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Cr 202/1a AR Denarius C. Juventius ThalnaRome, 154 b.c.e.
o: Head of Roma to right, wearing winged helmet; behind, X.
r: Victory in prancing biga to right, holding whip in her left hand and reins with her right; below, C•TAL (ligate); in exergue, ROMA.
19 mm; 3.98 gm
Syd. 379; Juventia 7
Likely C. Juventius P. fil. Thalna. The unusual cognomen hints at Etruscan origin of the family. Although not a well-recalled gens today, the family survived, with no additional issues of coinage, into the late Republic.
Sydenham notes that the very rare serrated denarii of this moneyer are clearly struck on pre-serrated flans, a proposition I have not examined further.
PMahApr 05, 2022
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Cr 462/1a AR/Æ plated Denarius M. Porcius CatoAfrica c. 47-46 b.c.e. (perhaps Sicily)
o: M CATO PRO PR Libertas (or Roma) bust rt, hair in fillet; ROMA (ligate) behind
r: VICTRIX Victoria seated rt, w/patera & palm branch
Syd. 1053 cf.; Porcia 10 cf.
None other than "Cato the Younger", acting pro pratore, either simply to strike coin or slightly earlier in Sicily where he was unsuccessful in securing either the island or its grain supply for the Pompeians.
This is a plated denarius, but highly likely from official dies. Indeed, the strike and preservation is better than typical of specimens of this issue, which is not particularly rare and must have been struck in large quantities to pay the massive numbers of troops with Pompey in Greece, or the vastly-reduced but not insubstantial number that escaped with Scipio and Cato to Africa (where they were reduced to ... none.) Was this part of a plated issue made as a desperate move to stretch out the supply of silver by the besieged remnants in Utica, or was it a few soldiers having fun with odds and ends they found under Cato's (very messy) deathbed?
PMahApr 05, 2022
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Cr 474/1a L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius Rome 45 b.c.e.
o: ACIS[CVLVS] Head of Apollo r., hair tied with band; behind, acisculus (= pickaxe)
r: Europa seated on bull walking r.; in exergue, [L]·VALER[IVS]
This specimen is a variant, as the dies usually have a star above Apollo's forehead. This one clearly does not, as there is ample room in the field up to the border.
Valeria 17 var.; Syd. 998 var.; CRI 90 var.; RBW 1568 (this coin)PMahApr 05, 2022
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Cr 465/5 C. Considius Paetus AR Denarius Rome 46 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted bust of Minerva to right, wearing aegis
r: Victory driving quadriga to right, holding reins, palm and wreath; C•CONSID[I] in ex.
3.86 gm.
Considia 5PMahApr 05, 2022
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Cr 465/8b C. Considius Paetus AR Sestertius Rome 46 b.c.e
o: [C·CON]SID[IVS] Winged bust of Cupid r.
r: Double cornucopiae set on globe.
10 mm, 0.78 gm Considia 11. Syd. 997b. CRI 81a.
Paetus may have been a Pompeiian general, or a non-entity (more likely current consensus)
These tiny sestertii are very rare, issued for uncertain purpose, almost all poorly struck and in weak preservation. See RBW Collection lots 407 and 408.PMahApr 05, 2022
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Cr 213/1 Æ As "Mast & Sail"Rome, c. 155-149 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of bearded Janus, I above
r: Prow of galley r.; mast with sail or military standard above; [I before], ROMA below
20.85 gm; 29.5 mm
A relatively scarce issue. There is some disagreement whether the symbol is a "mast and sail" per Crawford or a military standard/flag per Buttrey and others.
I tend to see it as a military standard, as it is clearly a symbol rather than an attempt to show a feature of the ship. It is ridiculously out of proportion as a feature and why would a symbol be used in such a way as to suggest it was a badly-crafted feature? Other specimens more clearly show a bit of "waving" motion at the bottom of the banner, which, if a sail, would suggest it was luffing, not exactly a moment the sailors would want preserved in bronze.
PMahSep 17, 2021
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Cr 124/5 Æ Triens "Meta" seriesRome, ca. 206-195 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Minerva r., ···· above
r: Prow r. ; Meta (turning post) above, ···· to r.
11.09 gm; 24.5 mm
A relatively rare coin from one of the earlier struck bronze series with symbols and no specific reference to the moneyer.
PMahSep 17, 2021
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Cr 263/5a Æ Quadrans M. Caecilius Q.f. Q.n. MetellusRome, c. 127 b.c.e.
o: Hercules hd r., lion's skin headdress; behind, three pellets
r: Prow r., inscribed M·METELLVS; abv, Macedonian shield; bf, three pellets; below, ROMA
Although not particularly fascinating, this type has the moneyer's name inscribed across the galley side. For extra measure, young Marcus-son-of-Quintus-grandson-of-Quintus added the Macedonian shield often found with the Metelli, which, in my view, always includes an elephant at the center of the shield, even on this tiny object, and more readily visible on the denarius and semis in this series.
19.8 mm., 4.10 gm I think there is some sign of overstriking; it is not a common coin.PMahSep 17, 2021
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Cr 264/2 Æ Semis C. Servilius Vatia Rome, c. 127 b.c.e.
Laureate head of Saturn r.; behind, S
Prow r., inscribed C·SERVEILI; above, lion running r.; S before, ROMA below
One of the unusual types with the moneyer's name inscribed along the galley side rather than in the field.
A. McCabe points out that the lion is quite unusual on Republican bronze coins.
22.2mm., 4.90gm This specimen is more than a bit worn. However, the semis in this series is quite rare.
Servilia 8PMahSep 17, 2021
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Cr 444/1a Q. Sicinius & C. Coponius AR Denarius49 b.c.e. Pompeian field mint [or Asian mint?]
o: Apollo hd. rt, III•VIR behind, star below, Q•SICINIVS before
r: Lionskin on Hercules's club, b/t arrow & bow; PR•S•C up lft, C•COPONIVS down rt
3.76gm , 18mm
Sear CRI 3; Sicinia 2
One of the first issues of the Pompeians after "tactically redeploying" completely out of Italy. There is some discrepancy in views as to whether this was a Greek field mint product or minted in Asia, due to some similarities of the lion to Asian issues (more below re lion).
Sicinius was one of the last regular moneyers appointed under the Republic, and probably went down with the rest of the gang. Coponius, as praetor, was likely far more important in finding / extracting the silver and resources for the issue.
Coponius was also adept at surviving, stepping clear of the wreckage of the Pompeian cause and returning to Rome in time to be .... proscribed. In that regard, he was also (how to put this delicately...) well-served, as we are informed by Appian: "The wife of Coponius obtained his safety by yielding herself to Antony, although she had previously been chaste, thus curing one evil with another." Civil Wars IV.vi.40.
Ah, the lion. Well, I have referred to this as the "Bill the Cat" reverse, although the RRC 1b variant with the head facing directly is even more suggestive of the famous feline. Think about it (or look it up) and you will, too. PMahJun 09, 2021
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Cr 469/1a AR Denarius Cn. Pompey Minorissued in name of M. Poblicius, legate pro praetore. Corduba, summer 46 - spring 45 b.c.e.
Obv: Helmeted head of Roma to right; M•POBLICI•LEG PRO•PR around
Rev: Female figure -- Hispania -- standing facing, head to right, with round shield slung on back, holding two spears in left hand and with right hand giving palm-branch to soldier, standing facing, head to left on prow of ship; on right CN•MAGNVS•IMP upwards.
