Qcumbor's top 10 list of the year 2024

[Qcumbor]

Hi friends,

Even though, unlike 2022 and 2023, I’ve not made any major acquisition this year, 2024 has been a rather good year in terms of new coins. As the previous years, the ten coins that made it in the top 10 this year are all over the place in my various collecting themes : Dombes as usual, French revolution of course, and Roman, either provincial, republican or imperial.

 

10 - Constitution – 2 sols au faisceau 1791 A. Well struck, but harshly cleaned.

A bit of a disappointment because the seller’s descrpition said « cleaning traces » while in hand it’s obviously been quite harsly cleaned. Still, it’s a very nice coin, well struck on a large flan and well preserved, reason why I decided to keep it. The type is very common (I already had two examples, different years and mints), but 99,9 % of them are either crudly struck or very worn. See my previous ones for comparison.

Constitution - 2 sols au faisceau 1791 - Atelier de Paris (A)
LOUIS XVI ROI DES FRANCOIS, buste drapé a gauche, 1791 • A • sous le buste. Point au dessus du A
LA NATION LA LOI LE ROI  • L'AN 3 DE LA LIBERTE • faisceau surmonté d'un bonnet phrygien entre deux branches de chêne. 2 | S. de part et d'autre du faisceau
26,14 gr - 35,5 mm -  6h
Ref : Clairand # 36200, Ciani # 2249, Gad # 25

 

 

 

9 - Plautilla – Denarius featuring the she wolf suckling twins - 204 CE

At the intersection of the Plautilla series I built a few years ago and the Lupa Romana series I’m slowly building now is the rather scarce Plautilla denarius with the Venus Victrix reverse featuring a shield decorated with a she wolf suckling twins. This sub type is not easy to come by, and most often than not the she wolf is hardly identifiable.

Plautilla, Denarius - Rome mint, 204 CE
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA, Draped bust right
VENVS VICTRIX, Venus standing left, leaning on shield decorated with Lupa Romana, Cupid at her feet
3.00 gr - 20 mm - 6 h
Ref : RCV # 7074, RIC IV # 369 note, Cohen # 25 var

 

 

8 - Aquilia Severa – Denarius. A Severan empress I was lacking - 220/222 CE

Finding nice coins from the Severan period is easy : nice style and strikes most often, good enough metal, and well preserved examples readily available. That said, Aquilia Severa is one of the difficult ones to acquire. At least for me since I’ve been waiting two decades before I found a decent one at a decent price.

Aquilia Severa (Augusta, 220-221 & 221-222), Denarius - Rome mint, 220-222 CE
IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG. Draped bust right.
CONCORDIA, Concordia standing left, holding double cornucopia and patera over lighted and garlanded altar to left ; star to inner left.
3,28 gr - 18 mm
Ref : RCV # 7679, Cohen # 2, RIC # 225 (Elagabal)

Aquilia Severa, high priestess of Vesta, was Elagabalus' second wife. The marriage, celebrated in AD 220, was not well accepted by the Roman people, as the vestal vow of chastity was considered sacred. In the mind of the emperor, who identified himself with the Sun God, the marriage was meant to symbolise the union of two different religions, the Syriac and the Roman. The two however had no heirs and Elagabalus divorced Aquilia in 221 to marry Annia Faustina

 

 

7 - Henri II de Montpensier – An incredibly well struck and preserved teston - 1605

Those who have followed the building of my Dombes collection know the first quality of this coinage for usually not being of great engraving and strike. I already had a very decent Henri II de montpensier teston, but at first sight I knew I had to have this one instead. It’s in pristine condition, struck from fresh dies, and for once the engraving is rather good.

Henri II de Montpensier (1592-1608), Teston – 1605
Atelier de Trévoux
+ HENRIC•P•DOMBAR•D•MONTISP•R. Buste cuirassé à droite
+ DNS•ADIVTOR•ET•REDEM•MEVS•1605.  Ecu de Bourbon couronné, dans le champ deux H couronnés. Point dans le O et sur l'M de MEVS, point de centrage du compas dans l'écu
9.56 gr - 30 mm - 7 h
Ref : Divo Dombes # 86, Mantellier #48, Poey d'Avant # 5148

 

 

6 - P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus – Denarius - 42 BCE

Out of the too many subsets I run after, Diana Lucifera is one I like, since it allows to put together coins of different periods and styles, something I see like transversal, rather than vertical (for what it’s worth. Finding reasons for collecting more and more is something we all do, don’t we ?). Anyway, this is a nice example, with both sides of equal quality and well centered. The little flatness on the left doesn’t distract from the coin, so it was easy to take the plunge.

