Post your latest ancient!

[Mucius Scaevola]

Got this "Tribute Penny" from Kuenker today. Their picture was horrible, so I just searched for the picture when it was sold in 2018. This Picture was quite better but I was still worried about the surface. So they sent me a video of it. I won with a 350€ bid, which is quite low compared to similar examples. I like it, as it's nicely centered and has not that much wear.

Edited November 14, 2022 by Mucius Scaevola

[Roman Collector]

This sestertius arrived today from London Ancient Coins.

 

[CPK]

6 hours ago, Mucius Scaevola said:

Got this "Tribute Penny" from Kuenker today. Their picture was horrible, so I just searched for the picture when it was sold in 2018. This Picture was quite better but I was still worried about the surface. So they sent me a video of it. I won with a 350€ bid, which is quite low compared to similar examples. I like it, as it's nicely centered and has not that much wear.

 

Oh, very nice! That is a great example. The surfaces look much nicer in the video, and it's unusual to find one with such full and entire legends, especially on the obverse. Good portrait style, too. Congrats!

[Mucius Scaevola]

Thank you!

They told me that the surfaces are fine and after the video I knew there was a chance that it's going to be a bargain. The first time that I appreciate their bad pictures 😂 I mean 350 for a pretty nice Tiberius 😜

[Spaniard]

A sweet little addition to my Caracalla subset....Nice young portrait...

Sellers photo..

Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Caracalla

Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 200 AD

Material: Silver

Diameter: 20mm

Weight: 2.71g

Mint: Rome

Reference: RIC IV Caracalla 30a

Provenance: Ex Private Collection Germany

 

[Prieure de Sion]

53 minutes ago, Spaniard said:

Provenance: Ex Private Collection Germany

...and ex Numidas Numismatic Vienna Austria (if thats is interesting for you) 🙂 

[CPK]

2 hours ago, Spaniard said:

A sweet little addition to my Caracalla subset....Nice young portrait...

Sellers photo..

Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Caracalla

Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 200 AD

Material: Silver

Diameter: 20mm

Weight: 2.71g

Mint: Rome

Reference: RIC IV Caracalla 30a

Provenance: Ex Private Collection Germany

 

Hey, for once he's not scowling! 😆

[Prieure de Sion]

My two hits today at the auction house "Emporium Hamburg". The auction started at 8.30 a.m. local time in Germany - why do they start an auction so early? I'm not used to getting up before 10 am. Terrible. 🙂 

 

 

 

Titus Flavius Domitianus as Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus
Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 93/94 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.23g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 761; Obverse: Head of Domitian, laureate, right. The Inscription reads: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIII for Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus Germanicus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima (Imperator, Caesar, Domitian, Augustus, conqueror of the Germans, high priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th time); Reverse: Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield. The Inscription reads: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P for Imperator Secundum Vicesimum, Consul Sextum Decimum, Censor Perpetuus, Pater Patriae (Imperator for the 22nd time, consul for the 16th time, censor for life, father of the nation).

 

 

 

Koson Marcus Iunius Brutus
Stater of the Geto-Dacians Epoch 40/29 BC; Material: Gold; Diameter: 20mm; Weight: 8.49g; Mint: Olbia (?), King of the Scyths; Reference: RPC I 1701A, BMC Thrace p. 208; NGC Ch MS, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5; Obverse: Roman consul (Brutus ?) accompanied by two lictors advancing left. Monogram B (?) to left. The Inscription reads: KOΣON for KOSON; Reverse: Eagle on scepter to the left, holding wreath in its claw.

 

[El Cazador]

4 hours ago, Prieure de Sion said:

My two hits today at the auction house "Emporium Hamburg". The auction started at 8.30 a.m. local time in Germany - why do they start an auction so early? I'm not used to getting up before 10 am. Terrible. 🙂 

 

 

 

Titus Flavius Domitianus as Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus
Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 93/94 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.23g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 761; Obverse: Head of Domitian, laureate, right. The Inscription reads: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIII for Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus Germanicus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima (Imperator, Caesar, Domitian, Augustus, conqueror of the Germans, high priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th time); Reverse: Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield. The Inscription reads: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P for Imperator Secundum Vicesimum, Consul Sextum Decimum, Censor Perpetuus, Pater Patriae (Imperator for the 22nd time, consul for the 16th time, censor for life, father of the nation).

