Sestertius - Sauromates I

发行方 Bosporan Kingdom (Bosporos)
年份 98-102
类型 Standard circulation coin
面值 Sestertius (48)
货币 Bosporan Units
材质 Copper
重量 7.94 g
直径 26 mm
厚度
形状 Round (irregular)
制作工艺 Hammered
方向 Variable alignment ↺
雕刻师
流通至
参考资料 Anokhin#1555 , MacDonald#419 III#842 Bosporos#426
正面描述 King Sauromates seated, right, on curule chair, holding sceptre with king’s head at top.
正面文字 Greek
正面铭文 ΤΙΒΕΡΙΟϹ ΙΟΥΛΙΟϹ ΒΑϹΙΛΕΥϹ ϹΑΥΡΟΜΑΤΗϹ
(Translation: Tiberius Julius King Sauromates)
背面描述 Diademed and draped bust of Sauromates I, right facing bust of queen, left.
背面文字 Greek
背面铭文 M H
(Translation: 48 [units])
边缘
铸币厂
铸造量 ND (98-102) - -
Numisquare 编号 2416472350
附加信息

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.

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