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Home > Members' Coin Collection Galleries > Jochen > Provincials: Syria, Samaria, Phoenicia, Mesopotamia, etc.

esbus_elagabal_Spijkerman3.jpg
Arabia, Esbus, Elagabal, Spijkerman 3Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 22, 9.49g, 22.34mm, 210°
mint of Esbus
obv. AVT M AVR ANTONINVS
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. tetrastyle temple with central arch and side-wings with flat roofs; in the center Tyche as City-Goddes with short chiton and turreted, stg. half left, r. foot set on unknown object (head of bull?), holding in raised l. hand long sceptre and in extended r. hand unknown object (bust of emperor?)
l. and r. on the flat roofs A - V (Aurelia)
in ex. ECBOVC
ref. Spijkerman 3; Rosenberger IV, 3; Sofaer Collection 4; BMC Arabia p.29, 3
very rare, F+, dark green patina with sand incrustations which strengthen the contour
From Forum Ancient Coins, thanks!

Note: The obv. legend is a mix of Greek and Latin expressions: After AVT (Greek for Imperator) follows the name of the emperor in Latin.

Aurelia Esbus was situated near today's Amman/Jordan and is mentioned several times in the Bible under the name Heshbon. Originally it was a city of the Moabites which was conquered by the Israelites. During the Roman Empire it was known for its excellent springs.

Esbus has minted only under Elagabal. There are known only 6 types with no more than 3 obv. dies (Catalog of the BM).
1 commentsJochen
philippopolis_arabiae_philippI_Spijkerman3.jpg
Arabia, Philippopolis, Philip I., Spijkerman 3Philip I, AD 244-249
AE 30, 17.30g
obv. AVTOK KM IOVLI FILIPPOC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, r.
rev. FILIPPOPOLITWN - KOLWNIAC
Roma(?), helmeted and wearing long garment, std. l., holding spear in l. hand
and eagle with two small figures in outstretched r. hand; the shield at her side
in l. and r. field S-C
ref. Spijkerman 3
Rare, good VF

The city seems to be Philip's birthplace and was renamed by him. The only coinage of this Philippopolis was for Philip I, often for his deceased father. After Philip's death the coinage was ceased. The figure of the rev. usually is called Roma, but could be Athena too.

For more informations please look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'!
1 commentsJochen
tiberias_hadrian_Hendin915.jpg
Galilaea, Tiberias, Hadrian, Hendin 915Hadrian, AD 117-138
AE 19, 5.02g
struck AD 120/121 (year AR)
obv. AV TRA ADRIANW - KAIC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. TIB - E - R CLAVD
Nike, stg. r., head turned l., holding wreath in r. hand and palm-branch in l.
hand.
beneath L - AR (year 101 of era of Tiberias = AD 120/21)
Hendin 915; BMC 32-33; cf. SNG UK 1832
about VF, sand-patina
Jochen
aelia_capitolina_ant_pius_Meshorer21.jpg
Judaea, Aelia Capitolina, Antoninus Pius, Meshorer 21Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161
AE 22
obv. ANTONI - NVS AVG P PP
bust, draped, laureate, r.
rev. .CA - P - CO.AE.
Tyche, draped, wearing mural crown, hairs in chignon behind, r.
Meshorer 21; Rosenberger 11
F/about VF, green-brown patina

Aelia Capitolina, under Hadrian for Jerusalem (gr. Hierosolyma)
Jochen
gaza_julia_domna_BMC128.jpg
Judaea, Gaza, Julia Domna, BMC 128Julia Domna, AD 193-211
AE 22, 6.18g
struck AD 206/7 (year 267)
obv. IOVL[I]A - DOMNA
Bust, draped, r.
rev. [G]AZA - EI[W] (from upper r.)
IO, in long garment, stg. l., clasping hands with City-goddess (Tyche), in long garment and
wearing mural-crown, stg. r., holding cornucopiae in l. arm; between them the Phoinikean MEM,
symbol of Marnas, City-god of Gaza.
in ex. Zeta XC (year 267)
BMC 128
about VF, flan damage´ at 10 o'clock

For more information please look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'.
Jochen
carrhae_gordianIII_BMC57.jpg
Mesopotamia, Carrhae, Gordian III, BMC 57Gordian III, AD 238-244
AE 28, 13.6g
obv. [AVT] KM ANT GORDIANC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. [MHTR] KOL KARRHNWN
Bust of city-goddess (Tyche), draped, veiled and wearing mural-crown, l.; l.
before a small burning altar and a small statue of Aquarius, stg. r. on a
pedestal.
BMC 57; SNG Copenhagen 187
rare, F+

It is discussed wether the figur of the pedestalis Marsyas or Aquarius. If it is Aquarius it could be the river-god Karrha. This coin is the counterpart to the coin from Edessa!
Jochen
edessa_gordianIII_BMC124.jpg
Mesopotamia, Edessa, Gordian III, BMC 124Gordian III, AD 238-244
AE 30, 17.41g
obv. AVTOK KM ANT GORDIANOC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. MHT - KOL EDECCHNWN
Bust of city-goddess (Tyche), draped, veiled and wearing mural-crown, l.; l.
before a small burning altar and a small statue of Aquarius, stg. r. on a
pedestal.
BMC 124; SNG Copenhagen 221; SNG Righetti 2604; Sear 3789
F/about VF
Because Aquarius is standing on a column it is probably a monument. Such is not known for Aquarius but for Marsyas as symbol of a Roman colony. But this is not proved for Edessa (Hill).
The Aquarius could be the river-god Skirtos, today Daysan river.

This rev. is known for Tranquillina and occurs too on coins of Carrhae.
Jochen
edessa_GordianIII_BMC159.jpg
Mesopotamia, Edessa, Gordian III, BMC 159Gordian III, AD 238-244
AE 19, 5.46g, 19.31mm, 330°
struck AD 242-244
obv. AVTOK K M ANT GORDIANOC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, radiate, r.
rev. ABGAROC - BACILEVC
bearded bust of Aelius Septimius Abgar XI. Phraates, draped and wearing Parthian tiara, diademed, r.
ref. BMC 159; SNG Copenhagen 227
about VF, dark green patina with sandy encrustations

Abgar was king of the kingdom of Osrhoene at the Upper Euphrat in Mesopotamia, situated between the Roman and the Parthian empire. The inhabitants, the Orrhoei, were relatives of the Nabataeans. Their capital city was Edessa. This name has been given to the city by Seleukos I Nikator referring to the capital of Makedonia.
Jochen
nisibis_philippI_Sear3970.jpg
Mesopotamia, Nisibis, Philip I, Sear 3970Philip I Arabs, AD 246-249
AE 25, 11.5g
obv. AVTOK KM IOVLI FILIPPOC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. IOV CEP KOLW NECIBI MET
Tetrastyle temple with twisted columns and central arch, within City Tyche std.
facing(!), above ram leaping r., head turned backwards, beneath river-god
Mygdonius swimming r.
Sear GICV 3970

The depiction of the City Tyche facing is very rare. On worn coins it looks often like a canopus.
Mygdonios, today Kharmis, a tributary of the Khabur, which opens into the Euphrates.
Jochen
rhesaena_trajan_decius_BMC29.jpg
Mesopotamia, Rhesaena, Trajan Decius, BMC 29Trajan Decius, AD 249-251
AE 26, 14g
obv. AVT KAI GAI MES KY TRA DEKIOC CEB (?)
Bust, draped and cuirassed, radiate, r.
rev. CEP KOL RHCAINHCIWN LIIIP
2 city goddesses, in long garment and with mural crown, Edessa r. with
Aquarius on pedestal r., Rhesaena l., with Sagittarius behind, stg. confronted
and clasping hands; between them a burning altar, above an eagle; beneath
river-god Chaboras swimming. r.
BMC 29; SNG Copenhagen 246
Rare, F+/about VF, black-green patina

So-called Homonoia coinage. It's the only coin I knew with a mixed Greek and Latin legend on one side of the coin!
Chaboras, today Khabur, a tributary of the Euphrates
Jochen
GB62LG.jpg
Mesopotamia, Singara, Gordian III and Tranquillina, BMC 11Gordian III & Tranquillina, AD 238-244
AE - AE 32, 22.76g,
AD 238-239
obv. AVTO KM ANT GORDIANON SAB TRANKVLLINA SEB
Busts of the imperial pair facing each another, Gordian with Aegis on l. shoulder
rev. AVR SEP KOL SINGARA
Tyche, turreted, with cornears, seated l. on rocks, above her Centaur (or Sagittarius)
jumping l., l. below rivergod swimming l.
BMC 11
VF+, nice green-brown patina, portrait of Tranquillina!
added to www.wildwinds.com

The Centaur was the symbol of the Legio I Parthica located in Singara.
1 commentsJochen
askalon_antoninus_pius_BMC197.jpg
Palaestina, Askalon, Antoninus Pius, Rosenberger 184 var. Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161
AE 25, 16.52g
dated AD 156/157 (year 260)
obv. ANTWNINOC CEBACTOC (beginning upper r.)
Bust, laureate, r.
rev. ACKA[LWN] - ZC (year 260)
Goddess Derketo, in long clothes, crescent on head, puff of garment over l.
arm, stg. facing, head l.(?), holding long sceptre in l. hand and dove in
outstretched r. hand; at her feet Triton in several coils swimming l., holding
cornucopiae with both hands.
BMC Palestine 197; Rosenberger 184 var. (different date); SNG ANS 723 var. (different date)
about VF, brown patina, light roughness
Pedigree:
ex coll. J.S.Wagner
ex CNG Electronic Auction #168, lot 197

The rev. is known for Severus, Diadumenian and Elagabal too. For more information please take a look under 'Mythological interesting coins'
1 commentsJochen
askalon_domitian_Rosenberger114.jpg
Palaestina, Askalon, Domitian, Rosenberger 114Domitian, AD 81-96
AE 21, 13.63g
struck AD 85/86 (year 189)
obv. [...CEBACTOC?]
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. [ACKALW]
Astarte (Derketo?), wearing kalathos, stg. l. on prora, holding scepter in raised
r. hand and aphlaston in l. hand; l. before her an altar, in r. field a dove stg. l.
in r. filed QPR (year 189)
about VF, rubiginous sandpatina

Astarte was the city-goddess and guardian of Askalon.
Jochen
askalon_trajan_Rosenberger122cf..jpg
Palaestina, Askalon, Trajan, Rosenberger cf.122Trajan, AD 98-117
AE 18, 6.01g
struck year 211 of ere of Askalon = AD 107/108
obv. [...] - CEBACTOC
Bust, laureate, r.
rev. ACKA - [LWN]
War goddess Phanebal, in military cloak, stg. frontal, head l., holding in raised
r. hand harpe over head, and small roundshield and palmbranch in l. hand.
[year in r. field]
Rosenberger cf.22
about VF, black patina (nice for the type)
Jochen
akko_ptolemais_philippI_Kadman203.jpg
Phoenicia, Akko-Ptolemais, Philip I, Kadman 203Philip I, AD 244-249
AE 29, 17.22g
obv. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS PF AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. .CO - L - PT - OL. (?)
Hexastyle temple with base and trigonal roof; in the middle intercolumnare
under a round arch cult-statue of Tyche stg. l., wearing kalathos, with
cornucopiae in l. arm and rudder in r. hand; r. aside a narrow column with a
Nike crowning Tyche with a wreath; below the base the river-god Belos
leaning l., holding cornucopiae in l. arm and reed in outstretched r. hand.
Ref.: Kadman 203
very rare, about VF, dark brown patina with earthen highlights

A very rare issue for Philip I from Akko-Ptolemais which is not be found in most of the great collections. Well centered and detailed, especially looking at the specimen depicted in Kadman.
Belos, today Naaman river.
1 commentsJochen
berytus_augustus_BMC52.jpg
Phoenicia, Berytos, Augustus, BMC 52Augustus, 27 BC - AD 14
AE 21, 7.80g, 20.93mm, 330°
obv. IMP CAESAR AVGVCTVS
Bare head r.
ref. COL IVL
Veiled figure plowing with pair of ox and cow l., holding reins in l. hand and in raised r. hand Switch
ref. BMC 52; RPC 4540; Lindgren I 2252; Rouvier 491
F+, light green Patina with earthen encrustations

Usually called "Plowing with oxen". But here you can clearly see that these are 2 different kinds of cattle.
Jochen
berytos_elagabal_BMC216.jpg
Phoenicia, Berytos, Elagabal, BMC 216Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 23, 10.72g
obv. IMP CAES M [AVR AN - TONINVS] AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. COL IV - L - AVG FE[L] / [BER]
Eshmoun, naked with chlamys behind, stg. frontal, head r., holding wreath(?)
in raised r. hand, between two coiled snakes
ref. BMC 216; Lindgren II, 120, 2270; SNG Copenhagen 120 (same rev. die)
very rare, VF, brown surfaces
Pedigree:
ex CNG Electronic Auction 179, lot 176

Eshmoun was the healing-god of the Phoenician pantheon, later equated with the Greek Asklepios. For more informations please look at te thread 'Mythological interesting coins'
Jochen
berytos_elagabal_SNGcop118.jpg
Phoenicia, Berytos, Elagabal, SNG Copenhagen 118Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 26, 12.47g
obv. [AV KM AVR AN - TONINOC AVG]
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. COL IVL A - VG FEL / BER
Poseidon, in himation, advancing r., head l., holding his trident in l. arm, raising
the nymph Beroe, kneeling l. before him, looking up to him; the nymph, in
transparent chiton, scooping water with a jar, the l. hand raised in defense.
SNG Copenhagen 118; BMC 183; Lindgren II, 120, 2268
Very rare, about EF, chocolate-brown patina

The group of statues from the rev. decorates the pedimentum of the main temple of the city of Berytos, todays Beirut in Liban. For the love of Beroe have struggled Poseidon and Dionysos until Zeus ended the battle and gave Beroe to Poseidon who gave the city the honor to win each naval battle.
For more information please look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'!
1 commentsJochen
berytos_gordianIII_BMC245.jpg
Phoenicia, Berytos, Gordian III, BMC 245Gordian III, AD 238-244
AE 22, 6.4g
struck AD 239-241 (COS I!)
obv. IMP GORDIANVS AVG COS I
Bust, draped and cuirassed, radiate, r.
rev. COL IVL - A - VG FEL BER
Dionysos, nude, wearing ivy wreath, nebris over l. shoulder, stg. l., holding in l.
arm filleted thyrsos decorated with pine cones on each ends, and rhyton in r.
hand; at his feet the panther std. l. looking back to him.
in ex. thunderbold
BMC 245; SNG Copenhagen 125; Rouvier 604
rare, F+, general roughness

Dionysos here is holding a rhyton. Usually he holds a kantharos.
Jochen
diadumenian_ byblos_rouvier699.jpg
Phoenicia, Byblos, Diadumenian, Rouvier 699Diadumenian, Caesar, mid May 218 - 8. June 218
AE 24, 10.81g
obv. M OP DIADYMENIANOC KAI
bare head, bust, cuirassed, r.
rev. BYB - LOY / IERAC (in exergue)
distyle temple, covered by an arch decorated by shell-like swags, in which Astarte is standing r., with polos on head, spear in r. hand and foot on prow, crowned with wreath by Nike, standing on column r. before her.
BMC 40-43; Rouvier 699
scarce, about VF(?)
added to www.wildwinds.com

ASTARTE, a major Northwest-Semitic goddess, was cognate with the East-Semitic goddess Ishtar. She was connected with fertility, sexuality and war. She was accepted by the Greeks under the name of Aphrodite. Cyprus, one of Aphrodite's main cult centers supplied the name Cypris as Aphrodite's most common byname.

BYBLOS , one of her important cult centers and therefore called 'the Holy Byblos', in ancient times was the most important port of export for Egyptian papyros to Greece. Therefore Greek biblos = book, and The Holy Bible!

