Le più belle rappresentazioni di guerrieri

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group > Auction 111	Auction date: 29 May 2019
Lot number: 641
The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 31-summer 30 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.43 g, 3h). Italian (Rome?) mint. Winged bust of Victory right / Octavian, as Neptune, standing left, foot set on globe, holding apluster and scepter. CRI 409; RIC I 256 (Augustus); RSC 60 (Augustus). Good VF, underlying luster, a couple die breaks. Struck from dies of artistic merit.  Estimate: 500 USD

[eracle62]

8 ore fa, King John dice:

Classical Numismatic Group > Auction 111	Auction date: 29 May 2019
Lot number: 641
The Triumvirs. Octavian. Autumn 31-summer 30 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.43 g, 3h). Italian (Rome?) mint. Winged bust of Victory right / Octavian, as Neptune, standing left, foot set on globe, holding apluster and scepter. CRI 409; RIC I 256 (Augustus); RSC 60 (Augustus). Good VF, underlying luster, a couple die breaks. Struck from dies of artistic merit.  Estimate: 500 USD

Questo denario, per il ritratto della vittoria da Art Nouveau...

[King John]

Savoca Numismatik, 23erd Silver Auction, lot 461, 27/06/2018

Roman Imperial
Divus Augustus AD 14. struck under Tiberius, Rome, 34-37. Rome As Æ 25mm., 11,20g. DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER, radiate head of Augustus to right / Eagle, with spread wings, standing facing on a globe, his head to right; to left and right, S C. good very fine BMC 155; BN 136; Cohen 247; RIC 82.

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 67, lot 106, 17/10/2012

The Roman Empire
Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD
Aureus 27 BC, AV 7.86 g. CAESAR·COS·VII – CIVIBVS·SERVATEIS Head r. Rev. AVGVSTVS Eagle with spread wings and head l., standing facing with oak wreath flanked by S – C; behind, two laurel branches. C 30. Bahrfeldt 113. Kent-Hirmer pl. 35, 125. BMC 656. RIC 277. CBN 911 (Ephesus). Calicó 173a (these dies).
Extremely rare and possibly the finest specimen known. A very interesting and intriguing
reverse and an unusual portrait struck on a very broad flan. An almost invisible mark on
obverse, otherwise extremely fine Ex HSA 22264.
This aureus is one of the clearest testaments to the foundation of the Roman Empire, for it seems to be the first issue after Octavian was awarded the name Augustus at the senate meeting of January 16, 27 B.C. Its inscriptions and designs are laden with symbolism, reflecting Augustus’ newly confirmed role as leader, commander and saviour of the nation. The reverse composition is heraldic in appearance, as if a new coat of arms for Rome’s first emperor.
Though he accepted the name Imperator Caesar Augustus, Dio (53.16) notes that Augustus’ heart had been set on the name Romulus, an idea he abandoned when it aroused suspicions that he desired the kingship. Dio suggests that the name Augustus signified “...that he was something more than human, since indeed all the most precious and sacred objects are referred to as augusta. For this reason when he was addressed in Greek he was named Sebastos, meaning an august individual...”
In addition to awarding his new name, the senate heaped further honours upon Rome's first citizen at this historic meeting, including the placement of laurel trees in front of his residence, and the hanging an oak wreath, the corona civica, above them. The laurel trees were symbols of honour and respect, and the oak wreath symbolised his having saved the lives of many citizens in his effort to restore peace throughout the empire. Augustus was voted these highest honours, Dio says, “…to recognise in perpetuity his status as victor over his enemies and the saviour of the citizens.”
Dominating the reverse is an eagle, perched upon the oak wreath. As the bird sacred to the supreme Roman deity Jupiter, it is difficult to miss the intended parallel between Jupiter’s status in the heavens and Augustus’ unrivalled position on earth. The SC, usually absent on precious metal coins, here refers to this monumental decree by which the senate embraced monarchy in all but name.
This coinage is often attributed to a period just prior to 27 B.C., yet its inscriptions and designs clearly demand a date soon after the senate meeting of January 16. We may also set aside attributions to a mint in the East, notably Ephesus, as an Italian mint – perhaps Rome – is to be preferred.

