Inquiry about coin graffiti

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by roman99, Jun 28, 2021.

  1. roman99

    roman99 Well-Known Member

    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
     

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  3. Stephen Brandt

    Stephen Brandt New Member

    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
     
  4. Bill G.

    Bill G. Member

    It means 'Thirteen." :>)
     
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  5. Orielensis

    Orielensis Well-Known Member

    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:
    Römische Republik – RRC 394:1a, Denar, C. Postumius, Diana und Hund (neu).png
    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.
     
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  6. Roma

    Roma Active Member

    Thank you! I didn’t know the university of Heidelberg project.
     
  7. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    Not sure if that is correct. Probly: "tredecim"
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2021
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  8. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    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” ). :D :D :D

    [​IMG]
    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
     
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  9. roman99

    roman99 Well-Known Member

    Yes I know that, I mean whats the significance of 13?
     
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