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 . 738
AI Rec
Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Sestertius (28mm, 18.63 g, 12h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 12th emission, mid-late AD 243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / MARTEM PROPVGNATOREM, Mars, wearing helmet and military attire, advancing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and shield in left; S C across lower field. RIC IV 333; Banti 53. Beautiful dark brown patina, some doubling, gentle smoothing. EF. An incredibly bold strike with magnificent detail.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA77C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 1242.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA77C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 1242.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 739
Jotapian. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. Antoninianus (21mm, 4.37 g, 12h). Nicopolis in Seleucia mint. IMP M F RV IOTAPIANVS, radiate and cuirassed bust right / VIC TORIA AVGV, Victory, winged, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC IV 2c; Bland, Jotapian 3 (dies I/ii); RSC 2. Toned, typical rough surfaces, some deposits. VF. Well struck for the issue. Excellent portrait.
Jotapian († AD 249) led a short-lived revolt in Syria while Philip I was still emperor. Little is known of Jotapian’s background. It was said that he boasted of a relationship to Severus Alexander, and his unusual name, although otherwise unknown for a man, is attested in its feminine form “Jotape” in the royal houses of Commagene and Emesa. The revolt was brief, and the crude style proves that the revolt was geographically confined, for Jotapian plainly did not control a major Roman mint. His head was brought to Rome and shown to Trajan Decius “as was customary, although Decius had not asked for it” (Aur. Vict., Caes. 29.4).
Jotapian († AD 249) led a short-lived revolt in Syria while Philip I was still emperor. Little is known of Jotapian’s background. It was said that he boasted of a relationship to Severus Alexander, and his unusual name, although otherwise unknown for a man, is attested in its feminine form “Jotape” in the royal houses of Commagene and Emesa. The revolt was brief, and the crude style proves that the revolt was geographically confined, for Jotapian plainly did not control a major Roman mint. His head was brought to Rome and shown to Trajan Decius “as was customary, although Decius had not asked for it” (Aur. Vict., Caes. 29.4).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 740
Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. Æ Double Sestertius (31.5mm, 25.30 g, 11h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 2nd-3rd emissions, late AD 249-mid 250. [IMP] C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / V[ICT]O[RIA AV]G, S C across field, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC IV 126a; Banti 29 (this coin illustrated); Gnecchi III 6, pl. 161, 4. Dark green-brown patina, chipping at edge. Near EF.
Purchased by the consignor from Harlan J. Berk.
Purchased by the consignor from Harlan J. Berk.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 741
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.66 g, 12h). Trier mint. 4th emission, circa mid AD 262-mid 263. IMP C POSTV MVS • P • F • AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / HERC DEVS ONIENSI, Hercules, nude, standing right, right hand resting on hip, left hand holding lion skin and long club which rests on rock. RIC V.4 195/5 (this coin cited and illustrated); Schulte 37 (dies Av 24/Rv 25 [unlisted die combination]); Calicó –; Adda 513 (same rev. die). Lustrous, a few marks, light edge marks. Near EF. Extremely rare.
Ex Leu Numismatik AG 1 (25 October 2017), lot 341.
By AD 260, Rome had divided her military forces between the eastern deserts, where Valerian campaigned against the Sasanians, and the forests of Germania, where Gallienus was engaged with Alemanni, Franks, and Jugunthi. While the war in the east went poorly for the Empire, the army met with success in the north as Postumus and his troops crushed a Jugunthian army returning from raiding Italy. The troops were ordered to deliver the spoils to the emperor, but refused, raising Postumus to the purple. Rather than claiming the entirety of Roman dominion as his own, the usurper instead consolidated his territory and focused his efforts on controlling Germania, Gaul, Britain, and Hispania. This tactic proved successful. Postumus reigned in Gaul for eight years, duplicating Roman governmental structures such as the senate and the office of consul and securing his borders from both barbarians and Rome until 269, when he was assassinated at Mogontiacum (Mainz) amidst internal unrest.
Ex Leu Numismatik AG 1 (25 October 2017), lot 341.
