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XP562 - AUGUSTUS (27 BC-AD 14), AE As - Ephesus, VF/VF, $135

Obverse: CAESAR to the left, right facing bust of Augustus

Reverse: AVGVSTVS inside wreath composed of laurel leaves.

Reference: RIC I #486.

Comments: An outstanding portrait on this coin attributed to the mint at Ephesus circa 25 BC.

XP251 - AUGUSTUS (27 BC-AD 14), AE Dupondius - Pergamum, Asia Minor, F/VF, $155

Obverse: AVGV(ST)VS faintly to the left, right facing bust of Augustus

Reverse: C A (Commune Asiae) in circle of dots, inside wreath composed of laurel leaves and ship's prows. (Described as laurel wreath interwoven with rostra in BMC)

Reference: RIC I #502 (Scarce), BMC I #721.

Comments: Nice portrait, great reverse of this scarce type. This C A in wreath type is thought to be attributable to the mint at Pergamum as a representation of honorific wreaths to Augustus by the C(ommune) A(siae). A similar, lower grade coin sold at CNG Sale #43 (Lot #1052) for $240. The detail in the reverse alone makes this a very collectible early Roman piece.

XP253 - NERO (AD 54-68), AR Denarius - Rome, F+/VG+, $165

Obverse: NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, right facing, laureate head of Nero

Reverse: Salus, draped, seated left on ornamented throne, holding patera in right hand, resting left hand on side. SALVS in exergue.

Reference: Sear M#1945, Sear #675v, RIC I - Rome #60 (Rare), BMC I #90

Comments: Classic "hefty" portrait of Nero with clear emperor's name in obverse inscription. Undated but attributed to AD 64-65. The use of the SALUS reverse type has been thought to indicate the successful avoidance of an assasination threat against Nero. Some surface scratches on obverse. A great value priced coin for this tough emperor.

XP401 - OTHO (AD 69), AR Denarius - Rome, F+/F, $360

Obverse: IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, right facing, bare-head of Otho

Reverse: (SECVRI)-TAS PR, Securitas standing left, holding wreath and scepter.

Reference: Sear M#2162, Sear #744v, Van Meter #8.

Comments: A decent coin of this tough to acquire, short lived ruler. This coin has a very nice portrait but has some problem spots to a marginal attempt at cleaning some silver oxide deposits. Some bare metal scratches on the reverse.

XP516 - VITELLIUS (AD 69), AR Denarius - Rome, F/aF, $310

Obverse: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, right facing, bare-head of Vitellius

Reverse: XV VIR SACR FAC, Tripod-lebes with a dolphin above and a raven below.

Reference: Sear M#2201, Sear #754, RIC #109, Van Meter #21.

Comments: An interesting type from this tough to acquire emperor. The legend reads, XV viri sacris faciundis, which refers to his past appointment to the college of 15 chief priests. A great portrait for this price.

XP409 - VESPASIAN (AD 69-79), AR Denarius, 3.19 gr., aF/VG, $140

Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, right facing, laureate bust of Vespasian.

Reverse: IVDAEA, Captive figure of Judaea seated to right of trophy.

Reference: Sear M#2296, Sear #777, RIC 266, Van Meter #32.

Comments: A value price on this highly sought after type. Nice old toning on this desireable coin with nearly full legends. Own this key piece of historical significance.

XP334 - TITUS (AD79-81), AR Denarius - Rome, F+/F, $95

Obverse: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM, right facing, laureate head of Titus.

Reverse: TR P VIIII IMP (COS) VII PP, Quadriga filled with ears of grain, facing left .

Reference: Sear M#2506v, Van Meter #29/5.

Comments: An interesting reverse type. The quadriga is filled with grain, possibly as a supplication to the gods to remove the plague that affected Rome at about this time.

XP255 - TITUS (AD79-81), AR Denarius - Rome, F+/F+, $100

Obverse: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM (dot), right facing, laureate head of Titus.

Reverse: TR P I X IMP XV COS VIII PP, Tripod with fillets streaming out left and right, ravens on tripod left and right, in center above, dolphin over wreath.

Reference: Sear M#2518v, Sear #845-7v, RIC II - Rome #27a, BMC II Rome #82

Comments: A great story coin. This coin is one of the several in the series of "Supplicatio" coins showing the exhibition of the emblems of the Gods, on "pulvinaria" (sacred resting places for the Gods), in their temples. The dolphin and tripod are "exuviae" (attributes or emblems) representing the God Apollo. This issue one of several whose issue may have been prompted by the eruption of Vesuvius (AD 80) only a few months before. The issuing of a coin series such as this is typically offered for prayer and propitiation and has been customary from the early times in Rome when some disaster prompted men to seek peace with heaven. This series lists in Sear for 175 Pounds in VF.

XP256 - Domitian (AD 81-96), AR Denarius - Rome, VF/VF, $100

Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P XIII, right facing, laureate head of Domitian.

Reverse: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P , Minerva, helmeted, draped, advancing right, brandishing javelin in right hand, holding round shield in left

Reference: Sear M#2736v, Sear #897v, RIC II - Rome #175, BMC II #214

Comments: Nice portrait with full legends. Good reverse type of Minerva, Patroness/Goddess of Domitian in her fighting attitude as Goddess of War. Attributed to AD 93-94.