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POSTUMUS: Double sestertius,
21.62g.

MINT: COLOGNE

IMP. C. M. CASS. LAT. POSTVMVS P. F. AVG. radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right
R/ HERC DEVSONIE[NSI] Hercules standing l. holding club and lionskin, within four-columned temple with three pellets in pediment.

Bastien-231 (7 spec.), C-99 (30 Fr.), RIC-134 (R2). 1 commentsPostumus

AE Quadrans - 134 BC. - Mint of Rome
C. ABVRIVS GEMINVS - Gens Aburia
Obv.: Head of Hercules right in lionskin, three pellets behind
Rev.: Prow of galley right. C. ABVRI (AB & VR in monogram) / GEM. three pellets before, ROMA below.
Gs. 4,3 mm. 17,6
Craw. 244/3, Sear RCV 1150, Grueber 1002Maxentius

EDWARD IV
Edward IV was King of England from March 1461 to October 1470, and again from April 1471 until his sudden death in 1483. He was the first Yorkist King of England. The first half of his rule was marred by the violence associated with the Wars of the Roses, but he overcame the Lancastrian challenge to the throne at Tewkesbury in 1471 and there were no further rebellions in England during the rest of his reign.
In 1475, Edward declared war on France, landing at Calais in June. However, his ally Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, failed to provide any significant military assistance leading Edward to undertake negotiations with the French, with whom he came to terms under the Treaty of Picquigny. France provided him with an immediate payment of 75,000 crowns and a yearly pension of 50,000 crowns, thus allowing him to "recoup his finances". Edward also backed an attempt by Alexander Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany and brother of King James III of Scotland, to take the Scottish throne in 1482. Edward's younger brother, the Duke of Gloucester (and future King Richard III) led an invasion of Scotland that resulted in the capture of Edinburgh and the Scottish king himself. Alexander Stewart, however, reneged on his agreement with Edward. The Duke of Gloucester then withdrew from his position in Edinburgh, though he did retain Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Edward became subject to an increasing number of ailments when his health began to fail and he fell fatally ill at Easter in 1483. He survived long enough though to add some codicils to his will, the most important being to name his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester as Protector after his death. He died on 9th April 1483 and was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was succeeded first by his twelve-year-old son Edward V of England, who was never crowned, and then by his brother who reigned as Richard III.
It is not known what actually caused Edward's death. Pneumonia, typhoid and poison have all been conjectured, but some have attributed his death to an unhealthy lifestyle because he had become stout and inactive in the years before his death.*Alex

1st Century CE, IRON AGE BRITAIN, Tribe: Atrebates, AR Unit, Struck c.25 -35 under EpaticcusObverse: EPATI. Head of Hercules, wearing lionskin headdress with paws tied before neck, facing right; pellet in ring behind.
Reverse: No legend. Eagle standing facing, head left, on serpent; dot in circle at upper right.
Diameter: 12mm | Weight: 1.1gms | Axis: 10 |
Spink: 356
Coin found in Hampshire, England. Old repair

EPATICCUS
Epaticcus was a son of Tasciovanus, and probably the younger brother of Cunobelin, he was also apparently a favoured uncle of Caratacus. It is from his coinage issues that we know his name and his family relationship.
The distribution of his coinage would indicate that Epaticcus expanded the territory of his tribe at the expense of the Atrebatean king Verica, and installed himself at the latter's capital, Calleva around 25 CE.
It is likely that Epaticcus was permitted to govern the area by his brother as part of the Catuvellaunian hegemony that was expanding across south eastern Britain at the time. Epaticcus continued to take Verica’s lands to west and south until his death, probably on campaign, around 35 CE. After this his expansionist policies were continued by his nephews, Caratacus and Togodumnus, into the late 30’s CE.

ATREBATES
The Atrebates were a Belgic Iron Age tribe originally dwelling in the Artois region of Northern France.
After the tribes of Gallia Belgic were defeated by Caesar in 57 BC, 4,000 Atrebates participated in the Battle of Alesia in 53, led by their chief Commius.
Before 54 BC, an offshoot of the Gallic tribe probably settled in Britain where it was successively ruled by kings Commius, Tincommius, Eppillus and Verica. Their territory comprised modern Hampshire, West Sussex and Berkshire, centred on the capital Calleva Atrebatum (modern Silchester). They were bordered to the north by the Dobunni and Catuvellauni; to the east by the Regni; and to the south by the Belgae.
The settlement of the Atrebates in Britain does not seem to have been a mass population movement and it is possible that the name "Atrebates", as with many "tribal" names in this period, referred only to the ruling house or dynasty and not to an ethnic group.
After the Roman conquest the Atrebates' lands were organized into the civitates of the Atrebates, Regni and possibly, the Belgae.

CLICK ON MAP BELOW TO ENLARGE IT

1 comments*Alex

24 Septimius Severus, 9 April 193 - 4 February 211 A.D., Markianopolis, Moesia Inferior Bronze AE 28, Varbanov I 827, aVF, corrosion, 12.826g, 27.3mm, 180o, Markianopolis mint, obverse AV K L CEPT CEVHPOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse U FL OULPIANOV MARKIANOPOLITWN, Cybele enthroned left, phiale in right, resting left elbow on drum, two lions at feet

Purchased from FORVMSosius

449bisCarausius 287-93AD
Antoninianus
Obv "IMP C CARAVSIVS PF AVG"
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev "ERCVLI PACIFERO"
Hercules standing left holding club and lions scalp
Unattributed mint
S/P//
RIC - (449 bis)mauseus

UNITED STATES, Hard Times. Political issues.
CU Token (28.5mm, 10.36 g, 6 h). Belleville (New Jersey) mint. Dated 1837.
Laureate head of Liberty right; above, E. PLURIBUS UNUM on ribbon; thirteen stars around; 1837
MILLIONS FOR DEFENCE. Within wreath: NOT/ ONE/ CENT/ -/ FOR TRIBUTE
Rulau HT 48; Low 28Ardatirion

UNITED STATES TOKENS, Hard Times. Political issues
CU Cent Token (28mm, 8.11 g, 5 h)
Dies by William Eaves for the Scoville Co. of Waterbury, Connecticut.
Dually dated 1827 and 1835. Struck 1837.
MERCHANT EXCHANGE WALL ST N. YORK, facade of bank, BUILT 1827/ BURNT 1835
MILLIONS FOR DEFENCE, NOT/ ONE/ CENT/ FOR TRIBUTE within wreath
Rulau HT 293; Low -1 commentsArdatirion

(0145) FAUSTINA IIAE drachm 32 x 30.5 mm; 18.52 g
Dated year 20 = AD 156-157.
O: [FAVCTINA CEBACTH], draped bust right
R: L-K, Kybele seated left between two seated lions, holding patera and resting arm on drum.
Egypt, Alexandria; Milne 2330; Emmett 1992.
(from Dave Surber collection)
d.s.

laney

(0161) MARCUS AURELIUS161 - 180 AD
AE 17.5 mm, 3.02 g
O: Bust right
R: Herakles standing, holding club and lionskinlaney

(0193) JULIA DOMNA (Dionysopolis)193 - 217 AD
AE 18.5 mm; 3.95 g
O: Laureate, draped bust right
R: Herakles standing facing, head right, resting on club and holding lionskin over arm, B in lower right field.
Moesia Inferior, Dionysopolis mint
Varbanov 470; Moushmov 92
laney

(0193) SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS193 - 211 AD
AE 25 mm 9.27 g
O: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind
R: Cybele (Kybele) enthroned left, phiale in right hand, resting left elbow on drum, lions at feet
Markianopolis mintlaney

(0193) SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS193 - 211 AD
AE 21 mm; 7.22 g
O: AY K L C - C - EYHPOC head of Septimius Severus right
R: AGXIA – LEWN Cybele seated left, holding patera and resting elbow on small drum; at her sides, lions standing left.
Thrace, Anchialus.
ref. SNG Copenhagen 437; AMNG 496. Rare
d.s.laney

(0193) SEPTIMIUS SEVERUSAE27 mm; 10.4 g
AVK L CEP CECHPOC, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VP FL OVLPIANOV MARKIANOPOLITWN, Cybele, kalathos on head, holding patera in right hand, resting left elbow on drum and seated left on throne with two uprights, lions beside her to left and right
Moesia Inferior, Markianopolis; AMNG 565
d.s.
laney

(0193) SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS193-211 AD
AE 26 mm max., 9.16 g
O: AVK L CEP CECHPOC, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: VP FL OVLPIANOV MARKIANOPOLITWN, Cybele, kalathos on head, holding patera in right hand, resting left elbow on drum and seated left on throne with two uprights, lions beside her to left and right
Moesia Inferior, Markianopolis; AMNG 565laney

(0198) CARACALLA198 - 217 AD
AE 27 mm; 13.08 g
O: Caracalla, Laureate Head R
R: Pan standingg facing right, holding pedum in right hand and lionskin over left shoulder, left foot on panther
Thrace, Hadrianopolis cf Vabanov 3567; Rare
d.s.laney

(0198) CARACALLA / PAN and PANTHER Caracalla/Pan and Panther
198 - 217 AD
AE 26mm 10.81g
O: AVT K M AVR CEV ANTWNE[INOC]
Caracalla, Laureate Head R
R: ADRIANO[POLEITWN]
Pan stg facing L, hldg pedum in R hand and lionskin over L shoulder, L foot on panther
Hadrianopolis
Varbanov 3567; Jurukova 2, 320 Rare1 commentslaney

