Laureate bust right /Bull butting right, IMP X

The Twelve (12) Caesars

Lyon

RCV1610; 19mm, 3.70g

Born in 63BC as Octavian he was adopted as heir by his great uncle Julius Caesar. When Caesar was assassinated in 44BC he showed sufficient acumen to hold his own against his main rival, Mark Antony with whom he formed a political alliance which was known as the Second Triumvirate. Defeating the Republicans Brutus and Cassius at the battle of Philippi in 42BC. By astute manoeuvring Octavian succeeded in becoming the dominant partner and in 36BC he succeeded in removing his 2 great rivals Sextus Pompey and Lepidus. His final confrontation with Mark Antony, who by this time was allied to Cleopatra, took place at the Battle of Actium in 31BC.
Consolidating his power over the next few years Octavian guided the transition of the Republic back to a monarchy. Obtaining a lifetime grant of tribunician powers Octavian, who took the name Augustus, was proclaimed as emperor in 27BC. Under his enlightened administration the empire prospered and stability was restored to the finances and economy. The Augustan currency system was to last for nearly 300 years. Augustus is associated with a number of major building works which include the construction of temples as well as the provision of a new water supply into the City of Rome. Upon his death bed Augustus is alleged to have said that he found Rome built in brick but left it in marble.
Augustus, who lived for 77 years, became increasingly concerned on the succession especially when his great friend Agrippa died in 12BC followed by Agrippa’s sons Gaius and Lucius. This left Augustus little choice but to designate Tiberius who was married to his only child Julia. Tiberius was also the empress Livia’s son by an earlier marriage, as heir.

The post Augustus 27 BC – AD 14 Silver Denarius Lyon appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate bust Caligula / Bare head Germanicus

The Twelve (12) Caesars

Lyon

RCV1816; 19mm, 3.60g

View Video Here

Small scratch running across portrait, otherwise a very decent example stuck in good silver.

Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus was the great grandson of both Augustus and Mark Antony. The youngest son of Germanicus and Agrippina Senior he acquired the name Caligula from the tiny military boots or caligae that he wore as a young child during his father’s campaigns in Germany.
Caligula’s youth saved him from purges which claimed his mother and elder brothers. In AD 32 he moved in with his great uncle the Emperor Tiberius. When Tiberius died childless he was proclaimed emperor in AD 37. Initially he showed promise however after an illness and under the influence of his grandmother Antonia he became increasingly deranged. The excesses and debaucheries of his reign are well documented. Famously he made his horse a consul.
Eventually a plot was formed by the praetorian guard who had him murdered in AD 41.
In contrast to Caligula the coinage minted during his reign was conservative in character with many types honouring his relatives both living and deceased.

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Jupiter standing

The Twelve (12) Caesars

Rome

RCV2444; 19mm, 3.23g

The elder son of Vespasian Titus was a close friend of Britannicus with whom he was educated. Serving as a military tribune in Britain, where is was present during the campaign against Boudicea, and Germany. In AD 67 he accompanied his father to Judaea as commander of Legion XV. When Vespasian returned to Rome in AD 69 to bid for emperor Titus assumed supreme command in the Jewish war. In AD 70 he captured Jerusalem and ended the Jewish revolt.
Returning to Rome Titus enjoyed a magnificent triumph with his father who was now emperor. Taken into government and made co emperor by Vespasian he was accorded a significant share of the imperial coinage before succeeding as emperor upon the death of Vespasian in AD 79.
Although Titus only ruled for 2 years his reign is probably best known for the destruction of Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The country also suffered from plague and there was also a devastating fire in Rome which destroyed the imperial mint on Capitoline Hill. One of the highlights of his reign was the dedication of the Amphitheatrum Flavium better known as the Colosseum. This became one of Rome’s principal landmarks. Titus died aged only 42 in AD 81 and was succeeded by his younger brother Domitian.

The post Titus AD 79-81 Silver Denarius Rome appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate bust right/ Fortuna standing left

Rome

18mm, 3.30g

This coin comes with a previous printed collector’s label.

Nerva was born around AD 30 in the Umbrian hill town of Narnia. He became a distinguished lawyer as well as being a close friend to the emperor Nero. He was fortunate that this was not detrimental to his future career and he went on to hold 2 consulships under the Flavian emperors. Although he was implicated in the plot to assassinate Domitian he was immediately elevated to the throne.
Nerva made an inspired choice in appointing the most general of the day, Trajan, as his heir. Although Nerva only reigned for sixteen months he instigated a number of popular reforms and brought stability back to the administration. His coinage is of interest as some of his reforms are commemorated especially on the sestertius.
Nerva was considered to be the first of the five good emperors who ruled during the period when the empire was at the zenith of its power.

