© Leu Numismatik
© Leu Numismatik
Assarion - Titus as Caesar ΙΕΡΑΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΣΩΣΤΡΑΤΟΣ
| Bronze | 5.5 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | City of Hierapolis (Conventus of Cibyra) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Titus (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (79-81) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 79-81 |
| Value | Assarion (0.1) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 5.5 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#376671 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Goddess Tyche standing, facing left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left hand. Uncertain object in left field.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
ΙΕΡΑΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ
ΣΩΣΤΡΑΤΟΣ
ΣΘΙ ... ΣΟΥ...
Translation: Hierapolis. Sostratos
Comment
Further references: Winterthur 4126The inscription on the reverse has not been fully deciphered yet. It may be the name of the magistrate written in two lines (RPC II# 1303 citing Imhoof-Blumer). The letters on the second line are "ΣΘΙ ... ΣΟΥ..." (H. Bloesch, Winterthur II# 4126).
The uncertain object in the left field on the reverse could be either a bull's head with crescent (H. Bloesch, Winterthur II# 4126) or a symbol (Ϙ), which can be interpreted as the number 90 (RPC II# 1303 citing Imhoof-Blumer). Its significance is not be clear, but it may be related to the first issues of Hierapolis under Augustus and Fabius Maximus, issued 90 years before (RPC I# 2929-42).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Titus, who was the emperor of Rome from 79 to 81 AD, as Caesar. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time when Titus was still alive and in power, making it a valuable historical artifact. Additionally, the fact that it was minted in the city of Hierapolis, which was an important center of trade and commerce in ancient times, adds to its historical significance.
