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 . 780
Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (18.5mm, 2.67 g, 12h). Uncertain mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F G (both S’s retrograde), radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VI C TOR, Uncertain figure standing left, draped, holding flower in outstretched right hand and cornucopia in left, lighted altar at feet to left. RIC V.5 1667 (forthcoming; this coin cited and illustrated); RIC V –. Glossy black patina. VF. Unique. The only example noted in RIC V.5. Interesting with these legends and with the retrograde S’s.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 23 July 2013.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 23 July 2013.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 781
Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 4.31 g, 6h). Uncertain mint. IMP C CARAVSIVS P AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRT VS AVG, Virtus standing right, nude but for helmet and chlamys draped over shoulders, holding reversed spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on ground to right; S|C//–. RIC V.5 3471 (forthcoming); RIC V 529 var. (obv. legend). Dark brown patina, faint cleaning scratches. Near EF. Extremely rare. Only five examples noted in RIC V.5.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from Spink, 3 July 2006.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from Spink, 3 July 2006.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 782
Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (17.5mm, 2.85 g, 6h). Rotomagus (Rouen) mint. IMP C CARAVSIVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / L ETIT I A, galley right with gubernator and seven rowers; wreath on prow; waves below; OPA. RIC V.5 368 (forthcoming; this coin cited and illustrated); cf. RIC V 648-9 (for similar issues; same rev. die as illustrated example of 648); Malcolm Lyne, “Some New Coin Types of Carausius and Allectus and the History of the British Provinces: AD 286-296” in NC 2003, p. 158 and pl. 26, 13 corr. (rev. legend; this coin). Attractive dark green patina, light roughness and cleaning scratches. Near EF. Unique. The only example noted in RIC V.5. Webb and Lyne both misread an additional A in the reverse legend - as in - LAETITIA rather than LETITIA. There is no initial A, however, as is evidenced by this very high grade example.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII (June 2000), no. 2280.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII (June 2000), no. 2280.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 783
Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (19.5mm, 2.56 g, 11h). Rotomagus (Rouen) mint. IMP C CARAVSIVS AVG, radiate and draped bust right / SALV S AVG, Salus, draped, standing left, dropping incense into lighted altar set on ground to left with right hand and holding [cornucopia] in left. RIC V.5 432 (forthcoming; this coin cited and illustrated); RIC V –; CHRB III, 20261 (this coin, illustrated on pl. 8); Malcolm Lyne, “Some New Coin Types of Carausius and Allectus and the History of the British Provinces: AD 286-296” in NC 2003, p. 159 and pl. 27, 18 (this coin); Lord Selborne, “On a Hoard of Roman Coins Found at Blackmoor, Hants,” in NC 1877, p. 150, 125 (this coin). Dark olive green-brown patina, hard green deposits, countermarked. VF. Unique. The only example noted in RIC V.5. Overstruck on an uncertain earlier Antoninianus. ‘P’ countermark applied later over the issue of Carausius. See Dr. Lyne’s article for further discussion.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII (June 2000), no. 2282; Blackmoor Hoard of Third Century Roman Bronze Coins (Christie’s, 9 December 1975), lot 249; Blackmoor, Selborne, October 1873 Hoard (IRBCH 914).
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII (June 2000), no. 2282; Blackmoor Hoard of Third Century Roman Bronze Coins (Christie’s, 9 December 1975), lot 249; Blackmoor, Selborne, October 1873 Hoard (IRBCH 914).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 784
Allectus. Romano-British Emperor, AD 293-296. PB Antoninianus Trial Strike (28x39mm, 34.74 g). IMP C ALLECTVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Blank. Tan and dark brown surfaces, fractures in metal. VF. A very interesting and incredibly rare item. The diameter of the antoninianus 18mm.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Roma E-Sale 21 (31 October 2015), lot 864 (hammer £2,400), reportedly found in County Durham.
