ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINAGE - Lots 123-134

123 NEMAUSUS. Augustus and Agrippa. AE 25. 12.62 gm. Busts of Augustus and Agrippa back to back; IMP-DIVI F / Crocodile r. chained to palm; COL NEM. Cohen 7. Deep brown About VF    100.

124 MOESIA INFERIOR. Nicopolis ad Istrum. Diadumenian, 218 AD. AE 27. 17.07 gm. Bare bust r. / Imperial eagle,head l., with wreath in beak. Brown About VF   50.

125 MACEDONIA. Amphipolis. Tiberius, 14-37 AD. AE 21. 6.88 gm. Hd. of Emperor r./ Artemis Tauropolos on bull r. RPC 1631. Light porosity. Black patina. RARE VF   75.

126 CAPPADOCIA. Caesarea. Nero and Divus Claudius. AR Tetradrachm. 13.72 gm. Laur. bust of Nero r., star behind / Laur. bust of Claudius r. Cohen 311,2; SGI 640. Old scratches on both sides. Nice portraits. Scarce About VF to VF   200.

127 BITHYNIA. Federal Coinage. Hadrian, 117-138 AD. AE 34. 26.16 gm. Laur. bust r. / Octastyle temple. SNG Cop 323. Natural edge clip at bottom. Graffito in obverse field. Rough VF   125.

128 PAPHLAGONIA. Amastris. Sabina, wife of Hadrian. AE 19. 2.17 gm. Bust r. / Cultus statue of Ephesian Artemis facing, flanked by stylized stags. BMC--; SNG-Cop--. Rare? Rough Good F   40.

129 CILICIA. Tarsus? (Possibly Odessos). Septimius Severus, 193-211 AD. AE 36. 21.28 gm. Laur. and cuirassed bust r.,P behind / Caracalla and Geta standing facing clasping hands; --L-EIT--. Somewhat rough VF / F    100.

130 Tarsus. Gordian III, 238-244 AD. AE 37. 30.47 gm. Radiant bust r. / Nike stg l. on globe. SNG Cop 388. Old gash on bust F / About VF   100.

131 SYRIA. Seleucis & Piera, Antiochia ad Orentem. Augustus, 27 BC-14 AD. AR Tetradrachm, Actian Era Year 27 (5/4 BC.). 14.78 gm. Laur. bust r. / City-goddess seated on rock r. with palm, river-god Orontes swimming r.; (ETOVS)ZK NIKHS, monograms in right field. BMC Galatia, Syria, 132. Pleasing portrait of Augustus Choice VF   400.

132 Antioch. Philip I, 244-249 AD. AR Tetradrachm. 13.56 gm. Laur. bust r. / Eagle stg, head up and left holding wreath in beak, SC, MONVRB below. Toned. Light green residue Choice VF   60.

133 Antioch. Trajan Decius, 249-251 AD. AR Tetradrachm. 11.49 gm. Radiant bust r. / Eagle, head l. holding wreath in beak, on branch, SC below. Toned Choice VF      60.

134 ALEXANDRIA. Commodus, 180-192 AD. AE Tetradrachm, 188/89 AD. Laur. bust r. / Galley sailing r., at left, the Pharos, date LKQ in ex. SNG Cop 581. Small edge split at 12:00 Choice VF   100.

ROMAN REPUBLICAN COINAGE - Lots 135-159

135 Anonymous, Ca. 225-212 BC. AR Didrachm or Quadrigatus. Laureate head of Janus. / Jupiter in quadriga r. driven by Victory; ROMA incuse on raised tablet below. Syd 64 a-b; Craw 28/3. Nice old cabinet toning, medium gray.Sharp About EF   400.

136 C. Serveili M.f. Denarius, 136 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma r. wearing necklace of pendants, wreath behind / The Dioscuri riding apart, heads turned back. Craw 239/1. A few small edge splits. Nicely toned Choice VF   125.

137 M. Fouri L.f. Phili. Denarius, 119 BC. Laur. hd. of Janus / Helmeted Roma stg. l. holding scepter and crowing trophy;PHILI in ex., ROMA behind. Craw 281. Slightly rough. Toned pale silver with pale russet hues Almost EF / Choice VF   100.

138 L. Flaminius Chilo, Denarius, 109-108 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma r. / Victory in biga r. Syd 540; Craw 02/1 VF   40.

139 L. Valerius Flaccus. Denarius, 108-107 BC. Bust of Victory r. / Mars stg. l. with trophy; L. VALERI (FLACCI). Syd 565; Craw 306/1. Nice old cabinet toning Choice VF   75.

