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Crawford 455/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, Restio AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
C. Antius Restiio, 47 BC
Rome Mint
Obv: RESTIO; Head of Restio right.
Rev: C ANTIVS C F; Hercules advancing right with club and trophy.
Reference: Crawford 455/1b; HCRI 34; Sydenham 970 var (no cloak over arm); Banti Antia 1/2 (this coin illustrated); G. Lahusen, Die Bildnismunzen Der Romischen Republik, pl. 61, no. 37 (this coin illustrated)
Provenance: ex Student & Mentor Collection [NAC 83 (20 May 2015) Lot 411]; ex F. Sternberg VII (1977), Lot 448; ex Carlo Crippa List 3 (1967), Lot 394.
This is a rare variety of Restio denarius, on which Hercules bears no cloak over his left arm. Banti's corpus contains only three examples of this variety, one of which is this coin. Carausius01/24/22 at 16:48Steve B5: Great style
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Edward VI. Shilling of Tower Mint, third issue. England. Tudor, Edward VI. 1547-1553. AR Shilling (6.33 gm, 32.6mm, 9h) Third pd, fine silver, 1551-1553. Crowned bust facing; rose to left and XII to right. :🛢:ЄDVVΛRDˀꓸVI∙DˀꓸGˀ. ΛGLˀꓸ FRΛˀꓸ z∙ hIBˀꓸ RЄX (im: tun). / Long cross fourchée over Tudor coat-of-arms. :🛢: POSVI-DЄV.ˀ⠁A-DIVTOR-Єˀ.ᙏЄV.ˀ⠁(im: tun). EF. Bt Arthur Bryant Coins, London, 2014. Spink SCBC 2482; North 1937.Anaximander07/23/21 at 23:58Steve B5: Really nice example
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1828 Half DollarBought at a coin show long ago for $4505/02/21 at 13:50Steve B5: Thanks Carausius. I've been through several s...
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Alexander of Macedon - Tetradrachm of AmphipolisDenomination: Tetradrachm
Era: After 323 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Head of Hercules in Lion Scalp
Reverse: Jupiter seated l. holding staff in l. eagle in r. ΑΛΕΣΑΝΔΡΟΥ along r. paralell with staff. Torch mintmark of amphipolis
Mint: Amphipolis
Weight: 17.05 gm.
Reference: Muller 81 var.
Provenance: NFA Summer Mail Bid Sale, June 27, 1986, lot 202; Ex Superior Stamp and Coin Co., Inc. Dr Walter Lee Crouch Collection, June 13-16, 1977, lot 2577
Remarkable obverse style. GVF.
05/02/21 at 13:45Steve B5: Pharsalos, Thanks. I obviously had an error in the...
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Crawford 35/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Janus/Prow Series, Aes Grave AsRome, The Republic.
Janus/Prow Series, circa 225-217 BCE.
AE Aes Grave As (256.29g; 64mm).
Obv: Head of Janus; - (value mark) below neck.
Rev: Prow right; I (value mark) above.
Reference: Crawford 35/1; Vecchi, ICC 74; Sydenham 71.
Provenance: Ex Kuenker Auction 280 (26 Sep 2016), Lot 315; ex Hannelore Scheiner Collection; acquired 1966 from Martin Nading of Fort Wayne, IN.
Aes Grave were a significant departure from the previous Roman bronze money in that Aes Grave were denominated with marks of value, and thus did not require weighing. The prow series of Libral Aes Grave was a very large issue. E.J. Haeberlin included nearly 1,200 examples of the As in the weight analysis within his monumental "Aes Grave". The Prow series Aes Grave was initially based on an As of about 270 grams. The iconography likely refers to the role of Rome's new and powerful navy in the victory over Carthage in the First Punic War and to the closing of the doors of the Temple of Janus in recognition of the peace. This same iconography subsequently became emblamatic of the As for several centuries of Roman struck bronze coinage.
Carausius07/12/20 at 21:46Steve B5: fabulous
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Crawford 13/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC - AR DidrachmRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, 310-300 (c. 295?) BCE.
AR Didrachm (7.13g; 21mm).
Mint in Central Italy (Neapolis?).
Obverse: Head of Mars, bearded, in crested Corinthian helmet, facing left; oak spray behind.
Reverse: Bridled horse head facing right; [ROMANO] on base below; wheat stalk behind.
References: Crawford 13/1; HNI 266; Sydenham 1; BMCRR (Romano-Campanian) 1-4.
Provenance: Ex vAuctions Sale 343 (6 Dec 2019) Lot 155; Pegasi Auction VI (8 April 2002), Lot 316.
This coin is part of the very first series of Didrachms produced in the name of Rome. It was a small issue, with only four obverse dies and fifteen reverse dies currently known. In 1974’s Roman Republican Coinage, Crawford assigned the issue to 280-276, however, subsequent evidence and scholarship caused him to reassign the coins to 310-300 BCE. Later scholars, including Rutter in Historia Numorum Italy (2001) have concurred with this revised dating. In a recent tweet, Professor Liv Yarrow announced that her forthcoming book will propose a more recent date of c. 295 BCE; we’ll have to wait for her book to see the evidence to support this re-dating.