(0198) CARACALLA--PAN/PANTHER Caracalla/Pan and Panther
Caracalla/Pan and Panther
198 - 217 AD
AE 26mm 10.81g
O: AVT K M AVR CEV ANTWNE[INOC]
Caracalla, Laureate Head R
R: ADRIANO[POLEITWN]
Pan stg facing L, hldg pedum in R hand and lionskin over L shoulder, L foot on panther
Hadrianopolis
Jurokova S. 170 Rarelaney

(0284) DIOCLETIAN284 - 305 AD
Struck 285 AD
AE Antoninianus 22 mm max., 2.88 g
O: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
R: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG - Jupiter standing right holding sceptre and globe, facing Hercules, standing left, with lionskin and club, and holding victory on globe; crescent over G in lower center, XXI in ex
Antioch mint

laney

(0284) Diocletian / Iovi Hercu ConserSilvered Ant. 22mm 3.45 g
284 - 305 AD
Obv: IMP CC VAL DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG
Rad Dr Cuir Bust R
Rev: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG
Jupiter stg R hldg globe and scepter; Hercules stg L hldg Victory, club,& lionskin; crescent over H below
XXI in exe; Antioch RIC V 323
Nearly fully silvered
(J.Ryan)laney

(0286) MAXIMIANUS286-305, 307-308, and 310 AD
Struck 286 - 295 AD
AE SILVERED ANT. 22mm 2.66g
O: IMP C M AVR VAL MAXIMIANVS PF AVG
RAD CUIR BUST R
R: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVG
JUPITER R HOLDING GLOBE & SCEPTER FACING HERCULES HOLDING VICTORY ON GLOBE, CLUB, LIONSKIN CRESCENT/B BETWEEN
XII IN EXE
ANTIOCH
(J.Ryan)laney

(0286) MAXIMIANUS286-305, 307-308, and 310 AD
Silvered AE Ant. 22 mm, 4.74 g
O: IMP C M AVR VAL MAXIMIANVS P F AVG;radiate cuirassed bust right
R: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG Jupiter right holding globe and scepter, facing Hercules left, holding Victory on globe, club, and lionskin; crescent over B between; XXI in exe.
Antioch mintlaney

*Thrace, Anchialus. Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ 19mm. Laureate head right / Kybele seated left, resting elbow on drum; lions seated to either side of throne. AMNG II 496; SNG Copenhagen 437.1 commentsancientone

005. Nero 54-68AD. AE Sestertius, Rome mint, 63AD. DECVRSIO. 38.6mmObv. Laureate ead right, wearing aegis NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P
Rev. Nero on horseback prancing right, wearing cuirass, short tunic, and billowing cloak, spear in right hand, to right soldier moving right. carrying vexillum; to leftin shallow relief, soldier running right DECVRSIO in ex
BMCRE 155; Cohen 94, RIC I 176 var (obv legend)
38.6mm, 180o, 63 A.D. Rome mint.
This sestertius was an early emission from the Rome Mint, which resumed striking bronze after about 10 years of inactivity. The talented engraver, perhaps with extra time for this initial project, produced one of the best dies in the entire imperial bronze series. The special style, complemented by superior execution, has similarities to later medallions.

The fine expressive portrait has higher relief than the more common Lugdunum issues.
The reverse uses the roundness of the flan and three geometric planes of relief to both present the scene in a format that draws the eye to the emperor and show movement that is lacking on almost all other Roman coins. The rare use of geometric planes was repeated on ADLOCVTIO sestertii of Galba five years later, perhaps the work of the same artist. Rome sestertii after 70 A.D. are of far less impressive style.

The lack of SC leaves the reverse fields uncluttered. SC stood for Senatus Consultum, "By Decree of the Senate" and signified the role of the Senate in the minting of brass and bronze coinage. Many sestertii of Caligula and some brass and bronze of Nero lack SC. Subsequent issues include SC again, until inflation produced the demise of the sestertius under Gallienus, c. 265 AD5 commentsLordBest

015a11. TrajanAE Quadrans. 10mm, 2.20 g. Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GERM, diademed bust of Hercules right with lionskin knotted around neck. Rev: She-wolf walking right, SC below. Apparent mule of RIC II 691 and 702.lawrence c

020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Caria, Trapezopolis, RPC II 1235, AE-19, Cybele standing facing between two lions, #1020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Caria, Trapezopolis, RPC II 1235, AE-19, Cybele standing facing between two lions, #1
avers: OYEΣΠAΣIANOΣ ΣEBAΣTOΣ, Laureate head right.
reverse: ΤΡΑΠΗΖΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ / ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟY / ΟΡΟΝΤΗΣ, Cybele standing facing between two lions. Klaudios Orontes, magistrate.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,7-20,0mm, weight: 3,92g, axis: 6h,
mint: City: Trapezopolis, Region: Caria, Province: Asia, Subprovince: Conventus of Alabanda,
date: 69-79 A.D.,
ref: RPC II 1235,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

021a02. CommodusCommodus
Denarius.
Obv: L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, head right wearing lionskin headdress.
Rev: HER-CVL RO-MAN AV-GV either side of club of Hercules, all in wreath.
RIC 251, RSC 190.lawrence c

0225 - 1 real Enrique II 1369-79 ACObv/ Crowned monogram, around in two lines DOMINVS : MICHI : AIDVTOR : EDEGO : DIS + / PICIAM : INIMICOS : MEOS
Rev/ Castles and lions divided by cross, around roses and S below; around ENRICVS : DEI : GRACIA : REX : CASTEL +

Ag, 26.9 mm, 3.46 g
Mint: Sevilla
AB406 - Cy 98/1247 - Cy/1313
ex-Cayón, speed auction 55, lot 9131dafnis

0226 1 Real Fernando VI 1758 ACObv/ Coat of arms, RI and crowned M on left, JB and dots on right. Around, FERDINANDUS - VI - D - G
Rev/ Castles and lions divided by cross, around HISPANIARUM REX 1758

Ag, 21.2 mm, 2.91 g
Mint: Madrid
Cy 98/9640 - Cy/10345
ex-Cayón, speed auction 55, lot 9613dafnis

0227 - 1 Real Enrique IV 1454-74 ACObv/ Bust of Henry IV l.; around, ENRICVS QARTVS DEI GRACIS REX C +, words separated by roses
Rev/ Castles and lions divided by cross; around, ENRICVS REX CASTELE ET LEGION +, words separated by roses; S below

Ag, 27.5 mm, 3.31 g
Mint: Sevilla
AB685 - Cy98/1493a
ex-Spink, The Numismatic Collector's Series, lot 741dafnis

0238 - 1/2 Real Fernando VI (year ?)Obv/ Coat of arms, crowned M and JB to the sides, around, FERDINAND - VI - D - G
Rev/ Castles and lions divided by cross; around, (HISPA)NIARUM - REX - (illegible date)

Ag, 14.9 mm, 0.94 g
Mint: Madrid
Cy98/9460 to 9545
Gifted, early 1990'sdafnis

0257 - 1 Real Felipe V 1721 ACObv/ Spanish coat of arms crowned, R and mint mark of Segovia aqueduct on the l., I and F to the r. between points; around, PHILIPPUS V D G between flowers.
Rev/ Castles and lions divided by cross, around HISPANIARUM REX 1721 between flowers.

Ag, 20.9 mm, 2.42 g
Mint: Segovia
Calicó (2019)/623
ex-Tauler & Fau, auction 60, lot 378dafnis

049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Moesia, Markianopolis, Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.14.31.31., AE-18, MAPKIANO ΠOΛIΤΩ, Kybele seated left, #1049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Moesia, Markianopolis, Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.14.31.31., AE-18, MAPKIANO ΠOΛIΤΩ, Kybele seated left, #1
avers: AYΛ CEΠ CEVHPO(C), Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: MAPKIANO ΠOΛIΤΩ, Kybele, richly draped, wearing kalathos, seated left on throne, flanked by two lions, tympanon behind, holding patera in outstretched right hand, resting with left arm on the arm of the throne.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,0-18,5 mm, weight: 3,62 g, axis:0h,
mint: Moesia, Markianopolis, date: A.D.,
ref: Hristova/Jekov (2014) No. 06.14.31.31., not in Pfeiffer (2013),
Q-001quadrans

049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Moesia, Markianopolis, Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.15.31.01., AE-26, Y ΦΛ OYΛΠIANOY MAΡKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Kybele seated left, #1049p Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Moesia, Markianopolis, Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.15.31.01., AE-26, Y ΦΛ OYΛΠIANOY MAΡKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Kybele seated left, #1
avers: AY K Λ CEPT CEYHΡOC IOVΛIA DOMNA CEB, Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust of Severus right, facing draped bust of Julia Domna left.
revers: Y ΦΛ OYΛΠIANOY MAΡKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Kybele seated left, holding patera, arm resting on the drum, lions at sides. Є in left field.
exergue: Є/-//--, diameter: 26,0-26,5 mm, weight: 11,53 g, axis:1h,
mint: Moesia, Markianopolis, Magistrate Ulpianus (210-211 AD), date: 210-211 A.D.,
ref: Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.15.31.01., Varbanov 865,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

050 Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 564, AR-Denarius, MATER DEVM, Cybele, towered, enthroned left, Scarce, #1050 Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 564, AR-Denarius, MATER DEVM, Cybele, towered, enthroned left, Scarce, #1
avers: IVLIA AVGVSTA, Bust draped right.
reverse: MATER DEVM, Cybele, towered, enthroned left between two lions, leaning on the drum, and holding branch and scepter.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,5-19,0mm, weight: 2,88g, axis: 11h,
mint: Rome, date: 198 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-I 564, p-169, RSC 123, BMC 51, Sear (2000-2002) 6593, Scarce,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans

050 Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 565, AR-Denarius, MATER DEVM, Cybele seated left between two lions, Rare! #1050 Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 565, AR-Denarius, MATER DEVM, Cybele seated left between two lions, Rare! #1
avers: IVLIA AVGVSTA, Bust draped right.
reverse: MATER DEVM, Cybele seated left between two lions, resting elbow on the drum, and holding branch (no sceptre).
exergue: -/-//-- , diameter: 17,0-18,5mm, weight: 2,17g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 205 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-I 565, p-, RSC 126a, Rare!
Q-001quadrans

050p Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Moesia, Markianopolis, Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.15.31.01., AE-26, Y ΦΛ OYΛΠIANOY MAΡKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Kybele seated left, #1050p Julia Domna (170-217 A.D.), Moesia, Markianopolis, Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.15.31.01., AE-26, Y ΦΛ OYΛΠIANOY MAΡKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Kybele seated left, #1
avers: AY K L CEPT CEYHΡOC IOVLIA DOMNA CEB, Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust of Severus right-facing draped bust of Julia Domna left.
revers: Y ΦΛ OYΛΠIANOY MAΡKIANOΠOΛITΩN, Kybele seated left, holding patera, arm resting on the drum, lions at sides. Є in left field.
exergue: Є/-//--, diameter: 26,0-26,5 mm, weight: 11,53 g, axis:1h,
mint: Moesia, Markianopolis, Magistrate Ulpianus (210-211 AD), date: 210-211 A.D.,
ref: Hristova/Jekov (2014) 06.15.31.01., Varbanov 865,
Q-001quadrans

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC -Obv:- L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP II, laureate head right
Rev:- VICT AVG TR P II COS II P P, Victory walking right, holding wreath in right hand, palm in left
Minted in Rome. A.D. 194
Reference:- BMCRE -. RIC -. RSC 690b (citing Gnecchi Coll., Rome)

Additional information courtesy of Curtis Clay:-
"I know a couple of other specimens too, BM probably has one from me and I may have another in my new collection.

Still very rare and interesting, IMP II generally rare on Rome-mint denarii, a muled obv.-rev. combination because COS II means after 1 Jan. 194, but the medallions prove that Septimius' IMP III must have already been known in Rome by about 25 Dec. 193."1 commentsmaridvnvm

0688 Alexander III - AE 19Miletos ?
323-319 BC
head of young Heracles in lionskin righ
bow in quiver and club
AΛEΞANΔPOY
?
Price 2102?
7,1g 19mm
ex DionysosJ. B.

074a09. MaximianusAE follis. Lyons. AD 301-303. Obv: IMP C MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate, draped bust left, lionskin on left shoulder, holding club over right shoulder. Rev: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing left by altar, modius on head, naked but for chlamys over left shoulder, holding patera and cornucopiae. A in right field. Mintmark PLG. RIC VI Lyons 85; Bastien 148; Cohen 220.lawrence c

075p Otacilia Severa (? - 249? A.D.), Ionia, Smyrna, (third Neokoros), BMC 445, AE-22, Herakles,075p Otacilia Severa (? - 249? A.D.), Ionia, Smyrna, (third Neokoros), BMC 445, AE-22, Herakles,
avers: - Μ-ΟΤΑΚΙΛ-CΕΟΥHΡΑ,
revers: - CMΥRNAIΩN Γ NEΩKORΩN, ( Γ are = third Neokoros), Herakles, naked, standing left, holding kantharos and club, lionskin over arm.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 22 mm, weight: 4,26 g, axis: 6 h,
mint: Ionia, Smyrna, date: B.C., ref: SNG Aulock 2232 (same obv. die), same obvers are Gordian III, SNG vA 2230 or BMC 445,
Q-001quadrans

077. Julia Domna.Denarius, ca 198 AD, Rome mint.
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA / Bust of Domna.
Reverse: MATER DEVM / Cybele, sitting on throne between two lions, holding branch and sceptre, arm resting on drum.
3.29 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #564; Sear #6593

The appearance of Cybele on the above coin shows Domna's interest in eastern religions. The various attributes of personifications and gods on the reverse of Roman coins were often associated with the person pictured on the obverse of the coin. In this case, the words MATER DEVM (Mother of the gods) applied to Domna is interesting since her sons were Caracalla and Geta.Callimachus

092p Valerian II. (256-258 A.D.), Ionia, Smyrna, (third Neokoros), SNG München 456, AE-21, Herakles,092p Valerian II. (256-258 A.D.), Ionia, Smyrna, (third Neokoros), SNG München 456, AE-21, Herakles,
avers: - Î O Î›IK O VAÎ›EPIANOC, Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.
revers: - CMÎ¥RNAIÎ©N Î“ NEÎ©KO/R Î©N, ( Î“ are = third Neokoros), Herakles, naked, standing left, holding kantharos and club, lionskin over arm.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 20,7mm, weight: 3,85g, axis: 0h,
mint: Ionia, Smyrna, date: 255-260B.C., ref: SNG München 456, Klose 1.8, CNG Elec. Auc. 160 (3/2007), lot 198,
Q-001quadrans

098a Vabalathus. AE antoninianusobv: IMP C VHABALATHVS AVG rad. drp. cuir. bust r. seen from behind
rev: IVENVS AVG Hercules std. r. holding lions skin and leaning
on club, holding three apples
fld: * in r.hill132

106. CommodusCommodus

According to Gibbon, the emperor Commodus spent the early years of his reign "in a seraglio of three hundred beautiful women and as many boys, of every rank and of every province." Later, adding bloodshed to his round of pleasures, he launched a career in murder, beginning with the dispatch of the usual senators, ministers and family members and continuing with the slaughter of beasts. Styling himself the Roman Hercules, he went as a performer into the amphitheater, where he cut down before the public a number of ostriches, a panther, a hundred lions, an elephant, a rhinoceros and a giraffe. He then entered the lists as a gladiator. Commodus fought 735 times and paid himself such a high fee for each appearance that a new tax had to be levied. He was strangled by a wrestler while drunk.

Denarius. 192 AD. L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, laureate head right / P M TR P XVII IMP VIII COS VII P P, Fides standing left holding standard & cornucopiae, star right. RSC 583a. RIC 233ecoli

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

11 - Septimius Severus AR Denarius - ' 'HERCULI DEFENS ' - HerculesRoman Empire, Severan Dynasty.
Emperor Septimius Severus (193 - 211 AD) Silver Denarius.

obv: - Laureate head right.
rev: HERCULI DEFENS - Hercules standing facing right, leaning on club, cloaked w/ lionskin.
---------
Nice reverse!6 commentsrexesq

1189 - 1199, RICHARD I (the lionheart), AR Denier minted at Melle, Poitou, FranceObverse: +RICARDVS REX. Cross pattée within braided inner circle, all within braided outer circle.
Reverse: PIC / TAVIE / NSIS in three lines within braided circle.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 1.0gms | Die Axis: 2h
SPINK: 8008 | Elias: 8

Poitou was an Anglo-Gallic province in what is now west-central France and its capital city was Poitiers, the mint at this time was however located at Melle. Melle was an active centre of minting during the early Middle Ages due to the important silver mines located under and around the city. This is the only coin issue struck during the reign of Richard I to bear his own name and titles as King of England.

Richard I was King of England from 1189 until his death on 6th April 1199. He also ruleNormandy, Aquitaine and Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Anjou, Maine, and Nantes, as well as being overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. He was the third of five sons of Kind several territories outwith England, and was styled as Duke of g Henry II of England and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was known as Richard the Lionheart (Richard Cœur de Lion) because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior when, at the age of 16 and commanding his own army, he had put down rebellions against his father in Poitou.
Richard was a commander during the Third Crusade, and led the campaign after the departure of Philip II of France. However, although he scored several notable victories against the Muslims led by Saladin, he failed to retake Jerusalem from them.
Although Richard was born in England and spent his childhood there before becoming king, he lived most of his adult life in the Duchy of Aquitaine. Following his accession, his life was mostly spent on Crusade, in captivity, or actively defending his lands in France. Rather than regarding England as a responsibility requiring his presence as ruler, he appears to have used it merely as a source of revenue to support his armies. Nevertheless, he was seen as a pious hero by his subjects and he remains one of the few kings of England who is remembered by his epithet rather than by his regnal number, and even today he is still an iconic figure in both England and France.2 comments*Alex

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Γ, AE-Antoninianus, ᴗ/Γ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Γ, AE-Antoninianus, ᴗ/Γ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
revers: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVG G, Jupiter, half-naked, standing right holding scepter and globe, facing Hercules with lionskin, club, and victory on the globe, crescent, and Γ between.
exergue: ᴗ/Γ//XXI, diameter: 21,2-21,8mm, weight:4,01g, axes: 6h,
mint: Antioch, date: 285 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 323Γ, p-256, Cohen 146,
Q-001quadrans

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Δ, AE-Antoninianus, */Δ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Δ, AE-Antoninianus, */Δ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
revers: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVG G, Jupiter, half-naked, standing right holding scepter and globe, facing Hercules with lionskin, club, and victory on the globe, star, and Δ between.
exergue: */Δ//XXI, diameter: 20,5-21,0mm, weight:3,60g, axes: 0h,
mint: Antioch, date: 285 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 323Δ, p-256, Cohen 146,
Q-001quadrans

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Z, AE-Antoninianus, Z//XXI•, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Z, AE-Antoninianus, Z//XXI•, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
revers: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVG G, Jupiter, half-naked, standing right holding scepter and globe, facing Hercules with lionskin, club, and victory on the globe, Z between.
exergue: Z//XXI•, diameter: 22,3-23,8mm, weight:4,54g, axes: 6h,
mint: Antioch, date: 285 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 323Z, p-256,
Q-001quadrans

1282 Hadrian Sestertius Roma 129-30 AD Galley leftReference.
RIC II –; RIC II.3 1282 (this coin referenced and illustrated); Strack –;Banti –.

