tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62019168016293373352024-02-07T04:52:17.809-08:00284AD's Roman CoinsA journey through my coin collection and hopefully my dissertation research.284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-9251709227602294172010-07-24T09:10:00.000-07:002010-07-24T09:24:39.085-07:00GraduatedSo having graduated I took a bit of time out and now I'm getting back into things.<br /><br />Spent all day listing new things on ebay so feel free to check out myworld on ebay....<br /><br /><a href="http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/284ad">http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/284ad</a><br /><br />Also I've started to dabble in Roman cooking techniques which I hope to document on here. I don't think my neighbours appreciated my first attempt at making Garum but now that the smell has cleared I think I am ready to really work my way through my copy of the "Apicius" or <span style="font-size:100%;">"De re coquinaria".<br /><br />Anyway to finish with here's a few things I added to my online store.... </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/crawford%20345-1%20%28mels.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 140px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/crawford%20345-1%20%28mels.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cn. Lentulus Clodianus AR Denarius 88BC </span><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Obverse: Bust of Mars right wearing Corinthian helmet, seen from behind, holding spear and parazonium, the strap of which is visible over the right shoulder</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Reverse: Victory in biga right, holding wreath and reins, <b>CN LENTVL</b> in ex. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> 3.82g 19mm Crawford 345/1; Sear 254.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><img style="width: 414px; height: 210px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/m%20scaurus%20aurelia%2020.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Denarius of M. Aurelius Scaurus,L. Licinius Crassus and Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus 118 B.C. </span><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Obverse: <b>ROMA - M. AVRELI</b> Head of Roma wearing winged Phrygian helmet; behind, mark of value <b>*</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Reverse: <b>SCAVRI / L. LIC. CN. DOM </b>Naked, bearded warrior in biga r., holding shield, carnyx and reins in l. hand and hurling spear. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Cr. 282/1. Syd. 523. Seaby Aurelia 20. 3.76g, 20mm. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Ex CNG Electronic Auction 232. This coin was minted to celebrate the victories ofCn. Domitius Ahenobarbus which led to the founding of the first Roman Colony in Gaul "Narbo".</span></p><br /><br /><img style="width: 290px; height: 147px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/volteia%201%20denarius.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />M. Volteius Mf. AR Denarius. 78 BC </span><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Obverse: Laureate bust of Jupiter right </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Reverse: Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus with closed doors; thunderbolt on pediment; <b>M VOLTEI MF</b> in ex </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> 3.91g 19mm Volteia 1</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><img style="width: 467px; height: 237px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/maximinus%20RIC%20VI%206b.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Maximianus. 286-305 AD. Æ Follis </span><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> 300-305 AD. Londinium mint </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Obv: IMP C MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Rev: GENIO POPV-LI ROMANI, Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> 28mm, 11.09 g, 6h, RIC VI 6b </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Good VF, dark brown patina, light roughness. Comes with CNG auction ticket. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> From the Elliott-Kent Collection.</span></p>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-75395402978758883982010-03-23T04:16:00.000-07:002010-03-23T04:19:25.998-07:00Finished...I finished my dissertation so I will finally be able to branch out a little bit.<br /><br />I will get a better outline of what I wrote up here soon but for now I want to shift focus and look at a few other things.<br /><br />Over the coming months I want to look at<br /><br /><ul><li>The reforms of Caracalla<br /></li><li>The role of Julia Domna in Imperial Propaganda as a whole<br /></li><li>Severus' relationship with the Senate</li></ul>Basically I will still stick to the Severans but I want to branch out a bit.284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-31066147572195520872010-02-23T14:41:00.000-08:002010-03-12T14:00:33.703-08:00The role of the Children....Severus had two children and is supposed to have rejoiced on his deathbed for<br /><br />"he was leaving two Antonini to rule the state with equal powerserein following the example of Pius, who left to the state Verus and Marcus Antoninus, his two sons by adoption; <a class="sec" name="20.2"></a> and that he rejoiced all the more, because, while Pius had left only adopted sons, he was leaving. sons of his own blood to rule the Roman state"<br /><br />HA Severus 20.1-2<br /><br />This makes it clear that Severus was attempting to create an heir of "Antoninity" about his dynasty but today I will look at how he prepared the ground throughout his reign by studying his treatment of the young Geta and Caracalla. I hope to show that Severus attempted to mirror the actions of Marcus Aurelius in the treatment of his children and their rise to power.<br /><br />Caracalla played the dominant role, being the older of the two, and is treated in a manner that is notably similar to Marcus Aurelius' treatment of Commodus. Both children accompanied their fathers on campaign from an early age. We see Commodus presented as "GERM(anicus) SARM(armaticus)" on coinage while still Caesar<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCicK0pZd_yyG7OJjr3w4DHsPtbgIkpKiopKDXH2GziIoqL_79gJnaIlbEQLkZIMfrIROsS50m2PzKLDkR6kVSGkBKfc2TowGUQl8OXnmFXmz075I44b4qfCO8W_XeufnP3eFogmzU8GQ/s1600-h/RIC+M.+Aurelius+618.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCicK0pZd_yyG7OJjr3w4DHsPtbgIkpKiopKDXH2GziIoqL_79gJnaIlbEQLkZIMfrIROsS50m2PzKLDkR6kVSGkBKfc2TowGUQl8OXnmFXmz075I44b4qfCO8W_XeufnP3eFogmzU8GQ/s200/RIC+M.+Aurelius+618.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441590130993199650" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Aureus 175-176, AV 7.29 g.<br /><br />Obv:"COMMODO CAES AVG FIL GERM SARM" Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust r.<br />Rev. PRINCI – PI IV – ENTVTIS Altar inscribed FORT / REDV / CI.<br /><br />C 601. BMC M. Aurelius 652. RIC M. Aurelius 618. Calicó 2313 </span><br /><br /><br /><br />This coin was minted when Commodus could at most be 15 years old it is clear that these titles were as a result of accompanying his father on his campaigns and not as a result of his own actions. Caracalla is treated in a very similar manner; when he is declared "PART(icus) MAX(imus) on his coinage at the age of only 13, such as this denarius from 201AD<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlJxxSQbWOVlAjuw0y8fXlm_LMB7nd2VPbncLDw-WbfAe04K5N7WlTElnCgdahv_MoGwqhVf6i0FB5Zg2lDFlf86IkP-7rhrOzKQ49GPqQGYSDhgq5d2oecm7tPVg8Ch0vq23evrQX4E/s1600-h/RIC_0054b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlJxxSQbWOVlAjuw0y8fXlm_LMB7nd2VPbncLDw-WbfAe04K5N7WlTElnCgdahv_MoGwqhVf6i0FB5Zg2lDFlf86IkP-7rhrOzKQ49GPqQGYSDhgq5d2oecm7tPVg8Ch0vq23evrQX4E/s200/RIC_0054b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441594140732899682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Caracalla Denarius.<br />Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate draped bust right<br />Rev: PART MAX PONT TR P IIII, two Persians bound & seated back to back at base of trophy.<br /><br />RIC 54b. </span><br /><br /><br /><br />It is clear that Caracalla did little on this campaign except merely accompany his father and therefore it is an obvious example of Severus attempting to follow the example set by Marcus Aurelius, an example that would hopefully still be fresh in the mind of the troops.<br /><br />Severus' treated Caracalla's political career again in a very similar fashion so that both the army and the senate would grow to recognise this new Antoninus. We see a pattern that would have been familiar to the mature senators, who had lived during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, with Severus entering his son Caracalla into the political sphere at a very young age and treating him again in a manner very similar to Commodus.<br /><br />Commodus received the "toga virilis" on the Danube fronteir, as Marcus Aurelius prepared to leave for the East (HA Marcus Aurelius 22.12). The HA says that commodus received this honour the same year as he was raised to Caesar, during the consulship of Piso and Julianus, making it 175AD (HA Commodus 12.1-3). This would mean that Commodus was only 14 when he received the honour.<br /><br />Caracalla also received his toga following a campaign with his father. The Historia Augusta claims that he received it while in Antioch prior to being made co consul with his father in 202AD at the young age of 13 (HA Sev 16.8). He was also raised to Caesar at the age of 8 and was full Augustus and co emperor by the age of 10, as seen on this denarii from 198-199AD<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRlp8JAu3QwVopohkrF9ReVQey4eEWC4-Az2GzSGJzij78l7ebxMKnYCM4S8R2ijzacbybQ7lKDAWSuMin2lbS2K1PoUYr6kCsdhLJDIWaC3wrBeZhOUCRRlcSoolrfYlZKgq93I7I_I/s1600-h/RIC_0018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRlp8JAu3QwVopohkrF9ReVQey4eEWC4-Az2GzSGJzij78l7ebxMKnYCM4S8R2ijzacbybQ7lKDAWSuMin2lbS2K1PoUYr6kCsdhLJDIWaC3wrBeZhOUCRRlcSoolrfYlZKgq93I7I_I/s200/RIC_0018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445691792582003490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Caracalla Denarius. 198-199 AD.<br />Obv:IMP CAES M AVR ANTON AVG, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right<br />Rev: FELICITAS AVGG, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus & cornucopiae.<br />RIC IV.1 Caracalla 18</span><br /><br /><br />It is clear that Severus was following the Antonine model for the rise of Caracalla to power as he introduced his son to both into the military and political spheres at a very early age.<br /><br />Had it merely been the norm to raise a child to the purple in this manner one would have expected to see a similar treatment of Geta, as he was only one year younger. Yet this was not the case.<br /><br />The young Geta does not share his fathers military glory, as Caracalla did, but instead only receives his own coinage when he is raised to Caesar in 198AD. One would therefore assume that he was to be the junior partner in the imperial pairing; however Severus raises Geta to co-Augustus in 209AD.<br /><br />Surely this points to a political motive?<br /><br />The fact that Severus wished Geta to be an equal partner to his elder brother in the end suggests that Severus was attempting to highlight the treatment of the youthful Caracalla. This idea is supported by the fact that Geta is presented in a form first found in inscriptions relating to Marcus Aurelius' younger son Annius Verus. Both children are referred to as their mothers son, Geta being son of Julia (ILS 459) and Annius being son of Faustina (ILS 386). This is not standard practice and is first found in dedications to Annius Verus, so it must therefor be for political reasons.<br /><br /><br />Essentially I hope to have explained (I did write this blog in several parts so it may be very patchy) that Severus used his children as a political tool to present his family in a manner similar to that of the recent members of the Antonine house. He did so by carefully introducing his successor to the military and senate at a very young age in a fashion similar to the treatment of Commodus. He also held back from raising his younger son to Augustus to highlight the treatment of Caracalla while still using him as a mirror of young Annius Verus.284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-86292886027674803032010-02-22T15:38:00.001-08:002010-02-23T15:34:48.028-08:00Grooming the Entire Family....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1a/Severan_dynasty_-_tondo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 207px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1a/Severan_dynasty_-_tondo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Severus did not stop after announcing himself to be the son of Marcus Aurelius and renaming his son Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. He continued to promote himself and the entire Imperial house as a continuation of the Antonine Dynasty. The adoption played an extremely important part in Severus' propaganda campaign following Albinus' defeat in 198AD and today I will avoid attempting to understand why and instead look solely at how Severus promoted this new idea through his family.<br /><br />Severus himself did not stop at declaring himself "DIVI M(arcus) PII F(ilii)" he continued to adjust his life to appear more "Antonine". Severus' propaganda machine spread the tale of a dream in which:<br /><br />"When he was about to marry Julia, Faustina, the wife of Marcus, prepared their nuptial chamber in the temple of Venus near the palace" (Dio 75.3.1)<br /><br />This is not only significant as Faustina appears to behave as if she has accepted the couple into her family by preparing their nuptial chamber but also due to the temple in which she sets it up. The temple of Venus on the Palatine was particularly significant to Marcus Aurelius and Faustina as silver cult statues were erected in their honor inside (Dio 72.31.1). Therefore by arranging the nuptial chamber inside Faustina was clearly emphasising the family bond.<br /><br />The dream however could not however serve on its own so Severus promotes other qualities associated with his Aurelian predecessors. In 198AD, following the war with Albinus, Severus embarked on a second Parthian campaign. Many deemed this unnecessary and merely Severus thirsting for glory but he received the title "PARTHICUS MAXIMUS" for his exploits. It appears on his coinage alongside IMP XI from 198AD.<br /><br /><table class="image"><br /><tbody><tr><td><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW2fOGa762WPKG51ndK7WpLQZEWOTGm7sjnjhZCn1q9ou2d30UFj8iU5uj6oyNBEFdKQwdwPSvd8RC8FxyYApNwwQ6Vfl6g_HEscH4qLyRiBPnUY-ezeSG3N2FNCQzQ9ljVNscHVT3fY/s1600-h/s1744.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW2fOGa762WPKG51ndK7WpLQZEWOTGm7sjnjhZCn1q9ou2d30UFj8iU5uj6oyNBEFdKQwdwPSvd8RC8FxyYApNwwQ6Vfl6g_HEscH4qLyRiBPnUY-ezeSG3N2FNCQzQ9ljVNscHVT3fY/s320/s1744.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441586435541338402" border="0" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="caption">Septimius Severus Denarius. 