Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 70

The September 2-5, 2012

Roman Imperial Coinage

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3262		Domitia, wife of Domitian, AD 81-96. AR Denarius (3.36 g) minted at Rome, AD 82-83. Draped bust right of Domitia. Reverse: Pietas, veiled, seated left, holding scepter and reaching to child standing before her. RIC 156 [as R2]; BMC 65. Two spots of encrustation removal remaining on obverse. Lovely portrait otherwise. Choice Very Fine. This very rare coin type was struck before the murder of her husband, the Flavian emperor Domitian, in AD 96. We believe Domitia Longina was involved in his assassination. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 3263		Domitia, wife of Domitian, AD 81-96. AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm (11.00 g) minted in the East, c. AD 82. Draped bust right of Domitia, hair in a queue; underneath, pellet. Reverse: Venus standing right, holding spear and helmet, leaning on column. RIC page 330, 847 [as Rare]; RPC 850. Pleasing old cabinet toning. Choice Very Fine. The cistophorus, or cistophoric tetradrachm, comes from the Greek model of the 2nd century BC. The Romans continued the series by issuing these three-denarius multiples, often based on the use of Roman reverse types. In addition, reverses included various temples, altars and animals, like the Sphinx and Capricorn. The series ended with the diverse types issued by Hadrian. Some of the finest style portraits of emperors were engraved by the Greek celators in charge of creating the dies. Roman cistophori are all quite scarce to very rare. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3264		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 97. Laureate head right of Nerva. Reverse: Libertas standing left, holding pileus and scepter. RIC 19; C. 113. Excellent portrait; toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3265		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 97. Laureate head right of Nerva. Reverse: Two clasped hands holding legionary standard set on prow. RIC 15; BMC 29; C. 29. Insignificant waviness at 10:30 o'clock at edge. A powerful portrait struck on a full flan. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 3266		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 96. Laureate head right of Nerva. Reverse: Libertas standing left, holding pileus and scepter. Sear 3034; RIC 7. Some light iridescent tone at edges. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $200 - 250. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $150
Lot 3267		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 97. Laureate head right of Nerva. Reverse: Clasped hands holding legionary standard resting on prow. RIC 15; BMC 29; C. 29. Toned, Nearly Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3268		Nerva, AD 96-98. AE As minted at Rome, AD 96. Laureate head right of Nerva. Reverse: Clasped hands. RIC 53; C. 17. Dark, glossy patina with fields smoothed. Lovely youthful portrait. Sharpness of Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3269		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm minted at Ephesus or Pergamum, January AD 98. Laureate head right of Nerva. Reverse: Legionary eagle between two military standards. Sear 3018; RIC 124. Rare. About Very Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 350. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $253
Lot 3270		Nerva, AD 96-98. AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm (15.14 g) minted at Antiochia, AD 96-97. Laureate head right of Nerva with drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Eagle standing right on thunderbolt. Prieur 149. Beautifully toned with an artistic portrait struck in high relief. Good metal. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 3271		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 103-111. Laureate bust right of Trajan, slight drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Fortuna standing left, holding rudder on prow and cornucopiae RIC 122; BMC 306; C. 87. Attractive, bold portrait; lightly toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $546
Lot 3272		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 101-102. Laureate head right of Trajan. Reverse: Victory standing right on prow, holding wreath and palm. RIC 59; C. 241. Lightly toned. Superb Extremely Fine. A lovely example of an early portrait of Trajan. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $391
Lot 3273		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius struck at Rome, AD 112-117. Laureate bust right of Trajan with slight drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Trajan Senior seated left, holding patera and scepter. RIC 252 [as Scarce]; C. 140. Nicely toned and centered. Extremely Fine. Trajan's father won his renown as a soldier under Vespasian. His appearances on his son's coinage were quite limited. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $506
Lot 3274		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 $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $288
