Romancollector's Top 20 of 2022

[Romancollector]

Hi Everyone, 

Here's my top 20 of 2022. I will keep this intro short! Overall, I felt that this year was a success in terms of collecting. While I didn't acquire any new aurei or first-century sestertii, I did add a few key pieces to my collection and I discovered a number of hidden provenances. For anyone who is interested, I have linked my thread on provenances I discovered below. The order I have presented the coins is strictly chronological. 

 

Demetrios II Nikator (First reign, 146-138 BC)

AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.18 g). Phoenician standard. Sidon mint. Diademed and draped bust right / BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Eagle standing left; palm frond over far shoulder; to left, HΞΡ (date) above ΠΑ monogram; to right, ΣΙΔΩ above aphlaston. SC 1954.2b.

Ex North River Collection; Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 121 (6 October 2022), lot 512; Purchased from Brian Kritt, January 2000.

Anonymous (214-213 BC)

AR Denarius (20.5mm, 4.26 g). Rome mint. Head of Roma right with three-line splayed visor, X mark of value behind / Diosuri riding right, with wavy cape; Roma in semi-incuse frame. Crawford 44/5

 Ex Aste Bolaffi; Harmer's of London.

M. Cato (47-46 BC)

AR Denarius (20mm, 4.05 g). Utica mint. M CATO PRO. PR, draped female bust right; ROMA behind / Victory seated right holding patera, VICTRIX in exergue. Cr462/1b.

Ex Tauler & Fau, Auction 114 (29 June 2022), lot 42.

Claudius (AD 41-54) & Agrippina Jr.

AR Denarius (19mm, 3.57 g). Rome mint. AD 51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P, laureate head right / AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE, draped bust of Agrippina Jr right, wreathed in grain. RIC I 81.

Ex Vierordt Collection; Fritz Rudolf Kunker Auction 365 (April 4, 2022), lot 5242;  Classical Numismatic Group Auction 112 (September 11, 2019), lot 594; Cederlind BBS 172 (18 December, 2013), lot 226; Vinchon (9 December 1983), lot 276; Jacques Schulman Auction 173 (5 June 1930), lot 332.

Nero (AD 54-68) & Agrippina Jr.

AR Denarius (18mm, 3.50 g). Lugdunum mint. AD 54.  AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER, confronted heads of Nero and Agrippina, Nero is bare-headed facing right, Agrippina is draped facing left / NERONI CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P around, EX S C within oak wreath. RIC I 2.

Ex Salton Collection; Hurst Collection; J.C.S. Rashleigh Collection; Fritz Rudolf Kunker Auction 377 (20 October 2022), lot 5738; Glendinning (14 January 1953), lot 498.

Nero (AD 54-68)

AR Denarius (19mm, 3.79 g). Rome mint. Struck AD 63-64. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, Bare head right / PONTIF. MAX. TR. P. X COS IIII. P. P, Virtus standing left, right foot on a pile of arms, holding parazonium resting on right knee and spear, EX-SC in fields. RIC I 41.

Ex Tauler & Fau Auction 117, Ancient World Vol. XIV (2 November 2022), lot 4424.

Galba (AD 68-69)

AR Denarius (18mm, 3.55 g). Tarraco mint. AD 68. GALBA IMP, laureate head right of Galba; globe at point of neck truncation / DIVA AVGVSTA, Livia standing left, holding patera in right hand, sceptre in left. RIC I 14.

Ex Hunter Collection; Numismatica Ars Classica; Ira & Larry Goldberg Auction 72 (5 February 2013), lot 4422.

Vespasian (AD 69-79)

AR Denarius (17mm, 3.39 g). Antioch mint. AD 72-73. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Laureate head left / VICTORIA AVG, Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC II 1547. RPC II 1921 (this coin in RPC online).

 Ex Viggo Collection of Flavian Imperial Coins from provincial mints; Dr. Martina Dieterle; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 125 (24 June 2021), lot 518; Helios Auction 4 (14 October 2009), lot 292; Gorny & Mosch (14 October 2002), lot 500.

