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Last comments - Steve E's Gallery
Ptolemy_X_pan.jpg
Ptolemaic Kingdom, Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos, 80 - 58 B.C. and 55 - 51 B.C.AR Tetradrachm, (Sovornos 1868~Cleopatra VII), (SNG Cop 391), Weight 14.1g, Max. diameter 24.15mm, Paphos mint (Alexandria mint in some refs.) year 21 (60/61 B.C.), Obv. Diademed head of Ptolemy Soter right, wearing aegis, Rev. ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt (off flan); L KA (date) before; ΠA behind, Background toning with some pitting on obv.


There is some disagreement between references as to which ruler it is assigned to. And the mint.

Background info courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

In 80 B.C., Ptolemy XI was removed from the throne by the Egyptian people after he killed his coregent and step-mother Berenice III. Since he had no male heir, the oldest (illegitimate) son of Ptolemy IX was made King Ptolemy XII. Ptolemy XI had left the throne to Rome in his will, but Rome did not challenge Ptolemy XII's succession because the Senate did not want an Egyptian expansion.

Ptolemy XII was a weak and unpopular ruler. He was awarded the belittling title Auletes - the flute player. Deposed by his own subjects in 58 B.C., he regained his throne with Roman assistance. His daughter, the famous Cleopatra VII, was the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt.

Ex. Aegean Numismatics
Ex. CNG auction 91 lot 75

Pictured on Wildwinds
2 commentsSteve E09/23/13 at 16:24Sosius: Nice coin of Cleopatra's daddy!
had_den_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC II 45a, (RSC II 1027), weight 2.47g, max. diameter 19mm, Rome mint, 118 A.D.; Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bare-chest bust right, drapery on left shoulder; Rev. P M TR P COS II, Pietas standing left, veiled, raising right hand, PIE-TAS across fields; Scarce, nice toning.

Ex. Sphinx Numismatics

Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

Pietas in traditional Latin usage expressed a complex, highly valued Roman virtue; a man or woman with pietas respected his or her responsibilities to other people, gods and entities (such as the state), and understood his or her place in society with respect to others.
4 commentsSteve E09/23/13 at 16:22Sosius: Nice bust, and thanks for the explanation of Pieta...
Had__drachm_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Roman Provincial EgyptBronze drachm, (Geissen 1001); (Dattari 1808); (Milne 1276); (SNG Cop 350); (BMC Alexandria p. 92, 785); (Kampmann-Ganschow 32.470); (Emmett 1014), weight 27.286g, max. diameter 35.5mm, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 128 - 28 Aug 129; obverse AVT KAIC TPAI ADPIA CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis, from behind; reverse Nilus reclining left on a crocodile right, himation around waist and legs, cornucopia in right from which an infant genius emerges, reed in left, Greek #16 above, L TPICKAI (year 13) in ex.Thin olive green patina.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

The Greek numeral sixteen (Ις) above Nilus refers to what was considered the ideal height of the annual Nile flood, sixteen cubits. Less could mean drought or famine. Even in modern times grand celebrations were held when the flood reached 16 cubits. In years when the flood failed to reach 16 cubits, the celebrations were canceled, and prayers and fasting were held instead. The peak flood occured at the end of August, which explains why the Egyptian year began on 29 August.

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Ex Rusty Romans
4 commentsSteve E09/23/13 at 16:21Sosius: Nice Nilus, Steve!
chinese_charm_pan.jpg
Chinese Charm with coin inscription from Later Zhou Dynasty 951 - 960 A.D.Cast Bronze Chinese Charm, Weight 8.8g, Max diameter 26.8mm, Obv. 周 元通宝 zhou yuan tong bao "Zhou First Currency", Rev. Dragon on left, Warrior with sword on right (depicting "Zhou Chu killing the dragon"), Rich brown patina.

Background info courtsey Primaltrek.com

In addition to official coinage, China also has a long history of producing "coin-like" charms, amulets and talismans.

Coins, as a form of money, represent power. Coin-shaped charms are, therefore, a very compact form of power. They are filled with symbolism and are believed by the multitude of Chinese to have vast powers.

Cast throughout the centuries, these ancient charms, informally referred to by the Chinese as "ya sheng coins" (压胜钱), "flower coins" (huaqian 花钱) or "play coins" (wanqian 玩钱), were not used as money but rather to suppress evil spirits, bring "good luck", "good fortune" and to avert misfortune.

For the most part, all these old charms,...were privately cast and their quantities and dates are almost impossible to determine. Nevertheless, they serve as important cultural artifacts from the life of the common Chinese throughout the centuries.

Emperor Shizong did cast coins in earnest beginning in 955 AD, the second year of his Xiande (显德) reign, with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao (周 元通宝). To obtain the copper to make the coins, Emperor Shizong ordered the confiscation of bronze statues from 3,336 Buddhist temples. He also mandated that citizens turn in to the government all bronze utensils with the exception of bronze mirrors.

Zhou yuan tong bao coins are very well made and still exist in large quantities. Because the coins were made from Buddhist statues, they are considered to have special powers. For example, it was believed that the zhou yuan tong bao coin could cure malaria and help women going through a difficult labor.

Because of the common belief that the coin has special powers, the zhou yuan tong bao became very popular as the basis for charms and amulets. There are many charms with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao on the obverse and a dragon and phoenix on the reverse. Images of the Buddha, zodiac animals, and other auspicious objects can also be found on the reverse sides of zhou yuan tong bao charms.

The theme of this charm is "Zhou Chu killing the dragon".

A folk story about Zhou Chu appeared in the 430AD book "A New Account of the Tales of the World" and proved to be very popular. The story claims that Zhou Chu was such a hot-headed bully in his younger days that he was called one of the "Three Scourges" by the villagers in his hometown (in today's Yixing), along with a dragon and a tiger. Upon hearing the term, Zhou Chu went on to kill the tiger and the dragon. After he and the dragon disappeared for 3 days fighting in Lake Tai, the villagers celebrated wildly, just when Zhou Chu returned with the dragon's head. That was when he realized that he was the last scourge that the villagers feared. Determined to mend his old ways, he sought out Eastern Wu generals Lu Ji and Lu Yun, and received encouragement. Eventually he became an accomplished general beloved by his people~Wikipedia
3 commentsSteve E09/23/13 at 01:56Enodia: what an interesting piece. nicely detailed account...
rhodes_pan.jpg
Mylasa, Caria, c. 170 - 130 B.C. Silver Pseudo-Rhodian (drachm*), Ashton NC 1992, 255, SNG Kayhan 846, weight 2.2 g, maximum diameter 15.86 mm, Mylasa mint, c. 170 - 130 B.C.; Obv. facing head of Helios with eagle superimposed on r. cheek, hair loose; Rev. rose with bud/stem to right,(left bud off flan**) monogram left, ΠΕ & A to right. Same obv. die as Ashton 255 & Kayhan 846. Some surface roughness on top of both sides.

*Ashton, Kayhan, & Sear all describe this denom. as "drachm", though considerably underweight according to the Rhodian standard. Apparently these immitatives use the lower weight.

**Kayhan 846 plate shows stems and buds going both left and right. (but only describes the bud to the left), Ashton's plate also shows on both sides, and describes as such when in combination with letters /monograms. My example, is an Obv. die match, though the Rev. is not an exact die match, but is very close (probably same hand), and shows the right stem and bud clearly, but the left is off flan. Ashton identifies 107 Obv. dies in this series, and none of the rest are even close to the style of #255. This Obv. is shown with one other Rev. type(different letters).

Note; Ashton concludes the top two letters (on these later type with 4-5 letters/monograms) are abbrieviations for the month they were struck by the particular magistrate. (1st two letters in the Macedonian calender months used in Mylasa at the time) In my coin ΠΕ are for ΠΕΡΙΘΙOΣ or Peritios, the 10th month. He also concludes the monogram and lower letter abbrieviate the magistrate's name. Also, though he knows of no metrological analysis, the the quality of the silver seems to be somewhat debased compared to the Rhodian and early Pseudo-Rhodian issues.(most of the CH 4 hoard were of this later type, and were covered in a thick black patina{that were harshly cleaned}, the few earlier series and the one Rhodian type didn't have this patina and seemed to be of higher quality silver)

Historical background; courtsey Forvm Ancient Coins

Mylasa (Milas, Turkey today) was often mentioned by ancient writers. The first mention is from early 7th century B.C., when Arselis, a Carian leader from Mylasa, helped Gyges in his fight for the Lydian throne. Under Persia, Mylasa was the chief city of Caria. Mylasa joined the Delian League c. 455 B.C., but Persian rule was restored by 400. Mylasa was the hometown and first capital of the Hecatomnid dynasty, nominally Persian satraps, but practically kings of Caria and the surrounding region, 377 - 352 B.C. In the Hellenistic era, the city was contested by Alexander's successors, but prospered. Mylasa was severely damaged in the Roman Civil War in 40 B.C., but again regained prosperity under Roman rule.



Ex. Aegean Nunismatics
2 commentsSteve E09/01/13 at 21:41Augustin Caron: Beautiful and interesting. A Kayhan.846 slightly t...
adramytteionpan1.jpg
Adramytteion, Mysia, 187 - 133 B. C.AE12; (Weber 4949); weight 2.1g, max. diameter 12.83mm; Obv.laureate head of Zeus, facing slightly right, Rev. ΑΔΡΑ above, M-Y(in retrograde) below bird, eagle standing left on rock; grain ear before. Green patina.

The city is said to have been named after its founder, Adramys (also Adromos, Adromon or Adromus), notable for being a brother of king Kroisos of Lydia. Sear GCV II p. 355

Ex. Aegean Numismatics
8 commentsSteve E08/10/13 at 07:13Augustin Caron: Superb example! Congratulations!
herakles_syracuse_pan.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Pyrrhus of Epirus, 278 - 276 B.C.Bronze litra, SNG ANS SicilyIII 853; SGCV I 1214; (Calciati II p. 321, 176); (SNG Cop 813), weight 10.64 g, max. diameter 23.18 mm, Syracuse mint, 278 - 276 B.C.; obv. head of Herakles left, clad in lion's scalp head-dress; rev.
ΣΥΡΑ−ΚΟΣΙΩΝ, Athena Promachos advancing right, hurling thunderbolt with right, shield in left. A thick, dark olive green patina. Very fine style engraving! One of the nicest I've seen of Herakles on a bronze coin!

Background info. courtesy, Forvm Ancient Coins

In 279 BC, Pyrrhus forces, supporting the Greek cities of southern Italy, met and defeated the Romans at the battle of Asculum in Apulia. Pyrrhus, however, lost many men, several close associates, and all of his baggage. When one of his soldiers congratulated him on his victory, he famously replied: "Another such victory and we are ruined!" From this we have the term Pyrric victory, a victory achieved at ruinous cost.

Ex Roma Numismatics from Auction II; 2 Oct. 2011 pictured as lot 146
4 commentsSteve E08/10/13 at 07:11Augustin Caron: Gorgeous !
phil_II_pan.jpg
Phillip II, Macedonian Kingdom, 359 -336 B.C.Bronze 1/4 unit, SNG Alpha Bank 439 - 454 (Symbols off flan on rev., uncertain mint). c. 325 - 306 B.C. (many posthumous issues minted for Phillip II), weight 1.2 g. max. diameter 10.5 mm, Obv. head of Herakles r. wearing lion skin headdress, Rev. (Φ)ΙΛΙΠ above, (Π)OY below, club in between. Bright green patina with some earthen deposits.2 commentsSteve E08/10/13 at 07:10Augustin Caron: Beautiful !
istros_pan.jpg
Istros, Thrace, c. 350 - 250 B.C.Bronze AE 15, SNG Stancomb 176-online, (BMC Thrace p. 26, 15); (SNG BM Black Sea 260); Weight 3.571 g, max. diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 180o, Istros mint, c. 350 - 250 B.C.; obv. horned head of river-god Istros (Danube) facing slightly right; rev. ΙΣΤΡΙ, sea-eagle grasping dolphin in talons; nice blue-green patina.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient coins;

Istros is probably the oldest Greek colony on the Black Sea, and was founded in 657 - 656 B.C. or sometime between 630 and 620 B.C. by Milesian settlers in a strategic position near the Danube Delta.

Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins
3 commentsSteve E08/01/13 at 20:00Augustin Caron: Beautiful !
Had__drachm_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Roman Provincial EgyptBronze drachm, (Geissen 1001); (Dattari 1808); (Milne 1276); (SNG Cop 350); (BMC Alexandria p. 92, 785); (Kampmann-Ganschow 32.470); (Emmett 1014), weight 27.286g, max. diameter 35.5mm, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 128 - 28 Aug 129; obverse AVT KAIC TPAI ADPIA CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis, from behind; reverse Nilus reclining left on a crocodile right, himation around waist and legs, cornucopia in right from which an infant genius emerges, reed in left, Greek #16 above, L TPICKAI (year 13) in ex.Thin olive green patina.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

The Greek numeral sixteen (Ις) above Nilus refers to what was considered the ideal height of the annual Nile flood, sixteen cubits. Less could mean drought or famine. Even in modern times grand celebrations were held when the flood reached 16 cubits. In years when the flood failed to reach 16 cubits, the celebrations were canceled, and prayers and fasting were held instead. The peak flood occured at the end of August, which explains why the Egyptian year began on 29 August.

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Ex Rusty Romans
4 commentsSteve E07/30/13 at 00:59Randygeki(h2): Indeed, nice addition!
Ptolemy_X_pan.jpg
Ptolemaic Kingdom, Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos, 80 - 58 B.C. and 55 - 51 B.C.AR Tetradrachm, (Sovornos 1868~Cleopatra VII), (SNG Cop 391), Weight 14.1g, Max. diameter 24.15mm, Paphos mint (Alexandria mint in some refs.) year 21 (60/61 B.C.), Obv. Diademed head of Ptolemy Soter right, wearing aegis, Rev. ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt (off flan); L KA (date) before; ΠA behind, Background toning with some pitting on obv.


There is some disagreement between references as to which ruler it is assigned to. And the mint.

Background info courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

In 80 B.C., Ptolemy XI was removed from the throne by the Egyptian people after he killed his coregent and step-mother Berenice III. Since he had no male heir, the oldest (illegitimate) son of Ptolemy IX was made King Ptolemy XII. Ptolemy XI had left the throne to Rome in his will, but Rome did not challenge Ptolemy XII's succession because the Senate did not want an Egyptian expansion.

Ptolemy XII was a weak and unpopular ruler. He was awarded the belittling title Auletes - the flute player. Deposed by his own subjects in 58 B.C., he regained his throne with Roman assistance. His daughter, the famous Cleopatra VII, was the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt.

Ex. Aegean Numismatics
Ex. CNG auction 91 lot 75

Pictured on Wildwinds
2 commentsSteve E07/30/13 at 00:58Randygeki(h2): very nice!
chinese_charm_pan.jpg
Chinese Charm with coin inscription from Later Zhou Dynasty 951 - 960 A.D.Cast Bronze Chinese Charm, Weight 8.8g, Max diameter 26.8mm, Obv. 周 元通宝 zhou yuan tong bao "Zhou First Currency", Rev. Dragon on left, Warrior with sword on right (depicting "Zhou Chu killing the dragon"), Rich brown patina.

Background info courtsey Primaltrek.com

In addition to official coinage, China also has a long history of producing "coin-like" charms, amulets and talismans.

Coins, as a form of money, represent power. Coin-shaped charms are, therefore, a very compact form of power. They are filled with symbolism and are believed by the multitude of Chinese to have vast powers.

Cast throughout the centuries, these ancient charms, informally referred to by the Chinese as "ya sheng coins" (压胜钱), "flower coins" (huaqian 花钱) or "play coins" (wanqian 玩钱), were not used as money but rather to suppress evil spirits, bring "good luck", "good fortune" and to avert misfortune.

For the most part, all these old charms,...were privately cast and their quantities and dates are almost impossible to determine. Nevertheless, they serve as important cultural artifacts from the life of the common Chinese throughout the centuries.

Emperor Shizong did cast coins in earnest beginning in 955 AD, the second year of his Xiande (显德) reign, with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao (周 元通宝). To obtain the copper to make the coins, Emperor Shizong ordered the confiscation of bronze statues from 3,336 Buddhist temples. He also mandated that citizens turn in to the government all bronze utensils with the exception of bronze mirrors.

Zhou yuan tong bao coins are very well made and still exist in large quantities. Because the coins were made from Buddhist statues, they are considered to have special powers. For example, it was believed that the zhou yuan tong bao coin could cure malaria and help women going through a difficult labor.

Because of the common belief that the coin has special powers, the zhou yuan tong bao became very popular as the basis for charms and amulets. There are many charms with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao on the obverse and a dragon and phoenix on the reverse. Images of the Buddha, zodiac animals, and other auspicious objects can also be found on the reverse sides of zhou yuan tong bao charms.

The theme of this charm is "Zhou Chu killing the dragon".

A folk story about Zhou Chu appeared in the 430AD book "A New Account of the Tales of the World" and proved to be very popular. The story claims that Zhou Chu was such a hot-headed bully in his younger days that he was called one of the "Three Scourges" by the villagers in his hometown (in today's Yixing), along with a dragon and a tiger. Upon hearing the term, Zhou Chu went on to kill the tiger and the dragon. After he and the dragon disappeared for 3 days fighting in Lake Tai, the villagers celebrated wildly, just when Zhou Chu returned with the dragon's head. That was when he realized that he was the last scourge that the villagers feared. Determined to mend his old ways, he sought out Eastern Wu generals Lu Ji and Lu Yun, and received encouragement. Eventually he became an accomplished general beloved by his people~Wikipedia
3 commentsSteve E04/11/13 at 00:46Sosius: Great writeup Steve. I really got an education he...
Vesp_Ses_pan.jpg
Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D. Rome mintOrichalcum sestertius, RIC II 460, (BMCRE II 574), weight 23.556g, max. diameter 32.1mm, 180o, Rome mint, 71 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right; reverse SALVS AVGVSTA S C, Salus seated left, patera in extended right, long scepter vertical behind in left. Thin brown patina worn on high points.

Background info courtsey Forvm Ancient Coins

In 71 A.D., the year this coin was struck, Vespasian and his sons celebrated the vanquishing of the Jews with a triumph in Rome. The Jewish historian Josephus was present at the festivities and noted, "It is impossible to do justice in the description of the number of things to be seen and to the magnificence of everything that met the eye...The greatest amazement was caused by the floats. Their size gave grounds for alarm about their stability, for many were three or four stories high...On one float the army could be seen pouring inside the walls, on another was a place running with blood. Others showed defenseless men raising their hands in entreaty, firebrands being hurled at temples or buildings falling on their owners. On yet others were depicted rivers, which, after the destruction and desolation, flowed no longer through tilled fields providing water for men and cattle, but through a land on fire from end to end. It was to such miseries that the Jews doomed themselves by the war...Standing on his individual float was the commander of each of the captured cities showing the way he had been taken prisoner...Spoil in abundance was carried past. None of it compared with that taken from the Temple in Jerusalem...The procession was completed by Vespasian, and, behind him, Titus. Domitian rode on horseback wearing a beautiful uniform and on a mount that was wonderfully well worth seeing...

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

3 commentsSteve E04/03/13 at 02:47Randygeki(h2): nice
Dad_and_Herakles_likeness.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue! Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!
Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.

This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
9 commentsSteve E04/02/13 at 16:07Jay GT4: Awesome!
chinese_charm_pan.jpg
Chinese Charm with coin inscription from Later Zhou Dynasty 951 - 960 A.D.Cast Bronze Chinese Charm, Weight 8.8g, Max diameter 26.8mm, Obv. 周 元通宝 zhou yuan tong bao "Zhou First Currency", Rev. Dragon on left, Warrior with sword on right (depicting "Zhou Chu killing the dragon"), Rich brown patina.

Background info courtsey Primaltrek.com

In addition to official coinage, China also has a long history of producing "coin-like" charms, amulets and talismans.

Coins, as a form of money, represent power. Coin-shaped charms are, therefore, a very compact form of power. They are filled with symbolism and are believed by the multitude of Chinese to have vast powers.

Cast throughout the centuries, these ancient charms, informally referred to by the Chinese as "ya sheng coins" (压胜钱), "flower coins" (huaqian 花钱) or "play coins" (wanqian 玩钱), were not used as money but rather to suppress evil spirits, bring "good luck", "good fortune" and to avert misfortune.

For the most part, all these old charms,...were privately cast and their quantities and dates are almost impossible to determine. Nevertheless, they serve as important cultural artifacts from the life of the common Chinese throughout the centuries.

