Jeremy Posted December 24, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 24, 2022 (edited) I’m staying inside today as a blizzard sweeps across Minnesota and using the opportunity to pull together my top 12 of 2022. A top 12 because I’ve given up trying to pare down the list to 10 🙂 In the last year I found myself buying more Greek and Roman provincial coins, and less Roman imperial coins than in the past. Provincials have been a fun area to collect, since they combine the artistry and mythological themes of Greek coins with high quality, stately portraits of Roman emperors and empresses. I haven’t had much time lately to post on the forum, but I have been lurking regularly and admiring the nice coins and expansive knowledge that everyone contributes. I hope that 2023 brings you good health, happiness, and lots of coins from your wish list. In no particular order, my top 12 of 2022: 12. Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater Balakros, satrap of Cilicia under Alexander III Circa 333-323 BC or 330 to 323 BC Obverse: Baaltars seated left, holding lotus-tipped sceptre, grain ear and grape bunch to left, Σ under throne. Reverse: Facing bust of Athena, draped, wearing triple-crested helmet and necklace. References: SNG Levante Suppl. 21; SNG France 368; SNG von Aulock 5964. 24mm; 10.88g 11. Caria, Rhodes, Uncertain reign Æ 33 mm 31 BC - 60 AD Epikrates, magistrate Obverse: Radiate head of Dionysos left, wearing ivy wreath. Reverse: PΩΔΙΩΝ ΕΠΙ ΕΠΙΚΡΑΤΕΥϹ; Nike standing left on rose, holding aphlaston and palm. References: RPC I 2762; SNG von Aulock 2849. 33mm; 26.89g A large, scarce bronze with an anepigraphic obverse that I was drawn to. 10 Troas, Alexandria, Pseudo-autonomous, Time of Trebonianus Gallus Æ 24mm 251-253 AD Obverse: CO ALEX TRO; Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right; vexillum to left. Reverse: COL AVG / TROAD; Apollo, nude to the waist, seated left, holding arrows with his extended right hand, his left hand rests on seat; to left, the priest Krinis, nude to the waist, seated right; at his feet, forepart of hound sniffing the ground; between Apollo and Krinis, the herdsman Orodes standing right, holding pedum; above, animal (likely a mouse) pierced by arrow. References: RPC IX 473 (2 specimens) var. (obv. legend); Bellinger A481. 24mm; 6.70g An extremely rare mythological type depicting a scene with Apollo Smintheus, a manifestation of Apollo translating to 'Apollo, Lord of Mice'. Apollo Smintheus is mentioned in the very begging of the Iliad, where he unleashes a plague on Agamemnon for kidnapping the daughter of his priest, Chryses. 9. Cappadocia, Caesarea-Eusebeia, Hadrian AR didrachm 117-138 AD Struck 128-138 AD Obverse: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟC CEBACTOC; Laureate head right. Reverse: Rev.ΥΠΑΤΟC Γ ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤ; Club flanked by star and crescent. References: Metcalf 101; Sydenham 282. 22mm; 6.01g 8. Pamphylia, Side AR tetradrachm Circa 205-100 BC St-, magistrate Obverse: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet. Reverse: Nike advancing left, holding wreath; to left, pomegranate above ΣΤ monogram. References: SNG France 710-12. 29mm; 16.89g 7. Metapontum AR Stater/Nomos Circa 540-510 BC Obverse: META upwards on right, ear of barley with eight grains, border of dots within two concentric linear circles. Reverse: Incuse ear of barley with eight grains, rayed border. References: Noe Class VI, 125 (same dies); SNG ANS 215; HN Italy 1479. 28mm; 8.12g From an old English collection with dark cabinet toning. 6. Pisidia, Cremna, Tranquillina (wife of Gordian III) Æ 25mm 238-244 AD Obverse: SAB TRANQVILLINAM AVGVS[TAM]; Draped bust of Tranquillina right, wearing stephane, crescent behind. Reverse: COL CREM - N - E - NSIVM; The Three Graces, arm in arm, the one on the left and right each holding a flower. References: SNG von Aulock, Pisidien II, 1423; SNG Paris 1512. 25mm; 12.11g 5. Asia Minor, uncertain, Antinoüs lead Tessera Antinoüs died 130 AD Obverse: Bare-headed, heroic nude three-quarter bust of Antinoüs to left. Reverse: Engraved chequer pattern. References: Blum -. Pudill -. Apparently unpublished and unique. 37mm; 55.3g A huge lead tessera I picked up in a Leu Numismatik auction. It’s so big that it even contends with my Ptolemy III tetrobol as the largest object in my collection. I haven’t seen another lead tessera with as nice of a depiction of Antinoüs. 4. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR stater Circa 380-325 BC Obverse: Two wrestlers grappling; ΣK between. Reverse: EΣTFEΔIIYΣ; Slinger in throwing stance right; triskeles to right; all within pelleted square border; c/m: wolf running to right within rectangular incuse. References: Tekin Series 4; SNG BnF 107; for c/m, Tekin, Aspendos Sikkeleri, 28. I had the opportunity to upgrade my old Aspendos stater with this one. It has so much luster it’s hard to photograph. 