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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Greek Coins| ▸ |Greek Imperial| ▸ |Decapolis, Arabia & Syria||View Options:   | | | In 63 B.C., Syria was incorporated into the Roman Republic as a province following the success of Pompey the Great against the Parthians. The Decapolis means "the ten cities" in Greek, yet we don't really know how many cities there were, or where they were. In 106 A.D., under the Roman emperor Trajan, the Nabataean Kingdom and the cities of the Decapolis were incorporated into the newly established Provinces of Syria and Arabia. In 135 A.D., after the defeat of the Bar Kokhba Revolt, Roman Syria and Judaea were merged into the province Syria Palaestina. The province Coele-Syria was split from Syria Palaestina in 193. Syria became part of the splinter Palmyrene Empire for a brief period from 260 to 272, when it was restored to Roman central authority. In the 3rd century, with the Severan dynasty, Syrians even achieved imperial power. |
This type was previously attributed to Caesarea, Cappadocia, but the Tell Kalak hoard and a lack of finds in Cappadocia indicate the type circulated in Arabia. Slightly more than two-thirds silver, the composition of this type is identical to contemporary Syrian tetradrachms. The weight indicates they are tridrachms, but there is no consensus as to the denomination. Sydenham and Kindler refer to them as tridrachms, McAlee as light tetradrachms, and Butcher as tetradrachms. The type has no iconographic link with Arabia and Arabian drachms are considerably more debased, typically at a 50:50 ratio of silver to bronze. RPC III notes they may have been struck in Rome for circulation in Arabia, or at least, the dies were made in Rome.RS114873. Silver tridrachm, RPC Online III 4071; Henseler 267; SNG Cop 5433 (Caesarea); SNG ANS 1161 (Caesarea); BMC Galatia p. 55, 74 (Caesarea), aVF, fine Roman style portrait, flow lines, highest points weakly struck, tight flan, weight 10.263 g, maximum diameter 22.9 mm, die axis 225o, Bostra (or Rome?, see note) mint, 112 - 114 A.D.; obverse AYTOKP KAIC NEP TPAIANOC CEB ΓEPM ΔAK (Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus), laureate and draped bust right, seen from slightly behind; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞ YΠATO ς (Tribunicia Potestate Consul VI), distyle temple, podium of four steps, cult image of Artemis of Perge within, eagle standing on pediment with head left and wings open; $300.00 (€282.00)
Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
| The ruins of Antioch on the Orontes lie near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey. Founded near the end of the 4th century B.C. by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch's geographic, military and economic location, particularly the spice trade, the Silk Road, the Persian Royal Road, benefited its occupants, and eventually it rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the Near East and as the main center of Hellenistic Judaism at the end of the Second Temple period. Antioch is called "the cradle of Christianity," for the pivotal early role it played in the emergence of the faith. It was one of the four cities of the Syrian tetrapolis. Its residents are known as Antiochenes. Once a great metropolis of half a million people, it declined to insignificance during the Middle Ages because of warfare, repeated earthquakes and a change in trade routes following the Mongol conquests, which then no longer passed through Antioch from the far east. |  |
Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
Struck to pay Titus' legions during and after the First Jewish Revolt. RPC notes between 69 and 73 A.D. about 320 different dies were used, indicating about 6,500,000 Syrian tetradrachms might have been minted. This was the quantity Titus would have needed to pay his four legions. Hoard evidence finds many of these types in Judaea confirming they were used to pay the legions.RP114882. Silver tetradrachm, McAlee 334/2 (same dies); RPC II 1945; Prier 112; Wruck 79; BMC Galatia p. 179, 230; cf. SNG Cop 166 (year 1), VF, nice portrait, full obv. legend, flow lines, rev. a little off center, light marks, small closed edge cracks, weight 14.971 g, maximum diameter 26.2 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 69 - 70 A.D.; obverse AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY, laureate head right; reverse ETOYC B IEPOY (of holy year 2), eagle standing left on club left, head left, tail right, wings open, upright palm frond on left curving right; $300.00 (€282.00)