140 M. Herennius. Denarius, 108-107 BC. Bust of Pietas r. / Amphinomus carrying his father r., letter G at right. Syd 567A Craw 308/1b. Toned Choice VF   100.
The reverse design recalls the story of the brothers Amphinomus and Anapicis of Catana, who, when Mt. Etna erupted, saved the lives of their parents by carrying them to safety on their shoulders.

141 L. Julius L.f. Caesar. Denarius, 103 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars l., D above / Venus Genetrix in biga l. drawn by two cupids, lyre before. Cf. Craw 320/1. Typical small flan. Well-centered. Toned Good VF   150.

142 P. Servilius M.f. Rullus. Denarius, 100 BC. Helmeted bust of Minerva l. / Victory with palm branch in biga r., P below horse's hooves. Syd 601; Craw 328/1. Lovely old cabinet toning. Well-centered Almost EF   100.

143 C. Vibius C. f. Pansa, 90 BC. Denarius. 3.74 gm. Laur. Hd. of Apollo r. / Minerva in quadriga l. Vibia 2d. Great portrait. Attractive old collection toning EF   175.

144 SOCIAL WAR. Marsic Confederation. Denarius, 90-88 BC. Laureate head of Italia l., Oscan legend VITELIU (Italia) / Italian soldier std. his foot on Roman standard, recumbent bull at right. Syd 627. RARE. Small nick on cheek. Oblong flan with edge dip. Attractively toned purple-gray with hints of cobalt-blue Almost EF   1,200. See color plate
After years of grievances against Rome as a result of the Senate's overall neglect and disdain of them, Rome's Italian allies (socii) took up arms in 91 BC. One of the most prominent Italian groups in the movement was the Marsi, hence the rebel state is often referred to as the Marsic Confederation. The Italians posed a serious threat to Rome after defeating armies under both consuls in 90 BC. But various setbacks and loss of morale eventually led to a collapse of the rebel movement, which fizzled out in bloody truncated fashion.    

145 M. Cato. AR Quinarius, 89 BC. Young male head r. / Victory seated r. with patera. Syd 597c; Craw 343/2b. Somewhat rough. Toned medium gray Good VF   75.

146 Cn Lentulus Clodianus, Denarius, 88 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars seen from behind / Victory in biga. Syd 702; Craw 345/1. Toned. On oblong flan with edge crack About VF   40.

147 Anonymous. Denarius, 86 BC. Bust of Apollo r. / Jupiter in quadriga r. Syd 723; Craw 350A/2. Oval, slightly irregular edge. Toned medium gray Choice VF   75.

148 Q. Antonius Balbus. Denarius Serratus, 83/2 BC. Laur. Hd. of Jupiter r. / Victory in quadriga r., D below. Syd. 742b; Craw. 364/1d. Well-centered. Nicely toned VF   75.

149 P. Galba. Denarius, 69 BC. Veiled bust of Vesta r. / Knife, simpulum and ornamental ax; AED CVR, P. GALB in ex. Syd 838; Craw 406/1. Tiny dig on reverse. Toned Good VF   90.

150 M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus. Denarius, 67 BC. Turreted bust of Cybele r., forepart of lion behind shoulder, globe under chin / Curule chair. Symbol on l. Craw 409/2; Plaetoria 3. Lustrous. Great old collection patina - rainbow hues. Choice EF   300.

151 Q. Pomponius Musa. Denarius, 66 BC. Laur. bust of Apollo r., sandal behind. / Thalia standing l. holding mask. Syd 821; Craw 410/9b. Popular type. Banker's mark in right obverse field, test scratches in left reverse field. Toned deep gray Good F/ About VF   150.

152 L. Aemilius Paullus. Denarius, 62 BC. Veiled bust of Concord r. / Trophy at center, L. Aemilius Paullus at right, Perseus and his two sons as prisoners at left. Craw. 415/1. Full, round flan. Medium gray About EF   150. The reverse type recalls Paullus' namesake who defeated the Macedonians in 168 BC.

153 M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus. Denarius, 58 BC. King Aretas kneeling r. by camel / Jupiter in quadriga l. Syd 912; Craw 422/1a. Well-centered. Nice Choice VF   100.

154 P. Licinius Crassus M.f. Denarius, 55 BC. Laur. and diademed bust of Venus r. / Female figure before horse. Syd 929; Craw 430/1. Toned, very nice About EF   125. One of Caesar's lieutenants, Crassus, on his return to Rome in 55 BC., brought a troop of 1,000 Gallic horsemen which he enrolled in service against the Parthians.

