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 . 653
AI Rec
Gaius (Caligula), with Agrippina Senior. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.60 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 40. C CAESAR AVG PON M TR POT III COS III, laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) right / AGRIPPINA MAT C CAES AVG GERM, draped small bust of Agrippina right. RIC I 22 (Rome mint); Lyon 179 (dies D–/R186 [unlisted obv. die]; RSC 6; BMCRE 23; BN 33 (same rev. die). Attractively toned, scratches and marks under tone, area of edge filing. VF.
Ex Elm Street Collection (Triton XXVII – Session 6, 18 January 2024), lot 6034, purchased from James Beach, 28 April 2007.
Ex Elm Street Collection (Triton XXVII – Session 6, 18 January 2024), lot 6034, purchased from James Beach, 28 April 2007.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 654
AI Rec
Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.69 g, 3h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Last emission, from 1 January AD 41. C CAESAR • AVG PON • M • TR • POT IIII • COS • IIII •, laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) right / DIVVS [• AVG •] PATER • PATRIAE, radiate head of Divus Augustus right. RIC I 31 (Rome); Lyon 185 (D–/R222 [unlisted obv. die]); RSC 8; BMCRE p. 150 note †; BN –. Toned. Near EF. Very rare, Lyon lists only one example (in the Ashmolean). Two excellent portraits.
From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Spink 248 (25 September 2017), lot 79 (hammer £6,500).
Since Caligula was assassinated on 24 January AD 41, issues dated TR P IIII, which began on 1 January, are among the rarest for this emperor, since they were minted for less than a month.
From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England. Ex Spink 248 (25 September 2017), lot 79 (hammer £6,500).
Since Caligula was assassinated on 24 January AD 41, issues dated TR P IIII, which began on 1 January, are among the rarest for this emperor, since they were minted for less than a month.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 655
Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ Sestertius (35.5mm, 28.13 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 37-38. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERMANICVS • PON • M • TR • POT •, laureate head left / AGRIPPINA on left, DRVSILLA above, IVLIA on right, S C in exergue, Gaius' three sisters standing facing: Agrippina (as Securitas), head right, holding cornucopia in right hand and leaning on column, and placing left hand on shoulder of Drusilla (as Concordia), head left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left; on right, Julia (as Fortuna), head left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 33; BMCRE 36-7; BN 47-9. Brown patina, minor roughness, some smoothing in fields. VF.
Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers and Ruddy Galleries, 21 May 1981.
Ex Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers and Ruddy Galleries, 21 May 1981.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 656
AI Rec
Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ As (29mm, 11.14 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 37-38. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERMANICVS • PON • M • TR • POT •, bare head left / VESTA above, S C across field, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on ornamental throne, holding patera in outstretched right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC I 38; BMCRE 45-8; BN 54-71. Dark brown patina with touches of green, minor cleaning/smoothing marks. EF. Well struck.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 659; Heritage 3024 (18 April 2013), lot 24842; Stack’s (24 April 2008), lot 2283; Kroisos Collection (Stack’s, 14 January 2008), lot 2352.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 659; Heritage 3024 (18 April 2013), lot 24842; Stack’s (24 April 2008), lot 2283; Kroisos Collection (Stack’s, 14 January 2008), lot 2352.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 657
AI Rec
Claudius. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.68 g, 9h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 46-47. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • VI • IMP • XI, laureate head right / S P Q R/ P P/ OB • C • S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 40; von Kaenel Type 26 (unlisted dies); Lyon 50; Calicó 379a; BMCRE 42-4; BN 58; Biaggi 211; Mazzini 86. Lightly toned, hairlines. Good VF.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA36C; CNG inventory 859164 (November 2009); A. Lynn Collection (Helios 4, 14 October 2009), lot 251.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA36C; CNG inventory 859164 (November 2009); A. Lynn Collection (Helios 4, 14 October 2009), lot 251.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 658
AI Rec
Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ As (30.5mm, 9.58 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 41-42. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, bare head left / LIBERTAS AVGVSTA, S C across field, Libertas, draped, standing facing, head right, holding pileus in right hand and extending left hand. RIC I 97; von Kaenel Type 62; BMCRE 145-6; BN 177-8. Even green-brown patina, lightly smoothed. EF. Powerful portrait.
Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 559028; Classical Numismatic Group 115 (16 September 2020), lot 622.
Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 559028; Classical Numismatic Group 115 (16 September 2020), lot 622.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 659
AI Rec
Claudius. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.81 g, 3h). Rome mint. Struck AD 46-47. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • VI IMP • XI, laureate head right / DE BRITANN on architrave, triumphal arch, surmounted by an equestrian statue of Claudius left, between two trophies. RIC I 33; von Kaenel Type 27 (V–/R522 [unlisted obv. die); Calicó 349; BMCRE 32-4; BN 54-6; Biaggi 201; Mazzini 17; SCBC 633; Elkins, Monuments Figure 75; CNR XIV 34/2 (this coin). VF.
Ex Dix Noonan Webb 146 (25 April 2018), lot 19; A.L. Wade Collection (Glendining, 27 October 1971), lot 544; Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 554 (July 1964), no. AG1584; Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 542 (July 1963), no. G1532; G. R. Blake Collection; C. Anthony Collection.
During the reign of Claudius, Verica, king of the Atrebates and ally of Rome, was forced into exile by invasions of the Catuvellauni, a neighboring tribe to the east. This served as the pretense for the Claudian invasion of Britannia in AD 43, led by general Aulus Plautius, who subsequently served as governor of the region (the future emperor Vespasian also ranked among the commanders). While Claudius had some participation in the campaigns–bringing reinforcements and elephants to Camulodunum–and received a triumph after his return to Rome, he refused the title Britannicus. The success of the invasion was commemorated on various issues, including this aureus.
Ex Dix Noonan Webb 146 (25 April 2018), lot 19; A.L. Wade Collection (Glendining, 27 October 1971), lot 544; Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 554 (July 1964), no. AG1584; Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 542 (July 1963), no. G1532; G. R. Blake Collection; C. Anthony Collection.
During the reign of Claudius, Verica, king of the Atrebates and ally of Rome, was forced into exile by invasions of the Catuvellauni, a neighboring tribe to the east. This served as the pretense for the Claudian invasion of Britannia in AD 43, led by general Aulus Plautius, who subsequently served as governor of the region (the future emperor Vespasian also ranked among the commanders). While Claudius had some participation in the campaigns–bringing reinforcements and elephants to Camulodunum–and received a triumph after his return to Rome, he refused the title Britannicus. The success of the invasion was commemorated on various issues, including this aureus.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 660
AI Rec
Claudius, with Agrippina Junior. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.66 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 51. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P •, laureate head of Claudius right / ΛGRIPPINΛE ΛVGVSTΛE, draped bust of Agrippina right, wearing wreath of grain ears and hair in long plait taken up, two locks falling loosely down neck. RIC I 81; von Kaenel Type 50 (unlisted dies); RSC 4; BMCRE 75-6; BN 82-4. Toned, scratches and hairlines. Good VF.
From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England, purchased from Baldwin’s, 29 November 2013. Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection (Gemini IX, 9 January 2012), lot 263.
From the Collection of a Gentleman, Kent, England, purchased from Baldwin’s, 29 November 2013. Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection (Gemini IX, 9 January 2012), lot 263.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 661
AI Rec
Nero. As Caesar, AD 50-54. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.60 g, 8h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 51. NERO CLAVD CAES DRVSVS GERM PRINC IVVENT, bareheaded and draped bust left / SA[CERD] COOPT IN OMN CONL SVPRA NVM EX S C, emblems of the pontificate: simpulum and lituus, above tripod and patera, respectively. RIC I 76 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 52 (unlisted dies); Lyon 86 (D412/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Calicó 441b (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 84-6 (Claudius); BN 91-2 (Claudius). In NGC encapsulation 2491174-001, graded VF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 2/5, lt. scratches.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 663
AI Rec
Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (36.5mm, 25.61 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 66. IMP • NERO • CAESAR • AVG • PONT • MAX • TR • POT • P • P •, laureate head right; globe at point of neck / ADLOCVT COH in exergue, S C across field, Nero standing left with praetorian prefect on low platform to right, addressing three soldiers to left, standing right, the first two holding signa; the praetorian camp in the background. RIC I 490; WCN 437; Lyon 176/1a (D390/R412); BMCRE 304 var. (bust type); BN 132 var. (same); cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 80 (for rev. type). Attractive dark green patina, smoothing, details enhanced. Good VF. Very rare architectural type on reverse, showing the Praetorian camp.
