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059p_Annia_Faustina_(-221_A_D_),_RPC_IV_(T)_6277,_Pamphylia,_Aspendus,_AE-18,__________,_Q-001_6h_17-18mm_3,91g-s.jpg
059p Annia Faustina ( ?-221 A.D.), RPC IV (T) 6277, Pamphylia, Aspendus, AE-18, ΑСΠƐΝΔΙΩΝ, Front view of double-pediment temple, Rare !189 views059p Annia Faustina ( ?-221 A.D.), RPC IV (T) 6277, Pamphylia, Aspendus, AE-18, ΑСΠƐΝΔΙΩΝ, Front view of double-pediment temple, Rare !
avers: ΑΝΝΙΑΝ ΦΑΥϹΤƐΙΝΑΝ ϹƐΒ, Diademed and draped bust of Annia Faustina, right.
reverse: ΑСΠƐΝΔΙΩΝ, Front view of double-pediment temple enclosing a statue of Aphroditai Kastnietides each.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17,0-18,0mm, weight: 3,91g, axis: 6 h,
mint: Pamphylia, Aspendus, date: 221 A.D., ref: RPC IV (T) 6277, Peus 388, 1 Nov. 2006, lot 1132, R !,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans
Domitian_wreath.jpg
RIC 0048 Domitian denarius189 viewsIMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Laureate head right

TR P COS VII DES VIII
Curule chair, wreath above

Rome, September 13-December 31, 81 AD

3.5g

RIC 48 (C)

Ex-Calgary Coin; Ex-RM Collection
8 commentsJay GT4
REVERSESl.jpg
189 viewsThis "Otho" with "VÍCTORIA PR" reverse is an ingenious fabrication created by the famous forger "Tardani". He had obviously realized that there were a few VICTORIA OTHONIS dies recut from Galba's VICTORIA PR dies and created this fictitious but possible coin with copies of real dies. I used to have this coin and another with the same dies is in the Berlin coin cabinet. Both are overweight, around 3.9 gr. It took some time to find a Galba minted with this particular reverse die but finally I succeeded. The final proof is seen in this coin, there are a few regions were the die has broken, ie before the die ever could have been used for an Otho coin. The coin is quite convincing because of the dies, but the surfaces were a bit strange and the legends unusual in profile.jmuona
Sicily,_Kamarina,_AE-Tetras,_Head_of_Athena,_KAMA,_Owl,_lizard,_three_pellets,_Calciati_III_pg__63,_33,_SNG_ANS_1229_,_SNG_Cop_169,_420-405_BC_Q-001,_0h,_14,5mm,_3,03g-s.jpg
Sicily, Kamarina, (420-405 B.C.), AE-Tetras, Calciati-III, p-63-, No-33, -/-//•••, KAMA, Owl standing left,189 viewsSicily, Kamarina, (420-405 B.C.), AE-Tetras, Calciati-III, p-63-, No-33, -/-//•••, KAMA, Owl standing left,
avers: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with the wing, border of dots.
reverse: KAMA, owl standing left, head facing, grasping lizard in talon, in exergue, three pellets.
exergue: -/-//•••, diameter: 14,0-14,5 mm, weight: 3,03 g, axes: 0h,
mint: Sicily, Kamarina, date: 420-405 B.C., ref: Calciati-III, p-63-, No-33, SNG ANS 1229, SNG Cop 169.,
Q-001
4 commentsquadrans
ShekelDeltaBl.jpg
Shekel Tyre Civic Year 4 (123/2 BC)189 viewsPHOENICIA. Tyre. AR shekel (30mm, 14.09 gm, 12h). Dated Civic Year 4 (123/1222 BC).
O: Laureate head of Melqart right
R: TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY (Tyre the Holy and Inviolable), Eagle standing left on prow, palm frond over wing; to left, LΔ (date) above club, M and Phoenician bet between legs.
- DCA Tyre 9. DCA 921. ex ClassicalCoins.Com 2005

Note the unusual placement of the monogram. From years 1-4 the placement of the monogram varies, after which it became standardized to the right of the eagle.

A development which encouraged the wealth of Tyre seems to have been a religious revolution in the city under the reigns of Abibaal and Hiram which elevated the god known as Melqart (a deified version of Hercules) over the traditional divine couple of the Phoenicians, Baal (also known as El) and Astarte (Asherah). The primacy of Melqart (whose name means `King of the City') drew power away from the priests of the traditional pantheon of the gods and placed it at the disposal of the palace. Richard Miles notes, "It seems that a desire to bring the temples to heel lay behind the royal decision to replace the traditional chief deities of Tyre with a new god, Melqart"(32). The result was not only an increase in the wealth of the palace but, through a more efficient distribution of that wealth, increased prosperity for the whole of the city.
5 commentsNemonater
PLAUTIL-1.jpg
Plautilla, wife of Caracalla, killed 211 CE.188 viewsAR Denarius (19 mm, 3.13 gm), Rome mint, struck 202 CE.
Obv: PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA, draped bust of empress right, hair in nearly vertical waves and drawn into large bun at back.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia, wearing diadem, standing. half-left, holding patera and scepter.
RIC 363a; BMC 236, 411; Cohen 1; Sear 7065; Hill 585.
DOC38.jpg
ALEXIUS I AE Tetarteron S-1929 DOC 38188 viewsBust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cr., pallim and colobium and raising right hand in benediction in l. book of gospels. IC to XC Rev. Bust facing wearing crown and jewelled chalmys and holding cruciform sceptre and gl. cr. Fine + 18/20mm DOC38Simon
whatsit_03.jpg
What's it?188 views1 commentsScotvs Capitis
Countermark copy.jpg
Olbia Artemis AE dihalk188 viewsA very rare example of this issue struck ca. 200-160 B.C.
OBV/ Artemis with "Helmeted Athena" countermark. Rev/ Lyre

Mayadigger
096n.jpg
Winged caduceus and Δ188 viewsSARMATIA. Olbia. Civic. Æ 25. Time of the Flavians to circa A.D. 170 (likely late in that period). Obv: (O)Λ(BIOΠO) or similar. Laureate head of Apollo right; 2 countermarks, both on bust. Rev: OΛB or similar (?). Sea-eagle with spread wings, standing right on fish. Ref: BMC 18; Anokhin 379. Axis: 180°. Weight: 7.71 g. CM(1): Winged caduceus, in oval punch, 5 x 10 mm. Howgego 390 (102 pcs). CM(2): Δ in shaped punch, 8 x 8 mm. Howgego 787 (61 pcs). Note: Countermark (2) is applied over countermark (1) and may have been applied in the 170s, although the application of countermarks probably went on for a long time. Collection Automan.Automan
vespasian laurel-trees.JPG
RIC 0681 Vespasian188 viewsAR Denarius, 2.87g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS V across field; Laurel trees, two, upright
RIC 681 (R). BMC 133. RSC 110. BNC 108.
Acquired from Beast Coins, July 2005.

A direct copy of a reverse of Augustus. The two laurel-branches symbolise the laurel trees planted outside augustus' door.

A fairly rare reverse type, marred slightly by the porosity due either to the state of preservation or harsh cleaning; otherwise a fine denarius.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
147.jpg
AVP (engraved monogram in cartouche)188 viewsTHRACE. Topirus. Caracalla. Æ 22. A.D. 198-217. Obv: AVTKMAVP-(ANTΩN)INOC. Laureate bust right; "Cartouche" on shoulder. Rev: (OVΛΠ)ACTOΠIPOV. Naked figure of Herakles seated left on rock covered with lion's skin, holding club in extended right hand, resting left hand on rock. Ref: BMC 6. Axis: 210°. Weight: 6.81 g. “CM”: Monogram of AVP in circular "cartouche". Howgego -. Note: This is not actually a countermark, since it was engraved on the original die. Collection Automan.Automan
213.jpg
Head right (laureate)188 viewsSAMARIA. Caesarea Maritima (for province of Judaea). Titus. Æ 24. A.D. 71 to circa 73. Obv: (AYTOKPTITOΣKAIΣAP). Laureate head right; countermark on neck. Rev: (IOYΔAIA-C-E-AΛWKYIAΣ). Captive, with arms tied behind back, crouching right to left of foot of trophy, shield to right of trophy. Ref: RPC 2313; Sear GIC 784. Axis: 330°. Weight: 12.57 g. CM: Laureate head (bust?) right, in rectangular punch, 5.5 x 6.5 mm. Howgego 133 (17 pcs). Note: The countermark may have been applied in Palestine. Collection Automan.Automan
Mysia_Kyzikos_AR_Obol.jpg
Mysia Kyzikos 480-450 BC AR Obol188 viewsMysia Kyzikos 480-450 BC AR Obol
0.35g, 9mm
Obv.: Forepart of boar left, tuna behind
Rev.: Lion's head left
SNG Turkey 57

ex MediterraneanCoins
6 commentsareich
13413q00[1]~0.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Septimius Severus, 9 April 193 - 4 February 211 A.D.188 viewsSilver denarius of Septimus Severus, Rome mint. 2.487g, 18.4mm, 196 - 197 A.D.; obverse L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIII, laureate head right; reverse P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Fortuna standing left holding rudder on globe and cornucopia. I really like the portrait and think it really reflects what Septimus Severus looked like.cwonsidler
4414LG.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Constantine I, AE Follis188 viewsAttribution: RIC 776 (RIC VI)
Mint: Trier, PTR
Date: 307-308 AD

Obverse: IMP C CONSTANTINVS PF AVG, Bust of Constantine right
Reverse: MARTI PATRI PROPVGNATORI, Mars advancing right, S/A in fields, PTR in exergue

Size: 24.6mm x 26.9mm
Weight: 6.49 grams
3 comments
man1pano.jpg
[1663a] Byzantine Empire: Manuel I Comnenus Megas (1143-1180)---NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH---[1685a] Empire of Trebizond: Manuel I Komnenos Megas (1218-1263 AD)188 viewsManuel I Comnenus Megas (1143-1180). AE billon trachy; Sear 1964; 30mm, 3.91g.; Constantinople mint; aF. Obverse: MP-OV-The Virgin enthroned. Nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium; Reverse: Maueil standing facing, wearing crown, holding labarum and globe surmounted by Patriachal cross. Ex SPQR.


