{"id":3123,"date":"2020-09-17T09:02:58","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T13:02:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/?page_id=3123"},"modified":"2020-09-17T09:03:43","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T13:03:43","slug":"the-dargenio-collection-of-coins-and-antiquities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/digital-exhibitions\/the-dargenio-collection-of-coins-and-antiquities\/","title":{"rendered":"The D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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To learn about the The D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities please use the tabs to the left to navigate through the exhibition.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Emperor Tiberius \u2013 also known as a Tribute Penny
Silver
14 \u2013 37 C.E.
2015.16.0058
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nOne of Seton Hall University\u2019s most distinguished collections, the\u00a0D\u2019Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities,<\/i><\/b>\u00a0includes 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.\u00a0 \u00a0Donor Ron D\u2019Argenio became interested in ancient coins when taking courses in Greek drama and history as an undergraduate at Fordham University in the 1970\u2019s.\u00a0 In 2001, he generously donated his collection to Seton Hall University in memory of his father, Rinaldo J. D\u2019Argenio, who served in World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star for his valor.\u00a0 Ron D\u2019Argenio is a practicing attorney working in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.\u00a0\u00a0 The collection is available for study and research by students and scholars.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Greek<\/a>
Greek Arrowhead coin
Bronze
6th to 5th century B.C.E.
2015.16.0028
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nLong before coins became a form of exchange, gold and silver were used for trade across the ancient world.\u00a0 Without any standardized units of measure, these precious metals had to be weighed at the time of each transaction.\u00a0 This cumbersome process of verification led to the advent of coinage backed by a governing authority.\u00a0 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<\/sup>\u00a0century B.C.E.\u00a0 Persia and ancient Greek city states soon began using coins for commerce.\u00a0 This Greek Arrowhead coin is one of the oldest examples in the\u00a0D\u2019Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Emperor Augustus
Silver
27 \u2013 14 B.C.E.
2015.16.0054
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nCoins are some of the most important sources of information about nations, people and cultures.\u00a0 Because coins were made of durable materials, they survive in larger numbers than most artifacts.\u00a0 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.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Silver
161 \u2013 180 C.E.
2015.16.0106
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nThe making of coins was a complicated undertaking that required many of laborers and craftsmen.\u00a0 Before coins could be minted, metals had to be mined and processed.\u00a0 The metals were then either molten and poured or hammered between dies.\u00a0 The images contained on the dies were made by skilled craftsmen.\u00a0 A team of experienced laborers could strike up to 20,000 coins daily.\u00a0 This coin features the likeness of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.\u00a0 The irregularly shaped blank resulted the design being cut off on the upper right when struck.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Black<\/a>
Black Sea Dolphin Money
Bronze
6th to 5th century B.C.E.
2015.16.0027
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nSome 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.)\u00a0 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.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Quadrans<\/a>
Quadrans of Augustus
Copper
27 B.C.E. – 14 C.E.
2015.16.0052
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nEarly on, ruling classes realized the power of money to convey their authority and principles across vast regions.\u00a0 The front of coins often featured portraits of leaders, while the reverse might reflect personal, religious or political beliefs.\u00a0 In a time without printing presses or mass media, this might be the only opportunity for a leader to connect with their subjects.\u00a0\u00a0 This quadrans of Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of the Roman Republic, also features an eagle on its reverse, symbolizing imperial rule.\u00a0 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.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Tetradrachm<\/a>
Tetradrachm of Nero
Silver and copper alloy
64 \u2013 65 C.E.
2015.16.0066
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nThe silver denarius was the standard monetary unit of the Roman Empire.\u00a0 Its value was tied initially to the weight and purity of the silver it contained.\u00a0 Over time, as the empire fell into decline, emperors began to debase the intrinsic value of coinage.\u00a0 The emperor Nero (54-68 C.E.) lowered the weight of coins during his rule to balance deficits.\u00a0 Successive emperors followed suit.\u00a0 Within 150 years or so, the denarius was devalued to the point that it contained less than 50% silver.\u00a0 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\u2019s reign.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Christ<\/a>
Christ Follis
Bronze
8 \u2013 9th century C.E.
2015.16.0018
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nConstantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.\u00a0 He decreed it as the state religion and pronounced tolerance for its followers.\u00a0\u00a0This large bronze coin, or Christ Follis, was issued in the Middle Ages.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The first coins with Christ\u2019s likeness were gold, and as the empire began to struggle financially, the coins were later minted in bronze.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\"Quadrigatus<\/a>
Quadrigatus of Janus
Silver
225 \u2013 212 B.C.E.
2015.16.0305
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Marcus Claudius Marcellus<\/strong><\/p>

