weight 12,81gr. ; copper Ø 28mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, around the text;
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS III PP
rev. Aequitas standing facing, head left, holding scales and cornucopiae,
AEQVITAS at left, AVGVST at right, S - C across field

Cohen 7 ; RIC 77 ; BMC 127 ; Sear 3060
good portrait and beautiful darkgreen patina
vf+/vf

weight 10,09 gr. ; silver 25mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, around the text;
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR POT PP COS IIII 
rev. Distyle temple containing the standing figures of Nerva crowned by female deity,
COM - ASIA at either side of temple, ROMA ET AVG on entablature

Cohen- (cf.14) ; RIC 123 RR
vf

weight 10,04gr. ; silver Ø 25mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right 
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P POT PP
rev. Distyle temple of Diana of Perge containing cultus-statue on base,
DIANA PERG on entablature

The Pamphylian city of Perge possessed a celebrated temple of Artemis (Diana), built in the Ionic order. It is known to have stood on high ground outside the city but, surprisingly, its exact site has never been found.

Cohen 42 ; RIC 116 ; BMC 83 ; Sear 3015 RR
Wonderful historical coin with good portrait and attractive toning.
Very rare.
vf/xf

weight 10,54gr. ; silver Ø 25mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, surrounded by the legend;  
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P POT PP
rev. Legionary eagle (aquila) between two standards, one (l.) surmounted
by hand and the other (r.) surmounted by banner, COS at left, III at right

♦ Amazing coin with excellent portrait of Nerva ♦

Cohen 44 ; RIC 118 ; BMC 80 ; Woytek p. 71, Typ 1 and Taf. 18, 1 ;
RPC III No.1298 ; Sear 3017 R
Very rare this nice.
xf-

weight 24,40gr. ; bronze Ø 32mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, around the text;
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS III PP
rev. Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae,
FORTVNA at left, AVGVST at right, S - C across field

Fortuna (equivalent to the Greek goddess Tyche) was the goddess of fortune and the personification of luck in Roman religion. Fortuna is often depicted with a gubernaculum (ship′s rudder), a ball or Rota Fortunae (wheel of fortune) and a cornucopia (horn of plenty).

Cohen 67 ; RIC 83 ; BMC 107 ; cf. Sear 3045
Beautiful specimen with attractive dark greenbrown patina
and wonderful portrait. Hard to find this nice.
xf-

weight 10,72gr. ; copper Ø 26mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, around the text; 
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS III PP
rev. Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae,
S - C across field, around the text: FORTVNA AVGVST

Fortuna (equivalent to the Greek goddess Tyche) was the goddess of fortune and the personification of luck in Roman religion. Fortuna is often depicted with a gubernaculum (ship′s rudder), a ball or Rota Fortunae (wheel of fortune) and a cornucopia (horn of plenty).

Cohen 68 ; RIC 83 ; cf. Sear 3062
vf-

weight 27,88gr. ; orichalcum Ø 32mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, around the text;
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS II DESIGN III PP
rev. Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and short
sceptre, pointing up slightly to right, in left hand, around the text;
LIBERTAS PVBLICA, S - C across field

Cohen 110 ; RIC 76 ; BMC 18 ; Sear - (cf. 3048) R
vf-

weight 20,26gr. ; copper Ø 33mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P II COS III PP
rev. Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and short
sceptre, pointing up slightly to right, in left hand, surrounded by the legend;
LIBERTAS PVBLICA

Cohen 118 ; RIC 100 ; BMC 135 ; Sear 3050var.
Minor flan crack. Good portrait.
vf-

weight 11,55gr. ; copper Ø 28,5mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P II COS III PP
rev. Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and short
sceptre, pointing up slightly to right, in left hand, surrounded by the legend;
LIBERTAS PVBLICA

Cohen 119 ; RIC 100 ; BMC 143 ; Sear 3064var.
Attractive dark brown patina. Good portrait.
vf

weight 23,88gr. ; orichalcum Ø 33mm.

obv. Laureate head of Nerva right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP NERVA CAES AVG PM TR P COS III PP
rev. Two mules grazing in opposite directions liberated from their
yokes, which appear in the background, S C in exergue, surrounded
by the legend; VEHICVLATIONE ITALIAE REMISSA S C

This sestertius belongs to a larger series of aes coinage struck by Nerva to advertise his efforts to improve the lives of the average Roman citizen at a time when his ability to maintain the support of the army was collapsing. In this way he hoped to counterbalance his military problems by gaining popularity in other sectors of Roman society. The reverse type and its surrounding legend refer to Nerva′s abolition of the vehiculatio.

This system, which had been established by Augustus, consisted of a series of mansiones (inns) located at intervals of a day′s travel along the road and fresh horses and pack animals, all of which were paid for by the people of nearby settlements. At first, the vehiculatio was a reasonable means of conducting imperial business, but the system was soon abused by individuals lacking the proper credentials to use the system and became a burden for those required to support it-the imperial bureaucracy would only provide reimbursement for the use of the vehiculatio by those who could be shown to be on legitimate imperial business.

On this sestertius inscribed VEHICVLATIONE ITALIAE REMISSA, Nerva advertises his reform of the system, promising the imperial government would cover the cost of imperial transport. Nerva removed this financial burden by abolishing the vehiculatio system and instead established the new custom of paying for official travel directly from the imperial treasury. Although abuses of the vehiculatio took place already in the Julio-Claudian period and merely continued under the Flavians, by solving the problem, Nerva obliquely cast the vehiculatio as one of many abuses that had proliferated under Domitianus, an emperor who had been feared and hated by the Senate, and gave himself the contrasting appearance of a "Good Emperor." Unfortunately, this characterization of the elderly Nerva was not enough to sway the opinion of the army, which had appreciated Domitianus as a commander, and he was forced to adopt Trajanus as his successor in order to avoid the risk of renewed civil war.

It is evident from this coin of Nerva, in 97 AD, relieved the people of Italy from this oppression, though biographers have made no mention of the fact, subsequent writers assigning the merit of establishing posts to Hadrian and Antoninus Pius, by whom the plan was only perfected and completed. Interesting and rare coin type.

Cohen 143 ; RIC 93 ; BMC 119 ; Sear 3055 ;
Kent-Hirmer pl. 74, 255 ; CBN 10 R
Weakly struck at some parts. Attractive dark patina
vf-

weight 7,58gr. ; bronze Ø 27mm.

obv. Bare head of Nerva right, surrounded by the legend;
ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΝΕΡΟΥΑϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΟϹ ΓЄΡΜΑΝΙΚΟϹ
(translation: Emperor Nerva Caesar Augustus Germanicus)
rev. Cult statue of Artemis, with supports, facing,
surrounded by the legend; ΑΡΤΕΜΙϹ - ΕΦΕϹΙΑ

Artemis of Ephesus was the protective goddess of the city. She is famous because of her conspicuous appearance. She has multiple breasts on her chest. Her veil is covered with images of animals and mythological creatures. These animals and creatures refer to the natural world and to the cosmological and astrological order. Sometimes she is accompanied by two stags. The stags refer to the hunt. At almost every image on coins she is holding fillets, as supports, in her hands, which reach to the ground.

BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.von Aulock - ;
SNG.München- ; Lindgren coll.- ; Waddington - ;
Weber Collection - ; SNG.Tübingen 2827
(under Trajanus);  Karwiese 137 (a) corr. ;
RPC. 2045 (only 4 specimens listed) RRR
Some weaknesses of strike. Dark patina.
Extremely rare.
f/vf

weight 23,00gr. ; orichalcum Ø 32,5mm.

obv. Laureate and draped bust of Trajanus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
rev. Trajanus, laureate, in military dress, standing left, holding spear and
parazonium; on ground reclining figures of Armenia, Tigris and Euphrates,
S - C across fields, surrounded by the legend;
ARMENIA ET MESOPOTAMIA IN POTESTATEM P R REDACTAE
In. full: Armenia Et Mesopotamia In Potestatem Populi Romani Redactae, translation; Armenia and Mesopotamia taken back into the power of the Roman people.

The inscription and imagery are a direct reference to Trajanus′ military achievements against the Parthian Empire. The campaign started with the issue of Armenia, a strategically important buffer state. By 115 AD, Armenia was incorporated as a Roman province. After securing Armenia, Trajanus moved south into Mesopotamia, conquering its capital, Ctesiphon, in 116 AD. This brought the region, known as the "Cradle of Civilization," under Roman control. The reverse image depicting the emperor standing over the personifications of Armenia, the Tigris, and the Euphrates rivers to symbolize Roman victory and control. Highly interesting historical coin.

This type of sestertius normally depicts the emperor standing to the right. However, on this example, Trajanus is clearly standing to the left. This variant is undescribed in the reference literature and therefore extremely rare.

Cohen - (cf. 39) ; RIC - (cf.  642) ; BMC - (cf. 1035) ;
UCR - (cf. 734) ; Sear - (cf. 3181) RRRR
corroded surfaces and weakly minted at some parts
f/vf à f+

weight 24,02gr. ; orichalcum Ø 32mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES NER TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
rev. Trajanus seated left on platform, a second platform before him on
which attendant is seated, inscribing tablet to give to citizen mounting
steps before him, Liberalitas standing left in background, holding abacus,
tall tripod behind, S C below, surrounded by the legend; 
CONGIARVM TERTIVM

Minted on occasion of the third congiarium (distribution of money to the civilians).
Very rare.

Cohen 45 ; RIC 469 ; Sear- (cf. 3182) RR
some light tooling/ re-engraving
f/vf à vf-

weight 28,98gr. ; orichalcum Ø 33mm.

obv. Draped and laureate bust of Trajanus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
rev. Naked jupiter standing left, holding scepter and a thunderbolt over
the head of a small figure of Trajanus, who is standing left in toga with
laurelbranch and scepter, surrounded by the legend;
CONSERVATORI PATRIS PATRIAE,  S C in exergue.

The usual legend applical to Jupiter is IOVI CONSERVATORI (Devine Providence). Not in this case. On this coin we see Jupiter standing to the left, a large cloak pendent from his shoulders; his right hand extended holds one side of the cloak spread out as a protection to the emperor, who is robed and stands on the right side of Jupiter, and holds up his right hand as if addressing some persons, or in token of thanks for protection afforded. Jupiter is frequently introduced on coins of the emperors, but only on the coins of this emperor in this peculiar character of conservator or preserver of the father of his country; ″Conservatori Patris Patriae″.

Cohen 49 ; RIC 643 ; BMC page 217 R
Highly interesting and rare coin with an exception 
fine-detailled portrait of Trajanus. Very rare this nice.
xf-

weight 9,07gr. ; bronze Ø 24mm.

obv. Radiate and draped bust right IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GERM
rev. S C within wreath  DAC PARTHICO PM TR POT XX COS VI PP

Cohen 122var. ; BMC 1093 ; RIC 644
traces of oxidation
f/vf

weight 24,25gr. ; orichalcum Ø 33mm.

obv. Laureate and draped bust of Trajanus right
IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
rev. Trajan, in military dress, seated right on high platform on left, by him stand
two officers; in front of him stand an officer and four soldiers whom he is haranguing;
behind in background, three standards  IMPERATOR VIII S C in exergue

This acclamation by his troops followed Trajan′s
capture of the Mesopotamian city if Singara.

