lrbguy

For Septimius Severus and his wife, Julia Domna, particularly for the latter, the coinage crosses over 4 temporal ranges as follows: 193-197 : Wars of Succession: Rise of Septimius Severus to the throne 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 Domna's coinage in paricular shows the divisions by the form o obverse inscription used. Beyond the temporal divisions, the coins were minted at select Eastern mints as well as Rome. Here will be shown a small sampler of coins for each of these eras for both Septimius and Julia Domna from all but one of the mints (sorry Alexandria). Septimius Wars of Succession - 193-197 LEG XI CL Legionary series from Rome. early 193 during the wars of succession SAECVLI FELICIT BMC 390 attrib to the mint at Emesa Joint Reign of Septimius and Caracalla 198-209 198-202 // BMCRE SC 139 // ROME // L SEPT SEV AVG IMP - XI PART MAX // VICTORIAE AVGG FEL [long ribbon in both hands over round shield on low base] Compare this coin with the one shown by Donna above and observe the differences in a similar type. Joint Reign of Septimius, Caracalla, and Geta 209-211 SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT 210-211 // BMCRE SCG 61 // VICTORIAE BRIT We have seen something like this reverse type before under the coins of Commodus who similarly struggled to keep peace in Britannia. Sole Reign of Caracalla 211-218 Consecration issue For Septimius Severus with funeral pyre; Issued by Caracalla from Rome 212-218 Julia Domna Wars of Succession (193-197) Obverse Inscription: IVLIA DOMNA AVG (193-197) SAECVLI FELICIT 193-197 BMCRE Wars 421 Eastern mint (Emesa or Laodicea) The reverse of this coin can be compared to that above for Septimius (which was attributed to Emesa) Here follows a set of three of the same coin type from different mints. Compare also the the examples shown by Ambr0zie above: 193-196? VENERI VICTR BMCRE Wars 51 Rome This Venus type was introduced on Imperial silver by coins for Julia Titi, and has been ubiquitous up to this point (and beyond). The use of the word Veneri here is a marker for the mint at Rome. Characteristicly Eastern mints dropped the "I" on Veneri hence: 193-197 VENER VICTOR BMCRE Wars 423 Eastern mint (Emesa or Laodicea) As long as letters are being cut out: 193-197? VENER V ICT BMCRE Wars 424 Eastern mint (Emesa or Laodicea) UNL The style is a bit more rough than what we have seen so far, and more has dropped out of the reverse inscription. This type is unlisted and I am inclined to attribute it to Emesa but open to other interpretations. Obverse Inscription: IVLIA AVGVSTA (196-211) Joint Reign of Septimius and Caracalla 198-209 198-209 FECVNDITAS BMCRE S&C 21 198-209 FECVNDITAS BMCRE S&C 21 This reverse type features a goddess (Fecunditas or Terra) being ministered to by four hominoid figures representing the four seasons, as she reclines under a branch or vine resting between a fruit basket and large (celestial?) globe. Compare the details of this image with this next for similarities and differences. Both are attributed to Rome. 198-209 MATER AVGG BMC S&C 48 In this reverse type the ancient goddess Cybele is towered in a headdress and seated on on a throne driving a quadriga of lions. The plural reference to Augusti (AVGG) is noteworthy at a time when her husband was sharing the throne with one of her two sons. Aspirations for the younger son? This image must be compared with the next: MATER DEVM BMC S&C 51 Left hand variant Here Cybele sits enthroned with towered headpiece between two lions (her sons?) while the inscription stays in the singular. MATRI CASTRO - R VM BMC S57 Julia stands at right sacrificing out of a patera over an altar, while two military standards stand nearby to the left. We have run into the Mater Castrorum image before on the coins of Faustina II, wife of Marcus Aurelius. Here her service to the troops is taken up with the offering of sacrifices, presumably on their behalf. But this next example nuances the image still further. [MATRI C]ASTRO - RUM BMC S58-59 Here the figure on the reverse is seated holding out a bird (sometimes identified as a phoenix). The image is that of a counsellor seeking higher wisdom to aid the military figures in her charge. Presumably solace and counsel (perhaps spiritual) were a large part of the work the Madame of the Camp rendered. Joint Reign of Septimius, Caracalla, and Geta 209-211 skipped Sole Reign of Caracalla 211-218 Obverse Inscription: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG (193-197) 11 LVNA LVCIFERA Luna with a crescent on her head and a cloak floating around, drives a biga of gallant steeds. This is one of the early antoniniani after Caracalla introduced its as a double denarius. My next post will present some material which is transitional from the parents to their children in the Imperial manner of things.

I checked the link and the letter xsi (Ξ)is present in upper and lower case. Keyboard link is the "c" In short, the whole Greek alphabet is covered for upper and lower cases. Thanks for the heads-up on that link, Doug.

Not much to offer for the the four "losers" in the Wars of Succession. For the guys I have misplaced the only two examples I had. For the women, I can show rather poor examples of the wife and daughter of Didius Julianus. However, for the central figure in the Wars of Succession, Septimius Severus and his wife, there are several things to show. These unfortunately will be eclipsed by the material from his imperial issues just on the basis of volume. Manlia Scantilla Manlia Scantilla 193 AD BMCRE 11 for Didius Julianus 3.29g Her bust, draped R; hair waved, bunched and knotted in chignon at back MANL SCAN - TILLA AVG Juno standing L, holding patera and scepter, at her fett L, peacock. IVNO RE - GINA Didia Clara Didia Clara 193 AD BMCRE 15 for Didius Julianus 2.83g Her bust, draped R; hair waved, bunched in three ridges and knotted in chignon at back DIDIA CLA - RA AVG Hilaritas stg L, holding long palm L in her outstretched right hand and and cornucopiae close in her left HIL - AR - T - EMPOR

Just to clarify, the list in the calendar did not include all of the figures in the War of Succession as that is represented by the Bristish Museum catalog. Missing are the coins of Clodius Albinus and Septimius Severus before he was recognized as sole emperor. Coins of other family members are not mentioned but have been welcome so far. So, how literally are we to take the listing for the day? ONLY as printed, or assume all the players in the wars of Succession (193-197), (recognizing that the issues of Sep Severus and family will go through transformation of status and style after the wars end ).