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
2 commentsJochen
caesarea_ad_libanum_sev_alex_BMC9.jpg
Phoenicia, Caesarea ad Libanum, Severus Alexander, BMC 9Severus Alexander as Caesar, AD 221-222, struck under Elagabal
obv. [SEV ALEXA]NDROS CAESAR
Head, radiate, r.
rev. COL C - E - SA - RIA LIB
in ex. ITVR
Tetrastyle tripartite temple of Astarte. In the middle triptych under an arched roof Astarte stg. facing, holding standard in r. hand and l. foot set on prow, being crowned by Nike r. beside her stg. on cippus; beneath rivergod swimming r.; outside staircases leading to the side-wings; in the l. wing goddess with kalathos stg. facing between two animals, in the r. wing female figure stg. facing.
BMC 110, 9; Lindgren II, 1321, 2288
Rare, F/about VF, the sandpatina suggests an illumination from behind and thus the fascinating impression of a three-dimensional depiction!

The ancient name of Caesarea was Arka. Probably under Elagabal the City was raised to a Roman colonia under the name Colonia Caesarea Libani. Here Severus Alexander was born, cousin, adoptive son and successor of Elagabal. We know of an important Astarte cult in Caesarea. Wether the interesting triptych form of the temple was real we dont know. The two figures in the side wings can't be identified clearly; the goddess at the l. side matches iconographically the 'Mistress of Animals', Potnia theron, the r. figure possibly Aphrodite. ITVR in ex. points to the Ituraei, a nomad people in this region.

The ancient name of the river is unknown. Today his name is Nahr-el-Arqa.
Jochen
dora_trajan_Rosenberger26.jpg
Phoenicia, Dora, Trajan, Rosenberger 26Trajan, AD 98-117
AE 29, 13.85g
struck AD 111/112 (year 175)
obv. [KAIC] NER TRAIANOC CEB GERM
Bust, with slight drapery over l. shoulder, laureate, r., eight-pointed star before.
rev. DWR IER ACVL AVTON NAVAR
Bust of Doros, bearded, laureate r., aphlaston before
in ex. ROE (year 175)
Rosenberger 26; BMC Phoencia, 30-1; Meshorer 'The coins of Dora', 33; Hendin 850
VF/VF+, dark-brown patina with earthen highlights

Doros was a son of Poseidon. For more information please take a look at 'Coins of mythological interest'.
1 commentsJochen
gaza_hadrian_SNG6-921.jpg
Phoenicia, Gaza, Hadrian, SNG 921Hadrian, AD 117-138
AE 18, 5.39g, 17.72mm, 0°
struck AD 132/133 (year 193)
obv. A KA TRA - [ADRIANOC]
Head, laureate, r.
rev. [GAZA] - D EPI G[YR]
Herakles, nude, stg. r., head l., holding lion's skin over l. arm and resting with r.
hand on his club
in l. field Phoenician Mem (for Marnas)
ref. SNG 6, 921
F+/about VF, dark green with sand patina, excentric strike
Jochen
gaza_minos_ANS913var.jpg
Phoenicia, Gaza, pseudo-autonomous, Yashin 312Phoenicia, Gaza, pseudo-autonomous, time of Hadrian
AE 13, 3.01g, 12.86mm, 0°
struck AD 131/132
obv. King Minos in short chiton, stg. frontal, head l., holding in l. arm spear and and in
raised r. hand long branch
r. MEINW
rev. Sacred tree
l. [GAZA G]. r. E.BYR
in lower r. field Phoenician Mem (symbol for Marnas, city-god of Gaza)
ref. Yashin no. 312; SNG ANS Palestine 913 var.
(Thanks to all members who have helped me, especially Snegovik!)
pedigree:
ex Coin Galleries NYC Mail Bid Feb 22. 1992, lot 244
rare, still S

The sacred tree was the sacred Sycamore in Gortyna where Zeus met Europa. For more information please look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'
Jochen
emesa_macrinus_Prieur989~0.jpg
Phoenicia, Seleukis and Pieria, Emesa, Macrinus, Prieur 989Macrinus, AD 217-218
AR - tetradrachm, 25.5mm, 13.17mm, 0°
obv. AVT K M OP CE - MAKRINOC C - E - B
laureate bust r.
rev. DHMARX EZ VPATOC PP
Eagle with open wings, stg. frontal, head with wreath in beak turned l.; between his legs
bust of Shamash, draped and radiate, l.
beneath beak H (number of officina)
ref. Prieur 989; Bellinger 199
about VF

For more information take a look at "Mythological interesting coins"
2 commentsJochen
sidon_elagabal_BMC235.jpg
Phoenicia, Sidon, BMC 235Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 27, 11.8g
obv. IMP CM AV ANT - ONINVS AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. SI - DON / COL MET
Europa, nude to hips, head r., sitting on bull, leaping r., holding with one hand
horn of bull and with the other hand veil, blowing in the wind over her head.
A - P in field
BMC 235
rare, F/about VF

For more informations look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'!
1 commentsJochen
sidon_elagabal_BMC274-278.jpg
Phoenicia, Sidon, Elagabal, BMC 274-278Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE - AE 29, 19.01g
obv. IM CM AV ANTONINVS AVG
Bust, draped (and cuirassed?), seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. AVR PIA SID COL METR / AETER BFI (in ex.)
Modius, decorated and two-handled, with three grain-ears
BMC 274-278
rare, about EF, green-brown patina

AETER BFI is short for AETERNVM BENEFICIVM. This rare type records the imperial reward to Sidon regarding the res frumentaria, or grain-supply. Like those other cities which had supported Septimius Severus against Pescennius Niger in 193-194 AD, the new emperor and his immediate cognate successors rewarded them with gifts of grain. According to Rostovtzeff (NC [1900], p. 100), such a gift could be substituted with money; it is to this latter gift, he argues, that our coin refers. This money would go to the local SIWNAI (Lat. frumentarii), officials charged with providing grain for the city (CNG).
Jochen
elagabal_sidon SNGcop255.jpg
Phoenicia, Sidon, Elagabal, SNG Cop. 255Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 30, 20.23g
obv. IMP CAESAR - M AV ANTONINVS
bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate r.
rev. AVR PIA - SID - COL MET
Two-wheeled cult cart of Astarte r., with roof on four columns, two palms emerging from
it; holy stone (baetyl) from Sidon within.
SNG Copenhagen 255
about EF, nice sand-patina
added to www.wildwinds.com

The holy stones (baetyls) were meteorites. Especially in Semitic religions they were worshipped as deities. The most famous was the stone of Emesa, worshipped as the sol god Elagabal, and the Kaaba in Mecca, a pre-islamic sanctuary.

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
3 commentsJochen
sidon_elagabal_unbekannt.jpg
Phoenicia, Sidon, Elagabal, unpublishedElagabal, AD 218-222
AE 28, 12.3g
obv. IMP CM AVR - ANTONINVS AVG
Bust, laureate, r.
rev. [C]OL AVR PI[A] - METRO SID
Prize-table, garlanded, with two price-urns, each decorated
with palm, between them staff composed by Holy Chariot of
Sidon set on palmtree; l. below table five apples(?), r. below
vase and laddle.
very rare, about VF, brown patina with green highlights, unpublished, possibly unique(?)
added to www.wildwinds.com

The geometry of the table reminds on the 'impssible figures' of M.C.Escher or Oscar Reutersvard! Seems to be a double strike!
Jochen
sidon_elagabal_neu.jpg
Phoenicia, Sidon, Severus Alexander, BMC 320 var.Severus Alexander, AD 222-235
AE 24, 12.06g, 23.58mm, 0°
obv. [IMP CA]E AVR SE[V] - ALEXA[...]
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from rear, laureate, r.
rev. COL AVR PIA M - ETRO S[IDO]
Dionysos, nude, wearing boots(?), chlamys over l. shoulder, stg. frontal, head l., resting with raised l.
hand on ribboned thyrsos and holding in outstretched r. hand kantharos; at his feet the panther, in
upper l. field cult car of Astarte
ref. BMC Phoenicia, 198, 320 var., pl. XXV, 9 (Thanks to Vladimir P. and Shanxi!)
F+

BMC 320 has SIDO in ex. and only METR without legend break. The depiction is slightly different.
Jochen
sidon_trajan_BMC218.jpg
Phoenicia, Sidon, Trajan, BMC 218Trajan, AD 98-117
AE 24, 8.72g
struck year 227 of Sidonian aera = Ad 116/7
obv. [AVTO NER] TRAIA[NW KAI CE]
bust, laureate, r.
rev. [SIDWNOS NAV] - ARXIDOS
Kadmos, naked to hips, stg. l. on prow, head r., pointing with r. hand l.
l. field LZKS (retrograd for 227)
BMC 218; SNG Copenhagen 252; Lindgren-Kovacs 2329
rare, F+, green-red patina