Cohen 176 ; RIC 655 ; BMC 1017 ; Sear 3187 R
Some tooling. Dark patina. Rare type.
vf- à f/vf

weight 2,35gr. ; bronze Ø 15mm.

obv. Diademed bust of Herakles right, lion′s skin knotted at neck
IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GERM
rev. Boar walking right, S C in exergue

Cohen 341 ; RIC 702 ; BMC 1062 ; Sear 3248 S
Very attractive coin with darkgreen patina.
vf/vf+

weight 3,56gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head right, slight drapery on far left shoulder
IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG
rev. Prize-table (of games) on which stands an urn with a palm frond
and a wreath; on front and side, panels with gryphons, S C below

Under earlier emperors quadrantes did not have portraits. Under Trajan they
sometimes do. However, the larger size of this one allows us to decide it is a semis.

cf. Cohen 349 ; RIC 687 ; Hill 232 (issue 10, donative AD 105) ;
BMC 1068 ; Woytek 597b ; Sear 3247 (as quadrans)  S
Very attractive coin with fine details. 
Rare in this outstanding quality.
xf-/xf

weight 27,35gr. ; orichalcum Ø 33mm.

obv. Laureate and draped bust of Trajanus right
IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
rev. Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding up caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae
in left  SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS, S C across field

Cohen 352 ; RIC 672 ; BMC 1023 ; MIR 534var. ; Sear 3192
Wonderful example with excellent portrait and attractive dark patina.
xf/xf-

weight 11,63gr. ; copper Ø 26mm.

obv. Laureate and draped bust of Trajanus right
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P
rev. Victory, draped, advancing right holding wreath in extended right
hand and palm in left over left shoulder  S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI,
S - C across field

Cohen 355 ; RIC 675 ; BMC 1031 ; Sear -
Dark patina.
vf/vf+

weight 9,82gr. ; bronze Ø 27mm.

obv. Radiate head of Trajanus right, around the text;
MP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
rev. Roma, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding Victory in
extended right hand and vertical spear, reversed in left; at her feet a kneeling
Dacian holding up his arms to her, around the text;
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI,  S - C across field

Cohen 389 ; RIC 487 ; BMC 880 ; UCR 322 ; Sear 3220  S
Dark green/brown patina. Scarce.
f+ à f/vf

weight 26,27gr. ; bronze Ø 32mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus, light drapery and aegis on chest,
surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
rev. Victory, draped, stepping left, holding palm in left hand and with right
hand setting a trophy upright left; the trophy consists of helmet, cuirass and
cloak, oblong shield left, round shield right, round and oblong shield at base,
S C in exergue, surrounded by the legend; SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI

The reverse of this coin commemorates the military successes of Trajanus during the Dacian Wars (101–102, 105–106). These two military campaigns were fought between the Roman Empire and Dacia during Emperor Trajanus′s rule. The conflicts were triggered by the constant Dacian threat on the Danubian province of Moesia and also by the increasing need for resources of the economy of the Empire.

Cohen 444 ; RIC 523 ; BMC 821 ; Sear -
Some minor roughness, otherwise very attractive
specimen with good portrait and dark brown patina.
vf+ à vf/xf

weight 27,61gr. ; bronze Ø 34mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, drapery on left shoulder, surrounded 
by the legend; IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
rev. Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder in front of prow in right
hand and cornucopiae in left, S - C across field, surrounded by the legend;
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI

♦ An amazing coin of the best style ♦

Cohen 477 ; RIC 500 ; Woytek 329b ; BMCRE 797 ; Sear -
Very attractive specimen with fine details. Dark patina. A beautiful coin.
xf-

weight 9,93gr. ; bronze Ø 27mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, around the text;
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
rev. Club set vertically on lion’s skin on low pedestal, around the text;
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, across S - C

Cohen 565 ; RIC 581 ; BMC 946 ; Sear 3237 R
Dark green/brown patina. Rare.
vf-

weight 10,78gr. ; copper Ø 26mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right,
aegis on chest, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
rev. Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and cornucopiae, her foot
set on bust of Dacian captive, S - C across fields, surrounded by the
legend; SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI

Cohen 408 ; RIC 503 ; BMC 931 ; Sear 3231
Some very minor scratches and traces of oxidation. Dark patina.
vf/vf-

weight 25,04gr. ; bronze Ø 33mm.

obv. Laureate head with aegis  right
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
rev. Victory standling left, holding palm and erecting a trophy
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI S C

The reverse of this coin refers to the military successes of Trajan during the Dacian Wars (101–102, 105–106). These two military campaigns were fought between the Roman Empire and Dacia during Emperor Trajan′s rule. The conflicts were triggered by the constant Dacian threat on the Danubian province of Moesia and also by the increasing need for resources of the economy of the Empire.

Cohen 444 ; RIC 523 ; Sear -  S
Light traces of oxidation. Good portrait and dark patina.
vf+

weight 10,57gr. ; copper Ø 26mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right with drapery on left shoulder
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
rev. Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder in front of prow in right
hand and cornucopiae in left  SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S - C across field

Cohen 478 ; RIC 500 ; Sear-
Attractive coin with dark brown patina.
vf

weight 25,40gr. ; bronze Ø 33mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, light drapery over shoulder,
surrounded by legend; IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG
GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
rev. Trajan, bare-headed, in military dress, cloak floating behind him,
riding right, thrusting spear at Dacian in front of horse, S C below,
surrounded by the legend; S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI

The reverse of this coin refers to the military successes of Trajan during the Dacian Wars (101–102, 105–106). These two military campaigns were fought between the Roman Empire and Dacia during Emperor Trajanus′ rule. The conflicts were triggered by the constant Dacian threat on the Danubian province of Moesia and also by the increasing need for resources of the economy of the Empire.

Cohen 503 ; RIC 534 ; BMC 834 ; Sear 32044
very minor roughness, otherwise attractive specimen with brown patina
vf

weight 15,66gr. ; bronze Ø 29mm.

obv. Radiate head of Trajanus right, aegis on chest, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO  AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP
rev. Trophy with shields at base, S - C across field, surrounded
by the legend; SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI

The trophy on the reverse is a clear reference to Trajanus′ military successes in the Dacian Wars. In the years 101–102 and 105–106 AD were two military campaigns fought between the Roman Empire and Dacia during Emperor Trajanus′ rule.

Cohen 573 ; RIC 586 ; BMC 909 ; Sear 3224
Small flan crack. Attractive specimen with good details and dark patina.
vf/xf

weight 12,41gr. ; bronze Ø 26mm.

obv. Radiate head of Trajanus right, around the text;
IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M
(Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Augustus Germanicus Pontifex Maximus)
rev. Abundantia seated left on chair with crossed cornucopiae,
holding sceptre in right hand, around the text; TR POT COS II (P P),
S C in exergue (Tribunitia Potestate Consul Secundum, Senatus Consultum)

The identity of the enthroned woman on the reverse is attributed to both Abundantia and Justitia.

cf. Cohen 595 ; RIC 382 or 385 ; BMC 719-720 ; Sear- (cf. 3225)
attractive specimen witg good portrait and dark patina
vf+/vf

weight 24,92gr. ; bronze Ø 34mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, aegis on breast, surrounded
by the legend; IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M
rev. Pax, draped, seated left on throne, holding olive-branch in
extended right hand and transverse sceptre in left, S C below,
surrounded by the legend; TR POT COS II P P

This bust variant with aegis on the emperor′s chest seems to
be unpublished in the reference literature. Very rare as such.

Cohen - (cf. 611) ; RIC 401var. ; BMC 718var. ; cf. Sear 3214 RR
Wonderful specimen with amazing portrait of Trajan. Green patina
xf

weight 10,61gr. ; bronze Ø 26mm.

obv. Radiate head of Trajanus right, around the text;
IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M
rev. Abundantia seated left on chair with crossed cornucopiae,
holding sceptre in right hand, around the text; TR POT COS IIII,
S C in exergue

Normally the reverse legend is TR POT COS IIII PP. On this coin PP
is missing and also in the relevant reference literature this variant is
not mentioned. Very rare as such.

The identity of the enthroned woman on the reverse
is attributed to both Abundantia and Justitia.

Cohen - (cf. 639) ; RIC - (cf. 428) ; BMC - (cf. 748-749) ; Sear - (cf. 3225)   RR
Minor traces of oxidation. Good portrait.
vf/vf-

weight 4,13gr. ; bronze Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right 
AYTO NЄPBAC TRAIANOC KAICAP
rev. Asklepios standing facing, head left, leaning upon serpent-entwined staf,
surrounded by the legend; ΥΠΑΙ  -  ΠΗΝΩΝ

This coin is a combination of RPC 2019 (obverse) and RPC 2019A (reverse). Is seems to be unpublished as such. Extremely rare.
Hypaepa or Hypaipa was an Ancient city and (arch)bishopric in ancient Lydia, near the north bank of the Cayster River, and 70 km from Ephesus. It was located at the foot of Mount Aipos, itself a southern foothill of Mount Tmolus. From its most early history not much is know, as it was a city of low importance. In 88 BC, Hypaepa rebelled against Mithridates VI of Pontus and was severely punished. Under Roman Emperor Tiberius (14-37 AD) it was selection as a candidate for the location of a temple dedicated to worship of the Emperor, but was rejected as being too insignificant. However in de 2nd and 3rd century AD it must have been a city of some importance, as coins were minted in this period. To judge by the number of Byzantine churches that it contained, Hypaepa flourished under the Byzantine Empire. Hypaepa was an episcopal see, one of many suffragans of Ephesus, the metropolitan see of the late Roman province of Asia Prima. It remained active until the 13th century.

cf. RPC III 2019/2019A ; SNG von Aulock - ; SNG Copenhagen - ;
BMC - ; cf. Naumann Auktion 52, lot 1043 (different obverse legend,
same reverse = RPC.2019A)   RRRR
Attractive dark green patina.
vf

weight 7,37gr. ; bronze Ø 20mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, around the text;  
(….) KAICAP TRAIANOC (??)
rev. Isis in long chiton standing left, holding sistrum in her
extended right hand, resting with her left hand on sceptre,
around the text; ΕΠΙ Ι ϹΕΒΗΡΙ (ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΕΩΝ)

Cf. RPC III 2375 RRR
Attractive dark patina. Extremely rare.
vf-

weight 7,33gr. ; bronze Ø 22mm.

obv. Laureate and cuirassed bust of Trajan right, with paludamentum,
seen from rear  ΑΥ ΚΑΙ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ ΓΕP ΔΑΚΙΚ
rev. Zeus Laodiceus standing facing, head left, holding eagle
on his extended right hand, left hand resting on sceptre 
ΕΠΙ Γ Β ΝΙΓΡΟΥ ΑΡ ΠΡ Β ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΕΩΝ

C.B. Nigros (or Niger) was first archon for the second time.
An archos was a ruler in public office.

RPC III, No.2379 ; Kurth 234  R
Attractive dark patina. Rare.
vf-/vf

weight 8,42gr. ; bronze Ø 23mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, surrounded by the legend;
ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ
rev. Hygieia standing right, in her right hand branch pointing down,
holding patera in left hand, from which she feeds serpent, surrounded
by the legend; ΙΡΗΝΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ ΕΤΟΥϹ ΖΜ

On the obverse we see two countermarks: Nikè with wreath walking to the right (Howgego 261) and Hygieia bust with snake to the right (Howgego 195). This coin is dated according to the era (era) of the city of Eironopolis, which began in the fall of 51 AD. The year 47 on this coin therefore corresponds to 98-99 AD.

Eirenopolis was probably founded by Antiochus IV of Commagene (r. 37-72 AD). The city was located in northeastern Cilicia, not far from the Calycadnus river. The city minted its own coinage, from 92/93 AD, during Domitian′s reign, until the reign of Gallienus (253–268 AD). The coins of the city show that Asclepius and Hygeia were worshiped in the city during pagan era. The cult of the two gods in the city may be connected with the natural spring of the area. Eirenopolis was also known briefly as Neronias in honour of the Roman emperor Nero. Christianity first came to the area in the 1st century the strategic location through the mountain passes, and the work of St Paul made it an early candidate for missionaries. The city was the seat of a bishopric in Byzantine times.

BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock- ; Ziegler 1325-1326 ;
SNG.Schweiz (Levante) - ; SNG.Paris (France) 2254 ; Sear GIC.- ;
Sammlung Leypold 2397 ; Karbach 24–25 ; RPC III, no.3085 R
Very attractive specimen with dark patina. Rare.
vf+

weight 3,29gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, surrounded by the
legend;  AYT KAIC NЄP TPAIANOC CЄB ΓERM
rev. Eleutheria standing left, holding pileus in right and rod in left,
surrounded by the legend; ΔHM ЄΞ YΠAT•B

In Ancient Greece, Eleutheria was also an epithet for the goddess Artemis, and as such she was worshipped in Myra of Lycia. The Roman equivalent of the goddess Eleutheria is Libertas, a goddess in her own right, and a personification of liberty.

Metcalf 59a ; Sydenham 166 ; SNG.Copenhagen 199 ;
Ganschow 125a ; RPC III, no.2992
vf

weight 10,10gr. ; bronze Ø 24mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajan right  AVT NEP TPAIANOC KAIΣAP ΣEB
rev. Mên standing left, wearing Phrygian cap and crescent on shoulders,
raising right hand   EΠI  ΠOM  BAΣΣO  KOINON  ΓAΛΛATIAΣ

Titus Pomponius Bassus was a Roman senator who held a number of imperial appointments. He was suffect consul in the nundinium of September-December 94 as the colleague of Lucius Silius Decianus. He enters history as the legatus or assistant of the proconsular governor of Asia Marcus Ulpius Traianus in 79/80. Although being a proconsular legate was a posting which could result in a number of influential contacts, fifteen years passed until Bassus acceded to the consulate. Around the year 94, either after he stepped down from the consulate, or while holding that magistracy in absentia, Bassus began his term as governor of Cappadocia-Galatia; where most terms as governor are about three years, his was prolonged for six years, standing down in the year 100. Upon returning to Rome, he was appointed curator of the alimenta in Central Italy, and was elected by the council of Ferentinum to be patron of that city. His last mention in history is as an addressee of Pliny the Younger. Pliny wrote Bassus a letter congratulating his retirement from the Senate, looking forward to a life of leisure and self-education after a career holding ″highly distinguished magistracies″ and having ″commanded armies″. This letter probably dates from the year 104 or 105.

BMC 6 ; SNG.von Aulock- ; Sear GIC.1066 R
Highly interesting historical coin. Rare.
vf

weight 3,04gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, light drapery
over left shoulder, surrounded by the legend;
AYTOKP KAIC NЄP TPAIANOC CЄB ΓEΡM ΔAK
rev. Female bust (Artemis ?) in chiton, holding spear in
right hand and patera in left, surrounded by the legend;
ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟ Ϛ

BMC 71var. ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.von Aulock 6405var. ;
Weiser 28–29, Metcalf Conspectus 70a ; Ganschow 135a ;
Sydenham 198var. ; Ganschow 125a ; Sear GIC - ;
RPC III, no.3025 (only 8 specimens listed) R
a rare coin type
vf-

weight 25,05gr. ; bronze Ø 33mm.

obv. Laurated and draped bust right
AYTOKP KAIC NЄP TRAIANΩ APICTΩ CЄB ΓEPM ΔAK
rev. Zeus Salaminios standing facing, holding eagle-tipped scepter and patera,
around the legend ΔHMAPX  ЄΞ  YΠATOΣ, KOINON KYΠPIΩN in exergue

With this coin they followed the exact standard of the sestertius, in metal (orichalcum) weight and size. On this coin the cult of Zeus Salaminios is celebrated. This cult goes back to the early times of Teucer, the legendary founder of the city of Salamis. In Greek mythology, Teucer was the son of King Telamon of Salamis island and Hesione, daughter of King Laomedon of Troy. In the Hellenistic period a temple was built, dedicated to Zeus of Salamis. After the earthquakes of 76 and 77 AD, restoration of the city was begun under Vespasian and continued in the following decades. Also the temple of Zeus was rebuilt, even more impressive as it was before.Throughout this period, the city′s ceremonial focus was the sanctuary of Zeus, and the image of Zeus appeared prominently on Roman coins as we can also see on this coin.

The Koinon of Cyprus; In order to maintain some degree of autonomy after control of the island shifted to the Roman Empire, the various cities of Cyprus maintained a collective administrative body that reflected Hellenistic values introduced by the Ptolemaic dynasty at the end of the 4th century. Under the Ptolemies, the cities of Cyprus were allowed a degree of autonomy that was unfamiliar and somewhat unexpected. In order to maintain solidarity throughout the kingdom, the cities formed parliamentary committees with each other. Though the resulting confederation of Cypriot cities does not have an exact date of origin, the term Koinon (meaning ″common″) began to appear on inscriptions around the middle of the 2nd century BC. Little is known about the exact function of the Koinon, though it seems to have been grounded in religion due to its initial associations with religious festivals at the Temple of Aphrodite, which was located at Palaipafos. The large number of people that gathered at the Temple likely realized a need for religious unity amongst all of them; thus, the Koinon was formed to coordinate pancyprian religious festivals. Soon, the meetings of the Koinon began to stray from strictly religious matters and focus more on the social and political aspects of the country, including unifying the various districts and cities in terms of political representation. These assumptions are based on inscriptions on statues and other dedicatory epigraphical evidence around the island that implies that the Koinon had a presence all over Cyprus, as well as the money and influence to affect many different cities. Thus, the purpose of the Koinon shifted from autonomous parliamentary committees during the Hellenistic period to a religiously motivated pancyprian political body. The administrative privileges of the Koinon, by the end of the Roman period, included minting its own coins, participating in political relations with Rome, and bestowing honorary distinctions upon notable individuals. Inscriptions on statues, as previously mentioned, attest to this final function and indicate the fact that the Koinon was most likely a funded organization which received its dues in the form of an annual contribution from each city. The Koinon therefore maintained a great deal of power because it essentially controlled all forms of religion on the entirety of Cyprus. This power is later utilized to deify some of the Roman emperors starting with Augustus and ending with the dynasty of Septimius Severus. Known evidence in the form of inscriptions and dedications indicates with certainty that the emperors Augustus, Caracalla, Titus, Tiberius, Trajan, Vespasian, Claudius, Nero, and Septimius Severus and his succeeding dynasty all formed imperial cults that were represented on Cyprus. These cults were mostly formed by the emperors in an attempt to solidify their right to rule and gain religious support as peers of the Roman pantheon of gods.

BMC 40 ; SNG.Copenhagen 83 ; Forrer 7752 ; SNG.Schweiz II, 1733 ; Sear GIC- RR
Highly interesting and very rare large bronze coin.
vf-

weight 14,21gr. ; silver Ø 24mm.
Year 15, Consulship 5 (= 110/111 AD)

obv. Laureate head of Trajan, right; below, eagle standing right,
wings folded, club in field below head
AYTOKP KAIC NEP TRAIANOC CEB ΓEPM ΔAK
rev. Laureate bust of Melqart-Herakles right, lion-skin around neck,
knotted in front  ΔHMAPX EΞ IЄ YΠAT Є

McAlee 460 ; RPC.III.3539 ; Prieur 1515 (Tyre) ; Wruck 159
BMC Phoenicia p. 301, 15 ; cf. Butcher p. 91, 2
Minor weakness and some light scratches.
vf-/vf

weight 13,99gr. ; silver Ø 25mm.
Consulship 6 (= 112 AD)

obv. Laureate head of Trajan, right; below, eagle standing right, 
wings folded, club in field below head
AYTOKP KAIC NEP TRAIANOC CEB ΓEPM ΔAK
rev. Laureate bust of Melqart-Herakles right, lion-skin around neck,
knotted in front  ΔHMAPX EΞ IϚ YΠAT Ϛ

cf. Metcalf 54a/b ; cf. Sydenham 164-165 ; McAlee 461 ; 
RPC.III.3542 ; Prieur 1516 (Tyre) ; Wruck 162 ; 
BMC Phoenicia p. 301, 16 ; cf. Butcher p. 91, 2
Minor weakness.
vf

weight 9,91gr. ; bronze Ø 26mm.

obv. Laurated head of Trajanus right, around the text;
AYTOKP  NЄP TPAIANOC APICT CЄB  ΓЄPM ΔAK ΠAP
rev. Turred head of Tyche right, IOY in front, around the text;
IOYΛIЄωN TωN KAI ΛAOΔIKЄωN BΞP

BMC 42 ; cf. Sear GIC.1080 ; SNG.Copenhagen 345
vf

weight 9,80gr. ; silver Ø 23mm.

obv. Laureate bust of Trajanus right, with paludamentum, seen from rear,
around the text; ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ ΔΑΚ
rev. Temple with two columns on podium of four steps within which cult image
of Artemis of Perge; in pediment, eagle and varying ornamentation, around the text;
ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟ Ϛ

The history of Bostra (or Bosra) goes far back in time. The settlement was first mentioned in the documents of Thutmose III and Akhenaten (14th century BC). Bosra was the first Nabatean city in the 2nd century BC. The Nabatean Kingdom was conquered by Cornelius Palma, a general of Trajan, in 106 AD. Bosra was renamed Nova Trajana Bostra and was the residence of the legio III Cyrenaica. It was made capital of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea. The city flourished and became a major metropolis at the juncture of several trade routes, namely the Via Traiana Nova, a Roman road that connected Damascus to the Red Sea. It became an important center for food production. Soon after the Roman occupation. Bosra began to mint its own coins. The two Councils of Arabia were held at Bosra in 246 and 247 AD.

By the Byzantine period which began in the 5th-century, Christianity became the dominant religion in Bosra. The city became a Metropolitan archbishop′s seat and a large cathedral was built in the sixth century. Bosra was conquered by the Sasanian Persians in the early seventh century, but was recaptured during a Byzantine reconquest. Bosra played an important part in the early life of Muhammad, as described in the entry for the Christian monk Bahira. The forces of the Rashidun Caliphate under general Khalid ibn Walid captured the city from the Byzantines in the Battle of Bosra in 634. A golden age of political and architectural activity in Bosra began during the reign of Ayyubid sultan al-Adil I (1196–1218). One of the first architectural developments in the city was the construction of eight large external towers in the Roman theater-turned-fortress. The project began in 1202 and were completed in 1253, towards the end of the Ayyubid period. The two northern corner towers alone occupied more space than the remaining six. After al-Adil′s death in 1218, his son as-Salih Ismail inherited the fief of Bosra who resided in its newly fortified citadel. During Ismail′s rule, Bosra gained political prominence. Ismail used the city as his base when he claimed the sultanate in Damascus on two separate occasions, reigning between 1237–38 and 1239–45.

In 1596 Bosra appeared in the Ottoman tax registers as Nafs Busra, being part of the nahiyah of Bani Nasiyya in the Qada of Hauran. It had a Muslim population consisting of 75 households and 27 bachelors, and a Christian population of 15 households and 8 bachelors. Taxes were paid on wheat, barley, summer crops, fruit- or other trees, goats and/or beehives and water mill. Today, Bosra is town in southern Syria with a major archaeological site, containing ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and Muslim times, its main feature being the well preserved Roman theatre. Every year there is a national music festival hosted in the main theatre.

RPC registred only 8 specimens of this coin type. Very rare.

Sydenham 190var. ; Metcalf — ; Woytek bust a ;
Ganschow X15a ; RPC III, No.4068 RR
f+

weight 1,57gr. ; silver Ø 15mm.
Consulship 3 (= 100 AD)

obv. Laureate head of Trajan, right
ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙΣ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ
rev. Head of Zeus Ammon right

Formerly this coin type was attributed to Caesarea in Cappadocia.
Nowadays Kyrene is the general accepted attribution.

