Most Famous Coin Collectors Mentioned in the Video:
Roman Emperor Augustus, Emperor 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Thomas Jefferson President of the United States 1801-1805
John Quincy Adams President 1821-1825
Franklin Delano Roosevelt President 1933-1945
Tony Blair United Kingdom Prime Minister 1997-2007
James Earl Jones famous for doing Star Wars Movie voice for Darth Vader
Wayne Gretzky Hockey Champion who invests in to coins
Buddy Ebsen famous actor for Beverly Hillbillies television show
Penny Marshall actress from famous show Laverne & Shirley
Nelson Bunker Hunt Billionaire Oil Tycoon and Investor famously tied in with cornering the silver Market in the 1980’s and had to sell his coin collection through Sotheby’s in 1990
He was also the proud owner of the most famous ancient Roman coin of them all associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar for the sake of “liberty” by his most famous assassin Brutus
Peter Weller an actor in the Robocop movies actually owned the famous Brutus coin at one point from the Nelson Bunker Hunt collector. Another probable owner of that coin was the late Jerry Weintraub, a famous Hollywood producer.
King Farouk of Egypt who ruled 1936-1952 owned on the most expensive American Gold Double Eagle coin ever sold for over seven million dollars.
Nicole Kidman has been rumored to collect coins, perhaps we’ll find out more one day.
Andre Dawson Baseball Hall of Fame Star
Paul McCartney of the Beatles
King Louis XIV ‘Sun King” builder of Palace of Versailles had a fantastic con collection
King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy who ruled 1900-1946 had the best coin collection
John Larroquette Emmy award winning actor
Bruce Williams popular talk show host, second after Rush Limbaugh collects coins
Dennis Rodman Bulls Basketball Champion collects coins
Mayer Amschel Rothschild founder of the Rothschild dynasty collected coins and amassed a fortune
Jackie Onassis had an amazing gold coin collection
JP Morgan Family had an amazing coin collection and donated pieces to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Kellan Lutz actor and model, played in a movie called Hercules
Charlie Bodin actor said on twitter he is a coin collector
Medici family, known to be patrons of the arts collected coins
Allessandro Farnese who was grandson of Pope Paul III, both of whom collected coins put together one of the finest collections of coins, sculpture and artifacts from ancient Greek and Roman times.
King George III of England made the first ancient coin museum in England
To see the most amazing selection of ancient Greek, Roman, Biblical and world coins visit: http://www.trustedcoins.com
You will also find amazing articles there, many with video, discussing the subjects of numismatic coin collecting.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
#1 Size of Market You are aware of a market of ancient coins which is much less known than what other markets people think of such as that of gold and silver. So the advantage to this is that you can get the best prices as you have less competition from other buyers. So you can build up a great collection relatively cheap. Some of the wealthiest families have had or still have collections, with famous names such as Hunt, Rockefeller, Mercedes and much more. What I find is that if some of the most successful people are involved in it, then there is something to it.
#2 Historical Value The beauty and historical value of ancient coins are valued by collectors worldwide rather than just what the value of the metal contained in them. So in regards to numismatic coins, you have the advantage of the coins being valued for what they are, rather than just the value of the “scrap” or the intrinsic metal in them.
#3 Relatively Unknown Not everyone knows that ancient coins exist for sale, and if they did, that would lead to a meteoric rise in prices for ancient coins. This is where I come in. As my knowledge of coins and marketing increases, my coins will have even a higher value than any other coins out there. The reason being, the professional research, full-color certificates of authenticity, some of the lowest prices on the market and so much more, adding to their resale value.
#4 Variety There is such a huge variety of ancient coins to collect. From more famous names such as Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Constantine the Great, there is such a wonderful variety of ancient coins to collect. This makes this topic very interesting to collect because of all of the variety available.
#5 Connection to Past Ancient coins preserve our connection to the past. By owning ancient coins, we can learn a lot more about ancient history and bring it to life in our own hands. It is not the metal content of the coin that is valuable, it’s the historical beauty it contains as it captures the aesthetics and history of that time period in a very portable format. Makes this a great heirloom for your family. Imagine starting a collection today, that spans generations!
#6 Teaching and Learning Resource Make great teaching aids for learning about ancient history
Growing up and reading books about history, I now realize how wonderful it would have been to hold an ancient coin from the time period of the Greeks or the Romans. And how much more motivated I would have been to learn about it, if the actual coins were in my hands! Also when you have the ancient coin in your hand, you want to go out and read the history on it, and anything it is connected to. You can say this allows you an expanded world view as your knowledge stretches back thousands of years.
#7 Great Gifts Ancient coins make great gifts!
There is something thoughtful about going into a selection of thousands of ancient coins and picking out the right ones for your friends and loved ones. Imagine giving a coin with a lion to a person of the Leo astrological sign, Mars or Ares for Ares sign, a coin with a Capricorn, and so much more. Maybe a coin of Alexander the Great for a person named Alex or Alexander. Or Philip II for a person named Philip. Or Mark Antony for a person named mark.
#8 Explore the World Ancient coins transport us to places where we dream to be. Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt are all accessible now to you from the comfort of your own home.
#9 It used to be a Hobby of Kings which then became the King of Hobbies
The United States mint estimates that there are 140 million collectors in the United States alone. Perhaps this number figures in a lot of people that just collect pocket change. However, the point to make is that a person may start collecting something simple at one point and graduate to more scarce coins such as ancient Greek and Roman coins, should they find interest in it. However, with so many films such as Gladiator, 300, Troy, and shows like Rome made by HBO, ancient Greek and Roman history is hotter than ever. I personally believe that if more people knew about the availability of these coins, their price would jump through the roof. That is where educational articles like this add to the value of everyone collecting and/or investing in rare coins. Also with the advent of the internet, what was only for the richest people being the Hobby of Kings, it became the King of Hobbies, as people can trade their coins efficiently over the internet.
#10 Large Value in Small Size
Think about the advantages of having ancient coins as it allows you to pack a lot of value in a small package. People buy various things, such as art and antiques, but nothing is as compact and transportable as ancient coins. You can put them in your pocket and go!
#11 Scarcity
Each ancient coin as each it was struck by hand by aligning a small metal planchet between an anvil and a punch and what would happen is that the coins would have different centering. Also the dies would crack so they would need to re-engrave them, so the design could be slightly different. Also some coins were struck with the fresh dies, so the design may be sharper and more prolific rather than one that struck a significant amount of coins. So every time you see a very beautiful coin, realize that in itself is more scarce than a coin that it is a combination of great centering, engraver’s ability, sharpness and preservation so there is much to appreciate. What I have seen personally when visiting auctions, coins in superb condition actually would fetch astronomical prices. Some of the coins I feel that may fit this bill is my selection of my ancient silver Roman denarius coins. You can search my store for silver roman keywords.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
Learn more about the different types of ancient coins, along with some great books and information about the field of ancient Greek and Roman coin collecting. Numismatics or the study of coins is a field that has been the “hobby of kings” and later became the “king of hobbies” in which people hold amazing examples of history in their hand which they can pass on to future generations, or really enjoy and possibly even profit from as investments. As many ancient coins are amazingly rare, especially in high grades, it is possible that you can pick up many great bargains. It is important to deal with reputable coin dealer and experts, that is why Ilya Zlobin, provides a lifetime guarantee of authenticity and puts his knowledge on a beautiful custom-made certificate of authenticity. You can learn more about him at his site: http://www.trustedcoins.com.
Article by Ilya Zlobin, world-renowned expert numismatist, enthusiast, author and dealer in authentic ancient Greek, ancient Roman, ancient Byzantine coins and beyond.
Feel the ancient military come alive on the coins of the Greeks and the Romans explored in this video. It goes from the personification of valor as Virtus to the Roman god of war, Mars the counterpart of the Greek Ares. However fighting battles takes wisdom so coins with Greek Athena and the Roman counterpart Minerva with spear and shield is depicted.
The Roman emperor would go into battle to vanquish his enemies on horseback. He did have the backing of military foot soldiers, or legions behind him carrying the legionary standards and eagles in the Roman military. One symbol the labarum actually was used in the Roman military after Constantine with the name of Jesus Christ as a monogram symbol . Constantine the Great saw this symbol in the sky before a great battle at the Milvian bridge against Maxentius, which he had painted on the shields of his army and wound up winning a great victory.
