Skip to main content

Full text of "The numismatic chronicle and journal of the Royal Numismatic Society"

See other formats 


NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE 


JOHN  YONGE  AKERMAN,  F.S.A., 

SECRETARY   TO   THE   NUMISMATIC   SOCIETY, 

CORRESPONDING  MEMBER  OF  THE  SOCIETY  OP  ANTIQUARIES  OF  SCOTLAND, 

HONORARY    MEMBER   OF   THE   ANTIQUARIAN   SOCIETY   OP   NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNB, 

AND   OP   THE    ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF    FRANCE. 


VOL.  IV. 
APRIL,  1841  —  JANUARY,  1842. 


Factual  abiit — monumenta  manent. — Ov.  Fast. 


LONDON : 
TAYLOR  &  WALTON,  28,  UPPER  GOWER  STREET. 

SOLD  ALSO  BY  M.   ROLLIN,  BUK  VIVIENNE,   No.  10,  PARIS. 
M.D.CCC.XLI. 


LONDON  : 

PRINTED   BY   J.    WEKTHEIMBR    AND  CO. 
tMKCUS   PLACE,  P1NSBURV    CIRCUS. 


TO 

THE  LORD   ALBERT  CONYNGHAM,  K.C.H.,  F.S.A., 

ETC.,  ETC.,  ETC., 

AN   ADMIRER   AND    COLLECTOR   OF 
BRITISH,  SAXON,  AND    ENGLISH    COINS, 

AND 
A    ZEALOUS     PROMOTER     OF     NUMISMATIC     SCIENCE, 

THIS, 
OUR     FOURTH    VOLUME, 

IS 
MOST    RESPECTFULLY     INSCRIBED. 


CONTENTS. 


Unedited   Autonomous  and   Imperial   Greek  Coins.     By 

H.  P.  Borrell,  Esq. 1 

Unedited   Coin    of   Demetrius    the   Second.     By  Samuel 

Birch,  Esq.         ........  11 

Unedited  Coins  of  the  Lower  Empire.     By  H.  P.  Borrell, 

Esq 15 

Arrangement  of  Mercian  Pennies,  bearing  the  Inscription, 

"  Ceolwulf,"  or  "  Ciolwulf  Rex."     By  F.  D.  •          23 

Legends  on  British  Coins.  TASCIORICON — SEGO. — CAMVL, 

&c.     By  Daniel  Henry  Haigh,  Esq.  •        •        •        •  27 

Rude  Coins  discovered  in   England.     By  J.  Y.  Akerman, 

F.S.A. 30 

Remarks   on   the    Numismatic   History    of   East   Anglia 

during  the  Seventh  and  Eighth  Centuries.    By  D.  H. 

Haigh,  Esq. 34 

On  the  Irish   Coins  of   Edward  IV.     By  Aquilla  Smith, 

M.D.,  M.R.I.A. 41 

Coins  of  Romanus  I.  and  II.    By  D.  H.  Haigh,  Esq.  54 

Remarks  on  a  Paper  entitled  "  Memoir  on  the  Roettiers." 

By  B.  Nightingale,  Esq. 56 

Remarks  on   Early  Scottish   Coins,  and  on  the  Arrange- 
ment of  those  bearing  the  Name  of  Alexander.     By 
D.  H.  Haigh,  Esq.    .......          67 

Remarks   on   the    Coins    of  Ephesus,  struck  during  the 

Dominion  of  the  Romans.    By  J.  Y.  Akerman,  F.S.A.         73 
On  the  Gold  Triens  inscribed  "  Dorovernis  Civitas."     By 

Daniel  H.  Haigh,  Esq. 120 


VI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

List  of  Unedited  Greek  Coins,  with  Notes  and  Illustra- 
tions,    By  Samuel  Birch,  Esq.         •        •        •        •         127 

On  a  Supposed  Penny  of  Stephen.     By  F.  D.  •         •        •         146 
On  the  Roman  Coins  discovered  in  the  Bed  of  the  Thames, 
near  London  Bridge,  from  1834  to  1841.     By  C.  R. 
Smith,  F.S.  A.   .        •        •       •  -•     •       •        •        147,187 

Note  on  the   Change   of  Position  in  the  Legend  of  the 
Dollar  of  1567,  of  John  George  II.,  Elector  of  Saxony. 
By  Walter  Hawkins,  Esq.          .....         169 

Groats  of  Henry VII.  with  the  Open  Crown.  By  R.  Saint- 
hill,  Esq.    '.170 

Further  Remarks  on  the  Numismatic   History   of  East 
Anglia,   during  the  Ninth  Century.      By  Daniel  H. 

Haigh,  Esq. 195 

On  the  Pennies  of  Henry  III.  with  the  Short  Cross.    By 

Daniel  H.  Haigh,  Esq.  .  •  •  .  .  .  201 
The  Irish  Coins  of  Edward  IV.  By  R.  Sainthill,  Esq.  •  205 
Irish  Base  Groats.  By  Edward  Hoare,  Esq.  •  •  •  208 
Notices  of  Thomas  Simon.  By  B.  Nightingale,  Esq.  •  211 
Remarkable  Gold  Coin  of  Offa.  By  A.  de  Longperier  •  232 


MISCELLANEA. 

The  New  Penny  Pieces  for  England  ....  62 
M.  de  la  Saussaye's  Work  on  Gaulish  Coins  ...  63 
Mr.  Hawkins'  Work  on  the  English  Silver  Coinage  •  ib. 
M.  de  la  Saussaye  on  the  Autonomous  Coins  of  Spain  «  ib. 
The  Revue  Numismatique  for  Nov.  and  Dec.  -  •  ib. 
Discovery  of  Coins  at  Ipswich  ...  .  •  ib. 
Roman  Coins  at  Knapwell  in  Cambridgeshire  64 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

PAGE 

Medal  of  Mehemet  AH    •        •        ...        .        .  65 

Coins  and  Antiquities  of  Afghanistan      ....  122 

Letter  from  Thomas  Rawlins  to  John  Evelyn         •        •  123 

Journal  for  the  Study  of  Numismatics,  Heraldry,  and  Seals  125 

Forging  Mexican  Dollars  at  Sheffield      •        •        •        •  175 

Letter  from  Adam  Cardonnel  to  the  Earl  of  Buchan    -  179 

J.  Pinkerton  to  Dodsley,  the  publisher     «  180 

Payments  for  Medallic  work,  Temp.  James  I.  &  Charles  I.  181 

Signor  Carrara  on  a  leaden  coin  of  Theodora  •        •        •  182 
Archers  and  Angels,  from  a  Sermon  preached  at  Paul's 

Cross,  A.D.  1594          .......  183 

Penny  of  Edred,  struck  at  Exeter          •        •        •        •  184 

Herr  Bergmann,  on  Austrian  Medals             •        •        •  ib. 

M.  Holmboe  on  the  Pennies  of  Henry  II.  and  Henry  III.  ib. 

The  «  Gun  Money  "  of  James  II.  235 

Tower  Mint,  1651,  and  1679          .        .        .        .  '  M,  237 

Letter   from  Dr.  Stukely  to  Dr.  Watson  of  the  Royal 

Society 238 

An  Otho  in  first  Brass         •'/. 239 

The  Gallery  of  Antiquities       .        •        •        •        •        •  243 

Medal  of  the  Pacha  of  Egypt 244 


PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  NUMISMATIC  SOCIETY. 

Report  from  19th  November,  1840,  to  February,  1840,  p.  1. — 
From  18th  March  to  17th  June,  p.  13. —  Report  read  at  General 
Anniversary  Meeting,  17th  June,  1841,  p.  21.  —  Report  from 
18th  November  to  23d  December,  p.  33. 


Correspondence          • '      •  , 126,  185 


ERRATUM:— .Page  153,  line  27,  for  Menassian  read  Menapian. 


NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE; 

AND 

JOURNAL 

OF 

THE    NUMISMATIC    SOCIETY. 


I. 

UNEDITED  AUTONOMOUS  AND  IMPERIAL 
GREEK  COINS. 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society,  19th  November,  1840.] 

AEGOSPOTAMUS,  CHERS.  THRACIA. 

No.  1. — Female  head,  wearing  earrings  and  a  richly  orna- 
mented diadem. 

R.— AirOSIIO.     Goat  walking,  to  the  left.    &2%.(My 
cabinet.) 

The  coins  of  this  city  are  beautifully  executed ;  this  in 
my  cabinet  is  of  a  much  smaller  size  than  those  already 
published. 

AGATHOPOLIS,    CHERS.    THRACIA. 

No.  1.  —  Male  juvenile   profile,    bound  with  a  fillet,  to  the 
.  right. 
R. — ArA  within  an  olive  crown.     JE  3.      (Cabinet  of  M. 

Stefano  Garreri,  at  Smyrna.) 
VOL.    IV.  B 


'2  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

No.  2. — Same  head. 

R.— AFAO.     An  owl,  standing.     JE  2£.     (My  cabinet.) 

3. — Same  head. 

R. — AFAOO.     Same  type  as  last.     IE  3.     (Cabinet  of 
M.  Stefano  Garreri,  at  Smyrna.) 

4. — Same  head. 

R. — ArAGO.     An  owl  with  two  bodies  attached  to  one 
head.     JE  3.     (Same  cabinet.) 

5.— Same  head. 

R. — AFA0.    Owl  upon  a  spear  head.  IE  3.  (My  cabinet.) 

The  legend,  in  abbreviation,  on  these  very  singular  coins 
induces  me  to  assign  them  to  a  city  of  the  name  of  Aga- 
thopolis,  which  I  presume  must  have  been  situated  in,  or 
near,  the  Chersonesus  of  Thrace.  It  is  only  mentioned  by 
Pachymere,  lib.  v.  cap.  iv.,  where  he  speaks  of  Michael 
Palaeologus  refusing  to  cede  to  Constantine,  king  of  Bul- 
garia, the  cities  of  Mesembria,  Anchialus,  Sisopolis,  and 
Agathopolis.  I  am  of  opinion  that  this  city  must  have 
derived  its  name  from  Agathocles,  son  of  Lysimachus  by  his 
first  marriage,  and  that  it  is  his  portrait  which  is  represented 
on  the  obverse  of  these  coins.  It  is  well  known  that  Lysi- 
machus changed  the  name  of  several  cities  in  honour  of 
his  family.  We  have  Cardia,  which  adopted  the  name  of 
Lysimachia ;  Ephesus  and  others,  that  of  Arsinoe,  from  his 
his  wife ;  and  as  Agathocles  was  the  eldest  and  most  valiant 
of  his  sons,  it  is  not  improbable  that  a  similar  honour  was 
reserved  for  him.  The  fabric  and  type  of  these  coins,  as 
well  as  the  localities  where  they  are  found,  concur  in  con- 
firming my  attribution. 

ALOPECONESUS,    CHERS.   THRACIA. 
Profile  of  Bacchus,  crowned  with  ivy,  to  the  right. 

R' — AAil.     Diota,  in  the  field,  a  symbol  of  a  conic  form. 
JE  3.     (My  cabinet.) 


UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  3 

The  only  peculiarity  of  this  coin  is  the  cone,  which  ap- 
pears as  an  adjunct,  for  the  first  time :  they  generally  bear 
a  small  figure  of  a  fox,  the  logograph  of  the  name  of  the 
city.  A  coin  attributed  to  Alopeconesus  by  Dumersan 
(Description  des  Medailles  du  Cabinet  de  M.  Allier  de  Hau- 
teroche,  p.  26,  tab.  iv.,  fig.  1),  belongs  to  Alea,  in  Arcadia, 
or,  according  to  Millingen,  to  Alos,  in  Thessaly :  the 
legend  should  read  AAE,  instead  of  AAii. 


CARDIA,    CHERS.    THRACIA. 

Female  head,  front  face. 

R. — KAPAIA.     Lion,  walking  to  the  left,  looking  back- 
ward ;  beneath  is  a  wheat-ear.     JE  4.     (My  cabinet.) 

The  female  head  is  probably  that  of  Ceres.  She  is  always 
represented  in  profile  on  the  published  list  of  the  coins  of 
Cardia. 


CHERSONESUS,    CHERS.    THRACIA. 

Female  head,  front  face. 

R. — XP^P.     An  ear  of  barley.     M\\.     (In  my  cabinet.) 

The  coins  of  Chersonesus  are  extremely  rare ;  this  of 
mine  is  different  from  the  few  yet  published.  The  coin 
assigned  to  this  city  by  Sestini  (Descr.  Num.  Vet.  p.  97, 
No-  1),  and  Mionnet  (Suppl.  torn.  ii.  p.  525,  No.  17),  is 
misplaced.  On  a  fine  example  in  my  cabinet,  I  read  dis- 
tinctly KEP  instead  of  XEP.  It  is  the  same  coin,  in  my 
opinion,  as  that  in  Mionnet,  torn.  ii.  p.  348,  No.  101,  under 
Cerasus,  in  Pontus.  The  coin  in  question  is  evidently  of 
Thracian  origin ;  the  Diota,  in  shape,  perfectly  resembles 
that  on  the  coins  of  Cypsela  and  Philea,  two  cities  of  that 


NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


province,  engraved  in  Cadalvene  (pi.  1,  figs.  4  and  9).  Ses- 
tini,  in  his  Classes  Generales,  presumes  Mionnet's  coin  may 
belong  to  Crithosium  or  Crithote,  in  the  Chersonesus  of 
Thrace ;  but  all  the  coins  I  have  ever  seen  of  Crithote  read 
KPI.  I  am  at  a  loss  to  assign  a  place  for  the  coins  with 
KPE.  It  must  be  observed,  however,  as  the  letters  are 

distributed  thus  they  admit  of  more  than  one  man- 

ner of  reading.  They  may  be  so  placed  for  KPE  or  KEP. 
I  can  vouch,  however,  that  the  first  letter  is  a  K. 


CRITHOTE,    CHERS.    THRACIA. 

Sestini  has  attributed  to  the  city  of  Arisba,  in  Troas 
(Lett,  e  Diss.  Num.  Con.  torn.  ii.  p.  71,  No.  7),  a  coin 
which  belongs  to  Crithote.  He  reads  API ;  the  first  letters 
being  imperfect  led  to  the  mistake.  He  classes  also  another 
coin  to  Arisba  (loc.  cit.  No.  6)  equally  incorrectly.  Cadal- 
vene, pi.  i.  No.  12,  restores  the  former  coin  to  its  proper 
place,  which  he  was  enabled  to  do  from  a  fine  coin  once  in 
my  possession,  and  now  in  the  Bank  of  England.  It  stands 
described  in  my  catalogue  as  follows : — 

Helmeted  head  of  Pallas,  to  the  right. 
R.— KPI.     Grain  of  barley.     &  3J. 

Sestini's  second  coin,  No.  6,  Cadalvene,  pi.  i.  No.  13,  also 
assigns  to  Crithote;  and  he  erroneously  quotes  my  cabinet  for 
the  examples  he  saw,  instead  of  that  of  M.  de  Hauteroche, 
having  misconstrued  a  note  I  gave  him  on  the  subject. 
That  coin,  however,  belongs  to  Chersonesus,  in  the  Cherso- 
nesus of  Thrace,  and  should  read  XEP.  M.  de  Haute- 
roche's  coins  were  badly  preserved.  I  saw  them  both  at 
Paris ;  the  first  letter,  which  Sestini  took  for  a  K,  is  a  X; 


UNEDITED    GREEK   COINS.  5 

the  E  is  obliterated,  and  the  third  letter  is,  as  described, 
a  p. 

A  beautiful  coin  of  Crithote  is  also  published  by  Sestini, 
from  M.  de  Hauteroche's  cabinet,  which  he,  as  well  as 
Mionnet,  reads  KPI9OSIQN ;  described  as  follows : — 

Laureated  head  of  Apollo,  front  face. 

R.—  KPIGOSKiN.  Grain  of  barley.  The  whole  within  a 
wreath  of  wheat  ears.  JEi  5.  (See  Sestini  Lett,  e  Diss. 
Num.  Con.,  torn,  vi.,  p.  24 ;  Mionnet,  Suppt.  ii.,  p. 
533,  No.  59  ;  and  Dumersan,  loc.  cit.,  p.  27,  tab.  iv., 
No.  8.) 

I  merely  refer  to  this  coin,  as  M.  de  Hauteroche  remarks 
that  both  Sestini  and  Mionnet  have  omitted  a  letter  in  the 
legend,  and  that  it  should  read  KPI90Y2K1N;  but  on 
referring  to  his  plate  I  cannot  perceive  the  Y,  nor  is  it 
visible  on  a  very  fine  specimen  I  saw  and  noted  at  Con- 
stantinople, in  the  collection  of  a  friend. 

MADYTUS,    CHERS.   THRACIA. 

No.  1. — MAAY.     Dog  sitting,  to  the  right ;  behind  is  a  star. 

R. — A  bull  butting  ;  above,  a  fish.  JE  4.  (Formerly  in 
my  cabinet,  now  in  the  British  Museum.) 

2. — MAAY.     Dog,  as  last,  behind  is  an  ivy-leaf. 

R. — Bull  butting  (no  symbol).     M  3.     (My  cabinet.) 

Millingen,  I  believe,  is  the  only  writer  who  publishes  a 
coin  of  Madytus  (Ancient  Coins  of  Greek  Cities  and  Kings, 
p.  43,  pi.  iii.  No.  7),  from  the  collection  of  the  Chevalier 
Paulin,  at  Rome.  The  two  above  described  differ  from  the 
one  he  cites  by  the  adjuncts  of  the  fish,  star,  and  ivy  leaf. 
Madytus  was  the  port  at  which  Xerxes  disembarked  his 
army  from  Asia  when  invading  Greece:  the  fish  upon 
No.  1.  marks  its  maritime  situation,  as  the  ivy  leaf  and 


6  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

ear  of  corn  alludes  to  the  worship  of  Bacchus  and  Ceres. 
The  dog  refers  probably  to  the  promontory  Cynossema, 
from  the  tomb  of  Hecuba,  who  threw  herself  into  the 
sea  from  this  spot,  and  was  transformed  into  a  dog. 

SELYBRIA,    CHERS.    THRACIA. 

No.  1. — 2A  (very  archaic  letters).     A  cock,  walking  to  the 
left. 

R. — Four  indented  triangles  meeting  in  the  centre,  forming 
a  square,  giving  the  appearance  of  the  sails  of  a  wind- 
mill. AR3.  66grs.  {My  cabinet.)  See  plate,  fig.  1 . 

2. — Another ;  the  square  on  the  reverse  divided  in  four  equal 
square  compartments.  AR  3.  63  grs.  (My  cabinet.) 
See  plate,  fig.  2. 

3. — A  (the  2  obliterated).     Cock,  as  the  preceding. 

R. — Indented  square,  as  No.  2.  AR  1|.  25|  grs.  (My 
cabinet.)  See  plate,  fig.  3. 

4. — Head  of  Hercules,  bearded,  and  covered  with  the  lion's 
skin ;  to  the  right.  (Very  ancient  style  of  workman- 
ship.) 

R. — Cock,  to  the  right,  within  a  granulated  square  ;  the 
whole  within  a  flat  sunk  square.  AR  2.  25|  grs. 
(My  cabinet.)  See  plate,  fig.  4. 

These  coins  might  be  supposed  to  belong  either  to 
Himera  in  Sicily,  or  to  Dardanus  in  Troas ;  the  cock  be- 
ing the  principal  type  on  the  currency  of  both  those  cities. 
I  am,  however,  satisfied  with  the  correctness  of  the  attri- 
bution I  propose,  from  a  certain  knowledge  of  their  all 
having  been  found  at  different  periods  in  the  ruins  of  the 
ancient  Selybria,  by  an  inhabitant  of  the  now  modern  vil- 
lage which  occupies  the  same  site,  and  is  still  called  Sely- 
vria.  Another  coin,  found  at  the  same  place,  is  now  in  the 
possession  of  a  friend  of  mine,  resident  at  Constantinople, 
which  reads  SAAI,  and  bears  the  same  type  of  a  cock. 


UNEDITED   GREEK    COINS.  7 

Pomponius  Mela  alone  writes  the  name  of  this  city, 
which  was  situated  near  Perinthos,  " Selymbria"  whilst  all 
other  ancient  geographers  write  Selybria,  from  Selys,  who, 
according  to  Strabo,  founded  the  city,  and  Bria,  which,  in 
the  Thracian  language,  signifies  " city"  It  appears,  how- 
ever, from  our  coins,  that  its  correct  orthography,  at  the 
time  they  were  struck,  must  have  been  SALYBRIA.  I  have 
only  further  to  remark,  that  the  coins  are  of  ancient  fabric, 
and  that  this  is  the  first  time  any  currency  of  this  city  has 
been  brought  into  notice. 

SESTUS,    CHERS.    THRACIA. 

No.  1. — Head  of  Ceres,  crowned  with  a  wreath  of  wheat-ears, 
to  the  left,  and  wearing  ear-rings. 

R. — SH.  A  naked  figure  of  Mercury  standing  ;  the  causia 
attached  and  falling  behind  his  head ;  he  holds  the  ca- 
duceus  in  his  extended  right  hand ;  in  front,  a  diota ; 
behind,  a  grain  of  barley.  M  4.  (My  cabinet.) 

2. — Helmeted  head  of  Pallas,  to  the  right. 
R.— 2H,  Diota.     JE  2.     (My  cabinet.) 

3. — Female  head,  to  the  left,  her  hair  bound  up  gracefully 
with  a  sort  of  reticulum. 

R. — 2H.  Old  terminal  figure,  front  face ;  in  the  field,  a 
monogram,  j\|.  JE  2.  (My  cabinet.) 

4. — Head,  front  face  of  Bacchus,  crowned  with  a  large  ivy 
crown. 

R.— SHS.  An  arrow ;  in  the  field,  fll.  JE  2.  (My 
cabinet.) 

All  these  varieties  are  new ;  they  were  all  brought  to  me, 
together  with  many  others,  in  bad  preservation,  from  Ses- 
tos,  and  amongst  them  were  four  coins  like  those  given  by 
Hauteroche,  Mionnet,  and  Millingen, — assigned  to  Sala,  but 
which  Strebor  justly  restores  to  Sestos.  (See  Sala.) 


8  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

LEMNOS,    INS.    THRACIJE. 

AHM.     Helmeted  head,  to  the  right. 

R. — Male  bearded  head,  to  the  right.  JE  5.  (Cabinet  of 
the  Chevalier  Ivanoff,  Russian  Consul-General  at 
Smyrna.)  See  plate,  fig.  1. 

HEPH.ESTIA,    LEMNOS. 

Bearded  head,  perhaps  of  Vulcan,  to  the  left. 

R. — H<&A,  between  two  torches.  JE  3.  (Same  cabinet.) 
See  plate,  fig.  2. 

MYRHINA,    LEMNOS. 

No.  1. — Bust  of  Diana,  a  quiver  suspended  over  her  left  shoul- 
der. 

R. — MYPI,  within  a  laurel  crown.  JE  4.  (Same  cabinet.) 
See  plate,  fig.  3. 

2. — Helmeted  head  of  Pallas,  to  the  right. 

R. — MYPI.  Owl  standing,  front  face ;  in  the  field,  an 
olive  branch.  JE  3.  (Same  cabinet.)  See  plate,  fig.  4. 

The  descriptions  of  the  four  preceding  coins  were  kindly 
communicated  to  me  by  their  proprietor,  the  Chevalier 
Ivanoff,  with  an  accompanying  note,  stating  that  they  were 
all  received  by  him  from  the  place  of  their  origin.  That 
with  the  letters  AHM  for  Arjjuvtwv,  which  I  assign,  without 
the  least  hesitation,  to  the  island  of  Lemnos,  is  highly  curious 
and  interesting,  as  it  is  the  only  coin  that  has  yet  reached 
us  bearing  the  name  of  the  island.  The  three  other  coins 
of  Hephsestia  and  Myrhina  are  inedited. 

PATRAUS.      REX   PAEONIAE. 
No.  1. — Laureated  head  of  Apollo,  to  the  right. 

R. — IIOAPTAY  (sic).  A  horseman,  helmeted  and  wear- 
ing a  cuirass,  piercing  with  a  lance  a  prostrate  enemy, 
who  is  defending  himself  with  a  Macedonian  shield. 
AR  6.  201  £  grs.  (Cabinet  of  the  Bank  of  England.) 


ZS'/zGrs. 


LEEfi  W©§. 


SULTS. 


UNEDITED    GREEK   COINS. 

2. — Head,  as  last. 

R. — IIATPOY  (retrograde).      Type,  as  last ;  in  the  field, 
a  helmet.  AR  6.     192i  grs.     (My  cabinet) 

3. — Another,  with  YOTIAII  (sic).  Type,  as  last;  in  the 
field,  an  uncertain  symbol  of  a  conic  form,  with  a  ring 
at  the  extremity.  AR  6.  194|  grs.  (Cabinet  of  the 
Bank  of  England.) 

4. — Another;  in  the  field,  the  monogram,  j^.  AR  6. 
196  grs.  (My  cabinet.) 

A  feeble  light  has  lately  been  thrown  upon  the  chrono- 
logy of  the  kings  of  Paeonia,  by  the  discovery  of  a  remark- 
able inscription  a  few  years  ago  in  the  Acropolis  of  Athens. 
(See  Bulletin  de  FInstitut  -Archeologique  de  Rome,  for  1833, 
and  L'Ancienne  Athenes  de  'M.  Pittakys,  p.  314.)  From 
that  authority  we  are  informed  that  Patraus  was  the  son  of 
Audoleon ;  he  consequently  must  take  precedence  in  the 
list  of  kings  of  Paeonia  whose  coins  have  reached  us.  (See 
Numismatique  des  Rois  Grecs.  p.  II.)  The  four  coins 
described  above,  of  this  prince,  differ  from  those  already 
published,  merely  by  the  accessory  symbols,  or  the  strange 
transposition  of  the  letters  of  the  legend  on  Nos.  1  and  3, 
which  shows  the  extreme  negligence  of  those  employed  in 
their  execution. 


AUDOLEON.       REX   PAEONIAE. 

Head,  front  face  of  Pallas,  helmeted  and  wearing  a  necklace. 

R.— AYAilAEONTOS.  Horse  walking  to  the  right,  his 
bridle  dragging  on  the  ground ;  beneath,  a  caducous. 
AR  6.  193|  grs.  (My  cabinet.) 

I  have  nothing  to  remark  on  this  coin,  except  to  call 
attention  to  its  peculiar  preservation  and  superior  fabric. 
VOL.  iv.  c 


10  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

LYCCEIUS.       REX    PAEONIAE  ? 

No.  1. — Laureated  head  of  Apollo,  to  the  right. 

R. — AYKKEIOY.  A  naked  figure  of  Hercules,  sitting  on 
the  ground,  strangling  a  lion,  his  left  arm  round  the  neck 
of  the  animal,  and  his  right  lifted  up  in  the  act  of  strik- 
ing. On  the  neck  of  the  lion  is  the  letter  F  in  relief, 
and  below,  a  bow  and  quiver.  AR  6.  196^  grs. 

2. — Naked  youthful  male  head,  to  the  right. 

R.  — AYKK  .  .  OY.  A  horse  grazing,  to  the  right.  AR  3. 
(My  cabinet.} 

This  king,  Lycceius,  being  unnoticed  by  any  ancient  his- 
torians, has  been  ranged  by  numismatists  in  the  series  of 
the  kings  of  Paeonia,  from  the  great  similitude  which 
exists  between  his  coins  and  those  of  Patraus  and  Audo- 
leon,  in  weight,  fabric,  and  peculiar  appearance  of  the 
metal;  he  may,  however,  have  ruled  over  some  other  peo- 
ple in  the  vicinity  of  Paeonia,  of  which  we  have  no  record. 
Eckhel  (Syll.  tab.  xiii.  fig.  5),  was  the  first  to  describe  the 
only  coin  then  known  of  this  prince,  from  the  Museum  at 
Florence.  On  that  example  the  final  letter  is  obliterated 
by  a  perforation,  which  raised  a  doubt  in  the  mind  of  the 
author  of  the  Numismatique  des  Rois  Grecs  :  he  suggests  the 
possibility  of  the  legend  being  AYKKEION,  in  which  case, 
instead  of  the  name  of  a  prince,  it  might  with  greater  pro- 
priety be  assigned  to  the  city  of  Lyncus,  the  capital  of  the 
Lyncestae.  The  same  author,  however,  rejects  this  opinion, 
and  attaches  himself  to  the  original  attribution  of  Eckhel, 
on  becoming  acquainted  with  the  coin  published  by  Cadal- 
vene  from  my  collection,  and  now  in  the  Bank  of  England, 
on  which  the  perfect  state  of  the  legend  admitted  of  no 
further  doubt. 

The  coin  No.  1,  described  above,  is  another  fine  exam- 
ple, also  once  possessed  by  me,  but  which  has  passed  into 
the  collection  of  Mr.  Stewart.  It  differs  from  that  in  the 


UNEDITED  COIN  OP  DEMETRIUS  THE  SECOND. 


11 


Bank  of  England  by  the  addition  of  the  letter  r,  stamped 
in  relief  on  the  neck  of  the  lion — not  as  a  counter-mark 
impressed  after  the  fabrication  of  the  coin,  but  forming  part 
of  the  original  type.  The  letter  also,  it  must  be  remarked, 
is  of  that  peculiar  form  in  use  during  the  reign  of  Philip  of 
Macedonia,  father  of  Alexander  the  Great.  What  this 
letter  alludes  to  is  a  mystery ;  and  I  am  at  a  loss  to  offer 
an  opinion.  With  regard  to  the  coin  No.  2,  a  similar  one 
(except  that  the  head  of  Apollo  is  laureated)  is  published  by 
Mionnet  (Suppl.  torn.  v.  p.  108,  No.  68),  and  assigned  to 
the  city  of  Alexandria  Troas ;  I  presume  on  account  of  the 
type — a  horse  feeding :  but  I  have  no  doubt  it  belongs  to 
Lycceius.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  my  coin  came  to  me 
from  Thessalonica,  in  company  with  three  coins  of  Audo- 
leon,  and  two  of  Patraus,  all  of  this  small  size. 


H.    P.    BORRELL. 


Smyrna,  9th  April,  1840. 


II. 

UNEDITED  COIN  OF    DEMETRIUS  THE  SECOND. 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society,    18th  Feb.  1841.] 


DEAR  SIR, 

I  have  the  honor  to  announce  to  the  Numismatic 
Society  a  new  type  of  Demetrius  II. 


12  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

No.  1. — Head  of  Demetrius,  slightly  bearded  ?  profile  to  the  right. 

R— ....MHTPIOY...KATOPOS.  Fortune  standing  to 
the  left,  regarding  a  Parthian,  who  takes  her  hand ;  on 
his  back  a  quiver ;  between  the  figures,  Y.  JE-.  4$. 

2. — Ditto,  unbearded. 

R — Ditto.     3L.±\.  British  Museum. 

Two  coins  of  this  type  exist  in  the  collection  of  the 
British  Museum,  and  they  have  apparently  been  unedited. 
Their  discovery  is  due  to  Mr.  Doubleday — a  member  of  this 
Society,  whose  practical  knowledge  of  Greek  and  other 
numismatics  is  so  well  known  to  its  members — and  at  his 
request  I  have  drawn  up  the  following  historical  elucidation 
of  this  truly  valuable  type.  I  shall  first  consider  the 
contemporaneous  event,  and  then  give  its  application  to  the 
coin.  Demetrius  the  second,  the  Theos  Philadelphos 
Nicator  of  the  currency,  entered  Parthia1  in  the  173rd 
year  of  the  Seleucian  era,  about  July,  139,  B.  C.,  in  the 
2nd  of  the  160th  Olympiad,  according  to  Clinton,  who 
differs  in  his  chronology  about  two  years  from  that  proposed 
by  Frolich.2  In  his  march  into  Media,  towards  Babylon,3 
to  crush  the  rebellion  of  Diodotus  Tryphon,  he  was  captured 
by  a  satrap  of  the  Parthian  monarch,  about  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Seleucian  year  175,  November  138  B.  C.,and 
after  having  been  paraded  in  triumph  through  various  cities, 
was  sent  into  Hyrcania,  and  retained  captive,  although  not 
treated  with  severity,4  from  motives  of  policy  rather  than 
humanity,  by  Arsaces  Mithridates  and  his  successor 
Phraates.  During  his  captivity  he  was  admitted  into 

1  Cf.  Clinton.  Fasti  Hellenici.      Chron.  of  Syr.  Kings,  c.  iii.  328, 
334. 

2  Annales,  p.  76,  132. 

3  Cf.  Joseph.  Ant.  xiii.  5,  11,  6,  1. 

4  Justki.  Lib.  xxxviii.  c.  9. 


UNEDITED    COIN    OF    DEMETRIUS    THE    SECOND.          13 

alliance  with  the  court  of  the  Arsacidae,  and  married  Rho- 
dogyne,  the  daughter  of  the  first  and  sister  of  the  second 
monarch.  There  are  no  means  of  determining  the  precise 
date  of  this  alliance,  which  probably  took  place  when  the 
political  state  of  Syria  and  preponderance  of  the  power  of 
Diodotus  Tryphon  rendered  it  necessary  to  weaken  the 
influence  of  the  de  facto  Syrian  monarch  by  holding  him  in 
check  through  fear  of  the  restoration  of  the  captive  de  jure 
king.5  His  Parthian  nuptials  however  excessively  irritated 
his  wife  Cleopatra,  the  widow  of  Alexander  Bala,  and  she 
married  Antiochus  VI.  or  Sidetes,  Demetrius'  brother, 
in  order  to  secure  to  herself  the  crown  against  the  power  of 
Tryphon.  These  very  nuptials  were  subsequently  the 
cause  of  the  death  of  Demetrius  before  the  walls  of  Tyre. 
The  duration  of  the  captivity  of  Demetrius  was  about  nine 
actual,  or  ten  current,  years.  On  the  present  coins  we  have,  on 
the  right,  the  figure  of  the  fortune  of  the  king,  rj  TOW  /BatrtAswc 
Tu^>j,  which  received  among  the  Syrians  divine  honors,6  taking 
the  hand  of  the  Parthian  monarch,  who  is  represented 
dressed  in  the  usual  costume  of  that  people,  with  a  quiver 
on  his  back.  This  must  allude  to  the  hopes  held  out  to  De- 
metrius of  receiving  his  kingdom,  and  his  alliance  with  Rho- 
dogyne.  A  similar  figure  of  Fortune,  seated,  and  holding 
a  sceptre  instead  of  a  rudder,  is  the  leading  type  of  the 
tetradrachms  of  Demetrius  I.,  arid  also  appears  on  the 
small  brass  coins  of  Alexander  II.  On  the  smaller  silver 

5  Justin,  loc-  cit.  regnumque  Syriae,  quod  per  absentiam  ejus 
Trypho  occupaverat,  restiturum  promisit- 

8  Cf.  Treaty  between  Magnesia,  Ephesus,  &c.,  A.C.  245, 
in  which  the  oath  was  by  the  Earth,  Sun,  Moon,  Mars,  Minerva,  &c., 
KAI  TEN  TOY  BASIAEiiS  SEAEYKOY  TYXHN.  Marble 
in  the  Sheldon  Theatre,  at  Oxford.  Cf.  Not.  ad  Justin.  8vo. 
Oxon.  1705,  p.  297 ;  and  Frolich,  Ann.  p.  132,  who  gives  it  in 
minuscule  characters. 


14  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

coins  of  the  first  Demetrius,  the  figure  of  Fortune  is  re- 
placed by  the  Cornucopias,  alluding  to  the  Fortune  of  the 
king.  But  the  general  type  approaches  more  nearly  that 
seen  upon  the  tetradrachms  of  the  Arsacidae,  where  the 
monarch  is  represented  seated  on  a  throne,  while  the  figure 
of  a  female  in  the  mural  tiara  of  cities,  presents  him  with  a 
crown  and  holds  in  her  hand  a  palm  branch.  From  this  it 
is  probable  that  the  coin  was  struck  by  some  one  of  those 
cities,  induced,  by  the  insupportable  tyranny  of  Tryphon 
with  the  dislike  to  Cleopatra  and  her  third  husband,  to  cast 
their  eyes  and  wishes  towards  the  restoration  of  Demetrius 
promised,  but  never  performed,  by  the  occupiers  of  the 
Parthian  throne ;  which  at  last  rendered  the  restraint  of  his 
captivity  so  unpleasant  that  he  made  three  attempts  to 
escape,  the  last  of  which  proved  successful.  The  features  on 
the  obverse  are  youthful  and  scarcely  bearded,  and  his  youth, 
and  probably  Greek  manner  of  shaving,  were  sarcastically 
treated  on  his  second  attempt  to  leave  his  new  connections, 
golden  tali  being  given  him  to  upbraid  his  boyish  levity7 
(talisque  aureis  ad  exprobationem  puerilislevitatis  donatur). 
On  his  return  to  Syria  he  wore  the  crisp  curls  and  flowing 
beard  of  the  Parthians,  a  costume  he  preserved  till  his 
decease. 

I  have  stated  this  type  to  be  unedited,  for  that  described 
by  M.  Mionnet,8  if  identical,  must  have  been  taken  from  a 
coin  too  indifferently  preserved  to  admit  of  its  true  expla- 
nation. In  the  one  described  by  him,  reading  jScrtnAewc 
ATjjUjjr/oiou  Nticarojooc,  are  two  female  figures  standing,  each 
with  a  Cornucopias  ;  but  an  inspection  will  readily  convince 

^  Justin,  loc.  cit. 

8  Vol.  V.  p.  62,  No.  541,  one  also  cited  by  him  from  the  Mus. 
Theupoli.  No.  1231  has  a  figure  holding  in  the  right  hand  a  long 
torch,  in  the  left  a  bow,  a  doubtful  type. 


UNEDITED    COINS    OF    THE    LOWER   EMPIRE.  15 

the  examiner  how  easily,  on  a  badly  preserved  specimen, 
the  Parthian  attire  and  quiver  might  be  supposed  to  repre- 
sent an  ample  peplos  and  Cornucopias. 

Believe  me  to  remain, 

Dear  Sir, 
Your's  very  sincerely, 

SAMUEL  BIRCH. 

7,  Hawley  Terrace;  Nov.  24,  1840. 
To  J.  Y.  Akerman,  Esq.,  &c.,  &c. 


III. 
UNEDITED  COINS  OF  THE  LOWER  EMPIRE. 

THEODORE  VATATZES-DUCAS-LASCARIS. 

06    HO  The  Virgin  and  the  Emperor  Theodore  standing, 

OACt)  "HC      both  front  face,  the  Virgin  wearing  the  stola,  the 
POC   A  AC   circle  of  glory  around  her  head,  and  placing  her  right 
AG     KA      hand  on  the  head  of  the  Emperor.  Theodore  is  richly 
C      P         habited,  and  holds  in  his  right  hand  the  Labarum, 
and  in  his  left  something  indistinct.     By  the  side  of 
the  Virgin  6Y  (the  usual  letters  MP  are  omitted). 
R  IC.XC  The  Saviour  sitting,  front  face,  the  circle  of  glory  around 
his  head,  his  right  hand  elevated,  and  in  his  left  he  holds  the 
sacred  volume.    In  the  field  is  the  monogram  A.     A  con- 
cave coin  in  gold. 

ALL  the  earlier  writers  who  have  treated  on  the  coins  of 
the  Byzantine  Emperors,  have  apparently  shrunk  from  the 
difficulty  that  exists  in  assigning  to  their  proper  owners 
coins  in  various  metals  that  bear  the  name  of  Theodorus. 
Excluding  Theodore  Mangaphus,  who  reigned  only  one 
year,  from  1188  to  1189,  there  remain  three  others  of  that 
name ;  Theodore  Lascaris,  called  the  first  Emperor  of  the 


NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

Greeks  at  Nicaea,  Theodore  II.,  Angelas,  who  founded  the 
empire  of  which  Thessalonica  was  the  capital,  and  Theo- 
dore Vatatzes-Ducas-Lascaris,  grandson  of  the  first,  who 
also  ruled  at  Nicaea.  The  Baron  Marchant  (Melange  de 
Numismatique,  Lettre  xxiv.)  is  the  first  who  was  bold 
enough  to  undertake  the  task :  an  intimate  acquaintance 
with  this  generally  neglected  series  of  coins,  and  a  pro- 
found knowledge  of  the  history  of  the  middle  ages,  afforded 
facilities  which  enabled  him  to  acquit  himself  with  rare 
success.  M.  de  Saulcy  (Essai  de  Classification  des  Suites 
Monetaires  Byzantines)  follows  in  the  more  general  classifi- 
cation of  the  Byzantine  series,  and  he  approves  fully  Mar- 
chant's  way  of  disposing  of  the  different  coins  of  the 
Theodori. 

The  coin  described  at  the  head  of  this  notice  is  unpub- 
lished) and  is  the  more  curious,  as  it  bears  the  name  of 
"Lascaris"  eGOAWPOC  AECOOTHC  AACKAPIC.  The 
latter  name  is  imperfect  on  my  coin,  but  no  doubt  can 
exist,  as  by  the  aid  of  two  others  I  have  been  enabled  to 
read  the  whole  of  the  legend.  There  can  be  no  doubt  then, 
that  this  coin  belongs  to  one  of  the  two  Emperors  of  the 
Greeks  who  reigned  over  that  part  of  the  empire  of  which 
Nicaea  was  the  capital  ;  but  it  remains  to  be  determined  if 
it  was  struck  by  the  founder  of  that  dynasty,  Theodore 
Lascaris,  or  his  grandson  Theodore  Vatatzes-Ducas-Las- 
caris. M.  de  Saulcy  observes,  in  his  valuable  essay,  that 
Lascaris  not  being  descended  from  any  of  the  great  fami- 
lies who  had  supplied  so  many  sovereigns  to  the  Byzan- 
tine throne,  and  only  being  allied  to  one  of  them,  the 
Angeli,  by  his  marriage  with  the  daughter  of  Alexius  III. 
(Angelus)  would  probably  prefer  styling  himself  simply 
Se<T7rorrjc  on  his  money,  rather  than  a  name  so  unknown  to 
royalty  as  was  that  of  Lascaris.  This  remark  of  M.  de 


UNEDITED    COINS    OF    THE    LOWER    EMPIRE.  17 

Saulcy  is  certainly  spurious,  and  if  correct,  my  coin  must 
be  attributed  to  the  grandson,  Theodore  Vatatzes-Ducas- 
Lascaris,  who  would  not  have  had  the  same  motive  for 
suppressing  a  name  that  through  his  mother  and  grand- 
father had  already  been  sufficiently  ennobled.  I  am  the 
more  inclined  also  to  prefer  attributing  it  to  the  younger 
Theodore  from  what  is  stated  by  Pachymere,  where  he 
says,  that  ft  under  John  Ducas  Vatatzes  (father  of  Theo- 
dore) the  standard  of  the  gold  coin  was  two-thirds  fine 
and  one-third  alloy."  Hporepov  /ucv  yap  eiri  Iwavvov  TOV 

AOUKO  TO  SlfJlOlpOV  TOV  ToXdVTOV  T(t)V  VOjUKTjUaTWV   \pV(TOQ  TJV 

aire^Oog.  (Andron.  Pal.  lib.  vi.  cap.  8.  quoted  by  Saulcy,  page 
596.)  and  further,  the  same  historian,  (lib.  vi.  cap.  8),  says, 
that  "  Theodore  continued  to  use  the  standard  for  his  gold 
money  as  adopted  by  his  father,"  and  the  coins  exactly 
correspond  to  this  standard,  as  I  have  had  proof  by  an  ex- 
perienced artist.  Pachymere's  remark  may  be  still  more 
useful,  for  as  he  informs  us  that  John  Ducas  Vatatzes  used 
a  standard  of  two-thirds  fine  for  the  fabrication  of  his  money, 
it  is  permitted  to  suppose  that  he  was  the  author  of  a  new 
system ;  in  which  case,  if  any  coins  in  gold  of  the  first 
Theodore  should  reach  us,  they  may  be  distinguished  from 
those  of  his  grandson  by  being  of  finer  metal.  It  only 
remains  for  me  to  speak  of  the  monogram  in  the  field  on 
the  reverse  of  the  coin,  formed  thus  A?  which  occurs  also 
on  a  silver  coin  of  Theodore  published  by  Marchant,  and 
which  that  writer  imagined  alluded  to  the  name  of  Las- 
caris,  as  it  appears  again  upon  the  gold  money,  in  com- 
pany with  the  name  of  Lascaris  on  the  obverse  in  full 
length.  It  must  be  admitted  that  the  author's  application 
is  very  ingenious. 

Before  dismissing  the  subject,  it  will  not  be  out  of  place 
to  remark,  that  this  coin,  with  half  a  dozen  others  exactly 

VOL.    IV.  D 


18  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

alike,  and  as  many  of  Michael  VIII.  Paleologus,  formed 
part  of  a  deposit  of  nearly  a  thousand  gold  coins  found  last 
year  near  Smyrna.  Besides  those  ten  or  twelve  coins,  all 
the  remainder  were  of  an  Emperor  John,  and  similar  to  that 
in  Saulcy,  pi.  xxvii.  No.  2.  attributed  by  him  to  John  II. 
Comnenes  Porphyrogenitus.  I  wish  to  call  the  attention 
of  the  curious  to  this  circumstance,  because  I  cannot 
satisfy  myself  why  the  coins  of  Theodore,  emperor  of 
Nicsea,  and  Michael  VIII.,  emperor  first  at  Nicaea,  and 
afterwards  at  Constantinople,  when  the  Latins  were  ex- 
pelled from  that  capital,  should  be  found  in  company  with 
such  a  large  quantity  of  money  of  John  Comnenes  Porphy- 
rogenitus, who  reigned  a  century  before.  What  adds  to 
the  singularity  is,  that  all  these  coins  of  the  three  Emperors 
are  in  exactly  the  same  state  of  preservation,  which  would 
not  have  been  the  case  had  a  portion  of  them  been  in 
circulation  so  long;  the  same  similitude  is  to  be  observed 
in  the  quality  of  the  gold,  all  of  them  being  of  the  standard 
of  two-thirds  fine  to  one  alloy.1  The  type  also  of  both 
those  of  Theodore  and  those  of  John  are  so  alike  that  they 
cannot  be  distinguished  but  by  the  legend  they  bear ;  and 
whereas  in  many  cases  the  coin  has  been  struck  carelessly, 
and  the  letters  are  not  visible,  it  is  impossible  to  say  to  which 
they  belong.  As  to  myself,  I  am  imcompetent  to  explain 
lhis  singular  anomaly.  If  they  are  not  of  John  Comnenes, 
to  whom  can  they  belong  ?  Their  resemblance  with  the 
coins  of  Theodore  Vatatzes  Lascaris  would  settle  the 
question,  if  it  were  not  for  the  presence  of  the  legend 


1  The  gold  coins  of  the  Comnenes  family  are  of  higher  standard 
than  these,  if  I  may  judge  from  a  few  coins  in  my  possession  of 
Alexius  and  Manuel  Comnenes  his  predecessor,  and  successor  of 
John  Comnenes  Porphyrogenitus. 


UNEDITED    COINS    OF   THE    LOWER   EMPIRE.  19 

IIOP$YPYrENET.  to  which  John  Vatatzes  of  Nicsea  could 
have  had  no  claim,  as  previous  to  his  marriage  with  Irene 
the  daughter  of  Theodore  Lascaris,  he  merely  held  an 
eminent  station  at  the  court  of  his  father-in-law.  Neither 
can  we  assign  them  to  the  John  Vatatzes  Ducas  Lascaris, 
son  of  Theodore  II.  of  Nicaea,  that  prince  having  died  in 
his  youth,  whilst  the  Emperor  pourtrayed  on  the  coin 
wears  a  strong  beard  ;  a  further  proof  they  could  not  have 
been  struck  for  this  last  prince,  is  the  quantity,  which  shows 
they  must  have  belonged  to  a  powerful  sovereign,  whose 
reign  was  of  long  duration.2  In  this  state  of  perplexity  I 
must  satisfy  myself  with  having  pointed  out  the  fact,  and 
leave  it  to  others  to  determine  the  question. 

MICHAEL    VIII.    PAL^EOLOGUS. 

X .  OH       The  Saviour  sitting  between  the  letters  IC.XC  ;  before 

M    AA  him  is  the  Emperor  Michael  kneeling,  supported  by  St. 

AG    GO  Michael;  the  beads  of  both  tbe  Saviour  and  tbe  Saint  are 

CI1     A    surrounded  by  a  circle  of  glory.     MP.  6Y  the   Virgin 

seated  on  a  richly  ornamented  throne,  the  circle  of  glory 

round  her  head,  and  the  infant  Jesus  on  her  breast.     (A 

gold  concave  coin  in  my  possession.) 

AT  the  death  of  the  Emperor  Theodore  Vatatzes  Lascar  III. 
his  son  and  successor,  John,  being  still  a  minor,  was  left  to 
the  guardianship  of  the  great  domestic,  George  Muzalon ; 
but  Michael,  the  son  of  Andronicus  Palseologus,  by  first 
assassinating  the  guardian,  took  the  charge  upon  himself, 


2  There  were  two  emperors  of  Trebizond  of  the  name  of  John, 
tbe  first  began  to  reign  in  the  year  1275,  and  was  the  first  who  took 
the  title  of  King,  his  predecessors  being  satisfied  with  that  of 
Duke.  The  title  of  Porphyrogenitus,  therefore,  would  not  have 
suited  him  better  than  John  Vatatzes  of  Nicaea.  The  second  John 
of  Trebizond  is  less  admissible  as  a  candidate  for  our  coins,  as  he 
is  supposed  to  have  reigned  as  late  as  1449. 


20  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

and  by  grasping  progressively  the  various  grades  of  power, 
was  finally  proclaimed  Emperor  conjointly  with  his  ward 
John,  at  Nicaea,  in  January  1260.  For  a  short  time  Michael 
allowed  his  pupil  to  enjoy  ostensibly  some  portion  in  the 
government,  but  in  the  following  year,  after  depriving  him 
of  his  sight,  the  young  prince  was  led  into  captivity  to  a 
castle  in  Asia,  where  he  remained  till  death  relieved  him 
from  his  misfortunes  and  sufferings.  It  was  about  the  same 
time  (July  25,  1261)  that  the  dynasty  of  the  Latin  em- 
perors at  Constantinople  terminated,  and  Michael  trans- 
ferred his  capital  there  in  the  same  year,  after  having 
reigned  at  Nicsea  about  eighteen  months. 

Pachymere  (in  Andron.  Pal.  lib.  vi.  cap.  8.)  informs  us  that 
Michael  Palaeologus  changed  the  ancient  type  of  the  gold 
aureus  and  placed  on  the  reverse  the  plan  of  the  city  of 
Constantinople.  Ycrrgpov  Se  trt  Mt^atjX,  T»JC  TroXcwc  aXow- 
OTJC,  Sta  rac  TOTE  KO.T  ava-yKTjv  &o<r£«e  KCU  juaAAov 
IraXoue,  fJ.tTEytypcKfxi  TO  JUEV  ra  TWV  TraXaiwv,  rrjc 
\apaTTOfjitvi\q  oTTiOtv  ;  and  this  testimony  is  confirmed  by 
the  coins  which  have  reached  us,  as  may  be  seen  by  those 
published  and  engraved  by  Pellerin  (Lettres,  page  180)  and 
Saulcy  (Suites  Monetaires  Byz.  pi.  xxxii.  No.  1.)  the  pre- 
sence of  this  type  upon  those  just  cited  is  a  proof  they 
were  struck  after  Michael  had  taken  possession  of  Con- 
stantinople. 

The  coin  in  my  cabinet,  described  above,  differs  from 
those  published,  it  offers  on  the  reverse  an  image  of  the 
Virgin  sitting.  I  am  therefore  inclined  to  consider  that 
it  was  struck  previous  to  the  others,  and  whilst  Michael 
was  merely  emperor  at  Nicaea :  it  therefore  must  be  ranged 
with  the  coins  of  the  dynasty  which  was  closed  by  Michael 
transporting  his  seat  of  government  to  Constantinople, 
and  is  particularly  interesting,  as  it  enriches  the  series  of 


UNEDITED    COINS    OF    THE    LOWER   EMPIRE.  21 

the  Nicaean  emperors,  which  is  sufficient  excuse  for  my 
making  it  known  to  the  curious. 

With  all  due  deference  to  M.  de  Saulcy,  I  must  point 
out  what  I  consider  to  be  an  error :  he  says,  "  Pachymere 
ajoute  encore  que  Michel- Paleologue  fit  subir  au  titre  des 
Aureus  un  nouvel  abaissement,  et  que  sur  vingt-quatre 
parties  ils  n'en  continrent  plus  que  neuf  d'or  fin.  Ce  recit 
s'accorde  parfaitement  avec  le  t6inoignage  des  monurnens 
numismatiques."  Instead,  however,  of  the  testimony  being 
confirmed  by  the  coins  themselves,  I  find,  on  the  contrary, 
that  those  of  this  emperor,  both  of  the  published  type  and 
the  one  I  describe  for  the  first  time,  are  exactly  of  the  same 
standard  as  the  coins  of  Theodore  Lascaris,  and  those  I 
have  had  occasion  to  mention  of  John,  which  are  16  carats 
fine  and  8  alloy,  as  I  have  ascertained  by  actual  experi- 
ment, executed  by  an  eminent  refiner  of  metals.  It  follows 
then,  that  if  Pachymere  is  correct,  that  the  debasement  of 
the  money  he  alludes  to  occurred  at  a  later  period,  none 
of  which  has  yet  been  discovered. 

My  coin  of  Michael  with  this  new  type  was  the  only 
one  that  came  to  my  knowledge,  amongst  the  deposit  found 
near  Smyrna,  mentioned  in  my  observations  on  the  coins 
of  Theodore  Lascaris,  but  I  have  seen  another  in  the 
cabinet  of  my  friend,  the  Chevalier  Ed.  de  Cadalvene  at 
Constantinople. 

THEODORE,    WIFE    OF    MICHAEL   VIII.    PAL^OLOGUS. 

No.  1 .      +          -f-  The  Empress  Theodora  standing  front 

6EOA    A8K       face  wearing  a  richly  ornamented  crown, 
WPAG    AINA     with  strings  of  pearls  suspended  on  each 
VC£BG  IIAAA   side.     She  is   closely  enveloped  in  the 
4ATHA   AIOAO  Stola  which  descends,  so  that  her  feet  are 
Vr8<I     THN  A    not  visible,  and  she  stands  upon  a  kind  of 
A  cushion.  In  her  right  hand  is  a  long  scep- 

tre, and  her  left  is  laid  upon  her  breast. 


22  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

R. —  ITTT  OV.  The  Virgin  seated  front  face,  the  circle  of 
glory  around  her  head,  with  the  infant  Jesus  on  her  lap. 
(Piombo  in  my  collection,  magnitude  1 1  of  Mionnet's scale.) 

No.  2.  Another  similar,  excepting  some  trifling  difference  in  the 
disposition  of  the  legend,  and  that  the  Empress  holds  the 
sceptre  over  her  left  shoulder. 

Although  these  two  monuments  may  be  considered  as 
seals  and  not  coins,  yet  some  numismatists  admit  them  in 
their  collections,  with  the  view  of  completing  their  series, 
and  as  they  are  unpublished,  they  will  not  be  considered 
out  of  place  here. 

Theodora,  on  these  seals,  adds  to  her  own  name,  that  of 
Ducina  and  Palaeologena,  which  she  was  entitled  to  do, 
being  the  daughter  of  John  Ducas  and  wife  of  Michael  VIII. 
Palseologus.  She  died  the  16th  of  February,  1304,  leaving 
two  sons; — Andronicus,  who  succeeded  to  the  throne  at 
the  death  of  his  father,  and  Constantine,  called  Porphy- 
rogenitus,  on  account  of  his  birth  occurring  after  the 
usurpation  of  his  father.  I  have  nothing  further  to  remark 
on  this  curious  seal,  excepting  that  the  reverse  offers 
exactly  the  same  figure  of  the  Virgin  as  is  seen  on  the 
gold  coin  of  her  husband,  here  given  for  the  first  time. 

H.    P.    BORRELL. 

Smyrna,  22nd  March,  1840. 


fTo  Thos.  Burgon,  Esq.,  for  the  Editor  of  the  Numismatic  Chronicle.] 


23 


IV. 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  MERCIAN  PENNIES,  BEARING 
THE  INSCRIPTION,  «  CEOLWULF,"  OR  «  CIOL- 
WULF  REX." 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society,  February  18th,  1841.] 

SIR, 

A  fresh  arrangement  of  these  pennies  was  pro- 
posed some  years  ago  by  Mr.  Hawkins,  with  the  sanction 
of  another  excellent  numismatist,  according  to  which  the 
order  of  Ruding  is  reversed,  and  those  on  which  the  king's 
name  appears  with  an  E,  are  given  to  the  successor  of 
Coenwulf ;  those  with  the  I,  to  the  last  of  the  Mercian 
monarchs.  In  support  of  this  arrangement,  two  arguments 
were  brought  forward;  one,  from  the  workmanship  of  the 
coins,  the  other,  from  the  circumstance  of  one  of  them 
having  been  minted  at  Canterbury. 

It  is  with  some  reluctance  (on  account  of  the  known 
skill  and  judgment  of  these  gentlemen,)  that  I  venture  to 
offer  my  reasons  for  assenting  only  in  part  to  this  new 
arrangement. 

I  do  not  see  any  objection  to  the  assignment  of  those  on 
which  'the  name  of  Ceolwulf  is  written  with  an  E,  to  the 
first  king  of  that  name.  The  type,  indeed,  of  many  of 
them,  resembles  that  used  by  Burghred,  and  this,  I  doubt 
not,  led  Ruding  to  place  them  next  to  his  coins ;  but  their 
workmanship,  and  the  names  of  the  moneyers  on  them, 
make  such  an  arrangement  very  improbable. 

So  far,  then,  I  agree  with  Mr.  Hawkins ;  but  I  cannot 
agree  with  him  in  transferring  all  the  coins  on  which  the 
letter  I  appears  in  the  word  Ciolwulf  to  Ceolwulf  II. ;  and, 


24  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

in  particular,  I  cannot  think  that  that  with  the  inscription 
DUOBIRNEA  CARTAS  belongs  to  him.  Mr.  Hawkins 
says,  "  Ceolwulf  I.,  who  only  reigned  one  year,  was,  during  the 
whole  of  that  short  period,  cotemporary  with  Baldred,  king 
of  Kent,  and  could  not,  in  any  part  of  his  reign,  have  had 
the  privilege  or  the  power  of  coining  money  in  the  city  of 
Canterbury."  Now,  I  confess,  I  do  not  see  why  he  could 
not:  he  reigned  when  the  Mercian  power  was  yet  un- 
broken ;  he  succeeded  to  the  authority  over  Kent,  which  his 
predecessors  had  acquired  and  maintained.  Beldred  was, 
like  Cuthred  before  him,  but  a  tributary  king ;  and  could 
not  have  prevented  the  Mercian  monarch  from  establishing 
a  mint  in  the  capital  of  the  subordinate  kingdom.  Besides, 
there  is  a  strong  probability  that  Coenwulf  and  Offa  exer- 
cised such  a  power.  Where  were  those  coins  minted  which 
have  on  one  side  the  names  and  titles  of  those  kings,  and 
on  the  other  side,  the  names  and  titles  of  Jaenbuht  and 
Othelhaed,  archbishops  of  Canterbury  ?  In  all  probability 
they  were  minted  in  that  city.  Further,  the  moneyers  of 
Cuthred  and  Baldred  are  most  of  them  also  moneyers  of 
Coenwulf.  Does  not  this  look  as  if  the  latter  king  employed 
Kentish  moneyers  while  there  were  yet  kings  of  Kent  ?  as 
we  are  pretty  sure  (from  the  like  evidence  of  moneyers,) 
that  Egbert  died  after  their  expulsion.  On  the  other  hand, 
Ceolwulf  II.  reigned  when  Mercia  had  lost  its  high  station 
amongst  the  kingdoms  of  the  Heptarchy.  He  was  but  the 
nominee  of  the  Danes,  set  up  and  put  down  at  their 
pleasure ;  and  it  is  not  likely  that  he  thought  of  extending 
his  dominion  to  any  other  kingdom  beyond  the  confines  of 
Mercia ;  and  Kent,  the  kingdom  in  question,  had  long  since 
changed  masters,  and  become  subject  to  Wessex. 

On  these  grounds  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  the  coin 
minted  at  Canterbury  belongs  to  Ceolwulf  I. 


ARRANGEMENT    OF    MERCIAN    PENNIES.  25 

With  respect  to  the  other  coins  on  which  the  king's  name 
is  written  with  an  I,  I  think  there  are  reasons  why  most  of 
them  should  also  be  appropriated  in  the  same  manner.  We 
find  on  them  (rare  as  they  are,)  several  of  the  money ers  of 
Coenwulf;  Ealhstan,  Ceolhard  and  Sigistif  are  in  Ruding; 
one  with  the  name  of  Dunn  is  in  my  possession ;  but  we 
have  not,  as  far  as  my  knowledge  goes,  a  single  one  of  the 
numerous  moneyers  of  Burghred.  This,  to  my  mind,  is  a 
very  strong  argument  against  their  being  appropriated  to 
the  later  Ceolwulf. 

The  types  also  are  more  of  the  period  of  the  first  king  of 
that  name ;  the  large  M,  in  the  centre  of  some  of  them, 
appears  on  one  of  the  coins  of  his  predecessor  Coenwulf; 
on  a  coin  of  his  own,  spelt  with  the  E ;  and  on  several  of 
those  of  Berhtulf :  it  does  not  appear  afterwards.  The  cross 
on  the  coin,  engraved  in  Archaeologia  (vol.  xxiii.  pi.  33, 
fig.  16),  is  also  of  the  earlier  period;  it  is  found  on  the 
coins  of  Coenwulf  and  Beornwulf,  but  not  on  those  of 
Burghred.  For  these  reasons,  but  chiefly  on  account  of  the 
moneyers'  names,  I  am  inclined  to  give  most  of  the  coins  in 
question  (as  well  as  those  which  read  with  the  E,  which  Mr. 
Hawkins  has  already  given,)  to  Ceolwulf  I. 

There  are,  however,  some  on  which  I  should  not,  without 
inspection,  like  to  venture  an  opinion. 

1st.  That  in  Ruding,  pi.  vii.  fig.  2,  on  which  is  the  name 
of  Dealing,  one  of  Alfred's  moneyers,  and  of  peculiar  work- 
manship, if  the  engraving  is  correct. 

2nd.  That  found  at  Gravesend,  and  engraved  in  the 
Num.  Chron.  The  type,  and  the  company  in  which  it  was 
found,  mark  it  as  belonging  to  the  later  period;  the 
moneyer's  name  is  no  obstacle,  for  if  it  is  not  found  on 
Burghred's  list,  neither  is  it  found  on  that  of  Coenwulf, 

VOL.   IV.  E 


26  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

or  his  immediate  successors :  the  workmanship  will  probably 
decide  the  appropriation  of  this  coin. 

3rd.  I  add  that  which  appears  in  Ruding,  pi.  27,  because 
the  moneyer's  name  is  the  same  as  the  last ;  in  other  re- 
spects, it  appears  like  those  which  I  think  should  belong  to 
the  earlier  period. 

I  have  not  said  any  thing  as  yet  with  respect  to  the  argu- 
ment drawn  from  the  peculiar  formation  of  letters  and 
features,  observed  as  common  to  those  coins,  and  those  of 
Burghred.  I  do  not  doubt  the  fact,  stated  by  so  good  a 
judge,  probably  with  the  coins  before  him ;  but,  admitting 
this,  is  there  not  still  a  difference  of  workmanship?  Are 
not  Burghred's  coins  neat  in  comparison  of  the  others 
(Mr.  H.  may  smile  at  the  idea  of  Burghred's  coins  being 
neat,  but  all  things  are  good  in  comparison  with  those  which 
are  worse)?  However,  this  part  of  the  subject  I  leave  to 
those  who  have  better  opportunities  of  inspection,  only 
observing,  that  in  a  coin  in  my  possession  with  the  I,1  there 
is  not  that  remarkable  triangular  formation  of  features  and 
letters. 

I  have  written  a  great  deal  on  a  small  subject,  but  I 
must  add  one  remark  more;  that  the  different  mode  of 
spelling  the  king's  name  with  an  E  or  I,  is  no  objection  to 
all  the  coins  belonging  to  one  king ;  a  variation  precisely 
similar  is  found  on  the  coins  of  Egbert,  where  A  and  O — 
and  on  the  coins  of  Baldred,  where  A  and  E — are  used 

indifferently. 

I  remain,  yours,  &c. 

F.  D. 

To  the  Editor  of  the  Numismatic  Chronicle. 

1  It  is  fair  to  state,  that  the  first  letters  of  the  word  Ciolwulf 
are  read  with  difficulty  on  this  coin,  but  I  have  always  read  it 
in  the  same  way,  with  an  I,  long  before  I  thought  of  the  subject 
of  this  letter. 


LEGENDS    ON    BRITISH    COINSS.  27 

P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above,  Mr.  Hawkins  has  kindly 
communicated  to  me  the  result  of  a  comparison  of  the  coin 
found  at  Gravesend,  with  the  engravings  of  pi.  33,  vol.  xxiii. 
of  the  Archseologia,  and  with  the  coin  itself,  No.  14  in  that 
plate,  and  says  that  in  workmanship  it  closely  resembles  the 
latter,  and  is  somewhat  similar  to  No.  3.  I  should  therefore 
think,  that  to  which  the  coin  of  Ceolwulf,  No.  14,  is  given, 
the  Gravesend  coin  must  be  given  also ;  and  that  in  Ruding, 
pi.  xxvii.,  will  probably  go  with  them. 


V. 
LEGENDS  ON  BRITISH  COINS. 

SIR, — Coins  of  the  type  engraved  in  the  last  number  of 
the  Numismatic  Chronicle  (Vol.  III.,  page  152)  are  very  rare; 
the  following  notices  of  them  are  all  that  I  have  met 
with : — 

Mr.  Ruding  mentions  (note,  page  99,  vol.  i.),  although 
he  confesses  his  inability  to  explain,  a  coin  with 
TASCIOVRIOON ;  and  in  the  Gentleman's  Magazine  (1821, 
January,  page  66)  one  is  engraved  of  similar  type,  though 
of  smaller  module  than  that  figured  in  the  Chronicle ;  on 
this  last  also  the  legend  vfifcoft  *s  vei7  distinct.  In  a  letter 
to  the  Gentleman's  Magazine  (1838),  I  assigned  these  coins 
to  Uriconium,  the  capital  of  the  Cornavii,  a  town  which  still 
preserves  some  traces  of  its  ancient  name  in  Wroxeter ;  and 
those  on  which  the  word  SEGO  appears  to  another  British 
town,  Segontium,  now  Caernarvon,  instead  of  Segonax,  the 
Kentish  chief.  There  can,  I  think,  be  no  doubt  of  the 
correctness  of  this  attribution,  but  I  must  here  observe,  that 
some  time  after  I  had  communicated  my  remarks  on  this 


28  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

subject  to  the  Gentleman's  Magazine,  I  discovered  in  a  note 
to  Gough's  Camden,  that  the  latter  class  of  coins  had  been 
long  since  assigned  to  Segontium;  so  that  the  merit  of 
having  first  correctly  explained  their  legends  belongs  not  to 
me,  but  to  the  learned  Editor  of  that  valuable  work. 

We  have  then  on  British  coins  the  names  of  four  of  the 
ancient  cities  of  this  island :  — CAMVL-odunum,  Colchester, 
on  the  money  of  Cunobeline  ;  SEGO-w^'ww,  Caernarvon  ; 
VERLAMIO,  near  St.  Alban's;  and  VRICON-zwwz,  Wroxe- 
ter.  This  list,  we  must  hope,  will  ere  long  be  considerably 
augmented. 

The  next  word,  TASCIO,  is  frequently  met  with  on  the 
money  of  this  period.  Many  explanations  have  been  offered, 
but  none  that  is  entirely  satisfactory.  Perhaps  the  most  so 
is  to  be  found  in  Mr.  Fosbroke's  Encyclopedia  of  Antiquities 
(art.  Coins}.  That  eminent  antiquary  seems  to  think  that 
the  pieces  on  which  this  word  appears  were  a  recoinage  of 
more  ancient  money. 

SOLIDO. — This  word,  which  occurs  but  once,  has  been 
conjectured  to  be  the  name  of  a  moneyer,  and  if  so,  is,  I 
conceive,  not  the  only  instance  in  the  British  series.  The 
other  appears  on  the  coins  in  Ruding,  plate  xxix.  3  and  4, 
similar  in  their  types,  but  different  in  execution.  We  read 
in  both  BODVOG.  I  would  refer  my  readers  to  a  plate  in 
the  Archceologiai  vol.  xxvii.,  of  a  patera,  inscribed  with  the 
name  of  the  artist,  BODVOGENVSF.  The  coincidence 
between  the  legends  on  the  coins  and  the  inscription  on  the 
patera  is  so  striking,  that  I  willingly  hazard  a  conjecture, 
that  the  artist  who  moulded  the  one,  engraved  the  dies  for 

the  others. 

Yours,  respectfully, 

DANIEL  Hy.  HAIGH. 

Leeds,  23rd  Feb.,  1841. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Numismatic  Chronicle. 


LEGENDS    ON    BRITISH    COINS.  29 

[In  thanking  our  correspondent  for  his  ingenious  commu- 
nication, we  take  leave  to  offer  a  few  remarks  which  have 
occurred  to  us  on  perusing  it.  In  the  first  place,  the  suppo- 
sition that  the  name  of  a  moneyer  appears  on  these  coins  is, 
in  our  opinion,  and  that  of  our  best  informed  numismatic 
friends,  totally  inadmissible.  Although  the  original  meaning 
of  the  Greek  types,  from  which  those  of  the  British  money 
were  evidently  borrowed,  may  have  been  misunderstood  and 
perverted,  yet  (with  the  exception  of  the  coins  of  Cunobeline) 
we  have  no  evidence  whatever  that  the  British  moneyers 
invented  the  subjects  they  have  represented  :  it  is  not,  there- 
fore, likely  that  they  would  establish  the  practice  of  placing 
their  names  on  the  money  they  executed.  Equally  inad- 
missible, in  our  opinion,  is  our  correspondent's  conjecture 
respecting  the  meaning  of  the  legend  TASCIORICON  and 
its  modifications.  When  coins  bearing  this  legend  are  known 
to  have  been  dug  up  on  the  site  of  the  ancient  Uriconium, 
we  trust  that  we  shall  be  the  first  to  chronicle  the  discovery, 
and  to  award  to  our  correspondent  the  merit  of  having 
appropriated  another  British  coin  to  its  locality ;  but,  until 
then,  until  we  have  authenticated  accounts  of  such  disco- 
veries, we  shall  continue  to  think  that  the  coins  with  these 
legends  were  struck  in  a  more  central  part  of  Britain.  The 
same  objections  apply  to  the  coin  with  SEGO,  which,  though  it 
may  not  signify  Seffonax,  is  very  likely  to  be  part  of  the  name 
of  a  British  chief.  With  regard  to  the  words  TASCIO  and 
TASCIA,  we  venture  to  remark,  that  with  our  present  very 
limited  knowledge  of  British  coins,  it  is  exceedingly  unsafe  to 
speculate  on  their  meaning.  Conjecture  is  a  word  positively 
abhorrent  to  the  ear  of  a  sound  numismatist,  who  will  wait 
patiently  for  more  evidence,  while  others,  less  experienced, 
will  rush  at  once  to  conclusions.  The  word  SO  LI  DO  is 
an  enigma,  especially  when  we  consider  that  it  is  not 
found  on  the  coins  of  the  Greeks,  and  that  the  style  of  the 
British  coin  upon  which  it  appears  is  after  the  Greek  model. 


