Collection L - Reasonable Offers Welcome
UNCERTAIN IMPERATORIAL PORTRAIT (LUCIUS LUCULLUS?, 100-50BC), Last half 1st century BC
11213. UNCERTAIN ROMAN IMPERATORIAL PORTRAIT, Pontus, Uncertain mint. Late 1st century BC. AE (21mm, 8.10 g, 12h). Bare male head right, Q below. / Two figures sacrificing a pig; EETI[A] below. RPC I 2156 (same obv. die as illustration); Imhoof-Blumer, GRMK 281; Leypold, "Schwurszene (Fetia) auf einer unbekannten romischen Bronzemunze," MONG Vol. XX, no. 10 (1978), pp. 78-79 = SNG Leypold 69 (same obv. die). Near VF, dark green patina, numerous cleaning scratches on reverse. Rare. New thinking on this coin is that the Q identifies the portrait as that of a Roman Quaestor possibly Lucius Lucullus in Pontos, 100-50BC. This letter is not noted in RPC but is visible here and clear on another example as well. Perhaps the image is of Lucius Lucullus, an important Quaestor of Sulla, about whom Plutarch wrote. The reverse legend, the Latin FETIA, refers to the fetial ceremony, part of the treaty making process, during which a pig was sacrificed to sanctify the oaths.
The identity of portrait on the obverse of this coin is uncertain but is almost certainly a portrait of a member of an imperatorial family or local Roman official. It is clearly the portrait of an actual person rather than a god and unlikely to be a client king as he wears no ruler's diadem. The dating, though disputed by some, is most certainly after 64 BC when Pontus was conquered by Pompey. On the other hand both Sulla and Lucullus had been active in Asia Minor earlier in the century.
Pharnaces II later made an attempt at reconquering Pontus. During the civil war of Caesar and Pompey, he invaded Asia minor (48 BC), taking Colchis, lesser Armenia, Pontus and Cappadocia and defeating a Roman army at Nicopolis. Caesar responded swiftly and defeated him at Zela, where he uttered the famous phrase 'Veni, vidi, vici'. Pontic client kings continued to rule Pontus, Colchis and Cilicia until Polemon II was forced to abdicate the Pontic throne by Nero in 62 AD.
Making sense of this rare issue is plagued with difficulties. Imhoof-Blumer placed it at Amisus, where Leypold acquired his specimen, but while this is not unlikely it is far from secure. In addition, the dating is problematic, with Leypold preferring a date of 100-50 BC, while the authors of RPC placed the issue toward the late 1st century BC, although admitting (p. 361) that there is "no good evidence for its date." These two uncertainties make identifying the individualized portrait on the obverse even more difficult. A client king would seem logical, but the head lacks a diadem. Turning to the reverse, we find an unusual legend in the exergue. It was first read by Imhoof Blumer as ΓETIA. Leypold read it as FETIA, putting forward the argument that the scene refers to a fetial ceremony - the sacrifice of a pig to sanctify a treaty - although what treaty this issue should be associated with is uncertain. Adding to the confusion, the legend on many specimens clearly begin with an "E" rather than an "F". Finally, as the authors of RPC appropriately note (p. 361): "Indeed, the use of Latin might perhaps be a problem for almost any attribution, as the fetial ceremony would not be appropriate in the case of a colony." Commentary courtesy CNG.
SCIPIO AFRICANUS, 209 BC
FIRST NUMISMATIC PORTRAIT OF A LIVING ROMAN? 11862. SCIPIO AFRICANUS, after 209 BC. Roman occupation of Cathago Nova in Spain. AE 24, 10.17 g. 12h. Villaronga class XI, 282. Obverse: Bare head of Scipio Africanus? Left. Reverse: Horse standing right in front of date palm. Near EF and choice for these. Very rare.
The coins of Robinson's Series 7 are of two styles, one Punic in character, the other more Roman in character. Robinson suggested that the latter represents the coinage of Carthago Nova after its sudden capture by Scipio in 209 BC, and that the head on the obverse is a portrait of Scipio himself, while the heads of Punic type basically reflect the features of Hannibal. Villaronga simply calls both male heads.
SOLD.
TITUS QUINCTIUS FLAMININUS, 198 BC, consul (only 10 gold portrait staters known, 4 in museums)
SULLA, Dictator, 82-79 BC
11217. SULLA, Dictator, 82-79 BC. Postumus portrait by Q. Pompeius Rufus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.39 g, 4h). Rome mint. Bare head of the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus right / Bare head of Sulla right. Crawford 434/1; Sydenham 908; Pompeia 4. Fine, porous. Rare. Slightly better examples list for multiple thousands of dollars. The Q. Pompeius Rufus depicted was Sulla's co-consul in 88 BC. The moneyer of the same name who struck this coin was the grandson of both men.
