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This was my most ambitious project so far. There are two separate cabinets, both for the same collector. The one on the left contains 5 drawers each capable of holding 60 slabs. The other is a 45 tray cabinet with a variety of tray configurations, and a total capacity of over 2,200 raw coins. They were shipped in four boxes weighing approximately 215 pounds, total. (The pictures were taken at different times and in slightly different lighting conditions, which tends to make them look different in color, but they actually matched quite well.)
www.CabinetsByCraig.net. cmcdon0923
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Pergamon, Philetairos (Circa 282-263 BC)Marvin D
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JUSTINIAN I, AE Pentanummium (5 Nummi), struck 527 – 565 at ChersonObverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing right.
Reverse: Monogram of Cherson within wreath or foliated circle. (SBCV Monogram 1)
Diameter: 16mm | Weight: 1.8gms | Die Axis: 6
SBCV: 197 | DOC: 108.2
Cherson (in Greek it was spelt with a Chi) was a Byzantine military trading site located in the southern Crimea, centred at Chersonesus Taurica. Ancient Cherson was located near where Sevastopol is now, on the peninsula projecting into the north side of the Black Sea, but parts of the ruins of the city are now under water. Ancient Cherson was destroyed by the Mongols/Tartars in the 13th century and should not be confused with the modern city of Cherson which was not founded until 1779.
*Alex
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005. Nero 54-68AD. AE Sestertius, Rome mint, 63AD. DECVRSIO. 38.6mmObv. Laureate ead right, wearing aegis NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P
Rev. Nero on horseback prancing right, wearing cuirass, short tunic, and billowing cloak, spear in right hand, to right soldier moving right. carrying vexillum; to leftin shallow relief, soldier running right DECVRSIO in ex
BMCRE 155; Cohen 94, RIC I 176 var (obv legend)
38.6mm, 180o, 63 A.D. Rome mint.
This sestertius was an early emission from the Rome Mint, which resumed striking bronze after about 10 years of inactivity. The talented engraver, perhaps with extra time for this initial project, produced one of the best dies in the entire imperial bronze series. The special style, complemented by superior execution, has similarities to later medallions.
The fine expressive portrait has higher relief than the more common Lugdunum issues.
The reverse uses the roundness of the flan and three geometric planes of relief to both present the scene in a format that draws the eye to the emperor and show movement that is lacking on almost all other Roman coins. The rare use of geometric planes was repeated on ADLOCVTIO sestertii of Galba five years later, perhaps the work of the same artist. Rome sestertii after 70 A.D. are of far less impressive style.
The lack of SC leaves the reverse fields uncluttered. SC stood for Senatus Consultum, "By Decree of the Senate" and signified the role of the Senate in the minting of brass and bronze coinage. Many sestertii of Caligula and some brass and bronze of Nero lack SC. Subsequent issues include SC again, until inflation produced the demise of the sestertius under Gallienus, c. 265 ADLordBest
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01 Attica, Athenian TetradrachmAthenian Old Style Tetradrachm
Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves and floral scroll, hair across forehead in parallel curves, almond shaped eye, round earing, wire necklace.
Rev: owl standing r. with erect posture, tail feathers as a single prong, head facing forward, a crescent and then an olive sprig to the l., A☉E at 90º and downward to the r., all within incuse square.
Denomination: silver tetradrachm; Mint: Athens; Date: 454 - 404 BC;1 Weight: 17.2g; Diameter: 24mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 62; SNG Cop vol. 14, 31; Cf. Starr pl. XXIII; SGCV I 2526; Kroll 8; SNG München issue 14, 49; HGC 4, 1597.
Notes:
1This is the date range given in HGC 4. SGCV I gives 449 - 413 BC.
NGC rates this coin as About Uncirculated with a 5/5 strike and a 4/5 surface. I intend to someday free it from its encapsulation.
This coin is part of an enormous issue apparently begun in order to pay for work necessary to rebuild the city's temples. Subsequent decades saw huge quantities of tetradrachms minted in order to finance the building of the Parthenon and other such massive projects, and later decades saw such minting in order to pay for the Peloponnesian War. (SGCV I, p. 236).
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins January 12, 2018; Ex Heritage Auction 231723 June 8, 2017, lot 62016.
Photo Credits: Forum Ancient Coins
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello
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06 Constantius IIConstantius II AE3 of Constantinople. 351-355 AD. DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / FEL TEMP R-EPARATIO, soldier spearing fallen horseman, who is unbearded, wearing a Phrygian helmet, clutching horse's neck. Stylized Epsilon resembling C< in left field. Mintmark CONSI (unpublished officina). RIC VIII Constantinople 115 var. Randygeki(h2)
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1216 - 1272, Henry III, AR Penny, Struck 1217 - 1242 at London, England (Short Cross Issue)Obverse: HENRICVS REX around central circle enclosing a crowned, draped and bearded facing bust of Henry III holding a sceptre tipped with a cross pommee in his right hand.
Reverse: + GIFFREI ON LVND. Voided short cross dividing legend into quarters, crosslets in each quarter of inner circle. Cross pattée in legend. Moneyer: Giffrei, cognate with the modern English name of Geoffrey.
Issue type 7c, distinguished by the degraded portrait and large lettering.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 1.1gms | Die Axis: 4h
SPINK: 1356C
HENRY III AND WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Henry III was the eldest son of King John and came to the throne at the age of nine. He was king of England from 1216 until his death in 1272, ruling longer than any other English monarch until the reign of George III.
Henry expressed a lifelong interest in architecture and much of what constitutes the Tower of London today is a result of Henry's work, he added several towers and a curtain wall to expand the White Tower beginning in 1238. Westminster Abbey however, is considered to be Henry's greatest building work. The project began in 1245, when Henry sent his architect Henry de Reynes to visit the French cities of Rheims, Chartres, Bourges and Amiens and Paris' royal chapel Sainte-Chapelle to learn the Gothic technique that he much admired.
The Westminster Abbey that stood previously on the site had been erected by Edward the Confessor in 1042. Edward the Confessor was a hero of Henry's, and he probably named his son (the future Edward I) after him. The foundations and crypt are still those of Edward the Confessor's Abbey, but everything above ground today is the building begun by Henry III. The tomb of Edward the Confessor was moved to a new position of honour in 1269 at the very centre of the new abbey, and when Henry III died in 1272 he was buried beside Edward's shrine in the exact position the bones of his hero had lain for 200 years.
*Alex
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161 Faustina Jr Faustina Jr Denarius. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / IVNO, Juno standing front, head left, holding scepter, feeding peacock at feet out of patera. RIC 688, RSC 120, BMC 104Randygeki(h2)
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1727. Leopold I: Reconstruction Of The Bridge In The Forest Of Haye. Obv: Leopold to right, in peruke, wearing armor and the Order of the Golden Fleece LEOPOLDVS. I. D.G. DVX. LOT. BAR. REX. IER
Rev: A traveling horseman going over bridge toward Abundance in countryside. In background landscape a herm of Mercury PROVIDENTIA. PRINCIPIS
Exergue: VIAE. MVNITAE MDCCXXVII Signed: SV.
AE64mm. Ref: Forrer V, p. 309, #6; Slg. Florange 171; Molinari 40/120; Europese Penningen # 1739
Leopold Joseph Charles (Leopold I) (1679-1729), Duke of Lorraine and Bar (1697), was the son of Charles V, Duke of Lorraine and Bar. This medal commemorates further the many reconstruction projects that Leopold I, Duke of Lorraine and Bar, fostered during his reign, in this case, the reconstruction of the bridge in the forest of Haye. The reverse alludes to the fact that the bridge increased commerce (Mercury) in Lorraine and led to more abundance for its inhabitants.
A herm, referred to in this medal, is a statue consisting of the head of the Greek god Hermes mounded on a square stone post. Hermes is the god of commerce, invention, cunning and theft, who also serves as messenger and herald for the other gods.
LordBest
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180 Septimius SeverusSeptimius Severus
Denarius
MP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG COS II. Laureate head to right. / INVICTO IMP. Trophy with arms below. RIC IV-1 389. Emesa mint, A.D. 194-195.
better photo
ex DSRandygeki(h2)
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180 Septimius SeverusSeptimius Severus
Denarius
IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG COS II Laureate head right / MONET AVG Moneta standing left holding scales and cornucopia. RIC 411a Emisa Mint
ex DS
better photo. Randygeki(h2)
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181 Julia Domna
Julia Domna Denarius. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / PIETAS PVBLICA, Pietas standing left, raising both hands at altar. RSC 156. RIC 574, RSC 156, BMC 69Randygeki(h2)
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1bl Lucius Verus161-169
As
166-167
Laureate head, right, L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX
3 trophies, TR P VII IMP III[I] COS III
RIC 1464
Son of Aelius Caesar and adopted son of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius elevated his adoptive brother to co-ruler in 161. The Parthians launched an attack against Roman Syria that it had planned before the death of Pius, and Marcus, with the agreement of the Senate, dispatched Lucius to deal with the crisis. According to the Historia Augusta, "Verus, of course, after he arrived in Syria, lived in luxury at Antioch and Daphne, although he was acclaimed imperator while waging the Parthian war through legates." This coin's reverse honors his military victory over the Parthians in 165.
