Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4
Date: 2025-01-14 15:00:00 (2 weeks from now)
Lots: 1152
Total starting: $ 3,093,540.00
In this auction, Numistats has matched 121 coins, providing AI-powered purchase recommendations and detailed analysis. View more.
Auction Summary
La subasta "Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4", programada para el 14 de enero de 2025, presenta una impresionante colección de 1152 lotes, destacando monedas de diversas épocas y regiones. Entre las piezas más notables se encuentra un estater de plata de Arkadia, datado entre 360-350 a.C., que muestra un magnífico retrato de Deméter y Hermes, con un precio estimado de 180,000 USD. También se destaca un denario de Bruto, famoso por conmemorar el asesinato de Julio César, que se ofrece por 150,000 USD, siendo considerado uno de los más icónicos de la numismática romana. Otro ejemplar notable es un estater de oro de Nektanebo II de Egipto, que representa un caballo y un collar jeroglífico, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Además, se presenta un dekadrachm de Siracusa, que es considerado uno de los más bellos de la antigüedad, con un precio de 60,000 USD. Estas monedas no solo son valiosas por su rareza y belleza, sino que también representan momentos significativos de la historia antigua, lo que las convierte en piezas de gran interés para coleccionistas y estudiosos.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 717
AI Rec
Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 164. • L • VERVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, laureate and cuirassed bust right / TR P IIII • IMP II COS II, Hercules, naked, standing front, head right, wearing lion skin headdress and holding lion skin over left arm, holding up olive branch beside head in right hand and holding club in left. RIC III 517 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 77-12/35; Calicó 2172; BMCRE 281. Toned. EF. Lustrous.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA49C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 476.
As with most conflicts between Rome and Parthia, the great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the two states. In AD 161, the Parthian king Vologases IV marched into Armenia and evicted its pro-Roman king, replacing him with his kinsman Pacorus. The Roman governor of Cappadocia marched into Armenia with a legion (perhaps the supposed 'lost legion' IX Hispana), but the Parthian general Chosroes surrounded the Romans and slaughtered them to a man, the worst military disaster to befall the Empire in nearly a century. The newly installed co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus responded by raising a massive expeditionary force and sending it east under Verus' supposed command, but in reality commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparation, the Romans invaded Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia, which is proudly displayed in its entirety on this gold aureus of AD 164.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA49C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 476.
As with most conflicts between Rome and Parthia, the great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the two states. In AD 161, the Parthian king Vologases IV marched into Armenia and evicted its pro-Roman king, replacing him with his kinsman Pacorus. The Roman governor of Cappadocia marched into Armenia with a legion (perhaps the supposed 'lost legion' IX Hispana), but the Parthian general Chosroes surrounded the Romans and slaughtered them to a man, the worst military disaster to befall the Empire in nearly a century. The newly installed co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus responded by raising a massive expeditionary force and sending it east under Verus' supposed command, but in reality commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparation, the Romans invaded Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia, which is proudly displayed in its entirety on this gold aureus of AD 164.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 718
AI Rec
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 7.23 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 185. COMM • ANT AVG • P • BRIT, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P • X • IMP VII COS IIII P P, VIRT • AVG in exergue, Commodus, in short tunic, with cloak flying behind him, on horse rearing right, brandishing javelin in right hand at panther pacing left before him. RIC III 114; MIR 18, 666-2/18 corr. (TR P number); Calicó 2362 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 168; Biaggi 1024 (this coin); Mazzini 956. Some scratches on reverse, edge scrapes and marks. Good VF. Very rare.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12, June 1993), lot 156; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 392; Leo Biaggi De Blasys Collection; Niklovitz Collection (L. Hamburger [76], 19 October 1925), lot 1157; Prince Windisch-Graetz Collection.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12, June 1993), lot 156; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 392; Leo Biaggi De Blasys Collection; Niklovitz Collection (L. Hamburger [76], 19 October 1925), lot 1157; Prince Windisch-Graetz Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 719
AI Rec
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.30 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 185. COMM • ANT AVG • P • BRIT, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P X • IMP V II COS IIII P • P •, VIRT AVG in exergue, Commodus, in short tunic, with cloak flying behind him, on horse rearing right, brandishing javelin in right hand at panther pacing left before him. RIC III 114 (same dies as illustration); MIR 18, 666-2/18 corr. (TR P number); Calicó 2362 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 168 (same dies); Biaggi 1024 (same obv. die); Mazzini 956 (same dies). Attractively toned, scrape on obverse. Near EF. Very rare. An impressive portrait.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 720
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.19 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 188. M COMM • ANT • P FEL • AVG BRIT, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P XIII • IM P VIII COS V P • P, Aequitas, draped, standing facing, head left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 164 var. (bust type); MIR 18, 741-2/33; Calicó 2305; BMCRE 242 var. (same); Sincona 4, lot 4113 (same obv. die). Slight wave in flan. Good VF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 721
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.24 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 188. M COMM • ANT • P • FEL • AVG BRIT, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XIII • IMP VIII COS V • P • P, Aequitas, draped, standing facing, head left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 164 var. (bust type); MIR 18, 741-2/37; Calicó 2305 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 242 var. (same); Adda 365 (same obv. die). Lustrous. EF. A bold and impressive portrait.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA50C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 113.
