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EGYPT. Alexandria. Domitian, 81-96. Diobol
(25 mm, 7.42 g, 11 h),
Obv: RY 10 = 90/1. [ΑΥΤ] ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ [ϹЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ] Laureate head of Domitian to right, with aegis on his left shoulder.
Rev: L I Agathodaemon serpent riding horse to right.
Dattari (Savio) 563. Emmett 276.10. K&G 24.110. RPC II 2584A.
Extremely rare. Somewhat porous and with light deposits, otherwise, good fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
Leu Numismatic Web auction 17 Lot 2103 Sunday August 15, 2021
I was first made aware of this coin a few years ago. Ever since, I have trying to grab one when they come up at auctions. The problem is 2-fold. First, it is a rare type. If the attribution of RPC 2854A is correct, it is even rarer than RPC 2854 which is on its own a rare coin. RPC online has my coin as RPC 2854 but I am not sure they are correct. The presence or absence of Aegis on the bust seems to be the key factor in differentiating these types.
I have found that I am attracted to the Alexandrian bronzes struck for Domitian. So many of the Egyptian themed coins are interesting and are a real departure from the reverses of the imperial coinage from the same time period.
Rarity aside it is the reverse of this coin that really shines. A coin that depicts a snake riding a horse? Yes, I will take one of those please. The reverse is so interesting that there is more demand for this type than the current supply. I consider myself lucky to add this fascinating type to my collection.
From the auction description: “According to Emmett, the reverse of this interesting issue is connected to the grain harvest. The horse represents the continuous cycle of the seasons, while Agathodaemon ensures that the grain will sprout, thus ensuring Egypt's prosperity.”
orfew
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Kassander, 317 - 297 BC. AE18. Struck 319 - 305 BC at an uncertain mint in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Head of Herakles, wearing lion's skin, facing right.
Reverse: KAΣΣAN - ΔPOY, above and below crouching lion facing right, Λ in right field, before lion.
Diameter: 17.77mm | Weight: 3.76gms | Die Axis: 6
SNG Cop 1138 | Sear GCV 6753 | Forrer/Weber 2161
This type was issued before Kassander's assumption of the royal title in 305 BC
Kassander (Cassander) was one of the Diadochoi, a group of Macedonian generals, and the self proclaimed ruler of Macedonia during the political turmoil following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. He was the son of Antipater, who had been appointed as regent in Macedonia while Alexander was in the East.
In 319 BC and close to death, Antipater transferred the regency of Macedonia to Polyperchon. Kassander refused to acknowledge the new regent and, with the aid of Antigonus I Monopthalmus the ruler of Phrygia, he seized Macedonia and most of Greece, including Athens. In 317 BC, he declared himself regent and had Alexander's widow, Roxanna and son, Alexander IV confined in Amphipolis. Later, in 310 or 309 BC, he had them put to death by poisoning. But, even though he had murdered Alexander's heirs and had been the de facto ruler of Macedonia from 317 BC, Kassander did not take the royal titles and declare himself king until 305 BC.
Meanwhile, Antigonus was intent on reuniting Alexander's empire under his own sovereignty and so Kassander joined forces with Ptolemy I of Egypt, Seleucus in Babylon and Lysimachus ruler of Thrace to oppose him. The two sides fought several battles between 319 and 303 BC resulting in Kassander losing Athens in 307 BC and his possessions south of Thessaly between 303 and 302 BC. However, in 301 BC Antigonus was defeated and killed at the Battle of Ipsus in Phrygia which allowed Kassander to secure undisputed control over Macedonia.
During his rule Kassander restored peace and prosperity to the kingdom, founding or restoring numerous cities, including Thebes which had been levelled by Alexander as punishment for rebelling against him. He also founded Thessalonica, naming the city after his wife, and Cassandreia, founded upon the ruins of Potidaea, which was named after himself.
Kassander died of dropsy in 297 BC and may have been buried in a royal tomb recently discovered at Vergina, identified as Aigai, the first Macedonian capital.
*Alex
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062b. ZenobiaIn 270, her forces conquered Egypt and much of Asia Minor. In 272, Aurelian reconquered the area and took Zenobia and her son prisoner. After using both of them in his triumph, he allowed them to live in some prosperity in Italy. All her coins were struck in 272.lawrence c
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1301a, Diocletian, 284-305 A.D. (Antioch)DIOCLETIAN (284 – 305 AD) AE Antoninianus, 293-95 AD, RIC V 322, Cohen 34. 20.70 mm/3.1 gm, aVF, Antioch. Obverse: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate bust right, draped & cuirassed; Reverse: CONCORDIA MILITVM, Jupiter presents Victory on a globe to Diocletian, I/XXI. Early Diocletian with dusty earthen green patina.
De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families
Diocletian ( 284-305 A.D.)
Ralph W. Mathisen
University of South Carolina
Summary and Introduction
The Emperor Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (A.D. 284-305) put an end to the disastrous phase of Roman history known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis" (235-284). He established an obvious military despotism and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Roman Empire, which is known variously as the "Dominate," the "Tetrarchy," the "Later Roman Empire," or the "Byzantine Empire." His reforms ensured the continuity of the Roman Empire in the east for more than a thousand years.
Diocletian's Early Life and Reign
Diocletian was born ca. 236/237 on the Dalmatian coast, perhaps at Salona. He was of very humble birth, and was originally named Diocles. He would have received little education beyond an elementary literacy and he was apparently deeply imbued with religious piety He had a wife Prisca and a daughter Valeria, both of whom reputedly were Christians. During Diocletian's early life, the Roman empire was in the midst of turmoil. In the early years of the third century, emperors increasingly insecure on their thrones had granted inflationary pay raises to the soldiers. The only meaningful income the soldiers now received was in the form of gold donatives granted by newly acclaimed emperors. Beginning in 235, armies throughout the empire began to set up their generals as rival emperors. The resultant civil wars opened up the empire to invasion in both the north, by the Franks, Alamanni, and Goths, and the east, by the Sassanid Persians. Another reason for the unrest in the army was the great gap between the social background of the common soldiers and the officer corps.
Diocletian sought his fortune in the army. He showed himself to be a shrewd, able, and ambitious individual. He is first attested as "Duke of Moesia" (an area on the banks of the lower Danube River), with responsibility for border defense. He was a prudent and methodical officer, a seeker of victory rather than glory. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube proclaimed the praetorian prefect Carus as emperor. Diocletian found favor under the new emperor, and was promoted to Count of the Domestics, the commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard. In 283 he was granted the honor of a consulate.
In 284, in the midst of a campaign against the Persians, Carus was killed, struck by a bolt of lightning which one writer noted might have been forged in a legionary armory. This left the empire in the hands of his two young sons, Numerian in the east and Carinus in the west. Soon thereafter, Numerian died under mysterious circumstances near Nicomedia, and Diocletian was acclaimed emperor in his place. At this time he changed his name from Diocles to Diocletian. In 285 Carinus was killed in a battle near Belgrade, and Diocletian gained control of the entire empire.
Diocletian's Administrative and Military Reforms
As emperor, Diocletian was faced with many problems. His most immediate concerns were to bring the mutinous and increasingly barbarized Roman armies back under control and to make the frontiers once again secure from invasion. His long-term goals were to restore effective government and economic prosperity to the empire. Diocletian concluded that stern measures were necessary if these problems were to be solved. He felt that it was the responsibility of the imperial government to take whatever steps were necessary, no matter how harsh or innovative, to bring the empire back under control.
Diocletian was able to bring the army back under control by making several changes. He subdivided the roughly fifty existing provinces into approximately one hundred. The provinces also were apportioned among twelve "dioceses," each under a "vicar," and later also among four "prefectures," each under a "praetorian prefect." As a result, the imperial bureaucracy became increasingly bloated. He institutionalized the policy of separating civil and military careers. He divided the army itself into so-called "border troops," actually an ineffective citizen militia, and "palace troops," the real field army, which often was led by the emperor in person.
Following the precedent of Aurelian (A.D.270-275), Diocletian transformed the emperorship into an out-and-out oriental monarchy. Access to him became restricted; he now was addressed not as First Citizen (Princeps) or the soldierly general (Imperator), but as Lord and Master (Dominus Noster) . Those in audience were required to prostrate themselves on the ground before him.
Diocletian also concluded that the empire was too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced the "Tetrarchy," or "Rule by Four." In 285, he named his lieutenant Maximianus "Caesar," and assigned him the western half of the empire. This practice began the process which would culminate with the de facto split of the empire in 395. Both Diocletian and Maximianus adopted divine attributes. Diocletian was identified with Jupiter and Maximianus with Hercules. In 286, Diocletian promoted Maximianus to the rank of Augustus, "Senior Emperor," and in 293 he appointed two new Caesars, Constantius (the father of Constantine I ), who was given Gaul and Britain in the west, and Galerius, who was assigned the Balkans in the east.
By instituting his Tetrarchy, Diocletian also hoped to solve another problem. In the Augustan Principate, there had been no constitutional method for choosing new emperors. According to Diocletian's plan, the successor of each Augustus would be the respective Caesar, who then would name a new Caesar. Initially, the Tetrarchy operated smoothly and effectively.
Once the army was under control, Diocletian could turn his attention to other problems. The borders were restored and strengthened. In the early years of his reign, Diocletian and his subordinates were able to defeat foreign enemies such as Alamanni, Sarmatians, Saracens, Franks, and Persians, and to put down rebellions in Britain and Egypt. The easter frontier was actually expanded.
.
Diocletian's Economic Reforms
Another problem was the economy, which was in an especially sorry state. The coinage had become so debased as to be virtually worthless. Diocletian's attempt to reissue good gold and silver coins failed because there simply was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. A "Maximum Price Edict" issued in 301, intended to curb inflation, served only to drive goods onto the black market. Diocletian finally accepted the ruin of the money economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind . The soldiers too came to be paid in kind.
In order to assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations which he felt would have to be performed. These were known as the "compulsory services." They included such occupations as soldiers, bakers, members of town councils, and tenant farmers. These functions became hereditary, and those engaging in them were inhibited from changing their careers. The repetitious nature of these laws, however, suggests that they were not widely obeyed. Diocletian also expanded the policy of third-century emperors of restricting the entry of senators into high-ranking governmental posts, especially military ones.
Diocletian attempted to use the state religion as a unifying element. Encouraged by the Caesar Galerius, Diocletian in 303 issued a series of four increasingly harsh decrees designed to compel Christians to take part in the imperial cult, the traditional means by which allegiance was pledged to the empire. This began the so-called "Great Persecution."
Diocletian's Resignation and Death
On 1 May 305, wearied by his twenty years in office, and determined to implement his method for the imperial succession, Diocletian abdicated. He compelled his co-regent Maximianus to do the same. Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new Caesars were selected, Maximinus (305-313) in the east and Severus (305- 307) in the west. Diocletian then retired to his palace at Split on the Croatian coast. In 308 he declined an offer to resume the purple, and the aged ex-emperor died at Split on 3 December 316.
Copyright (C) 1996, Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
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1301b, Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 March 305 A.D.Diocletian. RIC V Part II Cyzicus 256 var. Not listed with pellet in exegrue
Item ref: RI141f. VF. Minted in Cyzicus (B in centre field, XXI dot in exegrue)Obverse:- IMP CC VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse:- CONCORDIA MILITVM, Diocletian standing right, holding parazonium, receiving Victory from Jupiter standing left with scepter.
A post reform radiate of Diocletian. Ex Maridvnvm.
De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families
Diocletian ( 284-305 A.D.)
Ralph W. Mathisen
University of South Carolina
Summary and Introduction
The Emperor Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (A.D. 284-305) put an end to the disastrous phase of Roman history known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis" (235-284). He established an obvious military despotism and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the second phase of the Roman Empire, which is known variously as the "Dominate," the "Tetrarchy," the "Later Roman Empire," or the "Byzantine Empire." His reforms ensured the continuity of the Roman Empire in the east for more than a thousand years.
