Log in or Sign up
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Ancient Coins
>
(Sulla80) Top 10 Coins for 2020
>
Reply to Thread
Message:
<p>[QUOTE="Sulla80, post: 5142763, member: 99456"][ATTACH=full]1207053[/ATTACH]While it is possible that one more coin might show up this year, it seems unlikely that I will displace any of the coins listed below, so I will post my 2020 list a bit early again this year. <b>Perhaps I don't need to say it: </b>this has not been a normal year, between virus, politics and more. Thankfully, vaccines are showing promise, and I will include in my Thanksgiving this year: gratitude, both for the miracles of modern science and medicine, and for everyone who has given of themselves this year to make the world a little better for others.</p><p><br /></p><p>In 2020, I enjoyed a virtual tour of the provinces, especially Asia minor, and dabbling in non-Roman coins. I feel a bit better educated or at least aware of the people, maps and leaders outside of ancient Rome. <a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/sulla80-top-10-for-2019.350220/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/sulla80-top-10-for-2019.350220/">Last year</a>, 7 of 10 of my top coins were from the Roman Republic. This year, only two that could (almost) be described as Roman republican made the list, although 7 of 10 can still be described as "Roman". Reviewing my ordered ranking, it does seem that my Roman republican interest is still visible.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the spirit of the year, my collection is now "virtual" with a <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/" rel="nofollow">blog</a> where I am organizing my notes, references, and photos. Alexandrian Egypt under Roman rule is a growing group in my collection - catching up to Parthia as notable sub-collection.</p><p><br /></p><p>Although it ticked a lot of boxes, <a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/a-coin-that-ticks-boxes.370171/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/a-coin-that-ticks-boxes.370171/">my most recent Dattari Plate coin</a> didn't make the cut. I have added a few coins from that period of transition between Republic and Empire, and <a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/from-lycia-to-the-us-constitution.356520" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/from-lycia-to-the-us-constitution.356520">one Lycian coin</a>, struck under the over-lordship of Julius Caesar, a Troxell plate coin, was a casualty of <a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/from-lycia-to-the-us-constitution.356520/#post-4259299" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/from-lycia-to-the-us-constitution.356520/#post-4259299">COVID-mail</a> or the "curse of posting before it arrives".</p><p><br /></p><p>Knowledge, humor, coins and sometimes even wisdom shared in this forum have been a welcome distraction and source of entertainment over the year - thank you to the many contributors and experts.</p><p><b><b><br /></b></b></p><p><b><b><b><b>#10 Flavian Dynasty</b></b></b></b></p><p>This coin shows Vespasian's sons on the reverse as he uses the coin to set expectations for a Flavian dynasty. The artistry of this denarius of Ephesus is the attraction of this coin, it is posted with a second one that almost made the list <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/coins-of-vespasian-from-ephesus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/coins-of-vespasian-from-ephesus" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1208407[/ATTACH] </p><p><b>Vespasian</b>, 69-79 AD, AR denarius, Ephesus mint, 71 AD</p><p><b>Obv:</b> IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P< Laureate head right</p><p><b>Rev: </b>LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS, Titus and Domitian, each veiled, togate and holding a patera, standing facing heads left, EPE in exergue</p><p><b>Ref:</b> RIC II <a href="http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2_1(2).ves.1430" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2_1(2).ves.1430" rel="nofollow">1430 (Group 6)</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b><b><b><b>#9 Aristotle on Mytilene </b></b></b></b></p><p>A small Greek coin from the 4th century BC. The history is the first draw and I don't have many gold/electrum coins or coins this old. More on the