I was looking at my photo library this morning and decided that it would be impossible for me to select just one favorite portrait. Instead, I hope you will bear with me if I post my favorite portrait for a handful of my favorite emperors... (all bronzes). Nero - As: Genius sacrificing at Altar Galba- Sestertius: Libertas Vitellius - Sestertius (beat up but I really like the portrait - pure Vitellius) Vespasian - Sestertius: Wreath/SPQR Titus - As: Victoria Navalis
Wonderful coins everybody. A couple favorites - Julia Domna, Mamiminus Daia and Caracalla as a child.
My best third century portrait is this one Julia Domna Sestertius It is No 321 in the new book by Pangeri on Roman portraits on coins
Fantastic thread!!! Here's my favourite joint reign portrait of Gallienus: The portrait is often a consideration for me in choosing coins, so it's hard to pick a favourite! Here are a few that came to mind, in chronological order:
Here is a Domitian I like a lot - finely styled and well detailed: Domitianus - As: Ludi Saeculares These are my favorite two Trajan portraits. I like both for different reasons. Trajan Sestertius: Triumphal Arch Trajan Sestertius - Germania:
Great thread! I'm way out of the 3d century here. This coin is beat up as can be, and suffers from bronze disease. But this guy, Agrippa, has the most manly, hard-nosed, doesn't suffer fools, Roman warrior-statesman, portrait in my collection. I wouldn't want to cross him. It's my favorite. Agrippa; 37-41 AD Struck under Caligula AE As; 30mm/11.2g, Rome mint OBV: M AGRIPPA L F COS III, Head L wearing rostral crown REV: Neptune Standing L holding small dolphin and trident; SC in fields (RIC I 58, Cohen 3)
Simply wonderful @Eduard - and really everyone! There have been so many outstanding portraits posted in this thread that it it is really a disservice to other participants to applaud any one post, and I personally apologize to those who I have not recognized. Here is another of my favorite portrait coins. I particularly like these furrowed brow/worried expression types: RIC VII, London, Licinius, No. 3 Reduced weight follis - 313 to 314 O: Licinius laureate and cuirassed bust right - IMP LICINIVS PF AVG R: Genius with modius on head, chlamys over left shoulder, holding patera (rh) cornucopia (l) -GENIO POP ROM - PLN (exergue) S (l) F (r)
Great topic for a post, @TJC ! Here is my favorite portrait from my modest collection of Roman denarii. It was actually the expression on Julia's face that made me want this coin. She has a tired look in her eyes that reminds me of my mother's face after a day of trying to keep my brothers and I out of trouble.
Two famous ladies: RIC VII, Helena Killingholme Hoard (Trier Mint) - 324 to 325 O: Helena diademed bust right - FL HELENA AVGVSTVA R: Securitas standing left - SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE RIC VII, Fausta Killingholme Hoard (Trier Mint) - 324 to 325 O: Fausta bust right - FLAV MAX FAVSTA AVG R: Fausta holding two infant sons - SALVS REIPVBLICAE
Here's a few of mine with one of each of the Flavians: Roman Empire, Philip I Sestertius IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG Laureate bust right VICTORIA AVG SC Victory advancing right holding wreath and palm 17.1g Rome 244-5 AD RIC 192a Sear 9021 Probus Billon Antoninianus IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG Radiate, mantled bust left holding eagle tipped scepter SOL INVICTO Sol in spread Quadriga holding whip KAΓ in ex Serdica 277 AD RIC 864 Bust type H 3.84g Scarce RIC 849 Vespasian denarius IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG laureate head of Vespasian right IOVIS CVSTOS Jupiter standing half-left, sacrificing from patera in right over small lit altar at feet on left, long scepter grounded behind in left Rome, 75 - 76 A.D. 3.458g, die axis 180o RIC II, part 1, 849 (C3); BMCRE III 276; RSC II 222; BnF III 249; SRCV I 2295 Ex-Heritage CICF World and Ancient Coins Signature Auction 3032, part of lot 30530, Ex- Forum RIC 112 Titus denarius IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, right TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P Dolphin coiled around anchor Rome mint, 80 AD RIC 112 (C2), BMCRE 72, RSC 309 Ex-Londinium Coins Titus' pulvinar series commemorating the opening of the Colosseum. RIC 393 Domitian denarius IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V Laureate head right IMP XI COS XI CENS P P P Minerva standing left with spear Rome 85 AD (6th issue) 3.49g RIC 393 (R)
Awesome coins in this post! Here is my favorite stylized portrait. Arabia Petraea, Petra. Septimius Severus AE22.
Wow!!! My head is spinning! Those are some amazing portraits! Here is another favorite. Which is interesting because the scratches are terrible. Yet this philosopher imperator portrait wins the day in my book.