(Sulla80) Top 10 List for 2024

[Sulla80]

The annual tradition of sharing a "Top 10 list" is always an enjoyable way to review the year and see what the many experts and enthusiasts in this forum have found to be their most rewarding acquisitions. Linking this with Thanksgiving seems appropriate to me as I am grateful for both the shared expertise & learning about history and technology of ancients and the enjoyment of our shared interest.

Here are my "Top 10" from 2024 with a poll, and links for more information on these coins and a set of coins that didn't make the cut.

#10) Notes: Perge, Civic Issue Tetradrachm, this coin was issued in Perge in Pamphylia which was part of the Pergamon kingdom and ruled by King Eumenes II when this civic coin was issued. During this time, Seleucid King Antiochus III (223-187 BC) positioned himself against Rome as the champion of Greek freedom. He expanded the Seleucid Kingdom in Anatolia and protected Rome's enemy, Hannibal, the Cathaginian general, at Ephesus, as a consultant on war with Rome.

Military conflict between the Roman Republic and the Seleucid Empire started in Greece in the autumn of 192 BC, near the time that this coin was minted. The war ended in 188 BC with the Treaty of Apamea, a major defeat for the Seleucids. Eumenes II sided with the Romans in the war and was rewarded by the Romans with Seleucid territory in the Treaty of 188 BC.

Kings of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’, 336-323 BCE, Tetradrachm (Silver, 29 mm, 16.95 g, 12 h), Perge, CY 29 = 193/2

#9) Notes: The Torquatii. This coin comes with a story of the family name Torquatus and a tragic story of a father's willingness to put military discipline ahead of the life of his son.

L. Torquatus, 113-112 BCE, AR denarius (18mm, 3.85g, 6h), Rome

#8) Notes: Tiberius, Tribute Penny - this coin is sought after This coin most commonly associated with the quote “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” from the Bible (Matthew 22:15-22). There there are other candidates - read about more options at Forvm Ancient Coins.

Tiberius, CE 14-37, AR denarius (18mm, 3.61g), group 4, Lugdunum

#7) Notes: Cicero's Saviour. This coin comes from the man who as consul who brought back Cicero from exile. He issued this coin asserting Rome's dominance over Hispania and the rebels led by Sertorius at the end of the Sertorian War that began with the return of Sulla to Rome after the Mithridatic Wars.

Pub. Lentulus P. f. L. n. Spinther, AR Denarius (3.65g, 18mm, 2h), Rome, 74 BCE.

#6) Notes: Artabanus, Fierce Parthian Portrait - this coin was a nice find in a large lot, an unusual Parthian portrait of a king who represented native Parthia against the Rome raised Vonones.

Kings of Parthia, Artabanos II (or III or IV), Circa CE 10-38, BI tetradrachm (27mm, 13.24 g, 12h), Seleukeia on the Tigris mint, dated Holöos 338 SE (July, AD 27)

#5) Notes: Pupienus & Balbinus, CE 238. The Year of Six Emperors, Pupienus & Balbinus provide a cautionary tale of two emperors who died together (at least in part) because they couldn't get along as co-rulers. I am going to consider these two antoniniani as one entry given how short-lived their reign was (3 months).

Roman Imperial, Balbinus, CE 238, AR Antoninianus (5g), Rome

#4) Notes: Euboia, Greeks & Cattle, this coin has one of the finest portraits of a bull that I have seen. Other than that, ny only excuse for adding this coin to the collection is strategic importance of the region during the Mithridatic wars (which this coin pre-dates by about 2 centuries):

Euboea, Euboean League, circa 304-290 BCE, AR drachm (16mm, 3.80gm, 12h)

#3) Notes: Sulla's Restoration Issues - just when I thought I might have no coins from the Roman republic in my top ten - this one came along - a restoration issue from Sulla's reign in Rome. Sulla issued 3 coins to recognize his close allies and their families.

Roman Republican, M. Caecilius Q.f. Q.n. Metellus, restored issue, 82-80 BCE. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.92g, 3h).. Rome mint.

#2) Notes: Neapolis, New City Hemidrachm, a beatiful coin that juxtaposes a gorgon and a nymph or goddess, from the end of the Peloponnesian war, up to the rise of Macedonia under Philip II.

Neapolis, Macedon; 411- 348 BCE; AR Hemidrachm (14mm; 1.78 gm; 9h)

#1) Notes: The Triumphs of Augustus
This one a late entrant in Nov 2024 - that bumps to the top of my Top 10. This coin celebrates the diplomatic triumph of Augustus in recovering the legionary standards lost by Crassus to the Parthians.

