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Domitian_quadrans_Rhinoceros.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Domitian, AE Quadrans, RIC II 250DOMITIAN, AD 81-96
AE Quadrans (17.62mm, 2.58g, 6h)
Struck AD 84/5. Rome mint
Obverse: African rhinoceros, head down, charging left
Reverse: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM around large S C
References: RIC II 250, RCV 2835

A choice specimen, perfectly centered and well-struck from artistic dies.
7 commentsCPKMar 10, 2024
The_Temple_of_Artemis2C_originally_built_in_300_BC2C_renovated_by_the_Romans_in_the_2nd_century_AD2C_Sardis2C_Lydia.jpg
Turkey, Sart - Sardis, Lydia, Remains of the Temple of Artemis with the acropolis visible in the backgroundTurkey, Sart - Sardis, Lydia, Remains of the Temple of Artemis with the Acropolis visible in the background.

The Temple of Artemis, originally built in 300 B.C., renovated by the Romans in the 2nd century A.D., Sardis, Lydia.
Photo by Carole Raddato from Frankfurt, Germany, 2 April 2015.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
Joe SermariniFeb 29, 2024
Apameia_Phrygia.jpg
Turkey, Dinar - Ruins of Apamea Cibotus (Apameia ad Maeandrum)Ruins of Apamea Cibotus (Apameia ad Maeandrum)
Apameia in Phrygia (or Apamea, Apamea Cibotus, Apamea Kibotos, or Apamea ad Maeandrum) was an ancient city founded in the 3rd century B.C. by Antiochus I Soter, who named it after his mother Apama. It was in Hellenistic Phrygia, but became part of the Roman province of Pisidia. Apamea is mentioned in the Talmud (Ber. 62a, Niddah, 30b and Yeb. 115b). Christianity was very likely established early in the city. Saint Paul probably visited the place when he went throughout Phrygia. The mid third century A.D. coins of Apamea Kibotos with scenes of Noah and his ark are among the earliest biblical scenes in Roman art. Apamea continued to be a prosperous town under the Roman Empire. Its decline began with the local disorganization of the empire in the 3rd century and when trade routes were diverted to Constantinople. Although a bishopric, it was not an important military or commercial center in Byzantine times. Its ruin was completed by an earthquake.

Photo by Haubi Gerhard Haubold, 20 October 1994, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Joe SermariniFeb 25, 2024
Vlasto-201.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 460-443 BC. AR Nomos7,83 gm.
Phalantos seated l. on dolphin, holding file in r. hand, shrimp below.
Rev. TAPAΣ Taras seated to l. holding spindle and staff.
Vlasto 201. Flan large. Rare.
Good very fine.
1 commentsLeoJan 27, 2024
Vlasto-175.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 455-450 BC. AR Nomos7,34 gm.
Taras rode a dolphin to the right, holding an octopus in his right hand, and below was a scallop.
R/Taras œ kiste sat on the left, with his right arm extended, holding a stick, and his left arm behind him holding a stick.
Vlasto 175, HGC 753.
Old cleaning marks and metal fitting marks. Extremely rare.
LeoJan 27, 2024
Vlasto-376.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 390-385 BC. AR Nomos19.5mm, 7.76 g, 12h
Nude youth, shield on arm, on horse standing left; tiny Λ below.
Phalanthos, nude, riding dolphin left; tiny tiny H on dolphin, P below.
Fischer-Bossert Group 30, 440 (V194/R335); Vlasto 376 (same dies); HN Italy 869; SNG ANS 899 (same dies); SNG Lockett 156 (same dies).
Deeply toned, slightly off center on reverse. VF.
1 commentsLeoJan 27, 2024
Sextus_Pompeius_Denarius_-_Ex_MM_1967.JPG
Roman Empire, Sextus Pompeius, DenariusObv. MAG • PIVS • IMP • ITER,
Bare head of Pompey the Great right; capis to left, lituus to right.
Rev. CLAS • ET • OR[Æ]/(MAR)IT • EX • S • C,
Neptune, naked but for chlamys on left arm, holding apluster and resting right foot on prow, standing left between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus running in opposite directions, bearing their parents on their shoulders; PRÆF above.
Mint: Uncertain Sicilian mint, 37/6 BC.

19mm 3.81g

Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; Sydenham 1344; RSC 17 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Sicily 7-10; Kestner 3783-4; RBW 1785.

Provenance:
Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Auction 35 (1967), lot 7.
Ex Paul-Francis Jacquier, Auction 51, 15th September 2023, Lot 455.

The brothers Anapias and Amphinomus carried their parents upon their shoulder to safety during an eruption of Mt. Aetna near their home in Sicily. Familial fidelity was highly valued in Roman society, and was used on this issue along with the obverse depicting the head of Pompey the Great to show his son's, Sextus Pompey, fidelity to his memory (written by New York Sale).
10 commentskcJan 19, 2024
Agrippa_As_-_Ex_Merzbacher_1910.jpg
Roman Empire, Agrippa, AsObv. M AGRIPPA L F COS III, Head left, wearing rostral crown.
Rev. S C, Neptune standing left, holding small dolphin and trident.
Mint: Rome, 37-41 AD.

29mm 11.34g

RIC Gaius 58; BMC Tiberius 161; RCV 1812.

Provenance:
Ex Dr. Eugen Merzbacher, Auction 15th November 1910, lot 1339.
Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG, Auction 43, 12th November 1970, lot 282.
Ex Frank Sternberg AG, Auction 3, 30th November 1973, lot 48.
Ex Sotheby's, Auction 7th March 1996, lot 151.
Ex Collection M.F. Price
Ex Stack's, Auction 3rd December 1996, lot 114.
Ex Noonans, Auction 5th December 2023, lot 253.

The very talented and ambitious Agrippa held high state positions at a young age. In his lightning career, he won important victories at the age of 27 as fleet chief for his closest friend Augustus. In the year 21 B.C. He married Julia, daughter of Augustus, who then declared him his co-regent and successor. Through his designated buildings - e.g. B. water pipes and thermal baths - Agrippa contributed significantly to the infrastructure of ancient Rome. The Pantheon in Rome is still admired today. At the age of only 51, he died due to an injury, a well-respected man in Campania.
6 commentskcJan 18, 2024
IMG_3543_2~2.jpeg
Owl of AthenaThe little owl (Athene noctua) and Athenian owl tetradrachm (reverse).

The little owl (Athene noctua), also known as the owl of Athena or owl of Minerva, is a bird that inhabits much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, the Palearctic east to Korea, and North Africa. It was introduced into Britain at the end of the 19th century and into the South Island of New Zealand in the early 20th century.
4 commentsSerendipityJan 18, 2024
IMG_6776.jpeg
Christ PantokratorDetail from the deesis mosaic in Hagia Sophia, Istanbul and histamenon (obverse) of Romanus III Argyrus with Christ enthroned.SerendipityJan 18, 2024
Meroe_Sudan.jpg
Sudan, Island of Meroe - Archaeological Site - Pyramids of Meroe - Northern CemeterySudan, Island of Meroe - Archaeological Site - Pyramids of Meroe - Northern Cemetery
by Ron Van Oers, 2017 © UNESCO
https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/114973
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mero%C3%AB
1 commentsJoe SermariniJan 17, 2024
CAC_II__18_11_1_2_-a3_03_11_2C_Anonymous_I__28Bela_II_2C_281131-1141_A_D_29292C_AR-Denarius2C_H-0972C_CNH_I_-0832C_U-0492C_EK-I_-11_132C_Q-0012C_3h2C_92C5-10mm2C_02C25g-s~0.jpg
Medieval, Hungary, CÁC II. 18.11.1.2./a3.03./11., Anonymous I. (Béla II., (Béla II. the Blind), King of Hungary, (1131-1141 A.D.)?), AR-Denarius, H-097, CNH I.-083, U-049, EK I.-11/13, #01CÁC II. 18.11.1.2./a3.03./11., Anonymous I. (Béla II., (Béla II. the Blind), King of Hungary, (1131-1141 A.D.)?), AR-Denarius, H-097, CNH I.-083, U-049, EK I.-11/13, #01
avers: Horizontally oriented crosses within crescents above and below the line.
reverse: Lines instead of a legend with two crescents, cross with wedges.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 9,5-10,0mm, weight: 0,25g, axis: 3h,
mint: Esztergom, date: A.D.,
ref: Huszár-097, CNH I.-083, Unger-049, EK I.-11/13,
Kiss-Toth, Sigla: 18.11.1.2./a3.03./11.,
Q-001
quadransJan 16, 2024
Philipp_II_Sestertius_-_Ex_Hirsch_1911.jpg
Roman Empire, Philipp II, SestertiusObv. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, Bare-headed and draped bust right.
Rev. PRINCIPI IVVENT S C, Philip standing right, holding globus and spear.
Mint: Rome, 244-246 AD.

