Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 70

The September 2-5, 2012

Roman Imperial Coinage

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3312		Lucilla, wife of Lucius Verus, AD 161-169. AE Sestertius minted at Rome by her father, Marcus Aurelius, c. AD 164-177. Draped bust right of Lucilla. Reverse: Venus standing left, holding apple. RIC p. 354 (Marcus Aurelius), 1767; BMC 1172; C. 77. Dark greenish-brown patina. Natural irregularity at edge. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $800 - 900. Ex Spink, G. Powell Collection (VII 2000), lot 1399. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3313		Commodus, AD 177-192. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 186. Laureate head right of Commodus. Reverse: Commodus standing left on platform, holding spear, haranguing three soldiers standing right. Sear 5639; RIC 271. Lightly toned. A nice example of this very scarce and interesting reverse type. Very Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. Ex Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 1, 10 March 1995, lot 475; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $242
Lot 3314		Commodus as Co-Emperor, AD 177-180. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 179. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right of youthful Commodus. Reverse: Minerva standing half-left, sacrificing from patera over cadelabrum-altar and resting left hand on grounded shield, spear leaning against crook of arm. Sear 5755; RIC (Aurelius) 1602. Glossy dark green patina. Nearly Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,121
Lot 3315		Crispina, wife of Commodus, AD 177-192. AE Sestertius minted at Rome. Draped bust right of Crispina. Reverse: Salus seated left, feeding serpent from patera. RIC 672(a) [as Scarce]; C. 33. Some smoothing. Glossy reddish-brown patina. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Ex Spink, G. Powell Collection (VII 2000), lot 1405. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3316		Pertinax, AD 193. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 193. Laureate head right of Pertinax. Reverse: Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC 1(a) [as R2]; BMC 15. Well-detailed portrait of this emperor, lightly toned. About Extremely Fine. Pertinax did his best to put the Roman economy back on its feet after the excesses of Commodus and the large amounts given to the Praetorian Guards. However, after only 86 days, a group of guards assassinated him. His leadership skills and fairness can be compared to those of Galba, who faced many of the same difficulties. It is unusual to find a well-struck denarius of Pertinax, as his reign was only from 1 January to 28 March in the notorious year of AD 193. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. Ex Rauch 65 (10 IV 2000), lot 340. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380
Lot 3317		Pertinax, AD 193. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 193. Laureate head right of Pertinax. Reverse: Ops seated left, holding two grain ears. RIC 8(a) [as R2]; BMC 19. Seldom seen reverse. Nicely toned; excellent portrait on a typically small flan. Choice Very Fine with good delineation. Ops is a personification of wealth. She is rarely seen on other emperors' coinage, and normally holds corn ears or scepter. Estimated Value $800 - 900. Ex Stack's sale (XII 99), lot 263. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 3318		Pertinax, AD 193. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 193. Laureate head right of Pertinax. Reverse: Providentia standing left, holding up both hands to a large star. RIC 10(a) [as R2]; C. 40. Pleasing portrait with excellent detail and toning. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $800 - 900. Ex Vinchon sale (XII 99), lot 303. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $891
Lot 3319		Pertinax, AD 193. AR Denarius minted at Rome, 1 January-28 March AD 193. Laureate head right of Pertinax. Reverse: Providentia standing left, holding right hand up to large star. RIC 11a; Cohen 42. Edge irregularity. Very Fine. Estimated Value $350 - 450. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $253
Lot 3320		Didius Julianus, AD 193. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, 28 March-1/2 June AD 193. Laureate head right of Didius Julianus. Reverse: Concordia Militum standing left, holding two standards. Sear 6075; RIC 14. Rare. Red-brown and green patina. Choice Very Fine/Fine. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,610
Lot 3321		Pescennius Niger, AD 193-194. AR Denarius minted at Caesarea, AD 193. Laureate head right of Pescennius Niger. Reverse: Victory standing left, holding wreath, left hand at side. Sear 6136; cf. RIC 87d (Victory also holding palm). Toned. Some surface roughness. Very Fine. Estimated Value $700 - 800. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 3322		Clodius Albinus Caesar, AD 193-195. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 194. Bare head right of Clodius Albinus. Reverse: Roma seated left, holding Palladium and spear, shield at side. RSC 61; RIC 11a. Lightly toned and attractive. Nearly Extremely Fine / Very Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 800. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3323		Clodius Albinus, AD 195-197. AR Denarius minted at Rome as Caesar, c. AD 194-195, by Septimius Severus. Bare head right of Clodius Albinus. Reverse: Aesculapius standing left, holding snake-wreathed rod. RIC 2 [as Rare]; C. 9. Excellent portrait! Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $700 - 800. Ex G. Hirsch 208 (17 II 2000), lot 2163. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3324		Clodius Albinus, AD 195-197. AE Sestertius minted at Rome as Caesar, c. AD 194-195, by Septimius Severus. Bare head right of Clodius Albinus. Reverse: Minerva standing left, holding spear, shield and palm branch. RIC 54(a) [as Rare]; BMC 535. Reddish-brown patina with detailed portrait and on a nice round flan. Some smoothing in the fields, especially on the reverse. Very Fine. This emperor's coinage as Augustus is rarer than the issues struck as Caesar under Septimius Severus. Estimated Value $700 - 900. Ex Spink, G. Powell Collection (VII 2000), lot 1416. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3325		Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. Gold Aureus (7.26 g) minted at Rome, AD 193-194. Laureate head right of Septimius Severus. Reverse: Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 22 [as Rare]; BMC 27. Excellent high-relief portrait. Extremely Fine. What a provenance! Probably the most important sales of the last century were held by Naville/Ars Classica. They included most every rarity of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Estimated Value $10,000 - 13,000. Ex Naville XII sale (18 X 26), lot 2953; ex Jacob Hirsch XXXIII (17 XI 13), lot 1350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $21,275
Lot 3326		Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 194. Laureate head right of Septimius Severus with drapery on left shoulder. Reverse: Personification of Africa standing right, wearing elephant-skin headdress. RIC 668 [as Rare]; BMC 504 note. A lovely portrait enhanced by an attractive chocolate brown patina. Fields have been smoothed, especially on the reverse. Extremely Fine/Fine. With wars and skirmishes on many frontiers, the reign of Septimius Severus was military dominated and, numismatically, devoted to establishing new mints, often moving with the military forces. Estimated Value $800 - 900. Ex Spink, G. Powell Collection (VII 2000), lot 1417. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,006
Lot 3327		Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. AR Tetradrachm (13.47g) minted at Laodicea ad Mare in Syria, AD 207-208. Laureate head right of Septimius Severus. Reverse: Eagle standing facing, head left, wings spread, holding laurel wreath in beak; between legs, star-shaped light. Prieur 1139. Toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $450 - 650. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 3328		Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. AE 25 minted at Odessus in Thrace. Laureate head right of Septimius Severus. Reverse: The Great God (Zeus?) sacrificing to left and holding cornucopiae. SNG Cop 672. Even dark brown patina. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3329		Septimius Severus AD 193-211. AE 27 mm. Provincial issue of Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior. Cuirassed and laureate bust of the emperor facing right. Reverse: Athena standing left holding patera over lighted alter. SNG Berlin ---; GIC ---. The fields have been expertly smoothed. Glossy dark green patina. Sharpness of Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3330		Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. Lot of 3 High Grade Denarii. Consists of: RIC 514; RIC 200; RIC 261. Coins grade Superb Extremely Fine or better. Lot of 3 coins. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $380
Lot 3331		Julia Domna, mother of Caracalla, AD 198-217. AR Antoninianus minted at Rome, AD 211-217. Diademed and draped bust right of Julia Domna, resting on a crescent. Reverse: Venus seated left, extending right hand and holding scepter. RIC Vol. IV, Part I, p. 274, 388(a) [as Scarce]; C. 211. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3332		Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. AR Denarius minted c. AD 196-211, likely at Laodicea. Draped bust right of Julia Domna. Reverse: Pudicitia seated left. Cf. RIC 576; C. 168. Beautifully toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $357
Lot 3333		Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 197. Draped bust right of Julia Domna. Reverse: Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter; at feet, peacock. RIC 856 [as Scarce]; C. 98. An absolutely glorious portrait of the youthful empress graces this coin. There is some smoothing in the fields, which reveals a lovely dark green patina. Extremely Fine/Very Fine. This collector formed a beautiful suite of empresses as portrayed on Roman coins. They are often overlooked, but when studied, a wonderful specialization can be made of just the Imperial queens. This cataloguer's first foray into their history and great inner strength came from a Southern California collector who focused only on this category. While this youth was not able to acquire any of her coins directly, one of her main references was purchased for his library and remains there today: Jacques Boergas de Serviez, "The Roman Empresses: The History of the Lives and Secret Intrigues of the Wives of the Twelve Caesars with Historical and Critical Notes," two volumes, New York, 1925. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. Ex Spink, G. Powell Collection (VII 2000), lot 1418. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 3334		Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 211. Draped bust right of Julia Domna. Reverse: Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter; at feet, peacock. RIC 584; BMC 206. Pleasing, glossy, dark brown patina with some smoothing in the fields; generally quite attractive. Very Fine/Nice Fine. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Ex Spink, G. Powell Collection (VII 2000), lot 1419. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3335		Caracalla, AD 198-217. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 108. Laureate head right of the emperor. Reverse: Caracalla on horseback, right, holding spear, captive in front. RIC 108; C-510. Virtually as stuck and lustrous. Extremely Fine/Very Fine. Struck from worn reverse dies. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $184