The Historia Augusta describes Verus: He was physically handsome with a genial face. His beard was allowed to grow almost in Barbarian style. He was a tall man, his forehead projected somewhat above his eyebrows, so that he commanded respect. . . In speech almost halting, he was very keen on gambling, and his way of life was always extravagant. Blindado
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1cu Trebonianus Gallus251-253
AE Viminacium
Laureate, draped bust, right, IMP C GALLVS P FELIX AVG
Moesia standing facing, head left, hands outstretched over a bull and a lion at her sides, PMS COL VIM
Moushmov 56
For Gallus' perfidy against Decius, see the Decius entry. Zosimus reports regarding Gallus' reign: Gallus, who declared his son Volusianus his associate in the empire, published an open declaration, that Decius and his army had perished by his contrivance. The Barbarians now became more prosperous than before. For Callus not only permitted them to return home with the plunder, but promised to pay them annually a sum of money, and allowed them to carry off all the noblest captives; most of whom had been taken at Philippopolis in Thrace.
Gallus, having made these regulations, came to Rome, priding himself on the peace he had made with the Barbarians. And though he at first spoke with approbation of Decius's mode of government, and adopted one of his sons, yet, after some time was elapsed, fearing that some of them who were fond of new projects might recur to a recapitulation of the princely virtues of Decius, and therefore might at some opportunity give the empire to his son, he concerted the young man's destruction, without regard either to his own adoption of him, or to common honour and justice.
Gallus was so supine in the administration of the empire, that the Scythians in the first place terrified all the neighbouring nations, and then laid waste all the countries as far by degrees as the sea coast; not leaving one nation subject to the Romans unpillaged, and taking almost all the unfortified towns, and many that were fortified. Besides the war on every side, which was insupportably burdensome to them, the cities and villages were infested with a pestilence, which swept away the remainder of mankind in those regions; nor was so great a mortality ever known in any former period.
At this crisis, observing that the emperors were unable to defend the state, but neglected all without the walls of Rome, the Goths, the Borani, the Urugundi, and the Carpi once more plundered the cities of Europe of all that had been left in them; while in another quarter, the Persians invaded Asia, in which they acquired possession of Mesopotamia, and proceeded even as far as Antioch in Syria, took that city, which is the metropolis of all the east, destroyed many of the inhabitants, and carried the remainder into captivity, returning home with immense plunder, after they had destroyed all the buildings in the city, both public and private, without meeting with the least resistance. And indeed the Persians had a fair opportunity to have made themselves masters of all Asia, had they not been so overjoyed at their excessive spoils, as to be contented with keeping and carrying home what they had acquired.
Meantime the Scythians of Europe were in perfect security and went over into Asia, spoiling all the country as far as Cappodocia, Pesinus, and Ephesus, until Aemilianus, commander of the Pannonian legions, endeavouring as much as possible to encourage his troops, whom the prosperity of the Barbarians had so disheartened that they durst not face them, and reminding them of the renown of Roman courage, surprised the Barbarians that were in that neighbourhood. Having destroyed great numbers of them, and led his forces into their country, removing every obstruction to his progress, and at length freeing the subjects of the Roman empire from their ferocity, he was appointed emperor by his army. On this he collected all the forces of that country, who were become more bold since his successes against the Barbarians, and directed his march towards Italy, with the design of fighting Gallus, who was as yet. unprepared to contend with him. For Gallus had never heard of what had occurred in the east, and therefore made only what accidental preparations were in his reach, while Valerianus went to bring the Celtic and German legions. But Aemilianus advanced with great speed into Italy, and the armies were very near to each other, when the soldiers of Gallus, reflecting that his force was much inferior to the enemy both in number and strength, and likewise that he was a negligent indolent man, put him and his son to death, and going over to the party of Aemilianus, appeared to establish his authority.Blindado
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1er Procopius365-366
AE3
Diademed, draped & cuirassed bust left, D N PROCOPIVS P F AVG
Procopius standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand, left resting on shield set on the ground; Chi-rho in upper right field & unidentified object in left at foot; mintmark CONS Gamma.
RIC 17a
Zosimus tells us: On [Valens'] departure from Constantinople, the rebellion of Procopius commenced. This person had been intrusted by Julian, being one of his relations, with a part of his forces, and had been charged to march with Sebastianus through Adiabene, and to meet Julian, who took another route. Permission, moreover, was given him to wear a purple robe, for a reason which no other person was acquainted with. But the deity being pleased to ordain it otherwise, and Jovian having succeeded to the imperial dignity, Procopius immediately delivered up the imperial robe which he had received from Julian, confessing why it had been given to him, and entreating the emperor to absolve him from his military oath, and to allow him to live in retirement, and to attend to agriculture and his own private affairs. Having obtained this, he went with his wife and children to Caesarea in Cappadocia, intending to reside in that place, where he possessed a valuable estate. During his abode there, Valentinian and Valens being made emperors, and being suspicious of him, sent persons to take him into custody. In that they found no difficulty, for he surrendered himself voluntarily; and desired them to carry him wherever they pleased, if they would suffer him first to see his children. To this they consented, and he prepared an entertainment for them. When he perceived them to be intoxicated, he and his family fled towards the Taurica Chersonesus. Having remained there for some time, he found the inhabitants to he a faithless race, and was apprehensive lest they should deliver him to his persecutors. He, therefore, put himself and his family on board a trading vessel, and arrived in the night at Constantinople. He there resided in the house of an old acquaintance, and making observations on the state of the city after the departure of the emperor, he attempted to raise himself to the empire, and formed his design on the following incident.
A eunuch, named Eugenius, had not long before been discharged from the court, who entertained but little friendship for the emperors. Procopius therefore won this man to his interest. . . . Their first attempt was to bribe the court guards, which consisted of two legions. Then arming the slaves, and collecting with ease a considerable multitude, chiefly volunteers, they sent them in the night into the city, and occasioned a general commotion; the people issuing from their houses, and gazing on Procopiusas on a king made in a theatre. But the city being in general confusion, and no person being sufficiently collected in mind by reason of the surprise to know how to act, Procopius imagined his design to be still undiscovered, and that he might secure the empire if the enterprise were no further revealed. Having then seized on Cesarius, whom the emperors had made prefect of the city, and on Nebridius, who was appointed to succeed Sallustius in tbe prefecture of the court, he compelled them to write to the subjects of the empire whatever he wished. He also kept them separate, that they might not consult with each other. Having formed these projects, he proceeded in a splendid manner towards the palace. Ascending a tribunal before the gate, he gave the people great hopes and promises. He then entered the palace to provide for the remainder of his affairs.
The new emperors having divided the army between them, Procopius determined to send persons to the soldiers, who were as yet in confusion, and went by the command of the emperors from place to place without any order. He thus hoped to seduce some of them to his party. Nor did he fail of accomplishing his purpose with ease by distributing money amongst the soldiers and their officers; by which means he collected a considerable force, and prepared to make an open attack on the enemy. Procopius then sent Marcellus into Bithynia with an army against Serenianus and the imperial cavalry that was under his command, in hope of cutting them to pieces. This force having fled to Cyzicus, Marcellus, whose army was superior to theirs both by sea and land, took possession of that town; and having taken Serenianus, who fled into Lydia, put him to death. Procopius was so elevated by this fortunate commencement, that his forces considerably augmented, many being of opinion that he was able to contend with the emperors. Both the Roman legions and the Barbarian troops now flocked to his standard. Besides the reputation of being related to Julian, and of having accompanied him in all the wars he had ever been engaged in, attracted many partizans. He likewise sent ambassadors to the chief of Scythia beyond the Ister, who sent to his assistance ten thousand men. The other Barbarian nations likewise sent auxiliaries to share in the expedition. Procopius however considered that it would be imprudent in him to engage with both emperors together, and therefore thought it best to advance against him who was nearest, and afterwards deliberate on what course to pursue.