Lot 3275		Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, winter AD 114-early 116. Laureate and draped bust right of Trajan. Reverse: Trajan seated left on platform with prefect behind, extending right hand; before him, Parthamaspates and soldiers holding spears and standard; in exergue, REX PARTHVS. Cf. RIC 669 [as R4]; cf. BMC p. 218; Woytek 551v2 (this reverse die). Extremely rare. Struck on a full flan with tooling in fields and great detail in the reverse die. Olive-green patina. Extremely Fine. Of great historical importance; only three specimens known (two reside in museums). Trajan was never shy about using his conqueror's titles in his inscriptions. This coin exhibits great action and three-dimensional power; note the delicate details on the reverse. It is a wonderful example of the selection of types: on the obverse, allegiance to the emperor and his course, and on the reverse, propaganda using current events, like a newspaper would today. The wise Trajan knew coins would be circulating throughout the vast Roman Empire for a relatively long period. Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3276		Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Sestertius, mint of Rome AD 116. Laureate and draped bust of Trajan, right. Reverse: REX PARTHIS DATVS SC. Trajan seated left on high platform accompanied by officer, placing diadem on the head of king Parthamaspates who stands before him beside platform; Parthia kneeling right in supplication before. RIC 667; BMC 1046; C-328. Attractive uniform glossy reddish-brown patina. The fields show signs of smoothing, nonetheless, rare and very desirable. Sharpness of Extremely Fine. The reverse depicts the investiture of Parthamaspates as king of Parthia in AD 116. He was to enjoy his position for only a short time, as Roman forces soon after withdrew from Parthia and Trajan died the following year. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 3277		Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 113. Laureate bust right of Trajan, left shoulder draped. Reverse: Via Traiana reclining left, head right, holding wheel on knee with right hand, and branch in left, left elbow resting on rock. RIC 636; BMCRE 986; Hill 586. Dark brown patina. Most impressive coin. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3278		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. Faint traces of old smoothing revealing some excellent detailing; medium-dark green patina. Very Fine to Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3279		Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 103. Laureate head right of Trajan. Reverse: View of the Circus Maximus showing outer colonnade and partial interior. Sear 3208; RIC 571. Brown patina. A distinct and attractive depiction of this desirable architectural type. Overall porosity and some light pitting on obverse. Very Fine. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 3280		Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 103-111. Laureate bust right of Trajan with drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Dacia seated left in attitude of mourning; before her, trophy. RIC 565; C. 535. Pleasing, medium-green patina. A handsome and compelling example. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3281		Trajan, AD 98-117. AE Semis minted AD 114-117. Radiate and draped bust right of Trajan. Reverse: Inscription around oak wreath; "S C" in center. RIC 649. Surfaces a little rough, but beautifully detailed. Extremely Fine. This scarce denomination is struck of orichalcum and not often seen. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3282		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Drachm (3.77 g) minted by the Lycian League, AD 98-99. Laureate head right of Trajan. Reverse: Two lyres; above, owl standing. SNG Cop 45; BMC 10. Light signs of a brockage strike on reverse. Lustrous. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $242
Lot 3283		Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Hemidrachm of Cyrenaica, Cyrene (1.78g). Minted AD 100. Laureate head of Trajan right. Reverse: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right. Cf. Weiser 145; Sydenham, Caesarea 176. Excellent metal and a delightful coin. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $782
Lot 3284		Marciana, sister of Trajan, AD 98-117. AR Denarius minted posthumously at Rome, c. AD 112-114. Draped bust right of Marciana wearing double stephane. Reverse: Eagle flying upwards, holding scepter. RIC 743 [as R3]; BMC 651. Toned in places; well detailed and Very Rare. Choice Very Fine. Trajan obviously had a true fascination with coins. He created an entire suite of "restored" coins mainly portraying past emperors, as well as his immediate family — wife, father, sister and his niece. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 3285		Hadrian, AD 117-138. Gold Aureus (7.15 g) minted at Rome, c. AD 125-128 or later. Laureate head right of Hadrian with slight drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: She-wolf left suckling twins. RIC 193; C. 422. Faint signs of burnishing in the fields. Nonetheless, attractive high relief portrait with some luster remaining. Choice Very Fine. The legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, are depicted in classic pose as infants. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,613