BMC 56 ; SNG.Copenhagen 203 ; Sydenham 178 (Cappadocia, Caesarea) ;
SNG. von Aulock 6394 ;  SNG.Fitzwilliam 5443-5444 ; SNG.Hunterian 310
Metcalf, The silver coinage of Cappadocia, New York 1996, pag.83, no.1 ;
Sr.GIC.1068  R
vf/xf à vf+

weight 13,02gr. ; billon Ø 24mm.
Year LΙE  = regnal year 15 = 111/112 AD

obv. Laureate head of Trajanus right, surrounded by
the legend; ΑΥΤ ΤΡΑΙΑΝ Ϲ  -  ЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ ΔΑΚΙΚ,
all within circle of dots.
rev. Canopus of Osiris, right, on basis, LI - E across fields,
all within circle of dots.

BMC 373 ; Dattari 648var. ; Geissen (Cologne) 574 ; 
RPC III, 4576 ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; Förschner 286 ;
Sear 3260 ; Emmett 371 ; SNG.France - ; Milne 634
vf-

weight 3,23gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Bust of Marciana, draped, right; hair coiled on top of head
behind cresent-shaped diadem, surrounded by the legend;
DIVA AVGVSTA MARCIANA
rev. Eagle standing facing with spread wings, head turned right,
on scepter, surrounded by the legend;  CONSECRATIO

Ulpia Marciana was born in August 48 AD. She was the eldest child born to Roman woman Marcia and the Roman senator Marcus Ulpius Traianus. Her second name Marciana she inherited from her mother′s paternal ancestors. Her birthplace is unknown. Marciana married Caius Salonius Matidius Patruinus. Patruinus was a wealthy man, who served as a praetor and later became a senator. He originally came from Vicetia (modern Vicenza in northern Italy). She bore Patruinus a daughter Salonia Matidia, who was born on 4 July 68. Patruinus died in 78 and Marciana never remarried. After Patruinus′ death, Marciana and Matidia went to live with her brother Trajanus and his wife Plotina.

After 105, her brother awarded her with the title of Augusta. She was the first sister of a Roman Emperor to receive this title. Marciana did not accept this at first, but her sister-in-law, the Empress Pompeia Plotina, insisted that she take the title. She thus became part of the official imperial iconography and her statue was placed together with Trajanus′ and Plotina′s over the Arches of Trajanus in Ancona. Marciana was very close to Trajanus and Plotina.

Marciana would often travel with her brother and assist him in decision-making. Throughout the Roman Empire, Marciana was honored with monuments and inscriptions in her name. There are two towns that Trajanus founded in her honor in the Roman Empire. The first town was called Colonia Marciana Ulpia Traiana Thamugadi (modern Timgad, Algeria) and was founded around 100. This town was also named after the late parents of Marciana and Trajanus. The other town was founded in 106 and was called Marcianopolis (which is now a part of modern Devnya, Bulgaria). Marciana died in the earlier part of  112 and was deified by the Senate at Trajanus′ behest. The coinage of Marciana is entirely posthumous and probably all belongs to the latter part of the year 112. both before her deification in September.

Sear 3328 ; Cohen 4 ; RIC 743 (R3) ;
MIR 719 ; UCR 562 ; BMC 650 RR
some very minor scratches 
vf-

gewicht 3,19gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.

obv. Bust of Matidia, draped, right; hair coiled and jeweled on top of head;
hair in front decorated with by comb, with aigret, surrounded by the legend;
MATIDIA AVG DIVAE MARCIANAE F
rev. Matidia standing front, head left, placing her hands on the heads of her
two eldest daughters, Vibia Sabina and Matidia the younger, surrounded by
the legend; PIETAS AVGVST

Salonia Matidia was the daugther of Marciana, a sister of Trajanus.
She was favourite of the childless emperor and he treated her as his own daughter.

Cohen 10 ; RIC 759 ; BMC 660 ; UCR 565 ; Sear 3378 RRR
Some minor scratches. Very rare.
vf-

weight 13,44gr. ; copper Ø 24mm.

obv. Bare head of Hadrianus right, light drapery on shoulder  
HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP
rev. Annona standing left, holding corn-ears in right hand over modius,
holding rudder in left hand, resting on ship, S - C across fields,
surrounded by the legend; ANNONA AVG

Cohen 166var. ; RIC 796 ; cf. RIC vol.II, part 3, 2143-2146 ;
Strack 653 ; Sear- R
Portrait of good style and attractive dark green patina. Rare.
vf/vf-

weight 10,67gr. ; bronze Ø 29mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrianus right, drapery on far left shoulder,
surrounded by the legend; HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS 
rev. Salus standing right, holding snake and feeding it from patera,
S - C across fields, surrounded by the legend; C O S  -  I  I  I

Salus was the Roman goddess of safety and well-being (welfare, health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. She is sometimes equated with the Greek goddess Hygieia, though their functions differ considerably. Often, her right hand holds out a patera (shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) to feed a snake which she hold in het hand or is coiled round an altar. On this coin she is grasping the wriggling snake firmly under her arm, directing it to the food she holds out on a patera in her other hand. The snake dips its head to the patera.

Cohen 369 ; RIC 669d ; BMC 1341 ; Sear - (cf. 3681) ;
RIC vol.II, part 3, no.881
Some old scrapes on obverse, otherwise attractive
specimen with excellent details and dark patina.
vf/xf à xf-

weight 11,61gr. ; bronze Ø 26mm.

obv.Cuirassed bust, with bare head, of Hadrianus right,
surrounded by the legend; HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS 
rev. Salus standing right, holding snake and feeding it from patera,
surrounded by the legend; COS  I I I, S - C across fields

Salus was the Roman goddess of safety and well-being (welfare, health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. She is sometimes equated with the Greek goddess Hygieia, though their functions differ considerably. Often, her right hand holds out a patera (shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) to feed a snake which she hold in het hand or is coiled round an altar. On this coin she is grasping the wriggling snake firmly under her arm, directing it to the food she holds out on a patera in her other hand. The snake dips its head to the patera.

Cohen- (cf. 369) ; RIC- (cf. 669) ; BMC- (cf. 1341) ; Sear - (cf. 3681) ;
RIC vol.II, part 3, no.884 (R2) RR
Attractive dark green patina. Very rare.
vf

weight 10,46gr. ; copper  Ø 27mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrianus right, drapery on far shoulder,
surrounded by the legend; HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Salus standing right, holding snake and feeding it from patera,
S - C across fields, surrounded by the legend; C O S  -  I  I  I

Salus was the Roman goddess of safety and well-being (welfare, health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. She is sometimes equated with the Greek goddess Hygieia, though their functions differ considerably. Often, her right hand holds out a patera (shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) to feed a snake which she hold in het hand or is coiled round an altar. On this coin she is grasping the wriggling snake firmly under her arm, directing it to the food she holds out on a patera in her other hand. The snake dips its head to the patera.

cf. Cohen 371 ; RIC 975 ; BMC 1380 ; Sear 3681 ;
UCR 382 ; cf. RIC vol.II, part 3, no.881 (without PP)
Very attractive coin with excellent portrait. Dark patina.
Rare in this high quality.
xf-

weight 10,42gr. ; copper  Ø 24mm.

obv. Laureate head right  HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
rev. Fides standing right holding corn-ears and dish of fruit COS III S C

cf. Cohen 388 ; RIC 668 ; BMC 1338 ; cf. Sear 3680
Very attractive portrait. Dark tone.
vf/xf à vf

weight 2,72gr. ; copper Ø 17mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrianus right, surrounded
by the legend; HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
rev. Three standards, surrounded by the legend;
COS III, SC in exergue

In RIC part 3 the reverse is described as legionary eagle (aquila)
between two standards. This is not the case with this coin.
There is no legionary eagle, only three standards.

Cohen 450 ; RIC 977 (quadrans) ; BMC 1381 ;
Sear 3703var. ; RIC vol.II, part 3, 976var. R
Beautiful example with excellent details and dark patina.
Very rare in this wonderful state of preservation.
xf

weight 10,07gr. ; copper  Ø 24mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrianus right, surrounded by the legend;
HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
rev. Roma, with helmet, standing right, resting foot on helmet, holding spear
and cornucopia, S - C across fields, surrounded by the legend: C O S -  I I I 

Cohen 482 ; RIC 716 ; BMC 1446 ; UCR 413 ;
RIC vol.II, part 3, 1372 ; Sear 3683
Very attractive specimen with excellent details and dark green patina.
xf-

weight 8,18gr. ; copper Ø 27mm.

obv. Draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrianus right,
surrounded by the legend; HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS 
rev. Clementia standing left, holding patera and sceptre, surrounded
by the legend; CLEMENTIA AVG COS III P P,  S - C cross fields

Cohen 517 ; RIC 714 ; Sear- ; RIC vol.II, part 3, 1197 R
Very attractive example of excellent style and with fine details.
xf-

weight 21,82gr. ; bronze Ø 31mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrianus right,
surrounded by the legend;  HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
rev. Hadrianus riding left on horseback, raising right hand,
S - C across lower field, surrounded by the legend;
C O S I I I , EXPED AVG in exergue

Cohen 590 ; RIC 645 ; BMC 1313 ; Sear 3594 R
Some tooling and minor traces of oxidation,
otherwise attractive coin with dark tone. Rare.
vf

weight 25,06gr. ; orichalcum Ø 33mm.

obv. Bust of Hadrian, laureate, cuirassed, right,
viewed from front, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES DIVI TRAIAN AVG F TRAIAN HADRIAN OPT AVG GER
rev. Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia,
surrounded by the legend; DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS P P,  
FORT RED in exergue,  S - C across fields

This sestertius belong to the first series of coins that were
minted after Hadrian′s appointment as emperor. Very rare.

Cohen 740 ; RIC 536 ; Sear- ; BMC 1105 ;
RIC vol.II, part 3, 39 (R2)  RR
Very minor traces of oxidation.
f/vf à vf-

weight 6,42gr. ; gold Ø 20mm.

obv. Draped bust, bare, of Hadrian right, surrounded by the legend;
HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP
rev. Fortuna standing left, holding patera in right hand and
cornucopiae in left, surrounded by the legend; FORTVNA • AVG

Cohen 769 ; RIC 245 ; BMC 322 note 641 ;
Strack 239 ; Calicó 1263 ; Sear- R
A few minor scratches, otherwise very attractive piece of fine style.
Rare.
vf/xf à xf-

weight 24,35gr. ; bronze Ø 31mm.

obv. Laureate and draped bust right
IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III
rev. Hadrian, togate, seated left on platform, on right, extending right hand;
behind, an officer standing left; in front, on his right, an attendant holding up tessera;
at foot of platform, citizen standing right, holding out fold of toga in both hands 
LIBERALITAS AVG III S • C

Cohen 930 ; RIC 582c ; BMC 1189 ; Sear- R
Minor flan crack. Very interesting and rare type.
vf/vf-

weight 27,01gr. ; bronze Ø 33mm.

obv. Draped and laureate bust of Hadrianus right, surrounded
by the legend;  HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP
rev. Hadrian standing left, raising kneeling figure of Africa, holding corn-ears,
surrounded by the legend; RESTITVTORI AFRICAE, S C in exergue

Cohen 1226 ; RIC 941f R
f+

weight 24,76gr. ; bronze Ø 33mm.

obv. Laureate bust of Hadrianus right with bare chest, drapery on far
left shoulder, surrounded by the legend; IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS
HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III
rev. Togate figure of Hadrianus standing left, laureate, holding scroll
in his left hand, his right hand extended toward a kneeling Orbis,
who wears a towered crown and a cloak flowing out behind. Orbis holds
a globe and reaches up towards the standing figure, their hands touching,
surrounded by the legend; RESTITVTORI ORBIS TERRARVM,
S C in exergue

The legend ′Restitutori Orbis terrarum′ means ′to the restorer of the world′. The globe that Orbis holds in her left hand clearly proofs that it is a myth that the ancients thought the world to be flat. In Plato′s Phaedo, for example, Socrates states that he believed ″that the earth is a round body in the centre of the heavens.″ Knowledge about the spherical shape of the planet dates back even earlier, and was generally accepted in the Roman period (as well as in the Middle Ages, by the way.). In the new RIC edition the female figure is described as Orbis, a general designation of ′goddess of the world′. To define her more accurately, I would prefer Kybele or Terra Mater, Roman goddess of the earth, with naiskos headdress.

Cohen 1285 ; RIC 594b ; BMC 1213 ; Strack 559 ;
RIC vol.II, part 3, 451 ; cf. Sear 3637 R
Very attractive and rare coin.
vf à vf/xf

weight 9,78gr. ; copper Ø 27mm.

obv. Laureate head right, light drapery on far left shoulder
HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
rev. Salus standing left, feeding snake arising from altar and holding sceptre
SALVS AVGVSTI, S - C in field, COS III in exergue

Cohen 1357 ; RIC 678 ; BMC 1349 ; Sear 3692
Very attractive coin with fine detailed portrait and dark patina.
vf/xf à vf+

weight 3,30gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrianus right, surrounded
by the legend; HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
rev. Victory-Nemesis, draped, advancing right, drawing out
fold of dress with right hand and pointing branch downwards,
surrounded by the legend; VICTORIA AVG

Cohen 1455 ; RIC 282 ; RIC vol.II, part 3, 2239 ;
BMC 761 ; Strack 280 ; cf. Sear 3547
Very attractive lustrous specimen with good portrait.
xf+ à xf/unc

weight 2,85gr.; silver Ø 19mm.

obv. Portrait of Hadrianus, bare, right
AVT KAI TPA AΔPIANOC CЄB ΠΠ VIII
rev. Demeter standing left, holding patera and torch
AMICOY EΛEVΘERAC ETOVC PZH

Not published in the important reference litarature. Extermely rare.

BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock- ;
SNG.Tübingen- ; Sear GIC.- RRR
f/vf

weight 10,17gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.

obv. Bare head of Hadrianus right, surrounded by the legend;
HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, all within dotted circle
rev. Zeus Laodikeos, draped to feet, holding eagle in right and long
sceptre in the left, COS on left, III on the right, all within dotted circle

During the Roman period, Laodikea on the Lykus was the chief city of a Roman conventus, which comprised twenty-four cities besides itself. Antiochus the Great (223-187 BC) transported 2.000 Jewish families to Phrygia from Babylonia. Many of Laodikea′s inhabitants were Jews, and Cicero records that Flaccus confiscated the considerable sum of 9 kilograms of gold which was being sent annually to Jerusalem for the Temple. With its large Jewish community, very early Laodikea became a seat of Christianity and a bishopric. The Epistle to the Colossians mentions Laodikea as one of the communities of concern for Paul the Apostle. The martyrdom of Lulianos and Paphos is believed to have happened here. The Byzantine writers often mention Laodikea, especially in the time of the Comneni. In 1119, Emperor John the Beautiful and his lead military aid John Axuch captured Laodicea from the Seljuk Turks in the first major military victory of his reign. It was fortified by the emperor Manuel I Comnenus.  In 1206–1230, it was ruled by Manuel Maurozomes. The city was destroyed during the invasions of the Turks and Mongols.

The cistophoric silver tetradrachm had a value of 4 drachms or 3 denarii.

Cohen 275 ; RIC 497 ; BMC 1066 ; SNG.von Aulock 6615 ;
SNG.Copenhagen 448 ; Metcalf 56 ; Sear 3441 R
Attractive toning. Rare.
vf

weight 2,37gr. ; bronze Ø 13mm.

obv. Laureate bust of Hadrianus right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum,
seen from rear, surrounded by the legend; ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ
rev. Artemis with radiate crown standing right, quiver at left shoulder,
resting with her right hand on torch, holding bow in her left,
surrounded by the legend; ΑΡΤΕΜΙΔΟϹ ΠΕΡΓΑΙΑϹ

Perga was an ancient and important city of Pamphylia, between the rivers Catarrhactes and Cestrus. Its history goes back to before 1000 BC. A treaty between the Hittite Great King Tudhaliya IV (1239-1209 BC) and his vassal, the king of Tarhuntassa, defined the latter′s western border at the city ″Parha″ and the ″Kastaraya River″. The river is assumed to be the classical Cestrus. West of Parha were the ″Lukka Lands″. Parha likely spoke a late Luwian dialect like Lycian and that of the neo-Hittite kingdoms.

Perga returns to history as a Pamphylian Greek city, and with Pamphylia came under successive rule by Persians, Athenians, and Persians again. Alexander the Great, after quitting Phaselis, occupied Perga with a part of his army. The road between these two towns is described as long and difficult.  Alexander′s rule was followed by the Diadochi empire of the Seleucids, then the Romans. Perga gained renown for the worship of Artemis, whose temple stood on a hill outside the town, and in whose honour annual festivals were celebrated. The coins of Perga represent both the goddess and her temple. In 46 AD, according to the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul journeyed to Perga, from there continued on to Antiocheia in Pisidia, then returned to Perga where he preached the word of God (Acts 14:25). Then he left the city and went to Attaleia. As the Cestrus silted up over the late Roman era, Perga declined as a secular city. In the first half of the 4th century, during the reign of Constantine the Great (324-337), Perga became an important centre of Christianity, which soon became the official religion of the Roman Empire. The city retained its status as a Christian centre in the 5th and 6th centuries.

BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen 317 ; SNG.Paris 402 ; SNG.von Aulock - ;
SNG.Pfälzer 285-286 ; RPC.III., 2701 ; Sear GIC 1208
vf-/vf

weight 5,58gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrian right
ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СΕΒΑСΤOC
rev. Mount Argaeus surmounted, three stars above
ΥΠΑΤΟС Γ ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤΡ

Sydenham 270a ; Metcalf Conspectus 96a ; RPC.III.3099 R
Dark patina. Rare.
vf-

weight 0,94gr. ; silver Ø 15mm.

obv. Laureate portrait of Hadrianus right, light drapery over left shoulder,
surrounded by the legend; ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙС ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СΕΒΑСΤ
rev. Nikè advancing right, holding wreath in right hand, palm in left

These undated hemidrachms are much less
common than the dated pieces. Rare.

BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen 221 ; SNG.von Aulock - ;
Ganschow 194b-c ; Metcalf Conspectus 88 ;
Sydenham 254 ; Sear GIC.- (cf. 1232) ; RPC.III.3077 R
f/vf à vf-

weight 1,36gr. ; silver Ø 14mm.

obv. Laureate bust of Hadrianus right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum
surrounded by the legend; ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙС ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СΕΒΑСΤ
rev. Nikè advancing right, holding wreath in right hand, palm in left,
ЄT A in right field

In the reference literature, only regnal years 4 (D) and 5 (Є) are mentioned
for this coin type. This specimen unmistakably shows an A, which stands
for regnal year 1. Unpublished and extremely rare.

BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; Sydenham - ; cf. Sear GIC.1232 ;
SNG.von Aulock - ; Metcalf Conspectus -. ; Ganschow - ;
RPC.III.- (cf. 3074-3077)  RRRR
vf-

weight 1,46gr. ; silver Ø 16mm.

obv. Laureate bust of Hadrianus right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum
surrounded by the legend; ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙС ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СΕΒΑСΤ
rev. Nikè advancing right, holding wreath in right hand, palm in left,
ЄT Є in right field

BMC 146 ; SNG.Copenhagen 224 ; Sydenham 260 ;
cf. Sear GIC.1232 ; RPC.III.3076
vf

weight 2,76gr. ; bronze Ø 15mm.

obv. Laureate head of Hadrianus right, surrounded by the legend;
ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑ ΤΡ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СΕΒΑСΤ
rev. Perseus standing facing, holding head of Medusa and harpa,
ЄT - K across field, surrounded by the legend;
ΤΥΑΝЄΩΝ ΤΩ ΠΡ Τ ΙЄΡ ΑϹ

The city of Tūwanuwa was first mentioned in the texts of the Hittite Empire, as a city located in southeastern Anatolia. Tūwanuwa was part of the territories that the 17th century BC founder-king of the Hittite Old Empire, Labarna I, had conquered and which his sons divided among each other and established their rule there. After the collapse of the Hittite Empire, Tūwanuwa became the centre of the Luwian-speaking Syro-Hittite state of Tuwana in the region of Tabal, in whose southernmost regions it was located. The kingdom of Tuwana was located in southern Cappadocia, to the east of the Konya Plain and the Obruk Plateau across Lake Tuz and the Melendiz Mountains until the Hasandağ volcano to the north. By c. 675 BC, Neo-Assyrian sources no longer referred to the local Tabalian kings.

By the Graeco-Roman period, the city became known as Tyana and the country around it as Tyanitis. It is the reputed birthplace of the celebrated philosopher (and reputed saint or magician) Apollonius of Tyana in the first century AD. According to Strabo the city was known also as "Eusebeia at the Taurus". Under Roman Emperor Caracalla, the city became Antoniana colonia Tyana. After having sided with Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, it was captured by Aurelian in 272, who would not allow his soldiers to sack it, allegedly because Apollonius appeared to him, pleading for its safety. In 372, Emperor Valens split the province of Cappadocia in two, and Tyana became the capital and metropolis of Cappadocia Secunda. In Late Antiquity, the city was also known as Christoupolis.

BMC - ; Ganschow 1014b ; RPC.III.2958  R
Attractive dark patina. Rare.
vf-

weight 12,68gr. ; bronze Ø 22mm.

obv. Laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrianus right, 
with paludamentum, surrounded by the legend; 
ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ Θ ΤΡΑ ΥΙ Θ ΝΕΡ ΥΙ - ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹƐΒ
rev. ΦΛ ΧΑΛ / ΚΙΔΕⲰΝ / Κ Є within laurel-wreath

Dated year 25 (117 AD) according to the Era of Chalcis.

According to Appian, Chalcis (modern-today Qinnasrin, Syria) was founded by Seleucus I Nicator (305-281 BC), and named after Chalcis in Euboea. Chalcis was distinguished from Chalcis sub Libanum by its river, the ancient Belus. The river, but not the city, was named for the Semitic god Bel or Ba′al. In 92 AD, Chalcis received the title ″Flavia″, in honor of Emperor Domitian, to be known as ″Flavia of the Chalcidonese″. The city was a Christian bishopric from an early stage, at first a suffragan of Seleucia Pieria. In Late Antiquity, it belonged to the province of Syria Prima. Its importance was due to its strategic location, both as a caravan stop and as part of the frontier zone (limes) with the desert. In 540, the Sassanid shah Khusro I appeared before the city and extracted 200 pounds of gold as ransom in return for sparing the city. This prompted the Emperor Justinian I to order its fortifications rebuilt, a work undertaken by Isidore the Younger (a nephew of Isidore of Miletus) in circa 550. The Sassanids occupied the city in 608/9, during the Byzantine–Sassanid War of 602–628, and kept it until the war′s end. Barely ten years later, in 636/7, it fell to the Arabs after a brief resistance. During the second half of the 10th century, the city became a frequent conflict zone between the Byzantines and Hamdanids during the latter stages of the Arab–Byzantine wars. In 963 the inhabitants were evacuated, though they returned afterward. The city was destroyed by the Byzantines in 998. It was rebuilt, but once more sacked by the Byzantines in 1030. It remained as a barely populated, but strategic town during the Crusader period.