Trebonianus Gallus, June or July 251 - July or August 253 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
The Persians occupied part of Syria in 251 A.D. and took and burned Antioch in 256 A.D. and again in 260 A.D.RY113509. Billon tetradrachm, RPC Online IX 1792; McAlee 1172(b); Prieur 658; BMC Galatia p. 227, 637; SNG Hunterian 3110; Dura Coins 579, EF, much mint luster, small rust encrustations, weight 12.255 g, maximum diameter 25.3 mm, die axis 180o, 2nd officina, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, first issue, Jun/Jul 251 - 252 A.D.; obverse AYTOK K Γ OYIB TPEB ΓAΛΛOC CEB (Imperator Caesar Gaius Vibius Trebonianus Gallus Augustus), laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind, •• below bust; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC (holder of Tribunitian power), eagle slightly right, wings open, head left, tail left, wreath in beak, B between legs, S C (senatus consulto) in exergue; $280.00 (€263.20)
Trajan, 25 January 98 - 8 or 9 August 117 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
Herakles is depicted wearing the Nemean lion skin around his neck. The first of Herakles' twelve labors, set by his cousin King Eurystheus, was to slay the Nemean lion and bring back its skin. Herakles discovered arrows and his club were useless against it because its golden fur was impervious to mortal weapons. Its claws were sharper than swords and could cut through any armor. Herakles stunned the beast with his club and, using his immense strength, strangled it to death. During the fight, the lion bit off one of his fingers. After slaying the lion, he tried to skin it with a knife but failed. Wise Athena, noticing the hero's plight, told him to use one of the lion's own claws to skin the pelt.RP114278. Silver tetradrachm, RPC III 3533, Prieur 1496, McAlee 458, Wruck 151, VF, well centered, full legends, flow lines, rev. die wear, areas of porosity, tiny edge cracks, weight 13.550 g, maximum diameter 25.5 mm, die axis 180o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 103 - 111 A.D.; obverse AVTOKP KAIC NEP TPAIANOC CEB ΓEPM ΔAK (Imperator Caesar Nerva Trajanus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus), laureate head right, club left below, eagle standing right with wings closed at point of bust; reverse ΔHMAPX - EΞ IE YΠAT E (Tribunicia potestate, consul V), laureate bust of Melqart-Herakles right, Nemean lion-skin around neck tied at front, cruder larger bust style variant; $280.00 (€263.20)
Trajan, 25 January 98 - 8 or 9 August 117 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
| The ruins of Antioch on the Orontes lie near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey. Founded near the end of the 4th century B.C. by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch's geographic, military and economic location, particularly the spice trade, the Silk Road, the Persian Royal Road, benefited its occupants, and eventually it rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the Near East and as the main center of Hellenistic Judaism at the end of the Second Temple period. Antioch is called "the cradle of Christianity,” for the pivotal early role it played in the emergence of the faith. It was one of the four cities of the Syrian tetrapolis. Its residents are known as Antiochenes. Antioch was renamed Theoupolis after it was nearly destroyed by an earthquake on 29 November 528. Once a great metropolis of half a million people, it declined to insignificance during the Middle Ages because of warfare, repeated earthquakes and a change in trade routes following the Mongol conquests, which then no longer passed through Antioch from the far east. | |
Vespasian and Titus, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
Struck to pay Titus' legions during and after the First Jewish Revolt. RPC notes c. 320 different dies indicate 6,500,000 Syrian tetradrachms might have been minted. This was the quantity Titus would have needed to pay his four legions. Hoard evidence finds many of these types in Judaea confirming they were used to pay the legions.RY114290. Silver tetradrachm, RPC II 1943 (11 spec.), McAlee 9, McClean 9378, Prieur 110, F, bumps, marks, spot of green, graffito on reverse, weight 14.443 g, maximum diameter 23.8 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, "new holy year 2" = 69 - 70 A.D.; obverse AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY, laureate draped bust of Vespasian on eagle; reverse T ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠ KAIΣ ETOYΣ NEOY IEPOY, laureate head of Titus right, B (year 2) right, star behind; scarce; $250.00 (€235.00)
