Triton XXVI - Session 3
Date: 2023-01-10 00:00:00
Lots: 317
Total starting: $ 0.00
Total realized: $ 0.00 (+0.00%)
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Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 821
Postumus. Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. AV Aureus (21mm, 4.92 g, 6h). Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) mint ("Mint II"). Struck winter AD 263-264. POSTVMVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / INDVLG PIA POSTVMI AVG, Postumus, laureate and togate, seated left on sella curulis, extending right hand and holding short scepter in left; at feet to left, captive kneeling right, raising hands in supplication. RIC V 276; Schulte Group 6b, 92 (Av59/Rv63); Sondermann 6b.9; Calicó 3737; Biaggi 1518; Mazzini 145 (same dies). A few minor marks, traces of deposits, hairline flan crack. Good VF. Rare. Ex Elsen 147 (4 June 2021), lot 580.The coinage of Postumus is of far higher quality, both in artistry and precious metal content, than coins struck by the "legitimate" regime of Gallienus. This attractive gold aureus, struck at Cologne, is roughly a third heavier than its Rome-mint counterparts. The amazingly lifelike portrait depicts Postumus as a heavily bearded and jovial character, resembling his chosen protector, the demigod Hercules.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 822
Aurelian. AD 270-275. AV Aureus (21mm, 4.20 g, 12h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 3rd emission, AD 271-272. IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVG, Mars advancing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and trophy over shoulder in left; at feet to right, captive seated right. RIC V Online 1484; RIC V 15 (Rome) and 182 (Siscia); BN 424-35 (same dies); Toffanin 400/2 (same dies as illustration); Calicó 4048 (same dies as illustration). A few small scrapes. Good VF. From the S & S Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 823
Zenobia. Usurper, AD 268-272. Antoninianus (21mm, 2.88 g, 6h). Antioch mint, 8th officina. 2nd emission, March-May AD 272. S ZЄNOBIA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / IVNO RЄGINA, Juno standing left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head right; *|–//H. RIC V Online 3129; RIC V 2; Bland, Coinage 30e (dies 50/Jun v); BN 288-9. Dark brown patina. Good VF. From the S & S Collection.Septimia Zenobia was the second wife of Odenathus, the hereditary nas (lord) of Palmyra, a wealthy caravan city in eastern Syria. As the Roman Empire crumbled under a torrent of calamities after AD 260, Odenathus undertook to defend Syria against the Sasanian Persians, ostensibly as viceroy of the Roman emperor Gallienus. Odenathus and his eldest son were assassinated in AD 267, after which Zenobia seized power as queen regent for their younger son, the 10-year-old Vabalathus. In late AD 270, Zenobia sent the Palmyran army to secure control of greater Syria and Egypt, bringing the mints of Antioch and Alexandria under her control. Coins were struck depicting Vabalathus, with the titles Vir Clarissimus, Rex, Imperator, Dux Romanorum, paired with the current Emperor Aurelian, who was styled Imperator Caesar Augustus. It is uncertain whether Aurelian ever granted the tacit recognition this coinage implies, but by AD 272 he had clearly decided to suppress the Palmyran regime. Zenobia reacted by having Vabalathus proclaimed Augustus and herself took the title of Augusta, or empress. Zenobia appears on this antoninianus of Antioch with the same trappings as previous Roman empresses, a helmet-like coif of hair adorned with a simple headpiece called a stephane. The reverse depicts a Roman goddess, Juno Regina ("Queen Juno"), perhaps as an avatar for her own claimed authority. As it happened, Aurelian's forces rapidly reclaimed Zenobia's conquests, defeated her army outside of Palmyra, and captured her as she attempted flight to Persia. Her coinage in Antioch only lasted two or three months at most, accounting for its rarity today.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 824
Probus. AD 276-282. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 3.46 g, 6h). Siscia mint, 4th officina. 4th emission, late AD 277. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, radiate bust left, wearing imperial mantle, holding eagle-tipped scepter in right hand / SISCIA PROBI AVG, Siscia seated slightly left on throne, holding diadem with both hands; to lower left and right, seated figures of the river–gods Savus and Colapis; XXIQ. RIC VIII 764; Alföldi, Siscia V 69.11; Pink VI/1, p. 51. Green patina. Near EF. Rare. From the Dr. Michael Slavin Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 49 (17 March 1999), lot 1733.By the mid to late 3rd century, the larger demand for coinage along with increased military presence and activity in the provinces necessitated the opening of several new mints outside Italy, including that of Siscia. While numismatically important, these cities left little trace on the designs of the coins they minted. This elusive type has a civic design more in line with provincial issues, thus making it an outlier among imperial issues.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 825