From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Roma E-Sale 21 (31 October 2015), lot 864 (hammer £2,400), reportedly found in County Durham.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 785
Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.13 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 2nd emission, early AD 294. CONSTA NTIVS N C, laureate head right / VIRTVS 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; TR. RIC VI 85; Zanchi & Estiot 33a (CCL 8/R 14 – this coin); Depeyrot 3A/3; Calicó 4878 (illustrated from a line drawing). Lustrous, light edge bump. Superb EF. Extremely rare. The finest of the five known.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1045A.
Flavius Valerius Constantius was a native of Naissus in modern Serbia. He found escape from his low social standing in the Roman army and rose steadily through the ranks. Along the way, he took a local barmaid named Helena as his common-law wife and she bore him a son, Constantine, probably in AD 273 or 274. By AD 284, Constantius had been made military governor of Dalmatia. He supported Diocletian’s bid for power and was rewarded with a series of important posts in the new regime. In March of AD 293, Diocletian and Maximian appointed him Caesar of the West and charged him with restoring Britain and northern Gaul, then under the separatist rule of the usurper Carausius, to Roman control. Constantius spent three years in careful preparations and launched his invasion in mid-AD 296, achieving complete surprise and total victory. He won the reputation of a just and compassionate ruler during his years as Caesar. With Diocletian’s retirement in AD 305, Constantius became Augustus of the West and technically the senior ruler, but Galerius was clearly dominant. Constantius even had to request that Galerius release his son Constantine from serving in the eastern court so that the young officer could assist in an upcomming British campaign. The two were reunited in early 306 and campaigned jointly against the Picts, winning Constantius the title “Britannicus Maximus.” But Constantius fell seriously ill that summer and died on July 25. The army immediately acclaimed Constantine as Emperor, launching the career of one of Rome’s greatest rulers.
Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 1045A.
Flavius Valerius Constantius was a native of Naissus in modern Serbia. He found escape from his low social standing in the Roman army and rose steadily through the ranks. Along the way, he took a local barmaid named Helena as his common-law wife and she bore him a son, Constantine, probably in AD 273 or 274. By AD 284, Constantius had been made military governor of Dalmatia. He supported Diocletian’s bid for power and was rewarded with a series of important posts in the new regime. In March of AD 293, Diocletian and Maximian appointed him Caesar of the West and charged him with restoring Britain and northern Gaul, then under the separatist rule of the usurper Carausius, to Roman control. Constantius spent three years in careful preparations and launched his invasion in mid-AD 296, achieving complete surprise and total victory. He won the reputation of a just and compassionate ruler during his years as Caesar. With Diocletian’s retirement in AD 305, Constantius became Augustus of the West and technically the senior ruler, but Galerius was clearly dominant. Constantius even had to request that Galerius release his son Constantine from serving in the eastern court so that the young officer could assist in an upcomming British campaign. The two were reunited in early 306 and campaigned jointly against the Picts, winning Constantius the title “Britannicus Maximus.” But Constantius fell seriously ill that summer and died on July 25. The army immediately acclaimed Constantine as Emperor, launching the career of one of Rome’s greatest rulers.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 786
Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (18mm, 4.33 g, 12h). Ticinum mint. Struck AD 315. CONSTANTI NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS AVGVSTI N, Constantine, wearing military attire and paludamentum billowing behind him, on horseback galloping right, raising right hand and holding shield on left arm; three enemies impaled with spears strewn about below; SMT. RIC VII 35; Depeyrot 12/12; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2113106-062, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Extremely rare. One of two known, this coin the far superior example. The Laffranchi Collection example, cited in RIC, is the other, which is also the example sold by Rollin & Feuardent in 1909. A wonderful reverse composition.
Ex MDC Monaco 11 (21 April 2023), lot 402; Nomisma S.p.a. 34 (28 April 2007), lot 372; Giessener Münzhandlung 48 (2 April 1990), lot 961.