While these didrachms bore the inscription ROMANO, they were not struck in Rome and didn’t really circulate in Rome! They were likely produced in Naples or some other nearby mint for a particular purpose. In Coinage & Money Under the Roman Republic (1985), Crawford proposed that the purpose for the issue was the construction of the Appian Way from Rome to Capua, begun in 312 BCE. If Professor Yarrow's proposed later dating is correct, the purpose would need to be reconsidered. The average weight and purity of these coins is consistent with contemporaneous Neapolitan standards, and the fabric of the coins is also consistent with Neapolitan silver issues.
The ROMANO inscription may have been either an abbreviation of the genitive plural ROMANORVM (“of the Romans”) or dative ROMANO (“by the Romans”) either of which would be similar grammar to Greek coin inscriptions.
Carausius07/12/20 at 21:44Steve B5: Monumental first Roman silver coin
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Crawford 068/2, Corn Ear Series, AR QuinariusRome, The Republic.
Corn Ear Series, 211-208 BCE.
AR Quinarius (1.87g; 15mm).
Sicilian Mint.
Obverse: Head of Roma in winged helmet with splayed visor, facing right; V (mark-of-value) behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; ROMA in line border below.
References: Crawford 68/2b; Sydenham 192; RBW 282 (this coin illustrated).
Provenance: Ex Classical Numismatic Group Esale 463 (11 Mar 2020) Lot 293; RBW Collection [Numismatica Ars Classica 61 (10 May 2011) Lot 296]; Credit Suisse Sale 5 (1986), Lot 237.
The Crawford 68 series of denarii and quinarii are easily distinguishable from other early, anonymous silver issues by the large spike at the back of Roma’s helmet. The coins of the series come in two varieties: some marked with corn ears on the reverse, and some unmarked; but the style of both varieties are identical. The corn ear mark identifies the series as a Sicilian mint issue.
Carausius03/23/20 at 17:23Steve B5: Really nice example of this unique anonymous type.
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Crawford 323/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Julius, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
L. Julius, 101 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.0g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; corn ear behind
Reverse: Victory in biga galloping right; L.IVLI below.
References: Crawford 323/1; Sydenham 585; BMCRR 1676; Julia 3.
Provenance: Ex Collection of a World War II Veteran; acquired July 1963 from Richard M. Muniz.
The moneyer was likely not a Caesar, though a member of the same Julia gens. Comparatively, just a few years earlier, in 103 BCE, an L. Julius Caesar struck coins with a prominent “CAESAR” inscription. The corn ear on the obverse may refer to a corn distribution, the purchase of which might have been the purpose of the coins.
Carausius07/28/19 at 04:23Steve B5: Difficult to imagine a more perfect example.
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Cr 44/5 AR Denarius Anonymousc. 211 BCE -- ish
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, X
r: The Dioscuri galloping right, stars above heads; in exergue, ROMA partially incuse on raised tablet
4.10 gm 20.00 mm
This type is the earliest or nearly earliest denarius.PMah07/28/19 at 04:20Steve B5: This is RRC 44/5. The sub-variety is seen in plat...
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Crawford 044/6, ROMAN REPUBLIC, AR Quinarius, c. 212-211 BCERome, The Republic.
Anonymous, c. 212-211 BCE.
AR Quinarius (2.55g; 16mm).
Rome Mint.
Obv: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right, with early, curved visor; V (mark-of-value=5 asses) behind.
Rev: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears and stars above heads; ROMA below in linear frame.
References: Crawford 44/6; Sydenham 141; BMCRR 9-12.
Provenance: Ex RBW Collection [Agora 68 (15 Aug 2017), Lot 150]; ex CNG XXVII (29 Sep 1993).Carausius04/26/19 at 00:20Steve B5: Hammer $250 in the CNG sale in 1993. Significant ...
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Crawford 410/3, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Q. Pomponius Musa, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Q. Pomponius Musa, mid-50s BCE
AR Denarius (3.58g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo(?), hair tied-up, facing right; tied scroll behind.
Reverse: Q. POMPONI – MVSA; Clio, muse of history, facing left and leaning on column, while reading open scroll.
References: Crawford 410/3; Sydenham 813; BMCRR 3610-11; Pomponia 11.
Provenance: Ex Heritage Auction 3072 (15 Jan 2019), Lot 35407; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection [Stack's (3-4 May 1978), Lot 469]; E.J. Haeberlin Collection [Cahn-Hess (17 Jul 1933) Lot 2490].
As the muse of history, Clio is typically depicted in ancient art with an open scroll or tablet.
Q. Pomponius Musa, who punned his name by depicting the Muses on a series of coins, is unknown except for his coins, which makes precise dating of the series difficult. For many years, scholars (including Crawford) dated the series to 66 BCE. However, the absence of any examples of the series in the large Mesagne hoard caused Hersh and Walker to bring down the date of the series to 56 BCE. Michael Harlan, retracting his reticence with the Mesagne dating, later proposed a date of 52 BCE.
There are two varieties of Musa denarii: the first depicts Apollo/Hercules Musarum (see my gallery example); the second, of which there are nine sub-varieties, depict Apollo and a Muse. The above coin is of the second variety.
