As L AEMI L VAL AED, Q FAB FABVL C IVL ATTIC IV

Historical Context: This bronze As from Tingi (modern Tangier, Mauretania) was issued between 38 and 33 BC, a turbulent period of the late Roman Republic dominated by the Second Triumvirate. The coin’s legends, L AEMI L VAL AED and Q FAB FABVL C IVL ATTIC IV, denote the local quattuorviri who authorized its production. This issue reflects significant Roman administrative presence in Mauretania Tingitana and the civic autonomy granted to provincial centers like Tingi, allowing local coinage for commerce under Roman oversight during political transition.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the coin’s artistry adheres to a provincial Roman stylistic school, blending local execution with established Roman Republican numismatic conventions. The prominent display of the magistrates’ names—Aemius, Valerius, Fabulus, and Atticus—underscores their civic authority in commissioning the coinage. Typical designs for such issues often feature portraits of local deities, allegorical figures, or civic symbols, reflecting both Romanization and local identity.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial bronze flan weighing 10.20 grams and measuring 26.1 millimeters, this As represents a significant denomination for local exchange. Provincial bronzes from this era often exhibit variability in strike quality; common technical considerations include centering, flan evenness, and strike sharpness. High-points for wear typically include any raised features such as portrait elements or intricate details within symbols, which are crucial for assessing the coin’s overall state of preservation.