The D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities

To learn about the The D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities please use the tabs to the left to navigate through the exhibition. 

Denarius of Emperor Tiberius
Denarius of Emperor Tiberius – also known as a Tribute Penny
Silver
14 – 37 C.E.
2015.16.0058
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
One of Seton Hall University’s most distinguished collections, the D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities, includes coins of ancient Greece, the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire and Byzantium as well as a small collection of related artifacts: oil lamps, game pieces, weights and terra cotta figurines.   Donor Ron D’Argenio became interested in ancient coins when taking courses in Greek drama and history as an undergraduate at Fordham University in the 1970’s.  In 2001, he generously donated his collection to Seton Hall University in memory of his father, Rinaldo J. D’Argenio, who served in World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star for his valor.  Ron D’Argenio is a practicing attorney working in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.   The collection is available for study and research by students and scholars.
Greek Arrowhead
Greek Arrowhead coin
Bronze
6th to 5th century B.C.E.
2015.16.0028
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
Long before coins became a form of exchange, gold and silver were used for trade across the ancient world.  Without any standardized units of measure, these precious metals had to be weighed at the time of each transaction.  This cumbersome process of verification led to the advent of coinage backed by a governing authority.  It is generally understood that the first coins in the west were minted in the kingdom of Lydia, which is in present-day Turkey, in the 7th century B.C.E.  Persia and ancient Greek city states soon began using coins for commerce.  This Greek Arrowhead coin is one of the oldest examples in the D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities.   
Denarius of Emperor Augustus
Denarius of Emperor Augustus
Silver
27 – 14 B.C.E.
2015.16.0054
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
Coins are some of the most important sources of information about nations, people and cultures.  Because coins were made of durable materials, they survive in larger numbers than most artifacts.  Archaeologists and historians have come to rely on coins to reconstruct the past using the dates, images and inscriptions to aid in reconstructing cultures from which little else endures.
Denarius of Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Denarius of Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Silver
161 – 180 C.E.
2015.16.0106
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
The making of coins was a complicated undertaking that required many of laborers and craftsmen.  Before coins could be minted, metals had to be mined and processed.  The metals were then either molten and poured or hammered between dies.  The images contained on the dies were made by skilled craftsmen.  A team of experienced laborers could strike up to 20,000 coins daily.  This coin features the likeness of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.  The irregularly shaped blank resulted the design being cut off on the upper right when struck.
Black Sea Dolphin Money
Black Sea Dolphin Money
Bronze
6th to 5th century B.C.E.
2015.16.0027
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
Some of the most interesting, though crudely formed examples of coins in the collection include this dolphin coin from Olbia, an ancient Greek settlement on the Black Sea (present-day Ukraine.)  This busy trade outpost was, and still is, habitat to large populations of bottle-nosed dolphins. Scholars speculate that the Olbians may have placed a spiritual significance on the dolphin, leading to this unusually shaped currency.
Quadrans of Augustus
Quadrans of Augustus
Copper
27 B.C.E. – 14 C.E.
2015.16.0052
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
Early on, ruling classes realized the power of money to convey their authority and principles across vast regions.  The front of coins often featured portraits of leaders, while the reverse might reflect personal, religious or political beliefs.  In a time without printing presses or mass media, this might be the only opportunity for a leader to connect with their subjects.   This quadrans of Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of the Roman Republic, also features an eagle on its reverse, symbolizing imperial rule.  The symbol of the eagle endures today and is used on heraldry and coinage throughout the world, including that of the United States of America.
Tetradrachm of Nero
Tetradrachm of Nero
Silver and copper alloy
64 – 65 C.E.
2015.16.0066
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
The silver denarius was the standard monetary unit of the Roman Empire.  Its value was tied initially to the weight and purity of the silver it contained.  Over time, as the empire fell into decline, emperors began to debase the intrinsic value of coinage.  The emperor Nero (54-68 C.E.) lowered the weight of coins during his rule to balance deficits.  Successive emperors followed suit.  Within 150 years or so, the denarius was devalued to the point that it contained less than 50% silver.  This tetradrachm coin featuring the head of Nero in profile is a silver/copper alloy and was circulated in the region of Alexandria, Egypt during Nero’s reign.
Christ Follis
Christ Follis
Bronze
8 – 9th century C.E.
2015.16.0018
Gift of Ron D’Argenio
Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.  He decreed it as the state religion and pronounced tolerance for its followers.  This large bronze coin, or Christ Follis, was issued in the Middle Ages.  Instead of depicting the emperor, it features a likeness of Christ seated on a throne wearing a crown and vestments, his right hand raised in a blessing.  The first coins with Christ’s likeness were gold, and as the empire began to struggle financially, the coins were later minted in bronze.
Quadrigatus of Janus
Quadrigatus of Janus
Silver
225 – 212 B.C.E.
2015.16.0305
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Marcus Claudius Marcellus

Under the Roman Republic, coins were not adopted as quickly as in other regions of the Mediterranean.  The denarius was the predominant coin and remained in circulation for almost 450 years.  Coins of this period often feature images of Roman gods on the front (obverse), to conflate their virtues with those of the rulers.  This coin was most likely issued during the second Punic War when Marcus Claudius Marcellus – a general being groomed to be a caesar – led Roman troops to victory.  Marcellus died of illness before he was able to ascend to leadership.