Missed legends completed according to Sear GIC 1087

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
Jochen
tripolis_elagabal_BMC118ff.jpg
Phoenicia, Tripolis, Elagabal, BMC 118 ff.Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 27, 13.71g
struck 219/220 (year 531)
obv. AVTO KM [AVR] - ANTWNEINOC
bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. TRI - PO - LI - TWN around
temple of Astarte with tripartite propylon and obliquely applied perron; central part with
arched gable and broad lintel, about it sun (or wreath?), both side wings tetrastyle with
trigonal pediments, in the background high back wall with saddle roof of the very
sanctuary; in the centre cult statue of Astarte in long garment and wearing kalathos, stg.
facing, holding sceptre in r. hand, r. beside it cippus with Nike holding wreath in raised r.
hand to crown Astarte.
[in ex. ALF (= year 531 of Seleucide era)]
ref.: BMC 118 ff.; SNG Copenhagen 291 var.
VF, brown patina with red-brown deposits

Propylon = portal building which leads into the actual sanctuary (temenon, usually bounded by walls), mostly with an uneven number of portals.
Jochen
tripolis_elagabal_BMC177.jpg
Phoenicia, Tripolis, Elagabal, BMC 177Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 28, 12.39g
struck AD 220-221
obv. AVT KM - ANTWNINOC
Bust draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. TRIPO - L - I - TWN
Tetrastyle portico of the temple of Zeus Hagios with staircase; through the
middle intercolumnare the burning altar in the courtyard could be seen; in the
two lateral intercolumnaria Helios l. and Selene r., stg. on columns; architrave
decorated with dots and waveline; in pediment bust of Astarte; behind the
pediment the backwall of the temple is visible.
[in the ex. BLF = year 532 of the Seleucid era]
BMC 177; SNG Copenhagen 292; Lindgren 2355
rare, VF,

The rev. shows the temple of a local heavenly Baal, here worshipped as Zeus Hagios.
3 commentsJochen
tyros_elagabal_BMC26.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Elagabal, BMC 26Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 28
obv. IMP CAES AVR AV AN - TONINVS AVG
Bust, cuirassed with chain armor, laureate, r.
rev. TY - RIO - R - VM
Astarte, in double chiton, wearing mural crown, stg. facing, l. foot on prow, holding long transversal sceptre in l. arm and touching tropaion on left side with her r. hand; on the r. side Nike stg. l. on a high narrow column and crowning her with wreath; at her feet r. a palm and l. a murex shell.
BMC 26
about VF, even brown patina, slightly rough

At Sidon, massive mounds (hundreds of yards long and several yards deep) of Murex trunculus were found. The shells were broken in the spot that gives access to the glands from which the dyestuff is obtained. At some distance, a separate and distinct massive mound of Murex brandaris and Thais haemostoma was found. Since a reddish-purple dye is most readily obtainable from the Murex brandaris and Thais haemostoma as opposed to the bluish-purple obtained from the Murex trunculus, Egyptologist A. Dedekind (1898) viewed this fact as undeniable proof that Murex trunculus was the snail used exclusively for tekhelet (blue), and the others for argaman (purple) (c) A. Navon .(from Den of Antiquity)
1 commentsJochen
tyros_elagabal_BMC390.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Elagabal, BMC 390Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 30, 13.95g
obv. IMP CAES M AV ANTONINVS AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. CEPT - IM - T - YRO / COLO
Astarte, in double chiton, wearing mural crown, l. foot on prow, holding
transversal sceptre, decorating tropaion stg. l., and being crowned by Victory,
stg. on column r.; at her feet l. Marsyas with vine-bag over shoulder, r. Murex-
shell.
BMC 390; SNG Rhigetti 2339
F+/about VF

Jochen
tyros_elagabal_Rouvier_2388.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Elagabal, BMC 408Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 30, 12.34g, 30.2mm, 180°
obv. IMP CAES M AV AN - TONINVS AV
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. TYRIORVM
Male figur, nude, advancing l., chlamys over extended r. arm, holding in raised l. hand
transverse spear and unknown object (shield?); r. behind him 4 stags leaping r.,
above a star, below murex shell
ref. Rouvier VII, p.80, 2388; BMC Phoenicia p.277, 408; Babelon ("Les Perses Achemenides")
2244; Mionnet V, 657; not in SNG Copenghagen, SNG UK, SNG Deutschland, SNG
Righetti, Lindgren
rare, F, stripped, porous
pedigree:
ex coll. Adrian W., FAC
from Forum Ancient Coins, thanks!

Take a look at the thread on January 28 2014 by gordian_guy. The male figure most probably is king Pygmalion of Tyre. But it is still an enigmatic coin!
Jochen
tyros_elagabal_SNGrigh2344.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Elagabal, SNG Righetti 2344Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 27, 11.71g
obv. IMP CAES M AN- TONINVS AVG
bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. TV - RI - O - RVM
Two baetylic stones (the so-called 'Ambrosial rocks'), standing each on a base, between
them Holy Oil-tree
in ex: dog of Herakles, walking r., finding Myrex-shell
SNG Rughetti 2344; BMC Phoenicia, pl. XLIV, 7 and p.cxli, para 2, citing a spec. from Berlin
rare, F
From Forum Ancient Coins, thank you!

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
1 commentsJochen
tyros_gallienus_Rouvier2048cf(Maesa).jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Gallienus, Rouvier 2048 cf. (Maesa, rev. only), unpublished?Gallienus, AD 253-268
AE 27, 14.52g, 27.33mm, 0°
obv. IMP CP LIC GALLIENVS AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from front, laureate, r.
rev. [COL] TVRO ME - [T]
Dido, in long double chiton and himation over l. arm, wearing stephane, stg. l. on galley sailing l., holding
aphlaston in l. arm and reaching with r. hand to a person bending l. over side of prow; at her r. side a
second small person stretching hand to Dido; below galley murex shell
ref. cf. Rouvier 2048 (Maesa, rev. only); unpublished?
about VF, devices highlighted by sand patina

A nice and interesting issue. There are some different variants of this type: Dido accompanied by different persons, galley sailing l. or r. Meaning?
For more information take a look at the article about Dido in the Mythology Thread.
1 commentsJochen
tyros_maesa_Rouvier2408.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Julia Maesa, Rouvier 2408 #1Julia Maesa, grandmother of Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 30, 9.05g
obv. IVLIA MAE - SA AVGV
bust, draped, diademed, r.
rev. TVRIORVM
Galley with ten oars advancing r., on the stern-post hanging a shield. Ram of prow shaped as dolphin. On the ship Dido, draped, stg. l., holding cornucopiae in l. arm and sceptre(?) in outstretched r. hand. At her l. side a male figur, ducked, throwing a sack with sand overboard; at her r. side standing a sailor with an unknown object in hand (damaged by cleaning) . Below ship on the left side Murex shell, on the r. side prawn., l.
Rouvier 2408
very rare, F/F+

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
3 commentsJochen
tyros_trajan_Prieur1517.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Trajan, Prieur 1517Trajan, AD 98-117
AR - Tetradrachm, 13.96g, 24mm
struck year 17 (IZ) = AD 112/13
obv. AVTOKR KAIC NER TRAIANOC CEB GERM DAK
bust, laureate, r.; club behind, eagle beneath
rev. DHMARC - EX IZ VPAT S
bust of Melqart, laureate, r., lion's skin tied around neck
Prieur 1517
about VF

Melqart, chief god of Tyre, was later identified with Herakles

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
1 commentsJochen
tyros_valerian_BMC458.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Valerian I, BMC 458Valerian I, AD 253-260
AE - AE 30, 15.54g, 29.87mm, 180°
obv. IMP CP LIC VALERIANVS AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, radiate, r.
rev. COL TV - RO METRo
Hermes-Thoth in imation, stg. l., holding kerykeion in l. arm and in extended r. hand papyros role; l. at
his feet Ibis stg. l., on his r. side a date palm with murex snake above.
ref. BMC 458

