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circusmax120's Last 20 Posts
| Trajan Sestertius. Via Traiana.
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
 Posted 03/24/2023 1:03 pm
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Truly a splendid coin, Canefan. Excellent portrait...sharp detail on a large flan. Easy to see the inspiration to "blow out" the budget! The patina is really attractive. Always fascinating to see how the surface of a coin is effected through the centuries. Here is a Trajan dupondius in my collection. Blue-green mottling obscures (but does not detract from) the marvelous portrait and details.
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Caligula Provincial Semis, Aezanis In Phrygia
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 03/24/2023 12:44 pm
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Ahhhh, Jim...very nice acquisition. I must say, your coin is a far better specimen than those examples seen in the links provided. An early portrait that does indeed seem to depict the man in a much more serene way.
I will add, as a child of the 1960's, this portrait makes me think of the "Supermarionation" puppets used in television shows like 'Thunderbirds' (or 'Supercar'...or 'Fireball XL5'). Strange...and totally awesome! |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Faustina The Younger: Mother Of The Camp!
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 03/10/2023 09:18 am
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Thanks, Paul. Those two examples are really quite nice, and most likely as close to realism as I'm likely to get. It's the style of the eye that seems to give me pause...but that is simply the prevailing style of that time. Holding out in the hope that a particular engraver chose a different expression is only going to be frustrating and make the search more grueling than need be. I am sure I've seen similar Aurelians to those you posted, Paul...but something prevented me from pulling the trigger. Possibly condition issues. More likely budgetary issues. I like both of the examples you show here. The eyes are well rendered, without the exaggeration seen on many types. The condition of the first/top coin is excellent (which tends to elevate it above my price range). The second coin has, in my opinion, a superior portrait...but a bit more wear than I'd like. It's such a delicate balancing act!
I have, as you mention, noticed that the beardless, younger Aurelius tends to be more realistic in representation. So I have been leaning in that direction. I will keep looking. Thanks again, Paul! |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| My Second Augusta: Marcia Otacilia Severa!
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 03/09/2023 12:33 pm
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After recently stumbling upon a very nice portrait of Faustina Minor as I searched coins of her husband Marcus Aurelius, I decided to make a concerted effort to look for more Augusta. My search is complicated by several constraining factors. One...is budget. The second is my focus on larger size coins. Thirdly, it is complicated by my desire to find the most realistic portrait possible. This can get quite difficult. Especially by the third century, as the Roman taste in portraiture begins to shift away from realism. [Hence my struggle with Aurelius]
This depiction of Otacilia, while not strictly realistic, does bear the appropriate hallmarks: the fleshiness of the face, depiction of the eye, ear, bulb of the nose, defined lips, and pointed chin. And, of course, the details of the hair/wig are fantastic! Quite pleased to add this beauty to the collection.
For a concise and wonderful biographic sketch of this imperial wife, I refer you to the post by Irbguy entitled 'Otacilia Severa - Wife of Philippus I' (06/19/2017).
Obverse: MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG. Draped bust with tiara. Reverse: PVDICITIA AVG. Pudicitia with sceptre and veil, seated left, in section SC. 29.2 mm, 14.52 grams. |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Otacilia Severa - Wife Of Philippus I
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 03/08/2023 2:02 pm
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Splendid post, Irbguy! Well-written, well-supported (with images), and illuminating. Also quite timely, as I just recently added this Augusta to my collection.
I found this portrait to be slightly more representative of Otacilia than I prefer (as opposed to the more realistic), but still a very nice portrayal.
Obverse: MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG. Draped bust with tiara. Reverse: PVDICITIA AVG. Pudicitia with sceptre and veil n. l. seated, in section SC. 14.52 grams
Struck around 245 AD, this sestertius had the kind of detail that I find appealing. Including the corroded reverse! She is an excellent pairing with her husband Phillip I.
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Nero At Eighteen, And Ten Years On
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 03/08/2023 11:06 am
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| Really nice portrait comparison, Jim. I love this kind of thing. Also interesting to see Nero compared to Elvis. It would seem the Emperor was seen by the people of Rome in a similar light. He certainly thought himself to be artistically (and athletically) gifted and beloved by the public. Kings will be Kings! |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| An Irresistible Claudius!
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 02/25/2023 12:27 pm
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| Just thought I would add an update to this Topic now that I have this Claudius in hand. I must say...the coin is even more impressive than I initially believed. The "rusty" appearance is much less apparent and the portrait...is simply awesome. Truly thrilling to hold this specimen, feel its weight, and study the details. The skill of these ancient artisans never ceases to amaze! |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Drusus That NGC Returned To Buyer As Tooled:
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 02/25/2023 12:03 pm
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I must admit, even my untrained eye can pick up on something not quite right with the look of the portrait. Perhaps it's my experience as a sculptor...or maybe it's the fact that I have spent an inordinate amount of time closely studying coin portraiture. There is a distinctly forced appearance in the engraving of the hair.
Even tooled that coin is very nice, louisville. Certainly worth adding to a collection...and certainly worthy of stewardship. A solid portrait of Drusus! I'm sure you will find an appreciative buyer.
