Ursus

Second-tier favorites: Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, BI antoninianus, 260–261 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: VICTORIA AVG; Victory running l., holding wreath in r. hand and palm against l. shoulder in l. hand, kicking bound and std. captive to l., with r. foot. 21mm, 3.76g. Ref: Mairat 19/106; RIC V Postumus 89. Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 261 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: P M TR P COS II P P; emperor helmeted, standing l., holding globe in r. hand and long spear (points up) in l. hand. 24.5mm, 2.94g. Ref: Mairat 108/109; RIC V Postumus 54. Postumus, Gallic-Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 262–263 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: HERC PACIFERO; Hercules, standing l., holding olive-branch, club, and lion's skin. 22mm, 2.74g. Ref: Mairat 248–250; RIC V Postumus 67. Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 263 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: P M TR P IIII COS III P P; Mars, walking r., holding spear in r. hand and trophy in l. hand. 21mm, 2.84g. Ref: Mairat 255; RIC V Postumus 57. Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 266–7 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: DIANAE LVCIFERAE; Diana walking r., quiver in the back, holding long-handled lighted torch in both hands. 20mm, 2.77g. Ref: Mairat 334. Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 266–7 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: SALVS AVG; Aesculapius stg. r., head l., with r. hand leaning on serpent-staff which rests on the ground; at feet, r., globe.. 21mm, 3.12g. Ref: Mairat 348. Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 266–267 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, Rev: SAECVLI FELICITAS; Postumus, draped, cuirassed, standing r., holding spear in r. hand and globe in l. hand. 21mm, 4.31g. Ref: Mairat 365; RIC V Postumus 83/325. Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 268–269 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: PAX AVG; Pax standing l., holding olive-branch and transverse sceptre; in field l., P. 21mm, 3.97g. Mairat 466–7; RIC V Postumus 318.

With Postumus, I have a problem. His antoniniani are, together with Severan denarii, probably my main Roman collecting field. Many people would say that I have too many coins of Postumus... Therefore, I will start with showing my first-tier favorites today, but reserve the right to show some second-tier favorites tomorrow, should I find the time. First, here is a coin with an early Postumus portrait. it shows Rhenus, the personification of the river Rhine and, by extension, the Rhine frontier of the Roman Empire on the reverse: Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, mid–end 260 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS. P. F. AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: SALVS PROVINCIARVM; river god reclining l., head horned, r. hand resting on knee, and holding pitcher and anchor in l. hand; to rear, l., forepart of boat. 23mm, 3.15g. Ref: Mairat 14; RIC V Postumus 87. Hercules Deusoniensis might refer either to a local Romano-Germanic hybrid deity and/or to a local cult of Hercules that Postumus championed: Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 261 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: HERC DEVSONIENSI; Hercules stg. r., with r. hand leaning on club, and holding bow in l. hand and lion’s skin over I. arm. 24 mm, 3.44g. Ref: Mairat 100; RIC V Postumus 64. This reverse is unique to Postumus. In Graeco-Roman mythology, Minerva supported Hercules, the hero Postumus apparently worshipped and even identified with on a couple of other coins. This probably explains the reverse type and teh legend "Minerva fautrix" (Minerva the helper). Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 262–263 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: MINER FAVTR; Minerva running l., holding branch in r. hand and long transverse spear (points up) and shield in I. hand. Mairat 235; RIC V Postumus 74. 22mm, 3.08g. The Neptune reverse is probably a nod to the troops of the Rhine fleet: Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 262–263 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: NEPTUNO REDUCI; Neptune stg. l., holding small dolphin in r. hand and vertical trident in l. hand, at feet, to l., prow of ship. 23 mm, 3.64g. Ref: Mairat 243; RIC V Postumus 76. Why do we see an Egyptian deity on a coin minted in what today is Germany? A probably explanation are soldiers from the eastern provinces serving in Postumus troops, especially in the fleet. Postumus, Gallic Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 266–267 AD, Trier mint. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: SERAPI COMITI; Serapis standing l., raising arm and holding sceptre. 20mm, 3.52g. Mairat 364, RIC V Postumus 329.