The Praetorians were an elite unit of soldiers stationed in a purpose-built fortress in Rome. Composed of nine enlarged cohorts of 1,000 men apiece, for a total theoretical strength of 9,000, the Praetorian “Guard” served as the emperor’s personal fighting force both in Rome and on campaign. Praetorians received triple the pay of ordinary soldiers and had to serve only 16 years instead of the 20 required for regular legionaries. They were consequently greatly resented both by the regular soldiery and by the civilians of Rome, who they were often called upon to suppress. Estimates of their fitness as a fighting force in the field vary; they seem to have accounted themselves well enough in the campaigns of Trajan, Marcus Aurelius and Septimius Severus, but when called upon to fight regular units in Rome’s numerous civil wars, they almost always suffered defeat.
The Praetorians were an elite unit of soldiers stationed in a purpose-built fortress in Rome. Composed of nine enlarged cohorts of 1,000 men apiece, for a total theoretical strength of 9,000, the Praetorian “Guard” served as the emperor’s personal fighting force both in Rome and on campaign. Praetorians received triple the pay of ordinary soldiers and had to serve only 16 years instead of the 20 required for regular legionaries. They were consequently greatly resented both by the regular soldiery and by the civilians of Rome, who they were often called upon to suppress. Estimates of their fitness as a fighting force in the field vary; they seem to have accounted themselves well enough in the campaigns of Trajan, Marcus Aurelius and Septimius Severus, but when called upon to fight regular units in Rome’s numerous civil wars, they almost always suffered defeat.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 664
AI Rec
Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (36.5mm, 28.74 g, 8h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 66. IMP • NERO • CAESAR • AVG • PONT • MAX • TR • POT • P • P •, laureate head left; globe at point of neck / ADLOCVT COH in exergue, S C across field, Nero standing left with praetorian prefect on low platform to right, addressing three soldiers to left, standing right, the first two holding signa; the praetorian camp in the background. RIC I 491; WCN 444; Lyon 183 (D395/R417); BMCRE 304; BN 132 (same dies); cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 80 (for rev. type). Attractive medium brown surfaces with touches of red, a few minor pits. VF. Very rare architectural type on reverse, showing the Praetorian camp.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Kallman Collection (Triton XX, 9 January 2017), lot 668; Classical Numismatic Group inventory 886135 (January 2011).
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Kallman Collection (Triton XX, 9 January 2017), lot 668; Classical Numismatic Group inventory 886135 (January 2011).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 665
AI Rec
Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.67 g, 5h). Rome or Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 61-62. NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP, bare head right / PONTIF • MAX • TR • P VIII • COS IIII • P • P •, EX S C across field, Virtus, helmeted, in military dress, cloak over shoulders, standing left, right foot on helmet among shields, holding parazonium resting on right knee in right hand and long spear in left. RIC I 31; WCN 15; Lyon 31; Calicó 432; BMCRE 33-4; BN 42 (Lyon); Biaggi 235. Minor marks on obverse, edge scrape. Good VF.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Continental Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 671; Giessener Münzhandlung 64 (11 October 1993), lot 343.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Continental Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 671; Giessener Münzhandlung 64 (11 October 1993), lot 343.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 666
Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.33 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IANVM CLVSIT PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA, closed doors of the Temple of Janus. RIC I 50 and 58; Calicó 409; BMCRE 64-6; BN 211-2; Biaggi 224; Elkins, Monuments Figure 76; Adda 30; Biaggi 224; Mazzini 114. Lustrous and attractive. Near EF. An interesting architectural reverse type with the closed doors of the Temple of Janus, sending the signal to the Roman people that there was no war.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA37C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 983; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 401.
The Temple of Janus was one of Rome’s most ancient centers of worship. It was said that Romulus had built it after he made peace with the Sabines, and that it was king Numa who decreed that its doors should be opened during times of war and shut during times of peace. In all of Roman history until the reign of Nero, the temple doors had been shut perhaps five or six times – once under king Numa (who originated the tradition), once at the end of the Second Punic War, three times under Augustus, and, according to Ovid, once under Tiberius.
In AD 65, when peace had been generally established in the Empire, Nero understandably requested the closing of the temple’s doors. He marked the event with great celebrations and trumpeted his policy of peace by issuing a large and impressive series of coins. The inscription on this issue announces “the doors of Janus have been closed after peace has been procured for the Roman People on the land and on the sea." The doors of the temple probably remained closed for less than a year, being opened again with the onset of strife in Judaea in 66.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA37C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 983; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 401.