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
In 60 A.D., Queen Boudica led a rebellion of the Iceni against Roman rule in alliance with the Trinovantes, Cornovii, Durotriges and Celtic Britons. The Iceni and Trinovantes first destroyed the Roman capital Camulodunum (Colchester), wiped out the infantry of the Legio IX Hispana (commanded by Quintus Petillius Cerialis) and went on to burn Londinium (London) (probably destroying London Bridge) and Verulamium (St Albans), in all cases massacring the inhabitants by the thousands.RY114876. Silver tetradrachm, RPC Online I 4181; McAlee 257; Prieur 81; Wruck 38; BMC Galatia , p. 174, 190, VF, nice portrait, well centered on a tight flan, weight 14.596 g, maximum diameter 24.9 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 60 - 61 A.D.; obverse NEPΩNOΣ KAIΣAPOΣ ΣEBAΣTOY (Nero Caesar Augustus), laureate beardless bust right wearing aegis; reverse eagle standing on a thunderbolt, wings spread, palm frond left, Z (retrograde) / ΘP right (regnal year 7 & year 109 of the Caesarian era); $250.00 (€235.00)
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
The Sela Neron (Nero Tetradrachm) is mentioned in the Mishna Keilim 17:12.RP114877. Silver tetradrachm, RPC Online I 4185; McAlee 261; Prieur 85; Wruck 42; BMC Galatia p. 175, 195, gF, excellent portrait, light marks, tight flan, weight 14.737 g, maximum diameter 25.3 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 62 - 63 A.D.; obverse NEPΩN KAIΣAP ΣEBAΣTOΣ (Nero Caesar Augustus), laureate bust right wearing aegis; reverse ETOYΣ AIP • Θ (year 111 Caesarian era, regnal year 9), eagle standing right on thunderbolt, pellet and palm branch right; $250.00 (€235.00)
Trajan, 25 January 98 - 8 or 9 August 117 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
| On 8 or 9 August 117, Trajan, age 63, died at Selinus, Cilicia while en route from Mesopotamia to Italy. On his death bed, he adopted Hadrian as his successor. The Roman Empire reached its maximum territorial extent at the time of Trajan's death. Hadrian soon abandoned indefensible parts of Mesopotamia to the Parthians. |  |
Nabataean Kingdom, Malichus I, c. 60 - 30 B.C.
Although he ruled for 39 years, Malichus only minted coins in three years near the end of his reign, his years 26 - 28. The date on this coin is obscure and there is some disagreement about the date of his accession to the throne. This coin was struck sometime between 35 and 31 B.C.GB111366. Bronze AE 17, cf. Meshorer Nabataea 17 - 19; HGC 10 685; Cohen DCA 960 (scarce); Al-Qatanani 24, 25, or 29; Barkay CN 11, 14, or 19, F, brown tone, highlighting enhanced red earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, weight 3.270 g, maximum diameter 17.2 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, 35 - 31 B.C.; obverse diademed head right; reverse Aramaic legend: Melko the king, king of the Nabataeans, open hand with palm facing, Aramaic regnal year (obscure, 26, 27, or 28) across central field; scarce; $225.00 (€211.50)
Trajan, 25 January 98 - 8 or 9 August 117 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
| The Tyche of Antioch was a cult statue of the city goddess (fortune) of Antioch, venerated in a temple called the Tychaion. The statue was made by Eutychides of Sicyon (c. 335 - c. 275), a pupil of the great Lysippus. It was the best-known piece of Seleucid art, remarkable because it was sculpted to be viewed from all directions, unlike many statues from the period. Although the original has been lost, many copies exist, including the one in the photograph right, now at the Vatican. The goddess is seated on a rock (Mount Sipylus), has her right foot on a swimming figure (the river Orontes), wears a mural crown (the city's walls), and has grain in her right hand (the city's fertility). |  |
Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D., Uncertain Mint, Anatolia or Syria
The mint, the quaestor who struck this type, and even the identity of the person in the portrait remain uncertain. The type has previously been attributed to Macedonia and the portrait identified as Brutus (Friedlander) or Caesar (Grant). David Sear notes the type has never been found in Macedonia. Finds point to Syria or Anatolia. It is possible that the type was issued, with his own portrait, by Sosius, a general under Marc Antony who was quaestor in 39 B.C. Much more likely, however, the portrait is of Augustus.RP111713. Bronze AE 27, RPC I 5409; Sear CRI 957 (Syria); AMNG III 226, pl. III, 6; FITA 13, F, dark green patina, weight 18.142 g, maximum diameter 27.4 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Anatolian or Syrian mint, c. 39 B.C.(?); obverse bare head right; reverse hasta (spear), sella quaestoria (quaestor's seat of office), and fiscus (imperial treasury), Q (quaestor) below; previously a rare type but recent finds have made it easier to acquire; $180.00 (€169.20)
