Offer: Attributing of Nikopolis coins

Just got this one from eBay. It was issued for Caracalla, I think, with a crescent and one star on the reverse. 17mm / 3.19 grams.



I am a bit stuck on the identification because I cannot find an exact match to the legends. As I make them out on mine:

M AVΡ KAI ANTΩNIN, youthful, bare head right /
NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠΡOC ICTΡ(O?), Star in crescent moon.​

The closest I came were these two:

Example #1: Similar, but the obverse legend ends with O, which mine does not (from FORVM) - although the photo doesn't really show an O? This one looks so much like mine I suspect an obverse die match:

Obverse: M AYP KAI•ANTΩNINO Bare head right.
Reverse: NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPO • Star in crescent moon.
Moushmov 1118; Varbanov I (English) —; Hristova/Jekov (2011) 8.18.48.2.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/moonmoth/coins/caracalla_048.html​

Example #2: From Wildwinds, this is similar as well, but the reverse legend ends with N, which I don't think it does on mine (both mine and this one have damage in that area, so I am not sure)

M AVΡ KA ANTΩNIN, youthful, bare head right /
NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠΡOC ICTΡON, Crescent and one star.
Varbanov 2999 var (rev. legend); AMNG 1513 var (both legends); Moushmov
1116 var.; Nikopolis Mueller 179
https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/caracalla/t.html​

This Wildwinds example also looks a lot like mine:





Any help much appreciated!

 

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I think your coin is Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020) 8.18.48.2; AMNG I/1, 1513; not in Varbanov.

Pick (AMNG) had 2 Ex. in hand: (1) from St. Petersburg with ANTWNINO, and (2) from trade with ANTWNIN. Both subsumed under No. 1513. He has no pictures, but I think he had the same problem as we today: Is there an O at the end or not.

So the obv. legend is M AVR KAI - ANTWNIN with a last O or without. This questionable last O is smeared and fused with the rear tip of the bust. Therefore, the rev. legend can be written ANTWNIN[O], if one wants to be very precise. I had already made a note in my book, but this somewhat unclear O will certainly not lead to a new type number.

The rev. legend is consistent NIKOPOLITWN PROC ICTRO. The fact that Wildwinds lists ICTRON with N at the end can be forgotten, because at this point the flan is damaged.

A last word to the used reference books for Nikopolis ad Istrum:

Pick's AMNG from 1898 is undoubtedly the most correct work on Nicopolis of all. The biggest problem is that Pick himself was unaware of all the new coins that became known after the fall of the Iron Curtain. For us at Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov, it is an unrivalled example. But we try, even with subsequent corrections.

Varbanov is more of a catalogue than a scholarly work and full of errors, which you notice when you work with it every day, as we do.

Moushmov should not really be quoted any more. His work basically consists of the reverse representations, with no regard for the obverse and often not even for the legends of the reverse. It is obsolete.

Wildwinds is a nice collection of coin types for the beginner , especially of Roman provincial coins (= Greek imperial coins). The problem that Dane Kurth has, is that she is dependent on the descriptions and references of the consignors. And these often do not meet scientific standards. This also applies to dealers from whom she has posted coins. She herself cannot check all of the thousands and thousands of coins posted.

Best regards

 

@Jochen1
This coin is a basket of fruit with some hanging either side.
Same type as Varbanov 2432a & 2401, info from wildwinds.

 

Oh, very difficult to recognize. But by playing with contrast and brightness, I see, that you are right.
Septimius Severus, AD 193-211
Obv.: AV K[AI CE] - CEVHROC, Bust draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
Rev.: [NIKOPOLITW]N PROC IC, Basket with fruits, at the sides wine grapes are hanging down
Ref.: a) not in AMNG
b) not in Varbanov
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020) 8.14.52.10

Varbanov 2402 is depicted. A totally different basket and NIKOPOLIT PROC ICTR. "Laureate head r."
Varbanov 2432 is not depicted but has NIKOPOLIT PROC ICTRO and "Laureate head r."
On your coin you see the N before PROC and the bust is draped and cuirassed.

