Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 69

The May Pre-Long Beach Auction

Roman Imperial Coinage

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3487		Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Gold Aureus (7.92 g) minted at Lugdunum, 11-10 BC. Laureate head right of Augustus. Reverse: Apollo Citharoedus standing right, holding lyre and plectrum. RIC 192a [as R3]; BMC 485; C. 162; Calicó 229b. A lovely example. Extremely Fine. In 10 BC, when this coin was struck, Augustus traveled to Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France) and dedicated a magnificent altar. The future emperor Claudius was born at Lyon in the same year and on the very same day as the altar was dedicated — 1 August 10 BC. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $22,425
Lot 3488		Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius probably minted at Tarraco, c. 18 BC. Laureate head right of Augustus. Reverse: DIVVS IVLIVS; large eight-ray comet with tail above. RIC 102; RSC 98. Well struck, attractive light toning with underlying luster. A popular type. Superb Extremely Fine. The 'Julian Star' was the comet which appeared in the heavens shortly after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. It was taken as a sign of the late dictator's divinity. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,063
Lot 3489		Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius, mint of Lugdunum, struck 11-9 BC. Bare head of Augustus facing right. Reverse: Bull butting right; IMP XII below. RSC 153; RIC 187a. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 3490		(Divus Augustus. Died AD 14.) AE Dupondius (12.1 g), Restitution Issue. Rome mint. Struck under Titus AD 80-81. Radiate head of Augustus left. Reverse: Victory, draped, alighting left, holding in right hand a round shield inscribed SPQR in two lines. RIC 189a (Titus); BMC 266 (Titus); cf. Cohen 557 var. (same). Wonderful uniform dark reddish-brown patina. We note some smoothing in the fields, nevertheless, a stunning bronze of Augustus. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3491		Tiberius, 14-37 AD. Gold Aureus (7.75 g). Laureate head right of Tiberius. Reverse: Female (Livia?) seated right, holding scepter and branch. RIC 25 [as R2]; BMC 30; Calicó 305d. Nicely toned, sporting an excellent portrait of artistic merit. Extremely Fine. Classes like the history of art and aesthetics have been and still are part of a general education in Europe. When classes are dismissed, the students traverse the 15th century cobblestone byways, enter an old bookshop to examine vellum manuscripts or feel the immense, uplifting cubic space of a cathedral to remind us we all are but children. The past cannot be escaped; it is part of life. It is relatively easy for man or machine to measure scratches or gauge wear, but how to discern different levels of artistic style? First, compare with other known examples; in the case of coins, start with the collections of Jameson, Gulbenkian, Caruso, Leu auctions and applicable others for the zenith of numismatic art. Is there conciseness and consistency? If a portrait, to what degree has the celator given us modeling, relief, realism? Discover the great variation of skill employed by engravers, partialy depending on the emperor's involvement in coinage. Obviously, there were periods in which art reigned supreme, like the Julio-Claudian, Flavian and the Hadrianic schools. The finest master sculptors of any period created the dies for the gold coinage, as well as for large medallions and sestertii during the Roman epoch. If not a habit yet, compare the aurei of Tiberius offered here and notice the different price estimates and realizations. This is an entire life's endeavor for a numismatist. Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,385
Lot 3492		Tiberius, AD 14-37. Gold Aureus (7.75 g). Struck at Lugdunum. Laureate head of Tiberius facing right. Reverse: Female figure (Livia?) seated right in chair with ornamented legs. RIC 27 [as R2]; BMC 39. Well centered with underlying luster present, all lightly toned. *NGC graded AU; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5**. The popular "Tribute Penny" of the Bible struck in gold. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $28,750