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D., Petra, Arabia
| Petra, the capital of the ancient Nabatean Kingdom, is a famous archaeological site in Jordan's southwestern desert. UNESCO describes Petra as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage." The BBC selected Petra as one of "the 40 places you have to see before you die." Accessed via a narrow canyon called Al Siq, it contains tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs, earning its nickname, the "Rose City." Perhaps its most famous structure is 45m-high Al Khazneh, a temple with an ornate, Greek-style facade, and known as The Treasury. After the last Nabataean king, Rabbel II, died in 106 A.D., Trajan incorporated Nabataea into the Roman province Arabia Petraea. One of the latest known Nabataean language inscriptions, from 191 A.D., records "...This in the year 85 of the Eparchy [Roman Rule], in which Arabs destroyed the land." It seems likely that raiding Arab tribes extinguished what remained of a weakened Nabataean culture. In 747 A.D. what was left of the Nabataean cities was destroyed in a major earthquake. |  |
Otho, 15 January 69 - 17 April 69 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
Otho supported Galba's revolt against Nero in expectation he would be named heir. Since he was not, Otho had himself declared emperor. He ruled for only three months. After a minor defeat by Vitellius, Otho committed suicide. This was perhaps the only noble act of his life - he preferred to die rather than see more bloodshed in civil war.RP114672. Bronze semis, McAlee 323(c); RPC I 4319; Butcher 151; BMC Galatia p. 177, 213, aF, scratches, obverse legend almost entirely off flan or worn, weight 5.404 g, maximum diameter 22.0 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 15 Jan 69 - 17 Apr 69 A.D.; obverse IMP M OTHO CAES AVG (clockwise from upper right), laureate head right; reverse S C (senatus consulto), all within a laurel wreath with eight bunches of leaves, no dot (control mark); rare; $160.00 (€150.40)
Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
On almost all specimens of this type, the wreath on the reverse is closed with a star. Even the star variety of the type is rare. We know of only two other specimens of this extremely rare variant with the wreath closed with a garland (or jewel?).RY114991. Bronze as, McAlee 852b (ex. rare); RPC Online VI T8096.3 (Milan 3564); Waage 633 var. (wreath closed with star); BMC Galatia p. 207, 468 var. (same), gVF, nice portrait, bare metal, bumps, scratches, weight 5.212 g, maximum diameter 18.9 mm, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 13 Mar 222 - Mar 235 A.D.; obverse AYT KAI MAP AY CE AΛEΞANΔPOC CE, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse S C, Δ E above, eagle standing left with head right and wings open below, all within laurel wreath fastened at the top with a garland (or jewel?); first specimen of this type handled by FORVM; extremely rare; $160.00 (€150.40)
Nabataean Kingdom, Rabbel II and Gamilath, c. 80 - 102 A.D.
Rabbel II was the last Nabataean king. A child when he became king, his mother, Shuqailat, ruled in the early years. He was given the title, "He who gives life and salvation to his people," perhaps for subjugating Arab tribes. Upon his death, Trajan annexed the kingdom. On 22 March 106, Nabataea was incorporated into the new province of Arabia Petraea, with Bosra as its capital. The date on this coin is off flan, but the style matches coins struck from 88 - 92 A.D.GS110743. Billon drachm, cf. Al-Qatanani 238 - 240 (yrs. 20 - 21); Meshorer Nabataean 153 (yr. 21); Barkay CN 231 - 233 (yrs. 19 - 21); BMC Arabia p. 12, 1 (date off flan), VF, toned, tight flan cutting off most of legends, weight 3.316 g, maximum diameter 14.3 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, c. 88 - 91 A.D.; obverse Nabataean legend, "Rabbel the king, of the Nabataeans, year [19 - 21?]" (date off flan), laureate and draped bust of Aretas IV with long hair right; reverse Nabataean legend, "Gamilath, his sister, queen of the Nabataeans", veiled bust of Gamilath right; $150.00 (€141.00)
Nabataean Kingdom, Aretas IV and Phasael, 5 - 4 B.C.