Thus was Procopius employed; while the emperor Valens, who heard of this insurrection at Galatia in Phrygia, was filled with consternation at the news. Arbitrio having encouraged him not to despair, he prepared the troops that were with him for war, and sent to his brother to inform him of the designs of Procopius. Valentinian however was little disposed for sending auxiliaries to one who was incapable of defending the empire committed to his charge. Valens was therefore under the necessity of. preparing for war, and appointed Arbitrio to the command of his army. When the armies were ready to engage, Arbitrio circumvented Procopius by a stratagem, and thereby seduced from him a great number of his men, from whom he received previous information of the designs of Procopius. On the advance of the emperor and Procopius towards each other, the two armies met near Thyatira. Procopius at first appeared to have the advantage, by which he would have gained the supreme authority, Hormisdas in the engagement having overpowered the enemy. But Gomarius, another of the commanders of Procopius, imparting his intention to all the soldiers of Procopius who were attached to the emperor, in the midst of the battle cried out Augustus, and gave a signal for them to imitate his example. Thus the most of the troops of Procopius went over to Valens.
After having obtained this victory, Valens marched to Sardes, and from thence into Phrygia, where he found Procopius in a town called Nacolia. Affairs having been ordered for the advantage of the emperor by Naplo, an officer of Procopius, Valens again prevailed, and took him prisoner, and soon afterwards Marcellus, both of whom he put to death. Blindado
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1et Valentinian II373-392
AE3, Nicomedia
Pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust rightt, D N VALENTINIANVS IVN P F AVG
Roma seated on cuirass, holding spear and Victory on globe, VRBS ROMA
The SMN mintmark indicates that the coin was minted in Nicomedia, but RIC does not list this reverse type for that mint.
Sim to RIC 51
Zosimus reports: Valentinian being dead, the tribunes Merobaudes and Equitius, reflecting on the distance at which Valens and Gratian resided, the former being in the east, and the latter left by his father in the western part of Gaul, were apprehensive lest the Barbarians beyond the Ister should make an effort while the country was without a ruler. They therefore sent for the younger son of Valentinian, who was born of his wife the widow of Magnentius, who was not far from thence with the child. Having clothed him in purple, they brought him into the court, though scarcely five years old. The empire was afterwards divided between Gratian and the younger Valentinian, at the discretion of their guardians, they not being of age to manage their own affairs. The Celtic nations, Spain, and Britain were given to Gratian; and Italy, Illyricum, and Africa to Valentinian. . . .
Affairs being thus situated in the east, in Thrace, and in Illyricum, Maximus, who deemed his appointments inferior to his merits, being only governor of the countries formerly under Gratian, projected how to depose the young Valentinian from the empire, if possible totally, but should he fail in the whole, to secure at least some part. . . . he immediately entered Italy without; resistance, and marched to Aquileia. . . . This so much surprised Valentinian, and rendered his situation so desperate, that his courtiers were alarmed lest he should be taken by Maximus and put to death. He, therefore, immediately embarked,and sailed to Thessalonica with his mother Justina, who, as I before mentioned, had been the wife of Magnentius, but after his decease was taken in marriage by the emperor Valentinian on account of her extraordinary beauty. She carried along with her her daughter Galla. After having passed many seas, and arriving at Thessalonica, they sent messengers to the emperor Theodosius, intreating him now at least to revenge the injuries committed against the family of Valentinian. He was astonished at hearing of this, and began to forget his extravagance, and to lay some restraint on his wild inclination for pleasure. . . . Theodosius then delivered to Valentinian as much of the empire as his father had possessed; in which he only acted as he was enjoined by his duty to those who so merited his kindness. . . .
intelligence was brought that the emperor Valentianian was no more, and that his death happened in this manner: Arbogastes, a Frank, who was appointed by the emperor Gratian lieutenant to Baudo, at the death of Baudo, confiding in his own ability, assumed the command without the emperor's permission. Being thought proper for the station by all the soldiers under him, both for his valour and experience in military affairs, and for his disregard of riches, he attained great influence. He thus became so elevated, that he would speak without reserve to the emperor, and would blame any measure which he thought improper. This gave such umbrage to Valentinian. . . .
Eugenius became the sincere friend of Arbogastes, who had no secret which he did not confide to him. Recollecting Eugenius, therefore, at this juncture, who by his extraordinary learning and the gravity of his conversation seemed well-adapted for the management of an empire, he communicated to him his designs. But finding him not pleased with the proposals, he attempted to prevail on him by all the arts he could use, and entreated him not to reject what fortune so favourably offered. Having at length persuaded him, he deemed it advisable in the first place to remove Valentinian, and thus to deliver the sole authority to Eugenius. With this view he proceeded to Vienna, a town in Gaul, where the emperor resided; and as he was amusing himself near the town in some sports with the soldiers, apprehending no danger, Arbogastes gave him a mortal wound. Blindado
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1eu Theodosius379-395
AE4
Pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right, D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG
VOT V MVLT X within wreath, ASISC in ex
RIC 29d
Zosimus recorded: [Valentinian] commanded some legions from the stations in Pannonia and Moesia, to embark for Africa [to crush a rebellion]. On this the Sarmatians and the Quadi. . . , availing themselves, of the opportunity afforded by the departure of the legions for Africa, invaded the Pannonians and Moesians. . . . The barbarians therefore revenged themselves by plundering all the country along the Ister, carrying off all that they found in the towns. The Pannonians were by these means exposed to the cruelty of the barbarians, while the soldiers were extremely negligent in the defence of their towns, and committed as much mischief as the Barbarians themselves in all places on this side of the river. But Moesia was free from harm, because Theodosius, who commanded the forces there, courageously resisted the Barbarians, and routed them when they attacked him. By that victory he not only acquired great renown, but subsequently attained the imperial dignity. . . .
When the affairs of the empire were reduced to this low condition, Victor, who commanded the Roman cavalry, escaping the danger with some of his troops, entered Macedon and Thessaly. From thence he proceeded into Moesia and Pannonia, and informed Gratian, who was then in that quarter, of what had occurred, and of the loss of the emperor [Valens] and his army. Gratian received the intelligence without uneasiness, and was little grieved at the death of his uncle, a disagreement having existed between them. Finding himself unable to manage affairs, Thrace being ravaged by the Barbarians, as were likewise Pannonia and Moesia, and the towns upon the Rhine being infested by the neighbouring Barbarians without controul, he chose for his associate in the empire, Theodosius, who was a native of a town called Cauca, in the part of Spain called Hispania Callaecia, and who possessed great knowledge and experience of military affairs. Having given him the government of Thrace and the eastern provinces, Gratian himself proceeded to the west of Gaul, in order, if possible, to compose affairs in that quarter. . . .
During the stay of the new emperor, Theodosius, at Thesslonica, a great concourse arrived there from all parts of persons soliciting him on business, both public and private; who having obtained of him whatever he could conveniently grant, returned, to their homes. As a great multitude of the Scythians beyond the Ister, the Gotthi, and the Taiphali, and other tribes that formerly dwelt among them, had crossed the river, and were driven to infest the Roman dominions, because the Huns, had expelled them from their own country, the emperor Theodosius prepared for war with all his forces. . . . The army having made this good use of the occasion afforded by fortune, the affairs of Thrace, which had been on the brink of ruin, were now, the Barbarians being crushed beyond all hope, re-established in peace. . . .
Meanwhile, the emperor Theodosius, residing in Thessalonica, was easy of access to all who wished to see him. Having commenced his reign in luxury and indolence, he threw the magistracy into disorder, and increased the number of his military officers. . . . As he squandered the public money without consideration, bestowing it on unworthy persons, he consequently impoverished himself. He therefore sold the government of provinces to any who would purchase them, without regard to the reputation or ablity of the persons, esteeming him the best qualified who brought him the most gold or silver. . . .
