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Image search results - "PRINC"
TEODATm1D+R.jpg
THEODAHATVS AD 534-536
Follis - Mint Roma
d/ DN THEODAHATVS REX
r/ VICTORIV PRINCIPIM
mm 27
4 commentsRugser
CONTINE2-2.jpg
Constantinus II - AE3 - Mint of Siscia - 330/337 A.D.
Ob.: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB CAES; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev.: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP VOT P R; two Victories place over a column a shield inscribed VOT P R
gs. 2,3 mm. 20,7
Cohen 222
1 commentsMaxentius
TRAIAN-6.jpg
TRAJAN - Denarius - 107 AD.
Obv.: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right
Rev.:COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory, standing left holding wreath and palm.
Gs. 3,4 mm. 18,5
Cohen 74, RIC 128
Maxentius
TRAIAN-8.jpg
TRAJAN - Denarius - 104/110 AD.
Obv.:IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right
Rev.:COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, trophy of arms
Gs. 2,6 mm. 18,6
Cohen 98, RIC 147
Maxentius
TRAIAN-10.jpg
TRAJAN - Denarius - 103/112 AD.
Obv.:IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate head right, drapery on far shoulder
Rev.:COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC, Dacia mourning, seated on pile of captured arms, DAC CAP in ex.
Gs. 3,3 mm. 18,4
Cohen 118, RIC 98
Maxentius
TRAIAN-1.JPG
TRAJAN - Dupondius - 104/110 AD.
Obv: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP - Radiate head right.
Rev: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, in ex. S C - Trajan riding horse right, spearing enemy to right.
Gs. 10,9 mm. 26,9
Cohen 506, RIC 538
1 commentsMaxentius
00170-Macrinus.JPG
Macrinus Denarius
20 mm 3.05 gm
O: IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG
Bust draped and cuirassed right.
R: FIDES MILITVM PRINC IVVENTVTI
Fides standing front, head right, right foot on helmet, holding standard in each hand.
2 commentsKoffy
CarinusPrincipiIvvent.jpg
2 comments
Bohemond_III.JPG
Crusader coin from the Principality of Antioch. Bohemond III. 1163-1201, Billon denier, Antioch Mint
abm_tetricus_princ_iuvent.jpg
Adrianus
Ancient_Counterfeits_Trajan_Limes_Falsum_Fortuna.jpg
Trajan Limes Falsum?
Imitating a Dupondius, RIC 502 or RIC 591
Obv: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V (VI?) P P
Apparently a double strike, which means that the coin was struck, not cast.
Rev: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI
Fortuna standing l., holding rudder and cornucopiae
28mm, 3.31g
klausklage
Postumus_sestertius_helmeted_bust.jpg
Postumus, Principal Mint, double sestertius
IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG, Radiate, helmeted and cuirassed bust right
VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left, spurning captive
Weight 20.07g

A very rare obverse type - this coin from the same obverse die as the examples illustrated in Bastien
2 commentsAdrianus
Postumus_VIRTVS_AVG.jpg
Postumus, Principal Mint, sestertius

IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing right
Weight 17.35g
Adrianus
ABM_Postumus.jpg
Postumus, Principal Mint, sestertius, 260

IMP C M CASS LAT POST[...],Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
SALVS AVG, Salus standing right, feeding snake held in arms
Weight 15.49g

A very rare early issue with Postumus' full name given on the obverse - normally this only occurs on radiate double-sestertii. This is struck from the same obverse die as a gold medallion in Paris with a SALVS PROVINCIARVM reverse.
Adrianus
Constantine_I_OBVERSE.jpg
OBVERSE - IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG
high-crested helmet, cuirassed, spear across right shoulder

REVERSE - VICTORIAE LAETE PRINC PERP
TWO VICTORIES RESTING SHIELD, INSCRIBED VOT P R ON ALTAR - CONCAVE ROUND TOP ALTAR, WITH GARLAND AND TOP DOT OF GARLAND JUST UNDER ROUND TOP.
UNKNOWN IN EX. ?? UNKNOWN MINT ??

DIMENSION = 19mm
WEIGHT = 3 grams
MATERIAL = BRONZE ?