P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus, Denarius - Rome mint, 42 BCE
Laureate head of Apollo to right; behind, lyre.
 P•CLODIVS / M•F• Diana standing front, head to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand.
3.87 gr - 20 mm - 5 h
Ref : HCRI # 184, Crawford # 494/23, RBW # 1727, RCV # 492, Albert # 1583

 

 

5 - Severus Alexander – Alexandria tetradrachm from the Rome mint - 225/226 CE

This nice alexandrian tetradrachm of Severus Alexander has a very distinctive style to it, and the regnal year in full letters makes it very special. As our friend @Valentinian explained in one of his very documented and instructive webpages, these issues were  most probably from the Rome mint, or at least the dies produced by engravers from Rome. See here.

Severe Alexandre (222 - 235) - Tétradrachme de l'atelier d'Alexandrie, 225-226 CE
A KAI M AYΡ CЄOΥΗΡ ΑΛЄΞΑΝΔΡΟC ЄΥCЄΒ, Buste lauré et drapé à droite vu par l'arrière
L ΠЄΜΠΤΟΥ (5° année de règne), Serapis debout, la tête à gauche, vetu de la Kalathos, levant la main droite et tenant dans sa main gauche un sceptre.
28 mm - 13.47gr - 12 h
Ref : Emmett # 3134/5 (R1), Kampmann # 62.70, RPC VI online # 10333 (temporary), Dattari (Savio) # 4357

 

4 - C.Poblicius Q.f. – Denarius - 80 BCE

A beautiful denarius depicting Hercules strangling the Nemean lion. I pretty much like the style and the toning.

C. Poblicius Q.f., Denarius - Rome mint, 80 BCE
ROMA, Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right; to upper right, C.
C•POBLICI•Q•F Hercules standing left and strangling the Nemean lion; at his feet, club; in field to left, bow and quiver; to upper left C
4,00 gr - 19,5 mm - 6 h
Ref : RCV # 308, RSC, Procilia # 2, Crawford # 380/1, Albert #1275

 

 

3 - François II de montpensier – Denier tournois 1585/2

That one has been the most sought after coin of mine in four years. The major reference books for Dombes either doubt its existence, or locate two examples, at the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris, and at the musée des beaux-arts in Lyon. Thus, it’s the third known example and it’s been shown on a French forum four years ago. The owner being a nice person, he ensured me, should he be willing to part with it some day, he would certainly tell me first before auctioning it. And that’s what he did a few weeks ago. That tiny ugly coin is one of the most enjoyable acquisition in years. Cherry on the cake, while the two others known examples are clearly from 1585, that one is most probably 1585 over 1582, likely making the reverse die a re-engraving of a Louis II de Montpensier denier reverse (François II’s father). The next step would be to find a Louis II denier sharing the same, albeit recut, reverse die.

François II de Montpensier (1582-1592), Denier tournois type 3 – 1585/2
Atelier de Trévoux
+ F • D • BOVR[B • P • D • D]OMBES • M, buste cuirassé à gauche
+ DENIE • T[OVR]NOIS • 1585 • deux lis et une brisure (5 sur 2 en fin de date)
1,25  gr - 18 mm - 7 heures
Ref : Divo Dombes # 83, CGKL # 722, PA # 5138v

 

 

2 - Convention – Ecu de six livres, 1793 (An II) A. Sister coin to the Constitution ecu I bought last year

1793 was the year Louis XVI lost his mind (literally speaking). During the Constitution period the coins were still bearing the portrait of the King, even though he was no more King by the grace of God but King of the French. During the Convention period, no more reference to the King, but the Rule of law instead. Still, there are similarities, as the two ecus share the same reverse type. Having both, and in quite a good shape and preservation is sort of an achievment. IMO, the coin is spectacular in hand. Here are both images, the first one was in my top ten last year, it's due justice to have the second one in good position this year too .

Convention - Ecu de six livres 1793 - Atelier de Paris (A)
Lyre (différent du graveur François Bernier (1774-1793) • REPUBLIQUE FRANCOISE • / L'AN II • autour d'une couronne de chêne. Au centre SIX / LIVRES • / — / A.  En fin de légende léopard, différent du directeur Alexandre-Louis Roettiers de Montaleau (1791-An II)
REGNE DE LA LOI • le Génie de la liberté à droite, gravant la CONSTITUTION. 
Dans le champ à gauche, faisceau de licteur surmonté d'un bonnet phrygien. Dans le champ à droite, coq. A l'exergue 1793 Signature Dupré sur le piédestal.

