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German States Hannover. Wilhelm IV 1830 - 1837. Copper 2 Pfennige 1836 A191 viewsGerman States Hannover. Wilhelm IV 1830 - 1837. Copper 2 Pfennige 1836 A. KON HANNOVER SCHEIDE MUNZE, crowned shield decorated with prancing horse / 2 PFENNIGE 1836 A
KM 167.1
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ROMAN EMPIRE, NUMERIAN, Lugdunum mint, struck April 283 AD, silvered Denarius191 viewsIMP NVMERIANVS AVG laureate-headed and cuirassed bust right holding spear.
SPES PVBLICA Numerian and Carinus on horseback right.
Cohen 90 (20 Fr.), Bastien 526
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Roman, Gordian III AR Antoninianus 191 viewsBritanikus
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Slovakia, Gerulata 191 viewsRoman military camp located near today's Rusovce, a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia. It was part of the Roman province Pannonia and built in the 2nd century as a part of the Limes Romanus system. It was abandoned in the 4th century, when Roman legions withdrew from Pannonia.
Today there is a museum, which is part of the Bratislava City Museum.
The most preserved object is a quadrilateral building 30 metres long and 30 metres wide, with 2.4 metre thick walls.Bohemian
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Roman Empire, Tacitus (275-276 A.D.), T-3371, RIC V-I 160var, Ticinum, AE-Antoninianus, SALVS PVBLI, -/-//T, Bust-B1, Salus standing right, #1191 views110 Tacitus (275-276 A.D.), T-3371, RIC V-I 160var, Ticinum, AE-Antoninianus, SALVS PVBLI, -/-//T, Bust-B1, Salus standing right, #1
avers:- IMP-CM-CL-TACITVS-AVG, Bust right, radiate, cuirassed. B1.
revers:- SALVS_PVBLI, Salus standing right, feeding snake held in r. hand from patera held in l. hand. Salus 2.
exerg: -/-//T, diameter: 22-23mm, weight: 3,95g, axes: 6h,
mint: Ticinum, 1st.issue, 3rd.off., date: 275 AD., ref: RIC-160var.,T-(Estiot)-3371, C-, LV 1342,
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RIC 1407 Vespasian191 viewsAR Denarius, 2.89g
Ephesus mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP•CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r.; below, horizontal Φ
RIC 1407 (R), BMC 437. RSC 291. RPC 813 (6 spec.). BNC 335.
Ex CNG E281, 20 June 2012, lot 301.
A unique to this mint denarius type minted early in the reign. The turreted female bust symbolises the world and the legend advertises the world peace brought by Vespasian. Flavian propaganda at its most positive.
Both portraits are in fine style and high relief.David Atherton
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Roman Empire, Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II Not in , Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-A, -/-//KA•Γ•, Emperor riding right, IMP DEO ET DOMINO PROBO AVG, Extr. rare.!191 views112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II Not in , Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-A, -/-//KA•Î“•, Emperor riding right, IMP DEO ET DOMINO PROBO AVG, Extr. rare.!
Probus (276-282) AE Antoninianus VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Serdica,
"This is a rare coin. I know only 2 other similar coins, both in private hands, none in public collections. One belongs to Philippe Gysen's collection, the other is CNG MBS 69, 8/6/2005, 1699 (the one which appears on Grzegorz's Probus site http://bkgk.powweb.com/probvs/rev-reverses.html ). The three coins appear to share the same pair of dies." by S. Estiot. Many thanks S. Estiot
avers:- IMP-DEO-ET-DOMINO-PROBO-AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from back.
revers:- VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Emperor riding left, right hand raised, left holding sceptre; at foot, captive.
exergo: -/-//KA•Î“•, diameter: 24mm, weight: 3,56g, axes:6h,
mint: Serdica 4ht emission, date: 279 A.D., ref: Not in RIC !!! extr. rare,
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020 Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² 0937, RIC II(1962) 103, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS VIII, Rome standing left, #1191 views020 Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² 0937, RIC II(1962) 103, Rome, AR-Denarius, COS VIII, Rome standing left, #1
avers: IMP CAESAR VESPSIANVS AVG, Laureate head right.
reverse: COS VIII, Mars standing left, holding spear and trophy.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,5-19,0 mm, weight: 2,99g, axis: 5h,
mint: Rome, date: 77-78 A.D., ref: RIC² 0937, RIC II(1962) 103, BMC 200, RSC 125,
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Roman Empire, Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 877, Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-G, -/-//KA•Γ•, Emperor riding right, #1191 views112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 877, Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-G, -/-//KA•Î“•, Emperor riding right, #1
avers:- IMP-C-M-AVR-PROBVS-P-F-AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right, seen from front. (G)
revers:- VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Emperor riding right, spearing enemy, shield beneth the horse.
exergo: -/-//KA•Î“•, no exergual line, diameter: 22-22,5mm, weight: 3,66g, axes:5h,
mint: Serdica 4ht emission, date: 277 A.D.,(80-81 A.D.), ref: RIC-V-II-877, p-113,
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BYZANTINE, Justinian I, AE 20 Nummi 191 viewsCyzicus Mint. Yr.25 (AD 551/2)
AD 527-565
19.13 grams
Obv. D. N. IVSTINIANVS PP . AVG. – Helmeted and cuir. Bust facing, holding gl. Cr. And shield; to r. cross
Rev. Large K; above, cross; to l., A/N/N/O; to r., numerals representing the regnal year; beneath officina letter
Sear #165Richard M10
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001a Marc Antony ( 83-30 B.C.), Crawf 544-26, AR-denarius, LEG XII, ANT AVG III VIR•R•P•C•, Praetorian galley right, #1191 views001a Marc Antony ( 83-30 B.C.), Crawf 544-26, AR-denarius, LEG XII, ANT AVG III VIR•R•P•C•, Praetorian galley right, #1
avers: LEG XII, legionary eagle (Aquila) between two standards.
reverse: ANT AVG III VIR•R•P•C•, Praetorian galley sailing right, mast with banners at the prow.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,0-18,5mm, weight: 3,39g, axes: 5h,
mint: Legionary Denarius, date: 32-31 B.C., ref: Crawford 544/26, Sydenham 1230, RSC 41,
After Cleaning
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Hostilian as Caesar (250-251 A.D.), Moesia, Viminacium, PM 04-01-08, AE-Sestertius, #01191 views082p Hostilianus (250-251 A.D.), Moesia, Viminacium, PM 04-01-08, AE-Sestertius, #01
avers:- G-VAL-ROST-M-QVIHTVS-CAE, bare headed,cuirassed bust right .
revers:- PMSC-OL-VIM, Moesia standing facing, head left, extending hands to bull and lion standing at feet on either side.
exergo: -/-//AN-XII, diameter: 26mm, weight: 10,55g, axis: h,
mint: Moesia, Viminacium, date: 250-251 A.D., ref: Pick-148var, PM-4-01-08, Mus-54var,
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Maximinus I. Thrax, (235-238 A.D.), RIC IV-II 007A, Rome, AR-Denarius, FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, #1191 views065 Maximinus-I. Thrax, (235-238 A.D.), RIC IV-II 007A, Rome, AR-Denarius, FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, #1
avers:- IMP-MAXIMINVS-PIVS-AVG, Laureate, draped bust right, seen from behind.
revers:- FIDES-MI-LITVM, Fides standing left, a standard in each hand.
exerg: , diameter: 18,5-19,5mm, weight: 2,86g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: 235 A.D., ref: RIC-IV-II-7A, p-, RSC-7a,
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020 Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² 0042, RIC II(1962) 029, Rome, AR-Denarius, AVG V R/PON MAX, Sacrificial implements, #1191 views020 Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² 0042, RIC II(1962) 029, Rome, AR-Denarius, AVG V R/PON MAX, Sacrificial implements, #1
avers: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M, Laureate head right.