Apollo is often depicted androgynously on ancient coins. The standard references consistently attribute the obverse heads on both varieties of Musa’s coins as Apollo; but the depictions are notably different between the Hercules and Muse varieties. On the Hercules variety, the deity’s hair is down and tied, and generally consistent with many depictions of Apollo on other Roman Republican coins (see, e.g., denarii of L. Calpurnius Piso and C. Calpurnius Piso). Comparatively, the head on the above Muse variety is considerably more feminine in appearance and laureate, though lacking earrings, necklaces or other feminine accents. Admittedly, this more feminine type head has also been attributed by scholars as Apollo on other coin types (see, e.g., denarii of P. Clodius and C. Considius). However, within the same series the different styled heads appear to depict different deities. Given the Muse emblems behind each head on the nine Muse types, it’s possible that the feminine heads do not represent Apollo, but the Muses themselves. Michael Harlan agrees with this interpretation in both editions of "Roman Republican Moneyers and their Coins." More research on this issue is needed.Carausius04/25/19 at 23:56Steve B5: Carausius, I admire your collection and visit it o...
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RIC 0435DOMITIAN, (A.D. 81-96), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 86, Second Issue
(3.47 g),
Obv. laureate head of Domitian to right, around IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V,
Rev. around IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva standing to right, fighting, holding javelin and shield,
RIC 435 R, RSC 201b BMC 93
Attractive blue and gold patina, extremely fine.
Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection. With old dealer's ticket.
Noble Numismatics Auction 120 Lot 3217 April 4, 2019.
This coin was part of the second issue of Domitian for 86 CE. Most of the denarii for 86 CE are rare and this coin is no exception. However, that was only one of the considerations I had for buying this coin. The other is the amazing condition of this coin. There is very little wear on this coin at all. I find this remarkable for a coin that is more than 1900 years old. The quality of the portrait is superb and the condition helps to highlight this. Having said that, the reverse is no slouch either. the rendering of the Minerva is artistic and extremely well preserved.
I like worn coins as well because they tell a story. One wonders who has touched the coin, what did they buy with it? Coins like the one above were hardly used by anyone at all. So in one way the worn coin has the advantage of having a story that connects it to the people who used it. However, this is also something special about an artifact that is so well preserved that it can take you back to an earlier time. You are seeing the coin much as your ancestors saw it almost 2000 years ago. I would argue that this connect us to history as well. All ancient coins have a history and it is fascinating to speculate about that history.
I know that this coin looks like just another Minerva reverse for Domitian, but for me it is a special coin that shall take an honoured spot in my collection.orfew04/13/19 at 23:20Steve B5: Beautiful, Well centered, early die state on both ...
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Aurelius RufusAurelius Rufus, denarius.
4.00 g, 21 mm.
Obv. Helmeted head of Roma right; X (mark of value) behind.
Rev. Jupiter in galloping quadriga right, holding thunderbolt in right hand, holding sceptre and reins in left hand; AN RVF below, ROMA in linear border in exergue.
Crawford 221/1 (T. Annius Rufus).
Marsman01/29/19 at 18:06Steve B5: Complete, and a lovely example
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S.1165 Harold I (Skuli)Penny of Harold I, king of England 1035-1040
Moneyer: Skuli
Mint: York
S. 1165
O: +HAR.O.LD RECX
R: +SCVLA O.M EOFER.
Harold, nicknamed "harefoot" presumably because he was a fast runner, became king in England after the death of his father Cnut, and in opposition to his half-brother Harthacnut, who had a competing claim. Harthacnut was busy in Denmark and could not press his claim for several years.
Not much is known about Harold, who did not live very long and died at age 24, before the war with his half-brother began, and his death probably spared England from yet another civil war.
Despite his short reign, his coins are fairly prolific, and frequently come high grade, as they have been found in some decent number in hoards.
Ex- S. EldenSt. George's Collection01/29/19 at 18:01Steve B5: Could hardly improve on this coin. Very lovely
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Augustus/Actium - Denarius, RIC I, 171aDenomination: Denarius
Era: c. 15-13 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: AVGUSTUS DIVI F; Bare head r.
Reverse: Apollo Citharoedus in long drapery, stg. l., r. holding plectrum, l. lyre; IMP to l., X to r.; ACT in exergue.
Mint: Lugdunum
Weight: 3.88 gm.
Reference: RIC 171a (Lugdunum), BMC 461, RCV 1611, RSC 144
Provenance: Jonathan Kern, February 23, 1987.
This issue commemorates the victory over Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium on 2 September, 31 BC.
Lovely toning, well centered and GVF.
01/16/19 at 04:07Steve B5: Carausius, Thanks for spotting my error. It show...
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C. Titinius, DenariusC. Titinius. AR Denarius
RRC 226/1b
141 bc
Av: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, XVI.
Rv: Rev. Victory in biga right; below horses, C. TITINI; in exergue, ROMA.
I love these horses. In the context of the traditional depiction of biga on the republican denarii this must have been quite a revolution.
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Ex ArtemideAste, Antiquities 4, 19/20.03.2016Norbert12/22/18 at 03:50Steve B5: Fine style example with necklace of pendants. Gre...
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A. Postumius Albinus. DenariusRRC 372/2
81 BC
Obverse: HISPAN, Veiled head of Hispania r
Reverse: ·S·N – ALBIN Togate figure standing l., raising hand; to l., legionary eagle and to r., fasces with axe.
Issued when Rome had won the supremacy in Italy but was still fighting the last of the Marians in Spain.
