All within a surrounding olive wreathcicerokid

Athens New Style Tetradrachm c 140/39 BC Obs : Athena Parthenos right in tri-form helmet-No Pegassos
16.60 gm 31 mm
Thompson catalogue : Obs 278 : REV not in plates?
Rev : ΑΘΕ ethnic
Owl standing on overturned panathenaic amphora
Upon which Amphora mark : M
Below control mark : ΕΜΦ
2 magistrates : ΚΤΗΣΙ ΕΥΜΑ
RF symbol : Nike presenting Wreath
All within a surrounding olive wreath

1 commentscicerokid

ATTICA,Athens. AR tetradrachmThomson 31b/bmc 445/ 135-134bc
obv: Helmeted head of Athena bust R.
rev: Owl std.r.head facing on amphora. Magistrates name in field
Asklepios std.l. holding serpent. intwined scepter. Z on amphora,delta
I below. all within wreath4 commentshill132

Enniscorthy (Wexford) copper halfpenny token dated 1800.Woodcock's Bank Enniscorthy (Wexford) copper halfpenny token dated 1800. Obverse: View of a castle by the sea with a portcullis formed by six vertical and one horizontal bar in the gateway and legend: "PAYABLE AT THE BANK OF R. W. ENNISCORTHY". Reverse: Shield with monogram "RW" hanging from the bough of a tree with hills and a castle in the background: "A. D. 1800". Plain edge. The issuer, R. Woodcock was a banker at Enniscorthy. The reverse design depicting "Vinegar Hill" refers to a tragedy there two years before the issue of the coin when there was an uprising of the United Irishmen in Dublin. This was soon suppressed, however, the peasants in the south followed suite and also revolted. Armed with fowling pieces, French muskets and long pikes, they captured several towns including Enniscorthy and Wexford. The rebels then organised a training camp for their 6,000 strong force on Vinegar Hill. In June, General Lake attacked the Vinegar Hill camp and routed the half-trained force and, with Major-General John Moore’s recapture of Wexford, the rebellion disintegrated. The bodies of around 500 men who were killed in the battle lie buried in a mass grave at the foot of the hill. D&H Wexford No: 4. Diameter 28.8mm.Ancient Aussie

JUSTIN I and JUSTINIAN I as joint Emperors, AE Pentanummium (5 Nummi), struck 4th April - 1st August 527 at AntiochObverse: +D N D N IVSTINVS ЄT IVSTINIANVS P P A; Diademed, draped, and cuirassed facing busts of Justin I and Justinian I side by side.
Reverse: Tyche of Antioch seated facing left, head facing; below right, river-god Orontes swimming towards the left; large Э to left; all within distyle shrine.
Diameter: 13mm | Weight: 2.2gms | Die Axis: 6
SBCV: 133 | DOC:17 *(different die axis)
RARE

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

Kassander, 317 - 297 BC. AE18. Struck 319 - 305 BC at an uncertain mint in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Head of Herakles, wearing lion's skin, facing right.
Reverse: KAΣΣAN - ΔPOY, above and below crouching lion facing right, Λ in right field, before lion.
Diameter: 17.77mm | Weight: 3.76gms | Die Axis: 6
SNG Cop 1138 | Sear GCV 6753 | Forrer/Weber 2161

This type was issued before Kassander's assumption of the royal title in 305 BC

Kassander (Cassander) was one of the Diadochoi, a group of Macedonian generals, and the self proclaimed ruler of Macedonia during the political turmoil following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. He was the son of Antipater, who had been appointed as regent in Macedonia while Alexander was in the East.
In 319 BC and close to death, Antipater transferred the regency of Macedonia to Polyperchon. Kassander refused to acknowledge the new regent and, with the aid of Antigonus I Monopthalmus the ruler of Phrygia, he seized Macedonia and most of Greece, including Athens. In 317 BC, he declared himself regent and had Alexander's widow, Roxanna and son, Alexander IV confined in Amphipolis. Later, in 310 or 309 BC, he had them put to death by poisoning. But, even though he had murdered Alexander's heirs and had been the de facto ruler of Macedonia from 317 BC, Kassander did not take the royal titles and declare himself king until 305 BC.
Meanwhile, Antigonus was intent on reuniting Alexander's empire under his own sovereignty and so Kassander joined forces with Ptolemy I of Egypt, Seleucus in Babylon and Lysimachus ruler of Thrace to oppose him. The two sides fought several battles between 319 and 303 BC resulting in Kassander losing Athens in 307 BC and his possessions south of Thessaly between 303 and 302 BC. However, in 301 BC Antigonus was defeated and killed at the Battle of Ipsus in Phrygia which allowed Kassander to secure undisputed control over Macedonia.
During his rule Kassander restored peace and prosperity to the kingdom, founding or restoring numerous cities, including Thebes which had been levelled by Alexander as punishment for rebelling against him. He also founded Thessalonica, naming the city after his wife, and Cassandreia, founded upon the ruins of Potidaea, which was named after himself.
Kassander died of dropsy in 297 BC and may have been buried in a royal tomb recently discovered at Vergina, identified as Aigai, the first Macedonian capital.
*Alex

Parliament of 49 Owls24 Thompson old catalogue
13 Thompson middle catalogue
8 Thompson late catalogue of which 3 are post-Sullan
3 Imitations of which 1 "old catalogue" 1, "late catalogue" & 1 "post Sullan"
1 pseudo-Athenian New Style Thompson type ii Sullan "Lucullean" issuecicerokid

(0161) MARCUS AURELIUSM. Aurelius, as Caesar
161 - 180 AD (as Augustus)
Struck 156 (as Caesar)
AE 23 X 25 mm, 11.1 g
O:[AVR]ELIVS CAES ANTON [AVG PII F], head left
R: [TR PO]T X COS II S-C, Minerva standing left holding owl and spear, shield behind her legs
Rome
(unpublished)laney

(12) DOMITIAN81-96 AD
(Struck 88 AD)
AR Denarius 18mm, 3.41 gm
O: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII, laureate head right
R: IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on galley, brandishing spear and shield; at her feet, owl standing right.
RIC II 108a; BMCRE 117; RSC 236.laney

(500a) Roman Republic, 119 BC, M. Furius Philius - Furia 18Roman Republic, 119 BC, M. Furius Philius - Furia 18. Crawford 281/1, Sydenham 529; 19mm, 3.23 grams. aVF, Rome; Obverse: laureate head of Janus, M FORVRI L F around; Reverse: Roma standing left erecting trophy, Galic arms around, PHLI in exergue. Ex Ephesus Numismatics.

Gauis Marius
As a novus homo, or new man, Marius found the rise in the Roman cursus honorum ( "course of honours"-- the sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in the Roman Republic) a daunting challenge. It is certain that he used his old family client contacts and his military relations as a source of support. Among these contacts were the powerful Metelli family, and their early support was to prove to be a disaster for them. Just a few short years after his service as Quaestor, Marius was elected Tribune of the Plebes in 119 BC. In this position so soon after the political turmoil and murder of the Gracchi brothers (Gaius murdered 123 BC), Marius chose to follow the populares path, making a name for himself under similar auspices. As Tribune, he would ensure the animosity of the conservative faction of the Senate, and the Metelli, by passing popular laws forbidding the inspection of ballot boxes. In do doing, he directly opposed the powerful elite, who used ballot inspection as a way to intimidate voters in the citizen assembly elections.

