New Stobi Reverse

[whitetd49]

Unfortunately, this is from the photo-files, not my collection.  This reverse is not included in Josifovski, so in none of the major European collections.  It is a variation of the known reverses of Axios and Erigon, the river gods and their confluence at Stobi.  Normally, these are dipicted with Tyche holding a scepter and reed.   The description of this coin is:
MACEDON, Stobi. Caracalla. 198-217 AD. Æ 24mm (7.09 gm, 1h). Laureate head right / Statue of Poseidon(?) standing right on cippus, holding long sceptre, between reclining figures of Axius and Erigon Rivers; reeds beneath. Cf. Boric-Breskovic, Stobi, pl. V, 25.2 (Nike; same obverse die); AMNG III -; SNG Copenhagen -. VF.

I acknowledge that the picture does not give good resolution to "Poseidon" but I am skeptical of the attribution.  Poseidon is otherwise unknown from Stobi issues.  I believe that it would be much more parsimonius to attribute the central figure to Zeus.  Any insights from members?

[whitetd49]

Here is the normal reverse with Tyche for comparison.  This specimen exhibits Geta on the obverse so an earlier issue.  Also a photo-file example, these coins are rare.

[Tom Mullally]

I claim no expertise in the area of Stobi, but I am an avid collector of Neptune/Poseidon coins.  This figure of Poseidon is "spot-on" in my opinion.  The right foot raised, probably on a globe, and holding a trident.  The coin isn't clear enough to be sure if a trident is depicted or not, but my guess is yes.

Since the coin's reverse is the two major river gods of the region together, it only makes sense that they would superimpose Poseidon above them, putting themselves below the major god.

FWIW, Poseidon may not be recorded as a coin type for Stobi, but he certainly is no stranger to other Macedonian regions.  I don't think the figure is Zeus, the posture doesn't look very Zeus-like.  Zeus is rarely shown standing left, but forward, facing left.  There are no other attributes to suggest Zeus either.

Tom

[whitetd49]

Tom, you raise a very good point regarding the figures leg and globe.  Too bad about the scepter or trident not being clear.  I was influenced by this reverse type showing Zeus standing.

[slokind]

In the company of two streams and in that pose, I think it must be Poseidon / Neptune.  Pat L.

[curtislclay]

The statue base makes me think this is a famous cult image from some temple in Stobi, without any connection to the river gods beyond the locality.
One would expect that same statue to be depicted on other coins of Stobi, but apparently this is not the case.  Hopefully Whitetd49 can confirm this from the Stobi monograph which I do not have.
A nude male god standing l. in a temple at Stobi, extending r. hand and with scepter in l., but not on a base and above all not placing r. foot on anything, RPC II pl. 14, 311.
Apart from Neptune, Mars can also place his r. foot on something, a helmet, cuirass etc., and probably a number of other deities too.  So I would hesitate to opt for Neptune, unless his scepter/spear could clearly be identified as a trident on another specimen!

[Pscipio]

One would expect that same statue to be depicted on other coins of Stobi, but apparently this is not the case.  Hopefully Whitetd49 can confirm this from the Stobi monograph which I do not have.

None such statue on any coin listed in Josifovski, unless I overlooked something.

Lars

[whitetd49]

If memory serves, during the reigns of Trajan and Domitian, Stobi reverses exhibited tetrastyle temples with a central cult figure.  These are generally attributed to Zeus or Asklepios.  Neither show the figure placing a foot on an object.

[whitetd49]

Curious, here is yet another undescribed variant -
AE (7,26 g.), Vs.: A C M AVR ANTONINVS, gepanzerte Büste mit Lorbeerkranz r. Rs.: MVN STO, Nike mit Kranz und Palmzweig von links heranfliegend, zu ihren Füßen zwei einander gegenüber liegende Flußgötter mit Schilfzweigen. SNG Cop. - ; BMC - ; Mionnet - ; SNG Evelpidis - ; SNG Schweiz II - ; Hunter - .

[slokind]

from note on kerux's Gordian III of Deultum:
Of course, cities and sanctuaries had statues that weren't in temples, and when we get a Poliorketes (Lysippic) type of Poseidon, and the city does not use it in a temple or as a regular independent type, but shows it in a scene ("here's where our port is, see our statue of Poseidon/Neptune marking it just as at Ostia and Isthmia"), that's nothing to worry about.
The Poseidon on Whitetd's Stobi beauty is a civic statue.
Pat L.