ROMAN COINS
(The 3rd century)

Collection L - Reasonable Offers Welcome



SEVERANS SEPT. SEVERUS JULIA DOMNA CARACALLA
PLAUTILLA DAUGHTER GETA MACRINUS
DIADUMENIAN ELAGABALUS JULIA PAULA AQUILIA SEVERA
ANNIA FAUSTINA JUL. SOAEMIAS CHILD JULIA MAESA
SEV. ALEXANDER ORBIANA JULIA MAMAEA COLLAPSE
MAXIMINUS PAULINA MAXIMUS BALBINUS
PUPIENUS GORDIAN I GORDIAN II GORDIAN III
TRANQUILLINA MARINUS PHILIP I OTACILIA SEV.
PHILIP II PACATIAN JOTAPIAN SILBANNACUS
SPONSIANUS TRAJAN DECIUS ETRUSCILLA ETRUSCUS
HOSTILIAN TREB. GALLUS VOLUSIAN AEMILIAN
CORNELIA SUPERA URANIUS ANT. VALERIAN I MARINIANA
GALLIENUS SALONINA VALERIAN II SALONINUS
MARINIANUS REGALIANUS DRYANTILLA MACRIANUS
QUIETUS AUREOLUS CLAUD. GOTHICUS QUINTILLUS
AURELIAN SEVERINA INTER REGNUM TACITUS
FLORIAN PROBUS SATURNINUS BONOSUS
PROCULUS CARUS NUMERIAN CARINUS
MAGNIA URBICA NIGRINIAN JULIAN I SECESSION
POSTUMUS MARIUS LAELIANUS DOMITIANUS
VICTORINUS TETRICUS I TETRICUS II VABALATHUS
ZENOBIA CARAUSIUS ALLECTUS CARAUSIUS II


THE SEVERAN PERIOD
( family tree ) ( family tree with photos) SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, 193-211

IMPERIAL AE40 MEDALLION

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.



10765. CHOICE SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS PORTRAIT, 193-211 AD. AE Sestertius (33mm, 24.52 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 194. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / AFRICA SC, Africa standing right, wearing elephant skin headdress and holding grain ears; at feet to right, lion standing right. RIC IV 668d. Choice EF portrait of the finest style, brown patina.


10434. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, 193-211 A.D. THRACE, Pautalia. AE (29mm, 12.09 g, 7h). Laureate head right / Asklepios seated left on the back of a winged serpent flying right. Ruzicka 342; Varbanov 4681. VF, green patina, some smoothing and light tooling of the legends. Ex CNG.


JULIA DOMNA, wife of Septimius Severus

10193. JULIA DOMNA, wife of Septimius Severus, Augusta, AD 193-217. AE Sestertius (30mm, 25.77 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius, circa AD 198-200. Draped bust right / Hilaritas standing left, holding long palm frond and cornucopia. RIC IV 855 (Septimius); Banti 17. Near VF, dark brown surfaces, slight doubling on reverse.


9435. JULIA DOMNA 4 SEASONS REVERSE, wife of Septimius Severus. AR Denarius, HRIC 17. /FECVNDITAS, Terra sitting under a tree, resting her hand on a globe over which walk four small naked boys representing the four seasons. EF. Struck to mark the Saecular celebrations. A rare reverse type.

SOLD.



CARACALLA, 196-217, first son of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna

10192. CARACALLA, AD 198-217. AE Sestertius (30mm, 27.61 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 210. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Mars advancing left, holding branch and trophy. RIC IV 450b; Banti 88. VF, dark brown surfaces, a few marks, reverse double struck. Rare.


10886. CARACALLA, AD 198-217. AE Sestertius (34mm, 31.96 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 212-213. Laureate head right / Securitas seated right, propping head with hand and holding scepter; altar to right. RIC IV 512d. Near VF, dark green patina, scratches on the bust. Struck on an exceptional broad, heavy flan. Ex D. Heuer Collection.


PYTHIAN GAMES MEDALLION

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.



LARGE MEDALLION OF PERINTHUS

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.



FINE FIGURE OF ASCLEPIUS

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.



11328. CARACALLA, 196-217AD. MYSIA, Pergamum. AD 198-217. AE Medallion (43mm, 40.23 g, 6h). Marcus Caerelius Attalus, strategus. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery; gorgoneion on breastplate; c/m: wreath with pellet in center, all within incuse / E ΠI C TP ¥ M ¥ KAIPEΛ ATTAΛOV, Π-E-P ΓA/MH/NΩ(N) across field, ΠPΩTΩN ¥ Γ ¥ N[E]/ΩKOPΩN in two lines in exergue, the imperial entrance (adventus) into the city of Pergamum: emperor, wearing military attire, on horseback right, turning to left and raising right arm, being trailed by attendant; to right, cippus surmounted by statue of Asclepius. W. Wroth, ÒAsklepios and the coins of Pergamum,Ó NC (1882), pl. 3, 5 var.; von Fritze, Pergamon pl. VII, 14 var.; BMC 321 var.; SNG France 2231-2 var. (all with varying distribution of rev. legend); for c/m: Howgego 480. VF, dark green patina, traces of smoothing.

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.



FULVIA PLAUTILLA, wife of Caracalla

10231. PLAUTILLA, wife of Caracalla, Augusta, AD 202-205. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.07 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 202. Draped bust right / Caracalla, holding roll, and Plautilla standing vis-a-vis, clasping right hands. RIC IV 362; RSC 21. Near EF, toned.


DAUGHTER OF PLAUTILLA AND CARACALLA

11285 PLAUTILLA AND DAUGHTER, Augusta, AD 202-205. AE As (24mm, 10.26 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Caracalla, AD 202-203. Draped bust right / Plautilla as Pietas standing right, holding scepter and her daughter by Caracalla. RIC IV 581. VF, red-brown and green patina, some pitting, minor smoothing. Very rare denomination for Plautilla. Provenance: Property of Princeton Economics acquired by Martin Armstrong.

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.



GETA, 198-212, second son of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna

11052. GETA. AD 209-211. AE Sestertius (31mm, 20.24 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 210-211. Laureate head right. / Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia; wheel below seat. RIC IV 168a. Fine, green and brown patina, rough reverse. A superb portrait of the finest style.