Marius would go on to be elected Consul seven times and figure prominantly in the civil unrest of the early eighties as Lucius Cornelius Sulla's opponent. In 88 BC, Sulla had been elected Consul. There was now a choice before the Senate about which general to send to Asia (a potentially lucrative command): either Marius or Sulla. The Senate chose Sulla, but soon the Assembly appointed Marius. In this unsavory episode of low politics, Marius had been helped by the unscrupulous actions of Publius Sulpicius Rufus, whose debts Marius had promised to erase. Sulla refused to acknowledge the validity of the Assembly's action.

Sulla left Rome and traveled to "his"army waiting in Nola, the army the Senate had asked him to lead to Asia. Sulla urged his legions to defy the Assembly's orders and accept him as their rightful leader. Sulla was successful, and the legions murdered the representatives from the Assembly. Sulla then commanded six legions to march with him opon Rome and institute a civil war.

This was a momentous event, and was unforeseen by Marius, as no Roman army had ever marched upon Rome—it was forbidden by law and ancient tradition.

Sulla was to eventually rule Rome as Dictator. In his book Rubicon, historian Tom Holland argues that Sulla's actions had no lasting negative effect upon the health of the Republic, that Sulla was at heart a Republican. However, once a Roman general has defied Republican tradition, once a Roman general has used his command to combat fellow Romans, once a Roman general has set-up himself as Dictator--it follows that the decision to replicate these decsions (think: Caesar and Rubicon) is that much more easiely taken.

J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

*SOLD*Augustus Copper quadrans

Attribution: RIC I 453
Date: 5 BC
Obverse: MESSALLA APRONIVS III VIR, garlanded altar with bowl-shaped top
Reverse: GALVS SISINNA A A A F F, around large S C
Size: 15.6 mm
Weight: 2.51 grams
ex- ForvmNoah

*SOLD*Augustus Copper quadrans

Attrribution: RIC I 455a, Morrison BN 806
Date: 5 BC
Obverse: MESSALLA GALVS III VIR, garlanded altar with bowl-shaped top
Reverse: APRONIVS SISENNA AAAFF, around large S C
Size: 17 mm
Weight: 3.02 grams
ex-ForvmNoah

*SOLD*Augustus Copper quadrans

Attribution: RIC I 450 corr.
Date: 5 BC
Obverse: GALVS MESSALLA III VIR, altar with bowl-shaped top
Reverse: SISENNA APRONIVS AAAFF, around large S C
Size: 16.3 mm
Weight: 3.16 grams
ex-ForvmNoah

*SOLD*Augustus Copper quadrans

Attribution: RIC I 454
Date: 5 BC
Obverse: MESSALLA APRONIVS III VIR, altar with bowl-shaped top
Reverse: SISENNA GALVS AAAFF, around large S C
Size: 16.1 mm
Weight: 3.07 grams
ex-ForvmNoah

0.3 Athenian Tetradrachm (archaic)AR Tetradrachm of Athens
449 - 404 BCE
25 mm, 16.6 gm

Obv. archaic Athena r. helmeted
Rev. Owl with A (theta) E; olive and crescent in upper left corner
test cut through OwlEcgþeow

0.30 AR Athenian Tetradrachm 454-415 BCEATTICA: Athens. Ca. 454(?)-415 BC. AR tetradrachm. Athena / Owl. Nice centering.

Silver tetradrachm, pl. XXII, 6´. Svoronos pl. 15, 30., 17.1gm, 24mm, gVF, 449-413 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right with almond shaped eye, wearing crested helmet ornamented with three olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring,; reverse A?E right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, prong tail, to left olive twig and crescent, all within incuse square.1 commentsEcgþeow

0001 - Quadrans Nero 64 ACObv/NERO CLAV CAE AVG GER, owl on altar.
Rev/PM TR P IMP PP, SC on field, olive branch.
Quadrans of small module, no value-mark.

AE, 12.84mm, 1.70g
Mint: Rome.
RIC I/260 [C] - Cohen 185 - RCV 1988 - BMCRE p.258
ex-Numismática Saetabisdafnis

001p. Cleopatra VIIPtolemaic queen of Egypt. She had an affair with Julius Caesar while he was in Egypt, probably producing the son Ptolemy XV Caesar, nicknamed Caesarion. She became a key figure in the struggle between Octavian and Mark Antony when the latter began a long-term affair with her. Several acknowledged children resulted from this affair. The affair was viewed with considerable dislike by the Romans, and Octavian and his supporters made the maximum propaganda use of it. Cleopatra provided significant military forces, particularly ships, to Mark Antony for his last war with Octavian. After losing the Battle of Actium and Octavian's occupation of Egypt, she committed suicide on 10 August 30 BC, at age 39.

Coin: AE20. Chalkis, Phoenicia. 32/31 BC. Obv: Diademed bust of Cleopatra right. Rev: Head of Marc Antony right. Svoronos 1887, BMC [Berytus] 15. RPC 4771. Roma Numismatics Auction 71 Lot 690.lawrence c

003 Eric Haraldsson "Bloodaxe"Penny of Eric, king of Norway 932-934 and York 947-948 and 952-954
English issue as king of Jorvik
Moneyer: Ingelgar
Mint: probably York
Sword type
S.1030

A fragment of a penny of Eric Haraldsson, remembered to history by his nicknames "Bloodaxe" and "Brother-bane". Eric was probably the son of Harald, first king of Norway. His early life is described in the Norwegian sagas, written much later, and certainly with embellishment. He feuded with his half-brothers, and probably killed at least one or two of them. He succeeded his father in 932 as king of Norway, but was an unpopular ruler and ultimately deposed in favor of his brother Haakon. Eric left to live the good Viking life for a time, raiding in the North Sea. During this time, a Viking kingdom in York was slowly in decline due to the actions by the West Saxons, and with the defeat of Anlaf Guthfrithsson in 937, Viking York seemed likely to be integrated into the Saxon realm. However, Aethelstan's premature death in 939, his young successor was unable to consolidate the gains, and Viking York lived on, though in a diminished capacity. It should be remembered that Northumbria was something of a sideshow for its Viking leaders, who were kings in Ireland as well. Conflict between Vikings and English would continue, until a new player joined in- Malcolm, king of the Scots. The Scots started raiding Viking York, leading to even further weakening and the removal of Anlaf Sihtricsson, the new Viking king.

Eventually, Eric would find his way to Northumbria, where he would be made king in 947. This was not ok with the English Saxons, who believed they had overlordship of this region. King Eadred invaded and kicked out Eric and company. Eric's first reign would last only a year or so.

However, Eric was nothing if not tenacious. After his removal, the Saxons lost interest and things in York started to fall apart. Anlaf Sihtricsson, came back from Ireland to take charge again. Eric subsequently returned to the scene, defeated the Scots, kicked out Anlaf (again), and became king of York a second time.

It is thought that this sword coinage is from Eric's second reign, and hearkens back to old Northumbrian coinage in the name of Sihtric and St. Peter that also features the sword.

Eric's time was finally running out though. In 954 he was killed, likely in battle against England. Ultimately, he was the last of the Viking kings of York. Northumbria was finally absorbed into the English realm.

Eric's story is well recorded in the sagas, and there are a number of colorful details that are probably apocryphal. Eric might have been betrayed by a retainer, who had him assassinated. Eric's nickname "bloodaxe" is a colorful nickname that has survived, and presumably had to do with either his prowess in battle, or his murder of his family.

Ex- R.Hamer, EMC 2022.0390, PAS PUBLIC-BAFF76, found Driffield1 commentsSt. George's Collection

0047 - Denarius Domitian 85 ACObv/IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V, Domitian laureate head r.
Rev/IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P, Minerva standing r. on Columna Rostrata, holding shield and brandishing javelin, owl at feet.

