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Image search results - "Rufus"
elag_eagle.jpg
(0218) Elagabalus218 - 222 AD
AE 25mm 11.92g
O: Laureate head right
R: Eagle standing facing, open wings, head turned left, holding wreath in beak;
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior; under Governor Nobius Rufus
cf AMNG 1993
laney
elagabal_nob_ruf_redb.jpg
(0218) ELAGABALUS218 - 222 AD
AE 25 mm, 10.29 g
O: AVT K M AVP ANTΩNEINOC laureate bust right
R: VΠ NO / BIOV POV / ΦOV NIKO / ΠOΛITΩN / ΠPOC IC / TPΩ in six lines within laurel wreath.
Nicopolis ad Istrum, under governor Novius Rufus
Varbanov 3874 (3941?); AMNG 2008v
laney
elagab_eagle_res.jpg
(0218) ELAGABALUS218 - 222 AD
AE 25mm 11.92g
O: Laureate draped bust right
R: Eagle standing facing, open wings, head turned left, holding wreath in beak;
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior; under Governor Nobius Rufus
cf AMNG 1991-1993 v.
laney
elagal_nik_eagle.jpg
(0218) ELAGABALUS218 - 222 AD
AE 24.5 mm; 9.63 g
O: Laureate draped bust right
R: Eagle standing facing, open wings, head turned left, holding wreath in beak;
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior; under Governor Nobius Rufus
cf AMNG 1991-1993 v.
laney
elagab_niko_eagle.jpg
(0218) Elagabalus218 - 222 AD
AE 25mm 10.69g
O: Laureate head right
R: Eagle standing facing, open wings, head turned left, holding wreath in beak;
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior; under Governor Nobius Rufus
cf AMNG 1993
laney
Janus119BCCrawford281_1.jpg
(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
rr_1073_revised_Large.jpg
0002 Sextus Pompey -- Neptune and Naval TrophySextus Pompey, Imperator and Prefect of the Fleet
[Youngest Son of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)]
Obv: [MAG or MA (ligatured) G]⦁PIVS⦁IMP⦁ITER; Portrait of Neptune facing r., diademed and bearded, trident over l. shoulder. Border of dots.
Rev: [PRAE (AE ligatured) F⦁CLAS⦁ET⦁ORAE (AE ligatured)]⦁MAR (ligatured) IT⦁EX⦁S⦁C⦁; Naval trophy with trident on top and anchor on bottom, prow stem on l. and aplustre on r., at base two representations of Charybdis and two dog heads of Scylla. Border of dots.
Denomination: silver denarius; Mint: Sicily, uncertain location1; Date: summer 42 - summer 39 BC2; Weight: 3.89g; Diameter: 17mm; Die axis: 30º; References, for example: Sear CRI 333; BMCRR v. II Sicily 15, 16, and 17 variant3; Sydenham 1347 variant3; Crawford RRC 511/2a or 2b4.

Notes:

Obverse legend: MAG[NUS]⦁PIVS⦁IMP[ERATOR]⦁ITER[UM]
Reverse legend: PRAEF[ECTUS]⦁CLAS[SIS]⦁ET⦁ORAE⦁MARIT[IMAE]⦁EX⦁S[ENATUS]⦁C[ONSULTO]

1Sear CRI, Crawford RRC, Sydenham, and DeRose Evans (1987) all place the minting of this coin type in Sicily, but they do not reference a possible location. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily suggests Messana.
2This is the date range argued for in Estiot 2006 (p. 145). Estiot recommends returning to Crawford's proposal of 42 - 40 BC. Crawford RRC, p. 521 suggests the period in 42 BC after Sextus Pompey defeated Q. Salvidienus Rufus. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.562 proposes 38 - 36 BC and Sydenham, p. 210 adopts the same datation. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 129 offers a time between late summer 36 and September 36 BC.
3Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily 15, 16, and 17 and Sydenham 1347 only list a reverse legend containing MAR (ligatured) I but the coin here is MAR (ligatured) IT.
4It is impossible to see the full obverse legend, so it cannot be determined if MA is ligatured or not. The reverse legend is clearly the first variety of 2a or 2b, a variety not found on 2c.

Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics April 11, 2019; from the collection of W. F. Stoecklin, Amriswil, Switzerland; acquired from Hess AG in Luzern, from the Ernst Haeberlin collection, Cahn & Hess, Frankfurt, July 17, 1933 Lot 2889.

Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES
10 commentsTracy Aiello
Sextus_Pompey_Scylla.jpg
0004 Sextus Pompey -- Pharos and ScyllaSextus Pompey, Imperator and Prefect of the Fleet
[Youngest Son of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)]
Obv: MAG⦁PIVS⦁IMP⦁ITER; Pharos of Messana, Neptune on top standing r. with r. hand on a trident and l. hand on a rudder, resting l. foot on prow. Galley sailing l., aquila atop a tripod placed in prow and a scepter tied with a fillet in stern. Border of dots.
Rev: PRAEF⦁ORAE⦁MARIT⦁ET⦁CLAS⦁S⦁C [AEs and MAR ligatured]; Scylla attacking l. wielding a rudder in both hands, the torso of a nude woman with two fishtails and the foreparts of three dogs as the lower body. Border of dots.
Denomination: silver denarius; Mint: Sicily, uncertain location1; Date: summer 42 - summer 39 BC2; Weight: 3.566g; Diameter: 19.8mm; Die axis: 225º; References, for example: BMCRR v. II Sicily 20 variant3, Sydenham 1349 variant3; Crawford RRC 511/4d; Sear CRI 335b.

Notes:

Obverse legend: MAG[NUS]⦁PIVS⦁IMP[ERATOR]⦁ITER[UM]
Reverse legend: PRAEF[ECTUS]⦁ORAE⦁MARIT[IMAE]⦁ET⦁CLAS[SIS]⦁S[ENATUS]⦁C[ONSULTO]

1Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.557 and Sear CRI, p. 203 suggest Messana as a possible mint location. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 124 hesitatingly suggests Mitylene (on the island of Lesbos).

2This is the date range suggested by Estiot 2006, p. 145, as she recommends going back to Crawford's proposal of 42 - 40 BC. Crawford RRC, p. 521 suggests the period in 42 BC after Sextus Pompey defeated Q. Salvidienus Rufus. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.556 proposes 38 - 36 BC. Sydenham, p.211 follows Grueber. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 129 submits 35 BC.

3Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily 20 and Sydenham 1349 list MAR (ligatured) I but the coin here is clearly MAR (ligatured) IT. Neither Grueber nor Sydenham record MAR (ligatured) IT as part of this reverse legend for this coin type. Crawford and Sear do.

Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins 15 January 2019; Nomos Obolos 10, 30 June 2018 Lot 349.

Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins

CLICK FOR SOURCES
8 commentsTracy Aiello
rr_1074_revised_Large.jpg
0006 Sextus Pompey -- Pompey the Great and Neptune with Catanaean BrothersSextus Pompey, Imperator and Prefect of the Fleet
[Youngest Son of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)]

Obv: [MAG⦁PIVS⦁IMP⦁ITER]; portrait of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus r.; behind jug; before lituus. Border of dots.
Rev: above, [PRAE (AE ligatured) F]; in exergue, CLAS⦁ET⦁[ORAE (AE ligatured)⦁MAR (ligatured) IT⦁EX⦁S⦁C]; Neptune standing l., wearing diadem, aplustre in r. hand, cloak over l. arm, r. foot on prow,; on either side a Catanaean brother bearing one of his parents on his shoulders1. Border of dots.
Denomination: silver denarius; Mint: Sicily, uncertain location2; Date: summer 42 - summer 39 BC3; Weight: 3.68g; Diameter: 17mm; Die axis: 30º; References, for example: Sear CRI 334; BMCRR v. II Sicily 7, 8, 9, and 10; Sydenham 1344; Crawford RRC 511/3a.

Notes:

Obverse legend: MAG[NUS]⦁PIVS⦁IMP[ERATOR]⦁ITER[UM]
Reverse legend: PRAEF[ECTUS]⦁CLAS[SIS]⦁ET⦁ORAE⦁MARIT[IMAE]⦁EX⦁S[ENATUS]⦁C[ONSULTO]

1Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily appears a bit hesitant in his pronouncement that the representation of the Catanaean brothers in fact refers to Sextus' title Pius (p. 561), but Sear CRI appears to have no such hesitation when he states "...the type illustrates the theme of 'Pietas' in connection with the assumption of the name Pius." (p.203). DeRose Evans (1987) goes further (pp. 115 - 116), arguing that Sextus chose the Catanaean brothers ("...he consciously identifies himself with the south Italian heroes") as a way to deliberately contrast his Pietas with that of Octavian's.
2Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily tentatively suggests Catana as a possible location and Sear CRI follows suit.
3This is the date range argued for in Estiot 2006 (p. 145). Estiot recommends returning to Crawford's proposal of 42 - 40 BC. Crawford RRC, p. 521 suggests the period in 42 BC after Sextus Pompey defeated Q. Salvidienus Rufus. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.560 proposes 42 - 38 BC and Sydenham, p. 210 follows suit. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 129 offers a time between late summer 36 and September 36 BC.

Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics 11 June 2019; from the collection of W. F. Stoecklin, Amriswil, Switzerland, acquired from Hess AG in Luzern prior to 1975. Ex Dr. Jacob Hirsch 33, 17 November 1913 Lot 1058.

Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics

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4 commentsTracy Aiello
0062.jpg
0062 - Denarius Cordia 46 BCObv/Conjoined heads of the Dioscuri with pilei, r., with star atop; behind, RVFVS III VIR.
Rev/MN CORDIVS, Venus (Aequitas?) standing l., holding scales & scepter.

Ag, 18.9mm, 3.52g
Moneyer: Mn. Cordius Rufus.
Mint: Rome.
RRC 463/1a [dies o/r: 549/610 (1a+1b)] - RCV 440 - Syd. 976-976a - RSC Cordia 1-2c - Sear (Imp.) 63-63a -Calicó 465.
ex-Spink, auction march 2008, lot 994 (ex-Glendining, auction april 1976, lot 140)
dafnis
AS Augusto RIC 379.jpg
01-17 - AUGUSTO (27 A.C. - 14 D.C.)AE AS (Serie de los Triunviros Monetales) 27 x 29 mm 9.9 gr.
Legado Monetario C PLOTIUS RUFUS

Anv: "[CAESAR AVGVSTVS TRIBVNIC POTEST]" - Busto a cabeza desnuda viendo a derecha.
Rev: "C·PLOT[IVS·RVFVS·III VIR A·A·]A·F·F·" - Leyenda alrededor de gran "S C ".
"SENATUS CONSULTO" - Era potestad del Senado la promulgación de la acuñación de las emisiones de bronce (cobre) - Ley Julia (19-15 A.C.)

Acuñada 15 A.C.
Ceca: Roma
Rareza: C

Referencias: RIC Vol.1 #389 Pag.71 - Sear RCTV Vol.1 #1680 Pag.330 - BMCRE #153 (=BMCRR #4639) - Cohen Vol.1 #504 Pag.137 - DVM #99d Pag.71 - CBN #503/12
mdelvalle
RIC_389_AS_Octavio_Augusto.jpg
01-17 - AUGUSTO (27 A.C. - 14 D.C.)AE AS (Serie de los Triunviros Monetales) 27 x 29 mm 9.9 gr.
Legado Monetario C PLOTIUS RUFUS

Anv: "[CAESAR AVGVSTVS TRIBVNIC POTEST]" - Busto a cabeza desnuda viendo a derecha.
Rev: "C·PLOT[IVS·RVFVS·III VIR A·A·]A·F·F·" - Leyenda alrededor de gran "S C ".
"SENATUS CONSULTO" - Era potestad del Senado la promulgación de la acuñación de las emisiones de bronce (cobre) - Ley Julia (19-15 A.C.)

Acuñada 15 A.C.
Ceca: Roma
Rareza: C

Referencias: RIC Vol.1 #389 Pag.71 - Sear RCTV Vol.1 #1680 Pag.330 - BMCRE #153 (=BMCRR #4639) - Cohen Vol.1 #504 Pag.137 - DVM #99d Pag.71 - CBN #503/12
mdelvalle
RPC_168_Semis_CARTAGONOVA_Augusto_2.jpg
01-61 - Cartago Nova - AUGUSTO (27 A.C. - 14 D.C.)AE Semis 23 mm 6.5 gr.
C.Varius Rufus y Sex Iulius Pollio - duoviri.

Anv: "AVGVSTVS - DIVI F" (Leyenda anti-horaria)- Cabeza laureada viendo a derecha.
Rev: "C·VAR·RVF·SEX·IVL·POL·II·VIR·Q" (Leyenda anti-horaria),Implementos sacerdotales, Simpulum (Copa pequeña con mango), aspergillum/aspersorio (Instrumento para espolvorear o rociar), Securis/Segur (Hacha ritual) y Ápex (Gorro utilizado por los Sacerdotes o Flamines).

Acuñada 27 A.C. - 14 D.C.
Ceca: Cartago Nova, Hispania (Hoy Cartagena, España)

Referencias: RPC #168, SNG Cop #510, ACIP #3137, SNG München #130, Sim.NAH #992, Vives #131/132 Pl.CXXXI #12, Burgos (2008) #455, FAB #1451 P.180, Sim. Sear GICTV #12 Pag.2 (Semis en lugar de AS), Beltram #23
mdelvalle
0214_RICI_351.jpg
0214 - Denarius Augustus 16 BCObv/ laureate head of A. r.
Rev/ Mars standing l. with helmet and cuirass, holding spear and parazonium, on a pedestal inscribed SPQR V PR RE CAES; around, L MESCINIVS RVFVS.

Ag, 18.4 mm, 3.81 g
Mint: Roma
RIC I/351 [R] - BMCRE I/86
ex-CNG, auction 103, lot 672
2 commentsdafnis
238-augustus as.jpg
027 BC-14 AD - AVGVSTVS AE as - struck by C. Plotius Rufus moneyer (15 BC)obv: CAESAR AVGVSTVS TRIBVNIC POTEST (bare head right)
rev: C PLOTIVS RVFVS III VIR AAA FF / S.C.
ref: RIC I 389, C.504 (2frcs)
mint: Rome
11.06gms, 28mm

The moneyers were called tresviri aere argento auro flando feriundo, literally "three men for striking (and) casting bronze, silver (and) copper (coins)". The title was abbreviated III. VIR. AAA. FF. on the coinage itself. These men were also known collectively known as the tresviri monetalis or sometimes, less correctly, as the triumviri monetales.
berserker
ell.jpg
030a16. ElagabalusAE27 (4 Assaria). Nikopolis ad Istrum. Magistrate Novius Rufus.
Obv: AVT K M AYΡH ANTΩNEINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VΠ NOBIOY ΡOYΦOY NIKOΠΩΛITΩN ΠΡOC ICTΡON, Hermes standing left, holding caduceus, mantle and purse. Moushmov 1459
lawrence c
blank~13.jpg
039a. JotapianUsurper ca. 248 -249

Marcus Fulvius Rufus Iotapianus. Led a rebellion in northern Syria and Cappadocia. Even before the Emperor could send troops against him, Jotapian's troops murdered him.
lawrence c
GI 071c img.jpg
071 - Elagabalus, AE26, Nikopolis ad Istrum, ZeusAE27
Obv:– AVT M AVP ANTWNINOC, Radiate, draped bust right
Rev:– VP NOBIOV POVFOV NIKOPOLITWN / PROC ICPTON, Naked Zeus standing facing, head left, holding patera and sceptre; eagle at feet
Struck under the magistrate Novius Rufus
Minted in Nikopolis ad Istrum

Ref??? Any help most welcome.
1 commentsmaridvnvm
Cordia_2_Den_6.jpg
1) The Caesarians: Cordia 2IMPERATORIAL ROME
Mn Cordius Rufus
Moneyer under Julius Caesar
AR Denarius, 46 BC.

RVFVS III VIR, conjoined heads of the Dioscuri, right & in pilei with star atop / MN CORDIVS, Venus (Aequitas?) standing left, holding scales & sceptre.

Cordia 2, Sear5 #440
RM0024
Sosius
Cordia_3a_Den_3.jpg
1) The Caesarians: Cordia 3aIMPERATORIAL ROME
Mn Cordius Rufus
Moneyer under Julius Caesar
AR Denarius, 46 BC.

RVFVS S.C., diademed head of Venus right / MN. CORDIVS, Cupid on dolphin right.

Cr463/3, Syd 977, Cordia 3a. Cracked and glued, spotty toning
RM0025
Sosius
WILLIAM_I_PAX_PENNY.JPG
1066 - 1087, William I (the Conqueror), AR Penny, Struck 1083 - 1086 at Wallingford, EnglandObverse: + PILLELM REX. Crowned, moustached, facing bust of William I, his right arm across chest holding short sceptre topped with cross over his left shoulder.
Reverse: + IEGLPINE ON PALI. ( Æthelwine on Wallingford) Large cross pattée within circle, each angle within cross holding an annulet, each annulet containing a letter which spells out the word PAXS, all within outer circle.
PAXS type (crown 1)
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 1.1gms | Die Axis: 6h
Spink: 1257 | North 848 | BMC 8
Dark, almost black, tone
Scarce

This coin, part of William's last coinage issue, was struck during the period that his famous Domesday book was being compiled. The issue may have continued to be struck for a short time into the reign of William I's successor, his son William Rufus, who reigned as William II.

