Classical Numismatics Discussion - Members' Coin Gallery
  Welcome Guest. Please login or register. Share Your Collection With Your Friends And With The World!!! A FREE Service Provided By Forum Ancient Coins No Limit To The Number Of Coins You Can Add - More Is Better!!! Is Your Coin The Best Of Type? Add It And Compete For The Title Have You Visited An Ancient Site - Please Share Your Photos!!! Use The Members' Coin Gallery As A Reference To Identify Your Coins Please Visit Our Shop And Find A Coin To Add To Your Gallery Today!!!

Member Collections | Members' Gallery Home | Login | Album list | Last uploads | Last comments | Most viewed | Top rated | My Favorites | Search
Home > Members' Coin Collection Galleries > Curtis JJ > Barbarians, Captives, and Enemies on Roman Coins ("BCE Collection")

Hostilius_Saserna_AR_Denarius_Vercingetorix_2.png
Barbarians: Gallic Hero Vencingetorix as Pavor?Roman Republic. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius (3.57g, 19mm, 12h), Rome, 48 BCE.
Obv: Bearded bust of captive Gallic warrior with wild, corded hair (Vercingetorix as Pavor?) and chain around neck, facing right; to left, a Gallic shield.
Rev: L•HOSTILIVS / SASERNA. Two naked Gallic warriors in galloping biga right, one driving, holding whip in right hand and reins in left, and the other facing backward, holding shield in left hand and brandishing spear in right.
Ref: Crawford 448/2a; Hostilia 2; Sydenham 952.
Prov: Tauler y Fau 65 (Madrid, 6 Oct 2020), 1276.

Notes: This coin forms a pair with the other Hostilius Saserna Denarius in my Gallery -- and a trio with the Caesar "captives" Denarius. Two years later, Julius Caesar struck his Gallic captives & trophy series denarii, depicting the same two figures on the reverse (full-bodied, rather than just the head).

Reluctant as I am to disagree with Crawford (he does NOT believe it's Vercingetorix!), I do find it quite plausible that Vercingetorix is depicted here (possibly "as Pavor," or Dread). During the Republican & Early Empire the Romans were fond of building up the legends of their enemies, especially once defeated. Gallic warriors seem to hold a special fascination on Roman Republican coinage, so it might be even more surprising if they hadn't used the opportunity to boast of the most magnificent of their "trophy captives."
Curtis JJ
CONSERVATORI-Hostilius_Saserna_AR_Denarius_Dreadlocked_Gallia_DRAFT_2-B.png
Barbarians: The "Dreadlocked Gallia," Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius, 48 BCERoman Republic. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius (4,03g, 19mm, 8h), Rome, 48 BCE.
Obv: Head of Gallia (as Pallor) w/ corded hair, grimacing, facing r.; Gallic trumpet (carnyx) behind.
Rev: L•HOSTILIVS / SASERNA. Diana / Artemis of Massalia (after Ephesos) standing facing, holding spear & stag by antler.
Ref: Crawford 448/3; Hostilia 4; Syd 953; Fitzwilliam CM 1459-1963 (ill. on CRRO).
Prov: Bertolami Fine Arts Web Auction 92 (3 Oct 2020), Lot 987.

Notes: A classic of Republican "captives" coinage, the obverse depicts the same female captive shown on Julius Caesar's famous denarius (Craw 468/1); my specimen: [FAC Gallery LINK]. A second denarius was issued depicting the head of the male (Vercingetorix?).
The obverse dies for this type (Crawford observed 126 of them!) fall into two groups: those presenting an "idealized" Gallia (much more common), and those attempting greater "realism" (including this one). (Some dies in the latter group are dreadful.)
This particular die presents a uniquely vivacious portrait in highly realistic style. Was this a "master die" for the issue, based on an actual living Gallic captive as the model? Who was she? If one accepts Vercingetorix as the male captive on Caesar's & Saserna's denarii, could "Gallia" have been a member of his family?

More notes, references linked, coin-in-hand video: [website LINK]
3 commentsCurtis JJ
Titurius_Sabine_Denarius_jpg.jpg
Captives & Captors: "Rape of the Sabines," Founding Myth of Rome, on Titurius Sabinus DenariusRoman Republican. L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus AR Denarius (19mm, 3.89 g, 6 h), Rome 89 BCE.
Obv: SABIN Bare-headed and bearded head of King Titus Tatius to right; in field to right, TA monogram.
Rev: L•TITVRI Rape of the Sabine women.
Ref: Babelon (Tituria) 1; Crawford 344/1a.
Prov: Ex JP Righetti Collection, w/ his handwritten tag (Leu WA 20 [16 Jul 2022], 2263) & J.M.A.L. Collection (formed 1970-2000) (Chaponnière & Firmenich 13 [16 May 2021], 254 [part]).
[If JMAL sees this & wishes to share more about the provenance & the collection, I would love to hear!]

Notes: It is often emphasized that the “Rape of the Sabines,” one of Rome’s founding myths, refers to "rape" in an older sense of the word, meaning "abduction." Nonetheless, the purpose of the abduction was to compel marriage and reproduction. Even if the Sabine women (at least some) eventually accepted the marriages in Livy's version, it is difficult to remove the modern reading of "sexual assault" from the myth.
It is quite revealing that Romans publicly took great pride in the myth of their founding fathers kidnapping and forcing the mothers of the first Romans into relationships we’d call slavery today. Two thousand years ago, though, such coercive social relations were far less objectionable (at least to those in power).
3 commentsCurtis JJ
Valens_Captive_Crosses_RIC_41b-7.png
Emperor Dragging Captive: Valens (Barbarous?) AE3 Interesting Rarity, GLORIA ROMANORVM, 2 Crosses, CONSΔ (RIC IX 41b.7)Valens AE3 (17mm, 1.91g, 6h). Constantinople, 367-375 CE.
Obverse: D N VALENS P F AVG. Bust of Valens, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right.
Reverse: GLORIA ROMANORVM. Emperor advancing right, dragging captive with right hand and holding labarum in left. Crosses in fields to left and right; CONSΔ in exergue.
References: ERIC II p. 1098, No. 493 (tentative) = RIC (IX, Constantinople) 41b, Subtype 7 [+/+//CONSΔ]; OCRE 41b.7 [LINK] (Zero examples cited); Esty Reverse Type 5 [LINK] for GLORIA ROMANORVM Emperor dragging captive.
Provenance: Acq. 9 Oct 2013 from N. Hochrein (Holding History Coins [DePere, WI USA]) for $2.11.