reverse: AVG V R/ PON MAX, Sacrificial implements: simpulum, aspergillum, jug and lituus.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 16,5-18mm, weight: 3,25g, axes:7h,
mint: Rome, date: 70-72 A.D., ref: RIC² 0042, RIC II(1962) 029, RSC 42, BMC 48,
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113 Carus (282-283 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 111K in, Siscia, -/-//XXIA, CONSECRATIO AVG, Lighted Altar, #2, Rare!!!191 views113 Carus (282-283 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 111K in, Siscia, -/-//XXIA, CONSECRATIO AVG, Lighted Altar, #2, Rare!!!
avers:- DIVO-CARO-PARTHICO, Radiate head right.
revers:- CONSECRATIO-AVG, Lighted Altar with dots in each four corners.
exerg: -/-//XXIA, diameter: 20,5-21,5mm, weight: 3,18g, axes: 5h,
mint: Siscia, 5th. emission,date: A.D., ref: RIC V-II 111K, p-147, Rare !!!
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CIRCUS MAXIMUS, Trajan191 viewsÆ Sestertius (24.27g, Ø32.95mm, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 103-104.
Obv.: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P laureate bust of Trajan right with aegis.
Rev.: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI around, S C in ex., bird's-eys view on the Circus Maximus in Rome, as seen from the Forum Boarium, showing portico in foreground with eleven arched entrances and monumental gate surmounted by quadriga on right, two additional arches, each surmounted by quadriga behind the portico at both ends, the central spina adorned with tall obelisk of Rameses II at center flanked by equestrian statue of Trajan on left and shrine of Cybele on right , the two metae (turning posts) placed at the extremities; at the far side of the Circus, a curved wall incorporating a tetra-style shrine of Sol.
RIC 571 [R] and pl. x, 187 (rev. only); Cohen 546 (Fr.60); Strack 391; BMC 856; Banti 275 (4 spec.); MIR 175c and pl. 28 (citing 20 examples of this variety; same obv. die as plate 175c1; same rev. die as 175a3); RCV 3208 var. (different bust type).
ex G. Henzen (Netherlands, 2000)
The reverse of this sestertius commemorates the completion in AD 103 of a major restoration of the Circus Maximus, following a great fire that had severely damaged the famous arena in the time of the Flavian emperors. The origin of the Circus Maximus, situated in the Murcia valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills, is quite obscure. An enclosure for chariot racing, it had parallel sides and one semicircular end, all fitted with seats for spectators, and an axial rib (spina) marked at each end by turning-posts (metae) dividing the arena into two runs. At the open end were the curved stables (carceres) sufficient to accommodate twelve teams of horses. Traditionally founded by King Tarquinius Priscus, it does not seem to have become a permanent structure until 329 BC (Livy viii. 20.1). In later times, it was much embellished, notably by Augustus who erected on the spina the great Egyptian obelisk of Rameses II from Heliopolis (it now stands in the Piazza del Populo). The vast arena was frequently damaged by the fires that afflicted the imperial capital; on several occasions, there was loss of life when structural failure occurred under the weight of the huge crowds that attended the events. Trajan was himself an ardent fan of the Circus so it is scarcely surprising that he took on the task of restoring the arena. The present specimen is a good example of the rare issue that commemorated the completion of this undertaking. More than a century later (AD 213), the Emperor Caracalla issued a similar type to record his own restoration work on the Circus Maximus. The last recorded games in this celebrated arena took place under the Ostrogothic king Totila in AD 550.
Charles S
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Agrippa191 viewsBust of Agrippa, on show at the "Moi, Auguste" exhibition in the Grand Palais, Paris in 2014. Photo by me, taken in May 2014Constantine IV
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Antony & Octavia tetradrachm191 viewsM ANTONIVS IMP COS DESIG ITER ET TERT
Conjoined heads of Antony and Octavia right, Antony wearing an ivy wreath
III VIR RPC
Dionysus standing left, holding cantharus and thyrsus on cista mystica flanked by two interlaced snakes
Ephesus, summer-autumn 39 BC
11.22g
Imperators 263, RPC 2202, Babelon Antonia 61, Syndenham 1198, BMCRR east 135
Punch mark on the obverse protrudes onto the reverse
Ex-Numisantique
This series of Cistophori from Asia commemorates the marriage of Antony and Octavia and celebrate's Antony's divine status in the east as the "New Dionysus" which was bestowed on him when he arrived in Ephesus in 41 BC. Antony's titulature of "Imperator and Consul designate for the second and third times" fixes the period of issue to the latter part of 39 BC after the Pact of Misenum in July and before Antony's second Imperatorial acclamation in the winter of 39-38BC
Jay GT4
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Parthia, Sellwood 87.15., Vologases V. (191-208 A.D.), BI-Tetradrachm, King left on throne, #1191 viewsParthia, Sellwood 87.15., Vologases V. (191-208 A.D.), BI-Tetradrachm, King left on throne, #1
avers: King head, left, w/multi-strand diadem, loop, and 4 ribbons, curly hair on top, side hair in a bun of concentric curls over the ear, mustache, long triangular beard, earring (?) 2-layer necklace w/central medallion, tunic/cuirass w/ornamental border.
reverse: King, left, on the throne, receiving wreath or diadem from facing goddess in a long robe, between the heads the year HΦ (194/195 AD), exergual line, partial letters around the edge.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 24mm, weight: 13,12g, axes: 0h,
mint: Seleucia, date:HΦ=194/195 A.D., ref: Sellwood 87.15, Shore 444,
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RIC 0019 Vespasian (2)191 viewsAR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER FORT RED; Fortuna, draped, standing l.,setting r. hand on prow and holding cornucopiae in l. hand
RIC 19 (C). BMC 7. RSC 84. BNC 7.
Ex eBay, March 2017.
Early in Vespasian's reign the Rome mint had a hard time getting his portrait right because he spent the balance of his first year as emperor in Egypt. There is a wide variation in portrait types and styles until the mint was able to procure a suitable portrait bust. Some, such as the one on this common Fortuna type, are unmodified Vitellius portraits. Certainly this denarius was one of the first coined for Vespasian at the mint.
A strikingly unusual portrait struck on a large flan.David Atherton
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Julia Soaemias, mother of Elagabalus. Augusta, 218-222 CE.190 viewsAR Denarius (19 mm, 3.0 gm), Rome mint, 220-222 CE.
Obv: IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG, Draped bust right.
Rev: VENVS CAELESTIS, Venus, diademed and standing left, holding apple and scepter; in right field a star.
RIC 241; Cohen 8; RSC 8; Sear 7719 var; BMC 45.
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Augustus RIC I, 86a190 viewsAugustus, 27 BC - AD 14
AR - Denar, 3.74g, 19mm
Colonia Patricia(?), ca. 19 BC - 18 BC
obv. CAESAR AVGVSTVS
bare head r.
rev. SIGNIS above, RECEPTIS under round shield inscribed with CL.V between
eagle l. and standard r. S.P.Q.R. at the corners of the shield
RIC I, 86a; BMCR 417; RSC 265
good VF, toned
The eagle standards were introduced by Marius similar to the Ptolemaic eagle to each of his legions. This issue celebrates the recovery of the 3 eagle-standards 20 BC by Augustus, which were lost by Crassus 53 BC at the battle of Carrhae against the Parthians. The 3 eagles thereafter were erected in the new temple of Mars Ultor on the Forum of Augustus. The day of recovery was determined public holiday.Jochen
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NK (monogram of)190 viewsMACEDON. Thessalonica. Julius Caesar & Augustus. Æ 22. Time of Tiberius. Obv: ΘEOΣ. Laureate head of Caesar right; countermark on neck. Rev: ΘEΣΣAΛO-NIKEΩN, Δ (under bust). Bare head of Augustus right. Ref: BMC 58 v. Axis: 360°. Wright: 11.24 g. CM: Monogram of NK, in circular punch, 6.5 mm. Howgego 625 (25 pcs). Note: Likely the countermark refers to NEPO KAICAP. Collection Automan.Automan
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Greek, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III the Great, 336-323 BC, AV Stater190 viewsObverse shows Athena right.