Probus. AD 276-282. Aureus (21mm, 6.26 g, 12h). Siscia mint. 5th emission, AD 278. IMP C PROB VS PIVS F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVG, Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left hand over left shoulder; to left, captive seated left, to right, captive kneeling left. RIC V 599 var. (bust type); Pink VI/1, p. 52; Calicó 4214 var. (same); Biaggi 1641 var. (same). Shallow scratch on obverse, minor deposit on reverse. Good VF. Apparently an unpublished bust type with the cuirass.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 826
Probus. AD 276-282. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.83 g, 12h). Serdica mint. 5th emission, AD 280. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, cuirassed bust left, gorgoneion on breastplate, wearing crested helmet, holding spear in right hand over right shoulder, shield on left arm decorated with a gorgoneion / VICTORIAE, AVG in exergue, Victory driving triumphal quadriga left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC V 833; Pink VI/1 p. 46; Calicó 4230; Nomos 19, lot 338 (same dies). Lustrous. EF. Struck with dies of artistic merit. Very rare. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 826.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. This is reflected on his coinage, including this superb aureus, depicting him in full military gear on the obverse and driving a triumphal quadriga on the reverse, presaging his well-deserved triumph in Rome in AD 281.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 827
Carinus. As Caesar, AD 282-283. AV Aureus (19mm, 4.33 g, 12h). Antioch mint, 1st officina. 1st emission, February AD 283. IMP C M AVR CARINVS NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE AVGG, Victory advancing right, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm frond over left shoulder; SMA. RIC –; Pink VI/2 p. 55; Calicó 4393b (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1677 var. (bust). Lightly toned and attractive, faint scratches on obverse. Near EF. Very rare. Ex Trausnitz Collection (Nomos 19, 17 November 2019), lot 340; Numismatica Ars Classica 24 (5 December 2002), lot 227; Numismatica Ars Classica 8 (3 April 1995), lot 925.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 828
Julian of Pannonia. Usurper, AD 284-285. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.77 g, 12h). Siscia mint, 2nd officina. Struck December AD 284. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FELICIT AS TEMPORVM, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and scepter in left; S|B//XXI. RIC V 2; Pink VI/2, p. 49; Venèra 4398. Toned silvering, deposits. Good VF. From the S & S Collection.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, dispatching Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 829
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (18mm, 5.09 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck AD 303. DIOCLETI ANVS P AVG, laureate head right / IOVI CONSERVAT AVGG ET CAES NN, Jupiter seated left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and scepter in left; TR. RIC VI 52; Depeyrot 10B/1 (same dies as illustration); Calicó 4478 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1712 (this coin). A few scratches and some faint hairlines. Good VF. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 34 (21 November 2006), lot 201; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 830
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Medallion of Ten Aurei (38mm, 53.65 g, 12h). Aquileia mint. Struck AD 294. IMP C G VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, bare head right / IOVI CONSER VATORI, Jupiter, naked to the waist, with himation over knees, seated left on ornate throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical scepter in left; to left, eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak; AQ in exergue. Cf. Gnecchi I 5, pl. 4, 12 (Alexandria mint); cf. RIC VI 1 (Alexandria mint); cf. Lukanc p. 125, 2 (Alexandria mint); cf. Cohen 264 (Alexandria mint). Lustrous with just a hint of minor staining, slight die shift on reverse. In NGC encapsulation 5872664-001, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. Of the highest rarity, the only denio offered at public auction since 1922. Equivalent to ten gold aurei, this magnificent medallion of Diocletian ranks among the largest denomination Roman Imperial gold medallions in existence and is a masterpiece of late classical portraiture. A gold multiple of this size and artistry, termed a denio in numismatic circles, represented vast wealth at the time of issue and must have been created for a special occasion. Before we examine the possible reasons for its striking, let us briefly review the extraordinary career and historical importance of the man it celebrates. Although he attained the Roman purple via the brutal path of coup and civil war, Gaius Valerius Diocletianus turned out to be a far-sighted statesman whose reforms and innovations shaped the world of Late Antiquity. Seizing power at a time of anarchy in AD 284, he arrived with a detailed blueprint for Roman revival. Recognizing