FAUSTUS CORNELIUS SULLA, Son of Sulla the Dictator, Moneyer, 56 BC
11429. FAUSTUS CORNELIUS SULLA, AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed bust of Bocchus? as Hercules right, lion's skin tied at neck and draped on shoulders, FEELIX downwards behind / Diana, holding lituus and reins, driving galloping biga right; above, crescent and two stars; below, one star and FAVSTVS. Crawford 426/2; Sydenham 881a; Cornelia 60a. 3.97g, 20mm, 6h. Old collection toning. Extremely Fine save for slight striking weakness in hair. Ex CNA XXI, 26 June 1992, lot 291. An especially beautiful and handsome portrait struck from the most artistic dies of the series. Very rare. Faustus Cornelius Sulla was the son of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the famous general and dictator of Rome (138-78 BC). This coin, like others he struck, likely references his father's first great victory, by which he ended the Jugurthine War. Jugurtha, grandson of Massinissa of Numidia, had claimed the entire kingdom of Numidia in defiance of Roman decrees dividing it between several members of the royal family. Rome declared war on Jugurtha in 111 BC, but for five years the wily king frustrated all efforts to bring him to heel. Finally, in 106 the popular general Marius was assigned command, with Sulla as quaestor in charge of cavalry. However before Marius could take to the field against the enemy, Sulla arranged with his ally Bocchus of Mauretania to have Jugurtha ambushed and captured. Sulla was acclaimed for the bloodless end to the war, gaining his first victory and the eternal enmity of Marius. Bocchus is known to appear on the reverse of another of this moneyer's coins where he offers an olive branch to a seated Sulla, with a bound Jugurtha kneeling beside him. Commentary courtesy CNG.
Since the head of Hercules, with its uniquely modern hair style of mustache and curly sideburns but no beard, does not reflect any known ancient depiction of Hercules it must certainly be the depiction of an actual person as Hercules. Thus various researchers including David Sear have proposed this is the portrait of Bocchus I of Mauretania who was closely allied to the Sullas and who appears on another of this moneyer's coins. However others such as Lydia H. Lenaghan in ANSMN XI, 1964, p. 131 ff advocates Heracles Melqart. Certainly the unique hair style which seems to appear no where else in ancient iconography might well be sufficient in itself to identify the portrait if an analogue could be found. The gods Hercules and Diana were especially revered by the elder Sulla.
SOLD.
AULUS GABINIUS, Legatus Syriae, 57-55 BC
11311. AULUS GABINIUS, Legatus Syriae (Proconsul), 57-55 BC. Syria, Decapolis. Nysa-Scythopolis mint. AE (19mm, 4.98 g, 12h). Wreathed head of Gabinius right; ΓA behind / Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm; ivy leaf to right. Barkay 2; RPC I 4826 var. (no ivy leaf). Near VF, grayish-green patina with earthen highlights. Rarest of Barkay's three "Gabinius/Nike" varieties.
CRASSUS (Marcus Licinius Crassus), Proconsul, 54-53 BC
CONQUEROR OF SPARTACUS AND WEALTHIEST MAN IN ROMAN HISTORY 11338. CRASSUS, Proconsul, 54-53 BCE. Syria, Decapolis. Nysa-Scythopolis mint. Marcus Licinius Crassus. AE (21mm, 6.45 g, 12h). Dated CY 10 (54 BCE). Head of Crassus right / Dionysus standing facing, head left, holding cantharus and leaning on thyrsus; ΓAB NY in two lines to left, L-I (date) to right, Λ in exergue. RPC I 4827; Barkay 5 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS -; Rosenberger 3 (same obv. die); DCA 593. Good Fine, green patina, earthen highlights. Very rare. Only 8 specimens known to Barkay.
Crassus was the general who defeated Spartacus' slave rebellion in 71 BC on the basis of which he rose to political prominence and attained the consulship. He was also considered to be the wealthiest man in Roman history and one of the richest men in all history.
$2250
SCIPIO, Imperator, 47-46 BC
8053. CHOICE SCIPIO IMPERATOR. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio, Imperator 47-46 BC. Denarius, RSC Caecilia 47. Hd. Jupiter r./Elephant r. Allied with Pompey he was given command of all the armies in Africa as the name Scipio was considered invincible there due to the victories of Scipio Africanus in the Punic wars. However he was defeated by Caesar and plunged his sword into his body while leaping into the sea from his ship. EF+. Much better than photo. SOLD.
POMPEY THE GREAT, IMPERATOR, 48-34 BC
11582. Cn. Pompeius Magnus Pius (Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great), Imperatorial General, c.45 BC. AE As. Weight: 23.6 g. Diameter: 27 mm. Spanish or Sicilian mint. Obv: MGN. Janiform head of Pompey. Rev: PIVS / IMP. / Prow of quinquereme right. Crawford 479/1; CRI 336; Sydenham 1044; RPC I 671, B. Pompeia 20. Cohen 16. Condition: Near extremely fine. The best I've handled with exceptional sharp and clear portraits. Most of the coins of this issue are rather vague but on this example especially where the features are quite clear it appears to be that the two janiform heads possibly could be those of different individuals. The one on the left is clearly Pompey The Great, however the one on the right appears considerably younger with similar but different features. My guess is that this is actually the head of Sextus Pompey who struck the coin, the son of the elder Pompey. If I'm correct the usual description of this coin may require revision.