....and so the magistrate has been iddentified as the praetor Lucius Postumius Albinus who had gone to further Spain in 180 and had his term prorogued into 179. He fought two major battles with the Vaccaei, killing a reported 35,000. (....) If the magistrate on the coin is the victorious praetor, his century old triumph over the Lusitanians was especially relevant in 81, for ir was among the Lusitanians where Sertorius found the greatest support. (Harlan)
The moneyer is assumed to be a grandson of the consul of 110 and a son of the moneyer of 96 (Crawford)
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Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 78; Lot 635, 26 - 27 May 2014Norbert12/22/18 at 03:48Steve B5: Excellent example
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Crawford 038/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous (Semilibral) Series, AE SextansRome, The Republic.
Anonymous (Semilibral) Series, 217-215 BCE.
AE Sextans (24.25g; 31mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Mercury facing right wearing petasus; ●● (mark-of-value=2 unciae), behind.
Reverse: Prow right; ROMA above; ●● (mark-of-value=2 unciae), below.
References: Crawford. 38/5; Sydenham 85; BMCRR 59.
Provenance: Ex Burgan Numismatique Auction (17 Nov 2017), Lot 102; ex Etienne Page Auction, Hotel Drouot (1972).
The economic hardship imposed by Hannibal’s invasion led to a rapid decline in the weight of Roman bronze coins, resulting in the adoption of a semi-libral bronze standard (AE As of ½ Roman pound) and eventual elimination of cast coins. From 217-215, Rome produced two, contemporaneous series of struck bronzes on this new, semi-libral weight standard. From hoard evidence, we know the first of the two series was Crawford 38, consisting of “prow” types derived from the libral and semi-libral prow Aes Grave (Crawford 35 and 36) that preceded it. These coins were almost certainly produced in Rome and likely also in satellite military mints as needed. The second series of struck semi-libral bronzes was the enigmatic Crawford 39 series, with its unusual types (see them in this gallery), production of which commenced after the start of the 38 Series prow-types (hoards containing 39s almost always include 38s) and produced in much smaller numbers than the huge 38 Series. The Crawford 38 series of struck bronzes, to which the above coin belongs, consisted of only four denominations: sextans, uncia, semuncia and quartuncia. In addition, Aes Grave production continued on a semi-libral basis for the As, Semis, Triens and Quadrans. Those Aes Grave denominations would later be replaced with struck coins when the weight standard reduced even further.
Carausius12/20/18 at 14:41Steve B5: Really exceptional style and definition
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Crawford 420/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, P. Plautius Hypsaeus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
P. Plautius Hypsaeus, 57 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.96g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Draped bust of Leuconoe facing right; dolphin behind; P.YPSAE·S·C before.
Reverse: Jupiter driving quadriga left; C·YPSAE·COS / PRIV – CEPIT in exergue and behind.
References: Crawford 420/2a; RBW 1515 (this coin); Sydenham 911; Plautia 12.
Provenance: Ex NAC 84 (20 May 2015), Lot 807; RBW Collection [NAC 63 (2012), Lot 291]; Crédit de la Bourse (April 1995), Lot 1068; NAC 6 (11 Mar 1993), Lot 285.
This coin is a special issue by Senatorial decree (S.C.) for reasons unknown to history. The moneyer, P. Plautius Hypsaeus, struck coins individually, as moneyer, and jointly with M. Aemilius Scaurus as Curule Aedile. On both series, he used this reverse type, referring to the capture of the Volscian town of Privernum by his ancestor, C. Plautius Decianus, consul in 329 BCE. The obverse refers to the mythical descent of the Plautia gens from Leuconoe, the daughter of Neptune.
Crawford thought Hypsaeus’ individual series preceded his joint series as Curule Aedile with Scaurus; however, the individual coins were absent from the Mesagne Hoard, suggesting it must have post-dated the 58 BCE terminus of that large hoard. Accordingly, Hersh and Walker redated Hypsaeus’ individual series to 57 BCE.
Carausius12/18/18 at 13:53Steve B5: Lovely coin with fantastic provenance, and great b...
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Cr 44/7 AR Sestertius AnonymousO: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, IIS [= 2 and Semi]
R: The Dioscuri galloping right; below, ROMA in linear frame
0.81 gms; 13.50 mm
Broad flan, toned
A bit light, but achieving a consistent weight in casting flans was one of the challenges with this small coin at a time when the silver weight was still a critical component of acceptance.
Although the quarter-denarius seems like it should have been a very handy coin, saving the need to carry two large As and the Semis, the silver sestertius was minted only sporadically and then was discontinued. Accordingly, they are relatively rare, and I have to say this one is very nice.
PMah12/13/18 at 03:22Steve B5: Very representative example with bound hair, fully...
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Crawford 416/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Scribonius Libo, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Lucius Scribonius Libo, 62 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.76g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: LIBO - BON EVENT; diademed head of Bonus Eventus facing right.
Rev: Scribonian well head, decorated with garland and two lyres; anvil symbol on top step; [P]VTEAL above; SCRIBON below.
References: Crawford 416/1c; Sydenham 928; BMCRR 3381; Scribonia 8.
This type was produced with at least four different reverse symbols on the top step of the well head: hammer, tongs, cap and anvil. The hammer is extremely common, tongs scarce, and the anvil and cap are the rarest of the four reverse symbols on the type. Previous authors, including Crawford and Michael Harlan, have not recognized the cap variety which is distinct from the anvil by its domed top. The anvil is squared, as on this coin.
