Thirty Roman Imperial coins - Notes & Exemplars

Housing my thirty coins.

Just a “quick down and dirty” photo:


Click on image for enlarged view (more readable tags)

I use an Abafil case. Twenty As/dupondius size or smaller coins in top tray, twelve approx. sestertius size coins in bottom tray.

To the right are two standard coin book plastic pocketed insert sheets that match the Abafil trays and which display general coin identification cards with auction house/dealer/previous owner information tags and attribution/provenance information cards in the coin pocket underneath the general information card. These plastic information sheets are loose and are intended to be used when viewing the coins in the Abafil trays (like a “box of chocolates” ID sheet).

Whenever I take coins with me when I leave the house I carry them in a “Shoulder Bag”. I put them in archival quality paper envelopes together with accompanying attribution tags and, in turn, vinyl flips cut from standard commercial sheets. I write a brief generic coin description on the outside of each envelope so that I can quickly identify them.

The coins are well protected from the elements and I can easily get them out for examination, etc.

I am not overly concerned about anyone cutting the strap on my shoulder bag and absconding with my coins, because the strap incorporates strands of tempered steel that resists all kinds of cutters - I had the clerk who sold it to me demonstrate that before I bought it.

 

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Here are some background notes relating to Titus Restoration coinage:

Although both Restoration and Restitution are employed by modern day authors to describe this coinage, I employ Restoration here because that is the nomenclature used by Harold Mattingly in his seminal reference: THE "RESTORED" COINS OF OF TITUS, DOMITIAN AND NERVA - The Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Royal Numismatic Society Fourth Series, Vol. 20 (1920), pp. 177-207 (31 pages) and on which much of the information presented here is based.

Upon assuming the purple, Vespasian adopted a policy of honoring illustrious members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty by issuing several commemorative coin types in their memory. Commemoration of the illustrious dead on coins originated during the later Republic and became an integral part of the legacy of deified Emperors.

Titus perpetuated his father's policy of honoring the illustrious dead by issuing commemorative coinage in a like manner. However, he now also began issuing coins that were struck using newly made dies designed to produce coins that closely resembled original coin types of the honorees but in more contemporary style.

In British Museum Coins of the Roman Empire (BMCRE) Vol II @ TITUS: TYPES OF ROME, Mattingly states: "The 'restored' series of Titus served a double purpose; it preserved the memory of famous coins of the early Empire which were becoming obsolete and it emphasized in the public mind the continuity between the Flavian dynasty and its predecessor."

It is important to understand how the original coins were restored. For example the first restored AVGUSTUS As depicted here was based on an original As struck at the Rome mint by Tiberius to honor the deified Augustus and depicts a left facing radiate bust of Augustus on the Obverse with the legend DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER. A spread winged Eagle standing on a Globe is depicted on the reverse with large S C left and right. This coin is cataloged in BMCRE (British Museum Coins Roman Empire), H. Mattingly, Vol. I, as Tiberius No. 155 and in RIC (Roman Imperial Coins, Spink), C.H.V. Sutherland, Vol. 1, as Tiberius No. 82. As restored by Titus, the obverse of this coin retains the original coin depiction of Augustus and the legend intact. The reverse retains the original spread winged eagle depiction but the following inscription is added: IMP T CAES AVG RESTITVIT - S C (above, left and right) which roughly equates to "The Emperor Titus is the restorer of this coin".

There are variations of these reverse titulature inscriptions throughout the Restoration coin issues. As a general rule, Titus Restoration coins retain the original coin obverse depiction and inscription, although in an updated style, and also the reverse depiction, but change (or add) the restoration reverse inscriptions described here.

The above restoration became the general model used by Titus for his coin restorations, again with some variances.

Only Aes coins - As, Dupondius and Sestertius - were restored. It was essentially Senatorial coinage yet was issued by Titus. Vespasian alone determined the style and content of his commemorative coinage. Titus, however, sought input from the Senate in the design and content of the restoration coinage. Evidentally it was important to him to have the two main powers of the State jointly honor the illustrious dead in this fashion and co-operation was reinforced by the striking of "Aes" coins bearing the usual Senatorial S C (Senatus Consulto) together with the "Restoration" legend. Of course, the Emperor was the supreme authority, and the Senate was subservient to him, but the traditional Senatorial control of the "Aes" coinage still had some relevance.

RESTITVIT is often abbreviated to REST on the reverse of these coins.