the task of governing the Empire had grown too great for one man, in AD 286 he divided supreme power with his old military colleague, Maximian, whom he named joint Augustus and placed in charge of the western provinces. In 293, this collegiate rule was expanded with two other loyal officers, Constantius and Galerius, who were each given the junior title of Caesar. All four rulers of this newly minted "Tetrarchy" took charge of their territorial spheres and cooperated fully. By AD 300, the revolts and barbarian invasions that nearly destroyed the Roman Empire in previous decades had been defeated and the frontiers restored, allowing Roman civil and economic life to recover. Among his most urgent priorities was reform of Roman finances and coinage. Decades of chaos and hyperinflation had witnessed the disappearance of the old silver and bronze denominations, while the gold aureus, so vital for paying the army, had fluctuated wildly in weight. By AD 286, Diocletian and Maximian stabilized of the gold aureus at about 5.4 grams, or 60 to the Roman pound. In AD 294, a whole new set of denominations was introduced and new mints opened, including one at the northern Italian city of Aquileia, to accommodate the new flood of coinage. Thus the year AD 294 represents a threefold occasion for celebration by the increasingly confident regime: The tenth anniversary (decennalia) of Diocletian's reign, the enlargement of the Dyarchy into a Tetrarchy, and the full implementation of a new system of coinage. Here, then, is the historical context for the striking of this impressive denio, no doubt intended as a handout to a military officer of high rank. The decennalia in particular was notable: No emperor since the revolt-plagued Gallienus (AD 253-268) had held the throne so long. Indeed, the subtext of "ten aurei for a decade of rule" would have been readily apparent to the receiver. Though the mint of Aquileia was new, the task of creating dies for such an impressive medallion was bestowed on an experienced engraver of singular talent. The portrait, while reflecting some of the stylized Tetrarchic artistic conventions of the time, is still highly individualistic and conveys the Diocletion's dominating personality, particularly in the pursed lips and piercing gaze. His military origins are revealed in his close-cropped haircut and trim beard. Remarkably, the head of Diocletian is shown plain and unadorned with a laurel wreath, cuirass, cloak or other symbol of rank. The reverse depicts Diocletian's patron god, Jupiter, half-draped and clutching a thunderbolt, enthroned in a three-quarter frontal pose reminiscent of Alexander the Great's coinage six centuries before. An eagle, symbol of Rome's legions, stands at his feet, clutching the laurel wreath of victory. The legend IOVI CONSERVATORI ("Jupiter the Protector") reflects the chief god's role as guardian of the regime. The letters A Q in the exergue show the mint to be the newly opened one at Aquileia; perhaps this medallion was among the first pieces struck there. At just under 54 grams, this unique piece is among the weightiest Roman gold medallions on record. At least four other ten aurei medallions of Diocletian by himself are recorded, all in museum collections. Two other examples of the same types and similar weight, but struck at the Alexandria mint, are recorded by Gnecchi; one of these is in Berlin state museum. Another, from the Nicomedia mint, has the same legends but a standing figure of Jupiter and a more "Tetrarchic" style head; this piece presently resides in the British Museum collection. All of these are dated to AD 294. At least eight denio medallions representing the Tetrarchs singly and in groups were found in the Arras (Beaurains) Treasure of 1922; several were sold privately at the time and most, if not all, are currently in institutional collections. The present example is the only known Tetrarchic gold multiple from the Aquileia mint, and the only denio to be offered for sale in nearly a century. It thus offers a unique opportunity to acquire the largest Roman gold coin currently available, from a momentous time in history.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 831
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (18mm, 5.31 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint. Struck AD 294. DIOCLETIA NVS P F AVG, laureate head right / IOVI CONSE RVΛTORI, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and scepter in left; SMN. RIC VI 5a; Depeyrot 2/4; Calicó 4506; Biaggi 1716 (same dies). Lustrous. NGC photo certificate 6556306-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 832
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 5.39 g, 12h). Uncertain (Cyzicus or Antioch) mint. Struck AD 293. DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head left / CONCORDI AE AVGG NN, Diocletian and Maximian seated left on curule chairs, each holding globe in right hand and parazonium with left, being crowned by Victory above. RIC V 313 (Antioch); Lukanc p. 126, 10 (Cyzicus) and p. 153, 5 (Antioch); Pink, Goldprägung, p. 43 (Cyzicus); Depeyrot 13/2 (Cyzicus); Calicó 4429; Biaggi 1694. NGC photo certificate 6556306-005, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 833
