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Alexander III , The Great Drachm Miletos mint.Silver Drachm,
Miletos (near Balat, Turkey) mint, struck under Philoxenos, c. 325 - 323 B.C.
Obverse :head of Herakles right, wearing Nemean Lion skin, scalp over head, forepaws tied at neck.
Reverse: Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on backless throne, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, right leg forward (lifetime style), eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, thunderbolt left, AΛEΞANΔPOY downward behind, ΔΗ monogram under throne.
Price 2088, Müller Alexander 11, SNG Alpha Bank 627.

The Sam Mansourati Collection./Given as a souvenir to a superb dear friend Dr. Joseph Diaz.2 commentsSam06/28/23 at 16:15Virgil H: Very nice

Alexander III the Great Lifetime Issue AR Tetradrachm Damascus MintKINGS of MACEDON.
Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC.
AR Tetradrachm , Damascus mint. Struck under Menon or Menes, circa 330-323 BC.
Obverse : Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin.
Reverse : Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; AP (monogram)X in left field; below throne, four pellets between struts, ΔA below. Price 3200. Iridescent tone, some marks. Near VF.
26.5 MM W: 16.98 Gr Die Axis : 12h.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.1 commentsSam06/26/23 at 20:51Jay GT4: Great addition Sam!

Napoléon I Celebrating the propagation of the Smallpox VaccineFRANCE, First Empire. Napoléon I, Dated 1804. Æ Medal.

Æ Medal (37.88 gm; 40 mm). Celebrating the propagation of the Smallpox Vaccine. Dated 1804. Dies by Andrieu; Denon, mint master.
Obverse : NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI., laureate head to right; ANDRIEU F. on neck truncation.
Reverse : Asclepius standing facing, head to right, resting hand on serpent-entwined staff and placing arm around Venus Pudica, flanked by cow to left and lancet with vial of vaccine to right; LA VACCINE MDCCCIV. in two lines in exergue, ANDRIEU F. to lower left and DENON DIR. to lower right.
Bramsen 400. Beautiful red patina. Choice UNC.

Fleur De Coin from The Sam Mansourati Collection.1 commentsSam05/15/23 at 21:16Matt Inglima: Fascinating and beautiful medal

Silver Shekel (Judas' 30 Pieces of Silver)Christ was delivered for thirty of these coins in exact (each coin called Shekel)
Ref; BMC Phoenicia p. 243, 143 (same controls); Rouvier 2038 (same); Cohen DCA 919/52 (R2); HGC 10 357; Baramki AUB -; SNG Cop -.
Tyre (Lebanon) mint, weight 13.515 Gr., maximum diameter 29.0 MM, die axis 45o.
Circa : 75 - 74 B.C.
Obverse: laureate head of Melqart right, lion's skin knotted around neck.
Reverse :TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY (of Tyre the holy and inviolable), eagle left, right foot on war galley ram, transverse palm frond on far side, BN (year 52) over club left, A (control) right, Phoenician letter beth (control) between legs.
Rare date.
"Then one of the 12, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, 'What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?' And they covenanted with him for 30 pieces of silver." - Matthew 26:14-15.

The Sam Mansourati Collection / FORVM Ancient Coins
2 commentsSam05/15/23 at 18:54Henriette A: What a Superb addition , thank you for sharing .

Constantine VIII (AD 1025-1028). AV Histamenon Nomisma Obverse : + IhS XIS RЄX RЄϚhANTIhm, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cruciger with annulets in upper quadrants, pallium and colobium, right hand raised in benediction, Gospels cradled in left arm; triple border.
Reverse : +CwNStANtIh bASILЄЧS ROm, bust of Constantine VIII facing, wearing crown with pendilia and square-pattern loros with jeweled collar, labarum in right hand, akakia in left; triple border.
Constantinople mint. 26mm, 4.36 gm, 6h. Ref: Sear 1815.
A fine masterpiece of one of the very early portraits of Christ according to Saint Veronica 's Veil.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

The Sam Mansourati Collection.
1 commentsSam10/13/22 at 17:07Henriette A: What an amazing portrait of Christ! One of the bes...

Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III The Great, 336 - 323 B.C., Lifetime Issue.Silver Drachm, Ref; ADM I series I, 97 (same dies); Price 2090; Müller Alexander 763; SNG Cop 895; SNG Alpha Bank 629; SNG Saroglos 771; SNG München -, Ch VF, well centered, lightly toned, scratches and bumps, 4.184g, 18.1mm, die axis 45 '.
Ionia, Miletos mint, struck between 325 - 323 B.C. ( within two years of Alexander 's death )
Obverse ; head of Alexander The Great as Herakles right, clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress tied at neck.
Reverse ; AÎ›EÎžANâˆ†POY ( " Of Alexander " in Ancient Greek ) , Zeus enthroned left, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, legs not crossed ;right leg forward , âˆ†H monogram left.

