Coins - Freeman & Sear

FUTURE AUCTIONS AND FIXED PRICE LISTINGS: 

NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS 

We are already assembling material for our next auction and 

fixed price list. In order to maintain the quality of such offerings, 

it is vital that we constantly acquire new material by way of both 

outright purchase and consignment. To this end, we always will be receptive 

to offers of quality single coins and collections. We are willing to travel 

anywhere at short notice to view important collections, while smaller groups 

may be forwarded by registered mail or shown to us at major coins shows. 

For more information, please contact Rob Freeman or Dave Michaels 

by telephone at (310) 450-9755 or 

by email at info@freemanandsear.com 

HELIOS NUMISMATIK 

We are pleased to announce the establishment of our German affiliate, 

Helios Numismatik GmbH. The Munich-based firm is an all-service numismatic 

dealership conveniently located in the center of the city within short walking 

distance of the main rail station and S- and U-Bahn stops. 

Helios is under the capable direction of Florian Eggers, 

specializing in ancient coins, who is ably assisted by 

Dr. Robert Stark, concentrating on medieval and modern coins. 

On April 17th and 18th, 2008, Helios will hold its inaugural auction in Munich. 

Consignments for the sale will accepted through mid-January. For details, 

please contact Florian Eggers or Robert Stark at: 

Ottostrasse 5 

80333 München 

Germany 

Tel: ++ 49- (0)89 / 55 27 949-0 

Fax: ++ 49- (0)89 / 55 27 949-10 

Email: info@helios-numismatik.de 

or, alternatively, contact Freeman & Sear 

48 F REEMAN &SEAR F IXED P RICE L IST N O. 13

FIXED PRICE LIST #13 

Winter 2008 

P.O. Box 641352 

Los Angeles, CA 90064-6352 

U.S.A. 

Phone (310) 450-9755 

Fax (310) 450-8865 

E-mail: info@freemanandsear.com 

www.freemanandsear.com 

Banking: 

Bank of America, 19240 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91324 U.S.A. 

Account No. 24406-12725 (Freeman & Sear), ABA No. 0260-0959-3

CONTENTS 

Greek Coins ................Items 1-28 

Thessalian Coins ................29-48 

Roman Coins ..................49-76 

Roman Antoniniani of Provincial Mints 

in the 240s ...................77-96 

Roman Folles of Constantine the Great ...97-116 

Antiquities ..................117-120 

TERMSOFSALE 

1) All coins offered are guaranteed to be genuine 

and correctly attributed. Grading and other 

descriptions of condition represent the personal 

opinion of the cataloguer and no warranty is 

implied therein. 

2) All coins will be sent by insured registered mail 

unless Federal Express is specifically requested. 

Registered mail: Please include $15 for postage, 

insurance and handling. 

Federal Express (no P.O. boxes; street addresses 

only): Please include $35 if shipment is to be 

made to a U.S. address and $60 if outside the 

United States. 

WELCOME! 

We are pleased to present Fixed Price List 13, featuring 

120 outstanding Greek and Roman coins as well as 

select antiquities. In a market where material of the 

highest quality is no longer regularly encountered outside 

of auction, we are delighted to be able to offer so 

many rare, important and otherwise superlative coins 

in a fixed price format. We also have included selections 

from recently acquired groups of Thessalian silver, 

third century antoniniani of Antioch and other 

provincial mints, and folles of Constantine the Great. 

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: 

www.freemanandsear.com 

We urge all our clients to visit our website. Color 

images and enlargements of all items in Fixed Price 

List 13 are posted there. Simply select the pull-down 

menu category “Fixed Price List” on the search engine 

to access all coins and objects from the list; alternatively, 

you may enter 'fpl13” (no spaces) in the keyword 

field and use the pull-down menu to narrow your 

search to specific areas of interest (i.e. Magna Graecia, 

Roman Republic, etc.). The list is also accessible in 

PDF file format by going to the “Auctions & Lists” 

page and clicking on the appropriate links. 

3) Coins purchased and delivered in the State of 

California are subject to sales tax at the applicable 

rate (this will vary according to the tax district 

where the item is delivered). However, total 

coin purchases at or exceeding $1,000 are 

exempt from this tax, as are purchases made by 

those who have filed a valid California resale permit 

with Freeman & Sear. Antiquities are not 

exempt from tax unless purchased by a non- 

California resident and delivered outside of 

California. 

4) New customers are requested to send payment 

with order. 

5) Postage, handling and insurance are at the 


ACQUISITIONS AND CONSIGNMENTS 

As will be apparent from the material offered herein, 

we have been very aggressive buyers of collections 

these past months. We are always keen to acquire top 

level ancient coins and are prepared to pay retail prices 

for particularly exceptional material. Should you have a 

high quality collection or individual coins for sale, 

please contact Rob Freeman or Dave Michaels at our 

offices. Alternatively, you might wish to consider submitting 

coins to one of our auctions. We are able to 

offer very competitive consignment terms, international 

exposure and expert cataloguing, as well as the high 

production values our clients have come to associate 

with Freeman & Sear catalogs. Consignments for our 

Mail Bid 15 will be accepted until March 1st, 2008. 

Please contact us for details. 

AUCTION ATTENDANCE 

It is our policy to attend the principal auctions of 

ancient coins worldwide. If you would like to have professional 

representation of the highest caliber at these 

sales, we would be happy to provide this service. 

Please contact us for further information. 

expense of the buyer and all related charges will 

be added to the invoices for all lots delivered by 

mail. Foreign purchasers are advised to comply 

with all customs regulations. Freeman & Sear 

decline any responsibility for consequences arising 

from contravention of such regulations. 

6) We accept payment by check, money order, wire 

transfer, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Checks 

and money orders should be in U.S. dollars only 

and made payable to Freeman & Sear. Residents 

outside the United States must also submit payment 

in U.S. dollars, i.e. checks drawn on a U.S. 

bank or, preferably, wired directly to our bank: 

Bank of America, 19240 Nordhoff Street, 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

We regularly attend most major coin shows in the 

United States. We will have a table at the following 

shows in the coming months and look forward to seeing 

you at one of these venues: 

Long Beach Coin & Collectibles Expo: 

Thursday - Saturday, February 14-16, 2008 

Long Beach Convention Center, 100 South Pine 

Avenue (also May 29-31) 

Santa Clara Coin & Collectibles Expo: 

Thursday - Sunday, April 10-13, 2008 

Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America 

Parkway (also November 13-16) 

Chicago International Coin Fair: 

Thursday - Sunday, April 24-27, 2008 

Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare, 5440 N. River Road 

Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair: 

Coin Dealers Section 

Thursday - Monday, April 24-28, 2008 

The Merchandise Mart, Chicago 

San Francisco Historical Bourse: 

Saturday - Sunday, May 23-24, 2008 

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, 1500 Van Ness Avenue 

Northridge, CA 91324 USA 

Account no.: 24406-12725 

Account Name: Freeman & Sear 

ABA no.: 0260-0959-3 

SWIFT CODE: BOFAUS3N 

7) Any order may be returned within seven (7) days 

from the date of receipt if not entirely satisfactory, 

provided it is returned in precisely the same 

condition as when shipped by Freeman & Sear. 

We request that the buyer inform us of his intention 

to return an order (by email, fax or telephone) 

prior to initiating the shipment. 

8) Title does not pass until lots are paid for in full. 

F REEMAN &SEAR F IXED P RICE L IST N O. 13 3

GREEK Coins 

enlargement 

1. CELTIC GAUL. Parisii. Ca. 100–52 BC. Gold stater (7.06 gm). Celticized head right, wearing stylized laurel wreath, 

vegetative tendrils before face, curving row of wolves’ teeth and dots below neck truncation / Celticized horse left, in 

field above triangular net with square weave and a dot in each square, under belly dotted rosette rising from stylized 

plant. Colbert de Beaulieu, Parisii, Class V, fig. 18, 50 (same dies). BN 7777. Scheers, Seine-Maritime, 386. 

Delestrée Vol. I, pl. v, DT 83 (there dated 2nd century BC). Rare. A beautiful example of this desirable stater. 

Extremely fine $50,000 

enlargement 

2. LUCANIA. Heraclea. Ca. 281–278 BC. Silver drachm (3.81 gm). Head of Athena three-quarters right in triplecrested 

helmet ornamented above visor with double-tailed Scylla throwing rock, HPA monogram between left crest 

and head / Owl standing three-quarters right on club, olive branch to right, magistrates’ abbreviated names ΑΡΙΣΤΟ 

on left and HA to left of club. Van Keuren 118. HN Italy 1415. Vlasto 1104 (listed as an issue of Tarentum). With a 

lovely iridescent tone. Nearly extremely fine $4,250 

3. Metapontum. Ca. 350–340 BC. Silver stater (7.90 gm). Head of Demeter right, curly hair rolled, wearing triplependant 

earring and pearl necklace / META, barley ear with leaf on right, ΖΩ above leaf. AMB 145 (this coin). Noe 

507. HN Italy 1538. Displaying a magnificent head of Demeter. Die break affecting lower portion of barley ear. Good 

very fine $5,500 

Ex Ludwig Collection, Antikemuseum Basel (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998, lot 145). 


enlargement 

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4. Ca. 332–331 BC. Gold third stater (tetrobol) (2.61 gm). NIKA, head of goddess three-quarters right, wearing ampyx 

about which her hair is rolled, long locks falling loose around neck / ΜΕΤΑΠΟΝ barley ear with leaf on right. 

Johnston G3 (same dies). Kraay-Hirmer 245 (same obverse die). HN Italy 1629. Rare. Nearly extremely fine $12,500 

Ex David Herman Collection; ex Leu 76, 17 October 1999, lot 9; ex Münzen und Medaillen 32, 20 October 1966, lot 

20. 

In her commentary on this gold issue, Anne Johnston submitted that the obverse inscription does not necessarily identify 

the female head as that of Nike, as Nika may have been an epithet of Demeter. Johnston felt unable to date the issue 

precisely, but suggested very tentatively that it might belong to the second phase of the campaign of Alexander the 

Molossian. The Epirote king went to Sicily in 334 at the request of the Tarentines, who sought protection from the 

Lucani and other barbarians pressing outward from the interior of Italy. In his initial campaign Alexander had considerable 

success in pacifying Apulia. Before starting the second phase of his campaign he allied with Metapontum. After 

this Alexander ceased to behave as a mercenary commander and began to amass conquests for himself as head of a 

league of Greek cities, following the examples of Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great. Tarentum, alarmed, withdrew 

its support, leaving a larger role for Alexander’s other allies. Various coin types, possibly including the present one, 

suggest that Metapontum felt that its status had reached new heights. But the dreams of glory collapsed when Alexander 

was killed in 331 at the battle of Pandosia. 

5. Velia. Ca. 535–510 BC. Silver drachm (3.90 gm). Forepart of lion right, head facing and viewed from above, tearing 

at stag’s leg / Incuse square, roughly quartered and partially filled. Williams 14 (O.7/R.6). SNG ANS 1204 (same 

dies). HN Italy 1259. Very scarce. Lightly toned. Extremely fine $4,500 

Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection IV (Sotheby’s, New York, 19–20 June 1991, lot 42) . 

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continued 

6. BRUTTIUM. Caulonia. Ca. 525–500 BC. Silver stater (8.25 gm). ΚΑΥΛ nude Apollo striding right, raised right 

hand holding lustral branch, extended left hand supporting daimon running right, holding branch; to right, on separate 

ground line, stag standing right, head reverted / Same type, reversed and incuse, except for daimon and stag’s 

horns, which are rendered by raised outlines. Noe 9. HN Italy 2035. A beautiful example. Of good metal and attractively 

toned $40,000 

Ex Dr. Hagen Tronnier Collection (Künker 94, 27–28 September 2004, lot 194). 

enlargement 

7. Croton. Ca. 530–500 BC. Silver stater (7.85 gm). QPO, tripod-lebes with lion’s feet, two snakes rising from lebes / 

Same type in incuse, except for snakes and rings at top of tripod, which are rendered by raised lines. SNG ANS 230. 