Aristotle connection <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/aristotle-on-mytilene" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/aristotle-on-mytilene" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1206523[/ATTACH]</p><p><b>Mytilene, Lesbos</b>, c. 377-326 BC, Electrum Hekte</p><p><b>Obv:</b> Head of Apollo wearing laurel wreath right</p><p><b>Rev:</b> Head of Artemis right, her hair in sphendone; snake symbol in left field</p><p><b><b><br /></b></b></p><p><b><b>#8 Hadrian and Osiris</b></b></p><p>One of several Hadrians added this year - with an Imperial denarius near the <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/transition-of-power" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/transition-of-power" rel="nofollow">transition of power</a> and another Alexandrian tetradrachm, "<a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/father-of-the-country" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/father-of-the-country" rel="nofollow">Father of the Country</a>", in the list. This coin was all about the reverse and <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/hadrian-egyptian-canopic-jar" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/hadrian-egyptian-canopic-jar" rel="nofollow">Osiris Hydreios</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1206518[/ATTACH]</p><p><b>Egypt, Alexandria, Hadrian</b>, AD 117-138, BI Tetradrachm, dated RY 10 (AD 125/6)</p><p><b>Obv: </b>Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right</p><p><b>Rev: </b>Canopus of Osiris (canopic jar) right; L ΔE-KATOV (date) around</p><p><b>Ref: </b>RPC III <a href="https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/5578" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/5578" rel="nofollow"><u>5578</u></a><u>;</u> Dattari (Savio) 1325-6</p><p><br /></p><p><b>#7 The Homeland of Achilles</b></p><p>A rare AE from Ekkara in Thessaly, dated to the end of the 4th century BC based on their style. Zeus on the coins of the Ekkarra is associated with the cult of Zeus in Thessaly. The reverse depicts Artemis Kynegetis, a type that is also known <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marble_statuette_of_Artemis_Kynegetis_with_a_dog_seizing_the_pray_(a_hare),_from_the_Roman_Baths_of_Ancient_Sikyon,_Roman_copy_made_in_the_2nd_century_AD_of_a_Hellenistic_version,_Archaeological_Museum_of_Sikyon,_Greece_(13945679658).jpg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marble_statuette_of_Artemis_Kynegetis_with_a_dog_seizing_the_pray_(a_hare),_from_the_Roman_Baths_of_Ancient_Sikyon,_Roman_copy_made_in_the_2nd_century_AD_of_a_Hellenistic_version,_Archaeological_Museum_of_Sikyon,_Greece_(13945679658).jpg" rel="nofollow">from statues</a>. This was a fun coin to research and had a surprise provenance as a plate coin. More on this coin <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/ae-coin-from-ekkarra-achaea-phthiotis" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/ae-coin-from-ekkarra-achaea-phthiotis" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1206502[/ATTACH]</p><p><b>Thessaly, Ekkarra</b>, circa 325-320 BC, AE Chalkous</p><p><b>Obv: </b>Laurel-wreathed, head of Zeus to the left in a circle of dots. The head of the Zeus is compact with wide cheeks. The beard and hairstyle are cut in stiff lines, and the hair covers the nape of the neck, a wavy line. Details like the pupil can be seen on the eyebrowed eyes.</p><p><b>Rev:</b> ΕΚΚΑΡ / ΡΕΩΝ, downward, Artemis standing in between, in three-quarter view to the left. Her right leg is bent back. Her left arm rests on her hip, her right hand rests on a hunting lance, in the middle of which you can see a strap. Her hair is pinned up in a Lampadion knot and a bow and drapery appear on the nape of the neck, fastened crosswise in front of the chest with the shoulder strap. She is wearing a short sleeveless chiton (woolen tunic) and a himation (outer garment), and an endromides (cloak) lined with fur.