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Calabria, Tarentum; 302-281 BC, Drachm, 3.22 grams, Vlasto-1053. Obverse: Head of Athena right wearing crested helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone. Reverse: Owl standing right on olive spray, head facing, TAP upwards to left, [I]OP downwards to right. Ex: Kunker 226, 11 March 2013 lot 135, ex:Hess 236, 3 April 1939, E. Nitsch collection.paul1888

015a04. TrajanDenarius. Obv: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS V P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery. Rev: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trophy of arms. RIC 226, RSC 571.lawrence c

020 Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² 0002, RIC II(1962) 015D, AR-Denarius, Rome, IVDAEA, Captive Jewess seated right, #1020 Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), RIC² 0002, RIC II(1962) 015D, AR-Denarius, Rome, IVDAEA, Captive Jewess seated right, #1
avers: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Laureate head right.
reverse: IVDAEA, Captive Jewess seated right, hands tied before, a trophy of captured arms behind.
exergue: -/-//IVDAEA, diameter: 16,6-18,5mm, weight: 2,81g, axis: 7h,
mint: Rome, date: 69-70 A.D., ref: RIC² 0002, RIC II(1962) 015D p-16, RSC 226, BMC 35,
Q-001quadrans

022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0950 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) 0198 (Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Roma, COS VI, Prow right, Scarce!, #1022a Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0950 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) 0198 (Vespasian), AR-Denarius, Roma, COS VI, Prow right, Scarce!, #1
avers: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, Laureate head right.
reverse: COS VI, Prow right above the star.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 17-19mm, weight: 2,90g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 77-78 A.D., ref: RIC² 0950 (Vespasian), RIC II(1962) 0198 (Vespasian) p-38, BMC 226, RSC 68, BNC 202,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0226, RIC II(1962) 0126, AE-As, Roma, GENI P R, S/C//--, Genius standing left, Scarce!, #1022b Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), RIC² 0226, RIC II(1962) 0126, AE-As, Roma, GENI P R, S/C//--, Genius standing left, Scarce!, #1
avers: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII, Laureate head left.
reverse: GENI P R, Genius, naked to the waist, standing to face, looking left by a garlanded altar, holding patera and cornucopia. S-C across the field.
exergue: S/C//--, diameter: 27,0-29,0mm, weight: 12,76g, axis:- h,
mint: Rome, date: 80-81 A.D., ref: RIC² 0226, RIC II(1962) 0126 p-130, C-96, BMC 210, BNC -,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0773, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva left with the spear, #1024c Domitian (69-81 A.D. Caesar, 81-96 A.D. Augustus), RIC 0773, AR-Denarius, Rome, IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva left with the spear, #1
avers: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII, Laureate head of Domitian right.
reverse: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, holding a spear.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,0-18,5mm, weight: 3,06g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 95 A.D., ref: RIC 0773, RSC-286, BMC 226,
Q-0015 commentsquadrans

037b Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0163, Rome, AR-Denarius, TR P XX IMP IIII COS III, VIC/PAR, Victoria, 037b Marcus Aurelius (139-161 A.D. as Caesar, 161-180 A.D. as Augustus), RIC III 0163, Rome, AR-Denarius, TR P XX IMP IIII COS III, VIC/PAR, Victoria,
avers:- M-ANTONINVS-AVG-ARM-PARTH-MAX, Laureate head right
revers:- TR P XX IMP IIII COS III, Victory standing right, holding shield reading VIC/PAR on palm.,
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 19mm, weight: 3,38g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date:166 A.D., ref: RIC-III-163, p-226, S-4933, C-878,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 226, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XVII COS III P P, Jupiter standing left, #1049 Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), Rome, RIC IV-I 226, AR-Denarius, P M TR P XVII COS III P P, Jupiter standing left, #1
avers: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate bust right.
revers: P M TR P XVII COS III P P, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and scepter, two boys at his feet, one left, one right.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 19,0mm, weight: 3,42g, axis: ,
mint: Rome, date: 209 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-I 226, p-120, C 525,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

058 Aquilia Severa ( ?-221 A.D.), RIC IV-II 226, Rome, AR-Denarius, CONCORDIA, -/*//--, Concordia standing left, R ! #1058 Aquilia Severa ( ?-221 A.D.), RIC IV-II 226, Rome, AR-Denarius, CONCORDIA, -/*//--, Concordia standing left, R ! #1
avers: IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG, Draped bust right.
reverse: CONCORDIA, Concordia standing left, sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar and holding double cornucopiae, star in the field to right up.
exergue: -/*//--, diameter: 18,0-19,0mm, weight: 2,70g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: 221 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-II 226 (Elagabalus), p-47, RSC 2, Sear 7679, C-2, R !,
Q-001quadrans

066 - Caracalla denarius - RIC 226Obv:- ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Laureate head right.
Rev:- PROFECTIO AVG. Caracalla standing slightly right, holding spear in both hands; attendant holding signum standing behind.
Minted in Rome, A.D. 212-213
References:– RIC 226, RSC 509. 19 examples in RD.

An interesting type, commemorative of the Caracalla's departure to his campaign in Germania.

Weight 3.383g. 19.01mm. 0 degreesmaridvnvm

072 Gordianus-III. (238-244 A.D.), RIC IV-III 069, AR-Antoninianus, Rome, P M TR P II COS P P, Gordian standing left, #1072 Gordianus-III. (238-244 A.D.), RIC IV-III 069, AR-Antoninianus, Rome, P M TR P II COS P P, Gordian standing left, #1
avers: IMP-GORDIANVS-PIVS-FEL-AVG, Radiate bust right, draped and cuirassed.
revers: P-M-TR-P-II-COS-P-P, Gordian standing left, holding a patera over an altar with right hand. Left hand holds a baton.
exe:-/-//--, diameter: 21-22mm, weight: 4,46g, axis:5h,
mint: Rome, date: 241-243 A.D.(8th. Issue, 6th off.), ref: RIC IV-III-69, p-, RSC-226,
Q-001quadrans

076b Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), Rome, RIC IV-III 226, AR-Antoninianus, AETERNIT IMPER, Sol advancing left, Scarce! #1076b Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), Rome, RIC IV-III 226, AR-Antoninianus, AETERNIT IMPER, Sol advancing left, Scarce! #1
avers: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: AETERNIT IMPER, Sol advancing left, holding whip and raising right hand.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 20,5-22 mm, weight: 4,34 g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 246-47 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-III 226, RSC 6, Sear 2663, Scarce!
Q-001
Note: RIC questions whether this coin is from Antioch or if it is a hybrid from his father.quadrans

076b Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), Rome, RIC IV-III 226, AR-Antoninianus, AETERNIT IMPER, Sol advancing left, Scarce! #2076b Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), Rome, RIC IV-III 226, AR-Antoninianus, AETERNIT IMPER, Sol advancing left, Scarce! #2
avers: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: AETERNIT IMPER, Sol advancing left, holding a whip and raising right hand.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 21,5-22,5 mm, weight: 3,90 g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 246-47 A.D.,
ref: RIC IV-III 226, RSC 6, Sear 2663, Scarce!
Q-002
Note: RIC questions whether this coin is from Antioch or if it is a hybrid from his father.quadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 226, Rome, VIRTVS AVG, Bust-F, Scarce !112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 226, Rome, VIRTVS AVG, Bust-F, Scarce !
avers:- IMP-C-M-AVR-PROBVS-P-F-AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- VIRTVS-AVG, Mars walking right, holding spear and trophy.
exerg: -/-//R ζ, diameter: 23-26mm, extra large flan, weight: 3,98g, axes: 0h,
mint: Rome, date: 277, ref: RIC-V-II-226, p-41, Scarce !
Q-0012 commentsquadrans

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VI 866a, AE-3 Follis, T/F//PTR, SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol radiated standing left, Scarce!136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VI 866a, AE-3 Follis, T/F//PTR, SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol radiated standing left, Scarce!
avers:- IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, Laureate and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- SOLI INVI CTO COMITI, Sol radiated standing left, rising right hand, holding globe in left hand,chlamys across left shoulder.
exerg: T/F//PTR, diameter: 23-24mm, weight: 4,24g, axes: 0h,
mint: Treveri, date: 310-313 A.D., ref: RIC-VI-866a, p-226, Scarce!
Q-001quadrans

153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC VIII 226, AE-1, -/-//palm*TESΓ•palm, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, Scarce, #1153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC VIII 226, AE-1, -/-//palm*TESÎ“•palm, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, Scarce, #1
avers: D N FL CL IVLI ANVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, two stars above.
exergue: -/-//palm*TESÎ“•palm, diameter: 27-28mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Thessalonica, date: 361-363 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII-226, Scarce !,
Q-001quadrans

153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC VIII 226, AE-1, -/-//palm*TESΓ•palm, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, Scarce, #2153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC VIII 226, AE-1, -/-//palm*TESÎ“•palm, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, Scarce, #2
avers: D N FL CL IVLI ANVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, two stars above.
exergue: -/-//palm*TESÎ“•palm, diameter: 27-28mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Thessalonica, date: 361-363 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII-226, Scarce !,
Q-002quadrans

153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC VIII 226, AE-1, -/-//palm*TESB•palm, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, Scarce, #1153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Thessalonica, RIC VIII 226, AE-1, -/-//palm*TESB•palm, SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, Scarce, #1
avers: D N FL CL IVLI ANVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: SECVRITAS REIPVB, Bull standing right, two stars above.
exergue: -/-//palm* TESB•palm, diameter: 26,5-27,0 mm, weight: 8,55g, axis: 0h,
mint: Thessalonica, date: 361-363 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII-226, Scarce !,
Q-0013 commentsquadrans

179 Honorius ( 393-423 A.D.), Roma, RIC X 1226, -/-//MDPS, AR-Siliqua, VIRTVS-ROMANORVM, Roma seated left, #1179 Honorius ( 393-423 A.D.), Roma, RIC X 1226, -/-//MDPS, AR-Siliqua, VIRTVS-ROMANORVM, Roma seated left, #1
avers:- D N HONORIVS P F AVG, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right (H1/D3).
revers:- VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and spear.
exerg: -/-//MDPS, diameter:14-16 mm, weight: 1,38g, axes: 6h,
mint: Roma, date: 404, 407-408 A.D., ref: RIC X 1226, p-321,
Q-001quadrans

22.34. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), CÁC III. 22.34.1.1., H-302, CNH I.-238, U-226, AR-Obulus, #0122.34. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), CÁC III. 22.34.1.1., H-302, CNH I.-238, U-226, AR-Obulus, #01
avers: King enthroned facing, holding scepter and orb, a border of dots.
reverse: B Є/L A R/Є X, In three lines divided into five parts by horizontal and vertical lines, a border of dots.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: , date: 1235-1270 A.D., ref: Huszár-302, CNH I.-238, Unger-226,
CÁC III. 22.34.1.1.,
Q-001quadrans

48-08 - CARACALLA (198 - 211 D.C.)AR Denario 19 mm 3.7 gr.

Anv: "ANTONINVS PIVS AVG" - Busto laureado viendo a derecha.
Rev: "PONTIF TR P X COS II" - Marte desnudo avanzando a derecha, con el manto volando al viento, portando lanza en mano derecha y trofeo en izquierda sobre el hombro.

Acuñada 25ava. Emisión 207 D.C.
Ceca: Roma (Off.3ra)

Referencias: RIC Vol.IV Parte I #88 Pag.226, Sear RCTV Vol.II #6862 Pag.525, BMCRE #542/6 Pag.266, Cohen Vol.IV #431 Pag.188, RSC Vol. III #431 Pag.79, DVM #72-1 Pag.197, Hill CSS#845, Salgado II/1 #4422.o.2 Pag.132mdelvalle

94-13 - CLAUDIO GOTICO (268 - 270 D.C.)AE Antoniniano 19 mm 3.7 gr.

Anv: "[IMP CLAVDIV]S CAES AVG", Busto radiado, vestido y acorazado, viendo a derecha. Visto por detrás.
Rev: "[AE]QVITAS AVG", Aequitas (La Equidad) estante a izq., portando balanza en mano der. y cornucopia en izq.

Acuñada 1ra. Emisión 1ra.Fase Final 268 D.C.
Ceca: Siscia (Off. 1ra.??)

Referencias: RIC Va #178var. (C) (Busto, leyenda y off.) P.226, RIC2 temp #566, DVM #3var. (Ley.) P.255, La Venera #9413, Alföldi 1964 #51553/5 p.16, Cunetio #2270mdelvalle

Aeolis, Myrina, (c. 200-0 B.C.), SNG Cop 226, AE-12, MY/PI//--, Amphora, #1Aeolis, Myrina, (c. 200-0 B.C.), SNG Cop 226, AE-12, MY/PI//--, Amphora, #1
avers: Radiate head of Helios right, border of dots
reverse: MY-ΡI, Amphora.
exergue: MY/PI//--, diameter: 11,5 mm, weight: 2,02g, axes: 0h,
mint: Aeolis, Myrina, date: c. 200-0 B.C., ref: SNG Cop 226, Weber 5570, BMC 32, Lindgren I 412,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

Anonymous Denarius 86bcSilver denarius, SRCV 266, RSC I 226, Sydenham 723, VF, Rome mint, 86 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Apollo right, thunderbolt below; reverse Jupiter in quadriga right, brandishing thunderbolt.
1 commentsPhiloromaos

Aquilia Severa (second and fourth wife of Elagabalus), 220–2 CE AR denarius, Rome, 221 CE; 20mm, 3.20g. BMCRE 335, RIC 226, RSC 2. Obv: IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG; draped bust right. Rx: CONCORDIA; Concordia standing half-left, sacrificing from patera over lighted altar, holding double cornucopia, star in field right.

Notes: Sixth issue of the reign of Elagabalus (April 220–April 221). Rare variant of Aquilia's “Concordia standing” reverse with the star in the right field rather than the left.

Provenance: Ex Roma II (2 October 2011), lot 719. 1 commentsBritannicus

Aquilia Severa (second and fourth wife of Elagabalus), 220–2 CE AR Denarius, Rome, 221 CE; 20mm, 3.20g. BMCRE 335, RIC 226, RSC 2. Obv: IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG; draped bust right. Rx: CONCORDIA; Concordia standing half-left, sacrificing from patera over lighted altar, holding double cornucopia, star to right.

Notes: Rare; Aquilia Severa's "Concordia standing" reverse is more often found with the star in the left field than the right (as on this specimen).

Provenance: Ex Roma II (2 October 2011) Lot 719; from a private German collection.1 commentsBritannicus

Aspendos, Pamphylia WrestlersObv: Two naked wrestlers grappling, the athlete on the left holds his opponent's wrist with his right hand and his forearm with his left; KI between their legs.

Rev: EÎ£TÎ¦EÎ”IIYÎ£ on left, slinger standing in throwing stance right, wearing a short chiton, discharging sling; clockwise triskeles on right all within a beaded square.