Nice new Macedonian shield and an entertaining write-up on the Metelli! I collect coins of the Metelli mainly because of the cute little elephants on their denarii: Roman Republic, moneyer: Q. Caecilius Metellus Balearicus, AR denarius, 130 BC, Rome mint. Obv: Q·METE (ligated); head of Roma, helmeted, r.; before, crossed X. Rev: ROMA; Jupiter in quadriga, r., holding reins and thunderbolt in l. hand and branch in r. hand. 20mm, 3.87g. RRC 256/1. Ex Peus, Lagerliste 26, lot 99 (1973); ex Hommel collection; ex Kölner Münzkabinett. Roman Republic, moneyer: presumably L. Caecilius Metellus Diadematus, or L. Caecilius Metellus Delmaticus, AR denarius, 128 BC, Rome mint. Obv: head of Roma r., helmeted; behind, crossed X. Rev: [ROMA]; goddess (Pax or Juno Regina) in biga r., holding sceptre and reins in l. hand and branch in r. hand; below, elephant’s head with bell attached. 17mm, 3.88g. Ref: RRC 262/1. Ex Artemide, e-live auction 17, lot 251. Roman Republic, moneyer: M. Caecilius Metellus, AR denarius, 127 BC, Rome mint. Obv: ROMA; head of Roma, helmeted, r.; before, X. Rev: M·METELLVS·Q·F; Macedonian shield decorated with elephant's head. 18mm, 3.83g. RRC 263/1a. Ex Hommel collection, ex Kölner Münzkabinett. Roman Republic, imperatorial issue of Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius, AR denarius, 81 BC, Northern Italian mint. Obv: diademed head of Pietas r.; to r., stork standing r. Rev: Q C M P I; elephant standing l., wearing bell around neck. 17mm, 3.55g. Ref: RRC 374/1. Ex JB collection; ex AMCC 2, lot 105. Roman Republic, imperatorial issue of Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius, AR denarius, 81 BC, Northern Italian mint. Obv: diademed head of Pietas r.; to r., stork standing r. Rev: IMPER; jug and lituus; in laurel wreath. Ref: RRC 374/2. 19mm, 3.90g. Ex Artemide, e-auction 12, lot 271.

It is not. Apart from stylistic differences, the legend on the Apollo denarius from Alexandria should read "MP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG", see here: http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.ss.345 . Your coin, though some letters are quite worn, clearly reads "L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP IIII." It is thus RIC IV 40 from Rome, see here: http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.ss.40.

Coins from Elymais have a certain Ozymandian charm. Mine are not special, but I like them: Kingdom of Elymais, Orodes II, early to mid 2nd c. AD, AE Drachm. Obv: Bearded bust of Orodes facing, wearing tiara, no large hair tufts at sides; to right, pellet in crescent and anchor with two crossbars. Rev: dashes. Ref: van't Haaff 13.3.2–1B. 15 mm, 4g. Kingdom of Elymais, Orodes V, late 2nd–early 3rd c. AD, AE Drachm. Obv: Bearded bust of Orodes left with double diadem and tuft of hair on top of head. Rev: Bust of Artemis with beaded tiara left. Ref: van't Haaff 18.1.1-2A. 13 mm, 2.6g.