Lot 3493		Tiberius, AD 14-37. Gold Aureus (7.69 g) minted at Lugdunum. Laureate head right of Tiberius. Reverse: Female (Livia?) seated right, holding scepter and branch. RIC 25 [as R2]; BMC 30. Slight signs of old cleaning. About Extremely Fine. At 5-7:30 o'clock on the obverse there is still remaining a raised circular scribe mark made at the mint in order to properly align the inscription punches. The fact that the line is still visible would indicate an early die state, whereas die-breaks usually suggest a late striking. Note the difference in style between the excellent portrait rendering of Tiberius and the almost featureless face on the reverse. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500. Ex Triton I (1997), lot 1295. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 3494		Tiberius, AD 14-37. Gold Aureus (7.85 g) minted at Lugdunum. Laureate head right of Tiberius. Reverse: Female (Livia?) seated right, holding scepter and branch. RIC 27 [as R2]; BMC 39. Choice Very Fine. Although Lucius Aelius Sejanus was never sole emperor of Rome, Tiberius was concerned over his colleague's military following and ambition. Sejanus later created great fear in the mind of Tiberius about a possible assassination plot by Agrippina I (the Elder) and her sons Nero and Drusus Caesars. From there, the plotting thickens and includes several other Imperial personages, making for colorful reading. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,060
Lot 3495		Tiberius, AD 14-37. AR Denarius, mint of Lugdunum. Laureate head of Tiberius, right. Reverse: Female figure (Livia?) seated right on chair with plain legs, holding long sceptre in right hand and branch in left. RIC 26; BMC 34. Large flan and delicately toned. Extremely Fine/Very Fine. This coin type, the "Tribute Penny" of Biblical fame minted under Tiberius, is the only type of denarius seen with any frequency portraying this emperor. Well-circulated examples and pieces with faults abound; choice examples such as this specimen are quite scarce. Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $661
Lot 3496		Tiberius, AD 14-37. AR Denarius struck at Lugdunum. Laureate head right of Tiberius. Reverse: Female figure (Livia?) seated right in chair with ornamented legs, holding inverted spear in right hand, branch in left. RIC 28; BMC 45. NGC graded XF; Strike: 3/5, Surface: 5/5. "Tribute Penny". Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 3497		Drusus, son of Tiberius, d. AD 23. AE Sestertius minted at Rome by Tiberius, AD 22-23. Confronting heads of the sons of Drusus atop crossed cornuacopiae; between, winged caduceus. Reverse: Inscription around "S C". RIC (Tiberius) 42; BMC 95. Rare. Wonderful reddish-brown patina; a numismatic treasure and an incredible coin!. Superb Extremely Fine. One of the most classic (as well as classy) artistic compositions depicted on ancient Roman coinage. It is worth a trip from the Seychelles just to examine this exemplary specimen, certainly one of the very finest of the type to exist. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,400
Lot 3498		Antonia, mother of Claudius. AE Dupondius minted of Rome, AD 42. Draped bust of Antonia bare-headed, right. Reverse: Claudius, veiled and togate, standing left holding simpulum. RIC 92; BMC 166; CBN 143. Uniform chocolate brown patina. Rare. Very Fine. Antonia, younger daughter of Marc Antony and Octavia, niece of Augustus and married to Nero Claudius Drusus and had two sons, Germanicus and the future emperor Claudius. Antonia died in AD 37, at the age of 73, many speculated by her grandson Caligula. Nonetheless, she recieved no honors until after her son Claudius became emperor and struck coinage early in his reign. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3499		Agrippina Senior (the Elder), wife of Germanicus and mother of Caligula, AD 37-41. AE Sestertius minted posthumously at Rome by Claudius, c. AD 53-54. Draped bust right of Agrippina Senior, hair in queue. Reverse: Inscription around "S C". RIC (Claudius) 102; BMC 219. Uniform glossy dark brown patina, a wonderful example. Superb Extremely Fine. Issued by Claudius in honor of his deceased sister-in-law (died in AD 33). Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3500		Agrippina Senior (the Elder), wife of Germanicus and mother of Caligula, AD 37-41. AE Sestertius minted posthumously at Rome by Claudius, c. AD 53-54. Draped bust right of Agrippina Senior, hair in queue. Reverse: Inscription around "S C". RIC (Claudius) 102; BMC 219. Even, deep medium-brown patina revealing excellent hair detail. Superb Extremely Fine. Claudius issued a rich series of commemorative coins honoring Agrippina Senior, Agrippina Junior, Antonia (mother of Claudius), Nero Claudius Drusus (father of Claudius), Germanicus (brother of Claudius), and Nero (heir to the throne). What a cast of characters! Interestingly, John Works Garrett purchased this coin in 1927 from M. Schulman for $180.00. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. Ex Lanz Sale (22 XI 99), lot 185; ex Garrett collection (NFA-Leu, 16 V 84, lot 734); ex Baron Auguste Delbeke collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $20,125
