Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

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Vespasian Denarius (Winged caduceus, RIC II 684) v.1VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AR Denarius (19.05mm, 3.26g, 5h)
Struck AD 74. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: PONT MAX TR P COS V around winged caduceus
References: RIC II 684, RCV 2299 var. (obv. leg.)

Lightly toned. Attractive portrait of fine style.
From the Kenneth Bressett Collection (1928 - )
Ex Bill Higgie, 19863 commentsCPK04/07/24 at 12:53Jay GT4: Expressive portrait

Constantius I Follis (HERCVLI VICTORI, RIC VI 40) v.1CONSTANTIUS I as Caesar, AD 293-305
AE Follis (25.21mm, 9.06g, 12h)
Struck AD 304/5. Alexandria mint
Obverse: FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, laureate head of Constantius I right
Reverse: HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules, draped in lion skin, standing facing, head left, leaning on club with right hand and holding apples in left; Δ / S / P in fields, ALE in exergue
References: RIC VI 40, RCV 14078

Well centered and well struck. An extraordinary portrait, in a style more reminiscent of the earlier Flavian/Antonine coinage than that of the Tetrarchy. Detailed reverse.3 commentsCPK04/07/24 at 04:10Jay GT4: Fine style portrait and reverse

GREEK, Alexandria, Euergetes DrachmObv. Diademed head of Zeus Ammon to right, with ram's horn in his hair and over the diadem.
Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; to left, filleted cornucopiae; between eagle's legs, monogram of XP.
Mint: Alexandria, 246-222 BC.

41mm 70.68g

Sv.964; BMC.87; Cop.171; GC.7814; MP.118; CPE. I/2B395. 6 commentskc04/07/24 at 02:24Jay GT4: Massive Beauty!

Septimius Severus Denarius RIC IVa 62Septimius Severus AR denarius

3.45g, 17.5mm, 0 degrees, Rome mint, 195 CE

Attribution: RIC IVa 62. Cohen 363. BMCRE V 118.

O: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP V, laureate head right.

R: PART ARAB PART ADIAB COS II P P, Two captives seated right and left, back to back, on round shields.

8 examples in Reka Devnia, Mouchmov P.99.

Ex-Marc Breitsprecher #54499. Ex VAuction 335, Triskeles Auctions 27, lot 251 (15 Mar 2019).4 commentsRon C204/07/24 at 01:32CPK: Interesting rarity, and a nice coin!

Marseille, Massalia. Obole MA (Ier siècle avant J.-C.)Lettres non bouletées.
10mm; 0.72g; 9h
LT.5801 commentsT.MooT04/07/24 at 01:30CPK: Very clear and sharp!

Béotie, Thèbes statère (363-338 AC)Magistrat KA-ΛΛI
Référence : HGC.4,1334
22.06mm; 12.25g; 12h1 commentsT.MooT04/06/24 at 20:36Justin L1: Stunning!

Julius Caesar Denarius (Portrait/Fasces and caduceus, RRC 480/6) v.1JULIUS CAESAR, 49-44 BC
AR Denarius (18.91mm, 3.53g, 12h)
Struck late February to early March, 44 BC. Rome mint
Obverse: CAESAR DICT PERPETVO, wreathed head of Julius Caesar right
Reverse: L·BVCA, fasces and winged caduceus in saltire; axe, clasped hands, and globe in three quarters
References: RRC 480/6, RCV 1409

Toned. A scarce, late-lifetime portrait denarius of Julius Caesar. Caesar received the title of Dictator Perpetuo (Dictator for Life) in February of 44 BC; this coin would have been struck mere weeks before his assassination on the ides of March that same year.8 commentsCPK04/06/24 at 14:16David Atherton: Fantastic!

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.7 commentsCPK04/06/24 at 13:26kc: Really nice coin and a wonderful caduceus

Sicile, Agrigente (Akragas). Hémidrachme (c. 413-406 AC.)a: Aigle, les ailes déployées debout à droite, dévorant un lièvre.
r: Crabe vu de dessus; au-dessous, un monstre marin nageant à gauche, une patte arrière du crabe dans la gueule.
14mm; 1.83g; 9h
ANS.1014 - MIAMG.38221 commentsT.MooT04/06/24 at 12:56CPK: Artistic!

