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Image search results - "roses"
KING_EDWARD_IV.JPG
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
KING_HENRY_VII.JPG
HENRY VII
Henry VII was the King of England from 22 August 1485 until his death in 1509. He was the first monarch of the House of Tudor.
Henry's mother, Margaret Beaufort, was a descendant of the Lancastrian branch of the House of Plantagenet. Henry's father, Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond, a half-brother of Henry VI of England, died three months before his son Henry was born. During Henry's early years, his uncle Henry VI fought against Edward IV, a member of the Yorkist Plantagenet branch. After Edward re-took the throne in 1471, Henry Tudor spent 14 years in exile in Brittany. Henry attained the throne when his forces, supported by France and Scotland, defeated Edward IV's brother Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, the culmination of the Wars of the Roses. He cemented his claim to the throne by marrying Elizabeth of York, daughter of King Edward IV. Henry VII was the last king of England to win his throne on the field of battle.
Henry was successful in restoring power and stability to the English monarchy following the civil war and he is credited with a number of administrative, economic and diplomatic initiatives. His support of England's wool industry had long-lasting benefit to the whole English economy. He paid very close attention to detail, and instead of spending lavishly he concentrated on raising new revenues. Henry's new taxes stabilised the government's finances but, after his death, a commission found there had been widespread abuses in the tax collection process.
Henry VII reigned for nearly 24 years. He died of tuberculosis at Richmond Palace on 21 April 1509 and was buried in the chapel he commissioned in Westminster Abbey next to his wife, Elizabeth. His mother survived him, but she died two months later on 29 June 1509.
Henry VII was succeeded by his second son, Henry VIII.
*Alex
HENRY_VI_from__National_portrait_gallery.JPG
HENRY VI
Henry VI was King of England from 1422 to 1461 and again from 1470 to 1471. The only child of Henry V, he succeeded to the English throne at the age of nine months when his father died.
This was during the period of the long-running Hundred Years' War (1337 - 1453) and Henry is the only English monarch to also have been crowned King of France (as Henri II), in 1431. During his early reign several people were ruling for him and by the time Henry was declared fit to rule in 1437 he found his realm in a difficult position, faced with setbacks in France and divisions among the nobility at home. Henry is described as timid, shy, passive, well intentioned, and averse to warfare and violence; he was also at times mentally unstable. Partially in the hope of achieving peace, Henry married the ambitious and strong-willed Margaret of Anjou in 1445. The peace policy failed and the war recommenced with France taking the upper hand such that by 1453 Calais was Henry's only remaining territory on the continent.
With Henry effectively unfit to rule, Queen Margaret took advantage of the situation to make herself an effective power behind the throne. Starting around 1453 Henry began suffering a series of mental breakdowns and tensions mounted between Margaret and Richard of York, not only over control of the incapacitated king's government, but over the question of succession to the throne. Civil war broke out in 1459, leading to a long period of dynastic conflict, now known as the Wars of the Roses. Henry was deposed on 29th March 1461 after a crushing defeat at the Battle of Towton by Richard of York's son, who took the throne as Edward IV. Margaret continuing to resist Edward, but Henry was captured by Edward's forces in 1465 and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Queen Margaret, who was first exiled in Scotland and then in France, was still determined to win back the throne on behalf of her husband and son. So, when Edward IV fell out with two of his main supporters, Richard Neville the Earl of Warwick and George the Duke of Clarence, Margaret formed a secret alliance with them backed by Louis XI of France. Warwick returned with an army to England, forced Edward IV into exile, and restored Henry VI to the throne on 30th October 1470, though Henry's position was nominal as Warwick and Clarence effectively ruled in his name.
But Henry's return to the throne lasted less than six months. Warwick overreached himself by declaring war on Burgundy, whose ruler responded by giving Edward IV the assistance he needed to win back his throne by force. Edward retook power in 1471, killing Warwick at the Battle of Barnet and Henry's only son at the Battle of Tewkesbury. Henry was again imprisoned in the Tower where, during the night of 21st May he died, possibly killed on Edward's orders.
*Alex
nerosestertiusric138.jpg
005. Nero 54-68AD. AE Sestertius, Rome mint, 65AD. Annona & Ceres. 35.6mm Orichalcum sestertius, RIC I 138, BMCRE I 129, Mac Dowall WCN 128, Cohen I 18, BnF II -, Hunter I -, SRCV -, EF, superb portrait, full legends, attractive toning, bumps, light smoothing, Rome mint, weight 26.564g, maximum diameter 35.6mm, die axis 180o, 65 A.D.; obverse NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Pontifex Maximus Tribunicia Potestate Imperator Pater Patriae), laureate head left, short beard visible, no globe at point of bust; reverse ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES, Annona standing right, right hand on hip, cornucopia in left hand, facing Ceres enthroned left, veiled, feet on footstool, stalks of grain in right hand, torch in left hand; in center modius on garlanded altar, prow behind, S C (senatus consulto) in exergue3 commentsLordBest
0225_CAST_EnrII_Cy1313.jpg
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 9131
dafnis
0227_CAST_EnrIV_Cy98_1493a.jpg
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 741
dafnis
Edward_IV_AR_Groat_London.JPG
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
england_shilling_1720_obv_01.JPG
1720 ShillingGreat Britain
George I 1720 Shilling.
Roses and Plumes reverse.