Certified authentic by David R Sear.
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2. Trajan190 viewsSilver denarius, RIC 40, RSC 214, choice aUNC, Rome mint, 3.374g, 18.2mm, 180o, 100 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate head right; reverse P M TR P COS III P P, Vesta seated left holding patera and torchb70
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Bust and Nike left190 viewsUncertain mint, possibly SYRIA. Uncertain emperor, possibly Trajan. Æ 24.1st century A.D. Obv:Inscription illegible.Outline of imperial head; 2 countermarks: (1) to left of head, on neck. Rev: Worn smooth. Weight: 9.62 g. CM(1): Laureate imperial bust right, in roughly rectangular punch, 5 x 7 mm. Howgego 133 ? (17 pcs). CM(1): Winged figure of Nike walking left, holding wreath in extended hand, in rectangular punch, 4.5 x 6 mm. Howgego -. Collection Automan.Automan
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Countermark of Aurelius and Verus (?)190 viewsUncertain mint, possibly PHOENICIA. Ptolemais (Akko)? Uncertain emperor, possibly Trajan. Æ 22. A.D. 98-117 (?). Obv: Inscription illegible. (Laureate head right?).Rev: Inscription illegible. (Tyche seated right?); countermark. Weight: 9.39 g. CM: Two facing bearded busts (Aurelius and Verus?), in rectangular punch, 6 x 4.5 mm. Howgego 50 ? (2 pcs). Note: Howgego 50 is the only countermark resembling this one, although the identification is uncertain. The speciment illustratd by Howgego, is also heavily worn, though. Collection Automan.Automan
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Herennia Etruscilla-PUDICITIA190 viewsAttribution-RIC 59b-RSC 19
Obv.HER ETRVSCILLA AVG- diademed and draped bust right on crescent
Rev. PVDICITIA AVG- Pudcitia seated left holding sceptre and drawing veil from her face.(chair is highbacked)
Size-23mm
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010. Titus, 79-81AD. AR Denarius.190 viewsAR Denarius. Rome mint 80AD.
Obv. Laureate head right IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM
Rev. Tripod surmounted by dolphin TRP IX IMP XV COS VII PP
RIC II 27. Cohen 321. SEAR 2518.(VF $192 - XF $512). EF
LordBest
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Countermark on Greek coin190 viewsI think that the coin is Kings of Bithynia Prusias I Cholos. 230-182 BC. Head of Apollo left, Nike Athena standing left. Countermarks looks like a Lyre and head of Apollo?
Joe Holderman
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190 viewsAntoninus Pius, AD 138-161
AE – Sestertius
Rome, 145-161 AD
Head, laureate, r.
ANTONINVS PIVS PP TR P
Pax standing l., setting fire with torch to heap of arms and holding cornucopiae
COS IIII, PAX AVG in field, SC in exergue
RIC 777
C
Ardatirion
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Arcadius, AE 2 - *190 viewsAE 2 struck in Alexandria, 3rd officina
D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, Diademed bust of Arcadius right
VIRTS EXERCITI (sic !), Arcadius, standing right, a captive at right foot, holding globe and standard. ALE gamma at exergue
6.28 gr
Ref : RIC # 18, RC #4230, LRBC #2896 varPotator II
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ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Diadumenian, Thrace, Nikopolis ad Istrum190 viewsVery worn, not an exceptional coin, but look at that almost pathetic individual so well captured in bronze! It seems brutally honest.
Diadumenian (Caesar)
Thrace, Nikopolis ad Istrum
AE 11.60g / 26mm / -
Κ Μ ΟΠΕΑ ΔΙΑΔΥΜΕΝΙΑΝΟCΚ - Draped bare head right
CΤΡΟΝ - Artemis advancing right holding bow & drawing arrow from quiver on her back.
Exergue: CΤΡΟΝ
Ref: Moushmov 1303Scotvs Capitis
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027 BC-14 AD - AUGUSTUS & RHOEMETALKES I AE19 - struck 11 BC-12 AD190 viewsobv: BACILEWS POIMHTALKOY (diademed head of Rhoemetalkes right)
rev: KAICAPOC CEBACTOY (bare head of Augustus right)
ref: RPC 1718, SNGCop 1192, BMC 7-9, Moushmov 5782, Jurukova 200.
mint: Byzantion (?), Thracian Kingdom
5.47gms, 19mm
History: The Hellenistic kingdom of Thrace broke up in the 1st century BC - conquered by Rome. Rhoemetalkes I was awarded the kingdom of Thrace by the Romans in 11 BC. After his death in 12 AD, the emperor Augustus divided Thrace between Rhoemetalkes son & brother.berserker
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79-81 AD - TITUS AE sestertius - Paduan 190 viewsobv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII (laureate head left)
rev: IVDAEA CAPTA (Jewess seated right under palm tree, mourning; on left side Jew standing right, heap of arms), S-C in ex.
ref: C.114 (12frcs) Paduan, RIC II 93 (S)
18.35gms, 32mm, bronze
Rare
A well-known Paduan medal after Giovanni Cavino, but this is not the 20th century cast with dark patinated aluminium alloy, and it is in Cohen and RIC catalog as Paduan coin. OK, you say this is a fake, but I say it has room in my collection.berserker
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RIC 0950 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]190 viewsAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VI; Prow r.; above eight pointed star
RIC 950 (R). BMC 226. RSC 68. BNC 202.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
This rare star and prow reverse is shared with Vespasian (not a very common one for him as well!) and is a copy of one issued by Marc Antony. Vespasian copied many types from the past, this is perhaps an odd choice for a reverse considering Antony was an enemy of Octavian. Why this particular type was chosen remains a mystery to me.
The BMC states the star and prow symbolizes the victorious admiral.
This denarius is rated R by the RIC, but as far as it's availability in the market place I would rate it R2! This was a most vexing coin for me to locate, again a friend who shares a common collecting niche as I came to the rescue and offered this one to me.
Quite a nice find. Not only a rare type, but also the portrait is wonderful, imho.
David Atherton
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FRANCE - Henri III190 viewsFRANCE - Henri III (1574 - 1589). Obverse: HENRI • III • R • DE • FRAN • ET • POL • A • (Henry the Third King of France and Poland). Laureate bust of King Henry III right. The A is the Paris Mint Mark.
Reverse: DOVBLE • TOVRNOIS • 1578 • + • Three Flur-de-lis.dpaul7
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Roman Empire, Constantine II RIC VII 9190 viewsObv: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C
laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right
Rev: PROVIDENTIAE CAESS
Camp gate with two
turrets and star above, B left,
CONS in ex.
18mm 3.4gm
unlisted left mark BOWL365
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Italy, Rome, Capitoline Museums, Diana190 viewsCapitoline museumsJ. B.
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TEMPLE, Philip II, AR Antoninianus - Temple of Roma - Antioch190 viewsPhilip II AR Antoninianus - AD249 - Antioch Mint
obv: IMP M JUL PHILIPPUS AUG - Radiate bust right, draped and cuirassed.
rev: SAECULUM NOVUM - Hexastyle temple of Roma with figure inside.
