Auction 87 - Ancient Coins

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Denarius, Colonia Patricia (?), ca. 18 BC; AR (g 3,78; mm 18; h 6); CAESAR - AVGVSTO, laureate head r., Rv. S P - Q R across field, temple of Mars Ultor: round-domed, tetrastyle temple set on podium of three steps; within, chariot carrying an aquila and miniature galloping quadriga r. RIC 119; C 279.
Lightly toned and about extremely fine.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Denarius, Lugdunum, 15 BC; AR (g 3,85; mm 18; h 7); AVGVSTVS - DIVI F, bare head r., Rv. IMP - X, Apollo Citharoedus standing l., holding plectrum and lyre; in ex. ACT. RIC 171a; C 144.
Lustrous and about fdc.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Denarius, Lugdunum, 11-10 BC; AR (g 3,70; mm 19; h 9); AVGVSTVS - DIVI F, bare head r., Rv. Bull butting r.; in ex. IMP XII. RIC 187a; C 155.
Lightly toned, some encrustation on edge, about extremely fine.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Cistophorus, Pergamum, 19-18 BC; AR (g 11,63; mm 25; h 11); IMP IX TR PO V, bare head r., Rv. Temple of Mars Ultor: circular, domed, tetrastyle temple set on five-tiered base, a signum within; in field, MART - VLTO. RIC 507; RPC 2220.
Lightly toned, some cleaning marks on fields, extremely fine.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), As struck by C. Cassius Celer, Rome, 16 BC; AE (g 20,08; mm 30; h 7); CAESAR AVGVSTVS - TRIBVNIC POTEST, bare head r., Rv. C CASSIVS C F CELER IIIVIR A A A F F, around S C. RIC 376; C 409.
Specimen struck on a full flan, heavy as a dupondius, maybe a presentation piece. Green patina, somewhat smoothed, anyway about extremely fine.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Aureus, Lugdunum, 15-12 BC; AV (g 7,92; mm 19; h 6); AVGVSTVS - DIVI F, bare head r., Rv. Two soldiers (or Drusus and Tiberius) with parazonium giving branches to Augustus seated l. on a platform; in ex. IMP X. RIC 164a; C 132; Calicò 210.
Very rare, good very fine.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Aureus, Lugdunum, 15-12 BC; AV (g 8,00; mm 19; h 6); AVGVSTVS - DIVI F, bare head r., Rv. Bull butting r.; in ex. IMP X. RIC 166a; C 136; Calicò 212.
Bold portrait, extremely fine - good extremely fine.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), As struck by P. Lurius Agrippa, Rome, 7 BC; AE (g 12,23; mm 27; h 6); CAESAR AVGVST PONT MAX TRIBVNIC POT, bare head l., Rv. P LVRIVS AGRIPPA IIIVIR A A A F F, around S C. RIC 428; C 446.
Scarce. A nice portrait struck in high relief, untouched green patina, good extremely fine.

Augustus (27 BC - AD 14), Denarius, Lugdunum, 2 BC - AD 4; AR (g 3,69; mm 18; h 3); CAESAR AVGVSTVS - DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head r., Rv. AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesares standing front, each resting on shield; behind each shield, a spear; above, lituus and simpulum; in ex. C L CAESARES. RIC 207; C 43.
Cabinet tone, high relief, extremely fine.

Divus Augustus, Dupondius struck under Caligula, Rome, AD 37-41; AE (g 14,27; mm 29; h 6); DIVVS AVGVSTVS, radiate head l.; in field, S - C, Rv. CONSENSV SENAT ET EQ ORDIN P Q R, Gaius (or Augustus) seated l. on curule chair, holding branch and globe. RIC 56; C 87.
Green tone, somewhat smoothed, otherwise about extremely fine.

Tiberius (14-37), As, Rome, AD 15-16; AE (g 11,16; mm 28; h 1); TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST IMP VII, bare head r., Rv. PONTIF MAXIM TRIBVN POTEST XVII, Livia seated r., holding patera and sceptre; in field, S - C. RIC 33; C 17.
Nice portrait, brownish tone, about extremely fine.

Tiberius (14-37), Sestertius, Rome, AD 22-23; AE (g 26,37; mm 35; h 11); CIVITATIBVS ASIAE - RESTITVTIS, Tiberius laureate, seated l., foot on stool, holding patera and sceptre, Rv. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXIIII, around S C. RIC 48; C 3.
Rare and in unusually good condition for the issue. Brownish riverine patina, extremely fine.

Tiberius (14-37), As, Rome, AD 35-36; AE (g 12,15; mm 28; h 7); TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST IMP VIII, laureate head l., Rv. PONTIF - MAX TR - POT XXXVII, rudder and globe; on r., small globe; in field, S - C. RIC 58; C 13.
Rare. Expressive portrait struck on a full flan; well centered specimen with a pleasant riverine patina, good extremely fine.

