ID Help - Marcus Aurelius - Provincial with Serapis?

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by gsimonel, Nov 17, 2019.

  1. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    This coin has been in my collection and on my emperors page for many years. I received it without any ID information in a large batch of uncleaned coins. Lately, however, I've wonder if I've mis-attributed it, since I still cannot find any other examples. Is it possible that it is someone other than Serapis on the reverse? Here is how I've currently listed it:
    [​IMG]
    Marcus Aurelius
    Caesar, A.D. 139-161
    Augustus, A.D. 161-180

    Provincial Bronze (AE26)
    Moesia Inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, before A.D. 161
    Obv: AVPHΛIOC OVHPOC KAICAP
    Rev: NEIKOΠOΛEITΩNΠPOC IC - Serapis, standing left, holding scepter and sacrificing with patera over altar.
    Unlisted in Moushmov or RPC; unpublished?
    26mm, 11.0g.

    Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
     
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  3. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Not in AMNG, either.
     
  4. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    Looks like Serapis with the kalaphos on his head.
     
  5. CoinBlazer

    CoinBlazer Numismatic Enthusiast

    I'm not an ancient specialist but I am a darn good researcher. Can you list what sources you have previously checked for other examples, maybe we know of a reference you have not already combed over?
     
  6. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    I've gone through ACSearch, CNG archives, Agora archives, Wildwinds, Moushmov, and RPC online.
     
  7. Ocatarinetabellatchitchix

    Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Well-Known Member

    A suggestion : why don’t you PM @Jochen1 ? He’s the expert for Nikopolis.
     
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  8. Jochen1

    Jochen1 Well-Known Member

    Hallo!

    Your coin is listed in Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2018) under No. 8.7.6.1 (very rare, R7). The figure on rev. is called Hades-Serapis (Pluto). But because Serapis is depicted by nearly all Emperors on coins of Nikopolis, I vote for Serapis. Nice coin.

    Not in Varbanov

    Best regards
     
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  9. Colby J.

    Colby J. Well-Known Member

    No, that coin is Serapis. I think you have it.
     
  10. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    Thank you for the reference, Jochen1. I will add it to the attribution.

    This is the first that I've heard of this reference. Is it widely available?
     
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  11. Ocatarinetabellatchitchix

    Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Well-Known Member

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