There are some interesting coins out there for Commodus. I have none of those, but it's nice to see that some of you do. COMMODUS Commodus 177-180 BMCRE M800 (Marcus & Commodus) 3.52g Head of Commodus laureate to right L AVREL COM - MODVS AVG Victory, winged draped, advancing L holding wreath up in R hand, and palm sloped at shoulder in L. TRP IIII . IMP III - COS II P P Maybe I don't get around much, but a beardless portrait of Commodus always catches my attention. The whole texture of the coin seems out of character somehow, since the elements of the bizarre and sinister are not yet evident. Commodus 190-191 (Dec to Dec) BMCRE 305 Head of Commodus bearded, laureate, to right. M COMM ANT P F - EL AVG BRIT P P Roma, helmeted, draped, seated L on low seat, by which is round shield behind; holding Victory in R hand and vertical spear in L. ROM FEL P M TR P XVI [COS VI] The portrait on this obverse is a little more in keeping with how I think of Commodus (about 10 years after the coin above.) However, something about the reverse caught my attention. Inasmuch as this reverse type was issued in conjunction with his campaign in Britain quelling the Scottish insurgence against the Antonine wall, it bears a striking resemblance to what later became the symbol of Pax Brittania. CRISPINA 1st issue: CRISPINA AVG (undated for 180-183) Crispina BMCRE 29 Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved, bunched infront, "feathered" down cheek, and knotted in chignon at back CRISPI - NA AVG Clasped hands CON - COR - DIA Crispina BMCRE 31 Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved, bunched in front, "feathered" down cheek, and knotted in chignon at back CRISPINA AVG Lighted altar of rectangular shape; above: DIS left:GENI down in exergue:TALI up right: BVS This altar celebrates "genitalibus" i.e. giving birth. It is aN ironic twist from the use of the altar for "consecratio" death issues. 2nd issue: CRISPINA AVGVSTA (EARLY, AS ABOVE) The second issue was more extensive than the first, and accounts for a good deal more material (unfortunatley all issues have rather vanilla "deity" reverses). Here are but two examples . Crispina BMCRE 41 Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved throughout, knotted in chignon at back CRISPINA - AVGVSTA Juno, veiled, draped, standing front head to L, holds out patera in R hand and staff in L; at feet standing to L, peacock I V - N O Crispina BMCRE 44 Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved, bunched in front, "feathered" down cheek, and knotted in chignon at back CRISPINA AVGVSTA Venus draped standing front, head L, holding up apple in R hand; at left drawing at fold of drapery on shoulder with L hand. up L: V E - down R: N V S

Many excellent coins have been shown for Faustina II and most areas have been touched with nice examples shown. I have a few coins for her, but far and away most are mundane reverse types. One area that offers some real variety in the reverses are the coins consecrated to her memory. A few have been shown already by others, but the number of types is quite great and I find them to be an interesting study. So with a couple of exceptions, herewith are some memorial issues for Faustina II. We start with an exception: Many have shown this Venus type for several women of Rome, here is a VENERI VICTRICI in the same style as that used for numerous others before and after this. This is an issue from life. CONSECRATIO We start with the types that were well used by Faustina I (among others to be sure). The peacock, scepter, and throne motif was used for some life issues by Faustina I, and after her death this modified version of the scene appears as a consecration. So too for her daughter. In the life issues the peacock appears in full display, but in the the consecration issues the tail is down. Later use is going to vary that in several ways. Hadrian had used astral imagery like this, and it appears on the memorials to Faustina I. Here it is a crescent and seven stars, one within the arc of the crescent, and six around. Another stalwart with widespread usage is the multilayered funeral pyre with quadriga on top. The funeral altar may have gotten a bit of play before this, but it gets a lot more from and after this generation. Back to the peacock, only this time it appears facing and in full display. This is an early example of the use of this type, but hereafter for the next century it will make a quite regular appearance. My Favorite I have several dozen denarii for Faustina II, but hands down this is far and away my favorite piece. The MATRI CASTRORUM type recalls that Faustina would on not a few occasions accompany her husband into the military encampments, and there assist in the ministrations to the soldiers. In honor of their respect for her ministrations, which were generously and amply applied, she was given the honorary appellation: "Mother (or more probably 'Matron' ) of the Camp. " The sensitivity of the portrait is exquisite. On the reverse she interacts with three Roman military standards.

