FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Resources => The Members' Gallery => Topic started by: Ron C2 on February 19, 2021, 08:45:58 pm

Title: RIC "R2" denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 19, 2021, 08:45:58 pm
Good day everyone.  I'd like to introduce my modest Severan-era denarii gallery, which is actually pretty heavy on Septimius Severus coins, but has at least one example of almost all of the Severan era emperors and their wives (or will once I finish photographing the few I haven't gotten to yet). I don't have an Annia Faustina denarius example though (of which only 6 are known).  I own a few coins acquired here in the forum shop as well, some dating as far back as around 2005.

Here is the gallery link:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/index.php?cat=51928 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/index.php?cat=51928)

I've been collecting Severan era denarii on and off for about 20 years as of this gallery launch in February 2021 and hope to add more coins as time to photograph and post my coins permits.  I'm also still actively adding to my collection, so hopefully I can provide updates on a fairly regular basis.

Some of you may already have found the gallery over the last few weeks via my signature block, so I'll only mention my four latest additions to the gallery today as follows:

RIC IVa 60:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168354 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168354)

RIC IVa 107:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168353 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168353)

RIC IVa 142a:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168352 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168352)

RIC IVa 299:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168351 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168351)

As members find my humble gallery, I'd be more than appreciative for feedback and suggestions on improving the gallery, its presentation, or just comments on the coins themselves.

EDIT DEC 2021:

I've now expanded my gallery to include some new categories that I've collected, though with less focus than my primary collection of denarii of Septimius Severus.  New categories currently include:
-Third Century Crisis silver & billon coins
-Gallic Empire coinage
-Antoninianii of the Imperium Britanniarum
-Hellenistic period silver coinage of the Kings of Cappadocia
-Byzantine gold coinage

EDIT Feb 2024:

I've since added a couple new galleries I hope people enjoy:
-The Kings of Cappadocia
-Dirhams of the Caliphate of Cordoba
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Enodia on February 20, 2021, 03:44:33 am
A nice gallery Ron and very nicely presented. You have some fine examples in there, but I particulaarly like the Severus Alexander.
I always love the dedication that goes into specialty collections, and I look forward to watching yours grow.
Congratulations!

~ Peter
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on February 20, 2021, 11:47:45 am
A nice gallery Ron and very nicely presented. You have some fine examples in there, but I particulaarly like the Severus Alexander.
I always love the dedication that goes into specialty collections, and I look forward to watching yours grow.
Congratulations!

~ Peter


Thanks Peter! My modest collection is nowhere near as complete and impressive as many of the "household fixture" members here, but I'm proud of it nevertheless and put lots of effort into choosing and procuring my coins.  Some are in amazing condition, while others are compromises based on what I could locate owing to rarity or cost.  

One thing I will say, the cost of the coins I like has more than doubled since I began collecting, which does affect my rate of acquisition :)  And not for the better.  

Tough to say if that is appreciated value or depreciated fiat currency at play (!)

The Severus Alexander coin you mentioned was my first Forum purchase many years ago, if I recall.  I stretched to afford it at the time, but looking back, I stole it - lol.  I think Joe had graded it choice EF, but would have to go dig up the original slip to be certain.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: quadrans on February 20, 2021, 11:58:27 am
Some nice addition, Ron,  +++

 Congratulation...


Joe/Q.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Tracy Aiello on February 20, 2021, 06:24:17 pm
Ron,

Nice gallery indeed. I look forward to its expansion. Please keep posting.

Tracy
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Carausius on February 20, 2021, 06:39:08 pm
Great start, Ron!  One thought: you might consider organizing the gallery into albums, either by issuer or portrait or mint or year.   That way, you could sort by RIC number, for instance; whereas now you are sorting by name of the portrait.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on February 20, 2021, 07:06:58 pm
Some nice addition, Ron,  +++

 Congratulation...


Joe/Q.

Thanks Joe, I have a long way to go before my gallery could even approach your septimius gallery, nevermind all your others!
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on February 20, 2021, 07:09:08 pm
Great start, Ron!  One thought: you might consider organizing the gallery into albums, either by issuer or portrait or mint or year.   That way, you could sort by RIC number, for instance; whereas now you are sorting by name of the portrait.

Great suggestion, I was struggling with how to sort by RIC number.  I have the original printings of RIC IV and do tend to use that as my primary catalogue.  For the Septimius coins, I have a common naming convention, so they tend to show in order.  I was debating moving the others to different galleries, though I've not yet mastered how to do so.  I do have some other albums for some oddballs like LRBs, etc. but they are really just a sideline to the Severan denarii.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on February 20, 2021, 07:52:12 pm
Great start, Ron!  One thought: you might consider organizing the gallery into albums, either by issuer or portrait or mint or year.   That way, you could sort by RIC number, for instance; whereas now you are sorting by name of the portrait.

I think I figured it out.  I just spent the last little while sorting the gallery into multiple albums and changed my gallery link to point to the main gallery instead of a particular album. 

I now have them sorted as:

-Septimius Severus gallery
-Other Several emperors
-The Severan Women

Should make it a little easier to navigate.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Carausius on February 20, 2021, 08:10:03 pm
Much improved - well done!! Note that your gallery link in your footer is to the Septimius Severus album, not your overall gallery. 
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on February 20, 2021, 08:13:03 pm
Thanks, I just fixed it.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on February 26, 2021, 09:40:10 pm
Just added a new coin to my Septimius Severus gallery, this time it's RIC IVa 104 from 197 C.E.  Nice bolt portrait with a trim beard, very high relief obverse.  Nice light toning on the piece.


https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168516 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168516)
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 27 Feb 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on February 27, 2021, 06:45:38 pm
This one arrived yesterday after a very long wait.  My first Aquilia Severa denarius, completing my quest for an example of every available severan era ruler or associated female, apart from Annia Faustina of course. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168515 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168515)
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 27 Feb 2021)
Post by: Serendipity on February 27, 2021, 07:45:37 pm
I think it’s a really nice gallery of Severan denarii. It’s a very interesting theme to explore. I’ve got a long way to go before I reach your standards. I only recently acquired my first Roman coin, a Trajan silver denarius. You’ve given me some ideas about sprucing up my own gallery.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on March 05, 2021, 08:21:32 pm
I've made a couple new additions to the gallery.

First is a rare example of RIC IVa 225A, P M TR P XVI PROF AVGG reverse.  Nice old toning and patina on the coin.  Good size flan, though struck a little off center.  Still a nice example of this type. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168651 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168651)

Next is a rather nice example of RIC IVa 167A, RESTITVTOR VRBIS - Restorer of the City (of Rome).  Very little wear on this example with nice crisp strikes.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168650 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168650)


Check out my gallery for all the coins I listed before I started updating new entries here :)

It unfortunately be be a while before I add more, I'm moving over the next few weeks. (pack, move, unpack, honey do list... you know the drill).
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: Serendipity on March 08, 2021, 12:03:49 pm
It would be crazy  of me not to compliment you on your professionally organised Severan gallery which has got be one of the best galleries in the FORVM. It’s like a virtual museum of Severan denarii. Your coin descriptions are succinct and to the point. It’s really the denarii which need to do the talking. Lengthy descriptions can be very distracting. I also like the way that you've shortened the convoluted and off-putting URL gallery link to a simple click. In fact, it’s that what got me clicking the link to your gorgeous gallery of Severan denarii. I just realised that I’ve already complimented you on your gallery. Just proves to show that you’ve got a truly eye-catching gallery of ancient coins.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: Anaximander on March 11, 2021, 06:05:02 pm
Nice gallery  :).  My first focus on Roman coins was denarii of the Severan dynasty, including the Julias (lots of Julias!). I started by compiling my "want list" and I was off to the races. 

Isn't it great how having a theme has a way of focusing the effort, learning the history and vocabulary, getting you into dialog with dealers, learning about auctions, and digging into references and collections? 


Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: curtislclay on March 11, 2021, 07:05:56 pm
Correct reading PROF AVG[G] on your first coin, the second G being off flan.

On denarii this type comes from only this one rev. die, which was apparently quite heavily used; I must know at least a dozen specimens, including one in my current collection.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on March 11, 2021, 09:45:36 pm
Correct reading PROF AVG[G] on your first coin, the second G being off flan.

On denarii this type comes from only this one rev. die, which was apparently quite heavily used; I must know at least a dozen specimens, including one in my current collection.

Thanks Curtis! I've changed the attribution accordingly.  RIC lists the type as either Scarce or Rare, I can't remember which and my copy is packed away this week.  I assume that must be true if they only made a single reverse die for the type.  Would love to see your example :)
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on March 11, 2021, 09:50:47 pm
Nice gallery  :).  My first focus on Roman coins was denarii of the Severan dynasty, including the Julias (lots of Julias!). I started by compiling my "want list" and I was off to the races. 

Isn't it great how having a theme has a way of focusing the effort, learning the history and vocabulary, getting you into dialog with dealers, learning about auctions, and digging into references and collections? 


Thanks Chris! I took a look at your gallery, and you've certainly branched out from just severan coins :) Very impressive collection!

I've long been a fan of the history of the empire, well before I got into collecting the coins.  I studied engineering at university, but used most of my electives to study classical history because I was interested in it very much :)

I've also learned that hunting for the right books is almost a hobby unto itself... at the moment I'm on the hunt for copies of BMCRE V and VI. 

Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: quadrans on March 16, 2021, 03:50:24 pm
Hi Ron,

Some nice coins again... ;) +++

 I like it... :)

 Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 5 Mar 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 11, 2021, 12:10:16 pm
Well I'm unpacked enough from the move to have my reference books on a shelf again and some of my coins unpacked, so I can continue to update my gallery. 

This one is a recent acquisition, and while technically not a denarius, I have a couple antoninianus examples mixed in to my denarii galleries.  If this becomes a trend, I may have to segment off an ant gallery by itself in the future. 

This one is a nice boldly struck example of RIC 389a, which is fairly scarce.  Really well centered strike, great portrait.  The reverse is a little crisper in hand, but unfortunately the die was clearly more worn than the obverse die.  Still a really nice ant though. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-169795 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-169795)

Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 11 Apr 2021)
Post by: Virgil H on April 11, 2021, 08:08:38 pm
That coin is a beauty. I enjoy the specialty collections and looking at the galleries of them. I am quite scattershot because I have such wide historical interests and have been trying to figure out how to specialize a bit. Very nice gallery.

Virgil
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 11 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 12, 2021, 10:41:34 am
Here is another recent acquisition from Forum, a nice early Septimius Denarius, likely minted within the first year of his reign.  I really like how the early coinage portraits have more realistic beards, rather than the later stylized philosopher's beard on later coins - which many scholars think was a clear attempt to associate himself with Marcus Aurelius. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-169800 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-169800)



This one is RIC IVa 37, RSC III 359, BMCRE V W70, SRCV II 6320. Forum catalogue no. RS94729 and formerly of the Ray Nouri collection.  Nice mint lustre evident on both sides.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 12 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 13, 2021, 05:16:24 pm
Here's one I've had a little longer that I find interesting.  It's RIC IVa 119a.



https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-169799 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-169799)

It's a fairly scarce SALVTI AVGG reverse with Salus seated left, with patera in right hand feeding a snake coiled around an altar. Salus coins apparently aren't all that common in the Severan era, likely because Salus was a pretty minor divinity in the pantheon of Gods.

Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 13 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ken W2 on April 14, 2021, 11:31:25 pm

Ron, thanks for sharing. Those are very nice coins.  Would you mind sharing info on the equipment and methodology (ie lighting set up) you are using? These are very well presented coins imho. I’m still using an iPhone with a clip on macro lens and have not been able to produce photos of this quality. That inability has been an impediment to creating my own gallery. Thanks, and again my compliments.
Ken
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 13 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 15, 2021, 10:25:18 am

Ron, thanks for sharing. Those are very nice coins.  Would you mind sharing info on the equipment and methodology (ie lighting set up) you are using? These are very well presented coins imho. I’m still using an iPhone with a clip on macro lens and have not been able to produce photos of this quality. That inability has been an impediment to creating my own gallery. Thanks, and again my compliments.
Ken

I don't mind sharing at all.  My setup is fairly crude compared to some people here, but definitely more involved than using a smart phone.

I'm using an Olympus E-M1 mirrorless digital camera. Typically I'm using a Zuiko Digital 50mm f2.0 macro lens, which is a lens specifically designed for macro photography. It's on an older lens, so I use an MMF-2 adaptor to mount it to the newer camera body.  

If I was buying a macro lens again, I would get the current generation 60mm f2.8 lens instead, but it's not worth buying a different lens when the one I have is close to the same performance.  The lens aperture speed is irrelevant as I'm always shooting at F22 with flash guns, but the 60mm would allow focus stacking and even higher resolution images.  

I do have a 30mm f 3.5 macro lens, and I don't typically use it because the coins sit close enough to the lens that there's not enough room for my lighting setup, so you want a lens that magnifies a little.

The Olympus gear is micro four thirds, so the lens focal lengths I'm citing are 50% of the 35mm equivalents.  So for example, the olympus 50mm macro lens is the same magnification as a 100mm telephoto lens on a 35mm film camera.  The magnification is just to get the lens further away from the coin to make room for lighting the small subjects like coins.

There are as many flash options as there are coin photographers.  Some guys shoot through glass plates, use static LED lights, etc.  I use an Olympus twin flash gun rig built for macro photography, the STF-22. I also have a ring flash, but most coins look better with twin guns you can reposition. Ring flashes cast the light too evenly, making every coin look flat and lacking contrast between high and low spots.  

Here's a vendor pic, though the latest model, the STF8 is now available and is little more compact - it's not worth the upgrade to me.

(https://www.adorama.com/images/Large/iomstf22.jpg)

I shoot from a sturdy tripod, but would like to upgrade to a copy stand - it's easier to use a stand. I put the coins on a white recipe card, and I put a smaller coin under the coin I'm shooting to lift it off the page a little.

I post-process in Photoshop Elements. I use masking and magic wand functions to highlight the coin and then delete out any remaining background or shadow so the coin is against a pure white field.  No matter how good my shots, there's always some residual background texture and I just delete it so nothing distracts from the coin itself.  I then put the front and back together in a single file, flatten the image and save it.  Generally I don't have to adjust levels, contrast, etc. in post processing unless the image doesn't look like the coin in-hand.  

Using a repeatable setup is key if you want the reverse and obverse images to be identical in size and resolution when you stitch the images together side by side.

I hope that helps! :)

PS: Here's what it looks like when set up:

(https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51928/normal_20210202_185652_resized.jpg)
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 13 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ken W2 on April 15, 2021, 01:52:09 pm

Hey Ron:  Thanks for taking the time to respond.  Crude, ha !! That is quite a rig.  And yes a very helpful description.  But I did a quick google search and just the camera body and flash gun bought used would likely approach or exceed  $1,000 (that's at least 8-10 nice denarii!!).  Without a broader interest in photography that's out of my reach, at least for now. A while back I read Ken P's post in the photography board about how to take good pics with a smart phone and will try some of his suggestions. He's big on using natural light and for me that limits photo taking to week end days.  I love this hobby but it's not all I have to do. I'm wondering if folks producing relatively good photos with phone cameras have a built-in macro lens optiion.  I do not have a built-in macro and thus cannot get coins in focus up close with just the phone lens. So I bought a clip-on macro lens (and mini-tripod for stability) which does allow me to focus close up, but I'm wondering if that lens is interfering with the light metering of the camera (if I am using that term correctly). I sometimes use the LED lights on my micro-scope and sometimes use natural light supplemented with a difused daylight bulb in one of those aluminum reflector fixtures (like the old sun lamps).  Now that is crude!  What I have now is good enough to share photos in discussion posts, but to create a nice gallery I need to be able to produce much better photos. I also will try your tip about getting the coin off the background a little.  Seems like that might help get some light around and show some depth at the edges of the coin ?

Thank you again.

Ken   
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 13 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 15, 2021, 03:07:49 pm

Hey Ron:  Thanks for taking the time to respond.  Crude, ha !! That is quite a rig.  And yes a very helpful description.  But I did a quick google search and just the camera body and flash gun bought used would likely approach or exceed  $1,000 (that's at least 8-10 nice denarii!!).  Without a broader interest in photography that's out of my reach, at least for now. A while back I read Ken P's post in the photography board about how to take good pics with a smart phone and will try some of his suggestions. He's big on using natural light and for me that limits photo taking to week end days.  I love this hobby but it's not all I have to do. I'm wondering if folks producing relatively good photos with phone cameras have a built-in macro lens optiion.  I do not have a built-in macro and thus cannot get coins in focus up close with just the phone lens. So I bought a clip-on macro lens (and mini-tripod for stability) which does allow me to focus close up, but I'm wondering if that lens is interfering with the light metering of the camera (if I am using that term correctly). I sometimes use the LED lights on my micro-scope and sometimes use natural light supplemented with a difused daylight bulb in one of those aluminum reflector fixtures (like the old sun lamps).  Now that is crude!  What I have now is good enough to share photos in discussion posts, but to create a nice gallery I need to be able to produce much better photos. I also will try your tip about getting the coin off the background a little.  Seems like that might help get some light around and show some depth at the edges of the coin ?