Possibly struck in the year of Christ's birth! Jesus was born sometime between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C. Matthew describes King Herod as the ruler during the time of the Nativity, and Herod died in 4 B.C. Later, in order to kill Jesus and eliminate him as a rival king, Herod ordered the "Massacre of the Innocents" - the killing of all male children in Bethlehem aged two years and under. This means that Jesus may have been up to two years old already by that time, and this also sets the Nativity between 6 and 4 B.C. This type was issued in the names of Aretas IV and his son, Phasael, 5 - 4 B.C.GB113590. Bronze AE 14, cf. Al-Qatanani 178 (het ayin on obv.); Barkay CN 118b; Meshorer Nabataean 64; BMC Arabia p. 10, 35; SNG ANS 6 -, VF, dark patina, earthen deposits, scratches, slightly off center, sprue remnant, weight 1.654 g, maximum diameter 13.9 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, 5 - 4 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Aretas right; reverse two cornucopias crossed and filleted, Nabataean PS (peh sade) monogram (Phasael, Aretas' son) in center; scarce; $150.00 (€141.00)
Tiberius, 19 August 14 - 16 March 37 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
In 14 A.D., a census indicated that there were 4,973,000 Roman citizens.RY114980. Bronze dupondius, McAlee 214; RPC I 4270; SNG Cop 144; SNG Munchen 713; SNG Righetti 1913; BMC Galatia p. 169, 150; Lindgren-Kovacs 1958, VF, nice portrait, oval flan, bare metal, scratches, weight 16.375 g, maximum diameter 28.5 mm, die axis 45o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 14 - 15 A.D.; obverse ΣEBAΣTOΣ ΣEBAΣTOY KAIΣAP, bare head right; reverse A EΠI ΣI/ΛANOY / ANTIO/XEΩN / EM (regnal year 1, Actian year 45), inscription in six lines within inner linear boarder surrounded by laurel wreath and outer linear border; $150.00 (€141.00)
Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Laodicea ad Mare(?), Seleukis and Pieria, Syria
McAlee interprets Δ - E as "Δ EΠAPCEIΩN," meaning "of the four eparchies" and notes, "After Septimius stripped Antioch of its privileges and conferred them on Laodicea-ad-Mare, some coins of Laodicea bear the legend 'Metropolis of the Four Provinces,' and others have a representation of four Tyches. The letters ΔE also regularly appear on the coins of Laodicea from the time of Elagabalus to that of Trebonianus Gallus." McAlee also notes that Severan era coins of Laodicea have a star between the eagles legs, perhaps referring to the beacon of Laodicea's lighthouse.RY113505. Billon tetradrachm, McAlee 758, SNG Cop 237, Prieur 249, Bellinger Syria 42, Dura Coins -, gVF, tight flan, rev. slightly off center, weight 12.876 g, maximum diameter 26.2 mm, die axis 0o, Laodicea ad Mare (Latakia, Syria) mint, 219 A.D.; obverse AVT K M A ANTWNEINO-C CEB, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder, both wreath ties behind neck; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC YΠ B (holder of Tribunitian power, consul for the second time), eagle standing facing, wings spread, head left, wreath in beak, Δ - E (Δ EΠAPCEIΩN - of the four eparchies) flanking eagle's head, star between legs; $130.00 (€122.20)
Nabataean Kingdom, Aretas IV, 9 B.C. - 40 A.D.
