Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Commodus - LIBERTAS, denarius

Moneta — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 13:05:36 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Commodus (179 - 192 A.D.); M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT PP. Reverse: Libertas with a Pileus (Liberty cap) and Scepter; legend: LIB AVG PM TR P XV COS VI. Van Meter (VM) RIC# 34; C.282 S 282. VF+

Rome - Hadrian & Adventi Macedonia, As

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:07:34 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Porous and very rare, this Hadrian travel series commemorates a visit to Macedonia. OB: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. The reverse shows Hadrian (togate) being greeted by Macedonia [ADVENTI AVG MACEDONIAE], she wears a causia & short tunic, she holds a whip. They're sacrificing out of a Patera over an altar. If I'm not mistaken ther's a kneeling cow before the altar. Bronze As, a rare part of the travel series. These are so rare I have not been able to find a reference number and ACSearch does not have an example of the type that includes the cow. Any help would be appreciated!

Provincial Rome - Trajan, Lydia Germe

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:52:23 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: I don't have a good reference for provincial Roman coins and I'm unable to make out all the partially Greek lettering. On the reverse are two females hold up an amphora. I have a BMC# 19 but I don't have any idea if this is correct. ACSearch doesn't have an example either so any help on a positive ID and reference would be appreciated.

Rome - Antoninus Pius Dupondius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:40:36 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: OB: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II. Radiate bust right. Rx: wreath design with the legend TR POT XIX COS IIII. Rome mint 155 - 156 A.D. An orichalcum dupondius, the radiate bust signifies and a double As denomination just as a radiate antoninianus is a double denarius.

Rome - Lucius Verus with Armenia, Denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:29:00 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Lucius Verus (161 - 169 A.D.), co-ruler with Marcus Aurelius. Here, Armenia is seen on the reverse in a state of mourning at her defeat, bow, shield & vexillum around. L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS. Rx: TR P III IMP II COS II. This example has a significant edge chip but still shows the full legend. RIC III# 506, S 1437.

Rome - Marcus Aurelius and Winged Victory denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:18:52 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: A nice denarius of Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180 A.D.) M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM. Rx: Winged Victory advancing left, holds out a wreath. TR P XXXI IMP VIII COS III PP. RIC III# 378, VM# 81/8, S1320, C.942. Struck between 176 and 178 A.D.

Rome - Hadrian, Egypt reclining denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:07:23 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This commemorates the Hadrian visit to Egypt ca. 130 A.D. His best friend Aelius died there on that visit and some have speculated that this was the reason for the brutal response in Judea to their uprising and final defeat. OB: HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP. Rx: AEGYPTOS with figure of her reclining left while holding a Sistrum with and Ibis at her feet. VM# 8, C. 99, only F+ condition

Rome - Marcus Aurelius, VIC GER denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:48:24 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Here Victory is inscribing a shield, hung from a palm tree, with the letters VIC GER, for victory in Germania. OB: M ANTONINVS AVG TRP XXVI, the reverse inscription: IMP VI COS III. This refers to victories won in Germany in 171 A.D. VM/RIC# 19/1, C.271, RIC III# 257

Rome - Hadrian, GERMANIA denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:41:45 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Hadrian (117 - 138 A.D.) this denarius struck in 135 A.D. following victories there. OB: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. The reverse has proud depiction of Germania along-side a German style shield while holding a spear. RIC II.3# 1513, a scarce issue in great VF+ condition.

Rome - Hadrian denarius, ROMA holds Victory

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:35:13 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Hadrian (119 - 138 A.D.); IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG. Rx: PM TR P COS III; Roma seated, holds out victory and a spear. Varieties exist, RIC II.3# 544, RSC 1098, VM# 46/7.

Rome - Faustina Senior, VESTA denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:29:21 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Wife of Antoninus Pius and mother of Faustina Junior (the Younger) who was the wife of Marcus Aurelius. DIVA AVG FAVSTINA. Reverse: AVG VESTA, she's seated left holding out a Patera and clutching a Scepter. RIC # 16, C. 285, VM# 16 (except DIVA type).