I don't get many chances to show my early modern coins, so I'm very happy that this thread is still going strong! Here is a shhilling from the last years before the Livonian Order was secularized in 1561: Livonian Order, under Grand Master Wilhelm von Fürstenberg, AR shilling, 1557 AD, Reval mint. Obv: MONET REVALE 57; shield of the Order. Rev: MAGISTRI LIVONIE:; long cross. 18mm, 0.95g. Ref: Haljak II 142; Neumann 242. A French coin minted for Charles IX, who is particularly well known for his conflicts with the Huguenots: Kingdom of France, under Charles IX, AR sol parisis, 1566 AD, Poitiers mint. Obv: +CAROLVS•IX•DEI•G•FRAN•REX; crowned French coat of arms. Rev: +SIT•NOMEN•DNI•BENEDIC 1566; cross fleury with mint mark G in center. 21mm 1.51g. Ref: Duplessy 1083. A little lion from Brunswick: Brunswick, City, AR groschen (1/24 taler), 1573 AD. Obv: MON. NO. ARG. REIP. BRVNS; shield with arms of Brunswick (lion l.); above, moneyer’s mark (wheel). Rev: MAXI: 😧 G: ROM: IM: SEM: AV*; imperial orb with 24; 7-3; 22 mm, 2.04g. Ref: Jesse 76. An exceptionally well preserved Spanish copper coin: Spanish Monarchy, under Philip II, AE 4 maravedis, 1584–1585 AD, Burgos mint, moneyer: Juan De Morales. Obv: [+DON·PHELIPPE·II· ]; castle; in fields, B–M and circle Rev: [+REI·DE·LAS·HESPAÑAS]; crowned lion l. 21mm, 4.07g. Ref: Calíco 2008, 781. A coin from the small county of Waldeck with a nice provenance: County of Waldeck, under Franz III, Wilhelm Ernst, Christian, and Volrad, ½ Batzen, 1595 AD, Niederwildung mint. Obv: FRA. WE. C W. [C. I. WAL], helmeted shield with eight-rayed star; below, moneyer’s mark of Kaspar Huxer: crossed hooks and arrow. Rev: RVDOL. II. IM. AVG. P [.F. DEC]; 9-5; imperial orb with value mark Z. 19mm, 0.98g. Ref: Slg. Hennig 62; Grönegreß 1986, 292. Ex Ernst Otto Horn (1880–1945) collection; ex Staatliche Kunstsammlung Dresden (1945–2010).

A western and an eastern sole reign Gallienus, and on top an antoninian of Salonina from Antioch with her husband on the reverse: Gallienus, Roman Empire, BI antoninianus, 260–268 AD, Rome mint. Obv: GALLIENVS AVG; bust of Gallienus, radiate, r. Rev: VBERITAS AVG; Uberitas, draped, standing l., holding purse in r. hand and cornucopiae in l. hand; in field r., E. 22mm, 4.44g. Ref: RIC V Gallienus 287. Gallienus, Roman Empire, BI antoninian, 263/4 AD, Antioch mint (7th emission). Obv: GALLIENVS P F AVG; bust of Gallienus, cuirassed, radiate, r. Rev: VIRTVS AVGVSTI; Hercules, standing r,, holding club in right hand and lion-skin in left hand (type of the Farnese Hercules). 21.5mm, 4.01g. Ref: RIC V Gallienus 672; MIR 36, 1616b. Salonina, Roman Empire, BI antoninian, 255–256 AD, Antioch mint. Obv: SALONINA AVG; bust of Salonina, diademed, draped, on crescent, r. Rev: ROMAE AETERNAE; Gallienus, standing r., receiving Victory from Roma, seated l., holding spear in l. hand. 21mm, 3.83g. Ref: RIC V Salonina 67; MIR 36, 1605c.

It's already March 1 where I live, therefore I'll post my two joint reign Gallienus coins with a little delay and continue with his sons Valerian II an Saloninus: Gallienus, Roman Empire, AE antoninianus, 258–259 AD, Cologne mint. Obv: GALLIENVS P F AVG; bust of Gallienus, radiate, cuirassed, r. Rev: GERMANICVS MAX V; trophy between two captives. 20.5mm, 3.58g. Ref: RIC V Gallienus (joint reign) 18; MIR 36, 872n. Gallienus, Roman Empire, AE antoninianus, 258–259 AD, Cologne mint. Obv: GALLIENVS P F AVG; bust of Gallienus, radiate, cuirassed, l. holding spear in r. hand and shield in l. hand. Rev: GERMANICVS MAX V; trophy between two captives. 20mm, 2.81g. Ref: RIC V Gallienus (joint reign) 18; MIR 36, 872m. Valerian II, Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 258/9 AD, Cologne mint. Obv: DIVO VALERIANO CAES; radiate and draped bust of Divus Valerian II to r., seen from behind. Rev: CONSACRATIO; Valerian II, raising his r. hand and holding sceptre in his l., flying r. on eagle. 23mm, 2.64g. Ref: RIC V Valerian II 9; MIR 36, 911e. Ex AMCC 3, lot 281; ex CGB. Saloninus, Roman Empire, AR/BI antoninian, 258/9 AD, Cologne mint. Obv: SALON VALERIANVS CAES; bust of Saloninus, radiate, draped, r. Rev: SPES PVBLICA; Spes, draped, walking r., holding flower in r. hand and raising robe with l. hand. 22mm, 4,56g. Ref: RIC V Saloninus 13; MIR 36, 915e.

