Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
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PHRYGIA, Cibyra. Vespasian(?). AD 69-79. Æ (28.5mm, 18.42 g, 11h). Laureate head right / Hexastyle temple, clippeus in pediment. Weiser, Kibyra –; RPC III 1261; BMC 40. Brown surfaces, roughness, minor deposits. VF. Very rare, only two in RPC.
RPC notes that the portrait could also be that of Nero. This coin uses the three bar sigma "ⳞEBAⳞTOⳞ" whereas the other specimens use the quadrate style "ΣEBAΣTOΣ". The two known specimens in RPC use the quadrate style. Unfortunately, both were in use at this time and neither emperor have any other coins with their portrait from this city for comparison. The identity of the obverse portrait will probably never be certain.
RPC notes that the portrait could also be that of Nero. This coin uses the three bar sigma "ⳞEBAⳞTOⳞ" whereas the other specimens use the quadrate style "ΣEBAΣTOΣ". The two known specimens in RPC use the quadrate style. Unfortunately, both were in use at this time and neither emperor have any other coins with their portrait from this city for comparison. The identity of the obverse portrait will probably never be certain.