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 . 713
Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.00 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 149. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust right, with hair bound in pearls at back of head / IV NO, Juno, diademed and draped, seated left on low seat, holding with right hand a child on her right knee and holding transverse scepter in left hand; to left, stands a child right, holding up two grain ears in right hand. RIC III 504 (Pius); Beckmann, Faustina, Group I (dies fa7/JS1); Calicó 2060 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 1043 (same obv. die); Biaggi 930 (same obv. die). Tiny marks on obverse, minor edge marks. EF. Beautiful portrait, the same obverse die as the coin on the cover of Martin Beckmann’s book Faustina the Younger: Coinage Portraits, and Public Image.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 715
AI Rec
Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.32 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 164. • L • VERVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TR P IIII IMP II COS II, REX ΛRMEN/ DΛT in two lines in exergue, Lucius Verus, in military dress, seated left on curule chair set on raised daïs; to left, a soldier, holding spear in right hand over right shoulder, looking left; on right, an officer standing left; in front of daïs to left, the Roman-appointed Armenian king, Sohaemus, standing left, raising right hand to head. RIC III 511 (Aurelius; same rev. die as illustration); MIR 18, 92-12/37; Calicó 2151; BMCRE 300-301 var. (bust type; Aurelius and Verus); Adda 340 var. (bust type; same rev. die); Biaggi 956 var. (bust type; same rev. die); Mazzini 157 v. (same rev. die). Traces of deposits, edge marks. EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 150.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 150.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 716
Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.18 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 164. • L • VERVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TR P IIII • IMP II COS II, Victory, half draped, standing right, placing shield on palm tree inscribed VIC/ΛVG in two lines. RIC III 525 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 94-12/37; Calicó 2177 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 296, note (Aurelius and Verus); Adda 344 (same dies); Biaggi 960 (same dies); Jameson 142 (same dies); Mazzini 247 v. and 247 v.* (same dies) . Lustrous. Superb EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 151; Santa Barbara Museum of Art Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts [I], 20 March 1975), lot 367.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12 June 1993), lot 151; Santa Barbara Museum of Art Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts [I], 20 March 1975), lot 367.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 717
AI Rec
Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 164. • L • VERVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, laureate and cuirassed bust right / TR P IIII • IMP II COS II, Hercules, naked, standing front, head right, wearing lion skin headdress and holding lion skin over left arm, holding up olive branch beside head in right hand and holding club in left. RIC III 517 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 77-12/35; Calicó 2172; BMCRE 281. Toned. EF. Lustrous.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA49C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 476.
As with most conflicts between Rome and Parthia, the great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the two states. In AD 161, the Parthian king Vologases IV marched into Armenia and evicted its pro-Roman king, replacing him with his kinsman Pacorus. The Roman governor of Cappadocia marched into Armenia with a legion (perhaps the supposed 'lost legion' IX Hispana), but the Parthian general Chosroes surrounded the Romans and slaughtered them to a man, the worst military disaster to befall the Empire in nearly a century. The newly installed co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus responded by raising a massive expeditionary force and sending it east under Verus' supposed command, but in reality commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparation, the Romans invaded Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia, which is proudly displayed in its entirety on this gold aureus of AD 164.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA49C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 476.
As with most conflicts between Rome and Parthia, the great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the two states. In AD 161, the Parthian king Vologases IV marched into Armenia and evicted its pro-Roman king, replacing him with his kinsman Pacorus. The Roman governor of Cappadocia marched into Armenia with a legion (perhaps the supposed 'lost legion' IX Hispana), but the Parthian general Chosroes surrounded the Romans and slaughtered them to a man, the worst military disaster to befall the Empire in nearly a century. The newly installed co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus responded by raising a massive expeditionary force and sending it east under Verus' supposed command, but in reality commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparation, the Romans invaded Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia, which is proudly displayed in its entirety on this gold aureus of AD 164.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 718
AI Rec
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 7.23 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 185. COMM • ANT AVG • P • BRIT, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P • X • IMP VII COS IIII P P, VIRT • AVG in exergue, Commodus, in short tunic, with cloak flying behind him, on horse rearing right, brandishing javelin in right hand at panther pacing left before him. RIC III 114; MIR 18, 666-2/18 corr. (TR P number); Calicó 2362 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 168; Biaggi 1024 (this coin); Mazzini 956. Some scratches on reverse, edge scrapes and marks. Good VF. Very rare.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12, June 1993), lot 156; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 392; Leo Biaggi De Blasys Collection; Niklovitz Collection (L. Hamburger [76], 19 October 1925), lot 1157; Prince Windisch-Graetz Collection.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex McLendon Collection (Christie’s, 12, June 1993), lot 156; Leu 30 (28 April 1982), lot 392; Leo Biaggi De Blasys Collection; Niklovitz Collection (L. Hamburger [76], 19 October 1925), lot 1157; Prince Windisch-Graetz Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 719
AI Rec
Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.30 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 185. COMM • ANT AVG • P • BRIT, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P X • IMP V II COS IIII P • P •, VIRT AVG in exergue, Commodus, in short tunic, with cloak flying behind him, on horse rearing right, brandishing javelin in right hand at panther pacing left before him. RIC III 114 (same dies as illustration); MIR 18, 666-2/18 corr. (TR P number); Calicó 2362 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 168 (same dies); Biaggi 1024 (same obv. die); Mazzini 956 (same dies). Attractively toned, scrape on obverse. Near EF. Very rare. An impressive portrait.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 724
AI Rec
Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.60 g, 12h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus, togate, standing left, holding globe in outstretched right hand and volumen in left. RIC IV 3; RSC 15; BMCRE 7-8. Toned, shallow scrape on obverse under tone. Near EF. An attractive example for issue.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA182C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 332; Classical Numismatic Group 53 (15 March 2000), lot 1612.
Didius Julianus was born to a wealthy family in AD 137, probably in Milan. He had a prominent government career, including several provincial governorships, in the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Though successful, he did not earn the respect of his fellow senators, who regarded him as a sensualist and a spendthrift. When the Emperor Pertinax was killed by the Praetorians after only a three-month reign on March 28, AD 193, no ready successor was at hand. Pertinax’s father-in-law, Flavius Sulpicianus, entered the Praetorian camp and tried to get the troops to proclaim him emperor, but he met with little enthusiasm. Sensing an opportunity, Didius Julianus rushed to the camp and began to make cash promises to the soldiers from outside the wall. Soon the scene became an auction, with Sulpicianus and Julianus striving to outbid each other for the favor of the troops. When Sulpicianus reached 20,000 sesterces per soldier, Didius Julianus upped the bid by a whopping 5,000 sesterces, signaling with hand gestures. The emperorship was sold. Julianus was allowed into the camp and the Praetorians proclaimed him emperor. Confronted by the Praetorian swords, the Senate approved his elevation, but could not hide its disgust. Disturbances broke out throughout the city, and a crowd at the Colosseum loudly called for Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, to march on Rome. Niger was not the only alternative. Two other provincial governors also declared themselves emperor: Clodius Albinus in Britain, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia. Severus, closest to Rome, immediately marshaled his troops and invaded Italy. Julianus at first tried negotiations, then sent assassins to kill Severus, to no avail. Julianus next tried to fortify Rome but the results were ineffective and ludicrous. With Julianus’ authority in Rome rapidly deteriorating, Severus sent messages to the Praetorians, who renounced their allegiance to Julianus. Seeing their cue, the Senators proclaimed Severus emperor and passed a death sentence on Julianus. On June 1, AD 193, a Praetorian officer found the cringing Julianus hiding in the palace and dispatched him, ending his pathetic 65-day reign.
The reverse of this attractive silver denarius depicts Julianus with the grandiose title “Rector Orbis,” or ruler of the world. In reality, his authority never extended far beyond the immediate environs of Rome.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA182C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 332; Classical Numismatic Group 53 (15 March 2000), lot 1612.
