Half of my top 10 are early Roman Republican Denarii, a particular affinity of mine for the last 15 years or so. Over the last few years I had collected most of the common issues of the early denarius system, but the scarce or rare issues in nice condition are offered very infrequently. A couple of years ago, I decided to branch out my collecting discipline to other areas of ancient numismatics. To keep things interesting, I’ll start with five of these deviations from my main theme. 1. Coelius Caldvs IIIVIR Denarius, Crawford 437/1a, c. 51 BC The weakness on the crown of Sol probably allowed this lot to go for a relatively low hammer price in the Roma XXI sale this year. I watched this coin early on because of its particularly pleasing style in the rendering of Sol (in spite of the weakness). The lovely toning was an added plus. Style conquers all. 2. Sicinius Coponius Denarius, Crawford 444/1a., BMCRR II p. 468, 24 c. 49 BC This coin reached my watch list in a Nomisma sale this year where Inexplicably, it hammered for less than 300 euros. Unheard of in these times for just about any Roman Republican denarius in this condition. The coin also bears a 1991 NAC 4/A pedigree, where it sold for CHF 500. The only flaw is a fine flan crack at 6:00 obverse that is almost invisible. An imperatorial issue with a neat story. Grueber provides quite a lot of information about the magistrates sharing the stage for this issue. Here is a summarized excerpt: “Early in 49, Sicinius was appointed a triumvir of the mint in Rome by the party of Pompey which was then in power. On the arrival of Caesar, Sicinius left Rome, evidently in the company of C. Coponius, who was one of the praetors at the outbreak of the Civil war, and who, having espoused the side of Pompey, followed him into Greece, where he had command of the Rhodian ships conjointly with C. Marcellus. Sicinius during the same year issued coins in the East in his own name and that of C. Coponius (this issue). On those coins ... Sicinius still styles himself "triumvir." This coinage which was evidently intended for the use of the fleet commanded by Coponius in the East, is of very exceptional nature, for we have an ordinary moneyer of the Roman mint still using his official title and striking money for a praetor urbanus who had vacated his office. To justify this action, the formula S.C. (Senatus Consulto) is added, in order that it might appear as if the coins were struck under senatorial authority. This instance is quite unique in the whole series of military coinages of the Roman Republic.” Acquired: Nomisma SPA Auction 63. Ex NAC 4/A, 2/27/1991, lot 1661 3. Nerva Denarius – RIC 30b I have a small collection of what I consider exceptional Roman Imperial denarii that I haven’t added to in several years. Denarii of Nerva can be found in great condition, but I have not often seen denarii with a realistic portrait of Nerva. This coin appealed to me because of its portrait style, along with the very round, broad flan and lovely old toning. 4. Eagle Reverse Divo Constantio – Follis RIC 202 (Lugdunum) The coinage (and history) describing the rise and fall of the tetrarchies has been a favorite of mine since I first started collecting ancient coins in the late 70’s. I sold most of these series about a decade ago when I decided to focus on Early Republican silver. When I recently decided to de-focus my emphasis, I naturally gravitated to the coins of this era. They are interesting, and generally inexpensive. My intent was to only acquire issues with unusual reverses – no Genio or Moneta reverses need apply. This resolution lasted about 10 minutes, but that’s another story. The issue with Eagle reverse and undraped/veiled head obverse, is not rare, but somewhat scarce. The simplicity of the reverse is particularly charming to me. 5. Philip II, Tomis AE Pentassarion. RPC VIII, — (unassigned; ID 28158) Obv: Μ ΙΟΥΛΙΟⳞ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟⳞ ΚΑΙⳞΑΡ; [M JULIVS PHILIPVS CAESAR] Confronted busts of Philip II, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed, r., seen from rear, and Sarapis, draped, l. Rev: ΜΗΤΡΟΠ ΠΟΝΤΟΥ ΤΟΜΕΩϹ [CITY <of the, by the?> SEA TOMIS]; Tyche standing facing, holding sceptre and cornucopia; at feet, r., Pontus Euxinus swimming r., crab claws on head. Occasionally, I’ll see a coin that catches my eye but doesn’t fit into any of my collecting themes. The fascinating reverse of this coin of Tomis was one of these. This is the only Greek Imperial coin in my cabinet. It led me to a lot of reading and learning in places I hadn’t been before and now I look more closely and I am placing more serious bids on Roman Provincials (although after a year, still have not won any more.) ------------------------- The second five of my 2021 top 10 are some additions to my early Roman Republican silver focus. ------------------------- 6. "C" Denarius, c. 211-208 BC, Crawford 107/1(d?), BMCRR Italy 186 – “C” mintmark (Canusium?) In the RRC plates, Crawford depicts 3 very different stylistic variations (107/1a, b, and c) of these coins with a C above the Dioscuri. This is not one of them. Grueber does illustrate this variety on plate LXXXIV, #8. The meaning of the “C” symbol is lost and the subject of many speculations that it is likely a mint identity. Grueber suggests Canusium. Although no one would call these “fine style”, I’m intrigued by their unique style, and have examples of 107/1a and 1b. I now need only RRC 107/1c to hold all major variations of this enigmatic issue. Acquired from NAC 125. There is another, somewhat better example of this variety being offered in an upcoming auction. 