Livia, Dupondius struck under Tiberius, Rome, AD 21-22; AE (g 15,12; mm 29; h 7); SALVS AVGVSTA, draped bust of Livia-Salus r., hair knotted behind, Rv. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVG P M TR POT XXIIII, around S C. RIC 47; C 5.
Elegant portrait struck in high relief, dark green tone, extremely fine.

Agrippa, As struck under Caligula, Rome, AD 37-41; AE (g 13,28; mm 29; h 6); M AGRIPPA L - F - COS III, head l., wearing rostral crown, Rv. Neptune cloaked standing l., holding small dolphin and trident; in field, S - C. RIC 58; C 3.
Strong portrait, amazing riverine patina, good extremely fine.

Agrippa, As struck under Caligula, Rome, AD 37-41; AE (g 10,91; mm 28; h 6); M AGRIPPA L - F - COS III, head l., wearing rostral crown, Rv. Neptune cloaked standing l., holding small dolphin and trident; in field, S - C. RIC 58; C 3.
Strong portrait, dark green patina, good extremely fine.

Germanicus, Dupondius struck under Caligula, AD 37-41; AE (g 16,49; mm 29; h 8); GERMANICVS / CAESAR, Germanicus in triumphal quadriga r., holding reins and sceptre, Rv. SIGNIS - RECEPT / DEVICTIS - GERM, Germanicus in military dress standing l., holding legionary aquila and raising hand; in field, S - C. RIC 57; C 7.
Attractive coin, green patina, extremely fine.

Nero and Drusus Caesares, Dupondius struck under Caligula, Rome, AD 37-38; AE (g 16,17; mm 28; h 6); NERO ET DRVSVS CAESARES, Nero and Drusus Caesares riding r., Rv. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, around S C. RIC 34; C 1.
Brownish tone, extremely fine.

Claudius (41-54), Sestertius, Rome, AD 50-54; AE (g 29,10; mm 35; h 6); TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head r., Rv. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMAN IMP, triumphal arch surmounted by equestrian statue r., between two trophies; the rider strikes downwards with spear; in field, S - C. RIC 114; C 48.
Naturalistic portrait struck on a full flan; pleasant riverine patina, good extremely fine / extremely fine.

On the reverse is represented the triumphal arch dedicated to Claudius' father, Drusus Major, for his victorious campaigns in Germany in the years 12-9 BC. Drusus was the first general of Augustus and praised him for his military and moral virtues. After his death he had many honours and the senate erected a triumphal arch of marble, decorated with trophies, on the Appia Way (Suet. Claud. 1), but there are not archaeological traces. With this sestertius Claudius probably wanted to commemorate his father Drusus directly, but also Augustus indirectly and join two leaders much loved by the soldiers and roman people, celebrating himself as their descendant.

Claudius (41-54), Sestertius, Rome, AD 50-54; AE (g 29,88; mm 37; h 7); TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head r., Rv. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMAN IMP, triumphal arch surmounted by equestrian statue r., between two trophies; the rider strikes downwards with spear; in field, S - C. RIC 114; C 48.
Attractive brown patina somewhat gently smoothed, otherwise extremely fine. [Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Triton V, January 2002, lot 1878 - from the A. Campana collection]

Claudius (41-54), Sestertius, Rome, AD 50-54; AE (g 27,40; mm 35; h 6); TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head r., Rv. SPES - AVGVSTA, Spes advancing l., holding flower and raising skirt; in ex. S C. RIC 115; C 85.
A realistic portrait struck on a full flan; green tone, somewhat smoothed otherwise good extremely fine.

Claudius (41-54), As, Rome, AD 50-54; AE (g 10,49; mm 29; h 6); TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head l., Rv. LIBERTAS - AVGVSTA, Libertas standing front, head r., holding pileus and extending hand; in field, S - C. RIC 113; C 47.
Brownish tone, somewhat smoothed, otherwise extremely fine.

Antonia Minor, Dupondius struck under Claudius, Rome, ca. AD 41-50; AE (g 13,96; mm 30; h 6); ANTONIA - AVGVSTA, draped bust r., hair in long plait, Rv. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, Claudius standing l., holding simpulum; in field, S - C. RIC 92; C 6.
Elegant portrait, brownish patina, good extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Denarius, Rome, AD 64-65; AR (g 3,44; mm 18; h 6); NERO - CAESAR, laureate head r., Rv. AVGVSTVS - GERMANICVS, emperor, radiate, standing front, holding branch and Victory on globe. RIC 47; C 45.
Rare. Expressive portrait, cabinet tone, about extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Sestertius, Rome, AD 64; AE (g 27,53; mm 34; h 6); NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head r., Rv. Triumphal arch decorated with friezes of battle scenes surmounted by statue of emperor in quadriga accompanied by Pax and Victory, flanked by two soldiers; inside niche of arch, a nude statue of helmeted Mars; in field, S - C. RIC 147; C 308.
A very appealing portrait struck in high relief on a full flan, and an exceptionally detailed reverse composition. Pleasant riverine patina, good extremely fine.