By AD 260, Rome had divided her military forces between the eastern deserts, where Valerian campaigned against the Sasanians, and the forests of Germania, where Gallienus was engaged with Alemanni, Franks, and Jugunthi. While the war in the east went poorly for the Empire, the army met with success in the north as Postumus and his troops crushed a Jugunthian army returning from raiding Italy. The troops were ordered to deliver the spoils to the emperor, but refused, raising Postumus to the purple. Rather than claiming the entirety of Roman dominion as his own, the usurper instead consolidated his territory and focused his efforts on controlling Germania, Gaul, Britain, and Hispania. This tactic proved successful. Postumus reigned in Gaul for eight years, duplicating Roman governmental structures such as the senate and the office of consul and securing his borders from both barbarians and Rome until 269, when he was assassinated at Mogontiacum (Mainz) amidst internal unrest.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 742
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.81 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Postumus right, seen from front, with fold of drapery on left shoulder, jugate with the laureate head of Hercules / HERCVLI PISAEO, Hercules, nude, standing left, seen from behind, brandishing long-handled ax with both hands; water jar (for cleansing the Augean stables) at his feet to left. RIC V.4 362 (this coin cited and illustrated); cf. Schulte 135 (for rev. type); RSC 134 var. (bust left). Darkly toned, pososity, flan crack. VF. Unique. This coin shares a reverse die with the aureus of the same type (RIC V.4 364/1).
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 583 (hammer €9,000).
Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, endured the jealousy and hatred of Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. Hera made Hercules insanely mad, leading him to kill his wife, six of his own children, and two of his brothers, mistaking them for his enemies. Overcome with remorse, Hercules went to Delphi and sought guidance from the Oracle. Aware that Hera wanted nothing more than to kill Hercules, the Oracle required that Hercules serve Eurystheus, King of Mycenae, for twelve years. The king demanded that Hercules complete a series of impossible labors, sometimes called the “twelve impossible tasks,” to make atonement for his actions and be rewarded with immortality. The Twelve Labors of Hercules required extraordinary physical strength and clear mental acumen to achieve.
Cleansing the Augean Stables was the Fifth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. For decades the stables of King Augeas had gone uncleaned, building up filth upon filth. His task was to clean these vast stables. Hercules diverted waters of two nearby rivers, effectively cleaning all the stables in a single day.
On the reverse of the coin celebrating this feat is the legend HERCVLI PISAEO, “To the Pisan Hercules”: Hercules called Pisan from Pisa, the name of the area around Olympia where he was especially worshipped.
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 583 (hammer €9,000).
Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, endured the jealousy and hatred of Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. Hera made Hercules insanely mad, leading him to kill his wife, six of his own children, and two of his brothers, mistaking them for his enemies. Overcome with remorse, Hercules went to Delphi and sought guidance from the Oracle. Aware that Hera wanted nothing more than to kill Hercules, the Oracle required that Hercules serve Eurystheus, King of Mycenae, for twelve years. The king demanded that Hercules complete a series of impossible labors, sometimes called the “twelve impossible tasks,” to make atonement for his actions and be rewarded with immortality. The Twelve Labors of Hercules required extraordinary physical strength and clear mental acumen to achieve.
Cleansing the Augean Stables was the Fifth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. For decades the stables of King Augeas had gone uncleaned, building up filth upon filth. His task was to clean these vast stables. Hercules diverted waters of two nearby rivers, effectively cleaning all the stables in a single day.
On the reverse of the coin celebrating this feat is the legend HERCVLI PISAEO, “To the Pisan Hercules”: Hercules called Pisan from Pisa, the name of the area around Olympia where he was especially worshipped.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 743
AI Rec
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.28 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Postumus right, seen from front, with fold of drapery on left shoulder, jugate with the laureate head of Hercules / HERCVLI INVICTO, Hercules, nude, standing left, holding club in left hand, lion skin over left arm, right foot on Hippolyta (Queen of the Amazons) lying on the ground, taking her girdle from right hand. RIC V.4 373/12 (this coin cited); Schulte 143 (dies Av 83/Rv 98); RSC 123. Darkly toned, porous surfaces, deposits, hairline flan crack. VF. Very rare. This coin shares a reverse die with the aureus of the same type (RIC V.4 374/1).