obv:
GEORGIVS.D.G.M.BR.FR.ET.HIB.REX.F.D. - Laureate bust right, draped, seen from the front.

rev:
1720
S.R.I.A.TH.ET.EL.BRVN.ET.L.DVX
rexesq
FC69B536-A6A7-4C6B-9CBD-16DE838A9961.jpeg
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
6B288B2F-A794-4923-9733-850EE23EF76D.jpeg
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
5BD33FC8-09B1-47A0-B98E-359B6FC6458D.jpeg
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
IMG_3543~16.jpeg
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
76-George-II.jpg
76. George II.Shilling, 1736, younger portrait.
Obverse: GEORGIVS II DEI GRATIA / Laureate young bust, left.
Reverse: M B F ET H REX F D B ET L D S R I A T ET E 1736 / Four crowned shields with roses and plumes in the angles.
5.98 gm., 25 mm.
Seaby #3699.
Callimachus
86a-Edward-VII-Coronation-Medal.jpg
86b. Edward VII and Queen Alexandria.Official Medal for the Coronation of Edward VII & Queen Alexandria, 1902.
Designed by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennel.

Obverse: EDWARD VII CROWNED 9 AUGUST 1902 / Crowned bust of Edward VII wearing coronation robes. Laurel branch below.
Reverse: ALEXANDRIA QUEEN CONSORT 9 AUG 1902 / Crowned bust of Queen Alexandria. Roses and ribbon below.

12.72 gm of .925 Sterling silver, 31 mm.
Eimer #1871; BHM #3737
1 commentsCallimachus
87a-George-V-Coronation-Medal.jpg
87a. George V and Queen Mary.Official Medal for the Coronation of George V & Queen Mary, 1911.
Designed by Sir Edgar Bertram MacKennel.

Obverse: GEORGE V CROWNED JUNE 22 1911 / Crowned bust of George V wearing Coronation robes; Orb at left; laurel branch below.
Reverse: QUEEN MARY JUNE 22 1911 / Crowned bust of Queen Mary; roses and a ribbon below.

12.24 gm of .925 Sterling silver; 30 mm; toned UNC.
Eimer # 1922, BHM #4022.

This medal has spent most of its life (110 + years) in the small envelope in which it was issued.
That accounts for the absolutely flawless surfaces on the medal, and the dark toning of these surfaces.
The toning is mostly dark brown, but with flashes of gold, blue, and mauve.
If you like toning on coins, this one is gorgeous.
Callimachus
BHM 710.JPG
BHM 0710. The Duke of Gloucester elected Chancellor of Cambridge University, 1811.Obv. Draped, cuirassed bust of the Duke of Gloucester right, H R H WILLIAM FREDERICK DUKE OF GLOUCESTER
Rev. Inscription within closed wreath of laurel and roses ELECTED MARCH 26 INSTALLED JUNE 29 MDCCCXI, around: CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.

WM48. BHM 710.

William Frederick, second Duke of Gloucester (1776—1834), son of William Henry the first Duke, and Maria, Dowager Countess of Waldegrave. The second Duke served as colonel of the 1st foot-guards in Flanders in 1794 and was promoted to Major-General in 1795. His advancement continued, finally being promoted Field-Marshal in 1816. He was appointed Privy Councillor in 1806 and Governor of Portsmouth in 1827. -from British Historical Medals 1760-1960, Volume I, pp. 173
LordBest
Mudie Princess Charlotte.JPG
BHM 0940. Death of Princess Charlotte 1817. Mudie.Obv. Draped bust of Princess Charlotte with roses in her hair, three-quarters right HRH PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AUGUSTA
Rev. Britannia seated left weeping, British lion at her feet, urn and broken column behind DIED NOV VI MDCCCXVII in Ex: WEEP BRITAIN THOUGH HAS LOST THE EXPECTANCY AND ROSE OF THE FAIR STATE
BHM 940, Eimer 1097.
AE49 by T Webb & G Mills. Struck by Mudie, not part of his National Series.

The Princess was the only child of George Prince of Wales (later Prince Regent then George IV) and Caroline of Brunswick, born on 7th January 1796. She married Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg on 2nd May 1816 at Carlton House, but died in childbirth on 6th November the following year.
1 commentsLordBest
Screenshot_2023-01-13_09_47_17.png
British India: British India: King George V, 1919 AR One Rupee. Mintage 226,706,000. Silver content .917.Mintmark • for Bombay (Mumbai) 11.65g - 30.6mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR - Crowned and draped bust of King George V facing left (type II), on the bust you can see a lotus flower and elephant on chains. Engraver Edgar Bertram Mackennal.

Rev: ONE RUPEE INDIA 1919 یک روپیہ - Denomination & date within circle, the date divides legend in English & Urdu (Yek Rupya) with the outside of the circle having a wreath made of roses, thistle, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers, all within a toothed border. Dot minmark below for Bombay.

