Semis - Tiberius MVN CASCANT

Historical Context: This Semis, issued by the municipium of Cascantum during Tiberius's reign (14-37 CE), offers crucial insight into early Roman provincial administration. As Augustus's successor, Tiberius solidified imperial rule, and local coinages were vital for provincial economic stability. Cascantum, in Hispania Citerior, exercised its municipal right to strike bronze coinage, demonstrating its integration into the Roman system. These issues reinforced imperial authority, legitimizing Roman presence and providing essential small currency for daily commerce.

Artistry: The obverse of this Semis typically features a laureate portrait of Emperor Tiberius, executed in a provincial style common to Iberian mints. While often less refined than metropolitan Roman issues, these portraits effectively convey the imperial image, interpreted through a local engraver's hand. The reverse, bearing the legend "MVN CASCANT," likely depicts a local civic emblem or deity, symbolizing Cascantum's municipal identity within the Roman framework, blending Roman iconography with regional artistic sensibilities.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, measuring 21 mm and weighing 5.47 grams, this Semis adheres to standard specifications. High points for wear on the obverse include Tiberius's hair, forehead, and nose. Provincial bronzes often exhibit variations in strike quality, from slight off-centering to areas of flatness due to inconsistent die pressure or worn dies. Collectors should assess the portrait's sharpness, legend clarity, and overall planchet condition, which can show minor irregularities typical of local production.