Emperor Shizong did cast coins in earnest beginning in 955 AD, the second year of his Xiande (显德) reign, with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao (周 元通宝). To obtain the copper to make the coins, Emperor Shizong ordered the confiscation of bronze statues from 3,336 Buddhist temples. He also mandated that citizens turn in to the government all bronze utensils with the exception of bronze mirrors.

Zhou yuan tong bao coins are very well made and still exist in large quantities. Because the coins were made from Buddhist statues, they are considered to have special powers. For example, it was believed that the zhou yuan tong bao coin could cure malaria and help women going through a difficult labor.

Because of the common belief that the coin has special powers, the zhou yuan tong bao became very popular as the basis for charms and amulets. There are many charms with the inscription zhou yuan tong bao on the obverse and a dragon and phoenix on the reverse. Images of the Buddha, zodiac animals, and other auspicious objects can also be found on the reverse sides of zhou yuan tong bao charms.

The theme of this charm is "Zhou Chu killing the dragon".

A folk story about Zhou Chu appeared in the 430AD book "A New Account of the Tales of the World" and proved to be very popular. The story claims that Zhou Chu was such a hot-headed bully in his younger days that he was called one of the "Three Scourges" by the villagers in his hometown (in today's Yixing), along with a dragon and a tiger. Upon hearing the term, Zhou Chu went on to kill the tiger and the dragon. After he and the dragon disappeared for 3 days fighting in Lake Tai, the villagers celebrated wildly, just when Zhou Chu returned with the dragon's head. That was when he realized that he was the last scourge that the villagers feared. Determined to mend his old ways, he sought out Eastern Wu generals Lu Ji and Lu Yun, and received encouragement. Eventually he became an accomplished general beloved by his people~Wikipedia
3 commentsSteve E03/10/13 at 23:19crawforde: Very nice Steve! You always have something worth ...
syracuse_pan.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Second Democracy, 466 - 406 B.C.Bronze tetras, SNG ANS Sicily III 376-380; SGCV I 1184, Lindgren II 549, weight 3.4 g, max. diameter 16.96 mm, Syracuse mint c. 440 - 425 B.C., Obv. ΣYPA, head of Arethusa right, wearing hair in korymbos, necklace and earring, 2 dolphins around; Rev. octopus (cuttlefish) and 3 pellets in round incuse. Brown patina with some light pitting and encrustation.

Among the earliest struck bronze coins minted!
2 commentsSteve E03/04/13 at 19:07crawforde: Very nice condition for one of these! I am keeping...
Had__tet__pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Aegeae, Cilicia mintSilver tetradrachm, (Prieur 720), (SNG Paris 2331), Aegeae mint, weight 13.48g, max. diameter 26.6mm, 132 - 133 A.D.; Obv. AΥTOKΡ KAIΣ TΡAIA AΔΡIANO ΣEB Π Π (mostly off flan), laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Rev. ETOΥΣ •ΘOΡ(year 179=132/3 A.D)• (AIΓEAIΩN mostly off flan), eagle standing facing on harpe, wings spread, head turned right, recumbent goat r. in ex.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

Aegeae issued tetradrachms only during the reigns of Hadrian and Caracalla. The issues were probably related to visits of these emperors to the town or to its famous sanctuary of Asclepius. -- The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms and Their Fractions from 57 BC to AD 253 by Michel and Karin Prieur

The recumbent goat was the symbol for the city of Aegeae. It was a pun on AIGEAIWN (of the city of Aegeae) and AIGEIWN (of the goats). -- The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms and Their Fractions from 57 BC to AD 253 by Michel and Karin Prieur

2 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 23:40Sosius: Lovely coin Smile
tra_pan.jpg
Trajan, 25 Jan. 98 - Aug. 117 A.D.Orichalcum sestertius, RIC II 500, (Cowen 477), weight 21.1 g, maximum diameter 34 mm, Rome mint, obverse IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder; reverse S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C, Fortuna standing left, rudder on prow in right, cornucopia in left. Mottled green patina.

EX. Incitatus Coins
6 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 19:36Sosius: Nice looking sestertius! My Trajan sestertius is ...
LV_RIC_1379.jpg
Lucius Verus 7 Mar. 161 - Feb. 169 A.D. Rome mintOrichalcum sestertius; RIC III 1379, Sear RCV 5376, (BMCRE 1109), (Cowen 224); Rome mint; Weight 21.4gr., Max. Diameter 30.56mm; 164 A.D.; Obv. L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, laureate head right, Rev. TR P IIII IMP II COS II S C, Mars advancing r., carrying spear and trophy. Thin black patina, worn on high spots.

Ex. Andreas Kohn
5 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 19:35Sosius: Strong portrait of Verus. Nice big, heavy coin!
Vesp_SC.jpg
Vespasian, Jul. 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Syrian Provincial Coinage, Struck at RomeOrichalcum as, ANS Journel 7-8(1995-96) McAlee 63, Butcher 4 p.406-407,plate 20; (RPC 1984); (BMC Galatia p. 177, 219); (SNG Cop 172), VF, 5.571g, 22.0mm, 180deg., Rome mint, 74 A.D.(undated); Obv. IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, laureate head of Vespasian left; Rev. S C within laurel wreath; Scarce. Mottled olive patina.

Background info courtesy Richard G. McAlee, ANS Journel 7-8(1995-96).

"During Vespasian's reign orichalcum coins were struck (probably in Rome) for circulation in Syria... They were produced in four denominations... dupondius, as, semis, quadrans... Each denomination was struck bearing the portraits of Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. Some of the coins of Vespasian and Titus are not dated, but all of those which are, as well as all of the coins of Domitian, can be dated to 74. There are reverse die links between the orichalcum asses of all three emperors, indicating that the entire group was struck in 74."

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

Photo by Forvm Ancient Coins
8 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 19:34Sosius: Great portrait and great patina. NEver seen one t...
Had__drachm_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Roman Provincial EgyptBronze drachm, (Geissen 1001); (Dattari 1808); (Milne 1276); (SNG Cop 350); (BMC Alexandria p. 92, 785); (Kampmann-Ganschow 32.470); (Emmett 1014), weight 27.286g, max. diameter 35.5mm, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 128 - 28 Aug 129; obverse AVT KAIC TPAI ADPIA CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis, from behind; reverse Nilus reclining left on a crocodile right, himation around waist and legs, cornucopia in right from which an infant genius emerges, reed in left, Greek #16 above, L TPICKAI (year 13) in ex.Thin olive green patina.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

The Greek numeral sixteen (Ις) above Nilus refers to what was considered the ideal height of the annual Nile flood, sixteen cubits. Less could mean drought or famine. Even in modern times grand celebrations were held when the flood reached 16 cubits. In years when the flood failed to reach 16 cubits, the celebrations were canceled, and prayers and fasting were held instead. The peak flood occured at the end of August, which explains why the Egyptian year began on 29 August.

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Ex Rusty Romans
4 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 19:33Sosius: Nice drachm. Love those Hadrian Egyptian coins
Vesp_Ses_pan.jpg
Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D. Rome mintOrichalcum sestertius, RIC II 460, (BMCRE II 574), weight 23.556g, max. diameter 32.1mm, 180o, Rome mint, 71 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right; reverse SALVS AVGVSTA S C, Salus seated left, patera in extended right, long scepter vertical behind in left. Thin brown patina worn on high points.

Background info courtsey Forvm Ancient Coins

In 71 A.D., the year this coin was struck, Vespasian and his sons celebrated the vanquishing of the Jews with a triumph in Rome. The Jewish historian Josephus was present at the festivities and noted, "It is impossible to do justice in the description of the number of things to be seen and to the magnificence of everything that met the eye...The greatest amazement was caused by the floats. Their size gave grounds for alarm about their stability, for many were three or four stories high...On one float the army could be seen pouring inside the walls, on another was a place running with blood. Others showed defenseless men raising their hands in entreaty, firebrands being hurled at temples or buildings falling on their owners. On yet others were depicted rivers, which, after the destruction and desolation, flowed no longer through tilled fields providing water for men and cattle, but through a land on fire from end to end. It was to such miseries that the Jews doomed themselves by the war...Standing on his individual float was the commander of each of the captured cities showing the way he had been taken prisoner...Spoil in abundance was carried past. None of it compared with that taken from the Temple in Jerusalem...The procession was completed by Vespasian, and, behind him, Titus. Domitian rode on horseback wearing a beautiful uniform and on a mount that was wonderfully well worth seeing...

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

3 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 18:21HELEN S: great portrait you can actually see a smile i love...
rep_lep_pan.jpg
Mn. Aemilius Lepidus, 114 - 113 BCSilver denarius, SRCV I 168, (Crawford 291/1); Rome mint, weight 3.6g, max. diameter 19.07mm, 114 - 113 B.C.; Obv. laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Roma right, ROMA (MA ligate) before, XVI ligature behind; Rev. MN·AEMILIO (MN in monogram), horseman holding vertical spear (equestrian statue) right, on triple-arch containing L-E-P. Attractive toning.

Ex. Roma Numismatics
Ex. Andrew McCabe

Historical background Courtesy;

Forvm Ancient Coins,
The triple-arch probably represents the Aqua Marcia, an aqueduct begun by M. Aemilius Lepidus and M. Fulvius Nobilior as Censors in 179 B.C.

Andrew McCabe,
Northumberland Smyth 1856:
This type is of interest, since it commemorates the construction of the celebrated Aemilian bridge by Manius Aemilius Lepidus, to whom a statue was erected, and who replaced the wooden bridge of Ancus Martius over the Tiber by a stone one. The arched neck of the horse is classic


6 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 17:40crawforde: Beautiful expressive portrait.
Vesp_Ses_pan.jpg
Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D. Rome mintOrichalcum sestertius, RIC II 460, (BMCRE II 574), weight 23.556g, max. diameter 32.1mm, 180o, Rome mint, 71 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right; reverse SALVS AVGVSTA S C, Salus seated left, patera in extended right, long scepter vertical behind in left. Thin brown patina worn on high points.

Background info courtsey Forvm Ancient Coins

In 71 A.D., the year this coin was struck, Vespasian and his sons celebrated the vanquishing of the Jews with a triumph in Rome. The Jewish historian Josephus was present at the festivities and noted, "It is impossible to do justice in the description of the number of things to be seen and to the magnificence of everything that met the eye...The greatest amazement was caused by the floats. Their size gave grounds for alarm about their stability, for many were three or four stories high...On one float the army could be seen pouring inside the walls, on another was a place running with blood. Others showed defenseless men raising their hands in entreaty, firebrands being hurled at temples or buildings falling on their owners. On yet others were depicted rivers, which, after the destruction and desolation, flowed no longer through tilled fields providing water for men and cattle, but through a land on fire from end to end. It was to such miseries that the Jews doomed themselves by the war...Standing on his individual float was the commander of each of the captured cities showing the way he had been taken prisoner...Spoil in abundance was carried past. None of it compared with that taken from the Temple in Jerusalem...The procession was completed by Vespasian, and, behind him, Titus. Domitian rode on horseback wearing a beautiful uniform and on a mount that was wonderfully well worth seeing...

