Session 2 Auction VIII Roma Numismatics

Transcription

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINS
Very Attractive Tetradrachm of Tiberius
759. Tiberius and Divus Augustus BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 7, AD 20/21. TIBEPIOΣ KAICAP ΣEBAΣTOΣ, laureate head right; date
below chin / ΣEBAΣTOΣ ΘEOΣ, radiate head of Divus Augustus right. Köln 48; Dattari (Savio) 78; K&G 5.10; RPC 5089; Emmett 60. 13.49g,
26mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Two bold portraits.
1,000
760. Claudius and Antonia BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 41-42. ΤΙ ΚΛΑΥΔΙ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΓΕΡΜΑΝΙ ΑΥΤΟΚΡ, laureate head right /
ΑΝΤΩΝΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗ, bust of Antonia right. Emmett 73; Dattari 114; BMC 65; Milne 61-64. 12.13g, 24mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
200
761. Nero and Poppaea Æ16 of Smyrna, Ionia. AD 54-68. NEPΩN A CEBACTON, laureate head right / NEIKH ΠOΠΠAIA ZMYP, Nike, as Poppaea,
advancing left, holding wreath and palm. Klose 27; RPC 2486. 3.53g, 16mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
400
762
763
762. Nero with Agrippina Junior BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. AD 54-68. Year 5, AD 58/9. [N... KAIΣ ΣEBAΓEPAYTO, laureate head of Nero
right / AΓPIΠΠINA, draped bust of Agrippina Junior right. RPC I 5231; Köln -; Milne 167; Emmett 107. 13.91g, 26mm, 12h.
Good Fine.
100
763. Nero and Poppaea BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 10, AD 63-64. NEPΩ ΚΛAV KAIΣ ΣEB ΓEP, radiate bust of Nero right, /
ΠΟΠΠΑΙΑΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗ, bust of Poppaea right, L I in right field. Emmett 128; Köln 157; Dattari 196; BMC 122-123; Milne 217-221. 13.60g,
25mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
100
179
764
765
764. Nero and Tiberius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 13, AD 66-67. NEPΩ ΚΛAV KAIΣ ΣEB ΓEP AV, radiate bust of Nero left, L IΔ in
left field / TIBEPIOΣ KAIΣAP, laureate head of Tiberius right. Emmett 134; Köln 187; Dattari 185; BMC 114-115; Milne 256-260. 12.86g, 23mm,
12h.
Very Fine.
100
765. Nero BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 14, AD 67-68. NEPΩ ΚΛAV KAIΣ ΣEB ΓEP AV, radiate bust of Nero left, L IΔ in left field /
ZEYΣ NEMIOΣ, laureate bust of Zeus right, star in right field. Emmett 136; Köln 207; Dattari 257; BMC 127; Milne 292-294. 12.78g, 24mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
200
Two Excellent Tetradrachms of Nero
766. Nero BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 59-66. NEPΩN KAIΣAP ΣEBAΣTOY, laureate bust right wearing aegis / ETOYΣ AIP.Θ, eagle standing
facing on thunderbolt, head right, palm and pellet in right field. Prieur 84. 14.72g, 28mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine; the finest example offered for sale in recent years. Very Rare.
1,500
767. Nero BI Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 63. ΝΕΡΩΝ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΣ, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / ΕΤΟΥΣ ΒΙΡ.Ι, eagle standing
right on thunderbolt, wings spread, palm to right. Prieur 89; RPC 4189. 15.10g, 25mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Pleasing iridescent toning.
2,000
Ex Sierra Collection;
Ex Ponterio 117, 18 January 2002, lot 326.
768. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. Dated RY 2 = AD 69-70. ΑVΤΟΚΡΑΤ ΚΑΙΣΑ ΟVΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, laureate head right,
wearing archaic aegis / ΕΤΟΥΣ ΝΕΟΥ ΙΕΡΟΥ, eagle right on thunderbolt, palm in right field, B (date) in right field. Prieur 104. 15.08g, 24mm, 12h.
About Extremely Fine.
1,250
180
769. Domitian, as Caesar, Æ21 of Antioch, Syria. AD 69-81. CAESAR DOMIT COS II, laureate head left / SC within laurel wreath. BMC 253; Wruck
112. 6.36g, 21mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Desert Patina. Rare.
100
770. Nerva BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 96-97. AVT NEPOVA KAIΣ ΣEB, laureate head right / Eagle standing right, L A in field
left and right. Emmett 361; Dattari 639; BMC 352: Milne 540-541. 13.08g, 25mm, 12h.
Near Very Fine.
150
771. Trajan AR Drachm of Lycia. AD 98-99. ΑVT KAIC NЄP TRAIANOC CЄB ΓЄPM, laureate head right / ΔHM ЄΞ ΥΠAT B, two lyres, with owl
above. SNG Copenhagen 45; SNG von Aulock 4267; BMC 10. 3.24g, 18mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Attractively toned.
100
772. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 10, AD 125/6. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Agathodaemon serpent coiled about
caduceus erect right facing Uraeus erect left; LΔ (date), ΕΚΑΤΟV around. Köln 894; Milne 1164; Emmett 804. 12.40g, 23mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Rare.
150
773. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 10, AD 125/6. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Canopic jar right; LΔ (date)
EKATOV around. Köln 903; Dattari (Savio) 1325-6; K&G 32.351. 13.28g, 24mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
150
181
774. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 12, AD 127/8. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Osiris mummy standing right, holding
sceptre tipped with jackal-head; date in legend. Köln 982; Dattari (Savio) 1445; K&G 32.458. Emmett 883. 12.84g, 25mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
200
775. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 12, 127/8 AD. Laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟC, clasped
hands; L above, IB (date) below. Köln 979; Dattari 1524; Milne 1263; Emmett 848. 13.59g, 26mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
200
776. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 12, 127/8 AD. Laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟC, clasped
hands; L above, IB (date) below. Köln 979; Dattari 1524; Milne 1263; Emmett 848. 13.73g, 24mm, 3h.
Good Very Fine.
150
777. Hadrian Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 15, AD 130/131. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / The emperor, holding sceptre, standing
in quadriga and being hailed by Alexandria; date below. Köln 1037; Milne 1314; Emmett 966. 23.84g, 35mm, 10h.
Very Fine.
100
778. Hadrian and Sabina BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 16, AD 131/2. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian right, seen from
behind / Draped bust of Sabina right; LIC (date) behind. Köln 1039; Dattari (Savio) 1250; K&G 32.515; Emmett 886. 11.54g, 25mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Rare.
200
182
779. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 16, AD 131/2. AΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CΕΒ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to
right / Draped figure of Serapis, seated on high backed throne to left, holding long sceptre in his left hand and extending his right to touch Kerberos
seated facing at left, Nike standing right atop the throne to left and crowning Serapis; LΙ-C (date) across. Dattari 1477; Geissen 1044; Milne 1324.
13.17g, 23mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine, with traces of lustre.
200
780. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 18, AD 133/4. AΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CΕΒ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to
right / Draped figure of Serapis, seated on high backed throne to left, holding long sceptre in his left hand and extending his right to touch Kerberos
seated facing at left, Nike standing right atop the throne to left and crowning Serapis; LΙ-H (date) across. Köln 1094; Dattari (Savio) 1479; K&G
32.571 var. (position of date); Emmett 892. 13.85g, 24mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine, exceptional condition for the type and displaying still lustrous metal.
500
781. Hadrian Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 18, AD 133/134 Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / L I-H, Sphinx seated
left, right paw on wheel. Köln 1134; Dattari 1996; Milne 1427; Emmett 1053. 25.04g, 32mm, 1h.
Very Fine.
100
782. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 21, AD 136/7. Laureate head right / Demeter standing facing, head left, holding grain ears and
long torch; LK–A (date) in fields. Köln 1209; Dattari (Savio) 1335; K&G 32.720; Emmet 832. 12.21g, 26mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Good metal for the issue.
200
783. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 21, AD 136/7. AVT KAIC TPA • AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate head left / Demeter standing left,
wreathed and wearing chiton, holding grain ears and poppies in right hand, long torch in left; LK–A (date) across field. Köln 1210; Dattari (Savio)
1336; K&G 32.721; Milne 1525; Emmet 832; BMC 581. 12.16g, 24mm, 12h.
About Very Fine.
100
183
784. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 22, AD 137/8. Laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / Nilus reclining to left on back of
crocodile, holding reed and cornucopiae; LKB (date) to left. Geissen 1241; Dattari (Savio) 1438; BMC 651; Milne 1571. 12.73g, 24mm, 12h.
Very Fine - Extremely Fine. Rare.
200
785. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 22, AD 138/9. Laureate head right / Phoenix standing right; ΔIΩN above, L-B (date) across
fields. Köln 1290-1; cf. Dattari (Savio) 2430; K&G 35.2. 12.49g, 24mm, 12h.
About Very Fine. Rare.
150
AD 139 marked the renewal of the Great Sothic Cycle, a cycle of 1461 years beginning when the star Sothis (Sirius) rises on the same point on the
horizon as the sun.
786. Hadrian AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 118. AYT KAI ΘE TPA ΠAP YI ΘE NEP YI TPAI AΔPIANOC CEB, laureate and cuirassed bust
right, slight drapery on far shoulder / ΔHMAPX EΞYΠAT B, eagle standing facing on thigh of sacrificial animal, head and tail left, with wings
displayed. McAlee 533; Prieur 156. 14.35g, 26mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Excellent Metal. Toned.
500
Antinous, the Favourite of Hadrian
787. Antinous Æ34 of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 19, AD 134-5. ΑΝΤΙΝΟΟΥ ΗΡωΟC, draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinous on horseback
prancing right, holding caduceus; ΙΘ (date) below horse’s front leg. Emmett 1346. 23.50g, 34mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Attractive ‘desert’ patina.
2,000
Ex Roma Numismatics V, 23 March 2013, lot 797.
In AD 130 the emperor Hadrian travelled up the River Nile with the imperial entourage, including his companion Antinous, whilst on a tour of
the provinces. It was during this trip that the young Antinous tragically drowned. The ancient sources are rife with speculation as to whether this
occurance was an accident, a suicide on the part of Antinous or a sacrifice to aid the health of the emperor, but what is clear is the strong bond
between the two men (Scriptores Historiae Augustae Hadrian, 14, 5-7), which led to Hadrian’s encouragement of a cult in honour of a deified
Antinous and his appearance on the coinage, especially in Egypt as with this piece.
184
Exceptional Tetradrachm of Sabina
788. Sabina BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 15, AD 130/131. CABEINA CEBACTH, diademed, draped bust right / CABEINA CEBACTH,
Sabina seated left, holding corn-ears and sceptre; LIE (date) above. Milne 1306; Emmett 1334; Curtis 558-559, 561; BMC 917 var. 13.68g, 25mm,
12h.
Good Extremely Fine, attractive and still partially lustrous metal. Extremely Rare, and likely the finest known example.
1,000
Sabina is here depicted wearing an intricately detailed headdress and diadem, but underlying this proud representation was a dark secret: the
empress is known to have had an affair with Suetonius, her husband Hadrian’s personal secretary, an affair recorded in the Historia Augusta, Life
of Hadrian (1.11.3). However, it is also known that Hadrian was not left in the position of the cuckold, as he had a famously passionate relationship
of his own with his favourite, Antinous. This interesting coin is a good exemplar of the power of propaganda and the representation of the Imperial
family as a united front. It highlights the importance given to the portrayal of the emperor and his family, ensuring that they be seen, from the
outside at least, as models of dignity and virtue. The charming portrayal of Sabina on this issue, which was struck in the same year as Suetonius
died, may have coincided with a renewal and strengthening of the ties between the emperor and his empress.
Unpublished Date for Type
789. Antoninus Pius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 138-139. AVT K T AVTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and draped bust of Pius
right / Bust of Isis right, B-L in right field. Unpublished in the standard references, for type cf. Emmett 1401; Köln 1371; Dattari 2252; BMC 987
(all year 5). 13.39g, 25mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.
300
Extremely Rare
790. Antoninus Pius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 138-139. AVT K T AVTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and draped bust of
Pius right / Bust of Serapis with kalathos, taenia and himation right, ETOVC B around. Emmett 1425; Köln 1296; Dattari 2337; Milne 401. 12.90g,
24mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Extremely Rare.
185
250
791. Antoninus Pius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 2, AD 138/9. Bare head right, slight drapery on far shoulder / Canopic jar of Osiris right;
ЄTOVC B (date) around. Köln 1285 corr. (draped and cuirassed); Dattari (Savio) 8117; K&G 35.6. 12.80g, 23mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
150
793
792
792. Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 5, AD 141-142. ANTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and draped
bust of Pius left / M AVPH KAICAP, bare head of Aurelius left, L B below. Cf. Emmett 1407; Köln 1372-1374; Dattari 2110/2111. 11.17g, 23mm,
12h.
Very Fine.
150
793. Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 6, AD 142-143. ANTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and draped
bust of Pius right / M AVPH KAICAP, bare head of Aurelius right, S in lower right field. Emmett 1406; Köln 1422; Dattari 2227; Milne 1730.
11.85g, 23mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
200
794
795
794. Antoninus Pius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 20, AD 156-157. ANTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and draped bust of Pius right
/ Togate and laureate Pius seated on dais to left with extended arm, between two figures hailing him from below, L K in upper field. Emmett 1384;
Köln 1770; Dattari 2120; BMC 1007. 11.23g, 22mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
200
795. Antoninus Pius BI Tetradrachm, Alexandria, Egypt. Year 22, AD 158-159. ANTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and draped bust of Pius right /
Bust of Isis right, sistrum and L K B in field. Emmett 1401; Köln 1813; Dattari 2255; BMC 988. 12.94g, 23mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
150
796
797
796. Antoninus Pius and Thea Faustina I BI Tetradrachm, Alexandria, Egypt. Year 22, AD 158-159. AVT K T ANTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and
draped bust of Pius right / ΦΑVSTINA ΘEA, veiled bust of Thea Faustina I right, L B/K in field left and right. Cf. Emmett 1391; Köln 1815; Dattari
2099; BMC 1214. 12.07g, 24mm, 12h.
Good Fine.
100
797. Antoninus Pius and Thea Faustina I BI Tetradrachm, Alexandria, Egypt. Year 22, AD 158-159. AVT K T ANTWNINOC CEB EVCEB, laureate and
draped bust of Pius right / ΦΑVSTINA ΘEA, veiled bust of Thea Faustina I right, L B/K in field left and right. Cf. Emmett 1391; Köln 1815; Dattari
2099; BMC 1214. 12.31g, 23mm, 12h.
Good Fine.
100
798. Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 1, AD 161. ANTWNINOC KAI OVHPOC CEBACTOI, confronted
busts of Marcus right and Lucius left, both laureate, draped, and cuirassed / EIPHNH, Eirene seated left, holding patera in extended right hand,
resting left arm on back of seat; cornucopia below seat, L-A (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 3325; K&G 37.418; Milne –; Emmett 2041;
BMC 1310. 13.19g, 24mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Very Rare.
500
186
799. Marcus Aurelius BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Year 4, AD 163-164. M AVPHΛI ANTONINOC CEB, laureate and draped bust of Marcus
Aurelius left / Tyche enthroned left, holding rudder and cornucopiae, LΔ in left field. Emmett 2085; Köln 2027; Dattari 3393; BMC 1268; Milne
2486. 12.85g, 25mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
300
800. Septimius Severus AR Tetradrachm of Laodicea ad Mare, Syria. AD 205-7. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ CΕΟΥΗΡΟC, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ
ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC Γ, eagle standing facing, head right, holding wreath in beak, star between legs. Prieur 1118. 14.19g, 27mm, 1h.
Good Extremely Fine.
1,500
801. Caracalla Æ16 of Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior. AD 196-198. Draped bust right / Eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak.
Varbanov 2939; BMC -. 2.93g, 16mm, 1h.
Extremely Fine. Rare.
100
Ex Freeman and Sear Mailbid Sale 12, 2005.
802. Gordian III Æ23 of Seleucia ad Calycadnum, Cilicia. AD 238-244. ΑΝΤΩΝΙΟΣ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
/ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΕΩΝ ΤΩ ΠΡΟ ΠΟ [...], Europa, with veil billowing over her head, seated facing on bull charging to right, dolphin swimming right on
waves below. SNG Levante -; SNG France -; SNG von Aulock 5843. 6.26g, 23mm, 12h.
Fine patina, Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
500
803
804
803. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Akko Ptolemais, Phoenicia. AD 215-217. ΑΥΤ Κ MA ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC CΕB, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡX ΕΞ
ΥΠΑΤΟC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head left with wreath in beak, wings spread, and caps of the Dioscuri surmounted by stars between legs.
Prieur 1222. 13.52g, 25mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine; small metal flaw on obverse.
100
804. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 213-217. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΤWΝΙΝΟC CΕ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from
behind / ΔΗΜΑΡX ΕX ΥΠΑΤΟC ΤΟ Δ, eagle standing on club facing, head left with wreath in beak, murex shell between legs. Prieur 1551.
12.81g, 27mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine; some die shift during striking. Scarce.
187
100
805
806
805. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. AD 215-217. ΑΥΤ Κ Μ Α ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC CΕΒ, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡX ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC ΤΟ Δ,
eagle standing facing, head right with wreath in beak, star between legs, small club below. Prieur 233. 15.87g, 27mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
100
806. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Laodicea ad Mare, Syria. AD 212-213. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΤΩΝΕΙΝΟC CE, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC
ΤΟ Γ, eagle standing facing, head left with wreath in beak, star between legs. Prieur 1173A. 11.30g, 26mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine.
100
807
808
807. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Laodicea ad Mare, Syria. AD 215-217. AYT K MA ANTΩNEINOC CEB, laureate head right / ΔHMAPX EΞ
YΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head left with wreath in beak, wings spread, and star between legs. Prieur 1179. 13.43g, 27mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Small die flaw on reverse.
100
808. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Seleucia, Seleucia Pieria. AD 215-217. ΑΥΤ Κ M A ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC CΕB, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡX ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟ
Δ, eagle standing facing on thunderbolt, head right with wreath in beak, and wings spread. Prieur 1188. 13.80g, 27mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
100
809. Macrinus AR Tetradrachm of Edessa, Mesopotamia. AD 217-218. AYK M OΠEΛ CE MAKPEINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right,
viewed from the front / ΔHMAP X EΞ YΠATOC, eagle standing facing, head to right, holding wreath in beak; shrine between legs. Prieur 852.
12.70g, 28mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Superb style and metal quality. Very Rare.
1,000
810. Elagabalus Æ25 of Philippopolis, Thrace. AD 218-222. AVT K M AVPH ANTΩNEINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right /
ΦIΛIΠΠOΠOΛEITΩN NEΩKOPΩN, Prize urn inscribed ΠYΘIA, containing palm branches. Varbanov 1798; Mouchmov 512. 7.90g, 25mm, 1h.
Good Extremely Fine. Rare.
500
188
Dido Building Carthage
811. Elagabalus Æ29 of Tyre, Phoenicia. AD 218-222. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Dido building Carthage; she stands to front before the
arched gate of the city, looking left, holding a rule and transverse sceptre; above the gate, a mason at work, [below, a man digging with pick]; murex
shell in upper right field, palm tree to right. Rouvier 2375; BMC 409; AUB 245; Price & Trell 748. 13.30g, 29mm, 6h.
Very Fine. Rare.
100
812. Severus Alexander Æ34 of Amasia, Pontus. Dated CY 234=AD 231/2. AVT K CEOVHPOC AΛEΞANΔPOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust
right / AΔ CEY AΛEΞ AMACIAC MH, eagle with wings spread standing atop altar; above, Helios in facing quadriga; tree to left of altar, ЄT CΛΔ
(date) flanking eagle. SNG von Aulock 43 SNG Copenhagen 118. 22.56g, 34mm, 1h.
Good Very Fine. An attractive, fine style portrait.
150
813. Trebonianus Gallus Æ22 of Alexandria Troas, Troas. AD 251-253. IMP VIB TRIB GALLVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / COL
AVG TROA, Apollo, holding lyre and reclining upon the back of a griffin which leaps to right. Bellinger, Troy A 403. 6.88g, 22mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
750
814. Cornelia Supera Æ21 of Parium, Mysia. AD 253. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / She-wolf standing right, head left, suckling the twins
Romulus and Remus. Cf. SNG France 1518 (capricorn; same obv. die); cf. SNG von Aulock 7448 (same; same obv. die); Helios 5, 406 (same dies).
4.33g, 21mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.
500
815. Claudius II Æ33 of Sagalassus, Pisidia. AD 268-70. ΑΥΚ Μ ΑΥΡ ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟΝ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / The Dioscuri standing
beside horses, star above each and crescent between, I in left field, CΑΓΑΛΑCCΕΩΝ in exergue. SNG von Aulock 5205; BMC -. 21.38g, 33mm,
12h.
Good Very Fine.
189
400
190
COINS OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
Well Preserved Didrachm
816. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 264-255 BC. Diademed head of Hercules right, wearing lion skin around neck; club on shoulder / She-wolf
standing right, head left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus; ROMANO in exergue. Crawford 20/1; Sydenham 6; RSC 8. 6.86g, 22mm, 2h.
Near Extremely Fine. Excellent style and well preserved for the issue.
3,000
817. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 264-255 BC. Diademed head of Hercules right, wearing lion skin around neck; club on shoulder / She-wolf
standing right, head left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus; ROMANO in exergue. Crawford 20/1; Sydenham 6; RSC 8. 6.90g, 23mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
1,000
818. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 265-242 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet, cornucopiae behind / ROMANO, Victory
standing right, attaching wreath to long palm, P in right field. Crawford 22/1; Sydenham 21; RSC 7; HN Italy 295. 6.49g, 18mm, 12h.
Good Fine.
500
819. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 240 BC. Head of Mars right, wearing Corinthian helmet adorned with griffin / Horse’s head right, wearing
bridle; falx behind, ROMA below. Crawford 25/1; Sydenham 24; RSC 34. 6.50g, 19mm, 12h.
Near Very Fine.
750
820. Anonymous Æ Semilitra. Rome, circa 234-231 BC. Head of Roma right wearing Phyrgian helmet / Dog standing right, ROMA in exergue.
Crawford 26/4; Sydenham 22. 1.90g, 12mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
191
500
821. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus / Jupiter, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, in quadriga to right, driven
by Victory; ROMA incuse on tablet below. Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64; RSC 23. 6.61g, 24mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
1,000
Toned. Extremely Fine.
1,000
Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXXII, 7 December 1994, lot 33;
Ex Moreira Sale, Pt. 1, 31 May-1 June 1988, lot 1654.
Extremely Fine. Attractive old toning.
1,000
824. Anonymous AR Drachm or Half-Quadrigatus. Rome, circa 225-212 BC. Laureate, youthful head of Janus / Jupiter, holding thunderbolt and sceptre,
in quadriga to left, driven by Victory; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 28/4; Sydenham 67. 3.24g, 18mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Rare.
500
825. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Circa 225-214 BC. Laureate head of Janus, the line of neck indented / Jupiter, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, in
quadriga to right, driven by Victory; ROMA in relief on raised tablet in exergue. Crawford 29/3; Sydenham 64e; Kestner 104; BMCRR RomanoCampanian 105; RSC 23/24. 6.47g, 21mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.
2,000
192
826. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, from 211 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; V behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, ROMA in linear
frame in exergue. Crawford 44/6; Sydenham 141; RSC 3. 1.94g, 16mm, 11h.
Good Very Fine.
250
827. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, after 211 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, ROMA in exergue.
RSC 3; Crawford 48/1. 2.19g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
350
828. Anonymous Æ Sextans. Rome, after 211 BC. Head of Mercury right, two pellets above / Prow right, ROMA above, two pellets below. Crawford
56/6; Sydenham 143d. 8.48g, 27mm, 9h.
250
829. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Luceria, 211-210 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; V (mark of value) behind, L below / The Dioscuri on horseback
riding right. Crawford 98A/3; King 21; Sydenham 176a; RSC 33e. 1.92g, 16mm, 9h.
Good Fine.
100
830. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Apulia, circa 211-210 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, MT ligate
below horse on right, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 103/2a; Sydenham 183. 2.32g, 17mm, 8h.
Extremely Fine. Scarce.
500
831. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 194-190 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance,
stars and crescent above; ROMA within linear frame below. Crawford 137/1. 4.01g, 20mm, 3h.
Extremely Fine.
500
193
832. C. Junius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 149 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, C•IVNI•C•F beneath;
ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 210/1; Sydenham 392; Junia 1. 3.70g, 18mm, 3h.
Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old cabinet tone.
300
833. M. Atilius Saranus AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, SARAN ligate behind, X below chin / The Dioscuri on horseback
to right, M. ATILI below horses, ROMA in exergue. Atilia 8; Crawford 214/1c; Sydenham 398d. 3.87g, 19mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
300
Fleur De Coin
834. Q. Marcius Libo AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X below chin, LIBO behind / The Dioscuri on horseback to right, Q.
MARC below horses, ROMA in linear frame below. Marcia 1; Crawford 215/1; Sydenham 395. 3.88g, 21mm, 5h.
Fleur De Coin. Struck on a broad flan and with a beautiful golden tone.
2,000
Ex Roma Numismatics III, 31 March 2012, lot 371.
835. Ti. Veturius AR Denarius. Rome, 137 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Mars right; behind, denomination mark X and T.I. VET (ligate) downwards
/ Two soldiers face each other, one bearded and without armour, one bearded and in armour; each holds a spear in left hand and with sword in right
hand touches pig held by figure kneeling between them; above, ROMA. Crawford 234/1; Sydenham 527; Veturia 1. 3.91g, 20mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
300
836. Sextus Pompeius Faustulus AR Denarius. Rome, 137 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, jug behind, X below chin / SEX PO FOSTLVS, she-wolf
standing right, suckling Romulus and Remus; the shepherd Faustulus to left, fig tree in the background on which a woodpecker is seated. Crawford
235/1; Sydenham 461; Pompeia 1. 3.98g, 20mm, 7h.
Extremely Fine.
194
300
837. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, wreath [and XVI monogram] behind, ROMA below / The Dioscuri
galloping apart, with spears reverted, C SERVEILI M F in exergue. Sydenham 525; Crawford 239/1; Servilia 1. 3.90g, 21mm, 7h.
500
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 35, 20 September 1995, lot 493.
838. C. Aburius Geminus AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, GEM behind, XVI monogram below chin / Mars in quadriga
right, C. ABVRI below horses, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 244/1; Sydenham 490. 3.87g, 19mm, 3h.
Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned; lustrous.
300
839. M. Marcius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram below chin, modius behind / Victory in biga right, M
MARC ROMA in two lines below horses, divided by two ears of corn. Marcia 8; Crawford 245/1; Sydenham 500. 3.99g, 18mm, 9h.
Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.
300
840. P. Maenius Antiaticus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, XVI monogram behind / Victory driving quadriga right,
P•MAE ANT (ligate) below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 249/1; Sydenham 492. 3.91g, 17mm, 6h.
250
841. M. Aburius M. f. Geminus AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; GEM behind; XVI monogram below chin / Sol driving
galloping quadriga right, M ABVRI below horses; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 250/1; Sydenham 487. 3.93g, 19mm, 4h.
Fleur De Coin. Beautiful surfaces and attractively toned.
500
842. M. Aburius M. f. Geminus AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; GEM behind; XVI monogram below chin / Sol driving
galloping quadriga right, M ABVRI below horses; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 250/1; Sydenham 487. 3.97g, 18mm, 5h.
195
500
843. M. Acilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 130 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, M. ACILIVS M. F around within two dotted lines / Hercules, holding
trophy and club, in slow quadriga right, ROMA in exergue. Acilia 4; Crawford 255/1; Sydenham 511. 3.95g, 19mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine. Highly lustrous and beautifully toned. Exceptional for the type.
1,000
844. M. Acilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 130 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, M. ACILIVS M. F around within two dotted lines / Hercules, holding
trophy and club, in slow quadriga right, ROMA in exergue. Acilia 4; Crawford 255/1; Sydenham 511. 3.92g, 20mm, 4h.
Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning.
300
845. L. Pomponius Cn. f., L. Licinius and Cn. Domitius AR Serrate Denarius. Narbo, circa 118 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, L. POMPONI. CNF.
around / Gallic warrior (Bituitus?) driving galloping biga right, hurling spear and holding shield and carnyx; L. LIC. CN DOM in exergue. Crawford
282/4; RSC Pomponia 7a. 3.99g, 20mm, 9h.
Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.
500
846. M. Aurelius Scaurus AR Serrate Denarius. Narbo, 118 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet; M AVRELI before, ROMA and mark of
value behind / Gallic warrior (Bituitus?) driving galloping biga right, hurling spear and holding shield and carnyx; SCAVRI below, L LIC CN DOM
in exergue. Crawford 282/1; Sydenham 523; Aurelia 20. 3.94g, 20mm, 9h.
Very minor corrosion spots on reverse, otherwise Extremely Fine.
300
847. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing winged and crested helmet, hair falling in two locks down neck, X
behind, ROMA below / Roma, helmeted, seated right on two shields, holding spear before her; wolf standing right at her feet, head turned back,
suckling Romulus and Remus, in left and right fields, two birds flying towards her. Crawford 287/1; Sydenham 530; Kestner 2478-81; BMC Italy
562-5; RSC (Anonymous) 176. 3.77g, 21mm, 10h.
Good Extremely Fine. Pleasantly toned; an exceptional example.
1,500
A notoriously difficult issue to find in good condition, this iconic reverse design portrays the Roman foundation myth in a new manner – showing
the goddess Roma watching over the twins Romulus and Remus as they are suckled by the she-wolf, waiting for the day that Rome will be built.
The contemporary popularity of the type is evidenced by its subsequent reproduction on the later coinage of Titus.
196
848. C. Claudius Pulcher AR Denarius. Rome, 110-109 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right / Victory in biga right, C. PVLCHER in exergue. RSC 1;
Sydenham 569; Crawford 300/1. 3.93g, 18mm, 6h.
500
849. Man. Aquillius AR Denarius. Rome, 109-108 BC. Radiate head of Sol right, X (mark of value) below chin / Luna driving galloping biga right,
holding reins in both hands; crescent moon and three stars above, one star and MN • AQVIL below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 303/1; Sydenham
557; Kestner 2532-3; BMC 645-6; Aquillia 1. 3.83g, 20mm, 1h.
Near Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent toning.
750
850. L. Memmius Galeria AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 106 BC. Laureate bust of Saturn left; •F before; ROMA and harpa behind / Venus driving biga
right; Cupid flying above with laurel wreath; L•MEMMI GAL in two lines in exergue. Crawford 313/1b; Sydenham 574. 3.92g, 19mm, 11h.
Good Very Fine.
300
851. L. Sentius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 101 BC. ARG PVB, helmeted head of Roma right / L SENTI C F, Jupiter driving galloping quadriga right,
holding sceptre, reins, and thunderbolt; H below horses. Crawford 325/1b; Sydenham 600; Sentia 1. 3.98g, 22mm, 6h.
300
852. A. Albinus Sp. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 96 BC. Bust of Diana right, bow and quiver at shoulder, ROMA below / Three soldiers on horseback
galloping left, each holding spear and one holding standard, fallen warrior before; A. ALBINVS S. F. in exergue. Crawford 335/9; Sydenham 613;
Postumia 4. 3.80g, 19mm, 11h.
Good Very Fine.
200
197
853. D. Junius Silanus L. f. Æ As. Rome, 91 BC. Laureate head of Janus, mark of value above / Prow right, D SILANVS L F above. Sydenham 649;
Crawford 337/5. 13.46g, 29mm, 5h.
Good Very Fine. Dark green patina.
1,000
Privately purchased from Freeman & Sear in January 2006.
854. D Junius L. f. Silanus AR Denarius. Rome, 91 BC. Diademed bust of Salus right, SALVS below, C before, all within torque / Victory in biga right;
ROMA beneath; D SILANVS in exergue. Crawford 337/2c; Sydenham 645. 3.84g, 19mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Pleasant old tone. Rare.
500
Ex Sternberg XXXII, 28-29 October 1996, lot 228.
855. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; anchor behind, T before / L PISO FRVGI below horseman
galloping right, holding palm, staff below, P above. Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 669b; Calpurnia 8ff. 4.15g, 20mm, 6h.
Fleur De Coin. Attractive iridescent tones on lustrous metal.
300
856. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; H to left, F to right / Horseman galloping right, holding palm
frond and reins, G above, L. PISO FRVGI below; H in exergue. Crawford 340/1; Calpurnia 11. 3.96g, 18mm, 7h.
Extremely Fine.
300
857. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; T to left, F to right / Horseman galloping right, holding palm
frond and reins, caduceus above, L. PISO FRVGI below; E in exergue. Crawford 340/1; Calpurnia 11. 3.62g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
250
198
858. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, circa 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, A below chin, PANSA behind / Minerva driving galloping
quadriga right, holding trophy, reins and spear; C. VIBIVS C. F. in exergue. Crawford 342/5b; Vibia 1. 4.02g, 20mm, 12h.
300
Ex Hirsch 255, 14 February 2008, lot 1695.
859. Cn. Lentulus Clodianus AR Denarius. Rome, 88 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars right, seen from behind / Victory in biga right, holding wreath and
reins, CN LENTVL in exergue. Crawford 345/1; Sydenham 702; Cornelia 50. 3.83g, 21mm, 2h.
Extremely Fine.
300
Ex Triton VI, 14 January 2003, lot 663.
860. C. Norbanus AR Denarius. Rome, 83 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right; CLXXIIII behind; C NORBANVS below / Corn ear, fasces and caduceus.
Sydenham 739; Crawford 357/1b. 3.94g, 20mm, 3h.
Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant golden toning.
500
861. C. Mamilius Limetanus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Bust of Mercury right, draped and wearing winged petasos, caduceus and M behind /
Ulysses standing right, holding staff in left hand and extending right hand to Argus, C. MAMIL LIMETAN around. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 471.
4.11g, 21mm, 8h.
Good Very Fine.
500
862. C. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Massalia, 82 BC. Bust of Victory right, tripod behind / Legionary eagle between two standards inscribed H and P,
C. VAL. FLA behind, IMPERAT before, EX S.C below. Valeria 12; Crawford 365/1a; Sydenham 747a. 3.66g, 18mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Pleasing iridescent toning.
300
199
863. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius AR Denarius. Spain, 81 BC. Diademed bust of Pietas right, stork before / IMPER below jug and lituus, all within wreath.
300
864. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius AR Denarius. Spanish mint, 77-76 BC. Diademed bust of Pietas right; stork before / Elephant left; Q•C•M•P•I• in
exergue. Crawford 374/1; BMC Spain 43; Caecilia 43; Sydenham 750; Catalli 535. 3.76g, 19mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
300
865. L. Cornelius Sulla Felix AR Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Head of Venus right, wearing diadem / Double cornucopiae, Q below. Crawford 375/2;
Sydenham 755. 4.23g, 21mm, 1h.
Good Very Fine.
500
866. L. Volteius L. f. Strabo AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right; A behind / Europa seated on bull charging left, holding
veil which billows overhead; thunderbolt behind, vine leaf below; L·VL·O·L·F·STRAB in exergue. Crawford 377/1; Sydenham 743; Volteia 6.
3.86g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine, with old cabinet toning. Very Rare.
750
867. C. Poblicius Q. f. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Draped bust of Roma right, helmet decorated with corn ears and control mark above head,
ROMA behind / Hercules strangling the Nemean lion, club at his feet, bow and arrow on left, C. POBLICI. Q. F on right. Poblicia 9; Crawford
380/1; Sydenham 768. 3.82g, 20mm, 1h.
500
868. C. Naevius Balbus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right; S•C behind / Victory in triga right, control number above;
C•NAE•BALB in exergue. Crawford 382/1a; Sydenham 769. 3.93g, 20mm, 7h.
300
200
869. M. Volteius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Head of young Hercules right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Erymanthian Boar charging right,
VOLTEI·M·F in exergue. Crawford 385/2; Sydenham 775; Volteia 2. 4.17g, 18mm, 6h.
500
870. L. Lucretius Trio AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Radiate head of Sol right / Crescent moon surrounded by seven stars, TRIO above, L. LVCRETI
below. Crawford 390/1; Sydenham 783; Lucretia 2. 3.90g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
500
Well Preserved Sors Denarius
871. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Draped bust of Fortuna right, symbol behind / Half-length bust of Sors facing, head
slightly right; tablet inscribed SORS below, M. PLAETORI. CEST. S.C. around. Crawford 405/2; Sydenham 801. 4.11g, 18mm, 8h.
Near Extremely Fine. Very well centred and preserved, with good detail on reverse, including the facial area which is usually worn.
Attractively toned. Rare.
1,000
872. C. Hosidius C. f. Geta AR Denarius. Rome, 68 BC. Draped bust of Diana right, wearing stephane, earring, and double necklace of pendants; bow
and quiver over shoulder; III VIR downwards to left, GETA downwards to right / Calydonian Boar standing right, pierced by spear and harried by
hound below; C HOSIDI C F in exergue. Crawford 407/2; Sydenham 903; Kestner 3317-3318; BMCRR Rome 3389-3391; Hosidia 1. 4.13g, 17mm,
6h.
500
201
873. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, scroll behind / Clio left, holding scroll in right hand and resting left
elbow on column; Q. POMPONI downwards to right, MVSA downwards to left. Crawford 410/3. 4.27g, 19mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone.
750
874. L. Furius Brocchus AR Denarius. Rome, 63 BC. III VIR BROCCHI, bust of Ceres right, between wheat-ear and barley corn / L FVRI C N F, curule
chair between fasces. Sydenham 902; Crawford 414/1. 3.86g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning.
300
875. L. Furius Brocchus AR Denarius. Rome, 63 BC. III VIR BROCCHI, bust of Ceres right, between wheat-ear and barley corn / L FVRI C N F, curule
chair between fasces. Sydenham 902; Crawford 414/1. 3.93g, 19mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
300
876. M. Aemilius Lepidus AR Denarius. Rome, 61 BC. Laureate and diademed female bust right / Horseman right, carrying trophy over shoulder, M
LEPIDVS in exergue. Aemilia 21; Sydenham 827; Crawford 419/1a. 3.71g, 18mm, 5h.
Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Rare.
500
877. P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 60 BC. Draped bust of Leuconoë right; dolphin behind; P•YPSAE•S•C• before / Jupiter in rearing
quadriga left; CEPIT to right; C•YPSAE•COS PRIV in exergue. Crawford 420/2a. 3.75g, 18mm, 2h.
Good Extremely Fine. Slightly off-centre, but lustrous and far more beautiful in hand.
202
500
878. M. Aemilius Scaurus and P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 58 BC. M•SCAVR AED CVR, kneeling figure right (King Aretas of Nabataea),
holding olive branch and reins of camel beside him; EX on left; S•C on right; REX ARETAS in exergue / P•HVPSAE AED CVR, Jupiter in
quadriga left, holding reins in left hand and hurling thunderbolt with right; scorpion below horses; CAPTV on right; C HVPSAE COS PREIVE in
exergue. Babelon Aemilia 8 and Plautia 8; Sydenham 913; Crawford 422/1b. 4.10g, 20mm, 9h.
200
879. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Bust of Hercules right, wearing lion skin headdress; SC and monogram behind / Globe
surrounded by four wreaths; aplustre below left, corn below right. Crawford 426/4a; Sydenham 882. 3.60g, 20mm, 10h.
Very Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone.
400
880. P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. P FONTEIVS CAPITO III VIR CONCORDIA, diademed, veiled and draped head of Concordia
right / Villa Publica on the Campus Martius, T DIDI on left, VIL PVB on right, IMP below. Crawford 429/2a; Sydenham 901. 4.36g, 18mm, 6h.
About Extremely Fine. Pleasing old cabinet tone.
300
881. L. Vinicius AR Denarius. Rome, 52 BC. Laureate head of Concordia right, CONCORDIA before / Victory flying to right, holding palm branch
decorated with four wreaths, L. VINICI before. Sear 402; Vinicia 1a; Crawford 436/1; Sydenham 930. 3.68g, 19mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
1,000
882. Q. Sicinius AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Diademed head of Fortuna right, P. R behind, FORT before / Palm-branch and caduceus crossed, laurel
wreath above, III VIR across fields, Q. SICINIVS below. Sicinia 5; Crawford 440/1; Sydenham 938. 3.89g, 18mm, 5h.
Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant blue tone on reverse.
500
203
883. Cn. Nerius AR Denarius. Rome, Spring 49 BC. Head of Saturn right, harpa over shoulder; NERI. Q. VRB downwards before / Aquila right between
two signa inscribed H (for Hastati) and P (for Principes), respectively; L.LENT upwards to left, C MARC upwards to right. Crawford 441/1; CRI 2;
Sydenham 937; Neria 1. 3.98g, 18mm, 9h.
Extremely Fine.
600
884. Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed head of Apollo right, XVI monogram below, III
VIR behind, Q. SICINIVS before / Club of Hercules surmounted by lion’s skin between arrow and bow, PR. S. C on left, C. COPONIVS on right.
Sicinia 2; Crawford 444/1b; Sydenham 939b. 3.92g, 19mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent toning.
500
Ex Künker 143, 6-7 October 2008, lot 422.
Pleasing Lentulus and Marcellus Denarius
885. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Apollonia in Illyricum, April-June 49 BC. L•LENT•C•MARC COS, head of Apollo
right, with long hair / Jupiter, naked, standing facing, head right, holding thunderbolt in extended right hand and in extended left, eagle right, head
left, with wings displayed; star of eight rays above Q to left, garlanded altar to right. Crawford 445/2; CRI 5; Sydenham 1030; Kestner 3530-1;
BMCRR East 21-2; Cornelia 65. 3.98g, 18mm, 2h.
Extremely Fine. Lustrous and attractively toned. Rare.
1,000
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 40, 16 May 2007, lot 526.
This coin was struck for the two consuls of 49 BC, both of whom supported the party of Pompey and were violently opposed to Caesar, upon whose
approach to Rome they fled to Sicily. They then travelled to Asia Minor where this coin was struck. The reverse is claimed to be a copy of the
famous statue of Zeus Eleutherios, by Myron, which was set up by the Syracusans as a memorial to their freedom in 460 BC.
886. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Apollonia in Illyricum, April-June 49 BC. L•LENT•C•MARC COS, head of Apollo
right, with long hair / Jupiter, naked, standing facing, head right, holding thunderbolt in extended right hand and in extended left, eagle right, head
left, with wings displayed; star of eight rays above Q to left, garlanded altar to right. Crawford 445/2; CRI 5; Sydenham 1030; Kestner 3530-1;
BMCRR East 21-2; Cornelia 65. 4.02g, 17mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone.
Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection, ANS 1001.1.12962.
1,000
204
887. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Female head right wearing oak wreath / L HOSTILIVS SASERNA, Victory walking right,
holding trophy over left shoulder, and caduceus in right hand. Crawford 448/1a; Sydenham 951; Hostilia 5. 3.99g, 19mm, 10h.
Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.
500
888. Decimus Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bust of Pietas right; PIETAS behind / Two joined hands holding a caduceus; ALBINVS
BRVTI•F• below. Crawford 450/2; Sydenham 942. 3.97g, 18mm, 10h.
300
Decimus Junius Brutus, who was later to become one of the assassins of Julius Caesar, was adopted by A. Postumius Albinus and he joined to his
own name that of his adopted father. He must not be confused with the more celebrated M. Junius (or Q. Caepio) Brutus. This moneyer served under
Caesar in Gaul and received many marks of favour from him. This type denotes the good relationship between Caesar and the citizens of Rome.
889. Cn. Lucretius Trio AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X before; TRIO behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a
couched lance, stars above; CN•LVCR below; ROMA in exergue. Sydenham 450; Crawford 237/1. 3.95g, 17mm, 11h.
Extremely Fine.
250
890. C. Antius C. f. Restio AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Jugate heads of Dei Penates right, DEI PENATES below / Hercules walking right, holding trophy
and club, C ANTIVS C F before. Sydenham 971; Crawford 455/2b. 3.78g, 19mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Light iridescent tone. Rare.
500
Privately purchased from NFA in November 1992.
891. Q. Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. African mint, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right, beard and hair in ringlets / Elephant walking right,
SCIPIO above, IMP in exergue. Crawford 459/1; Caecilia 47. 4.12g, 17mm, 4h.
500
892. Q. Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. African mint, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right, beard and hair in ringlets / Elephant walking right,
SCIPIO above, IMP in exergue. Crawford 459/1; Caecilia 47. 3.54g, 18mm, 12h.
400
205
893. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. ACISCVLVS, diademed head of Apollo Soranus right, acisculus behind, star above / Valeria
Luperca riding a heifer right, holding a veil above; L VALERIVS in exergue. Crawford 474/1a. 3.99g, 20mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
500
894. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. ACISCVLVS, diademed head of Apollo Soranus right, acisculus behind, star above, all in wreath
border / Valeria Luperca riding a heifer right, holding a veil above; L VALERIVS in exergue. Crawford 474/1b. 4.29g, 18mm, 9h.
Very Fine.
500
895. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. ACISCVLVS, radiate head of Sol right; acisculus behind / Luna Lucifera, holding whip and
reins, driving galloping biga right; L. VALERIVS in exergue. Crawford 474/5; CRI 94; Sydenham 1002; Valeria 20a. 3.73g, 20mm, 9h.
Extremely Fine.
500
896. C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Bust of Minerva right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis / Hercules standing facing, holding
club in right hand and with lion’s skin over left arm; C. VIBIVS downwards to right, VARVS downwards to left. Crawford 494/38, Sydenham 1140.
4.07g, 20mm, 1h.
300
897. P. Clodius M. f. Turrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; lyre behind / Diana standing facing, with bow and quiver over
shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand; P•CLODIVS M•F• across fields. Sydenham 1117; Crawford 494/23. 3.92g, 21mm, 1h.
Fleur De Coin.
206
300
COINS OF THE IMPERATORS
Rare and Attractive Pompey Magnus Denarius
898. Pompey Magnus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed terminal bust of Jupiter right, VARRO PRO Q / Sceptre
between dolphin and eagle, MAGN PRO COS in two lines in exergue. Sydenham 1033; Crawford 447/1a; Sear 8. 3.83g, 19mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Rare.
2,000
899. Julius Caesar AV Aureus. Lifetime issue. Rome, 46 BC. C CAESAR COS TER, veiled head of a female figure, possibly Vesta, right / A HIRTIVS
PR, capis between lituus to left, axe to right. Sear 56; Calicó 37b. 8.10g, 20mm, 9h.
Near Very Fine.
2,000
900. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, carrying palladium in right hand and
Anchises on left shoulder; CAESAR to right. Julia 10; Crawford 458/1; Sydenham 1013; Sear 55. 3.80g, 18mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
500
901. M. Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus in Asia Minor, 42 BC. Veiled, draped bust of Libertas right; L SESTI PRO Q
around; P in left field / Tripod between sacrificial axe and simpulum, all within beaded border; Q CAEPIO BRVTVS PRO COS around. Junia 37;
Sydenham 1290; Crawford 502/2. 3.84g, 17mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
1,250
207
902. Q. Caepio Brutus and C. Flavius Hemicillus AR Denarius. Mint moving with Brutus, 43-42 BC. C FLAV HEMIC LEG PRO PR, draped bust of
Apollo right, lyre before / Q CAEP BRVT IMP, Victory standing to left, holding branch and crowning trophy. Junia 49 and Flavia 1; Sydenham
1294; Sear Imperators 205; Crawford 504/1. 3.92g, 18mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
1,250
903. M. Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in Western Asia Minor or Northern Greece, 43-42 BC. Laureate
head of Apollo right; COSTA LEG around / Trophy of arms; IMP BRVTVS around. Junia 42; Sydenham 1296; Crawford 506/2. 3.90g, 19mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine; old cabinet tone. Rare.
750
Brutus and Casca Longus
904. M. Junius Brutus with P. Servilius Casca Longus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with the army (western Asia Minor or northern Greece).
Summer-Autumn 42 BC. CASCA LONGVS, laureate bust of Neptune right, trident below / BRVTVS IMP, Victory in long tunic walking to right,
palm branch over left shoulder and breaking diadem with both hands, broken sceptre on ground. Junia 44; Crawford 507/2; Sydenham 1298. 3.92g,
22mm, 12h.
About Good Very Fine. Attractive colourful toning.
2,000
Exceptional Lepidus-Octavian Denarius
905. M. Aemilius Lepidus and Octavian AR Denarius. November-December 43 BC. Military mint travelling with Lepidus in Italy. Bare head of Lepidus
right; LEPIDVS • PONT • MAX • III • V • R • P • C • around / Bare head of Octavian right, wearing slight beard; C • CAESAR • IMP • III • VIR •
R • P • C • around. Crawford 495/2a; CRI 140; RSC 2a; Sydenham 1323; Kestner 3760; BMCRR Africa 30. 3.78g, 19mm, 9h.
