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Justinian I AE Pentanummium. Sear #244
Antioch as Theoupolis. Diademed & draped bust right
/ Epsilon with cross for the center line, star to right.
Coin #411
cars100

Cover art for the Seleukid Coin Gallery The Seleukid Empire, including the royal line, usurpers, and the municipal issues of Syrian cities.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=74011 commentsAnaximander

ENGLAND, NORMAN, Stephen (1135-1154), Silver Penny, Watford type .ENGLAND, NORMAN, Stephen (1135-1154), Silver Penny, Watford type .
Mint and moneyer uncertain . 1.0 gr
Crowned and diademed bust of king right, holding sceptre in his right hand .
Cross moline, with a fleur each angle .
North 873; SCBC 1278Vladislav D

0006 Rider and Larissa SeatedThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa

Obv: Rider on a horse prancing r. on groundline, holding a single spear transversally with petasos flying backwards and chlamys on his back, beneath horse's belly a lion's head facing r. Border of dots or small grains.1
Rev: The nymph Larissa2 seated r. on a chair with a back ending in a swan's head, r. hand resting on her lap or thigh and holding a phiale, l. arm raised with palm forward,3 Λ and Α above to l. and r. of head with R and Ι to r. of body turned 90º and downward, all within a shallow incuse square.
Denomination: silver trihemiobol; Mint: Larissa; Date: mid- to late 5th Century BC4; Weight: 1.28g5; Diameter: 13mm; Die axis: 60º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 25, 13; Warren 687 var. No mention of lion's head; Weber 2838; Traité IV, 651, pl. CCXCVI, 9; Herrmann Group II, pl. I, 7; Boston MFA 875 var. no lion's head and reference to two spears; Lorber 2008 pl. 41, 5; BCD Thessaly II 154; HGC 4, 466.

Notes:
1Forrer, BCD Thessaly II, and Hoover refer to the border as composed of dots; Babelon refers to the border as composed of small grains.
2Herrmann does not associate the figure on the reverse with the nymph Larissa. Instead he refers to the figure as a "sitting male" and cites two examples from Berlin and Warren 687 as having the indication of beards (p.9). He declares that the meaning [interpretation] of the sitter cannot be determined, but he invites us to think of a deity (p. 11). Brett in Boston MFA follows Herrmann's interpretation.
3Forrer and BCD Thessaly II state that Larissa is holding a mirror, Hoover mentions only that the arm is raised, Babelon indicates that the left arm is raised with palm forward, and Herrmann describes the left hand as raised in an "adoring gesture". On the coin here the left hand clearly has the thumb separated from the rest of the fingers with the palm facing forward; there is no indication that the hand is holding anything. I wonder what the intention of the gesture could have been.
4Dates in the sources cited here run the gamut of the 5th Century BC. Herrmann: c. 500 - 479 BC; Babelon: c. 470 - 430 BC; HGC: c. 440 - 420 BC; Forrer: c. 430 - 400 BC. In light of Kagen (2004) and his belief that Herrmann's Group I ended c. 460 BC it seems appropriate to choose the date range specified in BCD Thessaly II.
5Herrmann argues that Group II was struck on the Persian weight standard. (He believed that the same held true for Group I). Kagan (2004) demonstrates that Larissain coinage was not struck on the Persian weight standard.

The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).

Provenance: Ex Nomos AG December 8, 2019.

Photo Credits: Nomos AG

CLICK FOR SOURCES3 commentsTracy Aiello

00098 Larissa Profile Left, Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa

Obv: [ΛAPlΣA in small letters l. and up], head of Larissa facing l., hair bound at top of head, triple drop earring, pearl necklace. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Bridled horse with tail in an upright curl prancing r. on ground line, ΛAP above, I in front of horse’s head, ΣAI down and in front, ΩN up and behind.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 370 - 360 BC1; Weight: 5.78g; Diameter: 19mm: Die axis: 330º; References, for example: Hermann Group V, pl. IV, 16; Liampi 1992, 25; Lorber 2008, pl. 45, 100; BCD Thessaly I 1133; BCD Thessaly II 183; HGC 4, 448.

Notes:
1This date range fits within BCD Thessaly I and II, Lorber 2008, and HGC 4.

Despite the absence of ΛAPlΣA in tiny letters in front of Larissa’s head (with 25x magnification I can detect what are perhaps very, very faint indications of parts of the legend), the shape of the mouth, the chin, and the stray lock of hair in front of Larissa’s forehead lead me to determine that this is an example of BCD Thessaly I 1133 and II 183 and not 1134 and 184 respectively. Thus, this is an example of, per BCD Thessaly I and Lorber 2008, Larissa’s profile in the style of Euainetos at Syracuse.

Provenance: Ex. CNG Electronic Auction 505 December 1, 2021 Lot 124, from the Sigmund collection.

Photo Credits: CNG

CLICK FOR SOURCES

4 commentsTracy Aiello

000992 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly l., round curl to the l. of he head, wearing ampyx flanked by two hornlike locks, a pendant earring represented by three pellets in a vertical line, and a simple necklace.
Rev: Horse crouching r., l. foreleg raised and bent (almost parallel with belly/ground), preparing to roll, small plant (control mark) below. ΛAPIΣ above horse and AIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 356 - 342 BC1; Weight: 5.869g; Diameter: 18.3mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 30, 61; BCD Thessaly I 1156; BCD Thessaly II 323 var. [same obv. die, but no trident (control mark) below the horse pointing to the left].

Notes:
1This is the date range stated in BCD Thessaly I. This coin appears to fall within Lorber's Phase Late II or Phase Late III. See Lorber Hoard and Lorber 2008.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).

Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins September 6, 2018; from the David Cannon Collection, ex Beast Coins.

Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins

CLICK FOR SOURCES

3 commentsTracy Aiello

000994 Larissa ¾ Left, Horse Grazing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa

Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa 3/4 facing l., ampyx in her hair, wearing a simple necklace. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑΡΙΣ above, ΑΙΩΝ in exergue below the ground line, horse with straight legs grazing r.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: late 4th - early 3rd Century BC1; Weight: .70g; Diameter: 10.4mm: Die axis: 170º; References, for example: Herrmann Group VII Series B, pl. V, 192; McClean 4630, pl. on p. 173, no. 24; SNG Cop 135; SNG Ashmolean 3889; SNG München 77; BCD Thessaly II 344 var. with monogram, 385.6; HGC 4, 516.

Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly II.
2BCD Thessaly II 328 corrects Herrmann’s reference from a tritetartemorion to an obol.

Provenance: Ex. Ars Coin Wien, January 26, 2022.

Photo Credits: Ars Coin Wien

CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello

002 Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.), RIC I 381, Rome, AE-Dupondius, Cn.Piso Cn.F, Large S•C,002 Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.), RIC I 381, Rome, AE-Dupondius, Cn.Piso Cn.F, Large S•C,
avers:- AVGVSTVS/TRIBVNIC/POTEST in three line, Legend in wreath.
revers:- CN-PISO-(CN-F-IIIVIR)-AAAFF around large S•C.
exe: S•C//--, diameter: 24,5-25,5 mm, weight: 6,45g, axis:11h,
mint: Rome, date: 15 B.C., ref: RIC-I-381, C
Q-001quadrans

040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Denarius, H-714, C2-214, U-561.c., P-214-03, #01040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Denarius, H-714, C2-214, U-561.c., P-214-03, #01
avers: ✠MOnЄTA•MAThIЄ•DЄ,
reverse: rosette RЄGIS•h VnGARIAЄ•, Patriarchal cross in a circle of line, mint-mark on each side (K-I); border of dots.
exergue, mint mark: K/I//-- were struck by Iohannes Constofer (by Pohl), diameter: 18mm, weight: 1,02, axis: 6h,
mint: Hungary, Körmöcbánya (Kremnitz, today Slovakia: Kremnica), date: 1467 A.D.,
ref: Huszár-714, CNH-2-214, Unger-561-c., Pohl 214-03,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Obulus, H-715, C2-216, U-576.b., P-215-03, K/I//--, Patriarchal cross #01040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Obulus, H-715, C2-216, U-576.b., P-215-03, K/I//--, Patriarchal cross #01
avers: Hungarian shield, four-part shield with Hungarian arms (Árpádian stripes, Bohemian lion, Bohemian lion, Árpádian stripes).
reverse: Patriarchal cross in the circle of line, mint-mark on each side (K-I); border of dots.
exergue, mint mark: K/I//--, were struck by Iohannes Constofer (by Pohl), diameter: 14,5-14,7mm, weight: 0,52g, axis: 1h,
mint: Hungary, Körmöcbánya (Kremnitz, today Slovakia: Kremnica), date: 1467 A.D.,
ref: Huszár-715, CNH-2-216, Unger-576b, Pohl 215-03,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

