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Crawford 533/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc Antony, AR DenariusRome, The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius. 43 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.07g; 18mm).
Military mint in Athens, Summer 38 BCE.
Obverse: M ANTONIVS M F M N AVGVR IMP TER; Antony in the priestly robes of an augur, standing right and holding lituus.
Reverse: III VIR R P C COS DESIG ITER ET TERT; Radiate head of Sol facing right.
References: Crawford 533/2; HCRI 267; Sydenham 1199; BMCRR (East) 141; Antonia 80.
Provenance: Ex Kentfield Collection [Heritage Auction 3067 (9 Jun 2018) Lot 33340]; Valerio Traverso Collection [Michele Baranowsky Auction (25 Feb 1931), Lot 1274].
In 50 BCE, Antony was appointed to the College of Augurs, an important group whose job was divining the will of the gods by interpreting auspices (birds and such) and providing advice based on these divinations. Antony was particularly proud of this appointment and referred to it frequently on his coinage, perhaps as a means of highlighting his traditional republican sensibilities. On this coin, he is depicted in full augur regalia. Sol on the reverse is a reference to The East, which Antony controlled per the renewal of the Second Triumvirate several months earlier. The inscriptions reference his augurship, second imperatorial acclamation, and designated second and third consulships. The coin was likely struck in Athens where Antony and Octavia were living after their marriage.
Carausius09/28/19 at 10:01David Atherton: Stunning!
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Domitian 81-96Silver Denarius, Rome 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII, Legend with Laureate Bust Right.
Rev: IMP XV COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva Advancing Right, Holding Spear and Shield. Extremely Fine & Rare.
RIC 591, (3.58 g, 19.0 mm)Vacolony09/28/19 at 09:58David Atherton: Pretty toning.
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Vespasian 69-79Silver Denarius, Rome Mint & Stuck under Titus 80AD
Obv: Legend with Laureate Bust Right. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS
Rev: Shield Inscribed SC Supported by Two Capricorns with Globe Below.
RIC 63, (3.36 g, 18.5 mm)
Vacolony09/28/19 at 09:58David Atherton: Wonderful example!
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RIC 0688 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.84g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR in exergue; Vespasian stg. r., with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
Rev: VESP AVG across field; Victory on prow r., with wreath and palm
RIC 688 (R). BMC 147. RSC 569. BNC 121. Hendin 1484 corr. (rev. legend).
Ex Nomos Obolos 4, 21 February 2016, lot 575. Ex GH Collection. Ex Superior Galleries, The Moreira sale, Part II, 10-11 December 1988, lot 2374.
A major feature of Vespasian's coinage is in its use of antiquarian styled types and recycled ones from previous eras. K. Butcher and M. Ponting in The Metallurgy of Roman Silver Coinage have shown that a big component of Vespasian's silver bullion consisted of recycled denarii from the republic and early empire. Vespasian's moneyers were removing the older worn coinage and replacing them with brand new coins and in the process keeping some of the familiar reverse designs that the Roman public had grown accustomed to.
With that in mind, this very rare coin which copies not only the reverse design from a denarius of Octavian, it also copies the obverse. The only change is with the reverse legend VESP AVG to indicate Vespasian's authority. Being undated, it is difficult to correctly place in the series. RIC assigns it to 74 AD based on the legends. D. Hendin to 71-72, just after Vespasian and Titus' joint triumph for the Jewish War.
This denarius is so rare I have only been able to locate six other examples, all of which are in public collections: BM 3 examples (one plated), Paris (BNC 121, obv die match with mine), Berlin (rev die match with mine), and ANA NY. Curtis Clay has kindly informed me of several other examples offered at auction: "Glendining, 1952, Ryan Part 5, part of lot 2147, not illustrated, 'only fine but rare.' Perhaps the same coin as Trau Sale, 1935, lot 625, pl. 8: a worn example. Stack's, Knobloch, May 1980, lot 300. VF, but small edge chip (the ANA NY coin). Leu, April 1982, lot 327, VF."
I think the RIC frequency rating of 'rare' really underestimates the rarity of the type.
Fantastic old cabinet toning on a large 20mm flan. David Atherton09/26/19 at 03:43David Atherton: Sandro, not to my knowledge.
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Valerian I (253 - 260 A.D.)Egypt, Alexandria
Billon Tetradrachm
O: A K Π ΛI OVAΛEPIANOC EV EVC, Laureate and cuirassed bust right
R: Tyche seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia; L Δ (Year 4, 256/7 A.D.) to upper left.
10.54g
24mm
Köln 2867; Dattari (Savio) 5174; K&G 88.28; Emmett 3721.4.Mat09/21/19 at 02:15David Atherton: Great looking coin!
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RIC 0635 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.08g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in exergue; Titus stg. r., with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
RIC 635 (R). BMC -. BNC 688.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, September 2019.
In 71 AD Vespasian and Titus held a double triumph celebrating their victory in the recently concluded Judaean War. The spectacular triumph was held a few days after Titus' arrival from the East in June and could be viewed as his effective homecoming party. Mary Beard has shrewdly observed that the triumph served as 'the Flavian coronation, the official launch party and press night of the Flavian dynasty.' It was the first time after Vespasian's rise to the purple that the whole family could be seen together by the Roman populace. Vespasian and Titus were identically dressed riding in matching quadrigas while Domitian trotted alongside on a splendid mount. By showcasing his eldest son on an equal footing in the procession, it left little doubt who would succeed after his death. Coins were struck in all metals to commemorate the event. Here is a rare As with a reverse depicting Titus Caesar in a triumphal quadriga, a clear commemoration of the joint triumph. Oddly, this type is more commonly seen in silver from Antioch. The piece serves as a superb memento of the 'Greatest Show on Earth' triumph put on by the Flavian regime in the late First century.
Not in the BM. RIC cites only a specimen in the Paris collection (BNC 688), a double die match with this coin as pointed out by C. Clay.
Worn, but the major devices are still quite visible.David Atherton09/19/19 at 15:04David Atherton: Yes, I believe you are correct - a double die matc...
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RIC 0267 (T) DomitianCAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII
Laureate head right
PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS
Goat standing left in laurel wreath
Rome, 80-81 CE after the deification of Vespasian.
3.37g
RIC 267 Titus (C)
Ex-Barakat
This is a nice example of the legend ending with a pronounced dot.Jay GT409/16/19 at 22:50David Atherton: Good example!
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Roman Civil Wars, Revolt of Galba, Governor of SpainSilver denarius, Tarraco(?) mint, Apr - Jun 68 A.D.
O: BON EVENT, young female head (Bonus Eventus) right, fillet around forehead.
R: ROM RENASC, Roma standing right in military garb, Victory on globe in right hand, eagle-tipped scepter over left shoulder in left, implying the restoration of the Republic.
- RIC I 9 (R4), RSC II 396, BMCRE I 9, SRCV I 2072.
Galba lived in Tarraco for eight years. This coin was issued by Galba as governor of Spain in revolt against Nero. The obverse is copied from Republican denarii struck in 62 B.C. by the moneyer L. Scribonius Libo.Nemonater08/19/19 at 03:16David Atherton: Utterly fantastic!
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020b Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² Titus 0359a, RIC II(1962) (Titus) 0062, AR-Denarius, Rome, E-X, SC on round shield set on the column, #1020b Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² Titus 0359a, RIC II(1962) (Titus) 0062, AR-Denarius, Rome, E-X, SC on round shield set on the column, #1
avers: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, Laureate head right.
reverse: E-X, SC on round shield set on the column, upon which an urn sits, laurel branch to each side.
exergue: E/X//SC, diameter: 17,0-18,0mm, weight: 3,24g, axes: 5h,
mint: Rome, date: 80-81 A.D., ref: RIC² (Titus) 0359a, RIC II(1962) (Titus) 0062 p-123, RSC 149, BMC 125,
Q-001quadrans08/11/19 at 00:13David Atherton: Decent example!
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RIC 0776 VespasianIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG.
Laureate head right.
PON MAX TR P COS VI.
Victory standing left upon cista mystica, holding wreath and palm frond; coiled serpent to left and right.
Rome 75 CE
3.25g
RIC² 776 (R).
Only 5 specimens in the Reka Devnia hoard
Minted in Rome but likely intended for circulation in the East. The reverse copies the earlier quinarii of Augustus and the Cistophoric tetradrachms of Ephesus.
Ex-Barakat
Jay GT407/25/19 at 09:43David Atherton: Not a very common type. A solid upgrade. Congrats!