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>#6 Constantine VII, Born in the Purple</b></p><p>He was the illegitimate child of Leo VI however, his mother, Zoe, gave birth to him in the Purple Room of the imperial palace. Leo VI did marry Zoe after the birth of Constantine - but as his 4th marriage, this marriage was also of questionable legitimacy. This coin is issued by Constantine VII with his son Romanus II. This coin more enjoyable with the book recommendation from [USER=84047]@Voulgaroktonou[/USER], "The Emperor Romanus Lecapenus and His Reign" by Steven Runciman. More on this coin <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/constantine-vii-born-in-the-purple" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/constantine-vii-born-in-the-purple" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1206503[/ATTACH]</p><p><b>Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus</b>, with son Romanus II. 913-959, AR Miliaresion, Constantinople mint. Struck 945-959</p><p><b>Obv:</b> IESuS xRIStVS nIcA, Cross-crosslet set on three steps; globus below</p><p><b>Rev:</b>+ COҺST’ τ’/ ΠORFVROG,/ CЄ ROmAҺO/ ЄҺ X’ω EVSEЬ’/ Ь’ RωmEOҺ in five lines <b>Obv Translation:</b> Jesus Christ Victor</p><p><b>Rev Translation:</b> Constantine Porphyrogenitus, Romanus, by the grace of Christ, Pius, Emperors of the Romans</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>#5 Julius Caesar in Antioch</b></p><p>Issued in the year before the assassination of Julius Caesar, this coin bears a date that recognizes the visit of Caesar to Antioch and the gift of "freedom" that he bestowed on the City. More on this coin, and the rebellion of Bassus in this <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/julius-caesar-in-antioch" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/julius-caesar-in-antioch" rel="nofollow">blog post</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1207046[/ATTACH]</p><p><b>Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Antiochia ad Orontem</b>, Q. Caecilius Bassus, rebel governor, 46/5 BC, AR tetradrachm in the name of Philip I Philadelphos of Syria, recognizing the era of Julius Caesar, minted 46/5 BC, Year 4 of the Caesarean Era</p><p><b>Obv:</b> Diademed head of Philip I right</p><p><b>Rev:</b> BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦIΛIΠΠOV ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOV EΠIΦANOVΣ, Zeus seated on high-backed throne left, holding Nike on outstretched right hand and sceptre in left</p><p><b>Size: </b>26mm, 15.55g</p><p><b>Ref:</b> Seleucid Coins (part 2) <a href="http://numismatics.org/sco/id/sc.1.2491" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://numismatics.org/sco/id/sc.1.2491" rel="nofollow">2491</a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>#4 : A Decade of Gallienus </b></p><p>The bulbous portrait, the chocolate patina, the weight of the tetradrachm in hand, the provenance of a Dattari plate coin, and the link to Gallienus' struggles with multiple usurpers, I like everything about this coin. Notes and more of my coins of Alexandria can be found in <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/gallienus-and-usurpers-in-ad-260" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/gallienus-and-usurpers-in-ad-260" rel="nofollow">this blog post</a>.</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/attachments/gallienus-dattari-5273-jpg.1103060/" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Egypt, Alexandria, Gallienus</b>, 253-268 Tetradrachm circa 262-263 (year 10)</p><p><b>Size:</b> 23mm, 10.63g</p><p><b>Obv:</b> Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right</p><p><b>Rev:</b> ΔЄKA/ЄTHPI/CKV/PIOV in four lines within laurel wreath; below, L I</p><p><b>Ref: </b>Geissen 2915 (this coin cited) Dattari-Savio Pl. 272, 5273 (this coin the same coin that appears in Dattari's pencil rubbings, issued to celebrate Gallienus' tenth year of reign)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>#3 Augustus, Tyche and Orontes </b></p><p>This coin of Augustus bears a date that Marks the battle of Actium, a portrait of the first emperor, and a reverse that I can't stop admiring.</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/attachments/augustus-tetradrachm-antioch-jpg.1206956/" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><b>Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch, Augustus</b>, 27 BC-AD 14, AR tetradrachm, dated year 30 of the Actian Era - dating from the Battle of Actium between Marc Antony and Augustus - and Cos. XIII (2/1 BC)</p><p><b>Obv:</b> ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟY, laureate head right</p><p><b>Rev: </b>[ETOVΣ] Λ (Actian era date) NIKHΣ, Tyche seated right on rocky outcropping, holding palm frond; below, half-length figure of river-god Orontes swimming right; in right field, monogram (=ΥΠΑTOY) and IΓ (consular iteration) above monogram (=ANTIOXIEΩN?)