155 Q. Pompeius Rufus. Denarius, 54 BC. Bust of Sulla r. / Bare head of Consul, Quintus Pompeius Rufus. Syd 908; Craw 434/1. RARE. A few surface nicks Good VF   500. See color plate Moneyer Q. Pomp. Rufus was the son of Sulla's daughter Cornelia and the grandson of Q. Pompeius Rufus, consul with Sulla in 88 BC. Elected tribune of the plebians in 52 BC, Rufus became a partisan of Pompey and took an active part in the prosecution of Milo for the murder of Clodius. Rufus and Munatius Plancus stirred up great public passion for Clodius and against Milo, moving the mob to take Clodius' body to the Senate, and burn it down around the corpse. When their tribucian terms ended, both men were placed on trial for their actions. At the trial, Pompey Magnus pleaded for an acquittal for Plancus, but completely neglected Rufus, who was exiled to Bauli in Campania. When Caesar took control of Rome in 49 BC, he recalled Rufus from exile. Rufus joined Caesar's cause against Pompey.    

156 C. Coelius Caldus. Denarius, 51 BC. Bare bust of Caldus r., tablet inscribed L.D. behind / Bust of Sol r., oval shield with thunderbolt behind, Macedonian shield before. Syd 891; Craw 437/1a. Small, neat crescent-shaped banker's mark on face of Sol, a few minor test scratches in left obverse field. Toned VF   300. See color plate

157 L. Hostilius Saserna. Denarius, 48 BC. Bust of Vercingetorix r., Gallic shield behind / Naked warrior in biga, driver before; L.HO(STILIVS), SASER(NA) in ex. Syd 952; Craw 448/2a. Trivial banker's mark on obverse. Nice depiction of the famed leader of the Gauls About VF / F   400. The designs here refer to Caesar's campaign in Gaul and Vercingetorix's struggle against the Romans.

158 C. Antius C.f. Restio. Denarius, 47 BC. Jugate heads of Dei Penates r. / Hercules striding r. with club and trophy. Syd 971; Craw 455/2. Deep medium gray. RARE Choice VF   250.

159 C. Clodius C.f. Vestalis. Denarius, 41 BC. Bust of Flora r. / Vestal Virgin, Claudia Quinta seat. l. with cymbium (two handed bowl). Scarce. Weakly struck right margin VF   150. The designs on this coin refer to the Ludi Florales organized by Vestalis' ancestor in 240 BC and the Vestal Claudia Quinta who transported the image of Cybele from Pessinus to Rome in 204 BC.

ROMAN IMPERATORIAL COINAGE - Lots 160-168

160 Julius Caesar. Denarius, 47-46 BC. Diad. bust of Venus r. / Aeneas carrying Anchises. Syd 1013; Craw 458/1. Toned with pale russet and silver hues. Pleasing Choice VF    200. The reverse design on this coin relates to the mythical descent of the Julia gens from Iulus, son of Aeneas.

161 Denarius, 44 BC. C. Cossutius Maridianus, moneyer. Laur. and veiled bust of Caesar r., lituus before, priest's bonnet behind; CAESAR (PARENS PAT)RIAE. / Moneyer's name: C. COSSVTIVS MARIDIANVS in form of a cross,AAAFF (Aere Argento Auro Flando Feriundo) in angles. Syd 1069; Craw 480/19. Toned Choice VF   750. See color plate The reverse legend marks the first occurrence of a Roman moneyer's complete title on a coin.    

162 Denarius, 44 BC. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. Laur. bust of Caesar r. / Caduceus and fasces in saltire, ax, globe and joined hands in angles; (L. BVCA off flan). Syd 1063; Craw 480/6. Banker's mark CI on bust, sloppy marks before, crescent-shaped banker's mark on reverse. Once lightly polished. Upper peripheral areas not struck up and bubbling on reverse Good F   300

163 Brutus. Denarius, Fourree? 43-42 BC. Laur. head of Apollo r.; COSTA LEG / Military trophy; BRVTVS IMP. Syd 1296; Craw 506/2. Some test scratches, and small core exposure on reverse, the core though seems to be of silver.Toned VF   700. See color plate The reverse type refers to Brutus' victories in Thrace. It is believed these coins were struck from silver obtained from Polemocratia, the widow of the Thracian prince Sadala.    

