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Sale 80
June Pre Long Beach Sale
| Denarii Collection - Roman Empire cont'd |
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| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 3175 |
 |
Pertinax. Silver Denarius (3.46 g), AD 193. Rome. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head of Pertinax right. Reverse : LAETITIA TEMPOR COS II, Laetitia standing facing, head left, holding wreath and scepter. RIC 4a; BMC 8-9; RSC 20. Lovely old cabinet toning with hints of iridescense. A fantastic needle sharp portrait! An incredible example of this important raritiy and certainly one of the finest extant. Superb Extremely Fine.
Pertinax rose from humble beginnings to the highest echelons of administration, having served as a successful general and subsequently governor of several important provinces. At the time of Commodus' murder, he was Prefect of Rome. Upon his elevation on 1 January AD 193, Pertinax immediately began a series of legal and fiscal reforms, which although sound were unpopular with the corrupt officials then serving in the highest administrative posts in the Empire. This quickly led to an attempted coup, led by his co-consul Sosius Falco just two days after his accession. While the first coup was put down, a second was just beginning, and it came to a head on 28 March when the praetorians stormed the imperial palace and murdered the 66-year-old Pertinax. His reign had lasted a mere 86 days. The guardsmen paraded his decapitated head on a lance through the streets of Rome, but this heinous deed would shortly condemn them as when Septimius Severus arrived in Rome he tricked the Praetorians into assembling unarmed, then dismissed and banished the entire Guard under threat from his Illyrian troops.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
Ex MMAG 92 (25 November 2002), 119; Sternberg XXIX (30 October 1995), 478; Bank Leu 28 (5 May 1981), 479.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$29,375 |
Lot 3176 |
 |
Didia Clara. Silver Denarius (2.35 g), Augusta, AD 193. Rome, under Didius Julianus. DIDIA CLA-RA AVG, draped bust of Didia Clara right. Reverse : HILAR T-EMPOR, Hilaritas standing facing, head left, holding long palm and cornucopiae. RIC 10; BMC 14; RSC 3. Boldly struck and well centered with an incredibly sharp portrait of Didia Clara. Extremely rare and one of the finest known!. Extremely Fine.
Other than the fact that Didia Clara, the daughter of Didius Julianus and Manlia Scantilla, was a remarkable beauty and an only child, very little is known about either her life or her personality. On her father's accession, she was granted the title of Augusta, and we also know that she married Sextus Cornelius Repentinus, a career politician who became prefect of Rome during her father's short reign. However, her subsequent fate as well as the fate of her husband after her father was overthrown by Septimius Severus is unknown.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$6,169 |
Lot 3177 |
 |
Pescennius Niger. Silver Denarius (3.23 g), AD 193-194. Antioch. IMP CAES C PESCEN NIGER IVST AVG, laureate head of Pescennius Niger right. Reverse : BONA-E SPEI, Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. Cf. RIC 3c (obv. legend ends AV); cf. BMC 298 (same); cf. RSC 8 (same). Boldly struck with an incredible portrait of Pescennius, all with lovely old cabinet toning. Very rare and a candidate for finest known!. Superb Extremely Fine.