11042. POMPEY THE GREAT OR LATER, Cilicia, Soloi-Pompeiopolis mint (the city named after Pompey). Circa 66-27 BC. AE (20mm, 7.82 g, 11h). Bare head of Pompey right / Nike advancing right, holding wreath and palm; to right, AΘ above monogram. SNG von Aulock 5887. Good VF, dark green patina. A choice example with an especially nice clear portrait for these. Though usually identified as Pompey, the bust does not look like him and may well be a portrait of some other Roman associated with him. A strong possibility is Marc Antony.
CNAEUS POMPEY JR., Imperator 46-45 BC, son of Pompey The Great, brother of Sextus Pompey
8054. CNAEUS POMPEY JR. Summer 46-Spring 45 BC. AR Denarius. Corduba mint. Marcus Poblicius, legatus pro praetore. Helmeted head of Roma right within bead and reel border / Hispania standing right, shield on her back, holding two spears over shoulder and presenting palm frond to Cn. Pompey Jr. standing left on prow, armed with sword. Crawford 469/1a; CRI 48; Sydenham 1035; RSC 1 (Pompey the Great). VF. Much better than the washed out image. SOLD.
SEXTUS POMPEY, Imperator, 45-44 BC, son of Pompey The Great, brother of Pompey Jr.
PORTRAITS OF POMPEY THE GREAT & SEXTUS POMPEY? 10727. Cn. Pompeius Magnus Pius (struck by Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great), Imperatorial General, 42-38 BC. AE As (30mm, 21.54 g, 12h). Mint in Sicily. Laureate janiform head of Cn. Pompeius Magnus, MAGN above. / Prow of quinquereme right, inscription PIVS above and IMP below. Crawford 479/1; CRI 336; Sydenham 1044; RPC I 671, B. Pompeia 20. Cohen 16. Near EF, excellent centering and very sharp clear portraits almost as good as CNG 87, Lot: 937 which went for $5000 plus 18% buyer's fee.
Most of the coins of this issue are rather vague but on this example especially where the features are quite clear it appears to be that the two janiform heads are those of different individuals. The one on the left is clearly Pompey The Great, however the one on the right appears considerably younger with similar but different features. My guess is that this is actually the head of Sextus Pompey who struck the coin, the son of the elder Pompey. If I'm correct the usual description of this coin may require revision.
$1400.
JULIUS CAESAR, 47-44 BC, Imperator
10810. JULIUS CAESAR, b.100-d.44 B.C. 41 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.57 g, 1h). Rome mint. L. Flaminius Chilo, moneyer. Head of Caesar right, wearing laurel wreath / Venus Genetrix as Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and long scepter. Crawford 485/1; CRI 113; Sydenham 1089; RSC 26. VF. Numismatic portraits of Julius Caesar vary greatly in style from crude to fine. This is one of the finest. SOLD.
CAESARION (PTOLEMY XV), son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII
C. ANTIUS C.F. RESTIO, 47 BC, Tribune
EXCEPTIONAL PORTRAIT - CRI PLATE COIN 11377. C. ANTIUS C.F. RESTIO. Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. 47 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.04 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bare head of the tribune C. Antius Restio right / Hercules advancing right, holding club and trophy, lion skin over arm. Crawford 455/1a; CRI 34 (this coin, illustrated); Sydenham 970; Antia 1. Good VF, handsome gray toning, minute scratch from upper lip to border under tone. Provenance: Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 63 (17 May 2012), lot 369. Privately purchased from Frank Kovacs, March 1985. Ex. Triton 2913, Lot 554. One of the finest known.
$3000
ALBINUS BRUTI F. (born Decimus Junius Brutus), not the more famous Brutus (his distant cousin) but another of the assassins of Caesar
ANOTHER OF THE ASSASSINS OF CAESAR 11372. ALBINUS BRUTI. F. Denarius, 3.93g. (9h). Rome, 48 BC. Obv: Bare head of the consul Aulus Postumius Albinus right (adoptive father of Albinus Bruti. f.), A POSTVMIVS COS around. Rx: ALBINV / BRVTI.F within wreath of grain ears. Crawford 450/3b. Sydenham 943. Sear Imperators 27. RSC Postumia 14. Toned. EF. Provenance: Ex Randy Haviland Collection. Ex CNG 61, 25 September 2002, lot 1512. Ex Tony Hardy Collection.
After his adoption by A. Postumius Albinus, Decimus Junius Brutus joined his own name to that of his adopted father. He would later join in the assassination of Caesar, being likely the third assassin to strike and the first to be killed after the deed.
BRUTUS (Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger), imperator 43-42 B.C., assassin of Caesar, brother-in-law of Lepidus and Cassius
RARE PORTRAIT OF BRUTUS, ASSASSIN OF CAESAR 11374. BRUTUS, struck by L. Servius Rufus moneyer. Denarius, 3.39g. (4h). Rome, 41 BC. Obv: Head right of Brutus; LSERVIVS before, RVFVS behind. Rx: Dioscuri standing facing. Crawford 515/2. Sydenham 1082 (R6). Sear Imperators 324. RSC Sulpicia 10. Rare and important; the only "affordable" portrait coin of Brutus. Fine. Provenance: Ex Randy Haviland Collection. Privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk.