4.2gramsrexesq
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GREEK, Phoenicia, Tyre - Attic didrachm190 viewsTyre. Uzzimilk (?) 357-333 BC. Attic didrachm, 8.67g.
Obv: Bearded god (Melqarth?) riding winged hippocamp to right, holding
bow. Beneath, waves. Guilloche border.
Rx: Owl standing to right, head facing, with crook and flail. In right field,
Phoenician numerals. Guilloche border. Caffaro
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Ptolemy I.190 viewsPtolemy I; 323-310 BC, Alexandria, c. 312-285 BC, AR Tetradrachm, 14.18g. Diademed bust of Ptolemy I r., aegis around neck, within beaded border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ - ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ Eagle standing l. on thunderbolt, P and monogram in l. field, Sv. 252, SNG Cop. 69
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 46, 6.12.1986, lot 332
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Germany Third Reich (Nazi) (1933-1945)190 viewsKm97 - 1 Reichspfennig - 1943-B
Km98 - 5 Reichspfennig - 1940
Km100 - 5 Reichspfennig - 1940-G
Km101 - 10 Reichspfennig - 1943-D
Km87 - 50 Reichspfennig - 1935-A
Km96 - 50 Reichspfennig - 1941-A
Km86 - 5 Marks - 1936-FDaniel F
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Italy, Populonia - mosaic190 viewsThis mosaic was found already in the early 19 th century, it shows many sea animals and a ship wreck.
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RIC 164 Domitian190 viewsAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT II COS VIIII DES X P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 164 (R2). BMC 41. RSC 606. BNC 39.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
Minted between March and 13 September 83 AD, this denarius is part of a series that introduced the four main Minerva reverse types that would dominate the denarii of the reign. The type here, Minerva on rostral column (not prow as normally described), makes it debut as well.
82 saw an increased fineness of the precious metal coinage to Augustan standards, which explains this specimens size and weight - 21 mm, 3.35 grams. A bit of corrosion on the obverse does not detract from a wonderful coin in hand.
Historical note - Mons Graupius, Agricola's climatic battle in Scotland, most likely occurred in the fall of 83 soon after this coin was minted.David Atherton
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C. COELIUS CALDUS190 viewsAR denarius. 51 BC. 3.91 gm, 8h . Bare head of the Consul C. Coelius Caldus right; C. COEL. CALDVS before, COS below, tablet inscribed L D behind / Radiate head of Sol right; S above oval shield ornamented with thunderbolt behind ; round shield below chin. CALDVS III VIR before . Crawford 437/1b; Sydenham 892; RSC Coelia 5.
The ancestor of the monneyer ,also named Gaius Coelius Caldus was a prominent political figure in the late 2nd century BC.Governor of Hispania as proconsul,Consul in 94 BC.He also won significant victories over the Gallic Salluvii in 90 BC,as alluded to by the shields.
As TR P ( Tribunus plebis) he passed the 'Lex Coelia Tabellaria' . The new law allowed jurors serving on cases of treason to decide by secret ballot, rather than 'viva voce' ,(word of mouth.). A tablet would be inscribed with either 'L' (Libero, I absolve) or a" D" (Damno - I condemn).
Himself a monneyer,see RSC Coelia 2 and 3.benito
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022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0119var., RIC II(1962) 0023a, AR-Denarius, Rome, TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, Thunderbolt (wingless) draped table, #1190 views022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0119var., RIC II(1962) 0023a, AR-Denarius, Rome, TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, Thunderbolt (wingless) on the draped table, #1
avers: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, Laureate head right.
reverse: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, Thunderbolt (wingless) on the draped table or chair with one, two or no crossbars.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,28g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 80 A.D., ref: RIC² 0119var., RIC II(1962) 0023a p-119, RSC 316, BMC 51,
Q-001
"This denarius is part of a series that was struck for the lectisternium (religious ceremony) celebrating the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD."quadrans
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Spain, Talaiot de Torellonet Vell190 viewsPlace: Torellonet Vell, Menorca
Country: Spain
The talaiot is the most significant structure of the prehistorical culture of Minorca and Majorca. Its characteristics are very varied but always bears a similarity with a tower. Although some talaiots have been found with an interior room, generally, the area that is used more frequently would be at the top, which is now mostly in ruins.
Nonetheless, the large talaiot depicted in this photo, Torelló 1, still has a well preserved door-window open to the south. It seems that the construction had diverse buildings embedded around it.
Although the excavation of the superior camera gave Roman chandeliers and ceramics, the remains of a factory of brass foundry was found west of the talaiot (where several molds, a faulty axe and Talaiotic ceramic were located) which seem to date the construction of the monument before the beginning of the 1st millennium BC.
Viriathus
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171 Leo I. (457-474 A.D.), Constantinopolis, RIC X 674, -/-//CON, AE-4, Lion crouching left, #1190 views171 Leo I. (457-474 A.D.), Constantinopolis, RIC X 674, -/-//CON, AE-4, Lion crouching left, #1
avers:- D N LEO P F AVG, Bust draped and cuirassed, pearl diademed.
revers:- No legend, Lion crouching left head right, within wreath, which are broken by mint-mark.
exe: -/-//CON, diameter: 10-10,5 mm, weight: 0,80g, axis: 6h,
mint: Constantinopolis, date: A.D., ref: RIC X 674, p-293
Q-001
quadrans
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Griffin - Gallienus190 viewsObverse:- GALLIENVSAVG, Head right with radiate crown
Reverse:- APOLLINICONSAVG, Griffin left
Exergue:- Deltanogoodnicksleft
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GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III the great, Tetradrachm190 viewsstruck by Kassandros in the name of Alexander III
Pella
317-314 BC
head of young Heracles in lionskin right
Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter
boeotian shield left; snake under the throne
AΛEΞANΔPOY
Price 249; SNG Copenhagen 728. Muller 754
17,19g
ex CNG
ex Aurea auction 49J. B.
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RIC 770 Domitian190 viewsAR Denarius, 3.27g
Rome mint, 95 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva adv r., with spear and shield (M1)
RIC 770 (C2). BMC 222. RSC 288. BNC 199.
Ex Dionysos Numismatik, eBay, April 2014.
Domitian took the consulship for the seventeenth time in 95, so this coin can be dated between 1 January and 13 September of that year. Many of the portraits from this issue and the following one show Domitian with slightly raised 'eyes toward heaven' - as seen on this example. Mattingly postulated this as 'lofty aspirations' or even that it is modelled upon the great Equus Domitiani statue erected in 91! Whatever the reason for the portait style, it is indeed a remarkable feature of the late issues and is either the image Domitian wished to project or the product of one or more talented die engravers producing these unique portraits without any direction from above.
