orfew's Last 20 Posts
| A Fascinating Reverse Type For Domitian.
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
 Posted 09/12/2021 9:27 pm
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A few years ago, a friend of mine acquired one of these and called it the "Snake cowboy" coin. Just to get it out the way let me say that I would never understand how anyone could not want of these fascinating coins. There are many interesting Flavian coins struck in Alexandria and this is but one example. The portrait is not very interesting at all but that reverse...well that is a different story entirely. The snake is actually Agathadaemon and not an actual snake. The imagery here is meant to signify the importance of the harvest and of agriculture in general. Agrarian themes are common on the coins of many emperors because a hungry populace could be very dangerous for an emperor.
I know that this coin is quite worn, but sometimes it is necessary to accept a lower grade coin. This is especially true of rare coins such as this. A few have emerged in the last year or so and brought very strong prices regardless of condition. I have slowly been adding some Alexandrian coins from the Flavian dynasty because the reverses are interesting and many of these do not occur on the coins struck in Rome.
If you go looking for one of these be prepared for some competition. It is not just the Flavian collectors that will be interested. Those who collect interesting Alexandrian reverse types specifically, or those who just like Alexandrian coins in general will also pursue a coin like this.
EGYPT. Alexandria. Domitian, 81-96. Diobol
(25 mm, 7.42 g, 11 h),
Obv: RY 10 = 90/1. [ΑΥΤ] ΚΑΙ#1017;ΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ [#1017;#1028;Β Γ#1028;ΡΜ] Laureate head of Domitian to right, with aegis on his left shoulder.
Rev: L I Agathodaemon serpent riding horse to right.
Dattari (Savio) 563. Emmett 276.10. K&G 24.110. RPC II 2584A.
Extremely rare. Somewhat porous and with light deposits, otherwise, good fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
Leu Numismatic Web auction 17 Lot 2103 Sunday August 15, 2021
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Extremely Rare Domitian Denarius
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 04/20/2021 7:12 pm
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Thanks Paul.
The inscription reads LVD SAEC FEC. Ludi Seculares Fecundos. Forgive my conjugation it has been a while since Latin class. Loosley this transcription refers to the Secular Games or Ludi seculares. Fecundos refers to productivity or fertility. There are several other translations of this term but I think these 2 are the most likely in the context of the other 2 words. |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Extremely Rare Domitian Denarius
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 04/20/2021 12:49 am
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I was very lucky to get this one. I know there were other collectors who wish they would have gotten to it first.
Anyone who has ever gone looking for one knows how rare the left-facing portraits are for Domitian's denarii. I have never heard any convincing argument as to why this is the case. There are left facing bronze issues for Domitian and there are left facing denarii for Titus and Vespasian. While some of the left-facing issues for Titus and Vespasian are rare, there are also ones that are quite common.
This coin is even more desirable because it is a Secular Games denarius. These issues are very popular with collectors so it is a good thing that many of these coins are generally available. However, this does not mean that you will not face competition if you find one for sale.
This particular coin is listed as R3 in RIC. R3 means that only 1 example was known to the authors at the time of publication in 2007. That coin resides in New York under the care of the ANS. This means that my coin is not only one of only two known, it is the only one in private hands. So the discovery of this coin means that my coin is now R2 (very few examples known).
The addition of this coin to my collection now means that I am privileged to own 4 left-facing Domitian denarii. I will, however, continue to look for more.
Domitian AR Denarius 88 CE September 14-December 31
(3.14g)
Obv: Head laureate left; IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC; All within laurel wreath
RIC 605 (R3)
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| A Very Rare Cistophorus Of Domitian
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 10/08/2020 10:57 pm
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Many thanks Bob for the always kind comments.
@jasongor
Thanks. The toning is actually even nicer with the coin in hand. When looking for this on coins you have to be careful. Not all coin photos are equal. I find Heritage to be pretty good as well as CNG and Roma Numismatics. However, there are many auction houses that take lousy photos. If you have a specific coin type in mind let me know and I would be happy to do a search or 2 for you and provide my honest opinion. |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| A Very Rare Cistophorus Of Domitian
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 10/08/2020 9:26 pm
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Until this purchase I had no Cistophori of Domitian. I bought one for Titus a while ago but had not found a Domitian example that I liked. I saw this one and decided to try to get it. This is a very rare coin. There are types of Cistophori for Domitian that are quire common, but not this one. A cistophorus is a large silver coin (over 10g), with a value of 3 denarii. Funny thing is I won this coin for about the price of 3 ordinary Domitian denarii. A nice bit of synergy there. This coin was graded vf. If you watch the Heritage auctions you will notice a pattern very quickly. Anything graded AU or MS will sell for very high prices with much competition among bidders. However, coins like this which are below those grades often go unnoticed. This presents certain opportunities to the careful collector. If you know your approximate values for the coins you are seeking you can sometimes get a real bargain while others are fighting among themselves after the AU and MS coins.