041bp Commodus (166-180 A.D. as Caesar, 180-192 A.D. as Augustus), Lydia, Thyateira, AE-22, SNG Cop 602, ΘYATEIPH/NΩN, Eagle standing on line,041bp Commodus (166-180 A.D. as Caesar, 180-192 A.D. as Augustus), Lydia, Thyateira, AE-22, SNG Cop 602, Î˜YATEIPH/NÎ©N, Eagle standing on line,
avers: AY-KO-MODOS, Laureate-headed bust of Commodus wearing cuirass and paludamentum, right.
revers: Î˜YATEIPH/NÎ©N, Eagle standing on line, facing, head, left, spreading wings.
exe: -/-//NÎ©N, diameter: 22mm, weight: 5,10g, axis: 6h,
mint: Lydia, Thyateira, date: 188-192 A.D., ref: SNG von Aulock 3220; SNG Tübingen 3855; SNG Copenhagen 602; BMC 87.
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

053 Károly III., (Carolus VI. of Habsburg), King of Hungary, (1711-1740 A.D.), H 1632, U 1203, 1714 AR-Poltura, Nagybánya, Scarce! #01053 Károly III., (Carolus VI. of Habsburg), King of Hungary, (1711-1740 A.D.), H 1632, U 1203, 1714 AR-Poltura, Nagybánya, Scarce! #01
avers: CAROL vI D:G:ROM:IMP.S.A.GER.HI.H.B.REX, Emperor bust right in a circle, border of dots.
reverse: N-B//POLTURA/*1714*/*, Madonna seated facing, holding infant Jesus in her left arm, N - B (Nagybánya) on each side, POLTURA / date below, border of line, and a border of dots.
diameter: 18,3-19,9mm, weight: 1,03g, axis: 11h,
mint: Hungary, Nagybánya, mint mark: N-B//POLTURA/*1714*/*,,
date: 1714 A.D.,
ref: Huszár 1632, Unger-2 1203/1714,
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055p Diadumenian (217-218 A.D. Caesar, 218 A.D. Augustus), Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, HrHJ (2012) 08.25.54.02, AE-16, NIKO/POΛITΩ/N-ΠROC/ICTRΩ/*,055p Diadumenian (217-218 A.D. Caesar, 218 A.D. Augustus), Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, HrHJ (2012) 08.25.54.02, AE-16, NIKO/POΛITΩ/N-ΠROC/ICTRΩ/*,
avers:- K-M-OΠΠΕΛ_ANTONINOC, Bare head right.
revers:- NIKO/POΛITΩ/N-ΠROC/ICTRΩ/*, Legend 5 line, star below.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 15-16mm, weight: 2,50g, axis: 6 h,
mint: Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, date: 218 A.D., ref: Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov 8.25.54.2,
Q-001quadrans

055p Diadumenian (217-218 A.D. Caesar, 218 A.D. Augustus), Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, HrHJ (2012) 08.25.54.07, AE-17, NIKO/•POΛI•/TΩN-ΠR/C-ICTR, Legend in 4 line,055p Diadumenian (217-218 A.D. Caesar, 218 A.D. Augustus), Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, HrHJ (2012) 08.25.54.07, AE-17, NIKO/•POΛI•/TΩN-ΠR/C-ICTR, Legend in 4 line,
avers:- K-M-OΠΠΕΛ-ANTONINOC, Bare head right.
revers:- NIKO/•POΛI•/TΩN-ΠR/C-ICTR, Legend in 4 line.
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 17-17,7mm, weight: 3,50g, axis:1h,
mint: Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, date: 218 A.D., ref: Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2012) 8.25.54.07,
Q-001quadrans

055p Diadumenian (217-218 A.D. Caesar, 218 A.D. Augustus), Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, HrHJ (2012) 08.25.54.??, (2012) Not in, Moesia Inferior, NIKO/POΛIT/ΩN-ΠROC/ICTRΩ/, Legend 4 line, New variation!!!,055p Diadumenian (217-218 A.D. Caesar, 218 A.D. Augustus), Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, HrHJ (2012) 08.25.54.??, (2012) Not in, Moesia Inferior, NIKO/POΛIT/ΩN-ΠROC/ICTRΩ/, Legend 4 line, New variation!!!,
avers:- K-M-OΠΕΛ-ΔIAΔOVMENIA-NOC, Bare head right. (like HHJ-8.25.16.1)
revers:- NIKO/POΛIT/ΩN-ΠROC/ICTRΩ/, Legend 4 line. (like HHJ 8.25.54.05)
exe: -/-//--, diameter: 18-18,5mm, weight: 3,99g, axis: 0 h,
mint: Moesia, Nicopolis Ad Istrum, date: 218 A.D., ref: Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov Not in, new variation!!!
Q-001quadrans

084 B.C., C.Licinius.L.f Macer, Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 354/1, Rome, C•LNIVS•L•F/MACER in two line, Minerva in quadriga right, #1084 B.C., C.Licinius.L.f Macer, Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 354/1, Rome, C•LNIVS•L•F/MACER in two line, Minerva in quadriga right, #1
avers: Diademed bust of Vejovis left, seen from behind, hurling the thunderbolt.
reverse: C•LNIVS•L•F/MACER in two line, Minerva in quadriga right with javelin and shield.
exergue: -/-//C•LNIVS•L•F/MACER, diameter: 18,5-20,5mm, weight: 3,91g, axis: 9h,
mint: Rome, date: 84 B.C., ref: Crawford 354/1, Sydenham 732, Licinia 16,
Q-0014 commentsquadrans