A fairly common coin in fine late period style. David Atherton
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Seuthes III Bronze Head (Reproduction)190 viewsThe bronze head of Seuthes III was found ritually buried outside his tomb at Kazanlak. The photo is of a reproduction made to look as the head would have looked new. The actual bronze head is in remarkable similar condition with a slightly rougher greener patina and the eyes are plain green bronze.Joe Sermarini
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Byzantine Lead Seal, #35,190 viewsByzantine Lead Seal, #35,
avers:
revers: +/ΛOΓVC/ΦVLATTω/ΦVΛAKOC/KωN in five row.
diameter: 19mm,
weight: 7,60g,
Q-001
"+/ΛOΓVC/ΦVLATTω/ΦVΛAKOC/KωN "
"I guard the words of Konstantinos Phylax" - Your seal is published by Laurent, in his Corpus, vol. II, no 671, dated mid 12th century. Alexandra Wassiliou-Seibt dates it last third 11th century in her Corpus of Byzantine metric seals (no 1333). by Gert , thank you Gert.quadrans
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120 Maximianus Herculeus (285-286 Caesar, 286-305, 307-308 & 310 A.D. Augustus), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 454, AE-Ant., -/-//--, VIRTVTI AVG G, Hercules standing right, #1190 views120 Maximianus Herculeus (285-286 Caesar, 286-305, 307-308 & 310 A.D. Augustus), Lugdunum, RIC V-II 454, AE-Ant., -/-//--, VIRTVTI AVG G, Hercules standing right, #1
avers:- IMP C MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust right.
revers:- VIRTVTI AVG G, Hercules standing right, wrestling the Nemean lion; club to left.
exergo: -/-//--, diameter: 21,5-23,5mm, weight: 3,47g, axis: 6h,
mint: Lugdunum, date: 289 A.D., ref: RIC-V-II-454, p-272,
Q-001quadrans
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076b Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), RIC IV-III 230, Rome, AR-Antoninianus, LIBERALITAS AVG G III, Philip I, and Philip II seated left on curule chairs, #1190 views076b Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), RIC IV-III 230, Rome, AR-Antoninianus, LIBERALITAS AVG G III, Philip I, and Philip II seated left on curule chairs, #1
avers: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: LIBERALITAS AVG G III, Philip I, holding a short scepter, and Philip II seated left on curule chairs.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 21-22,5 mm, weight: 4,40 g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: 247 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-III 230, RSC 17, Sear 2664, VM 4,
Q-001quadrans
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112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 157, Rome, ADVENTVS AVG, Bust B-F, -/-//R ͜• Z, Emperor riding left, #1190 views112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 157, Rome, ADVENTVS AVG, Bust B-F, -/-//R Íœ• Z, Emperor riding left, #1
avers: IMP PRO BVS AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right. (B,F)
reverse: ADVEN TVS AVG, Emperor riding left, right hand raised, left holding sceptre; at foot, captive.
exergue: -/-//R Íœ• Z, diameter: 23,0-24,0mm, weight: 3,87g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 279-A.D., 4th. emission, 7th officina, ref: RIC V-II 157-4-7-B, MPR 385,
Q-001quadrans
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Ostrogoth, Gepid, (The age of exodus/Dark ages) Sirmium, AR-1/4-Siliqua, "Anastasius" type, Alain Gennari No: 090, Monogram of Theoderich (Alain Gennari type 18), Rare!190 viewsOstrogoth, Gepid, (The age of exodus/Dark ages) Sirmium, AR-1/4-Siliqua, "Anastasius" type, Alain Gennari No: 090, Monogram of Theoderich (Alain Gennari type 18), Rare!
avers: D N ANASTASIVS P AV, Diademed and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: VIN VITA ✠ A ROMANI *, Stylized "Theoderich" monogram (Alain Gennari type 18).
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 21,0mm, weight: 0,78g, axis: 1h,
mint: Sirmium ,date: 493-526 A.D., ref: Alain Gennari 090, (avers type: 47, reverse type :64, monogram type: 18), Rare!
Q-001
This coin attributed by the Alain Gennari article:
"The "Sirmium group": about the so-called Gepids siliquae
With a specific catalogue -2ⁿᵈ edition, Parma Oktober 2017"
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=113140.0quadrans
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MANUEL Half Tetarteron S-1979 DOC 22189 viewsMonogram 57. Rev. No Legend Bust of Manuel facing, beardless, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum and gl.cr. Uncertain Greek Mint. 18mm Very Fine DOC 22
Simon
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Vespasian, Pax reverse189 viewsvespasian 71 AD,minted in lugdunum
Vespasian AE Dupondius. 71 AD. IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III, radiate head right / PAX AVG S-C, Pax standing left, sacrificing from patera over flaming altar to left, holding caduceus & branch
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S (lunate sigma)189 viewsBITHYNIA. Tium. Caracalla. Æ 26. A.D. 209-217. Obv: ANTΩNEINOC-AVΓOVCTO(C). Laureate head right; countermark on neck. Rev: TIA-NΩN. Aesculapis standing facing, head left, holding serpent-encircled staff. Ref: BMC -; SNG von Aulock 965. Axis: 30°. Weight: 9.97 g. CM: S (lunate sigma) in circular punch, 7 mm. Howego 809 (47 pcs). Note: While the latest coin bearing this countermark listed by Howgego was issued for Gordian III, considering that other coins bearing denominational countermarks were issues as late as Hostilian, the countermark was likely not applied until the time of Valerian and Gallienus. Collection Automan.Automan
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C. Coelius Caldus, 104 B.C.189 viewsSilver denarius, S 196, Craw 318/1a, Syd 582, RSC Coelia 2, gVF, 3.856g, 19.0mm, 180o, Rome mint, 104 B.C.; obverse head of Roma left in winged helmet; reverse Victory in a biga left holding reins in both hands, F• (control letter) above, C•COIL below, CALD in ex;b70
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Thrace, Thasos * Satyr | Amphora, AR Trihemiobol, 479-336 BC.189 views
Satyr | Amphora, Silver Trihemiobol
Obv: Nude, bearded Satyr with long extended tail (only trace-visible here), kneeling left, holding kantharos to front in extended right hand, left hand on hip.
Rev: Classical amphora, ØAS up-vertical in left field, ION down-vertical in right field, set in incuse square.
Exergue: None.
Mint: Thasos
Struck: 479-336 BC.
Size: 12.10 mm
Weight: 0.82 grm.
Die axis: 90°
Condition: Very fine. Bright, clear, lustrous, distinct devices and ethnic, and excellent relief overall.
Refs:*
BMC. 3, 53-6
Sear, GCATV, 1755(v), pg. 173
Tiathena
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Divo 222. 1688, Prise de Phillipsbourg.189 viewsObv. Bust right LUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS
Rev. Victory standing on urn from which water flows, holding arrow, fortified city behind PROVIDENTER PHILLIPIBURGUM EXFUG MDCLXXXVIII
Commemorates the capture of the German city of Phillipsbourg by French forces.LordBest
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HUNGARY - Maximilian I189 viewsHungary - Denar 1567 K-B, Maximilian II (1564-1576) - Fine. Huszar 992 Obv: ·MAX·II·D·G·E·RO·I·S·AV·G·HV·B·R Rev: PATRONA·*·VNGARIE. dpaul7
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[1108a] Trajan Decius, July 249 - June or July 251 A.D. 189 viewsSilver antoninianus, RIC 11b, RSC 4, choice EF, Rome mint, 3.923g, 23.3mm, 0o, 249 - 251 A.D.; Obverse: IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, from behind; Reverse: ADVENTVS AVG, Trajan Decius on horseback left, raising right hand and holding scepter. Ex FORVM.
De Imperatoribus Romanis,
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors
Trajan Decius (249-251 A.D.) and Usurpers During His Reign
Geoffrey Nathan and Robin McMahon
Geoffrey Nathan
San Diego State University
Early Life and Public Career
Any discussion of Decius (and for most third century emperors) must be prefaced by an understanding that the historical tradition is incomplete, fragmentary, and not wholly trustworthy. Any reconstruction of his life and reign will therefore be to some degree speculative. With that caveat in mind, Gaius Messius Quintus Decius was born, to a provincial yet aristocratic Senatorial family during the transitional Severan age, possibly in 201. His family may have been from Italian stock, although that is by no means certain. Attempts to describe his life previous to the consulship are problematic, although he did serve as governor in Moesia in the mid-230's. That also means that Decius probably had been a member of the Senate for some time. We know little else about his early life, other than at some point he married Herennia Cupressenia Etruscilla, apparently from the Senatorial ordo as well. His political fortunes rose in the troubled 240's. As instability grew in the mid-third century, Philip the Arab charged Decius, suffect consul for 249, with restoring order along the Danubian frontier. In addition to the border unrest, a low-level army officer, Tiberius Claudius Marinus Pacatianus, had led a rebellion of the armies in Pannonia and Moesia. For a short time, Marinus apparently claimed the imperial purple and along with movements of the Gepidae, represented a clear threat to the stability of Philip's rule.
