Post it and pick it!

[Dafydd]

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Plautius Plancus. 47 BC. AR Denarius.. Rome mint. Facing mask of Medusa with dishevelled hair; coiled serpents flanking / Aurora flying right, conducting four horses of the sun and holding palm frond. Crawford 453/1a; CRI 29; Sydenham 959; Plautia 15; RBW 1583.

Next Rufus

[DonnaML]

Roman Republic, Mn. Cordius Rufus, AR denarius, 46 BCE, Rome mint. Obv. Jugate heads of Dioscuri right, each wearing a laureate pileus surmounted by a star, RVFVS III VIR downwards behind and below / Rev. Venus Verticordia (or Venus Genetrix) standing facing, head left, holding scales in right hand and transverse scepter in left hand, Cupid hovering behind [Sear CRI, BMCRR] or perched upon [Crawford, RSC] her left shoulder, MN CORDIVS (MN ligatured) downwards to right. Crawford 463/1a, CRI 63 (ill. p. 45) [David Sear, The History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators 49-27 BC (1998)], RSC I (Babelon) Cordia 2a (ill. p. 36), Sear RCV I 440 (ill. p. 156), BMCRR 4037, RBW Collection 1606 (ill. p. 339), Sydenham 976. Purchased from Jordan Scheckells (Louisiana, USA) Feb. 2022; ex. Diana Numismatica (Via Quattro Fontane, Roma). With old coin envelope (early 20^th century).*

*If the reverse figure is identified as Venus Verticordia (“‘turner of hearts’, i.e. the goddess who turns minds from lust to chastity,” see Jones, John Melville, A Dictionary of Ancient Roman Coins (London 1990), entry for Venus, at p. 317), to whom a temple was specially dedicated in Rome in 114 BCE after the corruption and trial of the Vestal Virgins, the depiction “may not only be a punning allusion to the Cordia gens but may also refer to the family of Julius Caesar, which claimed its descent from Venus herself. The Cordia family came originally from Tusculum where there was a special cult of the Dioscuri.” See RSC I at p. 36 (quoting BMCRR I p. 523 n. 3 almost verbatim).

Crawford agrees that the moneyer was of Tusculan origin, citing a Tusculan inscription naming him, on which his tenure of the office of Praetor was recorded (Crawford I p. 474), and also agrees that the depiction of Venus on the reverse is a Caesarian reference (id.); the balance or scales she holds “perhaps suggests that the coinage of Mn. Cordius Rufus is in the tutela [guardianship] of Venus and is hence a further compliment to Caesar.” Id. However, Crawford’s position is that “there is no reason to regard Venus here as Verticordia.” Id. He proposes instead that “the type as a whole, with [her son] Cupid perched on the shoulder of Venus, may derive from the statue placed in the temple of Venus Genetrix [“foundress of the family,” from whom Caesar claimed descent] in 46 [BCE], the year of issue of this coinage.” Id. at 474-475.

At CRI p. 45, Sear – who, contrary to Crawford, identifies the reverse figure as Venus Verticordia, but without explanation – states regarding this type (and Crawford 463/1b, which has the same design except that the Dioscuri are decorated with fillets instead of laurel-b) that “[t]his denarius coinage in the name of Manius Cordius Rufus is on a scale [it isn’t clear whether this pun was intended!] commensurate with the state’s requirements at the time of Caesar’s quadruple triumph when, it will be remembered, five thousand denarii were paid to each legionary soldier and ten thousand to each centurion. Other than his coinage, Rufus is known only from an inscription found at Tusculum [citation omitted] recording that he held the office of praetor. The obverse type of this denarius also indicates his Tusculan origin as there was a special cult of Castor and Pollux at this ancient city of Latium situated about 15 miles south-east of Rome. The reverse type of Venus was doubtless intended to be complimentary to Caesar, and the head of the goddess appears on another of this moneyer’s denarius types” (citing Crawford 463/3, depicting Venus on the obverse and her son Cupid riding a dolphin on the reverse, a type essentially reproducing the very similar depiction on the reverse of Crawford 390/2, issued by L. Lucretius Trio ca. 76 BCE.)  

I question whether there is any substantive reason to identify the reverse figure as Venus Verticordia other than the fact that this identification fits the presumed pun on the moneyer’s gens. Regardless of whether or not the coin’s depiction of Venus is actually based on the lost statue of Venus Genetrix in the temple that Caesar dedicated to that goddess, it would seem the presence on Venus’s shoulder of her son Cupid (hardly a model for chastity!), the fact that Caesar specifically claimed descent from Venus Genetrix, and the fact that he dedicated a temple to her in 46 BCE, the very same year in which the coin was issued, would all  militate in favor of Crawford’s Venus Genetrix interpretation. (Even if that interpretation destroys the Verticordia/Cordius pun!) See Jones, supra at p. 317:

“It has been suggested that the figure of Venus, bearing scales and accompanied by Cupid, which appears on denarii of Mn. Cordius Rufus (46 BC) represents the cult statue of th[e] temple [of Venus Verticordia, built in 114 BCE], and that the type was chosen as a play on the name of the mint magistrate. . . . This is not impossible but it seems unlikely, and the coin and other coins of Cordus which show a head of Venus on the obverse, or a Cupid on the reverse, may only allude in a general way to Venus as the ancestress of the Julian family.” (Jones argues that it is “also unlikely” that the reverse figure specifically represented the statue of Venus Genetrix sculpted by Arcesilaus and placed in the temple to that goddess dedicated in the year of the coin’s issue, pointing out the many different numismatic representations of Venus Genetrix, and concluding that “there is enough variety to suggest that no particular work of art was automatically associated with this title.” Id.) [Remainder of footnote omitted.]