Didius Julianus was born to a wealthy family in AD 137, probably in Milan. He had a prominent government career, including several provincial governorships, in the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Though successful, he did not earn the respect of his fellow senators, who regarded him as a sensualist and a spendthrift. When the Emperor Pertinax was killed by the Praetorians after only a three-month reign on March 28, AD 193, no ready successor was at hand. Pertinax’s father-in-law, Flavius Sulpicianus, entered the Praetorian camp and tried to get the troops to proclaim him emperor, but he met with little enthusiasm. Sensing an opportunity, Didius Julianus rushed to the camp and began to make cash promises to the soldiers from outside the wall. Soon the scene became an auction, with Sulpicianus and Julianus striving to outbid each other for the favor of the troops. When Sulpicianus reached 20,000 sesterces per soldier, Didius Julianus upped the bid by a whopping 5,000 sesterces, signaling with hand gestures. The emperorship was sold. Julianus was allowed into the camp and the Praetorians proclaimed him emperor. Confronted by the Praetorian swords, the Senate approved his elevation, but could not hide its disgust. Disturbances broke out throughout the city, and a crowd at the Colosseum loudly called for Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, to march on Rome. Niger was not the only alternative. Two other provincial governors also declared themselves emperor: Clodius Albinus in Britain, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia. Severus, closest to Rome, immediately marshaled his troops and invaded Italy. Julianus at first tried negotiations, then sent assassins to kill Severus, to no avail. Julianus next tried to fortify Rome but the results were ineffective and ludicrous. With Julianus’ authority in Rome rapidly deteriorating, Severus sent messages to the Praetorians, who renounced their allegiance to Julianus. Seeing their cue, the Senators proclaimed Severus emperor and passed a death sentence on Julianus. On June 1, AD 193, a Praetorian officer found the cringing Julianus hiding in the palace and dispatched him, ending his pathetic 65-day reign.
The reverse of this attractive silver denarius depicts Julianus with the grandiose title “Rector Orbis,” or ruler of the world. In reality, his authority never extended far beyond the immediate environs of Rome.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 726
AI Rec
Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.27 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus, circa AD 193-196. IVLIA DO MNA AVG, draped bust right / VENERI • VICTR, Venus Victrix, with drapery falling below hips, standing with back turned, head right, resting left arm on low column, holding apple in extended right hand and in left, palm frond sloped upward to left. RIC IV 536 (Septimius); Calicó 2641; BMCRE 48 (Wars of Succession; same obv. die); Adda 412 (same obv. die); Biaggi 1155; Jameson 173 (same obv. die); CNG 127, lot 564 (same dies). Attractively toned. EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 727
AI Rec
Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.40 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, circa AD 200-207. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / CERERI FRVGIF, Ceres, draped, seated left, holding grain ears in right hand and long torch in left. RIC IV 546 (Septimius); RSC 14; BMCRE 10-13 (Septimius and Caracalla). Die breaks and minor flan flaws on the reverse. Superb EF.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Rome on the Euphrates Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 948.
Displayed at “Villa to Grave” Roman exhibit at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art September 2003-August 2005.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Rome on the Euphrates Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 948.
Displayed at “Villa to Grave” Roman exhibit at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art September 2003-August 2005.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 730
AI Rec
Divus Caracalla. Died AD 217. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.12 g, 12h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Elagabalus, AD 218-219. DIVO ANTONINO MAGNO, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing left on globe, head right, with wings spread. RIC IV 717 (Severus Alexander); Thirion 500; RSC 32; BMCRE 7 (Elagabalus). Toned, slightly granular surfaces. Near EF. Rare and attractive for issue.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 803.
From the Michael Rogal Collection. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 803.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 732
AI Rec
Elagabalus. AD 218-222. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.45 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 220-221. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P III COS III P P, Elagabalus, laureate and togate, standing in triumphal quadriga left, holding up branch in right hand and transverse scepter in left; small star, high in left field. RIC IV 35c; Thirion 159; Calicó 3011 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 182 (same obv. die); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Lustrous. Near EF. Rare, missing from most collections.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 18 (reverse illustrated on front cover); Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 741.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink, 13 April 2000), lot 18 (reverse illustrated on front cover); Sternberg XIX (18 November 1987), lot 741.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 735
AI Rec
Orbiana. Augusta, AD 225-227. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.24 g, 12h). Rome mint. Special marriage emission of Severus Alexander, AD 225. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / CONCORDI A AVGG, Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and double cornucopia in left. RIC IV 319 (Alexander); BMCRE 287-9 (Alexander); RSC 1. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 8209274-015, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1204 (hammer £1900).
