Catalog
| Issuer | Hippo Regius |
|---|---|
| Year | 20-21 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | As (1⁄16) |
| Currency | Denarius (49 BC to AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 7.58 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RPC Online I#713, MAA#124, Müller SBZ#378, APT#20 |
| Obverse description | Bare head of Tiberius, right; in field, simpulum and lituus. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | TI CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTI F AVGVSTVS |
| Reverse description | Bare head of Apronius. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | L APRONIVS HIPPONE LIBERA |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (20-21) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1244989700 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This bronze As, issued by Hippo Regius in 20-21 AD, exemplifies the balance between imperial authority and local autonomy under Emperor Tiberius. L. Apronius, Proconsul of Africa, authorized this coinage. "HIPPONE LIBERA" proudly signifies Hippo Regius's status as a free city, a privilege enabling it to strike its own bronze currency. Vital for commerce, this coinage underscored the city's civic identity within Roman North Africa, reflecting integration yet retaining self-governance.
Artistry: The artistic style of this As is typical of Roman provincial coinage from North Africa. Adhering to imperial iconography, like a laureate Tiberius portrait, local workshop execution often yielded a more robust or stylized interpretation than metropolitan Roman issues. The reverse usually features the legend L APRONIVS PROCOS or HIPPONE LIBERA, accompanied by a civic emblem or a deity like Venus or Ceres, symbolizing local prosperity or cults. The unnamed engraver conveyed imperial presence and local pride.
Technical/Grading: This 7.58g, 25mm bronze As typically exhibits provincial manufacturing qualities. High-points for wear are the emperor's hair/nose, and reverse figure details/legend. Strike quality often varies, leading to areas of flatness, particularly on the periphery. Irregular flans, minor die cracks, and off-centering are common. Bronze fabric preservation is a key grading factor, influencing legend legibility and design sharpness.