Maximus, who deemed his appointments inferior to his merits, being only governor of the countries formerly under Gratian, projected how to depose the young Valentinian from the empire. . . . This so much surprised Valentinian, and rendered his situation so desperate, that his courtiers were alarmed lest he should be taken by Maximus and put to death. He, therefore, immediately embarked,and sailed to Thessalonica with his mother Justina. . . . [A]rriving at Thessalonica, they sent messengers to the emperor Theodosius, intreating him now at least to revenge the injuries committed against the family of Valentinian. . . . The emperor, being delivered from this alarm, marched with great resolution with his whole army against Maximus. . . . Theodosius, having passed through Pannonia and the defiles of the Appennines, attacked unawares the forces of Maximus before they were prepared for him. A part of his army, having pursued them with the utmost speed, forced their way through the gates of Aquileia, the guards being too few to resist them. Maximus was torn from his imperial throne while in the act of distributing money to his soldiers, and being stripped of his imperial robes, was brought to Theodosius, who, having in reproach enumerated some of his crimes against the commonwealth, delivered him to the common executioner to receive due punishment. . . . The emperor Theodosius, having consigned Italy, Spain, Celtica, and Libya to his son Honorius, died of a disease on his journey towards Constantinople. Blindado
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1ew Magnus Maximus383-388
AE2
Diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right, D N MAG MAXIMVS P F AVG
Emperor standing left, raising kneeling female; mintmarks PCON, SCON and TCON known, REPARATIO REIPVB
RIC 26a
Zosimus reports: While the affairs of Thrace were, thus situated, those of Gratian were in great perplexity. Having accepted the counsel of those courtiers who usually corrupt the manners of princes, he gave a reception to some fugitives called Alani, whom he not only introduced into his army, but honoured with valuable presents, and confided to them his most important secrets, esteeming his own soldiers of little value. This produced among his soldiers a violent hatred against him, which being gradually inflamed and augmented incited in them a disposition for innovation, and most particulary in that part of them which was in Britain, since they were the most resolute and vindictive. In this spirit they were encouraged by Maximus, a Spaniard, who had been the fellow-soldier of Theodosius in Britain. He was offended that Theodosius should be thought worthy of being made emperor, while he himself had no honourable employment. He therefore cherished the animosity of the soldiers towards the emperor. They were thus easily induced to revolt and to declare Maximus emperor. Having presented to him the purple robe and the diadem, they sailed to the mouth of the Rhine. As the German army, and all who were in that quarter approved of the election, Gratian prepared to contend against Maximus, with a considerable part of the army which still adhered to him. When the armies met, there were only slight skirmishes for five days; until Gratian, |115 perceiving that the Mauritanian cavalry first deserted from him and declared Maximus Augustus, and afterwards that the remainder of his troops by degrees espoused the cause of his antagonist, relinquished all hope, and fled with three hundred horse to the Alps. Finding those regions without defence, he proceeded towards Rhaetia, Noricum, Pannonia, and the Upper Moesia. When Maximus was informed of his route, he was not negligent of the opportunity, but detached Andragathius, commander of the cavalry, who was his faithful adherent, in pursuit of Gratian. This officer followed him with so great speed, that he overtook him when he was passing the bridge at Sigidunus, and put him to death. . . .
The reign of Gratian being thus terminated, Maximus, who now considered himself firmly fixed in the empire, sent an embassy to the emperor Theodosius, not to intreat pardon for his treatment of Gratian, but rather to increase his provocations. The person employed in this mission was the imperial chamberlain (for Maximus would not suffer an eunuch to preside in his court), a prudent person, with whom he had been familiarly acquainted from his infancy. The purport of his mission was to propose to Theodosius a treaty of amity, and of alliance, against all enemies who should make war on the Romans, and on refusal, to declare against him open hostility. Upon this, Theodosius admitted Maximus to a share in the empire, and in the honour of his statues and his imperial title. . . .
Affairs being thus situated in the east, in Thrace, and in Illyricum, Maximus, who deemed his appointments inferior to his merits, being only governor of the countries formerly under Gratian, projected how to depose the young Valentinian from the empire, if possible totally, but should he fail in the whole, to secure at least some part. . . . he immediately entered Italy without; resistance, and marched to Aquileia. . . .
Theodosius, having passed through Pannonia and the defiles of the Appennines, attacked unawares the forces of Maximus before they were prepared for him. A part of his army, having pursued them with the utmost speed, forced their way through the gates of Aquileia, the guards being too few to resist them. Maximus was torn from his imperial throne while in the act of distributing money to his soldiers, and being stripped of his imperial robes, was brought to Theodosius, who, having in reproach enumerated some of his crimes against the commonwealth, delivered him to the common executioner to receive due punishment. Such was the end of Maximus and of his usurpation. Having fraudulently overcome Valentinian, he imagined that he should with ease subdue the whole Roman empire. Theodosius, having heard, that when Maximus came from beyond the Alps he left his son Victor, whom he had dignified with the title of Caesar, he immediately sent for his general, named Arbogastes, who deprived the youth both of his dignity and life. Blindado
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216 Otacilia SeveraOtacilia Severa, Augusta February or March 244 - September or October 249 A.D.
Silver antoninianus, SRCV III 9158, RIC IV 130, RSC IV 43, Choice gVF, 4.523g, 23.0mm, 180o, Rome mint, 247 A.D.; obverse OTACIL SEVERA AVG, draped bust right set on crescent; reverse PIETAS AVGVSTAE, Pietas, veiled, standing left, extending right, box of incense in left; full circles strike, bold portrait.
"Pietas in traditional Latin usage expressed a complex, highly valued Roman virtue; a man or woman with pietas respected his or her responsibilities to other people, gods and entities (such as the state), and understood his or her place in society with respect to others."Randygeki(h2)
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290 ProbusProbus. AE Antoninus. 276-282 AD.
IMP CM AVR PROBVS PF AVG, radiate bust left wearing imperial mantle,
holding eagle-tipped sceptre / SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga facing.CM in lower centre. Mintmark XXIA.RIC V-2 Cyzicus 911.Randygeki(h2)
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4) Antony: SosiusGAIUS SOSIUS
General to Antony
Æ 26mm (14.5 g). ~ 38 BC.
Cilicia, Uncertain Mint.
Bare head right / Fiscus, sella, quaestoria and hasta; Q below.
Coin has been attributed to multiple rulers, including Julius Caesar, Augustus and Brutus. Now believed to be Sosius, General to Antony and Governor of Syria.
RPC I 5409; Laffaille 324; Grant, FITA, pg. 13. aFine, brown patina, scratches. Rare.
0001SOS
Sosius was wily and accomplished man. A talented general, he received a triumph. However, he consistently picked the wrong side in Rome's Civil Wars (Senate vs. Caesar, then Antony vs. Octavian) yet somehow managed to keep his head.
According to Wikipedia:
Gaius Sosius was a Roman general and politician.
Gaius Sosius was elected quaestor in 66 BC and praetor in 49 BC. Upon the start of the civil war, he joined the party of the Senate and Pompey. Upon the flight of Pompey to Greece, Sosius returned to Rome and submitted to Julius Caesar.
After the assassination of Caesar, Sosius joined the party of Mark Antony, by whom in 38 BC he was appointed governor of Syria and Cilicia in the place of Publius Ventidius. As governor, Sosius was commanded by Antony to support Herod against Antigonus the Hasmonean, when the latter was in possession of Jerusalem. In 37 BC, he advanced against Jerusalem and after he became master of the city, Sosius placed Herod upon the throne. In return for this services, he was awarded a triumph in 34 BC, and he became consul along with Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus as his colleague in 32 BC.
When civil war broke out between Antony and Octavian, Sosius espoused the cause of Antony and violently attacked Octavian in the senate, for which he was forced to flee to the east. In 31 BC, Sosius commanded a squadron in Mark Antony's fleet with which he managed to defeat the squadron of Taurius Rufus – according to Dio 50.14 – and put it to flight, but when the latter was reinforced by Marcus Agrippa, Sosius's ally Tarcondimotus – the king of Cilicia – was killed and Sosius himself was forced to flee. At Actium, Sosius commanded the left wing of Antony's fleet. After the battle, from which he managed to escape, his hiding place was detected and Sosius was captured and brought before Octavian but, at the intercession of Lucius Arruntius, Octavian pardoned him. He returned to Rome and completed his building project on the temple of Apollo Medicus (begun in 34 BC), dedicating it in Octavian's name.
Unknown sons, but two daughters : Sosia and Sosia Galla, possibly by an Asinia,[1] a Nonia or an Aelia. However the name reappears with Q. Sosius Senecio, (consul in 99 and 107).[2] and Saint Sosius (275-305 AD).
Sosius attended the Ludi Saeculares in 17 according to an inscription CIL 6.32323 = ILS 5050 as a quindecimvir.
RM0002Sosius
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501b. CrispusIn 326, Crispus was suddenly executed according to the orders of his own father in Pola, Istria. Though the decision of Constantine was certainly cruel and unexpected, historians remain more interested in the motivation leading to it.
Zosimus in the 5th century and Joannes Zonaras in the 12th century both reported that Fausta, step-mother of Crispus, was extremely jealous of him. She was reportedly afraid that Constantine would put aside the sons she bore him. So, in order to get rid of Crispus, Fausta set him up. She reportedly told the young Caesar that she was in love with him and suggested an illegitimate love affair. Crispus denied the immoral wishes of Fausta and left the palace in a state of a shock. Then Fausta said to Constantine that Crispus had no respect for his father, since the Caesar was in love with his father's own wife. She reported to Constantine that she dismissed him after his attempt to rape her. Constantine believed her and, true to his strong personality and short temper, executed his beloved son. A few months later, Constantine reportedly found out the whole truth and then executed his wife Fausta at the end of 326.
This version of events has become the most widely accepted, since all other reports are even less satisfactory.