RIC 0025 Titus DenariusIMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM
Laureate head right

TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P
Quadriga left, with corn ears

Rome; after July 1 79 CE

3.30 g

RIC 25 (C)

Ex-Tom Vossen

Improperly attributed as RIC 1073 under Vespasian, this is a denarius from Titus 2nd issue as Augustus. Wonderful toning in hand. 8 commentsJay GT404/06/24 at 02:21orfew: Wow. Great coin!

Nerva Silver DenariusNerva (18 Sep 96 - 25 Jan 98 CE), Silver Denarius, RIC II 2, RSC II 16, BMCRE III 6, BnF III 3, Hunter I 2, SRCV II -, gVF, boldly and sharply struck on good metal, nicely toned, minor marks, obverse and reverse slightly off-centre, some legends off-flan, plain edge, weight 2.98g, composition Ag, diameter 18.0×17.0mm, thickness 2.42mm, die axis 210°, Rome mint, 19 Sep - Dec 96 CE; obverse IMP N[ERVA CAES AVG] P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head right; reverse [CONCOR]DIA EXERCITVVM (Concord of the Armies), clasped hands; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Silbury Coins (6 Mar 2021); £325.00.6 commentsSerendipity04/06/24 at 00:38CPK: Nice coin!

Trajan Silver DenariusTrajan (25 Jan 98 - 8/9 Aug 117 CE), Silver Denarius, RIC II 315, RSC II 150a, BMCRE III 634, BnF IV 894, Hunter II 206, Strack I 257, Woytek 579v, SRCV II -, Choice gEF, excellent portrait, well-centred on a slightly ragged flan, sharply struck, radiating flow lines, minor marks, edge cracks, plain edge, weight 3.21g, composition Ag, diameter 20.0×18.0mm, thickness 2.85mm, die axis 210°, Rome mint, c.autumn 116 - Aug 117 CE; obverse IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC, laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind; reverse PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Fortuna, veiled and draped, seated left, holding rudder by tiller in right hand, cornucopia in left, FORT RED in exergue; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (26 Feb 2021); ex Michael Kelly Collection, Spink auction 20120 (13 Feb 2020), lot 268; £425.00.6 commentsSerendipity04/06/24 at 00:37CPK: Lovely coin!

Roman, Victorinus, cuirassed bust leftFlawless and superb portrait of Victorinus4 comments04/05/24 at 23:28Dominic T: Wow. If you ever want to sell, please pm me !

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.9 commentsJay GT404/05/24 at 22:17T.MooT: Just read your comment on mine, same die break, fa...

Bruttium, Terina. Nomos, statère ou didrachme (c. 440-425 AC.)a: Tête de la nymphe Terina à gauche, les cheveux ondulés avec collier et boucle d’oreille. Anépigraphe.
r: Niké assise à gauche sur une hydrie couchée, les ailes repliées, nue jusqu’à la ceinture, tenant une [couronne] de la [main droite]. [TEPINAI]ON devant la tête de la nymphe.
22.1mm; 7.36g; 9h1 commentsT.MooT04/05/24 at 19:23Jay GT4: Excellent! I have one with the same die flaw!

Zeno Solidus RIC X 910Zeno AV Solidus

4.43g, 20.5mm, 180 degrees, Constantinople mint, 8th officina, Second Reign, 476-491 CE

Attribution: RIC X 910. Depeyrot 108/1.

O: D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman on left arm.

R: VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long cross; star to right, Officina H, CONOB in exergue.

Ex-CNG eAuction 558 (20 Mar 2024) Lot 705.2 commentsRon C204/05/24 at 12:59Anaximander: ... now boarding Gold Club members. Rolling Eyes

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.8 commentsCPK04/05/24 at 12:39*Alex: Superb elephant, great coin.

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.4 commentskc04/05/24 at 08:50quadrans: Wow 🤗👍

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)4 commentsCPK04/05/24 at 08:43quadrans: Great 🤗👍

Marcian Solidus RIC X 510Marcian AV Solidus

4.44g, 20.5mm, 180 degrees, Constantinople mint, 450-457 CE

Attribution: RIC X 510. Depeyrot 87/1.