The sole reign of Commodus, AD 180-192, is often viewed as the tipping point where the Roman Empire's ascent ended and its long decline began. Commodus has thus been featured in novels, plays, and feature films, usually as a villain, most recently in the cinema epics "Fall of the Roman Empire" (1964), portrayed by Christopher Plummer, and "Gladiator" (2001), portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. His actual persona, and the events of his 12-year sole reign, are far more complex and fantastical than depicted in either film. The son of the greatly revered "Philosopher Emperor" Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180), Commodus was born "in the purple" in AD 161 and was raised in an almost monastically austere environment. Marcus raised him to the rank of Consul in January 177 and made him co-Augustus a few months later. He accompanied Marcus to the Danubian front on a strenuous military campaign against the Germanic tribes in 178; worn out by his exertions, Marcus died on 17 March AD 180. Freed of his dutiful father's control, Commodus immediately cut a deal with the Germans and abandoned all further plans of military conquest. Returning to Rome, he plunged into sensual pursuits and left governing to a succession of favorites who plundered the public purse and aggrandized themselves. His lax rule soon led to plots against the regime, which were ruthlessly suppressed. Rejecting the intellectuality of his father, Commodus favored the physicality of the arena and fancied himself as a great athlete, hunter and gladiator. After the fall of his corrupt vizier Cleander in AD 190, Commodus took control of governmental affairs himself. Wealthy Romans in high positions were routinely executed so their estates could be confiscated to finance his orgy of self-indulgence. Still the Roman people seemed largely to enjoy his antics, and the legions remained loyal throughout. However, his close advisors began to fear for their own lives and ultimately arranged his death by strangulation at the hands of his wrestling instructor. The damage done by his 12 years of listless, corrupt rule was deep and lasting.
While Commodus continued and worsened the debasement of Roman silver coinage begun by his father, the gold coinage remained of high purity, weight and artistry. This beautiful aureus, struck at the mid point of his reign, depicts him as as a bearded philosopher-king much in the image of his father. The reverse evokes Aequitas, personification of equal justice, something in scarce supply during his reign.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA50C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 113.
The sole reign of Commodus, AD 180-192, is often viewed as the tipping point where the Roman Empire's ascent ended and its long decline began. Commodus has thus been featured in novels, plays, and feature films, usually as a villain, most recently in the cinema epics "Fall of the Roman Empire" (1964), portrayed by Christopher Plummer, and "Gladiator" (2001), portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. His actual persona, and the events of his 12-year sole reign, are far more complex and fantastical than depicted in either film. The son of the greatly revered "Philosopher Emperor" Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180), Commodus was born "in the purple" in AD 161 and was raised in an almost monastically austere environment. Marcus raised him to the rank of Consul in January 177 and made him co-Augustus a few months later. He accompanied Marcus to the Danubian front on a strenuous military campaign against the Germanic tribes in 178; worn out by his exertions, Marcus died on 17 March AD 180. Freed of his dutiful father's control, Commodus immediately cut a deal with the Germans and abandoned all further plans of military conquest. Returning to Rome, he plunged into sensual pursuits and left governing to a succession of favorites who plundered the public purse and aggrandized themselves. His lax rule soon led to plots against the regime, which were ruthlessly suppressed. Rejecting the intellectuality of his father, Commodus favored the physicality of the arena and fancied himself as a great athlete, hunter and gladiator. After the fall of his corrupt vizier Cleander in AD 190, Commodus took control of governmental affairs himself. Wealthy Romans in high positions were routinely executed so their estates could be confiscated to finance his orgy of self-indulgence. Still the Roman people seemed largely to enjoy his antics, and the legions remained loyal throughout. However, his close advisors began to fear for their own lives and ultimately arranged his death by strangulation at the hands of his wrestling instructor. The damage done by his 12 years of listless, corrupt rule was deep and lasting.