Tranche inscrite : LIBERTE (bonnet phrygien) (rinceau) ÉGALITÉ. (niveau) (rinceau)
29,59 gr - 39 mm
Ref : Clairand # 37100, Gadoury # 58

 

 

1 - Julius Caesar & Octavian – Vienna dupondius. After the halved ones, I needed a plain example - 36 BCE

The dual portrait coins minted in Gaul at the end of the Imperatorial period and the begining of the Empire, in Nemausus for the better known, but also in Lugdunum, Vienna and Arausio, are a difficult series to built, most of the specimens being very crude, and the nice ones rather pricey. Halved examples are common, readily available and cheaper. Among the Vienna issues, a few years ago I’ve been lucky enough to find a magnificent example of the Octavian half, but nothing to compare with when it came to the Caesar half (see below). Plain examples fetch easily ten to twenty time the price of halved ones, so finding one and being able to grap it was a feast, reason why it’s in first place this year.

JULIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIAN – Dupondius, Vienna (Gaul), ca. 36 BCE
•IMP• [DIVI•IVL•CAESAR•DIVI•]F bare headed portraits of Julius Caesar to left and Octavian to right
C•I•V Prow of galley to right, surmounted by superstructure and mast (CIV for Colonia Ivlia Viennensis)
31 mm – 16,67 gr - 12 h
Ref : RPC # 517, SNG Copenhagen # 703-4

 

Thanks for looking, comments are welcome as usual.

Happy holydays to all of you and …. Io Saturnalia !!

Q

 

Edited December 6, 2024 by Qcumbor

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

It's certainly an interesting mix.  My favorite is the Turrinus denarius, which has nice toning and is in great shape.

[kirispupis]

Great pickups for the year. My favorite is the Publicius denarius. It kind of looks like he's ready to kiss the lion...

[DonnaML]

It's difficult to choose, but I think my favorite is your P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus. That's a wonderful reverse. The type is one I don't have, so I'm quite envious! (I look at most examples that come up for auction or retail sale, but the ones I like have been far too expensive for me.) 

The C. Poblicius denarius of Hercules wrestling the Nemean lion is also a great coin.

[Alwin]

Henri II  😍😍😍

[El Cazador]

4 hours ago, Qcumbor said:

Hi friends,

Even though, unlike 2022 and 2023, I’ve not made any major acquisition this year, 2024 has been a rather good year in terms of new coins. As the previous years, the ten coins that made it in the top 10 this year are all over the place in my various collecting themes : Dombes as usual, French revolution of course, and Roman, either provincial, republican or imperial.

 

10 - Constitution – 2 sols au faisceau 1791 A. Well struck, but harshly cleaned.

A bit of a disappointment because the seller’s descrpition said « cleaning traces » while in hand it’s obviously been quite harsly cleaned. Still, it’s a very nice coin, well struck on a large flan and well preserved, reason why I decided to keep it. The type is very common (I already had two examples, different years and mints), but 99,9 % of them are either crudly struck or very worn. See my previous ones for comparison.

Constitution - 2 sols au faisceau 1791 - Atelier de Paris (A)
LOUIS XVI ROI DES FRANCOIS, buste drapé a gauche, 1791 • A • sous le buste. Point au dessus du A
LA NATION LA LOI LE ROI  • L'AN 3 DE LA LIBERTE • faisceau surmonté d'un bonnet phrygien entre deux branches de chêne. 2 | S. de part et d'autre du faisceau
26,14 gr - 35,5 mm -  6h
Ref : Clairand # 36200, Ciani # 2249, Gad # 25

 

 

 

9 - Plautilla – Denarius featuring the she wolf suckling twins - 204 CE

At the intersection of the Plautilla series I built a few years ago and the Lupa Romana series I’m slowly building now is the rather scarce Plautilla denarius with the Venus Victrix reverse featuring a shield decorated with a she wolf suckling twins. This sub type is not easy to come by, and most often than not the she wolf is hardly identifiable.

Plautilla, Denarius - Rome mint, 204 CE
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA, Draped bust right
VENVS VICTRIX, Venus standing left, leaning on shield decorated with Lupa Romana, Cupid at her feet
3.00 gr - 20 mm - 6 h
Ref : RCV # 7074, RIC IV # 369 note, Cohen # 25 var

 

 

8 - Aquilia Severa – Denarius. A Severan empress I was lacking - 220/222 CE

Finding nice coins from the Severan period is easy : nice style and strikes most often, good enough metal, and well preserved examples readily available. That said, Aquilia Severa is one of the difficult ones to acquire. At least for me since I’ve been waiting two decades before I found a decent one at a decent price.