Diocletian's Early Life and Reign
Diocletian was born ca. 236/237 on the Dalmatian coast, perhaps at Salona. He was of very humble birth, and was originally named Diocles. He would have received little education beyond an elementary literacy and he was apparently deeply imbued with religious piety He had a wife Prisca and a daughter Valeria, both of whom reputedly were Christians. During Diocletian's early life, the Roman empire was in the midst of turmoil. In the early years of the third century, emperors increasingly insecure on their thrones had granted inflationary pay raises to the soldiers. The only meaningful income the soldiers now received was in the form of gold donatives granted by newly acclaimed emperors. Beginning in 235, armies throughout the empire began to set up their generals as rival emperors. The resultant civil wars opened up the empire to invasion in both the north, by the Franks, Alamanni, and Goths, and the east, by the Sassanid Persians. Another reason for the unrest in the army was the great gap between the social background of the common soldiers and the officer corps.
Diocletian sought his fortune in the army. He showed himself to be a shrewd, able, and ambitious individual. He is first attested as "Duke of Moesia" (an area on the banks of the lower Danube River), with responsibility for border defense. He was a prudent and methodical officer, a seeker of victory rather than glory. In 282, the legions of the upper Danube proclaimed the praetorian prefect Carus as emperor. Diocletian found favor under the new emperor, and was promoted to Count of the Domestics, the commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard. In 283 he was granted the honor of a consulate.
In 284, in the midst of a campaign against the Persians, Carus was killed, struck by a bolt of lightning which one writer noted might have been forged in a legionary armory. This left the empire in the hands of his two young sons, Numerian in the east and Carinus in the west. Soon thereafter, Numerian died under mysterious circumstances near Nicomedia, and Diocletian was acclaimed emperor in his place. At this time he changed his name from Diocles to Diocletian. In 285 Carinus was killed in a battle near Belgrade, and Diocletian gained control of the entire empire.
Diocletian's Administrative and Military Reforms
As emperor, Diocletian was faced with many problems. His most immediate concerns were to bring the mutinous and increasingly barbarized Roman armies back under control and to make the frontiers once again secure from invasion. His long-term goals were to restore effective government and economic prosperity to the empire. Diocletian concluded that stern measures were necessary if these problems were to be solved. He felt that it was the responsibility of the imperial government to take whatever steps were necessary, no matter how harsh or innovative, to bring the empire back under control.
Diocletian was able to bring the army back under control by making several changes. He subdivided the roughly fifty existing provinces into approximately one hundred. The provinces also were apportioned among twelve "dioceses," each under a "vicar," and later also among four "prefectures," each under a "praetorian prefect." As a result, the imperial bureaucracy became increasingly bloated. He institutionalized the policy of separating civil and military careers. He divided the army itself into so-called "border troops," actually an ineffective citizen militia, and "palace troops," the real field army, which often was led by the emperor in person.
Following the precedent of Aurelian (A.D.270-275), Diocletian transformed the emperorship into an out-and-out oriental monarchy. Access to him became restricted; he now was addressed not as First Citizen (Princeps) or the soldierly general (Imperator), but as Lord and Master (Dominus Noster) . Those in audience were required to prostrate themselves on the ground before him.
Diocletian also concluded that the empire was too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced the "Tetrarchy," or "Rule by Four." In 285, he named his lieutenant Maximianus "Caesar," and assigned him the western half of the empire. This practice began the process which would culminate with the de facto split of the empire in 395. Both Diocletian and Maximianus adopted divine attributes. Diocletian was identified with Jupiter and Maximianus with Hercules. In 286, Diocletian promoted Maximianus to the rank of Augustus, "Senior Emperor," and in 293 he appointed two new Caesars, Constantius (the father of Constantine I ), who was given Gaul and Britain in the west, and Galerius, who was assigned the Balkans in the east.
By instituting his Tetrarchy, Diocletian also hoped to solve another problem. In the Augustan Principate, there had been no constitutional method for choosing new emperors. According to Diocletian's plan, the successor of each Augustus would be the respective Caesar, who then would name a new Caesar. Initially, the Tetrarchy operated smoothly and effectively.
Once the army was under control, Diocletian could turn his attention to other problems. The borders were restored and strengthened. In the early years of his reign, Diocletian and his subordinates were able to defeat foreign enemies such as Alamanni, Sarmatians, Saracens, Franks, and Persians, and to put down rebellions in Britain and Egypt. The easter frontier was actually expanded.
.
Diocletian's Economic Reforms
Another problem was the economy, which was in an especially sorry state. The coinage had become so debased as to be virtually worthless. Diocletian's attempt to reissue good gold and silver coins failed because there simply was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. A "Maximum Price Edict" issued in 301, intended to curb inflation, served only to drive goods onto the black market. Diocletian finally accepted the ruin of the money economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind . The soldiers too came to be paid in kind.
In order to assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations which he felt would have to be performed. These were known as the "compulsory services." They included such occupations as soldiers, bakers, members of town councils, and tenant farmers. These functions became hereditary, and those engaging in them were inhibited from changing their careers. The repetitious nature of these laws, however, suggests that they were not widely obeyed. Diocletian also expanded the policy of third-century emperors of restricting the entry of senators into high-ranking governmental posts, especially military ones.
Diocletian attempted to use the state religion as a unifying element. Encouraged by the Caesar Galerius, Diocletian in 303 issued a series of four increasingly harsh decrees designed to compel Christians to take part in the imperial cult, the traditional means by which allegiance was pledged to the empire. This began the so-called "Great Persecution."
Diocletian's Resignation and Death
On 1 May 305, wearied by his twenty years in office, and determined to implement his method for the imperial succession, Diocletian abdicated. He compelled his co-regent Maximianus to do the same. Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new Caesars were selected, Maximinus (305-313) in the east and Severus (305- 307) in the west. Diocletian then retired to his palace at Split on the Croatian coast. In 308 he declined an offer to resume the purple, and the aged ex-emperor died at Split on 3 December 316.
Copyright (C) 1996, Ralph W. Mathisen, University of South Carolina
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
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1781. Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette, Congratulations of the Merchants of Paris on the Birth of the Dauphin.Obv: Busts of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette vis a vis. LVD XVI FR ET NAV REX MAR ANT AVSTR REG
Rev: Six Corps of Merchants led by the Governor of Paris the Duke de Cosse ASSERENDI NOVA SPES COMERCII / REGI DE ORTU SS DELHINI SEX MERCATOR PARIS ORDINES GRATULANTOR AUSP DUCIS DE COSSE URBIS CUB DIE IV NOV MDCCLXXXI
AE60. Engraved by Duvivier.
This medal commemorates the birth of Louis-Joseph Xavier Francois, Dauphin of France from 1781 to his death in 1789. The reverse expresses the hopes of the merchants of Paris of continuing prosperity under a stable monarchy.LordBest
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1783. Louis XVI. Burgundy Canal Inauguration.Obv. Draped bust right LUDOVICO XVI FR ET NAVAR REGI OPTIMO COMITIA BURGUND
Rev. Female water nymph, holding caduceus, surrounded by three male water nymphs on rocks surrounded by various symbols of prosperity UTRIUSQUE MARIS JUNCTIO TRIPLEN FOSSIS ABARARI ADLISER SEQUAN RHENUM SIMUL APERTIS MDCLXXXIII
Commemorates the construction of a canal system in Burgundy.LordBest
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1795 AE Halfpenny Token. Petersfield, Hampshire.Obverse: PETERSFIELD. Mounted dragoon presenting sword, on horse trotting to left.
Reverse: RULE BRITANNIA. Britannia facing left, seated on globe, her right hand holding spear, her left arm holding laurel-branch and resting on shield at her side; in exergue, 1795.
Edge: PAYABLE IN LONDON, the rest engrailed.
Diameter: 28mm
Dalton & Hamer: 49
RARE
This halfpenny token is one of a series of mules manufactured by Peter Kempson at his works in Birmingham. In the 18th century, token manufacturers often used their dies to their own advantage by striking “mules”, solely with the object of creating rare varieties which were sold to the collectors of the day.
Petersfield is a market town situated on the northern slopes of the South Downs, 17 miles north of Portsmouth, in Hampshire, England. The town is on the crossroads of well-used north–south and east–west routes and it grew in prosperity due to its position as a coach stop as well as it's local sheep farming, and cottage industries of leather and cloth.
The town was founded during the 12th century by William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester, and confirmed by charter in 1198 by John, Count of Mortain, the later King John.*Alex
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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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1ec_2 Constantine the Great307-337
Follis
Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right, IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Sol standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand, captive to left. Mintmark RQ.
RIC VII 52
According to Zonaras: Constans, in the eleventh year of his reign since he had been proclaimed Caesar, having ruled gently and mildly, came to the end of his life while residing in Britain, having, because of his goodness, bequeathed grief for himself among those he ruled, first having appointed successor the elder of his own sons, namely Constantine the Great, whom he begat by his first wife. He also had by his second wife, Herculius’ daughter Theodora, other sons, Constantinus, Hannibalianus, and Constantius. Constantine the Great was preferred over them, since they were judged by their father to be unsuited for sovereignty. . . . Constantine, when he was still a lad, was actually given by his father as a hostage to Gallerius, in order that, serving as a hostage, at the same time he be trained in the exercise of the soldierly art.
Eutropius summarizes: CONSTANTINE, being a man of great energy, bent upon effecting whatever he had settled in his mind, and aspiring to the sovereignty of the whole world, proceeded to make war on Licinius, although he had formed a connexion with him by marriage,5 for his sister Constantia was married to Licinius. And first of all be overthrew him, by a sudden attack, at Cibalae in Pannonia, where he was making vast preparations for war; and after becoming master of Dardania, Maesia, and Macedonia, took possession also of several other provinces.
There were then various contests between them, and peace made and broken. At last Licinius, defeated in a battle at Nicomedia by sea and land, surrendered himself, and, in violation of an oath taken by Constantine, was put to death, after being divested of the purple, at Thessalonica.
At this time the Roman empire fell under the sway of one emperor and three Caesars, a state of things which had never existed before; the sons of Constantine ruling over Gaul, the east, and Italy. But the pride of prosperity caused Constantine greatly to depart from his former agreeable mildness of temper. Falling first upon his own relatives, he put to death his son, an excellent man; his sister's son, a youth of amiable disposition; soon afterwards his wife, and subsequently many of his friends.
He was a man, who, in the beginning of his reign, might have been compared to the best princes; in the latter part of it, only to those of a middling character. Innumerable good qualities of mind and body were apparent in him; he was exceedingly ambitious of military glory, and had great success in his wars; a success, however, not more than proportioned to his exertions. After he had terminated the Civil war, he also overthrew the Goths on various occasions, granting them at last peace, and leaving on the minds of the barbarians a strong remembrance of his kindness. He was attached to the arts of peace and to liberal studies, and was ambitious of honourable popularity, which he, indeed, sought by every kind of liberality and obligingness. Though he was slow, from suspicion, to serve some of his friends,6 yet he was exceedingly generous towards others, neglecting no opportunity to add to their riches and honours.
He enacted many laws, some good and equitable, but most of them superfluous, and some severe. He was the first that endeavoured to raise the city named after him to such a height as to make it a rival to Rome. As he was preparing for war against the Parthians, who were then disturbing Mesopotamia, he died in the Villa Publica, at Nicomedia, in the thirty-first year of his reign, and the sixty-sixth of his age.
Zosimus described Constantine's conversion to Christianity: For he put to death his son Crispus, stiled (as I mentioned) Caesar, on suspicion of debauching his mother-in-law Fausta, without any regard to the ties of nature. And when his own mother Helena expressed much sorrow for this atrocity, lamenting the young man's death with great bitterness, Constantine under pretence of comforting her, applied a remedy worse than the disease. For causing a bath to be heated to an extraordinary degree, he shut up Fausta in it, and a short time after took her out dead. Of which his conscience accusing him, as also of violating his oath, he went to the priests to be purified from his crimes. But they told him, that there was no kind of lustration that was sufficient to clear him of such enormities. A Spaniard, named Aegyptius, very familiar with the court-ladies, being at Rome, happened to fall into converse with Constantine, and assured him, that the Christian doctrine would teach him how to cleanse himself from all his offences, and that they who received it were immediately absolved from all their sins. Constantine had no sooner heard this than he easily believed what was told him, and forsaking the rites of his country, received those which Aegyptius offered him ; and for the first instance of his impiety, suspected the truth of divination.Blindado
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1em Constantius GallusCaesar 351-354
Centenionalis
Bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right, A behind head, D N CONSTANTIVS IVN NOB C
Emperor, diademed and in military dress, standing facing, head left, holding standard with chi-rho banner in each hand. Star above. Left field: III. CONCORDIA MILITVM. Mintmark: star SIRM.
