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CarausiusDiocletianMaximian.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Carausius, Diocletian & Maximianus - Antoninianus4413 viewsObv.: CARAVSIVS ET FRATRES SVI, jugate, radiate & cuirassed busts of Maximianus, Diocletian & Carausius left Rev.:PAX A-VGGG, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch & vertical scepter; S P/C. Mint Camulodunum. (Struck circa 292-293 AD)58 commentsPostumus
Walls of Balkh.jpg
Afghanistan, Balkh3187 viewsThe walls of Balkh, Afganistan1 commentsJoe Sermarini
05475q00.jpg
MARKET, NERO, (Macellum Magnum)2859 viewsOrichalcum dupondius, RIC 400, S 1963 variety, VF, 13.65g, 28.9mm, 180o, Lugdunum mint, 64 A.D.; obverse NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P, laureate head left; reverse MAC AVG S C, front view of the Macellum Magnum (great market), two-story domed section with porticoes approached by steps with a dolphin on each side and containing statue of Neptune holding a long scepter on pedestal, wings of two stories of unequal height.

The Macellum Magnum was a shopping mall located on the Caelian Hill in Rome, dedicated by Nero in 59 A.D. It had flanking wings of slightly different construction and a central dome possibly 120 feet (36 meters) in diameter. Records indicate it was still open in the 4th century. Part of it may be incorporated into the church of S. Stefano Rotundo which stands today. It was the model for many medieval government buildings in Europe, all U.S. state capitols and the U.S. national capitol building.
5 commentsJoe Sermarini
AugustusAgrippaAsCroc.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Augustus & Agrippa, AE As, COL NEM2744 viewsAugustus & Agrippa, AE As, 28mm (12.83 gm). Addorsed heads of Agrippa on left, wearing combined rostral crown and laurel wreath, and Augustus on right, wearing oak wreath, IMP above and DIVI F below / Crocodile chained to palm tip, wreath in upper left and COL - NEM above. Nemausus, c. 10 BC - AD 10. RIC I 158 (pg. 51).
29 commentssocalcoins
Saladin_A788.jpg
1701a, Saladin, 1169-11932115 viewsAYYUBID: Saladin, 1169-1193, AR dirham (2.92g), Halab, AH580, A-788, lovely struck, well-centered & bold, Extremely Fine, Scarce.

His name in Arabic, in full, is SALAH AD-DIN YUSUF IBN AYYUB ("Righteousness of the Faith, Joseph, Son of Job"), also called AL-MALIK AN-NASIR SALAH AD-DIN YUSUF I (b. 1137/38, Tikrit, Mesopotamia--d. March 4, 1193, Damascus), Muslim sultan of Egypt, Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, and the most famous of Muslim heroes.

In wars against the Christian crusaders, he achieved final success with the disciplined capture of Jerusalem (Oct. 2, 1187), ending its 88-year occupation by the Franks. The great Christian counterattack of the Third Crusade was then stalemated by Saladin's military genius.

Saladin was born into a prominent Kurdish family. On the night of his birth, his father, Najm ad-Din Ayyub, gathered his family and moved to Aleppo, there entering the service of 'Imad ad-Din Zangi ibn Aq Sonqur, the powerful Turkish governor in northern Syria. Growing up in Ba'lbek and Damascus, Saladin was apparently an undistinguished youth, with a greater taste for religious studies than military training.
His formal career began when he joined the staff of his uncle Asad ad-Din Shirkuh, an important military commander under the amir Nureddin, son and successor of Zangi. During three military expeditions led by Shirkuh into Egypt to prevent its falling to the Latin-Christian (Frankish) rulers of the states established by the First Crusade, a complex, three-way struggle developed between Amalric I, the Latin king of Jerusalem, Shawar, the powerful vizier of the Egyptian Fatimid caliph, and Shirkuh. After Shirkuh's death and after ordering Shawar's assassination, Saladin, in 1169 at the age of 31, was appointed both commander of the Syrian troops and vizier of Egypt.

His relatively quick rise to power must be attributed not only to the clannish nepotism of his Kurdish family but also to his own emerging talents. As vizier of Egypt, he received the title king (malik), although he was generally known as the sultan. Saladin's position was further enhanced when, in 1171, he abolished the Shi'i Fatimid caliphate, proclaimed a return to Sunnah in Egypt, and consequently became its sole ruler.

Although he remained for a time theoretically a vassal of Nureddin, that relationship ended with the Syrian emir's death in 1174. Using his rich agricultural possessions in Egypt as a financial base, Saladin soon moved into Syria with a small but strictly disciplined army to claim the regency on behalf of the young son of his former suzerain.
Soon, however, he abandoned this claim, and from 1174 until 1186 he zealously pursued a goal of uniting, under his own standard, all the Muslim territories of Syria, northern Mesopotamia, Palestine, and Egypt.

This he accomplished by skillful diplomacy backed when necessary by the swift and resolute use of military force. Gradually, his reputation grew as a generous and virtuous but firm ruler, devoid of pretense, licentiousness, and cruelty. In contrast to the bitter dissension and intense rivalry that had up to then hampered the Muslims in their resistance to the crusaders, Saladin's singleness of purpose induced them to rearm both physically and spiritually.

Saladin's every act was inspired by an intense and unwavering devotion to the idea of jihad ("holy war")-the Muslim equivalent of the Christian crusade. It was an essential part of his policy to encourage the growth and spread of Muslim religious institutions.

He courted its scholars and preachers, founded colleges and mosques for their use, and commissioned them to write edifying works especially on the jihad itself. Through moral regeneration, which was a genuine part of his own way of life, he tried to re-create in his own realm some of the same zeal and enthusiasm that had proved so valuable to the first generations of Muslims when, five centuries before, they had conquered half the known world.

Saladin also succeeded in turning the military balance of power in his favour-more by uniting and disciplining a great number of unruly forces than by employing new or improved military techniques. When at last, in 1187, he was able to throw his full strength into the struggle with the Latin crusader kingdoms, his armies were their equals. On July 4, 1187, aided by his own military good sense and by a phenomenal lack of it on the part of his enemy, Saladin trapped and destroyed in one blow an exhausted and thirst-crazed army of crusaders at Hattin, near Tiberias in northern Palestine.

So great were the losses in the ranks of the crusaders in this one battle that the Muslims were quickly able to overrun nearly the entire Kingdom of Jerusalem. Acre, Toron, Beirut, Sidon, Nazareth, Caesarea, Nabulus, Jaffa (Yafo), and Ascalon (Ashqelon) fell within three months.

But Saladin's crowning achievement and the most disastrous blow to the whole crusading movement came on Oct. 2, 1187, when Jerusalem, holy to both Muslim and Christian alike, surrendered to the Sultan's army after 88 years in the hands of the Franks. In stark contrast to the city's conquest by the Christians, when blood flowed freely during the barbaric slaughter of its inhabitants, the Muslim reconquest was marked by the civilized and courteous behaviour of Saladin and his troops. His sudden success, which in 1189 saw the crusaders reduced to the occupation of only three cities, was, however, marred by his failure to capture Tyre, an almost impregnable coastal fortress to which the scattered Christian survivors of the recent battles flocked. It was to be the rallying point of the Latin counterattack.