</p><p><b>Ref:</b> RPC I <a href="https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/1/4156" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/1/4156" rel="nofollow">4156</a>, McAlee 185; Prieur 55</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>#2 Mark Antony and Octavian </b></p><p>The Second triumvirate a coin that is about 10 years before their showdown at the Battle of Actium (depicted in the opening image from Neroccio De' Landi & Workshop in AD 1475-1480) with Antony's death in Egypt following. A denarius from last year from the days before the formation of the second triumvirate is written up in <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/untitled" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/untitled" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1207045[/ATTACH]</p><p><b>Marcus Antonius with Octavianus and M. Barbatius</b>, AR denarius, military mint moving with Mark Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC</p><p><b>Obv:</b> M ANT IMP AVG III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT Q P , bare head of Mark Antony to right</p><p><b>Rev: </b>CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C•, bare head of Octavian to right</p><p><b>Ref:</b> Crawford 517/2, RBW 1798, Sydenham 1181</p><p><b>Note: </b>banker's mark on the reverse</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>#1 Roma </b></p><p>One of the most beautiful republican denarii, in my view, and more so for its anonymity in a sea of coins of self aggrandizement. The mysterious and unobtrusive graffito, <i>ΚΛЄ </i>on the obverse, does not detract. The imagery simple, iconic: Roma, peacefully absorbed with the scene of birds and the she-wolf suckling twins, a founding myth of Rome. More on this coin <a href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/roma-she-wolf-and-twins" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sullacoins.com/post/roma-she-wolf-and-twins" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1207028[/ATTACH]</p><p><b>Anonymous</b>, 115-114 BC, AR Denarius, Rome mint</p><p><b>Obv: </b>Helmeted head of Roma right wearing a winged Corinthian helmet, with curls on her left shoulder; X (mark of value) behind, border of dots</p><p><b>Rev: </b>Roma, wearing Corinthian helmet, seated right on pile of shields and a helmet beside, holding spear in left hand, birds in flight to upper left and right; to lower right, she-wolf standing right, head left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus.</p><p><b>Size: </b>3.8g, 18.5 mm</p><p><b>Ref:</b> Crawford 287/1</p><p><br /></p><p>A pretty eclectic set this year, ranging from 4th century BC to 10th century AD. Several coins linked to the end of the Roman Republic, a beautiful Roma with wolf and twins, a dynastic Vespasian from Ephesus, a Dattari plate coin, a rare provincial, a small gold/electrum coin, and a couple of Alexandrian tetradrachms....all interesting artifacts from an unprecedented year.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Comments and corrections are always appreciated. Vote for up to 3 of your favorites, and/or post anything you find interesting or entertaining.</b>[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="Sulla80, post: 5142763, member: 99456"][ATTACH=full]1207053[/ATTACH]While it is possible that one more coin might show up this year, it seems unlikely that I will displace any of the coins listed below, so I will post my 2020 list a bit early again this year. [B]Perhaps I don't need to say it: [/B]this has not been a normal year, between virus, politics and more. Thankfully, vaccines are showing promise, and I will include in my Thanksgiving this year: gratitude, both for the miracles of modern science and medicine, and for everyone who has given of themselves this year to make the world a little better for others. In 2020, I enjoyed a virtual tour of the provinces, especially Asia minor, and dabbling in non-Roman coins. I feel a bit better educated or at least aware of the people, maps and leaders outside of ancient Rome. [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/sulla80-top-10-for-2019.350220/']Last year[/URL], 7 of 10 of my top coins were from the Roman Republic. This year, only two that could (almost) be described as Roman republican made the list, although 7 