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Lord Marcovan's Top 9 Ancient & Medievals of 2020 (the ONLY nine, actually...)
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<p>[QUOTE="lordmarcovan, post: 5255252, member: 10461"]<font face="Georgia"><font size="5">So, with all these Top 10 lists, I wondered about what my own might look like.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5">Ancient and Medieval coins are but a relatively small subset of my larger "<a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/lord-marcovans-eclectic-box-collection-as-of-august-7-2020.364592/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/lord-marcovans-eclectic-box-collection-as-of-august-7-2020.364592/">Eclectic Box</a>" collection, so it turns out I could only find <b>nine</b> from 2020. </font></font></p><p><br /></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5">Here they are, in <b>chronological order</b> by coin date.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Egypt (Ptolemaic Kingdom): silver didrachm of Ptolemy VI ("Philometer"), second sole reign, ca. 163-145 BC; Cyprus mint</b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/egypt-ptolemaic-kingdom-silver-didrachm-of-ptolemy-vi-philometer-ca-163-145-bc.361518/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/egypt-ptolemaic-kingdom-silver-didrachm-of-ptolemy-vi-philometer-ca-163-145-bc.361518/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/Y97nxnxVQEqPfMbqEeCN_Ptolemy-frame.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse:</b> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem" rel="nofollow">Diademed</a> head of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_I_Soter" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_I_Soter" rel="nofollow">Ptolemy I Soter</a> right, wearing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegis" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegis" rel="nofollow">aegis</a> around neck.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse: </b>Eagle standing left on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt" rel="nofollow">thunderbolt</a> with wings closed, P IZ (Z <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=retrograde&oq=retrograde&aqs=chrome..69i57.2119j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.google.com/search?q=retrograde&oq=retrograde&aqs=chrome..69i57.2119j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" rel="nofollow">retrograde</a>) in fields, E between legs.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_VI_Philometor" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_VI_Philometor" rel="nofollow">Ptolemy VI Philometor</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemaic_Kingdom" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemaic_Kingdom" rel="nofollow">Ptolemaic</a> King of Egypt, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_VI_Philometor#Second_reign_(163-145_BC)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_VI_Philometor#Second_reign_(163-145_BC)" rel="nofollow">second sole reign</a>, 163-145 BC.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications:</b> Silver, 21 mm, 6.64 g.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade: </b><a href="https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-002/NGCAncients/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-002/NGCAncients/" rel="nofollow">NGC VF</a>; Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5. Cert. #5770260-002. Purchased raw.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference: </b>Svoronos 1228.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance: </b>ex-Ken Dorney, via VCoins store, 30 May 2020.<a href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/52/product/ptolemaic_kings_of_egypt_ptolemy_vi_2nd_reign_163__145_bc_silver_tetradrachm/1240216/Default.aspx" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/52/product/ptolemaic_kings_of_egypt_ptolemy_vi_2nd_reign_163__145_bc_silver_tetradrachm/1240216/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow">*</a> Prior provenance to Classical Numismatic Group eAuction 456, Lot 248, 13 November 2019.<a href="https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=6483628" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=6483628" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes: </b>Struck at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus" rel="nofollow">Cyprus</a>. Ptolemy VI won a decisive victory against the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire" rel="nofollow">Seleucid</a> Kingdom at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Antioch_(145_BC)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Antioch_(145_BC)" rel="nofollow">Battle of Antioch</a> (Oenoparus) in 145 BC, but died three days later from wounds received in the battle.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments: </b>This was my first Ptolemaic coin. I liked the greyish toning and the portrait on it.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Roman Egypt (Alexandria): billon tetradrachm of Hadrian, ca. 117-138 AD; canopic jar of Osiris</b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-egypt-alexandria-billon-tetradrachm-of-hadrian-ca-117-138-ad-canopic-jar-of-osiris.368503/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-egypt-alexandria-billon-tetradrachm-of-hadrian-ca-117-138-ad-canopic-jar-of-osiris.368503/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/pxgRQkQCRsKGKkH2Xc49_Hadrian-Canopus-gradient.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse:</b> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laureate" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laureate" rel="nofollow">Laureate</a> and draped bust of Hadrian right, crescent moon before.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse:</b> Canopus (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canopic_jar" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canopic_jar" rel="nofollow">canopic jar</a>) of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris" rel="nofollow">Osiris</a> to right, L G across fields.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer:</b> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt_(Roman_province)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt_(Roman_province)" rel="nofollow">Roman Egypt</a> under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian" rel="nofollow">Hadrian</a>, Roman emperor, 117-138 AD.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications:</b> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billon_(alloy)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billon_(alloy)" rel="nofollow">Billon</a>, 26 mm, 13.50 g.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade:</b> F-VF; presently uncertified.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference:</b> RPC 5312, Emmett 827.6, Koln 825, Dattari 1321 (per Ken Dorney).