Semis - Tiberius MVN TVRIASO MARIO VEGE LICI CRES AED

Historical Context: This Semis, issued by the Municipium Turiaso (modern Tarazona, Spain) during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (14-37 AD), represents a crucial aspect of Roman provincial administration and economy. Its inscription, "MVN TVRIASO MARIO VEGE LICI CRES AED," explicitly names the issuing municipality and the local magistrates, Mario Vege and Lici Cres, who served as aediles (AED). These bronze issues were vital for facilitating daily commerce within the province, demonstrating the blend of imperial authority, often signified by the emperor's portrait, and the significant degree of local autonomy granted to Romanized communities in Hispania Tarraconensis. The coin firmly dates to Tiberius's sole principate, a period of consolidation for the early Roman Empire.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, this Semis belongs to the provincial Roman stylistic school prevalent in the Iberian Peninsula. The artistry, though typically less refined than metropolitan Roman mint products, exhibits a distinctive regional character. The obverse would invariably feature a portrait of Tiberius, conveying imperial presence, while the reverse likely depicts local symbols, civic emblems, or the names and titles of the duoviri responsible for the issue. The execution of the imperial portrait often shows a local interpretation of official Roman prototypes, ranging from competent to more stylized renditions, reflecting the capabilities of the local mint workshop.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this Semis weighs 6.44 grams and measures 23 millimeters, consistent with the denomination's standards. For grading, high-points typically include the emperor's hair, ear, and any drapery folds on the obverse, and prominent features of the reverse device. A well-struck example would exhibit full details on the portrait and clear, legible legends, though provincial issues frequently display uneven strikes, minor off-centering, and varying degrees of die wear. The flan preparation, often less meticulous than imperial issues, can result in irregular shapes or surface imperfections inherent to provincial bronze coinage of the era.