The moneyer may have been Lucius Scribonius Libo, who was the father-in-law of Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great. He took the side of the tyrannicides in the Civil War after Caesar’s death. He later deserted Sextus Pompey and was elected consul in 34 BCE. It’s also possible that the moneyer was the father of this later consul.
The Scribonian well head was in the Roman Forum and designated a sacred spot that had been struck by lightning. Grueber and Crawford suggest that the reverse symbols, of which they only recognized three (see above), were actual decorative devices on the four-sided wellhead, and that they allude to Vulcan, whose thunderbolt had struck the spot. The added cap symbol confirms their analysis and is also consistent with the Vulcan theme.
Carausius12/11/18 at 00:16Steve B5: Carausius, My first ancient coin was a denarius o...
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Crawford 214/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, M. Atilius Saranus, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
M. Atilius Saranus, 148 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.95g; 20mm).
Rome mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right; SARAN behind; X (mark-of-value = 10 asses) before.
Rev: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; M·ATILI, below; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.
References: Crawford 214/1b; Sydenham 398; BMCRR 679-682; Atilia 9.
Provenance: Ex Varesi (4 Jul 2018), Lot 142.
This is one of the first denarii to include the moneyer’s praenomen, nomen and cognomen, an important development in the evolution of the coinage as a means of advertising young politicians. The obverse mark-of-value is moved from behind Roma’s head to under her chin to make room for the cognomen.
Carausius12/07/18 at 16:33Steve B5: Really lovely high grade example. I wasn't aw...
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M. AURELIUS COTTA AR DenariusAR Denarius
OBVERSE: Head of Roma, COTA below, X behind
REVERSE: Hercules holding club in biga of centaurs holding branches; M.AVRELI below, ROMA in ex
Rome 139 BC
4.29g, 16mm
Aurelia 16, BMC.914, Craw.229/1
ex. Pliego NumismaticsLegatus11/10/18 at 17:35Steve B5: I agree, this is a classic type.
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Roma Monogram, Quinarius, Crawford 84/2Denomination: Quinarius
Era: c. 211 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor; “V” behind; Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; below, Roma monogram; in linear frame, “ROMA”.
Mint: Southeastern Italy
Weight: 2.26 gm.
Reference: Crawford 84/2
Provenance: Tintinna Asta 65, lot 1022, 16-SEP-2017
Comments: There are some suggestions that this Roma symbol issue was the first of the denarius system, even before the anonymous issue Cr. 44. This suggestion is probably unsupported. See comments. below.
Very rare. Almost no wear, but dark, matte patina. Small edge chip obv. 9:00, minor flan crack rev 3:00. Well centered and complete. On balance, AEF.
10/27/18 at 00:24Steve B5: Joss, I can give you some details about Pierluigi...
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Roma Monogram, Quinarius, Crawford 84/2Denomination: Quinarius
Era: c. 211 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma r. with peaked visor; “V” behind; Border of dots
Reverse: Dioscuri r.; below, Roma monogram; in linear frame, “ROMA”.
Mint: Southeastern Italy
Weight: 2.26 gm.
Reference: Crawford 84/2
Provenance: Tintinna Asta 65, lot 1022, 16-SEP-2017
Comments: There are some suggestions that this Roma symbol issue was the first of the denarius system, even before the anonymous issue Cr. 44. This suggestion is probably unsupported. See comments. below.
Very rare. Almost no wear, but dark, matte patina. Small edge chip obv. 9:00, minor flan crack rev 3:00. Well centered and complete. On balance, AEF.
10/26/18 at 02:30Steve B5: Joss, Regarding the suggestions I mentioned, this...
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Crawford 30/1 Didrachm quadrigatusDenomination: Didrachm
Era: c. 225-214 BC
Metal: AR
Obverse: Laureate, Janiform head of Dioscuri. Border of dots
Reverse: Jupitetr in quadriga r., driven by Vicotry. Jupiter holds scepter in l. hand and hurls thunderbolt with r. hand, ROMA incuse on raised tablet. Line border
Weight: 6.66 gm.
Reference: Crawford 30/1
Provenance: Private purchase from an associate of Matteo Cavedoni (Numismatica Florentina) 1-JUN-2007
Comments: This is Crawford’s 3rd sequence of quadrigati, distinguished by Victory standing on the tailboard of the chariot rather than in the chariot with Jupiter. Reverse slightly off-center, otherwise nicely toned and GVF.
10/21/18 at 13:07Steve B5: Carausius, Thanks for this additional diagnostic ...
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Quinarius, "H" seriesQuinarius "H"
RRC: 85/1a
211-200 bc
Av: Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, V.
Rv: The Dioscuri galloping r.; below, H; in exergue, ROMA.
16 mm, 2,14 gr
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Zurich | Auction 92 - Part II | 24 May 2016 Norbert10/07/18 at 15:23Steve B5: Lovely, well centered example with very nice tonin...
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Crawford 411/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Manlius Torquatus, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
L. Manlius Torquatus, 59-58 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.92g; 20mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Head of Sibyl facing right, wearing ivy wreath; SIBVLLA below; all within laurel border.
Reverse: L•TORQVAT - III•VIR; Amphora on tripod flanked by stars; torque border.
References: Crawford 411/1a; Sydenham 837a; BMCRR 3512; Manlia 11.
