RPC III, 4981

 

Image of specimen #2

 

Coin type
Volume III
Number 4981
Province Egypt
Region Egypt
City Alexandria
Reign Trajan
Person (obv.) Trajan (Augustus)
Issue Uncertain year (only unpublished designs included)
Obverse inscription [ ]
Obverse design uncertain laureate bust of Trajan, right
Reverse inscription [ ]
Reverse design temple with four columns enclosing figure standing facing, holding sceptre and parazonium (?); foot on helmet (?)
Metal copper-based alloy
Average diameter 34 mm
Axis 12
Specimens 3 (1 in the core collections)
Note The inscription cannot be read with certainty but ΡⲰΜΗ seems very likely. There seems to be a second word, as what looks like an H is visible at 5 o’clock (as EYTYXHΣ = Roma felix); there may also perhaps be some letters in the exergue. The figure seems to be that of Roma, as can be found on the Roman coinage of Trajan; although the similar depiction of Virtus on the Roman coins is closer (Roma usually has a victoriola). Thanks to B. Woytek for discussion. Keith Emmett (in litt.) points out that the presence of an inscription may suggest a nome coin, and the figure is not unlike (but not the same as) that of the Sebennyte nome.

Specimens of this coin type

Number Number Museum Bibliography
1 1     NY: 1944.100.56215
2 2     ✸ DS
3 3     DS7252 = Naville Numismatics 79, 12 Feb. 2023, lot 299