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

MANUEL I COMNENUS (A.D. 1143-1180)


Andrew Stone
University of Western Australia

Introduction: Sources
The reign of the emperor Manuel I Comnenus (5 April 1143- 24 September 1180) could well be regarded as a high-water mark of Byzantine civilization. It was the apogee of the so-called "Comnenian Restoration". Politically, the emperor undertook an ambitious foreign policy which has been seen by some, particularly in the light of many ultimate failures, as "misguided imperialism", recent scholarship has come to question this traditional judgment and suggests instead that the the Comnenian foreign policy was rather an energetic seizing of the different opportunities that presented themselves in the rapidly changing constellations of powers of the time. Such measures were made possible by the internal security of the empire under this, its third, Comnenian incumbent, although there were a few other aspirants to the throne, not least among them the emperor's cousin Andronicus. Manuel and other key members of the "Comnenian system", as it has been called, were patrons of rhetoric and other forms of learning and literature, and Manuel himself became keenly interested in ecclesiastical affairs, even if here his imperialistic agenda was a factor as he tried to bring Constantinopolitan theology in line with that of the west in a bid to unite the Church under his crown.

In terms of volume of contemporary material, Manuel is the most eulogised of all Byzantine emperors, and the panegyric addressed to him supplements the two major Byzantine historians of the reign, the more critical Nicetas Choniates and the laudatory John Cinnamus, as primary sources for the student of the period to study. The Crusader historian William of Tyre met Manuel personally, and such was the scope of Manuel's diplomacy that he is mentioned incidentally in western sources, such as Romuald of Salerno. Among authors of the encomia (panegyrics) we have mentioned are Theodore Prodromus and the so-called "Manganeios" Prodromus, who wrote in verse, and the prose encomiasts Michael the Rhetor, Eustathius of Thessalonica and Euthymius Malaces, to name the most important. Manuel, with his penchant for the Latins and their ways, left a legacy of Byzantine resentment against these outsiders, which was to be ruthlessly exploited by Andronicus in the end.

Manuel as sebastokrator
Manuel was born in the imperial porphyry birthchamber on 28 November 1118. He was the fourth of John II's sons, so it seemed very unlikely that he would succeed. As a youth, Manuel evidently accompanied John on campaign, for in the Anatolian expedition of 1139-41 we find Manuel rashly charging a small group of the Turkish enemy, an action for which he was castigated by his father, even though John, we are told, was inwardly impressed (mention of the incident is made in John's deathbed speech in both John Cinnamus and Nicetas Choniates). John negotiated a marriage contract for Manuel with Conrad III of Germany; he was to marry Bertha of Sulzbach. It seems to have been John's plan to carve out a client principality for Manuel from Cilicia, Cyprus and Coele Syria. In the event, it was Manuel who succeeded him.

The Securing of the Succession 1143
In the article on John II it is related how the dying John chose his youngest son Manuel to succeed him in preference to his other surviving son Isaac. Manuel was acclaimed emperor by the armies on 5 April 1143. Manuel stayed in Cilicia, where the army was stationed, for thirty days, to complete the funeral rites for his father. He sent his father's right-hand man John Axuch, however, to Constantinople to confine Isaac to the Pantokrator Monastery and to effect a donation of two hundredweight of silver coin to the clergy of the Great Church. The surviving encomium of Michael Italicus, Teacher of the Gospel, for the new emperor can be regarded as a return gift for this largesse. In the meantime the Caesar John Roger, husband of Manuel's eldest sister Maria, had been plotting to seize the throne; the plot was, however, given away by his wife before it could take effect. Manuel marched home to enter Constantinople c. July 1143. He secured the good-will of the people by commanding that every household should be granted two gold coins. Isaac the younger (Manuel's brother) and Isaac the elder (Manuel's paternal uncle), were both released from captivity and reconciled with him. Manuel chose Michael Oxeites as the new patriarch and was crowned either in August or November 1143.

Manuel confirmed John Axuch in the office of Grand Domestic, that is, commander of the army, appointed John of Poutze as procurator of public taxes, grand commissioner and inspector of accounts and John Hagiotheodorites as chancellor. John of Poutze proved to be an oppressive tax collector, but was also unsusceptible to bribery. However, this John diverted monies levied for the navy into the treasury, which would, as we shall see, further Byzantine dependence on the maritime Italian city-states of Venice, Genoa and Pisa.

Early Campaigns: 1144-1146
Manuel's first concern was to consolidate the work of his father in securing the eastern frontier. He sent a force under the brothers Andronicus and John Contostephanus against the recalcitrant Crusader prince Raymond of Antioch, which consisted of both an army and a navy, the latter commanded by Demetrius Branas. Raymond's army was routed, and the naval force inflicted no small damage on the coastal regions of the principality. In the meantime the Crusader city of Edessa fell to the Turkish atabeg Zengi. Raymond therefore travelled to Constantinople as a suppliant to Manuel. It was subsequently decided, in the light of Manuel's imperial status, that the terms under which he would marry Bertha of Sulzbach should be improved. Manuel asked for 500 knights, and Conrad happily granted them, being prepared to supply 2000 or 3000 if need be all for the sake of this alliance. Bertha took the Greek name Irene.

The Seljuk sultanate of Rum under Masud had become the ascendant Turkish power in Anatolia. Manuel himself supervised the rebuilding of the fortress of Melangeia on the Sangarius river in Bithynia (1145 or 1146). In the most daring campaign of these early years, after building the new fort of Pithecas in Bithynia, Manuel advanced as far into Turkish territory as Konya (Iconium), the Seljuk capital. He had been wounded in the foot by an arrow at a mighty battle at Philomelium (which had been Masud's headquarters), and the city had been rased; once at Konya, he allowed his troops to despoil the graves outside the city walls, before taking the road home.

Cinnamus relates that the gratutitous heroics which Manuel displayed on this campaign were calculated to impress Manuel's new bride. Manuel and his army were harried by Turks on the journey home. Manuel erected the fort of Pylae before leaving Anatolia.

[For a detailed and interesting discussion of the reign of Manuel I Comnenus please see http://www.roman-emperors.org/mannycom.htm]

Frederick Barbarossa and the "two-emperor problem"
Frederick Barbarossa, who was to become a constant menace to Manuel's designs, had succeeded his uncle Conrad III in 1152, but unlike him proved in the end unprepared to make any territorial concessions in Italy. The origins of this "cold war" between the two empires cannot be dated with any certainty, but there may have been a tendency to date it too early. One school of thought would not date the outbreak of this rivalry to any earlier than 1159-60, the death of Manuel's German wife, Bertha-Irene. About this time there was a scare at Constantinople that Frederick Barbarossa would march on Byzantium, perhaps reflecting a desire on Frederick's part to crusade (which he eventually did, in the reign of Isaac II Angelus). The new Pope, Alexander III, by, as it would seem, offering to grant Manuel the imperial crown, used it as a bargaining chip to play off the emperors of west and east against one another. Manuel may have supported Alexander during the papal schism of 1160-1177 because he was the preferred candidate of Hungary and the Crusader states, both of which he hoped would recognise him as their feudal overlord. By this means he could claim sovereign rights over the crusading movement, and thereby turn it to his advantage. The playing off of Manuel against Frederick continued right up until 1177, the Peace of Venice, whereby Frederick agreed to recognise Pope Alexander, the autonomy of Sicily and of the northern Italian communes. But this result was not a foregone conclusion in the 1160s and early 1170s, and Manuel used Byzantine gold to win supporters in Italy and thereby keep Frederick occupied.

Marriage to Maria of Antioch 1161
Bertha-Irene died in late 1159/early 1160. Manuel sought to strengthen his ties with the Crusader principalities by selecting an eastern Latin princess for his wife. The exceedingly beautiful Maria of Antioch, daughter of Raymond of Antioch, was chosen, and the nuptials celebrated at Christmas, 1161.


Dynastic considerations 1169-1172
Manuel's wife Maria of Antioch gave birth to a baby boy 14 September 1169 in the porphyry marble birthchamber, the cause of great festivities. The infant was crowned emperor in 1171. With the death of Stephen III of Hungary in 1172, Stephen's brother Béla was sent out from Constantinople to assume the throne (though without Sirmium and Dalmatia being surrendered to the Hungarian crown). A husband for Maria Porphyrogenita was therefore required. At first it was proposed that she marry William II of Sicily, who was outraged when she failed to show up at Taranto on the appointed day, the emperor having had second thoughts.


