Since I had a few e-bucks available, I searched for a coin that would fit that 'budget' and came across this nice, attractive example of Trajan. It's also referred to as a bronze semis (AE-19?) and was meant for circulation within the geographical area of Antioch, Syria----and apparently a bit 'scarce'. Basically, it's 5.03 grams and 19.8 mm and has a wonderful toning and is well struck and centered. Obverse: Laureate head right AYTOKP KAIC NEP TPAIA NOC CEB REPM Reverse: Veiled, turreted and draped head of Tyche right KOINON CYPIAC REF: Mcalee 500; Butcher 409 EDIT: Struck in Rome for use in Syria
Interesting coin. Clearly the emission of a provincial mint. I assume it's Antioch? I also have a little bronze of Trajan's meant for circulation in Syria, but these were struck in Rome, with Roman style and Latin inscriptions...
Now this is interesting JA...... My example is stated as being struck in Rome for use in Syria, but obviously is inscribed solely in Greek.
There's nothing about your coin that looks like it was a Roman emission. Perhaps someone confused it with the type I posted.
http://www.acsearch.info/search.htm...s=1¤cy=usd&thesaurus=1&order=0&company= But here's an example that appears to be the same and minted in Rome for use in Syria---unless I'm mistaken and I've been known to be VERY wrong before LOL Anyone have any further opinions??
Of course, I could be wrong also, but on style alone, there is nothing Roman about those coins. If some scholar has assigned them to the Rome mint, I'd like to know exactly why.
Me too !! Well, I just inquired of Roma-Mater regarding this attribution and precisely how they made their determination-----no answer so far.
@John Anthony----The seller sent me a very poor copy of a photo-copy via e-bay message. As expected, it's a page from Mcalee's detailing her determination (or rationale) for mint striking...but it's mostly illegible and can't be magnified. So, if you're still curious, I'll PM you the info when a copy arrives in the mail.