[King John]

Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 207, lot 575, 15/10/2012

Caligula, 37 - 41 n. Chr. Sesterz 39 - 40 n. Chr. Rom. 26.91 g. Vs.: C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P III P P, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. l. Rs.: S P Q R / P P / OB CIVES / SERVATOS in Corona civica. RIC 46; C. 25; BMC 58; BN 101. R! Dunkelgrüne Patina, gutes ss

[King John]

Numismatik Naumann (formerly Gitbud & Naumann), Auction 60, lot 361, 3/12/2017

Roman Provincial Coins
PISIDIA. Sagalassus. Hadrian (117-138). Ae. Obv: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС ΚΑΙСΑΡ. Laureate and draped bust right. Rev: СΑΓΑΛΑССЄωΝ Μ. The Dioscuri standing facing one another, each holding sceptre and placing hand upon hip; two stars above. RPC III 2795.2-3 = SNG BN 1769-70 = Waddington 3830-1. Rare Condition: Good very fine. Weight: 6.89 g. Diameter: 20 mm.

[VALTERI]

Una digressione dalle mie abituali monete greche .

 Da un denario repubblicano romano, non un guerriero ma un (futuro) imperatore in veste di guerriero : Ottaviano Augusto che incede in armi .

Passata un poco di anni or sono in Heritage 3026 al lotto 23350 .

[eracle62]

13 ore fa, King John dice:

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 67, lot 106, 17/10/2012

The Roman Empire
Octavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD
Aureus 27 BC, AV 7.86 g. CAESAR·COS·VII – CIVIBVS·SERVATEIS Head r. Rev. AVGVSTVS Eagle with spread wings and head l., standing facing with oak wreath flanked by S – C; behind, two laurel branches. C 30. Bahrfeldt 113. Kent-Hirmer pl. 35, 125. BMC 656. RIC 277. CBN 911 (Ephesus). Calicó 173a (these dies).
Extremely rare and possibly the finest specimen known. A very interesting and intriguing
reverse and an unusual portrait struck on a very broad flan. An almost invisible mark on
obverse, otherwise extremely fine Ex HSA 22264.
This aureus is one of the clearest testaments to the foundation of the Roman Empire, for it seems to be the first issue after Octavian was awarded the name Augustus at the senate meeting of January 16, 27 B.C. Its inscriptions and designs are laden with symbolism, reflecting Augustus’ newly confirmed role as leader, commander and saviour of the nation. The reverse composition is heraldic in appearance, as if a new coat of arms for Rome’s first emperor.
Though he accepted the name Imperator Caesar Augustus, Dio (53.16) notes that Augustus’ heart had been set on the name Romulus, an idea he abandoned when it aroused suspicions that he desired the kingship. Dio suggests that the name Augustus signified “...that he was something more than human, since indeed all the most precious and sacred objects are referred to as augusta. For this reason when he was addressed in Greek he was named Sebastos, meaning an august individual...”
In addition to awarding his new name, the senate heaped further honours upon Rome's first citizen at this historic meeting, including the placement of laurel trees in front of his residence, and the hanging an oak wreath, the corona civica, above them. The laurel trees were symbols of honour and respect, and the oak wreath symbolised his having saved the lives of many citizens in his effort to restore peace throughout the empire. Augustus was voted these highest honours, Dio says, “…to recognise in perpetuity his status as victor over his enemies and the saviour of the citizens.”
Dominating the reverse is an eagle, perched upon the oak wreath. As the bird sacred to the supreme Roman deity Jupiter, it is difficult to miss the intended parallel between Jupiter’s status in the heavens and Augustus’ unrivalled position on earth. The SC, usually absent on precious metal coins, here refers to this monumental decree by which the senate embraced monarchy in all but name.
This coinage is often attributed to a period just prior to 27 B.C., yet its inscriptions and designs clearly demand a date soon after the senate meeting of January 16. We may also set aside attributions to a mint in the East, notably Ephesus, as an Italian mint – perhaps Rome – is to be preferred.