Thank you again.

Ken   

If you do go the route of a stand alone camera, which I highly recommend, you don't have to buy a pro-grade digital body to get nice results.  For example, in the Olympus lineup they make cameras like the PEN-Light series that take the same lenses as their more expensive cameras, but they only cost a couple hundred used. they are easily more camera than needed for coin photography - you are likely going to shoot everything in either manual or aperture priority mode anyhow.  A decent used macro lens can also be had for $200-300.  I like the hobby enough that spending $500 on getting nice photos is not at all unreasonable.  I likely spend more on coin shipping costs in a given year. 

Lighting can also be done pretty inexpensively with good results.  Many people just use desk lamps with LED bulbs you already have around the house and make great images :)
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 13 Apr 2021)
Post by: Anaximander on April 15, 2021, 05:18:30 pm
Ron, that was a tour-de-force on coin photography. Succinct and yet easily understood.
Ken, you should take a look, if you haven’t already, at Ron’s What is your camera setup (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=124294.0) topic in the board Coin Photography, Conservation and Storage.
I happen to use a small, mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera like Ron recommended, and the short list of impactful purchases includes a macro lens (something equal to a 100mm lens in the 35mm camera world) and two or three on-demand lights. Waiting for the right sunlight is just so 3rd century  ;).
There’s some value to reading Ken R’s topic Better Coin Photos with a Cell Phone.  (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=124396.0) in the same board.
I think you’d like a small copy stand like the Cosmo Mini 100, even if you stick with just the cellphone. Incidentally, I didn’t find any joy using the cellphone wide angle or zoom clip-ons.
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 21 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 21, 2021, 09:16:17 pm
Today I added a nice example of RIC IVa 171a to my Septimius gallery.  There is a little wear on the highest point of the hair on the obverse, while the reverse retains great detail.  I rather like this reverse, I'm fond of the reverses where there is a shield leaning up against an emperor or God's leg. 

I should point out, that if you go to the the link of the actual photo in the gallery and click on the image, you get a really high resolution image of each of my coins.  They often show way better than in the thumbnails I post here to entice people to go see my actual gallery :)

While there, comments on coins you like are appreciated :)


https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170002 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170002)
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 21 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 25, 2021, 07:13:58 pm
Trying something new this time.  I noticed that the vast majority of more experienced members don't post thumbnails of new gallery additions in these threads, only gallery links.  

Since virtually nobody is on a dial-up modem anymore, I can only assume this is so that people go see the images in their proper galleries where they can see the numismatist's efforts to photograph and catalogue the coins in all their glory and full resolution.  

So I'm going to try that for a while and see if it gets people to actually click on the gallery links or not.  I know my "views" counts in my gallery are WAY below the number of thread views, so perhaps this will improve viewership somewhat.

Today I have a couple nice additions to share, recently acquired from a prominent dealer.  Like many of my recent acquisitions, these are early Septimius reign examples as I try to fill out my earlier examples.

The first is RIC IVa 63, PART ARAB PART ADIAB COS II PP showing bound captives under a trophy.  Nice early Obverse portrait with great artistry around the eyes, and like many earlier and less idealized portraits, I suspect this is closer to what Septimius actually looked like when he took the purple.  Check out the bulbous nose, I fancy he likely had one in reality.   In later portraits, he always has a finer nose and exaggerated philosopher's beard.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170053 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170053)

Next up is a nicely toned example of RIC IVa 69, P M P III COS II P P with a nice rendering of Fortuna holding a rudder, symbolizing that the emperor literally steers the course of the world.  Just 6 denarius issues later than RIC IVa 63, gone is the bulbous nose, and Septimius' facial features look more like a Roman ideal.  The beard is still fairly trim at this point, however.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170054 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170054)

Enjoy - and as always, comments are most appreciated!
Title: Re: Introducing Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery (update 25 Apr 2021)
Post by: Ron C2 on April 26, 2021, 04:39:28 pm
Another cool gallery addition to post today. This is RIC IVb 411a, MONET AVG.  This one is an Emesa mint coin during the brief period Emesa minted for Septimius between 193 and 195 CE.  This particular variant was represented in Reka Devina and is in Mouchmov on P98.  It's not a very common danarius in my experience.

This denarius is really clearly struck with bold lettering, particularly on the reverse.  It's worth a look! :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170075 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170075)
Title: Re: ELEPHANT! Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 04, 2021, 10:35:01 pm
Today I'm posting one of my favorite Septimius denarius types.  I love these coins because the reverse shows an elephant on it, but the coin was minted in Rome.  MVNIFICENTIA means "generosity", so literally the reverse was telling the people of Rome that they get to see elephants, likely at the Flavian Amphitheatre (the Coliseum), because of the Emperor's generosity.

I'm amazed at the logistics it must have represented to bring elephants in significant numbers and in good health from Africa to the capitol with the technology of the day.  It's impressive.  The average citizen must have been in awe to see these creatures up close.

Click here for a glimpse of this variety (RIC lists it as scarce), and as always - please leave a comment!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170173 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170173)
Title: Re: ELEPHANT! Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 11, 2021, 07:27:24 pm
Today I'm adding a slightly different Septimius coin from the earlier types I've recently posted to my gallery, but it's a common motif in roman coinage in general: the Imperial Genius.  

To quote my good friend Wikipedia, In Roman religion, the genius is the individual instance of a general divine nature that is present in every individual person, place, or thing. You could think of it through a modern lens as what the Romans would have considered their guardian angel or personal protector.  Your genius would follow you from the hour of your birth until your death.  

This particular late-Septimius coin example (circa 208 CE) is on a heavy flan at 3.99g, definitely on the larger side for Severan denarii.  It's also a remarkably well centered strike for the Rome Mint in this timeframe.  

Although RIC lists this one as common, there were only 39 of this type in Reka Devnia, so not so common as most other late-Septimius reign denarii in this reference hoard.

Shown here for your viewing pleasure.  Please leave a comment if you are enjoying my labours to bring you quality denarius images form my collection :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170243 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170243)


As an aside, I scored a copy of Mouchmov's catalogue of the Reka Devnia hoard, so I've updated all the coins in the Septimius Severus gallery with the Reka Devnia numbers of examples.  It gives a really interesting perspective on relative rarity of my danarii.  I also added in all the Cohen references this week.  

I still have to do all this for my other Severan galleries, perhaps tomorrow.  It's a fair bit of work - Cohen is not exactly the easiest reference to navigate and cross-reference with Mouchmov and RIC.  Especially since many RIC entries don't list the Cohen reference, which is needed to look up the Reka Devnia results.  R-D is only catalogued to Cohen.
Title: Re: Septimius' Genius - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Jay GT4 on May 11, 2021, 10:38:47 pm
Heavy coin!
Title: Re: Septimius' Genius - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 12, 2021, 05:44:17 pm
Heavy coin!

Yeah, for whatever reason, while the target weight for a Severan era denarius is about 3g, most of my examples seem to fall anywhere between 2g and 4g, so flan sectioning to precise weights was far from an exact science.
Title: Re: Victory and Saving Cities - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 13, 2021, 07:56:57 pm
I've added a couple more denarii to my Septimius gallery, both of which are very recent acquisitions.

First up, we have RIC 150 - A wonderfully crisp example of a Victory in flight reverse.  This is a pretty common type, but less common in this condition with nice crisp strikes, fresh dies, little wear, and well-centered in a fairly heavy flan.  I'm quite happy with the coin.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170262 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170262)

Next, we have a different reverse version of the popular RESTITVTOR VRBIS denarius - Restorer of the city, and/or Saviour of Rome. Depending how literal you want your translation :)  This is the seated Roma version, which differs substantially from the similar type depicting an armored Emperor sacrificing over an altar.  I have both types in my gallery, to compare, also look ay my example of RIC 167a, which can be found at the second link below :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170263 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-170263)

And the 167a type:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168650 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-168650)

As always, comments are most welcome!!

Title: Re: Victory and Saving Cities - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 15, 2021, 04:34:07 pm
I've finished adding all the Cohen and Reka Devnia references to my Severan era women denarius galley here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7467 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7467)
Title: Re: Victory and Saving Cities - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 17, 2021, 10:48:49 pm
I've finished adding all the Cohen and Reka Devnia references to my Denarii of other Severan-era emperors galley here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7468 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7468)
Title: Re: Legion IIII Flavia Felix - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 21, 2021, 07:42:09 pm
Today I added a Septimius Severus Legionary denarius, RIC IVa 8.  This one is struck to commemorate the Legio IIII Flavia Felix, a legion of the Imperial Roman army founded in AD 70 by Vespasian.  The legion supported Septimius' claim to the throne when Pertinax was assasinated and civil war broke out.  All the original legions to declare for Septim us were later honored with Legionary issues to commemorate their loyalty.  There are 17 different Legionary Denarii of septimius that follow this same pattern with near identical reverses.  All of them are scarce, if not outright rare would not have been struck for a long period of time.

As always, comments are most welcome!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170281 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170281)
Title: Re: Septimius the horse lord? - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 29, 2021, 08:25:04 pm
I always enjoy the denarii showing animals like snakes, elephants and of course, horses.  In this nice example of RIC288 (or Cohen No.1 if you prefer?), Septimius rides a horse raising a hand to hail his arrival.  A soldier leads the way for him.  In Latin, Advent could mean either Invasion or a noteworthy arrival.  I think it likely meant celebrating the arrival of the emperor in Rome, perhaps after his campaigns in Africa and Mauretania in 202. 

Great reverse here, and I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)  Comments are, of course, always welcomed.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170529 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170529)
Title: Re: An early Liberalitas - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on May 30, 2021, 09:45:40 am
Next up we have a nice early Liberalitas.  RIC IVa 18 from about 193, shortly after Septimius' acclamation by the senate. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170531 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170531)

Liberalitas was the virtue of giving freely, hence generosity, and one might assume it refers to the Generosity of the emperor toward the city as he gained the population's favor whilst heading out to confront Prescinius Niger and Clodius Albinus for control of the far east and far west portion of the empire.
Title: Re: An early Liberalitas - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 01, 2021, 11:15:07 pm
Added another early Septimius Severus legionary denarius for Legio XXX Ulpia Victrix.  Love these second century legionary denarii :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170573 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170573)
Title: Re: Ulpia Victrix - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 02, 2021, 11:48:22 am
Just added a really nice example of RIC IVa 189b, I'd say it's aEF.  Not an uncommon type, but this example is worth the click with a really well centered complete strike on the obverse.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170576 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170576)

I also added this cute lexample of RIC IVb 211.  It's a common type, but this is a really nice strike of the coin and the reverse has an unusual cartoonish quality to the depiction of Victory inscribing a shield nested in a palm tree.  It makes me smile :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170574 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170574)
Title: Re: An RIC Rare :) - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 02, 2021, 06:18:28 pm
I suspect a somewhat worn reverse die strike allowed this one to fly under the radar, but I recently scored a decent example of RIC IVa 50 from 194-195 AD. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170572 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170572)

This little fella is an RIC "R" and there was only a single example in the RD hoard, re-enforcing that this is not an easy catch. 

I love these reverses with the emperor holding the globe in his hand, basically proving the ancients knew the world was round :)

Comments are most welcome :)

Title: Re: An RIC Rare :) - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 05, 2021, 01:10:39 pm
Added another of my variants of the "2 captives" Septimius Severus denarii reverse, this time from 201 AD during the 9th tribunal power for Septimius.  In this case, it's a nicely toned example of RIC IVa 176.  I have several different RIC references of this reverse motif with different legends and obverses.  I'll add them as I get more time :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170614 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170614)
Title: Re: Minerva - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 11, 2021, 08:22:12 pm
I added another variant of the Minerva reverse septimius severus denarii.  In this case, RIC IVa 61, from 195, IMP V, 3rd tribunal power, consul twice.

There are several denarii in this series with difference IMP TR P and COS dates, but generally they all look very similar.  I think this is a nice example of the type, though.

What's interesting is that RIC 53 and RIC 60 are both Cohen 390, but the IMPIIII on RIC 53 is considered a Cohen variant in Mouchmov.  RIC assigned them different catalogue numbers.  I have examples of both types in my gallery.

New addition here:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170866 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170866)
Title: Re: More captives and Spes - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 16, 2021, 10:53:24 pm
I've uploaded yet another variant of the popular "2 captives and trophy" reverse, this one from 202 AD.  I also added a scarce BONA SPEI reverse from Emesa with great cabinet toning. 

Interestingly, the BONA SPEI coin is a Latin spelling error that is a recognized variant of this type in RIC, though Cohen did not list the type separately.  The "correct" spelling variants should be either BONA SPES or BONAE SPEI.  This means the Reka Devnia qty of 24 coins for the BONA SPES reverse could include some of this variant with the spelling error going un-noticed by Mouchmov.  There was only one examples of the BONAE SPEI coin in RD.  RIC IV (1936) had not yet been published when Mouchmov documented the Reka Devnia hoard in 1934, and he only used Cohen references.

I hope you like these new additions - comments are most welcome :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170909 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170909)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170908 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170908)
Title: Re: Wonderful VOTIS coin - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 18, 2021, 04:50:56 pm
Really very pleased to add a white whale coin (for me), which got here late yesterday.  RIC 520a, a VOTIS DECENNALIBVS denarius struck for Septimius at Laodicea.  I've looked for a high grade example of this coin for years, and finally won one in a (hotly contested) auction. 

all-text reverses are just so uncommon on Septimius Severus denarii and this one is really so much nicer condition than any other example I have considered acquiring.  Really really pleased with this one, and it has good provenance back to at least 2016. 

Comments are most welcome :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170916 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170916)
Title: Re: Wonderful VOTIS coin - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: quadrans on June 19, 2021, 07:49:12 am
Hi Ron,

 Your Severan Gallery are great  +++

The RIC 520a, a VOTIS DECENNALIBVS nice really, on may waiting list  :laugh: ;)

 Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Wonderful VOTIS coin - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 21, 2021, 08:14:11 am
Hi Ron,

 Your Severan Gallery are great  +++

The RIC 520a, a VOTIS DECENNALIBVS nice really, on may waiting list  :laugh: ;)

 Regards

 Joe

Thanks Joe,

I'm working hard at getting everything shot, edited and posted as well as still actively acquiring pieces - but I've got a long way to go before I even match your Severan stuff, and you've not even specialized there (!)
Title: Re: PROFECT AVGG FEL - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 21, 2021, 08:32:35 pm
Just added this example of the PROFECT AVGG FEL reverse, RIC IVa 165a.  RIC lists it as scarce and there were no examples in Reka Devnia, which many times would put it more in the R1 category than S, but whatever.  It's not common, suffice it to say.

This example is decent, though a bit worn with a less than crisp reverse strike.  Given the relative rarity though, I'll take it.  I do love the horse-themed Septimius denarii... ;)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170946 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170946)

I also added this PROVIDENTIA AVG, which I think is RIC 491a and not RIC 92a, but am looking for confirmation in the ID sub-forum.  Pretty sure I'm right based on style. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170947 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170947)
Title: Re: Celebrating Victory! - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 22, 2021, 06:35:55 pm
A couple new additions today.  Firstly, I love this VIRTVS AVG denarius.  Only one example in RD, and this one has great hoard toning - what's not to like?

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170950 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170950)

Next, a fairly common VICT PART MAX that for some reason I didn't have an example of yet.  I like this coin and had the type for Caracalla already, but needed a Septimius strike to fill a hole :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170951 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170951)
Title: Re: Celebrating Victory! - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Enodia on June 22, 2021, 07:58:13 pm
Both nice additions Ron, but I particularly like the second one.
Maybe you could highlight it here...
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=101711.msg626428#msg626428

~ Peter
Title: Re: Celebrating Victory! - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 22, 2021, 08:23:00 pm
Both nice additions Ron, but I particularly like the second one.
Maybe you could highlight it here...
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=101711.msg626428#msg626428

~ Peter

Done! :)
Title: Re: Big upgrade - Victoriae - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 23, 2021, 06:56:15 pm
Posted a massive collection upgrade today.  A while back I had added a rare example of RIC IVa 299 in fairly marginal condition.  It was a FORVM coin, and I was glad to have it, as examples of this type basically never come up for sale.  But when it rains, it pours, and I recently managed to snag a really top example of the type in an auction.  MASSIVE upgrade to this rare issue, perhaps better than may get posted for a while. 

See the older (poorer) coin here:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168351 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168351)

And the new, upgraded type here:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170962 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170962)

Pretty stark improvement (!).