Ref: KM# 524; Numista 4851.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Screenshot_2023-04-23_10_38_28.png
British India: George V, 1913 AR One Rupee, Mintage: 87,466,000, Silver content .917.• mintmark for Bombay (Mumbai) 11.72g - 30.7mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR - Crowned and draped bust of King George V facing left (type II), on the bust you can see a lotus flower and elephant on chains.

Rev: ONE RUPEE INDIA 1913 یک روپیہ - Denomination & date within circle, the date divides legend in English & Urdu (Yek Rupya) with the outside of the circle having a wreath made of roses, thistle, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers, all within a toothed border.

Ref: KM# 524; Numista 4851.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Screenshot_2022-09-05_08_45_33.png
British India: King George V, 1917 AR ½ Rupee. Mintage 8,822,000. Silver content .917.Mintmark • for Bombay (Mumbai) Mint 5.80g - 24mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR - Crowned and draped bust of King George V facing left (type II), on the bust you can see a lotus flower and elephant on chains. Engraver Edgar Bertram Mackennal.

Rev: HALF RUPEE INDIA 1917 - Denomination & date within circle, the date divides legend in English & Urdu with the outside of the circle having a wreath made of roses, thistle, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers, all within a toothed border.

Ref: KM# 522.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Screenshot_2022-08-25_08_44_59.png
British India: King George V, 1917 AR One Rupee. Mintage 114,974,000, Silver content .917.Calcutta Mint 11.62g - 30.5mm, Axis 12h. Mintage 114,974,000, Silver content .917.

Obv: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR - Crowned and draped bust of King George V facing left (type II), on the bust you can see a lotus flower and elephant on chains. Engraver Edgar Bertram Mackennal.

Rev: ONE RUPEE INDIA 1917 یک روپیہ - Denomination & date within circle, the date divides legend in English & Urdu (Yek Rupya) with the outside of the circle having a wreath made of roses, thistle, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers, all within a toothed border.

Ref: KM# 524; Numista 4851.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection
Christian Scarlioli
Screenshot_2022-08-28_13_50_52.png
British India: King George V, 1917 AR One Rupee. Mintage 114,974,000. Silver content .917.Calcutta Mint 11.62g - 30.5mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR - Crowned and draped bust of King George V facing left (type II), on the bust you can see a lotus flower and elephant on chains. Engraver Edgar Bertram Mackennal.

Rev: ONE RUPEE INDIA 1917 یک روپیہ - Denomination & date within circle, the date divides legend in English & Urdu (Yek Rupya) with the outside of the circle having a wreath made of roses, thistle, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers, all within a toothed border.

Ref: KM# 524; Numista 4851.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
Screenshot_2022-09-06_11_36_26.png
British India: King George V, 1918 AR One Rupee. Mintage 210,550,000. Silver content .917.Mintmark • for Bombay (Mumbai) Mint 11.63g - 30.5mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR - Crowned and draped bust of King George V facing left (type II), on the bust you can see a lotus flower and elephant on chains. Engraver Edgar Bertram Mackennal.

Rev: ONE RUPEE INDIA 1918 یک روپیہ - Denomination & date within circle, the date divides legend in English & Urdu (Yek Rupya) with the outside of the circle having a wreath made of roses, thistle, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers, all within a toothed border. Dot mintmark.

Ref: KM# 524; Numista 4851.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
CAN_005_img.JPG
Canada - New Brunswick, One Cent - 1861 (Victoria)Obv:- VICTORIA D : G: BRITT: REG : F : D:, Laureate bust left
Rev:- NEW BRUNSWICK, Crown and date within beaded circle, wreath of roses surrounds
Minted - 1861
Reference:- KM#6
Mintage:- 1,000,000

My ref:- CAN 005

Part of a large, mixed world lot I bought on a whim.
maridvnvm
Canada_005_img.JPG
Canada - New Brunswick, One Cent - 1861 (Victoria)Obv:- VICTORIA D : G: BRITT: REG : F : D:, Laureate bust left
Rev:- NEW BRUNSWICK, Crown and date within beaded circle, wreath of roses surrounds
Minted - 1861
Reference:- KM#6
Mintage:- 1,000,000

My ref:- CAN 005

Part of a large, mixed world lot I bought on a whim.
maridvnvm
Canada_Nova_Scotia_One_Cent_1861_img~0.jpg
Canada - Nova Scotia, One Cent - 1861 (Victoria)Obv:- VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG:F:D:, Laureate bust left
Rev:- NOVA SCOTIA, Crown and date within beaded circle, wreath of roses surrounds
Minted 1861
Reference:- KM#8
Mintage:- 1,800,000

My ref:- CAN 004

Part of a large, mixed world lot I bought on a whim.
maridvnvm
CAN_007_img.JPG
Canada - Nova Scotia, One Cent - 1864 (Victoria)Obv:- VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG:F:D:, Laureate bust left
Rev:- NOVA SCOTIA, Crown and date within beaded circle, wreath of roses surrounds
Minted 1864
Reference:- KM#8
Mintage:- 800,000

My ref:- CAN 007

Part of a large, mixed world lot I bought on a whim.
maridvnvm
37.JPG
Charles de Blois (1319-1364)Gros
3,55g
30mm
+ KAROLVS : DEI : GRA : BRITANORVM : DVX .
"Charles par la grâce de Dieu Duc des Bretons"
Lys florencé, surmonté d'une couronnelle, avec trèfle en cœur, dans un polylobe tréflé accosté de roses
+ BNDICTV : SIT NOME : DNI : NRI : DEI : HV : XP
"Béni soit le nom de notre seigneur Dieu Jésus-Christ"
Croix pattée cantonnée de quatre fleurs de lys
Jézéquel 155a1
de Mey 147
Bigot 404
PYL
cassiusaplustrecombined.jpg
Crawford 505/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, C. Cassius and M. Servilius, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
C. Cassius and M. Servilius, Summer 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 19mm).
Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius (likely Sardis).