$1750
CASSIUS, imperator 43-42 B.C., assassin of Caesar, brother-in-law of Brutus
7932. CASSIUS, ASSASSIN OF CAESAR, c. 42 BC. Denarius, RSC 6. Veiled hd. Liberty r./Jug & Lituus. EF. Rare. Perfect centering, everything sharp and clear. Rarely found this nice... $2500
NUMONIUS VAALA, moneyer 43 B.C.
13027. C. NUMONIUS VAALA, 43 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.65 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bare head of Numonius Vaala right; C • NVMONIVS downward to right, VAALA upward to left / Soldier advancing left, holding spear and shield, attacking a vallum defended by two soldiers; VAA[L]A in exergue. Crawford 514/2; CRI 322; Sydenham 1087; Numonia 2. VF, toned, traces of deposits in devices, areas of weak strike on reverse, a few bankers’ marks on obverse. The reverse of this issue celebrates the moneyer's ancestor winning the Corona Vallaris in a seige. Provenance: From the estate of Thomas Bentley Cederlind. Ex Gorny & Mosch 215 (13 October 2013), lot 988 (hammer €1300).
SOLD.
M. ARRIUS SECUNDUS, moneyer 43 B.C.
MARCUS LURIUS, Governor of Sardinia under Octavian, and an admiral of Octavian's fleet at Actium.
L. LIVINEIUS REGULUS, Praetor 42 BC
11266. Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Livineius Regulus. 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.65 g, 8h). Rome mint. Bare head of the praetor L. Livineius Regulus right / Curule chair with three fasces to left and right. Crawford 494/28; CRI 177; Sydenham 1110; Livineia 11. VF, toned, some light scratches and porosity. Provenance: From the Bruce R. Brace Collection. SOLD.
AHENOBARBUS, 41-40 BC
11010. CN. DOMITIUS L.f. AHENOBARBUS. 41-40 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.72 g, 9h). Uncertain mint in the region of the Adriatic or Ionian Sea. Bare head of Ahenobarbus right / Prow right, surmounted by military trophy. Crawford 519/2; CRI 339; Sydenham 1177; Domitia 21. VF, toned. Rare. The portrait of much superior style to the usual examples. Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus accompanied his father at Corfinium and Pharsalus on the side of Pompey. After his pardon by Julius Caesar, he retired to Rome in 46 BC. After Caesar's assassination, Ahenobarbus supported Brutus and Cassius, and in 43 BC was condemned under the terms of the Lex Pedia for complicity in the assassination. Ahenobarbus achieved considerable naval success against the Second Triumvirate in the Ionian theater, where this denarius was certainly minted, but finally, through the mediation of Gaius Asinius Pollio, he reconciled with Mark Antony, who thereupon made him governor of Bithynia. He participated in Antony's campaign against the Parthians, and was consul in 32 BC. When war broke out between Antony and Octavian, Ahenobarbus initially supported Antony, but, disgusted by Antony's relationship with Cleopatra, sided with Octavian shortly before Actium. His only child, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, was married to Antonia Maior, the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia. Their son, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, married Agrippina Minor, the sister of the emperor Caligula, and was the father of the emperor Nero. (Commentary courtesy CNG.)
SOLD.
LABIENUS, Imperator Parthicus, 40/39 BC
RARE IMPERATOR PORTRAIT 11384. LABIENUS, Imperator Parthicus. AR Denarius (3.7 g) minted in Asia Minor (likely at Antioch), 40 BC. Q LABIENVS PARTHICVS IMP. Bare head of Labienus facing right. Reverse: Saddled horse standing right. Cr.524/2; Syd.1357; RSC 2. Trivial banker's mark on cheek. Some old test digs and hairlines on the reverse. Clear and well-centered types with lovely antique grey toning. Overall, A decent example of this important and historical coin. Very rare. About Very Fine. Very rare. Since he was a traitor to Rome, Labienus' coinage was melted down with only a handful surviving. Provenance: The Hunter Collection.
This very rare issue was produced early in 40 BC in Syria or southeastern Asia Minor in the name of the imperator Quintus Labienus, son of the Pompeian general Titus Labienus who had fallen in battle against Julius Caesar in 45 BC. In the winter of 43/42 BC Quintus had been sent by the tyrannicide Cassius to the court of Orodes II to gain the active support of the Parthians in the struggle of the Republican faction against the triumviral government in Rome. The defeat of the Republican leaders Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in October 42 BC left Labienus stranded in Parthia without a cause. Feeling he had nothing more to lose, he persuaded Pacorus, son of Orodes, to join him in a military adventure. They invaded Syria where they overcame the Roman governor Decidius Saxa whose legions deserted to the rebel cause. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Mark Antony, who had been dallying with Cleopatra in Alexandria, dispatched his trusted general Ventidius to deal with the crisis, which had now spread into Asia Minor. Ventidius quickly achieved the victory over Labienus and had him put to death, and Pacorus suffered the same fate the following year.