105 B.C., L.Thorius Balbus, Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 316/1, Rome, L•THORIVS/BALBVS in two line, Bull charging right, #1105 B.C., L.Thorius Balbus, Republic AR-Denarius, Crawford 316/1, Rome, L•THORIVS/BALBVS in two line, Bull charging right, #1
avers: ISMR abbreviated legend behind the head of Juno Sospita right, wearing a goat-skin headdress.
reverse: L•THORIVS/BALBVS in two line, Bull charging right, control letter "K" above.
exergue: -/-//L•THORIVS/BALBVS, diameter: 18,5-20,5mm, weight: 3,83g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 105 B.C., ref: Crawford 316/1, Sydenham 598, Sear 192, Thoria 1,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 861, Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-G, -/-//KAΔ, Sol in spread quadriga, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 861, Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-G, -/-//KAΔ, Sol in spread quadriga, #1
avers: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield.
reverse: S O LI IN VICT O, Sol in spread quadriga, right hand raised, holding the globe in left.
exergue: -/-//KAΔ, no exergual line, diameter: 22-23mm, weight: 3,81g, axis: 6h,
mint: Serdica 3rd emission, date: 277 A.D., ref: RIC-861,
Q-001quadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 862, Serdica, Bust-H (H2), -/-//KAΔ, SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 862, Serdica, Bust-H (H2), -/-//KAΔ, SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, #1
avers:- IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Bust Type (H-H2), Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle.
revers:- S OL I INVIC T O, Sol faceing left in spred quadriga, rising right hand and holding whip in left hand.
exergo: -/-//KAΔ, no exergual line, diameter: 22,5-23,0mm, weight: 4,25g, axis: 0h,
mint: Serdica, date: 277 A.D. by Pink or 280-81 A.D. by Gysen, ref: RIC V-II 862, p-112, 4th emission,
Q-0015 commentsquadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 862, Serdica, Bust-H (H2), -/-//KA•Γ•, SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 862, Serdica, Bust-H (H2), -/-//KA•Γ•, SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, #1
avers:- IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Bust Type (H-H2), Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle.
revers:- S OL I INVIC T O, Sol faceing left in spred quadriga, rising right hand and holding whip in left hand.
exergo: -/-//KA•Γ•, no exergual line, diameter: 22,5mm, weight: 3,71g, axis: 7h,
mint: Serdica, date: 277 A.D. by Pink or 280-81 A.D. by Gysen, ref: RIC V-II 862, p-112, 4th emission,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 864 var, Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-H right (Not in RIC), -/-//KA•Γ•, Sol in spread quadriga,112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 864 var, Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-H right (Not in RIC), -/-//KA•Γ•, Sol in spread quadriga,
avers:- IMP-C-M-AVR-PROBVS-P-AVG, Radiate bust right in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle. (H-var right, Not in RIC)
revers:- S-O-LI-IN-VICTO, Sol in spread quadriga holding globe and whip.
exergo: -/-//KA•Γ•, no exergual line, diameter: 22mm, weight: 4,45g, axis: 6h,
mint: Serdica, 3rd emission of Serdica, 277, date: 277 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 864 (Not in RIC), p-112,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 864, Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-H, -/-//KA•Γ•, Sol in spread quadriga,112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 864, Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-H, -/-//KA•Γ•, Sol in spread quadriga,
avers:- IMP-C-M-AVR-PROBVS-P-AVG, Bust Type H, Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle.
revers:- SOLI-INVICTO, Sol faceing left in spred quadriga, rising right hand and holding whip in left hand.
exergo: -/-//KA•Γ•, no exergual line, diameter: 22mm, weight: x,xxg, axis: h,
mint: Serdica, date: 277 A.D. by Pink or 280-81 A.D. by Gysen, ref: RIC-V-II-864, p-112, 4th emission,
Q-001quadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 865var., Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-E1/G, -/-//KA•A•, Sol in spread quadriga, Rare! #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 865var., Serdica, SOLI INVICTO, Bust-E1/G, -/-//KA•A•, Sol in spread quadriga, Rare! #1
avers: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PIVS AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield, (E1-G).
reverse: SOLI IN VICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, right hand raised, holding the globe in left.
exergue: -/-//KA•A•, no exergual line, diameter: 21,0-22,5mm, weight: 3,621g, axis: 6h,
mint: Serdica 4th emission, 1st off., date: 280-281A.D., ref: RIC V-II 865var., Rare!
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 877, Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-G, -/-//KA•Γ•, Emperor riding right, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 877, Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-G, -/-//KA•Γ•, Emperor riding right, #1
avers:- IMP-C-M-AVR-PROBVS-P-F-AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield. (G)
revers:- VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Emperor riding right, spearing enemy, shield beneth the horse.
exergo: -/-//KA•Γ•, no exergual line, diameter: 22-22,5mm, weight: 3,66g, axes:5h,
mint: Serdica 4ht emission, date: 277 A.D.,(80-81 A.D.), ref: RIC-V-II-877, p-113,
Q-001quadrans

112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 878, Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-G, -/-//KAB, Emperor riding right, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 878, Serdica, VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Bust-G, -/-//KAB, Emperor riding right, #1
avers:- IMP-C-M-AVR-PROBVS-AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield. (G)
revers:- VIRTVS-PROBI-AVG, Emperor riding right, spearing enemy, shield beneth the horse.
exergo: -/-//KAB, no exergual line, diameter: 22-22,5mm, weight: 4,02g, axes:5h,
mint: Serdica 4ht emission, date: 277 A.D.,(80-81 A.D.), ref: RIC-V-II-878, p-114,
Q-001quadrans

1371 - 1390, Robert II, AR Groat minted at Perth, ScotlandObverse: + ROBERTVS DEI GRA REX SCOTORVM. Crowned bust of Robert II facing left, sceptre topped with a lis and with a star at its base before, within double tressure of six arches broken at the king's neck, small trefoils in spandrels, surrounded by beaded inner circle. Mintmark, cross pattée in legend and small crosses in spaces between words. The whole within beaded outer circle.
Reverse: + DnS PTECTOR MS LIBATOR MS (God is my protector and redeemer) / VILLA DE PERTh X. Long cross pattée dividing two concentric legends separated by two beaded circles into quarters, pierced mullet in each quarter of inner circle. Mintmark, cross pattées in both inner and outer legends, but cross set as saltire in inner legend, small cross over crescent after DnS in outer legend. The whole within beaded outer circle.
Diameter: 30mm | Weight: 3.87gms | Die Axis: 12h
SPINK: 5136 | SCBI: 35, 460-72

Robert II's coinage was maintained at the same standard and in the same general style as that of David's last issue, but coins were struck at Perth and Dundee in addition to those of the Edinburgh mint.

Robert II was the first Scottish king of the Stuart line, he was the son of Walter, the sixth hereditary High Steward of Scotland, and of Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce. Robert II acted as regent during part of the period of imprisonment in England of David II and was himself imprisoned in England when Edward III was declared to be David's successor. The Scots never accepted this arrangement and, after several years of secret negotiations between David II and Edward III, in 1370 Robert was released. He peacefully succeeded to the throne on David II's death the following year.
Robert II succeeded to the throne at the age of 54 and was viewed by many in his kingdom as past his best. In November 1384 he was effectively deposed by his eldest son John, Earl of Carrick. John, however, was seriously injured after being kicked by a horse, and Robert II's second son, Robert, Earl of Fife, later the Duke of Albany, was appointed as Guardian of Scotland instead. Robert II died at Dundonald Castle on 19 April 1390, and was buried at Scone. He was succeeded by his son John, who confusingly took the name Robert III, probably because in Scotland "John" was a name too closely associated with John Balliol, the erstwhile protégé of Edward I.1 comments*Alex

153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC VIII 218, AR-Siliqua, -/-//LVG, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X, in wreath, #1153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC VIII 218, AR-Siliqua, -/-//LVG, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X, in wreath, #1
avers: FL CL IVLIA NVS P P AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: No legend, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X in four line, in wreath.
exergue: -/-//LVG, diameter: 17mm, weight: 2,03g, axis: 0h,
mint: Lugdunum, date: 360-363 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII 218, p-,
Q-001quadrans

1887-S Victoria Jubilee Head Gold SovereignAustralia, Victoria (1837-1901), Gold Sovereign, 1887-S, DISH S2 R2, SCWC KM 10, Marsh 138, SCBC 3868A, gEF-aUNC, lightly hairlined in fields both sides, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.0125 Ag, 0.0705 Cu, diameter 23.0mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Sydney mint, 1887; obverse VICTORIA D : G :-BRITT : REG : F : D : (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), Jubilee tall, crowned, veiled and draped bust left, wearing double pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast with badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, tiny spread J.E.B. with hooked J raised on shoulder truncation, stops in line with each other, for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with short tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark S at centre of ground-line, 1887 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (29 May 2020); ex David Iverson Duplicates Collection (2015); very rare; £2,000.00.1 commentsSerendipity

1899-P Victoria Old Head Gold SovereignAustralia, Victoria (1837-1901), Gold Sovereign, 1899-P, Bentley 845, McDonald 203, SCWC KM 13, Friedberg 25, Marsh 171, SCBC 3876, gEF-aUNC, lightly toned, some surface marks, edge milled, weight 7.99g (AGW 0.2356oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Perth mint, 1899; obverse VICTORIA · DEI · GRA · BRITT · REGINA · FID · DEF · IND · IMP · (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India), old coroneted, veiled and draped bust left, wearing pearl drop earring with 13-pearl necklace, Ribbon and Star of the Garter at breast, tiny T.B. raised below shoulder truncation for engraver Thomas Brock, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark P at centre of ground-line, 1899 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex R. Ingram Coins (12 Jun 2020); scarce; £1,250.00.Serendipity

