Hello all. I added this new coin latley and once again i need your help in solving 2 mystery's for me: The first one is what coin do i have. i tried but i have no clue as to who is on the obverse and whats on the reverse. the second one is that on each side of the coin in its middle there is a small hole. I have seen such holes in coins on the web but its the first one i own with this hole. So why are they there? for what purpose? And once again thanks for your help and answers.
It's called a "centration dimple" and is caused during the minting process. Take a look at one of Doug Smith's pages here: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/pit.html
The coin is a military standards reverse from Nicaea in Bithynia, similar to this one of Severus Alexander, which reads ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ. I think it's of Gordian III because it looks like the obverse inscription reads in part ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC ΑVΓ
Thank you for your answers. This is my first provincial coin and i find this new field of roman coins fascinating.
You're welcome! You'll find provincial issues are a great supplement to Roman imperial issues, with fascinating reverse types you don't find anywhere else.