Più che un'aquila mi sembra una testa di un pollastro...

[eracle62]

13 ore fa, King John dice:

Savoca Numismatik, 23erd Silver Auction, lot 461, 27/06/2018

Roman Imperial
Divus Augustus AD 14. struck under Tiberius, Rome, 34-37. Rome As Æ 25mm., 11,20g. DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER, radiate head of Augustus to right / Eagle, with spread wings, standing facing on a globe, his head to right; to left and right, S C. good very fine BMC 155; BN 136; Cohen 247; RIC 82.

Questa è un'aquila seria...

E poi il tondello anche se non è giallo, mi affascina molto...

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 415, lot 346, 28/02/2018

MACEDON, Cassandraea. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ (25mm, 7.55 g, 6h). Laureate head right / Nymph Nysa standing right, raising veil and holding infant Dionysus. RPC Online –; SNG ANS –; Varbanov 3342. Fine, green patina, some pitting. Extremely rare, one of two known.
From the Belgica Collection.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: Infant Dionysus in the lap of a Nymph Found in the Villa of the Farnes, Rome

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Limited, E-Sale 2, lot 523, 2/11/2013

Augustan Silver medallion. 1st century AD.
Augustan Silver medallion. Early 1st century AD. Scene depicting maenad, holding thyrsus and wearing scanty dress, and satyr playing pipes and wearing cape, opposite each other in a frenetic orgiastic dance. Everything within double dotted border. Unknown to standard references. 4.67g (Silver), 27mm. Unique and highly interesting. Edge chipped of, restored, fascinating scene, pierced, Good Very Fine. Acquired from Harlan J. Berk. This Medallion was believed by the previous owner, to be a token for aristocrats. Its purpose was to get admission to the secular games in Rome. Basically a VIP Token. However it is more likely that this 'Token' was a piece of jewellery linked to the Cult of Dionysos. The Cult of Dionysus is strongly associated with satyrs, centaurs, and sileni, maenads and its characteristic symbols are the bull, the serpent, the ivy, and the wine. The Dionysia and Lenaia festivals in Athens were dedicated to Dionysus, as well as the Phallic processions. Initiates worshipped him in the Dionysian Mysteries, which were comparable to and linked with the Orphic Mysteries, and may have influenced Gnosticism. Orpheus was said to have invented the Mysteries of Dionysus.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: Menade che danza con un Satiro, affresco dalla Casa dei Dioscuri a Pompei (Museo Archeologico di Napoli)

[King John]

Numismatik Naumann (formerly Gitbud & Naumann),Auction 53, lot 176, 2/04/2017

IONIA. Miletos. Ae (Circa 259-246 BC). Basileides, magistrate.
Obv: Laureate and draped bust of Apollo facing slightly left.
Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΔΗΣ. 
Lion standing right, head left; two stars above.
Deppert-Lippitz 544-8; SNG Copenhagen 991-2; BMC 103.
Condition: Good very fine.
Weight: 3.86 g.
Diameter: 17 mm.

[King John]

Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 64, lot 922, 27/09/2004

GRIECHISCHE MÜNZEN
CRETA
PRIANSOS. 
AR-Stater, 4. Jahrhundert v. Chr.; 11.33 g. Hygieia (?) sitzt l., davor Schlange, dahinter Palme//Poseidon steht l. mit Delphin und Dreizack. Le Rider vergl. Pl. XXX, 24; Svoronos 3. RR Feine Patina, gutes sehr schön
Schätzpreis: 5,000,00 EUR

ILLUSTRAZIONE: STATUETTA IN TERRACOTTA DI UNA DEA SEDUTA, MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO DI THIVA, GRECIA