Extremely Fine. Pleasantly toned, and in exceptional condition for the type.
Ex Spink 206, 2 December 2010, lot 1287 (sold for £7,000);
Numismatica Ars Classica 8, 3 April 1995, lot 622.
208
7,500
Beautiful Denarius of Antony and Octavian
906. Marc Antony, Octavian, and M. Barbatius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M ANT IMP AVG III VIR R P C M
BARBAT Q P, bare head of Marc Antony right / CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR R P C, bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard, right. Sear 243;
Extremely Fine.
2,000
907. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Athens, 38-37 BC. III VIR R P C COS DESIG ITER ET TERT, radiate bust of Sol right / M ANTONIVS M F M N
AVGVR IMP TER, Antony standing right, dressed as priest, veiled, wearing toga and holding a lituus. Crawford 533/2; Sydenham 1199. 3.97g,
20mm, 9h.
Very Fine. Somewhat worn and with a bankers mark on obverse chin, but still a highly attractive example of this sought after type, displaying
magnificent iridescent hues around the devices.
500
908. Marc Antony and Octavia AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Ephesus, 39 BC. ·M·ANTONIVS·IMP·COS·DESIG·ITERET·TERT, head of Antony right,
wearing ivy wreath, lituus below; all within wreath of ivy and flowers / Head of Octavia atop cista mystica, flanked by snakes; III·VIR downwards
to left, R·P·C upwards to right. RPC I 2201; CRI 262; Sydenham 1197; RSC 2; Sear 1512. 12.16g, 26mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
750
909. Marc Antony and Octavia AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Ephesus, 39 BC. ·M·ANTONIVS·IMP·COS·DESIG·ITERET·TERT, head of Antony right,
wearing ivy wreath, lituus below; all within wreath of ivy and flowers / Head of Octavia atop cista mystica, flanked by snakes; III·VIR downwards
to left, R·P·C upwards to right. RPC I 2201; CRI 262; Sydenham 1197; RSC 2; Sear 1512. 10.65g, 27mm, 12h.
About Very Fine.
750
209
210
Antony and Cleopatra
910.
Marc Antony and Cleopatra AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain Phoenician mint, 36 BC. BACIΛICCA KΛEOΠATPA
ΘEA NEWTEPA, diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right, her dress embroidered with pearls / ANTWNIOC
AYTOKPATWP TPITON TPIWN ANDPWN, bare head of Antony right. RPC 4094; McAlee 174; Prieur 27; BMC
53. 15.08g, 27mm, 1h.
Near Extremely Fine. Good metal for the issue, and aesthetically very pleasing. Rare.
30,000
This tetradrachm, struck after the return of Antony to the East, proclaims the new political alliance between the
triumvir and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Antony’s choice to leave the sister of his rival Octavian was a bold move
which completely separated him from his homeland, though the many titles and honours he received when he made
this transition are symptomatic of the irresistible allure of the luxurious Eastern world.
Despite Antony having been away for four years, during which time he had married another woman and fathered
two daughters (see lot 926 for the younger daughter, Antonia Minor), Cleopatra eagerly accepted Antony’s invitation
to join him in Antioch, where the two were married and made ostentatious display of their partnership. Her
acquiescence is understandable considering that she had already borne twins for Antony, and no doubt considered
herself equal to the task of beguiling him once more and manipulating him to her will. The difficulty of maintaining
the Ptolemaic Kingdom intact while Rome greedily ogled her rich and bountiful, but weak, country was no doubt the
prime motivating factor. Though this coin confirms their political union, the individual sovereignty of both Cleopatra
and Antony is distinctly maintained by their placement on obverse and reverse respectively rather than displaying
them in a conjoined bust format.
This issue has been traditionally assigned to Antioch, however R. McAlee points out that the letter forms (C for Σ
and ω for Ω) are inconsistent with those on contemporary Antiochene issues. Moreover, Antioch remained in Roman
rule despite Antony granting vast tracts of territory to Cleopatra. The placement of Cleopatra, not Antony, on the
obverse also points to a mint within Egyptian territory, perhaps in Phoenicia. For this same reason, a military mint
moving with Antony appears unlikely. Nonetheless, the dating of the coin suggests that it may well have been issued
in support of Antony, and in particular of his Parthian campaign, a great undertaking involving more than 100,000
Roman and allied troops which ultimately proved to be a complete failure that cost the lives of about 25,000 men.
This joint issue coinage (along with the similar denarius type) no doubt contributed to the increasingly prevalent
view in Rome that Antony had deserted his Roman values and indeed the Roman people; a view that was shortly
thereafter firmly cemented by the Donations of Alexandria, in which ceremony Antony paraded himself dressed as
Dionysus and proceeded to distribute Rome’s eastern territories to the children of Cleopatra and grant them many
titles. When Octavian obtained Marc Antony’s from the temple of Vesta, distaste turned to outrage as it was read out
in the Senate that Antony wished to be buried with Cleopatra in Alexandria. When the Third Triumvirate expired on
the last day of 33 BC the Roman world again found itself at war.
211
911. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Patrae(?), autumn 32-spring 31 BC. ANT AVG III VIR R P C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa;
LEG XI across lower field. Crawford 544/25; CRI 362; Sydenham 1229; RSC 39. 3.44g, 17mm, 6h.
500
912. Octavian AR Denarius. Uncertain Italian mint (Brundisium or Rome?), 30-29 BC. Bare head right / Military trophy facing, composed of helmet,
cuirass, shield and crossed spears, set on prow of galley right; crossed rudder and anchor at base; IMP CAESAR across fields. CRI 419; RIC 265a;
RSC 119; BMC 625 = BMCRR Rome 4352; BN 57-63. 3.63g, 20mm, 2h.
Toned, scrape on neck and before truncation, Very Fine.
400
COINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Beautiful Pergamene Denarius of Augustus
913. Augustus AR Denarius. Pergamum, 27 BC. CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, heifer standing to right. RIC 475; RSC 28; BMCRR East 2845 = BMCRE 662-3; BN 941-3. 4.08g, 19mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine, lightly toned.
2,000
Among the first coins to be struck bearing the new title Augustus, this denarius is of exceptional style and engraved with beautiful craftsmanship.
Struck in Pergamum, the reverse type of the charging bull or heifer may be a reference to the famous type of Thurium, a city to which Octavian’s
family had a connection: Suetonius relates that Gaius Octavius, Augustus’ father, defeated a Spartacist army near the town. Due to the high regard
in which the family was held in the town Augustus was granted the surname Thurinus, and thus the type has a primarily personal illusion to him. An
alternative theory is that it is based on Myron’s famous bronze heifer, much admired in antiquity. Augustus was personally aware of the sculptor’s
work as he is known to have restored Myron’s Apollo to Ephesos, which Marc Antony had taken.
212
Ex Prideaux Collection
914. Augustus AR Denarius. Pergamum, 27 BC. CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, heifer standing to right. RIC 475; RSC 28; BMCRR East 2845 = BMCRE 662-3; BN 941-3. 3.87g, 20mm, 1h.
1,500
Ex Prideaux Collection;
Ex Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 671.
915. Augustus AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Pergamum, 27-26 BC. IMP CAESAR, bare head right, lituus before / AVGVSTVS, capricorn right, head
left, with cornucopiae on its back, all within wreath. RIC 488. 11.67g, 27mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Attractive toning around the devices. Rare.
500
916. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19 BC. Q. Rustius, moneyer. Q • RVSTIVS FORTVNÆ, Jugate, draped busts right of Fortuna Victrix, wearing
round helmet, holding patera in right hand, and Fortuna Felix, wearing stephane; both busts rest on bar terminating at each end in a ram’s head;
ANTIAT in exergue / CAESARI AVGVSTO, ornamented rectangular altar inscribed FOR • RE set on base; EX S C in exergue. RIC 322; RSC 513;
BMCRE 2-4 = BMCRR Rome 4580-2; BN 221-8. 3.79g, 19mm, 1h.
Near Extremely Fine. Pleasant old tone with hints of iridescent blue. Well preserved for the type.
1,000
Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection, ANS 1001.1.22517.
917. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Rome, 19 BC. TVRPILIANVS III•VIR•FERON, diademed and draped bust of Feronia
right / CAESAR AVGVSTVS SIGN RECE, bare-headed Parthian kneeling right, extending standard with vexillum marked X attached, held out
low. RIC 288; BMC 14. 3.91g, 21mm, 7h.
Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.
1,000
213
Rare Pegasus Denarius of Augustus
918. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Rome, 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / P • PETRON • TVRPILIAN
• III • VIR, Pegasus walking right. RIC 297; RSC 491; BMCRE 23-6 = BMCRR Rome 4536-9; BN 147-52. 4.00g, 19mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
2,000
From the Archer M. Huntington Collection, ANS 1001.1.10547.
Vividly Toned Denarius of Augustus
919. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?), 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head left / Clipeus Virtutis inscribed
S•P•Q•R CL•V in two lines. RIC 42b; RSC 293; BMCRE 335 = BMCRR Gaul 130; BN 1316-9. 3.74g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. A very beautiful example of the type with vivid iridescent turquoise, violet and gold tones over an even steel-grey.
Well centred and struck on a broad flan. Exceptional.
2,500
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 75, 23 May 2007, lot 964.
920. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint, 18 BC. CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head right, ‘AI’ graffito on neck / Domed hexastyle temple,
aquila within, MART-VLTO across fields. RIC 105a var. (reverse legend). 3.86g, 18mm, 8h.
Good Very Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone.
500
Rare Augustan Denarius
921. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Licinius Stolo, moneyer. Rome, 17 BC. AVGVSTVS TR POT, bare head of Augustus right / Apex between two studded
ancilia; P STOLO above; III VIR below. C. 438; BMC 74; RIC 343; CBN 296. 3.65g, 18mm, 8h.
214
1,500
922. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head right / Bull butting right, IMP X in exergue. RIC 167a; BMC 451.
3.76g, 20mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
1,000
923. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 7-6 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG
PRINC IVVENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, each togate and resting hand on shield, spear behind each shield, simpulum and lituus
above, C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC 207. 3.76g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Attractive portrait style.
1,000
Attractive Livia Dupondius
924. Livia Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 22-23. Veiled, draped and diademed bust of Livia as Pietas right, PIETAS below / DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVGVSTI
F TR POT ITER around large SC. RIC 43; C. 1. 14.81g, 28mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Pleasant ‘Tiber’ patina.
1,500
Ex Leo Benz Collection.
Gaius Caesar
925. Gaius Caesar AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 17 BC. CAESAR, bare youthful head of Gaius Caesar right, within laurel wreath / AVGVSTVS,
candelabrum in wreath, patera to right. RIC 540; BN 1013. 3.73g, 19mm, 2h.
215
1,000
216
Exceptional Aureus of Antonia
926. Antonia Minor AV Aureus. Rome, AD 41-45. Struck under Claudius. ANTONIA AVGVSTA, draped bust of Antonia to right, wearing wreath of
grain ears / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Antonia standing facing, holding long torch in right hand, cornucopiae in left. RIC 65 (Claudius); von
Kaenel Type 16, 316 (V253/R261); Lyon 108 (unlisted dies); Calicó 318a; BMCRE 109 (Claudius); BN 9 (Claudius); C. 1. 7.77g, 19mm, 12h.
A couple of light marks, otherwise Good Extremely Fine. Rare, and one of the finest known of this important issue.
20,000
Ex Triton IX, 10 January 2006, lot 1386.
This coin bears the posthumous representation of Antonia Minor, and was struck in memory of her by Claudius her son upon his ascension to the
throne. This well liked and respected Roman woman who was celebrated for her virtue and beauty was the younger of the two daughters of Marc
Antony and Octavia, who after Antony’s death was allowed by Augustus to benefit from her father’s estate. She thus became wealthy and influential,
and married Nero Claudius Drusus, general and consul, bearing him several children. Three survived into adulthood: the popular Germanicus, the
future emperor Claudius, and a daughter Livilla. Following the death of her husband in AD 9 whilst on campaign in Germania, the rest of Antonia’s
life was plagued by ill fortune as she outlived her oldest son, her daughter and several of her grandchildren.
The legend of this pleasing reverse type refers to perseverance in the face of adversity, which indeed Antonia displayed continually throughout
her life, not to a god ‘Constantia’ to whom no other references may be found besides three coin types issued under Claudius. After first the death
of her husband, her eldest son Germanicus died in AD 19 in mysterious circumstances in Asia, where he had successfully defeated the kingdoms
of Commagene and Cappadocia and turned them into Roman provinces. It is thought that he was perhaps poisoned by his adoptive father Tiberius
as his influence and popularity with his troops was becoming too great. Her younger son Claudius, who was born with severe disabilities, was
ostracised by his family and excluded from public office until his consulship in AD 37 which he shared with his nephew Caligula. Ironically, this
action by his family may have actually saved his life as he was not perceived as a threat to power and therefore survived the purges of Tiberius and
Caligula’s reigns, going on to prove himself a worthy emperor.
Antonia’s woes did not stop with her sons, as her daughter Livilla is supposed to have poisoned her husband Drusus the Younger, son of Tiberius.
According to Cassius Dio, Tiberius handed Livilla over to her mother, who locked her up in a room and starved her to death. After the death of
Tiberius, her grandson Caligula became emperor, and though Antonia would often offer him advice, he once told her, ‘I can treat anyone exactly
as I please!’ Caligula was rumoured to have had his young cousin Gemellus beheaded, to remove him as a rival to the throne. This act was said to
have outraged Antonia, who was grandmother to Gemellus as well as to Caligula. Able to stand no more of Caligula’s tyranny, Antonia committed
suicide, though Suetonius’s ‘Caligula’, clause 23, suggests she might also have been poisoned by her grandson.
‘When his grandmother Antonia asked for a private interview, he refused it except in the presence of the prefect Macro, and by such indignities
and annoyances he caused her death; although some think that he also gave her poison. After she was dead, he paid her no honour, but viewed her
burning pyre from his dining-room.’
This reverse design also makes reference to Antonia’s abilities and long service as a mother and grandmother. Ceres, whose attributes of the torch
and cornucopiae she is shown holding, was the Roman goddess of agriculture, fertility and motherly relationships. As well as her own children, after
the death of Germanicus Antonia became the de facto mother for his children, including Caligula, and later Claudius’ daughter Claudia Antonia after
her mother had been divorced and removed from the Imperial family. With this reverse type Claudius celebrates Antonia’s devotion to her family
and dedication in ensuring the survival of the Julio-Claudian dynastic line.
The figure on the reverse is most likely a magnificent statue of Ceres which may have had a head with the features of Antonia known to have been
commissioned by Claudius when he became emperor after his nephew’s assassination in AD 41. This identification is supported by the portrayal of
Antonia on the obverse wearing a wreath of grain ears, a typical attribute of Ceres. Claudius gave his mother the title of Augusta and her birthday
became a public holiday, which had yearly games and public sacrifices held and her image was paraded in a carriage.
217
927. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 36-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax,
seated right, holding branch and sceptre; plain legs to chair, single exergual line. RIC 25; C. 15; BMC 30; Calicò 305d. 7.78g, 21mm, 4h.
Good Very Fine.
4,000
928. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 36-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax,
seated right, holding branch and sceptre; plain legs to chair, single exergual line. RIC 25; C. 15; BMC 30. 6.99g, 20mm, 12h.
Good Fine.
1,000
929. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 36-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax,
seated left, holding long vertical sceptre and branch, on chair with ornamented legs above one exergual line. RIC 30; RSC 16a; BMC 48; Lyon 154.
3.88g, 20mm, 7h.
500
930. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 36-37. T CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax,
seated left, holding long vertical sceptre and branch, on chair with ornamented legs above one exergual line. RIC 30; BMC 48; Lyon 154; RSC 16a.
3.78g, 18mm, 5h.
Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.
500
931. Time of Tiberius Æ Tessera. Head of Augustus to left / V within wreath and pearl border. Buttrey p. 61, 7. 3.11g, 20mm, 9h.
Lightly smoothed, otherwise Very Fine.
400
218
932. Caligula AR Denarius. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 37-8. C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, laureate head right / DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE,
radiate head of Augustus right. RIC 10. 3.65g, 19mm, 9h.
Very Fine. Rare.
3,000
Superb Sestertius of Claudius
933. Claudius Æ Sestertius. Tarraco, AD 41-42. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, laureate head right / SPES AVGVSTA, Spes advancing
left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt; SC in exergue. BMC 124; C. 85; RIC 99; Von Kaenel 1397, pl. 22 (same rev. die). 24.62g, 35mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine, well struck and engraved in fine style; exceptional for the type. Original earthen encrustations.
5,000
934. Claudius Æ As. Rome, circa AD 41-50. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, bare head left / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Minerva
standing left, in military dress, leaning on sceptre held in left hand; S-C across fields. RIC 95; BMC 140. 11.57g, 27mm, 7h.
Good Very Fine; attractive green patina.
100
219
935. Claudius Æ As. Rome, AD 42-43. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head left / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI,
Minerva standing left, in military dress, leaning on sceptre held in left hand; S-C across fields. RIC 111; C. 14; BMC 199. 11.59g, 29mm, 7h.
500
936. Claudius Æ As. Rome, AD 50-4. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head left / LIBERTAS AVGVSTA, Libertas, draped,
standing facing, head right, holding pileus in right hand and with left outstretched, S-C across fields. RIC 113; BMC 204. 9.14g, 29mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Struck in high relief; very well preserved.
750
937. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head of Nero right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left, holding
thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 52; Calicó 412. 7.13g, 17mm, 5h.
Good Fine.
1,000
938. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 66-67. IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left with
thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 64; RSC 121. 2.39g, 19mm, 5h.
Extremely Fine.
500
220
Attractive Nero Sestertius
939. Nero Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right / Roma, helmeted and in military
dress, seated left on cuirass, holding Victory in right hand and with left hand resting on parazonium, various shields around and behind, S-C across
fields, ROMA in exergue. RIC 273 var. (no aegis); BMC 173. 27.77g, 36mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
3,000
940. Nero Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER TR P IMP P P, radiate head right / Roma seated left holding wreath and
parazonium, ROMA in exergue, S-C across fields. RIC 298. 14.48g, 28mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Scarce.
500
941. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT P P, laureate head right, globe at point of bust
/ Nero standing left on platform, accompanied by praetorian prefect, addressing three soldiers, praetorian lamp in background, S-C across fields,
ADLOCVT COH in exergue. RIC 491; BMC 304. 23.93g, 34mm, 7h.
Very Fine.
300
942. Nero Æ As. Lugdunum, AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, bare head left, with globe at point of bust / S–C, Victory flying left,
holding shield inscribed SPQR. RIC 544; C. 303. 11.15g, 30mm, 7h.
Very Fine.
750
221
Fifth Known Example
943. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, bare head of youthful Augustus (Octavian) to left / OB
CIVES SERVAT in three lines within corona civica with circular jewel in bezel at apex. Nicolas A17RH (same dies); Hess-Leu 1962, 442; BMC 52.
3.29g, 15mm, 5h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, the fifth known specimen.
5,000
From the Durand Collection.
The coins of the ill-fated revolt of Vindex in AD 68 are notoriously rare and difficult to obtain. Until relatively recently they had largely been
ignored by scholars, though in the 1970s Peter-Hugo Martin, Colin Kraay and Etienne-Paul Nicolas all published studies on this obscure series. The
coins themselves are extremely rare, with many types being known from only very few examples, or unique specimens. Despite the revolt being
brief, a matter of just a few months, the coinage is exceptionally diverse. This is due in great part certainly to the large number of men Vindex was
able to call to his standards - by his account, over 100,000 though more probably about 20,000 as reported by Plutarch - and the need to pay them.
Vindex was a descendent of a family of chieftains granted Roman citizenship during the time of Julius Caesar and who were admitted to the Senate
by Claudius. On account of this it is tempting to view his revolt as a campaign for Gallic independence. The numismatic evidence, however,
suggests the contrary and demonstrates that rather than having an anti-Roman agenda, Vindex was specifically anti-Neronian and anti-tyrannical.
His coinage employs consistently Augustan propaganda, recalling the great Pax inaugurated by Augustus following his defeat of Marc Antony.
Augustus’ self-styled persona as the protector of the liberty of the Roman people is an obvious choice to champion on the coinage of Vindex as he
led a revolt against the tyranny of Nero.
Of the Highest Rarity
944. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. DIVVS AVG, laureate head of the deified Augustus to right / SPQR within corona
civica, circular jewel in bezel at apex. Martin -; Nicolas -; BMC -; C. -; RIC -, cf. 104; Roma Numismatics VII, 22 March 2014, lot 1010 (same
dies). 3.29g, 16mm, 5h.
Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references and of the highest rarity.
5,000
Kraay noted the unusual presence of SPQR within a wreath on these coins of Vindex. He states: “It will have been noticed that the earlier formula
of SPQR has replaced the Neronian EX SC. In strict Augustan usage SPQR never accompanied the corona, but always the clipeus virtutis of the
inscription on which it formed the opening words. However, the choice of SPQR was probably deliberate and represented something more than the
mere blurring of Augustan distinction. That broad basis of public and Senatorial support which the principate had had in the days of Augustus was to
be restored to it.”
222
Beautiful Vindex Denarius
945. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. SALVS GENERIS HVMANI, Victory standing to right on globe, holding palm
branch and wreath / SPQR within corona civica with circular jewel in bezel at apex. Martin 78; RIC 73a; C. 421; Nicolas 70, pl. III, 70NIG (same
dies). 3.59g, 16mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare – one of as few as a dozen examples.
5,000
One of Five Known
946. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. DIVVS AVG P P, laureate head of the deified Augustus to right / PAX, clasped
hands holding winged caduceus. Martin A23; C. 200 and 336 (Augustus); BMC 304; RIC 113. 3.62g, 18mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare – one of only five known examples.
4,000
Unique Civil War Denarius
947. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. HERCVLES ADSERTOR, laureate head of Hercules right / FELIX FORTVN PR,
Fortuna standing left, holding wreath in right hand and cornucopiae in left. RIC -, cf. 49; cf. RSC 365; Martin -; Nicolas 9FZ var. 3.20g, 18mm, 5h.
Unique and unpublished. Found near Great Dunmow, Essex.
3,500
This remarkable denarius is an apparently unique and unrecorded variant of RIC 49 which bears the reverse legend FLORENTE FORTVNA PR, of
which type only four examples are known to exist and all of those appear to be plated. Of that type only one is in private hands. This coin represents
a unique opportunity for collectors of the civil war period to add this type to their collection.
Fourth Known Example
948. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of the deified Augustus to right / SPQR within
corona civica with circular jewel in bezel at apex. Nicolas A22BR (same dies); BMC 55; RIC 106; Martin 29. 3.90g, 17mm, 5h.
Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare. The fourth known example.
3,000
223
949. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. SALVS GENERIS HVMANI, Victory standing to left on globe, holding palm
branch and wreath / SPQR within corona civica with circular jewel in bezel at apex. Nicolas 77; RIC 72; Martin 77. 3.53g, 17mm, 4h.
Extremely Fine.
2,500
950. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. SALVS GENERIS HVMANI, Victory standing to right on globe, holding palm
branch and wreath / SPQR within corona civica with circular jewel in bezel at apex. Nicolas 71; Martin 78; C. 421; RIC 73b. 3.48g, 19mm, 10h.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
2,500
branch and wreath / SPQR within corona civica with circular jewel in bezel at apex. Nicolas 77TRE (same rev. die); RIC 72; Martin 77. 3.27g,
17mm, 11h.
2,000
952. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. AVGVSTVS CAESAR, laureate head of Augustus to right / DIVVS IVLIVS,
comet of eight rays with tail upward. Nicolas A8; BMC p.301, 49-50; RIC 92; Martin A10; Classical Numismatic Group 90, 23 May 2012, 1479
(same dies). 2.81g, 16mm, 12h.
1,500
Second Known Example
953. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. SALVS GENERIS HVMANIS, Victory standing to right, foot on globe, inscribing
V on shield / SPQR within corona civica. Nicolas 79B; RIC -; BMC -. 3.28g, 20mm, 3h.
Very Fine. Extremely Rare - the second known example.
1,000
224
branch and wreath / SPQR within corona civica with circular jewel in bezel at apex. Nicolas 77; RIC 72; Martin 77. 2.73g, 16mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
750
955. Civil War, Vindex Fourrée Denarius. Gaul, AD 68-69. FIDES EXERCITVVM, clasped hands / FIDES PRAETORIANORVM, clasped hands. RIC I
121; BMCRE 65; Martin 7; RSC 363. 2.70g, 18mm, 4h.
