Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
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CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea-Eusebia. Domitian. AD 81-96. AR Didrachm (22mm, 7.19 g, 6h). Dated RY 13 (AD 93/4). AVT KAI ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟC CEBACTOC ΓΕΡΜ, laureate head right / Athena standing right, holding owl in right hand and spear in left, ЄTO IΓ (date) across field. Ganschow, Münzen 92a; Sydenham, Caesarea 124; RPC II 1669. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4936335-010, graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. Well centered on a round flan of good metal, rare in this quality.
Eusebia, a city at the base of Mount Argaeus, became the capital of Cappadocia circa 163 BC and seat of King Ariarathes V Eusebes, after whom it was named. Cappadocia passed under Roman control in AD 17, and its capital, now renamed Caesarea-Eusebia, became the most important mint in eastern Asia Minor, producing silver coins in a range of denominations with both Latin and Greek legends. Dies and workmanship equaled those of Rome and the Syrian capital of Antioch, which shared its minting privileges. The coins were used to pay both soldiers and military contractors in the Roman province of Asia. Coins are often dated by regnal year, as is this pleasing didrachm of Domitian, dated to the 13th year of his rule (AD 93/4).
Eusebia, a city at the base of Mount Argaeus, became the capital of Cappadocia circa 163 BC and seat of King Ariarathes V Eusebes, after whom it was named. Cappadocia passed under Roman control in AD 17, and its capital, now renamed Caesarea-Eusebia, became the most important mint in eastern Asia Minor, producing silver coins in a range of denominations with both Latin and Greek legends. Dies and workmanship equaled those of Rome and the Syrian capital of Antioch, which shared its minting privileges. The coins were used to pay both soldiers and military contractors in the Roman province of Asia. Coins are often dated by regnal year, as is this pleasing didrachm of Domitian, dated to the 13th year of his rule (AD 93/4).