Ag, 20.9mm, 3.45g
Mint: Rome.
RIC IIa/343 [R2] - Cohen 187
ex-Forum Ancient Coins, art.#157051 commentsdafnis

0082 Ionia, Priene - AE 17150-125 BC
helmeted head of Athena right
facing owl standing on amphora over palm branch within wreath
ΠPIH on left
ΔIONY / ΣIOY to right
BMC 50
6,0g 17,5mmJ. B.

01 Attica, Athenian TetradrachmAthenian Old Style Tetradrachm

Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and floral scroll, hair across forehead in parallel curves, almond shaped eye, round earing, wire necklace.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, a crescent and then an olive sprig to the l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tetradrachm; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC;1 Weight: 17.2g; Diameter: 24mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 62; SNG Cop vol. 14, 31; Cf. Starr pl. XXIII; SGCV I 2526; Kroll 8; SNG München issue 14, 49; HGC 4, 1597.

Notes:
1This is the date range given in HGC 4. SGCV I gives 449 - 413 BC.

NGC rates this coin as About Uncirculated with a 5/5 strike and a 4/5 surface. I intend to someday free it from its encapsulation.

This coin is part of an enormous issue apparently begun in order to pay for work necessary to rebuild the city's temples. Subsequent decades saw huge quantities of tetradrachms minted in order to finance the building of the Parthenon and other such massive projects, and later decades saw such minting in order to pay for the Peloponnesian War. (SGCV I, p. 236).

Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins January 12, 2018; Ex Heritage Auction 231723 June 8, 2017, lot 62016.

Photo Credits: Forum Ancient Coins

CLICK FOR SOURCES2 commentsTracy Aiello

01. Athens Tetradrachm.Tetradrachm, 449 - 413 BC.
Obverse: "Archaic style" head of Athena, wearing crested helmet ornamented with olive leaves and floral scroll.
Reverse: ΑΘΕ / Owl, olive twig, and crescent moon.
17.15 gm., 24 mm.
S. #2526.2 commentsCallimachus

01.- Attica Tetradrachm (454-404 BC)ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 17.09 g, 8h). Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597. VF, lightly toned, minor area of porosity on obverse, graffito and slight die shift on reverse.
Purchased at Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. auction in 2015.3 commentsOscar D

011 DOMITIANEMPEROR: Domitian
DENOMINATION: Denarius
OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P X, laureate head right
REVERSE: IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, holding spear and shield, owl at feet
DATE: Ad 90-91
MINT: Roma
WEIGHT: 3.29 g
RIC: II.720Barnaba6

013a10. DomitianDenarius. 92 AD. Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P P TR P XI, laureate head right. Rev: IMP XXI COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, holding spear and shield, owl at feet.
RIC 730, RSC 274.lawrence c

02 Attica, Athenian DrachmObv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and floral scroll, almond shaped eye.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, an olive sprig to the l., A☉E downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC1; Weight: 4.22g; Diameter: 15mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC Attica vol. 11, 74; SNG Lockett 1851; SNG Cop vol. 14, 43 var. mention of crescent; Svoronos Athens pls. 11.19 - 17.29 passim; SGCV I 2527; Kroll 10; SNG Sweden 1481; SNG München 61; HGC 4, 1631.

Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4 and SNG München.

Provenance: Ex. Kirk Davis March 12, 2024; Ex. Malter Galleries, with their tag indicating Ex. Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung, June 3, 1977.

CLICK FOR SOURCES4 commentsTracy Aiello

02.- Attica Tetradrachm (287-262 BC)ATTICA, Athens. Circa 287-262 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 16.80 g). Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square.
Purchased at Filatelia Numismatica Santos in 2015.Oscar D

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0576, RIC II(1962) 0108a, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP•XIIII•COS•XIIII•CENS•P•P•P•, Minerva standing right,024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0576, RIC II(1962) 0108a, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP•XIIII•COS•XIIII•CENS•P•P•P•, Minerva standing right,
avers:- IMP•CAES•DOMIT•AVG•GERM•P•M•TR•P•VII, Laureate head of Domitian right.
revers:- IMP•XIIII•COS•XIIII•CENS•P•P•P•, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing thunderbolt and shield; owl at her feet.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 88 A.D., ref: RIC 0576, RIC II(1962) 0108a p-166, C-236,
Q-0015 commentsquadrans

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0690, RIC II(1962) 0148, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #1024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0690, RIC II(1962) 0148, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #1
avers:- IMP-CAES-DOMIT-AVG-GERM-P-M-TR-P-VIIII, Laureate head of Domitian right.
revers:- IMP-XXI-COS-XV-CENS-P-P-P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing thunderbolt and shield; owl at her feet.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 19mm, weight: 3,25g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 89 A.D., ref: RIC 0690, RIC II(1962) 0148 p-171, C-262,
Q-001quadrans

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #1024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #1
avers:- IMP-CAES-DOMIT-AVG-GERM-P-M-TR-P-X, Laureate head of Domitian right.
revers:- IMP-XXI-COS-XV-CENS-P-P-P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing thunderbolt and shield; owl at her feet.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 18,5mm, weight: 3,16g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 90-91 A.D., ref: RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153 p-172, RSC 266, BMC 179,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #2024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #2
avers:- IMP-CAES-DOMIT-AVG-GERM-P-M-TR-P-X, Laureate head of Domitian right.
revers:- IMP-XXI-COS-XV-CENS-P-P-P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing thunderbolt and shield; owl at her feet.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-19mm, weight: 3,37g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 90-91 A.D., ref: RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153 p-172, RSC 266, BMC 179,
Q-0021 commentsquadrans

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #3024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right, #3
avers:- IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P X, Laureate head of Domitian right.
revers:- IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing thunderbolt and shield; owl at her feet.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 17,8-18,8mm, weight: 3,09g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 90-91 A.D., ref: RIC 0720, RIC II(1962) 0153 p-172, RSC 266, BMC 179,
Q-0036 commentsquadrans

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0725, RIC II(1962) 0157, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right#1024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0725, RIC II(1962) 0157, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva standing right#1
avers:- IMP-CAES-DOMIT-AVG-GERM-P-M-TR-P-XI, Laureate head of Domitian right.
revers:- IMP-XXI-COS-XV-CENS-P-P-P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing thunderbolt and shield; owl at her feet.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,00g, axis: 7h,
mint: Rome, date: 91-92 A.D., ref: RIC 0725, RIC II(1962) 0157 p- , RSC-270, BMCRE-183,
Q-0013 commentsquadrans

024d Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC II(1962) 008, Anonymus AE-Quadrans, Rome, Owl standing half left, S/C//--, #1024d Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC II(1962) 008, Anonymus AE-Quadrans, Rome, Owl standing half left, S/C//--, #1
Anonymous AE Quadrans. Time of Domitian to Antoninus Pius.
avers: Draped, cuirassed bust of Minerva right, wearing Corinthian helmet.
revers: Owl standing hal left.
exe: S/C//--, diameter: mm, weight: , axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 84-85 A.D., ref: RIC II(1962) 008, p-216,
Q-001quadrans

0252 - Tetras Kamarina 425-405 BCObv/ Head of Gorgon, facing.
Rev/ Owl standing r., holding lizard; to the l., KAMA; to the r., Γ.

AE, 16.5 mm, 4.15 g
Mint: Kamarina.
CNS III/17CT
ex-Bertolami Fine Arts, auction e77, lot 241dafnis

03 Attica, Athenian ObolAthenian Later Archaic/Rough Archaic Obol1

Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and spiral palmette on bowl of the helmet, hair across forehead in straight bands, almond shaped eye.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, a single leaf olive sprig and berry to the l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 454 - 404 BC2; Weight: .67g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 110º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 99; SNG Cop vol. 14, 53 to 56, var. no mention of berry; Starr p. XXIII, aa; Cf. Svoronos Athens pl. 8, 43 - 46 and pl. 9, 33 - 34, 37 - 46; SGCV I 2530; Kroll 13a ff var. no mention of berry; SNG München 77 to 82; HGC 4, 1665 var. no mention of berry.

