Thracian Wine & Coins

Classical Bronze Wall Panel statue by Tristan MacDougall 2019

Thrace is where the tragic love story of Orpheus & Eurydice originates - illustrated by the wall panel above. Orpheus, son of Apollo or son of Oeagrus, a king of Thrace, loses his love, Eurydice, to a poisonous snake bite, so he travels to the underworld to rescue her, and succeeds in getting the chance to bring her back from Hades. However, just before re-emerging from the underworld, he slips up and loses her again as he breaks the rules established for her return.

Although it is not a Roman coin, Rome three times intervened to give Thrace its freedom between the reign of Phillip II and the end of the Third Macedonian War (171–168 BC). Here are two coins from this region after the third Macedonian War between Rome and Macedonia.

I enjoyed Edith Schönert-Geiss's qualification of "freedom" after the Macedonian Wars with "as much as one can speak of freedom and independence given the position that Rome had won in the Aegean".

Thrace, Thasos, AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.85g), circa 148-90/80 BC
Obv: Head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath
Rev: HPAKΛEOYΣ / ΣΩTHPOΣ / ΘAΣIΩN, Herakles standing left, holding club and lion skin, monogram to inner left
Ref: SNG Copenhagen 1046-8

This coin from Maroneia, port city north east of Tasos.

Thrace, Maroneia, Æ 26mm, Circa 168-145 BC
Obv: Head of Dionysos to right, wearing ivy-wreath
Rev: ΔIONYΣOY ΣΩTHPOΣ MAPΩNITΩN, Dionysos standing to left holding grape bunch and spears; monogram to lower left
Ref: Schönert-Geiss 1354-1405

Maroneia was known for its good wine and horses - the wine was used by Odysseus to get the Cyclops drunk. A longer set of notes and references for these coins can be found in my notes (Here: Thracian Wine and Coins), along with modern evidence for winemaking in 4300 BCE in this region.

For a reference on the coins of Maroneia: Edith Schönert-Geiss' book Die Münzprägung von Maroneia (Berlin, 1987) is useful and available online.

Post your coins of Thrace, or anything you find interesting or entertaining.

 

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THRACE Cherronesos


THRACE Cherronesos Æ10 1.0g 386-309 BCE Roaring lion head - Star of five rays SNG BM Black Sea 726 SNG Stancomb 463


THRACE Thasos


Thrace Thasos 146-50 BCE Roman provincial or Military mint AR Tet Dionysos Herakles Club Lion skin


THRACE Apollonia Pontika


Apollonia Pontika, Thrace.
AR diobol
1.3g
410/404-341/323 BCE
Obv: Full-face laureate Apollo with short hair.
Rev: Magistrate's initals around the images. Upright anchor with thick flukes and a rectangular stock. The letter A on one side and the additional symbol of a crab viewed from above on the other side between flukes and the stock.
Topalov 56
Ex: @red_spork


THRACE Kingdom


Thrace -Lysimachos AR drachm 305-281 BCE R Alexander head-Ammon horns - rev Lysimachos Athena


THRACE Byzantion


Thrace, Byzantion
AR Half-Siglos,
ca. 340-320 BC
Obv.: Bull standing left on dolphin / ΠY
Rev.: Incuse granulated mill-sail pattern.
Reference: SNG BM Black Sea 21; SNG Copenhagen 476
Comments: Byzantion was an ancient Greek colony that would eventually become Constantinople. According to legend, it was settled by Byzas, king of the Megarans, sometime around 657 BC
Ex: @John Anthony

 

Thasos, Thrace, (146 - 50 B.C.)
AR Tetradrachm
O: Young head of Dionysos wearing wreath of leaves and grapes and band across forehead.
R: ΗΡΑΚΛΕΟΥΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΘΑΣΙΩΝ, Hercules naked standing left holding club, lion skin draped over arm; monogram.
33mm
16.1g
SNG Copenhagen 1040; SG-1759; SNG Ashmolean 3689; Le Rider, Thasos 51


Thrace, Chersonesos (386 - 338 B.C.)
AR Hemidrachm
O:Forepart of lion right, head reverted.
R: Quadripartite incuse square with alternating raised and sunken quarters; pellet to left of VE monogram and pentagram above pellet in opposite sunken quarters.
13mm
2.4g
BMC 43; McClean –; Weber 2422; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG Dreer 115.