9506. CHOICE GETA AS CAESAR PORTRAIT DENARIUS, 198-209. Denarius, H39. /Securitas std. l. EF+. Sharp strike, surface and metal much better than image shows. Struck well centered on a large medallic flan.


MACRINUS, 217-218

9474. SCARCE MACRINUS SESTERTIUS, 217-218. Sestertius, HRIC 32/2v. /Fides stg. facing, hd. l. with two standards. EF. Rare this nice.

$1750.



DIADUMENIAN, 217-218

11178. DIADUMENIAN, As Caesar, AD 217-218. AE Sestertius (32mm, 25.95 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission of Macrinus, AD 217-218. Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Diadumenian standing right, holding signum and scepter; two signa to right. RIC IV 211 var. (type of signa); Szaivert 9-10; Banti 4. Good VF, dark grayish-green patina, some smoothing in fields. Broad flan. Rare.


ELAGABALUS, 218-222

10191. ELAGABALUS, AD 218-222. AE Sestertius (31mm, 25.02 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 219. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Roma seated left, holding Victory and scepter; shield at side. RIC IV 284; Thirion 4; Banti 44. VF, dark brown patina, small edge split at 2 oÕclock, minor flan flaws on reverse.


11001. ELAGABALUS, AD 218-222. PHOENICIA, Berytus. AE (25mm, 12.86 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Poseidon advancing right, holding trident and grasping the arm of the nymph Berše kneeling left, head right, holding ewer over well. Sawaya - (D352/R702 [unlisted die combination]); BMC 184; AUB 102. Near VF, green patina, light deposits.


JULIA PAULA, first wife of Elagabalus

11293. JULIA PAULA, 1st wife of Elagabalus. Augusta, AD 219-220. AE Sestertius (32mm, 19.93 g, 12h). Rome mint. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Concordia seated left, holding patera and cornucopia; star to right. RIC IV 380 (Elagabalus); Banti 5. Near VF, glossy dark greenish-brown patina, some peripheral roughness. Scarce. Provenance: From the Nera Collection.


AQUILIA SEVERA, second and fourth wife of Elagabalus

12936. AQUILIA SEVERA, second & fourth wife of Elagabalus. Augusta, AD 220-221 & 221-222. AE Sestertius (29.5mm, 22.24 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Elagabalus. IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / CONCO[RDIA], S C across field, Concordia, draped, standing left, cradling double cornucopia in left arm and sacrificing out of patera in right hand over garlanded and lighted altar to left; [star in right field]. RIC IV 390 (Elagabalus); Thirion 482; Banti 4; BMCRE 432-3 (Elagabalus). Near VF, brown surfaces, some red, green, and earthen deposits, pit on reverse deletes star, hairline flan crack, areas of minor roughness and smoothing. Rare. Provenance: The RAM Collection. Ex Kovacs XV (1 October 2003), lot 371.


ANNIA FAUSTINA, third wife of Elagabalus

11329. ANNIA FAUSTINA, Egypt, Alexandria mint. Augusta, AD 221. BI Tetradrachm (22mm, 13.64 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 of Elagabalus (AD 221). Draped bust right / Athena standing left, holding Nike and resting on shield; L E (date) to lower left. Koln 2384; Dattari (Savio) 4192; K&G 34a5. VF, even red-brown surfaces. Rare. Provenance: From a Continental Collection.


12879. ANNIA FAUSTINA, Augusta AE30 of Hierapolis, Phrygia. Struck circa AD 221. Draped bust right / Tyche or Euposia standing left, holding patera and cornucopia; infant Ploutos below. BMC p. 253, 147. 12.63g, 30mm, 7h. Pierced, Good very Fine. Due to the her short reign as Augusta, coins of Annia Faustina are extremely rare and this issue is one of the rarest. Exceptionally good portrait, one of the finest of this extremely rare empress. Annia Aurelia Faustina was a Roman noble woman. She was briefly the Empress of Rome and third wife of the Roman emperor Elagabalus in the year AD 221.


JULIA SOAEMIAS, mother of Elagabalus

11102. JULIA SOAEMIAS, mother of Elagabalus. Augusta 220-222 AD. AE Sestertius (19.59 gm). Struck 218-220 AD. Diademed and draped bust right. IVLIA SOAE-MIAS AVG. / Venus seated left, holding apple and sceptre; at her feet, small boy standing right, arms raised. VENVS CAELESTIS / S C. RIC IV 406 (Elagabalus); BMCRE 379 (Elagabalus); Cohen 18. VF. Scarce.

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.



UNCERTAIN CHILD OF JULIA SOAEMIAS?, younger brother of Elagabalus

11267. JULIA SOAEMIAS, mother of Elagabalus. Augusta, AD 218-222. AE Dupondius (25mm, 12.27 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Elagabalus, AD 218-220. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Venus seated left, holding apple and scepter; small child at her feet to left. RIC IV 407 (Elagabalus). Good VF, reddish-brown patina, small pit before portrait. Provenance: From the Bruce R. Brace Collection.

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.



JULIA MAESA, mother of Soaemias and Mamaea, grandmother of Elagabalus and Severus Alexander

11286. JULIA MAESA, Augusta, AD 218-224/5. AE Sestertius (32mm, 28.38 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Elagabalus, AD 218-220. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Pietas standing left, holding acerrum and extending hand over lighted altar to left. RIC IV 414 (Elagabalus); Thirion 408; Banti 6. Good VF, attractive green, brown, and red patina. Scarce.


SEVERUS ALEXANDER, 221-235

10190. SEVERUS ALEXANDER, AD 222-235. AE Sestertius (33mm, 26.71 g, 1h). Rome mint. 15th emission, AD 232. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / Providentia standing left, holding cornucopia and two ears of grain over modius to left. RIC IV 642; BMCRE 883-9; Banti 147a. VF, brown and dark gray-brown patina. Struck on a very broad and heavy flan.