The final months 1180
Manuel took ill in the month of March 1180. During this period of terminal illness the last major religious controversies took place. We are told that Manuel directed that the anathema pronounced against the god of Muhammad be removed from the abjuration against the Islamic faith declared by converts to Christianity. Manuel was opposed by the last patriarch of his reign, Theodosius Boradiotes (1179-1183), as well as, notably, by Eustathius of Thessalonica. Both parties were satisfied in the end upon a reading of the emperor's proposed amendments to the abjuration. This controversy would seem to be a different one from the one alluded to in Eustathius' funeral oration for Manuel, since Manuel is praised by Eustathius for his stance in it, which seems to have revolved around a book written by a convert from Islam that magnified the Father at the expense of the Son (and therefore had Arian overtones). It became apparent that the emperor was dying, and, on the advice of Theodosius, he renounced astrology. As his end approached, he assumed the monastic habit and the name Matthew, demanding that his wife Maria become a nun. Manuel's son Alexius was but eleven, and the minority would prove to be disastrous for Byzantium. Manuel died thirty-seven years and nine months from the beginning of his reign.

General strategies in Manuel's foreign policy
The funeral oration for Manuel by Eustathius of Thessalonica is an interesting document in that it discusses some of the general policies pursued over Manuel's reign. It endorses his policy of dividing his enemies, the Petchenegs, the Sicilian Normans and the Turks, among themselves by using Byzantine gold, a policy of "divide and rule". We have seen how this was applied especially in Italy. Another general policy was to create friendly buffer states on the frontiers of the empire, most notably Hungary (and Serbia) and the Crusader States. Manuel would deliberately underpin the most powerful potentate in each region (the king of Hungary, the king of Jerusalem, the sultan of Konya) and thereby emphasise his own absolute sovereignty. In the funeral oration this granting of autonomy is justified as the reward for good service, as in the parable of the talents. We also see in the panegyric of the 1170s the downplaying of the idea of world rule which was so prevalent in the reign of John. Although Manuel claimed sovereign rights over many of his neighbours, his territorial claims were limited: coastal southern Italy, Dalmatia and Sirmium, coastal Egypt. The Byzantines seem to have come to terms with the reality of nation states and it is in Manuel's reign that they begin to refer to themselves not only as "Romans", but as "Hellenes", in order to demarcate themselves from the barbarians surrounding them.

Manuel's taxation, government and army
Nicetas Choniates roundly criticises Manuel in his history for increasing taxes and lavishing money on his family and retainers, particularly his Latin favourites. We have also seen how money was spent in Manuel's ambitious foreign policy. Mention is made of two towers, one at Damalis, and one next to the monastery of the Mangana, between which a chain could be stretched to block the Bosphorus. Then there was the work done at both the Great Palace and the Palace of the Blachernae, galleries, a pavilion alla Turca and numerous mosaics. He also founded a monastery at Kataskepe at the mouth of the Black Sea, which was endowed from the imperial treasury.

Choniates further criticizes the continuation and spread of the granting of pronoiai, parcels of land, the income from each of which supported a soldier. Many of these were granted to foreigners, for example, Turks captured in the Meander campaigns were settled around Thessalonica. The pronoia would pay not only for a soldier's upkeep, but his expensive equipment, for in Manuel's reign the bow and arrow and circular shield had been replaced by a heavier western-style panoply of armour, large triangular shield and lance. Choniates laments how fashionable a practice it had become in Manuel's reign to forsake the land or one's trade and become enlisted in the army.

Manuel and the "Comnenian system"
Throughout Manuel's reign, as under his father John, the top tier of the aristocracy was formed by the emperor's family, the Comneni, and the families into which they married. The extended family was, however, by now becoming unwieldy, and beginning to lose its cohesion, as the example of Manuel's cousin Andronicus shows. Under Manuel it was degree of kinship to the emperor which determined one's rank, as synodal listings show. So it was that very quickly after Manuel's death the upper tier of the aristocracy splintered into separate groups, each with its own identity and interests.

Literature
The various aristocratic courts, that of the emperor and other key members of the extended family, most notably the sebastokrator Isaac Comnenus the elder and the sebastokratorissa Irene, widow of Manuel's brother Andronicus, attracted literati who would seek to serve under them. Such figures would not only turn their hands to literature, encomia in prose or poetry, expositions on mythology, commentaries on Homer or the philosophers, historical chronicles and even, in this period, romances - the twelfth century is a high point of literary production at Constantinople, so much so that some have even talked of a "Comnenian renaissance" - but they would seek to perform more menial, such as administrative, duties to support themselves. Such men would often come from noble families whose prestige had been eclipsed by the Comnenian upper tier of the aristocracy. Serving under a lord was one way of advancing oneself, entering the Church was another.

The patriarchal church and education
The deacons of the church of St Sophia were a powerful group, the chartophylax being second only to the patriarch. These deacons would either go on to become bishops in the provinces, or possibly first hold one of the professorial chairs associated with the patriarchal church. First there were the "teachers", didaskaloi of the Gospels, Epistles and Psalter. Then there was the maistor ton rhetoron, "master of the rhetors", responsible for delivering speeches in praise of the emperor on January 6 each year and of the patriarch on the Saturday prior to Palm Sunday, as well as for other state occasions. And there was the hypatos ton philosophon, "consul of the philosophers", an office which had lapsed but was revived under Manuel.

Character and Legacy
Was Byzantium of the middle to late twelfth century living on borrowed time? Until recently this was the verdict of many scholars. Yet John II and Manuel had, if there is any kernel of truth in their encomia, at least temporarily reversed the overrunning of Anatolia by the Turks, and Manuel had won Dalmatia and Sirmium from Hungary. But Byzantine collapse was rapid, which is the reason why scholars have searched in the reigns of John and Manuel for the beginnings of the disintegration that occurred under the last Comneni and the Angeli. The history and comments of Nicetas Choniates have been adduced as vindicating this view. The victory of the military aristocracy that the establishment of the Comnenian dynasty represents has been seen as both the reason for the temporary reversal of Byzantine fortunes - government by three very capable autocrats - and of ultimate failure, because of the splintering into factions that oligarchy, such as was present in the Comnenian system, foments. A Marxist interpretation is that the feudalisation of the Byzantine Empire, the depletion of the free peasantry, that began to take place in the middle period was the reason for its ultimate failure. But to the Byzantines at the time Byzantium seemed to be holding its own; the "nations" around were being kept at bay, and even though the panegyric of renovation is less evident than in the reign of John II, the emperor remains despotes, "master" of the oikoumene, "world". Indeed, Manuel would be remembered in France, Genoa and the Crusader States as the most powerful sovereign in the world.

We have mentioned the funeral oration for Manuel by Eustathius of Thessalonica. This contains a series of vignettes of the personal aspects of Manuel. There are commonplaces: the emperor is able to endure hunger, thirst, heat and cold, lack of sleep and so on, and sweats copiously in his endeavours on the empire's part. Although these ideas have been recycled from earlier reigns, notably that of John II, the contemporary historians agree that Manuel was an indefatigable and daring warrior. However, there are more specifically individual touches in the Eustathian oration. Manuel had a manly suntan and was tall in stature. The emperor was capable of clever talk, but could also talk to others on a man-to-man basis. Eustathius makes much of the emperor's book-learning (Cinnamus claims to have discussed Aristotle with the emperor). The restoration of churches was a major concern for Manuel. He also had some expertise in medicine (he had tended Conrad III of Germany and Baldwin III of Jerusalem personally). Manuel showed temperance in eating and drinking, with a certain liking for beer as well as wine, the latter being mixed sour after the manner of ascetics. Likewise, he would not slumber long. He would generally choose walking over riding. The oration closes on the widow and orphan Manuel has left behind. The situation resulting for the Byzantine Empire at this stage, with the vacuum created by Manuel would result in no less than implosion.

Copyright (C) 2003, Andrew Stone.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes
LOUIS XVIII.jpg
FRANCE - LOUIS XVIII188 viewsLouis XVIII 5 Fracs - 1823-A. Silver. K-711.1dpaul7
ladislaus iv hungary.jpg
HUNGARY - Ladislaus IV188 viewsHUNGARY - Ladislaus IV (1270-1290) AR Denar. Dragon (or Griffin)/King and Queen facing under arcase of castle/church; starts above. Husz. #390.dpaul7
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MACEDONIAN KINGDOM: Philip II (359-336 BC). 188 viewsAR tetradrachm. Amphipolis, ca. 342/1-329/8. Laureate head of Zeus right / Young male on horseback right, nude, holding palm branch, bee under horse´s belly, janiform head under left foreleg. SNG ANS 549-555. Two test cuts on reverse. Nearly very fine / good fine (14.27 gm).