Provenance: Ex Baldwins Auction 100 (27 Sep 2016), Lot 505; Künker Auktion 216 (8 Oct 2012), Lot 642; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 54 (24 Mar 2010), Lot 232; Spink Num. Circ. March 1989, No. 948; Glendining (30 Apr 1980), lot 136.
There are two obverse varieties of this denarius: one with a laurel border (as this coin); the other with a border of dots. The torque border on the reverse is more than just a naming pun; it refers to an ancestor’s defeat of a Gallic warrior in a one-on-one challenge, following which the Manlia ancestor removed the bloody torque from the dead Gaul and wore it – earning the cognomen Torquatus. The remaining devices allude to the position of either the moneyer or an ancestor on the 15-member (quindecemviri) religious college who guarded the Sibylline Books.
With its very high obverse relief and deep reverse cupping, this coin shares similar fabric with those of C. Calpurnius Piso Frugi. Crawford dates their issues two years apart (67 for Frugi and 65 for Torquatus). However, in their analysis of the Mesagne hoard, Hersh and Walker downdated Frugi to 61 and Torquatus to 58. In “Roman Republican Moneyers and Their Coins” (2nd ed.), Michael Harlan dates both Frugi and Torquatus to 59 BCE, based on their common fabric, prosopography and because Torquatus’ small output could not have been the sole issue in his year. Indeed, Crawford estimates fewer than 10 obverse dies and fewer than 11 reverse dies for both varieties of Torquatus’ denarii which suggests a very small issue.
Carausius09/29/18 at 16:54Steve B5: This issue is one of the most delicate and stylist...
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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.
Carausius09/11/18 at 00:01Steve B5: I bought my first ancient coin . (L. Scribonius Li...
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Crawford 210/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Caius Junius, AR DenariusRome. The Republic.
Caius Junius C.f., 149 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.70g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; X (mark-of-value = 10 asses), behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; C·IVNI· C· F, below; ROMA in linear frame in exergue.
References: Crawford 210/1; BMCRR 660-3; Sydenham 392; Junia 1.
Provenance: Roma Numismatics Auction VIII (28 Sep 2014), lot 832; Roma Numismatics Auction V (23 Mar 2013), Lot 504; NAC Auction 54 (24 Mar 2010), Lot 166.
This moneyer is unknown except for his coins. His coins have the distinction of being the first in the Republican series to bear patronymic initials, specifically identifying the moneyer versus other family members. In this case, the letters “C· F” represent Caii Filius (son of Caius). Thus, the moneyer is clearly identified as Caius Junius, the son of Caius Junius. In the later decades of the second century, this practice of individual identification, combined with type selections that highlighted ancestral deeds, was employed for political messaging campaigns by young moneyers on the path to consulship. The practice appears to have accelerated following the adoption of secret ballots circa 139 BCE (See, H.B. Mattingly, “Roman Republican Coinage c. 150-90 BC”: Essays Hersh, 1998).
Carausius09/10/18 at 23:52Steve B5: Beautiful example. Complete and of good style.
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Crawford 311/1, ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Scipio AsiagenusRome, The Republic.
L. Scipio Asiagenus, 106 BCE.
AR Serrate Denarius (3.95g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obv: Laureate head of Jupiter facing left; R● (control mark) behind.
Rev: Jupiter in quadriga galloping right, hurling thunderbolt and holding scepter; L●SCIP●ASIAG in exergue.
References: Crawford 311/1a; Sydenham 576; BMCRR 1372; Cornelia 24
Provenance: Ex Gemini XII (11 Jan 2015), Lot 287; HJB 163 (25 March 2009), lot 224; ex A.K. Collection [Triton XII (6 Jan 2009), lot 462 (part)]; Münzhandlung E. Button Auction 101 (28-29 October 1959), Lot 149.
Each control mark in this series is a single die. The reverse recalls the moneyer's ancestor, L. Cornelius Scipio (son of Africanus), who had a victory against the Syrians in 190 BCE and took the name Asiagenus. The moneyer was likely the L. Cornelius Asiaticus that became consul in 83 BCE. He served in the Social War and was allied with Marius at the time of his consulship. He was imprisoned by Sulla and released. However he was later proscribed by Sulla and fled Rome. Carausius08/28/18 at 03:44Steve B5: Not to mention the fine style obverse and detail o...
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Crawford 133/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Cn. Baebius TampilusRome, The Republic.
Cn. Baebius Tampilus, 194-190 BCE.
AR Denarius (4.02g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.
Obv: Helmeted head of Roma, facing right; X value mark behind.
Rev: Dioscuri riding right with couched spears; TAMP monogram above; ROMA in linear frame below.
References: Crawford 133/2b; Sydenham 334; Banti 1/2 (this coin illustrated); BMCRR 557-8; Baebia 1.
Provenance: Ex Stoeklin Collection [Nomos 14 (17 May 2017) Lot 220]; ex E.J. Haeberlin Collection [Cahn-Hess (17 Jul 1933) Lot 345].
The identity of the moneyer is not entirely clear, as there are several family member possibilities, based on prosopographical evidence. There are two sub-varieties of this denarius, one with the monogram above the Dioscuri as this coin, and the other with the monogram below the horses. Both types are scarce. Carausius08/28/18 at 03:40Steve B5: Excellent coin
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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). Carausius08/28/18 at 03:38Steve B5: Correct attribution and probably the best I've...