RIC 22
Zosimus noted: Constantius, having so well succeeded in his design against Vetranio, marched against Magnentius, having first conferred the title of Caesar on Gallus, the son of his uncle, and brother to Julian who was afterwards emperor, and given him in marriage his sister Constantia; either in order that he might oppose the Persians, or as seems more probable, that he might have an opportunity of taking him off. He and his brothers were the only remaining persons of the family whom Constantius had not put to death, as I have related. When he had clothed Gallus with the Caesarean robe, and appointed Lucilianus general in the Persian war, he marched towards Magnentius with his own troops and those of Vetranio in one body. Constantius II had him tried and put to death for misrule of the East as Caesar. . . . The state-informers, with which such men are usually surrounded, and which are designed for the ruin of those that are in prosperity, were augmented. These sycophants, when they attempted to effect the downfal of a noble in hopes of sharing his wealth or honours, contrived some false accusation against him. This was the practice in the time of Constantius. Spies of this description, who made the eunuchs of the court their accomplices, flocked about Constantius, and persuaded him that his cousin german Gallus, who was a Caesar, was not satisfied with that honour, but wished to be emperor. They so far convinced him of the truth of this charge, that they made him resolve upon the destruction of Gallus. The contrivers of this design were Dynamius and Picentius, men of obscure condition, who endeavoured to raise themselves by such evil practises. Lampadius also, the Prefect of the court, was in the conspiracy, being a person who wished to engross more of the emperor's favour than any other. Constantius listened to those false insinuations, and Gallus was sent for, knowing nothing of what was intended against him. As soon as he arrived, Constantius first degraded him from the dignity of Caesar, and, having reduced him to private station, delivered him to the public executioners to be put to death. Blindado
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1eq Valens364-378
AE 3, Siscia
Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, D N VALENS P F AVG
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm, SECVRITAS REIPUBLICAE. Mintmark dot ASISC.
RIC 7b
Zosimus recorded: [Valentinian was an experienced military man, but] Valens was surrounded with disquietude on every side, having always lived inactively, and having been raised to the empire suddenly. He could not indeed sustain the weight of business. He was disturbed, not by the Persians only, who were elated with their prosperity, which had increased since their truce with Jovian. They made incursions on the provinces without controul, since Nisibis was in their possession, and by distressing the eastern towns, constrained the emperor to march against them. On his departure from Constantinople, the rebellion of Procopius commenced. . . .
{With Valentiniand dead,] Valens was inundated with wars on every side. . . . [Valens' advisers] persuaded him to |107 march forward with his whole army; that the Barbarians were almost destroyed, and the emperor might gain a victory without trouble. Their counsel, though the least prudent, so far prevailed, that the emperor led forth his whole army without order. The Barbarians resolutely opposed them, and gained so signal a victory, that they slew all, except a few with whom the emperor fled into an unfortified village. The Barbarians, therefore, surrounded the place with a quantity of wood, which they set on fire. All who had fled thither, together with the inhabitants, were consumed in the tlames, and in such a manner, that the body of the emperor could never be found.Blindado
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201. Macrinus; NikopolisTyche
A Greek goddess, originally of fortune and chance, and then of prosperity. She was a very popular goddess and several Greek cities choose her as their protectress. In later times, cities had their own special Tyche. She is regarded as a daughter of Zeus (Pindar) or as a daughter of Oceanus and Tethys (Hesiod). She is associated with Nemesis and with Agathos Daimon ("good spirit"). Tyche was portrayed with a cornucopia, a rudder of destiny, and a wheel of fortune. The Romans identified her with their Fortuna.
AE26 of Nikopolis - Tyche OBVERSE: Laureate bust right REVERSE: Tyche standing left Holding rudder and Cornucopiae 26mm - 14 gramsecoli
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501. Constantine I Alexandria PosthumousAlexandria
The city passed formally under Roman jurisdiction in 80 BC, according to the will of Ptolemy Alexander but after it had been previously under Roman influence for more than a hundred years. Julius Caesar dallied with Cleopatra in Alexandria in 47 BC, saw Alexander's body (quipping 'I came to see a king, not a collection of corpses' when he was offered a view of the other royal burials) and was mobbed by the rabble. His example was followed by Marc Antony, for whose favor the city paid dearly to Octavian, who placed over it a prefect from the imperial household.
From the time of annexation onwards, Alexandria seems to have regained its old prosperity, commanding, as it did, an important granary of Rome. This fact, doubtless, was one of the chief reasons which induced Augustus to place it directly under imperial power. In AD 215 the emperor Caracalla visited the city and for some insulting satires that the inhabitants had directed at him, abruptly commanded his troops to put to death all youths capable of bearing arms. This brutal order seems to have been carried out even beyond the letter, for a general massacre ensued.
Even as its main historical importance had formerly sprung from pagan learning, now Alexandria acquired fresh importance as a centre of Christian theology and church government. There Arianism was formulated and where also Athanasius, the great opponent of both Arianism and pagan reaction, triumphed over both, establishing the Patriarch of Alexandria as a major influence in Christianity for the next two centuries.
As native influences began to reassert themselves in the Nile valley, Alexandria gradually became an alien city, more and more detached from Egypt and losing much of its commerce as the peace of the empire broke up during the 3rd century AD, followed by a fast decline in population and splendour.
In the late 4th century, persecution of pagans by Christians had reached new levels of intensity. Temples and statues were destroyed throughout the Roman empire: pagan rituals became forbidden under punishment of death, and libraries were closed. In 391, Emperor Theodosius I ordered the destruction of all pagan temples, and the Patriarch Theophilus, complied with his request. It is possible that the great Library of Alexandria and the Serapeum was destroyed about this time. The pagan mathematician and philosopher Hypathia was a prominent victim of the persecutions.
The Brucheum and Jewish quarters were desolate in the 5th century, and the central monuments, the Soma and Museum, fell into ruin. On the mainland, life seemed to have centred in the vicinity of the Serapeum and Caesareum, both which became Christian churches. The Pharos and Heptastadium quarters, however, remained populous and left intact.
veiled head only
DV CONSTANTI-NVS PT AVGG
RIC VIII Alexandria 32 C3
From uncleaned lot; one of the nicer finds.
ecoli
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5756 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Diobol 129-30 AD Tyche Reference.
Emmett 1144.14; Köln 1021; Milne 1289; RPC III, 5756
Issue L IΔ = year 14
Obv. AVT KAI TPAI A∆PIA CEB
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev. LIΔ
Tyche standing facing, head l., holding rudder and cornucopia
9.47 gr
23 mm
12h
Note from NGC.
The goddess Tyche, the protectress of cities and the goddess of good fortune and prosperity, known to the Romans as Fortuna. She often is portrayed on ancient coinage, including on this Egyptian drachm of Hadrian okidoki
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702a, Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D.Augustus, 27 BC - 14 AD. AE 19mm (5.98 gm). Lydia, Sardeis. Diodoros Hermophilou. Obverse: head right. Reverse: Zeus Lydios standing facing holding scepter and eagle. RPC I, 489, 2986; SNG von Aulock 3142. aVF. Fine portrait. Ex Tom Vossen.
De Imperatoribus Romanis:
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers
AUGUSTUS (31 B.C. - 14 A.D.)
Garrett G. Fagan
Pennsylvania State University
In the course of his long and spectacular career, he put an end to the advancing decay of the Republic and established a new basis for Roman government that was to stand for three centuries. This system, termed the "Principate," was far from flawless, but it provided the Roman Empire with a series of rulers who presided over the longest period of unity, peace, and prosperity that Western Europe, the Middle East and the North African seaboard have known in their entire recorded history. Even if the rulers themselves on occasion left much to be desired, the scale of Augustus's achievement in establishing the system cannot be overstated. Aside from the immense importance of Augustus's reign from the broad historical perspective, he himself is an intriguing figure: at once tolerant and implacable, ruthless and forgiving, brazen and tactful. Clearly a man of many facets, he underwent three major political reinventions in his lifetime and negotiated the stormy and dangerous seas of the last phase of the Roman Revolution with skill and foresight. With Augustus established in power and with the Principate firmly rooted, the internal machinations of the imperial household provide a fascinating glimpse into the one issue that painted this otherwise gifted organizer and politician into a corner from which he could find no easy exit: the problem of the succession.
(For a very detailed and interesting account of the Age of Augustus see: http://www.roman-emperors.org/auggie.htm)
Death and Retrospective
In his later years, Augustus withdrew more and more from the public eye, although he continued to transact public business. He was getting older, and old age in ancient times must have been considerably more debilitating than it is today. In any case, Tiberius had been installed as his successor and, by AD 13, was virtually emperor already. In AD 4 he had received grants of both proconsular and tribunician power, which had been renewed as a matter of course whenever they needed to be; in AD 13, Tiberius's imperium had been made co-extensive with that of Augustus. While traveling in Campania, Augustus died peacefully at Nola on 19 August, AD 14. Tiberius, who was en route to Illyricum, hurried to the scene and, depending on the source, arrived too late or spent a day in consultation with the dying princes. The tradition that Livia poisoned her husband is scurrilous in the extreme and most unlikely to be true. Whatever the case about these details, Imperator Caesar Augustus, Son of a God, Father of his Country, the man who had ruled the Roman world alone for almost 45 years, or over half a century if the triumviral period is included, was dead. He was accorded a magnificent funeral, buried in the mausoleum he had built in Rome, and entered the Roman pantheon as Divus Augustus. In his will, he left 1,000 sesterces apiece to the men of the Praetorian guard, 500 to the urban cohorts, and 300 to each of the legionaries. In death, as in life, Augustus acknowledged the true source of his power.
The inscription entitled "The Achievements of the Divine Augustus" (Res Gestae Divi Augustae; usually abbreviated RG) remains a remarkable piece of evidence deriving from Augustus's reign. The fullest copy of it is the bilingual Greek and Latin version carved into the walls of the Temple of Rome and Augustus at Ancyra in Galatia (for this reason the RG used to be commonly referred to as the Monumentum Ancyranum). Other evidence, however, demonstrates that the original was inscribed on two bronze pillars that flanked the entrance to the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome. The inscription remains the only first-person summary of any Roman emperor's political career and, as such, offers invaluable insights into the Augustan regime's public presentation of itself.
In looking back on the reign of Augustus and its legacy to the Roman world, its longevity ought not to be overlooked as a key factor in its success. People had been born and reached middle age without knowing any form of government other than the Principate. Had Augustus died earlier (in 23 BC, for instance), matters may have turned out very differently. The attrition of the civil wars on the old Republican aristocracy and the longevity of Augustus, therefore, must be seen as major contributing factors in the transformation of the Roman state into a monarchy in these years. Augustus's own experience, his patience, his tact, and his great political acumen also played their part. All of these factors allowed him to put an end to the chaos of the Late Republic and re-establish the Roman state on a firm footing. He directed the future of the empire down many lasting paths, from the existence of a standing professional army stationed at or near the frontiers, to the dynastic principle so often employed in the imperial succession, to the embellishment of the capital at the emperor's expense. Augustus's ultimate legacy, however, was the peace and prosperity the empire was to enjoy for the next two centuries under the system he initiated. His memory was enshrined in the political ethos of the Imperial age as a paradigm of the good emperor; although every emperor adopted his name, Caesar Augustus, only a handful earned genuine comparison with him.
Copyright © 1999, Garrett G. Fagan.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.
Augustus (the first Roman emperor, in whose reign Jesus Christ was born) is without any doubt one of the most important figures in Roman history.
It is reported that when he was near death, Augustus addressed those in attendance with these words, "If I have played my part well, applaud!"
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr Cleisthenes
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AE 26 Civic Issue of Tarsus in Cilicia after 164 BCObverse: City goddess (Tyche) seated right on a throne holding an ear of grain, at her feet swims the river god Kyndos.
Reverse: Jupiter Nikephoros seated right holding staff. TARSEWN (of the Tarsians) in the right field
The obverse symbolizes the city on the banks of the Kyndos river, holding the symbol of its prosperity. Tarsos was the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. In the Roman era the figure of Jupiter has replaced the ancient God, Sandan.
SNGLev979m(ref. Wildwinds), w.t 14.7 gms daverino
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Alexander III Athena / Nike AV StaterKINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.65 g, 11h). Sidon mint. Struck under Menes. Dated RY 7 of Abdalonymos (327/6 BC).
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent, and necklace
R: AΛEΞANΔPOY, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; palm frond and date (in Phoenician) to left, ΣI below left wing.
