Hey guys (& gals) - I see the letters "IAIN" on the observe, but other than that I cannot read anything. The "eyes" on the busts almost look nabatean (sp) to me. It runs 18mm and appears to be copper/bronze. Any help would be appreciated, thanks !
An incredible find! Asinius Gallus, Governor of Syria 6-5 BC AE16 of Temnos, Aiolis ΑCΙΝΙΟC ΓΑΛΛΟC ΑΓΝΟC, Bare head of Gallus right ΑΠΟΛΛΑC ΦΑΙΝΙΟY ΤΑΜΝΙΤΑΝ, Head of Dionysos right, wreathed in ivy Probably the most common of the "Augustus posse" from the late 1st century BC, but still quite scarce. Asinius Gallus is perhaps best known for marrying Vipsania Agrippina when Tiberius was forced to divorce her against his will to marry Julia the Elder to play into Augustus' dynastic schemes. Gallus spent the rest of his political career butting heads with Tiberius - he openly claimed to be the biological father of Drusus, and mocked the new emperor as he accepted the titles of the Principate. Surprisingly he gave Tiberius no reason to arrest him until about 30, when he was arrested on treason charges and held in jail until he died of malnutrition.
An incredible find! Asinius Gallus, Governor of Syria 6-5 BC AE16 of Temnos, Aiolis ΑCΙΝΙΟC ΓΑΛΛΟC ΑΓΝΟC, Bare head of Gallus right ΑΠΟΛΛΑC ΦΑΙΝΙΟY ΤΑΜΝΙΤΑΝ, Head of Dionysos right, wreathed in ivy Probably the most common of the "Augustus posse" from the late 1st century BC, but still quite scarce. Asinius Gallus is perhaps best known for marrying Vipsania Agrippina when Tiberius was forced to divorce her against his will to marry Julia the Elder to play into Augustus' dynastic schemes. Gallus spent the rest of his political career butting heads with Tiberius - he openly claimed to be the biological father of Drusus, and mocked the new emperor as he accepted the titles of the Principate. Surprisingly he gave Tiberius no reason to arrest him until about 30, when he was arrested on treason charges and held in jail until he died of malnutrition.
Good work, Finn235! I was going to say that it looks like the stuff I have in a box full of Provincials in that condition that I sometimes take out and spend an hour or so trying to figure out. Sometimes I get lucky (usually when somebody helps me out on Coin Talk). A lot of them stay in the box.
@Finn235 - I really appreciate you taking the time to help me figure that one out. I had looked at it so many times and I honestly couldn't even figure out where to start with it. I am excited to know so much about it now and will treasure it in my collection Thank you again Finn!