Hi all, I've acquired the following coin, but can't find out where to look for ... 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!
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).
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! 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!
Thank you all! Really interesting, never knew about this coins and wouldn't have found it out myself.