Aretas IV was the greatest Nabataean king, ruling S. Palestine, most of Trans-Jordan, N. Arabia, and Damascus. He took the name Philopatris, lover of his people. Aretas married Shuqailat, his second wife, in 16 A.D. Aretas' daughter Phasaelis was married to, and divorced from, Herod Antipas. Herod then married his stepbrother's wife, Herodias. It was opposition to this marriage that led to the beheading of John the Baptist. After he received news of the divorce, Aretas invaded the territory of Herod Antipas and defeated his army. Paul mentions Aretas in connection with his visit to Damascus, when he had to sneak out of the city in a basket lowered from a window in the wall to escape (2 Corinthians 11:32). Al-Khazneh, one of the most elaborate buildings in Petra, is believed to have been his mausoleum.GB113589. Bronze AE 17, Al-Qatanani 156t2, Barkay CN 187d, Huth 80, Meshorer Nabataean 97, SNG ANS 6 1435, Choice gVF, dark patina, broad flan, highlighting earthen deposits, porosity, flan adjustment marks, weight 3.035 g, maximum diameter 17.2 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, c. 18 - 19 A.D.; obverse Aretas standing facing, looking left, laureate, wearing military dress, scarf and high boots, spear in right hand, left on pommel of sword in scabbard, palm frond left, Aretas' Aramaic (heth ros) monogram upper right; reverse Shuqailat standing left, veiled, wearing long chiton, right hand raised, wreath left, Aramaic legend "Shuqa/ila/t" in three lines on right; $130.00 (€122.20)
Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Laodicea ad Mare(?), Seleukis and Pieria, Syria
This type is traditionally assigned to Antioch but McAlee identifies Laodicea as the most likely mint. McAlee notes, "After Septimius stripped Antioch of its privileges and conferred them on Laodicea-ad-Mare, some coins of Laodicea bear the legend 'Metropolis of the Four Provinces,' and others have a representation of four Tyches. The letters Δ - E also regularly appear on the coins of Laodicea from the time of Elagabalus to that of Trebonianus Gallus."RY113495. Billon tetradrachm, McAlee 758, SNG Cop 237, Prieur 249, Bellinger Syria 42, Dura Coins -, VF, toned, tight thick flan, weight 13.213 g, maximum diameter 24.4 mm, die axis 0o, Laodicea ad Mare (Latakia, Syria) mint, 219 A.D.; obverse AVT K M A ANTWNEINOC CEB, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder, both wreath ties behind neck; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC YΠ B (holder of Tribunitian power, consul for the second time), eagle standing facing, wings spread, head left, wreath in beak, Δ - E (Δ EΠAPCEIΩN - of the four eparchies) flanking eagle's head, star between legs; $125.00 (€117.50)
Nabataean Kingdom, Rabbel II and Gamilath, c. 80 - 102 A.D.
Rabbel II was the last Nabataean king. A child when he became king, his mother, Shuqailat, ruled in the early years. He was given the title, "He who gives life and salvation to his people," perhaps for subjugating Arab tribes. Upon his death, Trajan annexed the kingdom. On 22 March 106, Nabataea was incorporated into the new province of Arabia Petraea, with Bosra as its capital. The date on this coin is off flan, but the style matches coins struck from 88 - 92 A.D.GS110752. Billon drachm, cf. Al-Qatanani 238 - 240 (yrs. 20 - 21); Meshorer Nabataean 153 (yr. 21); Barkay CN 231 - 233 (yrs. 19 - 21); BMC Arabia p. 12, 1 (date off flan), VF, toned, tight flan cutting off much of legends, weight 3.584 g, maximum diameter 13.5 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, c. 88 - 91 A.D.; obverse Nabataean legend, "Rabbel the king, of the Nabataeans, year [19 - 21?]" (date off flan), laureate and draped bust of Aretas IV with long hair right; reverse Nabataean legend, "Gamilath, his sister, queen of the Nabataeans", veiled bust of Gamilath right; $120.00 (€112.80)
Nabataean Kingdom, Aretas IV, 9 B.C. - 40 A.D.
Aretas IV was the greatest Nabataean king, ruling S. Palestine, most of Trans-Jordan, N. Arabia, and Damascus. He took the name Philopatris, lover of his people. Aretas married Shuqailat, his second wife, in 16 A.D. Aretas' daughter Phasaelis was married to, and divorced from, Herod Antipas. Herod then married his stepbrother's wife, Herodias. It was opposition to this marriage that led to the beheading of John the Baptist. After he received news of the divorce, Aretas invaded the territory of Herod Antipas and defeated his army. Paul mentions Aretas in connection with his visit to Damascus, when he had to sneak out of the city in a basket lowered from a window in the wall to escape (2 Corinthians 11:32). Al-Khazneh, one of the most elaborate buildings in Petra, is believed to have been his mausoleum.GB110802. Bronze AE 15, Al-Qatanani 156, Barkay CN 187d, Huth 80, Meshorer Nabataean 97, SNG ANS 6 1435, gVF, dark green patina, highlighting buff earthen highlighting, flan adjustment marks, casting sprue remnant, weight 2.182 g, maximum diameter 14.9 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, c. 18 - 19 A.D.; obverse Aretas standing facing, looking left, laureate, wearing military dress, scarf and high boots, spear in right hand, left on pommel of sword in scabbard, palm frond left, Aramaic monogram (H) upper right; reverse Shuqailat standing left, veiled, wearing long chiton, right hand raised, wreath left, Aramaic legend "Shuqa/ila/t" in three lines on right; $120.00 (€112.80)
Nabataean Kingdom, Aretas IV, 9 B.C. - 40 A.D.
