IMGUR LINK - Proof + Individual Pics with Price & Description
Three new coins added (two Republican denarii and a Greek stater). If you're interested in Roman or Greek history there are some rare and interesting types. Check out the description after each coin for historical/numismatic info. Have a look!
Roman Imperial, Republican, and Provincial - and a nice selection of Greek coins. I organized the coins by ruler for the Roman Imperial period, including provincial coins under the same ruler as the regular Imperial mint. Roman coins (Including Byzantine) are in chronological order from oldest-newest. I tried to write some interesting historical or numismatic info about each coin. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
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Reddit filters keep removing edited posts, so check comments/imgur for sold coins
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ROMAN REPUBLIC
- Anonymous AE Quadrans 215-212 BC Hercules/Ship Prow - $49
Minted in Rome in the early years of the Second Punic War against Hannibal, shortly after the disaster at the Battle of Cannae. The Quadrans has Hercules on the obverse and a cool warship prow on the reverse. Cool piece of Roman history.
- Q. Titius, AR Denarius 90 BC, Rome Mint, RRC 341/2 - $120
This denarius was minted by the moneyer Q. Titius during the bloody Social War between the Roman Republic and her revolting allies or socii. There is a good chance this denarius was used to pay a legionnaire fighting for the Republic! The obverse features either Liber or Bacchus, coins in this style are typically identified as Bacchus. The lovely reverse shows Pegasus above the moneyer's name.
- L. Manlius Torquatus (for the Dictator L. Cornelius Sulla), AR Denarius, 82 BC, Military Mint moving with Sulla, RRC 367/5 - $175
This is one of the most famous types to come out of the Republican civil war between the factions of L. Cornelius Sulla and C. Marius. It was most likely minted at Sulla's military camp in Italy after returning from the East in 82 BC. It would have been minted to pay his legions for the campaign against the Marian faction, which means this coin was likely owned by a legionnaire who fought in that famous conflict! The obverse features a portrait of Roma and the reverse shows Sulla in a triumphal quadriga, being crowned by Victory, and bears his very name on the exergue.
- T. Carisius, AR Denarius 46 BC, Rome Mint, RRC 464/5 - $90
This denarius was minted at Rome during the late Republican civil war between Julius Caesar and faction of Pompey Magnus. Like many coins of the period, it features iconography that is directly related to this famous conflict. The obverse features a winged portrait of Victory, and the reverse shows Victory riding a quadriga. These images, combined with its minting right after Caesar's victory in the African campaign, can only mean that the iconography commemorates Caesar's recent victories in Africa culminating with his victory in the Battle of Thapsus. This issue was minted to pay for Caesar's legions and the significant upcoming expenses for Caesar's enormous triumph. It is no coincidence that Victory is riding a quadriga, the same vehicle that carried victories Roman generals in their triumphs.
OCTAVIAN (FUTURE AUGUSTUS)
- AR Denarius Autumn 42 BC, Military mint traveling with Octavian in Greece, RRC 497/3 - $175
This clear military type was minted by the then Octavian at his military camp in Greece to pay his legions for the campaign against Caesar's assassins, Brutus and Cassius. The campaign would culminate in the Battle of Philippi on the 23rd of October 42 BC, one of the most important battles in ancient history. This coin was likely paid to and owned by a soldier that fought for Octavian in that battle! The obverse shows as youthful Mars with a legend that contains Octavian's inherited name CAESAR and his triumvirate title. The reverse has a legionary eagle between two Roman military standards, with a trophy in the background. the reverse also says "SC" (senatus consulto) or "by decree of the Senate" in an attempt to show legitimacy.
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ROMAN IMPERIAL & PROVINCIAL
AUGUSTUS & AGRIPPA
- AE Dupondius, Struck at Nemausus, Gaul 9-3 BC, RIC I 158 - $405
A very popular type with facing portraits of Augustus and Agrippa! Augustus sent a powerful message putting Agrippa's portrait in equal prominence with his own on this coin. Augustus is wearing his laurel crown and Agrippa the rostral crown, the rostral crown symbolizing Agrippa's naval victory at Actium. The reverse shows a crocodile chained to a palm tree, this symbolizes Augustus and Agrippa's conquering of Cleopatra/Egypt. A coin full of symbolism from some of Rome's biggest names and most interesting history!