Valerian I: Valerian I, Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 258 AD, Cologne (?) mint. Obv: Obv: VALERIANVS P F AVG; bust of Valerian I, radiate, draped, l. Rev: DEO VOLKANO; Vulcan, draped, wearing pilos, standing l. in temple, holding hammer in r. hand and pincers in l. hand; at his feet l., anvil. 22mm, 3.16g. Ref: RIC V Valerian 5. Valerian I, Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 258–259 AD, Cologne (?) mint (RIC: Lugdunum mint), Obv: VALERIANVS P F AVG; draped, cuirassed, radiate bust of Valerian I r. Rev: ORIENS AVGG; Sol standing l., raising r. hand and holding globe in l. hand. 21mm, 2.86g. Ref: RIC V Valerian 13. Valerian I, Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 253/4 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG; bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: APOLINI PROPVG; Apollo, nude except for cloak flying behind, standing r., drawing bow. 22mm, 3,58. Ref: RIC V Valerian 74; MIR 36, 44d. Valerian I, Roman Empire, AR/BI antoninian, 253 AD, Viminacium (?) mint. Obv: IMP P LIC VALERIANO AVG; bust of Valerian I, radiate, draped, cuirassed r. Rev: VICTORIA GERMANICA Victory standing l. holding palm and resting r. hand on shield; at feet, captive. 21mm, 4.08g. Ref: RIC V Valerian 264 (for Milan); MIR 36, 793d.

This one is dated 1550: Kingdom of France, under Henry II, AR douzain aux croissants, 1550 AD, Lyons mint. Obv: + HENRICVS 2 · DEI · G · FRANCORV · REX · F · (lis); crowned French coat of arms; to l. and r., crown above crescent. Rev: + SIT · NOMEN DNI · BENEDICTVM · 1550 · (lis); pellet below 12th letter; cross fleurée with H and crown alternating in quarters; D below. 27mm 2.46g. Ref: Duplessy 997. Ex @Qcumbor for Secret Saturnalia 2020. And this kreuzer probably falls into the relevant time period: Strasbourg, Imperial City, AR kreuzer (zweiling), 1480 – early 16th c. Obv: + MONETA ARGET; lily. Rev: + GLA IN EXCELS DO; lily. 16.5mm, 0.87g. Ref: Engel/Lehr 1887, 398 var (legend details).

How about something a little different (non-Roman, non-Greek)? Kingdom of Elymais, Orodes V, late 2nd–early 3rd c. AD, AE Drachm. Obv: Bearded bust of Orodes left with double diadem and tuft of hair on top of head. Rev: Bust of Artemis with beaded tiara left. Ref: van't Haaff 18.1.1-2A. 13 mm, 2.6g.

Link: 3.02g "Mysia, Parium" (probably Olbia), drachm, ca. 480 BC. Obv: Gorgoneion. Rev cross-shaped incusum. 13.1mm, 3.02g. Ref: BMC 4–8; Sear Greek 3917; SNG Copenhagen 256, SNG von Aulock 1318.

@shanxi is spot on. It looks like an English ryal or half-ryal minted for Edward IV, see here. If authentic, that is quite an impressive piece.

Loads of lovely coins in this thread! Here are some coins from the end of the medieval period that I haven't yet shown too often on this board: Imperial City of Cologne, civic issue, AR bracteate heller, 1474–1493 AD, Cologne mint. Obv: civic coat of arms: three crowns above five flames. Rev: negative design (bracteate). 14.5mm, 0.31g. Ref: Noss 31. Kingdom of Bohemia, Vladislaus II of Hungary, AR groschen, 1471–1516 AD, Kuttenberg mint. +DEI GRATIA + REX BOEMIE; WLADISLAVS SECVNDVS; crown. Rev: *+* GROSSI + PRAGENSES; Bohemian lion prancing l. 26mm, 2.63g. Ref: Dornebauer 947; Saurma 407. Kingdom of Hungary, under Matthias Corvinus, AR denár, 1487–1490 AD, Kremnitz mint, moneyer: Peter Schaider. Obv: + M • MATHIE • R • VNGARIE • ; quartered shield with stripes (Árpad), double cross (Hungary), leopard heads (Dalmatia), and lion (Bohemia); in central inescutcheon, raven above ring. Rev: PATRON VNGARIE; Madonna with child; in field r., rose of Peter Schaider (Oberkammergraf). 16mm, 0.57g. Ref: Huszár 722; Unger 567b/c; Pohl 223-1. Kingdom of England, Edward IV (second reign), AR groat, 1471–1483, London mint. Obv: EDWARD DI GRA REX ANGL Z FRANC, pierced cross with pellet in lower l. angle; saltire stops; crowned bust facing within a tressure of arches, fleurs on cusps, none above crown. Rev: POSVI DEVM ADIVTORE MEVM; long cross, three pellets in each angle, rose after DEVM; CIVITAS LONDON around inner circle. 25mm, 2.90g. Ref: Spink 2098.

