Getting Agrippa: A Man Of His Time - Coin Community Forum

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A little scrimping...a little saving...and a whole lot of searching. Finally I was able to find this splendid AE As of Marcus Agrippa. My focus as usual is on the strength of the portrait. This sharp rendering spoke to me, and the mottled patina is appealing. Truly amazing skill on full display! Struck during the reign of Gaius Germanicus (affectionately and irreverently known as Caligula) in honor of his maternal grandfather.

Close friend of Augustus, Agrippa did his part in securing Octavian's hold on the empire when, as a military commander, his naval forces defeated those of Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Also a talented artitect, Agrippa was responsible for many building projects under Augustus, including the still-existing Pantheon in Rome (although the structure seen today is predominantly a reconstruction by Trajan and Hadrian). Upon seeing the coin, my daughter summed it up succinctly: "Probably a guy who built something and also killed people." Certainly Marcus Agrippa was a man of his time! 29mm, 12.62 grams. Obverse depicts Agrippa facing left, wearing a rostral crown. The reverse has Neptune, standing facing left, holding a dolphin and trident.

Awesome coin. Congrats.

P.S. I think your daughter should get a job editing history books. (Or perhaps writing Cliffs Notes versions of said books.)

I think you're on to something there, Bob. I will pass along your recommendation. Thank you for the congratulations. The coin's remaining details are eye-catching, and the history is fascinating!

Edited by circusmax120
11/11/2022 2:13 pm

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Thank you, jbuck. It was quite the task, finding the right coin for me. I'm really quite happy with the acquisition. I would like to encourage any member to post pics of any related coin. Be it an Agrippa, any of the honorific issues, or simply a specimen that inspires.

@circ, can you please help me with a definition for "rostral crown"? I was thinking that rostral meant toward the front (of the face), but not sure that makes sense for headgear.

Thx in advance!

Spence, I must admit that I'm unfamiliar with the term, and I'm at work...so I can't look it up...but I'll give it a shot off the cuff. I believe the term rostrum refers to the reinforced part at the bow of a ship. Used for ramming enemy vessels. Since Agrippa was a naval commander, I'm going to guess that a "rostral crown" simply refers to a naval honorific. A crown signifying his naval victories on behalf of the empire. Anyone else out there with knowledge of this subject?

Congratulations, Mike. your coin of Marcus Agrippa has a good strong portrait.

I hope that the info found in this extract from the "American Journal of Numismatics" helps - Head-Dresses Exhibited on Ancient Coins - Henry Phillips, Jr.

Ok awesome guys. Thx for helping me learn something today!

I totally agree with Spence. Always a treat to learn something new. Great question and a fabulous answer. Thanks, Jim!

That's a sweet looking coin Mike!
I've yet to add him to my collection and your thread has reawakened my desire to do so...
The portrait of Agrippa, for me at least, is the epitome of a Roman leader!...Proud profile and just everything "right"!
If I was a Legionnaire I would follow this man anywhere!

For me he would've been a "great" Emperor...A real shame that others had the same feeling as myself..

I agree, Paul. Marcus Agrippa has the appearance of everything you would imagine an ancient Roman to look like. The man lived a life that personifies Roman success. A creative and gifted architect. A formidable military leader. This portrait was simply stunning to me. The strike is sharp and well-centered, the patina is awesome, and the level of detail that remains is impressive. The wisps of hair, the rostral crown, his ear, and the subtleties of his face. Just incredible! Makes me giddy!

My hope is that you find the perfect Agrippa for your collection, Paul. I believe you will know it the moment you see it.

Very nice coin circusmax120, the detail is delicious!

Edited by ttkoo
12/03/2022 02:03 am

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You are so right, ttkoo. I was fortunate to find this specimen. Awesome detail at a price I could afford. Saving up while searching: Sometimes I miss out because the timing is off...but this one did not get away!

Very nice circusmax, great portrait and a pleasing patina. I've had Agrippa on my "get list" for years, I'd be very happy to have one like yours.

I truly hope you manage to find one, chrsmat. It took a long while for me to finally find a large Agrippa that "spoke to me". A sharp portrait with just enough remaining detail at a reasonable price. It all had to come together. I probably searched through five or six hundred examples over a six month period before spotting this beauty. My focus on the realism of the portrait makes things a little more difficult. I'm not sure what my next target is, but I'm sure I will be on the hunt again soon!

Edited by circusmax120
12/03/2022 3:02 pm

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