30  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Our  readers  will  recollect  the  coins  of  Honorius  with  the 
legend  EXAGIVM  SOLIDI,  but  neither  their  type  nor  the 
time  of  their  issue  can  be  cited  in  illustration  of  this  remark- 
able piece  which  is  so  entirely  Greek  in  appearance. 

Lastly. — Interesting  as  is  the  legend  BODVOGENVSF 
on  the  patera  described  in  vol.  xxvii.  of  the  Archaeologia, 
offering,  as  it  probably  does,  a  Romanised  British  name, 
it  appears  not  sufficient  to  sanction  our  correspondent's  con- 
clusion. We  trust  these  remarks  will  be  received  in  the 
spirit  in  which  they  are  offered  :  our  correspondent  has  excel- 
lent qualifications  for  the  task  he  appears  to  have  imposed 
upon  himself,  and  we  have  little  doubt  he  will  ere  long  throw 
some  new  light  on  this  subject,  so  interesting  to  the  British 
Antiquary  and  Numismatist. — Ed.  Num.  Chron.~\ 


VI. 
RUDE  COINS  DISCOVERED  IN  ENGLAND. 

THE  eleven  coins  engraved  in  the  accompanying  plate  are 
well  deserving  the  attention  of  the  numismatist,  although 
he  may,  and  indeed  will,  find  their  appropriation  a  matter 
of  considerable  difficulty.  As  the  localities  in  which  some 
of  them  were  discovered  are  known,  we  shall  offer  no  apology 
for  their  figuring  in  a  plate  to  the  exclusion  of  pieces  more 
elegant  of  fabric,  and  more  intelligible  in  legend.  Should 
their  appearance  here  attract  the  notice  and  elicit  the  ob- 
servations of  our  numismatic  friends  on  the  Continent,  it  is 
probable  that  we  may  obtain  some  light  by  the  aid  of  which 
the  origin  of  some  of  them  may  be  ascertained ;  but  at  pre- 
sent we  can  do  little  more  than  place  them  upon  record,  in 
accordance  with  the  views  of  our  valued  correspondent,  Mr. 
Burgon,  to  whose  paper  (Numismatic  Chronicle,  Vol.  I., 


RUDE  COil^S  DISCOVERED  IK  ENGLAND. 


RUDE    COINS   DISCOVERED    IN    ENGLAND.  31 

p.  36)  we  refer  in  justification  of  our  proceeding.  The 
coins  here  engraved  are  as  follow : — 

No.  1. — For  permission  to  make  a  drawing  of  this  coin, 
which  is  of  gold  and  in  excellent  preservation,  we  are  in- 
debted to  the  Rev.  E.  Gregory,  of  Bridge,  near  Canterbury, 
who  at  the  request  of  Lord  Albert  Conyngham,  kindly  for- 
warded it  for  that  purpose.  The  style  of  workmanship 
will  remind  the  collector  of  Saxon  Coins  of  the  pennies  of 
Ciolvulf  (Ruding,  pi.  vi. ,  No.  2) ;  but  the  moneyer  was  in- 
capable of  forming  an  intelligible  legend,  if  he  really  designed 
to  engrave  one :  in  all  probability  the  piece  itself  belongs 
to  the  Visigoth  Series.1  The  reverse  bears  a  most  barba- 
rous travesty  of  Victory  marching  with  a  garland  and  palm 
branch  !  Pieces  of  a  somewhat  similar  character  are  occa- 
sionally discovered  in  England,  and  we  lately  saw  one  which 
had  a  loop  affixed  to  it,  so  that  it  might  be  worn  as  an  orna- 
ment, like  the  more  elegant  mounted  medallions  of  the 
Romans.  This  coin  was  found  in  a  field  near  Canterbury. 

No.  2. — This  remarkable  piece  is  of  gold,  and  in  the 
cabinet  of  W.  H.  Rolfe,  Esq.,  of  Sandwich,  who  states  that 
it  was  discovered  a  few  years  since  at  Sutton,  near  Dover. 
The  obverse  presents  what  is  no  doubt  meant  for  a  helmeted 
bust,  with  an  attempt  to  form  a  legend.  The  reverse  is 
difficult  to  describe:  it  appears  to  bear  the  figure  of  a  spread 
eagle,  charged  with  a  harrow  or  portcullis;  but  what  the 
objects  are  really  intended  to  represent  it  would  not  be  easy 
to  pronounce.  This  coin  does  not  appear  to  be  of  English 
origin,  but  in  all  probability  belongs  to  the  Merovingian 
series,  of  which  numerous  examples  have  from  time  to  time 
been  published  by  M.  Cartier  in  the  Revue  Numismatique. 

No.  3. — A    skeatta,    resembling   this   in  almost    every 

1  See  Lelewel,  Numismatique  du  Moyen  Age,  pl.i.,  Nos.  22  and  26. 


32  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

respect,  is  engraved  in  Ruding  (pi.  i.  No.  25) ;  but  the  piece 
here  represented  is  in  such  remarkably  fine  preservation, 
and  is  so  well  struck,  that  we  have  been  tempted  to  add  it 
to  this  lisfo  Assuming,  as  we  unquestionably  may  assume, 
this  coin  to  be  of  Saxon  origin,  we  have  here  direct  evi- 
dence that  the  Saxon  moneyers  would  have  imitated  the 
Roman  coins  had  they  possessed  sufficient  skill.  The  proto- 
type of  this  piece  is  evidently  that  little  brass  Roman  coin 
of  the  time  of  Constantine,  with  the  galeated  bust  and 
VRBS  ROMA ;  reverse,  the  wolf  and  twins.  That  coin  is 
constantly  found  in  England,  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  in 
the  time  of  the  lower  empire  immense  numbers  were  in 
circulation  in  Gaul  and  Britain.  The  origin  of  the  figure  on 
the  reverse  of  this  sceatta  it  is  not  so  easy  to  discover.  This 
example  (of  which  there  are  several  in  the  British  Mu- 
seum) is  in  the  collection  of  W.  H.  Rolfe,  Esq.,  of  Sandwich, 
who  obtained  it  at  Richborough,  where  it  was  discovered. 

No.  4.— The  figure  on  the  obverse  of  this  piece  appears 
to  have  been  copied  from  some  of  the  Byzantine  coins ; 
the  reverse  bears  a  figure  of  what  has  been  called  a  dragon, 
an  object  often  represented  on  coins  of  this  class.  This 
coin  was  discovered  at  Dorchester,  in  Oxfordshire,  and  is  in 
the  collection  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Trafford  Leigh,  by  whom 
it  was,  with  others,  obligingly  sent  for  our  inspection. 

No.  5. — The  possessor  of  this  curious  piece  (the  Rev. 
E.  T.  Leigh)  mentions  that  it  was  found  at  Dorchester, 
Oxon,  and  is  of  opinion  that  it  is  a  Saxon  coin,  an  opinion 
from  which,  after  due  examination  and  deliberation,  we, 
with  all  deference,  must  dissent.  The  portion  of  the  legend 
around  the  rudely  drawn  crowned  head  presents  the  letters 
CHVON,  forming,  in  all  probability,  part  of  the  name 
CHVONRAD,  Conrad.  The  reverse  bears  in  tolerably  well- 
formed  Runic  characters  the  legend 


RUDE    COINS   DISCOVERED    IN   ENGLAND.  33 

With  regard  to  the  six  remaining  coins,  which  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  British  Museum,  we  have  the  following 
observations  to  make.  Nos.  6,  7,  8,  9,  appear  to  bear  regal 
busts.  No.  7  has  a  galeated  head,  which  appears  to  be  a 
rude,  though  spirited,  copy  of  the  common  small  brass  coin 
of  Constantino.  It  is  very  probable  that  Nos.  10  and  11 
are  prelatical  money.  The  straggling  letters  which  we 
find  in  some  of  these  pieces,  appear  to  be  attempts  to 
copy  legends  which  the  artists  could  not  read,  and  which 
they  could  but  imperfectly  imitate.  Referring  again  to 
No.  3,  which  has  the  representation  of  the  wolf  and  twins, 
we  cannot  help  recording  our  opinion,  that  it  may  probably 
be  the  origin  of  that  nondescript  delineation  which  has 
puzzled  so  many  of  our  English  numismatists.  (See  the 
plates  of  Sceattas,  pi.  1,  Nos.  5  to  16,  in  Ruding).  The 
very  perfect  preservation  of  the  coin,  No.  3,  in  the  plate 
accompanying  this  notice,  shews  that  the  whole  body  of  the 
figure  intended  for  a  wolf  is  formed  by  curved  strokes.  In 
the  types  of  the  £>ceattas  given  by  Ruding,  these  strokes 
are  most  barbarously  imitated,  and  the  original  design  is 
lost  in  successive  copies.  No.  6,  the  reverse  of  which  our 
artist  has  by  mistake  placed  upside  down,  appears  to  pre- 
sent an  earlier  example  of  this  copying.  The  animal's 
head  is  bent  downward  like  that  of  No.  3 ;  but  in  this 
specimen  there  appears  to  be  no  attempt  to  represent  the 
two  figures  beneath  it,  which  we  conceive  to  be  intended 
in  the  presumed  rude  copies  given  by  Ruding.  Referring 
the  reader  to  the  very  judicious  remarks  of  the  Chancellor 
Thomsen,  of  Copenhagen  (Num.  Chron.  Vol.  III.  p.  116), 
who  observes,  that  in  the  well  executed  copies  we  see  the 
earliest  attempts  to  imitate  well  executed  coins,  and  that 
the  ruder  pieces  are  the  latest,  we  think  the  opinion  we 

VOL.   IV.  F 


34  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

have  ventured  on  the  hitherto  puzzling  type  of  the  sceattas 
in  Ruding's  first  plate,  will  be  admitted  by  our  numismatic 
friends,  J.  Y.  A. 


VII. 

REMARKS  UPON  THE  NUMISMATIC  HISTORY  OF 
EAST  ANGLIA  DURING  THE  VII.  &  VIII.  CEN- 
TURIES. 

VERY  confused  accounts  are  given  in  all  the  chronicles, 
respecting  the  succession  of  the  East  Anglian  princes, 
during  the  eighth  and  ninth  centuries.  The  following  dates, 
the  result  of  careful  enquiry,  may,  I  think,  be  relied  on : 

A.D.  690.  BEORNE    ascended  the  throne  and  reigned 
26  years.     In 

—  716.  ETHELRED  succeeded  him. 

—  738.  ETHELRED  II.     (By  Holinshed  he  is  some- 

times called  Ethelbert ;  but  it  is  nearly  certain 
that  Ethelred  was  his  name.)  After  a  reign 
of  52  years,  he  was  succeeded  by — 

—  790.  ETHELBERT,  who,  in  1793,  was  murdered  by 

Offa.     To 

BEORNE 

it  is  probable  that  the  Skeattas,  which  read  BEONNA  REX, 
must  be  assigned,  notwithstanding  the  difference  in  the 
name.  Of  his  successors,  Ethelred  I.  and  II.,  no  coins 
have  yet  appeared;  the  piece  which  in  a  former  paper  I 
attributed  to  the  latter,  I  have  reason  to  believe  belongs 
to  a  more  recent  date.  I  shall  recur  to  it  shortly. 

ETHELBERT. 

I  think  it  not  unlikely  that  the  penny  in  Ruding's  3rd 
plate,  so  long  assigned  to  Ethelbert,  king  of  Kent  from 


NUMISMATIC    HISTORY    OF    EAST   ANGLIA.  33 

748  to  760  (and  by  some  antiquaries  suspected),  may 
belong  to  this  unfortunate  prince.  It  may,  indeed,  be 
doubted  whether  this  form  of  the  penny  was  in  use  at  so 
early  a  date  as  the  reign  of  the  Kentish  Ethelbert,  and  the 
elegance  of  the  piece  now  before  us  is  an  obstacle  to  its 
being  appropriated  to  him.  In  the  form  of  the  letters,  the 
engraving  of  the  portrait,  and  the  braiding  of  the  hair,  it 
resembles  the  money  of  Offa.  The*  Runic  letters  Ml  t^ 
(LVL)  which  accompany  the  name  of  the  king  on  the  ob- 
verse, cannot  be  explained  otherwise  than  by  supposing  them 
to  be  the  name  of  a  moneyer,  (although  not  usually  found 
in  such  a  situation),  and  this  confirms  my  conjecture,  since 
the  same  name  occurs  on  coins  of  Offa  and  Coenwulf.  It 
may  easily  be  shewn  that  none  of  the  coins  of  Offa  in  Ru- 
ding's  Plates,  belong  to  a  much  earlier  period  than  the 
accession  of  the  East  Anglian  Ethelbert  j1  it  is  very  probable 
that  they  were  all  minted  during  the  last  ten  or  fifteen 
years  of  his  reign.  That  the  genuineness  of  the  piece  now 
before  us  should  have  been  questioned,  merely  from  the 
occurrence  of  the  wolf  and  twins  on  its  reverse,  appears 
strange,  when  we  consider  not  only  the  different  imitations 
of  Roman  types  upon  Saxon  coins,  but  the  frequent  find- 
ings in  this  island,  of  the  small  brass  money  of  the  lower 
empire,  impressed  with  the  same  device.  At  any  rate,  the 
East  Anglian  has  fully  as  strong  a  claim,  as  the  Kentish 
prince,  to  this  penny.  The  murder  of  Ethelbert  in  793 
was  a  fatal  blow  to  the  independence  of  East  Anglia,  and 
though  we  are  certain  that  kings  did  reign  in  that  province, 
between  this  prince  and  Edmund,  their  names  have  perished. 

1  Ruding  supposes  those  with  the  portrait,  generally  considered 
the  work  of  foreign  artists,  to  be  amongst  the  latest  of  his  money. 
I  cannot  entirely  agree  with  that  learned  gentleman  on  this  point. 


36  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

In  a  paper  printed  in  the  Numismatic  Chronicle  (Vol. 
II.  p.  47),  I  endeavoured  to  supply  the  names  of  two  of 
these  kings  by  means  of  the  coins  of  Eadvald  and  Eanred. 
Permit  me  here  to  state  more  explicitly  the  reasons  which 
led  me  to  assign  these  coins  to  East  Anglia;  and  first  with 
regard  to  the  pennies  of 

EADVALD 

assigned  by  Ruding  to  Athelbald,  king  of  Mercia  716 — 
755,  and  engraved  pi.  IV.  figs.  1  &  2. 

Now  there  was  no  king  of  Mercia,  of  the  name  of 
Eadvald.  One  of  Offa's  immediate  predecessors,  indeed, 
was  named  Athelbald,  but  as  all  the  Chronicles  and  his 
own  charters,  agree  in  the  spelling  of  his  name,  and  as  the 
coins  in  question  read  most  distinctly  Eadvald.  they  cannot 
belong  to  him ;  and  as  there  is  no  other  king  of  Mercia 
who  can  claim  them,  they  must  be  removed  from  that 
series.  Neither  can  they  belong  to  so  early  a  date  as  the 
reign  of  Athelbald ;  for  since  Offa  held  the  Mercian  sceptre 
nearly  forty  years,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  those  of 
his  moneyers  whose  names  appear  on  coins  of  Coenwulf,  his 
successor,  and  of  Egbert,  could  hardly  have  worked  for  him 
at  the  beginning  of  his  reign ;  and  that  such  specimens  of 
his  money  as  bear  the  strongest  resemblance  in  types,  &c. 
to  those  of  Coenwulf,  belong  to  a  period  immediately 
antecedent  to  that  monarch's  accession.  Now,  on  ex- 
amining the  pennies  of  Eadvald,  we  remark  on  the  first,  a 
very  close  resemblance  in  the  arrangement  of  the  obverse, 
as  well  as  the  reverse,  to  a  penny  of  Offa,  figured  in  Sir  A. 
Fountaine's  Tab.  IX.,  No.  8  (not  in  Ruding),  except  that 
the  moneyer's  name  is  LVL.  One  of  Coenwulf  (Ruding, 
pi.  6,  fig.  18),  has  a  similar  reverse,  with  the  same  moneyer 
as  the  above  cited  coin  of  Offa.  Several  pieces  of  Offa 


NUMISMATIC    HISTORY    OF    EAST    ANGLIA.  37 

(Ruding,  pi.  iv.,  figs.  19  to  22,  and  v.  23,  24),  and  of  Coen- 
wulf  (pi.  vii.  29 ;  pi.  xxviii.  15, 16),  have  the  king's  name 
and  title  in  three  lines  on  the  obverse,  as  on  this  of 
Eadvald. 

The  second  piece  presents  a  similar  reverse  to,  and  the 
same  moneyer's  name  as,  the  coins  of  Offa  (pi.  iv.  19; 
pi.  xxix.  14).  The  name  Vintred  appears  also  on  a  coin  of 
Offa  (pi.  v.  28),  and  on  two  of  Coenwulf  (pl.vi.  6  and  19). 
The  resemblance  I  have  here  traced  between  the  pennies 
of  Eadvald  and  those  of  Offa  and  his  successor,  will  warrant 
the  conjecture  that  the  former  were  issued  about  the  com- 
mencement of  the  reign  of  Coenwulf,  by  some  cotemporary 
prince.  I  can,  indeed,  see  no  reason  to  alter  the  opinion 
I  have  long  entertained,  that  they  present  the  name  of  a 
king  who  reigned  in  East  Anglia,  during  the  early  part  of 
the  ninth  century. 

Ethelwulf,  king  of  Wessex,  is  said  to  have  appointed  his 
brother,  Athelstan,  regent  of  Kent,  Essex,  Surrey,  and 
Sussex,  the  kingdoms  which  his  father  had  subdued.  East 
Anglia,  which  had  placed  itself  under  the  protection  of 
Egbert,  is  not  mentioned ;  probably  it  was  then  governed 
by  an  independent  sovereign,  who  may  have  been 

EANRED. 

The  exact  correspondence  of  execution  and  type  re- 
marked between  the  penny  of  this  king  and  the  money  of 
Ethelwulf,  Ethelbert,  and  Berhtulf,  in  my  former  letter,  still 
induces  me  to  think  that  it  is  erroneously  assigned  to  the 
Northumbrian  Eanred.  The  non-appearance  of  the  mo- 
neyer's name,  DES,  on  any  part  of  the  stycas  which  have 
yet  come  to  light,  is  an  obstacle  to  this  appropriation. 
Should  any  silver  money  of  Eanred  exist,  I  should  expect 
it  would  resemble  the  stycas,  as  does  that  figured  in  Sir  A. 


38  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Fountaine's  tables,  and  the  sceatta  of  his  successor,  Ethelred. 
Until  the  year  867,  we  have  sceattas  and  stycas  of  different 
kings  of  Northumbria  and  archbishops  of  York ;  whilst  the 
earliest  pennies  of  this  kingdom,  if  we  remove  this  from 
the  series,  are  perhaps  some  of  the  Sancti  Petri  Moneta,  then 
those  of  the  Anglo-Danish  princes,  Sihtric,  Anlaf,  and 
Regnald. 

We  now  come  to  consider  the  penny  of 

EDELRED, 

unique  in  every  respect  as  regards  Anglo-Saxon  numis- 
matics. Its  obverse  presents  the  well-known  Carlovingian 
type  of  the  Christian  temple,  surrounded  by  the  name  and 
title  of  Edelred.  On  a  former  occasion,  I  supposed  this 
coin  to  have  been  struck  by  the  joint  authority  of  Edelred 
and  Beorne,  about  758.  It  appears,  however,  that  twenty- 
two  years  elapsed  between  the  death  of  Beorne  and 
the  accession  of  Ethelred ;  and  indeed  a  fresh  examination 
of  the  piece  under  discussion  has  satisfied  me,  that  the 
penultimate  letter  of  the  reverse  is  not  R,  but  A,  of  a 
form  frequently  occurring  on  the  coins  of  Aihelward  and 
Edmund ;  so  that  instead  of  BEORNHRE,  we  must  read 
BEORNHAE,  the  name  of  a  moneyer. 

The  Christian  temple  first  appears  on  the  coins  of 
Charlemagne,  with  great  reason  supposed  to  have  been 
minted  posterior  to  his  Italian  expedition,  and  copied  from 
a  Roman  model.  His  money  of  this  type  is,  however, 
extremely  rare ;  not  so  that  of  Louis  le  Debonnaire,  his  son. 
In  the  opinion  of  M.  de  Saulcy  (Revue  de  la  Numismatique 
Francaise,  1837,  p.  356),  the  type  of  the  temple  was 
adopted  on  the  currency  of  Louis,  towards  the  middle  of 
his  reign,  about  830 ;  in  that  of  Charles  le  Simple  it  dis- 
appears from  the  coinage  of  France. 


NUMISMATIC    HISTORY    OF   EAST   ANGLIA.  39 

The  scarcity  of  the  coins  of  Charlemagne  impressed 
with  this  type,  prevents  us  from  assigning  this  piece  to 
Ethelred  his  cotemporary,  who  died  in  790 ;  and  if,  as  it 
appears  probable,  it  was  a  copy  of  some  coins  of  Louis,  we 
cannot  fix  its  date  earlier  than  830.  The  resemblance 
which,  in  some  respects,  it  bears  to  the  coins  of  Athelward 
and  Edmund,  excludes  Ethelred  of  Northumberland  and 
Ethelred  of  Wessex  from  all  claim  to  it,  and  the  moneyer's 
name  BEORNHAE,  which  is  found  on  coins  of  Edmund, 
confines  it  to  the  East  Anglian  series. 

Mr.  Lindsay  has  conjectured  that 

BEORHTRIC, 

a  penny  of  whom  is  engraved  in  Ruding's  third  Plate,  was 
another  of  these  unrecorded  kings  of  the  East- Angles; 
and  the  close  affinity  which  exists  between  it  and  the  coins 
of  Athelward,  shew  the  correctness  of  that  gentleman's 
opinion.  The  earliest  coins  of  Egbert  are  undoubtedly 
those  figured  in  Ruding's  fifth  plate  (moneyers,  Babba 
and  Udd),  these  erroneously  assigned  to  Ecgfrid,  the  son 
of  Offa,  and  that  in  plate  xxviii.  (moneyer  Oba);  then 
those  with  the  portrait ;  and  lastly,  those  in  which  his  name 
is  spelt  JEcgtberckt,  and  none  of  these  bear  the  slightest 
resemblance  to  this  penny  of  Beorhtric.  It  is  difficult  to 
account  for  the  presence  of  the  letter  A  on  this,  and  the 
pieces  which  bear  the  names  of  Athelward,  Edmund,  and 
Ethelstan.  It  has  been  supposed  the  initial  of  Anglorum^  was 
placed  on  the  money  of  this  kingdom,  for  the  same  reason 
that  00  appears  on  that  of  Mercia,  and  this  conjecture  is 
intitled  to  some  consideration. 

A  coin  of  Coenwulf,  on  which  this  letter  occurs  (Ruding 
Plate  vi.,  Fig.  6),  may  have  been  minted  in  East-Anglia, 


40  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

since  the  moneyer's  name,  Wintred,  is  found  on  one  of  the 
above-mentioned  pieces  of  Eadvald ;  and  those  of  Ceolwulf 
and  Berhtulf  of  the  same  type,  may  be  admitted  as  evi- 
dence that  these  princes  had  not  relinquished  their  claim 
to  the  sovereignty  of  that  province.  The  appearance  of 
the  same  letter  on  some  pieces  of  the  West- Saxon  Ethel- 
wulf,  may  be  accounted  for  on  the  supposition  that  they 
were  issued  in  Kent,  under  his  authority,  by  his  brother 
Athelstan,  and  so  marked  with  the  initial  of  his  name. 
One  of  these  has  the  name  of  the  mint  Doribi,  in  the  field 
of  the  obverse,  a  strong  confirmation  of  this  hypothesis. 
On  the  Northumbrian  stycas,  however,  we  find  both  A 
and  CO)  and  this  cannot  be  accounted  for  on  the  same 
grounds. 

There  is  a  curious  penny  of  Ethelstan  (Ruding,  Plate  ix., 
Fig.  4),  on  which  the  letter  A  may  have  a  different  signi- 
fication, being  apparently  connected  with  co  in  the  field  of 
the  reverse.  Beginning  with  the  obverse  legend,  the  coin 
must  be  read  thus  : — 

+  EDELSTAN         +  REX  AND 

H  CO 

I  will  reserve  a  few  remarks  on  the  coins  of  Athelward, 
Ethelstan,  and  the  Sancti  Eadmundi  Moneta,  for  a  future 
opportunity. 

If  the  preceding  remarks  be  correct,  we  have  on  coins 
alone,  the  names  of  five  kings,  respecting  whom  history  is 
silent,  to  fill  up   the   blank  of  sixty  years   in  the   East- 
Anglian  annals.     They  may  be  arranged  as  follows : — 
EADVALD,         his  coins,  connected  by  types  and  names 
of  money ers,   with  those   of  Offa  and 
Coenwulf,  will  warrant  us  in  supposing 
that  he  reigned  about  A.D.  800. 


ON    THE    IRISH    COINS    OF    EDWARD  IV.  41 

EANRED,  from   the  resemblance  of  his  penny,  in 

type  and  style  of  execution,  to  the  money 
of  Ethelwulf  and  Berhtulf.  I  should 
place  his  reign  about  840. 

EDELRED,  type  copied  from  the  deniers  of  Louis  le 
Debonaire,  and  moneyer  of  Edmund : 
and 

BEORHTRIC,  the  type  of  his  penny  connecting  it  with 
those  of 

ATHELWARD,  generally  acknowledged  to  belong  to  this 
series,  must  all  have  reigned  between 
840  and  855. 

These  coins  become  doubly  important,  considered  as 
monuments  of  kings  not  recorded  in  history,  and  the  only 
evidence  that  they  ever  reigned. 

D.  H.  H. 

Leeds,  6th  March,  1841. 

A  drawing  of  the  coin  of  Edelred  (original  in  the  British 
Museum),  was  forwarded  with  a  former  paper. 


VIII. 

ON  THE  IRISH  COINS  OF  EDWARD  IV. 
BY  AQUILLA  SMITH,  M.D.,  M.R.I.A. 

[Published  in  the  Nineteenth  Volume  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Royal  Irish 
Academy.     Dublin,  1840.    4to.     pp.  49-] 

THE  study  of  the  various  coinages  which  took  place  in 
Ireland  during  the  reign  of  Edward  IV.,  is  peculiarly 
attractive,  from  the  number  and  variety  of  his  coins 
which  have  reached  our  times ;  and  the  difficulties  hitherto 
in  appropriating  many  of  them  to  the  precise  period  at 

VOL.    IV.  G 


42  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

which  they  were  issued  from  the  several  mints,  has  added 
considerable  interest  to  the  investigation.  Dr.  Smith  has 
observed,  it  is  a  remarkable  circumstance,  that  during  the 
first  seven  years  of  this  reign,  seven  distinct  coinages  were 
issued  from  the  Irish  mints.  Some  of  them  present  several 
varieties  of  their  types:  but  the  history  of  the  period  is 
much  embarrassed  by  the  gross  frauds  then  practised  in 
the  authorised,  as  well  as  the  illegal  Irish  mints. 

The  solving  of  these  difficulties,  and  the  affording  a  more 
lucid  means  for  the  appropriation  of  specimens  of  the 
coinages  in  Ireland,  during  the  reign  of  Edward  IV., 
have  been  Dr.  Smith's  main  object;  and  in  this  most  ably 
has  that  gentleman  been  both  assiduous  and  successful. 
He  divides  the  history  of  the  coins  into  four  sections,  each 
distinguished  by  its  peculiar  type. 

The  first  includes  those  coins,  the  type  of  which  was 
peculiar  to  Ireland. 

The  second,  or  Hiberno-English  type,  comprises  those 
coins,  bearing  devices  peculiar  to  the  Irish  mint  on  the 
obverse ;  and  on  the  reverse,  the  motto  of  the  English 
mint,  "  Posui  Deum"  etc. 

The  third,  the  coins  similar  in  type  to  those  of  Edward 
struck  in  the  English  mints ;  and, 

Fourthly,  those  denominated  the  Anglo-Irish  type; 
having  on  the  obverse,  a  shield,  bearing  the  arms  of 
England  and  France  quarterly ;  and  on  the  reverse,  three 
crowns  in  pale,  a  device  peculiar  to  the  Irish  coinage. 

The  type  of  the  coins  comprised  within  the  first  section, 
are  those  having  on  the  obverse,  a  crown  within  a  tressure, 
no  legend ;  and  on  the  reverse,  a  cross,  with  pellets,  within 
the  quarters,  the  legend  denoting  the  place  of  mintage. 
No  coins  of  this  type  are  known  to  have  issued  from  any 
other  mint  than  that  of  Dublin. 


ON    THE    IRISH    COINS    OF    EDWARD    IV.  43 

Grafton,  in  his  continuation  to  Hoarding's  Chronicle, 
printed  at  the  close  of  1542,  in  reference  to  Edward  IV.'s 
endeavours  to  reform  and  redress  the  public  weal,  in 
the  four  years  following  the  discomfiture  of  Henry  VI.'s 
adherents  at  the  battle  of  Towton  Field,  in  March 
1461,  adds,  "Besides  he  coined  money,  as  well  gold  as 
silver,  the  which  at  this  day  is  current.  The  which  gold 
was  in  royals  and  nobles,  and  the  silver  was  groats,  so  that 
in  his  time,  this  kind  of  coin  came  up."  Grafton  has  here 
blundered  egregiously,  as  the  groats  of  Edward  III. 
sufficiently  testify;  yet,  it  is  certain,  Edward  IV.,  early 
in  the  first  year  of  his  reign,  in  August  1461,  ap- 
pointed "  German  Lynch,  of  London,  goldsmith,  warden 
and  master-worker  of  our  moneys  and  coynes  within  our 
castle  of  Dublin,  and  within  our  castle  of  Trymme,"  to 
strike  certain  pieces  of  silver,  in  Gal  way  ;l  as  appears  by 
the  confirmation  of  the  letter  patent,  by  the  parliament  of 
Wexford,  in  1463.  It  is  thus  shewn  who  was  the  master- 
worker  of  the  Dublin  mint  at  the  accession  of  Edward  IV.; 
and  in  the  first  year  of  this  reign,  it  was  enacted  by 
the  parliament  held  at  Dublin,  a  maille,  or  halfpenny, 
and  a  quadrant,  or  farthing  of  silver,  with  the  crown  on 
the  obverse,  and  the  cross  and  legend  on  reverse,  similar  to 
those  of  the  last  year  of  Henry  VI.,  should  be  struck 
in  the  Dublin  mint,  but  no  specimens  of  this  type  are 
known. 

In  the  next  year,  1462,  a  farthing  of  copper  mixed  with 
silver,  having  on  one  side  a  crown,  with  suns  and  roses 
within  the  circumference  of  the  crown ;  and  on  the  other  a 
cross,  with  the  place  of  mintage,  was  ordered  to  be  struck 
in  the  castle  of  Dublin.  The  discovery  of  the  only  known 

1  Simon,  Append.  No.  viii. 


44  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

specimen  of  this  coinage,  in  the  cabinet  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Weld  Hartstonge,  by  Dr.  Smith,  is  announced  in  the 
Proceedings  of  the  Royal  Irish  Academy,  vol.  ii.  pp.21 — 23. 
The  several  varieties  of  the  coins  of  this  first  section,  are 
minutely  detailed  in  the  first  plate,  beautifully  etched, 
from  the  exquisite  drawings  of  Dr.  Smith. 

The  second  section,  the  Hiberno-English  type,  comprises 
several  distinct  varieties.  The  first  sort,  on  obverse,  a 
crown,  with  legend,  the  king's  name  and  titles;  reverse, 
the  cross  and  pellets,  similar  to  the  English  groats.  The 
second,  a  rose'  of  five  leaves  on  obverse,  with  legend  of 
king's  name  and  titles ;  on  the  reverse  a  sun  in  splendour, 
charged  with  a  rose  of  five  leaves,  or  an  annulet  in  the 
centre,  the  legend  being  the  place  of  mintage.  A  third, 
on  obverse,  the  king's  head,  with  legend  of  name  and 
titles ;  on  reverse,  the  sun  in  splendour,  with  charge  as 
before,  the  legend  denoting  the  place  of  mintage.  Other 
varieties  approach  the  distinctions,  in  ornament  and 
arrangement,  of  the  coins  produced  by  the  English  mints 
at  London,  York,  and  Durham. 

Dr.  Smith  places  the  first  issue  of  this  coinage  in  the 
year  1463,  and  we  find  them  to  have  been  struck  at  the 
mints  of  Dublin  and  Waterford.  The  place  of  mintage  in 
the  latter  city,  which  Dr.  Smith  has  omitted  to  mention, 
was  "  in  a  place  called  Dondory,  alias  Raynold's  Tower." 

The  groat,  on  obverse,  a  rose ;  and  on  the  reverse,  the 
sun  in  splendour,  figured  in  Dr.  Smith's  plate  1.,  No.  xxii., 
would  seem  to  be  a  unique  specimen.  It  was  formerly  in 
the  Grainger  Collection,  whence  it  was  purchased  with  a 
Trim  groat  of  Edward  IV.,  a  half  groat,  and  penny,  with 
the  sun  reverses,  by  Thomas  Hollis,  in  March  1766. 
Snelling  engraved  it  in  his  first  additional  plate  to  Simon, 
No.  19;  and,  again,  in  one  of  the  plates  to  Archdeacon 


ON    THE    IRISH    COINS    OF    EDWARD    IV.        %  45 

Blackbourne's  privately  printed  Memoirs  of  Thomas 
Hollis,  1 780,  4to.,  in  which  work,  p.  834,  it  is  mentioned. 
When  the  Hollis  cabinet  was  dispersed  by  auction,  in  May 
1817,  it  was  purchased  by  the  late  Matthew  Young,  and  is 
now  part  of  the  superb  collection  of  the  late  highly  re- 
spected Dean  of  St.  Patrick. 

The  small  copper  piece  (pi.  1.  No.  21);  on  obverse,  a 
shield  bearing  three  crowns,  two  and  one,  and  on  the 
reverse,  the  sun  in  splendour,  charged  with  a  rose,  is 
doubtless  a  farthing  of  the  coinage  of  1463,  and  has  been 
very  properly  appropriated  by  Dr.  Smith. 

Ruding,  in  reference  to  the  devices  on  these  coins,  has 
stated,  "  the  rose  on  the  badge  of  the  House  of  York,  and 
the  sun  was  first  introduced  by  Edward  upon  the  coins. 
This  impress  he  adopted,  in  commemoration  of  an  extra- 
ordinary appearance  in  the  heavens,  immediately  before 
the  battle  of  Mortimer's  Cross,  in  Herefordshire,  when 
three  suns  were  seen,  which  shone  for  a  time,  and  then 
were  suddenly  conjoined  in  one.  As  Edward  was  then 
victorious,  he  took  for  his  impress  a  sun,  which  stood  him 
in  good  stead  at  the  battle  of  Barnet  ;"2  assertions,  which 
having  obtained  acceptation  by  some  numismatists,  may 
deserve  some  particular  notice. 

The  White  Rose,  said  to  have  been  derived  from  the 
castle  of  Clifford,  and  the  especial  distinctive  insignia  of 
the  royal  house  of  York,  is  supposed  by  some  writers  to 
have  been  borne  as  a  badge  by  Edmund  of  Langley,  fifth 
son  of  Edward  III.,  created  Duke  of  York  by  his  nephew 
Richard  II.,  and  from  whom,  by  the  marriage  of  Anne 
Mortimer  with  Edmund's  second  son,  Edward  earl  of 
March,  and  the  representative  of  the  House  of  York, 

2  Annals  of  the  Coinage,  edit.  1819,  8vo.  vol.  ii.  p.  359. 


46  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

claimed  the  crown  of  England  as  Edward  IV.  This 
appropriation  does  not  appear  correct.  The  rose  was  cer- 
tainly a  badge  of  the  Plantagenets,3  and  on  the  coins  of 
John,  has  a  place  on  the  obverse,  within  the  triangular 
form,  which  on  the  coins  of  that  monarch,  Henry  III.,  and 
Edward  I.,  were  symbols  of  the  Trinity.  That  the  white 
rose  was  not  the  badge  of  Edmund  of  Langley,  first  duke 
of  York,  is  almost  proved  by  the  ancient  painting  at  Wilton 
House,  near  Salisbury,  in  which  Richard  II.,  kneeling 
before  St.  John,  St.  Edmund,  and  St.  Edward  the  confessor, 
is  attended  by  angels,  who  are  represented  as  wearing 
collars  formed  of  white  roses,  intermixed  with  broom-pods. 
Yet  the  device  of  a  sun,  charged  with  a  white  rose,  and  the 
motto,  "  Dieu  et  mon  Droit"  was  certainly  one  of  the 
badges  of  Edward  IV. 

On  Edward  IV.'s  great  seal,  the  rose  and  sun  are 
separately  displayed;  and  the  two  figures  formed  the 
ornaments  of  a  collar  given  by  that  monarch  to  his 
adherents.  In  the  Rous  roll,  his  brother,  George,  duke  of 
Clarence,  is  represented  as  holding  in  his  hand  such  a 
collar,  to  which  is  pendant  a  lion,  a  distinctive  badge  of 
the  house  of  March. 

The  sun,  as  a  royal  badge,  was  of  much  earlier  use  than 
the  time  of  Edward  IV.  The  sun,  in  splendour,  had 
already  appeared  on  the  reverse  of  the  coins  of  John, 
subordinate,  however,  to  another  royal  badge,  the  star  of 
five  points,  and  a  crescent ;  and  it  is  perhaps  deserving  of 
notice,  the  star  of  five  points  on  the  obverse  of  the  Irish 
coins  of  Henry  III.,  takes  the  place  of  the  rose  on  those  of 
John.  The  star  of  five  points,  according  to  the  religious 
devices  of  early  times,  had  reference  to  the  star  of 

3  One  of  the  badges  of  Edward  I.  was  a  rose  or,  the  stalk  vert. 


ON    THE    IRISH    COINS    OF    EDWARD  IV.  47 

Bethlehem,  which  led  the  magi  to  the  place  of  the  nativity. 
Simon  Fitz-Mary,  sheriff  of  London,  founded  in  1247,  at 
Bishopsgate,  near  London,  a  priory  called  Bethlehem; 
and  on  the  breast  of  the  capes  of  the  monastic  costume 
worn  by  its  inmates,  was  a  star  of  five  flaming  points,  gules  ; 
in  the  centre  a  circle,  or  annulet  azure,  or  sky-colour.  A 
portion  of  the  armorial  insignia  of  the  same  house,  was  on 
a  chief  azure,  an  etoile  of  sixteen  rays.  The  number 
sixteen  further  seems  typical  of  the  same  allusion.  Sir 
John  Maundeville,  a  traveller  in  the  fourteenth  century, 
describing  the  chapel  of  the  nativity  at  Jerusalem,  says, 
"  Besyde  the  quier  of  the  chirche,  at  the  right  side,  as  men 
comen  downward  sixteen  greces  [or  steps],  is  the  place  where 
our  Lord  was  born,  that  is  full  well  dyghte  of  marble,  and 
fulle  richly  peynted  with  gold,  sylver,  azure,  and  other 
colours :  and  three  paces  besyde,  is  the  crybbe  of  the  ox 
and  the  asse." 

Edward  III.,  in  1376,  in  a  grand  tournament  in  Smith- 
field,  for  the  gratification  of  his  lady-love,  Alice  Pierce, 
caused  her  to  ride  by  his  side  in  a  triumphal  chariot,  as 
"  the  Lady  of  the  Sun."  In  a  contemporary  illuminated 
manuscript,  describing  Richard  II.'s  voyage  to  Ireland, 
and  his  return  in  1399,  one  of  the  paintings  represents  the 
king's  ship,  on  the  main-sail  of  which,  the  sun  in  splendour 
is  spread  forth  in  magnificent  effulgence.  Gower  further 
alludes  to  the  same  monarch,  in  an  unpublished  poem,  yet 
extant,  under  the  device  of  the  sun.  By  Edward  IV., 
as  a  Yorkist,  the  sun  appears  to  have  been  borne,  as  also 
by  Queen  Elizabeth,  a  Tudor,  as  it  constituted  one  of  the 
main  ornaments  among  the  royal  devices,  which  decorated 
the  banqueting-chamber  erected  by  her  order  in  April 
1581,  for  the  reception  and  entertainment  of  her  Gallic 
gallant,  the  Duke  of  Anjou.  These  facts  are  sufficient 


48  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

to  shew,  that  as  a  royal  badge,  it  did  not  originate  from  the 
incident  assigned  in  the  quotation  from  Ruding. 

A  genealogical  roll,  deducing  the  descent  of  Edward  IV. 
from  Henry  III.,  and  shewing  his  claim  to  the  crown, 
by  deduction  from  Edmund  of  Langley,  first  duke  of 
York,  and  his  wife,  Isabella  of  Castile,  from  its  illumi- 
nations and  paintings,  appears  to  have  been  finished 
soon  after,  if  not  immediately  upon,  his  assumption  of  the 
regal  dignity.  In  this,  the  two  parhelia,  or  fictitious  suns, 
formed  in  connection  with  the  great  luminary,  as  they  ap- 
peared previous  to  the  battle  of  Mortimer's  Cross,  on  Feb. 
2nd,  1461,  are  distinctly  delineated,  as  also  the  form  of  the 
sun  when  eclipsed.  The  historians  of  the  period  seem  to 
have  passed  sub  silentio  the  fact  of  the  eclipse  ;  but  another 
and  more  pictorial  illumination  supplies  further  and  more 
interesting  detail.  Edward,  in  the  midst  of  his  army, 4  has 
his  eyes  directed  to  an  appearance  of  three  suns  in  the  fir- 
mament, from  which  is  directed  towards  him  a  stream  of 
rays  bearing  three  crowns  ;  these  are  indicated  by  a  line 
above  the  painting — "  Sol  in  forma  triplici :  sic  Edwardo  R. 
Anglic"  In  the  illumination,  a  hand  protruded  from  a 
cloud,  holds  forth  a  label,  on  which  is — "  Veni :  Coronaberis, 
de  capite  Amanat  de  vertice  Sanir  et  Hermon"  Another 
label  placed  immediately  over  Edward's  head  has  these 
words — "  Due  quid  vis  me  facere"  The  first  is  deduced 
from  the  Latin  Vulgate,  Canticles  iv.  8 ;  and  the  latter 
from  Acts  ix.  6.  Edward's  claims  are  here  specifically 


4  Among  the  soldiery  to  the  right  stands  a  flag-bearer,  bearing 
a  pennon,  on  which  is  painted  a  black  bull,  an  early  badge  of  the 
house  of  Clare  or  Clarence,  through  which  family  the  line  of  York 
derived  their  right  to  the  throne.  On  the  front  of  the  George 
Inn,  at  Glastonbury,  the  arms  of  Edward  IV.  are  supported,  on 
the  dexter  side  by  a  lion,  and  on  the  sinister,  by  a  bull. 


ON    THE    HUSH    COINS    OF    EDWARD    IV.  49 

detailed,  as  "Earl  of  March,  son  of  Richard  duke  of 
York,  and  heir  to  the  crowns  of  England,  France,  and 
Castile."  The  disputed  point  whether  the  three  crowns 
iii  the  after-coinage  of  Edward  IV.,  and  Richard  III.,  im- 
plied the  armorial  insignia  of  Ireland,  is  therefore  set  at 
rest,  notwithstanding  the  assertion  by  George  Chalmers, 
that  a  Commission,  appointed  in  the  reign  of  Edward  IV., 
to  ascertain  what  were  the  arms  of  Ireland,  reported  as 
their  answer,  The  arms  were  three  crowns  in  pale.3  Ed- 
ward evidently  assumed  the  three  crowns  as  indicative  of 
his  claims,  and  they  were  retained  by  his  successor ;  but 
why  continued  by  Henry  VII.  is  somewhat  problematical. 
Mr.  Lindsay,  in  appropriating  to  the  latter  monarch  the 
coins  placed  by  Simon  to  Henry  VI.,  is  certainly  in  the 
right,  and  establishes  the  fact  of  coins  being  struck  ex- 
pressly for  Ireland  by  Henry  VII. ;  but  the  latter  were 
probably  minted  in  the  tower  of  London,  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  those  of  Henry  VIII.,  bearing  in  the  legend  — 
"  Civilitas  Dublinie^ — were  issued  from  the  Tower  Mint : 
he  at  no  time  having  had  any  authorised  mint  in  Ireland. 

The  conflicts  which  arose  by  the  partial  successes  of  the 
Lancastrian  party,  for  a  brief  period  placed  tf  the  sun  of 
York  "  in  obscurity,  and  the  imbecile  Henry  VI.  was  re- 
instated on  the  throne,  Oct.  25,  1470,  only  to  be  flung 
down  with  fatal  effect  by  the  more  powerful  efforts  of  the 
Yorkists.  Edward  again  entered  London  as  a  victor  on 
April  11,  1471 ;  Henry's  short  day  of  regality  passed  away, 
and  the  representative  of  the  house  of  York  was  restored. 
That  this  was  a  period  when  many  base  unauthorised  coins 
were  struck  in  Ireland,  cannot  be  doubted;  and,  from 


6  Caledonia,  vol.  L,  p.  463.      The  commission  referred  to  by 
that  historian,  is  not  known  by  heraldic  writers. 

VOL.  IV.  H 


50  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Dr.  Smith's  researches,  we  find  many  made  in  Cork, 
Youghal,  Kinsale,  and  Kilmallock,  werq  by  the  act  of 
1472,  declared  as  false  coins;  and,  in  1476,  were  further 
declared  void,  and  forbidden  to  be  received  in  payment. 

Of  the  seven  cities  and  towns,  Cork,  Drogheda,  Dublin, 
Limerick,  Trim,  Waterford,  and  Wexford,  in  which  the 
coins  described  in  the  third  section  were  minted,  only  four, 
viz.,  Drogheda,  Dublin,  Trim,  and  Waterford,  are  re- 
cognised as  legal  mints  in  the  acts  which  have  been  pre- 
served. In  1473,  it  was  enacted  that  the  coins  should  be 
struck  for  the  time  to  come  within  the  Castle  of  Dublin 
only,  and  in  no  other  place  in  Ireland;  yet  it  appears 
Limerick  retained  or  recovered  authority  to  coin  money  at 
a  subsequent  period  ;  and  the  power  to  coin  money  within 
the  castle  of  Trim  was  conceded  in  1478,  to  Henry,  Lord 
Grey,  Lord  Deputy,  by  the  name  of  Seneschal  and  Trea- 
surer of  theLiberty  of  Meath. 

The  class  of  coins  constituting  the  fourth  section,  are,  as 
Dr.  Smith  observes,  of  "  a  very  remarkable  type,"  and  may 
be  denominated  the  Anglo-Irish  type :  on  the  obverse,  a 
shield,  bearing  the  arms  of  England  and  France  quartered ; 
and  on  the  reverse,  three  crowns  in  pale :  a  device  at  no 
time  represented  on  the  coins  produced  in  the  English  mints, 
but  peculiar  to  the  Irish  coinage.  Fynes  Moryson,  who 
wrote  after  the  accession  of  James  I.,  and  from  his  family 
connections  with  persons  of  authority  in  Ireland,  might  be 
supposed  to  speak  of  these  coins  with  something  like  a 
knowledge  of  the  purport  of  the  device,  very  vaguely  de- 
scribes them  as  "  cross-keale  groats,  with  the  Pope's  triple 
crown ;"  in  fact,  no  further  evidence  is  required  to  prove 
his  utter  ignorance  of  the  matter  in  point.  Sir  James  Ware, 
the  most  distinguished  of  the  writers  on  the  antiquities  and 
history  of  Ireland,  was  unable  to  solve  the  problem  of  the 


ON    THE    IRISH    COINS    OF    EDWARD    IV.  51 

meaning  of  the  three  crowns,  beyond  the  conjecture  of  their 
"denoting  the  three  kingdoms  of  England,  France,  and 
Ireland ;"  an  opinion  in  which  Simon  concurred.  This 
opinion  Dr.  Smith  has,  however,  rebutted,  by  adopting  the 
suggestion  of  the  Rev.  Richard  Butler,  of  Trim,  that  the 
three  crowns  were  the  arms  of  Ireland  from  the  time  of 
Richard  II.,  to  the  time  of  Henry  VII.,  founded  mainly  on 
two  points :  on  the  grant  of  arms  to  Robert  de  Vere, 
Earl  of  Oxford,  created  marquis,  and  almost  immediately 
after,  duke  of  Dublin,  viz.,  so  long  as  he  should  be  Lord 
of  Ireland — Azure,  three  crowns  or,  within  a  border  argent; 
and,  secondly,  the  crown  for  the  first  time  appearing  on 
the  first  distinct  and  separate  coinage  for  Ireland,  authorised 
in  1460,  by  the  parliament  held  at  Drogheda,  before 
Richard,  duke  of  York,  lord-lieutenant,  which  declared 
the  independence  of  Ireland,  and  enacting  that  it  should 
have  a  proper  coin,  separate  from  the  coin  of  England.6 

The  positions  assumed  by  the  Rev.  Richard  Butler  are, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  writer,  hardly  tenable ;  and  for  these 
reasons :  the  coat  granted  to  Robert  de  Vere,  was  doubt- 
less the  armorial  insignia  of  the  banner  of  St.  Edmund ;  and 
as  a  royal  coat  could  only  be  borne  by  a  subject  by  the 
monarch's  special  permission ;  secondly,  the  bearing  such 
arms  ceased  with  this  individual,  and  they  are  not  shown  to 
have  been  borne  or  displayed  by  any  other  person,  or  in 
any  way,  as  the  armorial  insignia  of  Ireland. 

The  assertion  that  the  crown  first  appears  on  the  coin 


6  The  reference  is  to  Simon,  Appendix  V.,  which  is  dated  23 
Hen.  VI. ;  but  it  should  have  been  the  38  Hen.  VI.,  that  year 
ending  August  30,  1460 :  Richard,  duke  of  York,  arrived  in 
London  on  the  second  day  of  the  meeting  of  parliament  at  West- 
minster, which  assembled  on  Oct.  9th  in  that  year,  to  obey,  as  he 
believed,  the  call  of  that  parliament  to  the  throne  of  England. 


52  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

authorised  by  the  parliament  held  at  Drogheda,  in  1460, 
and  that  the  declared  independence  of  Ireland  were  direct 
proofs  that  the  crown,  or  the  three  crowns,  constituted  the 
armorial  device  of  Ireland,  is  in  no  way  capable  of  sup- 
porting the  position  of  that  gentleman,  within  whose  com- 
prehension it  appears  not  to  have  fallen,  that  the  persons 
constituting  the  parliament  held  at  Drogheda,  were  favour- 
able to  the  pretensions  of  Richard,  duke  of  York  ;  and  that 
in  that  act  they  virtually  severed  the  dominion  of  Ireland 
from  the  crown  of  England.  The  act  expressly  describes 
one  species  of  coin  "on  which  shall  be  imprinted,  on  one 
side,  a  lyon,  and  on  the  other  side,  a  crown,  called  an 
Irlandes  d'argent ;  to  pass  for  one  penny  sterling."  Here 
is  directly  and  unblushingly  told  the  duke's  pretensions — 
he  claimed  the  crown  of  England  as  heir  of  the  house  of 
March.  The  lion  was  the  badge  of  the  house  of  March ; 
and  the  crown  was  that  of  England,  which  he  sought.  The 
separation  of  Ireland,  if  it  had  been  carried  into  effect, 
affording  to  the  duke  a  species  of  sovereignty,  which  would 
enable  him  to  make  head  against  the  partisans  of  the  house 
of  Lancaster,  whose  representative  then  occupied  the 
English  throne,  in  the  person  of  the  imbecile  and  weak- 
minded  Henry  VI.  How  then,  can  it  be  said,  the  crown 
here  found  on  the  Irish  groats  and  pennies  ascribed  to 
Henry  VI.,  affords  proof  that  the  three  crowns  were  the 
arms  of  Ireland  ?  The  crown  appears  as  part  of  the  duke's 
device ;  but  the  time  had  not  arrived  when  the  armorial 
badge  of  the  house  of  March  could  be  placed  with  safety 
on  the  coins  struck  expressly  for  Ireland ;  and  the  reverses 
consequently  show  the  place  of  mintage  instead.  Richard, 
duke  of  York,  father  of  Edward  IV.,  was  killed  at  the 
battle  of  Wakefield,  Dec.  31,  1460. 

The  three  crowns,  two  and  one,  appear  but  on  one  piece 


ON    THE    IRISH    COINS    OF    EDWARD    IV.  53 

of  money,  issued,  doubtless,  after  the  accession  of  Edward 
IV.,  and  have  a  close  similitude  to  the  arrangement  of  the 
banner-device  of  St.  Edmund,  and  to  the  arms  borne  on  a 
shield  by  Robert  de  Vere,  duke  of  Dublin ;  this  fact  would 
no  doubt  occasion  the  arms  in  that  form  to  be  withdrawn, 
and  the  three  crowns,  indicative  of  his  right  to  the  crowns 
of  England,  France,  and  Castile,  of  themselves  being 
sufficient  to  occupy  the  field  of  the  coin,  were  heraldically 
displayed  in  pale.  These  observations  will  possibly  frustrate 
the  qualification  Dr.  Smith  has  given  to  the  suggestions  of 
the  Rev.  Richard  Butler,  when  he  observes  (p.  39),  "  His 
opinions  appear  to  derive  some  support  from  Sir  James 
Ware's  account  of  the  three  crowns,  as  denoting  the  three 
kingdoms  of  England,  France,  and  Ireland ;  for  if  we  take 
into  consideration  the  devices  on  both  sides  of  the  coin,  we 
find  the  arms  of  England  and  France  quartered  on  the 
obverse ;  and  on  the  reverse,  the  arms  of  Ireland  [i.  e.  the 
three  crowns].  Now  it  is  probable  Sir  James  Ware  knew 
Ireland  had  been  represented  by  arms  of  some  kind,  but 
that  he  committed  the  mistake  of  supposing  the  device  on 
the  reverse  alone  represented  three  kingdoms  instead  of 
one." 

With  the  Rev.  Richard  Butler's  opinion,  that  the  three 
crown  groats,  bearing  the  title  of  Rex  Hibernie,  were 
struck  to  further  the  pretensions  of  Lambert  Simnel,  in 
his  claim  to  the  throne  of  England,  in  1487,  under  the 
title  of  Edward  VI.,  and  were  not  of  the  period  or  reign 
of  Edward  IV.,  the  writer  begs  to  add  his  humble  concur- 
rence ;  in  his  opinion,  the  point  is  fully  established  by  the 
facts  already  advanced. 

Dr.  Smith's  investigation  on  the  Irish  coins  of  Edward 
IV.,  has  placed  him  in  the  first  class  of  Numismatists,  by 
the  unceasing  patience  of  his  enquiries,  the  good  sense  and 
solidity  of  his  arguments,  and  the  urbane  manner  in  which 


54  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

he  courts  an  examination  of  the  positions  he  steps  boldly 
forward  to  maintain,  when  not  altogether  in  concurrence 
with  opinions  which  have  retained  ground  from  misconcep- 
tions, or  previous  mis-statements.  The  plates,  beautifully 
engraved  by  Kirkwood,  from  most  exquisite  drawings  by 
Dr.  Smith,  exhibit  ninety-three  varieties  of  the  coins  of 
this  reign,  from  the  cabinets  of  the  leading  Numismatists 
of  Ireland,  the  Rev.  Richard  Butler  of  Trim,  the  collec- 
tion of  the  late  Dean  of  St.  Patrick's,  Lieut.  Col.  Weld, 
Hartstonge,  John  Lindsay,  Esq.,  of  Mary  Ville,  near  Cork, 
and  Richard  Sainthill,  Esq.,  of  Cork.  B. 


IX. 
COINS  OF  ROMANUS  I.  AND  II. 

THE  correct  appropriation  of  ancient  coins  being  the  prin- 
cipal aim  of  all  numismatic  researches,  the  following  may 
perhaps  be  an  acceptable  contribution  to  the  pages  of  the 
Numismatic  Chronicle. 

A  Byzantine  coin  of  copper  came  into  my  possession 
some  time  ago,  on  which  I  observe  the  common  type  of 
Constantine  X.1  struck  upon  a  piece  of  one  Romanus,2 


1  Obv.—  +  CONST  BASIL 
Bust  of  the  emperor,  his  right  hand  on  his  breast,  his  left  holding 
a  globe,  surmounted  by  a  cross. 
Rev.—  +  CONST 

eNeeo  BA 

SILGVS  R 

oooeoN 

See  "  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Roman  Coins,"  vol.  ii.  p.  401. 

*0bv.—  +  RWCDAN  BASILGVS  RWGD 

Bearded  bust  of  Romanus,  holding  in  his  right  hand  the  labarum, 
in  his  left  a  globe,  surmounted  by  a  cross. 

Rev. hRWCDA 

NENeeOJBA 
SILEVS  RW 
OOAIWN  - 
Figured  in  De  Saulcy's  work,  pi.  xxi.  fig. 6. 


COINS    OF    ROMANUS    I.    AND    II. 


55 


certainly  the  first  of  his  name,  since  the  second  could  not 
appear  alone  on  the  imperial  money,  until  after  the  death 
of  his  father  Constantine. 


The  coins  of  this  type,  presenting  on  the  obverse  a 
bearded  bust,  long  assigned  to  the  younger  Romanus,  were 
restored  by  the  Baron  Marchant  to  Romanus  I.  M.  de 
Saulcy  objects  to  this  restitution,  and  assigns  the  following 
reason  for  adopting  the  arrangement  proposed  by  the 
earlier  commentators  on  Byzantine  numismatics.  That  the 
legend  of  the  reverse  is  ROXOAN  GN  eGW  BASILEVS 
RWflQAIWN,  whilst  the  pieces  of  Leo  VI.  and  Constan- 
tine X.  almost  always  present  the  letter  O,  and  the  word 
ROGOGON,  instead  of  W  and  ROXCAIWN;  and  that  since 
the  coins  of  Nicephorus  Focas  present  the  same  reverse 
legend,  it  is  more  probable  that  the  pieces  in  question 
belong  to  Romanus  the  younger,  than  to  Romanus  I.3 
An  examination  of  the  plates  to  De  Saulcy's  work 
(xix.  xx.  and  xxi),  will  shew  that  no  argument  drawn 
from  this  source  can  have  much  weight,  since  it  appears 
that  the  forms  RWOOAIWN  and  ROCOGON  are  used 
indiscriminately  on  the  coins  of  Basil  I.  and  Constan- 
tine VIII.  (PI.  xix.  2  and  3),  and  RWGOAIWN  is  found 
on  the  silver  money  of  Leo  VI.  (PL  xix.  fig.  8).  The 
piece  now  before  us  is  decisive  of  the  controversy, 

3  "  Essai  de  Classification,"  p.  228. 


56  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

proving  that  these  coins  were  issued  previous  to  those  of 
Constantino  X.,  consequently  by  llomanus  I. ;  and  con- 
firming the  opinion  of  the  Baron  Marchant.  Re-issued 
coins,  like  the  present,  are,  I  believe,  peculiar  to  the 
Byzantine  series.  The  assistance  they  afford  to  the 
chronological  arrangement  of  other  coins,  enhances  their 
interest  and  value  in  an  extraordinary  degree,  a  subject 
ably  discussed  by  M.  de  Saulcy  in  his  truly  elegant  work4. 
Another  coin,  in  my  possession,  presents  the  same  type 
of  Romanus,  struck  upon  one  of  Constantine  and  Zoe 
(PI.  xx.  fig.  3.)  D.  H.  H. 

1st  March,  1841. 


X. 

REMARKS  ON  A  PAPER  ENTITLED  "  MEMOIR  ON 
THE  ROETTIERS." 

MR.  EDITOR, — In  the  last  number  of  the  Numismatic 
Chronicle  you  have  published  a  Communication  entitled  a 
"  Memoir  on  the  Roettiers,"  the  writer  of  which,  in  the 
slashing  Pinkerton  style,  impeaches  the  testimony  of  all 
who  have  written  on  the  subject — Horace  Walpole,  Martin 
Folkes,  John  Evelyn,  Mr.  Bindley, — and  even  questions 
the  correctness  of  the  date  in  an  ofticial  paper  (the  Roettier 
Petition  and  Accompt)  which  is  in  your  own  possession, 
and  was  printed  verbatim  et  literatim  under  your  own  eye. 

When  a  writer  professes  to  correct  others  he  should  give 
evidence  that  what  he  himself  puts  forth  is  capable  of 
being  substantiated,  but  the  Author  of  the  "  Memoir"  gives 

4  Ibid.  pp.  63,  250,  &c. 


REMARKS    ON   A    "  MEMOIR    OH   THE    ROETTIERS."       57 

no  authorities  for  many  of  his  assertions  respecting  the 
Roettiers,  except  a  few  unimportant  extracts  from  the  Mint 
records  arid  the  parliamentary  journals,  which  of  course 
do  not  bear  at  all  upon  the  family  history. 

The  Bindley  Paper  states  that  Joseph  Roettier  did  not 
return  to  France  until  1678,  which  is  borne  out  by  the 
petition  from  John  in  behalf  of  the  three  brothers  (see 
Num.  Chron.  Vol.  II.  p.  198).  for  making  a  great  seal 
in  1677.1  The  author  of  the  "  Memoir"  asserts  that 
it  was  in  1672  that  Joseph  left  England,  and  therefore  as- 
sumes that  the  date  in  the  petitioner's  account  is  an  error, 
but  he  gives  no  authority  in  confirmation  of  his  statement ; 
whereas  Bindley  derived  his  information  from  Snelling, 
who  had  it  from  one  of  the  family,  a  chain  of  evidence  we 
conceive  in  every  way  satisfactory.  True  it  is  that  Joseph 
Roettier  succeeded  Warin  in  the  Paris  mint,  and  as  the 
latter  died  in  1675,  (according  to  Walpole)  it  is  not  impro- 
bable that  two  years  more  might  elapse  before  the  election 
of  his  successor  was  finally  settled,  or  Joseph  had  completed 
his  engagements  in  England. 

The  Bindley  MS.  states  that  "John  would  not  come 
over  without  his  two  brothers,  Joseph  and  Philip."  This 
the  Author  of  the  "  Memoir"  considers  "erroneous,"  but 
advances  no  authority  in  support  of  his  assertion — his 

1  The  correctness  of  this  date  is  in  some  degree  corroborated  by 
an  official  note,  of  which  the  following  is  a  correct  copy  : — 

"  TO    THE   AUDITORS    OF    THE    IMPRESTS. 

"  Gentln — The  Lords  Comns  of  his  Mab  Treasury  direct  ybu  with 
what  convenient  speed  you  can  to  certifie  them  whether  it  appears 
by  any  accounts  before  you  that  any  money  hath  bin  paid  to  John 
Rottier  Engraver  of  his  Mate  Mint  and  Scales,  for  working  and 
making  two  Great  Seales  one  in  the  yeare  1671  and  the  other  in 
the  yeare  1677. 

I  am  Gent"  Your  most  humble  Servant 

Treasury  Chamber,  HEN.   GUY." 

5th  June,  1684. 


58  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

objection  resting  only  on  the  fact  that  Philip  was  twelve  years 
younger  than  John,  an  objection  which  must  go  for  nothing, 
since  it  fails  to  shew  that  the  youngest  brother  was  not 
arrived  at  manhood. 

Walpole's  statement  of  the  connection  between  Chas  II. 
and  the  elder  Roettier  previous  to  the  Restoration,  is  treated 
by  the  Author  of  the  "Memoir"  as  a  "mere  fable  unde- 
serving of  any  credit,"  as  is  also  Folkes'  story  to  the  same 
effect, — but  as  we  have  only  his  own  ipse  dixit,  and  not  a 
shadow  of  proof  advanced  to  substantiate  it,  we  must  be 
allowed  to  distrust  a  mere  flippant  denial.  Walpole,  as  well 
as  Bindley,  had  his  information  from  members  of  the 
Roettier  family,  which  in  common  fairness  ought  to  be 
considered  the  most  authentic — we  know  that  Charles  II. 
acted  generally  less  from  regard  to  merit  than  from  per- 
sonal favoritism  or  obligation,  and  yet,  with  all  his  faults, 
we  believe  that  he  would  never  have  given  John  Roettier, 
a  foreigner,  a  preference  over  Simon  an  Englishman,  unless 
from  some  principle  of  that  kind,  which  must  have  arisen 
from  services  rendered  to  him  by  Roettier  when  abroad. 
Thus  Walpole's  story  is  not  an  improbable  one  in  account- 
ing for  the  king's  patronage  of  the  Roettiers. 

The  Author  of  the  *'  Memoir"  goes  on  to  say  that  Thomas 
Simon  had  a  brother  named  Lawrence;  but  we  can  find  no 
evidence  of  any  other  brother  than  Abraham,  of  whom  there 
are  some  interesting  notices  in  Vertue's  "  Works  of  Simon." 
Neither  Walpole  nor  Vertue  appear  ever  to  have  heard  of 
any  Lawrence  Simon,  and  Abraham  alone,  as  far  as  we  can 
learn,  was  assistant  to  Simon  at  the  Mint. 

Thomas  Simon  was  not  "  appointed  by  patent,  chief 
engraver  on  the  2nd  June,  1660,"  only  three  days  after  the 
king's  entry  into  London.  It  was  on  the  2nd  June  1661. 
that  his  appointment  as  "  one  of  his  Males  chief  gravers" 


REMARKS    ON    A    "  MEMOIR    Off.   THE    ROETTIERS."       59 

took  place;  it  is  so  stated  in  two  instances  by  Vertue,  and 
we  have  ourselves  seen  an  official  copy  of  the  patent! 

The  Author  of  the  "  Memoir"  calls  Simon  "  a  stern  old 
republican,"  though  he  omits  to  inform  us  how  he  obtained 
a  knowledge  that  such  were  his  political  principles,  when 
all  contemporary  accounts  of  Simon  are  so  extremely  meagre. 
It  does  not  follow  that  because  he  wrought  under  the  com- 
monwealth and  the  Protector,  that  he  therefore  held  Repub- 
lican opinions;  for  we  see  him  equally  willing  and  eager  to 
work  under  the  royal  patronage,  as  is  in  evidence  by  the 
Petition  Crown.  But  the  Author  of  the  "  Memoir"  seems 
to  have  had  a  point  to  obtain — a  wish  to  throw  some  obloquy 
on  Evelyn2 — for  Simon's  republicanism  is  put  forth  as  the 
occasion  of  Evelyn'senmity  to  him,  though  the  one  is  equally 
with  the  other,  as  destitute  of  proof  as  we  believe  them  to 
be  false  in  fact.  The  amiable  and  all-accomplished  John 
Evelyn,  the  scholar,  the  Christian,  and  the  numismatist, 
could  not  have  been  insensible  to  the  great  merits  of  Simon 
as  an  artist,  and  his  claims  as  an  Englishman  ;  and  it  would 
require  something  more  than  vague  insinuations  or  conjec- 
tures to  satisfy  our  minds  on  a  point  so  much  at  variance 
with  our  notions  of  Evelyn's  character.3 


2  His  sneer  at  Evelyn  in  the  note  at  page  169  of  the  "  Memoir" 
is  undeserving  of  any  notice. 

3  In  a  recently  published  work,  "  A  Modern  Pyramid  to  a  Sep- 
tuagint  of  Worthies,"  the  writer  of  which  is  a  well-known  mem- 
ber of  the  Numismatic  Society,  Evelyn  is  thus  noticed: 

"  A  more  admirable  character  than  that  of  John  Evelyn  is  not 
readily  to  be  met  with.  Religion,  Patriotism,  and  universal  be- 
nevolence were  the  Lares  and  Penates  of  his  home.  Born  and 
bred  in  an  age  hypocritical  or  enthusiastic,  Evelyn  preserved  the 
quiet  tenor  of  his  way  as  a  pious  and  persecuted  churchman ;  a 
devoted  royalist,  he  inveighed  with  indignant  grief  against  '  the 
execrable  villains  who  murdered  our  excellent  king ;'  he  lived  con- 
sistent, respected  and  beloved,  and  went  to  the  reward  of  a  faith- 


60  NUMISMATIC     CHRONICLE. 

By  the  author  of  the  "  Memoir"  it  is  stated,  that  he 
"had  some  reason  to  believe"  that  Simon,  after  "  quitting 
the  Mint"  in  1665,  "  retired  to  Yorkshire,  and  was  living 
there  several  years  after  the  supposed  date  of  his  decease." 
It  would  have  been  more  satisfactory  had  he  acquainted 
us  with  his  reasons  ;  for  by  omitting  them  we  are  unavoid- 
ably led  to  suspect  that  they  are  very  slight.  Whatever 
they  are,  they  are  annihilated  by  the  circumstantial  evi- 
dence afforded  by  the  "  Petition"  of  his  widow,  and  other 
official  papers,  read  before  the  Numismatic  Society  on  the 
18th  of  February  last,  that  Simon  died  in  the  latter  part  of 
1665,  or  in  the  beginning  of  1666,  which  agrees  with  the 
prevalent  and  popular  tradition,  that  he  was  among  those 
who  perished  of  the  plague.  We  are  moreover  convinced, 
from  the  same  sources,  that,  though  part  of  the  work  that 
belonged  to  his  office  was  given  to  Roettier,  Simon  never 
received  an  "  abrupt  dismissal"  from  the  Mint,  or  a  dis- 
missal in  any  shape — that  he  never  "  retired  in  disgust"- 
but  remained  in  full  work,  in  seal  and  medal-making, 
to  the  day  of  his  death,  which  is  further  confirmed  by  the 
large  claim  of  3,0001.  his  widow  had  on  the  Government. 

At  page  172  of  the  "  Memoir,"  an  extract  from  Evelyn's 
Diary  (in  1678)  is  given,  relative  to  Roettier,  who  "was 
now  moulding  a  horse  for  the  king's  statue,  to  be  cast  in 
silver,  of  a  yard  high."  Of  course,  this  must  have  been  a 
statue  of  the  reigning  king,  Charles  II.,  and  it  is  not  very 
clear  to  us  what  connection  the  author  of  the  "  Memoir" 
finds  between  this  statue  and  Le  Soeur's  statue  of  Charles  I., 
which  had  been  cast  in  bronze  many  years  previously,  and 
on  a  scale  considerably  larger. 


ful  servant  of  God  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-six.  The  moral 
of  his  epitaph  is  worth  recording,  from  its  truth :  "  All  is  vanity 
that  is  not  honest,  and  there  is  no  solid  wisdom  but  in  true  piety." 


REMARKS    ON    A    "MEMOIR    OH    THE    ROETTIERS."        61 

The  passage  in  the  "  Memoir"  relative  to  Mr.  Stothard 
and  the  Roettier  dies,  is  in  the  main  particulars  erroneous. 
Mr.  Stothard  himself,  and  we  use  his  name  advisedly,  is 
our  authority  for  the  contradiction. 