Sis_17_.jpg
AE 3; 20mm, struck c. 319 AD

Con/ VF; brown patina.
Obv/ LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES; laur., dr. and cuir. bust r.
Rev/ VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg. facing each other, together holding a shield inscribed VOT PR on an altar inscribed with the letter S. Gamma SIS pellet in exergue.
Ref/ RIC VII 70 = Rare 3
Mayadigger
maximusprincCrow.jpg
Maximus Crowvs
Maximus (Caesar, 235/6-238). AR Denarius Rome mint, 236-7.
O: MAXIMVS CAES GERM; Rvssell Crowvs Bareheaded and draped bust right
R: PRINC IVVENTVTIS; Maximus standing left, holding baton and spear; two signa to right
- RIC IV ?
8 commentsNemonater
JAMES_IV.JPG
JAMES IV OF SCOTLAND
James IV was the King of Scotland from June 1488 until his death in battle at the age of 40 on the 9th September, 1513.
James IV's mother, Margaret of Denmark, was more popular than his father, James III, and though somewhat estranged from her husband she raised their sons at Stirling Castle until she died in 1486. Two years later, a rebellion broke out, where the rebels set up the 15-year-old Prince James as their nominal leader. The rebels fought James III at the Battle of Sauchieburn where, on 11th June 1488, the king was killed. Prince James assumed the throne as James IV and was crowned at Scone on 24th of June. However he continued to bear an intense guilt for the indirect role which he had played in the death of his father.
James maintained Scotland's traditional good relations with France, and this occasionally created diplomatic problems with England, but James recognised nonetheless that peace between Scotland and England was in the interest of both countries, and established good diplomatic relations with England as well. First he ratified the Treaty of Ayton in 1497, then, in 1502 James signed the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with Henry VII which was sealed by his marriage to Henry's daughter Margaret Tudor the next year. Anglo-Scottish relations generally remained stable until the death of Henry VII in 1509.
James saw the importance of building a fleet that could provide Scotland with a strong maritime presence, he founded two new dockyards and acquired a total of 38 ships for the Royal Scots Navy. These including the "Great Michael" which, built at great expense, was launched in 1511 and was at that time the largest ship in the world.
When war broke out between England and France, James found himself in a difficult position as an ally by treaty to both countries. But relations with England had worsened since the accession of Henry VIII, and when Henry invaded France, James reacted by declaring war on England.
James sent the Scottish navy, including the "Great Michael", to join the ships of Louis XII of France and, hoping to take advantage of Henry's absence at the siege of Thérouanne, he himself led an invading army southward into Northumberland. However, on 9th September 1513 at the disastrous Battle of Flodden James IV was killed, he was the last monarch in Great Britain to be killed in battle. His death, along with many of his nobles including his son the archbishop of St Andrews, was one of the worst military defeats in Scotland's history and the loss of such a large portion of the political community was a major blow to the realm. James IV's corpse was identified after the battle and taken to Berwick, where it was embalmed and placed in a lead coffin before being transported to London. Catherine of Aragon, wife of Henry VIII, sent the dead king's slashed, blood-stained surcoat to Henry, who was fighting in France, with the recommendation that he use it as a war banner.
James IV's son, James V, was crowned three weeks after the disaster at Flodden, but he was not yet two years old, and his minority was to be fraught with political upheaval.
*Alex
MARY,_QUEEN_OF_SCOTS_(1542-67).JPG
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
Mary I is one of the most well known, romantic and tragic figures in Scottish history. She was the only surviving child of King James V of Scotland and became queen on the death of her father when she was only six or seven days old. Mary was brought up in the Catholic faith and educated in France along with the French royal children, while Scotland was ruled in her name by regents, principally the Earl of Arran. In 1558 Mary married the French Dauphin, Francis, and following his accession in 1559 she became Queen consort of France and he King consort of Scotland. However, when Francis died in 1560 Mary was devastated and in 1561 she returned to Scotland. Four years later, in 1565, she married her half-cousin, Lord Darnley and the following year she bore him a son, who would later become James I of England. When in 1567, Darnley's house in Edinburgh was destroyed by an explosion and he was found murdered in the grounds, suspicion implicated Mary and her favourite, the Earl of Bothwell. When later that same year Mary married Bothwell those suspicions were not allayed, and following an uprising against her, she was imprisoned in Loch Leven Castle and forced to abdicate in favour of her one year old son. After an unsuccessful attempt to regain her throne and defeat at the battle of Langside in 1568, Mary fled south to England, only to be imprisoned by Elizabeth I who perceived her as a threat to the throne of England. For over eighteen years Elizabeth had Mary confined in various castles and manor houses throughout England until, in 1587, after being accused of numerous intrigues and plots against Elizabeth, Mary was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle.
*Alex
James_3.JPG
JAMES III
James III was crowned at Kelso Abbey in 1460 at the age of nine, he was the son of James II and Mary of Guelders. During his childhood, the government was led by successive factions until 1469 when he began to rule for himself. That same year he married Princess Margaret of Denmark. Margaret's father, King Christian I of Denmark and Norway was unable to raise the full amount of her dowry so pledged his lands and rights in Orkney and Shetland as security for the remainder. But Christian I was never able to redeem his pledge, and Orkney and Shetland have remained Scottish possessions ever since.
Soon after his marriage, James faced great difficulties in restoring a strong central government. His preference for the company of scholars, architects and artists coupled with his extravagance and partiality to favourites alienated him from the loyalty of his nobles. Even his own brothers, Alexander, Duke of Albany and John, Earl of Mar regarded him with jealousy verging on hatred. In 1479, James' brothers were arrested on suspicion of conspiring against the Crown. John Stewart, the Earl of Mar, died in suspicious circumstances, whilst Alexander Stewart, the Duke of Albany, escaped and fled to England.
The ever-present English threat had been temporarily solved by a truce with Edward IV in 1463 but James' estrangement from his brothers and a strong faction within the Scottish nobility led to the final loss of Berwick.
Although James had tried to settle his differences with Alexander, Duke of Albany, his brother again tried to take his throne in a coup after Edward IV recognised him as Alexander IV of Scotland in 1482. Some minor members of James III's household were hanged, including Robert Cochrane, the king's favourite. But James was removed to Edinburgh Castle where he survived and Alexander was exiled to France.
After his queen's death in 1486, James lived in increasing isolation amidst the growing resentment of the nobility. Finally, in 1488, the Scottish nobles seized James' eldest son, also called James, placed him at their head, and rose against the king. At the Battle of Sauchieburn, three miles from Stirling, James III, defeated, was thrown from his horse as he fled from the field. He was carried into a nearby cottage where he was set upon and stabbed to death.
James III was buried at Cambuskenneth Abbey near Stirling and his son, the figurehead of the revolt against him, was hailed as James IV.
*Alex
197506.jpg
WESTERN ASIATIC CUNEIFORM TABLET, A LETTER FROM KARARIYA TO TARIDUM A SERVANT OF KING ILUNI
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
3 1/4 in. (110 grams, 82 mm).

A roughly rectangular clay tablet bearing dense rows of cuneiform text to both principal faces and to each of the four side edges; a letter from Karariya to Ṭaridum, probably a servant of Iluni, Karariya serves a foreign ruler (as indicated by the mention of the deity Hitti) who has just ascended the throne; he is of the same rank as Taridum, who considers him his brother: 'May Šamaš and Hitti preserve my brother alive forever!'; they deal with matters they have in common, a lawsuit to be tried by Karariya, and exchanges of goods between their two houses: 'There are no more wicks (?) for the lamps in my house (...). The wine from my stock is spent and we could not load the donkeys (with
wine) for you';
1 commentsQuant.Geek
6s.jpg
Constantine I, RIC VII 213, 319 CE Trier. Obverse:IMP CONSTAN-TINVS MAX AVG, laureate, helmeted and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT PR over altar. Altar type Helv. 5a2 (a star).
Mintmark dot-STR. 3.6 g, 17.7 mm
RIC VII Trier 213
NORMAN K
altar1s.jpg
Constantine the Great, RIC VII 73 Siscia, 319 CEObverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG, laureate helmet & cuirassed.
Reverse:VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP [ Joyous victory to the eternal
Prince] two Victories standing, facing one another, together holding shield
inscribed VOT PR [VOTA POPULI ROMANI (vows of the Roman people)]on altar.
gamma SIS dot in ex. RIC VII Siscia 73, 18.9 mm 2.6 g. rare
NORMAN K
PHILIP_II_OF_MACEDON.JPG
Philip II, 359 - 336 BC. AE18. Struck after 356 BC at an uncertain mint in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Young male head, usually identified as Apollo, with hair bound in a taenia, facing left.
Reverse: ΦIΛIΠΠOY, Naked rider on horse prancing left, uncertain control mark, often described as the head of a lion, beneath the horse. The control mark looks a bit like the ram on the prow of a galley to me, but that is just my personal opinion.
Diameter: 17.4mm | Weight: 6.9gms | Die Axis: 12
SNG ANS 872 - 874

The bronze series of this type is extensive and differentiated principally by the different control marks. These control marks are symbols and letters which generally appear on the reverse, very occasionally the obverse, of the coin, and they were used to identify the officials responsible for a particular issue of coinage.
Philip II won the horseback race at the 106th Olympics in 356 BC, and it is thought that the horseman on the reverse of this coin commemorates that event.