Lifetime issue. This coin was issued during the lifetime and rule of Alexander the Great. Most Alexander coins were issued after his death.

Alexander the great believed if the world ruled by one king or leader , will be better for all.
Alexander the great was considered a god after his death.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
1 commentsSam07/20/22 at 13:22Anaximander: Thanks for the copious references!

Achaemenid Empire. Darius I-Xerxes II. 485-420 BC AR Siglos, Type IIIb.pngAchaemenid Empire. Xerxes I to Darios II AR Siglos

Sardes Mint Circa 485-420 BC

Obverse: Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneeling-running stance right, holding spear and bow

Reverse: Incuse punch

Interesting, and clear countermarks

References: Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XII, 17); Meadows, Administration 322; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 17; Sunrise 25

15 MM, 5.4 GR.

The Sam Mansourati Collection
1 commentsSam06/11/22 at 21:50Jay GT4: Nice one Sam!

Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 49 - 15 March 44 B.C.Silver denarius, Crawford 452/2, Sydenham 1009, BMCRR 3955, RSC I 18, Sear CRI 11, SRCV I 1400, NGC F, strike 4/5, surface 2/5, brushed, bankers marks, edge chip (5772013-001), weight 3.74g, maximum diameter 18.1mm, die axis 180o, 48 B.C.; obverse female (Clementia?) head right, wearing oak wreath, necklace, jewel before ear, and cruciform earring, hair in jeweled knot behind with falling locks, LII (52) behind; reverse CAE-SAR flanking the base of a draped trophy of Gallic arms (shield decorated with fulmen, horned helmet, and carnyx), axe topped by wolf head on right; struck by a military mint moving with Caesar.

The numeral on the obverse indicates Caesar's age when this coin was minted, a unique occurrence in Roman numismatics.

FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
5 commentsSam04/08/22 at 15:31TheEmpireNeverEnded: A cherished centerpiece of anyone's collectio...

Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 49 - 15 March 44 B.C.Silver Denarius Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 49 - 15 March 44 B.C.
Ref; Crawford 443/1, Sydenham 1006, RSC I 49, Sear CRI 9, BMCRR Gaul 27, Russo RBW 1557, SRCV I 1399.
NGC XF, strike 5/5, surface 3/5 (6157926-002), weight 3.891g, maximum diameter 19.6mm, die axis 135o, military mint, traveling with Caesar, year of issue 49 B.C.
Obverse : elephant walking right trampling on a carnyx (Celtic war trumpet) ornamented to look like a dragon, CAESAR below.
Reverse : implements of the pontificate: culullus (cup) or simpulum (ladle), aspergillum (sprinkler), securis (sacrificial ax), and apex (priest's hat).

The Sam Mansourati Collection / FORVM Ancient Coins3 commentsSam04/08/22 at 15:20TheEmpireNeverEnded: Incredible! Congrats!

The Kingdom of Edessa, Mesopotamia, The Syriac Aramaic Abgar VIII with Septimius Severus, 197 - 212 A.D.Bronze AE 22, cf. BMC Arabia p. 94, 14 ff., SNG Cop 196 ff., SNG Hunterian II 2511 ff. (referenced specimens vary in legend details), VF, light earthen deposits, highest points not fully struck, light marks, slightest porosity, Mesopotamia, Edessa (Urfa, Sanliurfa, Turkey) mint, weight 6.462g, maximum diameter 21.9mm, die axis 180o, 197 - 212 A.D.; obverse AΛTOKPA CCOΛHP (blundered, A perhaps not fully struck, Λ's are upside down V's, second C should be an E), laureate head right; reverse ABΓPOC BA-CIΛE, draped bust of Abgar right, bearded, wearing a diademed tiara, holding scepter before,

Abgar VIII, also known as Abgar the Great, is remembered for his reputed conversion to Christianity in about 200 A.D. His son Abgar IX Severus, who succeeded him in 212, was summoned with his son to Rome in 213 and murdered at the orders of Caracalla. A year later, Caracalla incorporated the kingdom into the empire as a Roman province.

FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.1 commentsSam07/31/21 at 20:57Jay GT4: Nice style Sam

Emperor Septimius Severus / Salus , AR Silver Denarius, Rome Mint.Obverse: Laureate head
Reverse: Salus goddess of health seated , feeding serpent in her lap.
Reference: RIC 245; RSC 565.
19 mm , 3.0 gr , AD 211.
Choice EF.

The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to my great brother and a superb physician Dr. Fadi Mansourati.1 commentsSam07/15/21 at 13:25quadrans: I always like Salus reverse...

Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III The Great, 336 - 323 B.C., Lifetime Issue.Silver Drachm, ADM I series I, 85 (same dies); Price 2090; Müller Alexander 763; SNG Copenhagen 895; SNG Alpha Bank 629; SNG Saroglos 771; SNG München -, Very Fine, well centered, light bumps and marks, Ionia, Miletos mint, weight 4.241g, maximum diameter 17.1mm, die axis 0o, struck date between 325 - 323 B.C.
Obverse : head of Alexander the Great as Herakles right, clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress tied at neck.
Reverse : AÎ›EÎžANâˆ†POY ( of Alexander ), Zeus enthroned left, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter topped with lotus vertical behind in left hand, feet on footstool, right leg forward, âˆ†H monogram left.

*Lifetime issue. This coin was issued during the lifetime and rule of Alexander the Great. Most Alexander coins were issued after his death.
**Alexander the great believed if the world ruled by one king or leader , will be better for all.
Alexander the great was considered a god after his death.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection /FORVM Ancient Coins.3 commentsSam02/28/21 at 23:44Henriette A: WoW ! What a Valuable Coin !

Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 49 - 15 March 44 B.C.Silver denarius, Crawford 452/2, Sydenham 1009, BMCRR 3955, RSC I 18, Sear CRI 11, SRCV I 1400, NGC F, strike 4/5, surface 2/5, brushed, bankers marks, edge chip (5772013-001), weight 3.74g, maximum diameter 18.1mm, die axis 180o, 48 B.C.; obverse female (Clementia?) head right, wearing oak wreath, necklace, jewel before ear, and cruciform earring, hair in jeweled knot behind with falling locks, LII (52) behind; reverse CAE-SAR flanking the base of a draped trophy of Gallic arms (shield decorated with fulmen, horned helmet, and carnyx), axe topped by wolf head on right; struck by a military mint moving with Caesar.

The numeral on the obverse indicates Caesar's age when this coin was minted, a unique occurrence in Roman numismatics.

FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
5 commentsSam02/17/21 at 19:48Sam: Thank you all for the nice words, you all made my ...

Julius Caesar, Imperator and Dictator, October 49 - 15 March 44 B.C.Silver denarius, Crawford 452/2, Sydenham 1009, BMCRR 3955, RSC I 18, Sear CRI 11, SRCV I 1400, NGC F, strike 4/5, surface 2/5, brushed, bankers marks, edge chip (5772013-001), weight 3.74g, maximum diameter 18.1mm, die axis 180o, 48 B.C.; obverse female (Clementia?) head right, wearing oak wreath, necklace, jewel before ear, and cruciform earring, hair in jeweled knot behind with falling locks, LII (52) behind; reverse CAE-SAR flanking the base of a draped trophy of Gallic arms (shield decorated with fulmen, horned helmet, and carnyx), axe topped by wolf head on right; struck by a military mint moving with Caesar.

The numeral on the obverse indicates Caesar's age when this coin was minted, a unique occurrence in Roman numismatics.

FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
5 commentsSam02/17/21 at 00:32Henriette A: Amazing and valuable coin!

Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Tribute Penny of Matthew 22:20-21Jesus, referring to a "penny" asked, "Whose is this image and superscription?" When told it was Caesar, He said, ''Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:20-21). Since Tiberius was Caesar at the time, this denarius type is attributed by scholars as the "penny" referred to in the Bible.

Silver Denarius, Giard Lyon, group 4, 150; RIC I 30 (C); BMCRE I 48; RSC II 16a; SRCV I 1763, VF, toned, bumps, scratches, edge chips, 3.356g, 17.5mm, 315o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, c. 18 - 35 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM (high priest), Pax (or Livia as Pax) seated right on chair with decorated legs, a single line below, long scepter vertical behind in her right hand, branch in left hand, feet on footstool.

FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.1 commentsSam10/16/20 at 12:53Henriette A: WoW , that is a coin treasure , THANK YOU SO MUCH ...

Constantius II, 22 May 337 - 3 November 361 A.D.Billon heavy maiorina, RIC VIII Antioch 132, LRBC II 2625, SRCV V 18171, Hunter V 127 var. (10th officina), Choice gVF, dark patina, lighter highlighting deposits, slight double strike, part of edge ragged, 12th officina, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 6.098g, maximum diameter 26.3mm, die axis 180o, 350 - 355 A.D.; obverse D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse FEL TEMP REPARATIO (happy times restored), soldier standing left, shield on left arm, spear in right hand, spearing bearded fallen horseman who is turned to face the shoulder and extends his left arm, shield on ground right, Γ (control symbol) upper left, ANBI in exergue; from the Errett Bishop Collection.

Superb exceptional Reverse.
FORVM Ancient Coins / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
In 354, Constantius II recalled his legate (and cousin) Constantius Gallus to Constantinople after receiving unfavorable reports about him. Caesar of the East, Gallus had successfully suppressed revolts in Palestine and central Anatolia. Constantius stripped him of his rank and later had him executed in Pola (in modern Croatia).1 commentsSam07/25/20 at 11:21Pharsalos: Lovely example, great reverse details.