Notes: A rare sub-type, described in RIC IX (p. 220, 41b.7), but with no specimen cited. I've yet to find another.

This one could very easily be a barbarous imitation. Was the RIC 41b.7 specimen also barbarous? Is this coin imitating the official type or was there no such official type, only a distinctive imitation with these controls & mintmark?

See more on this coin on the Discussion Board: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=130449.0
2 commentsCurtis JJ
Valentinian_Captive_SECVNDA.png
Emperor Dragging Captive: Valentinian AE3, R.SECVNDARoman Imperial. Valentinian I AE3 Follis (17mm, 2.82g, 6), Rome mint, 2nd officina, c. 364-367 CE.
Obv: DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG. Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: GLORIA ROMANORVM / R.SECVNDA. Emperor holding labarum & dragging bound captive.
Prov: Uncertain purchase, possibly N. Hochrein c. 2010-2013?; consigned (unsold), Ancient Roman Coin Auctions [Hochrein & R. Smits] Sale 1 or 2, 2013.
Ref: RIC 15a - Subtype xb (no examples cited in OCRE [LINK]); Sear 19444; Suarez, ERIC I --, ERIC II 427 (in gray, unable to verify existence of specimen, but see below); Kurth, Helvetica's RIC Tables [LINK] (“gloria-romanorum”), Type 15, Row 245; Esty Rev Type 5 [LINK].
Notes: Rare var. (the Gloria Romanorvm captive types even more so than the Secvritas w/ officinae spelled out). One example, same dies, in Coryssa (ebay 23 Jul 2016): https://www.coryssa.org/2044529/; another illustrated (reportedly Valentinian I but no obv. shown, diff. rev. die): Saskatchewan Museum of Antiquities [LINK]; Esty Coll. illustrates PRIMA & TERTIA for Valentinian, and SECVNDA for Valens [LINK].
See also: Esty’s LRBC Officinae page [LINK]:
“Spelling the officina number out in full (PRIMA, SECVNDA, TERTIA, QVARTA) was used only on coins minted at Rome, and only for three Roman emperors (Valentinian, Valens, and Gratian) and only on two types, GLORIA ROMANORVM and SECVRITAS REPVBLICAE, during the period 364-375 AD. […]
”The varieties with the officina number spelled out are scarce or rare. In each case, the number is preceded by an “R” for “Roma”, the mint city.”
1 commentsCurtis JJ
Valentinian_Siscia_Captive_AE3.png
Emperor Dragging Captive: Valentinian AE3, SisciaRoman Imperial. Valentinian I AE3 (19mm, 3.03g, 12h), Siscia, 364-375.
Obv: D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG. Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: GLORIA ROMANORVM / ●ΓSISC in ex. Emperor advancing right, dragging captive with right hand and holding labarum in left.
Ref: RIC IX 5a.ii; LRBC 1275; OCRE 5A.ii [LINK]; Esty Rev Type 5 [LINK].
Prov: CNG group lot (w/ uncertain small green collector/dealer tag).

Notes: The early issues of this type are generally of better style. The reverses weren't yet cluttered with all the control symbols and allowed for a more detailed tableau.
Curtis JJ
Constantine_ADVENTVS_DiMarzio_Toone_Tags_small.jpg
Emperor on Horseback over Captive: Constantine I's London ADVENTVS, Cloke & Toone plate coinPhoto Source: CNG (edited).
Roman Imperial. Constantine I AE Follis (22mm, 3.66 g, 6h), Adventus type, Londinium (London), c. 311-2 CE.
Obv: CONSTANTINVS PF AVG. Laureate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust left, holding spear forward in right hand, shield on left arm.
Rev: ADVENTVS AVG / * / PLN. Constantine riding left, right hand raised, holding spear in left hand, on horse pawing seated captive to left.
Ref: Cloke & Toone LMCC 7.01.007 (this coin cited and illustrated); Stepniewski “Not in RIC” CV6, p. 134, Lond. 136 (this coin illustrated); RIC VI 136; cf. Huvelin 16 (ADVENTVS AVG N).
Prov: Paul DiMarzio Collection (CNG 525 [19 Oct 2022], 1389); Ex Hookmoor FPL 1 (Feb 2016), 12; published as “CT Collections” [Clarke-Toone], w/ L. Toone's collector tag; acq. Clive Eyre, Oct 2010. (With uncertain collector or dealer tag, "19"?)

Notes: As I understand it, when this coin was struck, it had only been a year or two since Constantine had prevailed over Maximian's (final!) rebellion. But he had spent years campaigning against Franks, Alamanni, and others in the West, and had spent his early military career campaigning in the East. Since triumph over fellow Romans wasn't to be celebrated, I presume the captive should either be interpreted as one of his prior foes in the West (most recently Germanic) or East, or perhaps a promise to be the sort of Emperor who defeats Rome's enemies and brings home captives/slaves. Then again, the average Roman (or Roman soldier) might've seen this coin & thought "there's Constantine trampling Maximian's people!"
I'm curious, though, so I'm very open to ideas about this....
Curtis JJ
Carinus_Captives_Antoninianus.png
Emperor Standing over Bound Captive: Carinus, Celebrating Victory over the Quadi & Capture of PrisonersCoin-in-hand video: LINK
Roman Imperial. Carinus (Caesar, 282-283 CE). Billon Antoninianus (22mm, 3.68 g, 6h). Ticinum mint, 3rd officina. 2nd emission, December 282.
Obv: M AVR CARINVS NOB C. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: PRINCIPI IVVENTVT / TXXI in exergue. The "Prince" standing left holding globe and spear, bearded Germanic (Quadi) captive at foot left, hands bound in back. Ref: RIC (V.2) 182-T, Cohen 97, Sear RCV 12302, Pink VI/2 p. 28. Prov: Ex-Crescent Collection; CNG EA 509 (9 February 2022), Lot 738.
Notes: Bound captives on Roman coinage communicated several important messages. For one, they conveyed the Romans' fundamental belief in their superiority over "barbarians." Second, this coin was likely political propaganda, celebrating the young Caesar Carinus' military successes against the Quadi. Finally, Roman society depended on slavery and required constant replenishment with new prisoners of war. Carinus assured the Roman people he would keep the Imperial machine running through conquest.
Curtis JJ
Leo_AE2_E2.png
Emperor Standing over Bound Captive: One of the Last Roman Captives, c. 472-474 CERoman Imperial-Byzantine. Leo I AE2 Reduced Maiorina (20.5mm, 3.12g, 6h), Constantinople or Cherson, 472-474 CE.
Obverse: D N LEO P RPET AC (sic). Diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: SΛLVS R PVRLICΛ (sic). Leo standing r., holding labarum & globe, bound captive to r. CON in exergue.
References: DOC 561; MIRB 24; LRBC 2254-5 (see also 2256-7); RIC X 663 (cf. 657-664 for legend vars.); Esty Type ES4 ([Cherson LINK] & [Cherson-Leo LINK]).
Provenance: Priv. acq. 2013 from the collection T.A.