Philip II of Macedon was King of Macedon from 359 until his death in 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great and Philip III Arrhidaeus. In 357 BC, Philip married Olympias, who was the daughter of the king of the Molossians. Alexander was born in 356 BC, the same year as Philip's horse won at the Olympic Games.
Only Greeks were allowed to participate in the Olympic Games, and Philip was determined to convince his Athenian opposition that he was indeed worthy to be considered Greek. And, after successfully uniting Macedonia and Thessaly, Philip could legitimately participate in the Olympics. In 365 BC Philip entered his horse into the keles, a horseback race in the 106th Olympics, and won. He proceeded to win two more times, winning the four horse chariot race in the 352 BC 107th Olympics and the two horse chariot race in the 348 BC 108th Olympics. These were great victories for Philip because not only had he been admitted officially into the Olympic Games but he had also won, solidifying his standing as a true Greek.
The conquest and political consolidation of most of Greece during Philip's reign was achieved in part by the creation of the Macedonian phalanx which gave him an enormous advantage on the battlefield. After defeating Athens and Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC Philip II established the League of Corinth, a federation of Greek states, with him at it's head, with the intention of invading the Persian empire. In 336 BC he sent an army of 10,000 men into Asia Minor to make preparations for the invasion by freeing the Greeks living on the western coast and islands from Persian rule. All went well until the news arrived that Philip had been assassinated. The Macedonians were demoralized by Philip's death and were subsequently defeated by Persian forces near Magnesia.
Philip II was murdered in October 336 BC, at Aegae, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, while he was entering into the town's theatre. He was assassinated by Pausanius, one of his own bodyguards, who was himself slain by three of Philip's other bodyguards. The reasons for Philip's assassination are not now fully known, with many modern historians saying that, on the face of it, none of the ancient accounts which have come down to us appear to be credible.
5 comments*Alex
PHILIP_II.JPG
Philip II, 359 - 336 BC. AE18. Struck after 356 BC at an uncertain mint in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Young male head, usually identified as Apollo, with hair bound in a taenia, facing left.
Reverse: ΦIΛIΠΠOY, Naked rider on horse prancing right, forepart of bull butting right control mark (helmet?) beneath the horse.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 6.95gms | Die Axis: 9
GCV: 6699 | Forrer/Weber: 2068

The bronze series of this type is extensive and differentiated principally by the different control marks. These control marks are symbols and letters which generally appear on the reverse, very occasionally the obverse, of the coin, and they were used to identify the officials responsible for a particular issue of coinage.
Philip II won the horseback race at the 106th Olympics in 356 BC, and it is thought that the horseman on the reverse of this coin commemorates this event.


Philip II of Macedon was King of Macedon from 359 until his death in 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great and Philip III Arrhidaeus. In 357 BC, Philip married Olympias, who was the daughter of the king of the Molossians. Alexander was born in 356 BC, the same year as Philip's horse won at the Olympic Games.
The conquest and political consolidation of most of Greece during Philip's reign was achieved in part by the creation of the Macedonian phalanx which gave him an enormous advantage on the battlefield. After defeating Athens and Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC Philip II established the League of Corinth, a federation of Greek states, with him at it's head, with the intention of invading the Persian empire. In 336 BC, Philip II sent an army of 10,000 men into Asia Minor to make preparations for the invasion by freeing the Greeks living on the western coast and islands from Persian rule. All went well until the news arrived that Philip had been assassinated. The Macedonians were demoralized by Philip's death and were subsequently defeated by Persian forces near Magnesia.
Philip II was murdered in October 336 BC, at Aegae, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, while he was entering into the town's theatre. He was assassinated by Pausanius, one of his own bodyguards, who was himself slain by three of Philip's other bodyguards. The reasons for Philip's assassination are not now fully known, with many modern historians saying that, on the face of it, none of the ancient accounts which have come down to us appear to be credible.
*Alex
Philip_II_retrograde_E.JPG
Philip II, 359 - 336. AE18. Struck after 356 BC at an uncertain mint in Macedonia Obverse: No legend. Young male head, usually identified as Apollo, with hair bound in a taenia, facing right.
Reverse: ΦIΛIΠΠOY, Naked rider on horse prancing right, retrograde E control mark beneath the horse.
Diameter: 17.16mm | Weight: 6.09gms | Die Axis: 12
SNG ANS 919 - 920

The bronze series of this type is extensive and differentiated principally by the different control marks. These control marks are symbols and letters which generally appear on the reverse, very occasionally the obverse, of the coin, and they were used to identify the officials responsible for a particular issue of coinage.
Philip II won the horseback race at the 106th Olympics in 356 BC, and it is thought that the horseman on the reverse of this coin commemorates this event.


Philip II of Macedon was King of Macedon from 359 until his death in 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great and Philip III Arrhidaeus. In 357 BC, Philip married Olympias, who was the daughter of the king of the Molossians. Alexander was born in 356 BC, the same year as Philip's horse won at the Olympic Games.
The conquest and political consolidation of most of Greece during Philip's reign was achieved in part by the creation of the Macedonian phalanx which gave him an enormous advantage on the battlefield. After defeating Athens and Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC Philip II established the League of Corinth, a federation of Greek states, with him at it's head, with the intention of invading the Persian empire. In 336 BC, Philip II sent an army of 10,000 men into Asia Minor to make preparations for the invasion by freeing the Greeks living on the western coast and islands from Persian rule. All went well until the news arrived that Philip had been assassinated. The Macedonians were demoralized by Philip's death and were subsequently defeated by Persian forces near Magnesia.
Philip II was murdered in October 336 BC, at Aegae, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, while he was entering into the town's theatre. He was assassinated by Pausanius, one of his own bodyguards, who was himself slain by three of Philip's other bodyguards. The reasons for Philip's assassination are not now fully known, with many modern historians saying that, on the face of it, none of the ancient accounts which have come down to us appear to be credible.
*Alex
359_-_336_BC_PHILIP_II_of_MACEDON.JPG
Philip II, 359 - 336. AE18. Struck after 356 BC at an uncertain mint in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Young male head, usually identified as Apollo, with hair bound in a taenia, facing right.
Reverse: ΦIΛIΠΠOY, Naked rider on horse prancing left, spearhead control mark beneath the horse.
Diameter: 18.00mm | Weight: 6.00gms | Die Axis: 12
SNG ANS 850 | Mionnet I: 750

The bronze series of this type is extensive and differentiated principally by the different control marks. These control marks are symbols and letters which generally appear on the reverse, very occasionally the obverse, of the coin, and they were used to identify the officials responsible for a particular issue of coinage.
Philip II won the horseback race at the 106th Olympics in 356 BC, and it is thought that the horseman on the reverse of this coin commemorates this event.


Philip II of Macedon was King of Macedon from 359 until his death in 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great and Philip III Arrhidaeus. In 357 BC, Philip married Olympias, who was the daughter of the king of the Molossians. Alexander was born in 356 BC, the same year as Philip's horse won at the Olympic Games.
The conquest and political consolidation of most of Greece during Philip's reign was achieved in part by the creation of the Macedonian phalanx which gave him an enormous advantage on the battlefield. After defeating Athens and Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC Philip II established the League of Corinth, a federation of Greek states, with him at it's head, with the intention of invading the Persian empire. In 336 BC, Philip II sent an army of 10,000 men into Asia Minor to make preparations for the invasion by freeing the Greeks living on the western coast and islands from Persian rule. All went well until the news arrived that Philip had been assassinated. The Macedonians were demoralized by Philip's death and were subsequently defeated by Persian forces near Magnesia.
Philip II was murdered in October 336 BC, at Aegae, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, while he was entering into the town's theatre. He was assassinated by Pausanius, one of his own bodyguards, who was himself slain by three of Philip's other bodyguards. The reasons for Philip's assassination are not now fully known, with many modern historians saying that, on the face of it, none of the ancient accounts which have come down to us appear to be credible.
*Alex
Screen_Shot_2017-05-09_at_12_17_39_PM.png
2 AugustusAugustus. 27 B.C.-A.D. 14 AR denarius. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 2 B.C.-A.D. 12. From the Joseph Donzanti Collection.
Augustus. 27 B.C.-A.D. 14 AR denarius (18.40 mm, 3.91 g, 11 h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, 2 B.C.-A.D. 12. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT C L CAESARES, Caius and lucius caesars togate stand facing, each resting hand on a round shield with spear behind, above center on left a simpulum right and on right a lituus left. RIC 207; RSC 43; Lyon 82. aEF, area of minor flat strike.