SNG Fitzwilliam 743. HN Italy 2075. Nicely toned. Nearly extremely fine $9,000 

Ex Münzen und Medaillen 79, 28 February–1 March 1994, lot 71. 


enlargement 

8. Ca. 350–300 BC. Silver stater (7.94 gm). Eagle with spread wings standing left on olive branch, AI below / KPO, 

tripod-lebes with high neck ornamented with two snakes, row of pellets, and crescent on top, fillet hanging from right 

handle, Δ in right field (possible traces of M above K below). SNG ANS 363 (same dies). HN Italy 2173. A pleasing 

example struck on a broad flan. Lightly toned. Extremely fine $14,500 

Ex R.P. Pflieger Collection (Vinchon, 13 April 1985, lot 57). 

enlargement 



continued 

9. SICILY. Camarina. Ca. 425–405 BC. Silver tetradrachm (16.94 gm). Signed on the obverse by Exakestidas. Fast 

quadriga driven right by helmeted Athena, above Nike flying left to crown her, two prize amphorae in exergue, die 

engraver’s signature ΕΞΑΚΕΣΤΙΔΑΣ in tiny letters on exergual line / KAMAPINAION, head of young Heracles left 

in lion skin headdress. Westermark and Jenkins 149 (O8/R15). An exquisite specimen and undoubtedly one of the 

finest known. Light deposits at top of obverse. Lightly toned. Extremely fine $50,000 

Exakestidas, the preeminent die engraver of Camarina, signed two obverse dies on the exergual line. Westermark and 

Jenkins noted that his depiction of the quadriga shows the influence of the great Syracusan artists Euainetus and 

Cimon. But they also credited Exakestidas with “a personal touch. The design is elegant and harmonious and at the 

same time richly varied through the different positions of the horses’ heads and the effective rendering of the legs.” 

Exakestidas signed only one reverse die, Westermark and Jenkins R13. However, the following two unsigned reverses are 

clearly recognizable as his work. Exakestidas introduced the type of a young, beardless Heracles to the coinage of 

Camarina. The style is delicate, with much graceful movement in the fine locks of the lion’s mane, and charming details 

such as the lion’s eyelashes and sharp claws. Special attractions unique to R15, the die of our coin, are the fine hairs 

within the lion’s ear and the rendering of the sideburn, which mirrors the patterns of the lion’s mane. 

enlargement 


10. Leontini. After ca. 455/50 BC. Silver tetradrachm (16.80 gm). Laureate head of Apollo right / LE—O–NT—IN— 

ON, head of roaring lion right, four barley grains around. Dewing 626 (same dies). Boehringer, Studies Price, 38 (same 

obverse die). Small die flaw on chin of Apollo. Extremely fine $5,750 

Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XVIII, Part I, 31 March 1987, lot 35. 

Despite their somewhat archaic appearance, the exotic mannered Apollo heads of Leontini must be dated after ca. 

455/50 BC, because they were not represented in the Randazzo hoard. The eight dies of this style are all the work of a 

single artist. Boehringer, following D. Metzler, observes that the style is not really Greek and suggests the influence of an 

indigenous feeling for form. 

enlargement 

11. SICULO-PUNIC COINAGE. People of the Camp. Ca 300–289 BC. Silver tetradrachm (17.08 gm). Head of young 

Heracles right in lion skin headdress / Punic inscription ‘mhmchnt, horse head left, club before, palm tree behind. 

Jenkins Series 5a, 286 (O91/R235). Die break on cheek of Heracles. Extremely fine $6,500 

Ex Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid Sale 72,14 June 2006, lot 181. 

enlargement 



continued 

12. MACEDONIA. Chalcidian League. Ca. 355–353 BC. Silver tetradrachm (14.41 gm). Laureate head of Apollo 

right / Χ—A—Λ—ΚΙΔ—ΕΩΝ cithara, tiny Δ—Ε between crossbars above letter A, magistrate’s signature ΕΠΙ 

ΤΙΜΑΡΧΟΥ beneath cithara. Robinson and Clement 97 (A64/P884). SNG ANS 503 (same obverse die). Lightly 

toned. Nearly extremely fine / extremely fine $15,000 

Eleven different magistrates signed the coinage of the Chalcidian League. Robinson and Clement assigned a term of 

three years to each of them, in order to stretch the coinage to fill a pre-conceived time frame. Current opinion emphasizes 

the use of the preposition ΕΠΙ, which normally designates an eponymous magistrate, that is, the holder of the state’s 

most important magistracy, whose name would subsequently be used to identify the year. The signed Chalcidian League 

issues, then, represent eleven years’ coinage struck in the period preceding the destruction of the league’s capital, 

Olynthus, by Philip of Macedon. The coinage signed by Timarchus was one of the smaller issues, requiring only two 

obverse dies as compared with the three to five employed by other magistrates. 

enlargement 

13. MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Philip II (359–336 BC). Gold stater (8.63 gm). Colophon, under Philip III, ca. 322 

BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, with features of Alexander the Great(?) / ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ fast biga right, tripod below 

horses’ forelegs. Thompson, Studia Naster, 12 (same obverse die). SNG ANS 309. Nearly imperceptible scrape behind 

eye of portrait. Nearly mint state $12,500 

This particular obverse die was employed at both Magnesia on the Meander and Colophon. Its head of Apollo differs 

markedly in style from any other in the gold stater coinage of Philip II. Some numismatists have identified a cryptic 

portrait of Alexander the Great. It is true that the facial features, especially the long nose with its slightly down-turned 

tip, strongly recall the Azara herm in the Louvre. But the most characteristic feature of Alexander’s portraits, the anastolé 

or arching lock of hair above his forehead, is missing here. The posthumous revival of gold staters of Philip II was 

intended to win support for the accession and rule of Alexander’s half-brother, Philip III Arrhidaeus, by reviving the 

memory of Philip II and reminding the recipients that Arrhidaeus was also his son. 


14. Alexander III, the Great (336–323 BC). Gold stater (8.49 gm). Abydus, 303/2 BC. Head of Athena right in 

crested Corinthian helmet with coiled serpent device, wearing pearl necklace / ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡ[ΟΥ] Nike standing left, 

holding wreath in extended right hand and stylis in left, ME monogram in outer left field, scallop shell under left 

wing. Price 1559. As Thompson 361, 362b, 363–365, 369–372a, but this die not illustrated. A pleasing extremely 

fine $4,750 

15. KINGS OF THRACE. Lysimachus (323–281 BC). Gold stater (8.45 gm). Uncertain mint. Diademed head of the 

deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, extended right 

hand supporting Nike who crowns royal name, left elbow resting on shield propped against throne, transverse spear in 

background. Thompson —. Müller —. For style, cf. Thompson 47 (tetradrachm). Extremely fine $6,750 

14. 

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13. 

enlargement 

15. 

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GREEK Coins continued 

16. THESSALY. Cierium. Ca. 350 BC. Silver stater (11.88 gm). Laureate head of Zeus right / [ΚΙΕΡΙΕΙΩΝ], 

Asclepius seated left on rock, holding staff in left hand, before him tree with snake twined around trunk. Traité IV 

508, pl. 289, 21 (same dies). The other two extant examples are: Hess-Leu 45, 12–13 May 1970, lot 161, and CNG 

57, 4 April 2001, lot 282, both from the same dies as this specimen. Cf. Traité IV 507, pl. 289 (Asclepius seated left 

on throne). The finest of four known examples of this type. The reverse struck from a worn die, otherwise extremely 

fine $40,000 

Located in the center of the southern plain of Thessaly, Cierium was home to a venerable sanctuary of Poseidon, and an 

ancient temple of Athena Itonia also lay in the neighborhood. As often happens, the coinage of Cierium attests to additional 

cults not mentioned by ancient authors in connection with the city. Its staters feature a head of Zeus strongly 

influenced by the tetradrachms of Philip of Macedon, reflecting the dominant role played by Philip in the mid-fourth 

century as leader of the Thessalian Confederacy and victor in the Third Sacred War. The reverse depicts the healing god 

Asclepius, whose cult apparently originated in Thessaly, at Tricca, and spread from there to become one of the most 

influential of the Hellenistic world. This charming design has a narrative aspect and must surely allude to a myth, perhaps 

one explaining how the god formed his association with a snake. Asclepius was usually portrayed as a mature, 

bearded man, but a famous statue at Sicyon, by the sculptor Calamis, showed him young and beardless, as here. 

17. BOEOTIA. Federal coinage. Ca. 304–294 BC. Silver drachm (5.86 gm). Boeotian shield ornamented with 

kerykeion / Volute crater flanked by Δ—I, pellet above, all in incuse square. BCD Boiotia 71. BMC Central Greece p. 

34, 24, pl. v, 8. SNG Copenhagen 412 (where the pellet is erroneously described as a lid). Pleasantly toned. Good 

very fine $1,750 

Ex BCD Collection. 

enlargement 

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18. ATTICA. Athens. Ca. 454(?)–415 BC. Silver tetradrachm (16.78 gm). Head of Athena right, wearing necklace, 

round earring, and crested Attic helmet adorned with three olive leaves above visor and vegetative tendril ending in 

palmette on bowl / ΑΘΕ, owl with small eyes and “prong” tail standing right, head facing, olive spray and crescent 

moon behind, all in incuse square. Cf. Starr pl. xxii, 3’ and 8’. Areas of minor porosity. Nearly extremely fine $6,750 

The combination of the owl’s small eyes, an early feature, with its “prong” tail and late treatment of the wings, both 

later features, may place this issue shortly after the end of Starr’s Group V. 

enlargement 

19. 136/5 BC. Silver drachm (4.20 gm). Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing pendant earring and crested Attic 

helmet adorned with Pegasus right above raised ear flap and vegetative tendrils on bowl / A—ΘΕ, owl standing threequarters 

right on fallen amphora, club, lion skin, and bow in case in lower left field, magistrates’ names HPA, API— 

ΣΤΟΦ and ΠΟΛΥ in fields, A on amphora, all within olive wreath. Thompson 341a–b. A wonderful example. Light 

scratches in obverse field before face. Iridescent tone. Nearly extremely fine $3,500 

enlargement 

20. CORINTHIA. Corinth. Ca. 405–345 BC. Silver stater (8.55 gm). Pegasus flying right, koppa below / Head of 

Athena right in Corinthian helmet, serpent behind. Calciati I 222. Nearly extremely fine $1,000 



21. ARGOLIS. Argos. Ca. 350–228 BC. Silver obol (0.78 gm). Wolf’s head left, Θ above / Large A flanked by smaller 

Π—Y, thunderbolt below, all in shallow incuse square. BMC Peloponnesus 95. Light iridescent tone. Extremely fine 

$1,250 

Ex BCD Collection (LHS 96, 8–9 May 2006, lot 1116). 

22. KINGDOM OF PERGAMUM. Attalus I (241–197 BC). Silver tetradrachm (17.11 gm). Struck ca. 241–235 BC. 

Laureate head of Philetaerus right / ΦΙΛΕΤΑΙΡΟΥ, Athena enthroned left, crowning royal name with wreath held in 

right hand, resting left elbow on shield propped against throne, transverse spear in background, ivy leaf in outer left 

field, ΑΘ monogram in inner left field, bow in right field. Westermark V.XXXIX/R2. Meydancikkale 3010 (same 

obverse die). With a marvelous portrait in high relief. A few light marks. Toned. Extremely fine $7,500 

Ex Münzen und Medaillen 68, 15 April 1986, lot 274. 

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23. CARIAN SATRAPS. Hidrieus (351–344 BC). Silver tetradrachm (15.20 gm). Laureate bust of Apollo three-quarters 

right, himation clasped at throat (off flan) / ΙΔΡΙΕΩΣ, Zeus Labraundeus standing right, holding double-bladed 

axe over right shoulder and resting left hand on scepter, tiny E before feet. Traité II 100, pl. xc, 8. SNG Copenhagen 

Suppl. 340. BMC Caria 1. CH IX, pl. 34, 2a (same obverse die?). Tiny planchet flaw above right eye of Apollo. Nicely 

toned. Extremely fine $6,750 

Ex David Herman Collection; ex Numismatica Ars Classica 23, 19 March 2002, lot 1265. 

24. SELEUCID KINGDOM. Antiochus I Soter (281–261 BC). Silver tetradrachm (17.17 gm). Seleucia on the Tigris. 

Diademed head of Antiochus I right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ANT—IXOY, Apollo seated left on omphalos, nude except for 

slight drapery on right thigh, examining arrow held in right hand and resting left hand on grounded bow, AP monogram 

in outer left field, HP monogram in outer right field. SC 379.3a. ESM 149. Possessing an attractive portrait in 

high relief. Small inclusion on bridge of nose. Lightly toned. Extremely fine $3,250 

enlargement 

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25. PHOENICIA. Byblos. Addirmilk (Adramelek) (ca. 352–ca. 340 BC). Silver dishekel (13.23 gm). War galley left 

with prow terminating in lion head, carrying three hoplites with round shields over line of waves, below, in Phoenician 

script, king’s abbreviated name ’k above hippocamp left above murex shell / Phoenician inscription ’drmlk mlk gbl 

(Addirmilk, king of Byblos), lion left attacking bull left. Kraay-Hirmer 685. Betlyon 18 var. (four hoplites in galley). 

