On the coin in question in this thread, the PHI IOTA (in separate letters) is conceivably 'short' for Philateiros (perhaps pergamene small change) ...
Hi
PtolemAE,
I am trying to locate an article which added to the number of examples of this
angular Phi, including some non-numismatic sources (
pottery, marble, etc.?).
It seems intriguing that on the
Philip II AEs, there is sometimes an "A" behind
the
head of
Apollo, and on the
Alexander III AEs there is occasionally a small
"Φ" behind the
head of
Herakles. I seem to recall that there may have been
another letter (or two?) known, but it is interesting that
Philip has the A,
and
Alexander has the Φ (Φ-A, A-Φ).
As for your Philetairos suggestion, I think that it cannot be ruled out just yet,
but I fear that there are stylistic and convention matters that may
work against
the hypothesis. On all of the bronzes that I know of the name ΦΙΛΕΤAΙΡΟΣ is
presented in full, even on the tiniest
AEs of around 6-7mm. There would be no
reason not to present the name in full on a coin of this size. I am not saying that
it cannot be Philetairos, just that I (quite reasonably, I think) have my doubts.
If the first letter of the "ΦΙ" was a
monogram, as you suggest, then why not
include the additional "I" within the
monogram as well? Again, not saying that
you are wrong, just that I am not convinced one way or another - yet!
Don't you love this stuff!
All the best,
- Walter