199 AD. L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate head right / AEQVITATI AVGG, Aequitas standing left, holding scales & cornucopiae. RIC 122c, RSC 21. </td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br />The significance of this is that Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus also received the honour of being Parthicus Maximus for their Parthian campaign in 165-166AD. This was Severus' crown and glory and meant that he could drop the title Pertinax, for he had served his purpose and the impetus was on presenting a direct line from Marcus to Severus. Severus emphasised the link by going on to drop many of his titles to become purely "SEVERUS AVG PART MAX" from 200AD. This clearly showed that Severus was emulating his great "ancestors" actions and was truly a member for the gens Aurelia.<br /><br />Finally Severus settled upon the title "SEVERUS PIVS AVG" on the obverse of his coinage. A name that not only nominally remind the viewer of the great "ANTONINVS PIVS", Severus' adoptive grandfather, but clearly set Septimius as a man suited to the humble line of "good emperors"<br /><br /><br />I will continue with the treatment of Julia Domna and Severus' two sons Geta and Caracalla tomorrow.284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-67363874549973037772010-01-25T15:11:00.000-08:002010-02-21T17:35:20.933-08:00Why the adoption?Today I am briefly going to attempt to outline my theories with regards to why Severus initially chose to attempt this fictitious adoption into the Antonine dynasty. In order to understand this I feel it is important to step back to the beginning of Severus' reign and look at not only Severus' adoption but also his earlier drive to portray himself as the avenger of Pertinax.<br /><br /><br />Septimius Severus was not a man that many in Rome felt should be emperor and up until the murder of Pertinax he had no claim to the throne. It was not until the accession of Didius Julianus that Severus took the chance to seize power.<br /><br />Dio recalls the events of the day following the murder of Pertinax and the accession of Didius Julianus. here we hear what happened when Julianus attended the senate on the day following the death of Pertinax:<br /><br /><blockquote> The next day we went up to pay our respects to him, moulding our faces, so to speak, and posturing, so that our grief should not be detected. The populace, however, went about openly with sullen looks, spoke its mind as much as it pleased, and was getting ready to do anything it could. <a class="sec" name="73-13.3">3</a> Finally, when he came to the senate-house and was about to sacrifice to Janus before the entrance, all fell to shouting, as if by preconcerted arrangement, calling him stealer of the empire and parricide. Then, when he affected not to be angry and promised them <a name="p149"></a>some money, they became indignant at the implication that they could be bribed, and all cried out together: "We don't want it! We won't take it!" <a class="sec" name="73-13.4">4</a> And the surrounding buildings echoed back their shout in a way to make one shudder. When Julianus heard their reply, he could endure it no longer, but ordered those standing nearest to be slain. That exasperated the populace all the more, and it did not cease expressing its regret for Pertinax and abusing Julianus, invoking the gods and cursing the soldiers; but though many were wounded and killed in many parts of the city, they continued to resist. <a class="sec" name="73-13.5">5</a> Finally they seized arms and rushed together into the Circus, and there spent the night and the following day without food or drink, shouting and calling upon the remainder of the soldiers, especially Pescennius Niger and his followers in Syria, to come to their aid. Later, exhausted by their shouting, by their fasting, and by their loss of sleep, they separated and kept quiet, awaiting the hoped-for deliverance from abroad.<br /><br />Dio Roman History LLXXIV 13.2-5<br /></blockquote><br />It was less than 3 weeks before Severus was being declared Augustus by the XIIII legion Gemina MV at Carnuntum and he was heading for Rome. It is clear that Severus had little right to answer the call and it was more than likely the fact that he was in charge of the largest force within striking distance of Rome that convinced him to make the move (Birley 1999 p83ff).<br /><br />His problem now was that Rome hates tyrants and clearly had just demonstrated that it does not like being bought, so he had to justify taking the Empire by force. Ever since the foundation of the principate system the strength of the legions had been the cornerstone of the Imperial power (Baharal 1996 p9-19) but those who flaunted it were never to be the most popular rulers and so Severus did the only logical thing and declared that he was avenging Pertinax and freeing Rome from a tyrant.<br /><br />He immediately adopted the title "PERT" on his coinage and went so far as to have Pertinax consecrated an act which is recorded by Dio.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/Sept%252BSev%252BRIC%252B379.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 133px;" src="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/Sept%252BSev%252BRIC%252B379.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --><span style="font-size:85%;"> Septimius Severus AR Denarius Emesa Mint 194AD<br /><br />Obv:IMP CAE L SEP PERT AVG COS II, Laur. bust right<br />Rev: FORTVN REDVC, Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and corcnucopia<br /><br />RIC IV.1 379, 16mm, 3.84g</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><a class="chapter" name="74-4">4</a> Upon establishing himself in power he erected a shrine to Pertinax, and commanded that his name should be mentioned at the close of all prayers and all oaths; he also ordered that a golden image of Pertinax should be carried into the Circus on a car drawn by elephants, and that three gilded thrones should be borne into the other amphitheatres in his honour. <a class="sec" name="74-4.2">2</a> His funeral, in spite of the time that had elapsed since his death, was carried out as follows. <a name="74-4.Huelsen" href="http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/I/Gazetteer/Places/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Roma/Rome/Forum_Romanum/_Texts/Huelsen*/2/5.html#Pertinace.esequie" target="princeps" onmouseover="return Ebox('Cliccare qui per una traduzione italiana. (Si apre in un\'altra finestra)')" onmouseout="nd();"></a>In the Roman Forum a wooden platform was constructed hard by the marble rostra, upon which <a name="p169"></a><span class="pagenum">p169</span>was set a shrine, without walls, but surrounded by columns, cunningly wrought of both ivory and gold. <a class="sec" name="74-4.3">3</a> In it there was placed a bier of the same materials, surrounded by heads of both land and sea animals and adorned with coverlets of purple and gold. Upon this rested an effigy of Pertinax in wax, laid out in triumphal garb; and a comely youth was keeping the flies away from it with peacock feathers, as though it were really a person sleeping. <a class="sec" name="74-4.4">4</a> While the body lay in state, Severus as well as we senators and our wives approached, wearing mourning; the women sat in the porticos, and we men under the open sky. After this there moved past, first, images of all the famous Romans of old, <a class="sec" name="74-4.5">5</a> then choruses of boys and men, singing a dirge-like hymn to Pertinax; there followed all the subject nations, represented by bronze figures attired in native dress, and the guilds of the City itself — those of the lictors, the scribes, the heralds, and all the rest. <a class="sec" name="74-4.6">6</a> Then came images of other men who had been distinguished for some exploit or invention or manner of life. Behind these were the cavalry and infantry in armour, the race-horses, and all the funeral offerings that the emperor and we <span class="emend">senators</span> and our wives, and the corporations of the City, had sent. Following them came an altar gilded all over and adorned with ivory and gems of India. <a class="chapter" name="74-5">5</a> When these had passed by, Severus mounted the rostra and read a eulogy of Pertinax. We shouted our <a name="p171"></a><span class="pagenum">p171</span>approval many times in the course of his address, now praising and now lamenting Pertinax, but our shouts were loudest when he concluded. <a class="sec" name="74-5.2">2</a> Finally, when the bier was about to be moved, we all lamented and wept together. It was brought down from the platform by the high priests and the magistrates, not only those who were actually in office at the time by also those who had been elected for the ensuing year; and they gave it to certain knights to carry. <a class="sec" name="74-5.3">3</a> All the rest of us, now, marched ahead of the bier, some beating our breasts and others playing a dirge on the flute, but the emperor followed behind all the rest; and in this order we arrived at the Campus Martius. There a pyre had been built in the form of a tower having three stories and adorned with ivory and gold as well as a number of statues, while on its very summit was placed a gilded chariot that Pertinax had been wont to drive. <a class="sec" name="74-5.4">4</a> Inside this pyre the funeral offerings were cast and the bier was placed in it, and then Severus and the relatives of Pertinax kissed the effigy. The emperor then ascended a tribunal, while we, the senate, except the magistrates, took our places on wooden stands in order to view the ceremonies both safely and conveniently. <a class="sec" name="74-5.5">5</a> The magistrates and the equestrian order, arrayed in a manner befitting their station, and likewise the cavalry and the infantry, passed in and out around the pyre performing intricate evolutions, both those of peace and those of war. Then at last the consuls applied fire to the structure, and when this had been done, an eagle flew aloft from it. Thus was Pertinax made immortal.</blockquote>Dio Roman History LXXV.4<br /><br />It also appears in the coinage, as seen in this denarius of 193AD<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuI2R_tjy6oIF3HsQ6CIqC9WnzpdUdjA3J9yEb0kiXjr0VcK1buUtF47eOSg09HEK_yqLf_s2IPDSbgg2pId2rkPLXE55869TchopmyFFgkByqSiRTHn3ldqaCrvOUPqcFZlXvy3YNNo/s1600-h/divus+pertinax.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuI2R_tjy6oIF3HsQ6CIqC9WnzpdUdjA3J9yEb0kiXjr0VcK1buUtF47eOSg09HEK_yqLf_s2IPDSbgg2pId2rkPLXE55869TchopmyFFgkByqSiRTHn3ldqaCrvOUPqcFZlXvy3YNNo/s320/divus+pertinax.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430829125509724642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Divus Pertinax</strong> (193 AD) AR Denarius<br />Obv: DIVVS PERT PIVS PATER, bare head of Divus Pertinax right.<br />Rev: CONSECRATIO, eagle standing on globe left.<br /><br />Reference: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">RIC 24 A</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Image from <a href="http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/arc/store/dynamicIndex.asp">ARC</a></span><br /><br /><br />Severus clearly goes to great extremes to prove that he is really acting in the interests of the Roman people. The problem with this plan is that two other Provincial governors also answer the call both with a superior claim.<br /><br />Clodius Albinus was the governor of Britain with 3 legions under his control and a large contingent of supporters in the senatorial class in Rome. Initially he was declared Augustus by his troops but bowed out of the race for the throne, accepting the position of Caesar under Septimius Severus.<br /><br />This left Severus free to take on his greatest threat; the governor of Syria Pescennius Niger. Niger had a real claim to the throne. The people of Rome had called on him to avenge the murder of Pertinax, so while Severus had answered the call he had no real right to.<br /><br />Having defeated Niger at Issus, Severus finally unveils his adoption plan. He declares himself DIVI M PII "Son of the divine Marcus" on a series of coinage in the Summer of 195AD (RIC 702). At the same time Severus renames his eldest son Ba<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgCOmyge9SCIR1frOCw7u4f9H8-x1NY39d2mEQ9GgrBME5jYATgbh3sdB6xX0hmo7flB2cP8xf3xri-DNTQzFjaas5pF4fPLNfIL3STZ08uOPHSJCmga8CHF0rQ2W6swefMKeGn4ZTxw/s1600-h/DIVI+M+PII+F+sestertius+RIC+702.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgCOmyge9SCIR1frOCw7u4f9H8-x1NY39d2mEQ9GgrBME5jYATgbh3sdB6xX0hmo7flB2cP8xf3xri-DNTQzFjaas5pF4fPLNfIL3STZ08uOPHSJCmga8CHF0rQ2W6swefMKeGn4ZTxw/s320/DIVI+M+PII+F+sestertius+RIC+702.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440861246029874082" border="0" /></a>ssanius to "Marcus Aurelius Antoninus". There can be no doubt that Severus intends to found a dynasty. Albinus is declared Augustus by his troops and a second round of civil war ensued.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It has become clear that this situation has outgrown Pertinax. Severus is now left in charge of an Empire in which 1/2 of the legions were earlier under control of the his enemies. Although nominally he was, as Emperor, in charge of the whole military Severus could not rely on this to ensure the loyalty of the troops. Since age of the imperators legions had become more and more loyal to their commanders, for example the XIII legion Gemina were willing to be declared enemies of the state to follow their leader Julius Caesar across the Rubicon. This loyalty could be transferred down through generations, even accepting adopted heirs, as in the case of Octavian.<br />From Augustus onwards the Emperor was supreme ruler over all the troops and so they owed their loyalty to him over all others. This loyalty explains why some of the worst emperors were accepted by the troops, even Commodus ruled for 12 years. (discussed in full in Baharal 1996). So Severus needed to reunite the troops under him and to do that he chose to link himself to their last "good" commander; Marcus Aurelius.<br /><br />In theory this meant that he could now trace his lineage as far back as the divine Nerva (eg.<a href="http://romancoins-284ad.blogspot.com/2010/01/ostia-theatre-inscription.html"> Ostia Inscription</a> ) giving him the full support of the troops and also the justification he needed for not only seizing the throne but defeating two superior claimants.<br /><br />Anyway here is a new coin and I will get an update on Mater Castrorum up soon, I just need to get this bit nailed for uni.<br /><br />I got a new rare Elagabalus Denarius....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/ric_IV_133a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 499px; height: 221px;" src="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/ric_IV_133a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center><b> <span style="font-size:85%;">Elagabalus AR Denarius "SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB" </span></b></center> <!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center><span style="font-size:85%;"> Elagabalus Denarius. 