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Click here to subscribeC. Marius C.f. Capito. Denarius, 3.85g (10h). Rome, 81 BC. Obv: Bust of Ceres right wearing wreath of wheat ears, C MARI C F CAPIT VIIII around. Rx: Farmer plowing left with yoke of oxen, VIIII above. Crawford 378/1a. Sydenham 744. Maria 7. Scarcer variety with nothing in exergue. EF Ex Nancy Walsh Collection. Ex HJB 99, 25 November 1997, lot 254
M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. Denarius, 3.90g (4h). Rome, 69 BC. Obv: Bust of Proserpina right, bird behind. Rx: Pitcher and torch, M PLAETORI to right, CEST EX SC to left. Crawford 4405/4b. Sydenham 803. Plaetoria 7. Beautifully toned. Exceptional obverse style. EF Ex Nancy Walsh Collection. Ex HJB 117, 28 November 2000, lot 328
C. Hosidius C.f. Geta. Denarius, 3.80g (6h). Rome, 64 BC. Obv: Diademed, draped bust of Diana right with bow and quiver at shoulder, GETA before, III VIR behind. Rx: Calydonian Boar standing right, wounded by spear and attacked by dog, C HOSIDI C [F] in exergue. Crawford 407/2. Sydenham 903. RSC Hosidia 1. EF
L. Furius Cn.f. Brocchus. Denarius, 3.84g (5h). Rome, 63 BC. Obv: Bust of Ceres right wearing wreath of wheat ears, between wheat ear and barley grain, III VIR to either side, BROCCHI below. Rx: Curule chair between fasces, above, L FVRI / CN F. Crawford 414/1. Sydenham 902. Furia 23. Attractive and unusual obverse style. EF Ex Nancy Walsh Collection
M. Piso M.f. Frugi. Denarius, 3.88g (7h). Rome, 61 BC. Obv: Terminal bust of Mercury right, wreath and star behind, dish below chin. Rx: M PISO M F FRVGI above sacrificial knife and patera, all within wreath. Crawford 418/2b. Sydenham 825 (R5). Calpurnia 23. VF Ex Nancy Walsh Collection. Ex HJB 125, 27 February 2002, lot 330
Republican Rarity (M. Valerius) Messalla. Denarius, 3.69g (7h). Rome, 53 BC. Obv: Helmeted bust of Roma right, spear over shoulder, MESSAL F before. Rx: Curule chair; PATRE COS above, scepter and diadem below, S - C on either side. Crawford 435/1. Sydenham 934. Valeria 13. Of considerable rarity: R7 in Sydenham and 80 francs in Cohen and Babelon, fewer than 10 obverse and 11 reverse dies according to Crawford. Flatly struck at 4h on obverse and corresponding 12h on reverse. VF Ex Nancy Walsh Collection. Ex HJB 126, 23 April 2002, lot 185 A fascinating document of the struggles between Republicanism and monarchy during the final years of the Roman Republic. “The reverse type portrays the subjection of the attributes of royalty to that of Republican legality; it reflects the temporary exclusion of Pompey from the possibility of achieving sole rule as a result of the election of Consuls for 53, one of them the father of the moneyer” (Crawford, p. 457). The reverse legend PATRE COS, meaning "in the consulship of my father," also affords an unusually vivid glimpse at the nepotism typical of the late Republic.
Fulvia Portrait Mark Antony. Quinarius, 1.74g (6h). Transalpine Gaul, 43 BC. Obv: III VIR R P C Winged bust of Victory (with features of Fulvia) right. Rx: A- XLI ANTONI IMP, lion walking right. Crawford 489/6. Sydenham 1163. Sear, Imperators 126. Exceptional for issue. Nicely toned. EF Ex Philip Ronzone Collection. Ex Davissons 20, February 2004, lot 72
Claudius I and Antonia. Billon Tetradrachm, 12.51g (12h). Year 2 = 41/2 AD. Obv: TI KΛAYΔI KAIΣ ΣEBA ΓEPMANI AYTOKP Laureate head of Claudius right, date LB before neck. Rx: ANTΩNIA - ΣEBACTH Draped bust of Antonia right. RPC 5117 (34 spec.), Dattari 114. Oxford 61. Cologne 63. Emmett 73/2. Pleasant gray toning. VF/About EF Ex Peter Lowrek Collection. Ex CNG 88, 14 September 2011, lot 1071 ("Group CEM")
Britannicus Sestertius Britannicus, Son of Claudius and Messalina. . Sestertius, 26.10g (6h). Uncertain eastern provincial mint, Died 55 AD. Obv: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG F BRITANN[IC]VS Bare-headed and draped bust left. Rx: S - C across field, Mars advancing left, holding spear and shield. RIC I, p. 130, note. BMC 306, pl. 37.5 (same dies). H.-M. von Kaenel, "Britannicus, Agrippina Minor und Nero in Thrakien," SNR 63 (1984), Type B, 4-12 (same dies). Cohen 2 (2500 Fr.). Light olive toning. Scrape below bust, otherwise very good portrait with near complete legends. About VF Ex Triton V, 15-16 January 2002, lot 1881
Nero and Poppaea. Billon Tetradrachm, 12.87g (12h). Alexandria, Year 10 = 63/4 AD. Obv: [Ν]ΕΡΩ [ΚΛΑΥΔ ΚΑΙ]Σ ΣΕΒ ΓΕP AΥ Radiate head of Nero right. Rx: ΠΟΠΠΑΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗ Draped bust of Poppaea right, date LI on right. RPC 5275 (54 spec.). Dattari 196. Oxford 222. Cologne 157. Emmett 128/10. Toned EF Ex Peter Lowrek Collection. Ex NAC 42, 20 November 2007, Barry Feirstein Collection Parts II-III, lot 314. Ex CNG 46, 24 June 1998, lot 927
Galba. 68-69 AD. Sestertius, 26.19g (7h). Rome. Obv: SER GALBA IMP - CAESAR AVG TR P Head laureate left. Rx: LIBERTAS - PVBLICA S - C Libertas standing left holding cap and scepter. BMC p. 319. Paris 196, pl. XV (same obv. die). Cohen 110 (4 Fr.). RIC 389 (S). Kraay`s obv. die A84, pl. XIV, but rev. die unknown to Kraay. Struck on a broad flan. Beautifully centered with left-facing bust. VF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection, acquired from John Jencek, June 2007. Ex Triton V, 15 January 2002, lot 1902 (Robert Schonwalter Collection). Ex Hess-Leu, 16 April 1957, lot 348