32mm 21.66g

RIC 255a.

Provenance:
Ex Collection Rev. Percy Barron.
Ex Dr. Jacob Hirsch, Auction 30, 11th May 1911, lot 1193.
Ex Otto Helbing Nachfolger, Auction 86, 25th November 1942, lot 1888
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts, Auction 24, 22nd June 2016, lot 890.

Numbering among the unfortunate boy-emperors of the 3rd Century, Philip II was only about seven years old when his eponymous father hailed him Caesar early in 244. These formative years must have been traumatic for the young Caesar, as his father had come to the throne by way of a coup in Asia Minor, and upon returning to Europe he was perpetually at risk on the Danube front, where he fought hard to keep Rome's enemies at bay. Philip II held the title Caesar for slightly more than three years, during which time he had many attractive coins struck in his honour – principally silver double- denarii and brass sestertii (NAC).
13 commentskcJan 15, 2024
Fischer-Bossert-140b.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Nomos25 mm, 7.95 g, 6 h.
Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphing to left, extending both hands; below, scallop shell; to upper right, cicada.
Rev. TARAΣ Youthful oikist, draped from the waist, seated to left on a diphros, holding an upright spindle in his right hand; all within laurel wreath.
Fischer-Bossert 140b ( this coin, V75'/R95α). Gillet 57 ( this coin ). HN Italy -. SNG Ashmolean 223 ( same dies ). Vlasto -.
Very rare and attractively toned. Minor scratches and with a graffito on the obverse and light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.

From the collections of Prof. Dr. D. Mannsperger and that of R. Maly, LHS 100, 23 April 2007, 27, ex Numismatica Ars Classica G, 10 April 1997, 1008, and from the collection of C. Gillet ('Kunstfreund', 1879-1972), photofile no. 57.
2 commentsLeoJan 11, 2024
Vlasto-57.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. temp. Pyrrhos of Epeiros. Circa 276-272 BC. AV Quarter Stater – Triobol11mm, 2.15 g, 4h
Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; NK monogram to left;
Eagle standing right, wings spread, on thunderbolt; TAPAN[TINΩN] up left field; to right, [ΦI(?) above two stars] above two amphorai; NIKAP in exergue.
Fischer-Bossert G58c (V49/R58 – this coin); Vlasto 57 (same dies); HN Italy 986; SNG Copenhagen 837 (same dies); Berlin 28 (same dies).
Minor marks, double struck on reverse. VF.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 207 (15 October 2012), lot 15; Hess-Leu [22] (4 April 1963), lot 14; Leu FPL [1] (ND [1960]), no. 4.
1 commentsLeoJan 11, 2024
Screenshot_20240108-223608_Gallery.jpg
Maximinus I Maximinus I AR Denarius. Rome, 236 AD. IMP MAXIMINVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PM TR P II COS P P, Maximinus standing left between two standards, holding sceptre & raising right hand in salute. RIC 4; RSC 56 , 1.57gm1 commentsBritanikusJan 08, 2024
15316q00.jpg
Greek, Phoenicia, Tyre, 91 - 90 B.C., Half Shekel, The Temple Tax Coin, Year 37SH15316. Silver half shekel, BMC Phoenicia p. 242, 129 var. (beth between legs); Cohen DCA 919; HGC 10 358; Baramki AUB -, gVF, Phoenicia, Tyre (Lebanon) mint, weight 7.082g, maximum diameter 24.1mm, die axis 0o, 90 - 89 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Melqart right, lion's skin knotted around neck; reverse TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY (of Tyre the holy and inviolable), eagle standing left, head left, wings closed, right talon on war galley ram, palm frond transverse right behind, date ZΛ (year 37) over club & palm left, Δ (control) right, Phoenician letter samekh between legsJoe SermariniDec 25, 2023
85106q00.jpg
Roman Empire, Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Tribute Penny of Matthew 22:20-21, Giard Lyon, group 1SH85106. Silver denarius, Giard Lyon, group 1, 144; RIC I 26 (C); BMCRE I 34; RSC II 16; Hunter I C3691; SRCV I 1763, Mint State, extraordinary!, centered, light golden toning on luster, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, weight 3.826g, maximum diameter 18.8mm, die axis 0o, early 'plain' fine style, c. 15 - 18 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM (high priest), Pax (or Livia as Pax) seated right on chair with plain legs set on base, long scepter vertical behind in her right hand, branch in left hand, no footstool1 commentsJoe SermariniDec 25, 2023
84743q00.jpg
Roman Empire, Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Tribute Penny of Matthew 22:20-21, Giard Lyon, group 2SH84743. Silver denarius, Giard Lyon, group 2, 146; RIC I 28 (S); BMCRE I 44; RSC II 16b; SRCV I 1763, Choice Mint State, as struck mint luster, excellent centering and bold strike, slightest die wear, tiny light scratch on cheek, weight 3.925 g, maximum diameter 18.9 mm, die axis 135o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, early ornate style, 15 - 18 A.D.; obverse TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; reverse PONTIF MAXIM (high priest), Pax (or Livia as Pax) seated right on chair with ornately decorated legs set on base of two lines above exergue, reversed spear vertical behind in her right hand, branch in left hand, no footstool; even better in hand, the finest Tribute Penny Forum has ever offered (and we have handled hundreds over the last 20 years), from the Marcelo Leal Collection; scarceJoe SermariniDec 25, 2023
34997q00.jpg
Roman Empire, Licinius I, 11 November 308 - 18 September 324 A.D., Billon argenteus, RIC VI Treveri 825SH34997. Billon argenteus, RIC VI Treveri 825 (R3), Cohen 99 (3 Fr.), Choice gVF, 1st officina, Treveri (Trier, Germany) mint, weight 2.306g, maximum diameter 18.5mm, die axis 125o, c. 310 - 313 A.D.; obverse IMP LICI-NIVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, mappa in right, spear over shoulder in left; reverse IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG (to Jupiter the protector of the emperor), Licinius borne aloft by eagle right, wings spread, head left, emperor holds scepter in left and thunderbolt in right, PTR in exergue; near perfect centering, some softness as is typical on this series, good metal; very rareJoe SermariniDec 25, 2023
33181q00~2.jpg
Roman Empire, Faustina Sr., Augusta 25 February 138 - Early 141, Wife of Antoninus Pius, gold aureus, RIC III AP356dFaustina Sr., Augusta 25 February 138 - Early 141, Wife of Antoninus Pius
SH33181. Gold aureus, SRCV II 4553 (same dies), Cayon 1765 (same), RIC III AP356d, Cohen II 98, BMCRE IV AP398, Choice EF, Rome mint, weight 6.923g, maximum diameter 19.8mm, die axis 180o, 147 - 161 A.D.; obverse DIVA FAVSTINA, diademed, draped and veiled bust left; reverse AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, torch in right hand, scepter in left hand; very light hairline scratches; ex Numismatik Lanz auction 135, lot 745 (misattributed); ex Goldberg auction 44, lot 3704 (ICG AU 50); hints of red toning, bold and beautiful, struck with elegant dies!; scarce
3 commentsJoe SermariniDec 25, 2023
45453q00.jpg
Medieval, Crusaders, Principality of Antioch, Bohemond III, 1163 - 1201Crusaders, Principality of Antioch, Bohemond III, 1163 - 1201
Cover Coin - book cover coin for Malloy, Preston and Seltman's Coins of the Crusader States.
SH45453. Billon denier, Malloy Crusaders p.211, 53b (book cover coin), Choice EF, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 0.994g, maximum diameter 17.3mm, die axis 135o, obverse + BOAMVNDVS, elongated bearded head right wearing helmet and chain-mail, crescent left, star right, A ornamented with pellets; reverse + AMTIOCNIA (sic), cross pattée, crescent in upper right angle, A's ornamented with pellets; buyer will receive a free copy of Coins of the Crusader States signed by Alex Malloy; scarce; from the collection of Alex G. Malloy, former dealer for 40 years. Ex A.J. Seltman Collection.
Joe SermariniDec 25, 2023
12789q00.jpg
Greek, Ptolemaic Ammanitis, Tobiads, Hyrkanos of Jerusalem, c. 200 - 169 B.C., Silver Tetradrachm Imitative of Ptolemy II, Aumaitre-Lorber 49 (O35/R34)GP112789. Silver tetradrachm, Aumaitre-Lorber 49 (O35/R34); Lorber CPE 700; Svoronos 776, pl. lxiv, 1-2; BMC Ptolemies p. 33, 116; for prototype see Lorber CPE 649, Svoronos 775, EF, high relief, flow lines, light marks, Tyros (Qasr al-Abd palace, Jordan) mint, weight 13.311g, maximum diameter 29.0mm, die axis 0o, c. 169 B.C.; obverse diademed head of Ptolemy I right wearing aegis; reverse ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, wings closed, head left, ΠT over ΛΕ monograms left, AB over Θ rightJoe SermariniDec 25, 2023
1920px-Qasr_Al-Abd2C_Hellenistic_palace_dating_from_approximately_200_BC2C_Jordan_282541413126829.jpg
Jordan, Qasr Al-Abd, Hellenistic palace dating from approximately 200 BCJordan, Qasr Al-Abd, Hellenistic palace dating from approximately 200 B.C.
Photo by by Carole Raddato from Frankfurt, Germany, 18 April 2017.