Bust C2

Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Laureate, draped bust, viewed from side

Rev. FELICITATI AVG COS III P P in three lines above, S C across field
Galley moving left with stearman and six rowers; vexillum on prow.

27 gr
32.50 mm
12h

Note.
From the Toliver Besson Collection, purchased from Jon Jencek (14 December 2012). Ex Goldberg 5.3 (7 June 2000), lot 3582; Earl Fitzwilliam’s Wentworth Estates Company Collection (Christie’s, 30 May 1949), lot 124 (part of).

This very rare Hadrian Sestertius was part of the highly important collection of Roman Brass Coins and Medallions originally formed in the mid-eighteenth century, and sold by order of The Earl Fitzwilliam’s Wentworth Estates Company. Spring notes that the coins came from the collections of the Museo del Padri Corsini acquired in Italy in 1748, and the Abbé Visconti, President of the Society of Antiquaries in Rome, purchased about 1774.4 commentsokidoki

1301a, Diocletian, 284-305 A.D. (Antioch)DIOCLETIAN (284 – 305 AD) AE Antoninianus, 293-95 AD, RIC V 322, Cohen 34. 20.70 mm/3.1 gm, aVF, Antioch. Obverse: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate bust right, draped & cuirassed; Reverse: CONCORDIA MILITVM, Jupiter presents Victory on a globe to Diocletian, I/XXI. Early Diocletian with dusty earthen green patina.

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

Diocletian ( 284-305 A.D.)

Ralph W. Mathisen
University of South Carolina

Summary and Introduction
The Emperor Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (A.D. 284-305) put an end to the disastrous phase of Roman history known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis" (235-284). He established an obvious military despotism and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Roman Empire, which is known variously as the "Dominate," the "Tetrarchy," the "Later Roman Empire," or the "Byzantine Empire." His reforms ensured the continuity of the Roman Empire in the east for more than a thousand years.

Diocletian's Early Life and Reign
Diocletian was born ca. 236/237 on the Dalmatian coast, perhaps at Salona. He was of very humble birth, and was originally named Diocles. He would have received little education beyond an elementary literacy and he was apparently deeply imbued with religious piety He had a wife Prisca and a daughter Valeria, both of whom reputedly were Christians. During Diocletian's early life, the Roman empire was in the midst of turmoil. In the early years of the third century, emperors increasingly insecure on their thrones had granted inflationary pay raises to the soldiers. The only meaningful income the soldiers now received was in the form of gold donatives granted by newly acclaimed emperors. Beginning in 235, armies throughout the empire began to set up their generals as rival emperors. The resultant civil wars opened up the empire to invasion in both the north, by the Franks, Alamanni, and Goths, and the east, by the Sassanid Persians. Another reason for the unrest in the army was the great gap between the social background of the common soldiers and the officer corps.

Diocletian sought his fortune in the army. He showed himself to be a shrewd, able, and ambitious individual. He is first attested as "Duke of Moesia" (an area on the banks of the lower Danube River), with responsibility for border defense. He was a prudent and methodical officer, a seeker of victory rather than glory. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube proclaimed the praetorian prefect Carus as emperor. Diocletian found favor under the new emperor, and was promoted to Count of the Domestics, the commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard. In 283 he was granted the honor of a consulate.

In 284, in the midst of a campaign against the Persians, Carus was killed, struck by a bolt of lightning which one writer noted might have been forged in a legionary armory. This left the empire in the hands of his two young sons, Numerian in the east and Carinus in the west. Soon thereafter, Numerian died under mysterious circumstances near Nicomedia, and Diocletian was acclaimed emperor in his place. At this time he changed his name from Diocles to Diocletian. In 285 Carinus was killed in a battle near Belgrade, and Diocletian gained control of the entire empire.

Diocletian's Administrative and Military Reforms
As emperor, Diocletian was faced with many problems. His most immediate concerns were to bring the mutinous and increasingly barbarized Roman armies back under control and to make the frontiers once again secure from invasion. His long-term goals were to restore effective government and economic prosperity to the empire. Diocletian concluded that stern measures were necessary if these problems were to be solved. He felt that it was the responsibility of the imperial government to take whatever steps were necessary, no matter how harsh or innovative, to bring the empire back under control.

Diocletian was able to bring the army back under control by making several changes. He subdivided the roughly fifty existing provinces into approximately one hundred. The provinces also were apportioned among twelve "dioceses," each under a "vicar," and later also among four "prefectures," each under a "praetorian prefect." As a result, the imperial bureaucracy became increasingly bloated. He institutionalized the policy of separating civil and military careers. He divided the army itself into so-called "border troops," actually an ineffective citizen militia, and "palace troops," the real field army, which often was led by the emperor in person.

Following the precedent of Aurelian (A.D.270-275), Diocletian transformed the emperorship into an out-and-out oriental monarchy. Access to him became restricted; he now was addressed not as First Citizen (Princeps) or the soldierly general (Imperator), but as Lord and Master (Dominus Noster) . Those in audience were required to prostrate themselves on the ground before him.

Diocletian also concluded that the empire was too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced the "Tetrarchy," or "Rule by Four." In 285, he named his lieutenant Maximianus "Caesar," and assigned him the western half of the empire. This practice began the process which would culminate with the de facto split of the empire in 395. Both Diocletian and Maximianus adopted divine attributes. Diocletian was identified with Jupiter and Maximianus with Hercules. In 286, Diocletian promoted Maximianus to the rank of Augustus, "Senior Emperor," and in 293 he appointed two new Caesars, Constantius (the father of Constantine I ), who was given Gaul and Britain in the west, and Galerius, who was assigned the Balkans in the east.

By instituting his Tetrarchy, Diocletian also hoped to solve another problem. In the Augustan Principate, there had been no constitutional method for choosing new emperors. According to Diocletian's plan, the successor of each Augustus would be the respective Caesar, who then would name a new Caesar. Initially, the Tetrarchy operated smoothly and effectively.

Once the army was under control, Diocletian could turn his attention to other problems. The borders were restored and strengthened. In the early years of his reign, Diocletian and his subordinates were able to defeat foreign enemies such as Alamanni, Sarmatians, Saracens, Franks, and Persians, and to put down rebellions in Britain and Egypt. The easter frontier was actually expanded.

.
Diocletian's Economic Reforms
Another problem was the economy, which was in an especially sorry state. The coinage had become so debased as to be virtually worthless. Diocletian's attempt to reissue good gold and silver coins failed because there simply was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. A "Maximum Price Edict" issued in 301, intended to curb inflation, served only to drive goods onto the black market. Diocletian finally accepted the ruin of the money economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind . The soldiers too came to be paid in kind.

In order to assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations which he felt would have to be performed. These were known as the "compulsory services." They included such occupations as soldiers, bakers, members of town councils, and tenant farmers. These functions became hereditary, and those engaging in them were inhibited from changing their careers. The repetitious nature of these laws, however, suggests that they were not widely obeyed. Diocletian also expanded the policy of third-century emperors of restricting the entry of senators into high-ranking governmental posts, especially military ones.

Diocletian attempted to use the state religion as a unifying element. Encouraged by the Caesar Galerius, Diocletian in 303 issued a series of four increasingly harsh decrees designed to compel Christians to take part in the imperial cult, the traditional means by which allegiance was pledged to the empire. This began the so-called "Great Persecution."

Diocletian's Resignation and Death
On 1 May 305, wearied by his twenty years in office, and determined to implement his method for the imperial succession, Diocletian abdicated. He compelled his co-regent Maximianus to do the same. Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new Caesars were selected, Maximinus (305-313) in the east and Severus (305- 307) in the west. Diocletian then retired to his palace at Split on the Croatian coast. In 308 he declined an offer to resume the purple, and the aged ex-emperor died at Split on 3 December 316.

Copyright (C) 1996, Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina
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.

1 commentsCleisthenes

1301b, Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 March 305 A.D.Diocletian. RIC V Part II Cyzicus 256 var. Not listed with pellet in exegrue
Item ref: RI141f. VF. Minted in Cyzicus (B in centre field, XXI dot in exegrue)Obverse:- IMP CC VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse:- CONCORDIA MILITVM, Diocletian standing right, holding parazonium, receiving Victory from Jupiter standing left with scepter.
A post reform radiate of Diocletian. Ex Maridvnvm.

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

Diocletian ( 284-305 A.D.)

Ralph W. Mathisen
University of South Carolina

Summary and Introduction
The Emperor Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (A.D. 284-305) put an end to the disastrous phase of Roman history known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis" (235-284). He established an obvious military despotism and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Roman Empire, which is known variously as the "Dominate," the "Tetrarchy," the "Later Roman Empire," or the "Byzantine Empire." His reforms ensured the continuity of the Roman Empire in the east for more than a thousand years.

Diocletian's Early Life and Reign
Diocletian was born ca. 236/237 on the Dalmatian coast, perhaps at Salona. He was of very humble birth, and was originally named Diocles. He would have received little education beyond an elementary literacy and he was apparently deeply imbued with religious piety He had a wife Prisca and a daughter Valeria, both of whom reputedly were Christians. During Diocletian's early life, the Roman empire was in the midst of turmoil. In the early years of the third century, emperors increasingly insecure on their thrones had granted inflationary pay raises to the soldiers. The only meaningful income the soldiers now received was in the form of gold donatives granted by newly acclaimed emperors. Beginning in 235, armies throughout the empire began to set up their generals as rival emperors. The resultant civil wars opened up the empire to invasion in both the north, by the Franks, Alamanni, and Goths, and the east, by the Sassanid Persians. Another reason for the unrest in the army was the great gap between the social background of the common soldiers and the officer corps.