Notes: These were once much scarcer. There remains a debate about whether they were struck in Cherson, or were struck in Constantinople for circulation in Crimea. Among the final Roman “captives coins." The only later types I know were struck under Zeno (476-491): (1) the "small AE2" CONCORDIA's showing the Emperor holding labarum & spurning a captive; (2) tiny Victory-dragging-captive AE4s.
Curtis JJ
Theodosius_Galley_Captive_TES_RIC_61b.png
Emperor Standing over Bound Captive: Theodosius in Galley, Scarce Esty Type 34Roman Imperial. Theodosius I AE3 (20mm, 2.16g, 6h), Thessalonica, c. 384-388 CE.
Obverse: D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed bust, draped and cuirassed, right.
Reverse: VIRTVS AVGGG / Δ to left / TES in exergue. Emperor on galley left, holding phoenix on globe, foot resting upon bound captive, Victory at helm.
References: Esty Reverse Type 34 [LINK]; RIC IX Thessalonica 61b.
Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 53 (2 Nov 2019), 755 (group lot).

Notes: A scarce sub-type, but also struck for Valentinian II (RIC 61a) and Arcadius (RIC 61b). It’s interesting that the larger AE2 module with the galley has Victory, but not the captive – only the smaller type adds the captive!
Curtis JJ
CONSERVATORI-Constantius_II_AE_Antioch_Captives_Cross_Ex_Peus_Draft_3_small.jpg
Emperor Standing over Bound Captives: Constantius II, Antioch, Christian Emperor Conquers BarbariansRoman Imperial. Constantius II (Augustus, 337-361 CE). AE Centenionalis (4.79g, 22mm, 1h). Antioch mint, 5th officina, c. 348-350 CE.
Obv: DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust left, holding globe in right hand. Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO / Star (left) / ANЄ (exergue). Constantius II in military garb standing left, spurning a captive with foot while holding standard, a cross decorating its banner, and resting hand on shield set on ground. To left, two bearded captives kneeling vis-à-vis, wearing Phrygian caps, hands bound behind their backs.
Ref: RIC (VIII) 127; LRBC 2616.
Provenance: Ex-Peus EA 10 (Frankfurt, 18 Jan 2020) 592 (corr. RIC no.); from a North German Private Collection (“aus Norddeutscher Privatsammlung”).
NVMMVS BIBLE II NBD 85614 (this coin; LINK).
Hist Notes: An important scene. After Constantine's death, the Roman/Byzantine concept of the “barbarian” came to connote not only an uncivilized foreigner, but a religious outsider, especially Pagan. Here that process takes shape in the visual medium of coinage.
Constantius is shown triumphant, bearing a Christian standard while standing over two defeated captives of distinctively Eastern/Persian appearance. Not only does it represent conquest over enemies, but also the triumph of the newly-favored Christian religion over Pagans.
In the long history of Imperial propaganda using Christianity to justify attacking foreigners and political enemies, this coin is surely among the first.
More: LINK. Coin-in-hand video: LINK.
Curtis JJ
Titurius_Republican_Denarius_E2.png
Enemies, Punished: Killing of Tarpeia, Another Founding Myth, on Titurius Sabinus DenariusRoman Republican. L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus AR Denarius (3.5g, 20.5mm, 3h), Rome 89 BCE.
Obv: SABIN. Bearded bare head of the Sabine king, Tatius right; palm frond right below chin.
Rev: L•TITVRI. Tarpeia, hair dishevelled, facing forward, buried to her waist in shields, hands raised fending off two soldiers about to throw their shields on her; star in crescent above.
Ref: Tituria 4 (Babelon or RSC); Crawford 344/2a.
Prov: Ex Numismática Lucernae/Antonio Hinosa Pareja (Alcala La Real, 8 Jul 2015).

