Constantivs

Well I learned something today... but I think I will lay off on my bid this time... $80K starting bid ..lol

If you're willing to bid.. well here you go.. and here is the link ..and the very interesting write up:

https://www.biddr.com/auctions/nac/browse?a=3004&l=3384501

The below text from:

Uranius Antoninus, 253 – 254
Aureus, Emesa 253-254, AV 5.84 g. L IVL AVR SVLP VRA ANTONINVS Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. FE – CVND – ITAS AVG Fortuna standing l., holding rudder and cornucopia. C 3. RIC 3a. Baldus, Uranius Antoninus, 66 (this coin illustrated). Mazzini 3 (this coin). R. Delbrueck, Uranius at Emesa, NC 1948, p. 17, 8-9 (these dies). Calicó 3385 (these dies).
Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the finest
specimens known. A very interesting portrait perfectly struck in high relief.
Virtually as struck and almost Fdc

Ex NAC 2, 1990, 783 and Leu 93, 2005, Perfectionist, 95 sales. From the Mazzini collection and from the Homs hoard.
Uranius Antoninus, the hereditary priest of Aphrodite and the sun-god El-Gabal in Emesa, was hailed emperor in the midst of a Sasanian invasion of Roman territories. His extraordinary coinage includes imperial-style aurei (and very rare denarii struck from aureus dies) and three types of provincial-style coinage, and can be dated to 253/4 due to the fortunate use of a Seleucid Era date on a provincial bronze. All of his aurei bear Latin inscriptions, and since they do not display any imperial titles they are able to record (in abbreviated form) his full name, Lucius Julius Aurelius Sulpicius Uranius Antoninus. By contrast, his provincial coins have Greek inscriptions that bear the Greek versions of the titles imperator and Augustus, and generally provide him only with the name Sulpicius Antoninus. His aurei were struck at a heavy standard for the period – something between 55 and 60 per Roman pound. His contemporaries lagged far behind: Trebonianus Gallus (251-253) struck aurei at 1/90th of a pound, and even in their accession year of 253/254, when aurei of Valerian and Gallienus were struck at the heaviest standard of their reigns, they were only 1/70th of a pound. Since Uranius Antoninus' silver 'tetradrachms' are about 90 percent pure and weigh about eight grams they likely were valued at ten per aureus. The aurei bear an interesting array of reverse types, some distinctive and others which are borrowed from imperial coins that would have been found in circulation. Others, instead, refer to local religion and reflect the close link between Principi Sacerdotes of Emesa and the great local god Elagabal, or the Baal of Emesa.
Graded MS* Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5, NGC certification number 6556714-033

D = a 29mm Diocletian

http://augustuscoins.com/ed/
 

Not the easiest to navigate - but a great informational resource that is very enjoyable to peruse. 

22 hours ago, ambr0zie said:

I am not totally convinced the symbol above the first horse is a Q.

I am not referencing the “Q”.. just the dot above horse  #2. Seems to be on all examples no matter the die. Or Quaester..
 

On 10/1/2022 at 10:54 PM, DonnaML said:

Beautiful coins, @ambr0zie and @Constantivs. Here's my example:

 

Roman Republic, C. Annius T.f. T.n Luscus and L. Fabius L.f. Hispaniensis, AR Denarius, 82-81 BCE, minted in N. Italy (or Spain). Obv. Female bust right, unidentified [according to Crawford & Sear RCV] but possibly Anna Perenna [see BMCRR & RSC],* draped, wearing diadem, earring of three drops and necklace; hair rolled back and collected into a knot behind, and falling in one lock down the neck; before, scales; behind, winged caduceus; C•ANNI•T•F•T•N• - PRO•COS•EX•S•C around counter-clockwise from 4:00; below bust, control-letter R between two dots / Rev. Victory leaning forward in quadriga of galloping horses right, holding reins in left hand and palm-branch in extended right hand; horse on far right turns head back towards the other three horses; Q above horses; in exergue, [L]•FABI•L•F•HISP. 21 mm., 3.78 g., 4 h. Crawford 366/1b; BMCRR II Spain 13-18 var. [different control-letters]; RSC I Annia 2b & Fabia 17; Sear RCV I 289 (ill. p. 126), RBW Collection 1376 (ill. p. 283). Purchased from Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 98, 16 Jun 2022, Lot 1071; “from the collection of Z.P., Austria” (with old coin ticket in English on one side and in Italian on other side).**

 

*BMCRR II, at p. 353 n. 2 (continuation), identifies the obverse bust as “Anna Perenna, who according to Ovid [citations omitted] was the sister of Dido, and was worshipped in Italy in the character of a rustic deity. It may have been from her that the Annia gens claimed descent. The caduceus, the symbol of commerce, may refer to the corn-producing wealth of Spain, or even to Anna Perenna herself, of whom Ovid relates that when the people of Rome were in want of food she distributed cakes amongst the hungry multitude, who in gratitude erected a temple to her. The scales may have a monetary significance.” RSC I adopts the same identification. Crawford, however, states that “the identity of the deity who forms the obverse type is entirely uncertain.” Crawford I p. 386. Sear RCV I, at p. 126, also declines to identify the obverse figure.  [Second footnote omitted.]

