MALTESE CONNECTIONS IN THE
ROMAN IMPERIAL MEDAL COLLECTION
of WILLIAM HENRY SMYTH
Anton Bugeja
Introduction
For Maltese historians and archaeologists, Admiral William Henry Smyth
(1788–1865) is mostly known for his detailed hydrographical charts of the
Mediterranean,1 plans of Malta,2 his research on Mediterranean antiquities3
or his account of the Ġgantija temples after their exploration in the early
1820s.4 Although he was also a member of various academic societies and
a distinguished astronomer,5 in this paper I will focus on Smyth as a keen
collector of coins and medals6 as I believe that his book Descriptive catalogue
of a cabinet of Roman imperial large-brass medals published in 1834 deserves
attention for medals obtained or discovered in the Maltese Islands.
Smyth’s interest in numismatics
Smyth’s interest in coins and medals was well known and he can be
considered as a founder member of the Royal Numismatic Society in 1836.
Indeed, in the preparatory meeting for the formation of this society, Smyth
was initially proposed to be its first president, but possibly after declining,
Smyth served as a council member when Dr John Lee took up the post of
president. Nonetheless, Smyth was particularly prolific, compiling a number
of catalogues.7 He studied Lee’s collection and published a catalogue of
the cabinet of Roman coins belonging to the Duke of Northumberland.8
Furthermore, he had a leading role in cataloguing the collection of coins,
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medals, and tradesmen’s tokens of the Society of Antiquaries as well as the
latter’s collection of Roman coins presented by the Reverend Kerrich’s son.9
He also compiled a catalogue of his own collection,10 made of Roman
Imperial large-brass medals and published it in 1834. Here he described six
hundred medals ranging from the time of Julius Caesar to Gallienus,11 medals
datable to between 49 BC and 268 AD.12 By reading his catalogue, it is clear
that Smyth’s voyages were instrumental to bring together such a collection.
Indeed, his book documents how medals were procured or exchanged in
Cagliari, Tripoli, London, Tunis, Gibraltar, Pisa and Genova, to mention just
a few places.13 A good number of his medals were purchased from the sale
of other collections,14 and on one occasion he obtained a medal by personally
excavating at Ostia.15
The hoard found in Malta in 1819
From these medals at least eighty-two were found or obtained within
the Maltese Islands. Of these, at least sixty-five16 well preserved medals17
(Appendix 1) were obtained from a single hoard (hereafter referred to as the
1819 Malta hoard) and, understandably, Smyth describes in detail the curious
circumstances behind his acquisition. His text reads as follows:In the summer of 1819, a labourer at work near Casal Zurika
(Żurrieq), in the island of Malta, struck his spade into an amphora
which proved to be full of large-brass Roman medals. Further
search being made several other jars were discovered, laden in
a similar manner. I was, unfortunately, absent on a cruize at the
time, or most probably should have obtained them. As it was, the
finder offered them to three individuals in succession, for 100
dollars, which for 14 or 15,000 medals in the highest preservation,
was surely no great risk for any one, however “dunder-headed.”
His proffers being refused, the peasant deeming his prize almost
worthless, sold it for four dollars the cantar of 1751bs. English,
to a brass-founder in Valetta, who was actually melting them
down, when a friend accidentally saw him, and thus rescued
12 or 13 hundred coins—all that were left—from destruction.
Some of them were dispersed, but the greater part fell into the
hands of Mr St John, the present Consul-General at Algiers,
and myself. They comprised a series of about 40 years, from
the time of Alexander to that of Gallienus; and had generally
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the device of Deities or Virtues, and therefore not rare; but their
singularly high preservation rendered them very valuable, and
the numerous duplicates were exchanged to great advantage. It
is curious that this hoard, probably hidden in troublous times,
remained so many ages undiscovered— for the amphorae were
but a few inches below the surface of the ground. What was
lost in the copper-smith’s furnace, can unfortunately never be
ascertained.18
In many ways this recalls an account published in the Malta Government
Gazette in 1819 which reads as follows:As some labourers were lately working near the ancient tower
of this island, called ta Giauar, situated between Casal Gudia
and Casal Chircop (referring to Tal-Ġawhar and the villages of
Gudja and Kirkop), they discovered six earthen vases, filled with
copper or bronze coins of several Roman emperors in the second
and third centuries of the Christian era: their number amounts
to three thousand and upwards; they are of the larger size and
some of them are very scarce; from the ignorance of the peasant
whose property they became, they were sold indiscriminately
to various individuals. Judging from the ruins of this tower,
which was of the round form, and from the enormous size of
the stones which composed it, the building must have been of
very ancient date, many ages anterior to that of these coins, as
it derives its present name from the Saracens, who remained in
these islands for two centuries; these coins must, therefore, have
been concealed by some rich inhabitant at the period when Malta
was subject to the Roman Empire.19
It is clear that there are many similarities between the two accounts which
lead me to propose that both are describing the same discovery (see Table 1).
The date, number of containers and their contents as well as the fate of the
find are similar in the two descriptions. The large size of some of the ‘coins’
described in the Malta Government Gazette is better understood when one
takes into account the description of ‘large-brass medals’ provided by Smyth.
The Malta Government Gazette dates the find, consisting of ‘coins, some
of large size’ to the second and third century AD, while Smyth restricts his
dating of the medals to the third century AD, more specifically ‘from the
time of Alexander to that of Gallienus’ (222 AD–268 AD).20 When one takes
89
into account that ‘the greater part’ of the discovery ‘fell into the hands of
Mr St John’ and the fact that in his catalogue Smyth was only interested
in describing the “Large-Brass series” of the Roman Imperial medals, this
minor discrepancy can easily be reconciled.
Some difficulty may be reserved for the place of the discovery as different
locations are mentioned in the two accounts. As Smyth was not on the island
when the discovery was made, obtaining his information from third persons,
the location of Tal-Ġawhar (Fig. 1) provided in the Malta Government Gazette
should be considered as more accurate. Nonetheless, when one considers
that Tal-Ġawhar is close to Casal Zurika or Żurrieq21 as described by Smyth,
the argument that the two accounts are referring to the same hoard remains
valid.
Detail
Smyth
Malta Government Gazette
Date of Discovery
Summer 1819
Lately (Gazette published
October 1819)
Persons who made the
discovery
A labourer
Some labourers
Place of Discovery
Near Casal Zurika
Ta Giauar between Gudja and
Kirkop
Number of containers
An amphora and several jars
Six earthen vases
Find description and
preservation
Medals, highest preservation,
common types
Copper or Bronze coins, of
the larger size, some of them
scarce
Coin/Medal date
The forty years between
[Severus] Alexander
(222–235 AD) and Gallienus
(c.253–268 AD)22
Roman emperors of the
second and third century AD
Number of medals/coins 14 to 15 thousand medals
found
found, 1200–1300 preserved
More than three thousand
coins
Fate of the find
Sold to various individuals
Unsuccessfully offered them
to three individuals; Smyth
bought his coins from brassfounder
Table 1: Comparison between the accounts in the Malta
Government Gazzette and Smyth’s catalogue
90
Tal-Ġawhar
The main archaeological remains at Tal-Ġawhar consist of a round ancient
building with a nearby cistern that get their name from a medieval placename already recorded in 1461.23 Although ruins and cisterns are recorded
in the area as early as 1501,24 the first secure evidence to the building is
given by the Maltese historiographer Gian Francesco Abela in 1647 when he
mentions the Torre tà Giauhar25 which means the tower at Tal-Ġawhar. Abela
describes several courses of large stones as well as a number of reservoirs and
cisterns, attributing the remains to the Saracens. Through Abela’s account,
the building’s identification as a tower is secured, with Giovanni Antonio
Ciantar26 reproducing Abela’s account in 1772 and Onorato Bres dating the
remains to the Phoenicians in the early nineteenth century.27 Cesare Vassallo
also attributed the building to the Phoenicians and groups it with Ġgantija
and remains at Birżebbuġa (probably Borġ in-Nadur).28 Around 1842, the
“basement of an ancient structure” close to Tal-Ġawhar was discovered
by the chief adjutant of the police Mr St John.29 Interestingly foundations
of buildings are also recorded in nearby fields.30 In 1880, Tal-Ġawhar tower
appears in Godwin’s guidebook, described as the ‘tower of jewels or treasure’
built of immense stones and circular with many Phoenician tombs in the
whereabouts31
Particularly relevant to our discussion is an eighteenth century account
given by Jean Houel who also comments that Tal-Ġawhar is made of large
irregular stones.32 Crucially Houel records a discovery of coins at Tal-Ġawhar
earlier than that of 1819. It consisted of a ceramic pot filled with Roman
copper coins which ended up in the possession of Marquis D.C. Barbaro.33 It
is probable that these Roman coins, which like the medals in the 1819 Malta
hoard were excellently preserved, were displayed with other coins and
medals in Barbaro’s collection. On Barbaro’s death most of his collection was
bought by Lord Winckelson and transferred to England.34 The location of the
coins documented by Houel is unknown today.