Biblical/Judean / AUGUSTUS, Marcus Ambibulus , Hendin-1329Augustus / Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus.
Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus, 9-12 AD, bronze prutah of 16 mm, 2.14 grams. Struck in the year 9 AD.
Jerusalem mint.
Obverse: Ear of grain, KAICA POC.
Reverse: Palm tree with 2 bunches of dates and date : LMO
Reference: Hendin-1329.

*Jesus was born sometime between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C.
According to St. Matthew, King Herod as the ruler during the time of the Nativity, and Herod died in 4 B.C. , according the dates of the later on struck coins with the new ruler name and dates (see note)
Later, to kill Jesus and eliminate him as a rival king, Herod ordered the "Massacre of the Innocents" - the killing of all male children in Bethlehem aged two years and under. This means that Jesus may have been up to two years old already by that time, and this sets the Nativity between 6 and 4 B.C.
**Surely All coins at that time were struck under the Roman emperor (who happened to be the first Roman emperor in history Augustus (Octavian) Not Julius Caesar as commonly known, Julius was only a dictator and Caesar during the Roman Republic time, never considered Emperor despite the title IMP on some of his coins).
The dates on coins struck during the time of Nativity, before that time, and even later, completely different story depends on the mint home , the ruler year and the kingdom or empire. Using AD (Anno Domini) was much later.

“Swear to me, young women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, that you won’t awaken or arouse love before its proper time.” Song of Solomon.

The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to a great man, a dear friend and brother Rev. Robert E. Burnock , on 2/25/2020.
2 commentsSam03/04/20 at 00:17Henriette A: Amazing and historic coin , and superb write up.

Biblical/Judean /John Hyrcanus I, Hendin 1139Judaea Hasmonean Dynasty / John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan) , 134-104 BC, Bronze Prutah of 15 mm, 2.14 grams. Jerusalem mint.
Reference: Hendin 1139.
Obverse : Paleo-Hebrew legend within wreath translated from right to left : Yehohanan the High Priest and Head of the Council of the Jews
.
Reverse : double cornucopia adorned with ribbons, pomegranate between horns.

An excellent example for this rare type.

The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Given as a souvenir to a great man, a dear friend and brother Rev. Robert E. Burnock , on 2/25/2020.

2 commentsSam03/04/20 at 00:16Henriette A: Incredible obverse and Strike.

Philip I AR Antoninianus Aequitas - Superb Strike and Art - Philip I AR Antoninianus
Rome Mint 244-249 AD
Obverse: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: AEQVITAS AVGG, Aequitas standing left, holding scales in right hand, cornucopia in left.
References: RIC 27b.
Size: 24 MM, 3.02 Gr
Very Slight double strike on obverse, otherwise a complete strike ( FDC ).

From The Sam Mansourati Collection. 1 commentsSam01/26/20 at 12:45Henriette A: Incredible Art and Strike, a real superb masterpie...

Roman Empire , empress Julia Domna, Augusta 194 - 8 April 217 A.D. (Wife of emperor Septimius Severus , mother of emperor Caracalla and co-emperor Geta.)Silver Denarius, RIC IV S546, RSC III 14, BMCRE V S10, SRCV II 6576, Choice VF, excellent portrait, well centered, 3.253 gr, 18.9 mm , 0o, Rome mint, struck in year 200 A.D.
Obverse : IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right.
Reverse : CERERI FRVGIF, Ceres seated left, heads of grain in right hand, long torch behind in left hand.
Scarce.
Gorgeous portrait.

The most powerful woman in Roman Empire history.

FORVM Ancient Coins/ The Sam Mansourati Collection .

*Ceres a goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships, was listed among the Di Consentes, Rome's equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology. The Romans saw her as the counterpart of the Greek goddess Demeter, whose mythology was reinterpreted for Ceres in Roman art and literature.

***Julia Domna was the second wife of Septimius Severus and mother of Caracalla and Geta. An intelligent, talented and beautiful woman, Julia Domna exercised great influence during her husband's reign and practically administered the empire for her sons. In 217 A.D. after the assassination of Caracalla, she possibly committed suicide by starvation or she died of breast cancer.

Given as a Christmas present to a superb dear friend.3 commentsSam12/03/19 at 16:51Henriette A: That is really a very valuable Denarius and super...

Constantine the Great, Early 307 - 22 May 337 A.D. , Manus Dei, the hand of God.Billon reduced centenionalis, RIC VIII Antioch 39; LRBC I 1374; SRCV V 17488; Voetter 34; Cohen VII 760; Hunter V p. 283, 4 ff. var. (officina), EF, glossy black patina, red earthen deposits, 1.821g, 15.0mm, 330o, 10th officina, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, posthumous, Sep 337 - 347 A.D.; obverse DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG, veiled bust right; reverse Constantine in quadriga right, veiled, the hand of God reaches down to take him to heaven; star above, SMANI in exergue.

