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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Roman Coins| ▸ |Roman Provincial||View Options:   | | | From Augustus (27 B.C. - 14 A.D.) to Tacitus (275 - 276 A.D.), the Roman Empire allowed many provinces and cities to mint coins for local use - those coins are referred to as Roman provincial coins (or Greek imperial coins). Most Roman provincial coins were copper, bronze or brass, but silver provincial coins were also issued. There are three subcategories: colonial (mostly Latin legends), Greek imperial (Greek legends), and quasi-autonomous (issued under Roman authority but without the Emperor's portrait). Roman provincial coins are known from about 600 cities, though after Caligula (37 - 41 A.D.) only cities from Greece eastward issued them. If you are looking for coins of a specific emperor, use the menu on the left. If you are looking for coins from a specific city or region, these coins are organized geographically under Greek Imperial in our Greek Coins pages. The link to our Greek Coins is in the header above. |
The following list was provided by the consignor and has not been verified by FORVM:
1) Augustus, Caius and Lucius, AE28, Julia Traducta, Spain, cut half of a RPC I 107.
2) Claudius (41-54), AE18, Aezanis, Phrygia, Pausanius Menandros, magistrate, Zeus standing left, RPC I 3095 or similar.
3) Augustus, AE18, RPC I 2399, patina flaking at rim.
4) Caligula, AE18, Nero and Drusus jugate, AE18, Philadelphia, Lydia.
5) Tiberius, AE19 (2.95g) Ephesos, no legend, head of Tiberius right / facing statue of Artemis Ephesia, RPC I 2613.
6) Time of Tiberius, AE20, Tripolis, Lydia, RPC I 3055.
7) Augustus or Tiberius, AE20, Laodicea ad Lycus, Phrygia, bare head right / Zeus standing left
8) Claudius, AE20, Aezanis, Phrygia, RPC I 3095.
9) Tiberius, with Nero and Drusus, cut half Æ As of Carthago Nova, Spain, 14 - 37 A.D.
LT112798. Bronze Lot, lot of 9 Julio-Claudian Roman provincial bronze coins, 2 are cut halves, 17.2mm - 31.1mm, mostly F - VF, two are cut halves, c. 20 B.C. - 54 A.D.; no tags or flips, the actual coins in the photograph, as-is, no returns, 9 coins; $260.00 (€244.40)
Marcus Aurelius, 7 March 161 - 17 March 180 A.D., Mostene, Lydia
Mostene, in ancient Lydia, prospered in Roman and Byzantine eras. There is debate, based on a line in Tacitus, over whether Mostene was a Macedonian colony or a native Lydian city. In 17 A.D. the city was hit by an earthquake and was assisted by relief from Tiberius.RP113182. Bronze AE 35, Apparently unpublished; GRPC Lydia -, RPC Online IV -, F, dark green patina, earthen deposits, marks, pit lower right, weight 21.592 g, maximum diameter 35.3 mm, die axis 180o, Mostene (Kepecik, Turkey) mint, c. 161 - 162 A.D.; obverse AVT K M AVPH ANTΩNEINOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse EΠI AΛEΞANΔPOY APX ΛYΔ MOCTHNΩN (authority of Alexandros, archon, Mostene), Demeter, holding grain and torch?; from the Michael Arslan Collection, ex Solidus auction 123 (25 Jul 2023), lot 359 (part of); the only known specimen; extremely rare; $250.00 (€235.00)
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. |  |
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). |  |
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Matthew (2:1-23) describes the Massacre of the Innocents. Wise men from the East visited Herod to inquire the whereabouts of "the one having been born king of the Jews," because they had seen his star. Herod, as King of the Jews, was alarmed. The chief priests, citing Micah 5:2, told Herod the anointed one would be born in Bethlehem. Herod sent the "wise men" to Bethlehem, instructing them to "report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." However, the Magi were warned in a dream not to report back to Herod. Joseph was warned in a dream that Herod intended to kill Jesus, so he and his family fled to Egypt. When Herod realized he had been outwitted, he gave orders to kill all boys of the age of two and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity. Joseph and his family stayed in Egypt until Herod's death, then moved to Nazareth. Herod was guilty of many brutal acts, including killing his wife and two sons, but no other source from the period refers to the massacre. Bethlehem was a small village, the number of male children under the age of two might not have exceed 20, and this may be the reason for the lack of other sources for this history.JD114512. Copper eight prutot, Hendin 6204; Meshorer TJC 44; Meshorer AJC II 1; BMC Palestine p. 220, 1; RPC I 4901; HGC 10 651, F, near black patina with highlighting blue-green deposits, uneven strike with weak areas, rev. edge beveled, edge splits, weight 6.120 g, maximum diameter 23.6 mm, die axis 45o, Samaria mint, 40 - 37 B.C.; obverse HPΩΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ (Greek: of King Herod), tripod with ceremonial bowl (lebes), LΓ -
Thessalian League, Greece, Mid - Late 1st Century B.C.