When I first saw this example I was captivated by the portrait. It is a rather sympathetic portrait for a ruler that would be dead not long after this coin was struck. However, the reverse was what captured the most of my attention. There is a cistophorus of Clavdivs with the same reverse. They Flavians often used reverse types from earlier emperors. It is not mistake that Avgvstvs is featured on the reverse. The message to the citizens is clear; the Flavian emperors are the rightful inheritors of the empire from those who went before. The other message is that the citizens can expect the same prosperity and good rule that happened in these earlier golden days of Rome.On the reverse you can see Roma crowning Avgvstvs. The implication is that the successful and hearty spirit of Rome is also crowning Domitian. Who would not love such a blatant yet beautiful piece of propaganda.
Domitian AR Cistophorus 95 CE
(26mm 6h)
Obv: laureate head of Domitian right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS
Rev: Distyle temple inscribed ROM ET AVG containing figure of Augustus, standing facing, spear in right hand, being crowned with right hand by female figure of Roma (on right), cornucopia in left hand
RIC 854
NGC VF
2020 September 9-10 Wednesday & Thursday World & Ancient Coins Weekly Online Auction #232037 Lot #62175
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Grail Coin Acquired Ivdea Devicta
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 08/24/2020 6:52 pm
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Quite right Bob! The error has been corrected. Thanks for catching this and thanks for the positive comments.
Oh and Bob, if you think I have been chipping away at grail coins lately you will like what I will post in a few days...2 denarii of Vespasian unlisted in RIC 2007! One of them is known from only 2 specimens including mine! |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| What Would You Say About This Denarius
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 08/24/2020 4:43 pm
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Yes that one is a fake. Also these coins do exist with named legions instead of the legion number. I have owned a few over the years. They are not seen very often because they are scarce to rare. Here is a list of a few types of named legions that exist.
CHORTIS SPECULATORUM
IYBICAE
ANTIQUAE
There are others as well but I cannot remember all of them at the moment.
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Grail Coin Acquired Ivdea Devicta
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 08/24/2020 4:37 pm
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Just received this today and I am thrilled to add it to my collection. While this mis listed as a common coin I would probably call it scarce. However that does not mean that they appear on the open market very often. When they do appear they command a high price. This is because of the historical events associated with this coin.
What is so special about yet another denarius of Vespasian? Take a look at the reverse. You will see Judea with hands bound with a palm tree. Fairly common IVDEA CAPTA type right? Nope. The reverse legend is the rather strong statement: IVDEA DEVICTA.
Here is another interesting fact, this coin was not struck in Rome like the very common RIC 2 we have all seen before with Judea and the trophy of arms besides. This coin was only struck in Lyon (Lugdunum). As a provincial issue I think the message is fairly clear: do not mess with the power of Rome or else. Minted early in Vespasian's reign I believe this coin was both a way of trumpeting a significant victory to the populous of Rome and the provinces ( a propaganda piece), and a not so subtle warning.
There is another interesting fact concerning this issue. Many of them are fourees. The reason is unknown When I ordered this coin it looked solid and I am happy to report that mine is not a fouree.
Look at this grumpy portrait. I love it! I am also a fan of the standing IVDEA rather than the more common seated version.
Vespasian AR Denarius. Lugdunum. 71 CE
(16.5mm 3.04g)
Obv: Head laureate right; IMP CAESAR VESPASIAVS AVG TR P.
Rev: Palm tree; to left Judea standing left; hands bound in front ; IVDEA DEVICTA
RIC 1120; BMC 388; RSC 243
Purchased from INumis August 3, 2020.
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| A Coin Of Vespasian I Never Knew Existed
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 07/17/2020 8:06 pm
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I usually spend an hour or two every night looking for coins others missed or perhaps did not want. I always check the unsold lots from auction houses you never know what you might find.
I will be the first to admit that this is an ugly coin. However, it is also unique so far. This coin is the only one known. I love finding rare Flavian coins and I am always on the lookout for Dattari plate coins. Turns out this coin satisfies both. I have seen and ogled many Alexandrian coins with the Canopic reverses. I find this and other reverses on these coins to be interesting.
