lrbguy

Talk about "catching up on the people I have missed" sure rings a bell with me. I had to pull back for the last month and a half due to preparations for an exhibit and delivering a one hour presentation at an exhibition. That came to a conclusion on Nov 20. I have watched (with a feeling of guilt) as the thread soldiered on, wishing I could take the time to show some things. If there is no objection, I would like to catch up by filling in from Macrianus to the present, including wives. I could limit myself to one coin per figure, or one per metal per figure (where relevant), if that is preferred. Or I could just take my lumps and sit it out. Please let me know what you would prefer. In the meantime, the thread is up to Magnentius (but mentions neither Decentius nor Vetranio nor Nepotian nor Constantius Gallus). For now I will keep it to one coin: a toned siliqua for Vetranio - a VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM from the mint at Siscia

With respect to the two pretenders to the throne, Macrianus and his brother Quietus, I am in the same boat as Qcumbor. I have (or had) one of each in a box which I cannot now locate (along with dozens of other nice items in it). So I will have to take a pass on them. Instead I have devoted a bit more time to my display for Salonina. I will show an example of her silver coinage from all but one of the mints who struck for her. However, I also want my selections to reflect the impact of inflation on the products of those mints. The roster of mints here follows the number and order of mints as given by Prof. N.M. McQ Holmes in the catalog and iconograpic study published by CNG in 2019 at the sale of his collection. All but one are represented. After Rome the mints are listed from West to East. RIC numbering reflects the joint reign og Gallienus with his father (J); against the sole reign of Gallienus (S). Other numbers: (MIR) reference R Goebel - Moneta Imperii Romani (2000) The obverses for all but one of the following feature a diademed, draped bust, wearing stephane, hair arranged in tightly constructed wrap of braids, facing right, on a cresent. Inflation in the Imperial Roman economy had always had a debasement effect on the metal composition of Imperial coinage. The introduction of the Antoninianus under Caracalla about 213 AD as a double denarius with only 1.5 times the original silver content is a case in point. However, by the middle of the third century the rate of inflation spiraled out of control, and the necessary debasement in the currency could not so easily be masked. At the beginning of the joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus silver coinage had already become significantly debased. Yet, with the challenge to stability occasioned by the loss of Valerian, further economic flux caused the metal composition to move rather quickly from being noticeably silver, to potin, to brass, to bronze all within the sole reign of Gallienus. Cornelia Salonina The obverses for all but one of the following feature a diademed, draped bust, wearing stephane, hair arranged in a tightly constructed wrap of braids, facing right, on a crescent. ROME The three coins I show from the mint at Rome, were selected to show something of the range of inflation effects on the manufacturing of coins during this reign. RIC 35(J) The "good silver" of this coin marks it as having been minted early in the joint reign. SALONI - NA AVG Pietas seated to L, two small figures standing at her L and one beneath her. PIETAS - AVGG The presence of the three small figures (children) and the bare breasted female figure of Piety, here associates the "piety" of womanhood with the care and feeding of children. RIC 15(S) antoninianus (orichalcum) The specific color tone of this coin places its alloy closer to orichalcum (brass) rather than more basic bronze. As such it had a slighter higher tariff value. COR SALONINA AVG Doe walking L IVNONI CONS AVG delta in exergue RIC 39 denarius (deeply toned billon) The obverse portrait bust is like all the others here but does not rest on a crescent. SA[LONINA AVG] Securitas stg L, legs crossed, leaning on column and holding scepter [SECVRIT PERPET] VIMINACIUM (closed in 257 - gear transferred to Cologne a Danubian settlement (modern Serbia) MIR 853b CORN SALONINA AVG Pietas stg L R arm raised, holding box of perfumes in L. PIETAS AVG COLONIA AGRIPPIENSIS (Cologne) MIR O904C [compare RIC 8(J)] earlier attribution to Lugdunum is not upheld in more recent scholarship SALONINA AVG Venus half naked, seen from rear, stg to R, leaning on column holds out palm VENVS - VICTRIX MEDIOLANUM (MILAN) RIC 61 (S) SALONINA AVG Felicitas stg to L, legs crossed, leaning on column, holding out caduceus in R hand FELIC-IT PVBL SISCIA RIC 79(S) SALONINA AVG Pietas stg L sacrificing before flaming altar PIETAS AVG CYZICUS not shown - Salonina's coins from this mint are marked in the reverse exergue with SMQP. Present day values are very high, and the available supply correspondingly weak. ANTIOCH MIR 1585h [but compare RIC 28(J) below] SALONINA AVG Juno stg L holding out patera in R hand, and staff with L; peacock at feet on L IVNO REGINA MIR 1585h [but compare RIC 28(J)] SALONINA AVG Juno stg L holding out patera in R hand, and staff with L; (no peacock) IVNO REGINA This coin was selected to demonstrate a distinctive "flat face" obverse portrait that is specific to Antioch. On the reverse: this example does not appear to have a bird at the feet of the reverse figure, which is a common characteristic of this same motif from the mint at Rome. However, the obverse portrait unmistakeably ties this example to Antioch. SAMOSATA (RIC as "ASIA") MIR 1683p [compare RIC 71(J) ] CORN SALONINA AVG Vesta stg L holds palladium in R hand, scepter in L VESTA AE-TERNA RSC misreports the reverse inscription as VESTA AETERNAE (contra RIC)

I'm pretty much at the same place as AmbrOzie on the mint attribution for these coins of Saloninus. My attribution to Antioch was based entirely and uncritically on RIC without reference to Goebel, Wildwinds, or anyone else. Until we get to the first Tetrarchy my devotion to the coins of the Imperial women is not shared by those of the rest of the Imperial family members. Case in point, for Salonina I have strong representation with approx 60 coins from seven mints associated with her, but for Gallienus, four mints in 8 coins total. For me the question of showing reverse types comes down to knowing where to draw the line. In the case of Otacilia Severa I tried waiting until everyone had posted what they would and then I came in to cover some of what had not been shown. But the time it took to assess all that, and then rally with finished pics and writeup, cost me posting anything for Herrenia Etruscilla. Even with extra days, time ran out. A similar crunch came up earlier for the coins of Faustina I (with but one or two exceptions). I don't know what's going to happen when we get to the big three for me: Galeria Valeria, Fausta, and Helena. Pick favorites? I like to think this is a bit more than show and tell. If anybody has some suggestions I am all ears. This is supposed to be fun, and I don't what to "disgruntle" anyone.

