Augustus, 27 B.C.-14 A.D.

AR Cistophorus, 11.87g. 30mm.  Ephesus, c.25-20 B.C. IMP CAESAR.  Bare head of Augustus to right.  Rev. AVGVSTVS.  Two deer standing in front of an altar decorated with garlands, wreaths, and festoons.   RPC 2215. Banti/Simonetti 331(this coin). Sutherland 371a and plate IX(this coin).   Some double striking and possible evidence of over-striking.  Fine style and toned.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: H. Otto collection, Hess, Lucrne, Auction 207, 1931, lot 919.
Ex: Niggeler Collection, Bank Leu and Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction part 2, October 21-22, 1966, lot 1026 (for bio see: https://www.coin.com/indexes/?find=2672) 
Ex: Auctiones, Basel, Auction 7, 1977, lot 657.

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Extremely Fine $7,500.

Augustus, 27 B.C.-14 A.D. ex: MM, 1977

AR Denarius, 3.82g. 19mm. Uncertain Eastern mint, c.17 B.C. CAESAR. Bare-head of Augustus to right surrounded by an oak wreath. Rev. AVGVST. Candelabrum ornamented with rams ' heads and crescent; patera and bucrania within wreath. RIC 540. BMC 684. The portrait is struck in very high relief and with unusually good centering; attractive light toning.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction 53, November 29, 1977, lot 253.

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Extremely Fine $12,500.

Augustus, 27 B.C.-14 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.81g. 15.5mm.  Uncertain Spanish mint, c.17-16 B.C.  Bare head of Augustus to right.  Rev. AVGVSTVS.  Capricorn to right holding globe and rudder.  RIC 126. BMC 346. Magnificent portrait of fine style in high relief and with a wonderfully detailed reverse; attractive light toning. 

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 21, May 17, 2001, lot 356
Ex: Alba Longa collection, Aureo and Calico, Barcelona, Auction 339, November 14, 2019, lot 1164.

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Extremely Fine $13,500.

Augustus, 27 B.C.-14 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.77g. 20mm. Lugdunum, 15 B.C. DIVI F AVGVSTVS. Bare head of Augustus to right. Rev. IMP X in exergue. Bull butting to right. RIC 167a. BMC 451. Giard 19. graffiti in field to left on rev. Fine style and excellent strike in high relief; old collection toning.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Dr. Walter Stoecklin collection, Amriswil, Switzerland, pre 1975, Nomos, Zurich, Auction 14, 2017, lot 318.

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about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $3,750.

Nero, 54-68 A.D. As Caesar under Claudius

AR Denarius, 3.67g. 18mm. Struck as Caesar under Claudius, 50-54 A.D. Lugdunum mint. NERONI CLAVDIO DRVSO GERM COS DESIGN. Bare-headed and draped bust of the young Nero to right. Rev. EQVESTER ORDO PRINCIPI IVVENT on shield with spear behind. RIC 79. Von Kaenel, Type 53; small flan flaw at 7:00 reverse by edge. Scarce and with an unusually full legend.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Hess-Divo, Auction 329, Zürich, November 17, 2015, lot 144
Ex: DNW, Auction A3, London, September 27, 2007, lot 2551

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good Very Fine $3,950.

Civil War, Rhine Legions, May/June 68 A.D.

AR Denariuis, 3.46g. 17mm.  SALVS GENERIS HVMANIS.  Victory holding wreath and plam standing left on globe.  Rev. S P Q R within wreath.  Martin 77.  BMC 34.  RIC 72.   Lovely old cabinet toning.

Provenance/Pedigrees:
Ex: Nomos, Zurich, Auction 9, 2014, lot 221
Ex: Christian Gollnow collection, Leu, Zurich, Auction 9, 2021, lot 1088.

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about Extremely Fine $5,000.

Civil War, Rhine Legions, May- December 68 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.56g. 18mm.  ROMA RESTITVTA.  Helmeted head of Roma to right.  Rev. IVPPITER LIBERATOR.  Jupiter seated to left holding scepter and thunderbolt.  Martin 20. RIC 62.  BMC 19.  A few light scratches.   Toned and rare.

Provenance/Pedigrees:
Ex: Christian Gollnow collection from Harlan Berk in 1993, Leu, Zurich, Auction 9, 2021, lot 1148.

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Very Fine $2,500.