From the scarcity of it today it would seem that Pescennius Niger's coinage was originally very limited. However, the enormous number of minor varieties - such as the remarkably well struck example offered here - shows that this is in fact not the case, and that output must have been monumental. No catalogue of his coinage is without numerous lacunae. The mints involved were, of course, in the East, Niger's primary imperial mint based at Antioch where he held court, and probably a subsidiary mint based at Caesarea in Cappadocia. After three successive defeats at the hands of his rival, Septimius Severus, Niger was finally captured and executed along with his entire family in AD 194. It appears that Severus then ordered the recall of Niger's coinage, and his instructions were meticulously followed.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
Ex Imagines Imperatorvm Sale (Aureo & Calicó, 8 February 2012), 138.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$19,975 |
Lot 3178 |
 |
Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (3.20 g), AD 193-211. Emesa, AD 194/5. IMP CAE L SEP SE-V PERT AVG COS II, laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : FELICITAS TEMPOR, gain ear between crossed cornuacopiae. RIC 374a; BMC 347, note; RSC 141b. Area of weakness on the borders from 6 to 9 o'clock and on the corresponding reverse not effecting the legends. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
Ex A. Lynn Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$400 |
Lot 3179 |
 |
Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (2.7 g), AD 193-211. Laodicea ad Mare, AD 198-200. L SEPT SEV AVG I-MP XI PART MA-X, laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : COS I-I P P, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 503a; BMC 655-6; RSC 96. Boldly struck and well centered on a nice full size flan. Intricately detailed portrait. Lustrous with delicate iridescent toning. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$881 |
Lot 3180 |
 |
Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (3.48 g), AD 193-211. Rome, AD 200. SEVERVS AVG PART MAX, laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : PROVID AVGG, Providentia standing facing, head left, holding wand over globe and scepter. RIC 166; BMC 197; RSC 586. Well struck on a full flan, nicely toned with hints of iridescense. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
Ex A. Lynn Collection; CNG 50 (23 June 1999), 1563.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$235 |
Lot 3181 |
 |
Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (3.16 g), AD 193-211. Rome, ca. AD 200/1. SEVERVS AVG PART MAX, laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : RESTITVTOR VRBIS, emperor standing facing, head left, sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar, holding inverted spear. RIC 167a; BMC 202; RSC 599. Well struck with a finely defined portrait, lightly toned. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
Ex A. Lynn Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$188 |
Lot 3182 |
 |
Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (3.50 g), AD 193-211. Rome, AD 203. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : P M TR P XI COS III P P, Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopiae; below seat, wheel. RIC 189b; BMC 432-3; RSC 461. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex A. Lynn Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$270 |
Lot 3183 |
 |
Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (3.37 g), AD 193-211. Rome, AD 210/1. SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : VICTORIAE B-RIT, Victory seated left on shield, balancing shield set on knee and holding palm. RIC 335; BMC 61-2; RSC 731. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine.
In AD 208 Septimius Severus led his legions into Britian with the intent to subdue Caledonia. According to Dio Cassius, "Severus invaded Caledonia. But as he advanced through the country he experienced countless hardships in cutting down the forests, leveling the heights, filling up the swamps, and bridging the rivers; but he fought no battle and beheld no enemy in battle array" (Romaika, lxxvii.13.1-2). Thus the Caledonians seemingly conducted a successful guerrilla defense, although this did not prevent them from eventually seeking terms in AD 210, which Severus granted on condition they relinquish control of the Central Lowlands. Later in the year the Caledonians joined with another tribe, the Maeatae, revolted and resumed the war with the Romans.
During the entirety of the British campaign, Severus suffered heavily from gout and had to be carried on a litter. He fell fatally ill early in AD 211 and was evacuated to Eboracum, modern York, where he died on 4 February. Although Caracalla continued to campaign in Caledonia into AD 212, his attentions were called for elsewhere and he soon made peace with the native Britons.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
Ex A. Lynn Collection; Freeman & Sear 7 (22 February 2002), 505.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$317 |
Lot 3184 |
 |
Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (3.45 g), AD 193-211. Rome, AD 210/1. SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : VICTORIA-E BRIT, Victory standing facing, head right, holding long palm and resting hand on small round shield attached to palm tree. RIC 336; BMC 57; RSC 730. Lightly toned and very scarce. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex A. Lynn Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$447 |
Lot 3185 |
 |
Divus Septimius Severus. Silver Denarius (3.59 g), died AD 211. Rome, under Caracalla and Geta, AD 211. DIVO SEVERO PIO, bare head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse : CONSE-CRATIO, multi-tiered funeral pyre surmounted by facing quadriga. RIC 191F; BMC 27; RSC 89. Rare. Well struck on a full size flan with lovely old cabinet toning. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
Ex A. Lynn Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$823 |
Lot 3186 |
 |
Julia Domna. Silver Denarius (2.80 g), Augusta, AD 193-217. Laodicea ad Mare, under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, ca. AD 198-202. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust of Julia Domna right. Reverse : HIL-A-RITAS, Hilaritas standing facing, head left, holding long palm and cornucopiae. RIC IV 639 (Severus); BMCRE 600 (Severus); RSC 72. Boldly struck and well centered, lightly toned. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg (5 February 2013), 4494.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$153 |
Lot 3187 |
 |
Julia Domna, with Geta, as Caesar. Silver Denarius (3.22 g), Augusta, AD 193-217. Rome, under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, AD 201/2. IVLIA AVGSTA, draped bust of Julia Domna right. Reverse : P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta right. RIC 571; BMC 60; RSC 1. Very Rare. Lightly toned. About Extremely Fine.