ex Freeman and Sear
4 commentsDino
0070-310~0.jpg
ROMA188 viewsNero Dupondius minted in Rome in 65 AD
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TR P IMP PP, Radiate head of Nero right
ROMA in ex, SC in field, Roma seated left holding wreath and parazonium, , right foot on a helmet
13.06 gr
Ref : RCV #1966, Cohen #280
1 commentsPotator II
3024_Probus_AE_Antoninianus_-_PROVIDENT_AVG_.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Probus AE Antoninianus188 viewsProbus AE Antoninianus. Ticinum Mint, 281 AD. IMP C PROBVS AVG, radiate, mantled bust left holding eagle tipped scepter / PROVIDENT AVG, Providentia standing left holding globe and scepter, Q to left, * right, SXXI in ex. RIC 490, Cohen 478.2 comments
4046601.jpg
Italy, Pompeii - Amphitheatre188 viewsJ. B.
23345268.jpg
Greece, Thasos - agora188 viewsJ. B.
D-012-018.jpg
Pierre II de Bourbon, Duc de Bourbon (1488-1503), Franc à cheval188 viewsAtelier de Trévoux
+ PETRVS * DVX * BORBONI * TREVOSI * DII (croissant) Buste du prince a gauche portant le collier de l'ordre de Saint Michel
DEXTE * RA * DNI * EXALTA * VIT * ME * Le Prince casqué et cuirassé à cheval, brandissant une épée et passant à droite. La housse est semée de lis, accompagnée de la brisure (les armes de la maison de Bourbon).
3,38 gr
Ref : Divo Dombes # 17, Mantellier # 15v, Poey d'Avant # 5102v, Friedberg # 120
Potator II
Invicta_Roma.jpg
Athalaric - Rome - 20 nummi188 viewsAthalaric (516-534), Ostrogothic king (526-534). Æ 20 Nummi (22 mm, 6.15 g), Rome. Obverse: helmeted bust of Roma right, INVIC-TA ROMA. Reverse: lupa left, Romulus and Remus, star I star above, XX in exergue. Metlich 84a; MIB 71b.Jan
Mithras_slaying_the_bull.jpg
Mithras slaying the Bull188 viewsFamous statue in the Musei Vaticani. But I couldn't find any information about its origin.
'Today the Vatican stands where the last sacrament of the Phrygian taurobolium was celebrated.'
( S. Angus, The Mystery Religions, p235)
Jochen
attica_athen_Thompson715b.jpg
Attica, Athens, Thompson 715b188 viewsAttica, Athens, 110/109 BC
AR - tetradrachm ('New Style'), 16.64g, 33mm
struck under magistrates Zoilos, Euandros and Lysippos
obv. Head of Athena Parthenos, wearing crested Attic helmet, decorated with gryphion, r.
rev. Owl, stg. r. on amphora reclined r.
in l. and r. field A - QE
beneath ZOI - LOS / EYA / NDRO / LYSI / PP
in r. feld grain, beneath a bee
Amphora inscribed with Gamma (number of month)
beneath SF
All within olive wreath
ref. Thompson 715b
EF, slightly toned

A must for every collector. I have waited a long time for this coin. A wonderful portrait!
10 commentsJochen
BADEN_1_KREUTZER.jpg
BADEN188 viewsBADEN - CU 1 Kreuzer, 1841. Obv.: Head of Grand Duke faces right. LEOPOLD GROSHERZOG VON BADEN. Rev.: Value and date in wreath. KM#203.dpaul7
nerocorinth2.jpg
Achaea. Corinthia, Corinth. Nero Æ20. Claudius Anaxilaus and P. Ventidius Fronto188 viewsCorinthia, Corinth. Nero. 54-68 AD. Æ 20mm . Ti. Claudius Anaxilaus and P. Ventidius Fronto, Duovirs. Struck 67-68 AD. Laureate head of Nero left / Nero stands facing within tetrastyle temple. BCD Corinth 480. SNG Copenhagen 235-236. RPC I 1208.

Duoviri, "the two men" was the official style of two joint magistrates. Such pairs of magistrates were appointed at various periods of Roman history both in Rome itself and in the colonies and municipia.
2 commentsancientone
Dionis.jpg
Dionysus and Demeter188 viewsPerinthos, Thrace. AE 25
Circa 1st Century BC-1st Century AD.
Wreathed head of Dionysos right.
Demeter standing left, holding grain ears and torch.
Very Rare; Mionnet Supp II 1171
JAP_KM_C_1_2.JPG
Japan. Shogunate.188 viewsHartill 4.102, Jones (1984) 11, Jones (2007) 202, KM C 1.2 var.

1 mon (cast copper alloy), first cast 1668 (Kwanbun 8) and continued until 1681-1683, Edo Kamedo mint, 25 mm. Kanei with the character bun on the reverse are known as bun-sen. There are seven recognized obverse varieties. This coin is a Saiji-Hai-Bun (= characters thinly written; although the name is somewhat deceptive as the characters are not written any thinner than in other varieties).

Obv: Kanei tsuho.

Rev: Bun.

Kanei Tsuho coins were first cast in 1626. Although Kanei era ended in 1643, the legend was kept in use until the 1860’s. The Kanei coins cast starting in 1668 (which are distinguished from the earlier emissions by the legs of the Ho character) are known as Shin-Kanei-Tsuho (=new Kanei). There are around 300 recognized varieties.

Bun-sen were made from fragments of the Daibutsu statue of Buddha that was erected by Toyotomi Hideyori before 1614 and was destroyed in an earthquake in 1662. The character Bun on the reverse is the same character as in Kwanbun, and was evidently intended to signify the period in which it was made.
1 commentsStkp
V529a.jpg
RIC 0529A Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]188 viewsAR Denarius, 3.48g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: SALVS AVG; Salus std., l., with patera
RIC 529A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection. Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 404, 2 November 2011, lot 2570.

This Titus as Caesar denarius with Salus on the reverse coupled with this obverse legend is unlisted in all the major references, including the new RIC II. The coin comes from a series minted in 73 AD in which the Salus type was known for Vespasian but unknown for Titus until the present denarius surfaced. Ian Carradice has given this new type the number 529A (under Vespasian) in the RIC II Addenda. Also, this coin is an obverse die match with the RIC V531 plate coin.

What to my eyes makes this COTD worthy is not the rarity but the bold portrait which was described by the eminent Flavian collector Harry Sneh as 'striking'. I tend to agree. The reverse is weakly struck (worn die?) but well centered.

Struck on a huge flan and weighing 3.48g. This coin is a true beauty in hand.
6 commentsDavid Atherton
Dad_and_Herakles_likeness.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue! 188 viewsMacedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!
Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.

This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
9 commentsSteve E
Crispus_AE-3-Follis_D-N-FL-IVL-CRISPVS-NOB-CAES-5bB4_PROVIDEN-TIAE-CAES-S_palm-left-field_S-over-dot-r_field_SMN_RIC-32-p604-5thoff-r2_Nicomedia_317-320-AD__Q-001_19mm_3,80g-s.jpg
Roman Empire, Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 032, AE-3 Follis, palm/S over•//SMN, PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Jupiter standing left, R2!!188 views142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Nicomedia, RIC VII 032, AE-3 Follis, palm/S over•//SMN, PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Jupiter standing left, R2!!
avers:- D-N-FL-IVL-CRISPVS-NOB-CAES, 5b, B4, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- PROVIDEN-TIAE-CAES-S, Jupiter stg. left, chlamys across left shoulder, leaning on sceptre, holding Victory on globe. Palm in the left field at foot, S over • in right field.
exergo: palm/S over•//SMN, diameter: 19mm, weight: 3,80g, axis: 6h,
mint: Nicomedia, date: 317-320 AD., ref: RIC-VII-32, p604, R2!!
Q-001
quadrans
Fausta_AE-3-silvered_FAVSTA-NF_star-in-wreath_TSA_RIC-VII-49-p-504-13-A6_R4_Thessalonica_318-319-AD__Q-001_axis-5h_19mm_2,79g-s.jpg
141 Fausta (290 -326 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Thessalonica, RIC VII 049, -/-//TSA, No legend, Eight-pointed Star within laurel wreath, R4!!!188 views141 Fausta (290 -326 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Thessalonica, RIC VII 049, -/-//TSA, No legend, Eight-pointed Star within laurel wreath, R4!!!
avers:- FAVSTA-NF, 13, E10, Draped, bust right .
revers:- No legend,Eight-pointed Star within laurel wreath.
exergo: -/-//TSA, diameter: 19mm, weight: 2,79g, axis: 5h,
mint: Thessalonica, date: 318-19 A.D.,ref: RIC-VII-049, p-504, R4!!!,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans
IMG_5111_1_s.png
Spain, Torre d'en Galmés, Menorca188 viewsPlace: Torre d'en Galmés, Menorca
Country: Spain

Torre d'en Galmés is situated on a small hill that dominates most of the southern part of the island Minorca. On clear days it is possible to see the mountains of neighbouring Majorca. In prehistoric times it would have been possible to observe a large numbers of talaiotic towns from this position which leads to think that Torre d'en Galmés exercised a position of authority.