Lot 3286		Hadrian, AD 117-138. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 119-122. Laureate bust right of Hadrian with slight drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 83; BMC 1143. Underlying luster; Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3287		Hadrian, AD 117-138. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 119-122. Laureate bust right of Hadrian with drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Aeternitas standing left holding the heads of the Sun and the Moon. RIC 115; C. 131. Well detailed and centered on a large flan. Superb Extremely Fine. Obverse portrait types showing unusual details or left-facing portrayals were generally accomplished by master celators, as this example with a deep bust displays. They still tend to be overlooked by many collectors, but there is a greater number of aficionados who realize their beauty and rarity. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3288		Hadrian, AD 117-138. AR Denarius, mint of Rome, AD 119-122. Laureate bust of the emperor, right. Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holds caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 83 (b); C. 1143. Cleaned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $322
Lot 3289		Hadrian, AD 117-138. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 118. Laureate bust right of Hadrian; slight drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Fortuna seated left holding rudder and cornucopiae (?). RIC 41; C. 746. Nicely toned with some underlying luster. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $219
Lot 3290		Hadrian, AD 117-138. Provincial AR Tetradrachm (12.46g) minted at Tarsus in Cilicia. Laureate and draped bust right of Hadrian. Reverse: Decastyle temple, the pediment adorned with a wreath. Prieur 774A (this coin, sole example cited). Nicely toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. Ex Sierra Collection; Triton VII, 13 January 2004, lot 796; Marcel Burstein Collection (Peus 366, 29 October 2000, lot 998); Giessener Münzhandlung 64, 11 October 1993, lot 441. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,350
Lot 3291		Hadrian, AD 117-138. AE 36, struck in Bithynia. Laureate head of Hadrian, right. Reverse: Octastyle temple; KOI-NON in field. BMC 10; Waddington 241, 41; SNG von Aulock 284. Struck on a porous planchet. Very rare. Sharpness of Very Fine. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3292		Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. Gold Aureus (7.38 g) minted at Rome, AD 151-152. Bare head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Emperor standing left, holding globe. Some light, more or less insignificant marks on edge. Boldly struck with light toning. Lovely high relief portrait. *NGC graded Choice AU; Strike 5/5; Surface 4/5**. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,800
Lot 3293		Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. Gold Aureus (7.27 g) minted at Rome, AD 151. Bare-headed bust right of Antoninus Pius with slight drapery over left shoulder. Reverse: Ceres standing right, holding two ears of corn, and to right, Proserpina standing front, head left, holding pomegranate. RIC 199 var (slight drapery over left shoulder); cf. BMC 724; Calicó 1557 (same obverse die). Signs of old cleaning. Portrait in high relief. About Extremely Fine. It is possible that the specimen in Calicó has both the same dies; certainly they were engraved by the same celator. The photographed Calicó coin is just not quite sharp enough to make a 100% identification possible. This cataloguer, however, would side for the same pair of dies having been used. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. Ex Weil 121 (29 X 1999). View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 3294		Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. Gold Aureus (7.28g) minted at Rome, AD 158-159. Laureate head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Antoninus standing left, sacrificing over tripod-altar and holding scroll. Sear 4033; RIC 294a(d). Matte surfaces. A few minor marks. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,910
Lot 3295		Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 158-159. Laureate head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Octastyle temple in which are seated statues of Divus Augustus and Livia. RIC 290(a) [as Scarce]; C. 804. Toned. Extremely Fine. This scarce reverse type is one of many architectural designs portrayed in abundance during this era. They give us an insight into how the buildings looked at the time. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3296		Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 140-143. Laureate head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Clementia standing left, holding patera and scepter. RIC 64; C. 124. Toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $230
Lot 3297		Antoninus Pius & Marcus Aurelius, AD 139-161. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 141-144. Laureate head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Bare head right of Marcus Aurelius. Sear 4524; RIC 417a. Toned. Very Fine / Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $200 - 275. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $219
Lot 3298		Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 152-153. Laureate head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Fortuna standing right, holding rudder on globe and cornucopiae. RIC 222; Cohen 270. Iridescent tone at edges. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 350. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $529
