nicholasz219's Top of 2020

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by nicholasz219, Dec 21, 2020.

  1. nicholasz219

    nicholasz219 Well-Known Member

    I make no promises that this list will only be 10 coins. I've been MIA for awhile because of COVID and having a 3 year old at home all of the time. I lurk and read but haven't had the bandwidth to type anything up. But after seeing all of the fantastic lists from people I like, I figured I should at least post an end of year highlight reel. None of my coins are terribly expensive nor in the best condition. But I do particularly like finding towns barely seen and fleshing out the world of the Severans a little more in the process.

    I don't have these in any particular order; I just pulled these based on their catalog numbers so they should be roughly in order of what I bought throughout the year.

    I have kept my focus on Septimius Severus, Julia Domna and Probus with a few exceptions. I have been able to add a few more scarce Probus coins and plenty of common types. For the Severan couple, I have been able to add several rarer provincial cities to the collection. I've seen increased interest in the field which is good in a way, because more activity hopefully prompts more articles and friends. But it is also bad because I want all of the coins and I don't want anyone else to have any.

    1. This is a scarce reverse which is exciting to find cheaply.

    [​IMG]

    Probus, Antoninianus, PROVIDEN DEOR, (Star), KAΔ
    AE Antoninianus
    Probus
    Augustus: 276 - 282AD
    Issued: 277AD
    24.0 x 22.0mm 3.80gr 7h
    O: IMP CM AVR PROBVS AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust, right.
    R: PROVIDEN D-EOR; Providentia standing right on left, holding standard in each hand, facing Sol to right, raising hand and holding globe.
    Exergue: (Star), above line; KAΔ, below line.
    Serdica Mint
    Rare
    Cohen 472; RIC V-2 Serdica 845, Δ; Aorta: B87, O25, R112, T111, M5.

    2. I really enjoy collecting these coins of Antioch by reverse legend.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Antioch, Pisidia, AE24, ANTIOCH GENI COL CAES
    AE24
    Roman Provincial: Antioch, Pisidia
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    24.0 x 22.0mm 6.00gr 6h
    O: IVLIA AVGVSTA; Draped bust, right.
    R: ANTIOCH GE [NI CO}L CAES; Genius standing left, holding patera in outstretched right hand, cornucopia on left arm.
    Antioch, Pisidia Mint
    SNG France 1130

    3. I'm also terribly interested in the coinage of Cappadocia. This example is scarce at best.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Tyana, Cappadocia, AE28
    AE28
    Roman Provincial: Tyana, Cappadocia
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    Issued:
    28.0mm 15.30gr 6h
    O: ΙΟΥΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ CεΒΑCTH; Draped bust, right.
    R: [Legend illegible]; Founder, with oxen, plowing left.
    Exergue: TYANΩΝ ΣΑΡ
    Tyana, Cappadocia Mint
    Not on Wildwinds, no reference found on ACSearch.

    4. This has been a favorite coin type of mine for awhile. They are harder to find in nicer grades. This one came up and I was able to pick it up.

    [​IMG]

    Septimius Severus, Denarius, ADVENT AVG
    AR Denarius
    Septimius Severus
    Augustus: 193 - 211AD
    Issued: 202 - 210AD
    20.0 x 19.0mm 3.18gr 0h
    O: SEVERVS PIVS AVG; Laureate bust, right.
    R: ADVENT AVG; Severus, on horseback, left, preceded by soldier, holding upright hand.
    Rome Mint
    gVF; Rare.
    RIC IV Rome 248; Cohen 1; Aorta: 743, B3, O81, R1, T66, M4.

    5. This is quite the large coin: 32mm. It's a great coin that appealed to me because of its size and design.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Amasia, Pontus, AE32, ΑΔΡ CεΥ ΑΤΑ ΑΜΑCIAC
    AE32
    Roman Provincial: Amasia, Pontus
    Septimius Severus
    Augustus: 193 - 211AD
    Issued: 205 - 206AD
    32.0mm 13.80gr 8h
    O: AYK Λ CεΠ CεΥΗΡΟC ΠεΡ CεΒ; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust, from behind; beaded border.
    R: ΑΔΡ CεΥ ΑΤΑ ΑΜΑCIAC MHNEΠΠΟ; Tyche Soterios standing left, holding rudder in right hand, cornucopia on left arm chlamys; beaded border.
    Amasia, Pontus Mint
    Dalaison 206-215; BMC 13.8.10; Rec Gen 42; SNG von Aulock 29.