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RIC 0282 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 14.36g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: TVTELA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Tutela std. l., with a child either side
RIC 282 (R2). BMC 596. BNC 572.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2019. Ex The Morris Collection. Formerly in NGC holder 4632640-020, grade 'Ch VF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
Tutela, the goddess of guardianship, is a rare personification on Roman coinage. She first appears on the dupondii of Vitellius and later under Vespasian during his great bronze issue of 71, both on the dupondius and a unique sestertius. The type under Vespasian is extremely scarce with only two reverse dies known for the dupondius. The unique sestertius was acquired by Curtis Clay, for which he wrote the following concerning the TVTELA reverse type:
'Cohen suggested a dynastic interpretation of this TVTELA AVGVSTI rev. type: Vitellius seated with his two children, one boy and one girl, under Vitellius; Domitilla, Vespasian's deceased wife, seated with her sons Titus and Domitian under Vespasian.
Mattingly, in BMC, p. xliv, modified Cohen's interpretation: "Cohen can hardly be right in identifying the woman with Domitilla, but the children seem to stand for Titus and Domitian, and Tutela is the guardian care of the Emperor that watches over his sons."
However, I prefer Mattingly's alternate interpretation, which he explains in a footnote:
"Or the children might represent citizens and Tutela would then be the Emperor's ward over his subjects. Cf. Suetonius, Divus Vespasianus, 5, an omen that portended 'desertam rem p. civili aliqua perturbatione in tutelam eius ac velut in gremium deventuram' ['that the Roman state, abandoned because of some civil agitation, would fall under his protection (tutela) and as it were into his lap']....Martial (v.1.7ff.) addresses Domitian as 'o rerum felix tutela salusque / sospite quo gratum credimus esse Iovem' [O happy protector (tutela) and savior of our affairs, whose continuing good health makes us believe that Jupiter is on our side']."
These quotes, and others that Mattingly indicates in the same note, show that 'tutela' was commonly used in Vespasian's day to mean the emperor's solicitous care for his subjects. Plus, the few later appearances of a Tutela type on Roman coins, under Tetricus I and Carausius, do not include children and seem to refer to governing not childrearing.'
As can clearly be seen on this well preserved dupondius the two children standing either side of Tutela are togate, indicating that they are both boys and perhaps can be viewed as further evidence that Mattingly's alternate theory is correct and the two children do indeed represent the empire's citizens. Unfortunately, the Tutela type was struck rather fleetingly in 71 and did not become part of Vespasian's regular canon of reverse types.
One of the finest known examples of the type. A double die match with the ANS specimen 1906.236.246.
NB: BMC 527 records the type with an obverse reading COS II, however, the obverse has been tooled from an original COS III die. Its reverse die is also known to be paired with other COS III obverses.
David Atherton07/22/19 at 21:31David Atherton: Thanks for the additional provenance info Curtis!
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Vespasian / Shield Within Wreath RIC 1393Vespasian; 69-79 AD, Ephesus, c. 69-70 AD, Denarius, 2.80g.
O: IMP CAES - VESPAS AVG Head laureate r.; on neck rectangular countermark IMP VES with IMP and VE ligate (Howgego-839).
R: AVG on round shield within oak wreath; rectangular countermark IMP VES with IMP and VE ligate.
Extremely rare, apparently the second recorded specimen, the first having appeared in Schenk-Behrens 76, 26 Nov. 1998, lot 186, as reported but not illustrated by RIC-1393.
This coin is exceptional in three additional ways. First, Roman denarii are virtually never countermarked, with the exception of the IMPVES under Vespasian. Second, it is extremely rare for a coin of Vespasian to be countermarked by Vespasian. Third, I believe this is the only example of a Vespasian denarius mistakenly countermarked not just once, but twice!
The attribution of this reverse type to Ephesus, suggested by the use on later marked coins of that mint of a simplified version of the same type, AVG within oak wreath but without the shield, is confirmed by the countermark of Vespasian on this specimen, since the few Flavian denarii known to have been marked with that countermark are all coins of the Ephesus mint.Nemonater07/07/19 at 12:08David Atherton: Utterly fantastic!
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RIC 0336Domitian, 81-96. Denarius 85 CE Fourth Issue
(Silver, 20 mm, 3.32 g, 6 h), Rome.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII Laureate head of Domitian to right, wearing aegis.
Rev. IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P Minerva standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in her right hand and a spear in her left; behind her, shield.
RIC 336 (R2) BMC 79. Cohen 178 var. (without aegis). .
Leu Numismatic E-Auction 8 Lot 1038 June 30, 2019.
I was absolutely thrilled to win this coin in an auction. There are 2 reasons I wanted it. First, it has CENS POT in the reverse legend. I am actively seeking out denarii with this legend. Secondly, have a close look at the bust on the obverse. Far down on the neck is an Aegis. In this case the Aegis is a Gorgon. While the Aegis does occur on both bronze and silver coins of Domitian, its use is quite rare on denarii. Usually these coins are misattributed in auctions. It is worth buying the reference book RIC II Part 1 if you are going to chase these coins. One reason is that many of these rare coins do not appear in any other reference.
If you see a denarius of Domitian appear that has Aegis on the breast such as this one above, grab it before someone else notices it. There are a few sharp eyed Flavian fanatics out there who consistently scour the auction listings looking for rarities such as this one. I should know, I am one of them.
I would like to have the other Aegis coins from this issue but they do not appear very often.orfew07/01/19 at 14:32David Atherton: Wonderful aegis on that one!
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RIC 0364 Vespasian denarius by TitusDIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS
Laureate head right
EX SC
Victory advancing left placing shield on trophy; below, Judaea seated left
Rome 80-81 CE, after the deification of Vespasian
2.91g
RIC 364 (C)
Ex-Manfred Olding 2019 no 180; Ex-Paul Schürer (1890-1976); Ex-Fritz Reusing (1874-1956) with handwritten tag.
Reusing was a German portrait painter of the early 20th Century whose portraits included Richard Strauss, Igor Strawinsky, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein. After Reusing's death his nephew Paul Schürer inherited and curated the collection.
Heavy black patina with old scratches beneath. Jay GT406/28/19 at 19:46David Atherton: Nice addition!
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Augustus RIC 0224Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD Denarius
Lugdunum circa 13-14,
18mm., 3.56g.
Obv: Laureate head r.
Rev. Tiberius in triumphal quadriga r., holding laurel branch and eagle-tipped sceptre.
RSC 301. RIC 224.
Ex: Naville Numismatics Live auction 50 Lot 439 June 23, 2019
orfew06/28/19 at 02:40David Atherton: Wonderful!
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RIC 0555 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII, Laureate head right
Rev: COS XIIII, across field, Minerva standing left, with spear
AR/Denarius - 20.86 mm 3.560 g 6h - Struck in Rome 88 A.D. (1st group)
RIC 555 (R2) - RSC 66 - BMCRE unlisted - BNF 113
ex Rauch Auction 108 Lot 160FlaviusDomitianus06/23/19 at 12:19David Atherton: A beauty.
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Nero (54 - 68 A.D.)Egypt, Alexandria
Billon Tetradrachm
O: NEΡΩ KΛAY KAIS SEBA GEP AVTO, laureate head right.
R: NEO AGAQ DAIM, Agathodaemon serpent, coiled with head up, holding poppies and grain ears, L ς (date) to right. Year 6.
23mm
13.11g
Milne 203; Emmett 106.6 (R4) ; RPC 5260
The Agathodaemon was a good spirit/demon that was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians.
He had the shape of a serpent with a human head.
The Greek inscription on the reverse of this coin shows that this is the "neo" or "new" agathodaemon serpent, or, in other words, the new good spirit (of rule by Nero).
Published on Wildwinds!Mat06/21/19 at 13:07David Atherton: Love the reverse!
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RIC 0554 (V) TitusT CAES IMP VESP CENS
Laureate bust right
PONTIF MAXIM
Vespasian seated right on curule chair, with sceptre and branch
Rome, 73 CE
RIC 554 (R) (Vespasian) A mule with reverse type of Vespasian
3.03g
Ex-BarakatJay GT406/19/19 at 21:57David Atherton: Wonderful!
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RIC 0686 VespasianIMP CAESAR VESP AVG
Laureate head right
PONTIF MAXIM
Winged cauduceus
Rome, 74 CE
3.21g
RIC 686 (R)
Ex-BarakatJay GT406/07/19 at 23:06David Atherton: Nice rarity!
