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plautillarsc13a.jpg
bE7. RSC 13. DIANA LVCIFERAPlautilla. Augusta, AD 202-205. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.61 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Caracalla, AD 202-203.
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA Draped bust right
DIANA LVCIFERA Diana Lucifera standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC IV 366 (Caracalla); RSC 13.
5 commentsLordBest03/28/24 at 23:04Tracy Aiello: Beautiful coin. Congrats.
Aureus_Titus_RIC_869_sd2.png
Titus Aureus as Caesar, RIC 869Titus, as Caesar, 69-79.
Aureus. Rome mint, 76 AD.
Obv.: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS. Laureate head of Titus to left.
Rev.: COS V. Cow of Myron standing right.
21 mm/7.01 g.
BMC -. Calicó 735. Cohen 54. RIC 869 (S).
Very fine.
Ex NumisAvenue, Reims, France
1 commentsvindelicus03/28/24 at 22:20CPK: Great aureus!
plautillarsc13a.jpg
bE7. RSC 13. DIANA LVCIFERAPlautilla. Augusta, AD 202-205. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.61 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Caracalla, AD 202-203.
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA Draped bust right
DIANA LVCIFERA Diana Lucifera standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC IV 366 (Caracalla); RSC 13.
5 commentsLordBest03/28/24 at 15:53CPK: Congratulations! It's a beautiful coin.
plautillarsc13a.jpg
bE7. RSC 13. DIANA LVCIFERAPlautilla. Augusta, AD 202-205. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.61 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Caracalla, AD 202-203.
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA Draped bust right
DIANA LVCIFERA Diana Lucifera standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC IV 366 (Caracalla); RSC 13.
5 commentsLordBest03/28/24 at 15:53vindelicus: Very nice coin.
plautillarsc13a.jpg
bE7. RSC 13. DIANA LVCIFERAPlautilla. Augusta, AD 202-205. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.61 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Caracalla, AD 202-203.
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA Draped bust right
DIANA LVCIFERA Diana Lucifera standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC IV 366 (Caracalla); RSC 13.
5 commentsLordBest03/28/24 at 15:29Callimachus: Wonderful reverse.
Constans_AE-3-Follis_DN-CONSTA-NS-PF-AVG_Cn8-D3_FEL-TEMP-REPARATIO_Gamma-SIS-Symbol3_RIC-VIII-247-p366_Siscia-348-50-AD_Q-001_1h_18,5mm_2,25ga-s.jpg
Siscia, RIC VIII 247, 146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/Symbol"3"//ΓSIS, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Phoenix,Siscia, RIC VIII 247, 146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/Symbol"3"//ΓSIS, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Phoenix,
avers:- DN-CONSTA-NS-PF-AVG, Cn8, D3, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- FEL-TEMP-REPARATIO, Phoenix, radiate, standing right on pile of ashes.
exergo: -/Symbol"3"//ΓSIS, diameter: 18,5mm, weight: 2,25g, axis: 1h,
mint: Siscia, date: 348-50 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII-247-p-366,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans03/28/24 at 15:14quadrans: Hi Dane It's OK ...
plautillarsc13a.jpg
bE7. RSC 13. DIANA LVCIFERAPlautilla. Augusta, AD 202-205. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.61 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Caracalla, AD 202-203.
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA Draped bust right
DIANA LVCIFERA Diana Lucifera standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC IV 366 (Caracalla); RSC 13.
5 commentsLordBest03/28/24 at 14:08Enodia: Congratulations, great coin.
IMG_4064.jpeg
Mylasa, Karia TetartemorionAR Tetartemorion
Size: 6 mm, Weight: .23 grams, Die axis: 1h

Mylasa, Karia
Circa 420-380 BCE

Obverse: Head of roaring lion to left.

Reverse: Facing head turned slightly left.

References: cf SNG Keckman 849

Notes:
-A similar type with an ethnic is attributed to Hekatomnos; this example has no ethnic, so I am keeping it as Mylasa.

Purchased from Harlan Berk, 2018
2 commentsPharsalos03/28/24 at 13:47Tracy Aiello: Wow, what an expression on the reverse.
Trajan_as_shield.jpg
Trajan As (Shield & weapons, RIC II 584) v.1TRAJAN, AD 98-117
AE As (28.52mm, 9.92g, 7h)
Struck AD 103-111. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust of Trajan right
Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, elaborately decorated oval shield; behind shield, curved sword, spears, and vexillum
References: RIC II 584, RCV -

A scarce and interesting type, likely struck in commemoration of Trajan's Dacian victories.
1 commentsCPK03/28/24 at 12:00*Alex: Nice coin. I like the interesting reverse.
Gordian_III_as_Victory-Virtus.jpg
Gordian III As (VIRTVS AVGVSTI, RIC IV 326) v.1GORDIAN III, AD 238-244
AE As (25.10mm, 8.47g, 12h)
Struck AD 242/3. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate and draped bust of Gordian III right
Reverse: VIRTVS AVGVSTI, Gordian, in military attire, seated left on cuirass, holding spear, crowned by Victory standing left
behind him and receiving branch from Mars or Virtus standing right before; two standards in background, S C in exergue
References: RIC IV 326 (R2), RCV 8809

A very rare type, possibly struck in anticipation of Gordian's successful campaign against the Sassanid empire and the defeat of Shapur I at the Battle of Resaena in 243.
1 commentsCPK03/28/24 at 11:54Pharsalos: Wow, this is an amazing coin. Both rare and intere...
IMG_4064.jpeg
Mylasa, Karia TetartemorionAR Tetartemorion
Size: 6 mm, Weight: .23 grams, Die axis: 1h

Mylasa, Karia
Circa 420-380 BCE

Obverse: Head of roaring lion to left.

Reverse: Facing head turned slightly left.

References: cf SNG Keckman 849

Notes:
-A similar type with an ethnic is attributed to Hekatomnos; this example has no ethnic, so I am keeping it as Mylasa.

Purchased from Harlan Berk, 2018
2 commentsPharsalos03/28/24 at 02:19CPK: Incredible detail on such a tiny coin.
MagicEraser_240316_104618.jpeg
Thessalian League DrachmAR Drachm
Size: 18 mm, Weight: 4.18 grams, Die axis: 3h

Thessalian League, Thessaly
Mid to late second century BCE

Obverse: Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet with griffin on bowl, monogram behind.

Reverse: Reigned horse prancing to right, below monogram, ΘΕΣ / ΣΑΛΩΝ

References: BCD Thessaly II 814, HGC 212, Lockett VI lot 1484

Ex CNG eAuction 392 (2017), lot 165 (part of), Ex BCD Collection with his hand-written ticket recording “Thess. hd., April 1986.”
1 commentsPharsalos03/28/24 at 02:19CPK: Beautiful coin & fantastic provenance!
mfs1364LG.jpg
RIC 113 TitusAR Denarius, 3.38g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RIC 113 (R). BMC p. 235 note. RSC 310. BNC 64.
Acquired from Sondermann Numismatics, May 2011.

A rare left facing example of this desirable type. Well centered with a hint of gunmetal toning.
1 commentsDavid Atherton03/27/24 at 18:14Eric S2: If it becomes available please contact me. Eschna...
Geta_denarius_Providentia.jpg
Geta Denarius (Providentia, RIC IV 81) v.1GETA as Augustus, AD 209-211
AR Denarius (19.14mm, 3.39g, 7h)
Struck AD 211. Rome mint
Obverse: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and bearded bust of Geta right
Reverse: TR P II-I COS II P P, Providentia (?), standing facing, head left, holding torch in right hand and globe in left
References: RIC IV 81 (S), RCV 7252

Lightly toned. A scarce type, featuring an outstanding late-style portrait of the ill-fated young Augustus.
5 commentsCPK03/27/24 at 17:48Skyler: Great looking coin and I agree about the photograp...
Philipp_II_Sestertius_-_Ex_Hirsch_1911.jpg
Roman Empire, Philipp II, SestertiusObv. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, Bare-headed and draped bust right.
Rev. PRINCIPI IVVENT S C, Philip standing right, holding globus and spear.
Mint: Rome, 244-246 AD.

32mm 21.66g

RIC 255a.

Provenance:
Ex Collection Rev. Percy Barron.
Ex Dr. Jacob Hirsch, Auction 30, 11th May 1911, lot 1193.
Ex Otto Helbing Nachfolger, Auction 86, 25th November 1942, lot 1888
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts, Auction 24, 22nd June 2016, lot 890.