The coinage of Labienus comprises gold aurei and silver denarii. It was probably all struck on a single occasion, perhaps for the purpose of a donative to the legions of Saxa. (Commentary courtesy Goldberg Coins.) Excessively rare, only 55 examples known!
SOLD.
ARISTO–, MUTUMBAL, & RICOCE, suffetes (Roman Magistrates) c. 40 BC.
13031. ISLANDS off SICILY, Sardinia. Caralis. Circa 40 BC. Æ (30mm, 26.59 g, 6h). Aristo–, Mutumbal, and Ricoce, suffetes. A[RISTO] M[V]TV[MBAL RICOC]E SVF, jugate male heads right / [V]E[NE]R[IS], KA[R] in exergue, tetrastyle temple façade; in pediment, eagle standing left with wings displayed. RPC I 624; Müller, Afrique 319-20 (Carthage); FITA 149-50; SNG Hunterian 184. Near VF, attractive natural green patina. Much better than usually found with an especially sharp temple reverse. Rare. Provenance: Ex BCD Collection (Auctiones eAuction 41, 18 October 2015), lot 37; Waddell 1 (9 December 1982), lot 583 (hammer of $1200). The portraits on the obverse have sometimes been identified as Octavian and Agrippa, Octavian and M. Aemilius Lepidus, or Octavian and Caesar. However RPC notes they bear no resemblance to those persons so they likely represent two of the magistrates responsible for the issue. The KAR has also led some to propose a mint in Carthage, but almost all examples are found on Sardinia so Karalis is almost certainly the proper mint location.
GAIUS SOSIUS, Quaestor (official in charge of public revenues and expenditures), c. 38 BC.
11215. GAIUS SOSIUS(?), Uncertain mint in Asia Minor. Circa 38 BC. AE (19mm, 7.65 g, 1h). Bare head right / Fiscus, sella, quaestoria and hasta; Q below. RPC I 5409; Laffaille 324; FITA p. 13. VF, earthen black patina. Rare. This coinage has previously been attributed to a Macedonian mint with identification of the portrait as Brutus (Friedlander) or Caesar (Grant). RPC presents a case for a Cilician or Syrian origin, supported by find data, with a suggestion that the portrait is Octavian(?). Issues of similar portrait style, perhaps by the same engraver, include the Princeps Felix coinage, RPC 4082-3, from Cilicia. It is possible that both sets of Cilician or Syrian issues portray Sosius, a leading general of Mark Antony. Sosius was quaestor (symbolized on this coinage with a Q and the symbols of the office) in 39 BC. The island of Zacynthus, a fleet station of Antony's, issued coins in the name of C SOSIVS Q (RPC 1290), C SOSIVS IMP (RPC 1291), C SOSIVS COS DESIG (RPC 1292), and C SOSIVS COS (RPC 1293). The first of these issues coincides with the dating of this coin. Note that both include the "Q" for questor.
Sosius was governor of Syria in 38 BC. Antony supported Herod the Great against his rival Antigonus, and Josephus describes how Sosius commanded the Roman forces in support of Herod's claim. Sosius captured the island and town of Aradus in 38 BC and Jerusalem in July of 37 BC, for which he was acclaimed Imperator. Josephus notes that he was about to allow the soldiers to loot the fallen city and slay its inhabitants, when Herod intervened. Herod asked if the Romans, by emptying the city of money and men, had a mind to leave him to become king of a desert, and paid the troops a donative instead, with Sosius himself receiving a "most royal bounty". Sosius called the defeated king the feminine name "Antigona" and imprisoned him for Antony to execute later. In 36 BC Sosius assisted Octavian and Agrippa against Sextus Pompey and afterward probably stayed in Rome, where he celebrated a triumph in Rome in 34 BC and was consul along with Domitius Ahenobarbus in 32 BC. During his consulship, he rebuilt the Temple of Apollo, which had been constructed in 431 BC. He introduced a measure in the Senate to censure Octavian, but this was vetoed by a tribune. As war between Octavian and Antony approached, Sosius fled Octavian and Rome along with some 300 senators. At Actium in 31 BC, Sosius commanded the left wing of Antony's naval forces. This wing of heavy ships entered the battle first, but was overwhelmed by the smaller, faster ships of Agrippa, commander of Octavian's fleet. Meanwhile, Cleopatra, and then Antony, escaped through the opening created by the movement. Sosius fought on, surrendered and was spared by Octavian. Commentary courtesy of CNG.
THE TRIUMVIRATE: OCTAVIAN, MARC ANTONY & LEPIDUS
10787. THE TRIUMVIRATE: OCTAVIAN, MARC ANTONY & LEPIDUS. AE16 of Ephesus, Ionia. Circa 42-19 BC. AE (17mm, 4.81 g, 12h). Glaukon, archiereus grammateus, with Asklepiados, magistrate. Conjoined bare heads right of the Triumvirs Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus / Facing cult statue of Artemis Ephesia. RPC I 2570; BMC 192; SNG München 97 (without magistrate’s name); SNG Copenhagen 358 var. (magistrate). Near VF, green patina. Rare. Very rare depiction of the triumvirs together. An exceptional example of the type. $1450
MARC ANTONY,
10873. MARK ANTONY. Patrae mint. Denarius (32-31). Obv: ANT AVG / III VIR R P C. Legionary galley right. Rev: LEG XV, legionary aquila between two signa. Crawford 544/30; Sydenham 1235. Condition: Extremely fine. Weight: 3.7 gm. Diameter: 18 mm. An absolutely splendid example of these issues by Antony honoring his legions prior to the conflict with Octavian. Comes with a David Sear certificate of authenticity.
