(The 3rd century)
6229. SOTHEBY'S, THE NELSON BUNKER HUNT COLLECTION, HIGHLY IMPORTANT GREEK AND ROMAN COINS, December 4. 1990. Hard bound. As new. The billionaire oil tycoon's collection of some of the finest Greek and Roman coins known. Every coin illustrated enlarged and in color. Choice eye candy for anyone who loves ancient Greek and Roman coins! With the finest coins of the several hard bound catalogues of the Nelson Bunker Hunt collection. Provenance: A private American collection, acquired at the NJ Book Show October, 2001.
$200.
THE SEVERAN PERIOD ( family tree ) ( family tree with photos)
CHOICE AQUEDUCT REVERSE 10874. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (193 - 211). Denarius. Rome mint. Obv: SEVERVS PIVS AVG. Laureate bust right. Rev: INDVLGENTIA AVGG/ IN CARTH. Dea Caelestis, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, riding on lion running r. over waters gushing from rock. RIC 266. Condition: Extremely fine. Weight: 3.5 gm. Diameter: 19 mm. Choice example of this interesting issue commemorating the building of an aqueduct in Carthage by Severus. Scarce.
RARE LARGE 40 MM SEVERUS MEDIALLION 6630. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AE40 Medallion of of Cremna, Pisidia. IMP C L SEP SEVE PERTIN AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right. APOLLINI PROPVLEO COL CREM, Apollo Propylaeos walking right, cape flying out behind, string bow; crescent at lower left, star at lower right. SNG Righetti 1397; Aulock Pisidien 2, 1144-1150; SNG von Aulock 5090 (Aulock 1144-1150 are all from the same dies. Good Fine. Rare.
RARE 37 MM MEDALLION OF SEVERUS 9473. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS AND JULIA DOMNA 193-211 AD. AE 37mm Medallion (23.47 gm) of Stratoniceia, Caria. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Septimius Severus vis à vis draped bust of Julia Domna; c/m: helmeted head of Roma right within circular incuse between busts, QEOY within rectangular incuse below / Hekate standing left, holding patera and torch; at feet, dog standing left, head turned back. For undertype: SNG Copenhagen 507 (same obverse die); SNG von Aulock 2675 (same obverse die); for countermarks: Howgego 188 and 536. Brown patina. AVF. Very rare!
SUPERIOR EXAMPLE 10613. CARACALLA, ANTIOCHIA. AE (35mm, 24.24 g, 5h). Laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis / Men standing facing, head right, left foot on bucranium, leaning on low cippus, holding scepter and Nike; to left, cock standing left; S R across fields. Kryzanowska - (unlisted dies); SNG France -. Good VF, brown surfaces, superior example. From the HLT Collection.
HUGE 42 MM MEDALLION OF CARACALLA 7541. CARACALLA, 196-217AD. AE42 Medallion of Pergamon, BMC321. Bust of Roman emperor Caracalla r./Caracalla on horseback approaching statue of Asclepius. Caracalla prayed here for relief of nightmares & physical ailments. Fine. Extremely RARE!
RARE PROVINCIAL MEDALLION 8925. CARACALLA BRONZE MEDALLION, 196-217 AD. AE37 medallion of Mylasa, Caria. /MULACEWN, cult statue of Zeus Labraundos holding double axe (bipennis) and scepter within tetrastyle temple, the apex ornamented with birds both sides of central disk. F+. Rare large coin of Caracalla.
VICTORY OVER THE PARTHIANS 10127. CARACALLA, 196-217 AD. AR Denarius, HRIC 73. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG., laureate hd. r./VICT PART MAX, Victory striding l. EF. Sharp bright silver portrait considerably better than photo.
EF, LEGIONARY ARMOR AND STANDARDS REVERSE 9449. GETA, as Caesar, 198-209 AD. AR Denarius, HRIC 34/1. /PRINC IVVENT, Geta stg. l. in legionary armor holding branch and spear, a trophy behind him. Choice EF example. Interesting type. Surface considerably better than image shows.
CHOICE GETA SILVER TETRADRACHM 9436. GETA, 209-212 AD. AR Tetradrachm of Laodicea ad Mare, Bellinger 70. /Eagle with wreath in beak, star between legs. EF. Scarce. Much better than photo. Choice sharp example.