Galba. 68-69 AD. Sestertius, 25.39g (6h). Rome. Obv: SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAE - SAR AVG P M TR P Bust laureate right with aegis (Medusa head and snakes) on front shoulder. Rx: ADLOCVTIO in exergue, S - C across field, Galba addressing the army. On the left, Galba in military dress standing right on platform, attended by officer standing behind him, and guarded by two lictors standing right before the platform, holding fasces over their shoulders. On right, two helmeted soldiers standing left, looking up at the emperor, the first holding a shield, the second a spear and a shield. Between the soldiers, the head and forelegs of a horse; above their heads, a vexillun, a standard, and a legionary eagle. BMC p. 356, * (Walters Coll.). Paris 235, pl. XVII (same dies). Cohen 4 (40 Fr.). RIC 464. Kraay 374 (dies A 124/ P 188, Paris and 4 other spec.). Dark brown patina in fields, the portrait and the three main figures of the reverse type toned yellow orichalcum. VG/About VF Ex Knobloch List, March 1965, Stanton Collection, lot 709 From Kraay`s `Officina G`, one of the finest and most interesting issues of sestertii ever produced by the mint of Rome, with portraits of superb style and many fascinating, often multifigured reverse types, seven of which were struck from only a single reverse die each and none of them from more than four reverse dies. Our ADLOCVTIO type is known from two reverse dies, ours with S - C in field and a second with S C in exergue below the legend ADLOCVTIO
Exceptional Galb Dupondiusa. Ex Virgil Brand Galba. 68-69 AD. Dupondius, 13.76g (7h). Rome. Obv: SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG TR P Bust laureate, draped right. Rx: SPQR OB CIVES SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath. BM 139. Paris 216 pl. XVI (same dies). Cohen 306 (5 Fr.). RIC 419 (S). Exquisite untouched portrait of Galba of the finest style. EF Ex NAC 45, 2 April 2008, Barry Feirstein Part IV, lot 99. Ex Virgil Brandr Collection As often in the early empire, the letters S C were omitted from this reverse type because they were felt to be already included in the SPQR
Galba. 68-69 AD. As, 10.87 (7h). Rome. Obv: SER SVLPI [G]ALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P Head laureate right. Rx: S - C across field, Three standards set on prows, the middle one topped by a legionary eagle standing right on thunderbolt, wings raised. Bust var. of BM 264 and Paris 257, pl. XIX. Cohen 268 (4 Fr.). RIC 508 (R ). Kraay 388c (dies A i/ P iii, this coin). Scarce: Kraay found four reverse dies with this type in his Officina G. About VF/VF Purchased from Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel, July 1970; from the Niggeler Collection, earlier in Münzhandlung Basel 1, 28 June 1934, lot 312
Vitellius. 69 AD. Sestertius, 26.08g (5h). Rome. Obv: A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P Bust laureate, draped r., seen from side. Rx: PAX - AVGVSTI S - C Pax standing l. holding branch and cornucopia.. BMC p. 377. Paris 92, pl. XXIV (same obv. die). Cohen 67 (80 Fr.). RIC 118.. A Rome-mint Vitellius sestertius in high grade is the "Holy Grail" for the collector of Roman portrait sestertii. Fine portrait in high relief. VF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection, acquired from CNG 78, 14 May 2008, lot 1740 (J.S. Wagner Collection)
Rare Ceres and Annona Type for Domitian Domitian. 81-96 AD. Sestertius, 24.09g (6h). Rome, 85 AD. Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P Bust laureate right, aegis with Medusa head and snakes on shoulders. Rx: ANNONA - AVGVSTI around, S C in exergue, Ceres seated left holding wheat ears and torch, Annona standing right holding cornucopia, modius on altar at her feet, stern of ship in background. RIC 396 (R2). BM 360, pl. 74.1 (same obv. die). Cohen 18 (Bordeaux Museum, 6 Fr.). A scarce sestertius reverse type, struck only in 85-86 AD, particularly rare in this issue with titles COS XI CENS PER on obverse. A well-known sestertius reverse type of Nero, revived for Domitian. Excellent surfaces, brown patination. About EF Ex Collection Richard P. Miller, acquired from Baldwin`s, London, May 2007
Domitia, Wife of Domitian. . Aureus, 7.55g (7h). Rome, c. 83 AD. Obv: DOMITIA AVGVSTA IMP DOMITIANI (counterclockwise) Bust draped right. Rx: CONCORDIA - AVGVST (clockwise) Peacock standing right. RIC 679 (R3, citing Bourgey, 6 Dec. 1961, 40). BMC 60 note, citing Montagu Sale, 1896, lot 244 (same dies as our coin). Calicó 945, illustrating the Montagu specimen. Obv. legend var. of Cohen 4 (300 Fr.). A charming aureus with a stately portrait, and very rare. Nearly EF The second and rarest of Domitia`s three issues of aurei, apparently struck from just this one obverse die. Domitia`s aurei seem to fall into three issues of varying sizes, as follows: 1. RIC 150, 152, 155, 82-83 AD. Obverse legend DOMITIA AVGVSTA IMP DOMIT running counterclockwise. Two reverse types, also with counterclockwise legends: CONCORDIA AVGVST, Peacock standing right, and DIVVS CAESAR IMP DOMITIANI F, Domitian`s deified infant son seated on the celestial globe. Most of Domitia`s aurei belong to this issue, which is securely dated to 82-83 (a) by the fact that the corresponding denarii of Domitia were struck at the elevated weight and fineness which were used only in those two years, and (b) by the occurrence of the same obverse type of Domitia as a reverse type on aurei of Domitian, who still