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Gold aureus of Julius Caesar 46 BC Rome mint

Obv: veiled head of goddess Pietas? Rev:
sacrificial implements ICG AU 58 $2977. ANACS
AU 55 ........................................................ $2977.

Gold aureus of Julius Caesar 45 BC Rome mint

Obv: winged bust of Victory Rev: sacrificial jug
ICG MS 60 $4477. ANACS AU 58............ $3977.

SILVER OF THE FIRST TWO CAESARS

Julius Caesar continued the Roman Republic system
of government for the province of Syria and its capital
of Antioch. The basis for Roman management was to
change as little as possible. The last widely
acknowledged Greek Seleukid ruler of Antioch was
Philip Philadelphos, 93-83 B.C. After Pompey the
Great conquered the last of the Greek armies, and
absorbed Syria and Antioch into the Roman world, he
continued to strike silver tetradrachms with the same
design as Philip Philadelphos, with only the added
initials or monograms of the various local Roman
governors.

The issue for Julius Caesar and his

supporters use 49 B.C. as the beginning of the
Caesarian era. In 48 B.C. after Julius defeated
Pompey the Great, he spent 9 days in Antioch
dedicating public buildings and granting the city its
"freedom". Antioch was still ruled by the Romans, but
it was allowed more discretion in municipal affairs.
Julius began striking these tetradrachms in 47 B.C
and the issues continued down to 37 B.C. when Mark
Anthony and Cleopatra issued in their own names.

The prototype of the Roman issues, the Seleukid

silver tetradrachm of Philip Philadelphos, struck
93-83 B.C. About 15.8 gms of 80 to 90 % fine
silver. EF $177. VF $77. F.........................

$47.

Caesarian silver tetradrachms, 14.5 grams 750 fine

47-37 B.C. abt unc $347. EF $177. VF $87. F $67.

After Octavian, nephew of Julius Caesar, and later
known as Augustus, defeated Marc Anthony and
Cleopatra in 31 B.C. he revived the issue of Philip
style tetradrachms. These issues he continued down
to at least 17 B.C. The Antioch silver issues were very
large and they circulated heavily in the East. Several
scholars had suggested that this coin could have
been the type of the Thirty Pieces of Silver, but the
Jewish law required good Tyrian silver so these
Antioch tetradrachms, and any other foreign
coinages, were first presented to the money
changers in the temple. After the percentages were
extracted by these foreign exchange merchants, the
faithful male Jew would have the appropriate "good
Tyrian silver" with which to pay his dues to the temple
treasury.

At first glance these the Caesarian and Augustan
issues are identical. Both feature Philip Philadelphos
on the obverse, wearing a diadem, the symbol of
Greek kingship. The reverse Zeus (Greek) or Jupiter
(Roman name) enthroned, holding a wreath
presenting Nike (Greek) or Victory (Roman name),
and a sceptre. The legends still read "Philip
Philadelphos, the enlightened king". In front of
Jupiter's leg is a monogram of ANT for Antioch. The
key to the different eras is in the construction of the
throne of Zeus on the reverse. The Augustan issue
has a triangle built into the back legs of the throne,
while the earlier issue has elliptical decorations.

Augustan silver tetradrachms 14 grams 750 fine

31-17 B.C. VF $77. bold Fine....................

$57.

Augustus, the second of the Roman 12 Caesars, was
born Caius Octavianus Thurinus in 63 B.C. His popular
name Augustus was bequeathed as a title by the Senate
of Rome in 27 B.C., which traditionally starts the
beginning of the Roman Empire, and he ruled until 14
A.D. Many attributes of the old Republic lingered, such
as the Senate and mint officials, but the real power
shifted to the emperor. Jesus Christ was born during the
reign of Augustus. Judaea, part of the Roman world for
over 50 years, was administered by "king" Herod, an
appointee of Augustus. The Romans took their taxes
seriously, but in general the early Roman empire thrived
because Augustus used local rulers whenever possible
to minimize cultural conflicts. It was a decree by
Augustus for taxation purposes that took Joseph and
Mary to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7), but the control by
Rome of the Holy Land certainly shaped the
development of early Christianity.