From the Joseph Donzanti Collection. Ex Agora Auctions, 5/9/17
2 commentsSosius
conI79.jpg
CONSTANTINE I, RIC VII 79 Lugdunum mint.Struck 320 AD.
Obverse: CONS-TANTINVS AVG, cuirassed bust right, wearing high crested helmet
Reverse: VICTORIAE LAET PRINC PERP, two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT/PR in two lines over altar; P(two captives seated back to back)L.
RIC VII 79; Bastien 19. VF, well centered, Green patina.
Æ Follis (18mm – 3.1 g).
NORMAN K
550_-_551_JUSTINIAN_I__Decannumium.JPG
JUSTINIAN I, AE Decanummium (10 Nummi), struck 550/551 at AntiochObverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Helmeted and cuirassed facing bust of Justinian I, holding globus cruciger in his right hand and shield in his left; cross in right field.
Reverse: Large I surmounted by cross, A/N/N/O in field to left and regnal year X/X/IIII in field to right; in exergue, THU followed by • over Π with a slash through the last letter's right side.
Diameter: 24mm | Weight: 4.79gms | Die Axis: 6
SBCV: 237 | DOC: 255 Class D | MIB: 158

Regarding the mintmark in the exergue, the letter Π with a slash through its right side and tiny o or • above is an abbreviation for "polis". The slash is like the English apostrophe denoting omission of letters, as in the word "can't". Therefore, together with the letters T (Tau) and H (Eta), the mint-mark reads as an abbreviation of "Theoupolis"

550
In January of this year the Ostrogoths under king Totila recaptured Rome after a long siege by bribing the Isaurian garrison. Then, in the summer, the Goths, under Totila, plundered Sicily after they had subdued Corsica and Sardinia, whilst the Gothic fleet also raided the coasts of Greece.
551
In this year Justinian I appointed Narses new supreme commander, who then returned to Italy. In Salona on the Adriatic coast, Narses assembled a Byzantine expeditionary force of around 20,000 to 30,000 men and a contingent of foreign allies which included Lombards, Herulii and Bulgars
When Narses arrived in Venetia he discovered that a powerful Gothic-Frank army of around 50,000 men, under the joint command of the kings Totila and Theudebald, had blocked the principal route to the Po Valley. Not wishing to engage such a formidable force and confident that the Franks would avoid a direct confrontation, Narses skirted the lagoons along the Adriatic shore, using vessels to convey his army from point to point along the coast and thereby arrived at the capital, Ravenna, without encountering any opposition. He then attacked and crushed a small Gothic force at Ariminum, modern Rimini.
In the Autumn of this year the Byzantine fleet of 50 warships destroyed the Gothic naval force under Indulf near Sena Gallica, some 17 miles (27 km) north of Ancona. The Battle of Sena Gallica marked the end of Gothic supremacy in the Mediterranean Sea.
*Alex
323_-_315_BC_ALEXANDER_III_AE_Quarter-Obol.JPG
Philip III Arrhidaios, 323 - 317 BC. Bronze Tetartemorion (Dichalkon / Quarter Obol). Struck 323 - 315 BC under Nikokreon at Salamis, Cyprus.Obverse: No legend. Macedonian shield with Gorgoneion (Medusa) head as the boss in the centre. The shield boss is sometimes called the episema, the Greek name for a symbol of a particular city or clan which was placed in the centre of a soldier's shield.
Reverse: Macedonian helmet surmounted with a horse hair crest; B - A (for BAΣIΛEOΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY = King Alexander) above; mint marks below the helmet, to left, a kerykeion (caduceus) and to the right, the monogram NK (for Nikokreon).
Diameter: 14mm | Weight: 4.6gms | Die Axis: 1
Price: 3162 | Liampi, Chronologie 170-92

This coin is a Type 7 (Macedonian shield type) bronze Quarter-Obol (two chalkoi). Price dated the Macedonian Shield coins as beginning during the latter part of Alexander's life, c.325 BC, and ending c.310 BC. Liampi later argued, based on new hoard evidence, that they were minted as early as 334 BC. This particular coin is dated from c.323 to 315 BC during the reign of Philip III Arrhidaios.

Salamis was founded around 1100 BC by the inhabitants of Enkomi, a Late Bronze Age city on Cyprus, though in Homeric tradition, the city was established by Teucer, one of the Greek princes who fought in the Trojan War. After Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, of which Salamis was a part, Greek culture and art flourished in the city and, as well as being the seat of the governor of Cyprus, it was the island's most important port.
Nikokreon had succeeded Pnytagoras on the throne of Salamis and is reported to have paid homage to Alexander after the conqueror's return from Egypt to Tyre in 331 BC. After Alexander's death, his empire was split between his generals, Cyprus falling to Ptolomy I of Egypt. In 315 BC during the war between Antigonos and Ptolemy, Nikokreon supported the latter and was rewarded by being made governor of all Cyprus. However, in 311 BC Ptolemy forced Nikokreon to commit suicide because he no longer trusted him. Ptolemy's brother, King Menelaus, was made governor in Nikokreon's stead.
In 306 BC, Salamis was the scene of a naval battle between the fleets of Ptolemy and Demetrius I of Macedon. Demetrius won the battle and captured the island.
*Alex
Trajan_Den.jpg
14 TrajanTrajan
Silver denarius, Rome mint
weight 3.150g, maximum diameter 19.3mm, die axis 180o
112 - 114 A.D.
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Felicitas standing left, caduceus in right, cornucopia in left; uneven toning
RIC II 271, RSC II 404, BMCRE III 424, Fine
Purchased from FORVM
RI0115
Sosius
Trajan_RIC_503.jpg
14 Trajan AE AsTRAJAN
AE As, Rome mint
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right with drapery on left shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Pax standing left, olive branch in right, cornucopia in left, right foot on Dacian captive
RIC 503
RI0125
Sosius
Trajan_RIC_119.jpg
14 Trajan DenariusTRAJAN
AR Denarius
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, draped far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Aequitas seated left holding cornucopiae & scales.
Sear 3123, RIC 119, RSC 86, BMC 288; aVF, Ex-Littleton Coin Co.
RI0123
Sosius
Trajan_Dupon_RIC_520.jpg
14 Trajan DupondiusTRAJAN
Æ Dupondius, Struck ~103 AD.
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, radiate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C across field, Spes walking left, holding flower and raising skirt.
Sear 3222; RIC II 520; BMCRE 895; Cohen 461; Fine, reverse cleaning scratches
RI0121
Sosius
Trajan_Dupondius_RIC_538.jpg
14 Trajan DupondiusTRAJAN
AE Dupondius
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP, laureate head right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI S-C, Trajan riding right spearing Dacian enemy.
Cohen 506, RIC 538
RI0119
Sosius
Trajan_RIC_534.jpg
2 Trajan SestertiusTRAJAN
AE Sestertius. 103-111 AD.