Sear CRI 48; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great)
3.49gm, 20mm, 6h.
This coin and its variations and related types with different obverses all reflect hope / support of Further Spain for the Pompeian cause, which had a few setbacks by the time Pompey Junior arrived in Spain. "A few" includes complete defeat at Pharsalus, the murder of Pompey the Great in Egypt, complete defeat along with Scipio and Cato at Thapsus/Utica. But the Pompey lads were nothing if not "optimistic" -- pun intended -- and they seemed to have access to silver in Spain. Things won't get better for Junior.
This specimen is a bit worn but otherwise very well-centered for the type, with all of the key details distinct. I note that the palm-branch held by Hispania is quite a bit longer than other specimens I have seen to date, perhaps a single-die elaboration. The Pompeian soldier appears to hold his helmet at ready in a formal pose, somewhat ironically given Pompey's own final disposition, but clearer specimens show this is the military cloak bunched at the shoulder.
Note unusually tall palm branch, almost double length compared to CoinArchives specimens.PMahJun 09, 2021
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Cr 21/6 Anonymous "Roma/Roma" series Æ cast Unciac. 269-266 b.c.e. Rome
o: Knucklebone seen from outside
r: Knucklebone seen from inside
Vecchi ICC 46
18.27 gm, 25.00 mm
The knucklebone, used for divination and gaming, is a persistent feature of early Italian coinage, appearing as actual life-sized formed bronze pieces a century or more earlier. This series repeated the types of the bronze fractions almost exactly from the earlier "Dioscuri/Mercury" series, Cr 14 (of which some types in this gallery at some point), on a slightly lower weight standard (~265 gm vs. ~ 322 gm).
This specimen is rather well preserved; the missing metal presumably stayed on the casting sprue when cracked off.PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 20/1 Anonymous AR Didrachmc. 269-266 b.c.e. Rome(?) or Neapolis mint (?)
o: Head of Hercules right, hair bound with ribbon with club and lion's skin over shoulder
r: She-wolf right, suckling twins; in exergue, ROMANO
6.89 gm 21.00 mm
This issue was likely the first to be minted in the city of Rome itself, rather than the prior didrachm issues from Naples or another Greek-oriented southern city, despite the Greek-styled "ROMANO" ethnic, soon permanently replaced with "ROMA".
Although a bit worn, this specimen retains all the design elements quite nicely. On ultra-well-preserved specimens, the wolf's dorsal hair is a bit more distinct, and it would have been nicer if the final "O" had stayed on the flan.PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 18/2 Anonymous (Apollo/Apollo series) Æ cast Semis ca. 275-270 b.c.e. Rome
o: Pegasus right, "S" below
r: Pegasus left, "S" below
150.08 gms
This first "Apollo/Apollo" series is a bit heavier than the second (Cr. 26) and is associated with the Apollo/Horse "Romano" didrachms (Cr, 15) minted outside of Rome. (The lighter second series bears an acorn symbol on each side, associated with Apollo/Horse "Roma" didrachms, and is considerably rarer.)
This specimen is quite nice and is just a bit on the light side; I suspect there is a sub-surface casting void around 5:00 obverse.
PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 519/2 Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus AR Denariusc. 41 b.c.e. Greek coastal mint or possibly a Shipboard mint
o: Bearded head of Lucius (?) Ahenobarbus r., AHENOBAR before
r: CN.DOMITIVS.IMP Ship's prow r., w/ military trophy
HCRI 339 Domitia 21
3.79 gm.
A flip-flopper of exquisitely flexible principles, Gnaeus salvaged his family’s future by deserting to Octavian days before the battle of Actium, paving his posthumous way to becoming Emperor Nero’s great-grandfather. Suetonius says that Gnaeus “omnibus gentis suae procul dubio praeferendum” -- was “undoubtedly the best of his entire extended family, ever”. Considering that the entire extended family was considered remarkably depraved, Nero’s father most of all, that is faint praise indeed.
Lucky he was also to have previously commanded the "Liberators' " fleet and at sea instead of standing in the mud at Philippi, as the trophy presumably represents his irrelevant victory over Domitius Calvinus in October 42. To my eye, the trophy is not distinctly nautical standing alone and perhaps the entire design reflects a naval trophy that he erected on a friendly shore point.
His allies Brutus and Cassius having committed suicide, Gnaeus took his 72 ships and two legions a-pirating rather successfully for nearly a decade. Thinking he had made a good pile of stolen booty but that the tide was turning (indeed, he also struck an aureus), he then struck a deal with Antonius (an add-on to the Sextus Pompeius work-out) and became consul for 32. Dry land politics being more fickle than piracy, he soon had to choose between Octavian and Antonius and headed east. There, he suddenly became a Model Virtuous Roman in antagonism to Cleopatra, persuading no one, and finally rowed over to Octavian, who accepted him rather than having Agrippa treat him to a game of "walk the plank". Yet he died a few days later of “fever”, which tended to happen to temporarily incapacitated power brokers recuperating near Octavian (see my Cr. 449/2 Pansa) or Livia Drusilla (see, "I, Claudius"). His defection and various marriage connections (and I would like to think a map to his buried pirate treasure, but wrong movie ...) kept his descendants comfortably depraved for almost 100 years.
This denarius is scarce, and particularly scarce with anything other than a horrible obverse. It perhaps depicts pater Lucius, who also ran afoul of Caesar and Antonius (see my post of Cr. 448/3 L. Hostilius Saserna). This specimen shares the weak obverse strike seen on most, yet is a slight bit less worn and less marked than many. On the better-struck coins, whichever Ahenobarbus this is can be seen to sport a scraggly beard, presumably to cue the "red beard" cognomen, but the portraits on almost all dies are quite distinctively coarse. The reverse, which is the main appeal of this specimen, is much more carefully engraved, with distinct waves, "eye", oar box and trophy. The keel and "beak"/rostrum are clear, and the prow-stem is outlined and shows internal beam-structure.
PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 25/5 Dioscuri/Mercury / sickle Æ Cast Semisc. 241-235 b.c.e. Rome
o: Head of Minerva left, wearing Corinthian helmet; below, S
r: Female head left; behind, sickle; below, S.
Vecchi ICC 49
118.20 gm., 51.00 mm.
These are the cast bronze accompanying the silver didrachm with Mars/Horse/sickle. The reverse female head is not as certainly identifiable as helmeted Minerva on obverse, perhaps she is Juno, who is surprisingly unrepresented on the early Republic coinage. There are other theories, of course.
As with all the earliest cast bronze coins, the number of surviving specimens seems relatively low compared to the relatively long period of issue, c. 280-226 b.c.e.; of course, the same is true with the silver coins prior to the quadrigatus. As I do not have the As, I note that the weight standard is about 272 gm for the As, thus this specimen is a bit light. The surface is a bit rough, but the elements are all sharp and in high relief.
PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 39/3 Anonymous (Semilibral) Æ Sextans217-215 b.c.e. Rome
o: She-wolf sucking twins; two pellets (value = 2/12ths) in exergue
r: Eagle standing right, holding flower in beak; two pellets behind, ROMA before
23.94 gm, 29 mm, 3h
Sydenham 95
The mysterious "Anomalous Anonymous" series, which is unlike any other segment of the Republican bronze coins. (I believe I have posted all but the "difficult" Triens of the series.) The sextans is particularly notable, with the enigmatic eagle with a flower (not the usual behavior of Roman eagles) and the iconic Wolf and Twins, who are seen far less often on the early coinage than one might expect (the spectacular didrachm reverse being the other large scale representation -- Cr. 20/1).