Galba, 68-69 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.52g. 19mm. Rome, c. July 68-January 69 A.D.  IMP SER GALBA AVG. Laureate head of Galba to right. Rev. SALVS GEN HVMANI. Female figure standing left holding rudder in left hand and with her right foot on a globe; she sacrifices with patera over altar. RIC 171. BMC 39. BN_.  Lightly toned.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Numismatica Ars Classica, Zurich, Auction 23, March 19, 2002, lot 1500.

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about Extremely Fine $6,500.

Otho, Jan. 15- Mid April, 69 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.45g. 17mm. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P. Bare head of Otho to right. Rev. SECVRITAS P R. Securitas standing to left holding wreath and scepter. RIC 8. BMC 18. BN 10. Fine style and with deep old collection toning.  This coin is from one of the most important collections of portrait denarii ever assembled. 

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Baldwin collection, Glendining,  London, Auction November 20-21, 1969, lot 56 (sold then for £230). 

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Extremely Fine $16,000.

Domitian, 81-96 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.61g. 18.5mm. Rome, c.82-83 A.D.  IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M.  Laureate head of Domitian to right.  Rev.  IVPPITER CONSERVATOR.  Eagle standing to l with spread wings on a winged thunderbolt.  RIC 144.  Luster under fine toning.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Tkalec, Zurich, Auction May 7, 2009, lot 130.

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Mint State $3,750.

Trajan, 98-117 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.31g. 20mm. Rome, c.107 A.D. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P.  Laureate head of Trajan to right with drapery on far shoulder.  Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI. Spes walking to left holding flower and skirt.  RIC 127. BMC 319. Woytek 266b. Luster under light toning and struck on a broad flan.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Lanz, Munich, Auction 147, 2009, lot 316.

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Extremely Fine $1,300.

Trajan, 98-117 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.26g. 18mm.  Rome, 102 A.D.  IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM.  Laureate bust of Trajan to right.  Rev. P M TR P COS III P P.  Victory standing to right on prow holding palm and wreath; serpent below.  RIC 59. Woytek 123b. Lovely toning. 

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Goldberg, Los Angeles, Auction 80, June 3, 2014, lot 3147.

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Extremely Fine $1,500.

Hadrian, 117-138 A.D. REST. GALLIAE

AR Denarius, 3.20g. 18mm. Rome, 130-138 A.D. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. Laureate head of Hadrian to right. Rev. RESTITVTORI GALLIAE. Hadrian on left wearing toga and extending his hand to the kneeling Gallia. RIC II.3 1573v. BMC 880v. Exceptional quality for this scarce issue and with a particularly clear head of Hadrian on the reverse which is struck in high relief. Normally the emperor holds a small scroll in his left hand, but that is not shown on this die.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: UBS, Zurich, Auction 55, September 16, 2002, lot 1935
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 87, October 8, 2015, lot 250.

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Extremely Fine $3,500.

Hadrian, 117-138 A.D. AEGYPTOS

AR Denarius, 3.35g.  18mm. Rome, c.130-133 A.D. Hadrian's Travel Series.  HADRIANVS AVG COS IMP PP. Bare head of Hadrian to right.  Rev. AEGYPTOS.  Egypt recling to left holding sistrum and leaning on corn basket; ibis on left.   RIC 1482.  BMC 797.  

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Künker, Auction 27, September 27, 1994, lot 534

 

 

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about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $2,250.

Hadrian, 117-138 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.61g.  20mm. Rome, c.120-121  A.D. CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right.  Rev. P M TR P COS III. Victory standing to right holding trophy. RIC 398. BMC 217.  Attractive old collection toning.

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Extremely Fine $1,200.

Sabina, c.129 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.35g. 18mm. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG PP. Draped bust of Sabina to right. Rv. CONCORDIA AVG. Concordia seated to left. RIC 398. Fine style and lovely toning.

Ex: Baldwin's, London, Auction4 7: 2006, lot 192.

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Extremely Fine/Very Fine $1,000.

Diva Faustina I, 141 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.31g. 17mm. Struck under Antoninus Pius. DIVA FAVSTINA. Diademed and draped bust of Faustina to right. Rev. AED DIV FAVSTINAE. Hexastyle temple containing a statue of Faustina; decorative figures on the roof and pediment. RIC 343.  see Nash, pp. 26-27 for temple.   Toned.

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about Extremely Fine $325.