220-222 AD Rome Mint<br /><br />Obv: "IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG", laureate, horned, draped bust right right<br />Rev "SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB", Elagabalus sacrificing right over lighted altar, holding patera and club<br /><br />RIC 133, 2.01g, 18mm </span> </center></div><br />Its not the best photo but I love this coin. Not only is it a rare error as it is missing a star from the right field but also it is historically significant. The reverse represents Elagabalus' attempts to install his patrol deity the Easter Sun God Elagabal into the Roman pantheon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />PS. Sorry if this post is a bit fragmented I wrote half of it a week ago.284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-21778795815948169552010-01-20T16:14:00.000-08:002010-01-20T17:24:14.277-08:00Caracalla Dedication @ Ostia, Matri Castrorvm.....I found another useful inscription from Ostia for my dissertation that I thought I would post it up here so I can't lose it in the mess of my desk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnN6jYBQnYvWSBTuKbWuY_-If3vq6ClMmGu7piXd4xC_TzbjCrBeFUsssztZO7u6t0lJKMtExogIBRNz4ITJYiHct79R07Kgv34SExElXqWAb9s8b0tSe3V7DBCZLT7lgypQNItGERpI/s1600-h/ostia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnN6jYBQnYvWSBTuKbWuY_-If3vq6ClMmGu7piXd4xC_TzbjCrBeFUsssztZO7u6t0lJKMtExogIBRNz4ITJYiHct79R07Kgv34SExElXqWAb9s8b0tSe3V7DBCZLT7lgypQNItGERpI/s200/ostia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428981059411739410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">IMP CAESARI<br />M AVRELIO ANTONINO<br />PIO AVG FELICI<br />TRIB POTEST X COS II IMP CAESAR<br />L SEPTIMI SEVERI PII PERTINACI S<br />AVG ARABICI ADIABENICI PARTHICI<br />MAXIMI P P FILIO DIVI ANTONINI<br />PII GERMANICI SARMATICI NEPOT<br />DIVI ANTONINI PII PRONEPOTI<br />DIVI HADRIANI ABNEPOTI<br />DIVI TRAIANI PARTHICI ET DIVI<br />NERVAE ADNEPOTI RESTITVTORI<br />CASTRORVM OSTIENSIVM<br />SVB GN M RVSTIO RVFINO PR VIG E V<br />CVRANTIBVS<br />C LAECANIO NOVATILLIANO SVB PR<br />ET M FL RAESIANO TRIB COH II VIG PRAE<br />POSITO VEXILLATIONIS<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">CIL 14,4387<br /><br /><br /><br />Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bstorage/3269773547">bstorage</a></span><span style="font-size:78%;"> on flikr</span><br /><p> <span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica;font-size:78%;" > <b><span style="color:black;">Statue Base of Caracalla in the <i>Vigiles</i> Barracks</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">To the Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius Augustus the lucky, with tribunician's power for the tenth time and consul twice. Also Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax Augustus, victor over the Arabians, victor over the Adiabenians, greatest victor over the Parthians and father of the fatherland. Son of the divine Antoninus Pius victor over the Germans and Sarmatians (Marcus Aurelius), grandson of the divine Antoninus Pius, great grandon of the divine Hadrian, great great grandson of Trajan the victor over the Parthians and great great great grandson of the divine Nerva. The army camp at Ostia was restored under of Gnaius Marcius Rustius Rufinus praetor of the vigiles and a very emminent man under the charge of Gaius Laecanius Novatillianus sub-prefect and Marcus Flavius Raesianus tribune of the second cohort of the vigiles by the vigiles under their charge.</span>><br /></div><br />This is an extremely ropey translation as my latin is very out of practice but I do see a few important points.<br /><br /><ul><li>Caracally comes first which is unsurprising as it is the base of a statue of him but the fact that Caracalla is the one getting the statue as Augustus in 207AD raises is a perfect example of Severus' plans to reinforce his dynasty. As Caracalla is styled as ruler while Severus is still alive.</li><li>Marcus Aurelius is called Antoninus Pius and bears honorific titles but not "PART MAX" as Severus has now surpassed him as greatest victor over the Parthians.</li><li>Trajan's Parthian victories are emphasised possibly to show that this glory runs in the family and really hit home how far back the greatness can be traced, clearly attempting to show Severus and his son as the natural successors of the Good Emperors.</li></ul>Now I have some new treats I bought myself to post up as well, including my new favourite coin....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrJYv4UbHeWUXYmVCVc8JojQPkXv14-D_EdNTwBn4k9bLfsfsF36_-8uP4xlNcP2IR2yMzAgPKKJgHH1EJA_S1kaOGjAC42y1BUGUd6uUVbbvUmoQGIR1cgthldu5q6i_K13RZP4iOlw/s1600-h/sept+sev+ric+iv+122c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrJYv4UbHeWUXYmVCVc8JojQPkXv14-D_EdNTwBn4k9bLfsfsF36_-8uP4xlNcP2IR2yMzAgPKKJgHH1EJA_S1kaOGjAC42y1BUGUd6uUVbbvUmoQGIR1cgthldu5q6i_K13RZP4iOlw/s200/sept+sev+ric+iv+122c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428993506678885202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Septimius Severus AR Denarius Rome Mint<br />Obv: L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, Laureate bust of Severus right.<br />Rev: AEQVITATI AVGG, Aequitas left, holding scales and cornucopiae. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">RIC IV.1 122c</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">end 198 -200AD</span><br /><br /><br /><br />I was bored and passing the coin shop so I got this to kill time. It's nothing special but I just liked the reverse and it was pretty inexpensive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2Jjg392JPjUDXZtiEhekUSq8rNm9aV87-oXzNYY44ViyTOFKO-6pcZTBvZmqqu3S_scq1iWq7Tux7YgXVaO9Un-WkG0xqCqSvrIzlZof-RufeEgf_NWsiRxkf3_RG93J2BTp0efY0Po/s1600-h/Sept+Sev+RIC+379.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2Jjg392JPjUDXZtiEhekUSq8rNm9aV87-oXzNYY44ViyTOFKO-6pcZTBvZmqqu3S_scq1iWq7Tux7YgXVaO9Un-WkG0xqCqSvrIzlZof-RufeEgf_NWsiRxkf3_RG93J2BTp0efY0Po/s200/Sept+Sev+RIC+379.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428994764657579970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Septimius Severus AR Denarius Emesa Mint<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Obv:IMP CAE L SEP PERT AVG COS II, Laur. bust right<br />Rev: FORTVN REDVC, Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and corcnucopia<br />RIC IV.1 379<br />194-195AD</span><br /><br /><br />I bought a lot just for this coin. I love Eastern mint denarii, the style has a wonderful boyish style. It seems more of an amateur affair than the sharp cold stylings of the mint at Rome.<br /><br />Now comes my new favourite........<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzTXntbN3d589_pWERXNac9RbpfAeROvYG41akLeANxcVx4CLgaY4fkZuwHPuK0FyLRJbUJjng37yCLmiqZhq-iTcCagXGATiO9uaP55dI-jc0cg962w3uTPG4OMCOErn6MFMgN8p-yg/s1600-h/Julia+Domna+ric+iv+860.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzTXntbN3d589_pWERXNac9RbpfAeROvYG41akLeANxcVx4CLgaY4fkZuwHPuK0FyLRJbUJjng37yCLmiqZhq-iTcCagXGATiO9uaP55dI-jc0cg962w3uTPG4OMCOErn6MFMgN8p-yg/s320/Julia+Domna+ric+iv+860.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428996035123594994" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Julia Domna AE Sestertius. Rome. 198 AD.</span><br /><span>Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right </span><br /><span>Rev: MATRI CASTRORVM, Julia standing left sacrificing over altar, three standards to left. </span><br /><span>RIC 860</span><br /><br />I have wanted one of these for so long and I missed this one when it came up for sale before. So imagine how happy I was when it came up for sale again. Anyway I snapped it up and it's now it's the pride of my collection.<br /><br />I will write up a bit on the mater castrorvm another night but for now I just wanted to share it with you.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /></div>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-84280812622632835652010-01-17T16:38:00.000-08:002010-01-17T16:58:23.165-08:00Ostia Theatre InscriptionFollowing his adoption into the Antonine dynasty Severus could make some grand claims. No longer was he "avenger of the son of a freedman" he was now the son of the Divine Marcus and brother of the Divine Commodus. Who could deserve the throne more than a man who could trace his lineage back all the way to the Divine Nerva?<br /><br />I mainly made this post to have a permanent record of an inscription I found displaying Severvs' new ancestry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ9rFKXyEXZeu94B0pUPESp9s7tipYRx7ryEz66aM8wb_wL7zvXx1x2Yom9IaLsL0kMARB0F7nMrq3Jt0c1-Z7QQclKSkN2uReagVzteWn-esTvX18S6BIxtH9DqzqXA6akZXIzRONF0/s1600-h/ostia+theatre.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ9rFKXyEXZeu94B0pUPESp9s7tipYRx7ryEz66aM8wb_wL7zvXx1x2Yom9IaLsL0kMARB0F7nMrq3Jt0c1-Z7QQclKSkN2uReagVzteWn-esTvX18S6BIxtH9DqzqXA6akZXIzRONF0/s320/ostia+theatre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427874453562430610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="font-size:85%;">IMP CAES DIVI MARCI ANTONINI PII FILIVS<br />DIVI COMMODI FRATER DIVI ANTONINI PII<br />NEPOS DIVI HADRIANI PRONEP DIVI TRAIANI<br />PARTHICI ABNEPOS DIVI NERVAE ADNEPOS<br />L. SEPTIMIVS SEVERVS PIVS PERTINAX AVG<br />ARABICVS ADIABENICVS PP PONTIF MAX<br />TRIBVNIC POTEST IIII IMP VIII COS II ET<br />MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS CAESAR<br />DEDICAVERVNT</span><br /></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b> Photograph: Jan Theo Bakker.</b> </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Dedicated to the son of the Divine Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Brother of the Divine Commodus, Grandson of the Divine Antoninus Pius, Great Grandson of the Divine Hadrian, Great-great Grandson of the Divine Trajan the victor over the Parthians and </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Great-great-great Grandson of the Divine Nerva, Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax Augustus the victor over the Arabs and Adiabenians, father of the fatherland, head priest with tribunicians power for the 4th time, Imperator for the 8th time and consul twice also to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caesar.<br /><br /><br />This inscription dates to 196AD and clearly shows the early stage of Severus' adoption agenda.<br /><br /></span></span>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-86422779620362564112010-01-02T19:13:00.000-08:002010-01-02T19:41:22.272-08:00New Coins....Well it's been a while since I posted anything of my own collection so I thought I would share a few new images with you, both of my own coins and new coins for <a href="http://scancients.com/">my store</a>.<br /><br />Firstly my own coins which are, as usual, almost all Severan and almost all Denarii.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_3IM1yD1y3HV3KM_yUe1g_WghcWPILSAKGRkgRcC4FdrYxO5K-f5llCixJ0291ww5jc1OEIo5JcQokJYw4AecpLVx1qn-DwYo4RrB5TLGjVwal3I3AWs2oVwwopc51pIL_xDN6NpQhY/s1600-h/RIC+246.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_3IM1yD1y3HV3KM_yUe1g_WghcWPILSAKGRkgRcC4FdrYxO5K-f5llCixJ0291ww5jc1OEIo5JcQokJYw4AecpLVx1qn-DwYo4RrB5TLGjVwal3I3AWs2oVwwopc51pIL_xDN6NpQhY/s320/RIC+246.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422347495468773970" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center><b> <span style="font-size:85%;">Severus Alexander AR denarius. SPES 232 AD. RIC 246 </span></b></center> <!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center><span style="font-size:85%;"> AR Denarius of Severus Alexanders (222-235AD) minted at Rome 232AD<br />Obv: "<span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG</span>", laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right<br />Rev: "<span style="font-weight: bold;">MARS VLTOR</span>", Mars advancing right, holding shield and spear<br />RIC 246, 19mm, 2.77g<br />RIC IV 14; BMCRE 19; RSC 272<br /><br />This type celebrates Severus Alexander's "victories" over the Parthians in the East.<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEr6kh8qGWrJN2canpR9CL949fzty_zsMAXiUd5C51q7fUgqCf0rnfnVguPyunZXNBZ9CWINzQGFCU1qGJyZcQ3Dgf2qa05rnIw-pK44KMmHoBg9mz-m0KSHydViR1tHh9DedLVyIQkE/s1600-h/ric+510a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEr6kh8qGWrJN2canpR9CL949fzty_zsMAXiUd5C51q7fUgqCf0rnfnVguPyunZXNBZ9CWINzQGFCU1qGJyZcQ3Dgf2qa05rnIw-pK44KMmHoBg9mz-m0KSHydViR1tHh9DedLVyIQkE/s320/ric+510a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422348439373521634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><center><span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Septimius Severus, AR Denarius: - 198-200 AD "Moneta" </b></span></center> <!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center><span style="font-size:85%;"> Septimius Severus AR Denarius. 198-200 AD.<br />Obverse: "<span style="font-weight: bold;">L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX</span>" laureate head right<br />Reverse: "<span style="font-weight: bold;">MONETA AVGG</span>" Moneta seated left holding scales and cornucopia<br />RIC 510a. 3.72g 18mm<br />Laodicea Ad Mar mint.<br /><br />A nice example of a "new style" denarii from Laodicea Ad Mar in the East. Although the style is clearly inferior to the Rome mint it is a huge improvement on the early style.<br /><br /><br /></span> </center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZU8FbTnGU_GYOn7c3Bxd1k1BRC6IAHTHdzgTz6_m3VLXDTfYtR3draQi3b8Xk8E0Lw3dOwv_orkuawtb84HnqrUA4h_Rx45qDfkwlgKJnJfWkgIrwD7-4_dfMBsMRJrxfnVTgvCM5bg/s1600-h/ric+iv+14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZU8FbTnGU_GYOn7c3Bxd1k1BRC6IAHTHdzgTz6_m3VLXDTfYtR3draQi3b8Xk8E0Lw3dOwv_orkuawtb84HnqrUA4h_Rx45qDfkwlgKJnJfWkgIrwD7-4_dfMBsMRJrxfnVTgvCM5bg/s320/ric+iv+14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422349026783847026" border="0" /></a> </center></div><br /><center><b> <span style="font-size:85%;">Septimius Severus, AR Denarius: - 193 AD "LEG XIIII GEM MV" </span></b></center> <!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center><span style="font-size:85%;"> AR Denarius of Septimius Severus minted 193AD<br />Obv: <span style="font-weight: bold;">"IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG</span>", laureate head right<br />Rev: "<span style="font-weight: bold;">LEG XIIII GEM M V, TR P COS</span>" in exergue, legionary eagle between two standard<br />RIC IV 14; 3.13g, 17mm<br />Ex HD Rauch 85. Coins Auction, 26-28.11.2009<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I have been trying for a while to convince myself to dip into my pocket for Severan legionary denarii and this one was a complete accident. I love it though even in this low grade it's probably my favorite coin.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This particular type honors the XIIII legion Gemina Martia Victrix, who were the first to declare Septimius Augustus. They also received aureii and sestertii for the troubles, but I don't eel quite rich enough for them yet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Finally from my collection something non Severan...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdibRHKT-4mka7OZKNVf-Jk_F4I5Zf71b7qQ_0fHg5bi3yO6tUzv-8EfTPSOeFlSF6iX511uCFkvf12TDOH9Z5WWXgil2naTeBljdW2B1JehifKOCAUiJ2UsD79TxjZddF2_5y3UBAlw/s1600-h/Histiaia+Tetrobol+sear+2496.