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Sale 46
The Millennia Collection
| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 73 |
 |
Imperatorial Rome. Sextus Pompey, d. 35 BC. Gold Aureus (8.39 g), uncertain Sicilian mint, struck 42 BC. Bare head of Sextus Pompey right, with short beard; MAG. PIVS. IMP. ITER, all within oak wreath. Reverse: Confronted bare heads of Pompey the Great, at left, and Gnaeus Pompey, bearded, at right, lituus and tripod in field; PRAEF / CLAS. ET. ORAE. MARIT. EX. S. C. Fr-33; Craw 511/1; Sear I, 33; Biaggi 48; Syd. 1346; Vagi 28; Calicó 71. Kent-Hirmer 102 (same obverse die). A little double struck in left obverse field, otherwise portraits sharply and fully detailed. Lustrous, with excellent period likenesses. A superior example of this historical Roman issue. Very rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Sextus Pompey was one of the more complex and interesting players among the political elite who were either resisting, or abetting, the demise of the Roman Republic. Much of his adult military life was spent in opposition to Julius Caesar, his party, and followers. After Caesar's assassination, Sextus became the last significant focus of opposition to what was termed the second triumvirate: the official political alliance of Octavian (Caesar's nephew), the rich and influential Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Mark Antony. After Sextus' death, this son of Pompey the Great was vilified at every turn by his rival in civil war, Octavian -- being dismissed as a mere pirate, and bandit. However, in his lifetime Sextus Pompey was acclaimed by the Roman populace for his virtues and military prowess which far outshone those of Octavian.
Sextus Pompey was the youngest son of Pompey the Great. His older brother was Gnaeus Pompey. Both boys grew up in the shadow of their father, one of Rome's finest generals and originally a non-conservative politician but who drifted to that faction when Julius Caesar's political ambitions were becoming alarming.
When Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, thus starting civil war, Gnaeus Pompey followed their father in his escape to the East, as did most of Pompey's fellow conservative senators. Sextus stayed in Rome in the care of his stepmother. Pompey's army lost the battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC, and Pompey himself had to run for his life. Sextus and his stepmother rendezvoused with his father at Mytilene and together they fled to Egypt. There, Sextus watched as his father was killed by the treachery of King Ptolemy XIII. Fleeing Egypt, Sextus spent the subsequent years in the African provinces among the resistance groups that had formed against Caesar. Weapons and troops were being marshaled to oppose Caesar and his armies.
First victory went to Caesar at the battle at Thapsus in 46 BC. In 45 BC, Caesar managed to defeat the Pompey brothers in the battle of Munda, in southern Spain. His brother Gnaeus was taken there and executed. Young Sextus succeeded in escaping once more, this time to Sicily.
Back in Rome, Julius Caesar was murdered on the prophetic Ides of March (the 15th) 44 BC, by a faction of senators led by Caesar's adopted son (perhaps in fact his own illegitimate son), Brutus. This assassination did not lead to a return to normality, but provoked yet another civil war - this time between Caesar's political heirs and his assassins and their pro-Republican adherents. The Second Triumvirate was formed with the intention of avenging Caesar and subduing all opposition. To defuse for the moment the Pompeian factions in Sicily, Lepidus made a settlement with Sextus, and he was given command of a Roman fleet in 43 BC. With the whole island as his base, Sextus now had the time and resources to develop an army and, even more importantly, a strong navy (operated by Sicilian marines) to make cause with the Republicans.
Brutus and Cassius lost the twin battles of Philippi and committed suicide in 42 BC. After this, the triumvirs turned their attentions once more to Sicily and Sextus. Now declared outlaw by Rome, Sextus purportedly seized Sicily -- though it is likely that much of the "seizure" is due to his persuading the cities to aid the Republican cause. With his clout and strong military presence on the island, Sextus could now impede Sicily's grain shipments to Rome. In the following years, repeated military confrontations failed to result in a conclusive victory for either side.
In 39 BC, an accommodation between Sextus and the triumvirs resulted in the Peace of Misenum. The reason for this armistice was the need of Antony for troops against the threatening Parthian Empire. However, the peace did not last long. Octavian's and Antony's frequent quarrels were a strong political motivation for resuming the war against Sextus. Octavian tried again to conquer Sicily, but he was defeated in 37 BC and again in the following August of 36 BC. But a turnabout was to happen now that Octavian had a very talented general, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, at his side.
Only a month afterwards, Agrippa destroyed Sextus' navy on the shores of Naulochus. Sextus escaped to the East and, by abandoning Sicily, lost all of his base of support there. Sextus was eventually caught in Miletus in 35 BC and executed there without trial (technically an illegal act since Sextus was a Roman citizen) by one of Antony's minions. Octavian would later use this execution as ammunition against Antony when their relationship finally became adversarial. Like Sextus, Antony too would later wind up dead at the hands of Rome.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 32.
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| Realized
$60,375 |
Lot 74 |
 |
Imperatorial Rome. Julius Caesar, d. 44 BC. AR (Silver) Denarius (4.09 g), Rome mint, struck January-February 44 BC. Laureate head of Caesar right, simpulum and lituus behind; CAESAR.IMP. Reverse: Venus stands left, head lowered, holding Victory and reversed spear, shield at side; M.METTIVS, G in left field. Crawford 480/3; CRI 100; Alföldi (Caesar in 44 v. Chr.) plate XXI, 128 (these dies). Remarkably well-centered for this series, on ample flan of superb metal. With bold, naturalistic lifetime portrait of the aging Caesar. Very handsome collection toning. A stunning coin, without the usual striking and other problems, rampant in this series, and rare as such. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
The portrait denarii of Julius Caesar are certainly the most studied in Imperatorial coinage. Lifetime portraits first appeared on Roman coins during this relatively brief time span between the Republic and the coinage of the emperors. By placing the denarii in die-link order, time frames have been better understood, identifying this exceptional denarius most probably struck during the second half of February 44 BC, just before the assassination of Julius Caesar on the fifteenth of March of that fateful year.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 29.
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| Realized
$35,650 |
Lot 75 |
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Imperatorial Rome. Marcus Junius Brutus, d. 42 BC. Gold Aureus (8.07 g), traveling mint in Macedonia or Western Asia Minor, struck summer/autumn 42 BC. With moneyer, P. Servilius Casca Longus. Bare head of Brutus right, with short beard, BRVTVS IMP on either side, all within laurel wreath. Reverse: Combined military and naval trophies, with prows and shields at base; a small L to left of trophy; CASCA LONGVS on either side. Fr-24 (this coin); Craw 507/1b; BMCRR 62; Syd. 1297; Vagi 94; Kent-Hirmer 99. Faint double striking at back of head, otherwise a splendid likeness, in high relief. Lustrous and sharp! One of the most historic of Roman issues, gold or silver! Excessively rare. Probably the finest of only 8 recorded specimens. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
After Julius Caesar, the second most recognizable name of the imperatorial era is Marcus Junius Brutus. Was he the last guardian of the Republican age or only an infamous and most vile assassin of Caesar? Born about 85 BC, Brutus was thrust into the political realm and early became a follower of Cato, a staunch Republican. Later, Brutus built a fortune by lending money at usurious rates and eventually became a Roman senator.
There grew a great friendship between Caesar and Brutus, but during the Civil War it was clear that Caesar would never return to the former Republican government. Instead, Caesar was swayed by his many victories and public adulation, ultimately accepting the title "dictator for life." Caesar's portrait graced many coin issues, and his likeness was the first of a living person to be depicted upon the specie we now revere. It is ironic to also find the portrayal of Brutus on Coinage.