The Emperor and the Senate, acting together, selected the deceased Augusti and family members they deemed worthy of being honored by the issuance of Restored coinage - a kind of official judgment of their records. Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius, Galba - and selected family members - were included. Caligula, Nero, Otho, Vitellius - and their family members were excluded.

The following members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and Galba, were honored with Restored coins by Titus:l

Augustus - sestertius, dupondius, as

Agrippa - as

Tiberius - sestertius, as

Drusus - as

Livia - dupondius

Nero Drusus - sestertius

Germanicus - dupondius

Agrippina I - sestertius

Claudius - sestertius, dupondius as

Galba - sestertius, dupondius, as

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The Restoration coinage of Domitian follows that of Titus, but the output was much lighter and appears to be restricted to a short period at the beginning of his reign.

The Restoration coinage of Nerva also follows that of Titus, but it only includes two honorees: Divus Augustus and Agrippina senior.

* Trajan’s Restoration/Restitution coinage was based on different criteria and he issued it in bronze, silver and gold. He also issued this coinage to honor Distinguished Republican families.

 

Just FYI from archive:

The dots that were used as word spacers in Monument and Tombstone Inscriptions in Ancient Rome are called Interpuncts (“to catch a breath”). I think they were only used sporadically (as space fillers) on coins because of the limited space available. If you google “Interpuncts” you will find numerous references available. The following link is to a reference that I have used on occasion because it contains some useful background information:

http://rodcorp.typepad.com/rodcorp/2008/03/middle-dot-inte.html

If you would like to type interpuncts in the coin legends on the images you post here (just for fun?) you can do it by holding down the Alt key and typing 0183 using the number pad on your computer (will not work on iPhone or iPad) · like that. (I am a windows guy - I don’t know the sequence for MAC).

In typography the bold center dots are called bullets - Interpuncts are normal weight center dots.

 

Portrait Coins depicting Caesars and Augusti who campaigned in Britain.

Four Augusti died in Britain:

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS - at Eboracum (York), AD 211, while campaigning in the north.

CARAUSIUS - in southern Britain, AD 293, assassinated by his Chief Minister, Allectus.

ALLECTUS - in southern Britain, AD 296, killed in battle with the invading force of Constantius.

CONSTANTIUS (Chlorus) - at Eboracum (York), AD 306, while campaigning in the north.


Julius Caesar:

In 55 BC Julius Caesar became the first Roman Imperator to set foot in Britain. He fought skirmishes with local Chieftains in the south east of the country eventually departing Britain later that year to resume his campaign in Gaul. He returned in early 54 BC and successfully subjugated the Britannic forces only to abandon the campaign later in the year.


Denarius, Crawford, Roman Republican Coins (RRC), No. 480/8 (March 44 BC - Alfoldi)

Coin obverse depiction: Julius Caesar wreathed head facing right
Inscription clockwise from right: CAESAR DICT PERPETVO (Dictator in Perpetuity)

Coin reverse depiction: Venus Genetrix standing, facing left, holding statuette of victory on palm of right hand and supporting vertical scepter with left hand
Inscription vertical to right: L BVCA (L. Aemilius Buca, Moneyer)

Weight: 3.5g


Claudius:

Claudius perceived that it was imperative for him to accomplish a great feat of arms in order to enhance his prestige with the Senate and prove himself worthy of the title of Augustus. His own father NERO CLAUDIUS DRUSUS and brother GERMANICUS had been acclaimed as great military leaders on the northern frontier and he was determined to emulate their successes. His predecessor (and nephew), CALIGULA, had set out to conquer Britain and add that island outpost to the Empire, but had failed. Now Claudius was determined to fulfill that mission and to that end in AD 43 he dispatched an advanced force consisting of four legions commanded by a renowned general, AULUS PLAUTIUS to invade Britain and engage the Britannic forces there.

Shortly thereafter Claudius landed in Britain and assumed command of the army led by General Plautius. In short order Claudius accepted the surrender of the Britannic forces, appointed Plautius Governor of Britannia and subsequently returned to Rome to celebrate his Triumph and enhance his entitlement by the Senate as Father of the Country - PATER PATRIAE (PP), and exalted servant of the People - OB CIVES SERVATOS.