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RIC 0387 Domitian AsIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P
Laureate head right with Aegis
SC
Mars advancing left with Victory and trophy
Rome, 85 CE
13.67g
RIC 387 (C)
Holed in antiquity and plugged in the late 19th century?
Ex-Manfred Olding 2019 n 184; Ex-Sammlung Heynen 1976;Ex-Paul Schürer (1890-1976); Ex-Fritz Reusing (1874-1956)
Comes with old tag probably from Heynen or Schürer. Olding tag incorrectly attributed to RIC 420 (different ending to legend)
Reusing was a German portrait painter of the early 20th Century whose portraits included Richard Strauss, Igor Strawinsky, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein. After Reusing's death his nephew Paul Schürer inherited and curated the collection. Heynen was a friend of Reusing's, and at an earlier date had evidently sold or exchanged or given a substantial number of coins to Reusing, this being one of those coins!
Thanks to David Atherton and Curtis Clay for the brief biography and info.Jay GT406/06/19 at 21:08David Atherton: Awesome provenance!
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RIC 0315 VespasianÆ As, 9.84g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PROVIDEN in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 315 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Dr. Claus W. Hild, May 2019.
Originally, Tiberius struck the Provident altar type for Divus Augustus. The altar depicted is dedicated to Providentia, the personification of the emperor's divine providence. Although the type is commonly described as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. This popular type was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign both at Rome and Lyon, confining the type to the as issues. This example is the rare Rome mint variant with the unique abbreviated 'PROVIDEN' legend struck during the great bronze issue of 71. It is missing from the BM's extensive collection. The variant spellings can range the gamut from 'PROVID' to 'PROVIDENT'.
Well centred with a nice dark coppery patina.David Atherton06/05/19 at 21:26David Atherton: Thank you for your observations Curtis. On mine th...
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RIC 0604 Domitian DenariusIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII
Laureate head right
COS XIIII across field; Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC;
all within laurel wreath
3.09g
Rome; September 14-December 31, 88 AD
RIC 604 (C) Scarce
Ex-Praefectus
Rated as common in RIC but actually quite difficult to find. Beautiful in hand with a nice dark old cabinet toning developing.Jay GT405/24/19 at 11:59David Atherton: Beautifully toned.
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1174 - L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, Denarius Rome mint, 90 BC
Laureate head of Apollo right, Δ below chin
Naked horseman galloping right, holding whip; above swan. L.PISO.FRUGI / ROMA at exergue
3,93 gr - 18,8 mm
Ref : RCV # 235, RSC # 12b, RRC # 340/1-Calpurnia 12b-symbol 166
Ex. Naville Numismatics
Potator II05/11/19 at 15:21David Atherton: Lovely coin!
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Titus under Vespasian Fourée DenariusTitus under Vespasian Fourée Denarius
Obverse:
T CAES IMP VESP POИ TR POT CENS
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse:
NEP RED
Neptune standing left, resting foot on globe, holding acrostolium and scepterHarry G05/09/19 at 15:35David Atherton: Very interesting!
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RIC 0377 Vespasian DupondiusDIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS
Radiate head right
PAX AVGVST
Pax standing left, leaning on column, with caduceus and branch; SC in field
Rome 80-81 AD
12.18g
RIC 377 (R2) Titus; very rare, only one on coinarchives.
Ex-ANE
Although the issue is undated it was likely struck on the occasion of Vespasian's deification in 80 AD.
Jay GT405/03/19 at 23:57David Atherton: Fantastic rarity!
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Vespasian (69 - 79 A.D.)Antioch, Syria
AR Tetradrachm
O: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laureate head right.
R: (T) ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠ KAIΣ ETOYΣ NEOY IEPOY; Laureate Head of Titus, r.; in r. field, B=Year 2 ( 69-70 AD)
11.37g
25mm
RPC 1941 (2 spec.)., Cf. Prieur 107-107A
A RPC group 2 tetradrachm attributed to Antioch, but style wise very similar to Alexandria. RPC speculates the Alexandria style tetradrachms were either struck in Alexandria and then shipped to Antioch, or less likely Alexandrian mint workers were sent to Antioch and produced the coins there. Kevin Butcher speculates these Alexandria style tetradrachms were ordered by the southern Syrian cities from the Alexandria mint for circulation in that part of the province. Of note, Galilee, Samaria, and Judaea were a part of the province of Syria at the time. Interestingly, these tetradrachms in which Titus' portrait is featured on the reverse may have been circulating in the very region where he commanded the legions fighting the Jewish War. Most likely they were struck during the massive military build up before the siege of Jerusalem, providing strong evidence of the important role Titus Caesar held at the time.
This regnal year 2 type is more commonly seen with a star behind Titus' portrait on the reverse. This is the rarer variant lacking the star.
Mat04/29/19 at 04:16David Atherton: Superb!
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RIC 0124 ATITUS Auguste (79-81), AR denier, 80, Rome.
(3.23g.)
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM· T. l. à d.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV- COS VIII PP Siège carré dr., avec un dossier triangulaire, décoré de cinq palmettes.
BMC 233, 61; RIC 124 A (R3).
Beau à Très Beau/Beau (Fine - Very Fine/Fine)
Purchased from Jean Elsen April 18, 2019
orfew04/18/19 at 16:15David Atherton: Glad you got one!
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Egypt, Alexandria. Domitian. A.D. 81-96. AE drachm.Egypt, Alexandria. Domitian. A.D. 81-96. AE drachm (34.7 mm, 23.61 g, 11 h). Alexandria mint, Struck A.D. 95/6. [AVT KAIC ΘЄ] OVIOC ΔOMIT [CЄB ΓЄPM], laureate head of Domitian right / Frontal elevation of triumphal arch; L - IE ( yr. 15 = A.D. 95/6 ). Emmett 257.15. Near VF / VF, very dark green smooth patina. Scarce (Emmett "frequency" 2). RPC II, 2728.
From the D. Thomas Collection; Wz Group CEM; Ex Walter Niggeler Collection; Ex Bank Leu/Munzen und Medallien.Ancient Aussie04/11/19 at 22:41David Atherton: Neat type!
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Macedon: Philip III TetradrachmHead of Herakles right, wearing Nemean Lion skin, scalp over head, forepaws tied at neck
Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, nude to the waist, himation around hips and legs, eagle in right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, right leg drawn back, ΦIΛIΠΠOY downward on right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ in exergue, radiate head of Helios facing on left, KY under throne
Struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I,
c. 323 - 317 B.C
Babylon mint, 17.056g, 29.2mm, die axis 90o,
Price P205, Müller Alexander P117, SNG Cop 1083, SNG Alpha Bank -, SNG Saroglos -
Ex-Forum!
Coins from this issue were struck in the names of both of Alexander the Great's co-ruling heirs. Most, including this example, were struck in the name of his brother Philip III, but some were struck in the name of his son Alexander IV. During this period, Archon, Dokimos, and Seleukos I ruled in succession as Macedonian satraps in Babylon. Archon was appointed satrap of Babylonia after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. Perdiccas suspected Archon of colluding in the theft of Alexander's corpse and, in 321 B.C., sent Dokimos to replace him. Archon was defeated and died from battle wounds. Seleucus, was made satrap by Perdiccas' rival Antipater, arrived in Babylon in October or November 320 B.C. and defeated Dokimos.
Jay GT404/10/19 at 00:49David Atherton: Beautiful!
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Commodus (177 - 192 A.D.)Egypt, Alexandria
Billon Tetradrachm
O: Μ Α ΚΟΜ ΑΝΤω СƐΒ ƐVСƐΒ, Laureate head right.
R:Commodus, togate, standing left, holding branch and sceptre, crowned by Alexandria, turreted, standing left behind him, holding corn ears. LK H to left. RY 28 (AD 187/8)
12.5g
25mm
Dattari (Savio) 3854; Emmett 2537.28
Published on Wildwinds!Mat04/03/19 at 05:39David Atherton: Nice example.
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MYSIA,Pergamon (200 - 133 B.C.)Æ16
O: Helmeted head of Athena right.
R: AΘΗ-ΝΑΣ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ, owl standing facing on palm, with wings spread, A monogram left and AP right.
3.6g
16mm
SNG von Aulock 1375-6 var; SNG Copenhagen 388 varMat03/27/19 at 09:45David Atherton: What a lively owl!