Cf. BMC Phoenicia 10 (sixteenth stater). Rare. The tail of the hippocamp a bit weakly struck. Extremely fine $3,500 

enlargement 

26. PTOLEMAIC KINGDOM. Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BC). Gold mnaieion or “octadrachm” (27.75 gm). 

Alexandria. ΑΔΕΛΦΩΝ, jugate busts right of Ptolemy II, diademed and draped, and Arsinoe II, diademed and 

veiled, A above Galatian shield behind heads, double(?) cornucopia under Arsinoe’s chin / ΘΕΩΝ, jugate busts right 

of Ptolemy I, diademed and draped, and Berenice I, diademed and veiled. Svoronos 613. Extremely rare: only one 

cited by Svoronos. Very fine $14,000 

Ptolemy II introduced the gold mnaieion or one-mina piece, with types honoring himself, his sister-wife, and their parents. 

The same types were repeated on half and quarter denominations, worth 50 and 25 silver drachms, respectively. 

The vast majority of the Theon Adelphon gold coins bear no control marks, but there is a rare early series involving three 

letters of the alphabet. The present issue is the only mnaieion of this series. There is a corresponding half denomination 

(Svoronos 614) and also 50-drachm pieces with the letters K or Π under Arsinoe’s chin (Svoronos 618 and 621). 

Svoronos’ interpretation of these letters as dates is now in disrepute. It has also been suggested, very speculatively, that 

the letters may correspond to those on the mnaieia or silver decadrachms in the name of Arsinoe Philadelphus. 


enlargement 

27. Ptolemy III Euergetes (246–222 BC). Gold mnaieion or “octadrachm” (27.58 gm). Ioppe, 245/4 BC. Veiled 

head of the deified Arsinoe II right with ram’s horn, wearing diademed stephane, lotus scepter over far shoulder with 

tip visible above head / ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ ΦΑΙΛΔΕΛΦΟΥ, double cornucopia bound with royal diadem, date Γ (regnal 

year 3) to left of cornucopia’s tip, ΙΟΠ mintmark above Θ to right of tips. Svoronos 1040, pl. xxxii, 21 = BMC 

Ptolemies p. 42, 6. Extremely rare: only one listed by Svoronos. Good very fine $13,500 

The main series of gold mnaieia in the name of Arsinoe Philadelphus emanated from Alexandria. Issues from the 

provincial mints are much scarcer. Ioppe struck only six such emissions. The earliest dates from the twenty-fifth regnal 

year of Ptolemy II—the year of the mint’s opening—and another from his thirty-third year. Under Ptolemy III, mnaieia 

of Arsinoe were struck in regnal years 1, 3, 4, and 6, corresponding to the duration of the Third Syrian War. Very likely 

these extravagant gold coins played a role in financing the Ptolemaic war effort. 

enlargement 

28. Ptolemy IV Philopator (222–205 BC). Gold mnaieion or “octadrachm” (27.77 gm). Alexandria. Bust of the deified 

Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate diadem and aegis, holding trident ornamented with lotus bud over shoulder / 

ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ radiate cornucopia bound with royal diadem, ΔΙ to right of cornucopia’s tip. Svoronos 

1117, pl. xxxvi, 7 (same obverse die). BMC Ptolemies p. 56, 103–104. Rare. Toned around the devices. Good very 

fine $15,000 

The portrait of the deified Ptolemy III on the mnaieia of his son is the most iconographically complex image on 

Ptolemaic coinage. In addition to the crown of rays, trident, and aegis, there are two elements that are usually overlooked. 

The middle prong of the trident terminates in a lotus bud, probably a symbol of Osiris, with whom the dead king 

was automatically identified. The first of the rays appears to emanate not from the diadem but from his head just above 

the hairline. It is elaborated with a series of parallel horizontal bands, giving it a texture like that of a ribbed horn. A 

horn, as an added attribute of the deified king, could serve to identify him with Ammon, Khnum, or other Egyptian gods 

who took the form of a ram. More likely, though, this is just a form of decoration applied to alternating rays, usually 

only visible on the first one because it is less exposed to wear. 


THESSALIAN Coins 

For much of the fifth century Larissa struck coins illustrating the taurokathapsia, a form of bull wrestling performed at 

the Thessalian national festival in honor of Poseidon. This coinage is regarded as federal, because similar types were 

employed by the cities of Pharcadon and Tricca, and by the neighboring tribe of the Perrhaebi. The coins offered below 

were produced over several decades in the latter half of the century. They reflect the rapid evolution of Greek artistic 

style in this period, as well as contrasting conceptions of the bull wrestler. At first he merely walks or runs alongside the 

bull. One die shows him pulling back against the bull, kicking his right leg into the air, while his kausia falls to the 

ground. Designs that portray the bull wrestler in the “heroic diagonal” pose, a borrowing from major sculpture, place 

emphasis on his strength. Another kind of depiction, showing him leaping in the air, expresses grace and agility. A late 

and rather baroque type has the hero flying through the air in a horizontal position, as if pulled along by the speed of 

the bull, creating an aura of excitement and danger. The varieties of this coinage are multiplied by differing details of 

the reverse type: the leaping horse may be free or bridled; the bridle may have triangular ornaments hanging from the 

ends of the bit; the reins may be tied behind the horse’s neck or a single long rein may trail beneath its belly, dividing 

the legend in several ways; and finally the legend itself takes different forms and configurations. It is impossible to gain 

a sense of this lively variety from numismatic literature, because the bull wrestler drachms of Larissa and the federal 

coinage of other Thessalian cities are only weakly represented in the major published collections. 

29. THESSALY. Larissa. Ca. 440 BC. Silver drachm (5.41 gm.). Bull wrestler 

walking left restraining bull leaping left, tall plant before, kausia flying behind 

hero’s neck and cloak falling from his shoulders, short plant between his feet, TO 

in exergue / ΛΑ above, ΡΙΣΑ (retrograde) below, bridled horse with three parallel 

bars on neck leaping right, reins twisted and tied in loop at withers, outline of 

square die visible. Herrmann Group III C, pl. ii, 1. Nearly extremely fine $800 

30. Silver hemidrachm (2.93 gm). Bull wrestler running left restraining forepart of 

bull leaping left, kausia flying behind hero’s neck and cloak hanging from his 

shoulders, TO between his feet / Λ—Α above, P—I below, forepart of bridled 

horse leaping left, reins looped at withers with long end trailing below belly, sandal 

between P and I, outlines of square die faintly visible. Herrmann Group III D, 

pl. ii, 6. Very fine $250 

31. Silver hemidrachm (2.99 gm). Bull wrestler running left restraining forepart of 

bull leaping left, kausia flying behind hero’s neck and cloak hanging from his 

shoulders, uncertain letters (perhaps ΔΠ?) between his legs / Λ—A above, PI 

(retrograde) below, forepart of bridled horse leaping right, reins tightly twisted and 

tied in loop over withers, outline of square die visible. Herrmann Group III C, pl. 

ii, 4. Good very fine $285 

32. Ca. 430–410 BC. Silver drachm (6.02 gm). Bull wrestler standing left, weight 

on left foot and right foot kicking forward, restraining bull leaping left, cloak flying 

behind hero’s shoulder, kausia near ground beneath bull’s belly / ΛΑΡΙ above, 

ΣΑΙΟΝ (retrograde) below, bridled horse with three parallel bars on neck leaping 

right, rein trailing between forelegs and below, crossing letter A, small plant at 

bottom of scene, traces of square die visible. Herrmann Group III E, pl. ii, 7 

(same dies). SNG Copenhagen 101 (same dies). Good very fine $650 

33. Silver drachm (6.05 gm). Bull wrestler standing right on irregular ground line 

in the “heroic diagonal” pose, restraining bull leaping right, kausia and cloak flying 

behind hero’s neck and shoulders / ΛΑΡ above, ΙΣΑΙ below, bridled horse 

leaping right, reins tied in loop at withers, traces of square die visible. Herrmann 

Group III. Cf. SNG Lockett 1560 (same obverse die, in earlier state, but reverse 

legend ΛΑΡ/ΙΣΑ). Die break on forelegs of bull and from a worn reverse die, oth- 

33. 

erwise extremely fine $825 

18 F REEMAN &SEAR F IXED P RICE L IST N O. 13 

29. 

30. 

31. 

32.

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 

34. Silver drachm (5.93 gm). Bull wrestler standing right on irregular ground line 

in the “heroic diagonal” pose, restraining bull leaping right, kausia and cloak flying 

behind hero’s neck and shoulders, three pellets beneath ground line / ΛΑΡΙ 

above, Σ—AIA below, bridled horse leaping right, rein wound around neck and 

trailing beneath belly between letters Σ and A, outlines of square die visible. SNG 

Fitzwilliam 2394. Reverse double struck. Nearly extremely fine $750 

35. Silver drachm (5.88 gm). Bull wrestler standing right on plain exergual line in 

the “heroic diagonal” pose, restraining bull leaping right, kausia and cloak flying 

behind hero’s neck and shoulders / ΛΑΡ above, ΙΣΑΙΑ below, bridled horse with 

three parallel bars on neck leaping right, reins tied in loop with double crossbar at 

withers, traces of square die visible. Herrmann Group III F, pl. iii, 1. Struck on a 

compact flan. Nearly extremely fine $775 

The horse is of idiosyncratic style, with a large, leaf-shaped ear, narrow muzzle, and 

extremely long mouth. 

36. Silver drachm (5.89 gm). Bull wrestler standing right on plain exergual line in 

the “heroic diagonal” pose, restraining bull leaping right, kausia and cloak flying 

behind hero’s neck and shoulders / ΛΑΡ above, ΙΣΑΙΑ below, bridled horse with 

three parallel bars on neck leaping right, reins tied in loop with double crossbar at 

withers, traces of square die visible. Herrmann Group III F, pl. iii, 1. From same 

obverse die as preceding, but the horse is of normal style. Good very fine $650 

37. Silver drachm (5.92 gm). Bull wrestler leaping left, holding horns of bull leaping 

left, kausia and cloak flying behind hero’s head and shoulders / ΛΑΡΙ above, 

Σ—AIA below, bridled horse leaping right on exergual line, rein tied behind neck 

and trailing under belly between letters Σ and A, traces of square die visible. 

Herrmann Group III H, pl. iii, 19. Cf. Boston 887 and SNG Lockett 1564 (both 

with bull wrestler of later style). Die break on lower left leg of hero. Extremely fine 

$825 

38. Silver drachm (5.99 gm). Bull wrestler leaning left, restraining bull leaping 

left, kausia and cloak flying behind hero’s neck and shoulders / ΛΑΡ above, I 

(placed sideways) before, [Σ]ΑΙ (retrograde) below, bridled horse leaping right, 

rein wound round neck and trailing under belly with sinuous motion, outline of 

square die partially visible. Herrmann Group III. Possibly an unpublished variant. 

Good very fine $650 


left, kausia and cloak flying behind hero’s neck and shoulders / ΛΑΡΙ above, 

ΣΑΙΑ below, bridled horse with two parallel bars on neck leaping right on exergual 

line, reins tied in twist at back of neck, grasshopper right below, outline of 

square die partially visible. Dewing 1390 (same dies). Nearly extremely fine $800 


left, kausia and cloak flying behind hero’s head and shoulders / ΛΑΡΙ above, 

Σ—AIA below, bridled horse leaping right, rein tied behind neck and trailing 

under belly between letters Σ and A, faint traces of square die visible. Herrmann 

Group III H, pl. iii, 19. Boston 887. SNG Lockett 1564. Light grafitti below horse. 

Extremely fine $825 


THESSALIAN Coins continued 

41. Silver drachm (5.87 gm). Bull wrestler with head in three-quarters view standing 

right in the “heroic diagonal” pose, restraining bull leaping right, kausia and 

cloak flying behind hero’s shoulders / ΛΑΡ above, ΙΣΑΙΑ below, bridled horse 

with three parallel bars on neck leaping right, reins tied in loop with crossbar at 

withers. Cf. Traité IV 665, pl. ccxcvi, 21 (same obverse die, but horse leaping left 

on reverse). Good very fine /very fine $600 

42. Silver drachm (5.73 gm). Bull wrestler with head in three-quarters view standing 

right in the “heroic diagonal” pose, restraining bull leaping right, kausia and 

cloak flying behind hero’s shoulders / [Λ]ΑΡ above, [Ι]ΣΑ (inverted) below, bridled 

horse leaping right, reins tied in loop with two crossbars behind neck, traces 

of square die visible. Herrmann Group III G, pl. iii, 4. Traité IV 662, pl. ccxcvi, 

19 (same dies). Good very fine $650 

43. Pharcadon. Mid-fifth century BC. Silver hemidrachm (2.76 gm). Bull 

wrestler right restraining forepart of bull leaping right, kausia and cloak flying 

behind hero’s head and shoulders / Φ—A—P (sideways)—ΚΑΔΙ (inverted)—OI 

arranged in square around horse forepart leaping right, outline of square die visible. 