    6. This is a scarce coin type from Anchialus. A nice pick up from Warren!

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Anchialus, Thrace, AE24, ΑΓΧΙΑΛεΩΝ
    AE24
    Roman Provincial: Anchialus, Thrace
    Septimius Severus
    Augustus: 193 - 211AD
    Issued: ?
    24.0 x 22.5mm 6.00gr 8h
    O: AYT K CεΠ CEYHPOC; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust, right.
    R: ΑΓΧΙΑ-Λε[ΩΝ]: Artemis, standing right, holding bow with left hand, reaching back for arrow from quiver with right hand.
    Anchialus, Thrace Mint
    Added to Wildwinds, May, 2020.
    Moushmov -; Bulgarian National Collection: NAIM-BAS 6834 var. (obverse legend).

    7. The coins from Hadrianapolis-Sebaste remind me very much of Antioch, Parlais and Anchialus. I am more and more of the mind that these towns shared the same mint or staff. Relatively speaking, these coins are scarcer to find than the coins of the above three.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Hadrianopolis-Sebaste, Phrygia, AE22, ΑΔΡΙΑΝ ΑΡΧ ΑΡΙCTOΔΗ
    AE22
    Roman Provincial: Hadrianopolis-Sebaste, Phrygia
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    Issued: ?
    22.0mm 5.01gr 0h
    O: ΙΟΥΛ ΔΟΜ-ΝΑ CεB; Draped bust, right.
    R: ΑΔ-ΡΙΑΝ (Dot) ΑΡ Χ (Dot) ΑΡΙCTOΔΗ; Tyche standing right, holding rudder on globe in right hand, cornucopia on left arm.
    Hadrianopolis-Sebaste, Phrygia Mint

    8. The next coin is from Adramytteon, which is also uncommon. Not the best condition, but the coin is rare as it is.

    [​IMG]

    AE18
    Roman Provincial: Adramyteion, Mysia
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    Issued: ?
    18.0mm 2.90gr 1h
    O: IOYΛΙΑ CεΒΑCTH; Draped bust, right.
    R: ΑΔΡΑ-ΜΥΤΗΝΩΝ; Demeter Eleusinia veiled, seated left, holding poppies and corn ears in raised right hand, transverse scepter on left arm.
    Adramyteion, Mysia Mint
    Rare
    Featured on Wildwinds, May, 2020.
    BMC Mysia -; Ivanoff 212 corr. (Hera); Stauber 193; SNG France 5, 49; von Fritze Mysien 123; Waddington 616; Paris 32; Allianoi Excav. 1998, 9.

    9. The next coin probably qualifies as "coin of the year." (@Mat pointed it out to me and encouraged me to pull the trigger. So, hope you have room on your couch man for when it's me and my coins living under a bridge.) In any case, the type had been on my want list for a long time and I think everyone knows why. The view of the temple of Jupiter Maximus Heliopolitanus is fantastic and the portrait of Severus isn't bad either. My garbage pictures taken through an NGC holder do it no justice.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Heliopolis, Coele-Syria, AE25, IOMH COL HEL
    AE25
    Roman Provincial: Heliopolis, Coele-Syria
    Septimius Severus
    Augustus: 193 - 211AD
    Issued: ?
    25.0mm 14.02gr 6h
    O: L SEPTIMIUS SEVERVS AVG; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.
    R: IOMH COL HEL; Temple of Jupiter Maximus Heliopolitanus, viewed in perspective from above the left front corner; numerous columns, flight of steps in front.
    Heliopolis, Coele-Syria Mint
    SNG München 1031 var. (legend, bust); SNG Cop 429; cf. BMC Galatia p. 290, 2.
    NGC Choice VF: Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5 (smoothing). NGC Certification # 5872605-022.

    10. This is scarce issue of Side, Pamphylia. First I had seen and affordable.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Side, Pamphylia, AE19, CΙΔΗΤΩΝ
    AE19
    Roman Provincial: Side, Pamphylia
    Septimius Severus
    Augustus: 193 - 211AD
    Issued: ?
    19.0mm 4.32gr 6h
    O: ΑΥΤ Κ Λ Cε CεΥΗΡΟC ΠεΡΤΙ; Laureate bust, right.
    R: CΙΔΗ-Τ[ΩΝ]; Athena advancing right, holding shield and spear; snake beneath, facing right.
    Side, Pamphylia Mint
    SNG Pfalz IV 687.
    Very rare.
    Added to Wildwinds, June, 2020.