Ex Peus 417 (2 November 2016), lot 613 (hammer €17,000).
The Ninth Labor of Hercules required him to obtain the golden, magic girdle of Ares, worn by Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Various versions of the story exist, but the most generally accepted version is that Hercules, after defeating the Amazons, killed Hippolyta, removed her girdle (symbol of her power), thus completing his assigned task.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI INVICTO is found, meaning “To the unconquered Hercules.” This same legend is found on other Hercules types of Postumus, such as the Cretan bull and the Nemean lion.
Ex Peus 417 (2 November 2016), lot 613 (hammer €17,000).
The Ninth Labor of Hercules required him to obtain the golden, magic girdle of Ares, worn by Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Various versions of the story exist, but the most generally accepted version is that Hercules, after defeating the Amazons, killed Hippolyta, removed her girdle (symbol of her power), thus completing his assigned task.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI INVICTO is found, meaning “To the unconquered Hercules.” This same legend is found on other Hercules types of Postumus, such as the Cretan bull and the Nemean lion.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 744
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.60 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate head of Postumus left, jugate with the head of Hercules / HERCVLI ROM, Hercules, nude, seen from behind, head left, holding club (whose tip is resting on the ground) in right hand, lion skin over left arm, facing the tree of the Hesperides; at left, three Hesperides, draped, fleeing to the left. RIC V.4 380/3 (this coin cited); Schulte 149c (this coin cited); RSC 135 var. (busts right). Darkly toned, light porosity, flan crack. VF. Very rare. This coin shares an obverse die with the following aurei: (RIC V.4 352/1, 361/1, and 366/1).
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 584 (hammer €16,000); Dr. Theodor Voltz Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 81, 18 September 1995), lot 313.
Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Hercules was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these, labor eleven, was to steal the Golden Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Hercules tricked the Titan Atlas, whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so. Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Hercules that he would take back the apples to Mycenae. Once again, Hercules tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens, while Hercules adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI ROM, “To the Roman Hercules”: Hercules stands by the tree laden with the golden apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who were known as daughters of the evening, three of whom stand near him.
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 584 (hammer €16,000); Dr. Theodor Voltz Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 81, 18 September 1995), lot 313.
Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Hercules was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these, labor eleven, was to steal the Golden Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Hercules tricked the Titan Atlas, whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so. Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Hercules that he would take back the apples to Mycenae. Once again, Hercules tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens, while Hercules adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI ROM, “To the Roman Hercules”: Hercules stands by the tree laden with the golden apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who were known as daughters of the evening, three of whom stand near him.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 745
AI Rec
Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 4.86 g, 6h). Ticinum mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission, early-June AD 276. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRIT PERP, Securitas, draped, standing left, legs crossed, placing right hand on head and resting left arm on column to right; Ч. RIC V Online 3381; RIC V 163; BN 1708-9. In NGC encapsulation 6830026-001, graded MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5.
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1359, purchased from B. Carter, 1964.
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1359, purchased from B. Carter, 1964.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 746
AI Rec
Probus. AD 276-282. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 6.36 g, 11h). Antioch mint. 2nd emission, AD 280. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE, Victory in triumphal quadriga left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; AVG/ A in two lines in exergue. RIC V 916; Pink VI/1, p. 40; Calicó 4224; Adda 525 (same obv. die); Biaggi 1629 (same obv. die); Jameson 294 (same obv. die). Minor marks. EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 57; Sternberg XVIII (20 November 1986), lot 641.
Marcus Aurelius Probus was one of a series of tough Balkan military men who rescued the Roman Empire from certain destruction in the late third century. He was the son of a peasant gardener who entered the army as a teenager and rose steadily through the ranks. By AD 276, he had achieved command of the Roman field armies in Syria and Egypt and was well-positioned to seize the throne when the elderly emperor Tacitus died. His reign was one of constant, frenetic military activity, racing from one frontier to the other to confront and defeat enemy invaders or internal usurpers.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 57; Sternberg XVIII (20 November 1986), lot 641.