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Crawford 342/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, C. Vibius Pansa DenariusRome, The Republic.
C. Vibius Pansa, 90 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.87g).
Obv: PANSA; mask of Pan, facing right.
Rev: C. VIBIV[S C F]; mask of Silenus, facing right.
Reference: Crawford 342/2; Sydenham 688 (R6); BMCRR Rome 2309; E. Clain-Stefanelli, Life in Republican Rome (1999), pg. 68 (this coin illustrated)
Provenance: ex E.E. Clain-Stefanelli (d. 2001) Collection [NAC 92 (23 May 2016), Lot 308]; ex Munzen und Medaillen 61 (7-8 Oct 1982), Lot 266; ex Auctiones 7 (1977), Lot 554.
Naming puns on ancient coins became popular early with the Greeks (i.e. celery plant on coins of Selinos) and continued with the Romans. C. Vibius Pansa liked to joke about his name by depicting Pan on his coins. This denarius is a rare variety with the names beneath the portraits, rather than behind. Silenus’ portrait has a characteristic die break in the eye socket that nearly all coins struck from this die share - see Crawford's plate coin and RBW's coin for other examples of this die break. Either the die failed early, or most extant specimens were struck late.
Carausius08/28/18 at 03:36Steve B5: Really exceptional
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Cr 44/1 AR Victoriatus Anonymous after 211 BC. AR Victoriatus (17mm, 3.14g, 11h) Rome mint
O: Laureate head of Jupiter r.
R: Victory standing r., crowning trophy
Crawford 44/1
[my opinion: Although Victoriati can be seen as excruciatingly repetitive, with good reason, the obverse of this coin shows considerable artistry in execution.]PMah08/28/18 at 03:31Steve B5: These anonymous victoriatii are really tough to at...
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Cr 329/1b AR Denarius P. Cornelius Lentulus M.f. Rome, 100 BCE
o: Bust of Hercules right, seen from behind, holding club, shield in left field, K below pellet in right field, ROMA below
r: Roma standing facing, holding spear and wearing triple-crested helmet, Genius of the Roman People right crowning her and holding cornucopiae, K below pellet in left field, LENT•MAR•F in ex, all within laurel-wreath
Crawford 329/1b; Cornelia 25a
(3.94g, 20mm, 12h)
A somewhat busy design.
PMah08/28/18 at 03:20Steve B5: Really nice collection of RR coins. All are good ...
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Crawford 053/2, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AR DenariusRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, ca. 209-208 BCE
Uncertain Italian Mint
AR Denarius (4.64g; 19mm)
Obv: Head of Roma in peaked-visor helmet, facing right; X (mark of value = 10 asses) behind.
Rev: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; ROMA, within full trapezoidal frame, below.
Reference: Crawford 53/2.
Provenance: Ex Hess Divo 331 (1 Dec 2016), Lot 75; ex Giesseener Munzhandlung Dieter Gorny Auktion 44 (1989), Lot 525.
Crawford series 53 Anonymous Denarii can be easily distinguished from the Crawford 44 Anonymous Denarii by "peaked" visor to the helmet. Carausius08/25/18 at 18:32Steve B5: I think I was under-bidder on this marvelous coin....
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Hadrian portrait sestertiusDescription: Hadrian, 117-138 Sestertius circa 134-138, Æ 32mm., 26.08g. HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP Laureate and draped bust r. Rev. FELICITAS AVG Hadrian, togate, standing r with scroll, clasping r. hand with Felicitas standing l., holding caduceus. C 636. RIC 754. Ex Glendining , April 1952, 2511. From the Ryan Collection.
Hadrian in the last years of his reign, c. 134 to 138 A.D., after returning to Rome from his lengthy journeys through the Empire.
About Extremely Fine, fine style and patina.Octavianus08/25/18 at 14:31Steve B5: Exceptional obverse style
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211 B.C., Anonymus Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 53/2, Rome, Scarce! #1211 B.C., Anonymus Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 53/2, Rome, Scarce! #1
avers: Helmeted head of Roma right, behind X, border of dots.
reverse: Dioscuri galloping right stars over the heads, in exergue ROMA.
exergue: -/-//Roma, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,86g, axis: 7h,
mint: Rome, date: 211 B.C., ref: Crawford-53/2, Sydenham-229, RSC-2, Scarce!
Q-001quadrans08/23/18 at 00:26Steve B5: This is actually a nice example of Crawford 53/2 w...
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AnonymousObv: Helmeted head of Roma facing right, with triple earring, spike above visor, X behind.
Rev: The Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, on horseback, riding right, ROMA in exergue.
Silver Denarius, Rome mint, c. 211 BC
4.4 grams, 18.5 mm, 180°
RSC Anonymous 2, S38Matt Inglima08/23/18 at 00:21Steve B5: Nice, Well centered example of RRC 53/2
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Crawford 044/7, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Anonymous, AR SestertiusRome. The Republic.
Anonymous, 212-208 BCE
AR Sestertius (1.0g; 12mm).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, right; IIS (mark of value) behind.
Reverse: Dioscuri galloping right with spears; two stars above; ROMA below in linear frame.
References: Crawford 44/7; Sydenham 142; BMCRR 13-18.
Provenance: Ex Volteia Collection [CNG 102 (18 May 2016), Lot 777]; ex August Voirol Collection [Munzen und Medaillen 38 (6-7 Dec 1968), Lot 105].
