Hi, I recently purchased my first ancient gold, a Justinian I Solidus, and I realized that there appears to be graffiti at 5 o'clock on the reverse, it seems to be "XIII" does anyone know the meaning of this graffiti? Thanks. SB139
yup grafitti quite common, worse one i have is a 1787 CT cent with heavy x's on both surfaces, probably from some bratty kid who got his as tanned later
This is a very nice coin! The obvious interpretation of this graffiti would be a numeral, but I don't know enough about this issue to give a qualified opinion. A larger research project on graffiti on Roman gold coins is currently happening at the University of Heidelberg, Germany (see here) – this might be the research you are looking for. My most interesting Roman graffito likely is a name, perhaps an abbreviated form of Mabienus: Roman Republic, moneyer C. Postumius, AR denarius, 74 BC, Rome mint. Obv: Bust of Diana r., draped, with bow and quiver over shoulder. Rev: C. POSTVMI AT/TA (ligated); hound running r.; below, spear (with graffiti: MABIEN). 18mm, 3.85g. Ref: RRC 394/1a.
I believe the B is a Bankers Mark. However, I like to think it is graffito of my namesake from these times as “Brianus the Bold” (I think that is better than “ @Ryro the Revolting” ). RImp Marc Antony 32-31 BCE AR Denarius Legio X Equestris - Caesar Denarius B bankers mark Eagle Galley Standards From WIKIPEDIA: Legio X Fretensis (of the sea strait), also known as X Equestris (Mounted): before 58 BC–45 BC, Julius Caesar's personal legion