O: D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman on left arm.

R: VICTORI-A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; star to right, CONOB in exergue.

Ex-CNG eAuction 558 (20 Mar 2024) Lot 698.1 commentsRon C204/05/24 at 01:44Jay GT4: Great solidus

Klazomenai, IoniaLate 4th century BC
AE12 (12mm, 1.79g)
O: Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with olive leaves, and triple pendant earring.
R: Head of ram to right; KΛΑ below.
Sear 4322
ex JAZ Numismatics
4 commentsEnodia04/05/24 at 01:36CPK: Nice little coin!

Pamphylie, Aspendos AR statère (370-330 AC)BMC.30var
23.5mm; 10.85g; 12h
ex Peus1 commentsT.MooT04/04/24 at 18:19Justin L1: This is an exceptional coin! Thanks for posting.

Commonwealth 1/2 Groat: 1649-1660Issuer: England
Period: Commonwealth (1649-1660)
Years: 1649-1660
Value: 1/2 Groat
Composition: Silver
Measurements: 0.92g; 16mm

Obverse: Shield of England bearing the cross of St. George within wreath.
Reverse: Conjoined shields of England and Ireland below denomination in roman numerals.

Notes: Personal metal detector find Norfolk, England. The Coins struck during the Commonwealth bear St. George’s cross and the Irish Harp in place of the royal arms. Issued when England was without a Monarchy after the beheading of Charles the 1st with the parliament running the country. 1 commentsJustin L104/04/24 at 15:30Callimachus: Nice coin.

1066 - 1087, William I (the Conqueror), AR Penny, Struck 1083 - 1086 at Wallingford, EnglandObverse: + PILLELM REX. Crowned, moustached, facing bust of William I, his right arm across chest holding short sceptre topped with cross over his left shoulder.
Reverse: + IEGLPINE ON PALI. ( Æthelwine on Wallingford) Large cross pattée within circle, each angle within cross holding an annulet, each annulet containing a letter which spells out the word PAXS, all within outer circle.
PAXS type (crown 1)
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 1.1gms | Die Axis: 6h
Spink: 1257 | North 848 | BMC 8
Dark, almost black, tone
Scarce

This coin, part of William's last coinage issue, was struck during the period that his famous Domesday book was being compiled. The issue may have continued to be struck for a short time into the reign of William I's successor, his son William Rufus, who reigned as William II.

William I, known as 'the Conqueror', was born at Falaise in 1027, son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and a girl called Herleve. Following the death, in 1066, of Edward the Confessor, who was childless, the English throne was seized by the powerful Earl Harold Godwinson who claimed, without corroboration, that Edward had named him as his successor on his deathbed. William, Duke of Normandy, a distant relative of Edward, also claimed that Edward had named him as successor to the throne during a period when Harold was in exile.
William invaded England, landing at Pevensey, meeting Harold who, after defeating an invading Norwegian force in the north, had had to make a forced march south from Stamford Bridge. Harold was defeated at the battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066. This battle is commemorated by the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
After his victory at Hastings William marched to London and was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066, according to the ancient English rite. Aldred, archbishop of York performed the ceremony.
William moved quickly to exert control over England, he introduced measures which included the imposition of the Forest Law, setting aside large tracts of land for hunting by the aristocracy.
William constructed numerous castles, including the Tower of London, to maintain order but, despite this, the years following his conquest saw a number of rebellions, all of which were brutally repressed. The social impact of these reprisals was huge because by the time of the Domesday survey in 1085-6 the vast majority of land not directly owned by William was controlled by Norman tenants.
After 1072 William spent the majority of his time in France, where he died. William I's death was the result of him being flung from his horse during fighting at the seige of Mantes. He died of his injuries, around a week later, at St. Gervais priory outside Rouen on the 8th or the 9th of September, 1087. William was buried at St Stephen's church in Caen, though even his funeral was not without its problems because, when his body was being interred, the tomb was found to be too small and William's embalmed remains were damaged when attendants were forced to squeeze them into the space.4 comments*Alex04/04/24 at 13:42Mat: Lucky, congrats.