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance:</b> Ex-Kenneth W. Dorney Ancient Coins & Antiquities, Redding, California, USA, 27 August 2020.<a href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ken_dorney/52/product/hadrian_117__138_ad_billon_tetradrachm_of_alexandria_canopus_of_osiris/1208172/Default.aspx" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ken_dorney/52/product/hadrian_117__138_ad_billon_tetradrachm_of_alexandria_canopus_of_osiris/1208172/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes:</b> In ancient Egypt, canopic jars were originally used during the process of mummification, to preserve and store the organs of a deceased individual for the afterlife. However, during and after the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Intermediate_Period_of_Egypt" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Intermediate_Period_of_Egypt" rel="nofollow">Third Intermediate Period</a> (1069-664 BC), improved mummification techniques allowed the viscera to remain in the body. The jars remained a ceremonial feature in tombs after that, but were merely "dummy" jars that were no longer hollow and were no longer used for organ storage.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments: </b>I found the theme of this coin fascinating, given how relatively late in Egyptian history it is, having been struck during the Roman occupation. This was centuries after the time of the pharaohs. Osiris was still part of contemporary religion for people in Egypt, which still encompassed the traditional deities. It is interesting to consider how much of Egyptian history was just as ancient to the Romans as they are to us.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Roman Empire: silver denarius of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, struck ca. 196-202 AD, Laodicea mint</b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-denarius-of-julia-domna-wife-of-septimius-severus-struck-ca-196-202-ad.361535/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-denarius-of-julia-domna-wife-of-septimius-severus-struck-ca-196-202-ad.361535/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/xpS7Bse8SeuPIXmxgLMV_JuliaDomna-frame.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse:</b> IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Domna" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Domna" rel="nofollow">Julia Domna</a> right.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse: </b>CONCORDIA, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concordia_(mythology)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concordia_(mythology)" rel="nofollow">Concordia</a>, seated left, holding <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patera" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patera" rel="nofollow">patera</a> and double <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornucopia" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornucopia" rel="nofollow">cornucopiae</a>.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septimius_Severus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septimius_Severus" rel="nofollow">Septimius Severus</a>, Roman emperor (193-211 AD)</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications:</b> Silver, 3.04 g. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laodicea_on_the_Lycus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laodicea_on_the_Lycus" rel="nofollow">Laodicea</a> mint ca. 196-202.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade: </b><a href="https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-004/NGCAncients/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-004/NGCAncients/" rel="nofollow">NGC XF</a>; Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, "lt. scratches". Cert. #5770260-004. Purchased raw.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference: </b><a href="https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s6577.html#RIC_0637" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s6577.html#RIC_0637" rel="nofollow">RIC 637, RSC 21, BMC 593</a>.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance: </b>ex-Künker am Dom, Germany, via MA-Shops, 19 May 2020.<a href="http://xn--knker%20am%20dom-jzb/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://xn--knker%20am%20dom-jzb/" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes: </b>Julia Domna was the wife of one Roman emperor, Septimius Severus, and the mother of two more: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracalla" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracalla" rel="nofollow">Caracalla</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geta_(emperor)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geta_(emperor)" rel="nofollow">Geta</a>.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments: </b>It was that grey <a href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Toned" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Toned" rel="nofollow">toning</a> that did it for me, though perhaps not everyone might find that appealing. Personally, I think it is quite handsome, though in the matter of <a href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Doug%20Smith%20Style" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Doug%20Smith%20Style" rel="nofollow">style</a>, the face of Concordia on the reverse does have a rather space-alien-like appearance. It seems the Roman die engravers of this period were not always as skilled as their Greek predecessors.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Roman Empire: silver denarius of Julia Mamaea, mother of Severus Alexander, struck ca. 222-235 AD</b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-denarius-of-julia-mamaea-mother-of-severus-alexander-struck-ca-222-235-ad.361548/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-denarius-of-julia-mamaea-mother-of-severus-alexander-struck-ca-222-235-ad.361548/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/lTjRPpLhRXqLOK5E3Kd5_JuliaMamaea-frame.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse: </b>IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, Draped and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem" rel="nofollow">diademed</a> bust of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Avita_Mamaea" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Avita_Mamaea" rel="nofollow">Julia Mamaea</a> right.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse: </b>FELICITAS PVBLICA, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felicitas" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felicitas" rel="nofollow">Felicitas</a> standing facing, head turned to left, with legs crossed and holding <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus" rel="nofollow">caduceus</a> and leaning on column.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severus_Alexander" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severus_Alexander" rel="nofollow">Severus Alexander</a>, Roman emperor (222-235 AD).