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

İhraççı Anazarbus
Yıl 242-243
Tür Standard circulation coin
Değer Hexassarion (0.6)
Para birimi Drachm
Bileşim Bronze
Ağırlık
Çap
Kalınlık
Şekil Round (irregular)
Teknik Hammered
Yönlendirme Variable alignment ↺
Gravürcü(ler)
Dolaşımda olduğu yıl
Referans(lar) RPC Online VII.2#3185, SNG Leipzig 6#700-5
Ön yüz açıklaması Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, right, seen from front.
Ön yüz yazısı Greek
Ön yüz lejandı ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤωΝΙΟϹ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ(Β)
(Translation: Imperator Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus Augustus)
Arka yüz açıklaması Male figure with pointed hat seated left, on rock, head right, holding fish trap (?).
Arka yüz yazısı Greek
Arka yüz lejandı ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ, Γ Β, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ
Kenar
Darphane
Basma adedi ND (242-243) - Year ΑΞϹ = 261 -
Numisquare Kimliği 1413237310
Ek bilgiler

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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