For more information look at the thread "Coins of mythological interest"
Jochen
tyros_valerianI_Rouvier2502.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Valerian I, Rouvier 2502Valerian I, AD 253-260
AE 28, 13.17g, 27.97mm, 0°
obv. [IMP C P VALERIANVS A]VG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. [COL T]VRO ME - T
Dido, in long double chiton, himation over l. arm, wearing stephane, stg. l. on Phoenician galley sailing l.,
holding aphlaston in l. arm and reaching with r. hand to person bending l. over side of prow; at her r.
side another small person (helmsman) bending down to the rudder and stretching hand to Dido; stern
decorated with a shield
in exergue murex shell
ref. Rouvier 2502
scarce, F/F+, dark green patina with some earthen incrustations

For more information take a look at the article about Dido in the Mythology Thread.
Jochen
tyros_valerian_SNG cop381.jpg
Phoenicia, Tyros, Valerian I, SNG Copenhagen 381Valerian I, AD 253-260
AE 30, 17.28g
obv. IMP C LIC VALERIANVS AVG
Bust, draped and radiate, r.
rev. COL TYRO MET
Diomedes, nude except chlamys, stg. l., r. foot on rock, holding palladium in r.
hand and sceptre in l. hand; behind murex-shell
SNG Copenhagen 381; BMC 467
rare, about VF

For more information see the thread 'Mythological coins'.
Jochen
caes_maritim_hadrian_SNGans768.jpg
Samaria, Caesarea maritima, Hadrian, SNG ANS 768Hadrian, AD 117-138
AE 23, 10.68g
obv. IMP TRAI - ANO CAES
bust, draped, laureate, r.
rev. C I F AV - G CAESAR
Tyche of Caesarea, draped and turreted, stg.l., r. foot on prow, holding
sceptre in l. hand and bust of emperor in outstretched r. hand; harbour god
below
SNG ANS 768; Kadman 26; Rosenberger 23
about VF

C I F AVG CAESAR = Colonia Prima Flavia Augusta Caesarea
Jochen
samaria_caesarea_maritima_nero_Rosenberger17.jpg
Samaria, Caesarea Maritima, Nero, Rosenberger 17Nero, AD 54-68
AE 20, 9.18g
struck 1st half of AD 68
obv. Head of Nero, laureate, r.
rev. Legend in 5 lines in oak-wreath:
EPI / OYECPA / CIANOY / KAICAR / ET LD (year 14)
Rosenberger 17; Meshorer (City Coins) 24
Very rare, F/about VF, lightbrown sand patina

This is not only a rare, but a very historical coin. Meshorer: " Of special interest is a type of coin...inscribed in Greek 'In the time of Vespasian, in Caesarea, Year 14 (of Nero)', indicating that already at this early stage in his life, when Vespasian was still an imperial legate in the Roman army, coins were issued with his name. This fact substantiates the story related both by Josephus and Sueton, namely that the people of Judaea foretold, while Nero was still reigning, that Vespasian would be proclaimed emperor of Rome.' (David Hendin)
Jochen
neapolis_domitian_Rosenberger1.jpg
Samaria, Neapolis, Domitian, Rosenberger 1Domitian, AD 81-96
AE 25, 15.62g
struck AD 82/83 (year 11)
obv. [AVTOK DOMITIANOS KAISAR SEBASTOS]?
Bust, laureate, r.
rev. FLAOYI / NEAPOLI / SAMARE / LAI(?) (year 11)
legend in lines in laurel-wreath
Rosenberger 1
scarce, F/VF, weak obv. but excellent rev.

I have completed the illegible parts of the legend referring to CoinArchives.
Jochen
neapol_sam_treb_gall_Rosenb113.jpg
Samaria, Neapolis, Trebonianus Gallus, Rosenberger 113Trebonianus Gallus, AD 251-253
AE 24, 12.09g
obv. AVT KAI G OVI TREB GALLOC [CEB]
bust, draped [and cuirassed?], laureate, r.
rev. FL NEAC - POLEWS
Eagle stg. frontal, head l., wings spread, supporting cult image of Mt.Gerizim
with temple, shrines and gardens
Rosenberger 113; SNG 6, 1035
F+/about VF

The Mt.Gerizim is the holy mountain of the Samaritans. Neapolis is the todays Nablus.

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
1 commentsJochen
nysa_scythopolis_gordianIII_Spijkerman59.jpg
Samaria, Nysa-Scythopolis, Gordian III, Spijkerman 59Gordian III, AD 238-244
AE 25, 1.2g
struck AD 240 (year 304)
obv. [AVT KM ANT - GORDIANOC CE]
Bust, draped, laureate, r.
rev. NYC - C - KYQ IER ACV
Dionysos, nude, chlamys waving behind, advancing r., head l., holding thyrsos transversely in raised r. hand, holding r. hand on head of a small figure, kneeling r.; panther behind him stg. l., head r.
in r. field palmbranch(?), beneath date D - T (year 304 of Pompejan era)
Spijkeman 59; SNG ANS 1054 var. (in r. field bunch of grapes); BMC 12
Very rare, about VF

Haim Gitler suggests that the depiction is referring to the celebration of the Anthesteria, which occurs in spring and where the 3 years old children got a small vine jar. This seems to have been an initiation rite by which the children were admitted by the urban community.

Nysa is todays Bet-Shean in Israel.
Jochen
antiochia_augustus_RPC4251.jpg
Syria, Antiochia ad Orontem, Augustus, BMC 135Augustus, 27 BC - AD 14
struck 5/4 BC
obv. KAISARI SEBASTH ARXIEREI (starting upper right)
bust, laureate, r.
rev. ARXIE / RATIKON / ANTIO / XEIS / ZK (in 5 lines)
all in archieratic wreath
ZK = year 27 of the Actian era = 5/4 BC
BMC 135; RPC 4251; SGI 109
VF, nice sand patina

Refers to the acception of the title archiereus by Augustus. The Actian era is counted from the battle of Actium.
3 commentsJochen
antiochia_elagabal_SNGcop242.jpg
Syria, Antiochia ad Orontem, Elagabal, SNG Copenhagen 242Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 20, 5.46g
obv. AV KAI M [A]- V ANTWNIN - O
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. Big S.C, above .D., beneath E, all in laurel-wreath
ref. SNG Copenhagen 242
about VF, nice sand-patina

DE means D EPARXEIWN (=of 4 eparchies), related to the imperial cult (Kevin Butcher)
1 commentsJochen
philippI_prieux357.jpg
Syria, Antiochia ad Orontem, Philipp I, Prieur 357Philipp I Arabs, AD 244-249
AR - Tetradrachm, 11.75g, 27mm
Antiochia ad Orontem AD 248
obv. AYTOK K M PHILIPPOC CEB
bust, cuirassed, radiate, l.
Gorgoneion (head of Medusa), with snakes, on breast plate
rev. DHMAPX EZOYCIAC YPATO G
Eagle standing facing, with spread wings, tail r., head r., with wreath in his
beak
in exergue: ANTIOXIA, SC below
ref. Prieur 357
good VF
added to www.wildwinds.com
1 commentsJochen
antiochia_BMC88.jpg
Syria, Antiochia ad Orontem, pseudo-autonomous, BMC 88AE 16, 4.55g
struck 59 (year 108), under Nero
obv. head of Apollo, diademed and wearing necklace, r.
rev. ANTIOXE - ET HR (year 108)
Chelys
BMC 88; RPC 4239; SNG Copenhagen 108; SNG München 679; SNG Righetti 1899
good VF, nice sandy encrustations on black patina with aurichalcum highlights

The chelys was the musical instrument invented by Hermes by using the shield of a turtois.
Jochen
antiochia_ad_orontem_silanus_SNGcop97.jpg
Syria, Antiochia ad Orontem, pseudo-autonomous, SNG Copenhagen 97AE 21, 4.46g
struck AD 13/14 under the governor of Syria, Metellus Creticus Silanus
obv. bearded head of Zeus, r.
rev. EPI SILANOV ANTIOXEWN
Ram leaping r., head turned back, star above
beneath DM (year 44 of the Actian era)
Ref.: SNG Copenhagen 97; SNG München 645; BMC 65; RPC 626, 4269
about VF, black-brown patina, light roughness
Q. Caecilius Metellus Creticus Silanus was legatus Augusti pro praetore in Syria AD 11-17
about VF, black-brown patina, light roughness