- Price 3482; Newell, Dated 21 (dies –/α [unlisted obv. die]); Rouvier 1171; DCA 867. From the rare, earliest issue of dated Sidon staters.
Abdalonymos was a gardener, but of royal descent, who was made king of Sidon by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. After Alexander the Great had Sidon under siege, he gave permission to Hephaestion to bestow its crown on whom he pleased. Hephaestion offered it to two brothers with whom he lodged, but they thankfully declined it, alleging that according to their local laws, it could only be worn by one of royal blood. Being desired to point out such a person, they named Abdalonymos - the gardener, who, notwithstanding his birth, had fallen into such poverty, that he supported himself by the cultivation of a kitchen garden.
Hephaestion directed the brothers to carry the royal crown and robes to Abdalonymos. They obeyed, and found him weeding in his garden. After causing him to wash, they invested him with the ensigns of royalty, and conducted him to Alexander. This prince, who discerned in him an aspect not unworthy of his origin, turning to those around him and said 'I wish to know how he bore his poverty.'-'Would to heaven,' replied Abdalonymos, 'I may as well bear my prosperity! These hands have ministered to all my necessities; and as I possessed nothing, I wanted nothing'. Alexander was so well pleased with this reply, that he confirmed the nomination of Hephaestion, and gave the new king the palace and private estate of Strato his predecessor, and even augmented his dominions from the neighbouring country.Nemonater
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Antoninus PiusTitus Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus was born around 86 A.D. to a distinguished family. After a typical senatorial career he made a name for himself as proconsul of Asia. He was adopted as Emperor Hadrian`s heir in February 138 A.D. and succeeded soon after. His reign was long and peaceful, a Golden Age of tranquility and prosperity. He died in 161 A.D., leaving Marcus Aurelius as his successor.
Silver denarius, RIC 175, RSC 284, BMC 657, F, Rome mint, 2.669g, 17.7mm, 0o, 148 - 149 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head right; reverse COS IIII, Annona standing left holding corn-ears over modius left and anchor; fire damaged, slightly wavy flan;
Dumanyu2
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ANTONINUS PIUS / SERAPIS , Alexandria BILLION TETRADRACHMMINTED IN ALEXANDRIA , EGYPT FROM 138 - 161 AD
OBVERSE : ANTwNINO C CEBEUC CEB Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right.
REVERSE : Draped bust of Serapis right,modius on head. L K
References : SNG Cop 426 ( No, L K ?)
22.2 MM AND 13.15 GRAMS.
Alexandria ( of Egypt ) issued billon tetradrachms in large numbers between the reign of Augustus and the closing of the Alexandrian mint during the reign of Diocletian. These coins were no doubt mainly intended to pay the salaries of government officials, of the permanent garrison, and of the temporary troops stationed in Alexandria for purposes of war. They were probably also the form in which taxes in money were received, and were used for trade among the people within the city of Alexandria and other Graeco-Roman cities in Egypt. They also served the purpose of providing a subsidiary coinage with Greek legends which formed the vehicle for Roman imperial propaganda throughout Egypt. On the reverse of these coins were placed the Egyptian Hellenized deities, as an indication of the goodwill of the Roman emperors towards Egypt.
The greater part of the agricultural population of Egypt had scarcely any need for coins except to pay their taxes. The real currency and measure of value in the agricultural settlements was grain, wine or oil. The chief export of Egypt was grain, and this did not bring much money to the cultivators, for most of the grain was collected as tribute, not in trade, and they got nothing in return. Consequently, there is reason to suppose that considerably fewer coins circulated in Egypt generally than the region of Alexandria.
From the reign of Nero onwards, Egypt enjoyed an era of prosperity which lasted a century. Much trouble was caused by religious conflicts between the Greeks and the Jews, particularly in Alexandria, which after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD become the world centre of Jewish religion and culture. Under Trajan a Jewish revolt occurred, resulting in the suppression of the Jews of Alexandria and the loss of all their privileges, although they soon returned. Hadrian, who twice visited Egypt, founded Antinoöpolis in memory of his drowned lover Antinous. From his reign onwards buildings in the Greco-Roman style were erected throughout the country. Under Marcus Aurelius, however, oppressive taxation led to a revolt (139 AD) of the native Egyptians, which was suppressed only after several years of fighting.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection. Sam
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Antoninus Pius denarius ItaliaAR Denarius
Antoninus Pius, 138-161 CE
Diameter: 18mm, Weight: 3.24 grams, Die axis: 7h
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TRP COS III
Laureate head to right.
Reverse: ITALIA
Italia towered, seated left on globe, holding cornucopiae and sceptre.
Mint: Rome
References: RIC 73
Notes:
- This coin can be dated between 140 to 143 CE.
- A scarcer issue of Antoninus, alluding to Italian domination over the world. The cornucopiae symoblises the Roman belief in the prosperity and good fortune they had brought the world
- Denarii minted under the reign of Antoninus Pius had a target weight of 3.4 grams and an average silver content of 88%.
Purchased from Mike Vosper Coins, 2006Pharsalos
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Auxonne in France, 1424-1427 AD., Duchy of Burgundy, Philippe le Bon, Blanc aux écus, Poey d'Avant # 5735.France, Duchy of Burgundy, Auxonne mint (?), Philip the Good (Philippe le Bon, 1419-1467), struck 1424-1427 AD.,
AR blanc aux écus (26-28 mm / 3,27 g),
Obv.: + DVX : ET : COMES : BVRGVDIE , Ecus accolés de Bourgogne nouveau et Bourgogne ancien sous PhILIPVS.
Rev.: + SIT : NOMEN : DNI : BENEDICTVM , Croix longue entre un lis et un lion, au-dessus de PhILIPVS.
B., 1230 ; Dumas, 15-7-1 ; Poey d'Avant # 5735.
"PotatorII": "This coin is atributed to Auxonne mint because of the presence of a "secret dot" under the first letter (S) on reverse."
Rare
Imitation du blanc aux écus d'Henri VI d'Angleterre, frappé en France à partir de novembre 1422.
Philip the Good (French: Philippe le Bon), also Philip III, Duke of Burgundy (July 31, 1396 – June 15, 1467) was Duke of Burgundy from 1419 until his death. He was a member of a cadet line of the Valois dynasty (the then Royal family of France). During his reign Burgundy reached the height of its prosperity and prestige and became a leading center of the arts. Philip is known in history for his administrative reforms, patronage of Flemish artists such as Jan van Eyck, and the capture of Joan of Arc. During his reign he alternated between English and French alliances in an attempt to improve his dynasty's position.
Born in Dijon, he was the son of John the Fearless and Margaret of Bavaria-Straubing. On the 28 January 1405, he was named Count of Charolais in appanage of his father and probably on the same day he was engaged to Michele of Valois (1395–1422), daughter of Charles VI of France and Isabeau of Bavaria. They were married in June of 1409.
Philip subsequently married Bonne of Artois (1393–1425), daughter of Philip of Artois, Count of Eu, and also the widow of his uncle, Philip II, Count of Nevers, in Moulins-les-Engelbert on November 30, 1424. The latter is sometimes confused with Philip's biological aunt, also named Bonne (sister of John the Fearless, lived 1379 - 1399), in part due to the Papal Dispensation required for the marriage which made no distinction between a marital aunt and a biological aunt.
His third marriage, in Bruges on January 7, 1430 with Isabella of Portugal (1397 - December 17, 1471), daughter of John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, produced three sons:
* Antoine (September 30, 1430, Brussels – February 5, 1432, Brussels), Count of Charolais
* Joseph (April 24, 1432 – aft. May 6, 1432), Count of Charolais
* Charles (1433–1477), Count of Charolais and Philip's successor as Duke, called "Charles the Bold" or "Charles the Rash"
Philip also had some eighteen illegitimate children, including Antoine, bastard of Burgundy, by twenty four documented mistresses [1]. Another, Philip of Burgundy (1464-1524), bishop of Utrecht, was a fine amateur artist, and the subject of a biography in 1529.
Philip became duke of Burgundy, count of Flanders, Artois and Franche Comté when his father was assassinated in 1419. Philip accused Charles, the Dauphin of France and Philip's brother-in-law of planning the murder of his father which had taken place during a meeting between the two at Montereau, and so he continued to prosecute the civil war between the Burgundians and Armagnacs. In 1420 Philip allied himself with Henry V of England under the Treaty of Troyes. In 1423 the alliance was strengthened by the marriage of his sister Anne to John, Duke of Bedford, regent for Henry VI of England.
In 1430 Philip's troops captured Joan of Arc at Compiègne and later handed her over to the English who orchestrated a heresy trial against her, conducted by pro-Burgundian clerics. Despite this action against Joan of Arc, Philip's alliance with England was broken in 1435 when Philip signed the Treaty of Arras (which completely revoked the Treaty of Troyes) and thus recognised Charles VII as king of France. Philip signed for a variety of reasons, one of which may have been a desire to be recognised as the Premier Duke in France. Philip then attacked Calais, but this alliance with Charles was broken in 1439, with Philip supporting the revolt of the French nobles the following year (an event known as the Praguerie) and sheltering the Dauphin Louis.
Philip generally was preoccupied with matters in his own territories and seldom was directly involved in the Hundred Years' War, although he did play a role during a number of periods such as the campaign against Compiegne during which his troops captured Joan of Arc. He incorporated Namur into Burgundian territory in 1429 (March 1, by purchase from John III, Marquis of Namur), Hainault and Holland, Frisia and Zealand in 1432 (with the defeat of Countess Jacqueline in the last episode of the Hook and Cod wars); inherited the duchy of Brabant and Limburg and the margrave of Antwerp in 1430 (on the death of his cousin Philip of Saint-Pol); and purchased Luxembourg in 1443 from Elisabeth of Bohemia, Duchess of Luxembourg. Philip also managed to ensure his illegitimate son, David, was elected Bishop of Utrecht in 1456. It is not surprising that in 1435, Philip began to style himself "Grand Duke of the West". In 1463 Philip returned some of his territory to Louis XI. That year he also created an Estates-General based on the French model. The first meeting of the Estates-General was to obtain a loan for a war against France and to ensure support for the succession of his son, Charles I, to his dominions. Philip died in Bruges in 1467.
my ancient coin database
Arminius
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Commodus RIC III, 649Commodus 177 - 192, son of Marcus Aurelius
AR - Denar, 3.65g, 16mm
Rome (?) AD 178
obv. L AVREL COM - MODVS AVG
draped, cuirassed bust, laureate head r.
rev. TRP III IMP II COS PP
Salus seated l. on throne, holding r. poppy to snake coming
out of altar, resting l. arm on chair
RIC III, Marcus Aurelius 649; C. 762 var.; BMCR 777
VF
added to www.wildwinds.com
There is an oddity in the description of this coin between RIC and Cohen:
RIC: holding branch, snake to her feet
Cohen: holding poppy to snake coming out of altar
POPPY, because of the freedom with which it flowers (or the thousands of
semen it produces?) the poppy is sometimes used as a symbol of fertility or prosperityJochen
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Conder Token: Kent 13Obv: KENTISH LIBERTY PRESERVED BY VIRTUE & COURAGE, Kentish men meeting William the Conqueror, who is on horseback, 1067 below.
Rev: PROSPERITY TO THE WOODEN WALLS OF OLD ENGLAND, the stern of the ROYAL GEORGE, KENT HALFPENNY / 1795 / TDH.
Edge: PAYABLE AT THO’S HAYCRAFTS DEBTFORD
Half Penny Conder Token
Dalton & Hamer: Kent 13Matt Inglima
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Egypt, Alexandria, Hadrian, Milne 844Hadrian, AD 117-138
struck AD 117-118
obv. AVT KAIC TRAIANOC ADRIANOC
Bust, draped, laureate, r.
rev. Euthenia, clad in the garment of Isis with the typical pectoral knot, wearing Uraeus crown
and grain(?) , leaning l., resting with l. arm on small sphinx, laying r., and holding in raised
r. hand grain-ears, poppies and lotus-flower(?)
in field LB (= year 2)
Milne 822; BMC -
VF, brown patina
From Forum Ancient Coins, thanks!
The portrait of Hadrian is unusual and reminds of Caligula(!). This often appears on Alexandrian coins where the typical Roman Imperial portraits are found some times later in the reign of the emperor.