FORVM Ancient Coins. /The Sam Mansourati Collection.

Soon after the Feast of Easter 337, Constantine fell seriously ill. He left Constantinople for the hot baths near his mother's city of Helenopolis. There, in a church his mother built in honor of Lucian the Apostle, he prayed, and there he realized that he was dying. He attempted to return to Constantinople, making it only as far as a suburb of Nicomedia. He summoned the bishops, and told them of his hope to be baptized in the River Jordan, where Christ was written to have been baptized. He requested the baptism right away, promising to live a more Christian life should he live through his illness. The bishops, Eusebius records, "performed the sacred ceremonies according to custom." It has been thought that Constantine put off baptism as long as he did so as to be absolved from as much of his sin as possible. Constantine died soon after at a suburban villa called Achyron, on 22 May 337.
2 commentsSam09/12/19 at 16:15okidoki: wonderful obverse and toning

Tyre, Phoenicia, 106 - 105 B.C., Judas' 30 Pieces of SilverSilver Shekel, BMC Phoenicia p. 238, 99 (also with Phoenician letter nun between legs); HGC 10 357; Cohen DCA 919, EF, well centered and struck on a tight flan, toned, marks, encrustations, some light corrosion, 13.857g, 27.4mm, 0o, Tyre mint, c. 106 - 105 B.C.
Obverse : laureate head of Melqart right, lion's skin knotted around neck.
Reverse : TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY (of Tyre the holy and inviolable), eagle left, right foot on ship's ram, palm frond under wing, date AK (year 21) over club left, HAP monogram right, Phoenician letter nun (control letter) between legs.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection / FORVM Ancient Coins.

Judas' 30 Pieces of Silver;
"Then one of the 12, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, 'What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?' And they covenanted with him for 30 pieces of silver." Matthew 26:14-15. Shekels of Tyre were the only currency accepted at the Jerusalem Temple and are the most likely coinage with which Judas was paid for the betrayal of Christ.

The Temple Tax Coin;
"..go to the sea and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou has opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them [the temple tax collectors] for me and thee." Since the tax was one half shekel per man the coin would have to be a shekel to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter. Matthew 17:24-27.

* Rare date.
**The most valuable type of coins in existence.
5 commentsSam03/21/19 at 16:42Cheryl E: Hi Sam! I am brand new to this forum and was refer...

IONIA, Miletos. Late 6th-early 5th century BC. AR (Silver) Obol. Obverse : Forepart of lion.
Reverse : Stellate pattern within incuse square.
Grade : Very Fine /Superb Extremely Fine of the type. A fine example of the very early coins in history.
W : 1.34 Gr.

The Sam Mansourati Collection.
*12 of these were a month pay for a soldier at that time , with this wage soldier would have super life.

Given as a Present to a dear friend and brother, Mr. Nathan Suggs , on 01/16/2019 .

1 commentsSam02/27/19 at 13:14Henriette A: Superb and desirable piece of art.

SIKYONIA, Sikyon. Circa 350-330/20 BC. AR Obol Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo to right.
Reverse: Dove flying left, retrograde IΣ above tail feathers.
Weight 0.83 Gr.1 commentsSam09/21/18 at 00:44Jay GT4: Beauty

Emperor Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. Silver denarius, RIC IV 115, RSC IV 243, Hunter III 33, SRCV III 8680, Choice aMS, about as struck, light rose tone on luster, full circles centering, nice portrait, sharp reverse detail, radiating flow lines, Rome mint, weight 2.861g, maximum diameter 20.6mm, die axis 180o, 241 A.D.; obverse IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P III COS II P P (high priest, holder of Tribunitian power for 3 years, consul 2 times, father of the country), Gordian standing right, wearing military garb, transverse spear in right hand, globe in left; from the Jyrki Muona Collection (purchased from Alan Walker at NYINC early 2000's.

Gordian looks rather smug on the obverse and stands proud with the world in his hands on the reverse.

FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.

*Superb 2 commentsSam08/16/18 at 14:42okidoki: great example,

Emperor Philip I the Syrian, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D.Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 75A (R); RSC IV 130, SRCV III 8945, Hunter III -, EF, superb strike with sharp dies, nice metal, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 4.966g, maximum diameter 22.4mm, die axis 0o, 247 - 248 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P IIII COS P P (high priest, holder of Tribunitian power for four years, consul, father of the country), Felicitas standing left, long caduceus in right hand, cornucopia in left hand; from the Jyrki Muona Collection, ex dear friend Barry Murphy.

FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.
*Incredible art

Felicitas was the goddess or personification of happiness, good fortune, and success. She played an important role in Rome's state religion during the empire and was frequently portrayed on coins. She became a prominent symbol of the wealth and prosperity of the Roman Empire.1 commentsSam08/09/18 at 21:46quadrans: Great coin Smile

, and details,

Manus Dei, Divus Constantine I , The great.Divus Constantine I. Died AD 337. Æ (15mm, 1.73 g, 5h). Antioch mint, Struck AD 337-340. Veiled, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Constantine, veiled, in quadriga right; above, the hand of God reaches down to him; SMANI. RIC VIII 39; Good EF, lovely red earthen deposits.
The Coin is one of the earliest to have Christian objects or sign, but not fully Christian yet.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection./ Dear friend Salem Alshdaifat.

Everyone needs the hand of Love, no matter how powerful one is, that thing which comes free, and yet is the most valuable and wonderful thing in existence that money cannot buy. Love is everything, anything else is nothing.

Happy Easter.
3 commentsSam03/31/18 at 14:20okidoki: very nice with the colourings

Manus Dei, Divus Constantine I , The great.Divus Constantine I. Died AD 337. Æ (15mm, 1.73 g, 5h). Antioch mint, Struck AD 337-340. Veiled, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Constantine, veiled, in quadriga right; above, the hand of God reaches down to him; SMANI. RIC VIII 39; Good EF, lovely red earthen deposits.
The Coin is one of the earliest to have Christian objects or sign, but not fully Christian yet.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection./ Dear friend Salem Alshdaifat.

Everyone needs the hand of Love, no matter how powerful one is, that thing which comes free, and yet is the most valuable and wonderful thing in existence that money cannot buy. Love is everything, anything else is nothing.

Happy Easter.
3 commentsSam03/29/18 at 12:49Sam: Thank you Jay , it is always an honor. Happy Easte...

Manus Dei, Divus Constantine I , The great.Divus Constantine I. Died AD 337. Æ (15mm, 1.73 g, 5h). Antioch mint, Struck AD 337-340. Veiled, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Constantine, veiled, in quadriga right; above, the hand of God reaches down to him; SMANI. RIC VIII 39; Good EF, lovely red earthen deposits.
The Coin is one of the earliest to have Christian objects or sign, but not fully Christian yet.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection./ Dear friend Salem Alshdaifat.

Everyone needs the hand of Love, no matter how powerful one is, that thing which comes free, and yet is the most valuable and wonderful thing in existence that money cannot buy. Love is everything, anything else is nothing.

Happy Easter.
3 commentsSam03/29/18 at 02:58Jay GT4: Wow Sam, this one is great! Love the patina but th...

THRACE, Apollonia Pontika Drachm.THRACE, Apollonia Pontika. Late 5th-early 4th century BC. AR Drachm.
Anchor; crayfish / Incuse swastika. VF .Rare early Apollonia mint Drachm.

Weight 3.91 Gr.1 commentsSam03/27/18 at 07:35Canaan: Very nice patina, great details, congrats

Maximinus I. AD 235-238. AR Denarius.Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Providentia standing left, holding wand over globe and cornucopia.
Rome mint. Superb obverse / VF.
2 commentsSam03/27/18 at 02:53Jay GT4: Outstanding portrait! Work of art!

Macedonian Kingdom, Antigonos I Monophthalmos, 320 - 306 B.C., In the Name and Types of Alexander the Great.Silver drachm, Hersh 29, Hersh Near East 2.1d, Price -, Müller Alexander -, SNG Cop -, SNG Munchen -, SNG Alpha Bank -, NGC Choice XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5 (2490379-006), 4.000g, 18.2mm, 0o, Ionia, Magnesia ad Maeandrum mint, struck under Menander, c. 325 - 323 B.C.; obverse head of Herakles right, clad in Nemean Lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on throne without back, nude to waist, himation around hips and legs, right leg drawn back, feet on footstool, eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, head of ram left on left, AÎ›EÎžANâˆ†POY, ( " Of Alexander " in Ancient Greek ) downward on right; very rare.

Antigonos I Monophthalmos ("the One-eyed") (382 B.C. - 301 B.C.) was a nobleman, general, and governor under Alexander the Great. Upon Alexander's death in 323 B.C., he established himself as one of the successors and declared himself King in 306 B.C. The most powerful satraps of the empire, Cassander, Seleucus, Ptolemy, and Lysimachus, answered by also proclaiming themselves kings. Antigonus found himself at war with all four, largely because his territory shared borders with all of them. He died in battle at Ipsus in 301 B.C. Antigonus' kingdom was divided up, with Seleucus I Nicator gaining the most. His son, Demetrius I Poliorcetes, took Macedon, which the family held, off and on, until it was conquered by Rome in 168 B.C. -- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.

*A special Thank to president Joe Sermarini for his work for complete information on this very rare Drachm.2 commentsSam03/14/18 at 20:13Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay.