ORBIANA, wife of Severus Alexander

10753. ORBIANA. Augusta, AD 225-227. AE Sestertius (30mm, 20.38 g, 12h). Rome mint. Special emission, AD 225. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and cornucopia. RIC IV 655; BMCRE 293. VF, attractive green-brown patina. Scarce.


11220. ORBIANA. Augusta, AD 225-227. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.97 g, 6h). Rome mint. Special marriage issue, AD 225. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopia. RIC IV 319 (Severus Alexander); RSC 1. EF, light porosity. Sharply struck and with a pretty portrait.


JULIA MAMAEA, mother of Severus Alexander

11234. JULIA MAMAEA, mother of Alexander Severus. (222-235 AD). AR Denarius (19 mm, 3.33 g), Rome mint. Obv. IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, draped bust right. Rev. FELICITAS PVBLICA, Felicitas standing left, legs crossed, holding caduceus and leaning left arm on column. RIC IV, 2, p. 98, 335. Sharp strike. Superb extremely fine.


12956. JULIA MAMAEA, mother of Alexander Severus. Sestertius, Rome mint, c. 235 AD. 30mm, 20.52 g. Her diademed and draped bust right. Reverse: VENERI FELICI, Venus standing right holding a staff in her right hand and holding an infant in her outstretched left hand who holds out its hand to her. Good VF. .


THE COLLAPSE OF ORDER


MAXIMINUS, 235-238

8615. MAXIMINUS, 235-238. Sestertius, RIC.78, Sear 2350, HRIC.14. Laureate bust r./FIDES MILITVM S C, Fides stg. l. holding two legionary standards. Choice EF. One of the finest examples I've seen both in style and condition with a wonderful portrait of the Thracian born giant who seized the throne by force. Note also that the numismatic busts of Maximinus are almost always depicted with the shoulders viewed from the side or even slightly from behind while this magnificent example is an extremely rare angled front view. Michael Alram, for example in Vol. 27 of 'Moneta Imperii Romani', 1989 Vienna, lists only a few examples of Sesterii busts rendered from this angle in the major collections, with none of the 84 listed with the Fides reverse having this bust type, there is however a medallion of the same issue with a very similar bust. Extremely rare and worthy of the finest collection.


11242. MAXIMINUS, AD 235-238. AE Sestertius (29mm, 18.43 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission, AD 236. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Maximinus standing left, raising hand and holding scepter; two signa to left, signum to right. RIC IV 33; Banti 16. Near EF, dark brown and gray patina, areas of red. Choice example.


11243. MAXIMINUS, AD 235-238. AE Sestertius (30mm, 21.21 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission, AD 236. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Providentia standing facing, head left, holding baton and cornucopia; globe at feet to left. RIC IV 61; Banti 21b. EF, dark gray and brown patina, some red. Choice example.


PAULINA, wife of Maximinus, mother of Maximus

11330. PROVENANCE DATING BACK TO 1906 FROM THE FREDERICK, CASTERMAN, BRAND AND SARTI COLLECTIONS. DIVA PAULINA. Died before AD 235. AE Sestertius (28mm, 17.14 g, 12h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. 2nd emission of Maximinus I, AD 236. Veiled and draped bust right / Paulina, raising hand and holding scepter, reclining left on peacock flying upward to right. RIC IV 3; Banti 1. Near EF, green-brown patina, flaked off in spots, showing pale green. Choice style portrait and extremely sharp reverse with every feather of the peacock clear. Very rare. Provenance: From the R.D. Frederick Collection. Ex Louis-Robert Casterman Collection (Elsen 65, 17 March 2001), lot 132; Virgil Brand Collection (Part 3, SothebyÕs Zurich, 9 June 1983), lot 409; Prospero Sarti Collection (Sangiorgi, 7 May 1906), lot 908.


11045. DIVA PAULINA (WIFE OF MAXIMINUS I, MOTHER OF MAXIMUS), Died before AD 235. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.05 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission of Maximinus I, 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, struck from a slightly worn reverse die. Scarce. Spectacular choice portrait of Paulina.


MAXIMUS, 235-238, son of Maximinus

10188. MAXIMUS, Caesar, AD 235/6-238. AE Sestertius (29mm, 22.29 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission of Maximinus, AD 236. Bare headed and draped bust right / Maximus standing left, holding baton and spear; two signa behind. RIC IV 9; BMCRE 123-4; Banti 5. VF, dark gray-brown patina. Pleasing surfaces.


10512. MAXIMUS, Caesar, AD 235/6-238. AE Sestertius. Obverse: MAXIMVS CAES GERM, draped bust right. Reverse: PIETAS AVG, lituus, knife, patera, vase, simpulum, and sprinkler, SC in ex. Cohen 7. RIC 11. Sear5 #8409. Murdered together with his father on 24th June AD 238. Nice greenish patina. Diam. 29.72 - 30.56 mm. Weight 21.16 gr.


BALBINUS, 238

10296. BALBINUS AD 238. AE Sestertius (32mm, 19.76 g, 12h). Rome mint. 1st emission. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Balbinus standing left, holding branch and parazonium. RIC IV 16; BMCRE 28-30. Good VF, excellent sharp portrait, brown patina. Ex. CNG.


PUPIENUS, 238

11273. EXCELLENT STYLE PUPIENUS PORTRAIT SESTERTIUS, 22nd April-29th July 238. Sestertius April-July 239, AE 19.05 g. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. Emperor standing l., holding branch and parazonium. C 30. RIC 15. Rare. Brown tone. Near EF. Slight die slip. Choice very attractive portrait. Comes with David Sear Certificate of Authenticity.


GORDIAN I, 238

10184. GORDIAN I. AD 238. AE Sestertius (27mm, 13.96 g, 12h). Rome mint. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond. RIC IV 12; Banti 8. Good VF, dark gray-brown patina, some red, reverse slightly double struck. Rare.


GORDIAN II, 238

10185. GORDIAN II. AD 238. AE Sestertius (31mm, 21.24 g, 1h). Rome mint. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Virtus standing left, holding shield set on ground and spear. RIC IV 8; Banti 7. Good VF, dark gray patina, traces of red, tiny flaw on cheek. Struck on a broad, round flan. Rare.


