Archive – Ancient Coinage

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Much Ado About Some Coins

The Egyptian Museum hosts a coin exhibition – and media’s response is tremendous... [ more ]

Finally a good joke!

Coins from the time when the Israelites moved to Egypt found in the basement of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo?
The online edition of the Mideast Jerusalem Post from September 25th, 2009, reported that in the archives of the Egyptian Museum, among a multitude of unsorted artifacts, coins were ... [ more ]

The Delian League and the Athenian Money

In 479 BC the Greeks defeated the Persians at Plataiai. At that time nobody dared to hope that the fight was so soon to end. On the contrary, every Greek city was afraid of the Persian king, who had vast resources at his disposal. He was feared to raise another army in order to conquer the whole of Greece. Something had to be done to prevent that. [ more ]

Dionysos - A God of the Greek Religion of Experiences

Most of us react uncomprehendingly while reading the Greek myths. We can't imagine that once rational human beings were able to believe in gods who behaved like characters invented for a soap opera on TV. Legends tell us about adultery, violation, theft, intrigue and fraud. [ more ]

The Colts of Corinth

This beautiful early stater of Corinth bears Pegasus on its obverse. The winged horse was the symbol of Corinth and each citizen of this important seaport felt the whole city and himself connected with this winged horse. Why did he do so and how did this connection come into being? [ more ]

Ainos - A Commercial Center in Thrace

Ainos, today called Enez and located on the border of the Aegean Sea in the European part of Turkey, didn't have any important resources. As far as we know, there also didn't exist any remarkable industry. Ainos reached incredible wealth during the 5th century B.C. despite these facts. [ more ]

I am the badge of Phanes

On March 8th, 2010, Gorny & Mosch will present a specimen of the mysterious key series of the early coin production. The Phanes stater from a private collection in Israel is estimated at 150.000 Euros. It is the ...
[ more ]

Olympia and the Eleans - The introduction of the cult of Hera

For us Olympia seems to be equivalent to the peaceful contest of all nations. In referring to ancient tradition we forget entirely that ... [ more ]

Sikyon and its Chimaira

Why do we find Chimaira on the staters of the city of Sikyon? A search for traces...
[ more ]

The Laurion silver

But one day, one noon, I believed I had found it. I was at Sounion all by myself; the summerly sun was burning; the wounded pines dripped resin... [ more ]

Heracles the snake-strangler

Herakles strangling the snakes, this subject occurs on the coins of some very important harbor towns of Asia Minor at the same time. This article will explain what’s behind it... [ more ]

The coins of Philipp II of Macedonia

Philipp II ranges amongst the most important rulers of Antiquity. He transformed the small and endangered Macedonia into one of the most powerful kingdoms of the Ancient world. His coins circulated in all of Greece and bought him what he needed - loyalty, politicians, mercenary soldiers... [ more ]

The coins of Alexander III the Great of Macedonia

Few historical figures have spurred people’s imagination like Alexander, King of the Macedonians. Up to the present day, his coins range amongst those every coin collector likes to add to his collection. Fortunately, these pieces come in great numbers, so that every collector can afford at least one specimen! [ more ]

Under the eyes of Artemis

The upcoming sale of Numismatica Genevensis SA on November 30, 2010 offers a unique gold stater struck by the citizens of Abydos. Here’s the story behind... [ more ]

Big price for an emergency coin

The city of Syracuse issued a marvelous gold coin during its war against the Carthaginians. A perfect specimen of this emission sold for 66.700 Euro during the last auction sale of Gorny & Mosch... [ more ]

And this is where Aristotle was wrong…

Aristotle, in his work on the structure of the Tarentine government, likewise described the coins of the city. He remarked that they depicted Taras, son of Poseidon, riding a dolphin. Was he right? Or is there another, more possible, option? [ more ]

80,000 Euros for a work of two Sicilian die cutters

For an impressive amount of money some extraordinary Greek coins were auctioned at Gorny & Mosch’s, Giessener Münzhandlung on October 10. One of them is a remarkable tetradrachm from Syracuse whose story you will read here… [ more ]

Alexander of Abonuteichos – a lesson from Asia Minor about gullibility in the 2nd cent. A. D.

You are one of those people who believe than there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy? Well, you are in accordance with a deep-seated tradition and can appeal to the fact that already in antiquity there were people who thought the same as you. .. [ more ]

Great is Artemis of the Ephesians

On his visit to Ephesus, St. Paul was in imminent danger to be lynched. Why was it that the Ephesians felt so threatened by this herald of a new god? Were they more pious than other Greeks? They were, in a way, since they lived on their religion… [ more ]

“Sing, Muse, of the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles…”

You believe that Paris abducted Helena? Which was why the Greek destroyed Troy? What if it was completely different? The later Trojans in Roman Imperial Times adhered to an entirely different version of the story – and so they celebrated their hero Hector on their coins. [ more ]

Bread for Tarsus

In the 3th cent., Asia Minor was famine-stricken. The city of Tarsus scored a coup that made the emperor leave the grain necessary for survival to it at a cheap rate. A coin tells of how that was achieved. [ more ]

A King Named Teutamados

Beyond his name, there’s very little known about Teutamados. What we do have, however, is a splendid tetradrachm minted for him. Based on this, he was evidently a Paionian ruler. [ more ]

The ‘Modest Aphrodite’ from Nysa-Scythopolis (Beth Shean) and Ptolemais (Akko)

A comparison between a statue of Aphrodite found at Beth Shean and a coin type from the mint of Ptolemais reminds us of the realistic nature of statues appearing on city coins. [ more ]