The Roman military camps were depicted with the symbolism of the camp gates on their coins. These camp gates were also used as a quick way of communication on the frontiers where they would use them as fire signal beacons to muster their military forces to defend their frontiers.
A coin with the Roman soldiers vanquishing their foes in battle driving spears through them as they lay prostrate on the floor, even the Roman emperor not being above such a military endeavor. Some ways to get around the battle field was to use chariots, including the four horse military chariot called the quadriga or the two horse type as the biga. There is also a rarely seen type of chariot which is the triga, a more widely used Greek type of war chariot.
Elephants with their huge size, magnificence and sheer strength were the ancient equivalent of the tank in ancient times. A rare large silver Greek coin of Seleukos I Nikator of the Seleukid kingdom is show here also, with a chariot drawn by elephants. This made his military a formidable force to deal with. Then a silver coin with an elephant of Julius Caesar, the most famous ancient Roman is shown. It also brings back the story of the Romans facing elephant for the first time when Hannibal Barca, the general from Carthage who crossed the Alps with these elephants. The Romans just like many others who had to face them showed a respect for these formidable foes. Even Alexander the Great had to face elephants in his campaign that went into India.
Galleys were used in ancient Greek and Roman times to get around and to move military forces along with supplies to their destinations. Several coins are shown here, one with a full sail and the other one of Mark Antony from the battle of Actium, which had a great naval battle that shaped history to what it is today. This coin of Mark Antony shows what could be described as trireme military row ships which were used in this battle. The other side had the legionary eagle (aquila) between two standards and named the legion the coin was minted for by it’s number.
Weapons were important for any battle. A coin of the kingdom of Bosporus is shown which shown all the important militaristic symbols such as the shield, the spear, the helmet, a sword in a scabbard and even a military axe. The weapons used in the legendary tales of Hercules were the bow and the club. On a coin of Alexander the Great he is even depicted as Hercules. Hercules used the skin of the Nemean lion as a helmet and armor which was impermeable to weapons according to legend. A shield of Macedonia is shown along with the helmet they used. An important mention of the Aegis, which is the severed head of Medusa used on shields and the breast plate of armor to scare or almost turn your enemies to stone. This was used on the armor of the ancient Greeks, such as in a depiction of Alexander the Great and even the Roman emperors including Augustus.
Celebrating their victories, the Romans employed the goddess Victory whose Greek counterpart was Nike. Nike was originally a goddess of athletic Olympic style contests and she, along with her Roman counterpart is shown holding a wreath and a palm branch. The wreath would be placed on the head of the victories general, emperor or athletic contest winner and the palm branch was a symbol of victory. The Romans depicted their vanquished enemies as either bound captives or seated in a mourning position, sad over the great defeat they suffered by the Romans. The weapons, including the armor of the vanquished was used to build a trophy or a tropaion, consisting of the shields, swords, helmets spears and other military objects to be displayed in honor of a victory. The fronts of defeated ships were displayed in the Roman forum as Rostra and used also a speaker’s platform along with being a great show of power to foreign dignitaries visiting Rome. There were also occasions that great architectural works that would be commissioned. A large Sestertius Roman coin of Nero is shown which has the arch. Arches are still standing in Rome to this day, one being by the Colosseum, known as the Arch of Titus which celebrated the victory over Judaea, the looting of the Great temple and the victory procession from there. The loot being used to build the Flavian Amphitheatre, known to this day as the Colosseum.
See the coins depicted in this guide for yourself and so much more!
The goal of this guide is to familiarize those new to the collecting of ancient coins to the wonderful types of coins available, all of which featured here and more being available in my eBay store.
See all the different types accessible in my store by clicking the link, which does a search for the term in all capital letters in my store. The types to be seen are:
Enjoy the collection below of the various types of ancient Greek and Roman coins presented in this article.
GORDIAN III 240AD Authent Authentic Genuine Silver Roman Coin VIRTUS i21683
Gordian III – Roman Emperor: 238-244 A.D. –
Silver Antoninianus 21mm (2.56 grams) Rome mint: March – May 240 A.D.
Reference: RIC 6, C 381
IMPCAESMANTGORDIANVSAVG – Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
VIRTVSAVG – Virtus standing left, holding spear and resting on shield.
ANTONINUS PIUS Marcus Aurelius Father Ancient RomanCoin ARES Mars Cult i14350
Antoninus Pius – Roman Emperor: 138-161 A.D.
Bronze 18mm (4.68 grams) of Philippopolis in Thrace
AVT K ANTΩNEINOC CEB, bare bust right.
ΦIΛIIΠΠOΠOΛEIT, Nude Ares standing left, holding patera and spear.
Severus Alexander – Roman Emperor: 222-235 A.D.
Silver Denarius 20mm (3.01 grams) Rome mint: 222 A.D.
Reference: RIC 160; RSC 173a; SR-7884
IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
MARTI PACIFERO, Mars standing facing, head left, holding spear and branch.
VELIA in LUCANIA 300BC Philistion group Silver Greek Coin Athena Lion i53521
Greek city of Velia in Lucania
Silver Stater 21mm (6.89 grams) Struck circa 300-280 B.C. Philistion group.
Reference: Williams 506 (O254/R355); HN Italy 1312; SNG ANS 1387; Weber 938
Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a dolphin, Φ on neck guard. Lion standing right; above, Φ-I flanking ornate trident head right; YEΛHTΩN in exergue.
DOMITIAN 92AD Ancient Silver Roman Coin Athena MINERVA Cult i21934
Domitian – Roman Caesar: 69-81 A.D. Emperor: 81-96 A.D. –
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.06 grams) Rome mint: 92 A.D.
Reference: RIC 728; RSC 273
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head right.
IMP XXI COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, brandishing javelin & holding shield.
NERO on HORSE with SOLDIER 67AD Rome Sestertius LARGE Ancient Roman Coin i53830
Nero – Roman Emperor: 54-68 A.D. –
Bronze Sestertius 34mm (24.93 grams) Rome mint: 67 A.D.
Reference: RIC-170
NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, Laureate head of Nero wearing aegis facing right.
Nero and soldier papanthesis on horseback right; DECVRSIO in exergue; S C across fields.
PROBUS on horse spearing barbarian 278AD Authentic Ancient Roman Coin i53272
Probus – Roman Emperor: 276-282 A.D. –
Silvered Bronze Antoninianus 23mm (3.25 grams) Serdica mint 278-282 A.D.
Reference: RIC 877g(var.), C 912
IMPCMAVRPROBVSPAVG – Helmeted, radiate, cuirassed bust left,
holding spear over shoulder and shield.
VIRTVSPROBIAVG Exe: KAΓ – Probus riding horse right, spearing barbarian;
shield under horse.
MAXIMINUS II DAIA 312AD Rome Rare Aquila Standards Ancient Roman Coin i52865
Maximinus II ‘Daia’ – Roman Emperor: 308-313 A.D. –
Bronze Follis 18mm (3.00 grams) Rome mint, circa 312-313 A.D.
Reference: RIC 350b (VI, Roma)
IMP MAXIMINVS P F AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI Exe: RT, Aquila (legionary eagle) flanked by two standards.
CONSTANTINE I the GREAT 335AD Ancient Roman Coin Glory of Army Legions i27304
Constantine I ‘The Great’– Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. –
Bronze AE3 16mm (2.59 grams) Antioch mint: 335-337 A.D.
CONSTANTINVSMAXAVG – Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
GLORIAEXERCITVS Exe: SMANΓ – Two soldiers standing either side of two standards.Numismatic Note* The reverse legend dedicates this coin to ” the glory of the Army.”
Theodosius I the Great with labarum 379AD Authentic Ancient Roman Coin i52710
Theodosius I – Roman Emperor: 379-395 A.D. –
Bronze AE3 16mm (3.03 grams) Aquileia mint 379-395 A.D.
Reference: RIC 45b
D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right
GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor advancing right, holding labarum & dragging captive, SMAQP in ex.
CONSTANTIUS II son of Constantine the Great w labarum Ancient Roman Coin i51167
Constantius II – Roman Emperor: 337-361 A.D. –
Son of Constantine I the Great
Bronze AE2 20mm (3.98 grams) Cyzicus mint 348-351 A.D.
Reference: RIC 70 (Cyzicus), LRBC 2474
DNCONSTANTIVSPFAVG – Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left, holding globe.
FELTEMPREPARATIO Exe: */SMKΔ – Constantius II standing left, holding labarum topped with the Chi-Rho and resting hand on shield; two captives to left. Star in left field.