Notes:
1This characterization is per BMC vol. 11, pp. xxiii and 8.
2This is the date range given in HGC 4.

Provenance: Ex. Harlan J Berk Ltd 215th Buy or Bid Sale, May 4, 2021; acquired from Harlan Berk in 2013.

Photo Credits: Harlan J Berk, Ltd

CLICK FOR SOURCES
5 commentsTracy Aiello

037a Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0463a. (Ant.Pius), Rome, AR-Denarius, TR POT VIIII COS II, Minerva standing left, #1037a Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0463a. (Ant.Pius), Rome, AR-Denarius, TR POT VIIII COS II, Minerva standing left, #1
avers: AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II FIL, Bare head right.
reverse: TR POT VIIII COS II, Minerva standing left, holding an owl, left-hand rests on the shield, and spear rests against left arm.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,5-19,0mm, weight: 3,27g, axis: 5h,
mint: Rome, date: 154-155 A.D.,
ref: RIC III. 463a. (Ant.Pius), p-86, RSC 676, BMCRE 837,
Q-001quadrans

037p Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.), Corinth, Achaea, AE-26, Minerva/Athena standing left,037p Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.), Corinth, Achaea, AE-26, Minerva/Athena standing left,
avers:- M-AVR-ANTONINVS-AVG, Laureate-headed bust of Marcus Aurelius wearing cuirass, right.
revers:- C-L-I-COR, Minerva/Athena standing, left, holding Victoria/Nike over altar and spear; to right, owl standing, facing.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 26mm, weight: 12,81g, axis: 4h,
mint: Corinth, Achaea, date: 161-180 AD., ref: BCD Corinth 688, Lanz 105 (26/11/2001), coll. BCD, http://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/5160/
Q-001quadrans

039 - Nerva Ar Drachm - SNG Cop. 44Obv:- AVTOKPAT NEPOYAC KAICAP CEBACT, Laureate bust right; L-Y across field
Rev:- YPATOY TRITOY, Two lyres (chelyes), owl above
Minted in Lycia, Lycian League. A.D. 97
Reference:- SNG Cop. 44; SNG von Aulock 4266; BMC Lycia p. 39, 6

Some surface lamination issues.maridvnvm

04 Attica, Athenian TriobolAthenian Pi-Style Triobol

Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet ornamented with olive leaves and a pi-style palmette, eye in profile.
Rev: owl standing facing; an olive branch coming down from above to the l. and r. with five or more leaves, [A☉Ǝ, with A above and ☉ lower l. and Ǝ lower r.].
Denomination: silver triobol (or hemidrachm); Mint: Athens; Date: c. 353 - 294 BC1; Weight: 2.015g; Diameter: 12.5mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 169; SNG Cop vol. 14, 68; Svoronos Athens pl. 21, 48; Kroll 19d; HGC 4, 1642.

Notes:
1This is the date range given in HGC 4.

Provenance: Ex. Forum Ancient Coins March 26, 2021, from the Errett Bishop collection (assembled from about 1960 - 1982).

Photo Credits: Forum Ancient Coins

CLICK FOR SOURCES6 commentsTracy Aiello

040a Commodus. AR Denariusobv: M COMMODVS ATON AVG PIVS laur. head r.
rev: TRP VIIII IMP_VI COS III PPMinerva adv. r. brandishing javelin and shield
at feet owl or var. spinxhill132

041b Commodus (166-180 A.D. as Caesar, 180-192 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0072, Rome, AR-denarius, TR P VIIII IMP VI COS IIII P P, Minerva advancing right,041b Commodus (166-180 A.D. as Caesar, 180-192 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0072, Rome, AR-denarius, TR P VIIII IMP VI COS IIII P P, Minerva advancing right,
avers:- M-COMMODVS-ANTON-AVG-PIVS, Laureate head right.
revers:- TR-P-VIIII-IMP-VI-COS-IIII-P-P, Minerva advancing right, aiming spear and holding shield; owl to lower right.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 17 mm, weight: 3,42 g, axis: 0 h ,
mint: Rome, date: 183-184 A.D., ref: RIC-III-072, p-373, C-424,
Q-001quadrans

051 - Marcus Aurelius Sestertius - RIC III Pius 1321AE Sestertius
Obv:- AVRELIVS CAE-SAR AVG PII FIL, Bare-headed, draped bust right
Rev:- TR POT VIIII COS II S-C, Minerva standing left, holding owl and spear, shield at her side
Minted in Rome mint. A.D. 154-155
Reference:- Cohen 678. RIC III Pius 13211 commentsmaridvnvm

051 - Marcus Aurelius Sestertius - RIC III Pius 1325Obv:- AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG PII F, Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev:- TR POT X COS II, S C, Minerva standing left holding owl and spear; shield at left side
Minted in Rome mint. A.D. 155-156
Reference:- BMCRE 2007. Cohen 687. RIC III Pius 1325.2 commentsmaridvnvm

06 Attica, Athenian HemiobolObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves, frontal eye.
Rev: Owl standing r., tail feathers as a single prong, head facing, olive leaf to l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemiobol; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC: Weight: .35g; Diameter: 6mm; Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Starr Group V Subgroup V. B. Series 5 pl. XXIV, z [?]; Svoronos Athens pl. 11, 50; Kroll 14; HGC 4, 1681.

Provenance: Ex. Shanna Schmidt Numismatics January 8, 2023 from the J. de Wilde Collection; Ex. Herbert Cahn Collection (Numismatica Genevensis SA Numismatic Auction 7, 27 November 2012), lot 103 (part of).

Photo Credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES5 commentsTracy Aiello

0710 THRACE, Perinthus, Hadrian, 117-19 AD Athena Reference.
RPC III, 710; Sch 370-2;

Magistrate Maec- Nep- (presbeutès and antistrategos)

Obv. ΑΥΤΟ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡ
Laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, r., with paludamentum

Rev. ΠΕΡΙΝΘΙΩΝ ΕΠΙ ΜΑΙΚ ΝΕΠ ΠΡ ϹΕΒ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΤ
Athena standing l., her right hand resting on spear; her left on her hip; at her feet, an owl; behind her, a shield

20.55 gr
31.6 mm
6hokidoki

08 Constantius IIConstantius II
AE 2
24.75 mm 5.14g
D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, helmeted soldier standing left, spearing fallen horseman who is wearing a bowl-shaped helmet, clutching the horse's neck. Star in left field. Mintmark SMHA.
Heraclea
RIC VIII 67

ex Steve4 commentsRandygeki(h2)

$athensfraction.jpg$
1. Attica, Athens. 460-455 BC. (Most Likely an Eastern imitation)AR Obol.
obv: Helmeted head of Athena right
rev: Owl standing right, head facing, AQE to right, leaf to left.Dino

1/12 Shekel, Hippocamp/ OwlPhoenicia, Tyre, c. 332-275 BC, 1/12 Shekel, 0.66g. SG-5916, BM-43. Obv: Hippocamp l. Rx: Owl stg. l., crook and flail under wing. Ex John Twente Animal Collection, purchased from Amphora, 1/26/79. VF; area of weak strike. Ex Twente & H.J.BerkPodiceps

11 Constantius IIConstantius II
26 mm
DN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG
laureate, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, holding globe; A behind bust
RE-PARATIO
bowl-shaped helmet with bobble directly on top, kneeling on one knee, hand up
R Epsilon / * over A left
Rome 174
Scarce1 commentsRandygeki(h2)

1199-1216, John, AR Penny, Struck 1207 - 1211 at Dublin, IrelandObverse: IOHANNES REX around triangle enclosing a crowned and draped facing bust of King John holding, in his right hand, a sceptre tipped with a cross pommée which extends through the side of the triangle into the legend. Quatrefoil to right of bust.
Reverse: ROBERD ON DIVE around triangle containing sun over crescent moon and a star in each angle. Cross pattée at apex of each point of the triangle and above legend on each of the three sides. Moneyer: Roberd, cognate with the modern English name of Robin.
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 1.2gms | Die Axis: 4h
SPINK: 6228

Third issue "REX" coinage. This was the only coinage struck by King John in his own name.