Human Faces Part 2: Athena and Athens

Why is it that for centuries – or rather thousands of years – the head has served as the motif for the side of a coin? And why has this changed in the last 200 years? Ursula Kampmann poses these questions in her book ‘MenschenGesichter,’ from which the texts for our new series are taken. [ more ]

Forth known stater of Phanes sold for 345.000 Euro

All attendants of the sale Gorny & Mosch, Munich 185 were thrilled, when lot no. 146 was opened on March 8th, 2010... [ more ]

The Amazons – Mysterious Warrior Maidens

The historical museum of Speyer presents objects, which have never before been shown in public and which shall proof that the amazons once existed...
[ more ]

The Immortal Alexander the Great – The myth, the reality, his journey, his legacy

Did you like our last article of the week? Now you have the chance to see originals of that period in Amsterdam! [ more ]

Heracles to Alexander the Great: Treasures from the Royal Capital of Macedon, a Hellenic Kingdom in the Age of Democracy

The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford presents a unique exhibition on the Macedonian kingdom. Over five hundred treasures will be on display, all recently found in the royal burial tombs and the palace of Aegae... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 6

What is there to be found in Pherai, the city where once upon a time such beautiful coins were produced, like the ones that reached record prices in Zurich only recently? Does reality match up with the coins’ testimony? But first a trip to Mount Olympus. [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 8

Illustrious names spring to mind when thinking of Chalkidiki. Akanthos and Terone, Uranopolis and Olynthos. But not everywhere reality answers expectations… [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 9

Stageira, Neapolis, Mesembria, Maroneia and Abdera – these are today’s destinations. We see magnificent archaeological excavations that are particularly well-kept. On the other hand, we experience some a disappointment. As always, it is going to be a colorful kaleidoscope with impressions from Northern Greece... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 10

Amphipolis and Philippi are the destinations of issue no. 10. They were once incredibly rich cities whose citizens earned their living with the trade of gold, silver and building timber. .. [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 11

Our journey home from Northern Greece to Loerrach took six days – and it was an adventure. This is part one, from Macedonia to Delphi: we visit Pella, suffer a Greek village festival and arrive at the hot sources at the Thermopylae. In addition, Thebes and Chaironea are on our agenda... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 7

Today’s stage takes us to several highlights of the journey: a peak of kindness in Pydna, a touristic highlight in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and a climax of the fight about the Greek austerity package... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 5

The fifth stage of our journey is dedicated to Dion, perhaps the most beautiful excavation in Northern Greece. And Dion was important in antiquity: Alexander sacrificed to Zeus in Dion, before he set out to conquer the world... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 4

On the fourth stage of her journey throughout Greece, Ursula Kampmann is looking for the ancient Aigai (one of so many…), an open museum and the magnificent tombs of Vergina... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 3

During her third stage of the journey throughout Greece, Ursula Kampmann visits Ioannina where she meets numismatist Katerini Liampi. The local museum is richly equipped with coins. Great mosques refer to the Ottoman heritage, the Kastro to the “Mohammedan Napoleon”... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 2

During the second stage of Ursula Kampmann’s journey to Greece, she wades through icy-cold Acheron, River of the Dead, descends to the realm of the dead and visits the oak of Dodona. There she introduces us to the world of ancient oracles... [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 1

The first stage of Ursula Kampmann’s journey to Greece takes her from Venice to Igoumenitsa and Nicopolis up to Ambracia. Hidden mosaics and fateful padlocks render the area’s visit quite difficult. But there is enough left to discover! [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece – Part 12

The last stage of our journey throughout Greece takes us to Delphi. On our trip back, however, we were in danger of faring like Odysseus who, when heading home, was carried off course… [ more ]

Sagalassos – City of Dreams. The ‘Pompeii of Anatolia’ in exhibition

The Gallo-Romeins Museum in Tongeren, Belgium, holds an exhibition on the ancient city of Sagalassos. The exhibition runs from October 29, 2011 to June 17, 2012 and shows mega-images and hundreds of objects... [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 1

It’s grey, it’s cold, it’s dark. Sometimes you don’t believe that it’s ever going to be light again. Enjoy a little breeze of the Turkish summer in the dead of winter. This diary of some numismatically highly interesting but barely visited sites in Turkey was written in 2009. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 2

Silifke, ancient Seleucia on the Calycadnus, is a small provincial town in the middle of nowhere nearby which once Frederick Barbarossa drowned. Follow us on our way to the ancient metropolis Antioch and into the marvellous grove of Daphne, that even today is in the modern Antiochenes’ favour as an important area for recreation. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 3

Do you know Antep and its fabulous museum with mosaics? If not, I strongly recommend it to you. Antep is a pleasant town where you quickly feel at home. Urfa, ancient Edessa, in contrast, can’t be recommended for women traveling on their own. And if you do, you will need steady nerves. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 4

Only a few images stick to your mind so powerfully as the huge heads of the broken monumental statues of Nemrut Dag. During our trip there, however, we have seen many other things: marvelous rocky landscapes, a magnificent bridge from Roman Times and lots of friendly people. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 5

Caesarea Cappadocia – only few cities in the Roman provinces possessed an equally comprehensive coinage yet barely anything Roman is still extant in the city. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 6

Ankyra is a name familiar to anyone interested in the history of the Roman emperors. The Monumentum Ancyranum is a magnificent insight into the image cultivation of Emperor Augustus. Turkish Ankara, however, has much more to offer. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 7

You don’t have to introduce Istanbul. Everyone knows the beautiful city at Bosporus River. This was our last stop on our journey across Turkey. After having been to areas with barely any touristic infrastructure it was almost a civilization shock to finally get anything again a tourist would wish. [ more ]