Notes: This reverse was copied by a second classic denarius, struck ~80 years later by Augustus (RIC 299). It was also a pun on the moneyer’s name: Titurius Sabinus & Tarpeia the Sabine partisan.
A classic scene invoking the contemporary relevance of Rome’s mythical founding to the ongoing “Social War” (91 – 87 BCE). The Republic was at war with its own allies & Italic neighbors, largely over the matter of (not) bestowing Roman citizenship. (Citizenship was worth fighting over; it was highly consequential for safety & well-being, and political & military decision-making). Though Rome "won," it granted citizenship anyway, eventuating in “the Romanization of Italy.”
The coin's reverse depicts Tarpeia, the Vestal Virgin who betrayed Rome to the Sabines during a siege. Her punishment was to be crushed to death under Sabine shields & hurled from a cliff (the "Tarpeian Rock").
In 70 CE, the Flavians gave a traditional traitor's execution to Simon bar Giora (famous rebel leader in the First Jewish–Roman War, 66-70 CE, defender against Titus in the Siege of Jerusalem): he was paraded through Rome in Vespasian's great Triumph, scourged and publicly hurled from the Tarpeian Rock.
2 commentsCurtis JJ
Constans_Fallen_Horseman_FTR_-ASIS-.png
Fallen Horseman: Constans, Siscia (RIC 258)Roman Imperial. Constans (Augustus, 337-350 CE). AE Centenionalis (5.80g, 25mm, 5h). Siscia Mint, 1st Officina, 350.
Obv: DN CONSTANS PF AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; A behind. Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO / A in left field / * in right field / •ASIS• in exergue. Soldier spearing fallen horseman. FH2. Ref: RIC (VIII) 258; LRBC 1158. Provenance: Uncertain internet purchase (c. 2001-2015).
Curtis JJ
Constans_Fallen_Horseman_FTR_TSG.png
Fallen Horseman: Constans, Thessalonica (RIC 116, G)Roman Imperial. Constans (Augustus, 337-350 CE). AE Cententionalis (5.45, 25mm, 6h). Thessalonica Mint, 3rd Officina, 348 – 350.
Obv: D N CONSTANS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; holding globe. Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO / TSΓ* in exergue. Soldier spearing fallen horseman. Type FH1.
Ref: RIC 116, G; LRBC 1647. Provenance: Ex-Gitbud & Naumann Auction 15 (Vienna, 6 April 2014), Lot 771
Curtis JJ
Constantius_II_Fallen_Horseman_SMKA_Decor.png
Fallen Horseman: Constantius II (Cyzicus), Decorated ShieldRoman Imperial. Constantius II (Augustus, 337-361) AE Centenionalis (5.20g, 25mm, 12h). Cyzicus, first Officina, 351 – 355.
Obv: D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO. Γ in left field. •SMKA in exergue. Soldier, bearing shield decorated with three pellets above and below shield boss (central hub), spearing fallen horseman. Type FH3.
Ref: RIC VIII 96. NVMMVS BIBLE II NBD N° 95642 (this coin; LINK).
Prov: Ex-InAsta spa Auction 91, (San Marino, 15 Dec 2020), Lot 4327.
Notes: Note the additional decorations on soldier's shield (and armor, helmet), seen on other examples RIC 96, Cyzicus. The first officina (SMKA), specifically, used the six dots above and below the shield boss on other dies as well.
Curtis JJ
Constantius_II___Gran_Constantinople_.jpg
Fallen Horseman: Oversized Constantius II (7.67g, 25mm)Photo Credit: Bertolami Fine Arts.
Roman Imperial. Constantius II AE Centenionalis (7.67g, 25mm, 12h), Constantinople, 348-351 CE.
Obv: D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust, surrounded by border of dots.
Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO // Γ // CONSЄ*. Soldier standing left, holding long oval shield with circular boss, and spearing fallen horseman; bearded horseman astride fallen horse, turning and reaching back with left arm (FH3), wearing short-brimmed (Scythian?) helmet, ornate tunic, and trousers. "Centering dot" between soldier and horse. Border of dots.
Ref: RIC 82-E, LRBC 2026; cf. RIC 81 (FH4). NVMMVS BIBLE II NBD N° 61536 (this coin; LINK).
Prov: Ex-Bertolami Fine Arts 37 (19 Sep 2017), Lot 689 (corr. RIC 81) & e-92 (2 Oct 2020), Lot 1554 (corr. weight as 7.70g, RIC 81).

Note: Based on the weight distribution provided for "Large AE2" in RIC VIII, only 1 or 2 of 405 specimens are as heavy or heavier than this one (7.7g & 8.2g). Comparison to ACSearch records indicates specimens this heavy are even rarer than the RIC data suggest; one Constantius Gallus FH weighing 8.10g is reported (Roma 13, 939); Doug Smith reported a 9.5g (!) Cyzicus FH in his collection, c. 1997 (far & away the heaviest I've heard of).
5 commentsCurtis JJ
Vespasian_IVDEA_CAPTA_AE_As.jpg
Judaea Capta: Vespasian AE As (Scarce "IVDEA" Spelling), ex Bressett & SaltonRoman Imperial. Vespasian AE As (28mm, 9.40g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint, circa 71 CE.
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III. Laureate head right.
Rev: IVDEA CAPTA / S C in exergue. Judaea seated right in attitude of mourning, Palm tree to her left; to left, pile of arms (shields, helmet).
Ref: RIC II 305; Cohen 244; Hendin (GBC 5) 1554 (b); OCRE (RIC 305; 14 specs.). Note: Incorrectly described by CNG as RIC 1233 (COS VIII / IVDAEA).
Prov: Ex Kenneth Bressett (1928-) Collection (CNG Keystone 6 [11 Mar 2022], Lot 3156, Corr.); acq. from Mark Salton-Schlessinger (1914-2005), 1957 for $8, with his tag/envelope.
Prov (cont.): possibly Ex Hesperia (Vladimir Clain-Stefanelli & Robert Hecht, Baltimore MD) List 1 (Spring 1951), Nos. 386 (“F/VF”) or 387 (“G”), more likely the latter. (Though not illustrated, Cohen 244's are scarce; Salton bought others from that sale, suggesting it as a likely source, albeit conjectural.)
Coin-in-hand video & some more background: [my website LINK]
3 commentsCurtis JJ
CONSERVATORI-Vespasian_Denarius_Judaea_Capta_ED.png
Judaea Capta: Vespasian AR Denarius, Mourning Captive Seated beside TrophyRoman Imperial. Vespasian (Augustus, 69-79 CE) AR Denarius (19mm, 3.07 g, 7h), “Judaea Capta” commemorative, Rome mint, c. 70 CE.
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right.
Rev: Judaea seated right in mourning, wearing long veil, resting chin on her left hand; trophy to left; IVDΛEΛ in exergue.
Ref: RIC (II.1) 2; RSC 226; Hendin 1479. Prov: Ex-CNG EA 481 (Lancaster, 2 Dec 2020), Lot 547.