Under the Roman Republic, coins were not adopted as quickly as in other regions of the Mediterranean.\u00a0 The denarius was the predominant coin and remained in circulation for almost 450 years.\u00a0 Coins of this period often feature images of Roman gods on the front (obverse), to conflate their virtues with those of the rulers.\u00a0 This coin was most likely issued during the second Punic War when Marcus Claudius Marcellus – a general being groomed to be a caesar \u2013 led Roman troops to victory.\u00a0 Marcellus died of illness before he was able to ascend to leadership.<\/p>

This coin features the image of the god Janus, who\u00a0presided over the beginning and ending of conflict, and hence, war and peace in\u00a0ancient Roman religion\u00a0and\u00a0myth.<\/p>

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\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Julius Caesar
Silver
103 B.C.E.
2015.16.0315
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Julius Caesar<\/strong><\/p>

Julius Caesar was known as a skilled politician, gifted orator and military general.\u00a0A popular leader,\u00a0he initiated a program of social and governmental reforms\u00a0including; 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.\u00a0 Though he favored Republican ideals towards the beginning of his reign, he was assassinated, in part, for his increasingly dictatorial manner of rule.\u00a0 The coin features the image of Mars, god of war, wearing a crested helmet.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Antony and Octavian
Silver
40 \u2013 39 B.C.E.
2015.16.0354
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Antony and Octavian<\/strong><\/p>

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\u2019s forces who represented Rome\u2019s interests.\u00a0 Octavian triumphed.\u00a0 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.<\/p>

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\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Furia
Silver
63 B.C.E.
2015.16.0346
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Lucius Furia Brocchus<\/strong><\/p>

The Furia family (or gens) was one of the oldest and most distinguished in the Roman Republic.\u00a0 This coin was minted when Lucius Furius Brocchus was moneyer.\u00a0 This family held many of the highest offices.\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Octavian
Silver
30 – 27 B.C.E.
2015.16.0045
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Octavian<\/strong><\/p>

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.\u00a0 He was the great-nephew of Julius Caesar.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 He also instituted police and fire departments, as well as a standing army.\u00a0 His rule, despite the empire\u2019s militaristic expansion, is remembered as one of considerable peace and progress.\u00a0 His adopted son and stepson, Tiberius, succeeded him in death.<\/p>

\"Coin<\/a>
Coin of Tiberius
Copper
14 \u2013 37 C.E.
2015.16.0057
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Tiberius<\/strong><\/p>

Renowned as one of the greatest Roman generals, the length of Tiberius\u2019 22 \u00bd year reign was surpassed only by that of Antoninus and Augustus.\u00a0 Tiberius was related to many emperors including including; Augustus (step-father), Caligula (grand-nephew and adopted grandson), Nero (great-grand nephew) and Claudius (nephew).<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"As<\/a>
As of Caligula
Copper
37 \u2013 41 C.E.
2015.16.0060
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Caligula<\/strong><\/p>

Caligula became emperor after the death of his adoptive grandfather Tiberius.\u00a0 Known historically for his personal excesses and unrestrained power, Caligula was assassinated by a group of conspirers comprised of government officials, soldiers and courtiers.<\/p>