William I, known as 'the Conqueror', was born at Falaise in 1027, son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and a girl called Herleve. Following the death, in 1066, of Edward the Confessor, who was childless, the English throne was seized by the powerful Earl Harold Godwinson who claimed, without corroboration, that Edward had named him as his successor on his deathbed. William, Duke of Normandy, a distant relative of Edward, also claimed that Edward had named him as successor to the throne during a period when Harold was in exile.
William invaded England, landing at Pevensey, meeting Harold who, after defeating an invading Norwegian force in the north, had had to make a forced march south from Stamford Bridge. Harold was defeated at the battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066. This battle is commemorated by the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
After his victory at Hastings William marched to London and was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066, according to the ancient English rite. Aldred, archbishop of York performed the ceremony.
William moved quickly to exert control over England, he introduced measures which included the imposition of the Forest Law, setting aside large tracts of land for hunting by the aristocracy.
William constructed numerous castles, including the Tower of London, to maintain order but, despite this, the years following his conquest saw a number of rebellions, all of which were brutally repressed. The social impact of these reprisals was huge because by the time of the Domesday survey in 1085-6 the vast majority of land not directly owned by William was controlled by Norman tenants.
After 1072 William spent the majority of his time in France, where he died. William I's death was the result of him being flung from his horse during fighting at the seige of Mantes. He died of his injuries, around a week later, at St. Gervais priory outside Rouen on the 8th or the 9th of September, 1087. William was buried at St Stephen's church in Caen, though even his funeral was not without its problems because, when his body was being interred, the tomb was found to be too small and William's embalmed remains were damaged when attendants were forced to squeeze them into the space.
4 comments*Alex
0001SOS.jpg
4) Antony: SosiusGAIUS SOSIUS
General to Antony
Æ 26mm (14.5 g). ~ 38 BC.
Cilicia, Uncertain Mint.

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

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

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


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

According to Wikipedia:

Gaius Sosius was a Roman general and politician.

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

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

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

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

Sosius attended the Ludi Saeculares in 17 according to an inscription CIL 6.32323 = ILS 5050 as a quindecimvir.
RM0002
4 commentsSosius
Augustus_thunderbolt.jpg
40 BC Octavian denariusC CAESAR III VIR R P C
Bare haed of Octavian right

Q SALVIVS IMP COS DESIG
thunderbolt

Italy early 40 BC
3.43g

Sear 1541

SOLD!

David Sear says that this Q Salvius may be Quintus Salvius Salvidienus Rufus who was the boyhood friend and confidant of Octavian. In 42 BC Octavian made him admiral of his fleet and instructed him to attack Sextus Pompey in Sicily. Despite being beaten by Sextus he was granted the title of Imperator which appears on this coin.

After the battle of Philippi Salvidienus was given command of 6 Legions an sent to Spain however he quickly had to return to Italy to confront Fulvia (Antony's wife) and Lucius Antonius (Antony's brother). Salvidienus captured and destroyed the city of Sentinum and then moved on to Perusia with Agrippa to besiege Lucius Antony. At the end of the Perusian War Octavian sent Salvidienus to Gallia as Governor, with eleven legions. He was also designated as consul for 39 BC, although he had not reached senatorial rank.

Salvidienus proved to be unworthy of Octavian's trust and entered into secret negotiations with Mark Antony thinking that Antony would prevail. Unfortunately for Salvidienus, Antony and Octavian were reconciled and Antony informed Octavian of Salvidienus treachary. Antony's decision to inform on Salvidienus has been used to show his desire to settle the differences with Octavian. The senate declared Salvidienus a public enemy and shortly after he was killed, either by his own hand or by execution.
Jay GT4
42-William-II.jpg
42. William II.Penny, 1093-1096; London mint.
Obverse: +ǷILLELM REIX / Crowned bust, facing, between two stars.
Reverse: +ǷVLFPORD ON LV / Voided cross.
Moneyer: Wulfword.
1.38 gm., 21 mm. North #853; Seaby #1260.

The moneyer ǷVLFPORD (Wulfword) is found at three mints: London, Ipswich, and Stamford. On this coin the city is not well-struck, but enough can be made out to determine it is LV, which is London.
1 commentsCallimachus
roman_republic,_Mn__Cordius_Rufus.jpg
463/1b Mn. Cordius RufusMn. Cordius Rufus. 46 B.C. AR Denarius. Rome Mint. SRCV I 440, Sydenham 976c. 19.2mm, 3.85 g., Obverse: RVFVS III-VIR, Conjoined heads of the Dioscuri r., wearing pilei surmounted by stars. Reverse: MN-CORDIVS (MN in monogram) on right, Venus Verticordia standing left, scales in right, transverse scepter in left, cupid on her left shoulder. Ex Forvm.1 commentsLucas H
465-2b_Considia.jpg
465/2b. Considia - denarius (46 BC)AR Denarius (Rome, 46 BC)
O/ Laureate head of Apollo right; A behind; no border.
R/ Curule chair, garlanded, on which lies wreath; C CONSIDI above; PAETI in exergue.
3.6g
Crawford 465/2b (93 obverse dies/103 reverse dies, two varieties)
- Rollin & Feuardent, 1903, Collection Charvet de Beauvais, lot 265 (together with 3 other Considia). Sold for Fr.19 with lots 264 and 266.

* Gaius Considius Paetus:

Like the other two moneyers for 46 BC (Titus Carisius and Manius Cordius Rufus), Paetus belonged to a small gens. The Considii are indeed unattested before the 1st century, apart from a Tribune of the Plebs in 476. The gens came to prominence in the 50s, when two of its members became Praetors: Gaius Considius Longus between 58-52, and Marcus Considius Nonianus between 54-50.

Like his colleagues, Paetus was doubtlessly a supporter of Caesar. The curule chair on the reverse alludes to Caesar's right to sit on a curule chair between the Consuls in the Senate (Cassius Dio, xliii. 14). There is therefore a chance that he was the same person as the Gaius Considius mentioned in the Pseudo-Caesar's 'De Bello Africo' (§89) as the son of the Praetor of 54-50 -- a supporter of Pompey who died after Thapsus -- nonetheless absolved by Caesar after the war. This theory fits well with Caesar's policy of generously granting pardon to his former enemies, and was accepted by Mommsen, following Borghesi (cf. Mommsen, 1860, p. 657). However, Crawford did not mention this possibility.
Joss
Heliogabalo_Nicopolis_Demeter.jpg
53 - 6 - 1 - HELIOGABALO (218 - 222 D.C.)NICOPOLIS ad ISTRUM Moesia Inferior
Legado Consular Novius RUFUS

AE 27 mm 14.3 gr

Anv: ”AV [T K M AVPH ANTΩNINOC” – Busto laureado, vistiendo coraza y paludamentum sobre ella, viendo a derecha.
Rev: ”VΠ NOBIOV ΠOVΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC - ICTPΩ en exergo – Demeter estante a izquierda, portando espigas en mano derecha y larga antorcha encendida en izquierda.

Acuñada: 218 - 222 D.C.

Referencias: Moushmov #1396 var. - Muy rara variante de AMNG I/1 #1905, pués esta tiene el busto radiado. Pick menciona una pieza similar (busto laureado) en la colección de Mandl, pero no la lista.
mdelvalle
Varbanov_4086_NICOPOLIS_Heliogabalo.jpg
53-40 - Nicopolis ad Istrum - HELIOGABALO (218 - 222 D.C.)NICOPOLIS ad ISTRUM - Moesia Inferior
Legado Consular Novius Rufus


AE Tetrasarión
25.0 mm 11.0 gr.

Anv: "AVT K M AVPH ANTΓNEINOC K" – Busto. laur., vestido y acorazado, viendo a der.
Rev: ”VΠ NOBIOV ΡOVΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN/ ΠΡOΣ IΣ// TΡ/ON", Tyche/Fortuna estante a izq., portando timón apoyado en globo en mano der. y cornucopia en izq.

Acuñada: 218 - 222 D.C.

Referencias: Moushmov #1451, AMNG I #1977 P.492, Varbanov I #4088 P.328, Mionnet S2 #678 P.173
mdelvalle
Moushmov_1396_NICOPOLIS_Heliogabalo.jpg
53-40 - Nicopolis ad Istrum - HELIOGABALO (218 - 222 D.C.)NICOPOLIS ad ISTRUM Moesia Inferior
Legado Consular Novius RUFUS

AE Tetrasarión
27 mm 14.3 gr

Anv: ”AV [T K M AVPH ANTΩNINOC” – Busto laureado, vistiendo coraza y paludamentum sobre ella, viendo a derecha.
Rev: ”VΠ NOBIOV ΠOVΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC - ICTPΩ en exergo – Demeter estante a izquierda, portando espigas en mano derecha y larga antorcha encendida en izquierda.

Acuñada: 218 - 222 D.C.