Obverse: C·CASSI·IMP; laureate head of Libertas, facing right.

Reverse: M·SERVILIVS - LEG; aplustre with branches terminating in flowers.

References: Crawford 505/2; HCRI 225; Sydenham 1312 (R7); BMCRR (East) 83; Cassia 21; Servilia 42.

Provenance: Stack's (17 Jan 2020) Lot 20084; Edward J. Waddell e-Sale (1990s) Lot 42; R. Ratto FPL IX (1933) Lot 1057; Valerio Traverso Collection [M. Baranowsky (25 Feb 1931), Lot 1270]; R. Ratto FPL (1927) Lot 625; Leo Hamburger Auction (27 Nov 1922), Lot 61; Johann Horsky Collection [A. Hess (30 Apr 1917) Lot 2600].

This rare type comprised part of the final series of coins struck in the name of Cassius, lead conspirator against Julius Caesar, probably at Sardis in Summer, 42 BCE. It celebrates Cassius’ victory over the fleet of Rhodes in the waters off Kos. The aplustre, an ornamental stern of a Roman galley, is symbolic of Cassius’ naval victory, and the floriate branches (roses) may refer to Rhodes. Shortly after his victory over the Rhodians, Cassius met-up with his co-conspirator Brutus in Sardis, where this coin was likely struck. Within just a few months of producing this coin, Cassius’ troops were defeated by Antony at Philippi and he committed suicide on his own birthday, 3 October 42 BCE. Marcus Servilius struck this final coinage on behalf of Cassius. Servilius was tribune in 44 BCE and was respected by Cicero. After Caesar’s assassination, he served in the east as a Legate under both Cassius and Brutus, and he struck coins for both men. He was likely related to Brutus, whose mother’s name was Servilia. Legates were staff members of military commanders, on whose recommendation they were appointed by the Senate. Legates often served as deputies for their commanders, but practically exercised no independent authority. For example, a Legate had no independent authority to strike coinage, and did so based solely on the imperium of the commander for whom he served – thus we see the names of both the Legate and his commander on this coin.
2 commentsCarausius
19385_11_21_1.jpg
Great Britain, George V and Mary Al Coronation Medal. 1911.KING GEORGE V QUEEN MARY, conjoined crowned and draped busts left; H.C. below bust truncation / ✶ TO COMMEMORATE THEIR MAJESTIES CORONATION ✶, crowned royal shield imposed on crossed sceptres within wreath of roses, thistles and shamrocks; date below. BHM 4040. 5.44g, 38mm, 12h.

GB_Florin_1873.JPG
Great Britain, Victoria, 1837 - 1901Obv: Victoria d: g: britt: reg: f: d: mdccclxxiii (in Gothic script), young bust of Queen Victoria facing left; die number 218 below.

Rev: One florin - one tenth of a pound (in Gothic script), crowned shields, roses, thistle and shamrock between.

Silver Florin, London Mint, 1873

11.4 grams, 29.84 mm
Matt Inglima
MISC_Italian_States_Aqiliea_Bernardi_64b.jpg
Italian States. Aquileia, Patriarchate.Bernardi 64b, CNI VI p. 36, 10.

AR denaro (nominal weight .83 gr. in 1398 and .73 gr. in 1401, but actually ranging from .67-.87 gr.; nominal fineness .542); .75 gr., 18.53 mm. max., 0◦.

Struck 1398-1401 under Patriarch Antonio I Gaetani (1395-1402).

Obv: + AnTOnIVS ☼ PATRIARChA [AR lignate], shield with Patriarch's coat of arms (two diagonal bands).

Rev: AQV -- ILE -- GEn -- SIS, voided long cross with five-petal roses in the quarters, small cross above the cross.