I also added this nice FVNDATOR PACIS in just superb condition, basically uncirculated - also bought at auction.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170963 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170963)



Title: Re: Big upgrade - Victoriae - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 24, 2021, 01:42:12 pm
Although not technically a Severan era emperor, I added this Maximinus I denarius to my Severan Emperor's gallery.  I'm calling it close enough :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170964 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170964)
Title: Re: RIC No.1 - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 30, 2021, 07:32:48 pm
Finally scored a rather nice example of Septimius' RIC 1 denarius. Great old collection toning, just a super example in my opinion. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171048 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171048)

Apparently this issue was struck to commemorate the loyalty of the Legions that declared for Septimius in the year of the 5 emperors.  Shortly after that, the mints transitioned to Septimius' Legionary denarii - somewhat modelled after Mark Antony's denarii nearly 200 years earlier.  I have several examples of these in my galley (see my signature block).
Title: Re: RIC No.1 - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Joe Sermarini on June 30, 2021, 07:45:25 pm
Very nice toning.
Title: Re: RIC No.1 - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on June 30, 2021, 08:58:37 pm
Very nice toning.

Thanks Joe! From you I think that is a great compliment :)
Title: Re: FORTVN REDVG (sic) - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 06, 2021, 07:24:13 pm
I've added another interesting coin - this time an Emesa mint with a mis-spelled reverse.  While a scarce issue (according to RIC), this REDVG mis-spelling was common enough to get it's own RIC variant number - RIC IVa 383a. 

The difference is that 383 is spelled correctly as FORTVN REDVC, 383a is FORTVN REDVG, and 383b is FORTVI REDVC

So obviously on this issue, like many Emesa issues, spelling mistakes on the reverse were really common.  I've heard it hypothesized that the celators were either Greek unfamiliar with Latin, or illiterate workers copying a correctly spelled master coin.

All three RIC 383 variants have the same rarity rating, and Cohen considered these to all be C175, regardless of spelling differences.  Across all variants there were only 3 examples in RD according to Mouchmov and the entire issue is classed "scrace" by Mattingly.

Hope you all like it :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171085 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171085)
Title: Re: Several new Septimius denarii - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 24, 2021, 09:40:29 pm
After being on the road for a couple weeks, I decided to provide a larger gallery update today. 

This time I added 5 more denarii for your viewing pleasure, all recent additions to my collection.  Hope you like them and consider leaving comments :)

RIC 14 Legionary denarius
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171361 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171361)

RIC 40 Apollo reverse
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171362 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171362)

RIC 196 Jupiter reverse - this one is a real choice EF with mint lustre.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171360 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171360)

RIC 207 Africa with a lion
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171358 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171358)

RIC 415 SPQR Optimo Principi
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171359 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171359)

I should have some other coins to add tomorrow when I finish shooting and editing them.
Title: Re: The divine Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 25, 2021, 08:32:56 am
Here is a nice example of a Caracalla posthumous issue of Septimius Severus, declaring his divinity.  Rather a nice example of the type, crisp and evenly struck.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171366 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171366)

Also added a decent example of RIC IVc 70, Gordian III antoninianus to my new third century crisis gallery:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171368 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171368)

And finally a nice Phillip I (the Arab) antoninianus displaying a low column (inscribed COS III) that I rather like.  This was part of an issue celebrating 1000 years since the founding of the city.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171367 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171367)
Title: Re: The divine Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Tracy Aiello on July 25, 2021, 09:22:09 am
Great additions Ron.

Tracy
Title: Re: The divine Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 25, 2021, 03:54:35 pm
Great additions Ron.

Tracy

Thanks Tracy - I try to take decent photos and give decent attributions to coins other people might find interesting.  I'll likely post some more silver later this week.

At some point I need to make time to photograph the bronzes...  :-\
Title: Re: Septimius' Concordiae militum - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 26, 2021, 02:00:26 pm
I just added an example of Septimius Severus' CONCORDIAE MILITVM denarius release.  These are fairly scarce and this is a rather nice example of the type.  As many know, this type of coin became very popular in the Late Roman Bronze era of Roman coinage, and it seems it was just starting to catch on in Septimius' day.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171384 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171384)
Title: Re: Septimius' Concordiae militum - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: quadrans on July 26, 2021, 04:48:33 pm
Nice addition, Ron  +++

 Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Postumus the gallic emperor - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 27, 2021, 08:42:30 pm
I just added an Ant of Postumus to my 3rd century crisis gallery.  Nice portrait on an early coin with relatively high silver content from a time when Postumus still controlled the silver mines of Iberia. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171393 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171393)

and yes, I know the third century crisis strays outside my general gallery theme of Severan silver coinage, but I have the coins, I like them, and I'm hoping everyone agrees I should post them in the appropriate gallery.
Title: Re: Postumus the gallic emperor - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Virgil H on July 29, 2021, 11:02:26 pm
Been reading about the crisis period the past couple days. Please post whatever coins you want wherever you want.  This one is a nice example from a very interesting time.

Virgil
Title: Re: Postumus the gallic emperor - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 29, 2021, 11:18:53 pm
Thanks Virgil, I hope to post some more coins next week when I get through some "honey-do" items around the house :)  There should be some other third century crisis silver antoninianii in the next upload or two :)
Title: Re: Vota and Indulgentia denarii - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on July 31, 2021, 06:57:08 pm
Added a couple more denarii:

First is a Septimius Severus VOTA SUSCEPTA XX coin.  A fairly common type, but this one is a really nice strike with old collection toning.  Very old coin slip included with it, sold out of a Dan Brown Rare Coins in Denver Colorado.  I suspect it's not longer in business - the store tag is really old. Wonder if anyone knows anything about that dealer?

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171440 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171440)

Next up is a scarce INDULGENTIA AVG.  No, not the Carthage dea caelestis version you always see, but a much less common and earlier coin with Indulgentia seated on the reverse.  This one was clearly struck from does nearing the end of their life, but I was still glad to acquire it as they aren't that easy to come across and the ones I do encounter all seem to have a worn reverse die strike.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171441 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171441)
Title: Re: Some more 3rd century crisis coins - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 03, 2021, 09:38:39 pm
And because Virgil H gave me license to...  ;D I'm posting a few more 3rd century crisis antoninianii:

First up is a Trajan Decius ADVENTVS coin - nice bright specimen with lustre.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171488 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171488)

Next is a scrace Herennius Etruscus Antoninianus. This one is lightly toned and the reverse struck with a worn die, but given the rarity and interesting reverse subject matter, I rather like it.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171487 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171487)

And lastly a Trebonianus Gallus Antoninianus in just superb condition. 

Hope you all like them, I'll be back to posting some more period (for me) Severan denarii tomorrow :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171489 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171489)
Title: Re: Some more 3rd century crisis coins - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Virgil H on August 03, 2021, 10:03:57 pm
Keep them coming. You have my permission :-). Seriously, you and others on the Forum have encouraged me to get more into Roman coins of all periods.

Virgil
Title: Re: Julia Mamaea - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 04, 2021, 01:42:55 pm
I just added a new Julia Mamaea denarius.  This issue is from around 223 AD at a time when she was effectively ruling in Alexander Severus' name. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171493 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171493)
Title: Re: Julia Mamaea - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 04, 2021, 09:30:30 pm
So I'm about half way through my Septimius gallery adding in all the BMCRE V references.  Taking longer than I thought as BMCRE is laid out very differently than, for example, RIC or Cohen.  Eventually I'll also add in the Seaby references. 

A gallery curator's work is never done, it seems...

I also have more coins to shoot and post.  It never ends - lol.  Hopefully the few people who look at my galleries appreciate the coins as much as I do :)
Title: Re: Some Eastern mint denarii - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 06, 2021, 06:31:15 pm
I just added a couple denarii, one from "Emesa" and one from "Laodicea":

Here's a RIC 364 to go with my example of RIC 365 (which is the same coin with a known spelling error):

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171537 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171537)

And here is a nice example of RIC 500 from Laodicea. It has a nice layout scribe line remnant on the reverse:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171538 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171538)

Title: Re: Nice Gordian III portrait, Trebonianus oops - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 07, 2021, 11:58:06 am
Added a couple more third century crisis ants today.

The first is a Gordian III ant that I just had to acquire because I thought it was one of the nicest Gordian III obverse portraits I'd seen in ages.  You be the judge, but many Gordian III portraits are a bit cartoonish and childish looking, while this one I felt looks lifelike and perhaps reflects what he really looked like.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171549 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171549)

And the second one has a bit of a funny story - admit it, you've been there too.  I was after an example of Trebonianus' special emission RIC 69. I like the IVNO MARTIALIS reverse on these coins.  I ended up placing bids on two of the same coin at a couple different well regarded auction houses and unexpectedly ended up with both coins.  oops!  Oh well, they are definitely from different callators and look quite stylistically different, especially the reverses.  I'm happy to have both. 

Here is the one that just arrived:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171548 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171548)

And here's the one I posted last week:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171489 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171489)

The first TG coin is nicely toned with a decent portrait and a really pointy nose.  The reverse is very nicely executed, though the strike is from a die with a little wear.  The second one has its mint lustre and overall is a more sharp and detailed coin, but I think the reverse portrait in particular is less well executed in terms of style. I found it interesting, both a re within .01g of each other and they are remarkably consistent - moreseo than I usually see on the earlier Severan era denarii I more typically collect.

Let me know what you think :)
Title: Re: Nice Gordian III portrait, Trebonianus oops - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: quadrans on August 07, 2021, 02:53:42 pm
Great coins, Ron  +++

My favorite is also the nice portrait of Gordian III.


Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Crisis and Gallic coins - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 11, 2021, 09:45:47 pm
Taking another break from just posting Severan coins to post a couple more interesting additions to my gallery.

Firstly, I've decided to spin off the Gallic Emperors in to a new album, separate from my other Third Century crisis coins.  In doing so, I added a really exceptional antoninianus of Victorinus that is really well provenanced and attributed here:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171616 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171616)

I also added a nice dated Antoninianus of Valerian to my third century crisis album here:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171617 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171617)

I like this second coin, as the reverse depicts Valerian and Gallienus in military garb during the period when they were co-emperors.
Title: Re: Phillip II, prince of youth - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 16, 2021, 06:59:07 pm
I added this Phillip II (Phillip the younger) Antoninianus to my third century crisis gallery.  I think it's a rather nice portrait of the young Prince while still Caesar, just before he was made an Augustus.  The lad was later killed at the age of 12 after his father lost his life in battle with Trajan Decius's forces at Verona.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171669 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171669)
Title: Re: Phillip II, prince of youth - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: quadrans on August 19, 2021, 08:31:38 am
Hi Ron,

As I see it is not just the Severus gallery that is growing... +++

Congratulation

Joe
Title: Re: Phillip II, prince of youth - Ron C2's Severan denarii gallery
Post by: Ron C2 on August 19, 2021, 08:48:29 am
:)

I still have septimius coins to photograph and add, but I have explored a bit of the third century crisis and secessionist empires as well.  I'm still mostly a Septimius collector though! :)
Title: Re: Septimius Emesa coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 20, 2021, 09:58:58 pm
I've added some nice Septimius Severus Emesa denarii.

First up is a FORTVN REDUC COS II coin.  This time it's the "correct" version of this coin.  The last one I posted had a common spelling error.  It's a nice example I picked up at auction.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171717 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171717)

And next is an uncommon VIRTVTE AVG, also from Emesa.  Not sure why, but every time I see the reverse, it seems somehow phallic in it's design...?

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171716 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171716)

As always, comments are welcome and encouraged!
Title: Re: Plautillae Augustae - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 21, 2021, 05:07:32 pm
I just posted a rather nice Plautilla Denarius (RIC Scarce).  Interesting reverse heralding the partnership between Plautilla and Caracalla to propagate the imperial family. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171740 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171740)
Title: Re: Plautillae Augustae - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on August 23, 2021, 03:55:27 pm
Nice coins, Ron,  ;)

Congratulation   +++

Joe
Title: Re: Otacilia Severa Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 24, 2021, 07:22:44 pm
Pickled up this decent Otacilia Severa antoninianus at Auction recently.  I think it's a rather nice specimen of the type.  Otacilia was Phillip the Arab's wife.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171761 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171761)

From Wikipedia: Severa and Philip are sometimes considered as the first Christian imperial couple, because during their reign the persecutions of Christians had ceased and the couple had become tolerant towards Christianity but their beliefs have not been proven. It was through her intervention, for instance, that Bishop and Saint Babylas of Antioch was saved from persecution.
Title: Re: Scarce Volusian Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 28, 2021, 12:43:56 pm
My latest gallery addition is a scarce Volusian RIC 140 Ant in rather nice condition.  Great portrait for Volusian.  Hope you like it :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171809 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171809)

I also added a scarce Septimius Severus Emesa double-corn ear denarius (RIC 374).  It's a little on the worn side, but these are hard to find at fair prices and I was happy to add this one until a better example comes along. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171817 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171817)
Title: Re: Scarce Volusian Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on August 29, 2021, 01:15:06 am
Love the  Volusian. portrait for sure. Really nice.
Virgil
Title: Re: Scarce Volusian Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 31, 2021, 06:46:58 pm
Added a nice Tetricus (very low silver percentage) billon antoninianus.  This one had an old unreadable tag shellac-adhered to it that I was able to carefully remove.  It exposed a lovely coin with a crude, but likely still official style.  Coins this late in the Gallic empire were not exactly the most refined examples of the cellator's craft.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171819 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171819)

Title: Re: Scarce Volusian Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on August 31, 2021, 09:22:47 pm
That is a nice one. You ever figure out what that tag was?

Virgil
Title: Re: Scarce Volusian Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 01, 2021, 08:19:06 am
No, but it was old enough to have used shellac for glue. The dealer thought it was an old museum inventory tag, but I can't say that is correct or just a guess. I think it looks better without the tag though.
Title: Re: Gallienus Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 01, 2021, 08:35:03 pm
Added a nicely struck Gallienus billon antoninianus with an attractive striding doe reverse today.  Interesting stylized portrait from around 267-268 CE.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171889 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171889)

Title: Re: Probus clementia temp Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 02, 2021, 05:40:08 pm
Added a decent Probus BI Ant with pretty good silvering to my third century crisis gallery today.  Hope you like it.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171911 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171911)
Title: Re: Probus clementia temp Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on September 02, 2021, 05:49:58 pm
I like this coin... +++

Joe
Title: Re: Probus clementia temp Ant - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 02, 2021, 08:13:48 pm
Thanks Joe!

I also just added a couple special Septimius coins.

First up an RIC "rare" in really nice shape:

RIC 426, VICT AUG, "rare":

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171912 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171912)

And an RIC "scarce" that I'd been chasing for a while and finally won a nice example at an auction (though I definitely overpaid  ::) )

RIC 417, SAECVL FELICIT, Crescent with seven stars.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171913 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171913)
Title: Re: LRB - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 06, 2021, 05:05:38 pm
I've decided to pick away at the odd LRB I've kept over the years.  This is really NOT my area of focus.  Almost all my LRBs came from really crusty low-grade uncleaned lots.  I only kept the ones that turned out surprisingly nice based on how they started, which was unrecognizable slugs that needed a LOT of work - lol.

First up is an example of a Constantine I RIC80.  RIC thinks this is, I believe, an R2 - but I seriously doubt that assessment, given all the LRBs that surfaced after RIC VII was published. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171921 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171921)

Next is a Licinius I nummis, not the best of condition and cupped, but attributable nonetheless. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=166849 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=166849)
Title: Re: LRB - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on September 06, 2021, 05:58:33 pm
Decent for coming from uncleaned lots.  I miss the good ol days when you'd find big 1st century bronzes...
Title: Re: LRB - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 06, 2021, 09:55:08 pm
thanks Jay, I'd not say I've had great luck with uncleaned coins - truthfully, the ones I'm showing here were maybe 1 in 10.  But then I was only buying the coins that had no visible detail at all on them, mainly for the cleaning challenge.  A great many of them turned out to be pitted beyond collectability or worn smooth.  These few I'm posting were the ones that surprised me considering what I started with. 

Here's a few more I just finished attributing.

Constantine I AE3 RIC VII 123 Thessalonica:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171934 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171934)

And Constantius II AE3 RIC VII 237 Siscia:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171935 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171935)

And Licinius AE2 RIC VII 3 Siscia:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171936 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171936)
Title: Re: LRB - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 08, 2021, 09:15:04 pm
I just added another interesting LRB I discovered in a rough uncleaned lot. This time a (according to RIC) R3 example of RIC VII 43 Siscia, an AE4 issue of Constantine commemorating Claudius II Gothicus. 

While not a perfect example, it's in remarkable condition considering it was an unrecognizable slug of concretions nearly twice its current size before I started cleaning it. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171990 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171990)

I also added a Diocletian Ant I've had photographed for a while but forgot to post :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171937 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171937)
Title: Re: Salonina Antoninianus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 11, 2021, 03:56:43 pm
Added a nice Ar Antoninianus of Salonina (the wife of Gallienus), minted in Lugdunum.  Nice large flan, solid and well centred strike with a pretty high silver content. I'm pleased with this one.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172038 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172038)

I also added a nice example of RIC 130 Septimius Severus, IOVI CONSERVATORI. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172039 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172039)
Title: Re: Salonina Antoninianus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on September 11, 2021, 08:07:26 pm
That Salonia is a beauty. I was showing it ti my wife, who is very supportive of my coin collecting hobby. Which led to a discussion of flans. I said that edge flaws could have been there when it was minted or come later for any number of reasons and it was just the nature of many ancient coins. The striking on this one is just beautiful.