Referencias: Moushmov #1396 var. - Muy rara variante de AMNG I/1 #1905, pués esta tiene el busto radiado. Pick menciona una pieza similar (busto laureado) en la colección de Mandl, pero no la lista, Varbanov I #3958 var. P.321
mdelvalle
GalbaAEAs.jpg
707a, Galba, 3 April 68 - 15 January 69 A.D.Galba AE As, 68-69 AD; cf. SRC 727, 729ff; 27.85mm, 12g; Rome: Obverse: GALBA IMP CAESAR…, Laureate head right; Reverse: S P Q R OB CIV SER in oak wreath; gF+/F Ex. Ancient Imports.

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

Galba (68-69 A.D.)


John Donahue
College of William and Mary


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.


Cleisthenes
augustus-ebora.jpg
Augustus- RPC 168Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD
Bronze, Carthago Nova after 27 BC.
Laureate head r. DIVIF AVGVSTVS
Simpulum aspergiullum, securis and apex.
Duumviri C. Varius Rufus und Sextus Iulius Pollio
xokleng
Aurelius_Rufus.jpg
Aurelius RufusAurelius Rufus, denarius.
4.00 g, 21 mm.
Obv. Helmeted head of Roma right; X (mark of value) behind.
Rev. Jupiter in galloping quadriga right, holding thunderbolt in right hand, holding sceptre and reins in left hand; AN RVF below, ROMA in linear border in exergue.
Crawford 221/1 (T. Annius Rufus).


4 commentsMarsman
Caracalla_AE26_Nikopolis.jpg
Caracalla AE26 Nikopolis ad Istrum, Thrace. rev. Asclepius, 26mm, 10,68 g., _3947

Elagabalus AE 27 of Nikopolis ad Istrum. Magistrate Nob. Rufus. AVT K M AVRH ANTWNEINOC, laureate head right / VP NOBIOV ROVFOV NIKOPOLITWN PROC IC-TR-ON, Asklepios standing facing, leaning on serpent-entwined staff. Varbanov 3979; AMNG 1936.
Antonivs Protti
Caracalla,_AE27,_Nikopolis.jpg
Caracalla, AE27, Nikopolis, Rare26mm.,11,42g,
Nikopolis
Varbanov 3941 Elagabalus, AE26 of Nikopolis ad Istrum. Nob. Rufus, magistrate. 218-222. AVT K M AVRH ANTWNINOC, radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right / VP NO-BIOV ROV-FOV NIKO-POLITWN-PROC IC-TRW in six lines within wreath. Varbanov 3941; AMNG 2008.
Antonivs Protti
now!!!_113.JPG
CITY-GATE, Elagabalus, AE26 from Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior (218-222 AD).Elagabalus III AE26 of Nikopolis ad Istrum. Magistrate Novius Rufus. AVT K M AVP ANTWNEINOC, laureate head right / VP NOBOU ROUFOU NIKOPOLITWN PROCICTRON, city gate with two towers. 26 mm, 13.1grams.
Moushmov 1391
Antonivs Protti
CivilWarRIC12.jpg
Civil Wars RIC 12Civil Wars 68-69 CE. AR Denarius (17.50 mm, 3.39 g). Spanish mint, April-June 68 CE.
O: BONI EVENTVS, Female bust right, wearing fillet; hair rolled and looped above neck
R: VICTORIA P R, Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left
- BMCRE I 292 Note + Taf 50.2; P.-H. Martin, the anonymous coins of the year 68 AD (1974) 82 # 99 PL 9; E. P. Nicolas, De Néron à Vespasien (1979) 1308 No. 31; 1435 f 1456 # 107 Taf 14.107 B; RIC I² Nr. 12 (Spain, 68 n. Chr.) R5 (Group I). Evidently the second known. The above references are all to one example found in Münzkabinett Berlin.

Likely struck by Galba in Spain between April 6 and early June, 68 AD, that is, between the dates of his acceptance of the offer from Vindex and of his receiving news of his recognition by the Senate.

The civil wars at the end of Nero’s reign began with the revolt of the governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, Gaius Julius Vindex, probably around the beginning of March of AD 68. Vindex had claimed that he had a force of 100,000 men, and a substantial coinage was certainly needed to pay them.

Vindex offered the leadership of the revolt to Servius Sulpicius Galba, then governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, who was hailed imperator by the Spanish legions at Carthago Nova in April of the same year. The title was cautiously refused, but Galba did declare himself the legatus of the senate and people of Rome. Just a month later, Galba’s confidence would be shaken by the crushing defeat of Vindex near Besançon by the general Lucius Verginius Rufus, governor of Germania Superior. By 9 June Nero was dead, having taken his own life. Galba began his march to Rome, and his brief reign was underway.

Without an emperor to strike in the name of (save for that in honor of the “model emperor” of Roman history, Augustus) the coinage was struck with messages suiting the political climate. The coinage under Vindex possesses a more aggressive air that underscores the militant nature of his revolt, while Galba’s tends to be more constitutional and optimistic in tone. Originally struck in large numbers, as indicated by the number of types employed, the coins of the civil wars are all rare today, having been recalled after the final victory of Vespasian in 69 AD.
5 commentsNemonater
P1019513.JPG
Cordius Rufus. Roman Republic. 46 B.C. Silver Denarius AR17mm.Cordius Rufus. Roman Republic. 46 B.C.
Obv: no legend - Conjoined heads of the Dioscuri, right wearing pilei (caps); in field above, two stars.
Rev: MN CORDIVS -Venus standing left with Cupid on left shoulder, holding transverse scepter and scales.
Lee S
198AgoraCombo.png
Cr 277/1 AR Denarius Q. Minucius Rufus 122 B.C.E. (18.60 mm, 3.79 g, 1 h). Rome mint.
o: RVF, helmeted head of Roma right; mark of value X below chin
r: Q MINV, Dioscuri riding right, ROMA in exergue.
Crawford 277/1
PMah
CNGLot417lucilia.jpg
Cr 324/1 AR Denarius M. Lucilius Rufus o: Helmeted head of Roma right; PV to left; all within laurel wreath
r: Victory driving galloping biga right, holding whip and reins

M. Lucilius Rufus. 101 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.93 g, 9h). Rome mint. Helmeted head of Roma right; PV to left; all within laurel wreath / Victory driving galloping biga right, holding whip and reins. Crawford 324/1; Sydenham 599; Lucilia 1.
PMah
48369q00.jpg
Cr 324/1 - Lucilius Rufus, 101 B.C.Silver denarius, SRCV I 202, Sydenham 599, Crawford 324/1, RSC I Lucilia 1, VF, flat strike areas, Rome mint, weight 3.816g, maximum diameter 20.3mm, die axis 45o, 101 B.C.; obverse head of Roma right in winged helmet, PV behind, all within a laurel wreath; reverse Victory in a biga right, whip in right, reigns in left, RVF above, M·LVCILI in exergue

Purchased from FORVM (my first Roman Republic coin)
RR0003
2 commentsSosius
433G429Cordia.png
Cr 463/3 AR Denarius Mn. Cordius Rufus46 BCE
o: Head of Venus right, RVFVS SC behind
r: Cupid on dolphin right; below, MN [ligate] CORDIVS
Crawford 463/3; Cordia 3
3.70g. (2h)

Although this coin is a nice specimen, and the type is very popular, I find it hard to get excited about this issue.
Cordius was presumably a Caesarian minting between the battles of Pharsalus and Munda. The times were rather grim, both for the huge armies and the populace on which they were billeted. Cordius does not seem to be a significant personage.

The coin seems remarkably light-hearted and that seemingly drives its popularity in modern collecting -- "hey, it's a kid on a dolphin, what's not to like?"

It may reflect payment to troops crossing to (or leaving) Africa under the benevolent gaze of Caesar's ancestor Venus and her son Cupid (whose father is Mars). Given that the first part of the Caesarian army was scattered by storms, perhaps these coins were intended to reassure the follow-up troops that they would not end up scattered to the winds and eaten by lions, tigers and bears. Venus also looks vaguely like some of the later coin portraits of Caesar (or Eleanor Roosevelt).
PMah
10149v.jpg
Crawford 319/1, Roman Republic, Q. Thermus M.f., DenariusRoman Republic (Rome mint 103 BC.), Q. Thermus M.f..
AR Denarius (3.87 g, 19-20 mm).
Obv.: Head of Mars left, wearing crested and plumed helmet.
Rev.: Q. THERM. M F in exergue, two soldiers vis-à-vis in battle stance, fighting each other with swords, defending with shields; Roman soldier protects fallen comrade between them.
Crawford 319/1 ; Sydenham 592 ; BMCRR Italy 653 ; Minucia 19 .