I posted this specimen for the clarity of the visible ribs and lean body of this hungry wolf, who nonetheless skips lunch/knows who the Dad is/senses kindred spirits of the foundational twins. (I have another specimen with a fine eagle; together, they would make a great coin...)
PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 38/5 Æ (struck) Sextans217 -215 b.c.e. Rome
o: Head of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; two pellets (value = 2/12ths) above
r: Prow of gallery right; two pellets (value) below.
[metrics to be posted, sorry!]
This series consists of a mix of cast pieces (As to Quadrans), and then the sextans (sixth-piece) and smaller fractions are struck. In this, the first group of struck coins cleanly integrated into a single system, the sextans is easily distinguished from its later iterations by the broad flan and larger portrait of Mercury, particularly the hat.
The cast pieces will soon cease to be issued and the "anonymous struck bronzes" will be the coins-in-hand for some time to come (see A. McCabe, The Anonymous Struck Bronze Coinage of the Roman Republic: A Provisional Arrangement, in Essays... Russo (2013) for comprehensive analysis and categorization; I believe an update is forthcoming, too.)
Although rather worn, as is expected, the strike on this specimen is rather even, although not deep, compared to more commonly seen specimens with uneven weak strikes.PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 35/2 Anonymous "Libral Prow" series Æ cast Semis 225-217 b.c.e. Rome
o: Saturn head left, S below
r: Prow right, S above
129 gm.
The last of the nominally libral "Aes Grave" coinage, this series accompanied the introduction of the "Quadrigatus" didrachm before the silver coin began it's not-so-merry decline (see my debased 28/3 quadrigatus and my forthcoming posts of "post-semilibral" cast prows pieces to see it to the very bottom). (Don't worry, the denarius is coming to the rescue...)
Although this specimen has a few spots of metal loss, particularly on Saturn's hair, it is almost exactly at the weight standard and quite nice in hand. The "raised disk" is distinct, though not as crisp as some specimens. The lazy horizontal S is commonly seen, along with a more vertical orientation, presumably as the engraver saw fit.
PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 27/2 Anonymous [Mars/Horse/Club] Æ Litra230-226 b.c.e. Rome
o: Head of Mars right, helmeted; behind, club
r: Horse galloping right; below, ROMA; above, club
2.70 gm, 16.00 mm
Associated with the "Mars/Horse/Club" didrachm, minted at Rome (and thus similar in appearance from the Cr. 13 series minted 50-ish years earlier in the south), the fractional pieces are also complex, as these token value coins are nonetheless associated with cast bronze of libral weight standard.
Unlike my 26/3 litra in this gallery, from the earlier similar series, this one is a bit closer to the weight standard, accounting for wear and some corrosion. The color is nice, though, and the centering is excellent. Sometimes asserted (in sales) to be "scarce" or even "rare", they are seen much more frequently than that suggests.
PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 26/3 Æ Litra [Apollo Horse series]234 -231 b.c.e Rome
o: Apollo laureate hd rt
r: Horse, prancing, left; ROMA below belly
2.33 gm
The bronze fractions of this issue are termed "litra" and tied to the distinct didrachm and drachm (mine to be posted). This specimen is a bit light off the weight standard (Crawford gives 3.375 gm) even accounting for the wear.PMahFeb 21, 2021
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Cr 494/36 C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius 42 b.c.e. Rome
o: Head of young Bacchus, wearing wreath of ivy and grapes, hair collected into a knot behind, one lock and fillet of wreath falling down his neck
r: Panther springing left toward garlanded altar surmounted by bacchic mask and thyrsus; C • VIBIVS in exergue, VARVS upward to right.
HCRI 192; Vibia 24
18mm, 4.02 gm, 6h
One of the more active and creative reverses among many in the late Republic, the panther and thyrsus are additional attributes of Bacchus. The specific ritual, if that is what is depicted, is not identified.
Among the group of moneyers who had the distinction of issuing a large variety of both gold and silver coins for the Second Triumvirate (see my Livineius, 494/29), Vibius also was permitted to issue personal family types, including this one, reflecting some themes on earlier coins of the Vibia gens. These personal types were soon to come to an end, as both Antonius and Octavian would soon take full control of the coinage in their spheres. Vibius fades into obscurity.
The particular attraction of this specimen, which is nice in many ways, is the very pleasing "cabinet" toning.
PMahFeb 20, 2021
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Cr 494/29 L. Livineius Regulus AR Denarius42 b.c.e. Rome
o: Head of praetor (?) L. Livineius Regulus right
r: Modius between two ears of corn; above, LIVINEIVS; in exergue, REGVLVS
Livineia 13. HCRI 178
4.00 gm 17.50 mm
As noted with Vibius (494/36), this moneyer is a bit of a non-entity himself, but had some elements of family accomplishments he was permitted to note. On this type, the modius presumably reflects an ancestor whose magistracy involved the grain supply, likely his father as Praetor.
(Some commentators suggest that it is self-advertisement of the moneyer's own future largess, but, frankly, that makes little sense, as it neither comports with the history behind other “corn dole” issues nor was the duty one that could be skipped by any official with the job. "If you elect me, I will do the job the other guy would do" is not the most compelling slogan. Handing out these coins in abundance from one's own stash would be more effective...)
I have to admit I still do not fully follow Crawford's reasons for using one master number for so many moneyers and issues. I understand their role, their "bosses", and Buttrey's article, but still unnecessarily complicated in my view.
This coin is nice, despite the marks, and is often found terribly poorly struck and quite worn. PMahFeb 20, 2021
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Cr 449/2 C. Vibius C.f. C.n. Pansa Caetronianus 48 b.c.e.. Rome mint.
o: Head of young Bacchus (or Liber) right, wearing ivy-wreath; PA[NSA] downward to left
r: Ceres advancing right, holding a torch in each hand; plow to right; C • VIBIVS • C • F • C • N downward around left
HCRI 21; Vibia 16.
17.5mm, 4.06 gm, 6h
Ah, Pansa. Issuing as a Caesarian moneyer, this relatively hopeful type did not accurately predict Pansa's future retirement to the joys of Bacchus, or even to see many future coming Springs when Ceres returns from the underworld. Pansa was perhaps the unhappiest man in Rome in the year following Caesar’s murder.
As consul in 43, nominally one of the two most important men in the Roman state, he was caught between the factions in Italy and seemingly tried to bring about a reconciliation. Antonius and Octavian would have none of it, and, with Cicero carping at the consuls to do something, Pansa headed out to reinforce Hirtius at Mutina. His raw recruits fell apart when Antonius jumped them; Pansa was mortally wounded, or at least that is what was said after he died unexpectedly -- miraculous to report, Octavian was on hand to pick up the reins.
Pansa’s similar reverse types have two snakes pulling Ceres in what is usually described as a “chariot” but proportioned more like a child’s toy wagon.