Septimius Severus(193 - 211 A.D)
Æ 27
Anchialus, Thrace.
O: AY K L CEP CEYHROC PE, laureate, draped bust right.
R: HG CT BABHAROY AGXIALEWN, Hygieia standing right, feeding serpent in arms, facing Asklepios standing left, resting on serpent-entwined staff.
12.77g
27mm
Moushmov 2807; Varbanov 176 AMNG II 458

 

My newest coin from Thrace is this Gordian - probably my favorite provincial



Thrace. Hadrianopolis. Gordian III AD 238-244.
Bronze Æ
16 mm, 2,32 g
AYT K M ANT ΓOΡΔIANOC AV, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right / AΔΡIANOΠOΛEITΩN, ostrich walking right
Varbanov 3833; RPC VII.2, — (unassigned; ID 67356); Jurukova, Hadrianopolis 676; Moushmov 2630A

 

Interesting and educational write-up, @Sulla80! I don't have any Greek coins of Thrace, but I do have several issued under Roman hegemony. Alphabetically, by city, here are a few.

Anchialus

Gordian III, AD 238-244.
Roman provincial Æ Pentassarion, 13.30 g, 27.1 mm, 7 h.
Thrace, Anchialus, AD 238-244.
Obv: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC ΑVΓ, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: ΟVΛΠΙΑΝWΝ ΑΓΧΙΑΛΕWΝ, Nude athlete standing facing, head right, holding palm branch and wreath.
Refs: AMNG II, 632.3, p. 276; Mionnet Suppl. 2, 136; RPC VII.2, — (unassigned; ID 48982); Corpus Nummorum Thracorum cn.anchialus.4915.​

Augusta Traiana

Lucius Verus, AD 161-169.
Roman Provincial Æ assarion, 4.23 g, 18 mm.
Thrace, Augusta Traiana, AD 161-169.
Obv: ΑV ΚΑΙ Λ ΑV-ΡΗ ΟVΗΡΟϹ, bare head, right.
Rev: ΑV-Γ-ΟV-ϹΤΗϹ | ΤΡΑΙΑΝΗϹ, three nymphs, stolate, standing facing, arms draped on each other's shoulders and holding unknown objects (thymiatera? tripods?) at sides.
Refs: RPC IV 10343 (temporary); Schonert-Geiss 89; Varbanov II 909; Moushmov (1912) --; Moushmov Online 2987A; Staal, pl. 2, fig. 12.​

Bizya

Otacilia Severa, AD 244-249.
Thrace, Bizya Æ 23.5 mm, 6.89 gm, 7 h.
Obv: M WTAKEIΛIA CEBHPA CEB, diademed and draped bust, right.
Rev: ΒΙΖVΗΝΩΝ, Artemis Phosphoros standing right, holding arrow and torch; stag at her feet.
Refs: Tachev, Bizija 5 (this coin); Moushmov 3514; Sear GIC 3991; Varbanov 1592; Lindgren II 759; Jurukova 147; Mionnet Suppl 2, 193; RPC VIII, (unassigned; ID 48718); CN 3897; Milano IV/3 --; BMC Thrace --; SNG Tubingen --; SNG Copenhagen --;Wiczay --.
Notes: Double die-match to RPC specimen and to Lindgren II 759.​

Hadrianopolis

Caracalla, AD 198-217.
Roman provincial AE 17.1 mm, 3.44 g, 12 h.
Thrace, Hadrianopolis, AD 198-217.
Obv: AVT K M AVP CE ANTΩNEINOC, laureate head, right.
Rev: AΔΡIANOΠOΛEITΩN, Nude Eros in attitude of Thanatos standing right, left leg crossed over right, leaning with right hand and left elbow on inverted lit torch.
Refs: Varbanov 3526; Jurukova, Hadrianople 390.2; CN 5217; Moushmov 2615; cf. SNG Cop 271.
Notes: Reverse die match to CN 5217 specimen (Nacionalen Arheologičeski Institut s Muzej, Sofia, no. 1566).​

