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RPC 1683 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]
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Æ19, 4.22g
Caesarea (Cappadocia) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙ ϹƐΒΑϹΤΟϹ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΚΑΙϹΑ/ΡƐΙΑϹ, ƐΤ Ι (in exergue); Mount Argaeus surmounted by crescent or wreath
RPC 1683 (6 spec.).
Acquired from Romae Aeternae Numismatics, October 2021.
A somewhat rare provincial bronze of Domitian Caesar struck under Vespasian at Caeserea, Cappadocia depicting the famous Mount Argaeus. Dated year 10 under the legat M Hirrius Fronto Neratius Pansa. Strabo described the mountain as such: It's 'the highest of mountains whose peak is constantly covered with snow ...given good visibility, anyone who climbs this mountain - and not many do- are supposed to see both seas, the Pontus and the Issikos'.
The above reverse perhaps does not relay the grandeur of the actual peak, possibly being a representation of a cult picture, or agalma, of the mountain - but it's a fascinating reverse type nonetheless!
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