Numbering among the unfortunate boy-emperors of the 3rd Century, Philip II was only about seven years old when his eponymous father hailed him Caesar early in 244. These formative years must have been traumatic for the young Caesar, as his father had come to the throne by way of a coup in Asia Minor, and upon returning to Europe he was perpetually at risk on the Danube front, where he fought hard to keep Rome's enemies at bay. Philip II held the title Caesar for slightly more than three years, during which time he had many attractive coins struck in his honour – principally silver double- denarii and brass sestertii (NAC).
13 commentskc03/27/24 at 17:46CPK: Great coin!
AngloGallic_RichardI_Withers_340A281_10gm29_.jpg
Richard I the Lionheart. Short Cross Denier of Poitou.Richard I the Lionheart. 1169‑1185. AR Denier (1.10 gm, 19mm, 3h) of Poitou. Short croix pattée. ✠RICARDVS REX. / PIC-TAVIE-NSIS on three lines. VF. CNG EA 550 #990. From the St. George Collection. Withers AGC 340A (1/b); Duplessy Féodales I #926; Elias 8b; Poey d'Avant Féodales II #2536 (pl.54 #18); Roberts SCMF (Early Feudal) 3887; SCBC 8008.2 commentsAnaximander03/27/24 at 16:35Anaximander: It's a pleasing coin, with nice toning. Anglo...
FR_Valois_CharlesV_DuPlessy360A_.jpg
Valois, Charles V le Sage. Franc à Pied. Valois, Charles V le Sage. 1364‑1380. AV Franc à pied (3.79 gm, 29mm, 2ʰ). Auth. 20 April 1365. King standing facing under Gothic arch in field of lis, holding sword and Main de Justice. KAROLVS ˣ DI ˣ GR FRAȠCORV ˣ RЄX. / Cross tréflée with pellet in quadrilobe at center; lis in 1ˢᵗ and 4ᵗʰ qtrs, crown in 2ⁿᵈ and 3ʳᵈ; all within polylobe; lis in spandrels. ᛭XPI 🞯 VIИCIT 🞯 XPˀC 🞯 REGИAT 🞯 XPC 🞯 IMPERAT. MS 62 (EF). CNG EA 1550 #763. Duplessy 360; Ciani 457A; Friedberg 284. NGC encapsulation 6532187-043, graded MS 62.2 commentsAnaximander03/27/24 at 16:33Anaximander: Thanks! What a face, eh? So far, it's the on...
FR_Valois_CharlesVI_DuPlessy384A_.jpg
Valois, Charles VI le Bien-Aimé. Gros aux lis sous couronne of Rouen. France. Valois, Charles VI le Bien-Aimé. 1380-1422 AD. AR Gros aux lis sous couronne (3.71ᵍᵐ 27.5ᵐᵐ 3ʰ) of Rouen. Cross pattée. ✠KL’⠇DI’: Ϭ’: FRACORV REX ✠SIT⦂ ȠOᙏЄИ⦂ DOᙏIȠI⦂ BЄИEDICTVᙏ. / Three lis surmounted by crown, border of one cross (✠ above crown) and 11 lis. GROSVS ⠇TVROИVS. nEF. Issue authorized 3 Nov. 1413. Pellet under 15ᵗʰ obverse letter, Ḅ, is diagnostic for Rouen. Scarce. CNG EA 557 #721. Ex CGB Live (27 Oct. 2020) #239. Duplessy Royales I #384A; Ciani 521; Conbrouse (4ᵉ série) 171; Erslev 3038; Hoffman (Charles VI) 11; Lafaurie 388; Roberts SCMF 2874.2 commentsAnaximander03/27/24 at 16:31Anaximander: Good strike and very legible, um, legends. It'...
Claudius_sestertius_EX_P_P_OCS.jpg
Claudius Sestertius (EX S C P P OB CIVES SERVATOS, RIC I 112) v.1CLAUDIUS, AD 41-54
AE Sestertius (35.30mm, 21.42g, 6h)
Struck AD 42. Uncertain Balkan mint
Obverse: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head of Claudius right
Reverse: EX S C P P OB CIVES SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath
RIC I 112, RCV 1850, RPC 1957

Dark patina with faint orichalcum highlights. The central dimple on the coin's surfaces - a part of flan preparation - indicates a mint other than Rome; possibilities include Thrace or Bithynia.

From the Curtis L. Clay Collection.
2 commentsCPK03/27/24 at 16:19David Atherton: A very respectable example.
Geta_denarius_Providentia.jpg
Geta Denarius (Providentia, RIC IV 81) v.1GETA as Augustus, AD 209-211
AR Denarius (19.14mm, 3.39g, 7h)
Struck AD 211. Rome mint
Obverse: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and bearded bust of Geta right
Reverse: TR P II-I COS II P P, Providentia (?), standing facing, head left, holding torch in right hand and globe in left
References: RIC IV 81 (S), RCV 7252

Lightly toned. A scarce type, featuring an outstanding late-style portrait of the ill-fated young Augustus.
5 commentsCPK03/27/24 at 16:16David Atherton: Superb portrait!
D125a.jpg
RIC 125 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 1.97g
Rome Mint, 81-82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG; Head of Minerva, helmeted, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 125 (C). BMC 486. BNC -.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, February 2024.

A fairly common early Domitianic quadrans, struck either in 81 or early 82. The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait, here instead we have Domitian's patron deity Minerva on the obverse. Tariffed at a quarter of an as, the denomination was possibly deemed too lowly by mint officials to warrant a portrait. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today being virtually absent from site finds outside central and south-central Italy (in contrast, over 1,827 quadrantes have been found at Pompeii).

Honest example with original patina.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/27/24 at 12:34CPK: Great coin & a good strike!
Byblos_BMC8.jpg
Phoenicia, Byblos, king Ainel, BMC 8Phoenicia, Byblos, King Ainel, 350-333 BC
AR - 1/16 shekel, 0.77g, 1.32mm, 135°
struck 333 BC
Obv.: Galley with lion-headed figure on prow and manned by 2 hoplites to l., below
winged hippocampus to l.
Rev: Lion to l. attacking bull
above Phoenician from r. to l. AJNEL MLK GBL (Ainel King of Gebal)
Ref: BMC 8
VF-EF, lettering completely legible, 4 small test cuts
1 commentsJochen03/27/24 at 03:41Jay GT4: I like the Stylized reverse
D125a.jpg
RIC 125 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 1.97g
Rome Mint, 81-82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG; Head of Minerva, helmeted, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 125 (C). BMC 486. BNC -.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, February 2024.

A fairly common early Domitianic quadrans, struck either in 81 or early 82. The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait, here instead we have Domitian's patron deity Minerva on the obverse. Tariffed at a quarter of an as, the denomination was possibly deemed too lowly by mint officials to warrant a portrait. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today being virtually absent from site finds outside central and south-central Italy (in contrast, over 1,827 quadrantes have been found at Pompeii).

Honest example with original patina.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/27/24 at 03:27Jay GT4: Lovely
Septimius_Severus_denarius_Neptune~0.jpg
Septimius Severus Denarius (Neptune, RIC IV 228) v.1SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AD 193-211
AR Denarius (19.71mm, 3.70g, 12h)
Struck AD 209. Rome mint
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head of Septimius Severus right
Reverse: P M TR P XVII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, foot on rock, right hand resting on upper leg, left hand holding long trident
References: RIC IV 228, RCV 6346

A beautiful specimen, choice EF with lustrous fields, perfectly centered on a large and heavy flan.
From the Mark Salton Collection (1914-2005)
3 commentsCPK03/27/24 at 02:10Ron C2: Great condition!
Halikarnassos_SNGkeckmann920.jpg
Caria, Halikarnassos, SNG Keckmann 920Caria, Halicarnassus (formerly placed with Kindya), c. 500-495 BC
AR - diobol (Milesian standard), 1.78g, 11.57mm
Obv.: Head of Ketos r.
Rev: incus with geometric pattern
Ref.: Ashton&Konuk 32-74; HN online 13; SNG Keckman 920 (uncertain mint)
VF, attractive + $33 + 3.26 Paypal = 115.36
Ashton/Konuk, The Ketos coins of Karia, 2019: Slightly reduced hekte or diobol (Milesian standard)
1 commentsJochen03/26/24 at 14:14Tracy Aiello: Wonderful coin, with a very interesting reverse. H...
Justinian_I_solidus.jpg
Justinian I Solidus (VICTORIA AVGGG, SB 140) v.1JUSTINIAN I, AD 527-565
AV Solidus (20.95mm, 4.32g, 6h)
Struck 542-565. Constantinople mint, 5th officina
Obverse: D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing, holding globus cruciger in his right hand and with a shield over his left shoulder
Reverse: VICTORIA AVGGG E, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by a staurogram in right hand and a globus cruciger in left; star in right field, CONOB in exergue
References: DOC 9e, MIB 7, SB 140
1 commentsCPK03/26/24 at 14:08Tracy Aiello: Very nice!
Geta_denarius_Providentia.jpg
Geta Denarius (Providentia, RIC IV 81) v.1GETA as Augustus, AD 209-211
AR Denarius (19.14mm, 3.39g, 7h)
Struck AD 211. Rome mint
Obverse: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and bearded bust of Geta right
Reverse: TR P II-I COS II P P, Providentia (?), standing facing, head left, holding torch in right hand and globe in left
References: RIC IV 81 (S), RCV 7252

Lightly toned. A scarce type, featuring an outstanding late-style portrait of the ill-fated young Augustus.
5 commentsCPK03/26/24 at 13:20*Alex: Very nice.
Septimius_Severus_denarius_Neptune~0.jpg
Septimius Severus Denarius (Neptune, RIC IV 228) v.1SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AD 193-211
AR Denarius (19.71mm, 3.70g, 12h)
Struck AD 209. Rome mint
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head of Septimius Severus right
Reverse: P M TR P XVII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, foot on rock, right hand resting on upper leg, left hand holding long trident
References: RIC IV 228, RCV 6346

A beautiful specimen, choice EF with lustrous fields, perfectly centered on a large and heavy flan.
From the Mark Salton Collection (1914-2005)
3 commentsCPK03/26/24 at 13:17*Alex: Excellent. Superb portrait.
Septimius_Severus_denarius_Neptune~0.jpg
Septimius Severus Denarius (Neptune, RIC IV 228) v.1SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AD 193-211
AR Denarius (19.71mm, 3.70g, 12h)
Struck AD 209. Rome mint
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head of Septimius Severus right
Reverse: P M TR P XVII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, foot on rock, right hand resting on upper leg, left hand holding long trident
References: RIC IV 228, RCV 6346

A beautiful specimen, choice EF with lustrous fields, perfectly centered on a large and heavy flan.
From the Mark Salton Collection (1914-2005)
3 commentsCPK03/26/24 at 11:50maridvnvm: Very nice indeed.
Geta_denarius_Providentia.jpg
Geta Denarius (Providentia, RIC IV 81) v.1GETA as Augustus, AD 209-211
AR Denarius (19.14mm, 3.39g, 7h)
Struck AD 211. Rome mint
Obverse: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and bearded bust of Geta right
Reverse: TR P II-I COS II P P, Providentia (?), standing facing, head left, holding torch in right hand and globe in left
References: RIC IV 81 (S), RCV 7252

Lightly toned. A scarce type, featuring an outstanding late-style portrait of the ill-fated young Augustus.
5 commentsCPK03/26/24 at 11:01vindelicus: One of his latest portraits. Fine style!
Commodore_Turner_tag_28Magnentius29_rs.jpg
Decentius AE Barbarous Imitation (Victories/wreath) v.1MAGNUS DECENTIUS as Caesar, AD 350-3
AE Barbarous Imitation (22.14mm, 5.06g, 6h)
Likely struck AD 350-3
Imitation of the Lugdunum mint
Obverse: [D N D]ECENTI-VS CAESAR, bare-headed, draped and/or cuirassed bust of Decentius right
Reverse: VICT[? ? ? ? ?] VG ET CES, two Victories standing facing each other, holding between them wreath encircling VOT [? ?] [MVLT] X which is resting on short column; [?]PLG in exergue

These 'unofficial' issues were struck to help alleviate severe local shortages of coinage.

From the collection of Commodore Daniel Turner (1794-1850), naval veteran of the War of 1812 and later captain of the USS Constitution.