44 BC Julius Caesar Lifetime Portrait denariusCAESAR DICT PERPETVO
laureate head of Julius Caesar right

L BVCA
Venus seated right holding Victory on extended right hand, transverse scepter in left

Struck Feb - Mar 14th, 44 BC.

3.58g

RCV 1410, RSC 24.

Venus seated' only appears on this one type of Caesar's 'lifetime' issues, on the remainder she is standing.

Lucius Aemilius Buca was a distant relative of the dictator Sulla. This coin was struck within a month of Caesar's murder.

Ex-Incitatus, Ex-CNG Electronic Auction 223, lot 3937 commentsJay GT404/04/24 at 13:23CPK: Very nice JC portrait, and am interesting reverse ...

Australia, Tasmania: Lewis AbrahamsAndrews 1, Renniks 1, KM Tn7

Penny token , copper; dated 1855 and minted by Heaton and Sons of Birmingham, England. 34.0 mm., 0°

Obv.: LEWIS ABRAHAMS / DRAPER / LIVERPOOL STREET / HOBART TOWN

Rev.: Emu facing right and kangaroo facing left, TASMANIA above and 1855 BELOW

Although there is no listing in the Archives Office of Tasmania Pioneer's Database for a Lewis Abrahams, records show that he occupied a house and garden at 19 Bathurst Street in Hobart Town in 1835, and was then in partnership with a certain H.C. Davis in a shop at 102 Liverpool Street. This token indicates that in 1855 he was operating without Davis as a draper on Liverpool Street. It appears that Davis withdrew from the partnership and Abrahams carried on alone.
Abrahams is listed as a contributor to the fund for the construction of the Hobart Synagogue in 1844-1845, and as a “seatholder” (financial member) of the Hobart Hebrew Congregation for some time during the period 1852-1877. He was married in the Hobart Synagogue in December 1855. He died in Hobart in 1860.

Renniks rarity R1 (most frequently seen)2 commentsStkp04/04/24 at 13:16Tracy Aiello: Wonderful token and great historical write-up.

Sextus Pompey Denarius (Pompey/Catanaean brothers, RRC 511/3a) v.1SEXTUS POMPEY, c. 45-35 BC
Son of Pompey the Great
AR Denarius (18.10mm, 3.31g, 11h)
Struck 42-40 BC. Sicily mint
Obverse: MAG • PIVS • IMP • ITER, bare head of Pompey the Great right, jug behind, lituus in front
Reverse: Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and resting right foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus, each bearing one of his parents on shoulders
References: Crawford 511/3a, RCV 1392

Poor surfaces but a decent portrait of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus.1 commentsCPK04/04/24 at 13:13Tracy Aiello: Nice example of a Sextus Pompey denarius.

Carthage, Zeugitania Ae UnitAE Unit
Size: 16 mm, Weight: 3.31 grams, Die Axis: 6h

Carthage, Zeugitania
400 - 350 BCE

Obverse: Wreathed bust of Tanit to left, wearing triple-drop earring.

Reverse: Horse standing to right, palm tree behind, three pellets in triangular formation to right.

References: CNP 194s

Purchased from Colonial Coins & Medals Brisbane, 20041 commentsPharsalos04/04/24 at 00:01Anaximander: Lovely portrait and coloration.

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.”2 commentsPharsalos04/03/24 at 23:58Anaximander: Brilliant! What an incredible reverse!

Euboea Histiaea TetrobolAR Tetrobol 2.30g. 15mm.
3rd Century-146 B.C.
Head of Maenad (the Nymph Histiaea) right, wearing vine wreath, necklace, and earrings.
Histiaea seated r., holding stylis and sail, on prow; legend around; trident below.
ISTI-AIEWN
HGC 4, 1524; cf. SNG Copenhagen 517-5292 commentsBen V.04/03/24 at 23:56Anaximander: ...and unusual with the 'shield' or ...

