Nomos AG
obolos 17 20 Dec 2020
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KINGS OF ARMENIA MINOR. Aristobulus, AD 54-92. Chalkous (Bronze, 14.5 mm, 1.91 g, 6 h), Nicopolis ad Lycum, year ΙΖ = 17 = 70/71. ΒΑCΙΛEωC APIC[TO]BO[YΛOY] Capricorn to left, with star above and three pellets bellow. Rev. Hand to left, holding scales; enclosing ETO /VC• /IZ between the balance pans. RPC II Online 1692A.1 (this coin). Extremely rare, one of two known examples. Uncleaned earthen deposits as found, otherwise, nearly very fine.
The coinage of Aristobulus is best known for his issues with the portrait of Salome, which were struck in 66/67 (as RPC 3840 and Nomos 20, 306), though he also issued coins bearing his portrait and the titles of Nero in the same year (RPC 3839) and in 70/71 with the titles of Titus as emperor (RPC 1692, Meshorer Treasury and Obolos 16, 924). The issue of 70/71 was issued to commemorate Titus's capture and destruction of Jerusalem, as a demonstration of loyalty on the part of Aristobulus. The obverse of this coin can be associated with a number of reverses on the issues of Antiochos IV Epiphanes, King of Commagene from 38 to 72 (as RPC 3855, 3861 and 3862). The reverse design of a hand holding scales seems, however, to be a copy of the type found on the quadrantes of Claudius that were minted in 41-43 (RIC 85, 89 and 91). Why this type was chosen is entirely unclear, since the Claudian type almost certainly relates to an obscure monetary reform carried out early during his reign; what its significance can be for Armenia Minor - or for Aristobulus - can only be guessed.
The coinage of Aristobulus is best known for his issues with the portrait of Salome, which were struck in 66/67 (as RPC 3840 and Nomos 20, 306), though he also issued coins bearing his portrait and the titles of Nero in the same year (RPC 3839) and in 70/71 with the titles of Titus as emperor (RPC 1692, Meshorer Treasury and Obolos 16, 924). The issue of 70/71 was issued to commemorate Titus's capture and destruction of Jerusalem, as a demonstration of loyalty on the part of Aristobulus. The obverse of this coin can be associated with a number of reverses on the issues of Antiochos IV Epiphanes, King of Commagene from 38 to 72 (as RPC 3855, 3861 and 3862). The reverse design of a hand holding scales seems, however, to be a copy of the type found on the quadrantes of Claudius that were minted in 41-43 (RIC 85, 89 and 91). Why this type was chosen is entirely unclear, since the Claudian type almost certainly relates to an obscure monetary reform carried out early during his reign; what its significance can be for Armenia Minor - or for Aristobulus - can only be guessed.