CONSTANTIUS II 324AD Arelate Mint OPEN DOOR CAMP GATE Rare Roman Coin i51101
Constantius II – Roman Emperor: 337-361 A.D. –
Bronze AE3 20mm (2.67 grams) Arelate mint: 324-325 A.D.
Reference: RIC 297
FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left.
VIRTVS CAESS Exe: QA(crescent)RL, Camp gate with open doors and four turrets; star above.* Numismatic Note: Rare type with the open doors.
CONSTANTIUS II Constantine the Great son Ancient Roman Coin Battle Horse i46699
Constantius II – Roman Emperor: 337-361 A.D. – BATTLE SCENE COIN
Bronze AE2 23mm (4.98 grams) Struck in the mint of Aquileia circa 337-361 A.D.
Reference: RIC VIII Aquileia 95.
DN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, soldier standing left, knee raised, spearing fallen horseman who is wearing a Phrygian helmet, falling forwards on the ground on his hands and knees. Star in right field. Mintmark AQT. (The dot at far right is not part of the mintmark).
PROBUS 276AD Authentic Ancient Roman Coin Sol Sun God on horse quadriga i44286
Probus – Roman Emperor: 276-282 A.D. –
Bronze Antoninianus 23mm (4.27 grams) Struck circa 276-282 A.D.
Reference: RIC 861.
IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG – Radiate and mantled bust left, holding eagle-tipped sceptre.
SOLI INVICTO Ex: KAΔ – Sol driving facing quadriga chariot, head left, holding whip.
Roman Republic 104BC Roma Victory Chariot Authentic Ancient Silver Coin i49087
Roman Republic C. Coelius Caldus moneyer
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.82 grams) Rome mint, circa 104 B.C.
Reference: Coelia 3; B.M.C. 1463-92; Syd. 582a; Craw. 318/1b
Head of Roma left.
Victory in biga ( chariot) left, CALD below horses, letter below.
Greek Coin of Seleucid Kingdom Seleukos I, Nikator – King: 312-280 B.C.
Silver Tetradrachm 26mm (17.27 grams) Struck circa 312-280 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6831 var.; HGC 9, 18
Laureate head of Zeus right.
Athena, brandishing spear and holding shield, standing in chariot drawn right by four horned elephants; on left, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ; in exergue, ΣEΛΕYKOY.
JULIUS CAESAR Elephant Serpent 49BC Authentic Ancient Silver Roman Coin i47254
Julius Caesar – Roman Dictator
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.66 grams) Struck 49-48 B.C.
Reference: RSC 49j B.9; B.M.C., Gaul, 27; Syd. 1006; Craw. 443/1 Elephant walking right, trampling on serpent, CAESAR in exergue.
Sacrificial implements: Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priest’s hat.The obverse type may symbolize victory over evil, whereas the reverse refers to Caesar’s office of Pontifex Maximus.
GORDIAN III 238AD Deultum Thrace GALLEY SHIP Ancient Roman Coin BEAUTY i52771
Gordian III – Roman Emperor: 238-244 A.D. –
Bronze 23mm (5.66 grams) of Deultum in Thrace
Reference: Jurokova 274
IMP C GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
COL F L PAC DEVLT, Galley under full sail, sailing right.
MARK ANTONY Cleopatra Lover 32BCActium Ancient Silver Roman Coin LEG XIX i53492
Mark Antony
Silver Denarius 18mm (3.09 grams)
Struck at Actium 32-31 B.C. for Mark Antony’s XIX Legion
Reference: RSC 55; B.M.C. 214; Syd. 1242; Craw. 544/35
ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley right.
LEG XIX, Legionary eagle between two standards.
Kingdom of Bosporus Rhoemetalkes – King, circa 131-154 A.D.
Bronze ’48 Units’ 22mm (5.48 grams) Struck circa 136 A.D.
Reference: Anohin 495; Sear GIC 5467; MacDonald 456
ΒΑCΙΛЄѠC POIMHTAΛKOY, His diademed and draped bust right; trident before.
Circular shield between battle axe (on left) and sword in scabbard; spear in background; above, horse‘s head and helmet; beneath, denomination mark M H.
Alexander III the Great as Hercules 336BC Ancient Greek Coin Bow Club i44200
Alexander III the Great – King of Macedonia 336-323 B.C.
Bronze 19mm (6.18 grams)
Struck under Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6739 var.
Head of Alexander the Great as Hercules right, wearing the lion-skin headdress.
Hercules’ weapons, bow in bow-case and club, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ in between.
DEMETRIUS I Poliorcetes 294BC Ancient Greek Coin HELMET SHIELD i27042
Greek – Macedonian Kingdom – King Demetrius I Poliorcetes – 294-288 B.C.
Bronze 17mm (4.54 grams) Struck 294-288 B.C.
Reference: Sear 6774; Newell 131 –
Macedonian shield, with monogram of Demetrios at center.
BA ΣΙ either side of crested Macedonian helmet, in field to left, anchor.
AMISOS in PONTUS MITHRADATES VI the GREAT Gorgon Aegis Nike Greek Coin i30066
Greek city of Amisos in Pontus
Bronze 21mm (7.67 grams) Struck under Mithradates VI the Great circa 105-90 B.C. or circa 90-85 B.C.
Reference: HGC 7, 242; Sear 3642; SNG Black Sea 1177-1191; B.M.C. 13. 20,74 Aegis, with Gorgon’s head at center. Nike advancing right, carrying palm-branch; ΑΜΙ – ΣΟΥ across field; monograms to left and to right.
AUGUSTUS Victory Over Brutus Cassius Assasins of Julius Caesar Roman Coin i53144
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Bronze 18mm (4.47 grams) from the city of Philippi in Northern Greece,
Macedonia circa 27 B.C. -10 B.C.
Reference: BMC 23; Sear 32
VIC AVG, Victory standing left.
3 legionary Standards, ‘COHOR PRAEPHIL’
TRAJAN victory over DACIA 103AD Ancient Silver Roman Denarius Coin Rome i53511
Trajan – Roman Emperor : 98-117 A.D. – VICTORY OVER DACIA
Silver Denarius 17mm (3.36 grams) Rome mint: 103-111 A.D.
Reference: RIC 219
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head right.
S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Dacia seated right in mournful attitude on shield; below, curved sword.Trajan celebrates his victory over Dacia on this coin.
CONSTANTINE I the GREAT RARE Ancient Roman Coin Victory Over SARMATIANS i39763
Constantine I ‘The Great’ – Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. –
Victory Over SARMATIANS
Bronze 19mm (3.24 grams) Sirmium mint 324-325 A.D.
Reference: RIC 48 (VII, Sirmium)
CONSTANTINVSAVG – Laureate head right.
SARMATIADEVICTA Exe: SIRM – Victory advancing right, stepping on captive,
holding Trophy and palm.
SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS 194AD Emesa Trophy Quality Ancient Silver Roman Coin i12586
Septimius Severus – Roman Emperor: 193-211 A.D. –
Silver Denarius 17mm (3.21 grams) Emesa mint: 194-195 A.D.
Reference: RIC 389, BMC 365, S 6288, C 232
IMPCAELSEPSEVPERTAVGCOSII – Laureate head right.
INVICTOIMP – Trophy with weapons at base.
NERO Arch Chariot & Mars 65AD Lugdunum Ancient Roman Coin Architecture i36665
Nero – Roman Emperor: 54-68 A.D. –
Bronze Sestertius 36mm (25.42 grams) Lugdunum mint: 65 A.D.
Reference: RIC 393; Cohen 306; BMCRE 330; BN 69; WCN 414; F.S. Kleiner, The Arch
of Nero in Rome. A study of the Roman honorary arch before and under Nero,
Archaeologica 52 (Rome, 1985), 51aNERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head left, globe at point of bust.
S C across field, Triumphal arch, hung with wreath across front and left side; above, Nero in facing quadriga escorted on right by Victory holding wreath and palm and on left by Pax holding caduceus and cornucopiae; just below the quadriga on extreme left and right, two small figures of soldiers; on left side of arch in niche, figure of Mars standing facing, holding spear and round shield; ornamental reliefs on the faces and plinths of the arch.
Ancient Greeks and Romans were both proud of the architectural achievements. The Greeks as an example would put their temples on their coins, sometimes with a statue of the god or goddess the city is known for. The Romans also had various different types of architecture they depicted on their coins, along with temples, they had arches, columns, bridges statues, city gates and camp gates.
See authentic ancient Greek and Roman coins in my store:
Examples illustrating the various Architecture depicted on ancient coins
Below are ancient coins as shown in the video guide in the same order. It is designed to get you familiar with the types of coins and help you develop a sense of appreciation for those types. You can click on the pictures or other links and search my eBay store for examples of them.
CONSTANTIUS II 324AD Arelate Mint OPEN DOOR CAMP GATE Rare Roman Coin i51101
Constantius II – Roman Emperor: 337-361 A.D. –
Bronze AE3 20mm (2.67 grams) Arelate mint: 324-325 A.D.
Reference: RIC 297
FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left.
VIRTVS CAESS Exe: QA(crescent)RL, Camp-gate with open doors and four turrets; star above.* Numismatic Note: Rare type with the open doors.
Constantine I The Great Ancient Roman Coin Military camp or bivouac gate i53257
Constantine I ‘The Great’ – Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. –
Bronze AE3 19mm (3.13 grams) Nicomedia mint 324-325 A.D.
Reference: RIC 90 (VII, Nicomedia)
CONSTANTINVSAVG – Laureate head right.
PROVIDENTIAEAVGG Exe: SMNΓ – Camp gate with two turrets and star above.
ELAGABALUS 218AD Nicopolis ad Istrum CITY Wall GATE Ancient Roman Coin i42982
Elagabalus – Roman Emperor: 218-222 A.D. –
Bronze 26mm (11.45 grams) from the city of Nicopolis ad Istrum in Moesia Inferior
Under magistrate Novius Rufus
Laureate head right.
VΠ NOBIOV POVΦOY NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON, City Gate.
CARACALLA 198AD Anchialus CITY GATE Architectural Ancient Roman Coin i24834
Caracalla – Roman Emperor: 198-217 A.D. –
Bronze 29mm (11.42 grams) of Anchialus in Thrace
Reference: Varbanov 318
AVP M AVR ANTΩNINO, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right.
OVΛПIANΩN AΓXIAΛEΩN, city gate, flanked by two battlemented towers, three arches on wall.
TIBERIUS 14AD Emerita Augusta Ancient Spain City Gate Original Roman Coin i42053
Tiberius – Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D. –
Bronze Dupondius 26mm (13.88 grams) of Emerita in Spain
Reference: ACIP 3407a; RPC I 41; AB-1056
TI. CAESAR AVGVSTVS PON. MAX. IMP., Laureate head left.
COL. AVGVSTA EMERITA, Main city gate city gate with view of city walls above.
EUNICE Queen after KOTYS I of BOSPORUS Jupiter Temple Ancient Greek Coin i53587
Kingdom of Bosporus
Eunice – Queen as Sole Ruler after Kotys I circa 68-69 A.D.
Bronze ’24 Units’ 24mm (8.03 grams) Struck circa 68-69 A.D.
Reference: MacDonald 337; Anohin 371 Temple with five columns; KA ΠΕ either side.
Wreath enclosing monogram of Eunice and denomination mark KΔ.
Roman Republic Volteius JUPITER TEMPLE Ancient Silver Coin Rare i20208
Roman Republic M. Volteius M. f. moneyer
Silver Denarius 17mm (3.81 grams) Rome mint: 78 B.C.
Reference: Volteia 1; B.M.C. 3154; Syd. 774; Craw. 385/1
Laureate head of Jupiter right.
M . VOLTEI M . F . below temple of Jupiter Capitolinus.
TRANQUILLINA GORDIAN III wife Deultum Thrace ASCLEPIUS Temple Roman Coin i49815
Tranquillina – Roman Empress – Wife of Gordian III – Roman Emperor: 238-244 A.D. –
Bronze 22mm (6.91 grams) of Deultum in Thrace
Reference: Yurukova, Bizye 416
SAB TRANQVILLINA AVG, diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina right.
COL FL PAC DEVLT, tetrastyle (four column) temple with statue of Asclepius standing facing, head left, leaning on serpent-entwined (medical symbol) staff.
NERO 65AD Sestertius JANUS TEMPLE Gaming Token Ancient Roman Coin RARE i25127
Nero – Roman Emperor: 54-68 A.D. –
Bronze Sestertius ‘Game Token’ 34mm (19.84 grams) Rome mint: 65 A.D.
Reference: C 146. BMC 319. RIC 438. CBN 73
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P Laureate head right, with globe at point of bust.
PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT S – C View of the temple of Janus, door to right, decorated with garland.* Numismatic Note: This coin has been cut in half practically to turn it into a type of token, likely for gaming. Quality authentic ancient coin with fantastic portrait and the most important parts of the temple visible.
TITUS & DOMITIAN CAESARS 77AD Stobi Macedonia Roman Coin Dionysus Temple i28335
Titus & Domitian as Caesars
Bronze 25mm (5.10 grams) of Stobi in Macedonia Struck 77-78 A.D.
Reference: RPC 311; Boric-Breskovic, Stobi, p. 29, Type 3; AMNG III -; Varbanov 3805
T CAESAR IMP DOMITIANVS CAESAR, Laureate and draped bust of Titus right vis-à-vis bare head of Domitian left.
MVNICIPI STOBENSIVM, tetra-style temple on podium with two steps; inside, Dionysus standing left; clipeus in pediment.
PHILIP I the ARAB 248AD 1000 Years of Rome Roma Temple Silver Roman Coin i52174
ANTONINUS PIUS Isis Harpokrates Horus Temple Alexandria Egypt Roman Coin i52373
Antoninus Pius – Roman Emperor: 138-161 A.D.
Bronze Drachm 32mm (24.26 grams) Dated Regnal Year 12, 148/149 A.D.
Reference: Köln 1610; Dattari (Savio) 3048; K&G 35.437; Emmett 1587.12
Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Isis seated right on throne, holding infant Harpokrates; all within distyle Egyptian-style temple
ALEXANDER the GREAT Roman Macedonia Koinon Greek Area Coin Temples i40532
Alexander III, the Great: Macedonian Greek King: 336-323 B.C.
Roman Era, Olympic-Style Games Issue
Bronze 25mm (11.31 grams) from the Koinon of Macedonia in Thrace under Roman Control
Struck circa 222-235 A.D. under the reign of Roman Emperor Severus Alexander
AΛЄΞANΔPOV, Head of Alexander the Great right with loose, flowing hair.
B KOINON MAKЄΔONΩN NEΩ, Two temples.* Numismatic Note: Leaders like Julius Caesar and the Romans and the Greeks alike had immense respect for the great accomplishments of Alexander the Great. Macedonia, being the kingdom of Alexander the Great’s birth, this coin featuring his likeness heralds the Neocorate status of the area, along with the Olympic-style games that accompanied it. Highly-coveted type.
FAUSTINA I Temple Architectural Ancient Silver Roman Coin 150AD i30134 Very rare
Faustina I – Roman Empress Wife of Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius
Silver Denarius 17mm (3.36 grams) Rome mint, struck under Antoninus Pius, circa 146-161 A.D.
Reference: RIC III 343 (Pius); RSC 1
DIVA FAVSTINA, Draped bust right.
AEDDIV FAVSTINAE, Hexastyle temple in which is a seated figure of Faustina Senior.
This temple has been incorporated into the construction of the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda in Rome. The remains are still visible today.
Maxentius Constantine the Great Enemy Ancient Coin Temple of Venus Roma i39848
Maxentius – Roman Emperor: 307-312 A.D.
Bronze Follis 25mm (6.00 grams) Rome mint: 307-310 A.D.
Reference: RIC 258 (VI, Roma)
IMPCMAXENTIVSPFAVG – Laureate head right.
CONSERVVRBSVAE Exe: H/REP – Temple with six columns; Roma seated within,
holding globe and scepter.
Trajan – Roman Emperor : 98-117 A.D. –
Bronze 22mm (6.99 grams) Stobi in Macedonia
Reference: Sear GIC 953; B.M.C. 5.103,2
IMP. CAE. NERVA TRAIAN. AVG. GERM. P. M., Laureate head right.
MVNICIPI STOBENSIVM, Tetrastyle temple containing statue, at feet of which, bird.
ANTONINUS PIUS 158AD Augustus Livia Temple Restoration Silver Roman Coin i43298
Antoninus Pius – Roman Emperor: 138-161 A.D.
Silver Denarius 18mm (2.90 grams) Rome mint: 158-159 A.D.
Reference:RIC 290a
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right.