Diocletian sought his fortune in the army. He showed himself to be a shrewd, able, and ambitious individual. He is first attested as "Duke of Moesia" (an area on the banks of the lower Danube River), with responsibility for border defense. He was a prudent and methodical officer, a seeker of victory rather than glory. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube proclaimed the praetorian prefect Carus as emperor. Diocletian found favor under the new emperor, and was promoted to Count of the Domestics, the commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard. In 283 he was granted the honor of a consulate.

In 284, in the midst of a campaign against the Persians, Carus was killed, struck by a bolt of lightning which one writer noted might have been forged in a legionary armory. This left the empire in the hands of his two young sons, Numerian in the east and Carinus in the west. Soon thereafter, Numerian died under mysterious circumstances near Nicomedia, and Diocletian was acclaimed emperor in his place. At this time he changed his name from Diocles to Diocletian. In 285 Carinus was killed in a battle near Belgrade, and Diocletian gained control of the entire empire.

Diocletian's Administrative and Military Reforms
As emperor, Diocletian was faced with many problems. His most immediate concerns were to bring the mutinous and increasingly barbarized Roman armies back under control and to make the frontiers once again secure from invasion. His long-term goals were to restore effective government and economic prosperity to the empire. Diocletian concluded that stern measures were necessary if these problems were to be solved. He felt that it was the responsibility of the imperial government to take whatever steps were necessary, no matter how harsh or innovative, to bring the empire back under control.

Diocletian was able to bring the army back under control by making several changes. He subdivided the roughly fifty existing provinces into approximately one hundred. The provinces also were apportioned among twelve "dioceses," each under a "vicar," and later also among four "prefectures," each under a "praetorian prefect." As a result, the imperial bureaucracy became increasingly bloated. He institutionalized the policy of separating civil and military careers. He divided the army itself into so-called "border troops," actually an ineffective citizen militia, and "palace troops," the real field army, which often was led by the emperor in person.

Following the precedent of Aurelian (A.D.270-275), Diocletian transformed the emperorship into an out-and-out oriental monarchy. Access to him became restricted; he now was addressed not as First Citizen (Princeps) or the soldierly general (Imperator), but as Lord and Master (Dominus Noster) . Those in audience were required to prostrate themselves on the ground before him.

Diocletian also concluded that the empire was too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced the "Tetrarchy," or "Rule by Four." In 285, he named his lieutenant Maximianus "Caesar," and assigned him the western half of the empire. This practice began the process which would culminate with the de facto split of the empire in 395. Both Diocletian and Maximianus adopted divine attributes. Diocletian was identified with Jupiter and Maximianus with Hercules. In 286, Diocletian promoted Maximianus to the rank of Augustus, "Senior Emperor," and in 293 he appointed two new Caesars, Constantius (the father of Constantine I ), who was given Gaul and Britain in the west, and Galerius, who was assigned the Balkans in the east.

By instituting his Tetrarchy, Diocletian also hoped to solve another problem. In the Augustan Principate, there had been no constitutional method for choosing new emperors. According to Diocletian's plan, the successor of each Augustus would be the respective Caesar, who then would name a new Caesar. Initially, the Tetrarchy operated smoothly and effectively.

Once the army was under control, Diocletian could turn his attention to other problems. The borders were restored and strengthened. In the early years of his reign, Diocletian and his subordinates were able to defeat foreign enemies such as Alamanni, Sarmatians, Saracens, Franks, and Persians, and to put down rebellions in Britain and Egypt. The easter frontier was actually expanded.

.
Diocletian's Economic Reforms
Another problem was the economy, which was in an especially sorry state. The coinage had become so debased as to be virtually worthless. Diocletian's attempt to reissue good gold and silver coins failed because there simply was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. A "Maximum Price Edict" issued in 301, intended to curb inflation, served only to drive goods onto the black market. Diocletian finally accepted the ruin of the money economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind . The soldiers too came to be paid in kind.

In order to assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations which he felt would have to be performed. These were known as the "compulsory services." They included such occupations as soldiers, bakers, members of town councils, and tenant farmers. These functions became hereditary, and those engaging in them were inhibited from changing their careers. The repetitious nature of these laws, however, suggests that they were not widely obeyed. Diocletian also expanded the policy of third-century emperors of restricting the entry of senators into high-ranking governmental posts, especially military ones.

Diocletian attempted to use the state religion as a unifying element. Encouraged by the Caesar Galerius, Diocletian in 303 issued a series of four increasingly harsh decrees designed to compel Christians to take part in the imperial cult, the traditional means by which allegiance was pledged to the empire. This began the so-called "Great Persecution."

Diocletian's Resignation and Death
On 1 May 305, wearied by his twenty years in office, and determined to implement his method for the imperial succession, Diocletian abdicated. He compelled his co-regent Maximianus to do the same. Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new Caesars were selected, Maximinus (305-313) in the east and Severus (305- 307) in the west. Diocletian then retired to his palace at Split on the Croatian coast. In 308 he declined an offer to resume the purple, and the aged ex-emperor died at Split on 3 December 316.

Copyright (C) 1996, Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina
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

138-161 AD - ANTONINUS PIUS AE as - struck 140-143 ADobv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TRP COS III (laureate head right)
rev: CONCORDIA EXERCITVM / S.C. (Concordia standing left, holding Victory and aquila)
ref: RIC III 678, C.140 (2frcs)
10.26gms, 26mm

This reverse symbolises the concord between the emperor and the army. The reign of Antoninus Pius was the most peaceful in the entire history of the Principate; while there were several military disturbances throughout the Empire in his time, the Moors in Mauretania (AD150), the Jews in Iudaea (for seventeen years the Romans didn't allow the Jews to bury their dead in Betar, after the Bar Kokhba revolt), the Brigantes in Britannia (AD 140-145, the Antonine Wall being built ca. 40 miles further north), the different Germanic tribes at the Germania limes, the Alans in Dacia (AD158), and had to put down rebellions in the provinces of Achaia and Egypt (AD154).berserker

146 - Maximianus - RIC V pt II 437 corr. Bust Type CObv:– IMP C VAL MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev:– VIRTVS AVGG, Hercules, standing right, with club and lions skin on rock
Minted in Lugdunum (D in left field). Emission 2, Officina 4. Spring – Summer A.D. 286
References:– RIC V Part 2 437 corr. Bust Type C (RIC notes as D in centre field in error). Bastien Volume VII 67maridvnvm

147 - Constantius I Chlorus - RIC VI Alexandria 53Obv:– IMP C CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, Laureate bust right
Rev:– HERCVLI VLTORI, Hercules standing facing with head left, right hand leaning on club, left hand holding apples and with a lions skin hanging from the elbow
Minted in Alexandria (Î” in upper left field, S in left field, in right field, ALE in exe.) A.D. 305 to A.D. 306
References:– RIC VI Alexandria 53 (S) maridvnvm

1471 - 1483, EDWARD IV (Second Reign), AR Groat, Struck 1477 - 1480 at London, EnglandObverse: EDWARD DEI GRA REX ANGL (Z FRANC +). Crowned bust of Edward IV facing within tressure of arches, trefoils on cusps, all within beaded circle. Small crosses in spaces between words in legend. Mintmark, off-flan, pierced cross.
Reverse: POSVI DEVM ADIVTORE MEVM +/ CIVITAS LONDON. Long cross dividing two concentric legends separated by two beaded circles into quarters, trefoil in each quarter of inner circle. Mintmark, pierced cross, small crosses between words in outer legend.
Diameter: 25mm | Weight: 2.7gms | Die Axis: 11h
SPINK: 2096 var. (DEI rather than DI in obverse legend)

Edward IV was King of England from March 1461 to October 1470, and again from April 1471 until his sudden death in 1483. He was the first Yorkist King of England. The first half of his rule was marred by the violence associated with the Wars of the Roses, but he overcame the Lancastrian challenge to the throne at Tewkesbury in 1471 and there were no further rebellions in England during the rest of his reign.
In 1475, Edward declared war on France, landing at Calais in June. However, his ally Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, failed to provide any significant military assistance leading Edward to undertake negotiations with the French, with whom he came to terms under the Treaty of Picquigny. France provided him with an immediate payment of 75,000 crowns and a yearly pension of 50,000 crowns, thus allowing him to "recoup his finances". Edward also backed an attempt by Alexander Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany and brother of King James III of Scotland, to take the Scottish throne in 1482. Edward's younger brother, the Duke of Gloucester (and future King Richard III) led an invasion of Scotland that resulted in the capture of Edinburgh and the Scottish king himself. Alexander Stewart, however, reneged on his agreement with Edward. The Duke of Gloucester then withdrew from his position in Edinburgh, though he did retain Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Edward became subject to an increasing number of ailments when his health began to fail and he fell fatally ill at Easter in 1483. He survived long enough though to add some codicils to his will, the most important being to name his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester as Protector after his death. He died on 9th April 1483 and was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was succeeded first by his twelve-year-old son Edward V of England, who was never crowned, and then by his brother who reigned as Richard III.
It is not known what actually caused Edward's death. Pneumonia, typhoid and poison have all been conjectured, but some have attributed his death to an unhealthy lifestyle because he had become stout and inactive in the years before his death.
2 comments*Alex

170 Commodus Commodus Denarius. L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, head right wearing lionskin headdress / HER-CVL RO-MAN AV-GV either side of club of Hercules, all in wreath.
RSC 190. RIC 251 Sear 5644
4 commentsRandygeki(h2)

