Emperors of Rome - A (Chronological) Portrait Gallery

[DonnaML]

35 minutes ago, lrbguy said:

Well, think about it.  While both Roma and Republica are feminine nouns, If the kneeling figure which is being elevated by the attention of the emperor (large central figure) were Roma, wouldn't the coin inscription have mentioned that? (reparatio romae?) Why does it hearken back to Republica?  For many in the east "Roma" was tied to a city; a city they sought to keep at a distance since the time of Diocletian.

My main issue is with the claim that on "Greek" (presumably Roman Provincial or Republican Provincial) coins, Roma is "usually" portrayed with a mural/turreted crown. I'm no expert on Roman Provincial coins, but where did this happen? On which coins? I am baffled!

[Severus Alexander]

I’m pretty excited about my new portrait of Constantine, and I figure this is the thread to share it in:

Needless to say, the anepigraphic version of this coin is pretty rare and was presumably a special issue, somehow connected with the founding of Constantinople. Some oohs and ahs, please, as I’m sure my family won’t really appreciate it! 😆

Also, I’ve been enjoying the discussion about the kneeling turreted figure on the Gratian coin. I think the best synthesis of @DonnaML, @John Conduitt, and @lrbguy’s comments is that the kneeling figure is an extension of Italia turrita that represents what the coin legend says. Now, my latin is worse than abysmal, but I see some dealers parse the legend as Rei Public(ae), i.e. literally “public things,” which is of course where our term “republic” comes from. So the figure represents the state-supported aspects of the public sphere quite generally.

Going back a hundred years, I note that Aurelian’s Restitvt(or) Orientis coins represent the Orient differently at western vs. eastern mints. At eastern mints the figure is turreted, but not at western ones. Seems to me that by Gratian’s time the turreting of figurative representations of general terms like this had moved westwards, perhaps aided by the notion of Italia turrita.

[DonnaML]

7 minutes ago, Severus Alexander said:

I’m pretty excited about my new portrait of Constantine, and I figure this is the thread to share it in:

Needless to say, the anepigraphic version of this coin is pretty rare and was presumably a special issue, somehow connected with the founding of Constantinople. Some oohs and ahs, please, as I’m sure my family won’t really appreciate it! 😆

Also, I’ve been enjoying the discussion about the kneeling turreted figure on the Gratian coin. I think the best synthesis of @DonnaML, @John Conduitt, and @lrbguy’s comments is that the kneeling figure is an extension of Italia turrita that represents what the coin legend says. Now, my latin is worse than abysmal, but I see some dealers parse the legend as Rei Public(ae), i.e. literally “public things,” which is of course where our term “republic” comes from. So the figure represents the state-supported aspects of the public sphere quite generally.

Going back a hundred years, I note that Aurelian’s Restitvt(or) Orientis coins represent the Orient differently at western vs. eastern mints. At eastern mints the figure is turreted, but not at western ones. Seems to me that by Gratian’s time the turreting of figurative representations of general terms like this had moved westwards, perhaps aided by the notion of Italia turrita.

This makes sense, I think. What surprises me is that I can't find any  commentary on the issue. It's not as if this is an uncommon reverse.

[Severus Alexander]

2 hours ago, DonnaML said:

My main issue is with the claim that on "Greek" (presumably Roman Provincial or Republican Provincial) coins, Roma is "usually" portrayed with a mural/turreted crown. I'm no expert on Roman Provincial coins, but where did this happen? On which coins? I am baffled!

There’s a common 2nd century issue from Pergamum that represents Roma as turreted:

The legend for the Roma side is ΘЄΑΝ ΡΩΜΗΝ. (The other side represents the senate.)

4 minutes ago, DonnaML said:

What surprises me is that I can't find any  commentary on the issue. It's not as if this is an uncommon reverse.

This is a bit weird, I agree!

[lrbguy]

Nice bronze Sev Alex, something not in RIC VII.  I have always like the Dafne reverse, and the fact that it gets tangled up with the campgate reverses.