Most probably, Saladin did not anticipate the European reaction to his capture of Jerusalem, an event that deeply shocked the West and to which it responded with a new call for a crusade. In addition to many great nobles and famous knights, this crusade, the third, brought the kings of three countries into the struggle.

The magnitude of the Christian effort and the lasting impression it made on contemporaries gave the name of Saladin, as their gallant and chivalrous enemy, an added lustre that his military victories alone could never confer on him.

The Crusade itself was long and exhausting, and, despite the obvious, though at times impulsive, military genius of Richard I the Lion-Heart, it achieved almost nothing. Therein lies the greatest-but often unrecognized--achievement of Saladin. With tired and unwilling feudal levies, committed to fight only a limited season each year, his indomitable will enabled him to fight the greatest champions of Christendom to a draw. The crusaders retained little more than a precarious foothold on the Levantine coast, and when King Richard set sail from the Orient in October 1192, the battle was over.

Saladin withdrew to his capital at Damascus. Soon, the long campaigning seasons and the endless hours in the saddle caught up with him, and he died. While his relatives were already scrambling for pieces of the empire, his friends found that the most powerful and most generous ruler in the Muslim world had not left enough money to pay for his own grave.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
H.A.R. Gibb, "The Arabic Sources for the Life of Saladin," Speculum, 25:58-72 (1950). C.W. Wilson's English translation of one of the most important Arabic works, The Life of Saladin (1897), was reprinted in 1971. The best biography to date is Stanley Lane-Poole, Saladin and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, new ed. (1926, reprinted 1964), although it does not take account of all the sources.
1 commentsCleisthenes
L. Marcius Philippus.jpg
ROMAN REPUBLIC, Marcia - L. Marcius Phillippus. Denarius 56 B.C.2039 viewsObv: Diademed head of King Ancus Marcius right, lituus behind, ANCVS below.
Rev: Aqueduct (the Aqua Marcia) represented as an arcade of five arches surmounted by equestrian statue right, AQVA MAR (MAR in monogram) within arches, PHILIPPVS on left.
RCV I : 382 | RSC I : Marcia 28.

This moneyer was the step-brother of Octavian, who was just seven years old at the time of this issue. The reverse of this coin commemorates the construction, in 144 B.C., of the Aqua Marcia by Q. Marcius Rex, whose statue appears above the aqueduct.
18 comments
Timbukto.JPG
Mali, West Africa, Timbukto1988 viewsYes it does exist! although it has lost a lot from its glory days in the 14th and 16th centuries, still a fascinating place to visit. Meaning well of the woman named 'Bouctou'. In its day 25,000 students are reputed to have studied there at any one time. Some of the manuscripts can still be viewed; on such varied subjects at medicine, astronomy and arithmetic; sadly they are not well preserved.4 commentsPeattie
152481LG~0.jpg
GREEK, ATTICA, Athens AR "New Style" Tetradrachm1929 viewsATTICA, Athens. Circa 168/5-50 BC. AR New Style Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.74 gm). Struck circa 136/5 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / A-QE, owl standing right on amphora; magistrates MI-KI and QEO-FRA; Nike in quadriga right in right field, M on amphora, SW below amphora; all within wreath. Cf. Thompson 315-323 (unlisted dies). EF, lightly toned.

Submitted by Ecoli
8 commentsecoli
rz0660bb1974.jpg
BYZANTINE, John VIII Palaeologus, 1423-1448, Constantinople, AR Stavraton (Half Hyperpyron)1921 viewsIWANHC ΔECΠOTIC O ΠAΛEOΛOΓOC / ΘV XAPITI AVTOKPATOP in two circles inside which bust of John facing, bearded, nimbate, crown with pendila, a pellet in the left and right fields. / IC/I-XC/X Nimbate bust of Christ, book of Gospels in left hand, right hand raised in benediction, all inside dotted and lined circle, surrounded by margin with pellets, inside solid line circle. 6.7g

When voting be careful to compare this with other coins of the same denomination, not the smaller ones which have cause to look even more crude. While this is crude and probably easily bested, I would prefer the coin that ousts this entrant at least have as much of the name of the ruler as does this one (IWA at the top of the outer circle).
7 commentsdougsmit
Agrippina-Ses-Ob-&-Rev.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Agrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)1909 viewsAgrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)
Sestertius
Daughter of Julia and Marcus Agrippa, wife of Germanicus and mother of Emperor Caligula. The most beautiful woman of all Caesars in the most incredible condition. The finest known specimen orriginally from the Morreti Collection.
Obv. Posthumous portrait ordered by Caligula to commemorate his mother who had tragically died in exile. Rev.The carpentum drawn by two mules, the vehicle reserved for the use of the women of the imperial family in the city.
Cohen 1 ; RIC 42
25 comments
Trajan coin~0.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Trajan AR Denarius1845 viewsTrajan AR Denarius

Attribution: RIC II, 128, Rome
Date: AD 103-111
Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG
GER DAC P M TR P, laureate
head rt., slight drapery on lt.
shoulder
Reverse: COS V P P S P Q R
OPTIMO PRINC, Victory stg. lt.,
half draped, wreath in rt. hand,
palm in lt.
Size: 18mm
Weight: 3.50 grams

Noah's Coins
10 commentsNoah
IMG_0768.jpg
Israel, Jerusalem - Western Wall and Dome of the Rock1833 viewsThe first century BCE western retaining wall of the Second Jewish Temple, directly in front of the 8th century Dome of the Rock. Friday evening at sunset (beginning of Shabbat).
posted by Zam
1 commentsEcgþeow
Titus_79-81-AD_AE-AS_IMP-T-CAES-VESP-AVG-P-M-TR-P-COS-VIII_GENI-P-R_S-C_RIC-226_C-96_Rome-41-50_Scarce_Q-001_27-29mm_12,76g-s.jpg
Roman Empire, Titus, AE-As, RIC II 126, RIC-New 226, Roma.1610 views022 Titus (69-79 A.D. Caesar, 79-81 A.D. Augustus), AE-As, RIC II 126, RIC-New 226, Roma, GENI P R, S-C, Scarce!,
avers:- IMP-T-CAES-VESP-AVG-P-M-TR-P-COS-VIII, Laureat head left.
revers:- GENI-P-R, Genius standing left holding cornucopia and patera. S-C across the field.
exe: S/C//--, diameter: 27-29mm, weight: 12,76g, axis:- h,
mint: , date: , ref: RIC-II-126, p-130, RIC-New-226, C-96,
Q-001
19 commentsquadrans
06208q00.jpg
Byzantine, Focas, Follis, Nicomedia, Unpublished year II consular type with mappa and eagle-scepter1593 viewsBronze follis, Hahn 69a (only years 3 and 4 noted), DO 56-60 (lists only years 3 - 7), gVF, 11.48g, 32.0mm, 45o, Nicomedia mint, 603-604 A.D.; obverse d N FOCAS PERP AVG, bust facing wearing consular robes and crown with cross on circlet, mappa in right, eagle tipped scepter in left; reverse XXXX, ANNO above, II right, NIKOA in exergue1 comments
Nero_35.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Nero, TEMPLE1557 viewsObv.:NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right
Rev.: PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT S-C, Temple of Janus with latticed windows & garland hung across doors; doors to the right.
Cohen 146
18 commentsPostumus
milan-1794.jpg
MODERN MILLED (up to 19th Century), ITALY - 1 Kronentaler, 17941555 viewsSilver coin with 29,31 grams
Ruler: Franz II. (I.) von Österreich, (1792 - 1835)
Milano mint, (under austrian control)
OBV.: ARCH:AVST:DVX:BVRG:LOTH:BRAB:COM:FLAN:1794
REV.: FRANCISC.II.D.G.R.I.S.A.GER.HIE.HVN.BOH.REX. (M)
Ref.: KM#59.1, Dav.: 1390: J.134b.
Agrippa.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, AGRIPPA AS1549 viewsObverse: M AGRIPPA L F COS III - Head left. Reverse: SC - Neptune standing, holding trident and dolphin. Rome Mint: AD 37-41. RIC I Caligula 58, Cohen 313 commentsPostumus
augustus_86a~0.JPG
Augustus RIC I, 86a1538 viewsJochen's Augustus RIC I, 86a
Augustus, 27 BC - AD 14
AR - Denar, 3.74g, 19mm
Colonia Patricia(?), ca. 19 BC - 18 BC
obv. CAESAR AVGVSTVS
bare head r.
rev. SIGNIS above, RECEPTIS under round shield inscribed with CL.V between
eagle l. and standard r. S.P.Q.R. at the corners of the shield
RIC I, 86a; BMCR 417; RSC 265
good VF, toned