The IIS mark of value denotes that the coin is worth 2 asses + a semis, or 2.5 asses. This quarter-denarius denomination was part of the introduction of the denarius coinage following the Roman sack of Syracuse. The subsequent reduction in the weight standard and size of the bronze coinage eliminated the need for this tiny silver denomination, and it was soon discontinued. However, the denomination would be resurrected for short times during the Social War and Imperatorial eras.
There are various styles of anonymous AR Sestertii that likely correspond to the various styles of anonymous denarii. Some of these stylistic variations may represent different issues and/or different mints. This particular coin depicts Roma with unbound hair and a necklace of a simple line; the helmet visor is "splayed" and consists of two lines with a central, partial third line; the tail of the Dioscuri's horses are fully extended. Carausius08/23/18 at 00:18Steve B5: One of the best I've seen of this variety with...
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Crawford 044/5, ROMAN REPUBLIC, Semi-incuse Early AR Denarius - Second Punic WarRome, The Republic.
Anonymous, ca. 212 BCE
Rome Mint
AR Denarius (4.48g)
Obv: Head of Roma in splayed-visor helmet, facing right; X (mark of value = 10 asses) behind.
Rev: Dioscuri galloping right with couched spears; two stars above; ROMA, semi-incused, below.
Reference: Crawford 44/5; Sydenham 167; RSC Anonymous 1a.
Provenance: ex NAC 84 Part II (21 May 2015), Lot 1622.
This example is among the earliest of the very first denarii issue by the Roman Republic, circa 212 BCE. From 218-212 BCE, the excessive cost of the war with Hannibal and Carthage had necessitated debasement of Rome's silver quadrigatus coinage and several weight standard reductions in the bronze coinage. It was possibly the sack of Syracuse in 212 BCE that provided the silver infusion that Rome needed to reform their debased currency and introduce the denarius system. The earliest denarii had a semi-incuse ROMA inscription on the reverse, as seen here, reminiscent of the fully-incuse and semi-incuse inscriptions on the earlier quadrigati coinage. This early-style inscription was soon replaced by a relief inscription within a linear frame.
Carausius08/23/18 at 00:17Steve B5: Lovely well-centered example - This is a prototypi...
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EB0343 Roma / Dioscuri ridingAnonymous Denarius. Rome Mint, after 208 BC.
Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right, peaked visor, earring is long with a bead at the top and a bead at the bottom, and an elongated ornament in-between; X behind.
Rev: The Dioscuri riding right on rearing horses, ROMA legend below in a two sided frame, with lines on top and right.
References: Crawford 167/1 (see note below).
Diameter: 18mm, Weight: 3.542 grams.
Ultimately, style is the key determination with this series. Many distinguishing characteristics of ornamentation are best regarded as “usually the case” because there are seemingly endless exceptions to the rule with most of the distinguishing characteristics.
-http://stevebrinkman.ancients.info/anonymous/index.html#H53-2EB08/23/18 at 00:15Steve B5: This is actually a lovely example of Crawford 167/...
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211-208 B.C., Anonymus Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 167/1, Rome, #1211-208 B.C., Anonymus Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 167/1, Rome, #1
avers: Helmeted head of Roma right, behind X, before staff, border of dots.
reverse: Dioscuri galloping right, in exergue in linear frame ROMA, line border.
exergue: -/-//ROMA, diameter: 17,5-18,5mm, weight: 3,53g, axis: 7h,
mint: Rome, date: 211-208 B.C., ref: Crawford 167/1, Syd 311, Anonymous,
Q-001
quadrans08/23/18 at 00:14Steve B5: This is actually a nice example of Crawford 167/1
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Anonymous Denarius - After 211 BC
Obv.: Helmeted head of Roma right, with triple earring, spike above visor, X behind.
Rev.: The Dioscuri riding right, ROMA in linear frame below.
Gs. 3,2 mm. 18,2x19,5
Cr44/5, Sear RCV 38
Maxentius08/23/18 at 00:10Steve B5: This is actually Cr 139/1. Note the reverse ROMA ...
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Anonymous Roman Republic Denarius, Cr46/1(b)OBV: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, X
REV: The Dioscuri galloping right; ROMΛ in exergue in raised letters within linear frame
3.45g, 19.8mm
Minted at Rome, 214-213 BCLegatus08/21/18 at 20:22Steve B5: Bing, This is actually a Cr46/1(b). This very ra...
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0014 - Denarius Anonymous 209-8 BCObv/Helmeted head of Roma r., X behind.
Rev/Dioscuri riding r., stars above their heads, dolphin below, ROMA in ex.
Ag, 19.0mm, 4.17g
Moneyer: anonymous.
Mint: Rome.
RRC 80/1a [dies o/r: 40/50] - BMCRR 423 - Syd. 214 - Calicó 20 - RCV 39 - RSC 20k
ex-Kuenker, auction 124, lot 8237dafnis08/16/18 at 04:27Steve B5: One of the best I've seen. remarkable style f...
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44cfAnonymous; c.211 BC
AR plated quinarius
Obv "V"
Helmeted head of Roma right
Rev "ROMA"
Dioscuri on horseback riding right, stars above heads
Rome mint
cf Crawford 44-8mauseus08/16/18 at 04:20Steve B5: This is actually Crawford 44/6
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