Roman Provincial Coins – Numiscurio https://numiscurio.com Ancient Coin Collection Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:58:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://numiscurio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/favicon.png Roman Provincial Coins – Numiscurio https://numiscurio.com 32 32 Philip I “Arab” – Follis – Vexilium https://numiscurio.com/product/philip-i-arab-follis-vexilium/ https://numiscurio.com/product/philip-i-arab-follis-vexilium/#respond Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:43:26 +0000 https://Numiscurio.com/?post_type=product&p=28174 An impressive Follis of Philip I (the Arab), featuring a detailed military Vexillum and standards on the reverse. This well-preserved specimen highlights the military foundation of Philip's reign and retains notable original silver luster. A sharp and historically significant piece representing the Roman Army's role during the Empire's millennium celebrations

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]]> This impressive Roman Provincial Follis was struck during the reign of Philip I, commonly known as Philip the Arab (244–249 AD). Issued to mark the millenary of Rome (the Ludi Saeculares), this coinage was part of a massive propaganda effort to solidify Philip’s legitimacy as a Roman traditionalist despite his Syrian origins. The reverse features a Vexillum, the military standard of the Roman cavalry, flanked by two legionary standards. This imagery served as a direct tribute to the loyalty of the army, which was the ultimate foundation of Philip’s imperial power during the turbulent 3rd century.

Design & Detail

  • Obverse: Features the radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip I. The portraiture is bold and realistic, characteristic of the mid-3rd-century style, showing the Emperor with a short military beard and a stern, focused expression.

  • Reverse: Depicts a central Vexillum (a flag-like military standard) positioned between two traditional pole standards (signa). The legends are sharp, emphasizing the military concord that Philip sought to maintain across the Roman frontiers.

  • Condition & Surfaces: This specimen retains a pleasing amount of its original silver luster. The strike is strong and well-centered, ensuring that the intricate tassels of the Vexillum and the inscriptions are clearly defined.

Authenticity & Value Philip the Arab’s coinage is highly regarded by collectors for its historical connection to Rome’s 1,000th anniversary. This military-themed specimen is a vital addition for those documenting the evolution of Roman army symbolism. Each coin at Numiscurio is rigorously authenticated and graded to ensure it meets the highest numismatic standards.

Technical Specifications

Attribute Details
Grade Fine (F)
Mint Antiochia (Antioch)
Weight 9.08g
Diameter 25.9mm
Obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS P F AV: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip right.
Reverse CAES ANTI OCLO (upside down), SR in center: Vexillum surmounted by eagle, positioned between two legionary eagles.
Catalogue Ref BMC 122

 

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]]> https://numiscurio.com/product/philip-i-arab-follis-vexilium/feed/ 0 Domitian – AE Semis – Seleucis and Pieria https://numiscurio.com/product/domitian-ae-semis-seleucis-and-pieria/ https://numiscurio.com/product/domitian-ae-semis-seleucis-and-pieria/#respond Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:12:08 +0000 https://Numiscurio.com/?post_type=product&p=28131 An chunky Roman provincial bronze Semis of Domitian, struck in the region of Seleucis and Pieria. This coin features a strong Flavian portrait on the obverse and the classic SC within a laurel wreath on the reverse. With a rich, natural patina and clear architectural details, it is a significant historical artifact representing the reach of the Roman Empire into the ancient Levant.

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]]> Struck in the province of Seleucis and Pieria, likely at the prolific mint of Antioch, this bronze Semis dates to the reign of Domitian (81–96 AD). While imperial Rome was the heart of the empire, the Eastern provinces maintained a vibrant local economy using provincial coinage that blended Roman authority with regional utility. This issue highlights the Flavian dynasty’s reach into the Levant. Domitian, the last of the Flavians, was known for his rigorous administration and his emphasis on traditional Roman virtues, often portrayed on his provincial currency to unify the diverse cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean under a single imperial image.

Design & Detail

  • Obverse: Features the laureate head of Domitian facing right. The portraiture retains the classic Flavian style—rugged and realistic—capturing the powerful features of an emperor who took a personal interest in the minutiae of provincial governance.

  • Reverse: Typically displays a Large S C (Senatus Consulto) within a laurel wreath. This mark indicated that the coinage was issued by the authority of the Senate, a standard feature for the bronze currency of Antioch that reassured the local populace of the coin’s official status and value.

  • Condition & Patina: This specimen is preserved with a remarkably stable, dark “earthy” patina that provides a beautiful contrast to the raised devices. The strike is well-centered, ensuring that both the imperial profile and the surrounding wreath are clearly legible.

Authenticity & Value Provincial bronzes of the Flavian emperors are essential for collectors who wish to understand the administrative life of the Roman East. This Domitian Semis is a tangible piece of history from the biblical lands of Seleucis and Pieria. At Numiscurio, every coin is meticulously inspected to ensure it meets our rigorous standards for authenticity and historical integrity.

Technical Specifications

Attribute Details
Grade Fine (F)
Date Minted ca. 81 – 96 AD
Mint Antioch (Seleucis and Pieria)
Weight g
Diameter mm
Obverse DOMITIANVS AVG: Laureate head of Domitian left.
Reverse Large S C with a dot above; all within a detailed laurel wreath.
Features Stable Eastern patina and Flavian portraiture.
Catalogue Ref

 

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