In this post I will combine the few coins I have for Marcus Aurelius (2) and his friend Lucius Verus (1) and finish off with a small set for Lucilla, wife of Verus. Later I will put up a group for Faustina II. AURELIUS Marcus Aurelius 162-163 AD BMCRE 216 denarius of ROME 3.16g Bare head r. IMP M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG Concordia draped, seated L holding out a patera in her R hand, and resting her left arm on a statuette of Spes standing on low base. below seat, cornucopiae. CONCORD AVG TR P XVI In exergue: COS III Marcus Aurelius (posthumous) BMCRE C20 (under Commodus) denarius of Rome bare head to r. DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS Eagle stg r on globe, head left CONSECRATIO Lucius Ceionius Commodus Sr had been adopted by Hadrian in 136 AD and became Lucius (Aelius) Ceasar. His familial name was given to his son at his birth in 130 AD. When Aelius died in 138, Hadrian ordered that this son should be adopted into the household of Antoninus under the name Lucius (Aelius) Aurelius. On the death of Antoninus in 161, Marcus Aurelius made him his imperial colleague under the name Lucius (Aurelius) Verus, thus establishing the first experiment in joint rule. His regency continued until his death in 169. L Verus 163-164 (2nd issue) BMCRE 239 denarius of Rome Bare head of Verus, bearded, facing r. L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS Armenia, wearing cloak, breeches, and peaked cap, seated L on ground in attitude of mourning, L hand on bow and quiver, before: vexillum and shield. TRP III IMP II COS II In exergue: ARMEN The title "Armeniacus" was conferred upon Verus in 163 after he quelled an uprising by the Parthian king Vologases III. The following year Verius married the daughter of his imperial colleague; i.e. Annia Aurelis Galeria Lucilla. LUCILLA Two concomitant groups (164-169) by obverse inscription: GROUP 1 LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F GROUP 2 LVCILLA AVGVSTA Lucilla 164-169 (Group 1) BMCRE 306 denarius of Rome Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F Concordia draped, seated L on low seat, holding out a patera in her R hand, and resting her left arm on a statuette of Spes standing on low base. (no cornucopiae). CON CO RDIA Lucilla 164-169 (Group 1) BMCRE 310 Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F Diana, draped, stg r., holding lighted torch transverse upwards to left, in both hands DIANA LVCIFERA Lucilla 164-169 (Group 1) BMCRE 329 denarius of Rome Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F VOTA / PUBLI / CA in wreath GROUP 2 Lucilla 164-169 (Group 2) BMCRE 349 denarius of Rome Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon LVCILLA AVGVSTA Pudicitia, veiled, draped, seated left on low seat, R hand across breast on L arm, L hand on seat PUDI CITIA Though from the same series, the obverse modelling of these two coins is remarkably different. Lucilla 164-169 (Group 2) BMCRE 349 denarius of Rome Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon LVCILLA AVGVSTA Pudicitia, veiled, draped, seated left on low seat, R hand across breast on L arm, L hand on seat PUDI CITIA

Yep. If I show it, it's in my collection [for now]. The photos are made to order by me. I see that as part of the game. So if I show something and you want to see a closeup, just let me know the what and the where of it. Thanks for asking.

I originally intended to do Faustina in a single blend, but it is getting bogged down, so let me put up the lifetime issues I intended to show and discuss, and come back for the rest later. [Note: In the Bristish Museum Catalog, the coins of Faustina are listed among the issues of Antoninus Pius. That is the pattern I intend to follow.] Faustina was elevated when her husband Antoninus came to full imperial authority upon the death of Hadrian in July 138 AD. Coinage in her honor began immediately, and persisted despite the fact of her death in 140 or 141. Among a number of other honors, Antoninus continued coinage for her until his death in 161. The "lifetime" issues for Faustina can be divided into three groups based on obverse inscription. We will consider examples of those first. FAVSTINA AVG - ANTONINI AVG - 138 AD FAVSTINA AVG - ANTONINI AVG PP -139 AD FAVSTINA AVGVSTA -139-140 AD Faustina 1st lifetime issue 138 AD BMCRE 37 under Antoninus Pius denarius of Rome Bust of Faustina to R, draped, with hair elaborately coiffed culminating in a coil of braids on top (clockwise from LL) FAVSTINA AVG - ANTONINI AVG Vesta, veiled, draped, seated to L on throne, holding palladium in outstretched R hand, cradles long scepter in L hand In left field: VE S in right field: TA Faustina 2nd lifetime issue 139 AD BMCRE 40 under Antoninus Pius denarius of Rome Bust of Faustina to R, draped, with hair elaborately coiffed culminating in a coil of braids on top (clockwise from LL) FAVSTINA AVG - ANTONINI AVG PP The 2nd issue obverse inscription adds PP to the earlier inscription above. Concordia draped, seated L holding out a patera in her R hand, and resting her left arm on a statuette of Spes standing on low base. CONCORDIA AVG In the normal full version of this type a cornucopiae appears beneath her seat, but that is lacking in this version of the type. A note on the purchase tag indicates that Curtis Clay (of Harlan Berk Galleries) regards it as an authentic variant. Faustina 3rd lifetime issue 139-140 (Next three below) (drops mention of Antoninus) BMCRE 136 under Antoninus Pius denarius of Rome 3.28g Bust of Faustina to R, draped, with hair elaborately coiffed culminating in a coil of braids on top up left: FAVSTINA down right: AVGVSTA Juno, veiled, stg L holding patera in extended R hand, staff in L; peacock standing at feet to left, with head turned back IVNONI REGINAE This reverse reminds us that while the peacock is a vehicle of apotheosis, in Faustina's lifetime issues, it is the association with Juno that receives primary attention. BMCRE 139 under Antoninus Pius denarius of Rome 3.31g Bust of Faustina to R, draped, with hair elaborately coiffed culminating in a coil of braids on top FAVSTINA AVGVSTA Throne ornamented and draped, in front and below stands a peacock to R in full display; behind throne transverse scepter ascending to R. IVNONI REGINAE BMCRE 145 under Antoninus Pius denarius of Rome 3.29g Bust of Faustina to R, draped, with hair elaborately coiffed culminating in a coil of braids on top FAVSTINA AVGVSTA Throne ornamented and draped, on which stands a peacock in full display; behind throne transverse scepter ascending to R. IVNONI REGINAE I intended to show parallel examples of this throne and peacock imagery among the posthumous issues to show how the image is adapted. Next time.