BMC page 148, 7var. ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; CRS 437/16 var.
RPC.III.3473 (7 specimens listed) ; Sear GIC- (cf. 1236) RR
Dark patina. Very rare.
f/vf à f+

weight 4,60gr. ; bronze Ø 17mm.

obv. Draped and laureate bust right
AΔRIANOC  CЄBACTOC
rev. ΦΛA / CAMO / MHTPO / KOM within wreath

BMC 22 ; SNG.Copenhagen 17 ; Sear GIC.1235 R
Dark patina. Rare.
vf

weight 28,19gr. ; bronze 34mm. 

obv. Laureate bust of Hadrianus right, wearing cuirass and
paludamentum, seen from front, surrounded by the legend;
ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹΕΒ
rev. Athena standing facing, head left, holding Nike in right hand,
her left leaning on grounded shield, L IΔ in left field

With the hemidrachms of this type, with this bust, we see on the reverse the date L - IΔ usually in the field on either side of Athena. This example, however, shows the date placed in the left field, similar to RPC. 5739. That example, however, has a different bust, seen from the rear. This seems to be a die coupling that is not mentioned as such in the reference literature. Very rare as such.

cf. BMCG 688 ; cf. Dattari 1633-1634 ; cf. Milne 1287 ;
cf. Cologne (Geissen) 1010 ; cf. Dattari/Savio 7563 ;
cf. SNG.Delepierre 34 ; cf. Kampmann/Ganschow 32.481 ;
cf. SNG.Copenhagen 353 ;  cf. RPC 5740. ; cf. Sear 3758 RR
f/vf à vf-

weight 13,32gr. ; copper 28mm. 

obv. Laureate and bust of Hadrianus right, wearing cuirass and
paludamentum, seen from rear, surrounded by the legend;
AVT KAI TPAI AΔPIA CЄB
rev. Nikè advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and
palm-branch in left,  L ΙϚ to left

BMC 721 ; Dattari 1772 ; Cologne (Geissen) 1050 ;
RPC.III, 5802 ; Milne 1341 ; Sear 3800
f+ à f/vf

weight 13,27gr. ; bronze Ø 29mm.

obv. Laureate and draped bust of Hadrianus right, surrounded by the legend;
ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙϹ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΟϹ
rev. Draped bust of Sabina right, wearing stephane, surrounded by the legend;
ϹΑΒΕΙΝΑ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΗ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΕⲰΝ, ΕⳞ (upside down) in lower right field

Countermark ″bearded head right″ on the obverse (Howgego 104).

Epiphaneia was a city in Cilicia Secunda (Cilicia Trachea), in Anatolia. The city was originally called Oeniandos or Oiniandos, and was located in the area of the northern tip of the Gulf of Iskenderun on the route from Missis to Antioch. In the 2nd century BC the city was renamed Epiphania, in honour of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, King of Syria from 175 BC to 164 BC. The city is mentioned in the writings of Ptolemy and Pliny the Elder. Cicero stayed there briefly during his exile. In 66 BC the Roman general Pompey led a campaign against the Mediterranean pirates. After the surrender of the pirates, they were dispersed and many were settled at Epiphaneia. According to Gibbon, Saint George was born here, in a fuller′s shop, in the late 4th century. Saint Amphion was the earliest known bishop of Epiphaneia in 325, as a suffragan of the Bishop of Anazarbus. He attended the First Council of Nicaea in 325, and later suffered under the persecutions of Diocletian.

BMC page 76, no.1 ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock- ;
Ziegler- ; SNG.Paris- ; SNG.Schweiz (Levante) 1816 ;
RPC.III.3394 (8 specimens listed) ; Sear GIC.1238 RR
Usual strike with weaknesses. Very rare.
vf-

weight 3,31gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Diademed and draped bust of Sabina right;
hair is knotted in back and falls in waves down neck,
hair also piled on top, above diadem, surrounded by
the legend; SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P
rev. Concordia seated left, holding patera; below seat,
cornucopia, surrounded by the legend; CONCORDIA AVG

Cohen 24 ; RIC 391 ; BMC 932 ; Sear 3919var. ;
Strack 378 ; RIC vol.III, part 3, 2548
very attractive specimen with good portrait and beautiful toning
xf-

weight 26,94gr. ; bronze Ø 33mm.

obv. Diademed and draped bust of Sabina right;
hair is knotted in back and falls in waves down neck,
hair also piled on top, above diadem, surrounded by the legend;
SABINA AVGVSTA
rev. Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and resting
left arm on statuette of Spes set on low base; cornucopiae under chair,
surrounded by the legend; CONCORDIA AVG, S C in exergue

Cohen 15 ; RIC 1025 ; BMC 1866 ; Sear- ;
Strack 863 ; RIC vol.III, part 3, 2513 S
Dark patina. Scarce coin.
vf-

weight 2,98gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Diademed and draped bust of Sabina right; hair is knotted in
back and falls in waves down neck, hair also piled on top, above
diadem, surrounded by the legend; SABINA AVGVSTA
rev. Juno, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand 
and vertical sceptre in left, surrounded by the legend;
IVNONI REGINAE

Cohen 43 ; RIC 395a ; BMC 940 ; UCR 547 ;
RIC vol.II, part 3, 2550 ; Strack 379 ; Sear 3921
vf

weight 2,95gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed and draped bust of Sabina right; hair is knotted in
back and falls in waves down neck, hair also piled on top, above
diadem, surrounded by the legend; SABINA AVGVSTA
rev. Juno, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand 
and vertical sceptre in left, surrounded by the legend;
IVNONI REGINAE

Cohen 43 ; RIC 395a ; BMC 940 ; UCR 547 ;
RIC vol.II, part 3, 2550 ; Strack 379 ; Sear 3921
minor traces of oxidation
vf-/vf

weight 3,26gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Diademed and draped bust of Sabina right; 
hair is knotted in back and falls in waves down neck, 
hair also piled on top, above diadem, surrounded by the legend;
SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P
rev. Vesta seated left, holding palladium and sceptre,
surrounded by the legend; VESTA

Cohen 81 ; RIC 410 ; BMC 915 ; Sear 3925
RIC vol.II, part 3, 2545
vf-

weight 7,64gr. ; copper Ø 24mm.

obv. Diademed and draped bust of Sabina right;
hair is knotted in back and falls in plait down neck,
hair also piled on top, above diadem, surrounded by
the legend; SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P
rev. Vesta seated left on low seat, holding palladium in right
hand and scepter in left, S C in exergue, surrounded by the
legend; V E S T A

Wonderful coin with fine-detailed portrait and dark-green patina.
Rare this nice.

Cohen 83 ; RIC 1046 ; BMC 1904 ; Sear 3952 ;
RIC vol.II, part 3 (2nd.ed), 2560 ; Strack 871
xf-

weight 4,75gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.

obv. Draped bust of Sabina, right, with hair coiled
and piled on top of head above double stephane,
surrounded by the legend; ϹΑΒЄΙΝΑ  -  ϹЄΒΑϹ
rev. Isis (?) standing facing., resting with her right
hand on sceptre, surrounded by the legend;
ΑΙΓΑΕΩΝ  -  ΔΕΙΦ ΟΛΥΜ

BMC - ; RPC III, 1925 (only 4 specimens listed) ; SNG.München- ;
Lindgren collection - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.von Aulock - ;
Weber collection- ; SNG Leypold 503 ; Waddington1263 RR
f

weight 26,51gr. ; bronze Ø 31mm.

obv. Bust of Lucius Aelius Caesar, bare, right,
surrounded by the legend; L AELIVS CAESAR
rev. Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand
and resting left arm on cornucopiae set on base, S - C ascross field,
surrounded by the legend; TR POT COS II, CONCORD in exergue

″He was a man of joyous life and well versed in letters. In the palace his stay was but a short one but he was considerate of his family, well-dressed, elegant in appearance, a man of regal beauty, with a countenance that commanded respect, a speaker of unusual eloquence, deft at writing verse, and, moreover, not altogether a failure in public life.″ – Historia Augusta

Aelius was born on 13 Januari 101 with the name Lucius Ceionius Commodus. His father, also named Lucius Ceionius Commodus (the author of the Augustan History adds the cognomen Verus), was consul in 106, and his paternal grandfather, also of the same name, was consul in 78. His paternal ancestors were from Etruria, and were of consular rank. His mother was a surmised but otherwise undocumented Roman woman named Ignota Plautia. The Augustan History states that his maternal grandfather and his maternal ancestors were of consular rank. Before 130, the younger Lucius Commodus married Avidia Plautia. Four children were born, among which  Lucius Ceionius Commodus the younger, which we know as the later emperor Lucius Verus. For a long time, the emperor Hadrian had considered his brother-in-law Lucius Julius Ursus Servianus as his unofficial successor. As Hadrian′s reign drew to a close, however, he changed his mind. Although the emperor certainly thought Servianus capable of ruling as an emperor after Hadrian′s own death, Servianus, by now in his nineties, was clearly too old for the position. Hadrian′s attentions turned to Servianus′ grandson, Gnaeus Pedanius Fuscus Salinator II. Hadrian promoted the young Salinator, his great-nephew, gave him special status in his court, and groomed him as his heir. However, in late 136, Hadrian almost died from a haemorrhage. Convalescent in his villa at Tivoli, he decided to change his mind, and selected Lucius Ceionius Commodus as his new successor, adopting him as his son. Although Lucius had no military experience, he had served as a senator, and had powerful political connections; however, he was in poor health. As part of his adoption, Lucius Ceionius Commodus took the name Lucius Aelius Caesar. After a year′s stationing on the Danube frontier, Aelius returned to Rome to make an address to the senate on the first day of 138. The night before the speech, however, he grew ill, and died of a haemorrhage late the next day. The prevailing modern view is that Aelius had, in fact, been suffering from Tuberculosis, one of the most dominant diseases in the ancient world and one that affected members of all classes. Hadrian put forward a remarkable new plan for the future of his dynasty, nominating not only his new successor on 24 Januari 138 – a mild-mannered senator named Aurelius Antoninus (Antoninus Pius) – but also the two after that (Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus), who he demanded should rule concordantly, a first in the Imperial age.

cf. Numismatica Genevensis SA, auction 7, lot 365 (in xf ; CHF 28.000 + 17,5%)

Spectacular coin with excellent portrait of Lucius Aelius
and with attractive dark patina. Among the finest known.
Very rare in this high state of preservation.

Cohen 7 ; RIC 1057 ; BMC 1918var. ;
Strack 880 ; RIC vol.II, part 3, 2650
xf-

weight 2,62gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Bust of Lucius Aelius Caesar, bare, right,
surrounded by the legend; L AELIVS CAE  -  SAR TR P COS II
rev. Concordia standing left, holding patera in right hand and
cornucopia in left, surrounded by the legend; CONCOP  -  DIA

″He was a man of joyous life and well versed in letters. In the palace his stay was but a short one but he was considerate of his family, well-dressed, elegant in appearance, a man of regal beauty, with a countenance that commanded respect, a speaker of unusual eloquence, deft at writing verse, and, moreover, not altogether a failure in public life.″ – Historia Augusta.

Normally, Concordia has a double cornucopiae in her left hand. This variant with a single cornucopiae only occurs very sporadically. Also die cutter error: CONCOPDIA instead of CONCORDIA.Very rare as such.