Lot 3299		Antoninus Pius. A 3-piece lot of CONSECRATIO issue AR Denarii. Consists of: RIC 429 (Sear 5190); RIC 430-31 (Sear 5192); RIC 430-31 (Sear 5192 var). All are toned, all are Extremely Fine. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details	Realized $357
Lot 3300		Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. AE As minted at Rome, AD 147. Laureate head right of Antoninus Pius. Reverse: Legend in four lines within oak wreath. Sear 4314; RIC 571. Green and brown patina. Nearly Extremely Fine and scarce. Estimated Value $350 - 450. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3301		Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180. Gold Aureus (7.25 g) minted at Rome, December AD 165-Summer AD 166. Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right of Marcus Aurelius. Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae; her foot on globe. RIC 154 [as Scarce]. Lovely, high-relief portrait. We note a scrape on the reverse drapery. Nearly Extremely Fine. This coin was minted to commemorate the dual triumph of Rome over Parthia and Mesopotamia. Co-emperor Lucius Verus returned to Rome probably in the autumn from his great conquests. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,038
Lot 3302		Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180. Gold Aureus (7.2g) minted at Rome, AD 164-165. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right of Marcus Aurelius. Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae; at feet, globe. Calico 1894a (this coin); cf. RIC 131 (obverse portrait not draped). Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. Ex Superior NYINC Auction, 5-6 December 1997, lot 1726; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 3303		Marcus Aurelius Caesar, AD 139-161. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 148-149. Bare head right of Marcus Aurelius, with short beard. Reverse: Minerva standing right, resting on spear and shield. RIC 444; Cohen 618. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 325. Ex Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 1, 10 March 1995, lot 456; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $414
Lot 3304		Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180. AR Denarius minted at Rome, December AD 163-December 164. Laureate head right of Marcus Aurelius. Reverse: Personification of Armenia seated left in mournful attitude; before her, vexillum and shield. RIC 81. Toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3305		Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180. AR Denarius minted at Rome, March-December AD 161. Bare-headed and draped bust right of Marcus Aurelius. Reverse: Providentia standing left, holding globe and cornucopiae. RIC 24; C. 511. Toned, Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $368
Lot 3306		Divus Marcus Aurelius, deified AD 180. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 180. By Commodus. Bare head right of Marcus Aurelius. Reverse: Eagle standing facing on thunderbolt, head right and holding spearhead in beak. Sear 5976; RIC 271. Rare and interesting reverse variant. Lovely old cabinet toning. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 325. Ex Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 2, 31 January 1996, lot 527; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $414
Lot 3307		Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180. AE Sestertius minted at Rome as Caesar by Antoninus Pius, AD 157-158. Bare-headed and draped bust right of Marcus Aurelius. Reverse: Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising skirt. RIC 1346 [as Scarce]; C. 732. Even, dark green patina. Very Fine to Extremely Fine. This lot and the silver denarius "RIC 24" make a nice pairing of a youthful Marcus Aurelius, both as Caesar and as emperor. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3308		Faustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180. AR Denarius struck at Rome. Diademed and draped bust right of Faustina Junior. Reverse: Fecunditas standing right, holding scepter and infant. RIC 677; C. 99. Boldly struck and beautifully toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $345
Lot 3309		Lucius Verus, AD 161-169. Gold Aureus (7.30 g) minted at Rome, December AD 163-December 164. Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right of Lucius Verus. Reverse: Victory standing right, placing a wreath set on palm trunk which has been inscribed "VIC AVG". Cf. RIC 525. Some die rust in reverse field. Absolutely superb! Perfectly struck and needle sharp. Lustrous and delicately toned. Mint State. Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $36,800
Lot 3310		Lucius Verus, AD 161-169. AR Denarius minted at Rome, March - December AD 161. Bare head right of Lucius Verus. Reverse: Providentia standing left, holding globe and military standard. RIC 463; C. 144. Well struck, delicately toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $345
Lot 3311		Lucius Verus, AD 161-169. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 161. Bare head right of Lucius Verus. Reverse: Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus standing with clasped hands. RIC 1281; Cohen 27. Dark brown patina. With a beautiful portrait of Verus. Some pitting in the reverse fields. Nearly Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $900 - 1,200. Ex Spink America Auction, 5 March 1995, lot 588; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898

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