Good Very Fine.
750
956. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVRITAS P R, Securitas draped, standing left, holding
wreath and sceptre. RIC 8. 3.38g, 17mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Pleasant old cabinet tone. Rare.
1,000
957. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVRITAS P R, Securitas draped, standing left, holding
wreath and sceptre. RIC 8. 3.32g, 19mm, 6h.
Very Fine. Rare.
750
Attractive Denarius of Vitellius
958. Vitellius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69. A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, laureate bust right / CONCORDIA P R, Concordia seated left with
patera and cornucopiae. RIC 73; BMC 7; RSC 20. 3.54g, 18mm, 7h.
Extremely Fine.
1,500
959. Vitellius AV Aureus. Rome, late April - 20 December AD 69. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head right / LIBERI IMP GERM
AVG, confronted draped busts of Vitellius’ son on the left, and daughter on the right. BMC 27; RIC 100; C. 3; Calicó 557a. 7.16g, 19mm, 5h.
225
7,500
226
Spectacular Judaea Capta Sestertius
960.
Vespasian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right /
IVDEA CAPTA, Jewess seated to right in attitude of mourning at foot of palm tree; behind, captive Jewish warrior
standing to right with hands bound behind his back; weapons, shields and helmets to left. RIC 161; BMC 534; CBN
489-491 var. (IVDAEA); C. 232 var. (same). 27.02g, 34mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
35,000
Among the finest of all known Roman sestertii referencing the conquest of Judaea. Superb, untouched surfaces with
a rich, dark green patina.
Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 10, Spring 2010, 91;
Ex Triton V, 16 January 2002, lot 1914;
Ex Robert Schonwalter Collection;
Privately purchased from Edward Gans, 23 April 1951.
Also see Wikipedia articles for ‘Vespasian’, ‘First Jewish-Roman War’ and ‘Judaea Capta coinage’ (this coin
displayed).
Struck for 25 years by Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian, the Judaea Capta coins were issued in bronze,
silver and gold by mints in Rome, throughout the Roman Empire, and in Judaea itself. They were issued in every
denomination, and at least 48 different types are known. The present piece is certainly among the finest known of
these commemorative issues, and proudly displays imagery of this significant Roman victory, after which Vespasian
boldly closed the gates of the Temple of Janus to signify that all of Rome’s wars were ended, and that the Pax
Romana again prevailed.
The obverse portrait of Vespasian shows him as strong, robust and in the prime of life; the reverse celebrates Rome
and Vespasian’s triumph over the Jewish revolt in Judaea, which Titus had brought to a close the previous year with
the capture of Jerusalem after a seven month siege and the destruction of the Second Temple. It had been a costly
and devastating war which had cost the lives of twenty five thousand Roman soldiers and somewhere between two
hundred and fifty thousand and one million Jewish civilians. The design incorporates a vanquished Jewish warrior
who stands with his hands bound behind his back before a pile of captured arms, while a Jewish woman is seated in
an attitude of mourning. It has been occasionally suggested that the figures represent Judah (Judaea) and Jerusalem
respectively, and it is sometimes noted that the reverse of this coin can be interpreted to reflect the prophecy of
Isaiah 3:8, 25-26: “For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen ... Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in
the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground”.
It is also possible that the reverse shows two of the captives especially chosen for Vespasian and Titus’ triumph Josephus reports that one of Titus’ freedmen “…selected the tallest and most handsome of the youth and reserved
each of them for the triumph; of the rest, those over seventeen years of age he sent in chains to the mines in Egypt,
while multitudes were presented by Titus to the various provinces, to be destroyed in the theatres by the sword or by
wild beasts; those under seventeen were sold”.
The Arch of Titus in Rome, built by his brother Domitian shortly after his death and in commemoration of this
victory, depicts the Roman army carrying off the treasures from the Temple of Jerusalem, including the Menorah,
after the siege of the city had ended. The spoils were used to fund the building of the Flavian Amphitheatre, more
commonly known as the Colosseum, the great lasting monument of the Flavian dynasty.
227
961. Vespasian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDEA CAPTA, Palm tree; to
left, Vespasian standing right, with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass; S C in exergue. RIC 168; BMC
545; CBN 499. 25.64g, 34mm, 7h.
Good Very Fine, with an attractive desert patina. Rare.
2,000
962. Vespasian AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTI, Nemesis
advancing right, holding caduceus over snake. RIC 1130; Calicó 655; BMC 401. 7.17g, 20mm, 7h.
Very Fine.
1,000
963. Vespasian AR Denarius. Ephesos, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA AVG, Ceres seated
left, on ornate backed chair, with corn-ears and poppy in left hand, cornucopiae in right; EPHE (ligate) in exergue. RIC 1428; RPC II 830. 3.16g,
17mm, 11h.
750
964. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 72-73. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS III, laureate head right / AVGVR TRI POT, simpulum, aspergillum,
jug and lituus. RIC 42; RSC 45. 3.51g, 18mm, 7h.
Very Fine.
150
965. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 73. IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN, laureate head right / PONTIF MAXIM, Vespasian seated facing right, on a
curule chair, with sceptre in right hand and branch in left. RIC 545. 3.45g, 19mm, 11h.
300
228
966. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 73. T CAES IMP VESP CENS, laureate head right / PONTIF TRI POT, Titus seated right on curule chair,
holding sceptre in right hand, branch in extended left hand. RIC II 555 (Vespasian); Calicó 753; BMCRE 114-5 (Vespasian); BN 95-6 (Vespasian).
6.74g, 19mm, 12h.
Good Fine - near Very Fine.
1,500
967. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 76. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN, laureate head right / COS V, bull standing right. RIC 857 (Vespasian);
Calico 733. 7.08g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Fine.
1,000
968. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 77-8. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate bust right / Roma, helmeted, seated right on two shields,
left foot on helmet, holding spear before her; wolf standing right at her feet, head turned back, suckling Romulus and Remus, in left and right fields,
two eagles flying towards her; COS VI in ex. RIC 954; BMC 223; Calicό 738a. 6.69g, 18mm, 6h.
Good Fine.
1,000
969. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 79-80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, throne with
back in form of a diadem. RIC 24a; RSC 313; BMC 58. 3.44g, 18mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
300
970. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, dolphin coiled
around anchor. RIC 112; BMC 72; RSC 309. 3.62g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Lustrous and lightly toned.
500
229
971. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, dolphin coiled
around anchor. RIC 112; BMC 72; RSC 309. 3.48g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Toned.
500
972. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, January - June AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P,
winged thunderbolt on draped throne. RIC 119; BMCRE 51-4; RSC 316. 3.46g, 19mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
500
973. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, January - June AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P,
winged thunderbolt on draped throne. RIC 119; BMCRE 51-4; RSC 316. 3.49g, 19mm, 5h.
500
974. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, January - June AD 79. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI, laureate head right / PRINCEPS
IVVENTVTIS, clasped hands before legionary eagle, set on prow. RIC 1081; RSC 393; BMC 269. 3.29g, 20mm, 6h.
500
975. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, 82 AD. IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, head laureate right / TR POT COS VIII P P, throne draped with
tasselled cloth, on which lies winged thunderbolt. RIC 101; BMCRE 26; C. 597. 3.50g, 17mm, 5h.
250
230
Domitian’s German Triumph
976.
Domitian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 85. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII, laureate bust right, wearing
aegis over left shoulder / IMP VIIII COS XI CENSORIA POTESTAT P P, Germania, nude to waist, seated to right
in attitude of mourning upon a Germanic shield, a broken spear beneath her. RIC 325; Calicó 865; BMC 81; C 182.
7.71g, 20mm, 5h.
Extremely Fine, a few minor marks but nonetheless an excellent example of this magnificent and beautifully
conceived type. Very Rare.
25,000
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 40, 16 May 2007, lot 688;
Ex Collection of a European Nobleman, Numismatica Ars Classica 24, 5 December 2002, lot 63.
This beautiful issue was struck in commemoration of Domitian’s campaigns against the Chatti in Germany in AD
83. For his victories there, Domitian celebrated a triumph and was hailed Germanicus, an honour which he had been
craving. Much of Domitian’s career was spent maintaining rule in the provinces, and his lust for glory following
his father and brother’s impressive military victories was noted by Suetonius, as he explains he “…planned a quite
unnecessary expedition into Gaul and Germany, from which his father’s friends managed to dissuade him” before
his Chatti triumph. One can see here his desperation to prove himself and understand his joy and pride at achieving
a successful campaign against the German tribes at last. Struck two years after the defeat of the Chatti, it could be
suggested that this aureus owes much to the ‘Judaea Capta’ series of coinage begun by his father Vespasian. One
cannot deny the parallel between this display of military success and the celebration of the successful First Jewish
War, as seen on lot 960.
However, doubt is cast on the truth of Domitian’s success against the Chatti by Tacitus in his ‘Agricola’. Though
perhaps somewhat biased as he was writing about the life of his father-in-law, when discussing his successes in
Britain he mentions that “Domitian heard, as was his wont, with joy in his face but anxiety in his heart. He felt
conscious that all men laughed at his late mock triumph over Germany, for which there had been purchased from
traders people whose dress and hair might be made to resemble those of captives, whereas now a real and splendid
victory, with the destruction of thousands of the enemy, was being celebrated with just applause.” That his victory
over the Chatti might have been exaggerated is also suggested by the involvement of the tribe in quelling the Revolt
of Saturninus in AD 89, an act that would seem surprising had the Chatti been decimated in battle by Domitian as
supposed.
231
977. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 87. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII, laureate head right / IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P,
Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, with spear in left hand and shield in right, owl at feet to right. RIC 507. 3.43g, 20mm, 6h.
500
978. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, Jan.-Sept. AD 88. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII, laureate head right / IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS
P P P, Minerva standing left, holding spear. RIC 584; RSC 233. 3.24g, 19mm, 6h.
250
979. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 91. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head right / IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P,
Minerva advancing right with shield in left hand and spear held aloft in right. RIC 724. 2.98g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
250
980. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 91. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head right / IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P,
Minerva advancing right with shield in left hand and spear held aloft in right. RIC 724. 3.65g, 18mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
150
981. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 92-93. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P XII, laureate bust right / IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P,
Minerva advancing right with spear and shield. RIC 739; RSC 280. 3.32g, 20mm, 7h.
Good Extremely Fine. Pleasing old cabinet tone with iridescent highlights.
232
300
982. Domitian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 92-94. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / GERMANICVS COS XVI, Germania, bare-chested but
wearing drapery from the waist, seated to right in attitude of mourning upon Germanic hexagonal shield, a bent spear below her. C. 163; BMC 211;
RIC 747; Calicó 854. 6.98g, 19mm, 3h.
7,500
983. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 95-96. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P,
Minerva, holding shield and hurling spear, standing left on prow, owl at her feet. RIC 788. 3.38g, 20mm, 5h.
350
984. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 96. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P,
Minerva standing left with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her left side. RIC 789; C. 291. 3.12g, 18mm, 6h.
300
Rare and Beautiful Denarius of Julia Titi
985. Julia Titi AR Denarius. Rome, AD 80-81. IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F, draped bust right / VENVS AVGVST, Venus standing right, seen
from behind, half nude with drapery hanging low beneath her posterior, holding sceptre in her left hand and helmet in her right and leaning with her
left elbow on a column to her left. RIC 388 (Titus); RSC 14. 3.45g, 19mm, 5h.
Good Extremely Fine. Attractively Toned. Very Rare.
3,000
Despite the nobility and quality of her father Titus, Julia was no model of womanly virtue. Although a married woman, she and her uncle Domitian
carried on an affair that gained public notoriety and was thoroughly condemned by contemporary Roman writers.
233
986
987
986. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head right / AEQVITAS AVGVST, Aequitas standing
left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left. RIC 1. 3.44g, 18mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
250
987. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, AD 96. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM, clasped
hands, holding aquila resting on prow. RIC 3. 3.72g, 19mm, 5h.
500
988. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate bust right / P M TR P COS IIII P P, Vesta, veiled,
seated left, holding patera and torch. Woytek 112a; RIC 53; RSC 229. 3.45g, 19mm, 2h.
Fleur De Coin.
600
Very Rare Aureus of Trajan
989. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 107-108. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SPQR OPTIMO
PRINCIPI, eagle, standing facing on thunderbolt with open wings, head to left. Woytek 261f; RIC 144var; BMC 351; Calicó 1009. 7.09g, 19mm,
1h.
5,000
Rare and Attractive Aureus of Trajan
990. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 107. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / SPQR OPTIMO
PRINCIPI in three lines within oak wreath. RIC II 150 var. (bust type); Strack 99 (unrecorded bust type); Woytek 224c; Calicó 1122; BMCRE 2536 var. (bust type); BN 367-9 var. (bust type); Biaggi 545 var. (bust type). 7.11g, 19mm, 2h.
About Extremely Fine. Rare; Woytek records only five examples.
10,000
991. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 109-10. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P P COS V P P, laureate bust right with slight
drapery on left shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Spes walking left holding flower, S-C across fields. RIC 519; Woytek 338. 27.99g, 34mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Pleasant toning around the devices.
1,000
234
Dacia in Mourning
992. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 109-10. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P P COS V P P, laureate bust right with slight
drapery on left shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Dacia seated left on shield and arms in attitude of mourning, trophy before her, SC in
exergue. RIC 564; Woytek 326. 26.89g, 34mm, 6h.
1,500
993. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-113. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI PP, laureate bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI,
personification of via Traiana reclining left on rocks with wheel and branch; VIA TRAIANA in exergue. Woytek 398; RIC 266; RSC 648. 3.40g,
19mm, 7h.
About Extremely Fine. An interesting historical reverse; attractively toned.
200
Built by Trajan at his own expense and commemorated with an arch at its beginning in Beneventum, as well as on his coinage, the Via Traiana was a
quicker route for travellers from Rome to Brundisium on the coast.
At 205 miles, despite being two miles longer than the Via Appia, the Via Traiana was a much less arduous and therefore faster option than the
original Republican road because it traversed a significantly flatter route to the north. Strabo, in his Geography (6.3.7), indicates that the route of the
Via Traiana, even though in his day little more than a mule track, saved the traveller a whole day’s journeying.
Equestrian Statue of Trajan
994. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-113. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder /
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, equestrian statue of Trajan (equus Traiani of Traian’s forum) depicting the emperor on horseback left carrying spear and
Victory. Woytek 394; RIC 291; RSC 497a; BMC 445. 3.31g, 19mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.
300
Although several reverse variants show Trajan on horseback, those dating to his sixth consulship in AD 112 are likely to depict the equestrian
statue of the Emperor that once stood in his forum in Rome, which was dedicated in this year. The monument itself was likely modelled on that of
Domitian that stood in the Forum Romanum, and may well have influenced the design of the surviving statue of Marcus Aurelius that can be seen in
the Capitoline Museums.
995. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 116-7. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and
draped bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVGVSTI SPQR, Providentia standing left, resting elbow on column and pointing to globe at her feet, S-C
across fields. RIC 663; Woytek 591. 25.03g, 35mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Pleasant dark tone.
235
1,000
236
Ex M&M Basel 1953
996.
Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 117. IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO AVG DIVI TRA PARTH F, laureate, draped
and cuirassed bust right / DIVI NER NEP P M TR P COS, radiate head of Sol to right, ORIENS below. RIC 16;
Calicó 1293; BMC 35, pl. 46, 16 (same obverse die); C 1003. 7.24g, 19mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Superbly struck from dies engraved in the finest style, and among the finest known
specimens of the type.
45,000
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 38, 21 March 2007, lot 56;
Ex Leu Numismatik 10, 29 May 1974, lot 140;
Ex Hess-Leu, 2 April 1958, lot 329;
Ex M&M Basel XII, 11-13 June 1953, lot 811.
Struck in AD 117 at the beginning of Hadrian’s reign and shortly after the death of Trajan on his return journey from
the campaign against Parthia, this stunning aureus contains layers of symbolism hidden within its splendour.
The murky circumstances surrounding Hadrian’s accession needed to be legitimised. He had, officially, been
adopted by Trajan on his deathbed. Yet whether this was actually the case, and whether it was Trajan’s uninfluenced
will, were subjects of whispered debate. It was rumoured that Plotina might have compelled the dying emperor
to adopt her favourite, Hadrian, or even perhaps that Trajan had died leaving no successor and that Plotina had
afterwards forged Trajan’s will herself. Hadrian was therefore required to cement his own position as well as to
consolidate the vast territorial gains of his predecessor, tasks that he undertook quickly and decisively.
Realising the untenable position that the annexation of Mesopotamia had created, Hadrian withdrew the legions
stationed there and effectively abandoned this province, also later giving up Armenia to a local king, who was soon
defeated by Parthia. Unpopular as Hadrian’s abandonment of his predecessor’s conquests in Mesopotamia would
have been, it did help to stabilise the empire. These tactical withdrawals also left him able to concentrate on quelling
the last pockets of resistance left over from the Kitos War, the second great Jewish-Roman war which had begun
under Trajan and which was estimated by contemporaries to have cost the lives of many hundreds of thousands of
Greeks and Roman citizens. As a result of the insurrection, the Legio VI Ferrata was also moved to a new permanent
station at Caesarea Maritima in Judaea.
The rumour of a falsified adoption carried little weight, but in any case Hadrian was keen to emphasise the
legitimacy of his position, and therefore we see on his coinage legends proudly proclaiming the deified Trajan and
Nerva as his father and grandfather.
The reverse type of Oriens may be understood to have several meanings. At the time it was struck, Hadrian remained
in the East consolidating the frontiers of the empire and assisting in the restoration of Egypt, Cyprus, Cyrene and
Judaea. Thus it may refer to the new emperor who had arisen in the East, yet it might also be viewed as a celebration
of the end to the Jewish rebellion that had so ravaged the eastern provinces. One may also see in this type a
melancholic marking of the conclusion to Trajan’s glorious conquests on that most distant border of the Roman
empire, a demanding campaign that had ultimately claimed the life of this great and wise emperor.
237
Very Rare Aureus of Hadrian
997. Hadrian, with Divus Trajan, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 117-118. IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO OPT AVG G D PART, laureate, draped and
cuirassed bust of Hadrian right / DIVO TRAIANO PATRI AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trajan right. C. 2; BMC 44; RIC 24a; Calicó
1412 (same dies); Biaggi 563 (same dies). 7.16g, 19mm, 6h.
7,500
The new emperor Hadrian sought to legitimise his rule by creating direct links with the previous emperor Trajan, who had supposedly declared
him his heir and adopted him on his deathbed. Whether this was actually the case or a fabrication by Trajan’s wife Plotina, who had long been a
supporter of Hadrian, Hadrian’s position was in any case secured by the approval of the Senate and his command of the Eastern armies. Featuring a
portrait on both the obverse and reverse, on this rare aureus Hadrian advertises his adoption by Trajan who he calls father, simultaneously honouring
him with deification and cementing his place as the legitimate ruler of Rome.
998. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Neptune standing
left, cloak over shoulders, holding acrostolium and trident. RIC 72; Calicó 1314. 7.14g, 19mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
1,000
999. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Roma as Amazon
standing left, holding Victory and spear. RIC 76; BMC 149. 3.35g, 20mm, 6h.
Fleur De Coin. Struck on a very broad flan.
500
Ex Spink Auction 1012, 2 December 2010, lot 1325;
Ex Spink America, 3 May 1995, lot 510.
1000. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 119-138. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS III, Salus seated to
left, altar before, around which is entwined a serpent which she feeds from patera; SAL AVG in exergue. RIC 98; BMC 279, 314. 3.41g, 19mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Rare.
350
1001. Hadrian AR Denarius, Rome, AD 119-125. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P COS III,
Libertas seated left, holding branch and sceptre; LIB PVB in exergue. RIC 127; BMC 286; RSC 904. 2.98g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.
250
238
1002. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 124-128. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, bare headed and draped bust right / COS III, Hadrian on horseback right,
raising right hand. RIC 186b; Calicó 1218. 6.95g, 20mm, 6h.
4,000
1003. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left,
holding baton over a globe and sceptre. BMC 694; RSC 1204; RIC 261. 3.38g, 19mm, 6h.
Near Mint State.
300
Extremely Rare Aureus of Hadrian
1004. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / VENERIS FELICIS, Venus seated to left on ornate
throne, holding reversed sceptre in left hand and Cupid in outstretched right hand. RIC 280a; C. 1447; Calicó 1391. 7.18g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely rare variety of an already very rare type.
15,000
1005. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed bust right, drapery on far shoulder / AEGYPTOS, Egypt
reclining left, left elbow on snake wrapped basket and sistrum in right hand, ibis at feet. RIC 296; RSC 97. 3.44g, 18mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
200
1006. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 136. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / AFRICA, Africa reclining left holding scorpion and
cornucopiae, basket of grain at feet. RIC 299. 3.28g, 19mm, 6h.
239
300
1007. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate head right, with drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Roma
seated right on cuirass and shield, holding spear and parazonium. RIC 332 var. (drapery); RSC 338a. 3.19g, 18mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
200
1008. Hadrian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 119-20. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III, laureate and draped bust right /
MONETA AVGVSTI, Moneta standing left with scales and cornucopiae, S-C across fields. RIC 586c; C. 974; BMC 1196. 27.10g, 35mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
1,000
Rare and Attractive Aureus of Sabina
1009. Sabina AV Aureus. Rome, AD 128-136. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, diademed and draped bust right wearing stephane /
CONCORDIA AVG, Concordia seated left, holding a patera and resting her left arm on a small statue of Spes. RIC 398 note; BMC 894; Calicó
1429 (these dies); C. 11 var. 7.36g, 19mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Light reddish tone. Rare.
10,000
1010. Aelius, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, Concordia seated left, holding patera,
resting left elbow on cornucopiae set on base, CONCORD in exergue. RIC 436. 3.45g, 18mm, 6h.
Very Fine. Beautiful toning; a strong portrait.
300
1011. Aelius, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, Pietas standing right, before altar, right
hand raised, left hand holding box of incense, PIE-TAS across fields. RIC 439; BMC 989. 3.42g, 19mm, 7h.
1,000
240
Attractive Aureus of Aelius
1012. Aelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 137. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TRIB POT COS II, Concordia enthroned to left, holding
patera in outstretched right hand, resting left on cornucopiae; CONCORD in exergue. RIC 443; Calicó 1444; Sear 3962. 7.14g, 19mm, 12h.
15,000
Suffering from ill health, in AD 136 Hadrian looked to the question of succession and settled upon Lucius Ceionius Commodus, consul for that
year, to succeed him. Lucius Aelius Caesar, as was his new official name, was lacking in military and administrative experience and so was granted
tribunician power and sent to the Danube Frontier to govern Pannonia. However, he was destined never to succeed Hadrian, dying in AD 138 and
leaving the ailing emperor heirless once more.
Following the scandal created in AD 130 when Hadrian was moved to establish a cult and mint coins (see lot 787) in honour of his favourite
Antinoüs, who had drowned in the Nile whilst touring the province with the emperor, swirling rumours emerged that Hadrian had chosen Aelius
as a successor against the wishes of everyone simply on account of his good looks. Earlier historians favoured the view that Aelius was Hadrian’s
illegitimate son, as suggested by the historian Carcopino, but this theory has been largely discredited. More likely, Aelius won the approval of
Hadrian on account of his being a learned and cultured man with refined tastes, who would have naturally shared many of Hadrian’s own artistic and
cultural interests.
After the death of Aelius, Hadrian adopted Aurelius Antoninus, the future emperor Antoninus Pius, but required him in turn to adopt Aelius’ son and
Hadrian’s great-nephew by marriage, Marcus Aurelius, to succeed him.
1013. Antoninus Pius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, 25 February – 10 July AD 138. IMP T AEL CAES ANTONINVS, bare head right / TRIB POT COS,
Pietas, veiled, standing to right before garlanded altar, holding box of incense and raising right hand; PIE-TAS across fields. Kent-Hirmer pl. 87, 302
(same dies); Calicó 1596 (same dies); C. 597; BMC 1017a; RIC Hadrian 454a. 7.11g, 18mm, 11h.
Good Extremely Fine, with bright, lustrous metal. Very Rare and in excellent condition for the issue. A bold portrait of excellent style.
