Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich

Auction 131  –  30 May 2022

Numismatica Ars Classica Zurich, Auction 131

The James Stuart Davidson Collection of Roman Coins

Mo, 30.05.2022, from 4:00 PM CEST
The auction is closed.

Description

Septimius Severus, 193 – 211
Aureus 201, AV 7.26 g. SEVERVS PIVS AVG – P M TR P VIIII Laureate head r. Rev. FELICITAS / SAECVLI Draped bust of Julia Domna facing, between, on l., laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla facing r. and on r., bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta facing l. C 1. BMC 255. RIC 175. Biaggi 1124 (this coin). Calicó 2589a (this coin illustrated but misdescribed). Very rare and in superb condition for the issue, undoubtedly one of the finest specimens known of this desirable issue. Perfectly struck and centred with portraits of excellent style. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc Ex NAC 34, 2006, 38 and Heritage 3071, 2019, 32148 (NGC Graded Choice MS* 5/5 5/5) sales. From the Biaggi collection (privately purchased in December 1954). Certainly among the most famous Roman coin types, this issue occurs only as an aureus. With the exception of a possibly unique aureus of c. 209 that depicts the confronted heads of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna on the obverse, and the confronted heads of Caracalla and Geta on the reverse, this is the only Severan dynastic coin that depicts all four members of the imperial family. More importantly, though, it is the first instance in Imperial coinage where the principal type includes a facing bust. The specific positioning of the three heads on the reverse – mother facing between the confronted heads of her sons – brings to mind a heated piece of advice Julia Domna gave to her quarrelsome sons about a decade after this aureus was struck: "You may divide the empire, but you cannot divide your mother!" Graded Ch MS* Strike 5/5 Surface 5/5 Fine Style, NGC certification number 4632490-001.

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Bidding

Price realized 105'000 CHF
Starting price 64'000 CHF
Estimate 80'000 CHF
The auction is closed.
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