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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;David Atherton, post: 2756806, member: 82616&quot;]A recent acquisition has one of my absolute favourite provincial reverse types - a Volcano. More specifically, Mt Argaeus (modern Mount Erciyes) depicted on the reverse of a drachm struck under Vespasian in Rome for Cappadocia.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]632619[/ATTACH]<b>Vespasian</b> </p><p>AR Drachm, 3.04g</p><p>Rome mint (for Cappadocia), 73-74 AD</p><p>RPC 1636 (6 spec.)</p><p>Obv: AYTOKPA KAICAP OYЄCΠACIANOC CЄBACTOC; head of Vespasian, laureate, r.</p><p>Rev: ЄYOYC ЄKTOY; Mt Argaeus; on summit, radiate figure standing l., globe in r. hand, sceptre in l. hand</p><p>Ex Bertolami E-Live auction 41, 30 April 2017, lot 259.</p><p><br /></p><p>The mint at Rome struck silver drachms and didrachms for circulation in Cappadocia. They normally can be distinguished from the local issues by style and their 6 o&#039;clock die axis (local is 12 o&#039;clock). Here we have a Rome mint drachm in good style featuring a reverse that would be appealing to the provincials it is intended for. Oddly, the die axis is 12 o&#039;clock. It&#039;s a double die match with Paris 258 (RPC plate coin), I wonder if it too has the incorrect die axis?</p><p><br /></p><p>Strabo described the mountain as such: It&#039;s &#039;the highest of mountains whose peak is constantly covered with snow ...given good visibility, anyone who climbs this mountain - and not many do- are supposed to see both seas, the Pontus and the Issikos&#039;. </p><p><br /></p><p>The above reverse perhaps does not relay the grandeur of the actual peak, possibly being a representation of a cult picture, or agalma, of the mountain - but it&#039;s a fascinating reverse type produced by Roman engravers who may never have laid eyes on the beautiful volcano.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]632620[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>Post your coins depicting Volcanoes, mountains, or anything you feel is relevant.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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