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdibRHKT-4mka7OZKNVf-Jk_F4I5Zf71b7qQ_0fHg5bi3yO6tUzv-8EfTPSOeFlSF6iX511uCFkvf12TDOH9Z5WWXgil2naTeBljdW2B1JehifKOCAUiJ2UsD79TxjZddF2_5y3UBAlw/s320/Histiaia+Tetrobol+sear+2496.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422350902278963218" border="0" /></a><b>Histiaia, Euboia AR Tetrobol </b> <!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center> Obverse: Head of the Nymph Histiaia right, wearing sphendone.<br />Reverse: Histiaia sitting on galley right. Head of fork below. Legend: <span style="font-weight: bold;">IΣTIAIEΩN</span>.<br />Weight: 2.14 grams. Diameter: 15-18 mm<br /><br />I bought this as it just looked beautiful, unfortunately my poor photography skills don't do it justice but it is a lovely coin in the hand with the most wonderful toning.<br /></center><br /><br /><br />Now a few new coins for my shop.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Antoninus%20Pius%20ric%20135%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 186px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Antoninus%20Pius%20ric%20135%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://scancients.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_3&products_id=70">Antoninus Pius AR denarius. 146AD. </a><br />Obverse: <b>ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P</b>, Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right<br />Reverse: <b>COS IIII</b> Clasped right hands holding caduceus between corn-ears<br />RIC 135, 18mm, 3.05g</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I posted this one as I love the cabinet tone on it. The contrast between the dark toning and silver raised portions is truly beautiful.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Titus%20ric%20II%2022a%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 185px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Titus%20ric%20II%2022a%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://scancients.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_3&products_id=71">Titus Denarius. 80 AD.Tarraco </a><br />Obverse: <b>IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M</b>, laureate head right<br />Reverse: <b>TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P</b>, elephant left<br />RIC 115, 18mm, 3.19g<br /><br />A slightly more affordable example of this rare type. I love the stern face of Titus and the elephant reverse.<br /></span> </center><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anyway I'm not going to clog my blog with spam for myself so I won't post any more just now. I will however be back soon with some more of my research shortly.</span><br /></div>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-82580895889150560452010-01-01T10:26:00.001-08:002010-01-02T11:11:55.224-08:00Dating Coinage & Inscriptions of Septimius Severus<span style="font-size:85%;">Hey.<br /><br />I wrote up this list of title dates to help me with dating coins and inscriptions of Septimius Severus so I thought I'd put it up here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Consulships:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">COS</span> = 193AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">COS II</span> - 194AD -><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">COS III</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 202AD -><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tribunician's Powers: </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br />TRP I</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - Accession -> end 193AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP II</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 194AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP III</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 195AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP IV/IIII</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 196AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP V </span><span style="font-size:85%;">- 197AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP VI</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 198AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP VII</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 199AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP VIII</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 200</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP IX/VIIII </span><span style="font-size:85%;">- 201</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP X</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 202</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XI</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 203</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XII</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 204</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XIII</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - </span><span style="font-size:85%;">205AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XIV/XIII</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - 206</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XV </span><span style="font-size:85%;">- 207</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XVI </span><span style="font-size:85%;">- 208</span><span style="font-size:85%;">AD</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XVII </span><span style="font-size:85%;">- 209AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XVIII </span><span style="font-size:85%;">- 210AD<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >TRP XVIIII/XIX</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> -January 1st - 4th Feb 211AD<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The trinunician's powers of Septimius Severus are interesting as, unlike earlier emperors, there is no evidence to suggest that the tribunician's powers were renewed on the 10th of December prior to the consulship. One will never see coinage of Severus with the legend <span style="font-weight: bold;">TRP X </span>with <span style="font-weight: bold;">COS </span>(minted until the end of 201AD) only <span style="font-weight: bold;">COS</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">III</span>. This either implies that no coinage was struck in December of 201AD or that his 10th tribunician's power was granted at the same time as his third consulship that is the beginning of the year 202AD. The same can be seen on the coinage of Caracalla whose <span style="font-weight: bold;">TRP V</span> coinage always bears the title<span style="font-weight: bold;"> COS</span>, which was granted in 202AD, and is never seen without.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Imperial Acclamations:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP (I)</span> - 9th April 193ad<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP II </span>- Late November/December 193AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP III </span>- Jan 194AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP IV </span>- Spring 194AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP V- VII</span> - Summer of 195AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP VIII </span>- End of 195AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP IX </span>- 19th Feb 197AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP X</span> - Late October 197AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP XI</span> - Late 197AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP XII</span> - Jan 205AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP XIII</span> - Before Feb 206AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Honorary Titles:<br /><br />ARAB*: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">"Arabicus"</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Summer 195AD <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />ADIAB*: </span>"Adiabenicus" </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Summer 195AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PART MAX: </span>"Parthicus Maximus" Jan 198AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BRIT</span>: "Britanicus Maximus" 210AD<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />*Although Severus claims he officially denied the title Parthicus at this time these titles are often found on coinage as "PART ARAB" "PART ADIAB"<br /><br /></span><b>Congiarium</b> (Imperial Largess) :<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS I: </span>June 193AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS II: </span>196 AD<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS III: </span>9-15th April 202AD<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS IV:</span> Spring 203AD<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS V: </span>1 Jan 205AD<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS VI:</span> 1 Jan 208AD (although this is not certain)<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Examples</span><br /><br />I know most of you already know how this all works but I thought I would run through a few examples below to help anyone who doesn't.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Septimius Severus, AR Denarius, Rome Mint (RIC IV 60)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/normal_RIC_60.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 131px;" src="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/normal_RIC_60.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>Obv:</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP V</span><span style="font-size:85%;">, laureate head right<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span><br />Rev</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >P M TR P III COS II P P</span><span style="font-size:85%;">, Mars advancing right with trophy over shoulder & spear<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><pre style="font-weight: bold;font-family:webdings;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span></pre><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This coin is perfect for dating as, instead of a topical reverse legend, it had the extended titles of Severus giving us all the information we could possibly need. The TR P III first narrows the date range down to 1195ad, which would normally be close enough but <span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP V</span> allows us to date this coin even closer. Severus' 5th imperial acclamation was in the summer of 195ad so that means this coin must be after that but before his his <span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP VII</span>, which appears on coins from the end of summer 195ad.<br /><br />So essentially this coin could only have been minted during a few months of Summer 195ad.<br /></span></div><pre style="font-weight: bold;font-family:webdings;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS. AV Aureus (RIC IV 278a):<br /></span></pre><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDx7giy2wH87qFbZqfw_ADw8ygmQqN5qh8Mxq3XuyPwneaVAyN31szDIUDb2BfYKtdAe9uhvxey2bxJUjKXZ0s5avKyELUbuLD5Izvo9pSFbzr8waW91NZg3XbRYqBT1gP5KO7PWHr6Y/s1600-h/RIC_0278a,Aureus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDx7giy2wH87qFbZqfw_ADw8ygmQqN5qh8Mxq3XuyPwneaVAyN31szDIUDb2BfYKtdAe9uhvxey2bxJUjKXZ0s5avKyELUbuLD5Izvo9pSFbzr8waW91NZg3XbRYqBT1gP5KO7PWHr6Y/s200/RIC_0278a,Aureus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421867152666390594" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Obv:<span style="font-weight: bold;">SEVERVS PIVS AVG</span>, laureate head right<br />Rev</span><span style="font-size:85%;">:<span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS AVG VI</span>, Liberalitas standing left with coin counter & cornucopiae<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Severus' Imperial title here lacks any datable evidence, no <span style="font-weight: bold;">TRP</span>, no <span style="font-weight: bold;">COS </span>and no <span style="font-weight: bold;">IMP. </span>It is however still a datable to within a relatively short period through the reverse legend "</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIBERALITAS AVG VI", </span>as this legend</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>celebrates <span>Severus' 6th imperial largess or congiarium, which we</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>can date to 208ad menaing that without checking any other sources this coin could be dated to between January 208AD and Severus' death in February 211AD</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.<br /><br /><br />Roman milestone from St. Margarethen Austria</span> (CIL III 5714, CIL III 11834):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbqLsLryohqtdbH0ImVEOTO4tXyOQ0S6STGWczvebrZd4Mgvqfq-IZuZZUAWxijbyIhNg7vYq8MKli6JHnT7BqrtJbqonultxYsXWz4JV5Y2tyJyuVoq5Nave6TDNK8JOATDAHOYD_Vs/s1600-h/Roman_milestone_St_Margarethen_Austria_201_aC.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbqLsLryohqtdbH0ImVEOTO4tXyOQ0S6STGWczvebrZd4Mgvqfq-IZuZZUAWxijbyIhNg7vYq8MKli6JHnT7BqrtJbqonultxYsXWz4JV5Y2tyJyuVoq5Nave6TDNK8JOATDAHOYD_Vs/s200/Roman_milestone_St_Margarethen_Austria_201_aC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421858733578891938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><pre><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >Imp(erator) Cae(sar)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >L(ucius) Sep(timius) Severus</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >Pius Per(tinax) Augu(stus) Ar</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >ab(icus) Adiab(enicus) Parthicus max(imus) pon(tifex)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >trib(unicia) po(testate) VIIII Im(perator) VII</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >c(o)n(sul) II p(ater) p(atriae) pro</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >c(o)n(sul) et imp(erator) Caes(ar)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >Mar(cus) Aurelius</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >Pius Aug(ustus) trib(unicia) pot(estate)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >IIII proco(n)s(ul)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >a T(eurnia) m(ilia) p(assuum)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:85%;" >IIXXX</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span></pre><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />In English that is (roughly):<br /><br />Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax Augustus, victor over the Arabs, Victor over the Adiabene, greatest victor over the Parthians, Pontifex, with tribunician's power for the 9th time, acclaimed imperator 7 times, consul twice, father of the fatherland and with proconsular power. Also Imperator Marcus Aurelius Pius Augustus, with tribunician's Power for the 4th time and proconsular power.<br /><br />28 Roman miles to Teurnia<br /><br />Looking at the most exact dating evidence, namely the tribunicians power, we see Caracalla is <span style="font-weight: bold;">TRP IIII</span> and Severus <span style="font-weight: bold;"> TRP VIIII.</span> This means that this milestone dates to 201ad.