I consider this Valerian I to show exceptionally skilled die-work for the period: Valerian I, Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 253/4 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG; bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: APOLINI PROPVG; Apollo, nude except for cloak flying behind, standing r., drawing bow. 22mm, 3,58. Ref: RIC V Valerian 74; MIR 36, 44d.

Here is my favorite Caracalla as Caesar. The reverse legend rector orbis ("ruler of the world") certainly doesn't speak of humility... Caracalla, Roman Empire, AR denarius, 201–206 AD, Rome mint. Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG; laureate head of Caracalla r. Rev: RECTOR ORBIS, Sol or emperor standing facing, laureate, holding globe and sceptre or spear pointing down. 18mm, 3.35g. Ref: RIC IV Caracalla 141.

Here is an early 14th c. bracteate that I haven't yet shown that often: Lindau, royal mint, AR bracteate penny, ca. 1295–1335. Obv: linden branch with three leaves and twelve blossoms in fields. Rev: negative design (bracteate). 20mm, 0.37g. Ref: Berger 2528–2531; ; Slg. Wüthrich 253; Slg. Bonhoff 1832–1834.

A few medieval Italian coins: Ancona: Italy, Ancona, civic issue, BI denaro, 1173/–mid 14th c. Obv: + DE ANCONA; cross. Rev: +.PP.S.QVI.RI.A.; CVS around dot. 17mm, 0.67g. Ref: Biaggi 33; CNI 76. Genoa: Italy, Genoa, civic issue, AR denaro, 1139-1339 (class D, 1190s–1236 AD). Obv: +•IA•NV•A•; city gate. Rev: •CVNRADI REX; cross pattée. 16mm, 0.74g. Ref: MEC 12, 213–215; CNI 69; MIR 16; Biaggi 835. Lucca: Italy, Lucca, civic issue, under Henry II-V, AR denaro, c. 1004–1125 AD. Obv: +IMPERATOR; H-monogramm in circle. Rev: +ENRICVS; L-V-C-A around central dot. 16mm, 0.91g. Ref: Biaggi 1098. Naples: Kingdom of Naples, under Robert "the Wise" of Anjou, AR gigliato, 1309–1317. Naples mint (?). Obv: +ROBERT DEI GRA IERL ET SICIL REX; Robert sitting facing on lion throne, holding lily scepter and globus cruciger. Rev: + hOnOR. REGIS. IUDICIU. DILIGIT; floral cross, lilies in quadrants. 28mm, 3.93g. Ref: MIR Napoli 28. Normans on Sicily: Norman Kingdom of Sicily, under William II "the Good," AE trifollaro, 1166–1189 AD, Messina mint. Obv: lion's head facing. Rev: palm tree. 26mm, 10.27g. Ref: Spahr 117; Biaggi 1231. Venice: Italy, Republic of Venice, under Giovanni Dolfin (57th Doge), AR soldino (slightly clipped), 1356-1361 AD. Obv: +IOh’S DELPhYNO DVx; kneeling doge holding banner l., . Rev: + S MARCVS VENETI; lion of St. Marc with banner l.; in field l., S. 14mm, 0.43g. Ref: MEC12, 1164–1165. And, though not really a coin, here is a 15th century money weight from Milan that was meant to check @panzerman's splendid gold coins: Italy, Milan (Duchy), under Galeazzo Maria Sforza, AE peso monetale (coin weight for the ducato d’oro), ca. 1466–1476 AD. Obv: armored bust of Galeazzo Maria Sforza r. Rev: originally blank; circular punch and retrograde S added after striking. 16mm, 3.34g. Mazza: I Pesi Monetari di Monete Milanesi 24 (or similar).