Philip's decision to send Decius was perhaps more motivated by political expediency than by any great confidence in his military abilities. Decius had an aristocratic pedigree, and so was likely to have been a popular choice with a Senate that was increasingly doubtful of Philip's abilities. He was also a native of Sirmium in Pannonia Inferior, and so was likely familiar with the intricacies of life and politics in the region. Finally, he had, of course, served as governor of the wayward province, and thus undoubtedly had connections there among the civil and military curia--ones that Philip hoped Decius could exploit. Thus, the consul was charged with restoring order along one of the Empire's most problematic borders. Accompanied by his son, Herennius, Decius traveled to Moesia, probably to reclaim the Legio IV Flavia Felix and possibly the Legio XI, both of which were stationed in that province.
Shortly before his arrival, Marinus was killed and local troops quickly named Decius emperor, encouraging him to assert this newfound responsibility in a war against Philip. Philip's inability to deal decisively with the worsening military crises on the borders, the fear of punishment, and the opportunity for enrichment no doubt motivated the soldiers to place the purple on a local leader--a now increasingly common practice. Decius' lineage also probably appealed to traditionalists in Rome, who begrudged Philip his humble origins and his possible involvement in the death of Gordian III. Philip led out an army in June of 249 to meet his newest rival for the purple and at an unknown location (possibly Verona or Beroea) lost the battle. Whether Philip died in the fighting or was assassinated by his own troops--another increasingly common practice--is unknown. Philip's son, Philip Junior, recently made an Augustus, was quickly put to death by the Praetorian Guard in Rome. Decius was the first emperor to come from the Balkans region. How much he wanted to serve is unknown. While this account undoubtedly contains fictional elements, with several popular literary topoi, the rough outlines of the story are undoubtedly true: we have epigraphic evidence in July for support among the Pannonian Legio X, suggesting that Decius owed his accession in no small part to local troops
Publicity and Power
The victory of an established Senatorial aristocrat was one that seemed to reassert the authority and place of traditional political power, despite the means of Decius' ascension. The new emperor, no doubt aware of the perils of his position, seems to have embarked upon a highly conservative program of imperial propaganda to endear himself to the Roman aristocracy and to the troops who had thrust the purple upon him. One of his earliest acts was to take the honorific name of Trajan, whose status as the greatest of all emperors after Augustus was now becoming firmly established. The fact that Trajan had commanded legions in Upper Germany and had close links to both Pannonia and Moesia at the time of his accession invited the comparison. The name was cleverly chosen: Trajan had been an active and successful general throughout his reign, but had also established a reputation for a widely popular civil government.
Decius also served as consul in every year of his reign and took for himself traditional republican powers, another way to underscore his authority and conservatism. He even tried to revive the long defunct office of censor in 251, purportedly offering it to the future emperor, Valerian. Decius moreover portrayed himself as an activist general and soldier. In addition to leading military campaigns personally, he often directly bestowed honors upon his troops, high and low alike. He also holds the dubious distinction of being the first emperor to have died fighting a foreign army in battle. Finally, in 250, he associated his sons Herennius and Hostilianus in his rule by making them Caesars, eventually raising the former (and elder) to Augustus. Undoubtedly, Decius sought to create a dynasty in much the same way the Gordians had in the previous decade. This traditionalism may to be a large extent, however, a construction rather than a reality. When we abandon the literary tradition and look instead at other forms of evidence, his imperial aims are less clear. The legal record, extremely thin, is only vaguely supportive of a conservative policy: most of his surviving enactments deal with private law issues consistent with earlier Severan jurisprudence.
On the other hand in late 249, when Decius returned to Rome, he embarked upon an active building program in the capital. After a destructive fire, he extensively restored the Colosseum. He later commissioned the opulent Decian Baths along the Aventine. He perhaps also was responsible for the construction of the Decian Portico. Such activities contrasted to a twenty-year period of relative building inactivity. Both the kind of building projects and their stylistic qualities suggest an attempt to recall the glories of the past. The numismatic evidence also suggests some degree of traditionalism. It is there that we see the first references to Trajan Decius, as well as an association with both Pannonia and Dacia. His Liberitas and Uberitas issues, combined with his wife's Pudicitia and his sons' Princeps Iuventi coins, all seem to rearticulate traditional ideology. Legends tend to be conservative, so this is hardly surprising, but there were no great innovations to suggest a new set of ideological principles. In sum, while the literary reconstructions of Decius' life are problematic, it seems clear that traditionalism was an important factor in his administration, especially in the wake of Philip's reign.
The Persecution of Christians
Another possible aspect of this conservatism was a reported wide-scale attack on the growing Christian minority. The third century saw the slow creation of sizeable communities in the Empire's urban populations. For the first time, if we are to believe Christian sources, an Empire-wide persecution of Christians was begun under Decius. The state required all citizens to sacrifice to the state gods and be in receipt of a libellus, a certificate from a temple confirming the act. The rationale for the emperor's actions, however, is not entirely clear. Eusebius writes he did so because he hated Philip, who purportedly was a secret Christian. Probably the enmity was real, but it seems unconnected to the introduction of these policies. More likely, if Decius did indeed seek to persecute Christians, he was reacting to the growing visibility of the religion, especially in the city of Rome itself. One of the more prominent martyrs of the age was Fabian, the bishop of the imperial capital.
But the new policy of public religiosity was much more probably a program to reassert traditional public piety, consistent with some of the other conservative initiatives introduced during the emperor's short reign. The libelli themselves were largely generalized in nature and language, and there is no implication that they were directed at any one group per se. Whatever intended effect it may have had on Christianity was thus to a degree unplanned. Christians would have no doubt seen it differently. It is possible then that fourth and fifth century Christian polemicists have misinterpreted (whether purposefully or not) Decius' libelli. In the particular cases of Eusebius and Lactantius, both wrote in the wake of the great persecution of Diocletian and no doubt magnified upon the theme of the tyrant-persecutor. A hostile tradition notwithstanding, the new requirements did impact Christians most acutely, causing considerable division in the growing ranks of the new religion.
Imperial and Military Problems
Like other third century emperors, Decius was not free of threats to his authority, either from within or without. The revolt of Jotapianus, either in Syria or Cappadocia, had actually begun in Philip's reign, but was quickly quelled after Decius' accession. Probably the usurper's own soldiers murdered the would-be emperor, since the accounts state that his body was delivered to Decius while still in Rome in the summer of 249.
A potentially more serious revolt broke out while Decius was out of Rome in 250 fighting the Goths. Julius Valens Licinianus, also a member of the Senatorial aristocracy with some popular support, took the purple at the Empire's capital. It appears to have been relatively short-lived grab for power, ending in a few days with his execution. The governor of Macedon, Titus Julius Priscus, also permitted himself to be proclaimed Augustus at Philippopolis towards the end of 251, probably with Gothic collusion. The Senate declared him a public enemy almost as soon as he chose usurpation. He probably survived Decius, but is likely to have perished when Gallus became emperor.