Bernardi rarity R2.
Stkp
Italia2C_Aquileia2C_Patriarchate2C_Antonio_I_Gaetani_281395-1402292C_Bernardi_642C_Q-0012C_4h2C_162C3-172C9mm2C_02C43g-s.jpg
Italy, Aquileia, Patriarchate, Antonio I. Gaetani (1395-1402 AD.), AR-Denarius, Bernardi 64, #1Italy, Aquileia, Patriarchate, Antonio I. Gaetani (1395-1402 AD.), AR-Denarius, Bernardi 64, #1
avers: +AnTOnIVS+PATRIARChA [AR lignate], shield with Patriarch's coat of arms (two diagonal bands).
reverse: AQV-ILE-GEn-SIS, Voided long cross with five-petal roses in all quarters.
diameter: 16,3-17,9mm, weight: 0,43g, axis: 4h,
mint: Aquileia, Patriarchate, mint mark: -,
date: 1398-1401 A.D., ref: Bernardi 64.,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
NeroSestertius.jpg
Nero Sestertius, RomeNero
AE Sestertius
65 AD
Rome
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P
Laureate bust right
S | C
Roma with parazonium and victory, seated left
ROMA in exergue
34mm
26.53g
RIC 273
Extra: No Tooling or Smoothing, much better surfaces in hand
2 commentsWindchildPunico
098~3.JPG
Savoie - Duché de Savoie, Victo Amédée III (1773-1796)Deux deniers, cuivre, 1,55 g
Av./ VIC AM D G R SAR CY P ET IER D SAB ET MF PP, croix évidée.
Rv./ Nœud sous une couronne sommée d’une croix de saint Maurice, accosté de deux roses, 1783
Réfs : Biaggi 859
Gabalor
Kore_A.jpg
Syracuse, Reign of Hiketas287-283 BC
AE23 (23mm, 11.375g, 135o)
O: Head of Kore (Persephone) left, wreathed in grain; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ before, pellet and stalk of grain behind.
R: Nike driving biga right, whip in right hand, reigns in left; star above, Σ in exergue.
HGC 2, 1446; Calciati II, p. 259, 123; SNG ANS 760 var. (no Σ in ex.); Sear 1209
ex Forvm Ancient Coins

“Apart from Demeter, lady of the golden sword and glorious fruits, she was playing with the deep-bosomed daughters of Oceanus and gathering flowers over a soft meadow, roses and crocuses and beautiful violets, irises also and hyacinths and the narcissus which Earth made to grow at the will of Zeus and to please the Host of Many, to be a snare for the bloom-like girl -- a marvelous, radiant flower. It was a thing of awe whether for deathless gods or mortal men to see: from its root grew a hundred blooms and it smelled most sweetly, so that all wide heaven above and the whole earth and the sea's salt swell laughed for joy. And the girl was amazed and reached out with both hands to take the lovely toy; but the wide-pathed earth yawned there in the plain of Nysa, and the lord, Host of Many, with his immortal horses sprang out upon her -- the Son of Cronos, He who has many names.”
~ The Homeric Hymn to Demeter

One of my favorite coins...
8 commentsEnodia
CommodusRSC190.jpg
[906a]Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 Dec 192 A.D.COMMODUS AR silver denarius. RSC 190. RCV 5644. 16.5mm, 2.3g. F. Obverse: L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, bust of Commodus wearing lion skin in imitation of Hercules and Alexander the Great, facing right; Reverse: HER-CVL RO-MAN AV-GV either side of club of Hercules, all in wreath. RARE. Ex Incitatus.

This coin refers to Commodus' belief that he was Hercules reincarnated. According to the historian Herodian, "he issued orders that he was to be called not Commodus, son of Marcus, but Hercules, son of Jupiter. Abandoning the Roman and imperial mode of dress, he donned the lion-skin, and carried the club of Hercules..." (Joseph Sermarini).

De Imperatoribus Romanis:
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors


Commodus (A.D. 180-192)


Dennis Quinn

Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, the son of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his wife-cousin Faustina, was born in Lanuvium in 161 AD. Commodus was named Caesar at the age of 5, and co-Augustus at the age of 17, spending most of his early life accompanying his father on his campaigns against the Quadi and the Marcomanni along the Danubian frontier. His father died, possibly of the plague, at a military encampment at Bononia on the Danube on 17 March 180, leaving the Roman Empire to his nineteen-year-old son.[[1]] Upon hearing of his father's death, Commodus made preparations for Marcus' funeral, made concessions to the northern tribes, and made haste to return back to Rome in order to enjoy peace after nearly two decades of war. Commodus, and much of the Roman army behind him, entered the capital on 22 October, 180 in a triumphal procession, receiving a hero's welcome. Indeed, the youthful Commodus must have appeared in the parade as an icon of new, happier days to come; his arrival sparked the highest hopes in the Roman people, who believed he would rule as his father had ruled.[[2]]

The coins issued in his first year all display the triumphant general, a warrior in action who brought the spoils of victory to the citizens of Rome.[[3]] There is a great deal of evidence to support the fact that Commodus was popular among many of the people, at least for a majority of his reign. He seems to have been quite generous.[[4]]. Coin types from around 183 onward often contain the legend, Munificentia Augusta[[5]], indicating that generosity was indeed a part of his imperial program. Coins show nine occasions on which Commodus gave largesses, seven when he was sole emperor.[[6]] According to Dio, the emperor obtained some of this funding by taxing members of the senatorial class.[[7]] This policy of munificence certainly caused tensions between Commodus and the Senate. In 191 it was noted in the official Actus Urbis that the gods had given Commodus to Populus Senatusque Romanus. Normally the phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus was used. [[8]] While the Senate hated Commodus, the army and the lower classes loved him.[[9]] Because of the bad relationship between the Senate and Commodus as well as a senatorial conspiracy,[[10]] Rome "...was virtually governed by the praetorian prefects Perennis (182-185) and Cleander (186-9)."[[11]]