10,000
1014. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145-161. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS IIII, laureate head left / LIB IIII, Antoninus Pius, togate,
seated to left on curule chair on dais, extending right hand and holding roll in left; before him on the platform, Liberalitas standing left holding coin
counter and cornucopiae; on ground before platform, citizen standing right, holding out fold of toga to receive coins. C. 494 var. (head r.); BMC
544; RIC 140; Calicó 1569. 6.69g, 19mm, 12h.
Near Very Fine.
1,500
241
242
Antoninus Pius’ Fourth Liberalitas
1015. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS IIII, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / LIB IIII,
Antoninus Pius, togate, seated to left on curule chair on dais, extending right hand and holding roll in left; before him on the platform, Liberalitas
standing left holding coin counter and cornucopiae; on ground before platform, citizen standing right, holding out fold of toga to receive coins.
Calicó 1572; Strack 149; BMC 546; C. 496 var. (bust); RIC 141 var. (same). 6.59g, 18mm, 12h.
5,000
The reverse of this attractive and historical type depicts Antoninus Pius presiding at his fourth liberalitas or largesse, on which occasion the emperor
doled out sums of money to worthy citizens. The Ostian Fasti record that this gift to the Roman people was of 90 denarii per citizen, and that it
took place in the spring of AD 145, soon after the wedding of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior. The Historia Augusta records that Antoninus’
celebrations of his daughter and adopted son’s wedding included a donative to the army, and although it does not specifically mention the emperor’s
fourth liberalitas, this happy event was no doubt also the motivation for his generosity to the citizens.
1016. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 151-152. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XV, laureate head left / COS IIII, Antoninus, togate, standing
left, holding globe in right hand and scroll in left. RIC 206; BMCRE 771; Cohen 305; Calicó 1518. 7.08g, 19mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
7,500
1017. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 155-156. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head right / TR POT XIX COS IIII, Victory
advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 255; Calicó 1670. 6.94g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
3,000
1018. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 157-158. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, bare head right / TR POT XXI COS IIII, Salus standing
right, holding snake in her arms which she feeds from a patera held in her left hand. RIC 279b; Calicó 1683. 7.19g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
4,000
243
1019. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 158-159. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right / VOTA SVSCEPTA DEC III,
Antoninus, veiled, standing facing, head left, sacrificing with patera over tripod, left arm at side, COS IIII in exergue. RIC 294a (d); Calicó 1714.
7.36g, 20mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine, hairline scratches.
3,000
Mars Descending to Rhea Silvia
1020. Antoninus Pius Æ As. Rome, AD 140. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG P P, laureate head right / TR POT COS III, Mars right, holding spear and shield,
descending through the air towards Rhea Silvia, reclining left. RIC III 694a. 11.47g, 27mm, 12h.
Slight chip on reverse, otherwise about Extremely Fine. Rare.
750
Livy, in his ‘Ad Urbe Condita’, gives an account of the myth of Rhea Silvia’s encounter with the god Mars, which led to the birth of Romulus and
Remus and the founding of Rome. Although Livy’s account was somewhat euhemerist in its approach to the subject matter, the myth persisted and
can be found depicted on various famous artworks from the ancient world, such as the Casali Altar in the Vatican Museums.
1021. Diva Faustina Senior AV Aureus. Rome, AD 150. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust of Faustina to right, her hair bound with pearls and piled up on top
of her head / AVGVSTA, Ceres standing to left, holding two torches. Biaggi 808; BMC 403; Calicó 1758; C. 75; RIC 357a; Strack 471; Beckmann,
Diva Faustina df 30 / CB 5. 7.31g, 20mm, 12h.
10,000
1022. Diva Faustina Senior AV Aureus, Rome, AD 150. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust of Faustina to right, her hair bound with pearls and piled on top of
her head / AVGVSTA, Fortuna standing to left, holding patera in her right hand and rudder on globe with her left. Biaggi -; BMC 447; C. -; Calicó
1761a; RIC 372; Strack 473; Beckmann, Diva Faustina df 117 / AF 24. 7.21g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
244
5,000
1023. Diva Faustina Senior AV Aureus. Circa AD 146-161. DIVA FAVSTINA Draped bust of Faustina to right, her hair bound with pearls and piled up on
top of her head / AVGVSTA, Ceres standing to left, holding two torches. Calicó - (cf. Calicó 1758); RIC 357a; C. 75; Beckmann, Diva Faustina df
18 / CB 7. 7.21g, 18mm, 7h.
Beautiful reddish old tone, Good Very Fine.
4,000
Extremely Rare Aureus of Marcus Aurelius
1024. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 145-147. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, youthful bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust
right / COS II, Minerva standing to right, holding spear and resting left hand on shield at her side. RIC 427b, Calicó 1836. 6.99g, 20mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine; lustrous metal. Extremely Rare.
10,000
1025. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 158-159. AVRELIVS CAES AVG PII F, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right / TR POT
XIII COS II, Virtus standing to right in military attire, foot resting on helmet, holding reversed spear and parazonium. Biaggi 892; RIC 480b; C.
747; BMCRE 962; Strack 354; Calicó 1969 (this obverse die). 7.34g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine, surface scratches.
5,000
Pleasant Sestertius of Faustina Junior
1026. Faustina Junior Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 147-150. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust right, wearing stephane / VENERI GENETRICI,
Venus standing left, holding apple in her raised right hand and cradling swaddled infant in her left arm, S-C across fields. RIC 1386b. 27.00g,
32mm, 11h.
Good Very Fine. Attractive patina.
245
1,500
1027. Lucius Verus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 164. L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, bare head right / TR P IIII IMP II COS II, Verus seated left on platform,
officer behind and soldier before him, king Sohaemus below platform, standing left and raising right hand to his head; REX ARMEN DAT in
exergue. RIC 512 (Aurelius); BMC 300 (same dies); C. 158; Calicó 2154 (same dies); Kent-Hirmer pl. 98, 342 (same dies). 7.40g, 19mm, 6h.
Area of weakness on the head, otherwise about Extremely Fine.
7,000
Ex Numismatics Ars Classica Auction R, 17 May 2007, lot 1553.
Splendid Portrait of Lucius Verus
1028. Lucius Verus Æ Sestertius. Rome, March-December AD 161. IMP CAES L AVREL VERVS AVG, laureate head right / CONCORD AVGVSTOR
TR P II, Marcus Aurelius standing facing, head to left and holding scroll, clasping hands with Lucius Verus; S-C across fields, COS II in exergue.
RIC 1284; C. 161; BMC 1023 var. (draped and cuirassed). 23.65g, 33mm, 6h.
About Extremely Fine. Light surface roughness, but otherwise a very well detailed example of the type, and possessing a splendid portrait of Lucius
Verus.
2,000
1029. Divus Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Struck under Marcus Aurelius. Rome, AD 169. DIVVS VERVS, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle
standing right, head left. RIC 596a; C. 55. 3.37g, 19mm, 6h.
500
1030. Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 183-184. M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate head right / TR P VIIII IMP VI COS IIII P P,
Fides standing right, holding bowl of fruit and corn, S-C across fields. RIC 413; C. 936. 21.95g, 30mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
500
246
1031. Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 184-185. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT, laureate head right / P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P,
Commodus standing left on platform, holding sceptre, right hand raised, addressing three soldiers standing right, FID EXERC in exergue. RIC 110d;
C. 141. 2.69g, 18mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Rare.
300
VICT BRIT
1032. Commodus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 185-186. M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P X IMP VII
COS IIII P P, Victory seated right on shields, inscribing shield set on knee, S-C across fields, VICT BRIT in exergue. RIC 452 var. (draped bust);
BMC 560 var. (draped bust). 24.13g, 31mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. A very well preserved example of the type. Very Rare.
2,500
Cassius Dio relates in his Historiae Romanae (LXXII.viii.1-6) that in the last months of Marcus Aurelius’ life there was a serious incursion by the
northern tribes into the province of Britannia; the wall was overrun and possibly even the governor himself was lost in battle. The wall in question is
likely to have been the Hadrianic frontier, the Antonine wall having been already abandoned. Ulpius Marcellus was therefore dispatched to Britain
and by AD 184 had secured a victory against the tribes. This type was struck in commemoration of that victory.
1033. Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 186-187. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT, laureate head right / HILAR AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS
V P P, Hilaritas standing left, holding long palm and branch. RIC 150a. 3.01g, 18mm, 12h.
200
1034. Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 190-191. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P, laureate head right / APOL PAL P M TR P XVI COS VI,
Apollo standing front, head right, holding plectrum and lyre resting on column. RIC 218. 2.75g, 18mm, 12h.
200
1035. Commodus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 191-192. L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, bust right in lion’s skin headdress / HERCVL ROMAN AVGV
in four lines across club within wreath. RIC 251. 2.52g, 17mm, 6h.
Near Very Fine. Rare.
247
200
248
Magnificent Aureus of Pertinax
1036.
Pertinax AV Aureus. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate and draped bust right / PROVID
DEOR COS II, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding up both hands toward large star. RIC 10b; Calicó 2388;
BMC -, pg. 3, note 10. 7.33g, 21mm, 12h.
Fleur De Coin.
50,000
Pertinax was the first emperor in the tumultuous ‘Year of Five Emperors’. His early life and career is well
documented in the Historia Augustus, and confirmed in many places by existing inscriptions. Born into a humble
family and the son of a freedman, Pertinax had originally tried to make his way in life as a teacher of grammar, but
at some point decided to try to attain a greater station, and with the help of a patron he was commissioned an officer
in the Roman army.
Pertinax distinguished himself in a campaign against Parthia, and after postings in Britain and on the Danube he
served as procurator in Dacia. His career suffered a serious setback during the reign of Marcus Aurelius on account
of court intrigues, however he was recalled to assist Claudius Pompeianus during the Marcomannic Wars. In 175 he
was made suffect consul, and he then served as governor of a string of provinces including Syria and Britain.
In the 180s he was recalled to Britain where the army was in a state of mutiny. His attempt to calm the restive
soldiers resulted in his bodyguard being attacked, and Pertinax was left for dead. After his recovery he severely
punished the mutinous legion, adding to his reputation as a disciplinarian. In 187 he was forced to resign due
to the legions having grown hostile to his strict command style. His career culminated when he was given the
proconsulship of Africa, the urban prefecture of Rome, and a second consulship with the emperor as his colleague.
When Commodus was murdered on the last day of AD 192, Pertinax was still serving as urban prefect, and hurried
to the Praetorian camp where he was proclaimed emperor the following morning. His attempts at reform and
restraint, along with attempts to impose discipline on the unruly Praetorians, did not endear him to the Guard who
had expected a large donative. After a reign of only three months, during which time he refused imperial titles for
his wife and son, a contingent of several hundred Praetorian Guardsmen rushed the palace and Pertinax, although he
almost succeeded in reasoning with them, was struck down. Yet by his understanding of the danger of his station and
his wise decision not to associate his family with the purple, they were spared from violence.
The obverse of this magnificent aureus shows the weathered face of a man who has attained high position through
hard work and discipline, now burdened by the cares of state. It is an appropriate depiction for an emperor who tried
hard to bring the unravelling Roman system back onto the correct path but was ultimately slain for his efforts. The
reverse of this coin bears a legend which translates as ‘To the Foresight of the Gods’, and may well be intended to
represent the recovery of imperial fortunes under the tutelage and favour of divine providence. The celestial object
should probably be seen to represent the beneficent favour of the gods, who had brought Pertinax to power.
249
1037. Didius Julianus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P COS, Fortuna standing left, holding
rudder in lowered right hand above globe at feet to left, and cornucopiae in left hand. RIC 2; BMC 4; C. 8. 2.59g, 18mm, 6h.
1,500
Unpublished Septimius Severus Aureus
1038. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 202. SEVER P AVG P M TR P X COS III, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / FVNDATOR
PACIS, Severus, veiled, standing left, holding branch and book. RIC - (cf. 177 for obv., 160 for rev.); Calicó -; Hill -, cf. 492 (TR P VIIII). 7.20g,
21mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.
6,000
Extremely Sharp Details
1039. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 205. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P XIII COS III P P, Jupiter standing left, holding
thunderbolt and sceptre, eagle standing to left at his feet. RIC 196; Calicó 2508; Biaggi 1090; BMC 469; C 468; Hill 719. 7.29g, 19mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine. Highly lustrous surfaces.
20,000
1040. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 210. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Victory advancing right,
head left, carrying trophy and leading captive by hand. RIC 237; C. 544; BMC 23; Calicó 2517; Hill 1107. 7.14g, 21mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine - struck on a broad flan; lustrous. Very Rare.
15,000
250
Restoring Peace and Prosperity to Rome
1041. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 207. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / RESTITVTOR VRBIS, Roma seated left on shield,
holding palladium and sceptre. RIC 288; Calicó 2529; BMC 358; Hill 840. 7.19g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal. Rare.
20,000
Septimius Severus was credited with restoring stability to the Roman Empire after the turbulent reign of Commodus and the civil wars that erupted
in the wake of his murder, and by the time this coin was struck he had enlarged the empire in the East and strengthened the southern borders through
the expansion of the Limes Tripolitanus, a frontier zone of defensive forts in north Africa. The improved security of the empire enabled Severus to
undertake restorative works in Rome itself, the theme of this reverse type. Roma, personification of Rome, is portrayed here as a direct reference to
Severus’ having restored peace and prosperity to the city.
1042. Septimius Severus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 202-210. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / RESTITVTOR VRBIS, Roma seated left on shield,
holding palladium and sceptre. RIC 288; Calicó 2529; BMC 358; Hill 840. 7.00g, 20mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
8,000
251
Calicó Plate Coin
1043. Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, AD 204. ANTON P AVG PON TR P VII, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA PARTHICA
MAXIMA, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 79; Calicó 2844 corr. (this coin); Hill 680. 7.42g, 20mm, 6h.
12,500
1044. Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 208. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / PONTIF TR P XI COS III, Caracalla on horseback right,
holding spear, PROF in exergue. RIC 107; RSC 510; BMC 572; Hill 963. 3.31g, 20mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Beautiful light tone with golden highlights.
750
1045. Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 215. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate bust right / PM TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Pax standing left
holding branch and sceptre. RIC 268; C. 314; Hill 1443. 3.02g, 20mm, 1h.
Extremely Fine.
200
252
1046. Diadumenian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 208-18. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right /
PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian standing facing, head right, holding standard and sceptre, two more standards to right. RIC 102; RSC 3. 3.11g,
21mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine, and struck on a large flan. Scarce.
500
1047. Diadumenian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 218. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / SPES
PVBLICA, Spes walking left, holding flower and raising her skirt. RIC 116. 2.98g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
500
Rare Aureus of Severus Alexander
1048. Severus Alexander AV Aureus. Rome, AD 226. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P V COS II P P,
Mars walking right, carrying spear and trophy. RIC 52; Calicó 3105. 6.06g, 21mm, 6h.
About Extremely Fine. Rare.
6,000
1049. Divus Severus Alexander AR Antoninianus. Struck under Trajan Decius. Rome, AD 250-251. DIVO ALEXANDRO, radiate bust right, with slight
drapery on far shoulder / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, head left. RIC 97. 3.01g, 24mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Pleasing tone. Rare.
500
1050. Orbiana AR Denarius. Rome, AD 225. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated
left on throne, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 319; RSC 1; BMC 287. 3.33g, 19mm, 6h.
350
253
1051. Orbiana AR Denarius. Rome, AD 225-227. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia
seated left on throne, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 319; RSC 1; BMC 287. 2.97g, 19mm, 6h.
Very Fine. Scarce. A bold and attractive portrait.
300
1052. Gordian I Africanus AR Denarius. Rome, March-April AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right,
seen from behind / P M TR P COS P P, Gordian standing facing, head left, holding branch in right hand and short sceptre in left. RIC 2. 2.94g,
19mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Hint of copper deposit on reverse; lustrous and bright metal. Rare.
1,500
1053. Pupienus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX PVBLICA, Pax seated
left holding branch and sceptre. RIC 4. 3.38g, 20mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. A well-detailed portrait.
750
1054. Pupienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 238. IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / AMOR MVTVVS
AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 9b; RSC 1; BMC 77. 4.85g, 23mm, 12h.
500
1055. Pupienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 238. IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / AMOR MVTVVS
AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 9b; RSC 2; BMCRE 82. 4.46g, 24mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
300
254
1056. Gordian III, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG, jug
between lituus and knife on left, simpulum and sprinkler on right. RIC 1. 2.52g, 21mm, 6h.
500
1057. Gordian III, Barbaric Imitation AR Antoninianus. AD 238-244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M
TR P III COS II P P, Apollo seated left, holding branch and resting elbow on lyre. Cf. RIC 87; C. 237. 4.18g, 22mm, 11h.
Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous, with an attractive tone.
200
Ex Gutekunst Collection, Roma Numismatics E-Auction 4, 28 December 2013, lot 772;
Ex Gorny and Mosch 200, 10 October 2011, lot 1021.
1058. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 240. IMP CAES GORDIANVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / AEQVITAS AVG,
Aequitas standing facing, head left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC 40; Calicó 3184. 4.57g, 21mm, 11h.
Fleur De Coin. Rare.
5,000
1059. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 240. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVG, Virtus
standing left, holding branch and spear, shield resting on ground behind. RIC 44; Calicó 3241. 5.05g, 22mm, 6h.
5,000
1060. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, late AD 240-early AD 243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVTI
AVGVSTI, the ‘Farnese’ Hercules standing facing, head right, resting right hand on hip and placing left on club set on rock; lion skin beside club.
RIC 108; Calicó 3242; Biaggi 1373-4. 4.79g, 20mm, 6h.
5,000
255
The Farnese Hercules
Fleur De Coin.
5,000
Depicting Hercules standing resting after the end of his labours, this reverse type is clearly modelled on the Farnese Hercules, the famed marble
statue that was discovered during excavation of the Baths of Caracalla in 1546. Thought to have been copied and enlarged in the third century AD
by Glycon from a lost original by Lysippus from the fourth century BC, the sculpture shows Hercules leaning heavily on his club, on which is
draped the skin of the Nemean lion. That he has completed his labours is shown in the original scuplture by the Apples of the Hesperides, which
he holds behind his back in his right hand. Gaining its name from the Palazzo Farnese in Rome in which it was housed for two hundred years, the
statue is now housed in the Museo Archeologico Nazional in Naples.
Good Extremely Fine. Attractive red-purple colouration.
5,000
1063. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PIETAS AVGVSTI, Pietas,
veiled, standing facing, head left, raising both hands. RIC 122; Calicó 3210. 4.91g, 20mm, 6h.
5,000
256
1064. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / AETERNITATI AVG,
Sol standing facing, head left, raising right hand and holding globe. RIC 97; Calicó 3186. 4.82g, 21mm, 12h.
Mint State. Rare.
5,000
5,000
5,000
1067. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IOVI STATORI, Jupiter
standing facing, head right, holding long sceptre and thunderbolt. RIC 99; Calicó 3200. 4.78g, 21mm, 6h.
Mint State. Rare.
5,000
257
1068. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IOVI STATORI, Jupiter
standing facing, head right, holding long sceptre and thunderbolt. RIC 99; Calicó 3200. 4.76g, 21mm, 12h.
5,000
1069. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Apollo,
bare to waist, seated left, holding branch and resting left elbow on lyre. RIC 102; Calicó 3221a. 5.22g, 21mm, 12h.
5,000
1070. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Apollo
seated left, bare to waist, holding branch and resting left elbow on lyre. RIC 102; Calicó 3221a. 4.78g, 21mm, 6h.
5,000
1071. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P VI COS II P P, Apollo,
bare to waist, seated left, holding branch and resting left elbow on lyre. RIC 104; Calicó 3227. 4.86g, 21mm, 12h.
Very light mark on obverse, otherwise Good Extremely Fine. Rare.
5,000
1072. Gordian III AV Aureus. Rome, AD 241-243. IMP CAES GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P IIII
COS II P P, Gordian, in military dress, standing right, holding transverse spear and globe. RIC 105; Calicó 3222. 5.11g, 20mm, 12h.
258
5,000
Unique Medallic ‘Sestertius’ of Gordian III
1073.
Gordian III Æ Medallic ‘Sestertius’. Rome, circa AD 242. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and
cuirassed bust left, holding spear over right shoulder / FELICITATI AVG across sail, COS III PP in exergue;
imperial galley in full sail over waves to right; vexillum, signum and acrostolium above and rudder below steering
house within which sits the emperor who addresses 18 soldiers in waist of vessel; S C below. Unpublished in
the standard references. For general reverse type cf.: TRAIECTVS AVG AV medallion (Jameson 511, found in
Palestine), Æ medallion (Gnecchi 39, pl. 105, 8) and As (RIC 323). For provincial issues with the same theme cf.:
Gadara in Decapolis (SNG ANS 1332), Phaselis in Lykia (SNG Copenhagen 128) and Perinthos in Thrace (Schönert
809-812). 25.05g, 35mm, 6h.
Very Fine, of medallic aspect with a pleasing green-red patina. Apparently unique and unpublished.
5,000
Early in the year 242 Gordian opened the doors of the Temple of Janus for the last time in Roman history, and
with his trusted father-in-law the Praetorian Prefect Timisitheus set out with a great army for Syria to confront an
invasion of the Roman province of Mesopotamia by the Sasanian king Shapur I (see lot 755). This event was marked
by several military issues with types such as Adlocvtio Avgvsti, Traiectus Avg, Victoriae Avgvsti and Pax Aeterna.
This medallic ‘sestertius’, previously tinned in antiquity, was probably struck as a presentational piece marking the
start of the emperor’s expedition to the East.
Shapur had conquered the Mesopotamian fortresses of Nisibis and Carrhae and advanced into Syria. Gordian fought
and won several pitched battles against the Sasanians, recapturing Carrhae and Nisibis, and at last routing a Sasanian
army at Resaena, forcing Shapur to restore all occupied cities unharmed to their citizens. “We have penetrated as far
as Nisibis, and shall even get to Ctesiphon,” he wrote to the Senate.
The campaign was a success, and Gordian was planning a counter invasion of Sasanian territory when his fatherin-law died in unclear circumstances, thus putting the campaign and the young emperor in danger. Philip the Arab
was promoted to Praetorian Prefect, and the campaign proceeded. The Romans met increasing resistance as they
advanced into eastern Mesopotamia; Sasanian sources claim that a battle was fought (the Battle of Misiche) near
modern Fallujah in Iraq which resulted in a Roman defeat and the death in battle of Gordian III. Roman sources
disagree, making no mention of the battle, but suggest that Gordian was murdered by Philip. The truth of the events
surrounding the death of Gordian III will likely forever be a mystery, though the young emperor may well have been
eager to prove himself in combat; his portrait on this coin shows him as a vigorous youth arrayed in gear of war with
a spear in his hand.
259
260
Unpublished Aureus of Gallienus
1074.
Gallienus AV Aureus. Siscia, AD 262-268. GALLIENVS AVG, laureate head right / MARTI PROPVGNATORI,
Mars advancing right wearing crested helmet, cuirass, pteruges and high caligae with ties. RIC V -; Calicó -; Göbl -;
MIR -: unpublished in the standard references. 3.37g, 17mm, 6h.
Minor marks, otherwise Good Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.
20,000
From the James Howard Collection.
For reverse legend and type cf. Göbl MIR 36, 1439h i and ff (radiate bust left) and 1439h and1440h (head left,
wearing crown of reeds). For an in depth discussion on the mint of Siscia under Gallienus cf. R. Göbl. MIR 36, pp.
118-122; R.A.G Carson, Coins of the Roman Empire, p. 103 and Besly-Bland, The Cunetio Treasure, p. 38.
There is no doubt that the mint at Siscia was first opened by Gallienus in AD 262 with personnel transferred from
the mint of Rome. However, the issues of the two mints may generally be distinguished by their different reverse
types and the distinctive extended laurel ties of Siscia. Gallienus encouraged a new style of sculpture in Rome,
which harked back to the classicism of the 1st century, so that the early expressive bust styles of Siscia are very
similar to those at Rome (cf. MIR 36, Rome series 9, pls. 54 and 55) with a forceful expression, aquiline nose
and pronounced furrow in the upper lip. This portraiture is clearly intended to present him as an authoritarian and
resolute leader capable of restoring order and prosperity in a time of imminent threat to the empire from all around,
both barbaric and in the form of pretenders including Ingenuus, Regalianus, Macrianus, Quietus, Aemilianus,
Aureolus and Postumus.
Gallienus saw himself during his sole rule as a soldier and poet, who was personally steeped in Greek culture, a
philhellenist, like Hadrian, interested in the neo-Platonist philosophy of Plotinus, the last great pagan philosopher.