Ex MDC Monaco 11 (21 April 2023), lot 402; Nomisma S.p.a. 34 (28 April 2007), lot 372; Giessener Münzhandlung 48 (2 April 1990), lot 961.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 787
Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.52 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint, 2nd officina. Struck AD 335. Rosette-diademed head right, eyes to God / VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield set on left knee with left hand and inscribing VOT/ XXX on it in two lines with stylus held in right hand; to right, small nude genius standing left supporting the shield with both hands; an additional shield resting beside the cuirass to left; SMNC. RIC VII 175; Depeyrot 44/1; Biaggi 2025 var. (officina); Mazzini 617. Toned, slightly wavy flan, minor marks and edge marks, faint hairlines. Near EF. Rare.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc77864 (24 October 2012); Classical Numismatic Auctions XX (25 March 1992), lot 902.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc77864 (24 October 2012); Classical Numismatic Auctions XX (25 March 1992), lot 902.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 788
AI Rec
Magnentius. AD 350-353. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.63 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 1st emission, 18 January-27 February AD 350 . IM CAE MAGN ENTIVS AVG, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA ‘ AVG ‘ LIB ‘ ROMANOR, Victory, draped, cradling palm frond in left arm, standing right, and Libertas, draped, holding transverse vindicta in left hand, standing left, both draped and together holding a trophy set on long staff between them with their right hands; TR. RIC VIII 247; Bastien 7; Depeyrot 8/1; Biaggi 2197; Mazzini 46v. Toned, with some luster, minor scratches and marks. Good VF.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 185 (9 July 2013), lot 32.
Born around A.D. 303 to a British father and Frankish mother, Flavius Magnus Magnentius showed enough talent to rise high in the Roman army. In the 340s, the western emperor Constans appointed Magnentius as commander in his personal guard. Whatever Magnentius’ merits, gratitude was not among them, for in January AD 350, he staged a successful coup deposing his benefactor. Constans, who had made himself unpopular with the army, attempted to flee to his brother Constantius II, emperor of the East, but was captured and executed. After securing control of Italy, Magnentius attempted to negotiate with Constantius, but the eastern emperor would hear none of it. Taking a year to marshal his forces, Constantius struck in the summer of AD 351, but Magnentius defeated his initial thrust into Italy and went on the offensive, seizing the strategic town of Siscia and forcing a major engagement in the Balkans. The clash at Mursa on September 28, AD 351 proved one of the costliest battles in Roman history, leaving the ground strewn with 55,000 dead. Magnentius fared much the worse and retreated into Gaul. Constantius took his time in pursuit, invading Italy the following year and methodically tightening the noose around Magentius, who was forced to take refuge in the city of Lugdunum. Rather than surrender, Magnentius fell on his sword in August of AD 353. Although a usurper, Magentius had a long-lasting impact on the Roman Empire through the agency of his young widow, Justina, who later married Valentinian I and became a lynchpin in future dynastic politics.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 185 (9 July 2013), lot 32.
Born around A.D. 303 to a British father and Frankish mother, Flavius Magnus Magnentius showed enough talent to rise high in the Roman army. In the 340s, the western emperor Constans appointed Magnentius as commander in his personal guard. Whatever Magnentius’ merits, gratitude was not among them, for in January AD 350, he staged a successful coup deposing his benefactor. Constans, who had made himself unpopular with the army, attempted to flee to his brother Constantius II, emperor of the East, but was captured and executed. After securing control of Italy, Magnentius attempted to negotiate with Constantius, but the eastern emperor would hear none of it. Taking a year to marshal his forces, Constantius struck in the summer of AD 351, but Magnentius defeated his initial thrust into Italy and went on the offensive, seizing the strategic town of Siscia and forcing a major engagement in the Balkans. The clash at Mursa on September 28, AD 351 proved one of the costliest battles in Roman history, leaving the ground strewn with 55,000 dead. Magnentius fared much the worse and retreated into Gaul. Constantius took his time in pursuit, invading Italy the following year and methodically tightening the noose around Magentius, who was forced to take refuge in the city of Lugdunum. Rather than surrender, Magnentius fell on his sword in August of AD 353. Although a usurper, Magentius had a long-lasting impact on the Roman Empire through the agency of his young widow, Justina, who later married Valentinian I and became a lynchpin in future dynastic politics.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 789
Vetranio. AD 350. AR Siliqua (19mm, 3.16 g, 12h). Siscia mint. D N VETRA NIO P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding palm frond in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand; SIS(pellet-in-crescent). RIC VIII 265; RSC 9a. Toned, flan crack, minor scratches. Near EF. Very rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 790
Julian II. AD 360-363. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.19 g, 6h). Sirmium mint. Struck AD 361-363. pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCI TVS ROMANORVM, soldier, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, head left, holding trophy over left shoulder in left hand and dragging kneeling captive to left by the hair with right hand; *SIRM(wreath). RIC VIII 96; Depeyrot 21/1; Biaggi 2219; Mazzini 78. Toned, minor spot of die rust on obverse, edge filing. EF. Struck from detailed dies.