Citing from Numismatica Ars Classica: "Coins sometimes are the only evidence that survives to illustrate lost Roman monuments, such as the Arcus Neronis, a monument that probably did not long survive Nero’s downfall. Details of the date and the location of the arch are sketchy, but the coinage provides an excellent understanding of its form, and, with some variety, we can appreciate the relief’s decorative elements and statues that adorned it. It is generally accepted that the arch celebrates the victories of the general Corbulo over the Parthians, and that it was built on the Capitoline Hill sometime between 58 and 62. Its precise location has not been determined from ancient sources or from archaeological investigation, though proximity to the Temple of Vejovis or the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus have both been suggested."

Nero (54-68), Dupondius, Rome, AD 64; AE (g 13,85; mm 28; h 6); NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P, radiate head r., Rv. SECVRITAS - AVGVSTI, Securitas seated r., holding sceptre; on r., altar, against which leans torch resting on bucranium; in ex. II. RIC 191; C 326.
Magnificent portrait struck in high relief, delicate riverine patina, good extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Sestertius, Rome, AD 65; AE (g 26,51; mm 35; h 7); NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG G - ER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head r., wearing aegis, Rv. Roma seated l. on cuirass., holding Victory and parazonium; in field, S - C; in ex. ROMA. RIC 273; C 261 var (bust).
Green tone, large flan; somewhat smoothed, otherwise extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Dupondius, Rome, AD 65; AE (g 14,86; mm 29; h 6); NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, radiate head r., Rv. Roma seated on cuirass l., holding wreath and parazonium; in field, S - C; in ex. ROMA. RIC 296; C 280.
Stylish portrait, brown reddish tone; somewhat smoothed, otherwise good extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), As, Lugdunum, AD 66-67; AE (g 11,57; mm 29; h 6); IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, bare head r., globe at point of bust, Rv. Victory flying l., holding shiel inscribed S P Q R; in field, S - C. RIC 543; C 302.
Green tone, minor die break on reverse, extremely fine - good extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), As, Lugdunum, AD 66-67; AE (g 11,15; mm 27; h 6); IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, bare head r., globe at point of bust, Rv. Victory walking l., holding shield inscribed S P Q R; in field, S - C. RIC 543; C 302.
Expressive portrait, dark green tone, extremely fine.

Nero (54-68), Sestertius, Rome, AD 67; AE (g 25,26; mm 36; h 7); IMP NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P XIII P P, laureate head r., Rv. PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, view of the Temple of Janus, decorated with garlands and with door closed; in field S - C. RIC 354; C 145.
Expressive portrait struck on a large flan, green tone, somewhat smoothed otherwise extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Aureus, Tarraco, April AD 68; AV (g 7,17; mm 18; h 6); IMP - GALBA, laureate head r., with globe at point of bust, Rv. DIVA - AVGVSTA, Livia, draped, standing l., holding patera and leaning on sceptre. RIC –, cfr. 14 (denarius); C –, cfr. 43 (denarius); Calicó 470.
Of the highest rarity, apparently only the forth specimen known. Peculiar portrait struck in high relief, good extremely fine / extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Aureus, Rome, July AD 68 - January AD 69; AV (g 7,30; mm 19; h 5); IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, laureate and draped bust r., Rv. Rv. DIVA - AVGVSTA, Livia, draped, standing l., holding patera and leaning on sceptre. RIC 188; C 54; Calicó 472.
Very rare. An expressive portrait struck on a large flan; reddish tone, extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Sestertius, Rome, October AD 68; AE (g 25,53; mm 32; h 7); IMP SER GALBA - CAES AVG TR P, laureate head r., Rv. LIBERTAS - PVBLICA, Libertas standing l., holding pileus and vindicta; in field, S - C. RIC 347; C 125.
Rare. Bold portrait and green tone; somewhat gently smoothed, otherwise extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Sestertius, Rome, December AD 68; AE (g 25,14; mm 34; h 5); SER SVLPI GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR P, laureate and draped bust l., Rv. Galba, in military dress, standing r. on podium, accompanied by praetorian prefect behind him, addressing two helmeted soldiers, each with shields and one with spear, a horse facing between them. Before podium, two tunicate cursores, and in background, vexillum, signum and aquila; in ex. ADLOCVTIO / S C. RIC 468.
Extremely rare. Naturalistic portrait struck on a full flan; brown tone with spots of cuprite deposits, somewhat smoothed, anyway about extremely fine.