While Commodus continued and worsened the debasement of Roman silver coinage begun by his father, the gold coinage remained of high purity, weight and artistry. This beautiful aureus, struck at the mid point of his reign, depicts him as as a bearded philosopher-king much in the image of his father. The reverse evokes Aequitas, personification of equal justice, something in scarce supply during his reign.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 722
Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.72 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / OPI DIVIN TR P COS II, Ops, draped, seated left on throne, holding two grain ears in right hand, left hand on seat of throne. RIC IV 8a; Lempereur Type 9, 467a (D173/R236 – this coin illustrated); RSC 33; BMCRE 19-20. In NGC encapsulation 4162265-001, graded XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 296 (13 February 2013), lot 308.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 296 (13 February 2013), lot 308.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 723
Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.51 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / VOT DECEN TR P COS II, Pertinax, veiled and draped, standing front, head left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over tripod to left, and holding volumen in left hand at side. RIC IV 13a; Lempereur Type 11, 642 (D240/R332); RSC 56; BMCRE 24. Toned, shallow file mark on edge. Near EF. Well struck for the issue. Exceptional portrait.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 724
AI Rec
Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.60 g, 12h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus, togate, standing left, holding globe in outstretched right hand and volumen in left. RIC IV 3; RSC 15; BMCRE 7-8. Toned, shallow scrape on obverse under tone. Near EF. An attractive example for issue.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA182C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 332; Classical Numismatic Group 53 (15 March 2000), lot 1612.
Didius Julianus was born to a wealthy family in AD 137, probably in Milan. He had a prominent government career, including several provincial governorships, in the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Though successful, he did not earn the respect of his fellow senators, who regarded him as a sensualist and a spendthrift. When the Emperor Pertinax was killed by the Praetorians after only a three-month reign on March 28, AD 193, no ready successor was at hand. Pertinax’s father-in-law, Flavius Sulpicianus, entered the Praetorian camp and tried to get the troops to proclaim him emperor, but he met with little enthusiasm. Sensing an opportunity, Didius Julianus rushed to the camp and began to make cash promises to the soldiers from outside the wall. Soon the scene became an auction, with Sulpicianus and Julianus striving to outbid each other for the favor of the troops. When Sulpicianus reached 20,000 sesterces per soldier, Didius Julianus upped the bid by a whopping 5,000 sesterces, signaling with hand gestures. The emperorship was sold. Julianus was allowed into the camp and the Praetorians proclaimed him emperor. Confronted by the Praetorian swords, the Senate approved his elevation, but could not hide its disgust. Disturbances broke out throughout the city, and a crowd at the Colosseum loudly called for Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, to march on Rome. Niger was not the only alternative. Two other provincial governors also declared themselves emperor: Clodius Albinus in Britain, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia. Severus, closest to Rome, immediately marshaled his troops and invaded Italy. Julianus at first tried negotiations, then sent assassins to kill Severus, to no avail. Julianus next tried to fortify Rome but the results were ineffective and ludicrous. With Julianus’ authority in Rome rapidly deteriorating, Severus sent messages to the Praetorians, who renounced their allegiance to Julianus. Seeing their cue, the Senators proclaimed Severus emperor and passed a death sentence on Julianus. On June 1, AD 193, a Praetorian officer found the cringing Julianus hiding in the palace and dispatched him, ending his pathetic 65-day reign.
The reverse of this attractive silver denarius depicts Julianus with the grandiose title “Rector Orbis,” or ruler of the world. In reality, his authority never extended far beyond the immediate environs of Rome.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA182C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 332; Classical Numismatic Group 53 (15 March 2000), lot 1612.