The coins for Mariniana are some of my favorites, though I am not sure why. But they are few in number and one figure for which I have nearly all of the silver issues (missing one major variety). With your indulgence, the following cover the basics. A review of the family (skip if you wish😞 Unlike many of the ephemeral emperors and rebels who bid for Imperial Power during the Crisis of the Third Century of the Roman Empire, Valerian was of a noble and traditional senatorial family. Details of his early life are elusive, except for his marriage to Egnatia Mariniana, who gave him two sons: later emperor Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus and Valerianus Minor. [so Wikipedia] Valerian's wife was also born of nobility: "The sister of the Hedii Lolliani, who were consules ordinarii in 209 and 211, married one of the Egnatii. Their daughter, (Egnatia) Mariniana married the future emperor Publius Licinius Valerianus and gave birth to the future emperor Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus." -Inge Mennen, Power and Status in the Roman Empire 193-284 (Brill: Leiden, 2011) p.72 Several coins, all bearing the obverse legend DIVAE MARINIANAE, all from the mint at Rome, date back to the beginning of the joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus (253-258). Given the practice of deifying the wives who died before their husbands' assumption of the Principate, it is possible that Mariniana died before AD 253. All of the coins listed in RIC bear only this obverse legend. The bust of the empress rests on a crescent, facing right with one of two hair styles, i.e. veiled with or without diadem. With but one very rare exception, two reverse types of the antoniniani for Mariniana share the CONSECRATIO reverse inscription. The exception has a particularly rare reverse featuring Felicitas standing left holding a caduceus and cornucopia under the words FELICIT DEORVM. (not featured here) Egnatia Mariniana Somewhat less commonly seen, but more diverse in its form, is the "grand peacock" CONSECRATIO type featuring a peacock standing in splendor, fan tail, looking either to right or left. These occur with or without diadem on the obverse. RIC 3 DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, (no diadem) CONSECRATIO peacock stands in splendor facing right. RIC 3 DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, (with diadem) CONSECRATIO peacock stands in splendor facing right. (The photo for this next example is the listing photo by its seller, inasmuch as it has been purchased but not yet delivered. Not only did it fill a gap in this sequence of images, but it has an unusual feature to be explored. The U/V shaped mark in the right field requires some investigation. It is my only acquisition since early 2019.) RIC 4 var DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, (no diadem) CONSECRATIO peacock stands in splendor facing right. V-shaped figure in right field RIC 4 DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, with diadem CONSECRATIO peacock stands in splendor facing right. Parallel to these there is also a somewhat rarer variant in which the bird is walking right. On all coins of this type the empress wears a diadem. RIC 5 DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, with diadem CONSECRATIO peacock in splendor advances right. The most commonly seen CONSECRATIO reverse features a depiction of the apotheosis of Mariniana (the elevation to divine status) in which the figure of the Empress rides the sacred bird of Juno, the peacock, in skyward flight. Usually the empress is seen riding on the left side of the bird which is flying to the right. RIC 6a DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, (no diadem) CONSECRATIO empress rides peacock ascending right, waving while facing left RIC also notes that the opposite orientation also exists, but groups both types under a single number, i.e. RIC 6. For regularly produced types, this is far and away less commonly seen than anything else shown in this post. RIC 6b DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, (no diadem) CONSECRATIO empress rides peacock ascending LEFT while facing right RIC 6a-var DIVAE MARINIANAE veiled bust r. on crescent, (no diadem) CONSE RATIO empress rides peacock ascending right, waving while facing left Of this anomaly CNG said in its auction description: "A die-sinking error in the reverse legend." That about sums it up.

(My apologies to Donna for not catching her question. By the time I logged in ambrOzie had already taken care of it in fine style ☺️. Sometimes the fine mint distinctions become part of the thrill of the hunt. Today's examples are more along that line. Not sure why the grandkids got moved to the same slot as their grandmother while their mom got not mention at all, but I will post their coins today, albeit separately from those of Mariniana (grandma). The coins for their mother (Salonina) I will list when I show those of her husband (Gallienus). Valerian II P Cornelius Licinius Valerianus ( 1st son of Gallienus and Salonina) was given the rank of Caesar at his fathers elevation to Augustus. He died two years later in 255 AD. Lifetime issue 253-255 RIC 19 minted at Rome Radiate, draped bust to R P LIC VALERIANVS CAES Priestly sacrificial implements (wand, patera, vase, knife, simpulum) PIETAS AVGG Posthumous issues hereafter RIC 9 minted at Lugdunum Radiate, draped bust to R DIVO VALERIANO CAES (posthumous) CONSACRATIO The misspelling with an "A" is characteristic of this issue from Lugdunum But here comes an interesting variant on that theme: RIC 9 minted at Lugdunum Radiate, draped bust to R DIVO VALERIANO CAES Eagle bearing Caesar aloft CONS(W?)CRATIO Here the essential character of the misspelling has a mangled cursive "a" quality RIC 24 minted at Rome Radiate, bare bust to R DIVO CAES VALERIANO Funeral altar CONSECRATIO Saloninus P Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus (2nd son of Gallienus and Salonina) was elevated to the rank of Caesar upon the death of his brother, and in 259 was elevated to the rank of Augustus as co-regent with his father. Unfortunately the next year Postumus had assumed the throne, and having no use for the son of his predecessor, eliminated the young rival to the imperial throne. The following three coins are all from the mint at Antioch and distinguished by the appearance of NOB(il) in the obverse legend. On the reverses they illustrate the use of officina marks as noted below. ( Note: RIC mentions a mark consisting of only a wreath without a dot as the second type of mark, but does not mention a variety without mark at all. See examples below.) RIC 36 Antioch Radiate, draped bust to R SALON VALERIANVS NOB CAES Prince stg at L holding spear extends R hand to Spes approaching from R holding hem of skirt with L hand, extending flower in R hand. *Nothing in field above center (officina ?) SPES PVBLICA RIC 36 Antioch Radiate, draped bust to R SALON VALERIANVS NOB CAES Prince stg at L holding spear extends R hand to Spes approaching from R holding hem of skirt with L hand, extending flower in R hand. Six point star in field above center (officina 1?) SPES PVBLICA RIC 36 Antioch Radiate, draped bust to R SALON VALERIANVS NOB CAES Prince stg at L holding spear extends R hand to Spes approaching from R holding hem of skirt with L hand, extending flower in R hand. Wreath around dot in field above center (officina 3?) SPES PVBLICA

Valerian 253-260 P Licinius Valerianus was unanimously elected emperor by the Senate after the death of Gallus, and proclaimed by all after the death of Aemilion. He reigned jointly with his son Gallienus from the very beginning. He was captured by Sapor I in Persian conflict in 260 and never returned to the Roman Empire.. Toward the end of his reign in 260, the silver content of the Antoninianus was reduced so low that a silver wash began to be applied over a bronze core to mark the denomination as "silver." Here I show silver and potin, but do not have any examples in bronze for Valerian. The following coins have been selected for various features of their reverses, and are arranged chronologically by mint. There were at least a half dozen mints in operation during this reign. Shown are examples from four. ROME RIC 124 Mint at Rome silver Radiate bust draped to R IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG Victory stg. facing, head to L, holds our wreath in R hand, and palm branch in L. VICT - ORIA AVGG MEDIOLANVM (MILAN) RIC 257 (RIC attributes to the mint at Mediolanum (Milan) silver Radiate bust draped to R IMP VALERIANVS P AVG Spes waliking L holding flower in R hand, and hem of skirt with L SPES PVBLICA ANTIOCH From the mint at Antioch Potin RIC 287 (RIC attributes to the mint at Antioch) Goebl 1685e Radiate bust draped to R IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG Turreted female (Orient) at L presenting wreath to Valerian at R. Above: RESTITVT OR-IENTIS (no mintmark) RIC 287 (RIC attributes to the mint at Antioch) Goebl 1685e Potin Radiate bust draped to R IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG Turreted female (Orient) at L presenting wreath to Valerian at R. Above: RESTITVT ORI - ENTIS Mint mark* : Wreath with dot; officina mark (#3?) *This is one of three mintmark types which were applied to the reverses of these coins. Another mark of distinction. SAMOSATA RIC 295 (RIC attributes to the mint at Antioch) // Goebl: a mint at Samosata (Goebl 1682e Samosata) silver This type in silver is usually attributed to Samosata since the work of the late Robert Goebl in 2000. Radiate bust draped to R IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG 2 Victories affixing shield inscribed S C to palm tree VOTA ORBIS