The Thessalian League was a loose confederacy of city-states and tribes in the Thessalian valley in N. Greece. Philip II of Macedon took control of Thessaly in 344 B.C and it remained under Macedonia until the Roman victory in 197 B.C. The league was reestablished in 196 B.C. but had little autonomy after Thessaly became part of the province of Macedonia in 146 B.C.GS114604. Silver stater, BCD Thessaly II 846; SNG Cop 291; SNG Alpha Bank 288; De Luynes 1873; BMC Thessaly p. 2, 21, VF, toned, tight flan (as typical for the type), flow lines, struck with worn dies, weight 6.055 g, maximum diameter 22.3 mm, die axis 0o, Larissa(?) mint, mid - late 1st century B.C.; obverse head of Zeus right, wreathed in oak; reverse ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN, Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with right hand, shield on left arm; ΘEΣΣA/ΛΩN in two lines, starting upward on left, ending downward on right; ΠOΛV-ΞENOY (Polyxenos [magistrate]) divided across upper field, EVKOΛOΣ (Eukolos [magistrate]) below; ex Sphinx Coins, ex BCD Collection (with his tag noting, ex Spring 97 hd. 4 kms SE of ancient Phalanna, cost SFr. 125.-); $220.00 (€206.80)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
Vespasian, along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica, landed at Ptolemais in April 67. There he was joined by his son Titus, who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris, as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of King Agrippa II. Fielding more than 60,000 soldiers, Vespasian began operations by subjugating Galilee. Many towns gave up without a fight, although others had to be taken by force. Of these, Josephus provides detailed accounts of the sieges of Yodfat and Gamla. By the year 68, Jewish resistance in the north had been crushed, and Vespasian made Caesarea Maritima his headquarters and methodically proceeded to clear the coast. -- WikipediaJD113008. Bronze prutah, Kadman III 12; Meshorer TJC 196a; Hendin 6389; SNG ANS 427; Sofaer pl. 222, 11, Choice VF, near full legends, green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, rev. edge beveled, flan cuts, weight 3.812 g, maximum diameter 19.3 mm, die axis 90o, Jerusalem mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $200.00 (€188.00)
Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Antiocheia, Pisidia
| Antiochia in Pisidia, also know as Antiochia in Phrygia, and under the Roman Empire as Antiochia Caesareia or Antiochia Colonia Caesarea, was on the border of Pisidia and Phrygia, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Central Anatolian regions. After the death of Alexander the Great, Seleucus I Nicator, founder of the Seleucid Dynasty, took control of Pisidia. Captured places were Hellenized and, in order to protect the population, nearly 60 fortified cities were founded at strategically important places, usually on an acropolis. Seleucus gave 16 of them the name of his father Antiochos. Colonists were brought from Magnesia on the Maeander to found Antiochia in Pisidia. |  |
Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D., Koinon of Galatia, Galatia
In 25 B.C., Augustus raised Ankara to the status of a polis and made it the capital city of the Roman province of Galatia. Ankara is famous for the Monumentum Ancyranum (Temple of Augustus and Rome) which contains the official record of the Acts of Augustus, known as the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, an inscription cut in marble on the walls of this temple. An estimated 200,000 people lived in Ancyra in good times during the Roman Empire, a far greater number than was to be the case from after the fall of the Roman Empire until the early 20th century.
Numismatic scholars have long speculated which city in Galatia was the minter of the Koinon of Galatia issues, with reasons to suggest Ancyra, Pessinus, and Tavium. In May 2023, a member of the FORVM Ancient Coins Discussion Board asked for help in identifying a Roman provincial of Galba with a temple reverse that he believed was a product of Tavium. Quite surprisingly, its actual origin was Ancyra and its strong resemblance to RPC I 3566, a Koinon of Galatia issue struck under Galba, was unmistakable. The Ancyra coin, still unpublished on RPC Online and the earliest attested Roman provincial issue of the city, also bore an owl countermark (Howgego 468). This mark was previously known only from the Koinon of Galatia coinages of Nero and Galba, thus adding even more evidence in favor of Ancyra as the Koinon minter/issuer.RP114405. Bronze AE 20, RPC Online 3563A (6 spec., otherwise apparently unpublished) , VF, green patina, smooth surfaces except for the occasional tiny pit, a handsome specimen, weight 4.577 g, maximum diameter 20.3 mm, die axis 0o, Ancyra (Ankara, Turkey) mint, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D.; obverse NEPΩNOΣ ΣEBAΣTOY, laureate head right; reverse ΣEBAΣTH, Nike striding left, wreath in extended right hand, palm frond in left hand; very rare; $200.00 (€188.00)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C., Barbaric Imitative Issue
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD111347. Leaded bronze prutah, Hendin 6219e, VF, barbaric issue, weight 1.553 g, maximum diameter 15.1 mm, die axis 180o, unofficial mint, c. 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse blundered imitation of Greek: HPW BACI (of King Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns (blundered, failing to understand the items depicted); rare; $180.00 (€169.20)