    11. I was also able to add a coin of Damascus. It is really odd to me how little this area of the Empire produced. In any case, it makes a nice pair with the Heliopolis.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Damascus, Coele-Syria, AE23, ΔΜΑCΚΗΝΩ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛ
    AE23
    Roman Provincial: Damascus, Coele-Syria
    Septimius Severus
    Augustus: 193 - 211AD
    Issued: ?
    23.0mm 9.608gr 0h
    O: CεΥΠεCV ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙ (or similar); Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust, right.
    R: ΔΜΑCΚΗΝΩ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛ (or similar); Turreted and draped bust of city goddess Tyche, left, within an arched tetra style temple.
    Damascus, Coele-Syria Mint
    SNG Cop 421; Rosenberger V 20; SNG Munchen -.
    Very rare.

    12. This next issue from Istros doesn't have a particularly rare reputation but I can certainly say that I do not see many coins from Istros, much less anywhere near the prolific issuances of Nikopolis ad Istrum and Markianopolis.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Istros, Moesia Inferior, AE25, ICTPIHNΩΝ
    AE25
    Roman Provincial: Istros, Moesia Inferior
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    Issued: ?
    25.0mm 9.14gr 12h
    O: IOYΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ Cε; Diademed, draped bust, right.
    R: ICTPIHNΩΝ; River god Ister, crowned with reeds, reclining left against amphora from which water flows, holding dolphin in right hand, reed in left hand.
    Istros, Moesia Inferior Mint
    SNG Stancomb 879 (this coin); Varbanov I, 630.
    Ex. William Stancomb Collection; Ex. A. H. Baldwins & Sons, Ltd., April, 1975, with original ticket.

    13. Another surprisingly rare issue from Deultum. It is funny how you see several coins from a place and then only after some time goes by do you realize you haven't seen any from a particular emperor. The coinage becomes more common a few emperors after Severus so this coin of Domna was a nice pickup.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Deultum, Thrace, AE25, COL FL PAC DEVLT
    AE25
    Roman Provincial: Deultum, Thrace
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    Issued: ?
    25.0mm 10.06gr 6h
    O: IVLIA AVGVST[A]; Draped bust, right.
    COL FL (Dot) P-AC DEVLT; Homonoia, standing left, wearing modius, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia.
    Deultum, Thrace Mint
    Rare; aVF; Featured on Wildwinds, September, 2020.
    SNG Italy 403; Varbanov 2019.

    14. This coin is not particularly rare, but it is really attractive to me, even with the hit on the neck. (Granted the references list it as rare, but I see these offered.) Notwithstanding that hit, I am very happy with the coin.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Sardes, Lydia, AE29, εΠΙ Γ ΚΛΜΙ ΘΡΟΥ ΑΡΧΑ
    AE29
    Roman Provincial: Sardes, Lydia
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    29.0mm 12.47gr 7h
    O: IOYΛΙΑ CεΒΑCTH; Draped bust left, as Fortuna, wearing kalathos with cornucopiae.
    R: εΠΙ Γ ΚΛΜΙ ΘΡΟΥ ΑΡΧΑ CΑΡΔΙΑΝΩΝ Β ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ; Prize crown with palm frond, decorated with five pellets in annulets and set upon base inscribed with exergue.
    Exergue: ΧΡΥCΑΝΘΙΝΑ
    Sardes, Lydia Mint
    Very Rare
    Leypold I, 1226; Paris 1260; BMC 150; SNG von Aulock 3156.

    15. I was also excited to pick up this coin from Aegae, Aeolis. Rare and a cool design with Hygieia and Asklepios being clean and healthy and stuff.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Aegae, Aeolis, AE27, εΠ CTPA
    AE27
    Roman Provincial: Aegae, Aeolis
    Julia Domna
    B. ca. 170 - D. 217AD
    Augusta: 193 - 217AD
    Issued: ?
    27.0mm 15.24gr 7h
    O: IOYΛΙΑ ΔΟΜΝΑ CεΒΑCTH; Draped bust left; beaded border.
    R: εΠ CTPA AΠΟΛΛΟΔΩΡΟΥ AIΓΑεΩΝ; Hygieia, on the left, standing right, feeding serpent held in her right hand; Asklepios, on the right, standing facing, head to left, leaning on serpent-entwined staff; beaded border.
    Aegae, Aeolis Mint
    From a private UK collection; aVF/Very Rare. 11/13/20: Not on WW.
    SNG Munich 379

    16. I have been able to flesh out my collection of Cappadocian coins pretty well this year. I won this last month and I feel that it is the best representative example of the sub collection to share.

    [​IMG]

    Provincial, Caesarea, Cappadocia, Drachm, MHTPO KAICAPI NεΩ
    AR Drachm
    Roman Provincial: Caesarea, Cappadocia
    Septimius Severus
    Augustus: 193 - 211AD
    Issued: 208 - 209AD
    18.0mm 3.39gr 11h
    O: AY KAI Λ CεΠ CεΟΥΗΡΟC; Laureate head, right.
    R: MHTPO KAICAPI NεΩ; Mt. Argaeus, surmounted by star.
    Exergue: εΤΙς = RY16 = 208-209AD
    Caesarea, Cappadocia Mint
    Sydenham 401a var. (obv. and rev. legends).

