Æ17

Historical Context: This Æ17 coin from Panormus (modern Palermo) dates to a tumultuous period in Roman history, 44-36 BC, following Julius Caesar's assassination and during the rise of the Second Triumvirate. Sicily, a vital grain source, was embroiled in civil wars, particularly under Sextus Pompey's control, who challenged Octavian and Antony. Panormus, a strategically crucial port, would have experienced significant political and military upheaval, with its coinage reflecting local administration within the broader Roman sphere of influence.

Artistry: While specific engravers are unrecorded for most provincial issues of this era, the coin's design would typically adhere to a Graeco-Roman provincial stylistic school. Common motifs for Sicilian bronzes include local deities like Demeter or Persephone, symbols of fertility and agriculture, or Roman imperial allegories, often rendered with a blend of Hellenistic artistic tradition and Roman pragmatic iconography. The 17mm flan size necessitates concise imagery, designed for immediate recognition rather than intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 4.24 grams and measuring 17 millimeters, this bronze issue is prone to common provincial striking characteristics. High-points for wear or strike quality typically include prominent facial features, hair details, or drapery folds on the obverse, and central elements of the reverse design. Well-preserved examples exhibit a full strike, good centering, and minimal die wear, which are often challenging to find given the nature of bronze production during this era, where weaker strikes and off-center flans were frequent.