In the early twentieth century, such as with Mayr’s publication,35 the
‘towers’ were grouped with other prehistoric remains. Excavations at similar
remains at Ta’ Wilġa, however, challenged this idea as only punic pottery,
and nothing earlier, was recovered from this site.36
It was only in 1960 that modern excavations were carried out at TalĠawhar.37 These revealed use of the area in the Temple period (Ġgantija
phase)38 and Bronze Age (Tarxien Cemetery and Borġ in-Nadur).39 Although
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today a Punic date is favoured by some authors for the construction of
these round buildings,40 no such pottery was recorded from Tal-Ġawhar,
although Punic pottery turned up near a nearby cistern at Sant’Anton.41 In
contrast, Trump dates use of the ancient round building at Tal-Ġawhar to
the Roman period through Roman sherds found under the floor, hinting
through historical considerations, construction related to the Punic War of
219 BC or the first century BC.42 As to the latter date, a BALBVS coin minted
in Malta in the first century BC was found in Trench II outside the building,
but apparently not in a secure context such as to be used to securely date the
building.43
Trump suggested that in less troublesome times, a shrine consisting of an
elaborated carved globigerina slab resting on pillars was raised on the roof of
the building; 44 based on the fine carving on this slab Trump dates the shrine
to the first or early second century AD.45
The deposits connected to a later use of the building were sealed by what
was considered to be a fire-associated collapse of the roof. A small gold ear
ring, two small buckets, two jar necks and an iron bladed axe were ‘apparently
found resting on’ the ‘floor when the roof collapsed over them’.46 A bronze coin
of ‘Claudius II Gothicus (268–270 AD) or, less likely, Aurelian (270–275 AD)’,
were recorded as associated with the finds; 47 recent reassessments refer to
two coins, one of Claudius Gothicus and one of Aurelian.48 In his report,
Trump dates the accidental collapse of the roof to around 300 AD,49 but in a
later publication considered use of the building as a third century defensive
work associated with the incursions of the Heruli into the Mediterranean in
269 AD.50
After the excavations of 1960, the archaeological value of Tal-Ġawhar
appears to have been favourably appreciated by government and the building
was acquired for the nation in 1969.51 In the early twenty-first century, Roman
chain-mail was discovered when a lump of metal from Tal-Ġawhar was
cleaned during restoration.52 Meanwhile, a literature review carried out
by Bruno confirmed that Tal-Ġawhar had several phases of use while also
proposing frequentation in the Byzantine period.53
The 1819 Malta hoard and Tal-Ġawhar
With this overview of what informs our modern understanding of the
remains at Tal-Ġawhar, I turn again to the 1819 Malta hoard to discuss its
relevance to the site. My arguments will be based on the reasoned assertion
92
that the two accounts reproduced above refer to the same discovery. Note
will also be made of the fact that Smyth had only part of the 1819 Malta
hoard.
Irrespective of the reason behind hoard formation, even the more
conservative estimate of the medals and coins found at Tal-Ġawhar make
it one of the larger hoards ever found in the Maltese Islands. This reflects
the economic activity present in the area of Tal-Ġawhar. The account of the
Malta Government Gazette documents second century AD activity in the
area which persists into the third century AD. In Smyth’s collection from
the 1819 Malta hoard, medals prior to the reign of Severus Alexander are
not represented. This is noteworthy and could be significant, but with the
information available it is difficult to explain why Roman medals were
apparently obtained or hoarded only after 222 AD in the area of Tal-Ġawhar.
As Smyth’s catalogue stops with the medals of Gallienus,54 less confident
conclusions can be reached on the fact that the medals Smyth documented
from the 1819 Malta hoard also stop with this emperor. Considering Smyth’s
extensive use of medals from the Maltese hoard to compile his catalogue, one
may argue that if Smyth had medals from the Maltese hoard belonging to the
period after Gallienus, Smyth would have included them and extended his
catalogue. In view of this, it is interesting how the medals in the 1819 Malta
hoard as documented by Smyth stop with Gallienus (253–268 AD) which is a
few years before the coin of Aurelian (270–275 AD) found in the 1960s at TalĠawhar. The formation of the medal hoard can be considered linked with
the events related to the roof collapse and cessation of use of the Tal-Ġawhar
building. The axe and chain-mail found in the building probably point to a
preoccupation with defense. All this supports Trump’s hypothesis that the
roof collapse at Tal-Ġawhar occurred at the time of the incursions of the Heruli
into the Mediterranean.55 Nonetheless, apparent lack of discontinuity at other
sites56 should discourage generalizations and calls for further investigations.
Discoveries documented in the Malta Government Gazette
A word should also be said on the circumstances behind the publication of
archaeological discoveries appearing in the issue of the Malta Government
Gazette of 1819 referred to above. Other than making a reference to the hoard
under discussion, this small article also records that sixty ancient vases and
two ancient stone inscriptions were discovered at Rabat (Malta), while in other
places various ancient tombs containing skeletons and funerary artefacts
93
were found. As it is now known that the Rabat discovery was made in 1816,57
it is clear that the publication of the article in the Malta Government Gazette
in 1819 occurred consequent to the hoard discovered a few weeks earlier.
Robert William St John
Smyth mentions that the greater part of the hoard fell in the hands of Mr St
John, who is here being identified as Robert William St John. St John’s links to
Malta may well have started in 1815 when through a private letter to Maitland,
it was recommended that Robert William, son of General Frederick St John
and clerk in Lord Bathurst’s Office, was to be sent to the Mediterranean and
be useful to government while his family ‘settled their affairs’.58 By 1817, he
is documented as Treasurer, and in 1820 he was given the post of General
Magistrate,59 posts which he held until 1827 when the King appointed him
Agent and Consul General to Algiers.60 St John was still occupying the latter
post when Smyth published his Descriptive Catalogue.
St John appears to have settled in Malta with his wife Eliza, and together
they had six children namely Henry Thomas (1818), Barbara Luisa (1819),
Mary Susan (1821), George Robert (1824), Emily Diane (1826) and Frederick
Arthur (1827).61 During his stay in Malta, precisely in 1821, he is documented
as renting a government house with gardens at Nigret (Żurrieq). Already
at this time he is recorded as having embellished and planted several trees
within this property.62 This placed him especially near the place of discovery
of the medal hoard and may explain why Smyth places the location of
discovery near Żurrieq. The whereabouts of St John’s collection of medals is
today unknown.63
Persons behind other medals obtained by
Smyth in the Maltese Islands
Smyth’s Descriptive Catalogue also mentions seventeen medals which were
acquired from various individuals in the Maltese Islands. The names of these
visitors and residents paint an interesting picture of Malta as a meeting place
of culture, frequented by military personnel and businessmen interested in
antiquities.
John Clunes Ross was a successful businessman who sold antiques from
a shop in Strada Reale Valletta. Smyth, who obtained five medals from Ross
94
in 1821–22,64 notes that it was a collection of medals received from the latter
that convinced him to focus his studies on the ‘large-brass series’.65 Active in
Malta for most of the first half of the nineteenth century, Ross was a business
partner in a series of commercial companies.66 Arriving in Malta early in
the nineteenth century, already by 1806, he was one of the main merchants
seeking expansion of his business in Valletta.67 Living in a rented government
tenement at 43, St John Street, Valletta,68 together with William Higgins as
part of Ross Higgins & C., he strategically traded from rented properties
at Strada Reale (Valletta) and along the Marina Grande (Birgu).69 In view of
this it comes as no surprise that in 1817, Ross was elected member of the
Committee of the Commercial Room.70 Wooden chests, feathers, carpets as
well as antiquities were all traded by Ross who was one of the businessmen
who could trade in merchandise captured from enemy ships.71
Another person who sought fortune in Malta was the Italian painter
Filippo Benucci (1779–1848) from whom Smyth obtained three medals.72
Benucci was also a dealer in paintings, coins, medals, jewels, terracotta s
and art books who settled in Malta between 1810 and 1825.73 He was a wellknown landscape and marine painter.74 In 1826, together with Antonio
Schranz he executed twelve views of Malta, which were published by P.
Lacroix in Munich; these are considered as the earliest lithographic views of
the islands.75
Rather than for business activities, John Hookham Frere (1769–1846) came
to Malta seeking a warm climate for his ill wife, Elizabeth Jemima Blake
the Dowager Countess of Enroll.76 Smyth obtained a medal from Frere in
1821, the same year the latter arrived in Malta.77 At a time when Englishmen
increasingly took up residence along the shores from Pietà to St Julians,78
Frere rented a villa at Pietà and soon took up residence here with his wife
and family.79 Prior to arriving in Malta, Frere had a distinguished diplomatic
career serving as Under Secretary of State at the British Foreign Office, Minister
Plenipotentiary in Madrid and Envoy extraordinary in Portugal.80 Writer and
scholar, poet and humanitarian,81 when in Malta, his cultural interest was
well acknowledged. Here he supported educational initiatives and served
as the first chairman of a University council reporting on education. He also
served as Director of the Public Library.82 Frere amassed a large collection of
books, coins, and archaeological artifacts83 which included a stone tool found
in his residence in 1836.84 He also was a well-known benefactor to the needy
and entertained several guests in his Villa in Pietà.