John was King of England from 1199 until his death in 1216. The baronial revolt at the end of John's reign led to the sealing of the first Magna Carta, a document sometimes considered an early step in the evolution of the constitution of the United Kingdom.
John, the youngest of the five sons of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, was not expected to inherit significant lands which resulted in him being given the nickname John Lackland. However, after the failed rebellion of his elder brothers between 1173 and 1174, John became Henry's favourite child. He was appointed Lord of Ireland in 1177 and given lands in England and on the continent. John's elder brothers William, Henry and Geoffrey died young and when Richard I became king in 1189, John was the potential heir to the throne. John unsuccessfully attempted a rebellion against Richard's administration whilst his brother was participating in the Third Crusade but despite this, after Richard died in 1199, John was proclaimed King of England.
King John contracted dysentery at Lynn in 1216 but, just before his death, he managed to dictate a brief will. This will still survives and as part of it John requested: "I will that my body be buried in the church of St. Mary and St. Wulfstan of Worcester".
Some of King John's favourite hunting grounds were in Worcester, at Kinver and Feckenham, and he had a special affection for Saint Wulfstan, one of the two great Anglo-Saxon saints whose shrines and tombs were also at Worcester. Both Saint Wulfstan and Saint Oswald can be seen in miniature beside the head of the effigy of King John on his tomb.
Medieval effigies usually show the subject in the prime of life, however the effigy on King John's tomb is unique in that not only is it a life-like image of him, it is also the oldest royal effigy in England.
King John's tomb has been opened twice, once in 1529 and again in 1797. At the first opening it was said that John's head was covered with a monk's cowl, however it is now thought that this was probably his coronation cap. When the tomb was opened for the second time the antiquarians responsible discovered that a robe of crimson damask had originally covered the king's body but, by 1797, most of the embroidery had deteriorated. They also found the remains of a sword which lay down the left side of the body along with parts of its scabbard.
3 comments*Alex

138-161 AD - ANTONINUS PIUS AR denarius - struck 150-151 ADobv: IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P (laureate head right)
rev: TR POT XIIII COS IIII / PIETAS (Pietas standing right, holding hind by the neck & plate of fruits over altar to right)
ref: RIC 201 (S), RSC 616 (5frcs)
3.25gms, 18mm,
Rare

Unusual and rare reverse. Piety meant the right and proper observance of religious ritual, a duty which fell to every citizen, and to the emperor as much or more than to anyone else. In this coin Pietas is holding a bowl of fruits above an altar with one hand, while the other trails a hind for the sacrifice. The bowl of fruits as an offering is also seen in coins showing Fides. berserker

139-161 AD - AURELIUS Caesar AE sestertius - struck 154 ADobv: AVRELIVS CAESAR ANTONINI AVG P II FIL (bare & draped bust right)
rev:TR POT VIII COS II (Minerva standing right holding spear & owl), S-C in field
ref:RIC III 1312 (Ant.Pius), C.666
26.88gms, 32mm, berserker

139-161 AD - AURELIUS Caesar AR denarius - struck 149-150 ADobv: AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II FIL (bare head right)
rev: TR POT IIII COS II (Minerva, helmeted, standing left, holding spear & lefting left hand on shield, & holding owl in right hand)
ref: similar to RIC III 450a(Ant.Pius), C.634 (but without owl!)
3.40gms, 18mm,
Rare, not in RICberserker

1452 Athens - AR drachm431-393 BC
head of Athena right - almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll
owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent left
AΘE
SNG Cop 41; Kroll 10; Dewing 1601; Svoronos pl. 11, 20; HGC 4 1631
3,9g 14,5mm
ex KünkerJ. B.

148 – VABALATHVSVaballathus Athenodorus was emperor of the Palmyrene Empire centred at Palmyra in the region of Syria. Initially the Roman emperor Aurelian recognized Vabalathus' rule, and coins were issued showing Vabalathus and acknowledging Aurelian as emperor. Later Vabalathus rebelled against Rome, and declared himself Augustus.

for obverse, reverse and coin details click here
shanxi

1502 Hadrian Denarius Roma 130-38 AD AlexandriaReference.
RIC II, 300; BMC 823; C. 154; Strack 298; RIC III, 1502

Bust A1+

Obv. HADRIANVS - AVG COS III P P
Bare head

Rev. ALEXAN-DRIA
Alexandria standing left holding sistrum and bowl containing snake

3.37 gr
18 mm
12hokidoki

1608 - Lepidus and Octavian, DenariusDenarius minted in Italy, 42 BC
LEPIDVS PONT MAX III V R P C, bare head of Lepidus right (NT and MA in monograms)
C CAESAR IMPIII VIR R P C, bare head of Octavian right (MP in monogram)
3.78 gr
Ref : HCRI # 140, RCV # 1523, Cohen # 2

The following from forum catalog :
"Lepidus was a faithful follower of Julius Caesar, and he served as Praetor and Consul. When Caesar was assassinated, Lepidus was in charge of the cavalry and commanded a legion. This position secured him a place in the Second Triumvirate along Marc Antony and Octavian. His cut was Africa. When Octavian attacked Sextus Pompey's Sicily, Lepidus' ships and troops supported him. In an uninspired move, Lepidus thought he could force Octavian to leave him the island. The two armies separated and isolated skirmishes occurred, but soon the soldiers sick of yet another civil war, acknowledging Octavian's superiority deserted Lepidus en-masse. Lepidus left the island as a simple civilian, retaining only his priesthood, but he was the only defeated Imperator not to suffer a violent death."2 commentsPotator II

1791 AE Halfpenny Token. Leeds, Yorkshire.Obverse: ARTIS NOSTRÆ CONDITOR •. Standing figure of Bishop Blaize (patron saint of woolcombers) holding a wool comb in his raised right hand and a book and crosier in his left; at his feet, to right, a lamb facing right with it's head turned to left.
Reverse: LEEDS HALFPENNY 1791. Coat of arms of the City of Leeds consisting of a shield containing three stars and a hanging fleece, crested by an owl. The date, 17 - 91, bisected by the base of the shield.
Edge: “PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOUSE OF RICHARD PALEY •XX•".
Diameter: 29mm | Axis: 6
Dalton & Hamer: 45 | Conder: 20 (Yorkshire)

This token was issued by Richard Paley, a freeholder, maltster, soap-boiler and chandler with a business in a locality known as the “Calls” in Leeds. The token was manufactured by Matthew Bolton at his SOHO Mint in Birmingham, the dies were engraved by Henry Brownbill.