BMC p. lix: "The ram has been explained by K.O. Müller as a sign of the zodiac, indicating the period of the year at which the foundation of the city took place" (Thanks to Curtis Clay)
For more informations please look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'!
Jochen
antiochia_ad_orontem_SNGcop115cf.jpg
Syria, Antiochia ad Orontem, pseudo-autonomous, SNG Copenhagen cf.115AE 18, 5.22g
struck AD 56/57 under Caius Ummidius Quadratus, governor of Syria
obv. ANT[IOXEWN]
Head City-goddess (Tyche), veiled and wearing mural-crown, r.
rev. [EPI KOVA]DRATOV
Ram leaping r., head turned backwards, crescent with star above
beneath ET ER (year 105 of the Caesarian era)
SNG Copenhagen cf.115; BMC Galatia, p.160, cf.70; RPC I, cf.4287; Hendin cf.934 (all references have ET DM in ex.!)
S+, darkbrown patina
Jochen
apameia_SNGcop301.jpg
Syria, Apameia, pseudo-autonomous, SNG Copenhagen 301AE 21, 8.7g
struck in the time of Augustus, AD 8-9
obv. Youthfull head of Dionysos, wearing ivy-wreath
monogram ME behind
rev. APAMEWN THS IERAS - KAI ASYLOY
Thyrsos, decorated with taenia
in field DT (= year 304 of Seleucids era)
SNG Copenhagen 301; RPC I, 633, 4353; Lindgren III, 1176
rare, VF
Jochen
berytos_augustus_BMC55.jpg
Syria, Berytos, Augustus, BMC 55Phoenicia, Berytos, Agustus BC 27 - AD 14
AE 20, 6.19g
struck under propraetor Quinctilius Varus, 6-4 BC
obv. IMP CAE[SAR AGVSTV]
Bare head, r.
rev. P.QVIN - CT L - VS - VRVS (starting upper l.)
Two eagles between two standarts
BMC 55; RPC 4543
good S, struck on a small flan, reddish sand-patina

This coin has been struck under Varus when he was legatus Augusti pro praetore in Syria 7/6 BC - 5/4 BC. The Jewish historian Josephus mentions the swift action of Varus against a messianic revolt in Judaea after the death of Rome's client king Herod the Great in 4 BC. After occupying Jerusalem, he crucified 2000 Jewish rebels, and may have thus been one of the prime objects of popular anti-Roman sentiment in Judaea, for Josephus, who made every effort to reconcile the Jewish people to Roman rule, felt it necessary to point out how lenient this judicial massacre had been.
Jochen
chalkis_octavian_RPC4775.jpg
Syria, Coele-Syria, Chalkis ad Libanum, Octavian, RPC 4774Octavian, 31 BC - AD 14
AE 22, 6.46g, 22.26mm, 330°
struck 27-26 BC (= year 286)
obv. L ZΠ NE - KAI (from upper l.)
Bare head of Octavian r.
rev. ZHNOΔOPOV TETPAPXOV KAI APXIPEΩC (from upper r.)
Bare head of Zenodoros l.
ref. RPC 4774; BMC 7; SNG Copenhagen 417; SNG France 9-10
rare, F+
Jochen
heliopolis_valerianI_BMC28.jpg
Syria, Coele-Syria, Heliopolis, Valerian I, BMC 28Valerian I, AD 253-260
AE 28, 16.0g
obv. IMP CAES P LIC VALERIANVS PF AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassd, laureate, r.
rev. COL IVL AVG FEL HEL
Price-urn with two palmbranchs between two price-urns with one palm-branchs
in ex. CERT.SACR / CAP.OECV / ISE.HEL (in 3 lines)
BMC 28; SNG Copenhagen 440; Lindgren III, 1284
rare, VF

The solution of the ex. is Certamina Sacra Capitolina Oecumenica Iselastica Heliopolitana. In total this inscription describes the holy games (certamina sacra) held at Heliopolis (heliopolitana) in honor of Jupiter Capitolinus (capitolina). The ludi iselastica were games in which the victors had the privilege of a triumphal entry into their home cities. Baalbek-Heliopolis was famous for its temple of Jupiter.
2 commentsJochen
commagene_antiochusIV_RPC3854.jpg
Syria, Commagene, Antiochos IV, RPC 3854Kingdom of Commagene, Antiochos IV Epiphanes, AD 38-72
AE 28, 13.32g, 27.71mm, 30°
obv. BASILE[VS MEG] - AS ANTIOXOS
diademed head r.
rev. KOMMAG - HNWN
Skorpion in laurel wreat, between his claws A
Ref. RPC I, 3854
F+, brown patina

Antiochos was a Roman client king and the last king of Commagene. As Roman citizen his name was Gaius Julius Antiochos IV Epiphanes. The designation as Great King as on this coin shows his ambitions.
1 commentsJochen
zeugma_philipI_BMC35.jpg
Syria, Commagene, Zeugma, Philipp II, SNG Copenhagen 35Philipp II, AD 244-249
AE 29, 15.7g
obv. AVTOK KM IOVLI PHILIPPOC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate r.
rev. ZEVGM - ATEWN (Z reversed)
Tetrastyle temple within cult image of Zeus Kataibates, seated frontal, holding
sceptre in l. hand, in front of it peribolos with sacred groove of trees, and
monumental two-storied gate.
Below capricorn l.
BMC 35; SNG Copenhagen 35; BMC 35 var. (capricorn r.)
about VF

We have had an interesting thread about this type http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?PHPSESSID=d01c563d032ea88eb6f4eb45a5d53de6&topic=18448.0;prev_next=prev
For the cult image see
Antonio Miguel de Guadan, "El abaton de Zeus Kataibates en Zeugma de Commagene segun las representaciones monetarias", Acta Num 2 (1972), pp. 1-18.
For further information see the following two sites:
http://www.arts.uwa.edu.au/Classics/archeology/Z2.html
http://www.ist.lu/zeugma/home.html.
Jochen
cyrrhus_cyrrhestica_marc_aurel_SNGuk660.jpg
Syria, Cyrrhestica, Cyrrhus, Marcus Aurelius, SNG UK 660Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180
AE 23, 12.9g
obv. AVTO KM A[VRH] - ANTWNINOC CEB
Bust, laureate, r.
rev. [DIOC] KATEBATOV - KVRRHCTWN
Zeus Kataibates, in himation, std l. on rocks, resting r. arm on knee, holding
thunderbolt in r. hand and leaning with l. hand on sceptre; l. before him eagle
r.
SNG UK 1301, 660
extremely rare, with attractive red earthen patina
added to www.wildwinds.com

Kataibates = descending (in lightning and thunder); epikleisis of Zeus as thunder-god, to whom places struck by thunder (lat. putealis) were sacrified.
For more informations look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'!
3 commentsJochen
heliopolis_caracalla_Kybele.jpg
Syria, Cyrrhestica, Hierapolis, Caracalla, Butcher 53Caracalla, AD 198-217
AE 27, 12.8mm
obv. [AVTOKRATWR KA]I MARKOC AVRH ANTWNINOC CE[B]
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. QEAC CVRIAC - IEROPOLITWN
Atargatis, in long garment, std. l. on throne with high back, r. foot set on footstool, holding with l. hand tympanon on her l. knee, resting with r. arm on arm of throne; before and behind the throne a lion std. r. with wide open mouth.
Butcher, Coinage in Roman Syra, p.451, no.53, pl.27 (same obv. die)
rare, about VF, dark green glossy patina, nice rev.