The dynastic types of the Severan dynasty have long been favorites amongst collectors of Roman Imperial coinage. They come in various permutations, different metals, and from different Imperial mints. The purpose was to legitimate the Severan dynasty after the tumultuous reign of Commodus and the subsequent years of civil war, and to sustain the idea of dynastic rule that had been reestablished by Marcus Aurelius, whom Severus claimed was his father. It appears that all of the Severan dynastic issues were struck at the same time, in AD 201/2, at the time that Severus and Caracalla assumed the joint consulate for AD 202.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$3,525 |
Lot 3188 |
 |
Caracalla. Silver Denarius (2.9 g), as Caesar, AD 196-198. Rome, under Septimius Severus, AD 200. ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate and draped bust of Caracalla right. Reverse : PONTIF TR P III, Caracalla, as Sol, standing facing, head left, holding globe and inverted spear. RIC 30b; BMC 179-83; RSC 413. Well struck and well centered on a full flan with intricate detail. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), 3576.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$247 |
Lot 3189 |
 |
Caracalla, with Geta, as Caesar. Silver Denarius (3.13 g), AD 198-209. Laodicea ad Mare, ca. AD 199. IMP CAE M AVR A-NT AVG P TR P II, laureate and draped bust of Caracalla right. Reverse : P SEPTIMIVS GETA CAES, bare-headed and draped bust of Geta right. RIC -; BMC -; RSC -; CNG 90, 1617 (same rev. die); MMAG XXV, 625 (same obv. die). Very Rare. Full legends, lightly toned Unrecorded in the standard references, and seemingly one of only three or four known specimens. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$4,348 |
Lot 3190 |
 |
Caracalla. Silver Denarius (3.8 g), AD 198-217. Laodicea ad Mare, AD 200/1. ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right, slight drapery on far shoulder, breastplate decorated with small aegis. Reverse : VIRT AVGG, Virtus standing facing, head left, holding Victory and inverted spear. RIC -; BMC -; RSC 664b. Scarce. Fine style, virtually as struck and lustrous. Nearly Mint State.
A remarkable bust type for the young Caracalla, noted only for this issue from Laodicea (see Hess-Leu 41, 24 April 1969, 313).
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,028 |
Lot 3191 |
 |
Caracalla. Silver Denarius (3.26 g), AD 198-217. Rome, AD 212. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head of Caracalla right. Reverse : PM TR P XV COS III P P, armored elephant walking right. RIC 199; BMC 47; RSC 208. Scarce. Virtually as struck on a nice full flan. Lustrous surfaces, delicately toned. Nearly Mint State.
The elephant on this coin likely represents a beast presented for the public games held in AD 212. By this time in Roman history the elephant was quite a familiar creature, legionaries having first encountered elephants at the Battle of Heraclea against Pyrrhos of Epiros in 280 BC. Unlike the Greeks who used the beasts primarily for military purposes - one might think of the elephant as the ancient version of the tank - the Romans most often used the animal in triumphal processions and at public spectacles where, of course, many were brutally butchered for the enjoyment of the Roman mob. There was amongst some Romans, however, a certain awe or respect for these highly intelligent creatures. Pliny wrote "[the] elephant… in intelligence approaches the nearest to man. It understands the language of its country, it obeys commands, and it remembers all the duties which it has been taught. It is sensible alike of the pleasures of love and glory, and, to a degree that is rare among men even, possesses notions of honesty, prudence, and equity; it has a religious respect also for the stars, and a veneration for the sun and the moon." (Natural History, viii.1).