Euthenia was the goddess or spirit (daimon) of prosperity, abundance and plenty. She appears to have been one of a group of four younger Graces, the others being her sisters Eukleia (Good Repute), Eupheme (Acclaim) and Philophrosyne (Welcome) (from www.theoi.com)
Jochen
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Emperor Philip I the Syrian, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D.Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 75A (R); RSC IV 130, SRCV III 8945, Hunter III -, EF, superb strike with sharp dies, nice metal, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 4.966g, maximum diameter 22.4mm, die axis 0o, 247 - 248 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse P M TR P IIII COS P P (high priest, holder of Tribunitian power for four years, consul, father of the country), Felicitas standing left, long caduceus in right hand, cornucopia in left hand; from the Jyrki Muona Collection, ex dear friend Barry Murphy.
FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.
*Incredible art
Felicitas was the goddess or personification of happiness, good fortune, and success. She played an important role in Rome's state religion during the empire and was frequently portrayed on coins. She became a prominent symbol of the wealth and prosperity of the Roman Empire.Sam
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FelicitasJulia Mamaea, died 235, mother of Severus Alexander
AR - Denar, 3.22g, 19mm
Rome AD 230
obv. IVLIA MA - MAEA AVG
draped bust, diademed head r.
rev. FELICITAS - PVBLICA
Felicitas sitting l., holding caduceus l. and cornucopiae r.,
l. foot on footstool
FELICITAS, personification of 'happiness' in the sense of prosperity and
success, here of the state (PVBLICA)
1 Caduceus, herald's staff, originally carried by Mercury, later decorated
at the top with a pair of serpents and often winged. Suggesting peace,
stability and concord
2 Cornucopiae, 'horns of plenty', overflowing with fruits and ears of grain,
a motif borrowed from Greek art, symbol of prosperty (brought to the people by
the emperor) Jochen
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FORTUNA REDUX.AE sestertius. Rome, 211 AD. 28.05 gr. Laureate head right. P SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG BRIT. / Fortuna seated left on throne, holding rudder on globe and cornucopiae, wheel under seat. FORT RED TR P III COS II P P S C. BMCRE 40. RIC 168a.
Fortuna is the Roman Goddess of Luck, Fate, and Fortune. Usually depicted holding in one hand a cornucopia, or a horn of plenty, from which all good things flowed in abundance, representing her ability to bestow prosperity; in the other she generally has a ship's rudder, to indicate that She is the one who controls how lives and fates are steered. She could also be shown enthroned, with the same attributes of rudder and cornucopia, but with a small wheel built into the chair, representing the cycles of fate and the ups and downs of fortune.
Fortuna Redux, one of the many aspects of Fortuna, was in charge of bringing people home safely, primarily from wars—redux means "coming back" or "returning". She may be one of the later aspects of Fortuna, as the earliest mention of Her is of an altar dedicated by the Senate in 19 BCE for the safe return of the Emperor Augustusbenito
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Fortuna, Personification of good luckFaustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius, Augusta 147-175/6 C.E.
AR Denarius (18.5 mm), Rome mint, 161-175 C.E.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, Bare-headed & draped bust r.
Rev: FORTVNAE MVLIEBRI, Fortuna enthroned left, holding rudder and cornucopiae.
RIC-683; Sear-5253; BMC-96; Cohen-107.
This legend, unique to this empress, dedicates the type 'to the Fortune of Women'. Festus speaks of a statue of this goddess at the fourth milestone from Rome.
Fortuna personifies good fortune, luck and prosperity. She is usually depicted holding a rudder or cornucopiae; she sometimes holds a wheel at her side.
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France (Feudal): Champagne, Provins and Sens, Anonymous, 11th and 12th CenturiesRoberts 4097 & 4724, Poey d'Avant 5966 var., Boudeau 1754-1755 var.
AR denier, Sens mint, ca. 1050-1125, 20 mm.
Obv: + RIL DVNS CATO [Castle of Provins], wool comb in lower field formed by circle of dots, o+o above (legend begins at 9 o’clock).
Rev: + SEEI OMS CIVI [City of Sens], cross in circle of dots, pellets in two quadrants, possible alpha and omega in other quadrants.
The field (champ) and comb (peigne) on the reverse is a visual pun on the name of the region.
Provins was home to two of the six Champagne and Brie fairs, which were the keys to its prosperity. The May Fair began on the Tuesday before Ascension and ran for 46 days, and the Fair of St. Ayoul began on the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14).Stkp
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France (Feudal): Champagne, Provins. Count Thibaut II, The Great (1125-1152)Roberts 4726, Poey d'Avant 5971 Plate CXXXVIII/18, Boudeau --
AR denier, Provins mint, .80 g., 19.88 mm. max., 180°
Obv: [+] TEBAL[T] COMES (= Count Thibaut), Cross, pellets in two quadrants, alpha and omega in other quadrants.
Rev: (beginning at 9 o'clock) CASTRI P[VVI]NS (=Chateau/Castle Provins), Wool comb; T on V flanked by two annulets.
The field (champ) and comb (peigne) on the reverse is a visual pun on the name of the region.
Provins was home to two of the six Champagne and Brie fairs, which were the keys to its prosperity. The May Fair began on the Tuesday before Ascension and ran for 46 days, and the Fair of St. Ayoul began on the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14).
Thibaut II of Champagne and Thibaut IV of Blois was born about 1090 and died January 10, 1152. He was Count of Blois, Chartres, Meaux, Châteaudun lord of Sancerre between 1102 and 1152 and Count of Troyes and Champagne between 1125 and 1152.Stkp
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GalbaRoman Empire
Imperator Servius Galba Caesar Augustus
(Reign as 6th Emperor: June 8, 68-Jan. 15, 69)
(Born: Dec. 4th, 3 BC, Died Jan. 15th 69 [Age 71])
Obverse: IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, Head of Galba wearing laurel wreath and facing right
Reverse: SALVS GEN HVMANI, Salus standing facing left, stepping on globe, sacrificing over altar and holding rudder
Silver Denarius
Minted in Rome July 68-Jan. 69
Understanding the inscriptions:
IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG=Imperator Servius Galba Caesar Augustus Sphinx357
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Hadrian RIC-0867 Dupondius FidesRome mint, AD 126 - 127, Group 6.
HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, Radiate head right, trace of drapery on far (left) shoulder.
COS III, S-C, Fides standing, head right, holding grain ears in right hand, raised dish of fruit in left.
12.5 g; 26 mm dia; 6h.
I need to do some further research to determine the significance of Fides holding a fruit dish. The design likely highlights prosperity in some way.
RIC II/3 867; Str. 610; BMC 1324.
Picked from "junk bin" of Austrian dealer.SC
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ISLAMIC, Islamic Dynasties, Hafsids, Abu Zakariya Yahya I, AV DinarIslamic Dynasties, Hafsids, Abu Zakariya Yahya I, AV Dinar, 4.76g, Tilimsan mint, minted 1242-49 AD
Obverse
Central square
al-wahid allah / muhammad rasul allah / al-mahdi khalifat allah / tilimsan
“the one God, Muhammad is the messenger of God, al-Mahdi is the Viceroy of God, Tilimsan (in tiny letters)”
Marginal segments
12:00 o’clock: bism allah al-rahman al-rahim, 9:00 o'clock: salla allah ’ala sayyidna muhammad, 6:00 o'clcok: wa ilahukum ilah wahid, 3:00 o'clock: la ilah illa huwwa al-rahman ’ala sayyidna muhammad,
“in the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, God’s blessing be upon Muhammad, and your god is a single god, no god but He, the Merciful, the Compassionate”
Reverse
In central square
al-shukr lillah / wa’l-minna lilla / wa’l-hawl wa al-hul wa’ al-quwwa billah
“thanks be to God and Grace be to God and power and strength be to God”
Marginal segments
12:00 o’clock: al-amir al-ajall, 9:00 o'clock: abu zakariyya yahya, 6:00 o'clock: ibn abu muhammad, 3:00 o'clock: ibn abu hafs
“the Great Prince, Abu Zakariyya Yahya, bin Abu Muhammad, bin Abu Hafs”
The Hafsids were descended from Shaykh Abu Hafs ‘Umar, who was a companion and helper of Ibn Tumart, known as al-Mahdi, in the early years of Almohad growth. Abu Zakariya Yahya I was the first ruler of the dynasty, which ruled in Algeria, Tunisia and Tripoli for over three and a half centuries from 627 to 982 H/1230-1574 AD. He began his claim to independence by omitting the Almohad ruler’s name from the khutba (the imam’s speech before Friday prayer) on the grounds that he was undermining the purity of his dynasty’s traditions, and took the title Amir. At this time the Maghrib was divided into three, with the town of Tilimsan (Tlemcen) held by the Ziyanids, Fas (Fez) by the Marinids and Tunis, the Hafsid capital, by Abu Zakariya Yahya. However, Yahya went on to conquer all of Ifriqiya, annex Algiers and capture Tilimsan, which he immediately returned to the Ziyanids on condition that they gave him their allegiance.
By the time of his death in 647 (1249) Yahya’s overlordship was acknowledged by the entire Maghrib, including northern Morocco as well as part of Spain. Yahya’s reign was a time of peace and prosperity, with treaties made with European states and Spanish Muslim craftsmen and scholars settling in the Maghrib.
There were three stages in the development of the coinage of Yahya I, the first from 627-634, when he was still serving as an Almohad governor, the second from 634 to 640 when he placed the name of the Almohad ruler as well as his own on the coinage, and the third, this coin, from 640 to 647 when only his name appeared, with the title al-amir al-ajall (the Great Prince), although he continued to recognise the spiritual ties to the Almohad doctrine of al-Mahdi.
The superb quality of both the calligraphy and magnificent striking of this coin suggests that Yahya considered it to be of particular importance in promoting public recognition of his power and prestige.mitresh
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Italy- Pompeii- BrothelSome of the most fascinating clues about the lives of the ancient peoples who made their lives in Pompeii can be found in the numerous brothels in the city. It is an indication of the prosperity of the city -- people had money to burn. Here is one example of the Pompeian "houses of ill repute". I chose this one because of its unusual architecture and fine frescoes.
Ancient Pompeii was full of erotic or pornographic frescoes, symbols, inscriptions, and even household items. The ancient Roman culture of the time was much more sexually permissive than most present-day cultures.
When the serious excavation of Pompeii began in the 18th century, a clash of the cultures was the result. A fresco on a wall that showed the ancient god of sex and fertility, Priapus with his extremely enlarged penis, was covered with plaster and only rediscovered because of rainfall in 1998.[1] In 1819, when king Francis I of Naples visited the exhibition at the National Museum with his wife and daughter, he was so embarrassed by the erotic artwork that he decided to have it locked away in a secret cabinet, accessible only to "people of mature age and respected morals." Re-opened, closed, re-opened again and then closed again for nearly 100 years, it was made briefly accessible again at the end of the 1960s (the time of the sexual revolution) and has finally been re-opened in the year 2000. Minors are not allowed entry to the once secret cabinet without a guardian or a written permission.As previously mentioned, some of the paintings and frescoes became immediately famous because they represented erotic, sometimes explicit, sexual scenes. One of the most curious buildings recovered was in fact a Lupanare (brothel), which had many erotic paintings and graffiti indicating the services available -- patrons only had to point to what they wanted. The Lupanare had 10 rooms (cubicula, 5 per floor), a balcony, and a latrina. It was one of the larger houses, perhaps the largest, but not the only brothel. The town seems to have been oriented to a warm consideration of sensual matters: on a wall of the Basilica (sort of a civil tribunal, thus frequented by many Roman tourists and travelers), an immortal inscription tells the foreigner, If anyone is looking for some tender love in this town, keep in mind that here all the girls are very friendly (loose translation).
The function of these pictures is not yet clear: some authors say that they indicate that the services of prostitutes were available on the upper floor of the house and could perhaps be a sort of advertising, while others prefer the hypothesis that their only purpose was to decorate the walls with joyful scenes (as these were in Roman culture). The Termae were, however, used in common by males and females, although baths in other areas (even within Pompeii) were often segregated by sex.
