One of the benefits of collecting Roman provincial coinage is the travelogue-like nature of the research. My latest stop in this numismatic journey is the beautiful Jordanian city of Gadara. The view of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights from it's centre is quite breathtaking. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ17, 4.59g Gadara mint, 71-72 AD Obv: ΤΙΤΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ; Head of Titus, laureate, r. Rev: ΓΑΔΑΡΑΕΩΝ L ΕΛΡ; Two crossed cornucopias RPC 2094 (1 spec.). Acquired from David Hendin, eBay, May 2021. Gadara was a member of the Greek Decaopolis city league. During ther Jewish War the Greek inhabitants opened the city gates and tore down part of the wall for Vespasian in a show of allegiance with Rome. It produced a fleeting issue of small bronze coinage under Vespasian, most of which were stuck for Titus Caesar. This somewhat rare crossed cornucopiae type dated civic year 135 was struck in 71-72. The coin's crude style hints that the mint was a temporary affair, likely contracted out to local tradesmen. Thank you for looking!
Nice write-up, scenic photo, and coin, @David Atherton! I have a Titus/Tyche coin from Gadara: Gadara, Decapolis. Titus as Caesar (69-79 AD). AE (17 mm, 4.10 g, 12 h). TITOΣ KAIΣAP; Laureate head of Titus right / Turreted, veiled and draped bust of Tyche right; to left, ΓΑΔΑPA (Gadara); to right, date: L ZΛP (year 137 = 73/4 AD). Spijkerman 29.