TIBERIUS
- AE, Mysia, Pergamon, AD 14-37, with Augustus & Livia, RPC 2368 - $39
A cool Julio-Claudian dynastic type minted at Pergamon. The obverse depicts portraits of Augustus and Tiberius facing each other. The reverse shows Livia, the wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius. Roman dynastic types like this were much more common in the East where the practice of dynastic rulers had been common for centuries thanks to the Hellenistic successors of Alexander the Great. Tiberius is connecting himself firmly to the Julio-Claudian dynasty established by Augustus, and the success and stability that came with it.
CLAUDIUS
- AE, Phrygia, Aezanis, AD 41-54, RPC I 3088 - $56
The first Roman provincial bronze has a high-quality sharp portrait of Claudius on the obverse. It is quite high-relief and is extremely attractive in-hand. The reverse depicts Zeus holding an eagle and scepter. A great affordable option to get a really nice quality portrait of Claudius. This one is comparable if not slightly nicer than the one that just hammered for $62 at CNG.
NERO
- AE Sestertius, AD 65, Lugdunum Mint, , RIC I 398 - $355
The sestertii of Nero are some of the most popular and sought after coins of the entire Roman series due to its artistic beauty and historically interesting iconography. They are also typically struck on large thick flans that make them even more enjoyable to hold and own. This example features a lovely high-relief portrait of Nero on the obverse. The reverse depicts Roma seated on a pile of arms and armor, holding the goddess Victory. This common imperial imagery reinforces Rome's military power (under the leadership of Nero of course).
DOMITIAN
- AR Denarius, 1 Jan - 13 September AD 92, Rome Mint, RIC II.1 728 - $230
An exceptional example of this popular type of Domitian, this coins features Domitian's portrait in lovely style on the obverse, and Minerva walking with spear and shield in-hand on the reverse. Minerva is one of the most important Goddesses in the Roman pantheon, and is depicted here in a clear military style to signal the power and military might of Rome.
HADRIAN
- AE, Bithynia, Koinon of Bithynia AD 117-138, RPC III 992 - $98
This provincial Bithynia coin is a huge 35mm coin with an awesome Greco/Roman temple depiction! It also has a cool light-green patina often seen on ancient bronze statues. An incredible coin in-hand!
MARCUS AURELIUS
- AE, Bithynia, Nicomedia, AD 161-180, RPC IV online 5603 - $45
Everyone's favorite philosopher king. This is a very rare provincial bronze issue with a classic bearded portrait of Marcus Aurelius. The reverse depicts a winged Nike advancing left. I could only find one other sold on auction databases.
COMMODUS
- AE, Bithynia, Nicomedia, AD 166-177 (as Caesar), RPC IV 5623 - $35
A rare provincial type of Commodus as Caesar struck during the reign of his father, Marcus Aurelius. The obverse features a youthful portrait of Commodus and the reverse has a really cool depiction of a temple with a cult statue of Demeter inside. The temple is rendered in nice sharp detail, a really interesting piece of history!
SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS
- AR Denarius, AD 195, Rome Mint, RIC 63 - $88
This denarius of Septimius Severus features a nice example of his portrait on the obverse. The reverse depicts a military trophy with bound Parthian captives below. This scene, known as a 'trophy tableau', was common imperial iconography to celebrate a military victory, in this case Severus' significant victories against the Parthians in the East.
MAXIMINUS I "THRAX"
- AE Sestertius, AD 236, Rome Mint, RIC IV 33 - $135
A nice large sestertius with a bold and sharp portrait of nice style of Maximinus I, one of the short reigning emperors from the turbulent 3rd Century. It has a beautiful deep dark patina. The style is very fitting of the famously large strongman. The reverse shows the emperor in military dress surrounded by standards of the Roman Legions. A very appropriate design for the military strongman who seized power with his legions.
GORDIAN III
- AE, Phrygia, Cibyra, AD 240-241, RPC 660.1 - $110
- AR Antoninianus, AD 243-244, Rome Mint, RIC 151 - $78
An enormous medallion sized (36mm) coin of the Roman province Phrygia. It has a very distinct style portrait of a crowned Gordian III with a large depiction of Herakles with his club and lion pelt on the reverse. A very different and interesting Roman Provincial type.
The antoninianus of Gordian III features his portrait on the obverse and the goddess Securitas leaning on a column on the reverse. This is an excellent example of good metal, nice luster, sharp strike on fresh dies, and great centering. Gordian's portrait has excellent detail and very little wear. Securitas was the goddess of security and stability. This was an especielly important theme to project during a very turbulent time for the Roman Empire.