Temple of Aphrodite in Thessaloniki cleansed

When we reported on a citizen initiative in Thessaloniki aiming at the rescue of a Greek temple, we had not thought that we would be really of help to those people. But we were: they were officially permitted to act by themselves. How? Read it here. [ more ]

International Congress on electrum coins at Israel Museum, Jerusalem

The new coin exhibition “White Gold: Revealing the World’s Earliest Coins” will formally open on June 26, 2012 at the renewed exhibition space of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. On this occasion a two-day international congress will be held. [ more ]

White Gold – exhibition in the Israel Museum

Electrum coins are among the most fascinating coinages because they are right at the beginning of Western numismatics. Unfortunately the decisive facts are still contested. The Israel Museum has just opened an exhibition on electrum issues and on that occasion held an important congress. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009)

In the summer 2009 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Turkey – of course searching for numismatic traces as she always does. She condensed her impressions in a diary whose single parts we have gathered here. [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece (2011)

In summer 2011 Ursula Kampmann travelled Greece writing about her numismatic – and other – experiences a vivid diary. Here are all part gathered. [ more ]

Jerusalem Electrum Congress Films online

In June 2012 an electrum congress took place in Jerusalem generating new discussions and giving many fresh ideas on this topic. Now videos show all papers given during this event. [ more ]

Basel displays objects from desert town Petra

Until March 17, 2013 the Antikenmuseum Basel displays an exhibition about Petra, capital of the Nabataeans in the Jordanian desert. Nabataean art and many events take the visitors into a remote world. [ more ]

French National Library puts 130,000 coins online

The French National Library is making available 130,000 Greek and Roman provincial coins in an online database. This monumental project is expected to be concluded by the end of 2013, but numerous coins are searchable already. [ more ]

Agrippa’s Meeting of Kings at Tiberias

Josephus tells us of a most interesting meeting in Tiberias, apparently convened by Agrippa I (37-44 CE), grandson of Herod the Great, probably around 42 CE...
[ more ]

Helena, the First Christian Pilgrim

Inspired by a visit of the church of Santa Croce. David Hendin recalls to us the story of Helena, mother of Constantine, a "rags to riches" story, which ends with the first Christian pilgrim establishing the tradition of pilgrimage to the Holy Land and bringing to Rome pieces of the True Cross... [ more ]

Pilgrim’s Ring and Coin of the Jewish War

This is the story of a ring, bought from an Arab in Jerusalem, the feasts of Shavout and Sukkot and a coin of the Jewish War... [ more ]

Surcharge of the Money Changers

Do you know, why there were money changers in the Temple of Jerusalem and how much they did earn? No, you don’t? Well, then you should read the article of David Hendin on this very special detail of every day’s life in the ancient Holy Land... [ more ]

The coin in the fish’s mouth

Matthew 17:24-27 reports that Peter found a coin in a fish’s mouth, which was meant for paying the Temple tribute. David Hendin explains what kind of coin it was and what was the most common silver coin in the ancient Holy Land... [ more ]

The temple of Zeus Hypsistos on Mount Gerizim near Neapolis

Present-day Nablus in Palestine had an intriguing history in antiquity. On near-by Mount Gerizim an old sanctuary of the Samaritans was situated which the Greeks and Romans re-interpreted and dedicated to Zeus. Only coins bear witness of the former significance of the temple. [ more ]

The ‘Modest Aphrodite’ from Nysa-Scythopolis (Beth Shean) and Ptolemais (Akko)

A comparison between a statue of Aphrodite found at Beth Shean and a coin type from the mint of Ptolemais reminds us of the realistic nature of statues appearing on city coins. [ more ]

New Exhibition of the ANS at the Fed: Coins of the Holy Land

A new exhibition, organized by the American Numismatic Society in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, illustrates the economic and religious aspects of the coins of the Near East... [ more ]

‘Wailing Wall’ built after Herod

Archaeological excavations permit a new view on one of the most contentious religious places of the whole world, the Jerusalem Temple Mount. Until now it was believed to be erected by King Herod. Coins point to a later completion... [ more ]

Numismatics in Jerusalem – Part 1

Actually, numismatics concentrates on quite a narrow space in Jerusalem. There is the Israel Museum, which accommodates beside its own collection the Israel Antiquities Authority as well. And only a fifteen minutes’ walk from there you will find the exhibition of the Bank of Israel. Follow us today to a visit at the Israel Museum. [ more ]

Free Bible Coin Reference is Updated

Mel Wacks’ Handbook of Biblical Numismatics is a reference work published online free of charge. Now, it has been updated. It features current prices and the numbers of the new Hendin manual. [ more ]

Coin hoard found in Israel

In the course of an archaeological excavation in southern Israel nearby Qiryat Gat a treasure hoard was found some weeks ago. Around 140 gold and silver coins and sumptuous gold jewellery date probably to the Bar Kokhba Revolt 132-135 AD. [ more ]

Buckingham gold hoard

Around midday on Saturday 16 December 2006 two metal detectorists strolled onto a field near Buckingham and within a few minutes picked up a valuable gold coin that was lying on the surface. By the end of the weekend ... [ more ]

50 Years of Celtic Coin Index

Setting up an index of Celtic coins found in Britain was first thought of in 1959 by the archaeologist Professor Sheppard Frere and the numismatist Derek Allen. The growth of the CCI testifies to a commensurate increase in co-operation between professional archaeologists and amateur metal detectorists... [ more ]

Jersey – the Treasure Island of Celtic Coins

Jersey Post has just issued stamps featuring six iron age coins from a hoard found at Le Catillon, Jersey, in 1957. Celtic coin expert Chris Rudd reveals how it comes that Jersey may truly be called Treasure Island of iron age coins... [ more ]