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\"Coin<\/a>
Coin of Claudius
Copper
41 – 54 C.E.
2015.16.0063
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Claudius<\/strong><\/p>

Born in Lugdunum (present day Lyon, France), Claudius was the first emperor that was not born in Rome.\u00a0 His father, a high-ranking Roman military officer, was stationed in the outpost and later died\u00a0unexpectedly during a campaign in Germania.\u00a0 Claudius was known for his public works projects, especially the completion of three aqueducts \u2013 the Aqua Claudia, Aqua Anio Novus and Aqua Virgo.\u00a0\u00a0 Portions of all three still exist.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"Dupondius<\/a>
Dupondius of Nero
Copper and brass
54 \u2013 68 C.E.
2015.16.0067
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Nero<\/strong><\/p>

Nero became emperor in 54\u00a0C.E.\u00a0at the age of 16.\u00a0 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\u2019s rival for the throne.\u00a0 Nero\u2019s early reign was looked upon quite favorably.\u00a0 He outlawed capital punishment, lowered taxes and promoted the arts.\u00a0 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.<\/p>

\"Coin<\/a>
Coin of Vespasian
Copper
69 \u2013 79 C.E.
2015.16.0074
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Vespasian<\/strong><\/p>

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.\u00a0 He then began several ambitious civic projects, including the building of The Flavian Amphitheater, the largest ever built.\u00a0 Today it is known as the Roman Colosseum.\u00a0 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.<\/p>

\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Domitian
Silver
81 – 96 C.E.
2015.16.0078
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Domitian<\/strong><\/p>

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.\u00a0 Domitian put to rest this notion, officially rendering senatorial powers obsolete.\u00a0 Domitian openly governed as an absolute monarch, his rule pervading into matters of cultural and moral authority in addition to his political role.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Trajan
Silver
98 \u2013 117 C.E.
2015.16.0083
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Trajan<\/strong><\/p>

Trajan was appointed emperor in 98 C.E. by his predecessor\u00a0Domitian.\u00a0 Trajan, who rose through the military ranks to become emperor, was popular with his citizenry for his dogged expansion of the Roman Empire.\u00a0 Under his leadership, the empire was territorially at its largest.\u00a0 He was also well-liked due to his civic projects which included the building of Trajan\u2019s Forum \u2013 a civic complex used for a variety of social, devotional and governmental purposes – and Trajan\u2019s Market.<\/p>

\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Hadrian
Silver
117 \u2013 138 C.E.
2015.16.0088
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Hadrian<\/strong><\/p>

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.\u00a0 In his desire to unite the empire, he initiated projects such as Hadrian\u2019s wall, which both denoted and fortified its northern reaches in the present-day United Kingdom.\u00a0\u00a0 Hadrian also rebuilt Rome\u2019s famous Pantheon, a former temple to the gods.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"Sestertius<\/a>
Sestertius of Antoninus
Orichalcum
138-161 C.E.
2015.16.0096
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Antoninus<\/strong><\/p>

Antoninus rose to power during Hadrian\u2019s rule and was later adopted by him before being chosen to succeed him in death.\u00a0 His reign was characterized by peace and prosperity, with no major military actions or incursions during this time.\u00a0 Antoninus presided over a period of building \u2013 providing free access to drinking water with the building of aqueducts – as well as bridges and roads.\u00a0 Despite his civic building campaigns, there was a considerable surplus in state coffers both during and after his rule.<\/p>

\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Marcus Aurelius
Silver
139 \u2013 161 C.E.
2015.16.0044
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Marcus Aurelius<\/strong><\/p>