The Cartailhac Circle, named in honour of the eminent French archaeologist Émile Cartailhac, author of "Primitive Monuments on the Balearic Islands (1892)", was inhabitated between 250-50 BC. Its external wall is made with flagstones placed vertically on a baseboard.
In the interior, we see the remains of a central patio, with numerous fallen architectural elements (mullions, lintels, pilasters...), and three rooms around it.
To each side of the entrance there is a small covered space, with the roof below the superior level of the stones of the external facade, which seems to indicate that, at least above these spaces, there was a floor.
Viriathus
Caracalla_AR-Ant_ANTONINVS-PIVS-AVG-GERM_P-M-TR-P-XVIII-COS-IIII-P-P_RIC-260b_Roma_215-AD_Q-001_axis-0h_23mm_4,69g-s.jpg
051 Caracalla (196-198 A.D. Caesar, 198-217 A.D. Augustus ), Rome, RIC IV-I 260v, AR-Antoninianus, P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Jupiter seated left, #1188 views051 Caracalla (196-198 A.D. Caesar, 198-217 A.D. Augustus ), Rome, RIC IV-I 260v, AR-Antoninianus, P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Jupiter seated left, #1
avers: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, Radiate cuirassed bust right, seen half from back.
reverse: P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Jupiter seated left holding Victory and scepter at his feet eagle.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 23,0mm, weight: 4,69g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: 215 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-I 260v, p-249, RSC 277,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans
ID0063_BOAR_MERGED~0.jpg
Boar - Gallienus188 viewsObverse:- GALLIENVSAVG, Head right with radiate crown
Reverse:- HERCVLICONSAVG, Boar right
Exergue:- E
nogoodnicksleft
Dom-x01a-s.jpg
024a Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0961, RIC II(1962) 0241(Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Rome, COS V, She-wolf, #1188 views024a Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0961, RIC II(1962) 0241(Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Rome, COS V, She-wolf, #1
avers:- CAESAR-AVG-F-DOMITIANVS, Laurate head right.
revers:- COS V, She-wolf and twins left, boat below.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: Rome, date: A.D., ref: RIC 0961, RIC II(1962) 0241(Vespasian) p-43, RSC 51, BMC 240,
Q-001
quadrans
lucilla12s~0.jpg
Lucilla (wife of Lucius Verus) AE Sesterius, struck 164-169 A.D.188 viewsObverse - LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG FB. Draped bust right.
Reverse - PIETAS. Pietas standing left, right hand over lighted altar and holding box of incense in left hand. S C in field
30 mm diam. 19.8g. RIC 1756
Reverse clearly shows the inverse portrait caused by a clashed die
sold 1-2018
1 commentsNORMAN K
PLOTINA-SARTI~2.jpg
PLOTINA, The lady that changed history.188 views(An incredible PORTRAIT in the format of a Sestertius of PLOTINA)
The most influential of all Roman Empresses, she was interested in philosophy and in the doctrines of Epicurus, virtue, dignity and simplicity. She provided Romans with fairer taxation, improved education, assisted the poor, and tried to make Roman society ever more tolerant. Plotina was well known for her high moral standards and her kindness, as well as for her support for her husband: she travelled with him to the East and was present at his deathbed. It is said that when Plotina entered the imperial palace after her husband Trajan had become Emperor, she turned to those gathered at the steps and declared “I enter here such a woman as I would wish to be when I leave.” Plotina was instrumental in ensuring that Hadrian, who she greatly liked and was Trajan’s ward, succeeded peacefully to the throne on Trajan’s death
Herennia_Etruscilla_Milne_3818.jpg
Athena, Herennia Etruscilla, Potin Tetradrachm, Alexandria, Milne 3818188 viewsHerennia Etruscilla
Augusta, 249-251 A.D.

Coin: Potin Tetradrachm

Obverse: ЄP KOVΠ AITPOVCKIΛΛA CЄ, draped bust facing right, wearing a Stephane.
Reverse: Athena, standing, facing to the left, holding a Spear with her left hand and looking at Nike, whom she holds in her right hand. A Shield to the left. L - B across the fields.

Weight: 13.43 g, Diameter: 21 x 22 x 4.4 mm, Die axis: 330°, Mint: Alexandria, Year: 2 (LB, 251 A.D.), Reference: Milne 3818

Rated Rare
1 commentsConstantine IV
062_Severus_Alexander_(222-235_A_D_),_AE-22_Nikaia_in_Bithynia-_______N_Q-031_1h_20,5mm_4,65g-s.jpg
Bithynia, Nikaia, 062 Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), BMC ???, AE-21, NI K AI E/ΩN, #1188 viewsBithynia, Nikaia, 062 Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), BMC ???, AE-21, NI K AI E/ΩN, #1
avers: M AVP CEV AΛEΞANΔROC AVΓ, Laureate, cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.,
reverse: NI K AI E/ΩN, Between and beneath three standards.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 20,65mm, weight: 4,65g, axis: 1h,
mint: Bithynia, Nikaia, date: A.D., ref: BMC ???,
Q-001
2 commentsquadrans
062_Severus_Alexander_(222-235_A_D_),_AE-22_Nikaia_in_Bithynia-_______N_Q-011_7h_21mm_4,63g-s.jpg
Bithynia, Nikaia, 062 Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), BMC 103var., AE-22, ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩN, #2188 viewsBithynia, Nikaia, 062 Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.), BMC 103var., AE-22, ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩN, #2
avers:- M AVP CEV AΛEΞANΔROC AVΓ (AVΓ in ligature), Laureate, cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.
revers:- ΝΙ-ΚΑ-ΙΕ-ΩN, Between three legionary standards.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 21mm, weight: 4,63g, axis: 7h,
mint: Bithynia, Nikaia, date: , ref: Kemppinen S402, BMC 103var. ,
Q-002
2 commentsquadrans
A-06_Rep_AR-Den_Q_Pomponius-Musa_Head-Apollo-r_-behind-turtle_Euterpe-r_-l_-Q_POMPONI_r_-MVSA_ROMA_Crawford-410-5_Syd-815_Rome_66-BC_Q-002_0h_17,0-19mm_2,58g-s.jpg
066 B.C., Q. Pomponius Músa, Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 410/7c, Rome, Terpsichore standing right, Q•POMPONI MVSA, #1188 views066 B.C., Q. Pomponius Músa, Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 410/7c, Rome, Terpsichore standing right, Q•POMPONI MVSA, #1
avers: Laureate head of Apollo right, turtle behind.
reverse: Q•POMPONI MVSA, Terpsichore (Muse of Dance) standing right, holding plectrum and lyre.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17-19mm, weight: 2,58g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: 66B.C., ref: Crawford-410/7c, Sydenham-820, Pomponia 18,
Q-002
quadrans
The_Lost_Arch_of_Nero_Ori_,_Sestertius.jpg
Nero Historical Ori., Sestertius - The Lost Arch - 188 viewsThe Lost Arch of Nero. This arch is undoubtedly the one that Tacitus says was voted to Nero for Corbulo's victory in Armenia in 58, and that he further reports was being constructed "in the middle of the Capitoline Hill" in 62, despite a successful invasion of Armenia by the Parthians in that year. No traces of the arch have ever been found. The arch was completely destroyed either shortly after Nero's death with the damnatio memoriae Nero received when the senate proclaimed him an enemy of the state, or in one of the two fires that consumed the Capitoline hill in 69 and 80

Orichalcum Sestertius, RIC I 392, BMCRE I 329, BnF II 77, Cohen I 307, Mac Dowall WCN 410, Choice gVF, superb portrait, excellent detail in arch ornamentation, 25.245g, 34.8mm, 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, c. 65 A.D.; obverse NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TR P IMP P P, laureate head right, globe at point of bust; reverse triumphal arch; surmounted by statue of Nero in a facing quadriga, led by Pax on left and Victory on right, and flanked below by two soldiers; front ornamented with statue of Mars in a niche and bas-reliefs of small figures; garland hanging in arch;



***With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
7 commentsSam
PICT0242.JPG
188 viewsAn 18 tray cabinet with doors. This was one of five cabinets I built for this collector to house his collection of ancient electrum and gold.

www.CabinetsByCraig.net
cmcdon0923
Philip_II_,_Macedonia,_Kings,_(359-336_B_C),_SNG_ANS_901,_AE-16,__________Q-001_h_16mm_gx-s.jpg
Macedonia, Kings, 015 Philip II., (359-336 B.C), SNG ANS 901, AE-16, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ, Naked youth on horse prancing right,188 viewsMacedonia, Kings, 015 Philip II., (359-336 B.C), SNG ANS 901, AE-16, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ, Naked youth on horse prancing right,
avers:-Diademed head of Apollo right,
reverse: Naked youth on horse prancing right, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above, bow below.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 16 mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: Macedonia, Kings, Philipp II., date: 359-336 B.C., ref: SNG ANS 901, Sear 6696v,
Q-001
quadrans
Probus_AE-Ant_PROBV-S-P-F-AVG_ROMAE-AETER_R-Thunderbolt-Delta_RIC-187-p-_Rome-6th-em_281-AD_Q-003_0h_21mm_2,70g-s~0.jpg
112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 187, Rome, ROMAE AETER, Bust-H, -/-//R-thunderbolt-Δ, Roma seated in temple, #3188 views112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 187, Rome, ROMAE AETER, Bust-H, -/-//R-thunderbolt-Δ, Roma seated in temple, #3
avers:- PROBVS-P-F-AVG, Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle. (H)
revers:- ROMAE-AETER, Roma seated in temple, holding Victory and sceptre.
exerg: -/-//R-thunderbolt-Δ, diameter: 21mm, weight: 2,70g, axes: 0h,
mint: Rome, 6th emission, date: 281 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 187, p-37,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
CivilWarRIC12.jpg
Civil Wars RIC 12188 viewsCivil Wars 68-69 CE. AR Denarius (17.50 mm, 3.39 g). Spanish mint, April-June 68 CE.
O: BONI EVENTVS, Female bust right, wearing fillet; hair rolled and looped above neck
R: VICTORIA P R, Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left
- BMCRE I 292 Note + Taf 50.2; P.-H. Martin, the anonymous coins of the year 68 AD (1974) 82 # 99 PL 9; E. P. Nicolas, De Néron à Vespasien (1979) 1308 No. 31; 1435 f 1456 # 107 Taf 14.107 B; RIC I² Nr. 12 (Spain, 68 n. Chr.) R5 (Group I). Evidently the second known. The above references are all to one example found in Münzkabinett Berlin.