Aquilia Severa (Augusta, 220-221 & 221-222), Denarius - Rome mint, 220-222 CE
IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG. Draped bust right.
CONCORDIA, Concordia standing left, holding double cornucopia and patera over lighted and garlanded altar to left ; star to inner left.
3,28 gr - 18 mm
Ref : RCV # 7679, Cohen # 2, RIC # 225 (Elagabal)

Aquilia Severa, high priestess of Vesta, was Elagabalus' second wife. The marriage, celebrated in AD 220, was not well accepted by the Roman people, as the vestal vow of chastity was considered sacred. In the mind of the emperor, who identified himself with the Sun God, the marriage was meant to symbolise the union of two different religions, the Syriac and the Roman. The two however had no heirs and Elagabalus divorced Aquilia in 221 to marry Annia Faustina

 

 

7 - Henri II de Montpensier – An incredibly well struck and preserved teston - 1605

Those who have followed the building of my Dombes collection know the first quality of this coinage for usually not being of great engraving and strike. I already had a very decent Henri II de montpensier teston, but at first sight I knew I had to have this one instead. It’s in pristine condition, struck from fresh dies, and for once the engraving is rather good.

Henri II de Montpensier (1592-1608), Teston – 1605
Atelier de Trévoux
+ HENRIC•P•DOMBAR•D•MONTISP•R. Buste cuirassé à droite
+ DNS•ADIVTOR•ET•REDEM•MEVS•1605.  Ecu de Bourbon couronné, dans le champ deux H couronnés. Point dans le O et sur l'M de MEVS, point de centrage du compas dans l'écu
9.56 gr - 30 mm - 7 h
Ref : Divo Dombes # 86, Mantellier #48, Poey d'Avant # 5148

 

 

6 - P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus – Denarius - 42 BCE

Out of the too many subsets I run after, Diana Lucifera is one I like, since it allows to put together coins of different periods and styles, something I see like transversal, rather than vertical (for what it’s worth. Finding reasons for collecting more and more is something we all do, don’t we ?). Anyway, this is a nice example, with both sides of equal quality and well centered. The little flatness on the left doesn’t distract from the coin, so it was easy to take the plunge.

P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus, Denarius - Rome mint, 42 BCE
Laureate head of Apollo to right; behind, lyre.
 P•CLODIVS / M•F• Diana standing front, head to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand.
3.87 gr - 20 mm - 5 h
Ref : HCRI # 184, Crawford # 494/23, RBW # 1727, RCV # 492, Albert # 1583

 

 

5 - Severus Alexander – Alexandria tetradrachm from the Rome mint - 225/226 CE

This nice alexandrian tetradrachm of Severus Alexander has a very distinctive style to it, and the regnal year in full letters makes it very special. As our friend @Valentinian explained in one of his very documented and instructive webpages, these issues were  most probably from the Rome mint, or at least the dies produced by engravers from Rome. See here.

Severe Alexandre (222 - 235) - Tétradrachme de l'atelier d'Alexandrie, 225-226 CE
A KAI M AYΡ CЄOΥΗΡ ΑΛЄΞΑΝΔΡΟC ЄΥCЄΒ, Buste lauré et drapé à droite vu par l'arrière
L ΠЄΜΠΤΟΥ (5° année de règne), Serapis debout, la tête à gauche, vetu de la Kalathos, levant la main droite et tenant dans sa main gauche un sceptre.
28 mm - 13.47gr - 12 h
Ref : Emmett # 3134/5 (R1), Kampmann # 62.70, RPC VI online # 10333 (temporary), Dattari (Savio) # 4357

 

4 - C.Poblicius Q.f. – Denarius - 80 BCE

A beautiful denarius depicting Hercules strangling the Nemean lion. I pretty much like the style and the toning.

C. Poblicius Q.f., Denarius - Rome mint, 80 BCE
ROMA, Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right; to upper right, C.
C•POBLICI•Q•F Hercules standing left and strangling the Nemean lion; at his feet, club; in field to left, bow and quiver; to upper left C
4,00 gr - 19,5 mm - 6 h
Ref : RCV # 308, RSC, Procilia # 2, Crawford # 380/1, Albert #1275

 

 

3 - François II de montpensier – Denier tournois 1585/2

That one has been the most sought after coin of mine in four years. The major reference books for Dombes either doubt its existence, or locate two examples, at the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris, and at the musée des beaux-arts in Lyon. Thus, it’s the third known example and it’s been shown on a French forum four years ago. The owner being a nice person, he ensured me, should he be willing to part with it some day, he would certainly tell me first before auctioning it. And that’s what he did a few weeks ago. That tiny ugly coin is one of the most enjoyable acquisition in years. Cherry on the cake, while the two others known examples are clearly from 1585, that one is most probably 1585 over 1582, likely making the reverse die a re-engraving of a Louis II de Montpensier denier reverse (François II’s father). The next step would be to find a Louis II denier sharing the same, albeit recut, reverse die.