Qasr al-Abd (Arabic: 'Castle of the Slave') is a large Hellenistic palace from the first quarter of the second century BCE. Its ruins stand in modern-day Jordan in the valley of Wadi Seer, close to the village of Iraq Al-Amir, approximately 17 kilometers west of Amman.

Qasr al-Abd is believed to be Tyros, the palace of a Tobiad notable, Hyrcanus of Jerusalem, head of the powerful Tobiad family and governor of Ammon in the 2nd century BCE. The first known written description of the castle comes down to us from Josephus, a first-century Jewish-Roman historian:

He also erected a strong castle, and built it entirely of white stone to the very roof, and had animals of a prodigious magnitude engraved upon it. He also drew round it a great and deep canal of water. He also made caves of many furlongs in length, by hollowing a rock that was over against him; and then he made large rooms in it, some for feasting, and some for sleeping and living in. He introduced also a vast quantity of waters which ran along it, and which were very delightful and ornamental in the court. But still he made the entrances at the mouth of the caves so narrow, that no more than one person could enter by them at once. And the reason why he built them after that manner was a good one; it was for his own preservation, lest he should be besieged by his brethren, and run the hazard of being caught by them. Moreover, he built courts of greater magnitude than ordinary, which he adorned with vastly large gardens. And when he had brought the place to this state, he named it Tyre. This place is between Arabia and Judea, beyond Jordan, not far from the country of Heshbon.
— Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, translated by William Whiston, Book XII, Chapter IV, 11.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qasr_al-Abd
Joe SermariniDec 25, 2023
133_Licinius_II_2C_Aquilea2C_RIC_VII_0722C_AE-Follis2C_LICINIVS_IVN_NOB_CAES2C_CAESARVM_NOSTRORVM2C_VOT_V2C_R42C_AQT2C_320-1AD__Q-0012C_0h2C_18-19mm2C_32C61g-s~1.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Licinius II. (317-324 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 072T, -/-//AQT, AE-3 Follis, CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT/•/V, R4! #1133 Licinius II. (317-324 A.D.), Aquilea, RIC VII 072T, -/-//AQT, AE-3 Follis, CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT/•/V, R4! #1
avers: LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES, 6, B3, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right seen from back.
reverse: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT/•/V in wreath.
exergue: -/-//AQT, diameter: 18,0-19,0mm, weight: 3,61g, axis: 0h,
mint: Aquilea, date: 320-21A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 072T, p-402, 3rd.off., R4!, Sear 15436,
Q-001
5 commentsquadransDec 23, 2023
IMG_3543~24.jpeg
Providentia, Marcus Aurelius Silver DenariusMarcus Aurelius (7 Mar 161 - 17 Mar 180 CE), Silver Denarius, RIC III 170, RSC II 881, BMCRE IV 439, Hunter II 37, Cohen III 881, SRCV II -, EF, sharply struck, beautifully toned, radiating flow lines on the obverse, reverse slightly off-centre with some weakness in legends and scattered light porosity, closed flan crack, plain edge, weight 3.25g, composition Ag, diameter 19.0×18.0mm, thickness 3.13mm, die axis 180°, Rome mint, Dec 166 - Dec 167 CE; obverse M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head right; reverse TR P [X]XI•IMP IIII COS [III], Providentia, draped, standing half-left, wand over globe in right hand, long sceptre vertical in left; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (3 Dec 2022); ex Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang Collection, Part II, Leu Numismatik web auction 21 (19 Jul 2022), lot 4265; ex Peus 378 (28 Apr 2004), lot 658; £375.00.

Providentia is most often depicted clothed in a matron’s gown, holding a cornucopia or long sceptre in her left hand and in her right a short wand, which she points to a globe. She holds this globe in her right hand or it lies at her feet. The type is intended to mark the power and wisdom of the emperor, who ruled the Roman world.

Providentia is the personification of the ability to foresee and to make provision for the future. This ability was considered essential for the emperor and providentia was among the embodiments of virtues that were part of the imperial cult. Cicero said that providentia, memoria (memory) and intellegentia (understanding) are the three main components of prudentia, the knowledge what is good or bad or neither.
1 commentsSerendipityDec 10, 2023
IMG_3543_2~1.jpeg
Byzantine, Romanus III Gold HistamenonRomanus III Argyrus (12 Nov 1028 - 11 Apr 1034 CE), Gold Histamenon Nomisma, DOC III-2 1d, Morrisson BnF 43/Cp/AV/01, Ratto 1972, Sommer 43.2.2, SBCV 1819, Wroth BMC 2, coronation issue, EF, plain edge, weight 4.45g (AGW 0.1401oz), composition 0.979 Au, diameter 25.0mm, thickness 1.0mm, die axis 180°, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 12 Nov 1028 - 11 Apr 1034 CE; obverse + IҺS XIS RЄX-RЄϚNANTIҺm (Jesus Christ, King of Kings), Christ Pantokrator, bearded, enthroned facing on square-backed throne (Type IIa), with nimbus cruciger, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels by upper edge on left knee with left, pelleted double border surrounding; reverse ΘCЄ bOHΘ'-RωmAҺω (God-Bearer, help Romanus), MΘ (Mother of God) with macrons above centre, Virgin, nimbate, standing facing on right, wearing pallium and maphorium, raising left hand in benediction and crowning with right Romanus III, bearded, standing facing on left, wearing crown with cross and pendilia, sakkos and modified square pattern loros with four pellets on fold, holding right hand on breast and globus cruciger in left, pelleted double border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (1 Jan 2022); ex Roma Numismatics e-sale 90 (18 Nov 2021), lot 1497, acquired from European Collection; scarce; £1,200.00.