IONIA, Miletos (Miletus). Circa 360-325 BC. AR DrachmAR Drachm ( 3.45 Gr )
Laureate head of Apollo left / Lion standing left, head right; star above, MI (civic) monogram to left, magistrate name exergue.
Ch EF , Superb Style.

The Sam Mansourati Collection.2 commentsSam03/03/18 at 00:37Sam: Laughing

Diva Faustina Senior.AR Denarius . Rome mint.
Draped bust right / Vesta standing. Ch VF .1 commentsSam03/02/18 at 07:48Jay GT4: Lovely lady

ARAB-BYZANTINE, Umayyad Caliphate. Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan. AH 41-60 / AD 661-680. or 661-697 A.D.Obverse :
KAÎ›ON “bi-hims” Ø¨ØÙ…Øµ
Facing bust of Byzantine emperor, holding globus cruciger; to left, KAÎ›ON; to right, “bi-hims” in Arabic and bird’s-eye.

Reverse:
Ð„/M/I Ð¡/H/Ð¡ - Large M
Large m; star flanked by bird’s eyes above; ground line below; Ð„/M/I Ð¡/H/Ð¡ to left and right; “tayyib” Ø·ÙŠØ¨ in Arabic above “dumbell” flanked by pellets in exergue.

Attribution: Sica I 538 / Walker 65v / Arab Byzantine 65; Album 110

Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan was the first Umayyad caliph , from AH 41-60 (died) / AD 661-680

From the Sam Mansourati Collection.2 commentsSam02/22/18 at 10:36Sam: Thank you dear Cannan , I hope soon you find a bet...

Philip I. AD 244-249. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 4.12 g, 6h). Commemorating the Secular Games/1000th Anniversary of Rome. Rome mint, 2nd officina. 9th emission, AD 248. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / She-wolf left, suckling twins Remus and Romulus; II in exergue. RIC IV 15; RSC 178. gVF, toned, some verdigris. 4 commentsSam02/22/18 at 10:35Sam: Thank you Senior

Leo VI the Wise. 886-912. Æ 40 Nummi , Follis Constantinople mint. + LÐ„On Ð¬AS ILÐ„VS ROm’, crowned half-length bust facing, holding akakia / +LÐ„On/Ð„n Ó¨Ð„O Ð¬A/SILÐ„VS R/OmÐ„On in four lines. a EF.2 commentsSam02/19/18 at 12:38Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , it is always a pleasur...

Byzantine Empire, Constans II, September 641 - 15 July 668 A.D.Gold solidus, DOC II-2 Heraclonas 1c (not in the coll., refs. T.), Hahn MIB 3a, Tolstoi 13, Sommer 12.1, SBCV 936, Wroth BMC -, Morrison BnF -; Ratto -, VF, well centered, double strike, some legend weak, light scratches and bumps, 8th officina, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, weight 4.479g, maximum diameter 20.6mm, die axis 180o, Sep 641 - 642/644 A.D.; obverse d N CONSTANTINYS P P AVG, crowned and cuirassed beardless bust facing, small head, wearing chlamys, crown ornamented with cross on circlet, globus cruciger in right hand; reverse VICTORIA AVGY H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue.

FORVM / The Sam Mansourati Collection.

In 641, when Heraclius died, he was succeeded by his sons Constantine III and Heracleonas. When Constantine III died after only a few months, the Byzantine people suspected that Heracleonas had poisoned him. Heracleonas was deposed, mutilated and banished. Constans II, the son of Constantine III, became emperor. This type is attributed to Heraclonas in DOC II-2 and Morrison BnF but today it is accepted as the first issue of Constantine II.
5 commentsSam02/16/18 at 00:02Sam: Nice one , I say.

Byzantine Empire / Constans II , (AD 641-648 )AE Follis.
Emperor standing (long beard) / m.1 commentsSam02/15/18 at 03:07quadrans: Nice piece..

Aelius. Caesar, AD 136-138.Æ As (24 mm, 9.76 gr). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian.
Bare head right / Spes advancing left, holding flower and lifting skirt of dress.VG, brown patina.
3 commentsSam02/12/18 at 11:12Canaan: Smile

Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis (19mm). Siscia mint
Diademed and mantled bust right / Securitas standing left, holding branch and raising robe; Ð„SIS(double crescent).
RIC VII 218.
Superb golden brown patina. Ch aEF.6 commentsSam02/01/18 at 00:01Sam: Thank you dear friend Alex , it is always a pleasu...

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Elagabalus , AD 218-222.Radiate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / S • C, Î” Ð„ above, eagle below; all within laurel wreath fastened at top with star.
VF, earthen patina.
5.37 Gr.2 commentsSam02/01/18 at 00:00Sam: Thank you dear friend Canaan.