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1204 (hammer £1900).
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 736
AI Rec
Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.36 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS AVGG, Securitas, draped, seated left on throne, holding scepter in right hand, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 11; RSC 10. Toned. In NCG encapsulation 4277292-001, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 737
AI Rec
Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 2.78 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVGG, Virtus, helmeted and in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield set on ground to left and holding reversed spear in left. RIC IV 3; BMCRE 30; RSC 14. Toned. NGC photo certification 4165633-003, graded VF, Strike 5/5, Surface 2/5.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 738
AI Rec
Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Sestertius (28mm, 18.63 g, 12h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 12th emission, mid-late AD 243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / MARTEM PROPVGNATOREM, Mars, wearing helmet and military attire, advancing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and shield in left; S C across lower field. RIC IV 333; Banti 53. Beautiful dark brown patina, some doubling, gentle smoothing. EF. An incredibly bold strike with magnificent detail.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA77C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 1242.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA77C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 1242.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 742
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.81 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Postumus right, seen from front, with fold of drapery on left shoulder, jugate with the laureate head of Hercules / HERCVLI PISAEO, Hercules, nude, standing left, seen from behind, brandishing long-handled ax with both hands; water jar (for cleansing the Augean stables) at his feet to left. RIC V.4 362 (this coin cited and illustrated); cf. Schulte 135 (for rev. type); RSC 134 var. (bust left). Darkly toned, pososity, flan crack. VF. Unique. This coin shares a reverse die with the aureus of the same type (RIC V.4 364/1).
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 583 (hammer €9,000).
Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, endured the jealousy and hatred of Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. Hera made Hercules insanely mad, leading him to kill his wife, six of his own children, and two of his brothers, mistaking them for his enemies. Overcome with remorse, Hercules went to Delphi and sought guidance from the Oracle. Aware that Hera wanted nothing more than to kill Hercules, the Oracle required that Hercules serve Eurystheus, King of Mycenae, for twelve years. The king demanded that Hercules complete a series of impossible labors, sometimes called the “twelve impossible tasks,” to make atonement for his actions and be rewarded with immortality. The Twelve Labors of Hercules required extraordinary physical strength and clear mental acumen to achieve.
Cleansing the Augean Stables was the Fifth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. For decades the stables of King Augeas had gone uncleaned, building up filth upon filth. His task was to clean these vast stables. Hercules diverted waters of two nearby rivers, effectively cleaning all the stables in a single day.
On the reverse of the coin celebrating this feat is the legend HERCVLI PISAEO, “To the Pisan Hercules”: Hercules called Pisan from Pisa, the name of the area around Olympia where he was especially worshipped.
Ex Jacquier 42 (16 September 2016), lot 583 (hammer €9,000).
Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, endured the jealousy and hatred of Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. Hera made Hercules insanely mad, leading him to kill his wife, six of his own children, and two of his brothers, mistaking them for his enemies. Overcome with remorse, Hercules went to Delphi and sought guidance from the Oracle. Aware that Hera wanted nothing more than to kill Hercules, the Oracle required that Hercules serve Eurystheus, King of Mycenae, for twelve years. The king demanded that Hercules complete a series of impossible labors, sometimes called the “twelve impossible tasks,” to make atonement for his actions and be rewarded with immortality. The Twelve Labors of Hercules required extraordinary physical strength and clear mental acumen to achieve.
Cleansing the Augean Stables was the Fifth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. For decades the stables of King Augeas had gone uncleaned, building up filth upon filth. His task was to clean these vast stables. Hercules diverted waters of two nearby rivers, effectively cleaning all the stables in a single day.