A bit of imperial instability just before the arrival of Valerian Aemilian 253 AD After achieving success as governor of Pannonia and Moesia, Aemilian was proclaimed Augustus by his soldiers who joined him in a successful move against Rome to seize the imperial throne from Gallus. But within four months of reign, for his efforts to secure his throne against advances by Valerian, they took his life from him. Aemilian radiate facing R, draped seen from rear IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG APOL CONSERVAT Apollo stg facing head to L holding branch in R hand, and resting L on a lyre standing on a rock Gaia Cornelia Supera Gaia Cornelia Supera (died after 253 AD) was the empress of Rome and the wife of Emperor Aemilian. Nothing is known about her life, except from numismatic evidence. Her full name on the imperial silver coins is CAIA CORNELIA SVPERA AVGVSTA. However, her name and monuments were condemned after Valerian was hailed as emperor in October of 253. The paucity of surviving pieces is doubtless one effect of the "damnatio memoriae." A triassarion from Phrygia (per acquisition notes) The obverse is clear enough, but I'm having some trouble with the transcription of the reverse. ΓΑΙ ΚΟΡ ΣΟΥΠΕΡΗΝ ΣΕ ΑΡΧ ΤΟ (ΒΦ) ΓΛΟΤΕΙΜΩ // (exergue) ΤΟΥΝΕΩN/(Κ?) Obverse: ΓΑΙ ΚΟΡ ΣΟΥΠΕΡΗΝ ΣΕ ~ Gai Kor Souperein Se[baste] The obverse inscription is clear, and merely gives her name and station: Gai(a) Corn(elia) Supera: Empress Reverse image: Cornelia(?) enthroned facing left, holds a patera in outstretched R hand, and scepter in L. Reverse: ΑΡΧ ΤΟ (ΒΦ) ΓΛΟΤΕΙΜΩ // ΤΟΥΝΕΩN(?Κ) The reverse appears to start with a reference to the local issuing magistrate, but I cannot make out the details of that name or the place name. I think the transcription needs help.

Upon the deaths of Trajan Decius and Herrenia Etrucilla in 251, by order of the Senate their son Hostilian was made Augustus. He was to rule jointly with a high ranking army officer, Trebonianus Gallus, whose own son, Volusian, was made Caesar. The arrangement only lasted a few months until Hostilian died of the plague, after which Volusian was made Augustus. In 253 father and son were assassinated. Trebonianus Gallus - 251-253 Trebonianus Gallus Undated RIC 32 Rome IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG APOLL SALVTARI The obverse inscription is characteristic of Rome. Trebonianus Gallus Undated RIC 41 Rome IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG PIETAS AVGG Trebonianus Gallus Undated RIC 71 Milan IMP C C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG PAX AETERNA The obverse inscription is characteristic of Milan. Trebonianus Gallus RIC 92 Antioch IMP C C VIB TREB GALLVS P F AVG VBERITAS AVG The obverse inscription is characteristic of Antioch. Three dots below bust on obverse, and in exergue on reverse, when they occur are markers for the mint at Antioch Volusian (as Augustus) - late 251-253 Volusian dated 253 RIC 140 (Rome) IMP CAE C VIB VOLVSIANO AVG Radiate bust to R, draped, seen from rear PM TRP IIII COS II Emperor stg facing, head L, holding branch and transverse scepter The obverse inscription is characteristic of Rome and identical to that of his father differing only in name. Volusian undated RIC 219 (Antioch) IMP C C VIB VOLUSIANVS AVG MARTEM PROPVGNATOREM The obverse inscription is characteristic of Antioch and identical to that of his father differing only in name. The first word in the reverse inscription is engraved with very broad letters.

The name of Volusion does not appear on the chart, but since he was the son of Trebonianus Gallas, and was made Caesar and then Augustus at the death of Hostilian, may I assume we will be doing him now as well?