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)
Julia Mamaea, Augusta, 222 – 235 A.D., Nicomedia, Bithynia
The referenced coin, RPC Online VI T3432 = Rec Gén 334, is the only known specimen of this type and RPC notes, "Tooled, likely not belonging to Nicomedia." The present coin confirms attribution to Nicomedia. Furthermore, this type for Julia Mamaea nicely complements the Severus Alexander issue with the same reverse (RPC Online VI T3435). RP113006. Bronze assarion, RPC Online VI T3432 corr. (legends), Rec Gén 334 corr. (same), F, green patina, weight 3.540 g, maximum diameter 18.4 mm, die axis 210o, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, group 1b, 222 – 235 A.D.; obverse IOVΛIA MΑMAIA CEBAC, draped bust right; reverse NIKOMHΔEΩN ΔIC NEΩKOPΩN, veiled and draped bust of Demeter right, wearing stephane, stalks of grain before her; 2nd known and the best of the type known to FORVM; extremely rare!; $180.00 (€169.20)
Augustus, 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt
Alexandria (31°13'N, 29°55'E), was founded on the site of a fishing village at the mouth of the Nile in Egypt by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and after his death in 323 BC it was ruled by the Ptolemaic dynasty until Octavian seized it for Rome in 30 BC. Famous as an intellectual and trading center, it was the second largest city in the Roman Empire with a population of 500,000 at the time of Christ. It had long struck coins for Egyptian circulation, and briefly struck Imperial denarii (192-194) before Diocletian in 294 commenced normal imperial issues, continuing until 421 (and briefly under Leo I 457-474).RX113651. Bronze diobol, RPC Online I 5013; Dattari-Savio pl. 1, 16; Geissen 9; BMC Alexandria p. 3, 18; Emmett 27; Kampmann-Ganschow 2.9, F, rough, weight 6.919 g, maximum diameter 22.1 mm, die axis 0o, Alexandria (Egypt) mint, 3 - 2 B.C.; obverse garlanded altar between two laurel branches, ΣEBAΣTOY below; reverse KAIΣA/POΣ in two lines within laurel wreath; ex Stacks & Bowers auction Aug 2023, lot 53235 (part of); ex Naville Numismatics auction 51 (21 Jul 2019), lot 236; $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. |  |
Hierapolis, Phrygia, c. 244 - 249 A.D., Homonoia with Sardis
This type is dated to the reign of Philip I based on this coin's reverse die which is shared with a coin of Otacilia Severa. The Π on the reverse abbreviates ΠYΘIAN, referring to the Pythian games, which were, after the Olympian, the greatest in importance of the four chief Hellenic festivals. The X abbreviates XPYΣANΘINA, referring to games held near Hierapolis on the banks Chrysoroas river. RP114890. Bronze AE 24, RPC Online VIII U63168 (15 spec., this coin cited), Franke-Nollé 872, SNG Tüb 4050, Weber 7122, Johnston Hierapolis -, SNG Cop -, VF, near centered on a tight flan, weight 5.931 g, maximum diameter 24.0 mm, die axis 180o, Phrygia, Hierapolis (near Pamukkale, Turkey) mint, pseudo-autonomous, c. 244 - 249 A.D.; obverse IEPA CY-NKΛHTO-C, draped bust of the senate right; reverse IEPAΠOΛEITΩN K CAPΔIANΩN NEΩKOPΩN OMONOIA, two wreaths, containing letters Π and X; ex Rex Numismatics budget auction 4 (15 Dec 2023), lot 400; $170.00 (€159.80)
Severus Alexander and Julia Maesa, 222 - 235 A.D., Ninica-Claudiopolis, Cilicia
Ammianus mentions Silifke and Claudiopolis as cities of Cilicia, or of the country drained by the Calycadnus; and Claudiopolis was a colony of Claudius Caesar. It is described by Theophanes of Byzantium as situated in a plain between the two Taurus Mountains, a description which exactly, corresponds to the position of the basin of the Calycadnus. Claudiopolis may therefore be represented by Mut, which is higher up the valley than Seleucia, and near the junction of the northern and western branches of the Calycadnus. It is also the place to which the pass over the northern Taurus leads from Laranda. The city received the Roman colony name Colonia Iulia Felix Augusta Ninica.RB91011. Bronze AE 36, cf. asiaminorcoins.com 6551 (same obv. die & c/m), SNG Levante -, RPC Online -, SNG BnF -, SNG Cop -, BMC Cilicia -, c/m: Howgego 262, F, weak legends, porosity, edge cracks, weight 17.901 g, maximum diameter 35.8 mm, die axis 180o, Ninica-Claudiopolis (Mut, Mersin, Turkey) mint, 222 - 235 A.D.; obverse IMP C SEVERUS ALEXANΔER AVΓ (or similar), laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; c/m: Nike right in c. 5 x 8 mm oval punch (3 times); reverse IVL MAECA COL IVL FEL NINIO CLAUΔIOPOLI (or similar), draped bust of Julia Maesa right; huge 35.8 mm!; ex Forum (2015); extremely rare; $160.00 (€150.40)
Geta, 209 - c. 26 December 211 A.D., Apameia ad Maeandrum, Phrygia
Struck under the authority of Artemas, agonothetes (the organizer of public games). Apamea is mentioned in the Talmud (Ber. 62a, Niddah, 30b and Yeb. 115b). Christianity was very likely established early in the city. Saint Paul probably visited the place when he went throughout Phrygia.RP112206. Bronze AE 26, SNGvA 3503 var. (rev. leg. arrangement); SNG Cop 217 var. (same); BMC Phrygia p. 100, 174, VF, full legends, nice green deposits, earthen deposits, mild porosity, weight 8.253 g, maximum diameter 26.2 mm, die axis 180o, Phrygia, Apameia ad Maeandrum (Dinar, Turkey) mint, as caesar, 198 - 209 A.D.; obverse ΠO CEΠTI ΓETAC KAI, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse EΠI AΓΩNOΘETOV APTEMA AΠA/MEΩN (last four letters in fields), Tyche standing half left, holding rudder by tiller in right hand, cornucopia in left hand; $160.00 (€150.40)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