The Temple of Janus was one of Rome’s most ancient centers of worship. It was said that Romulus had built it after he made peace with the Sabines, and that it was king Numa who decreed that its doors should be opened during times of war and shut during times of peace. In all of Roman history until the reign of Nero, the temple doors had been shut perhaps five or six times – once under king Numa (who originated the tradition), once at the end of the Second Punic War, three times under Augustus, and, according to Ovid, once under Tiberius.
In AD 65, when peace had been generally established in the Empire, Nero understandably requested the closing of the temple’s doors. He marked the event with great celebrations and trumpeted his policy of peace by issuing a large and impressive series of coins. The inscription on this issue announces “the doors of Janus have been closed after peace has been procured for the Roman People on the land and on the sea." The doors of the temple probably remained closed for less than a year, being opened again with the onset of strife in Judaea in 66.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 667
Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter, bare to waist, with cloak around lower limbs, seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC I 52; WCN 25; Calicó 412; BMCRE 67-73; BN 213-9; Adda 31; Biaggi 225-6; Mazzini 118; CNG 111, lot 667 (same dies). Good VF. Wonderful violet-red toning, characteristic of aurei from the Boscoreale Hoard of 1895.
This reverse type commemorates the protection of Nero from the Pisonian Conspiracy. Events of the years AD 64-65 defined the subsequent reputation of Nero as a cruel and self-indulgent ruler. His "excesses" resulted in a conspiracy to overthrow and replace him with Gaius Calpurnius Piso. Among the conspirators were many high-ranking members of Nero's court including Seneca the Younger, the poet Lucan, and Petronius, who called himself Nero's "arbiter of elegance." To Nero, the failure of a conspiracy made up of those so close to him could have been achieved only through divine intervention. As the king of the Gods oversaw the security of the Roman state, Nero believed it was Jupiter the Guardian (Custos) who had saved him from harm.
This reverse type commemorates the protection of Nero from the Pisonian Conspiracy. Events of the years AD 64-65 defined the subsequent reputation of Nero as a cruel and self-indulgent ruler. His "excesses" resulted in a conspiracy to overthrow and replace him with Gaius Calpurnius Piso. Among the conspirators were many high-ranking members of Nero's court including Seneca the Younger, the poet Lucan, and Petronius, who called himself Nero's "arbiter of elegance." To Nero, the failure of a conspiracy made up of those so close to him could have been achieved only through divine intervention. As the king of the Gods oversaw the security of the Roman state, Nero believed it was Jupiter the Guardian (Custos) who had saved him from harm.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 668
AI Rec
Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.01 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 67-68. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P P, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter, bare to waist, with cloak around lower limbs, seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC I 69; WCN 65; RSC 123; BMCRE 80; BN 239. Attractive even gray and iridescent toning. EF.
Ex Peus 430 (27 April 2022), lot 198; Gorny & Mosch 228 (9 March 2015), lot 584.
Ex Peus 430 (27 April 2022), lot 198; Gorny & Mosch 228 (9 March 2015), lot 584.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 669
Civil War. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.75 g, 6h). ‘Augustus’ Group. Uncertain mint in Spain or Gaul. 3 April-mid June AD 68. Bare head of Augustus right / AVGVSTVS below, capricorn right, holding globe attached to rudder between front hooves; cornucopia above its back. RIC I 82; AM A2; RSC 21a; BMCRE 45-6; BN 48. Toned, light scratches and marks under tone. Good VF. Very rare.
Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 18 (18 December 2021), lot 2663; Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 16 (22 May 2021), lot 3346; Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2020 (25 May 2020), lot 829 corr. (misdescribed as a denarius of Augustus).
Ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 18 (18 December 2021), lot 2663; Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 16 (22 May 2021), lot 3346; Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2020 (25 May 2020), lot 829 corr. (misdescribed as a denarius of Augustus).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 670
Civil War. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.58 g, 9h). ‘S P Q R Group’. Uncertain mint in Gaul or Rhine Valley. Struck May/June-December AD 68. SΛLVS GENERIS up right, HVMΛNI down left, Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left / S P Q R within oak wreath. RIC I 72; AM 77; RSC 420; BMCRE 34; BN 37. Toned, scratches under tone, minor flan flaw on reverse, shallow edge test cut. VF.
Ex Leu Numismatik 11 (14 May 2022), lot 234; Dipl.-Ing Christian Gollnow Collection (Leu Numismatik 9, 24 October 2021), lot 1090, purchased from Spink, 1976.