Diva Faustina Sr (Died AD 140/141)

AE Sestertius (31.5mm, 25.66 g). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 146-151. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS S-C, Aeternitas seated left holding phoenix & sceptre. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 1103a.

Ex Niclovitz Collection; Davis FPL 75 (Summer 2020), no. 59; Davissons 31 (28 November 2012), lot 116; L. Hamburger Auction 76 (19 October 1925), lot 1000.

Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180)

AE Sestertius (31mm, 23.19 g). Rome mint. AD 145. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F COS II, bare-headed bust right, drapery on left shoulder / HILARITAS, Hilaritas standing facing, head left, long palm in right hand, cornucopia in left; S-C across fields. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 1242a.

Ex T. R. Fehrenbach Collection; Prince Von Waldeck Collection (1744-1798); Classical Numismatic Review; Classical Numismatic Group Feature Auction 118 (14 September 2021), lot 1079; Heritage Auctions NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction #3089 (22 January 2021), lot 33202; Munzhandlung Basel Auction 3 (4-5 March 1935), lot 513.

Severus Alexander (AD 222-235)

AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.24 g). Rome mint. AD 231-235. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes walking to left, holding flower, and raising skirt. RIC IV 254d.

 Ex Dr. Martina Dieterle; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 52 (7 October 2009), lot 534.

Maximus (Caesar, AD 235/6-238)

AE Sestertius (31.5mm, 22.56 g, 12h). Rome mint. 3rd emission of Maximinus I, late AD 236-237. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVG, emblems of the pontificate: lituus, secespita, patera, guttus, simpulum, and aspergillum. RIC IV 11.

Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Leo's College Fund Collection; Heritage Auctions, World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction #3102 (3 November 2022), lot 32279; Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIII (15 of January 2020), lot 815; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Inventory 52689 (January 1995).

Gordian III (AD 238-244)

AE Sestertius (31mm, 22.42 g). Rome mint. 1st emission of Pupienus and Balbinus. AD 238, as Caesar. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG around, SC in exergue, priestly implements: lituus, knife, patera, jug, simpulum and aspergillum. RIC IVc 3.

 Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; New York Sale (11 January 2021), lot 380; Classical Numismatic Group Auction 87 (18 May 2011), lot 1060.

Philip I (AD 244-249)

AR Antoninianus (20mm, 5.11 g). Antioch mint. AD 247. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust left / AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing front, head to left, holding scales in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. RIC IV 82. 

 Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 20 (18 July 2022), lot 2612; Goldberg 72, 3 February 2013, 4556.

Volusian (AD 251-253)

AE Sestertius (28.5mm, 19.60 g). Rome mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission. Late AD 251-252. IMP CAES C V VOLVSIANO AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGG, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and sceptre; S C flanking. RIC IV 256a.

 Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Philip DeVicci Collection; Vierordt Collection; Classical Numismatic Group Triton XXV (12 January 2022), lot 974; Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 460 (29 January 2020), lot 739; Classical Numismatic Group Auction 54 (14 June 2000), lot 1774; NFA Summer Mail Bid Sale (27 June 1986), lot 1023; Numismatic Fine Arts Fixed Price List 28 (1984), no. 143; Glendining (23 September 1979), lot 128; Jacques Schulman (5 March 1923), lot 2297.

Divus Romulus (d. AD 309)

AE Follis (23mm, 6.04 g). Rome mint. AD 309-310. DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS, bare head right / AETERNAE MEMORIAE, domed shrine with open door surmounted by eagle standing front, wings spread and head to left, holding wreath in beak. RIC VI 207.

 Ex Herakles Numismatics; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 12 (31 May 2020), lot 1346.

