FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Roman Provincial Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Connect4 on October 05, 2022, 10:00:57 am
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I can’t identify this coin. I suspect I’ve misread the reverse.
Obv. Salonina AEKOΡ CAΛΩ-NEINA CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev. Naked? female figure standing facing. Arms wrapped around herself .I.IAIΩΩOΩO-ΩOEITΩN
10.4gr 24.4-24.8mm axis 12hr
Thanks
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Reverse reads: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ, so Philippopolis Thrace or Arabia.
Pekka K
edt: Varbanov lists #1812 "Aphrodite advancing, her hands raised" ref. to Moushmov 5442.
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Thanks Pekka K,
Another very fast Id.
There don't seem to be many examples on-line
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Looks like your picture is the first.
Varbanov 1812 has footnote: There is no evidence of authenticy.
So now there seems to be evidence.
Pekka K
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It is not even in Varbanov's new book:
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Varbanov replied after your picture was sent:
There is no way this coin belongs to Philippopolis, because the coinage of that city ends 40 years before the appearance of Gallienus. It is some modern invention, or at best a kind of ancient hybrid. This reverse has the face of an empress, but it is Julia Domna - the coin appeared after the book was printed and will be featured in a supplement to be released later.
Pekka K
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Thanks for the update Pekka K,
Very interesting, I would suggest ancient hybrid?
In the hand it feels absolutely authentic.
I have added an improved image and on of the edges at 90 degree intervals.
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The coin looks ancient and official in your pictures too.
How can it be of Julia Domna, when the obverse legend says KOP CAΛΩ - NINA CΕΒ and the portrait looks mid third century AD?
Can you tell us where you acquired the coin? Please send it in to RPC if you have not already done so!
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Thanks for your opinion and advise Curtis,
I’m afraid I do not have any provenance on this coin. Auction site vendor states it was sold on behalf of a friend who acquires collections from auctions and antique fairs in north west England.
I’ll forward the information as you advise.
My thanks to Pekka K who, as in many other postings, has provided insightful opinions.
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The first person to mention a Salonina coin of Philippopolis with Aphrodite reverse ("walking with hands extended") was
Vaillant in his Num. Graeca, Vol I. p. 187, citing the N. Jos. Foucault collection.
This reference was copied by Mionnet (Supp II, 1634)
and that was copied by Moushmov
which was copied by Ivan Varbanov....
The same thing is still happening today. One seller - not just new sellers on e.g. biddr, but even ones you have come to rely on for accuracy - gets a city or reference wrong, it lands on CoinArchives or ACsearch, another seller sees the coin, can't be bothered to check for himself and repeats the error. Seller 3 sees the two previous entries, thinks, "that must be correct" and repeats it. Then when I add one of those coins to wildwinds with the correct reference, I'm the one who gets emails saying that I have made a mistake because Bloggs & Co and Smith Co. Ltd both have it as [wrong reference].... ::)
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Many thanks Helvetica.
Your point is very well made
I have found the same issue from articles that speculate on connections. I recall one that suggested an early Cleopatra bronze minor was actually Cleopatra VII. Needless to say that was cited elsewhere.
This particular Salonina / Philippopolis could be referenced as a hybrid against both as it appears the old die has been reused?
It is fascinating to see that another of these hybrids may have been seen by Vaillant.
Could you add an image of the Vaillant entry as I can’t find it on-line?
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... Could you add an image of the Vaillant entry as I can’t find it on-line? ...
=> https://www.digitale-sammlungen.de/de/view/bsb11055165?page=207 (third coin from above)
Regards
Altamura
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Thanks Altamura,