Scarce Trajan Didrachm

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Mat, Nov 11, 2019.

  1. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Here is a Trajan Didrachm I picked up a long while ago, I even had it in a group shot that was posted in a thread.

    As usual with most of my purchases, this coin was going cheap & after quick looking around, I noticed the reverse type is scarcer than his usual Didrachms.

    What attracted me to it in the first place was I didn't own this particular reverse of Mount Argaios. I have several that feature Mount Argaios with atop Helios.

    So this was a pleasant addition.

    [​IMG]
    Trajan (98 - 117 A.D.)
    AR Didrachm
    CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea-Eusebia
    O: ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙС ΝЄΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝω ΑΡΙСΤω СЄΒ ΓЄΡΜ ΔΑΚ Laureate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder.
    R:ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞ ΥΠΑΤΟ Ϛ Mount Argaios with grotto containing cult stone, flanked by two pyramidal objects; at top, second grotto with flames.
    6.98g
    21mm
    RPC III 3046. Sydenham 208-209.
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2019
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  3. TIF

    TIF Always learning.

    A grotto! That is interesting and it's a very attractive coin.

    Do we know the nature of that cult statue within? It looks like it could be a baetyl. Perhaps another meteorite??
     
    thejewk likes this.
  4. TheRed

    TheRed Well-Known Member

    Awesome coin Mat, that obverse legend is a mouth full. I feel bad for the engraver of that die.
     
  5. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    Very interesting reverse type and a nice "Imperial style" portrait as well. Kinda makes me wonder if it was minted in Rome?
     
    thejewk and Roman Collector like this.
  6. Ocatarinetabellatchitchix

    Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Well-Known Member

    Checking in RPC online, it was minted in Caesarea Cappadocia. Many specimen shown there are from the hoard found in 1983 in Caesarea.
     
  7. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    I seem to recall there were some theories that some of these eastern silver coins for Trajan were struck in Rome for his military campaigns? Then there is confusion over whether some of these drachms were from Cappadocia or Bostra.

    I don't have this information at hand - just half-remembered stuff I was reading when researching a drachm. I do remember being confused!

    Trajan Bostra drachm Apr 2019 (0).jpg
     
  8. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Very nice and interesting coin. I haven't seen one like it till now. Congratulations!

    My natural state.
     
    Marsyas Mike and thejewk like this.
  9. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Thanks, I corrected some of the info on the coin.
     
  10. nicholasz219

    nicholasz219 Well-Known Member

    Very nice pickup @Mat. I’ve not seen the type before either. The reverse condition is especially nice.
     
  11. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

    Thats a pretty cool addition too
     
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