A treason against Constantine jointly plotted by Fausta and Crispus is rejected by most historians. They would have nothing to gain considering their positions as favourites of Constantine.
Another version suggests that Constantine killed Crispus because as an illegitimate son, he would cause a crisis in the order of succession to the throne. However, Constantine had kept him at his side for twenty years without any such decision. Constantine also had the authority to appoint his younger, legitimate sons as his heirs. Nevertheless, Crispus' status as a legitimate or illegitimate son remains uncertain.
Some reports claimed that Constantine was envious of the success of his son and afraid of him. This seems improbable, given that Constantine had twenty years of experience at Emperor while Crispus was still a young Caesar. Similarly, there seems to be no evidence that Crispus had any ambitions to harm or displace his father.
So while the story of Zosimus and Zonaras seems the most believable one, there are also problems relating to their version of events.
Constantine's reaction suggest that he suspected Crispus of a crime so terrible that death was not enough. Crispus also suffered damnatio memoriae, meaning his name was never mentioned again and was deleted from all official documents and monuments. Crispus, his wife Helena and their son were never to be mentioned again in historical records. The eventual fate of Helena and her son is a mystery.
Constantine may have been eventually convinced of Crispus' innocence. But he did not restore his son's innocence and name, as he probably would have on learning of his son's innocence. Perhaps Constantine's pride or shame at having executed his son prevented him from publicly admitting having made a mistake.
Beyond doubt there was a connections between the executions of Crispus and Fausta. Both happened too close in time to be coincidental. Such agreement among different sources connecting the two deaths is extremely rare in itself. A number of modern historians have suggested that Crispus and Fausta really did have an illegitimate affair. When Constantine found out, his reaction was executing both of them. What delayed the death of Fausta may have been a pregnancy. Since the years of birth for the two known daughters of Constantine and Fausta remain unknown, one of their births may have delayed their mother's execution.
Crispus, 316-326, Bronze Reduced Anepigraphic Follis, RIC-VII-53-R5, struck 324-325 at Antioch, 1.87 grams, 17.9 mm. Nice VF
Obv: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Crispus facing left
Rev: CRISPVS CAESAR SMANTZ - Legend and mint signature in three lines, star above, dot below
An excessively rare coin of Crispus. Nicely centered and struck with even wear to both surfaces. Important and MUCH nicer than the image projects.
Ex-Glenn Woodsecoli
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710a, Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC II, 10, aVF, 3.5 g, 18mm, Rome mint, 69-71 AD; Obverse: IMP CAESA[R] VESPASIANV[S AV]G - Laureate head right; Reverse: COS ITER [T]R POT - Pax seated left holding branch and caduceus. Ex Imperial Coins.
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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Abraham Lincoln Essay MedalObverse: LINCOLN - 1809 - 1865 above a lighted torch. Portrait of Lincoln facing left based on a painting by Douglas Volk.
Reverse: LINCOLN - ESSAY - MEDAL - AWARDED - TO (blank space between two ribbons where the award recipient's name can be inscribed) with oak wreath. This medal was unissued.
Note: Lincoln Essay medals were created by the Illinois Watch Company of Springfield in 1924. They were given to the winner of the Lincoln Essay Contest in hundreds of high schools across the land. The face of the medal featured the image of Abraham Lincoln, while on the back was inscribed the name of the winner and date of the award—but not the name of the company. Although the company's name had been included in the design of the medallion, it was expunged before the die was "sunk." Behind this change lay the artist's objection to the "advertising intent" of the watch company. Other participants in the project were vexed and puzzled by this objection, but they eventually capitulated and the matter was forgotten. Yet it exemplifies the persistent belief that Lincoln has been over-commercialized.Matt Inglima
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Alexander the Great, The Battle of Issus RiverThis mosaic depicts a battle between Alexander the Great and the Persian king Darius, probably the Battle of the Issus River in November of 333 B.C. It is in opus vermiculatum, with over one and a half million tesserae, none larger than 4 mm., in four colors: white, yellow, red, and black. The minuteness of the tesserae enables incredibly fine detail and painterly effects, including remarkable portraits of Alexander and Darius.
The border of this huge mosaic consists of large stones in a dentate pattern . In the corners are rosettes. Within the border along the bottom of the picture is a blank brown stripe, which some consider to be part of the picture, balancing the white expanse of sky at the top, while others argue that it is simply part of the frame.
The composition of the mosaic is dominated by the two protagonists: On the left, Alexander, with his head uncovered, rushes forward on his horse Bucephalus. He holds a spear with which he has skewered a Persian soldier, who has rushed to the defence of Darius. With Alexander appear his helmeted Macedonian soldiers, although little remains of them due to damage of the left side of the mosaic. On the right Darius, wearing a Persian cap, stretches out his hand to his wounded defender, while his charioteer whips the horses to flee toward the right. Around him are his Persian soldiers who mill in confusion in the background, their faces filled with fear and determination. One Persian, however, to the right of the dying defender of Darius, is intent upon Alexander, and holds his sword in his hand, ready to attack.
There are many details which emphasize the terror and confusion of the battle. The horse of the Persian defender of Darius collapses beneath him while he writhes in agony on Alexander's spear. Below Darius in his chariot, a Persian soldier, staring in horror at this scene, attempts to hold a rearing horse. The hindquarters of this horse project into the middle ground of the picture, giving it a sense of depth. To the right, a soldier is being crushed under the wheels of Darius' chariot. His face is reflected in the shield which he holds. Further to the right appear the terrified horses of the chariot team, trampling upon another unfortunate Persian.
The composition of the mosaic is dominated by diagonals. The center is dominated by the intersecting diagonals of the Persian speared by Alexander and the Persian restraining the rearing horse. Two other sets of intersecting diagonals are provided by the figures of Darius and his charioteer and by Alexander and the wounded Persian. The lances in the background of the picture also carry on the diagonal motif.
The setting of the battle is very stylized. In the background appears a tree with bare twisted limbs whose diagonals continue the unifying compositional motif of the mosaic. The tree also serves as a formal vertical counterweight to the Persian king and his charioteer, who rise above the battle fray. In the foreground are discarded weapons and rocks, which serve to define the space between the viewer and the battle scene.
The Alexander mosaic is thought to be based on a painting which Philoxenus of Eretria created for King Cassander of Macedonia. The painting is described by Pliny the Elder as representing "the battle of Alexander with Darius." Certain inconsistencies in the mosaic point to its derivation from another source. In the center of the composition appears a helmeted head to the right of the rearing horse. Two lance shafts come from the left and abruptly stop behind this he‡d. To the right of the same head appears a head of a horse and beneath this are the hindquarters of another horse, neither of which is logically completed. Among the four horses of Darius' chariot there are parts of a white horse which do not fit together anatomically. Above these horses is a Persian soldier who appears to have two right hands, one on his head and the other raised in the air. These details provide evidence that the mosaicist misunderstood details of the original.
Nevertheless, the overall effect of the mosaic is masterful. The expert blending of the colors of the tesserae and the careful control of the overall composition create a scene which comes to life with all the horror and confusion of battle. The Alexander mosaic is a truly great work, unmatched in the history of Roman art.
See: http://www.hackneys.com/alex_web/pages/alxphoto.htmCleisthenes
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AnciliaÆ As (9.9g, Ø27mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 143-144.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, bare head of Antoninus Pius facing right.
Rev.: IMPERATO(R II) (around edge) S C (in field), Two ancilia: oval shields with rounded projections above and below).
RIC 736a; BMC 1629-31; Cohen 30
The anicilia were twelve shields which were believed to protect Rome. They consisted of an original, which fell from heaven in the time of Numa. Rome would rule the world as long as the shield was preserved. Numa ordered eleven other identical shields to be made to protect it from theft. These Ancilia were preserved in the temple of Mars, and were committed to the care of twelve priests of Salii, instituted for that purpose. Every year in March they were caried in procession around Rome until they were put back in their place on the 30th.Charles S
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Antoninus Pius Dupondius Decastyle Temple Obv.
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P COS III
Radiate head right
Rev.
VENERI FELICI
S C
Decastyle temple of Venus and Roma
141-143 AD
25mm 9.21g
Issued on the occasion of the completion of the temple of Venus and Roma in AD 141. This was the largest temple in Rome dedicated to Venus Felix (Happy Venus) and Roma Aeterna (Eternal Rome). Actually it consists of two temples back under one roof. It was designed by Hadrian himself (who, by the way, executed his architect for critisising the project) and dedicated by him in AD 135, and completed by Antoninus Pius.
RIC III 673ancientdave
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Antoninus Pius, RIC 651(a), Sestertius of AD 141-144 (Temple of Venus and Roma)Æ sestertius (23.78g, 12h). Rome mint struck AD 141-144.