Didius Julianus was born to a wealthy family in AD 137, probably in Milan. He had a prominent government career, including several provincial governorships, in the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Though successful, he did not earn the respect of his fellow senators, who regarded him as a sensualist and a spendthrift. When the Emperor Pertinax was killed by the Praetorians after only a three-month reign on March 28, AD 193, no ready successor was at hand. Pertinax’s father-in-law, Flavius Sulpicianus, entered the Praetorian camp and tried to get the troops to proclaim him emperor, but he met with little enthusiasm. Sensing an opportunity, Didius Julianus rushed to the camp and began to make cash promises to the soldiers from outside the wall. Soon the scene became an auction, with Sulpicianus and Julianus striving to outbid each other for the favor of the troops. When Sulpicianus reached 20,000 sesterces per soldier, Didius Julianus upped the bid by a whopping 5,000 sesterces, signaling with hand gestures. The emperorship was sold. Julianus was allowed into the camp and the Praetorians proclaimed him emperor. Confronted by the Praetorian swords, the Senate approved his elevation, but could not hide its disgust. Disturbances broke out throughout the city, and a crowd at the Colosseum loudly called for Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, to march on Rome. Niger was not the only alternative. Two other provincial governors also declared themselves emperor: Clodius Albinus in Britain, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia. Severus, closest to Rome, immediately marshaled his troops and invaded Italy. Julianus at first tried negotiations, then sent assassins to kill Severus, to no avail. Julianus next tried to fortify Rome but the results were ineffective and ludicrous. With Julianus’ authority in Rome rapidly deteriorating, Severus sent messages to the Praetorians, who renounced their allegiance to Julianus. Seeing their cue, the Senators proclaimed Severus emperor and passed a death sentence on Julianus. On June 1, AD 193, a Praetorian officer found the cringing Julianus hiding in the palace and dispatched him, ending his pathetic 65-day reign.
The reverse of this attractive silver denarius depicts Julianus with the grandiose title “Rector Orbis,” or ruler of the world. In reality, his authority never extended far beyond the immediate environs of Rome.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 725
Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.85 g, 12h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus, togate, standing left, holding globe in outstretched right hand and volumen in left. RIC IV 3; RSC 15; BMCRE 7-8. In NGC encapsulation 2412974-015, graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 726
AI Rec
Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.27 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus, circa AD 193-196. IVLIA DO MNA AVG, draped bust right / VENERI • VICTR, Venus Victrix, with drapery falling below hips, standing with back turned, head right, resting left arm on low column, holding apple in extended right hand and in left, palm frond sloped upward to left. RIC IV 536 (Septimius); Calicó 2641; BMCRE 48 (Wars of Succession; same obv. die); Adda 412 (same obv. die); Biaggi 1155; Jameson 173 (same obv. die); CNG 127, lot 564 (same dies). Attractively toned. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 727
AI Rec
Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.40 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, circa AD 200-207. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / CERERI FRVGIF, Ceres, draped, seated left, holding grain ears in right hand and long torch in left. RIC IV 546 (Septimius); RSC 14; BMCRE 10-13 (Septimius and Caracalla). Die breaks and minor flan flaws on the reverse. Superb EF.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Rome on the Euphrates Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 948.
Displayed at “Villa to Grave” Roman exhibit at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art September 2003-August 2005.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Rome on the Euphrates Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 948.
Displayed at “Villa to Grave” Roman exhibit at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art September 2003-August 2005.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 728
Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.18 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 199-201. ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IVVEN TA IMPERII, Caracalla, in military dress, with cloak falling over left arm, standing left, holding Victory on globe right in extended right hand and reversed spear in left; to left, captive, wearing peaked cap and long robe, seated left on the ground,propping head on right hand, right arm bent and resting on right knee. RIC IV –; Calicó 2685 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE –; Biaggi 1178 (this coin). Small scrape on reverse. Near EF. Wonderful high-relief portrait. Very rare.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 161; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining’s, 16 November 1950), lot 1709; Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection (Naville III, 16 June 1922), lot 95, acquired in Egypt, 1905.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 161; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining’s, 16 November 1950), lot 1709; Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection (Naville III, 16 June 1922), lot 95, acquired in Egypt, 1905.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 729
Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.23 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 205-206. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right / FELICIA above, TEMPORA in exergue, the Four Seasons, dancing and showing their attributes: from left to right, Spring carries a basin on his head, Summer holds a sickle in right hand above his head, Autumn holds a hare and a tray full of fruit, Winter wears a hood over his head and holds a bird which he has just captured, probably a wild duck. RIC IV 126; Calicó 2672 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE p. 207, note *; Adda –; Biaggi 1176 var. (bust type); Jameson –; Mazzini –. Scratch on obverse. VF. Extremely rare. None in CoinArchives, missing from most collections.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Spink America 8232 (7 December 1995), lot 2215.
This charming reverse depicts Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the guise of young boys at play, with each season bearing some symbol of its gift to mankind. Although a common motif in Roman sculpture and painting, its appearance on coinage is rare, recurring from time to time on issues from the 2nd century until the Tetrarchic period.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Spink America 8232 (7 December 1995), lot 2215.