The image of Christ Pantokrator was one of the first images of Christ developed in the Early Christian Church and remains a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the half-length image, Christ holds the New Testament in his left hand and makes the gesture of teaching or of blessing with his right.
3 commentsSerendipityDec 10, 2023
IMG_3543~22.jpeg
Roman, Trajan Silver DenariusTrajan (25 Jan 98 - 8/9 Aug 117 CE), Silver Denarius, RIC II 315, RSC II 150a, BMCRE III 634, BnF IV 894, Hunter II 206, Strack I 257, Woytek 579v, SRCV II -, Choice gEF, excellent portrait, well-centred on a slightly ragged flan, sharply struck, radiating flow lines, minor marks, edge cracks, plain edge, weight 3.21g, composition Ag, diameter 20.0×18.0mm, thickness 2.85mm, die axis 210°, Rome mint, c.autumn 116 - Aug 117 CE; obverse IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC, laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind; reverse PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Fortuna, veiled and draped, seated left, holding rudder by tiller in right hand, cornucopia in left, FORT RED in exergue; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (26 Feb 2021); ex Michael Kelly Collection, Spink auction 20120 (13 Feb 2020), lot 268; £425.00.

This sharply struck and amazingly lifelike Trajan silver denarius looks more like an exquisitely carved high relief cameo gemstone.
1 commentsSerendipityDec 10, 2023
IMG_3543~9.jpeg
Hadrian Denarius, 134-8, from the Ropsley (Lincolnshire) Hoard 2018, buried 150-2Hadrian (11 Aug 117 - 10 Jul 138 CE), Silver Denarius, Ropsley Hoard 21, RIC II 234d, RSC II 615, BMCRE III 608, Strack II 231, Hunter II -, SRCV I -, gEF, excellent portrait, well-centred and sharply struck on a tight flan, lightly toned, little wear, some hoard encrustations both sides, edge cracks, plain edge, weight 3.27g, composition Ag, diameter 18.0mm, thickness 2.62mm, die axis 210°, Rome mint, 134-8 CE; obverse HADRIANVS-AVG COS III P P, laureate head right; reverse FELICI-T-AS AVG (Happiness of the Emperor), Felicitas, draped, standing half-left, caduceus in right hand, olive branch in left; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Silbury Coins (15 Aug 2022); £350.00.

Sometime, during 150-2 CE in the North Eastern corner of the Roman province of Britannia, a citizen was compelled to bury his pot of 522 denarii, equivalent in value to around £12,500 ($15,684.99) in modern-day currency. A substantial amount given that a Roman soldier would have been paid around 300 denarii per year. The coins were reportedly found in a possible crude cist inside a Roman greyware vessel (complete but broken, with interior staining from coins).

The Ropsley (Lincolnshire) Hoard 2018 (LANCUM-F93E5B) comprised denarii, from Mark Antony (32 BCE) to Faustina II (152 CE), but many were of Hadrian (117-38 CE). The silver hoard was found in Lincolnshire on 16th March 2018 by a metal detectorist, not far from the Roman town of Ancaster (Causennis) and Ermine Street, the Roman road connecting London to Lindum Colonia (Lincoln) and Eboracum (York).

What compelled the citizen to bury the hoard we can only imagine; was it for safekeeping while he headed to market in nearby Ancaster (Causennis), just a short trip up Ermine Street or had he been asked to head north and help with the trouble caused by the Caledonians near Hadrian’s Wall? Perhaps they were stolen by a mischievous slave who was then caught, sold and could never return to recover his loot. Who knows for certain, but these coins were not recovered, at least not in Roman times. Intriguingly, burnt charcoal fragments were also recovered by British Museum conservators and scientifically identified as willow.
1 commentsSerendipityDec 10, 2023
Antiocheia_in_Psidia.jpg
Turkey, Antiocheia in PsidiaRemote view of the ancient city called Antioch located in Yalvaç district of Isparta province, in Turkey.
Photo by Maderibeyza at Turkish Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch_of_Pisidia
Joe SermariniDec 03, 2023
Maison_Carree_in_Nimes_281629.jpg
France, Nimes - Maison CarreeThe Maison carrée is an ancient Roman temple in Nîmes, southern France; it is one of the best-preserved Roman temples to survive in the territory of the former Roman Empire. It is a mid-sized Augustan provincial temple of the Imperial cult, a caesareum.

The Maison carrée inspired the neoclassical Église de la Madeleine in Paris, St. Marcellinus Church in Rogalin, Poland, and in the United States the Virginia State Capitol, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson, who had a stucco model made of the Maison carrée while he was minister to France in 1785.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maison_carr%C3%A9e

In September 2023, the Maison carrée of Nîmes was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Joe SermariniOct 29, 2023
Vlasto_108~0.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 500-490 BC. AR NomosAR. 7.47 g. 24.00 mm.
Obv. Phalanthos riding dolphin right, holding cuttlefish; below, ΤΑΡΑ (retrograde).
Rev. [...] Ra (retrograde). Hippocamp right; cockle shell below.
HN Italy 827; Vlasto 108.
RR. Choice example of this rare and fascinating issue. Delicate warm patina over lustrous surfaces. EF.
1 commentsLeoOct 28, 2023
Constantine_I.JPG
Roman, Constantine IConstantine I, before the generic portraiture of the Tetrarchy had fully taken hold. From an AE Follis of Carthage struck in A.D.307 depicting Constantine I as Caesar.
Further details can be found here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=142037
1 comments*AlexSep 11, 2023
Septimius_Severus~0.JPG
Roman, Septimius SeverusSEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (195 - 211), from a denarius struck in 210 at Rome alluding to Britannia.
Further details can be found here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=181046
*AlexSep 11, 2023
Juba.jpg
NUMIDIA, Juba I, Circa 60-46 BCKINGS of NUMIDIA. Juba I, Circa 60-46 BC. Drachm (Silver, 17mm, 3.76 g 12), Utica. REX IVBA Diademed, bearded, draped and cuirassed bust of Juba I to right, scepter over his right shoulder. Rev. (Punic legend) Octastyle temple with a flat roof and a small, central, pedimented tower. MAA 29. Mazard 84. SNG Copenhagen 523. Attractively toned grey. Bankers mark under ear.1 commentsAncient AussieSep 08, 2023
Vlasto-124.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 490-480 BC. AR Nomos21 mm, 8.12 g, 6 h.
ΤΑRΑΣ Youthful oikist, nude and with long hair, riding dolphin to right, holding octopus in his right hand and extending his left; around, cable border.
Rev. ΤΑRΑΣ Hippocamp to right; below, cockle shell; around, rayed border.
Fischer-Bossert 25 (V11/R19). HN Italy 827. SNG Lockett 122 ( same dies ). Vlasto 124.
Very rare. A very well preserved piece of wonderful late Archaic style. Very light deposits, otherwise, good very fine.
1 commentsLeoSep 05, 2023
Vlasto-161.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 470-465 BC. DrachmSilver, 16 mm, 3,82 g, 6 h
TAPAS (retrograde) Forepart of hippocamp to right; below, scallop shell.
Rev. Diademed head of Satyra to left, her hair tied in a bun at the back; behind neck A.
SNG ANS 848. Vlasto 161.
Very rare. Very fine.
LeoSep 05, 2023
Bet_Shean.JPG
Israel, Ancient ruins of Beit She'anAncient ruins of Beit She'an
Public Domain - PikiWiki - Israel free image collection project 2009
Joe SermariniAug 23, 2023
Caracalla_Bimetallic_Sestertius~0.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Caracalla, Bimetallic SestertiusObv. M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right.
Rev. P M TR P XVII IMP III COS IIII P P, emperor, accompanied by two officiers, standing r. on platform, haranguing soldiers behind, standards, in ex. S C.
Mint: Rome, 214 A.D.

32mm 32.71g

RIC 525c var. (draped bust); Banti 59


Provenance:
Ex Bertolami, Auction 12, 29th October 2014, lot 863.

Before a battle, or on parade, the emperor would address his troops in an event known as an adlocutio cohortium (address to the cohorts). This was an important opportunity for the emperor to be present among his troops and inspire morale and esprit de corps among them. A sestertius of Gaius (Caligula), issued on behalf of a donative for the Praetorian Guard, was the first to employ the adlocutio as a reverse type. Similar subsequent issues were minted to emphasize the emperor's perceived, if not actual, role as military commander. The present specimen commemorates Caracalla's victory against the Germans and his preparations for a Persian war. Caracalla idolized Alexander the Great and, as other emperors before him, wished to recreate his successes in the east. Thus, in 214 AD, after having been proclaimed "Alexander" at Philippopolis in Thrace, he assembled his troops, who had been outfitted as Macedonians, and proceeded into Asia Minor. Caracalla's ambitions were, however, hampered by his own unfit physical and mental state; over the next three years the campaign degeneratged into near-chaos and ended with Caracalla's murder.
(written by CNG, 2003)
3 commentskcAug 10, 2023
Geta_Bimetallic_Medaillon.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Geta, Bimetallic MedallionObv. P SEPTIMIVS GETA CAESAR, bare head and cuirassed bust right, holding spear over shoulder.
Rev. Minerva standing right, holding spear and resting on shield, facing Neptune seated left, holding trident; between them, table on which is a vase; on background a small winged figure; in ex. COS II.
Mint: Rome, 208 AD.