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
Ex NAC 46 (2 April 2008), 625.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$5,875 |
Lot 3192 |
 |
Caracalla. Silver Denarius (3.5 g), AD 198-217. Rome, AD 212/3. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head of Caracalla right. Reverse : PROFECTIO AVG, emperor, in military attire, standing right, holding spear; behind him, soldier standing right, holding vexillum. RIC 226; BMC 95-6; RSC 509. Lustrous. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), 3577.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$282 |
Lot 3193 |
 |
Caracalla. Silver Denarius (3.5 g), AD 198-217. Rome, AD 213. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head of Caracalla right. Reverse : P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P, Hercules, nude, standing facing, head left, holding branch, club and lion's skin. RIC 206a; BMC 48; RSC 220. Lustrous surfaces. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$259 |
Lot 3194 |
 |
Caracalla. Silver Denarius (2.97 g), AD 198-217. Rome, AD 215. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate head of Caracalla right. Reverse : P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Aesculapius standing facing, head left, resting serpent-entwined staff on ground; at feet to right, globe. RIC 251; BMC 103-4; RSC 302. Well struck on a nice full flan and perfectly centered. Lightly toned with hints of iridescense. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$200 |
Lot 3195 |
 |
Caracalla. Silver Denarius (3.5 g), AD 198-217. Rome, AD 215. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate head of Caracalla right. Reverse : P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Fides standing facing, head left, holding standard in either hand. RIC 266; BMC 143-5; RSC 315. Well struck and perfectly centered. Lightly toned with hints of iridescense. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$153 |
Lot 3196 |
 |
Geta. Silver Denarius (2.7 g), as Caesar, AD 198-209. Laodicea ad Mare, under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, AD 198-200. L SEPTIMIVS GETA CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta right. Reverse : SPEI PE-RPETVAE, Spes advancing left, holding flower and lifting hem of skirt. Cf. RIC 96 (bust); BMC 688; RSC 192a. Boldly struck on a full flan and fine style. Gorgeous iridescent toning on both sides. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,087 |
Lot 3197 |
 |
Geta. Silver Denarius (3.5 g), as Caesar, AD 198-209. Laodicea ad Mare, under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, AD 200-202. P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta right. Reverse : VICT AE-TE-R-N, Victory flying left, holding open diadem in both hands over shield set on low base. RIC 101; BMC 723; RSC 206. Well struck and well centered, delicately toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), 3581.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$734 |
Lot 3198 |
 |
Macrinus. Silver Denarius (3.5 g), AD 217-218. Rome. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Macrinus right. Reverse : FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head right, resting foot on globe, holding two standards. RIC 67; BMC 65; RSC 23f. Well struck and well centered on a large flan, lightly toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
The first equestrian to attain the throne of Rome, Macrinus was of Berber descent from Mauretania. He had been a notable jurist, served as an important bureaucrat under Septimius Severus, and under Caracalla became prefect of the Praetorian Guard. Suspecting that Caracalla would execute him because of a prophesy that told he would depose and succeed the emperor - and indeed, according to Dio Cassius, members of Macrinus' staff had been re-assigned by Caracalla - Macrinus feared for his life. He was thus perhaps involved in the murder of Caracalla in early April AD 217; he was certainly present during the event, although if he was involved he managed to deflect blame from himself. By April 11, Macrinus had proclaimed himself emperor and named his young son, Diadumenian, as Caesar.
Macrinus' short reign was marred by military incompetence and appeasement of Rome's enemies. The worst of these was his defeat by the historically inferior Parthians under Artabanos IV, and he forced to pay an enormous indemnity of 200 million sestertii in return for peace. This led to a loss of popularity with his legions, which was exploited by Caracalla's aunt, Julia Maesa, and his cousins, Julia Soaemias and Julia Mamaea. The Severan women had the soldiers of Legio III Gallica based at Raphana proclaim Soaemias's son, Elagabalus, emperor, and they marched on Macrinus' base at Antioch. Macrinus was soundly defeated after his troops deserted him, and he was subsequently captured and executed after fleeing towards Rome disguised as a courier.