When I strip out the mundane deity reverse types, held by some in such low esteem, I am left with a small handful for the final days of Antoninus Pius. These have some of the more interesting reverses, but two of them may be thought of as transitional to his successor. Tomorrow I will put up a group for his wife, Faustina I. From a series of 33 design combos based on variant inscripted regnal titles for Antoninus and Aurelius all featuring a bust of Antoninus on the obverse and a bust of Aurelius on the reverse Whole series ran from 139-144 AD Antoninus Pius 140-144 (COS III) BMCRE 149 denarius of Rome 3.39g Bare head R. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS - PP TR P COSIII Bare-headed bust L, draped AVRELIUS CAES - AVG PII F COS The head of Aurelius on this coin is much larger than the normal left facing head for silver. This is the size of the head on the aurei. Antoninus Pius 140-144 (COS III) BMCRE 155 denarius of Rome 3.11g Laureate head R ANTONINVS AVG PI - VS PP TR P COS III 140-144 Bare-headed bust L AVRELIUS CAESAR AVG PII F COS Posthumous issues These were issued c.141 under joint reign of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Antoninus Pius c141 BMCRE 48 (M&L) denarius of Rome Bare head R DIVVS - ANTONINVS Eagle standing to R, head turned to L, on low garlanded base (altar?) CONSECRATIO Antoninus Pius c141 BMCRE 58 (M&L) denarius of Rome Bare head R DIVVS ANTONINVS (no break) Pyre in four tiers, decorated with garlands and statues; on tiop quadriga facing, on 2nd tier, a door CONSECRATIO

I second that!!!

As mentioned above, for part two I want to devote some attention to Sabina, the faithful wife of Hadrian, who predeceased him by about 2-3 years. He honored her memory in coinage. In view of the major changes in hair style observed for her, I thought it would be nice to show something of the variation on the two common themes. Vibia Sabina was the daughter of Matidia (Trajan's niece, see earlier post) and by the interest and efforts of Plotina was arranged to marry Hadrian, the adopted son of Trajan. She never bore children with Hadrian, and by most accounts their marriage was a strong but not particularly happy one. Nonetheless, she remained married to Hadrian until her death about a year or so before that of Hadrian himself, and he arranged for her to be honored posthumously in the coinage among other things. Images from life: BMCRE 895 Group III (by obverse inscription) 2.91g Sabina draped, right facing bust, plait of hair behind, wearing wreath band with corn ears front. SABINA AVGVSTA - HADRIANI AVG PP Concordia, draped, seated L on throne (cornucopiae below), holding patera in extended R hand, resting L arm on statuette of Spes set on low base CONCOR - DIA AVG (The blue "accretion" in the left side lettering is an optical effect I had not noticed in the shooting. There is no physical substance there. The coin shows a lot of iridescent toning overall, but that is a story for another time.) BMCRE902 design same as preceding but obverse bust faces left. 3.20g Sabina draped, left facing bust, plait of hair behind, wearing wreath band without corn ears front. SABINA AVGVS - TA. HADRIANI AVG [P]P Concordia, draped, beaded headpiece, seated L on throne (cornucopiae below), holding patera in extended R hand, resting L arm on statuette of Spes set on low base CONCOR - DIA AVG Sabina bust type "c" BMCRE 914 denarius of Rome (BMC Group III) 3.16g bust type "c": right facing bust of Sabina draped, no plait, hair coiled in braids and piled on top of head above triple stephane. (ala Matidia) SABINA AVGVSTA - HADRIANI AVG[P.P.] Vesta seated to L on throne, holding palladium in R hand, and scepter in L; four humanoid figures below seat of throne. In exergue: S C Sabina bust type "e" BMCRE 929* GROUP IV 3.21g bust type "e": left facing bust of Sabina draped, no plait, hair coiled and piled on top of head above triple stephane. SABINA AVGVST[A] Concordia , draped, standing L, holding patera in extended r. hand and double cornucopia in L. [Missing column.] CONCO[R DI]A AVG *The obverse type on this coin is an unlisted variant, consisting of a left facing bust mentioned in the BMCRE footnotes for this type (p. 358). As a variant, the missing final letter in the obverse inscription is uncertain. Posthumous DIVA issues Sabina (posthumous) 138-139? BMCRE 961 3.45g Sabina veiled, draped, to r.; plait of hair (with a knob) behind, wearing wreath of corn ears. DIVA.AVG SABINA Two double section doors on altar. PIE (left) TATI (right) below: AVG Struck after her death. Sabina (posthumous) 138-139? BMCRE 962 3.07g Sabina veiled, draped, plait of hair behind (no knob), wearing wreath of corn ears. DIVA.AVG SABINA Two single section doors on altar. PIE (left) TATI (right) below: AVG Struck after her death. Sabina (posthumous) 138-139? BMCRE 963 Sabina, draped r., no plait behind, instead hair coiled and piled on top above stephane (ala Matidia) DIVA AVG SABINA Two double section doors on altar. PIE (left) TATI (right) below: AVG Struck after her death.

I think you've done a pretty good job of depicting the typical attitude of the non-collecting post-modern public toward the coins we study. That said, it's probably best if we let the non-collectors see them their way, and we see them as collectors and students of the material. So when we see that they had five or six different deities being honored on what are essentially the same reverse types, it seems best to turn off the intuition and turn on our analytical thinking skills to figure out what it all means. What is the message sent by the choice of the half dozen deities appearing on these coins to have been selected out of the dozens of candidates to be used in this way? How might it have been different if they had known going in that the honoree would be dead within two years (he had tuberculosis)? Given that Hadrian had made human sacrifices from among his family to keep this appointee, could those choices have had something to do with stabilizing the public perception of the Imperial high office? What is your numismatic assessment? In matters of science intuition raises questions, but linear thinking pursues answers.