uses his early obverse legend IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M of 81-83 AD. 2. RIC 679, our coin, probably 83 AD, because Domitian is not yet called GERM, a title he received towards the end of 83. Obverse legend still running counterclockwise, and the same as in issue 1, but with the longer ending IMP DOMITIANI rather than just IMP DOMIT. The portrait with a more massive clump of hair from Domitia`s ear to above her forehead than in issue 1. Only one reverse type, Peacock standing right, as in issue 1 but with the legend now running clockwise, in two variants: CONCORDIA AVGVST, as on Montagu 244, the Bourgey coin cited by RIC 679, and our coin, or CONCORDIA AVGVSTA, Hess-Leu, 7 April 1960, lot 318, a variant that RIC omits, the coin in question being from the same obverse die as our piece and Montagu 244. This issue was struck in gold only, without corresponding denarii, and may have used just one obverse die. 3. RIC 678, 680, 681, calling Domitian GERM, so probably dating to late 83-84 AD. Obverse legend DOMITIA AVG IMP DOMITIAN AVG GERM, now running clockwise rather than counterclockwise as before. With the same massive clump of hair in Domitia`s portrait as in issue 2. Also repeating the same Peacock reverse type and clockwise reverse legend as in issue 2, but now also with a third legend variant, CONCORDIA AVGVSTI in addition to CONCORDIA AVGVST and CONCORDIA AVGVSTA. Aurei of this issue are rarer than those of issue 1, but less rare than those of issue 2. A unique corresponding denarius is also known (RIC 683). In the new RIC, pp. 252 and 314, our issues 2 and 3, despite the change of obverse legend direction and the omission of Domitian`s title GERM in the first case and its inclusion in the second, are amalgamated into a single issue, and both are tentatively assigned to 88-89 AD, though with little evidence (weights of aurei, possible inclusion of living Julia Titi in same issue). Surely the aurei without GERM in a counterclockwise legend have to be separated from those with GERM in a clockwise legend, and the chronolgy for the resulting issues 2-3 suggested above is, in our opinion, more likely than RIC`s (Curtis Clay)
Lot of three sestertii of Nerva and Trajan. . (1) Nerva, 96 AD. 21.92g, 6h. Obv: IMP NERVA CAES AVG - P M TR P COS II P P Head laureate right. Rx: CONCORDI[A] - EXERCITVVM S - C Clasped hands before legionary eagle set on prow. BM 86, RIC 54; not in the Paris catalogue or Cohen. (2) Trajan, c. 107-110 AD. 24.55g, 6h. Obv: COS V, Bust laureate right with fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI around, S C in exergue, Trajan on horseback right riding down enemy who is falling to the ground between the horse`s hind legs and forelegs. MIR 317bC (59 spec.), BM 839, Paris 305, Cohen 508 (12 Fr.). (3) Trajan, c. 108-110 AD. 25.05g, 6h. Obv: as last. Rx: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI around, S C in exergue, Dacia supporting head in mourning, seated left on pile of arms beside trophy. MIR 326bD (78 spec.), BM 791, Paris 528, Cohen 531 (4 Fr.). Lot of three sesterii. The Nerva Fine (better portrait), the two Trajans VF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection
Trajan. 98-117 AD. Sestertius, 25.16g (6h). Rome, c. 104-107 AD. Obv: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Head laureate right. Rx: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S - C Victory, naked to waist, standing right, placing left foot on helmet, holding stylus in right hand and resting left hand on shield inscribed VIC / DAC attached to palm tree. MIR 204aB (9 spec.). Cohen 452 = BMC 812 note = RIC 527. Not in the BM or Paris collections with this bust type, though Cohen, apparently in error, cites it from Paris. Apple-green patina. With some losses of patination on the jaw, neck, and base of bust, otherwise glossy EF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection, acquired from CNG E223, 2 December 2009, lot 436
Medallic Obverse, MIR Plate Coin Trajan. 98-117 AD. Sestertius, 27.95g (6h). Rome. Obv: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Heroic bust right, laureate, with bare chest seen from front and fold of cloak on left shoulder and behind neck. Rx: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI around, S C in exergue, Victory stepping left, with right hand placing helmet atop trophy to complete it and holding palm branch in left hand. MIR 256d (5 spec.), pl. 51 (illustrating this coin). Bust variety of BM 817, RIC 523, and Cohen 444. Medallic style heroic bust of Trajan. Glossy olive patination. EF Ex Triton V, January 2002, lot 1962
Exceptional Danube Bridge Sestertius Trajan. 98-117 AD. Sestertius, 27.32g (7h). Rome, c. 104-11 AD. Obv: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Bust laureate right, fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C Trajan`s Danube bridge, depicted as a single arching span between entrance and exit gates topped by statues; a boat in the river below. MIR 314bD (7 spec.), pl. 63 (two illustrated, ours is from the same dies as the second of them). BM 851. Paris 315. Cohen 542 (8 Fr.). RIC 569. Exceptional iconic sestertius rarely seen in this quality. Choice EF Ex Gemini II, 10 January 2005, lot 346; this coin published in Collecting World Coins, Winter 2005/2006, Cover and p. 19 Although other identifications have continued to be advanced in both academic and trade literature, Strack`s arguments for the traditional identification of this bridge type on Trajan`s bronze coins as representing Trajan`s Danube bridge were virtually conclusive and should really have ended the debate. See C. Clay`s review of Woytek`s book on Trajan in Numismatic Chronicle 172, 2012, pp. 357-8
