10216. EXTREMELY RARE SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS ROMAN MEDALLION, 193-211 AD, AE Medallion, Rome c. 195 AD, Obverse: Cuirassed laureate bust of Severus right. Reverse: VICT AVG P M TR P III COS II P P; Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm branch. 40 mm, 49.49 g., 12h. Gnecchi p.76, 25, pl. 93, 4, same dies; Cohen 678 [Fr. 300]. Toynbee _. Near VF, brassy-brown tone. Provenance: Friedrich Collection, NAC Auction 2 (Zurich), April 2, 1995, lot 1654. Extremely rare with very high profile bust.

SOLD.

11281. CARACALLA, AD 198-217. Thrace, Philippopolis. AE Medallion (41mm, 38.41 g, 7h). Alexandrian Pythian Games issue. Struck AD 215. Laureate heroic bust left, seen from behind, wearing aegis / Two laureate athletes standing left, raising hands to touch wreaths; between, third athlete standing left, bending to apply oil from urn set on ground before him. Klose & Stumpf -; Mouchmov, Phillipopolis 371; Mouchmov 5358; Varbanov 1408 (same dies as illustration). VF, green patina, overall roughness. Important and rare games type. Provenance: CNG 90, Lot 948; Ex Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 1144.

The reverse of this medallion is one of many similar types struck by Philippopolis to commemorate the Pythian Games, one of the four Greek Panhellenic Games that occurred in the second year of each four-year Olympic cycle. Held in honor of Apollo, the god of arts and civilization, these games featured competitions for music and poetry in addition to feats of athletic skill, and were meant to evoke the best of Greco-Roman culture. This particular game in AD 215, coming as it did during CaracallaÕs march east to fight the Persians, must have invested the event with further significance, since it now had the added epithet of Alexandrian. By situating the occurrence of these periodic games to such a crucial moment, the gods had signaled their approval, while the addition of their association to Alexander the Great might prove propitious for CaracallaÕs own expedition against the Persians. Commentary courtesy CNG.

10742. CARACALLA, AD 198-217. AE Medallion (39mm, 30.05 g, 12h) of Perinthus, Thrace. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from front, aegis over left shoulder and gorgoneion on breastplate, holding spear over left shoulder / Tyche standing facing, head left, holding temple in each outstretched hand; at feet, lighted altar to left . Schšnert-Geiss, Perinthos 596; SNG Copenhagen -; Varbanov 235. VF, brown surfaces, light expert smoothing to fields.

11302. CARACALLA, AD 198-217. Mint of Serdica, Thrace. AE (31mm, 16.47 g, 1h). Laureate and cuirassed bust seen from behind right, slight drapery / Asclepius standing right, leaning on serpent-entwined staff. Varbanov 2199 corr. (described as bust left; same dies as illustration). VF, green and black patina. A wonderful classical figure of Aesclepius, the father of medicine, and a fine style bust of Caracalla in armor as well.

This medallion is part of a highly interesting series that has long fascinated numismatists. Taken as a whole, the group chronicles the major events of CaracallaÕs visit to Pergamum en route to an eastern military expedition in AD 214. While this was only one stop on a trip that included imperial visits to the major cities and religious sites of Asia Minor, PergamumÕs sanctuary of Asclepius (the Asclepion) was of particular appeal to Caracalla, whose health declined precipitously in the latter years of his reign. On other medallions from the series we see either Tyche (personification of the city) or a leading magistrate presenting the emperor with a miniature cult image of Asclepius upon his arrival, Caracalla visiting the sacred grove adjacent to the Asclepion, and various scenes of sacrifices being offered to Asclepius. Commentary courtesy CNG.

According to numismatic evidence (apparently this on the basis of this coin), Plautilla bore Caracalla a daughter, whose name is unknown, in 204. This according to the Wikipedia entry for Fulvia Plautilla. However this coin is usually dated AD 202-203, so there is a slight discrepancy in the dating. However since it is on the basis of numismatic evidence that the daughter is known it seems fairly certain the reverse of this coin depicts Plautilla holding her daughter.

$1750.

It is possible that the child on the reverse depicts one of the numerous children of Soaemias and her husband Sextus Varius Marcellus, a Syrian Roman of an Equestrian family, whose names are lost to history. It would not be Elagabalus who was born c. 203 and would have been 15-17 and emperor at the time this coin was struck since the child on this coin is clearly much younger and certainly not the depiction of the emperor under whose authority this coin was struck.

It is possible that the child on the reverse depicts one of the numerous children of Soaemias and her husband Sextus Varius Marcellus, a Syrian Roman of an Equestrian family, whose names are lost to history. It would not be Elagabalus who was born c. 203 and would have been 15-17 and emperor at the time this coin was struck since the child on this coin is clearly much younger and certainly not the depiction of the emperor under whose authority this coin was struck.