Thanks,
Virgil
Title: Re: Gallic Empire Tertricus I and II - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 13, 2021, 08:04:05 pm
thanks Virgil.  Nothing beats the unique artistry of hand-struck ancients.  FAR more fascinating to observe and hold than anything made with machinery in the modern era, if you ask me.  Every coin is a miniature work of art.

I decided to post a couple more Gallic Empire antoninianii.  I find the secessionist empires more than a little fascinating, and these coins were minted during the last gasp of the Gallic Empire before Aurellian re-united the Western Empire under a single Emperor in Rome. 

First up is a decent Tetricus I (RIC 100):

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172059 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172059)

Followed by his son, Tetricus II as caesar (RIC 270):

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172060 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172060)
Title: Re: Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 15, 2021, 09:05:29 pm
I thought I'd post my latest auction haul today for everyone's viewing pleasure. 

First up is a nice example of Septimius' RIC 228 with a Neptune reverse that I rather like. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172088 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172088)

Next is a nice Gallienus AR antoninianus, well before the silver content dipped into bronze-looking billon.  Really nice captives and trophy reverse, which is a type I like across the 2nd and third century coins.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172089 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172089)

And lastly a nice BI Tacitus Ant.  I find the tacitus obverses interesting, as they didn't really cut a flattering figure of the emperor and he is often depicted with a bulbous forehead, diminutive chin, and a neck accentuated by a roll of fat.  Not long after Tacitus, the coinage went to overly-angular and stylized heroic portraits that likely looked nothing like the real man.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172090 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172090)
Title: Re: Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on September 16, 2021, 01:31:26 am
Hi Ron,

You have added many nice coins to your gallery recently... +++

Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 16, 2021, 08:01:19 am
Thanks Joe! I've been working hard at posting some nice coins and content that others might also enjoy seeing. The kind words help keep me motivated!
Title: Re: Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on September 16, 2021, 05:23:54 pm
👍🤗😉

Joe
Title: Re: Septimius and crisis coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on September 16, 2021, 07:21:56 pm
Ron and others with galleries and coin websites.
I don't always comment on gallery posts or on gallery pages themselves, but I am looking and am appreciative of all of  your efforts to do galleries, as well as Meepzorp's web site. If I ever figure out the photography thing, I will start a gallery myself. I am aware that people don't always know if people are looking at what they are putting up. I can tell you I look at the galleries a fair amount and appreciate the work it takes you to share with us.

Thanks,
Virgil
Title: Re: Postumus (Aureolus) and Saloninus coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 19, 2021, 12:17:55 am
Honestly Virgil, just dive in!  There are threads in the photography forum on taking decent coin photos with cell phones, and you can try that to get started.  Building a gallery is like falling in love all over again with each of your coins, and you get to have a macro-photography hobby as well :)

As for today, I'm posting an interesting Antoninianus struck by Aureolus in Milan for Postumus when Aureolus revolted against Gallienus.  This one is even more interesting as the reverse die had previously experienced a die clash so there is a left-facing bust inprint as part of the reverse.  Kind of a cool oddity.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172177 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172177)

I also posted a decent Antoninianus of Saloninas who was briefly caesar under Gallienus before being murdered by Postumus. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172176 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172176)
Title: Re: Postumus (Aureolus) and Saloninus coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: mauseus on September 19, 2021, 03:42:18 am
Hi,

Nice Aureolus coin.

You also post on the brief tenure of Saloninus Caesar. He was Augustus even more briefly, probably proclaimed as a direct response to the increasing threat of Postumus. All the known coins as Augustus are from the Gallic mint. Below a link to an example I have.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=196&pid=38601 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=196&pid=38601)

Regards,
Mauseus
Title: Re: Postumus (Aureolus) and Saloninus coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 19, 2021, 11:29:31 pm
Hi Mauseus, yes, Saloninus, as I understand things, was declared emperor by his troops when he was besieged in Colonia Agrippina by Postumus.  Aparently in under a month, the city and his soldiers turned him over the Postumus and he ended up deceased in the process.  I'm not all that certain it really counts to have just been Emperor of Cologne? ;)

Anyhoo, I also just posted a Cologne-minted Victorinus - because why not?  We're clearly all talking Gallic Empire in this thread this week - lol. 

This is a rather interesting examples with lots of silvering left.  It looks much better in hand, but the light encrustations always look more exaggerated when I photograph this coin.  I tried myriad lighting setups and this was the best I achieved.  IT really is way nicer in-hand.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172191 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172191)
Title: Re: Postumus (Aureolus) and Saloninus coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on September 21, 2021, 03:55:33 am
Honestly Virgil, just dive in!  There are threads in the photography forum on taking decent coin photos with cell phones, and you can try that to get started.  Building a gallery is like falling in love all over again with each of your coins, and you get to have a macro-photography hobby as well :)

As for today, I'm posting an interesting Antoninianus struck by Aureolus in Milan for Postumus when Aureolus revolted against Gallienus.  This one is even more interesting as the reverse die had previously experienced a die clash so there is a left-facing bust inprint as part of the reverse.  Kind of a cool oddity.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172177 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172177)

I also posted a decent Antoninianus of Saloninas who was briefly caesar under Gallienus before being murdered by Postumus. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172176 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172176)

Hi, Ron,

The Aureolus coin is great  +++

I like that... ;)

Joe
Title: Re: Postumus (Aureolus) and Saloninus coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Anaximander on September 23, 2021, 07:35:51 am
I thought I'd post my latest auction haul today for everyone's viewing pleasure.
...
Next is a nice Gallienus AR antoninianus, well before the silver content dipped into bronze-looking billon.  Really nice captives and trophy reverse, which is a type I like across the 2nd and third century coins. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172089 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172089)

Trophy reverses are so highly collectible, much like galley reverses. Here's my coin, with the same obv. die. (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=165445) I hadn't realized it was a variant of the RIC reference. 
Title: Re: Postumus (Aureolus) and Saloninus coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 23, 2021, 08:29:23 am
Awesome catch that the coins have an inverse die match!! I really like your example. The little bit of toning on it really makes the details pop.
Title: Re: Septimius victorious in Britain - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 23, 2021, 07:45:19 pm
I just added a nice example of the VICTORIAE BRIT type.  Really nicely struck obverse of Septimius with lots of detail - some of the Rome Mint's best work, if you ask me.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172249 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172249)
Title: Re: Septimius in Africa and Victorious Valerian - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 27, 2021, 07:27:51 pm
Added a couple more today.

First up is an RIC Scarce AFRICA variant Denarius, sporting a nifty reverse of Africa wearing an elephant head dress, a scorpion perched on an outstretched hand.  Cornucopiae in the other hand and a backet of corn ears at her feet.  Neat coin to go with my other Africa variant where the goddess is standing.  Here's the new one:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172385 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172385)

I also added another Valerian I coin.  The artistry on this obverse is oders of magnitude more artfully executed than the only other Valerian Antoninianus I have currently posted.  I'm well pleased with this coin.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172386 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172386)
Title: Re: Marcus Aurelius Marius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 01, 2021, 10:40:22 pm
Just added my first Marius coin to my Gallic Empire gallery.  Hope you like it.  The coin shows a little better in hand, but is dark and a bit tough to photograph well. 

I'm pleased with it though - it can be hard to find Marius coins in better condition. Marius was only Gallic emperor for 2 or 3 months and many of his coins have that rushed look about them.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172430 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172430)
Title: Re: Marcus Aurelius Marius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Anaximander on October 11, 2021, 06:46:15 am
A nice addition, and a scarce one too.  I think yours and mine are the only ones of that type in the Forum member galleries. Here’s mine:  https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=165484 
Title: Re: Marcus Aurelius Marius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 11, 2021, 01:53:29 pm
I agree - Marius coins in general are not commonly encountered.  I was happy to find this one for a fair price.  Yours is rather nice.
Title: Re: Marcus Aurelius Marius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: lawrence c on October 11, 2021, 10:27:43 pm
My Marius (that I got from Forum) is at https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=7265&pid=168674#top_display_media

I got rather interested in the various secessionist emperors and have tried to get as decent representative samples of them as possible. I particularly like Postumus, because his portraits make him appear (unjustifiably) as a jolly old elf. I have to conclude that the old stories about the brevity of Marius's rule are rather bogus; his coins are exponentially easier to find than those of Laelianus. The couple of coins from the latter that I've seen at auction have had eye-watering bids.
Best,
Larry
Title: Re: Marcus Aurelius Marius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 12, 2021, 07:54:32 am
I don;t think Marius' rule duration was anything but short, though I agree Laelianus' was shorter still.
Title: Re: Septimius Moneta denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 16, 2021, 06:07:46 pm
Added a nice condition example of RIC 510a, a Septimius Moneta type. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172586 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172586)

Let me know what you think :)
Title: Re: Septimius Moneta denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on October 16, 2021, 10:00:35 pm
That is a nice one.

Virgil
Title: Re: Septimius Moneta denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on October 20, 2021, 06:24:49 am
Hi, Ron,

Great Marius and very nice, interesting Septimius Severus... +++

Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Elegabalus and Aurelian Ants - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 20, 2021, 10:07:51 pm
I;ve just added a couple new coins:

Firstly, an Elagabalus Antoninianus, RIC IVb 129:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172716 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172716)

And also, an Aurelian pre-reform Antoninianus with a rather handsome obverse portrait:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172715 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172715)
Title: Re: Elegabalus and Aurelian Ants - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on October 21, 2021, 02:50:27 am
Nice Elagabalus and interesting Aurelianus... +++

Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Allectus PAX AVG - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 23, 2021, 08:48:02 pm
Just added my first Allectus antoninianus.  RIC 86, PAX AVG.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172733 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172733)
Title: Re: Allectus PAX AVG - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on October 24, 2021, 09:21:15 am
I've always liked his portraits
Title: Re: Carinus' Genius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 02, 2021, 08:44:06 pm
I just added a nicely struck Carinus Antoninuanus.  It's attractively toned with a fair bit of silvering left in the fields.  I rather like this one, and I hope you do too! Let me know either way :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172846 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172846)
Title: Re: Carinus' Genius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Blayne W on November 02, 2021, 09:18:23 pm
My vote is  +++.  I like it.
Title: Re: Carinus' Genius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on November 02, 2021, 10:15:43 pm
Great coin Ron.

Tracy
Title: Re: Carinus' Genius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 03, 2021, 07:32:54 pm
Thanks Tracey!
Title: Re: Balbinus Antoninianus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 05, 2021, 07:04:08 pm
Scored this Balbinus Antoninianus at auction recently.  The obverse portrait is amazing, in my view.  Perhaps the most lifelike portrait of any emperor on any coin I own.  The reverse is a bit of a weaker strike, and there is some surface frosting, but overall I'm very happy with this coin. 

Interestingly, there were only 3 antoninianii of Balbinus, all minted in a span of less than 2 months in 238. Yet RIC lists all three of these issues as "common".  I have to think that's an error, as all Balbinus silver coins are hard to find, and costly when available.  There were also no examples of any Balbinus Antoninianii in the RD hoard, despite there being serveral of his denarii and a good many antoninianii of Gordian III and even some of Trajan Decius.

Happy to hear people's view on this latest find :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172883 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=172883)
Title: Re: Balbinus Antoninianus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Callimachus on November 05, 2021, 07:17:57 pm
It is Volume  IV Part 2 of RIC that has Balbinus in it.  The reverse of the title page says first published 1938.

The RIC Rarity Factors have nothing to do with how often a coin shows up for sale in the coin market.
Rather, they were arrived at by studying major private & public (ie museums) coin collections in Europe -- in this case, before World War II.
So if a certain Balbinus antoninianus is listed in RIC as being Common (C), it was represented in most or all of these collections.
Title: Re: Balbinus Antoninianus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 05, 2021, 07:34:00 pm
Yup, it is very likely the museums all had examples. In fact, for the Emperors that ruled for very short periods, I find museums to have over-focused on obtaining examples, and in some cases are missing far less rare coins from longer-ruling Emperors.  The curators had their own biases and likely valued getting coins they thought museum-goers might not get to otherwise see. That has little to do, in my opinion, with actual rarity in collecting circles today.

I've always found hoard finds to be more indicative of relative scarcity than what Mattingly thought in the 1930's.
Title: Re: Balbinus Antoninianus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on November 05, 2021, 10:12:25 pm
Very nice example Ron
Title: Re: Hostilian and Mars - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 15, 2021, 08:02:31 pm
Just received this rather nicely struck Hostilian Antoninianus from auction.  Overall, a really great piece, though there is a minor die break in the nose area.  Overall, I'm well pleased with my example of this scarce type.

Please let me know what you think!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173058 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173058)
Title: Re: Hostilian and Mars - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on November 15, 2021, 11:34:49 pm
Nice find, Ron, 👍🤗

Joe
Title: Re: Probus and Septimius Severus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 16, 2021, 08:37:10 pm
Some more additions today.

First a nice left-facing Probus with lots of silvering, nicely struck obverse and temple motif reverse. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173064 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173064)

Next, I upgraded my example of Septimius Severus' Felicit Tempor type with double cornucopiae and corn ear, RIC 373, to a much better example.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173065 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173065)

And lastly, a nice example of Septimius' RIC 121 - VICT PARTHICAE.  This one has a delightful reverse with Victory shouldering a war trophy.  This coin is interesting in that RIC lists it as "common", yet there were no examples in Reka Devnia and Roma Numismatics graded the coin "rare". For Severan coins, I tend to trust RD more than RIC IV, and I suspect this coin is not exactly "common".

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173066 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173066)

Let me know what you think please! :)
Title: Re: 2 new Septimius Severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 23, 2021, 08:42:58 pm
Just added 2 nice new examples of Septimius Severus denarii. 

First up is a IOVI PROPVGNATORI, RIC 131.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173207 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173207)

Next up is a decent Emesa INVICTO IMP, RIC 389.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173206 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173206)

Pretty happy with these additions to my growing Septimius denarii gallery, let me know what you think!
Title: Re: 2 new Septimius Severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on November 23, 2021, 09:17:44 pm
Not a reverse you see every day.  Nice!
Title: Re: Quntillus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 27, 2021, 01:07:50 pm
Thanks Jay!

I also just added my first Quintillus coin, a decent antoninianus of Quintillus.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173261 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173261)

Hope you all enjoy it :)
Title: Re: Quntillus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on November 27, 2021, 01:37:10 pm
Love the portrait on that one.
Virgil
Title: Re: Quntillus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: SC on November 27, 2021, 02:39:27 pm
Quintillus not Quntillus.....

SC
Title: Re: Quntillus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 27, 2021, 02:47:18 pm
Where did I mis-spell it? I don't see the error?
Title: Re: Quintillus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: SC on November 27, 2021, 02:49:29 pm
The subject line....

SC
Title: Re: Quintillus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 27, 2021, 05:51:39 pm
Thanks. Fixed it :)
Title: Re: Valerian II and Septimius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 28, 2021, 02:00:23 am
Added a couple more:

Fist a Valerian II coin with Jupiter riding a goat on the reverse:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173262 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173262)

And secondly, a Septimius Severus denarius with a Mars reverse:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173260 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173260)

Happy for any comments of feedback on these ones.
Title: Re: Valerian II and Septimius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on November 28, 2021, 04:14:24 pm
Hi, Ron,   ;)

Some nice additions, lately... +++

Joe

Title: Re: Valerian II and Septimius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 28, 2021, 07:12:34 pm
Thanks Joe!! I genuinely try to post coins not only that I enjoy but that I think members will also enjoy seeing.
Title: Re: Kings of Cappadocia, Ariobarzanes I - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 03, 2021, 08:59:37 pm
So the main focus of my collecting has always been the Severan period, with a healthy smattering of third century crisis coins.  That said, I've recently branched out slightly and got interested in some very specific areas that fall outside this milieu. One of those is the Kingdom of Cappadocia, after reading how they were one of the few conquered areas in Alexander's empire that evaded Greek rule in the Hellenistic period, although they clearly adopted much of Greek culture.  Another is byzantine gold coins, but that's another story...

In any event, I started a new Cappadocian Kingdon gallery that I may add a few coins to, starting with this rather handsome example from Ariobarzanes I's 30th regnal year.

I hope you like it, and apologies to the forum members who read my updates because you all love the Severan and crisis Roman eras.

Please let me know what you think!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173376 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173376)


Title: Re: Kings of Cappadocia, Ariobarzanes I - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on December 03, 2021, 09:42:57 pm
I don't have any of these, but they are of great interest as part of my Turkey obsession. I do have one of Galatia, they fascinate me, as well, being adjacent to Cappadocia and of Celtic origin. Not to mention Pontus and Paphlagonia. Nice coin. I keep my eye out for them, but they always elude me up until now.

