Catalog
| Issuer | Mauretania |
|---|---|
| Year | 11-23 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius (25BC-40AD) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.25 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | CNNM#–, MAA#–, SNG Copenhagen#– |
| Obverse description | Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering | BAΣIΛΣΣA |
| Reverse description | Lion pouncing to right. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | IVB |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (11-23) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2318213720 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver denarius, issued by Mauretania between 11-23 CE, represents the coinage of Cleopatra Selene II, daughter of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony, and wife of King Juba II. Her rule brought a unique blend of Hellenistic and Roman influences to the client kingdom of Mauretania. As a powerful queen with direct ties to both Ptolemaic Egypt and the Roman imperial family, her coinage served as a potent symbol of her authority and the kingdom's semi-autonomous status under Roman suzerainty during the early Imperial period.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic school of Mauretanian coinage under Selene and Juba II often reflects a sophisticated fusion of Alexandrian Hellenistic and contemporary Roman artistic conventions. The obverse likely features a finely rendered portrait of Cleopatra Selene, typically idealized yet bearing recognizable features, possibly adorned with a diadem or veil. The reverse design would commonly incorporate symbols referencing her Ptolemaic heritage, such as a crescent moon, or local Mauretanian emblems, executed with considerable skill and attention to detail.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 3.25-gram silver flan measuring 17 millimeters, this denarius generally exhibits good metallurgical quality consistent with Roman standards. High-points for grading typically include the highest parts of the coiffure, diadem, and facial features on the obverse, and prominent elements of the reverse motif. A well-struck example would display full detail from fresh dies, good centering, and minimal flan imperfections, providing a clear and legible representation of its intricate design and legends, if present.