Rome - Faustina Senior, Aeternitas denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:19:22 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: She was the wife of Antoninus Pius and the mother of Faustina Junior, who became wife of Marcus Aurelius. OB: DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, struck after her death. AETERNITAS standing left on the reverse, she holds out an apple in one hand and clutches a scepter in the other arm. RIC III# 350Aa. 141 A.D. is the strike date.

Rome - Hadrian w/ NILE god reclining, denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:05:35 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP (117 - 138 A.D.). Rx: NILVS reclines, holds reed and cornucopia, a hippo and crocodile at his feet. Part of the Hadrian travel series and a very popular type. RIC II.3# 1547, C.991, RIC 310, BMC 862, S 992. VF+.

Rome - Marcus Aurelius, German Captive denarius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:51:54 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII. Rx: IMP VI COS III. German captive seated left in front of large victory trophy. Struck 172 - 173 A.D., RIC III# 277

Rome - Trajan sestertius with Danube Bridge

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:46:01 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Trajan (98 - 117 AD); OB: IMP CAES NERVAE TRIANO AVG GER DAC (PM COS V PP). The coin is very well worn, it's popular and scarce because the Danube bridge was a major engineering accomplishment and allowed for Rome to expand the empire. Rx: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI & SC. There's much more to be said about this bridge, parts of which still stand. It allowed the permanent settlement of Dacia, which itself is responsible for a whole series of coins commemorating that victory, not the least of which is the Trajan's Column coin, itself a very popular piece among collectors. Nice examples are Rare and trend at $2k - $5k. It has "Tiber toning", weighs 26.41 g. at 33.8 mm. RIC II # 569. Struck in 105 AD.

Rome - Antoninus Pius Moneta Sestertius

Moneta — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:29:26 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Antoninus Pius (138 - 161 A.D.), this coin, honoring Moneta on the reverse was issued between 140 - 144 AD. OB: legend ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P COS III; Rx: personification of the mint "MONETA AVG", she hold her iconic double pan balance scale and cornucopia. It's very much better in hand than this photo shows.

Trajan - Dacian Victory Trophy dupondius

Moneta — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:07:25 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Trajan (Emperor: 98 - 117 A.D.), dupondius coin issued to celebrate victory over the Dacians, 103 - 111 AD, probably 104. Trophy shows both round and hex type shields, 2 shields also stand at the base of the knobby tree. Other types of these show a palm type tree, wrong for Europe. Obverse legend: IMP CAES NERVAE TRIANO AVG GER DAC P M TRP COS V PP; Rx: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI (and he was, too). Rough VF/F with some delamination. 27 mm; BMC 192, 906; C. 573; RIC 285, 586. It actually looks much better in hand, but not as good as the photo the seller used to pawn it off on me.

Trajan - Danube River Denarius

Moneta — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 21:46:47 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: TRAJAN. 98-117 AD. AR Denarius (17.3 mm, 3.26 gm). Struck 106-111 AD. Laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder / The Danube River reclining left on rocks, hand on prow of ship, reeds over arm. This coin series celebrates the successful crossing of the Danube River with the legions for the 2nd Dacian War. RIC II 100; RSC 136: S882. Toned XF. IMP TRIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRD

Rome - Lucius Verus w/Victory Parthia dupondius

Moneta — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 19:00:43 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: LUCIUS VERUS, (161 - 169 AD) Dupondius: OB: L VERVS AVG [ARM PARTH] MAX; Portrait with near EF detail. Rx: TR POT VI IMP IIII COS II, (~ 166 AD); Victory holding shield and palm frond, inscription VIC PAR on shield supported by palm; VF+ with some roughness, Very scarce type in dupondius. Sear '74 #1455; RIC 1458; BMC 1315; Sear 5403. Lucius Verus was adopted by Antoninus Pius at the same time as Marcus Aurelius but was not raised to Caesar status at that time. He was made co-emperor upon the accession of Marcus Aurelius (the philosopher emperor) and married his daughter Lucilla. He was quite successful in his wars with Parthia & Armenia, thus this victory issue. However, he was prone to a life of luxury and sometimes did not enter the field with his legions.