Aretas IV was the greatest Nabataean king, ruling S. Palestine, most of Trans-Jordan, N. Arabia, and Damascus. He took the name Philopatris, lover of his people. Aretas married Shuqailat, his second wife, in 16 A.D. Aretas' daughter Phasaelis was married to, and divorced from, Herod Antipas. Herod then married his stepbrother's wife, Herodias. It was opposition to this marriage that led to the beheading of John the Baptist. After he received news of the divorce, Aretas invaded the territory of Herod Antipas and defeated his army. Paul mentions Aretas in connection with his visit to Damascus, when he had to sneak out of the city in a basket lowered from a window in the wall to escape (2 Corinthians 11:32). Al-Khazneh, one of the most elaborate buildings in Petra, is believed to have been his mausoleum.GB110810. Bronze AE 17, Al-Qatanani 156t2, Barkay CN 187, Huth 80, Meshorer Nabataean 97, SNG ANS 6 1435, VF, near black patina, obv. a little off center, centers weak, flan adjustment marks, remnants of casting sprues, weight 1.943 g, maximum diameter 16.7 mm, die axis 0o, Petra (Jordan) mint, c. 18 - 19 A.D.; obverse Aretas standing facing, looking left, laureate, wearing military dress, scarf and high boots, spear in right hand, left on pommel of sword in scabbard, palm frond left, no monogram; reverse Shuqailat standing left, veiled, wearing long chiton, right hand raised, wreath left, Aramaic legend "Shuqa/ila/t" in three lines on right; $120.00 (€112.80)
Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Laodicea ad Mare, Seleukis and Pieria, Syria
McAlee interprets Δ - E as "Δ EΠAPCEIΩN," meaning "of the four eparchies" and notes, "After Septimius stripped Antioch of its privileges and conferred them on Laodicea-ad-Mare, some coins of Laodicea bear the legend 'Metropolis of the Four Provinces,' and others have a representation of four Tyches. The letters ΔE also regularly appear on the coins of Laodicea from the time of Elagabalus to that of Trebonianus Gallus." McAlee also notes that Severan era coins of Laodicea have a star between the eagles legs, perhaps referring to the beacon of Laodicea's lighthouse.RY113496. Billon tetradrachm, cf. McAlee 766 (ex. rare), Prieur -, SNG Cop -, SNG Righetti -, SNG München -, SNG Hunterian -, BMC Syria -, aVF, toned, tight flan, scratches, deposits, weight 10.825 g, maximum diameter 24.8 mm, die axis 180o, Laodicea ad Mare (Latakia, Syria) mint, 219 A.D.; obverse AVT K M A ANTWNEINOC CEB, laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind, no pteruges on shoulder; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞ YΠATOC TO B (holder of Tribunitian power, consul for the 2nd time), eagle standing facing, wings spread, head and tail right, wreath in beak, Δ - E flanking above wings, star between legs; extremely rare; $120.00 (€112.80)
Elagabalus, 16 May 218 - 11 March 222 A.D., Laodicea ad Mare(?), Seleukis and Pieria, Syria
McAlee interprets Δ - E as "Δ EΠAPCEIΩN," meaning "of the four eparchies" and notes, "After Septimius stripped Antioch of its privileges and conferred them on Laodicea-ad-Mare, some coins of Laodicea bear the legend 'Metropolis of the Four Provinces,' and others have a representation of four Tyches. The letters ΔE also regularly appear on the coins of Laodicea from the time of Elagabalus to that of Trebonianus Gallus." McAlee also notes that Severan era coins of Laodicea have a star between the eagles legs, perhaps referring to the beacon of Laodicea's lighthouse.RY113504. Billon tetradrachm, McAlee 758, SNG Cop 237, Prieur 249, Bellinger Syria 42, Dura Coins -, VF, toned, centered on a tight flan, weight 11.404 g, maximum diameter 26.8 mm, die axis 0o, Laodicea ad Mare (Latakia, Syria) mint, 219 A.D.; obverse AVT K M A ANTWNEINO-C CEB, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder, both wreath ties behind neck; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC YΠ B (holder of Tribunitian power, consul for the second time), eagle standing facing, wings spread, head left, wreath in beak, Δ - E (Δ EΠAPCEIΩN - of the four eparchies) flanking eagle's head, star between legs; $120.00 (€112.80)
Antioch, Seleukis & Pieria, Syria, c. 59 - 60 A.D.