Lot 3501		Caligula, AD 37-41. AE As, minted at Rome, AD 37/8. Bare-headed bust of the emperor facing left. Reverse: Vesta seated left holding patera and sceptre. RIC 38; C. 27. Boldly struck with full legends. Pleasing dark reddisih-brown patina with a small area of smoothing behind the head. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3502		Claudius, AD 41-54. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 50-51. Laureate head right of Claudius. Reverse: Inscription within oak-wreath. RIC 60 [as R3]. Excellent portrait. Choice Very Fine. It was around the time that this denarius was minted that Nero became heir to the Purple. Just a few years later, Claudius was mysteriously poisoned, perhaps by Agrippina Junior, and her son Nero was elevated to emperor. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 3503		Britannicus, son of Claudius minted AD 50-54. Draped bare head facing right. Reverse: Nike, right with trophy over shoulder. BMC 283; RPC (Nero Caesar) 2476. Uniform dark greenish-brown patina. Very rare. Very Fine. Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3504		Nero, AD 54-68. Gold Aureus (7.27 g). Minted at Rome, c. AD 64-65. Laureate head of Nero facing right. Reverse: Jupiter seated left, holds thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 52 [as Rare]; BMC 67. NGC graded XF; Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. 'Boscoreale' tone. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3505		Nero, 54-68 AD. AR Denarius. Laureate head right of Nero. Reverse: Aquila right, between two vexilla. RIC 68 [as R2]; BMC 107; C. 356. Areas of dark toning. Extremely Fine (PCGS # 55) . One of the last issues of Nero, this reduced-weight denarius was struck betwixt the flame and the Civil Wars. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3506		Nero, AD 54-68. AR Denarius minted at Rome, c. AD 64-65. Laureate head right of Nero. Reverse: Jupiter seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt and long scepter. RIC 52 [as Rare]; BMC 67. Attractive with even antique toning. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3507		Nero, AD 54-68. AR Denarius. Mint of Rome, AD 64/65. Laur. bust of Nero right. Reverse: Radiate figure of the emperor standing, facing holdidng Victory on globe. RSC 45; RIC 47; BMC 60. Wonderful detailed portrait. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,013
Lot 3508		Nero, AD 54-68. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 64-65. Laureate bust of Nero facing right. Reverse: Nero, radiate and togate, standing facing, holds branch and Victory on globe. RIC 47 [as Rare]; BMC 60. Attractive multi-color toning. NGC graded Choice XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $719
Lot 3509		Galba, AD 68-69. AR Denarius. Spanish mint, AD 68. Laureate bust facing right. Reverse: Victory standing on globe left, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC 111; RSC 322; BMC 227. Rare. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3510		Galba, AD 68-69. AR Quinarius (1.81 g) minted in Gaul (likely Lugdunum), c. Nov. AD 68-15 Jan. AD 69. Laureate head right of Galba. Reverse: Victory right standing on globe, holding palm and wreath. RIC 132 [as R2]; BMC 244. Well defined. Extremely Fine. The quinarius (half denarius) was infrequently minted, often for donatives for the populace. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 3511		Vespasian, AD 69-79. AR Denarius, Mint of Rome, early AD 69-70. Laureate bust of the emperor r. Reverse: Judaea seated right, head resting on hand, to right a trophy; IVDAEA in exergue. RIC 2. Nicely toned. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $964
Lot 3512		Vespasian, AD 69-79. AR Denarius minted at Ephesus, AD 69-70. Laureate head of Vespasian, right. Reverse: Ceres seated left on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue EPE. RIC 1428; RPC 830. Beautiful style and delicately toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3513		Vespasian, AD 69-79. AR Denarius minted at Ephesus, c. AD 69-71. Laureate bust of Vespasian to right. Reverse: AVG within oak-wreath. RIC 328; C-40. Wonderful high relief portrait. Rare. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $265
