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Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 521  3 Aug 2022
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Lot 282

Estimate: 400 USD
Price realized: 400 USD
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ARABIA, Philippopolis. Divus Julius Marinus. Died before AD 244. Æ (24mm, 6.75 g, 11h). Antioch mint. Struck under Philip I, circa AD 247-249. Bareheaded bust of Julius Marinus right, slight drapery on far shoulder, supported by eagle standing right with displayed wings / Roma or Allat standing left, holding patera and spear, with shield at side; S C across field. Butcher, Two, pl. 25, 11; Spijkerman 2; RPC VIII Online 2243; Sofaer 2. Dark brown and tan earthen surfaces, minor roughness. Fine.

The father of Philip I, Julius Marinus hailed from a small town in the province of Arabia (modern day Shuhba, Syria; the original name of the ancient town is unknown). Following the death of Marinus, Philip deified his father and had a temple to him built in his newly aggrandized hometown – now renamed Philippopolis and elevated to the rank of colonia.

The neat fabric of the city's coins is quite out of place for Arabia. This, combined with die links between the coins of Philippopolis, Zeugma, and Antioch, point to production at a central location, with Antioch being the likeliest candidate.
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