LOT 3004
Trajan AR Tridrachm of Bostra(?), Arabia. AD 98-117.
Struck AD 112-114. ΔΗΜΑΡΧΙΚHC ΕΞΟΥCΙΑC ΥΠΑΤΟC ς (Tribunitia Potestas Consul VI) issue. ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙС ΝЄΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟС СЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ ΔΑΚ, laureate and draped bust to right, seen from behind / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞ ΥΠΑΤO ς, aquila between two signa; that to the left surmounted by wreath, that to the right by hand. RPC III 4059 (Arabian mint); Metcalf, Tell Kalak 10; Sydenham, Caesarea 226. Very Fine.(9.54gr, 23mm, 7h.).
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Trajan AE Hemiassarion of Sepphoris (Diocaesaraea), Judaea. AD 98-117.
Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
[ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟΣ Α]ΥΤΟΚΡΑ-ΤΩΡ ΕΔΩΚΕΝ, laureate head to right / ΣΕΠΦΩ-ΡΗΝΩΝ, filleted caduceus. RPC III 3938; BMC 12-16; Rosenberger 5; Sofaer 3. 4.52gr, 17mm, 12h.
Near Very Fine.
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Philip II AE 22mm of Perge, Pamphylia. AD 247-249.
Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
• AV • K • M • IOV • CЄOV • ΦIΛIΠΠOC • ЄV, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, set on globe / ΠЄPΓAIΩN, chest holding three purses. RPC VIII Online Unassigned ID 21067; SMG BnF 512. 7.25gr, 22mm, 1h.
Near Very Fine.
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Augustus and Agrippa AE Dupondius of Nemausus, Gaul. 27 BC-AD 14.
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
Struck AD 10-14. Head of Agrippa to left, wearing rostral crown combined with laureate crown, back to back with laureate head of Augustus to right; IMP above, DIVI • F below, P P across fields / Chained crocodile to right, palm frond upwards in centre, wreath to left of palm tip with long ties trailing to right; COL NEM across fields; two palm fronds below. RIC I 160; RPC I 525. 13.28gr, 26mm, 11h.
Near Extremely Fine. Dark green patina with earthen highlights.
Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.
This artistically fascinating and typologically unique coin refers directly to the victory of Octavian (as was) and Agrippa at Actium over the forces of Cleopatra VII and Marc Antony, and to the settlement of veterans in Nemausus. The crocodile, collared around the neck and chained to a palm on the reverse of this coin is a clear reference to the subjugation of Egypt, thus obliquely referring also to Antony and Cleopatra; the wreath above with ties fluttering in the breeze is a reminder that the war was both just and necessary, with the victory having brought about the deliverance and salvation of the Roman people and the state. It is noteworthy also that the portraits of Agrippa and Augustus on the obverse are presented on the same level and back to back, at once recalling the ancient Janiform types once so prevalent on the Roman coinage, and also presenting princeps and general as inseparable and heroic partners - the one adorned with a wreath of laurel, the other with a rostral wreath in recognition for his naval victories.