Next, Venus and Cupid on same coin.

Edited January 1 by DonnaML

[Roman Collector]

Julia Domna, 193-217 CE, issued under Caracalla.
Roman AR Antoninianus, 5.11 g; 23.3 mm.
Rome, 217 CE.
Obv: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, diademed and draped bust right on crescent.
Rev: VENVS GENETRIX, Venus enthroned left, holding apple; Cupid at feet.
Refs: RIC 389a; BMCRE 27; RCV 7099; Cohen 206; Hill 1582; CRE 393.

Next: more Cupid.

[expat]

Cupid and same type as above

Julia Domna Denarius. Rome, 215-7 AD. 19.8mm, 3.12gr.
IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped bust right / VENVS GENETRIX, Venus wearing hat and seated left, holding sceptre and apple, Cupid standing right, legs crossed, resting his right hand on her right knee. RIC IV-1 389b.  Rome mint. RSC 205; Sear 7099

NEXT: Figure wearing a hat, not a crown or helmet etc.

[ambr0zie]

A petasos (Greek: πέτασος) or petasus (Latin) is a broad brimmed hat of Thessalian origin worn by ancient Greeks, Thracians and Etruscans, often in combination with the chlamys cape. It was made of wool felt, leather, straw or animal skin. Women's versions had a high crown while those for men featured a lower crown. It was worn primarily by farmers, travellers and hunters, and was considered characteristic of rural people. As a winged hat, it became the symbol of Hermes, the Greek mythological messenger god.

 

29 mm, 16,32 g.
Roman Republic. Anonymous. Æ sextans. Rome. 215-212 BC.
Head of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; •• (mark of value) above / Prow of galley right; •• (mark of value) below.
Crawford 41/9; Sydenham 107; BMCRR 72.

Next - prow. 

[Dafydd]

Sextus Pompey Magnus 43-36 BC. Sicily. As AE
23.90g 29mm

Next : more nautical.

[AncientOne]

Lycia, Phaselis. AE18. ca. 190-167 BC.

Obv: Prow right, above crowning Nike flying right. Rev: Φ - A, Athena advancing right, brandishing spear and holding shield.   Next: Full bronze galley.

[expat]

NEXT: Another full galley of any denomination

[Dafydd]

Marcus Antonius AR Denarius, LEG IV
Marcus Antonius (+30 BC). AR Denarius (17 mm, 3.52 g), Patrae (?), 32-31 BC.
Obv. ANT AVG / IIIVIR R P C, galley right.
Rev. LEG IV, legionary aquila between two standards.
Crawford 544/17

Next keep the galley theme.

[JayAg47]

Anonymous Janiform Roman Republican bronze (31.3g).

Next- Janus, but has both young and old face on the same head.

[Ryro]

Julia Titi (Daughter of Titus)AE DupondiusEmpress. 10.76 grams 27mmRome AD 279-80Obv IVLIA IMP T AVG F AVGVSTADraped bust of Julia right hair in bunRv CERES AVGVST S CCeres standing left holding corn ears and long torchSear 2615 RIC Titus 177 Former: fvrisus.rvfvs 

next: Ceres

[Edessa]

Trajan, AD 98-117. Æ As (11.74 gm). Rome mint. Struck circa 103-111 AD. Obv: Laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder. Rev: Ceres standing left, holding grain ears over modius containing four grain ears, and cornucopiae; stern of merchant ship with goose-head acrostolium behind. Ref: BMC 927; Coh 470 (Abundantia); MIR 325b; RIC 492 (Abundantia). Ex CNG 66 (19 May 2004), Lot 1425. Ex Kunker e78 (18 July 2023), Lot 5241. 

Next: More Trajan.

[Phil Anthos]

Trajan / Mars

103-111 AD AR Denarius (18mm, 2.86g) O: Laureate and slightly draped bust right; IMP NERVA TRAIANVS AVG GER DACICVS. R: Mars advancing right, holding spear, trophy on shoulder; PM TR P COS V P P. RIC 80v Scarce ex M&R Coins Next: trophy

[jdmKY]

Brutus aureus, 43-42 BC

NEXT: more trophies 

[Roman Collector]

Pre-reform antoniniani of Aurelian ugly?? Nah!

Aurelian, AD 270-275.
Roman billon antoninianus, 2.82 g, 22.1 mm, 5 h.
Cyzicus, early – summer 272.
Obv: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG, Trophy of arms (helmet l.); on each side, a bound and seated captive in oriental dress; C* in exergue.
Refs: RIC 354; MER/RIC temp 2948; CBN 1156; RCV 11621; MIR 321.