FULVIA, 44-40 BC, third wife of Marc Antony
11304. FULVIA, third wife of Mark Antony, 44-40 BC. Circa 41-40 BC. AE (21mm, 5.06 g, 12h). Zmertorix, the son of Philonides, magistrate. Winged female bust of Victory with the features of Fulvia right: c/m: monogram within incuse circle / Athena advancing left, holding spear and shield. RPC I 3139; for c/m: Howgego -. VF, brown patina, die shift on neck of Fulvia but a portrait much more detailed than usual.
OCTAVIA, 44-40 BC, fourth wife of Marc Antony, sister of Octavian
10592. OCTAVIA? AS ELEUTHERIA. AE28 of Thessalonica Macedon. Issued by Mark Antony with Octavian. Circa 37 BC. AE (28mm, 31.80 g, 12h). Draped bust of Eleutheria (Liberty) right / Nike the goddess of victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RPC I 1551; SNG Copenhagen 374. VF, brown patina, light porosity. Excellent obverse portrait much superior to most examples. A very important historical coin issued to commemorate the final defeat of Brutus and Cassius the assassins of Julius Caesar near where it occured. Ex CNG. There are several good reasons to believe the obverse here is a portrait of Octavia, sister of Octavian and 4th wife of Marc Antony. First the portrait itself is consistent with her other known portraits and both the bust and hair styles are more those of a Roman lady than a Greek goddess. Second Marc Antony had just married Octavia in 40 BC to cement an uneasy alliance with Octavian and this coin was struck considerably before their divorce in 32 BC so Octavia was the symbol of that alliance. Third this large module coin is very similar in type to the large module bronzes struck by Tiberius in which busts of female imperial family members are portrayed as personifications such as the nearly identical style dupondius of Livia as Salus. Fourth Octavia was one of the first Roman women known to have coins minted in her image; probably only Antony's previous wife Fulvia pre-empted her so her portrait on this coin would not be unexpected as it appears on other provincial issues around this time. This issue was struck to commemorate the grant of freedom by Octavian, Antony and Lepidus (the 2nd triumvirs) of freedom to Thessalonica in 42 BC after the battle of Philippi (the defeat of Brutus and Cassius which is celebrated on the reverse) and a portrait of the lady who was the sister of one and the wife of the other as personifying that freedom would have been a not so subtle reminder to the Thessalonians that their freedom was dependent on continued loyalty to Rome.
10802. OCTAVIA, Augusta, AD 54-62. Thrace, Perinthus mint. AE (26mm, 8.93 g, 12h). Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Cult statue of Hera Samios standing left. RPC I 1755; Schönert-Geiss 255; Varbanov 3694. EF, brown surfaces. Some smoothing to fields. $2500
LUCIUS ANTONY, Roman consul, brother of Marc Antony
12964. MARC ANTONY & LUCIUS ANTONY (Roman consul and brother of Marc Antony). Summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.66 g, 12h). Ephesus mint; M. Cocceius Nerva, proquaestor. Bare head of Mark Antony right / Bare head of Lucius Antony right; ANTONIVS COS. Crawford 517/5a; CRI 246; Sydenham 1185; RSC 2. VF, toned, a few minor marks under tone. Rare. VF. A choice example with superior portrait styles, complete clear legends and very nicely centered, all of which are rare for these. $2500
CAIUS ANTONY, Proconsul of Macedonia, younger brother of Marc Antony
MARC ANTONY JR., son of Marc Antony
MARC ANTONY WITH CLEOPATRA (issues of Cleopatra alone are to be found on our Greek Coins of Egypt page)
10739. EXCESSIVELY RARE SILVER TETRADRACHM OF MARC ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, CIRCA 39 BC. SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch mint. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. 36 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.80 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right / Bare head of Mark Antony right. McAlee 174; Prieur 27; RPC 4094. Fine, rough surfaces but both faces quite clear and of fine style. Obverse: Bust of Cleopatra facing right attired in her royal robes and diadem, wearing a necklace probably of large pearls which supports a pendant, the bust surrounded by Greek legend BACILICCA KLEOPATRA THEA NEOTERA = 'The Younger Queen Goddess Cleopatra'. Reverse: Bare head of Marc Antony facing right, surrounded by Greek legend ANTWNIOC AYTOKPATWP TPITON TPIWN ANDPWN = 'Antony Imperator Third Proclamation'. This excessively rare silver tetradrachm is believed by numismatic scholars to have been struck sometime between 36 and 34 BC, most likely at a mint in Syria where they often Summered. Michael Grant thinks it most likely that it was struck in 34 BC in connection with the great Donations of that year, in which Antony conferred much