O: laureate head right

R: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI S-C, Trajan riding right spearing Dacian enemy before horse.

Cohen 503, RIC 534, sear5 #3204

VG - Lots of wear....handled by many, many hands
RI0126
Sosius
Constantius_I_Siscia_42.jpg
3 Constantius I (Posthumous)CONSTANTIUS I
Half Follis, Siscia Mint
By Constantine I, 317-318 AD

DIVO CONSTANTIO PIO PRINCIPI, Veiled laureate bust r. / REQVIES OPTIMOR-VM MERITORVM, Constantius seated, raising right hand and holding scepter, SIS in ex.

Siscia RIC VII Siscia 42 (R3); F/VF
Sosius
Valerian_II_RIC_49.jpg
6.5 Valerian IIVALERIAN II
BI Antoninianus, 256 - 8 A.D.
Antioch or Samosata mint

O: VALERIANVS NOBIL CAES, Radiate, draped & cuirassed bust r.

R: PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Valerian, shield on ground and spear in left hand, crowning trophy of arms with r. hand

RIC V 49, RSC IV 67

Sosius
Carinus_RIC_160.jpg
8 CarinusCARINUS
AE Antoninianus, Rome mint
283-285 A.D.
M AVR CARINVS CAES, radiate and cuirassed bust r. / PRINCIPI IVVENT, Carinus standing left, standard in right hand, scepter in left hand, KA epsilon in ex.
RIC 160
Sosius
Licinius_Sear_3800.jpg
8 LiciniusLICINIUS I
Æ Follis, Rome, 308-324 AD

IMP LICINIVS P F AVG, Laureate cuirassed bust r. / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Legionary eagle between two standards; in exergue, RP.

Sear 3800, Fine.
Sosius
rjb_car1_01_08.jpg
948cfCarausius 287-93AD
Antoninianus
Obv “IMP CARAVSIVS PF AVG”
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev “PRINCIPI IVVENTVS”
Emperor standing left holding vertical sceptre and branch
Unmarked mint
RIC - (cf 948)
mauseus
rjb_tra1_08_06.jpg
98Trajan 98-117 AD
AE sestertius
Obv "IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS V PP"
Laureate bust left
Rev "SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI SC"
Emperor on horseback right spearing Dacian in front of horse
Rome mint
RIC 535
mauseus
rjb_tra2_08_06.jpg
98Trajan 98-117 AD
AE sestertius
Obv "........NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER..........."
Laureate, nude "heroic" bust left.
Rev "SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI SC"
Ceres stg left holding corn ears and torch, modius to left
Rome mint
RIC 478
2 commentsmauseus
rjb_traj2_06_09.jpg
98Trajan 98-117 AD
AR denarius
Obv "IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS V PP"
Laureate bust right with aegis on left shoulder
Rev "SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI"
Dacia seated right on shield in mournful attitude, curved sword below
Rome mint
RIC 216
3 commentsmauseus
rjb_2014_02_07a.jpg
98Trajan
Denarius
Obv: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS VI PP
Laureate and draped bust right
Rev: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI
Trajan's Column
Rome mint
RIC 292
1 commentsmauseus
451s.jpg
Constantine I, RIC VII 194 ArlesObverse: IMP CONSTAN-TINVS MAX AVG - Helmeted laureate bust right, cuirassed
Reverse: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP - Two Victories facing and inscribing VOT PR on shield placed on altar type Helvetica 2d (diamond with dot in centre, in a rectangle with a dot in each corner. )
Exe: PARL Arles mint AD 318-319 = RIC VII, 194 , 19.15 mm, 2.6 g.
NORMAN K
_Macedon_c.jpg
MacedonCoins of the ancient Greek cities and Kings of Macedon, Paionia, and some celtic imitations thereof. Includes the Hellenistic kings of Macedon and Roman successors. Principal mints: Akanthos, Amphipolis and Pella. 1 commentsAnaximander
sear1966clipped.jpg
Manuel I Komnenus clipped billion aspron trachy SB1966Obverse: IC-XC (bar above) in field, Christ bearded and nimbate, wearing tunic and colobion, seated upon throne without back; holds gospels in left hand.
Reverse: MAN(monogram)HA AECIIOT or var, MP OV bar above in upper right field, Full-length figure of emperor, bearded on left, crowned by Virgin nimbate. Emperor wears stemma, divitision, collar-peice, and jewelled loros of simplified type; holds in right hand labarum-headed scepter, and in left globus cruciger. Virgin wears tunic and maphorion.
four main varieties:
Mint: Constantinople
Date: 1167-1183?
Sear 1966 Var d, Fourth coinage; H 16.14,15; 17.1-4
rev: Jewel within circle on loros waist
16mm .89gm
As discussed in the Byzantine forumThese are the "neatly clipped" trachies.
During the reign of Manuel I the silver content of the trachy was dropped from c.6% to c.3%, but later types were sometimes issued with the higher silver content.
In Alexius III's time these high silver types were clipped down to half size, probably officially, presumably so as to match the lower silver content of the later issues.
Of course this would only have worked as long as the populace accepted the idea that the clipped coins were all high silver versions to start with. Once smarties started clipping ordinary coins these types would soon have have fallen out of favour and been withdrawn.

Ross G.


During the reign of Alexius III were reused coins of previous releases, clipping its border in a very regular mode and thus reducing to half their weight. Regularity of shearing and the fact that they were found to stock uniforms, suggesting that this clipping is a formal issuance of mint. Based on the stocks found in Constantinople , some of which consist only of clipped coins, it may safely be dated between 1195 and 1203.
Hendy and Grierson believe that this shearing was a consequence of the devaluation of trachy mixture during the reign of Isaac II and Alexius III. They reduced by half the already low silver content of this coin: shearing coins of previous emperors, still widely in circulation, made their trachy consistent with the intrinsic value of current emissions. Of course, this does not justify the clipping of coins already degraded of Isaac II and Alexius III. Therefore, reason for their declassification is not understood. I think that reason of Ross is right!
The structure of their dispersion in hoards indicates that, however, were made after the other emissions. Clipped trachys appear in small amounts along with regular trachy in hoards, represents a rarity. Were clipped trachys of Manuel I, Andronicus I, Isaac II and Alexius III, and perhaps of John II; those of Manuel are less scarce. In principle, we must believe that all trachys after Manuel I have been clipped, although many have not yet appeared.

Antvwala
wileyc
Ptolmaic_Egypt_.jpg
Ptolemaic KingdomHellenistic coinage of the Ptolemies, after Alexander the Great. Principal mints include Alexandria in Egypt, Paphos and Sidon in Cyprus, and Sidon and Tyre in Phoenicia. 1 commentsAnaximander
coin526.jpg
Trajan AR Quinarius RIC 196.RIC 196 Trajan AR Quinarius. 15mm, 1.15gr. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Victory walking right with wreath & palm. RSC 43.
Coin #526
cars100
3B1A9E7D-41CA-4356-9307-03EA7888EA91_4_5005_c.jpeg
Trajan: Augustus 98-117 AD Trajan ‘heroic bust’ AR Denarius
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: Autumn 116-August 117 AD
Bust: Laureate ‘heroic’ bust right, wearing aegis, with bare chest showing
Obverse: IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC
Reverse: PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R
Type: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 3.41g; 19mm
RIC: RIC 333
Provenance: Ex Michael Kelly Collection of Roman Silver Coins; Ex CNG, E-sale 99, Lot 623 (10/13/2004).