1906-P Edward VII Gold SovereignAustralia, Edward VII (1901-10), Gold Sovereign, 1906-P, Bentley 852, McDonald 224, SCWC KM 15, Friedberg 34, Marsh 199, SCBC 3972, BU, bright mint lustre, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Perth mint, 1906; obverse EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: (Edward VII, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head right, tiny De S. raised below truncation for engraver George William de Saulles, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark P at centre of ground-line, 1906 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Chards (23 Nov 2023); £455.34.Serendipity

1908-M Edward VII Gold SovereignAustralia, Edward VII (1901-10), Gold Sovereign, 1908-M, Bentley 820 (this coin), McDonald 229, QM 184 (part of), SCWC KM 15, Friedberg 33, Marsh 192, SCBC 3971, gEF-aUNC, some light bag marks, hairline scratch in obverse field, edge milled, weight 8.0g (AGW 0.2359oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Melbourne mint, 1908; obverse EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: (Edward VII, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head right, tiny De S. raised below truncation for engraver George William de Saulles, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark M at centre of ground-line, 1908 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (2020); ex Bentley Collection, Part II, Baldwin's auction 76 (27 Sep 2012), lot 820; ex Randy Weir Numismatics, Unionville, Ontario, Canada (1998); £450.00.Serendipity

1909-S Edward VII Gold SovereignAustralia, Edward VII (1901-10), Gold Sovereign, 1909-S, Bentley 725, McDonald 231, SCWC KM 15, Marsh 211, SCBC 3973, BU, bright mint lustre, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Sydney mint, 1909; obverse EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: (Edward VII, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head right, tiny De S. raised below truncation for engraver George William de Saulles, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark S at centre of ground-line, 1909 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex KB Coins (23 Nov 2023); £525.00. Serendipity

1911-C George V Gold SovereignCanada, George V (1910-36), Gold Sovereign, 1911-C, Bentley 884 (this coin), SCWC KM 20, Friedberg 2, Marsh 221, SCBC 3997, coronation issue, gEF-aUNC, some nicks in obverse field and over St. George helmet, edge milled, weight 8.0g (AGW 0.2359oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Ottawa mint, 1911; obverse GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head left, B.M. raised on truncation for engraver Bertram Mackennal, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark C at centre of ground-line, 1911 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (27 Aug 2020); ex Bentley Collection, Part II, Baldwin's auction 76 (27 Sep 2012), lot 884; ex Randy Weir Numismatics, Unionville, Ontario, Canada (14 Aug 1992); £525.00.Serendipity

1911-S George V Gold SovereignAustralia, George V (1910-36), Gold Sovereign, 1911-S, Bentley 727 (this coin), McDonald 237, QM 187, SCWC KM 29, Friedberg 38, Marsh 271, SCBC 4003, coronation issue, gEF-aUNC, toned, a few light hairlines, edge milled, weight 8.0g (AGW 0.2359oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Sydney mint, 1911; obverse GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head left, B.M. raised on truncation for engraver Bertram Mackennal, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark S at centre of ground-line, 1911 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (1 May 2020); ex Bentley Collection, Part II, Baldwin's auction 76 (27 Sep 2012), lot 727; ex Randy Weir Numismatics, Unionville, Ontario, Canada (14 Jan 1992); £390.00.Serendipity

1918-I George V Gold SovereignIndia, George V (1910-36), Gold Sovereign, 1918-I, Bentley 892, SCWC KM 525a, Friedberg 1609, Marsh 228, SCBC 3998, BU, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Bombay mint, 1918; obverse GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head left, B.M. raised on truncation for engraver Bertram Mackennal, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark I at centre of ground-line, 1918 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex KB Coins (2 Dec 2020); £575.00.Serendipity

1918-M George V Gold SovereignAustralia, George V (1910-36), Gold Sovereign, 1918-M, Bentley 831 (this coin), McDonald 259, QM 194, SCWC KM 29, Friedberg 39, Marsh 236, SCBC 3999, gEF-aUNC, reverse rim nick, black spot on dragon shoulder, some bag marks, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Melbourne mint, 1918; obverse GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head left, B.M. raised on truncation for engraver Bertram Mackennal, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark M at centre of ground-line, 1918 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (27 Aug 2020); ex Bentley Collection, Part II, Baldwin's auction 76 (27 Sep 2012), lot 831; £600.00.Serendipity

1921-P George V Gold SovereignAustralia, George V (1910-36), Gold Sovereign, 1921-P, Bentley 867 (this coin), McDonald 269, QM 201, SCWC KM 29, Friedberg 40, Marsh 260, SCBC 4001, gEF-aUNC, blemish by mouth with some hairlines, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Perth mint, 1921; obverse GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), bare head left, B.M. raised on truncation for engraver Bertram Mackennal, latter stop absent, toothed border surrounding; reverse with die axis slightly off-centre, St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, tiny WWP raised under lance for Master of the Mint, William Wellesley-Pole, mint mark P at centre of ground-line, 1921 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (27 Aug 2020); ex Bentley Collection, Part II, Baldwin's auction 76 (27 Sep 2012), lot 867; ex Randy Weir Numismatics, Unionville, Ontario, Canada (23 Apr 1993); £650.00.Serendipity

1932-SA George V Gold SovereignSouth Africa, George V (1910-36), Gold Sovereign, 1932-SA, Bentley 931, Hern S347, Kaplan 109, SCWC KM 21, Friedberg 5, Marsh 296, SCBC 4005, BU, edge milled, weight 7.9881g (AGW 0.2355oz), composition 0.917 Au, 0.083 Cu, diameter 22.05mm, thickness 1.52mm, die axis 0°, Pretoria mint, 1932; obverse GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), second smaller bare head left, B.M. raised on truncation for engraver Bertram Mackennal, toothed border surrounding; reverse St. George, nude but for crested Attic helmet with three-strand streamer, paludamentum fastened in front by fibula billowing behind and high-topped boots (calcei equestri), on horse rearing right, with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, holding bridle in left hand and short sword in right, looking down, trampling and slaying prostrate dragon to lower right, with broken lance in its side, looking back and up at St. George, broken lance on ground-line to left, mint mark SA at centre of ground-line, 1932 in exergue, tiny B.P. raised to upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, toothed border surrounding; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex KB Coins (28 Aug 2020); £475.00.Serendipity

1997.161.164Siscia, 4.00 g

Obverse: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG; Radiate, cuirassed, bust right.
Reverse: IOVI CON-SER; -/-//*Q; Emperor, in military dress, on left, standing right, holding short scepter in left, extending right hand to receive a globe from Jupiter, on right, standing left, extending globe in right hand, holding scepter in left.
Ref: RIC 225; RIC V,1 online, T-2220; LV 7036-7049; BnF XII.1, 1172-1173; (Autumn 272 – 273 – Early 274)gordian_guy

1997.161.166Cyzicus, 4.47 g

Obverse: IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG; Radiate, cuirassed, bust right.
Reverse: ORIE-N-S AVG; -/-//Î”C; Sol, radiate and nude, except for chlamys, wrapped around shoulders and draped off left arm, standing left; right hand raised; globe in extended right hand; bound captive seated left on ground to left.
Ref: RIC 360; RIC V,1 online, T-3029; LV 10588-10591; BnF XII.1 1200; (Spring 273 – Spring 274)gordian_guy

1ae Marc Antony and OctavianFormed the Second Triumvirate, 43-33 BC, , along with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. Antony killed himself in 30 BC.

