Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4
Date: 2025-01-14 15:00:00 (3 weeks from now)
Lots: 1152
Total starting: $ 3,093,540.00
In this auction, Numistats has matched 120 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 . 611
The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 42-38 BC. Æ As (31mm, 22.96 g, 12h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. Laureate janiform head of Pompey the Great; (MA) GN above / Prow of galley right, galley decorated with star and eye on side; PIVS above; IMP in exergue. Crawford 479/1; Martini, Sextus Emission III, Group 1, Series D, 453-4 (D6/R71); CRI 336; Sydenham 1044; BMCRR Spain 101; Kestner 3679-80, 3682-3; RBW 1675–6. Green patina, light porosity, flan adjustment marks. Good VF.
After the defeat of his father and brother by Julius Caesar, Sextus Pompey set up shop in Sicily and carried on as a pirate king, raiding Roman commerce and making a nuisance of himself to Octavian, Caesar's successor as ruler of Italy. Repeated attempts by Octavian to corral Sextus failed ignominiously, once nearly costing Octavian his life. In 39 BC, Sextus entered into a power-sharing agreement with Octavian and his fellow Triumvirs, Mark Antony and Lepidus. But he continued to serve as a magnet for Senatorial resistance and disaffection, so Octavian renewed hostilities the following year. The brilliant admiral Agrippa finally defeated Sextus at Naulochos in 36 BC, but he escaped, fleeing to Antony, who kept him alive as a bargaining chip for awhile, then executed him. The as coinage in the name of Pompey the Great is catalogued sequentially by Martini according to the obverse bust. First a traditional head of Janus, then a janiform head of Pompey the Great, followed by successive series of “mature” and “juvenile” imitative portraits.
After the defeat of his father and brother by Julius Caesar, Sextus Pompey set up shop in Sicily and carried on as a pirate king, raiding Roman commerce and making a nuisance of himself to Octavian, Caesar's successor as ruler of Italy. Repeated attempts by Octavian to corral Sextus failed ignominiously, once nearly costing Octavian his life. In 39 BC, Sextus entered into a power-sharing agreement with Octavian and his fellow Triumvirs, Mark Antony and Lepidus. But he continued to serve as a magnet for Senatorial resistance and disaffection, so Octavian renewed hostilities the following year. The brilliant admiral Agrippa finally defeated Sextus at Naulochos in 36 BC, but he escaped, fleeing to Antony, who kept him alive as a bargaining chip for awhile, then executed him. The as coinage in the name of Pompey the Great is catalogued sequentially by Martini according to the obverse bust. First a traditional head of Janus, then a janiform head of Pompey the Great, followed by successive series of “mature” and “juvenile” imitative portraits.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 612
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.85 g, 1111h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. Iridescent tone, minor marks, trace deposits. EF.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Kallman Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 570; Gorny & Mosch 164 (17 March 2008), lot 342; G. Hirsch 245 (4 May 2006), lot 354.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Kallman Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 570; Gorny & Mosch 164 (17 March 2008), lot 342; G. Hirsch 245 (4 May 2006), lot 354.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 613
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.07 g, 3h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. In NGC encapsulation 2482400-014, graded XF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 5/5.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 614
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late 46-early 45 BC. AV Quinarius (15mm, 3.97 g, 7h). Rome mint; L. Munatius Plancus, praefectus urbi. Draped and winged bust of Victory right; C • CAES DICT • TER around / Praefericulum; L • PLANC up left, PRAEF • (VR)B down right. Crawford 475/2; CRI 61; Sydenham 1020; Bahrfeldt 22; Biaggi 31; King 68; BMCRR Rome 4123; Kestner 3671; RBW 1665-6. Lightly toned, scratches and scrapes. Good Fine. Very rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 615
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. February-March 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.63 g, 6h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint; P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Wreathed head right; CAESAR downwards to right, DICT PERPETVO upwards to left / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; shield set on ground to right; P SEPVLLIVS downwards to right, MACER downwards to left. Crawford 480/10; Alföldi Type VIII, 24-25 (A12/R3); CRI 107a; Sydenham 1073; RSC 38; BMCRR Rome 4169–71; Kestner –; RBW –. Toned, with light iridescence, weakness at the periphery, scrape on reverse. VF.