VERY RARE 6634. GETA. AE31 of Nicomedia, Bithynia. AVT K P CE GETAC AVGOV, laureate head right / TWN-AR_H-NIKOMHD-EWN DIC NEW-KORWN... legend in seven lines within wreath. Isegrim -; RecGen -; BMC -; Mionnet - etc. Near VF. Very rare. Excellent style portrait.
PERFECTLY CENTERED SHARP STRIKE 7696. MACRINUS, 217-218 AD. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.99 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission, July AD 217-March 218. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing long beard / FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head right, with right foot on helmet, holding signum in each hand. RIC IV 67; Szaivert series 10; RSC 23c. EF+. Well centered on good metal. As good as Triton XVI, Lot: 1107 which went for $1000 plus 20% buyer's fee.
9437. SCARCE MACRINUS ANTONINIANUS, 217-218 AD. AR Antoninianus, HRIC 5 ($300-$1000), Sear 2048 (550 GBP). /SALVS PVBLICA, Salus stg. l. feeding snake rising from altar with patera. EF. Scarce as are all Macrinus antoniniani.
RARE JULIA PAULA SESTERTIUS 11158. JULIA PAULA, 1st wife of Elagabalus. Augusta, AD 219-220. AE Sestertius (30mm, 19.37 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 220. Diademed and draped bust right / Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and cornucopia. RIC IV 380 (Elagabalus). Fine, muddy brown patina, flan crack. Provenance: Property of Princeton Economics acquired by Martin Armstrong. Rare. Excellent style portrait.
RARE AQUILIA SEVERA SESTERTIUS 10782. AQUILIA SEVERA, second & fourth wife of Elagabalus. Augusta, 220-221 and 221-222. AE Sestertius (32mm - 24.54 g). Rome mint. IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / CONCORDIA, S C across field, Concordia standing left, holding patera in extended right hand over lighted and garlanded altar, and double cornucopia in left hand; star in right field. RIC IV 390 (Elagabalus); BMCRE 433 (Elagabalus). Near Fine, split on edge, golden brown patina. Rare.
NEAR EF 11036. AQUILIA SEVERA, second & fourth wife of Elagabalus. Augusta, AD 220-221 & 221-222. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.72 g, 7h). Rome mint. Draped bust right / Concordia standing left, holding double cornucopia, sacrificing from patera over lighted altar; star to left. RIC IV 225 (Elagabalus); RSC 2a. Good VF, matte surfaces. Scarce.
EF AS STRUCK 11219. JULIA SOAEMIAS, Augusta, AD 218-222. AR Denarius (14mm, 3.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 220-222. Draped bust right / Venus Caelestis standing left, holding apple and scepter; star to right. RIC IV 241 (Elagabalus); RSC 8. Near EF, lightly toned, faint porosity.
10128. JULIA MAESA, Grandmother of Elagabalus and Severus Alexander. AR Denarius. IVLIA MAESA AVG, bare hd. r./Goddess sacrificing over an altar. EF. Much nicer bright silvery portrait than photo shows. Scarce.
EXCELLENT STYLE PORTRAIT 10752. JULIA MAESA, Augusta, AD 218-224/5. AE Sestertius (30mm, 23.03 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 218-220. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Pietas standing left, sacrificing over lighted altar to left and holding incense box. RIC IV 414 (Elagabalus); Thirion 408. Near VF, dark brown patina. Scarce.
EXCELLENT PEDIGREE 10285. SEVERUS ALEXANDER CILICIA, FLAVIOPOLIS MEDALLION, 222-235 AD. AE 35mm (27.45 g). Dated Year 153 (225/6+ AD). Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Bust of Kronos right. SNG Levante 1547 (same dies); SNG France 2192 (same dies); Lindgren III 831 (this coin). Near VF, brown patina with earthen highlights.
Provenance: Henry Lindgren Collection, 831; Mabbott Collection (Hans Schulman, New York, 6-11 June 1969), lot 2165.