On this coin, the moneyer probably commemorates his namesake who apparently exhibited great personal bravery when in conflict with the Ligurians. Crawford notes: "The moneyer is presumably to be identified with the Q. Minucius M.f. Ter. on the consilium of Pompeius Strabo at Asculum, perhaps as Legate.
The Ligurians were a people of the northern Appenines who probably represented the Neolithic peoples who were constricted by Gallic and Etruscan pressures. They inhabited the hills from the French Alps and along the Italian Riviera and had kinsmen in Corsica. They engaged in a series of conflicts with the Romans in the 230's but were not really reduced until after the Second Punic War. They were a constant threat to Massilia and other northern cities. In 197, Minucius Rufus marched through their territory. Q. Minucius Thermus, consul in 193 and governor of Liguria from 193 to 190, forced back one of the principal tribes, the Apuani (who had imposed a continuing threat on Pisa), relieved Pisa, and demonstrated across the Auser River.

my ancient coin database
5 commentsArminius
4-7NZU7.jpg
Crawford 463/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, M. Cordius Rufus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
M. Cordius Rufus, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.55g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Crested Corinthian helmet facing right, with owl perched on crest; RVFVS behind.

Reverse: MN·CORDIVS; aegis with head of Medusa.

Reference: Crawford 463/2; HCRI 64; Sydenham 978; BMCRR 4042; Cordia 4.

Provenance: Ex Jack Frazer Collection [Triton XXIII (14 Jan 2020) Lot 603]; CNG 64 (24 Sep 2003) Lot 827.

Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the large output by the moneyers Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to the legionaries. The coinage of this year often alludes to Caesar, rather than the moneyer’s family. On this coin, we see references to Minerva (the helmet, owl and aegis being among her attributes), the Roman goddess of strategic warfare, which likely related to Caesar’s military triumphs.

M. Cordius Rufus is not generally known beyond his coinage. However, his name appears on an inscription found at Tusculum, identifying Manius Cordius Rufus as praetor, proconsul, aedilis lustrando Monti Sacro. It is possible that his family originated in Tusculum, a city in the Alban Hills, sixteen miles southeast of Rome.
5 commentsCarausius
Cordia_Sestertius.jpg
Crawford 463/5, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Mn. Cordius Rufus, AR SestertiusRome, The Imperators.
Manius Cordius Rufus. 46 BCE
AR Sestertius (0.73g; 11mm; 6h).
Rome mint, 46 BCE.

Obverse: MN CORD; Diademed head of Venus, facing right.

Reverse: RVFI; Cupid advancing to right, holding wreath and palm.

References: Crawford 463/5b; Sear, HCRI 67 (this coin illustrated); Sydenham 980a (R5); BMCRR 4045-48; Cordia 7; RBW 1609 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex J. de Wilde Collection [CNG 120 (12 May 2022) Lot 727]; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (17 May 2012), Lot 384]; Numismatic Fine Arts XXIV (18 Oct 1990) Lot 1348; Consul E.F. Weber († Sep 1907) Collection [Hirsch XXIV (10 May 1909) Lot 322].

Another rare, silver sestertius from 46 BCE! The moneyer may have originated from Tusculum where an inscription was found identifying him as a Praetor. There was a cult of the Dioscuri at Tusculum and some of Manius’ denarii bore the Dioscuri on the obverse. His coins, such as this sestertius, also honor Venus, which may be either a canting pun to Venus Verticordia or a nod to Julius Caesar, whose gens claimed descent through Venus.
1 commentsCarausius
t-carisius-denario-46-4935470-O.jpg
Crawford 464/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, T. Carisius, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
T. Carisius, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.91g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Head of Juno Moneta facing right; MONETA behind.

Reverse: Anvil with garlanded Vulcan cap (die?) above; tongs to left; hammer to right; T. CARISIVS above; surrounded by wreath.

References: Crawford 464/2; Sydenham 982; BMCRR 4056; Carisia 1.

Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction #231946 (14 Nov 2019) Lot 62150; Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019), Lot 92.

Little is known about T. Carisius beyond his coins and some ambiguous prosopographical evidence. He may be the Carisius that commanded the left wing of Octavian’s fleet during a naval battle with Sextus Pompey at Tauromenium, as reported in Appian. He may be the T. Carisius identified as praetor of the Volcae in Narbonese Gaul on inscriptions found in Avignon, France in 1841 and in Beaueaire, France in 2001. He may also be the father or brother of P. Carisius, who served as legatus pro praetor in Spain, ca. 25-23 BCE, and issued a large coinage for Augustus.

Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the massive output by the moneyers T. Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to Caesar's legionaries. Carisius issued a large series of silver coins, including various designs of denarii, quinarii and sestertii. His fractional silver are notoriously scarce.

This reverse design of this coin is often debated, with scholars falling into two camps: those who think that coin-striking implements, including a garlanded reverse punch die, are depicted; and those who think general metal smithing implements and a garlanded cap of Vulcan (pileus) are depicted. Crawford (1974) called the disputed device a punch die. Sydenham (1952) called the device "cap of Vulcan, laureate" (See Syd. #982). In BMCRR (1910), Grueber called the device "cap of Vulcan (pileus), laureate" (See BMCRR vol 1, 4056). Barfeldt (1896), correcting Babelon, believed it was a cap of Vulcan. Babelon (1883) identifies it as a die. I believe the upper device is a garlanded cap of Vulcan, not a punch die. It matches similar depictions of garlanded caps of Vulcan on other Roman Republican coins (see, e.g. my Crawford 266/2 here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-166897 ). Some have noted a pellet, resembling a coin, on some dies between the anvil and “punch die”. I believe these pellets are merely central compass points used by the die engravers which are exposed on some dies.
2 commentsCarausius
PompeyParty.jpg
Crawford 511/3, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, Summer 42-40 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.82g; 20mm).
Sicilian Mint (Catana?).

Obverse: MAG·PIVS·IMP·ITER; bare head of Pompey the Great, facing right, flanked by jug and lituus.

Reverse: PRAEF/CLAS·ET·ORAE/MARIT·EX·S·C; Neptune standing left with foot on prow and holding aplustre, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders.

References: Crawford 511/3a; HCRI 334; Sydenham 1344 (R4); BMCRR (Sicily) 7; Pompeia 27.

Provenance: Ex Phil Peck ("Morris") Collection [Heritage 61151(26 Jan 2020) Lot 97155]; Professor Angelo Signorelli Collection [P&P Santamaria (4 Jun 1952) Lot 732].

Sextus Pompey was younger son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's assassination, in 43 BCE, Sextus was honored by the Senate with the title "Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts" (Praefectus Classis et Orae Maritimae), which title is abbreviated on the reverse of this coin. Near the same time, Cicero recommended him for augurship; however, Sextus would not actually received augurship until after the Pact of Misenum in 39 BCE. Instead, shortly following the Senate’s designation of Sextus as Commander, the Second Triumvirate was formed and they placed Sextus' name on their proscription list. Sextus soon occupied Sicily with his fleet where he provided haven to other Romans proscribed by the Triumvirs. He retained control of Sicily from 42 to 36 BCE. In 42 BCE, Octavian sent Salvidienus Rufus to dislodge Sextus, but Rufus was defeated. It was likely between this defeat of Rufus and the Pact of Misenum with the Triumvirs (39 BCE) that Sextus struck much of his coinage, including this type.

Piety, or devotion, was an important character trait to the Romans on multiple levels including devotion to parents and family; devotion to the state; and devotion to the gods. The surname “Pius” was adopted by Sextus in recognition of his dutiful continuation of the struggle of his father in support of the Republic, and this notion of piety is strongly depicted on Sextus’ coinage. The obverse of this coin shows Pompey the Great, reflecting Sextus’ devotion to his father’s memory. Pompey’s head is flanked by symbols of the augurate, perhaps alluding to both Sextus’ claim to the augurate following Cicero’s recommendation and Sextus’ devotion to the gods. The rough seas around Sicily were beneficial to Sextus and particularly rough on his enemies, thus Neptune is prominently displayed at the center of the reverse. The reverse also depicts the Catanean brothers of Sicilian myth, Amphinomus and Anapias, helping their elderly parents escape the deadly lava flow of Mount Etna. Representing devoted children, the Catanean brothers may be allegorical references to Sextus’ surname “Pius”, or an indication of the Sicilian city (Catana) in which this issue may have been struck, or both.

This is a particularly complete example of this difficult type which frequently comes off-struck or on small flans.

8 commentsCarausius
4303550l.jpg
Crawford 511/4, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Sextus Pompey, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Sextus Pompey, 42-36 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.49g; 20mm).
Sicilian mint, 42-40 BCE.

Obverse: MAG PIVS IMP ITER; Pharos of Messina with two windows and a balcony, surmounted by statue of Neptune wearing helmet and holding trident and resting foot on prow; galley with aquila passing before.

Rev: PRAEF CLAS ET ORAE MARIT EX S C; the monster, Scylla, her body terminating in two fish-tails and the foreparts of three dogs, facing left and wielding a rudder with two hands.

References: Crawford 511/4a; HCRI 335; Sydenham 1348; BMCRR (Sicily) 18-19; Banti 8/3 (this coin illustrated); Pompeia 22.

Provenance: Ex Kuenker Auction 312 (8 Oct 2018), Lot 2712; Walter Niggeler (d. 1964) Collection [Leu/Muenzen und Medaillen (21-22 Oct 1966), Lot 964].

