I have a URBS ROMA, Mint Mark SMTS Epsilon that has a character on the Wolfs shoulder I am having trouble with. There are several possibilities: (X) on wolf's shoulder theta on wolf's shoulder arrow-head in circle on wolf's shoulder O on wolf's shoulder wreath on wolf's shoulder 8-pointed star on wolf's shoulder I tried to post different angles with different light. Thanks for any help.
I think that those are two 8-pointed stars above the wolf - see image below. Seems to be pretty consistent on these issues (Courtesy VCoins)...
I understand the 2 stars are representations of the Dioscuri. RI URBS ROMA 223-336 CE Romulus Remus She-wolf S R Alexandria mint AE 15mm 1.5g RIC VIII 8 C2 Left Rare RI commem AE Follis Urbs ROMA She-wolf Rom Rem Stars RIC VII Lyons - LUGDUNUM 242 Left RI Commem Urbs Roma AE Follis Thessalonika 330-333 CE She-Wolf Rom-Rem stars S 16516R Left Rome VRBS ROMA commem 330-331 CE Æ reduced centenionalis, 16mm, 2.5g, 12h; Trier mint, CE 330-331 She-wolf RIC VII 529 Left
It looks like a circular object, which is common enough on this Thessalonica issue; though it makes no difference for the RIC number. The example below has a mark that looks similar. What is important for these is the size (pearl ring diameter) and weight. There was a coin reform in 335 and the module size was decreased, but the VRBS ROMA before and after used the same mintmark, so it is sometimes impossible to tell pre from post.
Thanks everyone. I am familiar with the stars above. I was interested in the object on the shoulder. There are several options. And, I also realize that the RIC number is the same for all. From all the feedback I think I can say that the object is a circle with an X in it. Makes it look like a wheel. I have several of similar coins and will have some fun sorting them out. Thanks again.
