My first pseudo random purchases of 2015

=> certainly



Doug => I'm pretty sure that you're a fan of that last example, correct? ... I like them all (they all have things goin' for them)

 

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Holding head in hands again!!!! Saw this one and had to pick it up. The style on this one is quite different to my other example. The reverse is far more cartoonish.

Maximinus II Daia - Follis
Obv:– IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS P F AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:– GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius, naked but for chlamys fastened at his right shoulder and hanging from his left shoulder, standing facing, head left, wearing modius, holding head of Serapis, which faces him, in right hand and ornate cornucopia in left arm behind
Minted in Alexandria (* / N / Branch | Z / Wreath // ALE).
Reference(s) – RIC VI Alexandria 162b

 

That's Marcus Sergius, grandpa of the moneyer. He was famous for being the first documented case of using a metal prosthetic hand, which allowed him to hold a shield after he had lost his right hand.

This guy was a roman legend. Captured twice by the great Hannibal Barca and escaped both times, once after 2 years in chain. Survived two horses getting stabbed to death in battle, himself was wounded 23 times.

He fought and commanded numerous battles after the second punic war, and was responsible for capturing 12 enemy camps in gaul plus lifting the seige on a northern italian town.

I had particular interest in him because he dispelled the myth that all roman soldiers were trained to, and only drew swords with their right hands. Maybe that was still true for infantry, but Marcus Sergius used his left to swing a sword after losing his right, and continued with his military services.

BTW, opposed to popular belief that the depiction was him during the punic war, I think it was during his campaign in gaul (as a general, commanding a legion). It clearly showed he was holding the shield with his right hand. This whole thing of him recovering from the wound and implementing the prosthetic hand had to be later.

 

I love this kind of history/legend. True or not, this is the kind of stuff of legends.

 

For the record we might mention that Alexandria holding a bust of Serapis is a type of the last period tetradrachms. This Maximianus year one was part of my trade deal at the show Friday. Emmett 4093 identifies it as Alexandria rather than Tyche (would have been my guess). I do see the turreted crown is higher than we usually see for Tyche but I would like details on how this call was made.

 

Good question Doug. I would have guessed Tyche. In any case, I've not seen this type at all and would love to find one.