On  a  careful  perusal  of  the  "  Memoir,"  it  appears  to  us 
to  contain  little  information  relative  to  \heprivatehistoryoi 
the  Roettiers  that  was  not  already  known  to  us  from 
"  Walpole's  Anecdotes,"  and  the  Bindley  MS.*  Though 
the  author  questions  their  testimony,  he  is  indebted  to  them 
for  his  main  facts.  Wherein  he  differs  from  them  he  is 
supported  by  slight  authorities,  or  by  no  authorities  at  all ; 
and  we  cannot  give  him  credit  for  having  had  any  new  or 
exclusive  sources  of  information.  If  he  had,  he  would 
have  surely  told  us  who  Francis  Roettier,  born  at  Paris  in 
1702,  was.  No  such  name  appears  in  his  genealogical 
table.  Our  conclusions  are  that  many  things  he  asserts  are 
either  assumed  or  speculative :  we  have  shown  in  several 
instances  that  they  are  so.  B.  N. 

London;  1st  March,  1841. 

*  First  printed  in  No.  X.  of  the  Numismatic  Chronicle. 


MISCELLANEA. 


THE  NEW  PENNY  PIECES.  —  The  following  paragraph 
appeared  in  the  "  Times  "  newspaper  of  the  18th  January, 
from  whence  it  was  copied  into  the  "  Mirror  "  of  the  23rd  of 
the  same  month. — "NEW  COINAGE  FOR  1841.  A  beautiful 
specimen  of  new  coins  has  just  been  issued  from  the  Mint, 
consisting  of  penny  pieces.  They  are  materially  different 
from  those  now  in  use,  as  there  is  no  lettering  upon  them, 
with  the  exception  of  the  date.  On  one  side  is  a  most  ex- 
cellent medallion  likeness  of  her  present  Majesty,  richly  and 
elaborately  finished,  and  as  it  nearly  occupies  the  whole  of 
one  of  the  sides  of  the  pieces,  has  a  magnificent  effect.  On 
the  obverse  is  a  figure  of  Britannia,  similar  to  those  on  the 
fourpenny  pieces,  under  which  is  placed  the  date.  The  out- 
side of  the  rim  is  perfectly  smooth,  but  it  is  raised  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  afford  ample  protection  to  the  figure  on  the  body 
when  in  use.  The  die  from  which  this  new  issue  has  been 
made  is  highly  creditable  to  the  advanced  state  of  the  arts  in 
this  country,  and  the  finish  of  the  coins  produced  in  working 
from  it  cannot  be  excelled  in  the  most  valuable  metals." 

It  is  quite  clear  that  the  writer  of  this  paragraph  had 
never  seen  the  coins  he  pretends  to  describe,  or  he  was 
practising  a  stupid  hoax  upon  the  editor.  There  is  lettering 
upon  them  ;  on  the  obverse  "  Victoria  Dei  Gratia,"  and  on 
the  reverse  "  Britanniar  :  Reg:  Fid:  Def:."  The  head 
does  not  occupy  nearly  the  whole  of  one  side  of  the  coin, 
being  no  larger  than  on  those  of  William  IV.  The  figure  of 
Britannia  is  on  the  reverse,  and  not  on  the  obverse,  and  the 
date  is  not  placed  under  the  Britannia,  but  under  the  portrait. 
The  "  outside  of  the  rim  "  is  not  raised  more  than  (if  so  much 
as)  in  the  copper  coins  of  the  two  last  reigns,  and  scarcely  pro- 
tects the  lettering,  much  less  the  "  figure  on  the  body  when 
in  use." 

Editors  of  newspapers  and  other  periodicals  subject  them- 
selves to  serious  animadversion  when  they  propagate  these  egre- 
gious mistakes.  Inthepresentinstance,  it  could  only  have  arisen 
from  their  not  taking  the  trouble  to  be  correctly  informed, 
which  might  have  been  easily  done,  for  at  the  very  time  that 
the  above  paragraph  appeared  in  the  "  Times  "  hundreds  of 
these  pennies  had  been  issued,  and  were  in  the  hands  of  the 
public.  B.  N. 


MISCELLANEA.  63 

MONSIEUR  DE  LA  SAUSSAYE'S  WORK  ON  GAULISH  COINS  is 
at  length  announced  as  in  the  press  :  it  will  be  published  in 
quarto,  with  an  Atlas  of  fifteen  plates,  containing  representa- 
tions of  a  vast  number  of  pieces  executed  under  the  expe- 
rienced eye  of  the  author,  whose  knowledge  and  attention  to 
this  class  of  coins  encourages  the  hope  that  his  work  will  be 
found  most  serviceable  to  the  English  numismatist.  We  feel 
assured  that  many  of  our  friends,  who  possess  what  they 
suppose  to  be  British  coins,  will  discover  their  error  by 
means  of  this  work,  which  will  shew  us  what  pieces  really 
belong  to  the  Continent. 

MR.  HAWKINS'  WORK  ON  THE  ENGLISH  SILVER  COINAGE 
is  completed,  and  is  announced  for  publication.  It  is  an 
octavo  volume,  containing  308  pages,  and  47  plates  of  British, 
Saxon,  and  English  coins,  engraved  under  the  accurate  and 
practised  eye  of  the  writer,  whose  long  experience  and  prac- 
tical knowledge  have  enabled  him  to  produce  a  work  which 
must  find  a  place  on  the  book -shelves  of  every  collector  of  our 
English  money.  We  shall  shortly  render  a  detailed  account 
of  this  volume. 

AUTONOMOUS  COINS  OF  SPAIN. — We  have  merely  time  to 
announce  the  appearance  of  a  new  work  by  Monsieur  de 
Saulcy ,  entitled  "  Essai  de  Classification  des  Monnoies  Autonomes 
de  I'Espagne,"  in  8vo.,  with  twelve  plates  of  legends  and 
alphabets.  We  hope  shortly  to  render  some  account  of  this 
work,  which  must  tend  to  raise  these  hitherto  neglected  coins 
in  the  estimation  of  the  numismatist. 

THE  REVUE  NUMISMATIQUE  for  November  and  December, 
which  has  just  reached  us,  contains  the  fallowing  Memoirs 
and  Dissertations.  1.  Types  des  Medailles  Grecques — Le 
Taureau  a  Face  Humaine  ;  par  M.  de  Witte.  2.  Restitution  a 
la  Lycie  de  Medailles  attributes  a  Rhodanusia;  par  M.  Adr. 
de  Longperier.  3.  Eclaircissements  sur  le  Systeme  Monetaire 
de  TEgypte,  sous  les  Lagides;  par  M.  Letronne.  4.  Lettre  a 
M.  Adrien  de  Longperier,  sur  une  Monnoie  Inedite  attribuee 
a  Theodebert ;  par  M.  Millingen.  5.  Essai  d' Attribution  du 
Tiers  de  Sol  Merovingien  de  Vindovera  ;  par  M.  A.  Chabouil- 
let.  6.  Observations  sur  quelque  Monnoies  des  Dixieme  et 
Onzieme  Siecles,  frappees  £  Senlis,  Chinon,  Orleans,  &c. ;  par 
M.  du  Chalais.  7.  Observations  sur  les  Monnoies  de  Hay- 
naut  au  Nona  de  Guillaume ;  par  M.  L.  Deschamps. 

DISCOVERIES  OF  ROMAN  BRASS  AND  OF  ENGLISH  SILVER 
COINS. — The  Ipswich  Journal  of  March  20,  gives  accounts  of 


64  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

the  discovery  of  Roman  brass  coins  at  Holbrook,  on  the  river 
Stour,  and  of  silver  of  Edward  VI.,  Philip  and  Mary,  Eliza- 
beth, James  and  Charles,  at  Hadleigh.  The  former  are  said 
to  be  of  Diocletian,  Maximian,  Constantine,  Constans  and 
Constantius  in  middle  brass  and  in  fine  preservation,  and  the 
latter  are  asserted  to  comprise  all  the  varieties  of  the  mint  of 
Charles  I.,  some  having  mint-marks  and  distinctions  not 
mentioned  in  Ruding,  and  hitherto  unpublished.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  the  owners  will  permit  their  examination  by  the 
Numismatic  Society  or  by  some  competent  collector. 

ROMAN  COINS  AT  KNAPWELL  IN  CAMBRIDGESHIRE. — 
On  Friday,  January  17th,  1840,  in  the  parish  of  Knapwell, 
County  Cambridge,  some  men  hollow-draining  in  a  field 
now  pasture  (ten  years  since  arable  land),  about  18  inches 
below  the  vegetable  soil,  in  strong  clay,  discovered  a  quantity 
of  Roman  coins  not  contained  in  any  box  or  vessel,  much 
corroded  and  having  the  appearance  of  old  buttons  with  the 
shanks  off.  On  collecting  them  together,  washing  them,  steep- 
ing them  in  vinegar,  and  scouring  them  in  salt  they  discovered 
them  to  be  of  silver.  Their  subsequent  history  is  contained 
in  the  fact  of  their  being  eventually  committed  to  my  care, 
and  on  examination  they  proved  to  be  Denarii  of  the  follow- 
ing Emperors  and  their  consorts, 

Varieties. 

Vespasian  4 

Titus  2 

Domitian  -         4 

Nero  -         2 

Trajan     ^-  -       10 

Hadrian  -       13 

Sabina       -                                      -  3 

^Elius  Caesar       -  1 

Antoninus  Pius  -       11 

Faustina  the  Elder  7 

Marcus  Aurelius  3 

Faustina  the  Younger  7 

Verus  2 

It  would  be  difficult  to  discover  beyond  all  controversy  the 
circumstances  connected  with  the  deposit  of  these  coins,  there 
being  no  traces  of  encampments,  fortifications  or  tumula  in 
the  immediate  vicinity.  At  Eatenford,  upon  the  banks  of  the 
Ouse  and  within  a  mile  of  the  town  of  St.  Neots,  Hunts,  was 
a  campa  (estiva  of  the  Romans,  recently  illustrated  by  the 
Rev.  G.  C.  Gorham  in  his  history  of  St.  Neots.  From  this 


MISCELLANEA.  65 

camp  was  a  road  or  trackway  for  military  purposes,  which 
still  remains  connecting  it  with  Camboritum  (Cambridge)  and 
from  thence  with  Camulodunum  (Colchester).  Knapwell  Lord- 
ship is  situated  on  the  north  side  of  this  road,  six  miles  N.  W. 
of  Cambridge.  About  four  miles  N.  W.  of  Knapwell,  the 
road  is  crossed  by  the  British  Ermine  Street,  subsequently 
adopted  by  the  Romans,  which  commencing  in  London, 
(Londinium)  passed  through  Royston  two  miles  and  a-half 
from  the  Ustrinum  at  Littington,  described  by  Mr.  A.  J. 
Kempe  in  the  26th  vol.  of  the  Archaeologia.  After]  crossing 
this  road  at  the  distance  of  four  miles  from  Knapwell,  it  pro- 
ceeds through  Godmanchester  (Durolipons)  to  Lincoln, 
(Lindum). 

In  the  year  1818,  two  British  celts  (granite),  and  a  Roman 
spur  in  my  collection  (the  former  answering  to  the  description 
of  those  delineated  and  described  in  the  Gentleman's  Maga- 
zine, 1784,  Vol.  I.  p.  15).  were  discovered  lying  together,  in 
digging  a  hole  for  a  gate-post  at  Hartford,  close  to  the  river 
Ouse,  a  fordway  leading  from  Durolipon,  across  the  Ouse, 
into  the  fens  of  Huntingdonshire  and  Cambridgeshire,  de- 
fended by  a  mount  of  considerable  elevation. 

This  fact  will  perhaps  assist  in  throwing  some  light  on  the 
subject. 

The  Iceni,  who  occupied  this  tract  of  country,  were  always 
jealous  of  the  Roman  usurpation,  and,  frequently  rising  in 
revolt,  must  have  had  many  skirmishes  with  their  oppressors ; 
after  one  of  which  the  celts  and  spur  might  have  been  lost,  and 
during  the  same,  or  a  similar  event,  a  detachment  of  Roman 
forces  may  have  been  temporarily  established  at  Knapwell  to 
guard  that  military  pass,  and  the  coins  secretly  deposited  for 
safe  custody;  and,  from  the  chances  of  civil  war,  never  until 
now  exhumed.  The  village  of  Knapwell  is  in  the  hundred 
of  Papworth's  Deanery  of  Bourne,  about  seven  miles  S.E.  of 
Godmanchester. 

I  am  your  obedient  servant, 

ROBERT  FOX. 

MEDAL  OF  MEHEMET  ALT. — A  Medal  of  Mehemet  Ali, 
pacha  of  Egypt,  is  being  engraved  in  England  as  a  memo- 
rial of  respect  for  his  character  as  a  promoter  of  science  and 
commerce,  and  as  an  advocate  of  religious  toleration. 

His  highness  had  long  endeavoured  to  cultivate  a  friendship 
with  England.  He  had  revived  commerce,  and  had  thrown 
open  an  overland  route  to  India.  Travellers  were  protected ; 
emigrants  encouraged.  The  Royal  Society  of  England  were 
being  accommodated  with  an  observatorv  on  the  banks  of 


66  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

the  Nile,  built  at  an  enormous  cost,  at  the  expence  of  the 
Pacha.  In  short,  as  fast  as  the  influence  of  the  previous 
long  and  tyrannical  Turkish  rule  could  be  counteracted, 
Egypt  was  being  regenerated,  Alexandria  was  once  more 
likely  to  become  the  seat  of  learning. 

The  medal  will  be  executed  in  bronze  at  15s.  and  in  silver 
at  30s.  each.  One  of  our  first  artists  (Mr.  A.  J.  Stothard, 
Medal  Engraver  to  the  Queen)  is  employed  to  engrave  it  from 
an  original  painting  of  his  Highness.  Subscribers  will  be 
pleased  to  send  their  names  and  address  to  Mr.  Charles  Roach 
Smith,  5,  Liverpool  Street,  City,  London,  as  early  as  possible, 
as  the  die  for  the  obverse  is  completed. 

C.  R.  S. 


67 


XI. 


REMARKS  ON  EARLY   SCOTTISH   COINS,  AND  ON 

THE  ARRANGEMENT  OF  THOSE  BEARING 

THE  NAME  OF  ALEXANDER. 

WHETHER  we  have  coins  of  any  Scottish  king  prior  to 
William  the  Lion,  has  been  a  question  long  agitated,  and 
never  satisfactorily  settled.  Nothing  has  been  produced, 
which  can,  with  any  degree  of  probability,  be  assigned  to 
Alexander  I. ;  and  the  piece  engraved  in  the  Pembroke 
Plates,  and  copied  by  Anderson  and  Snelling,  as  of  Dfivid  I., 
is  generally  considered  a  blundered  penny  of  William, 
whose  money  at  present  takes  precedence  in  the  numismatic 
series  of  Scotland.  That,  however,  coins  do  exist  of  his 
predecessors  is  very  probable;  but  so  imperfect  are  the 
specimens  which  have  reached  us,  that  more  or  less  uncer- 
tainty attaches  to  them  all. 

Dr.  Jamieson,  in  a  very  interesting  memoir,  printed  in 
the  Transactions  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Literature,  (vol  ii. 
p.  304,)  has  published  the  description  of  some  coins  of 
David  I.  and  Malcolm  IV.,  in  his  own  possession.  The 
reverse  type  of  those  of  David  is  a  cross  with  one  large 
pellet  or  three  smaller  ones  in  each  angle  (the  last  appa- 
rently minted  at  Roxburgh) ;  that  of  Malcolm  presents  a 
small  cross  in  each  angle  of  the  larger  one,  as  in  the  cotem- 
poraneous  coins  of  Henry  II.  The  heads  are  to  the  left. 

Of  the  five  pennies  found  together  in  the  Isle  of  Man, 
and  figured  in  p.  41  of  Snelling's  Miscellaneous  Works, 
No.  1  is,  perhaps,  of  Stephen  (of  the  type,  pi.  i.  25) ;  No.  2 
belongs  to  William  the  Lion,  of  Scotland ;  as  Cardonnel, 
pi.  i.  1  and  15,  and  3,  4,  and  5,  have  been  generally  con- 

L 


68  NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE. 

sidered  of  Scottish  origin.  Nos.  3  and  4  have  the  same 
reverse,  and  a  similar  bust  on  the  obverse,  except  that  on 
No.  3  it  regards  the  right,  and  on  No.  4  the  left.  It  is  almost 
futile  to  speculate  on  the  origin  of  coins  in  such  wretched 
condition,  but  if  No.  3  be  correctly  engraved  (and  from  Snel- 
ling's  well-known  accuracy  we  may  suppose  it  is),  the  second 
letter  is  an  K ;  so  that,  considering  the  company  in  which 
it  was  found,  and  that  the  type  resembles  one  of  Henry  (in 
Ruding,  Siipp.  part  ii.  pi.  ii.  fig.  6),  and  perhaps  those  of 
David  published  by  Dr.  Jamieson,  we  cannot  be  far  wrong 
in  assigning  this  coin  and  No.  4  to  Malcolm,  the  cotem- 
porary  of  Stephen,  and  predecessor  of  William.  No.  5, 
evidently  of  the  same  age,  might  be  given  to  David,  but 
that  the  second  letter  seems  to  be  an  O. 

In  Ruding's  second  supplement,  pi.  ii.  there  is  another 
coin,  figured  No.  21,  which  I  have  long  thought  might 
belong  to  Scotland.  It  was  found  along  with  coins  of  Ste- 
phen, William  his  son,  and  Henry  I  or  II.  near  Salisbury, 
and  by  its  first  possessor,  Mr.  Woolston,  was  considered  a 
relic  of  the  Baronial  mints  in  the  reign  of  Stephen.  In 
this  opinion  Mr.  Ruding  most  certainly  did  not  concur,  but 
conjectured  that  it  might  be  Danish.  The  type  of  its 
reverse  occurs  on  the  money  of  Stephen  and  Henry  II. ; 
its  obverse  presents  a  bust  to  the  left  holding  a  sword,  and 
the  letters — COCO.  I  do  not  doubt,  that  if  entire,  we  should 
have  the  name  CDALCOCO  on  this  piece.  We  must,  how- 
ever, be  content  to  wait  for  more  perfect  specimens  of 
early  Scottish  money ;  so,  leaving  conjecture,  we  will  proceed 
to  tread  on  safer  ground,  and  take  history  for  our  guide. 

I  entirely  concur  with  Mr.  Lindsay  in  the  opinion  ex- 
pressed in  his  interesting  communication  to  the  Gentleman's 
Magazine  (1828,  part  ii.  p.  116),  that  the  pennies  in  Car- 
donnel's  pi.  i.  1  and  15  were  the  first,  and  those  with  his 


EARLY  SCOTTISH  COINS.  69 

head  to  the  right  and  long  sceptre, — reverse,  short  double 
cross  and  hexagonal  stars,  (Cardonnel  16  and  18,  Snelling 
4  and  14),  the  second  coinage  of  William.  The  latter 
must  have  been  that  of  1195,  when,  as  Sir  James  Balfour 
informs  us,  "  King  William  altered  the  stampe  and  standard 
of  his  coyne."  We  have  next,  as  the  latest,  and  for  the 
rarest,  of  William's  money,  those  which  present  his  head  to 
the  left,  with  or  without  a  small  sceptre,  and  on  the  reverse, 
a  short  double  cross,  and  hexagonal  stars.  This  type  appears 
on  the  money  of  Alexander  II.,  and  was  continued  through- 
out his  reign ;  for  I  consider  att  the  pennies  with  the  long 
cross,  whether  double  or  single,  to  belong  to  Alexander  III. 
In  thus  differing  from  all  who  have  hitherto  written  on  this 
subject,  I  am  supported  by  the  authority  of  Sir  J.  Balfour, 
who  in  his  "  Annales,"  under  the  year  1250,  says,  "  This 
year  King  Alexander  renewed  the  stamp  of  his  coin, 
making  the  cross  to  touch  the  uttermost  point  of  the  circle, 
which  in  his  predecessors'  reigns  it  did  not."  To  Alexan- 
der III.  then,  we  must  give  all  the  coins  which  have  a  long 
cross  on  the  reverse,  and  they  must  be  arranged  as  follows  : 

I.  Head  to  the  left,  crown  of  pearls,  and  long  cruciform 

sceptre. 

II.  Head  to  the  left,  crown  and  long  sceptre  fleury. 

III.  Head  to  the  right,  crown  and  sceptre  as  the  last    All 
have  the  same  reverse,  a  long  double  cross,  with  hex- 
agonal stars  in  the  angles.     In  each  variety  we  note  a 
gradual  improvement  in  the  execution. 

IV.  Head  to  the  right,  crown  and  small  sceptre  fleury  ; 
reverse,  a  long  single  cross.     Of  this  type,  acknow- 
ledged to  belong  to  Alexander  III.,  there  are  five 
varieties,  distinguished  by  the  stars  and  spur-rowels  in 
the  angles  of  the  cross. 

That  the  single  cross  was  adopted  from  that  of  the  coins 


70  NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE. 

of  Edward  I.,  of  the  issue  of  1279,  is  highly  probable  ;  and 
this  gave  rise  to  the  doubt  expressed  by  Snelling  and  Mr. 
Lindsay,  whether  some  of  the  long  cross  money,  hitherto 
assigned  to  Alexander  II.,  might  not  belong  to  his  son. 
Undecided,  however,  where  the  line  of  distinction  should 
be  drawn,  they  did  not  seem  to  consider  themselves  jus- 
tified in  disturbing  the  old  arrangement. 

It  is  curious  to  observe,  that  each  change  of  the  form  of 
the  cross  on  English  money  was  nearly  cotemporary  with  a 
similar  change  on  that  of  Scotland ;  and  here  let  us  revert 
to  the  reign  of  Henry  III. 

Numismatists,  I  believe,  are  not  agreed,  whether  the 
pennies  bearing  the  name  of  Henry,  and  having  on  the 
reverse  a  short  double  cross,  with  a  cross  of  four  pellets  in 
each  angle,  were  the  latest  coinage  of  Henry  II.  or  the 
first  of  Henry  III.  Were  not  the  evidence  in  favour  of 
their  appropriation  to  the  third  Henry  irresistible,  I  should 
have  great  hesitation  in  offering  an  opinion  contrary  to  that 
of  one  so  eminent  in  numismatic  science  as  Mr.  Hawkins. 
Under  the  year  1248,  Matthew  Paris,  speaking  of  the  great 
recoinage  of  that  year,  says,  "  Cujus  inquam  monetas  forma 
a  veteri  diversicabatur  in  tantum,  quod  crux  duplicata  limbum 
literatum  pertransibat.  In  reliquis  autem,  pondere,  capitali 
impressione,  cum  literate  titulo,  permanente  ut  prius;" 
proving  that  a  short  double  cross  distinguished  the  earlier 
money,  and  that,  with  this  exception,  the  later  coinage 
much  resembled  it.  It  is  hardly  possible  that  evidence, 
that  too  of  a  cotemporary  writer  as  was  Matthew  Paris, 
could  be  more  explicit.  Were  any  confirmation  wanting, 
we  have  it  on  consideration  of  the  moneyer's  names.  For 
instance ;  on  the  long  cross  money  of  Henry  III.,  we  have 
the  names  of  DAVI,  HENRI,  IOHAN,  NICOLE,  PHELTP, 
REINAVD,  WALTER,  and  WILLEM,  as  moneyers  in 


EARLY  SCOTTISH  COINS.  71 

London,  and  with  the  exception  of  Phelip,  I  have  found  all 
these  names  on  the  pennies  with  short  cross.  On  the  Can- 
terbury money  I  have  met  with  five,  ION,  NICOLE 
ROBERT,  WALTER,  and  WILLEM,  names  common  to 
both  coinages.  Further ;  ILGER  ONLVNDE  occurs  on  a 
penny  with  the  short  cross,  llger  was  appointed  one  of  the 
Custodes  Monetae  of  London  in  1221.  In  the  year  1230,  the 
king  granted  to  William,  his  Tailor,  the  custody  of  the 
money  die  which  Simon  Chick,  lately  deceased,  had  had  in 
Canterbury,  to  hold  the  skme  during  the  king's  pleasure 
(Ruding,  vol.  ii.  p.  177,  3rd  edit.).  On  the  short  cross 
pennies  of  Henry,  we  have  SIMONONCANT  and  WILLEM 
7WONC,  doubtless  the  persons  mentioned  above.  That 
others  of  the  same  family  as  Simon  were  employed  in  the 
mint  at  Canterbury  appears  from  a  penny  which  reads, 
IOANCHICONCA.  In  the  same  year  Adam  de  Bedleia 
occurs  as  a  moneyer  in  London.  As  far  as  my  experience 
goes,  we  find  ADAMONLVNDE  on  the  short  cross  money 
only. 

It  can  no  longer  be  doubted  to  whom  this  short  cross 
money  belongs;  it  is  evidently  the  first  coinage  of  Henry  III. 
There  is,  however,  a  fair  presumption  that  the  same  type 
was  used  in  the  money  of  his  predecessor,  King  John, 
for  in  1220,  the  fourth  year  of  Henry,  a  writ  was  issued, 
ordering  the  legend  of  the  coins  to  be  changed  from  John  to 
Henry,  whence  we*  may  conclude  that  the  type  was  un- 
altered. Besides,  among  the  foreign  imitations  of  the 
English  sterling,  Snelling  has  published  two  of  Otho  IV., 
emperor  of  Germany,  who  died  in  1218,  two  years  before 
any  coins  with  the  name  of  Henry  were  issued. 

Whether,  then,  the  short  double  cross  was  adopted  on 
the  money  of  England,  in  imitation  of  that  of  Scotland, 
must,  till  specimens  of  the  English  currency  of  Richard  I. 


72  NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE. 

and  John  come  to  light,  remain  matter  of  doubt.  The 
reverse  is  certainly  more  probable,  and  if  so,  we  can  only 
suppose  that  the  uniform  coinage  ordered  by  Richard  I.  in 
1194  (one  year  before  the  alteration  of  type  took  place  on 
the  money  of  William  the  Lion),  was  of  this  or  a  similar 
type,  continued  through  the  reign  of  John,  and  part  of 
Henry  III.  Be  this  as  it  may,  the  long  double  cross  was 
certainly  adopted  in  the  mints  of  Alexander  III.,  imme- 
diately after  its  first  appearance  on  English  money,1  and 
probably  for  the  same  reason.  On  the  later  coins  of  Alex- 
ander, and  his  cotemporary,  Edward  I.  we  first  observe  the 
long  single  cross ;  and  after  the  lapse  of  another  century 
we  find  the  type  of  the  English  money  adopted  without 
alteration  by  the  Scottish  kings. 

D.  H.  H. 

i        Leeds,  April  20th,  1841. 


1  Along  with  some  pennies  of  Henry  III.,  found  at  Bantry  in 
1834,  of  his  second  coinage,  were  one  of  William  the  Lion's  later 
coins,  and  ten  long  double  cross  pennies  of  Alexander ;  none  with 
the  single  cross. 


D  M  §     ©  P 


Qt  »  08 


XII. 

REMARKS  ON  THE  COINS  OF  EPHESUS,  STRUCK 
DURING  THE  DOMINION  OF  THE  ROMANS. 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  gociety,  May  20th,  1841.] 
IN  bringing  before  the  Numismatic  Society  an  account  of 
the  coins  struck  at  Ephesus,  while  that  city  was  under  the 
dominion  of  the  Romans,  I  am  well  aware  that  I  am 
risking  the  charge  of  attempting  to  teach  many  of  its 
members  better  versed  in  the  subject  than  myself.  Still, 
believing  that  I  see  before  me  some  who  are  but  imper- 
fectly acquainted  with  the  remarkable  and  important  series 
to  which  those  I  am  about  to  describe  belong,  I  shall 
proceed  to  notice,  in  chronological  order,  such  examples 
as  appear  to  warrant  particular  description  and  illustration. 

Leaving  to  the  learned  in  classical  geography  —  and  this 
society  reckons  among  its  members  those  who  are  well 
qualified  for  the  task  —  to  settle  the  question  of  the  origin 
of  the  city  of  Ephesus,  let  us  see  what  ancient  writers  say 
of  it. 

Scylax  1  just  glances  at  the  city  and  its  port,  and  gives 
us  no  details  of  its  condition  in  his  time.  From  Plutarch  2 
we  learn,  that  it  was  a  populous  and  flourishing  city  in  the 
days  of  Lysander;  and  we  have  a  much  earlier  notice  of 
it  in  Herodotus,  who  informs  us,  that  when  Croesus  laid 
siege  to  Ephesus,  the  inhabitants  stretched  a  cord  from  the 
walls  to  the  statue  within  the  temple,  dedicating  the  city 
to  their  favourite  goddess.3 


cat  Xip/v.  2  In  Vita  Lysand. 

3  "Ev6a  Sj;  ol  'E^tffioi  TroXiooKtofitvoi  VTT'  avrov,  aviQeaav  rrfv 
•7ToA.iv  717  'Aprem^i,  t^atpavree  in  row  VTJOU  aypiviov  eg  TO  T£i\og. 
Clio.  i.  26. 


74  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Strabo  4  says  that  Ephesus  was  originally  named  Smyrna, 
from  an  Amazon  of  that  name;  a  portion  of  the  people 
also  being  called  Sisyrbitae,  from  another  of  the  Amazons ; 
that  the  ancient  city  was  about  the  Athenaeum,  which,  in  the 
time  of  this  writer,  was  without  the  walls,  at  a  spot  called 
Hypelaeus,  between  the  cliffs  called  Tracheia  and  Lepra ; 
and  that  a  party  of  these  people  went  out  and  founded 
Smyrna.  He  speaks  of  Miletus  and  Ephesus  as  the  best 
and  most  illustrious  of  cities:  apiarai  iroXtig  KCU  £vSo£orar<u. 
Then,  after  noticing  Miletus  and  other  places,  he  proceeds 
to  describe  the  port  of  Panormus,  the  temple  of  Diana, 
and  the  city  of  Ephesus.5  On  the  coast,  at  a  short  distance 
from  the  sea,  was  the  beautiful  grove  called  Ortygia, 
abounding  in  all  sorts  of  trees,  but  especially  the  cypress, 
the  river  Cenchrius  flowing  through  it,  where  Latona  puri- 
fied herself  after  childbirth.  Above  the  grove  is  the 
mountain  Solmissus,  where  the  Curetes,  by  the  noise  of 
their  cymbals,  prevented  Juno  from  hearing  the  cries  of 
Latona.  The  same  author  informs  us,  that  the  city  was 
first  inhabited  by  the  Cares  and  the  Leleges;  that  the 
chief  part  of  these  were  expelled  by  Androclus6,  who  settled 
his  colony  about  Mount  Athenaeus  and  the  fountain  Hy- 
pelaeus, occupying  a  district  adjacent  to  Mount  Corrisus, 
and  that  it  was  thus  inhabited  to  the  time  of  Croesus ;  that 
the  people  afterwards,  descending  from  the  mountain  tracts, 
dwelt  around  the  temple  to  the  time  of  Alexander,  and 
that  Lysimachus  changed  the  name  of  the  city  to  Arsinoe\ 


4  Lib.  xiv.  c.  1. 

5  Elrct   \ififlv   Ha.vopiJ.oe 
'  AprefJiiSog  eld'  fj  TroXie- 

6  Eusebius  says,  that  Ephesus  was  founded  by  Androclus,  in 
the  reign  of  David.     Chronic.  Canon.     Ed.  1G58.  p.  100. 

7  See  an  article  on  the  coins  of  Ephesus  while  called  Arsinoe. 
Num.  Chron.  vol.  ii.  p.  171. 


REMARKS    ON   THE    COINS    OF   EPHESUS.  75 

in  honour  of  his  wife;  Strabo  calls  Ephesus  the  largest 
emporium  within  the  Taurus.8  Pausanias^  says,  that 
the  supposition  that  Ephesus  is  older  than  the  colonization 
of  the  lones  is  not  well  founded ;  and  that  Pindar  is  wrong 
in  stating  that  the  temple  was  built  by  the  Amazons, 
when  they  fought  against  Theseus  and  the  Athenians. 
These  women,  he  observes,  sacrificed  to  Diana  Ephesia 
even  at  that  period,  and  that  the  temple  had  been  known 
from  remote  antiquity.  He  then  proceeds  to  state,  that 
Crossus,  a  native  of  the  country,  and  Ephesus,  the  reputed 
son  of  the  river  Cayster,  built  the  temple,  and  that  the 
city  received  its  name  from  the  latter.  The  same  author 
says,  that  Androclus  drove  out  the  Leleges  and  Lydians, 
who  lived  in  the  upper  city,  but  suffered  those  who  lived 
about  the  temple  to  remain. 

Pliny  speaks  of  Ephesus  as  the  work  of  the  Amazons, 
and  also  of  its  several  names ; 10  and  from  him,  we  learn 


ptyitTTOv    T&V    Kara    T^V    A.triav    rftv    ivTos    TOV 
Taupou. 

9  Ov  /zj/j/  Travra  ye.  is  TTJV  deov  iirvdeTO  (t/zoi  ^OKEIV)  Hivcapoe, 
og  'Afj.a£6va.s  TO  lepov  £<j>r)    TOVTO  iSpvaaffdai    ffrpaTevofj.lras    f-irl 
A&i]vaq  re  KOI  Qrjcrea.    at  ce   CLTTO   QeppwdovTOs   yvvalKes  tdvtrav 
p.ev  KOI  rore  rrj  'E^>£OY£  0ew,  are  iiriaTa.p.evai  re  IK  iraXaiov  TO  itpov, 
KCU  fjviKa  'HpaKXea  e^uyov  atcie,  KOI  Aiovvaov  TO.  ETI  ap^aiOTepa, 
licences    ivTUvQa.  eXdovcrai.    ov  fj.^v    inro  'Afj.a£6v(i)v  ye   IcpvvOr). 
Kpijffos  %e  aiiTo^dwv  rls  Kat"E0£«rog  (Kauorpou  fie  TOV  Trora^tov  TOV 
E<f>eaov  Troika  eivai  vofii^ovirev)  OVTOI  TO  lepov  elcriv  ol  ifipvcrafjievoi, 
teal  a7ro  TOV  'Etyeffov  TO  OVO/JLO.  etrri  rrj  voXei. — Lib.  vii.  c.  2. 

10  In  ora  autem  Manteum,  Ephesus  Amazonum  opus,  multis  ante 
expetita  nominibus :  Alopes  cum  pugnatum  apud  Trojam  est,  mox 
Ortygia  et  Merges  vocata  est,  et  Smyrna  cognomine  Trachea  et 
Samornion  et  Ptelia. — Hist. Nat.,  lib.  v.  c.  29.     Solinus,  also,  in  his 
Polyhistoria  says,    "  Epheso  decus  templum  Dianae,  Amazonum 
fabrica,"  &c. ;  and  Justin,  lib.  ii.  c.  4,  attributes  the  foundation 
of  Ephesus  to  the  Amazons.     Mela's  account  confirms  these: 
"  Ibi  Ephesus  et  Dianse  clarissimum  templum,  quod  Amazones 
Asia  potitae  consecrasse  traduntur." — Lib.  i.  c.  17. 

M 


76  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

more  of  its  pride  and  ornament,  the  temple,  than  from 
any  other  ancient  author.  He  states  that  the  building  of 
this  edifice  occupied  two  hundred  and  twenty  years,  and 
that  the  expense  was  defrayed  by  the  contributions  of  all 
the  cities  of  Asia.10  It  is  well  known,  that  this  famous 
structure  formed  one  of  the  seven  wonders  of  the  world; 
that  it  was  resorted  to  by  devout  Greeks  in  swarms,  and 
that  the  worship  of  the  Ephesian  Diana  was  cultivated  by 
all  the  people  of  Asia;  a  fact  which  is  indicated  by  the 
figure  of  the  goddess  on  the  coins  of  several  neighbouring 
cities. 

In  the  19th  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  we  find 
that  the  preaching  of  St.  Paul  at  Ephesus,  provoked  to 
fury  a  multitude  of  artizans  who  gained  a  livelihood  by 
making  "  silver  shrines  for  Diana,"  and  that  it  was  only  by 
the  prompt  and  energetic  conduct  of  the  officer,  termed 
by  the  translators  of  the  New  Testament  "  the  town  clerk," 
that  the  uproar  was  allayed.  Of  this  officer,  whose  name 
occurs  on  many  of  the  coins  of  Ephesus,  we  shall  soon 
have  occasion  to  speak. 

The  words  of  Dionysius  Periegetes,  who  is  supposed  to 
have  flourished  in  the  time  of  Augustus,  clearly  refer  to  a 
very  early,  if  not  the  earliest,  worship  of  Diana,  whose 
primitive  representation  was  set  up  under  a  tree.11 

10  Magnificentiae  vera  admiratio  extat  templum  Ephesiae  Diana? 
ducentis  viginti  annis  factum  k  toto  Asia."  —  Hist.  Nat.,  xxxv. 
c.  14. 

11  HappaXirjv  'E0£0w,  fjieyaXriv  iroXtv  'lo^eaiprfs 
'Ev0a  Qtrj  TTOTE  vr\ov  Ap.a.£ovi$£t;  TETV^OVTO 
Ylpefj.vtji  'ivi  TTT£\lrjg,  Trepiwffiov  avSpaffi  6avp.a. 

Orbis  Descriptio,  v.  827-28-29. 

Callimachus,  however,  in   his   Hymn  to  Diana,  says  it  was  a 
beech  tree  : 


"Ev  KOTE  irappaXlri  'E0t<rov 

VTTO  TrljLv.  v.  238. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  77 

After  being  under  the  rule  of  the  Syrian  monarchs, 
Ephesus  eventually  submitted  to  the  Roman  yoke  :  never- 
theless, she  continued  to  maintain  her  high  rank  among 
the  cities  of  Asia,  which  is  attested  by  many  authorities, 
but  especially  by  the  numerous  coins  which  have  descended 
to  our  times. 

The  Ephesians  appear  to  have  been  a  very  credulous 
and  superstitious  people,  and  to  have  been  much  addicted 
to  the  study  of  magic.  Of  this  we  have  interesting  evi- 
dence in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,12  when  many  "  which 
used  curious  arts,"  came  and  burned  their  books  on  the 
preaching  of  St.  Paul.  Among  other  superstitions,  was  a 
belief  in  the  power  of  certain  letters  termed  Estate 
ypafjLfjLara.  Suidas  13  says,  that  when  Milesius  and  Ephe- 
sius  wrestled  together,  Milesius  could  not  throw  his  adver- 
sary because  the  Ephesian  letters  were  tied  to  his  heel, 
but  having  deprived  him  of  this  magical  assistance,  he  was 
soon  overcome.  It  was  supposed  that  whoever  pronounced 
these  letters,  obtained  the  object  of  his  wish ;  and  that  on 
hearing  them,  evil  spirits  forsook  the  bodies  of  those  whom 
they  possessed.  Plutarch14  says,  that  these  letters  were 
written  on  the  girdle,  the  feet,  and  other  parts  of  the 
statue  of  Diana  Ephesia,  hence  their  appellation. 

The  riches  of  the  temple  appear  to  have  excited  the 


18  Chap.  six.  19. 

13  Ephesiae  literae :  carmina  qusedam  obscura,  quae  et  Croesus 
in  rogo  recitavit :  et  Olympiae  Milesio  et  Ephesio  certantibus, 
Milesium  lucturi  non  potuisse,  propterea  quod  alter  juxta  talum 
Ephesias  literas  haberet.  Quibus  compertis  et  demptis,  concidisse 
Ephesium  perhibent. 

1    ilffTrep    yap    ot   payoi    rove    latfiovi^Ofjifvovs    KtKtvovai    TO. 
E^ttrta   ypa/xynara    Trpoe  OVTOVC   ntraXEyet?   icat  ovo/nafciv 
K.  r.  \.     These  words  are  described  as  TUV  hpiav  rat 
Symp.  L.  vii.  q.  5. 


NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


cupidity  of  Nero;15  and  at  an  earlier  period  C.  Scipio 
intended  to  plunder  it  of  its  pictures  and  statues,  when  he 
suddenly  received  orders  to  join  Pompey.16 

The  types  of  the  coins  of  Ephesus  bearing  the  imperial 
effigy  are  numerous  and  interesting,  and  there  appears  to 
have  been  an  uninterrupted  issue  from  the  reign  of  Augus- 
tus down  to  that  of  Gallienus,  when  the  series  of  Imperial 
Greek  Coins  terminates.  The  following  descriptions  are 
necessarily  confined  to  the  most  remarkable  types. 


MARCUS  ANTONIUS,  OCTAVIUS,  AND  LEPIDUS. 

No.  1.   Obv. — The  heads  of  the  Triumvirs,  Antonius,  Octavius, 
and  Lepidus. 

R.— APXI6PGYC  TPAM.  TAAYM1N  GYOYKPATHS 
G$G.  (Money)  of  the  Ephesians.  Glaucon  Euthycrates, 
Highpriest  and  Scribe.  The  statue  of  Diana  Ephesia  with 
supports  :  at  the  base,  two  stags.  M  4.  (Vaill.  Num. 
Graeca. — Mionnet,  Descr.  vol.  iii.) 

This  rare  and  interesting  example  shews  that  at  an  early 
period  the  Ephesians  were  anxious  to  flatter  their  Roman 


13  At  Baream  Soranum  jam  sibi  Ostorius  Sabinus,  eques 
Romanus,  poposcerat  reum,  ex-proconsulatu  Asiae,  in  qua  offen- 
siones  principis  auxit,  justitia  atque  industrial  at  quia  portui 
Ephesiorum  aperiendo  curam  insumpserat :  vimque  civitatis  Per- 
gamenae,  prohibentis  Acratum,  Csesaris  libertum  statuas  et  picturas 
evehere,  inultam  omiserat. —  Tacit.  Annales,  lib.  xvi.  c.  23. 

16  Praeterea  Ephesi  a  Fano  Dianas  depositas  antiquitus  pecunias 
Scipio  tolli  jubebat,  ceterasque  ejus  Deae  statuas.  Quum  in 
Fanum  ventum  esset,  adhibitis  compluribus  Senatorii  ordinis, 
quos  advocaverat  Scipio  literae  ei  redduntur  a  Pompeio,  mare 
transisse  cum  legionibus  Caesarem. — Bell.  Civil,  iii.  c.  33. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  79 

governors,  by  placing  the  heads  of  the  Triumvirs  on  their 
common  coin.  The  reverse  indicates  that  at  that  period,  the 
office  of  FjoajUjuaTtucj  or  Scribe,  was  held  by  the  high- 
priest  ;  but  it  does  not  appear  by  other  coins  of  Ephesus 
that  it  was  customary  to  confer  that  office  on  individuals 
of  the  priesthood  only.  This  officer,  who  in  our  version 
of  the  New  Testament17  is  called  "the  town  clerk,"18  was 
a  very  important  personage  among  the  Greeks,  as  is  shewn 
not  only  by  numerous  coins  inscribed  EIII  TPAM. — 'ETTI 
r/oaftjuaTt'we,  but  by  two  coins  of  Nysa  in  Caria,  on  which 
the  people  call  Tiberius  Caesar  their  scribe.19  The  office 
was  held  for  a  year,  like  that  of  the  Archons ;  and  we  some- 
times find  the  second  and  third  year  recorded  by  the 
addition  TO  B.,  TO  T.,  &c. 

The  figure  represented  on  the  reverse  of  this  coin  is  that 
of  the  far-famed  goddess  Diana;  not  in  that  classic  form 
by  which  she  is  more  generally  known,  and  under  which 
she  was  worshipped  by  so  many  cities  of  Greece,  but  dis- 
tinguished by  characteristics,  which  are  best  explained  by 
the  passage  in  Hieronymus  cited,  by  Eckhel:20  "  Scribebat 
(Paulus)  ad  Ephesios  Dianam  colentes,  non  hanc  vene- 
tricem  quae  arcum  tenet,  et  succincta  est,  sed  illam 
multimammam,  quam  Graeci  TroAujuatrTov  vocant,  ut  silicet 
ex  ipsa  quoque  effigie  mentirentur  omnium  earn  bestiarum 
et  viventiam  esse  nutricem."  It  was,  no  doubt,  models  of 


17  Acts  xix.  5. 

18  In  Wiclif  s  version  of  the  New  Testament, 

rendered  literally  scribe,  "  and  whanne  the  scribe  hadde  cesid 
the  puple."  Tyndale  and  Cranmer  render  it  "  Towne  clarcke," 
the  Rhemish  version  "  Scribe,"  but  in  our  authorised  version  of 
1611,  "Towne  clarke  "  is  again  used. 

*9  Frb'lich,  Quatuor  Tentara,  p.  154. 

20  Doct.  Num.  Vet.  vol.ii.  p.  512. 


80  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

the  building,  containing  representations  of  this  extraordinary 
figure,  which  Demetrius  and  his  fellow-craftsmen  made  for 
the  visitors  to  the  temple.21  Our  version  of  the  New 
Testament 22  says  "  shrines,"  and  it  is  not  improbable  that 
the  coins  which  will  be  noticed  hereafter,  containing  the 
figure  within  an  octostyle  temple,  were  representations  of  the 
memorials  made  by  the  silversmiths  of  Ephesus  for  those 
who  came  to  wonder  and  to  worship  at  the  shrine  of  the 
great  goddess.  The  small  silver  medallions  of  Claudius,  Ves- 
pasian, and  Domitian,  with  the  legend  DIANA  EPHESIA, 
which  must  be  well  known  to  Numismatists,  were,  in  all 
probability,  struck  with  the  same  object.  In  this  con- 
jecture I  am  supported  by  Beza,  in  his  commentaries  on 
the  New  Testament.23  ^ 

Diana  Ephesia  was  unquestionably  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant deities  of  the  Greeks.  Pausanias  24  says,  she  was 
privately  honoured  more  than  any  other  divinity;  and  the 
same  author  speaks  of  several  statues  of  her  which  he  saw 
in  various  cities  of  Greece :  one  at  Corinth 25  was  of  wood, 
gilt,  and  the  face  painted  vermilion  colour.  We  have  no 
minute  description  of  the  statue  of  the  goddess  at  Ephesus ; 
but  her  form  is  handed  down  to  us  on  numerous  coins, 
and  there  is  every  reason  for  believing  that  the  figure 
which  Pausanias  saw  at  Corinth,  was  painted  and  orna- 
mented in  imitation  of  the  original  idol.  Pliny26  gives  us 


21  Acts  xix.  24. 

a2  The  words  of  the  original  are,  TTOI&V  vaovg  apyvpovs,  &c. 

23  Oxford  Edit.  p.  355.  24  Mess.  lib.  iv.  c.  31. 

25  Cor.  lib.  ii.  c.  2. 

26  Hist.  Nat.  lib.  xvi.  c.  11.,  "De  ipso  simulacro    deae,"  he 
observes  "  ambigitur.      Caeteri  ex  ebeno  esse  tradunt :  Mutianus 
ter  Consul,  ex  his  qui  proxime  viso  eo  scripsere  vitigineum  et  nun- 
quam  mutatum'septies  restitute  temple" 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  81 

an  account  of  the  statue,  but  it  is  not  satisfactory.  Vitru- 
vius  s7  says,  it  was  formed  of  cedar ;  while  from  Xenophon  28 
we  gather,  that  it  was  of  gold ;  hence  it  may  be  inferred, 
that  both  these  materials  were  used  in  its  fabrication  :  that 
the  bulk  of  the  image  was  of  wood,  plated  with  gold,  and  the 
hands  and  face  painted  or  plated  with  ivory,  like  the  statues 
of  other  divinities  mentioned  by  Pausanias.  The  private 
worship  rendered  to  Diana,  seems  to  explain  the  meaning 
of  the  "shrines"  which  Demetrius  made:  there  can  be 
little  doubt  but  that  they  were  representations  of  the  god- 
dess and  her  temple,  and  that  they  were  kept  in  the  houses 
of  the  devout,  as  Penates:  hence  the  alarm  among  the 
silversmiths  of  Ephesus,  when  their  profitable  trade  was 
threatened  by  the  apostle,  and  the  artful  speech  of  the 
crafty  Demetrius,  to  whose  conduct  the  remark  of  Epic- 
tetus  OTTOU  TO  avfjHjitpov  EKft  KOI  TO  fvo-fjStCj  8s  noticed  by 
the  learned  Witsius,29  may  be  appropriately  applied.  The 
statue  of  Diana  at  Ephesus,  was  preserved  by  the  applica- 
tion of  resinous  gums,  which  were  inserted  in  cavities  made 
for  that  purpose,  a  practice  alluded  to  by  Pliny  as  well  as 
by  Vitruvius.30 


27  De  Architectura,  lib.  ii.  c.  9. 

28  De  Exped.  Cyri.,  lib.  v. 

29  Meletemata  Leidensia,  p.  82. 

30  Item  cedrus  et  juniperus  easdem  habent  virtutes  et  utilitates, 
sed  quemadmodum  ex  cupressu  et  pinu  resina,  sic  ex  cedro  oleum, 
quod  cedrium  dicitur  nascitur,  quo  reliquae  res  cum  sunt  unctae 
(uti  etiam  libri)  a  tineis  et  a  carie  non  laeduntur.    Arboris  autem 
ejus   sunt   similes   cupressae    foliaturae ;   materies   vena   directa. 
Ephesi  in  sodc,  simulacrum  Dianse  et  etiam  lacunara  ex  ea,  et  ibi 
et  in  caeteris  nobilibus  fanis  propter  aeternitatem  sunt  facta. — De 
Architect,  lib.  ii.  c.  9. 


82  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

AUGUSTUS   AND   LI VI A. 

2.  Obv.     The  heads  of  Augustus  and  Livia. 

R.  TPAMMATEYS  MEONilN  0EYAH2  E$E.  (Money) 
of  the  Ephesians.  Meonon  Theudes,  Scribe.  A  stag 
standing:  above,  a  quiver  suspended.  JE  5|.  (Mionnet 
from  the  Cabinet  of  Cousinery.) 

The  Stag  frequently  occurs  on  the  autonomous  coins  of 
Ephesus,  which  is  noticed  by  the  Sophist  Libanius  31  and 
the  meaning  of  the  type  is  obvious :  Strabo  32  calls  Diana 
Elaphia  from  "EXa^oe  a  stag.  Pindar  styles  her  'EXa^t]- 
|3oXoe  and  the  name  of  'EXa^rjjSoXtwv  was  given  by  the 
Athenians  to  the  month  of  February,  when  they  sacrificed  a 
stag  to  Diana.  It  appears  from  Pausanias  33  that  the  stag 
was  sacred  also  to  Proserpine,  and  that  writer  mentions 
one  of  great  age,  very  sagely  concluding  that  the  stag 
lives  longer  than  the  elephant. 

LIVIA. 

3.  Obv.     IOYAIA  SEBASTH.    Julia    Augusta.     Head  of  the 

Empress. 

R.  APTEMIS  EfcESIQN.  Diana  of  the  Ephesians.  The 
same  head.  Faill.  Num.  Grceca.  /E  5. 

Both  the  obverse  and  reverse  of  this  coin  bear  the  head 
of  Livia.  On  the  obverse  she  appears  as  the  wife  of  the 
Emperor,  but  on  the  reverse,  by  a  species  of  adulation  very 
common  with  the  Greeks,  she  is  styled  Diana  of  the  Ephe- 
sians. Eckhel  describes  a  coin  of  Julia  Domna  wife  of 


E^cirtotc  ^c  Kal  TO  vofiifffia  rrfv  £\a<j>or  efyepev.  Orat.  xxxii. 
This  author  also  tells  us,  that  the  earth  produced  Deer,  Bows 
and  Arrows,  when  Diana  was  born  ! 

32  Lib.  viii. 

33  Lib.  viii.  c.  10, 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  83 

Severus,  struck  at  Azotus  in  Judaea,  on  the  reverse  of 
which  the  bust  of  the  Empress  appears  with  the  legend 
AOMNA  TYXH  ACWTIWN,  Domna  the  Fortune  of  the  Azotii.3* 
Many  similar  examples  might  be  cited. 

DRUSUS    AND    ANTONIA. 

s 

4.  Obv. — The  heads  of  Drusus  and  Antonia. 

ft.— KOYCINIOC  TPA.  E*E.  (Money)  of  the  Ephesians. 
Cusinius,  Scribe.  A  stag  standing :  in  the  field,  a 
monogram.  (Mionnetfrom  the  Cabinet  of  Cousinery.)  M  4. 

GERMANICUS. 

5.  Obv. — E$E,  i.  e.  EQetnidv.    (Money)  of  the  Ephesians.     Bare 

infant  head  of  Germanicus. 

R.— KOYSINIOS  TO  A.  Cusinius,  Scribe  for  the  fourth 
time.  Within  an  olive  garland.  (Idem.)  ^E  4. 

It  appears  from  the  first  of  these  coins,  that  Cusinius 
was  the  Scribe ;  and  from  the  second,  that  he  held  the 
office  for  the  fourth  time.  Some  writers  have  proposed 
Cancellarius,  others  Recorder,  for  the  word  Scribe. 

NERO. 

6.  Obv.— NEPON  KAISAP.     Nero  Caesar.     Laureated  head  of 

Nero. 

R.— AIXMOKAH  AOYIOAA  AN9YIIATO  E*.  NEQKOPQN. 
(Money)  of  the  Ephesians,  Neocori,  Aechmocles  Aviola, 
Proconsul.  Side  view  of  a  Temple.  IE  7 . 

The  legend  on  the  reverse  of  this  coin,  shews  that  the 
proconsular  authority  was  established  in  its  full  power  at 
Ephesus,  in  the  reign  of  Nero.  The  proconsul  here  named, 
is  supposed  by  Eckhel 35  to  have  been  Consul  in  the  year  of 


34  Cat.  Num.  Vindob.  p.  250.     Sestini,  Desc.  p.  546. 

35  Doc.  Num.  Vet.  Vol.  ii.  p.  159. 


84  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Rome,  807.  Aviola  was  a  cognomen  of  the  consular  family 
Acilia.  Acilius  Aviola  chastised  the  Turones  and  Andecavi 
in  the  reign  of  Tiberius. 36  The  name  of  Aviola  appears  on 
the  coins  of  Smyrna  and  of  Pergamus  under  Caligula. 37 
These  coins,  with  the  ProconsuTs  name,  are  especially  inte- 
resting, from  the  circumstance  of  their  shewing  that  the  Scribe 
was  no  longer  the  important  personage  he  had  once  been  at 
Ephesus.  Indeed,  the  words  of  the  Scribe  to  the  riotous 
mob,  when  St.  Paul  preached  in  that  city,  prove  this. 38 
They  not  only  shew  that  he  himself  was  amenable  to  a 
higher  power,  but  also  that  the  Roman  law,  which  punished 
with  death  those  who  raised  a  tumult,  was  in  full  force  at 
Ephesus.  "We  are  in  danger  to  be  called  in  question 
for  this  uproar,"  are  the  words  of  our  version ;  and  further, 
"  The  law  is  open,  and  there  are  deputies."  39  The  utilitarian 
will  smile  at  my  adding,  that,  but  for  the  substitution  at 
this  period  of  the  name  of  the  Proconsul  for  that  of  the 
Scribe,  we  might  probably  have  learned  the  very  name 
of  the  "  Town  Clerk "  who  so  promptly  suppressed  the 
commotion  raised  by  the  Ephesian  craftsmen.  That  the 
office  of  Scribe  was  one  of  the  greatest  importance  may  be 
inferred  from  the  Syriac  version  of  the  New  Testament, 
where  Scribe  (6  ypafifiarevg)  is  rendered  JA^u  >X>>  J-A^V 
(reesho  dam  deetho),  the  chief,  or  prince,  of  the  city.  But 
in  the  Syriac  version  of  the  Old  Testament,  the  word 
"1D1D  is  always  rendered  simply  Jjsico  (sophro),  Scribe;  a 
very  good  proof  that  the  Syriac  translators  were  aware  of 
the  nature  of  the  office  of  Scribe  in  the  Greek  cities. 


36  Tacit.  Annales,  iii.  c.  41. 

37  Doc.  Num.  Vet.  ii.  p.  519. 

38  Acts  xix.  40. 

39  'Aydpmot    ayevrai   rat  'AN9YIIATOI   titriv,    Acts  xix.  38  ; 
earlier  versions  have  "  Rulers"  for  the  word  Proconsuls. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF   EPHESUS.  85 

DOMITIANUS. 

7.  Obv.— AOMITIANOC  KAICAP  CGBACTOC  rGPMANIKOC, 

Domitianus     Caesar  Augustus    Germanicus.      Laureated 
head  of  the  Emperor,  with  the  paludamentum. 

R.— GDI  ANOY.  KAICGNNIOY  ILAITOY  OMONOIA  e<J>G. 
ZMYP.  Concord  of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Smyrna, 
under  the  proconsul  Ccecennins  Pcetus.  Two  Amazons 
joining  hands  ;  in  the  left  hand  of  each  a  Bipennis.  IE  8. 
(Mionnet  from  the  Cab.  of  Cousinery.) 

The  legend  of  the  reverse  commemorates  the  alliance  of 
the  Ephesians  and  Smyrnaeans,  under  the  Proconsulship  of 
Psetus.  The  type  alludes  to  the  origin  which  tradition 
assigned  to  the  Ionian  Cities.  An  Amazon  is  often  repre- 
sented on  the  coins  of  Smyrna,  armed  with  the  Pelta  and 
BipenniS)  or  double-edged  axe,  the  favourite  weapon  of 
these  women  :  hence  Horace  *°  says 

•  Amazonia  securi 

Dextras  obarmet. 

Pliny  speaks  of  the  statues  of  the  Amazons  in  the  temple 
of  Diana. 
No.  8.  Obv. — Same  head  and  legend. 

R.— em.  ANOYIIATOY  POYOINOC  OMONOIA  e$e. 

ZMYP.  Concord  of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Smyrna 
under  the  proconsul  Ruso.  The  figure  of  Diana  Ephesia 
between  the  two  Nemeses.  JE  9.  (Sestini.  Descriz. 
p.  328.) 

The  two  figures,  between  which  the  Ephesian  goddess 
stands,  frequently  appear  on  the  money  of  Smyrna,  and 
would  alone  explain  the  type  of  this  coin  without  the  word 
OMONOIA.  They  represent  the  Nemeses,  divinities  held 
in  the  highest  veneration  by  the  Smyrnaeans41  for  the  fol- 


40  Lib.  iv.  carm.  iv. 

1  Like  Diana  of  the  Ephesians,  the  epithet  "  great  "  was  given 
to  them,  as  appears  by  the  Oxford  marble:  MEFAAiiN  OEiiN 
NEMESJEQN. 


86  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

lowing  reasons  : — Pausanias  42  informs  us  that  Alexander 
the  Great  built  the  city  of  Smyrna  in  consequence  of  a 
vision  which  appeared  to  him  in  a  dream;  that,  fatigued 
with  hunting,  the  monarch  fell  asleep  under  a  plane 
tree  by  the  side  of  a  fountain  which  watered  a  temple 
dedicated  to  the  Nemeses,  when  these  divinities  appeared 
and  commanded  him  to  build  a  city  on  the  spot.  The 
oracle  having  been  consulted,  and  a  favourable  answer  re- 
turned, the  divine  injunction  was  obeyed;  and  the  figures 
of  the  Nemeses  consequently  appear  perpetually  on  the 
coins  of  Smyrna.  Coins  of  Marcus  Aurelius  and  of  Gor- 
dian,  struck  in  that  city,  have  on  the  reverse  a  representa- 
tion of  this  dream  of  Alexander,  who  appears  asleep  under 
the  plane  tree,  his  head  resting  on  his  shield,  and  the  two 
Nemeses  standing  near  him.43  Ancient  writers  are  not 
agreed  as  to  the  parentage  of  the  Nemeses.  Pausanias, 
Ammianus,  Euripides,  and  Hesiod,  all  differ,  and  they 
are  variously  portrayed  by  the  Greeks.  On  some  of  the 
coins  of  Smyrna,  one  of  them  is  represented  with  a  wheel, 
the  other  with  a  sling,  and  the  latter  has  been  called 
Adrastia.  The  figures  of  the  Nemeses  are  often  repre- 
sented with  their  fingers  on  their  lips  and  in  company  with 
a  griffin,  and  they  sometimes  hold  a  cornucopias.  From 
these  attributes,  it  is  evident  that  Fortune  or  Providence  is 
intended. 

The  learned  Buonnaroti44  has  cited  two  very  remark- 
able representations  of  Nemesis,  one  on  Sard,  where  she 
appears  winged,  with  a  wheel  at  her  feet,  and  holding  a 
serpent  which  she  feeds  out  of  a  patera,  just  as  Hygeia  is 


42  Lib.  vii.  c.  5. 

43  Mionnet  Descr.  de  Med.  Ant.  tome  iii.  p.  231,  and  p.  250. 

44  Osservazioni  Istoriche  di  Medaglioni.    Roma,  4to.  1698. 


REMARKS    ON   THE   COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  87 

represented  on  many  Roman  and  Greek  coins.  This 
seems  to  illustrate  the  description  of  Eschylus,  who  gives 
golden  wings  to  Fortune.  These  appendages  to  a  figure 
given  by  Gruter,  have  led  some  antiquaries  to  suppose  that 
it  was  a  representation  of  Aurora  with  wings.  Pausanias, 
however,  says  that  the  famous  statue  of  Rhamnusia  and 
the  most  ancient  figures  of  this  deity  were  wingless,45  but 
that  he  found  those  at  Smyrna  had  wings,  so  that  the  figures 
of  the  Nemeses  seen  on  the  coins  of  Smyrna,  were  probably 
copied  from  the  most  ancient  statues  of  the  goddesses. 

That  the  original  Nemesis  was  no  other  than  Fortune, 
and  that  good  and  ill-fortune  were  implied  by  the  double 
personification,  will  at  once  be  seen  by  a  reference  to  Sim- 
plicius'  Commentaries  on  Aristotle.46  It  is  well  known 
that  the  Athenians  erected  a  statue  to  Nemesis  after  the 
battle  of  Marathon,  and  that  it  was  executed  by  Phidias 
from  marble,  which  the  Persians  had  brought  with  them  to 
erect  a  trophy  in  Greece.47 

No.  9.  Obv. — Same  legend  and  head. 

R.— GfcGSKlN  MAPNAC.— (Money)  of  the  Ephesians. 
Mamas.  The  usual  representation  of  a  river  god ; 
namely,  a  male  figure  seated  on  the  ground,  holding  a 
cornucopia  in  his  right  hand,  and  the  left  elbow  resting 
on  an  urn  reversed.  JE  6. 

Antiquaries  are  not  agreed  as  to  the  precise  meaning  of 
this  type;  and  various  conjectures  have  been  offered  on  the 
word  MARNAS.  Some  have  supposed  it  to  allude  to 
Jupiter,  to  whom  the  name  of  Marnas  was  given  by  the 
people  of  Gaza.  The  learned  Tristan  48  quotes  an  account 

«  Lib.  i.  c.  33. 

46  Lib.  ii. 

47  Pausanias,  lib.  i.  c.  33. 

48  Com.  Historiques,  tome  ii.  p. 250. 


88  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

of  the  destruction  of  several  Pagan  temples  at  Gaza,  in 
the  days  of  Arcadius  and  Honorius,  by  St.  Porphyry,  bishop 
of  that  city,  among  which  was  one  of  Marnas.49  Stepha- 
nus50  speaks  of  this  deity,  who  was  the  same  as  Jupiter 
Craetaeus,  the  word  t£?3~)  D  Marnas  being  Syriac  and  sig- 
nifying the  lord  of  men  ;  and  it  has  been  conjectured,  that 
Mdjovae  'E^eortwv  signifies  the  Virgin  of  the  Ephesians, 
Marnas  being  also  the  Cretensian  word  for  Virgin.  The 
Numismatist  will  decide  how  far  these  recondite  illustra- 
tions apply  to  the  coin  before  us.  Havercamp  51  and  Vail- 
lant52  see  only  a  river  god  in  the  recumbent  figure. 
Later  numismatists,  however,  have  supposed  it  to  be  the 
representation  of  a  sacred  fountain.  Now  as  meadows  and 
fountains  were  peculiarly  sacred  to  Diana,  as  mountains 
and  high  places  were  consecrated  to  Jupiter,53  it  seems  by 
no  means  improbable  that  the  word  Marnas  may  be  re- 
ferred to  that  goddess  to  whom  the  fountain  in  question 
might  have  been  sacred. 

DOMITIANUS    AND    DOMITIA. 

No.  10.  060.— AOM1TIANOC  KAICAP  AOMITIA  CGBACTH. 
Domitianus  Ccesar,  Domitia  Augusta.  The  heads  of  the 
Emperor  and  Empress  face  to  face. 


49  Erant  autem  in  civitate  simulacrorum  publica  templa  octo, 
Nempe,    Solis,  Veneris,  Apollinis,    Proserpinae,   et   Hecates,   et 
quod  dicebant  Hierion,  sen  sacerdotum  templum ;   et  Fortunae 
urbis,  quod  dicebant  Tycheon,  et  MARNION,  &c.  &c.     Marcus 
the  deacon,  who  gives  this  account,  says,  "  Dicebant (Gazaei)enim 
Marnam  esse  dominum  imbrium" 

50  De  Urbib.  voce  Gaza. 

51  Medailles  de  Christine,  p.  343. 

52  Num.  Graeca,  p.  23.     The  same  author,  p.  22,  gives  a  coin 
of  Smyrna  with  MAPQNOS. 

53  'lepct   e)e   'Apre^u^or,   Trj/yat   va^tarwv   (cat   /coTXat    vaTrat,   KCU 

Maximus  Tyrius,  Diss.  xxxviii. 


REMARKS   ON    THE   COINS   OF    EPHESUS.  89 

R.— NGIKH  AOMITIANOY  6*6.  The  Victory  of  Domi- 
tianus. — (Money)  of  the  Ephesians.  Victory,  standing, 
with  garland  and  palm  branch.  JE  5|. 

It  is  to  be  feared  that  none  of  the  coins  of  this  tyrant, 
which  record  a  victory,  will  serve  the  purpose  of  the  his- 
torian ;  and  it  was  said  of  Domitian  especially,  that  when- 
ever fortune  frowned  on  his  arms,  he  seized  on  the  occasion 
to  proclaim  a  victory,  a  practice  not  altogether  abandoned 
in  modern  times ! 

HADRIANUS, 

No.  11.  Obv.— AAPIANOC  KAICAP  OAYMHIOC.  Hadrianu* 
Ccesar  Olympius.  Laureated  head  of  Hadrian  with  the 
paludamentum. 

R. — e$GCKlN. — (Money)  of  the  Ephesians.  The  statue 
of  Diana  Ephesia  within  an  octostyle  temple,  the  front 
ornamented  with  a  bas-relief,  representing  a  sacrifice,  &c. 

#;io£. 

Long  before  the  days  of  Hadrian,  the  Greeks  had  been 
in  the  habit  of  paying  divine  honours  to  the  worst  of 
princes.  Magnificent  temples  were  built  in  honour  of,  and 
the  most  fulsome  adulation  was  offered  to,  men  who  prac- 
tised every  species  of  vice  that  can  debase  human  nature. 
Hadrian  was  unquestionably  possessed  of  qualities  which, 
if  rightly  exercised,  might  have  rendered  him  without  a 
parallel  in  the  history  of  the  Roman  Empire,  but  these 
were  obscured  by  vices  which  will  neither  bear  description 
nor  comment.  Why  and  on  what  occasion  the  people  of 
Ephesus  gave  to  Hadrian  the  title  of  Olympius  is,  I  be- 
lieve, unknown.  That  odious  system  of  Polytheism,  which 
associated  Jupiter  with  Ganymede,  might  have  suggested 
the  epithet.  While  the  Ephesians  were  bestowing  a  sur- 
name of  the  king  of  the  gods  upon  their  emperor,  other 
cities  of  Greece  were  erecting  temples  to  Antinous  ! 


90  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

The  various  styles  of  the  temples  which  appear  on  the 
coins  of  Ephesus  perplexed  the  Count  Caylus,54  who  ob- 
serves, that  they  do  not  agree  with  the  description  of  Pliny; 
and  he  assigns,  as  a  reason,  the  fact  of  the  many  restora- 
tions of  this  edifice.  It  is  somewhat  singular  that  Pliny  55 
and  Vitruvius  56  differ  as  to  the  order  of  its  architecture, 
the  first  declaring  it  to  be  Doric,  and  the  other,  Ionic. 

The  name  of  the  first  architect  of  the  temple  of  Diana, 
laccording  to  Strabo,57  was  Chersiphron;  but  it  was  en- 
arged  by  some  other  person.  This  structure  was  burned 
by  Erostratus  on  the  night  of  the  birth  of  Alexander  the 
Great,  a  calamity  which  the  Greeks  attributed  to  the  ab- 
sence of  Diana  in  her  quality  of  Lucina  at  the  delivery  of 
Olympias.58  But  another  temple  was  soon  built  by  the 
Ephesians;  and  this  greatly  surpassed  the  former,  the 
funds  being  supplied  by  the  contributions  of  the  citizens, 
which  included  even  the  personal  ornaments  of  the  women.59 
Alexander  offered  to  build  the  temple  at  his  own  expense, 
on  condition  that  his  name  should  be  inscribed  upon  it. 
This  offer  they  declined,  alleging  that  it  would  be  impos- 
sible for  a  god  to  make  offerings  to  the  gods  !  The  archi- 
tect of  the  new  edifice  was  Cheiromocrates  (or  Deinocrates) 
the  same  who  offered  to  cut  down  mount  Athos  into  a  statue 
of  Alexander. 


54  Recueil  d'  Antiquites.  tome  iv.  p.  154. 

55  Praeter  has  sunt  quae  vocantur  Atticce  columnae,  &c. — Hist. 
Nat.  xxxvi.  c.  23. 

56  —  et  Ephesiae  Dianae  lonica.     De  Architect,  lib.  iii. 

57  Lib.  xiv.  c.i. 

58  Vide   Cicero,  De  Nat.  Deor.  ii.  c.  27.     Plutarch,  in   vita 
Alexand.  Ammian.  lib.  viii.  14. 

59  Strabo  refutes  the  statement  of  Timaeus,  the  Sicilian  histo- 
rian, who  says  that  the  expense  of  the  rebuilding  was  defrayed  by 
the  deposits  of  the  Persians. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESU8.       ^""T  91 

Pliny  informs  us  that  the  temple  was  built  in  the  plain 
in  preference  to  a  more  elevated  situation ;  in  order  that 
it  might  not  be  affected  by  the  shocks  of  earthquakes  to 
which  the  country  was  subject.61  The  foundations  were 
laid  on  charcoal,  rammed,  and  the  skins  of  beasts.  The 
building  occupied  two  hundred  and  twenty  years :  it  had 
one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  columns,  executed  at  the 
cost  of  so  many  kings.  One  of  them  was  sculptured  by 
the  famous  Scopas.62  Among  other  curiosities  within  the 
building  was  a  staircase  which  led  up  to  the  roof,  formed 
of  a  single  vine.  The  altar  was  covered  with  the  sculp- 
tures of  Praxiteles,  and  the  temple  contained  some  of  the 
finest  works  of  the  artists  of  antiquity. 

No.  12.  Obv. — Same  legend  and  head. 

R.— G^ecmN  AIC  NEilKOPQN.— (Money)  of  the  Ephe- 
sians,  twice  Neocori.  The  temple  of  Diana  Ephesia 
containing  her  statue.  JE  10. 

