Featured Spes, Goddess of Hope: New Sub-group?

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Justin Lee, Nov 29, 2018.

  1. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    At the beginning of October, I bid on and won a Titus As with SPES reverse. Though it's rough/gone-through-many-hands, it has a simple beauty about it... The flower, the gentle holding of hem.
    CollageMaker_20181023_220319259.jpg
    Titus as Caesar, AE As
    Struck by Vespasian in 77-78 AD, Lugdunum Mint
    Obverse:
    T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR, Head of Titus, laureate, right; globe at point of neck.
    Reverse: Spes standing, left holding flower in right and raising skirt with left (anepigraphic), S-C across field.
    References: RIC II (Vespasian) 1273
    Size: 28mm, 8.7g

    Since then, I've seen a few other coins come up (or now I've just noticed them more), I've bid on most, and won some. I guess this deity reverse type is becoming a collecting sub-group in now into. :happy:

    The same time I got that Nero I cleaned, I also got this worn Aelius with - you guessed it - Spes reverse.
    CollageMaker_20181121_231828404.jpg
    Aelius as Caesar, AE As
    Struck by Hadrian in 137 AD, Rome Mint
    Obverse:
    L AELIVS CAESAR, Bust of Lucius Aelius Caesar, bare head right.
    Reverse: TR POT COS II, Spes, draped, advancing left, holding up flower in right hand and raising skirt with left, S-C across field.
    References: RIC II (Hadrian) 1067
    Size: 26.5 mm, 9.23 g

    And just today, got this Trajan with Spes reverse.
    CollageMaker_20181129_134523080.jpg
    Trajan, AE As
    Struck 103-111 AD, Rome Mint
    Obverse:
    IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, Bust of Trajan, laureate, draped on left shoulder, right.
    Reverse: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Spes, draped, advancing left, holding up flower in right hand and raising skirt with left, S-C across field.
    References: RIC II (Trajan) 519
    Size: 27 mm, 10.8 g

    94e481e79b03f784e45fe2553c480b67.jpg
    Spes, the goddess of hope, was used to share with the Roman populace the hope for the emperor to bring continued peace and prosperity to the empire.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2018
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  3. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    [​IMG]
    Trajan (98 - 117 A.D.)
    AR Denarius
    O: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, Laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder.
    R: COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC, Spes walking left, flower in right, raising hem of skirt.
    Rome
    3.5g
    20mm
    SRCV II 3127, RIC II 127, RSC II 84

    [​IMG]
    Lucilla (164 - 182 A.D.)
    Billion Tetradrachm
    EGYPT, Alexandria
    O: ΛOVKIΛΛA C–ЄB ANT CЄ ΘV, draped bust right.
    R: Elpis stdg. l. holding flowers & lifting skirt. LS=6th yr.
    Alexandria Mint
    24mm
    11.33g
    Dattari 3816, Emmett 2473, R5

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    Severus Alexander (222 - 235 A.D.)
    Æ Sestertius
    O: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate bust right with slight drapery on far shoulder.
    R: SPES PVBLICA S C, Spes advancing left, flower in right, raising skirt with left.
    Rome Mint, 232 A.D.
    19g
    29mm
    RIC IV 648

    [​IMG]
    Tetricus II (274 A.D.)
    Æ Antoninianus
    O: C PIV ESV TETRICVS CAES, radiate, draped bust right.
    R: SPES AVGG, Spes walking left, holding flower and raising skirt.
    2.9g
    19mm
    RIC 270
     
    Orfew, zumbly, Silverlock and 11 others like this.
  4. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    Elpis Standing left, holding flower and hem of skirt...Aurelius as Caesar AE Drachm

    aurelius.jpg
     
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  5. Ancient Aussie

    Ancient Aussie Well-Known Member

    Nice collection of Spes you have Justin, I especially like your Trajan with great eye appeal.
     
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  6. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    Cool @Justin Lee ! Great coins of Spes. I am partial to that Trajan As. Interesting though. that it was during the Late Republic that temples to Spes were constructed, dedicated to events that happened in Rome during the 5th C BCE.