BEAUTIFUL STYLE PORTRAIT 11140. JULIA MAMAEA, mother of Alexander Severus. Augusta, AD 222-235. AE Sestertius (28mm, 17.15 g, 1h). Rome mint. 4th emission, AD 224. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Venus seated left, holding Cupid and scepter. RIC IV 701 (Alexander). VF, brown patina
NEAR EF GREAT PATINA 10154. JULIA MAMAEA, mother of Alexander Severus. Sestertius, RIC676. 222-3 AD, 28-30mm, 19.3g. Obverse: IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA, diademed & draped bust right. Reverse: FELICITAS PVBLICA S-C, Felicity standing half-left, arm on column, holding caduceus. EF. Excellent sharp example with a fine quality well contrasted portrait and beautiful glossy patina.
THE COLLAPSE OF ORDER
EF BETTER THAN PHOTO 6637. MAXIMINUS, 235-238. Æ Sestertius (29mm, 18.37 g, 1h). Rome mint. 2nd emission, AD 236. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing right, holding palm frond and wreath. RIC IV 67; BMCRE 108-9; Banti 26b. Near EF, attractive dark brown patina, EF. Choice example better than photo with detail comparable to CNG 84, Lot: 1167 which went for $1000 plus 18% buyer's fee.
BEAUTIFUL STYLE PORTRAIT 10511. MAXIMINUS, 235-238. AE Sestertius. 235-236 AD. Obverse: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped bust right. Reverse: PROVIDENTIA AVG S-C, Providence standing left with cornucopia and wand over globe at feet. Cohen 80. RIC 61. Sear5 #8337. Murdered together with his son Maximus Caesar on 24th june 238 AD. Nice glossy dark green patina. Diam. 28.24 - 29.06 mm. Weight 18.59 gr.
EF AS STRUCK 6113. MAXIMINUS, 235-238 AD. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.12 g, 7h). Struck 235 AD. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGVSTI, Pax standing left, holding branch and transverse sceptre. RIC IV 12; BMCRE 5-6; RSC 31. Superb EF, lustrous, as stuck with original flow lines visible.
CHOICE FINE STYLE WIDE FLAN PERFECTLY CENTERED EF AND RARE! 11037. DIVA PAULINA (WIFE OF MAXIMINUS I, MOTHER OF MAXIMUS), Died before AD 235. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.57 g, 5h). Rome mint. 2nd emission, AD 236. Veiled and draped bust right / Diva Paulina, raising hand and holding scepter, reclining left on peacock flying right. RIC IV 2 (Maximinus); RSC 2. EF, toned. Rare. Struck on an exceptionally large flan.
RARE SESTERIUS OF PAULINA 10818. PAULINA. Died before AD 235. AE Sestertius (31mm, 18.49 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission, AD 236. Veiled and draped bust right / Diva Paulina, raising hand and holding scepter, reclining left on peacock flying right. RIC IV 3 (Maximinus I). Good VF, brown patina. Rare!
RARE THREE EMPEROR REVERSE 10137. BALBINUS WITH PUPIENUS AND GORDIAN III. Balbinus, 238 A.D. AE Sestertius Rome mint (Both Balbinus & Pupienus were elected by the Roman Senate as joint emperors in 238 A.D.). 27 mm, 15.8 grams. Obverse: IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, his draped bust facing right. Reverse: LIBERALITAS AVGVSTORVM S - C in emerge; Balbinus, Pupienus & Gordian III seated on raised platform, soldier standing with spear in front. Liberalitas standing left with abacus & cornucopia, a citizen mounting steps to receive coins. RIC IV 14, BMCRE 5, Cohen 13. A scarce emperor with a rare reverse. AVF. Somewhat better than photo in the hand.
EXCELLENT STYLE SCARCE PUPIENUS SESTERTIUS 9509. PUPIENUS, 238 AD. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 21.39 g, 12h). Rome mint. 1st emission. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm frond. RIC IV 23a; BMCRE 58-60; Banti 12. VF, brown patina. Scarce. Excellent style portrait.
8616. GORDIAN III, 238-244. Sestertius, Sear 2488, HRIC.87. 28 mm, 18.38 g. Diademed bust r./Laetitia stg. l. holding wreath and anchor. VF+. A wonderful goofy cartoon-like portrait of great charm.