Bishop Blaise, also known as Saint Blasius, was a well-known martyr from Armenia, who as the price of his faith, back in the 4th century, had been put to death by being raked with red-hot rakes. Later he was adopted as the Patron Saint of Woolcombers and, appropriately, his effigy is usually shown holding a rake. On this token, however, Bishop Blaise is shown holding the traditional bishop's crosier.*Alex

1794 AE Halfpenny Token. London Middlesex.Obverse: HALFPENNY•. Bust of Neptune, with trident across his right shoulder, facing right.
Reverse: PAYABLE AT I:FOWLER’s LONDON•. Whale fishing scene consisting of four men in a small boat harpooning a whale; below, WHALE FISHERY / 1794 in two lines.
Edge: Plain.
Diameter 29mm | Die Axis 12
Dalton & Hamer: 306

The dies for this token were engraved by Thomas Wyon and it was manufactured by Thomas Mynd in Birmingham.
The token was issued by J. Fowler who was an oil merchant and tin-plate worker with a business at 78, Long Acre, at the West End of London.
*Alex

1795 AE Halfpenny, Glamorgan, South Wales.Obverse: JESTYN • AP • GWRGAN • TYWYSOG • MORGANWG • 1091•. Crowned and robed bust of Jestyn ap Gwrgan facing left, wearing a small shield bearing the St George's cross suspended on a chain round his neck.
Reverse: Y • BRENHIN • AR • GYFRAITH •. Britannia facing left, seated on a globe, her right hand pointing to a ship, her left supporting a shield and a spear; behind her a cippus with a crown on top and a laurel branch leaning against it; in exergue, 1795.
Edge: "GLAMORGAN HALFPENNY" in raised letters, followed by three leaves.
Diameter: 29mm
Dalton & Hamer: 3b (Glamorganshire)

This token is thought to have been engraved and manufactured by John Stubbs Jordan, a Birmingham ironfounder for his father, William Jordan, who had returned to South Wales, possibly to Merthyr Tydfil. The Jordans were of Welsh descent and had come to Staffordshire earlier in the century. The father, William Jordan, a victualler from Weaman Street, Birmingham, retired and moved back to South Wales in the early 1780s and in 1794 his son, John Stubbs Jordan, who had remained back in Birmingham, made this Welsh token for his father as a private piece.
This is the only eighteenth century token with Welsh legends.

Jestyn ap Gwrgan, or Gwrgant, was the last Prince and Lord of Glamorgan of British blood. He was of the royal house of Morganwg, which had a lineage stretching back over five centuries to Tewdrig (c.550-584 C.E.). The members of this royal house had links to the other royal houses of Wales through marriage, and were descendants of the celebrated Rhodri Mawr. Jestyn ap Gwrgan's base is believed to have been at Dinas Powis, south of Cardiff. He probably ruled Glamorgan for a little less than a decade around 1081-1090 C.E.
The popular version of historical events is that Jestyn, following a dispute with his rival Einion ap Collwyn, invited the Norman ruler Robert Fitzhamon, lord of Gloucester, and his twelve knights into the region to settle the matter. Once invited in, the Normans refused to leave, Jestyn was deposed and Fitzhamon, having established a lordship based in Cardiff, subsequently conquered the lowlands of Glamorgan, which was parcelled out to his followers. The undesirable mountainous parts of Glamorgan Fitzhamon left in Welsh control. However this story, dating from at least the 15th century, where it touches known historical facts, is demonstrably wrong.
Nowadays there are many people living in South Wales with the surname of Williams who claim to be descended from Jestyn ap Gwrgan. This is not impossible because Jestyn ap Gwrgan had a large family. Notable people who may have been descended from Jestyn ap Gwrgan are the Tudor Monarchs of England, Oliver Cromwell (whose real surname was Williams) and also, being of Welsh descent, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana and several Presidents of The United States of America.1 comments*Alex

1795 AE Halfpenny, North Wales, Anglesey.Obverse: No legend. Druid's head wearing cowl facing left, surrounded by oak wreath; engraver's initial "W" (for Wyon) in raised letters at bottom of bust (see inset).
Reverse: RULE BRITANNIA. Britannia facing left, seated on globe, her right hand holding spear, her left arm holding laurel-branch and resting on shield at her side; in exergue, 1795.
Edge: PAYABLE IN LONDON, the rest engrailed.
Diameter: 29mm
Dalton & Hamer: 429
RARE

The diesinker for this token was Thomas Wyon and it was probably manufactured by Peter Kempson at his works in Birmingham.
The Druid's head was a feature of the Parys Mine in Anglesey, North Wales and was used on some of the earliest issues of 18th century Tokens.
This piece was issued for general circulation.
*Alex

18 Owlscicerokid

19 Constantius IIConstantius II
AE 2
23mm 4.51g
D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, helmeted soldier standing left, spearing fallen horseman who is wearing a bowl-shaped helmet, clutching the horse's neck. Star in left field. Mintmark SMHA.
Heraclea
RIC VIII 673 commentsRandygeki(h2)

198Caracalla
Denarius
Obv: ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right viewed from front
Rev: PONTIF TRP III
Sol standing facing, head left, holding globe and spear
Rome mint
RIC - (cf 30)
Note from Curtis L Clay:
Denarii with bust seen from front in this era are very unusual.

With obv. legend ANTONINVS - AVGVSTVS I had previously been aware of only a single bust-front denarius obv. die: with rev. SECVRIT ORBIS in coll. of Forvm member septimus, used as his avatar, and with rev. PONT TR P II, same Securitas seated rev. type, in Oxford (Evans), from the East of England hoard of 1898.

Your coin is a new bust variety to my knowledge, of 200 AD and thus, as was to be expected, from a different obv. die than those two other bust-front denarii of 199.mauseus

1ab Marcus Licinius CrassusFormed First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey in 60 BC, killed at Carrhae in Parthia in 53 BC.

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

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

Seaby, Licinia 18

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

1ab Marcus Licinius CrassusFormed First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey in 60 BC, killed at Carrhae in Parthia in 53 BC.

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

Seaby, Licinia 18

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

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

The artists apparently had detailed knowledge of gear used by real Scythian horsewomen to equip their imagined Amazons. “Archeological discoveries of well-preserved sets of clothing confirm that real horsewomen of ancient Scythian lands dressed much as did those described in Greek texts and illustrated in Scythian and Greek artwork.” (Mayor, 203)1 commentsBlindado

1ab_2 Marcus Licinius CrassusFormed First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey in 60 BC, killed at Carrhae in Parthia in 53 BC.

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

Seaby, Licinia 18

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

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

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

1at Galba68-69

Denarius

Laureate head, right, SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P
Victory standing on globe, VICTORIA PR

RIC 111

Suetonius recorded: Servius Galba, the future emperor was born on the 24th of December, 3BC, in the consulship of Marcus Valerius Messala and Gnaeus Lentulus, at a hillside mansion near Terracina, on the left of the road to Fundi (Fondi). He was formally adopted by his stepmother Livia Ocellina, and took the name Livius and the surname Ocella, also changing his forename to Lucius, until he became Emperor.

It is common knowledge that when calling on Augustus to pay his respects, with other boys of his age, the Emperor pinched his cheek, and said in Greek: ‘You too will have a taste of power, my child.’ And when Tiberius heard the prophecy that Galba would be emperor in old age, he commented: ‘Well let him be, it’s no concern of mine.’

Galba achieved office before the usual age and as praetor (in 20AD), controlling the games at the Floralia, he was the first to introduce a display of tightrope-walking elephants. He next governed Aquitania, for almost a year, and not long afterwards held the consulship for six months (in 33AD). When Caligula was assassinated (in 41AD), Galba chose neutrality though many urged him to seize the opportunity for power. Claudius expressed his gratitude by including him among his intimate friends, and Galba was shown such consideration that the expedition to Britain was delayed to allow him to recover from a sudden but minor indisposition. Later he was proconsul in Africa for two years (44/45AD), being singled out, and so avoiding the usual lottery, to restore order in the province, which was riven by internecine rivalry and an indigenous revolt. He re-established peace, by the exercise of ruthless discipline, and the display of justice even in the most trifling matters. . . .