No.  13.  Obv. — Same  legend  and  head. 

R. — Same  legend.     Two  Octostyle  Temples.  JE  11. 

It  is  this  title  of  Neocorus  to  which  the  Scribe  or  "  Town 
clerk"  alludes  in  his  address  to  the  Ephesians — "AvSpsg 
rig  jap  eortv  avOpwirog,  oc  ov  ytvwcrica  TTJV 
TroXtv  NEiiKOPON  ovaav  TTJC  jtieyaAijc  Otag 
.63  The  primitive  signification  of  the  word  was 
temple  sweeper  ^ ;  but  it  afterwards  became  a  title  of  great 
importance,  and  was  boastfully  assumed  by  several  Greek 


61  In  solo  id  palustri  fecere,  ne  terrse  motus  sentiret,  aut  hiatus 
timeret. — Hist.  Nat.  lib.  xxxvi.  c.  14. 

62  Scopas  is  mentioned  by  Pliny,   Cicero,  and   Horace ;  and 
Pausanias  speaks  of  several  statues  which  were  executed  by  him. 

63  Acts  xix.  35. 

64  From  VIUQ  a  temple,  and  vwpew  to  sweep. 


92  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

cities,  and  especially  by  the  Ephesians,  whose  greatest 
pride  was  that  they  were  the  Neocori  of  the  great  goddess 
Diana.  Several  learned  dissertations  have  been  written 
on  this  title  and  its  repetition  65 ;  on  the  precise  meaning  of 
which  antiquaries  are  not  quite  agreed.  It  appears,  by  the 
Oxford  marbles,  to  have  been  sometimes  awarded  by  de- 
cree of  the  Senate,  and  by  a  coin  of  Alexander  Severus 
(Vaillant,  Num.  Grceca),  that  the  title  of  Neocorus  was,  in 
some  ^cities,  conferred  on  individuals  —  M  EYFENHC 
NGilKOPOC  Atycwv. 

No.  14.  Obv.— OAYMHIOC  AAPIANOC.    Olympius  Hadrianus. 
Head  of  the  Emperor. 

R.— APTEMIC  e$eCIQN.  Diana  of  the  Ephesians. 
Diana  overpowering  a  stag  which  she  seizes  by  the  horns, 
her  knee  pressing  on  its  back.  JE  6. 

Hercules  is  represented  on  Greek  coins  seizing  the  hind 
of  QEnoe  in  a  similar  manner.  Among  the  surnames  of 
Diana  was  that  of  QripoicrotoQ,  or  destroyer  of  wild  and  fero- 
cious Jbeasts  ;  and  she  is  thus  characterized  by  Horace :  — 

et  saevis  inimica  Virgo 

Belluis. 

Cicero66  informs  us  that  there  were  several  Dianas, — 
the  first  being  the  daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Proserpine, 
said  to  be  the  mother  of  Cupid;  the  second,  daughter 
of  Jupiter  and  Latona;  the  third,  daughter  of  Upis  and 
Glauce,  and  that  the  latter  was  the  Diana  to  whom  the 
Greeks  gave  the  name  of  Upis.  But  this  goddess  is  gene- 
rally considered  the  daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Latona ;  and 
that  such  was  the  prevailing  fable  at  Ephesus  will  be  seen 
in  the  remarks  on  another  coin  of  the  city  noticed  hereafter. 


65  See  especially  Pellerin,  Melanges,  vol.  ii.  p.  266;  Cuper. 
Lett,  de  Critique,  p.  479 ;  and  Eckhel,  Doc.  Num.  Vet.  vol.  iv.  p.  289. 

66  De  Nat.  Deor.  lib.  iii.  c.  23. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF   EPHESUS.  93 

She  is  here  represented  in  her  appropriate  hunting  costume 
as  described  by  Ovid : — 6? 

Nuda  genu,  vestem  ritu  succincta  Dianae. 

Quotations  innumerable  might  be  cited  from  ancient  au- 
thors who  speak  of  this  goddess ;  but  to  notice  one  half  of 
them  would  swell  these  remarks  beyond  the  limits  assigned 
to  them ;  yet  I  cannot  refrain  from  mentioning  a  very  re- 
markable inscription,  said  to  have  been  discovered  in  Spain 
some  years  since,  in  which  Diana  is  styled  "  Mother,"  an 
epithet  which,  though  strictly  applicable  to  this  goddess  in 
her  Ephesian  character,  is,  in  other  respects,  difficult  to  be 
reconciled  with  the  description  of  the  poets. — 


TEMPLVM  DIANAE 
MATRI  D.D.  APV 
LEIVS  ARCHITEC 
TVS  SVBSTRVXIT. 


The  same  type  is  found  on  a  coin  of  Commodus  in  the 
British  Museum. 

No.  16.  Obv.—ATT.  KAI.  TPA.  AAPIANOC  C6B.    The  Emperor 
Caesar  Trajanus  Hadrianus  Augustus.  Laureated  head. 

ft. — EfcECIQN  KAYCTPOC.  (Money)  of  the  EpJiesians. 
Cayster.  A  river-god  seated  on  the  ground,  holding 
ears  of  corn  and  a  cornucopia.  JE  7. 

The  reverse  of  this  coin  has  the  most  common  representa- 
tion of  a  river-god.  Pausanias  *  informs  us,  that  he  saw 
in  a  temple  at  Psophis,  several  figures  of  river-gods;  some 
of  which  were,  no  doubt,  thus  represented.  They  were  all 
formed  of  white  stone,  except  that  of  the  Nile,  which  was 
black,  because  that  river  passes  through  Ethiopia  in  its  way 
to  the  sea.  Aelian69  speaks  of  the  various  forms  under 

67  Metam.  lib.  x.536. 

68  Lib.  viii.  c.  24.  69  Var.  Hist.  Lib.  ii.  c.  33. 


94  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

which  the  river  deities  of  the  Greeks  were  personified,  of 
which  we  have  many  examples  on  the  coins  which  have 
descended  to  our  times,  the  most  elegant  of  which  is  that 
of  the  seated  figure  on  this  specimen. 

The  overflowings  of  the  Cayster  formed  what  Virgil 
terms  "Asia  Palus,"70  to  which  he  also  alludes  in  the 
lines, 

Jam  varias  pelagi  volucres,  et  quae  Asia  circum 
Dulcibus  in  stagnis  rimantur  prata  CaystriJ1 

This  stream  appears  to  have  been  the  resort  of  flocks 
of  swans  :  Homer  T2  compares  the  martial  array  of  the 
Greeks  to  the  clustering  of  the  swans  and  cranes  on  the 
windings  of  the  Cayster,  and  the  plains  of  Asius  which  it 
watered  :  — 


KavffTpiov  ap.<f>t  peeOpa. 

And  Ovid73  alludes  to  the  river  and  its  feathered  denizens 
thus  :  — 

-  non  illo  plura  Caystros 

Carmina  cygnorum  labentibus  audit  in  undis. 

While  Martial,74  rating  the  plagiarist  Fidentinus,  says, 

Sic  Niger  in  ripis  errat  cum  forte  Caystri 
Inter  Ledaeos  ridetur  corvus  olores. 

L.    AELIUS. 

No.  17.  Obv.—  Bare  head  of  jElius. 

ft.—  EfcECmN  AIC  NEUKOPON.  (Money)  oftheEphesians, 
twice  Neocori.  An  octostyle  temple,  ornamented  with 
busts  of  Hadrian  and  Aelius,  and  containing  a  statue  of 
the  Ephesian  Diana.  JE  9. 


70  Aen.  vii.  701.  71  Georg.  i.  383-4. 

72  II.  ii.  460.  73  Metam.  lib.  v. 

74  Epig.  i.  54. 


REMARKS    ON   THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  95 

Of  this  favourite,  and  adopted  son,  of  Hadrian  we  have 
several  fine  coins,  not  only  of  the  Roman,  but  also  of  the 
imperial  Greek  series ;  and  the  present  example  is  interest- 
ing, as  shewing  in  what  estimation  the  Ccesar  was  held  by 
the  Ephesians. 

ANTONINUS   PIUS. 

No.  18.  Obv.— T.  AIA.  KA1CAP  ANTQNGINOC.     Titus  Aelius 
Caesar  Antoninus.     Laureated  head  of  the  emperor. 

R. — nei&N  €$eCK!N.  Jupiter  seated  on  what  appears 
to  be  a  rock,  or  the  rugged  peak  of  a  mountain,  holding 
in  his  right  hand  a  cornucopia  reversed,  from  which  a 
shower  (of  rain  ?)  is  descending,  his  left  hand  grasping 
a  thunderbolt ;  in  the  distance,  to  the  right,  a  temple 
and  a  cypress  tree,  and  in  the  foreground,  a  reclining 
bearded  figure.  .ZE  10. 

This  remarkable  •  coin,  engraved  and  described  by 
Seguin,75  has  been  elegantly  illustrated  by  the  learned 
Eckhel.76  Seguin  renders  the  unusual  legend,  Piorum 
Ephesiorum,  and  conjectures  that  the  emperor  himself  is 
represented  under  the  form  and  attributes  of  Jupiter,  who 
holds  the  fulmen  "  non  minax  sed  quietum,"  and  that  the 
Ephesians  meant  by  this  type  to  flatter  their  virtuous  ruler 
in  a  manner  very  common  to  the  Greeks.  Eckhel,  how- 
ever, sees  in  the  type  an  allegory  of  Jupiter  Pluvius,  and 
the  earth,  and  quotes  the  following  lines  of  Virgil 7T  in  il- 
lustration of  it : — 

Turn  pater  omnipotens  fecundis  imbribus  aether 
Conjugis  in  gremium  laetae  descendit,  et  omnes 
Magnus  alit,  magno  commixtus  corpore,  foetus. 

Other  illustrations  may  be  found  in  various  ancient  au- 


75  Sel.  Num.  p.  154. 

76  Doct.  Num.  Vet.,  vol.  ii.  p.  514. 

77  Georgic,  ii.  325.      There  is  a  very  remarkable  figure  of 
Jupiter  Pluvius  on  the  Antonine  column. 


96  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

thors,78  and  the  description  given  by  Pausanias79  of  the 
statue  which  he  saw  at  Athens,  representing  the  Earth 
imploring  showers  from  Jupiter,  must  not  be  overlooked. 
Seguin  supposes  the  reclining  figure  to  be  symbolical  of 
the  province  of  Ionia;  but  as  the  coin  appears  to  be  not 
in  the  best  condition,  it  is  more  likely  to  be  the  ordinary 
representation  of  a  river-god,  and  probably  typifies  the 
Cayster.  The  emperor,  M.  Aurelius,80  speaks  of  a  prac- 
tice of  the  Athenians,  who,  when  supplicating  Jupiter  for 
rain,  addressed  that  deity  with  the  words — wo-ov,  vaov,  <j>i\£ 
Ztv  ! — rain,  rain,  dear  Jupiter. 

With  regard  to  the  remarkable  legend — 'EQtaiw  Tlctwi/, 
Eckhel81  considers  the  word  Iletwv  as  an  epithet  assumed 
by  the  Ephesians  in  honour  of  the  Emperor  Antoninus 
Pius — "  Ephesios  se  dixisse  Iletoue  ex  nomine  Imperantis 
turn  Antonini  Pii."  Now  the  only  reason  which  can  be 
assigned  for  the  explanation  of  that  great  numismatic  au- 
thority, is  the  circumstance  of  the  word  nGIilN  being  found 
solely  on  the  coins  of  Antoninus  Pius ;  but,  as  the  walls  of 
the  city  of  Ephesus  extended  over  mount  Pion,  and  traces 
of  them  were  seen  by  Chandler  when  he  visited  the  spot, 
it  seems  more  probable  that  the  legend  is  intended  to 
include  the  inhabitants  of  the  mountain,  who  were  con- 
sidered joint  citizens  with  the  Ephesians.  The  rise  of 
several  streams  in  the  Cilbian  heights  is  noticed  by 
Chandler,  and  this  with  Pliny's  82  description,  seems  admi- 
rably to  illustrate  the  type. 

78  Vide,  especially  Tibullus,  Eleg.  viii. ;  Statius,  Theb.  iv. 

79  In  Attic,  lib.  i. 

80  Ilpoe  tavrov.  lib.  v.  c.  7. 

81  Doct.  Num.  Vet.  ii.  p.  316. 

82  "  Attollitur  (Ephesii)  Monte  Pione.  Alluitur  Caystro  in  Cyl-- 
bianis  jugis  orto,  multosque  amnes  deferente  et  stagnum  Pega- 
seum,  quod  Phyrites  amnis  expellit." — Hist.  Nat.  lib.  v.  c.  29. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  97 

No.  19.  Obv.—  AY.  K.  T.  AI.  AAPIA.  ANTQNeiNOC.      The 

Emperor   Caesar    Titus  JElius   Hadrianus  Antoninus. 
Laureated  head  of  the  Emperor. 

R.— KOINON  ACIAC  6*6CmN.— The  community  of  Asia. 
(Money)  of  the  Ephesians.  The  statue  of  Diana  Ephesia 
crowned  by  Victory;  by  her  side,  a  female  figure,  with  a 
turreted  crown,  holding  the  hasta;  at  her  feet,  two  stags. 
M  10. 

The  female  figure  with  the  turreted  crown  is  doubtless 
the  province  of  Ionia;  and  the  coin  was  probably  struck  to 
commemorate  some  victory  obtained  by  Antoninus,  which 
the  Ephesians  were  desirous  of  attributing  to  the  inter- 
vention of  their  favourite  goddess;  but  the  absence  of  any 
record  of  the  Consulship,  or  the  Tribunita  Potestas,  on 
Imperial  Greek  coins,  often  deprives  us  of  all  means  of 
even  guessing  at  the  event  they  are  intended  to  record. 

No.  20.  Obv.— T.  AI.  KAICAP  ANTQNGINOC.     Titus  Aelius 
Caesar  Antoninus.     Laureated  head  of  Antoninus. 

R. — ZMYP.  nerr.  e*ecmN  OMON.  Concord  of  the 

people  of  Smyrna,  Pergamus,  and  Ephesus.  Diana 
Ephesia  with  her  attributes  standing  between  ^Escu- 
lapius  and  Nemesis.  JE  11. 

The  three  figures  on  the  reverse  of  this  coin  are  the 
tutelary  deities  of  Smyrna,  Pergamus,  and  Ephesus,  and 
are  therefore  very  appropriately  brought  together  to  com- 
memorate the  concord  of  the  three  cities.  Of  the  Ne- 
meses  I  have  already  spoken,  and  I  shall  reserve  my 
remarks  on  the  deity  of  Pergamus  for  a  paper  on  the  coins 
of  that  city. 

No.  21.  Obv.— Same  head. 

R. — AHOAAiiN  EMBACIOC  e*6CIQN.  Apollo  Em- 
basius  of  the  Ephesians.  A  Galley.  (Vaillant,  Num. 
Greeca.)  JE 


NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Among  the  numerous  surnames  which  the  Greeks  gave 
to  Apollo  were  those  of  Embasius  and  Ekbasius,  derived 
from  'Ejuj3atvo>  (/  embark]  and  'EicjSaivw  (/  land}.  This 
deity  is  often  thus  named  in  the  argonautics  of  Apollonius, 
as  noticed  by  Eckhel,83  who  observes  that  his  worship  was 
very  appropriate  in  a  maritime  and  commercial  city.  — 
"  Numen  urbi  opportunum,  cujus  amplum  fuit  mari  com- 
mercium." 


No.  22.  Obv.—T.  AIAIOC  KAICAP  ANTQNGINOC.  Titus 
Mlius  Ccesar  Antoninus.  The  laureated  head  of  An- 
toninus. 


R.—  GfceCKlN  AIC  NeQKOPiiN.—  {Money)  of  the  Ephe- 
sians,  twice  Neocori.  Three  temples,  each  having 
within  it  a  statue,  the  centre  one  being  that  of  Diana 
Ephesia.  ^E  10. 

It  is  obvious  that  the  title  "  twice  Neocori  "  here  refers 
only  to  the  Neocori  of  the  Emperors;  that  of  the  Great 
Diana,  "  whom  all  Asia  and  the  world  worshipped,"  ^ 
being  considered  as  a  thing  well  known  to  the  surrounding 
cities. 

It  is  further  quite  clear  from  this  type  that  the  Ephesians 
at  this  period  did  not  always  include  in  their  records  of  the 
number  of  times  they  were  declared  Neocori  —  the  Neocorus 
of  the  Great  Diana.  They  probably  considered  it  a  title 
which  they  enjoyed  by  consent  of  all  the  civilized  world, 
and  therefore  not  to  be  confounded  with  recent  favours 
and  benefactions.  But,  if  this  be  admitted  with  regard  to 
the  coins  of  the  times  of  the  Antonines,  it  will  not  establish 
a  rule  for  those  of  a  later  period,  —  since  we  find  on  the 


83  Doct.  Num.  Vet.  vol.  ii.  p.  516. 

84  Acts  xix.  v.  27. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  99 

money  of  subsequent  reigns,  T6TPAKIC  NGQKOPilN,  —  the 
Neocorus  of  Diana  included,  and  evidently  alluding  to  the 
four  temples  represented  on  the  reverse. 

No.  23.  Obv.—  T.  AIA.  KAICAP  ANTilNGINOC.     Titus  Mlius 
Ccesar  Antoninus.     Laureated  head. 


R.—  AYPHAIOC  KAICAP  efcGCmN.  Amelius  Casar. 
(Money)  of  the  Ephesians.  Marcus  Aurelius  on  horse- 
back. (Mionnet  from  the  cabinet  of  Cousinery-) 
JEW. 

This  coin  was  probably  struck  in  honour  of  the  em- 
peror's visit  to  Ephesus. 

No.  24.   Obv.  —  AYF.     K.    HO.    AIKIN.    BAAEPIANOC.     The 

Emperor  Ccesar  Publius  Licinius  Valerianus.   Laureated 
head. 

R.—  EfcEEIQN  T.  NEftKOPflN.—  (Money)  of  the  Ephe- 
sians, thrice  Neocori.  A  woman  walking  to  the  right, 
holding  in  each  arm  a  child.  JE  7. 

As  will  be  noticed  hereafter,  the  Ephesians  maintained 
that  Apollo  and  Diana  were  not  born  at  Delos,  but  in  the 
Ortygian  grove,  near  their  city.  Of  course  such  a  tradition 
became  hallowed  by  time  ;  and  we  accordingly  find  it  illus- 
trated by  this  type  as  late  as  the  days  of  Valerian.  A  coin 
of  Tranquillina,  wife  of  Gordian,  has  a  similar  representa- 
tion of  Latona  with  her  twin  children  ;  but  one  of  them 
holds  his  bow  and  the  other  a  globe,  a  symbol  very  signifi- 
cant of  the  universal  worship  of  the  goddess. 

No.  25.  Obv.—  AYT.  K.AI.  AAPI.  ANTilNGlNOC.  The  Emperor 
Ccesar  Adrianus  Antoninus.  Laureated  head  of  Anto- 
ninus with  the  paludamentum. 

R.—  Gill  6CTIAIOY  OMONOIA.  Concord  under  EstiUus. 
Diana  Ephesia  and  Diana  Lucifera  standing.  JE  10. 

There  is  another  coin  of  this  type  with  the  bare  head  of 
Antoninus.     The  figures  on  the  reverse  are  exceedingly 
VOL.  iv.  p 


100  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

curious  as  representing  Diana  in  her  Ephesian  character, 
and  also  as  Hecate.  The  first  is  evidently  a  very  ancient 
figure.  Its  stiffness  and  formality  indicate  a  primitive 
origin;  and  the  rigidity  of  the  arms,  which  project  from  the 
side  of  the  image,  is  so  remarkable,  that  they  appear  to 
have  been  the  adjuncts  of  a  succeeding  age,  while  the  props 
or  supports  do  not  terminate  in  tridents  as  on  other  coins. 
The  other  figure  may  possibly  be  a  representation  of  that 
which  Pliny  85  describes,  which  was  of  marble,  and  of  such 
dazzling  lustre,  that  the  beholders  were  cautioned  to  shade 
their  eyes  from  its  effulgence. 

No.  26.  Obv.  —  Same  legend  and  head. 


R.—  IGPA  AHHNH  GfceCKlN.—  The  Sacred  Car  of  the 
Ephesians.  The  Theusa  or  Sacred  Car  drawn  by  two 
mules.  JE  10. 

The  Theusa  or  Divine  Car,  called  also  Carpentum,  and 
by  the  Greeks  a7rrjv»j,  appears  more  frequently  on  Roman 
coins.  It  is  figured  on  those  of  Agrippina  and  Domitilla, 
having,  as  would  appear  by  the  legends,  been  used  to 
convey  the  remains  of  those  empresses  to  their  last  resting 
places.  They  were  employed  also  in  the  sacred  proces- 
sions when  the  images  of  the  gods  were  paraded  in  public. 
Though  the  animals,  harnessed  to  the  car  on  this  example, 
are  more  like  horses  (for  which,  indeed,  Vaillant  mis- 
took them)  than  mules,  it  appears  by  a  passage  in  Athe- 
naeus,  quoted  by  Eckhel  ^  that  the  latter  animal  was  used 
on  these  occasions. 


85  Et  Hecate  Ephesi  in  templo  Diana?  post  aedem,   in  cujus 
contemplatione  admonent  ffiditui  parcere  oculis,  tanta  marmoris 
radiatio  est. — Hist.  Nat.  lib.  xxxvi.  c.  5. 

86  'ATTJ/VOU  vfi  fyutoywv  dyo/ifveu — Theusae  a  mulis  tractae. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  101 

No.  27.  Obv. — Same  legend  and  head. 

R— Gill  IIAITOY  rPAMMATGOC  APT6MIC  6*6- 
CIliN. —  Under  Pcetus,  Scribe.  Diana  of  the  Ephesians. 
Statue  of  the  Ephesian  Diana.  IE  8|. 

This  coin  is  remarkable,  merely  from  the  circumstance 
of  the  re-appearance  of  the  name  of  the  Scribe,  a  fact  which 
invites  the  inquiries  and  conjectures  of  the  antiquary  and 
numismatist.  If  this  Paetus  be  the  same  personage  as  the 
Proconsul  whose  name  appears  on  the  next  coin,  it  is  another 
proof  of  the  importance  of  the  office  of  Scribe. 
No.  28.  Obv. — Same  legend  and  head. 

R.— AN9Y.  KAIC6N.  IIAITOY    6$6.  CMY.  OMONOIA. 

Concord  of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Smyrna  under  the 
Proconsul  Ccecennius  Pcetus.  Diana  and  Apollo  stand- 
ing with  their  attributes.  IE  9.  (Sestini,  Descriz.) 

The  type  of  this  coin  requires  little  explanation.  It  was 
natural  that  Apollo  should  be  figured  in  company  with  a 
deity  so  highly  venerated  by  the  Ephesians ;  and  it  is  some- 
what remarkable  that,  as  the  brother  of  the  great  goddess, 
he  does  not  appear  oftener  on  the  coins  of  Ephesus. 

No.  29.  Obv.— OYHPOC  KAICAP  $AYCT6INA  C6.  Verus 
Ccesar,  Faustina  Augusta.  Heads  of  Marcus  Aurelius 
and  Faustina  Junior. 

R.—  em  CTPA.  IOYAIANOY  6*6CmN.  (Money)  of  the 
Ephesians,  under  the  Prcetor  Julianus.  A  river  god 
seated  on  the  ground,  holding  in  his  right  hand  the 
image  of  Diana  Ephesia.  JE  5.  (Vaillant). 

Sestini87  gives  a  coin  of  Ephesus,  struck  during  the 
reign  of  S.  Severus,  on  which  Jupiter  Olympius  is  represented 
seated,  holding  the  image  of  Diana  Ephesia ;  and  Vaillant 88 
describes  another  of  the  same  emperor,  on  which  that  deity 
is  figured  standing  and  holding  a  similar  image. 

This  coin  is  remarkable  on  account  of  its  bearing  the 

87  Lett.  Num.  Cont.  iv.  p.  77. 

88  Num.  Graeca. 


102  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

name  of  the  Sroarrjyoe  or  Praetor,  instead  of  that  of  the 
Proconsul  or  the  Scribe ;  and  it  should  be  observed,  that  it 
was  struck  previous  to  the  year  A.  D.  161,  while  Aurelius  yet 
bore  the  names  of  Marcus  Annius  Merits,  and  was  merely 
CcBsar ;  though  his  consort,  as  the  daughter  of  Antoninus 
Pius,  is  styled  Augusta. 

MARCUS    AURELIUS. 

No-  30  OZw.— AY.  KAI.  AY.  ANTiiNGINOC.  The  Emperor 
Ccesar  Aurelius  Antoninus-  Laureated  head  of  Aurelius. 

R.— - EfcESIQN  AIS  NEilKO[PiiN]  nPQ[TON]  A2IAS. 
(Money)  of  the  Ephesians,  twice  Neocori*  the  first  of 
Asia.  Marcus  Aurelius  and  Lucius  Verus  sacrificing 
at  an  altar,  with  the  fire  kindled,  before  the  statue  of 
the  Ephesian  Diana.  JE  11. 

Several  cities  of  antiquity  assumed  the  title  of  UpwroQ 
or  First,  and  its  signification  has  been  discussed  by  Eckhel,89 
who  has  cited  the  conflicting  opinions  of  various  learned 
men.  Pergamus,  Samos,  Smyrna,  and  Tralles  are  among 
those  cities  whose  coins  most  frequently  boast  the  title  of 
Protos,  which  appears  to  have  been  assumed  simply  as  a 
title  of  excellence,  and  not  in  the  sense  of  Metropolis,  an 
epithet  which  we  find  perpetually  recorded  on  the  coins  of 
Antioch.  It  is  remarkable  that,  although  there  are  many 
numismatic  records  of  the  friendship  and  alliance  between 
the  cities  of  Ephesus  and  Smyrna,  they  both  inscribed  on 
their  coins  the  boasted  title  nPQT&N  ACIAC. 

No.  81.  Obv.—AV.  KAI.  M.  AYP.  ANTON.  The  Emperor  Ccemr 
Marcus  Aurelius  Antoninus.  Laureated  head  of  Marcus 
Aurelius. 

R.— e$ecmN  KAI  lepAiioAerraN  OMON.    Concord 

of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Hierapolis.  Diana 
Ephesia  between  two  stags ;  on  her  left,  Apollo  stand- 
ing. JE  101. 

89  Doct.  Num.  Vet.  vol.  iv.  p.  282. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  103 

It  does  not  appear  from  the  coins  of  Hierapolis  in 
Phrygia,  that  Apollo  was  the  tutelary  deity  of  that  city, 
for  the  types  comprise,  among  many  others,  representa- 
tions of  Jupiter,  -ZEsculapius,  Pluto,  Lunus,  Nemesis, 
Hygeia,  &c.  Apollo,  however,  occasionally  appears ;  and 
on  a  coin  of  Commodus 90  he  is  represented  in  a  female 
habit  playing  on  the  lyre.  Besides  these,  there  are  the 
figures  of  Diana  Ephesia  and  of  an  Amazon  on  horseback, 
armed  with  the  bipennis. 

No.  32.  Obv. — Same  legend  and  head. 

R.—e*ecmN  KAI.  CAPAIANSIN  OMONOIA.    Concord 

of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Sardes.     Diana  Ephesia 
standing :  by  her  side  a  female  figure.  JE  10. 

It  appears  from  this  coin,  that  the  city  of  Sardes  in 
Lydia  was  amongst  those  who  entered  into  alliance  with 
the  Ephesians,  the  figure  of  whose  celebrated  deity  some- 
times appears  on  the  coins  of  Sardes.  Sardes  boasted  the 
titles  of  Neocorus  and  Metropolis,  and  a  coin  of  Elagabalus 
shows  that  the  former  was  twice  repeated.91 

No.  33.  Obv. — Similar  legend  and  head. 

R.— 6*eCIQN  KAI.  TPAAAIANQN  OMONOIA.  Con- 
cord of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Tralles.  Diana 
Ephesia  and  Jupiter  Nicephorus. 

From  the  coins  of  Tralles  in  Lydia,  Jupiter  appears  to 
have  been  the  most  important,  if  not  the  tutelary  deity 
of  that  city.  To  give  a  particular  account  of  those  cities 
with  whom  the  Ephesians  formed  alliances,  or  rather,  who 
formed  alliances  with  the  Ephesians,  would  swell  these  re- 
marks beyond  their  prescribed  limits. 


90  Mionnet,  Descrip.  torn.  iv.  p.  303-  91  Ibid,  p*  133. 


104  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


LUCIUS    VERUS. 

No.  34.  060.— AYT.  KAI.  AOYKIOC  AYP.  OYHPOC.    The  Em- 
peror Caesar  Lucius  Aurelius  Verus.      Lztureated  head. 

ft.— OMONOIA  G*ecmN.  The  statue  of  Diana  Ephesia 

on   a  pedestal   between  the  figures    of  Aurelius   and 

Verus,  each  in  the  toga.  Medallion.    (Sestini,  Lettere, 
torn,  viii.) 

If  the  words  of  the  legend  of  the  reverse  are  to  be  read 
independent  of  each  other,  the  o/uovota  would  appear  to 
allude  to  the  emperors,  who  are  thus  represented  in  the 
toga,  and  joining  hands  on  many  Roman  coins  with  the 
legend  CONCORDIA  AVGVSTORVM  a  type  and  legend 
which  seem  almost  to  justify  the  supposition  of  some  anti- 
quaries that  the  senate,  in  attributing  virtues  to  vicious 
princes,  thus  delicately  hinted  that  they  ought  to  practise 
them.  Doubtful  as  this  may  appear  to  some,  the  conjec- 
ture does  not  seem  to  be  altogether  groundless;  for  the  type 
of  the  Roman  coins  alluded  to  was  copied  by  several  Greek 
cities.  But,  if  we  are  to  consider  with  Sestini92  that  this 
coin  of  Ephesus  was  struck  to  commemorate  the  concord 
of  the  Ephesians — "  concordia  inter  se  ipsos," — the  words  of 
the  legend  must  be  read  together,  and  signify  the  internal 
harmony  of  the  Ephesians.93 


No.  35.  Obv.— AYT.  KAIC.  A. AIA.  OYHPOC  AYrOYCTOC.   The 

Emperor  Casar  Lucius  Mlius  Verus  Augustus.     Lau- 
reated  head. 


92  Classes  Generales,  p.  81. 

93  These  alliances,  inter  se,  are  strongly  urged  on  the  Athe- 
nians  by  Demosthenes. — Ep.   ii.     (Hepl   rife  'O/zovo/ae)  Ae7   Se' 
vfj.5.Q,   <3   avdpeQ  'Adrjvaioi    irp&Tov    p.ev   airavTwv    IIPOS    'YMAS 
AYTOIS    OMONOIAN    «c  TO    KOIVTJ   crvfi<j)fpoi>   rf)  wo\£t  irapaa- 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS   OF   EPHESUS.  105 

R.— 6*eCIQN  AAOAIKGQN  OMONOIA.  Concord  of 
the  people  of  Laodicea  and  Ephesus.  Diana  Ephesia 
between  two  stags,  and  Jupiter,  seated,  holding  the 
hasta.  M  11. 

From  this  type  we  learn,  that  the  Ephesians  were  on 
terms  of  amity  with  the  citizens  of  the  Phrygian  Laodicea. 

No.  36.  Obv.— M.  AYPHAIOC  OYHPOC  KAICAP.  Marcus 
Aurelius  Verus  Caesar.  Bare  head  with  the  paluda- 
mentum. 

R.— ANAPOKAOC  KTICTHC  G^GCKiN.  Androclus  the 
founder  of  the  Ephesians.  Androclus  in  military  cos- 
tume, holding  (as  it  appears)  a  bow  in  his  extended 
right  hand,  his  left  grasping  a  spear.  M  6. 

This  very  interesting  type  shows,  that  whatever  were  the 
opinions  of  ancient  writers,  the  story  of  the  foundation 
of  Ephesus  by  Androclus  was  generally  received  as  the  true 
one  by  the  Ephesians,  in  the  days  of  the  Antonines. 
Pausanias,  who  is  supposed  to  have  flourished  in  the  suc- 
ceeding reign,  tells  us  that  the  tomb  of  the  Ionian  leader 
was  in  the  road  leading  from  the  temple  of  Diana,  and  that 
upon  it  was  the  figure  of  an  armed  man94;  and  it  is  highly 
probable  that  the  dress  and  arms  of  the  figure  on  this  coin 
were  copied  from  the  statue  in  question. 

It  is  very  true  that  a  coin  of  Augustus,  struck  at  Ephe- 
sus95 gives  the  honoured  title  of  K-non??  to  that  emperor; 
but  in  this,  as  in  many  similar  instances  which  might  be  re- 
ferred to  on  Greek  coins,  it  must  be  considered  as  mere 
hyperbole,  simply  signifying  that  the  emperor  was  the 
the  benefactor  or  restorer  of  the  city.  It  should  be  observed 
that  a  coin  of  Antoninus  Pius  bears  two  heroic  figures, 
with  the  names  of  Cyzicus  and  Ephesus,  but  without  any 
designation. 

94  Lib.  vii.  c.  2.  95  Vaillant.  Num.  Graeca. 


106  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


COMMODUS. 

No.  37.  Obv.—  M.  AY.  OAYM.  KOMOAOC.     Marcus  Aurelius 
Olympius  Commodus.     Laureated  head  of  Coramodus. 

R.  —  6*eCION  B.  N6O.  (Money)  of  the  Ephesians, 
twice  Neocori.  Diana,  the  huntress,  overpowering  a 
stag.  M  6. 

2.  —  Another,  with  a  river  god  seated;  in  the  exergue, 
QKGANOC. 

We  here  find  the  title  of  Olympius  bestowed  on  the 
worthless  Commodus.  This  was  a  little  in  advance  of  the 
emperor's  vanity;  since  at  home  he  was  content  with  that  of 
Hercules,  as  many  Roman  coins  testify.  The  sea  is  typified 
in  the  same  manner  as  a  river  god  according  to  the  general 
practice  of  the  Greeks. 

SEPTIMIUS    SEVERUS. 

No.  38.  Obv.—  AY.  KAI.  A.  CGH.  CGOYHPOC  UGP.   The  Em- 

peror Ccesar  Lucius  Septimius  Severus  Pertinax.     Lau- 
reated head  of  Septimius  Severus. 


R.—  e$eCmN    B.   NeiiKOPilN.     (Money)  of  the 

sians,  twice  Neocori.      The  figure  of  Diana  Ephesia 
between  the  rivers  Cayster  and  Cenchrius.  JE  7. 

The  signification  of  this  type  is  obvious.  The  river 
Cayster  has  already  been  noticed.  The  stream,  called  the 
Cenchrius,  was  held  in  veneration  by  the  Ephesians  for  the 
reasons  mentioned  at  page  74. 

No.  39.  Obv.—  CGOYHPOC     CIGIOC  AYF.      Severus  Pius  Au- 
gustus.    Laureated  head. 

R.—  efcGCIilN  B.  N6OKOPQN.  (Money)  of  the  Ephe- 
sians, twice  Neocori.-  Two  children  suckled  by  a  wolf. 
JB5|. 

The  type  of  the  founders  of  Rome  is  probably  intended  as 
a  compliment  to  Geta  and  Caracalla,  the  sons  of  Severus  ; 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  107 

but  it  may  merely  signify  the  respect  which  the  Ephesians 
affected  to  feel  for  their  Roman  masters  ;  for  imperial  Greek 
coins  of  other  emperors  bear  the  type  of  the  wolf  and  twins, 
a  type  which  was  revived  in  the  days  of  Constantine  the 
Great,  as  is  shewn  by  innumerable  examples  preserved  to 
our  times.  We  learn  from  Livy  95  that  these  images  were 
erected  over  the  public  buildings  at  Rome  ;  and  we  know 
that  they  are  figured  on  the  divisions  of  the  Roman  As,  as 
well  as  on  the  coins  of  Campania. 

'  JULIA    DOMNA. 

No.  40.  Obv.  —  IOYAIA  CGBACTH.     Julia  Augusta.     Head  of 
the  Empress. 


R.—  e*ecmN   TPIC  NeoKOPiiN  KAI  THC  APTG- 

MIAOC.  (Money)  of  the  Ephesians,  thrice  Neocori 
and  (also)  of  Diana.  A  female  figure,  wearing  the 
stola  and  a  turreted  crown,  standing  ;  in  her  right  hand 
the  hasta,  her  left  holding  an  ox  ;  before,  the  figure  of 
Diana  Ephesia.  JE  9. 

This  coin  is  given  by  Mionnet,96  who  has  transposed  the 
legend  of  the  reverse,  an  error  which  he  has  rectified  in  his 
sixth  supplemental  volume.97  It  is  remarkable  as  shewing 
that  apart  from  all  other  honours,  and  the  repetition  of  the 
title  of  Neocoros,  the  Neocoros  of  the  Great  Diana  was 
their  chief  and  permanent  boast;  and  a  right  which  time 
had  confirmed  and  hallowed.  The  group  represents  a 
sacrifice  to  the  Ephesian  goddess,  by  the  province  of  Ionia, 
typified  by  the  female  figure  with  the  turreted  crown. 


95  Lib.  x. 

96  Descrip.  torn,  iii-  p.  106. — No.  342. 

97  Ibid.  torn.  vi.  p.  159.— No.  524.       , 

VOL.   IV.  Q 


108  NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE. 


CARACALLA. 

No.  41.  Obv. — AN'mNGlNOC  AYI\     Antoninus  Augustus.  Lau- 
reated  head. 

ft.— e*ecmN  KAI  CAPAIANQN  OMONOIA.    Concord 

of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Sardes.  The  figures  of 
Diana  Ephesia  and  Juno  Pronuba,  standing.  JE  10. 

No.  42.  Obv.— AYT.  K.  M.  AYP.  ANTiiNGINOC  CGB.  The  Em- 
peror Caesar  Marcus  Aurelius  Antoninus  Augustus. 

R.— AOFMATI  CYNKAHTOY  e<D€CmN   HAIOI   NGOI. 

By  decree  of  the  Senate  of  the  JEphesians.  The  New 
Suns.  Four  temples  containing,  severally,  statues  of 
Severus,  Domna,  Caracalla,  and  Geta.  JE  . 

The  practice  of  paying  divine  honours  to  their  rulers  was, 
as  has  been  already  observed,  a  very  common  one  with  the 
degenerate  and  degraded  Greeks.  Every  one  acquainted 
with  ancient  history  will  remember  the  account  which  Plu- 
tarch98 gives  of  Antony  and  Cleopatra  at  Alexandria,  when 
the  Triumvir  was  styled  Ncoc  Atovutroc  (the  New  Bacchus) 
and  his  paramour  Nea  lo-tc  (the  New  Isis),  which  latter  title, 
or  rather  that  of  0£a  Nea  or  Newrepa,  is  found  on  a  coin  of 
Cleopatra,  doubtless  struck  at  the  very  time  of  that  insane 
mummery."  Buonnarotti  10°  cites  many  examples  of  this 
practice,  quoting  a  marble  from  Spon,  on  which  Sabina  the 
empress  is  styled  the  New  Ceres  (Neav  ArjjUTjrcjoa),  and  an- 
other from  the  same  author  inscribed  to  Julia  Pia  as  the 
New  Vesta  (Eemav  Ncai/).  Caligula  called  the  temple  of 
Jerusalem  after  his  name — Atoe  tinfyavovQ  veov  Fatou. 


98  In  Vita  Ant.       See  also  Paterculus,  lib.  ii.  83,  and  Dio. 
lib.  xlviii. 

99  Numismatic  Chronicle,  Vol.  I.  p.  200, 209. 

100  Osservazioni  Istoriche,  p.  40. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  109 


No.  43.  Obv.—  ANraNGlNOC  AYF.    Antoninus  Augustus.  Lau- 
reated  head. 


R.—  e^GCION  KAI  CAPAIANQN  OMONOIA.  Concord 
of  the  People  of  Ephesus  and  Sardes.  The  figures  of 
Diana  Ephesia  and  Juno  Pronuba  standing.  JE  . 

The  worship  of  the  Samian  Juno  appears  to  have  been 
cultivated  in  several  of  the  Asiatic  cities  ;  and  the  manner 
in  which  she  is  represented  on  many  coins,  shews  that  she 
was,  like  Diana  of  the  Ephesians,  a  very  ancient  deity. 
We  have  here  evidence  that  she  was  held  in  especial  honour 
by  the  people  of  Sardes  in  Lydia. 

No.  44.  Obv.—  AYT.  K.  M.  AYP.  ANTONGINOC  CGB.     The 

Emperor   Caesar  Marcus  Aurelius  Antoninus.      Lau- 
reated  head  with  the  paludamentum. 


R.—  e$ecriiN  npirraN  ACIAC  A.  Nesm.—  (Money) 

of  the  Ephesians,  the  first  of  Asia,  four  times101  Neocori. 
Four  temples.  IE  10. 

This  curious  and  interesting  coin  is  in  the  collection  of 
the  British  Museum.  The  first  temple  contains  the  figure 
of  Diana  Polymamma  ;  the  second,  a  togated  figure  ;  and 
the  two  others,  of  which  we  have  a  side  view,  have  each  a  flight 
of  steps,  and  contain  a  figure  holding  the  hasta.  From  this 
type,  therefore,  we  gather,  without  the  aid  of  other  evi- 
dence, that  the  repetition  of  that  title,  which  was  the  chief 
boast  of  the  Ephesians,  had  no  reference  to  the  Neocoro's 
of  the  Great  Diana,  as  some  have  supposed;  but  that  it  was 
recorded  on  the  erection  of  another  temple  to  an  Em- 
peror. This  bringing  together  of  the  great  deity  and  the 
deified  emperors,  recalls  to  mind  Chandler's  102  description 
of  a  bridge  which  he  saw  on  the  road  from  Aiasaluck  to 

101  The  A  is  here  the  Greek  numeral  4. 

102  Travels  in  Asia  Minor,  p.  11  7. 


110  NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE. 

Guzel-hissar  or  Magnesia,  and  which  had  been  erected  at 
the  expense,  as  appears  by  the  inscription  which  it  bore,  of 
one  Pollio,  who  had  dedicated  it  to  the  Ephesian  Diana, 
the  Emperor  Augustus,  Tiberius  his  son,  arid  to  the  people 
of  Ephesus.  There  are  coins  of  Caracalla  and  Geta  with 
the  legend  NGOI  HAIOI  under  the  bust. 


ELAGABALUS. 

No,  45.  Obv.— ATT.  K.  M.  AYR  ANTiiNGINOC  CGB.  The  Em- 
peror C&sar  Marcus  Aurelius  Antoninus  Augustus. 
Laureated  armed  bust,  with  the  paludamentum. 

R.— GfcGCKlN  MONiiN  AHACflN  TGTPAKI  NGO- 
KOPiiN.  (Money)  of  the  Ephesians,  alone,  of  all 
(cities)  four  times  Neocori.  The  emperor  in  the  toga, 
sacrificing  on  a  tripod  before  the  temple  of  Diana 
Ephesia.  M  10  j. 

This  boast  of  the  Ephesians,  that  they  were  the  sole 
people  who  had  been  declared  Neocori  for  the  fourth  time, 
is  confirmed  by  the  coins  of  other  cities,  which  bear  records 
of  three  Neocorates  only. 

It  is  well  known  that  Elagabalus  was  brought  up  as  a 
priest  of  the  sun ;  and  it  is  very  probable  that  he  is  here 
officiating  in  a  sacerdotal  character  in  a  sacrifice  to  Diana. 

No.  46.  Obv.— AYT.  K.  M.  AYP.  ANTiiNGlNOC.  The  Emperor 
CfBsar  Marcus  Aurelius  Antoninus.  Laureated  head 
of  Elagabalus  with  the  paludamentum. 

R.— OIKOYMENIA  NSiiKOPiiN.  A  laurel  garland,  within 
which  is  the  bust  of  Elagabalus  with  the  paludamentum, 
and  the  inscription,  e^GCIiiN  OAYMIIIA,  in  two 
lines:  below,  two  palm-branches,  the  reward  of  the  vic- 
tors in  the  games.  JE  |. 

The  words  of  the  legend  combined  may  be  thus  ren- 
dered "  The  Universal  and  Olympian  Games  of  the  Ephesians, 
Neocori." 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  Ill 

It  is  probable  that  the  games  which  this  coin  records 
were  celebrated  by  the  Ephesians  on  the  occasion  of  a  visit 
from  the  depraved  Emperor,  who,  as  Herodian  103  informs 
us,  was  detained  for  some  time  at  Nicomedia,  after  his 
election  to  the  empire,  by  the  severity  of  the  season,  and 
who  might  therefore  have  visited  Ephesus  previously  to  his 
setting  out  for  Rome  :  at  any  rate,  it  shews  that  the  Ephe- 
sians were  anxious  to  testify  their  attachment  to  one  who 
had  promised  to  tread  in  the  steps  of  Augustus  and  Marcus 
Aurelius,  and  who,  on  his  first  assumption  of  the  purple, 
led  many  to  hope  for  better  times.  These  expectations 
were,  however,  not  to  be  realised,  for  Elagabalus  soon  com- 
menced his  career  of  astounding  iniquity.  His  fondness 
for  public  games  is  especially  noticed  by  Dio,104  who  relates 
that  more  than  fifty  tigers  were  slain  in  one  of  these  enter- 
tainments. 

MAXIMINUS. 

No.  47.  Obv.—  I\  IOY.  MA#IMINOC.    Caius  Julius  Maximinus. 
Laureated  head. 


R.  —  GfcSCmN  TYXH.  Fortune  of  the  Ephesians.  For- 
tune standing,  holding  in  her  right  hand  the  prow  of  a 
vessel,  and  in  her  left,  a  cornucopia.  ./E  . 

From  the  attributes  with  which  Fortune  is  here  invested, 
we  may  infer  that  that  deity  had  a  statue  at  Ephesus,  and 
that  she  was  propitiated  by  sacrifices  on  the  occasion  of  a 
voyage. 

Other  coins  of  Ephesus  represent  Fortune  with  her 
usual  attributes,  the  rudder  and  cornucopia,  as  she  appears 
perpetually  on  Roman  coins. 


103  Lib.v.  c.  11.  104  Lib.lxxix. 


112  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


GORDIANUS. 

No.  48.  Obv.—  AYT.  K.  M.  ANTii.  TOPAIANOC  CG.  The  Em- 
peror Ctzsar  Marcus  Antoninus  Gordianus.  Laureated 
head. 


AAE#ANAPEUN  OMONOIA.  Concord 
of  the  people  of  Ephesus  and  Alexandria.  Diana 
Ephesia  and  Serapis  standing  on  the  deck  of  a  galley. 
JE  10j. 

The  custom  of  placing  the  divinities  on  rafts  or  galleys 
was  of  remote  antiquity,  ,  and  perhaps  had  its  origin  among 
the  Egyptians.  The  Ephesians  appear  to  have  been  aware 
of  this  ;  and  the  great  deity  of  Alexandria  is  here  accord- 
ingly placed  on  the  deck  of  a  galley  in  company  with  the 
Ephesian  goddess.  Pausanias  describes  a  very  curious 
figure  of  Minerva  seen  by  him  at  Priene.  It  was  formed 
on  the  Egyptian  model,  and  placed  on  a  raft,  as  if  sailing 
from  Phoenician  Tyre.105  Porphyry  alludes  to  this  practice 
of  the  Egyptians,  who,  he  informs  us,  placed  their  gods  on 
rafts  or  galleys,  because  they  considered  that  the  element 
on  which  they  floated  was  necessary  to  the  production  and 
the  maintenance  of  animal  and  vegetable  life  ;  moreover, 
he  observes,  in  Holy  Writ  it  is  said,  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
moved  upon  the  waters.106 

Other  coins  of  Gordian  struck  at  Ephesus  bear  the  fi- 
gures of  Serapis  and  Isis  ;  and  on  one  of  them  the  goddess 
is  depicted  as  Isis  Pharia,  holding  a  sail  distended  by  the 
wind  and  standing  by  the  Alexandrian  Pharos,107  a  type 
probably  borrowed  from  that  of  a  common  Alexandrian 
coin  of  Antoninus  Pius. 


e^ia  yap  ^wXwv.    mi  ITT  avri/e  0£0g  fK  Tvpov  rj/t; 
Kttff  ijfTtvo.  K.  T.  \.     Archiac.  lib.  vii.  c.5. 

106  De  Antro  Nympharum,  pp.  256-7.    Edit.  Cantab.  1655 

107  Mionnet,  Descript.  torn.  iii.  p.  117. 


REMARKS    ON   THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  113 

PHILIPPUS. 

No.  49.  Obv.—ATT.  K.  M.  IOY.  fclAIIHIOC.  The  Emperor 
Ccesar  Marcus  Julius  Philippus.  Laureated  head  of 
Philip. 

R.— HPAKAGITOC  e^GCmN.  Heraclitus  of  the  Ephe- 
sians.  The  bearded  figure  of  Heraclitus,  clad  in  a 
mantle,  his  right  hand  raised,  his  left  resting  on  a 
cluh. 

Ephesus  was  the  birth-place  of  the  philosopher  Hera- 
clitus ;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  figure  on  this  coin  is  a 
copy  of  some  well  known  statue,  which  perished  many  ages 
back  in  the  general  wreck  of  the  city. 

50.  Obv.— AYT.  K.  M.  IOY.  fclAIIHIOC.  The  Emperor 
Caesar  Marcus  Julius  Philippus.  Laureated  head  of 
Philip  with  the  paludamentum. 

R.— G4>ecmN  KATA1IAOYC  A.     A  galley  with  the  sail 
set,  and  rowers.  JE  5g. 

This  coin  was  struck  to  commemorate  the  arrival,  for  the 
first  time,  of  some  important  personage  at  Ephesus;  and 
there  can  be  little  doubt  but  that  it  records  the  entrance  of 
the  emperor  himself.  Vaillant 108  renders  the  legend — 
"  Ephesiorum  primus  appulsus  " — adding,  "  nempe  quando 
per  mare  Philippus  Ephesum  venit,"  and  the  same  au- 
thor109 cites  a  coin  of  Septimius  Severus  struck  at  Perin- 
thus  with  the  legend  EHIAHMIA  B.  Adventus  Secundus  ;  on 
which  occasion,  games,  named  Severia,  were  held  in  honour 
of  the  emperor's  second  arrival  in  that  city.  Roman  coins, 
it  is  well  known,  often  bear  the  legend  Adventus  Augusti ; 
but  the  Greeks  alone  appear  to  have  noted  the  number  of 
times  that  they  were  thus  honoured  by  the  emperor's  visits. 
This  distinction  suggests  an  easy  explanation;  the  record 
on  the  Roman  coins  denoted  the  emperor's  return  to  the 

108  Num.  Graeca.  p.  162.  m  Ibid.  p.  86. 


114  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

capital,  while  that  on  the  money  of  the  Greeks  recorded 
his  visits  no  to  the  cities  of  the  Roman  provinces. 

OTACILIA. 

No.  51.  Obv.— MAP.  ilTA.  CGYHPA  CGB.     Marcia    Otacilia 

Sever  a  Augusta-     Head  of  Otacilia. 

R.— EfcECKIN  KOINON  HANKINIQN.  The  Community 
of  the  Ephesians,  with  all  Ionia.  A  tetrastyle  Temple. 
JE  6.  (Vaillant.) 

Pausanias  speaks  in  several  places  of  the  Panionion  of 
the  lones,  an  assembly  from  which  the  Smynaeans  were 
for  a  long  time  excluded. 

PHILIPPUS  JUNIOR. 

No.  52.  Obv.— M.  IOYA.  $IAIIIIIOC  KAICAP.  Marcus  Julius 
Philippus  Ccesar.  Bare  head  of  the  younger  Philip 
with  the  paludamentum. 

R.— e$eCKlN  APTGMIC  ACYAO.  Diana  of  the  Ephe- 
sians, Inviolable.  Statue  of  Diana  Ephesia  between  two 
stags.  JE  81.  (Mionnet,  from  the  cabinet  of  M. 
Cousinery). 

ETRUSCILLA. 

No.  53.  Obv.—  6P6N.  GTPOYCIAAA  C€B.  Herennia  Etruscilla 
Augusta.  The  bust  of  the  empress  on  a  crescent. 

R.— APT6MIC.  e<&6CIA.  ACYAOY.  Diana  Ephesia,  In- 
violable. The  goddess  with  her  attributes  between  two 
stags:  in  the  field,  the  sun  and  moon.  M  8|. 

These  two  coins  are  remarkable  on  account  of  the  title  of 
AtrwXoc-  A  very  interesting  account  is  given  by  Tacitus,111 
of  the  cities  which  claimed  the  right  of  Asylum  in  the  reign 
of  Tiberius.  That  subtle  tyrant,  while  strengthening  his 
power  at  home,  affected  to  regard  the  ancient  jurisdiction 
of  the  Senate,  by  referring  to  them  the  representations  and 

110  Vide  Corsini,  ''  Fasti  Attici,"  where  these  and  similar  re- 
cords are  noticed. 

111  Annales,  lib.  iii.  c.  41. 


REMARKS    ON   THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  115 

petitions  of  the  various  cities  of  Greece,  which  claimed  the 
privilege  of  Asylum  or  Sanctuary.  Foremost  among  them 
were  the  Ephesians,  who  alleged  that  Apollo  and  Diana 
were  not,  according  to  the  vulgar  legend,  born  at  Delos, 
but  in  the  Ortygian  Grove,  within  their  territory,  and  that 
the  very  olive  tree  against  which  Latona  leaned,  when  she 
was  delivered  of  the  twin  deities,  was  still  standing ;  that 
to  this  grove  Apollo  retired  for  sanctuary  from  the  wrath  of 
Jupiter,  after  the  slaughter  of  the  Cyclops ;  and  that  here 
Bacchus  pardoned  the  Amazons  who  sought  refuge  at  the 
altar  of  Diana.  They  further  represented,  that  their  rights 
in  this  respect  had  never  been  invaded  under  the  Persian 
and  Macedonian  rule.  Next  came  the  Magnesians,  who 
asserted  that  the  privilege  had  been  granted  to  them  by 
Lucius  Scipio,  after  he  had  vanquished  Antiochus,  and 
subsequently  by  Sylla,  after  the  defeat  of  Mithridates. 
Aphrodisia  and  Stratonicea  put  in  their  claims,  alleging 
that  the  right  had  been  granted  to  them  by  Caesar  in 
reward  for  services  rendered  to  his  party,  and  had  been 
confirmed  by  a  decree  of  Augustus,  in  which  that  emperor 
had  especially  commended  their  fidelity  to  the  Romans  on 
the  occasion  of  an  irruption  of  the  Parthians.  The  people 
of  Hieroca5sarea  referred  their  claim  to  a  much  earlier 
period,  asserting  that  they  possessed  the  statue  of  Diana 
Persica,  whose  temple  had  been  consecrated  by  King  Cyrus 
and  the  rights  of  which  had  been  confirmed  by  Perpennalsau- 
ricus  and  many  other  Roman  Generals — multaque  alia  im- 
peratorum  nomina — who  had  allowed  the  right  of  sanctuary 
within  an  area  of  two  miles  around  it.  Cyprus  laid  claim 
to  no  less  than  three  asylums ;  the  first  founded  by  -/Erias 
in  honour  of  the  Venus  of  Paphos ;  the  second  by  Amathus 
the  son  of  ^Erias, dedicated  to  the  Amathusian  Venus;  and 
the  third  by  Teucer  to  Jupiter  Salaminius,  when  he  fled 
from  the  anger  of  his  father. 

VOL.   IV.  R 


116  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

These  claims  appear  to  have  caused  some  trouble  and 
perplexity  to  the  conscript  fathers,  who  gave  power  to  the 
Consuls  to  enquire  into  their  validity,  charging  them  to 
make  due  investigation  of  the  several  pretensions  to  the 
right,  and  report  the  result  to  the  senate.  The  consuls 
found  that  many  of  the  cities  could  refer  only  to  tradition 
in  support  of  their  claim  ;  but  they  discovered  that,  besides 
the  temples  above  named,  there  was  one  at  Pergamus 
dedicated  to  ^Esculapius,  which  was  really  a  sanctuary. 
In  the  end,  the  senate,  expressing  great  reverence  for  the 
several  deities,  confirmed  the  right  of  sanctuary  to  but  a 
small  number  of  the  claimants,  who  were  commanded  to 
place  in  each  temple  a  memorial  of  the  decree  engraved  on 
brass,  with  a  view  to  the  preservation  of  the  right  to  pos- 
terity, and  the  prevention  of  ill-grounded  claims  for  the 
future.112 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add,  that  these  sanctuaries,  like 
those  of  the  Middle  Ages,  were  crowded  with  the  most 
profligate  and  abandoned  of  mankind.  Tacitus  says,  they 
afforded  shelter  to  runaway  slaves,  fraudulent  debtors,  and 
persons  accused  of  capital  offences,  and  that  the  excess  of 
the  evil  led  to  the  enquiry  promoted  by  Tiberius. 

The  temple  of  Diana  Ephesia  enjoyed  the  privilege  of 
sanctuary  before  the  time  of  Alexander  the  Great,  who 
extended  it  to  the  distance  of  a  stadium  around  the  build- 
ing. Mithridates  enlarged  this  to  an  arrow's  flight  shot 
from  the  angle  of  the  pediment  of  the  temple,  which  fell  a 
little  beyond  the  line  prescribed  by  Alexander.113  By  An- 


112  «  Factaque  senatus  consulta,  quis  multo  cum  honore,  modus 
tamen  praeseribebatur,   jussique  ipsis  in   templis  figere  aera,    sa- 
crandam  ad  memoriam,  neu  specie  religionis  in  ambitionem  dila- 
berentur.'' — Annales,  lib.iii.  c.43. 

113  Strabo,  lib.  xiv. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS   OF   EPHESUS.  117 

tony,  it  was  further  enlarged,  and  comprised  a  portion  of 
the  city ;  but  this  was  found  to  be  an  evil,  and  the  extension 
was  abrogated  by  Augustus.  Notwithstanding  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  sanctuary  by  Mithridates,  it  is  evident  that  the 
temple  proved  no  asylum  to  the  Romans  when  he  ordered 
the  general  massacre  in  Asia,  the  wretched  fugitives  being 
dragged  from  the  altar  and  the  statues  of  Diana,  and 
remorselessly  butchered  without  distinction.114 


Such  are  the  numismatic  monuments  of  the  once  famous 
city  of  Ephesus,  whose  subsequent  history  may  be  traced 
in  a  few  brief  words.  In  the  early  days  of  Christianity,  it 
became  by  turns  a  prey  to  barbarian  spoliation  and  fanatical 
frenzy ;  and  it  may  be  rationally  conjectured,  that  the  final 
destruction  of  its  magnificent  temple  was  achieved  by  the 
zealots  of  the  time,  while  the  more  precious  ornaments  of 
its  interior  had  been  greedily  seized  and  appropriated  by 
the  savage  hordes  who  were  daily  becoming  more  formidable 
even  to  Rome  herself.  "  A  writer,"  says  Chandler,115  "  who 
lived  towards  the  end  of  the  second  century,  has  cited  a 
sibyl  as  foretelling  that,  the  earth  opening  and  quaking, 
the  temple  of  Diana  would  be  swallowed  like  a  ship  in  a 
storm  in  the  abyss ;  and  Ephesus,  lamenting  and  weeping 
by  the  river-banks,  would  enquire  for  it,  then  inhabited  no 
more.  If  the  authenticity  of  the  oracle  were  undisputed, 
and  the  sibyl  acknowledged  a  true  prophetess,  we  might 


114  'E^)£fftOt  rove  ££  TO  'ApT£fllfftOV  KO.T    afyvyoVTCLQ  ffV[jnr\£K6/Jl£VOV£ 

rote  ayaXnatnv  i^eXKOvree  ficreivov. — Appian.  Bell.  Mith.  p.  #17. 
Ed.  Amst.  1670. 

115  Travels  in  Asia  Minor,  p.  141. 


118  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

infer,  from  the  visible  condition  of  the  place,  the  full  accom- 
plishment of  the  whole  prediction.  We  now  seek  in  vain 
for  the  temple ;  the  city  is  prostrate,  and  the  goddess 
gone !" 

At  the  time  this  was  written,  the  site  of  Ephesus  was 
overrun  with  fennel,  which  grew  tall  and  rank  among  its 
ruins ;  and  the  partridge  was  calling  to  its  mate  among  the 
corn  which  grew  within  the  area  of  the  stadium.  At  the 
present  day,  if  any  change  has  taken  place,  it  only  marks 
the  further  desolation  of  the  spot.  The  busy  streets  and 
public  places  which  once  reverberated  with  the  tramp  of 
countless  feet  are  now  wrapped  in  the  silence  of  the  grave, 
and  are  seldom  traversed  save  by  beasts  of  prey.  The 
plaudits  of  the  amphitheatre  and  the  odeum  are  exchanged 
for  the  loud  cries  of  the  rook  and  the  daw,  and  ill-omened 
birds  sit  and  brood  in  the  places  once  occupied  by  em- 
perors and  consuls. 

J.  Y.  AKERMAN. 

Lewisham,  20th  May,  1841. 


REMARKS    ON    THE    COINS    OF    EPHESUS.  119 


NOTE  ON  THE  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

1.  Imperial  Greek  coins  are  seldom  in  sufficiently  good 
preservation  to  allow  of  their  being  engraved  for  the  mere 
purpose  of  illustration :  and  such  is  the  case  with  the  ma- 
jority of  the  present  series ;  so  that  the  examples  given  in 
the  accompanying  plate  are  principally  selected  for  their 
reverses,  which,  though  not  fine,  are  in  tolerable  con- 
dition. 

The  vignette  is  engraved  from  a  medallion  of  Claudius 
and  Agrippina,  in  the  cabinet  of  Dr.  John  Lee.  The  reverse 
bears  the  legend  DIANA  EPHESIA  in  Roman  characters. 
This  piece  is  one  of  those  alluded  to  at  page  80.  The 
very  rude  and  singular  image  which  it  bears,  favours  the 
supposition  that  this  may  have  been  the  original  figure  of 
the  goddess ;  and  the  conjecture  would  not,  perhaps,  be  dis- 
puted, were  it  not  for  the  occurrence  of  another  representa- 
tion of  this  far-famed  deity,  of  a  very  primitive  form,  in  the 
coin  No.  2. 

No.  1. — Is  a  medallion  of  Claudius  in  the  cabinet  of  B.  Night- 
ingale, Esq.  The  reverse  bears  the  usual  figure  of 
Diana  within  a  tetrastyle  temple,  the  columns  of  which 
are  decidedly  of  the  Ionic  order.  (See  the  remarks  at 
page  90). 

2. — A  coin  of  Antoninus  Pius  (in  the  collection  of  the 
British  Museum)  described  at  page  99,  and  remarkable 
for  the  very  rude  figure  of  the  Ephesian  goddess. 

3. — A  coin  of  Caracalla  (in  the  collection  of  the  British 
Museum)  described  at  page  109. 

4. — This  coin,  though  of  Otacilia,  the  wife  of  the  elder 
Philip,  bears,  on  the  reverse,  a  type  precisely  similar  to 
that  of  Etruscilla  described  at  page  114.  Here  the 
figure  of  Diana  differs  frorp  those  on  the  earlier  coins. 


120  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 


XII. 

ON  THE  GOLD  TRIENS  INSCRIBED  "DOROVERNIS 
CIVITAS."1 

THE  opinion  of  M.  de  Longperier,  expressed  in  the  Nu- 
mismatic Journal,  Vol.  II.  p.  232,  that  the  beautiful  gold 
triens  with  DOROVERNIS  CIVITAS  on  its  reverse,  is  a 
specimen  of  the  earliest  Saxon  coinage,  minted  at  Canter- 
bury, is,  I  am  persuaded,  correct ;  and,  I  doubt  not,  the 
objections  you  made  to  this  appropriation,  on  account  of 
the  somewhat  unusual  termination  IS,  will  be  dispelled  by 
the  evidence  I  have  collected  respecting  the  ancient  name 
of  the  city  of  Canterbury. 

We  have  charters  of  Osuuini,  A.D.  675  (see  No.  VIII. 
in  the  "  Codex  Diplomaticus"  of  the  Historical  Society), 
of  Hlothari,  675  (No.  IX.),  of  Suabhard,  676  (No.  XIV.), 
of  Eadric,  686  (No.  XXVII.),  of  Wihtraed,  696  (No. 
XLL),  of  Eadberht,  761  (No.  CVIL),  of  ^Ethilberht,  762 
(No.  CVIIL),  and  of  Ecgberht,  778  (No.  CXXXII.)  all 
kings  of  Kent;  of  Dumweald,  minister  of  .ZEthilberht, 
762,  and  of  Offa,  king  of  Mercia,  764;  in  all  of  which  we 
have  the  form  Dorovernis  ;  and  when  to  this  we  add,  that 
wherever  the  city  of  Canterbury  is  .mentioned  in  the  Ec- 
clesiastical History  of  Beda,  its  name  is  spelt  as  in  the 
charters  (except  that  we  have  U  in  place  of  the  second  0), 
no  doubt  can  exist  that  during  the  seventh,  and  the  greater 
part  of  the  eighth  centuries,  the  metropolitan  city  was 
known  by  the  name  of  Dorovernis.  Towards  the  close  of 
the  eighth  century  an  alteration  in  the  name  took  place. 
In  a  charter  of  790,  I  find  the  first  instance  of  Dorobernia, 


TRIENS   WITH    "  DOROVERNIS    CIVITAS."  121 

as  I  do  not  take  into  consideration  the  two  corrupt  copies 
of  a  charter  of  ^Ethilberht  in  605,  where  we  have  both 
Dorovernis  and  Dorobernia,  nor  the  forgery  which  purports 
to  be  a  charter  of  Archbishop  Augustine. 

It  being  then  certain,  that,  during  the  seventh  century, 
the  name  of  the  city  of  Canterbury  was  written  exactly  as 
on  the  coin  before  us,  the  arguments  of  M.  de  Longperier 
in  the  Revue  Numismatique  (1838,  p.  471),  acquire 
additional  weight.  Your  remark,  that  if  the  Anglo-Saxons 
had  a  coinage  of  gold,  this  is  the  description  of  piece  which 
might  be  looked  for,  was  perfectly  just :  this  long  agitated 
question  must  now,  therefore,  be  considered  as  settled ;  and 
the  triens  of  Canterbury,  along  with  the  gold  penny  of  the 
Confessor  in  Mr.  Spurrier's  cabinet,  be  admitted  as  evi- 
dence that,  under  the  Heptarchy  as  well  as  the  Monarchy, 
gold  money  was  issued  from  the  Saxon  mints.  From  the 
circumstance  that  the  moneyer's  name  is  Greek,  we  cannot 
hesitate  in  placing  the  date  of  this  triens  near  the  com- 
mencement of  the  seventh  century,  and  supposing  it  the 
work  of  some  artist  introduced  into  this  country  by  Au- 
gustine and  his  missionary  brethren. 

I  cannot  conclude  without  calling  your  attention  to  one 
of  the  most  interesting  coins  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  series 
hitherto  published.  It  is  a  penny  of  Ecgberht,  in  Mr. 
Hawkins'  work,  No.  158,  and,  from  the  reverse  legend, 
ZEZ  HNDRESZ,  undoubtedly  a  relic  of  the  ecclesiastical 
mint  of  Rochester;  and,  as  such,  unique.  St.  Andrew  is  the 
patron  saint  of  the  cathedral  in  that  city.  Yours, 

DANIEL  H.  HAIGH. 

Leeds,  10th  June,  1841. 


122 


MISCELLANEA. 


COINS  AND  ANTIQUITIES  OF  AFGHANISTAN. — Within  the  last 
seven  or  eight  years,  many  important  and  interesting  disco- 
veries of  ancient  monuments  and  coins  have  been  made  in  the 
north-western  provinces  of  India,  in  the  valley  of  the  Kabul 
river,  in  the  mountain  districts  between  India  and  Turkestan, 
and  in  the  dependencies  of  Balkh  and  Bokhara.  The  monu- 
ments, which  are  situated  chiefly  about  Peshawer,  Jelalabid, 
and  Kabul,  are  known  by  the  name  of  Topes:  they  belong  to 
the  Buddhist  religion,  and  date  in  the  early  ages  of  Chris- 
tianity. The  coins  commence  with  the  Greek  kings  of 
Bactria,  in  the  third  century  before  the  Christian  era,  and 
extend  to  the  Mohammedan  invasion  of  India,  in  the  twelfth 
century  after  it.  Both  monuments  and  coins  afford  much 
novel  and  interesting  information  regarding  the  religious  and 
political  condition  of  the  countries  bordering  on  India,  and 
of  Western  India  itself,  throughout  this  protracted  interval. 
Amongst  the  labourers  in  this  field  of  inquiry,  one  of  the 
earliest,  most  indefatigable,  and  most  successful,  has  been 
Mr.  Charles  Masson,  who,  during  a  residence  of  several  years 
in  Kabul,  opened  many  of  the  monuments,  and  collected  from 
them,  and  from  other  sources,  a  most  extensive  variety  of 
antiquities  and  coins.  These  collections  were  made  on 
account  and  at  the  cost  of  the  government  of  India  ;  and  they 
have  consequently  been  deposited  in  the  Museum  of  the  East 
India  Company.  Notices  of  Mr.  Masson's  operations  and 
discoveries  have  been  occasionally  published,  by  himself  and 
others,  in  the  Journal  of  the  Asiatic  Society  of  Bengal,  in  the 
Numismatic  Journals  of  London,  Paris,  and  Germany,  and  in 
various  learned  continental  publications.  As,  however,  a 
connected  description  of  them  was  still  wanting,  the  Court  of 
Directors  of  the  East  India  Company  have  liberally  under- 
taken the  expense  of  publishing  such  detailed  account,  which 
has  been  prepared  by  the  librarian  to  the  Company,  Professor 
H.  H.  Wilson,  whose  name  will  not  fail  to  ensure  it  a  favour- 
able reception  among  the  learned  of  Europe.  After  reserving 
to  their  own  use  such  a  portion  of  the  edition  as  they  deemed 
it  advisable  to  retain,  they  have  been  pleased  to  present  the 
remainder  of  the  copies,  constituting  the  larger  number  of 


MISCELLANEA.  123 

them,  to  Mr.  Masson's  mother,  with  his  concurrence,  to  be 
disposed  of  for  her  exclusive  advantage. 

It  has  accordingly  been  judged  advisable,  by  the  friends  of 
the  mother  of  Mr.  Masson,  that,  in  order  to  reap  the  full 
benefit  of  the  liberality  of  the  Court,  she  should  endeavour  to 
dispose  of  the  copies  in  her  hands  by  subscription ;  and  the 
following  proposals  are,  with  this  view,  submitted  to  those 
who  may  take  an  interest  in  the  individual  welfare  of  Mr. 
Masson  and  his  mother,  or  in  the  successful  elucidation  of  a 
dark  though  important  period  of  the  History  of  the  East. 
The  work  will  consist  of  one  volume  demy  quarto,  of  between 
three  and  four  hundred  pages.  It  will  contain  between  thirty 
and  forty  plates,  of  topes,  coins,  and  antiquities.  The  price 
to  subscribers  will  be  21.  2s.  per  copy,  bound  in  cloth.  The 
work  is  far  advanced,  and  will  be  ready  for  delivery  in  a  few 
weeks.  The  names  of  subscribers  will  be  received  by  the 
Editor  of  the  Numismatic  Chronicle,  and  forwarded  to  the 
mother  of  Mr.  Masson. 