[eracle62]

15 ore fa, King John dice:

Roma Numismatics Limited, E-Sale 2, lot 523, 2/11/2013

Augustan Silver medallion. 1st century AD.
Augustan Silver medallion. Early 1st century AD. Scene depicting maenad, holding thyrsus and wearing scanty dress, and satyr playing pipes and wearing cape, opposite each other in a frenetic orgiastic dance. Everything within double dotted border. Unknown to standard references. 4.67g (Silver), 27mm. Unique and highly interesting. Edge chipped of, restored, fascinating scene, pierced, Good Very Fine. Acquired from Harlan J. Berk. This Medallion was believed by the previous owner, to be a token for aristocrats. Its purpose was to get admission to the secular games in Rome. Basically a VIP Token. However it is more likely that this 'Token' was a piece of jewellery linked to the Cult of Dionysos. The Cult of Dionysus is strongly associated with satyrs, centaurs, and sileni, maenads and its characteristic symbols are the bull, the serpent, the ivy, and the wine. The Dionysia and Lenaia festivals in Athens were dedicated to Dionysus, as well as the Phallic processions. Initiates worshipped him in the Dionysian Mysteries, which were comparable to and linked with the Orphic Mysteries, and may have influenced Gnosticism. Orpheus was said to have invented the Mysteries of Dionysus.

ILLUSTRAZIONE: Menade che danza con un Satiro, affresco dalla Casa dei Dioscuri a Pompei (Museo Archeologico di Napoli)

E pensare che c'e chi aspetto il Veronese per affrescare...i palazzi, o Giotto le chiese...

Dopo questi affreschi...del I° Secolo a.c., il resto è solo antico...

Ovviamente per il medaglione bastano anch'esse le immagini..

[eracle62]

3 ore fa, King John dice:

Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Auction 64, lot 922, 27/09/2004

GRIECHISCHE MÜNZEN
CRETA
PRIANSOS. 
AR-Stater, 4. Jahrhundert v. Chr.; 11.33 g. Hygieia (?) sitzt l., davor Schlange, dahinter Palme//Poseidon steht l. mit Delphin und Dreizack. Le Rider vergl. Pl. XXX, 24; Svoronos 3. RR Feine Patina, gutes sehr schön
Schätzpreis: 5,000,00 EUR

ILLUSTRAZIONE: STATUETTA IN TERRACOTTA DI UNA DEA SEDUTA, MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO DI THIVA, GRECIA

E qui non vale mi posti le statuette di Thiva dove sono nato...

 

                         

                                                                              Resti della Rocca Cadmea

[King John]

Heritage Auctions, Auction 3032, lot 23890, 10/04/2014

Tiberius (AD 14-37). AR denarius (19mm, 3.73 gm, 6h). Lugdunum, ca. AD 18-35. TI CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTVS, laureate head of Tiberius right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (as Pax), holding scepter and olive branch, seated right on chair, feet on footstool; ornate chair legs, single line below. RIC 30. RSC 16a. Old cabinet toning. A couple of small scratches under the tone on the reverse, otherwise Good Extremely Fine. From The Dr. Patrick Tan Collection