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications: </b>Silver, 20 mm, 2.24 g. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome" rel="nofollow">Rome</a> mint.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade: </b><a href="https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-005/NGCAncients/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-005/NGCAncients/" rel="nofollow">NGC Choice XF</a>, Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, "lt. scratches". Cert. #5770260-005.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference: </b>RIC 335.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance: </b>ex-Ken Dorney, via VCoins store, 28 February 2020.<a href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/52/product/julia_mamaea_222__235_ad_silver_denarius_felicitas_toned_ef/1266358/Default.aspx" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/52/product/julia_mamaea_222__235_ad_silver_denarius_felicitas_toned_ef/1266358/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes: </b>Julia Mamaea was the mother of the emperor Severus Alexander and served as his <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regent" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regent" rel="nofollow">regent</a> from the time he was 14 years old. They were members of the powerful <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severan_dynasty" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severan_dynasty" rel="nofollow">Severan dynasty</a>.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments: </b>The portrait, sharp details, and subtly colored <a href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Toned" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Toned" rel="nofollow">toning</a> were what attracted me to this coin.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Roman Empire: billon Æ3/4, VRBS ROMA city commemorative; Constantinian era, ca. 330-340 AD</b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-billon-%C3%863-4-vrbs-roma-city-commemorative-constantinian-era-ca-330-340-ad.368579/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-billon-%C3%863-4-vrbs-roma-city-commemorative-constantinian-era-ca-330-340-ad.368579/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/ZZb7HbYURPStw5S2eF5B_UrbsRoma-frame.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5">Gift from Josh Z ([USER=17304]@kazuma78[/USER]). I haven't completed a writeup yet, but if you're interested enough, there's a thread about it if you click the photo (which is the case with the rest here).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Roman empire: silver siliqua of Julian II, ca. 360-363 AD; found in 1887 in the East Harptree Hoard</b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-siliqua-of-julian-ii-ca-360-363-ad-found-in-1887-in-the-east-harptree-hoard.363333/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-siliqua-of-julian-ii-ca-360-363-ad-found-in-1887-in-the-east-harptree-hoard.363333/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/VuBAbjdYStKhEcdB3lqO_JulianII-gradient.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse:</b> DN FL CL IVLI-ANVS <a href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=p%20f%20avg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=p%20f%20avg" rel="nofollow">PF AVG</a>; draped, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuirass" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuirass" rel="nofollow">cuirassed</a>. and pearl-<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem" rel="nofollow">diademed</a> bust right.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse:</b> VOTIS/X/MVLT/XX in wreath with medallion in center containing eagle; TCONST <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_mark" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_mark" rel="nofollow">mintmark</a> in <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/exergue#English" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/exergue#English" rel="nofollow">exergue</a>.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_(emperor)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_(emperor)" rel="nofollow">Julian II</a> ("the Apostate"), Roman emperor (361-363 AD).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications: </b>Silver <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliqua" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliqua" rel="nofollow">siliqua</a>, 17 mm, 1.98 g. Struck at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arles" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arles" rel="nofollow">Arelate</a> (now Arles, France- which was named Constantina at the time, hence the "TCONST" mintmark).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade: </b>Very Fine, toned.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference: </b>Arles <a href="http://wildwinds.com/coins/ric/julian_II/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://wildwinds.com/coins/ric/julian_II/" rel="nofollow">RIC-309</a>, T.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance:</b> ex-Gert Boersema Ancient Coins, Hasselt, Netherlands, via VCoins store, 12 July 2020.<a href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/25/product/ex_east_harptree_hoard__julian_ii_ad_360363_ar_siliqua_17mm_198_gram_arelate/1166046/Default.aspx" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/25/product/ex_east_harptree_hoard__julian_ii_ad_360363_ar_siliqua_17mm_198_gram_arelate/1166046/Default.aspx" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes:</b> This coin was found in 1887 with a <a href="https://www.spink.com/media/view?id=339" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.spink.com/media/view?id=339" rel="nofollow">hoard</a> of 1,496 pieces in the village of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Harptree" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Harptree" rel="nofollow">East Harptree</a>, Somerset, England. A laborer named William Currell was digging to find the source of a spring when his pick struck the vessel containing the coins. Subsequent research indicates the hoard was deposited sometime around 375 AD. It included 718 coins of Julian II. This emperor earned his nickname "The Apostate" because he attempted to reverse the Roman conversion to Christianity, and to revert to the traditional pagan religious practices. In the long term he was unsuccessful, however, and was destined to be the last non-Christian emperor. He died in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Samarra_(363)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Samarra_(363)" rel="nofollow">Battle of Samarra</a> against the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasanian_Empire" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasanian_Empire" rel="nofollow">Sasanian Persians</a> in 363 AD.