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

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

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

Without an emperor to strike in the name of (save for that in honor of the “model emperor” of Roman history, Augustus) the coinage was struck with messages suiting the political climate. The coinage under Vindex possesses a more aggressive air that underscores the militant nature of his revolt, while Galba’s tends to be more constitutional and optimistic in tone. Originally struck in large numbers, as indicated by the number of types employed, the coins of the civil wars are all rare today, having been recalled after the final victory of Vespasian in 69 AD.
5 commentsNemonater
Bela-II_(1131-1141_AD)_U-50_C1-56_H-54_Q-004,_h,_10,8mm,_g-s.jpg
13.08. Béla II., (Béla II. the Blind), King of Hungary, (1131-1141 A.D.), AR-Denarius, CÁC I. 13.08./c2.02./53., H-054, CNH I.-056, U-050, #01188 views13.08. Béla II., (Béla II. the Blind), King of Hungary, (1131-1141 A.D.), AR-Denarius, CÁC I. 13.08./c2.02./53., H-054, CNH I.-056, U-050, #01
avers: Three columns, above them two crescents, E-E to the sides.
reverse: Lines and crescents instead of an inscription, cross with four wedges.
exergue:-/-//--, diameter: 10,80 mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Esztergom, date: A.D., ref: Huszár-054, CNH I.-056, Unger-050,
Tóth-Kiss-Fekete: CÁC I.(Catalog of Árpadian Coinage I./Opitz I.), Privy-Mark/Szigla: 13.08./c2.02./53.,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
Phoenicia,_Arados,_c_400-350_B_C__AR-Stater,_BMC_Phoenicia_pg__6,_36A-36B,_Q-001,_9h,_16x23mm,_10,28g-s.jpg
Phoenicia, Arados, (c.400-350 B.C.), AR-Stater, BMC Phoenicia Pg.9 No.58 Pl.II.12, Galley left, 188 viewsPhoenicia, Arados, (c.400-350 B.C.), AR-Stater, BMC Phoenicia Pg.9 No.58 Pl.II.12, Galley left,
avers: Laureate head of Baál Arwad with full eye right.
reverse: Galley sailing right above waves (three lines) with a figure of Pataikos right, all within a dotted square border. Phoenician letters, nun (N), aleph (´) & mem (M) above (meaning Arados).
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 16x23mm, weight:10,28g, axes:9h,
mint: Phoenicia, Arados, date: c.400-350 B.C., ref: BMC Phoenicia Pg.9 No.58 Pl.II.12,.HGC10 Pg.13 No.33, Betlyon Pg.90 No.26.
Q-001
4 commentsquadrans
16_10__Bela_III_2C_King_of_Hungary2C_281172-1196_A_D_292C_AR-Denarius2C_CAC_I__16_10_-b1_17_-49_2C_H-0662C_CP-192C_U--2C_Q-0012C_4h2C_13mm2C_02C19g-s.jpg
16.10. Béla III., King of Hungary, (1172-1196 A.D.), AR-Denarius, CÁC I. 16.10./b1.17./49., H-066, CP-19, U--, #01188 views16.10. Béla III., King of Hungary, (1172-1196 A.D.), AR-Denarius, CÁC I. 16.10./b1.17./49., H-066, CP-19, U--, #01
avers: BELA, anchor-like mark amongst three dots above and below; border of dots.
reverse: Rx (Monogram), line border.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 13,0 mm, weight: 0,19g, axis: 4h,
mint: Esztergom, date: A.D., ref: Huszár-066, CP-19, Unger--,
Tóth-Kiss-Fekete: CÁC I.(Catalog of Árpadian Coinage I./Opitz I.), Privy-Mark/Szigla: 16.10./b1.17./49.,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
PHILISTIS-1.jpg
Philistis, wife of Hieron II.187 viewsAR 5 litrae (4.46 gm).
Syracuse, Sicily, 270-230 BCE.
Obv: Diademed and veiled head left, palm branch behind.
Rev: BASILISSAS FILISTIDOS, Nike driving biga to left, E in l. field.
SNG ANS 893; SNG III (Lockett) 1017; Forrer 196.
AndyDOC8.jpg
ANDRONICUS I AE 1/2 Tetarteron S-1989 DOC 8187 viewsFacing bust of the Virgin orans, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium; on her breast nimbate head of the infant Christ; to l MP to R. OV Rev. Half length figure of Andronicus facing with forked beard, wearing crown , scaramangion and saigon and holding labarum and gl. cr. Uncertain Greek Mint. 18mm Very Fine .

Excellent example because of the large flan, I consider this coin to be extremly rare. DOC 8
Simon
honorius_24.jpg
Honorius RIC X, Arcadius 24187 viewsHonorius, AD 393-423, son of Theodosius I
AV - Solidus, 4.47g, 21mm
Constantinopolis 7. officina, 402 - ca. 403
obv. DN HONORI - VS PF AVG
cuirassed bust, laureate, helmeted and pearl-diademed
head 3/4 r., with spear across r. shoulder and shield with
horseman spearing enemy at l. shoulder
rev. CONCORDI - A AVGGG
Constantinopolis sitting frontal, head r., with r. foot on prora,
holding sceptre in l. hand and in r. hand globe with Victory
holding wreath
field: l. star, r. reversed Z
exergue: CONOB
RIC X, Arcadius 24; C.3
R2; EF
added to www.wildwinds.com
PRORA, prow, is the symbol for Constantinopolis, as a city with access to the sea in contrast to Rome
2 commentsJochen
hanniballianus_148.jpg
Hanniballianus RIC VII, 148187 viewsHanniballianus, King of Pontus 335 - 337, nephew of Constantine I
AE - AE 4, 1.24g, 15.5mm
Contantinopolis 1. officina, AD 336 - 337
obv. FL HANNIBALLIANVS REGI
draped, cuirassed bust, bare head r.
rev. SEC - VRITAS PVBLICA
Rivergod Euphrates sitting r., leaning with r. arm on sceptre,
with l. hand pouring water from a vase; reed in background
exergue: CONSS
RIC VII, 148; C.2
R5(!) due to the legend break on rev.; about VF
added to www.wildwinds.com

Hanniballianus was killed in the big family killing after the death of Constantin I
4 commentsJochen
#7.jpg
ALEXIUS I AE Tetarteron S-1929 DOC38187 views
Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cr., pallim and colobium and raising right hand in benediction in l. book of gospels. IC to XC Pellet in each hand of cross Rev. Bust facing wearing crown and jewelled chalmys and holding cruciform sceptre and gl. cr. Fine + DOC38
Simon
AlexiusVirgin.jpg
ALEXIUS AE Half Tetarteron S-1934 DOC 44187 viewsFacing bust of the virgin NOT orans. Nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium. Rev Bust facing wearing crown and jewelled chalmys and holding labarum. 16mm S-1934 Thessalonica aFine

Coin has been regularly seen on the market for the past two years, it is still rare but no longer extemely rare as in the Sear catalog.The key to this coin is the Virgin is not orans.
Simon
Julian_II_Vows~0.jpg
Julian II, 355-363 AD AE3 * Vows187 views
Julian II*, 355-363 AD AE3 * Scarce
"Vows X Mult XX"

Obv: FL CL IVLI-ANVS P F AVG - Helmeted, diademed bust left, cuirassed holding spear and shield.
Rev: VOT X MVLT XX – ("I promise ten years and perhaps twenty." Obv: D N) Within wreath on four lines.

Exe: HERACL . A

Mint: Heraclea
Struck: Between November 3rd 361 and June 26th 363 AD.
Workshop A

Size: (c) 20mm
Weight: 2.95 grams

Patina: Very dark green, near-black: beautiful.
Grade: VF

RIC VIII, 106. Scarce, page 438
- LRBC #1908.3.55g

* Conqueror

6 commentsTiathena
titus capricorn.JPG
RIC 019 Titus187 viewsAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Capricorn l. : below, globe
RIC 19 (C). BMC 22. RSC 280. BNC 16.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, March 2004.

A reverse that copies a similar type struck by Augustus and later as a restoration type by Vespasian in his last issue before his death in June 79. The BMCRE conjectures that the Capricorn may have been Titus' natal sign, but it seems more likely this can be viewed as a restoration type.

A very beautiful coin in hand that suffers only from some flatness on the portrait, evidenced around the ear.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
titus venus reverse.JPG
RIC 034 Titus187 viewsAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, Laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Venus, seen half from behind, naked except for drapery round hips, standing r., resting l. elbow on column, holding helmet in extended r. hand and transverse spear in l.: shield rests against column
RIC 34 (C2). BMC 9. RSC 268. BNC 9.
Acquired from York Coins.

A nice VF with a well centred reverse and an almost complete beaded boarder.
3 commentsDavid Atherton
PCrassusDenAmazon.jpg
1ab Marcus Licinius Crassus187 viewsFormed First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey in 60 BC, killed at Carrhae in Parthia in 53 BC.

Denarius, minted by son, P Licinius Crassus, ca 54 BC.
Bust of Venus, right, SC behind
Amazon with horse, P CRASSVS MF.

These coins were probably minted to pay Crassus' army for the invasion of Parthia. The reverse figure is sometimes described as a warrior or Gaulish horseman, but this example clearly accords with those who identify the figure as a woman! Member of the first triumvirate, 59-53 BC.