LETTER  FROM  THOMAS  RAWLINS  TO  JOHN  EVELYN. — 
Thomas  Rawlins  was  an  artist  employed  in  the  Royal  Mint 
during  the  reign  of  Charles  I.  Although  not  many  works 
of  his  connected  with  the  coinage  are  known  as  such  (always 
excepting  the  beautiful  and  unique  Oxford  crown,  of  1644, 
now  in  the  British  Museum),  Briot  being  the  chief  officer  or 
graver  in  the  Mint,  yet  it  is  certain  that  Rawlins  executed  a 
number  of  medals  of  considerable  merit,  besides  a  great 
variety  of  oval  medalets,  or  badges,  which  were  distributed 
among  the  friends  and  followers  of  the  unfortunate  king, 
many  of  which  bear  his  initials,  and  sometimes  his  name  at 
full  length,  under  the  king's  bust.  He  succeeded  Briot  as 
chief  engraver  on  that  artist's  return  to  France,  in  1646, 
although  Walpole  says  he  was  not  so  appointed  until  1648, 
when  the  Mint  became  ambulatory.  His  adherence  to  the  royal 
cause  probably  excluded  him  from  official  employment  under 
the  Commonwealth  and  the  Protectorate ;  hence  his  subse- 
quent misfortunes  and  difficulties.  That  he  had  been  admitted 
to  the  friendship  and  intimacy  of  Evelyn  and  his  family,  is 
evident  from  the  style  of  his  address  to  him  in  the  following 
letter ;  and  that  intimacy  might  have  arisen  from  a  sympathy 
of  political  feeling  (both  being  zealous  Royalists),  as  well  as 
from  Evelyn's  admiration  of  him  as  an  "  excellent  artist." 
He  appears,  however,  subsequently  to  have  borne  a  not  un- 
blemished reputation,  and  probably  may  have  forfeited  the 
favor  and  the  patronage  of  Evelyn.  Rawlins  lived  till  1670, 
but  there  is  no  record  that  he  was  ever  employed  in  the  Mint 

T 


124  NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE. 

after  the  Restoration.  His  letter,  which  is  printed  verbatim 
et  literatim  (the  original  being  in  my  possession),  contains 
some  curious  particulars,  and  shews  to  what  a  condition  he 
was  reduced. 

"  For  his  Worthy  Friend  John  Evelyn  Esqre  at  his  house  in 
Bromefeild  in  Deptford,  by  Greenwich,  these — 

Worthy  Sr 

My  due  respects  to  youre  selfe  and  Vertuous  Consort, 
Whoe  I  hope  are  happy  in  many  pritye  Epitimyes  of  yours, 
whoe  together  with  youre  selves  I  pray  God  to  blesse.  Sr  it 
is  my  Misfortune  since  my  coming  into  England  to  Rancounter 
many  Misfortunes,  amongst  which  the  heavyest  is  now  upon 
me,  which  inforces  me  to  be  (I  shame  to  speake  it)  trouble- 
some to  my  friends,  amongst  which  deere  Sr  I  ever  Placed 
you  in  the  first  Rank,  Sr  I  am  now  a  prisoner  (as  this  bearer 
my  Brother  in  Law  will  informe,  and  to  prevent  any  further 
inconveniences  heere  after  am  Resolved  to  Make  usse  of  the 
Act  for  Relefe  of  poore  prisoners,  to  which  purposse  I  have 
Allready  taken  the  oath,  and  only  want  mony  to  sue  out  my 
Habeas  Corpeas),  this  worthy  Sr  putts  me  to  this  way  of  im- 
portuneing  my  friends,  £to]  Whoe  when  God  shall  deliver 
me,  I  shall  not  be  ungratefull.  Sr,  it  is  for  God's  sake  I  begg 
your  Charitye,  and  I  shall  returne  it  ether  in  worke  (in  Which 
I  thanke  God  I  have  much  bettered  my  selfe  since  I  had  the 
honor  to  see  you  at  Parris)  or  in  what  quantity  of  Mony  you 
shall  be  pleased  to  furnish  me  with,  Sr  I  once  more  for 
Heaven's  sake  implore  your  Assistance  to  him  that  writs  him 
selfe  however  distressed  at  this  tyme 

Yor  faithfull  and  ever 

the  Hole  in  S*  Martins  *  Gratefull  Servant 

febru:  27th  165|  THO:  RAWLINS 

Sr  if  you  would  have  me  grave  any  thing  for  you  Mr  Hoare 
will  bring  it,  once  more  Good  Sr  Consider  my  sad  Condition, 
God  blesse  you." 

The  letter  has  the  following  endorsement  in  the  hand- 
writing of  John  Evelyn  : — 


*  The  precinct  of  the  collegiate  church  of  St.  Martin  (where  the  Post 
Office  now  stands)  was  a  sanctuary  for  criminals  and  debtors ;  and  although 
its  immunities  and  privileges  were  by  law  suppressed  in  the  reign  of  James  I., 
it  is  probable  that  they  continued  to  be  permitted  and  recognized  as  regarded 
the  latter  class  of  persons  for  a  long  period  afterwards. — Vide  Kempe's  His- 
tory of  the  Collegiate  Church  of  St.  Martin. 


MISCELLANEA.  125 

€t  ]yjr  Tho.  Rawlins  from  prison :  27  ffeb :  1657 — Sometime 
ye  Graver  of  ye  Mint  in  ye  Tower,  and  an  Excellent  Artist, 
but  debashd  fellow." 

The  seal  attached  to  the  letter  is  in  perfect  preservation, 
and  bears  the  arms  of  the  Townely  family,  as  well  as  the 
initials  H.  T.  Whether  it  was  Rawlins'  own  graving,  or  only 
lent  him  for  a  temporary  purpose  by  some  companion  in  mis- 
fortune, we  have  no  means  of  ascertaining.  The  annexed  is 
a  sketch  of  it. 

B.  NIGHTINGALE. 


JOURNAL  FOR  THE  STUDY  OF  NUMISMATICS,  HERALDRY,  AND 
SEALS. — The  following  is  extracted  from  a  Prospectus  of  the 
"  Zeitschrift  fur  Miinz,  Siegel-und  Wappen  Kunde"  edited  by 
Dr.  B.  KOEHXE  at  Berlin,  the  first  number  of  which  appeared 
on  the  1st  of  April  1841. 

"  It  cannot  be  but  pleasant  to  the  friends  of  Numismatics, 
as  well  as  to  those  devoted  to  the  study  of  Heraldry  and  Sig- 
nets, to  see  the  establishment  of  a  Journal  for  the  admirers  of 
those  studies.  Our  articles  will  not  be  limited  to  descriptions 
of  ancient  Roman,  Greek,  and  German  Coins,  but  distin- 
guished collectors  from  Italy,  the  Netherlands,  Poland,  and 
the  East,  have  promised  articles  on  the  coins  of  their  respec- 
tive countries.  Every  admirer  of  the  above  named  studies 
may  become  a  contributor,  and  the  Editor  will  gladly  insert 
their  articles ;  or  which,  however,  no  remuneration  can  be 
expected,  as  the  limited  number  of  supporters  of  similar 
undertakings  scarcely  suffices  to  cover  the  expenses.  The 
articles  may  be  written  in  the  German,  French,  or  Latin 
languages." 

"  The  Subscription  Price  is  three  dollars  (nine  shillings)  per 
annum,  which  will  be  received  by  the  Publisher  of  the  Jour- 
nal, E.  S.  MITTLEE,  as  well  as  by  all  respectable  booksellers. 


126  MISCELLANEA. 

The  Journal  will  be  published  in  monthly  numbers,  containing 
16  pages  of  letter  press,  on  good  paper,  with  wood-cuts  and 
a  copper-plate.  The  size  will  be  similar  to  that  of  the  Revue 
Numismatique,  published  at  Paris  and  Blois." 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

J.  A.  C. — Mr.  John  Hearne,  Bookseller,  81,  Strand,  is  appointed 
collector  of  the  annual  subscriptions  to  the  Numismatic 
Society.  A  post  office  order  may  be  easily  obtained  in  any 
country  town. 

Our  kind  friend  at  Southampton,  who  sometime  since  enclosed  to 
us  a  rude  coin,  is  informed  that  it  is  of  the  same  character 
as  those  found  in  the  Channel  Islands,  the  type  offering 
nothing  novel. 

We  hope  to  do  justice  to  Mr.  SainthuTs  communication  in  our 
next  number. 

Our  valued  contributor,  Mr.  Borrell,  shall  hear  from  us  by 
letter. 

We  have  already  mentioned,  that  the  conduct  of  this  Journal, 
and  the  correspondence  to  which  it  gives  rise,  is  the  occu- 
pation of  our  leisure  hours,  and  that  these  scarcely  allow 
sufficient  time  for  doing  justice  to  those  who  favour  us  with 
their  information  and  opinions ;  we  trust,  however,  that 
our  correspondents  will  pardon  any  inattention  they  may 
experience,  and  that  we  shall  continue  to  receive  communi- 
cations from  all  who  are  interested  in  Numismatic  studies. 


127 


XIV. 

LIST  OF   UNEDITED   GREEK   COINS. 

WITH  NOTES  AND  ILLUSTRATIONS  BY   SAMUEL   BIRCH, 
Sen.  Assistant,  Dep.  of  Ant.  Brit.  Museum. 

THE  coins  contained  in  the  present  paper,  comprise  part  of 
the  reserve  of  the  collection  of  a  celebrated  connoisseur,  all 
of  them  exhibiting  a  high  degree  of  numismatic  interest, 
and  in  excellent  preservation.  Mr.  Doubleday,  desirous 
of  bringing  them  before  the  public,  has  wished  that  I 
should  accompany  them  with  some  elucidation,  and  I  have 
responded  to  his  wishes.  The  attribution  of  the  various 
coins  is  his ;  but  in  all  instances  I  have  verified  their  not 
being  edited  in  the  work  of  M.  Mionnet  and  more  recent 
publications.  The  most  remarkable  coin  of  his  lists  is  that 
of  Thronium,  and  I  think  the  reader  will  agree  that  it 
deserves  all  the  collateral  elucidation  that  can  be  given  to  it. 
The  coins  of  Italy  have  been  so  amply  illustrated,  both  by 
the  researches  of  English  and  foreign  Numismatists,  that 
it  is  unnecessary  to  do  more  than  describe  their  types ;  but 
those  of  Europe  occasionally,  and  of  Asia  constantly,  deserve 
deeper  investigation — the  more  so  as  our  information  on 
the  mythology  of  Asiatic  cities  is  restricted  very  often  within 
bounds  almost  monumental. 

COXIUM. 

1.  Head  of  Pallas- Athene  to  right. 

R. — KAIAINiiN.     Three  crescents,  in  each  a  globule. 

M.  21.     34-5  grs. 

2.  The  same. 

R- — KA.     Apollo  Silvanus,  wearing  a  pileus,  and  walking  to  . 
the  right,  holding  in  his  right  hand  a  branch. 

JE.  2|.     33-9.  grs. 

VOL.  IV.  U 


128  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

SIPONTUM. 

1  OY  [fugitive] .     Head  of  river  god  to  the  right. 

R« — ElP  .  .  QN.     Club  and  bow-case,  two  sprigs. 

M.  3.     25-1  grs. 

VENUSIA. 

1.  Head  of  Mercury  in  a  petasus  to  right. 

R. — VE  (joined).     Winged  foot ;  before  it,  caduceus  and 
another  symbol.  IE.  4%.     63'5  grs. 

2.  S. — Head  and  neck  of  a  boar  to  right. 

R.-— VE  (joined).     Owl,  full  face.  JE.  2|.     25-3  grs. 

TARENTUM. 

Diota  ;  on  each  side  a  star. 

R. — TA.     Similar  diota.  JE.  2£.     30  6  grs. 

THURIUM. 

1.  eOYPINiiN.     Head  of  Proserpine  or  Ceres,  crowned  with 

spikes  of  corn. 

R.— HAP.     Bull  trotting  to  left.  76-4  grs. 

2.  Head  of  Pallas -Athene  to  right. 

R.— 6OYP  [inverse] .     Protome  of  a  bull  trotting. 

&.  2|.     31-6  grs. 

VALENTIA. 

Head  of  Hermes  in  a  petasus. 

R. — VALENTIA.     Caduceus  ;  net  and  cornucopia. 

JE.  1.     12-1  grs. 

No.  1  of  Venusia  has  been  engraved  by  Carelli,  PI.  ]  48, 
No.  12.  From  his  engraving,  however,  it  is  evident  that 
his  specimen  did  not  clearly  shew  him  what  the  object  of 


This  probably  is  a  coin  of  Hipponium. 


LIST   OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  129 

the  reverse  was;  it  is  one  of  the  feet  of  Mercury  shod 
with  the  talaria.  No.  2  of  Coelium  is  not  very  distinct :  if 
not  the  Apollo  Silvanus  it  should  be  Mercury. 

THERMS    SICILLE. 

Youthful  head  bound  with  reeds,  having  in  front  two  horns,  to 
left. 

R. — Three  nymphs  standing  full  face,  having  upon  their 
heads  calathi ;  in  front,  Pan  playing  on  the  syrinx  and 
holding  a  pedum.  JE.  4|.  69-3  grs. 

The  youthful  head  on  the  obverse  is  evidently  the  Selinus, 
whose  waters  washed  the  city  of  the  same  name  in  Sicily, 
in  whose  vicinity  were  situated  the  famous  Thernife  or  hot 
springs,  in  which  Hercules  is  reported  to  have  bathed.2 
Since  Selinus  was  founded  by  a  colony  from  Megara,3  and 
the  same  story  was  told  of  the  hot  sources  of  Thermopylae  4 
where  Pallas-Athene  showed  to  her  favourite  hero  the 
baths  of  the  locality ;  the  legend  was  probably  imported 
from  the  Peloponnesus.  The  youthful  head  strongly  resem- 
bles that  of  the  river  god  on  the  coins  of  Himera.  The 
three  nymphs  on  the  reverse  are  probably  Hydriades,  who 
presided  over  the  element  water;  and  their  alliance  with 
Pan  is  frequently  alluded  to  by  the  Greek  epigrammatists5 
and  Latin  authors,  the  last  of  whom  confound  with  the 
Satyrs  and  Fauni  the  type  which,  for  various  reasons,  should 
be  more  correctly  referred  to  Pan.6  As  these  nymphs, 
(always  triads)  indicated  the  fountain  over  which  they  pre- 


*  Subject  of  a  Vase;  De  Witte,  Cat.  Descr.  des  Vases,  &c.  8vo. 
Paris,  1827,  p.  41. 

*  Scymnus  of  Chios  ;  Marcianus  hi  Perieg. 

4  Suidas.  voce  Thermopyl. 

5  Anthol.  passim. 

6  NymphaB  semicaperque  deus.     Ovid.  Fast.  iv.  752. 


130  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

sided,  they  sometimes  held  the  petuncula  or  picten,6^or  else 
hydriae  or  water  vases.7  The  present  head  replaces  that  of 
Hercules,  alluding  to  his  going  to  these  sources. 

TYNDARIS    SICILIJE. 

TYNAAPI'TON  [fugitive].     Young  head  laurelled  to  right. 
R. — Star,  cock  and  palm-branch.  JE.  4.     36-9  grs. 

PHILIPPI    MACEDONIA. 

Head  of  Hercules  in  a  lion's  skin  to  the  right. 

ft. — <&lAHT£iN.     Tripod  with  large  ears  and  fillet  above  a 
laurel  branch,  at  the  side  conical  helmet  or  cidaris.  A  V.  4. 

So  excessively  rare  are  the  gold  coins  of  this  celebrated 
Macedonian  town,  that  only  one,  that  in  the  collection  of 
Q.  Christina,8  was  known.  Situated  on  the  site  of  Mount 
Pangseum,  its  gold  and  silver  mine  originally  worked  by  the 
Thracian  tribes  9  of  the  Pieris,  Odomanti  and  Satrae  were 
subsequently  occupied  by  a  Thasian  colony.  The  necessi- 
ties and  ambition  of  Philip10  seized  on  the  locality ;  and  the 
produce  of  its  mines  recruited  the  finances  of  Macedon. 
The  precious  metals  were  exported  to  the  mints  of  Mace- 
don, and  the  beautiful  staters  of  Philip  are  chiefly  com- 
posed of  Thracian  gold.  The  currency  of  the  town  itself 


6  Millin.  Gal.  Myth.    Clarac.  Mus.  de  Sculp.  Ant.  et  Moderne. 
Bas  relief.  Mus.  Room  xi.  No.  48. 

7  Cf.  Hor.  i.  Od.  1. 

8  Mionn.  T.  i. 

9  Cramer.  Geogr.  of  Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  301. 

10  Just.  Epit.   Ab.  viii.  c.  3.    observes,  "  Auraria  in  Thessalia, 
argenti  metalla  in  Thracia  occupat."     Cf.  Herod,  viii.  112.,  who 
makes  the  mines  of  both   metals.       Euripid.  Rhesus.  1.    919. 
Xpvffo/3w\o£  applied  to  Mount  Pangaeum. 


LIST    OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  131 

was  limited  to  its  local  wants,  and  is  executed  in  a  stiff 
peculiar  style.  Miiller,  who  has  engraved  one  of  its 
didrachms  in  his  „  Senfmalcr  bcr  atten  .ftunjV'  refers  to 
the  age  of  Philip.11  The  type  is  generally  the  head  of 
Hercules;  reverse,  a  tripod  with  adjuncts,  that  on  the 
present  being  a  conical  cap  or  helmet,  such  as  is  worn  by 
the  Amazons  and  Arimaspi.  The  type  may  allude  to  the 
bearing  off  the  tripod  of  Apollo  by  Hercules,  whose  worship 
under  the  type  of  Hercules  Soter  was  prevalent  at  Thasos. 
The  political  relations  of  Philip  with  Delphi  also  had  con- 
siderable influence  on  his  currency.  On  the  didrachm 
engraved  by  Miiller,  the  adjunct  is  a  ire\tKvg  the  peculiar 
weapon  of  the  Amazons  and  Arimaspi,  and,  while  the  locality 
connects  such  allusions  with  the  two  great  myth  Hyper- 
borean people — the  Arimaspi  and  the  Amazons,  no  allu- 
sion could  be  more  delicate  than  to  the  myth  of  these 
tribes  at  constant  war  with  the  griffins,12  guardians  of  the 
gold,  paralleled  to  the  occupation  of  the  miner. 

THRONIUM. 

Head  of  a  man  bearded,  apparently  a  rustic  deity. 

R. — 0RO  .  .  I .  (retrograde)  Greave  placed  vertically,  all  in 
an  indented  square.     (Brit.  Mus.)        AR.  1.    14-9  grs. 

The  coin  whose  description  heads  the  present  paragraph 
should  probably  be  assigned  to  Thronion,  the  capital  of  the 
Locri  Epicnemidii,  and  not  to  the  city  of  the  same  name, 
situated  in  Epirus.  Anciently  the  Epicnemidii  were 


11  PI.  xli.  187. 

12  Constant  on  the  Grseco-Ital.  Vases.     Cf.  Combe  (Tay.)  Anc. 
Terra-Cottas  B.  M.  Part  I.,  &c.  Welcker  (Ed.).  Annal.  dell' 
Inst.  di  Corresp.  Arcliaeol. 


132  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

classed  with  the  Locri  under  the  general  term  of  Locr&n  14 
(  AOKJOWV)  ;  and  the  lexicographers,  on  the  authority  of  Theo- 
pompus,  call  Thronion  15  the  capital  of  Locris,  a  term  also 
used  by  Thucydides.16  It  was  from  hence  that  Ajax 
Oileus  sailed  to  the  Trojan  war,17  and  Homer  places  it  upon 
the  banks  of  Boagrius.18  From  the  circumstance  of  the 
Epicnemidii  not  being  mentioned  by  Homer  19  in  his  cata- 
logue of  the  ships,  nor  by  Thucydides  20  nor  Herodotus,21  it 
would  appear,  that  at  an  early  epoch,  indeed  down  to  the 
time  of  Polybius,22  that  this  tribe  was  identified  with  the 
Opuntii.  According  to  Euripides,23  Ajax  was  the  king  of 
Thronium,  in  which  the  tragedian  seems  to  have  followed 
the  Homeric  myths,  but  Pindar,24  who  does  not  mention 
the  Epicnemidii  and  the  Pylean  epigram  given  by  Strabo,25 
and  written  about  the  75  Olympiad,  A.C.  term  Opus,  the 
iii]Tr]f>  and  jurjTjOOTroAte  of  the  Locri.  Strabo,  following  the 
example  of  Pindar,  makes  Ajax  Oileus  king  of  Opus,26  while 
Stephanus,  Byzantinus27  mentions  him  as  sprung  from 


14  Cramer  (Rev.  I.  A.),     (A  Geograph.  and  Hist.  Desc.  of  An- 
cient Greece,  8vo.  Oxon.  1830.  vol.  ii.  p.  114,)  who  has  collected 
most  of  the  authorities  on  the  subject. 

15  Qpovwv  TroXte  tori  rr/e  AoKpiSos.     Suidas.  fol.  Ox.  1824.  Ed. 
Gaisford,  p.  1918.      Cf.  Photius,  Ed.  Person.  8vo.  Lond.  1822  in 
voce.  Harpocration  cum  notis   Gronovii.  4io.  Lugd.  Bat.  1696., 
who  adds  &Q  QEO-OJJLTTOQ  cv  rrj, .  .  .  .  [desunt  cetera]  Schneider  in 
voce. 

16  B.  ii.  sec.  26. 

17  AoKpole  re.  rotg  £'  t«rag  aywv 
Nave  OiXewe  TOKOS  K\VTOV 

QffOVlaJZf  eK\lTTh)V  TToXtV. 

Eurip.  Iph.  in  Aul.  261. 

18  Boaypt'ou  ap.<fi  pledpa.     II.  B.  533. 

19  II.  B.  531  et  seq.  26  B.  ii.  sec.  26. 

21  Loc.  cit.  not.  17.  »  Polybius.  xiii.  11.  2. 

23  Vid.  supra,  n.  17.  24  Olymp.ix.  20. 

24  ix.  p.  242.  20  Loc.  cit. 
27  Voce 


LIST   OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  133 

Naryx.  To  reconcile  these  conflicting  traditions,  it  is 
necessary  to  suppose  that  the  town  of  Thronium,  which  had 
been  the  seat  of  government  and  principal  port  of  the 
Locri  up  to  the  fifth  century,  A.C.,  had  been  superseded  at 
the  era  of  Pindar  by  Opus,  that  the  Epicnemidii  were 
unknown  as  a  separate  tribe,  or  not  considered  of  conse- 
quence till  about  the  period  of  the  Social  war,  when  they 
had  a  representative  at  the  Amphyctonic  Council,28  although 
it  cannot  be  supposed  but  that  the  Opuntii  are  here  in- 
tended, as  M.  Boeckh29  has  justly  observed.  The  division 
of  the  Epicnemidii,  however,  first  mentioned  in  Strabo,  is 
followed  by  all  subsequent  scholiasts,30  probably  deriving 
their  information  from  similar  sources,  and  Stephanus 
Byzantinus 31  makes  the  Epicnemidii  and  Opuntii  identical. 
From  the  Opuntii  descended  the  Epizephyrii,  and  from  the 
Epizephyrii  the  Ozolae.  Only  one  inscription  has  been 
found  at  its  supposed  site,  published  by  Meletius  and 
Boeckh ;  the  language  is  Doric.32  The  greater  portion  of 
the  previous  account  has  already  been  collected  by  M. 
Boeckh,  who  supposes  them  a  united  tribe  in  the  second 
and  third  century  A.C.  Internal  changes,  not  directly 
mentioned,  may  have  given  rise  to  the  apparent  intricacy  of 
these  people,  the  political  ascendency  of  either  tribe  naming 
the  geographical  division.  The  later  geographers,  Strabo 
and  Pausanias,  who  divide  the  Locri,  and  mention  Thronion 
as  situated  either  on  the  Boagrius  or  a  branch  of  it  called 

28  Strab.  loc.  cit. 

9  Vol.  i.  sec.  3.  p.  855.  Inscript.  Graec. 

30  Schol.  Find.  Olymp.  xi.  Init.  Schol.  Thucyd.  iii.  39.  Eustath. 
ad.  Dionys.  Perieget. 

'O£dXcu    ex    recens    Salmasii    AoKpwv    poipai     rpelg    flvtv 
J-siriKvrip.i?>ioi  ol  Kal  QTTOVVTIOI,  e£  wv  Aide,  ETre^t^opoi,  ot  Be  'O£o\ctt. 

32  Cf.  Epigram  quoted  by  Bentley  from  the  Epistles  of  Pha- 
laris.     Their  poems  were  fioi^iKoi,  or  adulterous. 


134  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

the  Manes.32  This  town,  which,  according  to  Mannert,  was 
well  fortified,  was  situated33  thirty  stadia,  equivalent  to  about 
1-117272  miles  English,  from  the  town  of  Scarphaea,  and 
ten  stadia  from  the  coast.  The  question  of  its  fortification 
is  a  point  for  further  discussion,  and  the  Boagrius  34  was  a 
mere  torrent  swelled  by  the  autumnal  or  winter  rains  35  into 
a  stream  about  two  plethra  broad,  but  at  times,  probably 
in  the  summer,  passable  dry-footed. 

During  the  Peloponnesian  war,  the  Athenians  sent  Cleo- 
pompus,  son  of  Cleimias,  with  thirty  ships  of  war  on  a  cruise 
to  Euboea;  and  this  commander,  disembarking  upon  the 
coast,  took  Thronium  and  hostages  from  the  city.36  During 
the  second  sacred  war,  A.C.  357  —  353,  Onomarchus,  the  Pho- 
caean  general,  again  took  Thronium,  and  enslaved  the  inha- 
bitants.37 This  seems  to  comprise  all  the  historical  notices 
of  Thronium,  it  being  subsequently  mentioned  by  geogra- 
phers as  a  locality.38  Dr.  Clarke  recognises  it  in  the  present 
Bondonitza,39  and  Sir  W.  Gell  in  Longachi,40  an  attribution 
which  Cramer  observes  is  more  probably  correct,  as  the 
geographer  Melatias  found  inscriptions  mentioning  Thro- 
nium at  Palaeo  Castra,41  tig  TO. 


32  Mera  $£  tiKoai  ara^iovg  OTTO  KVT)/J.I$OG  Xif^rji',  inrep  ov  KEITOU  TO 
QOOVLOV  kv  (TradioiQ  TO~IQ  "KJOLQ  Kara  T^V  fJLf.ffoya.iav'  eld'  o  Boayptog 
Trorayuoe  £K^i^axnv,  6  Trapappewv  TO  Qpoviov  Mavjjv  £e  f.Trovop.a^ovaiv 
avTOV.      Strab.  Ed.  Casaub.ix. 

33  Nordliches  Griechenland.     Erstes  Buch,  7tes  Kap.  p.  129. 
8vo.  Leip.  1822.,  of  moderate  size.   At  20  stadia  was  the  harbour. 

'  34  Strab.  ix. 


36  Thucydides.  ii.  26. 

37  Diod.  Sic.  xvi.  526.  ^schin.  de  Falsa  Legat.  p.  46.  Liv.  7. 
xxxii.  36.  Polybius  xvii.  9.  41.  Cramer,  loc.  cit. 

38  The  last  occurs  in  Ptolemy  Itin. 

39  Trav.  ii.  p.  237. 

40  Itin.  p.  235. 

41  Meletias,  ii.  p.  323. 


LIST    OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  135 

Since  the  medallic  question  of  the  attribution  of  the 
present  coin  depends  partly  upon  the  epithet  Epicnemidii, 
or  Hypocnemidii,42  as  applied  to  the  small  tribe  of  Locri, 
whose  boundaries  were  the  Opuntii,  the  QEta,  the  Cnemis 
range  and  the  sea,  it  is  here  necessary  to  examine  the 
reason  and  meaning  of  this  appellation.  Mount  Cnemis, 
under  or  upon  whose  sides  the  Locri  Epicnemidii  dwelt,  is 
supposed  to  have  conferred  its  name  upon  this  people,43  as 
that  of  the  town  of  Opus  upon  the  Locri  Opuntii  their 
borderers.  This  range  formed  part  of  a  chain  connected 
with  Mount  Talanta,  stretching  to  Bceotia  and  Thessaly. 
The  same  name,  in  its  plural  form,  was  applied  to  the 
fortified  citadel  of  Thronium  (Knemides)  **  which  was 
situated  opposite  Cenceum  in  Eubcea  on  the  Maliacus 
sinus,  at  a  distance  of  only  ten  stadia  across  the  strait. 
Now,  although  the  term  icvijjute,  as  applied  to  the  mountain, 
may  be  paralleled  to  KVIJJUOI,  the  heights  of  mountains,  and 
was  applied  in  a  similar  manner  to  TTOVQ  and  irpoTrovg,  and 
SaKKruAoe,  in  mentioning  the  different  parts  of  elevated 
ground,  which  in  its  Doric  form,  Kvapog,  may  be  the 
AOK/OOIP  ETriKi/a45  (juiSewv)  of  the  coins  of  this  locality,  the 


TJJ  <>WKtl  O/JlOpOVS  VTTO     T(p     Op£l 

Edit.  Siebel.  8'vo.  Lips.  1827,  vol.  iv.  p.  l95. 
Ibid.  p.  221.  nXj/v  offov  ol  Aoicpoi  fffyae  oi  "YTroKvrjfiiStoi  Sielp- 
yovai.  Ibid.  Ao/cpove  $£  rove  VTTO  ru>  opei  rjjl  Kj^/zt^i.  Their 
number  of  forces  at  the  Persian  invasion  is  not  mentioned  by 
Herodotus.  Paus.  same  Ed.  lib.  x.  c.  xx.  p.  253.  Cf.  Ptolem.  Itin. 
Strab.  ix.  Plin. 

43  Cramer.  Mannert.,  &c.  loc.  cit. 

**  Cf.  Strab.  ix.  Cell  (Sir  W.)  Itin.  p.  323,  says,  "Here  was  pro- 
bably the  town  of  Cnemis,"  &c. :  Cramer,  loc.  cit.  p.  116,  makes 
it  only  a  fort. 

45  Cf.  Coin  published  by  M.  Millingen  Recueil  de  quelq.  Med. 
Ined.  4to.  Rome  1812.  ii.  No.  3.  AINIANQN  EIIIKPATI  which 
offers  a  similar  type,  lance  head,  and  jaw. 

VOL.  IV.  X 


136  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


term  KvqfjuSeg,  applied  to  the  fort  of  Thronion,  leaves  no 
doubt  of  some  tradition  relative  to  greaves,  or  armour  for  the 
lower  part  of  the  legs,  which  it  expresses.  On  the  present 
coin  is  the  figure  of  agreave  which  served  as  the  representa- 
tive of  the  mountain  and  the  fort,  and  justifies  the  supposition 
that,  although  not  expressly  mentioned,  both  the  citadel 
and  the  mountain  were  connected  with  some  enchorial 
tradition,  which  the  ancient  authorities  have  ceased  to  pre- 
serve, at  the  time  of  Strabo  and  Pausanias.  It  must  con- 
sequently be  regarded  in  this  light  only,  while  this  alone  is 
sufficient  to  appropriate  it  to  the  Epicnemidii  —  the  moun- 
tain, in  all  probability,  deriving  its  name  either  from  its 
similarity  to  a  greave,  which  might  have  conferred  its  name 
for  similar  reasons  upon  the  fort,  or  else  from  some  tradi- 
tion like  those  which  conferred  the  names  of  armour  upon 
Drepanum,  Xiphonia,  and  Zancle  in  Sicily,  and  Aspis  in 
Macedon. 

The  coins  of  Thronium  are  exceedingly  rare,  and  only 
one  type  has  as  yet  been  published,  having  on  the  obverse46 
the  head  of  Apollo,  and  on  the  reverse  the  jaw  of  a  boar 
and  the  head  of  a  lance,  a  type  probably  allusive  to  the 
Calydonian  hunt,47  with  the  addition  of  a  bunch  of  grapes, 
perhaps  connecting  them  with  the  Ozolse,  according  to  a 
peculiar  tradition  of  this  people.48 

The  legend  upon  this  coin  is  6PONIGS1N,  which  differs 
from  that  of  Gjooviwrrjc  as  applied  by  Stephanus  Byzanti- 
nus.  Since  the  same  type  is  commonly  found  on  the  currency 
of  the  CEnianes,  and  upon  that  of  many  towns  of  Locris,  the 


46  Sestini.  Mon.  p.  25.     Mionnett.  Suppl.  iii.  p.  493. 

47  Cadalv.  Recueil   de   Med.   Grecq.  Ined.  4to.    Par.   1828, 
p.  122. 

48  Paus.  x.  Phocica. 


LIST    OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  137 

attribution  of  M.  Sestini  is  probably  correct.  But  another 
city  of  the  same  name  was  founded  by  the  Locri  from  Thro- 
nium,  and  by  the  Abantes  from  Eubcea,  after  the  Trojan 
war,  who  named  their  region  and  their  capital  after  their 
mother  country,  a  district  in  Epirus  which  existed  in  the 
division  of  Thesprotis  or  Thesprotia.  Without  pronouncing 
distinctly  what  the  head  is  intended  to  represent,  it  bears 
considerable  likeness  to  that  of  a  centaur  as  seen  upon  the 
currency  of  the  Orestii.  The  present  coin  is  exceedingly 
archaic  and  appears  contemporaneous  with  the  early  cur- 
rency of  Macedon  and  Northern  Europe. 

METHONE. 
GETA. 

AOY  CGO  ....  Bust  of  Geta,  unbearded. 

R. — MO00NAK1N.      Pallas  walking,  in  the  left-hand  a 
buckler,  in  the  right  a  lance.  JE.  5g. 

This  coin,  like  all  others  of  this  imperial  town,  was  struck 
during  the  sway  of  the  family  of  Severus,  although  the 
town  was  of  considerable  importance  long  previous. 

ANDROS. 

A.  Cen.  rGTAC.     Head  of  Geta  to  the  right. 

R.— ANAPIWN.     Diana  of  Ephesus.  &.  5. 

No  coin  of  Andros  struck  during  the  sway  of  Rome  has 
been  published,  although  they  have  been  alluded  to  by 
Hardouin.  The  worship  of  the  Ephesian  Diana,  and  of  other 
Asiatic  deities,  so  prevalent  at  this  period,  may  be  referred 
to  the  growing  taste  for  exotic  worship. 


138  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

CYME    ACOLIDIS. 

AV.  HO.  AIKI.  OYAA6PIANOC.     Head  laureated  to  right. 

R.—  €01  AVP.  EAIIIAHfcOPOV  NE  KV  (field)  .  .  AKIN. 
vEsculapius  holding  a  staff  standing  and  conversing  with 
his  daughter  Hygieia,  who  holds  a  serpent,  ex  ... 

IB,.  9£  317-5  grs. 

This  coin  is  important  as  shewing  the  late  period  of  the 
Roman  empire,  at  which  Cyme  must  have  been  a  consider- 
able town.  A  previous  coin,  which  I  myself  have  published, 
exhibits  the  worship  of  the  Ephesian  Diana,  the  present 
that  of  the  Pergamenian  ^sculapius.  These  two  large 
sects  seem  to  have  extended  their  influence  far  and  wide 
among  the  rich  cities  of  Asia  Minor  under  the  dominion  of 
the  Romans. 

In  addition  to  what  has  been  previously  stated  relative 
to  the  reason  of  the  appearance  of  the  horse  upon  the  coin 
of  Cyme,  may  be  cited  the  ode  attributed  to  Homer  in 
praise  of  the  Asiatic  Cymseans,  papywv  lirififaoptG  tWwv 
'OTrXoTepot,  Horn.  Odys.  1.  4.  12mo.  Hala.  1784,  p.  622. 
which  Cf.  with  Hymn  xvi.  to  the  Dioscuri,  p.  608. 


LYDI^E. 

1.  X6YC  HATPIOC.     Head  of  Jupiter  in  a  fillet  to  left. 

R.—  GDI  APTGMIAilPOY  APX.  A.  CAI  (T)  THNiiN. 
Apollo  Musagetes  standing  naked  to  right  ;  in  his  left- 
hand  a  lyre,  in  his  right  a  plectrum.  JE»  5£. 

2.  ZEYC  HATPIOC.     Head  of  Jupiter  as  before. 

R.—  Gill  fcOPTAKINOY  .  .  .  CAITTHN.  The  god  Lu- 
nus'  or  Men  standing,  holding  in  his  right-hand  a  globe, 
in  his  left  a  spear  turned  to  left.  JE.  8. 


LIST    OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  139 

3.  Head  of  the  youthful  Hercules. 

ft. — CAITTHNQN.     A  bow  and  quiver,  between  which  the 
inscription  is  interposed.  ^E.  4. 

British  Museum. 

The  two  first  types  bear  an  epithet  of  Jupiter,  which  is, 
I  believe,  found  for  the  first  time  upon  coins  of  this  or  any 
other  state,  although  that  of  Dii  Patrii  occurs  on  the  large 
brass  of  Severus,  and  Di  patrii  on  those  of  Elagabulus. 
The  deities  thus  indicated  were  Bacchus  and  Hercules.49 

It  appears,  however,  from  the  Scholiast  upon  Aristo- 
phanes,50 that  the  Qparpiog  Ztvg  was  the  same  personage, 
and  consequently  that  this  epithet  implied,  Jupiter  Curialis.51 
It  bears,  too,  some  relation  with  the  Jupiter  Patrous 52  so 
particularly  connected  with  Troy.  Several  coins  of  the 
Saetteni  have  been  published  by  M.  Mionnet,53  but  do  not 
manifest  the  same  diversity  in  writing  the  name  of  the  city. 
The  names  of  both  the-  archons  are  new,  as  well  as  the  two 
first  types ;  both  the  autonomous  and  imperial  series,  how- 
ever, present  Hercules  and  the  Nemean  lion,  in  allusion 
to  that  labour.  Although  autonomous,  these  coins  were 
probably  struck  about  the  period  of  the  Roman  jurisdiction, 
and  the  wanting  letters  between  QopraKivov  &  CatrrrivtDv 
were  most  probably  ap\.  a. 

Eckhel 54  had  observed  that  the  district  or  city  was  un- 


49  Rasche  Lesion  in   voce.     Cf.  Suidas  ttarpiog  Qtos.    Plato. 
Statius  Theb.  iv.  Ill,  applies  the  epithet  to  Mars,  perhaps  as  the 
Gradivuspater  of  Rome. 

50  I™-.  L  225. 

51  Stephani.  Thes.  fo.  Lond.  1825,  pp.  7284—88,  who  cites  a 
Bud.  affertur  e  Dem.  pro  "  curialis  Jupiter,"  which  compare.    Aris- 
toph.  loc.  cit.  HoXioi/xoe,  Aristoph.  E.  9. 

52  Paus.  Corinth,  ii. 

53  Suppl.  vii.  p.  408.  iv.  p.  110. 
5*  iii.  111. 


140  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

known  except  by  coins;  but  they  are  mentioned  by 
Ptolemy &5  and  Hierocles,  and  supposed  by  Cramer  to  have 
been  situated  on  the  junction  of  the  Herrnus  and  Hyllus. 
Is  it  possible  that  the  inscription 56  Aziottenos,  found  on  the 
obverse  of  one  of  the  types  of  Saettee,  with  the  Protome  of 
the  Deus  Lunus,  with  the  inscription  Eatrrrjvwv,  and  a 
reclining  river  god  upon  the  other,  might  refer  to  a  third 
stream  in  their  vicinity  ?  It  is  generally  referred  to  the 
god  Lunus. 

TABALA  LYDI^E. 
FAUSTINA  JUNIOR. 

•&AYCTE1NA.     Head  of  the  empress  to  the  right. 
R.— TABAAGHN.  Diana  of  Ephesus  standing  full  face.  IE.  4. 

Concerning  the  permission  given  for  the  extension  of  the 
worship  of  Diana,  the  Ephesian  decree  may  be  consulted. 
The  town  was  situate  on  the  Hernius,  and  is  chiefly  known 
by  geographical  notices. 

ANTIOCHIA. 

Head  of  Apollo  laureated  to  the  right. 

R.— ANTIOXEQN    MENEfcPiiN.      Zebu  couchant  to  the 
left,  upon  the  Meander.  •    AR.  2. 

There  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  present  coin  should  be 
assigned  to  the  celebrated  town  of  Antiochia  on  the 
Maeander,  from  the  symbol  of  that  river  beneath  the  hill. 
This,  with  the  name  of  the  magistrate  is  new  on  the  present 
type.  Besides  the  worship  of  Apollo,  that  of  the  god 


55  Cited  by  Cramer  in  his  Asiatic  Georg.  i.  p.  434.     Ptolem. 
Saetta}.  or  Setoe.     Sitoo.  Hierocles.  Note  669.     Act.  Cone.  Nic. 
ii.  591. 

56  Mion.  IV. 


LIST   OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  141 

Lunus  and  Jupiter  Capitolinus 57  prevailed,  to  all  of  whom 
bulls  were  sacred.58 

NYSA    CARI2E. 

1.  ATT.  K.  M.  AVPH.  ANTaNGINOC.     Bust  of  the  emperor  in 

a  paludamentum  to  the  right. 

ft.— Gill  CTP.  ACIATIKOY  NYCAGQN.  Hexastyle  tem- 
ple in  which  is  the  god  Lunus  standing  under  his  usual 
attributes,  holding  a  patera  and  hasta  pura,  on  the  pediment 
a  shield.  JE.  10*. 

OTACILIA. 

2.  flTAKIAIA  CGBHPA  C6B.     Bust  of  Emperor  to  right. 

R.— CHI  PYfcGAAIANOY  APTGMIAS1POY    NYCAGiiN. 

Neptune  standing,  placing  his  right  foot  on  a  dolphin,  in 
his  left  hand  a  trident.  M.  9. 

No.  1  offers  the  worship  of  the  Deus  Lunus,  who 
here  obtained  the  local  name  of  Camareites.  Since 
the  magistrate  who  had  the  superintendence  of  the 
currency  under  Gordian  was  the  priest,  the  same  functions 
were  probably  exercised  by  Ruphellianus  Artemidorus,  the 
untitled  functionary  of  the  present  coins.  No.  2  exhibits 
the  worship  of  Neptune. 

APHRODISIA    CARIJE. 

.  .  .  IOY  MAXIM Bust  of  Maximinus  to  the  right. 

R. — AfcPOAGCiesiN.  Aphrodite  seated  upon  a  high- 
backed  chair,  draped  from  the  waist,  elevating  her  left 
hand  and  letting  fall  a  Cupid ;  in  her  right  hand  she 
holds  another  on  the  ground,  on  which  is  a  third.  JE.  11. 


s7  Cf.  Mionn.  iii.  p.  314,  No.  59—60.  Sup.  vi.  448. 
58  There  was  a  celebrated  oracle  of  Apollo  at  Hieracome.  Cf. 
Cramer,  vol.  ii.  p.  210.  Asiatic  Geog. 


142  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


Concerning  the  worship  of  Aphrodite,  the  Eponymous 
deity  of  this  AOJUTT porarr}  TroXte,  it  is  unnecessary  here  to 
dilate — the  currency  perpetually  reproducing  it. 


IASUS  CARI^E. 

IACOC  KTICTHC.     Old  bearded  head  laureated  to  right. 
R. — lACGflN.  Youthful  figure  borne  upon  a  dolphin.   JE.  5. 

The  inscription  on  the  obverse  of  this  type  is  entirely 
new,  but  a  coin  almost  similar,  with  the  head  of  Neptune 
instead  of  Jasus,  has  been  already  published  by  M.  Sestini.59 
The  reverse  alludes  to  a  well-known  story  of  the  affection 
of  a  dolphin  for  a  youth  of  this  city,  who  adventuring  upon 
his  back  on  the  sea  was  drowned  during  a  storm,  and  the 
currency  impressed  to  commemorate  the  event,  KCU  row 
TTaOog  eTTttrrjjuov  Icurevai  TO  -^apay/jia  TOU  vojuio-juarde  eort 
Tralc  {/Trip  AcA07i/oe  6^ovjU£voc>  "  and  as  a  memorial  of  their 
grief,"  observes  Plutarch,60  "the  type  of  the  money  of 
lasus  is  a  youth  riding  upon  a  dolphin." 

This  extraordinary  tale,  which  recals  the  Corinthian 
myths  of  Arion  61  of  the  body  of  Hesiod  brought  back  by 
dolphins,62  and  the  type  of  Taras  and  Melicerta  on  the 
coins  of  Tarentum  and  Corinth,  notwithstanding  the  direct 


59  Descr.  d'Alcun.   Med.  Grech.    del  Mus.  del   Sign.   Carlo 
D'Ottavio  Fonta.  4to.  Fizenze  1822,  p.  97.  Tab.  vi.  fig.  6. 

60  De  Solertia.  Anim.  cum  notis.  8vo.  Lips.  1778,  vol.  x.  97, 
1.  1.     Mentioned  by  Eckhel  iii.  n.  v.,  who  cites  Pollux,  ad  Kuhn. 
A  story  also  narrated  by  Athenaeus  xiii.  p.  606.     I  give  it  again 
here,  because  Plutarch  is  really  the  first  authority  for  it. 

61  Herod,  i.  24. 

62  Plut.  loc.  cit. 


LIST      OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  143 

testimony  of  Plutarch,  seems  a  mere  graft  of  an  earlier 
tradition.  The  fisheries  at  lasus 63  were  productive,  and  the 
town  under  the  protection  of  Neptune,64  of  whom  a  dolphin 
was  the  living  emblem,  while  the  sea  deities  and  their 
descendants  are  distinguished  on  works  of  art  by  the  pre- 
sence of  this  fish. 

The  original  foundation  of  the  city  being  attributed  by 
the  inhabitants  to  the  Argives,65  with  a  subsequent  coloniza- 
tion from  Miletus,  it  is  natural  to  suppose  that  one  of  the 
two  mythic  personages  of  this  name,  either  the 66  son  of 
Triopas  and  67  father  or68  brother  of  Agenor,  or  the  son  of6' 
Argos  Panoptes,  and  Clymene,  was  its  reputed  founder  is 
intended ;  the  name  of  the  city  having  probably  been  derived 
from  the  archaic  epithet  of  Argos  TO  'laaov.70  At  a  certain 
period  the  vanity  of  the  different  colonies  of  Greece  Proper 
invented  a  mythic  origin,  thus  Alabanda  claimed  its  origin 
from  the  hero  Alabandos.71 


63  Strabo,  lib.  xvi.  2.  Suidas,  v.  'I««roc,  calls  it  the  name  of  a 
place,  and  makes  the  appellation  of  the  inhabitants  'Ia<7m/e.  Ed. 
Gaisf.  p.  1724.  The  Carian  city  reads  on  medals  and  elsewhere 


6*  It  was  close  to  the  temple  of  Neptune.     Cf.  also  Sestini, 
precited  type. 

65  Cramer,  Asiatic  Geogr.  Vol.  ii.  p.  171.     Polybius  xvi.  2. 

66  Paus.  ii.  c.  16.      Dion.  Halicar.  Ant.  Rom.  lib.  i.   has   con- 
founded this  name  with  that  of  lasion. 

67  Apollod.  Biblioth.  ii.  c.  1. 

68  Paus.  loc.  cit.  Schol.  ad  Euripid.  Orest.  930.    Homer  11.  iii. 
75.  Schol.     Cf.  Heyne's  notes  to  Apollod.  loc.  cit. 

69  Apollod.  loc.  cit. 

70  Homer's  Iliad,  iii.  1.  75.     There  was  another  lasus  on  the 
confines  of  Lacedsemon  and  Achaia.  Paus.     After  all,  lasus  seems 
to  imply  healing  or  salubrious. 

71  Cramer,  loc.  cit.  Steph.  Byz.  voce 

VOL.  IV.  Y 


144  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 


PLARASA 

Head  of  ^Esculapius  in  a  fillet  to  the  right. 

R.— IIAAP.     Staff  and  serpent.  M.  2. 

It  is  clear  from  the  reverse  that  the  head  on  the  obverse 
is  that  of  JEscuiapius,  whose  worship  extended  to  almost 
all  the  cities  of  Asia. 

STRATONICEA. 

1.  Old  bearded  head  [Jupiter]  bound  with  a  fillet. 

R.— CTPATONIKEiiN.  Diana  kneeling  on  a  fallen  stag, 
about  to  kill  it.  M.  4. 

2.  CGOYHPOC  IOYAIA  AOMNA.     Busts  of  Domna  and  Se- 

verus  facing,  countermarked  with  a  small  helmed  head  and 
the  word  9GON. 

R.— 601  x  ...  AANE  .  .  .  OY  CTPATONIKGflN.  A 
bearded  figure  standing  on  a  kind  of  altar,  having  round 
it  a  wreath,  with  chlamys  and  endromis,  under  a  tree,  in 
the  attitude  of  stabbing  a  zebu,  with  a  knife  in  his  left 
hand  ;  in  his  right  a  hasta  pura.  IE.  12. 

The  head  on  the  autonomous  type,  No.  1,  is  undoubtedly 
that  of  Zeus,  but  since  he  was  worshipped  in  three  capaci- 
ties in  the  city  it  is  impossible  to  decide  whether  the 72  Zeus 
Panemerios,  Chrysaoreus  or  the  eponomous  deity  of  the 
locality,  or  Rembenodotos,  whose  worship  was  allied  with 
Serapis  and  Hecate  is  intended .  The  reverse  exhibits  the 
purely  Greek  Artemis  Elaphebolos — perhaps  in  allusion  to 
her  worship  at  Laginae,73  but  the  same  type  is  found  at 


72  Cf.  Boeck.  Corpus  Insc.   Grsec.  Pars.  xiii.  sec.  ii.  p.  481  — 
492. 

73'  Strabo. 


LIST    OF    UNEDITED    GREEK    COINS.  145 

Ephesus74  and  other  towns  replacing  the  Asiatic  deities, 
probably  to  show  their  identification.  I  have  not  been 
able  to  read  the  name  of  the  magistrate  an  the  reverse 
of  No.  2.  It  however  adds  another  to  the  series  pre- 
viously published  by  me,  and  represents  the  Demos  of 
the  people  of  Stratonicea  performing  the  sacrifice  of  a 
bull.  Since  there  was  a  yearly  concourse  at  the  temple  75 
sacred  to  Hecate  in  the  small  town  of  Laginae,  dependent 
upon  Stratonicea  and  the  Chrysaorium  76  or  general  Union 
of  the  Carian  Confederation  was  in  the  same  town,  it  may 
relate  to  some  sacrifice  performed  by  it  to  Jupiter  or  Hecate. 

TRIPOLIS    CARI^E. 

IGPA  CVNKAHTOC.     Head  of  the  Senate. 

R.— TPinOAGlTiiN.  A  prize  table,  on  its  edge  nV9IA. 
On  it  a  vase  inscribed  [A]  HT&6IA.  Beneath  the 
table  another  vase.  JE.  9. 

Both  these  games  are  already  known — they  present  a 
mere  variety  of  type.77 

ANTIOCHIA  SYRI.S;. 

TRAJAN. 

AYTOKP  KAIC    NEP   TPAIANOC  CGB  TGPM.     Head   of 
Trajan  laurelled  to  right. 

R. — AHMAPX  ES  THAT  B  in  two  lines  in  a  wreath. 

IE.  5. 


74  Remarks  on  the  Coins  of  Ephesus,  Num.  Chron,  vol.  iv.  p.  73. 

75  Strabo,  lib.  xiv.  p.  660.  Tacit.  An.  iii.  62. 

76  Strabo,  loc.  cit.  Cf.  also  Boeck.  Corp.  Insc.  Grsec.        • 

77  Cf.  Sestini.  Class.  Gener.  p.  90.  Pupilis. 


146  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


XV. 

SUPPOSED  PENNY  OF  STEPHEN. 

SIR, 

THE  coin  figured  above  has  been,  twice  at  least,  subjected 
to  public  competition,  at  Mr.  Hollis'  sale  (No.  177),  and 
at  an  anonymous  one  in  1834.  In  both  catalogues  it  is 
described,  I  believe  erroneously,  as  a  penny  of  Stephen. 

There  is,  on  the  obverse,  immediately  behind  the  head, 
something  like  a  T;  this  has  been  taken  for  the  second 
letter  in  Stephen's  name,  and  the  letter  close  to  the  sceptre 
for  an  F,  and  the  spot  between  the  V  and  S  for  the  termi- 
nation of  the  legend,  and  the  whole  has  probably  been 
read  thus— S T E F N  KIEV. 

But  this  does  not  appear  to  be  the  right  reading :  the 
letter  after  the  S  and  behind  the  head  is  very  indistinct,  it 
may  be  a  cross ;  the  F  is  an  H  (})  sic) ;  and  the  spot  an 
ornament  of  the  dress,  or  armour,  as  it  is  probably  meant  to 
be.  The  legend  I  read  thus  —  JjENRIEV  •  S.  I  suppose 
the  coin  to  be  one  of  the  numerous  varieties  of  pence 
attributed  to  Henry  I.  This  supposition  is  borne  out  by 
the  reverse,  which  is  exactly  similar  to  that  of  Henry  with 
the  ,three-quarter  face,  engraved  in  Snelling's  first  plate, 
No.  24.  Some  of  the  letters  on  the  reverse  are  obliterated, 
but  the  legend  is  evidently  WILLEM  ON  CRST. 

As  the  coin  is,  I  believe,  unpublished,  and  as  there 
appears  to  have  been  a  mistake  made  in  its  description  and 
appropriation,  I  have  thought  it  worth  while  to  forward  to 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN   THE    THAMES>        147 

you  the  above  sketch  and  remarks,  to  be  presented  at  the 
next  meeting  of  our  society. 

I  am,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

F.  D. 

To  the  Secretary  of  the  Numismatic  Society. 


XVI. 

ON  THE  ROMAN  COINS  DISCOVERED  IN  THE  BED 
OF  THE  THAMES,  NEAR  LONDON  BRIDGE,  FROM 
1834  TO  1841. 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society,  April  22nd,  1841.] 

THE  peculiar  branch  of  the  science  of  antiquities,  the  study 
of  which  we  are  embodied  to  advance,  might  have  profited 
to  a  great  extent  from  materials  furnished  from  the  exca- 
vations made  of  late  years  throughout  the  city  of  London 
for  improvements  and  alterations. 

But  discoveries  of  coins,  like  those  of  antiquities  in 
general,  have  been  quite  disregarded,  as  far  as  science  is 
concerned,  by  the  Corporation.  Since  the  great  fire  of 
London,  there  has  been  no  such  opportunity  afforded  to 
facilitate  an  inquiry  into  the  obscure  history  of  our  venera- 
ble city  during  the  Roman  epoch,  as  that  offered  by  the 
late  improvements,  when  the  city  was  intersected  through- 
out, and  particularly  in  the  line  of  the  great  roads  leading 
to  and  from  old  London  bridge,  and  when  this  'time- 
honoured'  structure  was  destroyed  to  make  way  for  one 
more  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  present  generation. 

Great  would  have  been  the  chances  for  successful  re- 
search placed  within  the  power  of  the  antiquary  and  topo- 
grapher, had  a  liberal  and  enlightened  Committee  conducted 
the  vast  undertaking.  A  vast  collection  of  materials  might 
have  been  formed  for  illustrating  the  history  of  London. 


148  NUMI8MATIC     CHRONICLE. 

But,  owing  to  the  total  incapacity  of  this  Committee  of 
Improvements,  for  appreciating  or  understanding  aught 
beyond  the  narrow  sphere  of  their  own  utilitarian  vision, 
the  favourable  circumstances  have  been  worse  than  neg- 
lected. Not  only  has  nothing  been  effected  or  attempted 
by  them  towards  the  preservation  of  the  works  of  ancient 
art  entrusted  to  their  custody,  but  in  the  true  spirit  of 
ignorance  and  low  breeding,  discouragements  and  oppo- 
sition have  been  thrown  in  the  way  of  every  one  who  has 
ventured  to  do  for  them  what  they  had  not  the  ability 
to  do  for  themselves. 

It  is  foreign  to  the  present  subject  of  inquiry  to  detail 
accounts  of  the  positive  destruction  of  works  of  ancient  art 
in  the  city  of  London  during  the  last  few  years.  I  am 
here  restricted  to  a  limited  view  of  the  matter,  to  the 
rendering  of  a  statement  of  the  result  of  personal  re- 
searches in  one  branch  of  antiquities,  and  that  confined 
to  a  particular  locality,  during  the  last  seven  years. 

Immense  quantities  of  coins  have  been  found  in  the  same 
locality  in  the  years  preceding  the  period  at  which  I  com- 
menced my  researches,  as  well  Roman  as  Saxon  and  En- 
glish, both  in  digging  the  approaches  to  the  new  bridge 
and  in  sinking  coffer-dams  for  its  foundations,  all  of  which 
have  been  dispersed  without  notice.1 

I  have  endeavoured  to  preserve  a  record  of  those 
found  in  the  Thames,  on  the  line  of  old  London  bridge, 
from  1834  to  1841,  and  I  trust  it  will  appear  that 
my  individual  exertions,  brought  late  into  the  field,  have 
been  instrumental  to  some  good ;  and  if  so,  the  inference 


1  Many  fell  into  the  possession  of  persons  connected  with  the 
works  and  the  Bridge  Committee,  a  leading  member  of  which,  on 
one  occasion,  seized  upwards  of  fifty  nobles  of  Edward  3rd  from 
the  workmen,  no  account  of  which  has  yet  been  rendered,  as  far 
as  I  can  learn,  nor  can  the  coins  be  traced  farther. 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.      149 

will  be,  that  an  earlier  attempt  to  collect  into  one  focus 
these  numismatic  records,  supported  by  more  available 
means  and  opportunities  than  have  fallen  to  my  lot  to  com- 
mand, would  have  been  attended  with  far  greater  success. 

To  afford  better  accommodation  to  the  traffic  on  the 
Thames,  it  has  been  found  necessary  not  only  to  remove 
the  foundations  of  the  old  bridge,  but  also  to  deepen  the 
channel  of  the  river  in  its  vicinity.  The  process  adopted 
for  the  latter  work  is  what  is  well  known  under  the  term  of 
ballast-heaving.  It  has  been  during  these  operations,  that 
the  coins  I  am  about  to  describe  have  been  found.  They 
were  met  with  at  a  considerable  depth  beneath  the  surface 
of  the  bed  of  the  river  throughout  the  line  of  the  old  bridge 
and  opposite  the  present  Adelaide  wharf;  but  by  far 
the  greater  number  were  found  about  twenty  yards  below 
the  second  arch  of  the  new  bridge. 

The  Roman  coins  that  have  come  within  the  scope  of  my 
observation  amount  to  several  thousands,  chiefly  in  large, 
middle,  and  small  brass,  with  denarii ;  a  few  in  gold,  and 
three  brass  medallions. 

In  the  appended  tabular  view  it  will  appear,  that  the 
series  commences  with  some  base  consular  denarii  and 
closes  with  the  small  brass  of  Honorius  (comprising  a  period 
of  four  centuries) ;  the  numerical  importance  of  the  list 
extends,  with  intermissions,  from  Claudius  to  Constantine, 
before  and  after  whose  reigns  the  specimens  are  few. 

From  Claudius  to  Trajan,  the  second  brass  are  very 
numerous,  while  the  large  brass  of  Trajan,  Hadrian,  the 
Faustinas,  Pius,  Aurelius.,  and  Commodus  are  more  plen- 
tiful ;  the  small  brass  of  Carausius,  Allectus,  and  the  Con- 
stantine family  are  most  abundant. 

So  many  coins,  extending  over  so  wide  a  space  of  time, 
are  deeply  interesting,  both  in  themselves,  as  furnishing  us 
with  specimens  of  ancient  medallic  skill,  with  scarce,  and, 


150  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

in  some  instances,  unpublished  types,  at  all  times  important 
in  elucidating  the  civil,  religious,  and  military  history  of 
the  Romans  (the  lords  of  our  country  for  four  centuries), 
but  also  as  supplying  materials  for  illustrating  the  ancient 
topography  of  London,  with  reference  to  the  authenticated 
locality  from  whence  they  have  been  procured. 

In  the  former  point  of  view,  some  of  the  coins  may  be 
particularised.  Many  of  Nero  are  in  fine  preservation, 
and,  though  generally  common  types,  exhibit  the  greatest 
perfection  of  design  and  execution.  The  same  remark  will 
hold  good  as  to  those  of  Vespasian,  Domitian,  Titus,  as 
well  as  of  Trajan,  Hadrian,  and  others. 

Of  Vespasian  and  Titus  we  have  obtained  many 
specimens  in  second  brass  of  the  "Judaea  Capta"  type; 
one  of  Titus,  in  large  brass,  is  of  beautiful  work,  and 
so  well  preserved,  that  the  Jewish  features  of  the  male 
captive  standing  by  the  palm-tree,  are  to  be  recognised,  as 
well  as  those  of  the  seated  female  in  the  Syrian  costume. 

A  second  brass  coin  of  Nerva,  reading  on  the  reverse, 

NEPTVNO (Circens.  Restit.  or  Constit.)  deserves  notice 

as  being  of  the  first  rarity.  A  coin  of  this  type,  found  at 
Colchester,  is  the  subject  of  a  dissertation  by  Ashby,  in 
the  third  volume  of  the  Archaeologia ;  and,  a  variety  is 
mentioned  by  Eckhel.2  This  type,  I  believe,  is  unknown 
in  large  brass. 

Of  Hadrianus,  in  second  brass,  there  are  fifteen  or  sixteen 
of  the  Britannia  type,  apparently  from  as  many  different 
dies,  but  differing  only  in  minute  particulars.  It  has  been 
a  question  with  some  whether  the  figure  on  these  coins, 
under  which  the  province  of  Britain  is  personified,  be  a 
male  or  a  female.  In  some  of  the  specimens  I  possess,  the 


Vol.  vi.  p.  406. 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.       151 

development  of  the  mammae  clearly  decide  in  favour  of  the 
latter  gender. 

The  coins  of  Pius,  reading  BRITANNIA  COS.  IIII. 
amount  to  at  least  twenty ;  and  it  is  remarkable  that  in  all 
a  portion  of  the  legend  on  the  reverse  is  defective — a  pe- 
culiarity probably  to  be  accounted  for,  by  the  dies  for  the 
reverse  having  been  engraved  subsequent  to  those  of  the 
obverse,  or  by  a  different  artist. 

Beside  the  above,  only  two  of  the  Britannia  types  of 
other  emperors  have  come  under  my  notice ;  namely,  a 
VICT.  BRIT,  of  Commodus,  in  large  brass,  badly  pre- 
served; and  one  of  Geta,1  in  middle  brass. 

Only  a  few  of  the  denarii  are  of  good  silver. 

Of  Antoninus  Pius,  Aurelius,  Commodus,  Severus,  Julia 
Domna,  Caracalla,  Geta,  Elagabalus,  Moesa,Mammaea,  and 
Severus  Alexander,  a  vast  quantity  have  been  found  both 
plated  and  of  debased  silver,  the  bulk  of  which  I  have  not 
specified  in  the  catalogue.  Some  in  lead,  also,  have  been 
met  with ;  two  of  which  are  consular,  one  of  Antony  Oc- 
tavius,  and  one  of  Hadrian.  Of  the  plated  and  base 
silver,  the  most  numerous  are  those  of  the  family  of 
Severus. 

Were  it  not  a  received  opinion  of  our  best  numismatists, 
that  no  historical  faith  can  be  placed  in  the  legends  of  these 
ancient  forged  coins,  I  might  attach  greater  importance  to 
some  very  remarkable  plated  coins  of  this  emperor  in  this 
collection.  They  have  the  horseman  preceded  by  a  soldier, 
as  in  the  Profectio  type ;  but  read  PONTIFICIA,  and,  in 
the  exergue,  DON.  I  can  find  no  authority  for  this  reverse 
on  the  true  denarii;  and  if  for  this  reason  it  should  be 


1  In  possession  of  F.  Hobler,  Esq. 

VOL.  IV.  Z 


152  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

judged  an  exception  to  the  rule  of  condemnation,  the  letters 
DON,  may  probably  be  intended  for  Donativum ;  and  the 
coins  may  have  been  struck  for  the  army  on  one  of  the 
many  occasions  the  emperor  was  called  upon  to  remunerate 
its  devotion  to  his  cruelty  and  ambition.2 

Of  the  coins  of  Carausius  and  Allectus  (almost  the  sole 
monuments  of  one  of  the  most  eventful  and  interesting 
periods  in  the  history  of  Roman  Britain),  I  have  specified 
a  very  considerable  quantity. 

One  in  small  ^brass,  of  the  former  PIETAS  AVGGG 
(Mercury  standing)  was  before  unknown.  I  have  also  the 
extremely  rare  type  of  the  four  seasons  personified,  with 
the  legend  TEMP.  FELICITAS.  It  is  figured  in  Stukeley, 
but  with  the  omission  of  the  TEMP. 

Of  the  small  brass  of  Diocletianus  and  Maximianus, 
reverse  PAX  AVGGG  — PROVID.  AVGGG.  &c.,  several 
are  noticed.  It  is  an  additional  argument  for  the  appro- 
priation of  these  pieces  to  the  mint  of  Carausius,  to  observe 
that  they  are  here  authenticated  as  being  found  in  com- 
pany with  those  of  that  emperor,  which  in  fabric  and 
general  character  they  so  much  resemble.  In  brass,  these 
coins  are  well  known ;  though,  I  believe,  restricted  to  this 
country,  but  hitherto  unknown  in  other  metals.  I  am 
happy  to  be  able  to  lay  before  the  society  a  unique  spe- 
cimen in  gold,  in  the  finest  possible  preservation.  Ob- 
verse, MAXIMIANVS  P.  F.  AVG.  laureated  head  to  the 
right;  the  bust  in  armour.  Reverse,  SALUS  AVGGG. 
The  goddess  Hygeia  standing  to  the  right,  and  holding  in 
her  right  hand  a  serpent,  which  is  feeding  from  a  patera  of 
fruit  in  her  left.  In  the  exergue,  ML. 


2  See  Herodian,  lib.  iii.  in  vita  Severi. 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE   THAMES.       153 

Coins  of  this  epoch  are  of  the  highest  interest.  They 
speak  where  historians  are  almost  silent,  and  give,  as  it 
were,  a  panoramic  view  of  the  events  of  the  important  epoch 
of  the  rebellion  of  Carausius ;  we  may  trace  by  them  his 
reception  in  Britain,  the  legions  which  sided  with  him,  his 
victories,  and  the  ultimate  tranquillity  of  the  province,  ex- 
emplified by  a  variety  of  happy  and  appropriate  legends 
and  designs,  evidently  selected  with  reference  to  fitness 
and  propriety. 

We  may  also  trace  a  corresponding  progress  in  the 
artistic  skill  bestowed  on  these  coins.  From  the  rude  work 
on  some,  for  instance,  on  those  reading  EXPECT  ATE 
VENI,  which  we  may  reasonably  conclude  were  some, 
if  not  the  very  earliest,  of  the  coins  of  Carausius,  a  marked 
improvement  is  observable,  such  as  we  can  well  imagine 
would  be  evinced  after  the  transition  from  war  to  peace  and 
quietude.  Many  exhibit  a  boldness  and  effect  which  have 
never  been  surpassed  by  any  production  of  the  British 
mint  in  after-times ;  indeed,  if  there  be  a  period  in  the 
history  of  Britain  when  the  mint  can  be  pointed  out  as 
practically  accomplishing  the  useful  purposes  to  which  the 
mints  of  Greece  and  Rome  were  so  happily  applied — if  we 
are  asked  to  indicate  any  particular  epoch  when  the  coins 
of  this  country  tell  us  something  of  its  history,  and  are  not 
merely  the  medium  of  preserving  portraits  of  individuals 
and  their  coats  of  arms,  we  must,  I  think,  refer  to  the  re- 
mote reign  of  the  Menassian  hero. 

Many  of  the  coins  of  the  Constantino  family  reading 
P.  LON  in  the  exergue  will  be  observed ;  that  of  Helena, 
with  those  letters,  is  extremely  uncommon,  and  has  only 
been  published  by  Banduri. 3 

3  Tom.  ii.  p.  113. 


154  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

In  speaking  of  the  coins  found  in  the  Thames,  the  first 
question  asked,  is,  "  How  came  they  there?" 

Some  have  attempted  to  account  for  their  deposit  in 
this  peculiar  locality,  under  the  possibility  of  their  being 
dropt  by  chance  by  persons  crossing  and  re-crossing  the 
river.  If  we  yield  to  this  theory,  we  establish  a  ferry  or 
trajectus  on  the  site  of  Old  London  Bridge,  instead  of 
Dowgate,  as  more  generally  supposed ;  and  to  this  I  see  no 
objection,  as  it  is  supported  by  other  reasons :  but  I  do  not 
think  that  accident  will  at  all  satisfactorily  solve  the  pro- 
blem, for  what  fatality  could  have  caused  the  passengers 
over  a  bridge  or  ferry  to  lose  their  money  at  particular 
spots  in  such  quantities  ? 

Another  opinion  advanced  is  this  :  that  the  coins  are  not 
from  ancient  deposits,  but  constituted  part  of  the  stock  in 
trade  of  some  dealer  in  coins  and  curiosities,  and  that 
when  the  shop  was  destroyed  by  fire,  which  at  various 
times  has  consumed  buildings  on  the  bridge,  the  coins 
were  precipitated  into  the  river.  And  in  confirmation  of 
the  probability  of  such  a  circumstance  having  occurred,  is 
adduced  the  fact  of  masses  of  conglomerate  being  found, 
said  to  contain  coins  of  various  aeras,  together  with  imple- 
ments of  quite  a  modern  date. 

This  opinion  appears  on  a  careful  examination  of  plain 
facts,  to  be  so  unfounded,  that  I  should  not  have  adverted 
to  it,  but  that  several  of  our  antiquaries  are  inclined  to 
lean  towards  it,  only,  I  feel  assured,  from  not  having  had 
opportunities  of  examining  the  actual  position  which  the 
coins  occupied  in  the  bed  of  the  river,  as  well  as  the  ge- 
neral character  of  them. 

Had  these  coins  been  the  property  of  a  dealer,  I  think 
they  could  not  have  failed  being  of  a  description  similar 
to  what  we  now  meet  with  in  the  collections  of  our  coin 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.       155 

venders,  that  is  to  say,  a  mixed  one,  of  Greek  and  English  as 
well  as  Roman.  Now  it  happens,  that  among  the  thou- 
sands discovered,  not  one  specimen  of  a  Greek  coin  has  ever 
presented  itself,  nor  are  Saxon  or  English  ever  found  in 
the  stratum  which  contains  the  Roman.  Whenever  I  have 
noticed  a  Saxon  or  English  coin  in  company  with  the 
Roman,  I  have  always  thus  been  able  to  account  for  the 
circumstance,  which  indeed  has  very  seldom  occurred. 
When  the  workmen  for  a  time  have  relinquished  a  particular 
spot,  and  gone  elsewhere  to  excavate,  the  gravel  contiguous, 
by  the  action  of  the  next  tide,  will  be  drifted  into  the  cavity 
which  may  be  several  feet  deep.  On  resuming  operations 
on  this  site,  it  is  possible  that  an  English  or  Saxon  coin  may 
be  brought  to  the  surface  with  the  Roman.  But  if  they 
had  indiscriminately  fallen  into  the  river  from  the  bridge, 
they  would  be  found  together,  and  not  several  feet  apart. 
As  for  the  conglomerate,  I  have  never  seen  any  procured 
from  the  locality  which  has  supplied  the  bulk  of  this  series. 
Masses  of  it  certainly  abound,  but  much  nearer  the  land, 
opposite  Adelaide  Wharf,  and  the  specimens  I  have  examined 
and  possess,  do  not  contain  an  heterogeneous  assemblage  of 
ancient  and  modern  coins,  but  purely  Roman. 

