Catalog
| Issuer | Adana (Cilicia) |
|---|---|
| Year | 164 BC - 27 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 12.8 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Levante Adana#8-14 Levante#1201-1202 , BMC Greek#1 , SNG von Aulock#5434 |
| Obverse description | Veiled bust of Demeter to right; behind, eagle standing left, head to right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding Nike and leaning on a sceptre. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΑΔΑΝΕΩΝ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (164 BC - 27 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 7181727880 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This substantial Æ issue from Adana, a prominent Cilician city, dates from 164 BC to 27 BC. This transformative late Hellenistic and early Roman provincial period saw Adana, strategically located, navigate Seleucid decline, Roman ascendancy, and regional piracy. This broad dating reflects sustained municipal autonomy in issuing bronze coinage, affirming its economic importance and civic identity amidst shifting hegemonies. These issues provided essential local currency, symbolizing the city's self-governance before Roman provincial integration.
Artistry: Engravers for municipal bronzes of this era are typically anonymous. The coin exhibits late Hellenistic provincial artistry, emphasizing local cults and civic pride. Common obverse types for Cilician