Marcus Aurelius Probus was one of a series of tough Balkan military men who rescued the Roman Empire from certain destruction in the late third century. He was the son of a peasant gardener who entered the army as a teenager and rose steadily through the ranks. By AD 276, he had achieved command of the Roman field armies in Syria and Egypt and was well-positioned to seize the throne when the elderly emperor Tacitus died. His reign was one of constant, frenetic military activity, racing from one frontier to the other to confront and defeat enemy invaders or internal usurpers.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 747
Divus Nigrinian. Died circa AD 284. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 4.28 g, 12h). Rome mint. 5th emission of Carinus, mid November AD 284. DIVO NIGRINANO, radiate head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, head left, wings spread; KAA. RIC V 472; Pink VI/2, p. 38. Dark olive-brown patina with some verdigris. Near EF. A very attractive example in hand.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA170C, purchased from Ian Roper Coins and Antiquities, 26 June 2009; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 201; Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 178.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA170C, purchased from Ian Roper Coins and Antiquities, 26 June 2009; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 201; Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 178.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 748
Julian of Pannonia. Usurper, AD 284-285. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.91 g, 12h). Siscia mint, 1st officina. Struck December AD 284. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICT ORI A AVG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling palm frond in left arm; S|A//XXI. RIC V 5; Pink VI/2, p. 49; Venèra 4397. Attractive dark olive brown-green patina, area of deposits. Good VF.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA210C; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 202.
Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Iulianus, was a corrector in Northern Italy under Carus. In AD 284, during the struggles surrounding the succession between Carinus and Diocletian, Julian usurped imperial authority in Pannonia for a brief period and began issuing coins from Siscia. Carinus marched from his base in Britain to deal with the usurpation, dispensing with Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA210C; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 202.
Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Iulianus, was a corrector in Northern Italy under Carus. In AD 284, during the struggles surrounding the succession between Carinus and Diocletian, Julian usurped imperial authority in Pannonia for a brief period and began issuing coins from Siscia. Carinus marched from his base in Britain to deal with the usurpation, dispensing with Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 749
Diocletian. AD 284-305. Antoninianus (22mm, 4.48 g, 6h). ‘C’ mint. Struck under Carausius, circa AD 286-circa 293. IMP C DIOCLETIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / VICTO R I A AVGGG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm frond held in left arm; S|P//C. RIC V.5 3591 (forthcoming); cf. RIC V 29 (for similar issue); Bourne 143. Dark brown patina, a couple of die breaks, spot of minor cleaning scratches. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 750
Diocletian. AD 284-305. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 4.16 g, 7h). ‘C’ mint. Struck under Carausius, circa AD 286-circa 293. IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / VIRTV S AVGGG, Virtus, helmeted and nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, standing right, holding reversed spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on ground to right; S|P//C. RIC V.5 3593 (forthcoming); RIC V 30 var. (bust type); Bourne 147. Attractive even dark olive brown-green patina, minor pit. EF. Extremely rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 751
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.30 g, 6h). Consular issue. Antioch mint. Struck circa AD 296-circa 299/302. DIOCLETIA NVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / CONSVL VI P P PROCOS d, Diocletian standing left, laureate and togate, holding globe in outstretched right hand and short scepter in left; d|–//SMA(Σ retrograde). Cf. RIC VI 13 and 22 (for similar issues of COS VI and COS VII respectively); cf. Lukanc p. 225, 15 and 18 (same); cf. Depeyrot 12/1 and 16/1 (same); cf. Calicó 4440 and 4441 (same); cf. Biaggi 1699 and 1700 (same); Mazzini –. Some luster. Near EF. Extremely rare and unpublished variety.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA52C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1062.