The reverse is a classical Colonia scene in which a founder plows the ground in the presence of legionary standards to establish a new Roman Colonia. The Colonias were new cities where decommissioned Roman legionaries were given land to settle after their service.

Note: In BMC Lydia, p. LXXXI, note, Barclay Head does not list this grammateus for Gordian and doubts Mionnet's reading of the name, writing "Mionnet ... cites a coin of Gordian with EPI GR AVR DIODOTOY NYCAEWN, but I doubt whether it is correctly read". The clear legend of this coin proves that Mionnet's reading was absolutely correct and that this Grammateus did indeed strike coins for Gordian III. F+. Very Rare and of great numismatic importance!

The father of Philip I, Julius Marinus hailed from a small town in the province of Arabia (modern day Shuhba, Syria; the original name of the ancient town is unknown). Following the death of Marinus, Philip deified his father and had a temple to him built in his newly aggrandized hometown - now renamed Philippoplis and elevated to the rank of colonia.

There were only two coin denominations issued for Julius Marinus. Though both are rare this is the much rarer larger double weight issue.

Jotapian led a short-lived revolt in Syria in the autumn of AD 249 while Philip I was still emperor. Little is known of Jotapian's background. It was said that he boasted of a relationship to Severus Alexander, and his unusual name, although otherwise unknown for a man, is attested in its feminine form "Jotape" in the royal houses of Commagene and Emesa. The extreme rarity of his coins indicates that the revolt was brief, and the crude style proves that the revolt was geographically confined, for Jotapian plainly did not control a major Roman mint. His head was brought to Rome and shown to Trajan Decius "as was customary, although Decius had not asked for it" (Aur. Vict., Caes. 29.4). In his corpus of Jotapian's coins, Bland cites 18 antoniniani in total. On this example, one can clearly view the last letter in the obverse legend, the G of AVG. No dies are recorded by Bland that end with G, only A and AV. This coin and the Feirstein coin (CNG 84, lot 1302), both from the same obverse die, are the only known examples with this legend variety. Commentary courtesy of CNG.

11833. TRAJAN DECIUS, 249 - 251. Double-sestertius 249-251, AE 46.54 g. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. FELICITAS SAECVLI S - C Felicitas standing l., holding long caduceus and cornucopiae. C 39. RIC 115. An impressive double-sestertius struck on a medallic flan. A bold portrait of fine style, brown tone with some minor porosity, otherwise extremely fine. Scarce.

Marinianus was the third and youngest son of Gallienus and Salonina. After the death of his two elder brothers Valerian II and Saloninus he was appointed Consul in early 268 and was successor to the throne. However shortly after his father Gallienus' murder he was killed along with many of his father's supporters in Autumn of 268 probably by order of the Senate.

Aureolus was an extraordinarily capable general who served under Valerian and Gallienus. Around AD 258, Gallienus stationed a new cavalry unit at Mediolanum that was to serve as a quick reaction force against any new invasions along the frontier of the central empire. Aureolus was given command of this unit. In AD 260-261 his forces defeated the armies of the usurpers Ingenuus and Macrianus, and recovered the province of Raetia. Following these victories, Gallienus and Aureolus led a Roman army against the breakaway Gallic provinces under Postumus. Gallienus was forced to leave the field after being injured in battle, and left the campaign in the hands of Aureolus. Aureolus ended the campaign shortly thereafter, and while the reason is uncertain, the historical record suggests it was due to either his incompetence or else treachery (he had come to a secret agreement with Postumus). While the former seems unlikely, given AureolusÕ record, the latter is possible, as there are indications that he had been preparing for a revolt as early as AD 262. Regardless, at some point in AD 267, Aureolus revolted and established his base at Mediolanum, where Gallienus besieged him in AD 268. The details of the revolt are unclear, but it appears that Aureolus first appealed to Postumus for aid, and, failing to gain the Gallic EmperorÕs support, declared himself emperor. About the same time, Gallienus was murdered, and was succeeded by Claudius II Gothicus, who continued to beseige Mediolanum. Soon, though, it appeared that an agreement was reached, and Aureolus emerged from the city to meet Claudius. Any such concord, however, was simply a ruse, as Aureolus was taken into custody and executed. Commentary courtesy CNG.