Unique gold coin of Bodvoc found

On 16 April 2012 a 2000-year-old gold quarter stater of the ancient British ruler Bodvoc was discovered near Bristol. It was found by Dennis who has been metal detecting for 33 of his 53 years and it can rightly be described as ‘the find of a lifetime’ because of its numismatic importance. [ more ]

Introduction 'The People of Zurich and their Money' Part 1

Our series ‘The People of Zurich and their Money’ will present one exciting chapter of Swiss numismatics and economic history at a time. The introduction provides an initial overview in two parts. Follow along in this first section as we trace the evolution of Swiss numismatics from the beginning all the way through to the 16th century. [ more ]

The People of Zurich and their Money 1: The Celts’ First Contact with Greek Money

Our series ‘The People of Zurich and their Money’ takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. In this first chapter, we’ll be eavesdropping on a conversation from the 3rd century BC between a Celtic farmer and his wife. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of ‘making of’ – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to help underscore and illustrate this conversation. [ more ]

Was king of east Kent son of badger killer?

On 20 December 2012 an exceedingly rare gold coin of the Cantiaci tribe was found south of Canterbury in Kent. The coin is a gold quarter stater attributed to Sego, an elusive king who probably ruled in east Kent shortly after the birth of Christ. [ more ]

Celtic hammer-god found in Kent

Last year an exceedingly rare gold quarter stater, minted over 2,000 years ago in the Somme valley, northern France, was found near Ringwould, Kent, by a metal detectorist. Struck c.250-225 BC in the land of ... [ more ]

Killer’s gold to be sold

A rare gold stater of Tasciovanos, believed to be one of the finest known, will be auctioned in early May by Celtic dealer Chris Rudd...
[ more ]

52,000 coins found in Somerset in England

British detectorist found and reported one the biggest hoards found in Britain ever. Buried in a big jug approximately 30 cm underground were 52,000 antoniniani from the 3rd century A. D. ... [ more ]

Rare Gold "Diss" Torc fetches £50,700 at Auction

Spink / London sold a fine and rare gold Torc, from the Iron Age of Great Britain, for £50,700 at their auction in London...
[ more ]

A new Celtic coin book

“It is very easy to use, not just for people with Dr. in front of their name, but for everyone, from schoolkids to scholars.” [ more ]

Unique Celtic gold coin to be sold in May

Before this coin had been found, nobody knew about the British king Anarevitos... [ more ]

Celtic gold strong

A previously unrecorded gold stater of a hitherto unknown British king, Anarevitos, was recently auctioned by Chris Rudd for GBP 21,000. This is a record price for an Iron Age coin of Britain... [ more ]

The eye of God

A rare silver coin of the Iceni, struck in Norfolk over 2000 years ago, was recently found by a metal detectorist in East Anglia. It shows a man’s head with one eye blinded (or closed) and with another eye – a third eye, an open eye – in his mouth. Who is he? What is he doing? [ more ]

Moon-crowns of the Iceni

At Chris Rudd’s a rare silver coin of the Iceni tribe was auctioned for GBP 5,200 – the highest price ever paid for an ancient British silver coin! The motif on this coin, a moon-crown, is quite intriguing. Read here Chris Rudd’s explanation... [ more ]

New attribution of celtic coins: Caratacus instead of Cunobelinus

For 120 years a coin type has been wrongly attributed to King Cunobelinus because of a misreading of its inscription. A metal detectorist found another specimen, which permits now to attribute this coin to Cunobelinus’ son the famous freedom-fighter Caratacus... [ more ]

Wickham Market Gold Hoard to be Cleaned-up by Volunteers

At the moment, a gold hoard composed of 840 Iceni coins found in 2008 in a Suffolk field is cleaned by 50 volunteers. This is another example of British style cooperation... [ more ]

Artistic coins from Celtic culture

Those who love the drawings of Picasso should consider buying Celtic coins. They are nearly as modern as the great Spanish painter... [ more ]

Four rarities found

Four ancient British coins of the highest rarity have recently been unearthed by metal detectorists, confirming yet again the considerable contribution made by metal detecting to iron age numismatics. [ more ]

Largest treasure of Celtic coins ever found on Jersey

After thirty years of continuing search two amateur metal detectorists found a hoard of Celtic coins in the east of Jersey. The sensational finding weighs ca. three quarter of a tonne and thus comprises probably some 50,000 coins – the largest hoard of Celtic coins ever. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 3

Can you hazard a guess as to which European country is the most mountainous after Switzerland? Austria? Not a chance! It’s Spain. And besides being incredibly mountainous, Spain can also boast the best-preserved Roman city wall anywhere in the world. Join us on the third leg of our incredible trip as we make our way to the Picos de Europa and then to Lugo. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 1

Romans and Celts aren’t exactly what come to mind when you think of Northern Spain. I had basically expected this trip to be just a one-time foray into medieval times, with perhaps a few ancient bits thrown in for good measure. But I was completely off the mark – Northern Spain has so much more to offer. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain (2012)

In April 2012 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Northern Spain. During the summer she published her numismatic diary of this travel. Here you can read all single parts. [ more ]

Holy Grail from Lake Chiemsee

A cup made of pure gold and inspired by Celtic art has troubled the press for quite some time. A Swiss entrepreneur tried to gain one billion Euro from the ‘Holy Grail’ – and failed miserably. Now he has been condemned by a court. [ more ]

Cunobelin counterfeits

Chris Rudd’s Elizabeth Cottam, expert on Celtic coins, explains how to recognise counterfeits of coins of the Celtic king Cunobelin since the number of those apparently has significantly increased recently. [ more ]