Regards,
Virgil
Title: Re: Some Byzantine gold Histamenon Nomisma - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 08, 2021, 08:40:17 pm
I added a couple Byzantine gold Histamenon Nomisma to kick off a new Byzantine gold coin album in my Gallery.  No idea if there is much interest in Byzantine gold coins here at Forum, but we'll give it a go.  I normally think of the Byzantine period as just another part of the Imperial Roman era, but with the capitol city moved to Constantinople.  I find that some of the coins of the later eastern empire are every bit as interesting as the western empire coin types I also collect, though I get that not everyone shares these views.

Let me know if you want to see any more additions to this album :)

So here are the first couple I posted, noting these are scyphate types and I had to break out a very different flash setup to get decent shots of these coins - they have a lot of depth that can be hard to capture.  For those that care about such things, I'm shooting an Olympus 50mm f2.0 macro lens, set to f22, with an Olympus RF-11 TTL ring flash.  The twin-gun setup I normally use over-exposes some areas of these shiny 3D coins, and under-exposes other areas, while the ring flash tends to flatten the image with even lighting, making the lit images much better.  (Yeah, I know... boring photography stuff! Get to the coins damnit!)

Coin 1: Constantine IX Monomachus Histamenon Nomisma Sear 1828, 1042-1055 CE.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173452 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173452)

Coin 2: Michael VII Ducas Histamenon Nomisma Sear 1868, 1071-1078 CE.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173453 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173453)

Title: Re: Carus Antoninianus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 15, 2021, 09:00:18 pm
I added an Antoninianus of Carus, fairly patinated coin, but with a nice, bold obverse portrait. Hopefully you like it.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173524 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173524)

I also added in another King of Cappadocia drachm, this time for Ariarathes IX. It's a bit worn, but shows well in-hand.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173525 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173525)
Title: Re: Phocas Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 16, 2021, 07:52:33 pm
Just added a rather nice Solidus example of the Emperor Phocas.  Let me know what you think of this one - the coin is in great shape, but these types in general are cruder to my eye than the solidii of Maurice Tiberius that preceded him, or of Heraclius that succeeded him.  Phocas was hated almost everywhere in the empire apart from Italy (strangely), so I wonder if this factored into how the celators depicted his coinage?

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173531 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173531)
Title: Re: Phocas Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on December 19, 2021, 01:36:24 am
Some nice addition, Ron,

🤗👍

Joe
Title: Re: Ariarathes V drachms - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 29, 2021, 08:17:36 pm
I added a couple Ariarathes V drachms, but am only posting the first one tonight, I ran out of flash batteries - lol.  Second to be posted maybe tomorrow.

First one has nice heavy toning, and despite having some corrosion pits, is a decent example.  The second one is a higher grade, pics soon!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173755 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173755)
Title: Re: Ariarathes V drachms - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 29, 2021, 10:03:35 pm
Found some batteries :)  Here is the second coin, which in-hand is a better grade, I think.  Same reference number and regnal year, but different field monograms.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173756 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173756)
Title: Re: Constans II Semissis - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 30, 2021, 01:36:00 pm
Added a really nice example of a Constans II AV Semissis.  Really pleased with this one, it's a great example of the type, and despite being from a fairly crude numismatic period, the artistry on the obverse is noteworthy, with a return to depicting the emperor in profile, a throwback to more classical times. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173761 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173761)

Let me know what you think of this one, as I was rather glad to add it to my collection.
Title: Re: Constans II Semissis - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on December 30, 2021, 01:38:22 pm
Crazy style on these.  Nice pick up
Title: Re: Constans II Semissis - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: SC on December 30, 2021, 04:30:46 pm
I saw the handlebar mustache, then interpreted the diadem with ties as a bandana, and immediately had Born to be Wild in my head........

SC
Title: Re: Constans II Semissis - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 31, 2021, 02:19:38 pm
I saw the handlebar mustache, then interpreted the diadem with ties as a bandana, and immediately had Born to be Wild in my head........

SC

I completely understand this!  It's a stand-out for style in an era of otherwise largely face-on obverse portraits that come across as comparatively cruder. The emperor, from neck up, could be mistaken for any number of hippies, grunge artists, or rock stars from the modern age - close-cropped goatee and all! :)

Interestingly, his later gold coinage depicts him with a long orthodox patriarchal beard and looks nowhere near like he was a cool dude.
Title: Re: Profectio Avg - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 13, 2022, 09:52:18 pm
Added another white whale to my Septimius gallery today.  I had purchased this reference a couple years ago from a reputable dealer and it got lost in the mail - the only coin I've ever mail-ordered that never turned up either to me or as a returned mail item to the dealer.  It was legitimately lost, and sadly was also not an inexpensive buy.

Luckily, I managed to secure this example, in very similar condition to the coin that was previously lost in transit, at a recent auction, including with some provenance. 

Denarii of Septimius depicting the emperor on horseback are not particularly uncommon - there are several VERY common types, like the ADVENTVI AVG FELICISSIMO RIC 74.  But this is a considerably more scarce Septimius horseback denarius variety.

It's a decent example that doesn't look to have been cleaned.  There are a few surface encrustations I have not tried to remove.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174072 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174072)

Hope you like the copin, please let me know what you think.
Title: Re: Justinian Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 14, 2022, 06:04:31 pm
Just added my second coin acquisition of 2022, a nice Justinian I solidus.  This is a great example that I was happy to snag.  Overall, an EF specimen, though sadly the strike was a little wear in the center, so part of the left side of the facial obverse and the same part of the reverse (the lower part of the angelic robe) didn't quite fill out the die.  Nevertheless, a nice example of a Justinian Solidus for my slowly expanding byzantine gold coin album.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174085 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174085)

Title: Re: Exceptional Ariarathes V drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 15, 2022, 04:00:01 pm
I was thrilled to receive this Cappadocian drachm of Ariarathes V last week, as it's a significant quality upgrade over my other two examples of HGC 811.  The other two are not identical, of course, given the wide array of monograms on the fields of these relatively uncommon coins. 

All that to say though, the obverse was clearly done by a master celator - it's nicer than many larger tetradrachm portraits that are twice the size.  I definitely gave a very premium price for the coin, but no regrets in adding this exceptional piece to my collection.

Let me know what you think of this beautiful portrait!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174097 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174097)

Title: Re: Ariarathes VII drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 26, 2022, 10:32:21 pm
Just added a pretty scarce drachm of Ariarathes VII regnal year 10 from mint C.  not as nice as my last Cappadocian drachm, but this one is a rarer coin and not a bad example.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174299 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174299)
Title: Re: Ariarathes VII drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on January 26, 2022, 10:58:15 pm
I bet it's nicer in hand.  You can just tell sometimes.  Nice pick up
Title: Re: Ariarathes VII drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on January 26, 2022, 11:02:13 pm
I am just loving some of your latest acquisitions, love the Cappadocian coins.

Virgil
Title: Re: Ariarathes VII drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 27, 2022, 08:31:02 am
Thanks guys. Yes. The coin is very lustrous on the obverse in hand. It photographs a little flatter than it appears in person. I'd say it's either aVF or VF.

I still acquire septimius coins to fill holes as I find the right coins, and Cappadocia coins are tougher to find for sale in general. Not common drachms to begin with.

The Byzantine gold stuff is just costly, but not that rare in most cases. For every gold coin I buy, my other acquisitions slow down as they impact the coin budget a tad.
Title: Re: Septimius Pax denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 28, 2022, 07:10:11 pm
Added a nice example of the relatively common RIC 118, Paci Aeterni.  Nice tone on this one, glad to have picked it up.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174315 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174315)
Title: Re: scarce early Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 01, 2022, 06:40:50 pm
I picked up this nicely provenanced denarius recently at auction and had to liberate if from it's NCG tomb.  The coin was mis-attributed by the auction house as the common RIC 38, but is actually an RIC 48, which is far more rare.  It's a second issue of Septimius from 194.

For example, there were 32 examples of RIC 38 in Reka Devnia, and only 2 of RIC 48. 

Additionally, the obverse portrait here is the work of a master celator from the Rome mint.  Arguably my nicest (or perhaps top 3?) Septimius portraits.  The reverse is a strike from a bit of a worn die, but still and exceptional addition to my collection overall.  Very excited to have it.

coin here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174349 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174349)

Let me know what you think of this (in my opinion) amazing portrait! :)

I'm thinking this one was a little more true to life than many Septimius portraits, he has the characteristic Berber curly hair, but no stylized philosopher's beard imitating Marcus Aurelius.
Title: Re: scarce early Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on February 01, 2022, 06:50:15 pm
I agree the portrait is amazing.

Virgil
Title: Re: scarce early Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Akropolis on February 01, 2022, 08:09:39 pm
The BEST portrait I have ever seen of him in my 57 years with ancient coinage!!!!!
Wanna sell it?  ;)
PeteB
Title: Re: scarce early Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: SC on February 01, 2022, 09:58:19 pm
Ditto.  Like looking at a black and white photograph!

SC
Title: Re: scarce early Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 01, 2022, 10:04:16 pm
Thanks for the kind words guys.  If you outlive me, my Septimius collection will no doubt wind up on the forum store or an auction house... lol. I have never sold an ancient.
Title: Re: Phillip the Arab - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 08, 2022, 09:46:30 pm
Snagged this rather nice Phillip I antoninianus.  Rather nice obverse portrait, well detailed for Phillip, with an artistically pleasing Victory reverse. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174461 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174461)

I also added a decent Laodicea mint denarius of Septimius, RIC 493.  Not the highest grade example, but still an attractive lightly toned coin that I was happy to acquire.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174462 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174462)

Lastly, I added my first Ariobarzanes III drachm to my burgeoning collection of Cappadocian drachms.  At this rate, I'll soon have the largest Cappadocian kings gallery on forum - just you wait - lol.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174463 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174463)
Title: Re: Isaac II Angelus and Septimius coins - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 14, 2022, 07:49:28 pm
I added a couple new pickups from the recent CNG Triton XXV Auction. 

First is a nice condition, but relatively common denarius of Septimius Severus.  FVNDATOR PACIS - the founder of peace. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174545 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174545)

And the second is a rather well provenanced electrum aspron trachy of Isaac II Angelus, a scyphate coin from the late byzantine period.  I'm really happy with the results of my photography on this one and I hope you all like it. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174546 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174546)
Title: Re: Nice legionary denarius upgrade - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 21, 2022, 06:54:10 pm
I managed to significantly upgrade my rather shabby example of Septimius Severus's RIC 7 LEG III ITAL legionary denarius with this wonderful find patinated example from auction. 

Really great toning, and a masterfully executed obverse bust to boot - really happy with this piece.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174704 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174704)
Title: Re: Nice legionary denarius upgrade - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on February 21, 2022, 07:06:20 pm
Wonderful coin Ron. Great toning indeed. I bet it looks even better in hand.

Tracy
Title: Re: Nice legionary denarius upgrade - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 21, 2022, 07:17:43 pm
Thanks Tracy - most coins do look better in person, in my experience.  It's really hard to capture a nice high relief obverse in a 2D photo to the same extent you can appreciate such a coin in-hand :)
Title: Re: Nice legionary denarius upgrade - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on February 23, 2022, 02:57:12 am
Nice coin all around  +++

 Joe /Q.
Title: Re: Nice Septimius victory coin - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 24, 2022, 09:16:35 pm
Picked up this rather nice Septimius Severus Victory coin - AD 197-198. RIC 120c.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174785 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174785)

As always, grateful for any thought or comments on the coins I'm adding to the gallery :)
Title: Re: Rare Ariobarzanes II drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 02, 2022, 06:52:33 pm
Finally managed to add an example of an Ariobarzanes II drachm.  HGC lists this as an R2, and they aren't all that common to find.  Sadly the regnal year is off flan, but Ariobarzanes II only struck drachms in 2 back to back regnal years (57 or 56 BC), both of which are rare coins, and it's thought most of them were struck to pay the Roman Syrian proconsul Aulus Gabinius' troops to defeat his political opponents in Cappadocia. Not long afterwards, Ariobarzanes II was assassinated.

The coin is also super thick, coming in at around 2.5mm on the edge with a diameter of only 15.1mm, so I'm very lucky it's well centered. The moneyer could maybe have struck a second blow on this one (!). 

Let me know what you folks think of my latest unicorn?

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174877 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174877)
Title: Re: Rare Ariobarzanes II drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on March 02, 2022, 06:56:39 pm
Great addition Ron.  Can you find a die match to get the year?
Title: Re: Rare Ariobarzanes II drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 02, 2022, 07:00:03 pm
Great addition Ron.  Can you find a die match to get the year?

Good question - I haven't looked that hard yet.  Might be possible - not many of these out there.

There's an obverse die match on Wildwinds (http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/cappadocia/kings/ariobarzanes_II/t.html (http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/cappadocia/kings/ariobarzanes_II/t.html)) with a different reverse die and H exergue (regnal year 8 ), but there's no guarantee the obverse die didn't cross years.
Title: Re: Rare Ariobarzanes II drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Steve Moulding on March 03, 2022, 12:07:04 am
Nice find, Ron. Thanks for sharing the story behind this issue...that's interesting!
Title: Re: Rare Ariobarzanes II drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: cicerokid on March 03, 2022, 08:27:56 am
Any reason why he was assassinated?

Ariobarzanes lll had a Star and crescent moon on his......
Title: Re: Rare Ariobarzanes II drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 03, 2022, 09:19:35 pm
He was assassinated by Parthian sympathizers in his court that were upset with his close affiliation with Rome. Before their rift, he was allied to Pompey and Julius Caesar and used Pompey's legions to suppress internal revolts (hence the need to mint silver drachms similar in size and weight to denarii to pay those legions). 

After the assassination, Pompey installed his son, Ariobarzanes III and later Julius Ceasar protected Ariobarzanes III from his Parthian enemies.  Cassius Linginus later had Ariobarzanes III killed, and he was succeeded by his brother, Ariarathes X.
Title: Re: More Cappadocian drachms - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 03, 2022, 09:28:02 pm
I just added a few more Cappadocian kingdom drachms to the gallery. It's interesting, but they tend to garner more interest here than when I post more gold solidii or severan denarii. 

Today's additions:

-An early Ariobarzanes I drachm, 3rd regnal year, but first year he struck drachms.  Early youthful portrait.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174895 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174895)

-A mid-reign Ariobarzanes I drachm, 22nd regnal year. Definitely looking older.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174894 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174894)

-Compare to a late reign Ariobarzanes I drachm I already posted some time back. Regnal year 33 - really old and balding. Love how these portraits were photo-realistic, unlike the idealized portraits of so many other emperors and kings of the Hellenistic and early Roman period.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173376 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=173376)

And lastly, an Ariobarzanes III drachm, complete with star and crescent - just for cicerokid (odd coincidence I just bought one of these!!).  There are only two main types of Ariobarzanes III drachms, and I've now posted examples of both.  There are some sub-types with slight monogram variations I don't have yet.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174896 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174896)

Not sure how it happened, but somehow I think I have posted the largest Cappadocian drachm gallery on forum.  It's not my prime area of collecting interest, but I may almost be a cappadicoan drachm specialist now?!? Weird how that just sorta happens.
Title: Re: More Cappadocian drachms - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on March 03, 2022, 09:37:47 pm
Nice Ron, now you have to publish your findings  :police:
Title: Re: More Cappadocian drachms - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 03, 2022, 09:43:42 pm
I think I have a little more to learn before I could add to simonetta, morkholm and Hoover.  Though there is room for an updated reference system with the detail of simonetta, the corrections of morkholm and the legibility of hoover - all in one reference.
Title: Re: More Cappadocian drachms - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Mark Fox on March 03, 2022, 11:18:03 pm
Not sure how it happened, but somehow I think I have posted the largest Cappadocian drachm gallery on forum.  It's not my prime area of collecting interest, but I may almost be a cappadicoan drachm specialist now?!? Weird how that just sorta happens.

Dear Ron, Jay, and Board,

The same basic thing happened to me with the Bithynian Kingdom.  Sometimes it is the coins that pick the collectors! 

And as for learning more before tackling a writing project, that has really never stopped me if I am truly interested in the topic.  The first article I won an award for was on a topic I knew next to nothing about before the research phase rolled along.  As the old(?) saying goes, "if you want to learn something, teach it."


Best regards,

Mark Fox
Michigan 

P.S.:  I probably should note here that I am somewhat into the bronzes of the Cappadocian Kings, although my collection is not exactly worth talking about yet, size-wise.
Title: Re: More Cappadocian drachms - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 04, 2022, 10:39:03 am
Point taken Mark, maybe it's something I can start picking away at.  I doubt I could add a ton to the scholarly work done, but I could certainly consolidate it into a single useful reference reflecting latest numismatic thinking - it's not really been looked at holistically since 1977 and is a bit dated.

I would be really weird though if others started citing some new numbering system of mine as a reference.
Title: Re: Septimius denarius & Cappadocian drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 10, 2022, 08:17:24 pm
Added another early Septimius Severus denarius, this one an example of RIC 78. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174960 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174960)

As well as another Cappadocian Drachm, this time a king I haven't had before, Ariarathes VI.  This one is a pretty nice example with an rare (R2) reverse where Athena is not Nikepheros, but rather holds a palm and wreath.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174961 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=174961)
Title: Re: Forum purchase - Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 14, 2022, 09:58:50 pm
Picked up this great toned denarius of Septimius Severus from Forum - thanks Joe!