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P COS III laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right
VENERI FELICI (around) S C (in ex.) decastyle temple
RIC 651(a); Cohen 1075var. (dr. bust); BMC 1322; Strack 864; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 125:23
ex Jean Elsen et ses Fils (Bruxelles) auction 97; ex coll. A. Senden: l'architecture des monnaies Romaines
F, dark green patina, corroded
Issued on the occasion of the completion of the temple of Venus and Roma in AD 141. This was the largest temple in Rome dedicated to Venus Felix (Happy Venus) and Roma Aeterna (Eternal Rome). Actually it consists of two temples back under one roof. It was designed by Hadrian himself (who, by the way, executed his architect for critisising the project) and dedicated by him in AD 135, and completed by Antoninus Pius.Charles S
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Antoninus Pius, RIC 736a, As of AD 143-144 (Ancilia) Æ As (9.9g, Ø27mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 143-144.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, bare head of Antoninus Pius facing right.
Rev.: IMPERATOR II (around) ANCILIA (in ex.) S C (in field), Two ancilia: oval shields with rounded projections above and below).
RIC 736a; BMC 1629-31; Cohen 30; Strack 925
Coin belonging to a series struck between AD 140 and 144 depicting scenes from ancient Roman legends, struck in preparation of the 900th anniversary of Rome in AD 147. The anicilia were twelve shields which were believed to protect Rome. They consisted of an original, which fell from heaven in the time of Numa. Rome would rule the world as long as the shield was preserved. Numa ordered eleven other identical shields to be made to protect it from theft. These Ancilia were preserved in the temple of Mars, and were committed to the care of twelve priests of Salii, instituted for that purpose. Every year in March they were caried in procession around Rome until they were put back in their place on the 30th.Charles S
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Apollonia Pontica450 - 425 B.C.
Silver Drachm
3.20 gm, 12-14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Gorgon head facing with hair in tufts
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica450 – 425 B.C.
Silver Drachm
3.28 gm, 14 mm
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica450 – 424 B.C.
Silver Drachm
3.26 gm, 14.5 mm
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with
beaded hair in tuffs, surrounded by thin snakes
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Topalov Apollonia p. 586, 42 (corrected)
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type 1. C. Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: Late Issues (450-424 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and curved stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right.
Rev.: Full-face Gordon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica450 – 425 B.C.
Silver Drachm
3.32 gm, 13.5 mm
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with
beaded hair, surrounded by thin snakes
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Topalov Apollonia p. 586, 42 (corrected)
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol on the left, A on the right - Gorgon's Head" Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and curved stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right.
Rev.: Full-face Gordon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica480/478 – 470 B.C.
Silver Drachm
3.24 gm., 14 mm.
Obv: Anchor; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Gorgon head facing in archaic Ionian style with hair in pellets
Topalov Apollonia p. 584, 38
BMC Mysia p.8, 3, Pl.II, 2
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: First Early Issues (480/478-470 B.C)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes on a curved stock. Image of a crab viewed from above on the right between the fluke and the stock. Letter “A” missing.
Rev.: Full-face Gorgon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007 Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica450 – 425 B.C.
Silver Drachm
3.14 gm, 15 mm
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with wild hair and snakes
Obv.: Anchor; A to right, crayfish to left.
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44
Sear Vol. 1, p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 38 - Silver Drachm480 – 470 B.C.
3.25 gm., 13-15.5 mm.
Obv: Anchor; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with single row pearl headdress
Topalov Apollonia p.584, 38
BMC Mysia p.8, 3, Pl.II, 2
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: First Early Issues (480/478-470 B.C)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes on a curved stock. Image of a crab viewed from above on the right between the fluke and the stock. Letter “A” missing.
Rev.: Full-face Gorgon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormally open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 38 - Silver Drachm480/478 – 470 B.C.
2.92 gm., 12.5-14 mm.
Obv: Anchor; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Gorgon head facing in archaic Ionian style with hair in pellets
Topalov Apollonia p. 584, 38
BMC Mysia p.8, 3, Pl.II, 2
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: First Early Issues (480/478-470 B.C)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes on a curved stock. Image of a crab viewed from above on the right between the fluke and the stock. Letter “A” missing.
Rev.: Full-face Gorgon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormally open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
These "Early-Issue" Medusa coins may have been reminted on the earlier swastika type Apollonia drachmas (from Topalov Apollonia 2007) Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 38 - Silver Drachm 480/478 – 470 B.C.
3.24 gm., 14 mm.
Obv: Anchor; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Gorgon head facing in archaic Ionian style with hair in pellets
Topalov Apollonia p. 584, 38
BMC Mysia p.8, 3, Pl.II, 2
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: First Early Issues (480/478-470 B.C)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes on a curved stock. Image of a crab viewed from above on the right between the fluke and the stock. Letter “A” missing.
Rev.: Full-face Gorgon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 38 - Silver Drachm 480/478 – 470 B.C.
3.12 gm., 14 mm.
Obv: Anchor; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Gorgon head facing in archaic Ionian style with hair in pellets
Topalov Apollonia p. 584, 38
BMC Mysia p.8, 3, Pl.II, 2
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: First Early Issues (480/478-470 B.C)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes on a curved stock. Image of a crab viewed from above on the right between the fluke and the stock. Letter “A” missing.
Rev.: Full-face Gorgon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007
WARNING! Possible Black Cabinet candidate - very similar to Reid Goldsborough Apollonia Pontika New York Hoard Specimen # 40.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 38 - Silver Drachm480/478 – 470 B.C.
Silver Drachm
3.36 gm., 15 mm.
Obv: Anchor; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Gorgon head facing in archaic Ionian style with hair in pellets
Topalov Apollonia p.584, 38 struck over Topalov Apollonia p. 566, 10
BMC Mysia p.8, 3, Pl.II, 2
Topalov Type 38: “Upright anchor, crab right - full-face Gorgon's head" first early issues” (480/478-470 B.C)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes on a curved stock. Image of a crab viewed from above on the right between the fluke and the stock. Letter “A” missing.
Rev.: Full-face Gorgon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormally open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
-struck over-
Topalov Type 10: “Upright anchor with thin flukes and thin shaft – Swastika ia a concave square with four dolphins as additional symbols" (540-535/525 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with thin flukes and a thin stock. Side view of the additional symbol of a crab (or view from above) right, between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Schematic view of a swastika in sectors concave with arms bent to the left. A dolphin as an additional symbol in every one of the sectors. Dolphins’ heads point from the center of the swastika outwards.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 42 - Silver Drachm 450 – 424 B.C.
3.26 gm, 14.5 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with beaded hair in tuffs, surrounded by thin snakes
Topalov Apollonia p. 586, 42 (corrected)
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: Late Issues (450-424 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and curved stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right.
Rev.: Full-face Gordon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 42 - Silver Drachm 450 – 425 B.C.
3.32 gm, 13.5 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with beaded hair, surrounded by thin snakes
Topalov Apollonia p. 586, 42 (corrected)
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol on the left, A on the right - Gorgon's Head" Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and curved stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right.
Rev.: Full-face Gordon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 42 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.28 gm, 15 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with beaded hair, surrounded by snakes
Topalov Apollonia p. 586, 42 (corrected)
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol on the left, A on the right - Gorgon's Head" Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and curved stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right.
Rev.: Full-face Gordon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle. Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 42 - Silver Drachm 450 – 424 B.C.
3.19 gm, 15.3 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with beaded hair in tuffs, surrounded by thin snakes
Topalov Apollonia p. 586, 42 (corrected)
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: Late Issues (450-424 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and curved stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right.
Rev.: Full-face Gordon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007 Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 - 425 B.C.
3.16 gm, 13-14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev: Gorgon head facing in tufts parted in middle
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 - 425 B.C.
3.13 gm, 13-15 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Gorgon head facing, narrow forehead, hair in tufts
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 - 425 B.C.
3.15 gm, 13.5 - 15 mm
Rev: Gorgon head facing with hair parted in the middle
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.21 gm, 14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Noble Attic Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655 var.
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above and the letter “A” right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.16 gm, 14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev: Noble Attic Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655 var.
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above and the letter “A” right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.24 gm, 14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev: Noble Attic Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655 var.
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above and the letter “A” right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.13 gm, 12-14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev: Noble Attic Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655 var.
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above and the letter “A” right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.28 gm, 14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev: Noble Attic Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with straight bangs parted in the middle
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655 var.
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above and the letter “A” right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.26 gm, 13-14 mm
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with hair in tufts
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 - 425 B.C.
3.13 gm, 13 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Gorgon head facing with hair in tufts
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm 450 – 425 B.C.
3.14 gm, 15 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to right, crayfish to left.
