Æ22 COSSVRA

Historical Context: This Æ22 coin was issued by Cossura (modern Pantelleria), a strategically important island situated between Sicily and Tunisia, during the tumultuous Late Roman Republic period (50 BC - 1 BC). This era witnessed the profound transition from the Roman Republic to the Principate, marked by intense civil wars and political realignment. While Rome’s central mints produced imperial coinage, Cossura, likely operating as a self-governing entity or *civitas stipendiaria* under Roman provincial administration, maintained the right to strike local bronze issues. These coins served essential daily economic functions for the island's inhabitants, reflecting a degree of local autonomy and identity within the broader Roman sphere.

Artistry: The artistry of this Cossuran Æ22 aligns with the broader Graeco-Roman provincial stylistic school prevalent in the Mediterranean periphery. While no specific engraver is attributed, typical for such local issues, the design would have been executed by local craftsmen. These artisans often interpreted Hellenistic and emerging Roman aesthetic conventions with a distinctive, sometimes rustic, regional flair. The obverse or reverse would prominently feature the name "COSSVRA," likely accompanied by local deities, agricultural symbols significant to the island's economy, or perhaps a personification of the island itself, blending local heritage with Roman influence.

Technical/Grading: This bronze Æ22, weighing 6.3 grams and measuring 22 millimeters, would be technically evaluated based on its strike quality and preservation. Key high-points, such as fine details on any depicted busts, drapery folds, or intricate elements of symbolic designs, are critical indicators of wear and strike strength. Provincial bronze coinage often exhibits variability in strike consistency; examples with strong, even strikes, well-centered designs, and clear legends are highly prized. Common technical issues can include off-center strikes, areas of weakness due to insufficient striking pressure, or minor flan irregularities typical of local minting practices.