Vespasian, along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica, landed at Ptolemais in April 67. There he was joined by his son Titus, who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris, as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of King Agrippa II. Fielding more than 60,000 soldiers, Vespasian began operations by subjugating Galilee. Many towns gave up without a fight, although others had to be taken by force. Of these, Josephus provides detailed accounts of the sieges of Yodfat and Gamla. By the year 68, Jewish resistance in the north had been crushed, and Vespasian made Caesarea Maritima his headquarters and methodically proceeded to clear the coast. -- WikipediaJD113010. Bronze prutah, Kadman III 12; Meshorer TJC 196a; Hendin 6389; SNG ANS 427; Sofaer pl. 222, 11, VF, dark patina with attractive earthen fill, off center, rev. edge beveled, sprue cuts, weight 2.199 g, maximum diameter 18.2 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $160.00 (€150.40)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
In 69 A.D., Vespasian began to lay siege to Jerusalem, the city was captured the following year by his son Titus. On 4 August 70 A.D. Titus destroyed the Temple. The Jewish fast of Tisha B'Av mourns the Fall of Jerusalem annually on this date.JD113014. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6392; Meshorer TJC 204; SNG ANS 446; Sofaer pl. 223, 31, VF, nice green patina, tight flan, obv. edge beveled, edge cut, weight 2.481 g, maximum diameter 17.1 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 3, 68 - 69 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year three, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, two handles, and conical fluted lid decorated with tiny globule at peak and row of tiny globules around edge; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $160.00 (€150.40)
Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D., Caesarea Maritima, Samaria, Syria Palestina
Determining the emperor on this Holy Land issue was no easy task. Ultimately, the crude, schematic, style of the eagle provided the solution. A strikingly similar eagle was found for Severus Alexander under RPC Online VI T8861, represented by two specimens at the time of this writing (Jan 2024). The obv. legends of both coins were worn or off flan, but the portrait on the London specimen highly suggested the last Severan ruler while the second coin (Wildwinds example) sported a different head, resembling the one found on our coin. And yet, we know both pieces listed on RPC Online must be related to one another by virtue of the rev. die they share. Kadman 72, attributed to Caracalla, most likely was also struck from the same die and with a head again very similar to the Wildwinds coin. Finally, a third bronze (SNG ANS 6 793) with a head like ours (and possibly die-identical to the Wildwinds specimen) can be found listed as "specimen #2" under RPC Online VI, T30574---for Elagabalus! But from examining the reverse legend, one can confidently conclude that the title of Metropolis is included, which was first awarded Caesarea Maritima under Severus Alexander. Whew!RP113710. Bronze AE 19, cf. RPC Online VI T8861 (2 spec.); BMC Palestine, p. 27, 118 ff.; Kadman 72 corr. (Caracalla); ANS SNG 6 793 corr. (same) (see notes), aF, rough stable surfaces, tight flan cutting off legends, weight 3.670 g, maximum diameter 19.2 mm, die axis 180o, Caesarea Maritima (Keisaria, Israel) mint, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.; obverse laureate head right, legend off flan/obscure; reverse S P Q R (P reversed) within wreath supported by standing eagle facing with head left and wings spread, legend off flan/obscure; ex Frank Sternberg AG Zurich; ex Glendining & Co. auction 5 March 1970, lot 467 (part of); extremely rare variety; $160.00 (€150.40)
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)
Gordian III, 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D., Irenopolis, Cilicia
Irenopolis or Eirenopolis or Eirenoupolis, known briefly as Neronias in honor of the Roman emperor Nero, was in northeastern Cilicia, not far from the Calycadnus river, on the site of modern Düzici, Osmaniye province, Turkey, at the mouth of the Darb al-'Ain pass. It was probably founded by Antiochus IV of Commagene. Coins of the city show that Asclepius and Hygeia were worshiped there, probably connected with the natural spring of the area. The city is mentioned by Hierocles, Nicephore, and Calliste. Christianity first came to the area in the 1st century; the mountain pass location made it an early candidate for missionaries. The city came under Muslim rule following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.RP114912. Bronze AE 31, RPC VII.2 Online 3221A (2 spec.; #1 = this coin), Isegrim -, Karbach Eirenopolis -, aF, green patina, highlighting light earthen deposits, both sides off-centered, weight 9.683 g, maximum diameter 30.8 mm, die axis 180o, Irenopolis (Düzici, Turkey) mint, 242/243 A.D.; obverse AY K M ANTW ΓOPΔIANOC, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse EIPHNOΠO-ΛEITWN, Dionysos standing mostly left, wreathed in ivy(?), otherwise nude, cantharus in right hand, upright thyrsus in left, panther standing left at feet with head turned back and upwards in anticipation, ET (Greek abbreviation: ETOYC - "of year") in left field, BϘP (192, obscured) in exergue; zero sales of this type listed on Coin Archives in the last two decade; one of two known, listed on RPC Online; ex Pandora Numismatics auction 2 (27 Aug 2023), lot 415 (sold unattributed); extremely 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)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD113033. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 59h; Hendin 6219c; SNG ANS 218; Sofaer 35; Meshorer AJC II 17g, VF, green patina, broad flan, uneven strike, rev. edge beveled, weight 1.753 g, maximum diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, c. 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse HPW BACI (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod, counterclockwise from lower right), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, five pellets above; $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)
Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D., Antiocheia, Pisidia
Paul of Tarsus gave his first sermon to the Gentiles (Acts 13:13-52) at Antiochia in Pisidia, and visited the city once on each of his missionary journeys, helping to make Antioch a center of early Christianity in Anatolia. Antioch in Pisidia is also known as Antiochia Caesareia and Antiochia in Phrygia. RP113937. Bronze AE 33, RPC Online V.3 (to be published; 4 spec.); Kryzanowska -; cf. BMC Lycia p. 182, 38 (diff. bust style); SNGvA 4933 (same), Choice F, large heavy flan, dark green - near black patina, mild porosity, weight 20.767 g, maximum diameter 33.1 mm, die axis 135o, Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvac, Turkey) mint, c. 209/210 A.D., Issue 3 (only "sestertii"); obverse IMP•CAES•M•AVR• - ANTONINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front and wearing aegis; reverse •COL CAES• - •ANTIOCH, the god Mên standing facing with head right, left foot on bucranium, column supporting left arm, upright staff in right hand, and Nike in outstretched left carrying a trophy over her shoulder; cock to left; S - R in inner fields; the present specimen of this unpublished variety will be included in the upcoming volume V.3 of RPC!; rare bust style; $150.00 (€141.00)
Hierapolis, Phrygia, c. 244 - 249 A.D., Homonoia with Sardis
This type is dated to the reign of Philip I based on this coin's reverse die which is shared with a coin of Otacilia Severa. The Π on the reverse abbreviates ΠYΘIAN, referring to the Pythian games, which were, after the Olympian, the greatest in importance of the four chief Hellenic festivals. The X abbreviates XPYΣANΘINA, referring to games held near Hierapolis on the banks Chrysoroas river. RP114891. Bronze AE 26, RPC Online VIII U63168 (15 spec., this coin cited), Franke-Nollé 868, SNG Tüb 4050, Weber 7122, Johnston Hierapolis -, SNG Cop -, Choice F, well centered on a broad flan, a few light marks, central depression on rev., weight 5.046 g, maximum diameter 26.2 mm, die axis 180o, Phrygia, Hierapolis (near Pamukkale, Turkey) mint, pseudo-autonomous, c. 244 - 249 A.D.; obverse IEPA CY-NKΛHTO-C, draped bust of the senate right; reverse IEPAΠOΛEITΩN K CAPΔIANΩN NEΩKOPΩN OMONOIA, two wreaths, containing letters Π and X; ex Rex Numismatics budget auction 4 (15 Dec 2023), lot 399; $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., Neapolis, Samaria, Syria Palestina
Neapolis, Samaria, the biblical Shechemis, is now Nablus, Israel. It is the site of Joseph's Tomb and Jacob's well. Jesus spoke here to a Samaritan woman. Neapolis is home to about half the remaining worldwide Samaritan population of 600.RP98112. Bronze AE 24, SNG ANS 1007 (same dies); cf. Rosenberger II 53; BMC Palestine p. 61, 103; Sofaer 109 - 110; Baramki AUB 36, nice VF, excellent portrait, attractive green patina with highlighting earthen deposits, some legend not fully struck, edge splits, weight 6.701 g, maximum diameter 24.1 mm, die axis 180o, Neapolis (Nablus, Israel) mint, 16 May 218 - 11 Mar 222 A.D.; obverse AVT K M AVP - ANTWNIN, laureate head right, slight drapery on left shoulder; reverse ΦΛ NE - CVP Π (Flavia Neapolis Syria Palestina), Tyche standing slightly left, head left, kalathos on head, rudder held by tiller in right hand, cornucopia in left hand; ex Menashe Landman Collection; rare; $140.00 (€131.60)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
Vespasian, along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica, landed at Ptolemais in April 67. There he was joined by his son Titus, who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris, as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of King Agrippa II. Fielding more than 60,000 soldiers, Vespasian began operations by subjugating Galilee. Many towns gave up without a fight, although others had to be taken by force. Of these, Josephus provides detailed accounts of the sieges of Yodfat and Gamla. By the year 68, Jewish resistance in the north had been crushed, and Vespasian made Caesarea Maritima his headquarters and methodically proceeded to clear the coast. -- WikipediaJD111283. Bronze prutah, Kadman III 12; Meshorer TJC 196a; Hendin 6389; SNG ANS 427; Sofaer pl. 222, 11, VF, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, irregular flan shape, obverse edge beveled, weight 3.162 g, maximum diameter 19.0 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $140.00 (€131.60)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