This specimen is quite nice, and even better in hand, with wonderful tone. I'd prefer to have the full name on the obverse, of course.PMahFeb 20, 2021
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Cr 448/3 L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius 48 b.c.e., Rome
o: Female Gallic head r. with long hair; behind, carnyx
rL L·HOSTILIVS – SASERNA Artemis of Ephesus standing facing, holding spear, w/ r. hand on head of prancing stag.
HCRI 19. Hostilia 4.
3.64 gm.
Issued by an obscure Caesarian moneyer, this type advertises Caesar’s capture of Massilia, an unwanted diversion on his rapid first strike “I go to Spain to fight an army without a general…” against the Pompeians.
Caesar, always quick to turn necessity into virtue, advertises his mercy in addition to his time-consuming victory, the female Gaul not being clearly captive (as on issues reflecting the Gallic War itself), as mostly-friendly-Greek Massilia was spared the usual sack, massacre and enslavement. He also honors their favorite imported Eastern goddess on the reverse (which may be a depiction of the cult statue from the recently non-sacked temple).
Notably, the defense was led by Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, who escaped with his son, soon to be Imperator Gnaeus, whose issue Cr. 519/2 is described in this gallery. (Lucius was killed after Pharsalus, supposedly by Antonius himself.)
PMahFeb 20, 2021
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Cr 25/7 Æ cast Quadrans "Sickle series"Rome, c. 241-235 b.c.e.
o: Right hand with open palm; in l. field, three pellets (value), in r. field, sickle
r: Three pellets (value) between two barley-grains
68.5 gm
This series repeats the Cr 14 types, with the addition of a sickle. However, this issue, was produced some 30-40 years later on a lighter weight standard: the "14" were based on an As of approx 332 gms, but this issue was about 272 gm As. Extremely close readers of this gallery will note that my "14" specimens are actually lighter-weight average than my "25/sickles".
Although I am not a pedigree fanatic, my posted 25/sickle coins are in the pedigreed camp:
NAC Auction 61 (RBW Collection), lot 23; NAC Auction 7, 1994 (purchased by RBW), lot 342; RBW 44 (this coin)PMahOct 25, 2020
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Cr 14/2; Vecchi 26 Æ cast SemisRome, c. 280 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of young and beardless Mars (?) l, S below.
r: Head of Venus l, S below.
54mm, 169.13gm
The "Dioscuri/Mercury" series, the first complete issue of bronze from the mint at Rome.
There is some disagreement as to the identity of the heads, which this worn specimen does nothing to allay. Crawford says "Minerva" obverse and "Venus" reverse.
Although quite worn, this specimen is almost exactly at the "half" of the notional "pound".PMahOct 24, 2020
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Cr 41/5a Cast Æ As Rome, c. 215-212 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of bearded Janus on a raised disk
r: Prow of galley l. on a raised disk, I (value) above
42mm, 56.11gm, 12h
The "post semi-libral" issue represents the end of the "Aes Grave" series, soon to be followed by the Crawford "56" issues, entirely struck. This issue is perhaps more of a grouping than a single issue and has a mixture of cast and struck pieces in the lower denominations.
This specimen is fun to have in hand. The cast is a bit soft, and is missing a bit of metal at the top and bottom, yet still weighs roughly a "quarter-pound", soon to drop to less than one-sixth. The "raised disk" is still distinct.
PMahOct 24, 2020
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Cr 35/3a Æ cast TriensRome, c. 225-217 b.c.e.
o: Head of Minerva l., four pellets (value) below
r: Prow r., four pellets (value) below
95.95 gm.
The "third piece" of the notionally "libral" bronze issue.
This specimen may have been produced relatively earlier in this issue, as it has some wear and some corrosion, but would nontheless suggest a relationship to a notional As above 288 gm., which would be on the heavier side for this issue. Of course, as my other specimens of the issue show, the weight can be across a broad range even accounting for metal loss and wear.
This is a fairly nice specimen; note the distinct raised disk, particularly on the reverse, and relatively crisp cast and trace of the casting sprue.
This coin has an old European collection pedigree that I am still working out.
PMahOct 24, 2020
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Cr 35/5 AE cast SextansRome, c. 225-217
o: Mercury hd left, 2 pellets
r: Prow r, 2 pellets
39.7 gm
Another notionally "libral" bronze piece, 1/6th of the 12 "ounce" pound. This piece is softly cast, but essentially at the typical weight for the sextans. Mercury is rather dynamic, although not sharp.PMahOct 24, 2020
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Cr 35/6 Æ cast UnciaRome, c. 225-217 b.c.e.
o: Head of Roma left, wearing Attic helmet; to right, pellet (value).
r: Prow right; below, pellet (value).
19.50 gm, 26.00 mm
An "ounce" of the "pound".
This specimen, although it has been around the block a few times and lost quite a bit of mass, would still represent a notional As of over 235 gms, which would be within the expected standard for this notional "pound" issue. PMahOct 24, 2020
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Cr 18/6 Cast Æ UnciaRome, c. 270 b.c.e.
o: Barley-grain; pellet to l.
r: Barley-grain; pellet to r.
25mm, 26.65gm, 6h
The "Apollo/Apollo" group, not quite the earliest Roman bronze. The "uncia" or ounce being 1/12th of the Roman pound. This specimen, though having some corrosion, comes rather close to a pound of 320 grams. It also shows the shape of the cast rather distinctly. If we had more photo options, I would show the (ancient) sprue mark and bevel of the cast more clearly.PMahOct 24, 2020
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Cr 35/5 Æ cast SextansRome, ca. 225-217 b.c.e.
o: Head of Mercury left, wearing winged petasus; •• value) below; on a raised disk
r: Prow of galley right; •• (value) below
35mm, 38.60 gm, 12h
The so-called "libral" Prow right series of cast bronze is most likely associated with the "quadrigatus" AR didrachms. The weights are generally under the mathematical equivalent of a Roman pound -- in the case of this specimen, a worn "sixth", would be 231 gms,, far short of the likely weight of the libra in the mid-320 gm range. Even account for wear and the chip at the casting sprue point, the weight would not be close to a "pound".
This photo is not great, the coin, is much nicer in hand. PMahOct 24, 2020
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Cr 113/1 AR Denarius [Star]Rome, 206-195 b.c.e.
o: Head of Roma right, X behind head
r: Dioscuri riding right, star below; ROMA in linear frame.
4.0 gm
Similar to my Cr. 122/2 denarius, this issue is part of a group with stylistic similarities and associated bronze denominations, in this case As through Sextans.
This specimen is better than the photo; there is a small amount of corrosion along the obverse crack, which is not plating. The earring and hair of Roma are quite sharp; the bodies of the Dioscuri on reverse are distinct. I have always found the "cloak versus armor" question as to their main attire difficult to determine.PMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 122/2 AR Denarius Anonymous [Dog]Rome c. 206-195 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; X behind head
r: The Dioscuri riding right, star above each head; hound running right below; ROMA in linear frame
3.81 gm
This issue is part of a range of anonymous coinage near the start of the 2nd century b.c.e. The "Dog" issue includes a full range of coinage from silver Victoriatus and Denarius through bronze Sextans.
This weak specimen has the dog almost escaping through the reverse border.PMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 340/1 AR Denarius L. Calpurnius Piso FrugiRome, 90 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of Apollo right, CXII behind
r: L PISO FRVGI / ROMA below horseman galloping right w/palm, CXXXVIII above
3.98 gms
This nice but not great specimen considerably raises the digits of the one-die-per-control number for this issue in my galleryPMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 346/1a AR Denarius C. Marcius CensorinusRome 88 b.c.e.
o: Jugate heads of Numa Pompilius, beard & diadem, & Ancus Marcius, rt; R [control mk] below
r: C. CENSO in ex., Desultor on one of two horses galloping rt, conical cap, whip rt hnd; III [control mk] below
3.82 gm
A very ambitious issue, keying on the purported descent of the moneyer's gens from two kings of Roma. This did him no good in the struggle against Sulla, where he chose the wrong side. PMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 276/1 AR Denarius M. Papirius CarboRome 122 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Roma right, laurel branch behind, X below chin
r: Jupiter driving quadriga right holding thunderbolt & eagle tipped sceptre, M CARBO below horses, ROMA in ex.
3.92 gm
A very large issue.PMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 428/1 AR Denarius Q. Cassius Longinus Rome 55 b.c.e.
o: Veiled head of Vesta right; Q•CASSIVS downwards to left, VEST upwards to right
r: Curule chair within circular temple of Vesta; urn to left, vota tablet inscribed AC to right
Cassia 9; 4.02 gm, 19 mm, 9h
The issue commemorates the trial, or rather, retrial, in 113 b.c.e., presided over by L. Cassius Longinus Ravilla of three Vestal Virgins. "Condemno" as to two of them, even though they had all been acquitted once already. Ravilla is, as a side note to a side note, essentially the lawyer who first said "Follow the money". Censor in 125 b.c.e.
Quintus was the brother or cousin of the conspirator against Caesar, although Quintus had been a Caesarian appointee. He was so awful as governor of Further Spain that a revolt of both native and Roman troops broke out. He likely perished fleeing the revolt.
His issues as moneyer, however, were fairly successful designs. This specimen is quite nice, retaining the "AC" on the tablet quite well, with the voting urn remaining quite clear.
PMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 236/1a AR Denarius M. Baebius Q.f. TampilusRome c. 137 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Roma l., wearing necklace of pendants; below chin, X. Behind, TAMPIL
r: Apollo in prancing quadriga r., holding bow and arrow with reins in l. hand and branch in r.; below, ROMA. In exergue, M·BAEBI·Q·F.
18.5 mm, 3.77 gmPMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 261/4 Æ Quadrans "Cn. Domit."Rome, 128 b.c.e.
o: Head of Hercules right; three pellets behind
r: Prow right; above CN•DOME [ligate]; ROMA below; three pellets before
3.52 gm, 19 mm, 6h.
Crawford notes that the moneyer is not clearly either of the two main branches of the Domitii -- "Domitius Ahenobarbus" or "Domitius Calvinus" -- and therefore catalogs this under the abbreviation.
The ragged flan makes this specimen hard to love, but the strike was actually pretty good and the wear is not as severe as first glance appears.PMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 353/1a AR Denarius Mn. Fonteius C.f. Rome, 85 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of Apollo Veiovis r.; below, thunderbolt; behind, MN FONTEI C F; before, monogram of ROMA
r: Winged figure on goat r.; above, pilei of the Dioscuri; in exergue, thyrsus; laurel wreath as border
19.5 mm., 3.73 gm.PMahOct 20, 2020
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Cr 64/6b? Æ Sextans P. Manlius Vulso210 b.c.e. Sardinia
o: Mercury hd right, 2 pellets above
r: Prow rt, ROMA above, 2 pellets below, Σ (=MA ligate) before
There are some variations on the signature, only on the sextans, of which this worn example seems to me to be the vertical ligate of MAnlius.PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 65/6 Æ Sextans AVR210 b.c.e. Sardinia
o: Mercury hd right, two pellets above
r: Prow of galley right, ROMA above, two pellets below, AVR (ligate) before
3.35 gm
From the group of consecutive issues by the praetors for Sicily. usually overstruck on a local issue; this one hard to see the undertype, which distorts the back of the head and the prow.
scarce
PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 69/4b Æ Triens [corn ear]c. 211-208 b.c.e. Sicily mint
o: Minerva head right, four pellets above
r: Prow right, Corn-ear above, ROMA below, IC (=K) before
10.67 gm
A complicated issue with several variants on the form of the "K", and rather scarce.
Despite the substantial wear, I noticed this one because the eye on the prow retained some definition, without, I think, any tooling.PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 80 cf. [unofficial?] Æ Semis [dolphin]post-135 b.c.e.
o: Laureate head of Saturn r.; behind, S
r: Prow r, above S, before dolphin, below ROMA
22 mm, 5.23 gm
A dolphin semis in a series that does not have a semis, per Crawford? The semis is found in Cr 160, but those dolphins swim above the prow. The prow was apparently described to the engraver with considerable vagueness, and the rostrum is similarly impressionistic.
Thus the "unofficial" attribution, not entirely satisfying to me with respect to either series based on the low weight.
PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 80/4 Æ Quadrans [Dolphin]c. 209-208 b.c.e. Sicily mint?
o: Hercules hd right, three pellets behind
r: Prow right, ROMA above, Dolphin before, three pellets below
10.15 gm
The dolphin series is tentatively given to Sicily by Crawford. The quadrans is rare, and so this non-beautiful specimen is the one for my collection.PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 42/3 Æ Sextans ["corn ear"]214-212 b.c.e. Sicily mint
o: Head of Mercury, r, in petasos, •• above
r: Prow right, ROMA above, wheat ear ["corn ear"] atop, •• below
16.00 gm
ex PNC and Hoffman collections
As viewed by Crawford, the series leaps from the Dioscuri/Jupiter didrachm to the quadrans.
This sextans, rather heavy considering the wear, is fairly scarce. PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 56/4 cf. Æ Triens post-211 b.c.e. Sardinia?
o: Helmeted head of Minerva r.; above, four pellets
r: ROMA Prow r.; below, four pellets
20.8 mm, 4.20 gm
An interesting coin. Attributed by dealer as McCabe group H1, which are low-weight overstrikes on Punic/Sicilian coins. The obverse shows some sign of overstriking above the head, in the jumbled pellets, and through the ear and neck; the reverse seems very cleanly struck, to me.PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 57/3 Æ As [Crescent]207 b.c.e.
o: Janus head, I above
r: Prow right; Crescent above; I above
39.64 gm
This coin is a bit light, mostly from the evident wear, but I do like the gigantic crescent on reverse, large enough to displace the value mark. In the few "signed" issues that immediately pre- and post- date this one, the mark is more effectively placed before the prow. PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 60/4 Æ Triens [Caduceus]211-208 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Minerva, right
r: Prow, right, Caduceus above, ROMA below
6.62 gm
Apparently, despite the relative scarcity of this type, I have two specimens.PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 60/4 Æ Triens [Caduceus]211-208 b.c.e.
o: Helmeted head of Minerva, right
r: Prow, right, Caduceus above, ROMA below
6.62 gm
A somewhat scarce type among the anonymous bronze of this period. If the reverse was slightly more centered, this would be a quite nice specimen.PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 14/4 Æ cast Quadrans Dioscuri/Mercury seriesc. 280 b.c.e.
o: Open right hand, three pellets on left
r: Three pellets between two barley-grains, one inverted
52.94 gm
A massively heavy quadrans. This group of bronze are likely the first bronze coins actually produced by the Rome mint.