Translation: OB: Imperator Caesar Nerva Trajan Optimus Princeps Augustus, Germanicus, Dacicus; for Emperor Caesar Nerva Trajan, The most perfect prince, Augustus, Conquerer of the Germans and Daicians.
Translation: Rev: Parthicus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul VI, Pater Patriae, Senatus Populusque Romanus; for Conquer of the Parthians, High Priest, Tribune of the Roman people, Consul for the 6th time, Father of his country, as recognized by the senate and the people of Rome.

Notes: Felicitas, Roman goddess of good luck.
1 commentsJustin L1
DSC_0193.jpg
INDONESIA, Sultanate of Palembang. Circa AD 1790's-1821
Tin Cash (20mm, 0.61 g)
Palembang mint
Shi Dan Li Bao in Hànzì
Blank
T.D. Yih, "Tiny Pitis Inscribed 'Shi-Dan' (Sultan) from Palembang," in ONS Newsletter 204 (Summer 2010), type I-1

Found in Palembang

Hang Li Po first appears in the Malay Annals as a Chinese princess sent to be the fifth bride of sultan Mansur Shah of Malacca. However, there is no reference to this event in official Ming documents. Li Po may merely be a beautiful concubine given to the Sultan. Alternatively, she may be the daughter of an otherwise unknown Chinese ruler in the area, to whom this coin may perhaps be attributed.
1 commentsArdatirion
Licinius I AE3, Siscia, 319-320 AD.jpg
ROME. Licinius I. AD 308-324.
Æ Follis (20mm, 3.1 g)
Siscia mint, 1st officina. Struck AD 319-320.
IMP LICINIVS AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT/PR in two lines over altar; I on altar; ASIS*
RIC VII 96 var. (bust type)
Ardatirion
tetricus1-princ-ivvent.JPG
RIC.115var Tetricus I: antoninianus (Princ Ivvent)Tetricus, Gallic emperor (usurper) (271-274)
Antoninianus: Princ Ivvent (5th emission, 274, Trèves)

Billon, 3.02 g, diameter 18 mm, die axis 1h

A/ IMP C TETRIC[VS P F AVG]; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
R/ [PRINC] IV-VENT; Tetricus II standing left holding baton and scepter

EG.279
trajan_salus_snake_r.jpg
(0098) TRAJAN98 - 117 AD
Struck 104 - 107 AD
AE DUPONDIUJS 26 mm 11.04 g
O: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
RAD BUST RIGHT
R: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI
SALUS ENTHRONED L FEEDING SNAKE FROM PATERA
SC IN EXE.
laney
trajan_aeq_res2.jpg
(0098) TRAJAN98-117 AD
AE 26 mm 9.40 g
O: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS III, Laureate head right
R: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI S-C, Aequitas standing left holding cornucopia and scales
RIC 498
1 commentslaney
augustus_dena.jpg
(02) AUGUSTUS27 BC - 14 AD
struck 2 BC - 4 AD
AR DENARIUS 3.81 g
O: CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE Laureate head of Augustus, right
R: C L CAESARES, AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT Togate figures of Gaius and Lucius standing facing, holding spear and shield between them. Lituus on left, facing right; and simpulum on right, facing left
Lugdunum, RIC (I) 210.
(this is the scarcer mirror-image version of this reverse type, and shows the lituus on the left; and Gaius, with his shield in front of Lucius’ shield and the ladle by his head on the right)

3 commentslaney
const_chlor_post.jpg
(0293) CONSTANTIUS I CHLORUS (POSTHUMOUS)Augustus: 305 - 306 AD
struck ca.
AE Fractional 15.5 mm 1.73 g
O: DIVO CONSTANTIO PIO PRINCIPI , laureate veiled bust right
R: REQVIES OPTIMORVM MERITORVM , Constantius I seated left on curule chair
Dot TS Dot B Dot in exe
Thessalonica
RIC VII 25 a
Note: unlisted in RIC, which does not include officinae B (or A or D; the listed officinae are Rare (R5)
laney
galerius_concordia_070210.jpg
(0293) GALERIUSGalerius as Caesar (293 - 305 AD; AVG 305 - 311 AD)
Struck ca 296 AD
AE 20 mm 3.18 g, Post-reform Radiate
O: GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES, radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right
R: CONCORDIA MILITVM, the prince standing right receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter, star over Gamma between
ANT in ex. Antioch
laney
LICINIUS_2_VICT.jpg
(0308) LICINIUS I308 - 324 AD
AE 18 mm 2.29 g
O: IMP LIC LICINIVS PF AVG, Laur dr cuir bust right
R: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, 2 Victories facing each other, holding shield reading VPT/PR over altar
Delta SIS Dot in exe.
Siscia
RIC VII 62 (R3) Rare
laney
crispus_princ.jpg
(0317) CRISPUS317 - 326 AD
struck 317 AD.
AE 17.5 mm 3.25 g
O: CRISPUS NOB CAES, laureate, draped bust facing right.
R: PRINCIPIA IVVENTVTIS, Mars standing right, chlamys over right shoulder, holding scepter in right hand, leaning on shield.
R S in fields
ARLES MINT, (rare) cf. RIC VII 132-133
laney
domitian_denar_blk_copy.jpg
(12) DOMITIAN81 - 96 AD
Struck as Caesar under Titus 80 AD
AR Denarius 18 mm 2.31 g
O: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII Laureate head right
R: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, Minerva advancing right with javelin and shield
Rome RCV 2674
laney
domitian_denar_minerva_caesar.jpg
(12) DOMITIAN as Caesar81 - 96 AD
Struck as Caesar under Titus 80 AD
AR Denarius 18 mm 2.31 g
O: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII Laureate head right
R: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, Minerva advancing right with javelin and shield
Rome RCV 2674
laney
LPisoFrugiDenarius_S235.jpg
(502a) Roman Republic, L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 90 B.C.Silver denarius, S 235, Calpurnia 11, Crawford 340/1, Syd 663a, VF, rainbow toning, Rome mint, 3.772g, 18.5mm, 180o, 90 B.C. obverse: laureate head of Apollo right, scorpion behind; Reverse naked horseman galloping right holding palm, L PISO FRVGI and control number CXI below; ex-CNA XV 6/5/91, #443. Ex FORVM.


A portion of the following text is a passage taken from the excellent article “The Calpurnii and Roman Family History: An Analysis of the Piso Frugi Coin in the Joel Handshu Collection at the College of Charleston,” by Chance W. Cook:

In the Roman world, particularly prior to the inception of the principate, moneyers were allotted a high degree of latitude to mint their coins as they saw fit. The tres viri monetales, the three men in charge of minting coins, who served one-year terms, often emblazoned their coins with an incredible variety of images and inscriptions reflecting the grandeur, history, and religion of Rome. Yet also prominent are references to personal or familial accomplishments; in this manner coins were also a means by which the tres viri monetales could honor their forbearers. Most obvious from an analysis of the Piso Frugi denarius is the respect and admiration that Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi, who minted the coin, had for his ancestors. For the images he selected for his dies relate directly to the lofty deeds performed by his Calpurnii forbearers in the century prior to his term as moneyer. The Calpurnii were present at many of the watershed events in the late Republic and had long distinguished themselves in serving the state, becoming an influential and well-respected family whose defense of traditional Roman values cannot be doubted.