Notes: Coin-in-hand video: LINK. More on my collection site: LINK. As Mattingly noted in the BMCRE (Vol II), this is the first issue to present a lone, mourning captive and trophy – as opposed to a pair of captives or a lone bound captive (as appeared on Republican Quinarii in the early 1st c. BCE). The pair of captives (usually one bound, one mourning, like Judaea here) was first depicted on Julius Caesar Denarii.
3 commentsCurtis JJ
Licinius_II_Ex-Dattari_Victor_Clark.jpg
Jupiter Standing over Bound Captive: Licinius II AE3, Ex Dattari CollectionPhoto Source: Victor Clark [LINK]

Roman Imperial. Licinius II AE3 Reduced Follis or Nummus (3.6g, 20 mm, 6h). Antioch mint, 317 – 320 CE.
Obv: D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C. Laureate and draped bust to left, holding mappa, globus and sceptre.
Rev: IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS / H (right) / SMANT (exergue). Jupiter standing left holding Victory on globe and sceptre, bound captive to left.
Ref: RIC (VII) 29; Sear RCV 15415.
See also: Victor Clark’s “Constantine the Great Coins: Late Roman Bronze Coins,” Licinius II page (this coin illustrated).
Prov: Ex-Giovanni Dattari (1858-1923) Collection of Late Roman Bronze Coins; CNG e-Auction 470 (17 Jun 2020), Lot 641 (part of); purchased from Victor’s Imperial Coins (Victor Clark, 6 Feb 2021).

Notes: Licinius II (b. 315) was no more than 4 years old when this coin was struck, so we must look to his father Licinius I to understand its context. Licinius spent much of his rule in conflict with Constantine, though they held a temporary truce at this moment. This coin probably celebrates Licinius’ triumphs in the East against the Sarmatians, sanctioned by Jupiter. He had successfully campaigned nearly a decade earlier against Sarmatia, and was attacking again at the time this series was struck.
Curtis JJ
Marcus_Aurelius_Armenia_Denarius_E2.png
Mourning Captive Seated: Marcus Aurelius' ArmeniaRoman Imperial. Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius (2.65g, 17mm, 12h), Rome, 164 CE.
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS. Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius right.
Reverse: PM TR P XVIII IMP II COS III ARMEN. Armenia seated left on ground in posture of mourning, right hand to face, left hand resting on pile of arms, vexillum and round shield in background.
Reference: RIC III 81; RSC 7.
Provenance: Ex-Savoca Numismatik 94th Silver Auction (31 Jan 2021), 1280.

Notes: A remarkable feature of M. Aurelius and L. Verus’ Armenian-Parthian captives series is that Rome considered Armenia an ally, and putatively liberated it from invading Parthian overlords. And yet “she” (Armenia, like most Roman national personifications, is female) is depicted as a captive in the same mourning pose as Judaea and Dacia before her. We get a special glimpse here into the Roman attitude toward friends: They can be friends as long as they are subjugated and submit to Roman domination and public humiliation.
1 commentsCurtis JJ
Trajan_Dacia_Denarius_E.png
Mourning Captive Seated: Trajan's "Dacia Capta"Roman Imperial. Trajan AR Denarius (3.04g, 18mm, 6h). Rome, circa 108/9 CE.
Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P. Laureate head right, drapery on far shoulder.
Reverse: COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC // DAC•CAP in exergue. Dacian seated left , on pile of captured arms. Dacia, wearing peaked cap and tunic, seated left resting head on right hand in posture of mourning, on a pile of arms consisting of one round and one oblong shield below, two curved swords to left, and two long spears to right.
Reference: RIC 98; RSC 120a.
Provenance: Ex-NBS Auction e-2, Lot 593 (Rijkswijk, Nederland, 23 December 2020).

Notes: Trajan's Dacian campaign was one of the defining events in his reign. The great Columna Traiani, which still stands in Trajan's Forum in Rome, commemorates his conquest in Dacia in spiral bas relief frieze, including many depictions of captive-taking.
2 commentsCurtis JJ
Aurelian_ORIENS_AVG_Two_Captives_-_E.png
Sol Standing over (Spurning) Bound Captives: Aurelian's ORIENSRoman Imperial. Aurelian Billon Antoninianus (3.53g, 22mm, 6h), Ticinum, 274 CE.
Obv: IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, Radiate cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ORIENS AVG / * / PXXI. Sol holding globe, two bound Eastern captives seated, wearing Phrygian caps.
Ref: RIC Online Temp 1521 (27 examples listed). See: Gorny & Mosch 200, 2788; Naumann 33, 584. Cf. RIC 151 (var, P/Q/S/TXXT). Scarce variant (PXXI).
Prov: Ex-Savoca 28th Blue Auction (25 Jan 2020), Lot 1428

Notes: As with depictions of captives in “stress positions,” engravers from the mid-3rd century onward gave special attention to the captives’ discomfort. Sol is often described as “spurning” (i.e., kicking/trampling) the left captive (as does Victory on a later Constantine AE3). Here, his foot presses down on the binding between the wrists, allowing him to inflict discomfort on the back, shoulders, and wrists. The captive to the right looks upward, a common theme since Julius Caesar's male Gallic captive ("Vercingetorix"). Presumably the upward gaze acknowledges Rome's might and superiority.
Curtis JJ
Aurelian_ORIENS_AVG_One_Captive_Draft_2.png
Sol Standing over Bound Captive: Aurelian's Eastward-Looking AmbitionsRoman Imperial. Aurelian Billon (Silvered AE) Antoninianus (23mm, 3.56g, 5h), Serdica, 1st officina, 2nd emission, 274 CE.
Obv: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian to right.
Rev: ORIENS AVG / P in exergue. Sol, naked except for cape and radiate crown, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in his left. At feet to left, Eastern (Parthian?) captive wearing pointed Phrygian or Scythian cap, seated left with legs bound in front, knees to chest, and hands bound behind his back.
Ref: RIC 276; Cohen 140; RIC online 2634 (http://www.ric.mom.fr/en/coin/2634).
Prov: Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 14 (13 Dec 2020), 1446, reportedly from a European collection, formed before 2005.

Notes: The reverse legend, ORIENS AVG – short for Oriens Augusti – has a double meaning within late 3rd century political and cultural context. As Stevenson (1889, p. 588) explains in his Dictionary of Roman Coins, the word Oriens “was used by the Romans to designate either that part of the world where the sun appears to rise, or some province of the empire situate[d] towards the East; or the Sun itself.” Note that the figure on the coin is Sol – the Roman deity personifying the sun.