In 29 BCE, Octavian was recognized for victories over the Dalmatians, over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, and for the conquest of Egypt. This triumph an ultimate expression of rule over the European North, the Greek East, and the African South, which competed with Pompey, who boasted victories on the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This triumph became an a recognition that could not be further surpassed, and Augustus refused any triumphs after 29 BCE, including a triumph on his return to Rome in 19 BC.

The Roman Empire, Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD, Denarius, uncertain "mint 2", Colonia Patricia (?) circa 18 BC, AR 17 mm, 3.80 g.

Looking forward to see other top10 lists between now and the end of the year.

Take the poll and vote for your favorite 3 coins. Share anything you find interesting or entertaining.

Edited December 1, 2024 by Sulla80

[Helvius Pertinax]

I am afraid I have disregarded your request as I immediately voted for only one coin, directly upon seeing it, that being the Artabanos. A truly wonderful facing portrait, fierce is certainly a good way to describe it!

 

My own Parthian Drachm was also bought for the portrait (and because I wanted Ekbatana represented in my collection). It is very cutesy, with the pointy nose and happy looking eyes:

 

 

[Sulla80]

8 minutes ago, Helvius Pertinax said:

I am afraid I have disregarded your request as I immediately voted for only one coin, directly upon seeing it, that being the Artabanos. A truly wonderful facing portrait, fierce is certainly a good way to describe it!

My own Parthian Drachm was also bought for the portrait (and because I wanted Ekbatana represented in my collection). It is very cutesy, with the pointy nose and happy looking eyes:

Artabanos was a lucky find in a mixed lot.  Nice Vologases III - EF and good dies.

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

It's a nice lineup.  My top three are Augustus, Artabanus, and based on the excellent condition, the Balbinus/Pupienus pair.

[kirispupis]

Great additions for the year! I have to go with the Balbinus + Pupienus because the Balbinus in particular is a great example of a tough emperor. Definitely lots of history in the bunch though.

[ambr0zie]

Great year! all very desirable coins. I chose Balbinus+Pupienus, the Neapolis hemidrachm and the tribute penny (perhaps the last 2 were a little subjective as I also own examples)

[CPK]

Great list! That Balbinus in particular is exquisite!

[Deinomenid]

Neapolis, it just has to  be. If you  know, you  know!😉

[Curtisimo]

These are all great @Sulla80. I chose 5, 10 and 7 as my favorites.

[singig]

So many beautiful coins , I voted for 5 , 4 and 1. Congratulations !

[Qcumbor]

I agree with your #1 being #1, I've had that type on my list for a long time.
B&P are a nice pair, with very strong and libely portraits, and I have a soft spot for the Torquatus. 

Q

[Al Kowsky]

On 12/1/2024 at 8:28 AM, Sulla80 said:

The annual tradition of sharing a "Top 10 list" is always an enjoyable way to review the year and see what the many experts and enthusiasts in this forum have found to be their most rewarding acquisitions. Linking this with Thanksgiving seems appropriate to me as I am grateful for both the shared expertise & learning about history and technology of ancients and the enjoyment of our shared interest.

Here are my "Top 10" from 2024 with a poll, and links for more information on these coins and a set of coins that didn't make the cut.

#10) Notes: Perge, Civic Issue Tetradrachm, this coin was issued in Perge in Pamphylia which was part of the Pergamon kingdom and ruled by King Eumenes II when this civic coin was issued. During this time, Seleucid King Antiochus III (223-187 BC) positioned himself against Rome as the champion of Greek freedom. He expanded the Seleucid Kingdom in Anatolia and protected Rome's enemy, Hannibal, the Cathaginian general, at Ephesus, as a consultant on war with Rome.

Military conflict between the Roman Republic and the Seleucid Empire started in Greece in the autumn of 192 BC, near the time that this coin was minted. The war ended in 188 BC with the Treaty of Apamea, a major defeat for the Seleucids. Eumenes II sided with the Romans in the war and was rewarded by the Romans with Seleucid territory in the Treaty of 188 BC.

Kings of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’, 336-323 BCE, Tetradrachm (Silver, 29 mm, 16.95 g, 12 h), Perge, CY 29 = 193/2

#9) Notes: The Torquatii. This coin comes with a story of the family name Torquatus and a tragic story of a father's willingness to put military discipline ahead of the life of his son.

L. Torquatus, 113-112 BCE, AR denarius (18mm, 3.85g, 6h), Rome

#8) Notes: Tiberius, Tribute Penny - this coin is sought after This coin most commonly associated with the quote “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” from the Bible (Matthew 22:15-22). There there are other candidates - read about more options at Forvm Ancient Coins.

Tiberius, CE 14-37, AR denarius (18mm, 3.61g), group 4, Lugdunum

#7) Notes: Cicero's Saviour. This coin comes from the man who as consul who brought back Cicero from exile. He issued this coin asserting Rome's dominance over Hispania and the rebels led by Sertorius at the end of the Sertorian War that began with the return of Sulla to Rome after the Mithridatic Wars.

Pub. Lentulus P. f. L. n. Spinther, AR Denarius (3.65g, 18mm, 2h), Rome, 74 BCE.

#6) Notes: Artabanus, Fierce Parthian Portrait - this coin was a nice find in a large lot, an unusual Parthian portrait of a king who represented native Parthia against the Rome raised Vonones.

Kings of Parthia, Artabanos II (or III or IV), Circa CE 10-38, BI tetradrachm (27mm, 13.24 g, 12h), Seleukeia on the Tigris mint, dated Holöos 338 SE (July, AD 27)

#5) Notes: Pupienus & Balbinus, CE 238. The Year of Six Emperors, Pupienus & Balbinus provide a cautionary tale of two emperors who died together (at least in part) because they couldn't get along as co-rulers. I am going to consider these two antoniniani as one entry given how short-lived their reign was (3 months).

Roman Imperial, Balbinus, CE 238, AR Antoninianus (5g), Rome

#4) Notes: Euboia, Greeks & Cattle, this coin has one of the finest portraits of a bull that I have seen. Other than that, ny only excuse for adding this coin to the collection is strategic importance of the region during the Mithridatic wars (which this coin pre-dates by about 2 centuries):

Euboea, Euboean League, circa 304-290 BCE, AR drachm (16mm, 3.80gm, 12h)

#3) Notes: Sulla's Restoration Issues - just when I thought I might have no coins from the Roman republic in my top ten - this one came along - a restoration issue from Sulla's reign in Rome. Sulla issued 3 coins to recognize his close allies and their families.

Roman Republican, M. Caecilius Q.f. Q.n. Metellus, restored issue, 82-80 BCE. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.92g, 3h).. Rome mint.

#2) Notes: Neapolis, New City Hemidrachm, a beatiful coin that juxtaposes a gorgon and a nymph or goddess, from the end of the Peloponnesian war, up to the rise of Macedonia under Philip II.

Neapolis, Macedon; 411- 348 BCE; AR Hemidrachm (14mm; 1.78 gm; 9h)

#1) Notes: The Triumphs of Augustus
This one a late entrant in Nov 2024 - that bumps to the top of my Top 10. This coin celebrates the diplomatic triumph of Augustus in recovering the legionary standards lost by Crassus to the Parthians.

In 29 BCE, Octavian was recognized for victories over the Dalmatians, over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, and for the conquest of Egypt. This triumph an ultimate expression of rule over the European North, the Greek East, and the African South, which competed with Pompey, who boasted victories on the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This triumph became an a recognition that could not be further surpassed, and Augustus refused any triumphs after 29 BCE, including a triumph on his return to Rome in 19 BC.

The Roman Empire, Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD, Denarius, uncertain "mint 2", Colonia Patricia (?) circa 18 BC, AR 17 mm, 3.80 g.

Looking forward to see other top10 lists between now and the end of the year.

Take the poll and vote for your favorite 3 coins. Share anything you find interesting or entertaining.

Great additions 🤩. I voted for the Macedonian tet 😊.

[savitale]

Nice coins! I voted for #1 Augustus for the history of this event.

[David Atherton]

Excellent list! The Octavian as Augustus triumphal denarius is my favourite. Superb coin!

[Brennos]

I'm surprised not to see more votes for the Euboea drachma, it is a very well chosen charming coin.

Maybe too many roman collectors voters 🙂

[Sulla80]

1 hour ago, Brennos said:

I'm surprised not to see more votes for the Euboea drachma, it is a very well chosen charming coin.

Maybe too many roman collectors voters 🙂

Thanks, @Brennos - that surprised me too - and I thought the Tiberius denarius might be most popular and didn’t expect least popular. Always fun to see the NF crowd choices which I suspect are all above average collectors in their knowledge of ancients.

[panzerman]

Great coins!

For my three choices

1/ AR Euboea Drachm

2/ AR Denarius Pupienus

3/ AR Denarius Balbinus

Thanks for sharing!

John

[Roman Collector]

You had a fantastic year and all of these are historically important, but my favorite is the triumphs of Augustus. I also voted for the Greek/cattle because of the artistry. 

[shanxi]

The Octavian is a dream coin !

[Sulla80]

Thanks, all, for the comments and picks.  It is always fun to see the community favorites - Augustus a clear favorite this year.  Best wishes for thew New Year, 2025!. 

[robinjojo]

Wonderful coins for 2024! 

My picks are #1, #4 and #5.