Roman Silver Coins

Carcalla was born Lucius Septimius Bassianus in A.D. 188. When his father, Septimius Severus, became emperor that changed to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus for a link to the fondly remembered Antonine Dynasty. He was later made joint emperor but within a year of Septimius Severus’ death in A.D. 211, Caracalla ensured he had no rivals by killing his brother, Geta, and Geta’s 20,000 supporters. He was a soldier, so left his mother, Julia Domna, to run the empire while he campaigned, gaining the name Carcalla from a Gallic cloak & hood he adopted while on the Rhine. He was also cruel & unstable, massacring thousands in Alexandria (Egypt) over a satirical play. He was eventually killed by a disaffected soldier he had refused promotion, leaving the empire in financial ruin from his campaigns and increases to soldiers pay. Caracalla’s coins have his most enduring legacy on them, his portrait, one of the most impressive on all Roman coins. It breaks from previous philosopher-emperors; his curly hair close-cropped like a soldier and his life-like bust becoming more imposing as he ages. We have a small group of his silver Denarii in Good Very Fine showing his adult bust on the obverse with multiple reverse types. We think Roman coins are miniature pieces of art, this is a great example!

Born in 218 AD, Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus grappled with the challenges of the Crisis of the Third Century during his reign as Roman Emperor. He faced invasions by barbarian tribes, numerous usurpers, and the loss of various provinces from the Empire. Responding to the crisis, Gallienus adopted a strategy of co-emperorship, appointing several co-rulers to help manage diff erent regions of the vast empire. However, this move, aimed at restoring stability, challenged his authority and contributed to the tragic death of his sons. Despite his efforts, Gallienus’s reign was marked by ongoing turmoil, and his life came to an abrupt end in 268 A.D. when he was assassinated during a coup. Nonetheless, historians acknowledge Gallienus for extending the empire’s existence by another 208 years. The Antoninianus coins we are offering, featuring exquisite silvering and either a standing or sitting figure on reverse, providing a glimpse into the earlier years of his reign when the silver content was more significant as towards the end of his reign they had reduced to around 6% silver, making these examples particularly scarce, they come in Very Fine grade.

Nero’s tetradrachms minted during his reign (54-68 AD), were primarily produced in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, such as Alexandria. These coins typically feature a portrait of Nero on the obverse, showcasing his distinctive profile with laurel wreath. The reverse often depicts various deities, animals, or symbols significant to local cultures, reflecting Rome’s diverse empire. Nero’s tetradrachms are notable for their fine artistry and historical significance, offering insights into the economic and political climate of his rule. They also illustrate Nero’s efforts to integrate imperial imagery with regional traditions, promoting his authority across the vast empire. These tetradrachms were rather crudely struck in billon silver, they also circulated heavily so they do come very worn but the portrait is unmistakably that of Nero.

Postumus was the governor of Germany in A.D. 260 when the emperor Valerian was captured in the East. With the Roman world in crisis the rebel Postumus was left in control of Britain, Gaul, Spain and parts of Germany, forming what was called the ‘Gallic Empire’. Like many emperors at the time Postumus was murdered by his own troops in A.D. 269. At the start of his reign Postumus minted coins that were about 20% silver, at least twice as much silver than the coins being made by Gallienus’ central government in Rome. Later in his reign as he ran out of resources he lowered the silver content to about 5%, the same as the rest of the empire. This is the 20% grade Very Fine meaning an ancient person has used it.

Postumus was the governor of Germany in A.D. 260 when the emperor Valerian was captured in the East. With the Roman world in crisis the rebel Postumus was left in control of Britain, Gaul, Spain and parts of Germany, forming what was called the ‘Gallic Empire’. Like many emperors at the time Postumus was murdered by his own troops in A.D. 269. At the start of his reign Postumus minted coins that were about 20% silver, at least twice as much silver than the coins being made by Gallienus’ central government in Rome. Later in his reign as he ran out of resources he lowered the silver content to about 5%, the same as the rest of the empire. This is the 5% silver grade Extremely Fine meaning they’ve had very limited use since they were struck.

Salonina, wife of Gallienus, lived during the intense Third Century Crisis of the Roman Empire. Despite the challenges of the era, she exerted a stabilising influence on her husband’s reign. Known for her intelligence and political acumen, Salonina actively supported Gallienus in his efforts to defend the empire against external threats, including invasions by Germanic tribes and usurpers within the Roman ranks. Her presence at court provided a sense of legitimacy and continuity during a time of upheaval. Although historical accounts of her life are scarce, Salonina is remembered as a steadfast consort who stood by Gallienus during his turbulent reign. We are offering a group of Antoninianus with beautiful silver patina coming in “Good Very Fine” grade. The obverse shows the bust of Salonina and the reverse has either a standing or seated deity