SNG Copenhagen 210 (same dies). Areas of light porosity. Toned. Good very 

fine $250 

44. Silver hemidrachm (2.94 gm). Bull wrestler right restraining forepart of bull 

leaping right, kausia behind hero’s neck, cloak flying behind shoulders / Φ—A— 

P (sideways)—KA (inverted)—ΔΟ arranged in square around forepart of horse 

leaping right, outlines of square die visible. Boston 918 (same dies). Very fine 

$250 

45. Silver hemidrachm (2.71 gm). Bull wrestler right in the “heroic diagonal” 

pose, restraining forepart of bull leaping right, hero’s kausia and cloak flying 

behind his neck and shoulders / Φ—A—P (sideways)—[K]—ΑΔ (inverted) 

around three sides of forepart of horse leaping right, outlines of square die partially 

visible. Cf. SNG Copenhagen 211. Grafitti in field before horse. Very fine 

$250 

46. Pharsalus. Ca. 460 BC. Silver hemidrachm (3.03 gm). Head of Athena right 

in crested Attic helmet adorned with three coiled serpents, wearing necklace / 

Φ—AP, horse head right with cropped mane, outline of square die visible. Lavva 

A.I.1 (V1/R —). Reverse struck from worn die, otherwise very fine $200 

47. Ca. 440–425 BC or later. Silver hemidrachm (2.93 gm). Head of Athena right 

in crested Attic helmet, hair indicated by pellets / Φ—AR, horse head right with 

cropped mane and forelock blowing in wind, two parallel bars on neck, outline of 

square die visible. Lavva 31 (V21/R19). Very fine $200 

48. Silver hemidrachm (2.93 gm.). Head of Athena right in crested Attic helmet, 

hair indicated by pellets / Φ—AP, horse head right with cropped mane, traces of 

square die visible. Lavva 46 (V29/R23). The reverse struck from a worn die. 

Slightly granular reverse surfaces with a few light marks. Very fine $185 


41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 

45. 

46. 

47. 

48.

ROMAN Coins 

enlargement 

49. ROMAN REPUBLIC. M. Aemilius Lepidus. Ca. 61 BC. Silver denarius (3.73 gm). Rome. Head of personified 

Alexandria right, wearing turreted diadem, mitra, pendant earring, and pearl necklace, ALEXANDREA below / 

Togate figure of M. Aemilius Lepidus (Cos. 187 and 175) standing left, placing diadem on Ptolemy V of Egypt, standing 

facing and holding scepter, M. LEPIDVS in exergue, PONTIF. MAX on right (NTIF in monogram), TVTOR REG 

on left, S. C between heads. Crawford 419/2. Sydenham 831. RSC Aemilia 23. RCTV 373. An appealing example of 

this rare denarius. Tiny test cut on edge at 12:00 (obverse). Toned. Extremely fine $7,500 

The scene illustrating the legend TVTOR REG on the reverse of this denarius presents a problem. It is known that the 

future pontifex maximus M. Lepidus traveled as an ambassador to the Egyptian court in Alexandria in 201-200 BC, but 

the earliest and most reliable source, Polybius, names only Greeks as tutors to the young Ptolemy V. The literary sources 

that refer to the tutelage (Valerius Maximus, Tacitus, Iustinus) are all later than this coin; it is therefore quite possible 

that the moneyer Lepidus, through this coin type, made a family legend part of common historical tradition. The scene 

on the reverse can hardly be literally true; Ptolemy IV had died already in 204, long before the despatch of the embassy, 

and the Romans in 201-200 would not have selected a figure so young and undistinguished as M. Lepidus to perform 

such a task. But the moneyer, never questioning the embellished family version of the episode he had heard as a child, 

might well have considered it to be historically accurate. The moneyer later became pontifex maximus himself (see item 

55 below). 

enlargement 

50. L. Hostilius Saserna. 48 BC. Silver denarius (3.62 gm). Rome. Head of captive Gallic warrior (Vercingetorix?) 

right, beard tied in knot, chain around his neck, Gallic shield behind / Nude Gallic warrior standing left in biga driven 

right by second Gaul, [L. HOSTILIVS] above, SASERN below horses. Crawford 448/2a. Sydenham 952. RSC 

Hostilia 2. RCTV 418. Light grafitto in right obverse field. Beautifully toned. Extremely fine / good very fine $5,850 

Most modern authorities now reject the identification of the head on this type as Vercingetorix, leader of the Gallic revolt 

against Julius Caesar in 52 BC. Vercingetorix himself did mint gold staters (Delestrée-Tache, série 1226, pl. xxvi); the 

two different obverse types, bare head and helmeted head, both record his name and show a clean-shaven and rather 

young man. This would indeed seem at first glance to disprove the identification of the Gaul on the coin of Saserna with 

Vercingetorix, but D. F. Allen (The Coins of the Ancient Celts, p. 137) judged that Celtic coins “probably never” bear 

portraits, saw it as “in all cases the likely explanation” that the heads on Celtic coins are those of deities, and adduced 

a coin of Vercingetorix as proof: “if one thing is certain about the appearance of Vercingetorix it is that he wore a moustache.” 

But since Caesar in his commentary did not describe Vercingetorix, it would seem that there is very little about 

his appearance which actually is certain; it is at least theoretically possible that Vercingetorix was portrayed on his own 

coins, and that four years in Roman captivity transformed the clean-shaven youth into the gaunt, bearded man portrayed 

by Roman die engravers. 


ROMAN Coins 

continued 

51. L. Mussidius T. f. Longus. 42 BC. AR denarius (4.01 gm). Rome. Radiate, draped bust of sun god three-quarters 

right / Shrine of Venus Cloacina: circular platform inscribed CLOACIN on which two statues of the goddess 

standing, L. MVSSIDIVS L[ONGVS] above. Crawford 494/43. Sydenham 1094. RSC Mussidia 7. CRI 189. RCTV 

495. Nicely toned. Nearly extremely fine $3,000 

There was an explosion of solar imagery on coins minted by the Caesarians in 42 BC. In addition to the type offered for 

sale here, the sun god was shown in profile on the obverse of aurei and denarii of P. Clodius M. f., in profile again on 

the reverse of denarii of M. Antonius, and facing on a disk between the pillars of a temple on another denarius type of 

Antonius. These types have been taken as a reference to the coming campaign in the East against Brutus and Cassius or 

to plans for a new temple of Sol in Rome. It has been argued recently (F. X. Ryan, SNR 84, 2005, 84-86) that these 

types in fact are in dialogue with types of the tyrannicides, especially Cassius, who had boasted of his two naval victories 

over the Rhodians by showing a rose or roses (the reverse-emblem of Rhodian coinage) on reverses of two types 

struck for him by M. Servilius. The Caesarians replied by depicting Helios (the obverse-emblem of Rhodian coinage): 

this constituted a promise to free Rhodes, where Cassius had stationed 3,000 troops, and to avenge Helios, whose temple, 

the most important cult center of the sun god in the ancient Mediterranean world, had been robbed by Cassius, who had 

left untouched only the chariot of the sun. 

52. ROMAN IMPERATORIAL. Julius Caesar († 44 BC). Orichalcum dupondius (?) (14.79 gm). Rome, prefect C. 

Clovius, Jan.-Apr. 45 BC. Draped bust of winged Victory right, CAESAR. DIC. TER before / Minerva standing left, 

holding trophy over right shoulder and shield with gorgoneion device on left shoulder, bearded snake slithering left at 

her feet, C. CLOVI before, PRAEF behind. Crawford 476/1a (uncertain mint). Sydenham 1025. CRI 62 (Rome). 

RCTV 1417 (Rome). RPC 601 (northern Italy). Attractive green patina. Extremely fine $6,500 

Ex Münzen und Medaillen List 479, 1985, lot 22. 

enlargement 

enlargement 

This coin of Clovius was the first orichalcum (brass) piece struck in the West. Scholars have been uncertain about the sort 

of prefecture Clovius held and, accordingly, about the location of the mint. But apart from Sextus Pompey, who minted 

types largely with nautical imagery in 42-40 BC as prefect of the fleet and sea coasts, the only undoubted prefect to 

strike coins was the urban prefect L. Plancus, who in 45 BC struck gold aurei and quinarii with a draped bust of Victory 

facing right, all of which were dated DIC TER (i.e., to the third dictatorship of Caesar). It then seems certain that 

Clovius, too, minted in Rome as one of the urban prefects appointed by Caesar for 45 BC. 


53. Silver denarius (3.83 gm). Rome, moneyer L. Mussidius Longus, 42 BC. Laureate head of Julius Caesar right / 

Rudder, cornucopia on globe, caduceus, and apex, [L.] MVSSIDIVS LONGVS above. Crawford 494/39a. Sydenham 

1096a. RSC 29. CRI 116. RCTV 1426. Reverse off-center. Beautifully toned. Extremely fine $11,000 

Ex H.C. Lewis Collection, Naville XI, 18–20 June 1925, lot 155. 

enlargement 

enlargement 

54. C. Cassius († October 42 BC). AR denarius (3.72 gm). Struck by P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, uncertain mint 

in Asia Minor, early 42 BC. C. CASSI upwards on left, IMP upwards on right, tripod surmounted by covered round 

kettle decorated with two laurel branches above and two fillets hanging on either side / LENTVLVS SPINT in two 

lines, pitcher and wand above. RRC 500/1. CRI 219. Grueber 79. Sydenham 1308. Rare. Mint state $5,750 

The obverse of this denarius closely copies the reverse of one of the aurei struck for C. Cassius by his legate M. Aquinus 

(CRI 218). Grueber had believed that Spinther "probably" struck for both Cassius and Brutus in Sardis, where the 

tyrannicides met in the summer of 42 BC; Crawford in his catalogue proper described the mint used by Spinther and by 

the legate M. Servilius as "moving with Brutus and Cassius," but in a discussion of the types stated that Spinther "perhaps" 

struck at Smyrna early in 42 and that Servilius struck at Sardis later in 42 (p. 741 n. 3); Sear followed Crawford 

in assigning these issues to a military mint operating in two different places, that of Spinther "probably" at Smyrna 

early in 42, that of Servilius "probably" at Sardis in the summer of 42. Bernhard Woytek (Arma et Nummi, pp. 506- 

511) now returns to the view of Grueber insofar as he sees the issues of both Spinther and M. Servilius being struck in the 

same place; he also differs from Crawford and Sear in seeing these issues as struck in a regular mint rather than a military 

mint; finally, he does not believe that the city in question has been determined and, while accepting both Sardis 

and Smyrna as possibilities, mentions Ephesus as equally likely. 


ROMAN Coins continued 

55. Lepidus and Octavian. Silver denarius (3.62 gm). Military mint traveling with Lepidus in Italy, spring–summer 

42 BC. LEPIDVS. PONT. MAX (NT and MA in monogram) III. V. R. P. C., bare head of Lepidus right / CAESAR. 

IMP. (MP in monogram) III. VIR. R. P. C., bare head of Octavian right. Crawford 495/2a. Sydenham 1323 var. (monogram 

in reverse legend not noted, and obverse and reverse transposed, in error). RSC 2a. CRI 140. RCTV 1523. 

Scarce. Very fine $2,000 

A wily and wealthy nobleman, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus parlayed his position as Julius Caesar's colleague in the consulships 

of 46 BC into the role of power broker between the rivals Mark Antony and Octavian after the great dictator's 

murder. He won wide-ranging triumviral powers in the settlement of 43 BC, but took no part in the campaign against 

Brutus and Cassius and soon receded into the background. With the renewal of the Second Triumvirate in 38 BC, 

Lepidus retained his preeminence in Africa and Spain, and he provided key assistance to Octavian during the final campaign 

against Sextus Pompey in 36 BC. But shortly thereafter, Lepidus made an ill-advised attempt to seize control of 

Sicily. Octavian easily outmaneuvered him, stripped him of all real power, and forced him into retirement. Lepidus 

retained only the post of Pontifex Maximus, which he held until his death in 12 BC. 

56. Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony. Silver tetradrachm (12.95 gm). Syrian mint, ca. 36 BC. ΒΑCΙΛΙCCΑ 

ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑ ΘΕΑ ΝΕWΤΕΡ[Α], diademed, draped bust of Cleopatra VII right / ANTWNIOC AVTΘKPATWP 

TPITON T[PIWN ANΔPWN], bare head of Antony right. RPC 4094. Svoronos 1897, pl. lxiii, 22–23. Among the 

finest known examples of this desireable tetradrachm. Nearly extremely fine $50,000 

Ex New York Sale I, 7 December 1997, lot 268; ex Hess 252, Lucerne, 1982, lot 192. 

enlargement 

enlargement 

The remarkable silver tetradrachms struck in Syria or Phoenicia during Mark Antony’s abortive Parthian campaign of 

36 BC clearly show that neither Cleopatra nor Mark Antony could be considered “attractive” in the modern, Hollywood 

sense of the term. The die engraver of this piece has taken particular care to give Cleopatra a powerful, almost masculine 

profile to complement Antony’s pugnacious portrait. Marble busts of Cleopatra give her an aquiline nose that is perhaps 

overemphasized in the low-relief profiles required for coinage; from the front, she would have appeared less hawkish. 

Ancient historians confirm that Cleopatra was not classically beautiful, but her remarkable mind, her musical voice, 

and her uncanny ability to delight men more than made up for this. Antony’s surviving portraits show him with a broad, 

flat face and a bull neck that reflect his enormous appetites. The titles given to the couple on the Syrian coinage display 

Cleopatra’s dominance in the relationship: She is touted as “Queen Cleopatra, new goddess,” while Antony is only a 

mortal “victorious general and triumvir.” 


enlargement 

57. ROMAN IMPERIAL. Augustus (27 BC–AD 14). Silver denarius (3.81 gm). Colonia Patricia, 19 BC. CAESAR 

AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus right / SIGNIS RECEPTIS S P Q R around shield inscribed CL V (the Clipeus 

Virtutis) and flanked by aquila on left and standard on right. RIC 86a. BMCRE 417. CBN 1132. RSC 265. RCTV 

1633. Displaying a pleasing high-relief portrait. Extremely fine / good very fine $3,250 

This reverse type celebrates the recovery of the legionary standards lost to the Parthians through the disastrous campaigns 

of Crassus and Mark Antony in 53 and 36 BC. Augustus accomplished this triumph with diplomacy backed by 

military muscle. In 20 BC, he embarked on a tour of the eastern provinces, while his stepson Tiberius led a large army 

into Armenia, which had recently risen in revolt against its Parthian-installed king, Artaxes. Tiberius drove Artaxes into 

exile and crowned in his place Tigranes, a longtime Roman client prince. The Parthians, who were beset by dynastic 

difficulties, reacted meekly to this show of force and handed over the Roman standards that had been prized possessions 

for many decades. Augustus treated it as a full-blown military victory, and the return of the standards was celebrated in 

poetry, prose and imagery throughout the empire. The standards are shown here along with the “shield of valor” 

(clipeus virtutis) awarded to Augustus by the Senate in 27 BC for “restoring the Republic.” 

enlargement 

58. Claudius (AD 41–54). Orichalcum sestertius (29.56 gm). Rome, AD 41–42. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M 

TR P IMP, laureate head of Claudius right / EX. S. C OB CIVES SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath. Von 

Kaenel Type 54, 1308 (V40/R45) (this coin). RIC 96. BMCRE 115. CBN 152. RCTV 1849. With a powerful portrait 

of Rome’s fourth emperor. Mottled light and dark brown patina. A few minor pits in obverse field. Nearly extremely 

fine $13,500 

Ex Sotheby’s (Athena Fund), Zurich, 28 October 1993, lot 1462 and cover coin; ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII, 4 

December 1991, lot 102; ex Leu 10, 29 May 1974, lot 58. 



enlargement 

59. Antonia (mother of Claudius, † AD 37). Silver denarius (3.85 gm). Lugdunum, AD 41–42. ANTONIA AVGVSTA, 

draped bust of Antonia right, head wreathed with grain ears / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Ceres standing facing, holding 

long torch in right hand and cradling cornucopia in left arm. RIC 66. BMCRE 111. CBN 13. RSC Antonia 2. 

RCTV 1900. Rare. Undoubtedly one of the finest known examples. Wonderfully toned. Extremely fine $22,500 

Ex Tradart, Geneva, 12 December 1991, lot 257; ex Fred Baldwin Collection (Glendining & Co., 20 November 1969, 

lot 35). 

Antonia was born in 36 BC to Marc Antony and Octavia, sister of the future Augustus. She seems not to have suffered 

from her father’s disgrace and inherited vast holdings in the East, making her one of the wealthiest women in the 

Roman Empire. In 18 BC her uncle Augustus arranged her marriage to Nero Claudius Drusus, son of his wife Livia by 

a previous marriage. While eminently political, the union also proved happy and produced three children who would 

play a major role in imperial history: the future general Germanicus; the dynastic schemer Livilla; and the emperor 

Claudius, who became emperor in AD 41. After the death of her husband in 9 BC, Antonia refused to remarry and 

devoted her life to her children and the interests of the imperial dynasty. She doted on Germanicus and later his children, 

including the future emperor Gaius ‘Caligula.’ But she was notoriously cool toward her other son, the limping, 

stammering Claudius, whom she described uncharitably as “a monster.” Though she tried to stay aloof from the family’s 

murderous intrigues, her personal integrity compelled her to inform on her daughter Livilla, who was conspiring with 

her paramour, the prefect Sejanus, to overthrow Tiberius. Antonia stoically endured Livilla’s execution and survived into 

the reign of her grandson Caligula, who reputedly bestowed the title of Augusta on her, although he issued no coins in 

her name. Caligula, however, came to resent his grandmother’s austere, virtuous presence and subjected her to such 

unkind treatment that she took her own life. 

enlargement 

60. Galba (AD 68–69). Silver denarius (3.22 gm). Rome, July AD 68–January AD 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR 

AVG P M, laureate head of Galba right / IMP, Galba, bare-headed and in military attire, on horse rearing right. RIC 

228. BMCRE 23. CBN 102. RSC 97. Rare. Tiny scratch below chin of emperor. Attractively toned. Extremely fine 

$8,750 


61. Vespasian (AD 69–79). Orichalcum sestertius (27.18 gm). Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPAS AVGP M TR P P P 

COS III, laureate head of Vespasian right / MARS VICTOR S—C, Mars advancing left, supporting wreath-bearing 

Victory on extended right hand and trophy over left shoulder. BMCRE 552. RIC 433. CBN 509. Cohen 266. Lightly 

smoothed. Dark green patina. Nearly extremely fine $6,500 

62. Julia Titi (daughter of Titus). Silver denarius (3.55 gm). Rome, struck under Titus, AD 79-80. IVLIA. IMP. T. 

AVG. F AVGVSTA, draped bust of Julia Titi right / VESTA, Vesta enthroned left, supporting Palladium on extended 

right hand and holding transverse scepter in left. RIC 57. CBN 108. Cohen 16. Rare and one of the finest specimens 

known. Lovely iridescent tone. Good extremely fine $12,000 

Flavia Julia Titi, daughter of Titus by his second wife, Marcia Furnilla, was born about AD 65. After Vespasian’s successful 

usurpation in AD 69, Titus made Julia an integral part of Flavian dynastic arrangements by betrothing her to 

her second cousin, Flavius Sabinus. Upon Titus’ accession as emperor in AD 79, he bestowed upon Julia the rank of 

Augusta and ordered coins to be struck in her name. This rare denarius, depicting Julia as a girl in her mid-teens, 

belongs to this initial issue. When Domitian succeeded to the throne in AD 81, he acted upon his romantic aspirations 

toward his niece by executing her husband on trumped-up charges, and bringing her into the palace to live openly as his 

mistress. Julia may have done so willingly, but her death at the age of 24 in AD 89, reputedly while trying to abort the 

emperor's child, suggests otherwise. Despite her sordid end, Domitian mourned deeply for her and ordered her deification 

and a relatively large commemorative coinage. 

enlargement 



63. Domitian (AD 81–96). Gold aureus (7.65 gm). Rome, AD 90–91. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head of 

Domitian right / GERMANICVS. COS XV, Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and resting left 

hand on spear, round shield at feet. BMCRE 171. RIC 162. CBN 161. Biaggi 409. Calicó 841. A few light scratches. 


Ex H. P. McCullough Collection, Stack’s, 20 November 1967, lot 863. 

enlargement 

64. Trajan (AD 98–117). Orichalcum sestertius (25.53 gm.). Rome, AD 107. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG 

GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust of Trajan right, drapery on far shoulder / S. P. Q. R. OPTIMO PRIN- 

CIPI S—C, Spes advancing left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left. BMCRE 810. RIC 519. 

Cohen 459. Hill 332. Some light smoothing. Dark green patina with areas of muted red. Extremely fine $5,500 


65. Commodus (AD 177–192). Bronze medallion (37 mm, 57.34 gm). Rome, AD 183. M. AVREL. COMMODVS 

ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust of Commodus right / TR P VIII. IMP V COS IIII P P, sacrificial 

scene: on left, Roma seated right, holding Palladium in right hand and scepter in left, confronting Pax or Felicitas 

seated left, holding two grain ears in right hand and cornucopia in left; in second plane, Commodus standing left, 

veiled and togate, sacrificing over tripod, facing two children standing right, one of whom plays the tibia. Gnecchi II, 

p. 68, 148, pl. 88, 3. Cohen 858. Toynbee pl. XLIII, 1. Extremely rare. A remarkable medallion in an uncommonly 

superb state of preservation. Brown patina. Good extremely fine $100,000 

Ex Tkalec Auction, Zurich, 19 February 2001, lot 297. 

The beautiful composition on the reverse of this impressive medallion would seem to call for a special occasion of issue, 

but none is explicit in either type or legend. The year of issue, AD 183, is generally represented as free of any major 

events or observances. J. M. C. Toynbee depicts the type in Roman Medallions (ANS 1944), plate XLIII, 1, but in the text 

notes only that it expresses Commodus’ devotion to the goddess Minerva. This is an error, as the goddess seated to right 

holds a Palladium and is thus Roma, not Minerva. Elsewhere in the same volume, however (pp. 102-3), Toynbee provides 

a clue for the probable occasion of issue—the “birthday of Rome” celebrations held annually on April 21 of each 

year. The occasion called for a sacrifice by the emperor in his role as Pontifex Maximus. Accordingly, Commodus is here 

seen with his toga pulled solemnly over his head, preparing to make sacrifice while two young attendants provide musical 

accompaniment. The presence of Roma and another goddess, most likely Felicitas, seated facing one another, almost 

as if at a polite dinner party, strongly supports this interpretation. 

enlargement 



66. Orichalcum sestertius (21.75 gm). Rome, AD 185. M. COMMODVS ANT—ON AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate head of 

Commodus right / VICT BRIT in exergue, P M. TR P X. IMP VII COS IIII P P around, S—C across fields, Victory 

seated right on pile of shields, holding one on her knee. BMCRE 560. RIC 452. Cohen 496. RCTV 5826. Rare. Flan 

split at 9:00 (obverse) and scrape on obverse edge at 1:00. Glossy green patina with natural orichalcum color visible 

in a few spots. Extremely fine $9,500 

The British victory proclaimed on this sestertius derived from what Cassius Dio describes as the most serious war of 

Commodus’ reign. Shortly before or after his accession in AD 180, Dio states, “the tribes in that island, crossing the wall 

that separates them from the Roman legions, proceeded to do much mischief and cut down a general together with his 

troops.” The crisis prompted Commodus to send the general Ulpius Marcellus with a task force of Roman auxiliaries to 

the island. After a long, difficult campaign, Marcellus “ruthlessly put down the barbarians of Britain,” providing the 

victory celebrated in AD 184/5. Commodus neglected to sufficiently reward the victorious soldiers, however, leading to 

further unrest and upheaval. 

67. Pertinax (AD 193). Gold aureus (7.31 gm). Rome, IMP CAES P. HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head of Pertinax 

right / LAETITIA. TEMPOR COS II, Laetitia standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. BMCRE 

7. RIC 4a. RCTV 6033. Biaggi 1039 (same dies). Calicó 2383b (same dies). Rare. Good extremely fine $52,500 

Despite the brevity of Pertinax’s reign (eighty-six days in total), his rare gold coinage is of unusually high artistic quality. 

The obverse portrait of this beautiful aureus bears a powerful portrait of the elderly emperor, his long beard recalling 

that of the revered Marcus Aurelius. The reverse image of Laetitia (joy, celebration, fertility) evokes a hoped-for restoration 

of Rome’s golden age. 

enlargement 


68. Clodius Albinus, as Caesar (AD 193–195). Silver denarius (2.84 gm). Rome, AD 194. D CLOD SEPT ALBIN 

CAES, bare head of Clodius Albinus right / MINER PACIF COS II, Minerva standing left, holding olive branch in 

right hand and resting left on shield, vertical spear propped in crook of arm. BMCRE 96. RIC 7 var. (CL for CLOD). 