Many  of  these  coins,  it  may  be  observed,  are  as  sharp 
as  when  issued  from  the  Mint,  and  the  major  part  of  those 
in  bad  condition  appear  to  have  suffered  more  by  the 
attrition  of  gravel  from  tidal  action,  than  from  circulation, 
for  it  is  not  uncommon  to  notice  one  side  of  a  coin  well 
preserved,  and  the  other  almost  or  quite  illegible. 

The  medallions  of  Aurelius,  Faustina,  and  Commodus, 
deserve  particular  notice.  The  workmen  assured  me  that 
two  of  them  were  found  under  part  of  the  piling  of  the 
old  bridge,  and  as  the  third  was  procured  about  the  same 
time,  it  is  probable  they  were  all  from  the  same  place. 
Had  I  ever  imagined  that  such  an  immense  number  of 


156  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

coins,  extending  over  several  centuries,  and  found,  as  it 
were,  in  heaps,  could  possibly  have  been  dropt  into  the 
river  by  chance,  the  fact  of  finding  medallions  also  on  the 
same  line,  would  have  caused  me  to  loqk  for  some  better  ex- 
planation, for,  considering  their  extreme  rarity,  and  the  pur- 
poses for  which  they  were  struck,  they  seem  still  less  likely  to 
have  been  deposited  in  such  a  situation  by  any  casual  cause. 
On  the  contrary,  the  more  I  reflect  on  the  foregoing 
facts,  the  more  I  am  disposed  to  believe  that  design  is 
manifested,  and  that  in  the  deposit  of  the  bulk  of  the 
coins,  there  has  been  intention  and  an  object  in  view. 

It  is  remarkable,  that  the  coins  have  all  been  discovered 
on  or  near  the  site  of  the  old  bridge,  and  that  in  other 
parts  of  the  river,  only  an  isolated  one  is  picked  up  now 
and  then.  In  this  connexion  with  the  bridge,  I  think,  will 
be  found  the  sought-for  explanation.  It  is  true  we  have 
only  the  indirect  testimony  of  Dion  Cassius 4  for  the  exist- 
ence of  a  bridge  over  the  Thames,  and  of  that,  the  precise 
locality  is  not  defined,  but  we  have  abundance  of  evidence 
to  show  that  the  construction  of  bridges  was  an  every- day 
affair  with  the  Romans,  and  the  names  of  several  of  their 
stations,  as  Ad  Pontes  and  Tripontium,  prove  the  general 
adoption  in  Britain  of  this  medium  of  traffic  and  com- 
merce. In  London,  the  metropolis  of  the  province, 
renowned  for  its  merchants  and  trade,  a  bridge  would  be 
indispensable,  as  well  for  military  as  for  civil  purposes, 
being  the  grand  focus  of  the  roads  from  all  parts  of  Bri- 
tain, and  a  near  and  direct  point  from  the  great  inlets  for 
troops  from  Gaul  and  Italy,  the  ports  on  the  Kentish  coast. 


"  But  the  Gauls  again  setting  sail,  and  some  of  them  having 
passed  over  by  the  bridge  further  up  the  Thames,  they  attacked 
the  Britons  on  every  side." — Lib.  Ix.  Sec.  20.  This  refers  to 
the  invasion  of  Britain  by  Claudius. 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.       157 

It  is  reasonable  then  to  conclude  that  a  bridge  of  some 
kind  was  erected  over  the  Thames  at  this  point  by  the 
Romans ;  and  it  is  as  reasonable  to  see,  in  the  deposit  of 
the  coins  and  medallions,  evidence  of  a  custom  prevalent 
among  that  people,  of  inhuming  their  money  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  their  dominion  and  achievements.  Whe- 
ther the  bridge  was  erected  in  the  time  of  Vespasian,  of 
Hadrian,  or  of  Pius,  or  at  some  posterior  period,  I  am 
disposed  to  believe  that  then  many  of  the  coins  were  pur- 
posely deposited,  and  others  at  such  times  as  the  bridge 
required  repairs  or  renovation.  They  also  might  have 
been  thrown  in  on  the  accession  of  an  emperor;  we  can 
readily  imagine  the  love  of  fame  and  glory  excited  at 
such  epochs,  and  no  place  could  have  warranted  security 
for  their  Numismatic  records  better  than  the  bed  of  the 
Thames. 

In  support  of  this  opinion,  I  ought  not  to  omit  mention- 
ing that  the  coins  have  often  been  found  as  it  were,  in 
series,  as  if  there  had  been  more  than  one  deposit.  I 
have  repeatedly  observed,  that  (depending  on  locality  or 
depth  from  the  surface  of  the  bed  of  the  river,)  during 
several  tides,  the  coins  of  Claudius,  Nero,  Vespasian, 
Titus,  and  Domitian,  will  be  chiefly  found ;  at  other  times 
they  will  be  mostly  of  Aurelius,  Pius,  and  the  Faustinas; 
after  a  while  the  small  brass  may  predominate.  As  this 
fact  was  noticed  long  since  and  without  reference  to  any 
theory,  I  mention  it  in  connection  with  the  weightier  ar- 
guments I  have  adduced  on  the  subject  before  us. 

Many  other  works  of  ancient  art  have  been,  from  time 
to  time,  found  on  the  line  of  the  old  bridge,  among  which 
may  be  particularised  the  colossal  bronze  head  of  Ha- 
drianus,  in  the  possession  of  John  Newman,  Esq.,  of  the 
Bridge  House,  and  the  beautiful  bronze  images  of  Mer- 


158  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

cury,  Apollo,  Atys,  &c.4  The  head  has  been  broken 
from  a  bust  or  statue,  and  the  eyes  which  were,  doubt- 
less, formed  of  precious  stone,  have  been  taken  out;  the 
images  also  bear  traces  of  intentional  disfigurement.  These 
were,  probably,  thrown  into  the  river  by  the  early  Chris- 
tians as  relics  of  Pagan  worship;  but  it  is  not  likely  they 
would  have  taxed  their  misdirected  zeal  so  heavily  as  to 
have  sacrificed  objects  so  convertible  and  applicable  to 
their  worldly  necessities,  as  Pagan  money.  As  the  images 
were  also  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  coins,  it  is  pro- 
bable they  were  carried  on  the  bridge  or  trajectus  for  the 
purpose  of  being  thrown  more  in  the  centre  of  the  current, 
where  they  would  be  less  likely  to  be  recovered  at  low 
water  than  if  thrown  from  the  banks  of  the  river. 

CHARLES  ROACH  SMITH. 

LIST  OP  THE  ROMAN  MEDALLIONS  AND  COINS  FOUND 
IN  THE  THAMES.  —  THE  REVERSE  ONLY  OF  THE 
LATTER  ARE  GIVEN. 

MEDALLIONS  IN  BRASS. 

MARCUS    AURELIUS. 

Obv. — M.  ANTONINUS.  AVG.  TR.  P Laureated  head  to 

the  right ;  bust  in  armour. 

Rev. — cos.  in.     In  exergue, RM.     Victory,  in 

a  quadriga.  1. 

FAUSTINA,    THE    YOUNGER. 

Obv. — FAVSTINA  AVGVSTA.     Head  of  Faustina  to  the  left. 

Rev. — VENVS.     Venus,  standing  between  a  Cupid  and  a  Triton. 

1. 

4  See  Archaeologia,  vol.  xxvii. 


DISCOVERY  OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE   THAMES.       159 

COMMODUS. 
Obv. — M.    COMMODVS      ANTONINVS     PIVS      FELIX     AVG.      BRIT. 

Laureated  head  to  the  right. 

. — Cos.  vi.  P.  P.  in  the  exergue.  The  sun  in  a  car  drawn 
by  four  horses  on  the  clouds :  below,  the  recumbent  Earth, 
with  right  arm  raised,  and  holding  in  left  a  cbrnucopiae  (1).  1. 

GOLD. 


MAXIMIANUS. 


COMITATVS     AVGG.       The  emperors  on  horseback  (1).     SALVS 
AVGGG.     Hygeia,  standing.     In  exergue,  M.  L.  (1).  2. 


CRISPUS. 

GAVDIVM  ROMANORVM.  In  exergue,  ALAMANNIA.  A  female 
captive,  seated  by  a  trophy.  1. 

SILVER. 

CONSULAR. 

Considia, — c.  CONSIDI.  Victory  in  a  quadriga  (1).  Fonteia.- — 
Cupid  on  a  goat.  Furia — L.  FVRI  CN.  F.  Curule  chair  and 
fasces  (1).  Petronia. — CAESAR  AVG  VST  vs  SIGN.  RECE.  A 
kneeling  figure  presenting  a  standard.  4. 

Two  of  these  are  of  base  silver.  There  are  also  a  few  specimens 
of  family  denarii  in  lead,  some  of  which  bear  evident  marks  of 
having  been  plated. 

JULIUS. 

L.  AE BVCA.     Venus  standing,  holding  the  hasta,  1. 

AUGUSTUS. 

AVGVSTI.     A  candelabrum  within  a  wreath.  1. 

VOL.  IV.  A  A 


160  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

POMPEIUS, 

CLAS.  ET  ORAE  MARiT.   EX.  s.  c.      Anapius  and  Am- 

phinomus  ;  Neptune  standing  between  them. 

NERO. 

IVPITER  CVSTOS.     Jupiter  seated,  (much  defaced).  1. 

VITELLIUS. 

CONCORDIA  P.  R.     A  female  figure,  seated.  2. 

VESPASIANUS. 

IVDAEA  (1).     AVGVR.  TRi.  POT.     Sacrificial  vessels  (1).          2. 

TITU8. 

PRINCIPI  IVVENTVTIS.  Standard,  with  two  hands  joined  across 
it  1. 

DOMITIANUS. 

Titles.     Pallas,  standing.  1*. 

NERVA. 

cos.ni.  PATER. PATRIAE.  Sacrificial  instruments  (1).  CONCORDIA 
EXERCITVVM.  Hands  joined  across  a  standard  (1).  2. 

TRAJANUS. 

s.  P.  Q.  R.  OPTIMO  PRINCIPI.  Victory  inscribing,  on  a  shield 
affixed  to  a  tree,  DACICA.  1. 

HADRIANU8. 
AEGYPTOS   (1).       ALEXANDRIA  (1).       RESTITVTORI    HISPANIAE 

(1).     Titles,  with  common  types  (2).  5. 

ANTONINUS    PIUS. 

APOLLINI  AVGVSTO  (1).  FORTVNA  OPSEQVENS  (sic.)  (1). 
TRANQVILLITAS  AVG.  (1).  Titles  (2).  5. 

MARCUS    AURELIUS. 

FELIC.  AVG.  IMP.  vi.  cos.  in.  Mercury  (1).  Titles;  Victory 
on  a  globe,  holding  a  wreath  and  trophy  (1).  Idem ;  common 
types  (2).  4. 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.       161 
FAUSTINA    THE    YOUNGER. 

FECVND.  AVGVSTAE.     A  female  figure  with  four  children  (1). 
IVNO  (1).  2. 

VERUS. 

Titles ;    Soldiers  marching  with  trophy  and  a  victory  (1).      A 
warrior  standing  (1).     Type  of  equity  (1).  3. 

LUCILLA. 
VESTA  (1).       IVNO  REGINA.  2. 

COMMODUS. 

Titles  ;  Victory  marching,  and  other  common  types.  3. 

SEVERUS. 
PROVID.    DEORVM  (2).         VICTORIAE   AVGG.    FEL.   (1).         BONAE 

SPEI  (1).  LEG.  xi.  CL.  TR.  P.  cos. — Eagle  between  two  stand- 
ards (1).  FVNDATOR  PACIS.  (1).  6. 

JULIA    DOMNA. 

MATER  AVGG.     Cybele  in  a  car,  drawn  by  four  lions  (1).  HILARI- 

TAS  (1).  CERERI  FRVGIF.  (1).  FELICITAS  (2).  IVNO 
REGINA  (1).  SAECVLI  FELICITAS  (1).  DIANA  LVCI- 
FERA  (3).  10. 

CARACALLA. 

Titles  ;    Trophy,  and  captives.  2. 

PLAUTILLA. 

CONCORDIAE.  Female  figure  seated  (1).  CONCORDIAE  AETER- 
NAE.  Caracal! a  and  Plautilla  joining  hands  (1).  2. 

GETA. 
PRINCIPI    IVVENTVTIS  (1).       PIETAS    AVGG.  2. 

MACRINUS. 

SALVS  PVBLICA,     Type  of  Salus  seated.  1. 

AQUILIA    SEVERA. 

CONCORDIA.  Female  figure  standing  to  the  left  before  an  altar  ; 
in  right  hand,  a  patera  ;  in  the  left,  a  cornucopia ;  in  the  field, 
a  star.  1 . 

JULIA    SOAEMIAS. 
VENVS  CAELESTIS.     Venus  standing;  in  the  field,  a  star.          1. 


162  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

JULIA    MAESA. 

FECVNDITAS  AVG.     Female  figure,  with  a  cornucopiae  ;   at  her 
feet,  a  child, 

JULIA    MAMMAEA. 

IVNO  CONSERVATRIX  (1).    VENVS  VICTRIX  (1).    VESTA  (1).         3. 
SEVERUS    ALEXANDER. 

SPES  PVBLICA  (2).     P.M.TR.P.  ii.  cos.  P.P.     Type  of  Salus  (2). 
Titles — the  sun  standing  (1).  5. 

MAXIMINUS. 

PAX  AUGUSTI.    Type  of  Peace.  (1). 

BALBINUS. 

PROVIDENTIA  DEORVM.     Type  of  Providence.  1. 

CORDIANUS. 

PAX  AVGVSTI  (1),     VIRTVTI  AvcvsTi.     Hercules  (2).  3. 

SALONIKA. 

PIETAS  AVGG.     A  female  figure,  holding  the  hasta  ;  before  her, 
two  children.  1. 

TREBONIANVS    GALLUS. 

VOTIS  DECENNALIBVS,  in  a  wreath.  1. 

VOLU8IANUS. 

VIRTVS  AVGG.     Mars  standing.  1. 

VALERIANUS. 

PIETAS   AVGG.     Two  figures  joining    hands  (1).       APOLLINI 
CONSERVAT  (1).     Others  in  billon,  badly  preserved.  6. 

VALERIANUS    JUNIOR. 

PIETAS  AVGG.     Sacrificial  .vessels  (1).     CONSECRATIO  (2).      3. 

POSTUMUS. 

DIANAE  LVCIFERAE.      Diana  standing.  1. 

JULIANUS. 

VOT.  x.  MVLT.  xx.  in  a  wreath.  1. 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.       163 

VALENS. 
VRBS  ROMA,  in  exergue,  TRPS.  1. 

URBS    ROMA. 

A  half  of  the  well-known  little  coin,  with  the  wolf  and  twins  on 
the  reverse  :  in  exergue,  L.  c.  It  is  remarkable,  being  in 
silver.  Halves  of  denarii  of  Otacilia  and  Caracalla,  of  good 
silver,  occur  among  the  Thames  coins.  They  appear  to  have 
been  broken  purposely,  probably  for  convenience  of  commerce. 

ANCIENT    FORGED    DENARII. 

By  far  the  larger  portion  of  denarii  found  in  the  Thames  consist 
of  lead  and  brass,  plated  with  silver. 

Of  lead,  we  have  specimens  of  the  Consular,  Mark  Antony 
(reverse,  Octavius),  Plautilla,  Vespasian,  Nerva,  Trajan,  Plotina, 
Hadrian,  Pius  (reverse,  Aurelius),  Aurelius,  Faustina,  Verus, 
Lucilla,  Didius  Julianus, Caracalla,  Geta.and  Severus  Alexander. 

There  are,  also,  two  leaden  consular  quinarii. 

Of  brass,  plated  with  silver,  there  are  examples  of  Augustus, 
Trajan,  Hadrian,  Aurelius,  Severus,  Julia  and  Soaemias.  Of 
Severus  and  Julia,  they  are  very  abundant. 

LARGE  BRASS. 

NERO. 

Rev. ROMA.       ANNONA  AVGVSTI  CERES   (1).  2. 

GALBA. 

ROMA,  across  the  field  (1).    The  other  quite  illegible.  U. 

VESPASIANUS. 
ROMA  (1) COS.  DBS.  II.  CAESAR.  DOMIT.  COS.   DES.        TitUS    and 

Domitian  standing.  2. 

TITUS. 

ROMA  (1).       ANNONA  AVG  (1).       IVDAEA    CAPTA(l).  3. 

DOMITIANUS. 

GERMANiA...(Capta)  (1).  iovi  VICTORI  (3).  s.  c.  The  Emperor 
sacrificing  at  an  altar  before  a  temple  (1).  s.  c,  The  Emperor 
standing  with  his  right  foot  on  a  recumbent  river  god.  s.  c. 
The  Emperor  and  two  soldiers,  with  one  of  whom  he  is  joining 
hands  over  an  altar  (1).  s.  c.  The  Emperor  crowned  by  Victory. 

8. 


164  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

NERVA. 
FORTVNA     AVGVST    (1).       CONCORDIA     EXERCITVVM.       TwO    hands 

joined  across  a  standard  (1).  2. 

TRAJANUS. 

s.  P.  Q.  R.  OPTIMO  PRINCIPI  ;  in  exergue  :  ARAB.  ADQ.  (6).  s.  p. 
Q.  R.  &c.  The  Emperor  on  horseback,  riding  over  a  prostrate 
figure  (2).  s.  p.  Q.  R.  &c.  Various  types  of  Peace,  Abundance, 
&c.  FORTVNAE  RBDVCi  (3).  A  badly  preserved  'specimen  of 
the  Rex  Parthis  Daius  type  (1).  20. 

HADRIANUS. 

RESTITVTORI  ORBIS  TERRARVM  (1).  NEP.  RED.  (1).  FOR- 
TVNA (2).  FELICITATI  AVG.  cos.  in.  p.p.  A  galley  with 
five  rowers  (1).  CONCORDIA  EXERCITVVM  (2).  FELICITAS 
AVG.  (2).  MONETA  AVGVSTi  (1;.  Titles,  with  types  of  Peace, 
Abundance,  &c.  20. 

SABINA. 

Illegible.  2. 

ANTONINUS    PIUS. 
SALVS     (2).  VOTA    SVSCEPTA     DECENN.    IIII.   COS.    III.      (2). 

ANNONA  AVG.  (3).      ROMA  (2).      s.  c.    Type  of  Hope  (1). 

APOLLINI  AVGVSTO  (1).  ABVNDANTIA  AVG.  (2).  CON- 
CORDIA EXERCITVVM  (2).  TR.  POT.  cos.  1111.  Wolf  and 

twins  (1).      FELICITAS  AVG.  (2).      PIETATI   AVG.  (2).     INDVLGEN- 

TIAAVG.  (1).  CONSECRATIO  (1).  cos.  1111.  s.c.  TheEmperor 
in  a  Quadriga.  (1).  A  variety,  with  titles  and  the  more  common 
types.  38. 

FAUSTINA   THE    ELDER. 

s.c.  Figure  stan ding(l).     AvovsTA(2)     AETERNiTAs(2.)  5. 

MARCUS    AURELIUS. 

VICT.  AVG.  &c.  Titles  :  in  exergue,  RELIG.  AVG.  Temple  of  Mer- 
cury (1).  IMP.  vi.  cos.  in.  Victory  inscribing  on  a  shield 
vie.  GBR.  (2).  SALVTI  AvovsTOR.  &c.  (2).  Titles  :  A  figure 
with  four  standards  (1).  GERMANIA  SVBACTA  (1).  VOTA 
SVSCEPTA  DECENNALIVM.  (2).  s.  c.  Pallas  throwing  a  javelin 
(1)  Titles:  Victory  inscribing  on  a  shield  vie.  PAR.  (2). 
Idem,  in  exergue,  FORT.  RED.  (2).  VICT.  GERM.  IMP.  vi.  cos. 
in.  in  a  wreath  (1).  Titles:  with  common  types  a  great 
variety.  40. 


DISCOVERY   OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN   THE    THAMES.       165 
FAUSTINA   THE    YOUNGER. 

CERES  (1).     Defaced  (3).  4. 

VERUS. 

CONCORDIA  AVGVSTOR.  TR.  p.  cos.  ii.  Titles  :  a  captive  beneath  a 
a  trophy.  Idem,  Victory  standing  ;  beside  her,  a  shield,  in- 
scribed, VICT.  PART,  suspended  from  a  tree  (1).  REX  ARMEN. 
DAT.  (1).  5. 

LUCILLA. 

IVNO  (1).     VENVS  (1).    Reverses  illegible  (3).  5. 

COMMODUS. 

VICT.  BRIT.  (1).  Titles  :  the  Emperor  seated,  holding  a  globe, 
and  crowned  by  Victory  (1).  Titles  :  in  exergue,  FOR.  RED.  (2). 
Defaced  (3).  7. 

ALBINUS. 


.  .  .  .  LO  FRVGIF  .  .  .     The  Saeculo  Frugifero  type,  badly  pre- 
served. 1. 


SEVERUS. 

Legend  gone.     The  three  Monetae  standing  (1).     Female  figure 
seated,  holding  a  patera  (1).  2. 

JULIA    DOMNA. 

VENERI  vicTRici(l).     Defaced  (2).  3. 

GETA. 

FORT.  RED.  TR.  p.  in.  cos.  ii.  P.  P.     Fortune  seated.  2. 

JULIA    MAMMAEA. 
VENVS     VICTRIX. FECVNDITAS    AVGVSTAE.  2. 

GORDIANUS 

SECVRITAS  AVG.     Security  seated.  1. 


166  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

POSTUMUS. 

In  bad  preservation.  1. 

MIDDLE  BRASS. 

AUGUSTUS. 

.  .  .    M.   MACCILIVS    TVLLVS    III.  VIR.  A.  A.  A.   F.  F.  (1).       PRO- 
VIDENT (1).     ROM.  ET  AVG.  (Altar)  (1).  3. 

AGRIPPA. 

s.  c.     Neptune,  standing./  10. 

CLAUDIUS. 

s.  c.     Pallas  (30).      CERES    AVGVSTA   (6).      LIBERTAS    AV 
GVSTA  (3).     CONSTANTIAE   AvcvsTi  (1).     There  are  also 

*    a  number  of  the  first  type  of  very  barbarous  work,  apparently 
provincial  imitations.  40. 

ANTONIA. 
TI.  CLAVDIVS  CAESAR.  P.   M.  TR.  P.  IMP.  4. 

GERMANICUS. 
C.  CAESAR    AVG.    GERMANICVS    PON.     M.    TR.     P.  POT.      In    the 

field,  s.  c.  1. 

CALIGULA. 

Legend  gone.     Vesta,  seated.  ] . 

NERO. 

PACE   P.  R.;  &c.     Temple  of  Janus  (1).     s.  c.    Triumphal  arch 

(1).       MAC.  AVG   (1).       ARA  PACIS  (4).       GENIO  AVGVSTT  (3). 

PONTIF.  MAX,  &c.  Nero  playing  on  a  harp  (3).  SECVRITAS 
AVG.  (20).  VICTORIA  AVGvsTi  (20).  s.  c.  Victory  with 
shield  inscribed  s.  p.  Q.  R.  (30).  83. 

VESPASIANUS. 

s.  c.      Temple   of  six   columns  (1).      ROMA   (2).     FELICITAS 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN   THE    THAMES.        167 
AVG.    (4).       FIDES    PVBLICA  (8).        VICTORIA    AVGVSTI    (6). 

s.  c.  Victory  with  shield  inscribed  s.  p.  Q.  R.  (12).  PROVI- 
DENT. Altar  (16).  PAX.  AVG.  (20).  IVDAEA  CAPTA  (4). 
EQVITAS  (20).  FORTVNAE  REDVCi  (20).  s.  c.  Eagle  on 
a  globe  (30).  SECVRITAS  AVGVSTI  (15).  158. 


TITUS. 

ROMA  (2).  IVDAEA  CAPTA  (5).  AEQVITAS  AVGVSTI  (10). 
VICTORIA  AVGVSTI  (8).  VICTORIA  NAVALIS  (20).  S.  C. 

Altar  (8).      FELICITAS  PVBLICA  (8).     s.  c.    Type  of  Hope 
(20).  81. 

DOMITIANUS. 

s.  c.  The  emperor  on  horseback  (1).  s.  c.  Soldier  with  trophy 
(1).  s.  c.  Heap  of  arms  (2).  ANNONA  AVG.  (3).  AEQVI- 
TAS AVGVSTI  (10).  FORTVNAE  AVGVSTAE  (15).  VIRTVTI 
AVGVSTI  (30).  MONETA  AVGVSTI  (30).  FIDEI  PVBLICAE 

(12).       iovi   CONSERVATORI   (1).      s.  c.      Type   of  Hope 
(30).  135. 

NERVA. 

LIBERTAS  AVG.  (3).  CONCORDIA  EXERCITVVM  (5).  AEQVI- 
TAS AVGVSTI  (2).  FORTVNAE  AVGVSTI  (5).  NEPTVNO 

Neptune  standing  to  the  right,  his  left  hand 

grasping  a  trident,  behind  him  the  Tiber  (1).  16. 


TRAJANUS. 

s.  P.  Q.  R.  OPTIMO  PRINCIPI.  Emperor  in  a  quadriga  (1).  Co- 
lumn (]).  Soldiers  with  two  trophies  (1).  Three  standards 
(1).  Captive  seated  on  arms  before  a  trophy  (5).  Female 
figure,  standing ;  in  exergue,  ARAB.  ADQVIS  (6).  Victory, 
standing;  on  a  shield  suspended  from  a  tree,  vie.  DAC.  (2). 
Victory  standing  by  a  trophy  (2).  Horseman,  and  prostrate 
figure  (2).  Titles ;  Victory  with  shield  inscribed,  s.  p.  Q.  R. 
(10).  Fortune,  seated  (8).  Types  of  Piety,  Abundance,  &c. 
(10).  49. 


HADRIANUS. 

cos.  in.    Pegasus  (1).      PONT.  MAX.   TR.  POT.  cos.  in.     In 

VOL.  IV.  B  B 


168  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

exergue,  BRITANNIA.     The  province  of  Britain  seated  on  a 
rock,  with   spear  and   shield  (12).     Titles;  three  standards — 
Modius,  Types  of  Fortune,  Piety,  &c.  (20).     FELICIT. 
Two  figures,  joining  hands  (1).     cos.  in.    Varieties  of  the 
galley  type  (4).     ANNONA  (3).     s.  c.  in  wreath  (1).     s.  c. 

Pallas  (1).  HILARITAS  P.  R.  COS.  III.  (2).  AFRICA  (1). 
FIDES  PVBLICA  (4).  50. 

8ABINA. 

s.  c.    Ceres,  seated  on  a  modius;  in  her  right  hand,  flowers,  in 
left,  a  torch.  4. 

ANTONINUS    PIUS. 

IMPERATOR  ii.    in  exergue,   ANCILIA  (2).       GENIO    SENATVS 

(1).   BONO  EVENTVI  (1).   ANNONA  AVG.  (3).   CONCORD. 

cos.  mi.    Three  hands  (1).     PIETAS  AVG.  (4).     CONCORDIA 

EXERCITVVM  (1).  BRITANNIA  COS.  IIII.  (10).  S.  C.  A  fi- 
gure, holding  a  lyre  and  patera  (1).  PM  . .  .  cos.  DES.  n. 
Titles;  Pallas,  standing  (1).  Types  of  Piety,  Fortune,  Li- 
berty, Felicity,  &c.  (15).  40. 

FAUSTINA   THE    ELDER. 

AETERNITAS.     Female  figure,  standing  (2).     Idem.    A  seated 
figure,  holding  a  globe,  on  which  is  a  phoenix  (1).      PIETAS 

AVG  (4).       FELICITAS  (3).       VENERI    AVGVSTAE  (1).       IVNONI 

REGIN^E  (2).     AVGVSTA  (1).     s.  c.    Diana,  standing.          14. 

MARCUS    AURELIUS. 
PIETAS    (1).        CONCORDIA    (2).        IVVENTAS     (1).        CONCORDIA 

EXERC.  ...   (1).      IMP.    viii  .  .  .  .  ;   in  area,   FELICIT  .  .  . 
Galley,    with    rowers   (1).        Titles ;    Types    of   Equity,  &c. 
(10).  16. 

FAUSTINA    THE    YOUNGER. 

s.  c.    Diana  (1).     SALVS  AVGVSTA  (2).     FELICITAS  (1).        4. 

VERUS. 

LIBER ALITAS  TR.  p.  v.  IMP.  cos.     Type  of  liberality  (1).    CON- 
CORDIA  AVGVSTORVM.    Two  figures,  joining  hands  (1).       2. 

(To  be  continued  in  our  next). 


169 
XVII. 

NOTE  ON  THE  CHANGE  OF  POSITION  IN  THE 
LEGEND  OF  THE  DOLLAR  OF  1567,  OF  JOHN 
GEORGE  II.,  ELECTOR  OF  SAXONY. 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society,  May  20th,  1841.] 

THE  Vicegerent,  John  George  II.,  Elector  of  Saxony,  had 
a  dollar  struck  in  1657,  stamped  as  follows,  viz.: — The 
elector  was  represented,  on  one  side,  on  horseback,  clad  in 
his  electoral  robes;  and  around  him  were  the  words, 
"Deo  et  Patrice."  This  inscription  was  written  in  the 
same  manner  as  that  which  the  Vicegerent  John  George  I. 
had  had  stamped  on  his  coins  in  1619,  which  design  was 
no  doubt  referred  to,  as  a  model  on  the  present  occasion, 
on  which  was  the  motto,  "Pro  Lege  et  Grege."  Commencing 
on  the  right-hand  side  of  the  foot  of  the  coin,  and  proceed- 
ing opposite  the  tail,  and  then  over  the  back  of  the  horse 
to  the  head.  Thus,  in  the  coin  of  John  George  II.,  the 
word  "  Deo  "  commenced  near  the  horse's  heel,  and  the 
word  "  Patrice"  was  over  the  head.  This  gave  rise  to  some 
contemptuous  remarks  from  those  who  were  not  of  the 
same  religion  as  the  Saxons ;  and  they  said  the  Saxons 
must  be  a  God-less  set  of  people,  because  they  place  the 
word  «  GOD  "  at  the  horse's  heel,  while  the  word  "Patrice" 
is  over  his  head.  The  elector  immediately  ordered  these 
coins  to  be  called  in,  without  expense,  and  a  new  one  to  be 
struck  off,  with  the  word  "Deo  "  over  the  horse's  head,  and 
"Patrice"  at  the  back  and  lower  part.  This  excited  so 
much  curiosity  that  an  impression  from  the  first  die  was 
most  eagerly  sought  after,  at  a  high  price. 

WALTER  HAWKINS. 

May,  17,  1841. 


170 


XVIII. 

GROATS  OF  HENRY  THE  SEVENTH  WITH  THE 
OPEN  CROWN. 

IN  my  younger  collecting  days  I  had  free  access  to  the 
cabinets  of  the  late  Mr.  Miles,  and  I  once  mentioned  to 
him  that  from  the  great  similarity  of  workmanship  and  of 
inscription,  and  both  having  roses  between  the  words  as 
stops,  it  struck  me  that  the  half-groat  of  a  King  Henry,  of 
the  London  Mint,  with  a  flat  crown,  and  the  Canterbury 
half-groat,  with  an  arched  crown,  were  of  the  same  mo- 
narch, and  probably  by  the  same  engraver;  and  as  the 
latter  is  undoubtedly  Henry  the  Seventh's,  I  considered 
the  other,  with  the  flat  crown,  was  also  Henry  the  Seventh's. 
Mr.  Miles  thought  my  idea  probable,  and  in  my  little 
casket  I  have  ever  since  classed  the  London  half-groat, 
with  the  flat  crown,  as  Henry  the  Seventh's.  It  is  in  the 
accompanying  drawing  (No.  1),  but  is  very  thin,  and 
weighs  only  13|  grs.  I  have  another  which  weighs  18  grs. 
No.  2  is  the  Canterbury  half-groat,  with  the  arched  crown, 
which  weighs  19  grs.,  but  no  drawing  can  shew  the  simi- 
larity of  workmanship  so  decidedly  as  comparing  the  coins 
together,  and  most  probably  you  have  both  varieties. 

It  would  seem  to  have  been  a  very  natural  consequence 
that,  having  satisfied  myself  that  Henry  the  Seventh  coined 
half-groats  with  a  flat  crown,  I  should  have  looked  out  for 
groats  of  the  same  ;  but  this  never  struck  me  until  last  sum- 
mer, when  in  looking  through  the  coins  at  one  of  the  sales 
of  the  late  Mr.  Young's  stock-in-trade,  I  met  with  a  groat 
with  a  flat  crown,  which  struck  me  immediately  as  being 
Henry  the  Seventh's,  (No.  3). — There  is  in  almost  all  the 
full-faced  groats  of  Henry  the  Seventh,  with  the  arched 


VollV.  page.  270 


THI  VJ1™  WDTIH!  TIK1E  ©1PIM 


GROATS    OF    HENRY    THE    SEVENTH.  171 

crown,  a  peculiar  and  melancholy  expression  of  character, 
totally  differing  from  the  groats  of  Edward  the  Fourth  and 
Richard  the  Third,  and  the  light  groats  of  Henry  the  Sixth, 
which  in  general  are  so  similar  to  Edward  the  Fourth's,  that, 
unless  you  look  to  the  inscription,  they  would  pass  you  as 
Edward  the  Fourth's.  This  groat  weighs  46f  grains,  and  is 
inscribed  HENRIC.  Di.  GRA.  REX.  ANGLZ.  &  FRANC.,  mint 
mark,  a  rose.  Reverse  as  usual,  Posui,  &c.,  and  of  the  Lon- 
don Mint'  It  has  a  small  cross  over  each  shoulder,  and  the 
words  on  the  obverse  are  separated  by  a  kind  of  small 
trefoil.  The  countenance  so  exactly  resembles,  in  character, 
those  with  the  arched  crown,  that  I  have  no  doubt  of  its 
being  Henry  the  Seventh's ;  I  presume  that  it  was  his  first 
coinage. 

I  lately  purchased  the  principal  part  of  a  hoard  of  groats 
dug  out  of  the  earth,  which  were  chiefly  Edward  the 
Fourth's  and  Henry  the  Seventh's,  and  among  them  are 
two,  Nos.  4  and  5,  of  the  accompanying  drawing,  both  of 
the  London  Mint,  which  are  clearly  of  the  same  character 
as  No.  3;  and  this  induces  me  to  call  the  attention  of  your 
society  to  the  question  of  whether  Henry  the  Seventh  did 
not  coin  first  with  the  flat  crown  ?  No.  4  is  very  similar  to 
No.  3 ;  the  same  legend,  same  division  of  a  trefoil  between 
the  letters ;  but  the  mint  mark  on  the  reverse  is  rather  a 
cinquefoil  than  a  rose.  It  also  weighs  46|  grains.  No.  5, 
though  a  smaller  coin,  weighs  47|  grains.  The  neck  is 
shorter,  and  consequently  the  bust  is  sunk  lower.  The 
inscription  on  the  obverse  is  the  same,  but  divided  by  small 
crosses  or  quatrefoils,  and  the  mint  marks  the  same  as 
No.  4.  A  full  round  rose  (I  think)  on  the  obverse,  and  a 
cinquefoil,  or  rose  of  five  points,  on  the  reverse.  I  feel 
quite  satisfied  that  these  three  groats  are  Henry  the  Se- 
venth's first  coinage,  and  I  hope  that  the  great  collectors 


172  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

of  your  society,  whose  cabinets  give  them  such  superior 
means  of  investigation,  will  not  think  the  subject  beneath 
their  consideration. 

R.  S. 
Cork,  8th  April,  1841. 

P.S.  I  add  a  list  of  such  varieties  of  the  full-faced  groats 
of  Henry  the  Seventh  as  are  in  my  cabinet  with  the  arched 
crown. 


GROATS  OF  HENRY  VII.  WITH  THE  FLAT  CROWN. 
Mint  mark — an  open  Rose. 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRANC. 
Rev.— POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTORE  MEV. 

London.     Weight  46|  grs. 

Mint  mark — a  Rose  with  five  points. 
Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRANC. 
Rev.— POSVI  DEV  ADIVTORE  MEVM. 

London.     Weight  46|  grs 

Mint  mark — a  Lily  on  a  Rose. 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRANC. 
Rev.— POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTORE  MEVM. 

London.     Weight  47|  grs. 

GROATS  OF  HENRY  VII.  WITH  THE  CROWN  OF  ONE  ARCH. 

Mint  mark — cross  Crosslet. 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGLIE  Z  FRA. 
Rev.— POSVt  DEV  ADIVTORE  MEV.  London 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGUE  Z  FR. 

Rev.— POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV.  London. 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGLIE  Z  F. 

.— POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV.  London. 


GROATS    OF    HENRY    THE    SEVENTH.  173 

GROATS  OF  HENRY  VII.  WITH  TWO  PLAIN  ARCHES. 

Without  a  Mint  mark. 

Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRANC. 
Rev.—  POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTORE  MEVM. 

Civitas  London. 

Mint  mark  —  Cinquefoil. 
n       f  Same  as  preceding  Groat. 

Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRAC. 

Rev.—  POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTORE  MEVM.  London. 

Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGLI  Z  FR. 

Rev.—  POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV.  London. 

GROATS  OF  HENRY  VII.  WITH  TWO  ORNAMENTED  ARCHES. 

Mint  mark  —  escalop  Shell. 

Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRANCI. 
Rev.—  POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTORE  MEVM. 

With  roses  between  the  words. 

Obv.  —  Same  as  the  preceding. 

Rev.—  POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTOREV  MEVM. 

Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRANC. 

Rev.  —  Same  as  first.  L  in  London  different. 

Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRAN. 
Rev.  —  Same  as  first. 

Mint  mark  —  Obv.  —  Escalop  shell.     Rev.  —  Cinquefoil. 
Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRA. 
Rev.—  POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV. 

Roses  in  the  extremities  of  the  cross. 

Mint  mark,  Cinquefoil. 

Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRA. 
POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV. 


Obv.—  HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FR. 
Rev.  —  Same  as  preceding. 


174  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGL  Z  FRA. 

Rev. — Same  as  preceding. 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGL  Z  FRA. 
Rev.— Same  as  preceding.      Mint  mark  on  reverse,  Escalop 
shell. 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  ANGI  Z  FR. 
Rev.— Same  as  first. 

Mint  mark,  Leopard's  face,  crowned. 

Obv.— HENRI  DI  GRA  REX  AGLI  Z  FR. 
Rev.— POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV. 

Mint  mark,  Greyhound's  head. 
Obv. — A  smaller  head,  similar  to  those  on  the  groats  with  one 

arch.     HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGL  Z  FR. 
Rev.— POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV. 

Obv.— A  large  bust.   HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGL  Z  FR. 
Rev. — Same  as  preceding. 

;    Obv. — Same  as  preceding. 
Rev.—POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTOE  MEV, 

Obv.— HENRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGR  Z  FR. 
Rev.—POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTOEV  MEV. 

Mint  mark,  Anchor. 

Obv.— HFNRIC  DI  GRA  REX  AGL  Z  FR. 
Rev.—  POSVI  DEV  ADIVTOE  MEV. 

These  varieties  are  in  the  cabinet  of  R.  Sainthill,  Cork. 
1th  June,  1841. 


175 
MISCELLANEA. 


FORGING   MEXICAN  DOLLARS  AT   SHEFFIELD. 

JOHN  HAMON  SUTTON  was  charged  with  making  and  coun- 
terfeiting, at  Sheffield,  one  hundred  dollars,  not  the  proper 
coin  of  this  realm,  nor  permitted  to  be  current  within  the 
same,  resembling  and  intended  to  resemble  and  look  like  the 
silver  coin  of  Mexico.  Mr.  Wortley  and  Mr.  Pickering  for 
the  prosecution.  Mr.  Baines  for  the  defence. 

Mr.  Wortley  said  the  prosecution  was  of  an  unusual  nature, 
such  as  he  had  never  before  known  in  the  course  of  his  ex- 
perience. The  offence  charged  in  the  indictment  was  made 
felony  by  the  37  Geo.  III.  c.  126,  s.  2.  The  peculiarity  of 
the  case  was  that  he  should  not  be  able  to  shew  that  the 
prisoner  made  the  coins  with  his  own  hand,  but  it  would  be 
sufficient  if  he  shewed  that  he  had  employed  others  to  do  so. 
He  gave  a  summary  of  the  evidence  he  should  adduce,  and 
admitted  that  the  papers  found  upon  the  prisoner,  and  his 
coming  direct  to  Sheffield  when  he  found  that  suspicion  was 
excited,  made  in  his  favour.  He  submitted,  under  the  cor- 
rection of  the  Judge,  that  it  made  no  difference  whether  the 
prisoner  meant  to  circulate  the  coins  in  this  country  or  not, 
if  they  believed  that  his  design  was  any  where  to  circulate 
them  as  coin. 

The  first  witness  was  Mr.  Henry  Briggs,  who  proved  that 
on  the  10th  of  December,  the  prisoner  called  at  his  master's 
warehouse,  and  said  he  wanted  medals  making.  Witness 
could  not  answer  his  questions  as  to  price,  &c.,  but  requested 
him  to  call  again  when  Mr.  Briggs  was  in. 

Mr.  Briggs  proved  that  the  prisoner  came  to  him  on  the 
llth  of  December,  and  said  he  wanted  some  medals  striking, 
in  hard  metal,  that  would  keep  its  colour.  He  said  he  was 
agent  for  some  company  in  America,  and  wanted  them  to 
exchange  for  furs.  He  produced  this  medal,  with  a  ring, 
and  I  told  him  I  could  not  tell  the  price  till  I  saw  the  dies, 
which  he  said  he  would  send  up,  and  would  call  again. 
Mr.  Briggs  recommended  plated  medals,  on  German  silver, 
as  the  best.  He  came  in  the  evening  with  a  porter,  carrying 
the  dies  in  a  small  box.  (Cooper  produced  the  dies,)  which 
he  identified  as  the  same.  Witness  then  offered  to  stamp  the 
German  silver  medals  at  9s.  or  10s.  a  dozen,  and  the  plated 
at  18s.  He  said  he  should  want  German  silver  chains  and 
rings  for  the  medals,  and  Mr.  Briggs  said  he  would  get  them 

VOL.  iv.  c  c 


176  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

cheaper  in  Birmingham.  The  prisoner's  order  for  2400 
medals  was  produced,  to  be  packed  in  tin  boxes.  Prisoner 
gave  him  ninety  sovereigns  on  account,  saying  he  was  going 
over  to  Ireland.  The  next  day  prisoner  called  to  see  a 
medal  which  Mr.  Briggs  had  got  stamped.  He  saw  two  or 
three.  Mr.  Briggs  reported  that  the  dies  would  not  stand 
for  the  quantity  required.  In  answer  to  the  application  of 
the  prisoner  Mr.  Briggs  recommended  and  sent  for  Mr. 
Brown,  die-sinker,  who  undertook  to  cut  new  dies.  The 
prisoner  said  he  was  to  sail  from  London  on  the  27th  of 
Decembei*.  Prisoner  offered  to  pay  Mr.  Brown's  expenses  to 
Birmingham  to  fetch  the  blocks  for  the  new  dies  immedi- 
ately. In  the  mean  time  the  old  dies  were  to  be  used.  Mr. 
Briggs  wrote  to  him  in  a  few  days  that  the  dies  failed,  and 
the  prisoner  called  in  a  day  or  two,  not  having  got  the  letter. 
He  reduced  the  order  to  1500,  and  bought  some  other  goods 
to  the  amount  of  25Z.  The  medals  were  to  be  wrapped  in 
single  papers,  and  Mr.  Briggs  recommended  him  to  have 
them  bored  first,  but  the  prisoner  declined.  The  prisoner 
was  particular  about  the  colour,  because  he  said  the  natives 
sometimes  rubbed  them  on  stones.  Doubt  arising  about  the 
object  of  the  medals,  Mr.  Briggs  caused  an  application  to  be 
made  to  the  Mexican  consul,  and  informed  the  prisoner,  by 
letter,  of  his  doubts.  In  prisoner's  reply,  he  enclosed  a  letter 
from  a  Mr.  Withers,  in  London,  the  cutter  of  the  first  die, 
stating  that  he  had  had  enquiries  made  at  the  Mint  as  to 
the  correctness  of  making  the  rim  otherwise  than  plain. 
There  was  another  letter  from  the  same,  saying,  "  The  Mint 
say  it  is  all  correct."  The  prisoner  wrote  with  them  that 
he  had  apprehended  some  doubts  might  arise,  and  had  taken 
the  proper  precautions  to  be  assured  that  all  was  right. 
After  a  few  days  the  prisoner  came  and  assured  Mr. 
Briggs  that  the  medals  were  not  to  be  used  as  coin.  Mr. 
Briggs  declined  to  proceed  with  the  work,  and  complained 
of  the  loss  he  had  suffered.  The  prisoner  offered  him  401. 
in  compensation,  and  51.  for  the  trouble  he  had  had  as  to 
the  bowie  knives.  The  prisoner  was  to  come  again  for  the 
balance  of  the  90L,  but  was  apprehended  on  his  way  to  Mr. 
Brown's. 

Cross-examined  by  Mr.  Baines.  —  The  prisoner  said  be 
would  get  the  medals  bored  and  fitted  with  rings  and  chains 
at  Birmingham.  He  gave  me  no  direction  as  to  the  send- 
ing of  the  medals.  There  was  nothing  secret  in  the  trans- 
action. 

Mr.  James  Brown,  die-sinker,  Sheffield,  also  proved  his 
engagement  with  the  prisoner  to  make  a  pair  of  dies  for  a 
medal.  Becoming  suspicious  of  their  purpose  before  they 


MISCELLANEA.  177 

were  finished,  he  refused  to  deliver  them.  He  finally  gave 
them  up  to  Mr.  Briggs,  having  filed  them  across  and  made 
them  useless. 

Jeremiah  Dukinfield,  proved  that  he  struck  the  medals  for 
his  master,  Mr.  Briggs. 

Mr.  James  Wild,  constable,  proved  the  receipt  of  the  dies 
and  medals  from  Mr.  Briggs,  and  the  apprehension  of  the 
prisoner.  He  produced  a  letter  found  upon  the  prisoner, 
purporting  to  be  from  a  friqpd  and  agent  of  his  at  New 
Orleans,  informing  him  that  he  had  concluded  an  agreement 
on  his  own  behalf,  with  a  respectable  company,  that  he  was 
to  go  to  England  to  purchase  medals  and  cutlery,  suited  to 
the  trade  with  the  Indians,  and  would  probably  afterwards 
have  to  go  into  the  interior  as  far  as  the  head  of  the  Columbia 
River  to  conduct  the  trade. 

A  gentleman  connected  with  the  Mexican  Legation,  proved 
that  its  title  was  the  Republic  of  Mexico,  and  that  the  medals 
were  an  imitation  of  the  Mexican  dollars. 

Mr.  John  Francis  Bacon,  merchant  of  London,  and  ac- 
quainted with  the  Mexican  coinage,  also  proved  the  similarity 
of  the  medals  to  the  coinage  of  Mexico. 

Mr.  Baines  addressed  the  Jury  for  the  prisoner,  a  foreigner, 
most  unexpectedly  to  himself,  involved  in  his  present  diffi- 
culties. The  question  was,  whether  he  had  done  this  with  a 
guilty  intent,  that  they  might  pass  as  coin.  If  they  were 
merely  meant  to  pass  as  trinkets  among  the  Indians,  that  was 
not  the  offence  contemplated  by  the  act.  He  argued  that  the 
act  was  designed  to  prevent  the  passing  of  fictitious  foreign 
coin  in  England.  He  would  not  rest  upon  the  legal  points 
of  the  case,  but  he  argued  on  the  facts  that  these  medals 
were  never  meant  to  be  used  as  coin,  but  only  as  medals. 
He  should  call  a  witness,  because  his  conviction  was  that  the 
more  fully  the  Jury  knew  the  whole  of  Mr.  Sutton's  transac- 
tions, the  more  they  would  be  satisfied  with  his  bond  fide 
conduct.  Mr.  Sutton  was  a  Canadian  by  birth,  and  his  busi- 
ness had  been  to  conduct  trade  with  the  Indians  of  the 
interior  of  America  for  furs.  A  sovereign  with  them  would 
not  pass  as  a  sovereign,  but  as  a  toy,  like  beads,  pictures, 
glass,  &c.  The  object  of  the  prisoner  in  coming  to  England 
was  to  provide  himself  with  the  proper  articles  for  this  traffic. 
He  should  call  Mr.  Withers,  whose  letters  they  had  heard 
read,  and  who  would  shew  them  Mr.  Sutton's  design  for  a 
medal  with  a  handle  to  it,  which  design  was  set  aside  by  the 
difficulties  which  Mr.  Withers  raised  as  to  its  execution.  That 
being  thus  set  aside,  the  prisoner  wished  to  have  the  medals 
stamped  with  a  hole.  He  granted  that  if  these  medals  were 
given  to  the  Indians  as  being  worth  Mexican  dollars,  there 


178  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

would  be  a  fraud,  but  he  argued  that  that  was  not  the  design. 
Mr.  Baines  then  argued,  from  the  respectable  house  in  Shef- 
field to  which  he  applied,  from  the  openness  of  his  transac- 
tions, from  his  returning  to  Sheffield  when  suspicion  had 
arisen,  and  from  his  whole  demeanor,  that  it  was  impossible 
to  suppose  the  prisoner  had  a  guilty  intention.  He  read  the 
letters,  shewing  that  they  were  not  the  language  of  a  guilty 
man  ;  and  after  the  assurance  he  had  as  to  the  enquiries  at 
the  Mint,  how  could  he  have  the  least  idea  of  his  conduct 
being  illegal  ? 

Mr.  Thomas  Henry  Withers,  of  17,  Princes-street,  Soho, 
London,  proved  the  application  to  him  by  the  prisoner,  for 
a  die  of  medals,  with  a  handle,  and  his  uniform  profession  as 
to  the  object  of  them. 

Mr.  Wortley  replied,  and  submitted  that  there  was  utility 
in  having  them  made  like  Mexican  coin,  if  they  were  meant 
to  pass  as  coin,  but  no  particular  need  for  it  if  they  were 
merely  for  trinkets.  He  did  not  wish  to  press  hard  upon  the 
prisoner,  but  the  minute  imitation  of  the  coin  would  be  use- 
less for  trinkets. 

The  learned  Judge  summed  up.  He  remarked  upon  the 
bond  fide  appearance  of  the  letter  found  upon  the  prisoner  as 
to  his  engagement  with  the  Indian  traders.  He  mentioned 
the  well-known  inclination  of  savage  tribes  for  showy  imita- 
tions. With  us,  igenuine  articles  were  more  highly  esteemed; 
but  for  use,  the  taste  of  the  Indians  might  be  as  good  as 
ours.  His  Lordship  minutely  summed  up.  He  thought  it 
was  a  harsh  construction  to  say  that  because  the  man  did  not 
order  the  medals  to  be  bored  at  Sheffield,  his  design  was 
bad,  after  the  evidence  they  had  of  the  way  in  which  he 
wanted  them  made  in  London.  He  remarked  upon  the  man 
coming  to  Sheffield  as  soon  as  he  was  written  to  by  Briggs, 
and  regretted  that,  without  more  evidence,  the  prisoner  should 
then  have  been  apprehended.  He  remarked  that  the  other 
purchases  of  the  prisoner  confirmed  his  story,  and  thought 
it  did  not  matter  whether  these  medals  were  to  be  perforated 
or  to  be  handed  about  as  trinkets.  To  convict  the  prisoner, 
they  must  be  satisfied  there  was  no  doubt  these  medals  were 
to  be  used  as  coin.  He  thought  it  made  out  as  clearly  as 
the  circumstances  of  the  case  admitted,  that  that  was  not  the 
intention ;  and  if  the  prisoner  should  be  acquitted,  every 
one  must  feel  that  it  was  most  unfortunate  he  should  have 
been  so  long  confined  on  this  charge. 

The  Jury  immediately  found  the  prisoner  Not  Guilty,  which 
produced  a  demonstration  of  satisfaction  in  the  Court ;  and  he 
was  forthwith  discharged. 


MISCELLANEA.  179 

In  consequence  of  a  remark  from  Mr.  Wortley,  his  Lord- 
ship said  the  Jury  would  understand  that  he  did  not  deem  it 
at  all  a  trivial  thing  that  coins  should  be  made  in  this  country 
to  defraud  the  natives  of  other  countries.  But  they  had 
acquitted  the  prisoner  of  that  design. 

Mr.  Wortley  said  he  merely  desired  that  his  Lordship 
should  make  a  remark  on  the  subject  for  the  justification  of 
the  prosecution  with  the  public.* 

LETTER  FROM  ADAM  CARDONNEL,  author  of  the  "  Nu- 
mismata  Scotise,"  to  the  Earl  of  Buchan,  President  of  the 
Antiquarian  Society  of  Edinburgh,  dated  5th  July,  1784. t — 
"  My  Lord, — In  consequence  of  a  card  from  Mr.  Colquhoun, 
I  waited  on  him  this  afternoon  with  respect  to  the  coins,  and 
was  not  a  little  surprised  at  his  saying  the  Duke  of  Argyle 
had  given  him  the  whole  to  himself,  with  the  proviso  that 
what  duplicates  there  were,  he  would  give  to  the  Society. 
Mr.  Colquhoun  gave  me  what  he  said  were  the  whole  mass, 
consisting  of  twenty-one,  in  order  to  look  over  that  I  might 
lay  aside  the  doubles.  I  have  looked  at  them  once,  but 
cannot  find  one  double ;  indeed  the  number  is  so  trifling  that 
I  could  scarce  expect  one.  I  am  to  return  the  whole  to  him 
to-morrow,  separating  the  doubles ;  if  there  should  be  none, 
he  told  me  he  could  not  part  with  them.  I  understood  that 
the  Duke  had  given  them  originally  to  the  Society,  and  that 
Mr.  C.  was  to  have  the  duplicates,  if  any.  I  shall  note 
down  such  as  he  has  given  me  by  a  kind  of  inventory 
and  return  them  to  him,  as  my  taking  two  or  three  would 
constitute  a  bargain  betwixt  the  Society  and  him,  which  I 
would  not  choose  to  do  without  your  lordship's  previous 
directions. 

"  I  beg  leave  to  inclose  a  proof  of  my  first  plate,  which, 
though  quite  unfinished,  will  show  the  plan ;  the  first  row  is 
to  contain  two  of  Alexander  I.  and  one  of  David  I.  I  have 
copied  all  the  varieties  of  William  that  I  have,  as  well  as 
those  of  Mr.  Paton.  I  have  left  room  for  eight  more,  to 
insert  those  I  expect  from  the  Laird  of  Brodie  at  the  bottom 
of  the  plate.  I  shall,  if  I  see  no  likelihood  of  getting  more 
varieties  than  what  will  fill  up  the  two  rows,  etch  a  view  of 
some  ruin  or  something  by  way  of  frontispiece.  The  second 
plate  will  contain  Alexander  II.  and  III.,  John  Baliol, 
Robert  Bruce,  and  so  on.  I  shall  send  your  lordship  a  proof 

*  This  report  is  taken  from  a  recent  Sheffield  Paper.  We  leave  our  readers 
to  make  their  own  comments  on  the  extraordinary  particulars  it  discloses, 
merely  observing  that  the  object  for  which  these  spurious  pieces  were  struck 
must  be  obvious  to  every  one. — Eo.N.  C. 

t  From  the  original  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  B.  Nightingale. 


180  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

as  I  go  forward.  I  have  copied  as  exactly  as  my  eye  can 
serve  me.  I  shall  compare  Anderson  and  Snelling  together, 
and  take  the  best  likenesses  to  the  coins  themselves  where  I 
can  procure  them.  I  hope  your  lordship  received  my  note 
last  week  with  the  Manuscript  Gaelic  Poem.  My  cold  still 
continues  very  indifferent,  so  cannot  promise  myself  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  your  lordship  on  Saturday ;  I  feel  the 
rheumatism  in  my  head  very  much,  I  can  hardly  see,  so  am 
afraid  this  may  be  scarcely  legible.  I  shall  hope  for  your 
lordship's  opinion  of  my  first  essay  when  convenient,  and  re- 
main, with  sincere  respect, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

"  ADAM  CARDONNEL." 

LETTER  FROM  JOHN  PINKERTON  TO  ROBERT  DODSLEY. — 
The  following  letter  from  Pinkerton  to  Dodsley,  the  pub- 
lisher, contains  the  original  proposals  for  the  publication  of 
his  "  Essay  on  Medals,"  which  were  accepted,  the  first  edition 
being  shortly  afterwards  published  in  the  same  year  (1784) 
in  one  volume,  octavo.  Whatever  were  Pinkerton's  faults 
it  is  certain  that  he  was  an  ingenious  and  laborious  writer  j 
had  he  possessed  less  pedantry  and  self-conceit,  he  might 
have  been  a  still  more  useful  and  correct  one.  The  "  Essay" 
here  alluded  to  is  a  work  of  much  merit,  particularly  the 
subsequent  edition,  which  was  enlarged  into  two  volumes. 
Pinkerton  had  little  practical  knowledge  of  coins,  but  in 
these  volumes  he  has  brought  together  a  mass  of  curious  in- 
formation digested  into  a  popular  form.  He  liberally  abuses 
nearly  every  previous  writer  with  a  virulence  and  scurri- 
lity peculiar  to  the  man,  though  his  book  shows  that  on  every 
occasion  he  availed  himself  of  their  information. 

B.  NIGHTINGALE. 

"  Knightsbridge,  1.2th  January,  1784. 
'•  DEAR  SIR, 

"  IN  a  late  conversation  I  started  an  idea  of  an  Essay 
on  Medals,  in  the  way  of  Mr.  Gilpin's  Essay  on  Prints,  and 
as  you  seemed  not  averse  to  that  idea,  I  enclose  a  view  of 
the  proposed  contents,  in  order  that  you  may  judge  with 
more  certainty  than  is  possible  from  the  evanescent  nature 
of  conversation.  That  this  is  the  very  land  of  connoisseurs, 
and  that  yet  to  this  day  no  treatise  of  the  kind  has  appeared, 
though  every  body  wishes  for  it,  is  a  very  strong  argument 
for  a  rapid  sale.  But  of  this  you  are  the  only  judge,  and  I 
wish  not  to  influence  you  either  one  way  or  the  other. 

"  My  plan  would  make  a  neat  little  half-crown  volume  of 


MISCELLANEA.  181 

about  200  pages,  and  should  you  like  it  upon  farther 
thoughts  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  your  proposals.  I  have 
so  many  materials  (this  having  always  been  a  favourite 
amusement  of  mine)  that  I  could  engage  to  let  you  have 
it  in  a  month,  should  you  wish  to  publish  this  Parliament. 
As  to  knowledge  of  the  subject  and  composition,  should 
you  not  like  them,  I  shall  not  murmur  at  your  burning 
my  M.S. 

*'  If  you  do  not  like  the  scheme,  I  shall  drop  it  entirely,  as 
I  do  not  wish  to  offer  my  labour  to  every  one,  and,  indeed, 
am  too  lazy  to  go  to  work  with  the  humiliating  view  of  after- 
wards hawking  my  little  labours. 

"  I  am  always,  yours  sincerely,  J.  PINKERTON." 

"  ISSUES  OF  THE  EXCHEQUER,  BEING  PAYMENTS  MADE  OUT 
OF  H.  M.  REVENUE," — TEMP.  JAMES  I.  AND  CHARLES  I. 

THE  following  notices  are  extracted  from  a  work  bearing  the 
above  title,  edited  by  Frederick  Devon,  Esq.,  and  published 
in  1836.  Being  for  payments  connected  with  the  coinage, 
they  will  be  interesting  as  well  as  useful  to  the  Numismatist, 
and  to  many  of  your  readers  may  be  altogether  new,  the 
book  being  one  not  generally  known,  and  scarcely  to  be 
met  with  except  in  libraries  of  a  public  nature.  They  are 
also  to  be  relied  on  as  unquestionably  authentic.  The  Re- 
cords yet  published  do  not  extend  to  a  later  period  than  the 
early  part  of  the  reign  of  Charles  I.,  but  it  is  hoped  Mr. 
Devon  may  be  induced  to  continue  his  labours,  as  the  period 
of  the  Protectorate  and  the  Restoration  may  be  expected  to 
afford  some  curious  information  relative  to  the  famous  medal- 
lists who  then  flourished,  and  probably  specifying  the  parti- 
cular works  done,  and  the  payments  received,  by  such  artists 
as  Thomas  Simon  and  the  Roettiers.  B.  N. 


PELL  RECORDS,  TEMP.  JAMES  I. 

20th  December,  — .  By  order,  dated  1st  December,  1611. 
To  Sir  Richard  Martin,  Knight,  Master  of  His  Majesty's 
Mint,  the  sum  of  160/.  for  the  charges  of  sundry  models, 
tools,  and  engines  thereafter  to  be  made,  for  the  better 
making  of  His  Majesty's  monies,  both  of  gold  and 
silver,  more  fair  than  heretofore  they  have  been ;  and 
for  the  making  of  all  sorts  of  small  moneys  with  speed, 
beauty,  and  justness.  By  writ,  dated  10th  December, 
1611.  £160  0  0 


182  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

21st  May,  — .  By  order,  dated  20th  May,  1623.  To  William 
Holle,  Gentleman,  Chief  Graver  of  His  Majesty's  Mint 
and  Scales,  the  sum  of  16/.  2s.  Qd.  for  making  and 
graving  a  seal  of  silver,  with  His  Majesty's  Arms 
crowned  and  supported,  according  to  the  print  of  the 
seal  of  the  Court  of  Wards  in  England,  for  His  Ma- 
jesty's Court  of  Wards  in  Ireland,  save  only  with  this 
difference,  that  under  the  supporters  there  be  engraven 
two  harps  and  crowns,  and  with  this  His  Majesty's 
title  —  "JACOBVS,  DEI  GRATIA  MAGX.E  BRITANNIA, 
FRANCIJE,  ET  HIBERNI^:,  REX,  FIDEI  DEFENSOR,"  &c. 
according  to  the  allowance  heretofore  made  for  the  seal 
of  the  Court  of  Wards  in  England,  as  appeareth  by  a 
certificate  under  the  hand  of  Sir  Francis  Goston,  Knight,  • 
one  of  the  Auditors  of  the  Prests.  By  writ,  dated 
27th  February,  1622 £16  2  9 


PELL  RECORDS,  TEMP.  CHARLES  I. 

9th  February,  — .  By  order,  dated  18th  November,  1626. 
To  Nicholas  Breeott,  a  French  graver,  the  sum  of  100Z. 
due  to  him  for  providing  sundry  particulars  by  him 
bought,  by  His  Majesty's  commandment,  needful  and 
necessary  for  the  making  of  Stamps  to  stamp  certain 
pieces  of  largess  of  gold  and  silver  made  in  memory  of 
His  Majesty's  Coronation ;  as  also  for  his  labour  and 
pains  taken  in  making  and  graving  certain  puncheons 
for  the  shaping  of  His  Majesty's  picture,  and  the  other 
device  upon  the  said  pieces  of  largess  ;  and,  likewise, 
for  the  making  of  a  little  signet  for  His  Majesty,  re- 
maining in  his  own  custody,  which  same  sum  shall  be 
taken  to  him,  the  said  Nicholas  Breeott,  without  account, 
imprest,  or  other  charge,  to  be  set  upon  him,  his  heirs, 
executors,  administrators,  or  assigns,  for  the  same  or 
any  part  thereof.  Bv  writ,  dated  10th  April,  1626. 

£100    0     0 


By  order,  dated  13th  November,  1627.     To 

Nicholas  Breeott,  a  French  graver,  the  sum  of  601.  im- 
prest, for  the  provision  of  such  a  proportion  of  silver  as 
shall  be  sufficient  for  the  fabric  of  His  Majesty's  great 
seal  of  His  Majesty's  realm  of  Scotland.  By  writ,  dated 
9th  August,  1627.  .  ...  £60  0  0 

THEODORA    DUCAINA    PALJEOLOGHINA. —  Piombo  Unico 
Inedito  della  Collezione  de  S.  E.  R.  Monsignor  Ludovico  de 


MISCELLANEA.  183 

Principi  Altieri  di  Roma.  Illustrazione  di  Francesco  Car- 
rara, Membro  dell '  T.  R.  Institute  di  Sublime  Educazione  Eccle- 
siastica  presso  S.  Agostino  in  Vienna.  Vienna,  1840.  This 
pamphlet,  in  twenty  pages,  contains  a  dissertation  on  a 
leaden  seal  already  brought  before  the  English  Numismatic 
public  by  Mr.  Borrell,  Numismatic  Chrou.,  April,  1841, 
No.  XII.  p.  21,  who  has  contented  himself  with  succinctly 
noticing  two  varieties  of  the  seals  of  this  lady.  The  labours 
of  M.  Carrara,  whose  publication  has  appeared  quite  inde- 
pendent of  the  researches  of  Mr.  Borrell,  is  drawn  up  with 
considerable  care  and  research,  and,  as  will  be  perceived  by 
the  date,  appeared  before  the  publication  of  Mr.  BorrelFs 
paper.  Both  Numismatists  agree  in  assigning  the  seals  to 
the  same  person — Theodora,  daughter  of  John  Ducas  and  of 
Eudocia,  daughter  of  Angelus  Johannes,  who  married 
Michael  Comnenus.  This  lady  took  her  name  of  Ducaina 
from  her  father,  while  that  of  PalaBologhina  was  assumed 
from  her  husband's.  There  are  two  other  Theodoras  in 
the  Byzantine  succession,  daughters  of  Ducas  ; — Theodora, 
daughter  of  Constantine  Ducas,  declared  Emperor,  25th  of 
November,  1059,  dec.  May,  1067,  and  of  Eudocia,  daughter 
of  Constantine  Dallassenus ;  and  Theodora,  a  nun,  daughter 
of  Andronicus  Ducas,  and  of  a  niece  of  Samuel,  king  of  the 
Bulgarians.  Neither  of  these  ladies  married,  and  the  seal 
cannot  be  assigned  to  them  (p.  7).  M.  Carrara  supports  the 
reading  Evtrefteffrarr)  found  upon  the  seal,  by  the  inscription 
found  by  Tournefort  in  the  court-yard  of  an  old  monastery 
at  Trebisond,  GEo^wpa  Xpiorou  -^aprjTi  evtrefiearaTri.  In  1/89, 
Sestini  recognised  the  bust  of  this  lady.  (Lettere  e  Disser- 
tazioni  Numismatiche  sopra  al  cune  Medaglie  Rare  delle 
Collezione  Ainslieana.  Livorno.  1789.  II  disegno.  pag.  19). 
This  type  has  only  initial  letters,  and  having  been  assigned, 
there  is  considerable  doubt  about  one  letter  being  a  A 
or  A,  which  the  Museum  type  does  not  dispel,  for  the 
Museum  cabinets,  though  rich  in  Imperial  and  Autonomous 
Greek,  are  not  so  abundant  in  the  Byzantine  series.  In  con- 
clusion, we  recommend  such  of  our  readers,  as  take  an 
interest  in  this  class  of  coins,  to  the  work  of  M.  Carrara. 

ARCHERS  AND  ANGELS. — From  "  Isaac  his  Testament,  a 
Sermon  preached  at  Paule's  Crosse,  by  R.  Lewes,  Bacchelor 
of  Divinitie,"  12mo.  Oxf.  1594.  "  The"  king  of  Persia  being 
offended  at  Agesilaus,  gave  the  Athenians  thirty  thousand 
pieces  of  the  great  coine  of  golde,  wherein  was  ingraven  an 
archer;  which  thing  when  Agesilaus  understoode,  he  saide 
merrily,  but  yet  truly,  that  he  was  driven  away  with  thirty 
thousande  archers.  Many  a  poore  Agesilaus  in  this  land  is 

VOL.  IV.  D  D 


184  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

(I  feare)  oftentimes  put  from  his  right  by  a  great  company 
of  angels  that  come  against  him :  our  English  angels  are  as 
strong  as  the  Persian  archers :  but  it  is  a  pitty  that  either 
archers  there,  or  angels  heere,  shold  fight  against  justice  and 
right.  If  hee  were  not  able  to  resist  thirty  thousand  archers, 
howe  should  poore  men  stand  against  an  army  of  angels, 
when  they  march  against  them.  Surely,  except  the  godly 
and  famous  judges  and  magistrates  doe  quit  themselves  like 
men,  nay,  unlesse  they  shew  themselves  to  be  gods,  the 
angels  will  first  overcome  them,  and  then  soone  overthrow  the 
poore." 

PENNY  OF  EDRED. — At  the  sale  of  the  collection  of  Robert 
Surtees,  Esq.  in  London,  on  the  17th  of  July,  1837,  Lot  89, 
was  a  Saxon  penny — "  Eadred  with  the  head,  Clac  Moneta 
On  Exone,"  which  was  bought  by  the  late  Mr.  Young  for 
11.  15*.  on  commission  for  a  collector.  This  coin  proves 
that  money  was  coined  at  Exeter  by  Eadred,  which  Mr. 
Hawkins  has  not  admitted,  in  his  recent  excellent  work  on 
the  English  coinage.  Should  this  meet  the  eye  of  the 
gentleman,  who  has  the  penny  of  Eadred,  Mr.  Richard 
Sainthill,  Cork,  (a  Devonian),  would  feel  extremely  obliged 
to  him,  for  an  impression  of  the  coin,  in  sealing  wax,  by 
post.  S. 

AUSTRIAN  MEDALS. — A  work  on  the  medals  of  Austria, 
comprising  its  great  men  from  the  15th  to  the  16th  century,  is 
appearing  from  the  pen  of  M.  Joseph  Bergmanu  in  livraisons. 
It  is  entitled  "  Medaillen  auf  beriihmte  und  ausgezeichnete 
Manner  des  Kaiserthums  Osterreich  vom  xvi.  bis  xix. 
Jahrhunderte,  in  treuen  Abbildungen,  mit  biographisch- 
historischen  Notizen,  von  Joseph  Bergman,  Gustos  am  k.  k. 
Miinz-und  Antiken-Cabinete,  und  der  k.  k.  Ambraser  Samm- 
lung.  1  und  2  Heft.  Vien.  1840.  It  contains  medals  and 
biographical  notices  of  Jacob  de  Barmissis,  Counsellor  and 
Latin  Secretary  of  Maximilian  1.,  Deacon  at  Triest ;  Bernard 
of  Cles,  Cardinal  and  Archbishop  of  Trent ;  the  families  of 
Madruzzo,  Freunsberg,  the  heterodox  Galeottus,  Martius,  &c. 
The  medals  are  well  executed  in  outline,  the  biographical  no- 
tices are  copious,  and  will,  we  hope;  call  attention  to  a  class 
of  medals  imperfectly  understood  and  inadequately  prized  in 
this  country.  B. 