From the CLA Collection. Ex Berk BBS 63 (13 June 1990), lot 316.
When Crassus was killed in the Parthian campaign in 53 BC, the two remaining members of the First Triumvirate were Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The rivalry between them increased tremendously. In 51 and 50 BC, as Caesar’s appointment in Gaul was nearing an end, the Senate also became fearful, and moved increasingly towards Pompey and his army. Caesar’s legions, full of battle-hardened veterans, felt their loyalty was first to Caesar, and second to Rome. Also, Caesar became very popular with the common people in Rome, who were always a danger to the aristocratic Senate. On January 1, 49 BC, the Senate demanded that Caesar disband his army before returning to Italy. The problem with this was that if Caesar went to Rome defenseless, he would be vulnerable to prosecution by his political enemies. Thus, Caesar fatefully crossed the Rubicon River, famously proclaiming “alea iacta est”- “the die is cast.” With his veteran 13th Legion at his back, he faced no challengers in Italy. Pompey was unable to muster sufficient forces and was forced to flee to Greece where Caesar defeated him at Pharsalus on August 9, 48 BC. Caesar then began subduing Rome’s enemies, one after another. The Senate, in response, began heaping honors and praise upon him. On February 14, 44 BC, the Senate awarded him the title of dictator perpetuus (dictator for life), indicated on this coin in the legend – DICT PERPETVO. Concurrently, a conspiracy had been in the works for several months to eliminate Caesar and return power to the Senate, headed by Brutus and Cassius. This came to fruition when Caesar was killed on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BC. Therefore, this coin can be attributed to that one-month period between the time Caesar was given the title of dictator perpetuus and his death.
From the CLA Collection. Ex Berk BBS 63 (13 June 1990), lot 316.
When Crassus was killed in the Parthian campaign in 53 BC, the two remaining members of the First Triumvirate were Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The rivalry between them increased tremendously. In 51 and 50 BC, as Caesar’s appointment in Gaul was nearing an end, the Senate also became fearful, and moved increasingly towards Pompey and his army. Caesar’s legions, full of battle-hardened veterans, felt their loyalty was first to Caesar, and second to Rome. Also, Caesar became very popular with the common people in Rome, who were always a danger to the aristocratic Senate. On January 1, 49 BC, the Senate demanded that Caesar disband his army before returning to Italy. The problem with this was that if Caesar went to Rome defenseless, he would be vulnerable to prosecution by his political enemies. Thus, Caesar fatefully crossed the Rubicon River, famously proclaiming “alea iacta est”- “the die is cast.” With his veteran 13th Legion at his back, he faced no challengers in Italy. Pompey was unable to muster sufficient forces and was forced to flee to Greece where Caesar defeated him at Pharsalus on August 9, 48 BC. Caesar then began subduing Rome’s enemies, one after another. The Senate, in response, began heaping honors and praise upon him. On February 14, 44 BC, the Senate awarded him the title of dictator perpetuus (dictator for life), indicated on this coin in the legend – DICT PERPETVO. Concurrently, a conspiracy had been in the works for several months to eliminate Caesar and return power to the Senate, headed by Brutus and Cassius. This came to fruition when Caesar was killed on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BC. Therefore, this coin can be attributed to that one-month period between the time Caesar was given the title of dictator perpetuus and his death.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 616
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. February-March 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.05 g, 10h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint; P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Wreathed and veiled head right; CAESAR downward to right, DICT PERPETVO upward to left / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical scepter in left; shield set on ground to right; P • SEPVLLIVS downward to right, MACER downward to left. Crawford 480/13; Alföldi Type IX, 91-2 (A48/R56); CRI 107d; Sydenham 1074; RSC 39; BMCRR Rome 4173-4; Kestner 3688-9; RBW 1685. Toned, with hints of iridescence, some luster, minor marks, area of weak strike. Near EF. Superior to either specimen plated in Alföldi.
