© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Æ23–25 - Augustus Apollo 2 BC - 4 AD
| Bronze | 8.81 g | 23.5 mm |
| Issuer | Oea (Africa Proconsularis) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Augustus (Caius Octavius) (27 BC - 14 AD) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 2 BC - 4 AD |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 8.81 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | 9 o'clock ↑← |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#374144 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Laureate head of god Apollo facing right.
Script: Neo-Punic
Lettering: 𐤐𐤉𐤋𐤍 𐤌𐤏𐤒𐤓
Edge
Straight
Comment
Denomination: possibly an as (RPC III page 206; MAA# 27)Weight: 8.81 g average of 15 specimens (RPC III# 829; MAA#27)
Diameter: 23–25 mm (RPC III# 828; MAA#26); 24 mm (RPC III online)
Reverse inscription:
𐤐𐤉𐤋𐤍 𐤌𐤏𐤒𐤓 (pyln mᶜqr), in neo-Punic script written right to left, representing the names of the two suffetes (magistrates). Müller wrongly assumed the inscription stands for the allied cities of Macaera (𐤌𐤏𐤒𐤓 / mᶜqr) and Bilan (𐤐𐤉𐤋𐤍 / pyln).
Varieties:
Variety 1 (RPC III# 829a; Müller SBZ# 46; SNG Cop# 28)
"C" on obverse. Reverse legend split by portrait.
© Müller SBZ, 1861 (Public domain)
Variety 2 (RPC III# 829b; Müller SBZ# 47; SNG Cop# –)
"C" on obverse. Reverse legend right of portrait.
© Müller SBZ, 1861 (Public domain)
Variety 3 (RPC III# –; Müller SBZ# –; SNG Cop# 29)
Without "C" on obverse. Reverse legend right of portrait.
© Müller SBZ, 1861 (Public domain)
Interesting fact
The coin features an image of Augustus, also known as Apollo, on one side, and an image of a dolphin on the other. The dolphin was a symbol of good luck and prosperity in ancient Rome.