The eagle standards were introduced by Marius similar to the Ptolemaic eagle to each of his legions. This issue celebrates the recovery of the 3 eagle-standards 20 BC by Augustus (by negotiations), which were lost by Crassus 53 BC at the battle of Carrhae against the Parthians. The 3 eagles thereafter were erected in the new temple of Mars Ultor on the Forum of Augustus. The day of recovery was determined public holiday.
11 commentsJochen
Immagine2.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Claudius I, AE As, Libertas1531 viewsObv: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P - Bare head left. Rev: LIBERTAS AVGVSTA - Libertas standing, facing, holding pileus and raising hand; SC across fields. MintRome . RIC 113
10 commentsPostumus
0580-210~0.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Constantius I, Argenteus1522 viewsArgenteus struck in Antioch, 8th officina, c.299-305 AD
CONSTANTIVS CAESAR, Laureate head of Constantius right
VIRTVS MILITVM, Campgate, *ANTH* at exergue
3.40 gr
Ref : Cohen #318
Argentei struck in Antioch often give a larger head of the emperor than other mints
For a new and better pic, please follow this link :
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=34410.0;attach=93566;image

For those who feel uncomfortable with this coin, there is also a discussion about it on the "classical numismatics board" : http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=34410.0
20 commentsPotator II
Ardashir1Gobl10sm.jpg
[1901a] Ardashir I, The Great (AD 224-241) 1517 viewsSASANIAN EMPIRE. Ardashir I, 224-241 AD. AR Drachm; Göbl 10; 4.27 gm; Toned VF. Obverse: Crowned draped bust; Reverse: Fire-altar. Ex Pegasi.

Ardashir I, The Great (AD 226-241)

Ardashir I (early Middle Persian Arđaxšēr "Who has the Divine Order as his Kingdom"), also known as Ardashīr-i Pāpagān "Ardashir, son of Pāpağ" Ardeshiri Babakan, and as Artaxerxes, was ruler of Persia (226–241) and the founder of the Sassanid dynasty (226–651). Other variants of his name appear as Artaxares, Artashastra, Ardaxshir, Ardasher, Artashir and Artakhshathra.

Early Years
Ardashir I was born in the late 2nd century in Istakhr, (located today in Iran) a vassal kingdom of the Parthian Empire. His father Pāpağ (sometimes written as Pāpak or Babak) deposed the previous king, Gochihr, and took his throne. His mother may have been named Rodhagh. During his father's reign, Ardashir I ruled the town of Darabjird and received the title of "argbadh". Upon Pāpağ's death, Ardashir I's elder brother Šāpūr ascended to the throne. However, Ardashir I rebelled against his brother and took the kingship for himself in 208.

Ardashir I rapidly extended his territory, demanding fealty from the local princes of Fars and gaining control over the neighboring provinces of Kerman, Isfahan, Susiana, and Mesene. This expansion brought the attention of the Arsacid Great King Artabanus IV (216–224), Ardashir I's overlord and ruler of the Parthian Empire, who marched against him in 224. Their armies clashed at Hormizdeghan, and Artabanus IV was killed. Ardashir I went on to invade the western provinces of the now-defunct Parthian Empire. This led to a confrontation between Kurds and Aradshir I which is recorded in a historical text named "Book of the Deeds of Ardashir son of Babak". It is written in Pahlavi script. In this book, the author explains the battle between King of the Kurds, "Madig" and Ardashir I.

Crowned in 226 as the sole ruler of Persia, and taking the title Šāhānšāh "King of Kings" (his consort Adhur-Anahid took the title "Queen of Queens"), Ardashir I finally brought the 400 year-old Parthian Empire to an end and began four centuries of Sassanid rule.
Over the next few years, Ardashir I further expanded his new empire to the east and northwest, conquering the provinces of Sistan, Gorgan, Khorasan, Margiana (in modern Turkmenistan), Balkh, and Chorasmia. Bahrain and Mosul were also added to Sassanid possessions. Furthermore, the Kings of Kushan, Turan, and Mekran recognized Ardashir as their overlord. In the West, assaults against Hatra, Armenia and Adiabene met with less success.

Religion and State
According to historian Arthur Christensen, the Sassanid state as established by Ardashir I was characterized by two general trends which differentiated it from its Parthian predecessor: a strong political centralization and organized state sponsorship of Zoroastrianism.

The Parthian Empire had consisted of a loose federation of vassal kingdoms under the suzerainty of the Great King. Ardashir I, perhaps seeing from his own successes the weaknesses of such decentralized authority, established a strong central government by which to rule Persia. The empire was divided into cantons, the dimensions of which were based on military considerations. These cantons were designed to resist the influence of hereditary interests and feudal rivalries. Local governors who descended from the ruling family bore the title of shāh. In an attempt to protect royal authority from regional challenges, the personal domains of the Sassanids and branch families family were scattered across the empire. While the old feudal princes (vāspuhrs) remained, they were required to render military service with their local troops (for the most part peasant levies). The lesser nobility was cultivated as a source of military strength, forming the elite cavalry of the army, and the royal household found a useful (and presumably reliable) military force through the hiring of mercenaries.

Zoroastrianism had existed in the Parthian Empire, and its holy text, the Avesta, had likely been compiled during the years of the Arsacid dynasty. The Sassanids could trace their heritage to the Temple of Anahita at Staxr, where Ardashir I's grandfather had been a dignitary. Under Ardashir I, the Zoroastrian (sometimes called Mazdean) religion was promoted and regulated by the state. The Sassanids built fire temples and, under royal direction, a new and official version of the Avesta was compiled by a cleric named Tansār. The government officially backed the Zurvanist doctrine of the religion, which emphasized the concept of time as the "original principle", over the competing doctrine of Vayism, which stressed the importance of space over time. Despite this state backing of a particular sect, it appears that other religious practices were tolerated so long as they did not interfere with the political authority of the Sassanids.