Lucius Verus, 161-169 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.20g. 17mm.  Rome, 163/164 A.D.  L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS.  Bare head of Verus to right.  Rev.  TRP IIII IMP II COS II. Helmeted Mars with spear and shield standing to right.   RIC 515.  BMC 282.  Toned.

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Extremely Fine $1,000.

Faustina II, wife of Marcus Aurelius, 147-176 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.35g. 18mm. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA.  Draped bust of Faustina II to right.  Rev. SAECVLI FELICIT.   The infants Commodus and Antoninus seated on a draped throne.  RIC 711.  BMC 136.  Lightly toned.

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Extremely Fine $650.

Faustina II, wife of Marcus Aurelius

AR Denarius, 3.12g. 17.5mm. c.161-164 A.D. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA. Draped bust of Faustina to right with her hair tied behind her head with a beaded cord. Rev. FECVND AVGVSTA. Faustina standing holding two infants; two children at her feet. RIC 676. BMC 90. MIR 10-4/10a. Fine style portrait in high relief; lustrous with highlights of light amber toning.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Gorny & Mosch, Auction 253, Munich, March 5, 2018, lot 639

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Mint State $950.

Faustina II, wife of Marcus Aurelius, 147-176 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.43g. 18mm.  c.161-164 A.D. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA. Draped bust of Faustina to right with her hair tied behind her head with a beaded cord. Rev. FECVND AVGVSTA. Faustina standing holding two infants; two children at her feet. RIC 676. BMC 90. MIR 10-4/10a. Toned with amber highlights.

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Extremely Fine $450.

Didia Clara, daughter of Didius Julianus, 193 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.30g. 17mm. DIDIA CLARA AVG. Draped bust of Didia Clara to right. Rev. HILAR TEMPOR. Hilaritas standing to left holding palm branch and cornucopia. RIC 10. Scarce and with attractive old collection toning.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction 66, October 23, 1984, lot 680.
Ex: Credit Suisse, Monetarium, List 43, March 1985, lot 152.

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Very Fine $2,850.

Septimius Severus, 193-211 A.D. Divus issue

AR Denarius, 3.59g. 19mm.  Divus issue, struck under Caracalla, c.211 A.D. DIVO SEVERO PIO.  Head of Septimius to right.  Rev. CONSECRATIO.  with wreath and footstool. Empty throne with wreath and footstool.  RIC 191E. BMC 423, 25.  Rare and with exceptional detail on a full flan. Brilliant

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Bankhaus Aufhauser, Munich, Auction 12, 1996, lot 609.

 

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Mint State $2,750.

Caracalla, Aigeai, Cilicia, 215-216 A.D.

AR Tetradrachm, 13.31g. 29mm. Struck in Aigeai, Cilicia, Dated: year 262=215/216 A.D. Diademed bust of Asclepius to right; serpent staff to right. Greek inscription," The Antonine City of Aigeai." Rev. Asclepius standing to left holding serpent staff; Telesphorus to left and goat to right. Greek inscription," Of noble and Macedonian origin."

Florian Haymann, Untersuchungen Zur Geschichte und Identitätskonstruktion von Aigeai im Römischen Kilikien (20 v.-280 n. CHR) , 101a.1(this coin listed)= Prieur 723 = SNG Levante 1741 (this coin). H. Bloesch, "Caracalla in Aigeai," in Congresso internazionale di numismatica Roma, 1961, vol. 2: Atti (Rome: 1965), pp. 307-8, pl. 23, 1 var. (date format)= Winterthur museum, G 4535. Gitta Kastner, Munich, Auction 4, November 27, 1973, lot 165 (this coin now in the British Museum= London, 1975, 0930.2 )

The sanctuary of Asclepius in Aigeai was already widely known by the 2nd century and mentioned by Serenus Sammonicus in his Liber Medicinalis. It was considered to be a triad with the Asklepions in Pergamon and Epidauros. Serenus was a tutor to Caracalla and Geta, but he was murdered in 211 during the purge of Caracalla. (Cf. Hayman, p. 157 and note 1085). Caracalla who suffered ill health visited the Askelpion in Pergamon in 214 and perhaps may have visited Aigeai on the same journey giving rise to an occasion for striking this issue.

An unusual and spectacular coin, being the finest of three known and the only example in private hands; attractive collection toning.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Numismatic Fine Arts, Beverly Hills, Auction 16, December 2, 1985, lot 496
Ex: Edoardo Levante collection, published SNG Levante 1741.