TEMPLVM DIV AVG REST, Octastyle temple of Divus Augustus, in which are seated statues of Divus Augustus and Livia, COS IIII in exergue.
NERO Arch Chariot & Mars 65AD Lugdunum Ancient Roman Coin Architecture i36665
Nero – Roman Emperor: 54-68 A.D. –
Bronze Sestertius 36mm (25.42 grams) Lugdunum mint: 65 A.D.
Reference: RIC 393; Cohen 306; BMCRE 330; BN 69; WCN 414; F.S. Kleiner, The Arch
of Nero in Rome. A study of the Roman honorary arch before and under Nero,
Archaeologica 52 (Rome, 1985), 51aNERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head left, globe at point of bust.
S C across field, Triumphal arch, hung with wreath across front and left side; above, Nero in facing quadriga escorted on right by Victory holding wreath and palm and on left by Pax holding caduceus and cornucopiae; just below the quadriga on extreme left and right, two small figures of soldiers; on left side of arch in niche, figure of Mars standing facing, holding spear and round shield; ornamental reliefs on the faces and plinths of the arch.
Roman Republic Aemilia 7 114BC Ancient Silver Coin Triumphal arch Horse i46740
Roman Republic Man. Aemilius Lepidus moneyer
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.69 grams) Rome mint: 114/113 B.C.
Reference: Aemilia 7; B.M.C., Italy 590; Syd. 554; Craw. 291/1
Laureate and diademed head of Roma slightly draped right, ROMA before, * behind.
MN. AEMILIO, equestrian statue on triumphal arch, LEP between arches.
CARACALLA 198AD Roman Provincial Mint TRIUMPHAL ARCH Architectural Coin i48852
TRAJAN statue on Trajan’s Column w Eagles 114AD Ancient Silver Roman Coin i52633
Trajan – Roman Emperor : 98-117 A.D. –
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.00 grams) Rome mint: 114-115 A.D.
Reference: RIC 356, C 284
IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GERM DAC, laureate and draped bust right.
P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R, Trajan’s column surmounted by statue of Trajan, holding patera and scepter; two eagles at base.
TITUS 79AD Ancient Silver Roman Coin SOL Sun God on rostral column i33559
Titus – Roman Emperor: 79-81 A.D. –
Silver Denarius 18mm (2.75 grams) Rome mint: 79 A.D.
Reference: RIC 10; Cohen 271cf
IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right.
TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII, radiate figure (Sol?) standing on rostral column, holding spear.
PHILIP I the ARAB 248AD 1000 Years of Rome COLUMN Silver Roman Coin i46631
TRAJAN 112AD Via Traiana Extended Via Appia Road Silver Roman Coin i52651
Trajan – Roman Emperor: 98-117 A.D. –
Silver Denarius 19mm (3.15 grams) Rome mint: 112-113 A.D.
Reference: BM 487; C 648; RIC 266
IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, Laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder.
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI / VIA TRAIANA, Goddess ( Via Trajana) reclining left on rocks with branch and wheel.
Constantine I ‘The Great’ – Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. –
Bronze AE3 18mm (3.30 grams) Constantinople mint: 330 A.D.
Reference:RIC 21
POP ROMANVS, draped bust of Genius left, cornucopiae on shoulder. Milvian Bridge over the River Tiber, CONS-A above bridge.
Gallienus son of Valerian I Large Medalic Ancient Roman Coin Rare Bridge i28470
Gallienus – Roman Emperor: 253-268 A.D.
Medallic Bronze 36mm (14.48 grams) of Antioch-ad-Maeandrum, Caria
Reference: SNG von Aulock 2430 (var.); Similar Coin Sold in Numismatik Lanz München
Auction 149 #518 (2,600 EUR, approx. 3,182 USD)
AV KA ΠΟ Γ AΛΛI HNOC, Helmeted & cuirassed bust left, holding shield & spear.
ANTIOX EΩΝ, six-arched bridge with guard rails across the Maeander River; triple-bayed triumphal arch at one end; On the bridge the river God Mäander with filling horn in the arm on a Kline stores; stairway on the left side, on which a stork sits.
CLAUDIUS Philippi Julius Caesar & Augustus Statues Ancient Roman Coin i40538
Claudius – Roman Emperor: 41-54 A.D. –
Bronze 26mm (12.58 grams) of the City of Philippi in Macedonia Struck 41-54 A.D.
Reference: Sear GIC 428; B.M.C. 5.98,25; Cohen 260, 117
TI. CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG. P.M. TR. P. IMP. – Bare head of Claudius left.
COL AVG IVL PHILIP, cippus inscribed with DIVVS
AVG in two lines, on which stand statues of Augustus (to left) & Julius Caesar (to right), altar on either side of cippus.
TRALLEIS in LYDIA 166BC Tetradrachm Silver Greek Coin Artemis of Ephesus i53520
Greek city of Tralleis in Lydia
Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm 27mm (12.20 grams) Struck circa 166-67 B.C. under Time–, prytanis
Reference: Sear 4747; SNG Copenhagen 661; B.M.C.22.330,31-2
Cista mystica with serpent coming out; all within ivy wreath.
Two serpents entwined around bow in bowcase; TIME above, TPAΛ to left, cult statue of Artemis of Ephesus in field to right.
This guide is intended for those that are interested in Biblical history. I explore the coins from the lifetime of Jesus Christ, one known as the Widow’s Mite, the Tribute Penny, the 30 Pieces of Silver, Pontius Pilate and much more. A Roman coin of Nero is also shown to illustrate one of the early persecutors of the Christian faith.
We then move on to the coins of the spread of Christianity through the Roman empire. A coin of Nicaea is shown, which is from the specific city that the Council of Nicaea was held which made Christianity the way it is today. Moving forward I show you an ancient coin of Constantine the Great from the time of the Council of Nicaea. We explore the topic of “By this sign you shall conquer” and what the symbol looked and how it was placed on ancient Roman coins as the Chi-Rho, also known as the Christogram or Christ monogram. A coin of Saint Helena is shown, who did a lot for the spread of Christianity and also Constantine the Great’s mother.
From this point we move on to an example of the Christian cross on a small Roman coin. After which point, we see the depiction of Jesus Christ on bronze and gold coins of the Byzantine empire.
The different types of coins explored.
You will see the various different types of ancient biblical, Roman and Byzantine medieval coins as the story of early Christianity progresses from ancient times. After each section, if there is an article that goes into more depth regarding the subject, a link is given for you to explore. Clicking on the coin pictures will take you to a page searching my eBay store for the subject of interest. The goal of this guide is to introduce more people to the fascinating topic of ancient coin collecting, and at the same time allowing to research the types that are available.
Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan) –
Jewish King of the Hosmonean Kingdom 103-76 B.C.E. –
Bronze ‘Prutah’ 15mm (1.62 grams) mint of Jerusalem 103-76 B.C.
Reference: Hendin 469
Anchor, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (of King Alexander).
Star of eight rays surrounded by diadem, between the rays, (Yehonatan the King).
* Numismatic Note: This type of coin is known to bible history as the “Widow’s Mite”.
Synoptic Gospels (Mark 12:38-44, Luke 20:45-47,21:1-4) where Jesus was teaching in the Temple of Jerusalem. In the story a poor widow woman gives her last 2 mites, the least valuable coins of the time. And Jesus points out that even though she gave very little, she gave her all, where some had a lot more and gave very little in comparison to their blessings.
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Silver Denarius 20mm (3.69 grams) Rome mint: 2 B.C. – 2 A.D.
Reference: Augustus 43; B.M.C., Imp. 519; R.I.C. 350
CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F. PATER PATRIAE, his laurel head right.
C . L . CAESARES AVGVSTI F . COS . DESIG . PRINC . IVVENT., Caius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, shields and spears between them; above, between the spears, simpulum and lituus turned inwards.
* Numismatic: A coin that could be described as the tribute penny.
Pontius Pilate – (chiefly known for crucifixion of Jesus) ruled 26-36 A.D.
Procurator of Judaea under Emperor Tiberius, Roman Emperor: 14-37 A.D.
Bronze Prutah 14mm (1.79 grams) Jerusalaem 30-31 A.D.
Reference: Hendin 1342.
Lituus, surrounded by TIBEPIOY KAICAPOC.
Date LIZ (= year 18 = 31 C.E.) within wreath.
* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient biblical coin, issued by the Roman procurator whom had Jesus Christ crucified.
Nero – Roman Emperor: 54-68 A.D. –
Bronze Sestertius 34mm (24.93 grams) Rome mint: 67 A.D.