Constantine I (AD 307/310-337)

AE Follis (27mm, 7.74 g). Treveri mint. Summer AD 307. FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C, laureate, cuirassed bust right, seen from front / GENIO POP ROM, Genius standing facing, modius on head left, naked but for chlamys over left shoulder, patera in right hand, cornucopia in left; S-A across fields, PTR in exergue. RIC VI 719b

 Ex Heritage Auctions Wednesday & Thursday World & Ancient Coins Select Auction #232236 (7 September 2022), lot 62300.

Constans (AD 337-350)

AR Siliqua (21mm, 3.0 g). Treveri mint. AD 342-343. FL IVL CONSTANS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constans right / Reverse: VICTORIAE D N AVG, Two Victories standing facing one another, holding between them wreath inscribed VOT / X / MVLT / XX in four lines; TR. RIC VIII 168.

 Ex Gorny & Mosch.

Magnentius (AD 350-353)

AE Double Centenionalis (25 mm, 7.63 g). Lugdunum (Lyons) mint, 2nd officina. AD 353. DN MAGNENTIVS P F AVG, bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, large chi-rho flanked by A-ω. Mintmark LPLG. RIC VIII 154.

 Ex Dr. John Whitehead Collection; Classical Numismatic Group Triton XXV (12 January 2022), lot 1010; Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid 49 (19 March 1999), lot 1832.

Valentinian II (AD 375-392)

AR Siliqua (19mm, 2.23 gm). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. AD 388-392. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and sceptre, LVG. in exergue. RIC IX 43a4.

Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 284 (8 March 2022), lot 1098.

 

 

Edited December 23, 2022 by Romancollector

[ambr0zie]

Stellar coins but the cherries on the cake for me are the Claudius denarius; the Nero&Agrippina denarius; the Galba denarius; Gordian as Caesar.

[El Cazador]

16 minutes ago, Romancollector said:

Hi Everyone, 

Here's my top 20 of 2022. I will keep this intro short! Overall, I felt that this year was a success in terms of collecting. While I didn't acquire any new aurei or first-century sestertii, I did add a few key pieces to my collection and I discovered a number of hidden provenances. For anyone who is interested, I have linked my thread on provenances I discovered below. The order I have presented the coins is strictly chronological. 

 

Demetrios II Nikator (First reign, 146-138 BC)

AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.18 g). Phoenician standard. Sidon mint. Diademed and draped bust right / BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Eagle standing left; palm frond over far shoulder; to left, HΞΡ (date) above ΠΑ monogram; to right, ΣΙΔΩ above aphlaston. SC 1954.2b.

Ex North River Collection; Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 121 (6 October 2022), lot 512; Purchased from Brian Kritt, January 2000.

Anonymous (214-213 BC)

AR Denarius (20.5mm, 4.26 g). Rome mint. Head of Roma right with three-line splayed visor, X mark of value behind / Diosuri riding right, with wavy cape; Roma in semi-incuse frame. Crawford 44/5

 Ex Aste Bolaffi; Harmer's of London.

M. Cato (47-46 BC)

AR Denarius (20mm, 4.05 g). Utica mint. M CATO PRO. PR, draped female bust right; ROMA behind / Victory seated right holding patera, VICTRIX in exergue. Cr462/1b.

Ex Tauler & Fau, Auction 114 (29 June 2022), lot 42.

Claudius (AD 41-54) & Agrippina Jr.

AR Denarius (19mm, 3.57 g). Rome mint. AD 51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P, laureate head right / AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE, draped bust of Agrippina Jr right, wreathed in grain. RIC I 81.

Ex Vierordt Collection; Fritz Rudolf Kunker Auction 365 (April 4, 2022), lot 5242;  Classical Numismatic Group Auction 112 (September 11, 2019), lot 594; Cederlind BBS 172 (18 December, 2013), lot 226; Vinchon (9 December 1983), lot 276; Jacques Schulman Auction 173 (5 June 1930), lot 332.

Nero (AD 54-68) & Agrippina Jr.