The obverse is rather soft but the reverse is ok for this issue.
This coin has a bit of a pedigree but I am still sorting it out to my satisfaction. PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 16/1a Æ "double Litra"c 276 b.c.e.?
o: Goddess head r.
r: Lion walking r.; in ex,ROMANO
5.91 gm
This coin is significantly lighter than the weight standard. It is, of course, missing a piece at 4:00 and a bit more around the circumference. PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 17/1i Æ Litra c 260 b.c.e.???
o: Head of Minerva in Corinthian helmet, right
r: Horse head left
6.76 gm
It is a bit difficult to determine if this coin is the "1i" variant, which should be anepigraphic on obverse. The centering suggests it is, and is thus among the scarcer of this series. This "litra" or unit is part of a massive issue of not entirely clear dating. Crawford dates this to "shortly before 269 b.c.e.".
PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 39/2 Æ Quadrans Collateral Semi-Libral Seriesc. 217-215 b.c.e.
o: Head of Hercules right, wearing boar-skin; three pellets behind
r: Bull charging right; three pellets above, snake below, ROMA in ex.
37.81 gm
purportedly ex PNC collection. ex Vecchi Auction 3, lot 56 (1996) (not verified by me)
AKA, the "Anomalous Anonymous Series", which I particularly like. All the types are scarce, and the quadrans seems a bit scarcer than the lower denominations.PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 41/11 Anonymous Æ Semunciac. 212-215
Head of Mercury r. Rev. ROMA Prow r.
18.5mm, 4.76 gm
Part of the vast Crawford 41 Anonymous group, I think this falls into McCabe group A1. The photo is a bit light for close reading, my apologies.
I like this coin for the fine centering. PMahJul 25, 2020
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Cr 50/3 Æ As Anonymous [Anchor]209-208 b.c.e. Rome mint
Laureate head of Janus; I (value) above
Prow right; I (value) above, anchor before, ROMA below
32.66 gm 34 mm
This issue is associated with a 60-As gold piece. A nice specimen with a pronounced eye and oar-box on the prow.PMahOct 13, 2019
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Cr 162/6a Ӕ Quadrans MAT[ienus]179-170 b.c.e. Rome mint
Head of Hercules right, three pellets behind
Prow right; MAT ligate above, three pellets before, ROMA below
7.20 gm 21mm
The MAT issue runs Victoriatus, Denarius, and bronze As through Sextans. The smaller bronze fractions are not seen every day. This specimen also nicely shows the clipping/snapping point on the rim where the flans were broken from a sprue or strip of multiple pieces. PMahOct 13, 2019
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Cr 197-198B/1b Æ As Anonymousc. 157-156 b.c.e.
Laureate head of Janus, I [value] above
Prow right; I [value] before, ROMA below
16.03 gm 30mm
McCabe Group K3 (note cartoonish prowstem and peaked deck structure)
The Crawford numbering of these issues are a bit difficult to follow, and McCabe makes associations that are clearer once one can see a number of specimens of each Group.
PMahOct 13, 2019
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Cr 249/3 Æ Quadrans P. Maenius M.f. [Antiaticus?] 132 b.c.e. Rome mint
Head of Hercules right, wearing lion skin headdress; three pellets behind
Prow right; P•MAE•ANT•MF (ligate) above, three pellets before, ROMA below
7.95gm 20mm
The exact cognomen of the moneyer is not universally agreed.PMahOct 13, 2019
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Cr 263/3b Æ Semis M. Caecilius Q. f. Q. n. Metellus 127 b.c.e Rome mint
Laureate head of Saturn right; S behind
Prow right; Macedonian shield above, S before, ROMA below
9.17 gm 23mm
The Caecili Metelli were quite proud of the victory over Macedonia of their forebearer, Macedonius. The shield is found on all the types in this issue, and, on this Semis and a related Quadrans, the name is dispensed with, although some specimens of both retain the name crammed on the reverse.
PMahOct 13, 2019
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Cr 387/1 AR Denarius L. Rutilius FlaccusRome mint, circa 77 b.c.e.
FLAC Helmeted head of Roma r.
Victory in fast-moving biga r., holding reins and wreath; in ex, L·RVTILI
Rutilia 1
A decent strike suffering from a crowded reverse. Speaking of the reverse, this moneyer, who was a bit of a non-entity, used a generic reverse during a period when his predecessors and successors came up with unique design concepts (or, at least, had good decorators). Compare Crawford 370 through 400 types to this one, and most win, hands-down. Perhaps I am influenced by negative association in American English of the word "Flack" to connote a shameless publicity agent, and any other association is even less of an endorsement.PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 340/1 AR Denarius L. Piso Frugi90 b.c.e. Rome Mint
Laureate head of Apollo r.; behind, control numeral V XXXXI
Horseman galloping r., holding palm branch; below, L PISO FRVGI / ROMA in monogram; above, control numeral CXVII
18mm 3.96 gm
Calpurnia 12
It is difficult to get overly-excited about this type, or its quinarius, with the nearly unlimited combinations of control numerals. (I may be mis-reading the obverse control number as having a prefix "V", but perhaps not. I need to research the combinations a bit.)
PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 302/1 AR Denarius L. Flaminius Cilo109 or 108 b.c.e., Rome mint
Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, ROMA and below chin, X
Victory in prancing biga r.; below horses, L·FLAMINI, CILO in ex.
Flaminia 1
A large issue without associated bronze.
The reverse engraving suffered from the large production, as Victory, on this specimen, drives extremely tiny-headed horses.PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 174/1 Æ As Caecilius c. 169-158 b.c.e. Rome mint likely moneyer: A. Caecilius A.f.
Laureate head of Janus; above, I [value]
[A] CAE above, R[OMA] below, prow of galley right; before, I [value]
33 mm 29.35 gm
Ex RBW Collection, from Christie's (17 October 1984), lot 21 (part)
This issue has not been securely dated, and some view the time frame for these issues to be earlier and longer. For this 10-20 year period, only the bronze coins use a ligated, short-form of about 20 moneyers' names, which do not have associated named denarii.
This coin is no beauty, but it is clear enough and quite weighty, with a fine provenance that shows even great collectors had to grab the right coins when available. In this issue, the As is easy to find but the fractions are not. PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 39/4 Æ Uncia Anonymousc. 217-215 B.C.E. Rome
Radiate and draped facing bust of Sol; • (value) to left
Crescent; two stars and • (value) above; ROMA below
24mm 12.47 gm
ex. McCabe; ex RBW
This large "unit" of the semilibral standard comes from the series sometimes also described as "collateral", "anomalous", and, painfully, "anomalous anonymous". Crawford identified only struck bronzes from Triens to Semuncia for this issue. There are no clearly-associated cast bronze larger denominations, with the nearest-dated such cast types having more directly-related struck smaller denominations.
Yet, this series demonstrates the last great gasp of creativity in Republican bronze, no Prows in sight and without standardized presentations of the soon-to-be-rigid obverse gods.
Although not rare, these interesting types do not show up in every sale. This specimen has a bit of roughness but also a wonderful strike.PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 65/6 Æ Sextans [AVR] C. Aurunculeius209 B.C.E. Æ Sextans Sardinia mint.