45mm 79.39g

Gnecchi - (cfr. for reverse type vol. II, pl. 52.5); C -.


Provenance:
Ex Bertolami, Auction 67, 11th July 2019, lot 455.

Apparently unique and unpublished. A prestigious medallion struck in high relief on a very large and thick flan
Very interesting medallion which must have relation with Athens, since the reverse seems to depict the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of that city-state. The case was submitted to a plebiscite. The figure in the middle is counting the votes cast by the people into a jar, as was usual in ancient Greece elections. This legend is the subject of number 270 of the series "Monnaies de Légendes" from Emblemiste (written by Emblemiste, forum monnaie antique).
7 commentskcAug 07, 2023
Gordian-III-Providentia-238-n-Chr-K.jpg
ROMAN, GORDIAN IIIThis early Antoninianus Gordian III still shows the young emperor with the facial features of Balbianus. Bust of Gordian III radiate, draped and cuirased right. Legend: IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AVG.
The reverse shows Providentia standing left, holding globe in extended right hand with transverse sceptre in left hand. Legend: PROVIDENTIA AVG.
The reverse die of this coin was made using the same tooling as the reverse die of BMC specimen #1037,0406.253.
The BMC specimen #1037,0406.253 is from the Dorchester Hoard, discovered 1936.
Wight: 3,84 g, condition: good xf.
Hans-Wilhelm TJul 23, 2023
Alexander_I_Balas_28T131150_-_White_SMALL29~0.jpg
GREEK, Seleukid Kingdom, Alexander I Balas, AR Tetradrachm (Antioch on the Orontes mint)Seleukid Empire, Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Antioch on the Orontes, circa 151-146 BC. Diademed head right / Zeus Nikephoros seated to left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY to left, monogram in exergue. SC 1781q; HGC 9, 875a. 16.80g, 30mm, 1h.

Ex Roma Numismatics Auction XXI (Day 1), 24th March 2021, Lot 303.
Ex Leu Numismatik Auction 7, 24th October 2020, Lot 1366.
Ex Leu Numismatik Auction 2, 11th May 2018, Lot 155.
1 commentsPaulus JJul 17, 2023
JUSTINIAN_I_530AD_Half-Siliqua.JPG
BYZANTINE, JUSTINIAN I, AR Anonymous Half-Siliqua, struck c.530 at ConstantinopleObverse: No legend. Helmeted and draped bust of Constantinopolis facing right.
Reverse: Large K within pelleted circle.
Diameter: 15mm | Weight: 0.7gms | Die Axis: 12
Bendall, Anonymous, 8c. | Vagi 3051
Not in SBCV or DOC
2 comments*AlexMay 31, 2023
Fischer-Bossert140.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Nomos26 mm, 7.88 g, 3 h.
Τ-Α-ΡΑΝ-ΤΙ-Ν-ΟΝ ( retrograde ) Phalanthos, nude, riding a dolphin swimming to left, outstretching his right arm to left and resting his left hand on the dolphin's back; below dolphin, scallop shell; border of dots between two linear circles.
Rev. Nude jockey riding horse prancing to left.
Fischer-Bossert Group 13, V-/R140 ( a new obverse die for the series ). SNG Lloyd 146 ( same reverse die ).
Rare, especially since the obverse was unknown to Fischer-Bossert. Struck on a broad flan. Overstruck and with cleaning scratches on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
LeoMay 27, 2023
PaphlagoniaBullCoin.jpeg
Greek, Kings of Paphlagonia, Pylaimenes II. / III. EuergetesCirca 133-103 BC

AE 18mm, 2.90 grams, 0 degrees



O: Head of bull facing



R: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΠΥΛΑΙΜΕΝΟΥ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ. 
Winged kerykeion (caduceus)



Ref: SNG BM Black Sea 1555-6; HGC 7, 441; SG 3715



Notes: Extremely fine. Unknown mint. This is a beautiful coin in hand, it has the best obverse of any I have seen. It is rated R1 in HGC.

1 commentsVirgil HMay 24, 2023
3945935_1680277408~0.jpg
BYZANTINE, Anonymous Follis, Type A3 Classified as A2 by the auction house but I think it is A3 based on 8.41 g weight. Sear 1818. EF. Beautiful portrait and clear text on the reverse. Likely Basil II and Constantine or Constantine alone, 1023 - 1028? 2 commentsApr 28, 2023
drusus10.jpg
Roman Empire, Drusus, Son of Tiberius, Twin Sestertius Tiberius and Germanicus Gemellus Sestertius
Obv. Busts of two children on cornucopiae (Tiberius und Germanicus), between winged caduceus.
Rev. DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N PONT TR POT II, big S C in the center.
Mint: Rome, struck under Tiberius for Drusus, 22-23 AD.

33mm 27.23g

BMC 95; Coh. 1 (Drusus); RIC² 42.

Provenance:
Ex Künker, Auction 377, 20th October 2022, lot 5700.
Ex Salton Collection.
Ex Auction M. Etienne Bourgey, Paris 1923, No. 69.
Ex Auction Ars Classica 12, Luzern 1926, No. 2747.

This issue, commemorating the birth of twin sons to Drusus Caesar and his wife Livia Drusilla (Livilla), was part of the series issued under Tiberius in AD 22-23 to promote the imperial virtue and dynastic solidity of the emperor's family. Although Germanicus Gemellus died very young, his brother Tiberius lived into his adulthood, with the expectation that he would be heir to his grandfather following the premature death of his father, Drusus. In the later years of the emperor’s life, however, Gaius (Caligula) was often seen in close company with the emperor, while Tiberius Gemellus’ status was shrouded in obscurity. Thus after the death of the emperor, Caligula, assisted by the Praetorian Prefect, Macro, quickly moved to take the purple. Upon the reading of the deceased emperor’s will it was discovered that Tiberius intended for both Tiberius Gemellus and his cousin Gaius to be jointly elevated, and, moreover, that Gemellus was to be the senior partner. Under unknown authority, Caligula quickly had the will vacated, and, shortly thereafter, his cousin murdered (CNG).
5 commentskcMar 21, 2023
2322_Aurelian~0.jpg
Roman Empire, Aurelian, silvered antoninianus, Cyzicus, not in ric.mom.frCyzicus
spring 273 - spring 274 AD
Issue 8, Phase 3
radiate and cuirassed bust right from behind
IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
Sol standing left, wearing chalmys, raising hand, holding globe, resting his foot on bounded captive left, wearing oriental dress
ORIE_N_S AVG
Δ C
RIC1st 360; RIC temp #3013 var. (Officina)
obverse: http://www.ric.mom.fr/en/coin/3013
reverse: http://www.ric.mom.fr/en/coin/3032
3,7g 25,5mm
ex Naumann
J. B.Mar 21, 2023
constans_phoenix_lr~0.jpg
Phoenix, ConstansNummus of Constans. Obverse depictes draped, diademmed bust of Constans facing right. Legend reads DN CONSTANS PF AVG. Reverse shows phoenix with radiate crown atop a pyramid, reads FEL TEMP REPARATIO. Sisica mint mark, Γ officina mark, "backwards lambda" officina mark. See RIC VIII Sisica 241. Minted 348-350 CE. Purchased from Heritage Auctions.Adrian HMar 21, 2023
RRC1915D1_ExamplesRevDieY.jpg
Roman Republic, RRC191/1 VAL As Known examples of Rev Die YSosius posted an anonymous? As(RR0027) with an illegible legend. However, I think the die can be identified because the prow has certain oddities. Once the Rev is identified, I think the Obv can also. See if you think RR0027 has the same dies as the 2 asses in the image.2 commentsMar 13, 2023
Sphinx.jpg
Sphinx2 commentslaneyMar 10, 2023
PHILIP_II_Tetradrachm.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, PHILIP II as Caesar. Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria. Struck A.D.245 - 246Obverse: M IOV ΦIΛI&PiΠOC K CEB. Bare headed and draped bust of Philip II facing right.
Reverse: No legend. Asklepios standing facing left, sacrificing over flaming and garlanded altar out of patera held in his right hand and holding staff, around which a serpent coils, in his left; in left field, LΓ (= regnal year 3 0f Philip I = A.D.245 - 246).
Diameter: 23mm | Weight: 11.9gms | Die Axis: 12
Not in GICV.
VERY RARE
1 comments*AlexMar 09, 2023
1199_-_1216_John_AR_Penny_Dublin.JPG
Medieval, Ireland, John, AR Penny, Struck 1207 - 1211 at DublinObverse: IOHANNES REX around triangle enclosing a crowned and draped facing bust of King John holding, in his right hand, a sceptre tipped with a cross pommée which extends through the side of the triangle into the legend. Quatrefoil to right of bust.
Reverse: ROBERD ON DIVE around triangle containing sun over crescent moon and a star in each angle. Cross pattée at apex of each point of the triangle and above legend on each of the three sides. Moneyer: Roberd, cognate with the modern English name of Robin.
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 1.2gms | Die Axis: 4h
SPINK: 6228
Rare