Denarius
41 BC

Marc Antony portrait, right, M ANT IMP AVG III VIR RPCM BARBAT QP
Octavian portrait, right, CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR RPC

RSC 8

Plutarch described Antony thusly: Antony grew up a very beautiful youth, but by the worst of misfortunes, he fell into the acquaintance and friendship of Curio, a man abandoned to his pleasures, who, to make Antony's dependence upon him a matter of greater necessity, plunged him into a life of drinking and dissipation, and led him through a course of such extravagance that he ran, at that early age, into debt to the amount of two hundred and fifty talents. . . . He took most to what was called the Asiatic taste in speaking, which was then at its height, and was, in many ways, suitable to his ostentatious, vaunting temper, full of empty flourishes and unsteady efforts for glory. . . . He had also a very good and noble appearance; his beard was well grown, his forehead large, and his nose aquiline, giving him altogether a bold, masculine look that reminded people of the faces of Hercules in paintings and sculptures. It was, moreover, an ancient tradition, that the Antonys were descended from Hercules, by a son of his called Anton; and this opinion he thought to give credit to by the similarity of his person just mentioned, and also by the fashion of his dress. For, whenever he had to appear before large numbers, he wore his tunic girt low about the hips, a broadsword on his side, and over all a large coarse mantle. What might seem to some very insupportable, his vaunting, his raillery, his drinking in public, sitting down by the men as they were taking their food, and eating, as he stood, off the common soldiers' tables, made him the delight and pleasure of the army. In love affairs, also, he was very agreeable: he gained many friends by the assistance he gave them in theirs, and took other people's raillery upon his own with good-humour. And his generous ways, his open and lavish hand in gifts and favours to his friends and fellow-soldiers, did a great deal for him in his first advance to power, and after he had become great, long maintained his fortunes, when a thousand follies were hastening their overthrow.1 commentsBlindado

1at Galba68-69

Denarius

Laureate head, right, SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P
Victory standing on globe, VICTORIA PR

RIC 111

Suetonius recorded: Servius Galba, the future emperor was born on the 24th of December, 3BC, in the consulship of Marcus Valerius Messala and Gnaeus Lentulus, at a hillside mansion near Terracina, on the left of the road to Fundi (Fondi). He was formally adopted by his stepmother Livia Ocellina, and took the name Livius and the surname Ocella, also changing his forename to Lucius, until he became Emperor.

It is common knowledge that when calling on Augustus to pay his respects, with other boys of his age, the Emperor pinched his cheek, and said in Greek: ‘You too will have a taste of power, my child.’ And when Tiberius heard the prophecy that Galba would be emperor in old age, he commented: ‘Well let him be, it’s no concern of mine.’

Galba achieved office before the usual age and as praetor (in 20AD), controlling the games at the Floralia, he was the first to introduce a display of tightrope-walking elephants. He next governed Aquitania, for almost a year, and not long afterwards held the consulship for six months (in 33AD). When Caligula was assassinated (in 41AD), Galba chose neutrality though many urged him to seize the opportunity for power. Claudius expressed his gratitude by including him among his intimate friends, and Galba was shown such consideration that the expedition to Britain was delayed to allow him to recover from a sudden but minor indisposition. Later he was proconsul in Africa for two years (44/45AD), being singled out, and so avoiding the usual lottery, to restore order in the province, which was riven by internecine rivalry and an indigenous revolt. He re-established peace, by the exercise of ruthless discipline, and the display of justice even in the most trifling matters. . . .

But when word from the City arrived that Nero was dead and that the people had sworn allegiance to him, he set aside the title of governor and assumed that of Caesar. He then began his march to Rome in a general’s cloak, with a dagger, hanging from his neck, at his chest, and did not resume the toga until his main rivals had been eliminated, namely the commander of the Praetorian Guard in Rome, Nymphidius Sabinus, and the commanders in Germany and Africa, Fonteius Capito and Clodius Macer. . . . His prestige and popularity were greater while winning power than wielding it, though he showed evidence of being a more than capable ruler, loved less, unfortunately, for his good qualities than he was hated for his bad ones.

He was even warned of the danger of imminent assassination, the day before his death, by a soothsayer, as he offered the morning sacrifice. Shortly afterwards he learnt that Otho had secured the Guards camp, and when his staff advised him to carry the day by his presence and prestige, by going there immediately, he opted instead to stay put, but gather a strong bodyguard of legionaries from their billets around the City. He did however don a linen corselet, though saying that frankly it would serve little against so many weapons. False reports, put about by the conspirators to lure him into appearing in public, deceived a few of his close supporters, who rashly told him the rebellion was over, the plotters overthrown, and that the rest of the troops were on their way to congratulate him and carry out his orders. So he went to meet them, with such confidence, that when a soldier boasted of killing Otho, he snapped out: ‘On whose authority?’ before hastening on to the Forum. The cavalrymen who had been ordered to find and kill him, who were spurring through the streets scattering the crowds of civilians, now caught sight of him in the distance and halted an instant before galloping towards him and cutting him down, while his staff ran for their lives.Blindado

20 Centavos - Rui Barbosa1955 CE

Obverse: Bust of author and lawyer Ruy Barbosa (1849-1923) facing left

·RUI BARBOSA· * BRASIL·

Reverse: Denomination above line, date below, star above line.

20
CENTAVOS
-------------
1955 Pericles J2

2014.084.1Milan, 4.07 g; 6h

Obverse: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG; Radiate, cuirassed, bust right.
Reverse: ROMAE AETE-RNAE; -/-//Q; Emperor, on left, standing right, before Roma, on right seated left on shield, holding Victory in extended right hand; in left hand scepter.
Ref: RIC 142; BnF XII 480-483, Emission 3 (Autumn 271-Autumn 272); RIC V,1 online, T-1476;1 commentsgordian_guy

50 Centavos1961 CE

Obverse: State emblem of Brazil (Star with circle within, surrounded by 27 small stars, southern cross inside circle. flanked by tobacco and coffee plant)

REPUBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL

Reverse: Denomination above line, date below

50
CENTAVOS
1961Pericles J2

50 Centavos1946 CE

Obverse: Portrait of Getúlio Dornelles Vargas (1882-1954), facing left. GETULIO VARGAS * BRASIL

Reverse: Denomination above the line, date below, star above.
*
50
CENTAVOS
1946Pericles J2

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

Abydos, Troas 480-450 B.C.
Silver Obol
0.75 gm, 9-10mm
Obv.: Eagle standing left on dotted ground line, A[BY] before left
Rev.: Facing Gorgon in incuse square
Sear 4004, BMC 17 p.1, 4/5
[SNG Copenhagen 4; SNG München 4]Jaimelai

Akarnania, Leukas, 87 BC, AR DidrachmCult statue of the goddess Aphrodite Aeneias with stag standing right, holding aplustre, bird on standard behind; all within a laurel wreath.
ΛΕΥΚΑΔΙΩΝ ΦΙΛΑΝΔΡΟΣ (Leukadion Philandros) above prow of galley right.

de Callataÿ Didrachms of Leukas 195-212 dies O31/R2; BCD Akarnania 313-314; BMC 180, 101-103; Postolokas, Lambros 67, 688 var.

(23 mm, 7.90 g, 11h)
Forestier & Lambert.

Based on the study of de Callataÿ, Didrachms of Leukas, this coin was struck in the summer and autumn of 87 BC as a contribution to Sulla’s campaign against Mithrades Eupator. De Callataÿ connected it with the encampment of Sulla’s troops at Leukas that year and argued that the coinage is a pseudo-civic Greek coinage issued by and for for the Romans. This is reflected in the reverse iconography where the galley prow is distinctively Roman, identifieable as such by the wolf head on the prow, above the ram, a decorative element unknown on Greek vessels.

This coin was struck when the Hellenistic age was in advanced decline, succumbing to the expansionary drive of Rome. The coins of this issue were often struck from relatively crude dies in an advanced state of wear. Yet they retain a charm and aesthetic that in some sense seems to speak of the last gasps of a dying Hellenistic age. The obverse image is thought to depict the cult statue of Aphrodite Aeneias, whose sanctuary was situated near the town of Leukas, overlooking the shipping canal that separated the island from the mainland. 2 commentsn.igma

Alexander the GreatObv: Head of beardless Herakles, right, wearing lion skin headdress.
Rev: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ in exergue; Charioteer in Biga right, Trident below.
"Alexandria (Antigoneia)" mint, struck c.310-301 BC. Extremely rare!

Attribution to this mint has been questioned of late (Meadows, NC 2004),
although no firmer alternative has yet been put forward. A mint in the Troad
seems to be likely, given that three were found in the excavations at Troy.

This is an extremely desirable and very difficult to find item. It appears that
there are none on any of the modern sales databases, and I know of only
one other that has been offered via a 'small seller' on an online auction site.