The son of a naval officer, Daniel Turner (born 1794, Staten Island, New York) began his own career in the United States Navy as a midshipman on January 1, 1808, at the age of fourteen. Following brief duty at the New York Naval Station, he served aboard the USS Constitution on the North Atlantic Station. On June 17, 1810, he transferred to the frigate President and remained there until June 1812, when he was ordered to Norwich, Connecticut to command the gunboats there. On March 12, 1813, Turner received his commission as a lieutenant.
On March 14, two days later, Turner was sent to Sackett's Harbor, New York, located on the shores of Lake Erie. There, he took command of Niagara, a brig in Oliver Hazard Perry's squadron. However, just before the Battle of Lake Erie, he relinquished command to Captain Jesse D. Elliott and assumed command of Caledonia. The little brig played an important role in the battle on September 10, 1813, because, at one point in the action, her two 24-pounder long guns were the only ones in Perry's flotilla capable of returning the distant fire of the three heaviest Royal Navy ships then in the process of pounding Perry's flagship Lawrence. For his part in the American victory at Lake Erie, Lt. Turner received the praise of Perry, a vote of thanks and a medal from Congress, and a sword from the state of New York.
In the summer of 1814, Turner succeeded to the command of schooner Scorpion, and he cruised Lakes Erie and Huron in her supporting army operations around Detroit and blockading British forces at the Nottawasaga River and Lake Simcoe. On September 6, 1814, Turner and his command were captured by the British when he brought Scorpion alongside the former American schooner Tigress which, unbeknownst to him, had been captured a few days earlier. After a period of imprisonment at Fort Mackinac, Lt. Turner returned to the United States in exchange for a British prisoner of war.
Between 1815 and 1817, Turner cruised the Mediterranean in the frigate Java commanded by his old superior on the Great Lakes, Oliver Hazard Perry. During that deployment, Java visited Algiers and Tripoli in a show of American naval strength calculated to impress the Barbary pirates and intimidate them into honoring their treaties with the United States. In 1817, Java returned to Newport, Rhode Island, to be laid up.
Between 1819 and 1824, Turner returned to sea in the schooner Nonsuch attached to a squadron commanded again by Oliver Hazard Perry. In addition to hunting West Indian pirates, his ship sailed up the Orinoco River to carry Perry on a diplomatic mission to the Venezuelan government under Simon Bolivar. During the return downriver, Perry and many of the crew contracted yellow fever. Turner was close at hand when his mentor died at Trinidad on August 23, 1819. During the remaining years of Turner's assignment to Nonsuch, his ship worked along the east coast of the United States, patrolled in the West Indies to suppress piracy, and made a brief cruise to the Mediterranean in 1824.
Following shore duty at Boston, Massachusetts, Turner returned to sea in 1827 for a three-year assignment with the West India Squadron, as the commanding officer of Erie. In 1830, he came ashore again for three years at the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Promoted to captain on March 3, 1835, Turner spent a long period waiting orders before returning to sea in 1839 in command of USS Constitution. He sailed the Pacific Squadron in "Old Ironsides," until he was relieved in 1841. From 1843 to 1846, he commanded the American squadron which operated along the Brazilian coast. From that duty, he reported ashore again as Commandant, Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Captain Daniel Turner died suddenly on February 4, 1850 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and he was buried in Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.

(Adapted and compiled from the Foster History and the USS Constitution Museum websites)

In addition to being a competent naval commander, Daniel Turner was also a keen coin collector, and during his career he accumulated a large collection of nearly three hundred ancient coins, which he stored in a wooden chest along with his own handwritten labels. In 2015, 165 years after the Commodore's death, the Turner descendants consigned this collection to Cowan’s Auction house of Cincinnati, Ohio.
3 commentsCPK03/26/24 at 04:32wileyc: I like having the coin tags added in as a photo.
FR_Valois_CharlesVI_DuPlessy384A_.jpg
Valois, Charles VI le Bien-Aimé. Gros aux lis sous couronne of Rouen. France. Valois, Charles VI le Bien-Aimé. 1380-1422 AD. AR Gros aux lis sous couronne (3.71ᵍᵐ 27.5ᵐᵐ 3ʰ) of Rouen. Cross pattée. ✠KL’⠇DI’: Ϭ’: FRACORV REX ✠SIT⦂ ȠOᙏЄИ⦂ DOᙏIȠI⦂ BЄИEDICTVᙏ. / Three lis surmounted by crown, border of one cross (✠ above crown) and 11 lis. GROSVS ⠇TVROИVS. nEF. Issue authorized 3 Nov. 1413. Pellet under 15ᵗʰ obverse letter, Ḅ, is diagnostic for Rouen. Scarce. CNG EA 557 #721. Ex CGB Live (27 Oct. 2020) #239. Duplessy Royales I #384A; Ciani 521; Conbrouse (4ᵉ série) 171; Erslev 3038; Hoffman (Charles VI) 11; Lafaurie 388; Roberts SCMF 2874.2 commentsAnaximander03/26/24 at 04:30wileyc: really nice
Geta_denarius_Providentia.jpg
Geta Denarius (Providentia, RIC IV 81) v.1GETA as Augustus, AD 209-211
AR Denarius (19.14mm, 3.39g, 7h)
Struck AD 211. Rome mint
Obverse: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and bearded bust of Geta right
Reverse: TR P II-I COS II P P, Providentia (?), standing facing, head left, holding torch in right hand and globe in left
References: RIC IV 81 (S), RCV 7252

Lightly toned. A scarce type, featuring an outstanding late-style portrait of the ill-fated young Augustus.
5 commentsCPK03/26/24 at 04:28wileyc: wonderful coin, I really like your photography.
Macedonian Kingdom 1a img.jpg
Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C., Lifetime Issue, Silver tetradrachm, Price 3599 (same dies) Silver tetradrachm
Obv:- Head of (Alexander the Great as) Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress knotted at base of neck
Rev:- ALEXANDROU, Zeus seated left, holding eagle in right hand and scepter in left, monogram and M below throne;
Price 3599 (same dies), Müller 67, 17.206g, 25.9mm, 255o, Babylon mint, lifetime issue, c. 325 - 323 B.C.;
EF, obverse off-center;

Dies by 'The Alexander Dekadrachm Master'. From the same highly-skilled hand as the famous dekadrachms, including Price 3598, with which this shares all symbols and their arrangement. A massive issue of coinage was struck for the mass-weddings of the soldiers of Alexander the Great to Persian women, and their subsequent return to Macedonia. The best style of the lengthy issue of Alexander coinage
4 commentsmaridvnvm03/26/24 at 01:08Enodia: Beautiful!
CONSERVATORI-Aegina_Stater_Sea_Turtle.png
Aegina Sea Turtle AR Stater (leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea)Greek (Archaic). Islands off Attica (Saronic Gulf), Aegina. AR Stater (12.19, 21.5mm, 7h), struck c. 480-457 BCE (contested).
Obv: Sea turtle (prob. leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea), head turned sideways in profile, with trefoil collar and 'T-back' design, column of pellets on shell. Banker's mark: Incuse circle with cross and four sunken compartments. Rev: Large 'skew pattern' incuse square with five sunken compartments.
Ref: Milbank period III, pl. 1, 14-15; Meadows Aegina Group IIIa; HGC 6, 435; SNG Cop 507; SNG Lockett 1970; for Banker’s Mark: Milbank p. 19, Counterstamp 15; Nicolet-Pierre (BCH 1995 [LINK]) p. 326, Fig. 6, 15 (Milbank’s & N-P’s numeration coincidental).
Prov: Ex-Nomos Obolos 16 (Zurich, 11 Oct 2020), Lot 772
Note: Incuse geometric design of the Banker's Mark (Milbank #15) is an interesting complement to the reverse imagery. Coin-in-hand video: LINK
2 commentsCurtis JJ03/26/24 at 00:19CPK: Fantastic coin!
Julius_Caesar.jpg
Roman Republican, Julius Caesar, struck by P. Sepullius Macer. Denarius3.93g (5h).
Rome, 44 BC. Obv: Wreathed head of Caesar right, CAESAR before, DICT PERPETVO behind. Rx: Venus standing left, head bowed, holding Victory and scepter resting on star, P SEPVLLIVS behind, MACER before. Crawford 480/11. Sydenham 1072. Sear, Imperators 107b.
4 commentsLeo03/26/24 at 00:17CPK: Fabulous portrait!
3E9382EC-3540-4032-979B-2A8BB0F912FA.jpeg
Lucius Verus: Augustus 161-169 ADLucius Verus AR Denarius (issued under Marcus Aurelius).
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: ca. 163-164 AD
Bust: Bust of Lucius Verus, Bare headed, cuirassed, right
Obverse: L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS
Reverse: TR P IIII IMP II COS II
Type: Mars standing right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield set on ground.
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 3.35g; 18mm
RIC: RIC III Marcus Aurelius 514 (variant bare head)
Provenance: Ex. Lukas Kalchauser (March 2024).

Translation: OB: Lucius Verus Augustus Armeniacus.
Translation: REV: Tribunicia potestate for the 4th time, Emperor for the 2nd time, consul to the people for the 2nd time.

Notes: Mars is the Roman god of war.
1 commentsJustin L103/25/24 at 21:01CPK: A top-notch denarius! I like the cuirassed bust.
Prusia_BMC328-330.jpg
Bithynia, Prusa ad Mare, BMC 328-330Bithynia, Prusia ad Mare, c. 2nd - 1st century BC
AE 26, 11.26g, 90°
Obv.: Bearded head of Herakles, wearing diadem, r.
Rev.: Legend in 3 letters:
ΠΡOYCIEΩN / TΩΝ ΠΡOC / ΘΑΛΑCCHI
in between club and quiver
Ref.: BMC 132, 328-330; not in SNG Cpenhagen; not in SNG von Aulock
rare, VF+
Pedigree:
ex Obolos auction 3, 15.11.15

In contrast to the famous exclamation in Xenophon's Anabasis Θάλαττα! Θάλαττα! - "The Sea! The Sea!" when the Ten Thousands Greeks saw the Black Sea, the Θάλασσα on the coin is not Attic Greek, but Doric Greek.
1 commentsJochen03/25/24 at 20:57Justin L1: Thats a beautiful coin!
539_-_540_JUSTINIAN_I_Nummus_of_Carthage.JPG
JUSTINIAN I, AE Nummus, struck 539 - 540 at CarthageObverse: Legend illegible. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing right.
Reverse: VOT XIII (regnal year 13) in two lines within circle, all within wreath.
Diameter: 10mm | Weight: 0.9gms | Die Axis: 9
SBCV: 278 | DOC: 302
RARE

The use of VOTA inscriptions as yearly dates on these coins would seem to indicate that the original significance of the inscription had been completely forgotten during the period that Carthage was under Vandal rule. Now classed as Imperial issues by DOC and SBCV, these coins were, at the beginning of the 20th century, originally assigned to the Vandals by Warwick William Wroth FSA. Wroth was Senior Assistant Keeper of Coins and Medals in the British Museum as well as a numismatist and a biographer. His chief contributions to the literature of his particular department of the British Museum included a "Catalogue of the Greek Coins," which appeared in 1903, and the "Catalogue of the Imperial Byzantine Coins in the British Museum" which appeared in 1906. Wroth died on the 26th of September, 1911 at the age of 53.