While the mint mark with the star at end of the legend paired with SMAΣ is known for Diocletian during his sixth consulship (RIC VI 13), the addition of the star in the left field (RIC VI 22) is known only for the seventh consulship. On this coin, one finds the far rarer mint mark of RIC VI 22 paired with the reverse legend of Diocletian’s sixth consulship of AD 296-297.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA52C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1062.
While the mint mark with the star at end of the legend paired with SMAΣ is known for Diocletian during his sixth consulship (RIC VI 13), the addition of the star in the left field (RIC VI 22) is known only for the seventh consulship. On this coin, one finds the far rarer mint mark of RIC VI 22 paired with the reverse legend of Diocletian’s sixth consulship of AD 296-297.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 752
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18mm, 5.54 g, 12h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 4th emission, mid-late AD 295. MAXIMI ANVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVTI AVG•G•, Hercules, nude, raising club held in right hand and grasping the Erymanthian boar by the scruff in his left hand and holding it slung over his left shoulder; PT. RIC VI 25; Zanchi & Estiot 78b (MAX 24/R 36 – this coin); Depeyrot 1D/7; Calicó 4755; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Lightly toned, lustrous, a few minor marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. An outstanding example of this issue that is rarely seen at auction. A total of seven examples known, of which four are in museum collections. The first-cited Cohen coin derives from a line drawing in Caylus (1760, no. 1028), the whereabouts of which are unknown.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1043; Tkalec (25 October 1996), lot 261.
During his rule, emperor Maximianus adopted the sobriquet ‘Herculius’ or ‘Hercules’ and consequently associated himself with the Demigod, utilizing Herculean iconography throughout his reign while his senior partner Diocletian associated himself with Jupiter and did likewise on his coinage. On this impressive run of seven aurei of Maximianus, one finds three of the twelve labors of Hercules depicted on the reverse in vivid detail in addition to other Herculean iconography such as the lion skin headdress. Represented on these aurei are the 1st, 3rd, and 4th labors. Additionally, Hercules’ battle with the centaur Nessus is also recounted. This battle would ultimately result in Hercules’ death. As Nessus was ferrying Hercules’ wife Deianeira over the river Evenus, he assaulted her, sparking a battle between the Centaur and the Demigod. Hercules slew Nessus with an arrow tipped with the poisonous blood of the Lernaean Hydra from his second labor. As he was dying, Nessus convinced Deianeira to take some of his blood, infected with the Hydra’s poison. With this blood, Deianeira later accidentally killed Hercules upon growing suspicious of his faithfulness to her by lacing his robe with it, not realizing its fatal potency.
Five of these seven aurei are extremely rare examples. Furthermore, some of them are the finest known specimen of these very difficult and desirable issues. This selection of aurei affords a rare opportunity to acquire outstanding specimens of these wonderful Hercules reverse types of Maximianus Hercules.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1043; Tkalec (25 October 1996), lot 261.
During his rule, emperor Maximianus adopted the sobriquet ‘Herculius’ or ‘Hercules’ and consequently associated himself with the Demigod, utilizing Herculean iconography throughout his reign while his senior partner Diocletian associated himself with Jupiter and did likewise on his coinage. On this impressive run of seven aurei of Maximianus, one finds three of the twelve labors of Hercules depicted on the reverse in vivid detail in addition to other Herculean iconography such as the lion skin headdress. Represented on these aurei are the 1st, 3rd, and 4th labors. Additionally, Hercules’ battle with the centaur Nessus is also recounted. This battle would ultimately result in Hercules’ death. As Nessus was ferrying Hercules’ wife Deianeira over the river Evenus, he assaulted her, sparking a battle between the Centaur and the Demigod. Hercules slew Nessus with an arrow tipped with the poisonous blood of the Lernaean Hydra from his second labor. As he was dying, Nessus convinced Deianeira to take some of his blood, infected with the Hydra’s poison. With this blood, Deianeira later accidentally killed Hercules upon growing suspicious of his faithfulness to her by lacing his robe with it, not realizing its fatal potency.