Estimated Value $700 - 800.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,763 |
Lot 3199 |
 |
Diadumenian. Silver Denarius (2.80 g), as Caesar, AD 217-218. Rome, under Macrinus, AD 217. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed and draped bust of Diadumenian right. Reverse : PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian, in military attire, standing left, head right, holding standard and scepter; behind him, two standards. RIC 102; BMC 87-91; RSC 3. Virtually as struck, lustrous. Outstanding portraiture. Nearly Mint State.
This attractive silver denarius was struck in Rome soon after Diadumenian's elevation to the rank of Caesar, perhaps in celebration of his ninth birthday in September, AD 217. The obverse displays the Roman master of coin portraiture during the Severan era and wonderfully conveys the subject's youth and innocence. The reverse depicts Diadumenian standing amid Roman military standards in his role as 'Prince of Youth,' a title traditionally given to the heir to the imperial throne.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
Ex Goldberg 72 (5 February 2013), 4177; NAC 62 (16 June 2011), 2409; Gorny & Mosch 142 (10 October 2005), 2762.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$2,115 |
Lot 3200 |
 |
Diadumenian. Silver Denarius (3.21 g), as Caesar, AD 217-218. Rome, under Macrinus, AD 218. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Diadumenian right. Reverse : SPE-S PVBLICA, Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. RIC 117; BMC 92.3; RSC 21a. Well struck on both sides on a wide flan. Nice bold portrait with luster present. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
Ex CNG 79 (17 September 2008), 1154.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,469 |
Lot 3201 |
 |
Elagabalus. Silver Denarius (2.6 g), AD 218-222. Rome, AD 219/20. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust of Elagabalus right. Reverse : PAX AVGVSTI, Pax running left, holding branch and scepter. RIC 125; BMC 223-4; RSC 120. Well struck and lustrous, lightly toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg 72 (5 February 2013), 4519 (part).
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$141 |
Lot 3202 |
 |
Elagabalus. Silver Denarius (3.2 g), AD 218-222. Rome, AD 221/2. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust of Elagabalus right. Reverse : ABVNDAN-TIA AVG, Abundantia standing facing, head left, emptying contents from cornucopiae; in right field, star. RIC 56; BMC 189; RSC 1a. Boldly struck on a large flan, lightly toned. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg 72 (5 February 2013), 4519 (part).
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$705 |
Lot 3203 |
 |
Elagabalus. Silver Denarius (3.0 g), AD 218-222. Rome, AD 221/2. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust of Elagabalus right. Reverse : LIBERTAS AVG, Libertas standing facing, head left, holding pileus and scepter; in right field, star. RIC 107; BMC 221; RSC 92. Well struck on both sides and nicely centered. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$388 |
Lot 3204 |
 |
Elagabalus. Silver Denarius (3.1 g), AD 218-222. Rome, AD 221/2. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust of Elagabalus right, with 'horn' above forehead. Reverse : SVMMVS SACERDOS AVG, emperor standing facing, head left, sacrificing from patera over altar and holding branch; in left field, star. RIC 146; BMC 232-3; RSC 276. Well struck on both sides, lightly toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
The reverse presents Elagabalus as high priest of the Emesan sun god, El-Gabal, an office he had inherited (or perhaps purchased) through the machinations of his grandmother, Julia Maesa. Elagabalus brought the cult with him to Rome, but due to his religious fanatacism for the Emesan cult and his otherwise perverse eccentricities, he so offended the Roman populace that the Praetorians mutinied and murdered both the emperor and his mother, tossing their mutilated corpses into the Tiber to be washed out to sea.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg 72 (5 February 2013), 4519 (part).