of the Eastern Mediterranean in a whole series of titles, territories and overlordships upon Cleopatra and her children. References: Michael Grant, Cleopatra, 1992, Barnes & Noble, pps. 168, 175 where he discusses the facts surrounding the issuance of this coin. Also, Burnett, Amandry & Ripolles, Roman Provincial Coinage, Volume I, # 4094, published jointly by the British Museum Press and the Bibliotech National, 1992. Grade: Fine. The tragic love story of Marc Antony and Cleopatra has been told and retold since antiquity by everyone from Plutarch through Shakespeare to Hollywood. The suicides of Antony and Cleopatra in August, 30 BC brought an end not only to the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt, but to the entire Hellenistic age. Thenceforth Rome was master of the whole Mediterranean and the great age of Imperial Rome commenced. (see the coin of Octavian listed directly below for the victorious Roman ruler's commemoration of their defeat!) In spite of their fame, few coins depicting the portraits of both Antony and Cleopatra were struck, and of those struck the current type is the finest, the largest and the rarest. Coins with good portraits of Cleopatra are especially rare. In fact surviving contemporary portraits of Cleopatra in any medium are rare, and coins like the current example, engraved as they were during her lifetime under joint authority with Antony, give us one of the best representations of how she and Antony actually appeared. Here we see the strong features of the virile, impetuous Antony, bareheaded and ready to plunge into some grand new earth-shaking endeavor, and on the obverse, the stately elegant bust of Cleopatra, attired in her royal robes and jewelry. An extraordinary face, haughty, arrogant, ruthless, but clearly of great intelligence and commanding presence. Without doubt this coin type has one of the finest numismatic portraits of both Marc Antony and Cleopatra extant. This example though with the wear normally found still has clear portraits of both rulers and as such is worthy of the best collections. An extremely rare coin with only 44 examples known to RPC. Of the greatest historical interest! $12,500
OCTAVIAN (LATER AUGUSTUS)
11284. OCTAVIAN AND JULIUS CAESAR. The Triumvirs. Octavian and Divus Julius Caesar. 38 BC. AE Sestertius (or Dupondius?) (30mm, 20.68 g, 8h). Southern Italian(?) mint. Bare head of Octavian right, wearing slight beard / Wreathed head of Divus Julius Caesar right. Crawford 535/1; Alföldi & Giard 6 (D2/R- [unlisted rev. die])); CRI 308; Sydenham 1335; RPC 620. Good VF, green and brown surfaces, minor flan flaw. Two choice portraits of perhaps the most famous Roman emperors on the same coin. See another of lesser quality that brought $18,240 in NAC sale 52, Lot 300, 10/7/09. Rare. 
11375. OCTAVIAN, Sestertius, 18.41g. (11h). Italy, 38 BC. Obv: Bare head of Octavian right; star below chin, [DIVI] F behind. Rx: DIVOS IVLIVS in wreath. Crawford 535/2. Sydenham 1336. RPC 621. Sear, Imperators 309. VF. Provenance: Ex Randy Haviland Collection. 
9447. OCTAVIAN HISTORIC EGYPT CAPTURED REVERSE, 28 BC. Denarius, 3.31 gm., RSC 3. /AEGYPTO CAPTA, Crocodile r. This is the historic denarius issued by Octavian (later called Augustus) to commemorate his capture of Egypt and the defeat and deaths of Antony and Cleopatra. After the famous Ides of March Denarius issued by Brutus, this is without a doubt one of the most historically significant and sought after of all Roman Imperial coins, and a wonderful complement to the Antony and Cleopatra tetradrachm above. VF. SOLD.
L. SEMPRONIUS ATRATINUS, c. 39 BC, Consul in the East
Sparta. L. Sempronius Atratinus. AE 20, 4.85g. (h). Sparta, c. 39 BC. Obv: Bare head right, ATPATINOCC behind. Rx: Eagle standing right, ΛA/ΦIΔI in field. RPC 1101. Sear, Imperators 607. Grunauer XVI, 9. BCD 900. About VF. Photo courtesy Gemini. LOOKING FOR AN EXAMPLE OF THIS COIN. IF YOU HAVE ONE PLEASE CONTACT US.
CNAEUS STATILIUS LIBO, prefect (governor) in Southern Spain
10278. RARE PORTRAIT COIN OF GOVERNOR CNAEUS STATILIA LIBO, (under Augustus). SPAIN, Cartago Nova? 27 BC-14 AD. AE 22mm (7.7 gm). CN. STATI. LIBO PRAEF, bare head of Roman Governor Cnaeus Statilia Libo right / SACERDOS in exergue, priestly implements patera and capis. RPC I 483; Burgos 449. VF. Rare. Much better than photo in the hand. This coin is very special because it features a portrait of a living person who was not a member of the Imperial family. Cnaeus Statilia Libo was governor of Spain under Augustus and was allowed the unusual honor of placing his image on local coinage. For those who are collecting a Roman portrait gallery, this is an opportunity to acquire a tremendous rarity. A very elusive type for those attempting to assemble a collection of all possible Roman portrait coins.
