I noticed this interesting and reasonably priced Tetradrachm offered on Forum and decided to go for it. It mentions a probable striking by a Roman provincial or military mint and copies or continues similar issues of the area---although it's also noted that several 'imitatives' were issued by various tribal groups as well. Originally, these 'Thasian' issues were stuck locally 168-148 BC and this example was 'probably' struck under Roman authority circa 148-80 BC. And, in my opinion, the terrific reverse of Hercules offsets the rather disappointingly worn bust of Dionysos. This capture nicely complements the other Macedonian or 'Under Roman Rule' bronze and silver issues I have been able to add to my collection---and now an attractive TET of almost 31 mm to keep them company. Naturally, While I fully accept attribution by Dr. Prokopov, I'm wondering whether it is possible to specifically confirm that this Tet was struck at the time of Roman domination? Perhaps it is a stylistic variation that is the determining factor? Or is the legend and monogram a clue? In any case, unless it was already lost and buried, it certainly continued to circulate during those times of 'Macedonia Under Roman Rule' and the devices are decidedly 'Greek' and not Roman. The 'fact' that it may have been one of the very first stuck under Roman authority is kind of cool..... I'd appreciate any further comments or clarifications anyone may be able to offer. Of course, please post any coin you may feel is in anyway relevant AR tetradrachm, Roman provincial or military mint, struck circa 148- 80 BC. Prokopov Thasos Group XXVIII 1635; SNG COP 1040 ff, 16.77 grams, 30.7 mm. Head of Dionysos right, wearing taenia (head ornament) wreathed in flowering ivy. Hercules standing half left, nude but for Nemean lion skin on left arm, resting right hand on grounded club before him, left on hip. MH monogram inner left.
I was looking on FORUM at this Tet too, thinking that it was different being a "Thasos" style Tet minted as a Roman coin. Nice capture @Mikey Zee !
@Mikey Zee Other than what looks like a weak strike on the obverse, this is a very nice coin. The reverse is very well struck. Really, the only thing wrong with this coin is that I didn't see it first.
an interesting tet MZ, one of the general type is high on my hit list as they seem to be affordable. nice lookin' coin, especially the reverse!
I have a Thasos, but not sure if mine is a Roman Military mint issue... Thasos, Thrace, (146 - 50 B.C.) AR Tetradrachm 33mm, 16.1g Obv: Young head of Dionysos wearing wreath of leaves and grapes and band across forehead. Rev: ΗΡΑΚΛΕΟΥΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΘΑΣΙΩΝ, Hercules naked standing left holding club, lion skin draped over arm; monogram. Ref: SNG Copenhagen 1040; SG-1759; SNG Ashmolean 3689; Le Rider, Thasos 51Thasos
That's a cool example!!! I'm still puzzled how they can tell one apart from the other---besides an attribution by an expert Well, we all know Forum's seller photos are not that great and their coins, especially silver, are also far, far better in hand...at last I hope so and the obverse is a bit more strongly detailed---but I have to wait until Monday for that since it is still listed as 'out for delivery'.
I understand they were prolific in mintage for many years, and a lot of silver was there. I see no reason that a Roman Military mint could not have absconded with a bunch of silver and pounded out duplicate Tets there and used them as pay!
Nice coin Mikey. Wish I could help with your questions but my knowledge of Roman provincial coins is weak. Congrats.
I also have a Thasos tetradrachm, the same issue as @Alegandron. It was sold to me as a Greek coin, but how do I tell if it was a Roman military mint? Thasos, Thrace, 2nd-1st century BC AR tetradrachm 16.71gm - 33 mm
That's been my question from the OP.....and I'm still just as confused now after all my attempts at 'research'...I guess some stylistic characteristic that only an expert like Prokopov would recognize??? Now that I have mine in hand, I notice how strongly the reverse has been struck resulting in a deep strike and a concave shape, (apparently the initial strike?) resulting in a weaker obverse impression, although better than my photo suggests. Your post seems to exhibit a similar 'cup-shape', yet the obverse is far more detailed and far more uniformly struck.
@Mikey Zee, your observations are correct. The reverse of my coin is slightly "cup-shaped," with clear details and a flat strike. The obverse is far more detailed and the head is raised quite a bit off the flan. I just assumed that it was hit so hard on the reverse, that it pushed the obverse design outward.
Mine is "wavy". I think I read that the way they were struck, it was not unusual for wavy or cupped shaped issues. Now, if we can figure out eh Military aspect. All three of us have an "M" on the obv... must stand for Montana or something.
Congrats on snaggin' a great new coin, Mikey-Z ... sadly, I don't have an example "yet" (man, I need more coin-cash!!)