Commodus began to dress like the god Hercules, wearing lion skins and carrying a club.[[12]] Thus he appropriated the Antonines' traditional identification with Hercules, but even more aggressively. Commodus' complete identification with Hercules can be seen as an attempt to solidify his claim as new founder of Rome, which he now called the Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana. This was legitimized by his direct link to Hercules, son of Father Jupiter.[[13]] He probably took the title of Hercules officially some time before mid-September 192.[[14]]

While the literary sources, especially Dio, Herodian, and the Historia Augusta, all ridicule the antics of his later career, they also give important insight into Commodus' relationship to the people.[[15]] His most important maneuver to solidify his claims as Hercules Romanus was to show himself as the god to the Roman people by taking part in spectacles in the amphitheater. Not only would Commodus fight and defeat the most skilled gladiators, he would also test his talents by encountering the most ferocious of the beasts.[[16]]

Commodus won all of his bouts against the gladiators.[[17]] The slayer of wild beasts, Hercules, was the mythical symbol of Commodus' rule, as protector of the Empire.[[18]]

During his final years he declared that his age should be called the "Golden Age."[[19]] He wanted all to revel in peace and happiness in his age of glory, praise the felicitas Commodi, the glorious libertas, his pietas, providential, his victoria and virtus aeterna.[[20]] Commodus wanted there to be no doubt that this "Golden Age" had been achieved through his munificence as Nobilissimus Princeps. He had declared a brand new day in Rome, founding it anew in 190, declaring himself the new Romulus.[[21]] Rome was now to be called Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana, as noted above, and deemed "the Immortal," "the Fortunate," "the Universal Colony of the Earth."[[22]] Coins represent the archaic rituals of city-[re]foundation, identifying Commodus as a new founder and his age as new days.[[23]]

Also in 190 he renamed all the months to correspond exactly with his titles. From January, they run as follows: Lucius, Aelius, Aurelius, Commodus, Augustus, Herculeus, Romanus, Exsuperatorius, Amazonius, Invictus, Felix, Pius.[[24]] According to Dio Cassius, the changing of the names of the months was all part of Commodus' megalomania.[[25]] Commodus was the first and last in the Antonine dynasty to change the names of the months.


The legions were renamed Commodianae, the fleet which imported grain from Africa was called Alexandria Commodiana Togata, the Senate was deemed the Commodian Fortunate Senate, his palace and the Roman people were all given the name Commodianus.[[26]] The day that these new names were announced was also given a new title: Dies Commodianus.[[27]] Indeed, the emperor presented himself with growing vigor as the center of Roman life and the fountainhead of religion. New expressions of old religious thought and new cults previously restricted to private worship invade the highest level of imperial power.[[28]]

If Eusebius of Caesarea [[29]] is to be believed, the reign of Commodus inaugurated a period of numerous conversions to Christianity. Commodus did not pursue his father's prohibitions against the Christians, although he did not actually change their legal position. Rather, he relaxed persecutions, after minor efforts early in his reign.[[30]] Tradition credits Commodus's policy to the influence of his concubine Marcia; she was probably his favorite,[[31]] but it is not clear that she was a Christian.[[32]] More likely, Commodus preferred to neglect the sect, so that persecutions would not detract from his claims to be leading the Empire through a "Golden Age."[[33]]

During his reign several attempts were made on Commodus' life.[[34]] After a few botched efforts, an orchestrated plot was carried out early in December 192, apparently including his mistress Marcia. On 31 December an athlete named Narcissus strangled him in his bath,[[35]] and the emperor's memory was cursed. This brought an end to the Antonine Dynasty.


SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alföldy, G. "Der Friedesschluss des Kaisers Commodus mit den Germanen," Historia 20 (1971): 84-109.

Aymard, J. "Commode-Hercule foundateur de Rome," Revue des études latines 14 (1936): 340-64.

Birley, A. R. The African Emperor: Septimius Severus. -- rev. ed.-- London, 1988.
________. Marcus Aurelius: A Biography. London, 1987.

Breckenridge, J. D. "Roman Imperial Portraiture from Augustus to Gallienus," ANRW 2.17. 1 (1981): 477-512.

Chantraine, H. "Zur Religionspolitik des Commodus im Spiegel seiner Münzen," Römische Quartalschrift für christliche Altertumskunde und für Kirchengeschichte 70 (1975): 1-31.

Ferguson, J. The Religions of the Roman Empire. Ithaca, 1970.

Fishwick, D. The Imperial Cult in the Latin West. Leiden, 1987.

Gagé, J. "La mystique imperiale et l'épreuve des jeux. Commode-Hercule et l'anthropologie hercaléenne," ANRW 2.17.2 (1981), 663-83.

Garzetti, A. From Tiberius to the Antonines. A History of the Roman Empire A. D. 14-192. London, 1974.

Grosso F. La lotta politica al tempo di Commodo. Turin, 1964.

Hammond, M. The Antonine Monarchy. Rome, 1956.

Helgeland, J. "Roman Army Religion," ANRW II.16.2 (1978): 1470-1505.