LYSANIAS, tetrarch and high priest in Syria, son of Ptolemy I of Syria, father of Zenodorus
WITH COUNTERMARK OF QUINCTILIUS VARUS?, ROMAN GENERAL WHO LOST 3 LEGIONS AT THE BATTLE OF THE TEUTOBURG FOREST. 11630. LYSANIAS, SYRIA, Tetrarch of Coele-Syria. Chalkis ad Libanon. 40-36 BC. AE (19mm, 6.19 g, 12h). Diademed head of Lysanias right; monogram below chin; c/m: VAR monogram within incuse square / Athena Nikephoros standing left; monogram to right. Herman 12; RPC I 4770; HGC 9, 1449; for c/m: Howgego 659. VF, green-brown patina, deposits. Rare.
In 33 BCE Lysanias was put to death by Mark Antony for his Parthian sympathies, at the instigation of Cleopatra, to whom Antony then gave his territories. Howgego reads the monogram as VAR and tentatively suggests it could belong to P. Quinctilius Varus, Roman general at the fateful Battle of the Teutoburg Forest..
ZENODORUS, tetrarch and archereus of Syria under Octavian, son of Lysanias
11325. ZENODORUS, tetrarch and archereus. Syria, Coele-Syria. Chalcis ad Libanum. Under Octavian. 32-31 BC. AE (21mm, 5.50 g, 12h). Dated SE 282 (32/1 BC). Bare head of Octavian right / Bare head of Zenodorus left. RPC I 4774; HGC 9, 1454. Scarce portrait of Zenodorus and a splendid clear example of the type.
VEDIUS POLLIO, c. 30 BC, famous equestrian and friend of Octavian
11672. VEDIUS POLLIO, Lydia, Tralles (as Caesarea). Vedius Pollio. Legate of Asia, circa 29/8-27 BC. AE (21mm, 6.16 g, 12h). Menandros, son of Parrhasios, magistrate. Bare head of Vedius Pollio right; uncertain object behind / Laureate head of Zeus right. RPC I 2635; SNG Munchen 718; SNG Copenhagen 688; BMC 76-8. VF, green patina, area of roughness on obverse, adjustment marks on both sides. Rare. An equestrian and confidant of Augustus, Vedius Pollio appears to have had an important administrative career, serving in the restoration of a proconsular government in Asia and possibly even in the refoundation of Tralles as Caesarea. However, his personal cruelty, especially toward slaves, more than matched his public deeds, as he is said to have kept a pool of lampreys for the sole purpose of executing servants he was displeased with.
CICERO MINOR (Marcus Tullius Cicero minor), after 30 BC, Proconsul of Lydia under Augustus, son of the famous orator Cicero
11394. CICERO MINOR, Proconsul of Lydia, after 30 BC. Struck under the authority of Augustus at Magnesia ad Sipylum, Lydia, AE23, 6.15 g. RPC I 2448, BMC 13-5; FITA 385; Stumpf 142; Klose & Stumpf 106. Obverse: MAPKOΣ TYΛΛIOΣ KIKEPΩN, bare head of Cicero minor right. Reverse: MAΓNHTΩN AΠO ΣIΠYΛOY ΘEOΔΩPOC, Right hand holding wreath, grain ears, and vine branch with grape bunch Excessively rare portrait of a Roman Proconsul, the son of the famous orator Cicero. Extremely rare - twelve listed in RPC, all in museums. Only one appearing on CoinArchives (CNG 78, lot 1312). M. Tullius M. f. Cicero was the son of the famous Roman orator of the same name. An extremely rare coin and seldom seen. The only other example I've seen on the market was sold by CNG in 2008, sale 78 lot 1312 at $2250 hammer price. Provenance: From the collection of a US college classics professor and includes his envelope with notes
FABIUS MAXIMUS (Paullus Fabius Maximus), Proconsul of Asia under Augustus
11393. FABIUS MAXIMUS, Proconsul of Asia, 10-9 BC. Struck under the authority of Augustus at Hierapolis, Phrygia, AE17, 3.97 g. RPC I 2930. Obverse: ΦABIOΣ MAΞIMOΣ, bare head of Fabius Maximus right. Reverse: ZΩΣIMOΣ / ΦIΛOΠATPIΣ/ IEPOΠOΛEITΩN / XAPAΞ, Bipennis (double bladed axe). Good Fine. Rare portrait of a Roman Proconsul and elder brother of Africanus Fabius Maximus below.
AFRICANUS FABIUS MAXIMUS Proconsul of Africa 6/5 BC under Augustus
11434. AFRICANUS FABIUS MAXIMUS, Byzacium, Hadrumentum: Augustus, 27 BC-14 AD. AE 23 mm, 7.72 g. Africanus Fabius Maximus, proconsul and septemvir epulonum; C. Livineius Gallus, quaestor propraetore. Struck 6-5 BC. Obv: Bare head of Fabius Africanus right. Rev: Elephant advancing left, trampling on serpent. RPC 781; MAA 92. Another rare portrait of a Roman Proconsul. Quintus Fabius Maximus Africanus was the younger brother of Paullus Fabius Maximus above and their great uncle several times removed was Scipio Africanus.