Vespasian: Augustus 69-79 ADDenomination: AR Denarius
Year: 69-79 AD
Bust: Laureate Head Right
Obverse: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII
Reverse: NEP RED
Type: Neptune standing facing, head left, foot on globe, holding acrostolium and long scepter.
Mint: Antioch
Weight & Measures: 3.27g; 17mm
RIC: RIC 1555
Provenance: Herackles Numismatics (April, 2024)4 commentsJustin L104/03/24 at 23:13Jay GT4: Outstanding coin all around

RIC 085 Domitian as Caesar [Titus] Engraver's ErrorÆ As?, 11.03g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGST (sic); S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 85 (R2, note p. 204, this coin). BMC 747 (Vesp.). BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 82. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Roman Lode VAuction, 2004.

Titus' first issue of bronze coinage in 79 was quite meager, all are fairly rare today. This first issue Domitian as Caesar bronze is either a dupondius or as - the weight suggests the former, the colour of the metal (copperish) the latter. RIC catalogues this issue under Titus, though it is possible it was struck prior to Vespasian's death in June. The reverse legend features an engraver's error - AVGST instead of AVGVST, cited in RIC.

NB: It must be mentioned that engraving errors during Titus' reign were extremely rare.4 commentsDavid Atherton04/03/24 at 23:12Jay GT4: I love it

CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 325/0-315 BC. AR Nomos22mm, 7.16 g, 6h.
Warrior, wearing shield adorned with hippocamp and holding two javelins, on horse prancing left; to left, Nike standing facing, head right, restraining horse; below, M above leg, KAΛ below.
Phalanthos, preparing to throw javelin and holding two others, cloak draped over his arm and billowing behind, riding dolphin right; KAΛ and waves below.
Fischer-Bossert Group 63, 793g (V310/R615) = Vlasto 534 (this coin; cast of coin damaged in photo); HN Italy 893.
Old cabinet tone, flatly struck, numerous scratches, test cut and marks on edge. Near VF.

From the Mesogeios Collection. Ex Edgar L. Owen inventory 5481 (ND); Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; Carlo Strozzi Collection (not in Sangiorgi sale).1 commentsLeo04/03/24 at 14:45Justin L1: Beautiful coin! The wear pattern is lovely.

Euboea Histiaea TetrobolAR Tetrobol 2.30g. 15mm.
3rd Century-146 B.C.
Head of Maenad (the Nymph Histiaea) right, wearing vine wreath, necklace, and earrings.
Histiaea seated r., holding stylis and sail, on prow; legend around; trident below.
ISTI-AIEWN
HGC 4, 1524; cf. SNG Copenhagen 517-5292 commentsBen V.04/03/24 at 11:00Pharsalos: Oh wow, that is a stunning example!

Sicily, Syracuse, Agathocles (317-289 BC), Silver Tetradrachm, struck c.310-305 BC.
Obv/ Head of nymph Arethusa facing left, her hair wreathed with grain, wearing a triple-pendant earring and a pearl necklace, three dolphins swimming around, NK below neck.
Rev/ ΣYPAKOΣIΩN (in exergue); charioteer, wearing a long chiton and holding a kentron (goad) in his right hand and the reins on his left, driving a fast quadriga left, triskeles above, AI monogram in exergue off flan.2 commentspaul188804/03/24 at 10:59Pharsalos: Gorgeous tetradrachm!

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.
6 commentsJay GT404/03/24 at 10:50Pharsalos: Awesome little coin!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0984Obv.: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: IMP XIII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 77-78, Rom, 18mm 3,47g, -vz, Ex. Curtis Clay Collection, (R2), INV:R283
Ex. Harlan J Berk 226th Sale Lot 450
Ex. Gorny & Mosch A 152 Lot 2086, 09.10.20061 commentsDirk J04/03/24 at 10:45Pharsalos: Lovely example!

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1433Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P
Rev.: PACI ORB TERR AVG
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 71, Ephesus, 16mm 3,32g, +ss, (C), INV:R293
Ex. LEU Numismatik A 29 Lot 1916, 25.02.2024
Ex. LEU Numismatik A 12 Lot 1076, 15.05.2022
Ex. Gorny & Mosch A 147 Lot 2036, 07.03.2006
Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica A P Lot 1957, 12.05.20051 commentsDirk J04/03/24 at 10:42Pharsalos: Beautiful portraits both sides.

Persia, Alexandrine Empire Stater (Baal/lion, Nicolet-Pierre 7) v.1STAMENES – SELEUKOS as satraps of Babylon, 328/3-311 BC
AR Stater (22.76mm, 16.71 g, 12h)
Struck 328/3-311 BC. Babylon mint
Obverse: Baal seated left, holding scepter propped on knee
Reverse: Lion advancing left; Γ above
References: Nicolet-Pierre 7

Lightly toned.1 commentsCPK04/03/24 at 10:40Pharsalos: Great example of such an interesting type.

RIC 0186 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.63g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax std. l., with branch and sceptre
RIC 186 (R2, this coin). BMC -. BNC 521.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 10. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Schulman 254, 11-12 November 1971, lot 3376. Ex Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet, The Hague.

An extremely rare sestertius variety featuring Pax seated on the reverse. Normally on Vespasian's bronze coins she is seen standing or leaning on a column. The provenance presented quite a puzzle. Clay writes 'same dies' as the RIC plate coin from the Hague collection, but clearly it is the same piece! The Hague collection was incorporated into the Geldmuseum of Utretch, which in turn was closed in 2013. Most of the Geldmuseum coins were sent to the Dutch National Bank where they reside today. Clay may have purchased the coin in 1971 via Schulman auction 254 which listed this coin (lot 3376) from the Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet. RIC erroneously assumed the piece was still part of the Royal Cabinet collection when it was transferred to the Geldmuseum! The auction provenance was either forgotten or lost.

High relief portrait in fine style.3 commentsDavid Atherton04/03/24 at 09:56Pharsalos: Beautiful coin and what an exciting provenance!

Very rare Hadrian PATIENTIA AVGVSTI PPVery rare Hadrian denarius showing Patientia
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS PP
Rev. PATIENTIA AVGVSTI / COS III
3.45g, 17mm
RIC 365
This coin is the only Roman coin depicting PATIENTIA.
1 commentsMichas04/02/24 at 13:40CPK: Very nice!

Galatia/Cappadocia, Neoclaudiopolis AE (Trajan/bound captive, RPC 2906A) v.1GALATIA-CAPPADOCIA, NEOCLAUDIOPOLIS
Time of Trajan
AE (26.02mm, 11.44g, 6h)
Struck AD 109/10
Obverse: ΑΥΤ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ ΔΑΚΙΚΟϹ, laureate and cuirassed bust of Trajan right, seen from rear
Reverse: ΝΕΟΚΛΑΥΔΙΟΠΟΛΕΙΤωΝ ΕΤΟΥϹ, Dacia, bound, seated on rocks right; ΡΙΕ in exergue
References: RPC III 2906A.2 (this coin)

An interesting and extremely rare type, apparently unknown except for this coin and one other specimen, both cited by RPC Online.2 commentsCPK04/02/24 at 10:42*Alex: Shocked

Great find. Congratulations.

Domitian - AR cistophoric tetradrachmstruck in Rome for province Asia
c. 82 AD
laureate head right
IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG
legionary eagle between two standards, one surmounted by banner and the other surmounted by hand
RPC II, 868; RIC 227
10,8g 25mm2 commentsJ. B.04/02/24 at 06:26David Atherton: Super example!

20mm, 7.87 g, 5h
Rider on horseback l., holding shield.
Rev. Phalanthos, holding torch, seated on dolphin l.; below, retrograde Σ / ΤΑΡΑΣ.
Vlasto 312. SNG ANS 874 (these dies). Fischer-Bossert 337f.
Rare. Struck on a very broad flan and with an attractive old cabinet tone.
Light graffito on reverse, otherwise good very fine.2 commentsLeo04/02/24 at 03:59Curtis JJ: What a beautiful coin!