The ensuing struggle, the loss of life and of ideals, and the change of government are witnessed and related on this wonderful coin. Shakespeare (perhaps one in the same with Francis Bacon) gave us the perfect glimpse into the stage as life; Joseph Mankiewiez and John Houseman created a magnificent vision in their 1953 film Julius Caesar. With Marlon Brando, James Mason, John Gielgud, Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr and other stellar actors, it is a movie to view and view again. The next time you see it, ponder this aureus and the previous denarius.
Estimated Value $350,000 - 400,000.
Ex John Whitney Walter Collection, Stack's-Berk Auction (11-29-90), lot 7; ex NFA Auction XXII (06-01-89), lot 23; ex Leu Auction 22 (05-08-79), lot 184. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 30.
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| Realized
$661,250 |
Lot 76 |
 |
Imperatorial Rome. Marc Antony, d. 30 BC. AR Legionary Denarius, Patrae (?) mint, struck 32-31 BC. War galley right, thyrsos behind prow. Reverse: Legionary aquila between two standards; LEG II. Craw 544/14; Syd. 1216; Kestner 3842; BMCRR East 190; RSC 27. Obverse a trifle off center, but boldly struck and fully detailed. Softly lustrous, with artistic warm-gray toning. Superior metal for series. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,400.
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| Realized
$3,480 |
Lot 77 |
 |
Imperatorial Rome. Marc Antony & Octavian. Gold Aureus (8.05 g), Ephesus(?) mint, struck 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, moneyer. Bare head of Marc Antony right; M ANT. IMP AVG III VIR. R. PC. M. BARBAT Q P. Reverse: Head of lightly bearded Octavian right; CAESAR. IMP. PONT. III. VIR. R. P. C., Craw 517/1a; Calicó 109; CRI 242; C. 7; BMCRR East 99; Vagi 174. Reverse a trifle off center, but devices boldly struck and fully detailed, on broad but elongated flan. With slight toning. This coin with a remarkable "Greek-style" portrait of Antony, infusing his likeness with an almost pensive humanity, as opposed to the beetle-browed, lantern-jawed caricature seen on the bulk of his Roman issues. Among the finest of his numismatic effigies. NGC graded Extremely Fine.
Equal to 25 denarii, the aureus was the main Roman gold denomination for over 300 years, until it was replaced by the solidus. Lighter in weight, Constantine the Great's solidus lasted even longer as a denomination - through Byzantine times.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 31.
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| Realized
$39,100 |
Lot 78 |
 |
Rome. Octavian, 44-27 BC. AR Legionary Denarius (3.91 g), Ephesus (?) mint, struck 28 BC. Bare head of Octavian right. Reverse: Crocodile right; AEGVPTO CAPTA. RIC 545; CRI 432; RSC 4. Sharply struck from fresh dies. A rare and historical issue, boasting one of the finest of his "classicizing" portraits, not only for his Octavian portraits in particular, but for all of his later Augustus issues as well. Handsome light toning. Very rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
In historical terms, this coin is one of the key signposts in Roman coinage. The reverse clearly states, with a symbolism one and all can comprehend, that one of the last and greatest Hellenistic kingdoms has fallen into Roman ownership. However, culturally speaking, a closer look at the coin reveals the Rome under Octavian -- soon to be Augustus -- has become even more captive to Greek culture, art and other influences.
This coin commemorates Octavian's victory at Actium and the seizing of Egypt, thus ending Ptolemaic rule with the death of Cleopatra (and Marc Antony). Usually seen in lower grades, this specimen has much of the small Capricorn under the neck just off the flan; it does share the same reverse die as the coin photographed in Roman Silver Coins (vol. I), p. 131, 4. At the time of Octavian's birth, the moon was in the Capricorn sign of the Zodiac.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 33.
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| Realized
$29,900 |
Lot 79 |
 |
Rome. Augustus, 27 BC - 14 AD. AR Denarius (3.99 g), Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?), struck 19-18 BC. Head of Augustus right, wearing oak wreath. Reverse: Round buckler, flanked by two laurel branches; CL-V on shield, in field: CAESAR AVGVSTVS, SPQR. RIC 36a; RSC 51; BMCRE 354 var. Splendid strike, bold and lustrous. Old warm tone, with underlying pinks and coppers. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized
$12,075 |
Lot 80 |
 |
Rome. Augustus, 27 BC - 14 AD. Gold Aureus (7.76 g), Lugdunum (Lyon), struck 13-14 AD. Laureate head of Augustus right. Reverse. Tiberius standing right in triumphal slow quadriga right, holding wreath in his right hand and eagle-tipped scepter in his left; counterclockwise from exergue, TI CAESAR AVG F TR POT XV. RIC 221; Biaggi 177; BMC 511; Calicó 294a; C. 299; Giard 89 (same obverse die as 87/3a, D 416). Sharply struck and finely centered on almost round flan, from fresh dies. Attractively toned, with russets and deep oranges in the recesses. Some minor marks, otherwise virtually as struck, with much residual luster. Very scarce. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
As the founder and first ruler of Rome's new Imperial government and state, the former Octavian, now Augustus, of course had many issues and policies to set into place for the smooth functioning of the vast new complexities of Empireship. Not the least of these was the matter of succession of rule. After the decades of strife, anarchy, and civil war that accompanied the close of the Republic, misfortune in this arena could cause considerable unwanted havoc to the new State. Sadly, poor Augustus was most unfortunate regarding his heirs. One of his last hopes, his youngest grandson, Augustus was forced to banish (although the cause for his banishment may have been the result of Livia, the second wife of Augustus, and her purportedly infamous manipulations that tended to remove all obstacles that might impede the advancement of her own son by a previous marriage, Tiberius, from eventually claiming the throne as the heir of Augustus). In any event, Agrippa Postumus, the grandson, was promptly executed after the death of Augustus.
Meanwhile, all the rest of Augustus' other designated heirs also pre-deceased him (either through natural, or seemingly natural causes). Tiberius, whom Augustus loathed the most, kept hanging on and on. Eventually Tiberius was adopted as heir in 4 AD. Tiberius was fully aware of the antipathy felt towards him by Augustus, and so spent most of his time with the army on the frontier, only returning to Rome when he was to be given such honors that clearly marked him as inheriting the throne. Such is seen on this coin, which celebrates the triumph granted to Tiberius for his victories in Germany and Pannonia.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, no. 3.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$71,875 |
Lot 81 |
 |
Rome. Tiberius, 14-37AD. Gold Aureus (7.73 g), Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, after 16 AD. Laureate head of Tiberius right. Reverse: Livia(?) as Pax, enthroned right in backed chair with elaborate legs, on elevated base, and holding branch and scepter; PONTIF MAXIM. Fr-65; RIC 25; BMCRE 30; CBN 13; C. 15. Cleanly struck, with sharp devices. Portrait of especially fine quality for his series; the reverse also well above average. Very lustrous and choice. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 34.
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| Realized
$16,100 |
Lot 82 |
 |
Rome. Tiberius, 14-37AD. AR Denarius (3.93 g), Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, after 16 AD. Laureate head of Tiberius right. Reverse: Livia (?) as Pax, enthroned right in simple chair on elevated base, and holding branch and scepter; PONTIF MAXIM. RIC 26; BMCRE 34; RSC 16; C. 16. Finely struck on oversized flan. Portrait of fine quality for the series; the reverse of exceptional style, and rarely any finer in his silver. Artistic old toning. Perhaps struck from gold coin (aureus) dies. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$5,750 |
Lot 83 |
 |
Rome. Gaius Germanicus, "Caligula," 37-41 AD. Gold Aureus (7.76 g), Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, struck 37-38 AD. Laureate head of Caligula to right. Reverse: Bare head of Germanicus to right.; GERMANICVS CAES P C CAES AVG GERM. Fr-73; RIC 17; Biaggi 190; BMCRE 18; Calicó 321; C. 1; Giard 171; Vagi 507. Bold fresh strike, on virtually round flan, with complete legends. Tiny banker's mark on the reverse. Toned and exceptional, with portraits especially well modeled for this mint's products. Very rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Gaius, or Caligula, ranks among the most detested of all the Roman emperors. As emperor, his personal excesses and depravity, coupled with his abuse of power, created a keen resentment of him both among Rome's aristocracy and the masses. Without a doubt the internecine character of many of the Julio-Claudians holding power shaped his childhood. Gaius grew up in especially fearful times during the reign of Tiberius, which assuredly left scarring on his psyche. Fortunately for him, with the protection provided by his grandmother, Antonia, he managed to survive the purges and executions of so many other members of his family at the behest of Tiberius.