Ex Paulo Leitão Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 59, 4 April 2011), lot 836; Numismatic Fine Arts X (17 September 1981), lot 290 (conserved since).
Ex Paulo Leitão Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 59, 4 April 2011), lot 836; Numismatic Fine Arts X (17 September 1981), lot 290 (conserved since).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 617
The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.77 g, 3h). Rome mint. L. Flaminius Chilo, moneyer. Laureate head right / Pax standing left, holding a caduceus in right hand and with left, leaning on scepter; L • FLAMINIVS downwards to right, III • VIR upwards to left. Crawford 485/1; CRI 113; Sydenham 1089; RSC 26; BMCRR Rome 4201-2; Kestner 3699; RBW –. Toned, minor area of weakness, scratches on obverse. Near EF. Outstanding portrait of fine style, struck in high relief.
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy.
While this coin derives its general type from those issues struck at Rome in the month prior to Caesar’s assassination in March 44 BC, its anepigraphic obverse now shows a head of Caesar that is no longer veiled, while on the reverse, Venus Genetrix holds a caduceus in place of the traditional Victory. The idealized portrait of Julius Caesar, with its definite impression of divinity, is not an individual die-engraver’s attempt at artistic fancy, but must have been influenced by Octavian’s consciously conceived program of manipulating public images (including that of Caesar) at Rome.
On 1 January 42 BC, the Senate recognized Caesar’s new divine status as the Divus Julius and constructed a temple on the site of his cremation in the Forum. The Venus Genetrix on the reverse shows a similar manipulation. Deriving from the Greek Aphrodite Ourania, or heavenly Aphrodite, Venus Genetrix became not only the divine patroness of Rome through her son Aeneas, but also the ancestor of the gens Julia, through Aeneas’ son, Ascanius (Iulus). On the night before Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar vowed to construct a temple in her honor in Rome if he was successful against Pompey. Once completed, this temple, which housed a statue of the goddess, then became the centerpiece of his new forum in Rome. There are marked differences, however, between the statue (evidenced by several extant copies) and her depiction on the denarii struck in the month before his assassination. While the statue emphasized her procreative powers, the coins show her in a more martial and political context: holding a Victory in her right hand and a scepter in her left, either surrounded by weaponry (sometime set on a globe), or with the scepter set on a star (a sign of divinity). While these attributes may shift from one to another, they emphasize not only the divine assistance in Caesar’s military and political victories, but also allude tentatively to his semi-divinity. The Venus of this coin, however, minimizes her connection to earlier associations; instead, she now presents an image of Felicitas (Good Fortune), by replacing the Victory with a caduceus. It is not the Venus Genetrix of Julius Caesar, then, but now Venus Felix of all Rome who is at work. Thus, through the assistance of the two transformed divine agencies – the impending one of the Divus Julius, and that of Venus – Octavian was able to take his first few steps toward political ascendancy.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 618
The Caesarians. Divus Julius Caesar. 40 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.89 g, 11h). Rome mint; Q. Voconius Vitulus, moneyer. Wreathed head right; lituus to left, DIVI • IVLI downwards to right / Bull-calf walking left; Q • VOCONIVS above, VITVLVS in exergue. Crawford 526/2; CRI 329; Sydenham 1132; RSC 46; BMCRR Rome 4308-10; Kestner 3808; RBW –. Toned, minor marks, graffito, banker’s mark on obverse. Good VF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 619
The Republicans. Brutus. Early 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.41 g, 12h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Emblems of the pontificate: securis, simpulum, and secespita; BRVTVS below / Emblems of the augurate: capis and lituus; LENTVLVS/SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/7; CRI 198; Sydenham 1310; RSC 6; BMCRR East 80-1; Kestner 3770; RBW 1766. In NGC encapsulation 2491174-002, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
The obverse depicts the symbols of the college of pontifices to which Brutus belonged, while the reverse bears the symbols of the priestly college to which P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther was elected in 57 BC, namely, the augurate.