GORDIAN III, 238-244

10186. GORDIAN III. AD 238-244. AE Sestertius (29mm, 16.17 g, 1h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 8th emission, AD 240. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Apollo seated left, holding olive branch and leaning on lyre on back of throne. RIC IV 301a; Banti 70. Near EF, dark gray-brown patina.


10187. GORDIAN III. AD 238-244. AE Sestertius (28mm, 17.21 g, 12h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 10th emission, AD 242. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Apollo seated left, holding branch and resting elbow on lyre. RIC IV 303a; Banti 74. Good VF, dark gray patina, traces of red, minor die shift on obverse, a few adjustment marks on lower jaw to chin.


10853. GORDIAN III, 238-244 AD, AE35 of Antiochia, Pisidia. AE (35mm, 27.31 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Founder plowing right with two oxen; two signa behind. Kryzanowska dies XVI/80; SNG France 1191. VF, porous, tan surfaces.

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.



10610. MEDALLION OF GORDIAN III, 238-244 AD, CILICIA, Tarsus. AE (37mm, 23.33 g, 6h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from behind / Turreted, veiled, and draped bust of Tyche right. SNG France 1700 (same dies); SNG Levante -. VF, red and green patina. From the HLT Collection.


10611. MEDALLION OF GORDIAN III, 238-244 AD, CILICIA, Tarsus. AE (38mm, 22.78 g, 6h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Athena standing facing, head left, holding Nike, shield, and spear. SNG France 1691 (same dies); SNG Levante 1127. Near VF, reddish-brown patina.


9478. GORDIAN III, 238-244. AE36 of Nysa, Lydia. Grammateus Diodotus. AVT K M ANT GORDIANOC, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right. / EPI GR AUR DIODOTOU NUSAEWN, Ceres (not Triptolemus who has a similar reverse but who is usually scattering seeds) in cart pulled left by two serpents, holding torch in each hand. Mionnet Supp. VI, 437, otherwise unpublished.

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!



TRANQUILLINA, wife of Gordian III

8618. GORDIAN III and TRANQUILLINA (his wife). AE26 of Anchialus, Thrace. Their confronted busts/Triptolemus driving chariot drawn by winged serpents r. VG/VF. Triptolemus, son of Celeus, king of Eleusis was said to have first taught agriculture to mankind, having himself been taught by the goddess Demeter. Here he is depicted traveling the earth in Demeter's chariot distributing grain to the peoples of the world. He then returned to Eleusis and ruled there where he is said to have established the Eleusinian mysteries. A rare depiction of the Greek myth, much superior in style and detail to most others.


6126. GORDIAN III & TRANQUILLINA, AD 238-244. Æ Medallion (24.0 gm), 38mm, struck at Cilicia, Seleukia ad Calycadnum. Obverse busts of Gordian and Tranquillina confronted. Reverse busts of Apollo on left and Tyche on right, laurel behind Apollo, cornucopia behind Tyche. SNG Paris 1034 (same dies). Note: This is the rarer version of the Artemis Tyche / Apollo type, yours having the positions of the figures reversed (Apollo on the left and Artemis Tyche on the right). Not the more common SNG France 1034 etc, and not from the same dies) M ANTWNIOC GORDIANO CE KAI CABINIAN TRANKYLL-INAN CEB, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right facing diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina left. KALYKADNW CELEYKEWN ELEYQERAC, laureate, draped bust of Apollo right, laurel branch behind shoulder, facing draped bust of Artemis Tyche left in polos, cornucopiae behind shoulder. Hunter Collection 7; BMC 47. EF, with chocolate brown patina. Extremely rare. A fantastic coin and a rare opportunity, purchased from a private collection formed over 50 years. Ex. Dorney, private sale.


JULIUS MARINUS, father of Philip I

12891. DIVUS JULIUS MARINUS, father of Philip I. Arabia, Philippopolis mint. ARABIA, Philippopolis. Julius Marinus. Died before AD 244. AE (28mm, 15.62 g, 12h). Struck at Antioch, circa AD 247-249. Bareheaded bust right, slight drapery on shoulder, supported by eagle standing right, head and tail left, with wings displayed / Roma seated left, holding in right hand two figures standing on eagle left, and spear in left; shield at her side, S C across field. Butcher, Two pl. 25, 10 (same obv. die); Spijkerman 1 (same obv. die); SNG ANS -. Fine, earthen green surfaces. 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.

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



PHILIP I (the Arab), 244-249

10182. PHILIP I, AD 244-249. AE Sestertius (27mm, 18.91 g, 12h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 1st emission, AD 244. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Salus standing left, holding rudder set on globe and feeding out of patera serpent rising from altar at left. RIC IV 187a corr. (rudder not scepter); Banti 55 corr. (same). Near EF, attractive two-tone brown patina. Choice portrait.


10183. PHILIP I, AD 244-249. AE Sestertius (28mm, 18.22 g, 12h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission, AD 244. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing right, holding palm frond and wreath. RIC IV 191a; Banti 59. Good VF, dark gray-brown patina, traces of porosity, minor die shift. Bold portrait.


11180. PHILIP I, AD 244-249. AE Sestertius (29mm, 25.96 g, 1h). Rome mint, 1st officina. 5th emission, AD 246. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia. RIC IV 149a; Banti 31. VF, dark brown patina. Bold portrait.


11181. PHILIP I, AD 244-249. AE Sestertius (28mm, 18.64 g, 11h). Rome mint, 1st officina. 6th emission, AD 247. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia. RIC IV 150a; Banti 34 corr. (photo switched with Banti 33). VF, dark brown patina. Bold portrait.


OTACILIA SEVERA, wife of Philip I

10179. OTACILIA SEVERA, AUGUSTA, AD 244-249. AE Sestertius (31mm, 19.02 g, 12h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 5th emission of Philip I, AD 246. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopia. RIC IV 203a (Philip I); Banti 4. EF, dark brown patina, traces of red. Large portrait.


PHILIP II, 244-249

10297. PHILIP II, AD 247-249. AE Sestertius (28mm, 18.70 g, 12h). Rome mint. 9th emission, AD 248. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Goat (or moose?) advancing left. RIC IV 264a. EF. Choice example of this desirable type.