Sestertius, RIC Vol. I, Rome, No. 112, 50-54AD (36mm, 28.2gm)

Obverse depiction: Claudius, laureate head facing right
Inscription: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TRP IMP PP

Reverse depiction: Civic Oak Wreath
Inscription in four lines:

EX SC
P P
OB CIVES
SERVATOS

(within wreath)


Septimius Severus and his sons Caracalla & Geta:

In AD 208 SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS set out for Britain accompanied by his sons CARACALLA and GETA (who fought along side him during the campaign) with the avowed aim of restoring the much damaged Hadrian's wall and subduing the warlike native tribes of northern Britain and Caledonia (Scotland). In AD 211 he became terminally ill during the campaign, and after proclaiming Victory over Britannia, he withdrew to his headquarters at Eboracum (York) where he died later that year


Septimius Severus, Denarius, RIC Vol. IV, No. 335

Obverse depiction: Laureate head facing right
Inscription clockwise from bottom: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT

Reverse depiction: Victory (Britannia?) seated left writing on shield
Inscription: VICTORIAE BRIT



Caracalla, Denarius, RIC Vol. IV, No. 231a

Obverse depiction: Laureate head facing right
Inscription clockwise from bottom: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT

Reverse depiction: winged Victory advancing right holding trophy
Inscription: VICTORIAE BRIT



Geta, Denarius, RIC Vol. IV, No. 91

Obverse depiction: Laureate head facing right
Inscription clockwise from bottom: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT

Reverse depiction: Victory standing left holding wreath and palm branch
Inscription: VICTORIAE BRIT


The usurper Augusti of secessionist Britain - Carausius & Allectus:

The political and military turmoil of the third century spawned numerous external assaults on the Roman Empire. One of these was the incessant seafaring piracy in the waters surrounding the Roman occupied island outpost of Britain. In 286 Maximian Herculius, in his capacity as Dyarch Augustus of the West, designated a highly regarded military commander named Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius, of Flemish descent, to head a fleet of ships who's mission was to eliminate, or at least severely curtail, this piracy. Carausius had distinguished himself by outstanding leadership and military prowess, especially as a naval "Admiral", in the Gallic campaigns. Carausius established his operational base at the coastal city of Boulogne (Gesoriacum) in Roman occupied northern Gaul. Carausius did indeed accomplish his mission, but reports of corruption and extortion led Maximian Herculius to dispatch a fleet of ships in order to remove Carausius from command. However, Carausius proved too strong and he repulsed the attack.

Carausius subsequently used his continental base to launch an invasion force to occupy and subjugate Britain. Landing in the north, Carausius secured the support of the native Picts and, advancing south, confronted and defeated the forces of the Roman Governor. Having thus conquered the Island, he proclaimed himself Augustus of a Secessionist Britain, becoming an effective and efficient Administrator using the Roman Imperial governmental framework as a model. He maintained control of Boulogne and coastal northern Gaul. Carausius established two mints in Britain: one at London (Londinium) and the other at Colchester (Camulodunum - Clausentum) and a Continental mint in Gaul.

The coins depicted here were minted in Britain at the London (Londinium) mint.


Carausius, Antoninianus, RIC V (2), No. 475:

Obverse depiction: draped, radiate, bust
Inscription: IMP C CARAVSIVS PF AVG

Reverse depiction: Pax standing left, holding olive branch
Inscription: PA - X - AVG | S .....P

London Mint.
3.9 gm.

Allectus, the chief minister of Carausius, assassinated him (or orchestrated his assassination) in AD 293. He continued operation of the British Carausian mints and coins were issued in his name and bearing his portrait


Allectus, Antoninianus, RIC V (2), No. 33:

Obverse depiction: cuirassed, radiate bust
Inscription: IMP C ALLECTVS P F AVG

Reverse depiction: Pax standing left, holding olive branch
Inscription: PA - X - AVG ..... S - A, M L in reverse exergue.

London mint
5.1 gm.

Allectus died in battle with the invading force of Constantius in southern Britain AD 296


Constantius and his son Constantine

In AD 296 Constantius, then Caesar of the West, invaded secessionist Britain and restored it to the Empire as directed by Maximian Herculius, Augustus of the West


RIC Volume VI, Lugdunum, No. 17a, Constantius, Caesar of the West:

Obverse depiction: truncated bare neck bust, laureate, facing right
Inscription: FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB C

Reverse depiction: Genius of the Roman people, standing
Inscription: GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI

Earliest obverse legend
10.1 gm.
Britannia invasion coinage produced in Gaul at unknown Continental mint



RIC VI, Londinium, No. 47, Constantius, Augustus of the West:
CT (Cloke & Toone), No. 4.02.003, 1 May 305 - 26 July 306, Rarity: S

Obverse depiction: laureate, cuirassed bust facing right.
Inscription: IMP CONSTANTIVS PIVS FEL AVG

Reverse depiction: Genius of the Roman people standing left
Inscription: GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI

Constantius was elevated to Augustus of the West after the Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian Herculius. He Died at Eboracum (York) while campaigning against the warlike tribes of the North in AD 306. On his death bed, Constantius conferred Imperium on his son and companion, Constantine.