Sextus Pompey was younger son of Pompey the Great. After Caesar's assassination, in 43 BCE, he was honored by the Senate with the title "Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts" (Praefectus classis et orae maritimae). Shortly following this honor, the Second Triumvirate was formed and placed Sextus' name on their proscription list. Sextus soon occupied Sicily where he provided haven to other Romans proscribed by the Triumvirs. He retained control of Sicily from 42 to 36 BCE. In 42 BCE, Octavian sent Salvidienus Rufus to dislodge Sextus, but Rufus was defeated. It was likely between this defeat of Rufus and the Pact of Misenum with the Triumvirs (39 BCE) that Sextus struck much of his coinage, including this type. The rough seas around Sicily were beneficial to Sextus and particularly rough on his enemies, thus Neptune and the marine monster Scylla, destroyer of ships, are prominently displayed on this coin.
4 commentsCarausius
sia_015.JPG
EAGLE, Elagabalus AE 25mm of Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior.Elagabalus Æ 25mm of Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior. Magistrate Novius Rufus. AVT M AVPH ANTWNEINOC, laureate head right / VP NOBIOV POVFOU NIKOPOLITWN PROCI-CT-PO-N, eagle standing facing, wings open, head left with wreath in its beak. Pick 1992. Moushmov 1433 Antonivs Protti
279144_l.jpg
Eastern Europe. Imitation of Philip II of Macedon (Circa 200-0 BC)Tetradrachm (Kugelwange or "ball cheek" type)

20 mm, 11.46 g

Obverse: Stylized laureate head of Zeus right

Reverse: Stylized horse prancing left, pellet-in-annulet above, pelleted cross below.

Lanz 468-9; OTA 193/9.

Around the end of the 3rd century B.C., the Celtic Scordisci tribe started issuing their own local coinages imitating the types of Philip II of Macedon. These coinages had a limited volume of production and a restricted area of circulation, so their finds are not numerous and occur mostly in their own territory and in the neighboring territories of other Celtic or Celticized tribes. The Scordisci were originally formed after the Celtic invasion of Macedonia and Northern Greece (280-279 BC) which culminated in a great victory against the Greeks at Thermopylae and the sacking of Delphi, the center of the Greek world. The Celts then retreated back to the north of the Balkans (suffering many casualties along the way) and settled on the mouth of the Sava River calling themselves the Scordisci after the nearby Scordus (now Sar) mountains. The Scordisci, since they dominated the important Sava valley, the only route to Italy, in the second half of the 3rd century BC, gradually became the most powerful tribe in the central Balkans.

From 141 BC, the Scordisci were constantly involved in battles against Roman held Macedonia. They were defeated in 135 BC by Cosconius in Thrace. In 118 BC, according to a memorial stone discovered near Thessalonica, Sextus Pompeius, probably the grandfather of the triumvir, was slain fighting against them near Stobi. In 114 BC, they surprised and destroyed the army of Gaius Porcius Cato in the western mountains of Serbia, but were defeated by Minucius Rufus in 107 BC.

From time to time they still gave trouble to the Roman governors of Macedonia, whose territory they invaded, even advancing as far as Delphi for a second time and once again plundering the temple; but Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus finally overcame them in 88 BC and drove them back across the Danube. After this, the power of the Scordisci declined rapidly. This decline was more a result of the political situation in their surrounding territories rather than the effects of Roman campaigns, as their client tribes, especially the Pannonians, became more powerful and politically independent. Between 56 and 50 BC, the Scordisci were defeated by Burebista's Dacians (a Thracian king of the Getae and Dacian tribes), and became subject to him.
5 commentsNathan P
EB0357_scaled.JPG
EB0357 Dioscuri / Venus holding scales & sceptreMn Cordius Rufus, AR Denarius, 46 BC.
Obv: RVFVS III VIR, Conjoined heads of the Dioscuri right, wearing laureate pilei surmounted by stars.
Rev: MN CORDIVS, Venus Verticordia standing left, holding scales and scepter; Cupid on her shoulder.
References: Cr463/1; Syd 976.
Diameter: 20mm, Weight: 3.845 grams.
EB
Elagabal_NikopolisAdIstrum_Serpent1.jpg
Elagabal, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Novius Rufus, coiled Serpent, AE26Elagabalus, 218 - 222 AD
AE26, 11.3 g
obv: [ ] AVT KM AVP ANTΩNEINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
rev: VΠ NOBIOV POVΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN - ΠPOC - ICTP
GICV -
1 commentsareich
Elagabulus10.jpg
Elagabalus AE26 Moushmov 1377, AresOBV: AVT K M APH ANTWNEINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
REV: VP OBI...NIKOPOLEITWN P RO CIC-T-PON across, Ares standing front, head left, naked, resting hand on shield, holding spear
14.48g, 26mm

Struck at Nikopolis ad Istrum under Legate Rufus, 218-222 AD
Legatus
now!!!_151.JPG
Elagabalus AE26 of Nikopolis ad Istrum Roman ProvincialElagabalus AE26 of Nikopolis ad Istrum. Magistrate Novius Rufus. AVT K M AVP ANTWNEINOC, radiate head right / VP NOBIOV POVF8 NIKOPOLITWN PROC ICTP, Demeter standing left holding grain-ears & long torch.
Mushnov 1396
Antonivs Protti
Caracalla_AE_Markianopolis.JPG
Elagabalus AE28 of Nikopolis ad Istrum. Magistrate Novius Rufus. AVT K M AVPH ANTWNINOC, laureate draped bust right / VP NOBIOV POVFOV NIKOPOLITWN PROC, ICT-PON to right, Apollo, naked, standing left sacrificing from patera over flaming altar to left and holding branch. Moushmov 1371 soldAntonivs Protti
Elagabalus_Asklepios_Varb_3978a.JPG
Elagabalus Asklepios Varb 3978aElagabalus, Magistrate Novius Rufus, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 218 - 222 AD, 26.62mm, 12.7g, Varbanov 3978a
OBV: AV K M AVPH ANTWNINOC, Laureate, cuirassed, draped bust right
REV: VP NOBIOV ROVFOV NIKOPOLITWN PROC IC-TR-ON, Asklepios standing facing, leaning on serpent-entwined staff
SRukke
sia_015~0.JPG
Elagabalus Æ 25mm of Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior. Elagabalus Æ 25mm of Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior. Magistrate Novius Rufus. AVT M AVPH ANTWNEINOC, laureate head right / VP NOBIOV POVFOU NIKOPOLITWN PROCI-CT-PO-N, eagle standing facing, wings open, head left with wreath in its beak. Pick 1992. Moushmov 1433
Antonivs Protti
Elagabalus_Nikopolis_Tyche_Varb_4080v.jpg
Elagabalus Nikolopis Tyche Varb 4080vElagabalus, Provincial, Nikopolis Ad Istrum, 218 - 222 AD, 27mm.,13.10g, Varbanov (engl.) 4080 var. (= AMNG 1972)
OBV: AVT K M AVRH - ANTWNEINOC, Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
REV: VP NOBIOV ROVFOV NI - KOPOLITWN PROC ICT, Tyche, in long garment and mantle, wearing kalathos, stg. frontal, head l., holding in l. arm cornucopiae and in extended r. hand rudder (without globe)
RO-N in left and right fields

Not in Hristova-Hoeft-Jekov (2015).
New die combination of:
REV. No. 8.26.38.18 (same die)
OBV. e.g. No. 8.26.38.22 (same die)

Struck under governor Novius Rufus
SRukke
D4.jpg
Elagabalus ProvincialComments (according to forvm discussion)
'...buried in near mint condition, found corroded and fixed as well as the practitioner could, by removing some of the corrosion on the reverse and then re-patinating. It is, however, still a rather nice Elagabalus with Apollo / Bonus Eventus (probably Apollo, with a laurel twig) of Nicopolis ad Istrum issued by Novius Rufus. See AMNG I, 1, p. 480, no. 1909 or 1910 and look for your die pair among those in HrJ 8.26.7.1—7, on pp. 387—389.'