AR Denarius (18mm, 3.50 g). Lugdunum mint. AD 54.  AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER, confronted heads of Nero and Agrippina, Nero is bare-headed facing right, Agrippina is draped facing left / NERONI CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P around, EX S C within oak wreath. RIC I 2.

Ex Salton Collection; Hurst Collection; J.C.S. Rashleigh Collection; Fritz Rudolf Kunker Auction 377 (20 October 2022), lot 5738; Glendinning (14 January 1953), lot 498.

Nero (AD 54-68)

AR Denarius (19mm, 3.79 g). Rome mint. Struck AD 63-64. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, Bare head right / PONTIF. MAX. TR. P. X COS IIII. P. P, Virtus standing left, right foot on a pile of arms, holding parazonium resting on right knee and spear, EX-SC in fields. RIC I 41.

Ex Tauler & Fau Auction 117, Ancient World Vol. XIV (2 November 2022), lot 4424.

Galba (AD 68-69)

AR Denarius (18mm, 3.55 g). Tarraco mint. AD 68. GALBA IMP, laureate head right of Galba; globe at point of neck truncation / DIVA AVGVSTA, Livia standing left, holding patera in right hand, sceptre in left. RIC I 14.

Ex Hunter Collection; Numismatica Ars Classica; Ira & Larry Goldberg Auction 72 (5 February 2013), lot 4422.

Vespasian (AD 69-79)

AR Denarius (17mm, 3.39 g). Antioch mint. AD 72-73. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Laureate head left / VICTORIA AVG, Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC II 1547. RPC II 1921 (this coin in RPC online).

 Ex Viggo Collection of Flavian Imperial Coins from provincial mints; Dr. Martina Dieterle; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 125 (24 June 2021), lot 518; Helios Auction 4 (14 October 2009), lot 292; Gorny & Mosch (14 October 2002), lot 500.

Diva Faustina Sr (Died AD 140/141)

AE Sestertius (31.5mm, 25.66 g). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 146-151. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS S-C, Aeternitas seated left holding phoenix & sceptre. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 1103a.

Ex Niclovitz Collection; Davis FPL 75 (Summer 2020), no. 59; Davissons 31 (28 November 2012), lot 116; L. Hamburger Auction 76 (19 October 1925), lot 1000.

Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180)

AE Sestertius (31mm, 23.19 g). Rome mint. AD 145. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F COS II, bare-headed bust right, drapery on left shoulder / HILARITAS, Hilaritas standing facing, head left, long palm in right hand, cornucopia in left; S-C across fields. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 1242a.

Ex T. R. Fehrenbach Collection; Prince Von Waldeck Collection (1744-1798); Classical Numismatic Review; Classical Numismatic Group Feature Auction 118 (14 September 2021), lot 1079; Heritage Auctions NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction #3089 (22 January 2021), lot 33202; Munzhandlung Basel Auction 3 (4-5 March 1935), lot 513.

Severus Alexander (AD 222-235)

AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.24 g). Rome mint. AD 231-235. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes walking to left, holding flower, and raising skirt. RIC IV 254d.

 Ex Dr. Martina Dieterle; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 52 (7 October 2009), lot 534.

Maximus (Caesar, AD 235/6-238)

AE Sestertius (31.5mm, 22.56 g, 12h). Rome mint. 3rd emission of Maximinus I, late AD 236-237. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVG, emblems of the pontificate: lituus, secespita, patera, guttus, simpulum, and aspergillum. RIC IV 11.

Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Leo's College Fund Collection; Heritage Auctions, World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction #3102 (3 November 2022), lot 32279; Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIII (15 of January 2020), lot 815; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Inventory 52689 (January 1995).

Gordian III (AD 238-244)

AE Sestertius (31mm, 22.42 g). Rome mint. 1st emission of Pupienus and Balbinus. AD 238, as Caesar. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG around, SC in exergue, priestly implements: lituus, knife, patera, jug, simpulum and aspergillum. RIC IVc 3.

 Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; New York Sale (11 January 2021), lot 380; Classical Numismatic Group Auction 87 (18 May 2011), lot 1060.

Philip I (AD 244-249)

AR Antoninianus (20mm, 5.11 g). Antioch mint. AD 247. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust left / AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing front, head to left, holding scales in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. RIC IV 82. 

 Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 20 (18 July 2022), lot 2612; Goldberg 72, 3 February 2013, 4556.

Volusian (AD 251-253)

AE Sestertius (28.5mm, 19.60 g). Rome mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission. Late AD 251-252. IMP CAES C V VOLVSIANO AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGG, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and sceptre; S C flanking. RIC IV 256a.

 Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Philip DeVicci Collection; Vierordt Collection; Classical Numismatic Group Triton XXV (12 January 2022), lot 974; Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 460 (29 January 2020), lot 739; Classical Numismatic Group Auction 54 (14 June 2000), lot 1774; NFA Summer Mail Bid Sale (27 June 1986), lot 1023; Numismatic Fine Arts Fixed Price List 28 (1984), no. 143; Glendining (23 September 1979), lot 128; Jacques Schulman (5 March 1923), lot 2297.

Divus Romulus (d. AD 309)

AE Follis (23mm, 6.04 g). Rome mint. AD 309-310. DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS, bare head right / AETERNAE MEMORIAE, domed shrine with open door surmounted by eagle standing front, wings spread and head to left, holding wreath in beak. RIC VI 207.

 Ex Herakles Numismatics; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 12 (31 May 2020), lot 1346.

Constantine I (AD 307/310-337)

AE Follis (27mm, 7.74 g). Trier mint. Summer AD 307. FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C, laureate, cuirassed bust right, seen from front / GENIO POP ROM, Genius standing facing, modius on head left, naked but for chlamys over left shoulder, patera in right hand, cornucopia in left; S-A across fields, PTR in exergue. RIC VI 719b

 Ex Heritage Auctions Wednesday & Thursday World & Ancient Coins Select Auction #232236 (7 September 2022), lot 62300.

Constans (AD 337-350)

AR Siliqua (21mm, 3. g). Thessalonica mint. AD 350-355. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS, soldier standing, head left, holding spear and shield; Mintmark TES. RIC VIII 203.

 Ex Tauler & Fau Auction 70 (24 November 2020), lot 123.

Magnentius (AD 350-353)

AE Double Centenionalis (25 mm, 7.63 g). Lugdunum (Lyons) mint, 2nd officina. AD 353. DN MAGNENTIVS P F AVG, bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, large chi-rho flanked by A-ω. Mintmark LPLG. RIC VIII 154.

 Ex Dr. John Whitehead Collection; Classical Numismatic Group Triton XXV (12 January 2022), lot 1010; Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid 49 (19 March 1999), lot 1832.

Valentinian II (AD 375-392)

AR Siliqua (19mm, 2.23 gm). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. AD 388-392. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and sceptre, LVG. in exergue. RIC IX 43a4.

Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 284 (8 March 2022), lot 1098.

 

 

Always exciting to see your annual list: Voted for Demetrius, Galba and Claudius

[DonnaML]

All wonderful coins. My favorites are probably the Demetrios Nikator, the Claudius & Agrippina Jr., the Nero & Agrippina Jr., and the very unusual Galba portrait!

[Di Nomos]

I don't collect Roman, but know great coins when I see them. My favourites are the two Agrippina Jr coins, Galba & Nero. But they are all excellent and interesting too.

[CPK]

Beautiful coins - I wouldn't expect anything less! 👍

My favorites are the M. Cato and Claudius and Agrippina Jr. denarii, as well as the Demetrios II tetradrachm. They are all winners though!

[John Conduitt]

Every one has a strong portrait. Galba is amazing.

[Shea19]

Wow!  Beautiful group.  My favorite is the Galba denarius with the Hapsburg chin…incredible portrait.

I also love the Claudius/Agrippina and the Nero/Agrippina, and the Gordy III as Caesar sestertius.  