Head of Mercury right, wearing winged petasos; • • (value) above
Prow of galley right; ROMA above, AVR ligate vertical before, •• (value) below
18mm 3.12 gm
C. Aurunculeius was Praetor for Sardinia in 209 b.c.e., and, along with issues by his immediate predecessors L. Cornelius (211) and P. Manlius Vulso (210), his issue helps to date the introduction of the Denarius, despite no identified denarii in any of the three issues, but including identifiable quinarii (which would be meaningless without the Denarius.)
Not a beautiful specimen, but well-centered and complete, and an overall rare-ish coin.PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 64/6a Æ Sextans [MA series] P. Manlius Vulso ?210 B.C.E. Sardinia
Head of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; • • (value) above
Prow of galley right; MA ligate and vertical to right, •• (value) below
18 mm 3.88 gms
Another series not directly associated with a denarius, running Quinarius to Sextans.
As with the other Sardinian issues, this issue helps to date the denarius, as Manlius Vulso was Praetor for Sardinia in 210.
This specimen is a but rough but overall has a fine strike and centering. The issue is somewhat rare.PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 69/6a Æ Sextans [Corn-ear/KA series]c. 211-208 B.C.E. Sicily
Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; • • (value) above
Prow of galley right; grain ear above, ligate KA to right, [ROMA] below
18.5 mm 5.86 gm
PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 63/6 Æ Sextans Anonymous [C Series]211 BCE Sardinia
Head of Mercury right, wearing winged petasos; • • (mark of value) above
Prow of galley right; C to right, ROMA above, • • (mark of value) below.
19mm 4.64 gm
This series is associated only from Quinarius to Sextans by Crawford, likely issued by L. Cornelius Lentulus, and critical for the now-accepted dating of the start of the denarius, as Lentulus was Praetor in Sardinia in 211.
The sextans is the most common denomination of the series, which is probably why I have one...
PMahOct 12, 2019
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Cr 285/1 AR Denarius Cn Domitius AhenobarbusRome mint, 116 or 115 BCE
Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, X and before, ROMA
Jupiter in prancing quadriga r., holding sceptre and hurling thunderbolt; in exergue, CN DOMI
(Crawford sees sceptre as a laurel-branch.)
20mm 3.78 gm
Domitia 7
There's an interesting numismatic puzzle of the association of this type with a closely-related type of different moneyers, but I do not fully understand it and will skip for now.
I posted this specimen for the awful execution of the reverse, where the engraver competently depicted the horses' heads and tack, but then apparently realized that nearly 2/3 of the die face remained, and, so, panicking, filled in the field with horse-legs with a bizarre variety of joints and proportions -- the Ministry of Silly Horse Walks, 2nd Century BCE.
PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 405/2 AR Denarius M. Plaetorius CestianusM. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus
Rome mint c. 69 BCE
Draped female bust r. (Fortuna?); behind, [control symbol]
M PLAETORI CEST S·C around half-length boy? girl? facing on tablet inscribed SORS.
20mm, 3.49 gm
Plaetoria 10
A fascinating type among this varied issue with four main types of denarii. There are multiple theories as to the unique figure on the reverse, clearly a reference to divination by lots "SORS", but no agreement as to exactly what it signifies. Even on nicely preserved specimens, of which there are not many, the gender of the reverse figure is difficult to say. Crawford cites reason to think it refers to the origin of the moneyer's adoptive gens, expanded greatly by Michael Harlan. To me, given that the moneyership is an electoral stepping-stone, it seems a rather obscure reference; although the "S C" indicates a special issue perhaps unconnected with regular duties. Crawford notes that Cestianus became Praetor c. 64 BCE, so perhaps he was right to trust in luck.
This type is deemed rare and this specimen's condition is not unusual for the type.PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 28/4 AR Half-Quadrigatus/DrachmAnonymous, Rome mint
2.99 gm; 17 mm
c. 225 BCE?
Laureate head of Fontus/Janus
Jupiter in quadriga driven by Victory l., holding sceptre and thunderbolt; in ex. ROMA.
This type is associated with the series starting with the rare AU stater with Dioscuri/Oath scene, through the first Quadrigatus/ Didrachms. The half-piece has no value mark. The halves are considerably rarer than the full Didrachms and were presumably unsuccessful despite filling a gap to the unwieldy cast bronze denominations. A precursor, in a sense, to the denarius.
This coin is much nicer in hand than the photo.PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 182/2 Æ As GryphonAnonymous "Gryphon" series
Rome mint, c. 169-158 BCE
Laureate head of Janus; value I above
Prow of galley; griffin above, [ROMA] below.
32.9 mm 32.9 gm
The issue runs from Denarii through Sextans
This hefty coin is not a beauty (anymore) but Janus is rather distinct, as is the important griffin
From the x6 Collection = SteveP of the Forum BoardsPMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 246/4a Æ Quadrans C. Numitorius134 BCE Rome mint
Head of Hercules right, wearing lion skin; three pellets behind
Prow right; C•NVMITOR above, three pellets before
3.57 gm, 19 mm
This issue included Denarii through Sextans, but no As.
Not a common type. Hercules is rather crudely executed, as are many quadrans in this period.PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 299/1b AR DenariusAppius Claudius Pulcher, T. Manlius Mancius (?) & Q. Urbinius (??)
Rome mint, 111-110 BCE
Helmeted head of Roma right; quadrangular device behind
Victory driving triga right, T•MA•AP• CL•Q•VR in ex.
3.94 gm, 17 mm
The text above does not do justice to the complexity of the ligature of the legend. This variety of the type leads off with moneyer "MA", presumed, not without contrary views, to be a Manlius or a Mallius; Crawford settles on Maloleius. I retained the seller's interpretation in the header for consistency.
"AP CL", by this time frame, will be a Claudius.
Crawford also cites but disputes an earlier interpretation that "Q. VR" stood for Quaestor Urbinus, rather than an unknown Urbinus. Puzzling that a Claudius would share honors.
No associated bronze types.
This coin nicely colored.
PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 126/1 AR Denarius Terentius Varro(?)A. Terentius Varro (?) uncertain mint circa 206-200 BCE
Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, X
Dioscuri galloping r.; below, VAR ligate, ROMA in ex.
Terentia 1
19 mm 3.69 gm
No bronze associated with this type. The moneyer is presumed as A. Terentius Varro, Praetor of 184 b.c.e., but the name is only the cognomen, and ligate at that.
Not a beautiful specimen, but a scarce type.
PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 163/1 AR Denarius [Feather]Anonymous "Feather" c. 179-170 BCE Rome mint
Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, X. Rev. Luna in prancing biga r.; below, feather and ROMA in partial tablet.
18.5 mm 3.60 gm
No bronze associated with the "feather" mark.
This one is nicely centered for the issue.PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 252/1 AR Denarius L. Postumius AlbinusL. Postumius Albinus 131 BCE
Rome mint
Helmeted head of Roma right; apex to left, mark of value below chin / Mars driving galloping quadriga right, holding trophy, shield, and spear. LPOSTA below, ROMA in ex.
19.5mm 3.91 gm
Postumia 1
One of the types without associated bronze. Interesting use of ligate lettering on rev. The apex on the obv. presumably reflects that an ancestor was Flamens Martialis; an ordinary moneyer is probably a bit young for that priesthood. One would have to have considerable self-confidence to wear such a hat, which can be seen on this iteration to be quite tall and spiky, not always seen quite that way.PMahOct 10, 2019
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Cr 272/1 ? Æ Semis Anonymous135-125 B.C.E Unofficial?
o: Head of Saturn right; behind, S
r: Prow right; before, S(?); below, ROMA.