François II de Montpensier (1582-1592), Denier tournois type 3 – 1585/2
Atelier de Trévoux
+ F • D • BOVR[B • P • D • D]OMBES • M, buste cuirassé à gauche
+ DENIE • T[OVR]NOIS • 1585 • deux lis et une brisure (5 sur 2 en fin de date)
1,25  gr - 18 mm - 7 heures
Ref : Divo Dombes # 83, CGKL # 722, PA # 5138v

 

 

2 - Convention – Ecu de six livres, 1793 (An II) A. Sister coin to the Constitution ecu I bought last year

1793 was the year Louis XVI lost his mind (literally speaking). During the Constitution period the coins were still bearing the portrait of the King, even though he was no more King by the grace of God but King of the French. During the Convention period, no more reference to the King, but the Rule of law instead. Still, there are similarities, as the two ecus share the same reverse type. Having both, and in quite a good shape and preservation is sort of an achievment. IMO, the coin is spectacular in hand. Here are both images, the first one was in my top ten last year, it's due justice to have the second one in good position this year too .

Convention - Ecu de six livres 1793 - Atelier de Paris (A)
Lyre (différent du graveur François Bernier (1774-1793) • REPUBLIQUE FRANCOISE • / L'AN II • autour d'une couronne de chêne. Au centre SIX / LIVRES • / — / A.  En fin de légende léopard, différent du directeur Alexandre-Louis Roettiers de Montaleau (1791-An II)
REGNE DE LA LOI • le Génie de la liberté à droite, gravant la CONSTITUTION. 
Dans le champ à gauche, faisceau de licteur surmonté d'un bonnet phrygien. Dans le champ à droite, coq. A l'exergue 1793 Signature Dupré sur le piédestal.

Tranche inscrite : LIBERTE (bonnet phrygien) (rinceau) ÉGALITÉ. (niveau) (rinceau)
29,59 gr - 39 mm
Ref : Clairand # 37100, Gadoury # 58

 

 

1 - Julius Caesar & Octavian – Vienna dupondius. After the halved ones, I needed a plain example - 36 BCE

The dual portrait coins minted in Gaul at the end of the Imperatorial period and the begining of the Empire, in Nemausus for the better known, but also in Lugdunum, Vienna and Arausio, are a difficult series to built, most of the specimens being very crude, and the nice ones rather pricey. Halved examples are common, readily available and cheaper. Among the Vienna issues, a few years ago I’ve been lucky enough to find a magnificent example of the Octavian half, but nothing to compare with when it came to the Caesar half (see below). Plain examples fetch easily ten to twenty time the price of halved ones, so finding one and being able to grap it was a feast, reason why it’s in first place this year.

JULIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIAN – Dupondius, Vienna (Gaul), ca. 36 BCE
•IMP• [DIVI•IVL•CAESAR•DIVI•]F bare headed portraits of Julius Caesar to left and Octavian to right
C•I•V Prow of galley to right, surmounted by superstructure and mast (CIV for Colonia Ivlia Viennensis)
31 mm – 16,67 gr - 12 h
Ref : RPC # 517, SNG Copenhagen # 703-4

 

Thanks for looking, comments are welcome as usual.

Happy holydays to all of you and …. Io Saturnalia !!

Q

 

Love #4

[JayAg47]

Dual portraits are always my favourite! So of course that Caesar/Octavian would be my top pick as well! 

[Valentinian]

7 hours ago, Qcumbor said:

Plautilla, Denarius - Rome mint, 204 CE

It was intelligent of you to spot the special wolf-and-twins variety.

7 hours ago, Qcumbor said:

Severe Alexandre (222 - 235) - Tétradrachme de l'atelier d'Alexandrie, 225-226 CE

I love the fine style "Roman" tetradrachms of Severus Alexander. That one is a beauty.

 

7 hours ago, Qcumbor said:

C. Poblicius Q.f., Denarius - Rome mint, 80 BCE

Hercules and the ion is one of the most well-known myths of antiquity. To have such a beautiful example is wonderful--literally wonder-full. 

There are lots of reasons to love your ancient coins. They should provoke wonder in you. They don't have to be expensive. 1700 (or more) years old and still here! They bring history alive. Amazing! 
 

[sand]

Very nice, interesting coins. My favorites, in order of most favorite first, are as follows.

1. Bronze Louis XVI.

2. Silver Louis XVI.

3. Severus Alexander Tetradrachm.

Edited December 7, 2024 by sand

[CPK]

Great top ten! That Severus Alexander tetradrachm really stands out. Also congratulations on that super rare tournois!