Ex Collection of a Perfectionist (Leu 93, 10 May 2005), lot 144; Tkalec (23 October 1992), lot 497.
Julian II, also known as the Apostate, Philosopher, or Hellene, ranks as one of the more controversial Roman emperors, as his attempt to stand against the rising tide of Christianity makes him a villain to some and a hero to others. On the numismatic front, his adoption of a long “philosopher’s beard” on his coin portraits was an innovation that had not been seen for more than a century. It struck his subjects as a quaint affectation and was ridiculed by some, to which Julian responded with a satyrical pamphlet called Misopogon, or “Beard Hater,” while in residence at Antioch.
Ex Collection of a Perfectionist (Leu 93, 10 May 2005), lot 144; Tkalec (23 October 1992), lot 497.
Julian II, also known as the Apostate, Philosopher, or Hellene, ranks as one of the more controversial Roman emperors, as his attempt to stand against the rising tide of Christianity makes him a villain to some and a hero to others. On the numismatic front, his adoption of a long “philosopher’s beard” on his coin portraits was an innovation that had not been seen for more than a century. It struck his subjects as a quaint affectation and was ridiculed by some, to which Julian responded with a satyrical pamphlet called Misopogon, or “Beard Hater,” while in residence at Antioch.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 791
AI Rec
Arcadius. AD 383-408. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck AD 397-402. D N ARCADI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / CONCORDI A AVGG, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, enthroned facing, head right, right foot on prow, holding long scepter in right hand and, in left hand, holding Victory on globe left who holds wreath in extended left hand and palm frond in right arm; I//CONOB. RIC X 7; Depeyrot 55/1; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, with some luster, marks, trace die rust on obverse. EF.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XXVI (10 January 2023), lot 869.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XXVI (10 January 2023), lot 869.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 792
Arcadius. AD 383-408. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 402. D N ARCADI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / NOVA SPES REIPVBLICAE, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield set on left knee with left hand and inscribing XX/ XXX in two lines on it with stylus held in right hand; CONOB. RIC X 23; Depeyrot 54/1; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6708929-014, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, light marks. From a very scarce one-year issue.
Ex Dr. Michael Rogers Collection (Part III, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 August 2023), lot 50164; A North American Collection (Triton XI, 8 January 2008), lot 1021; William H. Williams Collection (Triton VI, 14 January 2003), lot 1127.
Ex Dr. Michael Rogers Collection (Part III, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 August 2023), lot 50164; A North American Collection (Triton XI, 8 January 2008), lot 1021; William H. Williams Collection (Triton VI, 14 January 2003), lot 1127.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 793
Honorius. AD 393-423. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 395-402. D N HONORI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / CONCORDI A AVGG, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, enthroned facing, head right, right foot on prow, holding scepter in right hand and, in left hand, holding Victory on globe left who holds wreath in extended right hand and palm frond in left arm; CONOB. RIC X 8; Depeyrot 55/2; Biaggi –; Mazzini 3 var. (officina). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6708929-006, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare without officina letter.