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with wild hair and snakes
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44
Sear Vol. 1, p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and
the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm 450 - 425 B.C.
3.20 gm, 12-14 mm
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Gorgon head facing with hair in tufts
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm 450 – 425 B.C.
3.24 gm, 13 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655 var.
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above and the letter “A” right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 - 425 B.C.
3.09 gm, 14.3 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev: Gorgon head facing in tufts parted in middle
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 424 B.C.
3.31 gm, 13.2 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to right, crayfish to left.
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs; elaborate design with pronounced face wrinkles and spoked wheel/star pattern ear-rings, on a webbed aegis shield tipped with coiled snakes.
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655;
BMC 15, p. 8 5-7& 9; SNG BM Black Sea 156
Certified Authentic by David R. Sear (A.C.C.S. Ref. 501CR/GC/CO/CD)
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 424 B.C.
3.27 gm, 13.7 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to right, crayfish to left.
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair with wavy bangs
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44;
Sear 1655;
BMC 15, p. 8 5-7& 9;
SNG BM Black Sea 153-6 & 158
Certified Authentic by David Sear (A.C.C.S. Ref. 502CR/GC/CO/CD)
Note: From same dies as the source coin of the series of cast fakes (see Fake Coin Reports)
Topalov Type 44: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: Last Late Issues (450-424 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right (or visa versa).
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormally open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 424 B.C.
3.20 gm, 13 mm
Obv.: Anchor; A to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Attic Gorgon head facing with straight vertical hair and wavy bangs, snaky ringlets circle face
Topalov Apollonia p.348, 11; p.588, 44
Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: Last Late Issues (450-424 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left between the fluke and the stock and the letter “A” right (or visa versa).
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormally open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Silver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.18 gm, 15.98 mm
Obv.: Inverted anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Rev: Noble Attic Gorgon head facing with wavy hair parted in the middle
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44; Sear 1655; HGC 3, 1323
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor, a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or on the right - Full-face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above and the letter “A” right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.
Description from Topalov Apollonia 2007
Jaimelai
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Apollonia Pontica Topalov 44 - Siver Drachm450 – 425 B.C.
3.17 g., 13-15 mm.
Rev: Archaic Ionian Gorgon head facing with wavy hair parted in middle
Obv.: Anchor; crayfish to left, A to right
Topalov Apollonia p. 588, 44
Sear p. 165, 1655
Topalov Type: "Upright Anchor a crab as an additional symbol and the letter A on the left or right - Full-Face Gorgon's Head" Last Late Issues (450-425 B.C.)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes and solid stock. An additional symbol of a crab viewed from above left and the letter A right (or visa versa) between the fluke and the stock.
Rev.: Full-face of a noble Gorgon's head with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormaly open mouth, long teeth and tongue. Human hair mixed with snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.Jaimelai
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AR Drachm 470-450 BC., Apollonia Pontika, ThraceAR Drachm 470-450 BC., Apollonia Pontika, Thrace
Obverse: head of Gorgoneion facing, low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes,
a short flat nose, large open mouth, teeth and protruding tongue, thin snakes for hair.
Reverse: upright anchor, A to left and crayfish to right.
(3.37 grams, 14/13 mm) Apollonia Pontika mint, SNG Cop. 454 SNG BM Black Sea 153-6NORMAN K
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, 449 - 413 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31ff; Starr pl. xxii, 6; SGCV I 2526, VF, test cut, Athens mint, weight 16.870g, maximum diameter 24.5mm, die axis 225o, obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square;
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
Ex ForumPhiloromaos
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, 449 - 413 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31 ff., SGCV I 2526, EF, light scuff on cheek, 17.184g, 25.6mm, 180o, Athens mint, obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square;
A superb beauty ex FORVM .
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
*With my sincere thank , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.*In honor of Christmas and Chanukah , from FORVM , new to my collection ;
A masterpiece example of group Copenhagen 31 .
My best wishes to all of you.
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG München 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, EF, fabulous owl, well centered on a tight flan, no test cuts, a little obverse die wear, contact marks, 17.168g, 25.0mm, 90o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
EX FORVM .
The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, c. 454 - 404 B.C.In honor of Christmas :
Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31, SNG Munchen 49, Kroll 8, Dewing 1611, Gulbenkian 519, HGC 4 1597, SGCV I 2526, Choice EF, bold well centered strike, high relief as usual for the type, attractive surfaces, graffito on reverse, small edge cracks, 17.176g, 24.7mm, 30o, Athens mint, c. 454 - 404 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, AQE downward on right, all within incuse square.
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile, and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse, a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
FORVM Ancient Coins. / From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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Attica, Athens Tetradrachm (Athena/owl, HGC 4 1597) v.1ATTICA, ATHENS
AR Tetradrachm (24.57mm, 17.21g, 8h)
Struck 454-404 BC
Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye
Reverse: Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left; ΑΘΕ to right; all within incuse square
References: HGC 4, 1597
Lightly toned. These large silver tetradrachms were struck in huge numbers by Athens during its golden age in the mid-5th century BC, to pay for the city-state's grandiose building projects and expansionist wars. They are among the most recognized and most iconic coins of ancient history.
CPK
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Attica, Athens. (Circa 454-449 BC)AR Tetradrachm
25 mm, 17.20 g
This is a transitional Owl tetradrachm that bridges the early classical owls (minted from 478-454) with the subsequent mass classical (standardized) coinage, which really got going in the early 440s BC to finance Pericles' building projects like the Parthenon and then later the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) vs. Sparta. The 454 date is critical in that it was the year that Athens moved the treasury of the Delian league (confederation of Greek states led by Athens to defend against the Persian threat) from Delos to Athens.
This coin shares many attributes of Starr V early classical coinage (465-454 BC). On the obverse, the olive leaves on Athena's helmet connect to her diadem with small stems (which disappear in the mass coinage). In addition, the palmette leaves on Athena's helmet are smaller, less decorative, and more realistic. Finally, Athena is smiling (she starts to frown as the war with Sparta goes badly) and is more beautifully depicted than in the more hastily produced mass coinage.
On the reverse, like with the Starr V coins, the incuse is quite noticeable and the AOE (short for AOENAION, or "Of the Athenians") is written in smaller letters (they are much bigger in the mass coinage). Also, the owl is stouter, has smaller eyes, and his head is at an angle rather than parallel to the ground like all later issues.
The only difference between the Starr V owls and this example is in the owl's tail - in Starr V it ends with three small feathers. On this coin and all subsequent coinage the owl's tail ends in a single prong. Given all the other similarities to Starr V it is likely this coin was minted soon after the Treasury's move from Delos to Athens - perhaps 454/453.Nathan P
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Barberini Faun (Drunken Satyr) located in the Glyptothek in Munich, GermanyThe life-size marble statue known as the Barberini Faun or Drunken Satyr is located in the Glyptothek in Munich, Germany. A Faun is the Roman equivalent of a Greek Satyr. In Greek mythology, satyrs were human-like male woodland spirits with several animal features, often a goat-like tail, hooves, ears, or horns. Satyrs attended Dionysus. The position of the right arm over the head was a classical artistic convention indicating sleep. The statue is believed to have once adorned Hadrian's Mausoleum. The historian Procopius recorded that during the siege of Rome in 537 the defenders had hurled down upon the Goths the statues adorning Hadrian's Mausoleum. When discovered, the statue was heavily damaged; the right leg, parts of both hands, and parts of the head were missing. Johann Winckelmann speculated that the place of discovery and the statue's condition suggested that it had been such a projectile.
Joe Sermarini
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BCC MA50 Bronze Pin Tumbler Slide KeyBronze Pin Tumbler Key
Caesarea Maritima
Roman 1st-5th cent. CE?
Bronze pin tumbler slide key, with four of the
original five variously-shaped pins remaining.
The flat shank has a small circular bow, broken
in antiquity, and is marked with two incised lines
perpendicular to the length. These may have
served as depth guides for insertion into the
lock. Two small projections, one on either side
just below the bow, served an uncertain purpose,
or as decoration, and are often seen on other
keys of this type (see BCC MA49).
2.23 x 1.8 x 0.5cm. Wt.4.14gm.
cf. D. Jackson, Roman Gallery of Locks, Keys,
and Seals, Images #246 and #463. (Numiswiki)
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, ca.1976
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)v-drome
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BCC NA1Neolithic Period
Projectile point or blade
42.5mm.x20mm.x4.0mm
4.28gm.
Surface find from an area
of uplifted alluvial deposits,
4Km SE of Caesarea.v-drome
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BCC NA2Neolithic Period
Chert. 35 x 20 x 4mm.
2.43gm. Finely fashioned
tanged blade or projectile point
with notches, barbs, and serrated
edges. Forepart, tang? and one barb
broken. Surface find from an area
of uplifted alluvial deposits, 4Km SE
of Caesarea Maritima, 1972.