After surveying the small host of images for the reigns of Philip and Trajan Decius above, I had determined that I would show what I could of things not yet shown by others among the Imperial silver. Despite that limit, it has taken me longer than I had anticipated to select the material I would show, shoot and prepare the photos, put it in order and write it up. Herewith, the family of Philip. Philip - M Julius Philippus (244-249 AD) IMP M IVL PHILLIPVS AVG (244-247) (Left facing) CONCORDIA AVGG Concordia std L, patera and cornucopiae This reverse saw considerable use and adaptation on the coins of Otacilia Severa (cf Donna above), but here it appears on a coin of Philip, opposite his left facing portrait on the obverse. IMP PHILIPPVS AVG (247-249) FIDES EXERCITVS Four standards, one with legionary eagle Placating the military puts a smile on the emperors face. IMP PHILIPPVS AVG (247-249) TRANQVILLITVS AVGG with B (greek numeral officina mark) As I noted above with the SAECVLARES series above, applying identifying marks for the officinae was being explored under Philip. Instead of Roman numerals in the reverse exergue, here the use of a field mark with a Greek numeral demonstrates an alternative approach. IMP PHILIPPVS AVG (247-249) SAECVLVM NOVVM Roma seated in hexastyle temple This type was shown above by Donna in silver, but the example here is most noticeably struck in potin, an alloy of copper, tin, and lead which may have incuded varying amounts of silver as well. Silver debasement was becoming significant under Philip, and merits attention hereafter. IMP C M IVL PHILIPPVS PF AVG PM Antioch VIRTVS E - XERCITVS This coin is an Imperial antoninianus struck in debased silver (still above potin level) by the mint at Antioch. Most of the product from that mint was in Greek denominations, (cf Al Kowsky and others above) so Imperial antoniniani from there are considered rare. Philip - M Julius Severus Philippus (247-249 AD) In comparison to the imperial silver for his father, the coins of Philip II had a fair proportion of types posted above by others. I will show two, both of which are variants on types posted above. IMP PHILIPPVS CAES PRINCIPI IVVENT This is a rather common type, made more so by the fact that the reverse figure faces right or left. Oddly, the examples above only show the left facing figure (unless I missed one), so I thought I would add this. [It is a nice coin and I wanted to show it anyway.] IMP PHILIPPVS AVG LIBERALITAS AVGG III This type I know was shown earlier out of the gate by *expat, but this example shows something a little extra. On the obverse in the right margin there appear markings which could be residual from an earlier strike on the flan. They would seem to fall within the beading rising from below, but outside the beading situated above the PVS. Marcia Otacilia Severa Considering the plentiful supply I was suprised that only three Imperial reverse types for Otacilia were shown by others on antoniniani. CONCORDIA AVGG [John Conduitt and Donna] and PIETAS AVGVSTAE (Qcumbor) and SAECULARES AVGG (officia 4) [Donna and me]. The coins of Otacilia Severa can be arranged in 8 groupings, with four principle obverse inscription types. We will only sample some of the other reverses used in all that, but they will be arranged chronologically according to the obverse inscription typology. Issue 2 – 245 A.D. (Long obverse legend: MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG) PVDICITIA AVG RIC 123c ..This was the definitive type for this 2nd issue. Issue 3 – 245-247 A.D. (2nd obverse legend: M. OTACIL SEVERA AVG) (actually used 246-248) The CONCORDIA AVGG type shown earlier, with double cornucopiae, is part of this issue. CONCORDIA AVGG (altar left, single cornucopia) RIC 126 The reverse side "altar" appears as an extension of the throne beyond the knee of the seated figure. IVNO CONSERVAT RIC 127* In the RIC Introduction (Mattingly) this type is attributed as the first issue for her from the mint at Antioch. However, the main catalog (Sutherland/Carson) lists it for both Rome and Antioch on the ground that some doubt exists(which means editors disagree). The example below has some differences in the portrait which might have been from the hand of an engraver in Rome. But perhaps this next example conveys the Roman spirit at its best. Here the reverse inscription dedicates the coin not to IVNO Conservat, but to VINO CONSERVAT. Which of all these reflects the truest Roman style remains to be seen. Issue 4 – 247 (short obverse legend: OTACIL SEVERA AVG) CONCORDIA AVGG (altar left, single cornucopia) RIC 126 The reverse side "altar" appears as an extension of the throne beyond the knee of the seated figure. This is the same reverse side design as in the third issue above, but now with the shorter obverse legend. Issue 5 – 248A.D. .........SAECVLARES AVGG RIC 116b ..................(hippopotamus // IIII) Numbered for officina in Roman Numerals in reverse side exergue. (see examples in earlier posts above) Issue 6 – 248A.D. Obverse unchanged. Reverse: Officinae numbered in Greek numerals. PIETAS AVGG – (Greek mint mark) Δ delta ......Pietas stg left raising r. hand, holding box of perfume in left. To her left, flaming altar. This type also exists in potin, which appears to have begun to be produced toward the end of Philips, reign, around 247-248.

Beginning at the end. The celebration of the Roman millenium in 248 gave rise to an iconic set of coins. Here is a core set of the animal designs arranged by officina number, from the Roman numerals in the reverse exergue. Philip leads off: Officina 1 -lion to R Philip leads off: Officina 2 - she wolf and twins to L Philip junior gets in a lick: Officina 3- gazelle to L Let's not forget mother Otacilia: Officina 4 - hippopotamus to R Then its back to Dad, Officina 5 - stag to R And Philip brings it home: Officina 6 - Antelope to L For these this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is lots of variation in the positions of the animals, to say nothing of other approaches to the SAECULARES AVGG reverse types.

Open question for those who started this topic and created the timetable: Considering the fact that there are empty slots for September 11 and 13, and the fact that there is a large volume of potentially interesting reverses among the coins of Philip and his family, particularly in view of the push for special types honoring the anniversary of Rome in 248, any chance we could bump Trajan Decius to Sept 11 and expand the time for Philip and family to cover the "void"? What actually were/are you looking for on Sept 11-14?

If you saw this without writeup, a system glitch stripped the original upload of its writeup, but preserved the images. Here is the gist of what I had said. Up to now I have been using the listings in the catalog Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum by Harold Mattingly for the rationale behind my listings here. That, however, concluded with the coins of Balbinus and Pupienus. Going forward my primary reference guide will be the volumes in Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC). My plan in showing this group of coins was to show an example or two of the silver coins of Gordian III for each of the five (and a half) "issues" of his standard coinage. An "issue" is marked by the chronology of an obverse inscription and the reverse types that can be associated with it based on hoard evidence. Unfortunately, I cannot provide examples for the first two issues, and the final single type. Type 3: 240 AD - a. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG RIC 38 - ROMAE AETERNAE RIC 39 - VIR TVS AVG Type 3: 240 AD - b. IMP CAES GORDIANVS PIVS AVG (NOT SHOWN) Type 3: 240 AD - c. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG RIC 65 - CONCORDIA MILIT Type 4: 241-243 AD - IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG RIC 81 - PM TR P III COS PP (denarius) RIC 86 -LAETITIA AVG N Special Wedding Issue: 241 AD - RIC 130 -SECVRITAS PVBLICA (denarius) Type 5: 243-244 AD - IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG RIC 144 -FORTVNA REDVX (with wheel beneath the seat of Fortuna) RIC ??? -FORTVNA REDVX (below) RIC 210 - FORTVNA REDVX from Antioch Coins for Gordian from the mint at Antioch can be hard to spot. For quite some time I had imagined this example without the wheel beneath the seat was an error type. However, other comparisons suggest a better alternative. Comparison of the head of Gordian on these last two coins suggest that they were not produced at the same mint. I have a mate to the second coin whose characteristics are similar in the obverse portrait and absence of wheel in the reverse. The RIC listing for this type from the mint at Antioch makes no mention of the wheel. Given the portrait differences as well, I now believe this coin to have been minted at Antioch, not Rome as was the upper coin.

Since my imperial silver is limited to Gordian III, I will start with some Roman provincials for the couple and pick him up later. AE27 of Marcianopolis: Showing the couple face to face on the obverse, their names spelled out in Greek surround. On Reverse: an effigy of Athena/Minerva decked out for battle with shield in R hand, spear (point down) in L hand, and wearing a visored Corinthian helmet. AE23 of Anchialos: Again with couple face-to-face on the obverse, and a charming image of Artemis/Diana on reverse with cap. bow, and a stag peeking out from behind at her right (our left). The next two are silver pieces (drachmae) from the mint at Caesaria in Cappadocia (in lieu of Imperial silver from Rome for Tranquillina). Both feature the peak of Mt Argaeus, which is an inactive volcano in Cappadocia. The name translates as "bright" or "white" from the Greek, and hints that the mount, which has recreational value today when snow covered, may have been so treated in antiquity. Climbers in antiquity reported that both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean could be seen from the summit.

The two ants and the denarius that I have for these two have already been shown, and in better grade for one of the ants. No sense gilding the lily. Can't get decent color rendition on the pics anyway. As for the Gordians? Fu-gedda-bout-it! Until we get to Gordian III. For now I will enjoy YOUR coins, and thank you for showing them.

