Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 431 24 Oct 2018
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CILICIA, Irenopolis-Neronias. Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ 1/6 Assarion(?) (13mm, 1.88 g, 12h). Dated CY 42 (AD 92/3). Laureate head of Domitian right / Wreathed head of Dionysus right, with thrysus over shoulder; BM (date) to right. RPC II 1736; Karbach, Augusta 47; Lindgren 1462 (all references for Augusta in Cilicia). Good VF, green patina. Extremely rare – only two recorded in RPC.
The authors of RPC raise some doubt regarding the attribution of this issue to Augusta. The present coin is clear enough to demonstrate that the obverse legend of KAICAP is complete, with no additional lettering behind the bust, and that the reverse date is BM. This matches the smaller denominations of Ireneopolis, particularly RPC 1767, which bear the same date and legend with a reverse bust of Aesculapeius. The weight on the present specimen is half of the smallest otherwise recorded denomination at Ireneopolis, given as a 1/3 Assarion in RPC, suggesting this piece may be a 1/6 Assarion.
The authors of RPC raise some doubt regarding the attribution of this issue to Augusta. The present coin is clear enough to demonstrate that the obverse legend of KAICAP is complete, with no additional lettering behind the bust, and that the reverse date is BM. This matches the smaller denominations of Ireneopolis, particularly RPC 1767, which bear the same date and legend with a reverse bust of Aesculapeius. The weight on the present specimen is half of the smallest otherwise recorded denomination at Ireneopolis, given as a 1/3 Assarion in RPC, suggesting this piece may be a 1/6 Assarion.