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Extremely Fine $20,000.

Plautilla, wife of Caracalla

AR Denarius, 4.17g.(sic). 19mm. Laodicea mint, c. 202 A.D. PLAVTILLAE AVGVSTAE. Draped bust of Plautilla to right with hair arranged in plaits. Rev. CONCORDIAE. Concordia seated to left holding patera and double cornucopia. RIC 370. BMC 734. Lustrous with light toning and of extraordinary quality

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 106, 2018, lot 703

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Mint State $2,500.

Diadumenian, 218 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.14g. 19mm. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN. Draped and cuirassed bust of Diadumenian to right. Rev. PRINC IVVENTVTIS. Diadumenian standing to left holding scepter; two standards to right. RIC 108. Lovely old toning and excellent surfaces.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Florange, Paris, March, 1959

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Extremely Fine $1,750.

Maximinus, 235-238 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.46g., 19.5mm,  April-late 235 A.D. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG.  Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Maximinus to right.  Rev. P M TR P PP.  Emperor standing and facing to left; he holds standard and spear.  RIC 1.  Toned.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Schenk-Behrens, Essen,  Auction, 1982, lot 288

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Extremely Fine/good Very Fine $400.

Diva Paulina, wife of Maximinus I, 235-238 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.74g. 21mm.  DIVA PAVLINA Veiled and draped bust of Diva Paulina to right. Rev. CONSECRATIO.  The apotheosis of Paulina astride a peacock; she carries a scepter in her left hand and raises her right hand.. BMC 127.  RIC 2.   Nearly as struck on a full flan and exceptional; luster under attractive toning.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Dr. Hans Krähenbühl, Bern(1924-2010) and acquired from Bank Leu, Zurich, June 29, 1966.

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Extremely Fine $5,500.

Maximus, 235-238 A.D.

AR Denarius, 3.69g. 19 mm. IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAESAR. Bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Maximus to right. Rv. PIETAS AVG. Sacrificial implements. RIC 154,1. BMC 118(Maximinus). Lustrous and nearly as struck.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: NAC, Auction 114, Zürich, May 6, 2019, lot 784

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Extremely Fine $950.

Maximus, 235-238 A.D.

AR Denarius, 2.38g. 19mm.  MAXIMVS CAES GERM. Bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Maximus to right. Rv. PRINC IVVENTVTIS.  Maximus standing to left holding baton and spear; standards to right. RIC, Maximinus 1. BMC, Maximinus 211-212.  Dark toning.

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Extremely Fine/Very Fine $575.

Trajan Decius, 249-251. Hadrian commemorative

AR Antoninianus, 3.21g. 21mm. DIVO HADRIANO.  Radiate head of Divus Hadrian to right.  Rev. CONSECRATIO.  Eagle with spread wings. RIC 87.   Rare and of unusually good quality for this issue.

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about Extremely Fine/Very Fine $2,250.

Numerian, 283-284 A.D. ex: Sternberg

AE Antoninianus, 3.80g. 22mm. Rome, 283 A.D.  IMP NVMERIANVS AVG. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Numerian to right. Rev. VNDIQVE VICTORES; KAS in exergue.  Emperor standing to left holding globe and scepter. RIC 196,423. Exceptional quality;   lovely reddish-brown patina with traces of silvering.   The reverse legend ("Victory everywhere")  is used here for the first time to proclaim victory over Persia.  

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Frank Sternberg, Zurich, Auction 26, 1992, lot 428. 

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Extremely Fine $850.

Maximianus, 286-310 A.D. Rome mint

AR Argenteus, 3.32g. 18mm. Rome mint, Summer - Autumn 307 A.D. . IMP MAXIMIANVS P F AVG. Larureate head of Maximianus to right. Rv. VIRTVS MILITVM; R S in exergue. Camp gate. RIC VI, 192 (R3). Drost 61c/11(this coin illustrated). Scarce issue from the Rome mint; dark old collection toning

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Monetarium, Credit Suisse, Zurich, List 48, September, 1987, lot 142.
Ex: Kölner Münzkabinett, Cologne, Auction 26, 1988, lot 247.
Ex: Monetarium, Credit Suisse, Zurich, List 51, Spring, 1989, lot 224.

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Extremely Fine $3,500.

Carausius, 286-293 A.D.