Galba (68-69), Bronze, Antiochia, AD 68-69; AE (g 15,00; mm 29; h 12); IM SER SVL G - AL CAE, laureate head r., Rv. S C, within laurel wreath. RPC 4314.
A magnificent portrait and an appealing green patina, extremely fine. [Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 46, 2008, lot 520]

Vespasian (69-79), Denarius, Ephesus, AD 70; AR (g 3,24; mm 17; h 6); IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P, laureate head r., Rv. AVG, within wreath. RIC 1414; C 37a; RPC II 822.
Very rare. Old cabinet tone and about extremely fine - extremely fine.

Vespasian (69-79), Denarius, Rome, AD 71; AR (g 3,51; mm 18; h 7); IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head r., Rv. COS - VIII, prow r.; above, star. RIC 108; C 136.
Lightly toned, well struck in high relief, good extremely fine - about fdc.

Vespasian (69-79), Sestertius, Rome, AD 71; AE (g 24,72; mm 33; h 6); IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head r., Rv. PAX - AVGVSTI, Pax standing l., holding branch and cornucopiae; in field, S - C. RIC I 437 = II 243; C 326 corr.
Bold portrait and dark green tone; somewhat smoothed, otherwise good extremely fine.

Vespasian (69-79), Aureus, Rome, AD 72-73; AV (g 7,26; mm 18; h 6); IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head r., Rv. NEP - RED, Neptune standing l., foot on globe, holding sceptre and acrostolium. RIC 358; C 273; Calicò 654.
Bold portrait, extremely fine - good extremely fine.

Vespasian (69-79), As, Rome, AD 73; AE (g 11,85; mm 28; h 6); IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS, laureate head r., Rv. AEQ - VITAS - AVGVST, Aequitas standing l., holding scales and rod; in field, S - C. RIC I 542a = II 587; C 9.
A good portrait, dark green tone, extremely fine.

Vespasian (69-79), Aureus, Rome, AD 75; AV (g 7,30; mm 20; 7); IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head r., Rv. PON MAX - TR P COS VI, Victory, holding wreath, standing l. on cista mistica flanked by snakes. RIC I 92 = II 775; C 370; Calicò 665.
Struck on a large flan; minor die break on obverse as usual, extremely detailed reverse composition: about extremely fine.

Vespasian (69-79), Denarius, Rome, AD 77-78; AR (g 3,40; mm 20; h 7); CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head r., Rv. CE - RES AVGVST, Ceres standing l., holding sceptre and two grain ears and poppy. RIC 968; C 54.
Lightly toned, struck on a large flan, good extremely fine.

Titus, as Caesar, Aureus struck under Vespasian, Rome, AD 72-73; AV (g 7,21; mm 19; h 6); T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate head r., Rv. Palm tree; on l., Titus standing r., foot set on globe, holding spear and parazonium; on r., Jewess seated r. in attitude of mourning. RIC 160; C 391; Calicó 721.
Very rare. A coin of great historical importance, extremely fine.

Titus, as Caesar, Sestertius struck under Vespasian, Rome, AD 73; AE (g 26,06; mm 33; h 6); T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II, laureate head r., Rv. IVDAEA - CAPTA, palm tree; on l., Titus standing r., foot set on helmet, holding spear and parazonium; on r., Jewess seated r. on cuirass in attitude of mourning; in ex. S C. RIC 422; C 113.
Rare. Expressive portrait, brownish tone with areas of green, about extremely fine.

Titus, as Caesar, Dupondius struck under Vespasian, Rome, AD 73; AE (g 13,54; mm 28; h 6); T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS, radiate head r., Rv. Roma seated l. on cuirass and shields, holding Victory and spear; in field, RO - MA; in ex. S C. RIC 618.
Scarce. Dark green patina, about extremely fine.

Titus, as Caesar, Aureus struck under Vespasian, Rome, AD 77-78; AV (g 7,36; mm 18; h 6); T CAESAR IMP - VESPASIANVS, laureate head r., Rv, Roma seated r. on shields, holding spear; around, two birds flying; at her feet, she-wolf and twins; in ex. COS VI. RIC 194; C 64; Calicò 738.
Amazing portrait struck in high relief, good extremely fine / extremely fine.

Diva Julia Titi, Sestertius struck under Domitian, Rome, AD 90-91; AE (g 21,50; mm 33; h 5); DIVAE IVLIAE AVG DIVI TITI F, carpentum drawn by two mules r.; in ex. S P Q R, Rv. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P, around S C. RIC 717 (ex 400); C 9.
Rare and hard to find so well preserved. Pleasant green tone, extremely fine.