Four rarities of a forgotten tribe

Celtic coin expert Chris Rudd will sell in auction four coins attributed to the obscure Belgae tribe, a tribe that has primarily become known again through numismatic testimonies thanks in particular to metal detectorists. [ more ]

Magnus Maximus or the Last Romans in Britain

Around 400 AD the Roman Empire was shaken to the core. Britain’s governor claimed himself Roman Emperor, but found his only long-lasting success in the Welsh mythology.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 1... [ more ]

Two detectorists’ treasure trove rewrites the Roman History of Britain

Due to a treasure trove of ca. 100 Roman coins further investigations have been made. They unveiled a Roman settlement in a region, of which archaeology has thought until now, that it was never colonized by the Romans... [ more ]

Gold Exhibition in London

“Gold: Power and Allure” is the most comprehensive and ambitious exhibition ever staged at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Until July 28th it powerfully tells the rich and previously untold story of Britain and its relationship with gold, demonstrating the country’s unique golden heritage. [ more ]

The British Museum and the University of Leicester announce £645K to study Roman hoards found in Britain

The Arts and Humanities Research Council has awarded the British Museum, working in collaboration with the University of Leicester, a £645K grant for a 3-year project on “Crisis or continuity? The deposition of metalwork in the Roman world: what do coin hoards tell us about Roman Britain in the 3rd century AD?” [ more ]

Taxes for Rome

Hands up anyone who hasn’t come to be annoyed by the tangled mass of regulations accompanying our tax collection. Perhaps at different times, the situation had been better… Perhaps in Rome? [ more ]

A temple for Honos

A coin of Trajan shows a temple for Honos in great detail. Honos? You don’t know this Roman deity? Join us and you will get to know her... [ more ]

The Puteal Scribonis

Most probably every collector of Roman Republican coins is aware of the pieces of Scribonius Libo showing the Puteal Scribonis. But hands up anyone who really knows what that is... [ more ]

The Son of Divine Caesar

Two rare aurei of the Gorny & Mosch sale from Augustus’ early years obtained impressive prices. Yet as intriguing as the two coins is the history of the man who minted them: Octavian better known as Augustus.
[ more ]

A fresh interpretation of the Portland Vase as depiction of the first wedding on earth

An ancient cameo vase has recently appeared on the market. It does not only captivate by its beauty. It resembles another famous object, the Portland Vase whose interpretation had been controversially debated for a long time. But a closer look at the “new finding” permits a deeper understanding of the Portland Vase as well. [ more ]

Brutus at the British Museum

On March 15, 2010 and right at the Ides of March, the British Museum exhibited a new coin: The aureus featuring the ... [ more ]

Rare Gold "Diss" Torc fetches £50,700 at Auction

Spink / London sold a fine and rare gold Torc, from the Iron Age of Great Britain, for £50,700 at their auction in London...
[ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 2

Silifke, ancient Seleucia on the Calycadnus, is a small provincial town in the middle of nowhere nearby which once Frederick Barbarossa drowned. Follow us on our way to the ancient metropolis Antioch and into the marvellous grove of Daphne, that even today is in the modern Antiochenes’ favour as an important area for recreation. [ more ]

OCRE – A major new tool for Roman numismatics

The American Numismatic Society in collaboration with New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, has launched a major new tool to aid in the identification, research and cataloging of the coins of the ancient world: OCRE. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain (2012)

In April 2012 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Northern Spain. During the summer she published her numismatic diary of this travel. Here you can read all single parts. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009)

In the summer 2009 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Turkey – of course searching for numismatic traces as she always does. She condensed her impressions in a diary whose single parts we have gathered here. [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece (2011)

In summer 2011 Ursula Kampmann travelled Greece writing about her numismatic – and other – experiences a vivid diary. Here are all part gathered. [ more ]

A donative of Constantine the Great

This impressive piece belongs to a small series of silver medallions celebrating the vicennalia of Constantine II, the eldest surviving son of Constantine the Great, in 336. [ more ]

The First Marcomannic War of Marcus Aurelius

In the middle of the 2nd century AD the tribe of the Goths left its native homeland. The tribesmen moved southwards and expelled other people from their homes who in their turn tried to find new land further south. One of these tribes were the Marcomanni. [ more ]

Honni soit qui mal y pense or What exactly was the spintriae’s function?

One has to pay high prices indeed for the so-called spintriae – brothel tokens as one is secretly whispered to. There are experts who know exactly what the function of these objects was... [ more ]

The unlucky emperor Clodius Albinus – a portrait study

What a huge surprise when the company Gorny & Mosch – Giessener Münzhandlung auctioned off a Roman portrait head from the late 2nd cent. A. D. at auction sale 184 on December 18th, 2009. It was a high quality marble portrait in a remarkable state of preservation which some ... [ more ]

Drusus and Sejanus – Roman Rules of Succession to the throne

At the death of Augustus the Roman polity was not a hereditary monarchy. The power over the Romans was not transferred automatically ... [ more ]

Creator of the Paduans: Giovanni da Cavino

Giovanni da Cavino was an exceptionally gifted artist and an honoured businessman when he imitated the first Roman coins. As ‘Paduans’, they were destined to achieve world fame later on. He provided the high society with what it looked for and earned good money with it. In those days, nobody would have dreamt co call him a forger... [ more ]

A fan of Alexander the Great

Many Roman politicians adored the conquerer of the world, Alexander the Great. The emperor Caracalla was no exception... [ more ]

The sacrilege of Tarpeia – or propaganda under Augustus

Augustus’ reign went down in history as a Golden Age even though hardly any other emperor had more lives on his conscience. How did the “Prince of Peace” who continuously fought wars make his citizens believe that they lived in the happiest of all worlds? [ more ]