**

I find it interesting that neither Crawford nor anyone else rejecting the Anna Perenna identification is willing to speculate about who else it might possibly be. Given that she wears a diadem, it must be some royal personage.

Separately, is anyone else aware of any other Roman Republican coins depicting quadrigas in which the fourth horse is shown turning its head back towards the other three? I don't know of any. Although I am reminded of the two triga coins, on both of which the third horse turns its head back towards the other two.

 

What about the "dot" above horse #2?   visible on all three examples shown on this thread..?

On 9/29/2022 at 12:17 PM, ambr0zie said:

Mine also has a banker's mark on the neck - but this does not obstruct the design too badly.

Yes I see that - its a wonderful coin. 

The "x" on the cheek of mine may not appeal to many but I love the placement.

Examples that maintain their style while showing signs of ancient use are extra special in my book.

There are style differences (as well as control marks) that differentiate our two excellent coins.

I am glad to see yours. 

Very nice example!

Here is mine .. with a couple of bankers marks..

I own quite a few sestertii ... but my buying has slowed down quite a bit .. so its a big event when I snag a big coin with meaning to me!!!

I am very happy!!

My latest acquisition .....

Lucius Verus, 161-169. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 31 mm, 27,76 g, ), Rome, 162. IMP CAES L AVREL VERVS AVG Bare head of Lucius Verus to right. Rev. CONCORD AVGVSTOR TR P II / COS II / S - C Marcus Aurelius, togate, on the left, and Lucius Verus, togate, on the right, standing facing each other and clasping their right hands, each holding a scroll in his left hand.

--

Concordia - meaning "concord" or "harmony" is the goddess who embodies marriage and society. She was associated with Pax (peace) and in the representation of a stable society.

Certainly an important message when you suddenly had two Augusti in the second century AD... unheard of!

However I am sure the memory of the previous civil wars were passed down and the idea of Concord was certainly popular with the people.

I believe that these coins displaying this particular message are very special and historically significant

I also own this lovely coin featuring a Marcus Aurelius obverse... and Lucius Verus displaying their Concord.

Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180
Æ Dupondius, 25mm, 10.7g, 12h; Rome, AD 161.
Obv.: IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG P M; Radiate bust right, slight drapery on shoulder.
Rev.: CONCORDIA AVGVSTOR TR P XV COS III, S C across fields; Marcus Aurelius standing right, holding scroll and clasping hands with Lucius Verus standing left, both togate.

 

 Please share any coins featuring Concordia or any coins of Lucius Verus or Marcus Aurelius...

Vespasian, 69 - 79 AD
AE Sestertius, Rome Mint, 32mm, 22.53 grams
Obverse: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VII, Laureate head of Vespasian left.
Reverse: PAX AVGVSTI S C, Pax standing left holding branch and cornucopia.

Titus AE As. AD 80. IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII, laureate head left / PAX AVGVST S-C, Pax standing left, holding branch and caduceus.

Domitian, 81 - 96 AD
AE Sestertius, Rome Mint, 35mm, 30.75 grams
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GER M COS XIII CENS PER P P, Laureate head of Domitian right.
Reverse: IOVI VICTORI S C, Jupiter seated left holding Victory and scepter.

13 hours ago, Prieure de Sion said:

Very nice Probus coins you have there. It seems to me that the Probus field of collecting is still a little underrepresented. Which can be good for a collector - if it is not so widespread.

Wide variety of wonderful types and quite inexpensive in good condition (until you go after rarities, etc). Probus coins are certainly an excellent collecting choice.

On 9/9/2022 at 10:07 PM, Finn235 said:

I've gotten so sick of people shouting at ancient newbies "Don't buy on ebay! Buy only from Vcoins / MA Shops!"

Honestly, I'd rather get burned spending $25 on a fake worth $0 than spent $500 on a $100 coin because I don't know the market.

Would be very nice if experienced collectors pointed newbies to reliable eBay sellers… sadly it never happens.

Wonderful coin in every way!

Here is my very inexpensive Constantius II... but I do like the detail. On this coin you will see the Leaf in between the two Victories... there are many different symbols featured between the two Victories on these issues..

Obv: CONSTANTIVS P F AVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius II. Rev: VICTORIAE DD AVGGQ NN - Two victories, facing each other, each holding wreath and palm; Leaf between, TRS in ex. (Trier mint).