RSC 48. Hill 119. RCTV 6144. Toned. Nearly extremely fine $675 

69. Julia Domna (wife of Septimius Severus). Gold aureus (7.15 gm). Rome, AD 207. IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust 

of Julia Domna right / VESTA MATER, sacrificial scene: domed, tetrastyle Temple of Vesta before which stand six 

veiled figures (the Vestal Virgins), three on the left and three on the right, the two inner figures sacrificing over garlanded 

altar. BMCRE 97. RIC 586. Hill 886. RCTV 6570. Biaggi 1161 (same dies). Calicó 2651 (same dies). Very 

rare. Good extremely fine $49,500 

The six Vestal Virgins comprised the only entirely female priesthood in Rome and were an important part of its religiopolitical 

system from shortly after the founding of the city to the order’s disbandment in AD 394. Vestals were chosen as 

girls aged six to ten from the leading families in Rome and were committed to at least thirty years of service, ten as 

novices, ten as priestesses, and ten (or more) as teachers and administrators. Their persons were inviolate, they enjoyed 

legal rights and privileges usually reserved for highborn men and had the power to pardon condemned criminals. Their 

primary responsibility was to maintain the “eternal fire” sacred to the goddess Vesta, who presided over the Roman 

hearth and home. Vestals also kept important public documents, including wills and testaments, and guarded sacred 

objects such as the Palladium, an archaic statue of Minerva said to have descended from heaven. This gold aureus celebrates 

the reopening of the Temple of Vesta, which had burned down in AD 191. The Empress Julia Domna was an avid 

patron of the Vestals and financed the reconstruction out of her own purse. A section of the circular Temple still stands in 

the Roman Forum. 

enlargement 

enlargement 



70. Caracalla (AD 198–217). Orichalcum sestertius (26.68 gm). Rome, AD 211. M AVREL ANTONI—NVS PIVS 

AVG, laureate bust of Caracalla right with slight drapery on far shoulder / VICT BRIT TR P XIIII CS III S C, Victory 

standing right, foot on helmet, erecting trophy; to right, Britannia standing facing and British captive seated left on 

ground. BMCRE p. 415, 266. RIC p. 291, 483d. RCTV 6954. Rare. Beautiful deep green patina. Extremely fine 

$30,000 

In AD 208, the emperor Septimius Severus led an expedition of some 20,000 legionaries and auxiliaries with the object 

of securing Caldonia for Rome. He took his quarreling sons Caracalla and Geta with him, hoping the hard life on campaign 

might curb their filial enmity. Leaving Geta in an administrative 

role in York, Severus and Caracalla pushed north of Hadrian’s Wall and 

into the Scottish highlands, where the Caledonian tribes refused open 

battle and fought an effective guerilla war. The Romans, however, 

responded with brutal counterinsurgency tactics and by early AD 210, 

most of the enemy tribes were suing for peace. Severus and Caracalla 

imposed terms and pulled most of the army back to York, leaving Roman 

garrisons at several key forts. This “British Victory” provided the occasion 

for the striking of coins such as the sestertius above. The declaration 

proved premature, however, as rebellions flared as soon as the main 

Roman force had withdrawn. Caracalla returned late in AD 210 leading 

a punitive expedition, but his father’s deteriorating health prompted his 

recall to York. Upon the death of Severus on February 4, AD 211, his 

squabbling heirs Caracalla and Geta simply abandoned the campaign 

and returned to Rome. 

enlargement 

71. Philip I (AD 244–249). Orichalcum sestertius (20.91 gm). Rome, millennial issue, AD 248. IMP M IVL PHILIP- 

PVS AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust of Philip I right / SAECVLARES AVGG S—C, cippus inscribed COS III. 

RIC 162a. Cohen 195. RCTV 9014. Dark brown patina. Minor roughness behind portrait and in reverse fields. 



72. Maximinus II, as Caesar (AD 305–308). Silver argenteus (3.16 gm). Alexandria, May AD 305-March AD 307. 

MAXIMIN—VS NOB CAES, laureate head of Maximinus II right / CONCOR—DIA AVGG, Alexandria, turreted, 

standing left, supporting head of Serapis right on extended right hand and resting left hand on scepter, B in left field, 

ALE in exergue. Unpublished. Cf. RIC 61 for a possible related aureus of Severus II. Apparently unique and of 

tremendous importance. Two light scratches and tiny vertical die break in upper reverse fields. Extremely fine 

$14,000 

Until now, the exceptionally rare argentei of Maximinus II as Caesar were known only from a single mint, Serdica (see 

Freeman & Sear Fixed Price List 9, no. 123). This remarkable argenteus of Maximinus II from Alexandria would seem 

to be the only known silver coin of Maximinus II as Caesar from a mint other than Serdica. Moreover, the reverse legend 

and type are entirely unknown for silver coinage of this era, with all previously recorded argentei of Alexandria featuring 

either the “tetrarchs sacrificing” or “camp gate” reverse types. Although the coin could date from the immediate 

aftermath of Maximinus II’s elevation to Caesar in May of 305, the piece stylistically closely resembles an Alexandrian 

gold aureus of Severus II as Augustus of 306 to 307 (RIC 61) with the reverse legend CONCORDIA AVG ET CAES, and 

depicting Concordia standing left in a pose quite similar to that seen here. The Severus II aureus is also of officina B; if 

this argenteus corresponds to that piece, it would be an issue of the ephemeral Third Tetrarchy (Galerius and Severus II 

as Augusti, Maximinus II and Constantine I as Caesars). 

73. Constantine I, the Great (AD 307–337). Gold solidus (4.42 gm.). Ticinum, AD 315. CONSTAN—TINVS P F 

AVG, laureate head of Constantine I right / VICTORE AVG N VOTIS, Victory seated right on cuirass, inscribing X 

MVL XX on shield set on her knee, before her trophy with two captives seated on ground at base, P T in exergue. 

RIC 40 (citing this specimen). Depeyrot 13/4 (citing this specimen). Cohen 577. Very rare. A few light marks on the 

neck of Constantine. Extremely fine $19,500 

Ex L. Biaggi Collection, 2006; ex Robert Jameson Collection, 352. 

enlargement 

enlargement 



74. Julian II, the Philosopher (AD 360–363). Gold solidus (4.44 gm). Antioch, AD 361–363. FL CL IVLIA—NVS 

P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust of Julian II right, bearded / VIRTVS EXERCI—TVS 

ROMANORVM, Virtus standing facing, head left and looking down, right hand grasping hair of captive walking right, 

left hand holding trophy over left shoulder, ANTA in exergue. RIC 195 var. (kneeling captive). Depeyrot 15/1. Good 

extremely fine $12,500 

75. Magnus Maximus (AD 383–388). Gold solidus (4.59 gm). Londinium-Augusta, AD 385-387. D N MAG MA— 

XIMVS P F AVG, laurel- and rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust of Magnus Maximus right / VICTOR—IA 

AVGG, two emperors enthroned facing, together holding globe between them, between their heads upper body of 

Victory spreading wings over their heads, palm branch between their feet, AVGOB in exergue. RIC 2(b). Cohen 9. 

Depeyrot 2/1. Extremely rare and an exceptional example of the last official coinage of Roman Britain. Good very fine 

$30,000 

Ex L. Biaggi Collection, 2312. 

enlargement 

enlargement 

A capable general of Spanish birth, Flavius Magnus Clemens Maximus was appointed military commander of Britain in 

AD 380. Three years later, Maximus made a bid for the throne of the Western Roman Empire, then ruled by the ineffectual 

Gratian and his young brother Valentinian II. To secure the loyalty of the British legions, Maximus reopened the 

old mint of Londinium, which had been closed for more than fifty years, and began striking gold solidi acclaiming himself 

as Augustus. By this time, Londinium had been renamed Augusta, as reflected in the mintmark AVG. After disposing 

of Gratian, Maximus proposed a three-way division of the Empire, with himself ruling Britain, Gaul, Germany and 

Spain, Valentinian II ruling Italy and Africa, and Theodosius I, another Spaniard, holding the East. This uneasy equilibrium 

lasted about three years but, thereafter, Maximus began encroaching upon Valentinian II’s territory. The second 

issue of gold from Londinium, represented by the solidus above, likely belongs to this period of “cold war” between the 

West Roman regimes. The mintmark is augmented by the letters OB (standing for Obryzium, or “pure gold”), and the 

reverse type and legend (VICTORIA AVGG) explicitly acknowledge only two Roman emperors, surely Maximus and 

Theodosius. Intriguingly, many of the few surviving AVG OB solidi are slightly heavier than the 4.5 gram standard for 

the solidus, indicating a perceived need to impress the soldiery with a particularly sound coinage, or perhaps a defective 

scale at the London mint. In AD 387, Maximus raised his son Flavius Victor to the rank of Augustus and launched an 

invasion of Italy, provoking a final showdown with Theodosius. His grab for power proved ill-advised, resulting in a 

destructive civil war and the downfall of his own promising regime. The AVG mint solidi and siliquae of Magnus 

Maximus, represented by a handful of surviving specimens, were the last coins struck in Roman Britain. 


76. Honorius (AD 393/5–423). Gold medallion of 2 solidi (8.85 gm.). Mediolanum, AD 394-395. D N HONORI— 

VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust of Honorius right / GLORIA R+O—MANORVM, Roma 

enthroned facing on left and Constantinopolis enthroned left on right, each holding Victory on globe in right hand and 

scepter in left, right foot of Constantinopolis on prow, M—D across fields, CONOB in exergue. RIC —. DO —. 

Gnecchi —. Cohen —. Biaggi —. Unpublished and apparently unique. Minor mark on neck of Honorius. Extremely 

fine $95,000 

The date of issue for this unrecorded double-solidus medallion of Honorius must remain conjectural, as no specific occasion 

is suggested by either inscription or type. The portrait of Honorius, however, appears rather small, with the top of his 

head falling almost entirely within the inscriptional line, and youthful in appearance, suggesting a date early in the 

reign. A gold multiple of Milan with the same reverse inscription, GLORIA ROMANORVM, and a single seated figure of 

Roma is recorded in RIC X (1201) and assigned to the period AD 395-402; similar multiples with a more elongated 

portrait are recorded for Rome (RIC X 1250) and Ravenna (RIC X 1318), dated AD 404-408. The same legend coupled 

with enthroned figures of Roma and Constantinopolis had been in use since the time of Constantius II (AD 337-361), 

but the cross which divides the R and O is an innovation also found on two-solidus medallions of Valentinian III (see 

NAC 34, 24 November 2006, lot 112) and Theodosius II (see Freeman & Sear Fixed Price List 6, Summer 2001, 177); 

both of these are dated AD 430-435, clearly too late for any issue of Honorius. Two possibilities suggest themselves as 

the occasion for the issue of our medallion: the recovery of the Western Roman Empire from the usurper Eugenius by 

Theodosius I in September, AD 394; or the period immediately following the death of Theodosius on January 17, AD 

395. In either instance, the striking of gold multiples may be seen as a means of introducing the younger son of 

Theodosius as ruler of the West. The smaller portrait would indicate both Honorius' youth (he was twelve at the time of 

his father's death) and his junior status to his brother Arcadius, emperor in Constantinople. The presence of Roma and 

Constantinopolis on the reverse stress the unity of East and West during a difficult period of transition, when both halves 

of the Empire were under the nominal rule of untried youths. 

enlargement 


ROMAN Antoniniani 

of provincial mints in the 240s 

The radiate silver double-denarius now known as the antoninianus was introduced by Caracalla in AD 215, temporarily 

abandoned by Elagabalus after 219, reintroduced by Balbinus and Pupienus in 238, and thereafter swiftly drove the 

venerable denarius from circulation. The emergence of the antoninianus as the dominant coin of the mid-third century 

corresponded with the decentralization of the Roman minting system. The twenty examples that follow were all issued by 

provincial mints. Under Gordian III there were two distinct eastern issues, one dated ca. 239 and usually ascribed to 

Antioch, the other dated ca. 242-244 and sometimes ascribed to an uncertain eastern mint other than Antioch; during 

the middle years of the reign Antioch itself was under Persian control. Under Philip I and Philip II there were again 

two distinct eastern issues, one dated ca. 244-245 and sometimes ascribed to the uncertain eastern mint considered to 

have produced the later series of Gordian III, the other dated ca. 247-249 and ascribed to Antioch. A small amount of 

the production of the latter two reigns is now assigned to a provincial mint operating at Viminacium, the capital of 

Moesia Superior. 