RIC VI, Londinium, No. 89b, Constantine, Caesar of the West:
CT (Cloke & Toone), No. 5.03.004, c. November - December AD 307, Rarity: R

Obverse depiction: laureate, draped, bust facing right.
Inscription: FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C

Reverse depiction: Genius of the Roman people standing left
Inscription: GENIO - POP ROM, PLN in reverse exergue

Genius with head towered and loins draped
Issued shortly after the death of Constantius following recognition as Caesar of the West by Galerius

Weight: 9.3 gm.

 

ROMAN IMPERIAL COIN INSCRIPTIONAL LETTERING


My pen and ink rendition of typical
Capitalis Monumentalis lettering

Roman Imperial coin inscriptional letterforms are based on those of CAPITALIS MONUMENTALIS employed by stone cutters for edifices, monuments, tombstones, etc. A fine extant example is found on Trajan's column in Rome and the essential constructs of these letterforms are the models for all Majuscule (Capital) alphabets used in the western world. Stone cutters in particular still employ their distinctive proportions and terminating serifs. It should be noted that only twenty letters were normally used in the ancient Roman alphabet: A B C D E F G H I L M N O P Q R S T V X. Our modern J and U were not used, their equivalents being I and V respectively. Thus, our modern JULIUS was written IVLIVS. The letter K was seldom used and then only before A. The letters Y and Z were only used when reproducing Greek words. W was not part of the ancient Roman alphabet at all. It was Medieval scribes who formalized the construction models for the letters J K U W Y Z.

There are numerous excellent photographs of actual CAPITALIS MONUMENTALIS lettering (including that on Trajan's column) mostly accompanied by location information, translations and analyses, at Bill Thayer's Latin Inscriptions section of his LacusCurtius web site

Although in general the inscriptional letterforms employed by Roman Imperial coin die engravers, particularly those of the early Empire, closely follow CAPITALIS MONUMENTALIS letterforms there are some subtle differences, mostly resulting from the limited space available on coins for inscriptional lettering. Most notably, they were modified to produce closer spacing and a compaction of the wide letters C O Q and M resulting in more uniform and "square" lettering. The essential letterform constructs were closely followed for coins of the early to mid Empire who's inscriptions are generally stately and elegant: E and F have equal length horizontal bars; A has a sharp apex; V has a sharp junction; the bowls of B P R S are always nicely formed. P is frequently rendered on Imperial coins with an open bowl, i.e. not touching the vertical stem at the bottom - especially on coins of the early Empire. The quality of Roman Imperial coin lettering reached its zenith on late period Julio-Claudian coins.


My pen and ink rendition of typical
Julio-Claudian coin lettering

The coin die engravers used a selection of chisels (burins), stamps and punches -- the quality of the lettering may therefor have depended to some extent on the skill of the tool makers. The quality of the die metal would also be a determining factor. Rendering well proportioned and constructed Capital Roman lettering has always demanded considerable skill and it seems there has always existed a disparity of skills among the crafstsmen who executed them -- regardless of the tools and media employed.

Examples of early Roman Empire coin lettering:





Examples of late Roman Empire coin lettering:





References:

• EXPLICATIO FORMARUM LITTERARUM (The Unfolding of Letterforms), Rutherford Aris, The Calligraphy Connection, St. Paul (1990)
• ROMAN LETTER FORMS, Tommy Thompson, Holme Press, (1946)
• WRITING & ILLUMINATING & LETTERING, Edward Johnston, Pitman Publishing (various Publishers), Bath, (1973-various dates)
• LETTERING, Graily Hewitt, Seely, Service & Co. Ltd. (various Publishers), London, (1930-various dates)

 

Addendum to the previous page:


(Above) My pen and ink rendition of Roman Capitalis Rustica writing





Pen and ink rendering of Julio- Claudian
coin inscriptional letterforms - stroke order