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$541 |
Lot 3205 |
 |
Annia Faustina. Silver Denarius (3.22 g), Augusta, AD 221. Rome, under Elagabalus. ANNIA FAVSTINA AVG, draped bust of Annia Faustina right. Reverse : CONCORDIA, Elagabalus, togate, and Annia Faustina, draped, standing facing one another, clasping hands; between, star. RIC 232; BMC p. 570, †; RSC 1. A superb example, boldly struck with the head of Annia in high relief. Lovely bluish and rose iridescent tone. A fantastic coin and certainly a highlight of this important collection. Of the highest rarity, only the fifth specimen known and possibly the finest. One of the greatest rarities of the entire Imperial series. Extremely Fine.
Although of uncertain parentage, Annia Faustina was descended from the emperor Marcus Aurelius on both sides of her family. She shared a close personal friendship with the Severan matriarch and emperor Elagabalus' grandmother, Julia Maesa, who encouraged her to marry her grandson in an effort to help salvage his reputation, which at this point was considerably tarnished for having married a Vestal Virgin on top of numerous other offenses to Roman sensibilities. Although we do not know her motivations for doing so, Annia Faustina agreed to the marriage, this in spite of an age difference of a generation (she was at least twice as old as the prospective groom), and the fact that she was already married. She divorced her husband, who was promptly executed on trumped-up charges of treason, and consummated her marriage to Elagabalus in either June or July AD 221. The emperor soon grew tired of her, however, and they divorced before the year was over, her retiring to private life, and Elagabalus remarrying his second wife, Aquilia Severa.
A great rarity in the Roman series, there are but five denarii of Annia Faustina known, two of which reside in museum collections (Paris and Madrid). The other two examples that are available to collectors, Leu 22, 316 = Jameson Collection, 214 and Gorny & Mosch 155, 342, share the same dies as our specimen.
Estimated Value $100,000-UP.
Ex NAC 64 (17-18 May 2012), 1226; Triton XII (5 January 2009), 704.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$223,250 |
Lot 3206 |
 |
Julia Maesa. Silver Denarius (2.4 g), Augusta, AD 218-224/5. Rome, under Elagabalus, AD 218-220. IVLIA MAESA AVG, draped bust of Julia Maesa right. Reverse : FECVNDI-TAS AVG, Fecunditas standing facing, head left, extending hand over small child standing facing her and holding cornucopiae. RIC 249; BMC 61; RSC 8. Well struck and well centered, delicately toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$588 |
Lot 3207 |
 |
Julia Soaemias. Silver Denarius (2.88 g), Augusta, AD 218-222. Rome, under Elagabalus, AD 218-220. IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG, draped bust of Julia Soaemias right. Reverse : VENVS CAELESTIS, Venus seated left, holding apple and scepter; at her feet, child standing right. RIC 243; BMC 55-60; RSC 14. Scarce. Well struck and perfectly centered. Lustrous and delicately toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $600 - 700.
Ex NAC 39 (16 May 2007), 144.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$435 |
Lot 3208 |
 |
Severus Alexander. Silver Denarius (2.5 g), AD 222-235. Rome, AD 225. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust of Severus Alexander right. Reverse : P M TR P IIII COS P P, Mars advancing right, carrying spear and holding trophy over far shoulder. RIC 45; BMC 246-9; RSC 260. Boldly struck with the portrait in high relief, lustrous. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
Ex Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), 3598.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$106 |
Lot 3209 |
 |
Severus Alexander. Silver Denarius (3.0 g), AD 222-235. Rome, AD 226. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust of Severus Alexander right. Reverse : PAX AVG, Pax advancing left, holding olive branch and scepter. RIC 168; BMC 363-367; RSC 187. Lustrous. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
Ex Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), 3599.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$153 |
Lot 3210 |
 |
Severus Alexander. Silver Denarius (3.0 g), AD 222-235. Rome, AD 227. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust of Severus Alexander right. Reverse : P M TR P VI C-OS P P, Mars advancing right, carrying spear and holding trophy over far shoulder. RIC 61; BMC 409-13; RSC 305. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
Ex Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), 3589.