Bought because of the impressive lions. Thanks to George Spradling and Curtis Clay for the attribution.
2 commentsJochen
hierapolis_sev_alex_BMC55.jpg
Syria, Cyrrhestica, Hierapolis, Severus Alexander, BMC 55Severus Alexander, AD 222-235
AE 30, 17.74g
obv. AVT KAI MAR AVR - CE ALEZANDROC
Bust, draped, laureate, r.
rev. QEAC CVRIAC IE - RO - POLITWN (beginning upper left)
Atargatis, in long clothes, std. r. on throne, holding with l. hand tympanon set on
her knee, resting with r. arm on back of throne; on both sides a lion std.
BMC 55; GIC 3367 var. (bust undraped)
EF/VF, attractive green-brown patina
1 commentsJochen
hierapolis_cyrrhestica_severus_alexander_BMC55v.jpg
Syria, Cyrrhestica, Hierapolis, Severus Alexander, BMC 55 var.Severus Alexander, AD 222-235
AE 28, 18.3g
obv. AVT KAI MAR A[VR CE ALEXANDROC]
bust, draped and cuirassed, radiate, r.
rev. [QEAC CVRIAC HIERAPO]LI / TWN
Atargatis, draped(?), head r., sitting on lion l., walking r., holding sceptre in r.
hand and with l. hand lion's mane.
BMC 55 var.
rare, about VF
ex Penina, Manfra and Brookes 1968

Atargatis is identical with Dea Syria. For more information look at Lucian's De Dea Syria. You find it under http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/2938/deasyria-intro.html
Jochen
hippum_marc_aurel_Spijekerman9.jpg
Syria, Dekapolis, Antiochia ad Hippum, Marcus Aurelius, Spijkerman 9Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180
AE 25, 11.07g
obv. AVT KAIC M AVR - ANTWNEINOC
Bust, draped, laureate, r.
rev. ANT - IO TW PR IP THC IER K ACVLOV
Horse, trotting l.; Tyche, turreted, stg. in front l., holding bridles with r.
hand and palm-branch in l. hand.
Spijkerman 9; SNG ANS 1136
rare, good F/about VF

The legend should be read as Antiochia to pros Hippum tes Hieras kai Asylum. For more informations please look at the link www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Cities/Hippos.html
Jochen
damascus_trebonianus_RPCIX_1949.jpg
Syria, Dekapolis, Damascus, Trebonianus Gallus, RPC IX, 1949Trebonianus Gallus, AD 251-253
AE 25, 9.17g, 25.09mm, 30°
obv. IMP VIB TREB GALLO AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. COL DAMA CO METRO
The nymph Ambrosia, nude, stg. frontal, head l., holding in both hands vine-
grapes; her feet growing from earth
ref.: RPC IX, 1949 (between them some small variants of the rev. depictions, e.g.
vine-grapes below arms)
rare, F/F+, grey-green patina
Jochen
damascus_volusian_Rouvier99.jpg
Syria, Dekapolis, Damascus, Volusian, Rouvier 99Volusian, AD 251-253, son of Trebonianus Gallus
AE 24, 9.20g
obv. IMP GALLO VOLOSSIANO AVG
bust, draped, laureate, r.
rev. [COL] DAM - [AS] MET[R]
hind with antlers standing r., suckling Telephos sitting underneath
Rouvier 99
rare, F+/about VF

For more information please look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'!
1 commentsJochen
dium_geta_BMC1.jpg
Syria, Dekapolis, Dium, Geta, BMC 1Geta as Caesar, AD 209-211
AE 23, 11.37g
struck AD 205/6 (year 268)
obv. POYP C - GETAC K
Bust, draped and cuirassed, bare-headed, r.
rev. HZC - DEIHN - WN (Jahr 268)
Baal, in scaly garment, wearing kalathos (and bull-horns?), stg. facing, holding
eagle-tipped sceptre in r. hand and Nike holding wreath in l. hand, at his feet l.
and r. the fore-part of a bull looking outwards.
Spijkerman p.118, 6, pl.24, 6; Rosenberger IV, p.34, 5; Meshorer 244; Lindgren 2202; BMC 1; SNG 6, 1281; SNG ANS 1281-2
very rare, VF, brown patina

Baal, here as Zeus-Heliopolites, was the highest god in the Syrian pantheon. Originally called Hadad he was worshipped in the monumental temple of Heliopolis (Baalbek). Actually Hadad holds a whip, grain-ears and a thunderbolt. With Nike and eagle in his hand we see the usual equalization with Zeus.

For more information please look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'.
1 commentsJochen
gadara_marc_aurelius_Spijkerman42.jpg
Syria, Dekapolis, Gadara, Marcus Aurelius, Spijkerman 42Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180
AE - 7.31g
struck AD 160/61 (year 224)
obv. AVT KAIC M AVR - ANTWNEINOC
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. GADAREW[N]
City-goddess (Tyche) in short chiton, stg. frontal, head r., holding cornucopiae in l. arm and sceptre in
raised r. hand; on the r. side column with Nike crowning Tyche with wreath; at her feet river-god
swimming ahead.
in r. field DKC (year 224)
ref.: Spijkerman 42; RPC online 6669 (same dies)
Very rare, VF, grey-green patina
pedigree:
ex Helios auction nr. 3, April 2009, lot 739
ex coll.Reinhart Falter

Gadara was situated south of the river Hieromax, today Yarmouk River. Therefore the river-god probably is the Hieromax. In AD 636 was fought at the Yarmouk River the decisive battle of the Arabs under Khalid ibn-al-Walid against the much greater army of the Byzantine Empire which ended in the total defeat of the Byzantines. They lost the provinces of Mesopotamia, Syria and Phoenica and couldn't hold Egypt for long. They never could recover from this desaster. It was the beginning of the rise of the Muslims and the decline of the Byzantine Empire which ended in AD 1457 in the conquest of Constantinopolis.
Jochen
philadelphia_commodus_spijkerman32.jpg
Syria, Dekapolis, Philadelphia, Commodus, Spijkerman 32Commodus, AD 177-192
AE 22, 7.52g
obv. L AVR KOM - MODOC KAIC
bust, draped and cuirassed, bare head, r.
rev. FIL K CV - THEA ACTERIA
Bust of Asteria, veiled and draped, r.; star above
Spijkerman 32
rare, about VF

FIL K CV is the abbreviation of FILADELFEWN KOILHC SVRIAC, Philadelphia Coele-Syria.

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'
1 commentsJochen
philadelphia_elagabal_SNGlev1401.jpg
Syria, Dekapolis, Philadelphia, Elagabal, SNG Levante 1401Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 16, 3.03g, 180°
obv. AV KECA[R] ANTWNIN
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. FIL [KOI] CVR
Bust of Asteria, veiled, draped, r.
ref. SNG Levante 1401; SGI 3138
F
Jochen
laodikeia_ant_pius_SNGcop361var.jpg
Syria, Laodikeia ad Mare, Antoninius Pius, SNG Copenhagen 351Antoninius Pius, AD 138-161
AE 26, 11.73g
struck AD 139/140 (year 188)
obv. [AVTO KAI TI AILI ADRI] - ANTWNEINOC CEB
Head, laureate, r.
rev. IOVLIEWN TWN KAI - LAODIKEIWN
Bust of the Tyche of Laodikeia r., draped, vine-grapes as ear-pendants,
wearing mural rown
before QE, behind HPR(?) (year 188 of the Caesarean era)
SNG Copenhagen 351; cf. BMC 57 (different year)
rare, good F/about VF, the year is very difficult to read!
Pedigree:
ex coll. Pete Burbules


Jochen
laodikeia_elagabal_SNGcop272-373.jpg
Syria, Laodikeia ad Mare, Elagabal, BMC 105Elagabal, AD 218-222
AE 19, 4.60g
obv. IMP CM AVR.ANTONINUS
Head, radiate, r.
rev. LA[V]D[ICEWN]
Naked bearded Herakles, club behind, wrangling with naked youthful
Dionysos, with ivy wreath, [thyrsos behind]
in ex. DE
BMC 105; SNG Copenhagen 372-273
good F, red-brown patina

These male figures indicate certain certamina or public sports celebrated at Laodicea. On such occasions the competitors for the prize were stripped of clothing and annointed with oil and wax. They contended together with mutual grappling and liftingn whilst each endeavoured to give the other "a flooring." Hercules was, according to Pausanias, the reputed institutor of the olympic games. There are colonial medals of Caracalla which inform us that the certamina olympia were performed at Tyre; and this coin shows the probability of the same contests having been celebrated at Laodicea. (Stevenson, Dictionary of Roman Coins)
Jochen
seleucia_pieria_trajan_BMC39.jpg
Syria, Seleucia and Pieria, Trajan, BMC 39Trajan, AD 98-117
AE 23, 12.65g
struck AD 100/101 (year 4)
obv. AVTOKR KAI NER TRAIANOC ARICT CEB GERM DAK
Bust, laureate, r.
rev. CELEVKEWN - PEIERIAC
Tetrastyle shrine in perspective view of Zeus Kasios, canopy-like roof with
eagle at top; within cult-stone
in r. field Delta (year 4)
in ex. ZEVC / KACIOC (Z mirrored)
BMC 39; SNG München cf. 990 ff. (has no Delta); Price-Trell 212, fig.455; SGIC 1081
about VF/F+, brown patina with earthen highlights