AR Antonininaus, 4.54g. London mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Cauarusius to right. Rev. SAECVLI FELICITA. Carausius in military garb standing to right holding spear and shield. RIC V, pt. 2, 153. Some light corrosion spots on obverse. Scarce with nearly full silvering and toned.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: DNW, Auction 146, London, April 25, 2018, lot 65

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about Extremely Fine/Extremely Fine $1,500.

Constantius II, 337-361 A.D.

AR Light Miliarense, 4.31g. 22mm.  Sirmium mint, 351-354 A.D.  D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG.  Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constantius to right.  Rev. FELICITAS ROMANORVM; SIRM in exergue. Constantius and Constantius Gallus in military attire standing under an arch constructed with spiral decorated columns.  RIC VIII, 13; minute scrape on edge at 9:00 obv.  Beautiful old cabinet toning, an exceptional strike, and an important peidgree.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction 8, 1949, lot 976
Ex: Walter Niggeler collection part 3, Bank Leu and Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction, November 2-3,1967, lot 1530
Ex: L. Herold collection, Hess/Divo, Zurich, Auction324, 2013, lot 111.

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Extremely Fine $10,000.

Constantine I, AR Commemorative series

AR  1/3 Siliqua, 0.92g. 12mm.  c.330 A.D under Constantine I.  Constantinopole mint. Draped bust of Constantinopolis to right wearing pearl diadem with semicircular extension and pearl necklace.    Rev. Large K . Bendall, "Anonymous silver", RN 158 (2002), Type 4. Cohen 287 (Constantine II). Ramskold, Coins and medallions (2011), p. 144, fig. 11A (this coin). Faint hairline flan crack at 1:00 obv.   

The K is the Greek letter "kappa" for Constantinople.   This type was struck for celebrations at Constantionple during the reign of Constantine I but may have continued for some time.  These coins were probably distributed to the crowds. 

Lovely dark toning and an exceptional example. 

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Lars Ramskold collection, Stockholdm
Ex: Triton, NY, Auction IV, Dec. 5, 2000, lot 704

 

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Extremely Fine $2,500.

Constantius II as Caesar, 324-337 A.D.

AR Siiqua, 3.00g.  19mm.  Constantiniople, c.333 A.D.     No legend.  Diademed head of Constantius II with upward gaze.   Rev.  CONSTANTIVS CAES; CONSS in exergue.  Victory walking to left with palm and wreath.      RIC VII, Adendum, p. 719, 127a variant(form of mintmark).  Lars Ramskold, "The Silver emissions of Constantine I from Constantinopolis, and the celebration of the millennium of Byzantion in 333/334 CE," in Jahrbuch für Numismatik and Geldgeschichte, vol. 68, 2018, p.177, figure 11M, this coin.   Luster under light toning.  Very rare

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Lanz, Munich, Auction 154, June11, 2012, lot 517
Ex: Dr. Lars Ramskold collection

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good Very Fine/Extremely Fine $3,000.

Roman commemorative series

AR 1/3 Siliqua,  1.00g. Constantinople, 1/3 Siliqua, 1.00g., 13mm,  Commemorative Series, c.4th-5th century B.C.,  Helmeted head of Roma to right.  Rev. Large P.    Bendall, "Anonymous Silver", RN 158 (2002), Type 7 and pl. XII, fig. 15. Cohen VII, p. 327, 3.  Trau 3982. 

The P is the Greek letter "rho" for Roma.   This type was struck for celebrations at Constantionple during the reign of Constantine I but may have continued for some time.  These coins were probably distributed to the crowds.   Attractive toning.    

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Auction 225, October 14,  2014,  lot 2488.  
Ex: Collection of Dr. Lars Ramskold, Stockholm.

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Extremely Fine $2,000.

Magnentius, 350-353 A.D.

AR Reduced Miliarense(formerly siliqua), 3.50g. 20 mm. Trier, c.350 A.D. IMP CAE MAGNENTIVS AVG. Bare-headed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Magnentius to right. Rv. VIRTVS EXERCITI. Soldier standing to right holding spear and shield; TR in exergue. RIC 305. Bastien 160,18. Fine old collection toning, an exceptionally sharp strike, and none of the usual cracking and damage.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: NFA, West Hollywood, Auction XVIII, April 1, 1987, lot 579.
Ex: Tkalec and Rauch, Zurich, Auction, November 16, 1987, lot 502.

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Extremely Fine $7,500.