Reference: RIC-170
NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, Laureate head of Nero wearing aegis facing right.
Nero and soldier papanthesis on horseback right; DECVRSIO in exergue; S C across fields.
Decentius – Roman Caesar: 351-353 A.D.
Bronze Double-Centenionalis or AE1 26mm (7.64 grams) Trier mint 352 A.D.
Reference: RIC 319
D N DECENTI VS FORT CAES, draped and cuirassed bust right,
SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES, chi-rho flanked by the Alphan (A) and Omenga (W); TRP in exergue.
The Chi-Rho is the monogram of Jesus Christ. The A and W on the left represent the Alpha and Omega which Christ was described as in the book of Revelations.
Valens – Roman Emperor: 364-378 A.D. –
Bronze AE3 17mm (3.00 grams) Struck at the mint of Siscia circa 364-367 A.D.
Reference: RIC 5b.2 (Siscia), LRBC 1276
DN VALENS PF AVG – Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
GLORIA ROMANORVM Exe: */S/DBSIS – Valens advancing right, dragging captive and holding labarum
tipped with the Chi-Rho (MONOGRAM of CHRIST XP Superimposed).
Aelia Flacilla – Wife of Roman Emperor Theodosius I and mother of Emperors Honorius and Arcadius. Bronze AE2 24mm (5.72 grams) Constantinople mint: 379-388 A.D.
Reference: RIC 17 (Heraclea)
AEL FLACCILLA AVG – Diademed, draped bust bust right.
SALVS REIPVBLICAE Exe: t/SMHA – Victory seated right on cuirass, holding shield on column
with Chi-Rho inside.
Helena ‘known as Saint Helena’- Mother of Constantine the Great –
Bronze Follis 19mm (3.39 grams) Thessalonica mint: 318-319 A.D.
Reference: RIC VII 50; Kent-Hirmer pl. 162, 637; LRBC 821
Pedigree: Ex Gorny & Mosch
HELENA N F, draped bust right.
Eight-pointed star in laurel wreath.
Byzantine Empire Anonymous Class G
Bronze Follis 26mm (7.49 grams)
Struck during the reign of Romanus IV, Diogenes –
Byzantine Emperor: 1 January 1068 A.D. – 19 August 1071 A.D.
Reference: Sear 1867
Bust of Christ facing , wearing a nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, scroll; to left, IC; to right, XC; border of large pellets.
Facing bust of the Virgin orans, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium; to left, MP; to right, ΘV; border of large pellets.
For more than a century, the production of Follis denomination Byzantine coins had religious Christian motifs which included included Jesus Christ, and even Virgin Mary. These coins were designed to honor Christ and recognize the subservient role of the Byzantine emperor, with many of the reverse inscriptions translating to “Jesus Christ King of Kings” and “May Jesus Christ Conquer”. The Follis denomination coins were the largest bronze denomination coins issued by the Byzantine empire, and their large size, along with the Christian motif make them a popular coin type for collectors. This series ran from the period of Byzantine emperors John I (969-976 A.D.) to Alexius I (1081-1118 A.D.). The accepted classification was originally devised by Miss Margaret Thompson with her study of these types of coins. World famous numismatic author, David R. Sear adopted this classification system for his book entitled, Byzantine Coins and Their Values. The references about this coin site Mr. Sear’s book by the number that they appear in that work. The class types of coins included Class A1, Class A2, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class F,Class G, Class H, Class I, Class J, Class K. Read more and see examples of these coins by reading the JESUS CHRIST Anonymous Class A-N Byzantine Follis Coins Reference.
Byzantine Empire
Constantine VII, Porphyrogenitus – Emperor: June 6, 913 – November 9, 959 A.D. –
Gold Solidus 20mm (4.37 grams) Constantinople mint, 950-955 A.D.
Reference: DOC 15. Sear 1751
+IhS XPS RЄX RЄςNANTIЧM, Facing bust of Christ Pantocrator, wearing tunic, himation and a cross nimbus with three pellets in the arms, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left.
CONSTANT’ CЄ ROMAh’ AЧςς bR’, Crowned facing busts of Constantine VII, bearded and wearing loros on the left, and Romanus II, beardless and wearing chlamys on the right; both holding, between them with their right hands, a long patriarchal cross.
Byzantine Empire Michael VII, Ducas – Emperor: October 24, 1071 A.D. – March 24, 1078 A.D. –
Gold Scyphate Histamenon Nomisma 28mm (4.48 grams) Constantinople mint, circa 491-518 A.D.
Reference: Sear 1868 Provenance: NY Sale 2016, 958
Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, book of Gospels; to left, IC; to right, XC; double border.
+ MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, Bust facing, bearded, wearing crown and loros, and holding labarum and globe cross; double border.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5ohAudMAP4
This article is to explore just some of the very interesting types of ancient Greek and Roman coins that were made to commemorate a certain event. This article starts with coins of Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II who struck coins with a horseman on the reverse that according to an ancient historian was in commemoration of his Olympic games victory in horse racing. The next coin that we explore is a coin of Augustus commemorating his victory over Brutus. The next coin type we explore are the coins celebrating the founding of Viminacium. And the last coin types explored in this article are of Constantine the Great celebrating the legendary founders of Romulus and Remus and the founding of his new capital of Constantinople.
Greek King Philip II of Macedon 359-336 B.C.
Father of Alexander III the Great
Silver Tetrobol 14mm (2.33 grams) Struck circa 323-315 B.C. in the Kingdom of Macedonia Commemorating his Olympic Games Victory
Reference: Le Rider-Pl.46,26
Head of Apollo right, hair bound with tainia.
Nude athlete on horse prancing right, ΦIΛIΠΠΟΥ above; branch below.
* Numismatic Note: Authentic ancient Greek coin of King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Intriguing coin referring to his Olympic victory.
History and Meaning of the Coin
During the times of ancient Greeks, horse racing was one of the events various Greek city-states and kingdoms would have intense competition with each other, as it was of great prestige to participate. Before the time of Philip II, the kingdom of Macedonia was considered barbarian and not Greek. Philip II was the first king of Macedon that was accepted for participation in the event, which was a great honor all in itself. It was an even greater honor that Philip’s horses would go on to win two horse-racing events. In 356 B.C., he won the single horse event and then in 348 B.C. chariot pulled by two horses event. As a way to proudly announce, or what some would say propagandize these honors, Philip II placed a reference to these great victories on his coins struck in all three metals of bronze, silver and gold. The ancient historian, Plutarch, wrote “[Philip of Macedon] … had victories of his chariots at Olympia stamped on his coins.”
Augustus – Roman Emperor: 27 B.C. – 14 A.D.
Bronze 19mm (4.24 grams) from the city of Philippi in Northern Greece,
Macedonia circa 27 B.C. -10 B.C.
Reference: BMC 23; Sear 32
VIC AVG, Victory standing left.
3 legionary Standards, ‘COHOR PRAEPHIL’.
Gordian III – Roman Emperor: 238-244 A.D. –
Bronze 22mm (6.83 grams) of Vimincium 238 A.D.
the 1st year of it’s founding (=AN I) 23 in the province of Moesia Superior
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
P M S COL VIM, City goddess standing, bull (symbol for legion VII) and lion (symbol for legion IIII) at sides, AN.I. in exergue.
Constantine I ‘The Great’ – Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. – ROME CITY COMMEMORATIVE
Bronze AE3 17mm (2.10 grams) Heraclea mint: 330-333 A.D.
Reference: RIC 119 (VII, Heraclea)
VRBSROMA – Roma helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust left.
No legend Exe: .SMHЄ. wolf standing left, suckling Romulus and Remus; two stars above.
By circa 330 A.D., Constantine the Great completed his new capital for the Roman empire called Constantinople. For this momentous occasion, he issued two commemorative coin types, one celebrating Rome and the other Constantinople. The type that commemorated Rome had the personification of Rome, Roma with the inscription VRBS ROMA and the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus on the reverse suckling the she-wolf. The type that commemorated Constantinople had the personification of Constantinople on the obverse and Victory on a galley sailing with a shield. This was a great way for Constantine the Great to pay homage to both Rome and Constantinople.
Constantine I ‘The Great’ – Roman Emperor: 307-337 A.D. – Founding of New Roman Capital – CONSTANTINOPLE Commemorative –
Bronze AE3 17mm (2.05 grams) Struck at the mint of Treveri 332-333 A.D.