Vespasian, along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica, landed at Ptolemais in April 67. There he was joined by his son Titus, who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris, as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of King Agrippa II. Fielding more than 60,000 soldiers, Vespasian began operations by subjugating Galilee. Many towns gave up without a fight, although others had to be taken by force. Of these, Josephus provides detailed accounts of the sieges of Yodfat and Gamla. By the year 68, Jewish resistance in the north had been crushed, and Vespasian made Caesarea Maritima his headquarters and methodically proceeded to clear the coast. -- WikipediaJD111285. Bronze prutah, Kadman III 12; Meshorer TJC 196a; Hendin 6389; SNG ANS 427; Sofaer pl. 222, 11, VF, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, weight 2.958 g, maximum diameter 16.9 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $140.00 (€131.60)
Judaea, Unstruck Prutah Flan, 167 B.C. - 62 A.D.
David Hendin notes, "According to Rabbinic law in ancient times, an unstruck coin had value-but only the bullion value of the metal, not the actual value of the coin."JD112231. Bronze prutah, Unstruck prutah flan, as made, earthen deposits, weight 2.489 g, maximum diameter 15.5 mm, ex CNG e-auction 510 (23 Feb 2022), lot 288; ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection, ex ILM (7 Dec 2000); $140.00 (€131.60)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D., Irregular Crude Style
This irregular crude style First Jewish Revolt Prutah was struck with the same dies as a coin found in excavations at Masada. It may have been struck at the Jerusalem mint with dies engraved by a less skilled engraver, or, perhaps more likely, it was sold at another mint outside of the city.JD113012. Bronze prutah, Sofaer p. 273 & pl. 222, 20 (same dies); Meshorer Masada 2218 (same dies); Hendin 6389b (irregular); Meshorer TJC 198 (crude); SNG ANS 443 (crude), VF, irregular crude style, attractive green patina, off center, obv. edge beveled, sprue remnants, edge cracks, weight 2.274 g, maximum diameter 16.5 mm, die axis 270o, Jerusalem(?) mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $140.00 (€131.60)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
In 69 A.D., Vespasian began to lay siege to Jerusalem, the city was captured the following year by his son Titus. On 4 August 70 A.D. Titus destroyed the Temple. The Jewish fast of Tisha B'Av mourns the Fall of Jerusalem annually on this date.JD114514. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6392; Meshorer TJC 204; SNG ANS 446; Sofaer pl. 223, 31, F, green patina, earthen deposits, rev. edge beveled, sprue cuts, weight 3.571 g, maximum diameter 18.1 mm, die axis 270o, Jerusalem mint, year 3, 68 - 69 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year three, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, two handles, and conical fluted lid decorated with tiny globule at peak and row of tiny globules around edge; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $140.00 (€131.60)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
Vespasian, along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica, landed at Ptolemais in April 67. There he was joined by his son Titus, who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris, as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of King Agrippa II. Fielding more than 60,000 soldiers, Vespasian began operations by subjugating Galilee. Many towns gave up without a fight, although others had to be taken by force. Of these, Josephus provides detailed accounts of the sieges of Yodfat and Gamla. By the year 68, Jewish resistance in the north had been crushed, and Vespasian made Caesarea Maritima his headquarters and methodically proceeded to clear the coast. -- WikipediaJD114516. Bronze prutah, Kadman III 12; Meshorer TJC 196a; Hendin 6389; SNG ANS 427; Sofaer pl. 222, 11, aVF, dark patina, earthen deposits, centered on a tight flan, rev. edge beveled, sprue remnants/cuts, weight 2.444 g, maximum diameter 16.8 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $140.00 (€131.60)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
Vespasian, along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica, landed at Ptolemais in April 67. There he was joined by his son Titus, who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris, as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of King Agrippa II. Fielding more than 60,000 soldiers, Vespasian began operations by subjugating Galilee. Many towns gave up without a fight, although others had to be taken by force. Of these, Josephus provides detailed accounts of the sieges of Yodfat and Gamla. By the year 68, Jewish resistance in the north had been crushed, and Vespasian made Caesarea Maritima his headquarters and methodically proceeded to clear the coast. -- WikipediaJD114517. Bronze prutah, Kadman III 12; Meshorer TJC 196a; Hendin 6389; SNG ANS 427; Sofaer pl. 222, 11, aVF, dark patina, earthen deposits, well centered on a tight flan, weight 1.598 g, maximum diameter 15.7 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $140.00 (€131.60)
Judaea, Coponius, Roman Prefect Under Augustus, 6 - 9 A.D.