Ex Leu Numismatik 11 (14 May 2022), lot 234; Dipl.-Ing Christian Gollnow Collection (Leu Numismatik 9, 24 October 2021), lot 1090, purchased from Spink, 1976.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 671
Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.50 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January AD 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG P M, laureate head right / ROMA RENASCES, Roma, helmeted and in military dress, standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and transverse eagle-tipped scepter in left. RIC I 229; RSC 208; BMCRE p. 313, note †; BN 103. In NGC encapsulation 2491176-001, graded Ch VF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style.
Though reigning scarcely seven months, Servius Sulpicius Galba has the honor of inspiring Rome’s portrait artists to reach heights never again equaled or surpassed. Achieving the throne at age 70, Galba was a wizened Roman aristocrat whose sagging, craggy countenance could not have been more different than that of his predecessor, the bloated and dissolute Nero. Indeed, Galba seems to have deliberately promoted himself as a steely martinet who would restore Rome to proper Republican austerity.
Though reigning scarcely seven months, Servius Sulpicius Galba has the honor of inspiring Rome’s portrait artists to reach heights never again equaled or surpassed. Achieving the throne at age 70, Galba was a wizened Roman aristocrat whose sagging, craggy countenance could not have been more different than that of his predecessor, the bloated and dissolute Nero. Indeed, Galba seems to have deliberately promoted himself as a steely martinet who would restore Rome to proper Republican austerity.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 672
AI Rec
Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.41 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG P M, laureate head right / SALVS GEN HVMANI, female figure (Fortuna?), draped, standing left, right foot on globe, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted and garlanded altar to left, and cradling upright rudder in left arm. RIC I 232; RSC 240; BMCRE 45; BN 104. Toned, with some luster, faint hairlines. EF. An expressive portrait.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 673
AI Rec
Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.51 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January AD 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG P M, laureate head right / SALVS GEN HVMANI, female figure (Fortuna?), draped, standing left, right foot on globe, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted and garlanded altar to left, and cradling upright rudder upright in left arm. RIC I 232; RSC 240; BMCRE 45; BN 104. Iridescent tone, some faint hairlines, and a trace of die rust on obverse. Good VF. Wonderful portrait.
Ex John L. Cowan Collection (Classical Numimatic Group 114, 14 May 2020), lot 770; CNG inventory 700995 (June 1997).
Ex John L. Cowan Collection (Classical Numimatic Group 114, 14 May 2020), lot 770; CNG inventory 700995 (June 1997).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 674
AI Rec
Otho. AD 69. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.25 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECV RI TAS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 7; Muona Group 1, Type 4A, Portrait Type A; Calicó 531b (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 13-5; BN 7-8; Biaggi 271; Jameson 56; Mazzini 16. Some minor smoothing in fields, edge scrape on obverse, light marks on reverse. VF. Well centered obverse shows full legend. Excellent Portrait.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc72777 (ND); Gemini VIII (with Heritage, 14 April 2011), lot 293.
Marcus Salvius Otho was a minor functionary in the court of Nero, known more for his enthusiastic participation in the emperor’s revels than for any real competency. His one mistake was in introducing his beautiful wife Poppaea Sabina to his master. Very soon, Otho got the governorship of the remote province of Lusitania, and Nero got Poppaea. With Nero’s downfall, Otho aligned himself with his fellow governor Galba, fully expecting to be named the elderly emperor’s successor. When Galba designated Piso as his successor, the disappointed Otho joined the conspiracy that led to Galba’s assassination. Otho himself would perish three months later, by his own hand as the armies of Vitellius approached Rome.
From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc72777 (ND); Gemini VIII (with Heritage, 14 April 2011), lot 293.
Marcus Salvius Otho was a minor functionary in the court of Nero, known more for his enthusiastic participation in the emperor’s revels than for any real competency. His one mistake was in introducing his beautiful wife Poppaea Sabina to his master. Very soon, Otho got the governorship of the remote province of Lusitania, and Nero got Poppaea. With Nero’s downfall, Otho aligned himself with his fellow governor Galba, fully expecting to be named the elderly emperor’s successor. When Galba designated Piso as his successor, the disappointed Otho joined the conspiracy that led to Galba’s assassination. Otho himself would perish three months later, by his own hand as the armies of Vitellius approached Rome.