I hope it will not be taken amiss, but I have to split my post for Hadrian into two parts. Part 1 will look at some interesting (I think) denarii for Hadrian (and an associate). For part two I am planning a bit of a style show for his wife Sabina. I will post that tomorrow a.m. Hadrian was elevated to the imperial throne in 117 AD and issued coins for his first two consulships. All the coins I will show for Hadrian's imperial denarii are from the extensive coinage of his third consulship; i.e. the COS III coinage from 119-138 AD. The many types can be clustered by the form of the obverse inscriptions. Here I merely sample a bit. Hadrian 124-128 BMCRE 460 denarius of Rome 3.21g Laureate, bust to r. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS Star in Crescent, globe below left: COS (up) right: III (down) Hadrian 124-128 BMCRE 463 denarius of Rome 3.43g Laureate, beardless bust to r. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS 7 stars in crescent left: COS (up) right: III The proliferation of types at this next point in his reign Mattingly attributes to Hadrian's return to Rome following his extended tour of the empire. Hadrian 134-138 BMCRE 621 denarius of Rome 3.67g Laureate bust to r. left: HADRIANVS (ascending) right: AVG COSIII PP (descending) Galley w/ Pilot under arch of stern, and rowers, headed to r above: FELICITATI below: AVGVSTI The treatment of the obverse legends dates this coin to the period 134-138 The next two coins Mattingly classes as "Province types" Hadrian 134-138 BMCRE 797 denarius of Rome 3.21g Laureate bust to r. left: HADRIANVS (ascending) right: AVG COSIII PP (descending) This beardless rendering (due to wear?) is an unusual portrait for Hadrian. Aegyptos reclining, holds sistrum above in R hand, leans on basket with L arm; ibis stands at her feet at L, above: AEGYPTOS Hadrian 134-138 BMCRE 846 denarius of Rome 3.23g Laureate bust to r. left: HADRIANVS (ascending) right: AVG COSIII PP (descending) Hispania draped, reclining L, holding up olive branch in r hand; resting L arm on rock at her feet L a rabbit above: HISPANIA This next coin Mattingly classes as a "RESTITVTOR" type Hadrian 134-138 BMCRE 883 reverse as 886 but obverse bust to r. denarius of Rome 3.09g Laureate bust to r. left: HADRIANVS (ascending) right: AVG COSIII PP (descending) Hadrian bare headed,togate, standing left extending R hand to Hispania holding branch close on left. (no rabbit) RESTITVTO - RI HI SPANI - AI Succession Lucius Ceionius Commodus was adopted by Hadrian in 136 as his heir apparent, and renamed Lucius Aelius Verus "Ceasar." That same year, Hadrian ordered the deaths of two members of his extended houshold who would have been presumptive heirs. Within two years, however, Lucius died of tuberculosis. Lesson learned, within a month of that death, Hadrian adopted Antoninus Pius as heir apparent, insisting however, that Antoninus must adopt two successors, one of whom was to be the son of Aelius, i.e. Lucius Verus. (Note the consulship numbering is that of Aelius.) Lucius Aelius 137 AD BMCRE 971 denarius of Rome bust r ascending r: L. AELIVS descending l: CAESAR Fortuna Spes standing front, head L holding flower in R hand, cornucopiae rudder in L. left: TRPO T (ascending) right:COSII (descending) While the inscriptions have the same content for this coin and the next, the devil is in the details. More obvious are the differences in the central figure on the reverse. These are but two of the six different figures adorning the reverses of these rare coins. Lucius Aelius 137 AD BMCRE 972 denarius of Rome bust r. L AELIVS CAESAR Pietas veiled, draped, standing L dropping incense from R hand over altar L and holding box? with lid raised in L left: TRPOT (ascending) right:COSII (descending)

Welcome back, I hope it was a pleasant trip. Your showing of Trajan is a very strong group. Nice stuff.

To one who does not spend much time among the "Adoptive emperors" some rather surprising pieces have been shown here. Most impressive. Until I understood the "why" of it, I must confess that attributing the coins of Trajan proved every bit as challenging as those of Domitian. But there is a key to the chronology. Harold Mattingly arranged the coins for the British Museum catalog of the coins of Trajan. In that he tells us the basis for his chronology: "The foundation of our dating is the consulships of Trajan, which, fortunately for us, are mentioned on almost all his coins. Trajan had held his first consulship before his adoption by Nerva. " He was COS II in 98 AD, COS III in 100, COS IV in 101, COS V in 103, COS VI in 112. Within the consulships they are sometimes divided into groups based on the typology and legends used. Here are a half dozen examples, selected for the range of their typology. Trajan 98-99 AD BMCRE 25 denarius of Rome 2.50g Laureate head r. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM Vesta, not veiled, draped, seated L on seat without back, holds patera in extended R hand, and torch sloping upward in L PM TRP COS.II.P.P Trajan 101-102 BMCRE 115 denarius of Rome 3.05g Laureate, head r IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM Victory, naked to waist, standg front and head to L; holding up wreath in R hand and palm, sloping up, in L. PM TRP COS IIII PP Trajan 103-111 Group IV BMCRE 173 denarius of Rome 3.25g Laureate, head r with slight drapery on far shoulder front (BMCRE type b) IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM [TR.P COS V PP] (Cohen type K) Annona, draped, wearing wreath of corn ears, standing L holding corn ears in R hand downward over modius from which corn ears protrude, and in L hand holds cornucopiae; below to R, prow of a ship. SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI (clockwise from lower left) Trajan 103-112 Group V BMCRE 306 denarius of Rome 2.68g Laureate, head r with slight drapery on far shoulder front (BMCRE type b) IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP Fortuna, draped, standing L, holding rudder in front of forepart of ship in R hand and cornucopiae in L COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINC Trajan 112-117 Group V BMCRE 599 denarius of Rome 3.36g bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, r. (obverse type b) IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC PARTHICO Pax draped, standing L holding up branch in R hand and cornucopiae in L PM TRP C OS VI PP S P Q R Trajan 112-117 Group VI BMCRE 626 denarius of Rome 3.25g bust of Trajan, laureate, draped, r. (obverse type d) IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC Felicitas, draped stg L holding cad PARTHICO PM TRP COS VI PP SPQR Let us not forget the ladies in Trajan's life. Unfortunately I cannot show you his wife, Plotina, but I can show you his sister and his niece. Of the latter, her greater significance is revealed during the reign of Trajan's successor to the Imperial throne. Marciana 113 AD late sister of Trajan BMCRE T654 Denarius of Rome 3.24g. draped bust right (elaborate hair arrangement) DIVA AVGVSTA - MARCIANA Carpentum drawn by two mules; top ornamented with fleurettes, the side with two wreaths CONSECRATIO Matidia AD 115-117 (or later) Daughter of Marciana; mother-in-law to Hadrian BMCRE T661 Denarius of Rome 3.12g. draped bust right (elaborate hair arrangement) MATIDIA AVG DIVAE - MARCIANAE F Matidia as Pietas standing holding hands with Sabina and Matidia Minor left: PIETAS [up] right: AVGVST [down]