Silver Stater, Aspendos mint, c. 370 - 333 BC

10.74 grams, 23.2 mm, 0°

GCV 5398 (var.), SNG Coppenhagen 226, SNG Von Aulock 4557

Ex: FORVM1 commentsMatt Inglima

AugustusAE As, Struck 11-12 AD, Rome Mint
Obverse: IMP • CAESAR • DIVI • F • AVGVSTVS • IMP • XX •, Head of Augustus, bare, left.
Reverse: PONTIF • MAXIM • TRIBVN • POT • XXXIIII, Legend surrounding large SC in field.
References: RIC I 471, Cohen 226, BMCRE 275
Size: 25mm, 9.36g
Augustus’ Last Coinage at RomeJustin L

Augustus 27BC-14AD AE As,Augustus AE As, RIC 471, Cohen 226, BMC 275

Augustus AE As. Rome mint, 4 BC. IMP•CAESAR•DIVI•F•AVGVSTVS•IMP•XX, bare head left / •PONTIF•MAXIM•TRIBVN•POT•XXXIIII around large SC. Cohen 226. soldAntonivs Protti

bmcxxxElagabalus
Tyre, Phoenicia

Obv: IMP CAES MAV ANTONINVS AVG, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: TVRI ORVM, Clasped right hands holding signum, two murex shells below; unclear letters in exergue.
23 mm, 8.59 gms

BMC-, SNG Cop-, CNG E-Sale 307, lot 226, CNG E-Sale 439, lot 296Charles M

British India: British India: King George V, 1919 AR One Rupee. Mintage 226,706,000. Silver content .917.Mintmark • for Bombay (Mumbai) 11.65g - 30.6mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR - Crowned and draped bust of King George V facing left (type II), on the bust you can see a lotus flower and elephant on chains. Engraver Edgar Bertram Mackennal.

Rev: ONE RUPEE INDIA 1919 یک روپیہ - Denomination & date within circle, the date divides legend in English & Urdu (Yek Rupya) with the outside of the circle having a wreath made of roses, thistle, shamrock leaves and lotus flowers, all within a toothed border. Dot minmark below for Bombay.

Ref: KM# 524; Numista 4851.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.Christian Scarlioli

Caracalla, 198 - 217 ADObv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head of Caracalla facing right.

Rev: PROFECTIO AVG, Caracalla in military attire, standing half right, holding a spear; behind him is an attendant holding a standard.

Silver Denarius, Rome mint, 213 AD

3.4 grams, 18 mm, 0°

RIC IVi 226, RSC 509, S6877, VM 82/2Matt Inglima

Cilicia, Tarsos, Syennesis III, ca. 425-400 BC, AR Stater Syennesis on horseback right, wearing Persian headdress and cloak.
Nude hoplite kneeling left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, holding spear and shield.

SNG Paris-226, SNG Levante-61.

(20 mm, 8.3 g, 1h).
Harlan J. Berk 181, November 2012, 393.

The depiction of the hoplite in a defensive posture on the reverse of this coin is most evocative of its time, notwithstanding the miserable corroded state of the coin itself, which is a type of some rarity. The initial reaction to the typology of this coin might be one of surprise at the apparently incongruous pairing of the image of a Persian dynast on horseback on the obverse with that of a Greek hoplite on the reverse. The explanation is to be found in the written historical record. The coin dates to the period of Xenophon's anabasis. Xenophon refers to the role of Syennesis (III) and his wife Epyaxa in the revolt of Cyrus the Younger, in whose employ as a mercenary Xenophon found himself. In view of the historical record left by Xenophon, the pairing of the motifs of a Persian dynast, or tributary king, on one side of this coin with a Greek hoplite on the other now seems particularly poignant, rather than incongruous. During the fifth and fourth centuries BC, the Persian dynasts routinely employed Greek hoplite mercenaries in their armies, so that the reverse typology may simply be a reflection of this reality on coinage destined perhaps for mercenary pay.

All the hereditary kings of Cilicia were termed Syennesis, a royal title more than an actual name. As described in Xenophon’s Anabasis, Syennesis (III) under the influence of his wife and queen, Epyaxa, supported the unsuccessful revolt of Cyrus the Younger against his brother Artaxerxes II in 401 BC. As much as anything this action appears to have been motivated by the desire to prevent Cryrus’ army pillaging and looting during its passage through Cilicia. Syennesis’ support included a body of troops commanded by one of his sons. However, he sent another son, accompanied by a report on Cyrus plans and army to Artaxerxes, so that whatever the outcome he might be aligned with the winning side. Syennesis' actions, however, did little to save Cilicia's autonomy. After 400 BC it became an ordinary satrapy of the Persian Empire, rather than an independent tributary or vassal state, and the role of the hereditary king of Cilicia ceased, replaced by a satrap who was appointed by the Persian king, most frequently a relative of the latter.
n.igma

Constantine I, RIC VII 226, TrierObv: CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG
Bust: Helmeted, laureate and cuirassed bust right
Rev: VICTORIAE LAET PRIN P
2 Victories holding shield with VOT PR on altar.
Date: 319 AD
Denom: Ae3
Rated "R4"
Bluefish

Cr 118/3 AE Triens Anonymous [helmet] Bronze triens, Crawford 118/3, Sydenham 272b, BMCRE II Italy p. 226, SRCV I 939
Italian mint, weight 9.132g, maximum diameter 23.7mm, 206 - 194 B.C.;
O: helmeted head of Minerva right, four pellets above
R: prow of galley right, ROMA above, helmet with cheek-pieces and crest above in form of a crescent on right before prow, four pellets below
from the Andrew McCabe Collection; rare
Purchased from Forum Ancient CoinsPMah

Domitian Denarius A.D. 95 RIC II 773, BMCRE 226, RSC 286IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, holding spear in right hand, left hand on hip.
Maximum Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 3.85 g7 commentsTheEmpireNeverEnded

Domitian Sebaste, Samaria Countermark LXFDomitian Ae 25mm, 14.02 g. Sebaste, Samaria. O: Laureate head of Domitian IMP DOMITIANVS CAESAR; Countermark: LXF, of the Tenth Legion Fretensis in rectangular punch. R: Tyche standing to left resting foot on rock(?) holding spear and globe, [CEBAC]THNWN (of the people of Sebaste); in l. field, date: LÎ˜Î¡ (year 109 = 81/2 AD). Host coin - RPC II 2226, with LXF - Hendin 1613a.

The Tenth Legion probably acquired its name, Fretensis, from the Fretum Siculum, the straits where the legion fought successfully against Sextus Pompey.

It is undoubtedly most famous for its part in the destruction of Jerusalem under General Titus. Starting in 66 CE, Roman armies began fighting their way from the northern parts of Israel, down to Jerusalem.

Titus advanced on Jerusalem near Passover 70 C.E., trapping the residents and pilgrims inside the city. His forces stripped the Judean countryside of trees to build a 4.5-mile-long wall of pointed stakes around the capital.

In that year X Fretensis, in conjunction with V Macedonica, XII Fulminata, and XV Apollinaris, began the five month siege of Jerusalem that would result in what Jewish Bible scholar Alfred Edersheim described as a, “tribulation to Israel unparalleled in the terrible past of its history, and unequalled even in its bloody future.”

What was the Tenth Legion doing in Sebaste, Samaria? According to some scholars it was perhaps to defend against the appearance of a pseudo-Nero, who had garnered the support of the Parthians.
1 commentsNemonater

Gallienus (RIC 226, Coin #317)RIC 226 (C), BI Antoninianus, Rome, 260 - 268 AD.
Obv: GALLIENVS AVG Radiate head right.
Rev: LAETITIA AVG Laetitia standing left, wreath in right, rudder in left.
Size: 23.1mm 3.00gmMaynardGee

Gallienus, Antoninianus, MARTI PACIFEROAE Antoninianus
Gallienus
Augustus: 253 - 268AD
Issued: 264 - 266AD
21.0 x 19.0mm 3.25gr 6h
O: GALLIENVS AVG; Radiate head, right.
R: MARTI PACIFERO; Mars standing left, holding olive branch, spear and shield.
Rome Mint
RIC V-1 Rome 236; Goebl 569a; Sear 10288; Cohen 614; Aorta: 524: B40, O10, R226, T206, M5.
dw152694 121345006700
5/25/14 3/7/17Nicholas Z

Gallienus, Antoninianus, MARTI PACIFEROAE Antoninianus
Gallienus
Augustus: 253 - 268AD
Issued: 264 - 266AD
20.0mm 2.90gr 6h
O: GALLIENVS AVG; Radiate head, right.
R: MARTI PACIFERO; Mars standing left, holding branch and scepter.
Exergue: A, left field.
Rome Mint
RIC V-1 Rome 236, A, left; Cohen 617; Aorta: 525: B40, O10, R226, T206, M5.
herus66 291192447642
7/20/14 3/7/17Nicholas Z

Gallienus, RIC V(1)-226.K RomeBillon Antoninianus
Rome mint, 262-263 A.D.
19mm, 2.53g
RIC V(1)-226, RSCv.4-423, RCVv.3-10250

Obverse:
GALLIENVS AVG
Radiate head right

Reverse:
LAETITIA AVG
V in right field
Laetitia standing left, holding wreath and anchor.Will J

Gargonius, Ogulnius and Vergilius - AR denariusRome
¹²86 BC
laureate head of Apollo* right, thunderbolt below
Jupiter in quadriga right, holding thunderbolt and reins
¹Crawford 350a/2, SRCV I 266, RSC I 226, Sydenham 723
²Mark Passehl - Roman moneyer & coin type chronology, 150 – 50 BC
3,9g 18,5mm
ex Naumann
* according other authors obverse could reprsent Vejovis.J. B.