I use Google Keep .. its a free program that saves to the cloud. Meaning I can access on my phone or laptop or whatever.

I also download a copy as a backup.

There is a search function - but I do really like the "tags" you can add as many as you like to each entry for quick look ups. They are listed on the left hand side.

You also see them in circled within each entry. For instance for this rough coin of Agrippa I can easily click on any of the Tags (Agrippa, As, Caligula, Neptune, Roman Empire) to see all coins in my collection with the assigned tag. 

Its very simple but I really like the interface and the flexibility.

From my experience you should do no more than the following:

-refinish the exterior

-change the drawer liners (if desired)

-change the hardware (only if desired.. not particularly needed.. but I am attracted to the ultra rare Chinese Eid Mar.. as you will see below😀 )

If you do more than this (make structural changes) - you may as well start from scratch as you will find yourself dealing with the limitations of the original cabinet... and wonder why you used something you did not like in the first place. In my opinion yours is a great cabinet that just needs some cosmetic clean up. But if you want something larger (for instance) or start messing with adding/altering drawers, etc  - this is not a great starting point.

While I am extremely happy with the finished product of my cabinet - my major mistake was to start with the old cabinet that I didn't like.

I eventually got it to where I wanted it.. but it was a painful process. I should have started from scratch.

Live and learn... and learn I did as I am no carpenter...

-----

Original cabinet I picked up cheap..

Cardboard????

The work started...

I've encountered the mildew/mold problem with used books a few times. Like you I layer the book in baking soda - getting it on every page possible.. tie this all up in a bag and place the bag in the freezer for a couple of weeks. Its worked for me.

Poor old Claudius....

Some may see these "weird" portraits as undesirable but many that fall outside the standard can be very interesting. Poor artists? In some cases maybe - in other cases the art may be a little experimental or reflect a unique interpretation during a shift in artistic styles? Who knows. I enjoy the variety.

Here are a couple of Licinius coins that stand out to me as a little weird....

Below is certainly my favorite… looks like a goldfish with a crazy beard. Its so bad that its awesome.

Please show some weird Romans - any coin you own with a portrait that is a bit unusual ... I would love to see them..

19 minutes ago, Paddy54 said:

I really liked the strike on this one... now to do the attribution. 

Sure... its a great coin..

Reign: As Caesar, A.D. 293-305.
Denomination: Æ Follis.  Diameter: 29 mm.
Weight: 9.34 grams. Mint: Cyzicus, c. A.D. 297-299.
Obverse: Laureate head right.
Reverse: Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia.
Reference: RIC 11a.

Some Wiki info:     

Constantius I (Marcus Flavius Valerius Constantius Herculius Augustus; 31 March c. 250 – 25 July 306), posthumously known after the sixth century as Constantius Chlorus (literally "Constantius the Green"), was a Roman Emperor. He ruled as Caesar from 293 to 305 and as Augustus from 305 to 306. He was the junior colleague of the Augustus Maximian under the Tetrarchy and succeeded him as senior co-emperor of the western part of the empire. Constantius ruled the West while Galerius was Augustus in the East. He was the father of Constantine the Great and founder of the Constantinian dynasty.

As Caesar, a junior emperor appointed by Diocletian, he defeated the usurper Allectus in Britain and campaigned extensively along the Rhine frontier, defeating the Alamanni and Franks. Upon becoming Augustus in May 305, Constantius launched a successful punitive campaign against the Picts beyond the Antonine Wall. However, Constantius died suddenly at Eboracum (York) in July the following year.

Constantius's death and the acclamation of his son as Augustus by his army in 306 sparked civil wars ending in the collapse of the tetrarchic system of government inaugurated in 293 by Diocletian and the eventual resumption of dynastic rule over the whole empire by Constantine and his sons after the defeat of his co-emperor Licinius in 325.

1980.... ouch... but still great,,

Recent pick up.... a very interesting type that has some nice detail..

Ionia, Smyrna, c. 75-50 BC. Æ (22mm, 6.94g, 12h). Pasikrates, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo r. R/ Homer seated l., holding scroll; two monograms to l

Here's his father Constantine The Great (large follis 29mm) and Grandfather Constantius I (large follis 29mm) ... just don't elongate it and you'll be fine 😀

1 hour ago, Paddy54 said:

Keep editing all you want... as all your post as written have been reported to the powers being ! 

What does this actually mean? You went and complained to Mommy? 

I wrote something about make-believe coins and how they're kind of a joke.. thought better of it and edited my post to say "whatever makes you happy". What rule have I broken?

Not run it by you to make sure its OK?? Get a life

Whatever makes you happy... pretend coins are not my thing. But again.. if its your thing - enjoy yourself!