In other domestic affairs, Ardashir I maintained his familial base in Fars, erecting such structures as the Ghal'eh Dokhtar and the Palace of Ardashir. Despite these impressive structures, he established his government at the old Parthian capital of Ctesiphon on the Tigris River. He also rebuilt the city of Seleucia, located just across the river, which had been destroyed by the Romans in 165, renaming it Veh-Ardashir. Trade was promoted and important ports at Mesene and Charax were repaired or constructed.

War with Rome
In the latter years of his reign, Ardashir I engaged in a series of armed conflicts with Persia's great rival to the west – the Roman Empire.

Ardashir I's expansionist tendencies had been frustrated by his failed invasions of Armenia, where a relative of the former Arsacid rulers of Parthia sat on the throne. Given Armenia's traditional position as an ally of the Romans, Ardashir I may have seen his primary opponent not in the Armenian and Caucasian troops he had faced, but in Rome and her legions.

In 230 Ardashir I led his army into the Roman province of Mesopotamia, unsuccessfully besieging the fortress town of Nisibis. At the same time, his cavalry ranged far enough past the Roman border to threaten Syria and Cappadocia. It seems that the Romans saw fit to attempt a diplomatic solution to the crisis, reminding the Persians of the superiority of Roman arms, but to no avail. Ardashir I campaigned unsuccessfully against Roman border outposts again the following year (231). As a result, the Roman emperor Alexander Severus (222–235) moved to the east, establishing his headquarters at Antioch, but experienced difficulties in bringing his troops together and thus made another attempt at diplomacy, which Ardashir I rebuffed.

Finally, in 232, Severus led his legions in a three-pronged assault on the Persians. However, the separate army groups did not advance in a coordinated fashion, and Ardashir I was able to take advantage of the disorder and concentrate his forces against the enemy advancing through Armenia, where he was able to halt the Roman advance. Hearing of the Roman plans to march on his capital at Ctesiphon, Ardashir I left only a token screening force in the north and met the enemy force that was advancing to the south, apparently defeating it in a decisive manner. However, one can discern that the Persians must have suffered considerable losses as well, as no attempt was made to pursue the fleeing Romans. Both leaders must have had reason to avoid further campaigning, as Severus returned to Europe in the following year (233) and Ardashir I did not renew his attacks for several years, probably focusing his energies in the east.

On 237 Ardashir I, along with his son and successor Shapur I (241–272), again invaded Mesopotamia. This effort resulted in successful assaults on Nisibis and Carrhae and the shock this caused in Rome led the emperor to revive the Roman client-state of Osroene. In 241, Ardashir I and Shapur finally overcame the stubborn fortress of Hatra. Ardashir I died later in the year.

Final Assessment
Ardashir I was an energetic king, responsible for the resurgence of Persia, the strengthening of Zoroastrianism, and the establishment of a dynasty that would endure for four centuries. While his campaigns against Rome met with only limited success, he achieved more against them than the Parthians had done in many decades and prepared the way for the substantial successes his son and successor Shapur I would enjoy against the same enemy.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes
Aelia Flacilla~0.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Aelia Flaccilla AE2. Constantinopolis. RIC IX : 551497 viewsObv: AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG. Diademed and draped bust right.
Obv: SALVS REI-PVBLICAE. Victory seated right on throne, writing Christogram on shield held on small column. In exergue, CON Epsilon (fifth officina).
11 comments
07621q00.jpg
ARCH, NERO, (Lost Arch of Nero)1476 viewsOrichalcum sestertius, RIC 149, VF, 24.55g, 35.1mm, 45o, Rome mint, 64 A.D.; obverse NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right wearing aegis; reverse S C, triumphal arch surmounted by statue of Nero in quadriga, Victory on left holds wreath & palm, Pax on right holds caduceus & cornucopia, wreath in archway, Mars nude helmeted statue in niche4 comments
taler-bavaria-madona.jpg
MODERN MILLED (up to 19th Century), BAVARIA (German State) - TALER, 17561473 viewsSilver coin with 28,45 grams
Ruler: Maximilian III. Joseph (1745 - 1777)
Obv.: D.G.MAX.IOS.U.B&P.S.D.C.P.R.S.I.A. & EL.L.L.
Rev.: PATRONA BAVARIAE 1756
Ref.: Km# 223.2, Hahn 330, Dav.: 1954
1 comments
727937.jpg
Owl - This zoo needs an OWL! Preferably a perky owl..1471 viewsCalabria --Circa 281-272 BC. AR Drachm (3.16 gm). Helmeted head of Athena left; helmet decorated with skylla hurling a stone / [TARANTINWN], owl standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread. Vlasto 1077ff; SNG ANS 1320 15 commentsfeatherz
Victoriatus~0.jpg
ROMAN REPUBLIC, AR Victoriatus, 211-206 B.C.1469 viewsSilver victoriatus, SRCV I 49, RSC I 9, Crawford 53/1, Sydenham 83, EF, Rome mint, 211 - 206 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Jupiter right; reverse ROMA, Victory right, crowning trophy with wreath in right.

The victoriatus is actually a drachm and was minted to facilitate trade with the Southern Italy Greeks, for which denarii were too new and perhaps not easily understood. Later when Rome's influence in South expanded, about 170 B.C., the production ceased.
3 commentsPhiloromaos
celsus34.jpg
Turkey, Ephesus, Library of Celsus1464 viewsOne of the true glories of Ephesus is the reconstructed facade of the Library of Celsus. Dedicated in 120 A.D to the former governor of Asia Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the library contained up to 12,000 scrolls. It was burned when the Goths sacked the city in 260 A. D. The edifice to the right is the Gate of Hadrian which connected the library to the public agora or marketplace.1 comments
arch of constantine.jpg
Italy, Rome, Arch of Constantine1456 viewsView of the arch of Constantine from the top of the Colosseum2 commentsJay GT4
ConstantinCheval.JPG
Roman Empire, Constantinus with HORSE unlisted coin Arelate Mint ***1455 viewsIMP CONSTANTINVS AVG
Cuirassed , laureated bust left with shield on arm, holding horse by bridle
SOLI IN-V-CTO COMITI S/F/PARL
Sol standing left
8 commentsgb29400
Agrippina-Ses-Ob-_-Rev~2.jpg
Roman, Agrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)1441 viewsAgrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)
Sestertius
Daughter of Julia and Marcus Agrippa, wife of Germanicus and mother of Emperor Caligula. The most beautiful woman of all Caesars in the most incredible condition. The finest known specimen originally from the Morreti Collection.

Posthumous portrait ordered by Caligula to commemorate his mother who had tragically died in exile.

