lrbguy

On 11/21/2023 at 4:58 PM, DonnaML said:

This thread seems to have fallen by the wayside for the last 10 days, so I thought I'd try to revive it by catching up on the people I missed.

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)

17 hours ago, ambr0zie said:

For the rulers in this time slot I only have coins from Valerian II and Saloninus. A Mariniana coin is on the list (I like collecting empresses) but I have the same personal issue like I have with Augustus denarius with Caius and Lucius, Tiberius tribute penny or Athens owl tetradrachms - these are iconic coins, easily found but ... I see them too often and I don't feel the need to own one. 

Saloninus - same type as the one presented by @lrbguy- RIC 36 but my notes state it's from Samosata mint. 

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.

9 hours ago, shanxi said:

Julia Maesa for Elagabal and Severus Alexander

 

Julia Maesa
AR Denar
Obv.: IVLIA MAESA AVG, draped bust right.
Rev. IVNO REG, Iuno standing left, holding patera and sceptre; to left, peacock.
Ag, 3.59g, 18.2mm
Ref.: RIC IVb, 259 var (IVNO REG not REGI), RSC 23a, CRE 480 [R]

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)

On 8/26/2023 at 8:56 PM, DonnaML said:

Macrinus Æ26, Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior, AD 217-218. Under Marcus Claudius Agrippa, consular legate. Obv. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from front,  with aegis on left shoulder (snake protruding, representing Medusa’s hair) and head of Medusa on breastplate of cuirass, AV K OΠΠEΛ CEV - H MAKΡINOC / Rev. the emperor driving triumphal quadriga (decorated with image of Victory) to right, holding reins and transverse sceptre in left hand, raising right hand in salute; Virtus or soldier preceding, stepping right before the horses with head reverted to left and holding vexillum over shoulder; above, trophy of arms between two seated captives; VΠ AΓΡIΠΠA NIKOΠOΛ around from 8:00; in exergue in two lines, ITΩN ΠΡ OC | ICTΡΩ. 10.38g, 26mm, 6h. Pick, AMNG I/I 1712 (at p. 440) & Pl. XIX nr. 16 [rev. die match] [Pick, Behrendt, Die antiken Münzen von Dacien und Moesien, Die antiken Münzen Nord-Griechenlands Vol. I/I (Berlin, 1898) (6 specimens)]; Corpus Nummorum Online 26655 [see https://www.corpus-nummorum.eu/CN_26655]; Varbanov I 3405 (var. obv. legend) [Ivan Varbanov, Greek Imperial Coins And Their Values, Volume I: Dacia, Moesia Superior & Moesia Inferior (English Edition) (Bourgas, Bulgaria, 2005)];   Hristova-Hoeft-Jekov 8.23.34.2 [Hristova, H., H.-J. Hoeft, & G. Jekov, The Coins of Moesia Inferior 1st - 3rd c. AD: Nicopolis ad Istrum (Blagoevgrad, 2015)]. “Near Extremely Fine; beautiful olive green patina. Very Rare.” [39 examples on ACSearch, inclusive of duplicates.] Purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., 220th Buy or Bid Sale, June 2022, Lot 334; ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XX, 29 Oct. 2020, Lot 384 (acquired from Leu Numismatik AG); ex Helios Numismatik, Auction 8, 13 October 2012, lot 337 (ex European collection, formed before 2005). [Video of coin at https://www.hjbltd.com/#!/inventory/item-detail/ancient-coins/100313?fromBbs=220th Buy Or Bid Sale.]

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