The imperial family of Maximinus Thrax. Caius Julius Verus Maximinus did not come up through the ranks of nobility; he was a commoner of uncommon physical size and strength. A man of the Roman cavalry, early on he had caught the attention of Septimius Severus who set him on a path to greatness as a soldier of uncommon capability. By the time Severus Alexander came along he had successfully commanded a legion and had exercised gubernatorial authority over Mesopotamia. He was a common man of uncommon accomplishment, who in 235 exercised authority over troops on the Rhine while in conflict at Germania. At the assassination of Alexander, his troops proclaimed him the new emperor. Maximinus was not an urbanite in any sense, and detested the highborn citizenry of the senate. He kept his distance and never entered the city of Rome itself. For the mint officials charged with producing coins with his likeness, this initially presented a challenge, inasmuch as they could only guess at his appearance. The PAX AVGVSTI reverse was among the earliest of his coins of 235 AD, and it is not surprising that his effigy bears striking similarity to that of the emperor he was replacing. Below are images of Maximinus (at left) in 235 and Alexander from one of his denarii from 234. When the mint officials learned that he had a protruding chin, they immediately applied the knowledge. The image on the left with the slightly protruding chin is the obverse from the SALUS AUGUSTAE reverse of the coin shown here, from a bit later in 235. We shall skip the intervening steps, but that trend continued progressively for some time, extending into the issues which celebrated the victories on the Rhine such as this VICTORIA GERM type, with its extreme protruding chin on the obverse. PAULINA That Maximinus had a wife is known at least from two Roman "historians" who wrote sparingly of her but did not mention her name. Caecilia Paulina (died in 235/236) was a Roman Empress and consort to Emperor Maximinus Thrax, who ruled in 235–238. Her full name, Diva Caecilia Paulina Pia Augusta, was preserved on an inscription on a stone monument (CIL X, 5054). On her coins she is termed simply "Diva Paulina." The coins with her inscription were not struck during her life, but some time after she was deified. No sculptural likenesses of her survive. Almost nothing is known about her life. Since her husband never set foot in Rome, it is likely that neither did she, at least in her time married to the Emperor. Two principle reverse types for her coins can be shown here. Both are CONSECRATIO types. Apotheosis: the Divine Paulina Ascending Paulina BMCRE 127-128 Veiled and draped bust to r. (faint smile) DIVA PAULINA Paulina, holding scepter in L hand and waving to left with R hand, rides seated on flying peacock ascending to r. CONSECRATIO The second reverse type features Juno's bird of the apotheosis, the peacock in full display. This type is a grand development from the more subdued appearance of this bird in the Consecratio reverses of the coins under the "Adoptive" emperors. Here it has at least two notable variations: The "trimmed" look Paulina BMCRE 127-128 Veiled and draped bust to r. (faint smile) DIVA PAULINA Peacock stands facing, head to left, tail evenly trimmed and fanned in full display. CONSECRATIO The "rough cut" look Paulina BMCRE 127-128 Veiled and draped bust to r. (faint smile) DIVA PAULINA Peacock stands facing, head to left, tail uneven and fanned in full display. CONSECRATIO MAXIMUS From the standpoint of reverses on Imperial denarii, I find the coins of Caius Julius Varus Maximus more interesting than those of his father. Here are but two, showing two of the three obverse inscription types. IVL VERUS MAXIMUS CAES Caius Maximus 235-236 BMCRE 118 Bare headed bust, draped, to r. IVL VERUS MAXIMUS CAES Priestly emblems (lituus, knife, jug, simpulum, and sprinkler) PIETAS AVG (above) This reverse type had been used with Severus Alexander as well while he was yet a Ceasar (see my post above). The same instruments are arranged as before, but these are better preserved. MAXIMVS CAES GERM Caius Maximus 236-238 BMCRE 211-212 Bare headed bust, draped, to r. MAXIMVS CAES GERM Young prince stands front, face to L, holds baton in extended R hand, cradles spear transversely with point down; two standards behind. PRINC IVVENTVTIS

This will be kept short, but one note. The weights of the coins shown are given for comparison with the last entry. See below. Severus Alexander 222-235 AD Showing coins of Alexander at three different points in his reign. Severus Alexander Mid-221 As Caesar BMCRE 267 (under Elegabalus) 3.21g Bare headed bust to r, draped M AVR ALEXANDER CAES Priestly emblems (lituus, knife, jug, simpulum, and sprinkler) PI E TAS A VG The earliest coins of Alexander show no beard, but from three years into the reign, slight growth of sideburns appear and thereafter his beard grows progressively larger on the coins. (Unfortunately for this topic, that is an obverse detail. It is however, relevant for a connection to the earliest coins of his successor.) Severus Alexander 225 BMCRE 232 3.06g head laureate, sideburns IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG Jupiter half naked seated to L on throne, hold Victoriola in extended R hand, in L combined scepter-thunderbolt IOVI - V L TORI Similar to the one shown by Qcumbor above, but numbered differently because of the distinctive reverse letter break as on the aureas of this type. (Hence a distinct reverse) This appeared about the time of the beginning of his marriage to Orbiana. Severus Alexander 232 (issue 15) BMCRE 901 2.55g Laureate bust to r, draped (viewed from front), strong beard IMP ALEXANDER PIUS AVG Spes draped, adv L, holds out flower in R hand, raises hem of skirt with L. S P E S PVBLICA Salustia Barbia Orbiana (married 225-226 AD ) Seia Herennia Sallustia Barbia Orbiana Augusta (fl. 220s), also known as Barbia Orbiana, was an Augusta of the Roman Empire and briefly the wife (3rd?) of Emperor Severus Alexander. She was known for her beauty, which was captured in multiple works of art, but inspired the envy of her mother-in-law, Julia Mammaea, who abused the young woman. Her father Seius Sallustius, seeking an order of protection for his daughter, was executed on a charged trumped up by Mammaea, and Orbiana was exiled to North Africa after only two years as empress. Salustia Barbia Orbiana married 225-226 BMCRE 287 2.93g Bust draped to r., wearing stephane SAL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG Concordia std L,wearing wreath, extending R hand with patera, L cradles a cornucopiae CONCORDI A AVGG Julia Mamaea (mother of Sev. Alexander) Julia Mamaea 232 (issue 15) BMCRE 913-915 3.16g Bust draped to r., wearing stephane IVLIA MA - MAEA AVG Fecunditas std L, extending hand to child (reaching up), L elbow rests on chair FECVND AVGVSTAE Julia Mamaea 232 (issue 15) BMCRE 917-919 3.72g Bust draped to r., wearing stephane IVLIA MA - MAEA AVG Fecunditas stg L, holding out R hand to child (reaching up), cornucopiae in L held close FECVND AVGVSTAE The next two coins are a bit light weight in comparison with those above in this group. Julia Mamaea BMCRE 381-387 2.85g Bust draped to r., wearing stephane IVLIA MA - MAEA AVG Vesta, veiled, standing half left, holds out palladium in R hand, VESTA This coin is a bit light but still within normal limits. However, I have another Vesta coin similar (w/o palladium) that only weighs in at 1.95g. For the significance of that, see the next coin. Julia Mamaea BMCRE ??? 1.93g Bust draped to r., wearing stephane IVLIA MA - MAEA AVG Vesta veiled, std to L, holds out simpulum with R hand, cradles scepter with her L. VESTA This reverse type is not listed in any standard reference for Mamaea, but is noted as a hybrid for coins of Julia Soemias, most likely as an ancient forgery. Presumably that is the case here, unless and until better evidence surfaces.