Trajan. 98-117 AD. Sestertius, 26.55g (6h). Rome, 116-7 AD. Obv: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P Bust laureate, draped right, seen from side Rx: REX PARTHIS - DATVS around, S C in exergue, Trajan, attended by officer, seated left on camp chair on platform, placing diadem on head of Parthamaspates, who stands left before platform; before Parthamaspates, Parthia kneels right wearing pointed hat and extending both hands to receive the new king. MIR 594v2 (134 spec.). BM 1046. Paris 920. RIC 667. Cohen 328 (20 Fr.). Glossy blue-green patination on obverse. Well-centered on a broad flan. EF/VF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection, acquired from Gorny & Mosch 186, 8 March 2010, lot 2014
Trajan. 98-117 AD. Dupondius, 13.30g (6h). Rome, 116-7 AD. Obv: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P Bust radiate, draped right, seen from side. Rx: SENATVS PO - PVLVSQVE RO - MANVS S C Trajan in military dress rushing to right between two trophies, looking back at the one behind him and extending his right arm to complete it, and holding spear pointing downwards in left hand. MIR 586v (110 spec.). BM 1052. Cohen 356 (10 Fr.). RIC 676. Beautiful light green patination. Good VF/EF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection, acquired from Berk 160, 11 June 2008, lot 408 The two trophies probably represent Trajan`s twelfth and thirteenth imperatorial acclamations which he won during his Parthian campaign of 115-6 AD, the latter for his capture of the Parthian capital Ctesiphon (Strack, p. 226), a victory which earned him the title Parthicus that is recorded in the obverse legend
Lot of three sestertii of Trajan. . (1) 111 AD. 28.86g, 7h. Obv: COS V, Bust laureate right showing bare chest, fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: ARAB ADQVIS in exergue, SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI around, S - C across field, Arabia standing right, head left, holding branch over camel at her feet in right hand and conical object in left hand. MIR 363d (3 spec.); bust var. of BM 877, Paris 704, RIC 466, and Cohen 32 (10 Fr.). (2) 112-113 AD. 25.06g, 6h. COS VI, Bust laureate right, fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: DACIA AV - GVST around, PROVINCIA / S C in exergue, Dacia holding standard seated left on rocks, before her two boys holding wheat ears and bunch of grapes respectively. MIR 467b (19 spec.), BM 960, Paris 766, RIC 621, Cohen 125 var. (12 Fr.). From the same reverse die as MIR 467c, pl. 93. (3) Circa 115 AD. 26.24g, 6h. Obv: NER OPTIMO COS VI, Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: IMPERATOR VIII / S C in exergue, The army saluting Trajan "imperator" for the eighth time; Trajan and two officers on platform, lictor standing before, five soldiers and horse with three standards above them represent the army. MIR 548f (5 spec.), pl. 110 (same dies); bust variety of BM 1017, Paris 84, RIC 655, and Cohen 176 (25 Fr.). The third coin lightly, the second heavily tooled. Generally VF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection
Lot of three sestertii of Trajan and Hadrian. (0h). . (1) Trajan, 114 AD. 25.32g, 6h. Obv: NER OPTIMO COS VI, Bust laureate, draped right, seen from side. Rx: FORT RED / S C in exergue, SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS around, Fortuna Redux seated left holding rudder and cornucopia. MIR 505v (19 spec.), BM 1026, Paris 847, Cohen 158 (4 Fr.), RIC 652. (2) Trajan, 116-117 AD, 28.37g. 6h. Obv: Long legend including PARTHICO, Bust laureate draped right, seen from side. Rx: ARMENIA ET MESOPOTAMIA IN POTESTATEM P R REDACTAE S C (="Armenia and Mesopotamia placed under the control of the Roman people") Trajan standing left, head right, holding spear and parazonium; at his feet Armenia seated left wearing tiara, flanked by the river gods Tigris and Euphrates, each holding reed and reclining on urn from which water flows. MIR 590v3 (57 spec.), BM 1033, Paris 916, Cohen 39 (20 Fr.), RIC 642. (3) Hadrian, c. 132 AD. 23.63g, 6h. Obv: HADRIANVS - AVG COS III P P Bust laureate, draped right, seen from side. Rx: RESTITVTORI BITHYNIAE around, S C in exergue, Hadrian, on right, standing left raising kneeling Bithynia, who wears crown of towers and holds rudder over shoulder. BM 1803, Cohen 1240 (15 Fr.), RIC 948.. Generaly VF, but the two Trajans overcleaned and somewhat tooled Ex Richard P. Miller Collection; second coin acquired from Gorny & Mosch 186, 8 March 2010, lot 2014
Hadrian. 117-138 AD. Denarius, 3.41g (7h). Rome, c. 121-4 AD. Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN - HADRIANVS AVG Bust laureate, draped right, seen from front. Rx: CONCORD in exergue, P M TR P - COS III around, Concordia seated left, holding patera and resting left arm on statue of Spes standing behind her throne. Strack 61, bust γ (Vienna, Rome, Budapest). Bust var. of BM 257-9, Cohen 255, and RIC 1138. Excellent portrait. Mint State Ex Phillip Davis Collection