9 hours ago, Severus Alexander said:

I see some dealers parse the legend as Rei Public(ae), i.e. literally “public things,”

Actually, parsing REIPVB (or reipublicae) as rei + publicae cannot yield "public things" inasmuch as rei is a feminine singular form from the third declension noun "res."  It is either genitive or dative singular.  Publicae is the associated adjective parsed as a first declension singular to match, which in its unabbreviated form "reipublicae" appears on a solidus of Valens.  The word which disambiguates the grammatical case of reipublicae, is the noun "reparatio" a third declension singular which by virtue of prior position forces reipublicae to take the genitive: the restoration of (the) public order/affair/matter.  Contrary to my earlier comment, this is not a throwback reference to the Roman republic, but rather, I think,  speaks of civil order despite the growing separation of east and west.

In this rendering, the figure being elevated by the imperial recognition is the public order, and is feminine by virtue of the grammar of the expression.

 

[Severus Alexander]

Back to the portrait schedule, I'm impressed with the great Valentinian II portraits above in silver, and of course Q's fabulous AE.  My offerings are a lot more mundane.

Here's a tiny AE4 with a nice portrait, especially considering its size:

And an Antioch version of Q's coin which is unfortunately a bit rough:

[CPK]

Fantastic Constantine @Severus Alexander !!

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

I thought the turreted woman type of Gratian (and also Magnus Maximus later on) represented Tyche, But I suppose referring to a restoration of Italy, in the form of this female symbol, would be more apropos for the times.

[lrbguy]

There are some very nice coins of Valentinian II being shown here.  Most impressive.
Before presenting my coins let me correct an error in my last post: I should have said that res is a fifth declension noun, not 3rd. FWIW.

I have selected four coins for Valentinian II; 3 Ae3, and an AE4, which I think do not duplicate what others have posted so far.

Valentinian II, AE3 - 18mm  Antioch mint, 378-83 CE
DN VALENTINIA - NVS IVN FL AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
.VRBS. - ROMA , Roma std to L, holds Victoriola to L; staff/spear to r
In left field: <theta>; in R field: star over <psi>  In exergue: ANT<delta>

 

Valentinian II, AE3 - 18mm  Aquilea mint, 378-83 CE
DN VALENTINIA - NVS IVN FL AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
CONCOR - DIA AVGGG,  Concordia enthroned facing to left, holds orb in r, staff in L
In exergue: SMAQS

compare the style of that reverse with this next:

Valentinian II, AE3 - 18mm  Siscia mint, 378-83 CE
DN VALENTINIA - NVS IVN FL AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
CONCOR - DIA AVGGG,  Concordia enthroned facing to left, holds orb in r, staff in L
In exergue: ASISC

 

Valentinian II, AE4 - 15mm  Antioch mint, 378-83 CE
DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
SALVS REI - PVBLICAE; Victory leads captive to L
Left field: Latin cross; In exergue: ANTA

 

 

Edited May 12, 2023 by lrbguy

[mc9]

some of my favorite Theodosius I portraits :

D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG : Pearl diademed draped and cuirassed bust right
SALUS REI – PUBLICAE  Chi-Rho//SMKA: Victory dragging captive, Chi-Rho in left field
AE4, Cyzicus, A.D.388 ,  RIC IX 26(b)

D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG : pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
CONCORDIA AVGGG   Θ / Φ/K /ANTΔ : Constantinopolis, helmeted, enthroned facing, head left, holding globe and grounded spear, left leg bare
AE centenionalis, Antioch, A.D. 378-383, RIC IX 46e

D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG : rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
CONCORDIA AVGGG   Θ / Φ/ ANT Γ : Constantinopolis enthroned facing, holding spear in right hand, resting left hand on left knie; right foot on prow
AE centenionalis, Antioch, A.D. 378-383, RIC IX 44b2

 

[expat]

Aelia Flaccilla, Born Spain 356CE, died Constantinople 386 CE. First wife of Theodosius I. Very worn example

AE4.  AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG, draped bust with elaborate headdress, necklace and mantle / SALVS REI-PVBLICAE, Victory seated right, inscribing a chi-rho on shield set on narrow column. 10mm, 1.28gr. RIC IX Antioch 54; Sear 20628

[John Conduitt]

Theodosius I Siliqua, 388-392

Treveri. Silver, 1.68g. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG. Roma seated left on cuirass, holding reversed spear and Victoriola on globe; VIRTVS RO-MANORVM; TRPS in exergue (RIC IX, 94b). From the Vale of Pewsey (Wiltshire) Hoard 2020, Portable Antiquities Scheme: BM-7D34D9.

