Help with ID-ing large ancient coin

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Roerbakmix, Feb 5, 2019.

  1. Roerbakmix

    Roerbakmix Well-Known Member

    Hi all,

    I've acquired the following coin, but can't find out where to look for ...

    DSC_0426.jpg DSC_0427.jpg
    Diameter ca. 26 mm
    Weight: 14.21 gram

    Colour is a bit off due to photography in the evening and bad lighting.

    Looking forward to reactions!
     
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  3. AnYangMan

    AnYangMan Well-Known Member

    A bronze trishekel from Utica, Zeugitana. Roughly datable to the second century BC. The heads of the Dioscuri on the obverse, two horses on the reverse, Neo-punic 'TG (Utica) above. Neat coin! I think @Justin Lee has one as well (I don't have mine pictured sadly).
     
    Pellinore, TIF, LaCointessa and 3 others like this.
  4. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    Agreed! They are a neat coin! And nice and large to hold in hand.
    CollageMaker_20181216_220648083.jpg
     
  5. Pellinore

    Pellinore Well-Known Member

    Nice type! Never knew about coins like these. Is it an offspring of Carthago coinage?
     
  6. AnYangMan

    AnYangMan Well-Known Member

    Out of curiosity, I went searching and managed to dig up a quick picture I took of my example when I purchased it last year. The picture itself sure isn’t the best, a lot more relief and a lot less grainy in hand, but at least I can share it this way!

    DSC03340.JPG

    I really like the mix of cultures visible through this coin. A North African coin, with a mix of the classical portraits of the Dioscuri and the Neo-Punic inscription on the revere. The visibility of the latter on this specimen especially convinced me to purchase it. Ancient African coinage is usually associated with Carthaginian or Egyptian coins, but the lesser known issues from Numidia and Utica are just as fascinating!

    If I recall correctly, this type has been excavated in the archaeological site of Carthage itself, meaning they must have been struck before its destruction in 146 BC. Utica, a neighbour and long-time ally of Carthage, changed sides after the first Punic war, only to be reincorporated again after a short siege. During the Third Punic war, Utica revolted once again and supported the Romans. After Roman victory, Utica became the capital of the newly created province of Africa. No idea as to where in this historical context these should be placed exactly, besides before roman rule, but a neat type indeed!
     
  7. Roerbakmix

    Roerbakmix Well-Known Member

    Thank you all! Really interesting, never knew about this coins and wouldn't have found it out myself.
     
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