8614. EXCEPTIONAL PHILIP II ARCHITECTURAL REVERSE, 247-249, AE30 of Zeugma, Commagene, GIC.4142. Laureate bust r./Tetrastyle temple with statue of god within, peribolos containing sacred grove in front, capricorn below. EF. One of the finest examples I've seen with every detail of the temple complex clear and far superior to GIC.3954, the plate coin for the equivalent issue of Philip I (the Philip II issue is not plated).


PACATIAN, c. 248, usurper in Upper Moesia

11274. PACATIAN, 248-249. Antoninianus or double-denarius Viminacium 248-249, AR 4.20 g. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. Pax standing l., holding branch and transverse sceptre. C 6. RIC 5. Very rare. Good fine with most of name and legend clear. Ex Rauch sale 73, 2004, 846.


JOTAPIAN, c. 248, usurper in Syria and Cappadocia

11692. JOTAPIAN. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 3.02 g, 12h). Nicopolis in Seleucia mint. IM C M F R IOTAPIANVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / [VI]CT OR [I A A]V G, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond. RIC IV 2b var. (obv. legend); Bland Ð (unlisted dies); RSC 1b var. (same); NAC 42 (Feirstein Collection), lot 161 (same obv. die). Good VF, darkly toned, usual rough surfaces. Very rare. Provenance: From the Ronald J. Hansen Collection. Ex Gemini VIII (14 April 2011), lot 408.

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.



SILBANNACUS, c. 248-249, usurper in Gaul?


SPONSIANUS, c. 248? known only from several aurei found in Transylvania 1n 1713 which could be forgeries. Existence uncertain.


TRAJAN DECIUS, 249-251

DOUBLE SESTERTIUS

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.



HERENNIA ETRUSCILLA, wife of Trajan Decius

11244. HERENNIA ETRUSCILLA, wife of Trajan Decius. Augusta, AD 249-251. AE Sestertius (30mm, 13.72 g, 12h). Rome mint. 5th emission of Trajan Decius, early AD 251. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Fecunditas standing left, holding cornucopia and placing hand over child standing right with hands raised. RIC IV 134a (Decius); Banti 3. Good VF, dark gray-brown patina, struck with a worn reverse die. Superb style sharp portrait.


HERENNIUS ETRUSCUS, 250-251, son of Trajan Decius

11123. HERENNIUS ETRUSCUS (250-251). Sestertius. Rome mint. Obv: Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C. Draped bust right. Rev: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS / S - C. Emperor standing left with wand and spear. RIC 171 a. Condition: Very fine. Small pit in obverse field. Weight: 19.8 gm. Diameter: 30 mm. Scarce. An excellent style portrait.


11268. HERRENIUS ETRUSCUS, Antoninianus. As Caesar, AD 249-251. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 4.56 g, 6h). Rome mint. 3rd-4th emission, AD 250. Radiate and draped bust right / Herennius standing left, holding baton and spear. RIC IV 147c (Decius); RSC 26. Good VF, toned. An excellent example with a fine style portrait. Provenance: From the Bruce R. Brace Collection.

SOLD.



HOSTILIAN, 250-251, son of Trajan Decius

10180. HOSTILIAN. AD 251. AE Sestertius (28mm, 19.28 g, 6h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 1st emission, AD 251. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Securitas standing facing, head right, legs crossed, placing hand on head, leaning on column. RIC IV 225 (Decius); Banti 15. Good VF, dark green patina, some red on reverse, a couple minor edge splits. Typical square flan.


TREBONIANUS GALLUS, 251-253

11399. TREBONIANUS GALLUS. AD 251-253. AE Sestertius (31mm, 23.03 g, 12h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 1st emission, AD 251. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Roma seated left, holding Victory and spear; shield at side. RIC IV 120; Banti 29. EF/VF. Provenance: From the Chiltern Collection. Choice portrait.


10196. TREBONIANUS GALLUS. 251-253 AD. CILICIA, Seleucia ad Calycadnum. AE (34mm, 21.28 g, 6h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Draped bust of Sarapis right, vis-ˆ-vis draped bust of Isis left. SNG France 1054 (same dies); SNG Levante -. Good VF, dark olive and brown patina. Rare. From Collection CR. Ex Auctiones 15 (18 September 1985), lot 347.


VOLUSIAN, 251-253, son of Trebonianus Gallus

10160. VOLUSIAN AE Sestertius, RIC251a. 251-3, 24-26mm, 17.5g. IMP CAE C VIB VOLVSIANO AVG, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right / FELICITAS PVBLICA S-C, Felicitas standing left leaning on column holding caduceus & sceptre. Nice VF. Nice glossy brown patina less green than photo.


AEMILIAN, 253

11432. AEMILIAN, AD 253. AE Sestertius (28mm, 14.54 g, 6h). Rome mint. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Aemilian standing left, holding spear and patera over lighted altar to left; signum between him and altar. RIC IV 47a; Banti 9 var. (obv. legend). VF, mottled dark gray-brown and red patina on obverse, dark gray reverse, light cleaning marks. Rare as are all Aemilian sestertii.


CORNELIA SUPERA, wife of Aemilian

11356. CORNELIA SUPERA, Augusta, AD 253. Cilicia, Aegeae mint. AE (23mm, 7.38 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, set on crescent / Tyche standing facing, head left, holding rudder and cornucopia; at feet to right, goat kneeling right, head left. SNG France -; SNG Levante 1790. Good Fine, green patina, some deposits. Seldom seen provincial issue for this empress. Very rare and a superior style portrait. Rare.


URANIUS ANTONINUS, c. 253-254, usurper in Syria

11275. URANIUS ANTONINUS, 253-254. Bronze, Emesa 253-254, AE 32 mm, 25.21 g. Laureate and cuirassed bust r. Rev. Tetrastyle Temple within which conical stone of Emesa engraved with eagle. Delbrueck, NC 1948, p. 1, 2. BMC 24. SNG Hunterian 3174. Very rare. Brown tone and near very fine. A superior example.