In 6 A.D., Herod Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, was deposed and banished to Gaul by Augustus. Archelaus' part of his father's kingdom (including Judaea, Samaria, Idumea and Archelais) was (except for Archelais) organized as a Roman procuratorial province.JD114531. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6357; RIC I 4954; Meshorer TJC 311; Sofaer, pl. 219, 1; BMC Palestine p. 248, 1, gF, clear date, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, sprue remnants/cuts, weight 2.143 g, maximum diameter 16.6 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 6 A.D.; obverse KAICAPOC (of Caesar), barley head curved right; reverse eight branched date palm tree bearing two bunches of dates, L - Λς (year 36 of Augustus) flanking tree trunk; $140.00 (€131.60)
Judaea, Coponius, Roman Prefect Under Augustus, 6 - 9 A.D.
In 6 A.D., Herod Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, was deposed and banished to Gaul by Augustus. Archelaus' part of his father's kingdom (including Judaea, Samaria, Idumea and Archelais) was (except for Archelais) organized as a Roman procuratorial province.JD114532. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6357; RIC I 4954; Meshorer TJC 311; Sofaer, pl. 219, 1; BMC Palestine p. 248, 1, gF, clear date, dark green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, light scratches, obv. edge beveled, sprue cut on edge, weight 2.071 g, maximum diameter 16.4 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 6 A.D.; obverse KAICAPOC (of Caesar), barley head curved right; reverse eight branched date palm tree bearing two bunches of dates, L - Λς (year 36 of Augustus) flanking tree trunk; $140.00 (€131.60)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
In 69 A.D., Vespasian began to lay siege to Jerusalem, the city was captured the following year by his son Titus. On 4 August 70 A.D. Titus destroyed the Temple. The Jewish fast of Tisha B'Av mourns the Fall of Jerusalem annually on this date.JD111289. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6392; Meshorer TJC 204; SNG ANS 446; Sofaer pl. 223, 31, VF, dark green patina, highlighting brown earthen deposits, tight flan, obv. edge beveled, remnants of flan casting sprues, weight 2.636 g, maximum diameter 17.3 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 3, 68 - 69 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year three, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, two handles, and conical fluted lid decorated with tiny globule at peak and row of tiny globules around edge; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $135.00 (€126.90)
Antoninus Pius, August 138 - 7 March 161 A.D., Nicaea, Bithynia
According to myth, Hermes and Dionysos were sons of Zeus, but Hermes' mother was the princess Semele and Dionysos' mother was the minor goddess Maia. To protect the infant Dionysos from his wife Hera, Zeus entrusted him to Hermes, who together with a band of nymphs, hid the child near Mt. Nysa in Anatolia.RP111796. Bronze hemiassarion, RPC Online IV 5875 (3 spec.); Rec Gen 79; SNG Cop 480 corr. (obv. leg., M. Aurelius), aVF, dark and earthen patina, weight 4.044 g, maximum diameter 19.2 mm, die axis 180o, Nicaea (Iznik, Turkey) mint, obverse AVT KAICAP ANTΩNINOC, laureate head right; reverse NIKAIEΩN, Infant Dionysos seated right in cradle, extending both arms, thyrsus in cradle behind (not visible); Coin Archives records only one specimen of the type at auction in the last two decades; very rare; $135.00 (€126.90)
Judean Kingdom, Mattathias Antigonus (Mattatayah), 40 - 37 B.C.