[Qcumbor]

Oohs and ahs for Sev's beautiful Contantine

My best Theodosius I (an AE4) and my only Aelia Flacilla (an AE2)

 

Q

[DonnaML]

I have two coins of Theodosius I, plus one of his first wife Aelia Flaccilla:

Theodosius I, AR reduced Siliqua, AD 379-383 (Aquileia Mint) [Emperor AD 379-395). Obv. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, D N THEODO-SIUS P F AVG / Rev. Constantinopolis, crowned, seated facing on thorne, head to right, holding long scepter in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left, right foot resting on prow, CONCOR-DIA AVGGG; in exergue, AQPS [AQ = Aquileia Mint; PS = pusulatum (struck from pure silver); see Sear RCV V, Introduction p. 70]. 17 mm., 1.71 g., 12 h. RIC IX Aquileia 25 (p. 99), RSC V 4c (ill. p. 172), Sear RCV V 20448 (ill. p. 403). Purchased from Leu Numismatik AG, Winterthur, Switzerland, Web Auction 25, 14 Mar 2023, Lot 2729. 

Theodosius I, AE3 (Sear: Centenionalis), AD 379-383 [Emperor AD 379-395], Alexandria mint, 3rd Officina. Obv. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG - Diademed (Pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right /  Rev. CONCORDIA AVGGG - Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing on throne, head right, holding spear and globe, right foot on prow. ALE(Γ) [gamma] in exergue. RIC IX 11 (p. 300), Sear RCV V 20535. 17.72 mm, 1.9 g. 

Aelia Flaccilla (first wife of Theodosius I and mother of Arcadius & Honorius), AE maiorina, AD 383-386, Alexandria mint, 2nd Officina. Obv. Draped bust of Aelia Flaccilla right, wearing necklace, earrings, and elaborate headdress with diadem, AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG / Rev. Empress standing facing, head right, her arms crossed on her breast, SALVS REI-PVBLICAE; in exergue, ALEB [mint mark ALE = Alexandria; B = 2nd Officina]. 24 mm., 6.62 g. RIC IX 17 (p. 302); Sear RCV V 20622; Cohen 6; LRBC II 2897 [R.A.G. Carson, P.V. Hill, & J.P.C. Kent, Late Roman Bronze Coinage, A.D. 324-498 (London 1972)]. Purchased Nov. 2022 from Kirk Davis, Claremont, CA, Cat. No. 80, Fall 2022, Lot 79; ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, Auction 75, 09.24.2013, Lot 2652.

[Pellinore]

Donna, that's a very sweet coin of Aelia Flaccilla. 

I don't have any of hers, only of her husband. Not purrfect, but they'll do.

AR siliqua Theodosius I (379-395). Clipped. Obv. IVSPFAVG. Draped and cuirassed bust t.r. Rev. AAVGG. Concordia with helmeted head, seated. In exergue, ??. 13.5 mm, 1.29 gr. Cabinet toning. Frank S. Robinson auction March 2019, € 20

2844. Theodosius I 379-395, AE3, Treveri. Obv. Pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. DN THEODO / SIVS PF AVG. Rev. Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory and reversed spear; mintmark TRPS. VIRTVS ROMANORVM. 16 mm, 2.10 gr.

2840. Theodosius I 379-395, AE4, 388-392. Cyzicus. Obv. Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG. Rev. Victory with barbarian. SALVS REIPVBLICAE. Monogramme left. In exergue SMKB (Kyzikus). 13 mm, 1.37 gr. RIC 26 (b), 2; Cohen 30 (a).