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments:</b> I was already interested in acquiring a coin of Julian II, since I had been reading about the transition from paganism to Christianity. I also had never owned a siliqua before. Roman bronze coins of this era tend to be common, but these silver <i>siliquae</i> are generally rather scarce. The coin was appealing enough on its own merits, but with the addition of a well-documented hoard pedigree from over 130 years ago, I found it pretty much irresistible.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>German States (Brunswick-Lüneburg): silver bracteate of William Longsword, ca. 1195-1213</b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/german-states-brunswick-l%C3%BCneburg-silver-bracteate-of-william-longsword-ca-1195-1213.363022/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/german-states-brunswick-l%C3%BCneburg-silver-bracteate-of-william-longsword-ca-1195-1213.363022/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/w4pUdYBBTOdsNlKGd7OV_Bracteate-gradient.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5">*This coin just returned from PCGS with an <a href="https://www.pcgs.com/cert/40724034" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.pcgs.com/cert/40724034" rel="nofollow">AU55</a> grade.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse</b>: lion <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attitude_(heraldry)#Passant" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attitude_(heraldry)#Passant" rel="nofollow">passant</a>, left.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse:</b> <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incuse" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incuse" rel="nofollow">incuse</a> mirrored image of obverse.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_of_Winchester,_Lord_of_Lunenburg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_of_Winchester,_Lord_of_Lunenburg" rel="nofollow">William of Winchester</a>, Lord of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%BCneburg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%BCneburg" rel="nofollow">Lüneburg</a> (aka "William Longsword").</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications: </b>silver, 21.5 mm, 0.54 g.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade:</b> "<i>Fast Vorzüglich</i>" (Choice XF), per Münzenhandlung Brom.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference: </b><a href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces106982.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces106982.html" rel="nofollow">Numista-106982</a> (other references cited there).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance: </b>ex-Münzenhandlung Brom, Berlin, Germany, 8 July 2020.<a href="https://www.ma-shops.com/brom/item.php?id=181127002" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ma-shops.com/brom/item.php?id=181127002" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes:</b> a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracteate#Early_medieval_bracteates" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracteate#Early_medieval_bracteates" rel="nofollow">bracteate</a> was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniface_(numismatics)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniface_(numismatics)" rel="nofollow">uniface</a> coin hammered with a single die upon a thin sheet of metal, which reproduced the same design on both sides; raised on one side and reversed and incuse on the opposite side. Bracteates (<i>hohlpfennige, </i>or "hollow pennies") were a regional medieval coin that circulated in many German-speaking lands from the 12th to 14th centuries.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments: </b>This was my first bracteate. Prior to its purchase, I had struck out at least three times in my attempts to win one at auction. I finally bought this one at retail instead. I like it for its simple yet suitably medieval-looking lion motif (William was the son of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Lion" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Lion" rel="nofollow">Henry the Lion</a>), and its appealing old cabinet toning. I also like that it's from one of the German Brunswick (Braunschweig) regions, since I'm from Brunswick (Georgia, USA).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b><b><b>German States (Mecklenburg-Wismar): silver witten, struck after the Wendish Coinage Union of 1379</b></b></b></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b><b><b><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/german-states-mecklenburg-wismar-silver-witten-struck-after-the-wendish-coinage-union-of-1379.361570/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/german-states-mecklenburg-wismar-silver-witten-struck-after-the-wendish-coinage-union-of-1379.361570/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/1mtL94R46CMXE4W5DVQZ_Witten-frame.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></b></b></b></font></font><b><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse: </b></font></font></b><font face="Georgia"><font size="5">Crowned bull's head facing, with protruding tongue.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse: </b><a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilienkreuz" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilienkreuz" rel="nofollow">Lily cross</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_fleury" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_fleury" rel="nofollow">cross fleurée</a>, star in center.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer: </b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wismar" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wismar" rel="nofollow">Wismar</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanseatic_League" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanseatic_League" rel="nofollow">Hanseatic</a> city in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecklenburg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecklenburg" rel="nofollow">Mecklenburg</a>, Germany.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications: </b>Silver <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witte_(M%C3%BCnze)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witte_(M%C3%BCnze)" rel="nofollow">witten</a>, 1.36 g. Slightly double-struck on obverse.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade: </b><a href="https://www.pcgs.com/cert/39640148" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.pcgs.com/cert/39640148" rel="nofollow">PCGS XF40</a>; cert. #39640148. Purchased raw.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference: </b><a href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces108456.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces108456.html" rel="nofollow">Numista-108456</a>, Jesse 365, Oertzen 257-264, Kunzel 2 A/i.<a href="https://www.ma-shops.com/siee/item.php?id=190531012" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ma-shops.com/siee/item.php?id=190531012" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance: </b>ex-Holger Siee, Germany, via MA-Shops, 11 June 2020.