<br /><br />The trouble with milestones is that many provincial engravers can make mistakes with titles so one must always check every title and ensure that the latest title is taken as the teminus post quem, even if another title could confuse you.<br /><br />Here one could easily look at the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> IM(P) VII </span>and assume that this milestone was erected before Severus' eighth imperial acclamation dating it to Autumn 195ad but this cannot be true given the later dates of the tribunican's power and the title PARTHICUS MAX.<br /><br /><br />Well anyway that is it for today, I hope its useful to someone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-92026151719322654632009-12-11T15:24:00.001-08:002009-12-11T15:57:30.086-08:00Severan CoinageI thought as I had been so slack I would post an essay I wrote for my coins and inscriptions course at uni. It's a bit rough around the edges as due to computer troubles I had to rewrite it without access to many of my sources in 48hours.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How well do the images and legends of the coins of the reign of Septimius Severus reflect imperial policy and history of the time.</span><br /><br />Roman coinage played a dual role in antiquity; functioning as both a currency and as an excellent platform for spreading political messages throughout the Empire. This can be seen most clearly at times of regime change, as new dynasties attempt to supplant their power by spreading their political ideals through the medium of coin types and legends. The coinage of Septimius Severus is an excellent example of how the politics and history can be reflected in the coin types or legends, as when viewed chronologically one can clearly see one of the most interesting political schemes in all Roman history unfold.<br /><br />In 193 AD Septimius Severus was serving as Governor of Upper Pannonia when the succesor of Commodus, Pertinax, was murdered by the praetorians. The guard then offered the throne to the the highest bidder, a contest won by Didius Julianus who promised a donative of 25,000 sestertii to each man (1). This caused uproar in the city and the plebs protested in the forum before heading to the Colosseum where they remained over night calling upon the assistance of the provincial legions. Although the plebs named the governor of Syria, Pescenius Niger, as their chosen saviour; Septimius Severus also answered their call. In order to portray himself as the avenger of Pertinax he adopted the title Pertinax and this can be found on his early coinage in the form of "PERT" in the obverse legend. Upon entering Rome Septimius reaffirmed this idea by having Pertinax consecrated and minting a series commemorating this bearing the legend "DIVVS PERT PIVS PATER" (a) on the obverse. These coins clearly reflect the political stance of Septimius Severus by displaying him as avenger of Pertinax but other early coin types show the harsh reality of the period.<br /><br />It is clear from the outset that Septimius Severus lacked any real claim to the throne and that avenging Pertinax was merely spin. His real claim was that he controlled the largest army within striking distance of Rome (2). The Historia Augusta's account of Severus' entry into Rome makes it quite clear that it was it was the fact that he was “accompanied not only by armed soldiers but also by a body of armed friends” (HA Severus 7.4) that ensured Severus' senatorial approval. It is clear that both the legions and Severus understood the real position of the power therefore Severus' coinage of 193-194AD clearly reflect his desperate attempts to maintain the loyalty of the troops. His issues display an almost exclusively military theme with military virtues such as "Virtus(b)" and "Victory"(c) being backed up by one of the clearest calls for troop loyalty the "FIDEI LEG(d)" or “loyalty of the legions” type. Most notably however Septimius Severus mints an entire series of legionary coinage depicting an eagle between two standards and bearing the titles the legions under his control(e). Of the sixteen legions in the Rhine-Danube region under his control fifteen have recorded coin types and only the X Gemina has no surviving types. This could mean that the X Gemina somehow lost favour with the Emperor (3), possibly through siding with one of the other contenders for the throne, but it is impossible to be sure. The fifteen legions represented all received denarii but alongside these Severus also minted aureii for three legions, the I Minerva, VIII Augusta and XIII Gemina Martia Victrix, the latter of which also received sestertii (f). The fact that Severus only minted for legions already under his control is a clear sign that, much like Marcus Antonius prior to Actium, he was attempting to honour them and ensure their loyalty. This is in contast to the legionary issues of Gallienus, Victorinus and Carausius, who minted for legions out of their control in the hope of gaining their favour (4). These issues of Severus clearly reflect the true history of the period as, having been forced into embarassing situations by his troops, Severus knew that they were key to his power and that he must maintain their loyalty at all costs.<br /><br />Along with Severus two other pretenders for the throne answered the call of the plebs; the governor of Britain Clodius Albinus and the governor of Syria Pescennius Niger. Despite having the largest army Severus knew that he could not win a battle on two fronts and was forced to resort to diplomacy to avoid a war on two fronts. He offered the lesser of his two rivals, Albinus, the title of Caesar and even although he had also been declared Augustus by his troops he knew it wise to accept (Herodian II.15.3). The period of Albinus as Caesar is represented in the coin spectrum by a run of coinage from the mint of Rome from 193AD bearing both the title “CAES” and “SEPT” (g), showing Albinus adopted Severus' nomen to cement the link between the two. Upon closer inspection however the coinage hints that this was a purely political link entered into begrudgingly on the part of Severus. Mattingly argues that the lack of honorific titles on the coins of Albinus makes this clear (5). Albinus is never granted tribunician's power or invested into the pontifex. Neither is he “IMP” or, despite adopting Severus' nomen, described as his son. When viewed along side the coinage of Severus' sons as Caesars it is all the more clear, as their coinage displays “TR P” and “PONT” as soon as they are declared Caesars, that Albinus is merely a pawn in Severus' political game. The coinage of Albinus clearly reflects the tense relationship between the Augustus and his Caesar, which led to Albinus being declared Augustus in 195AD and a second round of civil war.<br /><br />Following this rift between himself and Albinus, Severus undertook one of his most ambitious political moves by attempting to have himself fictitiously adopted into the Antonine dynasty. Initially Severus was very blunt in his tactics, simply declaring himself the son of the Divine Marcus and changing Caracalla's name from Bassanius to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. Both of these events can be found in the coinage, as Severus minted with the obverse legend "DIVI M PII F P M TR P III"(h) in 195AD and a large number of coins of Caracalla bearing his new title "M AVR ANTONINVS" can be found, as Severus grooms him in preparation for his rise to Caesar. These unsubtle coin types clearly played a large part in spreading this new political idea in an attempt to justify the prolonged civil war but it was not until after the defeat of Albinus that the true importance of the fictitious adoption became clear.<br /><br />Following years of civil war Septimius Severus was left controlling a fractured Empire and the task of reuniting it would not be easy. The most imminent concern was ensuring the support of the remaining legions, which had previously been under the control of Albinus and Niger. By joining the Antonine dynasty he could now trace his lineage all the way back to the divine Nerva and that he became the rightful heir of Marcus Aurelius. With this theoretically came the loyalty of the troops (6) and in order to ensure that he was viewed as the rightful heir of the Antonine dynasty Severus employed several more subtle methods throughout the remainder of the reign. In 198AD we see the beginning a series of coinage depicting Julia Domna as the mother of the camp (i), a title which she received for accompanying Severus on his Parthian campaigns. This same title was awarded to Faustina the Younger, the wife of Marcus Aurelius, in 174AD to commemorate her accompanying Marcus on campaign. The coinage of both Julia and Faustina is remarkably similar and it is clear that Severus was attempting to subtly link not only himself to gens Aurelia but his family as a whole.<br /><br />He takes this link further when, following the capture of Ctesiphon in 198AD, he accepted the title "Parthicus Maximus". The same title granted to Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius following their Parthian victories of 165- 166AD. Septimius initially adopted this title in place of "PERT" upon his obverse legends along with his eleventh imperial acclamation but buy 200AD had shortened his title to simply "SEVERVS AVG PART MAX" (j). Dropping Pertinax from his title not only reflects his new political agenda, as he attempts to align himself fully with the gens Aurelia, but offers support to the claim that the fictitious adoption was required to reunite the army. For Pertinax had been known as a strict disciplinarian and was not well liked by the troops, especially in Britain where he had previously put down a mutiny. Therefore by dropping the title and instead adopting a title more common with the Antonine dynasty Severus was able to shed the associations with the short lived Emperor.<br /><br />Severus further attempts to link his entire house with that of Marcus Aurelius by following his adopted father’s model in the advancement of Carcalla. He carefully grooms his eldest son to become Augustus following the pattern of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Dio tells us that Commodus received the toga virilis and was adopted as co consul before he was of age (DIO 72(71)22.2) and Severus follows this example by bestowing the toga virilis on Caracalla at age 12 and appointing him as co consul the following year in 202AD (HA SEV 26.8). This event is recorded in the coinage as Caracalla receives the title "COS". Caracalla is also taken on campaign with his father and his coinage even bears the title "PART MAX" (k)following his fathers second Parthian campaigns. This follows the model of Commodus, who received the title of Germanicus after his fathers victory over the Marcomanni in 172AD. The coinage of the period clearly paid an important part in Severus' attempts to depict his house as a continuation of that of Marcus Aurelius.<br /><br />The extent people have believed in this adoption will never be known by running concurrently is a series of coinage chosen by Severus in an attempt to call out directly to the people, who have been ravaged by civil war for 5 years. He attempts to portray the new Imperial House as a stable unit capable of restoring “SECVRIT ORBIS”(l). Every member of the Imperial Household has types minted representing their ability to return the Empire to normal. There are idealised types promising such prosperity such as; “SPEI PERPETVAE” (m) alongside more specific reference to real concerns. These include types minted showing the idealised forms of the vital services of the Empire, including the food and money supply. Severus mints “AEQVITAS AVGG, “ANNONAE AVG” and “MONETA AVGG” (n) to celebrate business as usual returning to the Empire, through the power of the Augustae. It is questionable whether these claims are truly accurate (7) but they do reflect an important part of Severus' imperial policy.<br /><br />While Severus did mint several coin types depicting himself as the source of this return to greatness, including a “RESTITVTOR VRBIS” type bearing an image of himself sacrificing on the reverse (o), his advanced age meant that his mind was generally on the bigger picture. His focus was now on ensuring the acceptance of his new found dynasty after his death. Severus utilised coinage to reinforce the idea that the new found stability was the result of a stable imperial house. This idea is best represented though a series of dynastic aureii depicting Severus alongside various members of the imperial house all of which make some fairly drastic claims. Upon one type Severus appears on the obverse with his two sons on the reverse declaring “AETERNIT IMPERI”(p), essentially that the eternal survival of the empire relies on maintaining his new dynasty. This type is backed up by similar types making equally bold promises, such as “CONCORDIAE AETERNAE” (q) and “VICT AETERN” (r), all of which clearly express the idea that it is the unity and continuity of an imperial dynasty that ensures the survival of the Empire.<br /><br />As a part of Severus' attempt to display the unity of the Imperial house; Julia Domna plays a significant role, which is clearly reflected on the coinage. She is now very much portrayed as the mother of the future emperors, as well as the wife of the current one. Her coinage begins to display a heavily maternal theme from 198AD, a theme which continues to the end of the reign of Severus and beyond. Although there are denarii which follow the style of the dynastic aureii mentioned above, which depict Julia on the obverse and either of her two children on the reverse (s), this is achieved largely through minting a significant number of different series of coin bearing maternal deities and legends. One can find several types depicting Hilaritas and even one where Hilaritas is depicted holding , the symbol of victory, a palm branch and a cornucopiae with two children at her feet (t). This type clearly symbolises the joy (hilaritas) Severus believes the people should feel that his great victory has brought a period of plenty to be continued by his heirs, represented by the two naked children at the feet of the Goddess. There is also several types depicting Venus Genetrix (u), representing Venus in her form as mother of the Roman people just as Julia is mother of the newly founded Severan dynasty. However the clearest representation of Julia's role as a mother can be found on a coin type depicting Julia as the Cybele found as both an aureus(v) and denarius. This type shows Julia, as, the Cybele riding in the Cybele's typical lion quadriga with the legend “MATER AVGG”. By depicting Julia as the “Magna Mater”, the mother of the gods and the original birth giver, with the legend “mother of the Augustae” (Even although Geta is not yet full Augustus) Severus leaves us in little doubt that he wishes to portray Julia as the mother of his new dynasty.<br /><br />As a whole I believe that the coinage of Septimius Severus closely reflects both the history and policy of his reign. It allows valuable insight into the complex political scheming of Severus as he founds his new dynasty at each different stage. It also hints at the truth behind the propaganda of Severus both in terms of his true source of power and in his relationship with his Caesar.<br /><br />Notes:<br /><br /><br />1)Cassius Dio, lxxiv, 11.5<br />2) For an in depth study of Severus' position prior to the death of Pertinax see Birley 1999 pp88ff<br />3) For a further reading on the legionary coinage of Septimius Severus see Bruce R. Brace “The legionary coins of Septimius Severus” 2003 .<br />4)Oman “Coins of Severus and Gallienus commemorating the Roman Legions” 1918 and Mattingly “The Legionary Coins of Victorinus” 1938<br />5) Mattingly, BMC lxxxv (1950)<br />6)For an in depth study into the dynastic principle and the army see Baharal “VICTORY OF PROPAGANDA The Dynastic Aspect of the Imperial Propaganda of the Severi : the Literary and Archaeological Evidence, AD 193-235” 1996<br />7) Despite Severus’s claims reported in the Historia Augusta HA Albinus 12.7<br /><br /><br /><br />Bibliography:<br /><br />Cassius Dio<br />Herodian<br />Historia Augusta<br /><br />Baharal “VICTORY OF PROPAGANDA The Dynastic Aspect of the Imperial Propaganda of the Severi : the Literary and Archaeological Evidence, AD 193-235” 1996<br />Birley “ Septimius Severus: The African Emperor” Routeledge 1990<br />Bruce R. Brace “The legionary coins of Septimius Severus” 2003<br />Mattingly “Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum vol 5” London 1950<br />Mattingly “Roman Imperial Coinage vol IV” Spink 1936<br />Mattingly “The Legionary Coins of Victorinus” 1938<br />Oman “Coins of Severus and Gallienus commemorating the Roman Legions” 1918<br /><br />Images:<br /><br />n.b Images are not to scale.<br /><br /><br />Figure a: Silver Denarius depicting Divus Pertinax RIC IV 24a<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfn9PNTDNOJaGZHGByolDkZOAdjcINmi5xiTi3KmCEwrsOmL4U_8qKSLJ3NMtlImLfQt8GUDasTqKL-nZBQnsnUcZybl0cru0FnJL2wzOF49iGrms6yAOMUk4nNRUUl3RjHK-7b4qF8s/s1600-h/images_html_m31fea67.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfn9PNTDNOJaGZHGByolDkZOAdjcINmi5xiTi3KmCEwrsOmL4U_8qKSLJ3NMtlImLfQt8GUDasTqKL-nZBQnsnUcZybl0cru0FnJL2wzOF49iGrms6yAOMUk4nNRUUl3RjHK-7b4qF8s/s200/images_html_m31fea67.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414124752223202690" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Figure b: Silver Denarius depicing Virtus on the reverse RIC IV 24<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-Acr4iXsMe0vYYYVBI3rM0TmyPRH3DhKpBd9OOCg2i-wnsk7VVjCu-L7inGNbor50wAQJvVw16_sizClhu1qrosS7RsW_0pXxmYM8LaJaR_5xOH3mn9fgaWG8P2yMFMKVpe2Pvf3Ngk/s1600-h/images_html_df865a5.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-Acr4iXsMe0vYYYVBI3rM0TmyPRH3DhKpBd9OOCg2i-wnsk7VVjCu-L7inGNbor50wAQJvVw16_sizClhu1qrosS7RsW_0pXxmYM8LaJaR_5xOH3mn9fgaWG8P2yMFMKVpe2Pvf3Ngk/s200/images_html_df865a5.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414125295064577826" /></a><br />Figure c: Silver Denarius depicting Victory RIC IV 425<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5UTVz-TYvaDBYAzR7Lm0lLDJkdZjRb1QHLnKyl4NHVip6Y1iiwRO9Vrd5H9fMbzw-CIF5nIO7haDKa_sGEIxsiBtXu32Gg2dk2t3Q1J7DXLZWfppeiqxdItnU250DvDp5suIlFM-Y9k/s1600-h/images_html_m4b98d00e.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5UTVz-TYvaDBYAzR7Lm0lLDJkdZjRb1QHLnKyl4NHVip6Y1iiwRO9Vrd5H9fMbzw-CIF5nIO7haDKa_sGEIxsiBtXu32Gg2dk2t3Q1J7DXLZWfppeiqxdItnU250DvDp5suIlFM-Y9k/s200/images_html_m4b98d00e.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414125460069449762" /></a><br />Figure d: Bronze Sesterius depicting Fides on the reverse RIC IV 1<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEJUqRY_TlK2LrtpdYS8p_ICJFNGWfipYnri_kq9AN6n0xyR_zWxI1aXcYI3nVx_JYXc7wsf9Ya8vPc_bVuUVu-dzamwnK7LrUgaquIxTcWKAhymXyPuas1lqH8hpTpgESqNVB1fh2so/s1600-h/images_html_m7f45084b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEJUqRY_TlK2LrtpdYS8p_ICJFNGWfipYnri_kq9AN6n0xyR_zWxI1aXcYI3nVx_JYXc7wsf9Ya8vPc_bVuUVu-dzamwnK7LrUgaquIxTcWKAhymXyPuas1lqH8hpTpgESqNVB1fh2so/s200/images_html_m7f45084b.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414125611756434098" /></a><br /><br />Figure e: Silver Legion denarius of XIIII Minerva RIC IV 14<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IkOoGXNsCiUn4B_Z2vQ6Y3OBFnPyUsgwQVTQ_UMx6DhYRvPPjqlGkErDo55ZISBqsXXCUL0ZliOX4yXCCnF903Vvf9u1Wlcc1nx1ARkIkE916_raQu-FvI-1Oo3srSlmrcWADYuwooU/s1600-h/images_html_m2abfc5a1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IkOoGXNsCiUn4B_Z2vQ6Y3OBFnPyUsgwQVTQ_UMx6DhYRvPPjqlGkErDo55ZISBqsXXCUL0ZliOX4yXCCnF903Vvf9u1Wlcc1nx1ARkIkE916_raQu-FvI-1Oo3srSlmrcWADYuwooU/s200/images_html_m2abfc5a1.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414125745093249330" /></a><br /><br />Figure f:AE Setertius of XIIII MInerva MV RIC IV 652<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL-X5ueuPElOJ9cSMDk1X3WSeyQD4DfVatW1Dwjb5RmtXfb4CaXvisIz8ePQCnTi4W-RiIjyL4KTtyv9ZU2Gm1Phtf_cCvrO2SdUTCI0GrdypiD41W_u0vrdqH2Yt_PZIh7ev34as3JA/s1600-h/images_html_m634cd33a.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL-X5ueuPElOJ9cSMDk1X3WSeyQD4DfVatW1Dwjb5RmtXfb4CaXvisIz8ePQCnTi4W-RiIjyL4KTtyv9ZU2Gm1Phtf_cCvrO2SdUTCI0GrdypiD41W_u0vrdqH2Yt_PZIh7ev34as3JA/s200/images_html_m634cd33a.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414125897968420242" /></a><br /><br />Figure g: Silver Denarius of Albinus as Caesar RIC IV 7<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NT9n69PqplO4kpf0go_jWoUd6_Shhfm3-0zyjDP65HT5aUu0y4tfGoVWyIBmQTUUKqPhnSQOZEh4GT6imWm2IDNMIFkp8m28ByGkw_hsPlieF9ZRwvuTd3G44qaeAAlDDbD_8jxBKks/s1600-h/images_html_m158285ab.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NT9n69PqplO4kpf0go_jWoUd6_Shhfm3-0zyjDP65HT5aUu0y4tfGoVWyIBmQTUUKqPhnSQOZEh4GT6imWm2IDNMIFkp8m28ByGkw_hsPlieF9ZRwvuTd3G44qaeAAlDDbD_8jxBKks/s200/images_html_m158285ab.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414126191447884978" /></a><br /><br />Figure h: AE Sestertius with obverse legend "DIVI M PII F" RIC IV 702<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjsJTLP0o8KyU8v-fvZl4vFhrd64BegTd3q58hFz2Ni7i7qV2z4TWnpejt-odWgM3NPYbvm4RFmFCanX8RdHI0YabNMzM4bjxApVfc37CFeUv9K3nA9GR6VMe6kiMDYly-hOKOEHrtBk/s1600-h/images_html_1df57eba.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjsJTLP0o8KyU8v-fvZl4vFhrd64BegTd3q58hFz2Ni7i7qV2z4TWnpejt-odWgM3NPYbvm4RFmFCanX8RdHI0YabNMzM4bjxApVfc37CFeUv9K3nA9GR6VMe6kiMDYly-hOKOEHrtBk/s200/images_html_1df57eba.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414126376759292402" /></a><br /><br />Figure i: AR Denarius depicting Julia Domna as mother of the camp RIC IV 164<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUCN0p0MulJCfO4Xcai5-uqFqgCY5hGt9Pj1RDYuaHff3Tec7eCRSSeYvhOmzk5nag6BBNtpQehlhQNdlZFaqhxa404P4M_bZELiI2fpTYlSE5tV7gSaaDik-CRVOIcKHr7zy_mEj13Y/s1600-h/images_html_m545ef5d3.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUCN0p0MulJCfO4Xcai5-uqFqgCY5hGt9Pj1RDYuaHff3Tec7eCRSSeYvhOmzk5nag6BBNtpQehlhQNdlZFaqhxa404P4M_bZELiI2fpTYlSE5tV7gSaaDik-CRVOIcKHr7zy_mEj13Y/s200/images_html_m545ef5d3.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414126566215908466" /></a><br />Figure j: AR Denarius bearing legend "SEVERVS AVG PART MAX" RIC IV 171a<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhIawANly5TtaolRbyrv4Zx8-VnB3vWjiRonJhMCsKWJr6NxzrzokNOz31PMn3Hi1WGznhK6lWuAG7FER2mbjYCvjm-N6Wx35yJqKq5mnNfa7UZVgXpPGMeDvVXn7yMdFRHiVQ4XwQ0M/s1600-h/images_html_m6c33175b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhIawANly5TtaolRbyrv4Zx8-VnB3vWjiRonJhMCsKWJr6NxzrzokNOz31PMn3Hi1WGznhK6lWuAG7FER2mbjYCvjm-N6Wx35yJqKq5mnNfa7UZVgXpPGMeDvVXn7yMdFRHiVQ4XwQ0M/s200/images_html_m6c33175b.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414127026781886610" /></a><br /><br />Figure k: AR Denarius depicting Caracalla with the title PART MAX RIC IV 54a<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrGliovbmUkLizc488IvkVT2N3KmQxsn4eDxyJbfuPy0ktjY-BiEHJwyHTHhaka8oNJNfslujJxq6X9zH2kZow93L8ceDhOwA4vgUAoRrJAWjkFQGY8MBluoVfa8iu5QRkzoO3Cteyek/s1600-h/images_html_78e4b9d5.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrGliovbmUkLizc488IvkVT2N3KmQxsn4eDxyJbfuPy0ktjY-BiEHJwyHTHhaka8oNJNfslujJxq6X9zH2kZow93L8ceDhOwA4vgUAoRrJAWjkFQGY8MBluoVfa8iu5QRkzoO3Cteyek/s200/images_html_78e4b9d5.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414129174788494370" /></a><br /><br />Figure l: AR Denarius of Caracalla depicting Securitas RIC IV 351a<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yMePmM-PykNEtYzM3QI1sKz_hLVHcsHd7bGlJLNef3RG7_8ojeVS8xnP24b7D2127TEm55woXCKOyA_a7x7tiCsm0bNOlczVjq65zofss13XgwZZn5M3mTprUJI5O8jBmKULIqBe5Ow/s1600-h/images_html_5c26eb35.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yMePmM-PykNEtYzM3QI1sKz_hLVHcsHd7bGlJLNef3RG7_8ojeVS8xnP24b7D2127TEm55woXCKOyA_a7x7tiCsm0bNOlczVjq65zofss13XgwZZn5M3mTprUJI5O8jBmKULIqBe5Ow/s200/images_html_5c26eb35.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414129306630642402" /></a><br /><br />Figure m: AR Denarius of Geta depicting Spes RIC 96<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzx2pA7fZrhztaeNyURUiw-kaQNHCq_FwxQuqzJIX6tbnL19M-g0mWq5i65TEf3MKXzB62gUZQfzrF-jRQ2pjnL3_unSfXfPs_x4QStovUlEvhMtfed_bSKLLbQcBJz8_WWmRuoZkfLU/s1600-h/images_html_m285550e7.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzx2pA7fZrhztaeNyURUiw-kaQNHCq_FwxQuqzJIX6tbnL19M-g0mWq5i65TEf3MKXzB62gUZQfzrF-jRQ2pjnL3_unSfXfPs_x4QStovUlEvhMtfed_bSKLLbQcBJz8_WWmRuoZkfLU/s200/images_html_m285550e7.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414129476643663794" /></a><br /><br />Figure n: AR Denarius depicting Moneta RIC 135b<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoyE6RGPWJ-0SrJiH1ebxS98MWJU0E0HYXa55PG9w2FRySHoTIiuo1mYVFzeyEg0I2EgoCVZM8eCmSu5zYXh90C-x5SsOrGkWEMh-IK5NiFXmSOLKyoo2y-bvTglyHAO0IM5Wus5KHDI/s1600-h/images_html_m32f2c38a.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoyE6RGPWJ-0SrJiH1ebxS98MWJU0E0HYXa55PG9w2FRySHoTIiuo1mYVFzeyEg0I2EgoCVZM8eCmSu5zYXh90C-x5SsOrGkWEMh-IK5NiFXmSOLKyoo2y-bvTglyHAO0IM5Wus5KHDI/s200/images_html_m32f2c38a.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414130246535512290" /></a><br /><br />Figure o: AR Denarius depicting the emperor sacrificing RIC IV 167<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ5TO0njCLYv6x3szQfKhWXU9jnG4SuzO2XfNyGGHB7TWIk5Wb6TqOMiz0_aunTdRMam-5oGpv5NP3G7FVpFH0lurbkc0cbFZKovSSIu7xI8WDBG0fvbWEoaS4rHNYTijrT6wGc0v7fc/s1600-h/images_html_m4a216765.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ5TO0njCLYv6x3szQfKhWXU9jnG4SuzO2XfNyGGHB7TWIk5Wb6TqOMiz0_aunTdRMam-5oGpv5NP3G7FVpFH0lurbkc0cbFZKovSSIu7xI8WDBG0fvbWEoaS4rHNYTijrT6wGc0v7fc/s200/images_html_m4a216765.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414130660107504530" /></a><br /><br />Figure p: AV Aureus depicting the three male members of the dynasty RIC IV 174<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQffEBfT0rX9qlEsuCBByymiz6VGgr1w2XKYNv2lMK2BzEK2BpKAkhEAMM0WAaFD6z3uZfcqZBZzE-tB_Mqlyc7CVwcD0UHFjMy5-no8Kso40W3PYT-D-6c6x0VNohUEpLM70L5TAKOy4/s1600-h/images_html_7e7eb38f.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQffEBfT0rX9qlEsuCBByymiz6VGgr1w2XKYNv2lMK2BzEK2BpKAkhEAMM0WAaFD6z3uZfcqZBZzE-tB_Mqlyc7CVwcD0UHFjMy5-no8Kso40W3PYT-D-6c6x0VNohUEpLM70L5TAKOy4/s200/images_html_7e7eb38f.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414130758336719202" /></a><br /><br />Figure q: AV Aureues depicting the imperial couple. RIC IV 52<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXcQTn86ik-GsRDp9UgAzi2dIInqUjMz-CCdIUQ3kcQ7_CZUW2uVc4C9v1oUfqET8fhj9WHs20oonnWnbIcBZMC1rBGj5Pw6mOvIMDg8ShcRRgvMfrwFoYBsuGKA-7VTqHqljqRH8fuw/s1600-h/images_html_5f1985d0.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXcQTn86ik-GsRDp9UgAzi2dIInqUjMz-CCdIUQ3kcQ7_CZUW2uVc4C9v1oUfqET8fhj9WHs20oonnWnbIcBZMC1rBGj5Pw6mOvIMDg8ShcRRgvMfrwFoYBsuGKA-7VTqHqljqRH8fuw/s200/images_html_5f1985d0.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414130939362169762" /></a><br /><br /><br />Figure r: AR Denarius with "VICT AETERN" RIC IV 170<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKJjW8vY7uYetMcxEH1S3-Bz3U3IV3Rl-wnbNOGwR33FM8uiqbKjtf5tzoJ6NngjqrULHXi7oYE4nlhg9oTGhoyiBF3oNYVT0PiqTdIsfCtzDDdgJ4UJXdr0YDZEV7D-QjwsAag1isxc/s1600-h/images_html_2bf50d1e.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKJjW8vY7uYetMcxEH1S3-Bz3U3IV3Rl-wnbNOGwR33FM8uiqbKjtf5tzoJ6NngjqrULHXi7oYE4nlhg9oTGhoyiBF3oNYVT0PiqTdIsfCtzDDdgJ4UJXdr0YDZEV7D-QjwsAag1isxc/s200/images_html_2bf50d1e.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414131131957451714" /></a><br /><br />Figure s: Denarius depicting Julia on the obverse and Geta on the reverse RIC IV 394<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzs8sJFhYJLHSI75FlJMmG9FJC39ulpEV2HUWk7K_5Pzu5Fo1HOHylAMctqvGXacLobRpOuVBm2T_U6RAcEzB_-p8Ni2qFtH6Kbh6pF4L04zol-_OqLhO76PbTKiZ8hMyCXXaUKC-SnQ/s1600-h/images_html_m15518b45.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzs8sJFhYJLHSI75FlJMmG9FJC39ulpEV2HUWk7K_5Pzu5Fo1HOHylAMctqvGXacLobRpOuVBm2T_U6RAcEzB_-p8Ni2qFtH6Kbh6pF4L04zol-_OqLhO76PbTKiZ8hMyCXXaUKC-SnQ/s200/images_html_m15518b45.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414131279823074050" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Figure t: AR Denarius depicting hilaritas with two children RIC IV 577<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQGiqq6azGtfnm8gJAAwgSlVuqmBWXhTKP14RjgTKh6DnhxnHvhfBDCZzY73V8u_LG9RU_eRB1T29t779Iz6ulK-tT-m0T2ycPJGqrQpZbXMAF_uOEDVHYcdWEs9JRLcEkw9HhXwOwVY/s1600-h/images_html_2dbe4322.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQGiqq6azGtfnm8gJAAwgSlVuqmBWXhTKP14RjgTKh6DnhxnHvhfBDCZzY73V8u_LG9RU_eRB1T29t779Iz6ulK-tT-m0T2ycPJGqrQpZbXMAF_uOEDVHYcdWEs9JRLcEkw9HhXwOwVY/s200/images_html_2dbe4322.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414131370372116050" /></a><br /><br />Figure u: AR Denarius depicting Venus Genetrix RIC IV 578<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09pNOIpLt1Yb2mPSo6_L1L7kgQpE_0NVeDT3opn3z6eBrkdJOX-lnkWkL0c2MjZfajEEKec7kqfFmfkzitH9Kq_5uqdSwAugCtSjb0AQBtjr1z4Oh9j3cPoVerKB6hiYotL-g_af6BTM/s1600-h/images_html_m16dc3d9c.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09pNOIpLt1Yb2mPSo6_L1L7kgQpE_0NVeDT3opn3z6eBrkdJOX-lnkWkL0c2MjZfajEEKec7kqfFmfkzitH9Kq_5uqdSwAugCtSjb0AQBtjr1z4Oh9j3cPoVerKB6hiYotL-g_af6BTM/s200/images_html_m16dc3d9c.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414131499091063874" /></a><br /><br />Figure v: Aureus depicting Julia as Cybele RIC IV 562<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLvH9YBiCOP-KCGc8FaGvuO4LqcKHKHYE4jJ1ufHOBCyFx4UIxUEUdMMys5MmoSXOOEs4Em_53HUCQ1bedtX6DAqxd2z6J75x4cvRZM6l74wBmHTJ77C-U7aV4CcGMcYi60aD5uz4RKM/s1600-h/images_html_m58714e13.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLvH9YBiCOP-KCGc8FaGvuO4LqcKHKHYE4jJ1ufHOBCyFx4UIxUEUdMMys5MmoSXOOEs4Em_53HUCQ1bedtX6DAqxd2z6J75x4cvRZM6l74wBmHTJ77C-U7aV4CcGMcYi60aD5uz4RKM/s200/images_html_m58714e13.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414131623392232194" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Please note: due to a computer error I have lost my list of references for images. If you own the rights to any of these images and would like accredited or that they be removed please contact me and I will do so immediately.</span>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-29759903219317610822009-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:002009-10-05T15:57:21.210-07:00Dynasty...<div style="text-align: justify;">As I promised last night I will try and chat a bit about dynasty and Imperial succession.<br /><br />I mentioned last time that there was no such thing as a hereditary position in the Republican period yet Augustus was clear that this was exactly his plan. How he went about this was very clever but led to the problems I discussed before.<br /><br />For Augustus wished his rule to fit within the original Republican framework, so he could not declare his intent in any legal form. There was no mention in his will or legislation passed, so he had to be more cunning.<br /><br />Augustus chose instead to adopt his chosen heir and then allow them to share in his powers. Take Tiberius as an example<br /><br />" He was adopted as a son, as a colleague in empire and a partner <a name="61"></a>in the tribunitian power, and paraded through all the armies" (Tacitus Annals 1.56)<br /><br />Augustus is clearly declaring his intent for Tiberius to follow in his footsteps (even if he wasn't his first choice). Augustus then further displayed his dynastic intent by forcing Tiberius to in turn adopt his nephew Germanicus, rather than his own son.<br /><br />It was not merely the wish to keep the Empire in the hands of the gens Ivlia for his own sake but in fact vital for the survival of the entire system. Augustus realised that in order to hold power the military was critical. He had to ensure the loyalty of the legions for they were his only tool to ensure the senate never changed their mind about all the powers he had been granted.<br /><br />Since the time of the Republic the legions had felt deeply loyal to their commanders and were willing to follow them through hell and high water. Look at Caesar's famous Gallic legions, willing to be declared enemies of the state and march upon Rome, all out of loyalty to their general. Augustus harnessed this loyalty to raise him to the purple and realised that the legions loyal to Caesar were now loyal to him upon his adoption. Not only was he the son of their beloved general but he was also now the son of the Divine Caesar.<br /><br />This was the formation of the imperial cult which is tomorrow's topic.<br /><br />For now I'm going to leave you with a couple of Antoniniani from the period of Military Anarchy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Gordian%20ric38%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320; height: 156px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Gordian%20ric38%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Gordian III. Rome, A.D. 239.<br /><br />Obverse: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, Radiate head of Gordian right<br />Reverse: ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated left on shield, holding Victory and sceptre<br /><br />RIC IV 38. 3.53g 22mm<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/probus%20ric%20921%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/probus%20ric%20921%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Probus Æ Antoninianus 276-282 AD Antioch mint<br /><br />Obverse: "<b>IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG</b> radiate draped bust right<br />Reverse: "<b>CLEMENTIA TEMP</b>, Probus standing right with scepter & receiving globe from Jupiter, <b>D•</b> between, <b>XXI</b> in ex.<br /><br />RIC 921, 21mm, 3.77g <br /><br /></span> </div></div>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-38495237042260751282009-10-04T14:57:00.001-07:002009-10-05T15:55:59.957-07:00The Principate System...Last time I rambled about the problems with the Principate system without really giving any background on it so I thought today I would look at that in a bit more detail.<br /><br />During the Roman Republic there was no such tyhing as a hereditary office. In fact the Republic was all about the elections. They loved them. Every year the people would gather on the Campus Martius and vote for a range of offices, the highest of which was the Consulship. Each year two consuls would be elected and power would be shared between them, this meant that no man could hold absolute power.<br /><br />This system was for the most part successful for some 450 years.<br /><br />It was in 27BC Augustus declared to the senate that he wished to resign from his position as perpetual consul in order to enjoy a more private life. The senate was having none of it though. They refused to accept his resignation and instead asked him to remain as head of the Republic, giving him the titles "Augustus", "princeps", "pater patriae" and "imperator".<br /><br />As we all know he accepted these honours but all these titles are literally just that. No powers came directly attached; the senate had to instead attach powers to the office. The gave the princeps:<br /><br />1) Tribunicians power or "tribunicia potestas". This is often recorded on the coins of various emperors, such as this denarius of Vespasian<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20ric%2037%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20ric%2037%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vespasian Denarius. 70-72 AD.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Obverse: IMP CAES VESP AVG PM laureate head right</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Reverse: TRI POT Vesta seated left holding simpulum</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">RIC II 37 3.23g 18mm</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This power gave the princeps the right, call a meeting of the Senate, to involve himself in almost any legal matter and to veto motions in the Senate. .<br /><br />2) Proconsular Power "imperium proconsulare maius"<br /><br />The power gave Augustus imperium over several provinces, allowing him to command the armies within. While initially this was only a few provinces most of Rome's legions were contained within these provinces; effectively giving Augustus power over Roman military. Over time this power obviously extended so that the Emperor was supreme commander of all of Rome's military.<br /><br />3) The head of state religion "Pontifex maximus"<br /><br />This allowed the princeps to ensure that auguries were always favorable and that the right ideals were being promoted by the state religion. This was often portrayed on coins a "PM", "PON M" or "PON MAX", as seen on these coins of Septimius Severus, Claudius and Vespasian.<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/normal_RIC_60.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/normal_RIC_60.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Septimius Severus, Silver Denarius, Rome Mint, 195 AD</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Obverse: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP V, laureate head right</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Reverse:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> P M</span> TR P III COS II P P, Mars advancing right with trophy over shoulder & spear</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">RIC 60, 3.12g, 18mm</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">See on the reverse the continuation of Severus' title includes "P(ontifex) M(aximus)<br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Claudius%20ric%2084%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Claudius%20ric%2084%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Claudius Quadrans 41AD </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"> Obv: "<b>TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG</b>" around modius </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"> Rev: "<b>PON M TR P IMP COS DES IT</b>" around large <b>SC</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"> RIC 84, 2.18g, 16-18mm</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On this quadrans of Claudius we can (or would be able to if the photo wasn't so poor) again see "POM M"<br /><br />Finally we have this example of Vespasian<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20ric%2077%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20ric%2077%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Vespasian Denarius. 69-79AD.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG laureate head right</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Reverse: PON MAX TR P COS V Vespasian seated right with branch & scepter</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">RIC II 77, 3.13g, 18mm</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Now even with all these powers Augustus wasn't happy. He assumed a few extra powers to boot including; managing the treasury (Aerarium) and censor. This gave him power over the money supply as well as the justice system.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This basically leaves us with a senate for show as one man now controls all of the Empires vital organs. The money, the law, the religion, the justice and (possibly the most important) the military. I will look at the military in depth in a few days but first I will look at the idea of dynasty tomorrow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I will leave you with a couple pieces from my collection;<br /><br />A Spes denarius I have fallen in love with. It may not be the finest example but it has real character and wonderful tones.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/normal_ric254.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/normal_ric254.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">AR Denarius, </span><span style="font-size:78%;">Severus Alexander (222 – 235 AD) Rome 231 - 235 AD.<br /><br />Obv.: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG; draped and laureate bust of emperor right.<br />Rev.: SPES PVBLICA; Spes walking left, holding branch in right hand, lifting skirt with right hand.<br /><br />RIC 254, 19 mm. 2.89 g. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Also my new favourite piece a lovely Republican denarius C. Valerius Flaccus. I have spent a lot of time reading up on the legionary denarii of Septimius Severus and in one excellent article I saw a reference to this earlier denarius with a similar reverse and when I saw it I had to have one. The photo really does not do this coin justice with the wonderful high relief of the legionary eagle anyway....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/rsc_valeria_12a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23928/rsc_valeria_12a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />Ar Denarius of C. Valerius Flaccus 82-81BC<br /><br />Obverse: Bust of Victory Right, Symbol in front of head.<br />Reverse: "C.VAL.FLA.IMPERAT" Legionary eagle between two standards inscribed H and P, EX S.C between them.<br /><br />3.49g, 19mm, RSC Valeria 12a<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Vale habeque somnia suaves!<br /></div><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-17872790100928842782009-09-28T15:34:00.000-07:002009-10-04T15:50:28.194-07:00The Year of the Four Emperors....In AD68 the Roman Empire hit a slight snag when the death of Nero brought the Julio-Claudian dynasty came to an end. This created all sorts of problems as to who would rule...<br /><br />Between June 68AD and December 69AD there were 4 occupants of the imperial throne, as Rome witnessed the rise and fall of Galba, Otho and Vitellius before Vespasian finally managed to hold the throne. This raised a few very important questions about how the prinipate system really worked.<br /><br />1) There is no legal system to determine a successor. How then is the next princeps chosen in this type of situation?<br /><br />2) The princeps main powerbase is no longer the people but actually the army.<br /><br />3) The troops actually have the real power as they decide who they acclaim emperor.<br /><br />This is clearly a far cry from the founding ideals of the Roman Republic; which seems to be what the coinage of Galba, Otho and Vitellius promise. For example Galba struck coins with legends promising "LIBERTAS POPVLI ROMANI" (freedom to the Roman people) or "ROMA RENASCENS" (Rome Reborn) yet any change in the system can't have been his main focus given that he so quickly apponted Piso as his successor.<br /><br />What happened next displays exactly the problems I mentioned above. The praetorian guard turned against Galba, as they never recieved the usual donative after the adoption of Frugi, and without the support of the military Galba was defenceless. He was murdered by the supporters of the new favorite of the Praetorians, Otho, in the Forum Romanum after a reign of only 221 days.<br /><br />Here we see how crazy a situation the principate had caused. The Senate was not even consulted until after Otho had been raised to the purple, the power had shifted and it would never be returned.<br /><br />Why does this interest me, as a Severan enthusiast?<br /><br />Well because it shows the signs of the slippery slope that explains the propaganda of the Severan dynasty...<br /><br />That however is another nights writing. so I'll end with a few new coins of Vespasian I just received for my shop.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:45%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20ric%20107%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20ric%20107%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vespasian Fouree Denarius. 77-78 AD.<br /><br /><c>Obverse: <b> IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG</b> laureate head right </c><br /><c></c><c> Reverse: <b>COS VIII</b> in Exergue, yoke of oxen left </c><br /><c></c><br /><c>RIC II 107, 2.66g, 19mm</c><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20bmc%20354%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Vespasian%20bmc%20354%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="productDescription" class="productGeneral biggerText"><br />Vespasian Denarius. 71 AD.Tarraco<br /><br /><c>Obverse: <b> IMP CAES VESP AVG PM</b> laureate bust right<br />Reverse: <b>TRI POT II COS III P P</b> Pax seated l., holding branch and cornucopia<br /><br />BMC 354, 17mm, 3.14g </c></div></div>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-54655283025283316462009-07-26T06:39:00.001-07:002009-07-29T17:38:46.295-07:00Domitilla<span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Yesterday I received a package from a metal detectorist with some uncleaned's and a couple silvers described as "</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">silvered and not solid silver</span>". The picture showed what I thought to be a couple of Severan fourees and some regular uncleaned coins as you can see below.</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DW7vscP89ivAAhwnRczZH5K22VXvVQdKFG0E1EEJonf_V8fTe-Uk4vhKkFvao2MzAHVkez96qDJksHa7MUHj16BZMUXG7P1ij9H5lnPEIt_xSERxfExrcZoZRMCSvJ2LLZJzcF609_0/s1600-h/coins.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DW7vscP89ivAAhwnRczZH5K22VXvVQdKFG0E1EEJonf_V8fTe-Uk4vhKkFvao2MzAHVkez96qDJksHa7MUHj16BZMUXG7P1ij9H5lnPEIt_xSERxfExrcZoZRMCSvJ2LLZJzcF609_0/s320/coins.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362764161877641282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Imagine my suprise when I get them home and discover that the coin on the left is definately not Severan but actually far earlier. It is actually a fouree with a Domitilla the Younger obverse and a reverse of Domitia.