164 Mark Antony. Denarius, 42 BC. Bare bearded bust r., lituus behind / Radiant bust of Sol r.; M. ANTON(IVS III VIR) RPC. Syd 1170; Craw 496/2. Light purple-gray. Sharp portrait Choice VF   400. See color plate

165 Denarius. 33 BC. 3.48 gm. Bare head of M. Antony r./ Two-line legend. Craw 542/1; RSC 71. Some horn silver. Nice portrait VF   400.

166 Octavian. Denarius, 36 BC. Bare bust r. / Simpulum, sprinkler, vase and lituus. Craw 538/1. Two small shallow test marks on reverse Good F   175.

167 Denarius, 29-27 BC. 3.74 gm. Laur. bust r. / Statue of Octavian on rostral column; IMP-CAESAR. RIC 271. Toned. Excellent portrait About EF   250. See color plate

168 Lot of three Roman Denarii. Includes: J.Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant / simpulum, sprinkler, ax; Legionary Denarius of Mark Antony. Leg VII. Scratches, toned; Augustus. Caius and Lucius Caesars, oblong flan (3) Average F   150.

ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE - Lots 169-213

169 Augustus, 27 BC-14 AD. Denarius, 15-13 BC. 3.77 gm. Lugdunum. Bare bust r. / Bull butting r.; IMP X in ex. RIC 167a. Nice old cabinet toning Choice VF   200.

170 Denarius, 12 BC. 3.68 gm. L. Caninius Gallus, moneyer. Bare bust r. / German warrior kneeling r. presenting vexillum. RIC 416. Nicely toned with pale russet and silver hues Choice VF   250. See color plate

171 Tiberius, 14-37 AD. "Tribute Penny." AR Denarius, 36/7 AD. Lugdunum. Laur. bust r. / Livia as Pax (very top of her head struck off flan) seated r. with scepter and branch, single line below; PONTIF MAXIM. RIC 30. Small obverse diebreak. Toned Choice VF   150.

172 Julia, wife of Tiberius. AE Sestertius. 25.71 gm. Struck under Tiberius, 22-23 AD. Carpentum drawn by two mules r.; SPQR/IVLIAE/AVGVST in three lines / TI.CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVG TR POT XXIIII around large SC. RIC (Tib) 51. Scarce. Rough. Pitting on obverse and some scratches. Obverse type clear and decent About VF / F   250.

173 Drusus, died 23 AD. Æ As, struck 21-22 AD. 10.85 gm. Bare bust l / DRVSVS CAESAR TI.AVG.F.DIVI AVG.N/ PONTIF.TRIBVN.POTEST.ITER around large S.C. RIC I 45. Dark brown patina. Very nice Choice VF   300.

174 Nero Claudius Drusus, died 9 BC. Struck under Claudius. AE Sestertius. 26.12 gm. Bare hd. of Nero C. Drusus l / Claudius seated on curule chair, hldg branch, weapons and armor; around: TI.CLAVDIVS.CAESAR.AVG.P.M.TR.P. IMP.P.P.S.C. RIC 109. Deep-green patina, somewhat rough surface Good VF   450.

175 AE Sestertius. Type as above. Countermarked at right of obverse bust NCAPR in rectangular lozenge. Pitting. Yellow-brown G; c/m = About VF   125.

176 Nero and Drusus. Struck under Caligula. AE Dupondius, 40-41 AD. 16.20 gm. Caesars on horseback galloping r. / C.CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG PMTRP IIIIPP around SC. Cf.RIC (Cal) 49. Light porosity. Deep chocolate brown. Nice Choice VF   450.

177 AE Dupondius, 37-38 AD. 12.06 gm. Obverse designs similar to above, but larger Caesars and horses / C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS (PON) M TR POT around SC. RIC (Cal) 34. Compact flan. Somewhat rough and some pitting. Yellow-brown Good F   150.

178 Claudius, 41-54 AD. AE Sestertius, 41-2 AD. Laur. bust r.; TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG (PM TR P IMP) / (EX) S.C./OB/ CIVES/SERVATOS in wreath. Cohen 39; RIC 96. Scarce. Some pitting and minor roughness in peripheral areas. Deep reddish-brown. Choice portrait of Claudius VF   400

179 Claudius and Nero. Denarius, 50-54 AD. 3.28 gm. Laur. bust of Claudius r. / Draped bust of young Nero l. RIC 83. RARE. Slightly rough with light deposits. Edge clip and cuts with filing marks. Toned VF   275.

180 Nero, 54-68 AD. Denarius, 65/6 AD. 3.33 gm. Laur. bust r. / Salus seated l.; (SALVS off the flan). Salus rendered in a style more compact and finer than is often the case with this type. RIC 60. Light test scratches on obverse Good F   100.