This coin features the image of the god Janus, who presided over the beginning and ending of conflict, and hence, war and peace in ancient Roman religion and myth.

 

Denarius of Julius Caesar
Denarius of Julius Caesar
Silver
103 B.C.E.
2015.16.0315
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was known as a skilled politician, gifted orator and military general. A popular leader, he initiated a program of social and governmental reforms including; the extension of citizenship to those living in Roman territories, support for military veterans, redistribution of property to the poor, and the creation of the Julian calendar, the same one we use today.  Though he favored Republican ideals towards the beginning of his reign, he was assassinated, in part, for his increasingly dictatorial manner of rule.  The coin features the image of Mars, god of war, wearing a crested helmet.

 

Denarius of Antony and Octavian
Denarius of Antony and Octavian
Silver
40 – 39 B.C.E.
2015.16.0354
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Antony and Octavian

The Battle of Actium was the decisive confrontation in the final civil war of the Roman Republic. Marc Antony betrayed the Romans by siding with Queen Cleopatra of Egypt against Octavian’s forces who represented Rome’s interests.  Octavian triumphed.  This front of the coin depicts the bust of Marc Antony (left) and the reverse depicts the bust of Octavian (right) prior to the dissolution of their alliance.

 

Denarius of Furia
Denarius of Furia
Silver
63 B.C.E.
2015.16.0346
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Lucius Furia Brocchus

The Furia family (or gens) was one of the oldest and most distinguished in the Roman Republic.  This coin was minted when Lucius Furius Brocchus was moneyer.  This family held many of the highest offices.   The obverse of this coin features the bust of Ceres, goddess of agriculture and fertility. She is flanked by her attributes; on the left, an ear of corn and to her right, a grain of barley.

Denarius of Octavian
Denarius of Octavian
Silver
30 – 27 B.C.E.
2015.16.0045
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Octavian

Augustus, born Gaius Octavius, was the very first emperor of the Roman Empire, ruling from 27 B.C.E. until his death in 14 C.E.  He was the great-nephew of Julius Caesar.  Augustus is remembered as a successful ruler, expanding Roman territory, establishing tax reforms, developing a system of roadways and instituting an official network of couriers.  He also instituted police and fire departments, as well as a standing army.  His rule, despite the empire’s militaristic expansion, is remembered as one of considerable peace and progress.  His adopted son and stepson, Tiberius, succeeded him in death.

Coin of Tiberius
Coin of Tiberius
Copper
14 – 37 C.E.
2015.16.0057
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Tiberius

Renowned as one of the greatest Roman generals, the length of Tiberius’ 22 ½ year reign was surpassed only by that of Antoninus and Augustus.  Tiberius was related to many emperors including including; Augustus (step-father), Caligula (grand-nephew and adopted grandson), Nero (great-grand nephew) and Claudius (nephew).

 

As of Caligula
As of Caligula
Copper
37 – 41 C.E.
2015.16.0060
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Caligula

Caligula became emperor after the death of his adoptive grandfather Tiberius.  Known historically for his personal excesses and unrestrained power, Caligula was assassinated by a group of conspirers comprised of government officials, soldiers and courtiers.

 

 

 

Coin of Claudius
Coin of Claudius
Copper
41 – 54 C.E.
2015.16.0063
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Claudius

Born in Lugdunum (present day Lyon, France), Claudius was the first emperor that was not born in Rome.  His father, a high-ranking Roman military officer, was stationed in the outpost and later died unexpectedly during a campaign in Germania.  Claudius was known for his public works projects, especially the completion of three aqueducts – the Aqua Claudia, Aqua Anio Novus and Aqua Virgo.   Portions of all three still exist.

 

Dupondius of Nero
Dupondius of Nero
Copper and brass
54 – 68 C.E.
2015.16.0067
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Nero

Nero became emperor in 54 C.E. at the age of 16.  His ascent to the throne was marked by a series of machinations by his mother Julia Agrippina, great-granddaughter of the emperor Augustus, who is said to have poisoned the emperor Claudius and his son Brittanicus, Nero’s rival for the throne.  Nero’s early reign was looked upon quite favorably.  He outlawed capital punishment, lowered taxes and promoted the arts.  The later years of his rule were marked by corruption, extravagance and tyranny – behaviors that are said to have escalated after his murders of his mother and step-brother.

Coin of Vespasian
Coin of Vespasian
Copper
69 – 79 C.E.
2015.16.0074
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Vespasian

The son of a tax collector, Vespasian instituted a series of tax reforms to restore the Roman Empire’s finances after military success in Judaea.  He then began several ambitious civic projects, including the building of The Flavian Amphitheater, the largest ever built.  Today it is known as the Roman Colosseum.  The colosseum, which could accommodate over 50,000 people, was used for many sorts of civic functions including mock naval battles, gladiator fights and dramatic performances.