    Since I focus on the Republic, I have none to offer from that time period. However, here are a few of mine from the Empire:

    upload_2018-11-29_17-32-13.png
    RI Fausta 325-326 CE AE3 Spes stdg 2 infants SMHA 20mm 3.48g scratch over eye


    RI Eugenius 392-394 CE AE 12mm 1.0g Aquileia SPES wreath palm Victory RIC59.jpg
    RI Eugenius 392-394 CE AE 12mm 1.0g Aquileia SPES wreath palm Victory RIC59


    RI Tetricus II 273-274 CE BI Ant SPES w Flower.jpg
    RI Tetricus II 273-274 CE BI Ant SPES w Flower


    upload_2018-11-29_17-36-41.png
    RI Macrianus 260-261 CE Usurper AR 22mm 4.4g BI Ant Spes Publica star Sear 3.10811. RIC 13 pg 581 R2 Rare


    RI Aelius Caesar 138 CE AE As 26mm Rome mint Fortuna-Spes cornucopia and rudder.jpg
    RI Aelius Caesar 138 CE AE As 26mm Rome mint Fortuna-Spes cornucopia and rudder
     
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  7. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    Philip I, Antioch mint. SPES FELICITATIS ORBIS
    ro0730bb2194.jpg

    My Claudius sestertius is barbarous. The best Rome mint Spes dies of Claudius are amazing in the way they depict the transparent drapery.
    See: https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=103901
    rb1060bb1042.jpg
     
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  8. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    Possibly from Hispania? Gallia? There was a similar one that came up a few days ago, but I decided to pass on it (based on it being barbarous and other competing coins I had my eye on). Wishing I hadn't now. Yours is nicer.
     
  9. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Faustina II with Spes:

    Faustina Jr AVGVSTI PII FIL Spes denarius.jpg
    Faustina Jr AVGVSTI PII FIL Spes denarius Sulzer listing.JPG
     
  10. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

    Claudius sestertius

    [​IMG][​IMG]
    BMCRE Volume I, Rome, sestertius, Claudius, No. 124
    RIC Volume I, Rome, sestertius, Claudius No. 99
    41-50 AD, (36mm, 25.3gm)
    Obverse depiction: Claudius, laureate head facing right
    Inscription clockwise from bottom: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TRP IMP
    Reverse depiction: Personification of Spes holding flower in right hand and demurely raising skirt with left hand
    Inscription clockwise from bottom: SPES AVGVSTA - S C (exergue)
     
  11. chrsmat71

    chrsmat71 I LIKE TURTLES!

    Hey nice @Justin Lee ! Cool green patina on that Trajan!

    I like how Spes does that little flirty shirt hike and shows off a little leg. :peeking::woot:

    [​IMG]

    Vespasian, AE As, 76 AD

    IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII,laureate head right S-C, Spes standing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. 26mm 10.3g RIC 894
     
  12. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Doesn't look like anyone has posted a Claudius Gothicus one yet:

    Claudius II SPES PVBLICA Antoninianus.JPG
    Claudius II SPES PVBLICA Antoninianus Sulzer listing.JPG
     
  13. Orange Julius

    Orange Julius Well-Known Member

    Oooh! I have a fun Claudius II that's similar with Spes. It's a Kevin special to be sure but in great shape, showing the silver wash that most of these are lacking.
    ClaudiusII.jpg
     
  14. maridvnvm

    maridvnvm Well-Known Member

    I will pile on with two emperors not yet covered with Spes types here

    Septimius Severus denarius

    Obv:– IMP CA L SE SEV PEVR (sic) AVG COS I-I, Laureate head right
    Rev:– BONA SPES, Spes standing holding flower and lifting skirt.
    Minted in Emesa, A.D. 194
    References:– RIC -, RSC

    [​IMG]

    Probus - with Spes being a bit more animated that usual

    Obv:– IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; seen from the rear
    Rev:– SPES PROBI AVG, Spes walking left, holding flower and raising robe
    Minted in Lugdunum (III in exe) Emission 7, Officina 3. A.D. 281
    Reference:– Cohen 708. Bastien 324 (12 examples cited). RIC 99 Bust type C (C)