Cohen 1 ; RIC 42
9 comments
lysimachos.jpg
GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Lysimachos, 323-281 BC Thrace1438 viewsAR - Tetradrachm struck in Lampsakos, 286-281 BC
Obv. Head of Alexander the Great, wearing taenia and horn of Ammon
Rev. BASILEWS – LYSIMAXOY Athena, wearing Corinthian helmet, in long robe, seated facing left on throne, left arm resting on shield decorated with lion's-head, spear pointing downwards behind her right shoulder, holding in outstretched right hand winged Nike who is crowning the name with wreath. In left field monogram HP (ligate); in exergue, crescent with cavity left.
28.8mm, 16.85g
Ref. Thompson 47; Müller 401; SNG Paris 2542
24 commentsAlexB
04007q00.jpg
Tigress - Gallienus1432 viewsBronze antoninianus, RIC 230 (sole reign), EF, excellent portrait, 3.16g, 19.9mm, 0 deg, Rome mint, 260-268 A.D.; obverse GALLIENVS AVG, radiate head right; reverse LIBERO P CONS AVG, Tigress left looking up roaring; B in ex4 commentsJoe Sermarini
theodosius2.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Theodosius II Solidus1402 viewsAV Solidus. Constantinople mint. Obv: DN THEODO-SIVS PF AVG - Three-quarters bust right, draped, cuirassed, holding spear over right shoulder and shield in left hand Rev: VOT XXX MVLT XXXXS - Constantinopolis seated left, holding cross on globe and scepter, her left foot sits on the prow of a galley and at rear of her throne, a shield sits; in right field, a 'star'. Exe: CONOB : AD 430-440, RIC X, 257 (s) Scarce, page 259/ 4.48 g. FDC.
11 commentsLordBest
magnentius felicitas reipublicae~0.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Magnentius AE Centionalis. (Trier) RIC VIII : 266.1374 viewsObverse: IM CAE MAGN-ENTIVS AVG. Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: FELICITAS REIPVBLICE. Emperor in military dress standing left, holding Victory on globe and standard with Chi-Rho on banner; in right field, A; in exergue, TRS crescent.
Struck between A.D.351 and 353.
4 comments
Attica,_Athens,_Tetradrachm_449_BC_~0.jpg
GREEK, Attica, Athens, 449-413 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Starr pl. xxii, 61358 viewsHead of Athena right, wearing helmet ornamented with vine scroll and laurel leaves.
Owl facing standing right, head facing, AΘE to right, olive sprig and crescent to left, all within incuse square.
Starr pl. xxii, 6; SNG Copenhagen 33; Sear 2526.
(22 mm, 17.18 g, 10h)
18 comments
waystr.jpg
Turkey, Ephesus - Curetes Street1357 viewsLooking down Curetes Street named after the priests who presided over the sacred fire of Hestia. The street is paved with marble slabs with sidewalks covered in mosaics.
3 comments
cyprus 2.JPG
Cyprus, Pafos, Roman Mosaic in "The House of the Century"1347 viewsMosaic in "The House of the Century"1 commentsJeroen
4px4kes.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Caracalla -Aegis denarius1334 viewsRome, Circa 207,
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
PROVIDENTIA : Aegis
RIC 165 (R2) ; Cohen 527 (40 fr.) ; BMC p. 258 note.
Much more rare than RIC and Cohen consider !!!
Of the Highest rarity !
Collection Frédéric Weber
Détails
19 commentsfrederic W
trajan.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Trajan, Sestertius1324 viewsTrajan Sestertius with Trajan on horseback on the reverse. Rather nice green patina.8 comments
AvsR.jpg
Antioch vs. Rome1301 viewsOne way to distinguish Gordian's Antioch products from Rome is by letter shape, in particular, the letter M; on Antioch coins it is formed with a V in the middle thus IVI, whereas the Rome M is two lambdas thus Λ Λ. Joe Sermarini
Agrippina-Ses-Ob-_-Rev~4.jpg
Agrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)1297 viewsAgrippina the Elder (ca. 14 B.C.-33 A.D)
Sestertius
Daughter of Julia and Marcus Agrippa, wife of Germanicus and mother of Emperor Caligula. The most beautiful woman of all Caesars in the most incredible condition. The finest known specimen originally from the Morreti Collection.
Obv.Posthumous portrait ordered by Caligula to commemorate his mother who had tragically died in exile. Rev.The carpentum drawn by two mules, the vehicle reserved for the use of the women of the imperial family in the city.
Cohen 1 ; RIC 42
10 comments
HADRIAN-BRITANICUS~1.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, HADRIANVS BRITANNICVS1287 viewsSestertius of Hadrian, AD 122. EXERC BRITANNICVS SC ("For the army of Britain, by order of the Senate") RIC 913. Coin currently in the British Museum Department of Coins and Medals (gallery 49, case 14).
Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS 111 PP ("Hadrian Augustus, three times consul, father of his country")
21 comments
Leopold-Taler-vienna.jpg
POST MEDIEVAL, Austria, Leopold I, 1695, 1 TALER1269 viewsSilver coin with 28,45 grams
Ruler: Leopold I (the Hogmouth), 1658 - 1705
Mint city: Vienna
Obv.:LEOPOLDUS:D:G:ROM:IMP:S:A:GE:HV:BO:REX.
Rev.: ARCHIDVX:AVSTRIAE:DVX:BVR:COM:TYRO: 1695
Ref.: KM#1871, Dav.: 3229A
Licinia - Votazioni.jpg
Gens Licinia. Roman republic. 1265 viewsWith another coin of Gens Cassia, it's to my knowledge the only coin representing the democratic act of voting. A lesson of democracy for the other ancient countries, but even for us...
Plinius
5 commentsPLINIUS
IMG10475.JPG
Italy, Vulci - Great Temple1261 viewsEtruscan temple was at this site since 6th century BC, rebuilt by Romans.J. B.
Decius-04.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Trajan Decius - FELICITAS SAECVLI1254 viewsObv.:IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate & cuirassed bust right Rev.: FELICITAS SAECVLI S-C, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus & cornucopiae. 15 commentsPostumus
MarAurelio14.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Marcus Aurelius - SALVTI AVGVSTOR1254 viewsSestertius Obv.: IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG P M, laureate head right Rev.:SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVII S-C, COS III below, Salus standing left offering a patera to snake arising from altar, and holding scepter. Cohen 564. 23 commentsPostumus
661008.jpeg
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Caracalla, Nicopolis ad Istrum1240 viewsMOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum. Caracalla. 198-217 AD. Æ 26mm (11.90 gm). Ovinius Tertullus, magistrate. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Apollo Sauroktonos ("Lizardslayer") standing right, holding branch and watching lizard on tree. AMNG I 1518; SNG Copenhagen -. 16 comments
Constantine I a.jpg
Constantine- Mint of Rome style!1237 viewsVery stern face, and distinctive nose are a dead give-away for Rome issues of Constantine and Licinius. The impressive cuirass is also quite common, while the drapery from Rome has a distinctive "flourish" to it. Very large bust...