Gordian III Gordian RIC 69Gordian III, AR Antoninianus, Rome, 238 - 244 AD, AD 240 (8th Issue, 6th Officina), 21.96mm, 4.91g, RSC 226, RIC IViii, 69 (s) Scarce
OBV: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Radiate bust right, draped & cuirassed
REV: P M TR P III COS P P, Gordian standing left, holding a patera over an altar with right hand. Left hand holds a baton
SRukke

Greek Ptolemy VI PhilometorPtolemy VI Philometor (181-145 BC), Bronze 30mm, Cyprus, series B, head of Zeus Ammon right, with diadem and floral ornament, rev PTOLEMAIOU BASILEWS, two eagles standing left on thunderbolt, cornucopiae on left field, monogram between the legs of the eagles, (Svornos p.226, 1383, pl.43, 10).Tanit

Hungary. Béla IV (1235-1270). Huszár 266, Toth-Kiss 22.11.1.1, Unger 160, Réthy I 226, Frynas 17.38, Lengyel 18/30, Adamovszky 313, Rengjeo 38, Mimica 38, Dimnick-Dobrinić 4.1.6Hungary. Attributed to Béla IV (1235-1270) by Toth-Kiss and Lengyel, and to András/Andreas II (1205-1235) by Huszár, Unger, Frynas, Adamovszky and Gyöngyössy (who states that the type was issued 1215-1222). The reattribution is based on a study of hybrid denárs (per Toth-Kiss at pp. 30-31).

AR denár (average .56 g., 13.1-13.3 mm.); .32 g., 12.49 mm. max, 180°

Obv: Tower above crescent above star, flanked by profiles facing left and right, pellets above.

Rev: Panther facing left under branched tree with leaves, rosette above in left field and Hebrew letter ×˜ (tet) above in right field.

The Hebrew letter ×˜ (tet) is probably the mark of Teka, who was a kammergraf in 1232 (under András II) and 1235-1245 (under Béla IV), per Rádóczy and Nagy.

The coins of Béla IV were issued with an average fineness of .800 and “later” .900, per Huszár at 11.

Rengjeo, Mimica and Dimnick-DobriniÄ‡ refer to this emission as a Croatian Freisacher issued in 1212-1220 in Slavonia under András II (1205-1235) and various Bans (Group IV). This attribution was initially made by Hóman in 1920, who tentatively assigned this emission to a Zagreb mint. However, the basis of this attribution has been proven to be erroneous, and the consensus among Hungarian numismatists is that the emission is Hungarian (per Metcalf [1979] at 156). Rengjeo, Mimica and Dimnick-DobriniÄ‡ do not note the presence of the Hebrew letter on the reverse.

Huszár rarity 6, Toth-Kiss rarity 25, Unger value 34 DM, Frynas rarity NStkp

Hungary. Béla IV (1235-1270). Huszár 302, Toth-Kiss 22.34.1.1, Unger 226, Réthy I 238, Frynas H.18.14, Lengyel 18/12, Adamovszky A363Hungary. Béla IV (1235-1270)

AR obulus (average .27 g., 10.3 mm.); .23 g., 10.32 mm. max. 0°

Obv: Crowned king sitting on throne holding sceptre and orb

Rev: B-E / LA R / EX with lines dividing legend into three rows and five parts

The coins of Béla IV were issued with an average fineness of .800 and “later” .900, per Huszár at 11.

Struck after the Mongol invasion of 1241/1242? per Gyöngyössy

Huszár rarity 10; Toth-Kish 35, Unger value 60 DM, Frynas rarity SStkp

IMP•CAESAR•DIVI•F•AVGVSTVS•IMP•XX / •PONTIF•MAXIM•TRIBVN•POT•XXXIIII / Ӕ As (10-12 A.D.)IMP • CAESAR • DIVI • F • AVGVSTVS • IMP • XX, bare head left / • PONTIF • MAXIM • TRIBVN • POT • XXXIIII, huge letters S•C, no field or mint marks.

Ó”, 26-27mm, 5.77g, die axis 5h (slightly turned coin alignment), material: supposed to be pure red copper.

IMPerator (originally meant "supreme commander", Augustus started to use it as a title)
CAESAR (Augustus adopted the last name from Julius, this is not a title yet)
DIVI Filius (Son of the divine [Julius], Augustus was thus named, having been adopted by Caesar as his son) AVGVSTVS (following his defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC Senate granted Octavian this new name, meaning "majestic")
IMPerator XX (Vicesimum) (i. e. "invested with the twentieth imperial acclaim", second 'imperator' means his military title, a victorious general, the number refers to important victories when the title was renewed) PONTIFex MAXIMus (the high priest, starting with Augustus the emperor was always the head of state religion)
TRIBVNitia POTestas (Tribunal power, the function of the tribune of the people, originally an important republican official, was "hijacked" by Augustus when he was building the imperial structure of power and subsequently became another emperor's title, renewed every year and thus very useful for dating coins)
XXXIIII (Augustus got his tribunal power for life in 23 BC, during the Second Settlement with the Senate, so the 34th tribunal year of Augustus gives us 11 AD as the year of issue of the coin, ±1 since the coin could have been minted slightly before or after, and there is alos some uncertainty about when exactly the tribunal year number was increased by)
SC = [Ex] Senatus Consulto (Senatus is genitive, Consulto is ablative of Consultum) = by decree of the Senate, i. e. the authority of the Senate approved minting of this coin (necessary to justify issue of copper alloy coins for which the intrinsic value was not obvious)
As or assarius – the lowest-valued Roman coin (in times of Augustus minted of pure red copper).

The size and weight of the coin, large SC and the bare head of the emperor (who actually looks really like a typical official portrait of Augustus) all point towards an early imperial as. Unfortunately due to a very poor condition of the coin all that can be reliably gathered from the legends: IMP… left of the neck, …(DI)VI… top of the head on obverse and …XII… 10-11 o'clock on reverse, perhaps also …PONTI… at 2 o'clock and a few other letters, that get increasingly unreliable. Fortunately to my knowledge this excludes all of the coins except just one as of Augustus: RIC 471, Cohen 226, BMC 275, minted in Rome, with the legends as given above and very common. The closest other coin fitting the general outlook is Ó” as of Tiberius (RIC 44, Cohen 25, BMC 91), but for it the obverse legend starts with TI and DIVI never gets close to 12 o'clock. And the face of Tiberius typically looks noticeably different.

Still, I will be very grateful if anybody looking at this coin points out any other possibilities for identification.