Of greater concern than sporadic rebellions, which were relatively minor, were the vitreous northern borders. For the first time, a new and aggressive Germanic people, the Goths, crossed into and raided Roman territory in the 250's. At the time of Decius' forced accession, the Gepidae and the Carpi were both raiding deep into the Moesian provinces. They, along with the Goths, raided Pannonia and Dacia as well. Decius was forced to fight campaigns each year of his reign, doing his best to keep the borders stable.
His final campaign in 251 led to the death of his son, Herennius, and to his own. Decius led a successful attack on the Carpi, pushing them out of Dacia. But Moesia Inferior had been left largely undefended and Cniva, king of the Goths, led a sizeable portion of his army into the province. The emperor, after chasing the Germanic force around the region, engaged Cniva's forces outside of Philippopolis, which had recently been sacked by the king and held by the rebel, Priscus. It was here that his elder son was slain by an arrow and the emperor, seeking to reassure his troops, famously proclaimed that the death of one soldier was not a great loss to the Republic. Cniva then led his troops homeward, laden with the spoils of war. The loss became Decius' undoing. Trebonianus Gallus, one of the emperor's commanders, may have revolted, although it is not entirely clear. Instead of regrouping his forces and re-securing the borders, Decius unwisely sought to chase down Cniva before he left Roman territory. His decision may have been motivated by his son's death (despite his insistence otherwise) or it may have been an attempt to salvage what had been a failed campaign. In either case, it was ill-advised.
It was at Abrittus, about 100 kilometers northeast of Nicopolis that Decius finally met his death. Hoping to cut off Cniva's escape route (and perhaps minimize any help from Gallus), Decius' army was itself cut off in the marshy terrain. The details are sketchy, but Cniva divided his seventy thousand man army into three groups and surrounded the emperor's force. On July 1st, the emperor and most of his troops were slain. In the aftermath, the survivors named Trebonianus Gallus emperor, a decision subsequently confirmed by the Senate. Some contemporaries called the death tragic; others heroic. An Altar of Decius was erected where the emperor fell, still apparently famous two centuries later. Decius and Herennius may have even been deified. Christian polemicists, as might be expected, took pleasure in describing Decius' body being stripped and left on the battlefield to be devoured by animals. Whatever else, his was the first death of an emperor at the hands of an enemy of Rome. But even the account of his death, along with that of his son, must be looked on suspiciously. Their deaths bring to mind the sacrificial devotions of the famous Republican Decii father and son, P. Decius Mus senior and junior. The circumstances of Decius' death, therefore, are perhaps as opaque as those of his accession.
Assessment
In spite of gaining some modicum of praise from both ancient and modern observers, Decius' reign was not well-suited to the demands of a rapidly changing empire. Conservatism may have been popular among a certain portion of the Roman elite, but the old aristocracy's power and influence all but disappeared in the third century. Decius clearly had a broader vision of what he wanted to accomplish in his reign than many of his contemporaries, and certainly he was vigorous, but he was also a man who was not sufficiently flexible when the moment called for it. His religious policy caused major disruptions in Rome and; in contrast to some of the other barracks emperors, Decius proved himself less than apt when dealing with Rome's Germanic foes. His death may have been heroic, but it was unnecessary and unsuccessful. This best sums up Decius Trajan's reign.
Ancient Sources
Relatively little remains about Decius' reign. If there were a biography of Decius in the SHA, it no longer survives, although there are scattered references to his rule in the biographies of Claudius II Gothicus and Aurelian. Zosimus, i: 21-23, Aurelius Victor, 29-30, Zonaras 12, Eutropius 9, Jordanes Get. 17-8, and Sylvius Polemius 37-40 have brief accounts of his reign. There are fragments in John of Antioch, fr. 148 and Dexippus, fr. 18. Eusebius, vi: 39-41, vii:1, 11, 22, and viii:4, discusses his persecution, and there are passing references to his persecution in Socrates and Lactantius. Inscriptions and coinage are relatively abundant.
Copyright (C) 2002, Geoffrey Nathan and Robin McMahon. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis, An Online Encyclopedia of the Roman Emperors and their Families; http://www.roman-emperors.org/decius.htm. Used by permission.
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
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Constantius II solidus, Antioch, 337-361 AD189 viewsConstantius II
AV – Solidus, 21 mm, 4.05g
Antioch, 337-361 AD
FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG
draped, cuirassed bust r.
GLORIA REI-PVBLICAE
Roma and Constantinopolis seated holding hield with VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX
SMANI in ex.
RIC VIII Antioch 83Ardatirion
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Agrippa As Neptune189 viewsObv.
M AGRIPPA L F COS III
Head right, wearing Rostral Crown
Rev.
SC
Neptune standing facing, looking right, arms draped holding trident and dolphinancientdave
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Italy, Pompeii - Forum189 viewsJ. B.
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Italy, Sicily, Syracuse - Ear of Dionysius189 viewscave in stone quarries, also used as prisons in ancient timesJ. B.
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CITY-GATE, Norwich Halfpenny 1792189 viewsNot that old, but it matches the category. This is a Norwich Halfpenny token from 1792. OBVERSE: The Armorial bearings of the City of Norwich. (A castle triple-towered, in base a lion passant gardant.)
Legend: MAY NORWICH FLOURISH. PRO BONO PUBLICO
Reverse - Arms: (Gules, on a bend between six crosses crosslets fitchée argent, an escutcheon or, charged with a demi-lion [a lion on the token], rampant pierced through the mouth with an arrow, within a double tressure flory, counter-flory gules.) [The tressure is not so shown, and the tincture would be impossible to engrave at this minute scale] of the Howard Family — the Duke of Norfolk's. Behind the shield are two truncheons or Marshal's staves, in saltire or, enamelled at each end sable. [This tincture is omitted on the token.]
Legend: NORFOLK AND NORWICH HALFPENNY. 1792
Edge: PAYABLE AT N. BOLINGBROKES HABERDASHER &C NORWICH .X.Aarmale
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Crete Drachm189 viewsObv: IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GER DAC PART
REV: DIKTYNNA
Nymph Diktynna seated l. on pile of rocks, holding spear and infant Zeus, helmeted Curetes to either side with swords and shields, who are making noise to cover up Zeus' crying (so that Cronos cannot find him and swallow him like his siblings).
18mm, 2.69g
BMC 15klausklage
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Panther and Pan, Caracalla189 views197 - 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, Thrace Jurokova S. 170 Rarelaney
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CHINA - Republic189 viewsCHINA - Republic (1911-1949) Brass 10 Cash, c. 1920. Y-302a. dpaul7
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Barbaric Constantine I189 viewsObv:nonsense
helmet, cuirassed bust right
Rev:VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP type
two Victories standing facing one another
holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar
17 mm 2.1 gmOWL365
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Roman, Postumus, mint of Milan, FIDES EQVIT, c.268-9189 viewsI thought this one probably the worthiest of my Postumus portraits - an issue from Milan during the period when Aureolus held the city and struck issues in Postumus' name, c.268-9
IMP POSTVMVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
FIDES EQVIT, Fides seated left, -/-//P.
Normanby 1369.
Ex-Cottenham hoard.
Adrianus
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Roman Empire, Gallienus - Antoninianus189 viewsAntioch Mint
GALLIENVS AVG
Draped and radiate bust right
AETETNITAS AVG (sic) for AETERNITAS AVG
She wolf and twins to right - no palm at exergue
4,20 gr, full silvered
Ref: unpublished with this error
Other exemplar known: ?