Lot 3514		Vespasian, AD 69-79. AR Denarius minted at Ephesus, AD 69-70. Laureate head right of Vespasian. Reverse: Turreted and draped female bust right; below, mint monogram. RIC 1407 [as Rare]; RPC 813. Very well detailed; Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,750. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3515		Vespasian, AD 69-79. AR Denarius minted at Ephesus, AD 71. Laureate head right of Vespasian. Reverse: Turreted and draped female bust right; below, mintmark in monogram form. RIC 1433; RPC 835. Somewhat off-center. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3516		Vespasian, AD 69-79. AR Denarius minted at Ephesus, c. AD 71. Laureate head right of Vespasian. Reverse: Inscription and mint monogram within oak-wreath. RIC 1427; RPC 830. Delicately toned. Extremely Fine. Minted in the East around the conclusion of the Jewish War. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 3517		Titus, AD 79-81. AR Denarius minted in Asia Minor (Ephesus?) AD 73. Issued before he became emperor. Laureate bust of Titus, right. Reverse: Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm. Cf. RSC 123. Rare. Struck on a slightly porous flan. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $736
Lot 3518		Titus, AD 79-81. AR Denarius minted at Rome, 1 Jan. - 30 June AD 80. Laureate head right of Titus. Reverse: Winged thunderbolt above draped throne. RIC 119; C. 314. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3519		Titus, AD 79-81. AR Denarius minted at Rome, 1 Jan.-30 June AD 80. Laureate head right of Titus. Reverse: Two captives, back to back, seated either side of trophy. RIC 102. Natural flaw in right obverse field (gas bubble?). Fine. Collected by some as a part of the "Judaea Capta" series, although it was struck quite a bit later than the vast majority of pertinent types. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $127
Lot 3520		Titus, AD 79-81. AE Dupondius minted at Rome, 1 July AD 72-30 June AD 73, while Caesar under Vespasian. Radiate head right of Titus. Reverse: Felicitas standing left with caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 504 [as R2], citing one specimen in the Paris and Vienna museums. Possessing remarkable detail from fresh dies, with a uniform dark greenish-brown patina. Virtually Mint State. Of fantastic quality, likely the finest bronze of Titus known. Indirectly, the reverse commemorates the victory in the East by Titus and the happiness and riches of the Roman populace. Estimated Value $25,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3521		Titus, AD 79-81. AE Dupondius minted at Rome as Caesar by Vespasian, c. AD 76. Radiate head right of Titus. Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC (Vespasian) 909 [as Rare]; C. 84. Smoothed in places. Dark glossy green patina. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $230
Lot 3522		Julia Titi, daughter of Titus. AE Sestertius, mint of Rome, AD 90/91. Carpentum drawn right by two mules. Reverse: Legend around large S C. RIC 717. Weak around the borders, strong through the centers. Attractive smooth uniform greenish-brown patina on both sides. A rare and handsome piece. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3523		Domitian, AD 81-96. Gold Aureus (7.16 g) minted at Rome as Caesar by Vespasian, AD 73. Laureate head right of Domitian. Reverse: Domitian on horse left; right hand raised, scepter in left hand. RIC (Vespasian) 540 [as Rare]; BMC 123; C. 663. Luster in obv. field; large diameter flan. Choice Very Fine or better. The method of production of hammer-struck coins dictates one die be on the top, the other on the bottom. The normal manner in which this was accomplished was to have the obverse be the bottom die, creating a convexity to the flan. This coin demonstrates a concavity, or dishlike appearance, on the obverse, made by the obverse die being in the upper position. Thus, the two dies were interchanged for this particular coin pairing. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,475
Lot 3524		Domitian, AD 81-96. Gold Aureus (7.21 g) minted at Rome as Caesar by Vespasian, AD 75. Laureate head right of Domitian. Reverse: Spes standing left holding flower. RIC (Vespasian) 787; BMC 154. Small bump on reverse edge at 11:30 o'clock. Traces of luster still present; Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,060