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Laodicea ad Mare. Antoninus Pius. 138-161. Æ 25mm (11.53 Gr).
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right .
Banker's mark . gF, dark patina.
3 commentsSam01/24/18 at 19:20okidoki: CM looks like Tyche nice

City of Rome Commemorative. 330 - 333 A.D.Billon reduced centenionalis (2.58 Gr)
VRBS ROMA, helmeted bust of Roma left wearing imperial mantle /She-wolf standing left, head turned back right, suckling the infant twins Romulus and Remus ,two stars above. SMTSE (Epsilon) in exergue.
Thessalonica (Salonika, Greece) mint /330 - 333 A.D.
Ch VF.1 commentsSam01/23/18 at 18:53Jay GT4: It's OK Sam! Very Happy

Nice Wolf and Twins

Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.

The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.

During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.

FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. 10 commentsSam01/22/18 at 12:14Sam: Thank you , Enodia my dear friend.

Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis (19mm). Siscia mint
Diademed and mantled bust right / Securitas standing left, holding branch and raising robe; Ð„SIS(double crescent).
RIC VII 218.
Superb golden brown patina. Ch aEF.6 commentsSam01/21/18 at 23:17Sam: Thank you dear friend Randy , it is always a pleas...

Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.

The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.

During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.

FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. 10 commentsSam01/21/18 at 22:59Enodia: A beautiful example of THE iconic ancient coin... ...

Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. Æ Follis (19mm). Siscia mint
Diademed and mantled bust right / Securitas standing left, holding branch and raising robe; Ð„SIS(double crescent).
RIC VII 218.
Superb golden brown patina. Ch aEF.6 commentsSam01/21/18 at 22:16Sam: Thank you Jay , it is always an honor.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.83 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215. Laureate head right / Aesculapius standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; globe on ground to right. RIC IV 251; RSC 302. Good VF, lightly toned, flan crack.

From the Matthew Rich Collection. Reportedly ex Michael Trenery FPL (September 1999), no. L 26.
CNG / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
5 commentsSam01/21/18 at 14:00Sam: Thank you dear friend Peter , it is always a pleas...

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.83 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215. Laureate head right / Aesculapius standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; globe on ground to right. RIC IV 251; RSC 302. Good VF, lightly toned, flan crack.

From the Matthew Rich Collection. Reportedly ex Michael Trenery FPL (September 1999), no. L 26.
CNG / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
5 commentsSam01/18/18 at 15:09quadrans: Hi Sam, I do not like Caracalla as a Emperor, but ...

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.84 g, 6h). Rome mint. 15th emission, AD 232. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Providentia (or Annona) standing left, holding cornucopia and grain ears over modius to left. RIC IV 250; BMCRE 875-8; RSC 501b. Choice EF.
FORVM Ancient Coins / Dr. Allan Smith Collection./CNG.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.

Best of the Type :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1432305 commentsSam01/18/18 at 13:01Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , you never missed one. ...

EGYPT, Alexandria. Galba. AD 68-69. (Æ 20) Obol.EGYPT, Alexandria. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Obol (max 21.5 mm, 3.8 gr ).
Obverse : Laureate head right.
Reverse : Canopic jar (Canopus of Osiris) with crowned ram head , L B (date) before.
Dated year 2 (AD 68/9)
Ref: BMC 16. 24, 204 RPC I 5352. aVF, Chocolate patina. Very rare.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.
2 commentsSam01/17/18 at 23:57Sam: Thank you dear friend Oki , it is always a pleasur...

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.83 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215. Laureate head right / Aesculapius standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff; globe on ground to right. RIC IV 251; RSC 302. Good VF, lightly toned, flan crack.

From the Matthew Rich Collection. Reportedly ex Michael Trenery FPL (September 1999), no. L 26.
CNG / The Sam Mansourati Collection.
5 commentsSam01/17/18 at 23:57Sam: Thank you dear friend Jay , it is always a pleasur...

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.84 g, 6h). Rome mint. 15th emission, AD 232. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Providentia (or Annona) standing left, holding cornucopia and grain ears over modius to left. RIC IV 250; BMCRE 875-8; RSC 501b. Choice EF.
FORVM Ancient Coins / Dr. Allan Smith Collection./CNG.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.

Best of the Type :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1432305 commentsSam01/17/18 at 23:56Sam: Thank you dear friends quadrans and Quant. Highly ...

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.84 g, 6h). Rome mint. 15th emission, AD 232. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Providentia (or Annona) standing left, holding cornucopia and grain ears over modius to left. RIC IV 250; BMCRE 875-8; RSC 501b. Choice EF.
FORVM Ancient Coins / Dr. Allan Smith Collection./CNG.
The Sam Mansourati Collection.

Best of the Type :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-1432305 commentsSam01/17/18 at 17:32Quant.Geek: Very nice! Extremely sharp strike...

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