Modificato 16 Maggio, 2019 da King John

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 78, lot 954, 26/05/2014

The Roman Empire 
Hadrian augustus, 117 – 138 
Aureus 134-138, AV 7.28 g. HADRIANVS – AVG COS III P P Bare head r. Rev. Hadrian advancing r., followed by three soldiers carrying standards; in exergue, DISCIPLINA AVG. C 540. BMC 602. RIC 232. Calicó 1251 (these dies). Very rare and in exceptional condition for this difficult and intriguing issue. A wonderful portrait struck in high relief and a finely detailed reverse composition. Minor marks, otherwise virtually as struck and almost Fdc This remarkable aureus of Hadrian, which celebrates ‘the discipline of the emperor,’ reveals an often underappreciated side of this emperor’s personality – a strong belief in disciplina militaris. Dio Cassius (68.9) and the author(s) of the Historia Augusta (Hadrian 10.2-11.1) both comment on Hadrian’s belief that the army should be run strictly, frugally and efficiently. The latter gives the impression that Hadrian was a stickler for details, and that he often scrutinised military documents. They further note that he led by example, sharing in the privations of the common soldier by eating the same food, by living simply when in their presence, and often by marching twenty miles per day in full armour to provide a good example. The Historia Augusta suggests he did this to imitate the behaviour of, among others, his adoptive father Trajan. Hadrian insisted that even when soldiers were not on actual service they participated in rigorous training drills, which he sometimes led personally. This paints a picture quite unlike the usual view of Hadrian as a thoroughly indulgent emperor who was distracted by the arts, toured his empire in high style, was infatuated with many aspects of Greek culture, and who spared no expense in the construction of his palatial Villa in Rome. The concept of discipline was well-suited to the lifestyle of Roman soldiers, who sometimes worshipped the minor divinity Disciplina. The archaeological record shows that Hadrian strongly promoted her virtues (which included frugality, sternness and faithfulness) among the legions in Britain and North Africa. Her cult must have been well-established among the soldiers stationed along Hadrian’s Wall, for the cavalry fort of Cilumum at the River Tyne was dedicated to the goddess. Hadrian’s successor, Antoninus Pius, also was attentive to these ideals, and he issued sestertii (RIC 604 and 769) which replicate this original composition of Hadrian.

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group > Auction 111	Auction date: 29 May 2019
Lot number: 668
Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.30 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 65-66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / VESTA above, hexastyle temple of Vesta with domed roof, on podium of four steps; within, statue of Vesta seated left, holding patera in right hand and long scepter in left. RIC I 62; RSC 335; BMCRE 104-6; BN 230. EF, toned. Wonderful portrait and details on the temple of Vesta.  Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 40 (16 May 2007), lot 666. Central to the prosperity of the Roman state was the Temple of Vesta, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Rome. Its distinctive, circular architecture was reminiscent of the fact that the worship of Vesta, goddess of the hearth, originally took place in the privacy of the home. Never officially consecrated, the temple housed the sacred, undying fire, upon which the fate of Rome lay and, within the inner sanctum, "sacred things that may not be divulged" purportedly including the Palladium, brought from Troy by Aeneas, as well as important state documents. Tended to by the Vestal Virgins, whose purity and dedication was seen to guard the city from danger, it was said that if the fire were to be extinguished it would be interpreted as "an omen that portends the destruction of the city." Ironically perhaps, the temple was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt on numerous occasions, including after the great fire of AD 64, supposedly started by Nero himself. Historical accounts, including that of Ovid, state that there had previously been no cult statue within the temple and earlier coins depicting the temple appear to corroborate this, such as the denarius of Q. Cassius Longinus and the rare dupondius of Augustus. Although it is possible that the newly built temple did contain a statue, such as is depicted here, Philip Hill suggests that the more likely explanation is that this reverse shows the Aedicula Vestae on the Palatine Hill, a small shrine erected near the house of Augustus in 12 BC which, although also destroyed and rebuilt after the great fire, incorporated a new shrine of Vesta within it.  Estimate: 3000 USD

[King John]

Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 114	Auction date: 6 May 2019
Lot number: 661 Price realized: 8,000 CHF   (Approx. 7,861 USD / 7,026 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Domitian augustus, 81 – 96. Sestertius 85, Æ 23.90 g. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM – COS XI CENS PER P P Laureate head r., wearing aegis. Rev. Domitian standing r. clasping hands with officer l., over altar; in r. field, three soldiers, one holding standard, one holding aquila, and one wearing animal-skin headdress. In exergue, S C. C –. BMC 344 var. (CENS POT). RIC 403 (this coin). CBN –. Very rare. A very interesting reverse composition and a lovely brown tone. Flan crack at seven o'clock on reverse, otherwise very fine / good very fine Ex Leu 28, 1981, 416 and Leu 57, 1993, 264 sales. Estimate: 2500 CHF