Rome - Trajan & Victory writing Dacia on Shield

Moneta — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 17:30:49 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Marcus Ulpius Trajanus (98 - 117 AD). Upon his becoming Emperor, Trajan decided it was time to expand the Empire. This was usually done to expand trade and provide territory upon which retired soldiers could make a living according to the military service contract. The battle for Dacia involved the building of the famous 20+ arched bridge across the Danube River, which was a engineering marvel. Conquest of Dacia, along with territories in the east led to four new provinces and the greatest extent that the Roman Empire ever reached. A whole series of reverse themes can be assembled by collectors commemorating Trajan's extensive conquests and infrastructure expansions. He was a great emperor at the apex of the Roman Empire. Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS VI PP (112 > AD); Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Winged Victory writing DACICA on Shield place upon a palm tree stump. This coin is encased by NGC Ancients as an XF. This type is not listed in Sear (1974) or in Van Meter. A search of acsearch.info shows only 8 examples with general reverse type (RIC 130), all have standard obverse and reverse legends, only one has the SPQR beginning legend. Therefore, I have to conclude that this is a RARE and unlisted type (?). PLEASE, if you have a reference for this specific type, please contact me or write in the Comments below.

Rome - Trajan's Column Denarius aEF

Moneta — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 20:36:47 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Trajan AR Denarius; Rome Mint Circa 113-114 AD Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P Laureate head of Trajan right with drapery on shoulder. Reverse: Trajan's Column: column surmounted by statue of Trajan standing left, holding patera and scepter, and set on podium decorated with eagles References: RIC II 292, RSC 558 Size: 19mm, 3.32g Professional Numismatic Notes: Near EF and well-struck! A historical landmark type celebrating the victories over the Dacians! Beautiful old-collection tone! Marcus Ulpius Trajanus (98 - 117 AD). Upon his becoming Emperor, Trajan decided it was time to expand the Empire. This was usually done to expand trade and provide territory upon which retired soldiers could make a living according to the military service contract. The battle for Dacia involved the building of the famous 20+ arched bridge across the Danube River, which was a engineering marvel. Conquest of Dacia, along with territories in the east led to four new provinces and the greatest extent that the Roman Empire ever reached. A whole series of reverse themes can be assembled by collectors commemorating Trajan's extensive conquests and infrastructure expansions. He was a great emperor at the apex of the Roman Empire.

Rome - Marcus Aurelius - Victory over Germania

Moneta — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 16:26:59 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: AE Sestertius of Marcus Aurelius, 170 - 171 A.D. OB: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXV; Rx: IMP VI COS III, Victory standing right fixing a shield to a palm tree - the shield inscribed VIC GER for victory over Germania. Marcus Aurelius spent a major portion of his time battling various Germanic tribes attempting to cross the Rhine and the Limes to cross into Gaul. I believe in this case it was a large gathering of the Marcomanni tribe of Celts. RIC III 1001.

Rome - Provincial M. Aurelius, Caesar

Moneta — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 15:10:29 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: A young Marcus Aurelius provincial AE issue. I always thought he was the most fascinating emperor, particularly after reading his "Meditations" book twice. It was an explanation of his Stoic philosophy. Koinon mint Macedonia.

Rome - Hadrian, quinarius?

Moneta — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 14:45:29 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: I've actually never seen a quinarius, if that is what this is. It appears to be Hadrian, made of good silver but the reverse is very nearly worn blank (I believe I see vestiges of a winged Victory, rotate the Rx. 45 deg. CW in photo, I need to modify the photo). Anyway it's a small silver coin that may be a quinarius or a provincial issue. As a Victory quinarius the description is: Hadrian AR Quinarius. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / P M TR P COS III, Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm. RSC 103; BMC 222; RIC 103. 1.66g, 20mm OR as Trajan, 98 – 117 Quinarius circa 107-111, AR 1.60 g. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P Laureate bust r., with drapery on l. shoulder. Rev. COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC Victory advancing r., holding wreath and palm branch. C 79. BMC 326. RIC 133. CBN 279. Woytek 372bC. King 4.