VALERIAN I, 253-260

11159. VALERIAN I, 253-260. AE Sestertius (28mm, 19.81 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission, AD 254-256. Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Felicitas standing left, holding long caduceus and cornucopia. RIC V 157; MIR 36, 73h. VF, brown patina. Provenance: Property of Princeton Economics acquired by Martin Armstrong. Rare denomination for Valerian I.


9439. CHOICE LARGE VALERIAN I PORTRAIT, 253-260 AD. AE35 of Seleuceia ad Calycadnum, Cilicia. Obverse: AVT K ΠO ΛIK OVALEPIAN-OC, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Valerian I right. Reverse: CEΛE in one line below busts, VKEWN TWN PROC KAL, VKAD/NW across upper field, on the left the draped bust of Apollo facing right, on the right laureate and draped bust of Artemis-Tyche facing left, cornucopia behind. SNG Levante 786 var. (reverse legend); SNG France 1061-1063. Rare! A choice example of this rare coin. Original weight adjustment marks on flan as made.


10272. VALERIAN I, 253-260. AE30 Korykos, Cilicia 253. SNG Levante Swiss 819. Obverse: Radiate and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: At right Dionysos wearing nebris, holding thyrsus and bunch of grapes over panther. At left there is a prize crown, inscribed OEMIA and placed on a three legged table; the prize crown contains a caduceus, palm branch and aphlaston. Excellent example with fine contrasting patina. Nice thick heavy flan. A handsome coin.


MARINIANA, wife of Valerian I

11433. MARINIANA. Diva Mariniana. Died before AD 253. AE Sestertius (26mm, 14.64 g, 12h). Rome mint. 1st emission of Valerian and Gallienus, AD 253-254. Diademed, veiled, and draped bust right / Peacock standing facing, head right, in full display. RIC V 9; MIR 36, 213d; Banti 2. VF, dark gray patina, some red, minor flan flaw on upper reverse. Scarce late Roman sestertius.


GALLIENUS, 253-268

10181. GALLIENUS, AD 253-268. AE Sestertius (27mm, 13.46 g, 10h). Rome mint. 1st emission, AD 253-254. Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Concordia standing left, holding patera and double cornucopia. RIC V 209; MIR 36, 15dd; Banti 12 corr. (bust type). VF, dark brown patina, die break on reverse. Bold portrait. Choice example.


6117. VALERIAN SR. & GALLIENUS. AE38 Medallion of Temenothyrae & Sebaste, Phrygia, in alliance, GIC 4516. Confronting busts of Valerian & Gallienus/Two city goddesses stg. face to face each resting on a scepter, and holding between a statue of Men stg. l. holding pine cone and spear. VF. Rare!


SALONINA, wife of Gallenius, mother of Valerian II, Saloninus, and Marinianus, daughter-in-law of Valerian I and Mariniana

11400. SALONINA, wife of Gallienus. Augusta, AD 254-268. AE Sestertius (25mm, 15.09 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st-4th emissions of Valerian I and Gallienus, AD 254-257. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter. RIC V 46; MIR 36, 228d1; Banti 11. Good VF, brown patina. Choice portrait for these. Sestertii of Salonina are rare, especially in this condition..


11420. SALONINA, wife of Gallienus. Augusta, AD 254-268. AE Sestertius (31mm, 17.44 g, 12h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 4th-5th emissions of Valerian I and Gallienus, AD 257. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Vesta stading left, holding patera and scepter; Cupid at feet to left, Q in exergue. RIC V 48; MIR 36, 241d; Banti 20. VF, green patina, fields smoothed. Rare. Provenance: Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection. All sestertii of Salonina are rare.


VALERIAN II, 256-258, son of Gallienus

11294. DIVUS VALERIAN II (256-258). AE Sestertius (28mm, 18.13 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust right / Funeral pyre surmounted by biga. RIC IV 35; MIR 36, 264r; Banti 3. Fine, green patina, smoothing and cleaning scratches in obverse fields, reverse a bit rough. Scarce. Provenance: From the Nera Collection. Scarce.


10875. VALERIAN II (256-258). Antoninianus. Colonia Agrippina (Cologne mint). Obv: VALERIANVS CAES. Draped, radiate bust right. Rev: IOVI CRESCENTI. Infant Jupiter riding the goat Amalthea. MIR 907e. Condition: Very fine. Weight: 3.9 gm. Diameter: 23 mm. Scarce.


SALONINUS, 258-260, son of Gallienus

11421. SALONINUS, As Caesar, AD 258-260. AE As (22mm, 5.24 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bareheaded and draped bust right / Saloninus standing left, holding globe and scepter; captive at feet to left. RIC IV 34; MIR 36, 272u. Near VF, dark green, almost black, patina, light roughness. Very rare. Provenance: Ex Robert O. Ebert Collection; Ex Leopold G. P. Messenger Collection (Glendining's, 21 November 1951), lot 405.


MARINIANUS (Publius Licinius Egnatius Marinianus), -268, third son of Gallienus and Salonina

11203. SALONINA WITH VALERIAN II, SALONINUS, AND MARINIANUS, 258-260. Antoninianus, RIC 35, Vagi 2337. Obv: Diademed draped bust of Salonina right on crescent / Rev: Salonina as Pietas seated left, holding scepter, her three children at her feet, Valerian II and Saloninus to the left and the younger Marinianus before her chair. Nice reverse with all three children clear.

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.



REGALIANUS, c. 260, usurper in Pannonia


DRYANTILLA, wife of Regalianus


MACRIANUS JUNIOR, c. 260-261, usurper in the East

11447. MACRIANUS JR., 260-261 AD. AR Antoninianus, Antioch, AD 260-261. adiate and cuirassed bust right / Sol standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left; star in right field. RIC 12. 4.30g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare. Very well struck and centered on a large full flan, with an exceptional portrait of this rare usurper. Seldom found this nice!


QUIETUS, c. 260-261, usurper in the East

10766. QUIETUS. Usurper, AD 260-261. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 4.78 g, 6h). Samosata mint. 2nd emission. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Sol standing left, raising hand and holding globe; star to left. RIC V 10; MIR 44, 1741n; RSC 12a. Good VF, dark brown patina. Scarce. About as good as Quietus' coins come well centered on a large medallic flan.