Peter Wissing
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John III Ducas-Vatatses Gold HyperpyronJohn III Ducas-Vatatzes, Empire of Nicaea, Gold Hyperpyron, c. Lydia, Magnesia ad Sipylum (Manisa, Turkey) mint, weight 4.528g, maximum diameter 28.1mm, die axis 180o, 2nd coinage, c. 1232 – 1254,
Metcalf Agrinion 82 - 92; DOC IV-2 6a.2; Lianta 204; Hendy pl. 32, 3; Sommer 70.1.4; SBCV 2073 (none with rev. legend blunder),
OBV: Christ seated facing on throne without back, dotted nimbus, wears tunic and kolobion, raising right hand in benediction, Gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Jesus Christ) across field, annulet (sigla) left above throne;
REV: Iw / ∆C/Π/T - Tw / MHP/ΦV (sic, blundered with MHP in place of ΠOP), John on left, standing facing, wears stemma, divitision, collar-piece and loros, labarum in right hand, anexikakia in left; crowned by Virgin Mary on right, standing left, nimbate, wears tunic and maphorion, MHP - ΘV (Greek abbreviation: Mητηρ Θεου - Mother of God) flanking nimbus
ex S. Lindner Collection; ex Roma Numismatics e-sale 65 (19 Dec 2019), lot 1007; ex German dealer; rare;
SH99292
A successful soldier from a military family, John was chosen in about 1216 by Emperor Theodore I Laskaris as the second husband for his daughter Irene Laskarina and as heir to the throne. This arrangement excluded members of the Laskarid family from the succession, and when he became emperor in 1221, following Theodore I's death, he had to suppress opposition to his rule. John was a very successful ruler who greatly increased the size, influence, and prosperity of the Nicaean Empire. He prepared the way for his descendants to successfully restore Greek rule to Constantinople and to rule the restored Byzantine Empire. SRukke
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Jordan, Jerash, (Gerasa, Decapolis)Ancient Greek inscriptions from the city support that the city was founded by Alexander the Great and his general Perdiccas, who allegedly settled aged Macedonian soldiers there during the spring of 331 BC, when he left Egypt and crossed Syria en route to Mesopotamia. However, other sources, namely the city's former name of "Antioch on the Chrysorrhoas, point to a founding by Seleucid King Antioch IV, while still others attribute the founding to Ptolemy II of Egypt.
After the Roman conquest in 63 BC, Jerash and the land surrounding it were annexed to the Roman province of Syria, and later joined the Decapolis league of cities. The historian Josephus mentions the city as being principally inhabited by Syrians, and also having a small Jewish community. In AD 106, Jerash was absorbed into the Roman province of Arabia, which included the city of Philadelphia (modern day Amman). The Romans ensured security and peace in this area, which enabled its people to devote their efforts and time to economic development and encouraged civic building activity.
Jerash is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy. And is sometimes misleadingly referred to as the "Pompeii of the Middle East" or of Asia, referring to its size, extent of excavation and level of preservation.
Jerash was the birthplace of the mathematician Nicomachus of Gerasa (Greek: Νικόμαχος) (c. 60 – c. 120 AD).
In the second half of the 1st century AD, the city of Jerash achieved great prosperity. In AD 106, the Emperor Trajan constructed roads throughout the province, and more trade came to Jerash. The Emperor Hadrian visited Jerash in AD 129–130. The triumphal arch (or Arch of Hadrian) was built to celebrate his visit.
The city finally reached a size of about 800,000 square meters within its walls. The Persian invasion in AD 614 caused the rapid decline of Jerash. Beneath the foundations of a Byzantine church that was built in Jerash in AD 530 there was discovered a mosaic floor with ancient Greek and Hebrew-Aramaic inscriptions. The presence of the Hebrew-Aramaic script has led scholars to think that the place was formerly a synagogue, before being converted into a church.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerash
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Place_ovale_de_Gerasa_new.JPG
Azurfrog, 2 November 2013
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Joe Sermarini
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Julia Domna 193-211 denariusOb. IVLIA AVGVSTA Draped bust right
Rev. FELICITAS Felicitas standing, head left, holding short caduceus and long scepter
Ref. RIC 551, RSC 47, BMC 22
Felicitas is the personification of happiness and prosperity. Usually seen with a caduceus and a cornucopia or sceptre. Sometimes she is portrayed leaning on a column and sometimes seen sacrificing with patera and altar.
-:Bacchus:- Bacchus
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Kao Yuan Tong BaoK'ai Yuan
Emperor Kao Tsu
Tang Dynasty
The K'ai Yuan coin was introduced by Chinese Emperor Kao Tsu, who founded the Tang Dyansty in 618AD. The coins replaced the previously used Wu-Chu and other coins. The high quality of the coins and excellent calligraphy set a standard for Chinese coins for the next 1000 years! The legend on the coin, K'ai Yuan Tung Pao translates as "precious currency of the K'ai Yuan era". The Tang Dynasty was a brilliant period in Chinese history. It was an era of great prosperity and artistry. The K'ai Yuan coin continued to be issued for the next 300 years, until the collapse of the Dynasty in 907AD. During much of the dynasty the coin was the only denomination struck. Because of the relatively low value of the coin and the high level of commerce a LOT of the coins were issued during that period. (Think of doing all your transactions with only pennies!) As a result the coin, though over 1000 years old, is still plentiful and inexpensive.Pericles J2
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Lucania Thourioi Stater 385 - 360 BC.Obv ; Helmeted head of Athena, helmet decorated with Skylla holding trident.
Rev ; QOURIWN, bull butting; fish in exergue.
G/aVF , 20.8 mm, 7.44 gr.
EX THE COLIN E. PITCHFORK COLLECTION.
EX CNG.
Thourioi, was a city of Magna Graecia on the Gulf of Tarentum, near the site of the older Sybaris. It owed its origin to an attempt made in 452 BC by Sybarite exiles and their descendants to re-people their old home. The new settlement was crushed by Croton, but the Athenians lent aid to the fugitives and in 443 BC Pericles sent out to Thourioi a mixed body of colonists from various parts of Greece, among whom were Herodotus and the orator Lysias.
The pretensions of the Sybarite colonists led to dissensions and ultimately to their expulsion; peace was made with Croton, and also, after a period of war, with Tarentum, and Thourioi rose rapidly in power and drew settlers from all parts of Greece, especially from Peloponnesus, so that the tie to Athens was not always acknowledged. The oracle of Delphi determined that the city had no founder but Apollo, and in the Athenian Expedition in Sicily Thourioi was at first neutral, though it finally helped the Athenians.
Thourioi had a democratic constitution and good laws, and, though we hear little of its history till in 390 BC it received a severe defeat from the rising power of the Lucanians. Many beautiful coins testify to the wealth and splendor of its days of prosperity.
In the 4th century BC it continued to decline, and at length called in the help of the Romans against the Lucanians, and then in 282 BC against Tarentum. Thenceforward its position was dependent, and in the Second Punic War, after several vicissitudes, it was depopulated and plundered by Hannibal in 204 BC.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam
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LUCANIA, ThourioiGR7
Thurii was one of the latest of all the Greek colonies in this part of Italy, not having been founded until nearly 70 years after the fall of Sybaris. The site of that city had remained desolate for a period of 58 years after its destruction by the Crotoniats; when at length, in 452 BC, a number of the Sybarite exiles and their descendants made an attempt to establish themselves again on the spot, under the guidance of some leaders of Thessalian origin; and the new colony rose so rapidly to prosperity that it excited the jealousy of the Crotoniats, who, in consequence, expelled the new settlers a little more than 5 years after the establishment of the colony. The fugitive Sybarites first appealed for support to Sparta, but without success: their application to the Athenians was more successful, and that people determined to send out a fresh colony, at the same time that they reinstated the settlers who had been lately expelled from thence. A body of Athenian colonists was accordingly sent out by Pericles, under the command of Lampon and Xenocritus; but the number of Athenian citizens was small, the greater part of those who took part in the colony being collected from various parts of Greece. Among them were two celebrated names – Herodotus the historian, and the orator Lysias, both of whom appear to have formed part of the original colony. The laws of the new colony were established by the sophist Protagoras at the request of Pericles
LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 400-350 BC. AR Triobol (11mm, 1.18 gm). Helmeted head of Athena right, helmeted decorated with Skylla / Bull butting left; fish in exergue. SNG ANS 1138-47; HN Italy 1806. VF. Ex-CNG BB0VFAecoli
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Maharaja Ranjit Singh, AR 1 Rupee.Amratsar Mint 1874 VS -1817 A.D. 10.85g - 22.7mm, Axis 9h.
Obv: Sikka zad bar har do alam fazl sacha sahib ast, Fateh Gur Govind Singh Shah-i-Shahan, Tegh Nanak wahib ast - (Coin (sikka) struck in (zad bar) the two worlds (do alam) ie spiritual and secular, by the grace (fazl) of the True Lord (sacha sahib), Nanak is the provider of the sword (tegh), meaning power, by which the King of Kings (shah-i-shahan) Guru Govind Singh.
Rev: Sri Amritsar zarb 1874 samvat manus maimanat julus - Rev (with leaf) reads as "Sri Amritsar zarb 1874 samvat manus maimanat julus" (struck in illustrious Amritsar in the year 1874 of the reign of prosperity).
Type 01.39.01.Christian Scarlioli
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Marcus Antonius Gordianus III, 238 - 244 ADObv: AYT KM ANTΩNIOC ΓOPΔIANOC, facing busts of Gordian III and Serapis, Gordian laureate and draped facing right; Serapis draped, wearing a cornucopia on his shoulder and a kalathos (tall headdress symbolizing prosperity) facing left.
Rev: OΔHCCEITΩN, Demeter standing left holding corn ears and a long torch, E in field.
Æ 26, Odessus, Moesia Inferior mint
11.6 grams, 28 mm, 180°
Varbanov I 4477Matt Inglima
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Mylasa, Caria, c. 170 - 130 B.C. Silver Pseudo-Rhodian (drachm*), Ashton NC 1992, 255, SNG Kayhan 846, weight 2.2 g, maximum diameter 15.86 mm, Mylasa mint, c. 170 - 130 B.C.; Obv. facing head of Helios with eagle superimposed on r. cheek, hair loose; Rev. rose with bud/stem to right,(left bud off flan**) monogram left, ΠΕ & A to right. Same obv. die as Ashton 255 & Kayhan 846. Some surface roughness on top of both sides.
*Ashton, Kayhan, & Sear all describe this denom. as "drachm", though considerably underweight according to the Rhodian standard. Apparently these immitatives use the lower weight.
**Kayhan 846 plate shows stems and buds going both left and right. (but only describes the bud to the left), Ashton's plate also shows on both sides, and describes as such when in combination with letters /monograms. My example, is an Obv. die match, though the Rev. is not an exact die match, but is very close (probably same hand), and shows the right stem and bud clearly, but the left is off flan. Ashton identifies 107 Obv. dies in this series, and none of the rest are even close to the style of #255. This Obv. is shown with one other Rev. type(different letters).
Note; Ashton concludes the top two letters (on these later type with 4-5 letters/monograms) are abbrieviations for the month they were struck by the particular magistrate. (1st two letters in the Macedonian calender months used in Mylasa at the time) In my coin ΠΕ are for ΠΕΡΙΘΙOΣ or Peritios, the 10th month. He also concludes the monogram and lower letter abbrieviate the magistrate's name. Also, though he knows of no metrological analysis, the the quality of the silver seems to be somewhat debased compared to the Rhodian and early Pseudo-Rhodian issues.(most of the CH 4 hoard were of this later type, and were covered in a thick black patina{that were harshly cleaned}, the few earlier series and the one Rhodian type didn't have this patina and seemed to be of higher quality silver)
Historical background; courtsey Forvm Ancient Coins
Mylasa (Milas, Turkey today) was often mentioned by ancient writers. The first mention is from early 7th century B.C., when Arselis, a Carian leader from Mylasa, helped Gyges in his fight for the Lydian throne. Under Persia, Mylasa was the chief city of Caria. Mylasa joined the Delian League c. 455 B.C., but Persian rule was restored by 400. Mylasa was the hometown and first capital of the Hecatomnid dynasty, nominally Persian satraps, but practically kings of Caria and the surrounding region, 377 - 352 B.C. In the Hellenistic era, the city was contested by Alexander's successors, but prospered. Mylasa was severely damaged in the Roman Civil War in 40 B.C., but again regained prosperity under Roman rule.
Ex. Aegean NunismaticsSteve E
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North Africa, Carthago, Alexandropoulos 18AE 17, 3.19g
struck 400-350 BC
obv. Head of Tanit, crowned with grain, l.
rev. Horse stg. r., palm-tree behind
ref. SNG Copenhagen 109; Alexandropoulos 18
F+
VF
Tanit was the main-goddess of Carthago. The Horse is a symbol for Carthago and the palm-tree stands for prosperity.