77. Gordian III (AD 238-244). Silver antoninianus (4.54 gm). Uncertain 

eastern mint or Antioch, ca. 242-244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, 

radiate, cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, with long sideburn / FORTVNA 

REDVX, Fortuna seated left, resting hand on rudder and holding cornucopiae. 

RIC 210. RCTV 8613. RSC 98a. Good very fine / very fine $125 

78. Silver antoninianus (4.15 gm). Uncertain eastern mint or Antioch, ca. 

242-244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust of 

Gordian III right, seen from behind, with long sideburn / ORIE—NS AVG, 

Sol standing left, wearing chlamys over left shoulder, raising right hand and 

holding globe with left. RIC 213. RCTV 8626. RSC 167. Struck on a broad 

flan. Good very fine $165 

79. Philip I (AD 244-249). Silver antoninianus (3.67 gm). Antioch, ca. 247. 

IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I 

right, seen from behind / AE—QVITAS AVGG, Aequitas standing left in 

long robe, chlamys draped over left shoulder and arm, holding scales in right 

hand and cornucopiae in left arm. RIC 82 (R2) var. (bust l.). RCTV 8920 

var. (bust l.). RSC 8 var. (bust l.). A rare variant. Light scrapes before portrait. 

Good extremely fine $185 

80. Silver antoninianus (4.22 gm). Antioch, ca. 247. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS 

AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust of Philip I left, seen from front / A—EQUITAS 

AVG, Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RCTV 8917. 

Cohen 8. RIC 82 (R2) var. RSC 8 var. (AVGG). Rare. Striking weakness 

affecting torso of Aequitas, otherwise extremely fine $250 


AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust of Philip I left / CONCORDIA AVGG, 

Concordia seated left, wearing long robe, holding patera in right hand and 

cornucopiae in left arm. RIC 83 corr. (patera, not scales). RCTV 8925 var. 

(bust r.). RSC 35. Striking weakness affecting torso of Concordia, otherwise 

extremely fine $300 


77. 

78. 

79. 

80. 

81.

82. 

83. 

84. 

85. 

86. 

87. 

88. 


AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I right, seen from behind / 

ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated left, wearing crested helmet and long 

robe, holding Victory facing right in palm of right hand and grasping spear 

with left, shield at side. RIC 85 (R2) var. (bust l.). RCTV 8953 var. (bust l.). 

RSC 167 var. (bust l.). A rare variant. Nearly extremely fine $225 


AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I left, seen from front / 

ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated left, holding Victory and spear, shield at 

side. RIC 85 (R2). RCTV 8953. RSC 167. Roma a bit weakly struck, otherwise 

good very fine $200 

84. Silver antoninianus (3.64 gm). Antioch, 249. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS 

AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I right, seen from behind / 

P M TR P — VI COS PP, Felicitas standing left in long robe, chlamys 

draped over left shoulder and arm, grasping long caduceus with right hand 

and holding cornucopiae in left arm. RIC 78 var. (bust l.). RCTV 8950. RSC 

155. Extremely fine $200 

85. Silver antoninianus (4.05 gm). Viminacium (?), ca. 249. IMP M IVL 

PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I right, seen 

from behind / FIDES EXERCITVS, four standards fixed in ground, the second 

from right surmounted by legionary eagle. RIC 84A (R2) (Antioch). RSC 

50a (Antioch). RCTV 8931 (Viminacium). Rare. Small patch of discoloration 

before beard, otherwise extremely fine $300 

86. Philip II (AD 247-249). Silver antoninianus (3.86 gm). Antioch, 247. 

IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip 

II right, seen from behind / P M TR P IIII COS PP, Felicitas standing left, 

grasping long caduceus and holding cornucopiae. RIC 232. RCTV 9268. 

RSC 33a. Extremely fine $200 


AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip II right, seen from behind 

/ P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Felicitas standing left with long caduceus and 

cornucopiae. RIC 233 (R). RCTV —. RSC 34. Very scarce. Lustrous. 



AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip II right, seen from behind 

/ P M TR P IIII COS P P, Philip II, veiled and togate, standing left, sacrificing 

with right hand out of patera over tripod and holding baton-like object in 

left. RIC 234 (R). RCTV —. RSC 35. Very scarce. Some roughness on face 

of emperor on obverse. Weakly struck on figure of emperor on reverse. Good 

very fine $175 


ROMAN Antoniniani 

continued 


AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip II right, seen from behind / 

AEQVITAS AVGG, Aequitas standing left with scales and cornucopiae. RIC 

240a (R). RCTV 9259. RSC 1. Very scarce. Extremely fine $200 



AEQUITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left with scales and cornucopiae. RCTV 

9258. Cohen 1. RIC 240 (R) var. (AVGG). RSC 1 var. (AVGG). Very scarce. 

Struck on a full flan. Minor striking weakness affecting lower portion of 

Aequitas, otherwise extremely fine $300 



CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and cornucopiae. 

RIC 241 (R2) var. (bust l.). RSC 8 var. (bust l.). RCTV 9262. A rare variant. 

Areas of striking weakness, otherwise nearly extremely fine $225 



SAECVLVM NOVVM, helmeted Roma seated facing in hexastyle temple, 

holding Victory in outstretched right hand and grasping spear with left. RIC 

244 var. (bust l.). RCTV 9276 var. (bust l.). RSC 81 var. (bust l.). A rare variant. 




A—ETERNITAS AVGG, mahout with goad and rod guiding left African elephant 

with huge ears, large tusks, long trunk, prominent eyelid and wrinkled 

skin. RIC 246A(a) (hybr.) corr. (elephant l., not r.; AVGG, not AVG). RSC 5 

(hybr.) corr. (not AVG). Cohen 5 corr. (not AVG). RCTV —. Rare and attractive. 




P M TR P VI COS P P, Felicitas standing left with long caduceus and cornucopiae. 

RIC 235 (R). RCTV 9269. RSC 38. Very scarce. Die flaw in lower right 

reverse field. Good extremely fine $275 



P M TR P VI COS P P, Philip II, veiled, sacrificing left over tripod. RIC 236 

(R). RCTV 9271. RSC 40. Very scarce. Die flaw and small planchet flaws in 

upper reverse fields, otherwise good extremely fine $275 


89. 

90. 

91. 

92. 

93. 

94. 

95.

ROMAN Folles 

of Constantine the Great 

96. 

96. Silver antoninianus (3.92 gm). Viminacium, ca. 249. IMP M IVL 

PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip II right, seen 

from behind / FIDES EXERCITVS, four standards planted in ground, the 

third with legionary eagle. RIC 248 (S) (hybr.). RSC 12 (hybr.). RCTV —, cf. 

8931 (Philip I). A few minor surface marks on obverse, otherwise extremely 

fine $300 

The billon follis (a modern designation; the original term is uncertain, but might have been nummus) was introduced 

by Diocletian in the final decade of the third century A.D. Originally weighing more than 10 grams and containing 

about 2% silver, it soon began to decline in size and weight due to economic stringencies. By the time Constantine I was 

hailed as Caesar in mid-AD 306, the follis had lost about a quarter of its weight, and further reductions swiftly followed 

at the mints under his control (Londinium, Lugdunum, Colonia Augusta Treverorum). The decline accelerated 

after Constantine’s elevation to Augustus in AD 307, and the remaining vestiges of silver disappeared, replaced with 

lead. Around 318 Constantine sought to stabilize the shrunken follis at a little over 3 grams, but in 330 its weight 

began to decline again. This smaller coin, still termed “follis” or “nummus” in some reference works, is called “Æ 3” in 

others and might have been denominated centenionalis in antiquity. 

Hints of Constantine’s shifting religious beliefs can be found on his coinage. His earliest issues follow the pattern set by 

the Tetrarchs, prominently featuring the generically pagan Genius of the Roman People (GENIO POPVLI ROMANI). 

While still Caesar, he began to honor Mars as his personal “father and protector” (MARTI PATRI CONSERVATORI) 

and “defender” (PROPVGNATORI). Circa AD 310, he began featuring the Unconquered Sun as his personal companion 

(SOL INVICTO COMITI), Sol being the object of a quasi-monotheistic cult popular among the Roman soldiery. 

With Constantine’s Christian revelation prior to Milvian Bridge in AD 312, the Sol reverses gradually gave way to nonpagan 

types honoring the virtue of the Army (VIRTVS EXERCIT) and celebrating the “happy victories of our eternal 

prince” (VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP). By AD 320, the old pagan gods of Rome had all but disappeared from 

Western coinage, save for personifications such as Roma, Victoria and Pax. 

97. 

98. 

97. Constantine I as Caesar (AD 306-307). Billon follis (8.04 gm). 

London, ca. summer 307. FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C, laureate, 

draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, seen from front / 

GENIO — POP ROM, Genius standing left, modius on head, wearing 

drapery about loins and boots on feet, holding patera in right hand and 

cornucopiae in left, PLN in exergue. RIC —, cf. 89b (Genius’ head turreted). 

Striking weakness affecting laurel wreath. Brown patina. Good 

very fine $225 

98. Billon follis (8.35 gm). London, ca. summer 307. FL VAL CON- 

STANTINVS NOBILI C, laureate, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, 

seen from front / GENIO — POP ROM, Genius standing left in turreted 

crown, loins and left shoulder draped, boots on, holding patera and 

cornucopiae, PLN in exergue. RIC 87 (R). A bit softly struck. Gray and 

brown patina. Good very fine $225 


ROMAN Folles continued 

99. Billon follis (9.00 gm). Trier, July 306-early 307. FL VAL CON- 

STANTINVS NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine 

I right, seen from front / GENIO POPV—LI ROMANI, Genius standing 

left in turreted crown, left shoulder and loins draped, boots on, holding 

patera and cornucopiae, S—F in fields, PTR in exergue. RIC 668c (S). 

Glossy brown patina. Extremely fine $350 

100. Billon follis (7.92 gm). Trier, ca. spring 307. FL VAL CONSTANTI- 

NVS NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, 

seen from behind / GENIO POPV—LI ROMANI, Genius standing left in 

turreted crown, left shoulder and loins draped, boots on, holding patera 

and cornucopiae, S—A in fields, PTR in exergue. RIC 694 (S). Brown 

patina. Extremely fine $300 

101. Billon follis (7.35 gm). Trier, ca. summer 307. FL VAL CONSTAN- 

TINVS NOB C, laureate, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, seen from 

front / GENIO — POP ROM, Genius standing left in turreted crown, left 

shoulder and loins draped, boots on, holding patera and cornucopiae, 

S—A in fields, PTR in exergue. RIC 719b. Dark gray patina with remnants 

of original silvering. Extremely fine $300 



front / GENIO — POP ROM, Genius standing left in turreted crown, left 

shoulder and loins draped, wearing boots, holding patera and cornucopiae, 

S—A in fields, PTR in exergue. RIC 719b. Glossy dark gray and 

brown patina with remnants of original silvering visible on reverse. 

Struck a little softly at waist of Genius, otherwise extremely fine $300 



front / MARTI PATRI CONSERVATORI, helmeted Mars standing right, 

grasping inverted spear with right hand and resting left on grounded 

shield, S—A in fields, PTR in exergue. RIC 725. Glossy dark gray patina 

with remnants of original silvering. Extremely fine $325 

104. Billon follis (8.32 gm). Lyons, ca. spring 307. FL VAL CONSTAN- 

TINVS NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I 

right, seen from front / GENIO POP—VLI ROMANI, Genius standing 

left before lighted altar in modius-crown, loins draped, boots on, holding 

patera and cornucopiae, N in right field, PLC in exergue. RIC 211 (S). 

Dark brown patina. Upper half of Genius struck a little softly, otherwise 

extremely fine $275 


99. 

100. 

101. 

102. 

103. 

104.

105. 

106. 

107. 

108. 

109. 

110. 

105. Constantine I as Augustus (AD 307-337). Billon follis (6.24 

gm). London, ca. fall 307-early 310. IMP CONSTANTINVS P AVG, 

laureate, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, seen from front / 

MARTI PAT—RI PROPVG, helmeted Mars advancing right, chlamys 

billowing behind, holding spear in right hand and shield in left, PLN in 

exergue. RIC 109 (S). Glossy dark brown patina with remnants of original 

silvering visible on reverse. Good very fine $250 

106. Billon follis (7.55 gm). London, ca. fall 307-early 310. IMP CON- 

STANTINVS P F AVG, laureate, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, 

seen from front / GENIO — POP ROM, Genius standing left with modius 

on head, left shoulder and loins draped, holding patera and cornucopiae, 

PLN in exergue. RIC 103 (S) corr. (objects in hands reversed). 