Best regards

 

Jochen, thank you so much for that thorough and informative reply. I will, as always, incorporate this information into my attribution.

Best Regards,

 

Hello Mr @Jochen1 , I have a Nikopolis temple coin that I think I have identified as Moushmov 2801.
Septimius Severus on obverse --CEYHOC--
I believe the reverse is a tetrastyle temple of Asklepios. --NIKOPOLITON--
Am I right (or even close?)

 

Taking this opportunity to drop in my favourite Nikopolis coin. I'm not sure if its HrHJ 8.26.23.2 or .3 (or what the difference is). Clearing up that detail would be appreciated!


Elagabalus (218-222) Moesia Inferior, Nicopolis ad Istrum. Triptolemos driving biga of winged serpents, scattering grain. (Tiny depiction of serpents also visible on the front of the biga.)

Also, @Jochen1: are you in communication with Ken Harl? I know he's doing a die study that includes the later productions of Moesia Inferior, and you guys should definitely talk if you haven't already. (PM me for contact details.)

 

@Severus Alexander
A wonderful coin you have and it is one of the most beautiful coins from Nikopolis at all. It is Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020) 8.2.23.3 (R5 = scarce); AMNG I/1, 1906; Varbanov 3911
Altogether there are 3 different types with Triptolemos on rev. The rev is always the same: VP NOBIOV - ROVFOV NIKOPOLIT / P - ROC / ICT. The P of P - ROC is found left behind the last wheel of the biga (outside the flan of your coin) and ICT stands below ROC (outside the flan of your coin).
The other 2 coins have obv. with radiate head, HRHJ (2020) 8.26.23.1 has AVT K M AVR ANTWNEINOC, HrHJ (2020) 8.26.23.2 has AVT M AVR ANTWNINOC.

I will send you a PM

Best regards

 

You are right. Here is the complete attribution:

Your coin is Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020) 8.14.46.6; not in AMNG; not in Varbanov

Description:
Moesia inferior, Septimius Severus, AD 193-211
AE
struck under governor Aurelius Gallus
obv. [AV] K L CE[P] - CEVHROC [P]
Bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, laureate, r.
rev. VP [AV GA]LLOV NIKOP[OL]IT[W] PROC I
Tetrastyle temple with small trigonal pediment, covering only the two middle columns,
with base and architrav, within cult statue (Asklepios resting on snake staff)

The attibution was not so difficult. Above the roof of the temple you see LOVNIK. That is Nikopolis and as governor either Gallus or Tertullus. But the name of Tertullus is much longer and therefore couldn't have OV on top of the roof. It has to be Gallus.
And the decisive factor was that the rev. has no exergue. It is the only known temple type without exergue!

Best regards

 

@Jochen1 This one has given me much trouble!

It's an AE25 from, presumably, Nikopolis.

My initial impression on ruler was Severus Alexander or Caracalla, and even Geta, but I couldn't find a hit on any of the rulers.

Tenbobbit says it's Macrinus, but I couldn't find a match on Wildwinds with Macrinus either.

I think its Nikopolis due to the extreme similarities with this Diadumenian 4 Assarion, Moushmov 1367:

 

@hotwheelsearl

All your assumptions are correct. Especially the reference to the coin of Diadumenian. In Nikopolis there are many reverse types that were struck in parallel for other members of the imperial family, especially for Macrinus and Diadumenian, as here. Your coin is

Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Macrinus, AD 217/18
AE 25
struck under governor Statius Longinus
Obv.: AVT K M OΠEΛIOC - CEV MAKPINOC
Laureate head r.
Rev.: VΠ CTATI ΛONΓINOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC IC
in lower field l. and r. of the rock T - PΩ
Hermes, nude, wearing boots, stg. l., with r. foot on rock, holding in r. hand set on r. knee kerykeion
downwards, r. arm with chlamys behind back
ef.: a) AMNG I/1, 1753 var.(different obv.)
b) Varbanov 3545 var. (= AMNG 1753)
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020) 8.23.10.1

Note:
This rev. type is known too for Gordian III (AMNG I/1, 2056). On this coin Pick believes he recognises in the rock the head of Battos, the unfaithful herdsman. I once wrote an article about this. Please take a look at https://www.cointalk.com/threads/battos-the-unfaithful-shepherd.335620/

Best regards

 

I have a few I need help with I picked up in a cheap lot (if all you can get is the emperor that's fine cause they are pretty worn):
16mm, 2.7g Looks like Septimus Severus

2.4 g, 17mm Obviously Julia Domna - pretty distinctive portrait


3.2 g, 18mm Looks like Antoninus Pius

2.7 g, 15mm No ideas on this one

Thanks in advance for taking a look, any ideas or help is much appreciated!