Denarius of Domitian
Denarius of Domitian
Silver
81 – 96 C.E.
2015.16.0078
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Domitian

Though the Roman Republic had been dismantled by the time Domitian became emperor, the Roman Empire had not dispensed with the outward pretense of a republican state.  Domitian put to rest this notion, officially rendering senatorial powers obsolete.  Domitian openly governed as an absolute monarch, his rule pervading into matters of cultural and moral authority in addition to his political role.

 

Denarius of Trajan
Denarius of Trajan
Silver
98 – 117 C.E.
2015.16.0083
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Trajan

Trajan was appointed emperor in 98 C.E. by his predecessor Domitian.  Trajan, who rose through the military ranks to become emperor, was popular with his citizenry for his dogged expansion of the Roman Empire.  Under his leadership, the empire was territorially at its largest.  He was also well-liked due to his civic projects which included the building of Trajan’s Forum – a civic complex used for a variety of social, devotional and governmental purposes – and Trajan’s Market.

Denarius of Hadrian
Denarius of Hadrian
Silver
117 – 138 C.E.
2015.16.0088
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Hadrian

A first cousin of the emperor Trajan, Hadrian did not seek expansion of the empire, but a contraction of it with an aim to unify its various peoples.  In his desire to unite the empire, he initiated projects such as Hadrian’s wall, which both denoted and fortified its northern reaches in the present-day United Kingdom.   Hadrian also rebuilt Rome’s famous Pantheon, a former temple to the gods.

 

Sestertius of Antoninus
Sestertius of Antoninus
Orichalcum
138-161 C.E.
2015.16.0096
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Antoninus

Antoninus rose to power during Hadrian’s rule and was later adopted by him before being chosen to succeed him in death.  His reign was characterized by peace and prosperity, with no major military actions or incursions during this time.  Antoninus presided over a period of building – providing free access to drinking water with the building of aqueducts – as well as bridges and roads.  Despite his civic building campaigns, there was a considerable surplus in state coffers both during and after his rule.

Denarius of Marcus Aurelius
Denarius of Marcus Aurelius
Silver
139 – 161 C.E.
2015.16.0044
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Marcus Aurelius

The nephew of Antoninus, Marcus Aurelius was adopted by his uncle shortly before he became emperor in 138 C.E.  Marcus Aurelius was a gifted military leader, defending the empire from Parthian and German enemies.  Under his rule, the empire flourished and he was remembered as a good and capable leader.  However, Marcus Aurelius is best recalled as a philosopher king.  He wrote an influential journal entitled “Meditations.”  Though it was published, it was meant to be a series of private reflections based on the emperor’s Stoic outlook and his belief in responsibility to his subjects.  The book is still in print.

Denarius of Commodus
Denarius of Commodus
Silver
177 – 192 C.E.
2015.16.0115
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Commodus

Commodus was just 16 years old when his father, Marcus Aurelius, appointed him co-emperor.  They ruled jointly for roughly three years until his father’s death.  From that point, he ruled solely for another twelve years.  Commodus was highly educated but lacked military training.  He was disinterested in governing, using his position to further his own desires.  He fancied himself a gladiator, and the reincarnation of the god Hercules, physically imposing and a protector of the people.  His megalomaniacal behavior led to a public loss of confidence, and ultimately, his assassination by one of his sparring partners.

Denarius of Caracalla
Denarius of Caracalla
Silver
198 – 211 C.E.
2015.16.0129
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Caracalla

Caracalla directed the building of the eponymously named Baths of Caracalla in Rome, the second largest public baths in the city.  The ruins stand to this day.  He is also known for an edict which granted full Roman citizenship to nearly all the free inhabitants of the empire.  Despite these progressive measures, Caracalla is best remembered as one of the most tyrannical rulers in the empire’s history.  He killed his brother Geta, with whom he co-ruled, and assassinated Geta’s loyalists.  He also brutally massacred civilians during his many military campaigns, most notably, his execution of the city’s youth when conquering the city of Alexandria.

Antoninianus of Constantine
Antoninianus of Constantine
Copper
305 – 306 C.E.
2015.16.0221
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Constantine

Constantine was the first emperor to adopt Christianity at both state and personal levels.  In February 313 C.E., he signed the Edict of Milan, a proclamation of religious tolerance that ended the persecution of Christians.  The edict brought over 300 years of oppression to an end, during which Christians were forced to worship in secret or risk arrest and public martyrdom.  Constantine’s declaration ushered in an era when Christians could fully participate in Roman civic life.

Tremissis of Justinian
Tremissis of Justinian
Gold
527- 565 C.E.
2015.16.0289
Gift of Ron D’Argenio

Justinian

Justinian was considered one of the greatest rulers of the late Roman and Byzantine Empires.  After the fall of the Roman Empire he began campaigns in Africa and Italy to regain territory lost to the Vandals and Goths.  His reunification plans also entailed massive rebuilding projects that included churches, monasteries, forts, reservoirs and bridges.  He also presided over legal reforms which were compiled in the Corpus Juris Civilus, a document that included all Roman laws issued since the time of Emperor Hadrian – many of which inform today’s statutes.  Justinian co-ruled with his wife Theodora.  Many believe Justinian’s greatest achievements were due to her influence.