Smyth obtained three medals from Colonel John Otto Bayer in 1819.85 One
of these, a medal of Marcus Cocceius Nerva (96–98 AD), was recorded as
95
1
3
2
N
4
7
5
6
0
5
10
11
9
10
8
12
14
15
13
Kilometers
Fig. 1: Places ( ) and archaeological sites ( ) mentioned in the article: 1) Għarb, 2) Rabat Gozo, 3) Xagħra, 4) Ġgantija, 5) Rabat - Malta, 6) Ta’ Wilġa, 7) Valletta, 8) Nigret, 9) Żurrieq,
10) Ħal Kirkop, 11) Gudja, 12) Birgu, 13) Sant’Anton, 14) Tal-Ġawhar, 15) Borġ in-Nadur
found at an undisclosed place in Gozo (Appendix 2).86 Bayer held various
high posts on the islands for most of the time between 1816 and his death
in 1826.87 In 1815, he was in charge of the French Prisoners of War at Fort
Manoel. He was appointed Commandant and Chief of Gozo in May 1816
but was transferred in February 1818 to the Ionian Islands where he was
Resident of the Lord High Commissioner in Ithaca. He was appointed Chief
Civil Officer88 and General Magistrate for Gozo in December 1819,89 and
later promoted Lieutenant Governor of the same island on 1 April 1823.90
During his appointment in Gozo, he enforced regulations for the markets91
and secured voluntary help from the residents of Xagħra to repair the road
from their village to Rabat (Gozo).92 Repairs were also made on other roads,93
including the road from Rabat to Għarb.94 Bayer, however, is today mostly
linked with the decision to clear the Ġgantija temples.95 Very little is known on
96
the details of this enterprise as his notes have not been found. After decades
whereby the date of these operations was given as 1827,96 today scholars
give a date in the early 1820s97 although the exact dates remain unknown.98
Operations were probably funded by Bayer himself and it appears that these
were stopped by the owners of the lands being investigated.99
Another person who acted as Lieutenant Governor (although he served in
Malta and only during the absence of the governor) was Sir Manley Power,
KCB, ComTE (1773–1826).100 Power was a British military leader who fought
in a number of campaigns for Britain, including the Iberian Peninsular War
and the siege and capitulation of Alexandria. He was conferred the honour
of Knight Commander of the Military Order of the Bath on 2 January 1815
and rose to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1825.101 Smyth obtained a medal
from Lieutenant General Sir Manley Power in 1822.102
Commodore Sir Charles Marsh Schomberg (1775–1835), an officer of
the British Royal Navy, had served during the French Revolutionary and
Napoleonic Wars as well as in Madagascar. He was appointed a Companion
of the Order of the Bath on 4 June 1815.103 Already commanding the HMS
Madras in Malta until spring 1807,104 in 1822, when he presented a medal to
Smyth,105 Schomberg was in Malta commanding the Rochfort as flag captain
to Sir Graham Moore.106 On 7 February 1833 Schomberg was appointed
Lieutenant Governor of Dominica.107 Another member who served in the
Royal Navy was Robert Sedgley Corner who exchanged a medal with Smyth
in 1818.108 Corner started his career in the land service. He joined the Royal
Navy and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1792 at the age of twentysix. Appointed Registrar in 1812,109 he ended his career as Superintendent of
Marine Police in Malta and died on the island in February 1819.110
Smyth records that he was given another medal by Col. Sir Parker Carroll
in 1821.111 Lieutenant-General Sir William Parker Carrol KCH, KCB, KTS
(1776 – 1842) was Major General and Colonel of the Regiment of Hibernia,
and the Spanish Service as well as Knight of the Royal Order of Charles III.
He served as Commander in Chief of the Portuguese Army in Badajoz and
served in Gibraltar, Argentina and the Peninsular wars.112
Finally, Smyth was presented a medal from Baron Schibberas in 1819,113
the only Maltese mentioned in this trading of medals. Schibberas could well
be Sir Pasquale Sceberras Testaferrata, KCMG, (1792–1869), Baron of Castel
Cicciano and Montagna di Marzo.114 Another candidate, who could in fact
be the same person, is Baron Pasquale Sceberras Trigona who, other than
serving on the Board of Health, was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Malta
in 1815115 and served until the abolition of this post to 1839.116 He is often
referred to as Baron Pasquale Sciberras, later Baron Pasquale Sceberras
97
Trigona. He married twice, first to Rosalea D’Amico Inguanez who died in
1839 and afterwards to the Baroness Gaetana Sceberras Testaferrata in 1844.
Pasquale Sceberras Trigona died in the Isle of Wight.117
The author would like to thank Dr Maxine Anastasi and Dr George Azzopardi for their
comments and help in completing this article.
Appendix 1
A summarised description of the medals from the 1819 Malta hoard
in Smyth’s collection. For a full description see Smyth 1834.
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Severus
Alexander
395
Obverse IMP. CAES. M. AVR. SEV. ALEXANDER
227-228
AVG. Youthful laureated Emperor’s head, with
pleasing features and bust covered with a sagum.
Reverse. MARTI PACIFERO. In the field S. C. Mars
represented as a fighter or avenger, with armour and
galeated, stands in an easy composed attitude as a “
peace-maker,” with spear pointed downwards and
holding an olive-branch in his right hand.
Medal is of pale yellow brass, scarcely patinated and in very
fine preservation.
Severus
Alexander
398
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. AVR. SEV. ALEXANDER
230
AVG. Laureated head of the Emperor, with his hair
cut very close, features mild and expressive, and short
beard.
Reverse. AEQVITAS AVGVSTI. In the field S. C. A
female, habited in the robes of a Roman matron,
stands with a cornucopiae on her left arm, and holds a
balance in her right hand.
Highest possible condition with metal barely discoloured
from having been found hermetically sealed.
Severus
Alexander
399
Obverse. IMP. SEV. ALEXANDER AVG. Laurelled
profile of Alexander, with close hair and pleasing
expression of features; the neck
is bare, with part of a pallium appearing on the left
shoulder.
Reverse. IVSTITIA AVGVSTI. On the exergum S. C.
A stately robed female, seated on a throne, holds a
sceptre in her left hand and a patera in her right, and
looks steadfastly before her.
Medal in high preservation and slightly varnished with
brown patina.
98
Smyth
page
230
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Severus
Alexander
400
Obverse. IMP. SEV. ALEXANDER. AVG. Laureated
231
head of the Emperor with very short hair, close beard,
and features denoting maturity; bust is bare, save that
the strap of an aegis appears on the left shoulder.
Reverse. P. M. TR. P. VIII. COS. III. P. P. On the
exergum S. C. Alexander, in a grand quadriga,
holding the “Sceptrum eburneum”
Medal in high preservation and thinly tinged with brown
patina. Struck in 229 AD.
Severus
Alexander
402
Obverse. IMP. SEV. ALEXANDER AVG. The laureated 231-232
head of the Emperor with intelligent features and the
neck bare.
Reverse. VICTORIA AVGVSTI. In the field S. C. A
winged Victory, inscribing VOT. X. on a buckler,
which is placed on a palm-tree; she is naked to the
waist, and has her left foot upon a helmet. Among
these medals I found three types of Victory, – one
standing with a palm-branch and laurel crown, a
second rapidly advancing, and the one described
here, which is the best.
Medal covered with a bottle-green patina and in the highest
perfection. Minted about 231 AD.
Severus
Alexander
403
Obverse. IMP. ALEXANDER. PIVS AVG. Laureated
232
profile of Alexander with handsome expressive
features, bare neck and part of an aegis over the left
shoulder.
Reverse. P. M. TR. P. X. COS. III. P. P. In the field S. C.
Apollo standing in an easy attitude, his right hand
pointing upwards, and his left holding a whip. With
the exception of a mantle on the shoulder, the figure is
naked and the head is radiated.
Medal slightly covered with reddish-brown patina and is in
fine condition. Medal was struck in 231 AD.
Severus
Alexander
404
Obverse. IMP. ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. Laureated
profile of Alexander with a handsome and intelligent
expression of countenance; bust is covered with a
sagum over a cuirass.
Reverse. IOVIS PROPVGNATOR. In the field S. C.
A bold figure of Jupiter brandishing a thunderbolt
expressing majesty and power; the figure is naked,
except for a floating pallium behind the left shoulder.
Medal has beautiful fabric and well preserved. Slightly
tinged with a brownish-green patina. Medal probably
struck in 234 AD.
99
Smyth
page
232-233
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Smyth
page
Sallustia Barbia 406
Orbiana
Obverse. SALL. BARBIA ORBIANA AVG. Head of the 234
Empress with charming features and her hair closely
dressed, neck finely shaped, and the bosom robed.
Reverse. CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM. On the
exergum S. C. A stately female, magnificently attired
and seated on a throne with a patera in her right hand
and a double cornucopiae in her left.
Medal is in the best possible condition, and varnished with
olive-green patina.
Julia Mamaea
408
Obverse. IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA. Head of the
excellent Princess with her hair in an anadema. Her
features are handsome and intelligent, and her bosom
robed.
Reverse. VENVS VICTRIX. In the field S. C. Venus,
elegantly attired stands with a lance in her left hand
and supports a helmet on her right, with a shield at
her feet.
Extraordinary preservation, though unpatinated.
236
Julia Mamaea
409
Obverse. IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA. Profile of
Mamaea with hair closely dressed. Slightly longer
neck and bosom differently robed when compared to
other coins.
Reverse. FELICITAS PVBLICA. On the exergnm
S. C. A female in magnificent attire, and wearing a
rich diadem, is seated with a caduceus, significant of
celestial benefits, in one hand, and a cornucopiae, the
type of terrestrial benefits, in the other.
Most perfect possible preservation and barely discoloured.