    If you are interested in seeing more, check out my Forvm pages.

    SS:

    https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=6295

    JD:

    https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=6296

    Probus:

    https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=6322

    Let me know which ones you enjoy and please post anything you like!

    Happy Holidays! -Nick
     
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  3. Ancient Aussie

    Ancient Aussie Well-Known Member

    WOW great coins, your Heliopolis temple is the best I have ever seen and also like your number 16 Sev Cappadocia, fantastic set of coins, congrats.
     
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  4. AncientJoe

    AncientJoe Well-Known Member

    Your Heliopolis is my favorite of the group: a superb, under-rated type in my eyes.
     
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  5. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Great coins, Nic. As for couch space, I have plenty of couch space

    I too like the Heliopolis as well as the Severus Caesarea Drachm, #14 & 15.

    Here is a better pic of your Heliopolis

    [​IMG]
     
  6. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Lots to like. My favorites are the Heliopolis, Sardes, Lydia, and Caesarea, Cappadocia
     
    nicholasz219 likes this.
  7. happy_collector

    happy_collector Well-Known Member

    Great collection of Roman provincials. Nice Heliopolis, and I also like your Julia Domna selections.
     
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  8. DonnaML

    DonnaML Well-Known Member

    A terrific group. My favorites are the two Septimius Severus coins (the denarius with the Emperor on horseback and the drachm with Mt. Argaeus), and of course the Heliopolis with that temple.
     
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  9. finny

    finny Well-Known Member

    Beautiful selection!!! I also have to say the heliopolis is my favorite.
     
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  10. Severus Alexander

    Severus Alexander find me at NumisForums

    A fantastic selection! Crack out that Heliopolis beauty please! :D I also really like the Damascus (another great reverse type), the Sep Sev Adventus, and the ginormous prize urn on the Sardes. The Tyana is also cool! This list is a great example of how, with patience and a discerning eye, you can get amazing stuff on a budget.
     
    nicholasz219 likes this.
  11. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Excellent list! #9 is my favourite.
     
    nicholasz219 likes this.
  12. Alegandron

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

    Great set of coins, @nicholasz219 .

    I do not have many temples or architecture in my collection. I think the Heliopolis attribution is wrong! The reverse should be:
    Temple, perspective of Zeus Jupiter Maximus, looking down from Mt Olympus.”
    :)
    Great coin
     
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  13. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    The Helios temple is truly enviable. Great score! I like the Sardes too. The prize crown looks like a giant tangerine!
     
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  14. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    I love Severan provincials, @nicholasz219, so I found a lot of them interesting. I'd have to say my favorite is the left-facing bust of Julia Domna as Fortuna! I've never seen that type before.
     
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  15. panzerman

    panzerman Well-Known Member

    Nice group of coins/ Nicholas:) Thanks for sharing them.
     
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  16. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    Nick, It looks like you made some important additions this year :D! The temple of Jupiter / Septimius Severus bronze, #9 was certainly the highlight of your acquisitions this year :happy:. Out of curiosity, how did NGC grade it o_O? The denarius of Severus on horseback, #4 is a great looking coin too :). Over the years I've managed to get some nice portrait coins of Severus in the form of Syrian Tets. Your 3 links are well organized & a pleasure to look at :cool:.
     
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  17. nicholasz219

    nicholasz219 Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the compliments and favorites, everyone. I know some of the provincials are pretty rough but when I’ve never seen a type before I figure just buy it if I can and find a better one later. So far, in many instances, there hasn’t been a “later.” Admittedly I wish my photography was better, which would give my coins a needed break on appearance. Most are nicer than the pictures allow.

    @Al Kowsky NGC graded it 4/5 and 3/5. I think it deserved a 4 and 4 but it’s not so off base that I care even.

    I work so that my pages are intuitive to search because they are my reference pages for the collection. When I am looking to buy, being able to find a town or legend quickly is important.

    @Roman Collector or anyone else interested in Severan provincials, post some of your favorites here too!
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2020
  18. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    I've posted most of my Severan provincials a number of times but I'll accept your invitation & post a few of my favorites again :D

    4531309-004, AK Collection.jpg 4100535-024, AK Collection.jpg 2407594-011, AK Collection.jpg 3988264-001, Prieur 1151, AK Collection.jpg
     
  19. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    While I have always wanted a #9, the star in this group to my eyes is #14 Domna. That coin also deserves a better photo.
     
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