Brown patina. Nearly extremely fine $225 

107. Billon follis (6.48 gm). London, ca. fall 307-early 310. IMP CON- 

STANTINVS P F AVG, laureate, cuirassed bust of Constantine right, 

seen from front / PRINCIP—I I—V—VENTVTIS, Prince of Youth 

standing facing, head left, in military dress, grasping standard in each 

hand, PLN in exergue. RIC 111 (S). Brown patina. Nearly extremely 

fine $250 

108. Billon follis (4.12 gm). London, ca. mid-310. IMP CONSTANTI- 

NVS P F AVG, laureate, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, seen 

from front / SOLI INVI—CTO COMITI, Sol standing left, chlamys over 

left shoulder, raising right hand and holding up globe in left, T—F in 

fields, PLN in exergue. RIC 121a. Dark brown patina. Extremely fine 

$150 

109. Billon follis (6.56 gm). Trier, ca. fall 307-end 308. IMP CON- 


seen from front / PRINCIPI — IV—VENTVTIS, Prince of Youth 

standing facing, head left, in military dress, grasping standard in each 

hand, S—A in fields, PTR in exergue. RIC 781. Glossy dark brown 

patina. Small planchet flaw above head of Constantine. Extremely fine 

$275 

110. Billon follis (5.31 gm). Trier, ca. fall 307-end 308. IMP CON- 


seen from front / MARTI PATRI PROPVGNATORI, helmeted Mars 

advancing right, chlamys billowing behind, strap for parazonium visible, 

holding spear and shield, S—A in fields, PTR in exergue. RIC 

776 (S). Brown patina. Extremely fine $275 


ROMAN Folles continued 

111. Billon follis (4.61 gm). Trier, ca. 310-313. CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, 

laureate, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, seen from front / SOLI 

INVICTO COMITI, draped bust of Sol right, seen from behind. RIC 893. 

Scarce. Muted silvering on obverse, partial silvering on reverse. Extremely 

fine $300 

112. Billon follis (7.25 gm). Lyons, ca. fall 307-summer 308. IMP C CON- 

STANTINVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I 

right, seen from behind / MARTI PATRI PROPVGNATORI, helmeted Mars 

advancing right, chlamys billowing behind, strap for and hilt of parazonium 

visible, carrying spear and shield, PLC in exergue. RIC 260 (S) var. (here 

also cuirassed). Dark brown patina. Extremely fine $250 

113. Billon follis (5.90). Ticinum, under Maxentius, ca. fall 307-spring 308. 

CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate head of Constantine I right / CON- 

SERV VRB SVAE, helmeted Roma seated facing, head left, in hexastyle 

temple, wearing long robe, holding globe in palm of right hand and grasping 

scepter with left; before third column, Victory flying in from left with crown; 

frieze and raking simas decorated with meandering pattern, bell-shaped 

acroteria on pediment; T T in exergue. RIC 93. Glossy dark gray patina with 

remnants of original silvering. Extremely fine $250 

This intriguing type points to the brief alliance of convenience between 

Constantine and his brother-in-law, the rebel emperor Maxentius, who controlled 

Italy (and the mint of Ticinum) AD 306-312. Constantine also struck 

coins for Maxentius at Trier, but these are exceptionally rare. 

114. Billon follis (Æ 2, 3.62 gm). Arles, ca. 315-316. IMP CONSTANTINVS 

P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, seen 

from front / SOLI INV—I—CTO COMITI, Sol standing left, chlamys over 

left shoulder, raising right hand and supporting globe in palm of left, S—F 

in fields, SARL in exergue. RIC 57 (S). Glossy muted silver. Extremely fine 

$150 

115. Billon follis (Æ 3, 2.90 gm). Ticinum, ca. 318-319. IMP CONSTAN— 

TINVS MAX AVG, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right in laureate helmet, 

seen from front / VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, two Victories standing 

facing one another, holding shield inscribed VOT PR in two lines on 

altar, P T in exergue. RIC 82 (R2). Rare. Brown patina. Nearly extremely 

fine $125 

116. Billon follis (Æ 3, 2.89 gm). Trier, ca. 320. CONSTAN—TINVS AVG, 

helmeted, cuirassed bust of Constantine I right, seen from front / VIRTVS — 

EXERCIT, vexillum inscribed VOT XX in two lines, thereunder two captives 

seated on ground facing outwards, hands bound, the one on right with head 

reverted, star in left field, •PTR in exergue. RIC 254 (R4). Rare. Dark gray 

patina mottled with muted silver. Extremely fine $125 


111. 

112. 

113. 

114. 

115. 

116.

ANTIQUITIES 

117. ROMAN BRONZE CARRIAGE FITTING IN THE FORM OF A COMIC ACTOR Ca. late 1st-2nd century AD. The 

actor, a short, pot-bellied fellow portraying the “clever slave” stock character in Roman comedy, sits on a basket or 

tree stump, his left hand resting on an open, rectangular box atop a cylindrical cista, his right hand clutching a scroll 

resting against his knee. He wears a comedic theatrical mask with a broad, projecting “mouth” and a wig with hair 

piled in a pyramidal, curling mass held in place by a headband, a fringed, knee-length tunic belted with a knotted 

rope at the waist, a garment resembling a half-vest over his left shoulder, and a pair of enclosed moccasin-like shoes. 

The open box upon which his right hand rests is probably intended to hold the mask, while the scroll is likely his 

“script.” He sits atop a rectangular pedestal base decorated with a single volute and a floral motif. Height 15.5 cm 

(6.5 inches). Intact and in excellent condition, with a lovely light green patina overall. A wonderful piece of decorative 

sculpture, providing a host of interesting details about Roman theater. $35,000 

From an American private collection. 

Of similar motif, style and appearance, and likely from the same group, as Gorny & Mosch 145 (14 December 2005), 

lot 63. 

Like its Greek antecedent, Roman theater derived from religious festivals, which almost always included music, dance, 

and masked actors portraying gods and goddesses. In contrast to ancient Greece, tragedy never gained a foothold: In 

Rome, comedy was king, as exemplified by the works of the playwrights Plautus (ca. 254-184 BC) and Terence (ca. 

190-159 BC). Plautus in particular helped formalize a set of stock characters, each with his or her own distinctive costume 

and mask, which became staples of Roman comedy: The “clever slave” (servi callidi); the “braggart soldier” 

(miles gloriosis); the “old miser” (senex); the “nagging wife” (matrona); and the “golden-hearted prostitute” (meretrix). 

Originally, women’s roles were played by boys, but by the first century AD female performers became commonplace. 

Roman audiences were unruly and inclined to violence when bored, so the humor was broad and lowbrow, and the pace 

rapid-fire. The modern musical A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is based on Plautus’ play 

Pseudolus, and gives an idea of how Roman comedy played in its heyday. 


ANTIQUITIES continued 

118. BYZANTINE INSCRIBED BRONZE PLAQUE FROM THE STABLES OF THE SACRED ARSENAL, ca. AD 565-602. 

In the form of a Roman tabula ansata, 4.7 cm high by 8.8 cm wide, with a central incuse facing imperial bust, draped 

and wearing a crown topped by a trefoil ornament, with a surrounding inscription as follows: 

+ZωON ΔΙΑΦS 

TωΘEIω APMAMεNS 

ΠΡOCTAXΘEN KATAΘIS 

TYΠON MIAΓΓAPS 

Translation: 

Animal belonging to the Sacred Arsenal, which, 

according to the Sacred Pragmatic Sanction, 

it has been ordered not to requisition. 

Of thick, heavy fabric, the two ends of the tabula ansata pierced for attachment, the reverse blank. Dark green patina 

overall, with some areas of yellowish metal showing through. A few small edge splits and areas of light corrosion, otherwise 

in exceptional condition with a detailed bust and clear, well-executed inscription. $16,500 

From a European private collection, published in Byzantium State and Society in Memory of Nikos Oikonomides 

(Athens, 2003). 

This fascinating bronze tabula belongs to a small class of Byzantine military objects subjected to scholarly study by John 

Nesbitt in 1984, Denis Feissel in the 1990s, and Simon Bendall and Cecile Morrison in 2003. The first example, published 

by Nesbitt, was from the Zakos collection. Subsequently, three other plaques of similar design and inscription were 

described by Feissel, and Bendall and Morrison published the above specimen in an article for Byzantium State and 

Society in Memory of Nikos Oikonomides (Athens, 2003). According to Bendall and Morrison, this plate and its siblings 

were likely fastened over stalls of the stables at the state arms factory (APMAMENS) to designate horses reserved 

for imperial use. Although no specific emperor is named, the general appearance of the bust, specifically the trefoil ornament 

atop the effigy’s crown, belongs to the period bounded by the reigns of Justin II (AD 565-578) and Maurice 

Tiberius (AD 582-602). The shape of the piece harkens back to tablets attached to or engraved on legionary weapons, 

armor and equipment from the first century BC forward and points to the remarkable continuity of Roman military traditions 

well into the Byzantine period. 

Detail 


119. CENTRAL EUROPEAN CELTIC BRONZE HELMET, ca. 275-150 BC. Proto-Montefortino type, of domed form with 

an attached tall knobbed plume-holder, raised embossed triangular ribs above the temples, each with three repoussé 

domed bosses, a single embossed rib above the lowered occipit, and a raised band encircling the brow and neck 

guard, pierced for attachment of cheek pieces (missing). Height 25 cm (9.875 inches); width 19 cm (7.5 inches). A 

few minor dents, otherwise intact. Possessing a natural jade-green patina, delaminated in spots showing reddish 

cuprite underlay, with areas of earthen encrustation. $35,000 

From the Axel Guttmann Collection (Christie’s South Kensington, 28 April 2004), lot 125. Acquired in Cologne in the 

early 1990s. 

The Celts of Central Europe were justifiably famous for their metal work, particularly in the realm of armor and 

weaponry. The best equipment, such as the helmet above, would have been reserved for the tribal nobility and their 

retainers, all members of the warrior elite. Helmets of similar form have been found in Celtic burials near Vienna, 

Austria and in Batina, Slovenia (Antike Helm p. 300, fig. 12-13). In addition to their decorative function, the wedgeshaped 

embossed ribs to either side were intended to strengthen the bowl and provide an attachment point for cheek 

pieces, which would have been of similar triangular form with three domed bosses. The finial on top would have held a 

horsehair “falling plume.” Celtic armor had enormous influence on the development of Roman military equipment. The 

design elements seen here represent a mix of features associated with the Montefortino helmets employed by both Celtic 

and Roman soldiers and the later Agen-Port type that ultimately evolved into the Imperial Gallic helmets of the Roman 

Empire. 


ANTIQUITIES 

120. POST-ARCHAIC CORINTHIAN/CRETAN BRONZE HELMET, ca. 575-500 BC. Of early Corinthian form, made from 

a single sheet of bronze, with a high, domed skull, triangular eye openings with a shallow central peak, but no true 

nasal; broad, sloped cheek pieces notched at the shoulder, and a gracefully curving occipit flaring into an everted 

neck guard. The outside edges are lined with small holes of less than 1 mm, presumably for attachment of a fabric or 

leather lining, many filled with tiny, raised metal studs; two somewhat larger holes are found above the brow line, 

another pair of holes, separated laterally by 40 mm, are located atop the crown, and a third pair in the central occipital 

region. Two holes of 3-4 mm are located at the point of each cheek guard. Height 30 cm (11.5 inches); width 32 

cm (12 inches). A single penetrating cut about 2 cm along at the crown of the skull and some minor corrosion around 

the outer rim, otherwise completely intact with no visible restoration. Natural light green patina with some areas of 

earthen encrustation and delamination. $50,000 

From a German private collection. 

continued 

The classic Corinthian helmet widely used by Greek hoplites from the 8th to 4th centuries BC had several subtypes and 

variants, one of which was the Cretan type seen here. Identical in basic form to a Corinthian helmet of the mid-sixth 

century BC, the Cretan variant lacks the usual lancet-shaped nasal extending downward from the brow line. Although 

many Corinthian helmets are found with the nasal bent back or broken off entirely, that is not the case here, as the shallow 

peak between the eye openings is carefully beveled and finished. This particular model has a pair of small holes just 

above the brow line, perhaps attachment points for a separate nasal piece; just as likely, these and the other small central 

holes facilitated the attachment of a wooden box for a horsehair crest. Despite its name, use of the Cretan variant 

was by no means confined to Crete; a slightly earlier version was found in a burial dated to the 7th century BC near 

Venice, Italy (Antike Helm, p. 78, Abb. 12); that helmet is now in the collection of the Berlin Museum. 



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