It also happens to be the RPC plate coin. As well it is the only example on RPC online.
Just read the history of this coin below in the attribution.
Vespasian Æ Obol of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 7 = AD 74/5. [AYTOK KAIΣ ΣEBA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY], laureate head right / Canopus right; L [Z] (date) in right field. RPC 2446.1 (this coin); Dattari (Savio) 373 (this coin); Emmett 219. 4.47g, 22mm, 12h.
Extremely Rare; the only known example.
This coin published in A. Savio, Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 1999);
This coin published in A. Burnett, M. Amandry, I. Carradice, Roman Provincial Coinage, vol. II (London and Paris, 1999);
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 46, 5 June 2018, lot 406;
Ex Naville Numismatics 28, 22 January 2017, lot 314;
Ex Dattari Collection, formed in Egypt prior to 1901.
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Rare Vespasian Denarius
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 06/21/2020 12:15 pm
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Now this is an unusual denarius for Vespasian. The portrait is similar to the spanish mint denarii of his predecessor Vitellius. This coin is interesting for another reason. Take a look at the reverse legend. This legend only occurs on 2 denarii for Vespasian RIC 1340 and RIC 1341. In many cases, the left facing portraits for Vespasian are far more rare than the right facing versions. That is not so with this coin. The right facing version is noted as R2 while my coin RIC 1340 is noted as R.
While there are a number of these on ACSearch, when they do appear they generate quite a bit of interest and competition. There were a few of us who wanted this coin.
While the attribution has this coin as uncertain Spanish mint. There is a fair chance it was struck at Tarraco. Since denarii for Vitellius were also struck there and there are connections between the denarii of Vitellius and Vespasian, I think this makes sense.
I absolutely love the portrait style from this rare issue.
Vespasian 69-70 CE AR Denarius Uncertain Spanish mint.
(18 mm 3.10 g,)
Obv: Head laureate left; IMP CAESAR VESPASIANUS AVG
Rev: Victory stg left on globe holding palm; VICTORIA IMP VESPASIANI
RIC 1340 (R)
Ex: Zeus Numismatics Budget Auction 9 June 20 2020, Lot 655
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Superb Portrait Of Domitian
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 05/27/2020 12:00 pm
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Many thanks to all for the kind comments. A special thanks to Bob for posting that photo.
Also, take a look at both photos, the coins are a double die match for each other. This alone would suggest the rarity of this variety. I believe my new coin is the 5th known. |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Superb Portrait Of Domitian
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orfew
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Posted 05/27/2020 01:16 am
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Won this one in the last CNG sale. Note the Lituus beneath the triangular frame on the reverse. The normal reverse does not use a Lituus. In the first year of Domitian's reign, designs from the denarii of Titus were reused. In fact, on the Titus type with the triangular frame on the reverse there are also rare variants with the Lituus. I say variants because there are 3 different reverse variations. One has 3 palmettes on the triangular frame, one has five, and one has nine. So far I have 2 of these varieties and both have a Lituus.
This rare variant of RIC 3 for Domitian will be published in the upcoming addenda to RIC II Part 1. It so happens that I already have an example of this coin. In fact, I submitted this first example of mine as a new variety, and it was published in Koinon 1 2018 p.147.
This second example of mine is an upgrade to my first example. IMHO the portrait is excellent. I like that you can see Domitian's beard. This coin has an interesting history as well It was part of what CNG called "The Benito Collection". The name Benito was also used by the collector on Forum Ancient coins. In fact you can still find some of his collection under that name in the Forum galleries.
Here is a link to a forum thread about him. He was a career diplomat and rose to the level of ambassador to several countries. In addition he also worked on archaeological digs.
I am thrilled to add this interesting coin once owned by this interesting man.
Domitian. AD 81-96. AR Denarius
(17.5mm, 3.47 g, 6h). Rome mint.
Struck 13 September-31 December AD 81.
Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAESAR DOMITANVS AVG
Rev: Pulvinar (throne) of Jupiter and Juno: square seat, draped, with tassels: it has a triangular frame on it, on which are three vertical bars on each side and one palmette in center, there is a lituus under the triangular frame; TR P COS VII.
RIC II.1 3 (Var); RSC 554a.
Light tone over hairlined surfaces. Good VF.
From the Benito Collection.
CNG electronic auction 468 Lot 411
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