10488. GORDIAN III, 238-244 AD, AE 34 of Tarsos (Tarsus), Cilicia. 238-244 AD., France 2, 1704 (same dies) , Choice VF, 27.50 gm, 34 mm, ; AUT KAIS M ANT GORDIANOS SEB / P - P, Head of Gordian III. radiate r., with shield and spear. ; TARSOU MHTROPOLEWS AMK G B , Elpis walking l., holding flower and her chlamys. Scarce.
10596. GORDIAN III, 238-244 AD, AE 35 of Tarsos (Tarsus), Cilicia. 238-244 AD., (19.96 g). Radiate and draped bust right, holding spear pointed forwards and shield; shield decorated with gorgoneion between two serpents / Gordian on horseback right, thrusting spear at lion running right below. SNG Levante 1132; SNG France 1722 (same dies). Near VF, brown patina with some earthen highlights, minor roughness.
10508. GORDIAN III, 238-244 AD, CILICIA, Seleucia ad Calycadnum. AE (33mm, 12.92 g, 6h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; c/m: pellet within triangle / Nike left on globe, holding wreath and palm. SNG France 1028 var. (legend breaks); SNG Levante 767 (same obv. die); for c/m: Howgego 670. VF, dark green patina.
GAMES REVERSE 8617. GORDIAN III and TRANQUILLINA (his wife). AE26 of Tomis, Moesia Inferior. GIC._ but see GIC.3637 for a similar coin. Their confronted busts/Agonistic prize urn with two palm fronds on presentation table, two uncertain objects each side, an amphora beneath. VF+ considerably better than photo. A nice example of a rare coin depicting a prize awarded to the winning athlete in the public games. The amphora would contain olive oil from the sacred groves.
EXCELLENT STYLE SHIP REVERSE 10494. GORDIAN III & TRANQUILLINA, AD 238-244. AE (26mm, 12.90 g, 12h). Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian right, facing diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina left / Galley right under full sail. AMNG I 682; SNG Copenhagen –; Varbanov 702. F/AVF with clear galley. Scarce.
VERY RARE ROMAN PORTRAIT 11357. DIVUS JULIUS MARINUS, father of Philip I. Arabia, Philippopolis mint. Died circa AD 246/7. AE (24mm, 8.07 g, 6h). Struck at Antioch, circa AD 247-249. Bareheaded bust right, with slight drapery, supported by eagle standing right / Roma or Allat standing left, holding phiale and spear; shield at side to left. Butcher, Philippopolis & Samosata pl. 25, 11; Spijkerman 2; SNG ANS 1402. Fine, green desert patina. Very rare.
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. The neat fabric of the city's coins is quite out of place for Arabia. This, combined with die links between the coins of Philippopolis, Zeugma, and Antioch, suggest production at a central location, with Antioch being the most likely place.
VERY RARE ROMAN PORTRAIT 6636. JULIUS MARINUS, father of Philip I. AE23 of Philippopolis, Arabia, S2623a, BMC2. Bare-headed bust of Marinus r. supported by eagle/Roma stg. l. holding patera & resting spear on shield, SC. VG and nearly as good as the Sear example. (1500 GBP). Very rare!
WONDERFUL EXPRESSIVE FINE STYLE PORTRAIT 11179. PHILIP I, AD 244-249. AE Sestertius (30mm, 21.88 g, 12h). Rome mint, 2nd officina. 1st emission, AD 244. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Laetitia standing left, holding wreath and rudder set on globe. RIC IV 175a; Banti 18. VF, dark brown patina. Bold portrait.
SCARCE ELEPHANT REVERSE SESTERTIUS 9510. PHILLIP I ELEPHANT REVERSE SESTERTIUS, 224-249 AD. Æ Sestertius (29mm, 19.27 gm). Struck 248-249 AD. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / AETERNITAS AVGG, S C in exergue, elephant walking left, guided by mahout with goad and wand. RIC IV 167a; Cohen 18. Near VF, green and brown patina, Scarce and interesting coin.
CHOICE EF DENARIUS 10130. PHILIP I, 244-249 AD. AR Antoninianus. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG /TRP II COS PP. EF. Mint luster. Pleasing and nicely centered sharp strike with entire legend clear. Much better than photo.
