Catalog
| Issuer | Olba |
|---|---|
| Year | 10-13 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | |
| Currency | Denarius (49 BC to AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 14.89 g |
| Diameter | 25.4 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RPC Online I#3724, SNG Copenhagen#188-9, BMC Greek#7-9 |
| Obverse description | Laureate head of Augustus, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering | ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΟΥ |
| Reverse description | Thunderbolt. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΚΕΝΝΑΤΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΛΑΛΑΣΣΕΩΝ, ΑΡΧΙΕΡΕΩΣ ΑΙΑΝΤΟΣ ΤΕΥΚΡΟΥ ΤΟΠΑ(Ρ)ΧΟΥ ΕΤ Α |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (10-13) - Dated year 1 - |
| Numisquare ID | 6895378300 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Æ25 coin, issued by Olba (10-13 AD), falls within the Augustan era, a period of Roman imperial consolidation. Olba, a hierocratic state in Cilicia Tracheia, maintained autonomy as a Roman client kingdom. The coin names its ruler, ΑΡΧΙΕΡΕΩΣ ΑΙΑΝΤΟΣ ΤΕΥΚΡΟΥ ΤΟΠΑΡΧΟΥ (High Priest Aias Teukros, Toparch), highlighting the unique priestly dynasty. The reverse legend ΚΕΝΝΑΤΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΛΑΛΑΣΣΕΩΝ likely refers to a local Koinon, underscoring Olba's regional influence under Augustus's overarching authority.
Artistry: The obverse features a laureated portrait of Augustus, likely derived from official Roman prototypes, but rendered by a local Cilician engraver. Provincial issues often blend Roman iconography with local artistic sensibilities. The reverse depicts an eagle standing left on a thunderbolt, often with a club, symbols associated with Zeus Olbios, the hierocracy's patron deity. The detailed reverse legend provides crucial epigraphic information about the local ruler and political entities.
Technical/Grading: This bronze issue (14.89 gg, 25.4 mmmm) represents a substantial provincial denomination. For optimal grading, key high-points on the obverse include Augustus's hair, ear, and laurel wreath. On the reverse, the eagle's breast, wing feathers, head, thunderbolt, and club are critical. Provincial bronzes frequently exhibit variable strike quality, including minor flan irregularities or slight off-centering, common characteristics for assessing overall condition and eye appeal.