261
1075. Gallienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 253. IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, clasped hands.
RIC 131; MIR 13. 3.05g, 24mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
200
Pleasing Aureus of Aurelian
1076. Aurelian AV Aureus. Mediolanum (Milan), AD 270-275. IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVG,
Mars walking right, holding spear and trophy; at foot to right, captive seated right. RIC 15; Calicó 4048; CBN 430-435. 4.36g, 21mm, 6h.
5,000
1077. Tacitus Æ Silvered Antoninianus. Siscia, AD 275-276. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVG,
Victory flying left, wearing long dress and holding open diadem with both her hands; at her feet two small, oval shields; P in exergue. RIC 170.
4.37g, 23mm, 12h.
150
1078. Probus Æ Antoninianus. Serdica, AD 276-282. IMP C PROBVS P AVG, radiate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust left holding spear and shield / SOLI
INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, holding whip, KAB in exergue. RIC 862 var. (obverse legend). 3.77g, 23mm, 6h.
150
1079. Probus Æ Antoninianus. Serdica, AD 276-282. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG, radiate and draped bust right / SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread
quadriga, holding whip; KAB in exergue. RIC 864 var. (mintmark). 3.39g, 24mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
150
262
Ex Hirsch 1910
1080. Diocletian AV Aureus. Nicomedia, AD 284. DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing to left,
naked but for cloak, holding thunderbolt and sceptre; SMN in exergue. Calicó 4494 (this coin); C. 251; Depeyrot 2/4; Lukanc Nicomedia 2; RIC 5a.
5.56g, 17mm, 12h.
10,000
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 33, 6 April 2006, lot 584;
Ex Hirsch sale XXIX, 1910, lot 1312.
Very Rare Aureus of Diocletian
1081. Diocletian AV Aureus. Cyzicus, AD 284-285. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / MARTI
VLTORI, Mars advancing to right, holding spear and shield. Calicó 4547; C. 319; Depeyrot 2/4; RIC 300b. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h.
Minor marks, otherwise about Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
10,000
263
1082. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Ticinum, circa AD 295. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate head right, brow furrowed / VICTORIA SARMAT, tetrarchs
sacrificing over tripod before six-turreted enclosure, the two nearest with paterae, small dot in archway above. RIC 16a; RSC 488d. 2.81g, 19mm,
5h.
1,000
1083. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Nicomedia, circa AD 295. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate head right / VICTORIAE SARMATICAE, Four-turreted
camp-gate, with open doors, and each turret surmounted by a facing eagle; SMNΓ in exergue. RIC 22a; RSC 492a. 3.36g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
750
1084. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Serdica, AD 303-305. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, camp gate with three turrets and
no door; •SM•SDΓ• in exergue. RIC 1a var. (unlisted officina); RSC 520b. 3.37g, 19mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine, and attractively toned. Rare.
750
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid Sale 72, 14 June 2006, lot 1737;
Ex Marc Poncin Collection;
Ex Gorny & Mosch 142, 10-11 October 2005, lot 2927.
1085. Domitius Domitianus Æ Nummus. Alexandria, AD 295-296. IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right / GENIO POPVLI
ROMANI, Genius of the Roman people standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae, eagle with wings spread standing at his feet, B in right field,
ALE in exergue. RIC 20. 11.53g, 25mm, 5h.
1,250
Stationed in an Egypt that was overtaxed and burdened with considerable administrative corruption, Domitius Domitianus took the purple in an
effort to ameliorate the lot of the local people. He instituted agricultural reforms and repairs to the decrepit irrigation channels, undertook a reform
of the local coinage in order to improve commerce, and strengthened the province militarily.
Diocletian’s response was swift and brutal, and he invaded Egypt. However, despite being heavily outnumbered Domitianus was able to withstand
Diocletian’s advance for months, and although by December of 297 Diocletian had control of Egypt, Alexandria refused to capitulate. Domitianus’
ultimate fate is unrecorded, however he was likely killed or assassinated. In his fury, Diocletian authorised a general sack of the city and a massacre
of the population.
1086. Maximianus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 287. MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules standing
facing, head left, holding branch in right hand and club and lion-skin in left; PR in exergue. RIC -; C. 300; Depeyrot 5A/3; Calicó 4673 (same dies).
5.44g, 20mm, 6h.
Minor marks and light abrasion on rev., otherwise Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
264
10,000
1087. Maximianus AR Argenteus. Ticinum, circa AD 295. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate head right / VICTORIA SARMAT, the four tetrarchs sacrificing
over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets. RIC 16b; Sisak Hoard 39; RSC 548b. 2.75g, 18mm, 12h.
Fleur De Coin.
1,000
1088. Maximianus AR Argenteus. Serdica, AD 305-306. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp gate with
no doors; •SM•SDЄ• in exergue. RIC 11b; Gautier 26 var. (officina); RSC 228†a. 3.30g, 21mm, 7h.
1,000
1089. Constantius I AR Argenteus. Serdica, AD 305-307. CONSTANTIVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp gate with
no doors; •SM•SDB• in exergue. RIC 11a; Gautier -. 3.53g, 20mm, 12h.
Fleur De Coin. Wonderfully lustrous.
1,000
1090. Constantius I AR Argenteus. Serdica, circa AD 305-306. CONSTANTIVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, camp gate with open
door and three turrets; •SM•SDΔ• in exergue. Gautier 25; RIC 11a. 3.40g, 20mm, 7h.
Fleur De Coin.
1,000
1091. Severus II Æ Nummus. Trier, AD 307. FL VAL SEVERVS NOB CAES, laureate and cuirassed bust right / GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius
standing facing, head left wearing towered crown, left shoulder and loins draped, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left. RIC 660.
10.55g, 28mm, 6h.
300
265
266
From the Beaurains Hoard of 1922
1092.
Maximinus II Daia, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Trier, AD 305-306. MAXIMINVS NOB C, laureate head right /
HERCVLI CONSER AVGG ET CAESS NN, Hercules, standing nude to right, his head turned to left, wearing
lion’s skin over his left shoulder and quiver over his right shoulder; in his left hand he holds a bow, his right rests
on his club, set on the ground; TR in exergue. RIC 621; Depeyrot 52, 11B/3P; Bastien and C. Metzger, Le trésor de
Beaurains (1977), 144, 420 (this coin); Calicó 5012. 5.32g, 17mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, one of only two examples known, both of which come from the
Beaurains/Arras Hoard.
60,000
Ex Collection of a Perfectionist, Leu Numismatik 87, 6 May 2003, lot 110;
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 7, 1 March 1994, lot 805;
From the Beaurains (Arras) Hoard of 1922.
This coin was struck to commemorate the foundation of the Second Tetrarchy on 1 May AD 305. Born of Dacian
peasant stock to the sister of Galerius, Maximinus rose to high distinction in the army thanks to his uncle’s
influence as Caesar under Diocletian. In 305, according to Lactantius, Galerius forced Diocletian to abdicate, and
through coercion and threats convinced Diocletian to fill the two vacated positions of Caesar with men compliant
to his will. Thus, with the abdication of Diocletian and Maximianus, Galerius was raised to Augustus and
immediately appointed his nephew Maximinus to the rank of Caesar along with an old friend, Severus. Portrayed
by contemporary writers as vulgar, cruel and ignorant, Maximinus II gained eternal notoriety for his persecution of
Christians in open defiance of the Edict of Toleration issued by Galerius.
In 313, having imprudently allied himself to Maxentius, the enemy of Constantine and Licinius, Maximinus found
himself at war with Licinius, who marched against him and defeated him in a decisive battle at Tirizallum, despite
Maximinus’ army being a veteran force that outnumbered Licinius by more than two to one. Pursued and besieged
by Licinius, he poisoned himself at Tarsus in Cilicia in AD 313, eight years after being named Caesar, and five and
a half after assuming the purple. His children were put to death and his wife was thrown into the Orontes at Antioch
where by her orders a great number of Christian women had been drowned.
This extremely rare coin shows Maximinus before he had revealed his cruel and tyrannical nature, and gives him
the stern countenance of one of the tried military emperors into whose company he was being elevated. The finely
engraved, muscular figure of Hercules on the reverse is a further allusion to the militaristic responsibilities of the
tetrarchic emperors, being employed here as Hercules ‘the Defender’, thus both emphasising Maximinus’ purpose as
a guardian of Rome, and at the same time ennobling him by appointing Hercules to watch over him.
267
268
Calicó Plate Coin
1093. Licinius I AV Aureus. Thessalonica, circa AD 310. LICINIVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing
left, chlamys hanging from left shoulder, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical sceptre in left; to left, eagle standing left, holding wreath in
beak; A in right field, •SM•TS• in exergue. RIC 44a var. (control letter); Calicó 5121a (this coin); Depeyrot 5/2. 5.37g, 21mm, 6h.
10,000
Extremely Rare Nummus of Martinian
1094. Martinian Æ Nummus. Nicomedia, AD 324. D N M MARTINIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IOVI CONSERVATORI,
Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left, captive on ground to right, X-IIΓ above, eagle to left
holding wreath in beak; SMNΓ in exergue. RIC 45; C 3. 3.06g, 21mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
10,000
Struck from dies of exceptionally fine style for Martinian and extraordinarily well preserved, this extremely rare nummus represents one of the very
finest issues of this short-lived deputy to Licinius that is available to collectors.
Rare Solidus of Constantine I
1095. Constantine I AV Solidus. Ticinum, AD 324-325. CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantine standing
to left, holding sceptre and legionary aquila, another aquila and standard behind; SMT in exergue. RIC 180; Depeyrot 18/2. 4.61g, 19mm, 6h.
5,000
Ex Baldwin’s 44, 2 May 2006, lot 289;
Ex Peus 382, 26 April 2005, lot 578.
269
1096. Constantine I Æ Nummus. Sirmium, AD 324-325. CONSTANTINVS AVG, laureate head right / SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right,
carrying trophy and palm branch, spurning captive seated to right. RIC 48. 3.41g, 19mm, 12h.
As Struck. Toned, with some silvering remaining.
100
1097. City Commemorative AR Third Siliqua. Struck under Constantine I, AD 330. Pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing pearl necklace / Large
K. RIC -; Bendall, Anonymous Type 4; RSC -; Mazzini 287; Göbl, Antike Numismatik (1978), pl. 10, 144. 1.13g, 12mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Toned. Very Rare.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 152, 10 October 2006, lot 2441.
300
Superb Hellenistic Portrait of Constantine
1098. Constantine I AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 335. Rosette diademed head right with uplifted gaze / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVGVSTI, Victory,
wearing long dress, seated to right on cuirass inscribing VOT XXX on shield held by Genius; SMNM in exergue. RIC 176; Depeyrot 44/1; Bastien,
Donativa 81, g) and note 8. 4.40g, 22mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine; lustrous metal. Rare.
10,000
Ex New York Sale XIV, 10 January 2007, lot 448.
Beautiful Constantius II Solidus
1099. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA
REIPVBLICAE, Roma seated facing and Constantinopolis seated facing slightly left, with right foot on prow, each holding sceptre and supporting
shield between them inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines; SMANB in exergue. RIC 83; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.48g, 21mm, 11h.
Minor scrape on reverse, otherwise Good Extremely Fine. Highly lustrous surfaces.
270
4,000
1100. Constantius II AV Solidus. Sirmium, 351-355 AD. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA
REIPVBLICAE, Roma seated facing and Constantinopolis seated left, holding shield between them inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX; SIRM in
exergue. RIC 1; Depeyrot 1. 4.38g, 22mm, 7h.
2,000
1101. Constantius II AR Reduced Siliqua. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 360-363. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust
right / VICTORIA DD NN AVG, Victory walking left, holding wreath and palm; LVG in exergue. RIC 214; RSC 259a. 1.99g, 17mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Attractive old collection toning.
2,000
From the Marc Poncin Collection;
1103
1102
1102. Magnentius Æ Centenionalis. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 350-353. D N MAGNENTIVS P F AVG, bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust right, A
behind / VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE, two Victories standing facing each other, holding between them wreath inscribed VOT V MVLT X;
pellet between wreath ties, SV below, RPLG in exergue. RIC 130. 3.05g, 21mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
100
star between wreath ties, SV below, RPLG in exergue. RIC 133. 4.85g, 22mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine; some silvering remaining.
100
1104
1105
SP below wreath, RPLG in exergue. RIC 136. 4.67g, 20mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Much silvering remaining.
100
1105. Decentius, as Caesar, Æ Centenionalis. Lugdunum (Lyon), AD 350-353. D N DECENTIVS NOB CAES, bareheaded and cuirassed bust right /
VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE, two Victories standing facing each other, holding between them wreath inscribed VOT V MVLT X; star
between wreath ties, SV below, RPLG in exergue. RIC 134. 5.12g, 22mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine; much silvering remaining.
200
271
272
One of Only Two in Private Hands
1106.
Vetranio AR Heavy Miliarense. Siscia, March-December AD 350. D N VETRANIO P F AVG, laureate, draped and
cuirassed bust right / GAVDIVM POPVLI ROMANI, laurel wreath with a jewel at the apex, containing VOT V
MVL X in four lines between two palm branches; SIS in exergue. RIC 261; C. -; Gnecchi -. 5.13g, 26mm, 1h.
Good Extremely Fine, some areas of lustre remaining. Extremely Rare, apparently only the fifth known
example, and one of just two in private hands.
30,000
An experienced soldier and officer who had originally served under Constantine I and had risen to become the
Master of the Infantry (magister peditum) in Pannonia, Vetranio was raised to the purple for a ten month period in
AD 350 in circumstances that remain unclear. After the murder of Constans in the west by the usurper Magnentius,
Constantius II was left as the last remaining heir of Constantine I and was occupied on the Persian front at the time
of his brother’s death. Philostorgius (3.22) tells us that his sister Constantina asked Vetranio to proclaim himself
Caesar in March 350 to counter the threat from the army of Magnentius that was marching eastward. Vetranio
readily accepted, and struck coins in his own name, but showing the full title of Augustus, rather than the lesser
rank of Caesar. Vetranio’s may well have been motivated by his own desire to assume the purple, however in what
seems to have been a carefully considered and shrewd political manoeuvre, Constantius apepared to have accepted
Vetranio’s elevation by sending imperial regalia and money to Vetranio – this was almost certainly done to upset
the possibility of an alliance between Magnentius and the old magiser peditum. Vetranio, in return, sent letters to
Constantius professing his loyalty.
Though he reigned for ten months and frequently asked Constantius for money and military aid to fight Magnentius,
he appears to have taken no active measures to assail the usurper’s position, and indeed participated in a joint
embassy to Constantius with Magnentius wherein he and the rebel tried to convince the emperor to form a triarchy,
with Constantius as senior Augustus. He moreover engraged Constantius by putting his garrison at the Succi pass,
the entrance to the high-road across the Balkans, on a war footing and closing it to Constantius. That Vetranio was
not a scrupulous loyalist of Constantius is also supported by the numismatic evidence, as he here vows to rule for
five years, and hopes for ten. This is incongruous with the theory that we was simply ‘keeping the throne warm’ for
Constantius until the latter could return.
In the autumn of 350 Constantius II was able to reach Vetranio with his own forces unlooked for, and Vetranio,
faced with the sudden an inexplicable arrival of his imperial colleague, was forced first to agree to a joint campaign
against Magnentius, and then to abdicate. Vetranio saved himself by at last cooperating with Constantius. In a well
orchestrated ceremony on the 25th December at Naissus, both men mounted a platform as imperial brothers and
equals, and spoke to their assembled armies. Important parts of Vetranio’s force had been bribed to desert him,
and Vetranio himself was a willing participant in the ceremony, since his voluntary abdication provided the means
of reward for him and his officers, and Constantius’ authority was enhanced by the submission of his colleague.
Constantius formally relieved Vetranio of the purple, called him father, and led him to the dinner table. Vetranio,
who was already an elderly man, was gifted an estate in Prusa, Bithynia, to which he retired and was where he died
some five years later.
273
1107
1108
1107. Valens AR Siliqua. Rome, AD 364-367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOT V•MVLT X in four lines
within wreath; RB in exergue. RIC 10c.; RSC 91h. 1.84g, 18mm, 6h.
150
From the Marc Poncin Collection.
1108. Procopius Æ17. Constantinople, 365-366. D N PROCOPIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left / REPARATIO FEL TEMP,
Procopius standing facing, head left, holding labarum in right hand, left hand on shield set on ground. RIC 17b. 2.72g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
500
1109. Gratian AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 367-375. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VRBS ROMA,
Roma seated left holding spear and Victory on globe; TRPS• in exergue. RIC 27f.; RSC86b. 2.19g, 18mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Attractively toned and well struck on a full flan. A very pleasing coin.
150
1110. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Mediolanum (Milan), AD 379. D N VALENTINIANVS IVN P F AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right /
VICTORIA AVGG, two emperors seated facing, nimbate, jointly holding globus; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; MDOB in
exergue. RIC 5c.; Depeyrot 6/3. 5.43g, 21mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan; lustrous surfaces. Extremely Rare.
2,500
1111. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Mediolanum (Milan), AD 382. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right / VICTORIA
AVGG, two emperors seated facing, jointly holding globus; Victory above, wings spread; palm branch below; COM in exergue. RIC 5e.; Depeyrot
Uncertain north Italian mint p. 182, 2. 4.44g, 21mm, 12h.
Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous surfaces.
2,500
1112. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 383-388. D N THEODOSIVS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Concordia
AVGGG A, Constantinopolis, turreted and with head right, seated facing on high backed throne with ornamented with lion’s heads, right foot on
prow, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT V MVL X in four lines; CONOB in exergue. RIC 70b; Depeyrot 45/1; DOC 269. 4.45g, 20mm,
12h.
Extremely Fine, with attractive lustre. Very Rare.
1,000
274
1113
1114
1113. Theodosius I AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 383-388. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right /
CONCORDIA AVGGG, Constantinopolis, turreted, seated facing, head right, right foot on prow, holding sceptre and cornucopiae; TRPS in exergue.
RIC 83a. RSC 4a. 2.05g, 19mm, 7h.
200
1114. Theodosius I AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 388-395. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS
ROMANORVM, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC 94b and 106a; RSC 57a. 1.94g,
19mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine; pleasantly toned.
150
1115
1116
1115. Theodosius I AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 388-395. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS
ROMANORVM, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC 94b and 106a; RSC 57a. 1.91g,
18mm, 12h.
Near Extremely Fine; attractive dark toning.
150
1116. Magnus Maximus AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 383-388. D N MAG MAXIMVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right /
VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma enthroned facing, head left, holding globe and spear, TRPS in exergue. RIC 84b; RSC 20a. 1.86g, 18mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent tones.
300
The Usurper Eugenius
1117. Eugenius AR Siliqua. Mediolanum (Milan), AD 392-394. D N EVGENIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS
ROMANORVM, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; MDPS in exergue. RIC 32c. 1.53g, 17mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine, reverse die worn. Rare.
300
1118. Eugenius AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 392-395. D N EVGENIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS
ROMANORVM, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC 106d; RSC 14a. 2.00g, 18mm,
12h.
750
1119. Arcadius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 388-392. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA
AVGGG Z, Constantinopolis, turreted, seated facing, head right, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT V MVL X; CONOB in exergue. RIC
70c.; Depeyrot 46/3. 4.41g, 21mm, 6h.
Very Fine. Scarce.
500
275
1120
1121
1120. Arcadius AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 392-395. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS
ROMANORVM, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC 106c.; RSC 27e. 1.61g, 16mm,
12h.
Good Very Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone. Scarce.
150
1121. Arcadius AR Siliqua. Treveri (Trier), AD 392-395. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS
ROMANORVM, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC 106c.; RSC 27e. 1.87g, 16mm,
12h.
Good Very Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone. Scarce.
150
1122. Arcadius AV Solidus. Rome, AD 404-408. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG,
emperor standing right, holding Victory on globe and standard; at his feet, captive; R-M acorss field, COMOB in exergue. RIC 1251; Depeyrot 34/1.
4.48g, 21mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
750
1123. Honorius AV Solidus. Mediolanum (Milan), AD 395-402. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA
AVGGG, Emperor standing right, holding standard and Victory on globe; with his left foot he spurns a seated bound captive; M-D across fields,
COMOB in exergue. Ulrich-Bansa pl. 61, a; LRC 712; Depeyrot 16/2; RIC 35b. 4.33g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
500
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 67, 17 October 2012, lot 393;
Ex HSA 7886.
1124. Honorius AV Tremissis. Ravenna, AD 402-406. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA
AVGVSTORVM, Victory standing facing, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left; R-V across fields, COM in exergue. RIC 1289
(misdescribed); Depeyrot 10/1; LRC 737; C. 47. 1.48g, 14mm, 11h.
Good Very Fine.
500
Ex HSA 22168.
276
Sharp Miliarense of Theodosius
1125. Theodosius II AR Miliarense. Constantinople, AD 408-423. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left /
GLORIA ROMANORVM, Theodosius, nimbate, standing facing, head left, raising hand and holding globe, star to left; CON in exergue. RIC 370;
RSC 20a. 4.31g, 24mm, 11h.
Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned and lustrous.
3,000
1126 Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 408-420. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, three-quarter facing bust, holding spear over
shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / CONCORDIA AVGG Θ, Constantinopolis seated facing with sceptre and Victory on globe, CONOB
in exergue. RIC 202.; Depeyrot 73/2. 4.25g, 20mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
500
1127. Theodosius II AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 416. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA
AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing to front, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIRB 45; LRC
319; Depeyrot 70/1; RIC 213 (this coin cited). 1.48g, 14mm, 12h.
250
Ex HSA 30159.
1128. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing,
holding spear over right shoulder and shield decorated with horseman and enemy motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX B, Constantinopolis enthroned
left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre, resting foot on prow, round shield behind throne, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 257;
Depeyrot 81/1. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully lustrous, and well struck on a broad flan. Scarce.
500
1129. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 430-440. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three
quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and behind head, and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX S,
Constantinopolis enthroned to left, holding globus cruciger and sceptre; shield behind throne, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 257;
Depeyrot 81/1. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Scarce.
500
277
1130
1131
1130. Aelia Eudocia AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 444. AEL EVDOCIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right / Cross within wreath. RIC 335;
MIRB 50; LRC 461; Depeyrot 72/2. 1.48g, 14mm, 6h.
500
1131. Valentinian III AV Tremissis. Rome or Ravenna, AD 455. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right /
Cross within wreath, COMOB in exergue. RIC 2070; LRC 851; Depeyrot 47/7. 1.49g, 13mm, 6h.
500
Ex HSA 30149.
1132
1133
1132. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 465/466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing,
holding spear and shield, decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Δ, Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right
field, CONOB in exergue. LRC 527; Depeyrot 93/1; RIC 605. 4.56g, 21mm, 6h.
As struck. Scarce.
400
1133. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 465/466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing,
holding spear and shield, decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Γ, Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right
field, CONOB in exergue. LRC 527; Depeyrot 93/1; RIC 605. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h.
300
1134. Leo I AR Siliqua. Constantinople, AD 474. D N LEO PERPET AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / SAL REI PYI within
wreath; CONS* in exergue. RIC 646; RSC 12a. 1.20g, 16mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Toned. Rare.
300
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64, 17 May 2012, lot 2771;
Ex Gorny & Mosch 156, 5 March 2007, lot 2379.
1135
1136
1135. Zeno AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing holding spear and
shield / VICTORIA AVGGG S, Victory standing left, supporting long jewelled cross, star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 905; Depeyrot
108/1. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h.
As Struck.
500
1136. Zeno AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding
spear and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG A, Victory standing left, holding long cross; star in right field, CONOB in
exergue. RIC 910; Depeyrot 108/1. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h.
Almost As Struck.
500
Ex iNumis Mail Bid Sale 23, 22 October 2013, lot 202.
1137. Zeno AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding
spear and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG TЄ, Victory standing left, holding long cross, star in right field, CONOB in
exergue. RIC 927; MIRB 8; Depeyrot 112/1. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
500
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 75, 18 November 2013, lot 402;
Ex Sotheby’s, 3-4 October 1991, lot 128.
278
COINS OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE
1138. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 522-527. D N IVSTINVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding spear and
shield / VICTORIA AVGGG I, angel standing facing, holding jewelled cross and globus cruciger; star to right; CONOB in exergue. DOC 2i; MIBE
3; Sear 56. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
300
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Auction 286, 5 September 2012, lot 414.