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0004 Sextus Pompey -- Pharos and ScyllaSextus Pompey, Imperator and Prefect of the Fleet
[Youngest Son of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)]
Obv: MAG⦁PIVS⦁IMP⦁ITER; Pharos of Messana, Neptune on top standing r. with r. hand on a trident and l. hand on a rudder, resting l. foot on prow. Galley sailing l., aquila atop a tripod placed in prow and a scepter tied with a fillet in stern. Border of dots.
Rev: PRAEF⦁ORAE⦁MARIT⦁ET⦁CLAS⦁S⦁C [AEs and MAR ligatured]; Scylla attacking l. wielding a rudder in both hands, the torso of a nude woman with two fishtails and the foreparts of three dogs as the lower body. Border of dots.
Denomination: silver denarius; Mint: Sicily, uncertain location1; Date: summer 42 - summer 39 BC2; Weight: 3.566g; Diameter: 19.8mm; Die axis: 225º; References, for example: BMCRR v. II Sicily 20 variant3, Sydenham 1349 variant3; Crawford RRC 511/4d; Sear CRI 335b.
Notes:
Obverse legend: MAG[NUS]⦁PIVS⦁IMP[ERATOR]⦁ITER[UM]
Reverse legend: PRAEF[ECTUS]⦁ORAE⦁MARIT[IMAE]⦁ET⦁CLAS[SIS]⦁S[ENATUS]⦁C[ONSULTO]
1Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.557 and Sear CRI, p. 203 suggest Messana as a possible mint location. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 124 hesitatingly suggests Mitylene (on the island of Lesbos).
2This is the date range suggested by Estiot 2006, p. 145, as she recommends going back to Crawford's proposal of 42 - 40 BC. Crawford RRC, p. 521 suggests the period in 42 BC after Sextus Pompey defeated Q. Salvidienus Rufus. Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily, p.556 proposes 38 - 36 BC. Sydenham, p.211 follows Grueber. DeRose Evans (1987), p. 129 submits 35 BC.
3Grueber BMCRR v. II Sicily 20 and Sydenham 1349 list MAR (ligatured) I but the coin here is clearly MAR (ligatured) IT. Neither Grueber nor Sydenham record MAR (ligatured) IT as part of this reverse legend for this coin type. Crawford and Sear do.
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins 15 January 2019; Nomos Obolos 10, 30 June 2018 Lot 349.
Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello03/25/19 at 08:44David Atherton: Spectacular coin!
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RIC 0573 Domitian DenariusIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERMAN P M TR P VII
Laureate head right
IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS P P P
Minerva advancing right with spear and shield
Rome, January 1-September 13, 88 AD
3.17g
RIC 573 (R2)
Ex-Cameleon coin e-bay
A rare variant with GERMAN on the obverse legend rather than the common GERM.Jay GT403/22/19 at 22:26David Atherton: Fantastic! Beautifully toned too.
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RIC 821 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome mint, 96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XVI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva, winged, flying l., with spear and shield
RIC 821 (R2). BMC 237D. RSC 297b. BNC - .
Acquired from jerusalemhadaya2012, eBay, 4 March 2019.
Domitian achieved tribunician power for the 16th time on 14 September 96 AD. He was assassinated in a palace plot four days later on 18 September. In between those two dates the mint struck only one issue of denarii recording Domitian as TR P XVI, needless to say they are extremely rare! The Senate decreed Damnatio Memoriae within a day of Domitian's assassination which would have quickly halted production at the mint for his coinage. The months leading up to Domitian's assassination saw the mint at Rome experimenting with many new reverse designs (altar, winged Minerva, Maia, temple reverses), breaking the monotony of the four standard Minerva types that had previously dominated the denarius. These new types are exceedingly rare and were perhaps experimental in nature. This denarius shows one of these new reverse types, Minerva Victrix, a more warrior like attribute of the goddess. The fact that this new type which originally appeared on the denarius when Domitian was TR P XV carried over to the briefly struck TR P XVI issue alongside the Maia and the M1, M3, and M4 Minerva types may hint that there was indeed change in the air at the mint. Perhaps the mix of new types with the older ones hint at a transition regarding the typology on his precious metal coinage? Regardless, the experiment was cut short by an assassin's blade, so we shall never know. This denarius may very well be the last coin ever struck for Domitian.
Fine late style with good natural toning. Same dies as the BM specimen.
David Atherton03/19/19 at 14:48David Atherton: Thanks for the suggestion Curtis! I ammended the w...
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RIC 1579 (V) DomitianCAESAR DOMIT COS II
Laureate head left
SC
in laurel wreath
Rome, 74 AD
5.63g
RIC 1579 Vespasian (C)
Ex-Inumis Paris
A scarce coin with a fantastic portrait and lovely patina. David Atherton notes the portrait is in fine Roman style while the reverse resembles a more local "Antiochine" style.
Jay GT403/19/19 at 02:33David Atherton: Beautiful.
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Philip I AntoninianusPhilip I Antoninianus
Obverse:
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Reverse:
ANNONA AVGG
Annona standing left, holding grain ears over galley prow and cornucopiaHarry G02/21/19 at 03:55David Atherton: Fine style portrait!
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Galerius AntoninianusGalerius Antoninianus
295-296 AD.
Obverse:
GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES
Bust Radiate, draped, cuirassed, right.
Reverse:
CONCORDIA MILITVM
Emperor, standing right, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter.Harry G02/21/19 at 03:54David Atherton: Eye catching!
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024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0250, RIC II(1962) 0435, AE-Quadrans, Rome, Rhinoceros walking left, Scarce!, #1024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0250, RIC II(1962) 0435, AE-Quadrans, Rome, Rhinoceros walking left, Scarce!, #1
avers: Rhinoceros walking left.
reverse: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM around large SC.
diameter: 16,518mm, weight: 2,24, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 84-85 A.D., ref: RIC 0250, RIC II(1962) 0435 p-208, BMCRE 498, C-674,
Q-001quadrans02/19/19 at 14:55David Atherton: Very nice example!
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RIC 1407 Vespasian Eastern DenariusIMP CAES VESPAS AVG
Laureate head of Vespasian right
PACI ORB TERR AVG
Turreted and draped female bust right below, horizontal Φ
Ephesus, 69-70 AD
3.23g
RIC V1407 (R); RPC 813
Rare
Ex-T.C. collection, Ex-Calgary Coin.
The Flavians as bringers of peace to the world.
New photoJay GT402/14/19 at 03:40David Atherton: Superb style.
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Vitellius RIC 0101Vitellius (AD 69). AR denarius
(18mm, 2.95 gm, 5h).
NGC VG 4/5 - 4/5. Rome.
Obv: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head of Vitellius right
Rev: LIBERI IMP GERM AVG, bareheaded and draped busts of the children of Vitellius (Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Junior and Vitellia), facing one another.
RIC I 101. Rare.
Ex: Heritage Auctions November 29, 2018 Lot 65074
orfew01/29/19 at 01:28David Atherton: Awesome type!
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RIC 2, p.222, 388 - Julia Titi Flavia, Venus Julia Titi Flavia
Augusta AD 178-182
AR Denarius
Obv.: : IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F.,Draped bust right.
Rev.: VENVS AVGVST, Venus standing right, back facing, leaning upon column to left, holding helmet and sceptre.
Ag, 3.20g, 20mm
Ref.: RIC II 388 [C2], CRE 8 [S]shanxi01/01/19 at 07:50David Atherton: Nice example.
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0972 Hadrian, Cistophorus BITHYNIA Koinon of Bithynia mint, Male in TempleReference.
RPC III, 972; RIC II 459a; RSC 241
Issue Reverse legend includes COM BIT
Obv. IMP CAES TRA HADRIANO AVG P P
Bare head of Hadrian, right
Rev. COM - BIT (in field), ROM S P AVG (in entablature)
Tetrastyle temple on podium of three steps; within, togate male standing r. holding spear in r. and Victory in left
9.89 gr
25 mm
6hokidoki01/01/19 at 07:49David Atherton: Utterly superb!
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0970B Hadrian, Cistophorus BITHYNIA Koinon of Bithynia mint, TempleReference.
RPC III, 970B/1; Metcalf B3; RSC 240; RIC II 461c
Issue Reverse legend includes COM BIT
Obv. IMP CAES TRA HADRIANO AVG P P
Laureate and draped bust of Hadrian r., seen from rear
Rev. COM - BIT (in field), ROM S P AVG (in entablature)
Octastyle temple on podium of three steps; three pellets in pediment
10.76 gr
25 mm
6hokidoki01/01/19 at 07:49David Atherton: Tremendous!