Eventually Tiberius died in March of 37, and Gaius ascended to the throne. He became extremely ill in October of 37, but recovered. It seems that his brain must have been affected by the illness, because it is after this episode that Caligula's personality seems to have changed radically. His irrationality and cruelties increased exponentially. His depravities, murders, and other horrors are well-known and need not be elaborated on. Caligula finally fell victim to the third, and successful plot against him; he was assassinated on January 24, 41 AD. Curiously, this monstrous legacy has made Caligula among the most in demand of Roman emperors whose coins are collected in recent times.
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, no. 6. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 35.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$138,000 |
Lot 84 |
 |
Rome. Gaius Germanicus, "Caligula", 37-41 AD. AR Denarius (3.53 g), Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, struck 37 AD. Laureate head of Caligula right. Reverse: Bare head of Germanicus right. RIC 12; BMCRE 13; RSC 2. Perfectly centered on virtually round flan, with light, handsome toning. Rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Germanicus was the father of Gaius, whose sobriquet "Caligula" was given to him as a small boy: he would enjoy wearing a soldier's uniform, replete with the stout but short boot, or caliga.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$31,050 |
Lot 85 |
 |
Rome. Gaius Germanicus, "Caligula," 37-41 AD. AE Sestertius, Rome mint, struck 37-38 AD. Laureate head of Caligula left. Reverse: The three sisters of Caligula standing frontal, heads in profile, each draped and holding cornucopiae; Agrippina, as Securitas, rests hand on column, Drusilla, as Concordia, also holds patera, and Julia, as Fortuna, also holds rudder; around, AGRIPPINA DRVSILLA IVLIA, SC in exergue. RIC 33; BMCRE 36; C. 4. Perfectly centered on virtually round flan. An impeccable strike, full and sharp, the reverse figures with remarkable detail. Very rare. NGC graded Extremely Fine.
In spite of his murderous streak, his debaucheries, and other similar acts, Caligula showed a surprising degree of "pietas," and was quite dutiful when it came to coining substantial issues honoring his deceased relations and immediate family. So chosen were Augustus, his great-grandfather; Germanicus and Agrippina Senior, his murdered parents; along with his murdered brothers, Nero Caesar and Drusus Caesar. To add to the scandal surrounding his reign, he also honored his three sisters -- some of whom he had an incestuous interest in. Perhaps even more shocking to the Roman public was the fact that when Drusilla, his favorite sister, died on June 10, 38 AD, he had her consecrated. She was the first Roman woman to receive this special religious distinction.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 36.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$24,150 |
Lot 86 |
 |
Rome. Claudius, 41-54 AD. Gold Aureus (7.79 g), Rome mint, struck 41-42 AD. Head of Claudius right, wearing oak wreath. Reverse: Legend in three lines, within oak wreath; EX SC / OB CIVES / SERVATOS. RIC 15; C. 34; BMCRE 16; Von Kaenel 149 (this coin). With a remarkably fine and elegant early portrait. A splendid coin -- one of the finest aurei of Claudius in existence! Rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 37.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$126,500 |
Lot 87 |
 |
Rome. Claudius, 41-54 AD. AR Denarius (3.42 g), Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, struck c. 50-54 AD. Laureate head of Claudius right. Reverse: Laureate and draped bust of Agrippina right; AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE. RIC 81; BMCRE 75; CBN 82. The reverse somewhat off center, otherwise sharp, clean strikes on exceptional metal. The high relief portraits especially choice, particularly for this series. That of Claudius is one of the more sensitive portraits for his coins. Lightly toned, with residual luster. Interesting historical type. Rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
In 49 AD, Claudius took as his fourth wife his niece, Agrippina. Later he would raise her to the rank of Augusta, the cause for issuing these joint portrait coins. Claudius' choices of marriage partners consistently proved lacking, or wholly wretched is perhaps the better way to phrase it. More so in this union. For Claudius and his only son, Britannicus, it was disastrous. As his wife, Agrippina relentlessly orchestrated the advancement of her son Nero before Claudius' eyes, and this is most curious, to his own son's complete disadvantage. Once Nero's succession to the throne was secure, Agrippina felt free to poison Claudius at dinner on October 12, 54 AD, with him finally succumbing in the early hours of the following morning. Not surprisingly, Claudius' son, Britannicus, would repeat his father's end a mere four months into the young Nero's reign.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000.
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| Realized
$4,485 |
Lot 88 |
 |
Rome. Nero, 54-68 AD. Gold Aureus (7.67 g), Rome, struck c. October-December 54 AD. Confronted busts of Nero, bare headed on the left facing right, and Agrippina II, draped on the right, facing left; behind Nero's head, corn grain. Reverse: Oak wreath enclosing EX S.C.; NERONI CLAVD DIVI F CAES AVG GERM IMP TR P around. RIC 1 var.; Biaggi 219 (same dies); BMCRE 2; Calicó 400 (same dies); C. --; Giard 4.2 (same dies); WCN --. Beautifully toned a neutral brown to dark reddish orange -- most attractive. Remaining luster. Very rare. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, lot 8; possibly from the Bosco Reale hoard of 1895. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 38.
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| Realized
$92,000 |
Lot 89 |
 |
Rome. Nero, 54-68 AD. Rome. AR Denarius (3.53 g), Rome mint, struck 64-65 AD. Laureate head of Nero right. Reverse: Jupiter enthroned left, holding thunderbolt and scepter; IVPITER CVSTOS. RIC 53; BMCRE 74; RSC 119; BN 214. Finely centered and struck, with delicate idealizing portrait of Nero. Rare in this quality -- with an exceptional strike for this typically weak issue. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$14,375 |
Lot 90 |
 |
Rome. Galba, April 68 - January 69 AD. Gold Aureus (7.28 g), Rome mint, struck late 68 AD. Laureate and draped bust of Galba right. Reverse: Livia stands left, holding long scepter and patera. RIC 188; BMCRE 3; C. 54. Superior strike and centering, on quite a round, full flan. With bold and impressive portrait of the aged Galba. The handsome deep red toning typical of Bosco Reale coins. A stunning coin, virtually as struck and perfectly centered with a powerful portrait. Very rare. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
Galba chose this reverse type, which he employed on a number of denominations, to refer to Livia's assistance in his early career.
Estimated Value $60,000 - 70,000.
