Provincial from Antioch (with the SC) but not for Antioch? Philippopolis? Help!

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Marsyas Mike, Jan 21, 2020.

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  1. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    In an undescribed lot of Roman Provincials from eBay, there was one I couldn't figure out. What is throwing me is the SC on the reverse - it does not fit with any Imperial AE that I am aware of, so it could be from Antioch. But the closest match I could find was a series minted in Antioch for Philippopolis in Arabia.

    It is 17mm and weighs 3.41 grams. A combination of wear and heavy patina make it hard to read. The obverse is an emperor (Philip I or II?). The reverse is Mars/Ares or Virtus standing with shield and spear. The SC is on either side of the reverse figure.

    The problem with a Philippopolis attribution is that the only standing types of this nature I could find were of Roma with a longer garment. Here is an acsearch hit for Philip I:

    https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=1215148

    Here is mine - any help much appreciated. And more information on Antioch-minted coins used elsewhere would be of interest to me too:

    Unknow - Prov. SC lot Jan 2020 (0).jpg
     
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  3. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    With this style of the reverse motif and SC placement and style, I'm betting it's Imperial (but I'm no expert!). And I too would think Philip I or TD or TG? Someone of that era? The size/weight is pretty small though for a middle bronze... Quadrans? Cool lot find though, Mike!!

    Edit: maybe this one??? Trajan Decius Semis w/ anepigraphic Mars reverse...
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.tr_d.128
     
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  4. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    A Trajan Decius semis!!! My gosh that would be so cool! I didn't even know such a thing existed. That example you posted sure does look similar.

    Thanks for sharing this - it opens up a new realm of possibilities.
     
  5. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    Agreed!

    The averages seem to fall in line with your coin:

    Quantitative Analysis
    Average measurements for this coin type:
    Axis
    9.58h​
    Diameter
    17.83mm​
    Weight
    3.68g​
     
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  6. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    Thanks again Justin. The more I look at these, the more I am pretty excited about having a semis from Trajan Decius. NGC has an informative article:
    https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/5953/ancient-coins/

    And here's a CT post by cucumbor: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/trajan-decius-semis.275401/

    Talk about an accidental purchase...I bid on the lot because it had a whopping big Gordian III AE from Edessa with Abgar X on the reverse and I figured this was a way to get one in my price range. Here's the whole scary-looking lot - 2 dog biscuits from Antioch and a Gallienus Pegasus:

    _Lot - Provincials & Traj Dec semis Jan 2020 (0).jpg
     
  7. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    Keep a close eye on the one in the middle of the bottom row. If a bluish-green powder develops over the next couple of months, it would signify bronze disease, which could eventually destroy your coin if left untreated. Fortunately, bronze disease is easy to treat, so just post an entry or search this site for "bronze disease" and you will find many people happy to talk you through the process.

    Nice set of coins. I really like the Gallienus with the Pegasus reverse.
     
  8. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

  9. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the heads up on this, gsimonel. Those spots somewhat puzzle me - they are white, and seem pretty "hard" but I wondered if they were a symptom of something more nefarious. The Elagabalus from Antioch has a similar situation going on.

    I will certainly keep an eye on them and administer first aid as required.
     
  10. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    Pretty much my favorite cartoon of all time. I can't believe I've grown nostalgic about the '90s.

    Or, as Butthead once profoundly said: "Time sucks." ("Killing Time" episode).
     
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  11. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    Ah, yes. Beavis and Butthead. Used to watch it from time to time.
     
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