Five of these seven aurei are extremely rare examples. Furthermore, some of them are the finest known specimen of these very difficult and desirable issues. This selection of aurei affords a rare opportunity to acquire outstanding specimens of these wonderful Hercules reverse types of Maximianus Hercules.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 753
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.19 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck March AD 302. MAXIMI ANVS P F AVG, laureate head right / HERCVLI CON SERVATORI, head of Hercules right, wearing lion skin; TR. RIC VI 46; Depeyrot 7A/1; Calicó 4654 (this coin illustrated); Beaurains 255 = Biaggi 1813 = A. Baldwin Brett, “The Aurei and Solidi of the Arras Hoard” in NC 1933, p. 311, 90 (3) (this coin); Mazzini –. Attractively toned, a few light marks. EF. Extremely rare, six examples noted by Depeyrot in his inventory for the type (though erroneously noting this example twice).
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 78; Numismatic Fine Arts XVI (2 December 1985), lot 536; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining, 16 November 1950), lot 1983; R. Ratto (2 April 1923), lot 398; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 78; Numismatic Fine Arts XVI (2 December 1985), lot 536; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Henry Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining, 16 November 1950), lot 1983; R. Ratto (2 April 1923), lot 398; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 754
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (17.5mm, 5.27 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck 20 November AD 303. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / HERCVLI CONSER AVGG ET CAESS NN, Hercules, nude but for quiver strapped across right shoulder and lion skin draped over left shoulder, standing facing, head left, resting right hand on club set on ground to left and holding bow in left hand; TR. RIC VI 43; Depeyrot 10B/4; Calicó 4651 (same dies as illustration); Beaurains 348 (this coin); Biaggi 1783 (same dies); Mazzini 234 (same dies). Wonderful deep golden orange toning, a few light scratches and a tiny scuff on reverse. Near EF.
Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG XIX (5 June 1959), lot 260; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG XIX (5 June 1959), lot 260; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 755
AI Rec
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (21mm, 5.01 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 287. V IRTVS MAXIMIANI AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed half-length bust right, holding hasta in right hand and two spicula in left; shield on left shoulder; gorgoneion aegis on cuirass / VIRTVS AVGG, Hercules, nude, standing right, strangling the Nemean lion to right with both hands; his club set on ground to left. RIC V 500; Depeyrot 4A/5 corr. (also without rev. legend break); Calicó 4733 (no illustration); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, marks, a pair of small digs. Good VF. Extremely rare. The fourth known.
This extremely rare early pre-reform aureus featuring a magnificent martial bust of Maximianus is known from precious few specimens. The corpus of which is as follows:
1) BM 1900,1105.3 (same dies) [this coin also illustrated on pl. XII, 2 of Alföldi, Festival and in Ute Schillinger-Häfele, Consules • Augusti • Caesares. Datierung von römischen Inschriften und Münzen, pl. 7, 58].
2) Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 32234; Paul Tinchant Collection [“Richard J. Graham”] (J. Schulman, 4 June 1966), lot 2219; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 1834; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (no. 140).
3) The present specimen. Triton XXVIII, lot 755.
4) RIC V 500 = Cohen 591 = Caylus (1760) no. 1029 (illustrated from a line drawing of the reverse with the VIRTV S AVGG legend break).
The present coin was struck from the same dies as the BM example, though from a later die state. These two coins feature an unbroken reverse legend whereas the Beaurains coin and the presumed Caylus specimen (whereabouts unknown) have a reverse legend break of V - S.