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Asia Minor, Ionia, Ephesus, Domitia, VenusDomitia
Ionia, Ephesus
Cistophorus (AD 82-96).
Obv.: DOMITIA AVGVSTA, Draped bust right.
Rev.: VENVS AVG, Venus standing right, back facing, leaning upon column to left, holding helmet and sceptre.
Ag, 10.39g, 26mm
Ref.: RIC² 847 (Domitian); RPC II 870.shanxi01/01/19 at 07:49David Atherton: Nice rarity!
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RIC 1542 Vespasian denariusIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Laureate head right
VIRTVS AVGVST
Virtus standing right, left foot on prow, with spear and parazonium
Antioch, 70 AD
3.24g
RIC 1542 (R2);RPC 1916 (5 spec.)
Ex-Noble Roman Coins
Ragged flan typical for the Antioch series. A very rare type!
Jay GT412/28/18 at 12:35David Atherton: Glad you got one!
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RIC 0429 Domitian Denarius SOLDIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V
laureate head right.
IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P
Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt and spear; shield at feet to right.
Rome, 86 AD
3.4g
RIC II 429 (C).
Ex-Coast to Coast coins 2006; Ex-Ancient & Medieval Coins Canada Auction 1, Lot 175
Sold Torex October 2022Jay GT412/13/18 at 23:12David Atherton: This coin should reads as follows: TR P V• IMP XI ...
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RIC 0429 Domitian Denarius SOLDIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V
laureate head right.
IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P
Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt and spear; shield at feet to right.
Rome, 86 AD
3.4g
RIC II 429 (C).
Ex-Coast to Coast coins 2006; Ex-Ancient & Medieval Coins Canada Auction 1, Lot 175
Sold Torex October 2022Jay GT412/12/18 at 02:13David Atherton: After looking at your coin again, it appears to be...
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RIC 0463 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P - Laureate head of Domitian right, with aegis.
Rev: GERMANIA CAPTA / S C - Trophy; to right, German captive standing right, hands bound, head left; to left, Germania seated left; around, arms.
AE/Sestertius - mm 35,73 mm 25,84 die axis 6 - Struck in Rome 86 a.D.
RIC 463 (C), BMCRE 372, BNF 395
Purchased from L'Art Des GentsFlaviusDomitianus12/11/18 at 13:52David Atherton: Great historical type!
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020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Lydia, Sardis, Asia (conventus of Sardis), RPC II 1312, AE-21, Mên standing left, holding pine cone and scepter, #1020p Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Lydia, Sardis, Asia (conventus of Sardis), RPC II 1312, AE-21, Mên standing left, holding pine cone and scepter, #1
avers: AYTOK KAIC OYЄCΠACIANΩ, Laureate head of Vespasian right.
reverse: ЄΠI T ΦΛ ЄICΓONOV CAPΔIANΩN, Mên standing left, holding pine cone and scepter, to left, monogram (CTRA) above the lighted altar. (Magistrate: T Fl Eisigonos (strategos)).
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 20,0-21,0mm, weight: 6,97g, axis: 6h,
mint: City: Sardis, Region: Lydia, Province: Asia (conventus of Sardis).
date: 69-79 A.D., Magistrate: T Fl Eisigonos (strategos)
ref: RPC II 1312, Waddington 5248,
Q-001quadrans12/11/18 at 07:02David Atherton: Terrific portrait!
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RIC 0429 Domitian Denarius SOLDIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V
laureate head right.
IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P
Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt and spear; shield at feet to right.
Rome, 86 AD
3.4g
RIC II 429 (C).
Ex-Coast to Coast coins 2006; Ex-Ancient & Medieval Coins Canada Auction 1, Lot 175
Sold Torex October 2022Jay GT412/11/18 at 04:31David Atherton: Better than my chipped example. Congrats!
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Vespasian (69 - 79 A.D.)AR Denarius
O: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head right.
R: VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory advancing right, holding palm and crowning standard with wreath.
Rome Mint (72-73 A.D.)
3.45g
19mm
RIC 362 (C2), BMCRE 74, RSC 618Mat12/03/18 at 22:53David Atherton: Wow!
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EB0084 Herakles / ZeusAlexander III, Babylon, MACEDONIA, AR Tetradrachm, 325-317 BC.
Obverse: Head of Herakles wearing lionskin headdress right.
Reverse: AΛEΞANΔΡOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right and beneath Zeus seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; M in left field, ΛY beneath chair above the strut.
References: Price 3692; Mueller 1272.
Diameter: 25.5mm Weight: 17.202g. Axis: 240°.EB11/22/18 at 11:28David Atherton: Nice toning.
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TrajanusTrajanus, sestertius.
34 mm, 27,36 g.
Obv. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P: Bust of Trajan, laureate, right with aegis.
Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C: Victory, naked to waist, standing right, left foot on helmet, holding stylus in right hand and with left hand attaching shield inscribed VIC DAC to palm-tree.
Ex. Lanz 76/1996/ Los 504;
RIC 528Marsman11/22/18 at 11:28David Atherton: Fantastic!
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RIC 0144 Domitian Denarius IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M
Laureate head of Domitian right
IVPPITER CONSERVATOR
Eagle standing front on thunderbolt, wings outspread, head left
Rome 82-83 AD
3.37g
RIC 144 (R)
Ex-inumis FranceJay GT411/10/18 at 22:46David Atherton: Nice toning and excellent portrait!
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RIC 0961 (V) Domitian denariusCAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS
Laureate head of Domitian right
COS V
Wolf and twins; in exergue boat
Rome, 77-78 AD
3.45g
RIC 961 Vespasian (C2)
Ex-Calgary CoinJay GT410/28/18 at 02:14David Atherton: Nice example of the type!
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RIC 0247 Vespasian sestertiusIMP CAES VESPAS AVF TR P P P COS III
Laureate head of Vespasian right
SC in field
Mars advancing right with spear and trophy
Rome, 71 CE
26.95g
RIC 247 (C2)
Kraay counted 12 reverse dies used for this obverse type.
Ex-Calgary Coin; Ex-CNG e-Auction 336 lot 256
Some old cleaning scratches in fieldsJay GT410/28/18 at 02:13David Atherton: Beautiful patina with a wonderful portrait!
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0951 Hadrian Denarius Roma 128-29 AD IndulgentiaReference.
RIC II, 361; C. 845; Strack 198; RIC III, 951
Bust A1
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Laureate, head
Rev. INDVLGENTIA AVG COS III
Indulgentia, seated left, extending right hand and holding transverse sceptre
3.29 gr
18 mm
6hokidoki10/24/18 at 10:07David Atherton: Beautiful coin!
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032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0306, Rome, AR-Denarius, HISPANIA, Hispania draped, reclining left, #1032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0306, Rome, AR-Denarius, HISPANIA, Hispania draped, reclining left, #1
avers: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, Laureate head right.
reverse: HISPANIA, Hispania draped, reclining left, holding the olive branch and leaning on a rock.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,5mm, weight: g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 136 A.D., ref: RIC II 306, RSC-349, BMC-361,
Q-001quadrans10/24/18 at 10:06David Atherton: Excellent!
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Vespasian / Titus and Domitian on HorsebackVespasian AR Denarius, Rome Mint, 69-70 AD
O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
R: TITVS ET DOMITIAN CAES PRIN IV; Titus and Domitian riding r., hands outstretched
- RIC 5 (R). BMC p. 7, RSC 539.
One of the rarest of the dynastic types.Nemonater10/24/18 at 01:05David Atherton: Same dies as my example - evidence of its rarity.
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EB0937 Cleopatra VII / Eagle Cleopatra VII, Alexandreia mint, 51-30 BC.
Obverse: Diademed & draped bust right.
Reverse: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, cornucopiae in left field, M (denomination=40) in right field.
References: Svoronos 1872, SNG Cop 422.
Diameter: 21mm, Weight: 8.2g.
Ex: Numismatic Art and Ancient CoinsEB10/21/18 at 21:10David Atherton: Very nice!
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Titus / Bearded CaptiveTitus AR Denarius. Rome mint, AD 79. 3.1g, 18mm.
O: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right
R: TR POT VIII COS VII, bearded captive, wearing trousers and cape, kneeling right at base of trophy.
- RIC 1; RSC 334a; BMCRE 1.