From the Collection of Evan Rankin (Wolfgang336)
2 commentswolfgang336
Constantinus-I__AE-Follis_CONSTAN-TINVS-AVG_SARMATIA-DEVICTA_SIRM_RIC-VII-48-p-475-c3_C-x_Sirmium_th_-off__324-5-AD__Q-002_axis-6h_18-19,5mm_3,18g-s.jpg
136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Sirmium, RIC VII 048, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SIRM, SARMATIA DEVICTA, #2,Roman Empire, Constantine I (307-337 AD.) AE-3 Follis, SARMATIA DEVICTA, Sirmium, #2,1221 views136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Sirmium, RIC VII 048, AE-3 Follis, -/-//SIRM, SARMATIA DEVICTA, #2,
avers: CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1, B1, Laureate head right.
reverse: SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, stepping on captive, holding trophy and palm.
exergue: -/-//SIRM, diameter: 18-19,5mm, weight: 3,18g, axis: 6h,
mint: Sirmium, date: 324-325 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-48, p475,
Q-002
2 commentsquadrans
trajan_219~0.jpg
Trajan RIC II, 2191195 viewsTrajan AD 88 - 117
AR - Denar, 3.15g, 19.9mm
Rome AD 103 - 111
obv. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS V PP
bust laureate, r.
rev. SPQ.R. OPTIMO PRINCIPI
Dacian, in mourning attitude, seated on shield; below curved sword
RIC II, 219; BMCR cf.175
uncirculated

This issue celebrates the triumph of Trajan in the war against Dacia. The 1. Dacian war started AD 101 and by clever strategy, building of bridges over the Danube, AD 102 the Dacian king Decebalus choosed to capitulate and sweared obedience. He was to become a client king. Trajan gained the title DACICVS.
But then Decebalus started new offensives against Rome and Trajan took the field again AD 106. This 2. Dacian war was a brutal struggle. Decebalus committed suicid. The triumph in Rome lasted 123 days. Dacia with its vast wealthy becomes Roman province. Most of the inhabitants were killed or enslaved, their place taken for immigrants. Appolodorus built the huge Trajan column for propaganda.
4 commentsJochen
177- Aurelian Victoria~0.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, Aurelian Victoria1191 viewsAE Antoninianus, 170-175 AD, Siscia Mint
Obverse: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left with wreath and palm, * left , S Right.
RIC 237 Siscia Mint.
22mm, 3.6gm.
3 commentsJerome Holderman
Balbinus_AR-Ant_IMP-CAES-D-CAEL-BALBINVS-AVG_CONCORDIA-AVG-G_RIC-10_C-3_Q-001_23mm_3_82g-s.jpg
Roman Empire, Balbinus (238 A.D.), AR-Antoninianus, RIC V-I 010, Rome, CONCORDIA AVG G,1186 views070 Balbinus (238 A.D.), AR-Antoninianus, RIC V-I 010, Rome, CONCORDIA AVG G,
avers:- IMP-CAES-D-CAEL-BALBINVS-AVG, Radiate, draped bust right.
revers:- CONCORDIA-AVG-G, Hands, in handshake.
exerg: , diameter: 23mm, weight: 3,82g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 238 A.D., ref: RIC-10, C-3,
Q-001
11 commentsquadrans
eadgar-carden-1-i.jpg
S.1129 Eadgar (Farthein)1176 viewsPenny of Eadgar, king of England 959-972
Moneyer: Farthein
Mint: unknown (Northeast)
S. 1129
N. 741
HT1, NE V
O: +EADGAR REX
R: CARD EIN No

Ex- Baldwins 105 (lot 147)
St. George's Collection
335 ac-Aes Grave.jpg
ROMAN REPUBLIC, Aes Grave1156 viewsAs Janus /Prow . Turlow-Vecchi n° 51. Weight 273 gr. By Plinius. (...I love it!) 9 commentsPLINIUS
Sculptured Drum of Column from Ephesus.jpg
Turkey, Ephesus - Sculptured Drum of Column from Ephesus1155 views
CJSII-0414 obv.JPG
Roman, Aelia Flaccilla1138 viewsex FORVM - 2243. Bronze AE2, RIC 43, gVF, 3.1g, 20.8mm, 180o, Nicomedia mint, 25 Aug 383 - 386 A.D.; obverse AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG, draped bust right with an elaborate head dress, necklace and mantle; reverse SALVS REIPVBLICAE, Aelia Flacilla standing facing head right, arms folded on breast, SMN[ in ex; irregular flan, excellent portrait, black patina beautifully highlighted by read earthen fill, this is the most elaborate hairstyle we have seen on this type; very rare7 commentscscoppa
Procopius.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Procopius ae3, Constantinople1137 viewsObv: D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left.
Rev: REPARATI-O FEL TEMP. Emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand and resting left on shield. At foot, left, a small indeterminate object, possibly a helmet. Above, in right field, Chi-Rho; in exergue, CONS gamma.
RIC IX : 17a (R2)
9 comments
Ferdinand_Isabella~0.jpg
MEDIEVAL, Spain, Kingdom of Leon and Castille, Ferdinand & Isabella, AN Double Excelente, Struck c.A.D.1479-1504.1135 viewsObverse: FERNANDVS : Z : ELISABET : DEI : GRA +. Crowned busts of Ferdinand & Isabella facing each other.
Reverse: SVB VMBRA ALARVM TVA. Haloed eagle of the evangelist John behind the crowned united coats of arms of Castile-Leon / Aragon-Sicily.

Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castille united Spain and captured the beautiful Moorish city of Granada, thus completing the Reconquista of Spain. After the fall of the last Muslim kingdom, they turned their attention to exploration which led to the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

The gold Castellano weighing 4,6g was introduced in Castile by Enrique IV in 1475, the coin was highly valued and therefore called "excelente". In 1483 however, Barcelona and Valencia introduced the gold ducat of 3,5g. In 1497, in order to unify gold coin standards within Spain, a coinage act was passed and the Excelente of 3,5 g and 23,75 carat replaced the Castellano in Castile.
4 comments
china1.JPG
China, Great Wall1129 viewsIt's a wall and its great, what more do I need to say :) - Bolayi1 commentsPeattie
elag200.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Elagabalus, AE30, Perinthus1114 viewsElagabalus --AE30, Perinthus. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Nike standing facing, head left, holding patera over lighted altar, and palm. SNG Copenhagen -; BMC Thrace -; Mionnet -. Good VF, olive patina. An apparently unique and unpublished type. 9 commentsfeatherz
vesp den _600 hjb capricorn rev.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, Vespasian, silver denarius, RIC 1181111 viewsAR denarius
Rome mint, 79 AD
RIC 1058(C), BMC 251, RSC 554
Obv.- IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev.- TR POT X COS VIIII; Capricorn l. : below, globe
10 commentsDavid Atherton
13729q00.jpg
ROMAN REPUBLIC, L. Papius. Denarius, 79 B.C.1107 viewsObv: Head of Juno Sospita right, clad in goat's skin, control-symbol behind head.
Rev: Gryphon leaping right, control-symbol below, L PAPI in exergue.
RSC Papia 1 | CRR 733 | RCV I : 311.
11 commentsthe_Apostate
08691q00.jpg
Hilaritas1089 viewsThe most amusing goddess! Silver denarius, S 5254, RIC M. Aur. 686, RSC 111, gVF, 2.92g, 16.6mm, 180o, Rome mint, 161-175 A.D.; obverse FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right; reverse HILARITAS, Hilaritas standing left holding palm branch and cornucopia1 comments
DSC05477.JPG
Queen Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign1087 views1964
Obv. Right Facing Queen Elizabeth, REGINA:\ F.D.:ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA
Rev. St. George on horseback slaying dragon
1 commentsDino
Probus CLEMENTIA TEMP RIC 928~0.jpg
Tripolis mint Probus CLEMENTIA TEMP RIC 9281084 viewsAnt. IMP C MAVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust R, seen from the back. CLEMENTIA TEMP, Probus receiving globe from Jupiter. Crescent in field, KA in exe. Tripolis, RIC 928, Common.