1139. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 537-542. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding
spear and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG A, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. Sear
137; MIBE 108, 5; DOC 67, 3a. 4.49g, 20mm, 6h.
300
Ex Hess-Divo Auction 321, 25 October 2012, lot 336.
1140
1141
1140. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 537-542. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger
and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG Є, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 8d;
MIBE 6; Sear 139. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h.
Near Mint State.
750
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 64, 17 May 2012, lot 2792.
1141. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 537-542. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger
and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG Є, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 8d;
MIBE 6; Sear 139. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
250
Ex Bramhall Collection, Classical Numismatic Group 93, 22 May 2013, lot 1304;
Ex Robert Bridge Collection.
1142
1143
1142. Justinian I AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 537-542. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarters facing to right, holding
spear and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG, angel standing facing, holding long cross; stars in left and right fields, CONOB in exergue. DOC -; MIBE
20; Sear 173A. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h.
1,000
1143. Justinian I AV Solidus. Rome, AD 537-542. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus
cruciger and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; six-rayed
star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 318 var.; MIBE 32.2 var.; Sear 288. 4.35g, 21mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine; traces of edge filing.
300
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 75, 18 November 2013, lot 481.
279
An Important Byzantine Enkolpion
280
1144.
Gold Medallion or Enkolpion (ἐγκόλπιον, enkólpion, “on the chest”), attributed to Maurice Tiberius. Constantinople,
circa AD 582-583. 90.52g, or with loop 103.10g.
Ex Gemini VII, New York, 9 January 2011, lot 928.
1,000,000
This magnificent and unique medallion has been attributed to AD 582-583, the first year of the reign of the Byzantine emperor Maurice
Tiberius (Flavius Mauricius Tiberius Augustus). It appears to have been struck as part of the grand imperial celebrations for the wedding
of Charito, the daughter of the previous emperor Tiberius II Constantine (Flavius Tiberius Constantinus Augustus) to Germanus, the
Magister Utriusque Militae (supreme commander of the army; master of both infantry and cavalry). As a gold medallion equivalent in
weight to twenty solidi (plus the loop) it represents what would have been a valuable presentation to an important or worthy recipient.
Of tremendous importance as an example of early Byzantine medallic art, this is one of only three large struck gold Byzantine
medallions to have survived antiquity, and one of just two to have survived to the present day. The renowned 36-solidus medallion of
Justinian I (BN 1) that was housed in the Bibliotèque Nationale in Paris was taken in the great robbery of 1831 and apparently melted
down for its gold - a mere fraction of its great historical value.
The only other extant large struck gold medallion today is the famous Dumbarton Oaks specimen, which was found in Cyprus circa
1906 and then purchased by the distinguished scholar Josef Strzygowski, from whom it was acquired in 1955 by the Dumbarton Oaks
Research Library and Collection. Prior to the discovery of the presently offered piece, the Dumbarton Oaks specimen was considered to
be the finest surviving example of medallic art from the sixth century, and the only true Byzantine medallion of any importance with a
religious subject.
This medallion presents us with a remarkable set of illustrations wrought in gold of key moments in the story of the life of Christ as
related in early Christian texts, of which some have no peer or parallel in surviving Byzantine precious metal art. On this medallion
survive what are among the earliest of all depictions of the Annunciation and of the Ascension, and almost certainly the earliest of both
to survive in gold.
The Obverse
The obverse of this medallion is divided into two distinct sections and portrays the events surrounding the birth of Christ as related
in chapters one and two of the Gospel of Luke. The principal scene is that of the Annunciation, and occupies the greater part of the
medallion’s surface area. In this scene the angel Gabriel, nimbate and holding a shouldered double orb-tipped sceptre in his left hand,
hails and addresses the Virgin Mary. He is clad in a chiton, a mantle and wears sandals upon his feet. He announces to Mary that she will
conceive the son of God through the grace of the Holy Spirit, and that he shall be called Jesus (“Saviour”). His hand is raised, though
not as an act of salutation but in the manner of traditional oratory, as one who is beginning an important proclamation. Thus we see, as
related to us in the legend XAIPE KEXAPITOMENH O K[YPIO]C META COV (Hail, o favored one! The Lord is with thee.) that this
is the very moment of the delivery of his message. The Chi-Rho symbol set prominently between the two figures further emphasises the
divine nature of this moment.
Mary is seated facing, her head turned slightly to face the angel Gabriel; she too is nimbate and similarly dressed in a chiton and a palla
or maphorion which is drawn up to cover her head and shoulders. She sits upon an ornate and richly decorated throne whose back is
rendered in the shape of a lyre. Her posture is defensive: her upper body recoils and her head leans backwards away from the angel,
while her right hand is raised, palm outwards. Thus does the artist give definition to the shock and fear that Mary must be feeling as
Gabriel addresses her.
The significance of the lyre-backed throne is uncertain. No such images of the Virgin enthroned thus are known with a
Constantinopolitan provenance except this medallion (and the Schmidt medallion discussed below), though it is similar in style to that
on a layer of plaster on the famous ‘palimpsest wall’ at S. Maria Antiqua in Rome (fig. 1) which should also be dated to the 6th century.
It has been suggested that the shape is derived from pre-Christian images of Orpheus taming the beasts with his music, implying a theme
of universal harmony.
281
James D. Breckenridge1 however produced a compelling argument that the lyre-backed throne was based on a real throne in the
Byzantine Palace, of which type successive examples had “a particular use in the imperial ceremony of enthronement, in both the
political and theological senses”. The use of the lyre-backed throne for the Virgin should therefore be taken to signify a temporal as well
as spiritual authority.
In Mary’s hand is a spun purple skein; its end falls into the basket set beside her. This thread which she has been spinning is a highly
significant element of the Annunciation: it appears in such images from around the fifth century onwards, and in the form we see it here
it is a standard iconographical element present in Annunciation icons up until about the ninth century. The attribute of the purple thread
is drawn from the Protoevangelion of James, X.1: “Now there was a council of the priests, and they said: Let us make a veil for the
temple of the Lord. And the priest said: Call unto me pure virgins of the tribe of David. And the officers departed and sought and found
seven virgins. And the priests called to mind the child Mary, that she was of the tribe of David and was undefiled before God: and the
officers went and fetched her. And they brought them into the temple of the Lord, and the priest said: Cast me lots, which of you shall
weave the gold and the undefiled (the white) and the fine linen and the silk and the hyacinthine, and the scarlet and the true purple. And
the lot of the true purple and the scarlet fell unto Mary, and she took them and went unto her house.” According to the Protoevangelion,
when Gabriel appears to Mary and announces to her the news that she will bear the son of God, she was sitting and spinning the purple
thread.
This purple thread is therefore the symbolic ‘proof’ of Mary’s virginity and her decent from the house of David, and it may hold further
meaning as a representation of the body of Christ. An analogy is inferred here: as Mary weaves the temple veil in the dark colours of
flesh and blood, so shall she dress the Logos in the veil of mortal flesh and give substance to the incorporeal in the form of the son of
God. Maria Evangelatou2 writes: “Patristic exegeses on the Temple veil as a type of Christ’s body offer a strong argument in support of
the hypothesis that the purple thread was a symbol of the Incarnation in all Byzantine Annunciation images. The veil (καταπέτασμα)
for which the Theotokos (God-bearer) was spinning the purple thread at the time of her Annunciation can be identified, according to the
description in the Protoevangelion, with the veil that in the Jewish Temple closed the entrance to the Holy of Holies. This curtain was
also made of purple in Solomon’s Temple (II Chronicles 3:14) and in Moses’ Tabernacle (Exodus 37:3-5), where it concealed the most
holy space of Jewish religion. Only the high priest could enter that place once a year to offer a propitiatory sacrifice of blood, so that
the sins of his people could be forgiven (Leviticus 16:29-34, cf. Hebrews 9:6-7). In the New Testament, the veil of the Temple is used
as a type of Christ’s body. This exegesis originates in Christ’s description of his Passion and Resurrection as a destruction and threeday rebuilding of the Temple (Mark 14:58, 15:29; John 2:19-22). The veil of the Temple enters the picture when the gospels report that
it was torn asunder at the time of Christ’s death on the Cross (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). In Paul’s epistle to Hebrews,
the exegesis of the Temple veil as a type of Christ’s body is fully developed, and it becomes a key element in the Pauline concept of the
transition from the Old to the New Covenant and the identity of the Christian religion. According to Paul, Christ is the new high priest
who, through the sacrificial offering of his own blood on the Cross, washes away the sins of mankind, and lifts the veil of the Temple
so that everyone can enter in the true Holy of Holies and see God (esp. Hebrews 6:19-20 and Hebrews 9-10). Paul specifically mentions
that the way to the Holy of Holies was opened to all Christians ‘through the veil (καταπέτασμα), that is, Christ’s body’ (Hebrews
10:20).”
The space below the Annunciation scene is occupied by two smaller scenes. On the left, we see the Visitation (Luke 1:39-56): Mary,
nimbate, and her cousin Elizabeth, both heavily pregnant, embrace before a grand building with a tiled roof and a distyle entrance, part
of which is covered by pulled back drapery. Elizabeth’s son was to be John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-56), and the scene of Christ’s baptism
by John appears on the reverse of the Dumbarton Oaks medallion. The building in this scene has been suggested to be either the Temple
of Jerusalem, where both Mary and Elizabeth had served as attendants, or the house of Zachariah and Elizabeth.
In favour of the temple attribution is a contemporary 6th century mosaic: ‘The Pharisee and Publican before the Temple’ (fig. 2) in the
Byzantine church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo of Ravenna does in fact display an identically styled temple facade – distyle, supporting
a Greco-Roman architrave, within which is a circular object in the pediment. Interestingly though, another contemporary mosaic, this
time in the Euphrasian Basilica of Poreč in Croatia, depicts the Visitation in near identical fashion to this medallion (fig. 3). Despite
the apparent unlikelihood that Elizabeth’s home would be portrayed so magnificently, and her apparent separation from the building
on account of her relative position to it (we might expect Elizabeth to stand before it as though having come from it, but instead it is
Mary who stands here), the tendency of Byzantine artists to ‘gild’ Biblical scenes with rich details must be taken into account. So in this
fashion we also see in the Euphrasian Basilica a mosaic of the Annunciation that too shows a magnificent temple-like dwelling, which
is this time beyond doubt intended to be the home of Mary (fig. 4). We must therefore associate this building with the house of Elizabeth.
1
Christ on the Lyre-Backed Throne, Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Vol. 34/35, (1980/1981), pp. 247-260.
The purple thread of the flesh: the theological connotations of a narrative iconographic element in Byzantine images of the Annunciation”, ed. Antony
Eastmond and Liz James, Icon and Word: the power of images in Byzantium. Studies presented to Robin Cormack (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2003), 261-79.
2
282
In the right hand scene we see the Nativity (Luke 2:1-21), wherein Mary reclines on a palliasse and the midwife Salome, who appears
in several apocryphal gospels, stands beside her. According to the Protoevangelion, Salome doubted the miraculous birth and received
a withered hand as reward, but repented and was restored (Protoevangelion of James 19:3-20:4). Set to Mary’s left is the basin in which
Jesus was purified, as is portrayed in the 11th century mosaic from the Dark Church at Göreme in Cappadocia (fig. 5). Further to the
right is the swaddled baby Jesus lying in a manger over which stand a donkey and an ox. Joseph, seated to the right, watches over him,
resting his head on his hand. Below, a shepherd boy and a lamb gaze at the child; above, set between Joseph and the animals, is the Star
of Bethlehem. This formula of the nativity scene seems to have originated in the 6th century, and set the essential form of all Eastern
Orthodox images down to the present day. The style in which this image of the Nativity is rendered also bears clear resemblance to that
found on the Dumbarton Oaks specimen.
The Reverse
The reverse of the medallion, like the Dumbarton Oaks piece, contains just one image – in this case the Ascension of Christ into
Heaven (Mark 16:19). Christ is shown long-haired and bearded with a crossed nimbus, enthroned upon the firmament (the domed vault
separating the heavens from the earth) within a mandorla which is borne aloft by four angels. The mandorla is a common feature in
6th century Ascension depictions, symbolising the divine aura surrounding a holy figure, and is used to accentuate sacred moments that
transcend space and time. In Christ’s left hand he holds a scroll, and his right is raised in benediction – this gesture is directed at the
earthly figures. Below Christ stand the eleven disciples, many of whom have their hands raised towards heaven. The presence of Mary
in the centre of the group (who Eastern Orthodox tradition holds was present at the Ascension) and the addition of Paul bearing a cross
(who was not yet a convert) are meant to represent the Church, and Christ’s benediction is therefore understood to be a blessing of the
entire Church. The upwards looking depiction of the earthly group matches the Eastern liturgy on the Feast of the Ascension: “Come, let
us rise and turn our eyes and thoughts high...”
Beneath the exergual line is the inscription: H XAPIC TOY K[YPIO]V HMWN / I[HCO]V X[PICTO]Y META PANT / WN VMWN
(“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”).
The very earliest surviving image of the Ascension is thought to be an ivory plaque made around AD 400 in Milan or Rome, and now
housed in Munich (fig. 6). That plaque utilises the earlier Roman imagery of apotheosis, with Christ reaching his hand upward to the
283
hand of God. The Rabbula gospels (circa AD 586) contain another of the earliest depictions of the Ascension, and in this image
the Virgin Mary occupies a central position among the apostles, while Christ is enthroned within a mandorla above. This depiction
established an accepted iconography which became the standard Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox depiction of the Ascension. This
medallion therefore, which may predate the Rabbula gospels by several years, is among the earliest depictions of the Ascension in the
standard Byzantine mode.
Condition
Some minor restoration was effected to this medallion prior to its being offered in the Gemini catalogue. It was stated therein that “two
parts of the original frame had become separated and the medallion itself had a slightly wavy surface. These have been resolved as were
two very minor scrapes.”
Tiberius II Constantine, Germanus and Maurice Tiberius
In June AD 582 the emperor Tiberius II Constantine was dying, apparently having consumed some poorly prepared or
deliberately poisoned food. In this state on August 5, Tiberius initially named two heirs, each of whom were betrothed to one of his
daughters – the general Maurice was engaged to Constantina, while Germanus, the cousin once removed to the great emperor Justinian
and great nephew of Justin I, was engaged to Charito. It appears that Tiberius’ plan was to divide the empire in two, with Maurice
receiving the eastern provinces and Germanus the western provinces. However this plan was never implemented, apparently because
Germanus refused the imperial throne. On August 13, 582, the emperor elevated Maurice to the rank of Augustus (who then took the
name Tiberius), and died the following day.
The Dumbarton Oaks Medallion
The obverse of the Dumbarton Oaks specimen depicts the Virgin and Child enthroned between two angels, with small scenes showing
the Nativity and the Adoration below in the same triptych style division as that of the presently offered specimen. The reverse portrays
the Baptism of Christ, with John placing his hand upon Christ’s head as the dove representing the Holy Spirit descends and two angels
approach bearing towels. God’s hand appears above. Again, as with the present medallion, one image occupies the entire reverse surface.
Despite the clear importance of the medallion its true significance was underestimated for over half a century, as its owner Josef
Strzygowski himself thought that the medallion was of Syrian origin and ‘one of the objects sold to pilgrims in the Holy Land, and
brought back by them’. It was convincingly demonstrated by Marvin C. Ross3 in 1957 that the medallion must have originated in
Constantinople. It had been found in Cyprus in 1902 with a multitude of precious silver vessels that bore control marks which we now
know indicate that they were manufactured in the imperial city, and with smaller gold medallions of Tiberius II that had been set into a
belt. Michael Metlich4 notes that such ‘pompous’ girdles were worn at weddings.
Ross’ study shed significant light on the origin of the Dumbarton Oaks medallion (and therefore the Schmidt medallion discussed
below, as well as the presently offered specimen), as he points out in particular the same characteristic method of indicating facial
details present both on the Dumbarton Oaks piece as on the imperial consular medallions of Maurice Tiberius which were undoubtedly
produced at Constantinople. Furthermore, given what is known about coinage in the sixth century, and in particular about the carefully
controlled usage of gold, he suggests this stuck medallion may only have been produced at the mint of Ravenna, Constantinople or
possibly Carthage. Both Ravenna and Carthage may be excluded on the basis of style (for which see both Ross and also Deckers &
Witt5). Ross excludes Carthage on account of the beaded border, which was not used at Carthage. Deckers & Witt note the Schmidt
medallion as being distinctly Eastern Mediterranean in style; indeed, details such as the rendering of the Ascension are also Eastern in
character and would have been out of place at Ravenna.
A Byzantine Gold Medallion at Dumbarton Oaks, Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Vol. 11, (1957), pp. 247-261.
Religious Byzantine medallions and plaques struck in gold, in Israel Numismatic Journal 2003-6, pp. 107-111.
Medallion. Christus mit Brautpaar und Marienszene’, in Byzanz, Das Licht aus dem Osten, Kult und Alltag im Byzantiniscem Reich vom 4. Bis 15.
Jahrhundert, Mainz, 2001, p. 292, IV.12.
3
4
5
284
It has been proposed, on the basis of the reverse design, that the Dumbarton Oaks medallion was a presentation piece given by the
emperor Maurice Tiberius to an official of high rank and standing in celebration of an imperial baptism, perhaps that of Maurice’s
firstborn son and heir Theodosius in AD 583/584, who was named for the last emperor born into the purple, Theodosius II (born 401).
It is conceivable that the baptism was deliberately set to coincide with the Feast of the Theophany, which in the Eastern tradition placed
emphasis on the shining forth and revelation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Second Person of the Trinity at the time of his baptism.
The Christian Schmidt Medallion
A medallion of lesser weight weighing 40.90g, now housed in the Christian Schmidt Collection in Munich (inv. # 378) was also clearly
produced at the same workshop – that piece, rather than being struck, was fashioned by hammering gold foil into two dies, and then
the two foil halves were placed into a bezel for presentation. Doubtless this technique was employed in order to reduce the weight of
gold intended for the recipient of that piece (the greater the weight of the medallion, the more important was its recipient, and viceversa). The Schmidt medallion utilised the same obverse die as that used to strike the presently offered piece; it is highly remarkable
therefore that it has a ‘little brother’ that must have been produced at the same time, and which has also survived intact for one and a
half millennia. Unlike the presently offered piece however the Schmidt medallion was paired with a reverse which, rather than bearing
a scene from scripture, presents a high status marriage scene wherein a couple is blessed by Christ, who stands behind and between
them, his hands placed on their shoulders. The beardless groom wears a chlamys over a military uniform; Deckers & Witt note that
the bride wears the garb and headdress of an empress or princess. Deckers asserts that she cannot be a reigning empress and that the
groom’s attire marks him out as a military official of high rank, but not an emperor. To their left and right respectively are a sunburst
and crescent moon.
Significance of the Medallions
Professor A. Grabar’s studies6 viewed the Dumbarton Oaks medallion in a religious context, and argued that it was intended to
celebrate the Epiphany (or more correctly, the Theophany); this interpretation is supported by P. Grierson7 who also associates the
presence of torches in the Baptism scene with the Feast of Epiphany. While this medallion (and the others) may have celebrated a
religious festival at least in part, it certainly does not necessarily and absolutely follow, since the Schmidt medallion is clearly intended
to celebrate a marriage.
Scholars now are generally agreed that these medallions were produced for celebrations of close importance to the imperial family.
Metlich believes that these are nuptial medallions probably made by court jewellers for the imperial family, and suggests that the
original owner of the Dumbarton Oaks medallion and the other objects found with it was a member of the court who fled from
Constantinople amid the turmoil of the rebellion that overthrew Maurice in 602. Deckers8 suggests that the Byzantine princess
portrayed on the Schmidt medallion is a daughter of Tiberius II Constantine, betrothed to a ranking state official in 582. If we follow
this reasoning, then surely as the cataloguer of the Gemini VII auction catalogue did, we must conclude that the princess in question is
Charito, daughter of Tiberius Constantine, betrothed to the general Germanus in a double engagement on August 5 along with her sister
Constantina, who was to wed Maurice.
At the wedding of Constantina and Tiberius’ successor Maurice, the new emperor is known to have organised a splendid festival for
the occasion. Theophylact9 records: “The royal bridal chamber had been magnificently arrayed within the circuit of the first great
precinct of the palace, adorned with gold and princely stones, and furthermore empurpled with crimson hangings of priceless deeptinged Tyrian dye. The daughter of Tiberius, the virgin bride, preceded the emperor to the bridal throne, as though in hiding, shortly to
be seen by the people when the fine curtains were suddenly thrown apart as if at an agreed signal. At once the emperor arrived at the
bridal chamber, magnificently escorted by many white-robed men. And so he entered within the lofty curtains to escort the queen to the
presence of the onlookers and to embrace her. In full view of the people the bride’s attendant saluted the bridal pair with a cup... The
wedding celebrations lasted for seven days and the citizens were entertained with displays of wealth and the music of flutes, lyres and
pipes, conjurors, mimes, and chariot-races.” Certainly such a grand occasion would indeed warrant the production of such diverse and
princely medallions. While it is extremely difficult to speculate as to the identity of the particular recipients of these medallions, we
6
Martyrium, II, Paris 1946, p.176
The Date of the Dumbarton Oaks Epiphany Medallion , in “Dumbarton Oaks Papers,” 15 (1961), p. 221-224
8
Medallion (enkolpion), in Rom und Byzanz : Archäologische Kostbarkeiten aus Bayern; [Katalog zur Ausstellung der Prähistorischen Staatssammlung
München, 20. Oktober 1998 - 14. Februar 1999], München 1998, pp. 207-211.
9
Theoph. Sim. 1.10.6-12
7
285
may on the other hand look to the giver at such an occasion as being in all probability the emperor himself, for largesse and the giving of
gold at state occasions was by law strictly restricted.
If then both the Schmidt medallion and the presently offered specimen are to be attributed and dated to the marriage of Charito and Germanus, then ours is thus the greater of the two extant presentation medallions to come down to us from that event. It may now be either
simply coincidental or by deliberate and thoughtful execution that the obverse inscription of the Schmidt and presently offered medallions contains the name of Charito (XAPITO) within the angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary.
The date of Charito and Germanus’ wedding is not recorded, but it is however likely that as the two daughters of Tiberius were betrothed
on the same day, so were they wed on either the same day, or two days close to each other. A state wedding is and was no small thing,
and it is therefore only logical to assume that the preparations for both would by necessity have been made together. Metlich relates
the day of Maurice and Constantina’s wedding as being held on Christmas day, which we should understand refers to the Byzantine
celebration of Christmas on January 6, held in connection with the Epiphany which for them had greater importance. Thus, suddenly
the purpose of the overwhelming Christian iconography becomes clear, as the medallions fulfil a dual functionality of celebrating both a
secular occasion of great importance to the future of the Empire and also the religious festivals of Epiphany and Christmas.
The highly similar design and manufacture of the Dumbarton Oaks medallion and the presently offered specimen strongly suggest that
the dies were the work of the same hand, produced only shortly one after the other. If we accept that the one celebrates a marriage and
the other a baptism, then logically the presently offered specimen was created first for presentation on or around Jan 6 AD 583, along
with the Schmidt medallion, and then the Dumbarton Oaks piece was manufactured for the baptism in 585 of Theodosius.
The Fate of Charito, Constantina, Germanus and Maurice
Charito and Germanus seem to disappear from the historical record. It is possible though, plausible even, that Germanus is the the same
person as the patricius Germanus mentioned in the 600s, whose daughter married Maurice’s eldest son Theodosius. Theophylact records
Germanus as saving the life of Theodosius in 602 from a riotous mob, but Maurice came to suspect his involvement in the rebellion of
the army in Thrace which demanded the removal of Maurice and the elevation of Theodosius or Germanus. Maurice attempted to arrest
Germanus, but was forced to flee the advancing rebel army of Phocas before he could do so.
Germanus now took his chance to claim the throne. He counted on the support of the Green faction in the Hippodrome of Constantinople. He had miscalculated as the Greens firmly rejected him. The would-be-emperor immediately turned to support Phocas, the leader of
the rebels. According to Theophylact, Phocas had briefly considered elevating Germanus to the throne, but instead seized the throne for
himself while his troops captured and executed Maurice and his sons, though his wife and daughters were spared.
Exiled and forced to join the priesthood, Theophanes records that Germanus nonetheless maintained contact with the former empress
Constantina, and that both were conspiring against Phocas. Their messages were entrusted to Petronia, a maidservant under Constantina,
who proved disloyal and reported the conspiracy to Phocas. Constantina was arrested, interrogated and tortured until she was forced to
give the name of her fellow conspirators. She and all three of her daughters were executed at Chalcedon. Germanus and his unnamed
daughter, who was the widow of Theodosius, were also executed on the island of Prote. Theophanes places the deaths in 605/606.
