Scarce Caesar/Emperor Portraits

Many members have originally started a collection of Roman coins by 'Emperor' and ----like me--- have a considerable number of missing examples in any type or denomination. My recent purchase from JA of a 'Littleton Roman Emperor Album' vividly emphasized all those 'holes'. Since I already purchased a few of these types prior to JA's sale and purchase, I can't blame JA or Littleton for my renewed interest LOL

My strategy, due to budget constraints, has been to purchase attractive affordable examples with the intention of upgrading in the future by trade and/or cash initiatives wth agreeable dealers.

My recent purchases include two sestertius and one denarius: Otho, Pupienus, and Nero Claudius Drusus---this 'Drusus' was the younger brother of Tiberius, the youngest son of Livia and the husband of Antonia (daughter of Mark Anthony and Octavia); His children include Claudius and Germanicus---a title Drusus was initially awarded due to numerous victories over Germanic tribes. Drusus died in 9 BC while campaigning against the 'Chatti', from complications sustained after being thrown from his horse.

Denarius of Otho; Rome mint 69 AD
Bare head left, Securitas holding wreath and scepter; 20 mm, 3.11 grams

Sestertius of Pupienus; Rome mint 238 AD
Draped/cuirassed bust right, Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopia.
16.24 grams, 31.0 mm

Sestertius of Nero Claudius Drusus; struck under Claudius circa 50-54 AD
Bare head left; Claudius togate left on curule chair, holding branch surrounded by arms
21.36 grams, 35 mm


I realized this collecting strategy is not for everyone, but for me it helps complete the vast history of the Empire and I hate those damn album holes LOL

Please feel free to post any scarce Caesar or Emperor 'portrait' that completes the series.

 

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I don't have a Pupienus, but I do have the others. Nice coins. I wouldn't mind finding one, no matter the shape.

 

Very nice coins, MZ!
Drusus was an exceptional man for his time, it would be interesting to see what would have happened had he lived.
The Legionaires under his command loved him so much that they erected a 20 meter monument to him in what is now Mainz, germany.

 

Been there many years ago. How much different things might have been, at least in the first half of the first century.

 

dang it...i don't have any of these guys.

i particularly like that otho MZ.

 

Agreed.
Rome would have had an Emperor that was actually concerned about governing ect ect ..... Alas it was not to be.

 

That seems to be the prevailing opinion held by historians (Suetonius among them?). I understand that he held 'Republican' sympathies and desired to return Rome back to a 'Res Publica'....and so rumours spread about his untimely death putting the blame on those who preferred the current principate under Augustus????

I'm sure 'AL' would appreciate this Claudian LOL

I especially like your examples, Bing!!! Now we can seriously talk 'trade' LOL

 

I heard about that too MZ. If I am correct, after he fell from his horse he lingered around just in time for his brother Tiberius to show up, he then proceeded to criticize Augustus's rule and model of government to him. I doubt Augustus would kill his adopted son but it does make for an interesting story.

 

Like all conspiracy stories, I doubt it's true as well....but then there's the 'story' about Tiberius and the death of Germanicus that seems to ring true---so who really knows???? Romans were a bit ruthless when it came to eliminating 'opposition' throughout the centuries....

 

I just sold a few days ago my Balbinus and Pupienus antoniniani, and stay with denarii of them both. And of course my beloved Otho (the denarius, not the guy... )


Otho, Denarius minted in Rome in 69 AD
IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, Bare head of Otho right
SECURITAS PR, Securitas standing left
3.50 gr
Ref : RIC # 8, RCV #2162, Cohen #17



Balbinus, Denarius Rome mint, AD 238
IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Balbinus right
PROVIDENTIA DEORVM, Providentia standing left, holding rod and cornucopiae, globe at feet
2.7 gr
Ref : RIC # 7, RCV # 8490



Pupienus, Denarius Rome mint, AD 238
IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
PM TRP COS II PP, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and sceptre
3.08 gr
Ref : RCV # 8527, Cohen # 26

Q

 

Absolutely MAGNIFICENT!!!! 'Q'

My 'budget' sestertius of Balbinus (sellers photo):


P.S. You may find a few buyers here if you have other 'duplicate' portraits you are thinking of selling

 

Ain't that the truth.

 

Very nice! That Otho...

 

You always show nice coins Cucumber. Like them all and would be hard pressed to pick out a favorite from among them.

 

Heck yes I like this Claudius, Germanicus (Drusus). His premature death was a MAJOR loss to the Empire... he would have steered them right! Rather, look at the Iulian-Claudian legacies after Augustus... ugh (Except for Emperor Claudius). It wasn't until they got a fighting man like Vespasian that leadership started getting their feces consolidated...

 

I like that.

 

Octavian (27 BC - 14 AD)
AE As (dated. 11/12 AD )
31.0 mm x 9.89 g
Obverse: Bare Head of Octavian Left. Latin Legend- IMP CAESAR DIVI F AVGVSTVS XX
Reverse: Latin Legend- PONTIF MAXIM TRIBVN POT XXXIIII-Legend around large SC
Ref: RIC 471, Sear 1689 (dated series)

From what I gather from my Sear book. The coin replaces the moneyer's titles with the titles of Octavian, setting the trend for later Julio-Claudian aes coinage.

 

Drusus Caesar AE As. Struck under Tiberius, 21-22 AD, 27.5mm, 9.3g

OBV: DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N, Bare head left.

REV: PONTIF TRIBVN POTEST ITER around large S•C.

REF: RIC 45 (Tiberius), Sear RCV 1794, Cohen 2.

 

Galba. 68-69 AD. AE As. Spanish mint (Tarraco), 9.1g, 29mm

OBV: SER GALBA IMP AVGVSTVS, Laureate head left, globe at point of head portrait.

REV: LIBERTAS PVBLICA S-C, Libertas standing left, holding pileus and sceptre.

REF: RIC I 71

 

Vitellius Denarius. Lugdunum mint, 69 AD.

OBV: A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laureate head right; globe at point of bust.

REV: VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory flying left, holding shield inscribed SP/QR.

REF: RIC 62, RSC 99.