AUREOLUS, 267-268, rebel in Milan

11438. AUREOLUS (in the name of Postumus). Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. AE Antoninianus, struck by Aureolus, rebel in Milan, in the name of Postumus, c. 268AD, 20mm, 2.3g. IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, cuirassed bust of Aureolus right / SALVS AVG, Aesclepius standing facing, head left, leaning on serpent-entwined staff. P = Milan in emerge. RIC382 Super bust for Aureolus issues. Coins of Aureolus can be distinguished from others of Postumus by having mint letters in the exergue. A much superior example to most with good flan and portrait. Scarce. Though some argue otherwise I think the bust on coins of Aureolus is actually that of Aureolus as it is clearly not the likeness of Postumus though of course the hair and beard styles are both that of the period.

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.



10756. AUREOLUS (in the name of Postumus). Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Antoninianus (19mm, 3.78 g, 11h). Struck under Aureolus. Mediolanum (Milan) mint, 3rd officina. 3rd emission, AD 268. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Aureolus right / Virtus advancing right, holding spear and shield; T. RIC V 388; Mairat 224-5; AGK 111b; RSC 441. Good VF, brown patina. Coins of Aureolus can be distinguished from others of Postumus by having mint letters in the exergue. A much superior example to most with good flan and portrait. Scarce. Though some argue otherwise I think the bust on coins of Aureolus is actually that of Aureolus as it is clearly not the likeness of Postumus though of course the hair and beard styles are both that of the period.

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.



CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS, 268-270

EIGHT AUREUS GOLD MEDALLION

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.



12945. CLAUDIUS II, GOTHICUS. AE Antoninianus, c.268-70AD, 21mm, 3.8g. IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ADVENTVS AVG, emperor on horseback left, holding sceptre and raising hand in salute. RIC13. EF. Rare Adventus reverse. Portrait enlargement.


QUINTILLUS, 270

10381. QUINTILLUS, AE18x22. EF.


AURELIAN, 270-275

10857. AURELIAN, 270-275. As. Rome mint. Obv: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG. Laureate, cuirassed bust right. Rev: CONCOR-DI-A AVG / D. Severina, wearing long dress and mantle, standing r. and clasping hands with Aurelianus, in military attire and spear standing l.; between them, radiate and draped bust of Sol. RIC 80; C. 35; BN 303. Good VF. Weight: 8.6 gm. Diameter: 27 mm. Excellent example for these.


10425. AURELIAN, 270-275. AE Antoninianus. Obverse: IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG - Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian. Reverse: CONCORDIA MILITVM - Aurelian clasping hands with Concordia. XXIQ in ex. (Siscia mint). Date: 286-305 AD. Diameter: 22.3 mm. Weight: 3.6 gr. References: RIC 244. EF. Choice sharp example.


SEVERINA, wife of Aurelian

11210. SEVERINA, wife of Aurelian. Augusta, AD 270-275. AE As (26mm, 7.72 g, 6h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 11th emission of Aurelian, early-September AD 275. Diademed and draped bust right / Juno standing facing, head left, holding patera and scepter; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head right; c in emerge. RIC V 7; BN 310-3. Good VF, green patina.


10387. SEVERINA, Antoninianus. EF.


THE INTERREGNUM

11295. INTERREGNUM. Anonymous issues. Time of Gallienus, circa AD 268? or time of Severina after the murder of her husband Aurelian under sole rule by either Severina or by the Senate with Severina as figurehead? AE Double Sestertius (30mm, 17.25 g, 11h). Rome mint. GENIVS P R, radiate head of the Genius of the Roman people right, wearing mural crown / Large S C; INT above, VRB below; all within wreath. RIC V 2 (Interregnum; sestertius); MIR 36, 702h; D. Yonge, "The So-Called Interregnum Coinage," NC (1979), p. 58, 22-3 var. (dies I/-). Near VF, green patina, minor roughness. Scarce. Provenance: From the Nera Collection.

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."



TACITUS, 275-276

10377. TACITUS, AE21. EF.


10378. TACITUS, AE22. EF.


FLORIAN, 276

10298. FLORIAN, AD 276. Antoninianus (25mm, 3.91 g, 12h). Cyzicus mint, 1st officina. 1st emission, AD 276. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory standing right, holding palm, presenting wreath to Florian standing left, holding scepter; S. RIC V 116; BN 1978. VF, green patina. Choice example with a huge medallic flan.


PROBUS, 276-282

8622. PROBUS, 276-282 Antoninianus, HRIC.59. His radiate bust r./VIRTI PROBI AVG, Mars walking r. carrying spear and trophy. EF. Choice example.


10399. PROBUS,


SATURNINUS, c. 280, usurper in Syria


BONOSUS, c. 280, usurper in Cologne


PROCULUS, c. 280-281, only a single antoninianus known sold at Munzen und Medaillen Auction 8, October 1994, lot 640


11418. PROCULUS, AD 282-283. Modern fantasy Medallion (24mm, 10 g, 12h). PROCVLVS AVG laureate bust left / VICTORIA AVG Victoria with wreath advancing right.

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



CARUS, 282-283

10299. CARUS, AD 282-283. Antoninianus (20mm, 3.79 g, 12h). Antioch mint, 7th officina. 1st emission, AD 282. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Emperor standing right, holding parazonium, receiving globe from Jupiter standing left, holding scepter. RIC V 124; Pink VI/2, p. 55. Good VF, brown surfaces. Ex. CNG. From the J.S. Wagner Collection.


NUMERIAN, 282-284

10300. NUMERIAN, As Caesar, AD 282-283. Antoninianus (19mm, 3.07 g, 6h). Antioch mint, 3rd officina. 1st emission, AD 282. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Emperor standing right, holding parazonium, receiving globe from Jupiter standing left, holding scepter. RIC V 376; Pink VI/2, p. 55. EF. Ex. CNG. From the J.S. Wagner Collection.