I knew that my coins of Nerva were few, (only turned up two this time around) and then found out that one of those which was sold as a coin of Nerva actually belongs to Trajan. So, for the time being, here is my one and only for Nerva - and as you will see, even it is questionable!! 96 AD Nerva 96 AD BMCRE (ref Cohen 76) denarius of Rome 3.27g Laureate head to right IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II PP Fortuna seated left, holding 2 ears of wheat (in R) and scepter (in L) left: FORTVNA [ascending) right: PR (descending) BMCRE only lists an aureus with this combination of obverse inscription and reverse type, but references Cohen and notes that a denarius of this type had been donated to the Museum in 1823 by King George III. In his discussion of the type (pp. xxxvii-xxxviii) Mattingly makes no mention of the decision not to give its occurrence on silver a listing. Nonetheless, due to the aureus no doubt, it is foot-noted among the coins of the first issue in 96 AD.

I must confess that attributing the coins of Domitian proved a bit more challenging than I was expecting. Some were minted while Vespasian was still alive, some were minted after his death but under the Imperial authority of Titus, and some were minted after Domitian was elevated to the throne. I have shown examples of all three stages. Some of the types have been shown by others, but I wanted to include them as part of the progressive story. ISSUED AS CAESAR under Vespasian 76-80 AD Domitian 76 AD (issued under Vespasian) BMCRE denarius of Rome 3.43g Laureate head to right CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS Pegasus with wings erect, to r. COS IIII The series of PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS IS COMPARATIVELY EXTENSIVE. SOME SAMPLES: Domitian 79 AD (issued under Vespasian) BMCRE V265 denarius of Rome 3.27g Laureate head to right CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS [VI-] The bar above the V in VI and again at end is consistent. Reverse: Salus , draped standing r. leaning on column, holds snake (across her body) in right hand feeds it from a patera in her left hand. PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS Domitian 79 AD (issued under Vespasian) BMCRE 269 denarius of Rome 3.46g Laureate head to right CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI [ligate] Clasped hands holding legionary eagle set on prow PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS This elaborate image represents the "Concordia Militum" i.e. the harmony of the troops, navy as well as army. Based on a passage from Suetonius (Domitian 2) Mattingly insists that this type was struck after the death of Vespasian ("patre defuncto") Domitian 80 AD (issued under Vespasian) BMCRE * (betw 266 and 267) denarius of Rome 3.45g Laureate head to right CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII. Goat left within a laurel wreath PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS This is the goat Amalthea, the foster-nurse of the infant Jupiter. This arch type is probably meant to be emblematic of the emperor to be. ISSUED under Titus - 80 AD Domitian 80 AD (issued under Titus) BMCRE T98 denarius of Rome 3.49g Laureate head to right CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII. Square seat draped with cloth hanging in folds with tassels, crested corinthian helmet atop PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS Mattingly suggests that the helmet may be a "pulvinar" of Minerva. In the religion of ancient Rome, a pulvinar was an empty throne, a cushioned couch for occupation by a deity. ISSUED AS AUGUSTUS - 81-84 AD Domitian 81-84 BMCRE 22 denarius of Rome 3.44g Laureate head to right IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM (retrograde from LR) Tripod with fillets streaming out L and R, -lebes; above, dolphin to r. At left: COS VII (read up; bar above VI) - at right: DES VIII PP (read down) Domitian 92-93 AD BMCRE denarius of Rome 3.22g Laureate head to right IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TRP XII Minerva, helmeted, draped, bearing shield and javelin fighting r. on prow (type 2) IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P The figure of Minerva fighting while standing on the prow of a ship is the second type of the same "Minerva" battle scene used frequently as a motif in the coinage of Domitian.

