Meaning of Π − Π on the obverse coins of Tarsos

[Joe Sermarini]

Many larger Roman provincial coins of Tarsos have Π − Π flanking the emperors bust.  Does anyone know what it means?

[Altamura]

It seems to stand for ΠΑΤΗΡ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟΣ, the Greek version of the Latin Pater Patriae:
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=search&cat=0&pos=112

But I didn't find a "real" reference for that  .

Regards

Altamura

[shanxi]

But I didn't find a "real" reference for that  .

It appears also on Syro-Phoenicia Tetradrachms. Therefore a possible reference is: Michel and Karin Prieur "The Syro-Phoenicia Tetradrachms and their Fractions", p. XI (titles)

[Altamura]

I found something: In Ruprecht Ziegler, "Münzen Kilikiens als Zeugnis kaiserlicher Getreidespenden", Jahrbuch für Numismatik und Geldgeschichte 27 (1977) 29-67.

There he writes on top of page 59:
"Der Titel „pater patriae" kam in der Kaiserzeit bekanntlich ausschließlich dem Kaiser zu und gerade auf den tarsischen Münzen des dritten Jahrhunderts n. Chr. erscheint er als
Π(άτερ) Π(ατρίδος) fast durchgehend an zentraler Stelle rechts und links neben dem Kaiserporträt 178."
http://www.bngev.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1977-Band-XXVII.pdf#page=67&zoom=auto,-276,645

In short: Especially on the coins of Tarsos in the third century the title pater patriae shows up on the obverses on the left an right side of the emperor' portrait in the form of Π − Π.

Regards

Altamura

[Pekka K]

Same information is on p. 734 of Historia Nvmorvm by Barclay V. Head.

Pekka K

[Joe Sermarini]

That was actually what I came up with, but thought I must be wrong because it is Latin.  I am surprised.  Thanks.