[Al Kowsky]

14 hours ago, Qcumbor said:

Hi friends,

Even though, unlike 2022 and 2023, I’ve not made any major acquisition this year, 2024 has been a rather good year in terms of new coins. As the previous years, the ten coins that made it in the top 10 this year are all over the place in my various collecting themes : Dombes as usual, French revolution of course, and Roman, either provincial, republican or imperial.

 

10 - Constitution – 2 sols au faisceau 1791 A. Well struck, but harshly cleaned.

A bit of a disappointment because the seller’s descrpition said « cleaning traces » while in hand it’s obviously been quite harsly cleaned. Still, it’s a very nice coin, well struck on a large flan and well preserved, reason why I decided to keep it. The type is very common (I already had two examples, different years and mints), but 99,9 % of them are either crudly struck or very worn. See my previous ones for comparison.

Constitution - 2 sols au faisceau 1791 - Atelier de Paris (A)
LOUIS XVI ROI DES FRANCOIS, buste drapé a gauche, 1791 • A • sous le buste. Point au dessus du A
LA NATION LA LOI LE ROI  • L'AN 3 DE LA LIBERTE • faisceau surmonté d'un bonnet phrygien entre deux branches de chêne. 2 | S. de part et d'autre du faisceau
26,14 gr - 35,5 mm -  6h
Ref : Clairand # 36200, Ciani # 2249, Gad # 25

 

 

 

9 - Plautilla – Denarius featuring the she wolf suckling twins - 204 CE

At the intersection of the Plautilla series I built a few years ago and the Lupa Romana series I’m slowly building now is the rather scarce Plautilla denarius with the Venus Victrix reverse featuring a shield decorated with a she wolf suckling twins. This sub type is not easy to come by, and most often than not the she wolf is hardly identifiable.

Plautilla, Denarius - Rome mint, 204 CE
PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA, Draped bust right
VENVS VICTRIX, Venus standing left, leaning on shield decorated with Lupa Romana, Cupid at her feet
3.00 gr - 20 mm - 6 h
Ref : RCV # 7074, RIC IV # 369 note, Cohen # 25 var

 

 

8 - Aquilia Severa – Denarius. A Severan empress I was lacking - 220/222 CE

Finding nice coins from the Severan period is easy : nice style and strikes most often, good enough metal, and well preserved examples readily available. That said, Aquilia Severa is one of the difficult ones to acquire. At least for me since I’ve been waiting two decades before I found a decent one at a decent price.

Aquilia Severa (Augusta, 220-221 & 221-222), Denarius - Rome mint, 220-222 CE
IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG. Draped bust right.
CONCORDIA, Concordia standing left, holding double cornucopia and patera over lighted and garlanded altar to left ; star to inner left.
3,28 gr - 18 mm
Ref : RCV # 7679, Cohen # 2, RIC # 225 (Elagabal)

Aquilia Severa, high priestess of Vesta, was Elagabalus' second wife. The marriage, celebrated in AD 220, was not well accepted by the Roman people, as the vestal vow of chastity was considered sacred. In the mind of the emperor, who identified himself with the Sun God, the marriage was meant to symbolise the union of two different religions, the Syriac and the Roman. The two however had no heirs and Elagabalus divorced Aquilia in 221 to marry Annia Faustina

 

 

7 - Henri II de Montpensier – An incredibly well struck and preserved teston - 1605

Those who have followed the building of my Dombes collection know the first quality of this coinage for usually not being of great engraving and strike. I already had a very decent Henri II de montpensier teston, but at first sight I knew I had to have this one instead. It’s in pristine condition, struck from fresh dies, and for once the engraving is rather good.

Henri II de Montpensier (1592-1608), Teston – 1605
Atelier de Trévoux
+ HENRIC•P•DOMBAR•D•MONTISP•R. Buste cuirassé à droite
+ DNS•ADIVTOR•ET•REDEM•MEVS•1605.  Ecu de Bourbon couronné, dans le champ deux H couronnés. Point dans le O et sur l'M de MEVS, point de centrage du compas dans l'écu
9.56 gr - 30 mm - 7 h
Ref : Divo Dombes # 86, Mantellier #48, Poey d'Avant # 5148

 

 

6 - P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus – Denarius - 42 BCE

Out of the too many subsets I run after, Diana Lucifera is one I like, since it allows to put together coins of different periods and styles, something I see like transversal, rather than vertical (for what it’s worth. Finding reasons for collecting more and more is something we all do, don’t we ?). Anyway, this is a nice example, with both sides of equal quality and well centered. The little flatness on the left doesn’t distract from the coin, so it was easy to take the plunge.