Howe, L. L. The Praetorian Prefect from Commodus to Diocletian (A. D. 180-305). Chicago, 1942.

Keresztes, P. "A Favorable Aspect of Commodus' Rule," in Hommages à Marcel Renard 2. Bruxelles, 1969.

Mattingly, R. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Volume III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus. London, 1930.

Nock, A. D. "The Emperor's Divine Comes," Journal of Roman Studies 37 (1947): 102-116.

Parker, H. M. D. A History of the Roman World from A. D. 138 to 337. London, 1935.
________. and B.H. Warmington. "Commodus." OCD2, col. 276.

Raubitschek, A. E. "Commodus and Athens." Studies in Honor of Theodore Leslie Shear. Hesperia, Supp. 8, 1948.

Rostovtzeff, M. I. "Commodus-Hercules in Britain," Journal of Roman Studies 13 (1923): 91-105.

Sordi, M. "Un senatore cristano dell'éta di Commodo." Epigraphica 17 (1959): 104-112.

Speidel, M. P. "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993): 109-114.

Stanton, G. R. "Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and Commodus: 1962-1972." ANRW II.2 (1975): 478-549.

Notes
[[1]] For a discussion of the circumstances surrounding the death of Marcus Aurelius, see A. R. Birley, Marcus Aurelius: A Biography -- rev. ed. -- (London, 1987), 210.
Aurelius Victor, De Caes. 16.4, writing around the year 360, claimed Aurelius died at Vindobona, modern Vienna. However, Tertullian, Apol. 25, who wrote some seventeen years after Marcus' death, fixed his place of death at Sirmium, twenty miles south of Bononia. A. R. Birley (Marcus Aurelius, 209-10) cogently argues Tertullian is much more accurate in his general description of where Marcus was campaigning during his last days.
For the dating of Marcus Aurelius' death and the accession of Commodus, see M. Hammond, The Antonine Monarchy (Rome, 1956), 179-80.

[[2]] For the army's attitude toward peace, the attitude of the city toward the peace, and the reception of the emperor and his forces into Rome, see Herodian, 1.7.1-4; for Commodus' subsequent political policies concerning the northern tribes, see G. Alföldy, "Der Friedesschluss des Kaisers Commodus mit den Germanen," Historia 20 (1971): 84-109.
For a commentary on the early years of Commodus in the public perception as days of optimism, see A. Garzetti, From Tiberius to the Antonines. A History of the Roman Empire A. D. 14-192 (London, 1974), 530. For a more critical, and much more negative portrayal, see the first chapter of F. Grosso, La lotta politica al tempo di Commodo (Turin, 1964).

[[3]]The gods Minerva and Jupiter Victor are invoked on the currency as harbingers of victory; Jupiter Conservator on his coins watches over Commodus and his Empire, and thanks is given to divine Providence (H. Mattingly, The Roman Imperial Coinage. Volume III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus, [London, 1930] 356-7, 366-7). In 181, new coin types appear defining the new reign of Commodus. Victory and peace are stressed. Coins extol Securitas Publica, Felicitas, Libertas, Annona, and Aequitas (ibid., 357).
By 186 Commodus is depicted as the victorious princes, the most noble of all born to the purple. Herodian (1.5.5) describes how Commodus boasted to his soldiers that he was born to be emperor. See also H. Chantraine, "Zur Religionspolitik des Commodus im Spiegel seiner Münzen," Römische Quatralschrift für christliche Altertumskunde und für Kirchengeschichte 70 (1975), 26. He is called Triumphator and Rector Orbis, and associated with the Nobilitas of Trojan descent (Mattingly, RIC III.359; idem, Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum. Volume IV: Antoninus Pius to Commodus, [Oxford, 1940], clxii).

[[4]] Dio tells us that Commodus liked giving gifts and often gave members of the populace 140 denarii apiece (Cass. Dio, 73.16), whereas the Historia Augusta reports that he gave each man 725 denarii (SHA, Comm., 16.3).

[[5]]Mattingly, RIC, III.358.

[[6]] Idem., CBM, IV.clxxiv.

[[7]]Cass. Dio, 73.16.

[[8]]M. P. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993), 113.

[[9]]Mattingly, CBM, IV.xii. Commodus was also popular amongst the northern divisions of the army because he allowed them to wield axes in battle, a practice banned by all preceding emperors. See, Speidel, JRS 83 (1993), 114.

[[10]]Infra, n. 34.

[[11]] H. Parker and B.H. Warmington, OCD2, s.v. "Commodus," col. 276; after 189, he was influenced by his mistress Marcia, Eclectus his chamberlain, and Laetus (who became praetorian prefect in 191 (Idem.).

[[12]]Herodian, 1.14.8. Hadrian appears on medallions in lion skins; but as far as the sources tell us, he never appeared in public in them. See J. Toynbee, Roman Medallions,(New York, 1986), 208.
He would often appear at public festivals and shows dressed in purple robes embroidered with gold. He would wear a crown made of gold, inlaid with the finest gems of India. He often carried a herald's staff as if imitating the god Mercury. According to Dio Cassius, Commodus' lion's skin and club were carried before him in the procession, and at the theaters these vestiges of Hercules were placed on a gilded chair for all to see (Cass. Dio, 73.17). For the implications of the golden chair carried in procession in relation to the imperial cult, see D. Fishwick, The Imperial Cult in the Latin West, (Leiden, 1987-91 ), 555.

