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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN), 69-79 AD - AV Aureus, Asia Minor/Syrian mint (circa 70-71)
weight 6,58gr. ; gold Ø 18,5mm.
obv. Laureate head right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP•CAES•VESPASIANVS•AVG
rev. SPQR - OB•CS within oak wreath (Corona Civica)
This coin was struck in Antiochia, shortly after Vespasianus had become the new emperor. It was in the time of the First Jewish-Roman war (66-73 A.D.), and possible the production of silver denariii and aurii in the mint of Antioch was related to this war. Money was needed to pay the Roman troops. The "civic crown" on the reverse traditionally had been presented to Romans who in battle saved the life of another citizen, though it was also awarded for saving a life under other circumstances, or for saving the state. It was one of the greatest public honours, and recipients received benefactions ranging from the practical to the honorary, such as having spectators rise as they entered a public theatre, The crown was awarded to Augustus in 27 B.C. as a reflection of his restoration of peace in the realm, by which he saved the lives of many Romans and preserved the state. By the reign of Claudius, however, the awarding pf the corona civica seems to have become standard part of the accession honours. From this cointype only one other example is known ; Biaggi collection (see Ars Classica Auction 72, Zürich 16-17 May 2013, no.623, about XF, sold for CHF 87.500 + 18%). Probably 2nd known. Excessively rare and of great historical importance.
Reverse: The reverse reads “SENATUS POPULESQUE ROMANUS OB CIVES SERVATOS”, meaning “Senatus Populesque Romanus” (approved by the Senate and people of Rome), “Ob Cives Servatos” (For having saved the citizens).
The Corona Civica was originally a military honour bestowed upon a Roman who had saved a fellow citizen′s life in battle. It was one of the greatest public honours. In the imperial era the honour developed from a coveted military decoration into an imperial emblem granted by the Senate to the emperor. The wreath was made of oak leaves and is sometimes called a corona quercea after the common name for the oak. Plutarch believed the oak was chosen for this highest of honours for several reasons. The tree was easily found throughout the countryside and was quite convenient for fashioning a wreath when the need arose. Also, the oak is sacred to Jupiter and Juno and thus was an appropriate symbolic honour given to one who has saved the life of a fellow Roman citizen. Finally, the early settlers of Rome, the Arcadians, were nicknamed ′acorn-eaters′ in an oracle of Apollo.
Sear- ; Cohen- ; RIC- ; BMC- ; RPC- ; Calico 672 (same dies)
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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN), 69-79 - AV Aureus, Lugdunum (71)
weight 7,30gr. ; gold Ø 18mm.
obv. Laureate head of Vespasianus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P
rev. Fortuna, draped, standing left, dropping right hand to touch prow
set on ground, left, and holding cornucopiae in left hand, surrounded
by the legend; COS III FORT RED
Cohen 96var. ; RIC 1110 ; BMC 381 ; Calicó 612 R
Very attractive portrait with fine details.
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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN), 69-79 - AR Denarius, Rome (77-78)
weight 3,03gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.
obv. Laureate head of Vespasianus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
rev. Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak round waist, standing left,
holding spear slanting upwards in right hand and trophy on left shoulder
in left, COS on left, VIII on right
Cohen 125 ; RIC II¹ 103 ; RIC II² 937 ; BMC 200 ; cf. Sear 2288
very attractive specimen with beautiful high relief portrait
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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN), 69-79 AD - AE Dupondius (77-78), Lugdunum
weight 12,41gr. ; orichalcum Ø 27mm.
obv. Laureate head of Vespasianus right, globe at point of neck,
around the text ; IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII PP
rev. Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder set on globe in
right hand and cornucopiae in left, S - C ascoss field, around the text;
FORTVNAE at left, REDVCI at right
Cohen 181 ; RIC 1215 ; BMC 833 ; Sear 2348
very attractive specimen with fine details
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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN), 69-79 - AR Denarius, Ephesos (71)
weight 4,19gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
obv. Laureate head of Vespasianus right, around the text;
IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P
rev. Victory advancing right with long palm over left shoulder
and holding wreath in her right hand, ΘY-monogram in lower
right field, PACI before, AVGVSTVAE behind
As denarii of Vespasianus normally weight between 3,00 en 3,30 gram,
the piece offered here is with 4,19 gram unual thick and heavy.
For a long time this coin type was unknown, until it turned up on
13 October 2003 in Auction 126 of Gorny & Mosch in Munich (lot 2329).
At that time a unique piece. Coin of the highest rarity.
