Catalog
Æ - Epiphanes & Kallinikos
| Issuer | Kingdom of Commagene |
|---|---|
| Year | 60-72 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | ΒΑϹΙΛΕΩϹ ΥΙΟΙ (Translation: Sons of the king) |
| Reverse description | A large Macedonian-style kausia helmet, viewed from the front, occupies the central field, flanked on either side by olive or laurel branches springing from the lower field and curving upward to frame the design within a wreath-like border. The Greek ethnic legend ΚΟΜΜΑΓΗΝΩΝ (of the Commagenians) is disposed around the helmet in the field. A dotted border encircles the entire reverse design. The composition is bold and emblematic, consistent with dynastic bronze coinage of the Commagenian kingdom. |
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| Additional information |
Epiphanes and Kallinikos were the sons of Antiochus IV of Commagene, the last king of that small Armenian-Euphrates buffer state. Their joint issue dates to a period of acute political instability: in 72 AD, the Roman governor of Syria, Caesennius Paetus, accused Antiochus IV of colluding with Parthia, prompting Vespasian to annex Commagene outright. The two princes initially resisted with armed force before surrendering and living out their days as honoured guests — effectively gilded prisoners — in Rome.