236
Maximinus I
410
Obverse. IMP. MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG. Laurelled
239
head of the Emperor, with large features and a surly
physiognomy.
Reverse. LIBERALITAS AVG. On the exergum S. C.
The Emperor is seated on a curule chair, elevated
upon a suggestum, between two warriors and a figure
of Liberality, who bears a cornucopiae and a tessera.
A citizen on the steps appears rather in the attitude
of salutation, than that of receiving the donative. The
suggestum differs from that of any other medal in the
cabinet, as it is supported by several military statues.
Medal is thinly varnished with green and red patina.
Appears to have been minted in 235 AD.
100
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Maximinus I
412
Obverse. IMP. MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG. Laurelled
head of the Emperor, with very close-cut hair and
beard, wrinkled forehead, large chin, stern features,
and his shoulders covered with a sagum.
Reverse. P. M. TR. P. II. COS. P. P. In the field S. C.
Paludated warrior with a lance in his left hand, and
his right raised, standing by three military standards.
Medal in singularly high condition and unpatinated. Medal
struck in 236 AD.
239
Maximinus I
413
Obverse. IMP. MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG. Laureated
head of the Emperor, with large features, sharp eye,
and lengthy chin; the hair and beard very close, the
neck short and thick, and the shoulders covered with
drapery over a cuirass.
Reverse. VICTORIA GERMANICA. On the exergum
S. C. Maximinus in a camp-dress, standing with right
hand elevated in token of command, and spear in
his left, the point of which is towards a captive at his
feet, whose hands are bound behind him. On right,
a winged Victory is placing a laurel crown on the
Emperor’s head.
Medal in high condition and scarcely patinated. Medal
struck in 236 AD.
240
Paulina
415
Obverse. DIVA PAVLINA. Middle-aged head of
Paulina, with the veil of divinity over hair dressed
like that of Mamaea, and her bosom closely robed.
The features are handsome and intelligent, with a
resemblance to those of Maximinus and Maximus,
especially the latter.
Reverse. CONSECRATIO. In the field S. C. The
Empress is “wending her way” to the spheres, on
the back of a flying eagle; she is veiled, and holds the
sacred sceptre in one hand, and extends the other in
the ancient attitude of prayer.
Medal in the highest preservation and barely discoloured.
241
101
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Maximus
417
Obverse. C. IVL. VERVS MAXIMVS CAES. Head of
Maximus without a laurel wreath, his hair cut very
close, chin smooth, and shoulders
robed. Features bear a strong resemblance to those of
Paulina and are singularly handsome.
Reverse. PIETAS AVG. On the exergum S. C. The
praefericulum (brazen vase), the lituus (augural
wand), the simpulum, and other sacrificial
instruments, as described for Medal 237.
Medal in high conservation, almost perfect, with metal
barely discoloured. Probably had been for ages closely
sealed. Medal probably stamped in 235 AD.
242
Maximus
418
Obverse. MAXIMVS CAES. GERM. Unlaureated
head of the Caesar, with handsome features, and the
characteristics as on the last.
Reverse. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS. In the field S. C. A
graceful figure of Maximus, in camp attire, with the
pallium on his shoulders, in his left hand, a lance,
perhaps his gilt one, held transversely with the point
downwards, and a truncheon in his right: behind him
two military standards are planted in the ground.
Medal is so perfect that it seems fresh from the mint.
Probably struck in 237 AD.
243
Gordian I
421
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AFR.
AVG. Laureated head of the Emperor with short hair,
smooth chin, and aged features.
Reverse. SECVRITAS AVGG. On the exergum S. C. A
female, elegantly attired, is seated with a sceptre in
her right hand, and her left foot upon a low stool with
no cornucopiae as on the one described by Visconti.
Medal, in excellent condition, and slightly tinged with
apple-green patina. Medal struck in 238 AD.
245-246
Gordian II
423
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AFR.
AVG. Laurelled head of Gordianus Juvenis, with
short hair and beard – the forehead being balder,
and the face fuller than on the coins of the father. A
paludamenlum is buckled over armour on the left
shoulder.
Reverse. VIRTVS AVGG. In the field S. C. A military
figure, galeated, stands with a spear in one hand, and
rests his other on a shield upon the ground.
Fine and valuable medal in the highest preservation, though
but slightly patinated with deep-green aerugo.
247
102
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Gordian II
424
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AFR.
AVG. Laureated head of the younger Gordian, with
handsome middle-aged features.
Reverse. PROCIDENTIA AVGG. In the field S. C. A
female figure in the robes of a Roman matron, and
adorned with a diadem, leans gracefully against a
column, on which she supports a cornucopiae, and
with her right hand holds a sceptre over a globe.
Medal in high condition and thinly encrusted with an
apple-green patina.
247-248
Gordian II
425
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AFR.
AVG. Laurelled profile of the younger Gordian, with
short hair and beard, full face, bald forehead and
intelligent aspect; the bust is bold, and covered with
a sagum.
Reverse. ROMAE AETERNAE. On the exergum S.
C. Roma Nicephora seated on a throne, with her left
foot on a suppedaneum, holding a hasta pura in her left
hand, and supporting a small winged victory on her
right. By the side of the throne is a buckler.
Rare medal, thinly varnished with brown patina, and in the
highest possible preservation.
248
Gordian II
426
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AFR.
AVG. Laureated head of Gordianus juvenis, with short
hair and beard, and other characteristics as on the
above.
Reverse. ROMAE AETERNAE. On the exergum S. C.
A galeated female, seated as Rome “the Victorious,”
with attributes as on the last, except that the left foot
does not rest on a suppedaneum.
Medal is in the very best condition and thinly coated with a
chocolate-coloured patina.
248
Balbinus
429
Obverse. IMP. CAES. D. CAEL. BALBINVS AVG.
Laurelled profile of the Emperor with a full face and
a “regular-built” double-chin: but the countenance
is interesting from its expressive eye and handsome
nose and forehead.
Reverse. CONCORDIA AVGG. On the exergum S. C.
A sedent robed female with a double cornucopias and
a patera.
Medal is in the best preservation being barely discoloured.
251
103
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Pupienus
433
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. CLOD. PVPIENVS AVG.
Laurelled head of the Emperor, with aged but good
features, a long beard carefully trimmed, and a bold
forehead.
Reverse. CONCORDIA AVGG. On the exergum S. C.
A sedent female magnificently attired, with a double
cornucopiae and a patera.
Medal in the highest preservation, and only stained over a
part of its surface by a green patina.
254
Pupienus
435
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. CLOD. PVPIENVS AVG.
Laurelled profile of Pupienus, with a grave aspect.
Reverse. PROVIDENTIA DEORVM. In the field S.
C. A stolated female stands with a cornucopiae in
her left hand and holds, in her right, a sceptre over a
globe.
Medal in high condition and slightly patinated.
254
Pupienus
437
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. CLOD. PVPIENVS AVG.
Laureated profile of the Emperor, with the character
as before.
Reverse. PAX PVBLICA. On the exergum S. C. The
device is a female, richly attired, and seated upon a
throne, with sceptre in one hand and olive-branch in
other.
Medal is in the highest possible preservation, the metal
being barely discoloured having been hermetically sealed in
one of the amphorae.
255
Pupienus
438
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. CLOD. PVPIENVS AVG.
255
Laurelled head of Pupienus with grave features close
hair, and long beard as before; but forehead more
wrinkled.
Reverse. P.M. TR. P. COS. II. P. P. In the field S. C. The
Emperor having laid aside his sword, is here habited
in a toga, and stands with a truncheon in his left hand
and a branch of olive in his right.
Medal is in the finest condition and barely discoloured.
Medal struck in 238 AD.
Gordian III
440
Obverse. M. ANT. GORDIANVS CAES. Naked
head of Gordian, with short hair, and an engaging
expression of features; countenance looks boyish.
Reverse. PIETAS AVGG. On the exergum S. C. The
prafericulum, lituus, and other implements.
Medal in perfect condition and tinted with an apple-green
patina.
104
Smyth
page
258
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Gordian III
441
Obverse. IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AVG.
Laureated head of Gordian as Emperor, with a
somewhat older cast of countenance than on the
former medal.
Reverse. ABVNDANTIA AVG. In the field S. C. A
standing female, habited in the stola and wearing
a diadem, is emptying the Amalthaean horn, from
which a shower of money descends.
Medal in beautiful preservation and tinged with reddishgreen patina. Probably struck in 238 AD.
258-259
Gordian III
442
Obverse. IMP. GORDIANVS PIVS FEL. AVG.
Laureated head of the Emperor, with characteristics
as on the last; but the aspect is rather of a graver cast.
Reverse. IOVI STATORI. In the field S. C. A bold and
naked figure of Jupiter, standing with a fulmen in his
left hand, and a lance in his right.
Medal is coated with a fine green patina, spotted with red
on the obverse, and in surprising preservation. Probably
struck around 242 AD.
259
Gordian III
445
Obverse. IMP. GORDIANVS PIVS FEL. AVG.
Laurelled profile of Gordian, with a more animated
expression than usual; the hair is closely
cut, the chin smooth, and the shoulders covered with
a sagum.
Reverse. P. M. TR. P. III. COS. P. P. On the exergum S.
C. The Emperor, in consular vestments, is seated on
a handsome curule chair, with a truncheon in his left
hand, and a globe supported on his right.
Medal is in the highest preservation and its metal scarcely
discoloured. Struck in 240 AD.