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi, who was moneyer in 90 B.C., depicted Apollo on the obverse and the galloping horseman on the reverse, as does his son Gaius. However, all of L. Piso Frugi’s coins have lettering similar to “L-PISO-FRVGI” on the reverse, quite disparate from his son Gaius’ derivations of “C-PISO-L-F-FRV.”

Moreover, C. Piso Frugi coins are noted as possessing “superior workmanship” to those produced by L. Piso Frugi.

The Frugi cognomen, which became hereditary, was first given to L. Calpurnius Piso, consul in 133 B.C., for his integrity and overall moral virtue. Cicero is noted as saying that frugal men possessed the three cardinal Stoic virtues of bravery, justice, and wisdom; indeed in the Thesaurus Linguae Latinae, a synonym of frugalitas is bonus, generically meaning “good” but also implying virtuous behavior. Gary Forsythe notes that Cicero would sometimes invoke L. Calpurnius Piso’s name at the beginning of speeches as “a paragon of moral rectitude” for his audience.

L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi’s inclusion of the laureled head of Apollo, essentially the same obverse die used by his son Gaius (c. 67 B.C.), was due to his family’s important role in the establishment of the Ludi Apollinares, the Games of Apollo, which were first instituted in 212 B.C. at the height of Hannibal’s invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War. By that time, Hannibal had crushed Roman armies at Cannae, seized Tarentum and was invading Campania.

Games had been used throughout Roman history as a means of allaying the fears
of the populace and distracting them from issues at hand; the Ludi Apollinares were no different. Forsythe follows the traditional interpretation that in 211 B.C., when C. Calpurnius Piso was praetor, he became the chief magistrate in Rome while both consuls were absent and the three other praetors were sent on military expeditions against Hannibal.

At this juncture, he put forth a motion in the Senate to make the Ludi Apollinares a yearly event, which was passed; the Ludi Apollinares did indeed become an important festival, eventually spanning eight days in the later Republic. However, this interpretation is debatable; H.H. Scullard suggests that the games were not made permanent until 208 B.C. after a severe plague prompted the Senate to make them a fixture on the calendar. The Senators believed Apollo would serve as a “healing god” for the people of Rome.

Nonetheless, the Calpurnii obviously believed their ancestor had played an integral role in the establishment of the Ludi Apollinares and thus prominently displayed
the head or bust of Apollo on the obverse of the coins they minted.

The meaning of the galloping horseman found on the reverse of the L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi coin is more complicated. It is possible that this is yet another reference to the Ludi Apollinares. Chariot races in the Circus Maximus were a major component of the games, along with animal hunts and theatrical performances.

A more intriguing possibility is that the horseman is a reference to C. Calpurnius Piso, son of the Calpurnius Piso who is said to have founded the Ludi Apollinares. This C. Calpurnius Piso was given a military command in 186 B.C. to quell a revolt in Spain. He was victorious, restoring order to the province and also gaining significant wealth in the process.

Upon his return to Rome in 184, he was granted a triumph by the Senate and eventually erected an arch on the Capitoline Hill celebrating his victory. Of course
the arch prominently displayed the Calpurnius name. Piso, however, was not an infantry commander; he led the cavalry.

The difficulty in accepting C. Calpurnius Piso’s victory in Spain as the impetus for the galloping horseman image is that not all of C. Piso Frugi’s coins depict the horseman or cavalryman carrying the palm, which is a symbol of victory. One is inclined to believe that the victory palm would be prominent in all of the coins minted by C. Piso Frugi (the son of L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi) if it indeed signified the great triumph of C. Calpurnius Piso in 186 B.C. Yet the palm’s appearance is clearly not a direct reference to military feats of C. Piso Frugi’s day. As noted, it is accepted that his coins were minted in 67 B.C.; in that year, the major victory by Roman forces was Pompey’s swift defeat of the pirates throughout the Mediterranean.

Chrestomathy: Annual Review of Undergraduate Research at the College of Charleston. Volume 1, 2002: pp. 1-10© 2002 by the College of Charleston, Charleston SC 29424, USA.All rights to be retained by the author.
http://www.cofc.edu/chrestomathy/vol1/cook.pdf


There are six (debatably seven) prominent Romans who have been known to posterity as Lucius Calpurnius Piso:

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi: (d. 261 A.D.) a Roman usurper, whose existence is
questionable, based on the unreliable Historia Augusta.

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus: deputy Roman Emperor, 10 January 69 to15 January
69, appointed by Galba.

Lucius Calpurnius Piso: Consul in 27 A.D.

Lucius Calpurnius Piso: Consul in 1 B.C., augur

Lucius Calpurnius Piso: Consul in 15 B.C., pontifex

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus: Consul in 58 B.C. (the uncle of Julius Caesar)

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi: Moneyer in 90 B.C. (our man)


All but one (or two--if you believe in the existence of "Frugi the usurper" ca. 261 A.D.) of these gentlemen lack the Frugi cognomen, indicating they are not from the same direct lineage as our moneyer, though all are Calpurnii.

Calpurnius Piso Frugi's massive issue was intended to support the war against the Marsic Confederation. The type has numerous variations and control marks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_Calpurnius_Piso
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/indexfrm.asp?vpar=55&pos=0

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.


2 commentsCleisthenes
rjb_2011_09_04.jpg
(VI)111Constantine I
IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Laureate, cuirassed bust right
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
Emperor standing left holding two standards
-/-//PLN
RIC (VI) 111
mauseus
rjb_lon7_05_06.jpg
(VI)215Constantine I
CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Laureate, cuirassed bust right
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
Emperor standing left holding two standards
-/star//PLN
RIC (VI) 215
mauseus
rjb_lond_09_07.jpg
(VI)215Constantine I
CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Laureate, cuirassed bust right
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
Emperor standing left holding two standards
-/star//PLN
RIC (VI) 215
mauseus
rjb_2011_09_03.jpg
(VI)265Constantine I
CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Laureate, cuirassed bust right
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
Emperor standing right holding spear and globe
star/-//PLN
RIC (VI) 265
mauseus
rjb_2010_01_04~0.jpg
(VII)156Constantine I
IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG
Helmeted, cuirassed bust left holding globe and spear
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
Two victories with inscribed shield on a short column
-/-//PLN
RIC (VII) 156
mauseus
rjb_2010_10_14~0.jpg
(VII)157Constantine I
IMP CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG
Laureate helmeted, cuirassed bust right
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
Two victories with inscribed shield on a diamond patterned altar
-/-//PLN
RIC (VII) 157
mauseus
rjb_2014_01_06.jpg
(VII)169Constantine I
IMP CONSTANTINVS AG
High crest helmeted, cuirassed bust left with spear over shoulder
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
Two victories with inscribed shield on an altar decorated with a wreath
-/-//PLN
RIC (VII) 169
mauseus
rjb_2010_10_13.jpg
(VII)174Crispus
FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
Two victories with inscribed shield on an altar decorated with a wreath
-/-//PLN
RIC (VII) 174
mauseus
rjb_2010_10_15~0.jpg
(VII)181corrConstantine II
FL CL CONSTANTINVS IVN N C
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust left seen from rear
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
Two victories with inscribed shield on an altar decorated with a wreath
-/-//PLN
RIC (VII) 181corr

mauseus
elymais.jpg
*Parthia. Second indeterminate king (de Morgan's Prince 'A') (c. A.D. 210?)AE Drachm, 1.52 g, 13 mm
Mint/ unknown, undated
Obv/ diademed, bearded bust left.
Rev/ Artemis standing right with bow and arrow
ancientone
Maximus_44.jpg
*SOLD*Maximus Caesar As

