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To participate in the forum you must log in or register. | Author |
 Replies: 6 / Views: 763 |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Sometimes the search for realistic portraiture turns up an unexpected surprise. I was looking for a suitable Septimius Severus (as I have for over a year) when I stumbled upon this exceptional Sestertius of Trebonius Gallus. Compared to many of his large-coin portraits, this depiction is splendidly real. The features are well-proportioned and fleshy. It seems many ancient engravers saw fit to exaggerate the man's nose. Not so on this specimen. Gallus here appears much more true to his sculpted busts.  The rise of Gallus to the Purple is marked by the usual intrigue and suspicion. Rumors swirled that he played a deliberate role in the demise of Emperor Decius and his son Herennius against the Goths at the Battle of Abrittus. Despite this, the army elevated Gallus, who promptly settled with the enemy and rushed back to Rome. In short order, the new emperor lost the trust and favor of the legions and they saw fit to raise another to replace Gallus: Aemilian. In August of 253, the forces of the usurper pressed the issue, and both Gallus and his son Volusian were dispatched at Interamna (present day Terni in central Italy). Classic! This emperor seems to be sorely underrepresented. Anyone else out there have a Gallus to share? Obverse: IMP CAES C VIBIVS TREBONIANVS GALLVS AVG, Trebonianus Gallus laureate, draped and cuirassed bust facing right. Reverse: PIETAS AVGG. Pietas, veiled, standing left, raising both hands. SC in field. Rome mint, AD 251-253. 28mm,15.15 grams. Edited by circusmax120
02/25/2024 8:19 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
Another nice portrait, Mike. An interesting write-up too.  Hopefully you will find that Septimius Severus portrait soon. |
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Moderator
United States
188213 Posts |
Fantastic! |
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Valued Member
 United States
319 Posts |
Quote:
Hopefully you will find that Septimius Severus portrait soon. I appreciate the encouragement, Jim. There are coins produced from solidly realistic dies out there. I have seen a few Septimius with portraits demonstrating the kind of sculptural qualities I'm looking for...but were overly worn. So it's really just a matter of time before I find one with the right amount of detail...at the right price. Just gonna have to persevere! Quote:
Fantastic! Thank you, jbuck. I totally agree! The portrait is a standout. Everything I'm looking for. This engraver deserves high marks for this quality depiction of Gallus. Never ceases to amaze me! I am sure other members have Trebonius Gallus in their collection. I think it would be interesting to hear WHY they chose to acquire the particular coin they did. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
You never know what else you may come across in the search, Mike. I wasn't going to post this coin, as the subject is Gallus and this portrait is pretty far gone. However it is a big lump of bronze and was inexpensive. I particularly liked the reverse with the statue of Tyche in the shrine, Orontes below, and the bonus of the ram (not easy to see) at the top.  Trebonianus Gallus. Antioch - Syria. 251-253 AD. Obverse: Laureate draped cuirassed bust right, seen from rear. Obverse Inscription: ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Γ ΟΥΙΒ ΤΡEΒ ΓΑΛΛΟC CEΒ. Reverse: Portable shrine with four columns enclosing statue of Tyche seated, facing, with river god Orontes facing, at her feet; above, ram running right; carry-bars at the base of the shrine. Reverse Inscription: ΑΝΤΙΟΧEΩΝ ΜΗΤΡΟ ΚΟΛΩΝ, Δ E (above the temple), S C (in exergue). Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 30 mm. Weight: 18.7 gr. Reference: RPC Online Volume: IX # 1851; BMC 654-655; McAlee 1181; SNG Copenhagen 292. Edited by Novicius
02/27/2024 08:38 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
Unfortunately, he's one that I do not have, but it's always nice to see examples. I'll probably go look for a nice example of one of his coins to add next month.
Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Quote:
You never know what else you may come across in the search, Mike That is very true, Jim. It has happened to me more than a few times. These "off-target" finds are just as thrilling as hitting the bullseye! Quote:
I wasn't going to post this coin I for one am glad you did. My focus is the quality portraiture, but it is wonderful to hear (and see) what motivates and inspires others to make a particular acquisition. Even though the portrait on your Gallus is a wash, I am as fascinated with the reverse elements as you are. My thanks for sharing! Quote:
I'll probably go look for a nice example of one of his coins to add next month. I encourage you to do so, paralyse. Gallus' larger coins are, in my estimation, reasonably affordable. The portrait styles run the gamut, but there are some very nice examples to be found out there. I look forward to seeing what you find...and hearing the reasons behind your choice! |
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Replies: 6 / Views: 763 |
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Posted 02/26/2024 09:38 am