Ex Dr. Michael Rogers Collection (Part III, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 August 2023), lot 50166; Triton XI (8 January 2008), lot 1031.
Ex Dr. Michael Rogers Collection (Part III, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 August 2023), lot 50166; Triton XI (8 January 2008), lot 1031.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 794
Contorniates. Late 4th century AD. Æ Contorniate (35mm, 28.16 g, 12h). Bust of Omphale left, wearing Hercules’ lion skin, resting club on raised right arm / Hercules, nude, standing right, restraining the centaur Nessus with his left knee placed upon Nessus’ lowered hind quarters and grabbing him by the hair with his left hand while brandishing club in right hand; Nessus struggling against Hercules to right with his left hand raised; tree to left. Cf. Alföldi, Kontorniat pp. 86-7, 66 and pl. 23, 9-11 (for type and similar Omphale obverses) and pl. 19, 3 (for similar reverse). Dark brown surfaces with some green and red, scratches, tooling on obverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. A wonderful pairing with an equally interesting obverse and reverse composition.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 726 (hammer CHF 7,500 – there Omphale misidentified as Hercules).
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 726 (hammer CHF 7,500 – there Omphale misidentified as Hercules).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 795
AI Rec
Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.49 g, 12h). Constantinople mint, 2nd officina. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 422-423. AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand and fold of drapery in left; B//CONOB. RIC X 220; Depeyrot 74/3; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned and lustrous, light circular marks, a couple of thin die breaks on reverse. Superb EF. Very rare issue. Extremely rare from this officina. An incredibly early and vibrant strike with parts of the die engraver’s centering circles still visible on both the obverse and reverse.
The sister of Emperor Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, was a major force in the life of the young emperor. Governing him as a young man until he came of age, Pulcheria prepared the emperor for his duties and served as a constant guiding voice and counselor to him. Present throughout his accomplishments and major events, Pulcheria eventually emerged the victor in the rivalry that developed between her and her brother’s wife, Aelia Eudocia, who was consequently dismissed from court. While she was a teenager, Pulcheria took a vow of virginity which she maintained until her death. This dedication to God inspired some of Theodosius’ imperial propaganda during wars with the Sasanian Persians, and the Romans considered Pulcheria’s pious dedication of her virginity to be a source of blessing upon the Empire from God. Theodosius died unexpectedly after being mortally injured during a hunting accident in AD 450. Upon his death, Pulcheria was tasked with appointing his successor. She chose a man of Roman stock, though not of nobility, named Marcian. She married the new emperor on the condition that he not make her violate her vow of virginity, to which Marcian agreed. This unconventional marriage was made possible by church officials, who sponsored the agreement and decreed that God approved of the union and arrangement.
The sister of Emperor Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, was a major force in the life of the young emperor. Governing him as a young man until he came of age, Pulcheria prepared the emperor for his duties and served as a constant guiding voice and counselor to him. Present throughout his accomplishments and major events, Pulcheria eventually emerged the victor in the rivalry that developed between her and her brother’s wife, Aelia Eudocia, who was consequently dismissed from court. While she was a teenager, Pulcheria took a vow of virginity which she maintained until her death. This dedication to God inspired some of Theodosius’ imperial propaganda during wars with the Sasanian Persians, and the Romans considered Pulcheria’s pious dedication of her virginity to be a source of blessing upon the Empire from God. Theodosius died unexpectedly after being mortally injured during a hunting accident in AD 450. Upon his death, Pulcheria was tasked with appointing his successor. She chose a man of Roman stock, though not of nobility, named Marcian. She married the new emperor on the condition that he not make her violate her vow of virginity, to which Marcian agreed. This unconventional marriage was made possible by church officials, who sponsored the agreement and decreed that God approved of the union and arrangement.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 796
Jovinus. Usurper, AD 411-413. AR Siliqua (15.5mm, 1.46 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. D N IOVIN VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVGG, Roma seated left on stylized cuirass, holding Victory on globe right in right hand and reversed spear in left; Victory holding wreath in right hand; TRMS. RIC X 1710; King, Fifth, cuirass style 15; RSC 4†a. Toned, with some iridescence, struck slightly off center, flan crack, light porosity, residual find patina and light cleaning scratches. VF. Rare.