1762-1763 - mairie de Nantesargent
7,21g
28mm
mairie de Léonard Joubert du Collet
1762 1763
Dans un cartouche, écu presque rond, aux armes du maire ( D'argent au chevron d'azur, chargé de cinq casques de profil d'or, accompagné en chef d'un vol séparé de gueules, et en pointe d'un rocher de sable). Supports deux lions; timbré d'une couronne de marquis
* DE LA MAIRIE DE M. JOUBERT DU COLLET
Ecusson sur un cartouche, des armes de la ville de Nantes : vaisseau Nantais voguant à à gauche au chef semé de mouchetures d'hermines. Timbré d' une couronne murale, entouré de la cordelièrePYL

1770-1771 - mairie de Nantesargent
7,24g
28mm
mairie de Philippe-Vincent Roger, seigneur de la Mouchetière
VINCIT AMOR PATRIAE
"L'amour de la Patrie l'emporte"
1770 1771
Ecu sur un cartouche aux armes du maire (D'azur à trois coquilles d'argent, 2.1.). Tenants deux griffons. Timbré d'une couronne de marquis
* DE LA MAIRIE DE MESSIRE PH. V. ROGER ECUYER SGR. DE LA MOUCHETIERE LIEUT. GENERAL DE L’AMIRAUTÉ
Ecusson sur un cartouche, des armes de la ville de Nantes : vaisseau Nantais voguant à à gauche au chef semé de mouchetures d'hermines. Timbré d' une couronne murale à hauts créneaux, le cercle chargé de lions, entouré de la cordelièrePYL

1790 Large Gold Banda Koran Leaf Blue Border Medallion A magnificent leaf from a Koran fragment, probably Banda, before AH 1208/1790-1 AD, on paper (387 x 230 mm.). There are eleven lines of strong black natkh script within gold clouds, gold roundels between verses, illuminated marginal medallions, marking every tenth verse, red Persian interlinear translation, sura headings in red, margins with Tafsir written in black and red, final folio with commentary dated 1205.. Verso: eleven lines of strong black natkh script within gold clouds, gold roundels between verses, illuminated marginal medallions, marking every tenth verse, red Persian interlinear translation, sura headings in red, margins with Tafsir written in black and red. The opening flyleaf is inscribed with a note reading: this copy of the Koran, formally the property of the Bahadoor, Nawab of Banda was delivered after the great victory obtained over Rebels and Mutineers by Major General Whitlocks Troops on the 19th of April 1858 to the Reverend A Kinloch, the Chaplain of the Horse and present to him as a slight token of affectionate remembrance to the Reverend George Gleed the Vicar of Chalfont St. Peters, Bucks Branda Palace. April 29th 1858. A further note on the final flyleaf reads: This Copy of the Koran was taken from the apartments of Ali Bahadoor, Nawab of Banda after the occupation of his City and Palace by the Madras Column under Major General Whitlock.

https://quran.com/33/60 (Surah Al-Azhab, verse 60 onwards)Quant.Geek

1841 Hard Times token. USS ConstitutionMILLIONS FOR DEFENSE, NOT ONE CENT FOR TRIBUTE.1 commentsancientone

1847 Victoria Gothic Silver Proof Crown UNDECIMOGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Gothic Silver Proof Crown, 1847, UNDECIMO edge, Bull 2571, ESC 288, L&S 57, Davies 471 (1+A), Davenport 106, SCWC KM 744, MCE 1158, SCBC 3883, EF, toned more deeply around legends, short scratch on neck, some other light marks and blemishes, raised edge lettering 𝖉𝖊𝖈𝖚𝖘 ✿ 𝖊𝖙 ✿ 𝖙𝖚𝖙𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖓 ♔ 𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖔 ✿ 𝖗𝖊𝖌𝖓𝖎 ✿ 𝖚𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖈𝖎𝖒𝖔 ♔ (An Ornament and a Safeguard in the Eleventh Year of Her Reign), weight 28.29g (ASW 0.8413oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 39.0mm, thickness 2.6mm, die axis 180°, London mint, 1847; obverse 𝖁𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖆 𝖉𝖊𝖎 𝖌𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖆-𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖎𝖆𝖗.𝖗𝖊𝖌:𝖋:𝖉. (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), Gothic crowned and draped bust left, hair waved and braided, looped under ear and in bun tucked in crown at back, dress embroidered with roses, shamrocks and thistles, tiny W.W. incuse on right shoulder truncation for engraver William Wyon, trefoil and arc border surrounding; reverse 𝖙𝖚𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖗-𝖚𝖓𝖎𝖙𝖆 𝖉𝖊𝖚𝖘 (May God Guard these United [Kingdoms]) above, 𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖔 𝖉𝖔𝖒-𝖒𝖉𝖈𝖈𝖈𝖝𝖑𝖛𝖎𝖎 (In the Year of Our Lord, 1847) below, crowned cruciform shields bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and nine-stringed harp for Ireland, buckled Garter Star at centre inscribed with tiny French motto HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), roses, thistle and shamrock in angles, tiny W-W incuse on raised circlet either side of top crown, engraved by William Dyce, trefoil and arc border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (26 May 2020); scarce; £3,500.00.Serendipity

1849 Victoria Godless Silver FlorinGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), 'Godless' Silver Florin, 1849, Bull 2817 R2, ESC 802A, Davies 682 (Dies 1+A), SCWC KM 745, SCBC 3890, one-year design, Type A4, without D.G. (By the Grace of God) and F.D. (Defender of the Faith), W.W. obliterated variety, gEF-aUNC, attractively toned, with a few nicks and surface marks mainly on obverse, edge milled, weight 11.34g (ASW 0.3372oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 30.0mm, thickness 2.0mm, die axis 180°, London mint, 1849; obverse VICTORIA-REGINA 1849 (Victoria, Queen, 1849), Gothic crowned and draped bust left, hair waved and braided, looped under ear and in bun tucked in crown at back, dress embroidered with roses, thistles and shamrocks, W.W. behind bust obliterated by linear circle, for engraver William Wyon, linear and beaded border surrounding; reverse ✤ ✤ ONE-FLORIN ✤ above, ONE TENTH-OF A POUND below, crowned cruciform shields bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and nine-stringed harp for Ireland, Tudor double rose at centre, roses, thistle and shamrock in angles, engraved by William Dyce, linear and beaded border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (28 Jun 2020); very rare; £425.00.Serendipity

1871 Victoria Young Head Shield Gold SovereignGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Gold Sovereign, 1871, die number 14, Bentley 558 (this coin), SCWC KM 736.2, Friedberg 387i, Marsh 55, MCE 531, SCBC 3853B, gEF-aUNC, toned, tiny obverse rim nick, hint of doubling in legend both sides, raised hairline flaw in last A of legend to rim, raised die flaw through 8 of date, edge milled, weight 7.97g (AGW 0.235oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 180°, London mint, 1871; obverse VICTORIA DEI-GRATIA (Victoria, by the Grace of God), third young filleted head left, hair bound with double fillet, waved and pulled back in ponytail ending in single corkscrew curl at back, W.W. raised on truncation for engraver William Wyon, 1871 below, toothed border surrounding; reverse BRITANNIARUM-REGINA FID: DEF: (Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and seven-stringed harp for Ireland, within open laurel wreath tied with bow at base, emblems in exergue with die number 14 above, rose at centre, thistle to left, shamrock to right, small rosette either side, engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Baldwin's (26 Jan 2020); ex Bentley Collection, Part II, Baldwin's auction 76 (27 Sep 2012), lot 558; ex Douro Cargo, Spink auction 118 (20-1 Nov 1996), lot 1377 (part of); £750.00.Serendipity

1876 Hadrian Sestertius Roma 130-38 AD ItaliaReference.
RIC II, 956; BMCRE 1823; Cohen 1275; Banti --: Strack 779; RIC 1876 pl

Bust C2+ Lion

Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
Bare head with lions trophy around neck

Rev. RESTITVTORI ITALIAE,
Hadrian standing right, holding scroll and raising up kneeling Italia, who holds a cornucopia

25.17 gr
31 mm
6h2 commentsokidoki

1880 Victoria Gothic Silver FlorinGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Gothic Silver Florin, 1880, Bull 2900, ESC 854, Davies 771 (Dies 7+B), SCWC KM 746.4, SCBC 3900, Type B8 (1880-87), younger portrait, 34 small arcs with 33 large trefoils (7 below bust), gEF-aUNC, attractively toned, minor reverse die crack to left crown, edge milled, weight 11.34g (ASW 0.3372oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 30.0mm, thickness 2.0mm, die axis 180°, London mint, 1880; obverse 𝔙𝔦𝔠𝔱𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔞 𝔡:𝔤:𝔟𝔯𝔦𝔱𝔱:-𝔯𝔢𝔤:𝔣:𝔡:𝔪𝔡𝔠𝔠𝔠𝔩𝔵𝔵𝔵 (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith, 1880), Gothic crowned and draped bust left, hair waved and braided, looped under ear and in bun tucked in crown at back, dress embroidered with roses, thistles and shamrocks, no initials or die number below bust, engraved by William Wyon, linear and 34-arched border surrounding; reverse 𝔒𝔫𝔢-𝔣𝔩𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔫 above, 𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔱𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔥-𝔬𝔣 𝔞 𝔭𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡 below, crowned cruciform shields bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and nine-stringed harp for Ireland, quatrefoil at centre, roses, thistle and shamrock in angles, engraved by William Dyce, toothed border and rim surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (2 Aug 2020); ex Mark Rasmussen (Jul 2004); scarce; £750.00.Serendipity