2846. Theodosius I (379-395), AE4, 388-392. Cyzicus. Obv. Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. DN THEO - DOSIVS PF AVG. Rev. Victory advancing left holding trophy and dragging captive; Christogram in left field, SALVS REIPVBLICAE/ SMKB in exergue. 12 mm, 1.26 gr. 

2859. Theodosius I (379-395), AE4, Thessalonica 388-393. With casting tail. Obv. Laureate, draped cuirassed bust right. DN THEODO-SIVS P F AVG. Rev. Victory advancing left, head turned back, carrying trophy and dragging captive. SALVS REIPVBLICAE. Exergue: TESB. 14/ 16.5 mm, 1.40 gr. 

The next one is far out, and I'm not sure if it's Theodosius I or II. I hope you can tell me:

2973. AE LRB, but very excentric. Obv. small part of Theodosius’ back head. DNTHEODO. Rev. Victoria? Well, part of her dress. IAAVGG. 

[Qcumbor]

39 minutes ago, DonnaML said:

Everytime I see that coin I have a smile on my face : it's such a beautiful one !!

Q

[John Conduitt]

31 minutes ago, Pellinore said:

The next one is far out, and I'm not sure if it's Theodosius I or II. I hope you can tell me:

2973. AE LRB, but very excentric. Obv. small part of Theodosius’ back head. DNTHEODO. Rev. Victoria? Well, part of her dress. IAAVGG. 

I would say it is VICTOR-IA AVGGG with Victory walking left, which means it has to be Theodosius I. AVGG would be Theodosius II.

Edited May 12, 2023 by John Conduitt

[O-Towner]

Matching reverse Ae campgate (17-18mm) types from Thessalonica of Valentinian II and Theodosius I. Not the greatest but both are very tough to find.

Valentinian II : Obv: D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG; Pearl-diademed and mantled bust left holding mappa and short scepter

Theodosius I : Obv: D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG; Same as above

Rev (for both): GLORIA REIPVBLICE; Campgate with Christogram above, A to left; TES in exergue

Edited May 12, 2023 by O-Towner

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Theodosius I (The Great)

AE 2 (Note the T-rex arms on the coin 🫠

 

 

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

1 hour ago, DonnaML said:

I have two coins of Theodosius I, plus one of his first wife Aelia Flaccilla:

Theodosius I, AR reduced Siliqua, AD 379-383 (Aquileia Mint) [Emperor AD 379-395). Obv. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, D N THEODO-SIUS P F AVG / Rev. Constantinopolis, crowned, seated facing on thorne, head to right, holding long scepter in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left, right foot resting on prow, CONCOR-DIA AVGGG; in exergue, AQPS [AQ = Aquileia Mint; PS = pusulatum (struck from pure silver); see Sear RCV V, Introduction p. 70]. 17 mm., 1.71 g., 12 h. RIC IX Aquileia 25 (p. 99), RSC V 4c (ill. p. 172), Sear RCV V 20448 (ill. p. 403). Purchased from Leu Numismatik AG, Winterthur, Switzerland, Web Auction 25, 14 Mar 2023, Lot 2729. 

Theodosius I, AE3 (Sear: Centenionalis), AD 379-383 [Emperor AD 379-395], Alexandria mint, 3rd Officina. Obv. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG - Diademed (Pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right /  Rev. CONCORDIA AVGGG - Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing on throne, head right, holding spear and globe, right foot on prow. ALE(Γ) [gamma] in exergue. RIC IX 11 (p. 300), Sear RCV V 20535. 17.72 mm, 1.9 g. 

