Late Roman Bronze Coins

Coin talk => Unlisted => Topic started by: seth on November 09, 2014, 06:32:05 PM

Title: A third century scarcity.
Post by: seth on November 09, 2014, 06:32:05 PM

This coin is not listed in RIC and S. Estiot has only 2 other examples listed.

TACITUS AE22mm 3.75g Antoninian/Aurelian (VF)

AV: IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG; Bust right, radiate, cuirassed and draped with paludamentum

REV: CLEMENTIA TEMP; Mars in military dress stg. (or walking) l., holding olive branch in r. hand, spear and shield which rests on ground in l. hand.

EXE: XXI inverted Z

REF: LV 250, unlisted in RIC RIC Online #3512 very rare, just 2 other specs known, 1 in La Venera Hoard, 7th officina, Rome mint, nov-dec. 275AD.

Title: Re: A third century scarcity.
Post by: Victor on November 09, 2014, 07:52:59 PM

I wonder if there is any significance of the way the reverse figure is standing. I think RIC VII bogs down sometimes trying to make distinctions between standing left or right etc., when, on some/many/most or all occasions, there might not be anything going on except different engravers with different styles. At the same time, though, you have to note the details.

Title: Re: A third century scarcity.
Post by: seth on November 10, 2014, 04:25:24 PM

I also think these subtle details are the results of the cutter's skill and interpretations. The images themselves are mostly quite standard throughout roman history.