The nephew of Antoninus, Marcus Aurelius was adopted by his uncle shortly before he became emperor in 138 C.E.\u00a0 Marcus Aurelius was a gifted military leader, defending the empire from Parthian and German enemies.\u00a0 Under his rule, the empire flourished and he was remembered as a good and capable leader.\u00a0 However, Marcus Aurelius is best recalled as a\u00a0philosopher king<\/i>.\u00a0 He wrote an influential journal entitled \u201cMeditations.\u201d<\/i>\u00a0 Though it was published, it was meant to be a series of private reflections based on the emperor\u2019s Stoic outlook and his belief in responsibility to his subjects.\u00a0 The book is still in print.<\/p>

\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Commodus
Silver
177 – 192 C.E.
2015.16.0115
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Commodus<\/strong><\/p>

Commodus was just 16 years old when his father, Marcus Aurelius, appointed him co-emperor.\u00a0 They ruled jointly for roughly three years until his father\u2019s death.\u00a0 From that point, he ruled solely for another twelve years.\u00a0 Commodus was highly educated but lacked military training.\u00a0 He was disinterested in governing, using his position to further his own desires.\u00a0 He fancied himself a gladiator, and the reincarnation of the god Hercules, physically imposing and a protector of the people.\u00a0 His megalomaniacal behavior led to a public loss of confidence, and ultimately, his assassination by one of his sparring partners.<\/p>

\"Denarius<\/a>
Denarius of Caracalla
Silver
198 – 211 C.E.
2015.16.0129
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Caracalla<\/strong><\/p>

Caracalla directed the building of the eponymously named Baths of Caracalla in Rome, the second largest public baths in the city.\u00a0 The ruins stand to this day.\u00a0 He is also known for an edict which granted full Roman citizenship to nearly all the free inhabitants of the empire.\u00a0 Despite these progressive measures, Caracalla is best remembered as one of the most tyrannical rulers in the empire\u2019s history.\u00a0 He killed his brother Geta, with whom he co-ruled, and assassinated Geta’s loyalists.\u00a0 He also brutally massacred civilians during his many military campaigns, most notably, his execution of the city\u2019s youth when conquering the city of Alexandria.<\/p>

\"Antoninianus<\/a>
Antoninianus of Constantine
Copper
305 \u2013 306 C.E.
2015.16.0221
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Constantine<\/strong><\/p>

Constantine was the first emperor to adopt Christianity at both state and personal levels.\u00a0 In February 313 C.E., he signed the\u00a0Edict of Milan<\/i>, a proclamation of religious tolerance that ended the persecution of Christians.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Constantine\u2019s declaration ushered in an era when Christians could fully participate in Roman civic life.<\/p>

\"Tremissis<\/a>
Tremissis of Justinian
Gold
527- 565 C.E.
2015.16.0289
Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Justinian<\/strong><\/p>

Justinian was considered one of the greatest rulers of the late Roman and Byzantine Empires.\u00a0 After the fall of the Roman Empire he began campaigns in Africa and Italy to regain territory lost to the Vandals and Goths.\u00a0 His reunification plans also entailed massive rebuilding projects that included churches, monasteries, forts, reservoirs and bridges.\u00a0 He also presided over legal reforms which were compiled in the\u00a0Corpus Juris Civilus<\/i>, a document that included all Roman laws issued since the time of Emperor Hadrian \u2013 many of which inform today\u2019s statutes.\u00a0 Justinian co-ruled with his wife Theodora.\u00a0 Many believe Justinian\u2019s greatest achievements were due to her influence.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To learn about the The D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities please use the tabs to the left to navigate through the exhibition.\u00a0 Introduction Denarius of Emperor Tiberius \u2013 also known as a Tribute PennySilver14 \u2013 37 C.E.2015.16.0058Gift of Ron D\u2019Argenio One of Seton Hall University\u2019s most distinguished collections, the\u00a0D\u2019Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities,\u00a0includes … Continue reading “The D’Argenio Collection of Coins and Antiquities”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4875,"featured_media":0,"parent":2678,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3123","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4875"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3123"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3397,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3123\/revisions\/3397"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}