Catalog
| Issuer | Tarsus (Cilicia) |
|---|---|
| Year | 103-111 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 14.54 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | III#3257 , Prieur#754-6 , SNG France#1392-4 , SNG Levante#991-2 |
| Obverse description | Laureate head of Hadrian facing right with symbols and lettering around. Π Π (in field, r.) |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering |
ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΘΕ ΤΡΑ ΠΑΡ ΥΙ ΘΕ ΝΕΡ ΥΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ (Translation: Emperor Caesar, son of divine Trajan Parthicus, grandson of divine Nerva, Trajan Hadrian Augustus, Father of the Fatherland) |
| Reverse description | Tyche, turreted, veiled and right, holding a palm, seated right on a rock. At her feet, the river god Kydnos swimming right. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤ Ε Π Π ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩΣ (Translation: holder of the tribunician power, consul for the fifth time, father of the fatherland, of the metropolis) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (103-111) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 7161401530 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, issued by Tarsus in Cilicia, belongs to Emperor Hadrian's reign (117-138 AD), an era of Roman consolidation and Hellenic cultural flourishing. While the provided 103-111 AD date is inconsistent, the coin's legend clearly reflects Hadrian's titulature. His extensive travels fostered strong ties with Eastern cities like Tarsus, which benefited from imperial favor. The legend "ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤ Ε Π Π ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩΣ" proudly proclaims Tarsus's metropolitan status and Hadrian's imperial titles, including Tribunician Power, Consulship, and Pater Patriae, underscor