3. Thrace, Pautalia, Septimius Severus Æ 27mm 193-217 AD Obverse: AVT Λ CЄΠTI CЄVHPOC ΠЄ; Laureate head right. Reverse: OVΛΠIAC ΠAVTAΛIAC; The serpent Glykon coiled with four coils, with radiate head right and with fish-like tail. References: Ruzicka, Pautalia, 396; Varbanov 4806 var. (obverse legend) 29mm; 13.34g One of two coins I added to my Glykon subcollection this year (both from Pautalia in Thrace). 2.Thrace, Pautalia, Caracalla Æ 30mm 198-217 AD Obverse: AYT K M AY CEY ANTΩNEINOC; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right, seen from the front with aegis. Reverse: OYΛΠIAC ΠAYTAΛIAC; Asklepios cradling serpent-entwined staff, reclining left, head right, on winged, coiled, and bearded Glycon flying right. References: Varbanov 5007; Moushmov 4235; Ruzicka 618. 30mm; 18.94g This massive coin depicts the Greek god of healing riding Glykon, an “incarnation” of Asklepios that was invented by a schemer named Alexander of Abonoteichos. Glykon was a huge, live snake adorned with a beard, humanoid face mask, and a fish-like tail. The cult of Glykon grew into an influential cult in the Roman Empire. 1. Ptolemaic Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter AR tetradrachm 305/4-282 BC Struck in Alexandria, 294 BC Signed 'Delta' tetradrachm Obverse: Diademed bust of Ptolemy I right, aegis tied around neck; Δ behind ear, dotted border. Reverse: ΠTOΛEMAIOY-BAΣIΛEΩΣ; Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; P above ΠA monogram in left field. References: CPE 154; Svoronos 256. 28mm; 14.10g A Ptolemy I tetradrachm signed by the famous Delta engraver behind Ptolemy's ear. Edited December 24, 2022 by Jeremy 32 10 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanxi Posted December 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 24, 2022 Congratulations on this year's coins. Your coins are not only beautiful, but each of them is also very interesting. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hughie Dwyer Posted December 24, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 24, 2022 (edited) 5 hours ago, Jeremy said: A top 12 because I’ve given up trying to pare down the list to 10 🙂 I see what you mean. I can barely create a list of my top 5 favourites. As has been said, each coin is not only beautiful but interesting in its own right. If I had to choose, I would go numbers 9, 8, 4, 3 and 1. Thank you for sharing this with us. Congrats on a great year. Edited December 24, 2022 by Hughie Dwyer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted December 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 24, 2022 Some great coins in that selection. The Antinous, Tranquillina and Mataponton are the ones I like the most. Well done on a great coin year Q 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard Posted December 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 24, 2022 Wonderfully interesting selection..! Particularly like the Caracalla #2..Great reverse!..But all are super looking coins.. Congrats. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor robinjojo Posted December 24, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 24, 2022 (edited) Outstanding coins! It's hard to pick a favorite; each coin has its own qualities. If push comes to shove, I'd say #2, the Caracalla AE 30 is a standout, but, really, I like them all. Edited December 25, 2022 by robinjojo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panzerman Posted December 24, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 24, 2022 I would #1 #4 #12 as my picks. But all twelve are distinct and beautifull. Congraats on a fine coin year! Wish you many/ many more! Merry Christmas! John 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nerosmyfavorite68 Posted December 24, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 24, 2022 Oh wow, that's a really impressive list! I have many favorites, but if I had to pick one super-favorite, it would be the Tarsos stater. Stay safe during the yukky weather! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agricantus Posted December 24, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 24, 2022 Wow, super! The reverse on #10 is amazing! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursus Posted December 25, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 25, 2022 Terrific selection! I particularly like the Tarsos stater as well as the Ptolemy I tetradrachm, and the Antinous tessera is of great historical interest. It is obvious that you had a good collecting year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted December 25, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 25, 2022 Wonderful, all of them! If I had to pick my favorites, I would choose #'s 12, 8, and 4. Plus the two Glykons. A point about # 9, your Hadrian didrachm from Caesarea with the club reverse. I have looked carefully, but see no sign at all of a star or crescent flanking the club on your reverse. I think perhaps it's more likely to be one of the several types with only a club, like mine (RPC III 3109 [see https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/3109 ]): See RPC III 3105-3114 for the different types. I'm not sure which is yours. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Posted December 25, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted December 25, 2022 47 minutes ago, DonnaML said: Wonderful, all of them! If I had to pick my favorites, I would choose #'s 12, 8, and 4. Plus the two Glykons. A point about # 9, your Hadrian didrachm from Caesarea with the club reverse. I have looked carefully, but see no sign at all of a star or crescent flanking the club on your reverse. I think perhaps it's more likely to be one of the several types with only a club, like mine (RPC III 3109 [see https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/3109 ]): See RPC III 3105-3114 for the different types. I'm not sure which is yours. Thank you, Donna! You're absolutely right - I had misattributed this. It's actually RPC III 3105, and coincidentally my coin is the feature image in RPC for that number ☺️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonW Posted December 28, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 28, 2022 (edited) Great selection, @Jeremy! I like all your coins, but one particularly stands out to me: the Antinoüs Tessera! 😍 I bought the second big lead Tessera they offered in this auction: Edited December 28, 2022 by SimonW 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_collector Posted December 28, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 28, 2022 Great pickups, @Jeremy. Your Glycon coins and Ptolemy I tetradrachm are my favorites. 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Posted December 28, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted December 28, 2022 8 hours ago, SimonW said: Great selection, @Jeremy! I like all your coins, but one particularly stands out to me: the Antinoüs Tessera! 😍 I bought the second big lead Tessera they offered in this auction: I was wondering who bought the Zeus Ammon tessera - it's an amazing piece! Have you been able to find any references for your tessera, or deduce what the winged object is? Mine seems to be unpublished and I'm curious if that's the case for yours as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Kowsky Posted December 28, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 28, 2022 On 12/23/2022 at 10:37 PM, Jeremy said: I’m staying inside today as a blizzard sweeps across Minnesota and using the opportunity to pull together my top 12 of 2022. A top 12 because I’ve given up trying to pare down the list to 10 🙂 In the last year I found myself buying more Greek and Roman provincial coins, and less Roman imperial coins than in the past. Provincials have been a fun area to collect, since they combine the artistry and mythological themes of Greek coins with high quality, stately portraits of Roman emperors and empresses. I haven’t had much time lately to post on the forum, but I have been lurking regularly and admiring the nice coins and expansive knowledge that everyone contributes. I hope that 2023 brings you good health, happiness, and lots of coins from your wish list. In no particular order, my top 12 of 2022: 12. Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater Balakros, satrap of Cilicia under Alexander III Circa 333-323 BC or 330 to 323 BC Obverse: Baaltars seated left, holding lotus-tipped sceptre, grain ear and grape bunch to left, Σ under throne. Reverse: Facing bust of Athena, draped, wearing triple-crested helmet and necklace. References: SNG Levante Suppl. 21; SNG France 368; SNG von Aulock 5964. 24mm; 10.88g 11. Caria, Rhodes, Uncertain reign Æ 33 mm 31 BC - 60 AD Epikrates, magistrate Obverse: Radiate head of Dionysos left, wearing ivy wreath. Reverse: PΩΔΙΩΝ ΕΠΙ ΕΠΙΚΡΑΤΕΥϹ; Nike standing left on rose, holding aphlaston and palm. References: RPC I 2762; SNG von Aulock 2849. 33mm; 26.89g A large, scarce bronze with an anepigraphic obverse that I was drawn to. 10 Troas, Alexandria, Pseudo-autonomous, Time of Trebonianus Gallus Æ 24mm 251-253 AD Obverse: CO ALEX TRO; Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right; vexillum to left. Reverse: COL AVG / TROAD; Apollo, nude to the waist, seated left, holding arrows with his extended right hand, his left hand rests on seat; to left, the priest Krinis, nude to the waist, seated right; at his feet, forepart of hound sniffing the ground; between Apollo and Krinis, the herdsman Orodes standing right, holding pedum; above, animal (likely a mouse) pierced by arrow. References: RPC IX 473 (2 specimens) var. (obv. legend); Bellinger A481. 24mm; 6.70g An extremely rare mythological type depicting a scene with Apollo Smintheus, a manifestation of Apollo translating to 'Apollo, Lord of Mice'. Apollo Smintheus is mentioned in the very begging of the Iliad, where he unleashes a plague on Agamemnon for kidnapping the daughter of his priest, Chryses. 9. Cappadocia, Caesarea-Eusebeia, Hadrian AR didrachm 117-138 AD Struck 128-138 AD Obverse: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟC CEBACTOC; Laureate head right. Reverse: Rev.