260
Gordian III
446
Obverse. IMP. GORDIANVS PIVS FEL. AVG.
Laurelled profile of the Emperor, with intelligent
features, short hair, and slight mustachios,
(indicating, on the whole, an age of about 20 years).
Reverse. MARTEM PROPVGNATOREM. In the field
S. C. The Emperor, galeated and armed with a spear
and shield, in the character of Mars Gradiens.
Medal is in the highest conservation and barely discoloured
on the obverse. It was probably struck in 241 AD.
260
105
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Gordian III
447
Obverse. IMP. GORDIANVS PIVS FEL. AVG.
Laurelled profile of Gordian, with an intelligent and
pleasing aspect, and a pallium tabulated
over his right shoulder.
Reverse. AETERNITATI AVG. In the field S. C.
A noble figure of Apollo, standing with an air of
command, his right hand elevated, and supporting a
globe on his left; he wears an acuminate crown, but,
except the chlamys over his shoulder, is naked.
Medal is in the highest possible preservation and thinly
tinted with brown patina.
261
Philip the Arab
449
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PIIILIPPVS AVG. Laureated
head of Philip, with a short beard, and hair cut
closely. Features are manly and intelligent, the neck
short, and the shoulders robed.
Reverse. FIDES EXERCITVS. On the exergum S. C.
Four standards planted in a row, the inner being the
legionary eagle and a manipulus, and the outer ones
common ensigns.
The metal of the medal is hardly discoloured.
264-265
Philip the Arab
450
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Laurelled
265
profile of Philip, with close hair and beard, serious
expression of countenance, and broad throat.
Reverse. NOBILITAS AVGG. In the field S. C. A
female, habited as a Roman matron, stands with a
sacred virga in her right hand, and a globe on her left.
Medal in excellent condition and slightly tinged with brown
patina.
Philip the Arab
451
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Laurelled
head of Philip, with short hair and beard, and an
intelligent aspect.
Reverse. TRANQVILLITAS AVGG. In the field S. C.
A stolated female, standing with a sceptre in her left
hand, and a monster on her right.
Medal is slightly spotted with pea-green patina and in high
perfection.
106
Smyth
page
265-266
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Philip the Arab
452
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Laureated
head of the Emperor, with short hair and beard, good
features, small mouth, aquiline nose, and full throat;
expression is serious.
Reverse. ADVENTVS AVGG. On the exergum S. C.
An equestrian figure of Emperor in camp-attire but
bare-headed, with sceptre in left hand and his right
elevated.
Fine medal in the most perfect condition and barely
discoloured. Medal struck around 246 AD.
266
Philip the Arab
453
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Manly and
characteristic head of Philip with the laurel wreath
and his shoulders covered by a sagum.
Reverse. MILLIARIVM SAECVLVM. In the field S. C.
A cippus inscribed COS. III.
Medal in the highest condition and partially tinged with
Saxon-green patina. Medal was struck in 248 AD.
266-267
Philip the Arab
455
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Laurelled
head of Philip, with the aquiline nose, and serious
expression before-mentioned.
Reverse. SAECVLARES AVGG. On the exergum S. C.
A huge she-wolf in the act of suckling Romulus and
Remus.
Fine medal in perfect preservation and slightly spotted with
grass-green patina.
267-268
Philip the Arab
457
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Fine profile
of the Emperor, laurelled, and with the sagum over
his shoulders.
Reverse. SAECVLARES AVGG. On the exergum S. C.
The Damis, an antelope of the species now known by
the name of Gazelle.
Medal in very excellent preservation and slightly stained
with grass-green patina.
268
Philip the Arab
458
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Laurelled
head of Philip, attired as before, but with the nose
rather more aquiline, and the features firmer.
Reverse. AETERNITAS AVGG. On the exergum S.
C. A caparisoned elephant, with a naked rider, who
holds a goad in each hand, and sits on the animal’s
back, a less usual berth than the neck, or shoulders.
Remarkably fine medal is in the highest possible
preservation, and only slightly discoloured with spots of
grass-green patina.
268
107
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Otacilia Severa
460
Obverse. MARCIA OTACIL. SEVERA AVG. Profile of 270-271
the Empress, with a serious but pleasing expression of
countenance, considerable beauty and an appearance
of about 30 years of age. The hair is parted in front,
carried behind the ears in waves, and brought up
at the back of the head in a broad plait to a diadem
on the crown, so as to give the lady a galeated
appearance.
Reverse. PIETAS AVGVSTAE. In the field S. C. A
standing female, robed in the suffibulum, and veiled
with the long flammeum, holds an open acerra with
her left, and bears a flame upon her right hand.
Medal in the highest preservation and slightly tinged with
spots of pea-green patina.
Otacilia Severa
461
Obverse. MARCIA OTACIL. SEVERA AVG. Fine head 271
of Otacilia, with a modest air, head-dress as before,
and the bosom neatly robed.
Reverse. SAECVLARES AVGG. On the exergum S. C.
A well-represented Hippopotamus walking, which,
though not altogether unknown, being the only one
exhibited, was probably “the lion” of the Secular
spectacles of 248 AD.
Medal in splendid perfection and thinly varnished with
brown patina.
Philip II
462
Obverse. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS CAES. Bare and boyish
head of the younger Philip, with innocent and
pleasing features.
Reverse. PRINCIPI IVVENT. In the field S. C. The
young Prince habited in a camp-dress, holds a globe
and a hasta pura, or wand.
Medal in the highest possible perfection, with the metal
hardly discoloured. Medal was probably struck in 244 AD.
Philip II
463
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Handsome
273
profile of Philip Junior, who has now assumed the
Augustan laurels; his shoulders are covered with a
chlamys over a cuirass.
Reverse. LIBERALITAS AVGG. III. On the exergum S.
C. The two Philips seated on X-formed curule chairs,
in imperial robes, and stretching out their right hands
open, in token of benevolence to all ranks.
Singularly fine medal is in perfect condition and barely
discoloured. Struck in 248 AD.
108
Smyth
page
272-273
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Philip II
464
Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Profile of
Philip Junior, with the laurel wreath over short hair,
and the features expressing an age beyond Boyhood.
Reverse. SAECVLARES AVGG. On the exergum S. C.
A strange beast of the cervine tribe, which medallists
have termed Alces, or Elk, though it has not the very
high shoulders, nor large head of the Ceivus Alces:
its horns, instead of dilating to a broad palmated
form, are small and erect; and it has a long tuft of
hair pendant from the throat — not appended to the
under-jaw as Pedrusi has figured it.
Medal in complete preservation, and slightly tinted with
brown patina.
273-274
Trajan Decius
466
Obverse. IMP. C. M. Q. TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG.
Laureated profile of the Emperor, with a wrinkled
brow, and older features than other contemporary
medals from the collection.
Reverse. GEN. ILLYRICI. In the field S. C. A virile
figure standing, with a cornucopias and the sacred
patera; he is naked except a chlamys over his left
shoulder, and a modius on his head.
Medal in excellent condition and partially stained with
grass-green patina.
276
Trajan Decius
467
Obverse. IMP. C. M. Q. TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG.
276-277
Laurelled head of Emperor, with close hair and beard,
grave features, a wrinkled brow, and the bust in a
cuirass.
Reverse. GENIVS EXERCITVS ILLYRICIANI. In the
field S. C. A naked Genius, as on the last medal, but
with the addition of a military standard behind him.
Medal is in the finest condition, the metal being hardly
discoloured, owing to its having been shut up in one of the
amphorae found at Malta. Medal struck in 249 AD.
Herennia
Etruscilla
470
Obverse. HERENNIA ETRVSCILLA AVG. Fine head
of the Empress, her hair smoothed down with stripes
across and bound by a vitta, her features good but not
expressive, and her bosom robed.
Reverse. FECVNDITAS AVG. In the field S. C.
A female, magnificently attired, stands with a
cornucopia? in her left hand, and extends her right
towards a child by her side which is trying to reach it.
Medal is in perfect condition and stained with Saxon-green
patina on the obverse and brownish-red on the reverse.
109
Smyth
page
278-279
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Herennia
Etruscilla
471
Obverse. HERENNIA ETRVSCILLA AVG. Profile of
Etruscilla, apparently in middle age, with her hair
smoothly waving, and a diadem in front; her neck is
graceful, but the features are expressive of pertness,
and are meaner than on the last.
Reverse. PVDICITIA AVG. On the exergum S. C. A
richly robed female seated on a high-backed throne,
holds a long sceptre in her left hand, and with her
right lifts the flammeum which covers her head.
Medal, thinly varnished with brown patina and in capital
preservation.
279
Herennius
Etruscus
472
Obverse. Q. HER. ETR. MES. DECIVS NOB. C.
The bare head of Herennius with very close hair, a
mild intelligent countenance, and an appearance of
not more than fourteen or fifteen years of age; the
shoulders are covered with a sagum.
Reverse. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS. In the field S.
C. A juvenile and graceful figure of the Prince in
camp attire, holding a dart transversely with its
point upwards in his left hand, and a “baculum
inclinatum” in his right.
Medal, in remarkably high condition and thinly tinted with
green and brown patina. Medal struck in 249 AD.
280
Herennius
Etruscus
473
Obverse. Q. HER. ETR. MES. DECIVS NOB. C. Naked
head of Herennius, with remarkably short hair, and
an anxious expression of countenance, though the
features resemble those described above; the bust is
covered with drapery.