Ex Heritage Europe 60 (17 November 2018), lot 2996.
Ex Heritage Europe 60 (17 November 2018), lot 2996.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 797
Galla Placidia. Augusta, AD 421-450. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck under Theodosius II and Valentinian III, AD 423-425. AEL PLACI DIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand and fold of drapery in left; star in upper left field; I//CONOB. RIC X 230; Depeyrot 75/4; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, slight doubling, spot of die rust on obverse. Near EF. Extremely rare from this officina, with fewer than twenty known of all. An excellent example for this very difficult issue.
Galla Placidia, daughter of Theodosius I, was born in AD 392. Following the siege of Rome in 408-410, the princess was captured by Visigothic armies under Alaric and his successor Ataulf, whom she later married. This marriage failed to produce the intended Romano-Gothic dynasty, as Ataulf was murdered after only a short time in power. By 416 Galla had been restored to the Roman court in the west.
Galla continued to be involved in court politics and, in 417, married Constantius III, then magister militum. She bore a son, the future Valentinian III. Unfortunately, her husband’s reign as co-emperor with Honorius was cut short by his untimely death. For a time, the widow remained on friendly terms with the emperor, but by 423, Galla and her son had fled to Constantinople and the court of Theodosius II. She would return to the Italian peninsula at the head of a large army in 424 to overthrow Johannes, who had been raised to the purple following the death of Honorius, after which Galla ruled in the west as regent to her son, Emperor Valentinian III.
Despite her major role in the political affairs of the early 5th century, Galla’s true passion was for the Church. She tolerated neither heretics nor non-believers in her government and was involved in the construction of numerous churches and chapels. Among these works was the San Giovanni Evangelista in Ravenna, built in fulfillment of a vow made when Galla and her children were caught in a storm on the Adriatic during their flight from Italy. Galla Placidia died in AD 450, her mausoleum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Galla Placidia, daughter of Theodosius I, was born in AD 392. Following the siege of Rome in 408-410, the princess was captured by Visigothic armies under Alaric and his successor Ataulf, whom she later married. This marriage failed to produce the intended Romano-Gothic dynasty, as Ataulf was murdered after only a short time in power. By 416 Galla had been restored to the Roman court in the west.
Galla continued to be involved in court politics and, in 417, married Constantius III, then magister militum. She bore a son, the future Valentinian III. Unfortunately, her husband’s reign as co-emperor with Honorius was cut short by his untimely death. For a time, the widow remained on friendly terms with the emperor, but by 423, Galla and her son had fled to Constantinople and the court of Theodosius II. She would return to the Italian peninsula at the head of a large army in 424 to overthrow Johannes, who had been raised to the purple following the death of Honorius, after which Galla ruled in the west as regent to her son, Emperor Valentinian III.
Despite her major role in the political affairs of the early 5th century, Galla’s true passion was for the Church. She tolerated neither heretics nor non-believers in her government and was involved in the construction of numerous churches and chapels. Among these works was the San Giovanni Evangelista in Ravenna, built in fulfillment of a vow made when Galla and her children were caught in a storm on the Adriatic during their flight from Italy. Galla Placidia died in AD 450, her mausoleum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 798
Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 9th officina. Struck AD 430-440. D N VALENTIN IANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VOT XXX MVLT XXXX, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated left, right foot on prow, holding globus cruciger in right hand and transverse scepter in left; shield beside throne to right; * to right; Θ//CONOB. RIC X 260; Depeyrot 81/2; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, with some luster, a couple minor marks at edge, light hairlines on obverse. EF. Very rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 799
Licinia Eudoxia. Augusta, circa AD 439-490. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II and Valentinian III, AD 439-440. AEL EVDO XIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / IMP • XXXXII • COS XVII • P • P •, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated left, holding globus cruciger in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left, right foot on prow; d to left; shield beside throne to right; COMOB. RIC X 306; Depeyrot 84/5; Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Attractively toned, slight doubling. EF. Very rare. A particularly high grade example.