In March, 534, the Vandal king Gelimer surrendered to the Byzantine general Belisarius ending the Vandal kingdom and returning the African provinces to the empire.
Large numbers of captured Vandals were transported to Constantinple and in April Belisarius returned to Constantinople and left a small force in Africa under general Solomon to complete the subjugation of the African provinces.
During the Summer, Belisarius was permitted by Justinian I to celebrate a triumph, the first non-imperial triumph for over 500 years.

2 comments*Alex03/25/24 at 20:34v-drome: Very nice, and the additional information is great...
Commodore_Turner_tag_28Magnentius29_rs.jpg
Decentius AE Barbarous Imitation (Victories/wreath) v.1MAGNUS DECENTIUS as Caesar, AD 350-3
AE Barbarous Imitation (22.14mm, 5.06g, 6h)
Likely struck AD 350-3
Imitation of the Lugdunum mint
Obverse: [D N D]ECENTI-VS CAESAR, bare-headed, draped and/or cuirassed bust of Decentius right
Reverse: VICT[? ? ? ? ?] VG ET CES, two Victories standing facing each other, holding between them wreath encircling VOT [? ?] [MVLT] X which is resting on short column; [?]PLG in exergue

These 'unofficial' issues were struck to help alleviate severe local shortages of coinage.

From the collection of Commodore Daniel Turner (1794-1850), naval veteran of the War of 1812 and later captain of the USS Constitution.

The son of a naval officer, Daniel Turner (born 1794, Staten Island, New York) began his own career in the United States Navy as a midshipman on January 1, 1808, at the age of fourteen. Following brief duty at the New York Naval Station, he served aboard the USS Constitution on the North Atlantic Station. On June 17, 1810, he transferred to the frigate President and remained there until June 1812, when he was ordered to Norwich, Connecticut to command the gunboats there. On March 12, 1813, Turner received his commission as a lieutenant.
On March 14, two days later, Turner was sent to Sackett's Harbor, New York, located on the shores of Lake Erie. There, he took command of Niagara, a brig in Oliver Hazard Perry's squadron. However, just before the Battle of Lake Erie, he relinquished command to Captain Jesse D. Elliott and assumed command of Caledonia. The little brig played an important role in the battle on September 10, 1813, because, at one point in the action, her two 24-pounder long guns were the only ones in Perry's flotilla capable of returning the distant fire of the three heaviest Royal Navy ships then in the process of pounding Perry's flagship Lawrence. For his part in the American victory at Lake Erie, Lt. Turner received the praise of Perry, a vote of thanks and a medal from Congress, and a sword from the state of New York.
In the summer of 1814, Turner succeeded to the command of schooner Scorpion, and he cruised Lakes Erie and Huron in her supporting army operations around Detroit and blockading British forces at the Nottawasaga River and Lake Simcoe. On September 6, 1814, Turner and his command were captured by the British when he brought Scorpion alongside the former American schooner Tigress which, unbeknownst to him, had been captured a few days earlier. After a period of imprisonment at Fort Mackinac, Lt. Turner returned to the United States in exchange for a British prisoner of war.
Between 1815 and 1817, Turner cruised the Mediterranean in the frigate Java commanded by his old superior on the Great Lakes, Oliver Hazard Perry. During that deployment, Java visited Algiers and Tripoli in a show of American naval strength calculated to impress the Barbary pirates and intimidate them into honoring their treaties with the United States. In 1817, Java returned to Newport, Rhode Island, to be laid up.
Between 1819 and 1824, Turner returned to sea in the schooner Nonsuch attached to a squadron commanded again by Oliver Hazard Perry. In addition to hunting West Indian pirates, his ship sailed up the Orinoco River to carry Perry on a diplomatic mission to the Venezuelan government under Simon Bolivar. During the return downriver, Perry and many of the crew contracted yellow fever. Turner was close at hand when his mentor died at Trinidad on August 23, 1819. During the remaining years of Turner's assignment to Nonsuch, his ship worked along the east coast of the United States, patrolled in the West Indies to suppress piracy, and made a brief cruise to the Mediterranean in 1824.
Following shore duty at Boston, Massachusetts, Turner returned to sea in 1827 for a three-year assignment with the West India Squadron, as the commanding officer of Erie. In 1830, he came ashore again for three years at the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Promoted to captain on March 3, 1835, Turner spent a long period waiting orders before returning to sea in 1839 in command of USS Constitution. He sailed the Pacific Squadron in "Old Ironsides," until he was relieved in 1841. From 1843 to 1846, he commanded the American squadron which operated along the Brazilian coast. From that duty, he reported ashore again as Commandant, Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Captain Daniel Turner died suddenly on February 4, 1850 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and he was buried in Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.

(Adapted and compiled from the Foster History and the USS Constitution Museum websites)

In addition to being a competent naval commander, Daniel Turner was also a keen coin collector, and during his career he accumulated a large collection of nearly three hundred ancient coins, which he stored in a wooden chest along with his own handwritten labels. In 2015, 165 years after the Commodore's death, the Turner descendants consigned this collection to Cowan’s Auction house of Cincinnati, Ohio.
3 commentsCPK03/25/24 at 20:18Justin L1: amazing provenance on these coins!
Athenian_Drachm_Athena_and_Owl_Collage.jpg
02 Attica, Athenian DrachmObv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and floral scroll, almond shaped eye.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, an olive sprig to the l., A☉E downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC1; Weight: 4.22g; Diameter: 15mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC Attica vol. 11, 74; SNG Lockett 1851; SNG Cop vol. 14, 43 var. mention of crescent; Svoronos Athens pls. 11.19 - 17.29 passim; SGCV I 2527; Kroll 10; SNG Sweden 1481; SNG München 61; HGC 4, 1631.

Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4 and SNG München.

Provenance: Ex. Kirk Davis March 12, 2024; Ex. Malter Galleries, with their tag indicating Ex. Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung, June 3, 1977.

CLICK FOR SOURCES
2 commentsTracy Aiello03/25/24 at 13:06*Alex: I agree, lovely little coin.
Athenian_Tritartemorion_Athena_and_AOE.jpg
05 Attica, Athenian TritartemorionObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves and a floral scroll, profile eye.
Rev:, E☉A within three crescents - horns inward - arranged in a circle, all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tritartemorion; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 400/390 - 294 BC1; Weight: .78g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: Traité p. 102 no. 36 pl. CXC 21 - 24, var. two legend arrangements and two arrangements indistinguishable; Svoronos Athens pl. 17, 44 - 48, var. legend arrangement; SGCV I 2542, var. legend arrangement; Kroll 21 a and b, pl. 3, 21a2; SNG München 118 - 122, var. legend arrangement; HGC 4, 1668, var. legend arrangement.

Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
2Kroll’s referenced legend arrangement is different than on this coin, although he does state that variations exist. He does not enumerate those variations.

Provenance: Ex. cgb.fr Numismatics March 12, 2024

Photo Credits: cgb.fr Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES
3 commentsTracy Aiello03/25/24 at 13:05*Alex: Nice. I haven't seen that one before.
Small_02_Athenian_Drachm_Athena_and_Owl.jpg
Sources 02 Attica, Athenian DrachmBMC Attica: Head, Barclay V. A Catalogue of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Vol. 11 Attica - Megaris - Aegina. London, 1888.
HGC 4: HGC: Hoover, Oliver D. Handbook of Coins of Northern and Central Greece, The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series, Vol. 4. Lancaster/London: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc, 2014.
Kroll: Kroll, John H. and Walker, Alan S. The Athenian Agora. Results of Excavations Conducted by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, vol. XXVI: The Greek Coins. New Jersey: The American School of Classical Studies at Athens, 1993.
SGCV I: Sear, David. Greek Coins and Their Values, Vol. I, Europe: Coins of Spain, Gaul, Italy, Sicily, the Balkan lands, Greece, the Cyclades and Crete; also the Celtic issues of Western and Central Europe. London: Seaby, 1978.
SNG Cop: Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Danish National Museum: Thessaly - Illyricum, Vol. 11. Copenhagen: Einar Munksgaard, 1943.
SNG Lockett: Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Great Britain III, The Locket Collection, part III Macedonia - Aegina (Gold and Silver). London: Oxford University Press/Spink and
Son, 1942.
SNG München: Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, Deutschland, Staatliche Münzsammlung
München, Attika, Megaris, Ägina Nr. 1 - 601, Vol. 14. München: Hirmer
Verlag, 2002.
SNG Sweden: Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum Sweden II: The Collection of the Royal Coin Cabinet National Museum of Monetary History Stockholm. Part 3 Attica - Lesbos. Stockholm: The Royal Academy of Letters History and Antiquities, 1991.
Svoronos Athens: Svoronos, John N. Corpus of the Ancient Coins of Athens. Chicago: Ares Publishers Inc., 1975.
1 commentsTracy Aiello03/25/24 at 06:21Serendipity: The Athenian Owl is my favourite ancient coin desi...
HENRY_I.JPG
1100 - 1135, HENRY I, AR Penny, Struck 1125 - 1135 at York, EnglandObverse: HENRICUS : R - . Crowned bust of Henry I, facing three-quarters to left, holding short sceptre topped with fleur-de-lys over his right shoulder.
Reverse: -- ULF : ON : EVERW surrounding quadrilateral figure with concave sides, each angle terminating in a fleur-de-lys, over a cross fleury with pellet in each angle, all within beaded circle.
Possibilities for the moneyer “ULF” include, amongst others, HEAWULF, HARTHULF and HEARDWULF.
BMC Type 15 "Quadrilateral on Cross Fleury" issue
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 1.4gms | Die Axis: 2h
Flan chipped and cracked, legends largely illegible.
Found near Womersley, West Yorkshire, England. Recorded by UKDFD, February 2012, # 36152
SPINK: 1276
Rare

Henry I's coinage is remarkable for its deterioration in quality, and the public, losing faith in its silver content, often cut or mutilated them. In 1124, alongside his purge of the moneyers, Henry ordered that his coins be cut at the time of their issue so as to force the public to accept all his circulating coinage. This is why his later coins often contain a 'snick' or cut, it was to prove to people that the coins were silver all the way through.
In 1984 David Walker pointed out that only 11 of the 106 moneyers of type 14 recorded in Brooke's BMC were also known at the same mint in type 15, and that the number of mints declined from 46 to 19. J D Gomm suggested that this apparent upheaval was the result of Henry I's assize of moneyers in 1124-25. Brooke disputed that on the basis that he did not believe that type 15 could have remained in production for around ten years until the end of Henry I's reign in 1135. However, Gomm's suggestion has now received strong support from Blackburn's analysis of the activity of moneyers in the reign of Henry the first. This analysis has shown that the turnover of moneyers between types 14 and 15 was substantially greater than that between any of Henry I's other types. Blackburn also estimated that the loss of moneyers caused by the assize is likely to have been about 80-85 against the 94 victims of the purge recorded by the Margam annals which he thinks might have included mint officials whose names did not appear on the coins as moneyers.


