Cilicia, Aigeae, Pseudo-Autonomous Issue, time Trajan, AE, Year CY 161 = 114/5 AD, