I have always enjoyed adding a big LRBC to my collection. I grew up on AE3s and AE4s, so big coins from this era still seem special to me. The short-lived dynasty founded by Valentinian seem to often be overlooked as it fell between the more interesting and impactful dynasties of Constantine and Theodosius, but there was certainly some drama in this era. There was an apparent Imperial suicide, an emperor burned alive in a house and in the case of Valentinian himself, it is recorded that he was given to fits of frightful rage. In what would turn out to be the last such fit, in the midst of yelling, screaming, ranting and raving at his unfortunate underlinings, the emperor suddenly fell over dead! Valentinian I AD 364-375, AE Double Maiorna (AE 1), Constantinople Mint, issued AD 364-364, SR-19400, RIC IX 15 I am a really terrible photographer, but this coin is more of a chocolate brown color in person. I think this is a good end to my 2021 numismatic acquisitions.
@Severus Alexander , like you I’ve had Julian II and Jovian for a long time, finding a Valentinian was a little more difficult. That is a really nice Julian II you have!
Those are all great. I only have smaller AE2s and AE3s of Valentinian and Julian II. I would some day like to get a bull reverse. It would be awesome to have it on such a big coin.
By bizarre coincidence my final coin of 2021 is ; An Aethelred! I bought this earlier today on Ebay. The seller attributed it to Aethelred II in the main body of his listing but I believe it as an earlier Bronze Styca of Aethelred. I am wary of Ebay but there was nothing on the sellers other listings that caused me concern and he said it was unearthed in Yorkshire. It should arrive in a few days and I can examine it properly. This was an impulse purchase as I have just read a book called The Wolf Age by Tore Skeie about the battle between the Vikings and Anglo Saxons for the North East Empire which has piqued my interest in this period of history. I'm sorry I'm not posting as requested but I just had to do it. In the spirit of the original posting request by Aethelred, these are a little more appropriate than my Styca for this post.
here's a smaller AE2 from his brother Valens. Valens A.D. 364- 378 Ӕ2 22mm 4.4g D N VALEN-S P F AVG; pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. GLORI-A ROMA-NORVM; campgate with six rows, two turrets, no doors; S above. In ex. SMTR RIC IX Trier 29b
Same here. I really like my Jovian, despite some weaknesses on the reverse ... Obv.: DN IOVIANVS PF AVG Rev.: VICTORIA ROMANORVM Exergue: ANT (gamma) Mint: Antioch, 3rd officina Weight: 8.14g (26mm) RIC VIII 228 and my Julian: Obv.: DN FL CL IVLI ANVS PFAVG Rev.: SECVRITAS REIPVB Exergue: ANTA Mint: Antioch, 1st officina
Here are a couple of my favorite larger bronzes from the 360's to 390's. Julian double majorina, yes a common coin but I find the patina quite pleasing. I also like the reverse with the APIS bull or Taurus if you prefer. Arcadius, A.D. 395-408 AE22, 5.7 grams, Antioch mint Obverse: D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG Rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right Reverse: GLORIA ROMANORVM Emperor standing facing, head right, holding standard and globe Mintmark: ANT Reference: RIC IX Antioch 68C, pg. 294
One of the last coins I purchased in a lot at our club show in November. Tiberius II, Constantine 10 nummi, Theopolis, "aka" Antioch. Happy New Year to all.
