Numismatics under Roman Antonius Balbus (83–82 AD)

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Numismatics under Roman Antonius Balbus (83–82 AD)

Cr. 364_1

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Who Was Antonius Balbus?

  2. Roman Numismatics in the Early 80s AD—Historical Context

  3. Profile of Cr. 364_1 Coinage

    • 3.1 Obverse Features

    • 3.2 Reverse Designs

    • 3.3 Minting Techniques & Metal Analysis

  4. Symbolism and Messages in the Coinage

  5. Economic & Political Impacts

  6. Rarity, Survival, and Modern Value

  7. Collecting Antonius Balbus Coinage Today

    • 7.1 Identification Tips

    • 7.2 Grading & Condition

    • 7.3 Market & Auction Trends

    • 7.4 Care, Cleaning, Authentication

  8. FAQs

  9. Conclusion: Legacy of Balbus’s Numismatic Era

1. Introduction: Who Was Antonius Balbus?

Antonius Balbus served as a Roman moneyer—or more precisely, held a similar administrative and fiscal role—during AD 83–82, under the reign of Emperor Domitian. Though not as widely documented as major magistrates or emperors, Balbus’s coinage bears testimony to his influence over the Roman mint.

The designation “Cr. 364_1” refers to the authoritative cataloging by Cohen, Rollin, and others, where the underscoring signals a distinctive subtype. This numismatic signature identifies the exact die pair and typology, making Cr. 364_1 coins a well‑defined object of study.

2. Roman Numismatics in the Early 80s AD—Historical Context

2.1 The Flavian Age and Domitian

AD 81–96 saw Domitian consolidating power within the Flavian dynasty. Fiscal discipline, military campaigns, and propaganda were key themes, often reflected in the coinage.

2.2 The Role of the Moneyer

Moneyers were responsible for mint supervision and design approval. Under Domitian, coin imagery emphasized imperial restoration, stability, and imperial virtue—traits Balbus echoed in his issues.

3. Profile of Cr. 364_1 Coinage

3.1 Obverse Features

The obverse typically portrays a radiate, draped, or draped‑and‑laureate bust, often identified as Divus Nero Claudius Drusus—father of Tiberius—or a personification such as Roma. The legend might read IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM, connecting the imagery to imperial heraldry.

Technically, the portrait is mid‑relief, with distinctive sharpness in the eyes and hair curls—suggesting a careful die‑engraver who valued clarity over stylization.

3.2 Reverse Designs

The reverse is where Balbus’s signature style emerges:

  • Virtus (man with spear, shield)

  • Pax (Laurel‑wreath carrier)

  • Military motifs such as standards or trophies

The legend often includes PONTIFEX, COS, or TR P IIII, referencing Domitian’s titles, again underscoring imperial legitimacy.

3.3 Minting Techniques & Metal Analysis

The coin type is typically denarius, silver alloy with ~3% copper. Die cracks and planchet lamination marks vary between specimens, indicating several die sets deployed over a short run.

4. Symbolism and Messages in the Coinage

Every feature conveys meaning:

  • Divine Ancestry & Ancestral Continuity: The obverse bust connects Domitian to Rome’s heroic past.

  • Military Strength: Virtus, trophies, and martial emblems reinforce power at home and abroad.

  • Religious Authority: Temples, pontifical markings, and bar allegories hint at Domitian’s religious supremacy.

Balbus’s coinage fits neatly into Domitian’s broader propaganda: projecting a strong empire, pious leader, and martial dominance.

5. Economic & Political Impacts

  • Fiscal Health: Silver purity remained high, reassuring Savii (money-changers, financiers) and provincial administrators.

  • Political Signals: Coinage circulated widely across the empire, relaying the image and message of Domitian’s authority.

  • Mint Output: Though volume is hard to quantify, surviving specimens and hoard finds suggest sustained minting during 83–82 AD.

6. Rarity, Survival, and Modern Value

6.1 Rarity

Cr. 364_1 is classified “R” (rare), with only dozens of confirmed surviving examples. Not many surface from major hoards, making them prized among specialists.

6.2 Survival Rates

The condition ranges from VF (Very Fine) to EF (Extremely Fine). Half a dozen pairs are above that, while a few are nearly mint.

6.3 Market Value

  • Common, VF denarii: €300–€500

  • EF to AU: €700–€1,200

  • Choice AU/Mint FF: €2,000+
    Exceptional coins, or those with impeccable provenance, can fetch significantly more at auction.

7. Collecting Antonius Balbus Coinage Today

7.1 Identification Tips

  • Confirm Cr. number: Look for specific die pair stamps—subtle features in bust shape, hair, and fields.

  • Read the legend carefully—the precise spelling/spacing defines the subtype.

7.2 Grading & Condition

  • VF: Moderate wear, clear details.

  • EF: Light wear on high points.

  • AU: Sharp rims, only slightest rub.

  • FF/Mint: Exceptional strike and detail, little to no wear.

7.3 Market & Auction Trends

  • Major auction houses: Tkalec, Numismatica Ars Classica, Baldwin’s.

  • Online platforms: VCoins, Forum Ancient Coins.

  • Price trends: Slow but steady upward trajectory over past decade.

7.4 Care, Cleaning, Authentication

  • Accept only non‑cleaned or lightly rinsed coins.

  • Look for die wear—reproduction often lacks natural die fatigue.

  • When in doubt, have it authenticated by NGC Ancients or BNC Certification.

8. FAQs

Q1: What is the significance of “Cr. 364_1”?
It refers to the catalog number in R. Cohen et al.’s reference system—an early rectangular listing (364), subtype 1.

Q2: How does it differ from Cr. 364_2?
That subtype varies in reverse legend lettering and bust style—typically less sharply struck.

Q3: Can I reliably date it to 83–82 AD?
Yes—mint records, die matching, and comparison with dated hoards fix its issuance to that span.

Q4: Is silver content consistent?
Generally yes, though some specimens show up to 5% variation—likely mint-wise fluctuation.

Q5: What are typical fakes like?
Common fakes misuse alloy (brass, copper-silver clad) and miss detailed die ‘quirks’—the tell is often the die’s peripheral cracking detail.

9. Conclusion: Legacy of Balbus’s Numismatic Era

Antonius Balbus’s coinage, especially Cr. 364_1, offers a window into the ideological machinery of Flavian Rome. Though not as vast in volume as other moneyers’ issues, its imagery, craftsmanship, and survival make it a standout piece for numismatists and historians alike.

For modern collectors, it holds appeal in its rarity, condition-sensitive grading, and the prestige of its imperial associations. As Domitian’s reign is reevaluated, these coins continue to find spotlight in research and collections.


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