Shortly after Nero's accession in 54, the Roman vassal kingdom of Armenia overthrew their Iberian prince Rhadamistus and replaced him with the Parthian prince Tiridates. This was seen as a Parthian invasion. Nero immediately sent the army under the command of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo. The Parthians temporarily relinquished Armenia, but peace did not last. Full-scale war broke out in 58 when the Parthians invaded Armenian. Corbulo repelled Tiridates, and Rome again controlled most of Armenia. Nero was acclaimed for this victory. Tigranes, a Cappadocian noble raised in Rome, was installed as the new ruler of Armenia. Corbulo was appointed governor of Syria as a reward.RP113545. Bronze dichalkon, McAlee 107(b); RPC I 4293; SNG Cop 108; BMC Galatia p. 161, 80, VF, turquoise and black patina, earthen deposits, scratches/marks, weight 3.631 g, maximum diameter 17.2 mm, die axis 0o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, civic issue, reign of Nero, c. 59 - 60 A.D.; obverse draped bust of Apollo right, hair rolled and bound with beaded taenia; reverse ANTIOXE ET HP (Antioch, year 108 [Caesarian era]), lyre, dot below; $120.00 (€112.80)
Nabataean Kingdom, Aretas IV, 9 B.C. - 40 A.D., Barbaric Imitative
Aretas IV was the greatest Nabataean king, ruling S. Palestine, most of Trans-Jordan, N. Arabia, and Damascus. Al-Khazneh,one of the most elaborate temples in Petra, is believed to have been the mausoleum of Aretas IV. Paul mentions Aretas in connection with his visit to Damascus (2 Corinthians 11:32). Al-Khazneh, one of the most elaborate temples in Petra, is believed to have been the mausoleum of Aretas IV.GB94966. Bronze AE 14, Al-Qatanani 141t6 (die match, barbaric style), Meshorer Nabataean 68A; cf. Huth 77 (official style), Barkay CN 150c (same), Schmitt-Korte 38 (same), VF, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. off center, reverse edge beveled, small edge split, weight 1.482 g, maximum diameter 14.1 mm, die axis 0o, unofficial mint, c. 2 - 24; obverse laureate head of Aretas right; reverse two crossed and filleted cornucopias, Nabataean het ros monogram (Aretas) between the horns; from the Ray Nouri Collection; extremely rare; $110.00 (€103.40)
Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
When Philip visited Antioch, Saint Babylas refused to let him enter the gathering of Christians at the Easter vigil (Eusebius, Historia ecclesiastica, VI, 34). Later legend elaborates, stating that Babylas demanded that he do penance for his part in the murder of the young Gordian III before he would allow Philip to celebrate Easter. Saint Babylas died in prison in 253 during the Decian persecution. He asked to be buried in his chains.RY113507. Billon tetradrachm, McAlee 887; Prieur 319; RPC Online VIII U29183; BMC Galatia p. 212, 506; Dura Coins 397, VF, toned, nice portrait, rough areas, weight 12.055 g, maximum diameter 27.3 mm, die axis 180o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 244 A.D.; obverse AVTOK K M IOVΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC (holder of Tribunitian power), eagle standing facing on palm branch, head left, tail left, wings open, wreath in beak, S C (senatus consulto) in exergue; $110.00 (€103.40)
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