[Curtisimo]

Wooooow to that Claudius @Romancollector!

[happy_collector]

Great coins, @Romancollector. My favorites are the 2 denarii with Agrippina Jr, plus the Faustina Sr and Marcus Aurelius sestertius. Nice Galba portrait also.  🙂

Edited December 17, 2022 by happy_collector

[Al Kowsky]

R.C., You had another sensational year 😊! My favorites are the Demetrios II gem grade Tet, the Marcus Aurelius sestertius, & the Volusian sestertius 😍.

[Limes]

Magnificent additions to your collection! I really like looking at them, but the ones that stood out were the denarii of Cato, Claudius, Galba en Vespasian. Also, some of your additions have great provenances! 

[kapphnwn]

Great looking group. Also despite a small number of coins quite a number of coins found with great pedigrees. Well done. 

[David Atherton]

On 12/17/2022 at 3:43 PM, Romancollector said:

Hi Everyone, 

Here's my top 20 of 2022. I will keep this intro short! Overall, I felt that this year was a success in terms of collecting. While I didn't acquire any new aurei or first-century sestertii, I did add a few key pieces to my collection and I discovered a number of hidden provenances. For anyone who is interested, I have linked my thread on provenances I discovered below. The order I have presented the coins is strictly chronological. 

 

Demetrios II Nikator (First reign, 146-138 BC)

AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.18 g). Phoenician standard. Sidon mint. Diademed and draped bust right / BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Eagle standing left; palm frond over far shoulder; to left, HΞΡ (date) above ΠΑ monogram; to right, ΣΙΔΩ above aphlaston. SC 1954.2b.

Ex North River Collection; Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 121 (6 October 2022), lot 512; Purchased from Brian Kritt, January 2000.

Anonymous (214-213 BC)

AR Denarius (20.5mm, 4.26 g). Rome mint. Head of Roma right with three-line splayed visor, X mark of value behind / Diosuri riding right, with wavy cape; Roma in semi-incuse frame. Crawford 44/5

 Ex Aste Bolaffi; Harmer's of London.

M. Cato (47-46 BC)

AR Denarius (20mm, 4.05 g). Utica mint. M CATO PRO. PR, draped female bust right; ROMA behind / Victory seated right holding patera, VICTRIX in exergue. Cr462/1b.

Ex Tauler & Fau, Auction 114 (29 June 2022), lot 42.

Claudius (AD 41-54) & Agrippina Jr.

AR Denarius (19mm, 3.57 g). Rome mint. AD 51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P, laureate head right / AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE, draped bust of Agrippina Jr right, wreathed in grain. RIC I 81.

Ex Vierordt Collection; Fritz Rudolf Kunker Auction 365 (April 4, 2022), lot 5242;  Classical Numismatic Group Auction 112 (September 11, 2019), lot 594; Cederlind BBS 172 (18 December, 2013), lot 226; Vinchon (9 December 1983), lot 276; Jacques Schulman Auction 173 (5 June 1930), lot 332.

Nero (AD 54-68) & Agrippina Jr.

AR Denarius (18mm, 3.50 g). Lugdunum mint. AD 54.  AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER, confronted heads of Nero and Agrippina, Nero is bare-headed facing right, Agrippina is draped facing left / NERONI CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P around, EX S C within oak wreath. RIC I 2.

Ex Salton Collection; Hurst Collection; J.C.S. Rashleigh Collection; Fritz Rudolf Kunker Auction 377 (20 October 2022), lot 5738; Glendinning (14 January 1953), lot 498.

Nero (AD 54-68)

AR Denarius (19mm, 3.79 g). Rome mint. Struck AD 63-64. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, Bare head right / PONTIF. MAX. TR. P. X COS IIII. P. P, Virtus standing left, right foot on a pile of arms, holding parazonium resting on right knee and spear, EX-SC in fields. RIC I 41.