The obverse depicts the symbols of the college of pontifices to which Brutus belonged, while the reverse bears the symbols of the priestly college to which P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther was elected in 57 BC, namely, the augurate.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 620
The Republicans. Brutus. Early summer 42 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.45 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus in Lycia; Q. Caepius, legatus. Draped bust of Apollo right, hair in ringlets, wearing taenia and laurel wreath / Trophy composed of helmet, cuirass, and two shields, one with incurved sides; below, male and female captives seated at base, each resting head in their hand; Q • CAEPIO • downward to left, BRVTVS in exergue, IMP upward to right. Crawford 503/1; CRI 204; Sydenham 1293; RSC 8; BMCRR East 52; Kestner –; RBW –. Lightly toned, with some luster, scrapes and light porosity, some weakness on reverse, crystallization at edges. Good VF. Extremely rare, only three in CoinArchives.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 621
The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.60 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; P. Servilius Casca Longus, moneyer. Laureate and bearded head of Neptune right; trident below, CASCA upward to left, LONGVS upward to right / Victory advancing right on broken scepter, holding palm frond in left hand over left shoulder and broken diadem bound with fillet in both hands; BRVTVS upward to left, IMP upward to right. Crawford 507/2; CRI 212; Sydenham 1298; RSC 3; BMCRR East 63-5; Kestner 3779; RBW 1780. Lightly toned, with golden red iridescence, minor pitting, small scrape on reverse. Good VF.
From the CLA Collection. Ex CNG inventory 720323 (3 May 2000).
P. Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Caesar and was actually the first to plunge his dagger into the dictator on the Ides of March, 15 March, 44 BC. He later joined Brutus in the East and was entrusted with the command of a fleet. He fought bravely at Philippi, but when it became clear that all was lost he emulated his commander by committing suicide. This remarkable type, issued in the months preceding Philippi, graphically symbolizes the anticipated defeat of the forces of tyranny which, in the view of the ‘liberators’, were aiming at the destruction of Rome’s republican constitution and its replacement by an autocratic form of government. It is ironic that while Casca’s denarius depicts Victory breaking the diadem of royal power, his aureus shows Brutus’ portrait surrounded by a similar symbol of regal or even divine status. The appearance of Neptune, god of the sea, is probably in celebration of Cassius’ naval exploits against the Rhodians.
From the CLA Collection. Ex CNG inventory 720323 (3 May 2000).
P. Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Caesar and was actually the first to plunge his dagger into the dictator on the Ides of March, 15 March, 44 BC. He later joined Brutus in the East and was entrusted with the command of a fleet. He fought bravely at Philippi, but when it became clear that all was lost he emulated his commander by committing suicide. This remarkable type, issued in the months preceding Philippi, graphically symbolizes the anticipated defeat of the forces of tyranny which, in the view of the ‘liberators’, were aiming at the destruction of Rome’s republican constitution and its replacement by an autocratic form of government. It is ironic that while Casca’s denarius depicts Victory breaking the diadem of royal power, his aureus shows Brutus’ portrait surrounded by a similar symbol of regal or even divine status. The appearance of Neptune, god of the sea, is probably in celebration of Cassius’ naval exploits against the Rhodians.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 622
The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.75 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; L. Plaetorius Cestianus, magistrate. Bare head of Brutus right; BRVT above, IMP to right, L • PLAET • CEST around to left / Pileus between two daggers pointing downward; EID • MAR below. Crawford 508/3; Campana, Eid Mar 40-1 (O2/R13); Cahn 13a-b; CRI 216; Sydenham 1301; RSC 15; BMCRR East 68-70; Kestner –; RBW –. Toned, with hints of iridescence, minor marks and scratches, scrapes on obverse, banker’s mark on reverse. Good VF. Very rare. The most famous of all Roman coins. This coin not plated in Campana.