Only two specimens in the Reka Devnia Hoard, not in the Paris collection or Cohen. An attractively toned issue dated to the first week of Titus' reign, between Vespasian's death on 23 June 79 AD and the beginning of Titus' ninth tribunician year on 1 July. The reverse type was carried on from Titus' last issue as Caesar, see http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-89575Nemonater10/16/18 at 05:00David Atherton: Beautiful toning!
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RIC 1445 (V) Domitian Ephesus denariusDOMITIANVS CAESAR AVG
Bare-headed and cuirassed bust of Domitian to right, wearing aegis.
AVG and mint mark EPE within oak wreath.
Ephesus 71 AD
3.28g
RIC 1445 Vespasian (R). RPC 846.Jay GT410/13/18 at 12:57David Atherton: Good example of a rare type!
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Titus / EagleTitus as Caesar. 70-79 AD. Denarius, Rome, 76 AD.
O: T CAESAR IMP - VESPASIANVS Head laureate left.
R: COS - V across field, Eagle with raised wings standing right on garlanded altar, head left.
- RIC 873 (R2), pl. 10 (different dies). BMC 192 note (citing Cohen). Cohen 60 (Rollin).
Very rare with portrait left: not in BM by 1976, not in the Paris catalogue nor in the Reka Devnia hoard, since the reported seven specimens in Sofia were doubtless actually Cohen 59 with portrait right. RIC 873 cites two specimens with portrait left. David Atherton notes in his example of this type, "RIC generically describes the reverse as eagle with 'thunderbolt in claws', so this coin without thunderbolt should be regarded as a variant."
Below is what the coin now looks like September 2020.
 Nemonater09/26/18 at 03:22David Atherton: Awesome find! I have two examples, one is a double...
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Titus / Pontif Maxim MuleTitus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Denarius, Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 73.
O: Laureate head right; T CAES IMP VESP CENS
R: Vespasian seated right on curule chair, feet on footstool, holding scepter and olive branch.
- RIC II 554 (R) (Vespasian); BMC 113; RSC 158. Struck from the same obverse die as the aureus illustrated for Calicó 746.
An interesting mule. When this coin was struck, Titus was only Pontifex not Pontifex Maximus. The same reverse type was also struck for Titus with his correct titles, PONTIF TRI POT.
The reverse type clearly copies the PONTIF MAXIM Livia seated type of Tiberius. Vespasian may have copied this and other earlier aureus and denarius reverse types as restorations, since he was melting down and recoining the originals to take advantage of Nero's debasement of 64 AD. According to CClay, "Use of the SAME dies for both aurei and denarii was the rule up until Titus and continued in some issues until about Hadrian. Thereafter the style and size of the two denominations diverged, though gold and silver QUINARII often continued to be struck from the same dies."
 Nemonater09/26/18 at 03:18David Atherton: Fantastic!
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Q. Metellus Pius Scipio w/ Vespasian CountermarkQ. Metellus Pius Scipio. Silver Denarius 47-46 BC. Military mint traveling with Scipio in Africa.
O: Q METEL above, PIVS below, laureate head of Jupiter right, c/m: IMP VES (ligate) in incuse rectangle.
R: SCIPIO above, IMP in exergue, elephant advancing right.
- Crawford 459/1; HCRI 45; Sydenham 1050; Caecilia 47.
A Pompeian loyalist, Q. Metellus Pius Scipio introduced the legislation that recalled Caesar from his Gallic command, thus precipitating the Civil Wars. This denarius was struck while Scipio was in supreme command of the Pompeian forces in North Africa, the elephant an obvious reference to the province, and was probably struck during the later stages of the campaign in a mobile mint traveling alongside the forces (stylistically it is quite distinct from the coins of Scipio struck at the provincial capital of Utica). In 46 BC, Caesar finally managed to corner the Pompeians at Thapsus, where he inflicted a crushing defeat. After the battle Scipio committed suicide knowing that, despite Caesar's usual leniency towards his enemies, he would not allow so persistent an foe as Scipio to survive.
The countermark applied during Vespasian's rule is interesting proof that this older coinage continued in circulation.Nemonater09/19/18 at 11:05David Atherton: A Vespasian c/m along with a banker's mark - e...
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Vespasian / Temple of AphroditeCYPRUS, Koinon of Cyprus. (Antioch mint) Vespasian.AD 69-79. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 12.59 g, 1h). Dated RY 8 (AD 75/6).
Obv: AYTOKPATΩP OYЄCΠACIANOC KAICAP; Laureate head of Vespasian left. c/m Head of Marcus Aurelius left within incuse circle.
Rev: ЄTOYC NЄOY IЄPOY; H in exergue, conical cult xoanon of Aphrodite of Paphos within central distyle tower, central crossbeam of tripartite entablature above; tristyle porticoes flanking; the entire structure set on low basis.
- RPC 1803; Tziambazis 16; Countermark: Howgego 844 i.Nemonater09/19/18 at 11:02David Atherton: Awesome find with a c/m!
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Vespasian / Pax Ephesus MintVespasian AR Denarius, 3.33g, Ephesus Mint, 71 AD
O: Laureate head right, IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P
R: Turreted and draped female bust right; PACI ORB TERR AVG [EPHE below]
- RIC 1433 (C). BMC 459. RSC 293. RPC 835 (14 spec.).
Minted to celebrate the Flavian Pax Romana. I was able to confirm the attribution with matching dies.Nemonater09/19/18 at 11:01David Atherton: Fine style!
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RIC 004 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.18g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII; Seat, draped; above, thunderbolt
RIC 4 (C). BMC 1. RSC 554. BNC 1.
The early issues of Domitian show a progression of the titles he assumed soon after his accession. This denarius is part of the first issue, evident by Domitian's sparse titles of IMP, AVG and TRP only, he is not yet Pontifex Maximus (PONT or PM) or Pater Patriae (P P). The reverse is a pulvinaria type carried over from Titus. The style is identical to the Domitian as Caesar denarii struck under Titus as well. NB: Thunderbolt is not winged.
A good example of the early portrait style.David Atherton08/03/18 at 22:22David Atherton: Jim, the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda deletes 'wi...
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Crawford 408/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Piso Frugi, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
Caius Calpurnius Piso Frugi, 61-59 BCE
AR Denarius (3.96g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo facing right; wheel with four spokes (control mark), behind.
Reverse: Horse with rider carrying palm, galloping right; II or П above; C PISO L F FRVG, below.
References: Crawford 408/1a (O17/R31); Sydenham 850f; Hersh O-17/R-1023; Banti 245/2 (this coin illustrated); Calpurnia 24.
Provenance: Ex Naville Numismatics 39 (29 Apr 2018), Lot 472; DeFalco FPL 80 (1968); Munzen und Medaillen XVII (2-4 Dec 1957), Lot 185; De Falco FPL 31 (Dec 1955), Lot 155.
Caius Piso Frugi, was the son of Lucius Piso Frugi who produced a huge coinage during the Social War in 90 BCE. Caius was son-in-law to Cicero, marrying Cicero’s daughter Tullia in 63 BCE. He was quaestor in 58 BCE, during which time he fought hard for repeal of Cicero’s exile. He died in 57 BCE, just before Cicero returned to Rome. Cicero thought very highly of him.
Crawford dated Caius’ coinage to 67 BCE, the year of his engagement to Tullia. The near mint state condition of Caius’ coins in the Mesagne Hoard caused Hersh and Walker to bring down the date of Caius’ mint magistracy toward the close of the hoard material, circa 61 BCE. In “Roman Republican Moneyers and Their Coins” (2nd ed.), Michael Harlan suggests a slightly later date of 59 BCE, which would be the latest possible date for the series given the hard dates of Caius’ quaestorship in 58 and death in 57.
With his coinage, Caius reissued the coin types of his father which allude to the celebration of the Ludi Apollinares instituted by Frugi's ancestor during the Second Punic War. These games were held at the Circus Maximus in July of each year and lasted 8 or 9 days, consisting of horse racing and performances.
While his father’s 90 BCE coinage was hurriedly and sloppily produced due to wartime exigency (dies were often used to the brink of destruction), Caius’ coinage was considerably well made – struck in high relief and good style. Reverse dies were convex – resulting in characteristic “cupped” reverses – to fully-strike the high relief obverses. Obverses are in two varieties: the first, with Apollo’s hair bound with a fillet or taenia; the second with his hair laureate. Hersh (1976) knew of 204 obverse dies. Laureate dies are considerably fewer than fillet/taenia dies. The reverses are quite varied, depicting the horsemen wearing various caps or capless and carrying whip, torch, palm or nothing. Hersh knew of 232 reverse dies. Obverse and reverse dies bear a series of control marks consisting of symbols, letters, Greek and Roman numbers and fractional signs. The obverse/reverse die links in the series are very random within the estimated three workshops, and are considered evidence for the “die box” method of die management by the mint officials.