Ex Metropolitan Museum of Art, J.H. Durkee bequest, sold Sotheby & Co., Zurich, November 10, 1972, lot 41. From the Bosco Reale hoard of 1895. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 39.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$448,500 |
Lot 91 |
 |
Rome. Galba, April 68 - January 69 AD. AR Denarius (7.28 g), Rome mint, struck late 68 AD. Laureate and draped bust of Galba right. Reverse: Victory stands left on globe, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC 217; BMCRE --; C. 328. With bold and impressive portrait of the fleshy, aged Galba. A stunning coin. Rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$50,600 |
Lot 92 |
 |
Rome. Otho, January-April 69 AD. Gold Aureus (7.38 g), Rome mint. Bare head of Otho right. Reverse: Securitas standing left, holding wreath and scepter; SECVRITAS P R. RIC 7 (R-2); C. 16; BMCRE 13. Finely centered, and perfectly struck, on nice round, full flan. Choice portrait, with delicate reddish tone. In a superb state of preservation for this very rare issue. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
One of Rome's briefest reigning emperors -- though little can be said in affirmation of Otho's ephemeral reign, and perhaps even less about the nature of the man himself. Tacitus described him as an "extravagant young man" who devoted himself to "sensuousness" and to "fashionable pursuits." He was renowned for his vanity, his fastidious grooming, and especially for the splendid toupees that covered his balding head. The wigs are so vividly, and almost always meticulously, rendered on his coin portraits, with a manicured care that one almost suspects Otho himself to have personally approved each of the dies for his coins.
Otho hailed from a family of equestrian rank that had been elevated under Augustus to the status of being able to hold consulship. In this way Otho knew and became close friends with the somewhat younger Nero. Wishing to enhance his status with Nero, Otho promoted the charms of his wife, or lover, Poppaea Sabina, to the emperor, but his imperial "seduction" backfired. Nero was smitten with her and promptly got Otho out of the picture by appointing him in 58 AD to the governorship of Lusitania, modern Portugal. This political, cultural and social exile lasted for ten years. When the banner of revolt was raised against Nero, Otho was quick to support his neighboring governor, Galba, in his bid for the throne.
Undoubtedly revenge against Nero was partly on his mind but, by championing Galba, Otho hoped his alliance with the 70-year-old former soldier and consul would result in him being named Galba's adoptive son, and thus heir and successor to the principate. Neither goal was obtained. So then Otho concentrated on raising support among the soldiers and Praetorian Guard, through bribery or largesse, to have Galba put out of the way (and going deeply into debt in the process). Galba and his newly adopted successor were assassinated on January 15, 69 AD, with their heads being delivered to Otho! Rome's frightened Senate quickly acquiesced and hailed Otho as Emperor.
But Otho's days were growing short. Others had eyes to fill the recent imperial vacancy. In southern Germany, the legions proclaimed the new governor, Vitellius, as emperor and began marching on Rome. By the time Otho had assumed the royal mantle, Vitellius' troops had already reached Gaul on their long trek to Italy. By mid or late March, skirmishes were already occurring between opposing forces in Gaul and Italy. Otho left Rome for northern Italy to take charge of the war. On April 14, a decisive and bloody battle took place (upwards of 40,000 deaths), ending with Otho's forces being defeated. At his headquarters, Otho became dispirited, even though reinforcements were enroute. Perhaps, as some have said, he was appalled at the likelihood of far greater spilling of blood should civil war continue, or fearful of his fate at the hands of his opponents. In any event, Otho performed his most noble political act one or two days later, by committing suicide.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$74,750 |
Lot 93 |
 |
Rome. Otho, January-April 69 AD. AR Denarius (3.54 g), Rome mint. Bare head of Otho right. Reverse: Pax standing left, holding branch and long caduceus; PAX ORBIS TERRARVM. RIC 4; BMCRE 3. Finely centered, sharp strike on almost round, full flan. Choice portrait -- the political arrogance and ambitiousness of this short-lived emperor is clearly made manifest in this likeness! Evidence of die clash or overstrike visible in reverse field. Rare. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$8,050 |
Lot 94 |
 |
Rome. Vitellius, April - December 69 AD. Gold Aureus (7.31 g), Rome, struck August - early December 69 AD. Laureate head of Vitellius right. Reverse: Vesta seated right, holding patera and scepter; PONT MAXIM. RIC 106; Biaggi 282 (this coin); BMCRE 33; Calicó 571 (this coin); C. 71. Lustrous, well struck and with an excellent portrait. Beautifully toned a deep, luscious reddish brown, resplendent with iridescent reds, magentas and steel blues. Very rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Rome witnessed the spectacle of four emperors in AD 69, after the suicide of Nero the previous year, as well as a civil war. Each of these four had larger-than-life personal characteristics which are reflected in the numismatic portraiture and told in historical accounts. As can be imagined, the coinages under Otho and Vitellius are particularly rare.
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, lot 11; ex collection of L. Biaggi, Bank Leu 25, 23 April 1980, 261; and from the Bosco Reale hoard of 1895. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 40.
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| Realized
$230,000 |
Lot 95 |
 |
Rome. Vitellius, 69 AD. AR Denarius, Rome mint. Laureate head right. Reverse: Tripod lebes surmounted by dolphin, raven underneath right. RIC 86; BMCRE 17; C. 114. Sharply struck on tight, but thick flan. Sympathetic portrait of this emperor noted mostly for his gluttony. Attractive light toning. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
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| Realized
$8,338 |
Lot 96 |
 |
Rome. Vespasian, 69-79 AD. AE Sestertius (27.01 g), Rome mint, struck c. 71 AD. Laureate head of Vespasian right. Reverse: Veiled Jewess sitting right, beneath palm tree in attitude of mourning; to left of palm, Vespasian or Titus, in military attire, stands right holding upright spear and parazonium, his foot resting on helmet; IVDAEA CAPTA, SC in exergue. RIC 427; C. 239; BMCRE 543. Superbly struck and centered on full flan. Marvelous portrait, in high relief. The reverse also with extraordinary detail -- clear and sharp. With outstanding original patina. Very rare, and quite likely the finest known examples of this historically important and desirable issue. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 41.
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| Realized
$207,000 |
Lot 97 |
 |
Rome. Vespasian, 69-79 AD. Gold Aureus (7.31 g), Rome mint, struck 79 AD. Laureate head of Vespasian right. Reverse: Ceres enthroned left, foot on rest, holding poppies and ears of grain; T R POT X - COS VIIII. RIC 113; C. 549 var.; BMCRE 243; Calicó 683. Superbly struck on full flan. Bold irascible portrait, in high relief. Lustrous, with fine old red toning. Very rare. NGC graded Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000.
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| Realized
$48,300 |
Lot 98 |
 |
Rome. Titus, as Caesar, 69-79 AD. Gold Aureus (7.36 g), Rome mint, struck 75 AD. Laureate head of lightly bearded Titus right. Reverse: Bull butting right; below: COS IIII. RIC 181; BMCRE 171; C. 48; Fr-144. Sharply struck, with rugged, expressive portrait. Lustrous, with light reddish toning, a choice example of this type. Rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
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| Realized
$46,000 |
Lot 99 |
 |
Rome. Domitian, as Caesar, 72-79 AD. Gold Aureus (7.29 g), Rome mint, struck 77-78 AD. Laureate head of Domitian right. Reverse: She-wolf standing left, head reverted, suckling the infants, Romulus and Remus; COS V, boat in exergue. RIC (Vespasian) 237; BMCRE 94; C. 50; Vagi 1066; Calicó 820; Fr-159. Finely centered on almost round flan. Very lustrous. Virtually as struck. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Romulus and his brother Remus were the mythological founders of the city of Rome. They are not that commonly featured on coinage. Perhaps the most prolific issue depicting the twins suckling the she-wolf was that of the small bronzes minted at around the time of Constantine I, the Great, who ruled AD 307-337. These 4th century coins commemorated the foundation of Constantinople as the capital city of the eastern empire. Constantinople, now called Istanbul, remained the capital of the Byzantine State for 1000 years.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
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| Realized
$109,250 |
Lot 100 |
 |
Rome. Domitian, as Caesar, 71-79 AD. AR Denarius (3.18 g), Rome mint, struck 76 AD. Laureate head of bearded Domitian right. Reverse: Pegasus standing right, the wings upright and one leg lifted; COS IIII. RIC (Vespasian) 238; BMCRE 193 (Vespasian); CBN 169. Sharply struck on perfect metal, lustrous with iridescent toning. Outstanding high-relief portrait: the arrogance and unbalance which would clearly become manifest later in his reign is already hinted at in this likeness. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Struck under Vespasian, this reverse device was already seen in the coinage of Augustus, a denarius of 19 BC, struck in conjunction with the Etruscan-surnamed moneyer, P. Petronius Turpilianus (RIC 297; CBN 147).