[eracle62]

12 ore fa, King John dice:

Classical Numismatic Group > Auction 111	Auction date: 29 May 2019
Lot number: 668
Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.30 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 65-66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / VESTA above, hexastyle temple of Vesta with domed roof, on podium of four steps; within, statue of Vesta seated left, holding patera in right hand and long scepter in left. RIC I 62; RSC 335; BMCRE 104-6; BN 230. EF, toned. Wonderful portrait and details on the temple of Vesta.  Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 40 (16 May 2007), lot 666. Central to the prosperity of the Roman state was the Temple of Vesta, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Rome. Its distinctive, circular architecture was reminiscent of the fact that the worship of Vesta, goddess of the hearth, originally took place in the privacy of the home. Never officially consecrated, the temple housed the sacred, undying fire, upon which the fate of Rome lay and, within the inner sanctum, "sacred things that may not be divulged" purportedly including the Palladium, brought from Troy by Aeneas, as well as important state documents. Tended to by the Vestal Virgins, whose purity and dedication was seen to guard the city from danger, it was said that if the fire were to be extinguished it would be interpreted as "an omen that portends the destruction of the city." Ironically perhaps, the temple was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt on numerous occasions, including after the great fire of AD 64, supposedly started by Nero himself. Historical accounts, including that of Ovid, state that there had previously been no cult statue within the temple and earlier coins depicting the temple appear to corroborate this, such as the denarius of Q. Cassius Longinus and the rare dupondius of Augustus. Although it is possible that the newly built temple did contain a statue, such as is depicted here, Philip Hill suggests that the more likely explanation is that this reverse shows the Aedicula Vestae on the Palatine Hill, a small shrine erected near the house of Augustus in 12 BC which, although also destroyed and rebuilt after the great fire, incorporated a new shrine of Vesta within it.  Estimate: 3000 USD

Certo che ci sono dei denarini che non temono confronti anche dai nominali più nobili...

Questo è uno di quei chiari esempi, dove l'incisore per progettualità e maestria nel suo tratto, si è superato..

Ritratto magnifico, con un rovescio da medaglione..

[eracle62]

10 ore fa, King John dice:

Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 114	Auction date: 6 May 2019
Lot number: 661 Price realized: 8,000 CHF   (Approx. 7,861 USD / 7,026 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Domitian augustus, 81 – 96. Sestertius 85, Æ 23.90 g. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM – COS XI CENS PER P P Laureate head r., wearing aegis. Rev. Domitian standing r. clasping hands with officer l., over altar; in r. field, three soldiers, one holding standard, one holding aquila, and one wearing animal-skin headdress. In exergue, S C. C –. BMC 344 var. (CENS POT). RIC 403 (this coin). CBN –. Very rare. A very interesting reverse composition and a lovely brown tone. Flan crack at seven o'clock on reverse, otherwise very fine / good very fine Ex Leu 28, 1981, 416 and Leu 57, 1993, 264 sales. Estimate: 2500 CHF

In questo sesterzio invece vediamo la ricchezza dei particolari, quelle gambe fanno capire la conoscenza già dell'anatomia..

Ce ne sarebbe da raccontare...

Ma il tempo non è mai abbastanza..

Ti seguo..