Interestingly, this is listed in RIC, likely wrongly, as a Common denarius, yet there were no examples of this Cohen number (321) in the Reka Devnia hoard, meaning it's definitely not a common coin.  A quick internet search turned up not many examples as well.  Oh well - RIC can't always be right.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175017 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175017)

Title: Re: Forum purchase - Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on March 15, 2022, 08:51:06 am
Ron,

A beautiful catch indeed.

Tracy
Title: Re: Forum purchase - Septimius denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on March 15, 2022, 05:39:33 pm
Great piece, I agree,   ;) :) +++

 Joe
Title: Re: Claudius II Gothicus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 16, 2022, 08:17:18 pm
Just posted a decent billon Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus as I put up more of the my third century crisis coins. Hope you like it.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175023 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175023)
Title: Re: Rare Septimius Severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 30, 2022, 08:04:34 pm
I was VERY fortunate to pick up this coin last month, and it only arrived to me from the Netherlands today.  This is a rare example of RIC 231.  RIC lists it as "scarce" but only cites one known example in a private collection.  5 examples are in a single museum from the RD hoard, and BMCRE doesn't catalogue this variant - they have a note on page 357 of BMCRE V mentioning that a single known example was in the G. R. Arnold collection.

While I did pay a premium price for it, the dealer had mis-identified it as a scarce (but more common) RIC 238.  Same reverse motif, but TR P XVIII vice the rarer TR P XVII. I think this made it affordable enough to acquire.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175166 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175166)

I'm really quite pleased with this one, and I hope you all are too! Let me know what you think.
Title: Re: Septimius deniarii from Ken Bresset's collection - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on April 03, 2022, 11:42:39 am
I've added a couple Septimius Denarii from the Ken Bresset collection recently.  These two have provenance back to 1977. 

The first one is an upgrade of my example of RIC 64:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175197 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175197)

Here's the coin I already had, and I think the new one is a bit of an upgrade:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168101 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168101)

And the second one is a scarce and well-toned example of RIC 335 - VICTORIAE BRIT.  This one was minted near the end of Septimius' life, likely in his final weeks or months.  It's actually the first one I had ever seen for sale, though not "rare" exactly, there were very few in the RD hoard and the coin was not made long. 

In general, I find the Septimius coins with a Britanicus honorific are harder to come by, I think there are many UK collectors that seek these out, so market availability is often not the best.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175196 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175196)

Happy to hear people's opinions on these new additions.
Title: Re: Septimius Laodicea deniarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on April 26, 2022, 09:00:28 pm
My latest Auction victory just arrived, a rather sublime example of RIC 526 from Laodicea ad Mar.  Interesting reverse with a rather short legend, COS III P P.

Let me know what you think of this one.  I think it's a rather nice example.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175388 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175388)
Title: Re: Septimius early deniarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 03, 2022, 08:18:32 pm
I've added a decent example of an early Septimius denarius (as Caesar) from 193.  This one is RIC 22.  while not exactly rare, these are not always found in presentable condition - lots of examples seem pretty worn.  this one isn't worn from handling, though the obverse side shows some die wear.  Overall, I'm happy to be adding this one to the collection.

The Severans sure loved Victory reverses... I have a ridiculous number of Septimius Victory denarii now, and almost all of them are not duplicates (!)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175561 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175561)
Title: Re: Septimius early deniarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on May 04, 2022, 03:59:06 am
I don't understand the "as Caesar" part of the above post. The coin is is from the first issue from A.D. 193.
Title: Re: Septimius early deniarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 04, 2022, 08:05:35 am
Fair enough. I should have stated that differently. I meant that he was still using Caesar in his obverse legend, which ended early at the Rome mint.
Title: Re: Byzantine Electrum - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 12, 2022, 07:27:37 pm
Added another scyphate hystamenon Nomisma to my Byzantine electrum/gold gallery.  In this case, a nice electrum coin of Nicephorus III from Constantinople. 

Hope you enjoy this one as I continue to grow my little eastern empire EL/AV gallery.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175685 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175685)
Title: Re: Byzantine Electrum - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 14, 2022, 08:45:00 pm
Added this interesting double-struck (obverse) gold Tremissis of Justin II to my byzantine gold coin gallery.  The coins are quite small with very thin flans, so a bit hard to photograph well, but I think I captured the character of the piece. 

Hopefully people are enjoying it as I post the few gold coins I have from the eastern empire.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175699 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175699)
Title: Re: Ariarathes X drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 02, 2022, 08:44:59 pm
And in a move that probably surprises no-one, I've added a nice Ariarathes X drachm from a recent auction victory. 

I didn't have a Cappadocian drachm of Ariarathes X yet, so that's a box I can tick.  Decent example too! :)  Ariarathes X only struck drachms in regnal year 4 and 5, and only 2 types are known - the difference between the 2 being a very minor difference in the reverse legend.  Hoover lists them as an R2.

Hope you all like it!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175900 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175900)
Title: Re: Ariarathes X drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on June 02, 2022, 09:32:36 pm
Very nice.

Virgil
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 09, 2022, 11:03:44 pm
Well I'm a tad embarrassed to say this latest addition is the most I have ever paid for any ancient silver coin (!).  But that said, the auction house graded it an EF, and they were not wrong.  I think it's perhaps the nicest tetradrachm of Ariarathes VII (of Cappadocia) that I've personally laid eyes on.  This one was struck in the name of Antiochos VII of Syria, but with Ariarathes' mintmarks at Eusebeia under Mount Argaios.

Interestingly, when this tetradrachm was struck, Antiochos VII had been dead for a couple decades and the issues are posthumus commemoratives.  It's not really clear why the Cappadocians held Antiochos in such high regard, but several Cappadocian kings issued tetradrachms for him posthumously, just like this one.  There's a great paper on the subject here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/42666402 (https://www.jstor.org/stable/42666402)

I'm really pleased with this latest acquisition and my first Cappadocian tetradrachm to boot.  Please let me know what you think, the coin shows even better in hand.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175986 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=175986)

Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on June 10, 2022, 12:14:16 am
A real beauty Ron!  Congrats!
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Altamura on June 10, 2022, 05:25:47 am
Indeed a nice coin :).

...  There's a great paper on the subject here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/42666402 (https://www.jstor.org/stable/42666402) ...
For those without access to JSTOR: http://www.royalnumismaticsociety.org/NC_Offprints/NC166/NC166_07_Lorber_Houghton_Vesely.pdf

There is also some sort of follow-up by Elke Krengel and Catharine Lorber, "Early Cappadocian Tetradrachms in the Name of Antiochus VII", NC 169, 2009, pp. 51-104:
https://www.academia.edu/1282780/Early_Cappadocian_Tetradrachms_in_the_name_of_Antiochos_VII

Regards

Altamura
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on June 10, 2022, 11:51:05 am
Ron,
That one is a beautiful coin. I don't have any Cappadocia coins yet, but they are on my radar.

Virgil
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 10, 2022, 01:35:44 pm
Ron,
That one is a beautiful coin. I don't have any Cappadocia coins yet, but they are on my radar.

Virgil

Jump in Virgil, the water is a nice temperature :)
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Anaximander on June 11, 2022, 10:31:26 am
That's a lovely specimen, Ron, of a tetradrachm of Ariarathes VII INO Antiochos VII. Rejoice!  Excellent Lorber-Houghton reference, too.

And thanks to Altamura, for the link to the RNS version of that reference (and, yes, to that second one).  It's enabled me to indulge my fetish for coin references and cite yet another for my own example, seen here (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=166644)), purchased twenty years ago.

P.S.  I was tickled to see a FORVM sale listed among the corpus (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?pos=810&sold=1&vpar=85&iop=10&galview=0&vorderby=dateaddeddesc) (mine was not, possibly too early). Note the remark "... they may have been struck to pay foreign (Syrian?) mercenaries who preferred the types of Antiochus VII."
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 11, 2022, 12:09:52 pm
Glad I could be of help Chris! Nice example.

There is much speculation as to the purpose, and many of the hoards containing the Cappadocia coins were unearthed in Syria, but I think the theories around purpose remain speculation, absent more knowledge.

For example, some variants of this coin list ariarathes' name in place of antiochus' name. I doubt that would be done to coins meant only to circulate abroad.

If I had to guess, I would say that Syrian tetradrachms were likely established heavy currency in the region, and the government found it useful to mint more, perhaps needing larger denominations than the drachms bearing their own rulers' busts that they were more accustomed to minting. 

I would see that situation similar to what happened with shekels of Tyre in Judea.
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on June 11, 2022, 07:35:38 pm
When I saw one of your references for this coin, I was surprised (HCG Vol 9). I did not realize Syrian coins went this far into today's Turkey. The biggest issue I have with deciding what Hoover volumes to get is I can't find Tables of Contents online anywhere. So, because Cappadocia seems to be in the book, I may have to look at getting it, although I tend to not collect Syrian coins or Seleucid empire. Anyway, such a nice coin.

Virgil
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 11, 2022, 08:29:49 pm
Most of Cappadocia is in hgc 7. Hgc 9 only covers the coins struck in the name of antiochos by the Cappadocia kings.
Title: Re: Exceptional tetradrachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: n.igma on June 12, 2022, 12:04:13 am
Great coin with an interesting backstory.

Interesting additional info here https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=72273 ...

Ariarathes VII was the nephew of Mithradates VI Eupator of Pontus and a hapless pawn in the developing power struggle of his uncle with Bithynia and later Rome to control Asia Minor. After rebuffing Mithradates VI's 'advice and assistance' the armies of Mithradates and Ariarathes met prepared for battle. At this point Mithradates called for an unarmed discussion meeting with Ariarathes in the middle ground of the battlefield. In front of the two assembled armies, Mithradates drew a concealed blade and slit his nephew's throat, thus avoiding battle and clearing the way for a new puppet, his stepson, to be appointed ultimately as King Ariarathes IX.

Obverse die linked (A1) to the sole known example of Series I, Issue 2 bearing the name of Ariarathes VII in the legend (first image below) ...

This die linkage (only recognized in 2002) confirmed that many of the Antiochos VII issues previously attributed to Syria were posthumous issues made by the Cappadocian Kings commencing with Ariathes VI and continuing through the reigns of Ariarathes VII – IX and Ariobazanes I.


If I had to guess, I would say that Syrian tetradrachms were likely established heavy currency in the region, and the government found it useful to mint more, perhaps needing larger denominations than the drachms bearing their own rulers' busts that they were more accustomed to minting. 

This coin is from an extensive imitative series struck by the Cappadocian Kings during the internecine wars for power that plagued the region in the closing years of the second century and early first century BC. The exact reason as to why coinage imitating that of the deceased Seleukid Syrian ruler Antiochos VII was struck is unknown. However, the utilization of the coinage to pay Syrian mercenaries in familiar coin appears most likely.
Title: Re: Ariarathes VIII drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 26, 2022, 11:25:08 pm
I finally picked up an Arirarathes VIII drachm for my Cappadocian gallery.  Ariarathes VIII became king when the Cappadocian nobleman rebelled against his maternal uncle, King Mithridates VI of Pontus and his son, the puppet King Ariarathes IX of Cappadocia. Incidentally, Ariarathes IX had no blood relation to the actual Ariarathes royal line.  Ariarathes VIII was speedily driven out of the kingdom by Mithridates VI, and shortly afterwards died a natural death, ending the royal blood line.

At this point, Cappadocia was basically a Roman vassal state, and the Roman Senate offered Republican government to Cappadocia.  The people refused that offer and with the Senate's blessing, elected Ariobarzanes I to be their new king, and a new royal dynasty was begun that lasted until around 36 BC.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176253 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176253)
Title: Re: Ariarathes VIII drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on June 27, 2022, 12:39:15 am
Nice one. Mithradates Vi was a very interesting and lesser known king who kept the Romans at bay longer than anyone else. He should be far better known. I just got the book, Empire of the Black Sea; The Rise and Fall of the Mithradatic World, by Duanne W Roller. The Pontic Kingdom may be the least well known of the post-Alexander Hellenistic empires and Mithradates VI was the Man. I will review the book when I finish it, but is is great so far. All of Asia Minor was touched by the Pontic kingdom. I am loving your Cappadocian coins. Pontos is one of the main focuses of my collection. I am a fan of Celtic Galatia, as well. Also, the link to the video from ANS I posted a while back speaks about Pontic influence on coins of Asia Minor especially in the Roman era.

As you probably know, we can't make comments on gallery coins at the moment.

Virgil
Title: Re: Septimius Laodicea denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 27, 2022, 08:17:48 pm
Thanks Virgil for the interest, and yes, Mithridates VI was a bit of a bad boy in his part of the world just before the imperatorial era of Rome.  The Roman and Pontic influence on Cappadocia is fascinating stuff to read.  They were kings in Cappadocia, but very much kings with de-facto masters. 

Changing the channel a little, I added a nice little annonae avgg denarius of septimius from Laodicea to my gallery today.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176272 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176272)
Title: Re: Septimius RIC "rare" - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 28, 2022, 11:15:30 pm
Picked up a nice Septimius denarius, this time a rare one.  RIS lists as an R1, and there was only 1 example in Reka Devnia.  Interesting reverse with Septimius and Caracalla being played to by a flute player. 

Let me know what you think of this one :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176279 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176279)
Title: Re: Septimius scarce Emesa issue - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on July 10, 2022, 08:41:10 pm
I just added this rather nice and scarce Emesa early issue.  VICT AVG.  Let me know what you think, the portrait is about as Emesa ad Emesa gets.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176422 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176422)
Title: Re: Septimius scarce Emesa issue - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on July 10, 2022, 09:18:51 pm
That is a lovely coin.

Virgil
Title: Re: Septimius rare Alexandria issue from Forum - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on July 30, 2022, 01:26:49 pm
just added my latest acquisiotn from the Forum shop.  In this case a rare Septimius Severus denarius (194 AD) from the Alexandria mint - my first Alexandria mind example from this emperor.  Only 2 of these in RD, and listed as an RIC R1.  It's a nice coin in hand, even if the reverse was struck a little high on the flan.  Was happy to acquire it - thanks Joe!

Let me know what you think of this one, it's not a common find.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176575 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176575)
Title: Re: Septimius rare Alexandria issue from Forum - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on July 30, 2022, 05:55:21 pm
I think it is lovely, even if off center a bit, that doesn't detract.

Virgil
Title: Re: Septimius SECVRITAS PVBLICA - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 26, 2022, 07:50:26 pm
Just added another denarius of Septimius Severus that I didn't yet have.  This one is fairly common, but the first I had opportunity to buy. 

Interestingly, I just got back form over a week in Italy, and the few Severan era coin shops I found were priced far above market value - likely fishing amongst the tourists. Oh well.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176856 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=176856)

Title: Re: Septimius PROVIDENTIA AVG - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 21, 2022, 09:46:07 pm
Just added another fairly early denarius from Septimius' reign (196-197). 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=177126 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=177126)
Title: Re: Septimius PROVIDENTIA AVG - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on September 21, 2022, 10:49:35 pm
Love this one, what a beauty.

Virgil
Title: Re: Septimius CONSECRATIO - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 15, 2022, 09:20:24 pm
I added a really nice example of one of the Septimius Severus CONSECRATIO variations struck under Caracalla, in this case an eagle standing on a globe.  My second example of this series. (there were 5 denarii and two aurei in the series). 

Let me know what you think, but I'm rather pleased with this one. In person it has some mint luster and cabinet toning.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178684 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178684)

For reference here is my other coin from the series, with a funeral pyre reverse:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171366 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171366)

I'm still missing:
191A - aureus, eagle standing on thunderbolt, R2
191B - denarius version of the aureus, S.
191D - denarius eagle on ow column or altar, S.
191E - denarius throne with a wreath placed on it, S.
191F - aureus version of the funeral pyre denarius I posted above.

Title: Re: Septimius CONSECRATIO - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on November 15, 2022, 09:53:22 pm
Wonderful portrait!
Title: Re: Septimius CONSECRATIO - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 19, 2022, 08:36:54 am
Thanks Jay, I thought so too!

The remaining varieties seem much harder to find though.
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 26, 2022, 09:38:02 pm
Time for a couple new corn ear additions to the gallery, given the autumn thanksgiving mood.

First is RIC 200, with an Anonna reverse - she's holding corn ears over modius to left & cornucopiae.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178890 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178890)

And next up is RIC 369, an early wars of succession Emesa denarius with a Boni Eventvs reverse. She's holding fruit basket and corn ears.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178889 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178889)

Happy belated thanksgiving to all my US friends :)
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Anaximander on November 27, 2022, 05:39:12 am
My, look at all those corn ear reverses.  Oh, and the horn of abundance. Ummm, I cannot think of anything cornier than Cormier.  ::)
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on November 27, 2022, 10:55:57 am
You got some wins at auction!
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 27, 2022, 11:45:28 am
You got some wins at auction!

I troll the auctions pretty regularly.  For these two, they were "unsolds" so I paid a very fair price, I think.  Less than the opening bid.

I have some other gems on the way too.  Will soon get (by mail) a very late SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT denarius with a cool Jupiter reverse. Also a rather decent Theodosius II solidus from the 430's. Will be sure to post them up when they get here (soon).
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on November 27, 2022, 05:13:06 pm
The corn ears are cool. I am curious what grain they are. I remember years ago seeing "corn" used in ancient Europe and Asia Minor for "grain" and was totally confused. LOL. Since there was no corn until the New World was discovered and it is funny to me that Germans didn't start eating it until 20 or so years ago. It was used for feed. Now they put it on everything, including pizza. I can't really tell from the coins what exactly they are.

Virgil
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 27, 2022, 05:28:41 pm
I had always assumed it to be wheat?
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on November 28, 2022, 12:26:00 am
Wheat is logical, they just don't look like wheat to me, but they are tiny, so not much detail.

Virgil
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on November 28, 2022, 03:57:32 am
Until fairly recent times the term corn in the UK would be used to refer to the dominant crop in a region, whether that was wheat, rye, oats, or similar. It is only recently that it has changed use to refer to what in the UK is generally referred to as maize.
As such many reference texts will refer to corn ears when they simply mean grain ears.
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on November 28, 2022, 04:16:00 am
The RIC 369 is a nice example of the type. I generally refer to the deity as Fides as it would seem to be a better fit for the deity being presented rather than the deity implied by the legend. It certainly doesn't depict Bonus Eventus.

The reverse type is quite prolific across the various issues at this mint.

The AVG issue has standard BONI EVENTVS and BONI EVENTVS II COS variants.

There are a whole set of variations of BONI EVENTVC and BONI EVENTVS available for the AVG II C, AVG . CO, AVG II CO issues.

The majority of the COS II examples are the standard BONI EVENTVS though there are some other variations such as BONI EVENTV and then there are legend/deity swap variations where we have BONA SPES combined with Fides and also BONI EVENTVS combined with Spes.

The type is also known for the IMP II and IMP VIII issues but I won't distract the thread to much by including them here.
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 28, 2022, 07:18:51 am
I don't know if it  is Fides on 369, but for whatever reason, all the references list bonus eventus.

BE is a real Roman god, well documented, and that is the legend though. Ric and bmcre agree on that point?  The god seems to have been linked to successful agriculture, as well as good fortune in general.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonus_Eventus (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonus_Eventus)
Title: Re: Theodosius II Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 29, 2022, 08:52:44 pm
As promised, I just added my latest Solidus to my Byzantine gold gallery.  In this case a Solidus of theodosius II from 430-440AD.  Technically this one isn't in what Sear would call the Byzantine era, and does not appear in Sear's volumes on Byzantine coinage, so I had to ID it with an RIC number.  Theodosius II was an Eastern emperor prior to the fall of the western empire ca 476, but these coins follow the same motif as the immediate neo-byzantine era, and he did rule in Constantinople in the 5th century, so I'm adding it to this gallery anyway - lol.

Let me know what you think of this latest addition.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178952 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178952)

Title: Re: Theodosius II Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on November 29, 2022, 09:00:25 pm
I love this one. I really love the nexus between east and west embodied in this coin.

Virgil
Title: Re: Theodosius II Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on November 29, 2022, 09:01:32 pm
Beautiful coin Ron. I really like the forward facing busts.

Tracy
Title: Re: Theodosius II Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on November 29, 2022, 09:06:22 pm
thanks gang - after Theodosius II, I find the artistry on the solidii really started to drop off.  Marcian and Leo I followed the same design motif, but their busts and reverses become cruder.  You can really see this in how angel/victory reverses start to look more cartoonish.  There was (in my view) a bit of an articstic improvement under Zeno, but then it drops off again (again, in my opinion).
Title: Re: Theodosius II Solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: LordBest on November 30, 2022, 01:45:17 am
Great coin. I agree about the artistic merits of Theodosius II solidii, and I think this type in particular is one of the finest of his reign.
Title: Re: Septimius denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on December 01, 2022, 06:31:30 am
I don't know if it  is Fides on 369, but for whatever reason, all the references list bonus eventus.

BE is a real Roman god, well documented, and that is the legend though. Ric and bmcre agree on that point?  The god seems to have been linked to successful agriculture, as well as good fortune in general.


I am well aware of Bonus Eventus as a deity and whilst he is often seen holding corn ears too he is depicted as a nude male. This is robed female deity. Fides is a female deity seen with basket of fruit and corn ears. If you want to look at what I am explaining, then have a look through acsearch for "bonus eventus" and "fides basket" to see what I mean across the range of imperial coinage.
Title: Re: scarce septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 11, 2022, 02:14:36 pm
I just added what I think was a nice snag.  "Scarce" in RIC, though only 1 example in reka devnia, which in my experience of septimius severus denarii means it's leaning more towards "rare" in the modern sense of collecting. 

Nice coin in hand with well centered strikes, and a late issue as this emperor goes, by then sporting the Britanicus title in his legends. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179110 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179110)
Title: Re: scarce septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 13, 2022, 02:56:30 pm
Interesting comment on my last coin from Anaximander - there is only one other of the type in ac search here: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3275854 (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3275854)

When I clicked on it, I was expecting at least a partial die match - but nope.  Completely different dies, both sides. 

I still would say it's Scarce or rare - there's one in acsearch, and was only one in RD, now in a museum.  The BM lists 2, one of which is a plate coin that matches neither my example of the on in acsearch.

So there were at least 3 separate sets of obverse and reverse does for this issue. Odd that there aren't more example floating about given the lack of die matches for the examples I've found.

Title: Re: Septimius CONSECRATIO - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 29, 2022, 11:16:20 am
I added a really nice example of one of the Septimius Severus CONSECRATIO variations struck under Caracalla, in this case an eagle standing on a globe.  My second example of this series. (there were 5 denarii and two aurei in the series). 

Let me know what you think, but I'm rather pleased with this one. In person it has some mint luster and cabinet toning.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178684 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=178684)

For reference here is my other coin from the series, with a funeral pyre reverse:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171366 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=171366)

I'm still missing:
191A - aureus, eagle standing on thunderbolt, R2
191B - denarius version of the aureus, S.
191D - denarius eagle on ow column or altar, S.
191E - denarius throne with a wreath placed on it, S.
191F - aureus version of the funeral pyre denarius I posted above.

Well I managed to track down one more of the consecratio series I was missing - this time RIC 191D.  Only one of these in the RD hoard, so for certain one of the scarcer versions of the consecratio issues.  Interestingly the auction house had it misattributed to the more common eagle on globe version.

Let me know what you think, I was tickled pink to find this one :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179443 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179443)
Title: Re: scarce septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on December 29, 2022, 11:47:28 am
Great find.

Virgil
Title: Re: scarce septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 30, 2022, 04:29:21 pm
I added a couple more denarii to my Septimius Severus gallery today.  These will be the last ones this year (2022), though I have some nice additions in the mail that will get posted likely in January :)

I think these coins are interesting because the rarity ratings in RIC run totally contrary to the hoard evidence in Reka Devnia.

First up: RIC 126a. Listed as "common" in RIC, but only 12 examples in RD - this sample size in RD would often indicate a coin that is "scarce" in RIC. 

I rather like this issue, it has a really distinct ship's prow on the reverse, and nautically themed coins were not common in Septimius' reign - his gods must have favored the infantry :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179461 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179461)

Second is RIC 135b. Listed as "rare" in RIC, so much so that they cite only a single reference collection example.  Yet there were 48 examples in the RD hoard - normally an indicator of a "common" denarius.  In this case, it's got a nice Moneta reverse.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179462 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179462)

Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on December 30, 2022, 05:17:02 pm
Ron,

Two wonderful additions at the end of the year.

Tracy
Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on December 31, 2022, 05:18:26 am
Your Moneta is RIC 511a from Laodicea rather than from Rome.
Regards,
Martin
Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 31, 2022, 10:39:01 am
Martin I'm assuming you mean 510a, not 511a.  What makes it not 135b, apart from perhaps style? I have another 510a coin in my gallery/collection and the 2 styles could not be more different from one another.
Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on December 31, 2022, 11:22:49 am
Apologies. 510a.

The style of both is Eastern. There is a range of engarving style but these are all eastern as are my two below.

(https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10618/RI%20064bj%20img.jpg)

(https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10618/normal_RI_064lw_img.jpg)
Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 31, 2022, 11:31:19 am
In your view, does 135b even exist then? Ric noted a single example, possibly a misattribution?
Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on December 31, 2022, 02:52:42 pm
Looking at the BMCRE entry for this coin it states in the footnote that it is also likely an Eastern issue thus I doubt that the Rome mint version actually has been seen. It does not mean that is doesn't exist but is doubtful. I have found many examples online claiming to be Rome mint but they are all eastern.
Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on December 31, 2022, 03:53:17 pm
ok thanks, I changed the attribution accordingly.
Title: Re: Last 2022 septimius severus denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on January 01, 2023, 09:43:11 am
I am most often reluctant to rule out coins from the standard catalogs. They may have seen things that have simple not been seen since. A Rome mint version of the Moneta coin would make sense but with the British Museum judging it doubtful I suspect it was originally a misreading.

I recently acquired a coin which I had not seen in the market or online since I have been collecting ancients. This coin is also cited from a single collection.

Septimius Severus denarius

Obv:- L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate head right
Rev:- IOVI CONSERVATORI Jupiter seated to left on throne with a back, holding Victory and long scepter
Minted in Laodicea-ad-Mare. A.D. 199-202
Reference:- RIC 504a. BMCRE Pg. 286 •. Both citing L A Lawrence ESQ., F.R.C.S. collection

Weight 3.13g. 18.72mm. 180 degrees

The L A Lawrence died in 1949 and collection was sold off by Glendening's across 7 auctions in 1950 and 1951. His denarii of Septimius Severus were sold in un-illustrated lots. The destination of his example of RIC 504a is unknown. It doesn't appear to have been purchased by the BM, who were given first refusal on any coins from his collection. The BM database contains 5 examples from Rome but none from Laodicea.

I have discussed the coin with Curtis Clay and he is aware of one example other than mine, which is a double die match to mine and is in his own collection. 

(https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10618/RI_064vj_img.JPG)

So I do not always rule out the existence of a coin even if it hasn't been seen on the market since the catalogs were made.

I think this is just another part of the hunt. Maybe you will come across a Rome example of the MONETA sme day and be able to counter the arguments in this thread.
Regards,
Martin
Title: Re: First 2023 septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 04, 2023, 04:39:19 pm
Well I'm already posting my first coin of 2023!  Actually it was bought in Dec 2022, but only arrived to me yesterday.

This one is a Laodicea ad mare denarius of Septimius Severus, a nice Victory reverse, struck nice and heavily with good relief.  RIC IVa 499. 

I think it's a nice start to the collecting year :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179607 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179607)

This is a heavy coin and may well be overstruck on an earlier 1st century flan. Some known examples from this time period and mint in this weight range still sow evidence of under-types, though I can't see any under-typing on this specimen.
Title: Re: First 2023 septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on January 04, 2023, 06:44:14 pm
Heavy coin for the time and great style!  Congrats
Title: Re: First 2023 septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: maridvnvm on January 05, 2023, 03:53:03 am
That's a nice example of the type. The weight is certainly noteworthy.

My only example of the type was sold to me as a Limes by the finder who found it in a field in west Wales. When I got it home I suspected that it was silver and attempted to clean it. One of my very few attempts at cleaning a coin.

Before and after images attached.
Title: Re: First 2023 septimius severus denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 05, 2023, 07:59:28 am
As cleaning jobs go, that's a pretty good one I'd say!
Title: Re: Maurice Tiberius AV Tremissis - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 12, 2023, 09:42:42 pm
I just expanded my Byzantine Gold gallery with this delightful little Maurice Tiberius Tremissis.  It's amazing how small and this this little 1.13g coin is, the smallest gold piece in byzantine circulation in its time.  Still an an uncommon find though, and I'm happy to have it - my first gold piece form this emperor.  It's in nice condition for a Trimessis. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179843 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179843)
Title: Re: Maurice Tiberius AV Tremissis - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on January 12, 2023, 10:24:22 pm
Great little coin Ron.  Well struck. These used to be so cheap a few years ago.
Title: Re: Maurice Tiberius AV Tremissis - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 12, 2023, 10:33:46 pm
yeah, but less so now - sadly.  Anything gold and ancient is up in price.
Title: Re: Archelaus of Cappadocia - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 18, 2023, 08:22:12 pm
I just picked up a coin I've been chasing for a while.  These are around, but seem to almost never come up for sale in any condition, so I bought this one when it presented itself, as I'm not sure when another will surface.  This is a drachm of the last king of Cappadocia before Rome annexed it as a Roman province in 17AD.

Archelaus Philopatris Ktistes, lover of his people and founder, is perhaps the most interesting Cappadocian king to have lived.  He was appointed king by Mark Antony in 36BC after Antony had Ariarathes X executed at the urging of his mother, Glaphyra.

Despite his ties to Mark Antony, Archelaus supported Octavian at Actium, who decided to reaffirm Archelaus' rule. I guess he could really pick a winner.  In 25BC, Augustus supported Archelaus and expanded Cappadiocia to include parts of Kilikia and Lesser Armenia.  Shortly after that, Archelaus moved the royal capital, for the first and last time, from Eusebia (where the coins were nearly all minted) to the Kilikian coastal city of Elaiussa, which re re-named Sebaste (Greek for Augustus).  Later he also renamed Eusebia to Caesarea.

In 17BC, Archelaus' daughter married Harrod the Great of Judea's son. 

While Archelaus ruled a really long time for a Cappadocian king (52 years!) he made the mistake of supporting Gaius over Tiberius near the end of Augustus' life.  When Tiberius ascended, he summoned Archelaus to Rome, imprisoned him and charged him with treason against the Empire.  He died in captivity in AD17 before his trial could be completed, and Rome annexed Cappadocia immediately afterward.

The example I found is worn, but still legible.  When newly struck it would have been a very nice strike from what I can tell.  One day I hope to find a better example, but this one was surprisingly expensive and these just don't seem to come for sale.  Despite his long reign, Archelaus does not seem to have minted a large volume of drachms - in fact apart from the regnal year, he only had one drachm pattern (this one).  Most of the drachms minted during this period were Roman provincial coins of Augustus or Tiberius - a clear nod to Cappadocia's monarch being effectively a client king of Rome.

let me know what you think of this rare gem! (it's an R2, FWIW).

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179906 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=179906)

PS: I now have examples of every Cappadocian king that struck drachms (but not tetradrachms) except Ariarathes I.  Still need to find one of those...
Title: Re: Archelaus of Cappadocia - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jan P on January 19, 2023, 06:11:22 am
Hello Ron C2,
I am very glad with your info about the Cappadocian Drachm of Archelaos, which, as I did not know, is so difficult to find.
I got my specimen for free, from an auctioneer for whom I did some determination work.
Mine is not so well centered, clean and legible as yours is, but I  am not going to cleanse it.
By this occasion, I took the coin out of the coinholder to be able to scan and photograph it. However, the result is not overwhelming  ::).
Here it is:
Title: Re: Archelaus of Cappadocia - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 19, 2023, 06:58:02 am
Thanks for showing it! It may not be as centered, but it is definitely less worn.
Title: Re: Archelaus of Cappadocia - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on January 19, 2023, 04:50:31 pm
Nice coin, Ron, I have an AE from Eusebeia (Caesarea) minted during the reign of Archelaus I got from Forum a while back, it is also very rare. I am about to post that one to my gallery.

Virgil
Title: Re: Archelaus of Cappadocia - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 19, 2023, 11:47:46 pm
I can't wait to see it Virgil!
Title: Re: Andronicus II Hyperpyron - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 23, 2023, 10:12:24 pm
I picked up my first Hyperpyron and posted it to my gallery.  This one is Sear 2461, a Hyperpyron of Andronicus II, as co-emperor with Andronicus III. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=180008 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=180008)

Andronikos' reign marked the beginning of the recently-restored Byzantine empire's final decline. The Turks conquered most of his remaining Anatolian territories and during the last years of his reign he fought his own grandson in the First Palaiologan Civil War. The war ended in Andronikos' abdication in 1328.  He subsequently retired to a monastery for the remainder of his life - which seems to have been a common fate of deposed byzantine emperors that weren't assassinated.

This coin is what DOC called a "class III" hyperpyron of Andronicus II.  At this point in his reign, the hyperpyron had been debased to about 46% gold - around 11 carat.  At the start of his reign, a class I hyperpyron was around 61% gold, or nearly 15 carats.  This debasement was a function of the declining health of the empire under his reign. 

Andronicus was removed from power in 1328. Not long after, in 1352, the last byzantine gold coins were struck - very debased hyperpyra under John VI Kantakouzenos.

The example I posted here suffers from being double or maybe tipple struck, most obviously on the obverse.  Nevertheless, decently struck coins of this period are hard to come by, and I rather like this coin despite its imperfections.