The main god of Seleucia was Zeus Kasios, worshipped as Holy Stone like the stone of Elagabalus in Emesa.
For more information look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'!
Jochen
claudia_leucas_domitian_RPC2036.jpg
Syria, Seleukia and Piereia, Balanea - Claudia Leucas, Domitian, RPC 2036Domitian, AD 81-96
AE 21, 7.14g
struck 89/90-95/96 (year 43)
obv. AVT KAICAR DOMI - TIANOC CEB [GERM]
Head, laureate, l.
rev. KLAVDIAIWN [TWN KAI LEVKADIWN)
Quadriga r., within god wearing tiara, naked except short skirt, holding sceptre in l. hand
[in the upper field GM (year 43)]
RPC 2036; SNG Copenhagen 345
Rare, VF, nice green patina

The god in the quadriga is called emperor too, but it seems to be Baal! Lit.: Getzel M. Cohen, The Hellenistic Settlement in Syria, the Red Sea Basin and North Africa, 2006
Balanea, the recent Banias, was known as Balanaia to the Greek and Leukas ad Chrysoroas. The name Claudia it got after the re-foundation by Claudius I.
Jochen
balanea-leukas_Lindgren2178.jpg
Syria, Seleukia and Piereia, Balanea - Leucas, pseudo-autonomous, Lindgren&Kovacs 2178 (plate coin)AE 16, 3.3g
struck 2nd century AD
obv. LEVKADIE - WN
Nike stg. l., holding palm-branch and wreath
rev. XRYSOROAC - KLAVDIEW - N
Upper part of body of river-god Chrysoroas, looking frontal, left hand raised
RPCI 4465B var. (different legend); SNG Copenhagen 303; Lindgren&Kovacs 2178 (this coin!)
about VF

Chrysoroas (the golden river), today Jerash river.
Jochen
emesa_ant_pius_SNGcop309var.jpg
Syria, Seleukia and Pieria, Emesa, Antoninus Pius, SNG Copenhagen 309 var.Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161
AE 23, 10.19g
struck 138/9 (year 1)
obv. [AVT KAI TI] AIL A[NTO - NEINOC CEB EV]
Head, laureate, r.
rev. EMI[C] - HNWN
Eagle with closed wings stg. r. on conical Holy Stone of Emesa, head l., holding wreath in beak; [stone decorated with crescent and two stars below.]
in r. field A (year 1)
SNG Copenhagen 309 var. (has Gamma in r. field); BMC 6-7 var. (different legend breaks)
blackgreen patina with lightgreen highlights, about VF

This is my 1st coin showing the Stone of Emesa. The stone was brought to Rome by Elagabalus and after his death moved back to Emesa. That it is now the stone in the Ka'aba of Mecca is only a rumour.
Jochen
emesa_macrinus_Prieur989.jpg
Syria, Seleukia and Pieria, Emesa, Macrinus, Prieur 987Macrinus, AD 217-218
AE - Billon-tetradrachm, 25.5.mm, 13.17g
obv. AVT KM OP CE(?) - MAKRINOC C-E-B
laureate bust r.
rev. DHMARX EZ VPATOC PP
Eagle with opened wings, stg. frontal, head l., holding wreath in beak; between his legs
bust of Shamash, draped (and cuirassed), radiate, r.
below beak H (for officina)
Prieur 987; Bellinger 199
about VF

Shamash was the Babylonian sun-god. For more information please take a look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'.

Jochen
nikopolis_seleukidis_sev_alex_BMC2.jpg
Syria, Seleukia and Pieria, Nikopolis Seleukidis, Severus Alexander, BMC 2Severus Alexander, AD 222-235
AE 33, 18.01g
obv. AVT KM AVR CEV - ALEZANDROC CEB
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
under the chin c/m: Nike advancing l. (Howgego 263)
rev. NEIKOPOLEITWN - CELEVK[IDOC]
Distyle arched shrine, within statue of Nemesis, wearing long garment and veiled, stg. facing, r. hand at her chin, l. hand at her lap; at her feet r. a griffon, stg. l.
in ex. wreath(?)
BMC 2; Butcher 12; Sear GICV 3369
very rare, die flaw on lower l. field of rev., otherwise VF

The griffon originally was an oriental mythical creature, but invaded the Greek mythology and became the companion of several Greek deities, f.e. Dionysos or Artemis. In Roman times the griffon joined Nemesis too, here as vengeful nuisance.
Jochen
antiochia_orontem_augustus_Prieur55.jpg
Syria, Seleukis and Pieria, Antiochia ad Orontem, Augustus, Prieur 55Augustus, 27 BC - AD 14
AR - tetradrachm, 14.99g, 26.51mm, 15°
2-1 BC. (Year 30 of Actian era)
obv. KAISAROS SE - BASTOY (clockwise, starting upper r.)
laureate head r.
rev. ETOYS - L - NIKHS (Year 30)
Tyche of Antioch in long garment and with veil, wearing mural crown, std. r. on rock,
resting with r. ellbow on r. knee and holding in r. hand long palmbranch; stg. with r. foot
on shoulder of rivergod Orontes, who swims below her r; beneath waves
In field one below the other 2 monograms, in front of the upper one IG
ref.: Prieur 555; RPC 4156; Wruck 7
about VF

Note: The upper monogramm can be read as VPA = COS, so its meaning is COS XIII
The lower one could be ANT AVG.

Referring to the famous statue of Eutychides. Tyche here as City-Goddess Antiocheia! For more information please take a look at the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'
1 commentsJochen
gabala_Lindgren1186.jpg
Syria, Seleukis and Pieria, Gabala, Commodus, Lindgren 1186Commodus, AD 177-192
AE 25, 12.18g
struck 185/6 (year 234)
obv. AYT KAI [MAR(?) - AVR KOMMODON] (from upper left)
Laureate head l.
rev. AN - [NA / DLC (in upper field)] (= year 234 of Caesarean era)
in ex. GABALEWN
Goddess of Gabala, in long garment and wearing kalathos, stg. frontal on piedestal, brandishing
bipennis in raised r. hand and holding shield in l. hand; at both side of base protome of a horse looking
outwards; on the r. side Tyche (city goddess) in long garment and with mural crown std. l. on throne, holding
rudder in l. hand.
ref.: H. Seyrig 'Cultes de Gabala, in RN (1964), p.22-27' cites 2 ex. in ANS and 2 ex. in Paris; Lindgren 1186, RPC IV.3 6970 (temp)
Very rare, VF, sandy brown patina
Pedigree:
ex coll J. Wagner
ex CNG Electronic Auction 201, lot 290

The attribution of the l. figure is difficult. Here are some suggestions:
CNG: deity
ANS: male figure with bipennis and sceptre
HN: Veiled cultus-statue of a Syrian goddess (Astarte or Aphrodite, accompanied by 2 sphinxes)
Imhoof-Blumer: Astarte or Aphrodite
R. Dussaud: Venus
S. Ronzevalle: flanked by 2 lions, Paredros of Jupiter Heliopolitanus (Atargatis)
H. Seyrig: hypothetical Astarte
Because of the horses I tend to Astarte
Jochen
gabala_julia_domna_neu.jpg
Syria, Seleukis and Pieria, Gabala, Julia Domna, unpublished?Julias Domna, AD 193-211
AE 24, 8.38g, 23.66mm, 0°
obv. IOVLIA - DOMNA CEB
Bust, draped, on crescent, r.
rev. GABA - LEWN
Cult statue of the goddess of Gabala in long garment, stg. facing on low base, holding in l. arm shield and
in raised r. hand bipennis over her head; at both sides of the base the forepart of a sphinx l., and the
forpart of a lion r.
ref. not in SNG Copenhagen; not in BMC
very rare, F+, red sand patina which we know from Syria

Compare with the coin of Commodus. The attributes of this goddess seem to be interchangeable.
Jochen
   
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