David Atherton Posted October 19, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 19, 2022 (edited) Yes, I purchased this coin primarily because I needed this Mars variant ... but it was the superb portrait that sealed the deal. The reverse isn't too shabby either. Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 25.66g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy RIC 247 (C2). BMC 568. BNC 538. Acquired from CGB.fr, October 2022. Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA, Auction 13, 16 May 2021, lot 296. From the P. J. H. D. collection formed between 1970 and 2000. Struck during the great bronze issue of 71, this reverse features the standard Mars as a 'heroic nude', similar to the same type struck on the denarius. Mars here can best be interpreted as a triumphal type, likely based on a cult image. The magnificent portrait on the obverse is a superb example of early Vespasianic portraiture. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture. Again the heads were large, even massive, and normally in high relief, giving the strong impression of the purely profile view of sculpture in the round. And, because of the larger scale which this aes permitted, a wealth of detail could be achieved: close cut hair, finely wrinkled brow, a minutely rendered profile eye, and all the jowls and neck-folds of an old man. The beauty of this work lay in its realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution; and it was in the addition of technical delicacy to strength of conception that Vespasian's coinage clearly excelled over Galba.' And more recently, David Vagi in Coinage and the History of the Roman Empire said 'Most numismatists agree that the height of Roman coin portraiture occurred in the 1st Century A.D., when the "Twelve Caesars" chronicled by Suetonius ruled Rome. Many would also agree that the absolute peak occurred from 60 to 75, beginning with the last issues of Nero, encompassing the Civil War of 68-69 and ending with the early issues of the Flavians.' High praise indeed from two imminent scholars for the engravers working at the Rome mint under Vespasian. This coin, I think, exemplifies the fine style which they passionately praise. It's certainly one of the finest portraits of Vespasian I've come across. I've read elsewhere that the pinnacle of Roman coin portraiture occurred under Nero, or even Hadrian (although I can't precisely recall where I read it). I suppose the title to the thread could've been put as a question as much as a statement. What's your opinion, when did the pinnacle occur? Also, what's your best portrait? Please show it! As always, thanks for looking! Edited October 19, 2022 by David Atherton 30 1 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanxi Posted October 19, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 19, 2022 (edited) 30 minutes ago, David Atherton said: Also, what's your best portrait? Impressive Vespasian !! As a Faustina II collector, I think immediately of many beautiful portraits (vivid, life-like portraits). Faustina Minor AR-Denarius Augusta AD 146 - winter 175/176 Obv.: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, waved hair knotted behind Rev.: VENVS GENETRIX, Venus standing left, holding Victory and leaning on figured shield with Dioscuri, helmet below shield Ag, 3.39g. 18.8mm Ref.: RIC III 734, RSC 280a, CRE 227 [S] Faustina Minor AR-Denar, Rome, AD 175-176 Obv.: DIVAE FAVSTINAE PIAE, veiled and draped bust right Rev.: MATRI CASTRORVM, Faustina seated left, holding globe surmounted by Phoenix and sceptre; two signa before Ag, 3.19g Ref.: RIC 753, CRE 175 [R2] ustina Minor AR-Denarius Augusta AD 146 - winter 175/176 Obv.: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right Rev.: FORTVNAE MVLIEBRI, Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopiae. (no globe) Ag, 3.16g, 18x19.6mm Ref.: RIC III 683, RSC 107, CRE-I 181 [S] var. (no globe) Faustina II AR-Denar, Rome mint, posthumous AD 176 - 181 Obv.: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, draped bust right Rev.: CONSECRATIO, peacock standing right with head turned right, tail and wings closed Ag, 3.25g, 16.8mm Ref.: RIC III 744, RSC II 71, BMCRE 714, CRE 201 [R] Edited October 19, 2022 by shanxi 25 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Collector Posted October 19, 2022 · Patron Share Posted October 19, 2022 This one has a lovely portrait of Faustina I: Faustina I, AD 138-140. Roman orichalcum sestertius, 28.15 g, 32.5 mm, 11 h. Rome, AD 160-161. Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right. Rev: CERES, Ceres standing left, holding corn-ears and long torch. Refs: RIC 1128; BMCRE 1526-27; Cohen 137; Strack 1273; RCV –. 23 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted October 19, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 19, 2022 Lovely coin @David Atherton. Here are some of my "better" portraits: 23 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Kowsky Posted October 19, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 19, 2022 1 hour ago, David Atherton said: Yes, I purchased this coin primarily because I needed this Mars variant ... but it was the superb portrait that sealed the deal. The reverse isn't too shabby either. Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 25.66g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy RIC 247 (C2). BMC 568. BNC 538. Acquired from CGB.fr, October 2022. Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA, Auction 13, 16 May 2021, lot 296. From the P. J. H. D. collection formed between 1970 and 2000. Struck during the great bronze issue of 71, this reverse features the standard Mars as a 'heroic nude', similar to the same type struck on the denarius. Mars here can best be interpreted as a triumphal type, likely based on a cult image. The magnificent portrait on the obverse is a superb example of early Vespasianic portraiture. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture. Again the heads were large, even massive, and normally in high relief, giving the strong impression of the purely profile view of sculpture in the round. And, because of the larger scale which this aes permitted, a wealth of detail could be achieved: close cut hair, finely wrinkled brow, a minutely rendered profile eye, and all the jowls and neck-folds of an old man. The beauty of this work lay in its realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution; and it was in the addition of technical delicacy to strength of conception that Vespasian's coinage clearly excelled over Galba.' And more recently, David Vagi in Coinage and the History of the Roman Empire said 'Most numismatists agree that the height of Roman coin portraiture occurred in the 1st Century A.D., when the "Twelve Caesars" chronicled by Suetonius ruled Rome. Many would also agree that the absolute peak occurred from 60 to 75, beginning with the last issues of Nero, encompassing the Civil War of 68-69 and ending with the early issues of the Flavians.' High praise indeed from two imminent scholars for the engravers working at the Rome mint under Vespasian. This coin, I think, exemplifies the fine style which they passionately praise. It's certainly one of the finest portraits of Vespasian I've come across. I've read elsewhere that the pinnacle of Roman coin portraiture occurred under Nero, or even Hadrian (although I can't precisely recall where I read it). I suppose the title to the thread could've been put as a question as much as a statement. What's your opinion, when did the pinnacle occur? Also, what's your best portrait? Please show it! As always, thanks for looking! David, Nice score on a truly handsome coin☺️! The slight bit of facial corrosion in no way detracts from the superbly engraved portrait. The robust image of Mars carrying a spear & trophy seems fitting for this sestertius. What the epitome of Roman numismatic art was should stir spirited debate. Personally I believe the best sestertii of Hadrian rank higher than all other Roman coins. My favorite is pictured below. Hadrian, AD 117-138 (struck AD 135). Orichalcum: 25.53 gm, 34.5 mm, 5 h. Obverse: Bare-headed, draped bust of Hadrian facing right, HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. Reverse: Pax standing & facing left, holding branch & cornucopia, PAX AVG S C. This breath taking coin was last auctioned by Numismatica Genevensis in 2008 for $2,561,530.74 (including the buyer's premium). My favorite Roman sestertius has been posted many times, but I'll post it again since it fits this thread ☺️. 24 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parthicus Posted October 19, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 19, 2022 That's a great OP coin, I agree that Vespasian has a very impressive portrait, especially on large bronzes. Here's a lower-grade but still attractive sestertius of Vespasian that I have: Parthian coins are mostly not known for their beautiful portraits, but some "classical" numismatists make an exception for the tetradrachms of Mithradates II (c.121-88 BC). While that's a good choice, I have a soft spot for my avatar coin, a tetradrachm of Artabanos IV (10-38), with its unusual and expressive facing bust: 23 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard Posted October 19, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 19, 2022 @David Atherton... Great looking portrait!.Very expressive.... This one of Antoninus Pius is still my favourite.. 21 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Constantivs Posted October 19, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 19, 2022 (edited) Edited October 19, 2022 by Constantivs 23 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edessa Posted October 19, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 19, 2022 I have shown these before, but I believe that they are uncommonly good portraits for the issues and thus some of my favorites. Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Æ Double Sestertius (31mm, 17.73g, 6h). Treveri mint, struck AD 261-262. Obv: IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right. Rev: P M TR P COS [... P P]; Emperor standing to left, holding globe and spear; S-C across fields. Ref: RIC V.2 106 or 113 var. (bust type); J. Mairat, The coinage of the Gallic Empire, Wolfson College, Trinity, 2014 (unpublished PhD Thesis), 144 or 219. Good Very Fine; gouge on obverse. From the Antonio Carmona Collection. Ex Roma eSale 83 (5 Jun 2021), Lot 804. Ex Herakles Numismatics, Feb 2022. Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. AR Antoninianus (22.5mm, 3.28g, 12h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 1st emission, 2nd phase, mid AD 260-261. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: SALVS PROVINCIARVM; Rhine, wearing horns on head, reclining left, resting on urn, holding anchor and resting hand on forepart of boat. Ref: RIC V 87; Mairat 1-5; AGK 88c; RSC 355b. Toned. Good Very Fine. Ex Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung 75 (10 December 2008), Lot 96. Ex CNG eAuction 510 (23 Feb 2022), Lot 821. 24 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevikens Posted October 19, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 19, 2022 2 hours ago, Edessa said: I have shown these before, but I believe that they are uncommonly good portraits for the issues and thus some of my favorites. Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Æ Double Sestertius (31mm, 17.73g, 6h). Treveri mint, struck AD 261-262. Obv: IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right. Rev: P M TR P COS [... P P]; Emperor standing to left, holding globe and spear; S-C across fields. Ref: RIC V.2 106 or 113 var. (bust type); J. Mairat, The coinage of the Gallic Empire, Wolfson College, Trinity, 2014 (unpublished PhD Thesis), 144 or 219. Good Very Fine; gouge on obverse. From the Antonio Carmona Collection. Ex Roma eSale 83 (5 Jun 2021), Lot 804. Ex Herakles Numismatics, Feb 2022. Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. AR Antoninianus (22.5mm, 3.28g, 12h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 1st emission, 2nd phase, mid AD 260-261. Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: SALVS PROVINCIARVM; Rhine, wearing horns on head, reclining left, resting on urn, holding anchor and resting hand on forepart of boat. Ref: RIC V 87; Mairat 1-5; AGK 88c; RSC 355b. Toned. Good Very Fine. Ex Kurpfälzische Münzhandlung 75 (10 December 2008), Lot 96. Ex CNG eAuction 510 (23 Feb 2022), Lot 821. Superb images of an emperor not often found with great images. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevikens Posted October 19, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 19, 2022 My submission is of an emperor whose images sometimes, really do capture who he was. This is an image that Shelley might have had in mind when he wrote of an emperor from an antique land, "whose frown and wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command...". Certainly Caracalla seems to have had frequent bouts of wrinkled lips and sneers of cold command. The coin is a tetradrachm of the mint of Sidon, a scarcer mint coin, and is Sear, Greek Imperial coins 2679. 19 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor LONGINUS Posted October 19, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted October 19, 2022 Great post and coin, David I have a few favorites including a Vespasian resembling Marlon Brando. 21 1 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted October 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 20, 2022 (edited) I must agree with you about the pinnacle, and your new sestertius illustrates this extremely well! Congratulations! Pinnacle portraits are awesome, but I enjoy the challenge of finding exceptional portraits outside that range too. As an extreme example, I recently purchased this Tetricus I coin for the portrait. The coin itself has problems, but I've never seen a more finely modelled Tetricus on an antoninianus: As far as a favourite portrait goes, I couldn't possibly choose! Instead I've assembled my favourite first century emperor portraits for you: Edited October 20, 2022 by Severus Alexander 14 1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edessa Posted October 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 20, 2022 8 hours ago, kevikens said: Superb images of an emperor not often found with great images. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnus Maximus Posted October 20, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 20, 2022 (edited) I agree that the first and second centuries had very detailed portraits and were the pinnicle. I would also argue that the last decent portraits western europe would see on it's coins until the 1200's were the ones from the 380's to early 400's AD. A siliqua of Magnus Maximus, I own. A solidus of Theodosius I, I regretably do not own. Edited October 20, 2022 by Magnus Maximus 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor LONGINUS Posted October 20, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted October 20, 2022 (edited) 28 minutes ago, Severus Alexander said: As far as a favourite portrait goes, I couldn't possibly choose! Instead I've assembled my favourite portraits of the 12 Caesars for you: Hats off to you, Sir ⭐⭐⭐🙏 ! Edited October 20, 2022 by LONGINUS 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotwheelsearl Posted October 20, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 20, 2022 Here's a really high quality portrait on Claudius, complete with barbarian mustache. I sold this for $7. I regret it every day. 13 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted October 20, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted October 20, 2022 1 hour ago, Severus Alexander said: I must agree with you about the pinnacle, and your new sestertius illustrates this extremely well! Congratulations! Pinnacle portraits are awesome, but I enjoy the challenge of finding exceptional portraits outside that range too. As an extreme example, I recently purchased this Tetricus I coin for the portrait. The coin itself has problems, but I've never seen a more finely modelled Tetricus on an antoninianus: As far as a favourite portrait goes, I couldn't possibly choose! Instead I've assembled my favourite portraits of the 12 Caesars for you: Fantastic portraits all! I particularly like the Titus. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay GT4 Posted October 20, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 20, 2022 Great portraits! I think this is one of the best portraits of a young Domitian IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M Laureate head right COS VII DES VIII P P Dolphin coiled round anchor Rome 81 A.D. (3rd group) 3.3g RIC 26 (R), RSC 63 Ex-Enrico collection Extra fine portrait! 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonW Posted October 20, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 20, 2022 @Al Kowsky, the Hadrian Sestertius is believed to be from dies engraved by the sculptor Antoninianos of Aphrodisias. It's without any doubt one of the most artistic portraits on a roman coin. And it's the most expensive Sestertius ever sold. Here is one of my favorite portraits of Vespasian: Vespasian, AD 69-79. Denarius (3.41 g), Rome, AD 77-78. Obv. CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right. Rev. IMP - XIX, modius filled with grain ears. Cohen 216; BMC 216; BNC 190; RIC 980. 18 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted October 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 20, 2022 Some more of my favourite portraits: (I just realized this image brings to mind Sesame Street. "Which one of these is not like the others?" 😆) 22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted October 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 20, 2022 3 hours ago, SimonW said: I love this one, @SimonW! Really captures Vespasian's character with its mirthful expression. 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambr0zie Posted October 20, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 20, 2022 Truly exceptional portraits all of you. The realism and expressiveness of portraits made me choose 1st, 2nd and first part of 3rd century as my favorite eras. For my eyes, after these eras, portraits are becoming more generic/less expressive/cartoonish. Here are some good portraits in my collection Although this Vespasian's condition is not exceptional, I was extremely attracted to the portrait - this might be subjective because I really wanted this type and had some trouble in getting one. Also, analyzing it further, it is kinda cartoonish but this is one of the most expressive portraits I can imagine. 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted October 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 20, 2022 This thread starts as a gallery of fine portraits, thanks to @David Atherton tremendous sestertius Some of mine And speaking of Tetricus ( @Severus Alexander ) : Q 18 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limes Posted October 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 20, 2022 Another great addition @David Atherton, congratulations. That is a mighty fine portrait indeed, as are the many other portraits shown here. I'll toss in a few too. And indeed, big bronzes have enough space for the artist to create a beautiful portrait, altough on the smaller denarius of Commodus, the artist did a great job as well. Augustus: Nero: I've always had a soft spot for this portrait of Commodus. The strike is on the weak side, but that does not affect the portrait in any negative way. The beauty of this portrait is enhanced because of the flow lines that seem to emanate from the head. 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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