Hexassarion - Gordian III ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ, Γ Β, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ, Anazarbus

Emitent Anazarbus
Rok 242-243
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nominał Hexassarion (0.6)
Waluta Drachm
Skład Bronze
Waga
Średnica
Grubość
Kształt Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientacja Variable alignment ↺
Rytownik(zy)
W obiegu do
Źródło(a) RPC Online VII.2#3185, SNG Leipzig 6#700-5
Opis awersu Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, right, seen from front.
Pismo awersu Greek
Legenda awersu ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤωΝΙΟϹ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ(Β)
(Translation: Imperator Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus Augustus)
Opis rewersu Male figure with pointed hat seated left, on rock, head right, holding fish trap (?).
Pismo rewersu Greek
Legenda rewersu ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ, Γ Β, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ
Krawędź
Mennica
Nakład ND (242-243) - Year ΑΞϹ = 261 -
ID Numisquare 1413237310
Dodatkowe informacje

Historical Context: This Hexassarion, struck in Anazarbus during Gordian III's reign (238-244 AD), exemplifies provincial coinage of the mid-third century Roman Empire. Anazarbus, a prominent Cilician city, proudly declares itself ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ (most glorious metropolis) and references its third neokorate. Dated ΕΤ ΑΞϹ (242-243 AD), this issue reflects relative stability under the young emperor before his Persian campaign, fulfilling local economic needs and reinforcing civic identity amidst escalating pressures.

Artistry: The anonymous Anazarban die engraver worked within Roman provincial stylistic conventions, merging imperial portraiture with local artistic traits. The obverse features a youthful, laureate portrait of Gordian III, adhering to official imperial iconography. The Hexassarion's reverse likely depicted a significant local deity, personification, or civic emblem. Rendered with a robust, often schematic style common to large provincial bronzes, the best examples showcase skill in conveying imperial authority and local pride, though rarely matching imperial mint refinement.

Technical/Grading: As a substantial bronze issue, the Hexassarion's technical strike qualities vary. Key high-points for evaluation include the emperor's hair and facial features, and central elements of the reverse design, such as a deity's head or drapery. A premium example displays full, clear legends, a relatively centered strike, and minimal die wear. However, uneven strikes, flan irregularities, and off-centering are common, making pieces with strong relief and sharp details particularly sought after.

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