P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus, Denarius - Rome mint, 42 BCE
Laureate head of Apollo to right; behind, lyre.
 P•CLODIVS / M•F• Diana standing front, head to right, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand.
3.87 gr - 20 mm - 5 h
Ref : HCRI # 184, Crawford # 494/23, RBW # 1727, RCV # 492, Albert # 1583

 

 

5 - Severus Alexander – Alexandria tetradrachm from the Rome mint - 225/226 CE

This nice alexandrian tetradrachm of Severus Alexander has a very distinctive style to it, and the regnal year in full letters makes it very special. As our friend @Valentinian explained in one of his very documented and instructive webpages, these issues were  most probably from the Rome mint, or at least the dies produced by engravers from Rome. See here.

Severe Alexandre (222 - 235) - Tétradrachme de l'atelier d'Alexandrie, 225-226 CE
A KAI M AYΡ CЄOΥΗΡ ΑΛЄΞΑΝΔΡΟC ЄΥCЄΒ, Buste lauré et drapé à droite vu par l'arrière
L ΠЄΜΠΤΟΥ (5° année de règne), Serapis debout, la tête à gauche, vetu de la Kalathos, levant la main droite et tenant dans sa main gauche un sceptre.
28 mm - 13.47gr - 12 h
Ref : Emmett # 3134/5 (R1), Kampmann # 62.70, RPC VI online # 10333 (temporary), Dattari (Savio) # 4357

 

4 - C.Poblicius Q.f. – Denarius - 80 BCE

A beautiful denarius depicting Hercules strangling the Nemean lion. I pretty much like the style and the toning.

C. Poblicius Q.f., Denarius - Rome mint, 80 BCE
ROMA, Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right; to upper right, C.
C•POBLICI•Q•F Hercules standing left and strangling the Nemean lion; at his feet, club; in field to left, bow and quiver; to upper left C
4,00 gr - 19,5 mm - 6 h
Ref : RCV # 308, RSC, Procilia # 2, Crawford # 380/1, Albert #1275

 

 

3 - François II de montpensier – Denier tournois 1585/2

That one has been the most sought after coin of mine in four years. The major reference books for Dombes either doubt its existence, or locate two examples, at the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris, and at the musée des beaux-arts in Lyon. Thus, it’s the third known example and it’s been shown on a French forum four years ago. The owner being a nice person, he ensured me, should he be willing to part with it some day, he would certainly tell me first before auctioning it. And that’s what he did a few weeks ago. That tiny ugly coin is one of the most enjoyable acquisition in years. Cherry on the cake, while the two others known examples are clearly from 1585, that one is most probably 1585 over 1582, likely making the reverse die a re-engraving of a Louis II de Montpensier denier reverse (François II’s father). The next step would be to find a Louis II denier sharing the same, albeit recut, reverse die.

François II de Montpensier (1582-1592), Denier tournois type 3 – 1585/2
Atelier de Trévoux
+ F • D • BOVR[B • P • D • D]OMBES • M, buste cuirassé à gauche
+ DENIE • T[OVR]NOIS • 1585 • deux lis et une brisure (5 sur 2 en fin de date)
1,25  gr - 18 mm - 7 heures
Ref : Divo Dombes # 83, CGKL # 722, PA # 5138v

 

 

2 - Convention – Ecu de six livres, 1793 (An II) A. Sister coin to the Constitution ecu I bought last year

1793 was the year Louis XVI lost his mind (literally speaking). During the Constitution period the coins were still bearing the portrait of the King, even though he was no more King by the grace of God but King of the French. During the Convention period, no more reference to the King, but the Rule of law instead. Still, there are similarities, as the two ecus share the same reverse type. Having both, and in quite a good shape and preservation is sort of an achievment. IMO, the coin is spectacular in hand. Here are both images, the first one was in my top ten last year, it's due justice to have the second one in good position this year too .

Convention - Ecu de six livres 1793 - Atelier de Paris (A)
Lyre (différent du graveur François Bernier (1774-1793) • REPUBLIQUE FRANCOISE • / L'AN II • autour d'une couronne de chêne. Au centre SIX / LIVRES • / — / A.  En fin de légende léopard, différent du directeur Alexandre-Louis Roettiers de Montaleau (1791-An II)
REGNE DE LA LOI • le Génie de la liberté à droite, gravant la CONSTITUTION. 
Dans le champ à gauche, faisceau de licteur surmonté d'un bonnet phrygien. Dans le champ à droite, coq. A l'exergue 1793 Signature Dupré sur le piédestal.