Cohen - (cf. 276) ; RIC II¹ - (cf. 333) ; RIC II² 1425 (R3) ;
RPC - (cf. 833) ; Sear - (cf. 2270) RRRR
Attractive portrait.
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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN), 69-79 AD - AV Aureus, Antiochia (72-73)
weight 7,29gr. ; gold Ø 18mm.
obv. Laureate head of Vespasianus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
rev. Libertas standing left, holding pileus and sceptre,
LIBERTAS on the right, AVG on the lower left
This aureus of Antiochia, struck in 72 (or perhaps early in 73), is of extraordinary artistic and historical interest. Aurei and denarii were minted at the beginning of Vespasians reign, between 69AD. Vespasins aurei from Egypt (?), Syria and Judaea have been divided into four groups. This aureus belongs to the fourth group dated to 72-73 AD and assigned to Antiochia by Metcalf, according to close stylistic parallels with his tetradrachms. The context of the production and issue of Vespasians eastern aurei are better documented than other Roman gold coinage. Indeed, Vespasian, sent to suppress the Jewish Revolt, was proclaimed emperor at the beginning of 69 AD. Tacitus writes that gold and silver were struck at Antiochia, thus, for the levying of troops, the recall of veterans and the maintaining of arms. Returning to Rome, Vespasian left Titus to prosecute the war. Once the war ended, the involved legions were dispatched to Pannonia and Moesia on the Danube because the priorities were to settle the situation on the lower Rhine after the Batavian Revolt and then to renew the full conquest of Britain. This aureus, probably, has been struck to celebrate freedom in the Roman Empire, as indicated by the legend. The issue is certainly part of the Judaea Capta series and it celebrates the end of the First Jewish war.
The mint of this early and extremely rare aureus of Vespasianus has been identified by RIC and RPC as that of Antiochia. It has been struck during the First Jewish War (66-73), in which Vespasian(66-69) and Titus(67-71) were the commanders of the Roman army. To pay the soldiers large quantities of money were needed, and this could be a reason for the coinage in Antiochia. The Romans finally succeeded in breaching the defenses of the weakened Jewish forces in the summer of 70, following the fall of Jerusalem. In the year 71 Titus left for Rome, leaving Legion X Fretensis to defeat the remaining Jewish strongholds including Herodium and Machaerus, finalizing the Roman campaign in Masada in 73–74. With the use of Libertas (freedom), Paci (peace), Pax (peace), Victoria (victory), we can see the motivs on the coins of Antiochia as Roman propaganda. An issue of great importance and fascination referring to the Judean campaign. From this cointype only 1 specimen is listed (hoard Didcot, England). This is probably the second known piece.
Cohen - ; RIC II¹- ; RIC II²1543 ; BMC- ;
RPC.1917 ; Sear- ; Calicó- RRRR
Extremely rare coin or great historical importance.
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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN) - AV Aureus, Rome (73)
weight 7,16gr. ; gold Ø 19mm.
obv. Laureated head of Vespasianus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAESAR VESP AVG CENSOR
rev. Round tetrastyle temple on podium of four steps: between the two
cental columns, statue of Vesta standing left, holding patera and long
scepter; two statues to either side holding long scepters, above; VES - TA
The positioning of the letters TA from VES - TA is noteworthy. The logical position would be at the top of the dome. However, the die cutter chose this much lower position.
Under Vespasianus, peace and tranquillity had been restored to the Roman world and the end of the third civil war in less than 100 years had come to an end. To this end, the coinage of Vespasianus proclaimed that peace had been restored and a new Temple of Peace was erected in a new addition to the forum known as the Forum of Vespasianus. The Temple of Vesta had burned down twice in written history. In 64 AD, the Great Fire of Rome destroyed most of Rome, including the Temple of Vesta. It was said by Cassius Dio to have been started by the infamous Nero, but according to Tacitus, Nero was at Antium at the time of the fire. Nevertheless, we find that Vespasianus issued coins showing the Temple of Vesta had been reconstructed.
This domed temple of Vesta, the Aedicula Vestae, stood on the Palatine Hill and was part of the Roman Forum. It was dedicated to the goddess of the hearth, Vesta. Sacred objects such as the wooden Palladium statue were kept inside the temple. Only the Vestal Virgins were allowed to enter the temple and see the sacred objects. The temple was of very ancient origin and its construction is traditionally attributed to the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius. He reigned from 716 – 673 BC. At the time, it was probably no more than a primitive wooden hut with a thatched roof. In later times it was built in stone and marble and it was Emperor Augustus who inaugurated a renewed domed Vesta Temple in 12 BC.