Next: Cyzicus.

[Phil Anthos]

Kyzikos, Mysia

480-450 BC AR Hemiobol (9mm, 0.34g) O: Forepart of running boar left; tunny fish upwards behind. R: Head of roaring lion left, star above, all within incuse square. SNG Cop 49; Sear 3850v; BMC 15,35 ex Tom Cederlind Next: fish

[JayAg47]

Jatavarman Sundara Pandya 1251 CE–1268 CE. Chola-style standing king on obv and twin fish with legends 'Ellanthalaiyan' around. 

Next- an niche coin that you've waited a long time to come across. 

[Prieure de Sion]

10 hours ago, JayAg47 said:

Next- an niche coin that you've waited a long time to come across. 

6h rule - a pity, a good topic

 

Antigonos I Monophthalmos; Struck as Strategos or king of Asia, in the name and types of Alexander III

Reign: Kingdom of Macedon; Mint: Kolophon, Ionia; Date: circa 310/301 BC; Nominal: Drachm; Material: Silver; Diameter: 17mm; Weight: 4.11g; Reference: Price 1801; Reference: Müller 1336; Pedigree: Ex Roma Numismatics London, E-Sale 100, 28 July 2022, lot 264; Obverse: Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress; Inscription: -; Translation: -; Reverse: Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on low throne, holding long scepter in his left hand and eagle standing right with closed wings in his right; to left, B in left field, N below throne; Inscription: AΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ; Translation: Alexandrou; Translation: [In the name of] Alexander [III the Great]

 

 

Next: more "in the name of Alexander" coins please.

[Ryro]

MSC made in the name of Alexander by big brother Philip Arrhidaios and then overstruck by that dick Kassander

Kassander (316-297 BC). Ae 18 mm. 3.53 gm. Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ / ΚΑΣΣΑΝΔΡΟΥ. Club and bow in bowcase. SNG Kopenhagen 1159; Moushmov 7271. Rare. Struck over Philip III Arrhidaios, 323-317 BC. uncertain mint in western Asia Minor, circa 323-310. Macedonian shield; on boss, head of Herakles facing slightly to right, wearing lion skin headdress. Rev. Macedonian helmet; to lower left, monogram; to lower right, kerykeion. Price 2803

next: overstrike

Edited October 4, 2023 by Ryro

[Prieure de Sion]

16 hours ago, Ryro said:

next: overstrike

 

Marcus Aurelius Probus, as Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Probus Augustus; Antoninianus of the Roman Imperial Period 276/282 AD; Material: BI; Diameter: 21mm; Weight: 3.43g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC V Probus 183; Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatics London Great Britain; Obverse: Bust of Probus, radiate, wearing imperial mantle, left, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle in right hand. The Inscription reads: IMP PROBVS P F AVG for Imperator Marcus Aurelius Probus Pius Felix Augustus; Reverse: Hexastyle temple, Roma seated in centre, holding Victory in right hand and sceptre in left hand. R(thunderbolt)Δ in exergue. The Inscription reads: ROMAE AETER for Romae Aeternae (Everlasting Rome)

Comment: This coin appears to have been overstruck - remnants of the under type are visible on the reverse of the coin, where a triangular feature appears from behind the left hand corner of the temple roof, and what looks like a chimney stands above the right slope.

 

Next: a Probus coin with a not everyday portrait...

 

[Ryro]

Next: someone giving something to someone else

[ambr0zie]

Here we have Spes being extremely romantic to Saloninus, giving him a flower.

23 mm, 4,09 g.
Saloninus as Caesar. Billon antoninianus. Samosata. 257-260.
SALON VALERIANVS NOB CAES, bust of Saloninus, radiate, draped, right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes, draped, presenting flower to Saloninus with right hand and holding skirt with left hand; Saloninus in military attire and holding spear.
RIC V Saloninus 36; RSC 95.

Next - let's see a coin of a ruler bearing the title of Caesar - before he made it to Augustus. 

[Dafydd]

Here's one ( I think ) correct me if I'm wrong. 

161 AD. Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG P M legend with bare head right, slight drapery on left shoulder. Rev: CONCORD AVGVSTOR TR P XV legend with Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus clasping hands; COS III below, S-C across fields. RIC 795; Sear 4962 variant (bust type").  25.26 grams.

Next same theme 

[Phil Anthos]

I'm much more of a Greek guy, but that is a beautiful coin Dafydd!

~ Peter 

[expat]

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar. AE As. 151-152 AD. Struck under Antoninus Pius.

Obv: AVRELIVS CAESAR ANTONINI AVG PII FIL, bare head right.
Rev: TR POT VI COS II. VIR-TVS and S-C across fields. Virtus standing
left, foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium (A parazonium is a long triangular dagger, wide at the hilt end and coming to a point. In Roman mythology, it is frequently carried by Virtus, particularly in early representations. It is also sometimes carried by Mars, Roma, or the emperor, giving them the aura of courage).

RIC 1307; Cohen 1013.13,0 g - 26,5 mm

NEXT: Parazonium