After the death of William II in an alleged hunting accident in the New Forest, the fourth son of William the Conqueror, Henry I, was crowned King of England. Henry was well educated (hence his given epithet of 'Beauclerc') and he was the first Norman king able to speak fluent English. He appears to have been an energetic and decisive ruler, he increased the royal revenues and he made peace with Scotland by marrying Matilda of Scotland. Henry I died in 1135, reportedly from a 'surfeit of lampreys', leaving his only heir, his daughter also called Matilda, in line for the throne. However, within a month, Stephen of Blois, Matilda's cousin, had himself crowned king starting what was to become a bitter struggle for power during a period which became known as “The Anarchy”. Stability only returned when Henry II, son of Matilda, was crowned king on the death of Steven in 1154.
1 comments*Alex03/25/24 at 06:17Serendipity: Interesting historical background.
Commodore_Turner_tag_28Magnentius29_rs.jpg
Decentius AE Barbarous Imitation (Victories/wreath) v.1MAGNUS DECENTIUS as Caesar, AD 350-3
AE Barbarous Imitation (22.14mm, 5.06g, 6h)
Likely struck AD 350-3
Imitation of the Lugdunum mint
Obverse: [D N D]ECENTI-VS CAESAR, bare-headed, draped and/or cuirassed bust of Decentius right
Reverse: VICT[? ? ? ? ?] VG ET CES, two Victories standing facing each other, holding between them wreath encircling VOT [? ?] [MVLT] X which is resting on short column; [?]PLG in exergue

These 'unofficial' issues were struck to help alleviate severe local shortages of coinage.

From the collection of Commodore Daniel Turner (1794-1850), naval veteran of the War of 1812 and later captain of the USS Constitution.

The son of a naval officer, Daniel Turner (born 1794, Staten Island, New York) began his own career in the United States Navy as a midshipman on January 1, 1808, at the age of fourteen. Following brief duty at the New York Naval Station, he served aboard the USS Constitution on the North Atlantic Station. On June 17, 1810, he transferred to the frigate President and remained there until June 1812, when he was ordered to Norwich, Connecticut to command the gunboats there. On March 12, 1813, Turner received his commission as a lieutenant.
On March 14, two days later, Turner was sent to Sackett's Harbor, New York, located on the shores of Lake Erie. There, he took command of Niagara, a brig in Oliver Hazard Perry's squadron. However, just before the Battle of Lake Erie, he relinquished command to Captain Jesse D. Elliott and assumed command of Caledonia. The little brig played an important role in the battle on September 10, 1813, because, at one point in the action, her two 24-pounder long guns were the only ones in Perry's flotilla capable of returning the distant fire of the three heaviest Royal Navy ships then in the process of pounding Perry's flagship Lawrence. For his part in the American victory at Lake Erie, Lt. Turner received the praise of Perry, a vote of thanks and a medal from Congress, and a sword from the state of New York.
In the summer of 1814, Turner succeeded to the command of schooner Scorpion, and he cruised Lakes Erie and Huron in her supporting army operations around Detroit and blockading British forces at the Nottawasaga River and Lake Simcoe. On September 6, 1814, Turner and his command were captured by the British when he brought Scorpion alongside the former American schooner Tigress which, unbeknownst to him, had been captured a few days earlier. After a period of imprisonment at Fort Mackinac, Lt. Turner returned to the United States in exchange for a British prisoner of war.
Between 1815 and 1817, Turner cruised the Mediterranean in the frigate Java commanded by his old superior on the Great Lakes, Oliver Hazard Perry. During that deployment, Java visited Algiers and Tripoli in a show of American naval strength calculated to impress the Barbary pirates and intimidate them into honoring their treaties with the United States. In 1817, Java returned to Newport, Rhode Island, to be laid up.
Between 1819 and 1824, Turner returned to sea in the schooner Nonsuch attached to a squadron commanded again by Oliver Hazard Perry. In addition to hunting West Indian pirates, his ship sailed up the Orinoco River to carry Perry on a diplomatic mission to the Venezuelan government under Simon Bolivar. During the return downriver, Perry and many of the crew contracted yellow fever. Turner was close at hand when his mentor died at Trinidad on August 23, 1819. During the remaining years of Turner's assignment to Nonsuch, his ship worked along the east coast of the United States, patrolled in the West Indies to suppress piracy, and made a brief cruise to the Mediterranean in 1824.
Following shore duty at Boston, Massachusetts, Turner returned to sea in 1827 for a three-year assignment with the West India Squadron, as the commanding officer of Erie. In 1830, he came ashore again for three years at the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Promoted to captain on March 3, 1835, Turner spent a long period waiting orders before returning to sea in 1839 in command of USS Constitution. He sailed the Pacific Squadron in "Old Ironsides," until he was relieved in 1841. From 1843 to 1846, he commanded the American squadron which operated along the Brazilian coast. From that duty, he reported ashore again as Commandant, Portsmouth Navy Yard.
Captain Daniel Turner died suddenly on February 4, 1850 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and he was buried in Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.

(Adapted and compiled from the Foster History and the USS Constitution Museum websites)

In addition to being a competent naval commander, Daniel Turner was also a keen coin collector, and during his career he accumulated a large collection of nearly three hundred ancient coins, which he stored in a wooden chest along with his own handwritten labels. In 2015, 165 years after the Commodore's death, the Turner descendants consigned this collection to Cowan’s Auction house of Cincinnati, Ohio.
3 commentsCPK03/25/24 at 05:58Serendipity: Love the write-up of the naval coin collector! My ...
Claudius_sestertius_EX_P_P_OCS.jpg
Claudius Sestertius (EX S C P P OB CIVES SERVATOS, RIC I 112) v.1CLAUDIUS, AD 41-54
AE Sestertius (35.30mm, 21.42g, 6h)
Struck AD 42. Uncertain Balkan mint
Obverse: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head of Claudius right
Reverse: EX S C P P OB CIVES SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath
RIC I 112, RCV 1850, RPC 1957

Dark patina with faint orichalcum highlights. The central dimple on the coin's surfaces - a part of flan preparation - indicates a mint other than Rome; possibilities include Thrace or Bithynia.

From the Curtis L. Clay Collection.
2 commentsCPK03/25/24 at 02:21Enodia: Cool sestertius
Athenian_Drachm_Athena_and_Owl_Collage.jpg
02 Attica, Athenian DrachmObv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and floral scroll, almond shaped eye.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, an olive sprig to the l., A☉E downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC1; Weight: 4.22g; Diameter: 15mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC Attica vol. 11, 74; SNG Lockett 1851; SNG Cop vol. 14, 43 var. mention of crescent; Svoronos Athens pls. 11.19 - 17.29 passim; SGCV I 2527; Kroll 10; SNG Sweden 1481; SNG München 61; HGC 4, 1631.

Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4 and SNG München.

Provenance: Ex. Kirk Davis March 12, 2024; Ex. Malter Galleries, with their tag indicating Ex. Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung, June 3, 1977.

CLICK FOR SOURCES
2 commentsTracy Aiello03/25/24 at 01:07CPK: That's a lovely little coin - I like the toni...
RIC_II_12_1558.jpg
RIC II 1² Vespasian 1558Obv.: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII
Rev.:
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 72-73, Antiochia, 17mm 3,69g, vz, (C), INV:R274
Ex. LEU Numismatik A 28 Lot 301, 09.12.2023
2 commentsDirk J03/24/24 at 21:01CPK: Beautiful coin, looks like a high-relief strike.
Athenian_Tritartemorion_Athena_and_AOE.jpg
05 Attica, Athenian TritartemorionObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves and a floral scroll, profile eye.
Rev:, E☉A within three crescents - horns inward - arranged in a circle, all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tritartemorion; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 400/390 - 294 BC1; Weight: .78g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: Traité p. 102 no. 36 pl. CXC 21 - 24, var. two legend arrangements and two arrangements indistinguishable; Svoronos Athens pl. 17, 44 - 48, var. legend arrangement; SGCV I 2542, var. legend arrangement; Kroll 21 a and b, pl. 3, 21a2; SNG München 118 - 122, var. legend arrangement; HGC 4, 1668, var. legend arrangement.

Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
2Kroll’s referenced legend arrangement is different than on this coin, although he does state that variations exist. He does not enumerate those variations.

Provenance: Ex. cgb.fr Numismatics March 12, 2024

Photo Credits: cgb.fr Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES
3 commentsTracy Aiello03/24/24 at 20:59CPK: Interesting little coin!
Athenian_Tritartemorion_Athena_and_AOE.jpg
05 Attica, Athenian TritartemorionObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves and a floral scroll, profile eye.
Rev:, E☉A within three crescents - horns inward - arranged in a circle, all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tritartemorion; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 400/390 - 294 BC1; Weight: .78g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: Traité p. 102 no. 36 pl. CXC 21 - 24, var. two legend arrangements and two arrangements indistinguishable; Svoronos Athens pl. 17, 44 - 48, var. legend arrangement; SGCV I 2542, var. legend arrangement; Kroll 21 a and b, pl. 3, 21a2; SNG München 118 - 122, var. legend arrangement; HGC 4, 1668, var. legend arrangement.

Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
2Kroll’s referenced legend arrangement is different than on this coin, although he does state that variations exist. He does not enumerate those variations.

Provenance: Ex. cgb.fr Numismatics March 12, 2024

Photo Credits: cgb.fr Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES
3 commentsTracy Aiello03/24/24 at 15:51Jay GT4: Nice little piece
George_II_shilling_LIMA.jpg
Great Britain, George II 1745 'LIMA' ShillingGREAT BRITAIN, King George II (1727-1760)
AR Shilling (26.08mm, 6.00g, 6h)
Dated 1745. Tower of London mint
Obverse: GEORGIUS · II · DEI · GRATIA ·, laureate, draped, and cuirassed old bust of King George II left; LIMA below
Reverse: ·M·B·F·ET H·REX· F·D·B ET·L·D·S·R·I A·T·ET·E· 17-45 (date), crowned cruciform coats-of-arms of England and France, Scotland, Ireland, and Hanover around rayed central Garter star
References: Numista 13121

Attractive old cabinet toning.

This coin was struck from silver captured from the Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Señora de Cavadonga, off the coast of Peru in 1743. The British warship Centurion, commanded by Commodore George Anson, encountered the treasure ship as it left the port of Lima. After an intense, 90-minute battle, the Spanish vessel surrendered. In its hold were more than 1.3 million silver 8-reale coins, plus an additional 35,000 ounces of silver bullion. When Anson brought the plunder back to England, it was decided to use the captured silver for minting coins, each of which was stamped with the word "LIMA" on the obverse to commemorate the great victory.
1 commentsCPK03/24/24 at 14:30Tracy Aiello: Wonderful.
RIC_II_12_1558.jpg
RIC II 1² Vespasian 1558Obv.: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII
Rev.:
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 72-73, Antiochia, 17mm 3,69g, vz, (C), INV:R274
Ex. LEU Numismatik A 28 Lot 301, 09.12.2023
2 commentsDirk J03/24/24 at 14:28Tracy Aiello: Wow. Very nice, especially the reverse.
D105.jpg
RIC 105 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 26.73g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with spear
RIC 105 (C2). BMC 274. BNC 285.
Acquired from Classic World Coins, February 2024.

Minerva's prominence on Domitian's coinage first showed up on his early bronzes produced in 81-82 before she dominated his denarii. While Domitian's initial denarius output is dominated by the carry-over pulvinar types from Titus, his first two issues of sestertii have a more personal touch with the reverses featuring his patron deity. This common sestertius struck in early 82, just prior to the mint's overhaul later the same year, demonstrates that the finest engravers were not just reserved for Domitian's aurei. A superb portrait and fine reverse.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/24/24 at 05:29Jay GT4: A sassy looking Minerva
D105.jpg
RIC 105 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 26.73g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with spear
RIC 105 (C2). BMC 274. BNC 285.
Acquired from Classic World Coins, February 2024.

Minerva's prominence on Domitian's coinage first showed up on his early bronzes produced in 81-82 before she dominated his denarii. While Domitian's initial denarius output is dominated by the carry-over pulvinar types from Titus, his first two issues of sestertii have a more personal touch with the reverses featuring his patron deity. This common sestertius struck in early 82, just prior to the mint's overhaul later the same year, demonstrates that the finest engravers were not just reserved for Domitian's aurei. A superb portrait and fine reverse.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/24/24 at 03:36CPK: A very fine sestertius!
Vespasian_denarius_PONTIF_MAXIM_v_3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (Winged Caduceus, RIC II 686) v.2VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (18.35mm, 3.26g, 6h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 686 (R), RCV 2306

Lightly toned and lustrous. A magnificent portrait of Vespasian and an exemplar of the veristic style of Flavian portraiture.
6 commentsCPK03/24/24 at 02:39Serendipity: Magnificent piece! I've always loved the cadu...
Antoninus_Pius_as_elephant.jpg
Antoninus Pius As (MVNIFICENTIA AVG/elephant, RIC III 863)ANTONINUS PIUS, AD 138-161
AE As (28.12mm, 13.73g, 11h)
Struck AD 148/9. Rome mint
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right
Reverse: MVNIFICENTIA AVG, African elephant walking left, COS IIII S C in exergue
References: RIC III 863, RCV 4308 var.

Well-struck on a heavy flan. Masterfully engraved elephant. This type commemorates the public games held in celebration of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome.
6 commentsCPK03/24/24 at 02:29paul1888: Wonderful elephant!
Gordian_III_AE_Ostrich.jpg
Thrace, Hadrianopolis AE (Gordian III/ostrich, RPC VII.2 806) v.1THRACE, HADRIANOPOLIS
Time of Gordian III
AE (16.83mm, 3.35g, 7h)
Struck AD 238-244
Obverse: ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from rear
Reverse: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ, ostrich standing right
References: RPC Online, Vol. VII.2, No. 806.12 (this coin)

A rare type, with good detail and a beautiful emerald green patina.
3 commentsCPK03/24/24 at 02:28paul1888: Amazing reverse!
RIC_II_12_42_var.jpg
RIC II 1² Vespasian 0042 var.Obv.: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M
Rev.: AVGVR PON MAX
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 71, Antiochia ?, 18mm 2,84g, ss, (R), var. Antiochia, Ex. Curtis Clay Collection, INV:R278
Ex. Ex. Harlan J Berk 226th Sale Lot 404
2 commentsDirk J03/24/24 at 02:06CPK: The style of portrait and lettering do look typica...
Gordian_III_Antiocha_Seleucis_and_Pieria.jpg
Gordian III Seleucis and Pieria. AntiochTetradrachm (Billon, 26- 27mm, 11.35 g,)
obv. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CЄΒ
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind.
Rev. ΔHMAPX ЄΞ YΠA TO B
Eagle with spread wings standing facing, head to left and holding wreath in beak; between the eagle's legs, crescent above ram leaping right, head to left.
2 commentsHolgerG03/24/24 at 02:04CPK: Very nice!
Vespasian_denarius_PONTIF_MAXIM_v_3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (Winged Caduceus, RIC II 686) v.2VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (18.35mm, 3.26g, 6h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 686 (R), RCV 2306

Lightly toned and lustrous. A magnificent portrait of Vespasian and an exemplar of the veristic style of Flavian portraiture.
6 commentsCPK03/23/24 at 23:47*Alex: Superb!
Vespasian_denarius_PONTIF_MAXIM_v_3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (Winged Caduceus, RIC II 686) v.2VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (18.35mm, 3.26g, 6h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 686 (R), RCV 2306

Lightly toned and lustrous. A magnificent portrait of Vespasian and an exemplar of the veristic style of Flavian portraiture.
6 commentsCPK03/23/24 at 23:15Jay GT4: Outstanding!
RIC_II_12_42_var.jpg
RIC II 1² Vespasian 0042 var.Obv.: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M
Rev.: AVGVR PON MAX
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 71, Antiochia ?, 18mm 2,84g, ss, (R), var. Antiochia, Ex. Curtis Clay Collection, INV:R278
Ex. Ex. Harlan J Berk 226th Sale Lot 404
2 commentsDirk J03/23/24 at 22:53David Atherton: I agree with Clay this is likely from Antioch. I h...
Vespasian_denarius_PONTIF_MAXIM_v_3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (Winged Caduceus, RIC II 686) v.2VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (18.35mm, 3.26g, 6h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 686 (R), RCV 2306

Lightly toned and lustrous. A magnificent portrait of Vespasian and an exemplar of the veristic style of Flavian portraiture.
6 commentsCPK03/23/24 at 22:48David Atherton: Plate coin perfect!
Gordian_III_AE_Ostrich.jpg
Thrace, Hadrianopolis AE (Gordian III/ostrich, RPC VII.2 806) v.1THRACE, HADRIANOPOLIS
Time of Gordian III
AE (16.83mm, 3.35g, 7h)
Struck AD 238-244
Obverse: ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from rear
Reverse: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ, ostrich standing right
References: RPC Online, Vol. VII.2, No. 806.12 (this coin)

A rare type, with good detail and a beautiful emerald green patina.
3 commentsCPK03/23/24 at 21:56CPK: Thanks! There are a few other similar provincial t...
Gordian_III_Antiocha_Seleucis_and_Pieria.jpg
Gordian III Seleucis and Pieria. AntiochTetradrachm (Billon, 26- 27mm, 11.35 g,)
obv. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CЄΒ
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind.
Rev. ΔHMAPX ЄΞ YΠA TO B
Eagle with spread wings standing facing, head to left and holding wreath in beak; between the eagle's legs, crescent above ram leaping right, head to left.
2 commentsHolgerG03/23/24 at 20:38Justin L1: Love this!
Vespasian_denarius_PONTIF_MAXIM_v_3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (Winged Caduceus, RIC II 686) v.2VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (18.35mm, 3.26g, 6h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 686 (R), RCV 2306

Lightly toned and lustrous. A magnificent portrait of Vespasian and an exemplar of the veristic style of Flavian portraiture.
6 commentsCPK03/23/24 at 20:38Justin L1: exceptional! Would love to have one with this reve...
RIC_II_12_863_vespasian.jpg
RIC II 1² Vespasian 0863Obv.: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN
Rev.: IOVIS CVSTOS
Vespasian 69-79, Titus als Ceasar, Denar 76, Rom, 19mm 2,92g, ss, (R2), INV:R272
Ex. H.D. Rauch A 117 Lot 708, 08.12.2023
1 commentsDirk J03/23/24 at 20:37Justin L1: Stunning coin! Love your photos
RIC_II_12_847.jpg
RIC II 1² Domitian 0847Obv.: DOMITIA AVGVSTA
Rev.: VENVS AVG
Domitia 81-96, Cistophor 82, Rom, 25mm, 11,17g, ss , (R), INV:R284
Ex. Stack's Bowers Januar 2024 NYINC A, Lot 50106, 12.01.2024
formerly in NGC slab 6827991-006, VF, 5/5, 4/5
2 commentsDirk J03/23/24 at 20:07vindelicus: Great coin.
Vespasian_denarius_PONTIF_MAXIM_v_3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius (Winged Caduceus, RIC II 686) v.2VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (18.35mm, 3.26g, 6h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 686 (R), RCV 2306

Lightly toned and lustrous. A magnificent portrait of Vespasian and an exemplar of the veristic style of Flavian portraiture.
6 commentsCPK03/23/24 at 19:58vindelicus: Wow. Great portrait. Couldn't be more veristi...
1124093.jpg
Gordianus I Africanus SestertiusObv. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian I right.
Rev. PROVIDENTIA AVGG S C, Providentia standing left, leaning on column, holding wand over globe at her feet, and cornucopia.
Mint: Rome, 238 AD.