Carausius07/08/18 at 22:49David Atherton: Beautiful coin!
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Lucania, Metapontom staterRaised barley corn
Incuse barley corn
Metapontom, 440-510 BC
7.72g
Tight flan series NOE 243-256; HN Italy 1485
Ex-Calgary Coin; Ex-DM collection, Ex-HJB
An Achaean colony of great antiquity, Metapontion was destroyed and refounded early in the 6th century by colonists from Sybaris under the leadership of Leukippos. The city occupied an exceptionally fertile plain on the Gulf of Tarentum, which explains the use of the barley ear as its civic badge. Metapontion, along with Sybaris and Kroton produced the earliest coinage in Magna Graecia. The coins of these cities share three features: weight standard, broad and thin flans, and incuse reverses. These features were then adopted by neighboring mints at Kaulonia and elsewhere in southern Italy. While the reasoning behind the choice of these shared features is not clear, the common weight and style facilitated circulation between the cities of south Italy. The mixed contents of the earliest hoards from the region support this idea of free circulation of currency. It is interesting that these common features, indigenous to south Italy, also tended to keep the coins in south Italy. They are rarely found elsewhere in Italy, not even in Sicily. After approximately 510 B.C., the date of the destruction of Sybaris by Kroton, the fabric of the coins throughout south Italy became smaller and thicker, though still with incuse reverses. In the years between 480 and 430 B.C., sooner in Tarentum and later in Metapontion, the incuse issues were replaced by a two sided coinage.Jay GT406/24/18 at 22:25David Atherton: Lovely piece.
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hhj8.26.23.03Elagabalus
Nicopolis
Obv: AVT M AVPH ANTONINOC, laureate draped cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.
Rev:VΠ NOBIOV POVΦOV NIKOΠOΛIT →Π-POC/ICT, Triptolemos nude, chlamys waving behind, riding right in biga drawn by two winged serpents, reins in left hand, raised right hand.
27 mm, 12.98 gms
Hristova-Hoeft-Jekov 8.26.23.3, ex CNG Electronic Auction 422, lot 382 (misattributed but corrected here)Charles M06/23/18 at 02:55David Atherton: Love that reverse!
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Akarnania. LeukasAkarnania. Leukas circa 320-280 BC.
Stater AR
20mm., 8,10g.
Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet / Pegasos flying left, Λ below.
very fine
Cf. BMC 101.Randygeki(h2)06/22/18 at 04:00David Atherton: Nice Pegasus!
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03 Constantius IIConstantius II
Antioch
5,4 g / 24.1 mm
obverse D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right;
reverse FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, Gamma in left, soldier spearing Horseman,hair in braids, bearded, reaching back towards soldier
ANZ Antioch 122
Sear 18170Randygeki(h2)06/22/18 at 03:59David Atherton: Yes, lovely patina indeed.
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Roman Empire, Domitian Denarius - Eagle Grasping Thunderbolt (RIC 144)AR Denarius
Rome, 82-83 AD
3.59g
Obv: Laureate head (R), IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M
Rev: Eagle standing facing, with open wings, head turned L, grasping thunderbolt in its talons.
IVPPITER CONSERVATOR
RIC 144, BMC 52, C. 320
From the Ernst Ploil collection, Vienna
NAC Auction 101 (Ploil) 24 October 2017, lot 228
ex Lanz sale 102, 2001, 522.
Optimo Principi06/21/18 at 05:49David Atherton: Fantastic example!
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Crawford 198/1, Roman Republic - Anonymous DenariusRome. The Republic.
Anonymous, 157-156 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.18 g; 18 mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right with peaked visor and earring of long, single drop; X (mark-of-value = 10 asses), behind.
Reverse: The Dioscuri galloping right holding spears; two stars above; ROMA below in linear frame.
References: Crawford 198/1; BMCRR (Italy) 390; Brinkman 43.
Provenance: Acquired with an Italian export permit.
This is the last variety of fully anonymous denarii struck by the Roman Republic, and it is often mistaken for the earlier and more common Crawford 53/2. Both types depict Roma in a peaked-visor helmet. The most obvious differences are that the rider's cape on Cr. 198 is longer at the top than the bottom - looking almost wing-like - and the horse's tail extends straight-out on Cr. 198. The variety is rarely so well centered as this specimen which clearly shows that the ROMA legend is within a three-sided frame (most examples showing only two sides of the frame). Carausius06/20/18 at 15:25David Atherton: Lovely piece.
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Crawford 30/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR Didrachm - QuadrigatusRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, 225-214 BCE.
AR Didrachm/Quadrigatus (6.29 g; 21mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Janiform head with irregular neck truncaction.
Reverse: Jupiter and Victory in fast quadriga, galloping right; ROMA incuse on trapezoidal tablet below.
Reference: Crawford 30/1; Sydenham 64b; BMCRR 95; Gentilehomme I.E.3-4.
Provenance: From an American collection; privately purchased from Tom McKenna in 1980's.
The last few series of Roman silver didrachm coinage, produced from 225-214 BCE, are nicknamed "quadrigati" because of the common reverse type of Jupiter and Victory in a fast quadriga. Crawford's arrangement of quadrigati into distinct series requires a great amount of study to understand. Collectors and dealers alike often misattribute quadrigati among Crawford's series.
The Crawford 30 series of quadrigati, to which this example belongs, have a distinct obverse style, notably a thick, single sideburn between the janiform heads with various neck truncation styles ranging from straight – wavy – convex. On the reverse, Victory stands further back, on the backboard of the chariot with more of her garment visible. ROMA legend is always incuse on this series, though tablets range from square to trapezoidal.
Carausius06/20/18 at 15:23David Atherton: Absolutely stunning!
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Trajan Denarius - Virtus (RIC 354)AR Denarius
Rome, 116 AD
3.21g
Obv: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust (R)
Rev: VIRTUS standing (R) with bare left breast and foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium.
PM TRP COS VI PP SPQR
RIC 354, RSC 274var, Woytek 524f, citing only six specimens.
Acquired by a collector from Rino Barzan, Turin in October 1966
Naville Numismatics Auction 40
Optimo Principi06/13/18 at 04:37David Atherton: Superb!
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2 Constantius IIConstantius II AE2. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laureate, rosette-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust left, holding globe / FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor bare headed & in military dress standing, holding labarum in his right hand, resting left hand on shield, two bound captives in Phrygian helmets kneeling, facing each other before him, ALEB in ex. Alexandria
RIC VIII 55Randygeki(h2)06/13/18 at 04:35David Atherton: Good eye appeal!
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Domitian (81 - 96 A.D.)SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch
AR Tetradrachm
O: AVT KAISAR DOMITIANOS SEB GERM, laureate head right; aegis at point of bust.
R: ETOUS NEOV IEROV H, eagle standing facing right on thunderbolt; palm in right field. RY 8 (88/9 AD)
14.77g
26mm
Prieur 145; RPC II 1978; Wruck 108Mat06/08/18 at 22:52David Atherton: Great style!
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Domitian as Caesar / PegasusAR Denarius, Rome mint, 76-77 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right
Rev: COS IIII, Pegasus pawing ground right
- RIC V922 (R2). BMC - . RSC -
A rare obverse legend variant with CAES rather than Caesar, struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian. Nemonater06/07/18 at 07:45David Atherton: Great example!
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Lucius Aelius CaesarAelius. Caesar, AD 136-138. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.15 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, AD 137.
O: L AELIVS CAESAR, Bare head left
R: TR POT COS II around, PIE-TAS across, Pietas standing right, dropping incense onto lighted and garlanded altar to right and holding acerrum.
-RIC II 439c (Hadrian) R2; RSC 36a.
"The life of Ceionius Commodus, also called Aelius Verus, adopted by Hadrian after his journey through the world, when he was burdened by old age and weakened by cruel disease, contains nothing worthy of note except that he was the first to receive only the name of Caesar." - Historia Augusta Nemonater06/06/18 at 09:49David Atherton: Stunning portrait!
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RPC 1950 Vespasian TetradrachmAYTOKPAT KAIΣA OVEΣΠAΣIANOY
Laureate head right
ETOYΣ Δ IEPOY
Eagle standing to left on club; palm branch in field.