Hadrian. 117-138 AD. Denarius, 3.52 (6h). Rome, c. 124-8 AD. Obv: HADRIANVS - AVGVSTVS Bust laureate right, fold of cloak on front shoulder. Rx: COS III Sacrificial implements: ladle, sprinkler, pitcher, lituus. BM 453. Cohen 454 (2 Fr.). RIC 198. Excellent portrait, scarce reverse type. Toned Mint State Ex Triton VI, 14-15 January 2003, lot 884
Hadrian. 117-138 AD. Denarius, 3.50g (6h). Rome, c. 132 AD. Obv: HADRIANVS - AVG COS III P P Bust laureate left, fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: FORTVNAE - REDVCI Fortuna Redux, veiled, seated left holding rudder and cornucopia. Cohen 783 (Paris). RIC 247. Bust var. of BM 648. About EF Ex Phillip Davis Collection The reverse type apparently refers to Hadrian`s return to Rome from his second great provincial tour in c. 132 AD. Rare with bust left on obverse: there were no such coins in the Reka Devnia hoard. This coin confirms Mattingly`s supposition that the specimen in Paris may show a fold of cloak on Hadrian`s shoulder, since Cohen 783 says "bust (not head) laureate left". BM 648 has simply head laureate left, without the fold of cloak. Strack 240 lists four specimens with head laureate left, including the one in Paris, but his bust codes do not distinguish between "head laureate" and "bust laureate, with fold of cloak (or aegis) on front shoulder"
Unpublished Eastern Denarius of Hadrian Hadrian. 117-138 AD. Denarius, 3.36g (12h). Eastern Mint, c. 130-1 AD. Obv: HADRIANVS - AVGVSTVS Bust laureate right, fold of cloak on front shoulder. Rx: COS above, I - I - I symmetrically below, Crescent moon with one star within and four more stars in a horizontal line above the crescent. There are also two dots, perhaps representing background stars, below the second star and between the third and fourth stars in the line of four. Apparently unpublished obverse-legend and reverse-type variant of Strack *49; BMC p. 380, 28; Cohen 464; and RIC 357 (wrongly under Rome). Toned EF This coin differs on both obverse and reverse from the rare known Eastern denarius of similar type, Strack *49 (3 specimens, all illustrated on his pl. XIX). On the obverse, our coin omits P P from the legend; HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS is a much rarer obverse legend on these Eastern denarii of Hadrian than HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P. The same obverse die was also used with the type COS III Sacrificial implements, Strack *16, pl. XX. On the reverse, the arrangement of the stars and the legend is different on our coin: in the known type the stars are arranged in three rows containing one, three, and one star respectively, and COS is written to the left, III to the right. On our coin in contrast there are only two rows of stars, containing four and one star respectively, and COS is written above, III below. Curiously, the reverse legend on our die was originally arranged differently, but was then altered in the die: traces of the eradicated letters C - O - S - I running counterclockwise are visible from 9 to 3 o`clock!
Hadrian. 117-138 AD. Sestertius, 25.71 (7h). Rome, c. 123 AD. Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIA - N HADRIANVS AVG Bust laureate, draped right, seen from front. Rx: P M TR P - COS III S C Ceres standing left holding wheat ears and long torch. BM 1249. Bust var. of Cohen 1075 and RIC 610. Dark green patina. About EF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection, acquired from Mike Vosper
Rare Britannia Dupondius of Hadrian Hadrian. 117-138 AD. Dupondius (yellow metal), 11.66 (12h). Rome, c. 132 AD. Obv: HADRIANVS - AVG COS III P P Bust laureate draped right. Rx: BRITA - NNIA around, S C in exergue, Britannia seated left, head front, setting right foot on pile of rocks, supporting head in right hand, resting left elbow on large round shield, and holding spear under left arm. BM 1724, pl. 94.11 (rev. only, same die as ours, but in a later state, with damage from die clashing in right field). Cohen 195 (citing BM, 60 Fr.). RIC 846 (R2). Fine Ex Hohenkubin Collection of Roman middle bronzes, Lanz (Graz) IV, 23 November 1974, lot 284 One of the rarest types in Hadrian`s "Travel" series of c. 132 AD: only about six sestertii and ten middle bronzes seem to be recorded. Strack 712-713 lists five specimens of the middle bronze with legend BRITANNIA like ours, plus two with legend BRITTANNIA; two others with BRITANNIA are BM 1723A and CNG 70, 2005, lot 961. Not in the Glasgow, Mazzini, or Trau collections; and no further specimens in Berk photo file, CoinArchives Pro, or Wildwinds. A similar Britannia seated type is much commoner, however, on asses of c. 122 AD with reverse legend BRITANNIA PONT MAX TR POT COS III S C
Sabina, Wife of Hadrian. Denarius, 3.23g (7h). Rome, 128-c. 136 AD. Obv: SABINA AVGVSTA - HADRIANI AVG P P Bust diademed, draped right, hair falling in plait down neck. Rx: CONCOR - DIA AVG Concordia seated left holding patera and resting left arm on statuette of Spes standing on globular base; under throne, cornucopia. BM 895. Cohen 12. RIC 398. Excellent portrait. Toned EF Ex Phillip Davis Collection