181 Galba, 68-69 AD. AE Sestertius. 26.26 gm. Laur. bust r. / Libertas stg l.; LIBERTAS PVBLICA S.C. RIC 389. Deep brown. Good portrait. Smoothing VF   800.    

182 Vitellius, 69 AD. Denarius. Laur. bust r. / Tripod-lebes, dolphin above, raven below; (XV) VIR SACR FAC. RIC 109. Reverse somewhat off-center, thus losing bottom of tripod. A few trivial obverse scratches. Toned medium gray Choice VF   350.

183 Vespasian, 69-79 AD. AE Sestertius, 71 AD. 24.69 gm. Rome or Lugdunum. Laur. bust r., IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM TR P PP COS. / Pax stg l. w/ branch and cornucopiae; PAX AVGVSTI S.C. RIC 437. Deep green and yellow-brown VF   250.

184 AE Sestertius, 71 AD. 27.18 gm. Lugdunum or Tarraco. Laur. bust r.; IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG.../ Roma standing l. with Victory and spear; ROMA S.C. RIC 443. Yellow-brown. Nice portrait VF   300.

185 AE Sestertius, 71 AD. 25.53 gm. Designs as above, but smaller flan and legend: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG. RIC 443. Shallow flan flaw on reverse. Dark brown. Good portrait About VF / F   125.

186 Domitian, as Caesar under Vespasian. AE As, 72 AD. 12.28 gm. Rome. Laur. bust l. of Domitian. / Spes stg l. holding flower. RIC 699. Deep brown with yellow-brown hues. Nice Choice VF   200.

187 Nerva, 96-98 AD. AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm, 97 AD. Ephesus. 9.98 gm. Laur. bust r. / Within distyle temple: Nerva standing facing, being crowned by female at r. RIC 14a. Light gray VF   300.

188 Trajan. 98-117. AE Sestertius. 22.91 gm. Struck 107 AD. Laur. bust r., wearing aegis / Dacia seated l. in attitude of mourning before trophy. Great green patina. Scarce as such Choice VF or better   1,000. The final defeat of the Dacians under King Decebalus in 106 was an important motif of Trajan's propagandistic coinage of 107.    

189 AE Dupondius. 13.36 gm. For the Improvement of the City's Water Supply. Radiant bust r. / River-god reclining l. under grotto; S.P.Q.R. OPTIMO PRINCIPI S.C., AQUA TRAIANA. RIC 463. Scarce. Rich blue-green and brown VF   250. A branch of the Anio Novus was carried over the valley between the Caelian and the Aventine on a lofty arcade.Constructed upon the agger of Servius Tullius, it passed over the Via Appia and the Porta Capena to the Piscina Publica. Excavations in the area have brought to light numerous terra cotta water pipes bearing the name of Trajan and a leaden pipe inscribed AQUA TRAIANA.

190 Antoninus Pius, 138-161 AD. Denarius, 159 AD. 3.22 gm. Laur. bust r. / Octastyle temple, within: seated figures of Divus Augustus and Livia on podium of three steps. RIC 290a; RSC 804. Scarce. Deep medium gray VF   75.

191 AE Sestertius, 157/58 AD. 21.63 gm. Laur. bust r.; ...TR P XXI / Octastyle temple, Divus Augustus and Livia within; TEMPLVM DIV AVG. CAESI COS IIII S.C. Cf.RIC 978. RARE. Some scratches on neck and before. Dark brown patina broken on back of bust, yellow-brown VF   250.

192 AE Sestertius, 151/52 AD. 28.24 gm. Laur. bust r. / Annona seated l. hldg. corn ears over modius and cornucopiae.RIC 891. A few minor flan cracks. Yellow-brown VF   200.

193 AE As, 150/51 AD. 9.39 gm. Laur. bust r. / Justitia seated l. with patera and scepter. RIC 881. Deep brown About EF   175.

194 AE As. 10.84 gm. Laur. bust r. / Winged caduceus between crossed cornucopaie. RIC 705. Some smoothing in fields VF   100.

195 Faustina. Posthumous, after 141 AD. AE Sestertius. 23.86 gm. Diva Faustina bust r. / Ceres stg. l. with long torch and corn ears; AVGVSTA S.C. RIC 1116. Some smoothing. Deep rich brown VF   175.