 

 

 

Koson Marcus Iunius Brutus
Stater of the Geto-Dacians Epoch 40/29 BC; Material: Gold; Diameter: 20mm; Weight: 8.49g; Mint: Olbia (?), King of the Scyths; Reference: RPC I 1701A, BMC Thrace p. 208; NGC Ch MS, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5; Obverse: Roman consul (Brutus ?) accompanied by two lictors advancing left. Monogram B (?) to left. The Inscription reads: KOΣON for KOSON; Reverse: Eagle on scepter to the left, holding wreath in its claw.

 

Lots of unsold lots, i was only interested in 2 Vitellius denarii, but these went higher than i expected for these to go

[jdmKY]

It’s been tough to get any auction wins this year, but I have recently picked up 2 coins that I’ve been trying to acquire for many years. Both are considered extremely rare by Sydenham (8 on a scale of 10).

Numonius Vaala, 41 BC - this one is challenging to find in nice condition with all major details visible. There is some speculation that the portrait may be a tribute to Julius Caesar.

Cassius, 42 BC - I love Imperatorial coins for all the symbolism and this is a great example. Cassius’ fleet had defeated the forces of Rhodes, note the rose at the base of the reverse. The battle took place in the seas off of the island of Cos (which is represented by the crab, its’ symbol). The crab holds an aplustre in its’ claws which represents the importance of Cos in the naval battle. The coin also shows an untied diadem, representing the victor’s spoils. A lot going on here!

[Prieure de Sion]

Got / win this - I think - nice Caracalla Denarius from the today Aureo & Calico Auction.

 

 

Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus, known as Caracalla
Rome; 216 AD; Silver Denarius; Weight: 3.5g; RIC IV Caracalla 275a (denarius); Obverse: Head of Caracalla, laureate, right; Inscription: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM; Reverse: Jupiter, naked, standing front, head left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand; Inscription: P M TR P XVIIII COS IIII P P

 

 

Edited November 16, 2022 by Prieure de Sion

[Prieure de Sion]

A little nice Vespasian from the yesterday Stacks & Bowers Auction I won...

 

VESPASIAN, A. D. 69-79. AR Denarius (3.51 gms), Rome Mint, A. D. 77-78. NGC Ch VF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. RIC-937; RSC-125. Obverse: Laureate head right; Reverse: Mars standing left, holding spear and trophy.

@David Atherton wrote: "A 'Mars triumphant' type which again copies a famous reverse from the past, this time that of L. Valerius Flaccus circa 108 BC."

 

The description Text is from the auction house - I have no time to verify all.

[Amarmur]

I bought this ebay lot in bulk for $60 total. The guy is legit but still have regrets because of how ugly the coins are. I plan to keep Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius, and Domitian for placeholders for my 12 Caesars set and to show my students and let them handle them as well, I plan to sell 5 of them. I am going to sell the Trajan, Vespasian, Julia Domna, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius all for $59 when they come to make up the costs. I think that is more or less fair even in this condition because these are earlier roman coins not the 3rd century coins. The prices on each seem so unrealistic. Hopefully I will find a buyer and at least break even.

LOT of 9ANCIENT IMPERIAL ROMAN AS COINS, All ID, 6-210 AD, NICE STARTER SET. | eBay

[ewomack]

I just ordered a new ancient this very evening, so, until that one arrives, this Leo VI Byzantine remains my latest ancient. But not for much longer.

Leo VI (AD 886-912); Constantinople; Æ Follis; Obv: +LEOn bAS - ILEVS ROM' Bust facing wearing crown and chlamys, holding akakia in l. hand; Rev: Inscription in four lines: +LEOn / Eh ΘEO bA / SILEVS R / OmEOh; 7.67g.;  Berk 918, Sear 1729

[Spaniard]

A little snack...I love the domesticated panther!

Thrace, Philippopolis. Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. AE As­sarion (3.94 gm, 18mm). Obv.: [ΑΥ Τ ΑΙ ΑΔΡΙ] ΑΝΤΩΝΕΙΝ, laureate head right. Rev.: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛEΙΤΩΝ, nude Dionysus standing left, holding cantharus over panther and long filleted thyrsus. Mouchmov, Philippopolis 66–70 and 75, BMC 9: RPC Online 7441. VF.

