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Sale 72
February 2-5. 2013
| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 4613 |
 |
Galerius, as Augustus, AD 305-311. Silver Argenteus (3.46g) minted at Trier, ca. AD 306-307. Laureate head of Galerius right. Reverse: Campgate with four turrets, doors thrown open, "horseshoe" crescent, open-end upwards; flanked by two stars above archway; PTR in exergue. RIC 63; Sear 14495. Very Rare. A superb example with magnificent iridescent toning. Nearly Mint State.
The production of silver coinage was drastically reduced following the abdications of Diocletian and Maximianus in AD 305, thus the Argentii of Galerius as Augustus are quite rare.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500.
Ex Guermantes Collection (Bank Leu 86) 5 May 2003, lot 978.
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| Realized
$4,600 |
Lot 4614 |
 |
Severus II, as Caesar, AD 305-306. AE Follis (8.2g) minted at Carthage, third officina. Laureate head right. Reverse: Carthage standing facing, head left, holding bunches of fruit in each hand, "H" in left field, "Γ" in exergue. RIC 40a. Bold details. Attractive orange-brown and deep olive-green patina. An excellent example. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 400.
Ex Wolfen Family Foundation, purchased from NFA early 1970s.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$460 |
Lot 4615 |
 |
Constans, AD 337-350. Silver Medallion of Eight Siliquae or Three Light Miliarenses (13.21g) minted at Aquileia, AD 340-. FL IVL CONS-TANS PF AVG. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constans right. Reverse: VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG. Victoria (Victory) seated right on a cuirass, holding with both hands wreath inscribed: VOT / X / MVLT / XV; *AQ in exergue. Gnecchi 25. An impressive medallion with a fine period portrait and bold details, toned a pearly-white gray. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine.
After Constantine I died in May, AD 337, his three sons, Constantine II, Constantius II and Constans, unwilling to share their inheritance, engineered the murder of their half-cousins Delmatius and Hanniballianus. The youngest brothers benefited greatly from the dark deed, absorbing large territories; Constans ruling from Rome in the west and Constantius II operating from Antioch in the east. The eldest, Constantine II, though, was much displeased for he saw little of the spoils.
His demands for Italy and North Africa were rejected by Constans, who entered into an alliance with his middle brother. As that alliance grew stronger, Constantine II grew more alarmed. In the spring of AD 340, he invaded Italy, but was killed in an ambush outside of Aquileia. This medallion was struck to commemorate that event. The reverse type and legend: Victoriae Dominorum Nostrorum Augustorum - "For the Victory of the Commanders, our Emperors" may reflect the new political landscape, an empire now ruled by just two emperors, Constans in Europe and Constantius II in Asia. Alternatively, the medallion may be tied to Constans' successful campaign against the Franks in AD 341-342 or his visit to Britain in 342 or early 343 for what was likely a military emergency. These medallions would have been distributed at fêtes, public and private, or spectator games. (But after AD 384, medallions of this weight would no longer be struck. Theodosius I and Valentinian II forbade those who gave public games from distributing pieces which weighed over 1/60 pound [Mommsen, Mon. Rom. volume. III, p.73].)
Of the three sons of Constantine the Great and Fausta, Constans was the youngest and perhaps the worst. Contemporary historians paint a picture of an avaricious, cruel and much depraved man. The fault though that would ultimately prove his undoing was the contempt he showed his own soldiers and his favoritism toward his barbarian bodyguard. On January 12, AD 350, Constans was deposed by his field commander Magnentius at Augustodunum (Autun in central Gaul). Constans fled toward Spain and was slain near the Pyrenees.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
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| Unsold |
Lot 4616 |
 |
Constantius II, AD 337-361. Gold Solidus (4.4g) minted at Rome, AD 357, second officina. FL IVL CONST-ANTIVS PF AVG. Diademed bust of Constantius left clad in consular robes, holding mappa and scepter. Reverse: FELICITAS RO-MANORVM. Roma, holding spear, and Constantinopolis, holding scepter, enthroned, the former facing, the latter head left; between them, they hold a wreath inscribed VOT / XXXV / MVLT / XXXX; RSMB (palm) in exergue. RIC 297 (R4); Cohen 72. Faint hairlines from an old cleaning. Extremely Rare, particularly this officina which is unrecorded in a collection location in RIC. Boldly struck and exceptional with all details sharp and crisp. Extremely Fine.