Rome - Trajan and Mars

Moneta — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 14:33:15 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 114-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Mars advancing right carrying spear and trophy. RIC 337; RSC 270; BMC 536.

Rome - Trajan and Victory

Moneta — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 21:40:04 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory standing left, draped, holding wreath and palm. RIC 128; RSC 75; BMC 355, Van Meter 32/17.

Antonius Pius - MONETA Sestertius

Moneta — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 22:10:52 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Antonius Pius - (138 - 161 A.D.) Sestertius of Rome (140- 144AD). OB: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III; laureate head right. Rx: MONETA AVG, figure of Moneta standing left holding balance scales and cornucopia, SC. RIC 610, not listed in Seaby, Van Meter or Vagi. VF w/ dark green patina.

Trajan - Pax sestertius

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:05:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Marcus Ulpias Traianus, born A.D. 53 (A.D. 98-117). Trajan was named afer his father, a famous Spanish-born general and statesman. He served in the German wars under Domitian and expanded the empire during his reign of nearly 20 years. OB: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM PM; laureate head right. RX: TR POT COS III PP; Pax seated left, holding branch and scepter. VM59, BMC 731, 24.6 gm, 34.5 mm

Trajan - Flying Victory As

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 16:55:01 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Marcus Ulpias Traianus, born A.D. 53 (A.D. 98-117). Trajan was named afer his father, a famous Spanish-born general and statesman. He served in the German wars under Domitian and expanded the empire during his reign of nearly 20 years. OB: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM PM; laureate head right; RX: TR POT COS III PP SC (A.D. 100); Victory walking left, holding shield inscribed SP/QR. This type was the basic 'civic issue' for the early portion of Trajan's reign. S922/1022, RIC417, C628, BMC 740, VM71/73 type. 10.3 gm, 26.5 mm

Nerva, Clasped Hands As

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:37:54 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Marcus Cocceius Nerva, born Nov 8 A.D. 30. Nerva distinguished himself as a lawyer and was consul twice before ascending the throne. While he reigned only one year four months before his death by natural causes he did much to improve the empire. Because he was not popular with the army, he adopted Trajan, who was. Trajan succeeded to the empire upon the death of Nerva on Jan 25th, A.D. 98. OB: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II PP; laureate head of Nerva, r. RX: CONCORDIA EXERCITVVM S.C.; clasped hands (theme was to appear many time throughout history, i.e see Sierra Leone). S865/965; RIC 53, BMC95, VM32. 27mm, 11.6 gm.

M. Aurelius - Germania Ses.

Moneta — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 02:29:57 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Marcus Annius Verus was born in Rome in A.D. 121. Stoic philosopher and author of the book "Meditations." He was an excellent ruler in troubled times, marked by numerous frontier wars and rampant disease. Adopted son of Antoninus Pius, he became Caesar in A.D. 139 and Augustus from A.D. 161- 180. His wife, Faustina Junior was also featured on many coins. This coin celebrates victory over the German tribes as M.Aurelius had spent considerable time fighting them from his base of operations in Carnuntum (30 mi. down the Danube from Vienna). OB: almost completely illegible with delamination; M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, bust facing r. with laurel wreath. RX: VICT(ORIA) GERMA(NICA) IMP VI COS III; in laural wreath. Unlisted in most references but RIC 1091 type. C996 (A.D. 172 - 173). AE 22.5 gm, 30 mm

Marcus Aurelius As

Moneta — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 20:39:41 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Marcus Annius Verus was born in Rome in A.D. 121. Stoic philosopher and author of the book "Meditations." He was an excellent ruler in troubled times, marked by numerous frontier wars and rampant disease. Adopted son of Antoninus Pius, he became Caesar in A.D. 139 and Augustus from A.D. 161- 180. His wife, Faustina Junior was also featured on many coins. This coin M. Aurelius as Caesar. OB: AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG (PII F); bare head r.; RX: TR POT XI COS II SC; figure, perhaps IVVENTIAS, sprinkling incense over a candelabrum. This does not appear in any books I have, (A.D. 157) is much too late for the A.D. 140 toga virilis celebration of adulthood. It's 26 mm at 12.8 gm.