John was King of England from 1199 until his death in 1216. The baronial revolt at the end of John's reign led to the sealing of the first Magna Carta, a document sometimes considered an early step in the evolution of the constitution of the United Kingdom. This third issue "REX" coinage was the only coinage struck by King John in his own name.
*AlexMar 09, 2023
317_-_337__Constantine_II_Campgate_PLON.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, CONSTANTINE II as CAESAR, AE3 struck 324 - 325 at Londinium (London)Obverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine II, viewed from the rear, facing right.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIAE CAESS. Camp-gate with two turrets, star above; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 3.43gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 296 | SPINK: 738a
*AlexMar 09, 2023
306_-_308_Maximianus_Follis_PLN_London.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, MAXIMIANUS (Second Reign), AE Follis, struck 307 at Londinium (London)Obverse: D N MAXIMIANO P F S AVG. Laureate and cuirassed bust of Maximianus facing right.
Reverse: GENIO POP ROM. Genius, turreted, standing facing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left; in exergue, PLN.
Diameter: 27mm | Weight: 8.2 gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VI: 90 | SRCV IV: 13444 | Cohen: 142 | SPINK: 704
*AlexMar 09, 2023
209_-_212_Geta_AR_Denarius_Victoriae_Brit~0.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, GETA, AR Denarius, Struck 210 at RomeObverse: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head of Geta facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory, half naked, standing facing left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm in her left.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 2.79gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC IV: 92 | RSC: 219 | SRCV: 7254 | Cohen: 219 | BMC: 68 | Spink: 662
SCARCE

This coin commemorates the Roman victories achieved in Scotland in 209 and 210 by Septimius Severus and Caracalla, Geta's father and brother, while Geta and his mother, Julia Domna, remained behind in London.
*AlexMar 09, 2023
Sept_Severus_VICTORIAE_BRIT.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AR Denarius, Struck 210 at RomeObverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory advancing right, holding wreath in her outstretched right hand and palm branch in her left.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 3.5gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC IV: 332 | RSC: 727 | SRCV: 6382 | SPINK: 650
SCARCE

This coin commemorates the success of the Roman campaigns in Scotland during 209 and 210 culminating in the death of Severus at York, England, in February 211.
*AlexMar 09, 2023
Skara_Brae.jpg
Scotland, Orkney Islands - Skara BraeEurope's most complete Neolithic village inhabited from 3180 BC to about 2500 BC, discovered in 1850 after a severe storm uncovered parts of the villagenogoodnicksleftFeb 26, 2023
Severus_II_Follis_London~0.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, SEVERUS II as Caesar, AE Follis struck 305 - 306 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: SEVERVS NOBILISSIMVS CAES. Laureate and cuirassed bust of Severus II facing right.
Reverse: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI. Genius, kalathos on head, standing facing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left; no mint-mark in exergue.
Diameter: 29mm | Weight: 10.399gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VI: 59a | Cohen VII: 24 | SPINK: 712
Rare
Ex. Errett Bishop Collection | Ex. FORVM
*AlexFeb 11, 2023
193_-_211_Sept__Severus_AR_Denarius_BRIT.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AR Denarius, Struck 210 at Rome, alluding to BritanniaObverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory seated on shield facing left, holding another shield resting on her knee in her right hand and palm branch in her left.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 2.35gms | Die Axis: 12h
RIC IV: 335 | RSC: 731 | SRCV: 6385 | SPINK: 651C
SCARCE
*AlexFeb 11, 2023
193_-_211_Septimius_Severus_BRIT.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AR Denarius, Struck 210 at Rome, alluding to BritanniaObverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right.
Reverse: VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory standing right, holding palm branch in her right hand and placing uninscribed shield on palm tree with her left.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 2.83gms | Die Axis: 7h
RIC IV: 336 | RSC: 730 | SRCV: 6384 | SPINK: 651A
SCARCE
*AlexFeb 11, 2023
Justinian_I_250_Nummi~0.JPG
BYZANTINE, JUSTINIAN I, AR 250 Nummi, struck 540 - 542 at RavennaObverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG. Diademed bust of Justinian I, wearing imperial mantle, facing right.
Reverse: Large CN (= 250 Nummi) within wreath.
Diameter: 14mm | Weight: 1.07gms | Die Axis: 6
SBCV: 313 | DOC: 334a
RARE
1 comments*AlexFeb 11, 2023
BYZANTINE_Tiberius_II_578_-_582__5_Nummi.JPG
BYZANTINE, Tiberius II Constantine (578 – 592) , Æ Pentanummium (5 Nummi) struck 579 – 582 at ConstantinopleObverse: D M TIB CONSTANT P P, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust facing right.
Reverse: Large Ч (= 5) within circle.
15mm | 0.7gms | Axis 6
SBCV: 438
*AlexJan 23, 2023
arch_const~0.jpg
Italy, Rome, Arch of Septimius SeverusThe Arch of Septimius Severus was erected in 203 A.D. to commemorate the Parthian victories of Septimius Severus and his sons Caracalla and Geta in their campaigns against the Parthians of 194-195 A.D. and 197–199 A.D.

Interestingly, Caracalla invoked damnatio memoriae on Geta after he had his younger brother killed and Geta's name was removed from the Arch, though it's still faintly visible today.
2 commentsRon C2Dec 26, 2022
severan_arch.jpg
Italy, Rome, Arch of ConstantineThis is the Triumphal Arch of Constantine in Rome. Erected in 315 AD, it was one of the last monumental buildings erected before the capitol was moved to Constantinople and is still impressive today. It commemorates Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312.

It is thought much of the sculptural decoration consists of reliefs and statues removed from earlier triumphal monuments dedicated to Trajan (98–117), Hadrian (117–138) and Marcus Aurelius (161–180).
1 commentsRon C2Dec 26, 2022
titus_arch.jpg
Italy, Rome, Arch of TitusThe Arch of Titus was erected in 81 AD by Domitian shortly after the death of Titus to commemorate his consecratio and the victory of Titus together with their father, Vespasian, over the Jewish rebellion in Judaea.

The Arch if notable for the menorah depicted on the arch, one of the best period depictions of the artifact from the Jewish temple.
Ron C2Dec 26, 2022
antoninus_pius.jpg
Italy, Rome, The temple of the Divine Antoninus Pius, Roman ForumThis is what remains of the Templs of the Divine Antoninus Pius. It was constructed by the Emperor Antoninus Pius, beginning in 141 AD in honor of his deified wife, Faustina the Elder. Faustina was the first Roman empress with a permanent presence in the Forum Romanum. When Antoninus Pius was deified in 161 AD, the temple was re-dedicated to both Antoninus and Faustina by Marcus Aurelius.