The double-meaning, then, is first, that the Romans are rising supreme over their Eastern enemies, as embodied by Sol standing over Eastern barbarian captives, and second, that the sun is rising over the empire, heralding “a new day” after their recent frontier conflicts in the east. (For more, my 2021 blogpost [LINK].)
Curtis JJ
Crispus_Captives_AE3_Follis_28London29_Toone_Dimarzio_Tags_28CNG_Photo29.jpg
Two Captives-and-Standard: Crispus' Alemanni (?), Cloke & Toone plate coinPhoto credit: CNG (edited)
Roman Imperial. Cripus Silvered AE Follis (19.5mm, 3.14g, 6h), London, c. 320 CE.
Obv: CRISPVS NOBIL C. Helmeted, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VIRTVS EXERCIT. Two captives seated on either side of vexillum inscribed VOT XX. Exergue: PLON.
Ref: RIC 188; Cloke & Toone LMCC 9.02.016 (this coin illustrated).
Prov: Ex Paul DiMarzio Collection (CNG EA 516 [18 May 2022], 631), acq. from Lee Toone, 28 May 2018; published as “CT Collections” [Cloke-Toone], w/ L. Toone's collector tag, acq. 15 Jan 2010 from Dei Gratia Coins (Dave Shelley) at York Coin Fair.

Notes: Victor Clark has suggested that these coins are celebrating Crispus' victorious "military operations against the Franks and Alamanni in A.D. 318 and 320" [LINK]. It would be interesting to see if any details of their appearance/garb might test or confirm this hypothesis. The captive on the right has very distinctive hair and/or headwear (frequently used by engravers to indicate tribal/ethnic membership)....
2 commentsCurtis JJ
Caracalla_AR_Denarius_PART_MAX_Captives__3.png
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Caracalla's ParthiansRoman Imperial. Caracalla AR Denarius (3.40g, 19mm, 6h). Rome, 201 CE.
Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. Laureate and draped bust right.
Rev: PART MAX PONT TR P IIII. Two Parthian captives seated on either side at the foot of a trophy of arms and arms.
Ref: RIC IV 54b; BMCRE 262; RSC 175.
Prov: Ex-Savoca 91st Silver (13 Dec 2020), Lot 658
Curtis JJ
Claudius_II_Gothicus_Antoninianus_Captives_E2.png
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Claudius Gothicus' Namesake Captives]Roman Imperial. Claudius II “Gothicus” Billon Antoninianus (3.05g, 20mm), Cyzicus, 270 CE.
Obv: IMP CLAVDIVS P F AVG. Radiate and draped bust right.
Rev: VICTORIAE GOTHIC. Trophy between two bound, seated captives.
Ref: RIC V.1 Online 983, https://ric.mom.fr/en/coin/983
Prov: Ex Savoca Coins 91st Silver (13 Dec 2020), Lot 724 (much better photo [LINK]).

Notes: Gothic/Germanic captives were usually depicted bare-headed (e.g., by Probus). It is unclear to me whether the pointed helmet/cap was a carryover from previous designs depicting Parthians/Persians (i.e., representing "barbarians" generally), or if it depicted a specific style of Gothic helmet.
Curtis JJ
Commodus_Captives_Denarius_FAC_E.jpg
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Commodus' Germanic & Sarmatian Captives from Marcomannic WarsCommodus AR Denarius (18mm, 2.31g, 12h), Rome mint, 180 CE.
Obv: M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG. Laureate head right.
Rev: TR P V IMP IIII COS II P P. Two captives seated back to back on shields propped against trophy of captive arms.
Ref: RIC 9a; RSC 791; RCV 5706.
Prov: Ex Forum RS111654 (2 Oct 2023).​

Notes: These coins do not name the captives, but they must relate to the Marcomannic Wars. Commodus, as a young Caesar, had accompanied Marcus Aurelius north to prosecute was against the Sarmatians and various Germanic tribes. When M. Aurel. died in 180, Commodus promptly negotiated a peace, ending the wars (a few minor outbursts over the next year or two notwithstanding). This series may mark the moment.

One detail distinctive to M. Aurelius & Commodus’ captives-and-trophy: The captives are seated on shields propped against the trophy, not seated on the ground. (Almost a gentle touch, in a perverse Roman Imperial sort of way.)
1 commentsCurtis JJ
CONSERVATORI-Julius_Caesar_Captives_Denarius.png
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Julius Caesar Denarius & the Beginning of a MotifRoman Republican/Imperatorial. Julius Caesar (Dictator, 49-44 BC). AR Denarius (3.70g, 20mm, 12h). Spain, 46/45 BC.
Obv: Head of Venus to right, wearing stephane; Cupid behind shoulder. Rev: Trophy of Gallic arms, composed of helmet & cuirass, oval shield & two carnyxes. Two Gallic captives seated at base, to left, a female (Gallia) in posture of mourning, head resting in r. hand; to right, a bearded male (Vercingetorix), hands bound behind him, looking to l. CAESAR in exergue. Ref: Craw 468/1; CRI 58; RSC 13; Syd 1014. Prov: Ex-Tauler y Fau 70 (Madrid, 24 Nov 2020) Lot 79.
Notes: The rev. figures are traditionally identified as those portrayed on the pair of Hostilius Saserna AR Denarii, c. 48 BC, depicting Gallia and Vercingetorix.
This coin became the archetype for Roman numismatic depictions of captives for the next 400 years.
Curtis JJ
CNG_Maximinus_Tetradrachm.jpg
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Maximinus, Alexandrian Tetradrachm, Germanic CaptivesPhoto Credit: CNG
Roman Provincial. Egypt, Alexandria. Maximinus I (Augustus, 235-238 CE). BI or Potin Tetradrachm (13.80 g, 23mm, 12h). Struck 236/7 CE (Year 3).
Obv: AVTO MAΞININOC EVC CEB. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: L - Γ (date). Trophy of arms between two captives, seated back to back, hands bound behind them.
Ref: Köln 2576; Emmett 3301 (3); Dattari 4613; Milne 3260; Kampann & Ganschow 65.51.
Published Online: RPC VI 10711, ex 25 (this coin; LINK); Coin Project ID #79000742 (this coin illustrated online; LINK).
Prov: Ex-CNG MBS 79 (17 Sep 2008), Lot 742; Rocky Mountain Collection of Alexandrian Coins; CNG EA 484 (27 Jan 2021), Lot 610.

