For some time I have seen AE coins, mostly by Trajan but recently by Hadrian, described as “Rome mint for circulation in Syria”. I’ve never really looked at the coins closely but wonder: 1. What distinguishes them from other Rome mint AE? 2. Only done for Syria? If so, why? 3. Other emperors besides Trajan and Hadrian? Thanks and post your examples.
The Romans minted provincial coinage, different in design from imperial coinage. We can tell the coinage is from Syria by mintmarks being stated, usually on the bottom of the reverse, or sometimes even context clues from coin design.
There is a large Flavian aes issue likely struck in Rome for circulation in Syria. The alternative theory is that the dies were engraved in Rome and then sent to Syria for striking. Either way, the coins are 'Rome' in style.
Some sources state this was struck in Rome for use in Syria, some that it was struck in Antioch. Trajan. A.D. 98-117. Roman orichalcum as, 8.49 g, 23.5 mm, 6 h. Struck in Rome for circulation in Syria (?); Struck in Antioch (?), AD 115/16. Obv: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GERM, radiate and draped bust right; c/m: bucranium within incuse punch. Rev: DAC PARTHICO P M TR POT XX COS VI P P around laurel wreath enclosing large SC. Refs: RIC 647; BMCRE 1094; Cohen 123; RCV 3243; Woytek 937v; McAlee 509; Strack 479; BN 953-5. For c/m: Pangerl 63; Howgego 294.
