What is Numismatics? In simple terms it is the study of money, usually encountered as pieces of metal with effigies or symbols on them, though other objects, less easily identifiable as money have also been used. A good example of the latter is the Cowrie shell which was used as currency in West Africa and around the Indian Ocean until the mid-19th century. The history of money is also covered by the term numismatics. Since approximately 500 BC, money has developed as a means of payment for traded goods & services, with coins struck in specific denominations, usually made from metal alloys to standards laid down by the issuing body. Initially, gold and silver coins such as the Roman Aureus and Denarius were typically struck for the upper echelons of society as their value was too great to be of use as payment for goods encountered in subsistence living, but once the use of coin was extended to the common man as a replacement for barter, base metal coins were introduced to reflect the lower transaction values. In Roman times, the latter meant bronzes, with various denominations such as the Sestertius, Dupondius, As or Quadrans struck. As with the coins struck in precious metals, they were used as both a means of facilitating trade and as a propaganda tool. Although produced in vast numbers and used by all, they did not survive well as they were used for transactions rather than as a store of wealth and consequently rarely hoarded. Such pieces that do survive in superb condition are both desirable and wonderful works of miniature art. For nearly 300 years, from Augustus (BC 27) until Postumus (AD 268) the minting of the Sestertius became a new form of mass propaganda, a currency for the “plebeian”, the average Roman person but as mentioned above used by all. The coins were art in a small format, though with the size of a Sestertius being more than an inch in diameter, they were a relatively large canvas for the coin engraver to work with. Usually they depicted the history of military success, the proudness of Rome, buildings, Gods, heroes, emperors haranguing the troops, celebrating victories, captives and more. The obverse (heads side) usually had a bust or busts that in all probability were a real likeness to the Emperors and Empresses portrayed. We can only assume this as there are no contemporary reproductions attesting a likeness to any individual, though the variation between emperors’ portraits, but the consistency of portraits within a period of rule suggests they ought to be reasonably so. They were coins that were circulated throughout the empire in vast numbers and assisted in the payment of commerce. The bronze coins had a unique attraction in that due to the metal they attracted incredible patinas, colours created through the earth they were hoarded or lay in. How old is the habit of collecting coins and by extension the study of numismatics? The Romans themselves had a penchant for collecting, as both Pliny and Plutarch tell us that there were those who were prepared to buy coins no longer in circulation at prices higher than their face value. This little snippet of information might suggest that people have always been interested in collecting and studying coins, but the truth is we can only go on the recorded history in this instance. In 1906, the Prof. Sarti sale of Roman coins contained examples from the Bolsena hoard. This included 4000 Roman coins of every emperor from a period covering 200 years. Quality sestertii and more in an excellent state of preservation that may have been an example of an early numismatist’s collection. At this sale in 1906 it was recorded “this sale the rarity of names seen was completely neglected, prevailing absolutely the modern theory that conservation not only applies to everything, but is the only element of judgment” As ever, quality was paramount to the collector. www.petitioncrown.com
It's very intriguing to think of ancient Roman coin collectors, and I wish there were more written records than the scant references of Pliny and Plutarch. Does anyone know of any others? Beautiful coin, SwK, but your attribution is missing "S.C." before "in exergue."
That's a nice speech and lovely coin but the title has left me confused. "ADD YOUR PHOTOS - for a gem collected 25 years ago" What was collected 25 years ago, this Domitian sestertius? And by whom, you? Do you want us to post pictures of our coins? What type of coins, ones we collected years ago? Sestertii of Domitian? Any coins we consider gems?
Can you cite any additional discussion on the Bolsena hoard? At a glance, the only things I can find online are your own articles/.
... ahaha, I agree ... Ummm, but I'm merely gonna assume that you wanted to see my "hot" Domitian thunder?!! => kaaaabooooommm!!
I need assistance ! HELP - found this in Italian ' In fact, there is contained pieces of conservation meravigIiosa (extraordinario, fantastic). Coins chosen one by one two hundred or a little more, you added a rich beautiful hoard found a few years ago in Bolsena and consists of approximately 4000 large bronze almost all of the imperial (high) empire'
I'm not sure what this thread is about so I'm going to just show some coins. My photos suck a bit. I like the green one because he looks like he used to much hair gel. That's all I can add to this. Cazart....and have a nice day!