Reference: RIC 530 (VII, Trier)
CONSTANTINOPOLIS – Constantinopolis helmeted, laureate bust left, holding scepter over shoulder.
No legend Exe: TR.S – Victory standing left, stepping on galley prow, cradling
scepter and resting hand on shield.
* Numismatic Note: Commemorates founding of Constantinople as new Roman capital by Constantine I the Great.
Marcus Junius Brutus (also known as Q. Caepio Brutus) was convinced by Decimus Brutus to join him in the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March (March 15th, 44B.C.). All in all Julius Caesar suffered over 50 wounds before falling dead beneath the statue of Pompey the Great (ironic as that was his rival). Mark Antony was held up outside the senate house while this happened, so he could not come to his aid. After the death of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony gave a famous funeral speech in honor of Julius Caesar in which he read the deceased man’s will, in which he left vast sums of money along with lands to the people of Rome. The sentiment quickly turned against the assassins, even though they were first consider heroes riding the Republic of a “tyrant” and Marcus Junius Brutus, Cassius and many others were forced to flee the city of Rome quickly. This left the city of Rome under the control of Mark Antony and Octavian, later known as Augustus, who was adopted as the son of Caesar in his will. This meant that Augustus was able to use the fame of Julius Caesar to his advantage, and stamp CAESAR on his coins, which allowed him to gain support. The forces of Mark Antony and Octavian Augustus defeated the forces of Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi in ancient Macedonia, in 42 B.C.
Depicted in this article are the coins of some of the most famous assassins, one of them being Deciumus Brutus, lesser known to history, but had played an important role in convincing Marcus Junius Brutus to join his cause. Decimus Brutus received great honor serving under Caesar in his Gallic campaigns (Gaul being modern France area). He also is the one who convinced Julius Caesar not to heed the warnings of his wife, and walked him into the senate house, evading Mark Antony from joining them (who could have came to help Caesar and could have foiled the attempt). Julius Caesar was also warned by a trusted friend by the name of Lepidus the night before of the plot.
Next a coin is shown which is the famous portrait coin of Julius Caesar that was struck fore about a month which featured the portrait of Julius Caesar himself, struck February-March 44 B.C. This being a lifetime portrait issue is one of the important key coins to get in the Julius Caesar coins. His portrait was used on many coins after his death, including by Augustus and Mark Antony. This coin broke the conventions of portraying a living individual on coinage, which strong Republican sentiment was against, having taken away the power of the last king hundreds of years earlier. What is interesting to note is that Brutus winds up minting his own coin with his own portrait, which is another key coin, shown in the video, which can be taken as somewhat hypocritical.
The explanation goes on further to distinguish the coins of Marcus Junius Brutus from the time period of him being the moneyer of the mint of Rome which happened in 54 B.C. In this series, his strong republican values are demonstrated, pointing to his ancestors who were responsible for bringing Rome from the rule of kings to the Republican form of government. His later issues are ones issued by him with his traveling military mint he used his troops. These coins are also interesting, rare and desired by collectors. The most famous coin being the Ides of March denarius, which features the portrait of Brutus on the front naming him Imperator, and the reverse showing the cap of liberty with two daggers on either side, and an inscription below commemorating “IDE MAR” or the Ides of March and the assassination. This was an allusion the the “great deed” that Brutus and the assassins had done for the saving of the Republic.
However after Brutus and Cassius were defeated, Augustus wound up becoming the first Roman emperor, turning Rome from a Roman Republican form form of government to a dictatorship with the ceremonial vestiges of the Senate being present, and the true power residing in the emperor.
A list of all the ancient Greek cities in Sicily which minted coins with examples of them.
The ancient Greek Island of Sicily has a variety of history and amazing coins to explore. Some of the cities had some of the rarest coins possible. The best standard reference work on the subject of these coins is Handbook of Coins of Sicily by Oliver D. Hoover. I cite coins from this book quite often, as HGC 2, (and the coin number). It is full of history and a variety of types not usually seen anywhere. I highly recommend it.
Over the years I have had a collection of thousands of ancient Greek and Roman coins that is over 13,000 items now. This inventory includes some very rare coins from many cities of Sicily.
Some common problems with rare ancient coins in general are:
People don’t know exactly what to search for.
There are limited amounts of ancient coins available.
There is not a lot of information that can help a beginner collect this series.
There is usually not one source that has many of the rare types available.
This article is to provide people with solutions to this issue. My name is Ilya Zlobin, and I am an expert, enthusiast, author and dealer in ancient Greek Roman Byzantine and even world coins and medals. The reason for this article is that I believe an educated customer is the best customer, as only someone that knows about a specific subject can appreciate the value and beauty of it. I have many articles and videos on many subjects, teaching about different ancient coins. It took me years of experience to have the inventory I have available for you to explore. When you deal with me, you are leveraging my vast experience of working with over 53,000 items over the years.
This article is full of links to the specific coins and cities and the coins shown here are ones available in my eBay store at the time of the writing of this article. You can use the links to search my store for the specific items, of which I have many. Some links may or may not yield results, but may in the future. So in other words you can use this list in order to put together a collection, or check back at later dates for certain cities. You city names are quite hard sometimes to spell so it is another way it is really helpful.
A List of the Cities that Issued Coins in Ancient Sicily
This list of ancient Sicilian cities is comprehensive, including some of the super rare mints which are usually not seen. If you decide to put together a collection, you can click on each of the cities below of your interest and search my eBay store with over 14,000 items for those specific coins. You can also use the list below for your own searches.
AITNA in SICILY after 210BC Ancient Greek City Coin Apollo Warrior i37922 Rare
Greek city of Aitna in Sicily
Bronze 18mm (3.38 grams) after 210 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1018 var. (three dot in field to left and head left); Calciati III, S. 148, Em. 8
Radiate bust of Apollo right, wearing chlamys.
AITNAIΩN, Warrior standing facing, head right, holding spear and shield; three pellets in field to left.
The Syracusan colonists expelled from Katane in 461 B.C. founded a new settlement about ten miles to the north-west, ad to this place they transferred the name of Aitna which they had previously bestowed upon Katane.
AKRAGAS in SICILY 420BC Hemidrachm Crab Hare Eagle Ketos Fish Silver Coin i40761
Greek city of Akragas in Sicily
Silver Hemidrachm 15mm (1.84 grams) Struck circa 420-406 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 105; SNG ANS 1010–3
Eagle standing right on hare; barley grain to left.
Crab; below, ketos left with fish in its mouth.
SICILY city AKRAI 210BC Underworld queen Demeter Cult Ancient Greek Coin i28403
Greek city of Akrai in Sicily
Bronze 22mm (9.01 grams) After 210 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1014; Calciati III pg. 37, 1; SNG ANS 902ff
Wreathed head of Persephone right.
AKPAIΩN, Demeter standing left, holding torch and sceptre.
ALONTION in SICILY 400BC Hercules Club Quiver Ancient Greek Coin i41711
Greek city of Alontion in Sicily
Bronze 15mm (2.63 grams) Struck circa 400 B.C.
Reference: CNS 6; SNG ANS 1193
Bearded head of Hercules right.
ΑΛΟΝΤΙNON, Club and quiver.
Athl / Atl / AΘA Mint in SICILY Rare 340BC Athena Rare Ancient Greek Coin i47252
Greek city or town Athl / Atl / AΘA Mint in Northwestern Sicily
Bronze 30mm (26.95 grams) Struck circa 340-330 B.C.
Reference HGC 2, 232; CNS III, p. 287, no. 1
AΘA, Head of Athena in Attic helmet right.
Female figure enthroned right, holding palm branch or scepter and grounded bow; all within incuse circle.* Numismatic Note: This mint’s name has been previously misread as AΘΛ (Athl), in light of modern numismatic scholarship, AΘA is actually a Doric abbreviation for Athena. So therefore, the name of this mint is unknown. What is known is that the larger bronzes were re-struck on Syracusan issues from the period of 375-345 B.C.
Greek city of Eryx in Sicily
Bronze 11mm (1.56 grams) Struck circa 400-330 B.C.
Reference: Calciati I pg. 288, 28 var.; Gabrici pg. 131, 46-48
Female head right.
Crab.
Gela in Sicily 339BC Rare Ancient Greek Coin Demeter River god Gelas i41739
Greek city of Gela in Sicily
Bronze 15mm (2.90 grams) Struck circa 339-310 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1099; Jenkins 549; B.M.C. 2.77-8
ΓΕΛΩΙΩΝ, Head of Demeter three-quarter face to right, wreathed with corn.
