What is considered the standard work of the coinage of Roman Syria? I have always had an interest in the bronze of this province.
I would assume "The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms and Their Fractions From 57 BC to AD 253. https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=177631 Ive wanted a copy but can never find one in the $40s range.
I have never looked at this book, but always assumed that it only provided coverage of the silver coinage.
I don't know, but here are the relevant references listed on CNG's website under the "Bibliography" tab:
Yes, as the title indicates it's all about tetradrachms. It's a very interesting book though, for those focusing on them. A new copy is aroud 88 euros in France Mac Alee extensively covers bronze and silver, but only for Antioch. A bit pricey though at 126 euros here. Maybe less in the USA as edited by CNG Hope that helps Q
Coinage in Roman Syria by Kevin Butcher is my go to reference for the region. It's not really a catalogue (although it contains one for bronze), but more an examination of the coinage. For cataloguing, I turn to my niche specific RPC II.
That is a super book with lots of information as well as ID numbers. It is quite large with 534 pages and 32 page plates. It covers all the cities of northern Syria, 64 BC - AD 253. I was using McAlee not 20 minutes ago and it is amazingly well-illustrated and complete for Antioch, but only Antioch.
I may start with Butcher, I have another book by him which is very good. Then when/if I find myself needing more I'll snag McAlee from CNG. Thanks everyone from the great advice!
https://www.amazon.com/Roman-Provin...=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 There is another Butcher book worth noting either for its value or lack thereof depending on how you look at the matter. In 1988, he released Roman Provincial Coins: An Introduction to the Greek Imperials which has only one review on Amazon (link above) which says it is a good introduction but once you know a little bit, the book is useless. That, folks, is pretty much the story of any book. Once you know it all, you don't need it anymore. It reads a bit like a college term paper by an A student fitted out with a lot of illustrations. I suspect the reviewer was wanting a catalog "All you want to know about" style book which he did not get in this little 136 page volume. In that size a book we get an introduction, not a compendium. The book has a lot of excellent line drawings and decent photos of coins not at all selected to be the ones you are likely to see in commerce but very interesting none the less. If you are familiar with over half of the coins shown on the eight plates, you are way too advanced to be reading what I post on Coin Talk. It has, however, a lot of information that a collector would be well advised to learn so the book could become a fond memory rather than a daily reference. Those who already know it all will not want to read it. I wish my level of Provincial uselessness were equal to this book.
That is the book I was thinking of @dougsmit. I will admit that it has been years since I read it (maybe I'll get it off the shelf and give it another go), but I remember enjoying it very much as an intro to Greek Imperials. The negative Amazon review might be akin to leaving a review of a Star Wars DVD that says "...once you know Darth Vader is Luke's father this movie isn't very interesting." This book was one of three that were published together by Seaby in the 1980s (The other two being Coinage in the Greek World by Price & Carradice and Coinage in the Roman World by Burnett) that together form an outstanding introduction to Classical numismatics and that I would personally highly recommend to any collector who does not already own them. Just my two denarii worth.
I love the Butcher book. When I read above that it had a a poor review (astonishing, and in my view, completely false) I wrote my own review and just added it to Amazon. Look under "Butcher Roman Provincial Coins: An Introduction to the Greek Imperials" and you will see that I think it is one of the best ancient-coin books of all. It is not for everyone because its topic is so limited. It doesn't do regular Greek coins or regular Roman coins, but if you know about them and wish you knew more about provincials, it is a superb book.