The post Nerva AD 96-98 Silver Denarius Rome appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Pegasus standing right

The Twelve Caesars

Rome

19mm, 3.15g

This coin comes with a previous printed collector’s label.

The younger son of Vespasian Domitian has gone down in history as a tyrant. He was lucky to have escaped when he was besieged on the Capitol during the final days of Vitellius.
Although he was created Caesar by his father Domitian remained in the background. This led to resentment and resulted in his highly autocratic behaviour when he became emperor. Although later vilified Domitian did show some aptitude as a military commander. Many temples were restored during Domitian’s reign. He also showed respect for religious rituals and maintained high standards in public performances. He could however be cruel and vindictive to those he considered to be his enemies having at least twelve ex consuls murdered. This resulted in further conspiracies and led to his assassination in AD 96.
Domitian improved the weight and quality of the coinage and also raised military pay which made him popular with the army. During his reign Agricola campaigned in northern Britain and attempted to incorporate Scotland into the Roman Empire.

The post Domitian AD 81-96 Silver Denarius Rome appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Gaius and Lucius

The Twelve Caesars

Lyon

19mm, 3.79g

AUGUSTUS  27 BC- AD 14: Born in 63BC as Octavian he was adopted as heir by his great uncle Julius Caesar. When Caesar was assassinated in 44BC he showed sufficient acumen to hold his own against his main rival, Mark Antony with whom he formed a political alliance which was known as the Second Triumvirate. Defeating the Republicans Brutus and Cassius at the battle of Philippi in 42BC. By astute manoeuvring Octavian succeeded in becoming the dominant partner and in 36BC he succeeded in removing his 2 great rivals Sextus Pompey and Lepidus. His final confrontation with Mark Antony, who by this time was allied to Cleopatra, took place at the Battle of Actium in 31BC.

Consolidating his power over the next few years Octavian guided the transition of the Republic back to a monarchy. Obtaining a lifetime grant of tribunician powers Octavian, who took the name Augustus, was proclaimed as emperor in 27BC. Under his enlightened administration the empire prospered and stability was restored to the finances and economy. The Augustan currency system was to last for nearly 300 years. Augustus is associated with a number of major building works which include the construction of temples as well as the provision of a new water supply into the City of Rome. Upon his death bed Augustus is alleged to have said that he found Rome built in brick but left it in marble.

Augustus, who lived for 77 years, became increasingly concerned on the succession especially when his great friend Agrippa died in 12BC followed by Agrippa’s sons Gaius and Lucius. This left Augustus little choice but to designate Tiberius who was married to his only child Julia. Tiberius was also the empress Livia’s son by an earlier marriage, as heir.

The post Augustus 27 BC – AD 14 Silver Denarius Lyon appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Bare head right / Securitas standing

The Twelve Caesars

Rome

17mm, 3.05g

This coin comes with a previous printed collector’s label.

Otho was born to a family which had only recently been elevated to the nobility. He became a close friend to Nero however when his wife Poppaea started to receive Nero’s attention Otho found himself posted to Lusitania as governor. Poppaea remained in Rome and became Nero’s mistress before becoming his second wife. 3 years later Nero kicked her to death in a fit of rage. Otho unsurprisingly lost his affection for Nero and instead gave his support to Galba. When Galba revolted and became emperor in AD 68 after Nero’s suicide Otho was disappointed not to be appointed heir. Fomenting disaffection amongst the praetorian guard Otho seized the throne after Galba was assassinated in a coup d’etat in January AD 69. 
Unfortunately the Rhine legions had already declared for Vitellius and when the two rivals met in battle in northern Italy Otho’s army was routed after which Otho committed suicide.
Only gold and silver coins comprising aureus and denarius were issued by Otho. Otho is alleged to have been a vain and effeminate man and to have worn a wig.