Of Constantine's progeny, Constantius II survived the longest. He would know little peace, though, for his long reign was a litany of rebellion, religious strife, fratricidal warfare and invasions from the East, West and North. In the realm of religion, Constantius, a supporter of Arianism, was at loggerheads with his brother Constans, a devout Orthodox Catholic. In the temporal plain, operating largely from his base in Antioch, Constantius was in the field more often than not, whether battling the Sassanians, the Alemani, Magnentius, or Silvanus.
In April or May AD 357, he paid a rare visit to Rome to celebrate his 35th anniversary in power (even though he became Caesar in AD 324). The fourth century Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus records in great detail the pomp and pageantry of Constantius' triumphal entry into the Eternal City. It is clear from the depiction of Constantius and the legends that the solidus here was minted in honor of the emperor's anniversary. Many scholars believe that Constantius' visit to Rome also signaled reconciliation between the Christian emperor and the pagan aristocracy of Rome. The reverse types with Constantinopolis looking benignly over to Roma, and even the palm in the mint signature could be construed to be symbolic of that. It is more likely, though, that the reverse theme is a reflection of the unity and tranquility throughout the vast empire for which Constantius most certainly wished.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$17,825 |
Lot 4617 |
 |
Constantius II, AD 337-361. Silver Heavy Miliarensis (5.17g) minted at Thessalonica, ca. AD 350-355. DN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG. Pearl-diademed head of Constantius II right. Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITVS. Three military standards topped by vexilla; TES in exergue. RIC 158 (R4); RSC 328A. A few minor old reverse scratches. Marvelous portrait with lovely old cabinet toning. An extremely rare and remarkable specimen. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
View details and enlarged photos
| Unsold |
Lot 4618 |
 |
Constantius II, AD 337-361. Silver Reduced Siliqua (2.0g) minted at Sirmium, ca. late AD 355-mid 361. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius II right. Reverse: VOTIS / XXX / MVLTIS / XXXX within wreath; in exergue, SIRM. RIC 68. Bold types with interesting "scowling" portrait. Attractive iridescent toning. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$460 |
Lot 4619 |
 |
Julian II, AD 360-363. Silver Siliqua (2g) minted at Lyons, AD 337-340. Laureate, and rosette- dliademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Julian II, right. Reverse: VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X, all within laurel wreath. RIC-218; C-163. Extremely Fine. The laurel wreath and diadem with rosette are exceptional attributes. See RIC Vol. VII, p. 175.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
The Wolfen Family Foundation Collection; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts, early 1970s.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$460 |
Lot 4620 |
 |
Julian II, AD 360-363. Silver Siliqua (1.9g) minted at Sirmium. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Julian II right. Reverse: VOTIS / V / MVLTIS / X within wreath; SIRM in exergue. Minor deposits on reverse. Soft russet highlights. Lustrous. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$414 |
Lot 4621 |
 |
Julian II, the Hellene AD 360-363. AE 1 (27mm) "Maiorina" minted at Constantinople, AD 361-363. Second officina. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Julian II right. Reverse: Bull standing right; two stars above its head and neck; CONSPB (palm). RIC 162. Minor tooling obverse periphery. Rich sea-green patina. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
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| Realized
$242 |
Lot 4622 |
 |
Valentinian I, AD 364-375. Gold Solidus (4.5g) minted at Nicomedia, AD 364-367. D N VALENTINI - ANVS P F AVG. Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right of Valentinian. Reverse: RESTITVTOR REIPVBLCAE. Valentian in military attire standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand; in left, Victory standing left on globe, presenting wreath; in exergue, SMNS. RIC 2(b); Depeyrot 10/1. Some graffiti on the reverse noted. Nice, bold strike. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