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    Resurrecting this post from last winter as I recently added a new Spes reverse to this sub-collection. This beautiful, yellow sestertius of Faustina II:

    [​IMG]
    Faustina II, Wife of Marcus Aurelius
    AE Sestertius, Struck 145-161 AD, Rome mint

    Obverse: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, Bust of Faustina the Younger, draped, right, hair is elaborately dressed in horizontal lines with ringlets down front: it is coiled in a chignon on back of head.
    Reverse: AVGVSTI PII FIL, Spes, draped, standing front, head left, holding up flower-bud in right hand and gathering up fold of skirt in left, S-C across field.
    References: RIC III 1371
    Size: 30mm, 23.5g

    But in reviewing this post and then my sub-collection, I now realize that I have a few more that I haven't shared in this thread (8 in total in the collection). So here it goes:

    [​IMG]
    Vespasian, AE As
    Struck 74 AD, Rome mint

    Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS V CENS, Head of Vespasian, laureate, right.
    Reverse: Spes, draped, advancing left, holding up flower in right hand and raising up skirt with left, SC across field.
    References: RIC II 730

    [​IMG]
    Vespasian, Ruled 69-79 AD
    AE As, Struck in 76 AD, Rome mint

    Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII, Head of Vespasian, laureate, right.
    Reverse: Spes standing, left holding flower in right and raising skirt with left, SC across field.
    References: RIC II 894

    [​IMG]
    Antoninus Pius, Ruled 138-161 AD
    AE As, Struck 143-144 AD, Rome Mint

    Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right.
    Reverse: IMPERATOR II, Spes, draped, advancing left holding flower-bud in raided right hand and gathering up fold of skirt in left; S-C across fields.
    References: RIC III 730

    [​IMG]
    Severus Alexander, Ruled 221-235 AD
    AE Sestertius, Struck 231-235 AD, Rome

    Obverse: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right.
    Reverse: SPES PVBLICA, Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand, SC in fields.
    References: RIC 648d
    Size: 31mm, 15.58g
    Notes: Lightweight, but not unusual for the type.
     
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  16. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Fantastic, @Justin Lee ! I love that Faustina II.

    Here's a fairly recent acquisition. This one was formerly attributed to Emesa, but the exact location of the eastern mint has been called into question, and the British Museum now classifies it as "minted in: Eastern Roman Empire."

    [​IMG]
    Julia Domna, AD 193-217.
    Roman AR denarius, 3.40 g, 17 mm, 12 h.
    Eastern mint, AD 194-195.
    Obv: IVLIA DO MNA AVG, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
    Rev: BONA SPES, Spes standing left, holding flower and lifting fold of skirt.
    Refs: RIC 614; BMCRE 412-13; Cohen/RSC 8; RCV 6575; CRE 387.
     
  17. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Nice coins all!

    Here is Spes on a denarius of Domitian.

    Domitian RIC 788 new.jpg
     
  18. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    I'm posting a well worn & light weight sestertius of Claudius, AD 41-50, with Spes on the reverse, & countermarked NCAPR, from the Richard Baker collection. I scored this coin earlier this year from a CNG auction. It is the same type as the coin posted by jamesicus & is pictured above my coin. According to Baker many coins with heavy wear were countermarked by Nero, because he struck only gold & silver coins for the first 8 to 10 years of his reign from the Rome Mint. To avoid a shortage of base metal coinage it was necessary to keep these coins in circulation as long as possible. The most likely translation of NCAPR is Nero Claudius Augustus Probavit (with the approval of Nero Claudius, the Augustus, to the people of Rome).

    [​IMG][​IMG]

    Claudius, sestertius, 42 mm, 21.84 gm, NCAPR countermark, R. Baker Col..jpg
    AE sestertius, 42 mm, 21.84 gm.
     