I have found the listings for Titus to be more than a little challenging. Some of his coins were minted during the administration of his father, Vespasian, and are grouped separately from similarly dated material listed for Titus himself. In addition to the regular listings, there is a significant listing for hybrid material, an example of which is shown here as well. 78-79 AD - issued under Vespasian Titus undated inscriptions (cf Vespasian 78-79 AD) BMCRE (Vesp)321 Denarius Rome 3.51g Laureate head to right T CAESAR VESPASIANVS Ceres standing facing, extends R hand with _; holds scepter in L CE - RES - AVGVST 79 AD - issued by Titus Titus 79 AD BMCRE 35 denarius Rome 3.47g Laureate head to right IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM Capricorn, globe below TRP XIII COS VII This is the same Capricorn reverse type that was issued by Vespasian, but here it appears by the authority of Titus himself. 80 AD Titus 80 AD BMCRE 62 Rome 3.28g Laureate head to right IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM. both sides with beaded border around Square seat, draped with cloth, triangular frame above with palmette in center and four angled bars right and left. TRP IX IMP XV COS VIII PP Undated Hybrid Titus ?? AD BMCRE (p. 249) Plated hybrid #1 var 3.22g Laureate head to right IMP CAES VES-P AVG PM This obverse inscription is nowhere attested for Titus. The style of engraving is very much like normal mint products. The reverse emulates one by Vespasian: Simpulum, sprinkler, jug, lituus AVGVR (above) TRI POT (below) The slight discoloration at the reverse base results from a trace deposit of silver plate over the base metal core (which is more brass than bronze). Apart from this the somewhat light weight is the only other tell for a hybrid, and it is not far from the weight of the coin just above here. See also above for weight of the same type under Vespasian.

I'm coming late to the party for Vespasian but will transition to the coins of Titus for my next post by including a crossover piece this time; i.e. a coin issued by Titus for his father. As for the father, I tried to find a few types that were not run of the mill. 71 AD Another example of this type was shown earlier, but this one has so much detail I wanted to include it. Vespasian 71 AD BMCRE 453 denarius of Ephesus 3.38g Laureate bust to r. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COSIII TRP PP CONCORDIA - AVG Ceres draped, veiled std l in throne, foot on stool, with two grain ears and poppy in R hand and cornucopiae in L. In exergue: E(PH)E (ligate) Vespasian (obv 69 AD from most mints) but here dated by reverse to c.72. BMCRE * (RIC 102) denarius of Rome(?) w/o S.C. 3.33g Laureate head to r. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG Despite the clear inscription, to my eye this emperor looks more like Titus than his father. The chronology for this coin is not clear to me. This obverse formula dates the coin to about 69 from most mints, but this reverse is an irregular pairing with the obverse and noted but not formally listed in BMCRE. Winged caduceus (serpent heads atop) PON MAX TRP COS VII[ligate] The winged caduceus was a symbol of prosperity. Vespasian 72-73 AD BMCRE 64 denarius of Rome 2.73g Laureate head to r. IMP CAES VESP AVG PM COS III Simpulum, sprinkler, jug, lituus AVGVR (above) TRIPOT (below) Emblems of priestly office (of the emperor cult). Memorial issue under Titus Vespasian (posthumous under Titus) 80-81 AD BMCRE 119 denarius 3.44g Laureate head to r. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS Slow quadriga l, with "car" in form of small temple; atop on roof: wreath-bearing victories, pediment, angle legs; beneath on sides, two standing figures (beyond horse) In exergue: EXSC

These days, if it doesn't have a provenience (I did not see anything of that in the description) you might want to steer clear of getting something like this. Even if it's authentic, as the demand for provenience increases, your ability to sell unprovenienced artifacts will decrease, while the probability that you could have it seized increases. Just sayin'.

A Gallic revolt followed by three emperors in one year; how revolting. Actually, at least the first two of these three honored in coinage really wanted to be effective rulers for the Citizens of Rome. But one died in mid January shortly after he began his reign, and one sacrificed himself for the good of the nation as he saw it. The third eventually had it in mind to abdicate in the face of a prevailing Vespasian, but the latter would have none of it. Here then are my examples of the coins of the emperors of 69 AD: SERVIUS SULPICIUS GALBA (JUNE 68 - JAN 15, 69) Galba (68-69) BMCRE 5 Denarius minted at Rome 3.58g Head of Galba laureate, r (bot L around to R) IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG Livia draped stg facing left, holds patera in R hand, and Long scepter in L hand. DIVA (left: up) AVGUSTA (right: down) Claudius had divinized his mother, so her figure on this coin with the patera has divine character. According to Suetonius Livia had assisted Galba in his youthful career. Coming out of Spain, Galba was allied with Vindex in April of 69. No coins issued from Rome for him until he was recognized as emperor after Nero's suicide in June of 69. This coin is one of the early types. MARCUS SALVIUS OTHO (JAN 15-APRIL 16, 69) Otho (91 days in 69 AD.) BMCRE 9 denarius of Rome 3.25g Head of Otho, bare to r. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TRP Despite the early listing for this coin in BMCRE, this obverse inscription is the later of the two on his denarii, but appears in similar style to the latest of Nero. It is the only inscription associated with the PONT MAX reverses. Of Otho's appearance, Mattingly reports a comment from Suetonius: "He was as neat as a woman... he wore a close-fitting wig. Reverse: Ceres, draped, standing l, holding two corn ears in R hand (effaced), and cornucopiae in L. at L: PONT (ascending) at R: MAX (descending) Otho had some interesting and lively reverses; unfortunately, this is not one of them. Invoking the goddess of plenty in harvest was doubtless a prayer for the populace caught up in the political upheaval of the time. Marcus Otho (91 days in 69 AD.) BMCRE 18 denarius of Rome 3.52g Bare head facing r. (presumably wearing a hairpiece) IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TRP Marcus Otho ruled for three months from the death of Galba, January 15, 69 AD, until his suicide April 16 of that same year to prevent a full out civil war from unsettling the land. His 91-day reign would be the shortest until that of Pertinax, whose reign lasted 87 days in 193 AD during the Year of the Five Emperors. Of Otho's appearance, Mattingly reports a comment from Suetonius: "He was as neat as a woman... he wore a close-fitting wig. Securitas, draped, stg L, holding wreath in R hand and scepter in L. SECV-RI-TAS PR Nero had introduced the idea of "Securitas" in conjunction with his deliverance from Piso. The rebels from Gaul and Spain had taken it up but applied the notion to the people of Rome, not the emperor. Otho kept to that thought, but on his coinage Securitas stands, holding the scepter for dignity, and a wreath for joy. AULUS VITELLIUS (APRIL 16 - DECEMBER 20, 69) Vitellius BMCRE 34 denarius of Rome 2.75g laureate head of emperor to r. (clockwise from bottom) A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P This inscription is characteristic of the second issue of Vitellius from about the beginning of May, 69AD. Reverse: Vesta, veiled, draped, seated r on throne holding patera in R. and scepter in L left: PONT (up) right: MAXIM (down) The worship of Vesta was closely associated with the role of the emperor as Pontifex Maximus, to which Vitellius was elected on July 18. Aulus Vitellius BMCRE 39 denarius of Rome 3.22g Bare headed bust to r. [A V]ITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TRP A man known for his gluttony, ala Suetonius, by comparison to other coins, this particular portrait is unusually sympathetic to his appearance. [I could not resist getting this coin when I saw that remarkable portait.] Tripod-lebes; above, dolphin r.; below, raven left: XV VIR (up) right: SACR FAC (down) The tripod-lebes is characterized by two round vertical handles and by three strut-supported legs. All were separately cast then riveted to the cauldron. This reverse image is suggestive of the worship of Apollo, and his association with the Syballine "college of 15" to which the emperor was regularly elected. Mattingly regarded it as "curious" that Vitellius would so highly treasure such an honor, and surmised it may have had something to do with the lavish banquets for which the college was famous.