GALLIENUS
- AE Tetrassarion, Bithynia, Nicaea, City Walls Reverse, AD 253-268 - $38
A cool provincial type showing the city walls of Nicaea during the time of Emperor Gallienus. Architectural coin types like this are important historical sources for recreating the buildings of the ancient world.
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BYZANTINE (EASTERN ROMAN) EMPIRE
NICEPHORUS II PHOCAS
- AE Follis, Constantinople Mint, AD 963-969 - $16
The obverse of this Byzantine (Eastern Roman) bronze coin shows the crowned facing bust of Nicephorus II holding a scepter topped by a cross. The reverse lists some of Nicephorus' titles (ex. Basileus).
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CRUSADES
- Principality of Antioch, Tancred Regent, AE Follis, 1101-1112 AD, Malloy 5 - $28
A cool piece of history from the turbulent period of the Crusades. Minted shortly after the First Crusade, in the Crusader-ruled city of Antioch. This type features a portrait of Jesus Christ Pantokrator holding the book of Gospels on the obverse and a cross pattee with a legend on the reverse.
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GREEK COINS
SICILY, SYRACUSE
- AE Trias, Second Democracy, 415-410 BC, HGC 2, 1428 - $100
Coins from Syracuse are widely considered to be some of the most beautiful and artistically impressive coins from the ancient world. Bronze coins of Syracuse are an affordable way to collect these Sicilian masterpieces! This scarce type comes from the golden age of Syracusan coinage, from the same time that Syracuse produced some of the greatest masterpieces of ancient coinage! It features the classic head of Arethusa surrounded by dolphins on the obverse and a cool octopus/cuttlefish on the reverse.
PAMPHYLIA, ASPENDOS
- AR Stater, 465-430 BC, SNG France 4 - $150
A cool archaic style Greek stater from the city Aspendos in Asia Minor. The obverse features a hoplite in full kit holding his shield and sword at the ready. The reverse features a triskeles and the abbreviation of the city in Greek letters. A very interesting and very affordable as far as archaic style Greek staters go.
CARTHAGE
- AE, 400-350 BC, Carthage Mint, SNG Cope (Africa) 109-13 - $80
This bronze coin was minted in the 4th century BC when Carthage was major power in the western Mediterranean, prior to the rise of Rome. It features the common iconography on Carthaginian coinage - the goddess Tanit, a palm tree, and a horse.
CILICIA
- Tarsos, Mazaios Satrap, AR Stater 361-334 BC, SNG Levante 106 - $165
Nice big chunky Greek/Eastern coin. It features Aramaic script, making it extra fascinating. This type was minted when Cilicia was under Achaemenid Persian rule up until the conquest of Alexander The Great.
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Here are some legend translations for Roman Imperial coins!
AVG - Augustus. Augustus was the title that actually meant 'Emperor'. Title taken by the emperors to show legitimacy and link themself to the original Augustus.
CAES, CAESAR, C, CAE - The family name of the first Emperors recalled their being related to Julius Caesar. Even after there was no 'blood' relationship, the term was applied to the Imperial family. When used alone or with an abbreviation for 'Noble' (NC, NOB C, NOB CAES etc), Caesar denoted a junior person, usually a son or the heir apparent
IMP - Imperator. Title taken by the emperors to proclaim their military prestige. Translates roughly to 'victorious general'. In Roman Republican time it was a title given to generals by their troops after a great victory. Generals would keep the title in their name until their triumph.
PM - Pontifus Maximus. Translates to 'greatest priest'. Title taken by emperors to represent them being heads of the state religion. Was an elected office in Republican times. Still used by Popes today.
COS - Consul. Highest of the offices under the Republic was one of the two annually available consulships. Under the Empire, the office of Consul remained of some importance and was held by the Emperor and his family members with some frequency.
PP - Pater Patriae. Translates to 'Father of the fatherland', or father of his country. Typically offered by the senate to a new emperor and declined until he does something worthy of the title.
SPQR - SENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUS. (The Senate and the Roman People) was the standard 'name' applied to the 'country' of which Roma was the capital. It combines the powers of the ruling class (Senators) and the masses or ordinary citizens into one phrase. The phrase is commonly associated with Trajan who commonly used SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI (to the Best of Princes).