ΥΠΑΤΟC Γ ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤ; Club flanked by star and crescent. References: Metcalf 101; Sydenham 282. 22mm; 6.01g 8. Pamphylia, Side AR tetradrachm Circa 205-100 BC St-, magistrate Obverse: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet. Reverse: Nike advancing left, holding wreath; to left, pomegranate above ΣΤ monogram. References: SNG France 710-12. 29mm; 16.89g 7. Metapontum AR Stater/Nomos Circa 540-510 BC Obverse: META upwards on right, ear of barley with eight grains, border of dots within two concentric linear circles. Reverse: Incuse ear of barley with eight grains, rayed border. References: Noe Class VI, 125 (same dies); SNG ANS 215; HN Italy 1479. 28mm; 8.12g From an old English collection with dark cabinet toning. 6. Pisidia, Cremna, Tranquillina (wife of Gordian III) Æ 25mm 238-244 AD Obverse: SAB TRANQVILLINAM AVGVS[TAM]; Draped bust of Tranquillina right, wearing stephane, crescent behind. Reverse: COL CREM - N - E - NSIVM; The Three Graces, arm in arm, the one on the left and right each holding a flower. References: SNG von Aulock, Pisidien II, 1423; SNG Paris 1512. 25mm; 12.11g 5. Asia Minor, uncertain, Antinoüs lead Tessera Antinoüs died 130 AD Obverse: Bare-headed, heroic nude three-quarter bust of Antinoüs to left. Reverse: Engraved chequer pattern. References: Blum -. Pudill -. Apparently unpublished and unique. 37mm; 55.3g A huge lead tessera I picked up in a Leu Numismatik auction. It’s so big that it even contends with my Ptolemy III tetrobol as the largest object in my collection. I haven’t seen another lead tessera with as nice of a depiction of Antinoüs. 4. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR stater Circa 380-325 BC Obverse: Two wrestlers grappling; ΣK between. Reverse: EΣTFEΔIIYΣ; Slinger in throwing stance right; triskeles to right; all within pelleted square border; c/m: wolf running to right within rectangular incuse. References: Tekin Series 4; SNG BnF 107; for c/m, Tekin, Aspendos Sikkeleri, 28. I had the opportunity to upgrade my old Aspendos stater with this one. It has so much luster it’s hard to photograph. 3. Thrace, Pautalia, Septimius Severus Æ 27mm 193-217 AD Obverse: AVT Λ CЄΠTI CЄVHPOC ΠЄ; Laureate head right. Reverse: OVΛΠIAC ΠAVTAΛIAC; The serpent Glykon coiled with four coils, with radiate head right and with fish-like tail. References: Ruzicka, Pautalia, 396; Varbanov 4806 var. (obverse legend) 29mm; 13.34g One of two coins I added to my Glykon subcollection this year (both from Pautalia in Thrace). 2.Thrace, Pautalia, Caracalla Æ 30mm 198-217 AD Obverse: AYT K M AY CEY ANTΩNEINOC; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right, seen from the front with aegis. Reverse: OYΛΠIAC ΠAYTAΛIAC; Asklepios cradling serpent-entwined staff, reclining left, head right, on winged, coiled, and bearded Glycon flying right. References: Varbanov 5007; Moushmov 4235; Ruzicka 618. 30mm; 18.94g This massive coin depicts the Greek god of healing riding Glykon, an “incarnation” of Asklepios that was invented by a schemer named Alexander of Abonoteichos. Glykon was a huge, live snake adorned with a beard, humanoid face mask, and a fish-like tail. The cult of Glykon grew into an influential cult in the Roman Empire. 1. Ptolemaic Egypt, Ptolemy I Soter AR tetradrachm 305/4-282 BC Struck in Alexandria, 294 BC Signed 'Delta' tetradrachm Obverse: Diademed bust of Ptolemy I right, aegis tied around neck; Δ behind ear, dotted border. Reverse: ΠTOΛEMAIOY-BAΣIΛEΩΣ; Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; P above ΠA monogram in left field. References: CPE 154; Svoronos 256. 28mm; 14.10g A Ptolemy I tetradrachm signed by the famous Delta engraver behind Ptolemy's ear. Great score on the Aspendos stater with wolf countermark 🤩. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor kirispupis Posted December 28, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 28, 2022 Nice pickups! The Glykon reverse stands out and the Balakros stater is a classic. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limes Posted December 29, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted December 29, 2022 Very interesting coins, all of them. Difficult to chose a favorite (to keep up with tradition). But I like the reverse of your AE, Pseudo-autonomous, Time of Trebonianus Gallus, showing the Apollo scene. I have not seen that type before. Best wishes for 2023! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonW Posted December 30, 2022 · Member Share Posted December 30, 2022 On 12/28/2022 at 2:31 PM, Jeremy said: I was wondering who bought the Zeus Ammon tessera - it's an amazing piece! Have you been able to find any references for your tessera, or deduce what the winged object is? Mine seems to be unpublished and I'm curious if that's the case for yours as well. Thank you, @Jeremy! I haven't found anything that is remotely similar until now. I assume it's unpublished as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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