Courtesy of Slokind
Xerxes King of Kings
ElagNikoAeqvitas.JPG
Elagabalus, AE 25AVT K M AVRH ANTONEINOC
Head laureate, right
VP NOBIOV ROVFOV NIKOPOLITWN [PRO]/C I/CTRON
Dikaeosyne (Aeqvitas-Nemesis) standing facing, head left, holding scale, cornucopia behind, wheel at her feet
AMNG 1963 var. (bust and reverse legend breaks) (courtesy of Steve Minnoch)
Varbanov (Eng.) I, 3945 (same dies as illustrated but mis-placed in alphabetical order)
3 commentswhitetd49
ElagEagle.JPG
Elagabalus, AE 27AV K M AVR ANTWNINOC
Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
VP NOB ROVFOV NIKOPOLITWN PROC [I?]
Eagle facing, head left with wreath in beak.
cf. Varbanov (Eng.) I, 3894
cf. AMNG Pick 1992
whitetd49
elgabalusprovincial.jpg
Elagabalus, Nikopolis ad IstrumElagabalus
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Legate Rufus
Ae 27mm; 12.32g

AV KV M AVRH ANTWNEINOC
laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right

VP NOBIOV ROVFIOV NIKOPOLITWN PROC ICTRON
Serapis standing left, holding sceptre and raising right hand

Moushmov 1443
2 commentsarizonarobin
Elagabalus_NikopolisAdIstrum_Asclepius~0.jpg
Elagabalus, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Asclepius, AE25AE25, 11.95g
governor Novius Rufus
obv: [] ANTONEINOC, laureate head right
rev: VΠ NOBIOV ROVΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPO CI, CT - PO - N in field, Asclepius standing facing, head left, holding serpent staff resting on ground in right, mantle draped over left arm
GICV -
same obverse die as:
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-24520
1 commentsareich
Elagabalus_Nikopolis_Zeus_Novius_Rufus.jpg
Elagabalus, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Zeus, Novius Rufus, AE2726.5mm, 11.4g
Obv.: laureate head right
Rev.: VΠ ΝOBIOV POVΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN PPOC ICTPON
areich
Elagabalus_Nikopolis_Concordia_27_13g_lr~0.jpg
Elagabalus, Nikopolis, Concordia, Æ27governor Novius Rufus
MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum. Elagabalus. 218-222 AD.
Æ 27mm (13.04 g).
obv: AVT K M AVPN - ANTONEINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind
rev: VΠ NOBIOV ROVΦO - V NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPO, CIC TP - ON in field, Concordia standing left, holding patera and cornucopia.
AMNG 1968; SNG Budapest -. Near VF, dark brown patina.

ex Barry Murphy
1 commentsareich
eeagleORweb.jpg
Elagabalus, Varbanov 4008Nicopolis ad Istrum mint, Elagabalus, 218-222 A.D. AE, 26.5mm 12.43g, Varbanov Vol.1 p.324, No.4008
O: AV K M AVP ANTWNEINOC, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
R: VP NOBIOV POVFOV NIKOPOLITWN PROC ICTPON, eagle facing left (possibly) with wreath in beak
Legat Nobius Rufus
casata137ec
elagabal_nemesis.jpg
Elagabalus; AE 25; NemesisElagabalus, Nikopolis ad Istrum. AE25mm. Magistrate Novius Rufus. AVT K M AVPH ANTΩNINOC, laureate, draped bust right / VΠA NOB POVΦOV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠPOC ICTPON, Nemesis, kalathos on head, standing left holding scales & cornicopiae, wheel at her feet. Podiceps
elagabal_4031var.jpg
1cordia.jpg
Gens Cordia, denario (46 a.C.)Gens Cordia, denario, coniato da Mn. Cordius Rufus (46 a.C.) zecca di Roma
AR, 3,55 gr, 19 mm., MB
Al D/ RVFVS S C; testa di Venere diademata, marchi del monetiere.
Al R/ MN CORDIVS (legato), Cupido su delfino.
Crawford 463/3, Sydenham 977
Provenienza: collezione Berardengo (Roma, Italia, dal 3 ottobre 2016, numero catalogo 258), ex collezione Vanni, Tinia numismatica (Follonica, Grosseto, Italia, fino al settembre 2016)
1 commentspaolo
1712_Hadrian2C_117-138__Military_Diploma_Bronze2C_48x53_mm2C_19_42_g2C_3_h2C_awarded_to_Malchio___.jpg
Hadrian Diploma fragment 120 ADMilitary Diploma
(Bronze, 48x53 mm, 19.42 g, 3 h),

Awarded to Malchio ..., with his wife Memmedabus and his son Titus. Early years of Hadrian, circa 119-120s AD. Unpublished

Frontside
CVM IIS QVAS [POSTEA DVXISSENT DVM TA]
XAT•SINGVLI SIN[GVLAS A D--- ]
C•VELIO•RVFO•L[... COS]
EX GR[EGALE]
MALCHIONI•MA[---F--- ]
ET MEMMEDABVT[--- FIL VXORI --- ]
ET TITO F EIVS•E[T --- F/FIL EIVS]
DESCRIPTVM ET R[ECOGNITVM EX TABVLA AEN]
QVAE FIXA EST•R[OMAE IN MVRO POST TEM]
PL VM•DIVI [AVG AD MINERVAM]

Backside:
[IMP CAESAR DIVI TRAIANI PART]HICI F DIVI NER
[VAE NEPOS TRAIANVS HADRI]ANVS AVG PONT
[MAX TRIBVNIC POTESTAT...]III COS III
[...] ALA GEMINA
[SEBASTENORVM ET SVNT IN M]AVRETANIA
[CAESAR SVB --- ]NDO P[RAEF]
[--- QVINIS ET VICENIS ---]

Unfortunately, the exact dating of this highly interesting military diploma is uncertain, as Hadrian's TR P is only recorded fragmentarily, and he only held three consulships in his career, the last of which was in 119. However, it is clear from the remaining text that the diploma was awarded to the soldier Malchio ..., who served in the ala Gemina Sebastenorum. This ala was stationed in Syria in the late 80s and early 90s, but inscriptions attest her presence in Mauretania Caesariensis, where she is last attested in 255-258 (CIL 8, 21000). With the emergence of our diploma, her redeployment from Syria to Africa can now be dated to no later than the reign of Hadrian.

Furthermore, the diploma also records the name of one of two Roman suffect consuls (the name of the second has broken off), namely C. Velius Rufus. This is a familiar name, for a certain C. Velius Salvi filius Rufus was a highly decorated officer whose career we know from an inscription on the base of a statue found in Heliopolis. Serving as a centurion in the Jewish War, C. Velius Rufus rose through the ranks quickly under the Flavians, becoming primus pilus of the Legio XII Fulminata in 82, commanding 9 vexillations in the Chattan War in 83, receiving several decorations for his campaigns across the Danube and in Dacia against Germans and Sarmatians and serving in two subsequent procuratorships in the early 90s. However, it seems unlikely that this C. Velius Rufus was still active in politics, or even alive, early in Hadrian's reign, and thus the suffect consul from our military diploma must be a descendant, likely his son.

As for the name of the soldier, it is worth noting that Malchio is a semitic name, but that the name of his son Titus is clearly Roman. It seems likely that Malchio named his son in honor of the emperor Titus, the conqueror of Jerusalem. Last but not least, the third name, Memmedabus, appears to be a variant of Emmedabous or `Immeh-de-`abû (-ha) (literally: 'mother of his father'), a name attested in Palmyra, Dura and Central Syria, both in Greek and in Aramaic. Although it is occasionally encountered as a male name, in the case of our diploma, Memmedabus was clearly Malchio's wife and Titus' mother. We can deduce from this that she was in all probability of Syrian origin, whereas Malchio himself may have also been Syrian, or perhaps Punic. Thus, the diploma is a beautiful testimony to the multiethnicity of the Roman army, which served as a melting pot for soldiers and their families from various cultural backgrounds, eventually merging them as citizens of Rome.
2 commentsokidoki
LUCILIA1R1D+R.jpg
LUCILIA 1M. Lucilius Rufus (c. BC 101)Rugser
maeonia3.jpg
Lydia, Maeonia. Pseudo-autonomous AE17
Obverse: ΙΕΡΑ CΥΝΚΛΗΤΟC, bust of senate right.
Reverse: ΕΠΙ PΟΥFOY ΜΑΙΟΝΩΝ, Zeus Lydios standing left, holding eagle and scepter.
Magistrate (Gaius or Claudius) Rufus.
ancientone
sardeis_julia_domna_SNGleypold1221.jpg
Lydia, Sardeis, Julia Domna, SNG Leypold 1221Julia Domna, AD 194-217
AE 22, 5.71g
struck under archon Annius Rufus
obv. IOVLIA. - CEBACTH
Bust, draped, r.; hair in broad bun behind
rev. EPI ROVFOV CARDI - A - NWN B NEWKORWN
Demeter in double-chiton, stg. facing, head l., holding in outstretched r. hand two
grain-ears and with raised l. hand burning long torch; l. at her feet a snake
erecting l.
SNG Leypold 1221 (same dies); BMC 154
rare, about VF, dark green patina

Thanks Lars for attribution!
Jochen
Sardes_ZeusLydios_BullAndSnakes_AE15_1_86g.jpg
Lydia, Sardes, Zeus Lydios / bull and snakes, AE15magistrate Rufus
15mm, 1.86g
obv: ZEYC - ΛYΔIOC, draped bust of Zeus Lydios right
rev: EΠI PO[VΦOV] / CAPΔIA / NΩN, Bull standing right between two altars with a coiled serpent on each