(click for higher resolution)v-drome
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Bowl #4Pre-Columbian Central America
c. 500 - 1000 AD
89 mm (w) x 50 mm (h)
(3.5" x 2")
Description:
Darkened projections in three locations around body (one set chipped) perhaps representing animal faces?; bowl listed as coming from the Costa Rica Atlantic Watershed.Kamnaskires
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Byzantine Empire: Basil II, AE Follis. Added onto the CoinProject website.Constantinople 976-1028 A.D. 16.85g - 33mm, Axis 6h.
Obv: IC-XC to left and right of bust of Christ, facing, with nimbate cross behind head, holding book of gospels, dots in centre of book's border, o in each limb of the cross.
Rev: IhSUS XRISTUS bASILEU bASILE - Legend in four lines.
Ref: SB 1813.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection. Added onto the CoinProject website.Christian Scarlioli
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Caligula sestertiusCaligula
Ae sestertius
22.3 g, 34 mm
40-41 AD
Obv: C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P IIII P P PIETAS. Pietas, veiled, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and resting left arm on a small draped figure, standing on a basis, facing
Rev: DIVO AVG S C. Front view of hexastyle garlanded temple surmounted by quadriga. In front, Caligula, veiled and togate, sacrifices with patera over garlanded altar right; one attendant leads bull to altar right; a second holds patera.
Commemoration of the finalisation of the Divus Augustus temple. Erected on the Palatine Hill, it stands on the grounds where Augustus once resided before entering public service. The Roman Senate made a vow to construct it shortly after the emperor's death in AD 14, and the project reached completion around AD 37. This coin was minted during that period, coinciding with the dedication of the temple over the last two days of August in the same year—the month renamed in honor of Augustus.
Pontifex Maximus Caligula presided over the sacrificial ceremonies, as noted by Cassius Dio. Caligula's ordered commemorative events were exceptionally lavish, featuring a two-day horse race and the slaying of 400 bears and an equivalent number of wild beasts from Libya. Caligula also postponed all legal proceedings and suspended mourning to ensure widespread attendance. The temple's last recorded mention was on May 27, AD 218. Subsequently, it was entirely destroyed, and its stones were likely quarried for future construction projects. The site remains unexcavated, leaving its original appearance to be reconstructed solely from depictions on Roman coinage, with the present type being particularly significant in this regard.JayAg47
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Caria, Halikarnassos(?) mint, SNG Keckman 869 ffCaria, Halikarnassos(?) mint, 5th Century B.C. AR hemiobol, 8.4mm 0.30g, SNG Keckman 869 ff. (various symbols on reverse)
O: rams head right
R: male head right within incuse square
*extremely successful cleaning project...was 0.036g before cleaningcasata137ec
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Celtic Gaul: Senones Tribe, AE Potin.Agedincum 100-50 B.C. 3.00g - 17.3mm, Axis 6h
Obv: Head of warrior right with 6 strands of hair.
Rev: Horse galloping left, two pellets.
Ref: De La Tour 7417.
Provenances: Chris Scarlioli Collection. Added to CoinProject.Christian Scarlioli
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Ceylon: Bhuvanaika Bahu (1273-1284) Æ Massa (Mitchiner-850; Codrington-87)Obverse : Traditional Lankan mass-a design of standing king. The head consists of an irregular oblong, the right side being a vertical line, from which projects three horizontal stokes representing the nose, mouth and chin. The crown bulging outwards at the back. The two curved lines on either side of the legs slightly turned upwards at the end indicate a person wearing a dhoti, and standing on a lotus stalk with flower to the right. The forearm is bent sharply down; the hand grasps the hanging lamp. The right side elbow is curved down with the arm turned upwards holds a flower presumed to be a jasmine blossom. To the right are five dots or spheres. A rim of 40 to 43 beads.
Reverse : Traditional Lankan massa design of seated king. Head and crown as on obverse. Arm is raised upwards and the hand holds a conch shell. On right Nagari legend Sri Bhu va nai ka Ba huQuant.Geek
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Ceylon: Codaganga (1196-1197) AE Massa (Codrington-79) text from coins.lakdiva.org
Obv: Traditional Lankan massa design of standing king.
The head consists of an irregular oblong, the right side being a vertical line, from which projects three horizontal stokes representing the nose, mouth and chin. The crown bulging outwards at the back. The two curved lines on either side of the legs slightly turned upwards at the end indicate a person wearing a 'dhoti', and standing on a lotus stalk with flower to the right. The forearm is bent sharply down; the hand grasps the hanging lamp. The right side elbow is curved down with the arm turned upwards holds a flower presumed to be a jasmine blossom. To the right are five dots or spheres. A rim of 40 to 43 beads.
Rev: Traditional Lankan massa design of seated king.
Head and crown as on obverse. Arm is raised upwards and the hand holds a conch shell. On right Devanagari legend Sri Co da ga (m)ga de va.Quant.Geek
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Ceylon: Nissanaka Malla (1187-1196) AE Massa (Mitchiner-835, Codrington-78) text from coins.lakdiva.org
Obv: Traditional Lankan massa design of standing king.
The head consists of an irregular oblong, the right side being a vertical line, from which projects three horizontal stokes representing the nose, mouth and chin. The crown bulging outwards at the back. The two curved lines on either side of the legs slightly turned upwards at the end indicate a person wearing a 'dhoti', and standing on a lotus stalk with flower to the right. The forearm is bent sharply down; the hand grasps the hanging lamp. The right side elbow is curved down with the arm turned upwards holds a flower presumed to be a jasmine blossom. To the right are five dots or spheres. A rim of 40 to 43 beads.
Rev: Traditional Lankan massa design of seated king.
Head and crown as on obverse. Arm is raised upwards and the hand holds a conch shell. On right Devanagari legend Sri Ka le ga la ke ja . which represents Sri Kalinga Lamkendra, the signature of the Doratiyawa tudupota
Quant.Geek
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Ceylon: Parakrama Bahu VI (1415-1468) AE Massa (Mitchiner-853, Codrington-97)text from coins.lakdiva.org
Obv: Similar to Lankan massa design of standing king.
The head consists of an oblong, from the chord of which project three lines; crown or makuta, two arcs and a dot in rear. right elbow more pronounced; in right hand a lamp consisting of a straight line ending in a ball and flanked on either side by two dots. In left hand a small ball. Feet turned outward. Two dots, one under each arm, represents the upper part of the dhoti. To right a lion seated and facing right with left foreleg uplifted; each paw has three claws. A rim is a circle of large dots.
Rev : Traditional Lankan massa design of seated king.
Head and crown as on obverse. Arm is raised upwards and the hand holds a small ball. On right Devanagari legend Sri Pa ra kra ma Ba huQuant.Geek
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Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Apamaeia- Attalid Empire 145-139 BCOBV: Cista Mystica with half open lid from which a serpent emerges; all within an ivy wreath
REV: Two coiled serpents with heads erect; between them an ornamental bow-case with strap at right and bow projecting to the upper left. In field to left- monogram of Apameia. In right field Head of an elephant. In lower coils of the snakes: to left initials MI and to right - Delta H.
The coin is listed in Kleiner and Noe's (The Early Cistophoric Coinage; ANS Numismatic studies. No 14, NY 1977) as part of Series 23. The cistophori of Apameia were minted at Pergamum. Kleiner believes the initials on cistophori represent mint officials at Pergamum. This identification is entirely the work of djmacdo ("Mac") on the Forum.
Weight 12.6 gmdaverino
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CITY-GATE, Caracalla, Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 18. HrHJ (2013) 8.18.46.08 (plate coin)Caracalla, AD 198-217
AE 28, 12.47g, 27.69mm, 210°
struck under governor Flavius Ulpianus
obv. AV.K.M.AVR. - ANTWNINOC
Bust, draped and cuirassed with scale armour, seen from rear, laureate, r.
rev. V FL OVLPIAN - NIKOPOLIT / PROC IC
Portal with 2 projecting side wings; thereupon a similar structured building whose central
part has 3 gate openings and a pediment with shield and spear; the side wings seem to
be open halls with 4 pillars each and pitched roof; through the open gate of the lower
building the front of a tetrastyle temple is visible.
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 1585, pl. III, 20 (for Severus)
b) Varbanov (engl.) 3145
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2013) No. 8.18.46.8 (plate coin)
extremely rare, F/about VF, green somewhat patchy patina
Pedigree:
ex Gorny&Mosch (attributed to Severus in error!)
Pick: Nature and purpose of this building found on coins of Severus and Caracalla I don't know. It is hardly identical with the building on coins of Macrinus (pl. III, 21)
Jochen
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