Stater - Tiberius ΠΑΡ ΒΝ

Historical Context: This gold stater, dated to 28 AD, was issued by the Bosporan Kingdom, a significant Roman client state situated on the northern Black Sea coast. During this period, King Aspurgus (r. 8/9 AD – 37/38 AD) ruled under the suzerainty of the Roman Emperor Tiberius (r. 14-37 AD). The issuance of coinage bearing the Roman emperor's likeness underscored Bosporus's subordinate yet autonomous status within the Roman sphere of influence. These staters served as high-value currency, facilitating regional trade and demonstrating the kingdom's prosperity and allegiance to Rome.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, this stater exemplifies the Graeco-Roman provincial stylistic school prevalent in the Black Sea region. The obverse typically features a laureate bust of Emperor Tiberius, rendered in the classicizing, somewhat austere style characteristic of early Imperial Roman portraiture. The reverse likely depicted a portrait of King Aspurgus or a local deity, accompanied by Greek legends detailing his titles. The overall design aimed to blend Roman imperial iconography with local Hellenistic traditions, creating a distinctive numismatic expression of the client kingdom.

Technical/Grading: With a weight of 7.95 grams and a diameter of 20 millimeters, this gold stater conforms to the established standards for high-denomination coinage of the era, reflecting its considerable intrinsic value. For grading purposes, critical high-points on Tiberius's portrait would include the hair above the forehead and the ear. On the reverse, corresponding features of the Bosporan king's portrait or details of the deity would be key. Well-preserved examples exhibit sharp strike quality and full legends, though minor off-centering or die wear are frequently observed on Bosporan issues.