The sacred year of the Pagans – the Saecular Games

When the Pope declares a jubilee year, he stands in a tradition which is almost as old as Christianity itself. It was Augustus who created the practice of absolving mankind when nobody was still alive of those who had witnessed the beginning of the previous saeculum... [ more ]

Taxes for Rome

Hands up anyone who hasn’t come to be annoyed by the tangled mass of regulations accompanying our tax collection. Perhaps at different times, the situation had been better… Perhaps in Rome? [ more ]

A temple for Honos

A coin of Trajan shows a temple for Honos in great detail. Honos? You don’t know this Roman deity? Join us and you will get to know her... [ more ]

Pilgrim’s Ring and Coin of the Jewish War

This is the story of a ring, bought from an Arab in Jerusalem, the feasts of Shavout and Sukkot and a coin of the Jewish War... [ more ]

Alexander of Abonuteichos – a lesson from Asia Minor about gullibility in the 2nd cent. A. D.

You are one of those people who believe than there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy? Well, you are in accordance with a deep-seated tradition and can appeal to the fact that already in antiquity there were people who thought the same as you. .. [ more ]

Magnus Maximus or the Last Romans in Britain

Around 400 AD the Roman Empire was shaken to the core. Britain’s governor claimed himself Roman Emperor, but found his only long-lasting success in the Welsh mythology.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 1... [ more ]

The temple of Zeus Hypsistos on Mount Gerizim near Neapolis

Present-day Nablus in Palestine had an intriguing history in antiquity. On near-by Mount Gerizim an old sanctuary of the Samaritans was situated which the Greeks and Romans re-interpreted and dedicated to Zeus. Only coins bear witness of the former significance of the temple. [ more ]

In the emperor’s service – the legions

Do you sometimes dream of visiting the epoch when Roman legions dominated the world, in the same way as the time traveller of H. G. Wells? Of course it is impossible, but modern re-enactment gives you quite a good idea of what the soldiers once accomplished. [ more ]

The Son of Divine Caesar

Two rare aurei of the Gorny & Mosch sale from Augustus’ early years obtained impressive prices. Yet as intriguing as the two coins is the history of the man who minted them: Octavian better known as Augustus.
[ more ]

A fresh interpretation of the Portland Vase as depiction of the first wedding on earth

An ancient cameo vase has recently appeared on the market. It does not only captivate by its beauty. It resembles another famous object, the Portland Vase whose interpretation had been controversially debated for a long time. But a closer look at the “new finding” permits a deeper understanding of the Portland Vase as well. [ more ]

Great is Artemis of the Ephesians

On his visit to Ephesus, St. Paul was in imminent danger to be lynched. Why was it that the Ephesians felt so threatened by this herald of a new god? Were they more pious than other Greeks? They were, in a way, since they lived on their religion… [ more ]

Shipping and superstition in antiquity

Sailors faced many dangers. But the superstitious people found a way to deal with that, and many deities and animals assisted the humans on the sea. A coin from Kyzikos tells of all this, a coin minted on the visit of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. [ more ]

“Sing, Muse, of the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles…”

You believe that Paris abducted Helena? Which was why the Greek destroyed Troy? What if it was completely different? The later Trojans in Roman Imperial Times adhered to an entirely different version of the story – and so they celebrated their hero Hector on their coins. [ more ]

Bread for Tarsus

In the 3th cent., Asia Minor was famine-stricken. The city of Tarsus scored a coup that made the emperor leave the grain necessary for survival to it at a cheap rate. A coin tells of how that was achieved. [ more ]

Introduction 'The People of Zurich and their Money' Part 1

Our series ‘The People of Zurich and their Money’ will present one exciting chapter of Swiss numismatics and economic history at a time. The introduction provides an initial overview in two parts. Follow along in this first section as we trace the evolution of Swiss numismatics from the beginning all the way through to the 16th century. [ more ]

The People of Zurich and Their Money 2: The Customs Station of Turicum

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. This time, you’ll get a chance to read about two men chatting with one another at the customs station of Turicum at the end of the 2nd century AD. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of ‘making of’ – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to help underscore and illustrate this conversation. [ more ]

Gods Unto Themselves? Augustus and Caligula

The image of the Temple of Augustus on the sestertii of Caligula is among the most beautiful architectural motifs found on Roman coins. In its upcoming auction, Numismatica Genevensis is offering the finest known specimen of this fascinating issue. [ more ]

The ‘Modest Aphrodite’ from Nysa-Scythopolis (Beth Shean) and Ptolemais (Akko)

A comparison between a statue of Aphrodite found at Beth Shean and a coin type from the mint of Ptolemais reminds us of the realistic nature of statues appearing on city coins. [ more ]

52,000 coins found in Somerset in England

British detectorist found and reported one the biggest hoards found in Britain ever. Buried in a big jug approximately 30 cm underground were 52,000 antoniniani from the 3rd century A. D. ... [ more ]

Frome Hoard remains where it was found!