From the Collection of a Connoisseur Classicist, purchased from from Numismatica Ars Classica, early 1990’s.
Surely the most iconic and important coin associated with an event in ancient history, this denarius pointedly commemorates the assassination of Julius Caesar by depicting the perpetrator of the act (Brutus), by naming the date of the act (EID[ibus] MAR[tiis], and by displaying the instruments of the act (daggers) between the reason for the act (the pileus [freedman’s cap] as a symbol of liberty). Though many senators plotted against Caesar and are collectively represented by the two daggers, the portrait of Brutus alone emphasizes his primary role in the conspiracy.
The only securely identified portraits of Brutus occur on coins inscribed with his name; all others, whether on coins or other artifacts, are identified based on the three issues inscribed BRVTVS IMP (on aurei) or BRVT IMP (on denarii). A careful study of Brutus’ portraits by S. Nodelman segregates these inscribed portraits into three main categories: a ‘baroque’ style portrait on the aurei of Casca, a ‘neoclassical’ style on the aurei of Costa, and a ‘realistic’ style on the ‘EID MAR’ denarii, which Nodelman describes as “the soberest and most precise” of all.
From the Collection of a Connoisseur Classicist, purchased from from Numismatica Ars Classica, early 1990’s.
Surely the most iconic and important coin associated with an event in ancient history, this denarius pointedly commemorates the assassination of Julius Caesar by depicting the perpetrator of the act (Brutus), by naming the date of the act (EID[ibus] MAR[tiis], and by displaying the instruments of the act (daggers) between the reason for the act (the pileus [freedman’s cap] as a symbol of liberty). Though many senators plotted against Caesar and are collectively represented by the two daggers, the portrait of Brutus alone emphasizes his primary role in the conspiracy.
The only securely identified portraits of Brutus occur on coins inscribed with his name; all others, whether on coins or other artifacts, are identified based on the three issues inscribed BRVTVS IMP (on aurei) or BRVT IMP (on denarii). A careful study of Brutus’ portraits by S. Nodelman segregates these inscribed portraits into three main categories: a ‘baroque’ style portrait on the aurei of Casca, a ‘neoclassical’ style on the aurei of Costa, and a ‘realistic’ style on the ‘EID MAR’ denarii, which Nodelman describes as “the soberest and most precise” of all.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 623
The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. April-May 44 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.04 g, 3h). Rome mint; P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Veiled head right, wearing beard; capis to left, lituus to right / Desultor (horseman who leaps from one horse to another), wearing conical cap and holding whip in right hand, right on horseback, second horse at side in background; palm frond and wreath to left; P • SEPVLLIVS above, [MACER below]. Crawford 480/22; Alföldi Type XXI, 50-1 (A9/R11); CRI 142; Sydenham 1077; RSC 74; BMCRR Rome 4178; Kestner –; RBW 1689. Mottled toning, off center on reverse. Good VF.
Ex Artemide LIX (6 May 2023), lot 502.
Ex Artemide LIX (6 May 2023), lot 502.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 624
The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 40 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.82 g, 12h). Uncertain mint (Corcyra?). Bare head right; lituus to left / Caduceus between cornucopias, all set on globe; M • ANT • I(MP) • above, III • VIR • R • P • C • below. Crawford 520/1; CRI 256; Sydenham 1189; RSC 66a; BMCRR East 114; Kestner –; RBW –. Lightly toned, minor deposits, area of weakness on reverse. EF. Excellent portrait. Extremely rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 625
The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Autumn 34 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.27 g, 12h). Alexandria mint(?). Bare head of Mark Antony right; Armenian tiara to left, ANTONI • ARME[NIA • DEVICTA] around / Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; at point of bust, prow right; CLEOPATRAE REGINAE • REGVM • FILIORVM • REGVM around. Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; Sydenham 1210; RSC 1; BMCRR East 179–81; cf. Kestner 3836; RBW 1832. Toned, with some luster, porosity, cleaning marks, flan crack, off center on obverse. Good VF.