The Hunter Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$3,220 |
Lot 4623 |
 |
Valentinian I, AD 364-375. Silver Argenteus (2g) minted at Constantinople, AD 364-367. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valentinian I, right. Reverse: VOT/V, within lauel wreath. Toned. RIC-11 (b); C--. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
The Wolfen Family Foundation Collection; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts, early 1970s.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$374 |
Lot 4624 |
 |
Valens, AD 364-378. Silver Siliqua (2.2g) minted at Trier, AD 367-375. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valens right. Reverse: Roma enthroned left, holding scepter and Victoria (Victory) on globe; in exergue, TRPS. RIC 27e. Lovely iridescent toning. Crisp, finely-detailed portrait. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$265 |
Lot 4625 |
 |
Gratian, AD 367-383. Silver Siliqua (2.3g) minted at Trier, AD 367-378. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Gratian right. Reverse: Roma seated left, holding Victoria (Victory) on globe and scepter. RIC 27f; Cohen 86. Nicely toned. Somewhat shallow strike as is typical. Choice Very Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
Ex Wolfen Family Foundation, purchased from NFA early 1970s.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$196 |
Lot 4626 |
 |
Theodosius I, AD 379-395. Gold Solidus (4.0g) minted at Mediolanum, AD 389-391. D N THEO - DOSIUS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right of Theodosius. Reverse: VICTOR - IA AVGG. Two nimbate emperors seated facing on throne, together holding globe; emperor to right holds mappa in his left hand; behind throne, between heads, Victory facing, wings outspread; a hand on each emperor's shoulder; below, palm branch; in fields, M D; in exergue, COM. RIC 20(b); Depeyrot 9/2. Slight flan crack at one o'clock and some scattered faint hairlines on the obverse. Well struck with lustrous surfaces. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
The Hunter Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$3,105 |
Lot 4627 |
 |
Theodosius I, AD 379-395. Gold Solidus (4.39g) minted at Constantinople, AD 383-388. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Theodosius right. Reverse: Constantinopolis standing facing, head right, holding scepter and shield inscribed VOT / X / MVLT / XV; right foot on prow left; legend ends: I. RIC 71a. Edge filed. Nearly Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $700 - 800.
Ex Wolfen Family Foundation, purchased from Bank Leu early 1970s.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,150 |
Lot 4628 |
 |
Arcadius, AD 383-408. Gold Solidus (4.50g) minted at Milan, AD 395-402. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Arcadius right. Reverse: The emperor standing right, holding labarum and Victoria (Victory) on globe, his left foot on a captive prostrate before him, M-D; COMOB in exergue. RIC IX 35b (RIC X 1205); Depeyrot 16/1. Boldly struck and perfectly centered with lustrous surfaces. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$3,910 |
Lot 4629 |
 |
Arcadius, AD 383-408. Gold Solidus (4.3 g) minted at Sirmium, first officina, AD 402-408. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Arcadius right. Reverse: Arcadius in military attire standing right, holding labarum and Victoria (Victory) on globe; his foot on a captive before him; S-M across field; COMOB in exergue. RIC 15b; Depeyrot 33/1. Lustrous. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
The Hunter collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,265 |
Lot 4630 |
 |
Honorius, AD 393-423. Gold Solidus (4.5 g) minted at Mediolanum (Milan), ca. AD 395-423. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Honorius right. Reverse: Honorius standing right, holding signum and Victoria (Victory) on globe; his foot on bound captive on ground before him; M-D across field; COMOB in exergue. RIC 1206; Depeyrot 16/2. Nice and bold throughout. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
The Hunter Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,006 |
Lot 4631 |
 |