Dated "New Holy Year" 4, AD 71-72
Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria
10.47g
Prieur 116; McAlee 338; RPC 1950
Ex-Zurqieh
Glossy black patina
Jay GT405/29/18 at 22:51David Atherton: Eye catching!
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Peroz (459 - 484 A.D.)Sasanian Empire
AR Drachm
O: Crowned bust right, crescent on forehead.
R: Fire altar with attendants and ribbon, star and crescent flanking flames; mint to right. (Stuck years 3-8 of reign)
26mm
4g
Gobl Type IIMat05/26/18 at 22:48David Atherton: Interesting coin.
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Trajan (98 - 117 A.D.)SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch.
AR Tetradrachm
O: AYTOKΡ KAIC NEΡ TΡAIANOC CEB ΓEΡM ΔAK, laureate bust right
R: ΔHMAΡX EX IΣ YΠAT Σ, Eagle standing facing on club, wings spread, head left, palm branch right. Struck 110 -111 A.D.
13.94g
25mm
McAlee 439; Prieur 1504 (Tyre).Mat05/26/18 at 22:47David Atherton: Lovely toning.
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Alexander III the Great (336 - 323 B.C.)Lifetime Issue
AR Tetradrachm
O: Head of Alexander as Hercules right, wearing lion-skin headdress.
R: AΛEΞAN∆POY, Zeus enthroned left, right leg forward (archaic lifetime style), eagle in extended right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left hand, bow on left.
Salamis mint, struck 332-323 B.C.
16.95g
25mm
Price 3139 ; SNG Alpha Bank 662; Newell. Salamis 7.Mat05/10/18 at 02:05David Atherton: Nice coin! I agree with Jay, it's better to ha...
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Elagabalus Siver DenariusElegabalus...218-222 AD
Silver Denarius
Minted: 221 AD
Obv: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, Draped bust right, laureate, horned
Rev: PM TR P IIII COS III P P, Emperor standing left sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar, holding branch in right hand, star in left.
Ric 46 Sear 7536
Blast white with a superb portrait.Travis C05/02/18 at 12:17David Atherton: Awesome coin!
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Nero / Caius Cestius GallusSELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ As (30.5mm, 15.36 g, 12h).
Caius Cestius Gallus, legatus Syriae. Dated year 115 of the Caesarean Era (AD 66/7).
O: Laureate head right; coiled serpent to right. IM • NER • CLAV • CAESAR
R: ЄΠI(In the magistracy of) ΓAIOY KЄCTIO Y (Gaius Cestius) ΛNTIO (Antioch) ЄT (Year) ЄIP (P=100, I=10, E=5 ) in five lines within wreath
- McAlee 294 = Superior, (9 December 1989), lot 2827 (same dies); RPC I – Same obverse die as RPC 4309. Extremely rare, the second known.
Josephus lays much of the blame for the Jewish revolt at the feet of Florus, the Roman procurator of Judaea. Florus was notorious for his cruelty and greed. In 66 C.E. he demanded 17 talents from the temple treasury, using the pretense that it was needed by the Emperor. The Jews refused, ridiculing his request by taking up a mock collection for the “poor Florus.”
Florus responded by sending troops to loot and pillage the Upper-Marketplace in Jerusalem. Thousands of Jews were killed, including woman and children. Rather than bringing the city under control, Josephus reasons, “What more need be said? It was Florus who constrained us to take up war with the Romans, for we preferred to perish together rather than by degrees. The war in fact began in the second year of the procuratorship of Florus and in the twelfth of Nero's reign.”
The Sicarii, or “dagger-men,” took the fortress of Masada and killed the Roman garrison stationed there, establishing the first rebel stronghold. The fortress of Antonia was also captured and the Roman soldiers stationed there were slain. The remaining Roman holdouts surrendered under the agreement that their lives would be spared but they too were slaughtered. At the same time, the daily sacrifices for the Emperor were discontinued. A mixture of elation and fear gripped Jerusalem as they awaited the inevitable Roman response.
Gaius Cestius Gallus, Legate of Syria in 66 C.E., was the response. On Nero’s order, he assembled a force at Antioch comprised of legio XII Fulminata, detachments from the three other legions based in Syria, six cohorts of auxiliary infantry and four alae of cavalry. He also had military support from the Jewish ruler Herod Agrippa II and two other client kings, Antiochus IV of Commagene and Sohaemus of Emesa.
Within three months Gallus, with his force of over 30,000 troops, began working their way down from Galilee to Jerusalem, attacking key cities such as Chabulon, Joppa and Antipatris. Although enduring successful raids from the rebels, the Romans finally enter and set fire to the suburbs of Jerusalem as the rebels retreated to the safety of the temple fortress.
After setting fire to Bezetha, north of the temple, Gallus encamped in front of the royal palace, southwest of the temple. At that time, Josephus says he could have easily taken the city since pro-Roman Jews were ready to open the gates of the city for him. A six day delay, however, strengthened the insurgents. The zealots attacked and killed the pro-peace faction in the city, murdering their leaders, then assaulted the Romans from the wall. The advance units of the Romans employ the Testudo, overlapping their shields over themselves like the back of a tortoise, and began undermining the walls. After five days they are on the verge of success when, for an undetermined cause, Gallus called off the attack. In History of the Jews, Professor Heinrich Graetz suggests: “[Cestius Gallus] did not deem it advisable to continue the combat against heroic enthusiasts and embark on a lengthy campaign at that season, when the autumn rains would soon commence . . . and might prevent the army from receiving provisions. On that account probably he thought it more prudent to retrace his steps.” Whatever the reason, Gallus decided to abruptly leave Jerusalem.
Gallus, with evidently little battlefield experience, suffered one humiliating defeat after another during the retreat. By the battles end the losses amounted to 5,300 infantry, 480 cavalry, all the pack animals, artillery and the eagle standard of the legio XII Fulminata. With the rebels emboldened by their shocking victory, the stage is set for the Romans to return in greater force. This time, however, Nero would send general Vespasian.
Cestius Gallus died a broken man in 67 C.E. Tacitus described the outbreak of the revolt to Gallus death as follows: “the endurance of the Jews lasted till Gessius Florus was procurator. In his time the war broke out. Cestius Gallus, legate of Syria, who attempted to crush it, had to fight several battles, generally with ill-success. Cestius dying, either in the course of nature, or from vexation.” - The Histories V
Nemonater05/01/18 at 22:31David Atherton: Fantastic!
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Gordian III Denarius, RIC 113, RSC 120Gordian III AR Denarius. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right / LAETITIA AVG N, Laetitia standing facing with wreath & rudder.Britanikus04/20/18 at 12:55David Atherton: Very nice!
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Gordian III Silver Antoninianus, Pax, 238 AD, RIC 3Gordian III Silver Antoninianus, RIC 3, 22mm, 4.19g June - Dec, 238 AD. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGVSTI, Pax standing front, head left, holding olive branch & scepter.
Ex Holding History 04.08.2018Britanikus04/20/18 at 12:55David Atherton: What a lovely portrait!
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Crawford 542/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Marc AntonyRome, The Imperators.
Marcus Antonius, 32 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.72g; 18mm).
Athens Mint.
Obv: ANTON AVG IMP III COS DES III III V R P C. Bare head of Antony facing right.
Rev: ANTONIVS AVG IMP III, in two lines.
References: Crawford 542/2; HCRI 347; Sydenham 1209.
Provenance: Ex Andrew McCabe Collection [CNG eSale 385 (26 Oct 2016) Lot 470]; CNG 49 (17 Mar 1999), Lot 1316; Reinhold Faelten Collection [Stack's (20 Jan 1938) Lot 1495].
On the obverse, behind Antony’s ear, a small letter P, likely an engraver’s signature, is hidden within the hair line. This coin was struck in Athens in 32 BCE, while Antony and Cleopatra lived extravagantly among the Greeks. The coin’s inscription refers to a designated third consulship that Antony was supposed to share with Octavian in 31 BCE. Around the time this coin was minted, Antony notified his wife, Octavia (Octavian’s sister), in Rome that he was divorcing her. Octavian was outraged. Cleopatra’s growing influence over Antony was soon used by Octavian as progaganda to unite Italy and the West against Antony. Thus, the designated third consulship referenced on this coin never occurred, as the designated consuls went to war instead, ending with Antony’s naval defeat at Actium in September 31 BCE.
Carausius04/18/18 at 12:55David Atherton: Wonderful!
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