Cohen 14var. ; cf. RIC 428 ; cf. BMC 964 ; cf. Strack 403 ;
cf. RIC vol.II, part 3, 2550 ; Sear 3969var. RR
vf/xf

weight 8,27gr. ; bronze Ø 24mm. 

obv. Draped bust of Aelius, bare, right, surrounded by the legend;
Λ ΑΙΛΙΟϹ  -  ΚΑΙϹΑΡ
rev. Homonoia standing facing, head left, holding phiale with her
extended right hand and grain ears with her left,
surrounded by the legend; ΔΗΜ ΕΞΟΥϹ ΥΠΑΤ Β

The interpretation of the female figure on the reverse is diverse. Most numismatists consider it Homonoia (= Concordia), however, the presence of corn ears rather than cornucopia suggests perhaps, that someone other than Homonoia is intended: presumably Euthenia?

BMC 2927var. ; SNG.Copenhagen 421 ; Emmett 1353 (R2) ;
Dattari (Savio) 2079 & 8000-1 ; K&G 34.6 ; RPC III 6242 ;
Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 166 ; Milne 1555
SNG.Cologne (Geissen) 1272 R
Attractive portrait. Rare.
vf- à f/vf

weight 26,49gr. ; bronze Ø 32mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded
by the legend; ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP
rev. Alexandria, draped, with lotus-flower on head, standing left,
holding crown on extended right hand and ibis in left, COS - II /
S - C across fields, surrounded by the legend; ALEX  -  ANDRIA

This type forms a part of a series commemorating Antoninus′ remission of half of the ′aurum coronarium′, a special tax levied on the provinces at the time of an emperor′s accession and on certain anniversaries of his reign. A highly interesting and rare type.

Cohen 26 ; RIC 577 ; BMC 1181 ; Sear - R
Minor flatness and roughness on reverse. 
vf-

weight 9,50gr. ; copper Ø 26mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P COS III
rev. Annona, draped, standing right, holding two corn-ears in right hand
over modius and corn-ears and cornucopiae in left; at feet right, prow right, 
surrounded by the legend; ANNONA AVG,  S C across fields

In ancient Roman religion, Annona is the divine personification of the grain supply to the city of Rome. She is closely connected to the goddess Ceres, with whom she is often depicted in art. Annona, often as Annona Augusti, was a creation of Imperial religious propaganda, manifested in iconography and cult practice. She is presented as a theophany of the emperor′s power to care for his people through the provision of grain.

Cohen 35 ; RIC 675 ; BMC 1356 ; Sear 4294var.
Wonderful coin with fine details and attractive dark patina.
xf-

weight 16,24gr. ; copper Ø 27mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III
rev. Concordia, draped, standing left, holding Victory on
extended right hand and legionary eagle, vertical, in left
CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S C

Cohen 140 ; RIC 678 ; Sear-
vf- à f/vf

weight 23,02 ; bronze Ø 32mm.

obv. Head of Antoninus Pius, bare, right,
surrounded by the legend; DIVVS ANTONINVS
rev. Pyre in four tiers, decorated with swagged hangings an garlands,
surmounted by facing quadriga, surrounded by the legend;
CONSECRATIO,  S C below

From the formation of Rome to the mid-2^nd century AD cremation was the more common method after somebody died. In the event of cremation, the body was taken to the necropolis (″city of the dead″) and put upon a funeral pyre. It was then burned, and the ashes and remaining fragments of bones and teeth were interned in a funerary urn. It was believed that until the body was interred, the ″shade″(spirit) had not crossed the River Styx yet (the river that takes one from the World of the Living to the World of the Dead). Thus, there was a sense that the psychic impression of the deceased still lingered around friends and family, and the spirit would become angered if anything negative was said about it. After the mid- 2^nd century AD inhumation (or burial) eventually took over as the preferred method. The body would be placed inside a coffin, called a sarcophagus, which was often massive and richly decorated. The body was not buried with any possessions. This was a very old practice throughout the Mediterranean, but one that was hardly ever used in Rome, especially when cremation was the most common method.

After the death of an Emperor, he would be buried inside the city. This was an honor reserved for only the most exceptional and illustrious people; most Romans had to be buried outside of the city. It was also believed that Emperors did not become shades (spirits) like others did; rather, they became Gods through a process known as apotheosis. As such, the Emperor′s commemoration was much more impressive and more expensive monuments were erected. Trajan′s Column, under which the Optimus Princeps′ ashes were buried, is one of the most well-known Roman monuments.

Cohen 165 ; RIC 1266 ; BMC 872 ; MIR 27-6/10 ; Sear 5198var.
Attractive greenblack patina. Beautiful portrait.
vf/xf

weight 11,01 ; bronze Ø 25mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right,
surrounded by the legend; ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XIX
rev. Jupiter, seated left, holding Victory, surrounded by the legend; 
COS IIII,  S - C across lower field

Cohen 195 ; RIC 954a ; BMC 1991a ; Sear- R
Attractive coin with fine details. Dark patina. Rare.
vf+ à vf/xf

weight 2,76gr. ; silver Ø 17,5mm.

obv. Laureate head right  ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XVIII
rev. Vesta standing left, holding palladium and simpulum  COS IIII

Cohen- (cf. 198) ; RIC- (cf.229a) ; BMC- (cf. 806) ; cf. Sear 4065 RRR
Seems to be unpublished. Extremely rare.
vf-

weight 9,74gr. ; copper Ø 24mm.

obv. Laureate head op Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XIX
rev. Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch, extended in right
hand and cornucopiae in left, S - C across fields, C O S on left side, 
I I I I on right side

Cohen 257 ; RIC 955 ; BMC 1992var.
A bit short flan. Attractive dark patina.
vf-/vf

weight 3,29gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XVI
rev. Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears downwards
in right hand and resting left on modius set on prow, right, surrounded
by the legend; COS IIII

This denarius was issued by Antoninus Pius in 154-155 AD, and show Annona, a personification of the annual grain supply to Rome. In her right hand, she holds two ears of corn. Her left hand is resting on a modius placed on a prow, indicating that the corn is arriving by sea (from Egypt).

Cohen 290 ; RIC 221 ; BMC 786 ; cf.  Sear 4068
very attractive portrait
vf+/vf

weight 26,83gr. ; bronze Ø 30mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P
rev. Antoninus, with radiate nimbus and in military attire, standing facing,
head left, holding branch and spear COS IIII, S - C in field

Cohen 318 ; RIC 765 ; BMC 1666 ; Sear 4167 S
Minor scratches. Dark patina. Scarce.
about vf

weight 24,72 ; bronze Ø 32mm.

obv. Head of Antoninus Pius, bare, right, surrounded
by the legend; DIVVS ANTONINVS
rev. Rectangular altar, S - C across field, durrounded
by the legend; DIVO PIO

Minted shortly after the death of Antoninus,
during the early reign of marcus Aurelius.

Cohen 358 ; RIC 1272 ; BMC 886 ; MIR 47 ; Sear 5200
vf-/vf

weight 7,40gr. ; gold Ø 20mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XIIII
rev. Ceres, draped, standing right, holding two corn-ears in right hand;
at her side, Proserpina, draped, standing front, head left, holding pomegranate,
surrounded by the legend; LAETITIA COS IIII

The originally Roman goddess Libera was daughter of the agricultural goddess Ceres. Libera was officially identified with Proserpina in 205 BC, when she acquired a Romanised form of the Greek mystery rites and their attendant mythology. In 204 BC, a new "Greek-style" cult to Ceres and Proserpina as "Mother and Maiden" was imported from southern Italy, along with Greek priestesses to serve it, and was installed in Libera and Ceres temple on Rome′s Aventine Hill. The new cult and its priesthood were actively promoted by Rome′s religious authorities as morally desirable for respectable Roman women, and may have partly subsumed the temple′s older, native cult to Ceres, Liber and Libera; but the new rites seem to have functioned alongside the old, rather than replaced them.

Cohen 476 ; RIC 199c ; BMC 725 ; Calicó 1556 ; Sear 4008 R
Wonderful lustrous coin with excellent details.
Near mintstate. Very rare in this outstanding quality.
unc-

weight 10,79gr. ; bronze Ø 24mm.

obv. Radiate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVIII
rev. Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand 
and vertical sceptre in left, surrounded by the legend;
LIBERTAS COS IIII, S - C across lower field

Cohen - ; RIC 933 ; BMC 1967 ; cf. Sear 4279
Very attractive portrait.
vf/xf à vf+

weight 23,73gr. ; bronze Ø 30mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right, surrounded by
the legend;  ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P COS IIII
rev. Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae,
S - C across fields, surrounded by the legend; LIBERALITAS AVG V 

Cohen 508 ; RIC 776 ; BMC 1695 ; Sear 4188
Dark patina.
about vf

weight 10,10gr. ; bronze  Ø 26mm.

obv. Radiate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVII
rev. Libertas, draped, standing right, holding pileus in extended
right hand and extending her left hand, S - C across field,
surrounded by the legend; LIBERTAS COS IIII

Cohen 539 ; RIC 920 ; BMC 1948 ; Sear 4279
Very minor traces of oxidation.
Good portrait. Attractive dark patina.
vf+/vf

weight 7,16gr. ; gold Ø 20mm.

obv. Head of Antoninus Pius, bare, right
IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P
rev. Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch extended in right hand
and vertical sceptre in left, PAX below , around TR POT XIIII COS IIII

Cohen 579 ; RIC 200a ; BMC 726-727 ;
Calicó 1588 (this coin) ; Sear- (cf. 4014)
Small flan crack. Wonderful lustrous coin with excellent details.
Near mintstate. Very rare in this outstanding quality.
unc-

weight 23,14gr. ; bronze Ø 31mm.

obv. Head of Antoninus Pius, bare, right, surrounded by
the legend; IMP T AELIVS CAESAR ANTONINVS
rev. Veiled and diademed Pietas standing right next to altar,
raising right hand and holding box of incense in left, S - C in field,
PIETAS in exergue, surrounded by the legend; TRIB POT COS

Minted in the first months of his reign, when he was not yet accepted by the Senat, for which reason Antoninus choose not to use the title of Augustus but that of Caesar.

Cohen 600 ; RIC 1082 ; BMC 1950 ; Sear- R
Wonderful coin with powerful details and dark patina. Rare.
vf/xf

weight 11,00gr. ; copper Ø 26mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P COS III
rev. Salus, draped, standing left, feeding out of patera in right hand
snake coiled round altar, left and holding vertical sceptre in left
SALVS AVG, S - C across field

Cohen - (cf. 713 = bare head) ; RIC 688b ; BMC 1366 ; Sear- (cf. 4311) S
Attractive dark patina.
vf

weight 7,20gr. ; gold Ø 18mm.

obv. Bare head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXIII
In full; Antoninus Augustus Pius, Pater Patriae, 
Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Vicesima.
Translated: Antoninus Pius, emperor (Augustus) father of
the nation, holder of tribunician power for the 23rd time.

rev. Pietas, draped, standing left, holding globe on right hand and
child on left arm; at her sides, left and right, a child standing,
looking towards her, right arm raised, surrounded by the legend;
PIETATI   -  AVG COS IIII
In full: Pietati Augustae, Consul Quartum.
Translated: To the venerable piety, consul for the fourth time.

The reverse refers to the piety of the imperial family. For this coin
type we normally see a laureate head of Antoninus Pius.
This deviant type with bare head is very rare.