It was located near the house of Emperor Augustus and also near the House of the Vestal Virgins. The temple was modest in size, 14.8 meters in diameter and the columns were about 4.5 meters high. In 64 it was badly damaged by the great fire in Rome, but still under Nero the temple was rebuilt. However, Vespasianus had it considerably decorated, and that is the reason for the minting of this coin. The temple was also restored and embellished under Trajanus. However, disaster struck again in 191. A major fire in Rome also destroyed the Vesta Temple.
At the initiative of Empress Julia Domna, the temple was rebuilt around AD 200. That building remained in use until 394, after which the Christian emperor Theodosius I had it closed permanently. This was no doubt related to his harsh policy, initiated in 392, to banish all Pagan expressions and worship. So also all Roman religions. Since the toleration of Christianity by Constantine the Great (Council of Nicaea in 325) and the introduction of Christianity as the state religion in 381 (Council of Constantinople) these had already lost their strength considerably. In 394 the majority of the Roman population was Christian.
Until the Renaissance, the temple remained more or less intact. However, it was demolished in 1549 so that the marble could be used for the opulent papal palaces. In this way the fragments of the temple again received a function in idolatry, now in the form of Papal materialism and self-enrichment of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1930 a small part of the superstructure was reconstructed on the remaining foundations and the remnants left behind. This is the Temple of Vesta which can be seen in the Forum today.
Cohen – (cf. 578 and 580) ; RIC 69b (R2) ; BMC – (cf. 107) ;
RIC II² 516 ; Calicó 693 ; cf. Sear 2255 RR
An attractive and very rare historical coin.
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VESPASIANUS (VESPASIAN), 69-79 - CYPRUS - KOINON OF CYPRUS - AR Tetradrachm (dated ′New Holy Year′ 9 = AD 76/77)
weight 11,75gr. ; silver Ø 23,5mm.
obv. Laureate head of Vespasianus left, around the text;
AVTOKPATΩP OVECΠACIANOC KAICAP
rev. Zeus Salaminios standing facing, holding patera and scepter,
with eagle perched on wrist, corn-ear in exergue, around the text;
ETOYC NEOY IEPOY Θ
A small issue of tetradrachms were struck for Cyprus between 75 and 78. Style strongly indicates these are a product of the Antioch mint despite their Cypriot provenance. All of them are quite scarce compared with the large Syrian tetradrachm issues coined for Vespasian and some of theme are really rare. This specimen from the nineth year of the Cypriot issue features the ethnic reverse type of Zeus Salaminios. In RPC only 5 specimens are listed. Very rare.
BMC 28 ; McClean 9383 ; RPC II, 1805 RR
Some oxidation on reverse,
but excellent portrait of emperor Vespasianus.
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VESPASIANUS, TITUS & DOMITIANUS - AR Denarius, Rome (69-70)
weight 3,38gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
obv. Laureate head of Vespasian to right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
rev. Heads of Titus, bare, to right and Domitianus, bare, to left, facing one another,
surrounded by the legend; CAESAR AVG F COS CAESAR AVG F PR
The Latin phrase "CAESAR AVG F COS CAESAR AVG F PR" stands for Caesaris Augusti filius consul, Caesaris Augusti filius praetor. It translates to "Son of Caesar Augustus, consul; son of Caesar Augustus, praetor," and refers to Roman imperial officials who were adoptive or biological sons of Emperor Vespasianus.
The portraits of Titus and Domitianus on dynastic silver denarii of Vespasianus symbolize the secure establishment and continuity of the new Flavian Dynasty. By featuring both of his sons as designated heirs (Caesares), Vespasianus reassured the Roman world that stability had returned after the chaotic Year of Four Emperors (69 AD) and that his bloodline would safely rule after him.
Displaying Titus and Domitianus (often facing each other vis-à-vis on the reverse) explicitly communicated a permanent father-to-sons hereditary line, breaking away from the failed adoptive models of the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Labeling them with titles like Caesar Augusti Filius (Caesar, son of the Emperor) anchored their personal authority directly to Vespasianus′ divine and military legitimacy. Presenting the two young heirs side by side signaled to citizens and the military that the empire′s future leadership was already stable, unified, and prepared.