Lot 3336		Caracalla, AD 198-217. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, c. AD 211. Laureate, bearded bust right of Caracalla, left shoulder draped. Reverse: Victory standing right, left foot on helmet, ereting trophy; to right, Brittanica standing facing, bound captive seated left at her feet. Sear 6958; RIC 464 (R2) corr. (Victory standing left). Very rare. Glossy reddish brown patina. Light smoothing in fields. Extremely Fine. A splendid example of one of the most coveted issues of Caracalla. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3337		Caracalla, AD 198-217. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 215. Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right of Caracalla. Reverse: Caracalla in military dress, standing left, holding spear with foot on crocodile; opposite him, Isis advances right, holding out two grain ears in right hand, sistrum in left. RIC 544 [as R2]; C. 334. Even, medium dark brown patina with a forceful portrait. Choice Very Fine. This very rare coin commemorates the imperial visit to Alexandria during Caracalla's sole reign, AD 212-217. Estimated Value $500 - 750. Ex G. Powell collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 3338		Caracalla, AD 198-217. AE 27 (12.69g) minted at Nicopolis in Moesia Inferior, AD 201-204. By Aurelius Gallus. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right of young Caracalla. Reverse: Dionysus standing left, leaning on long scepter and dangling bunch of grapes over panther seated left. AMNG I 1549. Beautiful green patina. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 500. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $546
Lot 3339		Caracalla, AD 198-217. AE 29 (15.53g) minted at Serdica in Thrace. Commemorating the British victory. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right of Caracalla. Reverse: Geta standing right and Caracalla standing left, each with a foot on a kneeling captive; between, trophy on shaft. Cf. Varbanov 2233 (different bust type and reverse legend configuration). Attractive green patina. Old scrape affecting upper portion of reverse legend. Choice Very Fine and very rare. Estimated Value $350 - 450. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 3340		Caracalla, AD 198-217. AE 31 minted at Serdica. Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right of Caracalla. Reverse: Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae. Cf. SNG Cop 793-799 (but all are different reverse figures and do not include our Fortuna). Dark, greenish-brown patina. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3341		Plautilla, wife of Caracalla. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 204. Draped bust right of Plautilla. Reverse: Venus standing left, holding apple and palm, and resting on shield; at her feet, Cupid. Sear 7064; RIC 369. Full flan. Nearly Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $350 - 450. Ex Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 1, 10 March 1995, lot 553; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $201
Lot 3342		Plautilla, wife of Caracalla, AD 198-217. AR Denarius minted at Laodicea ad Mare. Draped bust right of Plautilla. Reverse: Concordia seated left, holding patera and cornuacopiae. RIC 370 [as Scarce]; C. 7. Toned, Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $184
Lot 3343		Geta, AD 209-212. AR Denarius, minted as Caesar at Laodicea Ad Mare, c. AD 198-200. Bare-headed and draped bust of Geta right. Reverse: Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising skirt. RIC 96; C-192. Lovely style with delicate toning. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3344		Geta, AD 209-212. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 211. Laureate head right of mature Caracalla. Reverse: Janus standing facing, resting on spear and holding thunderbolt. Sear 7251; RIC 79. Very scarce and interesting. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 350. Ex Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 2, 31 January 1996, lot 575; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $228
Lot 3345		Macrinus, AD 217-218. AR Antoninianus, mint of Rome. Radiate head of Marinus facing right. Reverse: Fides standing front, head left, between two standards and holds two more, one in each hand. RIC 69; C-27; BMC 13. Well struck with excellent details and full legends. Lightly toned and Rare. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,104
Lot 3346		Macrinus, AD 217-218. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 217. Laureate, cuirassed bust right of Macrinus with short beard. Reverse: Fides standing left, holding standard in each hand; on either side, two additional standards. RSC 26; RIC 68. Lightly toned. Nearly Extremely Fine / Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $250 - 325. Ex Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 1, 10 March 1995, lot 567; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $414
Lot 3347		Macrinus, AD 217-218. AE Sestertius minted at Rome, AD 217. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right of Macrinus, with older features and long beard Reverse: Fides standing facing, head right, right foot on helmet, holding standard in each hand. RIC 141; cf. Sear 7387 (obverse portrait lacks cuirass). Apple green patina. Some light smoothing in fields. Very pleasing, most attractive example! Choice Very Fine and rare. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,910