Shanxi, I think our examples of this coin (see both above) are die matches on both sides. Not surprising considering how rare they are.

Concerning the wives of Elegabalus - three women, four marriages. Numismatically there is a lot of room for discovery in these coins. Julia Paula Julia Cornelia Paula was the daughter of Julius Paulus, a Roman Nobleman of Greek descent and a historically noted jurist active throughout the Severan Dynasty ultimately becoming a Praetorian Prefect in Rome. She was thus of both Patrician Roman and Greek descent, and as such was a scion of the established upper Roman aristocracy. In early 219, Julia Maesa, eldest sister of Roman Empress Julia Domna, arranged for Cornelia Paula to marry her grandson, the new emperor Elagabalus. Their wedding was lavishly celebrated in Rome, and was accompanied by extravagant public spectacles. Cornelia Paula became Elagabalus' first wife and was immediately given the honorific title of Augusta (Empress) and the family name "Julia," making her one of three women bearing the title alongside Julia Maesa and the emperor's mother, Julia Soaemias. But the marriage foundered within a year or so, and Elagabalus summarily divorced her late in AD 220 or early in 221 for another. Julia Paula retired from public life and seems to have survived the chaotic reign of her former husband with her virtue and reputation intact. Despite the short period of issuance, coinage in her honor presents numerous challenges for the student of attribution by mint. In particular is the problem of where the mints were that produced them. The items shown here will introduce the subject. For convenience they are numbered. #1 Julia Paula 219-220 Rome BMCRE 171 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, draped, tightly coiffed hair with four waves running front to back, low chignon or bun at back IVLIA PAVLA AVG Concordia seated L holds patera in R hand, star high in L field CONCORDIA For comparison here is the same thing from an Eastern mint. #2 Julia Paula 219-220 Eastern mint (Antioch) BMCRE 317 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, draped, tightly coiffed hair with four ridges running side to side and row of bangs in front, queued up the back w/o chignon IVLIA PAVLA AVG Concordia seated L holds patera in R hand, star high in L field CONCORDIA #3 Julia Paula 219-220 Eastern mint (Antioch) BMCRE 171 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, draped, tightly coiffed hair with six ridges running side to side and row of small bangs in front, queued up the back w/o chignon IVLIA PAVLA AVG Concordia seated on curule chair L, holds patera in R hand, two cornucopiae in L CONCORDI - A - AVGG #4 Julia Paula 219-220 Rome BMCRE 171 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, draped, tightly coiffed hair with three waves running front to back, bangs uncertain, low chignon or bun at back IVLIA PAVLA AVG Venus seated on throne to L, extends "apple" in R hand, holds scepter in L. VENUS GE - NETRIX #5 Julia Paula 219-220 Eastern mint (Antioch) BMCRE 319 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, draped, tightly coiffed hair with six ridges front to back, row of bangs at front, queued up the back w/o chignon IVLIA PAVLA AVG Elegabalus standing at L facing R, Julia Paula veiled standing at R facing L, clasping right hands, Julia has L hand at side. CONCORDIA Ready for a challenge? Here's a reverse you might like. #6 Julia Paula 219-220 Rome? or Eastern mint (Antioch)? BMCRE ??? Denarius Bust of Julia to r, draped, tightly coiffed hair with five ridges front to back and row of bangs in front, queued up the back w/o chignon IVLIA PAVLA AVG Victory stg facing, head to L holds up wreath in R hand, L hand holds branch VICT - ORIA AVGG Though bearing some features of a coin of the East, this coin is unlisted in any references. So what do you think? Options include, FAKE. Let's move on: Aquilia Severa One of Elagabalus' greatest offenses to Roman consciousness was his marriage in 220 to the Vestal virgin, Aquilia Severa, following his repudiation of his first wife, Julia Paula. Having conceived the scandalous idea of a union with a Vestal Virgin, the young emperor abruptly divorced the bride he’d only recently married, Julia Paula, and informed the Senate that: a child begotten of the high priest of Elagabal and a priestess of Vesta could only be considered divine. Few in the Senate were likely moved by such an argument, but the emperor proceeded to marry the girl early in AD 221, causing widespread consternation and revulsion among the Roman populace. Notwithstanding, Aquilia was, it seems, the one woman able to overcome his apparent distaste for the opposite sex, and he was reluctant to accede to the public demand. However, the true power behind the throne, i.e. the emperor's formidable grandmother Julia Maesa, saw the tide of public favor turning and forced her grandson to divorce Aquilia to marry a respectable matron, Annia Faustina, a descendant of Marcus Aurelius. This was done after only a few months of marriage. The silver coins for Aquilia Severa date mainly to 220 A.D. with some coming later at intervals as well. There is only one obverse inscription for her IVLIA AQUILIA SEVERA AVG. Hair is styled in waves running transversely downwards and turned up in queue and small bun at back. (But see * below) This obverse is backed by one of three reverse inscriptions on a total of four types, two of which are shown here in four coins. Aquilia Severa 221 Rome BMCRE 184 Denarius Bust of Aquilia to r, draped, wrapped hair with low chignon (no bangs) IVLIA AQUILIA SEVERA AVG Concordia draped standing front with head L. holding a patera in her R. hand over a sacrificial flame, and double cornucopiae in left a star in the right field CONCORDIA Aquilia Severa 221 Eastern mint (Antioch, etc) BMCRE 335 Denarius Bust of Aquilia to r, draped, wrapped hair with low chignon, bangs in front IVLIA AQUILIA SEVERA AVG Concordia draped standing front with head L. holding a patera in her R. hand over a sacrificial flame, and double cornucopiae in left a star in the right field CONCORDIA Aquilia Severa 221 Eastern mint (Antioch, etc) BMCRE 336 Denarius Bust of Aquilia to r, draped, wrapped hair with low chignon, bangs in front IVLIA AQUILIA SEVERA AVG Concordia draped standing front with head L. holding a patera in her R. hand over a sacrificial flame, and double cornucopiae in left a star high in the left field CONCORDIA *Both star position types for these coins exist for the mint at Rome and for the Eastern mint(s), most probably Antioch or possibly Emesa. The use of bangs in the hair treatment is not found at Rome, and appears to be a characteristic of the Eastern mint(s) striking for her. Aquilia Severa 221 Eastern mint only? BMCRE 337A Denarius Bust of Aquilia to r, draped, wrapped hair with low chignon, bangs in front IVLIA AQUILIA SEVERA AVG Elegabalus laureate, togate, standing front, head L, clasping R hands with Aquilia Severa who stands wearing stephane, draped, front, head facing him, star low in center between them CONCORDIA This type does not appear often. In BMCRE there is an open question as to whether this reverse type appears at Rome. Mattingly literally poses the question in his notes on this coin. If an example of this type can be found in which the effigy of the empress on the obverse does not show bangs in her hair, then I believe we will have a talking point for an answer. Coming up, wife #3 Annia Faustina Annia Aurelia Faustina was a Roman Empress who has been scarcely noticed by ancient and modern Roman historians. She was of noble descent, daughter and only child of the wealthy heiress Annia Faustina and the Roman Senator, consul Tiberius Claudius Severus Proculus. She was born and raised on her mother's estate in Pisidia, one of a number in that area called the "Cyllanian Estates". About 216, her father apparently made a political alliance with a Roman Senator of the gens "Pomponia" that ultimately resulted in her marrying Pomponius Bassus. Upon her marriage, they settled at her Pisidian estates, which were very large properties, established from the time of the dictator of the Roman Republic, Lucius Cornelius Sulla (c. 138-78 BC). Unfortunately, by the year 221 she was widowed due to the demise of her husband, who had been executed for subversion and treason. That same year powerful courtiers, led by the Emperor's grandmother, Julia Maesa, induced Elagabalus to end his highly controversial and politically damaging marriage to the Vestal Virgin Aquilia Severa. He was advised instead to marry Annia Aurelia Faustina in order to forge an alliance with the powerful clan represented by her blood connections with the prior Nerva–Antonine dynasty. The senatorial Roman ruling class was more receptive of this imperial marriage than the previous one. Annia became Empress of Rome and it seemed for a very brief time that the Nerva–Antonine dynasty rule had returned to Rome. Elagabalus gave her the title of Augusta. Supporters of Elagabalus had hoped that Annia, the mother of two small children would bear him a natural heir however, she bore him no children. The Emperor had other ideas and set her aside. Her marriage to Elagabalus now ended, Annia Faustina returned with her children to the Pisidian estate. She spent the final years of her life there. Tetradrachm of Alexandria Potin Tetradrachm (24mm, 15.72 g, 12h). Dated RegnalYear 5 (L Epsilon) of Elagabalus (AD 221). Obv: Draped bust right / ANNIA φAYCTINA (in Greek) Rev.: Conjoined busts of Nilus, (wearing grain ear wreath and with cornucopia), and Euthenia, (draped and wearing grain ear wreath) both facing right; L Є (date) to right Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4197; K&G 59.9; Emmett 3039.5 (R3) +++++++++++++++++++++++ Aquilia Severa redux It should not be a surprise that at the end of 221, Elagabalus, reasserted his previous course of action, divorced Annia Faustina and returned to Julia Aquilia Severa, remarrying her as his fourth wife. The public and imperial administration saw it as a profanation of their sensibilities, and in the early months of 222 ended the life of the emperor. Nothing definitive can be said about the way the Imperial mints did or did not return to striking coins for Aquilia Severa late in 221 or early in 222. It is most probable that some did. It is tantalizing to suppose that only some mints resumed production in her name, perhaps in places more favorable to the emperor than others, but so far there is no basis for proposing such a hypothesis. But by the middle of 222 it had all come to a full stop.