This large bronze type was meant to impress the population and improve support for Antigonus against his rival Herod the Great. Parthia took Judaea in 40 B.C. and made Mattathias Antigonus their vassal King. After Antigonus bit off his ears to render him ineligible for High Priest, Hyrcanus II was sent to Babylon in chains. Herod fled to Rome but returned with Roman support and took Jerusalem in 37 B.C. Dio Cassius says Antigonus was crucified but most accounts say he was beheaded.JD112389. Bronze eight prutot, Meshorer TJC 36, Hendin 6197, SNG Cop 64, SNG ANS 185, HGC 10 646 (S), aVF, reverse off center , weight 13.752 g, maximum diameter 25.2 mm, Jerusalem mint, 40 - 37 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Mattatayah the High Priest and Council of the Jews, around and between the horns of a double cornucopia; reverse BACIΛEΩC ANTIΓONOY (of King Antigonus), ivy wreath tied at the top with ribbons hanging down; scarce; $135.00 (€126.90)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
Vespasian, along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica, landed at Ptolemais in April 67. There he was joined by his son Titus, who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris, as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of King Agrippa II. Fielding more than 60,000 soldiers, Vespasian began operations by subjugating Galilee. Many towns gave up without a fight, although others had to be taken by force. Of these, Josephus provides detailed accounts of the sieges of Yodfat and Gamla. By the year 68, Jewish resistance in the north had been crushed, and Vespasian made Caesarea Maritima his headquarters and methodically proceeded to clear the coast. -- WikipediaJD113011. Bronze prutah, Kadman III 12; Meshorer TJC 196a; Hendin 6389; SNG ANS 427; Sofaer pl. 222, 11, VF/F, green patina, earthen deposits, rev. edge beveled, sprue cuts, weight 2.473 g, maximum diameter 17.8 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, year 2, 67 - 68 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year two, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, and two small curved handles; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $135.00 (€126.90)
Judaea, Valerius Gratus, Roman Prefect Under Tiberius, 15 - 26 A.D.
In 18 A.D., Germanicus Caesar arrived in Syria, as the new commander for the Roman East. Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, governor of Syria, ignored Germanicus' order to send Syrian-based legions to Armenia to back his planned coronation of Artaxias III. Some Roman sources of the period suggest that Tiberius gave Piso secret instructions to thwart and control Germanicus. The following year Germanicus died at Antioch. On his deathbed he accused Piso of poisoning him. Tiberius was forced to order an investigation and a public trial in the Roman Senate for Piso. Piso committed suicide, though it was rumored that Tiberius, fearing incriminating disclosures, had him put to death.JD113024. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6368; Meshorer TJC 328; Sofaer pl. 219, 28; BMC Palestine p. 255, 38; RPC I 4965, Choice VF, well centered, nice green patina, highlighting earthen fill, obv. beveled, weight 2.099 g, maximum diameter 16.3 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 18 - 19 A.D.; obverse TIB / KAI/CAP (Greek: Tiberius Caesar) in three lines within wreath tied at base with an X; reverse palm branch curving right, flanked by IOY-ΛIA (Greek: Julia = Tiberius' mother Livia) above L - E (year 5 of Tiberius) in two lines across field; $135.00 (€126.90)
Judaea, Valerius Gratus, Roman Prefect Under Tiberius, 15 - 26 A.D.
Julia on the reverse, refers to Livia, wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius. Livia took the name Julia Augusta after Augustus died.
In 17 A.D., Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, founded the city of Tiberius on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, in honor of the Roman emperor.JD113026. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6367; Meshorer TJC 327; Sofaer 26; RPC I 4964; BMC Palestine p. 254, 31 & pl. XXVIII, 17, VF, green patina, scratches, rev. edge beveled, rev. off center, weight 2.485 g, maximum diameter 16.5 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 17 - 18 A.D.; obverse TIB / KAI/CAP (Greek: Tiberius Caesar) in three lines within wreath tied at base with an X; reverse palm frond, flanked by IOY-ΛIA (Greek: Julia = Tiberius' mother Livia) over L - Δ (year 4 of Tiberius); scarce; $135.00 (€126.90)
Maximus, Caesar, 235 or 236 - 24 June 238 A.D., Deultum, Thrace
The Roman Colony of Deultum (Debelt, Bulgaria today) was founded during the reign of Vespasian on the west shore of Lake Mandren between Anchialus and Apollonia, and settled with veterans of Legio VIII Augusta. The town followed the usual Roman plan, with a very good water supply, sewers, and impressive baths with floor heating. It became one of the richest towns in the province. During the reign Mark Aurelius, Deultum was protected by large fortified walls and for centuries it served as an important communication point and a bulwark against barbarian raids. In 812 Khan Krum conquered Develt (its medieval name), banished the local residents to the north of Danube River, and resettled the town with Bulgarians.
Oiskos (Oescus), modern Iskar, is a tributary of the Danube river.RP113330. Bronze tetrassarion, Draganov Deultum 822-24 (O94/R635); SNG Bobokov 822; Jurukova Deultum 228; RPC Online VI T835; BMC Thrace p. 112, 15; MPR II-4 1976; Varbanov II 2490, VF, red-brown surfaces resembling embossed leather, light roughness, slightly off center obverse, central mint dimples, weight 7.729 g, maximum diameter 24.1 mm, die axis 45o, Deultum (Debelt, Bulgaria) mint, c. 235/236 - 24 Jun 238 A.D.; obverse C IVL VER MAXIMVS CAES, Bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front; reverse COL F-L PAC DE,VLT (ending in exergue), River-god (ancient personification of the Sredetska River) reclining left, reed in raised right hand, cornucopia in left hand and arm, left elbow resting on overturned urn from which water flows; ex CNG E-sale 537 (26 Apr 2023), lot 291; ex Dr. Michael Slavin Collection; $130.00 (€122.20)
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