  19. Cucumbor

    Cucumbor Well-Known Member

    Here we still use the word : the french for hope is espoir, espérance which directly derives from Spes

    A few more

    Aelius
    [​IMG]

    Diadumenian
    [​IMG]

    Aemilian
    [​IMG]

    Tetricus II
    [​IMG]

    Fausta
    [​IMG]

    Q
     
  20. Aleph

    Aleph Well-Known Member

    Spes always walks left (her right) holding a flower in her right hand. I have yet to see an exception and I have now scanned about 100 examples. Why? What is the significance? Pretty clearly it seems to be important.
     
  21. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

    Here is an unusual Spes reverse coin:

    Titus Restoration of Claudius Sestertius

    [​IMG][​IMG]
    AE SESTERTIUS - CLAUDIUS/TITUS RESTORATION/RESTITUTION ISSUE
    BMCRE Volume II, Rome, Titus No. 297
    RIC Volume II (1962 Edition), Rome, Titus, No. 234
    RIC Volume II, Part 1 (second edition), Titus, No. 472 (Sear No. 2601)
    80-81 AD, (34.5mm, 24.3gm)
    Obverse depiction: Claudius, laureate head facing right
    Inscription: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TRP IMP PP
    Reverse depiction: Personification of Spes
    holding flower in right hand and demurely raising skirt with left hand
    Inscription: IMP T VESP AVG REST - S C (left and right)
    Titus was a Military Tribune in Britain AD 60-63

    Sear Roman Coins and their Values (RCV 2000 Edition) Number 2601 (via Wildwinds)

    Sale: CNG, Triton XII, Lot: 555 (5 January 2009)

    Provenance: Ex Dr. V.J.A. Flynn Collection

    The Restoration/Restitution coinage of Titus, Domitian & Nerva
    Both Restoration and Restitution are employed by modern day authors to describe this coinage

    Upon assuming the purple, Vespasian adopted a policy of honoring illustrious members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and other worthy deceased Augusti and their family members, by issuing several commemorative coin types in their memory. Commemoration of the illustrious dead on coins originated during the later Republic and became an integral part of the legacy of deified Emperors.

    When he was elevated to Augustus, Titus perpetuated his father's policy of honoring the illustrious dead, by issuing commemorative coinage in a like manner. However, he now also began issuing coins that were struck from newly made dies designed to produce coins that closely resembled original coin types of the honorees. He included the reverse legend IMP T VESP AVG REST (or RESTITVIT) which roughly equates to "The Emperor Titus, son of Vespasian, is the restorer of this coin".

    Only Aes coins - As, Dupondius and Sestertius - were restored. It was essentially Senatorial coinage yet was issued by Titus. Under Vespasian he alone determined the style and content of the commemorative coinage. Titus, however, sought input from the Senate in the design and content of the restoration coinage. It must have been important to him to have the two main powers of the State combine to honor the illustrious dead in this fashion and co-operation was reinforced by the striking of "Aes" coins bearing the usual Senatorial S C (Senatus Consulto) together with the "Restoration" legend of the Emperor. Of course, the Emperor was the supreme authority, and the Senate was subservient to him, but the traditional Senatorial control of the "Aes" coinage still had some relevance.

    The Emperor and the Senate, acting together, selected the deceased Augusti and family members they deemed worthy of being honored by the issuance of Restored coinage - a kind of official judgment of their records. Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius, Galba - and selected family members - were included. Caligula, Nero, Otho, Vitellius - and their family members were excluded. Titus issue Restoration coinage was produced during the the years AD 80-81.

    The Restoration coinage of Domitian in general followed that of Titus, but the output was much lighter and appears to be restricted to a short period at the beginning of his reign.

    The Restoration coinage of Nerva is very different for it only includes two honorees: Divus Augustus and Agrippina senior.

    Primary reference: THE "RESTORED" COINS OF TITUS, DOMITIAN, AND NERVA by Harold Mattingly: The Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Royal Numismatic Society
    Fourth Series, Vol. 20 (1920), pp. 177-207

    Trajan's Restoration coinage was based on different criteria and he issued it in bronze, silver and gold. He also issued this coinage to honor Distinguished Republican families. There is some very interesting information relating to the Restoration/Restitution coinage of Trajan in this CNG listing. Note especially the Curtis Clay Commentary.
     
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2019
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