Aureolus was an extraordinarily capable general who served under Valerian and Gallienus. Around AD 258, Gallienus stationed a new cavalry unit at Mediolanum that was to serve as a quick reaction force against any new invasions along the frontier of the central empire. Aureolus was given command of this unit. In AD 260-261 his forces defeated the armies of the usurpers Ingenuus and Macrianus, and recovered the province of Raetia. Following these victories, Gallienus and Aureolus led a Roman army against the breakaway Gallic provinces under Postumus. Gallienus was forced to leave the field after being injured in battle, and left the campaign in the hands of Aureolus. Aureolus ended the campaign shortly thereafter, and while the reason is uncertain, the historical record suggests it was due to either his incompetence or else treachery (he had come to a secret agreement with Postumus). While the former seems unlikely, given AureolusÕ record, the latter is possible, as there are indications that he had been preparing for a revolt as early as AD 262. Regardless, at some point in AD 267, Aureolus revolted and established his base at Mediolanum, where Gallienus besieged him in AD 268. The details of the revolt are unclear, but it appears that Aureolus first appealed to Postumus for aid, and, failing to gain the Gallic EmperorÕs support, declared himself emperor. About the same time, Gallienus was murdered, and was succeeded by Claudius II Gothicus, who continued to beseige Mediolanum. Soon, though, it appeared that an agreement was reached, and Aureolus emerged from the city to meet Claudius. Any such concord, however, was simply a ruse, as Aureolus was taken into custody and executed. Commentary courtesy CNG.

7100. CLAUDIUS II, GOTHICUS, 268-270. 8 Aurei weight Gold Medallion of 268 AD, Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 38 mm, 38.11 gm. RIC 1(Roma), C_, Cf. Gnecchi pl. 3, 8 (5 aurei), Huvelin et Lafaurie, Tresor d'un navire romaine, pl. 13, 21 (these dies). Cuirassed bust r./CONCORDIA EXERCITVS, Concordia stg. facing, hd. r. holding two legionary standards. VF. Extremely rare, only 15-20 specimens known. Most of the surviving examples come from the wreck of a Roman ship found in the Western Mediterranean several decades ago. Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica. One of the largest Roman gold coins ever minted and a magnificent gold piece worthy of the finest collection. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity from David Sear.

SOLD.

Traditionally these rare issues were assigned to a 6 month interregnum between the murder of Aurelian and the assumption of Tacitus. The evidence for this is that the Historia Augusta mentions the Senate ruled during this period and these coins are marked SC indicating they were issued by the decree of the Senate. However there are two other views as well.

NAC states that: "The numismatic evidence uniformly supports the idea that Severina was hailed Augusta in 274, as all of her imperial coinage is of the type issued after Aurelian's monetary reform, which is thought to have occurred in the early months of 274. Furthermore, her coinage at Alexandria is limited to Aurelian's years six and seven, thus to 274 and 275. The most difficult element of the numismatic evidence occurs in the period of Aurelian's murder in October or November, 275. The Historia Augusta provides an elaborate framework for this period, which includes a senate-ruled interregnum of perhaps six months between the murder of Aurelian and the assumption of power by his successor, Tacitus. The notion of a rise in senatorial authority over the army at this moment in history has long been discarded as wishful thinking or revisionist thinking by the author of The Historia Augusta, but it is possible there was a period of sole rule by Severina after the death of her husband. Close study of the coinages of all mints, and especially those of Antioch and Alexandria, suggest a larger volume of coinage was struck in the name of Severina than Aurelian just prior to the commencement of coinage for Tacitus. If we assume that analysis is correct, there would be no good explanation other than coinage was being struck solely in the name of Severina after her husband's murder. However, much about the coinage of this period remains to be sorted and we can only entertain this as a possibility. If true, it is probably best to regard her sole-reign as a carry-over period in a moment of transition rather than a senate-sponsored interregnum of the kind described in The Historia Augusta."

The other view is given by CNG as follows: "The reassignment of this peculiar issue to the end of the reign of Gallienus as opposed to the traditional placement during the interregnum between the death of Aurelian and the elevation of Tacitus has been convincingly argued by David Yonge. He bases his determination on flan manufacture, portrait style, and a comparative analysis of mid-third century Roman monetary denominations, and suggests that this issue was probably a commemorative issue in anticipation of Gallienus' entry into Rome after his victories over the Herulians and Goths at Naissus."

Since I'll never own a genuine Proculus I'll settle for this instead.

$3500.

Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Iulianus, was a corrector in Northern Italy under Carus. In AD 284, during the struggles surrounding the succession between Carinus and Diocletian, Julian usurped imperial authority in Pannonia for a brief period and began issuing coins from Siscia. Carinus marched from his base in Britain to deal with the usurpation, dispatching Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona. Commentary courtesy of CNG.

$15,000.

SOLD.

Victorinus hailed from a wealthy Gallic family, serving in the army and eventually becoming praetorian tribune and consul of the Gallic Empire under Postumus. Assuming the purple after the murder of Postumus, Victorinus initially met with limited support. The province of Hispania broke away, returning to the fold of the central Roman Empire, while southern Gaul threatened to do the same. Victorinus managed to hold onto Gaul only to meet his death a few years later, at the hands of a jealous general whose wife he was rumored to have seduced. Commentary courtesy CNG.