But when word from the City arrived that Nero was dead and that the people had sworn allegiance to him, he set aside the title of governor and assumed that of Caesar. He then began his march to Rome in a general’s cloak, with a dagger, hanging from his neck, at his chest, and did not resume the toga until his main rivals had been eliminated, namely the commander of the Praetorian Guard in Rome, Nymphidius Sabinus, and the commanders in Germany and Africa, Fonteius Capito and Clodius Macer. . . . His prestige and popularity were greater while winning power than wielding it, though he showed evidence of being a more than capable ruler, loved less, unfortunately, for his good qualities than he was hated for his bad ones.

He was even warned of the danger of imminent assassination, the day before his death, by a soothsayer, as he offered the morning sacrifice. Shortly afterwards he learnt that Otho had secured the Guards camp, and when his staff advised him to carry the day by his presence and prestige, by going there immediately, he opted instead to stay put, but gather a strong bodyguard of legionaries from their billets around the City. He did however don a linen corselet, though saying that frankly it would serve little against so many weapons. False reports, put about by the conspirators to lure him into appearing in public, deceived a few of his close supporters, who rashly told him the rebellion was over, the plotters overthrown, and that the rest of the troops were on their way to congratulate him and carry out his orders. So he went to meet them, with such confidence, that when a soldier boasted of killing Otho, he snapped out: ‘On whose authority?’ before hastening on to the Forum. The cavalrymen who had been ordered to find and kill him, who were spurring through the streets scattering the crowds of civilians, now caught sight of him in the distance and halted an instant before galloping towards him and cutting him down, while his staff ran for their lives.Blindado

1bc Trajan98-117

Sestertius
Laureate head, right, IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V PP
Roma and kneeling Dacian, SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI SC

RIC 485

Eutropius enthused: To [Nerva] succeeded ULPIUS CRINITUS TRAJANUS, born at Italica in Spain, of a family rather ancient than eminent for his father was the first consul in it. He was chosen emperor at Agrippina, a city of Gaul. He exercised the government in such a manner, that he is deservedly preferred to all the other emperors. He was a man of extraordinary skill in managing affairs of state, and of remarkable courage. The limits of the Roman empire, which, since the reign of Augustus, had been rather defended than honourably enlarged, he extended far and wide. He rebuilt some cities in Germany; he subdued Dacia by the overthrow of Decebalus, and formed a province beyond the Danube, in that territory which the Thaiphali, Victoali, and Theruingi now occupy. This province was a thousand miles in circumference.

He recovered Armenia, which the Parthians had seized, putting to death Parthamasires who held the government of it. He gave a king to the Albani. He received into alliance the king of the Iberians, Sarmatians, Bosporani, Arabians, Osdroeni, and Colchians. He obtained the mastery over the Cordueni and Marcomedi, as well as over Anthemusia, an extensive region of Persia. He conquered and kept possession of Seleucia, Ctesiphon, Babylon, and the country of the Messenii. He advanced as far as the boundaries of India, and the Red Sea, where he formed three provinces, Armenia, Assyria, and Mesopotamia, including the tribes which border on Madena. He afterwards, too, reduced Arabia into the form of a province. He also fitted out a fleet for the Red Sea, that he might use it to lay waste the coasts of India.

Yet he went beyond his glory in war, in ability and judgment as a ruler, conducting himself as an equal towards all, going often to his friends as a visitor, either when they were ill, or when they were celebrating feast days, and entertaining them in his turn at banquets where there was no distinction of rank, and sitting frequently with them in their chariots; doing nothing unjust towards any of the senators, nor being guilty of any dishonesty to fill his treasury; exercising liberality to all, enriching with offices of trust, publicly and privately, every body whom he had known even with the least familiarity; building towns throughout the world, granting many immunities to states, and doing every thing with gentleness and kindness; so that during his whole reign, there was but one senator condemned, and he was sentenced by the senate without Trajan's knowledge. Hence, being regarded throughout the world as next to a god, he deservedly obtained the highest veneration both living and dead. . . .

After having gained the greatest glory both in the field and at home, he was cut off, as he was returning from Persia, by a diarrhoea, at Seleucia in Isauria. He died in the sixty-third year, ninth month, and fourth day of his age, and in the nineteenth year, sixth month, and fifteenth day of his reign. He was enrolled among the gods, and was the only one of all the emperors that was buried within the city. His bones, contained in a golden urn, lie in the forum which he himself built, under a pillar whose height is a hundred and forty-four feet. So much respect has been paid to his memory, that, even to our own times, they shout in acclamations to the emperors, "More fortunate than Augustus, better than Trajan!" Blindado

1bx Macrinus217-218

Denarius

Laureate draped bust, right, IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG
Providentia stg, PROVIDENTIA DEORVM

RIC 80

According to the Historia Augusta, which concedes that almost nothing was known about Macrinus: Though of humble origin and shameless in spirit as well as in countenance, and though hated by all, both civilians and soldiers, he nevertheless proclaimed himself now Severus and now Antoninus. Then he set out at once for the Parthian war and thus gave no opportunity either for the soldiers to form an opinion of him, or for the gossip by which he was beset to gain its full strength. The senators, however, out of hatred for Antoninus Bassianus, received him as emperor gladly. . . . Now to his son, previously called Diadumenianus, he gave the name Antoninus (after he had himself assumed the appellation Felix) in order to avert the suspicion of having slain Antoninus. This same name was afterwards taken by Varius Elagabalus also, who claimed to be the son of Bassianus, a most filthy creature and the son of a harlot. . . .

And so, having been acclaimed emperor, Macrinus assumed the imperial power and set out against the Parthians with a great array, eager to blot out the lowliness of his family and the infamy of his early life by a magnificent victory. But after fighting a battle with the Parthians he was killed in a revolt of the legions, which had deserted to Varius Elagabalus. He reigned, however, for more than a year.

Macrinus, then, was arrogant and bloodthirsty and desirous of ruling in military fashion. He found fault even with the discipline of former times and lauded Severus alone above all others. For he even crucified soldiers and always used the punishments meted out to slaves, and when he had to deal with a mutiny among the troops, he usually decimated the soldiers but sometimes he only centimated them. This last was an expression of his own, for he used to say that he was merciful in putting to death only one in a hundred. . . .

This is one of my favorite pieces because I bought it completely covered with crud and set about cleaning it. Boy was I surprised!Blindado

1by Diadumenianus218

AE Nikopolis

Bare head, right, Portrait, right, M OPELLIOC ANTWNEINOC K

Hygieia standing left holding serpent patera, VP CTATI LONGINOV NIKOPOLITWN PROC ICTP

Son of Macrinus. I picked this out of a junk coins bowl many years ago.

Varbanov 3681Blindado

1ch Maximinus235-238

Denarius

Laureate draped bust, right, IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG
Pax stg, PAX AVGVSTI

RIC 12

Herodian recorded: There was in the Roman army a man named Maximinus whose half-barbarian family lived in a village in the most remote section of Thrace. They say that as a boy he was a shepherd, but that in his youthful prime he was drafted into the cavalry because of his size and strength. After a short time, favored by Fortune, he advanced through all the military ranks, rising eventually to the command of armies and the governing of provinces.

Because of his military experience, which I have noted above, Alexander put Maximinus in charge of training recruits for the entire army; his task was to instruct them in military duties and prepare them for service in war. By carrying out his assignments thoroughly and diligently, Maximinus won the affection of the soldiers. He not only taught them their duties; he also demonstrated personally to each man what he was to do. . . .