Of the five women in the short life of Elagabalus, two were his elders and three his peers/spouses. Given this distribution I have chosen to split the posts, and will deal with the three wives and four marriages after discussing him and his familial connections. Elagabalus 218-222 Born Varius Avitus Bassianus (of Julius Avitus and Julia Soemias) in Emesa, Syria, this child had nobility thrust upon him already at birth. His mother was niece to Julia Domna, and the daughter of Domna's sister, Julia Maesa. Maesa held out great hopes/ambitions for her grandson, and sought to associate him more directly with the Severide line by pretending that he was the child of Soemias after a dalliance with Caracalla (also originally named Bassianus). After Caracalla died in 217 Maesa arranged for his imperial name to be given to her grandson with the ambition that he should become emperor. In large measure due to her efforts to destabilize the reign of Macrinus, she achieved her ambition in 218. His throne name was derived from the office he had been given earlier as priest of Heliogabalus, high god of Emesa. But this child of privilege was ill prepared to take on the responsibility the imperial office would require, and by his antics so alienated the Roman people that his life would be taken from him after 4 years on the throne. Elagabalus 218 AD Rome BMCRE 27 antoninianus radiate bust draped to r. IMP CAES M AUR ANTONINIVS AVG Salus stg half right holds serpent across body, to feed it with cake in L hand. SALVS ANTONINI AVG Elagabalus 218-219 BMCRE 277 denarius (Eastern mint only, Antioch, etc) Laureate, draped (seen from rear side angle) ANTONINVS PIVS FEL AVG Galley going to L crew of 8, 8 oars protrude to waves, above: FELICITAS In exergue: TEMP Elagabalus 219-220 Rome BMCRE 166 denarius Laureate, draped only (seen from rear side angle) IMP ANTO - NINVS AVG Felicitas facing, head L; holds caduceus in R hand, cornucopiae in L. TEMPORVM FELICITAS Elagabalus 220-222 Rome BMCRE 225 denarius Laureate, draped to r (horn on head at wreath) IMP ANTONINVS - PIVS AVG Elagabalus, veiled, draped; sacrificing out of patera in R hand holding horn in L hand. r field: 6 point star SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB The obverse horn appears on the "sacerdotal" issues in which Elagabalus is functioning as priest on the reverse. (see also the last coin shown by "Severus Alexander" above). In this case the figure on the reverse holds a horn in his right hand in the performance of his function. It may be that the obverse horn is part of a priestly headress. Elagabalus 220-222 Rome BMCRE 252 Denarius Laureate bare bust to r IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG Victory winged, draped, adv to L, shields at feet, holding bough in both hands star in r field PM TRP IIII COS III PP Julia Soaemias (mother) 218-222 The most frequently encountered reverse type for Soaemias is the VENVS CAELESTIS, so one may rejoice when another appears. Julia Soaemias 220-222 Rome BMCRE 43 Denarius Julia head to R, draped and hair gathered in chignon IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVGVSTA Juno, veiled, stg front, facing r., holds scepter in R hand, and palladium in L. IVNO R-E-GINA Julia Soaemias 220-222 Rome BMCRE 45 Denarius Julia head to R, draped and hair gathered in chignon IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG Venus stg front, head to L, holds out apple in R hand, and scepter in L star in field to right VENVS CAE LESTIS Julia Soaemias 218-222 Rome BMCRE 56 Julia head to R, draped and hair gathered in chignon IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG Venus seated to L, scepter in L hand, holds "apple" in R hand above child at feet reaching up VENVS CAE-L - ESTIS In the BMC catalog, the single listing with "apple" parallels listings with "patera" Julia Maesa (grandmother) 218-222 Julia Maesa 218-223 Rome BMCRE 70 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, long loosely wrapped hair (hint of chignon), draped and wearing stephane IVLIA MAESA AVG Pietas veiled draped standing to front, R hand extended to drop grains on lighted altar, L hand holds round open box PIET-A SAVG The image of Pietas on this coin is remarkable for its realism. Compare to next. Julia Maesa 218-223 Rome BMCRE 70 Antoninianus Bust of Julia to r, loosely wrapped hair with small chignon, draped and wearing stephane, rests on crescent IVLIA MAESA AVG Pietas veiled draped standing to front, R hand extended to drop grains on lighted altar, L hand holds open box PIET A SAVG This rendering of Maesa depicts a much younger visage than one often sees. Julia Maesa 218-223 Eastern Mint BMCRE 295 note Denarius Bust of Julia to r, wrapped hair with large chignon, draped and wearing stephane IVLIA MAESA AVG Juno stg half left, holds scepter in Left hand, and ears of corn for patera in R IVNO REG The addition of the word REG is exceptional from the norm. Julia Maesa 218-223 Rome BMCRE 80 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, tightly wrapped hair with high chignon, draped IVLIA MAESA AVG Felicitas stg front, head to L, holds patera in R hand over lighted altar, left hand holds tall cadeucus star in right field SAECVLI F E LICITAS Julia Maesa 218-223 Rome BMCRE 82 Denarius Bust of Julia to r, tightly wrapped hair with high chignon, draped IVLIA MAESA AVG Felicitas stg front, head to L, holds patera in R hand over lighted altar, left hand holds tall cadeucus star high in left field SAECVLI FE LICITAS (next we will attend to issues for the Wives of Elagabalus)