<a href="https://www.ma-shops.com/siee/item.php?id=190531012" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ma-shops.com/siee/item.php?id=190531012" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes: </b>Struck after the recess of 1379, under the <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendischer_M%C3%BCnzverein" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendischer_M%C3%BCnzverein" rel="nofollow">Wendischer Münzverein</a> (Wendish Coinage Union). The same bull motif on this coin remains on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecklenburg#/media/File%3AMecklenburg_Arms.svg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecklenburg#/media/File%3AMecklenburg_Arms.svg" rel="nofollow">coat of arms</a> of Mecklenburg to this day.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments: </b>The whimsical, cartoonish bull with his tongue sticking out proved irresistible to me. He reminds me a bit of the <a href="http://snible.org/coins/parion.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://snible.org/coins/parion.html" rel="nofollow">gorgons</a> on some ancient Greek coins. I affectionately call this my MCMC ("Mad Cow Medieval Coin").</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><br /></font></font></p><p><b><font face="Georgia"><font size="5">Switzerland (Basel): gold guilder (goldgulden) of Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, ca. 1452-1478</font></font></b></p><p><b><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/switzerland-basel-gold-guilder-goldgulden-of-frederick-iii-holy-roman-emperor-ca-1452-1478.362704/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/switzerland-basel-gold-guilder-goldgulden-of-frederick-iii-holy-roman-emperor-ca-1452-1478.362704/"><img src="https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/7BvsAAmyTAKDZG3hHVEG_Basel-gg-frame.png" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></a></font></font></b></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Obverse:</b> ✠ FRIDORICVS ○ ROMANO' ○ IMPA', <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globus_cruciger" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globus_cruciger" rel="nofollow">imperial orb</a> within <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trefoil" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trefoil" rel="nofollow">trefoil</a>.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reverse:</b> ○ MONET ○ NO. / BASILIEN' , <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(art)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(art)" rel="nofollow">Madonna & Child</a>.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Issuer:</b> Imperial mint at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel#Prince-Bishopric_of_Basel" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel#Prince-Bishopric_of_Basel" rel="nofollow">Basel</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland" rel="nofollow">Switzerland</a>, as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince-Bishopric_of_Basel" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince-Bishopric_of_Basel" rel="nofollow">Prince-Bishopric</a> under the authority of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor" rel="nofollow">Frederick III</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Emperor" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Emperor" rel="nofollow">Holy Roman Emperor</a> (1452-1493).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Specifications:</b> Gold, 22.6 mm, 3.33 g. Struck ca. 1452-1478.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Grade:</b> <a href="https://www.pcgs.com/cert/39640149" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.pcgs.com/cert/39640149" rel="nofollow">PCGS XF45</a>; cert. #39640149. Purchased raw.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Reference:</b> <a href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces134933.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces134933.html" rel="nofollow">Numista-134933</a>, Friedberg-9, HMZ 2-49h, Winterstein (Goldgulden) 128-165.<a href="https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=3834&lot=3075" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=3834&lot=3075" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Provenance:</b> ex-Sincona AG, Zürich, Switzerland, Auction 64, Lot 3075, 10 June 2020.<a href="https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=3834&lot=3075" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=3834&lot=3075" rel="nofollow">*</a></font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Notes: </b>The term <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilder" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilder" rel="nofollow">guilder</a></i> or <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulden" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulden" rel="nofollow">gulden</a></i> is often used interchangeably with <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florin#Other_coins" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florin#Other_coins" rel="nofollow">florin</a></i> to describe similarly sized medieval gold coins from many European polities of the era.</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"><b>Comments:</b> I found this lovely hammered gold piece attractive for its mellow gold toning and the Madonna & Child design. The "orb in trefoil" motif is also interesting. I was familiar with that from the 16th century <a href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces42705.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces42705.html" rel="nofollow">Krauwinckel</a> jetons, which have turned up in several bulk lots of World coins I've bought over the years (and at <a href="https://historicjamestowne.org/march-2006-2/krauwinkel-jetton-found-in-the-well/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://historicjamestowne.org/march-2006-2/krauwinkel-jetton-found-in-the-well/" rel="nofollow">Jamestown</a>, too).</font></font></p><p><font face="Georgia"><font size="5"></font></font>[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="lordmarcovan, post: 5255252, member: 10461"][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=5]So, with all these Top 10 lists, I wondered about what my own might look like. Ancient and Medieval coins are but a relatively small subset of my larger "[URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/lord-marcovans-eclectic-box-collection-as-of-august-7-2020.364592/']Eclectic Box[/URL]" collection, so it turns out I could only find [B]nine[/B] from 2020. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Georgia][SIZE=5]Here they are, in [B]chronological order[/B] by coin date. [B]Egypt (Ptolemaic Kingdom): silver didrachm of Ptolemy VI ("Philometer"), second sole reign, ca. 163-145 BC; Cyprus mint[/B] [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/egypt-ptolemaic-kingdom-silver-didrachm-of-ptolemy-vi-philometer-ca-163-145-bc.361518/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/Y97nxnxVQEqPfMbqEeCN_Ptolemy-frame.png[/IMG][/URL] [B]Obverse:[/B] [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem']Diademed[/URL] head of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_I_Soter']Ptolemy I Soter[/URL] right, wearing [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegis']aegis[/URL] around neck. [B]Reverse: [/B]Eagle standing left on [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt']thunderbolt[/URL] with wings closed, P IZ (Z [URL='https://www.google.com/search?q=retrograde&oq=retrograde&aqs=chrome..69i57.2119j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8']retrograde[/URL]) in fields, E between legs. [B]Issuer: [/B][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_VI_Philometor']Ptolemy VI Philometor[/URL], [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemaic_Kingdom']Ptolemaic[/URL] King of Egypt, [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptolemy_VI_Philometor#Second_reign_(163-145_BC)']second sole reign[/URL], 163-145 BC. [B]Specifications:[/B] Silver, 21 mm, 6.64 g. [B]Grade: [/B][URL='https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-002/NGCAncients/']NGC VF[/URL]; Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5. Cert. #5770260-002. Purchased raw. [B]Reference: [/B]Svoronos 1228. [B]Provenance: [/B]ex-Ken Dorney, via VCoins store, 30 May 2020.[URL='https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/52/product/ptolemaic_kings_of_egypt_ptolemy_vi_2nd_reign_163__145_bc_silver_tetradrachm/1240216/Default.aspx']*[/URL] Prior provenance to Classical Numismatic Group eAuction 456, Lot 248, 13 November 2019.[URL='https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=6483628']*[/URL] [B]Notes: [/B]Struck at [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus']Cyprus[/URL]. Ptolemy VI won a decisive victory against the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire']Seleucid[/URL] Kingdom at the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Antioch_(145_BC)']Battle of Antioch[/URL] (Oenoparus) in 145 BC, but died three days later from wounds received in the battle. [B]Comments: [/B]This was my first Ptolemaic coin. I liked the greyish toning and the portrait on it. [B]Roman Egypt (Alexandria): billon tetradrachm of Hadrian, ca. 117-138 AD; canopic jar of Osiris[/B] [B][URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-egypt-alexandria-billon-tetradrachm-of-hadrian-ca-117-138-ad-canopic-jar-of-osiris.368503/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/pxgRQkQCRsKGKkH2Xc49_Hadrian-Canopus-gradient.png[/IMG][/URL][/B] [B]Obverse:[/B] [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laureate']Laureate[/URL] and draped bust of Hadrian right, crescent moon before. [B]Reverse:[/B] Canopus ([URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canopic_jar']canopic jar[/URL]) of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris']Osiris[/URL] to right, L G across fields. [B]Issuer:[/B] [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt_(Roman_province)']Roman Egypt[/URL] under [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian']Hadrian[/URL], Roman emperor, 117-138 AD. [B]Specifications:[/B] [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billon_(alloy)']Billon[/URL], 26 mm, 13.50 g. [B]Grade:[/B] F-VF; presently uncertified. [B]Reference:[/B] RPC 5312, Emmett 827.6, Koln 825, Dattari 1321 (per Ken Dorney). [B]Provenance:[/B] Ex-Kenneth W. Dorney Ancient Coins & Antiquities, Redding, California, USA, 27 August 2020.[URL='https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ken_dorney/52/product/hadrian_117__138_ad_billon_tetradrachm_of_alexandria_canopus_of_osiris/1208172/Default.aspx']*[/URL] [B]Notes:[/B] In ancient Egypt, canopic jars were originally used during the process of mummification, to preserve and store the organs of a deceased individual for the afterlife. However, during and after the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Intermediate_Period_of_Egypt']Third Intermediate Period[/URL] (1069-664 BC), improved mummification techniques allowed the viscera to remain in the body. The jars remained a ceremonial feature in tombs after that, but were merely "dummy" jars that were no longer hollow and were no longer used for organ storage. [B]Comments: [/B]I found the theme of this coin fascinating, given how relatively late in Egyptian history it is, having been struck during the Roman occupation. This was centuries after the time of the pharaohs. Osiris was still part of contemporary religion for people in Egypt, which still encompassed the traditional deities. It is interesting to consider how much of Egyptian history was just as ancient to the Romans as they are to us. [B]Roman Empire: silver denarius of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, struck ca. 196-202 AD, Laodicea mint[/B] [B][URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-denarius-of-julia-domna-wife-of-septimius-severus-struck-ca-196-202-ad.361535/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/xpS7Bse8SeuPIXmxgLMV_JuliaDomna-frame.png[/IMG][/URL][/B] [B]Obverse:[/B] IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Domna']Julia Domna[/URL] right. [B]Reverse: [/B]CONCORDIA, [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concordia_(mythology)']Concordia[/URL], seated left, holding [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patera']patera[/URL] and double [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornucopia']cornucopiae[/URL]. [B]Issuer: [/B][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septimius_Severus']Septimius Severus[/URL], Roman emperor (193-211 AD) [B]Specifications:[/B] Silver, 3.04 g. [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laodicea_on_the_Lycus']Laodicea[/URL] mint ca. 196-202. [B]Grade: [/B][URL='https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-004/NGCAncients/']NGC XF[/URL]; Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, "lt. scratches". Cert. #5770260-004. Purchased raw. [B]Reference: [/B][URL='https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s6577.html#RIC_0637']RIC 637, RSC 21, BMC 593[/URL]. [B]Provenance: [/B]ex-Künker am Dom, Germany, via MA-Shops, 19 May 2020.