Silver tetradrachm of Antioch 17 BC-14 AD Obv:

laureate head of Augustus in fine style Rev: The
Tyche or city goddess of Antioch with her feet on
the swimming river god Euphrates EF+ $677. VF
$477. bold Fine .........................................

$277.

Gold aureus 11-10 BC Obv: laureate bust of

Augustus Rev: butting bull ICG VF25 ....... $1977.

Silver denarius of same designs 14-12 BC ICG

VF 30 ........................................................

$277.

Silver denarius 12-11 BC Obv: bare head of

Augustus Rev: Capricorn, his Zodiac sign, holding
globe ANACS EF 40.................................

$877.

Silver denarius of Augustus 2 BC-14AD Obv: his

laureate bust Rev: his grandsons and
heirs(entitled Caesars) Gaius and Lucius, pile of
weapons and shields between them. raw EF-AU
PQ size & color $577. Fine $157. ANACS VF 35
$277. VG8 $117. G4 .................................

$97.

Brass dupondius struck by Caligula, 37-41 AD to

honor his grandfather Obv: radiate head of
Augustus Rev: Caligula seated on curule chair,
holding branch and globe. raw superb EF $1700.
VF .............................................................

$775.

Gold aureus of Tiberius 14-37 AD, known as the

"Tribute Penny in Gold" since the designs are
identical to the famous Biblical coin. Obv: laureate
head of Tiberius. Rev: His mother Livia enthroned.
ICG VF25 .................................................. $1777.

Silver denarius of Tiberius, the "Tribute Penny" of

Biblical fame. Same design as gold. ICG AU 55
$977. ICG EF 45 $577. All ANACS: AU 50 $877.
EF 40 $477. VF 35 $397. VF 20 $317. F 12 $197.
VG 10 $187. VG 8 $157. Uncertified available for
lower prices.

Caligula, 37-41 AD, silver tetradrachm of Antioch,

38/39 AD Obv: laureate bust of Caligula Rev:
Draped bust of his mother, Agrippina Senior.
Fine ..........................................................

$977.

Bronze as of Caligula, 37-41 AD, Rome mint Obv:

bust of Caligula (Gaius) Rev: Vesta enthroned Abt
Unc sharpness, big flan, a few minor patches of
oxidation. Wonderful two tone highlights $1977.
EF+ glossy $1377. VF $677. F+ $447. F ..

$297.

Brass sestertius of Agrippina Senior, struck by

Caligula to honor his mother. Obv: draped bust of
Agrippina Senior in finest classical Roman style
Rev: Funerary cart pulled by mules EF, "Tiber"
patina some hard smoothing done a hundred
years ago. Rich mellowed brass toning. ... $2977.

Gold aureus of Claudius 44-45 AD Obv: laureate bust

of Claudius Rev: Nemesis with snake VG ..

$877.

Silver cistophorus, or 3 denarii, struck at the Ephesus mint in

Asia Minor 41-42 AD Obv: bare head of Claudius in fine style
Rev: temple in which Claudius is being crowned by
goddess Asia? Pleasing F++ ................................

$777.

Silver cistophorus as previous, but Rev: temple

containing cult statue of the Ephesian Diana.
VF ............................................................. $1577.

Silver cistophorus of Ephesus 50-51 AD Obv:

laureate bust of Claudius Rev: draped bust of
Agrippina Junior, his niece and wife VF.... $1977.

Brass sestertius of Claudius Obv: laureate head of

Claudius Rev: goddess Spes Fine, green patina

$297.

Bronze as of Claudius Obv: bare head of Claudius

Rev: goddess Libertas VF .......................

$227.

Claudius, 41-54 AD, silver tetradrachm struck in

Syria, with Latin legends by his son? Nero, 54-68
AD. Obv: laureated head of Claudius Rev: laureate
head of Nero, star behind. EF $977. VF, small flan,
good portraits $477. Fine..........................

$277.

The Twelve Caesars

In the reign of the emperor Hadrian 117-138 AD, the Roman historian Suetonius penned his Lives of the Caesars.

The work began with the life of Julius Caesar, uncle of the first emperor Augustus, and concluded with Domitian, last of
the Flavians. In all 12 Caesars were included in Suetonius' papyrus scrolls. In contrast to the works of other historians
such as Tacitus, Suetonius concentrated on the personal lives of the Caesars rather than on affairs of state. Suetonius'
Lives of the Caesars has remained popular through the ages. Such modern works as I, Claudius by Robert Graves, and
its subsequent 13 part TV Roman drama (available to rent at the video store) were created directly from the ancient tome.

For centuries Suetonius' writings have inspired collectors to assemble sets of the Twelve Caesars whose lives are

detailed in his work. The Twelve Caesars are: Julius Caesar, the dictator whose monarchical direction prompted his
assassination in 44 BC; Augustus, who consolidated his power by 31 BC and organized the foundation of the Roman
empire so well that it survived hundreds of years; Tiberius 14-37 AD, the stepson and last choice of Augustus for
successor; Caligula 37-41 AD, who soon proved himself a sadistic maniac and had to be eliminated by his own Praetorian
guard; Claudius 41-54 AD, Caligula's aged uncle, who had a fine mind with a grotesque and clumsy physical appearance;
Nero 54-68 AD possibly a son of Claudius, but definitely an infamous tyrant and persecutor of early Christians; Galba 68-
69 AD a stern ruler whose military budget cuts led to his assassination; Otho Jan-Apr 69 AD was elevated to the throne
by the Praetorians in Rome, but was defeated by the legions of the Rhine and committed suicide; Vitellius Apr- Dec 69
AD was a notorious glutton of the Roman banquet scence and was killed when his troops were overwhelmed by
Vespasian's return from the Holy Land; Vespasian 69-79 AD restored peace to the empire and ruled wisely; Titus 79-81
AD his first son completed the conquest of Judaea when his father returned to Rome. His popular reign witnessed the
eruption of Vesuvius and the burial of Pompeii. Domitian 81-96 AD was the unpopular second son whose reign went from
mediocre to paranoid bloodbaths and his assassination ended the era of the Twelve Caesars.

J. Kern 859-269-1614

100%

Gold aureus of Nero 54-68 AD Obv: laureate head

of Nero Rev: Jupiter enthroned both ICG: VF35
$2977. F15................................................ $1277.

Silver tetradrachm of Nero struck in Antioch, with

Greek legends Obv: laureate head of Nero Rev:
eagle with outspread wings standing on
thunderbolt, branch before abt Unc rare grade
$577. VF $377. Fine $117. VG..................

$77.

Silver denarius of Nero struck in Rome Obv:

laureate head of Nero Rev: Jupiter enthroned all
ANACS: VF 25 $377. F12 $177. rev: legionary
standards VF 30 $577. rev: Salus seated VF 35
$577. VF $377. Uncertified available also. Various
rev: F $147. G-VG.....................................

$87.

Brass sestertius of Nero Obv: Laureate head of

Nero in fine style

Rev: Nero with lance on galloping horse, another

mounted soldier in background VF+......... $1775.

Brass sestertius of Nero Obv: laureate head of Nero

Rev: Annona and Ceres at table F-VF .....

$377.

Brass sestertius of Nero Obv: laureate head of Nero

Rev: Nero addressing the troops F...........

$277.

Gold aureus of Galba, 68-69 AD Obv: bare head of

Galba Rev: SPQR OB CS in wreath. Both ICG: VF
30 $4977. F12........................................... $1977.

Silver denarius of Galba, 68-69 AD. Obv: laureate

bust of emperor. Rev: Wife of Augustus, Livia,
standing. Early in his career Galba had been a
favorite of hers, and she helped advance his
elevation to high positions of power. F++ $377.
VF $577. rev: SPQR OB CS in wreath VF 30
$775. F $277. VG ......................................

$177.

Silver denarius of Otho, 3 months in 69 AD Obv:

bewigged head of Otho Rev: Securitas standing round
VF+/VF- $977. Fine, squarish flan or VG ......

$377.

Silver tetradrachm of Otho, struck at the Antioch

mint where they never cut dies from an actual
likeness. Obv: laureate bust of generic royalty with
natural hair Rev: eagle with wings outspread
standing on thunderbolt, branch before Perfect
Fine++ $775. average Fine $477. VG .......