Tranche inscrite : LIBERTE (bonnet phrygien) (rinceau) ÉGALITÉ. (niveau) (rinceau)
29,59 gr - 39 mm
Ref : Clairand # 37100, Gadoury # 58

 

 

1 - Julius Caesar & Octavian – Vienna dupondius. After the halved ones, I needed a plain example - 36 BCE

The dual portrait coins minted in Gaul at the end of the Imperatorial period and the begining of the Empire, in Nemausus for the better known, but also in Lugdunum, Vienna and Arausio, are a difficult series to built, most of the specimens being very crude, and the nice ones rather pricey. Halved examples are common, readily available and cheaper. Among the Vienna issues, a few years ago I’ve been lucky enough to find a magnificent example of the Octavian half, but nothing to compare with when it came to the Caesar half (see below). Plain examples fetch easily ten to twenty time the price of halved ones, so finding one and being able to grap it was a feast, reason why it’s in first place this year.

JULIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIAN – Dupondius, Vienna (Gaul), ca. 36 BCE
•IMP• [DIVI•IVL•CAESAR•DIVI•]F bare headed portraits of Julius Caesar to left and Octavian to right
C•I•V Prow of galley to right, surmounted by superstructure and mast (CIV for Colonia Ivlia Viennensis)
31 mm – 16,67 gr - 12 h
Ref : RPC # 517, SNG Copenhagen # 703-4

 

Thanks for looking, comments are welcome as usual.

Happy holydays to all of you and …. Io Saturnalia !!

Q

 

Q, You added some great coins this year 🤩! My two favorites are the FDC teston of Henri II, & the denarius of Hercules strangling the lion. The reverse composition on this denarius was engraved by a master.

[Di Nomos]

I don't know much about a lot of those coins, but I really like them, and I especially like #7, Henri II teston and #1 Caesar & Octavian. 

My absolute favourite though, and I realise it's not a new coin, is the second cut coin you showed with the portrait of Octavian. The portrait and patina are stunning. I keep scrolling back up to look at it!

[Barzus]

Great series! My preference goes ro the Vienna Dupondius 😍

[savitale]

Cool assortment of coins! I would vote for 3 - François II de montpensier – Denier tournois 1585/2 because I really enjoy seeing rare coins.

[Alegandron]

I enjoy all your 2024 coins, Cuke!

but your 2 ecu coins really are very cool!

The Victory scribing the Constitution is why I captured my similar coins…

France - AV 20 Francs ANGEL 



Roman Republic
Anonymous AR Heavy Denarius / Didrachm
6.55g, 18mm, 6h.
Rome mint, circa 265-242 BC.
Obv: Head of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet, cornucopiae behind
Rev: ROMANO, Victory standing right, attaching wreath to long palm, YY in right field.
Ref: Sear 25; Crawford 22/1; RSC 7.
From the Eucharius Collection 

[Curtisimo]

Wonderful coins Q! I love them all but your JC/Octavian is my favorite. I also love the wolf and twins detail on your Plautilla!

[panzerman]

Nice selection Q!

My fav. is the Dombes 1605 Testoon and those two Louis XVI "Convention 6 Livres" bad time for poor Louis!

 

Here is one of my coins from your Country!

Regnum Francorum/ Merovingian Kingdom

Austrasia/ Auvergne

AV Triens ND

Briode Mint

Theudebertus II 595-612AD King of Austrasia

UNIQUE

 

[MrMonkeySwag96]

My favs are the pair of Republic denarii, #4 & #6. The Alexander Severus tetradrachm has such nice style I almost thought it was an Imperial sestertius 

[Roman Collector]

Lovely coins, all of them, but I particularly like the Poblicius Hercules/Nemean lion denarius. It's a fun reverse type and yours has a lot of eye appeal. I also like the Severan women. 

[shanxi]

The Julius Caesar & Octavian  dupondius woud fit perfectly in my collection. 😎

Wonderful coins

[singig]

From the ancient coins I will choose C.Poblicius Q.f. – Denarius  , from the recent coins my preferd is Convention – Ecu de six livres 1793. Congratulations !

[robinjojo]

The Louis XVI ecu de six livres is very nice, as is the Julius Caesar/Octavian dupondius.  A nice mixed group for this year!  Congrats!

[Ursus]

What a wonderful selection of coins! Personally, I particularly like you Nemean lion and the Aquilia Severa. The exceptional quality of the 1605 teston is quite obvious, too.

[Qcumbor]

Thanks all for the kind words and appreciations. 

From the various comments, it looks like the Poblicius denarius wins the "virtual" poll, followed by the Vienna dupondius, Severus Alexander tet and the Turrinus denarius. Funny enough, as a matter of fact, all four were Leu auctions wins 🙂 

Merry Christmas to all of you, not forgetting our friends who passed this fatal last year

Q