Lysimachos Tetradrachm (Deified Alexander/Athena, Stockholm 845) v.1LYSIMACHOS, 306-281 BC
AR Tetradrachm (28.30mm, 16.15g, 12h)
Struck 297 - 281 BC. Alexandreia Troas mint
Obverse: Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with the horn of Ammon
Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; cornucopia to inner left, Λ under throne
References: SNG Stockholm 845 (same dies)

A rare variant. Toned with scratches on reverse. Well centered portrait of Alexander the Great in fine style.4 commentsCPK04/02/24 at 03:05David Atherton: Fantastic!

Tiberius, 14 - 37 AD Obv: Î£EBAÎ£TOÎ£ Î£EB(AÎ£TOY KAIÎ£AP), laureate head of Tiberius facing right.

Rev: (KENNATÎ©N KAI Î›AÎ›AÎ£Î£EÎ©N) around edge; (AP)XIEPE(Î©Î£) / AIANTOÎ£ above, TEYKPOY / TOÎ APOXOY / EÎ I Î”IOÎ”Î© below thunderbolt; E (year 5) on right.

Æ 24, Olba, Cilicia mint, c. 14 - 16 AD

12.4 grams, 24.2 mm, 270°

GIC 287, RPC I 3731, SNG Levante 637, SNG Paris 829 (same obv. die)

Ex: FORVM1 commentsMatt Inglima04/02/24 at 01:59CPK: Fabulous portrait!

Antigonos II Gonatas, 277 - 239 BC. AE20. Struck at an uncertain mint in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Head of Athena, in crested Corinthian helmet, facing right.
Reverse: Pan advancing right, erecting trophy of Gallic arms. B - A across upper field; ANTI monogram of Antigonos between Pan's feet; helmet symbol in field to left.
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 4.82gms | Die Axis: 12
SNG Alpha Bank 1017 | Sear GCV 6786

Antigonos II Gonatas was the son of Demetrios Poliorketes, himself the son of Antigonos I Monophthalmus, who then controlled much of Asia. The origin of the nickname Gonatas is unknown. Antigonos' mother was Phila, the daughter of Antipater, who had controlled Macedonia and the rest of Greece since 334 BC and was recognized as regent of the empire, which in theory remained united. In the year of Antigonos Gonatas' birth, however, Antipater died, leading to further struggles for dominance. After coming closer than anyone to reuniting the empire of Alexander, Antigonos Monophthalmus was defeated and killed in the great Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC and the territory he formerly controlled was divided among his enemies, which included Kassander, Ptolemy and Lysimachus.
The fate of Antigonos Gonatas was closely tied with that of his father Demetrios, who had escaped from the battle with 9,000 troops. Jealousy among the victors eventually allowed Demetrios to regain part of the power his father had lost. He conquered Athens and, in 294 BC, he seized the throne of Macedonia from Alexander, the son of Kassander. Because Antigonos Gonatas was the grandson of Antipater and the nephew of Kassander through his mother, his presence helped to reconcile the supporters of these former kings to the rule of his father.
In the winter of 279 BC, a great horde of Gauls under their leader Brennus descended on Macedonia from the north. After plundering Macedonia, the Gauls invaded further regions of Greece, moving southwards. Antigonos cooperated in the defence of Greece, but the Aetolians took the lead in defeating the Gauls. In 278 BC a Greek army with a large Aetolian contingent checked the Gauls at Thermopylae and Delphi, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing them to retreat.
The next year (277 BC), Antigonos sailed to the Hellespont, landing near Lysimachia at the neck of the Thracian Chersonese. When an army of Gauls under the command of Cerethrius appeared, Antigonos laid an ambush. He abandoned his camp, beached his ships and concealed his men. The Gauls looted the camp but, when they started to attack the ships, Antigonos's army appeared, trapping them with the sea to their backs. The Gauls were utterly defeated at the Battle of Lysimachia, and, after this resounding victory, Antigonos claimed the Macedonian throne.
In 239 BC, at the age of 80, Antigonos II Gonatas died and left his kingdom to his son Demetrios II Aetolicus, who was to reign for the next 10 years. Except for a short period when he defeated the Gauls, Antigonos was not a heroic or successful military leader. His skills were mainly political and he preferred to rely on cunning, patience, and persistence to achieve his goals.1 comments*Alex04/01/24 at 23:58Tracy Aiello: Nice coin, Alex, and wonderful write-up.