As the progenitor of an upstart dynasty, Vespasian re-employed both on his coinage and in the other arts a plethora of Augustan motifs. This was part of a propagandistic program to reassure the public of his continuity with, and the legitimacy of his succession to, the now defunct Julio-Claudian line of rulers. Among those themes particularly emphasized, were those of a bucolic or agricultural nature -- these to reinforce in the public's mind notions of growth, stability, and his devotion to the strengthening of the Roman's traditional economic and agrarian values, all of which suffered in varying degrees during the nearly two years of civil war following Nero's assassination.
Estimated Value $800 - 900.
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| Realized
$3,960 |
Lot 101 |
 |
Rome. Domitian, 81-96 AD. Gold Aureus (7.59 g), Rome mint, struck 86 AD. Laureate head of Domitian right. Reverse: Germania, as a mourning captive with head resting on hand, naked to the waist, sits on oblong shield with thunderbolt decoration, a broken spear below; IMP XII COS XII CENS PPP. RIC 83; BMCRE 94; C. 206; Fr-148 var. Finely centered on almost round flan. Clean, sharp strike, with both the portrait and reverse figural art being choice for this type. Very lustrous. Virtually as struck. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 42.
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| Realized
$52,900 |
Lot 102 |
 |
Rome. Nerva, 96-98 AD. AE Sestertius, Rome mint, struck c. 97 AD. Laureate head of Nerva right. Reverse: Two mules grazing in opposite directions; behind, pole, harness, and just visible wheels of upturned cart; VEHICVLATIONE ITALIAE REMISSA, in exergue, SC. RIC 93; BMCRE 19; C. 143; Vagi 1217. Finely centered, superior strike on superb surfaces and metal. A truly exceptional specimen, both in art and preservation, of this historically significant issue. Extremely rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
This large brass commemorates the assumption by the government of the costs for the conveyance of letters and officials from place to place. In ancient times, information traveled much more slowly than today's system of zeroes and ones; as always, knowledge was king. There was established a complex network of routes; the cost had been paid by city taxes. Nerva abolished this particular taxation and took over the maintenance of the imperial post. While Nerva reigned for only a little more than one year, his wise and just rule accomplished much for the average Roman and began an eighty-year period of the adoptive and Antonine emperors. During these happier times, there was general prosperity and an absence of civil wars. Successive emperors were early appointed and trained to rule well.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
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| Realized
$23,000 |
Lot 103 |
 |
Rome. Trajan, 98-117 AD. Gold Aureus (7.78 g), Rome, struck 99 AD. Laureate head of Trajan right. Reverse: Fortuna standing left, holding rudder with her right hand and cornucopiae with her left, at her feet to left, prow of galley; PONT MAX TR POT COS II. RIC 14; Biaggi 522; BMCRE 7; Calicó 1027b; C. 300; Hill 20. Sharply struck from fresh dies. Boldly lustrous, and virtually as struck, with the rich coloring of old-toned gold. Scarce. NGC graded Choice Uncirculated.
Trajan was proclaimed the heir and thus successor to the aged Nerva in October of 97 AD, while he was serving as governor of Germania Superior. He was still there when he was proclaimed emperor on Nerva's death in January 98 AD -- having to remain on the German frontiers awhile to settle affairs there before setting off for Rome. It wasn't until some time in 99 that he finally arrived in Rome. This coin commemorates his safe return to the city.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, lot 21; ex collection of N. B. Hunt, IV, Sotheby's 19 June 1991, 740.
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| Realized
$35,650 |
Lot 104 |
 |
Rome. Trajan, 98-117 AD. Gold Aureus (7.19 g), Rome mint, struck 109 AD. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trajan right. Reverse: Draped female figure (the personification of Arabia) stands frontal, head left, holding out a branch of frankincense and carrying a bundled object (cinnamon branches?), a dromedary camel at her feet; COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC. Biaggi 474 (same reverse die); RIC 142; BMCRE 294; C. 88; Calicó 1004; Fr-184. Finely struck, with a splendid, powerful portrait; the reverse of equally fine style. With light reddish toning. Rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
The Roman general Marcus Ulpius Traianus would ascend to the throne of Rome thanks to the inspired thinking of the emperor Nerva. A lawyer and senator, Nerva was placed on the throne by the senate after the assassination of Domitian (in which he may well have had a hand in). While the Senate felt comfortable enough with its benign choice, especially after the increasingly paranoid and despotic Domitian, the army was anything but satisfied, for both the military and the praetorians had been devoted to the last of the Flavians, and resented mightily the palace revolution that removed him. Facing a potential uprising from that quarter (particularly the Danubian legions), Nerva chose as his heir and successor Marcus Ulpius Traianus, the most popular general of the day, at the time serving governor of Upper Germany. This act of placation diffused the potential rebelliousness of the legions. The choice may have been a stopgap for Nerva, but it would prove to be a brilliant one for Rome in general.
Trajan's army career was exceptionally distinguished. So it comes as no surprise that much of his 19-year reign was one of military conquests and glory. Under Trajan, the empire's territories would reach their greatest expanse. Accompanying this were notable building projects, a number of which can still be seen today. While much of his campaigning was in Germany, he also gave attention to the East. He adjusted the frontier there with the creation of the new province of Arabia. Done partly to hamper the growth and influence of the Parthians during one of their resurgent periods, nevertheless the province was commercially significant because it controlled the upper portion of the lucrative spice trade routes coming from Arabia Felix in the south.
In failing health, Trajan died in Cilicia on his way back to Rome. His heir and successor was also an adoptive soldier, but the circumstances of that succession were far murkier than Trajan's had been.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 43.
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| Realized
$48,300 |
Lot 105 |
 |
Rome. Hadrian, 117-138 AD. Gold Aureus (7.33 g), Rome mint, struck 130-138 AD. Draped bust of Hadrian right. Reverse: Cult statue of Jupiter Victor enthroned left, holding scepter and in outstretched hand, Victory, who holds wreath and palm and crowns him to right; IOVI VICTORI. RIC 251; C. 863. Finely centered, sharply struck and lustrous. Splendid high relief portrait. Scarce. NGC graded Uncirculated.
One of the puzzling features of Hadrian's reign is his relations with the Jews of Judaea. Hadrian was certainly one of the more intelligent, perhaps even brilliant, of emperors up to that time. While his historical achievements are well known, his personality, however, still remains rather enigmatic. Historians clearly see that Hadrian was an effective and capable statesman, but could also be a contradictory -- one might even say a distasteful person. More tellingly, one recent historian summed him up as a man who was "pleasant to meet" and "uncomfortable to know."
Early in Hadrian's reign he inaugurated, at least at first, an atmosphere of tolerance towards Judaea -- this to a people whose revolt of little more than 40 years prior had been harshly put down and their capital razed. He even talked of allowing the Jews to rebuild the Temple, a proposal that was met with hostile opposition from certain "Hellenists" in his circle. That Hadrian's attitude should suddenly change to one of outright hostility toward the Jews is odd to say the least. Perhaps these same "Hellenists," ardent admirers of Greek culture, played an important part in his about-face during the period of Hadrian's travels in the East. Several edicts affecting the Jewish peoples seem to have been issued around 130 or 131 AD. Among them, Hadrian had outlawed castration. He extended this to include circumcision, a practice used by both the Egyptians and Arabs, but of particular religious importance to the Jews. Later, the Egyptians were extended some exemptions to the law. However, no such favor was given to the Jews.