1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Shield Gold Half-SovereignGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Gold Half-Sovereign, 1887, DISH L508, SCWC KM 766, Friedberg 393, Marsh 478F, MCE 605, SCBC 3869, aEF, once polished, now toned, edge milled, weight 3.994g (AGW 0.1178oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.0125 Ag, 0.0705 Cu, diameter 19.3mm, thickness 0.99mm, die axis 0°, London mint, 1887; obverse VICTORIA-DEI GRATIA (Victoria, by the Grace of God), Jubilee tall, crowned, veiled and draped bust left, wearing double pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast with badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, small J.E.B. with angled imperfect J raised on shoulder truncation for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, toothed border surrounding; reverse BRITANNIARUM-REGINA FID: DEF: (Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), crowned garnished quartered high shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and seven-stringed harp for Ireland, 18-87 in exergue either side at bottom of frame, engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (4 Jun 2023); £275.00.Serendipity

1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Shield Silver Proof SixpenceGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Silver Proof Sixpence, 1887, Bull 3269, ESC 1753A, Davies 1151 (Dies 2+A), SCWC KM 759, Friedberg 392, MCE 1409, SCBC 3928, Withdrawn Type, FDC, much as struck with a most attractive tone, edge milled, weight 2.8276g (ASW 0.0841oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 19.3mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 0°, London mint, 1887; obverse VICTORIA DEI GRATIA-BRITT: REGINA F: D: (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), Jubilee tall, crowned, veiled and draped bust left, wearing double pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast with badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, small J.E.B. raised below shoulder truncation for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and eight-stringed harp for Ireland, within Order of the Garter inscribed with French motto HONI ✿ SOIT ✿ QUI-MAL ✿ Y ✿ PENSE ✿ ✿ ✿ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), 18-87 in exergue either side of strap-end, engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Wessex Coins (17 Jan 2024); rare; £475.00.1 commentsSerendipity

1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Shield Silver SixpenceGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Silver Sixpence, 1887, Bull 3267 R3, ESC 1752B, Davies 1150 (Dies 1+A), SCWC KM 759, Friedberg 392, MCE 1409, SCBC 3928, Withdrawn Type, EF, perhaps once cleaned, now lightly toned, with light surface marks and nicks, edge milled, weight 2.8276g (ASW 0.0841oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 19.3mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 0°, London mint, 1887; obverse VICTORIA DEI GRATIA-BRITT: REGINA F: D: (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), Jubilee tall, crowned, veiled and draped bust left, wearing double pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast with badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, small J.E.B. raised on shoulder truncation for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and eight-stringed harp for Ireland, within Order of the Garter inscribed with French motto HONI ✿ SOIT ✿ QUI-MAL ✿ Y ✿ PENSE ✿ ✿ ✿ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), 18-87 in exergue either side of strap-end, engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (3 Jun 2023); extremely rare; £275.00.Serendipity

1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Shield Silver SixpenceGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Silver Sixpence, 1887, Bull 3264, ESC 1752, Davies 1151 (Dies 2+A), SCWC KM 759, Friedberg 392, MCE 1409, SCBC 3928, Withdrawn Type, aUNC, bright mint lustre, some light surface marks, edge milled, weight 2.8276g (ASW 0.0841oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 19.3mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 0°, London mint, 1887; obverse VICTORIA DEI GRATIA-BRITT: REGINA F: D: (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), Jubilee tall, crowned, veiled and draped bust left, wearing double pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast with badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, small J.E.B. raised below shoulder truncation for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and eight-stringed harp for Ireland, within Order of the Garter inscribed with French motto HONI ✿ SOIT ✿ QUI-MAL ✿ Y ✿ PENSE ✿ ✿ ✿ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), 18-87 in exergue either side of strap-end, engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Saltford Coins (17 Jun 2023); £25.00.Serendipity

1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Shield Silver SixpenceGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Silver Sixpence, 1887, Bull 3265 R3, ESC 1752A, Davies 1152 (Dies 2+A), SCWC KM 759, Friedberg 392, MCE 1409, SCBC 3928, Withdrawn Type, R/I variety, UNC-gEF, bright mint lustre, some light surface marks, edge milled, weight 2.8276g (ASW 0.0841oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 19.3mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 0°, London mint, 1887; obverse VICTORIA DEI GRATIA-BRITT: REGINA F: D: (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), with R/I in VICTORIA, Jubilee tall, crowned, veiled and draped bust left, wearing double pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast with badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, small J.E.B. raised below shoulder truncation for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and eight-stringed harp for Ireland, within Order of the Garter inscribed with French motto HONI ✿ SOIT ✿ QUI-MAL ✿ Y ✿ PENSE ✿ ✿ ✿ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), 18-87 in exergue either side of strap-end, engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Rare Coins & Tokens (5 Feb 2024); extremely rare; £60.00.Serendipity

1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Shield Silver SixpenceGreat Britain, Victoria (1837-1901), Silver Sixpence, 1887, Bull 3266 R3, ESC 1752C, Davies 1153 (Dies 2+A), SCWC KM 759, Friedberg 392, MCE 1409, SCBC 3928, Withdrawn Type, R/V variety, UNC, bright mint lustre, some light surface marks, edge milled, weight 2.8276g (ASW 0.0841oz), composition 0.925 Ag, 0.075 Cu, diameter 19.3mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 0°, London mint, 1887; obverse VICTORIA DEI GRATIA-BRITT: REGINA F: D: (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), with R/V in VICTORIA, Jubilee tall, crowned, veiled and draped bust left, wearing double pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast with badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, small J.E.B. raised below shoulder truncation for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and eight-stringed harp for Ireland, within Order of the Garter inscribed with French motto HONI ✿ SOIT ✿ QUI-MAL ✿ Y ✿ PENSE ✿ ✿ ✿ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), 18-87 in exergue either side of strap-end, engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex KB Coins (5 Feb 2024); extremely rare; £237.50.Serendipity

193bSeptimius Severus 193-211 AD
AE 27 mm
Marcianopolis in Moesia Inf.
Cybele seated left holding patera, two lions at feet
2 commentsmauseus

196_Julia_Domna_As_RIC_883_1Julia Domna (ca. 170 – 217 AD)
AE As/Dupondius, Rome, 196 – 209
IVLIA AVGVSTA;
Draped bust right
MATER DEVM, S-C;
Cybele, towered, seated left between two lions, holding branch and resting left arm on drum
10,95 gr, 24 mm
RIC IVa, 883; BMC V, 791; C. 127ga77

1989 Elizabeth II Tudor Rose Gold Proof Sovereign NGC PF70 UCAMGreat Britain, Elizabeth II (1952-2022), Tudor Rose Gold Proof Sovereign, 1989, 500th Anniversary of the First Gold Sovereign 1489-1989 commemorative, SCWC KM 956, Friedberg 434, Marsh 313H, SCBC SC3, one-year type, NGC PF-70 ULTRA CAMEO (6380859-008), engraved by Bernard Sindall, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Royal mint, 1989; obverse ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRA · REG · FID · DEF · (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, trefoil stops), Queen enthroned facing, seated in King Edward's Chair, holding Sceptre with Cross in right hand and Rod with Dove in left, within beaded circle, raised border surrounding; reverse ANNIVERSARY · OF · THE · GOLD · SOVEREIGN · 1489 - 1989 (trefoil stops), crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom on Tudor double rose bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and seven-stringed harp for Ireland, within beaded circle, raised border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex eBay sale (18 Sep 2022); scarce; £2,050.00.Serendipity

1cj Balbinus238

Sestertius

Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust, right, seen from front, right, IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG
Felicitas standing facing, head left, holding caduceus in right hand, PM TR P COS II PP SC

RIC 18

Herodian wrote, continuing the story of the rebellions against Maximinus: When the death of the elder Gordian was reported at Rome, . . . the senate therefore thought it best to meet and consider what should be done. Since they had already cast the die, they voted to issue a declaration of war and choose two men from their own ranks to be joint emperors. . . . Other senators received votes, but on the final count [Pupienus] Maximus and Balbinus were elected joint emperors by majority opinion. . . .

[Pupienus] had held many army commands; appointed prefect of Rome, he administered the office with diligence and enjoyed among the people a good reputation for his understanding nature, his intelligence, and his moderate way of life. Balbinus, an aristocrat who had twice served as consul and had governed provinces without complaint, had a more open and frank nature. After their election, the two men were proclaimed Augusti, and the Senate awarded them by decree all the imperial honors.

While these actions were being taken on the Capitoline Hill, the people, whether they were informed by Gordian's friends and fellow countrymen or whether they learned it by rumor, filled the entire street leading up to the Capitol. The huge mob was armed with stones and clubs, for they objected to the Senate's action and particularly disapproved of [Pupienus]. The prefect ruled the city too strictly for the popular taste, and was very harsh in his dealings with the criminal and reckless elements of the mob. In their fear and dislike of [Pupienus], they kept shouting threats to kill both emperors, determined that the emperor be chosen from the family of Gordian and that the title remain in that house and under that name.

Balbinus and [Pupienus] surrounded themselves with an escort of swordsmen from the young equestrians and the discharged soldiers living in Rome, and tried to force their way from the Capitol. The mob, armed with stones and clubs, prevented this until, at someone's suggestion, the people were deceived. There was in Rome at that time a little child, the son of Gordian's daughter, who bore his grandfather's name.

The two emperors ordered some of their men to bring the child to the Capitol. Finding the lad playing at home, they lifted him to their shoulders and brought him to the Capitol through the midst of the crowd. Showing the boy to the people and telling them that he was the son of Gordian, they called him "Gordian," while the mob cheered the boy and scattered leaves in his path. The senate appointed him caesar, since he was not old enough to be emperor. The mob, placated, allowed the imperial party to proceed to the palace.