COINS    OF    HENRY  II.   AND    III.  —  Mr.  Hawkins,  in  his 

Silver  Coins  of  England,  p.  87.  hazarded  the  opinion  that  the 
pennies  assigned  by  Ruding  (PI.  II.  13,  14,  15,  &c.)  to 
Henry  III.  belonged  in  reality  to  the  second  prince  of  that 


MISCELLANEA.  185 

name.  This  opinion  receives  confirmation  from  a  quantity 
of  coins  found  recently  in  Norway,  an  account  of  which  has 
been  published  by  M.  C.  A.  Holmboe.  The  hoard  consisted 
of  nearly  5000  coins,  not  one  of  which  can  have  been  struck 
later  than  1213.  Amongst  them  are  nine  English  pennies — 
one  of  Stephen,  five  of  Henry  II.,  of  the  universally  ac- 
knowledged type  (Ruding  II.  4)  "  English  Silver  Coins,*' 
No.  285,  and  three  of  the  second,  the  disputed  coinage 
(286).  These  must  now  be  no  longer  disputed,  but  be 
definitely  assigned  to  Henry  II.  M.  Holmboe  has  re- 
marked on  the  value  of  this  "  find "  to  the  Numismatists  of 
England,  and  in  a  note,  referring  to  Ruding,  he  observes, — 
"  Henrico  tertio  adscribit ;  priores  veto  numismaticos  nun- 
nullos  Henrico  secundo  eos  rectius  adsignasse  arbitior.  Nam 
inter  omnes  nummos  nulli  eorum  regum  qui  inter  Henri- 
cum  II.  et  Henricum  III-  regnarunt,  nee  regum  Danicae  et 
Suecias  regnorum  Norvegiae  propriorum,  cum  Henrico  III. 
cosevorum  adsunt."  We  cannot  too  strongly  impress  upon 
our  Numismatic  friends  the  importance  of  obtaining  accu- 
rate accounts  of  the  finding  of  large  parcels  of  even  the 
commonest  coins,  and  of  ascertaining  that  nothing  has  been 
taken  away  from  them,  but  especially  that  nothing  has  been 
added.  The  value  of  this  Norwegian  "  find  "  depends  on  this 
last  point,  for  had  a  few  coins  of  Henry  III.,  derived  from 
another  source,  been  accidentally  mixed  with  them,  the 
evidence  would  have  become  falsified,  and  these  pieces  of 
Henry  II.  would  still  have  been  the  subject  of  historic  doubt 
and  conjecture.  A. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

Q.  There  is  a  beautiful  gold  coin  of  Carausius  in  the  British 
Museum,  to  which  it  was  bequeathed  by  the  late  pos- 
sessor, the  Rev.  C.  M.  Cracherode. 

L.  N.  Any  foreign  Numismatic  work  may  be  obtained  of 
our  publishers,  Messrs.  Taylor  and  Walton,  Upper 
Gower-street. 

TYRO.  An  accurate  account  of  the  Cuerdale  "  find"  will  pro- 
bably appear  in  our  next  number. 

P.  — 1.  Most  of  the  coins  of  Berytus  (Beyrout)  in  Phoenicia, 
are  common  :  they  have  Latin  legends.  The  brass  coin 
is  of  Caracalla,  struck  at  Byblus,  and  is  very  common. 


186  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

R.  U.  A  very  common  coin  of  Agrigentum  the  modern 
Girgenti.  The  other  piece  must  be  of  Hermocapelia  in 
Lydia,  and  is  a  scarce  coin.  The  head  is  that  of  the 
Senate  (see  the  Numismatic  Manual,  8vo.  p.  26). 

Q.Q.  We  would  advise  no  one,  at  present,  to  buy  any  of  the 
coins  found  at  Cuerdale,  for  many  of  them  have  become 
exceedingly  common.  It  is  believed  that  the  Duchy  of 
Lancaster  will  commence  proceedings  against  those  who 
have  procured  specimens  of  the  coins  from  the  work- 
men, and  hawked  them  about  for  sale  at  extravagant 
prices,  which,  in  some  instances,  they  have  obtained 
from  ignorant  people.  If  those  persons  would  take 
advice,  we  would  recommend  them  to  forward  to  the 
officers  of  the  Duchy,  immediately,  the  coins  they  have 
illegally  obtained,  and  thereby  avoid  the  consequences  of 
such  conduct. 

Our  kind  Correspondent  at  Cork,  who  renews  the  complaint 
against  the  words  "ONE  SHILLING  "  and  "SIXPENCE" 
on  our  silver  coins,  appears  to  forget,  like  others  who 
have  denounced  the  same  indications,  that  there  is  clas- 
sical authority  for  such  a  practice,  however  justly  it  may 
be  deprecated  (see  Numismatic  Manual,  page  16). 
As  regards  the  style  and  execution  of  modern  money,  it 
is  certainly  superior  in  finish  in  proportion  as  it  is  tame 
and  spiritless  in  design,  compared  with  some  of  the  com- 
monest coins  of  Greece. 

B.  B.  Not  a  Queen  Anne's  farthing,  but  a  pocket-piece  :  we 
have  seen  many  scores  of  them. 

7^.  The  reading  proposed  by  M.  Gesenius  of  the  Phoe- 
nician legend,  on  the  coin  of  Juba  the  Second  (Pro- 
ceedings, pages  11, 12,  and  Numismatic  Chronicle,  April, 
1841), namely,  Beth Khem Malchi  (i^bft  Dp  J"O  ),  appears 
to  us  only  right  in  its  Hebrew  interpretation.  The 
English  interpretation  we  take  to  be  entirely  fanciful, 
and  are  inclined  to  believe  with  Mr.  Birch  that  the 
legend  is  the  counterpart  of  REX  JVBA.  Our  cor- 
respondent will  see  that  we  have  reasons  for  entertaining 
this  belief,  if  he  will  turn  to  the  notice  of  the  Life  and 
Writings  of  Porphyry,  by  Lucas  Holstenius,  appended 
to  the  works  of  the  Sophist,  printed  at  Cambridge  in 
1655.  It  appears  that  Malchus  was  the  Syro- Phoenician 
for  BaffiXcug,  a  fact  noticed  by  Suidas  and  others. 

A.'s  coins  are  small  brass  of  Victorinus,  Tetricus,  and  Pos- 
tumus,  and  are  exceedingly  common. 


187 


XIX. 

ON  THE  ROMAN  COINS  DISCOVERED  IN  THE  BED 
OF  THE  THAMES,  NEAR  LONDON  BRIDGE,  FROM 
1834  TO  1841. 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society,  April  22nd,  1841.] 
(  Continued  from  page  168.) 

COMMODUS. 

HERC.  COMMODIANO  p.  M.  TR.  p.  xvi.  cos.  vi.  A  figure,  sacri- 
ficing on  an  altar  before  a  tree,  on  which  is  a  lion's  skin  (I). 
HERC.  ROMAN.  AVGV.  .  .  Club  in  a  wreath  (1).  s.  c.  Minerva, 

standing  (1) TR.P.  xv.  IMP.  vm.  cos.  vi. 

A  ploughman  driving  two  oxen  (1).    Titles;  Female  figure, 
with  cornucopia  (1).  5. 

SEVERUS. 

p.  M.  TR.  p.  xvi.  cos.  in.  p.  P.  Victory,  seated  on  arms  before 
a  trophy ;  in  right  hand,  a  palm ;  in  left,  a  shield  (1).  ROMAE 
AETERNAE.  Rome  seated  on  arms  (1).  2. 

JULIA    DOMNA. 

FORTVNAE  FELici.  Fortune,  seated;  before  her,  a  child,  be- 
hind, a  column  with  a  statue.  1. 

CARAGALLA. 

VIRTVS  AVGVSTORVM.  An  armed  female,  seated  on  a  helmet, 
and  holding  a  victory  ;  behind  her,  a  shield  (1).  PONTIF.  TR. 
p.  xi.  cos.  in.  In  exergue,  PROF.  AVGG.  The  emperor  on 
horseback,  galloping  over  a  fallen  figure  (1).  2. 

GETA. 

VICT.  BRIT.  TR.  p.  in.  cos  ...  A  winged  Victory,  seated  on 
arms  (1).  FORT.  RED.,  &c.  (1).  2. 

VOL.   iv.  E  E 


188  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 


MACRINUS. 

ANNONA    AVG.  (1).       PONTIF.    MAX.  TR.  P.  II.  COS.  II.  P.  P.  Se- 

curity  leaning   on  a  pillar  (1).      Idem.     The  emperor  in  a 

quadriga  (1).  3. 


SEVERUS    ALEXANDER. 
LIBERALITAS    AVG.    III.    (1).       FIDES    MILITVM   (1).       P.    M.    TR. 

p.x.  cos.  in.  P.  P.    A  female  figure  holding  ears  of  corn  over  a 
modius  ;  in  left  hand,  a  plough-share  (1).  3. 


MAXIMUS. 

PIETAS  AVG.     Sacrificial  vessels.  1. 

GORDIANUS. 

LAETITIA  AVG.  N.  (1).     Titles;  a  soldier,  standing  (1).          2. 

PHILIPPUS. 
AEQVITAS  AVG.  (1).       FELICITAS  TEMP.  (1).  2. 

DIOCLETIANUS. 

GENIO  POPVLI   ROMAKI  ;  in  exergue,   P.TR.  (3).    Idem ;  in  ex- 
ergue, PL.  &c.  (4).  7. 

MAXIMIANUS. 

GENIO  POPVLI  ROMANI  ;    in  CXCrgUC,  P.L.C.  (5).       HERCVLI  CON- 
SERVATORI  (1).  6. 

CONSTANTIUS. 

GENIO  POPVLI  ROMANI  ;  in  exergue,  P.TR.  (2).  2. 

FL.    VAL.    SEVERUS. 

GENIO  POPVLI  ROMANI.     Genius,  standing.  1. 


DISCOVERY  OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE   THAMES.       189 


CONSTANTINUS. 

PRINCIPI  IVVENTVTIS.     A  military  figure  with  two  standards ; 
in  exergue,  P.TR.  1. 


SMALL  BRASS. 

NERO. 
CBR.    QVINQ.     ROM.     CON.    8.    C.    (1).         OBNIO     AVGVSTI.     S.    C.    (1) 

PONTIF.  MAX.  TR.  p.  IMP.  P.P.  s.c.  An  armed  female  figure 
seated  on  arms.  (2).  MAX.  TRIE s.c.  similar.  (1).  5. 

TRAJANUS. 

s.  c.     A  vase  and  wreath,  on  a  table.  1. 

POSTUMUS. 
PAX   AVGG.  (1).       MONETA    AVG.  (1).       VICTORIA    AVG.  (1).      3. 

GALLIENUS. 
VICTORIA    AVG.  (3).       SALVS     AVG.  (3).       NEPTVNO    CONS.    AVG. 

A  sea-horse  (2).  SOLI.  CONS.  AVG.  Pegasus  (2).  APOLLINI. 
CONS.  AVG.  Centaur  (2).  DIANAS.  CONS.  AVG.  A  stag  (1). 
LIBERO  P.  CONS.  Panther  (3).  Various  (20).  36. 

VICTORINUS. 

PAX  AVG.  (5).       INV1CTVS.  (1).       VIRTVS  AVG.  (6).    SALVS  AVG. 
(5).        LAETITIA  AVG.     (3).        AEQVITAS    AVG.  (3).        Various 

(20).  43. 

MARIUS. 
VICTORIA  AVG.  (1).       CONCORDIA  MILITVM.  (2).  3. 

CLAUDIUS    GOTHICUS. 

GENIVS  EXERCITVS.  (2).        SECVRIT.  AVG.  (3).       FORTVNA  AVG. 
(2).       LIBERT.  AVG.  (2).      DIANA   LVCIF.  (1).       IOVI  VICTORI. 

(2).     CONSECRATIO.  (6).     Various,  badly  struck  (20).       38. 

QUINTILLUS. 

MARTI  PACIF.  (2).        CONCORD.  EXER.(l).       CONCORD.  MILITVM. 
(1).       FORTVNA.  AVG.  (1).  5. 


190  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

AURELIANUS. 

RESTITVTORI    EXERCITVS     (1).  CONCORDIA     MILITVM.     (1). 

VICTORIA  AVG.  (1).  «*. 

SEVERINA. 

CONCORDIA  MILITVM.    A  female  figure  holding  two  standards.  1. 

THE  TETRICI. 
PAX  AVG.  (6).        VIRTVS.  AVGG.  (4).          HILARITAS    AVGG.    (6). 

SPES  PVBLICA.  (5).     Various,  badly  struck  (20).  41. 

TACITUS. 
LAETITIA  FVND.  in  exergue  XXI  (1).     TEMPORVM  FELICITAS.  (1). 

PROBU8. 
VIRTVS    PROBI.    AVG.    (1).          PAX  AVG.  (2).        CONCORD.  MILIT. 

(1).  4. 

NUMERIANUS. 

VNDIQVE  VICTORES.  in  exergue  KAS.     A  male  figure  standing ;  in 
his  right  hand  a  globe,  in  his  left  the  hasta  pura.  1 . 

CARINUS. 

AEQVITAS  AVGG.  in  field  A,  in  exergue  K.  A.  z.  1. 

DIOCLETIANUS. 

iovi  CONSERVATOR!.  (2).      PAX  AVGGG.  in  field  s.  p.  in  exergue 

MLXXI.  (2).       GENIO.  POP.   ROM.  (1).  5. 

MAXIMIANUS. 

PAX  AVGGG.  in  field  s.  p.  in  exergue  MLXXI.  (3).     VIRTVS  AVGG. 

(1).       GENIO.  POP.  ROM.  (2).  6. 

CARAUSIUS. 

EXP ENI  (Expectate  Veni).     Two  figures  (1).     FORTVNA 

AVG.  (2).       FIDES    MILITVM.   (1).       MART    ....    R.    (1).       MO- 

NETA  AVG.  in  exergue,  c.  (1).  Idem,  in  field,  s.  p.  (1).  PAX 
AVG.  ;  in  the  field  the  letters  B.  R.  or  B.  E.  or  F.  o.,  or  F.  E. 
or  s.  c.  or  s.  p.  and  in  exergue,  M.  L.  or  MLXXI  or  c.  Type 
of  Peace,  standing ;  in  right  hand,  a  flower,  in  left,  the  hasta 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.       191 

held  transversely  on  some  specimens,  on  others,  erect  (30). 
PAX  AVGGG.  in  field,  s.  p. ;  in  exergue,  c.  or  MLXXI.  (8). 
PIETAS  AVGGG.  in  field,  L.  P.  ;  in  exergue,  M.  c.  Mercury  (un- 
published) (1).  PROVID.  AVG.  in  field,  s.  p.  or  s.  c. ;  in  ex- 
ergue, c.  Types  of  Providence  (7).  LAETITIA  AVG.  (5). 
SEC.  ..  .PER...  Security  leaning  on  a  column,  in  right  hand, 
a  garland  (an  unpublished  variety)  (1).  SPES  PVBLICA  (1). 
SALVS  AVG.  (3).  TEMP.  FELiciTAs.  The  four  seasons  per- 
sonified (1).  IOVI  ..  .  SBR.  (1).  VIRTVS  AVG.  (3).  VIC- 
TORIA AVG.  Victory,  on  a  globe,  holding  a  wreath  and  palm 
branch,  at  her  feet  two  captives  (unpublished)  (1).  ROMA  RENO 
. .  Wolf  and  twins  (1).  LEG  .  —  A  bull  (1).  LEG  . .  11.  A 
ram  (1) legend  defaced  ;  a  Capricorn  (1).  72 

ALLECTUS. 

LAETITIA  AVG.  in  field,  S.A  or  s.p. ;  hi  exergue,  ML  or  c.  A  fe- 
male figure,  standing  (2).  The  same  legend.  A  galley;  in 
exergue,  Q.C  or  Q.L  (3).  MONETA  AVG.  in  f.  S.A.,  in  ex.  ML. 
(1).  PAX.  AVG.  in  f.  s.  or  S.P.,  or  S.H.  ;  in  ex.  ML,  or  MLXX, 
or  M.S.L.,  or  c.  Peace,  standing  (12).  PIETAS  AVG.  (1).  PRO- 
VID. AVG.  in  f.  s.p.  in  ex.  c. (4).  Idem;  the  obverse  reading 
IMP.  c.  ALLECTVS  Piv.  PEL.  AVG.  (unpublished)  (1).  PRO- 
VIDE. AVQ.  (1).  PROVIDKNTIA  AVG.  in  f.  S.A.  in  CX.  ML.  (3). 

TEMPORVM  FELICITAS.  Female  figure,  standing  (2).  VIR- 
TVS AVG.  in  f.  S.A.  in  ex.  ML.  Mars,  standing  (1).  Idem ; 
varieties  of  the  Galley  type  (8).  40. 

HELENA. 

PAX  PVBLICA  ;  in  exergue,  TR.P.  (5).  SECVRITAS  RKIPVBLICAE  ; 
in  exergue,  p.  LON.  A  female  figure,  standing,  holding  in 
right  hand,  a  branch  (1).  6. 

THEODORA. 

PIETAS  ROMANA  ;  in  exergue,  T.R.  (2).  A  woman  suckling  two 
children.  2. 

GAL.    VAL.    MAXIMIANUS. 

PRINCIPI  IVVBNTVT  ;  in  exergue,  XXI.T.  A  military  figure,  hold- 
ing a  standard  and  hasta  (1).  CONCORDIA  MILITVM  (1).  2. 

C.    GAL.    VAL.    MAXIMINUS. 
GENIO  POP.  ROM.  in  exergue,  P.L.N. 


192  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

MAXENTIUS. 
VICTORIA    DD.  NN.  AVGG.  1. 

THE    LICINII. 

GENIO  POP.  ROM.  (2).  LICINI  AVGVSTI  VOTIS.  XX.  (1).  SOLI 
INVICTO  COMITI  (2).  VOT.  V.  MVLT.  X.  CAESS.  T.  S.  A.  (1). 

D.  N.  LICIN.  AVGVSTI;   in  a  wreath,  VOT.  xx.  (1).  7. 

OONSTANTINUS    MAXIMUS. 

BEATA  TRANQVILHTAS,  in  CX.  S.TR.  (3).  VICTORIAB  LAETAE,  &C. 
(6).  VIRTVS  EXERCIT.  (4).  SARMATIA  DEVICTA,  in  6X.  P.  LON 

(4).     Idem ;  in  ex.  P.L.C.  (4).     ROMAE  AETERNAE  (2).     PROVI- 

DENTIAE    AVGG.  in  CX.  P.  LON.  (3).       VIRTVS    AVG.  in  CX.  S.  CONS. 

(2).  MARTI  CONSERVATORI.  Head  of  Mars  ( 1 ).  Idem;  in  exer. 
P.TR.  Mars,  standing  (1).  SOLI.  INVICTO  COMITI  (3).  CON- 
CORDIA  MILIT  (1).  The  emperor  ascending  in  a  quadriga;  from 
above,  an  outstretched  hand  (2).  Various  (12).  48. 

[POPULUS    ROMANUS.] 

Obv. — POP.  ROMANVS.     Youthful  laureated  bust,  with  cornucopiae. 
Rev. — CONS.  B.     A  star,  within  a  wreath.  1. 

[URBS    ROMA.] 

Wolf  and  twins  ;  various  letters  in  exergue  (10).  10. 

[CONSTANTINOPOLIS.] 

Genius,  with  shield  and  hasta  (5).  5. 

FAUSTA. 

SPES  REIPVBLICAE,  in  exergue,  P.TR.  A  female  with  two  children 
(2).  2. 

CRISPUS. 

PRINCIPI  IVVENTVTIS,  in  exer.  P.L.N.  (2).  BEATA  TRANQVILLITAS, 
in  exer.  p.  LON  (5),  or  P.L.C.  (4).  PROVIDENTIA  CAESS  (2). 
VIRTVS  EXERCIT.  in  exer.  p.  LON  (3)  CAESARVM  NOSTRORVM 
VOT.  x. ;  in  exer.  A.SIS.  ;  or  p.  LON  ;  or  S.TR  (4).  Various  (8). 

29. 

CONSTANTINUS    JUNIOR. 

BEATA   TRANQVILLITAS  ;    in   exergue,   P.  LON.  (3).    or  S.TR.  (3). 

CLARITAS      REIPVB.     (2).          CAESARVM      NOSTRORVM    VOTIS    V.    in 

exergue,  p.  LON  (2).    VIRTVS.  CAESS  (2).     Various  12.          24. 


DISCOVERY    OF    ROMAN    COINS    IN    THE    THAMES.       193 

CONSTANS. 

VICTORIAS  DD.  AVGG.  Q.  NN.  (3).       FBL.  TEMP.  REPARATIO.      Phoenix 

(3).  6. 

CONSTANTIUS    II. 

FEL.  TEMP.  REPARATIO  ;  in  ex.  AQ.s.  and  varieties.  4. 

MAGNENTIUS. 

FELICITAS  REJPVBLICAE,  in  CX.  TR.P.  (1).  FEL.  TEMP.  REPA- 
RATIO ;  in  ex.  TR.S.  The  emperor  in  a  galley,  rowed  by  a 
Victory  (1).  2. 

DECENTIUS. 

VICT.  DD.  NN.  AVGG.  ET.  CAESS.  (1).  Idem;  in  ex.  TR.P.  Two 
Victories,  holding  a  shield  inscribed  VOT.  v.  MVLT.  x.  2. 

JULIANUS. 

VOT.  x.  MVLT.  xx.  in  a  wreath.  1. 

VALENTINIANUS. 

RESTITVTOR  REIPVBLICAE  (2).       SALVS  REIPVB  (1).  3. 

VALENS. 
SECVRITAS    REIPVBLICAE  (4).       GLORIA  ROMANORVM   (3).  7. 

GRATIANUS. 
GLORIA    ROMANORVM   (2).       VICTORIA    AVGG.  (1).  3. 

VICTOR. 

SPES  ROMANORVM;  in  exergue,  S.M.R.Q.S.     The  camp  gate.         1. 

HONORIUS. 
GLORIA    ROMANORVM.  2. 

Minimi.  100. 


194  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

The  number  of  coins  comprised  in  this  catalogue  is 
considerably  under  the  total  amount  discovered  within  the 
last  seven  years,  and  does  not  include  those  almost  en- 
tirely defaced,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  of  the  rarer 
specimens.  Every  coin  described  has  passed  through  my 
hands,  and  the  greater  number  are  still  in  my  possession. 
Some  hundreds  were  collected  by  the  late  Mr.  John  Pimm, 
of  Deptford,  on  the  banks  of  the  Surry  Canal,  from  the 
gravel  taken  from  the  bed  of  the  Thames  for  repairs,  and 
a  considerable  quantity  were  obtained  from  the  ballast 
spread  on  the  towing  path  between  Hammersmith  and 
Barnes,  as  well  as  at  Putney ;  facts  which  should  be  re- 
corded to  prevent  in  future  times  any  unwarranted  theory 
being  founded  on  discoveries  which  may  yet  be  made  at 
these  places.  C.  R.  S. 

Since  I  compiled  the  above,  I  have  the  satisfaction  of 
stating  that  another  specimen  of  the  aureus  of  Maximianus 
(see  the  wood-cut)  is  in  the  cabinet  of  George  Atherley, 
Esq.,  of  Southampton,  whose  attention  was  directed  to  it  on 
seeing  mine.  The  obverses  and  reverses  accord,  and  the 
weights  also  correspond  within  a  grain,  Mr.  Atherley's 
weighing  sixty-five  grains,  mine  sixty-six.  They  are  not, 
however,  from  the  same  die.  Mr.  Atherley  purchased  his 
about  eight  years  ago,  of  a  silversmith  at  Southampton, 
who  had  it  from  a  Mr.  Millar  of  the  Artillery,  the  owner 
of  a  large  collection  of  Greek,  Roman,  and  English  coins, 
collected  by  Mr.  Millar,  his  grandfather,  who  resided  at 
Southampton,  and  died  about  thirty  years  ago. 


195 


XX. 

FURTHER  REMARKS  ON  THE  NUMISMATIC  HIS- 
TORY OF  EAST  ANGLTA,  DURING  THE  NINTH 
CENTURY. 

IT  only  remains  for  me  now  to  offer  a  few  observations  on 
the  pennies  bearing  the  name  of  Ethelstan,  by  modern 
numismatists  universally  assigned  to  the  Danish  prince, 
who,  in  878,  received  that  name  .in  baptism.  I  have  for 
some  time  regarded  this  appropriation  with  suspicion,  and 
my  doubts  were  confirmed,  by  the  circumstances  of  the 
discovery  of  a  few  of  these  coins  at  Dorking  in  1817,  and 
at  Gravesend  in  1839. 

Of  nearly  700  pennies  found  at  Dorking,  upwards  of 
500  were  of  the  West  Saxon  kings,  Ethelwulf  and  Ethel- 
bert;  and  as  no  coins  occurred  of  Ethelred,  or  Alfred, 
their  successors,  nor  indeed  a  single  piece  necessarily  of 
later  date  than  866,  in  which  year  Ethelbert  died,  this 

VOL.  IV.  F  F 


196  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

hoard  must  have  been  concealed  during  his  reign,  and 
whilst  his  money,  and  that  of  his  predecessor,  was  in 
active  circulation.  The  Gravesend  parcel  comprised  a 
large  quantity  of  the  coins  of  Burgred,  but  so  few  of 
Alfred,  as  to  render  it  certain  that  the  deposit  had  been 
made  very  shortly  after  his  accession  in  871 ;  and  as  both 
here  and  at  Dorking  some  pennies  of  Ethelstan  occurred, 
it  is  evident  that  they  cannot  belong  to  a  king  who  did 
not  receive  that  name  until  the  year  878.  Let  us  see 
how  far  the  evidence  of  the  coins  themselves  is  in  favour 
of  a  new  appropriation. 

Of  the  pennies  bearing  the  name  of  Ethelstan,  there 
are  two  classes,  widely  different  in  type  and  workmanship, 
but  clearly  connected  by  the  moneyers'  names.  Those 
with  the  portrait  (Hawkins  188  to  190),  as  the  earliest,  I 
place  in  the  first  class ;  and  those  in  Ruding's  9th  Plate, 
and  in  Hawkins,  96  to  98,  in  the  second.  Of  the  first 
kind,  I  know  of  only  three  varieties ;  the  others  are  not 
uncommon. 

The  portraits  on  the  earlier  coins  bear  a  strong  resem- 
blance to  those  of  Ludica  and  Beornwulf  (perhaps  also  to 
some  of  Ethelwulf) ;  and  the  character  of  the  workmanship, 
as  Mr.  Hawkins  acknowledges,  is  clearly  of  that  date. 
The  reverse  of  one  (H.  188)  presents  the  same  type  and 
moneyer's  name,  as  a  penny  of  Ludica  in  Mr.  Wigan's 
collection,  quoted  by  Mr.  Hawkins,  p.  30 ;  and  the  cross 
croslet  appears  in  the  coins  of  Beornwulf  (Ruding,  PI.  vii. 
PL  xxvii.  1,  PL  xxix.  18) ;  and  of  Ludica  (H.  79).  The  re- 
verses of  two  others,  Eadgar  Moneta,  in  four  lines  (H.  190), 
and  Man  Moneta,  in  three  lines,  quoted  by  Dr.  Combe,  pre- 
sent a  striking  analogy  to  the  coins  of  Ceolwulf  (Ruding, 
C.7);  of  Beornwulf  (H.72);  and  of  Ludica  (Ruding, 
PI.  vii.) ;  with  the  moneyer's  name  and  designation  similarly 


ON    THE    NUMISMATIC   HISTORY    OF    EAST    ANGLIA.    197 

arranged.  The  type  of  the  remaining  penny  (H.  189), 
differs  from  every  other  at  present  known ;  but  it  cannot 
be  much  later  than  188  and  190.  The  resemblance 
between  these  coins,  and  those  of  Beornwulf  and  Ludica, 
may  be  still  further  traced  in  the  form  of  the  letters, 
which  are  very  peculiar;  and  with  regard  to  the  names  of 
the  moneyers,  we  have  already  noticed  the  occurrence  of 
Eadgar  on  a  penny  of  Ludica,  and  Monn  is  probably  the 
same  as  Monna,  a  moneyer  of  Beornwulf.  These  names, 
as  I  have  said  before,  form  a  connecting  link  between  the 
coins  of  the  first  class,  and  those  of  the  second,  which  I 
come  now  to  consider,  and  which,  I  doubt  not,  I  shall  be 
able  to  prove,  were  issued  at  a  not  much  later  period. 

There  is,  in  the  British  Museum,  a  penny  of  Ethel- 
stan,  with  a  cross  potent,  both  in  obverse  and  reverse. 
This  is  precisely  the  type  of  one  of  Egbert  (Ruding, 
PL  xxx.  7) ;  and  this  device  frequently  occurs  as  a  reverse 
of  Egbert  and  of  Ethelwulf  (Ruding,  PI.  xxvii).  The 
type  of  the  penny  (Ruding,  PL  ix.  10),  a  cross,  with  a 
wedge  in  each  angle  on  both  sides,  appears  in  one  of 
Ethelwulf  (Ruding,  PL  xxx.  18).  This  resemblance  may 
further  be  traced  between  the  coins  of  Ethelstan  ( Ruding, 
PL  ix.  6) ;  and  of  Ethelwulf  (PL  xxx.  17) ;  the  letter  A  in 
the  obverse,  and  a  cross  potence  in  another  cross  for  the 
type  of  the  reverse.  This  reverse  occurs  in  other  coins  of 
Ethelwulf  (PL  xiv.  3,  PL  xxvii.  1,  and  PL  xxx.  9).  This 
last  is  connected  by  the  name  of  the  moneyer  with  PL 
xxx.  10,  where  the  letter  A  takes  the  place  of  the  double 
cross  on  the  reverse.  A  cross,  with  a  pellet  in  each 
angle,  is  a  type  common  to  many  of  the  coins  of  Ethelstan 
and  of  Ethelwulf. 

All  these  circumstances  considered,  I  think  there  can 
be  no  doubt,  that  the  coins  in  question  belong  to  a  cotem- 


198  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

porary  of  Egbert  and  of  Ethel wulf;  and  if  so,  who  but 
Ethelsran,  the  son  of  the  former,  and  brother  of  the  latter, 
can  claim  them?  It  is  not  indeed  recorded  that  he 
reigned  in  East  Anglia.  Kent,  Essex,  Surrey,  and 
Sussex,  are  mentioned  as  his  kingdom ;  and  if  the  legend 
Ej>ELttXHRD  (H.  1 88),  may  be  read  EdelstanEex  Cantice, 
our  first  class  will  represent  his  Kentish  money.  How 
he  acquired  power  in  East  Anglia,  is  a  mystery  for  ever 
hidden  in  the  night  of  ages.  The  only  record  of  his 
connexion  with  this  kingdom,  is  a  legend  quoted  in 
"  Shaw's  Dresses  and  Decorations,"  which  mentions  a 
King  Athelstan  as  the  maternal  uncle  of  St.  Edmund 1. 

Having  now,  I  trust,  shewn  to  the  satisfaction  of  every 
collector  of  Saxon  coins,  that  the  pennies  hitherto  pub- 
lished, have  been  erroneously  assigned  to  the  Danish 
Ethelstan,  or  Guthrum,  I  am  happy  in  the  opportunity  of 
publishing  the  figure  and  description  of  a  rare  penny, 
which  unquestionably  belongs  to  him. 

Obv.—+ED   EL  TON  RE. 
R.— ELDS   MEFEC   (See  Fig.  1). 

And,  as  the  best  illustration  that  can  be  given  of  its 
date,  it  is  accompanied  by  a  drawing  of  a  penny  of  Alfred. 

Obv.— +EL   EE  ED  RE. 

R.— ELDS   MEFEC,   retrograde  (Fig.  2). 

I  shall  close  my  remarks  on  East  Anglian  money,  with 
a  few  additions  to,  and  corrections  of,  my  last  memoir  on 
this  subject. 

1  On  account  of  some  anachronisms  in  this  story,  we  cannot 
place  much  reliance  on  it.  It  is,  however,  equally  as  probable,  if 
not  more  so,  than  the  common  legend  of  Lydgate,  quoted  in 
Alban  Butler's  "  Lives  of  the  Saints."  To  the  elegant  work  of 
Mr.  Shaw,  I  refer  my  readers,  as  the  story  is  too  long  for  inser- 
tion. 


ON   THE    NUMISMATIC    HISTORY    OF    EAST   ANGLIA.    199 

I  am  by  no  means  satisfied  as  to  the  propriety  of 
assigning  the  sceattas  of  Beouna  to  the  East  Anglian  king, 
Beorm ;  but  as  we  have  no  record  of  any  Heptarchic 
prince  who  bore  the  name  Beonna,  we  must  be  content  to 
wait  for  further  information,  and  for  the  present  allow 
their  attribution  to  the  East  Anglian  king  to  remain 
undisturbed. 

I  am  glad  to  find,  that  Mr.  Hawkins,  p.  41,  agrees  with 
me,  in  removing  the  penny  of  Eanred  from  Northum- 
berland. I  have  already  expressed  my  opinion  (Numis- 
matic Chronicle,  Vol.  IV.  p.  37),  "  Should  any  silver  money 
of  Eanred  exist,  I  should  expect  it  would  resemble  the 
stycas,  as  does  that  figured  in  Sir  A.  Fountaine's  Tables, 
and  the  sceatta  of  his  successor,  Ethelred ;"  and  in  proof 
of  the  correctness  of  this  conjecture,  there  is,  in  the  col- 
lection of  Dr.  Moore,  a  silver  coin  of  Eanred,  a  styca  in 
every  thing  but  the  metal,  with  the  moneyer's  name, 
HVAETRED  (see  Fig.  3).  These  two  sceattas  of  Eanred, 
and  that  of  Ethelred  (H.  123),  are  to  my  mind  proof 
positive,  that  the  Northumberland  currency  of  silver  had 
not,  up  to  the  date  of  their  issue,  assumed  the  penny  form. 

In  my  former  memoir,  I  stated  my  reasons  for  believing, 
that  the  penny  of  Ethelred  might  also  belong  to  East 
Anglia;  but  as  we  find  the  names  of  Mercian  moneyers  in 
the  coins  of  Eadvald  and  Ethelstan,  and  as  there  is  nothing 
but  the  moneyer's  name  and  reverse  type  to  connect  this 
interesting  specimen  with  the  coins  of  Eadmund,  it  is  not 
unlikely  that  it  may  belong  to  his  cotemporary,  the  West 
Saxon  Ethelred.  I  have  to  thank  Mr.  Lindsay,  of  Cork, 
for  this  important  correction  of  my  former  remarks.  The 
coin  in  question  is  figured  in  Mr.  Hawkins'  Work 
(Fig.  89). 

It  seems  now  generally  admitted,  that  Beorhtric,  who- 


200 


NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 


ever  he  was,  held  the  sceptre  of  East  Anglia  shortly  before 
the  accession  of  St.  Eadmund.  It  will,  I  am  sure,  be 
interesting  to  students  of  the  series  of  Anglo-Saxon  coins, 
to  learn  that  he  was,  in  all  probability,  a  son  of  Beorhtulf, 
of  Mercia.  There  are  two  charters  of  that  king  in  the 
"  Codex  Diplomatics"  dates  840  and  845,  attested  by 
"  Beorhtric  Jilius  regis"  This  point  ascertained,  and  the 
connexion  between  Ethelwulf  and  Ethelstan  established, 
the  frequent  occurrence  of  the  letter  A  on  the  coins  of 
Beorhtulf  and  Ethelwulf  is  explained,  since  the  former  was 
the  father,  the  latter  the  brother  of  an  East  Anglian 
sovereign,  and  both  may  be  supposed  to  have  exercised 
some  authority  over  that  kingdom.  I  mentioned  in  my 
former  paper,  the  occurrence  of  A  on  the  obverse,  and 
ID  on  the  reverse  of  a  penny  of  Ethelstan  ;  and  I  think 
that  the  figure  on  the  coins  of  Beorhtulf  (H.  82),  and 
Egbert  (  H.  158),  may  be  a  monogram  of  AUJ.  The  explana- 
tion I  once  hazarded  of  the  letter  A  on  coins  of  Ethel- 
wulf, falls,  of  course,  to  the  ground. 

I  have  nothing  new  to  offer  respecting  the  coins  of 
Athelweard  and  Eadmund,  and  will  reserve  my  observa- 
tions on  the  money  of  St.  Eadmund,  for  an  essay  on  the 
ecclesiastical  coins  of  England  generally,  which  will  include 
the  arrangement  of  the  St.  Peter's  money,  and  those  of 
St.  Martin  as  well. 

DANIEL  HY.  HAIGH. 

Leeds,  19th  October,  1841. 


(     201     ) 


XXI. 

ON  THE  PENNIES  OF  HENRY  THE  THIRD, 
WITH  THE  SHORT  CROSS. 

HAVING  some  time  since  endeavoured  to  prove  that  the 
first  coinage  of  Henry  III.  was  marked  with  a  short  double 
cross,  and  a  cross  of  pellets  in  each  angle  (Ruding,  PI.  II. 
13  and  15),  I  shall  take  the  opportunity  of  saying  a  few 
words  in  reply  to  what  appeared  on  this  subject  in  the  last 
number  of  the  Num.  Chron.  p.  185. 

With  all  deference  to  M.  Holmboe,  I  must  say  that  he  is 
not  warranted  by  the  circumstances  of  the  discovery  of 
some  coins  in  Norway  (of  which  he  has  given  full  particu- 
lars in  the  tract  noticed  in  the  Num.  Chron.\  in  removing 
the  short  cross  pennies  from  Henry  III.  to  Henry  II. :  as, 
however,  his  valuable  tract  cannot  readily  he  procured  in 
this  country,  and  consequently  English  Numismatists, 
generally,  have  not  the  opportunity  of  judging  for  them- 
selves by  a  perusal,  I  must  be  excused  trespassing  on  the 
attention  of  my  readers,  by  giving  a  short  account  of  this 
discovery,  and  the  reasons  which  induce  me  to  believe  that 
the  concealment  of  the  treasure  took  place  many  years  after 
the  date  supposed  by  M.  Holmboe. 

The  hoard  contained  — 

I.  About  4500  Norwegian  coins.  Of  these  40  were  of 
Suerus,  who  reigned  from  1177  to  1202;  the  remainder 
bracteates,  which,  as  they  are  without  legends,  and  marked 
with  very  simple  devices,  single  letters,  crosses,  &c.,  can 
give  no  clue  as  to  their  date,  although  some  of  them  are 


202  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

thought,  by  M.  Holmboe,  to  have  been  issued  by  the  suc- 
cessors of  Suerus  on  the  throne  of  Norway. 

II.  Swedish  coins;  30  of  Canute  (1168  to  1197),  and 
40  others  of  uncertain  date. 

III.  Danish  coins;  two  of  Sueno  (1147  to  1157) ;  three 
of  his  colleague  Canute-,  one  of  Canute  VI.  (1182  to  1202) ; 
one  of  uncertain  date,  and  some  fragments. 

IV.  A  penny  of  William  the  Lion  of  Scotland. 

V.  One  of  Stephen,  five  of  Henry  II.  (1154  to  1189), 
and  four  of  the  short  cross  pennies,  which  I  still  believe  to 
have  been  the  first  coinage  of  Henry  III.  (1216  to  1272). 

VI.  German   imperial  and   ecclesiastical   coins.      The 
former  consisted  of  one  of  Frederic  I.  (1152  to  1190) ;  two 
of  Henry  II.  (1190  to  1194);  one  of  Otho  IV.  (1209  to 
1216) ;  and  110  of  the  type,  (PL  XVIII.  fig.  8),  Lelewel, 
which  that  author  and  Gotz  agree  in  assigning  to  Frederic 
II.,  who  was  crowned  emperor  in  1220  and  died  1250. 
The   ecclesiastical    coins    are    of    Sifrid,    archbishop    of 
Breme  (1179  to  1184);  of  Philip,  archbishop  of  Cologne, 
(1167  to  1191);  of   one  Hitolf,  of  Cologne  (date  of  his 
prelacy  unknown,  probably  the  same  as  Adolf,  1193  to 
1205);  a  bracteate,  assigned,  by  Lenckfield,  to  Ludolf, 
bishop  of  Halberstadt  (1236  to  1241) ;  several  of  Magde- 
burg, and  one  of  Munster,  without  names  of  the  prelates  ; 
one  of  Beatrix,  abbess  of  Quedlinburg  (1138  to  1161); 
and  two  coins  ascribed,  by  Mader,  to  Bernard  III.,  bishop 
of  Paderborn  (1202  to  1221). 

VII.  Two  or  three  Dutch  coins,  supposed  by  Lelewel 
to  belong  to  Baldwin  VIII.  or  IX.  (1191  to  1206). 

VIII.  Coins  of  Henry  (1139  to  1186) ;  and  of  Bernard 
(1180  to  1212),  dukes  of  Saxony;  of  Otho,  marquis  of 
Misnia  (1157  to  1189):  and  of  Louis  IV.  or  V.,  Counts 
of  Thuringia  (1149  to  1190). 


PENNIES    OF    HENRY    THE    THIRD.  203 

Besides  the  above,  many  coins  of  uncertain  date,  prin- 
cipally German  ecclesiastical,  and  a  few  of  Scandinavian 
origin.  It  appears  then,  that  the  latest  accessions  of  the 
different  potentates  whose  coins  occurred  in  this  parcel,  are 
those  of  Henry  III.  of  England,  1216;  of  Frederic  III.  of 
Germany,  1220;  and  of  Ludolf,  bishop  of  Halberstadt, 
1236.  Consequently,  the  deposit  must  have  been  made 
posterior  to  the  last  date.  M.  Holmboe,  however,  judging 
from  the  absence  of  all  coins  of  Waldemar,  who  ascended 
the  throne  of  Denmark  in  1202,  considered  that  the  date 
of  their  concealment  could  not  have  been  much  later  than 
that  year,  perhaps  in  1204 ;  and  in  order  to  reconcile  this 
with  the  occurrence  in  the  parcel  of  a  large  quantity  of  the 
money  of  Frederic  II.,  and  a  few  of  Henry  III.,  along  with 
the  bracteate  of  Bishop  Ludolf,  was  obliged  to  make  out 
new  appropriations  for  them  all.  The  pennies  of  Henry  III. 
he  gives  to  Henry  II. ;  those  of  Frederic  II.  to  the  first 
emperor  of  that  name ;  and  the  coin  of  Ludolf  to  an  earlier 
bishop  of  Magdeburg  of  the  same  name.  I  shall  not 
recapitulate  the  evidence  I  have  adduced  respecting  the 
first  coinage  of  Henry  III.  My  experience  in  continental 
numismatics  is  not  great,  but  I  am  convinced  of  the  cor- 
rectness of  Lelewel's  appropriation  of  the  coins  of  Frederic, 
and  the  bracteate  of  Ludolf  differs  so  widely  from  those  of 
Magdeburg,  that  I  am  persuaded  no  archbishop  of  that 
city  has  any  right  to  claim  it.  But,  besides  all  these,  there 
are  among  the  unappropriated  coins  two,  at  least,  which  fix 
the  concealment  of  this  hoard  even  later  than  1236.  The 
first  (Tab.  IV.  Fig.  170),  presents  the  type  of  the  bishop 
of  Liege,  and  as  M.  Holmboe  admits  that  the  letters 
ROT  ECP  may  be  traced  upon  it,  it  must  belong  to  Robert, 
who  presided  over  that  see  from  1240  to  1246.  The  other, 
(Fig.  186),  presents  a  reverse  similar  to  a  coin  of  the  same 

VOL.  iv.  o  G 


204  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

prelate,  struck  at  Duisburg  (Lelewel,  PL  XVIII.  fig.  13), 
so  that,  I  doubt  not,  it  is  of  nearly  the  same  date.  With 
respect  to  the  non-appearance  of  the  money  of  Waldemar  II. 
in  this  treasure,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  Danish  coins 
were  very  rare,  that  the  whole  number  found  was  only 
seven,  and  that  even  amongst  these  there  was  not  a  single 
piece  of  the  first  Waldemar,  1157  to  1182.  M.  Holmboe's 
argument,  that  no  coins  occurred  of  Richard  I.  or  of  John, 
kings  of  England,  will  not  have  much  weight  with  the  Nu- 
mismatists of  this  country,  since  even  here,  from  some 
cause  or  other  (probably  a  general  re-coinage  by  their  suc- 
cessor, Henry  III.),  no  specimen  of  their  English  money 
has  yet  come  to  light. 

Setting  aside  the  bracteates  of  uncertain  date,  it  is  re- 
markable that  the  bulk  of  this  hoard  consisted  of  coins  of 
Germany,  and  that  the  Emperor  Frederic's  currency  was 
represented  by  no  less  than  110  pieces,  a  considerably 
larger  number  than  that  of  any  other  individual. 

To  continental  Numismatists,  the  work  of  M.  Holmboe 
must  be  very  important,  as  it  contains  representations,  very 
neatly  executed,  of  several  interesting  and  inedited  coins 
of  the  middle  ages.  He  has,  however,  made  a  little  too 
free  with  old  appropriations  to  support  a  position  somewhat 
hastily  taken. 

There  is  nothing  in  his  tract  which  can  shake  my  ar- 
rangement of  the  coins  of  Henry  III. ;  so  that  the  short 
cross  money  must  be  considered  his  earliest  coinage,  until 
some  more  able  Numismatist  undertakes  to  refute  the 
arguments  I  have  advanced,  and  to  reconcile  the  clear  and 
positive  evidence  of  Matthew  Paris  with  their  appropriation 
to  Henry  II. 

DANIEL  HY.  HAIGH. 


205 


XXII. 
THE  IRISH  COINS  OF  EDWARD  IV. 

SIR, 

I  HAVE  just  received  your  publication  for  April,  in  which  I 
observe,  that  the  reviewer  of  Dr.  Smith's  excellent  work 
on  the  Irish  Coins  of  Edward  IV.,  at  p.  49,  disputes  the 
correctness  of  the  three  crowns  on  the  Irish  coinage  of 
Edward  IV.,  Richard  III.,  and  Henry  VII.,  being  the 
arms  of  Ireland. 

We  are  entirely  indebted  to  the  researches  and  acute 
observation  of  the  Rev.  Richard  Butler,  of  Trim,  for  the 
information,  that  the  three  crowns  were  the  armorial  bear- 
ings of  Ireland  from  the  reign  of  Richard  IL,  to  that  of 
Henry  VIII.  Being  myself  perfectly  convinced  that  Mr. 
Butler  has  proved  this  very  interesting  fact,  I  shall,  as  a 
very  small  return  for  the  obligation  which  I  consider  all 
Numismatists  owe  Mr.  Butler,  trouble  you  with  a  few 
observations  in  reply  to  your  correspondent's  doubts. 

Mr.  Butler  has  shewn,  that  Richard  II.  granted  these 
arms  to  Robert  de  Vere,  "so  long  as  he  should  be  Lord  of 
Ireland"  That  at  the  funeral  of  Henry  V.  they  were 
borne  on  a  separate  shield,  as  were  also  those  of  France  and 
England.  But  the  three  crowns  were  borne  on  the  fourth, 
or  last,  car ;  the  situation  in  which,  as  the  arms  of  Ireland, 
we  are  entitled  to  expect  them,  Ireland  being  the  last  of 
the  king  of  England's  titles.  We  are  to  remember,  that 
this  was  the  funeral  of  a  sovereign  of  the  house  of  Lan- 
caster. But  the  same  armorial  bearings  are  placed  on  the 
Irish  coins  of  two  successive  sovereigns  of  the  house  of 
York  (Edward  IV.  and  Richard  III.),  and  continued  by 


206  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

their  Lancasterian  successor,  who  had  subverted  their  throne, 
and  treated  all  their  acts  as  usurpations.  And  in  the  in- 
denture of  Richard  III.  for  coining  his  Irish  money,  it  is  ex- 
pressly covenanted,  that  "the  arms  of  Ireland,  upon  a  cross, 
with  this  scripture,  Dns  Hibernie"  are  to  be  placed  on 
them ;  to  which  your  learned  reviewer  has  added  a  further 
confirmation,  by  the  evidence  of  George  Chalmers,*  that 
"a  commission,  appointed  in  the  reign  of  Edward  IV.,  to 
ascertain  the  arms  of  Ireland,  reported  as  their  answer5 — 
the  arms  were  three  crowns  in  pale."  By  itself,  this  inform- 
ation of  Chalmers  might  not  be  absolutely  conclusive; 
but  we  find  it  now  corroborated,  and,  I  think,  clearly  estab- 
lished, by  the  variety  of  proof  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Butler 
has  brought  to  light.  If  there  were  not  any  thing  but  the 
indenture  of  Richard  III.,  the  fact  is  established,  beyond 
all  doubt  or  contradiction,  that  there  was  a  recognised 
armorial  bearing  as  the  arms  of  Ireland ;  and  on  the  coin, 
every  way  answering  the  description  of  the  indenture,  we 
find  on  the  side,  with  "  Dns  Hibernie"  three  crowns  in 
pale.  And  we  further  find  this  same  bearing,  which  the 
reviewer  endeavours  to  characterise  as  a  Yorkist  badge, 
placed  equally  on  the  coins  of  their  Lancasterian  successor, 
Henry  VII.  It  could  not  be  a  party  badge  which  both 
houses  adopted  on  their  Irish  coins ;  and  you  must  further 
remember,  that  this  armorial  bearing  appears  only  on  coins 
on  which  the  arms  of  England  and  France  are  also ;  and 
that  you  have  invariably  "  Rex  Ang.  et  Franc."  surrounding 
the  shield,  with  the  arms  of  these  two  kingdoms,  while  the 
three  crowns  are  as  invariably  surrounded  with  "  et  Dns 
Hibernie"  I  cannot  imagine  any  thing,  to  speak  more 
clearly  and  decisively,  to  Mr.  Butler's  conclusion.  The 
line  of  precise  definitive  distinction  and  separation,  seems 
as  accurately  adhered  to  as  jealous  heraldry  could  suggest. 


THE    IRISH    COINS    OF    EDWARD    IV.  207 

The  only  ground  (as  I  understand  the  reviewer's  state- 
ment) on  which  he  sets  aside  all  these  facts  and  consequent 
inferences  is,  that  on  a  genealogical  roll,  deducing  the 
descent  of  Edward  IV.,  there  is  a  pictorial  representation 
of  a  stream  of  rays  directed  towards  him,  bearing  three 
crowns,  at  the  same  time  that  he  himself  is  looking  at  the 
three  suns,  which  appeared  previous  to  the  battle  at  Mor- 
timer's Cross.  I  should  simply  infer  from  this,  that  the 
painter  thought  it  necessary  to  enlighten  his  readers,  by 
giving  them  to  understand,  that  these  three  suns  really 
meant  the  crowns  of  the  three  kingdoms  of  England, 
France  and  Ireland.  But  this,  in  my  opinion,  no  way 
interferes  with  the  three  crowns  being  the  separate  and 
peculiar  recognised  armorial  bearings  of  Ireland.  In  the 
traditional  portraits  of  Edward  III.,  we  see  him  repre- 
sented as  bearing  three  crowns  on  his  sword  (literally  in 
pale),  indicating,  we  may  presume,  his  claiming  to  be  king, 
or  sovereign  lord,  of  England,  France,  and  Ireland.  And 
Richard  II.  may  have  been  led  by  an  attachment  to  his 
grandfather's  cognizance,  to  transfer  it  to  Ireland  as  her 
peculiar  and  armorial  bearing  and  distinction.  And  thus, 
I  apprehend,  it  continued  until  the  Pope,  presenting  Henry 
VIII.  with  the  harp  of  Brian  Borhu,  induced  that  sovereign 
to  change  the  arms  of  Ireland,  by  placing  on  her  coins  a 
representation  of  the  relic  of  her  most  celebrated  native 

king. 

R.  S. 

Cork,  April  29th,  1841. 


208  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

XXIII. 
IRISH  BASE  GROATS. 

SIR, 

DURING  the  latter  part  of  the  month  of  August,  1841, 
some  men  at  work  on  the  property  of  Lord  Cremorne, 
and  Godfrey  Baker,  Esq.,  in  the  parish  of  Colligan,  about 
three  miles  from  the  town  of  Dungarvan,  in  the  county 
Waterford,  turned  up  a  woollen  cloth,  containing  a  large 
quantity  (some  hundreds)  of  coins.  A  regular  scramble 
immediately  took  place  by  all  present ;  and  the  coins  have 
been  since  dispersed  in  various  quarters.  Mr.  Baker  has 
obtained  about  one  hundred  and  twenty;  and  I  have 
closely  inspected,  exclusive  of  those,  considerably  more 
than  that  number.  They  are  chiefly  Irish  base  groats  of 
Elizabeth,  and  Irish  base  groats  of  Philip  and  Mary,  with 
some  few  English  base  groats  of  Henry  VIIL,  of  the 
London  Mint  (full  face),  and  the  Irish  base  sixpence  of 
Henry  VIIL  (Simon,  Plate  V.  No.  113).  I  have  also 
seen  a  few  English  shillings  of  Elizabeth,  an  English 
shilling  and  sixpence  of  Philip  and  Mary,  and  two  English 
groats  of  Mary  (the  latter  two  now  in  my  collection),  all  of 
good  silver,  which  were  also  found  with  them.  The  base 
groats  of  Philip  and  Mary  were  by  far  the  most  numerous. 
I  have  procured  for  my  own  collection  (exclusive  of  those 
of  Henry  VIIL),  the  following  list,  being  all  the  different 
varieties  I  met  with,  and  which  are  curious,  shewing  the 
number  of  dies  which  must  have  been  used  during  the 
short  reign  of  Philip  and  Mary. 


IRISH   BASE    GROATS.  209 

BASE  GROATS  OF  PHILIP  AND  MARY  (Simon,  Plate  V.,  No.  113). 

DATE. 

1555.       Obv. PHILIP    ET    MARIA  D.  G.  REX    ET    REGINA    ANG*. 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS     DEVM    ADIVTOREM  NOSTRVM.       Port- 

cullis,  Mint-mark. 

(2   Varieties  from  different  Dies). 

1555.  Obv. PHILIP    ET    MARIA    D.    G.    REX    ET    REGINA  ANG'. 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS    DEVM    ADIVTOREM     NOSTRVM.       Cin- 

quefoil,  Mint-mark. 

1556.  Obv- — PHILIP    ET    MARIA    D.    G.    REX  ET  REGINA    ANG\ 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS  DEVM    ADIVTOREM    NOSTRVM.       Rose, 

Mint-mark. 

1556.       Obv. PHILIP    ET    MARIA    D.    G.    REX    ET     REGl'     ANG*. 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS    DEVM    ADIVTOREM    NOSTRVM.       Port- 

cullis,  Mint-mark. 

1556.       Obv. PHILIP    ET    MARIA    D.    G.    REX    ET    REGINA    AN. 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS     DEVM    ADIVTOREM    NOSTRVM.       Chl- 

quefoil,  Mint-mark. 

1556.       Obv. PHILIP    ET    MARIA   DEI   G.   REX   ET   REGINA    AN. 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS  DEVM    ADIVTOREM    NOSTRVM.       Rose, 

Mint-mark. 

1556.  Obv. — PHILIP  ET  MARIA  DEI  +  G*.  REX   ET    REGINA  AN. 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS    DEVM    ADIVTOREM    NOSTRVM.       Port- 

cullis,  Mint-mark. 

1557.  Obv. PHILIP     ET     MARIA     D.    G.    REX    ET    REGINA    A. 

Rose,  Mint-mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS    DEVM   ADIVTOREM  NOSTRVM.       Rose, 

Mint-mark. 

1557.       Obv. PHILIP    ET     MARIA     D.     G.    REX    ET    REGINA    A. 

Rose,  Mint-mark. 

Rev. — POSVIMVS  DEVM  aditorem  NOSTRVM.  Rose,  Mint- 
mark. 


210  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

1557.       Obv. PHILIP    Z    MARIA    D.   G.    REX    Z    REGINA.        Rose, 

Mint-mark. 

Rev. — POSVIMVS  DEVM  ADIVTO.  NOSTRVM.  Rose,  Mint- 
mark. 

1557.       Obv. PHILIP  Z   MARIA   D.    G.    REX    Z     REGINA   A.         No 

Mint-mark. 

Rev. — POSVIMVS  DEVM  ADIVTO.  NOSTRV.    Rose,  Mint- 
mark. 

1557.        Obv. — PHILIP    Z    MARIA     D.     G.     REX    Z    REGINA    ANG. 

No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. — POSVIMVS  DEVM  ADIVTO.  NOSTRV.     Rose,  Mint- 
mark. 

1557.     PHILIP  z  MARIA  D.  G.  REX  z  REGINA.    No  Mint-mark. 

Rev. — POSVIMVS  DEVM  ADIVTO.  NOSTR.     Rose,  Mint- 
Mark. 

1557.       Obv. PHILIP    Z     MARIA    D.    G.    REX   Z    REGINA.         No 

Mint-mark. 

Rev. — Posvimvs  DEVM  ADVITO.  NOSTR.      Rose,  Mint- 
mark. 

1557. Obv. PHILIP    Z    MARIA     D.    G.    REX    Z    REGINA.          No 

Mint-mark. 

Rev.  —  POSVIMVS      DEVM      ADIVTOREM      NOST.  Rose, 

Mint-mark. 

1557.  PHILIP    z    MARIA   D.  G.   REX  z  REGINA.     No   Mint- 

mark. 

Rev. — POSVIMVS  DEVM  ADIVTOREM  Nos.     Rose,  Mint- 
mark. 

1558.  PHILIP    z  MARIA  D.  G.  REX  z  REGINA.      No   Mint- 

mark. 

Rev. POSVIMVS    DEVM   ADIVTOREM   NOSTRVM.       Rose, 

Mint-mark. 

BASE  GROATS  OF  ELIZABETH  (Simon,  Plate  VI.  No.  117). 
Legend,  on  Obv. — ELIZABETH  D.  G'.  ANG'.  FRA'.  z  HIB'.  RE'. 
All,  with  Rose,  ; 

'  •    I REGI  . 

Mint-mark,    < 

,-,  1 REGIN  . 

on  Obv. 

^ REGINA. 

Legend  of  all,  on  Rev.  POSVI  DEVM  ADIVTOREM  MEUM. 

All,  with  Rose,  Mint-mark,  on  Rev. 


SftllBALS  ©IF  TM&M  AS*  ABRAHAM  SUM  ©IN- 


NOTICES    OF   THOMAS    SIMON.  211 

The  coins  were  in  various  degrees  of  condition.  Some 
are  in  very  fine  preservation,  and  some  appear  of  much 
baser  metal  than  others.  Those  of  Philip  and  Mary,  of 
the  year  1557,  are  more  rudely  and  coarsely  engraved 
than  those  of  the  two  preceding  years. 

I  remain,  Sir, 

Yours  very  faithfully, 
EDWARD  HOARE. 

Grand  Parade,  Cork,  November  15,  1841. 
To  the  Editor  of  the  Numismatic  Chronicle. 

I  have  not  been  able  to  discover  a  single  Irish  base  coin 
of  Mary,  previous  to  her  marriage,  among  this  hoard. 


XXIV. 
NOTICES  OF  THOMAS  SIMON. 

IN  contemplating  a  memoir  of  Thomas  Simon,  one  is 
startled  and  deterred  at  the  very  outset  by  the  meagre 
nature  of  the  materials  whereon  to  build  up  even  the  bare 

VOL.  IV.  H  H 


212  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

outline  of  his  life.  That  such  an  inimitable  artist  as 
Simon,  whose  merits  were  not  wholly  unappreciated  by 
his  contemporaries ;  who  has  been  mentioned  in  terms  of 
commendation  in  the  private  diaries  of  such  men  as  Evelyn 
and  Pepys ;  and  whose  great  talents  have,  since  their  time, 
been  more  fully  and  conspicuously  acknowledged,  should 
for  more  than  a  century  have  found  no  biographer,  and 
whose  history  is  still  shrouded  in  much  obscurity  and 
uncertainty,  is  one  of  those  problems  which  it  is  equally 
difficult  and  unprofitable  to  solve.  Vertue,  in  his  work, 
entitled,  "  The  Coins,  Medals,  and  Great  Seals  of  Thomas 
Simon,"  has  done  something  towards  rendering  Simon's 
name  and  merits  known ;  but  though  his  book  displays 
both  zeal  and  research,  it  appears  to  have  been  got  up 
in  haste;  and  while  it  is  very  defective  (perhaps  unavoid- 
ably so),  as  regards  Simon's  personal  history,  it  is  extremely 
incorrect  in  reference  to  many  of  the  works  ascribed  to 
him,  there  being  no  authority  beyond  conjecture  for  many 
of  the  medals  and  coins  published  as  his  work. 

Gough's  edition  of  Vertue's  book,  published  in  1780, 
contains  some  interesting  additions  connected  with  Simon's 
life  and  works,  as  well  as  plates  of  some  seals  and  medals 
which  had  escaped  the  researches  of  Vertue,  and  had  been 
unnoticed  by  any  other  writer. 

We  do  not  assume,  in  this  brief  communication,  to  offer 
any  thing  like  a  memoir  of  Thomas  Simon;  but  some 
interesting  facts,  unknown  to  both  Vertue  and  Gough, 
having  come  under  our  notice,  we  design  to  commit  them 
to  the  press,  in  the  hope  that  they  may  assist  in  affording 
materials  for  some  future  biographer,  when  time  and  anti- 
quarian industry  may  have  combined  to  bring  to  light 
matter  for  forming  a  more  complete  and  satisfactory 
memoir  of  this  incomparable  artist. 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  213 

The  place  of  Simon's  nativity  has  always  been  a 
matter  of  doubt  and  uncertainty.  His  parentage,  birth, 
and  the  condition  in  life  of  his  ancestors,  are  wholly 
unknown,  and  probably  may  for  ever  remain  so.  All 
accounts  agree  (though  we  cannot  discover  that  is  rests  on 
much  better  authority  than  conjecture  or  tradition),  that 
he  was  born  in  Yorkshire.  Vertue,  Martin  Folkes,  and 
Pinkerton,  all  mention  this ;  but  in  what  part,  or  what 
town,  is  stated  by  neither ;  and  it  is  very  probable  that  the 
latter  only  followed  the  conjectures  of  the  first.  It  is  also 
supposed  that  he  was  noticed  by  Nicolas  Briot,  when  the 
latter  was  passing  through  Yorkshire1  in  1633;  and  that 
consequently  about  that  period  he  came  to  London,  and 
possibly  may  have  been  employed  in  a  subordinate  capacity 
at  the  mint.  However  that  may  be,  Simon's  natural 
talents  would  not  long  remain  unknown ;  and,  accordingly, 
we  find  that  in  1636,  he  was  employed  to  engrave  the 
Great  Seal  for  the  Admiralty,  the  first  of  his  works  which 
is  clearly  authenticated.  Vertue  says,  that  this,  and 
"  others  of  his  accurate  performances,"  recommended  him 
afterwards  to  the  Commonwealth,  though  what  those  per- 
formances were  (during  the  nine  years  that  elapsed),  we 
have  no  record  of.2  It  was  not  until  1645  that  Simon 


1  During  the  reign  of  Charles  I.,  there  was  a  regularly  esta- 
blished mint  at  York,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  Simon  may  have 
been  employed  there.     Briot  (then  chief  engraver  of  England), 
passing  to   Scotland  for  professional  purposes,  would   naturally 
visit  the  York  Mint,  since  it  lay  in  his  road ;  and  perceiving  young 
Simon's  merits,  would  propose  his  accompanying  him  to  London, 
as  affording  a  wider  field  for  his  talents.       There  is  plausible 
ground  for  this  supposition.     The  coins  issued  from  this  north 
country  Mint  offer  some  of  the  best  specimens  of  the  period,  and 
successfully  rival  those  of  the  metropolis. 

2  Mr.  Hawkins,  of  the  British  Museum,  who  has  for  some  years 
taken  great  interest  in  the  medals  of  Charles  I.,  and  whose  expe- 


214  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

received  his  first  appointment  under  the  Parliament,  to  be 
"Joint  chief  Graver"  with  Edward  Wade.  As  Vertue 
appears  to  have  been  ignorant  of  this  appointment,  and 
the  patent  has  never  been  noticed  by  any  other  writer,  we 
give  it  here  verbatim,  and  entire. 

"  Whereas  the  Lords  and  Commons  in  this  present 
"  Parliament  assembled  by  their  Ordinance  made  the  One 
"  and  Twentieth  day  of  September  Anno  Dm  1643  for  the 
"  seizing  upon  and  receiving  for  the  good  of  His  Matie  and 
"  the  Commonwealth  all  his  Maties  the  Queenes,  Princes 
"  Revenues  of  what  kind  or  nature  soever  within  the  Realm 
"  of  England,  Dominion  of  Wales,  and  Port  and  Town  of 
"  Berwick  did  (among  other  things)  ordain  that  the  Com- 
"  mittee  for  His  Maties  Revenues,  or  any  five  or  more  of 
"  them,  shall  appoint  meet  fit  and  trusty  persons  to  supply 
"  and  execute  all  Offices  and  Places  of  his  Maties  the 
"  Queenes  and  Princes  said  Revenues.  By  virtue  of  the 
"  said  Ordinance  of  both  the  Houses  of  Parliament,  we  the 
"  Committee  for  His  Maties  Revenues,  have  and  by  these 
"  presents  do  nominate  and  appoint  Edward  Wade  and 
"  Thomas  Simon  of  London  Goldsmiths  (!  /)  to  be  joint 
"  Chief  Gravers  of  all  the  Stamps  of  the  Monies  of  His 
"  Matie  his  Heirs  and  Successors  within  the  Tower  of 
"  London.  As  also  jointly  to  have  the  privilege  power 
"  and  authority  to  make  cut  and  engrave  all  Signets, 
«  Ensigns,  Seals,  Scutcheons,  Stamps  and  Arms,  in  the 
"  which  the  Ensigns  or  Arms  Royal  of  His  Matie  His 
"  Heirs  or  Successors,  shall  be  at  any  time  made  cut  or 


rience  may  therefore  be  deemed  almost  equivalent  to  authority, 
considers  some  of  the  many  medals  and  badges  of  that  monarch 
to  be  the  work  of  Simon. 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  215 

"  engraven,  in  the  place  of  Edward  Green3  deceased.  And 
"  to  have  the  yearly  fee  of  Thirty  Pounds  to  be  paid  and 
"  equally  to  be  divided  between  the  said  Edward  Wade 
"  and  Thomas  Simon  by  the  Warden  of  His  Ma"65  Mint  for 
"  the  time  being,  out  of  the  Profit  of  the  Coinage  of  the 
"  Monies  of  his  Matie  his  Heirs  and  Successors  by  equal 
"  portions,  at  Midsummer,  Michas,  Christmas,  and  Our 
"  Lady  Day,  together  with  all  and  every  the  privileges 
"  profits  commodities  emoluments  diets  houses  and  advan- 
"  tages  thereunto  belonging,  jointly  to  them  and  both  of 
"  them,  in  as  full  and  ample  a  manner  as  he  the  said 
"  Edward  Green  deceased,  or  any  other  or  any  others 
"  heretofore  having  exercising  or  enjoying  the  said  Office 
"  lawfully  had  or  received  for  the  exercising  occupying  and 
"  executing  the  said  Office,  or  of  right  ought  to  have  had 
"  or  received  for  the  exercising  occupying  and  executing  of 
"  the  same.  To  have  hold  and  enjoy  the  said  Offices 
"  Privileges  Profits  and  all  other  the  pmises  as  aforesaid  to 
"  them  the  said  Edward  Wade  and  Thomas  Simon  jointly 
"  and  together  during  the  pleasure  of  both  Houses  of  Par- 
"  liament.  Dated  at  the  Committee  for  his  MaUes  Reve- 
"  nues  sitting  at  Westminster  the  fourth  day  of  April  in  the 
"  One  and  Twentieth  Year  of  the  Reign  of  Our  Sovereign 
"  Lord  King  Charles.  Anno  Dili  1645. 

"  H:  VANE 
«  THO:  HOYLE 
"  DENIS  BOND 
"  W:  ASHURST 
"  COR:  HOLLAND" 

3  "  Green,  a  seal-cutter,  is  only  mentioned  in  a  letter  to  the 
Lord  Treasurer  from  Lord  Strafford,  who  says  he  had  paid  him 
.£100  for  the  Seals  of  Ireland,  but  which  were  cutt  in  England." — 
Walpole's  Anecdotes,  fyc.  Vol.  iii.  page  263. 


216  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

By  this  patent,  we  see  that  the  Parliament  still  recog- 
nised the  authority  of  the  king,  it  being  dated  in  the  "'One 
and  twentieth  year  of  our  Sovereign  Lord  King  Charles ;" 
yet  in  the  following  year,  when  the  city  of  Oxford  submitted 
to  the  arms  of  their  victorious  general,  they  threw  off  the 
mask,  and  having  publicly  broken  the  King's  State  Seals, 
they  proceeded  soon  after  to  constitute  a  new  Great  Seal 
under  their  own  authority.  Then  it  was  that  Simon 
executed  successively  his  first  "  Great  Seal  of  the  Common- 
wealth," the  "  Seal  of  the  Parliament,"  and  those  of  the 
"  County  Palatine  of  Lancaster,"  and  "  Court  of  Common 
Bench."  But  in  1651,  when  an  act  was  passed  for  making 
a  "  new  Great  Seal,"  Simon  produced  that  extraordinary 
and  surprising  work,  which  Vertue  and  Folkes  have  so 
justly  praised  as  a  most  wonderful  specimen  of  labour  and 
skill,  and  of  which  the  former  has  given  an  accurately 
engraved  representation.4 

In  the  "  Audit  Office  Enrolments"  MSS.,  Vol.  v.  p.  56, 
we  find  the  following  entry : — 

"  Die  Mercurii  25  April  1649. 

"  Resolved  upon  the  question  by  the  Comons  assembled 
"  in  Parliament  that  Thomas  Symon  bee  appointed  to  bee 
"  sole  cheife  Engraver  to  the  Mints  and  Seales. 

"  HEN:  SCOBELL 

"  Cler:  Parliam1" 

This  was  only  a  few  months  before  the  arrival  of  Blon- 
deau  in  England,  who  came  hither  "  to  coin  money  after  his 
new  invention" 


4  See  Vertue's  "  Works  of  Simon,"  plates  vi.  and  vii.,  for  the 
obverse  and  reverse  of  this  seal. 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  217 

We  have  also  another  notice  of  Simon  in  the  same 
volume  of  Audit  Enrolments,  where,  in  "  The  Indenture 
of  the  Mint,  bearing  date  the  27th  day  of  July,  1649,"  we 
find  the  following  :  — 

"  Ffees  and  dietts  of  the  Officers  and  Ministers  of  the 
Mint  to  be  borne  by  the  Keepers  of  the  Libertie  of  Eng- 
land and  to  be  paid  by  the  Warden  :" — 

The  Warden        .....  JOHN  ST.  JOHNS. 

