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Sestertius - Sauromates I
| Issuer | Bosporan Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 98-102 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Sestertius (1) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | A large open laurel wreath occupies nearly the full field of the coin, its branches sweeping symmetrically from a tied base at the bottom and meeting at the top. Within the wreath, the Greek numeral letters ΜΗ (48) are boldly rendered at center, denoting the coin's value of 48 units (equivalent to a sestertius). The reverse is plain beyond the wreath, with no exergue or additional inscription. The style is simple and typical of Bosporan bronze issues of the period. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
Sauromates I ruled the Bosporan Kingdom as a client of Rome, and his coinage reflects that dependency directly — his bronzes were struck in a denomination system borrowed from Roman practice rather than continuing native Bosporan tradition. The RPC III reference places this issue firmly within a Roman provincial framework, cataloged alongside coins struck under Trajan's oversight of the eastern client states.
The Anokhin corpus remains the definitive authority on Bosporan numismatics, and his sequencing of Sauromates I bronzes shows relatively consistent output across the reign with few documented die anomalies for this type.