<br /><br />I have never seen a coin of Domitilla before as the number of zeros on the end of the price tag makes the the few coin types known of her well out of my league. Anyway here is the obverse...<br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VgcSKzESpnyuK2-XcBg1V00VDTgQdv8yXRwSbO4-OkNQYPEe219mbBHoISN6hxTros4Jf3A_KzjHAnUXsCkSRWokqm0fIfi3ewgJ4FlHqhnOwRy6ITpWjBdXesSCj948X__fRkdLIss/s1600-h/domitia+obv.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VgcSKzESpnyuK2-XcBg1V00VDTgQdv8yXRwSbO4-OkNQYPEe219mbBHoISN6hxTros4Jf3A_KzjHAnUXsCkSRWokqm0fIfi3ewgJ4FlHqhnOwRy6ITpWjBdXesSCj948X__fRkdLIss/s320/domitia+obv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362766766473242114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >DIVA DOMITILLA AVGVSTA, draped bust right<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">and the reverse...</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqSl5VhoGBDj_q9dEn3JsU_P1XpSNBX8EOLIkibEt49BxB-tz0Z43N3x8v1VTsPabwwTDO2X_H3R9bNGSnJyYgFduvVk5pEr5Eb1rmf7sGezTO0OQzvCpixoMAFmxIC0Je7yKNKpLZrY/s1600-h/domitia+rev.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqSl5VhoGBDj_q9dEn3JsU_P1XpSNBX8EOLIkibEt49BxB-tz0Z43N3x8v1VTsPabwwTDO2X_H3R9bNGSnJyYgFduvVk5pEr5Eb1rmf7sGezTO0OQzvCpixoMAFmxIC0Je7yKNKpLZrY/s320/domitia+rev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362767477328635586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >"PIETAS AVGUST" <br />Pietas seated left, holding scepter, a child before<br /><br />Anyway even if it is an ancient fake this coin is still in pretty damn good condition with only a couple of minor breaks in the silver. It's definitely the closest I'll get to owning a denarius of either Domitia or Domitilla. Also it is pretty much unique afaik making it an excellent addition all round.</span><br /></div>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-33139741729345006812009-07-19T18:10:00.001-07:002009-07-19T19:04:46.235-07:00Loss of Coinarchives.comThis week collectors lost a very valuable free resource. For those of you who are unfamiliar, <a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">coinarchives</span>.com</a> was a repository of coins featured in most major numismatic auctions. With over 900,00 records, which included images and information as well as pricing, coin archives was a vital tool to a collector without access to reference catalogues. It also offered the major benefit of being up to date, allowing a user to study pricing trends and decide if a coin was worth purchasing rather than relying on a 20 year old publication.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">coinarchives</span>.com</a> has now become a commercial venture meaning that it's massive content is now restricted to free users. Now free users can only search the last 6 months worth of data and it would appear that the admin don't feel the need to entice the masses to use their site. Instead of a reasonable $20-60 a year that most people would be happy to pay they opt for a massive $600 per year fee.<br /><br />I mean clearly there is going to be more than 10 people out there who would pay $5 a month for every one who can afford $50 a month. So really this is just a sign that <a href="http://www.coinarchives.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">coinarchives</span>.com</a> would rather cater only for the larger dealers and auctioneers and not for the individual collector.<br /><br />We can only hope they shall see the error of their ways and offer a more sensibly priced subscription in the near future.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Anyway</span> back to a few coins. I've been sorting out the images for my new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">webshop</span>, which should be online soon and I thought I'd share a few I particularly liked.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/maximianvs%20ric15b%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 159px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/maximianvs%20ric15b%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Maximianus</span> Æ radiate fraction 295-299AD <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cyzicus</span> Mint<br /><br />Obverse: <b>IMP C MA <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MAXIMIANVS</span> P F AVG</b>, radiate draped bust right<br />Reverse: <b>CONCORDIA <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">MILITVM</span></b>, emperor standing right receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter, <b><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ke</span></b> between.<br /><br />RIC 15b, 20-21mm ,2.98g<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Valentinian%20II%20rsc76b%20main_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 163px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Valentinian%20II%20rsc76b%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Valentinian</span> II 375-392 AD<br /><br /><c>Obverse: <b>D N <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">VALENTINI</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ANVS</span> P F AVG</b>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">diademed</span>, draped and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cuirassed</span> bust right<br />Reverse: <b><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">VRBS</span> ROMA</b>, Roma seated left on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">cuirass</span>, holding Victory on a globe and a sceptre<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">RSC</span> 76b. 0.84g 10</c><c>mm</c><br /><br />Heavily clipped but I really like the toning on the portrait.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://scancients.com/images/Claudius%20II%20RIC%20207%20main_01.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 152px;" src="http://scancients.com/images/Claudius%20II%20RIC%20207%20main_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Claudius II <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Gothicus</span> Æ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Antoninianus</span> Antioch mint<br /><br />Obverse: <b>IMP C <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">CLAVDIVS</span> AVG</b>, radiate, draped and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">cuirassed</span> bust right<br />Reverse:<b><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">FIDES</span> AVG</b>, Mercury standing left with purse & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">cauduceus</span>, <b>Z</b> in ex.<br /><br />RIC 207, 20-21mm, 4.12g,<br /><br />As you can probably guess I'm a big fan of contrast. Hence yet another desert patina.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Finally before I go one that I just bought for my own personal collection....<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRpHIb5LJl5vSH6TK3ZSNew7FMJu3cC1azhWdg5Z4xZXa5QtIXN0i1ldD1E2I-9Vh-JrB-T3owa28-SBLKkmNRCqVlws33eUa-2FLZymFyRpNyunZQ4ZYBYYvTs-iHKLnDK2gU_1eVI/s1600-h/diocletian+ric+152a+main_01.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRpHIb5LJl5vSH6TK3ZSNew7FMJu3cC1azhWdg5Z4xZXa5QtIXN0i1ldD1E2I-9Vh-JrB-T3owa28-SBLKkmNRCqVlws33eUa-2FLZymFyRpNyunZQ4ZYBYYvTs-iHKLnDK2gU_1eVI/s320/diocletian+ric+152a+main_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360350419048510418" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Diocletian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">AE</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Follis</span>. 295 AD Trier Mint<br /><br />Obverse:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> IMP <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">DIOCLETIANVS</span> AVG</span>, laureate head right<br />Reverse: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">GENIO</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">POPVLI</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">ROMANI</span></span>, Genius standing left, holding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">patera</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">cornucopiae</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span> left <span style="font-weight: bold;">TR</span> in ex.<br /><br />I don't often buy of this period for myself but the portrait style is definitely growing on me. Plus this coin has some degree of silvering whether it was once silvered or is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">billon</span> I can't decide as it's almost 3am.<br /><br />Anyway I have work tomorrow...<br /></div></div><br /><br /></div>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-44002707642204989732009-06-09T02:57:00.000-07:002009-06-09T03:33:39.277-07:00Barbarous RadiatesToday I got two new barbarous radiates through the mail.<br /><br />For those who don't already know barbarous radiates (or barbs as I'll call them from now on) were imitations of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoninianus"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">antoninanus</span></a> mostly produced during the anarchy of the third century.<br /><br />As you can see below the locals were not so adept at cutting ides and the result is often a wonderfully <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">picasso</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">esque</span> portrait. Unfortunately on these two examples the die cutter was unable to form letters so I can't tell exactly who they are supposed to be but all the same they are a fun addition to any collection due to their individual style.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BMj0r7R7OfSMVi9Qa8qefYyhyphenhyphennTXG0mQbq8vu6b7M5tMDOftjHd3QNYSA6hbxVFtbJCuyji3E4qwa-H13orLAUhLeaiYMD_K_a849m6vHJta-RLGKAv5T3lv0n5zJ-wlDYofSDqrQJU/s1600-h/barb+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BMj0r7R7OfSMVi9Qa8qefYyhyphenhyphennTXG0mQbq8vu6b7M5tMDOftjHd3QNYSA6hbxVFtbJCuyji3E4qwa-H13orLAUhLeaiYMD_K_a849m6vHJta-RLGKAv5T3lv0n5zJ-wlDYofSDqrQJU/s320/barb+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345266640875885122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqXYzcdz4e4Zu0RfoNybD9zZimis6e_hdPxpL_OIN8HW7o2XyndxGaF6v2E-no0H2PSq5E68_oqc8DczIeH0FO4ZVsp2jq207jxykZR1OOWgW1hd0cT5JevofcUzmrpwCA5JHlitbIQU/s1600-h/barb+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqXYzcdz4e4Zu0RfoNybD9zZimis6e_hdPxpL_OIN8HW7o2XyndxGaF6v2E-no0H2PSq5E68_oqc8DczIeH0FO4ZVsp2jq207jxykZR1OOWgW1hd0cT5JevofcUzmrpwCA5JHlitbIQU/s320/barb+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345266642430296818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Why they were made is a bit of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mystery a</span>s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">they</span> are not the same as a contemporary forgery. They are generally much smaller in size than an actual antoninanus. The two examples above are only about 15mm across in comparison to another ant I have of Tetricus which is about 19mm and a lot thicker.<br /><br />Some argue that these coins were minted as small change during a period where the Empire was so unstable that usable coinage was limited. The coins would not be used in trading with Romans and were instead reserved as a local currency.<br /><br />Anyway as I have to go to work I will leave you with a link to some good articles and sources on imitations for you to glance through and get a better picture of these wonderful specimens.<br /><br />http://esty.ancients.info/imit/imitationrefs.html284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6201916801629337335.post-14557486016622116632009-06-06T11:17:00.000-07:002009-06-06T11:34:05.954-07:00Welcome<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Welcome to my new blog. I'm about to start writing my dissertation on Severan coingae so when I start that I will be posting up my take on my research but until then I will mostly be posting new additions to my collection.<br /><br />To start off with here are a few pieces I bought a few days ago.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWqezNBSsAa7R9uC8Wuen11Aqf0iyuRuOEU1-CwCJeC-T3viZ30OGAFdGWXknXkEYrGCtxUs9nud8dfbOh0NU_TjsUGhPZjc96kozzvZOWSbtfAW2e-3P0GsoAbTcN9hYOaBet8V0-n0/s1600-h/ric288.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWqezNBSsAa7R9uC8Wuen11Aqf0iyuRuOEU1-CwCJeC-T3viZ30OGAFdGWXknXkEYrGCtxUs9nud8dfbOh0NU_TjsUGhPZjc96kozzvZOWSbtfAW2e-3P0GsoAbTcN9hYOaBet8V0-n0/s320/ric288.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344281722274892898" border="0" /></a><br /><center><b> Septimius Severus AR Denarius "Restitvtor Vrbis" </b></center> <!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center> Septimius Severus Denarius. 201-210 AD.<br /><br />Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG laureate head right<br />Reverse: RESTITVTOR VRBIS Roma seated left holding palladium & spear, round sheild below.<br />RSC 606. 2.95g 18mm </center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R2puTmlJPK1Eg1Yp2wiuvfBlTWg1xerkwuF1rqL8ijRckR9tbUSearevyz6cSQuNNDUEyKSaoUDt9LK7hXMCERUu80Ny3qVas6yNMa8sEteP48nBF09snltkJLq1CemYuiV2AhQ47ck/s1600-h/ric+648.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R2puTmlJPK1Eg1Yp2wiuvfBlTWg1xerkwuF1rqL8ijRckR9tbUSearevyz6cSQuNNDUEyKSaoUDt9LK7hXMCERUu80Ny3qVas6yNMa8sEteP48nBF09snltkJLq1CemYuiV2AhQ47ck/s320/ric+648.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344281716954902450" border="0" /></a><br /><center><b> Severus Alexander Æ Sestertius "SPES PVBLICA"<br /><br /></b></center> <!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center> Obv: IMPALEXANDERPIVSAVG - Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.<br />Rev: SPESPVBLICA - S C across field, Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising skirt.<br /><br />232AD (Rome).</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GKA-A9kSQpmK73VzDDWfGvcBoyyQe3TjPw6fTbcGOwjbwhzgKTjAEcvJmCzZsTc1Nt8-ybZPjUGH0whJY202fEvUVV2JdHRj2suVuoPmug97kzDcfqbmrQ0lpqyJkHQEWnSE3i8Bbk0/s1600-h/ric+vi-91.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GKA-A9kSQpmK73VzDDWfGvcBoyyQe3TjPw6fTbcGOwjbwhzgKTjAEcvJmCzZsTc1Nt8-ybZPjUGH0whJY202fEvUVV2JdHRj2suVuoPmug97kzDcfqbmrQ0lpqyJkHQEWnSE3i8Bbk0/s320/ric+vi-91.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344281722477836834" border="0" /></a><!-- END title --> <!-- BEGIN caption --> <center><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Maxentius AE Folles. 307-308AD, Ticinum Mint</span><br /><br />Obverse: MAXENTIVS PF AVG, Laureate bust right<br />Reverse: CONSERV VRB SVAE, Roma seated facing, head left, in hexastyle temple, PT in ex.<br /><br />RIC VI 91, 6.83g, 25mm </center><br /><br />I usually only buy Severan coinage but the style of the text on the Maxentius Folles was just so beautiful I had to have it.<br /><br />I also buy a lot of uncleaned coins as I find it really fun trying to find out what is underneath centuries of dirt so hopefully once my new tripod arrives I will start posting up pictures of some of my works in progress for you to follow. If anyone wants to join me in this then you can find uncleaned coins and the occasional other treat in my ebay store <a href="http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/284ad/">here</a>284adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687921556621131041noreply@blogger.com0