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

3 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 04:24ancientdave: Wonderfully worn and kindly portrait, the emperor ...
Had__drachm_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Roman Provincial EgyptBronze drachm, (Geissen 1001); (Dattari 1808); (Milne 1276); (SNG Cop 350); (BMC Alexandria p. 92, 785); (Kampmann-Ganschow 32.470); (Emmett 1014), weight 27.286g, max. diameter 35.5mm, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 128 - 28 Aug 129; obverse AVT KAIC TPAI ADPIA CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis, from behind; reverse Nilus reclining left on a crocodile right, himation around waist and legs, cornucopia in right from which an infant genius emerges, reed in left, Greek #16 above, L TPICKAI (year 13) in ex.Thin olive green patina.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

The Greek numeral sixteen (Ις) above Nilus refers to what was considered the ideal height of the annual Nile flood, sixteen cubits. Less could mean drought or famine. Even in modern times grand celebrations were held when the flood reached 16 cubits. In years when the flood failed to reach 16 cubits, the celebrations were canceled, and prayers and fasting were held instead. The peak flood occured at the end of August, which explains why the Egyptian year began on 29 August.

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Ex Rusty Romans
4 commentsSteve E03/02/13 at 04:11ancientdave: Cool looking coin! Love the color!
rep_lep_pan.jpg
Mn. Aemilius Lepidus, 114 - 113 BCSilver denarius, SRCV I 168, (Crawford 291/1); Rome mint, weight 3.6g, max. diameter 19.07mm, 114 - 113 B.C.; Obv. laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Roma right, ROMA (MA ligate) before, XVI ligature behind; Rev. MN·AEMILIO (MN in monogram), horseman holding vertical spear (equestrian statue) right, on triple-arch containing L-E-P. Attractive toning.

Ex. Roma Numismatics
Ex. Andrew McCabe

Historical background Courtesy;

Forvm Ancient Coins,
The triple-arch probably represents the Aqua Marcia, an aqueduct begun by M. Aemilius Lepidus and M. Fulvius Nobilior as Censors in 179 B.C.

Andrew McCabe,
Northumberland Smyth 1856:
This type is of interest, since it commemorates the construction of the celebrated Aemilian bridge by Manius Aemilius Lepidus, to whom a statue was erected, and who replaced the wooden bridge of Ancus Martius over the Tiber by a stone one. The arched neck of the horse is classic


6 commentsSteve E03/01/13 at 21:45Sosius: Great reverse.
Maximinus_I_pan.jpg
Maximinus I, 19 Mar.235 to May/Jun. 238 AD, Rome mintOrichalcum sestertius, RIC IV 43, Sear RCV 8327, (BMCRE 2, 63), (Cowen 10); Rome mint; Weight 27.13gr., Max. Diameter 30.58mm; 235-6 A.D.; Obv. IMP MAXIMINUS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped and cuirassed bust right, Rev. FIDES MILTVM S C, Fides Militum stg. l., holding standard in each hand. Thin brown/green patina worn on high spots.
Pleasant portrait without the usual exagerrated chin and nose!

Ex. Roma Numismatics
1 commentsSteve E03/01/13 at 21:44Sosius: Nice!
Domitian_pan1.jpg
Domitian, 13 Sep. 81 to 19 Sep. 96 AD, Rome mintCopper AS; Sear 2817, RIC 397; Rome mint; Weight 13.5 gr., max diameter 29.25 mm; AD 90/91; Obv. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER PP, laureate head right, Rev. VIRTVTI AVGVSTI S C, Virtus stg. r. left foot on helmit, holding spear and parazonium; Thick green patina with red spots and light encrustation.

Ex. Richard L. Horst
2 commentsSteve E03/01/13 at 21:42Sosius: Nice patina!
syracuse_pan.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Second Democracy, 466 - 406 B.C.Bronze tetras, SNG ANS Sicily III 376-380; SGCV I 1184, Lindgren II 549, weight 3.4 g, max. diameter 16.96 mm, Syracuse mint c. 440 - 425 B.C., Obv. ΣYPA, head of Arethusa right, wearing hair in korymbos, necklace and earring, 2 dolphins around; Rev. octopus (cuttlefish) and 3 pellets in round incuse. Brown patina with some light pitting and encrustation.

Among the earliest struck bronze coins minted!
2 commentsSteve E02/25/13 at 20:57Randygeki(h2): I really like this type, and hopefully can get one...
pant_pan.jpg
Pantikapaion, Thrace, 325 - 310 B.C.Bronze AE 17, McDonald 67, SNG Puskin Museum 934-948, (SNG BM Black Sea 890), (SNG Cop 32), NGC Choice VF, Pantikapaion mint, weight 4.5g, max. diameter 17.4mm, Obv. beared head of saytr left; Rev. ΠAN, head of bull 3/4 left, (the bull's left horn continues off flan onto the sprue). Smooth clay-brown patina, rated by NGC 4/5 for strike and 4/5 for surface (some deposits) No longer encased in the plastic tomb.

Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins
2 commentsSteve E02/25/13 at 20:57Randygeki(h2): Excellent coin!
phil_II_pan.jpg
Phillip II, Macedonian Kingdom, 359 -336 B.C.Bronze 1/4 unit, SNG Alpha Bank 439 - 454 (Symbols off flan on rev., uncertain mint). c. 325 - 306 B.C. (many posthumous issues minted for Phillip II), weight 1.2 g. max. diameter 10.5 mm, Obv. head of Herakles r. wearing lion skin headdress, Rev. (Φ)ΙΛΙΠ above, (Π)OY below, club in between. Bright green patina with some earthen deposits.2 commentsSteve E02/25/13 at 20:57Randygeki(h2): Nice patina !
Had__tet__pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Aegeae, Cilicia mintSilver tetradrachm, (Prieur 720), (SNG Paris 2331), Aegeae mint, weight 13.48g, max. diameter 26.6mm, 132 - 133 A.D.; Obv. AΥTOKΡ KAIΣ TΡAIA AΔΡIANO ΣEB Π Π (mostly off flan), laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Rev. ETOΥΣ •ΘOΡ(year 179=132/3 A.D)• (AIΓEAIΩN mostly off flan), eagle standing facing on harpe, wings spread, head turned right, recumbent goat r. in ex.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

Aegeae issued tetradrachms only during the reigns of Hadrian and Caracalla. The issues were probably related to visits of these emperors to the town or to its famous sanctuary of Asclepius. -- The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms and Their Fractions from 57 BC to AD 253 by Michel and Karin Prieur

The recumbent goat was the symbol for the city of Aegeae. It was a pun on AIGEAIWN (of the city of Aegeae) and AIGEIWN (of the goats). -- The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms and Their Fractions from 57 BC to AD 253 by Michel and Karin Prieur

2 commentsSteve E02/25/13 at 20:56Randygeki(h2): very nice!
marcus_aurelius_sesterz.jpg
Marcus Aurelius as Caesar under Antoninus Pius, 139 - 161 A.D., Rome mint Orichalcum sestertius, RIC III Pius 1325 b, weight 26.6 g, max. diameter 31.25 mm, Rome mint, 155 - 156 A.D.; obv. AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG PII F, bare headed bust r.draped on l. shoulder; rev. TR POT X COS II S C, Minerva standing left, owl in extended right, spear in left, shield at feet behind, Scarce. Olive-brown patina, some corrosion on one edge. Very fine style portrait!

Marcus Aurelius bore the junior rank of Caesar for the unusually long time of 22 years! He was about 35 years old when this coin was minted, about 5 years before he became Emperor.

Ex. Andreas Kohn

Photo by Andreas Kohn
5 commentsSteve E02/25/13 at 13:18Sosius: Nice portrait. I like the fact that it's some...
pant_pan.jpg
Pantikapaion, Thrace, 325 - 310 B.C.Bronze AE 17, McDonald 67, SNG Puskin Museum 934-948, (SNG BM Black Sea 890), (SNG Cop 32), NGC Choice VF, Pantikapaion mint, weight 4.5g, max. diameter 17.4mm, Obv. beared head of saytr left; Rev. ΠAN, head of bull 3/4 left, (the bull's left horn continues off flan onto the sprue). Smooth clay-brown patina, rated by NGC 4/5 for strike and 4/5 for surface (some deposits) No longer encased in the plastic tomb.

Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins
2 commentsSteve E02/25/13 at 06:26areich: Very pretty!
herakles_syracuse_pan.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Pyrrhus of Epirus, 278 - 276 B.C.Bronze litra, SNG ANS SicilyIII 853; SGCV I 1214; (Calciati II p. 321, 176); (SNG Cop 813), weight 10.64 g, max. diameter 23.18 mm, Syracuse mint, 278 - 276 B.C.; obv. head of Herakles left, clad in lion's scalp head-dress; rev.
ΣΥΡΑ−ΚΟΣΙΩΝ, Athena Promachos advancing right, hurling thunderbolt with right, shield in left. A thick, dark olive green patina. Very fine style engraving! One of the nicest I've seen of Herakles on a bronze coin!

Background info. courtesy, Forvm Ancient Coins

In 279 BC, Pyrrhus forces, supporting the Greek cities of southern Italy, met and defeated the Romans at the battle of Asculum in Apulia. Pyrrhus, however, lost many men, several close associates, and all of his baggage. When one of his soldiers congratulated him on his victory, he famously replied: "Another such victory and we are ruined!" From this we have the term Pyrric victory, a victory achieved at ruinous cost.

Ex Roma Numismatics from Auction II; 2 Oct. 2011 pictured as lot 146
4 commentsSteve E02/24/13 at 18:54Randygeki(h2): Wow! Love the patina, a good looking coin!
marcus_aurelius_sesterz.jpg
Marcus Aurelius as Caesar under Antoninus Pius, 139 - 161 A.D., Rome mint Orichalcum sestertius, RIC III Pius 1325 b, weight 26.6 g, max. diameter 31.25 mm, Rome mint, 155 - 156 A.D.; obv. AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG PII F, bare headed bust r.draped on l. shoulder; rev. TR POT X COS II S C, Minerva standing left, owl in extended right, spear in left, shield at feet behind, Scarce. Olive-brown patina, some corrosion on one edge. Very fine style portrait!