[URL='http://xn--knker%20am%20dom-jzb/']*[/URL] [B]Notes: [/B]Julia Domna was the wife of one Roman emperor, Septimius Severus, and the mother of two more: [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracalla']Caracalla[/URL] and [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geta_(emperor)']Geta[/URL]. [B]Comments: [/B]It was that grey [URL='https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Toned']toning[/URL] that did it for me, though perhaps not everyone might find that appealing. Personally, I think it is quite handsome, though in the matter of [URL='http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Doug%20Smith%20Style']style[/URL], the face of Concordia on the reverse does have a rather space-alien-like appearance. It seems the Roman die engravers of this period were not always as skilled as their Greek predecessors. [B]Roman Empire: silver denarius of Julia Mamaea, mother of Severus Alexander, struck ca. 222-235 AD[/B] [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-denarius-of-julia-mamaea-mother-of-severus-alexander-struck-ca-222-235-ad.361548/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/lTjRPpLhRXqLOK5E3Kd5_JuliaMamaea-frame.png[/IMG][/URL] [B]Obverse: [/B]IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, Draped and [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem']diademed[/URL] bust of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Avita_Mamaea']Julia Mamaea[/URL] right. [B]Reverse: [/B]FELICITAS PVBLICA, [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felicitas']Felicitas[/URL] standing facing, head turned to left, with legs crossed and holding [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus']caduceus[/URL] and leaning on column. [B]Issuer: [/B][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severus_Alexander']Severus Alexander[/URL], Roman emperor (222-235 AD). [B]Specifications: [/B]Silver, 20 mm, 2.24 g. [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome']Rome[/URL] mint. [B]Grade: [/B][URL='https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/5770260-005/NGCAncients/']NGC Choice XF[/URL], Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5, "lt. scratches". Cert. #5770260-005. [B]Reference: [/B]RIC 335. [B]Provenance: [/B]ex-Ken Dorney, via VCoins store, 28 February 2020.[URL='https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/52/product/julia_mamaea_222__235_ad_silver_denarius_felicitas_toned_ef/1266358/Default.aspx']*[/URL] [B]Notes: [/B]Julia Mamaea was the mother of the emperor Severus Alexander and served as his [URL='https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regent']regent[/URL] from the time he was 14 years old. They were members of the powerful [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severan_dynasty']Severan dynasty[/URL]. [B]Comments: [/B]The portrait, sharp details, and subtly colored [URL='https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Toned']toning[/URL] were what attracted me to this coin. [B]Roman Empire: billon Æ3/4, VRBS ROMA city commemorative; Constantinian era, ca. 330-340 AD[/B] [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-billon-%C3%863-4-vrbs-roma-city-commemorative-constantinian-era-ca-330-340-ad.368579/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/ZZb7HbYURPStw5S2eF5B_UrbsRoma-frame.png[/IMG][/URL] Gift from Josh Z ([USER=17304]@kazuma78[/USER]). I haven't completed a writeup yet, but if you're interested enough, there's a thread about it if you click the photo (which is the case with the rest here). [B]Roman empire: silver siliqua of Julian II, ca. 360-363 AD; found in 1887 in the East Harptree Hoard[/B] [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/roman-empire-silver-siliqua-of-julian-ii-ca-360-363-ad-found-in-1887-in-the-east-harptree-hoard.363333/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/VuBAbjdYStKhEcdB3lqO_JulianII-gradient.png[/IMG][/URL] [B]Obverse:[/B] DN FL CL IVLI-ANVS [URL='https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=p%20f%20avg']PF AVG[/URL]; draped, [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuirass']cuirassed[/URL]. and pearl-[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diadem']diademed[/URL] bust right. [B]Reverse:[/B] VOTIS/X/MVLT/XX in wreath with medallion in center containing eagle; TCONST [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_mark']mintmark[/URL] in [URL='https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/exergue#English']exergue[/URL]. [B]Issuer: [/B][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_(emperor)']Julian II[/URL] ("the Apostate"), Roman emperor (361-363 AD). [B]Specifications: [/B]Silver [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siliqua']siliqua[/URL], 17 mm, 1.98 g. Struck at [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arles']Arelate[/URL] (now Arles, France- which was named Constantina at the time, hence the "TCONST" mintmark). [B]Grade: [/B]Very Fine, toned. [B]Reference: [/B]Arles [URL='http://wildwinds.com/coins/ric/julian_II/']RIC-309[/URL], T. [B]Provenance:[/B] ex-Gert Boersema Ancient Coins, Hasselt, Netherlands, via VCoins store, 12 July 2020.[URL='https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/robertson/25/product/ex_east_harptree_hoard__julian_ii_ad_360363_ar_siliqua_17mm_198_gram_arelate/1166046/Default.aspx']*[/URL] [B]Notes:[/B] This coin was found in 1887 with a [URL='https://www.spink.com/media/view?id=339']hoard[/URL] of 1,496 pieces in the village of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Harptree']East Harptree[/URL], Somerset, England. A laborer named William Currell was digging to find the source of a spring when his pick struck the vessel containing the coins. Subsequent research indicates the hoard was deposited sometime around 375 AD. It included 718 coins of Julian II. This emperor earned his nickname "The Apostate" because he attempted to reverse the Roman conversion to Christianity, and to revert to the traditional pagan religious practices. In the long term he was unsuccessful, however, and was destined to be the last non-Christian emperor. He died in the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Samarra_(363)']Battle of Samarra[/URL] against the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasanian_Empire']Sasanian Persians[/URL] in 363 AD. [B]Comments:[/B] I was already interested in acquiring a coin of Julian II, since I had been reading about the transition from paganism to Christianity. I also had never owned a siliqua before. Roman bronze coins of this era tend to be common, but these silver [I]siliquae[/I] are generally rather scarce. The coin was appealing enough on its own merits, but with the addition of a well-documented hoard pedigree from over 130 years ago, I found it pretty much irresistible. [B]German States (Brunswick-Lüneburg): silver bracteate of William Longsword, ca. 1195-1213[/B] [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/german-states-brunswick-l%C3%BCneburg-silver-bracteate-of-william-longsword-ca-1195-1213.363022/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/w4pUdYBBTOdsNlKGd7OV_Bracteate-gradient.png[/IMG][/URL] *This coin just returned from PCGS with an [URL='https://www.pcgs.com/cert/40724034']AU55[/URL] grade. [B]Obverse[/B]: lion [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attitude_(heraldry)#Passant']passant[/URL], left. [B]Reverse:[/B] [URL='https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incuse']incuse[/URL] mirrored image of obverse. [B]Issuer: [/B][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_of_Winchester,_Lord_of_Lunenburg']William of Winchester[/URL], Lord of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%BCneburg']Lüneburg[/URL] (aka "William Longsword"). [B]Specifications: [/B]silver, 21.5 mm, 0.54 g. [B]Grade:[/B] "[I]Fast Vorzüglich[/I]" (Choice XF), per Münzenhandlung Brom. [B]Reference: [/B][URL='https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces106982.html']Numista-106982[/URL] (other references cited there). [B]Provenance: [/B]ex-Münzenhandlung Brom, Berlin, Germany, 8 July 2020.