On the reverse of the coin celebrating this feat is the legend HERCVLI PISAEO, “To the Pisan Hercules”: Hercules called Pisan from Pisa, the name of the area around Olympia where he was especially worshipped.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 743
AI Rec
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Denarius (19mm, 2.28 g, 12h). Trier mint. 8th emission, circa early-circa mid AD 268. POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Postumus right, seen from front, with fold of drapery on left shoulder, jugate with the laureate head of Hercules / HERCVLI INVICTO, Hercules, nude, standing left, holding club in left hand, lion skin over left arm, right foot on Hippolyta (Queen of the Amazons) lying on the ground, taking her girdle from right hand. RIC V.4 373/12 (this coin cited); Schulte 143 (dies Av 83/Rv 98); RSC 123. Darkly toned, porous surfaces, deposits, hairline flan crack. VF. Very rare. This coin shares a reverse die with the aureus of the same type (RIC V.4 374/1).
Ex Peus 417 (2 November 2016), lot 613 (hammer €17,000).
The Ninth Labor of Hercules required him to obtain the golden, magic girdle of Ares, worn by Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Various versions of the story exist, but the most generally accepted version is that Hercules, after defeating the Amazons, killed Hippolyta, removed her girdle (symbol of her power), thus completing his assigned task.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI INVICTO is found, meaning “To the unconquered Hercules.” This same legend is found on other Hercules types of Postumus, such as the Cretan bull and the Nemean lion.
Ex Peus 417 (2 November 2016), lot 613 (hammer €17,000).
The Ninth Labor of Hercules required him to obtain the golden, magic girdle of Ares, worn by Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Various versions of the story exist, but the most generally accepted version is that Hercules, after defeating the Amazons, killed Hippolyta, removed her girdle (symbol of her power), thus completing his assigned task.
On the reverse of this coin the legend HERCVLI INVICTO is found, meaning “To the unconquered Hercules.” This same legend is found on other Hercules types of Postumus, such as the Cretan bull and the Nemean lion.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 745
AI Rec
Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 4.86 g, 6h). Ticinum mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission, early-June AD 276. IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRIT PERP, Securitas, draped, standing left, legs crossed, placing right hand on head and resting left arm on column to right; Ч. RIC V Online 3381; RIC V 163; BN 1708-9. In NGC encapsulation 6830026-001, graded MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5.
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1359, purchased from B. Carter, 1964.
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1359, purchased from B. Carter, 1964.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 746
AI Rec
Probus. AD 276-282. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 6.36 g, 11h). Antioch mint. 2nd emission, AD 280. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE, Victory in triumphal quadriga left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; AVG/ A in two lines in exergue. RIC V 916; Pink VI/1, p. 40; Calicó 4224; Adda 525 (same obv. die); Biaggi 1629 (same obv. die); Jameson 294 (same obv. die). Minor marks. EF.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 57; Sternberg XVIII (20 November 1986), lot 641.
Marcus Aurelius Probus was one of a series of tough Balkan military men who rescued the Roman Empire from certain destruction in the late third century. He was the son of a peasant gardener who entered the army as a teenager and rose steadily through the ranks. By AD 276, he had achieved command of the Roman field armies in Syria and Egypt and was well-positioned to seize the throne when the elderly emperor Tacitus died. His reign was one of constant, frenetic military activity, racing from one frontier to the other to confront and defeat enemy invaders or internal usurpers.
From the Georges Albert Haikel Collection. Ex Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection (Part I, Spink London 1238, 13 April 2000), lot 57; Sternberg XVIII (20 November 1986), lot 641.
Marcus Aurelius Probus was one of a series of tough Balkan military men who rescued the Roman Empire from certain destruction in the late third century. He was the son of a peasant gardener who entered the army as a teenager and rose steadily through the ranks. By AD 276, he had achieved command of the Roman field armies in Syria and Egypt and was well-positioned to seize the throne when the elderly emperor Tacitus died. His reign was one of constant, frenetic military activity, racing from one frontier to the other to confront and defeat enemy invaders or internal usurpers.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 748
Julian of Pannonia. Usurper, AD 284-285. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.91 g, 12h). Siscia mint, 1st officina. Struck December AD 284. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICT ORI A AVG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling palm frond in left arm; S|A//XXI. RIC V 5; Pink VI/2, p. 49; Venèra 4397. Attractive dark olive brown-green patina, area of deposits. Good VF.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA210C; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 202.
Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Iulianus, was a corrector in Northern Italy under Carus. In AD 284, during the struggles surrounding the succession between Carinus and Diocletian, Julian usurped imperial authority in Pannonia for a brief period and began issuing coins from Siscia. Carinus marched from his base in Britain to deal with the usurpation, dispensing with Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona.
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA210C; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 202.
Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Iulianus, was a corrector in Northern Italy under Carus. In AD 284, during the struggles surrounding the succession between Carinus and Diocletian, Julian usurped imperial authority in Pannonia for a brief period and began issuing coins from Siscia. Carinus marched from his base in Britain to deal with the usurpation, dispensing with Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 755
AI Rec
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (21mm, 5.01 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 287. V IRTVS MAXIMIANI AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed half-length bust right, holding hasta in right hand and two spicula in left; shield on left shoulder; gorgoneion aegis on cuirass / VIRTVS AVGG, Hercules, nude, standing right, strangling the Nemean lion to right with both hands; his club set on ground to left. RIC V 500; Depeyrot 4A/5 corr. (also without rev. legend break); Calicó 4733 (no illustration); Biaggi –; Mazzini –. Toned, marks, a pair of small digs. Good VF. Extremely rare. The fourth known.
This extremely rare early pre-reform aureus featuring a magnificent martial bust of Maximianus is known from precious few specimens. The corpus of which is as follows:
1) BM 1900,1105.3 (same dies) [this coin also illustrated on pl. XII, 2 of Alföldi, Festival and in Ute Schillinger-Häfele, Consules • Augusti • Caesares. Datierung von römischen Inschriften und Münzen, pl. 7, 58].
2) Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 32234; Paul Tinchant Collection [“Richard J. Graham”] (J. Schulman, 4 June 1966), lot 2219; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 1834; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (no. 140).
3) The present specimen. Triton XXVIII, lot 755.
4) RIC V 500 = Cohen 591 = Caylus (1760) no. 1029 (illustrated from a line drawing of the reverse with the VIRTV S AVGG legend break).
The present coin was struck from the same dies as the BM example, though from a later die state. These two coins feature an unbroken reverse legend whereas the Beaurains coin and the presumed Caylus specimen (whereabouts unknown) have a reverse legend break of V - S.
Maximianus’ elaborate suit of armor and weaponry displayed on the obverse portrait of this remarkable aureus illustrate the revolution in Roman arms and tactics that had rescued the empire from destruction in the later third century AD. The Roman army had suffered numerous catastrophic defeats between AD 232 and 268, both to the rampant Sasanian Persians in the east and the Germanic tribes along the Rhine-Danube frontier, that had caused the Empire’s dismemberment and a death-spiral of usurpation and civil war. Starting with the Battle of Naissus in AD 268 or 269 under Gallienus or Claudius II (the historical record is oddly unclear for such an important event), the Roman army swiftly regained the initiative, enabled by a newfound tactical flexibility and a spate of technological innovations in armor and weaponry. On this aureus, Maximian wears a metal cuirass with a scaly adornment evoking the protective aegis of Athena. He carries a thrusting spear or hasta in his right hand; on his left shoulder he sports an oval cavalry shield, and in his left hand he clutches two lightweight javelins with barbed heads. This type of hand-thrown missile was called a spiculum and augmented or replaced the heavier pilum which had been a staple of Roman arms for more than four centuries. Roman soldiers also carried smaller fletched and weighted darts called plumbata clipped to their inside of their shields. Both infantry and cavalry also received archery training. Thus, on command, the Romans could fill the air with deadly missiles, forcing their enemies to duck and cover and softening them up for a decisive charge. Heavy cavalry also began to play a much greater tactical role than in previous centuries, serving as a kind of quick reaction force. The new emphasis was on speed, maneuverability, and striking power at a distance. These innovations are often credited to the era’s “Soldier Emperors” themselves, but they were surely the work of the larger professional officer class, many hailing from the Danubian provinces that had become the Empire’s prime recruiting grounds. The military reform movement gained momentum during the troubled reign of Gallienus (AD 253-268) and came into full fruition under his successors, Claudius II (AD 268-270), Aurelian (AD 270-275), and Probus (AD 276-282). By the early joint reign of Diocletian and Maximian, Rome’s enemies had been pushed back, its breakaway states restored to central rule, the Germanic raiders ejected, and the frontiers mostly secured, gaining the Empire a new centuries-long lease on life.