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| Realized
$112 |
Lot 3211 |
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Severus Alexander. Silver Denarius (3.2 g), AD 222-235. Rome, AD 229. IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate head of Severus Alexander right. Reverse : P M TR P VIII C-OS III P P, Mars advancing left, carrying olive branch, spear and shield. RIC 92; BMC 603-5; RSC 365. Lustrous with a delicate golden tone. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $150 - 200.
Ex Goldberg 69 (29 May 2012), 3591.
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| Realized
$188 |
Lot 3212 |
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Severus Alexander. Silver Denarius (3.9 g), AD 222-235. Rome, AD 232. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust of Severus Alexander right. Reverse : MARS VLTOR, Mars advancing right, holding spear and shield. RIC 246; BMC 837; RSC 161c. Boldly struck on a large flan and lustrous. Mint State.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
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| Realized
$517 |
Lot 3213 |
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Severus Alexander. Silver Denarius (3.01 g), AD 222-235. Rome, AD 232. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right. Reverse : SPES PVBLICA, Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. RIC 254; BMC 897-900; RSC 546. Well struck and lustrous, lightly toned. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
Ex Davisson's 29 (16 December 2010), 66.
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| Realized
$270 |
Lot 3214 |
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Severus Alexander. Silver Denarius (3.26 g), AD 222-235. Rome, AD 233. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right. Reverse : P M TR P X-II COS III P P, Sol advancing left, extending arm and holding whip. RIC 120; BMC 930-1; RSC 440. Boldly struck on both sides, well centered and lustrous. Mint State.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
Ex Lanz 150 (13 December 2010), 358.
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| Realized
$470 |
Lot 3215 |
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Orbiana. Silver Denarius (3.16 g), Augusta, AD 225-227. Rome, under Severus Alexander, AD 225. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust of Orbiana right. Reverse : CONCORDI-A AVGG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 319; BMC 287-90; RSC 1. Rare. Nice and bold with the portrait in high relief, all perfectly centered. Virtually as struck, lustrous and lightly toned. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
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| Realized
$3,878 |
Lot 3216 |
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Maximinus I 'Thrax'. Silver Denarius (3.41 g), AD 235-238. Rome, AD 235/6. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximinus I right. Reverse : PROVIDE-NTIA AVG, Providentia standing facing, head left, holding wand over globe at feet to left and cornucopiae. RIC 13; BMC 15-6; RSC 77. Boldly struck on a huge flan and lustrous. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
Ex Helios 2 (25-26 November 2008), 360.
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| Realized
$353 |
Lot 3217 |
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Maximinus I 'Thrax'. Silver Denarius (3.3 g), AD 235-238. Rome, AD 235/6. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximinus I right. Reverse : S-ALVS AVGVSTI, Salus seated left, feeding from patera serpent coiled around altar, resting elbow on side of throne. RIC 14; BMC 21-2; RSC 85. Needle sharp with a deep reddish tone. Superb Extremely Fine.
This denarius utilizes an early, idealized portrait of Maximinus that resembles Severus Alexander. His later coin portraits are more true-to-life, showing his large chin and and other heavy facial features. According to the ancient author and contemporary, Herodian, Maximinus was "of such frightening appearance and colossal size that there is no obvious comparison to be drawn with any of the best-trained Greek athletes or warrior elite of the barbarians" (Herodian vii.1.2). This has lead some modern researchers to suspect that Maximinus suffered from some form of growth disorder, such as gigantism or acromegaly.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
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| Realized
$317 |
Lot 3218 |
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Maximinus I 'Thrax'. Silver Denarius (3.0 g), AD 235-238. Rome, AD 235/6. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximinus I right. Reverse : VICTO-R-I-A AVG, Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm. RIC 16; BMC 25-6; RSC 99. Boldly struck on both sides and perfectly centered, attractively toned. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
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| Realized
$852 |
Lot 3219 |
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Diva Paulina. Silver Denarius (2.5 g), died ca. AD 235. Rome, under Maximinus I, AD 236. DIVA PAVLINA, veiled and draped bust of Paulina right. Reverse : CONSECRATIO, peacock in full splendor standing facing, head left. RIC 1; BMC 135; RSC 1. Rare. A marvelous portrait of Paulina! Luster present, all delicately toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
Paulina was the wife of the Thracian emperor, Maximinus I, and predeceased his elevation to the throne in AD 235. In 236 Maximinus elevated his young son, Maximus, to the rank of Caesar and had Paulina deified by the Roman Senate.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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| Realized
$1,880 |
Lot 3220 |
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Maximus. Silver Denarius (3.5 g), Caesar, AD 235-238. Rome, AD 236/7. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bare-headed and draped bust of Maximus right. Reverse : PRINC IVVENTVTIS, prince standing left, holding baton and transverse spear; behind, two standards. RIC 3; BMC 211-2; RSC 10. Wonderful detailed portrait of Maximus. Luster present and delicately toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Rare.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
Ex Wolfen Family Foundation Collection (Goldberg 72, 5 February 2013), 4183; NFA, early 1970s.