Marcus Aurelius bore the junior rank of Caesar for the unusually long time of 22 years! He was about 35 years old when this coin was minted, about 5 years before he became Emperor.

Ex. Andreas Kohn

Photo by Andreas Kohn
5 commentsSteve E02/24/13 at 18:53Randygeki(h2): Indeed, a great portrait on this one too!
herakles_syracuse_pan.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Pyrrhus of Epirus, 278 - 276 B.C.Bronze litra, SNG ANS SicilyIII 853; SGCV I 1214; (Calciati II p. 321, 176); (SNG Cop 813), weight 10.64 g, max. diameter 23.18 mm, Syracuse mint, 278 - 276 B.C.; obv. head of Herakles left, clad in lion's scalp head-dress; rev.
ΣΥΡΑ−ΚΟΣΙΩΝ, Athena Promachos advancing right, hurling thunderbolt with right, shield in left. A thick, dark olive green patina. Very fine style engraving! One of the nicest I've seen of Herakles on a bronze coin!

Background info. courtesy, Forvm Ancient Coins

In 279 BC, Pyrrhus forces, supporting the Greek cities of southern Italy, met and defeated the Romans at the battle of Asculum in Apulia. Pyrrhus, however, lost many men, several close associates, and all of his baggage. When one of his soldiers congratulated him on his victory, he famously replied: "Another such victory and we are ruined!" From this we have the term Pyrric victory, a victory achieved at ruinous cost.

Ex Roma Numismatics from Auction II; 2 Oct. 2011 pictured as lot 146
4 commentsSteve E02/24/13 at 12:43Mat: Solid patina & nice coin overall
alex3_miletos_pan.jpg
Alexander III The Great, Macedonian Kingdom, 336 - 323 B.C. Miletos mintBronze AE 1/4 Unit, Price 2102Ab, weight 1.1g, max. diameter 11.65 mm, Miletos mint, Posthumous issue c. 323 - 319 B.C.; obv. Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; rev. ΑΛΕΞΑΝ∆ΡΟ[Υ], bow in case above, club and stalk of grain below. Dark brown and green patina with some earthen residue. Appears to have little or no wear! (much better in hand) Very scarce denomination from this mint.1 commentsSteve E02/24/13 at 12:42Mat: Nice
istros_pan.jpg
Istros, Thrace, c. 350 - 250 B.C.Bronze AE 15, SNG Stancomb 176-online, (BMC Thrace p. 26, 15); (SNG BM Black Sea 260); Weight 3.571 g, max. diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 180o, Istros mint, c. 350 - 250 B.C.; obv. horned head of river-god Istros (Danube) facing slightly right; rev. ΙΣΤΡΙ, sea-eagle grasping dolphin in talons; nice blue-green patina.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient coins;

Istros is probably the oldest Greek colony on the Black Sea, and was founded in 657 - 656 B.C. or sometime between 630 and 620 B.C. by Milesian settlers in a strategic position near the Danube Delta.

Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins
3 commentsSteve E02/24/13 at 07:31areich: Nice!
istros_pan.jpg
Istros, Thrace, c. 350 - 250 B.C.Bronze AE 15, SNG Stancomb 176-online, (BMC Thrace p. 26, 15); (SNG BM Black Sea 260); Weight 3.571 g, max. diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 180o, Istros mint, c. 350 - 250 B.C.; obv. horned head of river-god Istros (Danube) facing slightly right; rev. ΙΣΤΡΙ, sea-eagle grasping dolphin in talons; nice blue-green patina.

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient coins;

Istros is probably the oldest Greek colony on the Black Sea, and was founded in 657 - 656 B.C. or sometime between 630 and 620 B.C. by Milesian settlers in a strategic position near the Danube Delta.

Ex. Forvm Ancient Coins
3 commentsSteve E02/24/13 at 05:16Enodia: nice coin, and another nice patina.
herakles_syracuse_pan.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Pyrrhus of Epirus, 278 - 276 B.C.Bronze litra, SNG ANS SicilyIII 853; SGCV I 1214; (Calciati II p. 321, 176); (SNG Cop 813), weight 10.64 g, max. diameter 23.18 mm, Syracuse mint, 278 - 276 B.C.; obv. head of Herakles left, clad in lion's scalp head-dress; rev.
ΣΥΡΑ−ΚΟΣΙΩΝ, Athena Promachos advancing right, hurling thunderbolt with right, shield in left. A thick, dark olive green patina. Very fine style engraving! One of the nicest I've seen of Herakles on a bronze coin!

Background info. courtesy, Forvm Ancient Coins

In 279 BC, Pyrrhus forces, supporting the Greek cities of southern Italy, met and defeated the Romans at the battle of Asculum in Apulia. Pyrrhus, however, lost many men, several close associates, and all of his baggage. When one of his soldiers congratulated him on his victory, he famously replied: "Another such victory and we are ruined!" From this we have the term Pyrric victory, a victory achieved at ruinous cost.

Ex Roma Numismatics from Auction II; 2 Oct. 2011 pictured as lot 146
4 commentsSteve E02/24/13 at 05:15Enodia: great patina!
marcus_aurelius_sesterz.jpg
Marcus Aurelius as Caesar under Antoninus Pius, 139 - 161 A.D., Rome mint Orichalcum sestertius, RIC III Pius 1325 b, weight 26.6 g, max. diameter 31.25 mm, Rome mint, 155 - 156 A.D.; obv. AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG PII F, bare headed bust r.draped on l. shoulder; rev. TR POT X COS II S C, Minerva standing left, owl in extended right, spear in left, shield at feet behind, Scarce. Olive-brown patina, some corrosion on one edge. Very fine style portrait!

Marcus Aurelius bore the junior rank of Caesar for the unusually long time of 22 years! He was about 35 years old when this coin was minted, about 5 years before he became Emperor.

Ex. Andreas Kohn

Photo by Andreas Kohn
5 commentsSteve E02/23/13 at 06:38HELEN S: great coin i just love sestertius WOW
marcus_aurelius_sesterz.jpg
Marcus Aurelius as Caesar under Antoninus Pius, 139 - 161 A.D., Rome mint Orichalcum sestertius, RIC III Pius 1325 b, weight 26.6 g, max. diameter 31.25 mm, Rome mint, 155 - 156 A.D.; obv. AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG PII F, bare headed bust r.draped on l. shoulder; rev. TR POT X COS II S C, Minerva standing left, owl in extended right, spear in left, shield at feet behind, Scarce. Olive-brown patina, some corrosion on one edge. Very fine style portrait!

Marcus Aurelius bore the junior rank of Caesar for the unusually long time of 22 years! He was about 35 years old when this coin was minted, about 5 years before he became Emperor.

Ex. Andreas Kohn

Photo by Andreas Kohn
5 commentsSteve E02/23/13 at 06:12Enodia: nice!
marcus_aurelius_sesterz.jpg
Marcus Aurelius as Caesar under Antoninus Pius, 139 - 161 A.D., Rome mint Orichalcum sestertius, RIC III Pius 1325 b, weight 26.6 g, max. diameter 31.25 mm, Rome mint, 155 - 156 A.D.; obv. AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG PII F, bare headed bust r.draped on l. shoulder; rev. TR POT X COS II S C, Minerva standing left, owl in extended right, spear in left, shield at feet behind, Scarce. Olive-brown patina, some corrosion on one edge. Very fine style portrait!

Marcus Aurelius bore the junior rank of Caesar for the unusually long time of 22 years! He was about 35 years old when this coin was minted, about 5 years before he became Emperor.

Ex. Andreas Kohn

Photo by Andreas Kohn
5 commentsSteve E02/23/13 at 05:08quadrans: Nice coin Steve Cool
Dad_and_Herakles_likeness.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue! Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!
Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.

This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
9 commentsSteve E12/16/12 at 04:19Antonivs Protti: WOW! How nice. Shocked
rep_lep_pan.jpg
Mn. Aemilius Lepidus, 114 - 113 BCSilver denarius, SRCV I 168, (Crawford 291/1); Rome mint, weight 3.6g, max. diameter 19.07mm, 114 - 113 B.C.; Obv. laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Roma right, ROMA (MA ligate) before, XVI ligature behind; Rev. MN·AEMILIO (MN in monogram), horseman holding vertical spear (equestrian statue) right, on triple-arch containing L-E-P. Attractive toning.

Ex. Roma Numismatics
Ex. Andrew McCabe

Historical background Courtesy;

Forvm Ancient Coins,
The triple-arch probably represents the Aqua Marcia, an aqueduct begun by M. Aemilius Lepidus and M. Fulvius Nobilior as Censors in 179 B.C.

Andrew McCabe,
Northumberland Smyth 1856:
This type is of interest, since it commemorates the construction of the celebrated Aemilian bridge by Manius Aemilius Lepidus, to whom a statue was erected, and who replaced the wooden bridge of Ancus Martius over the Tiber by a stone one. The arched neck of the horse is classic


6 commentsSteve E12/16/12 at 04:15Antonivs Protti: I love this reverse type. Congrats!
apollo_pent_pan.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-858. Weight 7.96.2 gr., max diameter 18.68 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right; pentagram below. Green patina, thick flan, fine style!3 commentsSteve E12/16/12 at 04:14Antonivs Protti: great details on the horse.
siglos_dagger_pan.jpg
Persian Empire, Lydia, Anatolia, Darius II - Artaxerxes II, c. 420 - 375 B.C.Silver siglos, (Carradice Type IV (middle) B; plate XIII, 35); weight 5.5g, max. diameter 14.14 mm, Sardeis mint, c. 420 - 350 B.C.; obverse kneeling-running figure of the Great King right, dagger in right, bow in left, bearded, crowned, waist indicated; reverse oblong incuse punch; lion head left within incuse, crescent moon banker's mark.
3 commentsSteve E12/16/12 at 04:12Antonivs Protti: nice siglos. Wink
pan__pan2.jpg
Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC. AE 20, McDonald 69, SNG Pushkin 818, Sear GCV I 1700, weight 7.29 g, max. diameter 20.8 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. bearded head of satyr right; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, forepart of griffin left, sturgeon fish left below. Shiny green patina with a few corrosion pits. A sharp strike with little wear!

Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.
6 commentsSteve E10/06/12 at 15:52Enodia: nice coin with a terrific patina!
siglos_dagger_pan.jpg
Persian Empire, Lydia, Anatolia, Darius II - Artaxerxes II, c. 420 - 375 B.C.Silver siglos, (Carradice Type IV (middle) B; plate XIII, 35); weight 5.5g, max. diameter 14.14 mm, Sardeis mint, c. 420 - 350 B.C.; obverse kneeling-running figure of the Great King right, dagger in right, bow in left, bearded, crowned, waist indicated; reverse oblong incuse punch; lion head left within incuse, crescent moon banker's mark.
3 commentsSteve E08/17/12 at 07:42Randygeki(h2): neat one
pan__pan2.jpg
Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC. AE 20, McDonald 69, SNG Pushkin 818, Sear GCV I 1700, weight 7.29 g, max. diameter 20.8 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. bearded head of satyr right; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, forepart of griffin left, sturgeon fish left below. Shiny green patina with a few corrosion pits. A sharp strike with little wear!

Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.
6 commentsSteve E07/24/12 at 17:37Dk0311USMC: Very unique! Nice!
castulo_pan1.jpg
Castulo, Baetica, Spain, c. 150 - 100 B.C.?Bronze AE 30; Lindgren II 43, Sear GIC 15, (SNG BM Spain 1298); Weight 18.5 g, max. diameter 30.4 mm; Castulo mint, Obv. diademed young male head right, Rev. helmeted sphinx walking right, left leg raised [star before], KASTILO in Iberic script in ex; Dark olive patina, rev. edge bevelled.

Background Info., courtesy of Forvm Ancient Coins;

Of tradition, a local princess named Himilce married Hannibal and gained the alliliance of the city with the Carthaginian Empire. In 213 BCE, Castulo was the site of Hasdrubal Barca's crushing victory over the Roman army with a force of roughly 40,000 Carthaginian troops plus local Iberian mercenaries. Soon after the Romans made a pact with the residents of city and the city became an foederati (ally) of Rome.
1 commentsSteve E07/21/12 at 09:55crawforde: Great coin, I like how the faces match. Smile these...
rep_lep_pan.jpg
Mn. Aemilius Lepidus, 114 - 113 BCSilver denarius, SRCV I 168, (Crawford 291/1); Rome mint, weight 3.6g, max. diameter 19.07mm, 114 - 113 B.C.; Obv. laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Roma right, ROMA (MA ligate) before, XVI ligature behind; Rev. MN·AEMILIO (MN in monogram), horseman holding vertical spear (equestrian statue) right, on triple-arch containing L-E-P. Attractive toning.

Ex. Roma Numismatics
Ex. Andrew McCabe

Historical background Courtesy;

Forvm Ancient Coins,
The triple-arch probably represents the Aqua Marcia, an aqueduct begun by M. Aemilius Lepidus and M. Fulvius Nobilior as Censors in 179 B.C.

Andrew McCabe,
Northumberland Smyth 1856:
This type is of interest, since it commemorates the construction of the celebrated Aemilian bridge by Manius Aemilius Lepidus, to whom a statue was erected, and who replaced the wooden bridge of Ancus Martius over the Tiber by a stone one. The arched neck of the horse is classic


6 commentsSteve E07/18/12 at 16:17Randygeki(h2): Very nice!
Syracuse_Hieron_II.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Hieron II 275 - 215 B.C.Bronze AE 27, Sear GCV 1 1221 var., Lindgren 587 var. 18.022g, 27.4mm, 270 deg, Syracuse mint, c. 275-215 B.C.; Obv. diademed head of Hieron left, beardless; Rev. horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, N below (E in Sear example, Pi in Lindgren), no legend shows in ex. (as in both ref. examples), could be off flan; rough mottled green patina.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

photo and Historical background: by Forvm Ancient Coins

Historical background;

Hieron II was tyrant and then king of Syracuse, c. 270 to 215 B.C. His rule brought 50 years of peace and prosperity, and Syracuse became one of the most renowned capitols of antiquity. He enlarged the theater and built an immense altar. The literary figure Theocritus and the philosipher Archimedes lived under his rule. After struggling against the Mamertini, he eventually allied with Rome.
8 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:20lordmarcovan: We've already discussed this one elsewhere! N...
Phokaia_griffin.jpg
Phokaia, Ionia, c. 530 - 510 B.C.Silver hemiobol, BMC Ionia p. 215, 82, aVF, 1.037g, 8.5mm, 3.17mm thick, Phokaia mint, 530 - 510 B.C.; Obv. head of griffin left,(seal on right at edge of flan?) Rev. rough quadripartite incuse square. Among the earliest silver coins minted!

Die match; http://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=135&pid=7204#top_display_media

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

Photo by Forvm Ancient Coins

Background Information:

Phokaia (Phocaea) (modern day Foca, Turkey), northern most of the Ionian cities, located on the western coast of Anatolia (asia minor), at the mouth of the river Hermus (now Gediz), and between the Gulf of Smyrna (now Izmir) to the south and the Gulf of Cyme to the north. Phokaia had a thriving seafaring economy and a powerful naval fleet. It was one of the largest cities of the ancient world. Herodotus described the walls of the city as having a diameter of 5 kilometers. Probably following the Lydians, the Phocaeans were among the earliest in the world to make and use coins as money. Source of background info, Wikipedia
5 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:19lordmarcovan: Note to self: Man, I want something archaic with t...
pan__pan2.jpg
Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC. AE 20, McDonald 69, SNG Pushkin 818, Sear GCV I 1700, weight 7.29 g, max. diameter 20.8 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. bearded head of satyr right; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, forepart of griffin left, sturgeon fish left below. Shiny green patina with a few corrosion pits. A sharp strike with little wear!

Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.
6 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:18lordmarcovan: Oooh... green... and mean!
rhodes_pan.jpg
Mylasa, Caria, c. 170 - 130 B.C. Silver Pseudo-Rhodian (drachm*), Ashton NC 1992, 255, SNG Kayhan 846, weight 2.2 g, maximum diameter 15.86 mm, Mylasa mint, c. 170 - 130 B.C.; Obv. facing head of Helios with eagle superimposed on r. cheek, hair loose; Rev. rose with bud/stem to right,(left bud off flan**) monogram left, ΠΕ & A to right. Same obv. die as Ashton 255 & Kayhan 846. Some surface roughness on top of both sides.

*Ashton, Kayhan, & Sear all describe this denom. as "drachm", though considerably underweight according to the Rhodian standard. Apparently these immitatives use the lower weight.

**Kayhan 846 plate shows stems and buds going both left and right. (but only describes the bud to the left), Ashton's plate also shows on both sides, and describes as such when in combination with letters /monograms. My example, is an Obv. die match, though the Rev. is not an exact die match, but is very close (probably same hand), and shows the right stem and bud clearly, but the left is off flan. Ashton identifies 107 Obv. dies in this series, and none of the rest are even close to the style of #255. This Obv. is shown with one other Rev. type(different letters).

Note; Ashton concludes the top two letters (on these later type with 4-5 letters/monograms) are abbrieviations for the month they were struck by the particular magistrate. (1st two letters in the Macedonian calender months used in Mylasa at the time) In my coin ΠΕ are for ΠΕΡΙΘΙOΣ or Peritios, the 10th month. He also concludes the monogram and lower letter abbrieviate the magistrate's name. Also, though he knows of no metrological analysis, the the quality of the silver seems to be somewhat debased compared to the Rhodian and early Pseudo-Rhodian issues.(most of the CH 4 hoard were of this later type, and were covered in a thick black patina{that were harshly cleaned}, the few earlier series and the one Rhodian type didn't have this patina and seemed to be of higher quality silver)

Historical background; courtsey Forvm Ancient Coins

Mylasa (Milas, Turkey today) was often mentioned by ancient writers. The first mention is from early 7th century B.C., when Arselis, a Carian leader from Mylasa, helped Gyges in his fight for the Lydian throne. Under Persia, Mylasa was the chief city of Caria. Mylasa joined the Delian League c. 455 B.C., but Persian rule was restored by 400. Mylasa was the hometown and first capital of the Hecatomnid dynasty, nominally Persian satraps, but practically kings of Caria and the surrounding region, 377 - 352 B.C. In the Hellenistic era, the city was contested by Alexander's successors, but prospered. Mylasa was severely damaged in the Roman Civil War in 40 B.C., but again regained prosperity under Roman rule.



Ex. Aegean Nunismatics
2 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:17lordmarcovan: Helios: "Ouch! Dang bird is pecking my eye out!" ...
Mopsus_Zeus.jpg
Mopsus, Cilicia, 2nd Century B.C.Bronze AE 20, Sear GCV II 5576, (BMC Cilicia p. 103, 5), VF, 7.502g, 20.9mm, 0 deg., Mopsus mint, Obv. laureate head of Zeus right; Rev. MOΨEATΩN THΕ IEπAΕ KAI AYTONOMOY, flaming round altar on 3 legs, MH and Hπ monograms below; green and light desert patina.

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

Photo by Forvm Ancient Coins

Background Information from Sear GCV p.507

Background Information:

Mopsus (Mopsos) situated on the river Pyramos, north-east of Mallos, the city was named after the brother of Amphilochos. (During the reign of Antiochos IV of Syria, 175-164 B.C., it bore the name of Seleukeia

MOΨEATΩN THΕ IEΡΑΣ KAI AYTONOMOY, means " of the people of Mopsos, sacred and independent "
Courtesy: rover1.3
5 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:16lordmarcovan: What Enodia said!
phillip_2_OR.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8 872 (symbol identified as: Helios head?by H. A. Troxell), Lindgren 1274. Weight 4.7 gr., max diameter 17.1 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing left, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing left; with above mentioned unidentifiable symbol below (some describe as a left facing lion's head); Beautiful turquoise patina! Scarce type with both obv. & rev. facing left. Extra fine style!9 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:16lordmarcovan: Sweet!
phillip_pan4.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-865. Weight 6.2 gr., max diameter 18.09 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing left, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right;dolphin swimming right below.Thin black patina. Less common left facing Apollo with right facing horseman!

Ex. Timeline Originals

This coin posted as an example of the type on Wildwinds.
5 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:15lordmarcovan: Something about the portrait on this one "speaks" ...
Dad_and_Herakles_likeness.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue! Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!
Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.

This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
9 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:15lordmarcovan: Love the picture of your dad. You're right......
alex_denarius_pan.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.