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| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Republican Silver Denarius: The Color Purple!
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 02/19/2023 1:41 pm
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It is a marvelous coin indeed, Jim. Really liked the fullness of the portrait of Roma, with all the great details of the helmet. That, however, was not enough. The inspiration to acquire this denarius lies firmly in the story it told about its own creation. Absolutely fascinating!
I found the Harney blog post to be both informative and intriguing. I'm glad others have given it a read. Let's see what else we can find in regards to the numerical markings on this type of coinage. Could be interesting! |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Republican Silver Denarius: The Color Purple!
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 02/18/2023 11:20 am
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Victor's informative response-post regarding the Roman numeral 'X' seen on the obverse of this Purpurio denarius really got me thinking. A quick search for information about the symbol certainly supports Victor's statement. So I asked myself "Where did I get the idea that the 'X' was in any way related to the numbering of the die?" I may be imaginative and excitable, but I certainly didn't pull that out of thin air. I searched on and soon found a familar blog post by Gareth Harney entitled 'Another Publius Satrienus Denarius - Insights into the Roman Mint', dated October 17, 2021. In the article, Mr. Garney states:
"As with a number of other Republican issues, the coin type is notable for its employment of control marks, numbers or symbols designating the precise dies used to strike obverse and reverse, possibly as a means of quality control adding a level of accountability to the die engraving process or as just a systematic method in which to keep track of large coin issues. Control marks are of great interest to the numismatist as they can provide valuable evidence for many of the most interesting questions around the coin minting process: How many coins were struck within a series? How long did a coin die last before wearing out or breaking? In coin striking, did the obverse or reverse die wear out more rapidly? How many engravers were employed at the mint and how much variation was allowed between their individual artistic approaches? While control marks often take the form of small pictograms with fascinating representations of everyday objects from the ancient world, the Satrienus denarius instead uses a simple numerical system. Each obverse die is designated with a clear Roman numeral behind the head of Roma. When that particular die wore down to an unacceptable degree or indeed broke completely, the next number die awaited. Experimental archaeology has come up with varying estimates of how many coins a single Roman die might realistically strike with most in the number of multiple thousands."
"Top: Example using the obverse die numbered 'I'. Bottom: Example from my collection numbered 'XXXIIII'."
This is clearly where I got the idea that Republican denarii bore numerical die indicators. I do not doubt that Mr. Harney is quite correct, but...his article is focused specifically on the coins of one moneyer: Satrienus. Could it be that such a numbering system was employed only by Satrienus? Or perhaps a particular group of moneyers at a particular time in the minting of Republican coinage?
Further study is required! I have included a link to the original post in case anyone wishes to read it in its entirety.
https://www.harneycoins.com/post/an...e-roman-mint |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Republican Silver Denarius: The Color Purple!
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 02/17/2023 3:34 pm
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This coin is another from my 'Top Ten' of 2022. It was a very new acquisition at that time, so I'd yet to give it a singular post. Time to remedy that. The Republican denarius is the only silver in my collection and the sole denarii. Why break with form, you might ask. It isn't a large coin...and the portrait doesn't depict a living being!
All valid points, but in truth I have routinely looked at these coins of the early Republic. I guess...waiting for one to stand out and demand further attention. This baby did just that.
The depiction of the very personification of Rome itself, Roma is an obverse standard of this variety, and the quality of the portrait varies widely. The essential qualities of this particular portrait stood out to me. Fine, sharp features with a fullness that seems to be lacking in most examples of this coinage. Wonderful details in the helmet. Unless I am mistaken, the 'X' to the left refers to the die number. Wonderful stuff! In the end I was finally swayed by the story told on the reverse. The identity of the moneyer or "tresviri aere argento auro flando feriundo" (literally "three men for striking [and] casting bronze, silver, [and] gold coins") was a man named Furius Purpurio (probably one the most fabulous ancient names I've ever heard), represented on the coin as 'PVR'. Aside from apparently employing the best die-cutters, Furius had a great sense of humor. Above the horses on the reverse, he included a representation of the murex shell from which was derived the valuable purple dye used in the creation of senatorial togas. A wordplay on his own name. Brilliant!
Surely I cannot be blamed for straying off the path with this one.
C FURIUS PURPURIO AR silver denarius. Rome, 169-158 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind. Reverse - Luna in a biga right, PVR below horses, murex shell above, ROMA within linear frame. 17.5mm, 4.3grams |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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| Faustina The Younger: Mother Of The Camp!
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circusmax120
Valued Member
United States
221 Posts |
Posted 02/17/2023 11:11 am
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Parnelli917: I'm pleased to meet another who can appreciate the art captured in such a coin. I did not find my way into ancients until my mid-twenties, before which my interests were early-American and foreign coinage. The underlying focus, however, was (and remains) the history and the art. My love of ancient history simply won out!
It's a beautiful portrait indeed, and the details are very nice. Headpiece and hairstyle...with curls at her cheek and neck. Plus...the necklace! A gift from the Emperor perhaps? |
| | Forum: Ancient, Greek, Roman, and Medieval Coins |
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