Exceptional Largesse Scene Aureus Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Aureus, 7.08g (6h). Rome, 145 AD. Obv: ANTONINVS AVG - PIVS P P TR P COS IIII Bust laureate right, fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: LIB IIII in exergue, Antoninus presiding at his Fourth Largesse. The emperor, togate, sits left on curule chair on platform, extending right hand and holding roll in left. Before him on the platform, Liberalitas standing left holding coin counter and cornucopia; on ground before platform, citizen standing right, holding out fold of toga to receive coins. BM 546. Calicó 1572. Strack 149. Bust variety of Cohen 496 (100 Fr.) and RIC 141. Elaborate historical reverse type, rare in this condition. Mint State The Ostian Fasti record that this largesse to the Roman people was in the amount of 90 denarii per citizen and took place in spring 145, soon after the wedding of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina II. Without specifically mentioning the largesse, the Historia Augusta states that Antoninus fully celebrated the wedding of his daughter and adopted son, even to the point of distributing a donative to the soldiers. See Strack, pp. 109 and 131
Unpublished Misspelling on Dupondius Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Dupondius, 13.47g (12h). Rome, 145-7 AD. Obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS - P P TR P COS IIII Bust radiate right, fold of cloak wrapped around neck at back but not appearing on front shoulder. Rx: [FELICI]TAS AVA (sic) S - C Felicitas standing left holding capricorn and long caduceus. Bust type and reverse legend variety of BM 1734, Cohen 364 (3 Fr.) corr., and RIC 800. Exceptional bust type with fold of cloak visible only behind neck; unpublished engraver`s error AVA for AVG in reverse legend. Dark green patina. Virtually Mint State Ex Berk 160, 13 August 2008, lot 412 This type on aurei, sestertii, and dupondii of Antoninus Pius of 145-7 AD is the only occurrence of Felicitas with a capricorn on Roman coins, apparently harking back to the happiness of the reign of Augustus, whose birth sign was the capricorn: see Strack III, p. 136
Diva Faustina I. Died 140 AD. Sestertius, 25.33g (6h). Rome. Obv: DIVA FAV - STINA Bust draped right. Rx: AETERNITAS above, S C in exergue, Statue of Diva Faustina I seated under roof supported by two columns on car drawn left by two elephants, ridden by mahouts holding goads. Faustina is veiled and holds scepter in right hand; the elephant in foreground wears a fringed saddle blanket, and a checked pattern on its right foreleg indicates its wrinkled skin; the side of the car is divided into two panels, the broader upper one decorated with crossed torches and other uncertain objects, the lower narrower one decorated with a hanging garland. BM 1504. Cohen 57 (40 Fr.). RIC 1113 (R ). Nicely patinated. VF Purchased from Seaby, January 1968; with Seaby ticket handwritten by David Sear
Faustina I, Wife of Antonius Pius. Died 140 AD. As, 10.77g (12h). Rome. Obv: DIVA AVGVSTA - FAVSTINA Bust draped, veiled right. Rx: AETER - NITAS S - C Providentia standing left holding globe and scepter. Fabric and a few spots of metal glinting through the patina suggest that this coin is an As rather than a dupondius. BM 1459. C 38. RIC 1163a. An As of exceptional quality. Choice EF
Lot of four Antonine sestertii. (0h). . (1) Antoninus Pius, 140-144 AD. 27.09g, 10-11h. Obv: COS III, Head laureate right. Rx: OPI - AVG around, S C in exergue, Ops seated left holding transverse scepter and pulling out drapery from left shoulder. BM 1258, Cohen 569 (8 Fr.), RIC 612. (2) Marcus Aurelius, 173 AD. 23.33g, 11h. Obv: TR P XXVII, Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: GERMANICO - AVG IMP VI COS III S - C Trophy, between German woman seated on shields, supporting head with hand, and German man standing with hands tied behind back. BMC 1436 note, Cohen 228 (15 Fr.), RIC 1060. (3) Marcus Aurelius, 178 AD. 21.49g, 12h. Obv: TR P XXXII, Head laureate right. Rx: FELICITAS - AVG - IMP VIIII COS III P P S - C Felicitas standing left holding caduceus and scepter. BM 1676, RIC 1227, Cohen 184 var. (4) Lucius Verus, 164 AD. 21.48g, 12h. Obv: L AVREL VERVS AVG - ARMENIACVS Bust laureate, cuirassed right. Rx: TR P IIII - IMP II COS II S - C Mars standing right holding spear and shield. BMC 1115 note, RIC 1385, bust var. of Cohen 232. VF to EF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection; second coin from Cornelius Vermeule Collection, with Vermeule`s ticket recording provenance from Christie`s 1948 Fitzwilliam Sale, lot 192, the collection of an aristocratic British family formed in the eighteenth century
Marcus Aurelius as Caesar. 139-161 AD. Aureus, 7.18g (12h). Rome, 160 AD. Obv: AVRELIVS - CAES AVG PII F Bare-headed bust right, with fold of cloak on front shoulder and wrapped around neck at back. Rx: TR POT XIIII - COS II Mars, naked apart from helmet and cloak flying left and right from waist, advancing right holding spear pointed diagonally upwards and trophy over shoulder. BM 994. Calicó 1973 (same obv. die). RIC 481a. Cohen 752 (40 Fr.). EF/ About EF Ex Lanz 150, Numismatic Rarities, 13 December 2010, lot 311 (weight wrongly 6.44g)
Faustina II. Billon Tetradrachm, 12.44g (1h). Alexandria, Year 20 = 156/7 AD. Obv: ΦAYCTINA - CEBACTH Bust draped right. Rx: Antoninus Pius on horse pacing right; the emperor is laureate, wears military dress with flying cloak, raises right hand in greeting, and carries slanting spear visible behind his head; date L - K across field. Dattari-Savio pl. 170, 9077 (same dies). Emmett 1941/20 (R5, "highest rarity", citing the Dattari spec.). Not in Cologne, BMC, or Oxford. An interesting type, very rare for Faustina II, which also occurs on tetradrachms of Antoninus Pius and of Marcus Aurelius as Caesar with the same date, Year 20. VF Ex Peter Lowrek Collection