The post Otho AD 69 Silver Denarius Rome appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Bare head right/Bull butting right

The Twelve Caesars

Lyon

RCV1610; 19mm, 3.76g

AUGUSTUS  27 BC- AD 14: Born in 63BC as Octavian he was adopted as heir by his great uncle Julius Caesar. When Caesar was assassinated in 44BC he showed sufficient acumen to hold his own against his main rival, Mark Antony with whom he formed a political alliance which was known as the Second Triumvirate. Defeating the Republicans Brutus and Cassius at the battle of Philippi in 42BC. By astute manoeuvring Octavian succeeded in becoming the dominant partner and in 36BC he succeeded in removing his 2 great rivals Sextus Pompey and Lepidus. His final confrontation with Mark Antony, who by this time was allied to Cleopatra, took place at the Battle of Actium in 31BC.

Consolidating his power over the next few years Octavian guided the transition of the Republic back to a monarchy. Obtaining a lifetime grant of tribunician powers Octavian, who took the name Augustus, was proclaimed as emperor in 27BC. Under his enlightened administration the empire prospered and stability was restored to the finances and economy. The Augustan currency system was to last for nearly 300 years. Augustus is associated with a number of major building works which include the construction of temples as well as the provision of a new water supply into the City of Rome. Upon his death bed Augustus is alleged to have said that he found Rome built in brick but left it in marble.

Augustus, who lived for 77 years, became increasingly concerned on the succession especially when his great friend Agrippa died in 12BC followed by Agrippa’s sons Gaius and Lucius. This left Augustus little choice but to designate Tiberius who was married to his only child Julia. Tiberius was also the empress Livia’s son by an earlier marriage, as heir.

The post Augustus 27 BC – AD 14 Silver Denarius Lyon appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Bare head right/SPQR/OB/CS in 3 lines within laurel wreath

Rome mint

The Twelve Caesars

Fantastic style, little wear and attractive dark old collection tone.

16x18mm, 3.40g

Galba was born to a wealthy family around 3 BC.  He held various public offices including consul, praetor and governor of various provinces before resigning during the reign of the Emperor Claudius. Reinstated by Nero he was appointed governor of Hispania. When Nero committed suicide in AD 68 he took advantage of Vindex’s rebellion to be declared emperor with the support of the Praetorian guard. Although not related to any of the previous emperors he claimed to be a relative of Livia, wife of Augustus, who left him an inheritance although this was later denied to him by Tiberius.

Galba was a sickly man who suffered severely from gout by the time he became emperor. Also noted for his avarice and cruelty he was notoriously mean and quickly upset the army by refusing to pay the soldiers who had fought against Vindex. He also tried to disband the German legions and seize their property.  Upon taking office as consul on 1st January 69 the German the 4th and 22nd legions of Germania Superior refused to swear loyalty to him. On the following day the legions of Germania Inferior under Vitellus also refused to swear loyalty and on 15th January 69 Galba was killed by his Praetorian guard.

The post Galba AD 68-69 Silver Denarius Rome mint *Fantastic style* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Tiberius AD 14-37 Silver Denarius

Bust / Livia seated

Tribute Penny

The Twelve Caesars

RCV1763; 18mm, 3.72g

Tiberius was born in 42 BC to Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Druscilla. He was only three years old when his mother divorced and remarried the future Emperor Augustus. Tiberius had a military career proving himself to be a competent general who campaigned in various parts of the empire.
His relationship with his stepfather Augustus was always strained and this was not helped when his marriage to Augustus’ daughter Julia proven most unhappy. Nevertheless, upon the death of Augustus’ grandson Gaius Tiberius was reluctantly adopted as heir.
As emperor Tiberius proved to be a competent administrator however, he was suspicious by nature and became an increasing recluse retiring to his island retreat at Capreae and thereafter never returning to Rome. He died in AD 37 aged 78. Tiberius’ reign was overshadowed by a series of tragedies within the imperial family.
One of the most famous coins issued by Tiberius is the Tribute Penny which is referred to in the Bible in St Matthews gospel. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s: Render unto Christ what is Christ’s.

The Chilfrome Hoard:  This small hoard of 97 Denarii was recovered from near the Dorset village of Chilfrome on the 21st March 2021 by Mr Trenton Oliver. Post excavation, the coins were delivered to the local Finds Liaison Officer (PAS DOR-41B389) and, following a declaration of the find as Treasure, transferred to British Museum (2021 T194). The hoard has subsequently been disclaimed and some of the coins are offered here for sale. Unlike the majority of recovered Romano-British hoards, Chilfrome lay for two thousand years undisturbed by agricultural activity and was found by Mr Oliver in a single tight nucleated group. Extensive metal detecting and a later archaeological excavation have produced no additional coins.

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