PHILIP I SILVER TETRADRACHM 9511. PHILIP I, 224-249. Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch. AR Tetradrachm (11.41 gm). Dated COS 3 (247 AD). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Eagle standing right, wreath in beak, wings spread. Prieur 375. EF. Excellent portrait better than photo.
CHOICE EF AS STRUCK ANTONINIANUS 10400. PHILIP I, Antoninianus. Rome mint, 2nd officina. 5th emission, AD 246. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Aequitas standing left, holding scales, cradling cornucopia in arm. RIC IV 27b; RSC 9. EF, sharp as struck with original flow lines.
RARE MEDALLION WITH INTERESTING REVERSE 10882. PHILIP I MEDALLION, Cilicia, Anazarbus mint. AD 244-249. AE Medallion (35mm, 21.42 g, 12h). Dated CY 263 (AD 244/5). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Koinoboulion seated left, holding cornucopia and tossing pebble in vase; tree to left. Ziegler 739 (VS3/Rs11); SNG France -; SNG Levante 1491 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 5504 (same dies). Near VF, dark green patina, minor roughness. Struck on a large flan.
LARGE HERCULES WITH CLUB 10435. PHILIP I, CILICIA, Diocaesarea. Philip I. AD 244-249. AE (31mm, 12.99 g, 7h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Herakles, holding club, reclining left on lion skin. SNG France 878 (same dies). VF, dark green patina. Choice example of a rare type.
10167. OTACILIA SEVERA, AUGUSTA, AD 244-249. Æ Sestertius (27mm, 18.20 g, 8h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 5th-6th emission, AD 246-247. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and double cornucopia. RIC IV 203 (Philip I); Banti 4. Good VF, green brown patina, better than photo.
EXCELLENT STYLE PORTRAIT 10418. PHILIP II, AD 247-249. AE Sestertius 245-246. Obverse: M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES; Very youthful bust, bare head, on the right, with drapery, seen from three quarters behind. Reverse: PRINCIPI I-VVENT SC; Philip in military dress, standing on the left, holding a sphere and a staff. Nice VF. Bronze, 29.5 mm, 18.90 g, 1:00. Cohen 49, RIC.256a. A very beautiful specimen covered in a pretty chestnut green patina. Considerably better than photo, good style very young portrait with nice detail in the hair. Much better than photo.
WELL CENTERED EF 10397. PHILIP II, As Caesar, AD 244-247. AR Antoninianus (4.89 g, 1h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. 4th emission, AD 245. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Philip standing right, holding globe and transverse spear. RIC IV 216c; RSC 54. EF. Much better than image.
RARE DOUBLE SESTERTIUS 9512. TRAJAN DECIUS, 249-251 AD. Æ Double Sestertius (33mm, 37.71 g, 12h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 3rd emission, early-mid AD 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / FELICITAS SAECVLI, S C across field, Felicitas standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cradling cornucopia in left arm. RIC IV 115a; Banti 9; Cohen 39; Hunter 46 var. (bust type). AVF. Scarce.
SENSITIVE PORTRAIT 10854. TRAJAN DECIUS, 249-251 AD. AE Sestertius (27mm, 16.74 g, 1h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. 3rd emission, AD 250. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / The two Pannoniae standing facing, each with head turned outward and holding signum. RIC IV 124a. EF, green patina. An excellent sharp fine style portrait of this emperor.
CHOICE LARGE FLAN EF DACIA 9450. TRAJAN DECIUS, 249-251. AR Antoninianus (4.80 gm). IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / D-ACIA, Dacia standing left, holding vertical staff with ass's head. RIC IV 12b; Hunter 7; RSC 16. EF. Choice nicely toned, perfectly centered example with fine detail on reverse.
10798. HERENNIA ETRUSCILLA, wife of Trajan Decius. Augusta, 249-251 AD. AE Sestertius (32mm - 19.85 g). Rome mint. HERENNIA ETRUSCILLA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / PVDICITIA AVG, SC in exergue, Pudicitia seated left, drawing veil from head with right hand and long transverse scepter in left. RIC IV 136b (Decius); Cohen 22. VF, dark grayish-brown patina. Excellent example of Etruscilla sestertii with larger rounder flan and clearer portrait than most.