Maximianus’ elaborate suit of armor and weaponry displayed on the obverse portrait of this remarkable aureus illustrate the revolution in Roman arms and tactics that had rescued the empire from destruction in the later third century AD. The Roman army had suffered numerous catastrophic defeats between AD 232 and 268, both to the rampant Sasanian Persians in the east and the Germanic tribes along the Rhine-Danube frontier, that had caused the Empire’s dismemberment and a death-spiral of usurpation and civil war. Starting with the Battle of Naissus in AD 268 or 269 under Gallienus or Claudius II (the historical record is oddly unclear for such an important event), the Roman army swiftly regained the initiative, enabled by a newfound tactical flexibility and a spate of technological innovations in armor and weaponry. On this aureus, Maximian wears a metal cuirass with a scaly adornment evoking the protective aegis of Athena. He carries a thrusting spear or hasta in his right hand; on his left shoulder he sports an oval cavalry shield, and in his left hand he clutches two lightweight javelins with barbed heads. This type of hand-thrown missile was called a spiculum and augmented or replaced the heavier pilum which had been a staple of Roman arms for more than four centuries. Roman soldiers also carried smaller fletched and weighted darts called plumbata clipped to their inside of their shields. Both infantry and cavalry also received archery training. Thus, on command, the Romans could fill the air with deadly missiles, forcing their enemies to duck and cover and softening them up for a decisive charge. Heavy cavalry also began to play a much greater tactical role than in previous centuries, serving as a kind of quick reaction force. The new emphasis was on speed, maneuverability, and striking power at a distance. These innovations are often credited to the era’s “Soldier Emperors” themselves, but they were surely the work of the larger professional officer class, many hailing from the Danubian provinces that had become the Empire’s prime recruiting grounds. The military reform movement gained momentum during the troubled reign of Gallienus (AD 253-268) and came into full fruition under his successors, Claudius II (AD 268-270), Aurelian (AD 270-275), and Probus (AD 276-282). By the early joint reign of Diocletian and Maximian, Rome’s enemies had been pushed back, its breakaway states restored to central rule, the Germanic raiders ejected, and the frontiers mostly secured, gaining the Empire a new centuries-long lease on life.
This extremely rare early pre-reform aureus featuring a magnificent martial bust of Maximianus is known from precious few specimens. The corpus of which is as follows:
1) BM 1900,1105.3 (same dies) [this coin also illustrated on pl. XII, 2 of Alföldi, Festival and in Ute Schillinger-Häfele, Consules • Augusti • Caesares. Datierung von römischen Inschriften und Münzen, pl. 7, 58].
2) Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 32234; Paul Tinchant Collection [“Richard J. Graham”] (J. Schulman, 4 June 1966), lot 2219; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 1834; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (no. 140).
3) The present specimen. Triton XXVIII, lot 755.
4) RIC V 500 = Cohen 591 = Caylus (1760) no. 1029 (illustrated from a line drawing of the reverse with the VIRTV S AVGG legend break).
The present coin was struck from the same dies as the BM example, though from a later die state. These two coins feature an unbroken reverse legend whereas the Beaurains coin and the presumed Caylus specimen (whereabouts unknown) have a reverse legend break of V - S.
Maximianus’ elaborate suit of armor and weaponry displayed on the obverse portrait of this remarkable aureus illustrate the revolution in Roman arms and tactics that had rescued the empire from destruction in the later third century AD. The Roman army had suffered numerous catastrophic defeats between AD 232 and 268, both to the rampant Sasanian Persians in the east and the Germanic tribes along the Rhine-Danube frontier, that had caused the Empire’s dismemberment and a death-spiral of usurpation and civil war. Starting with the Battle of Naissus in AD 268 or 269 under Gallienus or Claudius II (the historical record is oddly unclear for such an important event), the Roman army swiftly regained the initiative, enabled by a newfound tactical flexibility and a spate of technological innovations in armor and weaponry. On this aureus, Maximian wears a metal cuirass with a scaly adornment evoking the protective aegis of Athena. He carries a thrusting spear or hasta in his right hand; on his left shoulder he sports an oval cavalry shield, and in his left hand he clutches two lightweight javelins with barbed heads. This type of hand-thrown missile was called a spiculum and augmented or replaced the heavier pilum which had been a staple of Roman arms for more than four centuries. Roman soldiers also carried smaller fletched and weighted darts called plumbata clipped to their inside of their shields. Both infantry and cavalry also received archery training. Thus, on command, the Romans could fill the air with deadly missiles, forcing their enemies to duck and cover and softening them up for a