There is one in the British museum, at least one in Berlin (I-B), one in
the Portolos collection (Athens); another in Paris (B 80); the three that
were found at Troy, the one offered online, and now this one.
Please feel free to let me know of any other known specimens.

Among the rarest bronzes of the series.
Price 1587; Gaebler p.169, 7 pl.XXXI,26;
Bellinger Troy A1; BM 1921,0213.196.
(dealer's image {edited}) OldMoney

Alexandria, Egypt; Philip IIEGYPT, Alexandria. Philip II. As Caesar, AD 244-247. BI Tetradrachm (22mm, 11.35 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 of Philip I (AD 244/5). Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left on ground line, head right, with wings folded, holding wreath in beak; L B (date) across field. Köln 2782; Dattari 5049; K&G 76.1. Good VF, toned.ecoli

Ancient Greece: Philip II of Macedon (359-336 BCE) AE20 Unit, Uncertain Mint (SNG ANS 850; Mionnet I, 750)Obv.: Head of Apollo right, wearing taenia.
Rev.: ΦILIΠΠOY, Naked youth on horse prancing right on ground line, spearhead below.
2 commentsQuant.Geek

Anonymous 12th Century Class III. Huszár 186; Toth-Kiss 20.24.1.2 sigla 0.1/1; Unger 98; Réthy I 167; Frynas H.15.6; Lengyel 15/13; Adamovszky A218aHungary. Anonymous 12th Century Class III; attributed to Béla III (1172-1196) by Lengyel and Adamovszky, tentatively attributed to him by Unger and Frynas, but this attribution is not accepted by Huszár, Toth-Kiss and Gyöngyössy.

AR denár per Toth-Kiss, Unger and Frynas but obulus per Huszár, Lengyel, Adamovszky and Gyöngyössy (average: .16 g., 10.0 mm.), .80 g., 9.56 mm. max., 0°

Obv: Cross on line, pseudo-Kufic legend comprised of lines, crosses and crescents above and below.

Rev: Cross with pellets and crescents in the angles.

Struck in Esztergom.

Huszár rarity R1, Toth-Kiss rarity 100, Unger rarity 40, Frynas rarity S.1 commentsStkp

Anonymous lead seal, ca. 2.-3. Century A.D. LionAnonymous lead seal, ca. 2.-3. Century A.D. 18-22mm, 10.94g. Obv: lion walking left on ground line, the lion has his front paw placed upon an object, probably a bucranium, crescent and star (?) above. Ex Rutten & Wieland.
2 commentsPodiceps

Aphrodite Aeneias Akarnania, Leukas, 167-100 BC, AR Didrachm
Cult statue of the goddess Aphrodite Aeneias with stag standing right, holding aplustre, bird on standard behind; all within a laurel wreath. / ΛΕΥΚΑΔΙΩΝ ΦΙΛΑΝΔΡΟΣ (Leukadion Philandros) above prow of galley right.
BCD Akarnania 313-314; BMC 180, 101-103; Postolokas, Lambros 67, 688 var.
(23 mm, 7.90 g, 11h)

This coin was issued as the Hellenistic age was in decline, succumbing to the expansionary drive of Rome. The coins of this issue were often struck from relatively crude dies in an advanced state of wear. Yet they retain a charm and aesthetic that in some sense seems to speak of the last gasps of a dying Hellenistic age. The obverse image is thought to depict the cult statue of Aphrodite Aeneias, whose sanctuary was situated near the town of Leukas, overlooking the shipping canal that separated the island from the mainland.

Apollonia, Illyria, Greece, (200 - 80 B.C.)AR Drachm
Ariston (Moneyer), Ainea (Magistrate),
O: APIΣTΩN (moneyer), cow left, head turned, suckling calf right.
R: AI/NE/A Curved, double-stellate pattern, no center device line, petal rays, seven dots, line border
3.2g
17.5mm3 commentsMat

Artabanos II., 10 - 38 ADAR dr., 3,46gr, 22,9mm; Sellwood 63.6, Shore 345, Sunrise 412 (Artabanos IV.);
mint: Ekbatana; axis: 12h;
obv.: bare-headed, left, w/4-strand diadem, 2 loops and 3 ribbons; medium-long, almost straight hair, mustache, long square-cut beard; earring, 3-turn necklace; tunic/cuirass w/star on chest; dotted border 9:30 - 13:30h;
rev.: archer, right, on throne, w/bow in vise-like outstretched hand; below bow monogram; 7-line legend: BΛCIΛEΩ(C) BΛCIΛEΩN ΛPCΛ(KOV) EVEPΓPETO(V) ΔIXAIOV (E)ΠIΦΛNOYC (ΦIΛE)ΛΛXOC, plus one extra line, (E)ΠIΦΛNOYC, on the left side - possibly a remnant of a previous strike;

ex: Intercollecteur, FRA; ex: J. Elsen, Vente 66, 2001, # 374.
Schatz

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, altarLydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Obv: ΠΕΡCΙΚΗ, draped bust of Artemis Persica left, with quiver at left shoulder.
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡΕΩΝ, lighted altar
AE, 2.33g, 14.5x16mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 3, 1858, GRPC Lydia 37
Ex Numismatik Naumannshanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, altar Lydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Pseudo-autonomous issue
Obv: ΠΕΡCΙΚΗ, draped bust of Artemis Persica r., with bow and quiver at l. shoulder.
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡΕΩN, legend starting at 7 o'clock, lighted altar
AE, 2.74g, 15.6mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 3, 1855
Ex Numismatik Naumann shanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, altar Lydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Pseudo-autonomous issue
Obv: ΠΕΡCΙΚΗ, draped bust of Artemis Persica r., quiver over shoulder; bow and arrow to right.
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡΕΩN, legend starting at 1 o'clock, lighted altar
AE, 2.24g, 15.1mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 3, 1856
Ex Numismatik Naumann shanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, altar Lydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Pseudo-autonomous issue
Obv: draped bust of Artemis Persica r., with quiver and arrow at breast
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡΕΩN, lighted altar
AE, 2.22g, 16mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 3, 1857 (this coin), GRPC Lydia 42 (this coin)
Ex Solidus Online-Auktion 12, 18 Feb. 2017, lot 239 1 commentsshanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, altar, clockwise legendLydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Pseudo-autonomous issue
Obv: ΠΕΡCΙΚΗ, draped bust of Artemis Persica r., with bow and quiver at l. shoulder.
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡΕΩN, legend staring at 7 o'clock, lighted altar
AE, 3.14g, 15mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 3, 1855
1 commentsshanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, brockageLydia, Hierokaisareia
Brockage
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Obv: draped bust of Artemis Persica right, with quiver at left shoulder, bow and arrow at breast
Rev.: incuse image of the obverse
AE, 3.15g, 16mm
Ref.: possibly the obverse of RPC online, Volume 3, 1863shanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, forepart of stag Lydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Obv: draped bust of Artemis Persica right, with quiver at left shoulder, bow and arrow at breast
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡ-ΕΩΝ, forepart of stag kneeling right
AE, 3.06g, 17x18.3mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 3, 1863shanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Artemis, forepart of stag Lydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
First half of the second century
Obv: draped bust of Artemis Persica right, with quiver at left shoulder, bow and arrow at breast
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙ-СΑΡΕΩΝ, forepart of stag kneeling right
AE, 2.99g, 17.4mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 3, 1863 var (legend division)shanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Marcus Aurelius, Artemis, stag Lydia, Hierocaesarea
Marcus Aurelius (Caesar)
Obv: [Μ] ΑV οVΗΡοС [ΚΑΙСΑΡ], bare-headed, lightly bearded bust of Marcus Aurelius wearing cuirass and paludamentum, right.
Rev.: ΙΕΡΟΚΑΙСΑΡΕΩΝ, Artemis standing, right., drawing arrow from quiver at shoulder, holding bow; to right, stag
AE, 5.47g, 19mm
Ref.: RPC online, Volume 4, 2823 (temporary), GRPC Lydia 84
shanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Tyche, patera, cornucopiaLydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
Magistrate: Ti. Iulius Ferox
AD 116/17
Obv: IЄPOKAICAPЄIA, Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right.
Rev: [ΑΝΘΥΠΑ]ΤΩ ΦΕΡΟΚΙ, Tyche standing l., holding patera in r. hand and cornucopia in l.
AE, 9.07g, 24mm
Ref.: RPC Online, Vol 3, 1850, GRPC Lydia 17shanxi