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 4.67 g, 12h). Antioch mint. Struck AD 284. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTO RI A AVG, Victory advancing right, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm frond over left shoulder, small circle in lower right field; SMA. RIC V 320; Depeyrot 1/2; Calicó 4570; Biaggi 1742. Light scuffs on reverse and edge, some residual luster. Near EF.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 834
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.28 g, 11h). Antioch mint. Struck AD 290. DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / CONSVL IIII P P PROCOS, Diocletian, laureate and togate, standing left, holding globe in right hand; -|Σ//SMA. RIC V 307; Depeyrot 7/1; Calicó 4436; Biaggi –; Mazzini 46; Roma XXII, lot 858 (same rev. die). Lustrous, shallow scratch on reverse. NGC photo certificate 6556306-003, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 835
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.35 g, 12h). Alexandria mint. Struck circa AD 294-296. DIOCLETI ANVS AVG, laureate head right / IOVI CO N SER AVςς (sic), Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical scepter in left; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak; –|*//ALE. VanHorn Emission 5; RIC VI 4; Lukanc p. 146, 55; Depeyrot 6/1; Calicó 4454 var. (no star). NGC photo certificate 6556306-004, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 836
Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (18mm, 5.41 g, 11h). Alexandria mint. Struck AD 298. DIOCLET IANVS AVG, laureate head right / IOVI CO N SER AVςς (sic), Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical scepter in left; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak; –|*//ALE. VanHorn Emission 5; RIC VI 4 var. (obv. legend break); Lukanc p. 135, 2; Depeyrot 6/1 var. (same); Calicó 4454 var. (no star) . Underlying luster. Wonderful high relief portrait. In NGC encapsulation 6556106-004, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, scratch. Very rare, only two in CoinArchives.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 837
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (19mm, 5.57 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 293-294. MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules seated facing, head right, between club to left and quiver of three arrows and bow to right; lion skin on lap; PR. RIC V –; Depeyrot 5B/5 (same dies as illustration); Calicó 4682 (same obv. die as illustration). Lustrous. NGC photo certificate 6556306-001, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, bankers mark. Rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 838
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Quinarius – Half-Aureus (15mm, 3.40 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 296-299. IMP MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTV S AVGG, Hercules standing right, right hand behind back and holding club set on rock and lion skin in left hand; PR. RIC –; Depeyrot –; Calicó –. Lustrous, some faint hairlines. EF. Extremely rare. The gold quinarius, or half-aureus, was struck only on special occasions, likely for handouts to the public during an imperial visit or procession, much as Maundy Money is employed by modern British monarchs. Hence they are all extremely rare, particularly in the Tetrarchic period.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 839
Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (19mm, 5.30 g, 6h). Alexandria mint. Struck circa AD 294-296. MAXIMI ANVS AVG, laureate head right / HERCVLI C ON A Vςς (sic), Hercules standing facing, head left, holding club set on ground in right hand, and golden apples of the Hesperides in left hand, lion skin draped over left shoulder; *|–//ALE. Cf. RIC VI 3; cf. Depeyrot 5/2; cf. Calicó 4646; Adda 543; Biaggi 1782 var. (placement of star); cf. Jameson 322. Lustrous. NGC photo certificate 6556306-008, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 840
Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Æ Follis (25.5mm, 9.25 g, 12h). Alexandria mint, 2nd officina. IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right / GENIO POPV L I ROMANI, Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia; eagle at feet to left. RIC VI 20; Hunter 1 var. (officina). Brown patina, slight roughness, some deposits. VF. From the Joshua Lee Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 3 . 841
Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.06 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 1st emission, autumn AD 293-early 294. CONSTA NTIVS N C, laureate head right / IOVI CONS ERVATORI, Jupiter enthroned left, holding thunderbolt in outstretched right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; PTR. RIC VI –; Zanchi & Estiot 14a (CCL 2/ R 6 – this coin, illustrated); Depeyrot –; Calicó 4847a (this coin illustrated). Lustrous, a few faint hairlines/scratches. Superb EF. The only example in CoinArchives. Apparently unique. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 24 (5 December 2002), lot 250; Tkalec (25 October 1996), lot 270.