Upside Down Altar Diva Faustina II, legend placement error. Died 175 AD. Denarius, 3.11g (1h). Rome. Obv: DIVA FAV - STINA PIA Bust draped right. Rx: CONSECRA - TIO, beginning at 2 o`clock and ending at 10 o`clock; Altar enclosure with base, central door, and volutes left and right on top. The reverse legend was meant to start at 8 o`clock and end at 4 o`clock, but the engraver confused the top and bottom of the altar and engraved the legend upside down. If the reverse is turned so that the legend is correctly aligned, then the altar is upside down. Legend error of BM 725, Cohen 75, and RIC 746. Possibly unpublished, though C. Clay knows another example of this error, from the same reverse die, in a private collection. Exceptional portrait in high relief, interesting engraver`s error on reverse. Mint State Ex Phillip Davis Collection
FDC Lucius Verus Aureus Lucius Verus. 161-169 AD. Aureus, 7.09g (5h). Rome, 164 AD. Obv: L VERVS AVG - ARMENIACVS Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: TR P IIII - IMP II COS II Victory, naked to waist, standing right, holding writing instrument in right hand and with left hand steadying shield inscribed VIC / AVG that is set atop palm tree. BMC 296 note = RIC 525 (citing Montagu Sale 1896, lot 425, same dies as ours). Calicó 2177 (same dies). Bust var. of Cohen 247 (45 Fr.). FDC
Crispina, Wife of Commodus. . Denarius, 3.28g (6h). Rome. Obv: CRISPINA - AVGVSTA Bust draped right. Rx: VE - NVS Venus standing left, holding apple and drawing up fold of drapery from left shoulder. BM 44. Cohen 35 (3 Fr.). RIC 286a. EF with some iridescent toning Ex Phillip Davis Collection
Crispina. Billon Tetradrachm, 12.16g (12h). Alexandria, Year 21=180/1 AD. Obv: KPEICΠEINA - CEBACTH Bust draped right. Rx: Fortuna Redux seated left, wheel under seat, holding rudder and double cornucopia; above, date L KA. Cologne 2262. Dattari 3974. BMC 1449. Oxford 2618. Sear 6023. Extremely rare, one of the finest known. About VF Ex Peter Lowrek Collection
Manlia Scantilla, Wife of Didius Julianus. . Denarius, 3.02g (5h). Rome, c. 193 AD. Obv: MANL SCA - NTILLA AVG Bust draped right. Rx: IVNO RE - GINA Juno, veiled and draped, standing left, holding patera and scepter; at feet peacock standing left, looking back at Juno. BMC 11. RIC 7a. Cohen 2 (300 Fr.). Toned. About EF
Exceptional Manlia Scantilla Sestertius Manlia Scantilla, Wife of Didius Julianus. Sestertius, 19.60g (12h). Rome, 193 AD. Obv: MANLIA SCA - NTILLA AVG Bust draped right. Rx: IVNO REGINA S - C Juno, veiled, standing left holding patera and scepter, peacock at her feet. BM 36, pl. 4, 5 (same obverse die). RIC 18a (R2). Cohen 6 (50 Fr.). Woodward, Coinage of Didius Julianus, Numismatic Chronicle 1961, p. 80, obverse die 14, pl. XI.6, reverse die G, pl. XI.5, a new die combination. Broad flan, glossy olive patination. Completely untouched. About EF Ex Gemini VI, 10 January 2010, lot 473
Exceptional Didia Clara Didia Clara, Daughter of Didius Julianus. . Sestertius, 21.31g (6h). Rome. Obv: DIDIA CLA - RA AVG Bust draped right. Rx: HILA - R TEMPOR S - C Hilaritas standing left holding long palm and coruncopia. BM 38, pl. 4.7 (same rev. die). C 4 (50 Fr.). RIC 20 (R2). Excellent portrait, warm brown patina. EF/VF From A.M. Woodward`s obverse die 2, Coinage of Didius Julianus and His Family, Num. Chronicle 1961, p. 80 and pl. 10.2
Septimius Severus. 193-211 AD. Sestertius, 22.31g (11h). Rome, 196 AD. Obv: L SEPT SEV PE - RT AVG IMP VIII Bust laureate, cuirassed right. Rx: FORTVNAE REDVCI around, S C in exergue, Fortuna Redux seated left, wheel below seat, holding rudder on globe and cornucopia. BM 600, pl. 25.7 (same dies). RIC 720. Bust var. of Cohen 193 (8 Fr.). Green patination. VF Ex Richard P. Miller Collection, acquired from Rauch, Summer Auction, 13 September 2010, lot 828
Julia Domna, Wife of Septimius Severus and Mother of Caracalla. . Denarius, 2.89g (7h). Rome, 215 AD. Obv: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG Bust draped right, coiffure still with large bun at back. Rx: LVNA LVCIFERA Luna in biga of horses left; she holds the reins and has a crescent on her head and a fold of drapery encircling her head. BM 10. Cohen 105. RIC 379c. Rare: only three specimens in Reka Devnia hoard.. EF The large bun in Julia`s hair shows that this is one of the earliest denarii of the type; for the commoner later variant with small bun, see e.g. BMC pl. 67.11
Signorelli Collection 1953 Caracalla as Caesar. 195-198 AD. Sestertius, 25.54g (6h). Rome, 196 AD. Obv: M AVR ANTO - NINVS CAES Bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust r. Rx: SPEI PERPETVAE S - C Spes advancing l. holding flower and raising skirt. BM 613. Cohen 595 (8 Fr.). RIC 401. Fine portrait of youthful Caracalla. EF Ex Berk 162, 15 January 2009, lot 227. Ex UBS 78, 9-10 September 2008, lot 1762 (Gillardi Collection). Ex Santamaria, 13 March 1953, Signorelli, Part 3, lot 731
Elagabalus. 218-222 AD. Denarius, 2.89g (6h). Rome, 220-1 AD. Obv: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG Bust laureate, draped right. Rx: LIBERTAS AVG Libertas standing left holding cap and scepter, star combined with globe in field right. BM 220. Cohen 92. RIC 107. Exceptional quality. Mint State The star in field on Elagabalus` coins was certainly intended to represent the sun, specifically the emperor`s sun god. The addition of a globe to the star on this and some other coins was probably meant to indicate this fact: this heavenly body had perceptible breadth and was not a mere point of light like an ordinary star
Flawless Elagabalus Sestertius Elagabalus. 218-222 AD. Sestertius, 20.12g (12h). Rome, 221 AD. Obv: IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right, seen from the front, without "horn". Rx: P M TR P IIII COS III P P S - C Emperor in Syrian priestly dress sacrificing left from patera over lighted and garlanded altar and holding knotted "club", slain bull on ground behind altar, star in left field. BM 443 var. Cohen 201 (20 Fr.). RIC 327. This exquisite portrait of Elagabalus cannot possibly be improved upon. Struck on a glossy, flawless, blue-green planchet. It is of the finest possible quality. Mint State Ex NAC 52, 7 October 2009, lot 1163 Possibly a mule, struck early in 222 from an old reverse die of 221: on denarii, the "horn" seems to have been removed from Elagabalus` portrait only early in 222, so we would expect this "hornless" sestertius obverse die too to have been engraved in 222 not 221
Stone of Emesa Neapolis. Elagabalus. 218-222 AD. AE 22, 11.52g (6h). Samaria, Neapolis. Obv: Laureate, cuirassed bust of Elagabalus right, seen from front, on neck rectangular countermark with letter A. Rx: Quadriga facing carrying the stone of Emesa decorated with eagle on left and Mount Gerizim on right. Sofaer 102. Rosenberg 50. Meshorer, City Coins 137. Green patination with light earthen encrustation. EF
Aquilia Severa, second and fourth wife of Elagabalus. . Sestertius, 19.27g (11h). Rome, Late 220 AD. Obv: IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG Bust draped right with ealry coiffure and wearing stephane. Rx: CONCORDIA S - C Concordia standing left holding in right hand patera above lighted and garlanded altar, and in left hand double cornucopia; star in right field. BM 433, pl. 96.8 (same obv. die). Cohen 4 (120 Fr., with engraving, same obv. die). RIC 390 (R2). Exquisite portrait of this very rare empress Aquilia Severa. With a glossy dark green patina. Absolutely untouched surfaces. Slight disturbance of glossy patina from being in the earth at 5h. Virtually Mint State Ex Hess-Divo 317, 27 October 2010, lot 899. Ex New York Sale XXII, 6 January 2010, lot 197 Comparable to the EF specimens from the same obverse die and with similar patination in J. Schulman`s Vierordt Sale, 1923, lot 2008, and Glendining`s Hall Sale, 1950, lot 1789. Aquilia Severa`s sestertii seem to come from only two obverse dies, namely our die and the second one illustrated in RIC, pl. VII.3. For the relative rarity of the sestertii of Elagabalus` three wives, cf. C. Clay`s assemblage of plaster casts of the coins in BM, Vienna, ANS, Oxford, Cambridge, and some from the trade: Julia Paula, 33 specimens, 11 obverse dies; Aquilia Severa, 16 specimens, two obverse dies; Annia Faustina, four specimens, one obverse die
Exceptional Julia Soaemias Julia Soaemias, Mother of Elagabalus. . Denarius, 2.91 (6h). Rome, 218 AD. Obv: IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVGVSTA Bust draped right. Rx: IVNO REGINA Juno, veiled, standing right holding scepter and Palladium. BM 41. Cohen 3 (3 Fr.). RIC 237. Scarce, only 7 specimens in Reka Devnia hoard.. Exceptionally beautiful portrait of Julia Soaemias, lightly toned flan with orange iridescence. Virtually Mint State Ex Phillip Davis Collection Interesting first issue of Soaemias, datable to 218 because the corresponding aureus (BM 39, 7.24g) predates Elagabalus` return in that year to the reduced aureus standard of Caracalla. The mint apparently erroneously thought that Soaemias rather than Julia Maesa was the predominant lady in Elagabalus` family, for there was no corresponding early issue of coins at Rome for Maesa! (unpublished research by C. Clay)
Exquisite Sestertius Severus Alexander. 222-235 AD. Sestertius, 22.65g (1h). Rome, 232-5 AD. Obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG Bust laureate right, fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: SPES PVBLICA S - C Spes advancing left, left foot forward, holding flower and raising skirt. BM 902. Cohen 549. RIC 648. A common coin, but hard to find in this quality. Mint State
Orbiana, Wife of Severus Alexander. . Denarius, 2.61g (12h). Rome, c. 226 AD. Obv: SALL BARBIA - ORBIANA AVG Bust draped right, wearing stephane. Rx: CONCORDI - A - AVGG Concordia seated left holding patera and double cornucopia. BM 287. Cohen 1 (20 Fr.). RIC 319. Excellent portrait. EF Ex Gemini VI, 10 January 2010, lot 509. Ex NAC 40, 16 May 2007, lot 793
Julia Mamaea, Mother of Severus Alexander. . Denarius, 3.20 (7h). Rome, 231-2 AD. Obv: IVLIA MA - MAEA AVG Draped bust right wearing stephane. Rx: FELICI - TAS - PVBLICA Felicitas seated left holding short caduceus and cornucopia. BM 658 (misdated to 230 AD). Cohen 24. RIC 338. Exceptional quality. Mint State Ex Phillip Davis Collection
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![Nero and Poppaea. Billon Tetradrachm, 12.87g (12h). Alexandria, Year 10 = 63/4 AD. Obv: [Ν]ΕΡΩ [ΚΛΑΥΔ ΚΑΙ]Σ ΣΕΒ ΓΕP AΥ Radiat](http://lot-images.atgmedia.com/SR/35802/2896367/401-2013125153940_468x382.jpg)
![Galba. 68-69 AD. As, 10.87 (7h). Rome. Obv: SER SVLPI [G]ALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P Head laureate right. Rx: S - C across](http://lot-images.atgmedia.com/SR/35802/2896367/405-2013125153950_468x382.jpg)