Lot 3525		Domitian, AD 81-96. Gold Aureus (7.52 g) minted at Rome, c. AD 88. Laureate head right of Domitian. Reverse: Minerva advancing right holding spear and shield. RIC 556 [as R2]. Portrait of fine style, struck in bold relief; centered on a large flan. Extremely Fine. The Secular Games took place during three days in October of AD 88. Held every 100 years, the "Ludi Saeculares" were one of the main Roman festivals and have an Etruscan origin. Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,500
Lot 3526		Domitian, AD 81-96. AR Denarius minted at Rome as Caesar by Vespasian, AD 77-78. Laureate head right of Domitian. Reverse: Wolf left suckling twins; in exergue, boat. RIC 961. Superb Extremely Fine. Several reverse types were restitution issues, selected by the Flavians, stressing continuity with the founding of Rome and the AD first century. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $719
Lot 3527		Domitian, AD 81-96. AR Plated Denarius (2.86 g). Laureate bust of the emperor facing right. Reverse: Minerva advancing right. NGC graded Choice XF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5; ancient forgery. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $414
Lot 3528		Domitian, AD 81-96. AR Denarius minted at Rome, 13 Sept.-31 Dec. AD 81. Laureate head right of Domitian. Reverse: Draped throne; above, semicircular frame decorated with corn ears. RIC 14 [as R2]. From two freshly cut dies; underlying luster with beautiful light toning. Virtually Mint State. This reverse type is borrowed from Titus' last issue, perhaps commemorating the inauguration of the Colosseum at Rome. A phenomenal Flavian denarius! Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 3529		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Denarius. Mint of Rome, AD 97. Laureate bust facing r. Reverse: Priestly implements; ladle, sprinkler, jug and lituus. RIC 24; Sear 3032. Attractive antique toning. A vigorously detailed portrait! Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,530
Lot 3530		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Denarius. Toned. NGC graded VF; Strike: 3/5, Surface: 3/5. Estimated Value $50 - 75. The Dan Holmes Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $150
Lot 3531		Nerva, AD 96-98. AE As, mint of Rome AD 96. Laureate bust of Nerva, right. Reverse: Libertas standing left, holding pileus and sceptre. RIC 64; C. 108. Lovely glassy dark brown patina. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $500 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 3532		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 103-111. Laureate head right of Trajan with drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Trajan in quadriga right, holding short scepter and laurel-branch. RIC 139 var. (no drapery); C. 94. Very rare reverse type. Nearly Extremely Fine. While RIC rates this reverse representation as "Scarce", it has been our experience that this beautifully composed type hardly ever presents itself. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $978
Lot 3533		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius, minted AD 114-117. Laureate and draped bust of Trajan right. Reverse: Fortuna seated left holding rudder and cornucopiae. RIC 315; C. 150. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $345
Lot 3534		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius (3.42 g) minted at Rome, AD 112-114. Laureate and draped bust right of Trajan. Reverse: Genius standing left, holding patera and ears of corn. RIC 275; C. 398. Sharpness of Extremely Fine with fine hairline scratches from an old cleaning. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3535		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 103-111. Laureate bust right of Trajan with drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holds caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 121; C. 81. Delicate natural antique toning. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $230
Lot 3536		Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 98-99. Laureate head right of Trajan. Reverse: Pax seated left, holding branch and scepter. RIC 401; BMC 715. Old tooling revealing some excellent detailing; medium-dark green patina. Very Fine to Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold

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