Mesembria

Gordian III and Tranquillina.
Roman provincial AE 25.8 mm, 11.44 g.
Thrace, Mesembria, AD 241.
Obv: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC ΑVΓ CΕΒ-ΤΡΑΝΚVΛΛΙΝ[Α], laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian and draped bust of Tranquillina, wearing stephane, confronted.
Rev: ΜΕCΑΜΒΡΙΑΝΩΝ, Apollo in long robe, standing left, holding plectrum in outstretched right hand and resting left on lyre set on column.
Refs: Moushmov 3998; Varbanov 4175-4176.​

Pautalia

Caracalla, AD 198-217.
Roman Provincial tetrassarion, 14.78 g, 29.6 mm, 1 h.
Thrace, Pautalia, c. AD 198-205.
Obv: AVT K M AVP ANTΩNEINOC, beardless, laureate head of Caracalla, right.
Rev: OYΛΠIAC ΠAV | TAΛIAC. Asklepios cradling serpent-entwined staff, reclining left, head right, on winged, coiled, and bearded Glykon flying right.
Refs: BMC 3.145,34; Ruzicka 612; Varbanov II 5008; Moushmov 4235, Mionnet Suppl. 2, p. 384, 1084; Vaillant n. Gr. 1074. ​

Perinthus

Julia Domna, AD 193-217.
Roman provincial AE diassarion, 10.69 gm, 25.3 mm, 7 h.
Thrace, Perinthus, AD 196-211.
Obv: ΙΟVΛΙΑ ΑVΓΟVϹΤΑ, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: ΠΕΡΙΝΘΙΩΝ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ, Homonoia standing facing, head left, holding patera and cornucopia.
Refs: Varbanov 219; Moushmov 4530; Schönert-Geiß 540; CN 2877.
Notes: Obverse die-match to CN 2877 (BnF) specimen.​

Philippopolis

Septimius Severus, AD 193-211.
Roman Provincial Æ (diassarion?) 17.7 mm; 4.06 g.
Thrace, Philippopolis.
Obv: ΑV Κ Λ CΕVΗΡΟC, laureate and draped bust right.
Rev: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛΕΙΤ-ΩΝ, lion walking left; ox's head before.
Refs: Moushmov 5274 var. (lion walking right); Varbanov 1305.​

 

Here are 2 coins from Thasos, both showing satyrs


Diobol AR
13 mm, 1,08 g
THRACIA. Thasos. .
Ca. 500-480 v. Chr. Av.: Ityphallic satyr on his knee to the right. Rev .: Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider 4, SNG Cop 191-194 (Lete), HGC 6, 333.




Islands off Thrace. Thasos circa 404-340 BC.
Obol AR
10 mm, 0,73 g
Satyr kneeling left, holding kantharos / ΘAΣIΩN, amphora. Le Rider, Thasos 27; SNG Copenhagen 1029.

 

Sulla, Interesting article & excellent coins . I love that wall plaque ! The Thasos tetradrachms were heavily imitated by the Eastern Celtic tribes in an abstract style that is sometimes grotesque . I wonder if they were over-indulging in Maroneian wine ...

 

A nice Thracian collection @Alegandron!

@Mat also a nice mix and the addition of a town that was small BCE and thrived under the Roman Empire.

it is always impressive in a CT pile-on, how quickly the map can be covered. I'll throw in an Abdera:


(map - derived from Corpus Nummorum map)

and from @ambr0zie to @Roman Collector ~7 centuries covered as well.

nice add from a creative Celtic engraver (possibly inspired by Maroneian wine)

 

Holy Homonoia! I forgot Deultum!