The consensus of opinion on the date and mint of this coin was relatively uniform until the publication by R. Newman, "A Dialogue of Power in the Coinage of Antony and Octavian" in AJN 2 (1990), pp. 37-64. Sear (CRI) follows Newman in calling it an issue from Alexandria struck for Antony's Armenian triumph of the autumn of 34 BC, when the "celebrated and enigmatic" (per Sear) "Donations of Alexandria" took place. Newman states the minting of this coin "must have taken place in 34, the year of Antony's Alexandrian triumph, since it would otherwise be without context." The legends on this coin could be translated as "[coin] of Antony, with Armenia being Conquered, for Cleopatra, Queen of Kings and of her Sons, being Kings." The Armenian crown behind Antony represents his victorious Roman army, the prow beneath Cleopatra (which appears on no other Roman coin of hers) stands for the mighty Egyptian fleet; combined they symbolize the full array of forces that Antony would soon marshal against Octavian.
The consensus of opinion on the date and mint of this coin was relatively uniform until the publication by R. Newman, "A Dialogue of Power in the Coinage of Antony and Octavian" in AJN 2 (1990), pp. 37-64. Sear (CRI) follows Newman in calling it an issue from Alexandria struck for Antony's Armenian triumph of the autumn of 34 BC, when the "celebrated and enigmatic" (per Sear) "Donations of Alexandria" took place. Newman states the minting of this coin "must have taken place in 34, the year of Antony's Alexandrian triumph, since it would otherwise be without context." The legends on this coin could be translated as "[coin] of Antony, with Armenia being Conquered, for Cleopatra, Queen of Kings and of her Sons, being Kings." The Armenian crown behind Antony represents his victorious Roman army, the prow beneath Cleopatra (which appears on no other Roman coin of hers) stands for the mighty Egyptian fleet; combined they symbolize the full array of forces that Antony would soon marshal against Octavian.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 626
The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (15mm, 3.89 g, 6h). Legionary type. Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT AVG above, III VIR • R • P • C below / Aquila between two signa; LEG III across lower field. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; Sydenham 1217; RSC 28; BMCRR East 193; Kestner 3844; RBW 1839. Lustrous, a few scratches and die flaws. Choice EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 627
The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.72 g, 8h). Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • AVG above, III VIR • R • P • C below / Aquila between two signa, LEG XVIIII across lower field. Crawford 544/34; CRI 379; Sydenham 1241; RSC 54; RBW –; CNG 114, lot 697 (same dies; hammer $20,000). Toned, with underlying luster, area of weakness, edge mark. Good VF. Well detailed reverse. An extremely rare type with XVIIII, as opposed to the more frequently encountered LEG XIX.
Not to be confused with a similar legion under the command of Octavian, this Antonian legion was either disbanded or incorporated into another legion after Actium. Antonian legionary denarii were hammered out in such great numbers that uniformity in die engraving suffered; hence some engravers chose different ways of depicting the same Roman numeral – XIX and XVIIII are both seen, although the longer form is considerably rarer.