Not sure why you would associate the crescent with the cult of Helios. I am more inclined to think of Luna and see the two sides of the coin as a sister/bother motif. There is ample precedent in Roman Republican coinage for this marking of Luna, so it should not be entirely surprising to find it in some provincial material. But I'm just going by appearances without references. Come to think of it, the brother/sister motif makes political/social sense as a way of letting Heliopolis express its admiration for the empress by casting her in a "sister" image.

Thanks for the suggestion and link, Coinmaster. I was not aware that Forum had this resource available. Joe has been busy. I have added some notes about these details to my earlier post.

Since the coins of Nero are so readily accessible, and his notoriety makes him so memorable, I suspect that there will be an outpouring of material for this thread. My few coins (and one suspected fake) do have some interesting reverse imagery which I hope will catch your eye a bit. Unfortunately I have nothing from the early part of his reign, showing him suave and svelte, but from 64 AD on he did have some interesting times. So I present, Nero of the thick neck: Nero Claudius Caesar (64-68) BMCRE 54; Minted at Rome 3.33g Laureate head right, with beard behind: NERO CAESAR (ascending) before: AVGVSTVS (descending) The heavy neck and jowl are characteristic of the later denarii (64 and later). Nero radiate, togate, stg. l holding patera in r hand, long scepter in left. Empress veiled and draped, on his right, standing left, holding patera in r hand and cornucopia in l. left: AVGVSTVS (ascending) right: AVGVSTA (descending) The appearance of a radiate crown on the figure of the Emperor owes most likely to an association with the sun as put forward by Dio "who tells us that rays, from no visible source, played on him as a baby." (Mattingly). There is some disagreement among the catalogers on the identification of the empress on this coin. Seaby (RSC) associates this figure with Messalina. Mattingly (BMCRE) acknowledges the plausibility that the scene may resemble the honors which had been bestowed on Nero and Messalina on a visit to Greece in 66, but regards the coins as dating too early for that association. He prefers to identify the "AVGVSTA" with the Imperial consort Poppea who died unnaturally just before the marriage to Messalina in 65. He would place this coin at the beginning of the range for the later undated coins. Nero Claudius Caesar (Mid-AD64 - 65) BMCRE 60 Minted at Rome Head of Nero, laureate with beard to right, behind: NERO (ascending) before: CAESAR (descending) Nero radiate, togate, stg facing (left leg slight bend) holding a branch in right hand (effaced here) to left, and Victory on globe in left hand (to right) at left: AVGVSTVS (ascending) at right: GERMANICVS (descending) Of the reverse type Mattingly has observed in BMCRE, "...the branch and the Victory on globe point definitely to the settlement of the Parthian question after Corbulo's successes late in 63 AD. Nero Claudius Caesar (Mid-AD64 - 65) BMCRE 74 Denarius minted at Rome Laureate head right, heavyset, with beard behind: NERO CAESAR (ascending) before: AVGVSTVS (descending) Jupiter bare to waist, seatd to L on thone, holding a thunderbolt in right hand and long scepter in left. left: IVPPITER right: CVSTOS Of this reverse type, Mattingly wrote in BMCRE: "Jupiter appears with his traditional attributes, sceptre and fulmen (thunderbolt). The name 'Custos' (Guardian) is significant. This dedication is undoubtedly due to the escape of Nero from acute personal danger through the discovery of the Conspiracy of Piso, April 65 AD. Tacitus tells us that Nero dedicated a dagger intended for use against him to Jupiter Vindex." UH, OH, here comes trouble!! Earlier in this thread I had mentioned acquiring a collection that had some suspicious coins of dubious authenticity. From that day to this I have had my doubts about this coin. The patina looks like it was artificially applied, and the bronze has more redness than I normally see in Roman bronzes. If anyone recognizes this particular type of fake, please blow the whistle on it here. ADDED 7/28: With thanks for the suggestion, let me add some details: No correspondence at Forum site. Description corresponds to BMCRE Nero 245 from Rome for the left facing obverse and reverse type, but is closer in reverse style to the coins from the mint at Lugdunum, late series type E #378-389, esp #388, but for which the obverse inscription has no match. The weight of this coin is 11.48g which is within a half gram of the weight given for BMCRE 245. If authentic best candidate is BMCRE Nero 245 from Rome.