The  Comptroller  .         .         .         .  HENRY  COGAN. 

rp.        .  (  ANDREW  PALMER  AND 

Iwo  Assay-masters       ...-*„,  TI7 

J  I  THOMAS  WOODWARD. 

Clerke  of  the  Irons  and  Surveyor  of  the  <     RlCHARD  PlGHT. 

Melting  House  J 

The  Graver  of  the  Irons        .         .         .  THOMAS  SYMON. 

The  Under  Assaier       ....  JOHN   REYNOLDS. 

The  Under  Graver       ....  JOHN  EAST. 

The  Sinker  of  Irons      ....  DANIELL  BRATTLE. 
The  Smith  of  the  Mint          .         .         .  HODGSKINS. 

The  Porter  .....          JOHN  DENBIGH. 

Subsequently  we  find — 

"  To  the  Graver  of  the  Irons  for  the  time  being, 

for  his  fee  by  the  Yeare     ....     xxx1'." 

From  this  period  until  Cromwell  became  Protector,  we 
believe  the  works  of  Simon  were  chiefly  confined  to  medals, 
many  of  which  are  of  great  beauty  and  elegant  workman- 
ship, particularly  the  medals  of  merit  granted  by  the  Par- 
liament to  naval  officers,  and  more  especially  that  given  to 
Admiral  Blake,  which,  for  propriety  of  design,  and  minute 
and  graceful  workmanship,  was  the  wonder  of  the  period, 
and  has  probably  never  been  surpassed.  Several  of  his 
medals  of  Cromwell,  particularly  that  on  the  victory  at 
Dunbar,  are  proofs  of  his  surpassing  skill,  nor  is  it  any 
wonder  if  he  obtained  the  favour  and  the  patronage  of 
Oliver,  for  the  eyes  of  that  usurper  were  not  blind  to 


218  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

talent,  and  he  well  knew  (as  Napoleon  has  done  after  him) 
that  to  connect  his  name  and  actions  with  the  productions 
of  art  and  science,  would,  in  the  eyes  of  posterity,  in  some 
measure  ameliorate  the  odium  of  his  usurpation. 

Although  Vertue  has  engraved  the  ordinary  coins  of  the 
Commonwealth  among  the  works  of  Simon,  yet  not  the 
least  doubt  exists  among  modern  Numismatists  that  they 
were  never  executed  by  him.  To  advance  a  contrary 
opinion  were  to  attempt  to  sully  the  artistical  reputation 
of  Simon.  Their  poverty  of  design,  and  carelessness  in 
the  finish,  render  them  immeasurably  inferior  to  the  coins 
of  the  Protector ;  whereas  the  latter  have  always  been  con- 
sidered as  the  most  truthful,  graceful,  and  highly-finished 
specimens  of  modern  medallic  art.  Indeed  they  have  never 
been  surpassed  by  any  productions  of  the  English  Mint ; 
perhaps,  we  might  say,  they  have  never  been  equalled. 
But,  in  making  these  observations,  we  must  except  those 
"  milled  "  specimens  of  the  Commonwealth  Coinage  which 
pass  under  the  denomination  of  Blondeau's.  Although 
they  bear  on  the  edge,  "  PETRUS  BLOND^EUS  INVENTOR 
FECIT."  it  is  ascertained  that,  however  true  it  be  that 
Blondeau  was  the  "  inventor "  of  the  mode  of  coining  by 
the  mill  and  screw,  as  well  as  giving  to  the  money  an 
inscribed  edge,  the  "fecit"  must  be  regarded  as  a  medallic 
fib.  The  work  is  in  every  respect  so  like  Simon's,  the 
same  hand  so  easily  traceable  throughout,  that  the  most 
experienced  and  practical  Numismatists  entertain  no  ques- 
tion as  to  the  dies  having  been  engraved  by  Simon,  though 
probably  under  the  direction  and  superintendence  of 
Blondeau.5 


5  Mr.  Cuff  has  assured  us  that  after  a  careful  and  minute  com- 
parison of  the  coins  of  the  Protector  with  those  called  Blondeau's, 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  219 

When  Cromwell  had  defeated  the  Scots  at  Dunbar  on 
the  3rd  September,  1650,  the  Parliament  directed  Simon 
to  prepare  a  medal  to  celebrate  that  event.  On  the  obverse 
of  this  well-known  medal  is  the  portrait  of  the  Lord- 
General,  and  on  the  reverse  the  House  of  Commons  in  full 
conclave.  This  is  probably  the  earliest  medallic  portrait 
we  possess  of  Cromwell,  as  it  certainly  is  the  most  striking 
and  characteristic.  The  Parliament  had  begun  already  to 
be  jealous  of  the  growing  power  of  the  Lord- General ;  and 
while  they  paid  this  compliment  to  his  bravery  and  military 
skill,  they  intended,  by  placing  on  one  side  of  the  medal  a 
representation  of  their  own  assembly,  that  it  should  be 
shown  to  the  country  that  they  alone  were  the  constituted 
authority,  and  Cromwell  but  their  subordinate.  Simon, 
having  prepared  his  design,  was  despatched  to  Edinburgh 
to  obtain  Cromwell's  approval  of  it,  and  in  a  letter6 
addressed  by  the  latter  to  the  Parliamentary  "  Committee 
for  the  army,"  dated  the  4th  February  following,  he  affects 
a  modest  reluctance  to  his  "  effigies"  being  placed  on  the 
medal,  but  expresses  his  entire  approbation  of  it  in  every 
other  respect.  He  further  recommends  the  Parliament  to 
confer  on  Simon  "  that  employment  in  your  service  which 
Nicholas  Briot  had  before  him,"  which  he  will  consider  as 
a  favour  and  an  obligation  paid  to  himself.  No  other 
testimony  of  the  esteem  in  which  Cromwell  held  Simon's 
talents  need  be  advanced. 

On  the  9th  July,  1656,  Simon  received,  by  order  of  the 
Protector,  his  appointment  as  "  Sole  chief  Engraver  and 


he  has  come  to  the  conclusion  that  they  are  the  work  of  one  man. 
Such  a  decided  opinion  from  a  gentleman  whose  numismatic  repu- 
tation stands  so  high,  carries  conviction  to  our  mind. 

6  See  "  Harris's  Life  of  Oliver  Cromwell,  1772 ;"  also  Gough's 
edition  of  "  Vertue's  Works  of  Simon,"  Appendix,  p.  74. 

VOL.  IV.  I  I 


220  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

Medall-maker,"  and  in  the  patent  it  is  set  forth  that  he  "  is 
to  have  the  like  fees,  rewards,  allowance,  and  profits,  as 
Thomas  Anthony,  Charles  Anthony,  or  Derricke  Anthony 
deceased,  John  Gilbert,  Edward  Green,  or  any  of  them  or 
any  other  engravers  or  cutters  belonging  to  any  King  or 
Queen  of  England  hath  had  or  received  for  the  exercise  of 
that  office."  He  is  also  further  appointed  "  to  be  our  Medall- 
maker  of  the  Medalls  of  or  belonging  to  us  and  our  suc- 
cessors, to  have  and  exercise  the  sole  makeing  of  all  Medalls 
for  us  and  our  successors  during  the  natural  life  of  him  the 
said  Thomas  Simon."  Immediately  on  this  appointment, 
Simon  began  to  prepare  the  dies  for  those  coins  of  the 
Protector,  on  the  beauty  of  which  it  is  quite  unnecessary 
in  this  place  to  expatiate.  They  are  not  uncommon,  though 
somewhat  scarce,  and  from  never  having  been  current,  are 
usually  to  be  met  with  as  fine  as  when  minted.  Almost 
every  cabinet  contains  specimens  of  them,  and  they  are 
justly  regarded  by  the  collector  as  conferring  a  character 
and  an  ornament  on  his  collection.  The  Silver  Coins  all 
bear  the  date  of  1658,  but  there  is  a  half-crown  of  1656.7 
Ruding  states  that  both  half-crowns  are  from  the  same  die, 
the  6  in  the  earlier  one  having  been  been  converted  into 
an  8.  But  he  is  certainly  in  error ;  for  had  he  compared 
the  two,  he  would  have  found  that,  besides  numerous 
minute  differences,  the  inscription  on  the  former  has  "  Hi- 
bernia"  abbreviated  into  "  HI,"  while  in  the  latter  it  reads 
"  HIB."  They  are  obviously  from  different  dies.8 

Among  the  medallic  treasures  reposing  in  the  cabinets 


7  Snelling  mentions  shillings  of  this  date,  but  none  are  known 
to  exist. 

8  The  writer  has  in  his  own  cabinet  an  unusually  fine  half-crown 
of  1656,  as  well  as  that  of  1658,  and  therefore  his  assertion  is  the 
result  of  actual  comparison. 


NOTICES    OF   THOMAS    SIMON.  221 

of  Mr.  W.  D.  Haggard  (whose  collection  of  medals  has  the 
reputation  of  being  of  the  most  recherche  and  tasteful 
character),  are  the  two  chasings  representing  the  portraits 
of  the  brothers  Thomas  and  Abraham  Simon,  and  supposed 
to  be  the  work  of  the  latter,  "  a  virtuoso  fantastical,  who 
had  the  talent  of  embossing  so  to  the  life,"  as  Evelyn 
quaintly  says  of  him.  Their  exquisite  finish  and  delicate 
workmanship  might  countenance  the  belief  that  they  are 
the  work  of  one  of  the  Simons;  but  Mr.  Haggard  does 
not  incline  to  this  opinion,  though  it  is  clear  that  they  could 
have  been  wrought  by  no  common  artist.  If  not  done  by 
one  of  the  Simons,  by  whom  are  they  done  ?  The  en- 
gravings in  Vertue's  book  represent  them  but  imperfectly; 
and  it  is  our  belief  that  he  never  saw  the  originals.  In  fact, 
he  acknowledges  that  one  of  his  engravings  was  made  from 
a  model  in  wax,  in  the  collection  of  Sir  Hans  Sloane,  and 
they  appear  by  no  means  equal,  in  expression  and  effect,  to 
these  charming  chasings.9  It  was  for  some  time  doubtful 
whether  such  originals  (which  we  are  tempted  to  consider 
these  to  be)  were  in  existence ;  at  all  events,  their  place  of 
deposit  was  unknown  until  they  fell  into  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Haggard.  That  gentleman  purchased  them,  with  several 
other  fine  chasings,  of  a  silversmith,  but  could  obtain  no 
satisfactory  account  of  them.10  It  will  be  gratifying  to  the 
Numismatist  to  learn  that  they  are  now  in  the  hands  of  one 
who  knows  how  to  appreciate  the  treasure  he  possesses; 


9  In  the  portrait  of  Abraham,  there  is  admirably  depicted  that 
wild  vacancy  of  eye  and   solemnity  of  aspect,  so  entirely  corre- 
sponding with  the  accounts  we  have  of  his  eccentricity  of  cha- 
racter. 

10  Since   writing   the   above,    Mr.  Haggard   has   traced   their 
existence,  in  the  possession  of  one  family,  for  about  a  century 
back. 


222  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

and  this  brief  notice  of  them  may  serve,  in  some  degree, 
to  prevent  their  being  again  lost  sight  of. 

When  the  death  of  Oliver  opened  a  path  to  the  restora- 
tion of  the  rightful  sovereign,  Simon,  being  in  office  at  the 
Mint,  was  of  course  immediately  employed  in  preparing 
the  necessary  Great  Seals;  those  of  the  Protector  being 
destroyed  without  delay,  and  the  money  of  the  Common- 
wealth declared  to  be  no  longer  current.  A  fresh  patent 
was  soon  after  granted  him,  as  one  of  his  Majesty's  chief 
gravers,  "  to  succeed  Nicolas  Briott  defunct"  with  the 
allowance  of  50Z.  a  year.  This  patent  is  dated  June  2nd, 
1661,  and  is  in  contracted  and  ungrammatical  Latin,  other- 
wise we  would  transcribe  it  from  the  official  copy  which 
exists  in  MS.  From  this  period  to  the  time  of  his  death, 
in  1665  or  66,  Simon  seems  to  have  had  abundant  employ- 
ment, as  the  numerous  medals  and  seals  executed  by  him, 
and  identified  by  their  dates,  fully  testify.  Indeed,  so 
much  was  Simon  occupied,  that  complaint  was  made  of  his 
want  of  despatch  in  preparing  the  dies  for  the  new  coins, 
and  so  frequently  was  he  applied  to  to  hasten  the  work, 
that  at  length  it  was  proposed,  obviously  and  solely  for  the 
sake  of  despatch,  to  take  the  Roettiers  (a  family  already 
eminent  as  medallists)  into  the  Mint.  The  king  had 
known  them,  when  a  fugitive  on  the  continent ;  and,  it  is 
said,  was  in  some  way  under  obligations  to  them.  However 
that  may  be,  he  was  aware  of  their  merit  as  artists,  and 
this  was  probably  the  chief  reason  for  selecting  them.  At 
the  time  of  the  Restoration,  there  was  no  artist  in  the 
Mint,  except  Simon,  of  any  eminence ;  for  even  East,  the 
pupil  and  assistant  of  Simon,  appears  to  have  been  an 
engraver  of  very  inferior  powers.  Simon  was  evidently 
jealous  of  the  appointment  of  the  Roettiers,  from  the  cir- 
cumstance of  their  being  foreigners ;  and  more  particularly, 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  223 

when  a  part  of  the  work  was  given  to  them,  which  he,  by 
prescriptive  right,  and  in  virtue  of  his  office  in  the  Mint, 
might  have  regarded  as  justly  his.11  This  was  doubtless 
the  source  of  the  grievance  alluded  to  in  the  Petition  (or 
Competition)  Crown;  and  though  we  are  disposed  to  make 
every  allowance  for  the  feelings  and  prejudices  of  Simon, 
we  cannot  discover  that  he  was  very  harshly  used,  or  that 
any  attempt  was  made  to  dispossess  him  of  his  office.  The 
reasons  advanced  by  Mr.  Alchorne  (the  assay-master  of  the 
Mint)  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Taylor  Combe,  appear  to  us  so 
conclusive,  that,  although  it  has  been  already  printed,  we 
cannot  forbear  transcribing  a  portion  of  it : — 

"  Thomas  Simon  was  chief  Graver  of  the  Mint  for  Seals 
and  Medals ;  but  when  he  delivered  up  his  Coining  tools, 
we  must  suppose  that  branch  of  emolument  was  taken  from 
him.  This  was  probably  the  grievance  alluded  to  on  his 
famous  Crown  piece ;  for  certainly  he  was  still  employed  to 
grave  Seals,  most  likely  continued  in  office,  and  actually 
resident  in  the  Mint,  as  he  would  scarcely  have  dared  to 
grave  the  dye  for  the  Crown  above-mentioned  in  any  other 
place :  and  as  it  appears  by  the  Mint  Journals  that  Messrs. 
Rotiers  were  set  to  work  in  the  house  of  another  officer,  by 
agreement,  which  would  not  have  been  the  case  if  the 
graver's  apartments  had  been  vacant.  Simon,  by  his  own 
account,  was  also  employed  some  months  at  the  beginning 


11  That  a  spirit  of  rivalry  had  existed  between  Simon  and  the 
elder  Roettier,  may  be  gathered  from  the  following  passage, 
quoted  in  «  Folkes'  Table  of  English  Coins,  1745." 

"  The  Officers  of  the  Mint  did  certifie  that  they  had  proposed 
unto  Thomas  Simon  and  John  Roettier,  gravers  of  the  Mint,  to 
accept  of  certain  pramia,  therein  specified,  for  furnishing  the 
Mint  with  stamps  for  coining  in  the  new  way,  but  that  by  reason 
of  a  contest  in  art  betwixt  them,  they  had  found  it  difficult  to  bring 
them  to  any  agreement." 


2*24  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

of  the  year  1665,  in  altering  stamps  for  the  said  monies. 
But  after  this  we  can  trace  no  more  of  him ;  so  that, 
as  hath  been  conjectured,  he  probably  died  about  that 
period." 

This  statement  appears  so  obviously  to  represent  the 
matter  in  its  proper  light,  and  comes  from  so  respectable  a 
quarter,  that  we  think  little  more  need  be  urged  in  refuta- 
tion of  the  Roettiers  having  superseded  Simon.  The 
Petition  Crown  is  the  sole  basis  upon  which  so  much  error 
has  been  built ;  and  however  that  splendid  work  of  art  may 
countenance  the  supposed  neglect  of  the  artist,  we  can 
scarcely  lament  it,  in  consideration  of  the  effect  produced. 
Let  the  case  be  as  it  may,  there  is  evidence  sufficient  to 
prove  that  Simon  never  quitted  the  Mint,  and  was  never 
scant  of  employment;  and  the  bill  of  claims  due  at  his 
death,  shews,  that  if  he  had  no  other  claim  on  the  crown 
during  the  five  years  of  his  serving  it,  he  had  no  bad  share 
of  work. 

It  would  appear,  that  in  the  summer  of  1665,  Simon 
prepared  a  detailed  accompt  of  his  claims  for  work  done  in 
the  Mint.  This  accompt  is  printed  in  the  Appendix  to 
Gough's  Edition  of  Vertue's  Book ;  and  it  appears  really 
surprising,  that  Simon  should  have  had  any  fancied  cause 
of  complaint,  when  we  see  the  great  number  of  coins, 
medals,  signets,  and  seals  specified  as  done  by  him  in  the 
short  space  of  five  years,  and  the  cost  of  which  amounted 
to  several  thousand  pounds.  After  this  we  lose  sight  of 
him ;  and  the  popular  tradition  has  always  been,  that  he 
was  carried  off  by  the  plague,  which  at  this  period  devastated 
London.  Under  such  circumstances,  the  registering  of 
deaths  or  burials  would  be  little  attended  to ;  and  this  may 
account  for  Vertue's  want  of  success  in  the  parochial 
researches,  which  he  states  he  made  in  and  about  London, 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  225 

for  some  notice  of  Simon's  death  or  interment.  The  best 
authorities  are  therefore  now  agreed  that  the  plague  was 
the  cause,  and  the  period  of  the  plague  the  time,  of  Simon's 
decease ;  but  one  writer,  of  less  credit,  and  more  temerity, 
has  asserted,  without,  however,  offering  any  reasons,  that 
Simon  was  living  many  years  subsequently  to  the  supposed 
date  of  his  death  at  Kippax,  in  Yorkshire.  Almost  simul- 
taneously with  this  assertion,  a  document  came  into  our 
hands,  which  affords  conclusive  and  undeniable  evidence 
that  Simon  did  really  "  quit  this  mortal  scene"  about  1665, 
or  early  in  1666.  It  appears  in  the  shape  of  a  petition12 
from  his  widow,  Elizabeth  Simon,  to  the  king,  praying  for 
the  payment  of  certain  sums  due  to  her  late  husband. 
This  document,  as  well  as  the  correspondence  connected 
with  it,  is  so  interesting,  that  we  shall  transcribe  it  entire, 
and  then  we  shall  find  in  what  way  it  furnishes  evidence 
as  to  the  period  of  Simon's  death. 

"  To  the  King's  most  excellent  MaUe 

"  The  humble  Peticon  of  Elizabeth  the  Relict  of  Thomas 
"  Symon  decd,  late  one  of  yor  Ma45  chiefe  Gravers : 

Sheweth 

"  That  there  being  at  ye  time  of  the  death  of  yor  Petre 
"  said  late  husband  a  greate  sum  of  money  oweing  to  him 
"  for  severall  services  by  him  pformed  for  yor  Matie  relateing 
"  to  yor  Kingdomes  of  England  Scotland  and  Ireland,  and 
"  yor  fforraigne  Plantacions  yor  Petr  heretofore  together 
"  with  her  humble  Peticon  did  present  to  your  Matie  an 
"  Accompt  of  the  Particulars  of  those  services  and  of  the 


12  Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society  ou  the   18th  February 
last. 


226  NUMISMATIC   CHRONICLE. 

"  rates  humbly  prayed  for  them  whereby  it  appears  there 
"  was  then  due  unto  yor  Petr  the  sum  of  2243  li:  according 
"  to  the  said  Accompt  annexed  which  said  Peticon  yor 
"  Matie  was  graciously  pleased  to  referr  to  the  then  Lord 
"  Threr  and  Chancellor  of  yor  Mate  Exchequer  or  either  of 
"  them  to  cause  the  said  Accompts  to  bee  examined  and 
"  stated  and  to  take  course  for  the  Peticon™  satisfacon  or 
«  to  Report  ye  matter  to  yor  MaUe. 

"  That  in  psuance  thereof  the  Lord  Ashley  Chancellor 
"  of  yor  Mate  Excheqr  having  duely  examined  the  said 
"  Accompts  as  well  to  the  pticulars  as  to  the  prizes  did 
«  make  his  Report  to  yor  Matie  But  by  reason  of  the 
"  Death  of  the  said  Lord  Threar  yor  poore  Petir  hath  not 
"  recd  any  benefitt  thereby  to  this  day 

"  Wherefore  your  Peticon'  most  humbly  prayeth  yor 
"  Matie  would  be  graciously  pleased  to  give  order  for  the 
"  speedy  paym*  of  the  said  money  unto  yor  Peticr  not  onely 
"  for  her  necessary  reliefe  and  maintenance  of  herselfe  and 
"  poore  fatherles  children  but  alsoe  for  the  discharge  of 
"  divers  greate  debts  to  which  shee  is  lyable  by  reason  of 
"  the  said  services. 

"  And  yor  Petr  shall  ever  pray  &c." 

«  Whitehall,  June  14th  1669. 

"  His  Ma11'  being  willing  that  the  Peticoner  should  bee 
"  satisfyed  what  is  justly  due  to  her,  is  graciously  pleased  to 
"  referr  this  Peticon  together  with  the  Peticon18  Accompts 
"  unto  the  R*  Honble  the  Lords  Com™  of  the  Threary  to 
"  consider  the  same  and  to  make  Report  to  his  Matie  what 
"  they  thinke  fitt  to  bee  done  therein  and  then  his  Matie 
"  will  declare  his  further  pleasure 

"J.  TREVOR." 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  227 

"  Mr.  Auditor  Beale  and  Mr.  Sherwin 

**  The  Lords  Com™  of  the  Threary  desire  you  to  consider 
"  ye  case  of  Mrs  Symone  and  to  make  a  State  :  thereof  to 
"  their  Lordpps  and  Report  yor  opinion  what  you  thinke 
"  fitt  to  be  done  therein.  I  am 

"  Yor  very  affect6  humble  Servant 
"  Threary  Chambers  "  G.  DOWNING:" 

"  20th  July  1669." 


«  To  the  R*  Honble  the  Lords  Com"  of  his  Mate  Threary : 


"  May  it  please  yor  Lordpps  : 

"  In  obedience  to  yor  comands  signifyed  by  Sir  George 
"  Downing  upon  this  Peticon  of  Elizabeth  the  Relict  of 
"  Thomas  Symon  late  one  of  his  Mate  chiefe  Gravers  wee 
"  have  examined  the  Accompt  therewithall  transmitted  to 
"  us,  conteyneing  her  demands  for  Scales  Meddalls  and 
"  other  services  done  and  pformed  by  her  said  late  husband 
"  for  his  Matie  together  with  the  State :  thereof  prepared 
"  and  Reported  by  the  right  Honble  the  Lord  Ashley  upon 
"  a  Reference  from  his  Matte  to  the  late  Lord  Threar  and 
"  his  Lordpp  or  either  of  them  and  doe  not  finde  cause  to 
"  offer  any  thing  to  yor  Lordpps  concerning  the  allowance 
"  or  disallowance  of  any  the  pticulars  therein  further  or 
"  otherwise  than  is  already  certifyed  by  the  said  Lord 
"  Ashley ;  But  for  yor  Lordpps  more  ready  view  and  infor- 
"  macon  wee  have  hereunto  annexed  a  Briefe  State :  of  the 
"  said  Accompt  and  Report  concerneing  the  present  Scale 
"  of  His  Mate  Court  of  Excheqr  for  the  makeing  whereof 
"  his  Lordpp  certifies  that  there  was  no  warr*  there  is  now 
"  pduced  unto  us  his  Mate  warrant  for  makeing  of  the  same. 
"  All  which  wee  humbly  submitt  to  yor  Lordpps 
consideracon 

VOL.  IV.  K  K 


228  NUMISMATIC  CHRONICLE. 

A  Briefe  State :  of  the  Acco*  of  Thomas  Symon,  Decd,  late 
one  of  his  Mats  cheife  Gravers,  according  to  the  severall 
heads  as  they  are  distinguished  in  the  Report  of  the 
R'  Honble  the  Lord  Ashley,  Chancellor  and  Underthrer 
of  his  Majesties  Excheqr:  viz* 

The  pticulars  in  the  said  Acco*  which  his  LoPP 

conceives  reasonable  to  be  allowed  and  paid  for 

injlngland, Li.  2564  10  0 

The  pticulars  for  the  Seales  and  Coynes  for  Scot- 
land which  his  LoPP  doth  not  disallow;  but 

offers  may  bee  paid  for  there,  .  .  376  00  0 

A  Small  Seale  for  ye  Councell  in  Ireland  and  one 

for  ye  presidential!  Court  of  Munstr  and  ano- 
ther for  ye  presidentiall  Court  of  Connaugh  for 

the  makeing  whereof  there  is  warr1  but  noe 

Certificate  of  the  Delivery  ;  therefore  his  LoPP 

doth  not  admitt  unles  his  Matie  be  otherwise 

satisfyed  concerneing  them,  : .  .  ,  •..-.,  .  9  00  0 

Severall  Seales  &ca  for  my  Lord  Arlington  and 

Secretary  Nicolas  which  his  LordPP  Submitts 

to  his  Matie  whether  the  said  Ld  Arlington 

and  Secretary  Nicolas  should  not  pay  for  them,  59  00  0 

A  Gold  Medall  for  an  Italian  Musicon13  for 

which  there  is  neither  warr*  nor  rec*  therefore 

submitted  as  aforesaid14,  .  .  ,  10  10  0 

Particulars  comprehending  a  Journey  into  ffrance, 

Expsnces  in  extraordinary  attendance  at  Court 

for  direcons ;  And  for   Assistant  Workemen 

in  the  Mint,  which  whether  they  were  neces- 
sary for  his  Mats  service  or  not  rather  for  the 

Accomptant's  accomodacon  his    LordPP   sub- 

mitteth  to  his  Matie,  amounting  to         .  145  00     0 

Li.  3164  00     0 

13  This,  very  probably,  was  Giovanni  Baptista  Draghi,  an  Italian 
musician,  who  was  patronised  by,  and  in  the   service  of,   Queen 
Catherine ;  and  who  composed  Italian  music  for  the  opera.     He 
was  the  favourite  court  musician  during  the  reigns  of  Charles  II. 
and  James  II.,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  musical  preceptor  to 
Queen  Anne.     For  some  notice  of  him,  see    "  Pepys'   Diary;" 
also  the  "  Dictionary  of  Musicians,"  1824. 

14  In  Simon's  Accompt  (see  Gough's  Edition  of  Vertue),  there 
is  a  charge  of  £38,  for  a  medal  for  an  Italian  musician. 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.         '  229 

Brought  forward,  Li.  3 164  00     0 
Whereof  to  bee  deducted 
For  somme  acknowledged  to  bee  received  by  the 

said  Thomas  Svmon,  1000  00     0 


Rests  Li.  2 164  00     0 

Now  it  will  be  observed,  that  Mrs.  Simon's  petition, 
which  bears  no  date,  happens  to  refer  to  an  event  which 
tends  to  fix,  beyond  contradiction,  the  date  of  Simon's 
death  previous  to  1667 ;  and,  by  the  clearest  inference, 
we  shall  arrive  at  the  fact  that  it  was  much  earlier  than 
that  year.  The  petitioner  states  that  a  former  petition  had 
been  addressed  to  his  majesty's  government,  but  that  owing 
to  the  death  of  the  then  lord  treasurer  it  had  been  neglected 
and  forgotten,  and  nothing  done,  to  use  the  petitioner's 
own  words,  "to  this  day."  This  "Lord  Treasurer"  was 
Thomas  Wriothesley,  fourth  Earl  of  Southampton,  who 
died  on  the  16th  May,  1667.  We  may  conclude,  from 
this  nobleman's  proverbial  indolence  in  the  discharge  of 
his  office  (which  is  even  noticed  by  Pepys  in  his  Diary), 
and  from  the  length  of  his  illness,  that  Mrs.  Simon's  peti- 
tion had  been  delivered  in,  at  least,  a  year  previous  to  his 
dissolution.  This  would  fix  the  date  of  the  first  petition 
at  about  the  Spring  of  1666;  and  if  we  allow  six  months  to 
have  elapsed  (which  we  may  reasonably  do)  between  that 
period  and  the  death  of  Simon,  it  will  place  our  artist's 
decease  in  the  Autumn  of  1665.  But  even  if  it  were  urged 
that  we  have  allowed  too  much  latitude  in  this  calculation, 
which  we  think  we  have  not,  still  the  most  prejudiced 
caviller  could  not  possibly  fix  the  date  later  than  1666. 
The  alarm  occasioned  by  the  pestilence,  the  terror  of  the 
public,  and  the  flight  of  the  nobility,  would  combine  to 
suspend  and  impede  public  business  ;  and  few  other  argu- 
ments need  be  urged,  that  much  delay  was  experienced 


230  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

by  the  widow  in  getting  her  claims  on  the  government 
discharged.  We,  therefore,  think  that  we  have  satisfactorily 
shewn,  on  circumstantial  evidence,  that  the  actual  date  of 
Simon's  death  agrees  with  the  preconceived  and  tradi- 
tionary rumour. 

We  learn,  on  the  authority  of  Gough,  that  Simon's  family 
consisted  of  three  sons  and  two  daughters.  Of  the  destiny 
of  the  sons  nothing  is  known,  and  one  of  the  daughters 
died  young;  but  the  other  daughter  was  married,  and  some 
of  her  descendants,  in  Gough's  time  (1780),  were  living  at 
Fairford,  in  Gloucestershire.  It  is  known  that  Simon  left 
considerable  property,  besides  his  unpaid  claims  on  the 
government,  although  his  widow,  in  her  petition,  pleads 
poverty  and  the  necessities  of  her  "  fatherless  children," 
most  probably,  with  the  hope  of  thereby  more  speedily 
furthering  the  objects  of  her  prayer. 

Of  Thomas  Simon,  as  an  English  artist,  his  countrymen 
may  be  justly  proud.  No  medallic  works  of  modern  times 
surpass  his,  and  probably  do  not  approach  them  in  ex- 
cellence. The  Petition  Crown  may  be  considered  his  chef 
(Foeuvre,  the  beauty  of  design  and  elaborate  finish  being 
the  least  of  its  excellencies.  It  is  in  the  portrait  of  the 
king — its  dignified  expression,  yet  striking  resemblance; 
in  the  natural  manner  in  which  the  flesh  is  treated,  and 
the  character  that  is  communicated  to  the  very  hair — that 
its  remarkable  merits  lie.  There  is  also  a  small  medal, 
probably  one  of  Simon's  latest  productions,  being  dated 
1665,  which  deserves  notice.  It  represents  the  king  in  a 
Marine  Car,  and  bears  the  legend  "  Et  Pontus  Serviet." 
This  is  one  of  the  smallest  medals  he  ever  executed,  yet 
nothing  can  surpass  the  exactness  and  character  expressed 
in  the  diminutive  portrait  of  his  majesty  on  the  reverse ; 
and  those  who  possess  a  specimen  of  this  medal,  which  is 


NOTICES    OF    THOMAS    SIMON.  231 

very  rare,  justly  value  it  among  the  gems  of  their  cabinet. 
We  could  expatiate  at  considerable  length  on  many  other 
works  of  Simon  (for  we  kindle  with  the  theme),  but  our 
space  is  limited.  We  will,  therefore,  conclude  the  subject 
with  a  brief  notice  of  the  annexed  engraving,  which  is  from 
an  hitherto  unpublished  seal  of  Simon's  workmanship,  done 
for  the  office  of  the  Privy  Council.  The  original,  which  is 
in  silver,  belongs  to  Mr.  W.  Upcott,15  of  Islington,  into 
whose  possession  it  came  from  a  descendant  of  the  "  learned 
John  Evelyn,"  who  had  it  from  Mr.  Secretary  Nicholas. 
The  design  is,  a  full-blown  Rose  supported  by  a  Lion  and 
a  Dragon,  surmounted  by  a  Royal  Crown  between  the 
letters  C.  R.  Below  is  the  inscription  S.  PRI.  CON.  From 
the  absence  of  the  numerals,  we  conceive  it  to  have  been 
done  after  the  Restoration ;  and  if  it  be  of  Charles  I.,  it 
must  be  considered  one  of  the  earliest  productions  of 
Simon's  graver.  From  the  seal  being  in  silver,  and  very 
deeply  cuff,  it  is  obvious  it  could  have  been  intended  only 
for  wax  impressions.  There  is  in  the  British  Museum 
a  warrant,  or  order  in  council,16  which  has  a  stamped  im- 
pression on  paper  from  a  similar  seal,  differing  only  in  some 
very  minute  particulars,  but  which  would,  of  course,  be  of 
steel.  That  document  is  dated  25th  May,  1637,  and  we, 
therefore,  have  reason  to  suppose  that  this  silver  seal  was 
made  at  a  not  later  period  than  that,  and  perhaps  much 
earlier.  The  design  is  very  beautiful,  and  though  the  detail 
is  boldly  and  skilfully  executed,  yet  it  does  not  evince,  on 
the  whole,  that  elaborate  and  careful  finish  which  is  the 
striking  feature  of  most  of  his  later  works. 


15  It  is  by  favour  of  this  gentleman  that  we   are  permitted  to 
give  the  present  engraving. 

«  Vide  Addl.  MSS.  No.  5750,  p.  142. 


232  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

It  only  remains  for  us  to  add,  that  Simon's  Appointment 
in  1645,  and  the  Petition  of  his  widow,  were  discovered 
among  the  MS.  records  of  the  Audit  Office  by  Mr.  Peter 
Cunningham,  a  gentleman  whose  research  and  antiquarian 
industry  has  rescued  from  oblivion  many  papers  of  histo- 
rical and  literary  interest,  and  of  whose  merits  we  have 
great  pleasure  in  making  this  just  acknowledgment. 

B.N. 


XXV. 
REMARKABLE  GOLD  COIN  OF  OFFA. 

[Read  before  the  Numismatic  Society,  Nov.  25th,  1841.] 

THE  Numismatic  Society  will,  I  doubt  not,  think  worthy  of 
its  attention  the  following  description  of  a  gold  coin,  one 
of  the  rarest  and  most  remarkable  that  has  ever  passed 
through  my  hands.  It  was  procured  by  the  late  Duke  de 
Blacas,  during  a  sojourn  at  Rome,  and,  though  a  little 
bent,  is  in  very  perfect  preservation.  On  one  side  of  this 
singular  piece  we  find  the  Arabic  inscription,  "In  the  name 
of  God  was  coined  this  dinar  in  the  year  one  hundred  and  fifty 
seven."  In  the  centre  is,  "  Mahommed  is  the  Apostle  of 
God"  in  three  lines,  between  which  are  the  words,  OFFA 
REX. 

The  reverse  bears,   "  Mahomet  is  the  Apostle  of  God,  who 


REMARKABLE  GOLD  COIN  OF  OFFA.        233 

sent  Mm  with  the  doctrine  and  true  faith  to  prevail  over  every 
religion"  In  the  centre,  " There  is  no  other  God  but  the  one 
God:  he  has  no  equal" 

However  strange  this  piece  may  appear,  it  is  yet  sus- 
ceptible of  explanation.  The  faults  of  orthography  to  be 
traced  in  the  legend,  which  is  reversed  in  its  position  with 
the  words  OFFA  REX,  shows  that  it  is  a  copy  of  a  Mus- 
sulman dinar.,  by  a  workman  unacquainted  with  the  Arabic 
language,  and  indeed  ignorant  of  the  fact  of  these  characters 
belonging  to  any  language  whatever.  Examples  of  a  similar 
description  of  coin  were  put  in  circulation  by  the  French 
bishops  of  Agde  and  Montpelier,  in  the  13th  century.  In 
the  present  case,  we  cannot  see  an  intentional  adoption  of  a 
foreign  language,  as  on  the  coins  of  Russia,  Spain,  Sicily, 
Georgia,  and  even  Germany,  On  the  money  of  Vassili 
Dmitrivitch,  of  Dmitri  Ivamvicht,  on  that  of  the  Norman 
princes  William  and  Roger,  and  the  Mozarabic  dinar  of 
Alfonsus,  we  find  Arabic  legends  appropriated  to  the  very 
princes  by  whose  commands  they  were  struck.  One  silver 
piece  of  Henry  IV.,  emperor  of  Germany,  bears  on  the 
reverse  the  name  of  the  Khalif  Moktader  billah  ben  Mo- 
tadhed ;  but  this  is  merely  the  result  of  an  association  be- 
tween those  princes. 

This  coin,  inscribed  with  the  name  of  Offa,  bears  the 
date  157  (A.D.  774),  and  Offa  began  to  reign  in  755;  it  is 
therefore  probable  that  it  was  copied  from  some  coin  brought 
into  Europe  by  trade,  or  by  some  of  the  Arabs  who,  in  the 
year  169  (785),  fled  from  the  religious  persecutions  of  the 
Khahlif  Hadi. 

We  learn  from  the  English  Chronicle,  that  on  associating 
his  son  with  him  in  the  kingdom,  Offa  promised  to  the 
Pope's  legate  a  gift  of  396  gold  Mancuses  every  year ;  and 
as  we  have  no  gold  coins  of  this  period  remaining,  it  may 


234  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

be  conjectured  that  this  dinar,  found  at  Rome,  and  bearing 
the  name  of  the  Mercian  monarch,  is  a  specimen  of  the 
very  gold  mancus,  as  well  as  another  kind  of  imitated  gold 
coin  recently  discovered  in  England  and  Scotland,  of  which 
some  varieties  have  been  purchased  in  Paris.  I  allude  to 
the  rude  solidus  of  Louis  le  Debonnaire,  with  the  legend 
MVNVS  DIVINVM,  in  very  barbarous  characters.  I  need 
not  refer  to  the  imitations  of  the  type  of  Charles*le  Chauve 
on  the  coins  of  Ethelred,  nor  to  the  commercial  and  poli- 
tical relations  which  existed  between  the  two  countries  at 
this  period. 

As  to  the  singular  fact  of  an  Arabic  legend  selected  to 
be  sent  to  a  Pope,  we  are  authorised  by  the  ignorance  of  the 
times  to  suppose  that  king  Offa  mistook  for  mere  ornaments, 
characters  which  the  Pope,  on  the  other  hand,  would  con- 
sider Saxon  letters. 

ADRIEN  DE  LONGPERIER. 

Pans,  June  8th,  1841. 


•235 


MISCELLANEA. 


THE  "  GUN  MONEY"  OF  JAMES  II. — The  following  notices 
of  the  base  money  coined  and  put  in  circulation  by  James  II. 
in  Ireland,  are  taken  from  the  last  volume  of  the  Camden 
Society's  publications,  edited  by  Mr.  T.  C.  Croker,  entitled, 
"  Narratives  Illustrative  of  the  Contests  in  Ireland  in  1641, 
and  1690."  "Another  grievance  was  that  which  was  gene- 
rally believed  to  be  in  a  great  measure  the  occasion  of  the 
Cyprians'  [Irish]  ruin,  and  of  the  disorder  of  their  govern- 
ment ;  this  was  the  abundance  of  copper  money  that  was 
coined  by  the  king's  orders,  and  which  produced  so  many 
inconveniences  in  the  country,  that  it  merits  a  more  particular 
relation,  and  deserves  to  be  traced  up  to  its  source.  When 
Amasis  [James]  arrived  in  Cyprus  [Ireland],  whieh  was  about 
the  middle  of  the  first  month  [March,  O.  S.]  of  the  second 
year  of  the  war  [1689],  he  found  the  country  very  bare  of 
gold  and  silver ;  (the  Cilicians  [English] ,  who  had  all  the 
wealth  of  the  kingdom  in  their  hands,  having  transported 
their  effects  into  Cilicia  [England]).  And  as  he  was  not 
very  fond  of  spending  in  hast  the  stock  of  money  which 
Antiochus  [King  Lewis  XIV.]  freely  granted  for  the  support 
of  the  war  in  Cyprus  [Ireland],  least  it  might  oblige  him  to 
call  for  more  ;  a  thing  he  would  gladly  avoid,  foreseeing,  that 
by  being  too  far  engaged  to  any  foreign  prince  in  that 
manner,  the  reimbursement  of  such  vast  sums  must  exhaust 
his  treasure  when  he  came  to  the  possession  of  his  kingdoms 
which  he  soon  expected  by  the  voluntary  submission  of  his 
deluded  subjects;  he  was  therefore  advised  by  a  Pamphilian 
[Scottish]  privado  to  make  use  of  this  copper  coin  to  serve  his 
present  turn  in  Cyprus  [Ireland],  adding,  that  this  method 
would  enable  him  to  employ  a  good  part  of  his  gold  to  keep 
in  heart  his  friends  in  Pamphilia  [Scotland],  and  gain  others 
in  Cilicia  [England],  which,  he  represented,  was  of  greater 
consequence  than  the  affairs  of  Cyprus  [Ireland],  and  that 
matters  being  once  settled  there,  he  might  recall  this  coin 
again,  and  recompense  the  loosers.  But  tho'  the  Syrian 
[French]  embassadour,  Demetrius  [Count  d'Avaux],  and  the 
nobles  of  Cyprus  [Ireland],  assured  Amasis  [James]  that  if  he 
laid  out  the  money  he  brought  from  Syria  [France],  it  would, 
by  circulation,  come  back  again  into  his  treasury  (the  states 

VOL,  IV.  L  L 


236  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

general  of  the  kingdom  having  already  freely  granted  a 
subsidy  of  two  hundred  talents),  nevertheless  the  Pamphilian 
[Scottish]  advice  prevailed.  Accordingly,  a  considerable  part 
of  the  gold  was  sent  into  that  country,  and  the  remainder 
being  reserved  by  Amasis  [James']  for  a  dead  lift,  the  copper 
money  was  resolved  upon,  and  the  mint  set  to  work  in  the 
sixth  month  [August,  O.  S.]  of  the  second  year  [1689.] 

"  On  its  first  appearance  abroad,  the  Martinesians  [Pro- 
testants'] in  Salamis  [Dublin]  showed  a  reluctance  to  receive 
it,  but  they  were  soon  forced  into  a  compliance.  Elsewhere 
it  passed  pretty  well  in  the  beginning,  the  people  who  were 
hitherto  scant  of  money  being  glad  to  have  any  coin  current 
among  them  to  advance  trade,  which  was  dead  in  the  country. 
But  when  it  came  to  be  coined  in  such  plenty,  that  the 
merchants,  who  could  not  use  it  in  foreign  countries,  raised 
the  price  of  their  outlandish  ware  to  an  unreasonable  rate  ; 
and  that  the  country  people,  following  the  example,  began  to 
rise  the  price  of  their  commodities  also ;  and,  in  fine,  that  the 
Syrian  [French]  troops,  who  were  paid  in  silver,  seemed  to 
reject  it ;  then,  and  not  before,  it  began  to  decline.  But 
what  undervalued  it  most  was,  the  little  esteem  the  great 
ones  about  court  showed  for  it,  Coridon's  [TyrconnelFt]  lady 
commonly  giving  double  the  quantity  of  brass  for  so  much 
silver.  This  made  the  inferior  sort  to  villify  the  coin,  which 
became  so  despicable,  especially  after  the  defeat  of  Amasis 
[James]  on  the  river  of  Lapithus  the  [Boyne],  that  the  com- 
modity which  might  be  purchased  for  one  piece  of  silver, 
•would  cost  twenty  in  brass;  and  yet  Coridon  [Tyrconnell], 
and  those  who  governed  under  him,  extorted  from  the  country 
people  their  goods  at  the  king's  rate,  when  paid  in  silver. 
But  the  oppression  that  the  poor  Cyprian  [Irish]  merchants 
lay  under  in  the  cities  of  Paphos  [Limerick]  and  Cythera 
\_Galway\  from  the  Coridonians  [Tyrconnellites~\  was  most  in- 
sufferable. A  factor  who  had  his  goods  ready  to  be  shipped 
on  board  a  vessel  hired  for  that  purpose,  must  have  the  afflic- 
tion  to  behold  his  warehouse  broke  open,  and  all  the  in- 
tended freight,  which  he  acquired  with  so  great  pains  and 
expense,  snatched  from  him  in  a  moment,  for  which  he  had 
the  value  given  him  in  copper,  according  to  the  king's  rate 
(or  perhaps  a  ticket  for  it),  which  would  not  yield  him  the 
price  of  a  shoe-buckle  in  any  foreign  country.  And  though 
this  plunder  was  daily  committed  under  pretence  of  supplying 
the  king's  stores,  yet  the  misfortune  was,  that  the  nephews 
and  neices,  the  friends  and  favourites  of  Coridon  [Tyrconneir\, 
got  the  greater  part  of  the  spoil.  The  town  of  Cithera 
[Galway]  can  bear  witness  that  this  was  done  commonly  by 


MISCELLANEA.  237 

his  own  orders,  when  he  was  there  to  take  shipping  for  Syria 
[France].  If  an  outlandish  vessel!  came  in  by  chance  (for 
few  would  come  designedly  into  a  land  where  no  other  coin 
was  used  but  copper),  the  whole  cargoe  was  immediately 
seized,  and  the  owners  must  stay  until  their  ship  were  loaded 
again  with  the  country  provisions  or  commodities  which  were 
to  be  plundered  from  the  natives.  This  unhappy  manage- 
ment made  all  neighbouring  nations  shun  that  part  of  Cyprus 
[Ireland]  which  was  reputed  an  infamous  den  of  robbers,  and 
a  receptacle  of  pyrates.  Tt  was  the  common  opinion,  that  this 
pitiful  project  of  the  copper  coin  was  purposely  advised  by 
some  who  designed  the  total  ruin  of  Cyprus  [Ireland],  for  it 
might  easily  be  foreseen  that  it  would  quickly  destroy  all 
commerce,  wherein  chiefly  consists  the  wealth  of  any  country 
surrounded  by  the  sea." 

TOWER  MINT,  1651  and  1679. — The  following  notices  are 
extracted  (by  favour  of  Peter  Cunningham,  Esq.)  from  a  MS. 
volume  in  the  Audit  Office,  entitled,  "  Orders  from  1565  to 
1702,"  made  by  the  then  auditors  of  the  imprests ;  and  as 
they  relate  to  matters  connected  with  the  Mint,  may  claim  a 
place  in  the  pages  of  the  Numismatic  Chronicle.  B.  N. 

Att  the  Committee  for  the  Publique  Revenue 
sitting  at  Westminster  the  xxvjth  day  of 
March  1651 

52 

Ordered  That  the  Auditors  of  Prests  doe  forthwith  certifie 
unto  this  Committee  under  their  hands  the  true  state  of  the 
Accompt  of  Aron  Gorden  Esqre  as  Master  Worker  of  the 
Moneyes  in  the  Minte  in  the  Tower  of  the  Cittie  of 
London. 

Hen:  Mildmay 
Tho:  Grey 
John  Trenchard 
Cor:  Holland 
Denis  Bond 


To  the  Auditors  of  the  Imprests. 
Gentn 

The  Lords  Com"  of  his  Mats  Treary  doe  direct  that 
you  (together  with  ye  Warden,  ye  Mr  and  Worker,  ye  Comp- 
troller and  Assay-master  of  ye  Mint)  doe  give  their  LOPPS  an 
Acco4  at  their  first  sitting  after  Easter  of  w*  is  due  to  ye 


238  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

severall  Importers  of  Bullion  for  Bullion  by  them  delivered 
into  ye  Mint  to  be  coyned. 

Also  y*  you  (together  with  ye  sd  Warden  Comp- 
troller and  Assay-master)  doe  consider  ye  Estimate  given  in 
by  Mr  Slingesby  of  his  Receipts  and  Payments  from  ye  20 
Decembr  1677  to  15  March  79  and  make  a  report  thereupon 
to  their  Lordshipps  at  their  said  first  meeting  after  Easter, 
and  particularly  y*  you  certifie  their  Lordspps  what  is  due  for 
Officers  Sallaryes  and  to  ye  Moneyers,  or  other  psons  for 
necessaryes  provided  for  ye  Mint  relateing  to  ye  two  years 
Account  now  passing  and  likewise  what  charge  Mr  Slingesby 
is  usually  at  after  he  has  received  ye  Gold  Cleane  Standard 
for  ye  Seaven  Shillings  he  has  for  ye  Gold  and  8d  for  ye  Silver. 
I  am 
Gent" 

Your  most  humble  Servant 

Treary  Chambers  HEN:  GUY. 

15  March  1679. 

LETTER  FROM  DB.  STUKELY  TO  DB.  WATSON  OF  THE  ROYAL 
SOCIETY. 

Dear  Sr — As  you  was  (sz'c)  not  with  us  at  the  last  meeting 
of  the  R.  S.  I  have  brought  to  you,  the  disc:  wh  I  gave  in 
then,  and  was  read.  The  purport  of  it  was  in  no  wise  leveld 
agUhe  excellent  ace*  you  drew  up  for  us,  of  the  French  gentle- 
man's MS.  but  to  shew  my  dissent  to  his  opinion,  of  those 
coral  bodys  being  the  fabric  of  aials  [animals?]:  an  opinion 
wh  to  me  seems  extremely  absurd.  Please  to  return  it  to  me, 
or  bring  it  to  the  R.  S.  next  thursday. 

Pray  accept  of  madam  Oriuna  as  a  testimony  of  the  respect 
of  Your  affectionate  Serv* 

WM.  STUKELY. 
25  May  1752 

Though  Dr.  Stukely  was  in  his  day  accounted  a  man  of 
learning,  yet  his  ignorance  on  many  subjects,  and  his  conceit 
on  all,  rendered  his  reputed  learning  of  little  avail.  We 
would  not  speak  thus  harshly  of  one  who  has  long  vanished 
from  the  theatre  of  this  world,  but  that  we  see  several  writers 
of  the  present  day  still  quoting  him  as  an  authority.  In  the 
above  remarkable  letter,  there  is  an  error  so  gross,  that  the 
ears  of  every  grammarian  must  be  offended  by  it ;  while  the 
geologist  will  smile  at  the  doctor's  twaddle  about  "  coral 
bodys."  But  the  most  curious  portion  is  the  allusion  to 


MISCELLANEA.  239 

"  Oriuna;"  and  we  will  repeat  the  anecdote  connected  there- 
with, as  an  instance  of  what  egregious  blunders  the  unenquir- 
ing  and  too  credulous  antiquary  may  commit  (whatever  his 
learning  be),  if  he  builds  upon  fancy  and  conjecture,  and 
does  not  derive  his  conclusions  from  patient  and  laborious 
research. 

The  doctor  had  chanced  to  meet  with  an  inedited  coin  of 
Carausius,  bearing  on  the  reverse  a  female  head,  the  legend 
of  which  appeared  to  him  to  run  thus,  "ORIVNA  AVGusta." 
Hereupon  he  immediately  published  this  unique  coin,  as  afford- 
ing proof  of  the  hitherto  unknown  fact,  that  Carausius  had  a 
wife  whose  name  was  Oriuna.  But  at  a  later  period,  some 
more  wary  and  cautious  antiquary  discovered  that  the  head 
was  that  of  Fortune,  and  the  legend  "  FORTVNA  AVGusti," 
a  crack  in  the  coin  having  obliterated  the  F,  and  the  T  being 
worn  into  an  I.  Had  the  doctor  bestowed  a  little  time,  and  a 
little  research  on  the  matter,  he  would  not  have  exposed  him- 
self to  that  ridicule  and  sarcasm,  which  such  an  absurd  mis- 
take deserved  to  be  visited  with. 

The  original  of  the  above  letter  is  in  the  possession  of 

B.  N. 

AN  OTHO  IN  FIRST  BRASS. 

SIR, — Being  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Lyons  a  few  months 
ago,  I  became  acquainted  with  several  amateurs  of  numis- 
matics, whose  cabinets  and  collections  were  opened  to  me,  a 
foreigner,  with  as  much  politeness  and  liberality,  as  if  I  had 
been  an  old  or  very  intimate  friend.  I  mention  this  fact  as  a 
tribute  to  science  ;  for  while  abominable  self-interest  is  gene- 
rally the  basis  of  human  action,  it  seemed  in  this  instance 
forgotten,  or  lost  in  the  better  desire  to  impart  or  acquire 
knowledge.  So  much  for  the  sympathy  created  by  similarity 
of  taste  and  study,  which  begets  a  species  of  brotherhood 
among  the  members  ;  and  while  it  promotes  the  best  interests 
of  science  by  the  recollection  of  friendships  formed  in  its 
rugged  paths,  stimulates  its  votaries  to  further  pursuit,  by  the 
laudable  desire  of  pleasing  more  than  that  egregious  egotist, 
self.  But  to  the  subject.  It  was  not  long  before  I  was  asked 
by  some  of  my  new  acquaintance,  if  I  had  seen  the  Otho  in 
first  brass  lately  found  at  Autun.  I  replied  in  the  negative ; 
and  feeling  my  curiosity  instantly  awakened,  I  began  devising 
means  for  gratifying  it.  Circumstances  compelling  my  return 
soon  after  to  Paris,  I  resolved  at  once  to  go  by  way  of  Autun, 
and  make  a  short  stay  there,  to  see  this  long-coveted  object  of 
numismatic  research.  I  had  been  informed  that  it  belonged 


240  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

to  the  municipality  ;  but  a  gentleman  to  whose  collection  I 
paid  a  visit,  corrected  the  mistake,  and  told  me  it  was  in  the 
possession  of  the  Baron  d'Espiard,  to  whom  he  volunteered 
to  give  me  a  card  of  introduction,  which  I  gratefully  accepted. 
Autun,  in  an  antiquarian  point  of  view,  is  one  of  the  most 
interesting  cities  in  France.  Long  anterior  to  the  Romans 
finding  their  way  there,  it  was  a  place  of  considerable 
importance  ;  and  during  the  period  it  was  under  their  domi- 
nion, its  citizens  enjoyed  all  the  privileges  of  those  at  Rome. 
It  possessed  its  palaces,  its  schools,  its  amphitheatres,  its 
baths,  its  temples  to  various  deities,  its  triumphal  gates ; 
occupied  a  much  larger  space  of  ground  than  the  present  city, 
and  was  surrounded  by  strong  walls.  Many  remains  yet 
exist  of  its  former  grandeur  ;  part  of  the  walls,  two  beautiful 
gateways,  the  ruins  of  a  temple  to  Janus,  another  to  Minerva, 
and  in  some  of  the  streets  the  actual  Roman  pavement,  com- 
posed of  immense  blocks  of  stone,  still  bearing  the  marks  of 
their  chariot  wheels.  Not  a  day  passes  in  which  some  interest- 
ing relic  is  not  discovered.  I  brought  many  curiosities  away 
myself,  which  I  obtained  of  the  persons  who  found  them. 
The  following  circumstance  perhaps  deserves  a  passing  notice. 
The  gentleman  whom  I  first  visited  bought  what  was  sup- 
posed to  be  the  site  of  the  old  palace  of  the  Roman  emperors, 
and  enclosing  the  whole  within  a  wall,  had  the  ground  dug 
up  to  the  depth  of  sixteen  feet,  and  passed  through  a  sieve. 
The  treasures  he  found  were  of  every  description,  from  exten- 
sive tessalated  pavements,  to  the  smallest  article  for  culinary 
purposes,  besides  marble  and  bronze  statues,  pillars,  altars, 
coins,  engraved  stones  and  rings,  some  set  in  iron,  some  in 
gold,  cameos,  intaglios,  &c.  &c.  of  different  sizes  and  degrees 
of  beauty.  I  went  to  see  the  collection,  for  the  gentleman 
to  whom  they  belong  has,  with  the  addition  of  some  paintings, 
choice  engravings,  and  objects  of  virtu  formed  a  museum  ; 
and  the  price  of  admission,  you  are  informed  by  a  servant  at 
the  gate,  is  two  francs,  which  I  paid,  though  the  owner,  who 
had  the  politeness  to  show  me  every  thing  himself,  cer- 
tainly wished  me  not.  My  next  visit  was  to  the  municipality, 
where  are  now  preserved  most  of  the  objects  found  in  the 
town  and  neighbourhood,  an  example  we  should  do  well  to 
follow  in  this  country,  not  only  as  conducive  to  the  general 
interests  of  science,  but  as  a  means  of  increasing  the  interest 
of  every  locality.  Indeed,  the  municipality  annually  devotes 
a  sum  of  money  for  the  purpose  of  making  researches,  under 
the  superintendance  of  a  committee  of  men  of  taste.  Among 
the  objects  in  the  museum  are  some  amphorae,  about  two  feet 
and  a  half  high,  of  common  baked  earth,  but  finishing  at  the 


MISCELLANEA.  241 

bottom  in  a  long  sharp  point,  as  if  destined  to  stand  upright 
in  the  earth.  There  are  also  some  bronzes,  one  of  a  group 
of  gladiators.  From  thence  I  proceeded  to  the  Baron 
d'Espiard's,  by  whom,  as  soon  as  I  had  informed  him  of  the 
purport  of  my  visit,  I  was  received  not  only  with  politeness, 
but  friendship. 

My  expectations  were  more  than  realized  when  the  rara  avis 
in  terra  was  put  into  my  hands.  I  held  the  coin,  the  object 
of  numismatic  anxiety,  the  longed-for,  the  hoped-for,  but 
despaired-of.  Much  as  I  love  the  study  of  medals,  I  am 
sorry  my  judgment  in  discerning  the  true  from  the  false,  keeps 
not  pace  with  my  experience,  nor  do  I  presume  to  say  it  may 
be  depended  upon ;  however,  I  looked  at  and  examined  the 
precious  piece  most  carefully,  and  with  all  the  critical  acu- 
men of  which  I  am  master,  and  the  result  was,  that  I  felt 
satisfied,  had  it  not  been  an  Otho  in  first  brass,  no  one  would 
have  questioned  its  genuineness.  I  could  see  nothing  sus- 
picious about  it,  in  despite  of  the  scepticism  awakened  by  its 
rarity.  Through  the  Baron's  great  kindness,  1  am  enabled  to 
send  you  a  correct  drawing  of  the  coin,  and  also  of  some 
others  unpublished,  and  almost  as  rare ;  among  which  you 
will  perceive  a  medallion  of  Pescennius  Niger.  The  Baron's 
cabinet  is  rich  in  unpublished  medals  ;  and  what  much  in- 
creases their  value,  by  removing  almost  all  suspicion  of 
spuriousness,  is,  that  they  are  chiefly  the  produce  of  the  town 
of  Autun,  and  have  generally  been  purchased  of  the  persons 
who  found  them,  and  who,  from  being  known,  would  scarcely 
dare  to  attempt  an  imposition.  The  Baron  is  a  gentleman  of 
considerable  learning  and  science,  enthusiastic  in  the  love  of 
his  pursuits,  and  a  man  of  considerable  property,  one  in  fact 
who  can  have  no  interest  in  establishing  a  delusion,  and  per- 
tinaciously maintaining  it ;  his  conviction  is  satisfied,  his 
judgment  determined,  and  I,  for  one,  see  no  reason  why  he 
should  abandon  it ;  he  covets  and  courts  publicity  for  his 
coin,  but  will  not  let  it  out  of  his  possession,  and  hence,  in 
my  opinion,  much  of  the  hostility  existing  against  it.  I  took 
my  leave  of  the  Baron,  highly  gratified  by  what  I  had  seen, 
and  extremely  grateful  for,  and  flattered  by,  that  urbanity 
and  frankness  of  manner  which,  while  it  made  me  forget  I 
was  a  stranger  and  a  foreigner,  raised  me  to  the  place  of  a 
friend ;  and  I  promised  to  speak  of  the  medal  to  some  of  the 
learned  conoscenti  of  Paris,  and  inform  him  of  the  result. 
On  arriving  at  the  capital  I  did  so,  and  was  sorry  to  observe 
a  determined  predisposition  to  condemnation ;  they  had  heard 
of  it  too,  and  seemed  to  wonder,  and  to  feel  piqued,  that  it 
had  not  been  sent  to  them,  when  its  irrevocable  fate  would 


242  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

have  been  immediately  pronounced.  I  need  not  tell  you,  Mr. 
Editor,  that  Paris,  as  well  as  London,  contains  its  amateurs, 
from  the  upright  and  rigidly  honourable,  down  to  the  despic- 
able forger,  "  who  really  knows  nothing  about  it  himself,  only 
that  it  is  marked  RRR  R."  "No,"  says  the  Baron,  "  I  will  not 
part  with  it,  but  will  show  it  with  pleasure  and  readiness  to 
any  one.  I  wish  it  to  be  seen,  but  in  my  presence."  One  of 
the  arguments  generally  urged  against  its  genuineness  at  Paris 
was,  that  Otho,  not  having  been  recognized  by  the  senate,  had 
no  power  nor  right  to  strike  coins  in  copper.  I  mentioned 
this  and  other  remarks  to  the  Baron ;  and  now,  Mr.  Editor, 
with  your  permission,  he  shall  answer  that  argument  himself, 
I  being  his  translator..  "  I  am  not  surprised  that  the  dis- 
covery of  an  Otho  in  first  brass,  with  the  letters  S.  C.  upon 
the  reverse,  should  create  doubt  and  suspicion ;  but  I  think  it 
most  unjust  that  it  should  be  condemned  unseen.  I  am  most 
anxious  to  show  it,  in  order  that  its  genuineness  may  be 
tested  and  decided,  but  I  will  not  part  with  it  out  of  my  own 
keeping.  It  is  pretended,  you  say,  that  it  cannot  be  genuine, 
because  Otho  had  no  power  to  strike  money  in  copper,  not 
having  been  recognized  by  the  senate:  but  upon  what  this 
supposition  is  founded,  I  really  cannot  tell ;  for  if  we  consult 
ancient  historians,  there  is  nothing  in  them  to  corroborate  it. 
Certainly  neither  Plutarch,  nor  Tacitus,  nor  Suetonius,  nor 
Dion  of  Nice  assert  it ;  on  the  contrary,  I  find  in  them,  that 
Otho  presented  himself  in  the  senate,  and  as  soon  as  he  had 
addressed  the  senators,  it  was  determined  that  ambassadors 
should  be  sent  to  Vitellius,  to  apprize  him  of  the  election  of 
Otho,  and  engage  him  to  remain  in  peace  (Suetonius'  Life  of 
Otho) ;  and  if  from  the  ancients  we  descend  to  the  moderns, 
we  shall  find  in  the  work  on  General  History,  written  by  your 
countrymen,  and  published  at  Paris,  1781,  in  vol.  xxiii.,  pp. 
126 — 128,  that  the  senate  and  the  people,  immediately  upon 
the  death  of  Galba,  proceeded  to  the  camp  of  Otho,  where 
they  applauded  the  choice  of  the  soldiers,  and  kissed  the 
hand  of  the  new  emperor ;  and  that  the  next  day  the  praBtor 
assembled  the  senate,  who  invested  Otho  with  tfie  tribunitial 
power,  conferring  on  him  at  the  same  time  the  title  of  Augustus, 
and  the  usual  honours  bestowed  on  their  emperor.  Moreover,  it 
is  scarcely  probable  that  the  senate  would  have  dared  to  refuse 
to  recognize  Otho,  selected  as  he  had  been  by  the  praetorian 
guard,  beloved  as  he  was  by  the  people,  as  well  as  supported 
by  a  large  proportion  of  the  young  nobility,  who  anticipated 
impunity  for  every  species  of  licentiousness  from  him  who 
had  been  the  companion  of  Nero,  and  at  whose  nod  their 
very  existences  would  have  been  in  jeopardy.  So  much  for 


MISCELLANEA.  243 

the  non-recognition  of  Otho.  If  it  be  pretended  that  my 
medal  must  be  false,  because  hitherto  unknown,  might  not  the 
same  argument  have  been  urged  against  every  unique  medal? 
and  if  genuineness  be  granted  to  a  single  unique  medal,  why 
should  it  be  refused  to  mine?  Among  the  thousands  of  coins 
too  corroded  by  age  to  be  distinguishable,  who  can  say  there 
may  not  have  been  many  of  Otho  ?  or  who  can  say  that  many 
may  not  yet  be  turned  up  by  the  spade  of  some  fortunate 
labourer?  If  again  the  brevity  of  Otho's  reisjn  be  advanced 
as  an  objection,  my  answer  is,  that  we  have  copper  coins  of 
some  of  the  tyrants  whose  reigns  were  still  more  brief.  My 
own  opinion  of  my  medal  is  decided,  nor  will  I  easily  abandon 
it,  seeing  there  is  nothing  in  history  to  prove  the  impossibility 
of  its  existence,  and  strengthened  as  that  opinion  has  been  by 
the  acquiescence  of  every  amateur  who  has  hitherto  seen  it." 

Having  conversed  on  the  subject  of  this  extraordinary  coin 
with  several  gentlemen  in  London,  I  was  desirous  of  obtaining 
further  information  about  it ;  whereupon  I  wrote  to  the  Baron, 
who  most  obligingly  furnished  me  not  only  with  the  drawing 
of  it,  but  also  with  the  following  answers  to  my  questions, — 
namely,  that  it  was  found  at  Autun  by  the  person  of  whom  he 
purchased  it,  together  with  three  others  in  large  brass, — 
Hadrian,  M.  Aurelius  and  Commodus,  and  one  in  second 
brass  of  Domitian — that  it  was  not  recognizable  till  he  had 
cleaned  it — that  it  is  of  fine  preservation,  with  a  beautiful 
patina  upon  it  (there  is  something  peculiar  in  the  soil  of 
Autun  which  imparts  the  much-admired  green  to  almost  every 
coin  found  there),  that  the  letters  are  perfect,  the  head  of 
considerable  relief,  but  the  face  slightly  oxidated,  and  the 
edges  manifesting  nothing  to  awaken  suspicion  of  the  forger's 
cunning. 

I  am  afraid  I  have  trespassed,  Mr.  Editor,  too  much  upon 
your  valuable  columns,  therefore  will  only  add,  that  should 
any  English  gentleman  be  passing  through  Autun,  and  feel 
desirous  to  see  the  coin,  I  have  the  Baron's  permission  to  say, 
that  he  will  be  most  happy  to  show  it,  together  with  very 
many  others  hitherto  unpublished. 

I  remain,  Mr.  Editor, 
With  much  respect, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 

HENRY  H.  YOUNG. 

THE  GALLERY  OF  ANTIQUITIES. — The  first  number  of  a 
work  under  this  title,  consisting  of  the  principal  antiques  in 
the  collection  of  the  British  Museum,  from  drawings  by  F. 
ARUNDALE  and  J.  BONOMI,  with  descriptions  by  S.  BIRCH, 

VOL    IV.  M  M 


244  NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE. 

has  just  made  its  appearance.  It  commences  with  the  best 
examples  of  the  DEITIES  of  EGYPT,  their  attributes  and  history. 
The  most  interesting  of  the  sacred  animals  will  be  next 
selected,  with  descriptions  of  the  numerous  localities  in  which 
these  objects  are  preserved.  In  the  British  Museum,  amongst 
the  many  other  works  of  art  which  have  been  purchased  by 
government,  or  presented  by  private  individuals,  is  a  most 
interesting  and  valuable  collection  of  Egyptian  antiquities, 
which,  from  the  researches  of  M.  CHAMPOLLION,  SIR  G. 
WILKINSON,  and  others,  have  tended  to  throw  much  light  on 
the  manners,  customs,  and  religion  of  the  ancient  Egyptians. 
To  extend  the  knowledge  of  these  antiquities ;  and  to  place 
within  the  reach  of  all  classes,  a  collection  so  worthy  of  being 
illustrated  and  explained,  is  the  object  of  the  present  work, 
which,  it  is  hoped,  may  prove  a  valuable  addition  to  the 
library  of  every  individual.  Each  part  of  the  work  will  be 
complete  in  itself.  The  sepulchral  tablets,  the  boats,  the 
mummy-cases,  the  vases,  the  different  ornaments,  seats,  &c., 
with  every  object  likely  to  interest  and  instruct,  will  be  care- 
fully delineated.  The  engravings  to  be  fac-similes  of  the 
originals,  drawn  to  scale,  and  showing  also  the  different 
colours  at  present  existing.  The  size  of  the  work  will  be  4to., 
and  will  appear  in  monthly  parts,  containing  four  plates  and 
eight  pages  of  letter-press,  price  2«.  Qd. 

MEDAL  OF  THE  PACHA  OF  EGYPT. — We  are  pleased  to  hear 
that  a  committee  has  been  formed  to  superintend  the  design, 
inscription,  &c.  of  a  medal  of  the  Pacha  of  Egypt,  to  be 
struck  as  a  testimony  of  esteem  and  gratitude  for  the  pro- 
tection afforded  by  His  Highness  to  the  persons  and  property 
of  our  countrymen  during  the  late  war,  and  for  the  general 
encouragement  afforded  to  intercourse  with  Egypt.  Lord 
Claud  Hamilton,  LordRokeby,  Sir  Willoughby  Cotton,  Colonel 
Campbell,  Dr.  Bowring,  Dr.  Lee,  Sir  Moses  Montefiore,  Mr. 
Waghorn,  and  other  individuals  of  reputation  and  influence, 
are  members  of  the  committee.  As  the  project  is  not  one 
of  party  feeling,  or  of  private  interest,  but  a  token  of  recog- 
nizance of  generosity  in  a  late  enemy,  and  of  gratitude  for 
conduct  unexampled  in  history,  we  trust  the  medal  will  be 
supported  by  all  classes  and  parties  as  it  deserves. 


TO  OUR  READERS  AND  SUBSCRIBERS. 


The  present  Number  is  the  first  of  a  new  Volume,  and,  in 
consequence  of  an  arrangement  made  with  the  Numismatic 
Society,  bears  the  title  of  the 

NUMISMATIC    CHRONICLE; 

AND 

JOURNAL 

OJF 

THE  NUMISMATIC  SOCIETY. 

By  the  arrangement  referred  to,  Members  of  the  Numismatic 
Society  may,  if  they  please,  be  provided  with  the  work,  on 
application  to  the  publishers,  or  to  the  bookseller,  and  the 
payment  of  nine  shillings  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Society,  in 
addition  to  their  annual  subscription.  Each  Member  will  be 
entitled  to  a  copy  of  the  PROCEEDINGS,  gratis,  which  may  also 
be  had  of  the  publishers,  Messrs.  TAYLOR  and  WALTON,  Upper 
Gower  Street;  or  of  Mr.  JOHN  HEARNE,  Bookseller  to  the 
Society,  81,  Strand. 


***  M.  Rollin,  10,  Rue  Vivienne,  Paris,  has  kindly  offered 
to  take  charge  of  letters  or  packets  intended  for  transmission 
to  the  Editor  in  England. 

The  next  number  will  be  published  on  the  1st  July,  1841. 


ERRATUM. 

In  page  146,  8th  line  from  the  bottom,  for  "Plutarch  assures"  read 
"  Herodian  assures." 


CJ  The  Numismatic  chronicle 

and  journal  of  the  Royal 
N6  Numismatic  Society 


PLEASE  DO  NOT  REMOVE 
CARDS  OR  SLIPS  FROM  THIS  POCKET 

UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO  LIBRARY 


y.  j