Catalog
| Issuer | Bosporan Kingdom (Bosporos) |
|---|---|
| Year | 98-102 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Sestertius (48) |
| Currency | Bosporan Units |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 7.94 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Anokhin#1555 , MacDonald#419 III#842 Bosporos#426 |
| Obverse description | King Sauromates seated, right, on curule chair, holding sceptre with king’s head at top. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering |
ΤΙΒΕΡΙΟϹ ΙΟΥΛΙΟϹ ΒΑϹΙΛΕΥϹ ϹΑΥΡΟΜΑΤΗϹ (Translation: Tiberius Julius King Sauromates) |
| Reverse description | Diademed and draped bust of Sauromates I, right facing bust of queen, left. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
M H (Translation: 48 [units]) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (98-102) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2416472350 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This copper sestertius, issued 98-102 CE, pertains to Sauromates I, a pivotal Bosporan king. His reign brought relative stability and prosperity to this vital Roman client state on the northern Black Sea. The sestertius denomination highlights significant Roman economic and cultural influence on Bosporan coinage, despite the kingdom retaining its distinct identity. Sauromates I skillfully managed complex political relations, ensuring the kingdom's survival and trade within the Roman sphere.
Artistry: The coin's artistic style reflects the Graeco-Roman provincial aesthetic of the era. Engravers are anonymous, but the obverse typically features an idealized portrait of Sauromates I, echoing Roman imperial portraiture. Reverse designs commonly depict deities or royal symbols, illustrating the Bosporan Kingdom's syncretic cultural and religious landscape. Execution, though variable, aimed to convey royal legitimacy, aligning with numismatic practices across the Roman world.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 7.94 grams and measuring 26 millimeters, this copper sestertius exhibits characteristics typical of Bosporan provincial issues. High-points on the obverse portrait include hair, nose, and ear; reverse high-points vary by motif. Technical strike quality often reveals irregular flans, potential for off-center strikes, or edge weakness. The copper alloy may show surface irregularities or minor pitting. Grading assesses strike sharpness, wear, and surface integrity to discern portrait and reverse details.