[URL='https://www.ma-shops.com/brom/item.php?id=181127002']*[/URL] [B]Notes:[/B] a [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracteate#Early_medieval_bracteates']bracteate[/URL] was a [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniface_(numismatics)']uniface[/URL] coin hammered with a single die upon a thin sheet of metal, which reproduced the same design on both sides; raised on one side and reversed and incuse on the opposite side. Bracteates ([I]hohlpfennige, [/I]or "hollow pennies") were a regional medieval coin that circulated in many German-speaking lands from the 12th to 14th centuries. [B]Comments: [/B]This was my first bracteate. Prior to its purchase, I had struck out at least three times in my attempts to win one at auction. I finally bought this one at retail instead. I like it for its simple yet suitably medieval-looking lion motif (William was the son of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Lion']Henry the Lion[/URL]), and its appealing old cabinet toning. I also like that it's from one of the German Brunswick (Braunschweig) regions, since I'm from Brunswick (Georgia, USA). [B][B][B]German States (Mecklenburg-Wismar): silver witten, struck after the Wendish Coinage Union of 1379[/B][/B][/B] [B][B][B][URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/german-states-mecklenburg-wismar-silver-witten-struck-after-the-wendish-coinage-union-of-1379.361570/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/1mtL94R46CMXE4W5DVQZ_Witten-frame.png[/IMG][/URL][/B][/B][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][B][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=5][B]Obverse: [/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=5]Crowned bull's head facing, with protruding tongue. [B]Reverse: [/B][URL='https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilienkreuz']Lily cross[/URL] or [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_fleury']cross fleurée[/URL], star in center. [B]Issuer: [/B][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wismar']Wismar[/URL], [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanseatic_League']Hanseatic[/URL] city in [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecklenburg']Mecklenburg[/URL], Germany. [B]Specifications: [/B]Silver [URL='https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witte_(M%C3%BCnze)']witten[/URL], 1.36 g. Slightly double-struck on obverse. [B]Grade: [/B][URL='https://www.pcgs.com/cert/39640148']PCGS XF40[/URL]; cert. #39640148. Purchased raw. [B]Reference: [/B][URL='https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces108456.html']Numista-108456[/URL], Jesse 365, Oertzen 257-264, Kunzel 2 A/i.[URL='https://www.ma-shops.com/siee/item.php?id=190531012']*[/URL] [B]Provenance: [/B]ex-Holger Siee, Germany, via MA-Shops, 11 June 2020.[URL='https://www.ma-shops.com/siee/item.php?id=190531012']*[/URL] [B]Notes: [/B]Struck after the recess of 1379, under the [URL='https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendischer_M%C3%BCnzverein']Wendischer Münzverein[/URL] (Wendish Coinage Union). The same bull motif on this coin remains on the [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecklenburg#/media/File%3AMecklenburg_Arms.svg']coat of arms[/URL] of Mecklenburg to this day. [B]Comments: [/B]The whimsical, cartoonish bull with his tongue sticking out proved irresistible to me. He reminds me a bit of the [URL='http://snible.org/coins/parion.html']gorgons[/URL] on some ancient Greek coins. I affectionately call this my MCMC ("Mad Cow Medieval Coin"). [/SIZE][/FONT] [B][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=5]Switzerland (Basel): gold guilder (goldgulden) of Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor, ca. 1452-1478 [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/switzerland-basel-gold-guilder-goldgulden-of-frederick-iii-holy-roman-emperor-ca-1452-1478.362704/'][IMG]https://collectivecoin.imgix.net/7BvsAAmyTAKDZG3hHVEG_Basel-gg-frame.png[/IMG][/URL][/SIZE][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Georgia][SIZE=5][B]Obverse:[/B] ✠ FRIDORICVS ○ ROMANO' ○ IMPA', [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globus_cruciger']imperial orb[/URL] within [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trefoil']trefoil[/URL]. [B]Reverse:[/B] ○ MONET ○ NO. / BASILIEN' , [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(art)']Madonna & Child[/URL]. [B]Issuer:[/B] Imperial mint at [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel#Prince-Bishopric_of_Basel']Basel[/URL], [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland']Switzerland[/URL], as [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince-Bishopric_of_Basel']Prince-Bishopric[/URL] under the authority of [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor']Frederick III[/URL], [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Emperor']Holy Roman Emperor[/URL] (1452-1493). [B]Specifications:[/B] Gold, 22.6 mm, 3.33 g. Struck ca. 1452-1478. [B]Grade:[/B] [URL='https://www.pcgs.com/cert/39640149']PCGS XF45[/URL]; cert. #39640149. Purchased raw. [B]Reference:[/B] [URL='https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces134933.html']Numista-134933[/URL], Friedberg-9, HMZ 2-49h, Winterstein (Goldgulden) 128-165.[URL='https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=3834&lot=3075']*[/URL] [B]Provenance:[/B] ex-Sincona AG, Zürich, Switzerland, Auction 64, Lot 3075, 10 June 2020.[URL='https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=3834&lot=3075']*[/URL] [B]Notes: [/B]The term [I][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilder']guilder[/URL][/I] or [I][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulden']gulden[/URL][/I] is often used interchangeably with [I][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florin#Other_coins']florin[/URL][/I] to describe similarly sized medieval gold coins from many European polities of the era. [B]Comments:[/B] I found this lovely hammered gold piece attractive for its mellow gold toning and the Madonna & Child design. The "orb in trefoil" motif is also interesting. I was familiar with that from the 16th century [URL='https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces42705.html']Krauwinckel[/URL] jetons, which have turned up in several bulk lots of World coins I've bought over the years (and at [URL='https://historicjamestowne.org/march-2006-2/krauwinkel-jetton-found-in-the-well/']Jamestown[/URL], too). [/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]
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