Notes: Here, Maximinus continues the reverse type from Severus Alexander, depicting their defeated German enemies. Captives were very frequent on Roman Imperial Coins, less so on Provincials (Alexandria is an occasional exception). Did captives imagery have a different significance or address a different audience in the provinces? One can imagine Provincial citizens might've interpreted them differently.
Curtis JJ
Probus_VICTORIA_GERM_Trophy_Captives.jpg
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Probus' German VictoryRoman Imperial. Probus Billon Antoninianus (3.44g, 21.5mm, 1h), Rome, 1st officina, 7th emission, struck 282 CE.
Obv: PROBVS PF AVG. Radiate, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIA GERM / RAA in exergue. Trophy of captured arms with two round shields and four spears; two bareheaded Germanic captives seated to either side at base, their hands bound behind their backs.
Ref: RIC 223; Cohen 766.
Prov: Ex CNG EA 483 (6 Jan 2021), 858 (part).
Curtis JJ
Septimius_Severus_denarius_Trophy_Captives_Standing.png
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Rare Standing Parthian Captive Septimius DenariusRoman Imperial. Septimius Severus AR Denarius (17mm, 3.15g, 12h), Rome, 207 CE.
Obv: SEVERVS - PIVS AVG. Laureate head right.
Rev: P M TR P XV - COS III P P. Trophy between a seated female captive in attitude of mourning and a standing, bearded male captive with hands tied behind back, his lower left leg bent behind his right leg, with only toes touching ground; apparently resting his knee against a helmet on ground before him.
Ref: RIC IV 214; Cohen 498.
Prov: Ex Naville Numismatics Auction 76 (1 Oct 2022), 483.

Coin-in-hand video: [imgur LINK]

Notes: As Harlan Berk wrote of another example of this type: "Rare: only six specimens in Reka Devnia hoard. The additional helmet on ground may be an unpublished detail." Reverses with trophy & two seated Parthian captives are fairly common for both Septimius and Caracalla. (Two seated captives and trophy were common from Julius Caesar through the sons of Constantine.) Standing, bound captives are much less common. A similar pair of captives were depicted opposite a palm tree on Judaea Capta Sestertii, a Marcus Aurelius Sestertius & some Provincial homages (including the remarkable Gordian III of Iconium [LINK]). Trajan also had a denarius with a single standing captive (I have yet to post my example).

My photograph doesn't do it justice. I bought this one because it was the best reverse I've seen in private hands. (The ANS & BMC specimens are better, though of the more typical var. without the helmet. See: https://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.ss.214)
Curtis JJ
Severus_Alexander_Alexandria_Tetradrachm_Captives.png
Two Captives-and-Trophy: Severus Alexander, Alexandrian Tetradrachm, Germanic CaptivesRoman Provincial. Egypt, Alexandria, Severus Alexander Potin Tetradrachm (11.20g, 21mm, 12h), dated RY 13 (233/4 CE).
Obverse: Α ΚΑΙ ΜΑΡ ΑΥΡ ϹƐΥ ΑΛƐΞΑΝΔΡΟϹ. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right, seen from the rear.
Reverse: LIΓ to right (Year 13). Trophy of captured arms (helmet with cheek flaps, cuirass, four shields, and four javelins); at the base, two Germanic captives seated back to back, hands bound behind them; to left, palm.
References: RPC Online VI Temp. 10618; Emmett 3138/13; K & G 62.205; Milne 3166; Dattari 4404; BMC Alex. 1701; Geissen 2491.
Provenance: Ex-Forum Ancient Coins (Corr. Date; # RX92522; 23 Dec 2020), Errett Bishop (1928-1983) Collection.
Coin-in-hand video (57s): https://i.imgur.com/60n8k9h.mp4

Notes: Alexander had just concluded a peace with Germanic tribes in 234 and commemorated it with these coins, depicting Germanic captives. (On close inspection, I've always wondered, could that be a hairstyle similar to a Suebian knot? Hair swept forward, up, and knotted.)

Despite proclaiming his conquest, Severus Alexander's troops were apparently dissatisfied with his leniency toward the Germans. This has been suggested as a major reason for his (and his mother, Julia Mamea's) assassination by his own troops, and replacement by their commander Maximinus in 235 (within a year after this coin was struck).

Maximinus, of course, kept the coin type. (See next coin in gallery.)
1 commentsCurtis JJ
Elagabalus_Nikopolis.jpg
Victory Crowning Emperor over Captives: Elagabalus, Nikopolis AE TetradrassarionRoman Provincial. Elagabalus AE Tetrassarion (26mm, 11.89g, 9h), Moesia, Nikopolis ad Istrum (Novius Rufus, Legate), 218-222 CE.
Obv: AVT K M AVPH ANTΩINOC. Laureate, draped bust right, seen from behind.
Rev: VΠ NOBIOV POV ΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTP / O-N. Emperor standing left, holding spear and sword, foot on captive, crowned by Nike, between them a captive cowering beneath shield.

Ref: HHJ (8.26.34.2, 2015-2021 eds., 2014 Addenda III, #149 [LINK]) = RPC VI 1197 (Temp.) ex. 1 [LINK] = Wildwinds (Elagabalus [LINK] / Moesia, Niko. [LINK]) = this coin illustrated.​
Prov: Ex zumbly; George Spradling (Agora 38, 174 = Coinproject 38-074 [LINK]); J. Winnett Collection (Tantalus 16683, 26 Jun 2006) [LINK]; Heather Howard Collection (Elag.125 on her archived Elagabalus Page [LINK]); Henry Clay Lindgren (1914-2005) Collection Duplicates (unpublished, Antioch Associates BBS 42 [15 Nov 2002], 72).