This charming reverse depicts Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the guise of young boys at play, with each season bearing some symbol of its gift to mankind. Although a common motif in Roman sculpture and painting, its appearance on coinage is rare, recurring from time to time on issues from the 2nd century until the Tetrarchic period.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 730
AI Rec
Divus Caracalla. Died AD 217. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.12 g, 12h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Elagabalus, AD 218-219. DIVO ANTONINO MAGNO, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing left on globe, head right, with wings spread. RIC IV 717 (Severus Alexander); Thirion 500; RSC 32; BMCRE 7 (Elagabalus). Toned, slightly granular surfaces. Near EF. Rare and attractive for issue.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 803.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 803.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 731
Geta. AD 209-211. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 7.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 211. P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and bearded bust right, slight drapery / LIB • AVGG • VI • ET • V, distribution scene: Caracalla and Geta, togate, seated left on on curule chairs on platform, extending right hands, to left stands Liberalitas, draped, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopia in left; to left, citizen, togate, standing right, setting one foot on steps to platform and holding out fold of toga with both hands. RIC IV 87 corr. (rev. legend) var. (bust type); Calicó 2889 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 64 var. (same); Adda –; Biaggi 1250 var. (same); Jameson 198 var. (same); Mazzini 70 var. (same). Faint hairlines, minor marks. Near EF. Very rare with slight drapery.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 16; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 729.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 16; Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 729.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 732
AI Rec
Elagabalus. AD 218-222. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.45 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 220-221. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P III COS III P P, Elagabalus, laureate and togate, standing in triumphal quadriga left, holding up branch in right hand and transverse scepter in left; small star, high in left field. RIC IV 35c; Thirion 159; Calicó 3011 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 182 (same obv. die); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Lustrous. Near EF. Rare, missing from most collections.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 18 (reverse illustrated on front cover); Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 741.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 18 (reverse illustrated on front cover); Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 741.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 733
Elagabalus. AD 218-222. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 2.54 g, 12h). Antioch. Struck AD 219-220. IMP ANTO NINVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right / COS I II P P, eagle, wings spread and head left, standing half-right on thunderbolt before Stone of Emesa, holding wreath in beak; five stars above. RIC IV 176; Thirion 336; RSC 26; BMCRE p. 584, * = Arnold 252; Triton XXI, lot 798 (same dies). Toned, slightly granular surfaces, shallow cleaning marks, hairline flan crack. Good VF. Very rare. Only three others in CoinArchives.
At the age of fourteen, Varius Avitus Bassianus (Elagabalus) inherited the office of high priest of the sun-god Elagabalus at Emesa in Syria. The cult of his sun god was represented by a sacred stone, and in AD 219 when he moved from Emesa to Rome, he took the stone, probably a meteorite, with him. This coin type commemorates this event. During his reign, Elagabalus devoted his efforts to the promotion of his cult god, building a lavish temple to house the stone.
At the age of fourteen, Varius Avitus Bassianus (Elagabalus) inherited the office of high priest of the sun-god Elagabalus at Emesa in Syria. The cult of his sun god was represented by a sacred stone, and in AD 219 when he moved from Emesa to Rome, he took the stone, probably a meteorite, with him. This coin type commemorates this event. During his reign, Elagabalus devoted his efforts to the promotion of his cult god, building a lavish temple to house the stone.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 734
Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.48 g, 5h). Rome mint. 1st emission, early AD 222. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P C OS P P, Salus, draped, seated left on throne, feeding from patera in right hand serpent coiled around and rising from altar to left, and resting left arm, elbow bent, on side of throne. RIC IV 13; BMCRE 32; Calicó 3085; Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –; Gorny & Mosch 207, lot 666 (same rev. die). Lustrous, minor hairlines. EF. Very rare and missing from most collections.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 735
AI Rec
Orbiana. Augusta, AD 225-227. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.24 g, 12h). Rome mint. Special marriage emission of Severus Alexander, AD 225. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / CONCORDI A AVGG, Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and double cornucopia in left. RIC IV 319 (Alexander); BMCRE 287-9 (Alexander); RSC 1. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 8209274-015, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1204 (hammer £1900).
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1204 (hammer £1900).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 736
AI Rec
Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.36 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS AVGG, Securitas, draped, seated left on throne, holding scepter in right hand, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 11; RSC 10. Toned. In NCG encapsulation 4277292-001, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 737
AI Rec
Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 2.78 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVGG, Virtus, helmeted and in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield set on ground to left and holding reversed spear in left. RIC IV 3; BMCRE 30; RSC 14. Toned. NGC photo certification 4165633-003, graded VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5.