In addition, Israel's holy city of Jerusalem was to be re-founded as a Roman colony with Greek settlers. Furthermore, Hadrian planned on building a temple to Jupiter on the site of the venerated great Temple of the Jews, its second incarnation having stood there since the 5th century BC. Again, these actions seem rather out of character for Hadrian, who before had seemed so well inclined towards the Jews. Hadrian had even extended religious toleration towards the related Christians to a degree greater than any emperor had done before. This lack of regard would result in not only headaches and huge expenses for Hadrian, but with it troubles that are still affecting today's world, nearly two thousand years later.
By 132 AD, the Bar Kokhba broke out, the details of which are well known. This revolt must have been an embarrassment for Hadrian. Roman coins for the most part are decidedly propagandistic. The coins relating to Hadrian's travels throughout the empire being an obvious case in point. Virtually no notice is made of this rebellion in the coins struck by Hadrian. Looking at his "Adventus" and related coins for Judaea, one would certainly have no inkling that rebellion was afoot at the time.
Eventually, late in 135 AD, the Jewish forces collapsed. Perhaps the Hadrian of old would have been more forgiving towards the survivors, whose losses had been staggering. But not this time. Settlement and reprisals were harsh and extreme. Teaching of Mosaic Law was banned. Pagan temples and symbols were erected all over the land. Judaea itself was renamed Palestine, and Jerusalem, its capital, was now called Aelia Capitolina.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 44.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$86,250 |
Lot 106 |
 |
Roman Egypt. Hadrian, 117-138 AD. AE Drachm (29.57 g), Alexandria. Dated Year 17 (132/133 AD). Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian right. Reverse: Athena stands left, in peplos and aegis, holding out two ears of corn, other hand holding spear, against which shield leans; date across field. Milne 1359; Emmett, Alexandrian Coins, no. 921 (only 1 example known). Handsome, finely centered strike, with only minor peripheral flatness -- mostly limited to reverse. Lovely variegated red and brown patina, with touches of green. Overall, exceptional for series. Rare. NGC graded Extremely Fine.
This coin's unusual image of Athena / Minerva displaying an association with one of the various grain-fertility goddesses by holding up ears of "corn" (actually a British misnomer perpetrated in historical literature; "corn" was instead a grain like barley or wheat, or emmer), is one not often encountered in her iconography. The implication suggested, because Athena was both a goddess of wisdom and war, that prudent management and force of arms, if needed, went hand in hand with the prosperity and strength (from nourishment) represented by the corn. However, for this Egyptian coin, like Egypt itself in the panorama of ancient Rome and its territories, it can be seen that the unusual was more often the norm.
As Rome was absorbing conquered territories into its domain, in the Near East especially, Augustus initially allowed the rulers of the conquered peoples (often called subject kings) to remain in power and deal with their own lands. Eventually local squabbles, often over royal succession, would lead to the rulers to be replaced by Roman governors, and the countries then incorporated into Rome's provinces. While the provinces as a whole were regarded as territory of the Roman state, generally those lands, property, or holdings of the former rulers became the Roman emperor's personal property.
After his conquest of Egypt, Augustus, had personally seized the vast accumulated treasure of the Egyptian Ptolemies, which had accrued uninterrupted for over two and a half centuries, up through the reign of Cleopatra VII, the last of the line. In addition, Augustus also took over the immense ongoing income of Egypt, resulting from its normal daily course of production and manufacturing, trade, taxes, etc. As a result of Rome's intermittent civil wars since Julius Caesar's assassination, the city's treasury was nearly empty. To replenish this loss, Augustus contributed large amounts of his own income to the treasury, aided and abetted expansively by the newly received wealth of Egypt. (This public-spirited "generosity" of course being carefully recorded in his public memoirs, for all the propaganda value that it was worth -- but he did finally manage to balance Rome's budget, among other benefits.) As a result and a necessity for a secure royal income, Augustus kept Egypt as a personal property. All subsequent Roman emperors maintained this tradition. Thus the economic status of Egypt could be compared to the socialist state of today, but with its industries nationalized for the benefit of the Imperial Throne in far-off Rome.
Another reason, and perhaps the most important, for maintaining this status quo was that Egypt was to become the most reliable source of food for Italy, and especially Rome itself -- Rome's supply of "corn" was a main factor of its economy and its survival. It was also because of Egypt's impressive agricultural productivity that it proved to be a vital prop in maintaining an important aspect of the socio-political tradition of inter-class patronage that had evolved during Rome's Republican period. This was the "dole" -- directed mainly to the lower class citizens, and somewhat like a welfare program (termed annona). This program had evolved in the previous century as a means of supplying grain to Roman citizens at favorable government-subsidized prices. By 58 BC, the policy had become free grain (and later, ready-made bread). By the time of Augustus, this dole was providing free food for over some 200,000 Romans; Julius Caesar had gotten the numbers down to 150,000 a quarter of a century earlier but the numbers had climbed once again. Augustus, as emperor, paid the cost of this dole out of his own pocket, as well as the cost of games for entertainment (thus: panem et circenses, "bread and circuses," the famous phrase coined by the Roman poet Juvenal).
Payment for the latter came principally from his personal holdings in Egypt. Augustus eventually restricted the number of beneficiaries to a maximum of 200,000 male citizens. Later a portion of this supply was also set aside to feed the soldiers, primarily the Praetorian Guard, who protected the emperor. Thus the maintenance of this supply was critical to a substantial portion of the Roman citizenry's survival. And even more so, the uninterrupted flow of grain from Egypt to Rome was an important base of power for the emperor. Therefore, it behooved all Roman emperors to maintain Egypt as their preserve with diligence and care. The distribution of free grain or bread in Rome remained in effect until the end of the Empire. Other later emperors added on occasion free pork and wine. Eventually, other major cities of the Empire also began providing similar benefits. But again, the dole and free rations were limited to specific numbers of recipients. The vast bulk of the Empire's grain supply was distributed through a free market system comparable to that seen today.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$2,415 |
Lot 107 |
 |
Rome. Hadrian, 117-138 A.D. AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm (10.25 g), Nicomedia mint, struck after 128 AD. Laureate head of Hadrian right. Reverse: Octastyle temple, with pellet centered in pediment, within frieze below, ROM S P AVG; across field, COM - BIT. RIC 461b; cf. Metcalf, Cistophori B1 (unlisted dies)1; Pinder 100; cf. BMCRE 1099 note; RSC 240b. Sharply struck on ample flan. Rare and toned. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$11,500 |
Lot 108 |
 |
Rome. Antoninus Pius, 138-161 AD. Gold Aureus (7.27 g), Rome mint, struck 153-154 AD. Bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust of Pius right. Reverse: Antoninus Pius, togate, standing left holding globe; COS IIII. RIC 233a; BMCRE 812; C 313 var.; Calicó 1526. With high relief, sympathetic portrait. NGC graded Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$18,400 |
Lot 109 |
 |
Rome. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161 AD. Gold Aureus (7.20 g), Rome, struck 148-149 AD. Draped bust of Marcus Aurelius right, head bare. Reverse: Fides standing right, holding two grain ears in her right hand and a plate of fruit in her left; TR POT III COS II. RIC 445Ac; Biaggi 873; BMCRE 695; Calicó 1932; C. 624 var. Lustrous and sharp, with a splendid portrait in high relief, and especially stylish reverse figure. Rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, lot 32; bought from Leonard Forrer in November 1951 and from the collection of Conte Alessandro Magnaguti, Santamaria, 23 October 1951, 45. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 45.
