Hey friends, I was searching Republic denarii to see how far back this design on coinage goes, and the earliest I can find is an issue of A. Manlius Q. f. Sergianus, 118-107 BC. Here's an incredible specimen, that someone paid a real pretty penny for. @Volodya is this your coin? I got to thinking about this depiction of Sol because I received a Probus ant in a recent consignment. This is a common coin but a great type and probably many of you have one... I've noticed it also occurs on certain Severan dynasty provincials and Tetrarchical argentii. So this thread is for Sol in facing quadriga only - if you've got one, post it!
Sol facing front in facing quadriga, holding globe and whip Sol facing front in facing quadriga, holding globe Sol facing left in facing quadriga, holding globe and whip
I like the ones with chariots riding in flames - the more, the better. Both of mine are military busts while all above of Probus are consulars.
The Maximinus II version is more scarce but the bad billon makes many ugly like mine. The horses are just standing there and I really prefer the Probus styles.
Well, fwiw here's a pdf of my coin, lot 333 in the excellent 2012 Aureo & Calico sale of the VFC Collection.
WOW!!! I can't say I was even aware they had a 'Republican' with that reverse let alone actually saw one.....until now. All I have is this modest example of Probus:
PROBUS Antoninianus OBVERSE:IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, radiate, mantled & cuirassed bust left holding eagle-tipped sceptre REVERSE: SOLI INVICTO, Sol in spread quadriga, holding globe and raising right hand. Mintmark KA Delta Struck at Serdica, 276-282 AD 3.2g, 24mm RIC V 861, D
Wow, very nice indeed! Here it is extracted from the pdf... Despite the low resolution, your example looks to be every bit as spectacular as the Roma coin.
Thanks for doing that. I'm recovering from carpal tunnel surgery and I'm limiting the use of my hand.
I also have a Probus because I too like the facing Sol quadriga. One of my handful of non RR's to remain in my cabinet.
Some remarkable preservation of these Probus ants! All the ones I find are way more corroded. I actually like the ones with smooth brown patina better than the silvered ones.
Very cool, Honest John ... congrats (that'll go for a nice price, eh?) Ummm, I'm fairly sure that I only have this example (but I have a poor memory) Pontus, Amasia. Severus Alexander. Æ35 A.D. 222-235 Civic year 228 (A.D. 228/9) Diameter: 35 mm Weight: 26.18 grams Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right, seen from behind Reverse: High altar upon which eagle stands facing, head left; above, Sol in facing quadriga, holding whip; to left of altar, tree Reference: Dalaison 566 (D145/R439); RG 101; cf. SNG Copenhagen 119; BMC 39 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 6710 (same obv. die) ... very cool
Looks like Santa's sleigh approaching a chimney! Everyone's posted some very interesting coins and both the Republican and the Probus are types I haven't seen before.