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| Realized
$2,056 |
Lot 3221 |
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Gordian I Africanus. Silver Denarius (3.19 g), AD 238. Rome. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian I right. Reverse : P M T-R P COS P P, emperor, togate, standing facing, head left, holding branch and short scepter. RIC 1; BMC 1-3; RSC 2. An exceptional example, needle sharp with an amazing portrait of the emperor. Luster present and delicately toned. Very rare and one of the finest specimens known. Nearly Mint State.
Discontent with the rule of Maximinus I, who was viewed as a barbarian by Rome's elite and was generally hated otherwise due to heavy taxation to finance his military operations against the Germans and Sarmatians, led to three serious revolts. The first two were ruthlessly suppressed. The third started in Africa, where wealthy landowners revolted against the heavy financial burdens imposed by a corrupt local treasury official who was using false judgments for extortion. The landowners equipped their clients and farmhands with whatever weapons and farm tools were handy, slew the offending treasury official and his bodyguard, then proclaimed the aging governor, Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus, and his son as co-emperors. The Senate in Rome quickly backed the cause of the African landowners, affirming the elevation of Gordian I and Gordian II as co-emperors. Upon hearing the news of the revolt, Maximinus, who was wintering in Sirmium, prepared his armies and marched on Rome.
The reign of the Gordiani was short-lived, lasting at most a mere 36 days. Capellianus, the governor of Numidia, controlled the only legion in the area and nursed a long-standing grudge against the Gordiani. He assembled his troops, the veteran legio III Augusta, and marched on Carthage where he easily overwhelmed the ragtag forces of the Gordiani. Gordian II was killed in the fighting, and on hearing the news his son's death and the annihilation of the local levies, the elder Gordian hanged himself.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
Ex A Gentleman's Collection (Triton XII, 5 January 2009), 719; Tkalec (18 February 2002), 218.
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| Realized
$14,688 |
Lot 3222 |
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Gordian II Africanus. Silver Denarius (3.03 g), AD 238. Rome. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian II right. Reverse : VICTO-RIA AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 2; BMC 28; RSC 12. Very Rare. Well struck, perfectly centered and lightly toned. A marvelous example of this important issue. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
Ex A Gentleman's Collection (Triton XII, 5 January 2009), 722; Tkalec (18 February 2002), 219.
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| Realized
$8,519 |
Lot 3223 |
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Pupienus. Silver Denarius (3.2 g), AD 238. Rome. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Pupienus right. Reverse : PAX PVBLICA, Pax seated left, holding olive branch and scepter. RIC 4; BMC 46; RSC 22. Rare. Boldly struck and well centered with an outstanding, well detailed portrait. Lustrous. Mint State.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
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| Realized
$8,225 |
Lot 3224 |
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Pupienus. Silver Denarius (3.60 g), AD 238. Rome. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Pupienus right. Reverse : P M TR P COS II P P, emperor, togate, standing facing, head left, holding branch and parazonium. RIC 5; BMC 50; RSC 29. Rare. Well struck and well centered, all lightly toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
Ex Goldberg 72 (5 February 2013), 4534.
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| Realized
$2,468 |
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