6.61 gm
This coin is a bit of a puzzle. It is quite possibly the already-scarce or even rare Cr 272/1, an issue of just a Semis and a Quadrans, but it has some qualities that suggest it is a contemporary imitation. The reverse is a bit odd; the obverse not so odd. To my eye, illustrations of the official type are pretty close. Perhaps there was one feeble die among a limited number used for a stop-gap issue, as this falls within a few years where bronze is seemingly a bit scarcer than denarii.
PMahJul 18, 2019
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Cr 293/1 AR Denarius L. Philippus113 to 111-ish BCE
o: Head of Philip of Macedon right, wearing royal Macedonian helmet; under chin, Φ; behind, ROMA monogram
r: Equestrian statue right, base inscribed L. PHILIPPVS; below horse, flower; in exergue, XVI [mono]
Marcia 12. 3.92 gm 21.00 mm
The obverse oddly depicts Philip V of Macedon, sometime ally and sometime opponent of Rome, and seems to point to an earlier claim by the Marcii Philippi to a connection to the Macedonian dynasty. The reverse likely depicts a statue of another Marcius in the Roman Forum. There are monograms, flowers, and other elements to round out an array of meanings. The bronze issues, a quadrans and uncia, are also a bit busy and a bit scarcer.
This is a really nice coin, with a bit of deposit at 9:00 obverse, but I just can't get enthusiastic about the type.
PMahJul 18, 2019
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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.PMahJul 18, 2019
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Cr 113/5 Æ Quadrans Anonymous [star - first series]c. 206-195 BCE Rome mint
o: Head of Hercules right, wearing lion's skin; behind, three pellets
r: ROMA. Prow right; before, eight-rayed star; below, three pellets.
3.50 gm; 16.00 mm
The bronze of this series, which exists from denarius to sextans, is fairly rare. The denarii are somewhat more common.
This coin has a somewhat lopsided flan, with most of the elements in very nice condition and a beautiful chocolate brown patina.
PMahJul 18, 2019
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Cr 206/1 AR Denarius S Afra150 BCE Rome mint
o: Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind
r: Victory in biga right, SAFRA below horses, ROMA in exergue
Afrania 1 3.67 gm 19.00 mm
A "controversial" coin, if one is a bit of a pedant. Both Crawford and Sear note that the absence of a period/dot/stop after the "S" must lead to the conclusion that this is not issued by a "Spurius Afranius", but rather someone else. Indeed, Sear, due to his system, repeats the assertion for each of the seven types in this issue, from denarius to uncia, using up roughly a half-page of type, net. However, Sear makes no attempt to identify "S Afra", and Crawford cops out with "Safra" representing an unknown cognomen. I personally find it a bit difficult to hang such an argument on the absence of a dot but disregarding a usually distinct space between S and A. The Afranii were a fairly prolific bunch; one of them may have felt a need to be a bit hip-er than others. Plus, "Safra" does not seem to mean anything in Latin, which would be a bit unusual for a cognomen.
So, which explanation fits best: omission of a dot in a design versus a meaningless cognomen used by an unknown person who is not one of the members of a sound-alike gens that was sometimes of tertiary importance .....?
This coin is in wonderful condition for the type.PMahJul 18, 2019
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Cr 231/1 AR Denarius C. Renius138 BCE Rome mint
o: Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind
r: Juno (Caprotina?) in biga of goats right, C. RENI below goats, ROMA in exergue.
Renia 1. 3.73 gm 18.00 mm
What can one say about a type that prominently features goats pulling a cart? Apparently a great deal if you are one of the great Republican numismatists and historians, who have a wide variety of explanations for why one of the more serious goddesses is being pulled around in a goat chariot on a fairly common coin. Crawford spends half a page saying why his predecessors are wrong to say the reverse depicts "Juno Caprotina" or other variations on the type. However, all he concludes is that it has something to do with Juno and and something to do with a goat, but not apparently "Juno of the Goat". This is one of those explanations in Crawford that leave something to be desired, such as clarity.
However, clarity is not a problem with this coin, which is nearly perfect except for the awkward chip in the flan from separation from the strip. I feel that the worker who separated the coins really tried to get the best out of this one.PMahJul 18, 2019
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Cr 244/1 AR Denarius C. Aburius Geminus 134 BC. Rome mint
o: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, GEM; below chin, X
r: Mars in quadriga right, holding spear and trophy; below, C. ABVRI [ligate]; in exergue, ROMA.
Aburia 1
3.92 gm 17.50 mm
An exceedingly unremarkable type, but this coin is in very nice condition.PMahJul 18, 2019
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Cr 69/5 Æ Quadrans Anonymous [Corn/KA]Sicily 211-208 BCE
o: Head of Hercules right, wearing lion's skin; ••• (mark of value) to left
r: Bull leaping right; ••• (mark of value) and grain ear above, serpent below.
20mm, 6.34 gm
Type and overstrike as RBW 292; for overstrike, see Crawford Table XVIII, 64. Overstruck on a Syracusan bronze (Poseidon/Trident). A bit of smoothing has been noted.
From the Andrew McCabe Collection. His note: " Essentially all known examples of this type are overstrikes, mostly on an Poseidon/Ornamental trident. This coin is an unusually clear strike, complete as to overstrike and with little visible under, but a number of lines can be seen on the bull's flank that may be from an underlying trident."
As with the other 3 coins posted in this group, the coin is much better in hand.PMahJun 03, 2019
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Cr 244/3 Æ Quadrans C. Aburius GeminusRome, 134 BCE
o: Head of Hercules right, wearing lion’s skin headdress; ••• (mark of value) behind, [club below]
r: Prow of galley right; C • (ABVR)I/GEM above, ••• (mark of value) to right
Sydenham 491a; Type as RBW 1008
18.5mm 4.29 gm
This coin, as with the other 3 posted at same time, is vastly better in hand. This coin also has a Republic-nerd pedigree to die for: From the Andrew McCabe Collection. Ex RBW Collection Duplicate; purchased by RBW from Roberto Russo. PMahJun 03, 2019
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Cr 335/3f AR Denarius Malleolus, Albinus & MetellusRome, 96 BCE . AR Denarius
issue of C. Malleolus, A. Albinus Sp.f., and L. Caecilius Metellus
o: Helmeted head of Mars right; mallet above, mark of value below chin
r: Warrior standing left, right foot on cuirass, holding spear and leaning on tabella divided into two compartments, in one CM/(AL) in two lines, in the other a Π, retrograde and sideways; trophy in left field.
Sydenham 615b; Poblicia 8; Type as RBW 1205
18.5mm, 3.91 gms.
This coin is not a beauty, but the key details are quite clear. The placement of the mallet (= "Malleus") above the head of Mars is a bit comical to modern eyes, and reflects either a difference sensibility towards slapstick comedy in ancient times or an engraver not particularly well informed about divine sensitivities. ("Malleolus", by the way, is the medical term for the part of your ankle that sticks out.)
From the Andrew McCabe Collection. McCabe's notes as to this coin include: "This variety with the voting tablet inscribed C. MAL is quite a lot scarcer than that with a prow."
As with the other 3 coins posted in this group, the coin is much better in hand.PMahJun 03, 2019
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