This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
3 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:14lordmarcovan: A numismatic classic.
adramytteionpan1.jpg
Adramytteion, Mysia, 187 - 133 B. C.AE12; (Weber 4949); weight 2.1g, max. diameter 12.83mm; Obv.laureate head of Zeus, facing slightly right, Rev. ΑΔΡΑ above, M-Y(in retrograde) below bird, eagle standing left on rock; grain ear before. Green patina.

The city is said to have been named after its founder, Adramys (also Adromos, Adromon or Adromus), notable for being a brother of king Kroisos of Lydia. Sear GCV II p. 355

Ex. Aegean Numismatics
8 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:12lordmarcovan: Love it!!! I think I am gonna get into Greek bron...
bactria_pan.jpg
Bactrian Kingdom, Apollodotos I, 174 - 160 B.C.Silver square drachm; (Bop.4a, Mitchner 207f, SNG ANS 303); 165 -160 B.C. Weight 2.3 g., Max side measurment 16.57 mm., Obv. ΣΩTHPOΣ AΠOΛΛOΔOTOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ around, Elephant stg. r., AV monogram below; Rev. Karosthi legend around, Zebu bull stg. r., A below;. Toned with light encrustation. 4 commentsSteve E07/14/12 at 03:11lordmarcovan: Those are neat. I gotta get me one.
siglos_dagger_pan.jpg
Persian Empire, Lydia, Anatolia, Darius II - Artaxerxes II, c. 420 - 375 B.C.Silver siglos, (Carradice Type IV (middle) B; plate XIII, 35); weight 5.5g, max. diameter 14.14 mm, Sardeis mint, c. 420 - 350 B.C.; obverse kneeling-running figure of the Great King right, dagger in right, bow in left, bearded, crowned, waist indicated; reverse oblong incuse punch; lion head left within incuse, crescent moon banker's mark.
3 commentsSteve E07/13/12 at 02:09Skyler: Great addition!
Megalodon_pan.jpg
C. Megalodon Fossilized ToothC. Megalodon Fossilized Tooth, height 53.5 mm, width 36.9 mm.

Megalodon...meaning "big tooth", from Greek μέγας (mega, "big") and ὀδούς (odon, "tooth")) is an extinct species of shark that lived roughly from 28 to 1.5 million years ago, during the Cenozoic Era (late Oligocene to early Pleistocene). from Wikipedia
3 commentsSteve E07/12/12 at 17:53lordmarcovan: Yes, that's definitely a Meg!
Megalodon_pan.jpg
C. Megalodon Fossilized ToothC. Megalodon Fossilized Tooth, height 53.5 mm, width 36.9 mm.

Megalodon...meaning "big tooth", from Greek μέγας (mega, "big") and ὀδούς (odon, "tooth")) is an extinct species of shark that lived roughly from 28 to 1.5 million years ago, during the Cenozoic Era (late Oligocene to early Pleistocene). from Wikipedia
3 commentsSteve E07/12/12 at 15:07Aarmale: Really cool!
Megalodon_pan.jpg
C. Megalodon Fossilized ToothC. Megalodon Fossilized Tooth, height 53.5 mm, width 36.9 mm.

Megalodon...meaning "big tooth", from Greek μέγας (mega, "big") and ὀδούς (odon, "tooth")) is an extinct species of shark that lived roughly from 28 to 1.5 million years ago, during the Cenozoic Era (late Oligocene to early Pleistocene). from Wikipedia
3 commentsSteve E07/12/12 at 06:23Randygeki(h2): I like! I'm glad you posted it, it has a nice...
had_den_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC II 45a, (RSC II 1027), weight 2.47g, max. diameter 19mm, Rome mint, 118 A.D.; Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bare-chest bust right, drapery on left shoulder; Rev. P M TR P COS II, Pietas standing left, veiled, raising right hand, PIE-TAS across fields; Scarce, nice toning.

Ex. Sphinx Numismatics

Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

Pietas in traditional Latin usage expressed a complex, highly valued Roman virtue; a man or woman with pietas respected his or her responsibilities to other people, gods and entities (such as the state), and understood his or her place in society with respect to others.
4 commentsSteve E07/11/12 at 22:45lordmarcovan: I like the toning on this piece. I think I used t...
had_den_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC II 45a, (RSC II 1027), weight 2.47g, max. diameter 19mm, Rome mint, 118 A.D.; Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bare-chest bust right, drapery on left shoulder; Rev. P M TR P COS II, Pietas standing left, veiled, raising right hand, PIE-TAS across fields; Scarce, nice toning.

Ex. Sphinx Numismatics

Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

Pietas in traditional Latin usage expressed a complex, highly valued Roman virtue; a man or woman with pietas respected his or her responsibilities to other people, gods and entities (such as the state), and understood his or her place in society with respect to others.
4 commentsSteve E07/11/12 at 21:41Randygeki(h2): Yes, a great portrait. I like the toning too. Ve...
pan__pan2.jpg
Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC. AE 20, McDonald 69, SNG Pushkin 818, Sear GCV I 1700, weight 7.29 g, max. diameter 20.8 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. bearded head of satyr right; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, forepart of griffin left, sturgeon fish left below. Shiny green patina with a few corrosion pits. A sharp strike with little wear!

Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.
6 commentsSteve E07/10/12 at 15:56Skyler: Yes great patina and lightly circulated!
had_den_pan.jpg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC II 45a, (RSC II 1027), weight 2.47g, max. diameter 19mm, Rome mint, 118 A.D.; Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bare-chest bust right, drapery on left shoulder; Rev. P M TR P COS II, Pietas standing left, veiled, raising right hand, PIE-TAS across fields; Scarce, nice toning.

Ex. Sphinx Numismatics

Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins

Pietas in traditional Latin usage expressed a complex, highly valued Roman virtue; a man or woman with pietas respected his or her responsibilities to other people, gods and entities (such as the state), and understood his or her place in society with respect to others.
4 commentsSteve E07/10/12 at 14:47Skyler: Great addition. I am a fan of Hadrian's histor...
Syracuse_Hieron_II.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Hieron II 275 - 215 B.C.Bronze AE 27, Sear GCV 1 1221 var., Lindgren 587 var. 18.022g, 27.4mm, 270 deg, Syracuse mint, c. 275-215 B.C.; Obv. diademed head of Hieron left, beardless; Rev. horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, N below (E in Sear example, Pi in Lindgren), no legend shows in ex. (as in both ref. examples), could be off flan; rough mottled green patina.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

photo and Historical background: by Forvm Ancient Coins

Historical background;

Hieron II was tyrant and then king of Syracuse, c. 270 to 215 B.C. His rule brought 50 years of peace and prosperity, and Syracuse became one of the most renowned capitols of antiquity. He enlarged the theater and built an immense altar. The literary figure Theocritus and the philosipher Archimedes lived under his rule. After struggling against the Mamertini, he eventually allied with Rome.
8 commentsSteve E07/10/12 at 10:53Johny SYSEL: Very Happy
Syracuse_Hieron_II.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Hieron II 275 - 215 B.C.Bronze AE 27, Sear GCV 1 1221 var., Lindgren 587 var. 18.022g, 27.4mm, 270 deg, Syracuse mint, c. 275-215 B.C.; Obv. diademed head of Hieron left, beardless; Rev. horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, N below (E in Sear example, Pi in Lindgren), no legend shows in ex. (as in both ref. examples), could be off flan; rough mottled green patina.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

photo and Historical background: by Forvm Ancient Coins

Historical background;

Hieron II was tyrant and then king of Syracuse, c. 270 to 215 B.C. His rule brought 50 years of peace and prosperity, and Syracuse became one of the most renowned capitols of antiquity. He enlarged the theater and built an immense altar. The literary figure Theocritus and the philosipher Archimedes lived under his rule. After struggling against the Mamertini, he eventually allied with Rome.
8 commentsSteve E07/10/12 at 06:15areich: Rolling Eyes
Syracuse_Hieron_II.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Hieron II 275 - 215 B.C.Bronze AE 27, Sear GCV 1 1221 var., Lindgren 587 var. 18.022g, 27.4mm, 270 deg, Syracuse mint, c. 275-215 B.C.; Obv. diademed head of Hieron left, beardless; Rev. horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, N below (E in Sear example, Pi in Lindgren), no legend shows in ex. (as in both ref. examples), could be off flan; rough mottled green patina.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

photo and Historical background: by Forvm Ancient Coins

Historical background;

Hieron II was tyrant and then king of Syracuse, c. 270 to 215 B.C. His rule brought 50 years of peace and prosperity, and Syracuse became one of the most renowned capitols of antiquity. He enlarged the theater and built an immense altar. The literary figure Theocritus and the philosipher Archimedes lived under his rule. After struggling against the Mamertini, he eventually allied with Rome.
8 commentsSteve E07/10/12 at 05:55Andrew McCabe: really unusual to get such a well preserved Spanis...
Syracuse_Hieron_II.jpg
Syracuse, Sicily, Hieron II 275 - 215 B.C.Bronze AE 27, Sear GCV 1 1221 var., Lindgren 587 var. 18.022g, 27.4mm, 270 deg, Syracuse mint, c. 275-215 B.C.; Obv. diademed head of Hieron left, beardless; Rev. horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, N below (E in Sear example, Pi in Lindgren), no legend shows in ex. (as in both ref. examples), could be off flan; rough mottled green patina.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins

photo and Historical background: by Forvm Ancient Coins

Historical background;

Hieron II was tyrant and then king of Syracuse, c. 270 to 215 B.C. His rule brought 50 years of peace and prosperity, and Syracuse became one of the most renowned capitols of antiquity. He enlarged the theater and built an immense altar. The literary figure Theocritus and the philosipher Archimedes lived under his rule. After struggling against the Mamertini, he eventually allied with Rome.
8 commentsSteve E07/10/12 at 04:40lordmarcovan: Great design. I love the horseman. The portrait ...
pan__pan2.jpg
Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC. AE 20, McDonald 69, SNG Pushkin 818, Sear GCV I 1700, weight 7.29 g, max. diameter 20.8 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. bearded head of satyr right; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, forepart of griffin left, sturgeon fish left below. Shiny green patina with a few corrosion pits. A sharp strike with little wear!

Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.
6 commentsSteve E07/07/12 at 19:26areich: Nice one Steve!
pan__pan2.jpg
Pantikapaion, Tauric Chersonesos, Thrace, 310 - 304 BC. AE 20, McDonald 69, SNG Pushkin 818, Sear GCV I 1700, weight 7.29 g, max. diameter 20.8 mm, Pantikapaion mint, c. 310 - 304 BC; Obv. bearded head of satyr right; Rev. Π Α Ν in legend, forepart of griffin left, sturgeon fish left below. Shiny green patina with a few corrosion pits. A sharp strike with little wear!