CHOICE EF EXAMPLE 10413. HERRENIA ETRUSCILLA, 249-251 AD. AR antoninianus 5.64 gm. 22-23 mm. Rome mint. Obverse: HER ETVSCILLA AVG, diademed draped bust right, on crescent. Reverse: PVDICITIA AVG, Pudicitia, veiled, seated left, with right hand drawing veil from face and holding scepter. EF. Scarce!
SCARCE PORTRAIT 11269. HOSTILIAN. AD 251. AR Antoninianus (20mm, 3.25 g, 12h). Rome mint. 1st emission of Trebonianus Gallus. Radiate, draped, and cuirrased bust right / Securitas standing right, raising arm above head and leaning on column to right. RIC IV 192; RSC 57. VF, toned. Provenance: From the Bruce R. Brace Collection.
SENSITIVE FINE STYLE PORTRAIT 10158. TREBONIANUS GALLUS. 251-253 AD. AE Sestertius (30mm - 19.35 g). Rome mint. IMP CAES C VIBIVS TREBONIANVS GALLVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. / CONCORDIA AVGG, S-C cross fields, Concordia standing left, holding patera in right hand, double cornucopia in left. RIC IV 105a. VF, greenish-brown patina. Excellent portrait and flan for these. Scarce in this condition.
9477. TREBONIANUS GALLUS AND VOLUSIAN, AE31 of Antioch. AVTOK K GA TREB GALLOC KAI OVOLOVCCIANOC CEB B Confronting busts. / City goddess in temple, ram above, D-E across upper fields. BMC 656; Sear Greek Imperial 4359. VF, much better than photo. Interesting dynastic provincial bronze.
SCARCE EF PORTRAIT 10839. AEMILIAN. 253 AD. AR Antoninianus, 21 mm, 4.03 g. Head right. / Mars standing left with spear and palm branch. EF. Removed from NGC slab graded AU50. Rare, especially in this condition significant'y better than photo.
RARE LATE SESTERIUS 10157. AEMILIAN. 253 AD. AE Sestertius (27mm - 14.54 g). Rome mint. [IMP A]EMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / RO[MAE AETE]RN, S-C across fields, Roma standing left, holding Phoenix on globe in right hand, transverse spear in left hand, left elbow resting on shield set on ground. RIC IV 38. VF, greenish brown patina. Rare as are all Aemilian sestertii.
VERY RARE ROMAN EMPRESS 11209. CORNELIA SUPERA, wife of Aemilian. Augusta, AD 253. Mysia, Parium. AE (21mm, 3.47g, 6h). Obverse: CORNEL SVPERA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Reverse: Capricorn right, globe between forelegs, cornucopia behind back, CGIHP in ex. SNG Paris 1519. Near VF. Rare.
RARE LATE SESTERIUS 10421. VALERIAN I, 253-260. Sestertius, Rome, 253-255. Obverse: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG; Laureate bust right, draped and armored, seen from three quarters ahead. Reverse: [CONCORDIA E]XERCIT SC. Harmony standing upright looking left, holding a patera and a double cornucopia. VF. Bronze, 28.0 mm, 13.75 g, 6:00. Cohen 40, RIC. 155. Usual quadrangular flan for this beautiful specimen with a chestnut patina. Rare denomination for Valerian I.
SCARCE ROMAN EMPRESS 11270. MARINIANA, wife of Valerian I (A.D. 253-260), Diva Mariniana. Died before AD 253. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.31 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd-3rd emission of Valerian I, AD 255-257. Veiled and draped bust right, set on crescent / Peacock standing facing, head left. RIC V 3; MIR 36, 216b; RSC 3. VF, toned, minor porosity.
Provenance: From the Bruce R. Brace Collection.
SCARCE ROMAN EMPRESS 10819. MARINIANA, died before AD 253. AE Sestertius (26mm, 15.03 g, 7h). Rome mint. 2nd-3rd emission, AD 254-256. Veiled, diademed, and draped bust right / Peacock standing facing, head left, in full display. RIC V 9 corr. var. (bust on crescent; peacock head right); MIR 36, 212d. Near VF, green patina with earthen highlights. Scarce late Roman sestertius.