286
Fig 1
Fig 2
287
Fig 3
Fig 4
288
Fig 5
Fig 6
289
1145. Maurice Tiberius AR Half Siliqua. Carthage, AD 582-584. D N TIB MAVRIC P P A, draped and cuirassed bust facing, wearing helmet surmounted
by cross / *SALVS MVNDI around circle of dots containing cross potent. DOC 239; MIBE 57; Sear 551. 1.04g, 15mm, 3h.
Good Very Fine. Attractively toned. Rare.
100
An Exceptional Example
1146. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Carthage, AD 590-591. D N mAVRIT b PP AV AN Θ, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus
cruciger in right hand / VICTORIA AV AGG N Θ, angel standing facing, holding christogram in right hand, and globus cruciger in left hand,
CONOB in exergue. DOC 223; MIBE 25a; Sear 548. 4.45g, 19mm, 6h.
Virtually Mint State. A remarkably well struck and preserved example. Struck on a broad flan, and well framed.
1,500
Ex Argenor Numismatique, 23 April 1999, lot 169.
1147
1148
1147. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 602-610. dN FOCAS PERP AVG, draped and cuirassed facing bust, wearing crown without pendilia,
holding cross on globe / VICTORIA AVGV Є, angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by chi-rho and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue.
MIBE 9; Sear 620. 4.40g, 21mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
200
1148. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 640-641. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both
beardless, standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV Є, cross potent on three steps, monogram in left field,
CONOB in exergue. Sear 769; MIBE 50. 4.46g, 19mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine. Lustrous.
200
1149
1150
1149. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 641. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both beardless,
standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV Γ, cross potent on three steps, monogram in left field, Є in right
field, CONOB in exergue. Sear 770; MIBE 53. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
300
1150. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 641. Heraclius, with long beard and moustache, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas, both beardless,
standing facing, each crowned and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV Є, cross potent on three steps, monogram in left field, K in right
field, CONOB in exergue. Sear 771; MIB 52. 4.51g, 20mm, 6h. .
300
290
1151
1152
1151. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-654. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AV, bust facing, with long beard and moustache, wearing crown
and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV Δ, cross potent on three steps, CONOB+ in exergue. Sear 958; MIB 24. 4.46g,
20mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Graffito on reverse.
200
1152. Constans II Lightweight AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 651-654. dN CONSƮANƮINVS PP AV, crowned and draped facing bust, holding globus
cruciger / VICTORIA AVGV I, cross potent set on three steps; star to right; CONOB in exergue. DOC 23; MIB 47; Sear 978. 4.25g, 20mm, 7h.
300
1153
1154
1153. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 654-659. dN CONSƮANƮINVS C CONSƮANƮINVS, facing busts of Constans, on left with long
beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV Δ, cross potent on three
steps, CONOBI in exergue. Sear 960; MIB 28. 4.36g, 19mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Some minor marks on reverse.
200
beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / VICTORIA AVGV Є, cross potent on three
steps, CONOB in exergue. Sear 959; MIB 26. 4.42g, 19mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Some minor marks on reverse.
200
1155
1156
beard, and Constantine IV, beardless, each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / Cross potent on three steps; officina A,
CONOB+ in exergue. Sear 961; MIB 27. 4.38g, 20mm, 6h.
200
1156. Constans II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 662-667. Facing busts of Constans, on left with long beard, plumed helmet and chlamys, and
Constantine IV, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, a cross / Cross potent on three steps between facing, standing figures of
Heraclius, on left, and Tiberius, on right, both beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in exergue. Sear 964;
MIB 31. 4.31g, 18mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
200
1157
1158
MIB 31. 4.44g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
200
MIB 31. 4.46g, 20mm, 7h.
200
291
Rare Italian Solidus of Constantine IV
1159. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Uncertain Italian mint, AD 668-685. P CONSTAN YS PP A, helmeted, diademed and cuirassed bust of Constantine IV
facing, turned slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and with shield over his left shoulder / VICTORX-AVGY Θ, cross potent on base and
three steps, in exergue, COHO[B]. Unpublished in the standard reference for type cf. MIB III, pl. 34, X2; Ricotti Prina 31 (Pentapoli); Sear 1230A
(Naples). 4.29g, 19mm, 6h.
About Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
1,000
Near Mint State
1160. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 668-685. CONSTANYS PP, three-quarter facing bust, wearing plumed helmet and cuirass, holding
spear and shield with horseman device / VICTORA A AVςu H, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue. Sear 1157; MIB 10; DOC 12. 4.39g,
18mm, 6h.
Near Mint State. A well-detailed portrait of fine style.
2,000
1161. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. d N CONSTANVS P P, beardless bust three quarters facing, wearing helmet and cuirass
and holding spear / ViCTORIA AVGV Γ, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless and wearing crown and
chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in exergue. Sear 1153; DOC 6; MIB 4. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h.
300
1162. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. Fragmentary legend, d N CΛNVS P, bust facing, wearing helmet with frontal plume
and cuirass, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTOA AVGV Є, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both
beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in exergue. DOC 8; MIB 7a; Sear 1154. 4.34g, 18mm, 7h.
300
292
1163. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. Fragmentary legend, d N CΛNVS P, bust facing, wearing helmet with frontal plume and
cuirass, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTOA AVGV, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius, both beardless
and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in exergue. DOC 8; MIB 7a; Sear 1154. 4.40g, 18mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
300
1164. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. Fragmentary legend, d N CONVS P, bust facing, wearing helmet with crest and frontal
plume, and cuirass, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTOA AVGV Δ, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius,
both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. DOC 10; MIB 8a; Sear 1156. 4.48g, 20mm, 6h.
300
1165. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. Fragmentary legend, d N CONVS P, bust facing, wearing helmet with crest and frontal
plume, and cuirass, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTOA AVGV H, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius,
both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in exergue. DOC 10; MIB 8a; Sear 1156. 4.43g, 18mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
300
1166. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 674-681. Fragmentary legend, d N COSAVNS P, bust facing, wearing helmet with crest and frontal
plume, and cuirass, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTOA AVGV Є, cross potent on three steps, between Heraclius and Tiberius,
both beardless and wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger, CONOB in exergue. DOC 10; MIB 8a; Sear 1156. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine
300
1167. Leo III AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 717-720. DNO LEON P A MVL, facing bust of Leo III wearing cuirass and crown with cross atop, holding
globus cruciger and akakia / VICTORIA AVGV B, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue. Berk 214; DOC 1c2; MIB 1; Sear 1502. 4.47g,
20mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine; Sharp portrait of Leo.
750
293
Extremely Rare Irene Solidus of Syracuse
1168.
Irene AV Solidus. Syracuse, AD 797-802. IREN AΓOVST, bust facing, wearing chlamys and crown with pendilia
and cross on semicircle between two pinnacles, holding akakia with right hand; two curved lines of throne behind
shoulders / AΓOVST, bust facing, wearing loros and crown as obverse; in right hand, cross potent. DOC 3; Spahr
340; Anastasi 452; Sear 1601. 3.86g, 18mm, 12h.
Mint State. Sharply struck and lustrous. Extremely Rare.
7,500
Struck for the sole reign of Irene, after her supporters had captured, imprisoned and blinded her son and once coregent Constantine VI in 792, this interesting issue depicts the Empress on both the obverse and reverse. A new style
and a precedent that was occasionally followed by later rulers, Irene decided against reviving the cross-on-steps
type, or the reverse figures representing the deceased members of the ruling family that had characterised the gold
coinage of the Isaurian Dynasty, thus leaving us with coins that often have almost identical obverse and reverse
designs. Her decision to simply strike herself on both sides is an excellent example of her desire to have ultimate
power, strength and independence, making this an interesting coin which wonderfully relates the character of an
incredibly spirited woman.
Two distinct types of solidi for Irene have been identified as being struck at Syracuse. Both have the empress
wearing loros and holding cross potent on one side; on the other there is always a facing bust, but while on the
one type she wears a loros and holds a globus cruciger, on the second she wears a chlamys, holds an akakia and is
enthroned, as we see on this example. The seated figure, coupled with the inclusion of the name of the empress in
the legend, make this likely to be the obverse of this type.
294
1169. Nicephorus II AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 963-969. + IhS XΓS REX REGNANTInm, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus
crown and holding codex / + ΘЄOTOC’b’HΘ’hICHF,dЄSP’ , Virgin wearing nimbus crown and Nicephorus wearing loros, holding patriarchal
cross between them. DOC 4; Sear 1778. 4.44g, 23mm, 6h.
750
1170. Romanus III AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1028-1034. +IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTINM, Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus
crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in left / ΘCЄ bOHΘ RWMANW, the Virgin, nimbate
on right, and Romanus, bearded to left, both standing facing; the Virgin wears pallium and mophorium, and with her right hand crowns the emperor,
who wears saccos and loros, and holds globus cruciger in left hand; MΘ between their heads. DOC 1; Sear 1819. 4.35g, 25mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine.
1,000
1171. Romanus III AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1028-1034. +IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTINM, Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus
crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in left / ΘCЄ bOHΘ RWMANW, the Virgin, nimbate
on right, and Romanus, bearded to left, both standing facing; the Virgin wears pallium and mophorium, and with her right hand crowns the emperor,
who wears saccos and loros, and holds globus cruciger in left hand; MΘ between their heads. DOC 1; Sear 1819. 4.34g, 23mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
750
1172. Constantine X AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1059-1067. +IhS IXS REX REGNANTIhM, Christ, nimbate, seated facing on
straight-backed throne, raising hand in benediction, holding Gospels / +KWN RACL’ O DOVKAC, Isaac standing facing, wearing crown and loros,
holding labarum and globus cruciger. DOC 1a; Sear 1847. 4.35g, 26mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
200
295
1173. Michael VII AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1071-1078. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; IC XC across fields / + MIXAHΛ
RACIΛ O Δ, crowned facing bust holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2d; Sear 1868. 4.46g, 29mm, 6h.
As Struck. Graffito on obverse edge.
400
1174. Isaac II EL Aspron Trachy. Constantinople, first reign, 12 September AD 1185-8 April 1195. The Virgin enthroned facing, nimbate and wearing
pallium and maphorium; she holds nimbate head of the infant Christ facing; MP-OV across upper fields / ICAAKIOC ΔЄC, Archangel Michael,
beardless and nimbate to right, crowns Isaac on left, wearing divitsion and chlamys and holding cruciform sceptre and akakia; Θ between their
heads, X/M in lower right field. Sear 2002; DOC 2a. 3.94g, 28mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
200
COINS OF THE MIGRATION PERIOD
1175. Germanic Migration Period. Uncertain king AV Tremissis. Late 4th century AD. OOOO-OO +O.., diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right /
XXOO-OO+++, cross potent within wreath; below beaded exergue line, OOOO; all within small v-shaped beaded border. Unpublished in the
standard references. 1.49g, 13mm, 3h.
Portrait heavily scratched, otherwise Very Fine.
250
1176. Germanic Migration Period. Uncertain king AV Solidus. Uncertain mint (Moesia or Thrace), after AD 383. In the name of Arcadius. PN
ABCADIVSDAVC, rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Arcadius right, clasped with prominent three teardrop fibula / ONCOBOIΛΛVCCCI, Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated to front on lion throne, holding long cross and shield inscribed IOI/IV/…; in exergue, OHO…
Unpublished in the standard references, for the prototype issue cf. RIC IX, 70c,. 4.32g, 20mm, 5h.
Extremely Fine.
500
The prototype issue RIC IX, 70c is dated to AD 383 and celebrates the quinquennalia of Theodosius I and the accession of his son Arcadius to the
rank of Augustus. This issue should be seen in the context of the aftermath the momentous event in AD 382 when Theodosius was able to make
peace with the Goths in the Balkans, by keeping them quiet with a heavy subsidy in gold and letting them release their energy by employing them as
soldiers.
296
1177
1178
1177. Germanic Migration Period. Vandals in the name of Honorius AR Siliqua. Carthage, circa AD 440-490. DN HONORIVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed,
draped, and cuirassed bust right / VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and spear, in exergue, RVPS. MEC I, 2-3;
BMC Vandals 6-9. 1.43g, 14mm, 2h.
Very Fine.
250
1178. Germanic Migration Period. Odovacar AV Tremissis. Rome, AD 476-493. In the name of Zeno. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped
and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath, COMOB in exergue. Kraus 15; BMCV5. 1.46g, 15mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Pierced.
250
Ex Sincona 6, 23-25 May 2012, lot 225;
Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, Price List 447, No. 55.
1179
1180
1179. Germanic Migration Period. Odovacar AR Half Siliqua. Mediolanum (Milan), AD 476-493. Struck in the name of Zeno. D N ZENO PERP AVG,
pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Turreted female figure standing left, holding sceptre and cornucopiae, M-D across fields. MEC 62.
0.91g, 13mm, 12h.
500
Ex Numismatica Varesi Auction 60, 3 May 2012, lot 343.
1180. Germanic Migration Period. Odovacar AR Half Siliqua. Ravenna, AD 476-493. Struck in the name of Zeno. D N ZENO PERP F AV, pearldiademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left on branch, head to right, cross to left. RIC 3648; Ranieri 230. 0.78g, 12mm, 6h.
500
1181. Germanic Migration Period. Uncertain king AV Tremissis. Uncertain mint (Ravenna?), late 5th to 6th centuries AD. In the name of Anastasius I. D
N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIΛ ΛVGSTORΛ, Victory standing facing, head left, holding
wreath and globus cruciger; star to right, ONOR in exergue. Cf. COI 14; cf. MIB 10; cf. MEC 1, 141-2. 1.48g, 15mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine; minor traces of die rust.
150
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 90, 23 May 2012, lot 1985;
Ex Superior Sale, 7 June 1987, lot 251.
1182
1183
1182. Germanic Migration Period. Uncertain king AV Tremissis. Uncertain mint, AD 491-518. In the name of Anastasius I. DN ANAST.. IAS YP AVC,
pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / MINCTMIAVCV TONVM, Victory standing to front holding wreath and cross between two stars;
in exergue, garbled CONOB. Unpublished in the standard references, for the Ostrogothic prototype cf. Metlich, Ostrogothic Italy 13; MIB I, 11;
Demo 8-11. BMC Vandals 68. 1.47g, 13mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
250
1183. Germanic Migration Period. Hilderic AR Siliqua. Carthage, AD 523-530. D N HILDIRIX REX, diademed and draped bust right / FELIX KARTG,
Carthage standing facing, holding grain ears in each hand. MEC I, 21-2; BMC Vandals 3; MIB 8. 0.99g, 15mm, 6h.
Very Fine. Rare.
100
297
1184. Ostrogoths, Italy. Theoderic AV Solidus. North Italian mint, AD 474-491. In the name of Zeno. D N ZENO PERP ΛVC, pearl-diademed, helmeted
and cuirassed bust facing three-quarters right, holding spear and shield with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORI AAVGGG Γ, Victory
standing left, holding long jewelled cross; in right field, star and in exergue, CONOB. Metlich, Ostrogothic Italy -; cf. Lacam II pls. 209-213. 4.45g,
20mm, 6h.
About Extremely Fine, scratch in obverse field. Extremely Rare.
500
1185. Ostrogoths, Italy. Theoderic AV Solidus. Bononia, AD 491-518. In the name of Anastasius I. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted, pearldiademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, with spear over right shoulder and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG A, Victory standing left, holding
long cross, star in right field, COMOB in exergue. MIB, pl. 36, 9. Arslan 9. MEC 112. 4.50g, 20mm, 6h.
1,000
Ex Heritage Long Beach Signature Sale 3020, 6 September 2012, lot 25292.
1186
1187
1186. Ostrogoths, Italy. Theoderic AV Solidus. Ravenna, AD 491-518. In the name of Anastasius I. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted, pearldiademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, with spear and shield decorated with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG A,
Victory standing left, holding long cross, star in right field, COMOB in exergue. MIB, pl. 36, 9. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine. Rare.
750
1187. Ostrogoths, Italy. Theoderic AV Tremissis. Rome, AD 493-526. In the name of Anastasius I. D N ANASTASIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped
and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, looking backwards, holding wreath and globus cruciger, COMOB
in exergue. MEC 114-115, Metlich 14. 1.48g, 15mm, 6h.
300
Ex H.D. Rauch Summer Auction 2012, 20 September 2012, lot 1790.
1188. Ostrogoths, Italy. Theoderic AV Solidus. Uncertain mint in Italy, AD 493-526. In the name of Anastasius I. D N ΛNΛSTΛSIVS PERP ΛVG, pearldiademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding spear and shield with horseman and enemy motif / VICTORIΛ ΛVGGG I,
Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, COMOB in exergue. Metlich –. Lacam pl. 58, cf. 82 (Bononia?). MEC 1, –.
4.45g, 20mm, 5h.
Good Very Fine. Graffito on reverse. Very Rare.
1,000
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 75, 18 November 2013, lot 415;
Ex Sotheby’s, 3-4 October 1991, lot 135.
298
1189. Ostrogoths, Italy. Athalaric AV Tremissis. Rome, AD 527-530. In the name of Justinian I. D N IVSTINIΛNVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped
and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIΛ ΛVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, looking backwards, holding wreath and globus cruciger, COMOΠ
in exergue. MIB I, 29a; Metlich 35; Demo 140; MEC 1, 123. 1.48g, 15mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
250
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 75, 18 November 2013, lot 421.
1190
1191
1190. Ostrogoths, Italy. Witiges AV Solidus. Uncertain mint in Italy, AD 536-540. In the name of Justinian I. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted,
pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding spear and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG A, angel standing left, holding long
jewelled cross; star in right field, COMOB in exergue. Apparently unpublished, but cf. MEC 112 for earlier type in the name of Anastasius I, and
MEC 122 in the name of Justinian I. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine.
750
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Triton VI, 14 January 2003, lot 1188;
Ex Vecchi Auction 15, 15 June 1999, lot 1675.
1191. Visigoths, Gaul. Uncertain king AV Solidus. Uncertain mint, circa AD 439-455. In the name of Valentinian III. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F
AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing facing, right foot on man-headed serpent, holding
long cross and Victory on globe; R – V across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC 3727; Depeyrot pl. 7, 7. 4.23g, 21mm, 3h.
Very Fine; slight flaw and scratch on obverse. Very Rare.
500
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 75, 18 November 2013, lot 434.
1192. Visigoths, Gaul. Theodoric I AV Solidus. Gallic mint, AD 439-455. In the name of Valentinian III. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosettediademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; small wreath above / VICTORI•A AVGGG, Emperor standing facing, holding long cross and Victory on
globe, with right foot on head of man-headed serpent; R-V across fields, •COMOB• in exergue. RIC 3719; MEC 168-169. 4.38g, 19mm, 6h.
750
Ex H.D. Rauch Summer Auction, 20 September 2012, lot 1788.
1193. Visigoths, Gaul. Uncertain king AV Solidus. Uncertain mint, circa AD 461-470. In the name of Libius Severus. D N LIBIVS SEVERVS P F AVG,
pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing facing, holding long cross and Victory on globe, with
right foot on man-headed serpent; R – A across fields, COMOB in exergue. MEC 1, 174; RIC 3754. 4.35g, 20mm, 5h.
Traces of mounting, otherwise Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
1,000
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 75, 18 November 2013, lot 436.
299
1194. Visigoths, Gaul. Euric AV Tremissis. Uncertain mint, AD 466-484. In the name of Libius Severus. D N SEVERVS P I AVG, pearl-diademed,
draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA ΑVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long cross; COMOB in exergue. RIC 3763 var; Reinhart,
Münzen, –; Mateu, Monedas, pl. 37, 3; cf. MEC 1, 173 (Valentinian III). 1.44g, 15mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
500
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Auction 94, 18 September 2013, lot 1560.
1195
1196
1195. Visigoths, Gaul. AV Tremissis. Time of Gesalec - Theodoric the Great, struck in the name of Anastasius I. Toulouse or Narbonne, AD 507-518. D N
ANASTASIVS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, holding wreath
and palm, CONOB in exergue. Tomasini Group AI; MEC 1, 178 var. (slightly different rev. legend). 1.42g, 13mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
500
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 281, 20 June 2012, lot 515.
1196. Visigoths, Gaul. Uncertain king AV Tremissis. Uncertain (Narbonne?) mint, circa 507-518. In the name of Anastasius I. D N ANASTIVS P F AVG,
pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm, CONOB in
exergue. Tomasini, Group A7; cf. MEC 1, 178. 1.51g, 13mm, 3h.
Very Fine, with some light deposits.
300
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Auction 91, 19 September 2012. lot 1134.
1197. Merovingian Kingdom. AV Solidus in the name of Anastasius I. Time of Clovis I - Clothaire I, AD 481-561. D N ANASTASIVS P F AVG, helmeted
and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield / VICTORIA AVGGG II, Victory standing left, holding long cross, star in right field, COMOB in
exergue. Cf. MEC 343-344. 4.43g, 20mm, 6h.
800
Ex Künker Auction 216, 8 October 2012, lot 1427;
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid Sale 60, 22 May 2002, lot 1963.
1198. Kingdom of Sicily. Charles I of Anjou AV Saluto d’oro. Naples, struck after AD 1278. + KAROL’ • DЄI • GRA • IЄRL’m • SICILIЄ • RЄX, coatof-arms of Jerusalem and Anjou; rosette flanked by stars on either side; above, upturned crescent flanked by stars / + AVЄ • GRACIA • PLЄnA •
DOmInuS TЄCUm, The Annunciation: Archangel Gabriel standing right, holding lily in left hand and pointing with outstretched right at Virgin
standing facing slightly left, raising hands in adoration; between them, lily in vase. CNI XIX 1-4; Spahr -; MEC 14, 675-676; Friedberg 808; MIR
18; Pannuti-Riccio 1. 4.35g, 22mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
1,500
300
Highly Important Armenian Coin
1199. Greater Armenia, Kiurike II Æ Follis. Tashir-Lori, circa AD 1048-1089. Bust of Christ facing, bearded, with nimbus, wearing tunic and himation
and holding Book of Gospels with ornate cover; in field IS–KS, ‘Jesus Christ’ in Armenian letters / Armenian inscription in five lines: “May the
Lord help Kiurike the Kouropalates”. Nercessian 514. 6.76g, 28mm, 5h.
Green-brown patina, Fine. Extremely Rare.
5,000
The importance of this unique issue of Armenian medieval coinage was eloquently summarised by D.M. Lang in ANS NM 6, 1954: “... this is the
earliest monetary issue to bear an inscription in Armenian, as well as being the only such type struck within Great Armenia in Transcaucasia before
the transference of the kingdom to Little Armenia in Cilicia.” The obverse and reverse types imitate that of the anonymous folles of the Byzantine
Emperor John I (AD 969-76) and his successors, issues that would have been abundantly familiar in the Lori region of northern Armenia where
the coins of Kiurike were issued, due to direct contact with Byzantium. According to Lang, the title Kouropalates was bestowed upon “the most
prominent local dynasts on the fringes of the Byzantine empire [who] vied eagerly for the dignity of Kourpalates, the granting of which signified
favour and recognition by the Byzantine court.” Lang believes this to have been an issue early in the reign of Kiurike II, between 1048 and 1064. In
response to Lang’s argument for attribution to Kiurike II, Philip Grierson makes a strong argument in favour of Kiurike I (979-989), grandfather of
Kiurike II. Margo-Lena Garabedian’s article “Coins of King Kiurke” in the December 2005 issue of the Armenian Numismatic Journal, documents
20 specimens, including 1 in silver; of these 20, the whereabouts of only 15 were then known to her, the other 5 she listed from mentions of
specimens in various older texts. Only 8 specimens are known in private hands, including this present specimen, 2 not listed in her census, plus 4
that have traded at public auction in recent times. Of these auctioned specimens, the most recent was the piece sold by Stack’s in New York on 10
January 2014, lot 80, which sold for $16,000.
1200. Artuqids of Hisn Kayfa and Amid Æ Dirhem. Fakhr al-Din Qara Arslan, circa AH 539-570 (AD 1144-1174). Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator /
Arabic legend in four lines. Spengler and Sayles I, pp. 3-6, Type 1; Album 1820.1. 3.94g, 23mm, 1h.
250
End of Sale
301

Session 2 Auction VIII Roma Numismatics

Transcription

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