Apart from the baroque church facade that replaced the ancient roof the building is remarkably intact compared to the rest of the Forum.
Ron C2Dec 26, 2022
venus_and_rome.jpg
Italy, The Temple of Venus and Rome, Velian Hill, RomeThought to have been the largest temple in Ancient Rome, the temple of Venus and Rome is located on the Velian Hill, between the eastern edge of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum. It's built partially on the site of Nero's Domus Aureus. It was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix ("Venus the Bringer of Good Fortune") and Roma Aeterna ("Eternal Rome"). The amount of porphyry in this temple was notable, even for Rome.Ron C2Dec 26, 2022
arch_const.jpg
Italy, Rome, Arch of ConstantineThis is the Triumphal Arch of Constantine in Rome. Erected in 315 AD, it was one of the last monumental buildings erected before the capitol was moved to Constantinople and is still impressive today. It commemorates Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312.

It is thought much of the sculptural decoration consists of reliefs and statues removed from earlier triumphal monuments dedicated to Trajan (98–117), Hadrian (117–138) and Marcus Aurelius (161–180).
Ron C2Dec 26, 2022
diocletian_baths_2.jpg
Italy, Rome, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (The Baths of Diocletian)The baths of Diocletian were monumental in size. Much of the original building remains today, thanks in large measure to the church converting a large portion of the building into the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

This is only one transept in what is a colossal building, but it gives an idea of the grandeur that was imperial Rome. The columns and ceiling stonework are original, but much of the wall decoration is 16th century, attributed to Michealangelo who restored the buildings to a church after centuries of looting. This is perhaps the largest standing western Roman building in the world with intact ceilings, it gives you a sense of what the height of Roman civilization might have looked like at its best.
Ron C2Dec 26, 2022
diocletian_baths.jpg
Italy, Rome, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (frigidarium of the Baths of Diocletian)The baths of Diocletian were monumental in size. Much of the original building remains today, thanks in large measure to the church converting a large portion of the building into the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

The entrance to the building, which is used for Italian state religious functions, was originally the frigidarium. Admission to the building is free, and this is a MUST stop when in Rome for fans of the Ancient Roman Empire.
Ron C2Dec 26, 2022
st_mark.jpg
Italy, St. Peter's gate in the Basicilica of St. Mark in Venice.This is one of the frontal (western facade) portico entrances to St Mark's basilica in Venice. The church was founded in 1063 and is an fine example of byzantine architecture. Many of the columns, reliefs, and sculptures were spoils stripped from the churches, palaces, and public monuments of Constantinople as a result of the Venetian participation in the Fourth Crusade. Among the plundered artefacts brought back to Venice were the four ancient bronze horses that were placed prominently over the entry.

The mosaic depicts the arrival St Mark's body in Venice.

St Mark the Evangelist's body is buried here, after the Venetians plundered if from Alexandria.
Not shown, but sitting just above this mosaic, were the 4 bronze horses that adorned the main gate to Constantinople. Since 1974, these are exact replicas - the originals are in a nearby museum. The venetians carried them off as plunder when the 4th crusade sacked Constantinople in 1204.
Ron C2Dec 26, 2022
basilica_mural.jpg
Italy, Venice, Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta Torcello interior mural showing the last judgementthis church is a notable example of Late Paleochristian architecture, one of the most ancient religious edifices in the Veneto, and containing the earliest mosaics in the area of Venice. The basilica was founded by the exarch Isaac of Ravenna in 639. The mosaic pieces are 24kt gold cabochons and the colors are largely semi-precious stone. It was built when the area was still very much under the influence of the Byzantine empire.

Sadly, this building is WAY off the beaten path and is almost never visited.

The skull of Saint Cecilia is kept as a relic here.
1 commentsRon C2Dec 26, 2022
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Turkey, Sardis, "Mint of Croesus"This complex archaeological site includes the electrum refinery in Sardis, dating from the 6th century BC and the time of Croesus. Here, the natural electrum nuggets dredged from the river were smelted, and the gold and silver separated and refined separately. No evidence of actual coin striking at the site is known, though it seems most likely that the minting would have been done at the same location as the metal refining. Mixed up with the site are ruins of a Roman villa, and a Byzantine church.1 commentsSapDec 25, 2022
Tell_Hesban.jpg
Jordan, Tell HesbanJordan, Tell Hesban. In Numbers and Deuteronomy Esbus is the capital of Amorite king, Sihon (also known as Sehon). The biblical narrative records the Israelite victory over Sihon during the time of the Exodus under the leadership of Moses. Moses died soon after the victory, after viewing the "promised land" from the top of Mount Nebo. Restored under the name of Esboús or Esboúta, it is mentioned among the towns of the Roman Arabia Petraea by Ptolemy.

Photo by Bashar Tabbah
Joe SermariniOct 23, 2022
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Roman Provincial: Philip II as Augustus, AE27 Sestertius. Added onto the Wildwinds site in April 2016. Added onto RPC in December 2022.Dacia, Province of Dacia Year 3 = 248-249 A.D.

Obv: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG ● - Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.

Rev: PROV-NIC-IA D-ACIA / AN III - Dacia in long robe and Phrygian cap standing facing, looking left, holding a curved sword and a vexillum marked XIII, another vexillum marked V to left, an eagle and a lion at her sides left and right. AN III in ex. AN III in ex.

Ref: RPC VIII, — (unassigned; ID 2192);AMNG 34; Martin 2.88.5; Varbanov 35.
Rated: Rare, R7 on the Varbanov Scale. 5 specimens on RPC including mine.
Provenance: Added onto the Wildwinds site in April 2016. Chris Scarlioli Collection. Added onto RPC in December 2022.
Christian ScarlioliOct 21, 2022
View_of_agora_from_bouleuterion_of_Iasos_AvL.JPG
Turkey, Iasos, View of the agora from the bouleuterionTurkey, Iasos, View of the agora from the bouleuterion

Iasos or Iassos, Latinized as Iasus or Iassus, was a Greek city in ancient Caria located on the Gulf of Iasos (now called the Gulf of Gulluk), opposite the modern town of Gulluk, Turkey. It was originally on an island, but is now connected to the mainland, near the village of Kiyikislacik, about 31 km from the center of Milas. Iasos was a member of the Delian League and was involved in the Peloponnesian War, 431–404 B.C. After the Sicilian expedition of the Athenians, Iasos was attacked by the Spartans and their allies; it was governed at the time by Amorges, a Persian chief, who had revolted from Darius II. It was taken by the Spartans, who captured Amorges and delivered him up to Tissaphernes. The town itself was plundered on that occasion. It became part of the Hecatomnid satrapy in the 4th century and was conquered by Alexander. We afterwards find it besieged by Philip V, king of Macedon, who, however, was compelled by the Romans to restore it to Ptolemy V of Egypt. It seems to have been abandoned in about the 15th–16th century, in the Ottoman period. Part of the city walls still exist, and are of a regular, solid, and handsome structure. In the side of the rock a theater with many rows of seats still remains, and several inscriptions and coins have been found there.