This extremely rare early pre-reform aureus featuring a magnificent martial bust of Maximianus is known from precious few specimens. The corpus of which is as follows:
1) BM 1900,1105.3 (same dies) [this coin also illustrated on pl. XII, 2 of Alföldi, Festival and in Ute Schillinger-Häfele, Consules • Augusti • Caesares. Datierung von römischen Inschriften und Münzen, pl. 7, 58].
2) Heritage NYINC Signature Sale 3071 (6 January 2019), lot 32234; Paul Tinchant Collection [“Richard J. Graham”] (J. Schulman, 4 June 1966), lot 2219; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 1834; 1922 Arras – Beaurains Hoard (no. 140).
3) The present specimen. Triton XXVIII, lot 755.
4) RIC V 500 = Cohen 591 = Caylus (1760) no. 1029 (illustrated from a line drawing of the reverse with the VIRTV S AVGG legend break).
The present coin was struck from the same dies as the BM example, though from a later die state. These two coins feature an unbroken reverse legend whereas the Beaurains coin and the presumed Caylus specimen (whereabouts unknown) have a reverse legend break of V - S.
Maximianus’ elaborate suit of armor and weaponry displayed on the obverse portrait of this remarkable aureus illustrate the revolution in Roman arms and tactics that had rescued the empire from destruction in the later third century AD. The Roman army had suffered numerous catastrophic defeats between AD 232 and 268, both to the rampant Sasanian Persians in the east and the Germanic tribes along the Rhine-Danube frontier, that had caused the Empire’s dismemberment and a death-spiral of usurpation and civil war. Starting with the Battle of Naissus in AD 268 or 269 under Gallienus or Claudius II (the historical record is oddly unclear for such an important event), the Roman army swiftly regained the initiative, enabled by a newfound tactical flexibility and a spate of technological innovations in armor and weaponry. On this aureus, Maximian wears a metal cuirass with a scaly adornment evoking the protective aegis of Athena. He carries a thrusting spear or hasta in his right hand; on his left shoulder he sports an oval cavalry shield, and in his left hand he clutches two lightweight javelins with barbed heads. This type of hand-thrown missile was called a spiculum and augmented or replaced the heavier pilum which had been a staple of Roman arms for more than four centuries. Roman soldiers also carried smaller fletched and weighted darts called plumbata clipped to their inside of their shields. Both infantry and cavalry also received archery training. Thus, on command, the Romans could fill the air with deadly missiles, forcing their enemies to duck and cover and softening them up for a decisive charge. Heavy cavalry also began to play a much greater tactical role than in previous centuries, serving as a kind of quick reaction force. The new emphasis was on speed, maneuverability, and striking power at a distance. These innovations are often credited to the era’s “Soldier Emperors” themselves, but they were surely the work of the larger professional officer class, many hailing from the Danubian provinces that had become the Empire’s prime recruiting grounds. The military reform movement gained momentum during the troubled reign of Gallienus (AD 253-268) and came into full fruition under his successors, Claudius II (AD 268-270), Aurelian (AD 270-275), and Probus (AD 276-282). By the early joint reign of Diocletian and Maximian, Rome’s enemies had been pushed back, its breakaway states restored to central rule, the Germanic raiders ejected, and the frontiers mostly secured, gaining the Empire a new centuries-long lease on life.