Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
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Jotapian. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. Antoninianus (21mm, 4.19 g, 6h). Nicopolis in Seleucia mint. IM C M F R IOTAPIANVS A, radiate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / VICT OR I A AV G, Victory, winged, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC IV 2a(n); Bland, Jotapian 9.10 (dies XII/ix); RSC 1a var. (obv. legend); CNG 114, lot 967 (same dies). Toned, deposits. VF. Rare.
Jotapian († AD 249) led a short-lived revolt in Syria while Philip I was still emperor. Little is known of Jotapian's background. It was said that he boasted of a relationship to Severus Alexander, and his unusual name, although otherwise unknown for a man, is attested in its feminine form "Jotape" in the royal houses of Commagene and Emesa. The revolt was brief, and the crude style proves that the revolt was geographically confined, for Jotapian plainly did not control a major Roman mint. His head was brought to Rome and shown to Trajan Decius "as was customary, although Decius had not asked for it" (Aur. Vict., Caes. 29.4).
Jotapian († AD 249) led a short-lived revolt in Syria while Philip I was still emperor. Little is known of Jotapian's background. It was said that he boasted of a relationship to Severus Alexander, and his unusual name, although otherwise unknown for a man, is attested in its feminine form "Jotape" in the royal houses of Commagene and Emesa. The revolt was brief, and the crude style proves that the revolt was geographically confined, for Jotapian plainly did not control a major Roman mint. His head was brought to Rome and shown to Trajan Decius "as was customary, although Decius had not asked for it" (Aur. Vict., Caes. 29.4).