Not to be confused with a similar legion under the command of Octavian, this Antonian legion was either disbanded or incorporated into another legion after Actium. Antonian legionary denarii were hammered out in such great numbers that uniformity in die engraving suffered; hence some engravers chose different ways of depicting the same Roman numeral – XIX and XVIIII are both seen, although the longer form is considerably rarer.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 628
The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 31 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.88 g, 12h). Uncertain mint (Actium?). Bare head right; M • ANTONIVS • AVG • IMP • IIII • COS • TERT III • VIR • R • P • C around / Victory standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling palm frond in left arm; all within wreath. Crawford 545/2; CRI 388; Sydenham 1211a; RSC 81; BMCRR East 228; Kestner –; RBW 1851. Toned, with some luster, faint hairlines. Superb EF. An outstanding strike.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 629
The Triumvirs. Octavian. 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.06 g, 12h). Rome mint. L. Livineius Regulus, moneyer. Bare head right, wearing slight beard; C • CAESAR • III • VIR • R • P • C around / Victory standing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond over left shoulder; REGVLVS downward to left, L • LIVINEIVS downward to right. Crawford 494/25; CRI 157; Sydenham 1107; RSC 443; BMCRR Rome 4260; Kestner 3731; RBW 1731. Toned, with light iridescence, minor marks. Good VF.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 597; Goldman Collection (Triton XVI, 8 January 2013), lot 969; Tkalec (29 February 2008), lot 276.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 597; Goldman Collection (Triton XVI, 8 January 2013), lot 969; Tkalec (29 February 2008), lot 276.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 630
The Triumvirs. Octavian, Divus Julius Caesar, and Agrippa. 38 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.80 g, 3h). Military mint traveling with Agrippa in Gaul or Octavian in Italy. Laureate head of the deified Julius Caesar right, vis-à-vis bare head of Octavian left; DIVOS IVLIVS upward to left, DIVI F downward to right / M · AGRIPPA COS/DESIG in two lines. Crawford 534/2; CRI 306; Sydenham 1330; RSC 129; BMCRR 100–1; Kestner –; RBW –. Deep cabinet tone, minor marks. Good VF.
Ex Alba Longa Collection (Áureo & Calicó 339, 14 November 2019), lot 1061 (hammer €15,000).
Marcus Agrippa was Octavian’s boyhood friend, lieutenant, and and eventual chosen heir, adopted by the then-known Augustus in 17 BC to ensure a smooth succession. Agrippa's prominence in political affairs was emphasized in 13 BC, when two of the three moneyers included Agrippa on their coin types. Succession was not to be, however, as Agrippa died the following year.
This coin names Agrippa as “consul designate”, in anticipation of his consulship the following year. It was probably minted in Gaul under Agrippa, who was named governor of Transalpine Gaul in 39 or 38 BC. It was in the latter year, the year this coin was struck, that Agrippa put down an uprising of the Aquitanians.
Ex Alba Longa Collection (Áureo & Calicó 339, 14 November 2019), lot 1061 (hammer €15,000).
Marcus Agrippa was Octavian’s boyhood friend, lieutenant, and and eventual chosen heir, adopted by the then-known Augustus in 17 BC to ensure a smooth succession. Agrippa's prominence in political affairs was emphasized in 13 BC, when two of the three moneyers included Agrippa on their coin types. Succession was not to be, however, as Agrippa died the following year.
This coin names Agrippa as “consul designate”, in anticipation of his consulship the following year. It was probably minted in Gaul under Agrippa, who was named governor of Transalpine Gaul in 39 or 38 BC. It was in the latter year, the year this coin was struck, that Agrippa put down an uprising of the Aquitanians.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 631
AI Rec
The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 30 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.78 g, 1h). Uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?). Victory, draped, standing right on prow, holding palm frond over left shoulder in left hand and wreath in extended right hand / Octavian, holding reins in left hand and branch in right, driving triumphal quadriga right, the car ornamented with figures on its front and side panels; IMP • CAESAR in exergue. CRI 416; RIC I 264; RSC 115; BMCRR Rome 4343-5 = BMCRE 617-9; BN 98-104. Toned, minor porosity, slight scrape on reverse. Near EF.
Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 684; Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 409; LHS 102 (29 April 2008), lot 333 (hammer 2,400 CHF).
Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 684; Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 409; LHS 102 (29 April 2008), lot 333 (hammer 2,400 CHF).