Catalogo
| Emittente | Hippo Regius |
|---|---|
| Anno | 20-21 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | As (1⁄16) |
| Valuta | Denarius (49 BC to AD 215) |
| Composizione | Bronze |
| Peso | 7.58 g |
| Diametro | 25 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | RPC Online I#713, MAA#124, Müller SBZ#378, APT#20 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Bare head of Tiberius, right; in field, simpulum and lituus. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto | TI CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTI F AVGVSTVS |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Bare head of Apronius. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio | L APRONIVS HIPPONE LIBERA |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (20-21) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1244989700 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
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.