A good example of the Tripolis style for this emperor; it's quite distinctive, and quite naturalistic by comparison with other mints.
2 commentsRobert_Brenchley
faustaspes.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Fausta AE Follis, Rome mint. R4, FDC.1080 viewsAE Follis. Bust of Fausta right FLAV MAX FAVSTA AVG/Fausta standing holding Constantine II and Constantius II SPES REIPVBLICAE. Rome Mint. R4, the finest known Fausta bronze. Full copper mint lustre covered in a thin browny green patina. Simply superb.7 commentsLordBest
RI 066ab obv.jpg
Roman, Caracalla1064 viewsThis seemed such a striking portrait of this notorious emperor that I couldn't resist.5 commentsmaridvnvm
ClaudiusSestertius(Obv).jpg
Roman, Claudius I1063 views10 comments
ConstantinusII.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, CONSTANTINUS II Caesar Victory bust1061 viewsCONSTANTINUS IVN NOB C
laureated and draped bust right, Victory on globe in left hand, sceptre in right hand
BEATA TRAN - QVILLITAS VO / TIS / XX
Point STR Point
Treveri Mint
RIC. VII p.198 , 383 R4

gb29400
11 commentsgb29400
HADRIAN-BRITANICUS~2.jpg
HADRIANVS BRITANNICUS1059 viewsSestertius of Hadrian, AD 122. EXERC BRITANNICVS SC ("For the army of Britain, by order of the Senate") RIC 913.
The reverse shows Hadrian addressing the troops in England, standing on a low plinth, clearly showing the Roman soldiers with their standards.
Coin currently in the British Museum Department of Coins and Medals (gallery 49, case 14).
Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS 111 PP ("Hadrian Augustus, three times consul, father of his country")
6 comments
EmerGTetAttica.jpg
Athens Emergency Issue Plated Tetradrachm Circa 406-404 BC1046 viewsQuote from David Sear:

"Athens was the greatest power in the Greek world throughout most of the 5th century BC. Its famous 'owl' coinage, principally of silver tetradrachms, possibly commenced in 510 BC on the occasion of the downfall of the tyrant Hippias. On these celebrated coins the helmeted head of the goddess Athena was accompanied by her attendant owl and the first three letters of the ethnic 'AQE'. Later, a diadem of olive leaves was added to Athena's helmet and a cresent moon was placed in the reverse field, though the precise chronological significance of these changes remains uncertain. To the intense chagrin of the Spartans Athens became the leader of the Greek states, including those of Ionia, in the epic struggle against the expansionist policies of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The victories at Salamis (480 BC) and the Eurymedon (circa 467) clearly established the Athenian supremacy in the Aegean world. Initially, the Delian League (founded in 477) was an alliance of independent states sharing a common cause under the leadership of Athens. It gradually developed into an Athenian maritime empire with the member cities obliged to pay an annual tribute into the League's treasury on Delos. In 454 this treasury, amounting to 5,000 talents of silver, was actually removed to Athens and the vast wealth was openly employed for the aggrandizement of the city, now under the leadership of the great statesman Pericles. Vast building projecdts, such as the monumental edifices on the Acropolis, were financed in this way. From 431, however, Athens became embroiled in the protracted Peloponnesian War and increasingly the wealth of the state was dissipated in this futile cause. This attractive tetradrachm belongs to the exceptionally large ouput of Athenian 'owls' made during the second half of the 5th century. In contrast to the artistic development taking place at mints in other parts of the Mediterranean world, the late archaic style of the earlier 5th century became 'frozen' on these issues which represent the first truly imperial coinage of the Greek world. As Athens restricted or forbade the issue of independent currency at many of the cities within her sphere of influence the 'owls' came to circulate over an increasingly wide area. But this all came to an end with the defeat of Athens by Sparta in 404 BC and during the period immediately preceding this catastrophe the Athenians were reduced to the desperate expedient of issuing bronze tetradrachms and drachms with a thin surface coating of silver. This specimen is an excellent example of this emergency coinage the production of which drew contemporary comment from Aristophanes who, in his play Frogs (717ff), compares the decline in the quality of the leading citizens with the recent debasement of the Athenian coinage."
3 comments
claude_ii_regi_artis.jpg
Vulcan, Claudius II antoninianus1045 viewsIMP C CLAVDIVS AVG
REGI ARTIS
RIC 215 ; Cohen 239 (30 fr.)
RIC rate it Common, but it's a very rare coin, Volkano is rarely seen on roman imperial coins.
fredericweber.com
2 commentsfrederic W
CARACT.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Caracalla from Tarsos1044 viewsCaracalla -- AE30, Tarsos. R: Caracalla wearing wreath and robes of the demiourgos, facing temple and victimarius swinging an ax to slay a sacrificial bull. SNG Levante -, SNG Paris - , SNG Aulock -, SNG Righetti -, Ziegler -. Possibly unpublished? Thanks to Curtis Clay for reference checks. 6 commentsfeatherz
06249q00.jpg
Laodicea ad Mar, loop up from drapery on Julia Domna denarii1043 viewsLaodicea ad Mare is today Latakia, Syria. It was a Phonecian town, refounded by Seleucus I Nicator 301-281 B.C. and renamed after his mother, Laodicea. Coins of Julia Domna from the Laodicea mint can be identified by the loop coming up from her drapery at the neck.5 comments
SEV ALEX-4.jpg
Roman, Severus Alexander Dupondius 1042 viewsSeverus Alexander Dupondius
231 A.D. Mint of Rome
Obv.: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
Radiate head right
Rev.: IOVI PROPVGNATORI S C
Jupiter walking left, head right, holding thunderbolt.
Cohen 81, RIC629
A beautiful portrait of this emperor
3 commentsMaxentius
Constantine I Provedentiae Avgg~0.jpg
CAMPGATE, Constantine I, AE31041 viewsobv: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG
rev: PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG
SMTSE in exergue
RIC Thessalonica 154
VF
2 commentswolfgang336
IMITATIVE OTTOMAN.jpg
*IMITATION OTTOMAN Cedid Mahmudiye1041 viewsThis piece came in a bag of modern Foreign coins - 21 pounds! May be gold inside!!!
The dating did not seem right to me! From the experts at Zeno, I found a similar issue..... This attribution from Zeno:
Imitation of gold cedid mahmudiye (KM, Turkey #645) with distorted inscriptions and fantasy regnal year 78. Made for jewelry purposes throughout the 19th and early 20th century, very likely outside Turkey: similar imitations are met in abundance in South Russia and Ukraine, along the shores of Black and Azov seas, where they were widely used for adorning Gypsy and native Greek women's garments.