Licinia Eudoxia was the only surviving child of the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II, and in 424 AD, at the age of two, was betrothed to her four-year-old cousin, the future Emperor of the Western Roman Empire Valentinian III, in order to reunify the two halves of the Roman world. Their marriage produced two daughters, but was abruptly terminated when Valentinian was killed by two Scythians, Optelas and Thraustelas, at the behest of the usurper Petronius Maximus. After buying off the military and palace officials, Maximus cemented his claim to the throne by forcibly marrying Eudoxia only a few days after her husband’s murder. At least one historian theorized that Maximus’ marriage to Eudoxia was motivated by revenge against the late Valentinian in return for the Emperor’s rape of Maximus’ first wife. Maximus also married his son Palladius to Eudoxia and Valentinian’s daughter Eudocia, thereby severing her engagement to Huneric, the son of the Vandal king Gaiseric.
Deeply unhappy, Eudoxia somehow managed to contact Gaiseric to beseech him to depose Maximus. The Vandals successfully besieged Rome and carried Eudoxia off to Carthage, along with her daughters; Maximus perished amidst the siege and his body thrown into the Tiber. In 462 AD, after seven years in Carthage, Eudoxia and her daughter Placidia were ransomed by Leo I and moved to Constantinople, while Eudocia remained in Carthage and married Huneric as her parents had originally intended. The rest of Eudoxia’s life passed unrecorded; even her exact date of death is unknown.
Licinia Eudoxia was the only surviving child of the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II, and in 424 AD, at the age of two, was betrothed to her four-year-old cousin, the future Emperor of the Western Roman Empire Valentinian III, in order to reunify the two halves of the Roman world. Their marriage produced two daughters, but was abruptly terminated when Valentinian was killed by two Scythians, Optelas and Thraustelas, at the behest of the usurper Petronius Maximus. After buying off the military and palace officials, Maximus cemented his claim to the throne by forcibly marrying Eudoxia only a few days after her husband’s murder. At least one historian theorized that Maximus’ marriage to Eudoxia was motivated by revenge against the late Valentinian in return for the Emperor’s rape of Maximus’ first wife. Maximus also married his son Palladius to Eudoxia and Valentinian’s daughter Eudocia, thereby severing her engagement to Huneric, the son of the Vandal king Gaiseric.
Deeply unhappy, Eudoxia somehow managed to contact Gaiseric to beseech him to depose Maximus. The Vandals successfully besieged Rome and carried Eudoxia off to Carthage, along with her daughters; Maximus perished amidst the siege and his body thrown into the Tiber. In 462 AD, after seven years in Carthage, Eudoxia and her daughter Placidia were ransomed by Leo I and moved to Constantinople, while Eudocia remained in Carthage and married Huneric as her parents had originally intended. The rest of Eudoxia’s life passed unrecorded; even her exact date of death is unknown.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 800
Libius Severus (Severus III). AD 461-465. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.42 g, 12h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. Struck AD 462-465. D N LIBIVS SEVERV S PERPETV (AV)G, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIΛ ΛVGGG, Severus, wearing crown and military attire, standing facing, placing right foot on human-headed serpent coiled below, holding long cross in right hand and Victory on globe left in left hand; Victory holding palm frond in right arm and wreath in left hand; M|D//COMOB. RIC X 2723; Toffanin 523/2; Lacam Type A, Variety A and pls. XCIV (first and second illustrations) and 17, 47 and 52 (same dies); Depeyrot 27/3; Biaggi 2372 (same rev. die); Mazzini –. Toned, slight die wear, minor edge mark, tiny die breaks on reverse. Good VF. Very rare.
From the Wayne Scheible Collection.
From the Wayne Scheible Collection.