I recently added two new bronzes from Antioch: an “As” of Nerva and a “semis” of Domitian. I always enjoy the portrait styles on the Antioch bronzes, generally a much different look than the usual Imperial portraits. First, I picked up this Nerva “As” from the last Naville auction...I love the unusual portrait on this one. Nerva, Antioch, circa 96-98, AE “As” (25.5mm., 14.34g). Laureate head right/ Rev. Large S C; below, Θ ; all within wreath. McAlee 421i. RPC 3487. I thought this was a stronger-looking depiction of Nerva than what is usually seen. He of course still has his prominent nose, but he has a little more meat on him...I think he kind of resembles a cross between Galba and Trajan Decius. I also picked up this nice left-facing “semis” of Domitian. Antioch. Domitian, as Caesar, 69-81. AE 'Semis' (Bronze, 21 mm, 7.26g), DOMITI[ANVS CAE]SAR Laureate head of Domitian to left. Rev. Large S•C within wreath. McAlee 403e. RPC II 2017 Let’s see your bronzes of Nerva and Domitian from Antioch (or any of your other favorite Antioch bronzes you’d like to share).
Nice additions to your collection, @Shea19! That Nerva is particularly interesting in its portraiture. Here's a semis of Domitian. It may well be an obverse die-match to yours. Look at that bull neck! Domitian as Caesar, AD 69-81 Roman provincial Æ semis; 6.93 g, 21.1 mm, 1 h Syria, Seleukis and Pieria, Antiochia ad Orontem, AD 69-81 Obv: DOMITIA-NVS CAESAR, laureate head left Rev: SC within laurel wreath Refs: SGI 872; BMC 20.181, 251; Cohen 746; RPC II 2017; McAlee 403a.
Nice additions, Shea19. I have an Antioch "semis" of Nerva. It is horrible-looking, but I got it out of my local dealer's junk box, so it was affordable. And it's my only Nerva. Nerva Æ Semis (96-98 A.D.) Syria, Seleucis & Pieria Antiochia ad Orontem [IMP C]AES[AR NERVA AVG III COS], laureate head right / S•C within laurel wreath; Γ below. RPC III, 3493; McAlee 422(c); Wruck 128, CRS 186, (7.28 grams / 22 mm)
Shea19, Those are two nice looking bronze coins from Antioch, especially the Domitian as ! A couple of years ago I sold an as of Vespasian that came from the McAlee collection & was pictured in his book, see photo below . Syria, Antioch, Vespasian, AD 69 - 79, AE as: 16.81 gm, 30 mm, 12 h. McAlee 364c, this coin. V. Rare.
Wow RC, I think you're right, looks like an obverse die match. Very similar portraits, and though it's tough to see most of the legend, I think the "M" in "Domitianus" definitely looks the same in both. Great catch!
Very nice new two coins, Shea! I too like that interesting profile on Nerva! Here are my 3 of his from Antioch, all mostly skinny-necked and big, bendy-nosed: Nerva, Ruled 96-98 AD AE27, Syria, Antioch Mint Obverse: IMP CAESAR NERVA AVG III COS, Laureate head of Nerva right. Reverse: Large SC within laurel wreath of eight leaves, I below. References: Butcher 193, McAlee 421(j), BMC 264 Size: 27mm, 15.08g Nerva, Ruled 96-98 AD AE30, Syria, Antioch Mint Obverse: IMP CAESAR NERVA AVG III COS, Laureate head of Nerva right. Reverse: Large SC within laurel wreath of eight leaves, pellet or Θ (or horizontal B?) below. References: RPC III 3487, McAlee 421(i) Size: 30mm, 13.26g Nerva, Ruled 96-98 AD AE27, Syria, Antioch Mint Obverse: IMP CAESAR NERVA AVG III COS, Laureate head of Nerva right. Reverse: Large SC within laurel wreath of eight leaves, pellet or Θ below. References: RPC III 3487, McAlee 421(i) Size: 28mm, 14.93g And this is my favorite Domitian of mine from Antioch: Domitian, 81-96 AD, Antioch, Syria, AE26 Obverse: IMP DOMITIA-NVS CAES AVG, laureate head right. Reverse: Large SC within laurel wreath of eight leaves, fastened with pellet at top. References: RPC 2021 Size: 26mm, 12.7g