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| Realized
$28,750 |
Lot 110 |
 |
Rome. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161 AD. Gold Aureus (7.33 g), Rome mint, struck 158-159 AD. Draped, and cuirassed bust of bearded Aurelius right. Reverse: Virtus stands right, in military attire, foot resting on helmet, while holding reversed spear and parazonium; TR POT XIII COS II. Biaggi 892 (same dies); RIC 480b; C. 747; BMCRE 962; Strack 354. Finely centered and sharply struck, on a nearly round flan. Of superb style, this among the most elegant of his portraits. Virtually as struck, with light reddish toning. Scarce. NGC graded Uncirculated.
When this coin was minted, our Caesar was imbued in philosophy and wrote such lines as: "Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away."
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$22,425 |
Lot 111 |
 |
Rome. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 AD. Gold Aureus (7.32 g), Rome mint, struck c. 168 AD. Laureate head of Aurelius right. Reverse Fortuna enthroned left, holding rudder and cornucopia; FOR RED TR P XXII IMP V; COS III in exergue. RIC 183; BMCRE 458; C. 207; Calicó 1857 (same dies). Well centered, sharp, full strike, with quality portrait in fairly high relief. A few trivial light hairlines to right of cornucopia, otherwise coin with choice surfaces and captivating brilliant luster. Choice and scarce! NCS graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$18,975 |
Lot 112 |
 |
Rome. Lucius Verus, 161-169 AD. Gold Aureus (7.36 g), Rome mint, struck 163-164 AD. Bare head of Verus right. Reverse: Verus in military attire, seated left on high, ornamented platform, crowning before and below him, Sohaemus, King of Armenia, two flanking figures on platform; REX ARMEN DAT / TR P III IMP II COS II. RIC 512 (R-2); C. 158; BMCRE 300. Finely centered, sharply struck and lustrous. Magnificent high relief, sensitive portrait. Very rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Lucius Verus was the son of Aelius and co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius from AD 161 until 169. His victories in the East were considerable, beginning with Armenia and Parthia. Those readers who have seen the 1964 film "The Fall of the Roman Empire," concerning Rome at this time, will not forget the campfire scene, the superb acting by Sir Alec Guinness and, of course, the beauty of Sophia Loren.
Estimated Value $14,000 - 18,000.
Ex Caruso Sale (Canessa, 28 June 1923), lot 391; ex Münzen und Medaillen, December 1968, lot 334; this coin can be seen also among the rear dust jacket illustrations of David Sear's indispensable new edition of Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume II: The Golden Age, AD 96-AD 235; Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 46.
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| Realized
$28,750 |
Lot 113 |
 |
Rome. Commodus, as Caesar, 175-177 AD. Gold Aureus (7.31 g), Rome mint, struck 175-176 AD. Bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust of Commodus right. Reverse: Spes in archaistic raiment advancing left, holding up flower with one hand, and raising hem with other; SPE-S PVBLICA. Fr-345 (this coin); RIC (Aurelius) 620 var. (omits SARM in obv. legend); BMCRE (Aurelius) 654; C. 708; Calicó 2333. Sharply struck and perfectly centered on ample flan. Excellent high relief portrait of Commodus as a young teenager. The M of SARM actually overcut on the bust's drapery. Reddish to brown tone over extensive original luster. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$31,050 |
Lot 114 |
 |
Rome. Commodus, 177-192 AD. Gold Aureus (7.25 g), Rome mint, struck 187-188 AD. Laureate and draped bust of Commodus right. Reverse: Salus enthroned left, holding patera out to snake which arises from box or cippus at left; P M TR P XIII IMP VIII COS V P P, in exergue SAL AVG. RIC --; BMCRE --; C --; Biaggi --; Calicó 2322; NFA XXVI, 1991, lot 263 (same dies). Finely centered, fully lustrous. Rare. NGC graded Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$31,050 |
Lot 115 |
 |
Rome. Didius Julianus, March 28 to about mid-June 193 AD. Gold Aureus (6.65 g), Rome mint. Laureate and draped bust of Didius Julianus right. Reverse: Togate Didius Julianus stands left, holding globe and roll; RECTOR ORBIS. Fr-362; RIC 3; C. 14; BMCRE 7; Calicó 2399. An excellent portrait in the best style of the period, struck in high relief. A wonderful example of this historical and very rare gold piece. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
The reign of Didius Julianus ranks among the shortest of all of Rome's ephemeral emperors, but his story is nevertheless the most singular in the annals of the Empire. He remains as the only wearer of the imperial purple to have purchased outright his way to the throne.
His predecessor, Pertinax, had, rather like Galba over a hundred years earlier, tried to reform too quickly the corruption and dissolution that had seriously infected the throne and the highest levels of government and military under the increasingly deranged tyranny of Commodus. After several attempted coups, Pertinax finally fell victim to a revolt by the Praetorian Guards on the 86th day of his reign.
In the chaos following his assassination two persons of stature approached the Praetorians (who envisioned themselves more and more the "king makers" with regard to the throne) to seek the position of the next emperor. Earliest was Flavius Sulpicianus, the father-in-law of Pertinax, who made an immediate appeal for his being chosen, but who found suddenly that he was in competition with one senator, Didius Julianus, one of the wealthiest men in Rome. What initially may have been a plan of flattery and simple bribery on the part of Sulpicianus escalated so that the two, caught up in the moment, began a bidding war against each other with the Praetorians in order to secure their vote. Julianus won, with a final offer of 25,000 sestertii per guard.
Drunk with their power and blinded by their promised windfall, the Guards escorted Julianus to the senate house where the terrified senators had no choice but to ratify his new position. If the senators' fear at the time was great, even greater was the rage of the public at this shameful state of affairs. They promptly sent out deputations to the frontier commanders requesting them to free them from the "tyranny" of Didius Julianus and the Praetorian Guards. Since the leading commanders had all been comrades-in-arms with Pertinax, they were eager to avenge his murder (along with being equally mindful of the opportunity of perhaps seizing the title of Augustus). Thus began the civil war, which would last until 195.
General Septimius Severus had the upper hand, being the closest to Rome, along with having three regiments under his control. He promptly began a forced march to the city. Julianus realized he was doomed. To forestall the inevitable, he sent assassins to hopefully intervene against Severus, while at the same time offering to share power with him.
As Severus and his legions neared Rome, and hoping to avoid serious bloodshed, Severus put forth a generous offer to the Praetorians: immunity would be given to the whole of the Guard if they turned over those few individuals who were actually responsible for the death of Pertinax. Since the Guard had yet to receive their largesse from Julianus, they quickly acquiesced and notified the Senate of their decision. The Senate then promptly deified the late Pertinax, condemned Julianus as a criminal, and declared Septimius Severus the new emperor. Whatever giddy visions Julianus had of himself as ruler were cut short. On the 1st or 2nd of June, he was captured and beheaded like a common criminal.
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000.