of 10 can still be described as "Roman". Reviewing my ordered ranking, it does seem that my Roman republican interest is still visible. In the spirit of the year, my collection is now "virtual" with a [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/']blog[/URL] where I am organizing my notes, references, and photos. Alexandrian Egypt under Roman rule is a growing group in my collection - catching up to Parthia as notable sub-collection. Although it ticked a lot of boxes, [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/a-coin-that-ticks-boxes.370171/']my most recent Dattari Plate coin[/URL] didn't make the cut. I have added a few coins from that period of transition between Republic and Empire, and [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/from-lycia-to-the-us-constitution.356520']one Lycian coin[/URL], struck under the over-lordship of Julius Caesar, a Troxell plate coin, was a casualty of [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/from-lycia-to-the-us-constitution.356520/#post-4259299']COVID-mail[/URL] or the "curse of posting before it arrives". Knowledge, humor, coins and sometimes even wisdom shared in this forum have been a welcome distraction and source of entertainment over the year - thank you to the many contributors and experts. [B][B] [B][B]#10 Flavian Dynasty[/B][/B][/B][/B] This coin shows Vespasian's sons on the reverse as he uses the coin to set expectations for a Flavian dynasty. The artistry of this denarius of Ephesus is the attraction of this coin, it is posted with a second one that almost made the list [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/coins-of-vespasian-from-ephesus']here[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1208407[/ATTACH] [B]Vespasian[/B], 69-79 AD, AR denarius, Ephesus mint, 71 AD [B]Obv:[/B] IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P< Laureate head right [B]Rev: [/B]LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS, Titus and Domitian, each veiled, togate and holding a patera, standing facing heads left, EPE in exergue [B]Ref:[/B] RIC II [URL='http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2_1(2).ves.1430']1430 (Group 6)[/URL] [B][B][B][B]#9 Aristotle on Mytilene [/B][/B][/B][/B] A small Greek coin from the 4th century BC. The history is the first draw and I don't have many gold/electrum coins or coins this old. More on the Aristotle connection [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/aristotle-on-mytilene']here[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1206523[/ATTACH] [B]Mytilene, Lesbos[/B], c. 377-326 BC, Electrum Hekte [B]Obv:[/B] Head of Apollo wearing laurel wreath right [B]Rev:[/B] Head of Artemis right, her hair in sphendone; snake symbol in left field [B][B] #8 Hadrian and Osiris[/B][/B] One of several Hadrians added this year - with an Imperial denarius near the [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/transition-of-power']transition of power[/URL] and another Alexandrian tetradrachm, "[URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/father-of-the-country']Father of the Country[/URL]", in the list. This coin was all about the reverse and [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/hadrian-egyptian-canopic-jar']Osiris Hydreios[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1206518[/ATTACH] [B]Egypt, Alexandria, Hadrian[/B], AD 117-138, BI Tetradrachm, dated RY 10 (AD 125/6) [B]Obv: [/B]Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right [B]Rev: [/B]Canopus of Osiris (canopic jar) right; L ΔE-KATOV (date) around [B]Ref: [/B]RPC III [URL='https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/5578'][U]5578[/U][/URL][U];[/U] Dattari (Savio) 1325-6 [B]#7 The Homeland of Achilles[/B] A rare AE from Ekkara in Thessaly, dated to the end of the 4th century BC based on their style. Zeus on the coins of the Ekkarra is associated with the cult of Zeus in Thessaly. The reverse depicts Artemis Kynegetis, a type that is also known [URL='https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marble_statuette_of_Artemis_Kynegetis_with_a_dog_seizing_the_pray_(a_hare),_from_the_Roman_Baths_of_Ancient_Sikyon,_Roman_copy_made_in_the_2nd_century_AD_of_a_Hellenistic_version,_Archaeological_Museum_of_Sikyon,_Greece_(13945679658).jpg']from statues[/URL]. This was a fun coin to research and had a surprise provenance as a plate coin. More on this