Blindado

1cq Trajan Decius249-251

Sestertius

Laureate, cuirassed bust, right, MP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG
Dacia standing left holding draco standard, or staff surmounted by a donkey's head, DACIA SC

RIC 101b

The Byzantine historian Zosimus recorded in his New History: [Philip], thinking that he had by these means established himself in the possession of the empire, he made an expedition against the Carpi, who had plundered all the country about the Ister. . . . As there were at that time many disturbances in the empire, the eastern provinces, which were uneasy, partly, owing to the exactions of exorbitant tributes, and partly to their dislike of Priscus, their governor, who was a man of an intolerably evil disposition, wished for innovation, and set up Papianus for emperor, while the inhabitants of Moesia and Pannonia were more inclined to Marinus.

Philip, being disturbed by these events, desired the senate cither to assist him against such imminent dangers, or, if they were displeased with his government, to suffer him to lay it down and dismiss him quietly. No person making a reply to this, Decius, a person of illustrious birth and rank, and moreover gifted, with every virtue, observed, that he was unwise in being so much concerned at those events, for they would vanish of themselves, and could not possibly long subsist. And though the event corresponded with the conjecture of Decius, which long experience in the world had enabled him to make, Papianus and Marinus being taken off, yet Philip was still in fear, knowing how obnoxious the officers in that country were to the army. He therefore desired Decius to assume the command of the legions in Moesia and Pannonia. As he refused this under the plea that it was inconvenient both for Philip and himself, Philip made use of the rhetoric of necessity, as the Thessalians term it, and compelled him to go to Pannonia to punish the accomplices of Marinus. The army in that country, finding that Decius punished all that had offended, thought it most politic to avoid the present danger and to set up a sovereign who would better consult the good of the state, and who, being more expert both in civil and military affairs, might without difficulty conquer Philip.

For this purpose they clothed Decius in purple, and notwithstanding all his apprehensions of future mischances, compelled him to assume the supreme authority. Philip therefore, on hearing that Decius was thus made emperor, collected all his forces to overpower him. The supporters of Decius, though they knew that the enemy had greatly the advantage in numbers, still retained their confidence, trusting to the general skill and prudence of Decius in affairs. And when the two armies engaged, although the one was superior in number, yet the other so excelled it in discipline and conduct, that a great number of Philip's partisans were slain and he himself amongst them, together with his son, on whom he had conferred the title of Caesar. Decius thus acquired the empire.

The Scythians, taking advantage of the disorder which every where prevailed through the negligence of Philip, crossed the Tanais, and pillaged the countries in the vicinity of Thrace. But Decius, marching against them, was not only victorious in every battle, but recovered the spoils they had taken, and endeavoured to cut off their retreat to their own country, intending to destroy them all, to prevent their ever again, making a similar incursion. For this purpose he posted Gallus on the bank of the Tanais with a competent force, and led in person the remainder of his army against the enemy. This expedition exceeded to his utmost wish; but Gallus, who was disposed to innovation, sent agents to the Barbarians, requesting their concurrence in a conspiracy against Decius. To this they gave a willing assent, and Gallus retained his post on the bank of the Tanais, but the Barbarians divided themselves into three battalions, the first of which posted itself behind a marsh. Decius having destroyed a considerable number of the first battalion, the second advanced, which he likewise defeated, and discovered part of the third, which lay near the marsh. Gallus sent intelligence to him, that he might march against them across the fen. Proceeding therefore incautiously in an unknown place, he and his army became entangled in the mire, and under that disadvantage were so assailed by the missiles of the Barbarians, that not one of them escaped with life. Thus ended the life of the excellent emperor Decius.

Eutropius wrote: DECIUS, a native of Lower Pannonia, born at Budalia, assumed the government. . . . When he and his son had reigned two years, they were both killed in the country of the Barbarians, and enrolled among the gods. Blindado

2002 Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Gold Proof Sovereign NGC PF70 UCAMGreat Britain, Elizabeth II (1952-2022), Golden Jubilee Gold Proof Sovereign, 2002, 50th Anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II commemorative, SCWC KM 1026, Friedberg 463, Marsh 316A, SCBC SC5, one-year type, NGC PF-70 ULTRA CAMEO (5880726-001), edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Royal mint, 2002; obverse ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRA-REGINA · FID · DEF (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith), fourth crowned head right, IRB raised below truncation for engraver Ian Rank-Broadley, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and seven-stringed harp for Ireland, within open laurel wreath tied with bow at base, 2002 in exergue, TN (Timothy Noad) monogram lower right of dexter wreath, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (26 Sep 2021); £780.00.Serendipity

2022 Charles III Memorial Gold Proof Sovereign NGC PF70 UCAM FRGreat Britain, Charles III (2022-), Memorial Gold Proof Sovereign, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Sovereign commemorative, one-year type, NGC PF-70 ULTRA CAMEO FIRST RELEASES (2894754-004), edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Royal mint, 2022; obverse CHARLES III · DEI · GRA · REX · FID · DEF · (Charles III, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith), bare head left, tiny MJ raised below truncation for engraver Martin Jennings, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned helmet surmounted by crowned lion statant over quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and six-stringed harp for Ireland, within Order of the Garter inscribed with French motto [HO]NI [SOIT] Q[UI] M[AL Y] P[ENSE] (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), supported by crowned lion to left and collared unicorn to right, shamrocks flanking buckle below over two Tudor double roses, thistle either side, DIEU ET-MON DROIT (God and My Right) inscribed on lower ribbon, 2022 in smaller ribbon in exergue, J.C (Jody Clark) monogram to lower right, ornate floriated background, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex UK Gold Coins (22 Feb 2023); £920.00.Serendipity

2022 Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Gold Proof Sovereign NGC PF70 UCAM FDIGreat Britain, Elizabeth II (1952-2022), Platinum Jubilee Gold Proof Sovereign, 2022, 70th Anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II commemorative, one-year type, NGC PF-70 ULTRA CAMEO FIRST DAY OF ISSUE (6319075-025), edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Royal mint, 2022; obverse ELIZABETH II · DEI · GRA · REGINA · FID · DEF · (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith), fifth crowned head right, J.C raised below truncation for engraver Jody Clark, toothed border surrounding; reverse crowned helmet surmounted by crowned lion statant over quartered shield of Arms of the United Kingdom bearing three lions passant guardant for England, lion rampant for Scotland and eight-stringed harp for Ireland, within Order of the Garter inscribed with French motto HON[I SOIT QUI MAL] Y PENSE (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), supported by crowned lion to left and collared unicorn to right, both standing on banner inscribed DIEU ET-MON DROIT (God and My Right), 2022 in exergue, TN (Timothy Noad) monogram to lower inner right of Garter, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (4 Feb 2022); £990.00.Serendipity

21.85. András II., (Andreas II.), King of Hungary, (1205-1235 A.D.), CÁC III. 21.85.1.1., H-270, CNH I.-300, U-163, AR-Obulus, #0121.85. András II., (Andreas II.), King of Hungary, (1205-1235 A.D.), CÁC III. 21.85.1.1., H-270, CNH I.-300, U-163, AR-Obulus, #01
avers: Crowned head facing, between two swords, line border.
reverse: Star between two lions standing with their back to each other, looking backward, line border.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 10,2 mm, weight: 0,31g, axis: -h,
mint: Esztergom, date: A.D., ref: Huszár-270, CNH I.-300, Unger-163,
CÁC III. 21.85.1.1.,
Q-001quadrans

213 AD - Caracalla 198-217 AD - HerculesANTONINVSPIVSAVGBRIT - laureate head right
PMTRPXVICOSIIIIPP - Hercules, naked, standing left, holding branch, club, and lionskin

Rome mint, AD 213, reference RIC IV, part 1, pg 241, 206(a), Cohen 220, BM-48

Beautiful portrait of this "mad" emperor, with a wonderful depiction of hercules. Ex HJB3 commentsjimwho523

2264 Caria, Trapezopolis Pseudo-autonomous under Hadrian Cybele standingReference.
RPC III, 2264/5 var. bust; BMC 3

Magistrate Ti. Fla. Max. Lysias (without title)

Obv. ΒΟΥΛΗ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ
Draped and veiled bust of Boule, right

Rev. ΔΙΑ Τ ΦΛ ΜΑΞ ΛΥϹΙΟΥ
Cybele wearing polos and long chiton standing facing between two lions

4.77 gr
20 mm
6hokidoki

2329 PHRYGIA, Laodicea Hadrian Medallion Zeus Reference.
RPC III, 2329/5; Von Aulock, Phrygiens -; SNG München -; SNG von Aulock-; SNG Copenhagen 575; BMC 195

Obv. ΑΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС ΟΛΥΜΠΙΟС
Laureate head of Hadrian, r. with drapery on l. shoulder

Rev. ΛΑΟΔΙΚΕΩΝ
Zeus Laodiceus standing facing, head l., holding eagle in his extended r. hand, l. resting on sceptre

36.37 gr
39 mm
12h

Note.
From the Group CEM Collection, Classical Numismatic Group 90, 23 May 2012, 1058 and ex Waddell II, 12 September 1987, 363.

The epithet 'Olympios' was adopted by Hadrian in 128/9 following the dedication of the temple of Zeus Olympios in Athens. It emphasized the emperor's Panhellenic program and enthusiastic Philhellenism, for Zeus Olympios, chief god of the Greek peoples, was the Panhellenic god before all others. RPC suggests that the impressive Laodicean medallions bearing the new epithet were struck on the occasion of Hadrian's visit to the city in June 129.6 commentsokidoki

2825 LYCAONIA, Iconium. Hadrian PerseusReference.
RPC III, 2825 Von Aulock, Lykaonien, 290-292.

Obv. ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС ΚΑΙСΑΡ
Bare head of Hadrian with lions trophy around neck

Rev. ΚΛΑΥΔΕΙΚΟΝΙΕωΝ
Perseus standing facing, head r., holding head of Medusa in his r. hand, harpa in left

2.60 gr
16 mm
6hokidoki

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