Cohen 5 ; RIC 2 ; RIC II² 16 ; BMC 2 R
Rare coin of the Flavian Dynasty.
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TITUS as Caesar under Vespasianus, 69-79 - AR Denarius, Antiochia (72)
weight 3,16gr. ; silver Ø 17mm.
obv. Draped and laureate bust of Titus right, seen from rear,
surrounded by the legend; T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT
rev. Titus in triumphal quadriga right, holding eagle-tipped scepter
JUDAEA CAPTA
This coin refers to the suppression of the first Jewish Revolt and the capture of Jerusalem by Titus in September 70. Solomon′s temple was destroyed and Jewish sanctuaries, such as the Menorah, were taken away. All that remains of that temple is a piece of wall that we know as the Wailing Wall. In June 71, Titus was welcomed into Rome as a great triumphator and the victory was celebrated extensively. Many monuments were erected, but this event was also commemorated extensively on coins, including this one. The reverse of this coin shows the Triumphal Parade which was held in June of 71 AD. Titus is shown driving the quadriga.
Cohen 395; RIC 368; RIC II² 1563;
BMC 521; RPC.1935 ; Sear 2435 R
Very attractive historical coin. Rare.
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JULIA, daughter of Titus - AR Denarius, Rome (80-81)
weight 2,79gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
obv. Bust of Julia Titi, draped and diademed, right; hair in long plait,
surrounded by the legend; IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F
rev. Venus, naked to waist, standing right, resting left elbow on
column and holding helmet in right, surrounded by the legend;
VENVS AVGVST
Cohen 14 ; RIC 56 ; RIC II, part.1, p.222, 388 ; BMC 141 ; Sear 2612 R
Very attractive specimen with good portrait and beautiful toning. Rare.
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JULIA, daughter of Titus - AR Denarius, Rome (80-81)
weight 2,32gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.
obv. Bust of Julia Titi, draped and diademed, right; hair in long plait,
surrounded by the legend; IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F
rev. Venus, naked to waist, standing right, resting left elbow on
column and holding helmet in right, surrounded by the legend;
VENVS AVGVST
Cohen 14 ; RIC 56 ; RIC II, part.1, p.222, 388 ; BMC 141 ; Sear 2612 R
Some edge damage, nevertheless still attractive coin with good portrait. Rare.
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JULIA, daughter of Titus and mistress of Domitianus, empress from 79-91 - AE Sestertius, Rome (92-94)
weight 28,83gr. ; bronze Ø 34mm.
obv. Ornate carpentum drawn by two mules to right; statuettes at
each corner of cart bed supporting an arched and elaborately-decorated
canopy; side panel between statuettes decorated with a dancing figure;
side panel of bed decorated with wreaths, the legend DIVAE IVLIAE
AVG DIVI TITI F above, S P Q R in exergue
rev. Large S • C , surrounded by the legend; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG
GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P
Flavia Julia (also nicknamed Julia Titi) was born in Rome circa 63 AD to Titus and his first wife Arrecina Tertulla, she was named for Tertulla′s mother Julia Ursa. Her mother was either divorced or died when Julia was an infant. Her father later remarried to Marcia Furnilla with whom he had another daughter who is presumed to have died young. In 65, after the failure of the Pisonian conspiracy, the family of Furnilla was disfavored by Nero. Julia′s father, Titus concluded that he did not want to be connected with any potential plotters and ended his marriage to Julia′s step-mother. Julia was likely raised by her maternal grandmother and the wet nurse Phyllis (who had already reared Julia′s uncle Domitianus as a child).
When growing up, Titus offered her in marriage to his brother Domitianus, but he refused because of his infatuation with Domitia Longina. Titus arranged a marriage with her second paternal cousin Flavius Sabinus. This was a grandson of a brother of Vespasianus, also called Flavius Sabinus. A few years after the marriage, however, an affair developed between Julia and Domitianus. By 83 this had become so serious that Domitianus divorced his wife Domitia and had her exiled. In 84, Julia′s husband also suffered and was executed by Domitianus on a senseless charge. After the death of her husband Julia lived in the palace with her uncle and his wife Domitia Longina. Ancient historians report stories that Julia was seduced by her uncle and died, probably 91 AD, having an abortion forced upon her by him.
Julia was deified after her death at age 37 and Martial wrote a poem where in he praised her and wished for her to become the spiritual guardian of the (hoped for) future son of Domitianus and Domitia whom he wished to be named ″Julius″ in her honor. Following the downfall of her uncle Domitianus, their wet nurse Phyllis mixed his ashes with those of Julia to ensure that his remains would not be thrown away.
The carpentum was a two-wheeled carriage with an arched covering. The use of it is mentioned in very early times at Rome, but only by privileged persons, at least within the walls. The currus arcuatus assigned by Numa to the Flamines (Liv. 1.21) is no doubt the same as the carpentum which was the travelling carriage of the elder Tarquin while still a private person (id. 34), and in which Tullia drove through the streets (id. 48). In its original form it must have been simply a covered cart, thus distinguished from the plaustrum or open cart. The use of carriages in the city was entirely forbidden during the whole of the republic and for the first two centuries of the empire. The permission granted to Lucius Metellus, the Pontifex Maximus, who lost his sight 241 BC, while rescuing the Palladium from the conflagration of the temple of Vesta, is mentioned by Plinius as absolutely unique. It was, therefore, a considerable privilege when Roman ladies (matronae), as a reward for their patriotic generosity at the time of the fall of Veil, were allowed to drive in the pilentum (or four-wheeled carriage) at the games and public festivals, and in the carpentum on all occasions. This privilege seems to have been abridged by the Lex Oppia of 215 BC.
The carpentum of later times was a luxurious and richly ornamented carriage, used for travelling purposes and also for state occasions. We read of silken curtains (or cushions?). It was commonly drawn by a pair of mules; more rarely by oxen or horses, and sometimes by four horses as a quadriga. When Caligula instituted games and other solemnities in honour of his deceased mother the elder Agrippina, her carpentum (funeral coach) went in the procession. On this occasion also sestertii were issued with a detailed depiction of the carpentum. During the Flavian Dynasty we see a return of the image of the carpentum on sestertii, as a funerary symbol for deceased empresses (including Domitilla, Juli Titi).
cf. Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 169, 26 June 2024, Lot 120 (in xf- € 12.500 + 20%)
Cohen 10 ; RIC 411 ; RIC II, part.1, p.321, 760 ;
BMC 471 ; Sear 2891 R
Exceptionnal quality for this rare coin type.
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN) as Caesar, 69-81 - LYDIA - AE 15, Philadelphia
weight 2,96gr. ; bronze Ø 15mm.
obv. Bust of Domitianus, bare, right, wearing cuirass and
paludamentum, surrounded by the legend; ΔOMITIAN KAICAP
rev. Apollo standing left, holding plectrum and lyre,
surrounded by the legend; ΦΛABI ΦIΛAΔEΛΦEΩN
BMC 62 ; SNG.von Aulock- ; SNG Leypold 1126 ;
SNG.Copenhagen- ; RPC.II, 1331 ; Hochard 1429-30 ;
Sear GIC.835 R
Attractive dark patina. Rare.
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN), 81-96 - AR Cistophoros, Rome (95)
weight 9,85gr. ; silver Ø 25mm.
obv. Laureate head of Domitianus right,
surrounded by the legend; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS
rev. Six ears of corn tied together in bundle,
AVG - GERM across lower field
Previously, these cistophorii were attributed to the mint of Ephesus. It is now considered more likely that these cistophori were struck in Rome, for use in Asia. The cistophoric tetradrachms represented a value of 3 denarii. A rare coin.
Rome was always concerned to get a good supply of corn. "Corn" is the name for whatever cereal grain is in common use. The Roman cereal crops were wheat and barley, and they also used millet. A good crop every year was essential. Ceres (equivalent to the Greek Demeter) was the goddess of agriculture, and appeared on coins carrying ears of corn. Annona was a personification of the annual corn supply. This is a very specific sort of thing to have a personification, which shows how important it was.
Rome depended heavily on supplies of grain from Egypt. The fertility of the lands around the Nile allowed Egypt to export large amounts and still not starve. This made Egypt a critical dependency for Rome, which established direct control on the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC. Further, the new pharaoh resided not in Egypt, but in Italy (Rome). Due to its key position in the Eastern Mediterranean, and its immense wealth, the new province achieved a special status. From Augustus onwards, Roman Egypt became the emperor′s private property During most of the period of the empire, a free corn dole was handed out to the poor of Rome. From the 3rd century, it was cooked into bread first. To stop this would have caused riots. Reassurance of a good supply, and credit for providing it, were common themes on coins.
Cohen - ; RIC 221 (R3) ; BMC 254 ;
CBN- ; RIC II, 852 ; RPC.874 R
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN), 81-96 - AE Sestertius, Rome (88 AD)
weight 22,32gr. ; orichalcum Ø 33mm.
obv. Laureate head of Domitianus right
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII CENS PER P P
rev. Domitian seated left on platform inscribed SVF PD,
reaching out towards citizen who reaches back, child at center with
hands raised toward emperor, tetrastyle temple in background.
COS XIIII LVD SAEC, S C in exergue
Saecular Games Issue;
The Saecular Games (Latin: Ludi Saeculares, originally Ludi Terentini) was a Roman religious celebration involving sacrifices and theatrical performances, held in ancient Rome for three days and nights to mark the end of a saeculum and the beginning of the next. A saeculum, supposedly the longest possible length of human life, was considered as either 100 or 110 years in length. Some ancient authors traced official celebrations of the Games as far back as 509 BC, but the only clearly attested celebrations under the Roman Republic took place in 249 and in the 140s BC. They involved sacrifices to the underworld gods over three consecutive nights. The Games were revived in 17 BC by emperor Augustus. Later emperors held celebrations in AD 88 and 204, after intervals of roughly 110 years. However, they were also held by Claudius in AD 47 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Rome′s foundation, which led to a second cycle of Games in 148 and 248. The Games were abandoned under later Christian emperors.
From historical sources, the basic ritual outline of the imperial Ludi Saeculares is clear. The festival began with nearly a week of preparatory events. First, the citizens brought gifts of agricultural produce (fruges) to various temples. On the following days, they received materials for the titual purification of private homes (suffimenta) from the priesthood in charge of organizing the Ludi Saeculares, the quindecimviri sacris faciundis (abbreviated XV S F), of which the emperor was a member. Then followed the six sacrifices at the heart of the celebration. They alternated between nighttime sacrifices to the Moirae (the Fates), the Ilithyiae (goddesses of childbirth), and Terra Mater ar riverside altars in the Tarentum, located on the point bar of the Campus Martius where the Tiber bends; and daytime sacrifices to Jupiter, Juno, Apollo, and Diana at temples on the Capitoline and Palatina Hills. During the same three days, 100 married women with children held sellisternia for Juno and Diana, ritual banquets at which images of the goddesses sat as honored guests. Theatrical performances in both Latin and Greek began the same night as the first sacrifice and continued for several days following the last sacrifice, along with chariot races, animal hunts, and other circus games.
Domitian′s Ludi Saeculares coinage (88 AD) violates the usual patterns of Roman mint production: one festival dominates all six denominations of gold, silver, and bronze. Consistency in legends and in reverse types across the issue suggests that unusual care was taken in designing these coins. One composition is even repeated in both silver and bronze. Ten events during the Ludi Saeculares, nine of them religious rituals prescribed by the Sibylline oracle, are depicted on the bronze coinage. Variations among specimens within each type, however, indicate that some details, such as the pedimental iconography of temples, were created by individual die carvers and must not have been specified in the original design. Using the textual evidence for other imperial celebrations of the Ludi Saeculares, previous scholars have focused on matching each coin type with a known event and each architectural background with a specific location in Rome. This article reveals the problems with such an approach and uses instead a variety of historical, iconographic, and numismatic methodologies to explore questions of design, audience, context, and interpretation. I conclude that, for a limited audience, these coins attempted to send a coherent message emphasizing the solemnity and ritual completeness of Domitian′s Ludi Saeculares and linking his celebration to Augustus′ Ludi Saeculares of 17 BC. But, because Domitian′s experiment in using the coinage for detailed communication was not subsequently imitated, this set of coins is unique. (ref. Melanie Grunow Sobocinski American Journal of Archaeology 2006 of the Archaeological Institute of America)
Cohen 81 ; RIC 376 ; RICˡˡ 609 BMC 428 ; Sear 2764 RR
River patina. Very rare historical coin.
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN), 81-96 - AE As, Rome (85)
weight 10,55gr. ; bronze Ø 27,5mm.
obv. Laureate head of Domitianus with aegis right
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P
rev. Rectangular altar with four steps, door with four panels and
lion′s head knockers, flanked by two pilasters, horns on corners,
SALVTI above, AVGVSTI below, S - C across fields
The identification of this altar of the Ara Salutis Augusti is wholly uncertain. This altar was dedicated to the goddess Salus in relation to the emperor. Salus was the goddess of safety, health and welfare. Hill (′The Monuments of Ancient Rome as Coin Types′ page 64) suggest that it may have been erected under Titus because of that emperor′s failing health, but its precise location and subsequent history are unknown. Very interesting coin type.
Cohen- (cf. 418-419) ; RIC 418 (R2) ; BMC 366A ; Sear- (cf. 2808) RR
Attractive and very rare coin with beautiful depicted altar.
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN), 81-96 - AR Cistophorus, Rome (circa 82)
weight 10,77gr. ; silver Ø 24mm.
obv. Laureate head of Domitianus right, surrounded by the legend;
IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PM COS VIII
rev. Aquila between two standards, one surmounted by a banner,
the other by a hand. No legend.
The Aquila was a prominent symbol used in ancient Rome, especially as the standard of a Roman legion. A legionary known as an aquilifer, the "eagle-bearer", carried this standard. Each legion carried one Aquila. It was the item that had to be defended at all costs, as it represented the legion′s honor. Bearing the legion′s most prized possession the aquilifer′s position was of high standing. In fact, one of the aquilifer′s duties was to be in charge of the legion′s pay chest. He would therefore also be the man to whom the legionaries and officers would entrust their savings.
Previously, these cistophorii were attributed to the mint of Ephesus. It is now considered more likely that these cistophori were struck in Rome, for use in Asia. The cistophoric tetradrachms represented a value of 3 denarii. A rare coin.
Coh.667 ; RIC 226 (R2) ; RIC II² 550 ;
BMC 252 ; RPC.843 ; SNG.von Aulock 6580 R
attractive coin with patina
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN), 81-96 - MYSIA - AE 29, Kyzikos (83-96)
weight 14,36gr. ; bronze Ø 29mm
obv. Laureate head of Domitianus right, surrounded by
the legend; ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹЄΒΑϹΤΟϹ ΓЄΡΜΑΝΙΚΟϹ
rev. Demeter standing left, holding corn-ears and long torch,
surrounded by the legend; ЄΠΙ ΤΙ ΚΛ•ΑΓΝΙΟΥ ϹΤΡΑ ΚΥΖΙΚΗΝΩΝ
Minted in name of the strategos Tiberius Klaudius Hagnios. Originally, a strategos (″army leader″) was used in Greek to mean military general. In the Hellenistic world and the Eastern Roman Empire the term was also used to describe a military governor.
Demeter was the Olympian goddess of agriculture, grain and bread who sustained mankind with the earth′s rich bounty. Demeter was depicted as a mature woman, often wearing a crown and bearing sheafs of wheat, corn-ears or a cornucopia (horn of plenty), and a torch. The frequency with which Demeter (Kore), or her symbols, appears on the coins of Kyzikos, both in Greek and Roman times, indicates that she played an important role for the city and was worshiped there.
Only 2 specimens listed in RPC; Staatliche Museen in Berlin Inv. No. 18264317 and A. Tricarico collection. This is probably the 3rd known example of this coin type. This example is superior to the other two known examples and is by far the finest example known of this coin type. Extremely rare.
BMC - ; SNG. von Aulock - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.München- ;
Weber collection- ; Lindgren collection- ; McClean- ; SNG.Tübingen ;
Sear GIC - ; RPC II, 883 RRRR
Wonderful specimen with good portrait and dark green patina.
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN), 81-96 - PHRYGIA - AE 19, Aezanis
weight 14,36gr. ; bronze Ø 29mm.
obv. Laureate head of Domitianus right, surrounded by
the legend; ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹЄΒΑϹ
rev. Athena, helmeted, standing left, holding patera in right hand
and spear in left, shield leaning against bottom of spear,
surrounded by the legend; ΑΙΖΑΝЄΙ - ΤѠΝ
Settlement in the area of Aezanis (or Aizanoi / Aezani) is known from the Bronze Age. The city may have derived its name from Azan, one of three sons of Arcas and the nymph Erato, legendary ancestors of the Phrygians. During the Hellenistic period the city changed hands between the Kingdom of Pergamum and the Kingdom of Bithynia, before being bequeathed to Rome by the former in 133 BC. It continued to mint its own coins. The city was an important political and economic centre in Roman times; surviving remains from the period include a well-preserved Temple of Zeus, a combined theatre-stadium complex, and a round building, probably a macellum, inscribed with a copy of the Price Edict of Diocletian. Aizanoi became a Christian bishopric, with its bishop, Pisticus, being a participant at the First Countil of Nicaea in 325. The former city is no longer a bishopric, and is today listed by the Catholic Church as a titular see. After the 7th century, Aizanoi fell into decline. Later, during Seljuk times, the temple hill was repurposed as a citadel. The ruins of the city were discovered in 1824 by European travellers. Its monumental buildings date from the early Empire to the 3rd century. It′s remains are located at the site of the modern village of Çavdarhisar, near Kütahya, on both sides of the Penkalas river.