coin [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/ae-coin-from-ekkarra-achaea-phthiotis']here[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1206502[/ATTACH] [B]Thessaly, Ekkarra[/B], circa 325-320 BC, AE Chalkous [B]Obv: [/B]Laurel-wreathed, head of Zeus to the left in a circle of dots. The head of the Zeus is compact with wide cheeks. The beard and hairstyle are cut in stiff lines, and the hair covers the nape of the neck, a wavy line. Details like the pupil can be seen on the eyebrowed eyes. [B]Rev:[/B] ΕΚΚΑΡ / ΡΕΩΝ, downward, Artemis standing in between, in three-quarter view to the left. Her right leg is bent back. Her left arm rests on her hip, her right hand rests on a hunting lance, in the middle of which you can see a strap. Her hair is pinned up in a Lampadion knot and a bow and drapery appear on the nape of the neck, fastened crosswise in front of the chest with the shoulder strap. She is wearing a short sleeveless chiton (woolen tunic) and a himation (outer garment), and an endromides (cloak) lined with fur. [B]#6 Constantine VII, Born in the Purple[/B] He was the illegitimate child of Leo VI however, his mother, Zoe, gave birth to him in the Purple Room of the imperial palace. Leo VI did marry Zoe after the birth of Constantine - but as his 4th marriage, this marriage was also of questionable legitimacy. This coin is issued by Constantine VII with his son Romanus II. This coin more enjoyable with the book recommendation from [USER=84047]@Voulgaroktonou[/USER], "The Emperor Romanus Lecapenus and His Reign" by Steven Runciman. More on this coin [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/constantine-vii-born-in-the-purple']here[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1206503[/ATTACH] [B]Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus[/B], with son Romanus II. 913-959, AR Miliaresion, Constantinople mint. Struck 945-959 [B]Obv:[/B] IESuS xRIStVS nIcA, Cross-crosslet set on three steps; globus below [B]Rev:[/B]+ COҺST’ τ’/ ΠORFVROG,/ CЄ ROmAҺO/ ЄҺ X’ω EVSEЬ’/ Ь’ RωmEOҺ in five lines [B]Obv Translation:[/B] Jesus Christ Victor [B]Rev Translation:[/B] Constantine Porphyrogenitus, Romanus, by the grace of Christ, Pius, Emperors of the Romans [B] #5 Julius Caesar in Antioch[/B] Issued in the year before the assassination of Julius Caesar, this coin bears a date that recognizes the visit of Caesar to Antioch and the gift of "freedom" that he bestowed on the City. More on this coin, and the rebellion of Bassus in this [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/julius-caesar-in-antioch']blog post[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1207046[/ATTACH] [B]Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Antiochia ad Orontem[/B], Q. Caecilius Bassus, rebel governor, 46/5 BC, AR tetradrachm in the name of Philip I Philadelphos of Syria, recognizing the era of Julius Caesar, minted 46/5 BC, Year 4 of the Caesarean Era [B]Obv:[/B] Diademed head of Philip I right [B]Rev:[/B] BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦIΛIΠΠOV ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOV EΠIΦANOVΣ, Zeus seated on high-backed throne left, holding Nike on outstretched right hand and sceptre in left [B]Size: [/B]26mm, 15.55g [B]Ref:[/B] Seleucid Coins (part 2) [URL='http://numismatics.org/sco/id/sc.1.2491']2491[/URL] [B] #4 : A Decade of Gallienus [/B] The bulbous portrait, the chocolate patina, the weight of the tetradrachm in hand, the provenance of a Dattari plate coin, and the link to Gallienus' struggles with multiple usurpers, I like everything about this coin. Notes and more of my coins of Alexandria can be found in [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/gallienus-and-usurpers-in-ad-260']this blog post[/URL]. [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/attachments/gallienus-dattari-5273-jpg.1103060/[/IMG] [B]Egypt, Alexandria, Gallienus[/B], 253-268 Tetradrachm circa 262-263 (year 10) [B]Size:[/B] 23mm, 10.63g [B]Obv:[/B] Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right [B]Rev:[/B] ΔЄKA/ЄTHPI/CKV/PIOV in four lines within laurel wreath; below, L I [B]Ref: [/B]Geissen 2915 (this coin cited) Dattari-Savio Pl. 272, 5273 (this coin the same coin that appears in Dattari's pencil rubbings, issued to celebrate Gallienus' tenth year of reign) [B]#3 Augustus, Tyche and Orontes [/B] This coin of Augustus bears a date that Marks the