[Last Update: 26 Jun 2023.] CONSERVATORI Ancient Coins is a new project from Curtis Jackson-Jacobs, including blog posts on ancient coins and their literature, numismatic commentary & historical articles, and, coming soon, coins & literature for sale. Check here to see what’s new since you last visited.
My First 100 Provenance-Coins Posted
I’ve just reached 100 “provenance coins” cataloged online. Click for “object biographies” (click again to enlarge). See also the collector bios & more in the “provenance glossary.”
From the BCD Library Sale at Kolbe & Fanning
For decades (formed c. 1970s-1980s), the BCD Library has been known as the world’s greatest private library of classical numismatics….Thus I received news of the sale with mixed feelings — having missed any chance to visit, but excited to acquire an artifact of the legendary institution.
Provenance Glossary: Dr. Jay M. Galst (1950-2020)
Jay Galst (1950-2020) was a prominent New York ophthalmologist & important numismatist. His magnus opus was Ophthalmologia Optica et Visio in Nummis (2013, ANS, w/ van Alfen). Much of his collection was auctioned by CNG, 2021-.
Provenance Glossary: Richard J Plant (1928-2020), “Reverend of Numismatics”
Coins from the collection of the important numismatic author, Rev. Richard J. Plant (1928-2020), including a biography and bibliography.
Cleopatra VII, Tripolis AEs: Three Types of Cast Forgeries?
Apparent forgeries of RPC I 4510, AE (c. 20mm, 7.5-10g) of Cleopatra VII Thea Notera, struck in Tripolis, Year 2 of Cleopatra in Phoenicia (36/5 BCE). Ten examples (three types), all from major auction houses, 2005-2022.
“Provenance Diagrams” for Ancient Coins: Chain-of-Custody, Publication, Sales and Other Important Events in Numismatic “Object Biography”
“Provenance Diagrams” are a way to visually represent important moments in a coin’s “object biography.” These can begin with a hoard discovery, continue to sales and collections, or publications, exhibitions, and other key events.
New Additions: Roman Bronze Coins with Distinguished Provenances Depicting “Barbarians, Captives, and Enemies”
In addition to the interesting imagery of captives on their reverses, each coin has a notable provenance and backstory related to the modern history of classical numismatics.
The “Play Bow” on Bronze Dog Coins of Epidauros
The Argolid city of Epidauros is familiar to numismatists for its coins portraying Asclepius, a god of medicine and healing. Some of the bronze coins also depict his companion animal – a dog. There are two bronze coin types with dog reverses from Epidauros in the third century BCE. The only difference is the dog’s pose.
Showcase: Gordian plate coin, Giovanni Dattari (1858-1923) Collection, important die variant
Pedigreed to 1901, from the Giovanni Dattari Collection & plate coin from Savio-Dattari & RPC. Gordian III Tetradrachm of Egypt, Alexandria with very rare obverse die & legend arrangement.
The Irony of Valerian’s Captive: AR Antoninianus Celebrating “Victory over Parthia”
In the year 257, Valerian I struck a rare silver Antoninianus depicting the Roman deity Victory looming over a seated Parthian captive. Three years later, in 260, Valerian would make history as only Roman Emperor to himself be taken captive. It was by Shapur I, Sasanian King in Persia whose empire had succeeded the Parthian.