Reverse. PIETAS AVGVSTORVM. On the exergum S.
C. The praefericulum, lituus, aspergillum, and other
pontifical instruments, as detailed under Medal 287.
Medal in splendid perfection and tinged with brown and
green patina.
280-281
Hostilianus
475
Obverse. C. VALENS. HOSTIL. MES. QVINTVS N.
C. Naked head of Hostilian, with very close-cut hair,
smooth chin, projecting nose, and pleasing features,
expressive of about fourteen years of age.
Reverse. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS. In the field S. C. A
young paludated warrior, with a spear in one hand,
and a legionary ensign in the other.
Medal in beautiful condition and covered with brown
patina was probably struck in 249 AD.
283
110
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Hostilianus
476
Obverse. C. VALENS. HOSTIL. MES. QVINTVS N.
283
C. Unlaurelled head of the Prince with peculiarities
as before but the sagum on shoulders is more widely
spread.
Reverse. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS. On the exergum
S. C. A female with her hair tastefully attired and
diademed, but otherwise naked to the waist, is seated
on a singular throne, with her left arm leaning upon a
lyre, and her right hand holding an olive branch.
Medal is in extremely fine preservation, though thinly
varnished with brown-and-green patina. Probably struck in
251 AD.
Trebonianus
478
Obverse. IMP. CAES. C. VIBIVS TREBONIANVS
GALLVS AVG. Laurelled head of the Emperor, with
close hair and beard, and a large throat, the face
being, as Tristan says, assez martiale et virile, but at the
same time rather plebeian.
Reverse. IVNONI MARTIALI. On the exergum S.
C. A richly attired and veiled matron is seated on a
throne, and what is remarkable, holds up a globe in
her left hand: in her right she has a bunch, which has
been called an olive-branch, ears of wheat, and heads
of lances.
Medal, though somewhat misshapen, is in the best
preservation, and partially tinted with grass-green patina.
285-286
Trebonianus
481
Obverse. IMP. CAES. C. VIBIVS TREBONIANVS
GALLVS AVG. Laurelled head of Gallus, with
short hair and beard, good features, and a calmer
expression than other contemporary medals.
Reverse. P.M. TR. P. IIII. COS. II. P. P. In the field S.
C. Gallus in sacerdotal vestments and veiled, stands
before an altar, with the sacred patera in his right
hand, and a truncheon in his left.
Medal is in excellent preservation, round and cased with
brown patina, on which are some pea-green spots. Medal
was struck in 254 AD.
287
111
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Volusianus
482
Obverse. IMP. CAE. C. VIB. VOLVSIANO AVG.
288
Laureated head of Volusian, with close hair, smooth
chin, and whiskers on the side of the face; the features
are good, but common, and are expressive of about 25
years of age.
Reverse. CONCORDIA AVGG. In the field S. C. A
stolated matron stands with a patera in her right
hand, and two cornucopiae in her left.
Medal is round, even to the beads of the engrailment, and
is in the highest preservation, though scarcely patinated.
Medal was minted in 252 AD.
Volusianus
483
Obverse. IMP. CAE. C. VIB. VOLVSIANO AVG.
288-289
Laureated portrait of Volusian, with particulars
as above, but with somewhat better expression of
countenance, and the robes over the shoulders more
distinctly marked.
Reverse. IVNONI MARTIALI. In the field S. C. A
circular temple on a triple plinth, with an ornamented
dome, and festoons between the columns; in the
adytum sits a female figure, with the forficula in her
right hand, but no peacock.
Medal in the highest preservation and barely discoloured.
Medal struck as with Medal number 478.
Aemilianus
484
Obverse. IMP. CAES. AEMILIANVS P. F. AVG.
Laureated head of the Emperor, with short hair, a
close but thick beard, and a sensible middle-aged
countenance, with somewhat of a Moorish cast.
Reverse. VICTORIA AVG. In the field S. C. Winged
Victory in transparent robes marching across the
field, with palm-branch in one hand and laurel crown
in other.
Medal is misshapen from the mint but is in very excellent
preservation and partially tinged with greenish patina.
291
Aemilianus
487
Obverse. IMP. CAES. AEMILIANVS P. F. AVG.
Laureated profile of the Emperor, with close hair and
beard, and grave but intelligent features.
Reverse. APOLL. CONSERVAT. In the field S. C.
Apolloini Lyristes, beardless and crinite, stands, as
the author of all harmony, with a branch of laurel in
his right hand and his left supporting a lyre which
rests on a rock.
This rare medal seems to have received a bruise in minting,
but is otherwise in the highest perfection though scarcely
patinated.
292
112
Smyth
page
Person
represented on
Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Valerian
488
Obverse. IMP. C. P. LIC. VALERIANVS P. F. AVG.
Laureated profile of Valerian, with close hair, smooth
chin, good eye, and aquiline nose; but the face is fat;
the throat short and thick.
Reverse. ORIENS AVGG. In the field S. C. Appollo
Gradiens, with his right hand raised, and a globe in
his left; he is naked except a light chlamys over the
shoulders, and a “corona radiata” on his head.
Medal in very superior condition, the metal being barely
discoloured.
Valerian
489
Obverse. IMP. C. P. LIC. VALERIANVS P. F. AVG.
295
Laurelled head of the Emperor, with a physiognomy
resembling the above and somewhat corroborative
of the description which says he was tall, well-made,
and of a majestic air.
Reverse. FIDES MILITVM. In the field S. C. A female
figure, in the full robes of a Roman matron, with
her hair splendidly arranged, stands in the centre of
the field, holding an ensign in each hand, to which
are suspended little bucklers and other military
ornaments
Medal, though not well spread, is in admirable perfection,
and the original colour of the metal scarcely altered, from its
having been hermetically sealed. Probably minted early in
254 AD.
Valerian
491
Obverse. IMP. C. P. LIC. VALERIANVS P. F. AVG.
296
Laureated head of Valerian, with details as before,
and a sedate expression of features.
Reverse. VICTORIA AVGG. In the field S.C. A winged
Victory, habited in long robes, stands with her right
hand upon a shield resting on the ground, and in her
left, holds a palm-branch.
Medal in the very best condition and slightly covered with
brown patina; probably struck about 259 AD.
Mariniana
492
Obverse. DIVAE MARINIANAE. Head of a beautiful
woman with face expressive of thoughtfulness and
intelligence. Her hair is carefully attired and a sacred
veil falls from the back of the diadem to the peplus,
which covers the shoulders.
Reverse. CONSECRATIO. In the field S. C. A peacock
standing with his tail expanded.
Fine medal in high perfection and slightly tinted with
green-and-brown patina.
113
Smyth
page
295
297
Appendix 2
A summarised description of a medal discovered in Gozo in
Smyth’s collection. For a full description see Smyth 1834
Person
represented
on Obverse
Smyth Description, Preservation and Date
Medal
no.
Nerva
114
Smyth
page
Obverse. IMP. NERVA CAES. AVG. P. M. TR. P. COS. III.
77
P. P. Strongly marked portrait of Nerva, with laureated
head.
Reverse. ANNONA AVGVSTI. On the exergum S. C.
The good prince having secured a supply of provisions
from abroad, Amalthsea is here presenting her horn to a
seated female, who, by her torch and altar, is known to be
Ceres. In the background a ship appears, and as there
is no modius, the stock was probably plentiful.
Medal in singularly fine condition and coated with a dense
green patina: Found at Gozo, in 1819, and presented to Smyth
by Col. Otto Bayer
1
Vella, N.C. 2005. A maritime perspective: looking for Hermes in an ancient seascape. In
Chrysostomides, J., Dendrinos, C., & Harris, J. (eds). The Greek Islands and the Sea. Proceedings of the
First International Colloquium held at The Hellenic Institute, Royal Holloway, University of London 21–22
September 2001. Prophyrogenitus, Camberley: 33–57, (p. 40).
2
Ganado, A. 1993. The representation of Birgu and Fort St Angelo in Old maps and views. In
Bugeja, L., Buhagiar, M., & Fiorini, S. (eds). Birgu A Maltese Maritime City, Malta University
Services, Malta, 2: 549–91, (p. 570 pl. 16.25 & p. 582).
3
Della Marmora, A. 1836. Lettre à Monsieur Raoul Rochette, sur le Temple de l’ile de Gozo, dit la
Tour des Géants. Nouvelles Annales publiées par la section français de l’Istitute archéologique 1: 1–36,
(p. 2).
4
Smyth, W.H. 1829a. Notice of some Remains at Goza, near Malta. Archaeologia 22: 294–95.
5
See Smyth, W.H. 1844. A Cycle of Celestial Objects, for the use of naval, military and private astronomers,
observed, reduced and discussed by Captain W.H. Smyth. John W. Parker, London.
6
The term ‘medal’ as used by Smyth in his book is here being adopted, even though he occasionally
referred to the medals as coins – see Smyth 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (pp. 236, 295). For a discussion
on the difference between coins and medals see Reece, R. 1983. Coins and medals. In Henig, M.
(ed). A handbook of Roman art A survey of the visual arts of the Roman world. Phaidon, London, 166–178,
(p. 166).
7
Carson, R.A.G. 1986. A History of the Royal Numismatic Society 1836–1986. Oxford University
Printing House, Great Britain, (pp. 2,3,6).