battle of Actium, a portrait of the first emperor, and a reverse that I can't stop admiring. [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/attachments/augustus-tetradrachm-antioch-jpg.1206956/[/IMG] [B]Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch, Augustus[/B], 27 BC-AD 14, AR tetradrachm, dated year 30 of the Actian Era - dating from the Battle of Actium between Marc Antony and Augustus - and Cos. XIII (2/1 BC) [B]Obv:[/B] ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟY, laureate head right [B]Rev: [/B][ETOVΣ] Λ (Actian era date) NIKHΣ, Tyche seated right on rocky outcropping, holding palm frond; below, half-length figure of river-god Orontes swimming right; in right field, monogram (=ΥΠΑTOY) and IΓ (consular iteration) above monogram (=ANTIOXIEΩN?) [B]Ref:[/B] RPC I [URL='https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/1/4156']4156[/URL], McAlee 185; Prieur 55 [B] #2 Mark Antony and Octavian [/B] The Second triumvirate a coin that is about 10 years before their showdown at the Battle of Actium (depicted in the opening image from Neroccio De' Landi & Workshop in AD 1475-1480) with Antony's death in Egypt following. A denarius from last year from the days before the formation of the second triumvirate is written up in [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/untitled']here[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1207045[/ATTACH] [B]Marcus Antonius with Octavianus and M. Barbatius[/B], AR denarius, military mint moving with Mark Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC [B]Obv:[/B] M ANT IMP AVG III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT Q P , bare head of Mark Antony to right [B]Rev: [/B]CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C•, bare head of Octavian to right [B]Ref:[/B] Crawford 517/2, RBW 1798, Sydenham 1181 [B]Note: [/B]banker's mark on the reverse [B] #1 Roma [/B] One of the most beautiful republican denarii, in my view, and more so for its anonymity in a sea of coins of self aggrandizement. The mysterious and unobtrusive graffito, [I]ΚΛЄ [/I]on the obverse, does not detract. The imagery simple, iconic: Roma, peacefully absorbed with the scene of birds and the she-wolf suckling twins, a founding myth of Rome. More on this coin [URL='https://www.sullacoins.com/post/roma-she-wolf-and-twins']here[/URL]. [ATTACH=full]1207028[/ATTACH] [B]Anonymous[/B], 115-114 BC, AR Denarius, Rome mint [B]Obv: [/B]Helmeted head of Roma right wearing a winged Corinthian helmet, with curls on her left shoulder; X (mark of value) behind, border of dots [B]Rev: [/B]Roma, wearing Corinthian helmet, seated right on pile of shields and a helmet beside, holding spear in left hand, birds in flight to upper left and right; to lower right, she-wolf standing right, head left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus. [B]Size: [/B]3.8g, 18.5 mm [B]Ref:[/B] Crawford 287/1 A pretty eclectic set this year, ranging from 4th century BC to 10th century AD. Several coins linked to the end of the Roman Republic, a beautiful Roma with wolf and twins, a dynastic Vespasian from Ephesus, a Dattari plate coin, a rare provincial, a small gold/electrum coin, and a couple of Alexandrian tetradrachms....all interesting artifacts from an unprecedented year. [B]Comments and corrections are always appreciated. Vote for up to 3 of your favorites, and/or post anything you find interesting or entertaining.[/B][/QUOTE]
Your name or email address:
Do you already have an account?
No, create an account now.
Yes, my password is:
Forgot your password?
Stay logged in
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Ancient Coins
>
(Sulla80) Top 10 Coins for 2020
>
Home
Home
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Activity
Recent Posts
Forums
Forums
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Posts
Competitions
Competitions
Quick Links
Competition Index
Rules, Terms & Conditions
Gallery
Gallery
Quick Links
Search Media
New Media
Showcase
Showcase
Quick Links
Search Items
Most Active Members
New Items
Directory
Directory
Quick Links
Directory Home
New Listings
Members
Members
Quick Links
Notable Members
Current Visitors
Recent Activity
New Profile Posts
Sponsors
Menu
Search
Search titles only
Posted by Member:
Separate names with a comma.
Newer Than:
Search this thread only
Search this forum only
Display results as threads
Useful Searches
Recent Posts
More...