Cohen - (cf. 622) ; RIC - (cf. 302) ; BMC 983note ;
Calicó 1600 a ; Sear-   RR
very attractive specimen with beautiful portrait
xf-

weight 11,97gr. ; bronze Ø 26mm.

obv. Radiate head right  ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XVI
rev. Salus standing left, holding scepter and patera, feeding snake arising from altar
SALVS AVG COS IIII S C

Very attractive coin with good portrait and darkgreen patina.
Cohen 733 ; RIC 909a
xf-/vf+

weight 10,47gr. ; bronze  Ø 26mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS IIII:
rev. Minerva, helmeted and draped, advancing right,
brandishing javelin and holding shield, S - C across lower field

Cohen 746 ; RIC 826 ; BMC 1760 ; Sear -
Attractive dark patina.
vf

weight 3,33gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XXII
rev. Octastyle temple of Divus Augustus, containing cult-statues
of Augustus and Livia, surrounded by the legend;
TEMLP DIVI  -  AVG REST, COS IIII below temple

The Temple of Divus Augustus was a major temple originally built to commemorate the deified first Roman emperor, Augustus. It was built between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, behind the Basilica Julia, on the site of the house that Augustus had inhabited before he entered public life in the mid-1st century BC. The temple′s construction took place during the 1st century AD, having been vowed by the Roman Senate shortly after the death of the emperor in AD 14. It is known from Roman coinage that the temple was originally built to an Ionic hexastyle design. However, its size, physical proportions and exact site are unknown. During the reign of Domitian the Temple of Divus Augustus was destroyed by fire but was rebuilt and rededicated in 89/90 with a shrine to his favourite deity, Minerva. The temple was redesigned as a memorial to four deified emperors, including Vespasian and Titus. It was restored again in the mid 150s by Antonius Pius, and that was the reason for this coinage. The last known reference to the temple was on 27 May 218; at some point thereafter it was completely destroyed and its stones were presumably quarried for later buildings. Its remains are not visible and the area in which it lay has never been excavated.

The usual legend for the denarii of this type is: TEMPLVM DIVI AVG REST COS IIII. The legend TEMPL DIVI AVG REST COS IIII is only known from an aureus of this type. However, for this denarius the die cutter made a mistake and write TEMLP instead of the correct TEMPL. Unpublished and possibly unique.

Cohen - (cf. 799 = aureus) ; RIC - (cf. 289 = aureus) ;
BMC - (cf. 938 = aureus) ; Sear - (cf. 4107) RRRR
vf

weight 12,41gr. ; bronze  Ø 28mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP
rev. Minerva, helmeted and draped, advancing right, brandishing
javelin and holding shield, S - C across field, surrounded by the legend;
TR POT  COS I I

Cohen 842var. ; RIC 563a ; BMC 1163 ; Sear -
attractive dark patina. Scarce.
vf+ à vf/xf

weight 27,10gr. ; bronze  Ø 34mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right  ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP
rev. Fides, draped, standing right, holding two corn-ears downwards
in right hand and plate of fruit on raised TR POT COS II SC

Cohen 846 ; RIC 546 ; BMC 1145 ; Sear 4238
Some very minor roughness. Dark patina.
f/vf à vf-

weight 13,99gr. ; bronze Ø 27mm.

obv. Radiate head right  ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP IMP II
rev. Providentia standing left, holding scepter, globe at feet
TR POT XIX COS IIII S C

Cohen 978 ; RIC 953 S
zfr- à fr/zfr

weight 10,88gr. ; bronze  Ø 25mm.

obv. Radiate head on Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP IMP II
rev. Pax standing left, holding branch and cornucopiae, S C across field,
surrounded by the legend;  TR POT XIX COS III 

Cohen 981 ; RIC 952
vf-/f+

weight 11,25gr. ; copper Ø 23mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP IMP II
rev. Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch, extended in right hand
and cornucopiae in left, surrounded by the legend;
TR POT XIX COS III,  S - C across lower field

This type is not published and seems only to be known as sestertius
and dupondius. Coin of the highest rarity. Unique ?

Cohen - ; RIC - ; BMC - ; Sear - RRRR
Attractive dark patina.
vf

weight 11,48gr. ; copper Ø 23mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, light drapery on shoulder,
surrounded by the legend; ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II
rev. Annona, draped, seated right, holding cornucopiae in both hands,
modius with grain stalks at her feet, surrounded by the legend;
TR POT XIX COS IIII, S C in exergue

Cohen 986var. ; RIC 956var. ; cf. BMC 2003a ; Sear - R
Coin with attractive dark patina.
vf

weight 11,15gr. ; bronze  Ø 27mm.

obv. Radiate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II
rev. Annona, draped, standing, left, holding corn-ears in right hand
over modius with corn-ears, left and rudder, nearly vertical, on prow in left,
S - C across field, surrounded by the legend; TR POT XXI COS IIII

Cohen - ; RIC 993 ; BMC - ; Sear -  R
Good portrait. Attractive dark patina. Rare.
vf+/vf-

weight 22,17gr. ; bronze  Ø 30mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP IMP II
rev. Annona, draped, standing left, holding corn-ears in right hand over
modius with corn-ears, left and rudder, nearly vertical, on prow in left
TR POT XXI COS IIII S C

Cohen - ; RIC 981 ; BMC 2038 ; Sear 4254
Some re-engraving of details. Dark patina.
about vf

weight 9,96gr. ; copper Ø 27mm.

obv. Laureate head op Antoninus right, surrounded by
the legend; ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XI
rev. Antoninus, togate, standing left, sacrificing over
tripod-altar and holding scroll, S - C across field,
C O S on left side, I I I I on right, VOTA in exergue

Cohen 1096 ; RIC 852a ; BMC 1814 ; Sear 4323
Very attractive specimen with fine details and dark green patina.
xf- à vf/xf

weight 2,40gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right, surrounded by the legend;
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII
rev. Antoninus Pius, veiled, togate. standing left, sacrificing
out of patera in right hand over tripod-altar left, and holding
roll in left hand at side, surrounded by the legend;
VOTA SVSCEPTA DEC III, COS IIII in exergue

The reverse legend refers to the vows undertaken for the 30th anniversary of rule,
Consul for the 4th time (′Vota Suscepta Decennalia Tertia, Consul Quartum′)

Cohen 1126 ; RIC 294Ba ; BMC 956 ; Sear – (cf. 4140)
minor traces of corrosion
vf-

weight 2,95gr. ; bronze Ø 13mm.

obv. Draped bust of Venus right, diademed, hair waved
and fastened in a bun on back of head
rev. Dove standing right, S - C across fields

Previously, these anonymous quadrantes were attributed to the
reign of Domitianus. However, recent studies have shown that
they are of a younger date, from the reign of Antoninus Pius.

Cohen 10 ; RIC II (ed.1926), page 218, no.24 ; Sear 2924 ;
Annotazioni Numismatiche Suppl. XI, 1998, S. 19  R
f/vf

weight 3,71gr. ; bronze Ø 19mm.

obv. Laureate bust of Antoninus Pius wearing cuirass
and paludamentum right ANTONINVS AVG PIVS
rev. Helmeted head of Athena right  COL ICO

In Roman times Iconium was a city on borders of Phrygia and Lycaonia. It was included in the Roman province Galatia in 25 BC. Excavations have shown that the region was inhabited during the Late Copper Age, around 3000 BC. The city came under the influence of the Hittites around 1500 BC. These were overtaken by the Sea Peoples around 1200 BC. The Phrygians established their kingdom in central Anatolia in the 8th century BC. Xenophon describes Iconium, as the city was called, as the last city of Phrygia. The region was overwhelmed by Cimmerian invaders circa 690 BC. It was later part of the Persian Empire, until Darius III was defeated by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. Alexander′s empire broke up shortly after his death and the town came under the rule of Seleucus I Nicator. During the Hellenistic period the town was ruled by the kings of Pergamon. As Attalus III, the last king of Pergamon, was about to die without an heir, he bequeathed his kingdom to Rome. Under the rule of emperor Claudius, the city′s name was changed to Claudioconium, and during the rule of emperor Hadrianus to Colonia Aelia Hadriana. Saint Paul and Barnabas preached in Iconium during the First Missionary Journey in about 47-48 AD (see Acts 14:1-5 and Acts 14:21), and Paul and Silas probably visited it again during the Second Missionary Journey in about 50 (see Acts 16:2). In Christian legend, it was also the birthplace of Saint Thecla. During the Byzantine Empire the town was destroyed several times by Arab invaders in the 7th-9th centuries.

BMC 7 ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock 8648 ;
RPC IV online 7259 (temporary) ; SNG.Pfälzer 575 ;
SNG.Paris- ; Sear GIC.1473
vf-

weight 10,04gr. ; bronze Ø 23mm.

obv. Laureate-headed bust of Antoninus Pius wearing cuirass and paludamentum
left, surrounded by the legend; ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙ ΤΙ ΑΙΛI ΑΔΡΙ ΑΝΤⲰΝƐΙΝΟΝ
rev. Turreted and draped bust of Tyche wearing ear-pendant with bunch of grapes,
surrounded by the legend; ΙΟΥΛΙƐⲰΝ ΤⲰΝ ΚΑΙ ΛΑΟΔΙΚƐⲰΝ,
ΘЄ in lower left field, ΗΠΡ behind head

The site of Laodikea ad Mare (modern Latakia, Syria) in Phoenicia has been inhabited since the 2nd millennium BC. By the Phoenicians it was known as Ramitha. The Greeks called it Leuke Akte (″White Coast″). The city was refounded by Seleukos I Nicator (301-281 BC), who renamed it in honour of his mother Laodiké. It was a major port for the Seleukid Kingdom. Pompeius the Great created the new Roman province of Syria in 64 BC. The Romans modified the name to Laodikea ad Mare. In 193, Laodikea was sacked by the governor of Syria, Pescennius Niger, in his revolt against Septimius Severus. In 194, Septimius Severus reorganized Syria into five new provinces. One of these, Coele-Syria, including all of northern Syria, briefly had its capital in Laodikea before reverting to Antiochia. Septimius sought to punish Antiochia for having supported Pescennius Niger. Septimius Severus endowed Laodikea with four colonnaded streets, baths, a theater, a hippodrome, numerous sanctuaries and other public buildings in the city. The city was a key strategic seaport for Roman Syria. To support Severus′ extensive military activities in the East, an imperial mint was opened at Laodikea. For a short time it became the second mint after Rome. In 202 the imperial mint at Laodikea was closed.

BMC-(vgl.61) ; SNG.Copenhagen 353var. ;
Sear GIC.1497 ; RPC online IV.3, no. 8171
Wonderful coin of great style and with attractive dark brown patina.
Rare.
xf-

weight 14,84gr. ; bronze Ø 32mm.

obv. Laureate head of Antoninus right
ΑVΤ TI ΑΙ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟС СЄΒ
rev. Nilus seated on rocks up which crocodile climbs left, head right,
holding reed and cornucopia, from which Genius issues holding wreath,
LK - Γ in field

cf. RPC IV, 15783 and 15932 (temporary) ; cf. Dattari 2742 RR
Dark patina.
f/vf

weight 2,84gr. ; bronze Ø 17mm.

obv. A•P•P•F within oak wreath
rev. Tall scepter surmounted by bareheaded male bust left.

For the abbrivation A•P•P•F there are two explanations;
Augusto Patri Patriae Felicitor ;
′To the Emperor, Father of our Country, may he be Happy′.

Another (more likely) explanation is;
Apollinares Pecunia Publica Fiunt ; Entrance token for the Ludi Apollinares. These were solemn games (ludi) held annually by the ancient Romans in honor of the god Apollo. Originally celebrated on 13 July and eventually grew to last 8 or 9 days.

Cohen VIII, 53 ; Mlasowsky 37 ; Mabbott 5271 ; 
Gobl, Antike 104 = Vierordt Collection (Schulman, 17 June 1924), lot 27. RR
Licht traces of oxidation. Dark patina. Highly interesting and very rare.
vf