Bearded head of river-god Gelas left, horned, and wreathed with horn.
HIMERA Greek city in SICILY 420BC Hemilitron Large Ancient Coin Gorgon i37118
Greek city of Himera in Sicily
Bronze Hemilitron 24mm (15.98 grams) Struck circa 450-420 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1105; B.M.C. 2.,p.39,27-30
Gorgon’s head facing.
Six pellets.* Numismatic Note: Fantastic coin in the most fantastic condition you can find, especially such a rarity!
Greek City of Hybla Megala in Sicily
Bronze 19mm (7.30 grams) After 210 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1115; Calciati III pg. 41, 1; SNG ANS 195ff
Veiled head of Hyblaia right, wearing modius; behind, bee.
ΥΒΛΑΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΑΣ, Dionysus standing left, holding kantharos and scepter, panther leaping up at feet.
Iaitia in Sicily 241BC Zeus Hercules Authentic Ancient Greek Coin RARE i38057
Greek City of Iaitia in Sicily
Bronze 17mm (2.26 grams) After 241 B.C.
Reference: BMC – . SNG Cop. 333 var. SNG ANS – . SNG München – . Calciati I, S. 384, 6
Laureate head of Zeus left.
IAITOY, Hercules
Alaisa “Kainon” in Sicily 360BC Rare Ancient Greek Coin Griffin Horse i43976
Greek city of Alaisa ” Kainon” in Sicily
Bronze 23mm (8.72 grams) Struck 360-340 B.C.
Reference: Calciati I pg. 252, 10; SNG ANS 1175ff
Griffin running left; grasshopper below.
Horse prancing left, reins loose; star above, KAINON in exergue.
Kamarina in Sicily 413BC Authentic Ancient Greek Coin OWL Athena i46586
Greek city of Kamarina in Sicily
Bronze Trias 15mm (3.36 grams) Struck 413-405 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1063; B.M.C. 2.40
Head of Athena left, in crested helmet ornamented with wing.
KAMA – Owl standing left, head facing, holding lizard in right claw; in exergue, three pellets.
Katane in Sicily 413BC Ancient Greek Coin River god Winged thunderbolt i37312
Greek city of Katane in Sicily
Bronze 12mm (1.93 grams) Struck 413-404 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1067; Gabrici (La monetazione del bronzo nella Sicilia antica), pl. 2,7
AMENANOΣ, Horned head of young river-god Amenanos left.
Winged thunderbolt dividing small K – A.
Kentoripai (Centuripae) in Sicily 211BC Ancient Greek Coin Demeter Plough i41811
Greek city of Kentoripai (Centuripae) in Sicily
Bronze Hexas 17mm (3.95 grams) Struck 211-200 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1084; B.M.C. 2.15; SNG Lloyd 928; Calciati 7; Campana 5
Bust of Demeter right, wreathed with corn; behind, tripod.
KENTOPIПINΩN, Plough right, bird right on the share; two pellets in field to left.
Kephaloidion in Sicily 344BC Ancient Greek Coin Pegasus winged horse i36972
Greek city of Kephaloidion in Sicily
Bronze 13mm (2.26 grams) Struck 344-336 B.C.
Reference: Calciati pg. 371, 3; SNG ANS -.
Head of Hercules right, wearing lion’s skin headdress.
Pegasus flying right.
LEONTINOI in SICILY 475BC Lion Corn grain Ancient Silver Greek Coin i18500
Greek city of Leontinoi in Sicily
Silver Obol 12mm (0.49 grams) Struck 475-466 B.C.
Reference: Sear 828; B.M.C. 2.19
Lion’s head facing.
ΛEON – Corn-grain.
MENAINON in SICILY 2ndCenBC Hercules Club QUADRANS Ancient Greek Coin i46600
Greek city of Menainon in Sicily
Bronze Quadrans 17mm (2.64 grams) Struck late 2nd Century B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 763; CNS III, pp. 188-189, nos. 12-12/6
Bearded head of Hercules right.
MENAINΩN, club; mark of value, three pellets below.
MESSANA in SICILY 480BC Tetradrachm Rare Silver Greek Coin Hare Chariot i40765
Greek city of Messana in Sicily
Silver Tetradrachm 26mm (17.38 grams) Struck circa 480-461 B.C.
Reference: SNG München 363 var.; Caccamo Caltabiani 218, 97 var.; Randazzo 59, 162 var.
Charioteer driving biga of mules right; leaf in exergue.
ΜΕSSΕ-N-ΙΟ-N, Hare springing right.
Messana in Sicily under Mamertini 220BC Greek Coin Ares Cult Dioskouros i46604
Greek city of Messana in Sicily
under the name of Mamertini “Sons of Mars”
Bronze Pentonkion 27mm (10.14 grams) Struck circa 220-200
Reference: Sear 1143; B.M.C. 2. 32
Laureate head of Ares left.
MAMEPTINΩN – Horseman (Dioskouros) standing left, holding spear and touching the head
of his horse standing left behind him; Π in field to left.
Greek city of Naxos in Sicily
Silver Hexonkion – Hemilitron 8mm (0.18 grams) Struck circa 461-430 B.C.
Reference: Cahn 97 var. (V64/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Campana 12; Rizzo –; SNG ANS (Part 5) 1360 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd –; SNG München –; Weber 618Head of Dionysus right, wearing ivy wreath.
Kantharos; six pellets around (mark of value).
Very rare.
PANORMOS in SICILY 3rdCenBC Athena Persephone R1 Ancient Greek Coin i43658
Greek city of Panormos in Sicily
Bronze 23mm (9.99 grams) Struck late third-early second centuries B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1065 (R1); CNS I, pp. 331-332, nos. 12-12/6
ΠΑΝΟΡ/ΜΙΤΑΝ, Head of Athena in Corinthian helmet right.
Head of Persephone left, werated with grain.
PETRA in SICILY 340BC Zeus Aphrodite RARE Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i47250
Greek city of Petra in Sicily
Bronze 32mm (34.09 grams) struck circa 340-330 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1097 (R2); CNS III, p.317, no. 1
ΠΕΤΡΙΝΩΝ, Head of bearded Zeus right.
Aphrodite enthroned right, holding dove.Not much is known about the settlement, although it could be believed it was fortified as it’s name translates to “the Rock”. Numismatic evidence locates the city to have been located in the area of northwestern Sicily, and that it was founded before circa 350 B.C. The city gave itself over to Roman control in 254 B.C. during the First Punic War. The community survived until the second century A.D.
SEGESTA in SICILY 410BC Hound Dog Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i43985
Greek city of Segesta in Sicily
Bronze Triantes 19mm (7.95 grams) Struck 410-400 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1181
Head of Aigiste right, wearing sphendone.
Hound standing right, four round punched value marks around.
Solus in Sicily 2ndCenBC Dolphin Tuna Fish Authentic Ancient Greek Coin i43653
Greek city of Solus in Sicily
Bronze 12mm (2.17 grams) Struck late second-early first centuries B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1269 (R3); CNS I, p. 312, no. 17
COΛΟΝ/ΤΙΝWΝ, dolphin leaping right.
Tuna swimming right.
Syracuse in Sicily 344BC Timoleon Ancient Greek Coin Athena Dolphins i46625
Greek city of Syracuse in Sicily
Time of Timoleon
Bronze Litra 30mm (31.71 grams) Struck 344-336 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1189; B.M.C. 2. 287
ΣΥΡΑ, Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet bound with olive-wreath.
Starfish between two dolphins.
Greek city of Syracuse in Sicily Agathokles ( Agathocles)- Tyrant of Syracuse 317-289, King of Sicily 304-289 B.C.
Bronze 23mm (9.04 grams) Struck circa 317-310 B.C.
Reference: HGC 2, 1444
ΣYPAKOΣIΩN, Head of Persephone left, wreathed with grain; symbol behind.
Bull charging left; dolphin above and below; NK monogram above.
Syracuse Sicily 270BC King Hieron II Ancient Greek Coin Poseidon Trident i39151
Greek city of Syracuse in Sicily
Bronze 20mm (7.13 grams) under king Hieron II, 270-215 B.C.
Reference: Sear 1223; B.M.C. 2. 603
Head of Poseidon left, wearing tainia.
Ornamented trident-head, between two dolphins, dividing IEPΩ – NOΣ.