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Cistophorus - Hadrian COS III, Smyrna
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint, Smyrna |
|---|---|
| Year | 128-138 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Hammered |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Two Nemeses standing facing one another (vis-à-vis) in the field, each grasping a fold of her drapery in one hand; the left Nemesis holds a bridle in her other hand, whilst the right Nemesis holds a rule or cubit. The paired goddesses symbolise divine retribution and just measure, iconography particularly appropriate to the Smyrnaean mint. The abbreviated Latin legend COS III appears in the field, referencing Hadrian's third consulship. |
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| Additional information |
Cistophori were not standard Roman silver coinage — they were a regional currency with roots in the Attalid kingdom of Pergamon, retained by Rome for use in Asia Minor precisely because the local population trusted them. Hadrian's cistophoric issues from Smyrna coincide with his extended tour of the eastern provinces beginning in 128 AD, during which he visited the city personally and granted it significant civic honors, reportedly calling it the most beautiful city in Asia.
The COS III designation places this firmly after 119 AD. Smyrna was one of only a handful of cities privileged to strike imperial cistophori, a status reflecting its administrative and commercial weight in the province of Asia.