Tetrassarion - Septimus Severus Y I ΦAYCTINIANOY ΜΑΡΚΙΑΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ, Marcianopolis
| Issuer | Marcianopolis |
|---|---|
| Year | 207-210 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Tetrassarion (0.4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 9.60 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Varb#786 |
| Obverse description | Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Septimius Severus to right, seen from behind. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering | ΑΥ Λ CЄΠΤI CЄYΗΡΟC |
| Reverse description | Eagle standing right on thunderbolt with wings spread, head to left and holding wreath in beak. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | Y I ΦAYCTINIANOY ΜΑΡΚΙΑΝΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (207-210) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1357166190 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This Tetrassarion from Marcianopolis, dated 207-210 AD, falls within the later reign of Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 AD). Severus, founder of the Severan dynasty, stabilized the Roman Empire after civil wars, consolidating power militarily. Marcianopolis, a prominent Moesian city, retained the privilege of striking bronze coinage, reflecting local autonomy under Roman administration. The inscription "ΦAYCTINIANOY" likely designates local magistrate Faustinianus, underscoring local and imperial oversight.
Artistry: Engravers for provincial issues are typically anonymous. This Tetrassarion's artistic style blends Hellenistic tradition with Roman imperial iconography. The obverse would feature a robust, naturalistic portrait of Septimius Severus, characteristic of the period's stern, military imperial portraiture. The reverse, though