No biographical info here, since Augustus (reign 27 BC - 14 AD) is too well known.Yurii P

Indo-Skythians. Azes. Armored King on Horseback. Tetradrachm. Eastern Cultures. Indo-Skythians, Azes 58-12 BC. AR Tetradrachm (9.6 gm, 26.8mm, 12h), on Indian standard. Armored king on horseback right, holding elephant goad. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩN ΜEΓAΛOY AZOY. / Radiate Zeus-Mithra stdg holding thunderbolt and sceptre. Maharajasa rajarajasa mahatasa Ayasa (Karosti: of Great King, King of Kings Azes the Great). Bha to right. VF. Pegasi Numismatics Sale 125 #160. Mitchener ACW 2226, MIG 749e; HGC 12 #626; Senior ISCH 2 #80.10T.Anaximander

Khilji Dynasty, Ala’ al-Din Muhammad KhiljiAR tanka, 27mm, 11.0g, 12h; Delhi, AD 1296-1316
Obv.: Legend in Persian: Al-sultan al-a'zam / 'ala al-dunya wa'l din / abu'l muzaffar muhammad shah / al-sultan. (The Sultan, the magnificent / excellence of the world and of faith / supreme conqueror, Muhammad Shah / the Sultan)
Rev.: Margin (starting at 12 o'clock, from right to left): "Zarb Hazihi Al-Fizzat [Bi-Hazrat Dehli Fi Sanat date] (This silver coin was struck at honorable Delhi in Year xxx); Legend in Persian: Sikandar al-thani / yamin al-khilafa / nasir / amir al-mu'minin (Second Alexander / defender / right hand of the caliphate / commander of the faithful)
Reference: DR# 994, GG# D226, 16-352-39
John Anthony

Kingdom of Persis, Namopad, c. 25 - 75 A.D. Silver obolKingdom of Persis, Namopad, c. 25 - 75 A.D. Silver obol, SGICV 5942; BMC Arabia, Mesopotamia and Persia, p. 226, 9; Alram 602, VF, 0.414g, 11.6mm, 0o, obverse bust left, bearded, waved back hair, wearing turreted crown, diadem, torque and robe; dot border interrupted by bust; reverse , the king standing right, crowned, hand extended, star and crescent right, Aramaic legend around. Ex FORVM, photo credit FORVMPodiceps

Lydia, Saitta; Statue of Aphrodite within tetrastyle temple; AE 25Salonina Augusta (254-268 AD) from Saitta, Lydia. AE 25mm, 8.13g. KOP SALONEINA, diademed and draped bust right / EP IOVL RHG ACIAPXA, CAITTHN/WN in exergue, statue of Aphrodite within tetrastyle temple. BMC Lydia pg. 226, 74 var. (reverse legend); SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -. Podiceps

Macrinus and Diadumenian, Markianopolis, SerpentBronze pentassarion, Varbanov Vol I, p. 144, 1214; SNG Cop 226, aVF, 10.790g, 26.5mm, 180°, Marcianopolis mint, obverse AU K OPPEL CEUH MAKPEINOC K M OPPEL ANTWNEINOC, laureate head of Macrinus right facing bare-head of Diadumenian left; reverse UP PONTIANOU MARKIANOPOLEITWN, snake in four coils with head erect, E left; brown patina, flan crack
ex Wallace Widtman, ex FORVM
GICV -1 commentsareich

Maximinus I Trak 235-238 AD Reign: Maximinus Persons: Maximinus (Augustus)
City: Carallia Region: Cilicia (Cilicia Trachea) Province: Lycia-Pamphylia
Denomination: Æ (24 mm) Average weight: 8.54 g.
Obverse: ΑΥ Κ Γ Ι(Ο) ΟΥΗ ΜΑΞΙΜƐΙΝΟϹ; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximinus, r., seen from rear
Reverse: ΚΑΡΑΛΛΙⲰΤΩΝ; Demeter standing facing, looking r., holding corn ears and torch
Reference:RPC 6226, SNG 575, Watson 407 Waldemar S

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 18. Caracalla, HrHJ (2020) 8.18.52.05 var. (rev. only)Caracalla as Caesar, AD 195-198
AE 18, 3.05g, 18.03mm, 30°
obv. [M] AV KAI - ANTWN[NO] (read from outwards)
bare head r.
rev. NIKOPOLIT PROC ICT
Basket with 2 handles on the side and a large carrying handle
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 1511, pl. XX, 36 (1 ex., Paris)
b) not in Varbanov
c) not in Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020):
rev. cf. No. 8.18.52.5 var. (has NIKOPOLI)
obv. e.g. No.8.18.8.52.9 (same die)
F+, dark green patina
pedigree:
ex Hirsch 226, 2003, lot 1920
Jochen

Moesia, Markianopolis, 054 Macrinus (217-218 A.D.), Hristova-Jekov (2014) 06.24.03.07, AE-27, Pentassarion, VΠ ΠONTIANOV MAPKIA NOΠOΛEITΩN•, Hera and peacock,Moesia, Markianopolis, 054 Macrinus (217-218 A.D.), Hristova-Jekov (2014) 06.24.03.07, AE-27, Pentassarion, VÎ Î ONTIANOV MAPKIA NOÎ OÎ›EITÎ©N•, Hera and peacock,
avers:- AV K OÎ Î CEVH MAKPEINOC • M OÎ EÎ› ANTÎ©NEINOC KAI •, Laureate draped and cuirassed bust of Macrinus facing bare-headed draped and cuirassed bust of Diadumenian.
revers:- VÎ Î ONTIANOV MAPKIA NOÎ OÎ›EITÎ©N•, Hera in long garment and mantle, standing left, holding patera in outstretched right hand and
resting with raised left hand on scepter, Peacock at foot in left down, E in right field.
exe: -/-//E, diameter: 26,7-27,7mm, weight:12,24g, axis: 6h,
mint: Moesia, Markianopolis, date: 217-218 A.D., ref: HrJ (2014) 06.24.03.07, Pfeiffer (2013) 226, 12 (294), Varbanov (2005) Not in -,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans

ROMAN EMPIRE - Claudius II GothicusROMAN EMPIRE - Claudius II Gothicus (AD 268-270) AE Antoninianus. Obv: IMP CLAVDIVS AVG - Radiate cuirassed bust right, Rev: LAETITIA AVG - Laetitia standing left, hold wreath and cornucopia Siscia mint AD 268-270 = RIC Vi, p. 226, 181F; Cohen 139, 3.28 g. dpaul7

ROMAN EMPIRE, Aquilia Severa AR Denarius, AD 220–2Rome, AD 221, AR Denarius, 3.20g., 20mm., BMCRE-335, RIC-226, RSC-2. Obv: IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG; draped bust right. Rx: CONCORDIA; Concordia standing half-left. sacrificing from patera over lighted altar, holding double cornucopia, star to right.

Notes: Rare; Aquilia Severa's "Concordia standing" reverse is more often found with the star in the left field than the right (as on this specimen).3 commentsBritannicus

ROMAN EMPIRE, Julia Maesa, DenariusJulia Maesa, AD 165–226, grandmother of Elagabalus.
Obverse: IVLIA MAESA AVG, draped bust right.
Reverse: PVDICITIA, Pudicitia seated left, raising veil and holding scepter.

RIC 268

ROMAN EMPIRE, Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), AR Denarius, Rome, P M TR P XVII COS III P P, Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.), AR Denarius, Rome, P M TR P XVII COS III P P,
avers:- SEVERVS-PIVS-AVG, Laurate bust right.
revers:- P-M-TR-P-XVII-COS-III-P-P, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and scepter; two boys at his feet, one left, one right..
date: 209 A.D.,
mint: Rome,
diameter: 19mm,
weight: 3,42g,
axis: ,
ref: RIC-IV-I-226, p-120, C-525,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

Roman Empire, Titus, AE-As, RIC II 126, RIC-New 226, Roma.022 Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), AE-As, RIC II 126, RIC-New 226, Roma, GENI P R, S-C, Scarce!,
avers:- IMP-T-CAES-VESP-AVG-P-M-TR-P-COS-VIII, Laureat head left.
revers:- GENI-P-R, Genius standing left holding cornucopia and patera. S-C across the field.
exe: S/C//--, diameter: 27-29mm, weight: 12,76g, axis:- h,
mint: , date: , ref: RIC-II-126, p-130, RIC-New-226, C-96,
Q-00119 commentsquadrans

ROMAN EMPIRE, TRAJAN, QUADRANSQuadrans, Rom, undatiert. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG. Portraitkopf mit Lorbeerkranz nach rechts. Perlkreis; Rs: Wölfin mit eingeklemmtem Schwanz drohend nach links. Im Abschnitt SC. Perlkreis. RIC 693; BMCRE -, vgl. 1061; Hunter -, vgl. 371; C. 339. 3,40g. St. 6. Selten. Vorzüglich.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Quadrans (3.06 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 98-102. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / She-wolf standing left. RIC II 694 var. (bust type). Good VF, green and brown patina, some smoothing, light surface damage from 7 to 9 o’clock on obverse. Rare. Ex Freeman &...

TRAJAN (98-117), AE quadrans, s.d. Rome. Droit : IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG B. l. à droite, l'épaule gauche drapé. Revers : Louve à gauche. A l'exergue, SC. Ref.: BMC 226, 1061; RIC 694. 3,47g. Patine vert foncé. Très Beau VF Estimate: EUR...

Quadrans (Copper, 2.87 g 6), 107. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG Laureate bust of Trajan to right with drapery on far shoulder. Rev. She-wolf at bay to left; in exergue, S C. BMC 1061. C. 340. Hill 450. RIC 694. Of exceptional quality. Olive green patina. Extremely fine.

Roman Imperial AR denarius, Vespasian (69-79 AD), "Judaea Capta" issue struck ca. 69-70 ADObverse- IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right.
Reverse- Captive Jewess seated right, hands tied before, trophy of captured arms behind, IVDAEA in exergue.
RIC 2, RSC 226, 3.17 g.
NGC Ch F (Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5), cert. #4095350-004.
Ex- eBay purchase (perhaps from seller "antiquarica"), January, 2011 (purchased raw).
Comments: If you're going to have just one Vespasian coin, it really should be a Judea Capta. Not only does this one have a poignant and strong historical association with the Roman conquest of Judaea, but an excellent strike and full obverse legends as well. One can't help but think of the tragic siege of Masada when holding this coin.3 commentslordmarcovan

Roman Nero DupondiusAE Dupondius
Radiate head left / Temple of Janus with closed doors right and latticed windoww left.

RIC 290 = MacDowall 226, citing specimens in BMC 201, Rome (Gnecchi), and a sale catalogue.
MacDowall pl. VIII also illustrates the BM spec., which seems to be from the same obv. die as this, but a different rev. die.

Rare
Tanit

Severus Alexander Aequitas RIC 78Severus Alexander, Rome, 228 AD, RIC IVb 78, SEAR 2226, Cohen 346
OBV: IMP CM AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate, draped bust right
REV: P M TR P VII COS II P P, Aequitas standing left holding scales and cornucopia
SRukke

Trajan Relation - Hadrian RIC 3eHadrian 117-138 AD. AR Denarius. Rome Mint. 117 AD. (2.91g; 19.04mm) Obv: IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIAN OPT AVG GER DAC, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: PARTHIC DIVI TRAIAN AVG F P M TR P COS P P / ADOPTIO, Trajan and Hadrian standing facing one another, clasping right hands.
RIC 3e

Ex: Münzen & Medaillen GmbH Erworben bei der Münzen und Medaillen AG Basel, Liste 170, Juli 1957, Nr. 226, am 1. 8. 1957.

These coins were minted not long after the death of Trajan and I seem to remember reading that there was some suspicion that Plotina had some part in making Hadrian successor. The succession was always a predicament inside the framework of the principate, because it remained important to keep up the appearance of a Res Publica, a republic. In reality it was an autocracy.

2 commentsPaddy

Umayyad Caliphate: Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan (661-680) Æ Fals, Tabariya (DOCAB 81; Goodwin&Gyselen p. 226, 30; SICA I, 587)Obv: Three imperial figures standing facing, each wearing crown surmounted by cross and holding globus cruciger
Rev: Large M in center; above, monogram; below, officina symbol; around, blundered THBEPI-AÎ”OC; in field to right, Ø·Ø¨Ø±ÙŠØ© (Tabariya) in Arabic
Dim: 26 mm, 4.42 g, 11 hQuant.Geek

Vespasian Denarius 21 December A.D. 69-early 70 RIC 2, RSC 226, Hendin 6509IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / IVDAEA beneath trophy, Judaea seated right in attitude of mourning, head resting in hand.
Maximum Diameter: 17.5 mm
Weight: 3.03 g 2 commentsTheEmpireNeverEnded

Vespasian Denarius, RIC II 15Rome mint, Vespasian Denarius, 69-70 A.D. AR, 2.84g 17mm, RIC 2, (RIC II [1962] 15), RSC 226, BMC 35
O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right
R: Female personification of Judea seated right, hands tied before, trophy of captured arms behind, IVDAEA in ex.
2 commentscasata137ec

Vespasian, 69 - 79 ADObv: IMP CAESAR VES(PASIANVS A)VG, laureate head of Vespasian facing right.

Rev: IVDAEA in exergue, Judaea as a mourning captive seated on the ground facing right, at the foot of a trophy.

Silver Denarius, Rome mint, 70 AD

3.2 grams, 17 mm, 180°

RIC II 15, RSC 226, S2296, VM 32Matt Inglima

Vespasian, Silver Denarius, “Judaea Capta”, 69-79 CESilver Denarius of Vespasian (69-79 CE), 3.15g, 18mm.

Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG Laureate head right
Reverse: Captive Jewess seated right, hands tied before, trophy of captured arms behind, IVDAEA in ex.

Reference: Hendin GBC 759, Sear RCV vol. I p 436, 2296, RIC II p.16 15, BMCRE 35, RSC (Cohen) 226, Brin 16, Bromberg 288.

Added to collection: October 10, 20051 commentsDaniel F

[18H759] Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Judaea CaptaSilver denarius, Hendin 759, RIC 15, BM 35, RSC 226, S 2296, Fair, 2.344g, 17.0mm, 180o, Rome mint, 69-70 A.D.; obverse IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right; reverse IVDAEA in exergue, Jewess, mourning, seated at right of trophy.

De Imperatoribus Romanis:
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Titus Flavius Vespasianus (A.D. 69-79)

John Donahue
College of William and Mary

Introduction

Titus Flavius Vespasianus (b. A.D. 9, d. A.D. 79, emperor A.D. 69-79) restored peace and stability to an empire in disarray following the death of Nero in A.D. 68. In the process he established the Flavian dynasty as the legitimate successor to the Imperial throne. Although we lack many details about the events and chronology of his reign, Vespasian provided practical leadership and a return to stable government - accomplishments which, when combined with his other achievements, make his emperorship particularly notable within the history of the Principate.