Attribution: RIC IV 10, Cohen 13, rare
Date: AD 236
Obverse: C IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES, bare-headed, draped bust as seen from behind (scarcer obverse inscription)
Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Maximus stg. l. holding baton in r.hand & transverse spear in l., to r. behind, two legionary standards, S C in r. and l. fields
Size: 25 mm
Weight: 9.6 grams
ex-Forvm
Noah
Ric1081vesp.jpg
0 Ric 1081 (Vespasian)Domitian Caesar 69-81
AR Denarius
Struck 79 AD
CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI
Laureate head right
PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS
Clasped hands before legionary eagle
3,13g/ 18mm
Ric 1081 (Vespasian)
Ex Tom Vossen
3 commentsParthicus Maximus
Ric266titus.jpg
00 Ric 266 (Titus)CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII
laureate head right.
PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS
lighted & garlanded altar.

Domitian Caesar 69-81
AR Denarius
Struck 80-81
3,08g/19mm
Ric 266 (Titus)
Ex Künker
1 commentsParthicus Maximus
0002.jpg
0002 - Denarius Augustus 2BC-14ACObv/CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, Augustus laureate head r.
Rev/AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, C L CAESARES in exergue. Gaius and Lucius Caesar, on l. and r., standing front, each togate and resting hand on shield; behind each shield, a spear; above, on l., a simpulum r., and on r., lituus l.

Ag, 18.5mm, 3.81g
Mint: Lugdunum.
RIC I/207 [C] - RCV 1597 - BMCRE 519 - RSC 43 - Calicó 855
ex-van Alsenoy
dafnis
RI_001b_img.jpg
001 - Augustus denarius - RIC 207Obv:- CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, Laureate head right
Rev:- C L CAESARES AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, Caius and Lucius Caesars togate stand facing, each resting hand on a round shield with spear behind, above center on left a simpulum right and on r. a lituus left
Minted in Lugdunum. B.C. 2 to A.D. 4.
Ref:- BMC 533. RIC I Augustus 207

Ex-Forvm
2 commentsmaridvnvm
coin363~0.JPG
001b. Crispus Siscia VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERPRIC VII Siscia 97 R2ecoli
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001b. Crispus Siscia VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERPIVL CRISPVS NOB CAESAR
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP

RIC VII Siscia 63 R4 for eSiSdot
ecoli
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001b. Crispus Siscia VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP SisciaRIC VII 97 R3 Sisciaecoli
Augustus_AR-Den_CAESAR-AVGVSTVS-DIVI-F-PATER-PATRIAE_AVGVSTI-F-COS-DESIG-PRINC-IVVENT-C-L-CAESARES_RIC-207_C-43_Lugdunum_2BC-4AD_Q-001_axis-7h_xxmm_x,xxxg-s.jpg
002 Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.), RIC I 207, Lugdunum, AR-Denarius, AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, C L CAESARES, Gaius and Lucius standing front,002 Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.), AR-Denarius, RIC I 207, Lugdunum, AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT C L CAESARES, Gaius and Lucius standing front,
avers:-CAESAR-AVGVSTVS-DIVI-F-PATER-PATRIAE, Laureate head right.
revers:- AVGVSTI-F-COS-DESIG-PRINC-IVVENT-C-L-CAESARES, Gaius and Lucius standing front, each with a hand resting on a round shield, a spear, and in field above, a lituus right and simpulum left (in "b9"-like formation).
exerg: -/-//C L CAESARES, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: Lugdunum, date: 2 B.C.-4 A.D., ref: RIC-207, C-43,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans
005.jpg
002 AUGUSTUS AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENTEMPEROR: Augustus
DENOMINATION: Denarius
OBVERSE: CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE. laureate head right
REVERSE: AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, C L CAESARES below, Gaius & Lucius standing front, each with a hand resting on a round shield, a spear, & in field above, a lituus right & simpulum left (in "b9"-like formation)
DATE: 2 BC - ca 13 AD
MINT: Lugdunum
WEIGHT: 3.63 g
RIC: I.207 (C)
Barnaba6
coin282.JPG
002. Augustus (31 BC- 14 AD)Augustus

He suffered but two severe and ignominious defeats, those of Lollius [15 B.C.] and Varus [9 A.D.], both of which were in Germany. Of these the former was more humiliating than serious, but the latter was almost fatal, since three legions were cut to pieces with their general, his lieutenants, and all the auxiliaries. In fact, they say that he was so greatly affected that for several months in succession he cut neither his beard nor his hair, and sometimes he would dash his head against a door, crying: "Quintilius Varus, give me back my legions!" And he observed the day of the disaster each year as one of sorrow and mourning.

Lyons mint, 2 BC - ca 13 AD. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE. laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, C L CAESARES below, Gaius & Lucius standing front, each with a hand resting on a round shield, a spear, & in field above, a lituus right & simpulum left ("b9"). BMC 533, RSC 43

This is one of my first 12 caesar coins. I got this from an all text list from M&R coins.
ecoli
0022.jpg
0022 - Denarius Domitian 80 ACObv/CAESAR DIVI F DOMOTIANVS COS VIII, Domitian laureate head r.
Rev/PRINCEPTS (IVV)ENTVTIS, goat standing l. in laurel-wreath.

Ag, 19.1mm, 3.30g
Mint: Rome.
RIC IIa/267 [C] - RCV 2675 - BMCRE 88 - RSC 390
ex-Meister & Sonntag, auction S2, lot 219
6 commentsdafnis
augaden.png
002a4. AugustusAugustus
Denarius. Lyons mint, 2 BC - ca 13 AD. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE. laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, C L CAESARES below, Gaius and Lucius standing front, each with a hand resting on a round shield, a spear, and in field above, a lituus right and simpulum left (in "b9"-like formation). BMC 533, RSC 43. RIC 207.
lawrence c
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003 - Crispus (Caesar 317-326 AD) AE 3 - RIC 20 (rare)Obv: CRISPVS NOBILISSIMVS CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: PRINCIPIA IVVENTVTIS, soldier standing right, holding spear in right hand, shield on gruond at left.
Minted in Thessalonica (.TS.gamma. in exe), officina 3, 317-318 AD.
Rated in RIC as R4
pierre_p77
Philip1.jpg
004 - Philip II (as caesar 244-247 AD), Antoninianus - RIC 118dObv: M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev: PRINCIPI IVVENT, Philip II standing left, holding globe and inverted spear.
Minted in Antioch 244-246 AD
pierre_p77
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