BMC Lydia, p. 248, #88
(SNG Cop. -)
areich
M_Lucilius_Rufus.jpg
M. Lucilius Mn.f. M.n. Rufus - AR denariusRome
²96 BC / ¹101 BC
helmet head of Roma right all within wreath
PV
Victory in biga left, holding whip and reins
RVF
M·LVCILI
¹Crawford 324/1, SRCV I 202, Sydenham 599, RSC I Lucilia 1, BMCRR Rome 1613
²Mark Passehl - Roman moneyer & coin type chronology, 150 – 50 BC
3,9g 20mm
ex Naumann

The PV on the obverse indicates this coin was struck from silver withdrawn from the public treasury (EX ARGENTO PVBLICO).
J. B.
Lucilia-1.png
M. Lucilius Rufus – Lucilia-1ROMAN REPUBLIC M Lucilius Rufus Denarius. 101 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right within laurel wreath; PV behind / Victory in biga right; RVF above, M LVCILI in exergue. Crawford 324/1; Syd 599; RCV 202Bud Stewart
lucilius_rufus_Crawford324.1.jpg
M. Lucilius Rufus, Crawford 324/1M. Lucilius Rufus, gens Lucilia
AR - denarius, 3.77g
Rome, c. 101 BC
obv. Head of Roma, helmeted with winged gryphion helmet, r., PV behind, all within laurel wreath
rev. Victory driving biga right, holding reigns and in raised r. hand whip
RVF above, M. LVCILI in exergue
Crawford 324/1; Lucilia 1; Sydenham 599; Albert 1129; BMCR 1613
Good VF, broad flan

PV is short for 'ex argento publico' = struck from public silver
The Victory on the reverse refers to the Marius' victories over the Teutones and Ambrones at Aquae Sextiae in 102 B.C. and the Cimbri at Vercellae in 101 B.C. (Roman Republican Coinage by Michael H. Crawford)
1 commentsJochen
Lucilia_1a_img.jpg
M. Lucilius Rufus, denariusObv:– Helmeted head of Roma right within laurel wreath; PV behind
Rev:– Victory in biga right; RVF above, M LVCILI in exergue
Minted in Rome 101 B.C.
Reference:– Sydenham 599, Crawford 324/1, RSC I Lucilia 1

Weight 3.83g. 20.51mm. 0 degrees.
1 commentsmaridvnvm
135.jpg
M. Lucilius Rufus, DenariusM. Lucilius Rufus, Denarius

RRC: 324/1
101 b.c.
3,96 gr


Av: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, PV; all within wreath.
Rv: Victory in biga right; above, RVF; in exergue, M.LVCILI.

Ex H D Rauch, Auction 105, Lot 208, 18.November 2017
Norbert
apol1.jpg
M. LUCILIUS RUFUS. AR denarius. 101 BC, 3.92grs. Head of Roma in winged helmet right, PV behind, all within wreath / Victory , holding whip , in biga right, RVF above, M·LVCILI below.
Crawford 324/1. Sydenham 599. RSC Lucilia 1.
benito
apol1~0.jpg
M.LUCILIUS RUFUSAR denarius. 101 BC, 3.92grs. Head of Roma in winged helmet right, PV behind, all within wreath / Victory , holding whip , in biga right, RVF above, M·LVCILI below.
Crawford 324/1. Sydenham 599. RSC Lucilia 1.
benito
thessalonicaCaracalla.jpg
Macedonia, Thessalonica. Elagabalus Æ28.Obv: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond.
Novius Rufus, legatus consularis.
ancientone
Cordia_2a.JPG
Manius Cordius Rufus Obv: RVFVS III VIR behind conjoined heads of the Dioscuri facing right, each wearing a laureate pileus surmounted by a star.

Rev: MN CORDIVS, Venus Verticordia standing left, holding scales and a scepter, Cupid on her shoulder.

A curiously flattened and elongated example.

Silver Denarius, Rome mint, 46 BC

3.3 grams, 16.7 x 21.5 mm, 180°

RSC Cordia 2a, S440
Matt Inglima
owl_rufus.jpg
Manlius Cordius Rufus denarius; Owl with Corinthian helmet/ Head of MedusaManlius Cordius Rufus AR denarius. 46 B.C. 18mm, 3.7g. Obverse: RVFVS, Corinthian helmet with crest on which an owl stands. Reverse: MN CORDIVS (MN in monogram) Aegis of Minerva with head of Medusa in the center. Manius Cordius Rufus was a monetary triumvir under Julius Caesar; the owl and helmet apparently are meant to point to the personal qualities of Julius Caesar. RCV 441, CRR 978, RRC 463/2. Ex Incitatus1 commentsPodiceps
Marcus_Junius_Brutus.jpg
Marcus Junius BrutusMarcus Junius Brutus, Koson Gold Stater, 44 - 42 B.C., military mint, 8.35g, 18.6mm, die axis 0.
IGC MS64 (Thracian kings, 4663810124), BMCRR II p. 474, 48, RPC I 1701A (Thracian Kings), BMC Thrace p. 208, 1 (same), SNG Cop 123 (Scythian Dynasts)
OBV: Roman consul L. Junius Brutus (traditional founder of the Republic) in center, accompanied by two lictors, KOΣΩN in exergue, BR (Brutus) monogram left
REV: eagle standing left on scepter, wings open, raising wreath in right talon
EX: Forum Ancient Coins, American Rare Coins (Ridge, NY)

This type, traditionally attributed to an otherwise unknown Dacian or Sythian king Koson, was struck by Brutus, c. 44 - 42 B.C.,
with gold supplied by the Senate to fund his legions in the Roman civil war against Mark Antony and Octavian.
The obverse imitates a Roman denarius struck by Brutus in 54 B.C. depicting his ancestor L. Junius Brutus, the traditional founder of the Roman Republic.
The reverse imitates a Roman denarius struck by Pomponius Rufus in 73 B.C. The meaning of the inscription "KOΣΩN" is uncertain.
KOΣΩN may have been the name of a Dacian king who supplied mercenary forces to Brutus, or BR KOΣΩN may have been intended to mean "[of] the Consul Brutus."
1 commentsSRukke
rubmc4037OR.jpg
MN CORDIUS RUFUS denarius, BMC 4037Rome mint, MN CORDIUS RUFUS denarius, 46 B.C. AR, 18mm 3.74g, Cr. 463/1a; RSC Cordia 2a; BMC 4037
O: RVFVS III VIR, Jugate heads of Dioscuri r., wearing laureate pilei
R: MN CORDIVS, Venus l., holding scales and sceptre, Cupid behind
3 commentscasata137ec
cupid.jpg
Mn. CORDIUS RUFUSAR denarius. 46 BC. 3.91 gr. Diademed head of Venus right. RVFVS S C behind. / Cupid on dolphin right which he conducts with a bridle.
MN ( in monogram) CORDIVS below. Craw 463/3. RSC Cordia 3. NAC 46:Lot 426.
benito
00cordius_rufus.jpg
Mn. CORDIUS RUFUS AR denarius. 46 BC. 3.91 gr. Diademed head of Venus right. RVFVS S C behind. / Cupid on dolphin right which he conducts with a bridle.
MN ( in monogram) CORDIVS below. Craw 463/3. RSC Cordia 3.
benito
Mn__Cordius_Rufus.png
Mn. Cordius RufusMn. Cordius Rufus. 46 B.C. AR denarius (18 mm, 3.80 g, 8 h). Rome. RVFV[S · III · VIR] behind, heads of the Dioscuri right, wearing pilei surmounted by stars / (MN_ · CORDIV, Venus Verticordia standing facing, head left, Cupid on her shoulder, holding scales and scepter. Crawford 463/1b; HCRI 63a; Sydenham 976b; cf. Cordia 2c (rev. legend)Ajax
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Mn. Cordius Rufus (RSC I Cordia 3, Coin #755)RSC I Cordia 3, AR Denarius, Rome, 46 BC
OBV: RVFVS·S·C; Diademed head of Venus right.
REV: MN·CORDIVS; Cupid riding bridled dolphin right, holding reins with both hands.
SIZE: 20.0mm, 4.08g
MaynardGee
Cordius.jpg
Mn. Cordius Rufus - AR denariusRome or Athens
46 BC
conjoined heads of the Dioscuri with laureate pilei right, stars above
RVFVS III VIR
Venus Verticordia standing left, holding scales and scepter, Cupid on her shoulder
(MN)·CORDI
SRCV I 440, RSC I Cordia 2b, Sydenham 976a, Crawford 463/1b
3,65g 19mm

Moneyer is the only known member of Cordia gens. Later he served as preator and proconsul under Octavian.
After scandal with Vestal virgins the temple was dedicated to Venus Verticordia ("Venus the changer of hearts") in Rome 114 BC . Venus Verticordia is on one hand pun for Cordia and on the other hand supports Julius Caesar. Iulii claimed that their origin comes from Iulus son of Aeneas who was son of Venus.
J. B.
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