Ex Gorny & Mosch, Auction 71 (March 1995), lot 698. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 47.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$80,500 |
Lot 116 |
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Rome. Septimius Severus, 193-211 AD. Gold Aureus (7.13 g), Rome mint, struck 193 AD. Laureate head of Septimius Severus right. Reverse: Legionary eagle between two standards, the standards each with wreath and two insignias, plus forepart of Capricorn at side: LEG X IIII GEM M V; TR P COS in exergue. RIC 14; C. 271; BMCRE 18, and pl. 5, 12 (same dies); cf. Fr-381. Finely styled portrait, well centered on broad flan. Very rare. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
The image here of Severus is among the earliest of his imperial coin portraits. In it we see an idealized likeness, conflated somewhat with the features of his assassinated predecessor, Pertinax (or perhaps even one of the earlier Antonines). This may be due, in part, to there not being ready at the time an official likeness of the newly installed emperor -- a sanctioned model that the die engravers at the mint would work from. But considering the traits and various agendas that attached themselves to Roman Imperial coinage in general, this kind of Pertinax-look-alike rendering may be a deliberate device on Severus' part to portray himself as a relation and heir, and thus the legitimate successor to the unfortunate Pertinax. (If nothing else, Pertinax and Severus were at least comrades-in-arms.) Rome, in a year's time since Pertinax's death in March 28, of 193 A.D. would see the ascension and elimination of two claimants to the imperial throne, with Severus ridding himself of a third in 197 A.D. Attendant with this process was civil war, because of the factions and their partisans.
Born in Leptis Magna in Africa, Severus was a soldier of outstanding ability, rising in command until, at the death of Commodus, he was governor of Upper Pannonia. Severus declared allegiance to Pertinax, but with the latter's murder and the curious case of Didius Julianius literally assuming the throne by outright purchase, the indignation these events aroused in the provinces caused Severus' troops to acclaim him as emperor.
The military nature of Rome was the underlying basis of its empire, but at least the Imperial government maintained the fiction of some of its earlier republican trappings and forms. Severus went beyond this, converting the government into what was basically a military monarchy. The costs of this policy saw the continued debasement of the silver denarius, Rome's most venerable unit of currency. Accompanying this was economic decline and soaring inflation. On his deathbed, Severus, the craftiest of Rome's rulers, advised his two contentious and competitive sons: "Be united, enrich the soldiers, and scorn the rest."
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500.
From the Karnak Hoard; ex Commissioner H.G. Gutekunst, J. Hirsch Auc. XXXIV, May 5, 1914, lot no. 1250; ex C.S. Bement Collection, Naville & Cie, Auc. VIII, June 25-28, 1924, lot no. 1159.
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| Realized
$43,700 |
Lot 117 |
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Rome. Septimius Severus, 193-211 AD. Gold Aureus (7.25 g), Rome mint, struck 196-197 AD. Rare. Laureate head right, with drapery at left shoulder. Reverse: Fortuna enthroned left, with foot upon footstool, and holding rudder which rests atop globe; wheel beneath throne; FORTVN - AE REDVCI. Cf. BMCRE 10, same obverse die; cf. RIC 78c, but Fortuna's footstool absent; Calicó 2455, for same obverse die, cf. reverse for type, but different arrangement to inscription. Seemingly a rare transitional issue between Calicó 2454 and 2455. With choice early style portrait. Finely struck, and with brilliant fields, but with some light scattered marks or graffiti. Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
(*).
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| Realized
$13,800 |
Lot 118 |
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Rome. Septimius Severus, 193-111 AD. Gold Aureus (7.23 g), Rome mint, struck 198 AD. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Severus right. Reverse: Victory walks left, holding out a wreath, and carrying a trophy of arms at her shoulder, a bound Parthian captive sits left at her feet; VICT PARTHICAE. Biaggi 1111 (same reverse die); RIC 142b; C. 741 var. Superb strike and centering, on round flan. Very rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
Once Severus' main rival to the throne was eliminated (Pescennius Niger), Severus then turned his attention to retribution towards the Parthian vassal states who had supported Niger, defeating a number of them by 195 AD. However, actions in the East had to cease because Severus now chose to disentangle himself from his junior Caesar, and designated "heir," Clodius Albinus. Relations between the two had begun to sour, in haste. Secure in his triumphs, Severus now designated his two sons as his heirs, elevated Caracalla to Caesar, and finally persuaded the Senate to declare Albinus a "public enemy." By 197, Albinus was destroyed, civil war ended, and Severus, with his dynasty intact, now was firmly in control.
Once more he turned his attentions to Parthia, mounting such a massive invasion that it culminated in the capture and sack of their royal capital, Ctesiphon. Severus' victory was so complete that it would ultimately initiate the final decline of the Parthians, who would be overthrown by the Sasanian dynasty nearly 25 years later. The Roman victory, which is commemorated in the above coin, would also prompt Severus to give his elder son, Caracalla, the title of Augustus, and elevate the younger son, Geta, to Caesar. After off and on civil wars for six years, Severus and the succession were finally assured.
Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 48.
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| Realized
$44,850 |
Lot 119 |
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Rome. Julia Domna, Wife of Septimius Severus, 193-217 AD. Gold Aureus (7.17 g), Rome, struck 201 AD. Draped bust of Julia Domna to right. Reverse: On the left, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of young Caracalla to right facing; on the right, bare-headed and draped bust of young Geta facing left; AETERNIT IMPERI. Fr-409; RIC 540; Biaggi 113; BMCRE p. 157, 3; Calicó 2653a/b; C. 1 var.; Sear II 6517. Beautifully struck and centered. Eye-catching and lustrous, with splendid portraits. Extremely rare. NGC graded Choice Uncirculated.
This superb piece is yet another example from the great Severan dynastic series in gold and silver, and once again comes from the great Karnak hoard (from which so many fabulous coins now in museums and private collections worldwide derive). The portraits on this piece are particularly delicate and well made.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, lot 60; from the collections of the Johns Hopkins University and J.W. Garrett, I, Numismatic Fine Arts/Bank Leu, 16 May 1984, 837 (bought from Wayte Raymond on 8 November 1922); ex Sir Arthur Evans, Naville III, 16 June 1922, 94; and Sir John Evans; and from the Karnak Hoard of 1901. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 49.
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| Realized
$74,750 |
Lot 120 |
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Rome. Caracalla, 198-217 AD. Gold Aureus (7.25 g), Rome mint, struck 199-200 AD. Youthful laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: Bare head bust of young Geta right, draped and cuirassed, seen slightly from the back; P SEPT GETA CAES PONT. RIC 38; cf. BMC 162 (there as denarius only); C. 1 (Caracalla & Geta); Calicó 2861(Caracalla & Geta). Superb strike, with pristine fields shimmering with cartwheel luster, under light red toning. Exceptional dynastic issue instigated by Septimius Severus. NGC graded Choice Uncirculated.
A single coin having portraits of these sons of Julia Domna and Septimius Severus seems incongruous, as reading their histories one quickly has the feeling of their jealousy for each other, their insecurities and eventual depravity. This rivalry, despite their parents' attempts at reconciliation, would result in the early demise of Geta by his brother's orders.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
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| Realized
$40,250 |
Lot 121 |
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Rome. Caracalla, 198-217 AD. Gold Aureus (7.17 g), Laodicea ad Mare mint, struck 200 AD. Rare. Child's laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right Reverse: Roma seated left upon shield, holding Victory in outstretched hand, and reversed spear in the other; P MAX TR P III. RIC 342b; BMCRE cf. note for 715; Calicó 2702; C. 182. Finely struck, with brilliant fields. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
(*).
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| Realized
$9,200 |
Lot 122 |
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Rome. Caracalla, 198-217 AD. Gold Aureus (7.12 g), Rome mint, struck c. 210-213 AD. Rare. Laureate head right. Reverse: Securitas enthroned right, resting head on right hand, holding scepter in left; altar at feet; SECVRITATI PERPETVAE. RIC 229a; BMCRE 101; Calicó 2813; C. 575. Finely centered on generous flan, the strike just a tiny bit soft at the centers. A splendid mature portrait in the finest style of the period, with wonderful luster. Mint State.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500.
(*).
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| Realized
$18,400 |
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