Many thanks to Jochen for help cataloging this coin.
Curtis JJ
Theodosius_I_AE4_Cyzicus_E6.png
Victory Dragging Captive: Theodosius AE4Roman Imperial. Theodosius I AE4 "Nummus" (12mm, 1.49g, 12h). Cyzicus, 388-392 CE.
Obverse: DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Theodosius I to right.
Reverse: SALVS REIPVBLICAE / SMKB in exergue. Victory advancing left, holding trophy over her right shoulder and dragging bound captive behind her with her left hand; Chi-rho to left.
Reference: RIC 26b.
Provenance: Ex-Leu Numismatik Web Auction 14 (13 Dec 2020), Lot 1496.
Curtis JJ
Domitian_Germania_Capta_Sestertius.png
Victory Standing over Captive: Domitian "Germania Capta" SestertiusRoman Imperial. Domitian AE Sestertius (35mm, 23.3g, 6h), Rome, 85 CE.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P. Laureate bust of Domitian right, aegis over shoulder.
Rev: S-C. Victory standing right, left foot on helmet, inscribing DE / GER in two lines on shield attached to trophy; mourning female (Germania) seated right.
Ref: RIC II.1 365 [OCRE LINK]
Prov: Ex Ben Mous, prev. Washington state private coll.

Notes: After Judaea Capta, future emperors found it necessary to declare comparable victories & announce them on coinage. Domitian's first major victory had been over the Chatti, extending the frontier beyond the Rhine, by early 83 CE, when he held a triumph & began using the title "Germanicus."
1 commentsCurtis JJ
Gordian_III_AE_Sestertius_Ex_George_His2C_Adrian_Lang_Collections_RIC_337a.jpg
Victory Standing over Mourning Captive: Gordian III SestertiusPhoto Credit: Leu Numismatik
Roman Imperial. Gordian II AE Sestertius (31 mm, 20.72 g, 1h), Rome, 244 CE.
Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r., seen from behind.
Rev: VICTORIA AETER / S - C. Victory standing left, holding palm & shield balancing on captive seated left in attitude of mourning.
Ref: Cohen 351; Michaux 225; RIC 337a; SRCV 8741; see also Wildwinds "digital plate coin" [LINK].
Prov: Ex Dipl. Ing. Adrian Lang Collection (Leu Auction 12 [16 May 2002], 1386); George His Collection (CNG 69 [8 Jul 2005], 1465).

Notes: Coin-in-hand video [imgur LINK]
Curtis JJ
Lucius_Verus_Sestertius_Victory_Over_Armenia_3-B.png
Victory Standing over Mourning Captive: Lucius Verus' ArmeniaRoman Imperial. Lucius Verus AE Sestertius (25.4g, 34mm, 11h), temp. Marcus Aurelius, Rome mint, 164 CE.
Obverse: L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS. Laureate, draped bust of Lucius Verus right, seen from behind.
Reverse: VICT AVG TR P IIII IMP II COS II / S-C across fields. Victory standing to right, holding trophy in both hands over Armenian captive seated at foot.
References: RIC III (Aurelius) 1410, cf. 1408-1409. See also (but check laureate vs bare head): Cohen 334-5; Banti 191-5; RCV 5377; Goebl MIR 18, 86.
Provenance: ArtCoins Roma E8 (Rome, 30 Jan 2013), 904 (part of).

Notes: Armenia, a client state of Rome, had been captured by the Parthian King Vologoses IV, who expelled the Armenian king. In 163 CE, Rome re-captured the Armenian capital Artaxata, after which Lucius Verus accepted the title “Armeniacus” (Marcus Aurelius took that title as well, but the following year), despite never having seen combat (and despite his reportedly detached & debauched leadership style). They both took the title “Parthicus” two years later after invading Parthian territory and capturing Mesopotamia (Aurelius waiting a year, again, “after a tactful delay” [wiki]).
Curtis JJ
Valerian_I_VICT_PART_AR_Ant__2.png
Victory Standing over Mourning Captive: Valerian's Ironic Parthian Captives (#1)Roman Imperial. Valerian I AR Antoninianus (2.66g, 22.5mm, 6h), Viminacium, 3rd emission, 257 CE.
Obverse: IMP VALERIANVS P F AVG. Radiate and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VICT PART. Victory standing left, holding palm in left hand, resting her right on shield; to left, Parthian captive (Parthia, herself?) seated left, in attitude of mourning.
References: Göbl MIR 36, 847d. See also: RIC V 262 var. (draped bust); RSC 255 var. (same).
Provenance: Ex-Gitbud & Naumann (eBay Store), 19 Mar 2013.

Notes: Three years after striking his Parthian captives coinage, Valerian was himself famously taken captive by Persian King Shapur I. (My blogpost on "The Irony of Valerian's Captive": [LINK].)
Curtis JJ
Valerian_I_VICT_PART_1_E2W.jpg
Victory Standing over Mourning Captive: Valerian's Ironic Parthian Captives (#2)Roman Imperial. Valerian I AR Antoninianus (2.76g, 21.5mm, 6h), Viminacium, 3rd emission, 257 CE.
Obverse: IMP VALERIANVS P F AVG. Radiate bust right, draped (probably).
Reverse: VICT PART. Victory standing left, holding palm in left hand, resting her right on shield; to left, Parthian captive (Parthia, herself?) seated left, in attitude of mourning.
References: RIC V 262; RSC 255. See also: Göbl MIR 36, 847d (cuirassed). OCRE (RIC V Valerian 262, 2 exs., none ill.): [LINK]
Provenance: Ex-Gitbud & Naumann (eBay), 19 March 2013.

Notes: Numismatic bravado notwithstanding, Valerian was himself famously taken captive three years later by a Persian King (Shapur I)! (My blogpost on the type: [LINK].)

Until recently, this (RIC 262, draped bust) and the subtype w/ cuirass (MIR 36, 847d, also in this gallery) were usually considered "very rare" (e.g., see these ACSearch descriptions: [LINK]). That label may have been somewhat exaggerated, though it depends on how many categories one divides them into. Including both bust types (draped or cuirassed), and the even less common "PARTI" rev. legend, there have been at least a dozen sales indexed in ACSearch since 2000. (RSC IV [1982], 255a also records an obv. legend var. ending "P AVG," but I've never seen one.) Since they command only a slight premium over common Antoniniani of Valerian, I think it is fair to say that there have been many more unpublished sales.

Nonetheless, an interesting and poignant illustration of Roman hubris at its height.
Curtis JJ
39 files on 1 page(s)

All coins are guaranteed for eternity
Forum Ancient Coins
PO BOX 1316
MOREHEAD CITY NC 28557


252-497-2724
customerservice@forumancientcoins.com
Facebook   Instagram   Pintrest   Twitter