196 Marcus Aurelius, 161-180, as Caesar. 152-3 AD. GOLD Aureus. 7.21 gm. Bare bust r. with elaborate curls and a wisp of a mustache and beard / Roma stg. l. TRPOTVII-COSII. RIC 457. A few small edge splits EF   3,500. This coin presents a wonderful portrait of Aurelius as a young, handsome Caesar. See color plate   

197 Lucilla, wife of Lucius Verus. AE Sestertius. 26.64 gm. Draped bust r. / Pietas stg l. with hand over altar and hldg. perfume bottle. RIC 1756. A few minor surface pocks. Deep brown. Pleasing obverse portrait VF   150.

198 Pertinax, 193 AD (87 days). Denarius. 3.26 gm. Laur. bust r. with two long strands from beard; IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG. / Aequitas stg. l. holding scales and ornucopiae. RIC 1, RSC 2. RARE. Slightly grainy. Toned battleship gray. Superb portrait, especially for the issue EF / About EF   2,500. The son of a former slave, Pertinax began his career as a teacher. He left teaching for the "see the world" allure and the greater pay of a military career. As a soldier, he distinguished himself, rising from cohort commander to military tribune to consul. He went on to serve as governor in many areas, including Upper and Lower Moesia, Dacia, Syria and Africa. In 189, Commodus appointed him Rome's urban prefect. From this position, he was able to gain control of the empire upon Commodus' death. Alas, he attempted to bring about reform in the government and military too quickly. After a reign of only 87 days, he was assassinated by a group of mutinous praetorians. Pertinax was deified three months later by Septimius Severus (one of Severus' first acts upon his entry into Rome), the first assassinated Roman ruler to be deified. See color plate   

199 AE Sestertius. 22.93 gm. Laur. bust r.; IMP.CAES P HELV PERTIN. AVG. / Laetitia stg l. with wreath and scepter. RIC 17. RARE. Die flaw at base of bust. Compact flan, but legends clear. Excellent portrait About EF / VF   1,200.    

200 Manlia Scantilla, wife of Didius Julianus. AE Sestertius. 20.03 gm. Draped bust r.; MANL SCANTILLA AVG. / Juno stg. l. with patera and scepter, peacock at her feet (reverse legend mostly off flan). RIC 19a. Very Rare. Some surface pitting and pocks. Clear type and obverse legend. Yellow-tan brown F   500.
Manlia Scantilla was the wife of the wealthy senator Didius Julianus who shamefully purchased the imperial throne (paying the soldiers a hefty 25,000 sestertii a man) following Pertinax's assassination. Although the Roman populace was incensed, a cowered Senate had to ratify the praetorian coup d'etat. It recognized the new emperor and, in an unusual step at the outset of a reign, granted his wife and his beautiful daughter Didia Clara, the title Augusta. Julianus' flimsy reign collapsed after two months with his overthrow by Septimius Severus. He sought refuge in his deserted palace, but was taken and beheaded on June 2. Scantilla and Clara were stripped of their imperial rank and retired into private life.    

201 Pescennius Niger, 193-194 AD. Denarius. 2.89 gm. Laur. bust r.; IMP CAES C PESC NIGER (IVS AVG). / Spes advancing l. with flower and raising skirt; (BONA)E SPEI. RIC 3. RARE. Struck on typical compact flan with raggedy edge. Light residue. Toned battleship gray. Good depiction of Niger About EF / VF   1,500.
Following Pertinax's murder and the auctioning of the throne, Niger, Syria's Governor, was hailed Imperator by his legions. An indignant Roman populace had already sent an appeal to Niger to come to their assistance. Elsewhere, two other provincial governors were determined to answer Rome's appeal: Clodius Albinus in Britain and Septimius Severus in Upper Pannonia, who had been declared Imperator by his Danubian legions. Reaching Rome first and subduing it, Severus turned his attention to Niger (he had already bought Albinus off with the title of Caesar). The tide of battle was in Severus' favor and Niger was caught as he attempted to escape to the Parthian domain. He was executed and his head sent to Severus, who then slaughtered Niger's family. Determined to be undisputed master of the Roman world, the new emperor then declared luckless Albinus a public enemy.    