Background info; Pantikapaion (Panticapaeum) is present-day Kerch, an important Greek city and port in Taurica (Tauric Chersonese), situated on a hill (Mt. Mithridates) on the western side of the Cimmerian Bosporus (Kerch Strait), between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It was founded by Milesians in the late 7th or early 6th century B.C. Originally called Apollonia. Wikipedia.
6 commentsSteve E07/07/12 at 18:19ancientdave: I really like this one. Great patina!
apollo_pent_pan.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-858. Weight 7.96.2 gr., max diameter 18.68 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right; pentagram below. Green patina, thick flan, fine style!3 commentsSteve E07/07/12 at 15:14ancientdave: Very attractive!
apollo_pent_pan.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Amphipolis mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-858. Weight 7.96.2 gr., max diameter 18.68 mm; Amphipolis mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing right; pentagram below. Green patina, thick flan, fine style!3 commentsSteve E07/07/12 at 08:45crawforde: Another nice one! Beautiful patina.
phillip_pan3.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Phillip II, 359 - 336 B.C. Pella mint?AE unit; SNG ANS 8-939. Weight 6.37 gr., max diameter 17.2 mm; Pella mint? (per Dr. Thomas Gibson) Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing taenia; Rev. Φ Ι Λ Ι Π Π O Υ above; boy riding horse prancing left; with N below. Thin black patina. Extra fine style!

Ex. Timeline Originals

This coin is posted as an example of the type on Wildwinds.
6 commentsSteve E07/02/12 at 12:38Augustin Caron: Beautiful!
ant_pan.jpg
Cappadocian Kingdom, c. 130 - 80 B.C.; In the Name of the Seleukid King, Antiochus VIISilver tetradrachm, (Houghton II 642 ff., SNG Spaer 1855, Newell SMA 282), Weight 16.560g, Max. diameter 27.9mm, Obv. diademed head of the Seleukid King Antiochos VII right, fillet border; Rev. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXDOY EYEPΠETOY, Athena standing left, Nike in right, spear and shield in left, ligate ΔI / A left, Nike extends wreath into laurel wreath border. Toned, some light scratches.

EX. Forvm Ancient Coins

Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins;

Oliver Hoover, in Coins of the Seleucid Empire from the Collection of Arthur Houghton, attributes this type to the Cappadocian Kingdom, c. 130 - 80 B.C. The symbols were used on Cappadocian royal coinage, the coins are found in Cappadocian hoards and a tetradrachm naming the Cappadocian King Ariarathes VII Philometor (116 - 99 B.C.) bears the obverse portrait of Antiochus VII. He notes they may have been struck to pay foreign (Syrian?) mercenaries who preferred the types of Antiochus VII.

4 commentsSteve E06/30/12 at 05:39Skyler: Oh yeah. Bold strike and readable legend! I love i...
rep_lep_pan.jpg
Mn. Aemilius Lepidus, 114 - 113 BCSilver denarius, SRCV I 168, (Crawford 291/1); Rome mint, weight 3.6g, max. diameter 19.07mm, 114 - 113 B.C.; Obv. laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Roma right, ROMA (MA ligate) before, XVI ligature behind; Rev. MN·AEMILIO (MN in monogram), horseman holding vertical spear (equestrian statue) right, on triple-arch containing L-E-P. Attractive toning.

Ex. Roma Numismatics
Ex. Andrew McCabe

Historical background Courtesy;

Forvm Ancient Coins,
The triple-arch probably represents the Aqua Marcia, an aqueduct begun by M. Aemilius Lepidus and M. Fulvius Nobilior as Censors in 179 B.C.

Andrew McCabe,
Northumberland Smyth 1856:
This type is of interest, since it commemorates the construction of the celebrated Aemilian bridge by Manius Aemilius Lepidus, to whom a statue was erected, and who replaced the wooden bridge of Ancus Martius over the Tiber by a stone one. The arched neck of the horse is classic


6 commentsSteve E06/29/12 at 14:48kc: Very interesting type! Smile
rep_lep_pan.jpg
Mn. Aemilius Lepidus, 114 - 113 BCSilver denarius, SRCV I 168, (Crawford 291/1); Rome mint, weight 3.6g, max. diameter 19.07mm, 114 - 113 B.C.; Obv. laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Roma right, ROMA (MA ligate) before, XVI ligature behind; Rev. MN·AEMILIO (MN in monogram), horseman holding vertical spear (equestrian statue) right, on triple-arch containing L-E-P. Attractive toning.

Ex. Roma Numismatics
Ex. Andrew McCabe

Historical background Courtesy;

Forvm Ancient Coins,
The triple-arch probably represents the Aqua Marcia, an aqueduct begun by M. Aemilius Lepidus and M. Fulvius Nobilior as Censors in 179 B.C.

Andrew McCabe,
Northumberland Smyth 1856:
This type is of interest, since it commemorates the construction of the celebrated Aemilian bridge by Manius Aemilius Lepidus, to whom a statue was erected, and who replaced the wooden bridge of Ancus Martius over the Tiber by a stone one. The arched neck of the horse is classic


6 commentsSteve E06/29/12 at 08:21Dino: Lovely coin. Very engaging portrait.
vesp_pan.jpg
Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Antioch, Syria mintSilver tetradrachm, ANS Journel 7-8(1995-96) McAlee group 6, #20var.( reg. year 2 instead of 1), Butcher p.73 fig.17 #3, Sear GIC 736var.(no crescent), Tripolis mint?, 14.45g, 26.82mm. max.diameter, (regnal year 2) 69 - 70 A.D.; obverse AYTOKPA OYεCΠACIANOC KAICAP CεBACTOC, laureate bust right; reverse ETOYC NEOY IEPOY B, eagle standing left on club, wreath in beak, palm left.

Notice the obv. has the letters epsilon in the Greek form ε , however the rev. has the Roman E form.

Ex. Roma Numismatics

Background info. courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins.

Struck to pay Titus' legions during the First Jewish Revolt. RPC notes c. 320 different dies indicate 6,500,000 Syrian tetradrachms might have been minted. This was the quantity Titus would have needed to pay his four legions. Hoard evidence finds many of these types in Judaea confirming they were used to pay the legions.
5 commentsSteve E06/28/12 at 14:30quadrans: Hmm very nice coin Very Happy
Dad_and_Herakles_likeness.jpg
Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue! Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III, The Great, 336 -323 B.C. Lifetime Issue!
Silver drachm, Price 2553, (Muller 129); VF, flan defect on reverse, 4.297g, 16.4mm, Lydia, Sardes mint, c. 334 - 323 B.C.; obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck; reverse AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus enthroned left, eagle in right, scepter in left, EYE monogram left, rose under throne.

This portrait of Herakles has an amazing resemblance to my father when he was young!

Ex Forvm Ancient Coins
9 commentsSteve E05/10/12 at 18:09Ancientnoob: Thats Wild. Uncanny resemblance.
bactria_pan.jpg
Bactrian Kingdom, Apollodotos I, 174 - 160 B.C.Silver square drachm; (Bop.4a, Mitchner 207f, SNG ANS 303); 165 -160 B.C. Weight 2.3 g., Max side measurment 16.57 mm., Obv. ΣΩTHPOΣ AΠOΛΛOΔOTOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ around, Elephant stg. r., AV monogram below; Rev. Karosthi legend around, Zebu bull stg. r., A below;. Toned with light encrustation. 4 commentsSteve E05/10/12 at 16:43Enodia: very cool coin, and a nice counterpoint to the mor...
neropan.jpg
Nero 13 Oct 59 - 9 Jun 68 AD, Lugdunum MintOrichalcum dupondius, Van Meter RIC (Nero) 27, RIC I 519 (BMCRE I 347), Weight 10.14 g, Max.diameter 27.55 mm, Lugdunum (Lyons) mint, 67 A.D.; obverse IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, laureate head left, small globe at base of neck; Rev. SECVRITAS AVGVSTI S C, Securitas enthroned right, relaxed with head resting on right hand, scepter in left, lit altar and torch before. Thin brown and red patina, mostly worn. Cracks, chips, and corroded.

Historical background; Van Meter states that this type refers to the suppression of the Pisonian Conspiracy.
1 commentsSteve E05/08/12 at 02:25TheEmpireNeverEnded: Huge hair! I love it.
Dora_pan.jpg
Dora, Phoenicia, 1st Century A.D.Bronze AE 22, (Rosenberger 19), Weight 10.015g, Max. diameter 21.3mm, Dora mint, 68 - 69 AD; Obv. bearded head of Doros right; Rev. ΔWPEITWN, Astarte, wearing turreted crown, holding standard and cornucopia, AΛP in left field; rare city. Dark brown and desert patina.
EX. Forvm Ancient Coins

Background info, courtesy Forvm Ancient Coins;

Dora, on the coast eight miles north of Caesarea, was a Canaanite city. It fell to the Philistines early in the 12th century B.C. Solomon appointed the son of Abinadab as overseer of Dor (I Kings 4:11). In the Persian period Dor was a Sidonian colony. In Hellenistic times it was a Ptolemaic seaport and royal fortress, once besieged by Antiochus VII, (1 Macc. 15. 11-14). Under the Romans, Dora was a free city. See also Josh 11:2, 17:11; and Judg 1:27.
1 commentsSteve E05/01/12 at 16:47Skyler: Nice one. I like that it seems as if he is looking...
Lucius_Verus_Pan_1379.jpg
Lucius Verus, 7 Mar. 161 to Feb. 169 AD, Rome mintOrichalcum sestertius; RIC III 1420 (probablly, rev. is too worn to know for sure, only other possibility is RIC 1379); Rome mint; Weight 25.9gr., Max. Diameter 33.45mm; 165 A.D.; Obv. L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, laureate head right, Rev. (TR P V IMP II COS II) S C, Mars advancing r., carrying spear and trophy. Olive green patina with green and pink encrustations, large corrosion spot on rev.
I found an exact die match of the obv. which was a RIC 1420, couldn't tell if the rev. was a match because mine is so worn.
http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=62257

This was my first ancient coin I bought from a dealer about 30 years ago. I wasn't able to ID the emperor until 2010, when I discovered Forvm Ancient Coins!
1 commentsSteve E04/30/12 at 02:52TheEmpireNeverEnded: Steve, this is just like my Domitian sestertius. ...
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