FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Roman Provincial Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Timestheus on May 13, 2022, 02:05:34 pm
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Hello dear forum, this is my first coin from Caesarea, Cappadocia and therefore I still have some difficulties to determine this one for sure. Especially since I know very little about the mintings so far. I would be very pleased about your help and thank you very much in advance.
The Mount Argaeus shown on the reverse is known to me in the meantime - there is a very informative PDF publication about it at Academica.
Unfortunately, when I bought this coin, I only have the following information: Septimius Severus (oh what), 193-211 AD, Caesarea, Cappadocia, weight 2.9g and diameter 18mm.
1. in some dealers I read that this is a diadrachm, other dealers write something about a tridrachm to this type. Who is right now?
2. unfortunately I have no print literature and can not find this exact type. Does anyone have a reference for me on SNG, RPC or something else?
3. the inscription on the obverse should read like this - is this correct?
AY KAI Λ CЄΠ CЄOYHPOC
= AV KAI L SEP SEPHROS
= Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus
4. the inscription on the back should read like this - is this correct?
MHTPO KAICAP NЄΩ
= METRO KAISAR ??? (NЄΩ]
= (the) Metropolitans (of) Caesarea ??? (NЄΩ)
Ok, I still don't understand the abbreviation to NЄΩ.
5. the inscription ЄTIZ is the time / date / year. But I have not found any comparison coin with ЄTIZ. What translation is ЄTIZ and what year is this?
I know this from my Electron Stater from Bosporos: https://roma-aeterna.de/roemische-kaiserzeit/m0110_pantikapaion_gold_stater_lucius_septimius_severus_pertinax/
Here I have the time ΓqV.
Γ = gamma = 3
q = Koppa = 90
V = Ypsilon = 400
Gamma (3) + Koppa (90) + Ypsilon (400) = 493
Dated year 493 of the Bosporan era = 196/197 AD.
But how did they calculate in Cappadocia?
Thanks already for any help!
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Hi!
Caesarea in Cappadocia has calculated in regnal years. ETIZ = ETOVC IZ = year 10+7 = 17th regnal year of Septimius Severus.
Jochen
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Hello Jochen ;)
aaahhhhh! Thanks!
ETOVC = year
I = Iota = 10
Z = Zeta = 7
year 10 + 7
year 17 = 209 AD
Great. Thats fine.
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So the only mystery for me is the NЄΩ on the reverse :D
And what kind of Drachme it is.
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NEO is short for NEOKORIA (German Neokorie). And that was the honor to have 1 temple for the imperial cult.
Neokoros = Temple keeper, a high honorary office.
Jochen
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NEO is short for NEOKORIA (German Neokorie). And that is the honor to have 1 temple for the imperial cult.
Jochen
Ah i think remember... you told me a similar example last months for 3 temples or so.
Ok... thanks for helping Jochen!
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According to the Ganschow etc. catalog, the weight and size of your coin makes it a drachm. Tridrachms are 25 mm, 8-9 g. No didrachms are listed for this reverse type for year 17. With the legends, date and type of your coin it is
Ganschow 444c; Paris 544; SNG Tübingen 4680; Henseler coll. 792.
The Henseler coin is 18 mm, 2.95 g.
The Paris coin (not as nice as yours) is here:
https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8502904p.r=Cappadoce%20Atelier544%20544?rk=21459;2
I hope it is ok that I prepare your coin for wildwinds. There are similar ones on wildwinds, - one with CEPTI in the obverse legend and one with MHTR KAICAR.
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According to the Ganschow etc. catalog, the weight and size of your coin makes it a drachm. Tridrachms are 25 mm, 8-9 g. No didrachms are listed for this reverse type for year 17. With the legends, date and type of your coin it is
Thank you for the confirmation.
According to the Ganschow etc. catalog, the weight and size of your coin makes it a drachm. Tridrachms are 25 mm, 8-9 g. No didrachms are listed for this reverse type for year 17. With the legends, date and type of your coin it is
Yes, I have find an interesting free PDF:
William E. Metcalf - Notes on the Coinage of Severan Caesarea
https://www.academia.edu/7336536/Metcalf_Notes_on_the_Coinage_of_Severan_Caesarea
He also has a good table with dates, weights, legends etc. and the denominations. Great, then I'm on the safe side. Thanks.
I hope it is ok that I prepare your coin for wildwinds. There are similar ones on wildwinds, - one with CEPTI in the obverse legend and one with MHTR KAICAR.
Of course, with pleasure, I feel honored for my coin :)