BMC 95 ; SNG. von Aulock 3353 ; SNG.Copenhagen 93 ;
Hans von Aulock, Zur Münzprägung von Aizanoi, in R. Naumann,
Der Zeustempel zu Aizanoi (1979) 82-94, p. 91 Nr. 42. ;
Waddington 5572-5573var. ; Sear GIC 841 ; RPC II, 1367
attractive dark patina
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DOMITIANUS (DOMITIAN), 81-96 - CILICIA - AE 29, Irenopolis, year 42 (92-93)
weight 13,08gr. ; bronze Ø 29mm
obv. Laureate head of Domitianus right, aegis on chest,
surrounded by the legend; ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ
rev. Tyche seated on pile of rocks, right, holding ears of grain and poppy;
at feet, forepart of river-god Pyramus swimming right, star in the right field,
surrounded by the legend; ΙΡΗΝΟΠΟΛЄΙ - ΤΩΝ ЄΤ ΒΜ
Irenopolis (or Eirenopolis or Eirenoupolis) was an ancient Roman, Byzantine and medieval city in northeastern Cilicia, not far from the Kalykadnos river, also known briefly as Neronias in honour of the Roman emperor Nero. It was probably founded by Antiochos IV of Kommagene in the first half of the first century AD. The coins of the city show that Asklepios and Hygieia 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. 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 2 ; SNG. von Aulock 8684 ; SNG. Schweiz (Levante) 1601 ;
Karbach 10-15 ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; cf. SNG Pfalz 617 ;
Sear GIC 862 ; RPC II, 1762 R
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DOMITILLA, MOTHER OF DOMITIANUS - AR Denarius, Rome (82-83 AD)
weight 3,34gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.
obv. Bust of Domitilla right, hair in long plait in back,
surrounded by the legend; DIVA DOMITILLA AVGVSTA
rev. Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae,
surrounded by the legend; FORTVNA AVGVST
Flavia Domitilla the Elder was born circa 2 AD in Sabratha to Italic colonists who had moved there during the reign of Augustus. She was the daughter of Flavius Liberalis, a humble quaestor’s clerk from Ferentium (modern Ferento), a country town in Italy. Before her marriage, she was a formal mistress to Statilius Capella, an equestrian. It was scandalously rumoured that she possessed only Latin status, until her father Liberalis produced evidence of her Roman citizenship. Vespasianus married her around AD 38. They had three known children, Domitilla the Younger and the emperors Titus and Domitian, but they might have had four other children who died in childhood. She died before Vespasianus became emperor.
We know very little about Domitilla′s life. Historians have paid little attention to her. And that was the fate of the vast majority of women throughout history, including first-century women. It wasn′t that they didn′t live good, satisfying lives. We have to hope they did. But they left no record that endured beyond their deaths….which unfortunately came very early to most of them. From the three emperors of the famous Flavian dynasty - Vespasianus, Titus and Domitianus - there are still many contemporary sculptures showing their strong, masculine faces. But we know very few sculptures of the Flavian women and are mainly dependent on their images on coins. Both Titus and Domitianus had coins minted in honor of their deceased mother. Only on Domitianus′ pieces, a denarius, is she depicted with her portrait. On the reverse Fortuna is depicted, the goddess of fortune and luck.The profile portrait on the denarius offered here is fascinating. With her classic Roman nose and jutting chin, Flavia Domitilla bears great resemblance to her sons Titus and Domitianus. Even Flavia Domitilla′s name betrays the anonymity of her life. This particular woman′s mother was named Flavia Domitilla, and her daughter was named Flavia Domitilla. Typical for the time. Women took feminine versions of their fathers′ and husbands′ names. If there was more than one daughter in the family, they were all named the same….set apart from each another only as prima (first), secunda (second), tertia (third, and so on. Emperor Vespasianus′ wife and daughter were distinguished from one another as Flavia Domitilla Major (elder) and Flavia Domitilla Minor (younger).
Cohen 3 ; RIC 157 ; BMC 137 ; Sear 2888 RRR
Wonderful specimen with very attractive portrait.
Hard to find this nice. Extremely rare.
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