Pulled the Trigger on Double Sestertius of Postumus

Here is a new acquisition (seller's photo). I've been looking for one of these and found one at a good price.





I am currently working on a detailed attribution. I believe it is a product of the Lyon mint, with Mars (?) or the emperor on the reverse. Not the greatest condition but I've been itching to get one of these examples.

Please feel free to post any attribution info. I checked on Wildwinds but there aren't any exact matches, as far as I can tell. Also, please post your double sestertii of Postumus!!!

 

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Postumus
A.D. 260
Ӕ Sestertius
IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMUVS P F AVG; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
P M TR P COS II PP S C; Emperor in military attire stg. l.; holding globe and spear.
RIC V Lugdunum 106


Rated common

 

Thanks Victor! The seller said the reverse was Mars so I was looking for a Mars legend (MARS VLTOR, etc.) but obviously that was not the case. Once the coin is in hand I will post with the full attribution, size, and weight.

 

Very nice, congrats AC.

 

Thanks @Ancient Aussie !

 

Cool acquisition !


Postumus, Double sestertius - Cologne mint, AD 261
IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG, Radiate bust of Postumus right
LAETITIA AVG, Galley travelling left
18.12 gr
Ref : Cohen #177, RCV #11049

Q

 

The Galley examples with the LAETITIA reverse seem to be the hot ones as far as collecting goes. However, I am happy with this humble piece.

 

Here's my double sestertius, the portrait is great:


Postumus, AD 260-269
AE “Double" Sestertius, 33mm, 24.9g, 12h; Colonia Agrippinensis or Treveri mint.
Obv.: IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev.: LAETITIA AVG (AVG in exergue); Galley left, four rowers and steersman

 

Mine is also a double sestertius 31mm but light at 15.74g. I suggest giving sizes on these since they are hard to tell in photos from dupondii that are appropriately smaller. The weight variation on them is bad enough as it is without confusing the smaller diameter dupondii. I'm not completely sure I believe the dupondii wee a separate denomination rather than barbarous double sestertii but I don't know enough to have an opinion of value.
https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=52432

 

It seems they tend to vary in weight Doug. I'll weigh this piece when it arrives. The seller had no info on the weight or size.

 

Continuing the discussion of sizes of the double sestertius, sestertius, and dupondius here are mine for consideration...we've all seen them before.


Postumus, AD 260-269
Ӕ Sestertius, 31x29mm, 19.2g, 12h; Lugdunum mint, AD 261
Obv.: IMP C POSTVMVS PF AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev.: VIRTVS AVG, Mars standing right holding spear and leaning on shield.


GALLC EMPIRE, Postumus, AD 260-269.
Æ dupondius, 23mm, 7.4g, 12h; Lugdunum mint.
Obv.: IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate draped cuirassed bust right.
Rev.: LAETITIA; Galley sailing right.

 

Note that JWT's single sestertius weighs more than my radiate double. More study and much convincing will be required before I understand these.

 

I agree that more study is needed. I do not know what makes a Gallic/Postumus coin a single or double. Is it the head ornamentation? Also, my understanding is these coins were minted on preexisting coins from earlier rulers and perhaps that explains the variances in weight?

 

Thanks @Roman Collector !

 

One more question on the coin. I note that the initials SC appear on the coin. Does this imply Rome's approval of Postumus or was there a separate Gallic Senate?

 

That is a nice capture with interesting patina colors.

I have a couple doubles:


and


Postumus, AD 260-269
Ӕ Sestertius, 32mm, 16.8g, 6h; Lugdunum, AD 261.
Obverse: IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG; Radiate, draped bust right.
Reverse: LAETITIA AVG; Galley right with four rowers and steersman.
Reference: RIC Vb 143, p. 349
From the YOC Collection

I think both of these came from John Anthony.

John

 

I cou

Nice ones @Theodosius ! I couldn't find a galley type for less than about $700, so I opted for the emperor standing reverse, which is more common and significantly less expensive. Condition of my coin is probably VG/F at best so that drove the price down.

 

“His use of the letters S.C. on many of his bronze coins…show how closely he associated himself with the religion and customs of the Imperial City. It is probable that the letters S.C. refer to the Senate of Rome, and not to any like assembly convened in Gaul, particularly as many of his bronze coins do not bear this senatorial mark, which would hardly have been omitted if there had been a local senate charged with the issue of them. It may be that the marked coins are earlier than those which are unmarked, but this suggestion is speculative only.” Percy Webb RIC V pg 332- 333.


For a good book on this period and the coinage see J.F. Drinkwater

The Gallic Empire: separatism and continuity in the north-western provinces of the Roman Empire, A.D. 260-274

 

Nice coin. I have also been looking to get one of these but haven’t found the right piece yet.