29mm 18.54g

RIC 9; BMC 5; Cohen 6.

Provenance:
Ex Peus Nachfolger, Auction 405, Frankfurt 2011, lot 2647.
Ex Künker, Auction 397, 15th November 2023, lot 2803.

Gordian I was born around 157 AD and grew up into a respected Roman family. Under Maximinus I he was proconsul in the province of Africa. When a rebellion of the nobility broke out in 238 AD due to the expropriation of their estates ordered by Maximinus, the 80-year-old Gordian I - after the murder of the procurator - was made emperor by the patricians in Carthage against his will called out.

His son, Gordian II, was made co-regent. An embassy then set off for Rome to declare Maximinus I an enemy of the people and to have the two Gordiani legitimized. The Senate could only agree. However, the governor of Mauritania, Capellianus, who was a supporter of Maximinius I, sent a legion to Carthage to defeat the Gordiani. Gordian II fell in the battle, whereupon his father took his own life.
3 commentskc03/23/24 at 19:18CPK: Lovely coin!
RIC_II_12_38.jpg
RIC II 1² Titus 0038Obv.: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M
Rev.: TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P
Titus 79-81, Denar 79, Rom, 17mm 3,51g, ss, (R2), INV:R285
Ex. CNG Triton XXVII Lot 6097, 18.01.2024
Ex. Aureo & Calicó A240 Lot 1114, 25.01.2012
1 commentsDirk J03/23/24 at 17:24CPK: Great portrait!
RIC_II_12_594.jpg
RIC II 1² Domitian 0594Obv.: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII
Rev.: IMP XV COS XIIII CENS P P P
Domitian 81-96, Denar 88, Rom, 19mm 3,36g, ss+, (R2), INV:R277
Ex. EID MAR AUCTIONS A1, Lot 366, 16.12.2023
1 commentsDirk J03/23/24 at 17:24CPK: Very nice!
RIC_II_12_847.jpg
RIC II 1² Domitian 0847Obv.: DOMITIA AVGVSTA
Rev.: VENVS AVG
Domitia 81-96, Cistophor 82, Rom, 25mm, 11,17g, ss , (R), INV:R284
Ex. Stack's Bowers Januar 2024 NYINC A, Lot 50106, 12.01.2024
formerly in NGC slab 6827991-006, VF, 5/5, 4/5
2 commentsDirk J03/23/24 at 17:23CPK: A beautiful coin!
Q_Nasidius.jpg
0001 Sextus Pompey, Imperator and Prefect of the Fleet [Youngest Son of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)]Q. Nasidius for Sextus Pompey

Obv: NEPTVNI (open P) downward on the l., bareheaded portrait of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus facing r., trident with prongs pointing upward on the r., dolphin facing r. below neck, banker's mark to r. of bottom of neck. Border of dots.
Rev: Q. NASIDIVS below galley moving r. with billowing sail and bank of rowers, steersman on l. facing r. on stern with star above, pilot on r. facing r. standing on prow. Border of dots.
Denomination: silver denarius; Mint: Sicily, uncertain location1; Date 42 BC2; Weight: 3.87g; Diameter: 19mm: Die axis: 150º; References, for example: Cohen 15; Babelon Nasidia 1 and Pompeia 28; BMCRR v. II Sicily 21; Crawford RRC 483/2; Sydenham 1350; CRI 235.

Notes:

Q. Nasidius, a naval commander under Pompey the Great, eventually wound up in the services of Sextus. See Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily p. 564 and Sear CRI pp. 139 - 140.

1Sydenham, Crawford RRC, and Estiot (2006) place the minting of this coin type in Sicily, but without referencing a location. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily also places the minting of this coin in Sicily and hesitatingly suggests the city of Catana. By his own admission "...this attribution is quite conjectural" (p. 557). Sear CRI, however, argues for a completely different location. On the basis of the naval theme and the absence of the title PRAEF⦁ORAE⦁MARIT⦁ET⦁CLAS⦁S⦁C, which for him pushes the date of minting to a time prior to April of 43 BC, Sear posits the minting of this coin to Sextus' time at the port of Massilia in southern Gaul.
2This is the date argued for in Estiot (2006) (p. 145), "...possibly around the time just before the beginning of the issue of Sextus Pompieus" imp. iter. praef. clas. et orae marit ex S C. coinage" [translation my own]. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily proposes 38 - 36 BC with Sydenham and DeRose Evans (1987) following suit. Crawford RRC suggests 44 - 43 BC.

Provenance: Ex CNG Auction 114 May 13, 2020 Lot 646; From the B. G. Collection, Ex CNG Auction 108 May 16, 2018 Lot 526.

Photo Credits: CNG

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4 commentsTracy Aiello03/23/24 at 13:25CPK: Beautiful coin, all around!
rr_1074_revised_Large.jpg
0006 Sextus Pompey -- Pompey the Great and Neptune with Catanaean BrothersSextus Pompey, Imperator and Prefect of the Fleet
[Youngest Son of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)]

Obv: [MAG⦁PIVS⦁IMP⦁ITER]; portrait of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus r.; behind jug; before lituus. Border of dots.
Rev: above, [PRAE (AE ligatured) F]; in exergue, CLAS⦁ET⦁[ORAE (AE ligatured)⦁MAR (ligatured) IT⦁EX⦁S⦁C]; Neptune standing l., wearing diadem, aplustre in r. hand, cloak over l. arm, r. foot on prow,; on either side a Catanaean brother bearing one of his parents on his shoulders1. Border of dots.
Denomination: silver denarius; Mint: Sicily, uncertain location2; Date: summer 42 - summer 39 BC3; Weight: 3.68g; Diameter: 17mm; Die axis: 30º; References, for example: Sear CRI 334; BMCRR v. II Sicily 7, 8, 9, and 10; Sydenham 1344; Crawford RRC 511/3a.

Notes:

Obverse legend: MAG[NUS]⦁PIVS⦁IMP[ERATOR]⦁ITER[UM]
Reverse legend: PRAEF[ECTUS]⦁CLAS[SIS]⦁ET⦁ORAE⦁MARIT[IMAE]⦁EX⦁S[ENATUS]⦁C[ONSULTO]

1Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily appears a bit hesitant in his pronouncement that the representation of the Catanaean brothers in fact refers to Sextus' title Pius (p. 561), but Sear CRI appears to have no such hesitation when he states "...the type illustrates the theme of 'Pietas' in connection with the assumption of the name Pius." (p.203). DeRose Evans (1987) goes further (pp. 115 - 116), arguing that Sextus chose the Catanaean brothers ("...he consciously identifies himself with the south Italian heroes") as a way to deliberately contrast his Pietas with that of Octavian's.
2Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily tentatively suggests Catana as a possible location and Sear CRI follows suit.
3This is the date range argued for in Estiot 2006 (p. 145). Estiot recommends returning to Crawford's proposal of 42 - 40 BC. Crawford RRC, p. 521 suggests the period in 42 BC after Sextus Pompey defeated Q. Salvidienus Rufus. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.560 proposes 42 - 38 BC and Sydenham, p. 210 follows suit. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 129 offers a time between late summer 36 and September 36 BC.

Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics 11 June 2019; from the collection of W. F. Stoecklin, Amriswil, Switzerland, acquired from Hess AG in Luzern prior to 1975. Ex Dr. Jacob Hirsch 33, 17 November 1913 Lot 1058.

Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics

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4 commentsTracy Aiello03/23/24 at 13:24CPK: Wonderful portrait!
Athenian_Athena_Owl_Obol.jpg
03 Attica, Athenian ObolAthenian Later Archaic/Rough Archaic Obol1

Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and spiral palmette on bowl of the helmet, hair across forehead in straight bands, almond shaped eye.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, a single leaf olive sprig and berry to the l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Athens; Date: c. 454 - 404 BC2; Weight: .67g; Diameter: 9mm; Die axis: 110º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 99; SNG Cop vol. 14, 53 to 56, var. no mention of berry; Starr p. XXIII, aa; Cf. Svoronos Athens pl. 8, 43 - 46 and pl. 9, 33 - 34, 37 - 46; SGCV I 2530; Kroll 13a ff var. no mention of berry; SNG München 77 to 82; HGC 4, 1665 var. no mention of berry.

Notes:
1This characterization is per BMC vol. 11, pp. xxiii and 8.
2This is the date range given in HGC 4.

Provenance: Ex. Harlan J Berk Ltd 215th Buy or Bid Sale, May 4, 2021; acquired from Harlan Berk in 2013.

Photo Credits: Harlan J Berk, Ltd

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5 commentsTracy Aiello03/23/24 at 13:23CPK: Attractive little coin.
Athenian_Hemiobol_Athena_and_Owl.jpg
06 Attica, Athenian HemiobolObv: Head of Athena r. wearing Attic helmet with three olive leaves, frontal eye.
Rev: Owl standing r., tail feathers as a single prong, head facing, olive leaf to l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemiobol; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC: Weight: .35g; Diameter: 6mm; Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Starr Group V Subgroup V. B. Series 5 pl. XXIV, z [?]; Svoronos Athens pl. 11, 50; Kroll 14; HGC 4, 1681.

Provenance: Ex. Shanna Schmidt Numismatics January 8, 2023 from the J. de Wilde Collection; Ex. Herbert Cahn Collection (Numismatica Genevensis SA Numismatic Auction 7, 27 November 2012), lot 103 (part of).

Photo Credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics

CLICK FOR SOURCES
5 commentsTracy Aiello03/23/24 at 13:22CPK: Nice little coin!
Antoninus_Pius_as_elephant.jpg
Antoninus Pius As (MVNIFICENTIA AVG/elephant, RIC III 863)ANTONINUS PIUS, AD 138-161
AE As (28.12mm, 13.73g, 11h)
Struck AD 148/9. Rome mint
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right
Reverse: MVNIFICENTIA AVG, African elephant walking left, COS IIII S C in exergue
References: RIC III 863, RCV 4308 var.