This is indeed a most impressive example of this coin. I have a rather heavily patinated version of it, and seeing your version helped me get a handle on lots of details that were not originally clear: So thanks for showing it! Now you know why I don't show my Roman Provincials very often. OTOH here's another for Diaduminian: Still working on the new shooting arrangement for lighter backgrounds.

Lately I have not been satisfied with the appearance of my coin pics with a black background. Details seem to be harder to see against the black. I am experimenting with a white light-table mounting, but the first images seem to default to a blue background. I would like your input: do you prefer the pics the way I have been doing them, or do you prefer a lighter/white background? For Macrinus and his son, I have gone light. Please let me know which you prefer? Macrinus 217-218 Born of humble parentage, M. Opelius Macrinus rose to become prefect of the Praetorian guards under Caracalla. At the behest of many, on the 8th of April in 217 he ordered the assassination of Caracalla, and three days later was hailed by his soldiers to be the new emperor, with his 9 year old son, Diadumenion, as Caesar. This was upheld by the Senate a few days later. But his prowess as a military leader and peace negotiater was sorely tested by the Parthians, and he quickly fell out of favor. No small part of that was due to the efforts of the sister of Julia Domna, Julia Maesa acting on behalf of her grandson, which resulted in a revolt by the Syrian army. Macrinus was not able to quell the tide of antipathy, and fled to Chalcedon where he perished after a reign of 14 moths. 218-218 BMCRE 12 denarius of Rome Macrinus laureate and cuirassed, to r. (seen from front) IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG Fides stg L between two standards, holding one more in each hand FIDES MILITVM 218-218 BMCRE 19 antoninianvs of Rome Macrinus radiate, draped and cuirassed, to r. (seen half from back) IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG Jupiter, naked, standing half left, holding thunderbolt in R and scepter in L IOVI CONSERVATORI Diadumenian 218 BMCRE 90 denarius of Rome Bare headed, draped bust to r. M OPEL ANT DIADUMENIAN CAES Diadumenian in military dress, standing front, head r, holding standard vertical in R hand, scepter in L; behind: two stadards PRINC IVVENTVTIS 218 BMCRE 92 denarius of Rome Bare headed, draped, cuirassed bust to r. M OPEL ANT DIADUMENIAN CAES Spes draped adv L, holding flower up in R hand; gathering folds of her skirt in L SPES PUBLICA

As Septimius secured his accession to the imperial authority through the Wars of Succession, Antoninus/Caracalla was earmarked for the throne with him while the latter was yet a young boy. After two years as a Caesar, in 198 AD at the age of 10 he was elevated to the rank of Augustus and shared the reign with his father, and briefly with his brother as well. When Septimius died in 211, Caracalla, took sole possession of the imperial authority by murdering his brother while in the arms of their mother. 198-209: Joint Reign of Septimius and his first son, Caracalla 209-211: Join Reign of Septimius and both sons, Caracalla and Geta 211-218: Sole Reign of Caracalla Here will be shown a small sampler of coins for each of these eras. For a better look, click on the pics (the color balance gets back to what I shot.) Joint Reign of Septimius and Caracalla 198-209 198 at Rome IMP CAE M AVR ANT AVG P TR P MINER VI CT RIX Minerva with staff and Victoriola at L, shield at feet, Trophy to R From the Eastern mint at Laodicea: 198 IMP C M AVR ANTON - INVS PONT AVG (Lao ) IMP ERII FELICITAS 199-201 ANTONINVS - AVGVSTVS ( Lao) SECVRIT - ORBIS 201-210 ANTONINVS - PIVS AVG Rome ADVENT AVGG galley with rowers and three passengers (at bow). 201-210 ANTONINVS - PIVS AVG Rome PACATOR ORBIS Joint Reign of Septimius and both sons, Caracalla and Geta 209-211 210-213 ANTONINVS PIVS - AVG BRIT Rome PROFECTIO AVG Sole Reign of Caracalla 211-218 This is the point at which Caracalla introduced the double denarius (tariffed at 1.5 times the value of the silver in it) which came to be named after him as the Antoninianus. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM Rome PM TRP XVIII COS III PP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM Rome VENVS VICTRIX It seemed fitting to close off with his version of the Venus Victrix reverse which is radically different in motif from that introduced on the coins of Imperial women before him.

My posts for Geta are going to be very simple and brief. I have tended to devote more attention to the obverses for his coins, giving attention to his changing appearance from childhood. For a thread about reverses I have not gathered much, but I do have a single coin worthy of attention. GETA (199-202) BMCRE S 217 denarius of Rome Geta, young, draped bare head to r. P SEPT GETA - CAES PONT Castor, wearing short tunic to hips, holding scepter in his R hand, standing facing L in front of horse also facing L, right foreleg raised. CASTOR

Among the coins of the early Severans, my highest favorites are what are commonly called the "Dynastic Issues." These are coins which feature effigies of either Dad or Mom on one side of the coin, and effigies of one or both of the boys on the other. In the case of the second dynastic series one of the parents will at times appear with one of the boys (if that parent is not on the obverse. The combinations are great fun (except that they tend to be obscenely expensive). Here are a few of both types. Type I - single portraits per side Type II - single portrait obverse, multi portrait reverse Type I - SEVERVS - PIVS AVG // IVLIA - AVGVSTA SEVERVS - PIVS AVG // IVLIA - AVGVSTA (201-210 for obverse) IVLIA - AVGVSTA // ANTONINVS - AVGVSTVS (199-201) Boy's bust of Caracalla may be the obverse. This appears to be a coin of Caracalla honoring his mother. IVLIA - AVGVSTA // P SEPT GETA CAES PONT (clockwise) TYPE II - products of the mint at Rome. These lead off all the listings for the imperial family after the Wars of Succession. SEVERVS - PIVS AVG // AETERNIT IMPERII Septimius and the boys: Caracalla, left; Geta, right IVLIA - AVGVSTA // AETERNIT IMPERII Julia and the boys: Caracalla, left; Geta, right IVLIA - AVGVSTA // AETERNIT IMPERII Julia and her Augusti: Septimius, left; Caracalla, right