So, as you see, it is not exactly a FAKE or a COUNTERFEIT - it is an IMITATION, so the makers could not get into trouble. The regnal years alone would show that the coin was not "real" -

An interesting piece that may turn up from time to time!
dpaul7
cyprus 1.JPG
Cyprus, Pafos, Roman Mosaic in "The House of the Century" (Detail)1039 viewsDetailJeroen
CampaniaNeapolis~0.jpg
GREEK, Italy, Campania - Neapolis1038 viewsAR Nomus, Neapolis (Naples) mint, c. 300 - 275 B.C.
Obverse: Diademed head of nymph right, wearing triple-pendant earring, grape bunch behind.
Reverse: Man-faced bull standing right, head facing, being crowned by Nike flying right, NEOΠOΛITΩ[N] below.
Weight 7.25 g, Maximum Diameter 21.9 mm, Die Axis 315o.
SNG ANS 317, HN Italy 579, Ex CNG e-auction 92 lot 3;

Neapolis (modern day Naples) was an early Rhodian colony, originally named Parthenope. Its name was changed to Neapolis in ca. 450 BC. The obverse of this issue represents the Siren Parthenope who was the local goddess of Neapolis. The man-headed bull reverse was a type shared by a number of Campanian cities and may have generally been understood as representing Acheloös, the father of Sirens. The name of Acheloös appears in cults throughout the Greek world and in mythology as the archetypal river-god and may have been used in this context in Campania.
AlexB
hadtempdet.jpg
Turkey, Ephesus - temple of Hadrian1035 viewsA magnificent relief of Medusa filling the interior arch of the temple of Hadrian. Other reliefs of Amazons and the Olympian gods grace the interior.
AugAlter2.jpg
Altar of Lugdunum1016 viewsCAESAR PONT MAX
Laureate head of Augustus, right.
ROM ET AVG
Altar flanked by two columns each surmounted by Victory.
Various sacred items on top; mystic symbols to front.
Copper As 22.5 mm 9.5 gm

Augustus took a risky break with tradition by allowing
himself to be the object of cult adoration. To minimize
the affront to his fellow Romans, he permitted the
practice only in the West. Interestingly, the year of
dedication in 10 BC saw the birth of Claudius in the same
place.
Massanutten
2 comments
Pupienus portrait - RIC 10(a).jpg
Roman, Pupienus, April - June 238 A.D.1013 viewsMARCVS CLODIVS PUPIENVS MAXIMVS was born about 164. He was a Senator in 238 when the revolt of the Gordians broke out against Maximinus I, and he was one of the Senate's "Committee of Twenty" to oversee the defense of Italy in support of the Gordians. When the Gordians were quickly killed in Africa, the Senate made Pupienus and a Senator named Balbinus co-Augusti. Pupienus was to lead the army and Balbinus was to administrate. Maximinus was soon killed by his own men at Aquileia but discontent in Rome led to the murder of Pupienus by the Praetorian Guard on July 29, 238. This portrait is from a Antonianus (ex-Forum) in my collection (see jimwho523's gallery for actual coin)13 commentsjimwho523
antinoi.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Antinous Medallion1013 viewsAntinous, Favorite of Hadrian, Medallion 40 gr,39 mm,very fine condition,very rare8 comments
Caracallvenus.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, "Limes" denarius, Caracalla1009 viewswhitetd49
BELA-III__H-73a_CNH-I_-103_U--_TKF-14-Q-001_1,28ga-s.jpg
16.19. Béla III., King of Hungary, (1172-1196 A.D.), Cu-23, CÁC I. 16.19./a1.?./?., (avers same as 16.20./a1.14./15.,), H-073A, CNH I.-103, U--, Rare!, #011006 views16.19. Béla III., King of Hungary, (1172-1196 A.D.), Cu-23, CÁC I. 16.19./a1.?./?., (avers same as 16.20./a1.14./15.,), H-073A, CNH I.-103, U--, Rare!, #01
avers: Illegible Kufic legend-imitation, a similar legend in lines in a circle of dots, a border of dots.
reverse: Illegible Kufic legend-imitation, a similar legend in lines in a circle of dots, a border of dots. (with JOJ).
exergue: -/-//JOJ, diameter: 23,0 mm, weight: 1,28, axis: h,
mint: Esztergom, date: A.D., ref: Huszár-073A, Unger--, CNH I.-103, Tóth-Kiss-Fekete: CÁC I.(Catalog of Árpadian Coinage I./Opitz I.), Privy-Mark/Szigla: 16.19./a1.?./?., (avers same as 16.20./a1.14./15.,), New subtype/sigla variation!,
Q-001
quadrans
08474q00.jpg
CAMPGATE, Constantine I, Heraclea, RIC 161004 viewsSilvered AE3, RIC 16, EF, 3.90g, 19.9mm, 180o, Heraclea mint, 317 A.D.; obverse IMP CONSTA-NTINVS AVG, laureate consular bust left holding mappa and scepter; reverse PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG, campgate with three turrets, MHTB in exergueJoe Sermarini
hungary-taler-004.jpg
MODERN MILLED (up to 19th Century), Hungary - 1 Taler, 1782998 viewssilver coin with 27,85 grams
Ruler: Josef II (1765 - 1790)
(B) Kremnitz mint
Obv.: Coat of arms of Hungary - IOS II.D.G.R.IMP.S.A.GHB.REX.A.A.D.B.&.L.
Rev.: Crwned madona with sceptre and the baby Jesus - S.MARIA MATER DAI (B) PATRONA HUNG.1782 . X .
Huszar: 1869, Dav.: 1168
1 comments
Gordianus-III__AE-Sest_IMP-CAES-MANT-GORDIANVS-AVG_LIBERALITAS-AVG-II_S-C_Rome-240-RIC-269a_Q-001_17_91g-s.jpg
Roman Empire, Gordianus-III. (238-244 A.D.), AE-Sestercius, RIC IV-III 269a, Rome, LIBERALITAS AVG II,994 views072 Gordianus-III. (238-244 A.D.), AE-Sestercius, RIC IV-III 269a, Rome, LIBERALITAS AVG II,
avers:- IMP-CAES-MANT-GORDIANVS-AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- LIBERALITAS-AVG-II, Liberalitas standing left, holding coin counter and two cornucopiae; S-C across fields.
exe:-/-//--, diameter: 30mm, weight: 17,91g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 240 A.D., ref: RIC-269a, C-136,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans
_T2eC16V,!)QE9s3HFdodBQhF6YhUgQ~~60_57.JPG
Countermark on coin of Septimius Severus992 viewsSeptimius Severus AE45 medallion of Acrasus, Lydia. 43.5 gr.

AYT KAI L CEP CEOYHROC PER, laureate, draped cuirassed bust
right, countermark of Artemis Ephesia standing facing (Howgego 234.)
EPI CTRA ONHCIPFOROY APOLL TO B AKRACIWTWN (or [2] EPI CTR
FILODHMOY NOYMERIANOY AKRACIWTWN), Biga of stags right
with statue of Artemis Ephesia standing half right with supports.

SNG von Aulock 2883; Hirsch Collection 1571; [2] SNG Cop 6.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection
2 commentsSam
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