Lot 3348		Diadumenian, AD 218. Gold Aureus (7.22 g) minted at Rome as Caesar, AD 217-218, by his father, Macrinus. Bareheaded, cuirassed and draped bust right of Diadumenian. Reverse: Diadumenian standing left, head right, holding standard and scepter; two more standards in right field. RIC 104 [as R4]; Calicó 2982; C. 2. Probably fewer than 20 known. Excellent portrait on a large, round flan. Burnishing in the fields and expertly repaired. Sharpness of Extremely Fine. One of roughly 20 aurei known minted with Diadumenian's portrait! He was nine or ten years old when this coin was distributed from the mint at Rome. Estimated Value $10,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 3349		Diadumenian. AD 217-218. AR Denarius minted at Rome as Caesar. Draped bust right of Diadumenian, head bare. Reverse: Spes walking left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. Sear 7450; RSC 21; RIC 116. Toned. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 3350		Macrinus & Diadumenian, AD 217-218. AE 5 Assaria (10.35g) minted at Marcianopolis in Moesia Inferior. By the legate Pontianus. Laureate head right of Macrinus facing bare head left of Diadumenian. Reverse: Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae; to right, E (mark of value). Cf. SNG Copenhagen 225 (busts draped and cuirassed). An exceptionally nice example of this interesting coinage. Pleasing green patina. Nearly Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $300 - 400. Ex Freeman & Sear Fixed Price List 3, Summer 1995, lot C090; The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $161
Lot 3351		Diadumenian, AD 218. AE 24 minted at Deultum. Bare-headed and draped bust right of Diadumenian as Caesar. Reverse: City founder plowing to right with two oxen. Unpublished? Dark, glossy green patina with excellent portrait. Very Fine to Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $322
Lot 3352		Elagabalus, AD 218-222. AR Antoninianus, mint of Rome, undated. Radiate and draped bust, right. Reverse: Jupiter, naked except for cloak hanging from shoulder, holds thunderbolt and scepter; at feet left, eagle; on right, two standards. RIC 90; C-66. Nicely toned. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3353		Aquilia Severa, wife of Elagabalus, AD 218-222. AR Denarius minted at Rome. Draped bust right of Aquilia Severa. Reverse: Concordia standing left, holding patera and cornuacopiae; altar at feet; in left field, star. RIC Vol. IV, Part II, p. 47, 225 [as Scarce]; C. 2. Choice Very Fine. Aquilia Severa was the second wife of Elagabalus. While the coins of Annia Faustina, his third wife, are of great rarity, Aquilia Severa's emissions are seldom seen. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $230
Lot 3354		Julia Maesa and Julia Mamaea. AR Denarii. Consists of: Maesa, grandmother of Elagabalus, RIC 268 (Sear 7756); Mamaea, mother of Severus Alexander, RIC 338 (Sear 8208). Each grades Superb EF/VF. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $276
Lot 3355		Severus Alexander, AD 222-235. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 229. Laureate head right of Severus Alexander, left shoulder draped. Reverse: Mars walking left, holding branch. RSC 365a; RIC 92 var. Lightly toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $200 - 250. Ex A. Lynn Collection; Trition IV, 5-6 December 2000, lot 631. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $115
Lot 3356		Severus Alexander, AD 222-235. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 232. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right of Severus Alexander. Reverse: Spes walking left, holding flower and raising skirt. Sear 7927; RIC 254. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $200 - 300. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $138
Lot 3357		Severus Alexander, AD 222-235. AR Denarius minted at Rome, AD 233. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right of Severus Alexander. Reverse: Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae. Sear 7879; RIC 243. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $200 - 300. The Joseph Melchione Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $138
Lot 3358		Severus Alexander. 4-piece lot of AR Denarii. Consists of: RIC 55 (Sear 7899); RIC 160 (Sear 7884); RIC 235 (Sear 7870); RIC 254 (Sear 7870). All coins are Extremely Fine. Lot of 4 coins. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details	Realized $483
Lot 3359		Severus Alexander, AD 222-235. A Lot of 3 High Grade Denarii. Consists of: RIC 250; RIC 246; RIC 120. All are Superb Extremely Fine or better . Lot of 3 coins. Nearly Mint State. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $449
Lot 3360		Orbiana, wife of Severus Alexander, AD 222-235. AR Denarius minted at Rome. Diademed and draped bust right of Orbiana. Reverse: Concordia enthroned left, holding patera and cornuacopiae. RIC IV, Part 2 (Severus Alexander), 319 [as Scarce]; BMC 287. Superb Extremely Fine. Lovely portrait struck in high relief. One of the finest denarii portraying this scarce empress we have ever offered. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 3361		Orbiana, wife of Severus Alexander, AD 222-235. AR Denarius minted at Rome. Diademed and draped bust right of Orbiana. Reverse: Concordia seated left, holding patera and cornuacopiae. RIC 319 [as Scarce]; C. 1. Some flatness on reverse due to worn reverse die. Lightly toned with an excellent portrait. Extremely Fine/Very Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $483

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