Seaby, Licinia 18

Plutarch wrote of Crassus: People were wont to say that the many virtues of Crassus were darkened by the one vice of avarice, and indeed he seemed to have no other but that; for it being the most predominant, obscured others to which he was inclined. The arguments in proof of his avarice were the vastness of his estate, and the manner of raising it; for whereas at first he was not worth above three hundred talents, yet, though in the course of his political life he dedicated the tenth of all he had to Hercules, and feasted the people, and gave to every citizen corn enough to serve him three months, upon casting up his accounts, before he went upon his Parthian expedition, he found his possessions to amount to seven thousand one hundred talents; most of which, if we may scandal him with a truth, he got by fire and rapine, making his advantages of the public calamities. . . . Crassus, however, was very eager to be hospitable to strangers; he kept open house, and to his friends he would lend money without interest, but called it in precisely at the time; so that his kindness was often thought worse than the paying the interest would have been. His entertainments were, for the most part, plain and citizen-like, the company general and popular; good taste and kindness made them pleasanter than sumptuosity would have done. As for learning he chiefly cared for rhetoric, and what would be serviceable with large numbers; he became one of the best speakers at Rome, and by his pains and industry outdid the best natural orators. . . . Besides, the people were pleased with his courteous and unpretending salutations and greetings, for he never met any citizen however humble and low, but he returned him his salute by name. He was looked upon as a man well-read in history, and pretty well versed in Aristotle's philosophy. . . . Crassus was killed by a Parthian, called Pomaxathres; others say by a different man, and that Pomaxathres only cut off his head and right hand after he had fallen. But this is conjecture rather than certain knowledge, for those that were by had not leisure to observe particulars. . . .
2 commentsBlindado
LouisXIV1694.JPG
Divo 256. 1694, Prise de Gerona.187 viewsObv. Bust right LUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS
Rev. Hercules leaning on pillar, prone figure at his feet GERUNDA CAPTA MDCXCIIII
LordBest
vespa086.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Vespasian BMCRE 2187 viewsRome Mint, 69-70 AD
RIC 16 (R), BMC 2, RSC 5
Obv - Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev - Bare heads of Titus on l. and Domitian on r., facing one another.
VF

This coin was issued by Vespasian during the first year of his reign to announce the beginning of a new dynasty. After the chaos of the Civil War, Rome badly needed stability and Vespasian would provide it.

This has become one of my favorite coins in my collection. The toning is superb and the fine style of the portraits are to die for.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
GAE061.jpg
Macedonian Coin - Philip II 359/336BC - Unit187 viewsMacedonian Coin GAE061
Philip II 359/336BC - Unit
AE 16.6-17.3mm : 6.26gm
OBV - Apollo laureate head facing left
REV - Youth on prancing horse to right, PHILIPPOY above, trident below
REF - SNGANS 925
4 commentsPtolemAE
0561-410np_noir.jpg
Domitius Domitianus, Octadrachm, Emmet plate coin - *187 viewsAlexandria mint, AD 296-297
ΔOMITI-ANOC CEB, Radiate bust of Domitius right
No legend, Serapis going right, LB in field (regnal year 2)
12.79 gr
Ref : Emmett, Alexandrian coins #4241/2, this example illustrated, Dattari # 10830, RCV # 12982 (2000), Sear # 4801 var (It's actually an hexadrachm in Sear)
Domitius Domitianus, stationed in Egypt, rebelled against Diocletianus in july 296 AD and was proclaimed emperor. He was defeated during spring 297 AD. Diocletian decided to close the alexandrian mint, so the coins of Domitianus are the last provincial coins from Alexandria. Also, Domitianus was the only ruler to strike octadrachms (in parallel with didrachms, tetradrachms and hexadrachms)

For more information, see, in english : http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Domitius%20Domitianus or "en français" http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=54339.0

Also, the following comment, about another specimen sold at CNG (Triton XI, Lot # 539) "For the most part, scholars agree that the larger coins featuring the radiate bust must be a double, and thereby call it an octodrachm. At half the weight, then, the smallest coins with the Nike on the reverse must be tetradrachms, though these coins have erroneously been called heretofore didrachms. The weights of these tetradrachms appear consistent with the final issues of pre-reform tetradrachms of the Tetrarchs. The middle denomination poses the largest challenge to this arrangement. By weight, it should be a hexadrachm. However, no such denomination was known to have been struck in Egypt, though tetradrachms earlier in the third century achieved this weight. The obvious problem here would be the confusion caused in circulating the same denomination in two different weights. As this type is the rarest of the group, it is possible that it was meant for a special occasion, or more remotely, a stalled attempt to reinstitute the pre-reform coinage on an earlier weight standard. Further investigation may shed more light on this subject.
3 commentsPotator II
152~2.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, Imitation Constantine I187 viewsObv: Laureate Bust Left
Rev: Votive
1 comments
HUN_Hunyadi_Huszar_620_Pohl_177-1.JPG
Huszár 620, Pohl 177-1, Unger 486a, Réthy II 157A 187 viewsHungary. János Hunyadi (Governor, 1446-1453). Billon denar, 15 mm.

Obv: [TEM]PORE I[O • GVB]ERnATOR, Crowned lion of Berszterce facing left.

Rev: * MOnETA • RE[GnI • VnGAR]IE, Patriarchal cross, B–I (privy mark) in fields.

The type was struck in 1447-1450 (per Huszár & Unger) or 1447-1451 (per Pohl). This privy mark was struck in Buda (now Budapest), probably by Johannes Münczer (per Pohl).

Huszár/Pohl rarity rating 6. The legends described and depicted in Huszár and Pohl differ slightly from those described and depicted in Unger and Réthy. This coin comports with the legends in Unger and Réthy.

Stkp
illyria.jpg
Illyria, Dyrrhachium187 viewsDyrrhachium, Illyria, Silver Drachm
Full Brockage
200- 80 B.C.
18mm 3.3g
Obv: Cow standing right, loocking back at suckling calf. ANTIOXO∑ above, grain stock below.
Rev: Incuse obverse image and legend.
8 commentsmihali84
IMG_2102wp.jpg
Nilus 187 viewsNilus and his attributes: sphinx, crocodile, cornucopiae

Vatican Museums
J. B.
Vespasian_Eagle_AR_denarius.JPG
Vespasian AR Denarius. 76 AD. EAGLE187 viewsVespasian Denarius. 76 AD. (3,46 g; 17mm) 11704

IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / COS VII, eagle standing on an altar, head left. RSC 121. RIC 847
sear5 #2287
3 commentsAntonivs Protti
Plancia.jpg
SOLD! 55 BC Gn. Plancius187 viewsCN PLANCIVS AED CVR SC
Head of Macedonia right, wearing causia

Cretan goat standing right, bow and quiver behind
IIZ (Graffiti?) in Ex.

Rome 55 BC
3.46g

Sear 396, RRC 432/1

Ex-Canadian Coin

Gnaeus Plancius was a friend of Cicero and strikes this coin as curule aedile. The type recalls his military service in Crete under the Proconsul Q. Metellus. He was also a military tribune under C. Antonius. He later returned to Macedonia as questor under the Propraetor L. Appuleius Saturninus. While serving as Questor in Thessalonia Plancius courageously took in Cicero as a guest in his official residence. Earlier that year (January or Early February of 58 BC.) Cicero was exiled from Italy and Rome because of the Tribune Clodius' legislation which confiscated Cicero's property and forced him to stay 400 miles out of the city of Rome. Clodius was eventually killed along the Appian Way by his rival Milo. Cicero took up the case for the defense of Milo unsuccessfully. In 54 BC Cicero defended Gn. Plancius in a court case (Pro Plancio) in which A. Laterensis accused Plancius of illegally organizing voting clubs (Colegia) to sway the elections and of bribery. Cicero was able to get Plancius acquitted and wrote his Pro Plancio which outlined his speeches and lines of questioning.

Sold to Calgary Coin April 2022
8 commentsJay GT4
rome_sestertius_ANACS-VF-20_rev_03.JPG
187 viewsEmperor Severus Alexander. AD232. AE Sestertius. Reverse.

obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG - Laureate bust right, seen from front, draped and cuirassed.
rev: MARS VLTOR - Mars with spear and shield in the 'Ready-for-Action' position.
'S C' to either side of Mars.

22.3 grams.
--------------------------
Fantastic 'MARS ULTOR' reverse!!
1 commentsrexesq
0021-040.jpg
ROMAN IMPERATORS, JULIUS CAESAR denarius187 viewsDenarius minted in North Africa c.47-46 BC
No legend, Diademed head of Venus right
CAESAR, Aeneas left, bearing Anchises on his shoulder
3.91 gr
Ref : HCRI # 55, RCV #1402, Cohen #12
1 commentsPotator II
00juliamamaea44.jpg
JULIA MAMAEA. Mother of Severus Alexander187 viewsAR denarius. 1 commentsbenito
016.JPG
Tarsus (?), Cilicia 187 viewsTarsus (?), Cilicia 4th c. BC , AR 3/4 obol .50g

Baal seated left holding a scepter in his left hand, grapes and corn ears in his right.