He won their devotion by giving them all kinds of gifts and rewards. Consequently, the recruits, who included an especially large number of Pannonians, praised the masculinity of Maximinus and despised Alexander as a mother's boy. . . . The soldiers were therefore ready for a change of emperors. . . . They therefore assembled on the drill field for their regular training; when Maximinus took his position before them, either unaware of what was happening or having secretly made prior preparations for the event, the soldiers robed him in the imperial purple and proclaimed him emperor. . . .

When he assumed control of the empire, Maximinus reversed the situation, using his power savagely to inspire great fear. He undertook to substitute for a mild and moderate rule an autocracy in every way barbarous, well aware of the hostility directed toward him because he was the first man to rise from a lowly station to the post of highest honor. His character was naturally barbaric, as his race was barbarian. He had inherited the brutal disposition of his countrymen, and he intended to make his imperial position secure by acts of cruelty, fearing that he would become an object of contempt to the Senate and the people, who might be more conscious of his lowly origin than impressed by the honor he had won. . . .

[A]fter Maximinus had completed three years as emperor, the people of Africa first took up arms and touched off a serious revolt for one of those trivial reasons which often prove fatal to a tyrant. . . . The entire populace of the city quickly assembled when the news was known, and the youths proclaimed Gordian Augustus. He begged to be excused, protesting that he was too old. . . .

[In Rome], the senators met before they received accurate information concerning Maximinus and, placing their trust for the future in the present situation, proclaimed Gordian Augustus, together with his son, and destroyed Maximinus' emblems of honor. . . . Embassies composed of senators and distinguished equestrians were sent to all the governors with letters which clearly revealed the attitude of the Senate and the Roman people. . . . The majority of the governors welcomed the embassies and had no difficulty in arousing the provinces to revolt because of the general hatred of Maximinus. . . .

Blindado

1es Gratian367-383

AE3

Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, D N GRATIANVS P F AVG
Gratian standing right, holding labarum with Chi-rho on banner, and holding captive by hair, GLORIA ROMANORVM; Q to left, K over P to right, DSISCR in ex.

RIC 14c

Zosimus reports: [T] he emperor Valentinian, having favourably disposed the affairs of Germany, made provisions for the future security of the Celtic nations. . . . Valentinian was now attacked by a disease which nearly cost him his life. Upon his recovery the countries requested him to appoint a successor, lest at his decease the commonwealth should be in danger. To this the emperor consented, and declared his son Gratian emperor and his associate in the government, although he was then very young, and not yet capable of the management of affairs. . . .

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. . . .

While the affairs of Thrace were, thus situated, those of Gratian were in great perplexity. Having accepted the counsel of those courtiers who usually corrupt the manners of princes, he gave a reception to some fugitives called Alani, whom he not only introduced into his army, but honoured with valuable presents, and confided to them his most important secrets, esteeming his own soldiers of little value. This produced among his soldiers a violent hatred against him, which being gradually inflamed and augmented incited in them a disposition for innovation, and most particulary in that part of them which was in Britain, since they were the most resolute and vindictive. In this spirit they were encouraged by Maximus, a Spaniard, who had been the fellow-soldier of Theodosius in Britain. He was offended that Theodosius should be thought worthy of being made emperor, while he himself had no honourable employment. He therefore cherished the animosity of the soldiers towards the emperor. They were thus easily induced to revolt and to declare Maximus emperor. Having presented to him the purple robe and the diadem, they sailed to the mouth of the Rhine. As the German army, and all who were in that quarter approved of the election, Gratian prepared to contend against Maximus, with a considerable part of the army which still adhered to him. When the armies met, there were only slight skirmishes for five days; until Gratian, |115 perceiving that the Mauritanian cavalry first deserted from him and declared Maximus Augustus, and afterwards that the remainder of his troops by degrees espoused the cause of his antagonist, relinquished all hope, and fled with three hundred horse to the Alps. Finding those regions without defence, he proceeded towards Rhaetia, Noricum, Pannonia, and the Upper Moesia. When Maximus was informed of his route, he was not negligent of the opportunity, but detached Andragathius, commander of the cavalry, who was his faithful adherent, in pursuit of Gratian. This officer followed him with so great speed, that he overtook him when he was passing the bridge at Sigidunus, and put him 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

1ex Eugenius392-394

AR siliqua

Bearded, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust rightt, DN EVGENIVS PF AVG
Roma seated left on cuirass, MDPS below, VIRTVS ROMANORVM

RIC 32c

Zosimus reports: Eugenius became the sincere friend of Arbogastes, who had no secret which he did not confide to him. Recollecting Eugenius, therefore, at this juncture, who by his extraordinary learning and the gravity of his conversation seemed well-adapted for the management of an empire, he communicated to him his designs. But finding him not pleased with the proposals, he attempted to prevail on him by all the arts he could use, and entreated him not to reject what fortune so favourably offered. Having at length persuaded him, he deemed it advisable in the first place to remove Valentinian, and thus to deliver the sole authority to Eugenius. With this view he proceeded to Vienna, a town in Gaul, where the emperor resided; and as he was amusing himself near the town in some sports with the soldiers, apprehending no danger, Arbogastes gave him a mortal wound. To this audacious action the soldiers quietly submitted, not only because he was so brave and warlike a person, but because they were attached to him through his contempt of riches. As soon as he had performed this action, he declared Eugenius emperor, and infused into them the most favourable hopes that he would prove an excellent ruler, since he possessed such extraordinary qualifications. . . .

[Theodosius marched against Eugenius.] The emperor (having mourned for [his just deceased wife] a whole day, according to the rule of Homer), proceeded with his army to the war, leaving behind him his son Arcadius, who had some time previously been made emperor. This prince being young, his father, in order to amend the defects of his nonage, left with him Rufinus, who was prefect of the court, and acted as he pleased, even as much as the power of sovereignty enabled the emperor himself to do. Having done this, he took with him his younger son Honorius, quickly passed through the intermediate countries, and having exceded his expectations in crossing the Alps, arrived where the enemy was stationed : Eugenius being astonished at seeing him there whom he so little expected. But as he was arrived there, and consequently was under the necessity of engaging, he judged it most prudent to place the Barbarian troops in front, and to expose them first. He ordered Gaines with the troops under his command to make the first attack, and the other commanders of Barbarian soldiers to follow him, either cavalry, horse archers, or infantry. Eugenius then drew out his forces. When the two armies were engaged, so great an eclipse of the sun happened, that for more than half the time of the action it appeared rather to be night than day. As they fought therefore a kind of nocturnal battle, so great a slaughtor was made, that in the same day the greater part of the allies of Theodosius were slain, with their commander Bacurius, who fought very courageously at their head, while the other commanders escaped very narrowly with the remainder. When night came on and the armies had rallied, Eugenius was so elated with his victory, that he distributed money among those who had behaved with the greatest gallantry in the battle, and gave them time to refresh themselves, as if after such a defeat there was no probability of another engagement As they were thus solacing themselves, the emperor Theodosius about break of day fell suddenly on them with his whole forces, while they were still reclined |129 on the ground, and killed them before they knew of the approach of an enemy. He then proceeded to the tent of Eugenius, where he attacked those who were around him, killing many of them, and taking some of them in their flight, among whom was Eugenius. When they had got him in their power, they cut off his head, and carried it on a long spear around the camp, in order to shew those who still adhered to him, that it was now their interest to be reconciled to the emperor, inasmuch as the usurper was removed. Blindado

2. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.66 g, 11h). Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left; all within incuse square. Kroll 13; HGC 4, 1665. VF, find patina, minor roughness.

CNG Auction 431, Lot: 178.Dino

20 Owlscicerokid

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