The Museum of Somerset raised 320,250 Pounds in order to preserve the biggest Roman hoard ever found in one pot in Britain for its visitors... [ more ]

Roman Piggybank underneath modern barracks

During an archaeological routine research connected with a reconstruction project 1.247 extremely nice preserved antoniniani were found in a pot at British Colchester... [ more ]

A treasure find on paper and its legal bedlam

French claims for gold coins from the time of the barrack emperors originating from the so-called hoard of Lava have feet of clay. Please find here a recent verdict, which was delivered by the administrative court of Osnabrück. [ more ]

Roman criminals detected by award winning amateur archaeologist

The Searcher acknowledged it to be the ‘most significant hoard’ in the Nations’ Greatest Find competition: a couple of blank bronze coins and an anvil. According to experts these objects were forgers’ equipment from around 300 AD... [ more ]

‘Wailing Wall’ built after Herod

Archaeological excavations permit a new view on one of the most contentious religious places of the whole world, the Jerusalem Temple Mount. Until now it was believed to be erected by King Herod. Coins point to a later completion... [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 1

It’s grey, it’s cold, it’s dark. Sometimes you don’t believe that it’s ever going to be light again. Enjoy a little breeze of the Turkish summer in the dead of winter. This diary of some numismatically highly interesting but barely visited sites in Turkey was written in 2009. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 2

Silifke, ancient Seleucia on the Calycadnus, is a small provincial town in the middle of nowhere nearby which once Frederick Barbarossa drowned. Follow us on our way to the ancient metropolis Antioch and into the marvellous grove of Daphne, that even today is in the modern Antiochenes’ favour as an important area for recreation. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 3

Do you know Antep and its fabulous museum with mosaics? If not, I strongly recommend it to you. Antep is a pleasant town where you quickly feel at home. Urfa, ancient Edessa, in contrast, can’t be recommended for women traveling on their own. And if you do, you will need steady nerves. [ more ]

Roman Imperial Coinage AD 268-276 goes online

As a preliminary step to the printed revision of the Roman Imperial Coinage V.1, part 2 a new website has gone online. The database presented there applies to the imperial reigns from AD 268 until 276 and is searchable and contains more than 4,500 entries. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 4

Only a few images stick to your mind so powerfully as the huge heads of the broken monumental statues of Nemrut Dag. During our trip there, however, we have seen many other things: marvelous rocky landscapes, a magnificent bridge from Roman Times and lots of friendly people. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 5

Caesarea Cappadocia – only few cities in the Roman provinces possessed an equally comprehensive coinage yet barely anything Roman is still extant in the city. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 7

You don’t have to introduce Istanbul. Everyone knows the beautiful city at Bosporus River. This was our last stop on our journey across Turkey. After having been to areas with barely any touristic infrastructure it was almost a civilization shock to finally get anything again a tourist would wish. [ more ]

Sensation in Völs: Roman balance with Bacchus

The Austrian museums are proposing 100 objects in a large-scale publicity campaign. Now and then the selection comprises even an object that might fascinate those interested in economical and monetary history like this reconstruction of a Roman balance. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 1

Romans and Celts aren’t exactly what come to mind when you think of Northern Spain. I had basically expected this trip to be just a one-time foray into medieval times, with perhaps a few ancient bits thrown in for good measure. But I was completely off the mark – Northern Spain has so much more to offer. [ more ]

Numismatics in Jerusalem – Part 1

Actually, numismatics concentrates on quite a narrow space in Jerusalem. There is the Israel Museum, which accommodates beside its own collection the Israel Antiquities Authority as well. And only a fifteen minutes’ walk from there you will find the exhibition of the Bank of Israel. Follow us today to a visit at the Israel Museum. [ more ]

OCRE – A major new tool for Roman numismatics

The American Numismatic Society in collaboration with New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, has launched a major new tool to aid in the identification, research and cataloging of the coins of the ancient world: OCRE. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 3

Can you hazard a guess as to which European country is the most mountainous after Switzerland? Austria? Not a chance! It’s Spain. And besides being incredibly mountainous, Spain can also boast the best-preserved Roman city wall anywhere in the world. Join us on the third leg of our incredible trip as we make our way to the Picos de Europa and then to Lugo. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain (2012)

In April 2012 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Northern Spain. During the summer she published her numismatic diary of this travel. Here you can read all single parts. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009)

In the summer 2009 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Turkey – of course searching for numismatic traces as she always does. She condensed her impressions in a diary whose single parts we have gathered here. [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece (2011)

In summer 2011 Ursula Kampmann travelled Greece writing about her numismatic – and other – experiences a vivid diary. Here are all part gathered. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 6

You’ve probably never heard of Las Médulas. And yet, this site of the most important gold mines of the Roman Empire is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape of Las Médulas is staggeringly beautiful, so much so that we were distracted to the point of nearly getting completely lost. [ more ]

The Romans in Saarland

You don’t have necessarily to go far away if you want to learn about the Romans. Did you know that the only completely reconstructed Roman Imperial villa is located in Germany, more precisely in Saarland? Follow us on our tour through a Roman high-end home. [ more ]

Second antoninianus of Roman Emperor Proculus found

In the 1990s a unique coin came up, a silver coin of Proculus, a Roman third century usurper. Now metal detectorists found a second specimen in England. Discussion is arousing again: genuine or Renaissance forgery? [ more ]

Important gold coin hoard in the UK

A metal detectorist led to what turned out to be one of the largest Roman gold coin hoards ever found in the UK. 159 gold coins from late fourth century CE were found in Hertfordshire and are now being analysed. [ more ]

French National Library puts 130,000 coins online

The French National Library is making available 130,000 Greek and Roman provincial coins in an online database. This monumental project is expected to be concluded by the end of 2013, but numerous coins are searchable already. [ more ]

Beau Street Hoard being questioned about its secrets

In 2007 an archaeological excavation in the city of Bath revealed an enormous hoard of Roman coins. The content of seven of the eight bags full of coins has been counted. Currently the coins are being analysed and described. The British Museum presents this work in its blog. [ more ]

The British Museum and the University of Leicester announce £645K to study Roman hoards found in Britain

The Arts and Humanities Research Council has awarded the British Museum, working in collaboration with the University of Leicester, a £645K grant for a 3-year project on “Crisis or continuity? The deposition of metalwork in the Roman world: what do coin hoards tell us about Roman Britain in the 3rd century AD?” [ more ]