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Tyche, Perseus Lydia, Hierokaisareia
Pseudo-autonomous issue
Magistrate: Ti. Iulius Ferox
AD 116/17
Obv: IЄPOKAICAPЄIA, Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right.
Rev: ΑΝΘΥΠΑΤΩ ΦΕΡΟΚΙ, Perseus nude standing facing, head l., holding harpa in r. hand, head of Gorgon in l.
AE, 8.10g, 22mm
Ref.: RPC Online, Vol 3, 1848 shanxi

Asia Minor, Pisidia, Termessos Major, Artemis, BullPisidia. Termessos Major
1st century BC
Obv.: Draped, laureate bust of Artemis right, quiver behind shoulder
Rev.: Humped bull butting left on ground line, TEP
AE, 13 mm, 2.26g
Ref.: BMC 268, 1; SNG France 2102.
2 commentsshanxi

Athens Owl AR Tetradrachm, Ex Berk FPL #2 (1974) & Weaver FPL #2 (1975)Greek (Classical). Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm (17.2g, 26mm, 1h). "Mass Classical" type, struck c. 454-404 BCE.
Obv: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three laurel leaves and vine scroll. Rev: AΘE. Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent moon behind, all within incuse square.
Ref: Sear GCV 2526; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31-40; Kroll 8.
Prov: Ex Morton & Eden 104 (London, 14 Nov 2019), Lot 69 (part); HJB Fixed Price List #2, Fall 1974, #80 (illustrated on p. 41, $295) [LINK]; Douglas Weaver Fixed Price List, Vol. 1, No. 2 (Cleburne, TX, November 1975), Lot 698 (illustrated on Pl. 22, $350), cataloged by Tom Stanton.

Notes: Both old catalog provenances were lucky finds ("in the wild," at least). Having scanned all the Buy-Bid Sales for anything I might recognize, I then combed through Berk's less well-known FPLs. The Weaver list isn't online, but I got it in a group lot of FPLs from the 2021 sale of BCD Library Duplicates. It still had the postage & address label to the well-known coin dealer Henry Christensen. (The interesting provenance for the catalog itself makes finding the coin even more exciting! Those are my favorites-of-favorites. I shared it in "Old Auction Catalogue Madness!" reply 298: [LINK].)Curtis JJ

Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14GAUL, Nemausus.

AE As, 25.54mm (10.59 gm).

Addorsed heads of Agrippa left, wearing combined rostral crown and laurel wreath, and Augustus on right, bare headed; IMP above and DIVI F below; D-D countermark / Crocodile chained to palm tip, wreath with long ties above; COL-NEM.

RIC I, 155 (pg. 51); RPC I, 523; RCV I, 1729.

This particular coin carries the D-D countermark, which is within a dotted circle and with the two D's disected by a dotted line, branch or club. This countermark stands for Decreto Decurionum, which means 'by decree of the town Decuria (or Council)'.
socalcoins

Bardas Parsakoutenos, magistros and doux of Anatolikon. Lead seal c. AD 970-990 10291|Bardas Parsakoutenos, magistros and doux of Anatolikon. Lead seal c. AD 970-990
Star with six rays ending in something resembling arrows; circular invocational legend + KE ROHÎ˜EI TW CW Î”UÎ›W
+RAPÎ”|MAÎ“ICTP,|S Î”UÎž TWN| ANATOÎ›’K|TWN OÎ AT|O Î APCK’ in six lines
30mm; 16.24gram.

Before turning to the identification of the seal’s owner, there are a number of issues to be addressed about the reverse legend. Up to the fourth line, all is clear. A nominative legend listing Bardas’ dignity of magistros and his office of doux ton Anatolikon. The last line has his family name Pars(a)k(outenos). The fifth line, however, does not make sense. It might be an engraver’s error, repeating TWN of the third line and O Î AP of the last line. This explanation, even though unelegant, has to do for now, unless an otherwise unknown office or command is meant.
The seal’s owner is probably the person named in Leon Diakonos (VII.1) as one of three brothers Parsakoutenos, who backed Bardas Phokas the younger during his rebellion of AD 970 against John I Tzimiskes. These brothers, Theodore, Bardas and Nikephoros took their name, according to Leon, “after the city of their birth, Parsakouta”, which is a village on the road between Nymphaion and Sardis in the Thrakesian theme (p. 162, n.4 of the English edition). Leon adds that the Parsakoutenoi were cousins of Bardas Phokas and that they held the rank of patrikios and adds that they ‘mustered troops with great zeal’. Skylitzes (291.13-14) adds that Theodore and Nikephoros were the sons of the patrikios Theodoulos Parsakoutenos, and were exarchs in Cappadocia (p. 162, n.3). The rebellion, however, was extinguished by the skilled general Bardas Skleros, and Bardas Phokas was temporarily imprisoned.
Leon Diakonos once again mentions Bardas Parsakoutenos in book X, chapter 7, during the revolt of Bardas Skleros. He is now called magistros, a higher rank than patrikios, which implies that his earlier allegience to a usurper had not frustrated his political career. In the late 970’s, Skleros conquered large parts of Asia and was threatening to blockade the Dardanelles, hindering merchants and grain transports to the capital. In the end, he was defeated by Bardas Phokas on 24th of March 979 and fled to Muslim territory. But before his final defeat on the battleground, according to Leon Diakonos, his fortress at Abydos was seized, his army destroyed, and fire was set to his fleet of triremes by an imperial fleet of fireships dispatched from the capital under the command of Bardas Parsakoutenos. The seal, listing Bardas’ dignity as magistros, not patrikios as attested in AD 970, might well be from this period.
1 commentsGert

BCC CG25 Oil Lamp FragmentDecorated Oil Lamp Discus with Lion?
Caesarea Maritima
1st-2nd Century CE
Fragment of an Early Roman oil lamp
consisting of the central part of a discus
decorated with a lion or gryphon? on a
ground line, crouching over object, perhaps
a bucranium? The tail appears to be wrapped
around the rear leg. Part of the filler hole is
visible below. Fabric: Medium fine grained,
light tan clay with traces of reddish/brown slip.
Manufacture: Mould made.
Origin: N. Africa? or Italy?
Dimensions: 3.75 x 2.9 x 0.75cm. Weight: 6.27gm.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1977
J. Berlin Caesarea Collectionv-drome

BCC LS39 Lead Seal or Tessera LionLead Seal or Tessera
Caesarea Maritima
Byzantine 5th-6th Cent.CE
Obv: Lion walking to right on ground
line, cross above. Holed in antiquity.
Rev: Incomplete Greek inscription in
three lines: ..NA/..TAC?/..OY Anastasius?
21 x 15 x 3mm. 4.92gm. Axis:0
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
J. Berlin Caesarea Collectionv-drome

BCC LT101 Lead Tessera Sunburst? Crossed LinesLead Tessera
Caesarea Maritima
1st to 4th Century CE
Obv: Sunburst? pattern with six
rays above horizontal line, inside
a circular border.
Rev: Crossed lines within circular border.
12 x 12 x 1.75mm 1.14gm. Axis:?
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1974
J. Berlin Caesarea Collectionv-drome

BCC MED4 and MED5 Bishops of ValenceCrusader - Medieval BCC 25 and BCC 24
Bishops of Valence,France
1157-1276 CE
Obv:VRBS.VALENT[IAI]
Stylized Angel?
Rev:+S.APOLLINARS
(St Apollinaris of Valence
d.520CE) Cross with one annulet.
The half coin has much sharper
detail than the second coin. It
is slightly larger than the whole
coin at 18mm vs. 17mm, but
weighs almost the same at 0.55gm.
vs. 0.85 for the whole coin. The
legend on the obverse of the half
coin begins at 7 o'clock in relation
to the angel figure. However, unlike
any other coins of this type that I
have seen on-line, the obverse
legend on the full (complete) coin
starts at 1 o'clock. The possibility
has been raised that original issues
of this and other types were circulating
alongside locally made copies in the
Eastern Crusader kingdoms at the
time. Comments or information are
always welcome. I do not have any
reference books for this period.v-drome

BCC rgp13 Trebonianus Gallus NeapolisRoman Greek Provincial
Neapolis-Samaria
Trebonianus Gallus 251-253CE
Obv:ΑΥT ΚΑΙ Γ ΟΥΕ TΡΕΒ
ΓΑΛΟϹ ϹΕΒΑϹ Laureate head right
Rev:ΦΛ ΝΕΑϹ/ΠΟΛΕWϹ/ΕΠΙ
ϹΗΜΟΥ/ΝΕΝ(sic)WΚΟ/ΡΟΥ
Inscription in five lines, Mt. Gerazim with temples, above.
Crescent and star to right and left.
AE25mm. 12.52gm. Axis:0 Extremely rare.
Rosenberger III, 111 Var. (reverse inscription, error)
SNG ANS 1036 Var. RPC IX 2143 Var. Sofaer 221 Var.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1975

(click on pic for higher resolution)

I believe this inscription refers to the
granting of privileges related to the
religious precinct known as Neokoros,
to the city of Neapolis-Samaria. As far
as I can tell, Neapolis was the only city
in this region granted such a status.
This elegant inscription contains an extra
"N" in the fourth line, which I have not
seen on any other on-line published coin
of this type. The profiles of Mt. Gerazim
represented on coins of Neapolis have
been used by archaeologists to help
locate the remains of this important
temple complex. Any other information
or ideas on this topic would be welcome.
I do not have access to RPC or other major
reference works at this time. The reverse die
for this coin is not listed in Harl's "Coinage
of Neapolis in Samaria" ANSMN 29, 1984.
The obverse is very similar to Harl's A26,
but with a slight discrepancy with regard
to his inscription as described.1 commentsv-drome

C. Cut in Antiquity: Halved AR Shekel (13 x 22mm, 4.10g), Punic Spain, Carthago Nova, 2nd Punic WarPhoto source: CNG [LINK]
Greek World (Hellenistic/Post-Classical N. Africa). Spain under Carthage, Carthago Nova AR Shekel (Halved, 13 x 22mm, 4.10g, 11h). Second Punic War issue, temp. Barcids, ca. 237-209 BCE.
Obv: Male head left (bare head of Melqart w/ features of Hannibal?); dotted border.
Rev: Horse standing right, palm tree in background; ground line, linear border.
Ref: MHC 131–65 (unlisted dies); ACIP 603.
Prov: Ex B. G. Collection, CNG EA 477 (23 Sep 2020), Lot 1 [LINK]; CNG 88 (14 Sep 2011), Lot 2 [LINK].

Notes: This coin was cut in antiquity with one strike from a narrow chisel to the obverse, then folded until the "halves" separated. Assuming uniform thickness, it represents about 61.5% of the original mass (~6.65g), leaving ~2.55g in the other "half." Coins "sectioned" in antiquity are often described as having been "cut for change," but cut coins are also found in hacksilver hoards that may not rely on currency standards at all. (Including hoards from Spain at this time; e.g., McCabe 2015 [LINK] & van Alfen et al. 2008 [LINK].)

Given the crisis in silver currency supply after Rome regained control of Spain, another interesting prospect is whether it might've been cut for "currency conversion" (i.e., from Punic Shekel to Attic Drachm or Roman Denarius, with the remaining "half" as a lightweight Victoriatus or Hemidrachm). That hypothesis is only speculation, and doesn't seem strongly supported by data from four similar specimens sold by CNG (c. 2011-3), probably part of a hoard (3.09g, 3.51g, 3.93g, and a 5.51g example prepared for sectioning into thirds). Just for fun, though, I've nicknamed this coin the "Hannibal Denarius" (the ID of the male head as Hannibal is highly controversial, to say the least, and debated for more than 50 years).1 commentsCurtis JJ

CAMPANIA, CalesCAMPANIA, Cales, AE Obol, 7.01g, 317-280 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left, CALENO before, dotted border/ Achelous Volturnus as a man-faced bull standing right on single line, head facing, lyre above, B below, CALENO in ex. SNG France 450; MSP I, 106 (this coin illustrated).Molinari

Campania, Hyrianoi. (Circa 405-400 BC)Fourrée Nomos (20.5mm, 6.33 g)

Obverse: Head of Athena wearing crested helmet decorated with olive-wreath and owl.

Reverse: Man-faced bull standing r. on exergual line, YDINA (retrograde) above. YDINA is in Oscan script and means "Urina", another name for Hyria.

For prototype, cf. HN Italy 539.

The city, named both Nola (new city) and Hyria (which Nola likely arose from), was situated in the midst of the plain lying to the east of Mount Vesuvius, 21 miles south of Capua. While Neapolis was the focus of minting in this general area, Neapolitan designs were adopted by several new series of coins, some of them bearing legends in Oscan script referring to communities that are otherwise unknown (such as the Hyrianoi). Complex die linking between these different series indicate, at the very least, close cooperation in minting. Didrachms sharing motives (Athena/man headed bull), but with legends referring to different issuing communities on the reverse, testify to the integration into a common material culture in Campania in the late fifth to early fourth century. The die sharing and use of legends in Oscan script allow for an interpretation of these issues as indigenous coinages struck in the Campanian mileu.

The influence of Athens on Hyria can be seen not only in the great number of Greek vases and other articles discovered at the old city but by the adoption of the head of Pallas with the Athenian owl as their obverse type.

This particular coin is an ancient forgery, which were quite common in Magna Graecia and typically of much higher quality than fourrees produced elsewhere. In ON THE FORGERIES OF PUBLIC MONEY [J. Y. Akerman
The Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Numismatic Society, Vol. 6 (APRIL, 1843–JANUARY, 1844), pp. 57-82] it is noted that ancient forgeries tend "to be most abundantly found to belong to the most luxurious, populous, and wealthy cities of Magna Graecia...Nor is it surprising that the luxury and vice of those celebrated cities should have led to crime; and among crimes, to the forging of money, as furnishing the means for the more easy gratification of those sensual indulgences, which were universally enjoyed by the rich in those dissipated and wealthy cities. Many of the coins of the places in question having been originally very thickly coated, or cased with silver (called by the French, fourrees), pass even now among collectors without suspicion."1 commentsNathan P

CAMPANIA, NeapolisCAMPANIA, Neapolis, AE Obol, 4.56g. Laureate head of Apollo left, K (retro) behind/ Man-faced bull standing right on single line, head facing, Victory above, IS below, nothing in ex. Sambon 667 var.Molinari

CAMPANIA, NeapolisCAMPANIA, Neapolis, 3.40g. Head of Apollo facing right, wearing laurel wreath with leaves in triple clusters, AP monogram behind/ Acheloios Sebethos as a man-faced bull to right, standing on single line, head facing, star with 8 rays in wreath above, Δ below, NEYΠOΛITΩN in ex. Dotted border. Taliercio IIa, 7; MSP I, 238.Molinari

CAMPANIA, NeapolisCAMPANIA: Neapolis. 317/310 to 270 BC, ae unit. OBV: Head of Apollo facing left, wearing laurel wreath with leaves in opposing pairs, NEOPOLITWN before. REV: Acheloios Sebethos as a man-faced bull standing to right on single line, head facing, bucrania above, IS in exergue. Sambon 645 var.; Taliercio-; SNG Muenchen 286; MSP I, 277 (this coin illustrated).

Ex. Tintinna 53, lot 15. Molinari

CAMPANIA, NeapolisCAMPANIA, Neapolis, AE Obol, 4.69g. Laureate head of Apollo left, NEAPOLITWN before, dotted border/ Achelous Sebethos as a man-faced bull standing right on single line, head facing, grasshopper above, nothing below, NEAPOLITWN in ex. Sambon 646; Taliercio IIa, 34; MSP I, 269.Molinari

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