Jochen
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PergamonThe oldest section of Pergamon, the acropolis or upper city, sits on an impressive steep ridge between two tributaries of the Caicus river. The ridge is naturally fortified on all but the S side which slopes down to the Caicus valley floor. The Caicus valley provides access from Pergamon to the Aegean coast and the port town of Elaea in the W and the Persian Royal Road to the E.
The upper city, which was fortified in the 4th or 3rd century B.C. contains the 3rd century Sanctuary of Athena, the oldest cult center of the city as well as palace quarters, barracks, and arsenals. In the 2nd century B.C. the 10,000 seat theater, the library adjacent to the Sanctuary of Athena, and the Great Altar of Zeus and Athena were added. In the 2nd century A.D. the monumental Trajaneum was erected on what must have been an earlier unknown cult center. From the upper agora a paved main street leads S and downslope to the middle city.
The city of Pergamon began to extend down the S slope in the 3rd century B.C. and during the 2nd century a massive building program completely transformed the entire lower slope. The major construction in the area was the gigantic gymnasium complex which extended down three large terraces linked by vaulted stairways and passages. The complex encorporated three open training courts, a covered track or xystus, a small theater or odeum, several shrines, and two large baths. Other major sections of the middle city included the Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore and, below the gymnasium along the main street leading to the Eumenes' Gate, the lower agora. North and E of the gymnasium massive terraces support the streets and houses of the residential quarter. In the first half of the 2nd century B.C. Eumenes II strengthened the entire fortification system of Pergamon and enclosed all of the middle city, which extended almost to the base of the south slope, within the new walls.
During the Roman Imperial period the city continued to expand southward and spread over the plain and the area occuppied by modern Bergama. The large Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods (the "Kizil Avlu"), numerous bridges, and remains of the Roman stadium, theater, and amphitheater remain visible today.
Pergamon emerged as a power during the struggle for territorial control following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. By the middle of the 3rd century Pergamon had been established as an independent state under the leadership of the Attalid dynasty. The power of the Attalids and the city grew as a result of successful battles against the Gauls of central Anatolia and careful political alliances with Rome.
The peak period of Pergamene power and achievement was reached during the reign of Eumenes II (197-159 B.C.). The kingdom had grown to include most of western Anatolia and was rich in agriculture and industry. Noted industrial exports included textiles, fine pottery, and "Pergamene paper" or parchment. The last industry developed when Ptolemy, reportedly jealous of the growing fame of the library in Pergamon, prohibited the export of papyrus from Egypt. Eumenes II enlarged the city of Pergamon to include all of the southern slope and enclosed the city with a new and stronger fortification wall. In addition to the major new constructions in the lower city Eumenes also commissioned the Great Altar of Zeus and Athena, the theater, and the new library in the upper city.
In the 2nd century B.C. Pergamon rivalled Athens and Alexandria as centers of Hellenic culture. The city possessed one of the greatest libraries of antiquity, monumental gymnasia, and numerous religious sanctuaries, including the Asklepion outside the city walls. Pergamon was a haven for noted philosophers and artists and was the center of a major movement in Hellenistic sculpture. The Attalids supported the arts and learning in Pergamon and elsewhere and made major donations, such as the Stoa of Attalos II in Athens.
The last Attalid ruler, Attalos III, bequeathed the kingdom of Pergamon to Rome in 133 B.C. During Roman rule the prosperity of Pergamon continued and the city had a period of commercial expansion. The city itself expanded to the plain S and W of the acropolis across the flat land now occuppied by modern Bergama.
See: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/siteindex?lookup=Pergamon
Cleisthenes
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RIC 0181 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 21.72g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 181 (C2). BMC 554. BNC 512.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, January 2023.
The standing Pax is one of the most common types encountered on Vespasian's sestertii struck during the great bronze issue of 71, mirroring the prominent role Pax played on his early denarii. Colin Kraay counted 16 obverse dies paired with this second issue reverse type, undoubtedly there are more. Here Pax is represented holding a cornucopiae (on the denarius she holds a caduceus) symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.
A fantastic veristic portrait.
David Atherton
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RIC 0243 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.77g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 243 (C3). BMC 555. BNC 516.
Acquired from Wallinmynt, September 2019.
The standing Pax is one of the most common types encountered on Vespasian's sestertii struck during the great bronze issue of 71, mirroring the prominent role Pax played on his early denarii. Colin Kraay counted a staggering 31 obverse dies paired with this sestertius reverse type alone. Here Pax is represented holding a cornucopiae (on the denarius she holds a caduceus) symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.
A strong veristic portrait in good metal.David Atherton
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RIC 0392 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.05g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 392 (R2). BMC -. BNC Spec. acquired 2004 (178).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2021.
After the massive bronze issues of 71, the Rome mint scaled back production considerably in 72. This extremely rare Felcitias dupondius was struck in 72-73 just prior to Vespasian's joint censorship with Titus. Despite its fleeting nature early on, Felicitas later became one of the commonest bronze reverse types of the reign. Here she symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire.
David Atherton
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RIC 0423 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 23.43g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 423 (C). BMC 633. BNC 619.
Ex Holding History, eBay, 16 March 2019.
After the recent Civil War and Jewish and Batavian rebellions this common Pax reverse type from 72 had special propaganda value for the new Flavian regime: peace and prosperity. It would be one of the more popular themes of Vespasian's coinage. Unsurprisingly, this Pax type is shared with Vespasian.
Worn, but in fine style with a nice dark chocolate patina.David Atherton
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RIC 0482 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.09g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP III PON TR POT II COS II: Head of Titus, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas standing l., holding caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 582 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, October 2022.
All the bronze coinage of Titus Caesar's fourth issue dated IMP III PON TR POT II COS II of 72 are quite rare. This Felicitas variety is cited by RIC in only the Rome and Belgrade collections. Despite its fleeting nature early on, Felicitas later became one of the commonest bronze reverse types of the reign. Here she symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire.David Atherton
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RIC 0520 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.46g
Rome Mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII CEN; Head of Vespasian, laureate r.
Rev: FIDES PVBL; Clasped hands holding winged caduceus upright, between poppy and corn-ear on either side
RIC 520 (C). BMC 86. RSC 164. BNC 75.
Acquired privately from Beast Coins, January 2006.
An important reverse type that was struck in both bronze and silver. The BMCRE states 'the clasped hands symbolize concord, the caduceus commercial prosperity, and the poppy and corn ears for agriculture.' The legend FIDES PVBL means the promise of public protection.
Another hard to find reverse type. The above picture is a preliminary dealer picture. The reverse is a bit off center, but the coin is in excellent condition. David Atherton
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RIC 0581 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.53g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 581 (C). BMC 661. BNC 652.
Acquired from CGB.fr, June 2022.
In 73 Vespasian and Titus Caesar held a joint censorship which was duly recorded on the coinage. The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire after a period of turmoil. It is easily one of the commonest reverse types struck for the dupondius issues during Vespasian's reign. David Atherton
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RIC 0608 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 26.55g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES VESP IMP PON TR POT COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 608 (R2). BMC 667A. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 42. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG E139, 10 May 2006, lot 284.
A rare Pax sestertius variety struck for Titus Caesar in 73 when he and Vespasian held the joint censorship. Pax is seen here holding a cornucopiae symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.David Atherton
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RIC 0615 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 9.66g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS II CENS; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 615 (R). BMC -. BNC 674.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 5767629-014, with grade 'VF'.
A rare variant of the common Felicitas reverse with a unique obverse legend struck for this one type in this one issue. A die pair match with the BNC plate coin. Missing from the BM's extensive collection.
Felicitas symbolising prosperity and abundance was one of the more common types struck during Vespasian's reign, often shared with Titus Caesar.
Strong early style portrait.David Atherton
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RIC 0658 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 11.09g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 658 (C). BMC p. 157 note *. BNC 693.
Acquired from CGB.fr, September 2020.
A most stylish dupondius struck for Domitian Caesar in either 73 or 74 from one of his earliest bronze issues at Rome. The dupondii from this issue are laureate instead of radiate and can be differentiated from the asses by the draped busts and metal content (yellowish orichalcum). The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance the Flavian dynasty has brought to the empire. It is certainly one of the most abundant reverse types of Vespasian's reign. Surprisingly, this common Domitian Caesar Felicitas is missing from the BM's extensive collection.
The engraver who worked on the obverse had talent to spare and rendered a wonderful portrait in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 0694 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.57g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PONTIF TR POT; Winged caduceus, upright
RIC 694 (R2). BMC p. 29, *. RSC 167. BNC 130.
Acquired from A. G. & S. Gillis, April 2007.
A reverse type Titus Caesar shared with Vespasian. The caduceus symbolises commercial prosperity and may be associated with the censorship. (BMCRE p. xxxvii)
Not in the BM's collection, but noted in the catalog. A fairly rare variant of the type. Good metal, wonderful early portrait, and in good condition (Titus' beard is visible).David Atherton
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RIC 070 TitusÆ As, 8.70g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 70 (R2). BMC p. 253 note. BNC -.
Acquired from Münzen & Medaillen, September 2019.
Titus' first issues of bronze as Augustus struck in 79, dated COS VII, are all very rare. They were produced sometime during the last six months of the year after his rise to the purple at the end of June, presumably in very modest numbers based on the meagre specimens that have survived antiquity. This As from that scanty issue features the familiar Pax and column type, likely based on a familiar cult image of the deity. Pax is holding a caduceus, an allusion to the peaceful prosperity credited to the emperor. Missing from both the London and Paris collections.
Worn, but with a beautiful olive green patina and bold legends.David Atherton
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RIC 0715 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 10.55g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 715 (C2). BMC 696. BNC 712.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, August 2018.
A decently sized bronze coinage was struck for Vespasian in 74. The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire. It is easily one of the commonest reverse types of the issue.
Well centred with a few marks on the reverse.
David Atherton
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RIC 0716 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.85g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M TP COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Obv: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 716 (C2). BMC 698. BNC 714.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2021.
Felicitas was by far the most common type struck on the dupondius during Vespasian's reign. Here she symbolises the abundance and prosperity the emperor has brought to the empire.David Atherton
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RIC 0736 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.79g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Rudder on globe
Rev: P M TR P P P COS V; S C in field; Caduceus, winged
RIC 736 (R). BMC 706. BNC 726.
Acquired from The Time Machine, eBay, May 2020.
The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait. Tariffed at a quarter of an As, the denomination was possibly deemed too lowly by mint officials to warrant a portrait. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today being virtually absent from site finds outside central and south-central Italy (in contrast, over 1,827 quadrantes have been found at Pompeii). The rudder on globe can be explained as a symbol of the 'rector orbis' and its pairing with the winged caduceus 'points to the commercial prosperity brought by good government' (BMC II, pp. li, and liii). The COS V issue is the first appearance of the type under Vespasian.
Dark reddish brown patina and nicely centred. A decent example of the type! David Atherton
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RIC 0742 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 13.58g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS III CENS; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 742 (C). BMC 707. BNC 729.
Acquired from AE-Collections, May 2023.
Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance the Flavian dynasty has brought to the empire. The type was struck for all three Flavians under Vespasian and is certainly one of the more abundant reverse types of the reign.David Atherton
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RIC 0772 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, 75 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VI; Pax, bare to the waist, seated l., holding branch extended in r. hand, l. hand on lap
RIC 772 (C3). BMC 161. RSC 366. BNC 139.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, March 2003.
One of Vespasian's most common Pax types continuing a major theme in his coinage of peace and prosperity, courtesy of the Flavian house. Probably the most common denarius type struck for Vespasian.
This coin has sentimental value for being the first Flavian denarius I ever purchased. A nice one at that too.David Atherton
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RIC 0830 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 13.68g
Rome mint, 75 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS IIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 830 (C). BMC 715A. BNC 741.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
Felicitas symbolising prosperity and abundance was one of the more common types struck during Vespasian's reign, often shared with Titus Caesar. This common dupondius was struck in 75, the year of the Temple of Peace dedication.David Atherton
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RIC 0887 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.87g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS VII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 887 (C). BMC 723. BNC 752.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire. Along with Pax, it is easily one of the commonest reverse types of his reign.
Fantastic portrait in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 0909 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 11.37g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS V; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 909 (R). BMC -. BNC 761.