Early Life and Career

Vespasian was born at Falacrina near Sabine Reate on 17 November, A.D. 9, the son of T. Flavius Sabinus, a successful tax collector and banker, and Vespasia Polla. Both parents were of equestrian status. Few details of his first fifteen years survive, yet it appears that his father and mother were often away from home on business for long periods. As a result, Vespasian's early education became the responsibility of his paternal grandmother, Tertulla. [[1]] In about A.D. 25 Vespasian assumed the toga virilis and later accepted the wearing of the latus clavus, and with it the senatorial path that his older brother, T. Flavius Sabinus, had already chosen. [[2]] Although many of the particulars are lacking, the posts typically occupied by one intent upon a senatorial career soon followed: a military tribunate in Thrace, perhaps for three or four years; a quaestorship in Crete-Cyrene; and the offices of aedile and praetor, successively, under the emperor Gaius. [[3]]

It was during this period that Vespasian married Flavia Domitilla. Daughter of a treasury clerk and former mistress of an African knight, Flavia lacked the social standing and family connections that the politically ambitious usually sought through marriage. In any case, the couple produced three children, a daughter, also named Flavia Domitilla, and two sons, the future emperors Titus and Domitian . Flavia did not live to witness her husband's emperorship and after her death Vespasian returned to his former mistress Caenis, who had been secretary to Antonia (daughter of Marc Antony and mother of Claudius). Caenis apparently exerted considerable influence over Vespasian, prompting Suetonius to assert that she remained his wife in all but name, even after he became emperor. [[4]]

Following the assassination of Gaius on 24 January, A.D. 41, Vespasian advanced rapidly, thanks in large part to the new princeps Claudius, whose favor the Flavians had wisely secured with that of Antonia, the mother of Germanicus, and of Claudius' freedmen, especially Narcissus. [[5]] The emperor soon dispatched Vespasian to Argentoratum (Strasbourg) as legatus legionis II Augustae, apparently to prepare the legion for the invasion of Britain. Vespasian first appeared at the battle of Medway in A.D. 43, and soon thereafter led his legion across the south of England, where he engaged the enemy thirty times in battle, subdued two tribes, and conquered the Isle of Wight. According to Suetonius, these operations were conducted partly under Claudius and partly under Vespasian's commander, Aulus Plautius. Vespasian's contributions, however, did not go unnoticed; he received the ornamenta triumphalia and two priesthoods from Claudius for his exploits in Britain. [[6]]

By the end of A.D. 51 Vespasian had reached the consulship, the pinnacle of a political career at Rome. For reasons that remain obscure he withdrew from political life at this point, only to return when chosen proconsul of Africa about A.D. 63-64. His subsequent administration of the province was marked by severity and parsimony, earning him a reputation for being scrupulous but unpopular. [[7]] Upon completion of his term, Vespasian returned to Rome where, as a senior senator, he became a man of influence in the emperor Nero's court. [[8]] Important enough to be included on Nero's tour of Greece in A.D. 66-67, Vespasian soon found himself in the vicinity of increasing political turbulence in the East. The situation would prove pivotal in advancing his career.

Judaea and the Accession to Power

In response to rioting in Caesarea and Jerusalem that had led to the slaughter in the latter city of Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers, Nero granted to Vespasian in A.D. 66 a special command in the East with the objective of settling the revolt in Judaea. By spring A.D. 67, with 60,000 legionaries, auxiliaries, and allies under his control, Vespasian set out to subdue Galilee and then to cut off Jerusalem. Success was quick and decisive. By October all of Galilee had been pacified and plans for the strategic encirclement of Jerusalem were soon formed. [[9]] Meanwhile, at the other end of the empire, the revolts of Gaius Iulius Vindex, governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, and Servius Sulpicius Galba , governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, had brought Nero's reign to the brink of collapse. The emperor committed suicide in June, A.D. 68, thereby ensuring chaos for the next eighteen months, as first Galba and then Marcus Salvius Otho and Aulus Vitellius acceded to power. Each lacked broad-based military and senatorial support; each would be violently deposed in turn. [[10]]

Still occupied with plans against Jerusalem, Vespasian swore allegiance to each emperor. Shortly after Vitellius assumed power in spring, A.D. 69, however, Vespasian met on the border of Judaea and Syria with Gaius Licinius Mucianus, governor of Syria, and after a series of private and public consultations, the two decided to revolt. [[11]] On July 1, at the urging of Tiberius Alexander, prefect of Egypt, the legions of Alexandria declared for Vespasian, as did the legions of Judaea two days later. By August all of Syria and the Danube legions had done likewise. Vespasian next dispatched Mucianus to Italy with 20,000 troops, while he set out from Syria to Alexandria in order to control grain shipments for the purpose of starving Italy into submission. [[12]] The siege of Jerusalem he placed in the hands of his son Titus.

Meanwhile, the Danubian legions, unwilling to wait for Mucianus' arrival, began their march against Vitellius ' forces. The latter army, suffering from a lack of discipline and training, and unaccustomed to the heat of Rome, was defeated at Cremona in late October. [[13]] By mid-December the Flavian forces had reached Carsulae, 95 kilometers north of Rome on the Flaminian Road, where the Vitellians, with no further hope of reinforcements, soon surrendered. At Rome, unable to persuade his followers to accept terms for his abdication, Vitellius was in peril. On the morning of December 20 the Flavian army entered Rome. By that afternoon, the emperor was dead. [[14]]

Tacitus records that by December 22, A.D. 69, Vespasian had been given all the honors and privileges usually granted to emperors. Even so, the issue remains unclear, owing largely to a surviving fragment of an enabling law, the lex de imperio Vespasiani, which conferred powers, privileges, and exemptions, most with Julio-Claudian precedents, on the new emperor. Whether the fragment represents a typical granting of imperial powers that has uniquely survived in Vespasian's case, or is an attempt to limit or expand such powers, remains difficult to know. In any case, the lex sanctioned all that Vespasian had done up to its passing and gave him authority to act as he saw fit on behalf of the Roman people. [[15]]

What does seem clear is that Vespasian felt the need to legitimize his new reign with vigor. He zealously publicized the number of divine omens that predicted his accession and at every opportunity he accumulated multiple consulships and imperial salutations. He also actively promoted the principle of dynastic succession, insisting that the emperorship would fall to his son. The initiative was fulfilled when Titus succeeded his father in A.D. 79.[[16]]

Emperorship

Upon his arrival in Rome in late summer, A.D. 70, Vespasian faced the daunting task of restoring a city and a government ravaged by the recent civil wars. Although many particulars are missing, a portrait nevertheles emerges of a ruler conscientiously committed to the methodical renewal of both city and empire. Concerning Rome itself, the emperor encouraged rebuilding on vacated lots, restored the Capitol (burned in A.D. 69), and also began work on several new buildings: a temple to the deified Claudius on the Caelian Hill, a project designed to identify Vespasian as a legitimate heir to the Julio-Claudians, while distancing himself from Nero ; a temple of Peace near the Forum; and the magnificent Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre), located on the site of the lake of Nero 's Golden House. [[17]]

Claiming that he needed forty thousand million sesterces for these projects and for others aimed at putting the state on more secure footing, Vespasian is said to have revoked various imperial immunities, manipulated the supply of certain commodities to inflate their price, and increased provincial taxation. [[18]] The measures are consistent with his characterization in the sources as both obdurate and avaricious. There were occasional political problems as well: Helvidius Priscus, an advocate of senatorial independence and a critic of the Flavian regime from the start, was exiled after A.D. 75 and later executed; Marcellus Eprius and A. Alienus Caecina were condemned by Titus for conspiracy, the former committing suicide, the latter executed in A.D. 79.
As Suetonius claims, however, in financial matters Vespasian always put revenues to the best possible advantage, regardless of their source. Tacitus, too, offers a generally favorable assessment, citing Vespasian as the first man to improve after becoming emperor. [[19]] Thus do we find the princeps offering subventions to senators not possessing the property qualifications of their rank, restoring many cities throughout the empire, and granting state salaries for the first time to teachers of Latin and Greek rhetoric. To enhance Roman economic and social life even further, he encouraged theatrical productions by building a new stage for the Theatre of Marcellus, and he also put on lavish state dinners to assist the food trades. [[20]]

In other matters the emperor displayed similar concern. He restored the depleted ranks of the senatorial and equestrian orders with eligible Italian and provincial candidates and reduced the backlog of pending court cases at Rome. Vespasian also re-established discipline in the army, while punishing or dismissing large numbers of Vitellius ' men. [[21]]
Beyond Rome, the emperor increased the number of legions in the East and continued the process of imperial expansion by the annexation of northern England, the pacification of Wales, and by advances into Scotland and southwest Germany between the Rhine and the Danube. Vespasian also conferred rights on communities abroad, especially in Spain, where the granting of Latin rights to all native communities contributed to the rapid Romanization of that province during the Imperial period. [[22]]

Death and Assessment

In contrast to his immediate imperial predecessors, Vespasian died peacefully - at Aquae Cutiliae near his birthplace in Sabine country on 23 June, A.D. 79, after contracting a brief illness. The occasion is said to have inspired his deathbed quip: "Oh my, I must be turning into a god!" [[23]] In fact, public deification did follow his death, as did his internment in the Mausoleum of Augustus alongside the Julio-Claudians.

