Ancient Numidian

I'm in line.

 

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Here's my Numidian, probably Micipsa (though as we discussed here a while ago, for the varieties with no inscription there isn't an obvious way to distinguish Micipsa from Masinissa):

 

Catalogs list other types from Numidia but this seems to be the one we all have.

 

Mine:


Kings of Numidia, Micipsa, c. 148-118 BC
Æ26, 12.9g, 12h; Numidian mint.
Obv.: Laureate head of king left.
Rev.: Horse galloping left, pellet below.

I was doing some research into Micipsa and the Numidian kingdom a few weeks ago. Dang I've gotten busy!

There are a few different coin types associated with Numidia but this is my only one to date. If anyone has any of the other types I would be interested in seeing them.

 

atta-boy => congrats on the cool OP-addition

Ummm, Kings of Numidia, eh? ...

=> yah, I've got a semi-altered example (wanna see it?)





man, I love that c/m coin!!

 

That's cool, Steve! That one looks like the Trojan Horse with the door open.

 

Hey @Deacon Ray this one is pretty different than your usual. Are you starting to branch out more? I noticed you liked the horse. Animal theme coming on? Just curious. I find it interesting when we reveal why we collect what we collect.

 

Deacon Ray,
Great choice for a thread. I have a Micipsa coin since it dovetails in with the second Punic war. Sometimes it is hard to make a distinction between those pieces minted under Micipsa's reign and those of his father Masinissa, who was a very interesting guy.

Numidia was one of those small kingdoms caught up in the struggle between Carthage and Rome. During the second Punic war Numidia originally sided with Carthage, but switched over to become an ally of Rome. The king at the time was Masinissa, but his kingdom and the love of his life, Sophinisba, a member of Hannibal's family were co-opted by another ruler in his absence.

After fighting successfully with Hannibal in Italy Masinissa finally felt a longing for returning to his rightful kingdom and eventually struck a deal to support the Romans if they supported him in reacquiring Numidia. To make a long story short, after the battle of Zama Masinissa did return to rule Numidia with the intent of having Sophinisba as his queen, however, since she belonged to Hannibal's family Scipio Africanus would not permit the marriage. Ultimately, Sophinisba was ordered to commit suicide as part of Romes dismantling of everything Carthaginian.

I believe that Massinissa had three sons who ruled Numidia, with Micipsa having the longest reign.

 

The way I see the matter, it is fine to want something just like our fellow collector has or even to let him know that you are interested if he should ever decide to sell. Wishing he would drop dead soon so you can get it, is not acceptable. However the Biblical example of inappropriate coveting is using your position as king to send a soldier on a suicide mission so his widow would become available. Elsewhere at the moment we have a thread on numismatic misbehavior by some 'name' dealers but at least they stopped short of what I'll call 'Doing in Uriah'.

 

Thanks for the great question, Jwt708! The answer is “Yes” to branching out more. I’ve more or less accomplished my Judaean coin collecting goals. I’m going to try following @Sallent Sallent’s advice and take an eclectic generalistic approach for a while until I find a period that I’d like to focus on. Of course I'll continue to add Biblical period items. First Century Roman is definitely a likely candidate as the next area of focus.

 

Thank you for your excellent contribution to the post, Hispanicus!

 

To be fair and honest, I have listened to a podcast where Juba II and his lovely and charming wife Selene were discussed, but that was during the time of Augustus. So I do in fact know something (but I can make a strong case that I don't know much) about Numidia.

 

Nice coins,

never seen the Man with the chin