Ex Tauler & Fau Auction 117, Ancient World Vol. XIV (2 November 2022), lot 4424.

Galba (AD 68-69)

AR Denarius (18mm, 3.55 g). Tarraco mint. AD 68. GALBA IMP, laureate head right of Galba; globe at point of neck truncation / DIVA AVGVSTA, Livia standing left, holding patera in right hand, sceptre in left. RIC I 14.

Ex Hunter Collection; Numismatica Ars Classica; Ira & Larry Goldberg Auction 72 (5 February 2013), lot 4422.

Vespasian (AD 69-79)

AR Denarius (17mm, 3.39 g). Antioch mint. AD 72-73. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Laureate head left / VICTORIA AVG, Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC II 1547. RPC II 1921 (this coin in RPC online).

 Ex Viggo Collection of Flavian Imperial Coins from provincial mints; Dr. Martina Dieterle; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 125 (24 June 2021), lot 518; Helios Auction 4 (14 October 2009), lot 292; Gorny & Mosch (14 October 2002), lot 500.

Diva Faustina Sr (Died AD 140/141)

AE Sestertius (31.5mm, 25.66 g). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 146-151. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS S-C, Aeternitas seated left holding phoenix & sceptre. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 1103a.

Ex Niclovitz Collection; Davis FPL 75 (Summer 2020), no. 59; Davissons 31 (28 November 2012), lot 116; L. Hamburger Auction 76 (19 October 1925), lot 1000.

Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180)

AE Sestertius (31mm, 23.19 g). Rome mint. AD 145. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F COS II, bare-headed bust right, drapery on left shoulder / HILARITAS, Hilaritas standing facing, head left, long palm in right hand, cornucopia in left; S-C across fields. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 1242a.

Ex T. R. Fehrenbach Collection; Prince Von Waldeck Collection (1744-1798); Classical Numismatic Review; Classical Numismatic Group Feature Auction 118 (14 September 2021), lot 1079; Heritage Auctions NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction #3089 (22 January 2021), lot 33202; Munzhandlung Basel Auction 3 (4-5 March 1935), lot 513.

Severus Alexander (AD 222-235)

AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.24 g). Rome mint. AD 231-235. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes walking to left, holding flower, and raising skirt. RIC IV 254d.

 Ex Dr. Martina Dieterle; Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 52 (7 October 2009), lot 534.

Maximus (Caesar, AD 235/6-238)

AE Sestertius (31.5mm, 22.56 g, 12h). Rome mint. 3rd emission of Maximinus I, late AD 236-237. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bareheaded and draped bust right / PIETAS AVG, emblems of the pontificate: lituus, secespita, patera, guttus, simpulum, and aspergillum. RIC IV 11.

Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Leo's College Fund Collection; Heritage Auctions, World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction #3102 (3 November 2022), lot 32279; Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIII (15 of January 2020), lot 815; Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Inventory 52689 (January 1995).

Gordian III (AD 238-244)

AE Sestertius (31mm, 22.42 g). Rome mint. 1st emission of Pupienus and Balbinus. AD 238, as Caesar. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG around, SC in exergue, priestly implements: lituus, knife, patera, jug, simpulum and aspergillum. RIC IVc 3.

 Ex Peter Corcoran Collection; New York Sale (11 January 2021), lot 380; Classical Numismatic Group Auction 87 (18 May 2011), lot 1060.

Philip I (AD 244-249)

AR Antoninianus (20mm, 5.11 g). Antioch mint. AD 247. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust left / AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing front, head to left, holding scales in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. RIC IV 82. 

 Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 20 (18 July 2022), lot 2612; Goldberg 72, 3 February 2013, 4556.

Volusian (AD 251-253)

AE Sestertius (28.5mm, 19.60 g). Rome mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission. Late AD 251-252. IMP CAES C V VOLVSIANO AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGG, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and sceptre; S C flanking. RIC IV 256a.

 Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection; Philip DeVicci Collection; Vierordt Collection; Classical Numismatic Group Triton XXV (12 January 2022), lot 974; Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 460 (29 January 2020), lot 739; Classical Numismatic Group Auction 54 (14 June 2000), lot 1774; NFA Summer Mail Bid Sale (27 June 1986), lot 1023; Numismatic Fine Arts Fixed Price List 28 (1984), no. 143; Glendining (23 September 1979), lot 128; Jacques Schulman (5 March 1923), lot 2297.

Divus Romulus (d. AD 309)

AE Follis (23mm, 6.04 g). Rome mint. AD 309-310. DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS, bare head right / AETERNAE MEMORIAE, domed shrine with open door surmounted by eagle standing front, wings spread and head to left, holding wreath in beak. RIC VI 207.

 Ex Herakles Numismatics; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 12 (31 May 2020), lot 1346.

Constantine I (AD 307/310-337)

AE Follis (27mm, 7.74 g). Trier mint. Summer AD 307. FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C, laureate, cuirassed bust right, seen from front / GENIO POP ROM, Genius standing facing, modius on head left, naked but for chlamys over left shoulder, patera in right hand, cornucopia in left; S-A across fields, PTR in exergue. RIC VI 719b

 Ex Heritage Auctions Wednesday & Thursday World & Ancient Coins Select Auction #232236 (7 September 2022), lot 62300.

Constans (AD 337-350)

AR Siliqua (21mm, 3. g). Thessalonica mint. AD 350-355. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS, soldier standing, head left, holding spear and shield; Mintmark TES. RIC VIII 203.

 Ex Tauler & Fau Auction 70 (24 November 2020), lot 123.

Magnentius (AD 350-353)

AE Double Centenionalis (25 mm, 7.63 g). Lugdunum (Lyons) mint, 2nd officina. AD 353. DN MAGNENTIVS P F AVG, bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, large chi-rho flanked by A-ω. Mintmark LPLG. RIC VIII 154.

 Ex Dr. John Whitehead Collection; Classical Numismatic Group Triton XXV (12 January 2022), lot 1010; Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid 49 (19 March 1999), lot 1832.

Valentinian II (AD 375-392)

AR Siliqua (19mm, 2.23 gm). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. AD 388-392. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and sceptre, LVG. in exergue. RIC IX 43a4.

Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 284 (8 March 2022), lot 1098.

 

 

Stupendous list! I of course love the Vespasian, but honestly, it's the Claudius and Agripinna Jr. that is my favourite.

Sorry for the late reply, but I had no idea until now you had to have the 'top ten' forum check marked!! I wonder how many I have missed?

[panzerman]

I voted for "ALL" of your top 20. Reason/ they are all top notch in their eye appeal/ artistic designs and of course quality.

They will have compliment your outstanding collection. Congratulations on your great 2022 !!!!!!!!

John

[Romancollector]

Thanks for all your likes, heart eyes and comments everyone. I enjoyed sharing my additions and viewing all of yours!

Wishing you all a safe and prosperous 2023!

 

 

[Ursus]

Splendid group! The Claudius denarius is a true dream coin, and the Galba portrait is exceptionally nice.

[Simon]

Not sure exactly why but I love Valentinian II (AD 375-392), something special about that coin. Congratulations on a most excellent year. 

[Qcumbor]

I would certainly vote for the whole bunch. If I have my arm twisted , I'll choose the two Agrippinas, the Nero and the Vespasian

Q

[SteveJBrinkman]

On 12/17/2022 at 1:43 PM, Romancollector said:

Anonymous (214-213 BC)

AR Denarius (20.5mm, 4.26 g). Rome mint. Head of Roma right with three-line splayed visor, X mark of value behind / Diosuri riding right, with wavy cape; Roma in semi-incuse frame. Crawford 44/5

@Romancollector This is among the finest anonymous denarii I've seen.  Although it is a common variety of  RRC 44/5, this degree of centering and the overall condition is extremely rare in these early denarii.