[shanxi]

Sometimes you see a coin with problems; wear, old dies, surface cracks. Nevertheless, you find it attractive, and want to give it a good home. This is one of them:

Faustina Minor
AR-Denar, Rome, AD 162-164.
Obv.: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, Beckmann type 7 hairstyle
Rev.: CERES, Ceres, veiled, seated left on cista, holding two corn ears and torch
Ag, 3.18g
Ref.: RIC 669 (one of three hairstyle variations), CRE 159 [C]

 

This is now the third variant for Faustina II and "Ceres seated" that I have.

The other show busts with Beckmann type 9 hairstyle, and the much later Beckmann type 10 hairstyle + vertical torch.

If you are interested in these variations I recommend this thread by @Roman Collector

https://www.numisforums.com/topic/386-faustina-friday-–-ceres-seated-on-cista-sestertius

 

[Roman Collector]

2 hours ago, shanxi said:

Sometimes you see a coin with problems; wear, old dies, surface cracks. Nevertheless, you find it attractive, and want to give it a good home. This is one of them:

Faustina Minor
AR-Denar, Rome, AD 162-164.
Obv.: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, Beckmann type 7 hairstyle
Rev.: CERES, Ceres, veiled, seated left on cista, holding two corn ears and torch
Ag, 3.18g
Ref.: RIC 669 (one of three hairstyle variations), CRE 159 [C]

 

This is now the third variant for Faustina II and "Ceres seated" that I have.

The other show busts with Beckmann type 9 hairstyle, and the much later Beckmann type 10 hairstyle + vertical torch.

If you are interested in these variations I recommend this thread by @Roman Collector

https://www.numisforums.com/topic/386-faustina-friday-–-ceres-seated-on-cista-sestertius

 

Very nice! In terms of the earlier issue, I have the denarius with the Beckmann Type 7 coiffure, but am lacking the one with the type 9.

 

[Prieure de Sion]

I shot these three tetradrachms of Gordianus this afternoon. Actually, there were supposed to be four. Which of you insane people 😂 didn't stop bidding there? Was that one of you?

Nomos, Gordianus III, Prieur 300: https://www.biddr.com/auctions/nomos/browse?a=3019&l=3397208 

At 1,200 CHF I was out and someone took over the beautiful specimen for 1,300 CHF. Too bad - I was just about to play the game. But since I still want to pick up two coins at Savoca tonight - I went out.

 

And here are my three "graces" that I still got:

 

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Gordian III, 238-244. Tetradrachm (Billon, 29 mm, 12.64 g, 6 h). ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CΕΒ Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to left, seen from the front. Rev. ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞΟΥCΙΑC / S C Eagle with wings spread standing facing on exergual line, head and tail left, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 867c. Prieur 286. RPC VII.2, 3491. With a lovely frontal bust of Gordian. Minor weakness, otherwise, extremely fine.

 

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Gordian III, 238-244. Tetradrachm (Billon, 28 mm, 12.19 g, 12 h), 241-244. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CEΒ Laureate and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right. Rev. ΔHMAPX EΞ YΠA TO B Eagle standing facing with spread wings, head left, holding wreath in beak; between legs, crescent above ram leaping left, head turned to look back. McAlee 875. Prieur 293. RPC VII.2 Online 3510. Incredibly sharp and finely detailed. Virtually as struck.

 

 

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Gordian III, 238-244. Tetradrachm (Billon, 26.5 mm, 13.73 g, 12 h), 241-244. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CEΒ Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right. Rev. ΔHMAPX EΞ YΠA TO B Eagle standing facing with spread wings, head left, holding wreath in beak; between legs, crescent above ram leaping left, head turned to look back. McAlee 879. Prieur 294. RPC VII.2 Online 3516. Well centered and lightly toned, the portrait of Gordian having a determined expression. Nearly extremely fine.

 

 

[shanxi]

A new angry looking Faustina.

A quite common coin, but also for this type two variations exist, with and without globe. RIC and CRE skip these variants, but in RSC they have a different number. The new coin is with globe. 

Faustina 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, globe below
Ag, 3.34g, 18mm
Ref.: RIC III 683 var. (globe), RSC 107a, CRE-I 181 [S]

 

and the type without globe ( and a friendly looking Faustina)

Faustina 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)

 

 

 

 

Edited November 21, 2022 by shanxi

[ambr0zie]

Here is a coin I posted on the forum, but finally had the chance to take a photo of it. Which was difficult as the color of the coin was simply not being captured by the camera and when it did the focus was wrong. Although its surface is not exceptional, I was delighted to add this type cheaply (also a rare variety with legend starting at 7 o clock) . Not too much to complain about the rhino either.

