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Æ17 - Septimius Severus ΑΦΡΟΔΕΙϹΙΕΩΝ
| Issuer | Aphrodisias (Conventus of Alabanda) |
|---|---|
| Year | 193-211 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | 17 mm |
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| Reverse description | Nude figure of Harpocrates standing facing, head turned to the left, wearing the Egyptian skhent (double crown), raising the index finger of his right hand to his lips in his characteristic gesture of silence, and holding a cornucopia in his left arm. The composition is typical of Alexandrian-influenced provincial bronzes, with the deity's attributes clearly identifying his syncretic Egyptian-Greek nature. The ethnic legend ΑΦΡΟΔΕΙϹΙΕΩΝ curves around the reverse field. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Aphrodisias was an unusual city in the Roman provincial system — its close identification with the goddess Aphrodite, and by extension Venus, made it a particular favorite of Roman rulers seeking divine legitimacy. Septimius Severus, who came to power through civil war in 193 AD, had strong motivation to cultivate relationships with cities whose religious prestige could reinforce his contested claim. Local bronze issues like this one were produced entirely at civic expense, with the city controlling type selection and timing.
The Conventus of Alabanda was one of the judicial districts of the province of Asia, and Aphrodisias sat within it as a notably privileged city — holding free city status, which exempted it from direct Roman taxation.