 

@Nathan F That was a tough one. But at least I got something out of it.

Coin #1:
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Septimius Severus, AD 193-211
AE 16, 2.7g
obv. AV KAI CE - CEVHROC
Laureate head r.
rev. NIKOPOLIT - PROC IC
Dionysos, nude, chlamys over l. shoulder, wearing boots, stg. l., resting with raised l. hand on thyrsos and holding in extended r. hand kantharos
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 1377
b) not in Varbanov
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020) 8.14.8.35

Coin #2:
I think I can see on obv. IOVLIA DOM - CEBACTH
but it is not from Nikopolis nor Markianopolis
rev. OVLPIAC CERDIKHC???

Coin #3:
not from Nikopolis
it is not Antoninus Pius, may be Marcus Aurelius or rather Commodus
obv. AV M AVR - [.......]

Coin #4:
Nikopolis ad Istrum, Septimius Severus, AD 193-211
AE 15, 2.7g
obv. AV KAI CE - CEVHROC
Laureate head r. (matching well the portrait!)
rev. NIKOPOLI - PROC IC
Dionysos, nude, without chlamys, resting with raised l. hand on ribboned thyrsos and holding in extended r. hand bunch of grapes
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 1378
b) not in Varbanov
c) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2020) 8.14.8.18

Best regards

 

This terrific thread seems to be the place to go for my new Septimius Severus AE from Nikopolis ad Istrum. It is 2.65 grams / 17 mm and features a kantharos on the reverse.

I could only find two of this type online, one in Wildwinds, the other an Nomos / Obolos Auction (Obolos 16, Lot 443, Oct. 11, 2020). Although the basic laureate head / kantharos are the same, neither one of these match mine in regards to legends (mine is similar, but shorter than the other two, if I am reading things correctly).

Here is mine:


My Example's Legends: AYA CEYHΡOC / NIKOΠOΛIT ΠΡOC IC

Wildwinds Legends: AY KAI CE CEYHΡOC / NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠΡOC ICTΡON

Obolos Legends: AY KAI CΕ CEYHPOC / NIKOΠΟΛITΩΝ ΠΡΟC ICTP

Wildwinds Attribution: Varbanov 2495; Tachella 58 in RN 1903; Obv. legend var of Brunsmid 52 in AMNG Additions (NZ 35).

Nomos / Obolos Attribution: Cf. H&J 8.14.52.1 (rev. legend). Varbanov -

Here's a link to the Nomos / Obolos auction: https://nomosag.com/default.aspx?pa...tionid=16&id=443&p=1&s=&ca=18&type=webauction

Wildwinds Photo:



Nomos / Obolos Photo:





Many thanks!

 

Rest in peace, prof. Hristova!

 

Excuse my ignorance but why do so many of these coins have holes or partial holes in the middle?

 

Prior to striking, the flans were smoothed by turning them on a lathe. The spindle of the lathe made dimples in the flans, which persist after striking.

 

Thanks for that explanation Roman Collector, I'm learning so much form everyone, I can't wait to read this everyday.

 

Really need some help here

This coin was in a lot with several others. It has a note that says "Caracalla, Markianopolis".

It doesn't seem Caracalla to me; I rather think it is Elagabalus - could be from Markianopolis:

AE 16, 2.641 g
Cant read the obverse legend. On the reverse ....POLEITON serpent climbing at center of a tripod altar

 

Looks like Markianopolis. These reverses were common with Elagabalus, but that portrait sure looks like Caracalla.