If you are another example or any information please contact mebyzancia
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Sear 1137A - Follis - 643-644 AD (Year 3) - Ravenna mint189 viewsEmperor: Constans II (r. 641-668 AD)
Date: 643-644 AD (Year 3)
Condition: Fine/VF
Denomination: Follis
Obverse: Illegible legend
Bust facing, beardless, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet. In right hand, globus cruciger.
Reverse: Large ""; Above, cross; To left, ///; To right, //; Beneath, .
Exergue:
Ravenna mint
Sear 1137A; MIB 224A
6.61g; 20.6mm; 180°
Ex CNGPep
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Schjöth 1463, Hartill 5.118 Type H.1, KM 389189 viewsQianlong (1736-1795)
1 cash (cast brass), 1796-1798 [?], Board of Revenue mint (in Beijing), north branch, 24 mm.
Obv: Qianlong tongbao.
Rev: Boo chiowan.
The Shanlongs (Type H) were cast during the period in which Qianlong had officially abdicated in favor of Jiaqing, but was still ruling as the Great Super Emperor (1796-1800). The type is comprised of coins with a special form of long and a closed bei.
Subtype H.1 is comprised of coins with vertical dots in the tong. The north branch of the mint cast coins without privy marks and a square head tong.
Hartill rarity 9Stkp
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Trajan189 viewsSilver Tetradrachm
Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch mint, c. 103-111 AD
24mm, 14.7g
Obv: Laureate bust of Trajan right, above Eagle standing right, club to right.
Rev: Laureate bust of Melqart-Herakles right with lion skin tied at neck.
McAlee 455; Prieur 1495.mihali84
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049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Laodicea ad Mare, RIC IV-I 479Ab, AR-Denarius, FORT REDVC, Fortuna standing left, #1189 views049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Laodicea ad Mare, RIC IV-I 479Ab, AR-Denarius, FORT REDVC, Fortuna standing left, #1
avers: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIII, Laureate head right.
reverse: FORT R EDVC, Fortuna standing left, holding long palm in right hand, cornucopia in left.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter:18mm, weight:2,52g, axis: h,
mint: Laodicea, date: 197 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-I 479Ab, RSC-157b,
Q-001quadrans
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Otho denarius, RIC 20var.189 viewsRIC II 2nd ed. lists this type in gold only,although it is the least rare PONT MAX reverse Otho denarius. This is the best of its type known in my view. With full legends, an unusual small portrait and a great reverse. Weight 3.61 gr. jmuona
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Sold! 113/112 BC L. Marcius Philippus189 viewsL Marcius Philippus
ROMA monogram
Head of King Philip V of Macedon right, wearing helmet decorated with goat's horns, Φ below chin
L PHILIPPVS
Equestrian statue right on tablet with inscription. Horseman carrying laurel-branch flower at horses feet. (XVI monogram) below tablet.
Rome 113/112 BC
3.96g
Crawford 293/1. Sydenham 551. Marcia 12.
Ex Calgary-Coin
This is the first Roman coin to depict an historical person instead of a personification or deity. The moneyer’s ancestor L. Marcius Q.f. Philippus negotiated a treaty between Rome and Philip V of Macedon.
Sold to C.P. April 2022Jay GT4
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Roman Plate, Enamelled, Star Fibula #026,189 viewsFibula #026,
type: ,
size: 33x26mm,
weight: 5,56g,
date: A.D.,
ref: .,
distribution: ,
Q-001quadrans
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Huszár 609, Pohl 147-4, Unger 475g, Réthy II 143A 189 viewsHungary. Wladislaus I (Ulászló in Hun.) (1440-1444). Billon denar, 1.18 g., 17-18 mm.
Obv: + MOnETA WLDISLAI D, Polish eagle.
Rev: + REGIS VnGARIE ETCR, Two-part shield (patriarchal cross and Árpádian stripes), B-n/* (privy mark) in fields.
The type was struck in 1444 (per Huszár & Pohl & Unger). This privy mark was struck at Buda (now Budapest) under a collective mark (per Pohl).
“Owing to inner strife and disordered general conditions, the coins [of this period] were usually minted with extremely low precious metal content; moreover, poor mintages were often struck with negligently engraved dies. As a result of the hurried, superficial minting, it was sometimes doubtful whether a faulty coin had been issued officially, or was a forgery” (Huszár 1963). This coin is a superb example of the type.
Huszár/Pohl rarity rating 5. Stkp
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Pescennius Niger189 viewsPESCENNIUS NIGER. 193-194. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.2 g). Antioch mint. O: Laureate head right, IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVSTI AV / BONIE V ENTVS, Fides standing left, holding plate of fruit and two grain ears. Obverse double struck. RIC IV var
When Pescennius was proclaimed emperor by his troops in AD 193, he knew his reign as emperor would not be peaceful. He quickly set out to issue huge sums of denarii in his name to pay his troops and to win the loyalty of others. To do this, like so many before him, Pescennius reduced the fineness of his denarii to a point that they were equivalent to the Caesarean drachm.
Considering his short bid for power, the variety of Niger denarii is amazing.
The scarcity of his coinage belies the fact that it was struck on a monumental scale, and we can only assume that after his defeat at the hands of Septimius Severus in AD 194 his coins were meticulously recalled and melted. Although it has been extensively published, there are such a huge number of minor varieties that no single catalogue is without numerous lacunae. It appears that the all of Niger's coins were struck at Antioch and possibly a subsidiary mint operating at Caesarea in Cappadocia.
This example illustrates the high level of quality control at the mint!
Nemonater
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079 B.C., L. Papius, Republic AR-Denarius Serratus, Crawford 384/1., Bonnano 110, Griphon leaping right, water-flask, L•PAPI, #1189 views079 B.C., L. Papius, Republic AR-Denarius Serratus, Crawford 384/1., Bonnano 110, Griphon leaping right, water-flask, L•PAPI, #1
avers: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin tied under the chin. Behind the head, symbol: water-flask.
reverse: Griphon leaping right, below symbol: water-flask. L•PAPI in exergue.
exergue: -/-//L•PAPI, diameter: 18,0-18,5mm, weight: 3,57g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 79 B.C.,
ref: Crawford 384/1, Symbol pair Bonnano 110, Sydenham 773, RRC 110, BMCRR 110, Babelon unlisted,
Q-001
quadrans
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Moesia, Markianopolis, 056 Elagabalus (218-222 A.D.), Hristova-Jekov (2014) 06.26.53.02var. (revers variation), AE-16, MARKIANOΠOLITΩ/N, Lion advancing right.189 viewsMoesia, Markianopolis, 056 Elagabalus (218-222 A.D.), Hristova-Jekov (2014) 06.26.53.02var. (revers variation), AE-16, MARKIANOΠOLITΩ/N, Lion advancing right.
avers: AVT K M AVP ANTΩNEINOC (NE ligate) , Laureate head right.
revers: MARKIANOΠOLITΩ/N, Lion advancing right.
exe: -/-//N, diameter: 15,5-16,5mm, weight: 2,87g, axis: 0h,
mint: Moesia, Markianopolis, date: 217-218 A.D.,
ref. a) not in AMNG
b) not in Varbanov (engl.)
c) not in Hristova/Jekov (2014):
rev. not listed
obv. e.g. No. 6.26.53.2
d) not in Pfeiffer (2013)
Q-001quadrans
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Hadrian Denarius Roma 119-22 AD Providentia standing189 viewsHadrian Denarius Roma 119-22 AD Providentia standing
Reference.
Strack 76; RIC 134; BMC 307;
Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG
Head of Hadrian, laureate, right.
Rev. P M TR P COS III in field PRO AVG
Providentia standing left, resting on column, pointing at globe with Zodiac belts and holding sceptre.
3.50 gr
19 mm (max)
7hokidoki
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