Honorius, AD 393-423. Gold Solidus (4.5 g) minted at Ravenna, AD 402-408. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Honorius right. Reverse: Honorius standing right, holding labarum and Victoria (Victory) on globe; his foot on captive on ground before him; R-V across field; COMOB in exergue. RIC 1287; Depeyrot 7/1; Cohen 44; D.O. (Late Roman Coins) 735. Interesting style. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
The Hunter Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,150 |
Lot 4632 |
 |
Honorius, AD 393-423. Silver Siliqua (2.1g) minted at Constantinople, ca. AD 403-408. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Honorius right. Reverse: VOT / X / MVLT / XX within wreath; in exergue, CONS*. RIC 53. A few old reverse scratches. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$690 |
Lot 4633 |
 |
Constantine III, AD 407-411. Silver Siliqua (1.5 g), minted at Treveri, AD 408-411. DN CON[STAN] - TINVS P F AVG. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine III right. Reverse: [VIC]TORI - A AAVG[GG]. Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victoria (Victory) on globe and reversed spear; in exergue, [TRM]S. RIC 1525 ff. Lustrous and virtually as struck. Rare. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
The Hunter Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$949 |
Lot 4634 |
 |
Theodosius II, AD 402-450. Gold Solidus (4.3g). Mint of Constantinopolis, c. AD 443. Cuirassed and helmeted ¾ facing bust, holding spear over right shoulder. Reverse: Constantinopolis enthroned left, left foot on prow, holds globus cruciger in right hand and scepter in left; star in field before. RIC 307 (?) R-4. Complete legends on a nice large flan. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$805 |
Lot 4635 |
 |
Valentinian III, AD 425-455. Gold Solidus (4.37g) minted at Ravenna, AD 426-455. Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valentinian III right. Reverse: The emperor standing facing, holding Victoria (Victory) on globe and long cross, his foot resting on a human-headed coiled serpent; R-V; in exergue, COMOB. RIC 2011; Depeyrot 17/1; Cohen 7. Boldly struck with full legends and well centered. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,495 |
Lot 4636 |
 |
Marcian, AD 450-457. Gold Solidus (4.5g). Mint of Constantinople. Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Marcian facing, holding spear and shield. Reverse: Victory standing left, holding long cross; star in field. Mint garbled and no officina letter. Nicely struck on a large flan. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $600 - 700.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$949 |
Lot 4637 |
 |
Zeno, second reign, AD 476-491. Gold Solidus (4.4 g) minted at Constantinople. Pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Zeno three-quarters right holding shield; spear over shoulder. Reverse: Victoria (Victory) standing left holding jeweled long cross; star behind; CONOB in exergue. RIC 930; Depeyrot 108/1. Full features both obverse and reverse. Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
The Hunter Collection.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$1,121 |
Lot 4638 |
 |
Ostrogoths or Gepids. Gold Solidus (4.4g), ca. AD 520-540. Imitating Byzantine types of Justinian I (527-565). DN7VSTII4I ANVSPFAVC - letters widely spaced; pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed Justinian bust ¾ r., spear over shoulder. The spear disjointed on left side and again at hand. Uneven curve lines on helmet and erratic beading. Reverse: VICTOai AAV<<< -- letters widely spaced; Victory standing left, "one-legged", holding long cross with irregular cross bars, her foot on the last letter of the mint signature, crude star before and behind, broken exergual line; CONOB (or D) in ex. The crude style of the types makes attribution lean more toward a Gepid or other North Balkan imitation. The lettering and overall style, though suggests more an Ostrogothic origin. An interesting and rare barbaric imitation. Small old test scrape on reverse. Choice Very Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$2,874 |
Lot 4639 |
 |
Visigoths. Recceswinth 653-672, Gold Tremisses (1.5g) minted at Toledo. Profile bust and monogram of Recceswinth facing right. Reverse: TOLETO PIVS. Cross on steps. Miles 360; Grierson and Blackburn 263. Rare. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
View details and enlarged photos
| Unsold |
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