decisive charge. Heavy cavalry also began to play a much greater tactical role than in previous centuries, serving as a kind of quick reaction force. The new emphasis was on speed, maneuverability, and striking power at a distance. These innovations are often credited to the era’s “Soldier Emperors” themselves, but they were surely the work of the larger professional officer class, many hailing from the Danubian provinces that had become the Empire’s prime recruiting grounds. The military reform movement gained momentum during the troubled reign of Gallienus (AD 253-268) and came into full fruition under his successors, Claudius II (AD 268-270), Aurelian (AD 270-275), and Probus (AD 276-282). By the early joint reign of Diocletian and Maximian, Rome’s enemies had been pushed back, its breakaway states restored to central rule, the Germanic raiders ejected, and the frontiers mostly secured, gaining the Empire a new centuries-long lease on life.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 756
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.04 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 293-294. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules, nude, seated facing on rocks, head slightly right, holding lion skin draped across waist in left arm and resting right arm and left hand on club set on ground to left; to right, quiver with arrows and bow; PR. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 5B/6; Calicó 4681 (same dies as illustrated example); Biaggi 1793 (same dies); Mazzini –. Toned, with underlying luster, graffiti, hairlines on reverse. EF. Rare.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 195 (7 March 2011), lot 483 (hammer €12,500); Rauch 85 (26 November 2009), lot 908; Rauch 83 (14 November 2008), lot 426; Leu 53 (21 October 1991), lot 329; Deceased Nobleman (Sotheby’s Zurich, 28 November 1986), lot 122.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 195 (7 March 2011), lot 483 (hammer €12,500); Rauch 85 (26 November 2009), lot 908; Rauch 83 (14 November 2008), lot 426; Leu 53 (21 October 1991), lot 329; Deceased Nobleman (Sotheby’s Zurich, 28 November 1986), lot 122.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 757
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.20 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 294. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIRT VS AVG G, Hercules, nude, standing right, restraining the Ceryneian Hind, struggling to right, with his left knee placed upon its lowered hind quarters and grappling it by the antlers in both hands; his club resting on ground by his right foot; PR. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 6/11 (this coin cited); Calicó 4735a (this coin cited and illustrated); Beaurains 157 (this coin); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Vibrant old collection toning. VF. Extremely rare.
Ex Münz Zentrum 66 (26 April 1989), lot 1445 (illustrated on the cover); Münzen und Medaillen AG 44 (15 June 1971), lot 125; Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection (Part IV, Santamaria, 23 October 1950), lot 523; J. Schulman (17 May 1938), lot 1557; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Ex Münz Zentrum 66 (26 April 1989), lot 1445 (illustrated on the cover); Münzen und Medaillen AG 44 (15 June 1971), lot 125; Conte Alessandro Magnaguti Collection (Part IV, Santamaria, 23 October 1950), lot 523; J. Schulman (17 May 1938), lot 1557; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 758
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.44 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 294. MAXIMIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIR TVS AVG G, Hercules, nude but for lion skin draped across left shoulder, standing right, grabbing the centaur Nessus by the hair with his left hand and brandishing club in right hand; Nessus struggling against Hercules to right; PROM. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 9/15; Calicó 4740 (this coin cited and illustrated); Adda 549 (this coin); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, a few faint marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. Only one cited by Depeyrot. This coin the second known. A wonderful reverse composition recounting Hercules’ battle with Nessus.
Ex Rauch 90 (4 June 2012), lot 883 (hammer €32,000); Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 752; Victor A. Adda (†1965) Collection (as Property of a Lady, Christie's, 9 October 1984), lot 147, purchased from E. Bourgey; possibly 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (not recorded in Bastien and Metzger; however, purchased from Bourgey [who owned a portion of the hoard] along with other aurei and multiples confirmed to be from Beaurains).
Ex Rauch 90 (4 June 2012), lot 883 (hammer €32,000); Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, 16 November 1994), lot 752; Victor A. Adda (†1965) Collection (as Property of a Lady, Christie's, 9 October 1984), lot 147, purchased from E. Bourgey; possibly 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (not recorded in Bastien and Metzger; however, purchased from Bourgey [who owned a portion of the hoard] along with other aurei and multiples confirmed to be from Beaurains).