Julia Mamaea, AD 222-235.
Roman provincial Æ 23.4 mm, 9.73 g.
Thrace, Deultum, AD 222-235.
Obv: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, diademed and draped bust right.
Rev: COL FL PAC DEVLT, Homonoia standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae.
Refs: Varbanov 2337; Moushmov 2623; Jurukova 164; CN 7165; SNG Bobokov 535.

 

Here are 2 other cities that were not shown in this tread.
Another one of my favorite coins

Thrace, Sestos
16 mm 3.8 g
ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑ-ΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ, laureate head of Domitian, right / ϹΗϹΤΙWΝ, lyre
RPC II, 359, SNG Cop 948, Moushmov 5542, Mionnet 93, BMC 16

The very first coin I bought individually in an auction as I liked the portrait a lot


Thrace, Trajanopolis
AVT K M AVΡ ANTΩNINOC, laureate head right / TΡAIANOΠOΛEITΩN, flaming altar. Moushmov 5026; Varbanov 2767 var (bust type).

 

THRACE


Philippolis

RProv AE18mm 4.3g Elagabalus CE 218-222 Thrace Philippolis Snake tripod Moushmov 5423


Pantikapaion

Thrace Pantikapaion 4th C BC, AE 20 Pan head - Griffin forepart BMC 869


Perinthus

RProv Claudia Octavia Augusta AE 27 7.6g 54-62 CE m Nero Thrace Perinthus Hera Samos RPC 1755


Deultum

RI Prv Thrace Deultum Tranquillina 241-244 CE Æ 22mm 6.6 g Hermes purse caduceus SNG Bulgaria 1504-8


Maroneia

Thrace Maroneia 146 BC Dionysos AE 17 Grapes Narthex

 

Another THRACE City:

Nikopolis / Nicopolis ad Istrum


RI Diadumenian 217-218 AE26 Nikopolis-Nicopolis ad Istrum Homonoia stdg

 

Cool Dionysos coins Sulla!
Here are a few of my Thracian sensations:

 

You're getting Nicopolis ad Istrum in Moesia Inferior confused with Nicopolis ad Nestum, which is in Thrace.

 

You are correct! Thanks.

 

Thrace. Domitian as Caesar under Titus, AD 69-81. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 24.78g, 6h). Latin legend, Uncertain mint in Thrace. Struck AD 80-81. Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Laureate head right. Rev: [PAX] AVGVST; Pax standing, head left, holding olive branch and cornucopia, large S-C across fields. Ref: RIC II 507 (Titus, Eastern mint in Thrace); RPC II 504; BMC 315 note.

 

Elaios Thrace Ae (ca. 330-280 BC)

Obv: Prow right
Rev: EΛAI within wreath
17mm, 5.6gms

 

A little bit of the fruit of the vine.
Maroneia Ar Double Siglos 386-347 BC Obv, Free horse galloping right Rv Grape vine with four clusters all within linear square. HGC 1533 11.00 grms 21 mm Photo by W. Hansen Maroneia appears to advertise its wine culture through most of its numismatic history. It is interesting that this city would adopt the same standard that was used in the Persian Empire that of the siglos. It is likely that this city had a stronger connection to some regions to the east eg Pamphylia or Cilicia which used a similar standard, than it did to the south.

 

You almost stumped me with Septimius riding a squid?.... Septimius Severus Pautalia AE Tetrassarion, Thrace, Aesculapius riding winged serpent right with serpent-entwined staff.
Quite the collection!

• Chersonesos- hemidrachm
  
• Chersonesos - roaring Lion
• Thasos obol - 2 dolphins
• Mesembria AE "Corinthian helmet & wheel"
• Thasos satyr 1/8 stater? diobol?
• Islands off Thrace, Thasos Trihemiobol, satyr, kylix, Amphora
  
• Abdera griffin
• Byzantium - bull on dolphin/incuse drachm?
• Kings of Thrace, Rhoemetalkes I + Augustus

a stunning coin as always, and thanks for the comment on weight standard!

Thanks @Brian Bucklan, that ticks off another Thracian city.

@Edessa, I'm far from certain, could your coin be Titus RIC 288 (Rome mint?)

I do like these amphora coins of Thasos.

and the map continues to fill out: