Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 79 14 Jan 2021
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Kings of Thrace, Joint reign of Rheskouporis II and Kotys III Æ 18mm. Circa AD 12-19. ΒΑΣΙΛ[ΕΥΣ ΡΑΙΣΚΟYΠΟΡΕΩ]Σ, diademed draped bust to right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ KOTOY, Nike standing to right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm branch over shoulder in left, PHK monogram in right field. Unpublished in the standard references. For other joint reign issues cf. A. Topalov, 'Contributions to the Study of the Coinage and History of Thrace from the 2nd century to the Middle of the 1st century AD', Sophia 2009, 26-7 and A. Peykov, 'Catalogue of the Coins from Thrace', Sophia 2011, D1200; cf. Künker Auction 326, 2019, lot 147 (Kotys IV. (VIII) and Rheskouporis III). 3.44g, 18mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Possibly unique and unpublished.
Ex Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG, 15th Blue Auction, 19-20 January 2019, lot 961 (Kotys I, 382-359 BC).
This interesting new addition to the coinage bearing the clear name of king Kotys and an obverse with a diademed regal portrait surrounded by the Greek legend ΒΑΣΙΛ... - ......Σ, is consistent with the title: ΒΑΣΙΛ[ΕYΣ ΡΑΙΣΚΟYΠΟΡΕΩ]Σ. The issue is similar in fabric, style, and with a prominent monogram, to a very rare group attributed to the joint reign of Rheskouporis II and Kotys III in about AD 12/14-20, first published by J. Yourokov in 'The Coins of the Thracian Tribes and Rulers', 1992, 120. This group was initially attributed Kotys I of the 3rd century BC, but later identified by Topalov in 2009 and Peykov in 2011 as the heirs of Rhoemetalkes I who reigned jointly from about AD 12-20.
The events leading to the joint reign are recorded in detail by Tacitus in the Annals of Imperial Rome, (Book II, 64-7) where on the death of Rhoemetalkes I in AD 12, the Thracian Kingdom was partitioned by Augustus between the late King's son, Kotys (III), and brother, Rheskuporis (II). The former reigned over the coastal areas, the latter ruled over the mountain regions of Thrace. After a joint reign of seven years Rheskuporis murdered his nephew, but was then condemned by the Roman Senate to exile in Alexandria where he died.
Very Fine. Possibly unique and unpublished.
Ex Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG, 15th Blue Auction, 19-20 January 2019, lot 961 (Kotys I, 382-359 BC).
This interesting new addition to the coinage bearing the clear name of king Kotys and an obverse with a diademed regal portrait surrounded by the Greek legend ΒΑΣΙΛ... - ......Σ, is consistent with the title: ΒΑΣΙΛ[ΕYΣ ΡΑΙΣΚΟYΠΟΡΕΩ]Σ. The issue is similar in fabric, style, and with a prominent monogram, to a very rare group attributed to the joint reign of Rheskouporis II and Kotys III in about AD 12/14-20, first published by J. Yourokov in 'The Coins of the Thracian Tribes and Rulers', 1992, 120. This group was initially attributed Kotys I of the 3rd century BC, but later identified by Topalov in 2009 and Peykov in 2011 as the heirs of Rhoemetalkes I who reigned jointly from about AD 12-20.
The events leading to the joint reign are recorded in detail by Tacitus in the Annals of Imperial Rome, (Book II, 64-7) where on the death of Rhoemetalkes I in AD 12, the Thracian Kingdom was partitioned by Augustus between the late King's son, Kotys (III), and brother, Rheskuporis (II). The former reigned over the coastal areas, the latter ruled over the mountain regions of Thrace. After a joint reign of seven years Rheskuporis murdered his nephew, but was then condemned by the Roman Senate to exile in Alexandria where he died.