Ex eBay, 27 May 2021. Ex CNG Triton X, 7 January 2007, lot 1565 (part). Ex Henry Chitwood Collection.
This Felicitas reverse was one of the most common types on the middle bronze of Vespasian's reign. Struck for all the three Flavians, it symbolises the abundance and prosperity the Flavian house has brought to the empire. This Titus Caesar dupondius was produced at a time when Vespasian's bronze production was winding down at Rome. Missing from the BM's collection.David Atherton
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RIC 0928 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 13.42g
Rome mint, 76-77 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS IV; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 928 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Aegean, January 2024. Ex Ephesus Numismatics.
Domitian as Caesar's dupondii under Vespasian are typically laureate instead of radiate and can be differentiated from the asses by the draped busts and metal content (yellowish orichalcum). The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance the Flavian dynasty has brought to the empire. This rare variety with the COS date rendered as 'IV' instead of the much more commonly seen 'IIII' is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites only 2 examples - one from a 1980 Lanz sale, the other from a private collection. An obverse die match with the RIC plate coin.David Atherton
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RIC 0939 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.27g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS VIII; Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak, fastened with belt (?) round waist, standing l., holding spear slanting upwards l. in r. hand and trophy on l. shoulder in l. Corn-ear upright in ground r.
RIC 939 (R). BMC 203. RSC 129. BNC 179.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 145, 14 September 2005, lot 235.
A rare variant containing a wheat-ear of the common Mars reverse, possibly to symbolize the peace and prosperity Roman arms has brought the people.
I had a difficult time finding a decent example of this type...patience has paid off and I'm very happy to add this respectable denarius to the collection.David Atherton
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RIC 0970 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.37g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; Ceres, draped to feet, veiled, standing l., holding poppy and two corn-ears in extended r. hand and long vertical sceptre in l.
RIC 970 (R). BMC 300 var. RSC 54a. BNC -.
Acquired from Amphora Coins, July 2007.
The reverse is possibly part of a Flavian agricultural programme to help restore agricultural prosperity in Italy.
A rare bust left variant. The BM sites a specimen in the Colchester Museum.David Atherton
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RIC 0983 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR - VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: IMP XIX in ex.; Sow l., with three young
RIC 983 (C). BMC 214. RSC 214. BNC 189.
Acquired from Glenn W. Woods, February 2005.
A 'rustic idyll' reverse that is part of an agrarian themed issue of types struck in 77-78. Peace and prosperity was the dominant theme here. One (far-fetched?) theory puts forward the idea that the sow and piglets represents the X legion based in Judaea because the pig was their legionary symbol. I believe this is stretching a connection too much.
Artistically rendered and very pleasing to the eye with nice toning.David Atherton
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RIC 1141 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.86g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1141 (R). BMC p. 199 †. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2021.
Struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71, this Fortuna 'home-bringer' type commemorates Vespasian and Titus's safe return to Rome after the Jewish War. She is depicted here with her rudder competently steering the fate of the world. The cornucopiae she holds symbolises prosperity. The type comes in several different legend and bust variants in this issue, all of which are fairly scarce.
David Atherton
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RIC 1142 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.16g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIANVS AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1142 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2023.
An early Pax type struck in 71 unique to the Lyon mint. H. Mattingly in BMCRE writes 'The type of Pax sacrificing, which is peculiar to Lugdunum, conveys the thought of thanksgiving for peace and prosperity (cp. the caduceus held by Pax) restored.' At Rome a similar reverse was produced sans altar. The propaganda value of Pax for the new Flavian dynasty after the Civil War and Jewish Rebellion cannot be underestimated. This is the rare 'VESPASIANVS' obverse legend variety of the type unique to this issue. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.David Atherton
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RIC 1144 Vespasian VariantÆ Dupondius, 12.58g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1144 var. (Radiate portrait). BMC -. BNC 803 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 88. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex roman-num, eBay, 19 June 2011.
An early Pax type struck in 71 unique to the Lyon mint. H. Mattingly in BMCRE writes 'The type of Pax sacrificing, which is peculiar to Lugdunum, conveys the thought of thanksgiving for peace and prosperity (cp. the caduceus held by Pax) restored.' At Rome a similar reverse was produced sans altar. The propaganda value of Pax for the new Flavian dynasty after the Civil War and Jewish Rebellion cannot be underestimated. Unique with laureate portrait, RIC records this variety only with a radiate bust. Same obverse die as BNC 801.David Atherton
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RIC 1187 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 10.60g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1187 (C). BMC 815. BNC 815.
Acquired from CGB, March 2024.
Struck in 72, this Fortuna 'home-bringer' type commemorates Vespasian and Titus's safe return to Rome after the Jewish War. She is depicted here with her rudder competently steering the fate of the world. The cornucopiae she holds symbolises prosperity. A fairly common variety of the type from Lugdunum.David Atherton
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RIC 1191 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.39g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1191 (C2). BMC 816. BNC 817.
Ex CNG E463, 11 March 2020, lot 360.
A common early Pax type struck in 72 unique to Lyon. H. Mattingly in BMCRE writes 'The type of Pax sacrificing, which is peculiar to Lugdunum, conveys the thought of thanksgiving for peace and prosperity (cp. the caduceus held by Pax) restored.' At Rome a similar variant was produced sans altar. The propaganda value of Pax for the new Flavian dynasty after the Civil War and Jewish Rebellion cannot be underestimated.
Good Lugdunese style in good metal.David Atherton
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RIC 1261 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.28g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1261 (C). BMC -. BNC 864.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
This Pax type is a fairly common unique Lugdunese type struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar. H. Mattingly in BMCRE writes 'The type of Pax sacrificing, which is peculiar to Lugdunum, conveys the thought of thanksgiving for peace and prosperity (cp. the caduceus held by Pax) restored.' Laureate portrait variant missing from the BM.
NB: The BNC catalogue erroneously cross references their laureate specimen with the BM's radiate one!David Atherton
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RIC 142 TitusÆ Sestertius, 27.89g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: FELICIT AVGVST; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with sceptre and cornucopiae
RIC 142 (C). BMC 157. BNC -.
Acquired from Holding History, eBay, March 2020. Ex Stephen Album, Auction 35, 12-14 September 2019, lot 532. Formerly in NGC holder #5768192-010, with grade VF, strike 4/5, surface 2/5.
In the late spring or early summer of 80 AD Rome suffered a disastrous fire and soon afterwards a devastating plague (perhaps typhus or smallpox). Suetonius tells us that the pestilence was 'unprecedented' and Eusebius claims 10,000 perished. Felicitas, the personification of happiness and prosperity, was greatly needed by both the emperor Titus and the Roman people. This coin struck sometime in 80 or 81 (Titus did not renew the consulship in 81) advertises her blessings through the emperor. This was a fairly popular type during the reign and likely was struck to ease any public anxiety over the recent tragedies. Despite being common, it is missing from the extensive Paris collection.
The left facing portraits struck in this bronze issue tend to be in a slightly finer style than the right facing ones. Perhaps there was one gifted engraver who preferred his portraits facing left?
David Atherton
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RIC 1475 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.48g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: FIDES PVBL; Hands clasped over caduceus, two poppies and two corn ears
RIC 1475 (R). BMC 490. RSC 163a. RPC 1452 (6 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from Malter Galleries, December 2010.
Anyone with a passing knowledge of Flavian coinage is aware of the series of denarii Ephesus issued early in Vespasian's reign, but few know about a later group of denarii Ephesus(?) issued a couple of years later in 76 AD
This later issue can be identified by the use of a letter 'o' mint mark below the bust. The style and use of a mint mark suggests the minting city is Ephesus, however the exact location is unknown. If it is indeed Ephesus then something went horribly awry with their quality control since the previous issue in 74. Reverse types clearly meant for Vespasian may end up on a coin of Titus or Domitian and vice versa (see RIC 1480 for a good example of this type of error).
Why this short lived series was minted at all is a mystery.
The reverse itself is a copy of a Rome mint type from 73 AD and most likely symbolizes good faith in agricultural prosperity. I believe the overall style is much better than the Rome mint examples for both obverse and reverse. The poppies in particular seem to be more pronounced and better executed.
For lovers of the eastern Flavian mints there is a lot to admire here.
David Atherton
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RIC 220 TitusÆ As, 9.10g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: AETERNIT AVGVST; S C in field; Aeternitas stg. r., l. foot on globe, with sceptre and cornucopiae
RIC 220 (R). BMC p. 266 note. BNC 212.
Acquired from eBay, June 2019.
Aeternitas, the personification of eternity, as a coin type was first introduced during the reign of Vespasian and would be periodically struck until the 4th century. This As featuring Aeternitas was struck during Titus' second and largest bronze issue in 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II speculates the type here refers to the consecration of Vespasian - 'Aeternitas holds sceptre and cornucopiae, the attributes of majesty and prosperity, while the globe under her foot shows that the application is world-wide. Stress is laid more on the great future than on the great past of the Flavian line.' A most fitting interpretation for a coin that declares 'The eternity of the Augustus'.
Honest wear with greenish-brown patina.David Atherton
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RIC 288 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 25.48g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 288 (R). BMC 230. BNC 236.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 137. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Acquired from B A Seaby, mid-1960s, with handwritten ticket by David Sear.
A reverse type struck for both Titus and Domitian Caesar symbolising the bountiful prosperity Pax and the emperor have provided. DIVI AVG VESP F tells us the coin was struck after Vespasian's deification. The date of Vespasian's consecratio is dated by the epigraphic evidence sometime between 8 September 79 and 29 May 80. Nathan T. Elkins has proposed that the opening games of the Colosseum were in honour of Vespasian's deification. If so, this sestertius could not have been struck much earlier than June 80. Engraved with a severe Titus-like portrait.David Atherton
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RIC 306 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 20.64g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG; S C in field; Victory stg. l., leaning on column, with cornucopiae and palm
RIC 306 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, February 2023. Ex Emporium Hamburg Alpha Auction 10, 8 January 2023, lot 261.
A reverse type struck for both Titus and Domitian Caesar symbolising the bountiful prosperity Victory has brought to the empire. This Domitian Caesar variety featuring 'DOMITIAN' on the obverse and 'AVG' on the reverse is extremely rare (only one specimen in Oxford was known to the RIC II.1 authors upon publication). Perhaps the fourth known specimen, now rated 'R2' in the unpublished RIC II.1 A&C. A double die match with the Oxford specimen. David Atherton
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ROMAN EMPIRE - CommodusROMAN EMPIRE - Commodus, Provincial issue, Nikopolis in Moesia; Obv.: Laureate bust right. Rev.: Tyche (Fortuna), personifying good fortune & prosperity, stands left, holding a cornucopiae & a ship's rudder. Reference: Moushmov 899.dpaul7
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Caracalla, Silver AntoninianusStruck 213-217 AD, Rome mint, 23mm, 6.4g, RIC IV 311c, EF
OBVERSE: Radiate head of Caracalla, bearded, draped, cuirassed, right. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG[USTUS] GER[MANICUS] (Antoninus Pius, the Revered One, Conqueror of the Germans).
REVERSE: Goddess of love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity, and victory, Venus, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and spear in left hand, leaning on shield set on helmet. VENUS VICTRIX (Venus Victorius).mherbst81@gmail.com
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Domitian, DenariusSilver denarius, 3.5g, 82-83 A.D., Carradice 82-83b, RIC 41, BMC 54, RSC 412
IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laur. head r.
SALVS AVGVST, Salus seated left, feet on small pedestal, holding corn-ears.
This is the third reverse type of the reform, and was probably issued along IVVPITER in the first part of 83 A.D. Salus is represented here not in the common way as goddess of health, but as goddess of prosperity. This might be related to Domitian’s reformatory ideas, one of which actually took form in an edict enforcing grain growth against vine production. Obviously this measure encountered such strong opposition that it was impossible to apply; later Domitian had to revoke the edict.
FORVM AUCTIONS
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ROMAN EMPIRE, Macrinus, AR Denarius. AD 217-218. Rome, AD 217. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Macrinus right. Reverse: FELICITAS TEMPORVM, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and scepter. RIC 62; Sear 7331; RSC 19a. Toned.
Felicitas was the goddess or personification of good luck and success. She played an important role in Rome's state religion during the empire, and was frequently portrayed on coins. She became a prominent symbol of the wealth and prosperity of the Roman Empire.
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