I've got something a bit different for today. Here is an 11th century "Saxon penny" that I rently picked up. The die designs and workmanship of these coins are usually rather crude, but they have an interesting technical feature: Their edges have been hammered up in order to test or show the quality of the silver. Alloys containing a significant persentage of base metal would have been too hard and brittle for this treatment. Whether this was done already at the mint or later while the coins were in circulation is fiercely debated in scholarship. "Saxon pennies" were minted in eastern Saxony and often used in trade with the Vikings and Slavs. Most known hoard finds come from Scandinavia or the east Baltic region. "Saxon penny", anonymous regional issue (probably episcopal), ca. 1070–1100 AD, struck in in the Saale region, probably at Halle-Giebichenstein or Merseburg. Obv: crosier, tip r., flanked by two wedges and circle of pellets. Rev: cross of wedges, V-shapes and pellets in quadrants. 12mm, 1.0og. Ref: Type Sal E 3:1; Dannenberg 1340; Mehl 2011, 900 and 902.

I very much like your hippos, @Julius Germanicusand @DonnaML. Two very nice coins. My coins of Philip the Arab and his family have less intriguing reverses. When I bought them, I was very much focused on collecting portraits. Philip I “the Arab,” Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 244–247 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG; bust of Philip the Arab, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: LAETIT FVNDAT; Laetitia, draped, standing l., holding wreath and rudder. 24.5mm, 4.37g. Ref: RIC IV Philip I 36. Philip I “the Arab,” Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 244–247 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG; bust of Philip the Arab, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. REV: ROMAE AETERNAE; Roma, helmeted, seated on shield l., holding Victory in r. hand and sceptre in l. hand; at side, altar. 21mm, 4.16g. Ref: RIC IV Philip I 45. Otacilia Severa, Roman Empire, antoninian, 246–248 AD, Rome mint. Obv: M OTACIL SEVERA AVG; bust of Otacilia Severa on crescent, diademed, r. Rev: IVNO CONSERVAT; Juno standing l., holding patera and sceptre. 22mm, 3.45g. RIV IV Philip I 127. Otacilia Severa, Roman Empire, AE sestertius, 244–249 AD, Rome mint. Obv: MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG; bust of Otacilia Severa, diademed, draped, r. Rev: PVDICITIA AVG; Pudicitia, draped, veiled, seated l., r. hand drawing veil and holding sceptre in l. hand; in exergue, SC. 31mm, 17.62g. Ref: RIC IV, Philip I 209. Philip II, Roman Empire, antoninian, 245–246 AD, Rome mint. Obv: M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES; bust of Philip II, radiate and draped, r. Rev: PRINCIPI IVVENT; Philip II standing r., holding spear and globe. 23mm, 4.01g. Ref: RIC IV Philip I 216c.

If you think this is dreadful 19th century poetry, you probably haven't yet encountered the works of William Topaz McGonagall... Here is my favorite Apollo with lyre: Caracalla, Roman Empire, denarius, 215 AD, Rome mint. Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM; laureate head of Caracalla r. Rev: P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P; Apollo, naked except for cloak flying behind, standing l., holding branch in extended r. hand and with l. hand lyre set on altar. 21mm, 3.04g. Ref: RIC IV Caracalla 254.

Baking bread is a hobby of mine – so this is a holiday that I can very much appreciate! Roman Republic, moneyer: C. Marius C. f. Capito, AR denarius serratus, 81 BC, Rome mint. Obv: CAPIT; head of Ceres, diademed, r., control number CV; control mark (whip?) before. Rev: C. MARI. C. F. / S. C; ploughman with two oxen l.; above, control number CV. 18mm, 3.88g. Ref: RRC 378/1c. Julia Domna, Roman Empire, AR denarius, 196–211 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA; bust of Julia Domna, draped, r. Rev: CERERI FRVGIF; Ceres, draped, seated l., holding corn-ears in her r. hand and torch in l. hand. 19mm, 3.65g. RIC IV Septimius Severus 546.