Hadrian Galley as

Moneta — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 11:29:28 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Publius Aelius Hadrianus; b. Jan 24th, A.D. 76. Hadrian was one of the best emperors Rome ever had. He spent a lot of time visiting the far flung stretches of the Empire and improving defenses (i.e. 'Hadrians' Wall in England). He reigned almost 21 years and died of a lingering illness. Wonderful Galley reverse! OB: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS; bare head w/draped bust r.; RX: FELICITATI AVG COS III PP S.C.; Galley travels l. with full complement of oarsmen, standards & a flag (?); appears to be an orichalcum As at 27 mm and 11.8 gm.

Rome - Hadrian on Horseback, As

Moneta — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 11:12:25 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Publius Aelius Hadrianus; b. Jan 24th, A.D. 76. Hadrian was one of the best emperors Rome ever had. He spent a lot of time visiting the far flung stretches of the Empire and improving defenses (i.e. 'Hadrians' Wall in England). He reigned almost 21 years and died of a lingering illness. This example of a copper As shows Hadrian galloping on his horse holding a lowered spear. OB: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS; bare head w/draped bust r.; RX: COS III PP S.C.; as above. S1139; C494; RIC717; BMC1450; VM118. 12.3 gm, 27 mm

Faustina Junior Sestertius

Moneta — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 17:31:44 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Annia Galeria Faustina was the younger daughter of A. Pius and married Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 145. She was given the title of Augusta the next year upon the birth of her first child. She was the mother of the future emperor Commodus. OB: FAVSINAE AVGVSTA; draped bust right; RX: MATRI MAGNAE S.C.; Cybele seated r. on throne flanked by two lions, holding drum. Struck under M. Aurelius. This is one of the first large coins to pay tribute to the cult of Magna Mater. S1509 (illustraded); C169; RIC1663; BMC 932. 28.7 gm, 33mm Although Faustina the Younger was given various titles of honor such as Augusta and Mater Castorum (Mother of the Camp), she has also been recorded as a woman of shameful lust and murder. Cassius Dio records that Faustina, wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, ordered the deaths of several people by poisoning or execution and he claims that she had affairs with sailors, gladiators, and even soldiers (this give the title Mater Castorum a new meaning). She, also, was accused of inciting a revolution between her husband and Avidius Cassius.

Faustina Junior As

Moneta — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 17:12:38 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Annia Galeria Faustina was the younger daughter of A. Pius and married Marcus Aurelius in A.S. 145. She was given the title of Augusta the next year upon the birth of her first child. She was the mother of the future emperor Commodus. OB: FAVSINAE AVG.PII.AVG.FIL; draped bust right; RX: VENVS S.C.; Venus standing r holding apple. C257; S1490; RIC 1410c BMC 2169. 11.1 gm, 29.5 mm. Although Faustina the Younger was given various titles of honor such as Augusta and Mater Castorum (Mother of the Camp), she has also been recorded as a woman of shameful lust and murder. Cassius Dio records that Faustina, wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, ordered the deaths of several people by poisoning or execution and he claims that she had affairs with sailors, gladiators, and even soldiers (this give the title Mater Castorum a new meaning). She, also, was accused of inciting a revolution between her husband and Avidius Cassius.

Commodus Sestertius

Moneta — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 16:05:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: L. Aelius Aurelius Commodus as sole ruler (A.D. 180-192). Son of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Jr. he proved to be absent administrator, leaving those chores to others. In his final years he became quite insane and saw himself as the reincarnation of Hercules. He was known to have fought as a common gladiator. (Hollywood version: "Gladiator"). His megalomania caused him to be murdered on Dec. 31, 192 A.D. OB: M.COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG. Laureate head r. RX: FEL AVG TRP VI IMP IIII COS III P.P S.C.; Felicitas stanging l. holding caduceus and scepter (A.D.181). Sestertius as RIC 129 except with different OB legend. F+. 23 gm at 31mm.