I’m pleased to announce that, like some other members recently, I have joined the Aureus club. This coin has been on my wish-list for a long time. My “standard collection set” for any nation/state/empire (in this case the Roman Empire), includes a spread of coins from across the period, and different types of denominations and materials (e.g. silver, copper, and other based metals) – with the crowning glory of each nation/state/empire including a gold coin. Despite purchasing a Solidus to meet the criterion, I was never really thrilled by it – as it felt more like the box being technically ticked than truly completing my set. Like others, I never thought I’d actually be able to afford an Aureus. But life is funny, and opportunities arise while other doors close. As it happens, I had the opportunity to purchase one of these beautiful coins, using my birthday as a very “solid and water tight” excuse to splash out (tagging @Collecting Nut ). My criteria for the Aureus were: - The earlier the better - 'Affordable' (noting that there is really no such thing with an Aureus) - Preferably not Nero (yes, it’s personal and unreasonable – but here we are ) - Not ex-jewellery - Some detail and luster remaining, without excessive scratches or graffiti (I’m not that fussed about scratches or graffiti, but not so much that it substantially takes away from the coin) However, before I get to the actual coin I purchased, a little bit about the emperor. The man Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus (born in Rome on 16 November 42 BC, died on 16 March 37 AD) is considered to be the second Roman Emperor, after Augustus (noting that Julius Caesar, despite paving the way, was not technically considered to be an emperor). His parents were Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla and siblings were Gaius and Lucius. His mother, Livia, divorced his father and married Augustus, following years of unfaithfulness by her husband. Although Gaius and Lucius were favoured by Augustus to succeed the throne, their untimely deaths meant Tiberius was adopted as the son of Augustus. Tiberius was a capable diplomat and general, successfully leading the conquests of Dalmatia, Raetia and Pannonia. A month after the death of Augustus, Tiberius was proclaimed Roman Emperor by the Senate on 17 September 14 AD. Tiberius proved to at first be a capable emperor, implementing laws and policies that were both well considered and future focused. On the surface, Tiberius did not seem to abuse his powers, did not unnecessarily open new war fronts, and did not play power games with governors and legions. Notably, Tiberius successfully turned around the fortunes of the Empire, leaving the imperial treasury 20 times the value that it had been when he took the throne. Notwithstanding the above, Tiberius displayed violent behaviours from the beginning. Notably, Postumas – the only other contender for the throne – was murdered, likely on the orders of Tiberius. There were also examples of savage repression, with the legions putting down a provincial rebellion with substantial bloodshed, and the exile of the entire Jewish community from Rome based on an individual and minor case. Following the death of his son Drusus in 23 AD, Tiberius conceded most of his power to Sejanus, Chief Administrator of the Roman Empire, and was accused of subjecting himself to depraved acts along with his retinue – giving rise to the legend of Tiberius as a monster. Regardless of whether all of the accusations are true, it is likely Tiberius engaged in torture, executions, and other unsociable acts in his many villas equipped with prisons, torture chambers, and dungeons. In 37 AD Tiberius injured his shoulder throwing a javelin in a ceremonial game, resulting in an illness he never recovered from – slipping into a coma and dying shortly after his physicians examined him. Despite his latter life, Tiberius left the Roman Empire in a better state than he had inherited, leaving it prosperous and stable. The coin And now we get to the coin, my new pride and joy. Tiberius Aureus Date: 15 to 18 AD Mint: Lyon, Lugdunum Material: Gold Weight: 7.52 g Diameter: 19.00 mm Obverse: Tiberius, laureate head, facing right, TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS Reverse: Livia as Pax, seated right on throne with ornamented legs, holding reversed spear, PONTIF MAXIM Reference: RIC:29 Thanks for reading, and please feel free to share your gold Roman Empire coins! AC
Excellent coin, and choice for that matter. It always surprises me that, even though these aurii are not rare, they demand a high fee. (And hence out of my league so far.) I hope you got a good deal on this one. Despite some wear and a small cut on the reverse, it is an amazing example! I also like the portrait style, with the 'typical nose and chin of power' portrait. Below you may find my aureus. A type of Domitian, as Caesar. I got this for the birth of our third child. A special occassion called for a special coin. Its worn and has plenty of light scrathecs on the surface. The only downside is a lack of provenance, but on the other hand, this and the wear and scratches are the reasons I could afford it.
@Limes thank you for your comments and assessment, my thoughts precisely! Whether I got a good deal.or not, I don't know, but it was considerably less than the original asking price, so I did ok. Agree with the nose and chin of power, it's half the reason I bought it. You have a lovely Domitian there as well. Very nice detail, and an overall pleasant look.