Well-struck on a heavy flan. Masterfully engraved elephant. This type commemorates the public games held in celebration of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome.
6 commentsCPK03/22/24 at 20:25vindelicus: Such a nice reverse. Great elephant!
71CC26CA-21B2-49DE-8363-1DD99FCDDD86.jpeg
Commodus: Augustus 177-192 ADCommodus AR Denarius (issued under Marcus Aurelius).
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: ca. 177-178 AD
Bust: Bust of Commodus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right.
Obverse: L COMMODVS AVG
Reverse: COS PP
Type: Salus, draped, seated left on low seat, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left arm on side of seat: in front of her, let, a snake coiling upwards from ground.
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 3.32g; 18mm
RIC: RIC III, 654
Provenance: Ex. artemiscc (eBay, March 2024).

Translation: OB: Lucius Commodus Augustus.
Translation: REV: Consul, Pater Patriae. for Consul, father of the nation.

Notes: Early bare headed Commodus minted under authority of Marcus Aurelius. Ex NGC graded XF. The historical background of this silver denarius presented here and issued in 177/178 AD could be, on the one hand, the victoriously concluded first Marcomannic war, from which Marcus Aurelius and his son returned safe and sound (and through the victory also ensured the well-being of the Roman people) – or also the anticipatory wish for the well-being of the two Augusti. At the end of 177 AD there was another Marcomannic war, so that Marcus Aurelius and his son set out from Rome for the second Germanic or Sarmatian campaign on 03 August 178 AD (Comm. 12, 6) (Comm. 2, 5. Dio LXXI 33, 1. Marc. 27, 9). Here’s to Salus watching over the imperial welfare.
3 commentsJustin L103/22/24 at 20:22vindelicus: Very nice coin. Great portrait.
Constans_AE-3-Follis_DN-CONSTA-NS-PF-AVG_Cn8-D3_FEL-TEMP-REPARATIO_Gamma-SIS-Symbol3_RIC-VIII-247-p366_Siscia-348-50-AD_Q-001_1h_18,5mm_2,25ga-s.jpg
Siscia, RIC VIII 247, 146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/Symbol"3"//ΓSIS, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Phoenix,Siscia, RIC VIII 247, 146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), AE-3 Follis, -/Symbol"3"//ΓSIS, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Phoenix,
avers:- DN-CONSTA-NS-PF-AVG, Cn8, D3, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- FEL-TEMP-REPARATIO, Phoenix, radiate, standing right on pile of ashes.
exergo: -/Symbol"3"//ΓSIS, diameter: 18,5mm, weight: 2,25g, axis: 1h,
mint: Siscia, date: 348-50 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII-247-p-366,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans03/22/24 at 16:14helvetica: Hope it's ok that I added this one to wildwin...
Gordian_III_AE_Ostrich.jpg
Thrace, Hadrianopolis AE (Gordian III/ostrich, RPC VII.2 806) v.1THRACE, HADRIANOPOLIS
Time of Gordian III
AE (16.83mm, 3.35g, 7h)
Struck AD 238-244
Obverse: ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from rear
Reverse: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ, ostrich standing right
References: RPC Online, Vol. VII.2, No. 806.12 (this coin)

A rare type, with good detail and a beautiful emerald green patina.
3 commentsCPK03/22/24 at 15:29Enodia: Nice! I've never seen an ostrich on an ancien...
Antoninus_Pius_as_elephant.jpg
Antoninus Pius As (MVNIFICENTIA AVG/elephant, RIC III 863)ANTONINUS PIUS, AD 138-161
AE As (28.12mm, 13.73g, 11h)
Struck AD 148/9. Rome mint
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right
Reverse: MVNIFICENTIA AVG, African elephant walking left, COS IIII S C in exergue
References: RIC III 863, RCV 4308 var.

Well-struck on a heavy flan. Masterfully engraved elephant. This type commemorates the public games held in celebration of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome.
6 commentsCPK03/22/24 at 04:07Jay GT4: Agreed. Great elephant
Antoninus_Pius_as_elephant.jpg
Antoninus Pius As (MVNIFICENTIA AVG/elephant, RIC III 863)ANTONINUS PIUS, AD 138-161
AE As (28.12mm, 13.73g, 11h)
Struck AD 148/9. Rome mint
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right
Reverse: MVNIFICENTIA AVG, African elephant walking left, COS IIII S C in exergue
References: RIC III 863, RCV 4308 var.

Well-struck on a heavy flan. Masterfully engraved elephant. This type commemorates the public games held in celebration of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome.
6 commentsCPK03/22/24 at 02:26David Atherton: Beautifully rendered elephant!
Terina.jpg
Bruttium, Terina didrachm/StaterHead of the nymph Terina left, hair tightly rolled in ampyx, with necklace, all within olive wreath

Nike seated left on hydria (amphora), holding wreath and kerykeion TEPINAION in left field.

Terina, Bruttium

445-425 BCE

6.43g

Regling, Terina 13 (dies K/λ); Kunstfreund 75 (same dies - prior to the die break); Holloway & Jenkins 14, N. Italy 2575. Sear 506.

Ex-Astarte YCA #2, lot 14

Regling's monograph from 1906 was the first die study of any Greek coinage to be published. The obverse die break is known from at least 4 other specimans (Roma, CNG, Nomos, Seaby's Coin & Medal bulletin April 1975, A236 and front cover) all sharing the same obverse and reverse dies. Further examination could possibly help place the coins in chronological order of striking based on die wear.

I missed out acquiring the Seaby coin when it was auctioned at the Geoffry Bell Toronto Coin Auction in 2017. Since then I've been on the lookout for one of these coins with the die break. 7 years later, I finally added one to my collection.
8 commentsJay GT403/22/24 at 00:07Ron C2: Very odd obverse die defect
Attica_Athens_tetradrachm_Athena-owl.jpg
Attica, Athens Tetradrachm (Athena/owl, HGC 4 1597) v.1ATTICA, ATHENS
AR Tetradrachm (24.57mm, 17.21g, 8h)
Struck 454-404 BC
Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye
Reverse: Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left; ΑΘΕ to right; all within incuse square
References: HGC 4, 1597

Lightly toned. These large silver tetradrachms were struck in huge numbers by Athens during its golden age in the mid-5th century BC, to pay for the city-state's grandiose building projects and expansionist wars. They are among the most recognized and most iconic coins of ancient history.
5 commentsCPK03/21/24 at 15:41Enodia: nice toning, nice coin.
Julia_Domna_denarius_MATER_DEVM.jpg
Julia Domna Denarius (MATER DEVM, RIC IV 564)JULIA DOMNA as Augusta, AD 193-211
AR Denarius (19.61mm, 3.10g, 6h)
Struck AD 198. Rome mint
Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust of Julia Domna right
Reverse: MATER DEVM, Cybele seated left on throne flanked by two lions, holding branch in extended right hand and scepter in left hand, resting left arm on drum set on left knee
References: RIC IV 564 (S), RCV 6593

A scarce type, lightly toned, with an attractive portrait.
4 commentsCPK03/21/24 at 15:40Enodia: Very nice!
Antoninus_Pius_as_elephant.jpg
Antoninus Pius As (MVNIFICENTIA AVG/elephant, RIC III 863)ANTONINUS PIUS, AD 138-161
AE As (28.12mm, 13.73g, 11h)
Struck AD 148/9. Rome mint
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right
Reverse: MVNIFICENTIA AVG, African elephant walking left, COS IIII S C in exergue
References: RIC III 863, RCV 4308 var.

Well-struck on a heavy flan. Masterfully engraved elephant. This type commemorates the public games held in celebration of the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome.
6 commentsCPK03/21/24 at 15:39Enodia: Excellent coin. It looks like the engraver had act...
D736a.jpg
RIC 736 Domitian AR Denarius, 3.16g
Rome mint, 92 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 736 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Tater's Relics, eBay, 14 February 2024.

Domitian struck the same series of four Minerva types for his denarii regularly every year from 83 onwards. Some issues are more rare than others - a few are very rare. This coin is from a very rare issue struck towards the end of summer 92 and can be dated by the TR P XI and IMP XXII, an exceedingly rare combination. This series commemorating his 22nd imperial acclamation was most likely awarded for a victory against the Sarmatians and Suevi near the end of the campaigning season just before he became TR P XII on 14th September. The rarity of this dating combination indicates how tight the window was for this issue's production. Struck in such haste, the second 'I' in the imperial acclamation date is often squeezed in on reused dies from the previous issue (as is the case with the present coin). Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
5 commentsDavid Atherton03/21/24 at 15:28Dirk J: Great rarity, congratulations !
SicloPunic.jpg
Sicily, Akragas: Punic Occupation 1/4 ShekelHead of Triptolemus? right, wreathed in corn.

Horse galloping right; Punic letters 'ht' below.

Akragas, Sicily; 213-211 BC (Punic Occupation)

1.57g

SNG Cop 379; Walker Group II, 1st Series

Ex-Londinium Coins; Ex-CNG #63024 6/18/2001 (with ticket)

Minted during the Carthaginian occupation of Sicily and the 2nd Punic War. Rare, only one other in Forum Galleries (Enodia) possible reverse die match.


TRIPTOLEMOS (Triptolemus) was a demi-god of the Eleusinian mysteries who presided over the sowing of grain-seed and the milling of wheat. He was one of the Eleusinian princes who hospitably received the goddess Demeter when she was mourning the loss of her daughter.
5 commentsJay GT403/21/24 at 14:33Joe Sermarini: 5/5!
D736a.jpg
RIC 736 Domitian AR Denarius, 3.16g
Rome mint, 92 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 736 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Tater's Relics, eBay, 14 February 2024.

Domitian struck the same series of four Minerva types for his denarii regularly every year from 83 onwards. Some issues are more rare than others - a few are very rare. This coin is from a very rare issue struck towards the end of summer 92 and can be dated by the TR P XI and IMP XXII, an exceedingly rare combination. This series commemorating his 22nd imperial acclamation was most likely awarded for a victory against the Sarmatians and Suevi near the end of the campaigning season just before he became TR P XII on 14th September. The rarity of this dating combination indicates how tight the window was for this issue's production. Struck in such haste, the second 'I' in the imperial acclamation date is often squeezed in on reused dies from the previous issue (as is the case with the present coin). Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
5 commentsDavid Atherton03/21/24 at 14:09Justin L1: amazing reverse!
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