I just won this early Roman Republic bronze and it also has the distinction of being a coin associated with the Hannibalic War---most of you may recall my previous failed attempt with my 'victoriatus' purchase, subsequently attributed to a later date. Succinctly, although the 'uncia' was the original base unit (semis=12 uncia), the 'semis', literally meaning half an 'as', is more familiar to most in that way; the semis was distinguished by an 'S' (indicating semis) or six dots indicating a weight of 6 uncia. Initially a cast coin, like the rest of Roman Republic bronzes, it began to be struck from dies before the Second Punic War (218-204 BC). This coin was issued infrequently during the Roman Empire and ceased to be issued by the time of Hadrian (117-138 AD). Although the mint is unknown for this specific bronze and is attributed as 'Italy', there appears to be some speculation it was struck in 'Etruria'. Anonymous (Staff and Club), Circa 208 BC AE Semis, 29.8 mm, 14.96 grams, Etruria Mint? Laureate head of Saturn right, S behind ROMA prow of galley right S and staff above Crawford 106/5, Sydenham 210a
@Mikey Zee VERY nice! I really enjoy the 2nd Punic War! Got a few bronzes myself from the War with Hannibal, but no Semis. Just an As, Triens, Uncia, and a Quartuncia (1/48th As) That is one of the better Ship's Prow that I have seen. Those usually wore down, or seem to be struck shallow. Nice bronze coloration.
I keep telling myself that I need more Republican bronzes but so many are just so ugly I end up walking away. This is my only semis.
Nice coins. My last Semis is a late cast one. It looks a bit better in hand. The casting holes show too well in the picture. I like that the silver sestertius of 211 had IIS for 1/4 of a denarius or two asses and a semis. Roman Republican AE Cast Semis circa 215-212 20.07 g. Laureate head of Saturn l.; behind, S. Rev. Prow l.; above, S. Haeberlin pl. 51, 5. AES Grave 27. Sydenham 102. Thurlow-Vecchi 71. Crawford 41/6a.
I agree, I always liked the IIS for a Silver Sestertius. Mine is faint, but you can see it. I have been trying to snag an Aes Grave via auctions...each time it is just out of my grasp by $20!!! UGH
Nice Semis! Great provenance too, from the RBW collection. I don't have any Semises(is that the correct plural?) to show but I hope to add one to my collection soon.
Nice pickup with a great-looking prow, Mikey. I have one of these, also attributed to the Etruria mint, but quite a bit heavier. Mine is probably the one that is 'out of sync' for the issue... I have a McCabe note for it which states: "a heavy staff Semis, weighing 24.5 grams on a large flan, the size of an As; this is probably associated with the post-semilibral coinage, struck in the earliest campaigns in Etruria." ROMAN REPUBLIC Anonymous Staff and Club series Æ Semis 24.5g, 33mm Etruria, 208 BC Crawford 106/5. O: Laureate head of Saturn right, S behind. R: Prow right, S and staff above, ROMA below. Ex Andrew McCabe Collection
That's a sweet example 'Z' and remarkably heavier than usual. I wish My Saturn portrait was as good as yours.....and a better reverse. Oh well, I'm still happy with what I have.
My only semis from the 2nd Punic War is pretty rough, but I will show it, so Mikey Zee will feel better about the condition of his semis. On the reverse of my coin, the ROMA below the prow is entirely off the flan, and the prow should be decorated. But after actively collecting RR bronze for 10 years, this is the best I have been able to find/afford. I have never found a semis minted between 218-201 BC in very good condition, and Doug's coin is exceptional! Anonymous 211-206 BC Obv: Laureate head of bearded Saturn r., S behind Rx: Prow of galley r., S above prow AE Semis 16.55gm - 26 mm Ref: Crawford 56/3, Syd 143a
I have a coin appropriate for this thread, although not as attractive as the other coins shown . It was from a large mixed lot. Roman Republic, anonymous unofficial mint in Hispania, ca. 50-0 BCE imitative semis, AE, 19x21 mm, 5.0 gm Obv: laureate head of Saturn right, S behind Rev: prow left, S above, "ROMA" below Ref: cf. Crawford 056/3
Here's another one from Hispania, one I really love: Roman Republican, Hispania AE, semis, 8.6g, 23mm; 2h; Hispania, 1st century BC Obv.: Laureate head of Saturn right; S (mark of value) behind Rev.: Prow left, S (mark of value) above In Ex.: ROMA Ref.: ACIP 2659; Burgos R44 https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=218458 I really love this coin, did I mention that?
awesome semis MZ and everyone...i don't have one, but it's on my infamous list. JWT and or JA...was that one in ex JohnAnthony collection, or am i thinking of a similar coin?
No, that's the one. It was in one of my Special Offerings. Curiously, the CNG coin is a die match, and another member on this forum (I forget who) has yet another die match! There must have been a hoard with a few of these that came from the same dies.
Anonymous RR AE Semis, eh? ... yup, I've got one to add to your thread!! Sweet new coin-addition, Mikey-Z (I love these ol' AE rugged looking coins) Oh => "S" is for Semis & Saturn!! (obverse) ... there is also a dolphin "swimming-down" in front of the prow (cool)