Lastly, it's scyphate - if that's not obvious in the photos.

Title: Re: Andronicus II Hyperpyron - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on January 23, 2023, 11:14:05 pm
Triple sturck!  Never seen that before.  Interesting piece.
Title: Re: Andronicus II Hyperpyron - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 24, 2023, 07:04:53 am
Thanks Jay. In hand, it looks a lot like modern 10k gold jewellery. Really interesting coin that shows how artistry had changed drastically since the height of the western empire, yet it's still an object of beauty in its own way. One of the last pieces of Roman gold before the end came.
Title: Re: Andronicus II Hyperpyron - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on January 24, 2023, 02:45:08 pm
Interesting piece, Ron ... +++

 Joe/Q.
Title: Re: Early Cappadocian Drachm and a Septimius coin - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 23, 2023, 11:14:45 am
I added a couple pieces today. 

First one is a rare bird, a drachm of Ariarathes I, struck in Pontic Gazioura.  These were the first monarchial Capadocian silver coins to ever be minted at a time when the kingship of Cappadocia was very much in dispute. 

Ariarathes I was the last Achaemenid Persian governor (satrap) of the province (satrapy) of Northern Cappadocia around 340 to 331 BC. He led defensive efforts against Alexander the Great. After the fall of the Achaemenid Empire, Ariarathes ruled as an Achaemenid remnant and a precursor to the Kingdom of Cappadocia. He was captured and executed in 322 BC by the Macedonian Perdiccas.

Ariarathes I's successors regained control of Cappadocia in 301 BC.

These are really hard to come by, and though the obverse is off-center with die cracks and both sides were struck with worn dies, I was tickled pink to finally acquire an example - they just don't come up for same very often in any condition.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=180732 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=180732)

Second is a nice "Genius" reverse of Septimius Severus I did not yet have.  This one is nicely toned and I was happy to add it as well.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=180733 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=180733)

Title: Re: Early Cappadocian Drachm and a Septimius coin - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on February 23, 2023, 05:37:20 pm
Love the Ariarathes I, Cappadocia is such an interesting area. The Genius is also nice.

Virgil
Title: Re: Rare Cappadocian Drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 09, 2023, 10:54:39 pm
Made another addition to my Cappadocian gallery.  Ariobarzanes I coins are among the more common Cappadocian drachms, though all Cappadocian drachms are relatively scarce.  Among the coins of Ariobarzanes this variety is actually rare.  An R2 in HGC. 

What makes is different is the reverse has a fillet border - borders are really uncommon on these drachms, usually you only see them on this kingdom's tetradrachms.

Let me know what you think of it! :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181079 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181079)
Title: Re: Rare Cappadocian Drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Curtis JJ on March 10, 2023, 01:12:36 am
Nice Ariobarzanes with the filleted reverse! That's a very cool catch.
Title: Re: Rare Cappadocian Drachm - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on March 10, 2023, 01:40:28 am
I like that one a lot, Ron.

Virgil
Title: Re: Some Septimius Denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 16, 2023, 10:17:43 pm
Here's another addition to my ever-growing Septimius Severus Denarius collection.  A rather nice example of a common reverse motif, but a scarcer variant. Mars Pater, RIC 46.  "Scarce" in RIC.  Only 1 in the BMC. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181268 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181268)

I also added this nice example of a Jupiter reverse, RIC 216, only 20 in the RD hoard.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181267 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181267)
Title: Re: Some Septimius Denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Curtis JJ on March 16, 2023, 10:59:35 pm
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181267 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181267)
I also added this nice example of a Jupiter reverse, RIC 216, only 20 in the RD hoard.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181267 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181267)

Congrats on the nice additions!
You accidentally duplicated the URLs, Jupiter is here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181268
Title: Re: Some Septimius Denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 18, 2023, 09:48:50 am
Thanks curtis - fixed.

I also just added a Postumus Antoninianus here:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181266 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181266)

It's actually got most of it's silvering, but is tarnished very dark.  I didn't want to clean it, it looks great in hand, despite it photographing less well.

Title: Re: Valens gold solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 11, 2023, 10:43:57 pm
Well it's been a little bit since I added some coins, and partly that's because my coin budget went toward some gold solidii I'll post this week.  First up is a Valens solidus in decent shape.  Quite an attractive coin in hand.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182636 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182636)
Title: Re: Valens gold solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on May 13, 2023, 10:53:05 am
Ron,

Beautiful coin. I find the wear on this coin very attractive. Congrats.

Tracy
Title: Re: Valens gold solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 13, 2023, 12:03:04 pm
Thanks Tracey!

As part of the same shipment, I also got this nice little early Hercules denarius of Septimius Severus, heavily toned, now photographed and catalogued. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182647 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182647)
Title: Re: Justin II gold solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 13, 2023, 12:54:07 pm
Added another recently acquired solidus, this time of Justin II.

Hopefully some of you out there enjoy eastern empire gold :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182649 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182649)
Title: Re: Justin II gold solidus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: cmcdon0923 on May 13, 2023, 06:37:06 pm
Quote
Hopefully some of you out there enjoy eastern empire gold :)

Oh yes. !    https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=6652


Craig
Title: Re: Septimius coin from FORVM - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 14, 2023, 09:57:46 am
This one arrived Friday after a long detour through the US postal service :)  My latest Forvm acquisition, and a rather nice denarius at that.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182658 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182658)
Title: Re: Postumus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 24, 2023, 06:56:24 pm
I added another Postumus Ant, and while I classed it billon, it must have been an early reign coin as it presents as a silver coin with only a hint of coppering here and there.  Clearly a higher than average silver content for Postumus. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182796 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182796)
Title: Re: Postumus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on May 24, 2023, 07:11:28 pm
Yeah, that one really does look like silver.

Virgil
Title: Re: Postumus - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Dominic T on May 24, 2023, 09:12:44 pm
Nice acquisition. Your coin has been struck between mid 262-mid 263. The silver content at this period was around 16-18%, higher than the coinage of the central empire ! The reverse with Hercules holding a branch appeared initially on the coinage of Lucius Verus, then reused by Caracalla and finally by Gallienus in Milan in  261-262.
DT
Title: Re: Septimius Denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on May 31, 2023, 10:22:56 pm
Adding another couple denarii to my growing Septimius Severus denarii gallery.

First up - a duplicate (sadly) with a worn reverse, but it's a rare Legionary denarius with a really skillfully executed obverse portrait.  My other example is in better condition, but I think the artistry on this example is superior.  This coin commemorates LEG XIIII Gemina.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182905 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182905)

Next up is a recent auction win.  Decent little example of another fairly early denarius of septimius severus from around 197.  MARTI PACIFERO - Mars the bringer of peace, or peace achieved through war.  It likely commemorates the end of the period of civil war following the death of Pertinax.  An interesting theme, if not a particularly uncommon denarius.  I didn't have one yet though, so happy to add this one :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182906 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182906)
Title: Re: Scarce & Rare Septimius Denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on June 01, 2023, 07:49:39 pm
I added three more Septimius Severus denarii today that are either scrace or rare (the legionary denarius I posted yesterday is also scarce). 

First up - a rare Libero Patri denarius IMP II variety.  Only one example of this coin in Reka Devnia.  A little worn, but I'm unlikely to locate another any time soon.  Pretty happy with this one, it's rare enough Cohen didn't have it catalogued and the BMC has only 1 example.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182918 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182918)

Next we have a Pax reverse from 196AD. A scarce example with a pretty detailed seated pax reverse - check out those branches!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182919 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182919)

And lastly a scarce Victory coin from Emesa that I acquired from Forvm. I seem to have acquired quire a few Septimius victory-themed denarius varieties - the man clearly liked his military victories.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182920 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=182920)

Let me know what you think - it's been a busy May 2023 as far as acquisitions have been concerned.
Title: Re: Scarce & Rare Septimius Denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on June 03, 2023, 03:28:18 pm
Some very nice coins. I love your specializations.

Virgil
Title: Re: Rare legionary denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 01, 2023, 09:51:42 pm
Just added a rather hard to find legionary denarius.  In this case an example of RIC 397, a Septimius Severus LEG XIIII Gemina denarius minted at Emesa.  I have a few other Legionary issues of Septimius, but all of them are the more common (all of them are RIC Scare or R1, so this is relative) Rome issues.  This is my fist eastern issue legionary variant.

Apart from the obvious obverse portrait style, the Emesa issues end the obverse legend with COS II, the Rome legends end only in AVG.  The faint legend ending didn't photograph well, but under a loupe, it clearly ends COS II.  You can see it a bit clearer if you click on the coin to magnify the image to full size.

The coin is fairly circulation worn, but given it's scarcity, I was nevertheless happy to acquire it.

Let me know what you think!

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183617 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183617)
Title: Re: Minerva and Liberalitas - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 04, 2023, 06:43:17 pm
I got another couple recent acquisitions photographed, edited and researched.  Both are early Septimius Severus denarii from the wars of succession. 

First up is a rather nicely struck RIC 49 Minerva reverse.  Nice strong strike. I have several other minerva denarii from Septimus, but this is the earliest one I have, from his second tribunary power.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183688 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183688)

Second is pretty nice RIC 398 Emesa coin, with a really nice LIBER (i.e. Liberalitas) reverse.  Fairly uncommon issue and from an obverse perspective, bang-on stylistically for the period.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183687 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183687)

Let me know what you think of these new additions :)
Title: Re: Minerva and Liberalitas - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on August 04, 2023, 09:47:32 pm
Both coins are very nice.

Virgil
Title: Re: Minerva and Liberalitas - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on August 07, 2023, 06:11:50 am
Hi Ron,

I recognized so many nice additions lately 🤗👍

Regards

Joe/Q.
Title: Re: Minerva and Liberalitas - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on August 07, 2023, 08:08:10 am
Thanks Joe :)

TBH, it's getting harder to locate Septimius varieties I don't already have.  Most of the ones I'm missing are rare coins - I still find a few, but getting tougher after all these years :)
Title: Re: Minerva - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on September 05, 2023, 01:35:57 pm
Added another variant of Septimius denarii with Minerva reverses.  This one is not that tough to find, but I'm filling in the various holes I have where the coins I'm missing are nearly identical except for the stated year of Imperial power or Tribunary Power. 

This new one is RIC 68:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=184225 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=184225)

But not much different than these other examples with different IMP  or TR P years in my collection:

RIC49:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183688 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=183688)
RIC53:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168102 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=168102)
RIC61:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170866 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170866)
Title: Re: Liberalitas - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 04, 2023, 09:16:25 pm
Added a new and very nice example of a Liberalitas VI denarius of Septimius.  Quite pleased with the portrait style here.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=184537 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=184537)
Title: Re: Elephants! - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 22, 2023, 04:08:12 pm
So thanks to the Forum shop, I've acquired another septimius denarius with an elephant reverse.  Not the same reference number as what I already had, but a very similar coin. 

Here is the new one:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=184683 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=184683)

And the one I already had:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170173 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170173)

Some of my favorite septimius severus coin varieties :) Both of them are "scarce".
Title: Re: Elephants! - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on October 22, 2023, 05:13:12 pm
This “Elephant” coins are interesting …

Joe
Title: Re: Elephants! - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on October 23, 2023, 04:42:33 pm
Hi Ron,

This is mine :

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=90768


Regards

 Joe
Title: Re: Elephants! - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on October 23, 2023, 07:19:19 pm
Great details on the reverse of that one joe!
Title: Re: Elephants! - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on October 26, 2023, 01:39:02 pm
Thanks 🤗👍😉

Joe
Title: Re: Elephants! - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 23, 2024, 07:13:11 pm
Sorry all for the short hiatus, work has been very busy and I neglected to post these two coins in a timely manner. 

Offered for your consideration are two December 2023 additions, both are Septimius Severus denarii I did not yet have examples of.

First is RIC 236, from AD 197 with a nice Salus reverse. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=185895 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=185895)

And second is another equestrian-themed denarius (which I like), RIC 494 from Laodicea.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=185894 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=185894)

Let me know what you think of these :)
Title: Re: New denarii - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on January 23, 2024, 07:21:47 pm
Nice coins, Ron. I especially like the portrait on 236.

Tracy
Title: Re: Cordoban caliphate Dirham - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on January 30, 2024, 06:00:44 pm
As a new interest area, I'm going to post a couple recent acquisitions from the spanish caliphates.  I recently spent some time in Spain touring around Cordoba and Granada, and visited the Al Hambra and the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba dating to the Umayyad dynasty that ruled most of modern day spain from about 710 to about 1031.

It's funny how travel can generate interest in coins...

Anyhow, here's the first one, a coin of Hisham II from 1004 AD at the Al-Andalus mint in Cordoba.  The second coin I bought is still en-route to me.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=185896 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=185896)
Title: Re: Cordoban caliphate Dirham - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Virgil H on February 02, 2024, 12:02:03 am
I like the new interest area. I spent some time in Cordoba a very long time ago. Incredible place. Indeed, most of my coin collecting interests are from history and travel, mostly combined.

Virgil
Title: Re: Cordoban caliphate Dirham - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 08, 2024, 08:12:28 pm
Added a Valerian II consecratio posthumus antoninianus today.  One of the last coins of the third century crises that could still be considered "silver" as opposed to a silver washed billon coin, though the silver content was certainly low for a silver ant. 

I like the consecratio commemoratives, so was glad to add this one for a very fair price.

Nice artistry on the eagle.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186027 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186027)
Title: Re: Consecratio coin - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on February 12, 2024, 04:35:39 pm
Hi Ron Good find, this coin is on my to get list too...

 Regards

 Joe/Q.
Title: Re: Another Cordoban Caliuphate Dirham - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 25, 2024, 03:18:56 pm
Just added an earlier caliphate of Cordoba Dirham, this one from 772 AD, not long after Cordoba was established as the capital of Al Andalus. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186159 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186159)
Title: Re: Another Cordoban Caliuphate Dirham - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on February 25, 2024, 04:56:51 pm
I have never seen that type. Fascinating obverse. Congrats, Ron.

Tracy
Title: Re: Julia Domna - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 25, 2024, 05:19:53 pm
Thanks Tracy, there is a little horn silver on it, but I'm resisting treating it.  The coin seems to be stable.  These are really very thin coins, and are around the diameter of a tetradrachm.  It's not my main area of interest, but as I've been to Cordoba, visited the caliph's mosque and palace, etc. they are interesting to me. 

I also just added a nice Julia Domna coin with the goddess Isis breastfeeding Horus on the reverse.  Kind of a neat coin that shows Egypt's eastern influences on the Severans. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186160 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186160)
Title: Re: Julia Domna - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 25, 2024, 05:40:28 pm
A busy day... just added another coin I recently won in an auction that was misidentified as a (common) RIC 211 of Septimius Severus, when in fact, it's a scarce RIC 214 trophy coin where one of the captives is standing. 

I was really pleased to luck into this one :) Only 6 in Reka Devnia.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186161 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186161)

Title: Re: Julia Domna - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 25, 2024, 05:54:57 pm
Last one for today - a rather nice Solidus of Theodosius II.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186162 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186162)
Title: Re: Julia Domna - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Tracy Aiello on February 26, 2024, 08:55:46 am
Ron,

I love the toning on the Julia Domna that you just added. Also, what a fascinating reverse. Given my ignorance, I would think that such a reverse depiction would be a pretty rare thing.

Tracy
Title: Re: Julia Domna - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on February 26, 2024, 12:25:01 pm
Ron,

I love the toning on the Julia Domna that you just added. Also, what a fascinating reverse. Given my ignorance, I would think that such a reverse depiction would be a pretty rare thing.

Tracy

Probably rare in Rome minted coinage, but it’s not a rare issue for Julia Domna in particular. There were a lot of examples in the real dev is hoard, meaning it was a fairly common coin at the time of its issue. 

But again, isis on a Rome minted coin can be considered rare overall.
Title: Re: RIC "R2" denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Ron C2 on March 11, 2024, 09:15:13 pm
Just added this quite rare denarius of Septimius Severus, in this case an RIC "R2" with only 1 example in the Reka Devnia hoard.

It's a really interesting reverse too, showing both Bacchus (Liber) emptying an oenochoe over a leopard and holding thyrsus, and Hercules holding a club and lion skin.

Really chuffed to have this one :)

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186309 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186309)

I also added another scarcity, a Liber Avg denarius from Laodicea, RIC 481. No examples in the Reka Devnia Hoard, which is rather unusual for severan denarii. Some nice toning on this coin.

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186308 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186308)

Lastly for today, I added a decent example of RIC 240, not nearly as rare as the above two, but still a nice addition with a Jupiter reverse, holding the thunderbolt, and a really well done obverse portrait. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186307 (https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=186307)

Title: Re: RIC "R2" denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: Jay GT4 on March 11, 2024, 09:51:56 pm
Now that's not a reverse you see every day.  Awesome coin
Title: Re: RIC "R2" denarius - Ron C2's latest gallery coins
Post by: quadrans on March 12, 2024, 01:49:26 am
Nice coins Ron 🤗👍

Joe