A man of strict military discipline and simple tastes, Vespasian proved to be a conscientious and generally tolerant administrator. More importantly, following the upheavals of A.D. 68-69, his reign was welcome for its general tranquility and restoration of peace. In Vespasian Rome found a leader who made no great breaks with tradition, yet his ability ro rebuild the empire and especially his willingness to expand the composition of the governing class helped to establish a positive working model for the "good emperors" of the second century.

Bibliography

Since the scholarship on Vespasian is more comprehensive than can be treated here, the works listed below are main accounts or bear directly upon issues discussed in the entry above. A comprehensive modern anglophone study of this emperor is yet to be produced.

Atti congresso internazionale di studi Flaviani, 2 vols. Rieti, 1983.

Atti congresso internazionale di studi Vespasianei, 2 vols. Rieti, 1981.

Bosworth, A.B. "Vespasian and the Provinces: Some Problems of the Early 70s A.D." Athenaeum 51 (1973): 49-78.

Brunt, P. A. "Lex de imperio Vespasiani." JRS (67) 1977: 95-116.

D'Espèrey, S. Franchet. "Vespasien, Titus et la littérature." ANRW II.32.5: 3048-3086.

Dudley, D. and Webster, G. The Roman Conquest of Britain. London, 1965.

Gonzalez, J. "The Lex Irnitana: A New Copy of the Flavian Municipal Law." JRS 76 (1986): 147-243.

Grant, M. The Roman Emperors: A Biographical Guide to the Rulers of Rome, 31 B.C. - A.D. 476. New York, 1985.

Homo, L. Vespasien, l'Empereur du bons sens (69-79 ap. J.-C.). Paris, 1949.

Levi, M.A. "I Flavi." ANRW II.2: 177-207.

McCrum, M. and Woodhead, A. G. Select Documents of the Principates of the Flavian Emperors Including the Year of the Revolution. Cambridge, 1966.

Nicols, John. Vespasian and the Partes Flavianae. Wiesbaden, 1978.

Scarre, C. Chronicle of the Roman Emperors. The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial Rome. London, 1995.

Suddington, D. B. The Development of the Roman Auxiliary Forces from Caesar to Vespasian, 49 B.C. - A.D. 79. Harare: U. of Zimbabwe, 1982.

Syme, R. Tacitus. Oxford, 1958.

Wardel, David. "Vespasian, Helvidius Priscus and the Restoration of the Capitol." Historia 45 (1996): 208-222.

Wellesley, K. The Long Year: A.D. 69. Bristol, 1989, 2nd ed.

Notes

[[1]] Suet. Vesp. 2.1. Suetonius remains the major source but see also Tac. Hist. 2-5; Cass. Dio 65; Joseph. BJ 3-4.

[[2]] Suetonius (Vesp. 2.1) claims that Vespasian did not accept the latus clavus, the broad striped toga worn by one aspiring to a senatorial career, immediately. The delay, however, was perhaps no more than three years. See J. Nicols, Vespasian and the Partes Flavianae (Wiesbaden, 1978), 2.

[[3]] Military tribunate and quaestorship: Suet. Vesp. 2.3; aedileship: ibid., 5.3, in which Gaius, furious that Vespasian had not kept the streets clean, as was his duty, ordered some soldiers to load him with filth;,they complied by stuffing his toga with as much as it could hold. See also Dio 59.12.2-3; praetorship: Suet. Vesp. 2.3, in which Vespasian is depicted as one of Gaius' leading adulators, an account consistent with Tacitus' portrayal (Hist 1.50.4; 2.5.1) of his early career. For a more complete discussion of these posts and attendant problems of dating, see Nicols, Vespasian, 2-7.

[[4]] Marriage and Caenis: Suet. Vesp. 3; Cass. Dio 65.14.

[[5]] Nicols, Vespasian, 12-39.

[[6]] Suet. Vesp. 4.1 For additional details on Vespasian's exploits in Britain, see D. Dudley and G. Webster, The Roman Conquest of Britain (London, 1965), 55 ff., 98.

[[7]] Concerning Vespasian's years between his consulship and proconsulship, see Suet. Vesp. 4.2 and Nicols, Vespasian, 9. On his unpopularity in Africa, see Suet. Vesp. 4.3, an account of a riot at Hadrumentum, where he was once pelted with turnips. In recording that Africa supported Vitellius in A.D. 69, Tacitus too suggests popular dissatisfaction with Vespasian's proconsulship. See Hist. 2.97.2.

[[8]] This despite the fact that the sources record two rebukes of Vespasian, one for extorting money from a young man seeking career advancement (Suet. Vesp. 4.3), the other for either leaving the room or dozing off during one of the emperor's recitals (Suet. Vesp. 4.4 and 14, which places the transgression in Greece; Tac. (Ann. 16.5.3), who makes Rome and the Quinquennial Games of A.D. 65 the setting; A. Braithwaite, C. Suetoni Tranquilli Divus Vespasianus, Oxford, 1927, 30, who argues for both Greece and Rome).

[[9]] Subjugation of Galilee: Joseph. BJ 3.65-4.106; siege of Jerusalem: ibid., 4.366-376, 414.

[[10]] Revolt of Vindex: Suet. Nero 40; Tac. Ann. 14.4; revolt of Galba: Suet. Galba 10; Plut. Galba, 4-5; suicide of Nero: Suet. Nero 49; Cass. Dio 63.29.2. For the most complete account of the period between Nero's death and the accession of Vespasian, see K. Wellesley, The Long Year: A.D. 69, 2nd. ed. (Bristol, 1989).

[[11]] Tac. Hist. 2.76.

[[12]] Troops in support of Vespasian: Suet. Vit. 15; Mucianus and his forces: Tac. Hist. 2.83; Vespasian and grain shipments: Joseph. BJ 4.605 ff.; see also Tac. Hist. 3.48, on Vespasian's possible plan to shut off grain shipments to Italy from Carthage as well.

[[13]] On Vitellius' army and its lack of discipline, see Tac. Hist. 2.93-94; illness of army: ibid., 2.99.1; Cremona: ibid., 3.32-33.

[[14]] On Vitellius' last days, see Tac. Hist. 3.68-81. On the complicated issue of Vitellius' death date, see L. Holzapfel, "Römische Kaiserdaten," Klio 13 (1913): 301.

[[15]] Honors, etc. Tac. Hist. 4.3. For more on the lex de imperio Vespasiani, see P. A. Brunt, "Lex de imperio Vespasiani," JRS (67) 1977: 95-116.

[[16]] Omens: Suet. Vesp. 5; consulships and honors: ibid., 8; succession of sons: ibid., 25.

[[17]] On Vespasian's restoration of Rome, see Suet. Vesp. 9; Cass. Dio 65.10; D. Wardel, "Vespasian, Helvidius Priscus and the Restoration of the Capitol," Historia 45 (1996): 208-222.

[[18]] Suet. Vesp. 16.

[[19]] Ibid.; Tac. Hist. 1.50.

[[20]] Suet. Vesp. 17-19.

[[21]] Ibid., 8-10.

[[22]] On Vespasian's exploits in Britain, see esp. Tac., Agricola, eds. R. M. Ogilvie and I. A. Richmond (1967), and W. S. Hanson, Agricola and the Conquest of the North (1987); on the granting of Latin rights in Spain, see, e.g., J. Gonzalez, "The Lex Irnitana: a New Copy of the Flavian Municipal Law." JRS 76 (1986): 147-243.

[[23]] For this witticism and other anecdotes concerning Vespasian's sense of humor, see Suet. Vesp. 23.

Copyright (C) 1998, John Donahue. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis, an Online Encyplopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/vespasia.htm
Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

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