Aelia Flaccilla (first wife of Theodosius I and mother of Arcadius & Honorius), AE maiorina, AD 383-386, Alexandria mint, 2nd Officina. Obv. Draped bust of Aelia Flaccilla right, wearing necklace, earrings, and elaborate headdress with diadem, AEL FLAC-CILLA AVG / Rev. Empress standing facing, head right, her arms crossed on her breast, SALVS REI-PVBLICAE; in exergue, ALEB [mint mark ALE = Alexandria; B = 2nd Officina]. 24 mm., 6.62 g. RIC IX 17 (p. 302); Sear RCV V 20622; Cohen 6; LRBC II 2897 [R.A.G. Carson, P.V. Hill, & J.P.C. Kent, Late Roman Bronze Coinage, A.D. 324-498 (London 1972)]. Purchased Nov. 2022 from Kirk Davis, Claremont, CA, Cat. No. 80, Fall 2022, Lot 79; ex Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, Auction 75, 09.24.2013, Lot 2652.

 

Great portrait of Aelia Donna, looks very regal and noble.

[wittwolff]

My least favorite emperor but he atleast minted some nice coins:

And his wife:

[CPK]

@DonnaML I must chime in with everyone else: that Aelia Flaccilla is extraordinary!

Here is my Theodosius:
 

 

[mc9]

 

My favorite Flaccilla portraits, the third one has bold cheeks :

AEL FLAC - CILLA AVG : draped bust right with elaborate headdress, necklace and mantle
SALUS REI - PUBLICAE : Victory seated right, holding shield with XP-monogram on small column
AE2 , Constantinopolis, A.D.378- 383, RIC IX 55/5

AEL FLAC - CILLA AVG : draped bust right with elaborate headdress, necklace and mantle
SALVS REIPVBLICAE  // ASISC• : Victory seated right, inscribing a chi-rho on shield resting on small column.
AE4, Siscia, AD 383-388, RIC IX 35/1

AEL FLAC - CILLA AVG : draped bust right with elaborate headdress, necklace and mantle
SALVS REIPVBLICAE  // TESΔ : Victory seated right, inscribing a chi-rho on shield resting on small column.
AE4, Thessalonica, AD 383-388, RIC IX 47

 

 

 

[lrbguy]

A couple of pics for Theodosius and a few more for his wife. 

Theodosius I, AE2 - 22x24mm   Constantinople mint, 378-383
DN THEODO - SIVS PF AVG Helmeted with pearl diadem, draped and cuirassed bust right
GLORIA RO - MANORVM, Emperor stg on ship facing r, raising r. hand; Victory at helm
In L field: wreath    In exergue: CONA

Theodosius I,  Siliqua - 18mm   Constantinople mint, 392-395 CE
DN THEODO - SIVS PF AVG diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
VOT X MVLT XX in wreath
In exergue: CONS

 

Aelia Flacilla AE2 21mm  Constantinople mint    378-383
AEL FLAC - CILLA AVG Draped w/ elaborate head-dress, necklace, and mantle
SALVS REI - PVBLICAE  
In right field: Latin cross    In exergue: CON<epsilon>

Aelia Flacilla AE2 21mm  Constantinople mint    383-388
AEL FLAC - CILLA AVG Draped w/ elaborate head-dress, necklace, and mantle
SALVS REI - PVBLICAE  Emperor stg facing, head r, arms folded.
In right field: Latin cross    In exergue: CONS<epsilon>

Aelia Flacilla AE2  22mm  Antioch mint  383-388
AEL FLAC - CILLA AVG Draped w/ elaborate head-dress, necklace, and mantle
SALVS REI - PVBLICAE  Victory seated on cuirass r, writing chi-rho on shield atop small column
In right field: tau cross (T)  In exergue: ANTS

 

Edited May 13, 2023 by lrbguy

[Severus Alexander]

I think my favourite Theodosius portrait is on this AE4, which is ex @dougsmit:

I see a couple other Cyzicus coins above with quite similar intense bug-eyed portraits (@mc9 and @Pellinore.)

And my favourite Flaccilla:

The porosity mars the portrait on my heavy miliarense... but otherwise I wouldn't have been able to afford it!

Still the only example known, as far as I know, and a hefty piece at 23mm and nearly 5g.  The portrait is actually quite appealing in hand.  I've wondered if I might somehow lighten the toning inside the pits on his face, which would help a lot.