[[13]] H. M. D. Parker, A History of the Roman World from A. D. 138 to 337, (London, 1935), 34; For medallions that express the relationship between Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, and Lucius Verus extolling Hercules as a symbol of civic virtue, see Toynbee, Roman Medallions, 208. For a general statement on the symbolism of Hercules in the Antonine age, see M. Hammond, The Antonine Monarchy, 238.
For a discussion of Commodus' association with Hercules, see
Rostovtzeff, "Commodus-Hercules," 104-6.
Herodian spells out the emperor's metamorphosis in detail (1.14.8).

[[14]]See Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor," 114. He argues this general date because a papyrus from Egypt's Fayum records Hercules in Commodus' title on 11 October 192.

[[15]]For a preliminary example, Herodian writes (1.13.8), "people in general responded well to him."

[[16]]As Dio reports, Commodus, with his own hands, gave the finishing stroke to five hippopotami at one time. Commodus also killed two elephants, several rhinoceroses, and a giraffe with the greatest of ease. (Cass. Dio, 73.10), and with his left hand (ibid., 73.19). Herodian maintains that from his specially constructed terrace which encircled the arena (enabling Commodus to avoid risking his life by fighting these animals at close quarters), the emperor also killed deer, roebuck, various horned animals, lions, and leopards, always killing them painlessly with a single blow. He purportedly killed one hundred leopards with one hundred javelins, and he cleanly shot the heads off countless ostriches with crescent-headed arrows. The crowd cheered as these headless birds continued to run around the amphitheater (1.15-4-6; for Commodus' popularity at these brutal spectacles, see Birley, The African Emperor, 86) (and Dio tells his readers that in public Commodus was less brutal than he was in private [73.17ff]).

[[17]] According to Herodian (1.15-17), "In his gladiatorial combats, he defeated his opponents with ease, and he did no more than wound them, since they all submitted to him, but only because they knew he was the emperor, not because he was truly a gladiator."

[[18]]Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.360.

[[19]]Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[20]] Mattingly, RIC, III.361. For Commodus' propaganda of peace, see W. Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.392.

[[21]] W. Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.392-3. In 189 a coin type was issued with the legend Romulus Conditor, perhaps indicating he began the official renaming process during that year. For a discussion on Commodus as Romulus, see A. D. Nock, "The Emperor's Divine Comes," Journal of Roman Studies 37 (1947), 103.

[[22]] HA, Comm. 7.1; Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[23]]Mattingly, RIC, III.361. See also, Webber, "The Antonines," CAH, XI.386.

[[24]]The title Felix is first used by the emperor Commodus, and is used in the titles of almost all successive emperors to the fifth century. See, D. Fishwick, The Imperial Cult in the Latin West (Leiden, 1987-91), 473.
HA, Comm., 12.315; Cass. Dio, 73.15; Herodian, I.14.9. These new names for the months seem to have actually been used, at least by the army, as confirmed by Tittianus' Altar. See M. P. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army," Journal of Roman Studies 83 (1993), 112.

[[25]] Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[26]]Legions:Idem.; the Grain fleet: SHA, Comm., 12.7. For a further discussion of Commodus' newly named fleet, see, A. Garzetti, From Tiberius to the Antonines, 547. For coins issued extolling the fleet, see Mattingly, CBM, IV.clxix; RIC, III.359; the Senate: Cass. Dio, 73.15; the Imperial Palace: SHA, Comm., 12.7; the Roman People: Ibid., 15.5.

[[27]]Cass. Dio, 73.15.

[[28]]Mattingly, CBM, IV.clxxxiv.

[[29]]Eusebius, Hist.Ecc., 5.21.1.

[[30]]For a discussion of the treatment of Christianity during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus as well as persecutions during the reign of Commodus, see Keresztes, "A Favorable Aspect," 374, 376-377.

[[31]]Herodian, 1.16.4; Dio, 73.4. A Medallion from early 192 shows Commodus juxtaposed with the goddess Roma, which some scholars have argued incorporates the features of Marcia. See, Roman Medallions, "Introduction." Commodus was married, however, to a woman named Crispina. He commissioned several coins early in his rule to honor her.

[[32]]The Christian apologist Hippolytus tells that she was a Christian (Philos. 9.2.12), Dio tells that she simply favored the Christians (73.4). Herodian does not take a stand on the matter either way (1.16.4).

[[33]]Cass. Dio, 73.15. He pronounces Commodus' edict that his rule should be henceforth called the "Golden Age."

[[34]]H. Parker and B.H. Warmington note that Commodus..."resorted to government by means of favorites...which was exacerbated by an abortive conspiracy promoted by Lucilla and Ummidius Quadratus (182)." (OCD2, col. 276).

[[35]]Herodian, 1.17.2-11; Dio Cass., 73.22; SHA, Comm.,17.1-2.

Copyright (C) 1998, Dennis Quinn. This file may be copied on the condition that the entire contents, including the header and this copyright notice, remain intact. Used by Permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.


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