Forepart of a wolf right, crescent to upper left

SGCV II, 5660. SNG Levante 223
4 commentsRandygeki(h2)
Valentinianus-II_AE-Follis_DN-VALENTINIANVS-IVN-PF-AVG_REPARATIO-REIPVB_star-B-SIS-C-dot_RIC-26b_8_C-22_Siscia-378-383_Q-001_23mm_5,22g-s.jpg
159 Valentinianus II. (375-392 A.D.), Siscia, RIC IX 026b-8, -/-//*BSISC•, AE-2 Follis, REPARATIO REIPVB, Emperor,187 views159 Valentinianus II. (375-392 A.D.), Siscia, RIC IX 026b-8, -/-//*BSISC•, AE-2 Follis, REPARATIO REIPVB, Emperor,
avers:- D N VALENTINIANVS IVN P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- REPARATIO REIPVB, Valentinian II standing, facing, holding hand of kneeling woman and Victory on globe.
exergo: -/-//*BSISC•, diameter: 23mm, weight: 5,22g, axis: h,
mint: Siscia, date: 378-383 A.D., ref: RIC-IX-26b-8, p-150,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
IMG10465.JPG
Italy, Vulci - brick edifice187 viewsremains of Roman thermal complexJ. B.
Pilgrim-badge-2-m.jpg
Medieval, #08, pilgrim "badge", #02187 viewsMedieval, #08, pilgrim "badge", #02
Rome City, saint PETRUS and saint PAULUS XII.-XIII.-century
Text round on the four sides on a band:" + SIG/NA APOS/ TOLORVM P/ ETRI ET P/ AVLI"
material: lead (Pb)
mint: Rome City
size: 30x40 mm
weight:
date: XII.-XIII. century
ref:
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
Tegea.JPG
Tegea, Arkadia, Peloponessos, circa 400-200 BC187 viewsBronze 17mm (2.08 grams)
Ob: Head of Athena right, in crested Corinthian helmet.

Rx: TEΓEA - Telephos, son of Hercules and Augue, seated left, suckled by doe standing right;
M in field to left, owl to right.

Reference: Sear 2747; B.M.C. 10.15

Dino
Crispus_AE-3-Follis_DN-CRISPO-NOB-CAES-5b-B5_VICTORIAE-LAET-PRINC-PERP_VOT-PR_2captives_RIC-75-p127_R4_Lugdunum_319-320-AD__Q-001_axis-0h_18mm_2_91g-s.jpg
Roman Empire, Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC VII 075, AE-3 Follis, -/-//two captives back, VICTORIAE LAET PRINC PERP, Two victories facing one another, R4!!!,187 views142 Crispus (317-326 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC VII 075, AE-3 Follis, -/-//two captives back, VICTORIAE LAET PRINC PERP, Two victories facing one another, R4!!!,
avers:- DN-CRISPO-NOB-CAES, 5b,B5, Laurate, curiassed bust right.
revers:- VICTORIAE-LAET-PRINC-PERP, Two victories facing one another, holding shield inscribed VOT/PR over altar two captives back in exergo.
exergo: -/-//two captives back, diameter: 18mm, weight: 2,91g, axis: 0h,
mint: Lugdunum, (Lyon), date: 319-320 AD., ref: RIC-VII-075, p-127, R4, altar mint: c,
Q-001
quadrans
070B.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Diocletian AE Follis187 viewsRIC VI Trier 677a, cf. RIC VI Cyzicus 22-3 (Cyzicus mint, 305 - 307 A.D.)
10.854 g, 27.9 mm, die axis 180o
D N DIOCLETIANO FELICISSIMO SEN AVG, laureate bust right, wearing trabea, holding branch and mappa
PROVIDENTIA DEORVM QVIES AVGG, Providentia standing right, extending right hand to Quies, standing left, holding branch and leaning on sceptre
S-F across fields, KS in lower centre, PTR in exergue
Note from Wildwinds: This coin was actually struck in Cyzicus. The PTR was left over from the original dies sent to Cyzicus by the engravers in Trier. The mintmark is actually the KS in the lower center.
Rare
Ex: FORVM, the Martin Griffiths collection ("maridvnvm" of FORVM)
4 commentsMark Z
Tiberius_AR-Den_TI-CAESAR-DIVI-AVG-F-AVGVSTVS_PONTIF-MAXIM_RIC-29_C-15_Lugdunum_14-37-AD_Q-007_axis-7h_xxmm_x,xxxg-s.jpg
005 Tiberius (14-37 A.D.), RIC I 029, Lugdunum, AR-denarius, PONTIF MAXIM ,Livia, as Pax, seated right,187 views005 Tiberius (14-37 A.D.), RIC I 029, Lugdunum, AR-denarius, PONTIF MAXIM ,Livia, as Pax, seated right,
avers:- TI-CAESAR-DIVI-AVG-F-AVGVSTVS, Laureate head right.
revers:- PONTIF-MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right.
exerg: -, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: Lugdunum, date: 14-37 A.D., ref: RIC-29, C-15,
Q-001
quadrans
Hadrian_AE-Dupondius_HADRIANVS-AVG-COS-III-PP_ANNONA-AVG_S-C_RIC-II-796_C-166_134-AD_R-1_Q-001_axis-6h_25-26mm_11,65g-s.jpg
032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0796a, Rome, AE-As, ANNONA AVG, S-C, Annona standing left, Rare !187 views032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0796a, Rome, AE-As, ANNONA AVG, S-C, Annona standing left, Rare !
avers:- HADRIANVS-AVG-COS-III-PP, Laureate head right.
revers:- ANNONA-AVG, Annona standing left holding corn ears over modius and rudder, S-C across the field.
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 25-26mm, weight: 11,65g, axes: 6h,
mint: , date: 134 A.D., ref: RIC-II-796a p-441, C-166,
Q-001
quadrans
Aurelianus_AE-Ant_IMP-AVRELIANVS-AVG_ROMAE-AETER_Q_RIC-V-I-142-p-RIC-T-1506-off-4-iss-4_272-4-AD_Q-001_axis-11h_23,5-25mm_3,21g-s.jpg
106 Aurelianus (270-275 A.D.), T-1506, RIC V-I 142, Mediolanum, AE-Antoninianus, ROMAE AETER, -/-//Q, Emperor and Roma,187 views106 Aurelianus (270-275 A.D.), T-1506, RIC V-I 142, Mediolanum, AE-Antoninianus, ROMAE AETER, -/-//Q, Emperor and Roma,
avers:- IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, Radiated and cuirassed bust right. (B1)
revers:- ROMAE AETER, Emperor togate standing right, receiving Victory from Roma seated left on shield holding a long sceptre (or a spear) in left hand. (Emperor and Roma 1)
exerg: -/-//Q, diameter: 23,5-25mm, weight: 3,21g, axes: 11h,
mint: Mediolanum, off-4, iss-4, date: 272-274 A.D., ref: RIC V-I 142, T-1506 (Estiot),
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
Constantinus-I__AE-19-Follis_CONSTAN-TINVS-AVG-1-K3l__BEATA-TRANQVILLITAS_STR-dot_RIC-343_Trier_320-AD_Q-001_axis-6h_19mm_3,18g-s.jpg
136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 343, AE-3 Follis, -/-//STR•, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, Scarce!! #2187 views136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 343, AE-3 Follis, -/-//STR•, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, Scarce!! #2
avers: CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1, K3-l., Laureate head left, wearing trabea, eagle-tipped scepter in the right hand.
reverse: BEATA TRAN QVILLITAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX, above tree stars.
exergue: -/-//STR•, diameter: 19,0mm, weight: 3,18g, axes: 6h,
mint: Trier, date: 320 A.D., ref: RIC VI 343, p-194, Scarce!!
Q-002
quadrans
Graeco-Baktrian_Kings,_Eukratides_I,_Silver_Tetradrachm,_34_mm,_16_89g~0.jpg
GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides Megas - Tetradrachm187 viewsObv: Within a circular bead-and-reel border, Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear.

Rev: Dioskouroi on rearing horses right, holding palm fronds and spears; monogram in lower right field, Greek semi-circular legend on top "BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY" and at bottom "EYKPATIΔOY" meaning '(of) Great King Eucratides'.

Bopearachchi 6W, SNG ANS 469-471

The helmeted Eucratides tetradrachm is one of the most popular and sought-after coins of the Bactrian series. Certainly it boasts one of the best Hellenistic portrait of all times. Eukratides also minted the largest known Gold Coin of Antiquity, a massive 20 Stater coin weighing 169.2g with a huge flan size of 58mm. Perhaps it was a commemorative victory medal to celebrate Eucratides's conquest of "India," presumably some land south of the Hindu Kush, perhaps Gandhara.
4 commentsmitresh
Ant_Pius-AE-Sest_ANTONINVS-AVG-PI-VS-P-P-TRP-COS-III_ANNONAdotAVG_S-C_RIC-597_C-34_Rome_142-AD_Q-001_axis-0h_32-33mm_29,18g-s.jpg
035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0597, Rome, AE-Sestertius, ANNONA•AVG, Annona standing right, S-C,187 views035 Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.), RIC III 0597, Rome, AE-Sestertius, ANNONA•AVG, Annona standing right, S-C,
avers:- ANTONINVS-AVG-PI-VS-P-P-TR-P-COS-III, Laureate head right.
revers:-ANNONA•AVG, Annona standing right holding corn ears over modius and cornucopiae, prow behind, S-C across the field.
exe:S/C//--, diameter: 32-33mm, weight: 29,18g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: 142 A.D., ref: RIC-III-597-p-, C-34,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
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