GAMES REVERSE 8619. GALLIENUS, 253-268. AE29 of Side, Pamphylia. BMC._, GIC._. Radiate head r./Agonistic prize urn containing two palm fronds on ceremonial table. VF. A fine example of a very rare coin depicting a prize awarded to the winning athlete in the public games. The design of this urn with its symmetrical notches top and bottom is quite intriguing. If one looks carefully it appears to have figures around the top half including a chariot galloping left. Certainly deserving of further study.
RARE LATE SESTERIUS 10799. SALONINA, wife of Gallienus. Augusta, 254-268 AD. AE Sestertius (28mm - 12.11 g). Rome mint. CORNELIA [SALONINA AVG], draped bust right, wearing stephane / [VENVS GENE]TRIX, S C across field, Venus standing left, holding apple in extended right hand, scepter in left; at feet to left, Cupid standing right, raising hands. RIC V 48 var.; MIR 36, 236d. Near VF, brown patina, usual small squarish flan. Sestertii of Salonina are rare.
GAMES REVERSE 8621. SALONINA, wife of Gallienus. AE33 medallion? of Syedra, Cilicia. SNG Cop.254, BMC.22, GIC._. Her bust r./Large agonistic prize urn flanked by palm fronds, 3 cups above. F/AVF. A fine example of a very rare coin depicting a prize awarded to the winning athlete in the public games.
10284. SALONINA, wife of Gallienus, PAMPHYLIA. Perga. Augusta, 254-268 AD. AE10 Assaria (30mm - 18.75 g). Diademed and draped bust right, crescent at shoulder / Hermes and Herakles standing left, Hermes holding a caduceus, Herakles resting on club; vexillum between them. SNG France 590 (same dies). VF, grayish-brown patina with some highlights.
EXCELLENT EXAMPLE 10790. MACRIANUS, 260-261 AD. AR Antoninianus, RIC.14. Obv: Radiate cuir bust of Macrianus r. / Rev: Victory advancing r, holding wreath aloft and palm over her shoulder. 3.63gm, 21mm. VF, considerable silvering with nice deep gray toning. Very well struck, with a great portrait of this rare usurper. Seldom found this nice and much better than the fuzzy photo.
RARE LATE REDUCED SESTERTIUS 10270. SEVERINA, wife of Aurelian. AE reduced sestertius or As. Rome, emission 11, January-September AD 275. SEVERINA AVG, diademed, draped bust of Severina right / IVNO REGINA, Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter, peacock before, officina mark in exergue. CBN 310. RIC 7. RCTV 1711. Rare. Condition: VF, beautiful green patina. Nice example significantly better than photo in the hand.
RARE B.L MINTMARK 8623. SEVERINA, wife of Aurelian. AE Antoninianus, Lugdunum (Lyon), early AD 275. SEVERINA AVG, diademed and draped bust right, set on crescent / CONCORD MILIT, Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and cornucopiae; .BL. in exergue. RIC I, 1; Cohen 5; BL mintmark is quite rare. EF. Remains of silvering. Excellent example.
THE SECESSIONIST EMPIRES:
RARE DOUBLE SESTERIUS 7697. POSTUMUS, 259-268. Double sestertius of Lugdunum. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Virtus standing left, holding globe and scepter. Near VF. Nice portrait for these scarce late large Roman bronzes.
SHARP EF EXAMPLE 10405. POSTUMUS, 259-268 AD. Antoninianus. Radiate bust right. / Moneta standing facing, head left holding scales and cornucopia. EF. Excellent style portrait.
THE USURPER VABALATHUS 10390. VABALATHUS WITH AURELIAN, AD 270-275. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right, seen from behind / Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian right. Scarce. Struck by Vabalathus in an futile attempt to legitimatize his rule with the emperor Aurelian. VF. Better than usual example and significantly better than photo.
CHOICE SHARP EF GALLEY REVERSE 11039. ALLECTUS, Romano-British Emperor, AD 293-296. AE Quinarius (19mm, 2.37 g, 11h). London mint. Radiate and cuirassed bust right / Galley rowing left; QL. RIC V 55; Burnett, Coinage 111. VF, dark green patina. Excellent sharp reverse. Choice galley type.