Below are some Gordians III's, sometimes also referred to as roaches. The first one is special because of the 1942 Helbing auction provenance: Gordian III, Roman Empire, antoninianus, 238–239 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG; bust of Gordian III, radiate and draped, r. Rev: VIRTVS AVG; Virtus standing l., leaning on shield and holding spear. 22mm, 5.00g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 6. Ex Otto Helbing Nachf., München, Auction 86 (11/15/1942), lot 1758 (on ticket, in catalogue: 1757); ex AMCC 2, lot 464. Gordian III, Roman Empire, antoninianus, 239 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG; bust of Gordian III, radiate and draped, r. Rev: P M TR P III COS P P; Providentia standing l., holding globe and sceptre. 22mm, 4.76g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 18. Gordian III, Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 240 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG; bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: LIBERALITAS AVG II; Liberalitas, draped, standing front, head l., holding abacus in r. hand and cornucopiae in l. hand. 25 mm, 5.51g. RIC IV Gordian III 36. Gordian III, Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 240 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: ROMAE AETERNAE; Roma, helmeted, seated l. on shield, holding Victory in extended r. hand and spear in l. hand. 22.5mm, 4.65g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 70. A denarius, which is less common than the abundant antoniniani: Gordian III, Roman Empire, AR denarius, 240–241 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; bust of Gordian III, laureate and draped, r. Rev: P M TR P III COS P P; Gordian on horseback riding l., raising r. hand and holding spear or sceptre in l. 20mm, 2.66g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 81. Reverse design based on the Hercules Farnese: Gordian III, Roman Empire, AR antoninian, 241–243 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; Hercules, nude, standing r., r. behind back and resting l. hand on club set on rock; beside club, lion-skin. 22mm, 3.49g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 95. From Antioch, featuring a somewhat underwhelming 'stache: Gordian III, Roman Empire, antoninianus, 242–244 AD, Antioch mint. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped and cuirassed, r. Rev: ORIENS AVG; Sol standing l., raising r. hand and holding globe in l. 22mm, 4.35g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 213. Note the unusual reverse legend in the accusative case: Gordian III, Roman Empire, AE sestertius, 244 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; bust of Gordian III, draped, cuirassed and laureate, r. Rev: MARTEM PROPVGNATOREM, Mars, helmeted, in military attire, hastening r., holding transverse spear in r. hand and shield in l. hand; in fields flanking, SC. 30mm, 23.58g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 333. I like this one particularly because of its multicolored patina and the reverse doublestrike turning Victory into a giraffe: Gordian III, Roman Empire, AE sestertius, 244 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; bust of Gordian III, draped and laureate, r. Rev: VICTORIA AETERNA, Victory, winged, standing l., leaning on shield and holding palm branch, captive at feet l.; in fields flanking, SC. 32mm, 19.68g. Ref: RIC IV Gordian III 338.

My three coins of Maximinus Thrax: Maximinus Thrax, Roman Empire, denarius, 235–236 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, bust of Maximinus Thrax, draped and laureate, r. Rev: FIDES MILITVM, Fides, draped, standing front, head l., holding military standard in each hand. 2.49g. Ref: RIC IV.2 Maximinus Thrax 7A. Maximinus Thrax, Roman Empire, AR denarius, 235–236 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG; bust of Maximinus I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, r. Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; Pax, draped, standing l., holding branch in extended r. hand and transverse sceptre in l. hand. 21mm, 2.78g. Ref: RIC IV Maximinus Thrax 12 (denarius). Maximinus Thrax, Roman Empire, denarius, 236–238 AD, Rome mint. Obv: MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, bust of Maximinus Thrax, draped and laureate, r. Rev: PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing l., holding wand pointing at globe in r. hand and cornucopia in l. 20.4mm, 3.5g. Ref: RIC IV.2 Maximinus Thrax 20.

A small and somewhat worn bronze with a Dionysos portrait from Cappadocia, just before it was incorporated into the Roman Empire: Kingdom of Cappadocia, under Archelaus, Æ18, 24/23 BC (?), Eusebeia mint. Obv: Head Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath. Rev: EVΣΕ – ΒΕΙΑΣ, eagle over Mount Argaios. 18mm, 5.02g. Ref: RPC I, 3610.