8
Smyth, W.H. 1856. Descriptive catalogue of a cabinet of Roman family coins belonging to His Grace the
Duke of Northumberland. Printed for Private Circulation.
9
Smyth, W.H. 1852. Catalogue of Roman Coins, collected by the late Rev. Thomas Kerrich, M.A., F.S.A.,
Prebendary of Wells and Lincoln and presented by his son, the Rev. Richard Edward Kerrich, M.A., F.S.A.,
to the Society of Antiquaries. John Bowyer Nicholas and Son, Westminster.
114
10
The collection appears to have since been divided; twenty sulphur casts of sestertii made by Smyth
appeared for sale by auction. See https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=244869.
11
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Descriptive catalogue of a cabinet of Roman Imperial large-Brass Medals. Bedford,
(p. xxii).
12
Although Saloninus is listed at the end of Smyth’s (1834. Op. cit. in note 11 p. xxii) list, Gallienus is
the latest emperor.
13
Smyth, W.H 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (pp. 30, 31, 34, 44, 48, 62).
14
Smyth, W.H 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (pp. 32, 65, 68, 72, 74, 85).
15
Smyth, W.H 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 42).
16
These constitute around 11% of the medals described. Smyth had more medals from the 1819 Malta
hoard. Some being duplicates were exchanged for others while a medal from the time of Gallienus
(Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, p. 228) is not included in the medals described.
17
In his description Smyth repeatedly refers to the excellent preservation and high condition of the
medals leading him to conclude that they were found hermetically shut within their containers
(e.g. Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, pp. 230, 236,239,243,295).
18
Smyth, W.H 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 228).
19
Malta Government Gazette 311 (13 October 1819) (p. 1986).
20
Although Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 228) states that in his collection there were
medals from time of Gallienus coming from the 1819 Malta hoard, no such medals are described in
the catalogue – see Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (pp. 298–302).
21
Tal-Ġawhar is described as being in the Żurrieq parish in Museum Annual Report 1960, (p. 6).
22
Date refers to Emperor’s reign.
23
Wettinger, G. 2000. Place-Names of the Maltese Islands c.1300–1800. PEG, Malta, (p. 134).
24
‘Ħirib ta’ Raħal Ġawhar’ as given in Wettinger, G. 2000. Op. cit. in note 23, (p. 318). This refers to
ruins of/at Raħal Ġawhar which could refer to the building but also could refer to other remains
including those of a medieval hamlet.
25
Abela, G.F. 1647. Della descrittione di Malta, Isola nel Mare Siciliano. Paolo Bonacota, Malta, (p. 103).
26
Ciantar, G.A. 1772. Malta illustrata, ovvero descrittione di Malta, isola del mare siciliano e adriatico, con le
sue antichità, 2 vols. Stamperia del Palazzo di S.A.S., Malta, (p. 310).
27
Bres, O. 1816. Malta Antica illustrata co’ Monumenti, e coll’istoria. Stamperia de Romanis, Rome,
(p. 140).
28
Vassallo, C. 1851. Monumenti antichi del gruppo di Malta; Periodo Fenicio ed Egizio. Valletta, Malta (p. 18).
Compare with Caruana, A.A. 1882. Report on the Phoenician and Roman Antiquities in the group of the
Islands of Malta. Government Printing Office, Valletta, (p. 24). Ġgantija and Borġ in-Nadur are today
considered as prehistoric remains.
29
No evidence has been found for kinship between First Adjutant of the Police Oliver St John (Malta
Blue Book 1842, p. 101) and Robert William St John referred to by Smyth, W.H 1834. Op. cit. in note
11, (p. 228) and discussed in the present text.
30
Bugeja, A. 2011. An outline of developments in Maltese archaeology during the nineteenth
century. Melita Historica 15 (4): 351–66, (p. 357).
31
Godwin, G.N. 1880. A guide to the Maltese Islands. Paolo Bonavia, Malta, (p. 230).
32
His drawing (no. 417) of the remains which is now preserved at the Hermitage shows that the
building had already experienced a collapse at the time.
33
Houel, J. 1787 Voyage pittoresque des Isles de Sicile, de Lipari et de Malte, vol. 4. L’Imprimerie de
Monsieur, Paris, (p. 93).
34
Freller, T. 2009. Malta and the Grand Tour. Midsea Books, Malta (pp. 303, 656).
35
Mayr, A. 1908. The Prehistoric Remains of Malta. Printed for private circulation, (p. 61).
115
36
Museum Annual Report 1910–11, (p. 3); Ashby, T. et al. 1913. Excavations in 1908–11 in Various
Megalithic Buildings in Malta and Gozo. Papers of the British School at Rome 6: 1–126, (pp. 123–26).
37
Museum Annual Report 1960, (pp. 6–7, figs. 4–5 & plates I-IV); and National Museum Archaeology
(Valletta): Excavation Notebook II: 4v-9v.
38
Ġgantija phase sherds were found in level 3 of Trench II which was outside and touching the
round building (National Museum Archaeology (Valletta): Excavation Notebook II: 6r). Other
Ġgantija phase sherds were found in Level 5 of two extensions to Trench III and IV within the
round building, beneath level 3 which was the earth floor of one of the ‘rooms’ inside the building
(National Museum Archaeology (Valletta): Excavation Notebook II: 9r).
39
In level 5 in Trench I outside the round building and under the field only (National Museum
Archaeology (Valletta): Excavation Notebook II: 5r).
40
Bonanno, A. 2005. Malta Phoenician, Punic, and Roman. Midsea Books, Malta, (pp. 294–97).
41
Sagona, C. 2015. The Archaeology of Malta from the Neolithic through the Roman Period. Cambridge
University Press, (pp. 239–42 & footnote 121 p. 380).
42
Museum Annual Report 1960, (p. 7).
43
Museum Annual Report 1960, (p. 6). Not mentioned in National Museum Archaeology (Valletta):
Excavation Notebook II: 6r.
44
For a hypothetical reconstruction of the roof see National Museum Archaeology (Valletta):
Excavation Notebook II: 6v.
45
Museum Annual Report 1960, (p. 7). An unpublished hypothetical reconstruction of the shrine,
probably by Trump, is currently preserved at the National Museum Archaeology (Valletta) and
this drawing was reproduced in Cardona, D. 2010. Roman buildings in Malta and their decoration.
Unpublished MA dissertation, University of Malta, (p. 1, fig.124). A detailed description of the
carved globigerina slab and related elements is also given by Cardona, D. 2010. Annex III, (pp. 652–60).
46
Detailed location of the finds is given in National Museum Archaeology (Valletta): Excavation
Notebook II: 6r-6v.
47
Museum Annual Report 1960, (p. 7); National Museum Archaeology (Valletta): Excavation
Notebook II: 5r.
48
Bruno, B. 2004. L’archipelago Maltese in età romana e bizantina. Attività economiche e scambi al centro del
Mediterraneo (Biblioteca Archeologica 14). Edipuglia, Bari, (p. 48 fn. 46); and Perassi, C. 2005. Aspetti
della circolazione monetale sull’arcipelago maltese (I sec. d. C.-533/5 d. C.). In Alfaro, C., Marcos,
C. & Otero, P. (eds). XIII Congreso Internacional de Numismática, Madrid – 2003, Actas. Ministerio de
Cultura, Direccion General de Bellas Artes y Bienes Culturales, Subdireccion General de Museos
Estatales, Madrid: 577–585, (p. 579).
49
Museum Annual Report 1960, (p. 7).
50
Trump, D.H. 2000. Malta: An Archaeological Guide, 2nd ed., Progress Press, Malta, (pp. 100–1).
51
Notarial Archives Malta: Deed no. 18 signed on 8 February 1969 (Notary A. Grech).
52
Heritage Malta Annual Report 2003–2004, (p. 40).
53
Bruno, B. 2004. Op. cit. in note 48, (footnotes 46–47, p. 48)
54
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. viii) may have restricted his catalogue to a series of what
he called the ‘the Higher Empire’.
55
Bonanno, A. 1981. Malta in the third century. In King, A. & Henig, M. (eds). The Roman West in
the Third Century: Contributions from Archaeology and History. BAR International Series 109: 505–13,
(p 509); and Trump, D.H. 2000. Op. cit. in note 50, (pp. 100–1). The latest datable coin in a large
jar containing 4000 bronze coins found in Rabat (Gozo) was 273 AD (Museum Annual Report
1936–37, (p. 14). Relationship to the events of the roof collapse at Tal-Ġawhar are unlikely and also
complicated by incomplete recording of the original find.
56
Bonanno, A. 1981. Op. cit. in note 55, (pp. 507–8).
116
57
Vella, N.C. 2013. Vases, bones and two Phoenician inscriptions An assessment of a discovery made
in Malta in 1816. In Loretz, O., Ribichini, S., Watson, W.G.E., & Zamora, J.Á. (eds). Ritual, Religion
and Reason Studies in the Ancient World in Honour of Paolo Xella. Ugarit-Verlag, Münster, (pp. 589–606).
58
National Malta Archives: GOV 2/1/6 (16 August 1815).
59
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Mercanti inglesi a Malta 1800–1825. Franco Angeli Libri s.r.l., Milano, (footnote
72 p. 171).