202 Septimius Severus, 193-211 AD. "Dynastic" GOLD Aureus, 201 AD. 7.26 gm. Laureate bust r. / Laureate, draped bust of Caracalla at left facing r., bare-headed, draped bust of Geta at right, facing l.; AETERNIT IMPERI. RIC 174.A Very Rare, historic and eagerly sought-after coin. Lovely high-relief depiction of Septimius and his sons Good EF   9,000. While Severus and the imperial family were absent from Rome in the East from late 197 to 202 AD, Severus' eldest son, Caracalla was elevated to the rank of Augustus and co-emperor and his younger son, Geta, to the junior rank of Caesar. During this time, Severus ordered the issuance of a remarkable series of "dynastic" coin types. Establishing a dynasty and introducing the concept of dynastic succession into the Roman mainstream, where it had been until then an alien concept, was a pivotal aspect of Septimius Severus' plan. Thus this series served an important propoganda role. See color plate   

203 GOLD Aureus, 206 AD. Rome. 7.33 gm. Laureate bust r. in braided circle; SEVERVS PIVS AVG. Rv. View of the Stadium of Domitian, showing the arched entrance, arcaded galleries and inside frieze - runner, boxer, wrestlers, award ceremony and seated emperor; PP COS III. RIC 260, BMC 319, Cohen 571. Extremely Rare. One of six known.Minor scratch before bust and a few small test cuts on rim VF   20,000. The reverse type of this coin depicts the Stadium of Domitian, built for the inauguration of the Capitoline games in 86 AD. Architecturally, it features a double tier of exterior arches, with statues in the upper niches and a row of palmettes, which were used to fasten a velarium, a canvas canopy to protect spectators during inclement weather. It appears that athletic contests are underway, not gladiatorial combats as originally believed (and noted in RIC). This marks the first and only time such athletic competition and athletic groups appear on a Roman coin. (Nearly the entire frieze was later repeated on a bimetallic medal of Gordian III). Although the athletes are spotlighted, the coin's purpose is political, honoring the emperor who sponsored the entertainment. Only six coins of this type are known: 1) Biagio de Blasis; Hess-Leu 49, April 25-26, 1971, lot 398; 2) Pegasi & L. Birkler, Auction I, September 8, 1995, lot 74, ex CNG 32, December 9, 1994, lot 403; ex-Lanz 52, May 14, 1990, lot 544); 3) American Numismatic Society Collection; 4) British Museum Collection; 5) another specimen from different dies in private hands in California; 6) This specimen. Noting the careful work in the execution of this type and its extreme rarity, it is likely that Septimius Severus intended these to be special presentation pieces. See color plate   

204 Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. Æ Sestertius. 17.65 gm. Draped bust r. / Cybele seat. l. between two crouching lions, hldg. branch; (M)AT(E)R D(EVM). RIC 859. Rare. Slight roughness, and minor excess metal. Deep reddish-brown with some earthen hues. Lovely portrait About EF / VF   250.

205 Elagabalus, 218-222 AD. Antoninianus. 5.24 gm. Radiant bust r. / Felicitas stg l.; TEMPORVM FELICITAS. RIC 149. Scarce. Lightly toned About As Struck   150.

206 Herennius Etruscus, 251 AD. Antoninianus. 3.10 gm. Radiant bust r. / Herennius stg l. with rod and spear; PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS. RIC 147c. Typical weak reverse. Nice old toning Choice VF   50.

207 Laelianus, 268 AD. Usurper against Postumus. Æ Antoninianus. 3.16 gm. Moguntiacum. Radiant bust r. / Victory striding r. RIC 9. RARE and seldom offered. Well-centered, nice strike EF   600.    

208 Magnia Urbica, wife of Carinus. Æ Antoninianus. 3.54 gm. Lugdunum. Bust r. / Venus stg. l. with apple and scepter; VENVS GENETRIX. RIC 337. RARE. Choice VF   400.

209 Constantius I, as Caesar. AR Argenteus, Ca. 302 AD. 3.11 gm. Thessalonica. Officina G. Laur. bearded bust r.; CONSTAN-TIVS NOBC / Open camp-gate with three turrets; VIRTVS MILITVM; .T.S.G. As RIC 162, but officina G. Very Rare. Thin flan crack from top to bottom and trivial exfoliation on obverse. Pale purple-gray with peripheral cobalt-blue and burnt orange hues About EF   300.

210 Constantine II, as Caesar, 317-337 AD. GOLD Solidus, 335 AD. Nicomedia. 4.14 gm. Diademed, cuirassed bust r. / Caesar in military dress advancing r., trophy over shoulder, cloak billowing forward, dragging captive; VIRTVS CONSTANTINI CAES, mint SMNM in ex. EF   3,000. The eldest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, Flavius Claudius Constantinus, was born at Arelate (modern Arles) in 316 AD. As a toddler, he was elevated to the rank of Caesar in 317 AD along with his half-brother Crispus. Following the latter's execution in 326 AD for alleged treason, young Constantine became senior heir to the imperial throne. From the age of sixteen, he began to play an increasingly active role in military affairs, serving first on the Danube and later on the Rhine frontier. In the year this Aureus was struck, 18-year-old Constantine distinguished himself in a campaign against the Goths.    