$277.

Bronze as of Vitellius, most of 69 AD, Obv: laureate

and draped bust in high relief VF..............

$977.

Silver denarius of Vitellius, most of 69 AD, Rome

mint Obv: bare head of Vitellius rev: Libertas
standing ANACS EF 45 $877. raw fine $277. VG+
$177. Good ...............................................

$97.

Brass sestertius struck 71 AD of Vespasian 69-79

AD Obv: laureate bust of this Roman general in
nice style Rev: Judaea Capta, Mourning Jewess
seated beneath palm tree, bound Jew standing,
captured spears and shields strewn about.
Superb VF, pleasing dark brown surfaces, faintly
smoothed. $2977. F-VF $1077. VG $577.
Good ......................................................

$277.

Silver denarius of Vespasian 69-79 AD Obv: laureate

bust of Vespasian, as on all his denarii to follow.
Rev: IVDAEA in exergue, seated Jewish captive at
base of military trophy. At the end of the First
Revolt there were so many captive Jews that the
price of slaves in the Roman empire dropped
drastically. VF+/EF $777. VF 20 $377. VG 10 $277.
Good .........................................................

$127.

Silver denarius also commemorating the conquest of

Jerusalem, struck after Vespasian's death by his
son Titus. Rev: captive Jew seated beneath trophy
being built by Victory ANACS VF 20 .......

$277.

Silver denarius of Vespasian Rev: Winged caduceus,

staff of Mercury, and still the symbol for medicine
and healing. ANACS VF 35 $197. VF 30.

$177.

Many different reverses of Vespasian denarii, raw VF

$87. F $47. VG ..........................................

$27.

Silver denarius by Titus 79-81 AD to honor his father

Rev: two Capricorns back to back, globe beneath.
Maybe both the father and son were born under
the sign of Capricorn ANACS VF 30 .......

$277.

Gold aureus of Titus as Caesar 77-78 AD Obv: his

laureate bust Rev: Roma seated on shield, holding
spear, two birds flying, the she-wold suckling the
twins at her feet Pleasing VF+.................. $2977.

Brass sestertius of Titus, as Caesar, Superb style

portrait of Titus, Rev: Mars advancing VF $677.
Fine/VG $277. When Vespasian returned to Rome
after Nero's suicide he left his first son Titus to
continue the suppression of the First Jewish
Revolt. Titus captured Jerusalem in 70 AD and
"left not one stone on top of another". The last
rebel stronghold at Masada held out until 73 AD,
when the last defenders committed suicide by
slitting each other's throats.

Silver denarius of Titus Obv: laureate head of Titus

Rev: slow triumphal chariot. The Arch of Titus still
standing in Rome today near the Colosseum
depicts the Golden Menorah from the Second
Temple on parade in the victory procession
through Rome. VG ....................................

$87.

Silver denarius of Titus as Caesar, obv: laureate

bust of Titus rev: Annona seated ANACS VF 35
$297. Titus as Augustus, 80 AD, rev: curule chair
or altar VF 30 $297. raw Fine $67. G-VG .

$37.

Silver denarius of Titus as Caesar 74 AD Obv: his

laureate bust Rev: Caduceus, staff of Mercury and
symbol of medicine EF+ ..........................

$377.

Gold aureus of Domitian, 81-96 AD, struck 77-78 AD

while as Caesar Obv: laureate bust of Domitian
Rev: kneeling barbarian presenting standard
with vexillum.............................................. $1477.

Silver denarius of Domitian as Caesar Obv: his

laureate bust Rev: standing Pegasus VF $177.
VG-F .........................................................

$67.

Domitian, last of the 12 Caesars, 81-96 AD. Silver

denarius Obv: his laureate bust Rev: Minerva
standing ANACS AU 50 $177. various reverses AU
$147. EF ...................................................

$77.

Bronze quadrans of Domitian Obv: Rhinoceros, one

of the very few depictions of this great creature on
a coin! Rev: SC legend around

EF dark patina $377. VF ..............................

$227.

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Professional Numismatist · Bachelor of Arts in Numismatics

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email: JKernCoins@aol.com or jon@jkerncoins.com

JONATHAN K. KERN

ANA

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