[eracle62]

Il 16/5/2019 alle 11:04, King John dice:

Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG, Auction 78, lot 954, 26/05/2014

The Roman Empire 
Hadrian augustus, 117 – 138 
Aureus 134-138, AV 7.28 g. HADRIANVS – AVG COS III P P Bare head r. Rev. Hadrian advancing r., followed by three soldiers carrying standards; in exergue, DISCIPLINA AVG. C 540. BMC 602. RIC 232. Calicó 1251 (these dies). Very rare and in exceptional condition for this difficult and intriguing issue. A wonderful portrait struck in high relief and a finely detailed reverse composition. Minor marks, otherwise virtually as struck and almost Fdc This remarkable aureus of Hadrian, which celebrates ‘the discipline of the emperor,’ reveals an often underappreciated side of this emperor’s personality – a strong belief in disciplina militaris. Dio Cassius (68.9) and the author(s) of the Historia Augusta (Hadrian 10.2-11.1) both comment on Hadrian’s belief that the army should be run strictly, frugally and efficiently. The latter gives the impression that Hadrian was a stickler for details, and that he often scrutinised military documents. They further note that he led by example, sharing in the privations of the common soldier by eating the same food, by living simply when in their presence, and often by marching twenty miles per day in full armour to provide a good example. The Historia Augusta suggests he did this to imitate the behaviour of, among others, his adoptive father Trajan. Hadrian insisted that even when soldiers were not on actual service they participated in rigorous training drills, which he sometimes led personally. This paints a picture quite unlike the usual view of Hadrian as a thoroughly indulgent emperor who was distracted by the arts, toured his empire in high style, was infatuated with many aspects of Greek culture, and who spared no expense in the construction of his palatial Villa in Rome. The concept of discipline was well-suited to the lifestyle of Roman soldiers, who sometimes worshipped the minor divinity Disciplina. The archaeological record shows that Hadrian strongly promoted her virtues (which included frugality, sternness and faithfulness) among the legions in Britain and North Africa. Her cult must have been well-established among the soldiers stationed along Hadrian’s Wall, for the cavalry fort of Cilumum at the River Tyne was dedicated to the goddess. Hadrian’s successor, Antoninus Pius, also was attentive to these ideals, and he issued sestertii (RIC 604 and 769) which replicate this original composition of Hadrian.

Va beh, gli aurei non mi fanno impazzire, però in questo vedo molto movimento in quel gruppo sul rovescio, un aureo Futurista e allora degno di esser elogiato..

Ma poi con quel ritratto di Adriano alla Luigi Filippo...

[King John]

Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 344, lot 200, 12/02/2015

EASTERN EUROPE, Imitations of Roman Republican. Geto-Dacians. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.89 g, 12h). Laureate head right; two crescents above, S behind; blundered legend before / Two figures (warriors?) standing facing, looking toward each other, holding a signum or aquila between them; figure on right holding a spear with his left hand. Cf. Davis Class A, Group III for general style of type, otherwise apparently unpublished. Good VF, toned, light marks and scratches. Rare.

 

[King John]

Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 57	Auction date: 30 May 2019
Lot number: 330
Macedon under Roman Rule AR Tetradrachm. Aesillas, quaestor. Circa 95-70 BC. Head of the deified Alexander the Great right; Θ behind neck, MAKEΔO[NΩN] around / AESILLAS Q, money chest, club, and chair; all within wreath. AMNG 223; HGC 3, 1110; SNG Copenhagen 1330. 15.50g, 28mm, 12h.  Good Extremely Fine; a splendid example of the type, from dies engraved in fine style.  Acquired from H. D. Rauch, Vienna.  The tetradrachms struck bearing the name of the quaestor Aesillas are suggested to have been issued as a monetary bribe paid to the Thracian tribes to buy their neutrality in the First Mithradatic War, thus securing by some measure the Roman supply line along the Via Egnatia (see Ursula Kampmann, Money Museum Zurich, "Becoming Masters of Asia Minor: When the Roman Quaestor Aesillas minted un-Roman Tetradrachms to buy Thracian Loyalty").  Estimate: 750 GBP

[King John]

Gyrton, Thessaly, AE17, 3.9 gr. ca. 340-330 BC.
Obv: Bare male head of the hero Gyrton right in front of and 
next to the head and neck of a bridled horse right.
Rev: GYRTWNIWN, Nymph Gyrtone left, her hair bound up in 
a roll and wearing pendant earring and beaded necklace.
BCD Thessaly II 78; Rogers 228.