Helena, the First Christian Pilgrim

Inspired by a visit of the church of Santa Croce. David Hendin recalls to us the story of Helena, mother of Constantine, a "rags to riches" story, which ends with the first Christian pilgrim establishing the tradition of pilgrimage to the Holy Land and bringing to Rome pieces of the True Cross... [ more ]

A Struggle for Rome

During the auction week from October 8th-12th, Künker will be putting a rare solidus of Theodoric the Great up for auction. The piece, minted in Rome in the name of Emperor Anastasius I, presents a good opportunity to retell the history behind the coin. [ more ]

Large Coin Hoard Found In Shropshire

In August a novice metal detector user reported his first find: the largest coin hoard ever found in Shropshire county. Over 9,000 Roman coins from the 4th century AD may have been buried as ritual offering. HM Coroner declared the finding treasure... [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 2

Silifke, ancient Seleucia on the Calycadnus, is a small provincial town in the middle of nowhere nearby which once Frederick Barbarossa drowned. Follow us on our way to the ancient metropolis Antioch and into the marvellous grove of Daphne, that even today is in the modern Antiochenes’ favour as an important area for recreation. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 7

You don’t have to introduce Istanbul. Everyone knows the beautiful city at Bosporus River. This was our last stop on our journey across Turkey. After having been to areas with barely any touristic infrastructure it was almost a civilization shock to finally get anything again a tourist would wish. [ more ]

OCRE – A major new tool for Roman numismatics

The American Numismatic Society in collaboration with New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, has launched a major new tool to aid in the identification, research and cataloging of the coins of the ancient world: OCRE. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain (2012)

In April 2012 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Northern Spain. During the summer she published her numismatic diary of this travel. Here you can read all single parts. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009)

In the summer 2009 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Turkey – of course searching for numismatic traces as she always does. She condensed her impressions in a diary whose single parts we have gathered here. [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece (2011)

In summer 2011 Ursula Kampmann travelled Greece writing about her numismatic – and other – experiences a vivid diary. Here are all part gathered. [ more ]

More Good News about the Huntington Collection

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous friend of the ANS, approximately 9,000 additional Huntington coins have been purchased and will be placed on long-term loan to the ANS. Thus more than half of the collection has been regained. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 3

Can you hazard a guess as to which European country is the most mountainous after Switzerland? Austria? Not a chance! It’s Spain. And besides being incredibly mountainous, Spain can also boast the best-preserved Roman city wall anywhere in the world. Join us on the third leg of our incredible trip as we make our way to the Picos de Europa and then to Lugo. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain (2012)

In April 2012 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Northern Spain. During the summer she published her numismatic diary of this travel. Here you can read all single parts. [ more ]

Numismatic Northern Spain – Part 6

You’ve probably never heard of Las Médulas. And yet, this site of the most important gold mines of the Roman Empire is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape of Las Médulas is staggeringly beautiful, so much so that we were distracted to the point of nearly getting completely lost. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 1

It’s grey, it’s cold, it’s dark. Sometimes you don’t believe that it’s ever going to be light again. Enjoy a little breeze of the Turkish summer in the dead of winter. This diary of some numismatically highly interesting but barely visited sites in Turkey was written in 2009. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 2

Silifke, ancient Seleucia on the Calycadnus, is a small provincial town in the middle of nowhere nearby which once Frederick Barbarossa drowned. Follow us on our way to the ancient metropolis Antioch and into the marvellous grove of Daphne, that even today is in the modern Antiochenes’ favour as an important area for recreation. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 3

Do you know Antep and its fabulous museum with mosaics? If not, I strongly recommend it to you. Antep is a pleasant town where you quickly feel at home. Urfa, ancient Edessa, in contrast, can’t be recommended for women traveling on their own. And if you do, you will need steady nerves. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 4

Only a few images stick to your mind so powerfully as the huge heads of the broken monumental statues of Nemrut Dag. During our trip there, however, we have seen many other things: marvelous rocky landscapes, a magnificent bridge from Roman Times and lots of friendly people. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 5

Caesarea Cappadocia – only few cities in the Roman provinces possessed an equally comprehensive coinage yet barely anything Roman is still extant in the city. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009) – Part 7

You don’t have to introduce Istanbul. Everyone knows the beautiful city at Bosporus River. This was our last stop on our journey across Turkey. After having been to areas with barely any touristic infrastructure it was almost a civilization shock to finally get anything again a tourist would wish. [ more ]

Diary of a numismatist travelling Turkey (2009)

In the summer 2009 Ursula Kampmann travelled through Turkey – of course searching for numismatic traces as she always does. She condensed her impressions in a diary whose single parts we have gathered here. [ more ]

Numismatic diary of a journey throughout Greece (2011)

In summer 2011 Ursula Kampmann travelled Greece writing about her numismatic – and other – experiences a vivid diary. Here are all part gathered. [ more ]

3,500 kg ancient coins discovered in China

According to Chinese reports, archaeologists excavated about 3,500 kg of ancient coins in Inner Mongolia, which is located in Northern China. Most of the coins date back to the Han Dynasty. [ more ]

Spectacular gold coins found in Iraq

According to media reports archaeologists discovered 66 Sassanid gold coins in the city of Aziziyah in the south-west of Baghdad. The coins were expected to be sent for laboratory tests in order to confirm their authenticity. [ more ]

Human Faces

Why is it that for centuries – or rather thousands of years – the head has served as the motif for the side of a coin? And why has this changed in the last 200 years? Ursula Kampmann poses these questions in her book ‘MenschenGesichter,’ from which the texts for our new series are taken. [ more ]

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