[Prieure de Sion]

Two republicans have reached me and fill my house with joy. A denarius of Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi and of Quintius Titius. I am particularly taken with the reverse of Calpurnius Piso Frugi.

 

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi
Denarius of the Roman Republic Period 90 BC; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.69g; Mint: Rome; Reference: Crawford RRC 340/1; Provenance: Ex Stacks & Bowers Numismatics USA; From the Martineit Family Collection of Ancient and World Coins; Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo, right or left; control-mark below chin, behind, or both. Border of dots; Reverse: Horseman, right or left, with palm-branch, torch, or whip; control-mark above, below, or both. Border of dots. The Inscription reads: L PISO FRVGI for Lucius Piso Frugi; NGC XF 5/5 5/5 *Star*

 

Quintius Titius
Denarius of the Roman Republic Period 90 BC; Material: Silver; Diameter: 18mm; Weight: 3.65g; Mint: Rome; Reference: Crawford RRC 341/1; Provenance: Ex Stacks & Bowers Numismatics USA; From the Martineit Family Collection of Ancient and World Coins; Obverse: Bearded head of Mutinus Titinus right, wearing winged diadem. Line border; Reverse: Pegasus, right; below, in linear frame, inscription. Line border. The Inscription reads: Q TITI for Quintius Titius; NGC XF 

[Prieure de Sion]

And last but not least - I treated myself to this Domitian denarius at Aureo & Calico this afternoon. Now it's back to waiting for weeks until the Spaniards finish the papers. Maybe it will still make it home to me in 2022... 🙂 

 

Titus Flavius Domitianus
Denarius. 82-83 AD. Rome. (Ric-144). (Rsc-320). (Bmcre-52). Anv.: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M. Laureate head right. Rev.: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR. Eagle standing facing on thunderbolt, with head left and wings spread. Ag. 3,79 g. Attractive specimen with some original luster and well struck. Ex Jean Gustav Prudent Collection (Description by auction house).

 

@David Atherton writes: "A denarius which possibly commemorates Domitian's escape from Vitellian forces after hiding in the Temple of Jupiter during the last days of the Civil War of 69 AD. The coin was also part of an issue that began Domitian's refinement of the coinage."

@David Atherton - is this 144b type?

[David Atherton]

6 hours ago, Prieure de Sion said:

And last but not least - I treated myself to this Domitian denarius at Aureo & Calico this afternoon. Now it's back to waiting for weeks until the Spaniards finish the papers. Maybe it will still make it home to me in 2022... 🙂 

 

Titus Flavius Domitianus
Denarius. 82-83 AD. Rome. (Ric-144). (Rsc-320). (Bmcre-52). Anv.: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M. Laureate head right. Rev.: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR. Eagle standing facing on thunderbolt, with head left and wings spread. Ag. 3,79 g. Attractive specimen with some original luster and well struck. Ex Jean Gustav Prudent Collection (Description by auction house).

 

@David Atherton writes: "A denarius which possibly commemorates Domitian's escape from Vitellian forces after hiding in the Temple of Jupiter during the last days of the Civil War of 69 AD. The coin was also part of an issue that began Domitian's refinement of the coinage."

@David Atherton - is this 144b type?

Yes, yours is RIC 144b ... and such a wonderful specimen!

RIC 144c is with wings outstretched flat. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=1193&pid=171052#top_display_media

Variety 'a' is with wings upright and is only depicted rarely on aurei.

Edited November 23, 2022 by David Atherton

[Prieure de Sion]

8 hours ago, David Atherton said:

Yes, yours is RIC 144b ... and such a wonderful specimen!

RIC 144c is with wings outstretched flat. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=1193&pid=171052#top_display_media

Variety 'a' is with wings upright and is only depicted rarely on aurei.

Thank you David! I had already looked at your blog in the forum and seen the two types - but I wanted to make sure again that I had understood it correctly. Thank you.

 

 

Edited November 23, 2022 by Prieure de Sion

[akeady]

Arrivals from this week...

Monday:
Cr. 353/1c

Tuesday:
Cr. 53/2 - group 3C from Brinkmen & Debernardi

Today:
Augustus RIC 407 - Augustus & Agrippa reverse (just a 'phone photo' so far):

Not a bad week so far 🙂

ATB,
Aidan.