Photo source: By AlexanderVanLoon - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47358665
Joe SermariniOct 09, 2022
Reconstruction_Nereid_Monument_BM.jpg
England, London, British Museum, Nereid Monument from Xanthos LyciaLondon, British Museum, Partial reconstruction of the Nereid Monument at Xanthos in Lycia, ca. 390–380 BC. Main floor, room 16: Nereid Monument.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanthos
Joe SermariniOct 08, 2022
Carthage_29a31a_2.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Diocletian, Carthage 29a/31aDiocletian
A.D. 298-303
27x29mm 9.3g
IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG; Laureate head right.
SALVIS AVGG ET CAESS FEL KART; Carthage standing facing, head left, holding fruits in both hands.
In ex. A
RIC VI Carthage 29a/31a
1 commentsVictor COct 04, 2022
Maximinus_Antioch_167b~1.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Maximinus II Antioch 167bMaximinus II
A.D. 312
Ӕ follis 20x21mm 5.6g
IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS P F AVG; laureate head right.
SOLI INVICTO; Sol standing left in long robe, right hand raised, left hand holding head of Serapis; B in left and ✶ in right field.
In ex. ANT
RIC VI Antioch 167b
Victor COct 04, 2022
Philip_I_Sestertius_Victory.jpg
Roman Imperial, PHILIP I. 244-249 AD. Æ Sestertius (30mm, 17.26 gm). Struck late 244 AD. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVG, S C across field, Victory advancing left, holding palm and wreath. RIC IV 192a; Hunter 81; Cohen 232.
Persian war reference issue.
paul1888Sep 29, 2022
AncientTownOlvia.jpg
Ukraine - Olbia, Sarmatia, Black Sea AreaRuins of Olbia, Mykolaiv Oblast, Ukraine

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AncientTownOlvia.jpg (Image in public domain)

Pontic Olbia is an archaeological site of an ancient Greek city on the shore of the Southern Bug estuary (Hypanis) in Ukraine, near the village of Parutyne. The archaeological site is protected as the National Historic and Archaeological Preserve. The preserve is a research and science institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The Hellenic city was founded in the 7th century BC by colonists from Miletus. Its harbor was one of the main emporium on the Black Sea for the export of cereals, fish, and slaves to Greece, and for the import of Attic goods to Scythia.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olbia_(archaeological_site)
Joe SermariniAug 30, 2022
Probus05.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, PROBUS, ANTONINIANUS, VIRTVS PROBI AVG - Lugdunum (Lyon) - RIC.106VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield
R/ TEMPOR FELICI, Felicitas standing right, holding caduceus and cornucopiae; I in ex
Lugdunum, Emission 5, Officina 1. End A.D. 277 – Early A.D. 278 - 23x24.5 mm - 4.07 g
Reference:– Bastien 209 (11 ex). RIC 106 Bust Type G.
gb29400Aug 06, 2022
Lesbos_Messa01.JPG
Greece, Lesbos, Messa: The pan-Lesbian sanctuary of Messa, Lesbos (probably of Aphrodite).The pan-Lesbian sanctuary of Messon, at the center of the island, was established in early historic times and served as the seat of the Lesbian Koinon (Commonwealth). The temple had eight columns on the short sides and 14 on the long sides. Most of the temple was built of white volcanic rock. Marble was selectively used for the decorative elements. The cella walls were made of reddish volcanic rock. The temple was probably destroyed by an earthquake in the 3rd or 4th century A.D. Seven kilns from that period were found in the area. Architectural members of the temple were used to build the kilns, which were then probably used to burn other parts of the temple for lime production.

Photo by Tedmek 20 Jun 2010, released to Public Domain. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lesbos_Messa01.JPG
LondonJul 08, 2022
vlasto_197~0.jpg
Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 450-425 BC. AR Nomos8.10 gm.
Dolphin rider l., with both arms extended; beneath, pecten.
Rev. Oecist seated r. on stool, holding staff and cantharus.
Vlasto 197. SNG France 1164 (these dies). F.B. 161. Historia Numorum Italy 844.
Lightly toned and extremely fine.
Ex: from Vinchon collection(1951).
2 commentsLeoJun 27, 2022
Vlasto_20~0.jpg
GREEK, ITALY, CALABRIA, Taras. c. Time of Kleonymos. Circa 302 BC. AV Tetrobol-Third Stater.AV. 2.84 g. 12.00 mm.
Obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent.
Rev. Naked Taras driving biga right, holding trident in left hand, reins in right; above, star; below, dolphin downwards.
HN Italy 956; Vlasto 20 ; SNG ANS -; SNG Cop. 838 var. (no dolphin).
Very rare issue. VF/Good VF.
Ex Vinchon, November 1994, lot 8 (Coll. James et Sneja Velkov).

Struck c. 303-302 BC, when Tarentine invited Kleonymos, as son of Kleomenes II, to defend them against the Lucanians. The Spartan raised such a large mercenary army (it is said to have been made up of about 5,000 warriors) that the Italic enemy immediately asked for a peace terms.
2 commentsLeoApr 30, 2022
Vlasto_537~0.jpg
GREEK, ITALY, CALABRIA, Taras. AR Nomos, c. 344-334 BC.AR. 7.69 g. 22.00 mm.
Obv. Hippacontist wearing crested helmet galloping right about to hurl a short javelin, which he holds in right hand; behind, Nike flying right crowning him; behind, ΦΙ / Π|-Μ.
Rev. Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding one handled vase; the left hand resting on dolphin back; to right, ΤΑΡΑΣ.
HN Italy 894 and 895; Vlasto 536 (for Obv.) and 537 (for Rev.); Fischer Bossert 795 (V311-R616).
Attracvtive specimen, lightly toned with underlying luster. About EF.
Exteremely rare: Vlasto cites example 537 (which obverse for this author is from the same die of 536, with added star and a large flaw on horse's tail) as unique.
LeoApr 30, 2022
Constantius_II_282017_Photo_by_Bertolami29_FEL_TEMP_REPARATIO_Fallen_Horseman__Gran_Constantinople_.jpg
Roman Empire, Constantius II Fallen Horseman, Constantinople 348-351 CE. Overweight specimen (7.67g, 25mm, 12h).Coin-in-hand video: LINK
Roman Imperial. Constantius II (Augustus, 337-361 CE) AE Centenionalis (7.67g, 25mm, 12h). Struck in Constantinople, 348-351.
Obv: D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust, surrounded by border of dots. Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO // Γ to left // CONSЄ* in exergue. Soldier standing left, holding long oval shield with circular boss, and spearing fallen horseman; bearded horseman astride fallen horse, turning and reaching back with left arm (FH3), wearing short-brimmed Scythian helmet, ornate tunic, and trousers. "Centering dot" between soldier and horse. Dotted border.
Ref: RIC 82-E, LRBC 2026; cf. RIC 81 (FH4). NVMMVS BIBLE II NBD N° 61536 (this coin; LINK).
Prov: Ex-Bertolami Fine Arts Auctions 37 (19 Sept 2017), Lot #689 (corr. RIC 81) & e-92 (2 Oct 2020), Lot 1554 (corr. weight as 7.70g, RIC 81).
Note: Based on the weight distribution provided for "Large AE2" in RIC VIII, only 2 of 405 specimens are as heavy or heavier than this one (7.7g & 8.2g). One Constantius Gallus Fallen Horseman weighing over 8.10g is reported in ACSearch (Roma 13, 939); Doug Smith has reported a 9.5g (!) Cyzicus FH in his collection, c. 1997.
5 commentsCurtis JJFeb 25, 2022
CONSERVATORI-Aegina_Drachm_Turtle.png
Turtle, Aegina, AR Drachm (Testudo Graeca Ibera)Greek (Classical). Islands off Attica (Saronic Gulf), Aegina. AR Drachm (5.0g, 19.5mm, 3h?), struck c. BCE 350-338.
Obv: Land tortoise (prob. testudo graeca ibera) with segmented shell of 13 plates. Rev: Large incuse square with skew pattern, two pellets (astragalos?) in one of five compartments (left, top or bottom?) . Ref: Millbank Period V (404-375 BC), pl. II, 16; HGC 6, 443; SNG Cop 520; SNG Lockett 2004 ("acorn"). Prov: Ex-Colosseum Coin Exchange (Ira Teitelbaum, Hazlet NJ) MBS 59 (22 Nov 1991), Lot 2.
3 commentsCurtis JJFeb 20, 2022
c1~1.jpg
Byzantine, Alexius III Angelus-Comnenus, Trachy SBCV-20112011 Alexius III Angelus-Comnenus, 1195-1203. Trachy SBCV-2011
Alexius III Angelus-Comnenus, 1195-1203. Trachy (Bronze, 27 mm, 2.88 g, 6 h), Constantinople, 1195-1197. Bust of Christ Pantocrator facing, raising right hand in benediction and holding scroll in left. Rev. Alexius and St. Constantine standing facing, holding between them globus cruciger, and each holding a labarum. DOC 3. SB 2011. Dark patina. Extremely fine.

Ex Nomos, pictured lightened
SimonFeb 20, 2022
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