10373. NUMERIAN. Antoninianus, RIC V-2, 372. Obverse: NVMERIANVS NOB CAES; radiate and draped bust right. Reverse: CLEMENTIA.TEMP; Victory supported by emperor holding scepter and Jove holding staff; XXI in exergue. EF, most of silvering present and considerably better than photo. An interesting legend with the A's rendered as H's. Apparently an engraver's error.


CARINUS, 282-285

10876. CARINUS (282-283). Antoninianus. Antioch mint. Obv: IMP C CARINVS PF AVG. Radiate bust with cuirass right. Rev: VIRTVS AVGG. The two emperors holding spear, Victory and globe. RIC -. Obv. 326, Rev 325. Condition: Extremely fine. Weight: 3.7 gm. Diameter: 21 mm. Choice sharp well centered example with everything clear.


MAGNIA URBICA, wife of Carinus

10859. MAGNIA URBICA, Rome, 283-4 AD. Antoninianus, 3.96g. RIC-343(S), C-17 (10 Fr.), Venera 4130-7 (8 spec.). Obv: MAGN VRBICA AVG Bust draped r. on crescent, wearing stephane. Rx: VENVS VICTRIX Venus standing l. holding helmet and scepter, shield at her feet, in exergue KA(pellet over crescent)S.Some porosity, especially on the reverse. VF / Fine. An excellent portrait much superior to most for this scarce empress.


NIGRINIAN, son of Carinus

11331. NIGRINIAN, died circa AD 284. Divus Nigrinian. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.93 g, 11h). Rome mint, 1st officina. 5th emission of Carinus, November AD 284. Radiate half-length bust right / Eagle standing facing, head left, with wings spread; KAA. RIC V 472; Pink VI/2, p. 9. Good VF, dark green patina. Rare. With a wonderful sensitive nude torso length portrait, by far the better of the two bust styles for Nigrinian.

$3500.



JULIAN I, c. 284-285, usurper in Pannonia

11126. JULIAN OF PANNONIA. Usurper, AD 284-285. Antoninianus (21mm, 4.24 g, 1h). Siscia mint, 3rd officina. Struck December AD 284. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAN NONIA E AVG, the two Pannoniae standing facing, each with heads turned outward and left arm outstretched, that on the left holding signum; S//XXIΓ. RIC V 4; Cohen 6; Venera 4399. EF, dark brown patina. Rare. A choice sharp detailed example as good as they come. Provenance: Triton XV, Collection of Princeton Economics acquired by Martin Armstrong.

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.




THE SECESSIONIST EMPIRES:
POSTUMUS, IN GAUL, 260-269

11834. POSTUMUS, 259 - 268. Double sestertius, Lugdunum circa 261, AE35, 29.06 g. Radiate and draped bust right. Rev. Fides standing left holding two ensigns. Cohen 74. RIC 123. Brown tone and very fine. Ex CNG sale 73, 2003, 1515. Struck on a large medallic flan. Choice fine style portrait for these scarce late large Roman bronzes.


MARIUS, IN GAUL, 268

10783. MARIUS. 268 AD. Antoninianus (20mm - 2.93 g). Trier mint. 1st emission, 269 AD. IMP C MARIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORD MILIT, clasped hands. RIC V 6; Mairat 232-4; AGK 1b. EF, dark brown patina. A choice example of this scarce usurper with one of the sharpest, finest styled portraits I've seen and with full clear obverse legend with his name on the flan which is unusual.


LAELIANUS, IN GAUL, 269

11207. LAELIANUS, Romano-Gallic Usurper, AD 269. Antoninianus (21mm, 2.45 g, 7h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint. 2nd emission. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing right, holding palm frond and wreath. RIC V 9; Gilljam dies III/12; Mairat -; AGK 1b. Good VF, dark brown patina. Superb fine style portrait much superior to most.

SOLD.



DOMITIANUS, usurper in Britain, ruled only 4 days in 271. Only two antoniniani known. Also known from ancient texts.


VICTORINUS, IN GAUL, 269-271

12959. VICTORINUS, Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 269-271. Antoninianus (19mm, 3.05 g, 1h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 2nd emission, early-mid AD 270. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Pax standing left, holding olive branch and transverse scepter; V to left, star to right. RIC V 117; Mairat 252; AGK 14a. EF, light brown patina. Choice sharp realistic portrait for Victorinus.

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.



TETRICUS I, IN GAUL, 271-274

10383. TETRICUS I, EF.


TETRICUS II, IN GAUL, 273-274 (son of Tetricus I)

10382. TETRICUS II,


VABALATHUS, IN PALMYRA, C. 266-272

11021. VABALATHUS WITH AURELIAN, AD 270-275. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.88 g, 6h). Antioch mint, 5th officina. 1st emission, November AD 270-March AD 272. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right, seen from behind / Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian right; E below. RIC V 381; BN 1248-51. Good VF, dark grayish-green patina under a layer of earthen deposits. Choice example with a sharp clear portrait of Vabalathus.


ZENOBIA, 268-272, (mother of Vabalathus)

11435. ZENOBIA in Syria, 268-272. Alexandria, Egypt mint. Tetradrachm year 5 (= 272). 8.05 g. CEPTIMIA ZHNOBIA CEB, bust with Stephane left / Elpis standing holding flower. Dattari 5511, Geissen 3065. Dark brown patina. Good fine with porosity. Very rare.


CARAUSIUS, IN BRITAIN, 287-293

10794. CARAUSIUS, Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (2mm, 4.32 g, 6h). Uncertain mint. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Laetitia standing left, holding wreath and rudder. RIC V 822 var. (obv. legend). Good VF. An excellent example with sharp fine style bust and complete legend on a better flan than usual.


ALLECTUS, IN BRITAIN, 293-296

11148. ALLECTUS, Romano-British Emperor, AD 293-296. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.82 g, 6h). "C" mint. Radiate and cuirassed bust right / Providentia standing left, holding globe and scepter; S-P//C. RIC V 105. Near EF, green and black patina, choice portrait. Provenance: Ex Numismatic Fine Arts Summer MBS (27 June 1986), 1060.


CARAUSIUS II, possible usurper in Briain, 354-358 as coins dating from that period are known with the name of Carausius