RIC 0186 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.63g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax std. l., with branch and sceptre
RIC 186 (R2, this coin). BMC -. BNC 521.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 10. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Schulman 254, 11-12 November 1971, lot 3376. Ex Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet, The Hague.

An extremely rare sestertius variety featuring Pax seated on the reverse. Normally on Vespasian's bronze coins she is seen standing or leaning on a column. The provenance presented quite a puzzle. Clay writes 'same dies' as the RIC plate coin from the Hague collection, but clearly it is the same piece! The Hague collection was incorporated into the Geldmuseum of Utretch, which in turn was closed in 2013. Most of the Geldmuseum coins were sent to the Dutch National Bank where they reside today. Clay may have purchased the coin in 1971 via Schulman auction 254 which listed this coin (lot 3376) from the Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet. RIC erroneously assumed the piece was still part of the Royal Cabinet collection when it was transferred to the Geldmuseum! The auction provenance was either forgotten or lost.

High relief portrait in fine style.3 commentsDavid Atherton04/01/24 at 11:28CPK: An extraordinary coin and an impressive provenance...

Athens - AR drachm431-393 BC
head of Athena right - almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll
owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent left
AΘE
SNG Cop 41; Kroll 10; Dewing 1601; Svoronos pl. 11, 20; HGC 4 1631
4,2g 14mm2 commentsJ. B.04/01/24 at 01:48CPK: Distinctive portrait of Athena! Nice coin.

Tiberius and Augustus - AntiochAR tetradrachm
14-37 AD
laureate head of Tiberius right
ΤΙΒΕΡΙΟΣ ΣΕΒΑ_ΣΤΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ
radiate head of Augustus right
ΘΕΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ
RPC I, 4161; Cop 144, Prieur 60, McAlee 211
12,5g 25mm
ex Gorny & Mosch1 commentsJ. B.03/31/24 at 22:08CPK: Nice coin.

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0371Obv.: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT
Rev.:
Vespasian 69-79, Titus als Ceasar, Denar 72-73, Rom, 19mm 3,00g, ss, (R2), INV:R291
Ex. G. Hirsch Nachf. A 386 Lot 1308, 07.02.20241 commentsDirk J03/31/24 at 11:52Jay GT4: Outstanding

RIC II 1² Vespasian 1422 var.Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P
Rev.: PACI ORB T(E)RR AVG
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 70, Ephesus, 18mm 3,46g, ss-vz, (R), var. PACI ORB TRR AVG, INV:R292
Ex. LEU Numismatik A 29 Lot 1912, 25.02.2024
Ex. Hess Divo A 324 Lot 16, 23.10.20131 commentsDirk J03/31/24 at 11:51Jay GT4: Great Ephesian style portraits

RIC II 1² Vespasian 0979Obv.: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: IMP XIX
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 77-78, Rom, 18mm 2,94g, s-ss, (R2), INV:R290
Ex. G. Hirsch Nachf. A 386 Lot 1298, 07.02.2024 1 commentsDirk J03/31/24 at 11:50Jay GT4: Great type. Congrats

Galba: Augustus 68-69 ADGalba AR Denarius
Denomination: AR Denarius
Year: Jul 68-Jan 69 AD
Bust: Laureate head right
Obverse: IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG PM
Reverse: NO LEGEND
Type: Naked Virtus standing facing, holding spear en parazonium, VIR-TVS across field.
Mint: Rome
Weight & Measures: 3.44g; 19mm
References: RIC 236, Cohen 343, BMC page 316, Sear- RR

Translation: OB: Imperator Servius Galba Caesar Augustus Pontifex Maximus; for Emperor Servius Galba Caesar, Supreme ruler, and High Priest.
Translation: Rev: Virtus

Notes: Virtus (Classical Latin: [ˈwɪrt̪uːs̠]) was a specific virtue in Ancient Rome. It carries connotations of valor, masculinity, excellence, courage, character, and worth, perceived as masculine strengths.
2 commentsJustin L103/30/24 at 17:13CPK: A superb Galba denarius.

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