Recent Acquisitions from CNG Auction!

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Restitutor, Jun 1, 2020.

  1. Restitutor

    Restitutor Well-Known Member

    Hi Everyone! After finally learning how to add images on here I wanted to share my two recent acquisitions :snaphappy:

    The first is an Augustus Tetradrachm. I was immediately drawn to this coin given the strong portrait of Augustus. I have not yet come across another Augustus portrait I like so much! Additionally the reverse made me laugh due to how casually it appears Tyche is drowning Orontes, so I knew I had to have this one!

    SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.90 g, 12h). Dated year 30 of the Actian Era and Cos. XIII (2/1 BC). Laureate head right / ETOVΣ Λ (Actian era date) NIKHΣ, Tyche seated right on rocky outcropping, holding palm frond; below, half-length figure of river-god Orontes swimming right; in right field, monogram (=ΥΠΑTOY) and IΓ (consular iteration) above monogram (=ANTIOXIEΩN?). McAlee 185; Prieur 55; RPC I 4156. Lightly toned, some light roughness. EF.

    From the Benito Collection.

    image.png 73FA0B1C-CE1B-4A44-A86F-5C2B62E08421.jpeg


    The second is a Trajan Denarius, celebrating the construction of the Via Traiana. I originally had no intention of buying this one but after seeing a different Trajan I like far exceed my price range I snagged this one in the last few minutes, officially becoming my first Trajan. Outside of the connection with the road I like that you can clearly read 'Optimo Prinicipi' on the reverse.

    Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.25 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 112-113. Laureate bust right, slight drapery / VIA TRAIANA in exergue, the Via Traiana reclining left on rock outcropping, head right, supporting wheel set on knee and holding branch. RIC II 266; Woytek 398b; RSC 648. Lightly toned, some faint hairlines. VF.

    From the Benito Collection.

    04E58D0D-65DC-418D-BA6E-BADAF2381551.jpeg AF108E15-2B3F-41BC-9A14-AFEA34A5EF55.jpeg

    What are your favorite coin portraits or your first coins of a certain emperor/empress?
     
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2020
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  3. TheRed

    TheRed Well-Known Member

    Those are some nice coins. The first coin of Trajan I purchased is a far more humble denarius of the Via Traiana issue.
    20170722_200349.png
     
  4. Restitutor

    Restitutor Well-Known Member

    Thank you! That’s a great version you have there, the Traiana and Principi especially really really pop!
     
    TheRed likes this.
  5. robinjojo

    robinjojo Well-Known Member

    Both lovely coins.

    Congratulations!
     
    Restitutor likes this.
  6. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Those are some fantastic additions.
     
    Restitutor likes this.
  7. DonnaML

    DonnaML Well-Known Member

    I've seen a number of coins with Tyche and Orontes on the reverse, but never one before where Tyche appears to be using her foot to shove Orontes down under the water!
     
    NewStyleKing and Restitutor like this.
  8. Restitutor

    Restitutor Well-Known Member

    Same here! I have tried to find any bit of info as to why this is and while I have learned there was an actual statue depicting this scene. still no info as to why Orontes is beneath her foot!
     
  9. PeteB

    PeteB Well-Known Member

    Speculation - Dominance of Orontes by Tyche?
     
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