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Æ - Augustus ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ, L ΛΗ
| Issuer | Alexandria (Egypt) |
|---|---|
| Year | 8-9 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Hammered |
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| Obverse description | A six-pointed or eight-pointed star occupies the central field, rendered in low relief consistent with Alexandrian provincial bronze coinage of the Augustan period. The flan is irregular and the surfaces show heavy encrustation and patination typical of Egyptian provenance. The star motif was a recurring celestial symbol employed on the small-denomination bronze issues struck at Alexandria under Augustus. The overall design is simple and emblematic, with no surrounding legend on this face. |
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| Reverse description | The reverse carries a two-line Greek inscription arranged within the field, giving the imperial title and the regnal year in the Alexandrian dating system. The legend reads ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ (of Augustus) accompanied by the date formula L ΛΗ (year 38), corresponding to the 38th year of Augustus's reign as reckoned from 27 BC, equating to 8–9 AD. The layout is typical of Alexandrian bronze obols and dichalka of this period, where the date serves as the principal reverse type. The surfaces are heavily corroded with green and red patination, rendering fine details indistinct. |
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| Additional information |
Year 38 of Augustus's reign as reckoned by the Alexandrian calendar places this issue in 8–9 AD, just five years before his death. The provincial bronze coinage of Roman Egypt operated under a closed currency system — foreign coins could not legally circulate there, forcing all commerce through locally issued pieces controlled by the prefect. At 0.95g, this example sits at the very low end of the weight range for the type, suggesting either a worn flan or a poorly controlled striking.