Excessively Rare and Important Constantius II Gold 2 Solidi Medallion

211 Constantius II, 337-361 AD. GOLD Medallion of 2 Solidi. Antioch. Mounted during the time. Total weight 9.73 gm. Diademed (in two rows), draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius II l.; FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG / Roma and Constantinopolis enthroned: Helmeted Roma seated on the left facing. Her right knee is bent and facing, undraped so that her right leg below the knee is naked; Turretted Constantinopolis seated on the right, faces left, her right foot on a prow. Both holding Victory crowning with a wreath on globe in right hand and scepter with left (pellet behind Constantinopolis' scepter, possibly meant as device for top of throne). Rosette wreath behind Constantinoplis on throne back, and at end of seat behind Roma. GLORIA R-OMANORVM. SMANT in ex. Cf.RIC 161, Cohen 131, Gneicchi 18. The contemporary mount has two ornate C curves and a rosette where the suspension loop (decorated with three raised lines) is mounted to the medallion on the obverse, and a floral trident on the verse. Of the Highest Rarity and historical importance. Some scratches, surface marks and edge nicks (from testing or wear). Slight wave VF   20,000. The Antioch mint specialized in this reverse type depiction of Roma and Constantinopolis enthroned. When Constantine the Great dedicated the new capital Constantinople in May 330 AD, he also founded a cult devoted to the worship of the empire's twin capitals. These city-cult images became popular on coinage, with Roma and her warlike attributes representing the empire's pagan past, and Constantinople styled like an Eastern turretted city-goddess representing the Empire's Christian present. This reverse type was first introduced for the Vicennalia of Constantius II. Only two other specimens of this type are known to us. One in the British Museum (Duc de Blacas Gift), and the other auctioned by Sotheby's (Zurich, 26 Oct. 1993; lot #143) six years ago. Both were struck to celebrate the elevation of the Caesar Julian at the end of 355 AD and the joint imperial consulship the following year. However, the piece offered here is a variety. On both the BM and Sotheby's medallion, the emperor wears a rosette diadem, on the specimen here, he wears a two-row diadem. His clasp also differs from the BM, Sotheby's specimens. On the reverse, the BM and Sotheby's medallions portray Roma with her left leg facing and naked from the knee down and a pellet on either side of the mint initials. On the specimen here, it is Roma's right leg facing and naked from knee down, while there are no pellets flanking SMANT. The specimen offered here also has a rosette wreath behind the two city goddesses, the BM and Sotheby specimens do not. Interestingly, on both this specimen and the BM's, the prow on the reverse curves right and downward, unlike the Sotheby's specimen which points left and curves left in a small tight ball. It is likely that the medallion was mounted to use as a presentation piece for visiting dignitaries, possibly a barbarian chieftain, or possibly later mounted by the one who received the medallion. See color plate   

212 Magnentius, 350-353 AD. GOLD Solidus, January-February 350 AD. Trier. 4.48 gm. Bare bust, draped and cuirassed, r. / Victoria and Libertas standing facing one another, holding trophy between them; VICTORIA AVG. LIB. ROMANOR. RIC 247ff, Bastien 6 (5 cited for first issue). RARE. Small rim bump and hairline edge splits (one to neck), and slight planchet bend. Clear types F   800.    

213 Late Roman Empire. Ca. 4th Century. AE Contorniate. Laureate head of Nero, palm branch engraved before; (NERO CLAV)DIVS CAESAR AVG GER PM TR P IMP (PP) / Warrior (Nero) on horseback r. spearing fallen barbarian. 35.9 mm. 21.35 gm. Alfoldi, Pl.XXVII, 2. Very Rare. A few shallow, minor pits VF / F   700.   
In the 4th Century, likely the late 4th Century, a series of coin-like, Sestertius-size objects were unofficially produced in the Roman Empire. Known as contorniate because of the incised line, or furrow, around the circumference of both obverse and reverse, these pieces commonly portray early emperors, notably Nero and Trajan. There are a variety of reverses, but the most common depictions are those relating to Roman Games or the Circus. The Contorniates function is uncertain, theories range from usage as gaming pieces or as tickets for the games to usage as propaganda pieces - recalling and praising the old Roman ways against the rising sway of Christianity.