60
National Malta Archives: GOV 2/1/16 (11 April 1827). Victor Casolani acted as Treasurer for six
months starting from 1 July 1822 when St John was absent from the island to settle family affairs –
National Malta Archives: CSG 15/1 (21 June 1822): 68.
61
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (footnote 72 p. 171).
62
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p. 138 & footnote 72 p. 171) gives the place as ‘Nizeltt’ but
consulting the original document – Petition 173 in National Malta Archives, PW 4 (23 March 1821):
83 – it is clear that the place was Nigret. Ta’ Nigret refers to Government Tenement 798 described
by Francesco Caruana in 1862 as consisting of a house, garden and clausura. The area occupied
by the tenement as revealed in the plan lies to the east and behind the chapel dedicated to the
Immaculate Conception at Nigret; it is still easily recognizable today in the buildings and outdoor
space appearing in aerial photographs of the area.
63
No mention of the medal collection is made in St John’s will. See The National Archives (UK),
PROB 11/2135–98.
64
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (pp. 10,92,140,159,222).
65
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note, 11 (p. ix).
66
For a list of these companies see D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p. 209).
67
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p. 60, footnote 19 p. 90 & p. 209).
68
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p 273).
69
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (pp. 86,88,137,271).
70
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p. 16).
71
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (pp. 77,78,80).
72
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (pp. 121,144,259). These were obtained in 1818, 1821 and 1822.
73
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 259) ‘purchased’ a medal from Benucci, probably in the
latter’s capacity as a dealer.
74
For Benucci see Azzopardi, J. 1983. Count Saverio Marchese (1757–1833): his picture-gallery and his
bequest to the Cathedral Museum. Proceedings of History Week 1982: 28–43, (footnote 25 p. 34).
75
Ganado, A. 1982. Pietro Paolo Caruana: The first lithographs produced in Malta. Proceedings of
History Week 1981: 49–60, (p. 60).
76
Tyndale-Bisco, J. 2015. Villa Frere A lost Maltese Garden rediscovered. BDL Publishing, Malta, (p. 8).
77
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 158).
78
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p. 138).
79
D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p. 1276).
80
Cassar, P. 1984. John Hookham Frere in Malta (1821–46) A link with our social and cultural past.
Melita Historica 9 (1): 49–73, (p. 49); and Tyndale-Bisco, J. 2015. Op. cit. in note 76, (p. 7).
81
Tyndale-Bisco, J. 2015. Op. cit. in note 76, (p. 7).
82
Cassar, P. 1984. Op. cit. in note 80, (pp. 53–56); and D’Angelo, M. 1990. Op. cit. in note 59, (p. 213 &
footnote 121 p. 220).
83
Cassar, P. 1984. Op. cit. in note 80, (p. 56).
84
Mifsud, A. & Mifsud, S. 1997. Dossier Malta Evidence for the Magdalenian. Proprint Company
Limited, Malta, (pp. 125–7).
117
85
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (pp. 31, 62, 77).
86
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 77).
87
Bonello, G. 1996. The Gozo megalithic sites: early visitors and artists. In Pace, A. (ed). Maltese
Prehistoric Art 5000–2500 BC, Patrimonju Publishing, Malta: 19–29, (p. 29 footnote 1). Bayer’s death
is given as the 4 July 1826 in Dispatch 115 in National Malta Archives, GOV 2/1/15 (24 July 1826).
Bonello’s date for Bayer’s death as September 1826 appears more consistent with the date of
execution of Bayer’s will. See The National Archives (UK), PROB 11/1716–271.
88
Malta Government Gazette 320 (15 December 1819), (p. 2050).
89
Malta Government Gazette 321 (22 December 1819), (p. 2058). His appointment as General
Magistrate was consequent to the hardship caused by travel experienced by Gozitans in judicial
cases and the cost borne by the Crown for such cases. See Malta Government Gazette 319 (8
December 1819), (p. 2042).
90
Malta Blue Book 1823, chapter 4, (p. 127).
91
National Malta Archives, CSG 8/2, (23 June 1820).
92
National Malta Archives, PW 4, (15 December 1820 & 10 January 1821).
93
National Malta Archives, CSG 8/4, (23 January 1821).
94
National Malta Archives, CSG 8/4, (2 January 1821).
95
The fact that Bayer cleared Ġgantija is stated by Smyth, W.H. 1829a. Op. cit. in note 4, (p. 294).
96
This erroneous tradition was started by Della Marmora, A. 1836. Op.cit in note 3, (p. 2) who
considered the date of publication of Mazzara’s account (Mazzara, M. 1827. Temple ante-Diluvien dit
des Geants dans l’ile de Gozo. Paris) as the year in which the clearings were made. This is repeated
in Caruana, A.A.1882. Op. cit. in note 28, (p. 7); Evans, J.D. 1971. The prehistoric antiquities of the
Maltese Islands: a survey. Athlone, London, (p. 172); and Trump, D.H. 2000. Op. cit. in note 50, (p. 173)
amongst many others and is still occasionally reproduced today. Clearings in 1827 are impossible
as Bayer died in 1826 (see footnote 87).
97
In a public lecture in 1976, Joe Attard Tabone was already stating that the clearing operations
were carried out when Bayer was in office between 1816 and 1826 (Attard, J. 1976. An historical
investigation of a once lost Prehistoric site in Gozo: A plea for its preservation. Unpublished script of a
lecture given to the Rotary Club, National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta).
98
In 1828, Charles Brochtorff declares that Ġgantija was discovered in 1820 (see Brochtorff
watercolour in Grima, R. 2004. The Archaeological Drawings of Charles Frederick De Brochtorff. Midsea
Books Ltd and Heritage Malta, Malta, (p. 42). Pückler-Muskau states that excavations took place
mostly in 1821–23 (Bonello, G. 1996. Op. cit. in note 87, (p. 21)), while Attard Tabone, J. 1999. The
Gozo Circle rediscovered. In Mifsud, A. & Savona Ventura, C. (eds). Facets of Maltese Prehistory.
The Prehistoric Society of Malta, Malta: 169–181, (p. 173), without giving his sources, gives 1820 to
1822. Works by Bayer were definitely over in September 1824 when they were visited by Robert
Hay (Attard Tabone, J. 2010. Robert Hay in Gozo and the lost stone circle. In Grima, J. (ed). 60th
Anniversary of the Malta Historical Society A commemoration. Malta Historical Society, Malta: 73–84,
(pp. 77–80).
99
Attard Tabone, J. 1999. Op. cit. in note 98, (p. 173). No official records pointing towards a
government funding of the project have been found, although the loss of most of the government
records for the period should be noted.
100
Malta Blue Book 1821, chapter 4a.
101
The Gentleman’s Magazine 96 (2) (New series 19) (August 1826), (pp. 182–3); and The Scots Magazine,
and Edinburgh Literary Miscellany: being a general repository of literature, history, and politics, for 1815.
Vol.77, (p. 554).
102
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 58).
118
103
The London Gazette 17061 (16 September 1815), (p. 1877); and Smyth, W.H. 1829b. The life and services
of captain Philip Beaver, late of his majesty’s ship Nisus. John Murray, Albemarle-Street, London,
(pp. 219–30).
104
https://archive.org/details/royalnavalbiopt202marsuoft pages 817.
105
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 150).
106
Marshall, J. 1825. Royal Naval Biography: or Memoirs of the services of all the flag-officers, superannuated
rear-admirals, retired-captains, post-captains and commanders, whose names appeared on the Admiralty list
of sea officers at the commencement of the year 1760, or who have since been promoted; illustrated by a series
of historical and explanatory notes. With copious addenda, 2 (2). Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and
Green, London, (pp. 817–838); and Heraud J.A. 1837. Voyages up the Mediterranean and in the Indian
Seas: With Memoirs, compiled from the logs and letters of a midshipman. P. White and Son, London,
(p. 45).
107
The Gentleman’s Magazine 4 (July 1835), (pp. 90–1).
108
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 133).
109
Dispatch 16 in National Malta Archives, GOV 2/1/4, (11 February 1812).
110
http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/~/media/Documents/Find+out+about/Histories+of+Queensland/
Transport+Maritime+history/HMS+Pandora/pandora-crew.pdf; and Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in
note 11, (p. 133).
111
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 1, (p. 146).
112
Philippart, J. 1816. The Royal Military Calendar containing the services of every General Officer,
Lieutenant-general, and Major General, in the British Army from the date of their first commission, and the
services of Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels; with appendices, vol. 3, A.J. Valpy, London, (pp. 395–403);
and http://www.berryhillsturgeon.com/NapWar/Generals/Carrol/Carrol.html.
113
Smyth, W.H. 1834. Op. cit. in note 11, (p. 105).
114
Baron Sceberras is identified as Pasquale Sceberras Testaferrata in Montalto, J. 1980. The Nobles of
Malta 1530–1800. Midsea Books Limited, Malta, (p. 344).
115
Malta Blue Book 1823, chapter 4: 104; NAM, GOV 1/2/1 (5 June 1815): fol. 451r-452v.
116
Dispatch 119 in NAM, GOV 1/2/18 (2 October 1839): fol. 469r-471r; Dispatch 22 in NAM, GOV 2/1/35
(17 November 1839).
117
http://www.maltagenealogy.com/libro%20d’Oro/sceberras.html; http://rshg.org.uk/graves/mrpasquale-sceberras-trigona/; The Tablet 34 (1544) (25 December 1869). (pp. 23–34).
119