7. Sow symbol Denarius, Crawford 121/2, 206-195 BC This was a bit of a fortunate mistake for me. In my initial walk through of the lots in the NAC 125 sale, I looked once at this rare, high grade (and expensive) coin and excluded it from my watch list. I just didn’t think I had a chance with my budget. I didn’t look at it again until I was sitting in the live sale and the bidding stopped well below my expectations. Amazed, I clicked the bid button and got it. My earlier quick, myopic view of the coin overlooked the off-center reverse. This really bothered me at first as centering is one of the highest criteria in my condition standards. When the coin came, I loved it. The off-centering on this coin brings the symbol to center stage. Furthermore, the coin is otherwise about as struck and with excellent reflective surfaces. Acquired from NAC 125. 8. TAMP series Denarius, c. 194-190 BC, Crawford, Crawford 133/2b, BMCRR Rome 557. The TAMP monogram series one of the exceptions to the usual anonymous or symbolled types found in the early years of the denarius. The monogram represents the name of a magistrate but it is uncertain who it represents. Crawford attributes this to Gnaeus Baebius Tamphilus, Praetor 168 BC, or possibly one of his cousins. Acquired from Bertolami Auction 87, December 15, 2020 9. Denarius, Crawford 135/1, c. 194-190 BC – Owl symbol Another anonymous issue with an interesting Owl symbol. I particularly liked the round flan and that both sides were nicely centered. A nicer example has not emerged in major sales in more than a decade, and this fits with my major collecting theme so I watched this lot closely and prevailed. Crawford suggests the mint of Rome for this but the workmanship seems crude for a Roman mint issue. Acquired from NAC 125. 10. D symbol Denarius, c. 199-170 BC, Crawford 171/1, C. 199-170 BCE. This scarce issue comes with two style variations, which are described as the big D and little D varieties. This is an example of the slightly more plentiful little D variety, which I believe was executed with a more pleasing style. I bid aggressively on this as I had not seen a finer example of either variation. Acquired from Soler y Llach auction May 6, 2021 Please show any related items in your collections.
I don't know much about Republican coinage, but I've scrolled through enough auction listings out of curiosity to know that you have some nice examples there. Without having them shown and described back to back, I would not have noticed or realized the significance of the C, D, Owl, Tamp, and Sow symbols. Learn something new everyday!
Lovely coins, Fugio1. I've got the TAMP denarius (and the other variety with the monogram under the horses) and the owl (a very miserable owl!), but not the D, sow or C yet. This is is my rather worn example of Cr. 133/2a: I hope you find more early rare types to add in 2022. ATB, Aidan.
Thank you @Cherd. These are tiny details, which originally had some important meaning to be placed on the coinage but we can only speculate what that meaning might be. The mystery has captured me, but not many others.
Aidan, Thanks for sharing this. Cool. This is a significant variation which is substantially more scarce with the monogram below the horses. Congratulations.
Fugio1, You scored some gems this year ! My favorites are #1, 4, & 7, in that order. The R.R. denarius, #1 has finely engraved dies .
Beautiful denarii @Fugio1. My favorites: #1: a lively Coelius Caldus and a beautiful Sol #2: historically interesting Sicinius Coponius denarius #10: Beautiful!
Nice coins, Fugio! I love the style of the D symbol Crawford 171/1. The other two I voted for were #1 and #3.
You have a good eye, and 2 was a real bargain - here is my version. I think its difficult to distinguish between Cr. 444/1a and 1b Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed head of Apollo right, XVI monogram below, III VIR behind, Q. SICINIVS before Club of Hercules surmounted by lion’s skin between arrow and bow, PR. S. C on left, C. COPONIVS on right. Crawford 444/1b; RSC Sicinia 2. 3.39g, 17mm, 5h.
Eye-popping additions to your collection, @Fugio1! The Sicinius/Coponius denarius is stunner! I, too, can't believe the hammer price. I really like the Philip II provincial with the personification of the Black Sea and Tyche; I find these personifications of geographical features fascinating. Here's something relevant but not particularly noteworthy -- my Dioscuri and ROMA denarius. L. Cupiennius, 147 BC. Roman Republican AR denarius, 3.89 g, 17.7 mm, 3 h. Rome, 147 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Roma, right; cornucopiae behind; denominational mark X before. Rev: Dioscuri galloping right; L·CVP (VP ligatured) below; ROMA in exergue. Refs: Crawford (RRC) 218/1; RSC Cupiennia 1; Sydenham (CRR) 404; RCV 94.
These are all great @Fugio1 . My favorites are your 1, 3 and 10. The style on your 1 and 10 really set them apart. The Nerva is a good type that is on my list. Here is my Nerva denarius.
What a surprising list from you, @Fugio1! Wasn't expecting those deviations . Faves: the Coponius, the Caldus, and (for the fantastic reverse) the Tomis Philip II. Wish I had some related coins to share.
