Catalog
| Obverse description | Head of Melkart-Heracles, left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Inscription in a rectangle between two tunny fish to left; above, aleph and below, yod. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | F I SEXS |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (14-37) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1452362930 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This bronze unit from Sexi, modern Almuñécar in Hispania Baetica, was issued during the reign of Tiberius (14-37 CE), the second Roman Emperor. Its production underscores Sexi's status as a Roman municipium and its integration into the imperial administrative and economic system. Such provincial coinage served vital local economic functions, facilitating daily transactions while simultaneously affirming imperial authority and loyalty to the Julio-Claudian dynasty across the vast Roman provinces.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres to the prevalent Hispano-Roman stylistic school, where local die-sinkers adapted imperial prototypes. The obverse typically features a laureate portrait of Tiberius, rendered with varying degrees of fidelity to official Roman models. The reverse design for Sexi often prominently displays a tuna fish, a significant local symbol reflecting the region's rich Phoenician heritage and its thriving fishing industry, or local magistrates' names, emphasizing civic identity.
Technical/Grading: Weighing approximately 14 grams, this substantial bronze unit often exhibits the technical characteristics typical of provincial issues. Key high-points for grading include the emperor's ear, hair, and laurel wreath on the obverse, and the details of the tuna's body and fins on the reverse. Strikes can vary, with common occurrences of off-centering, flan irregularities, or areas of flatness due to worn dies or insufficient striking pressure, making well-preserved examples highly desirable.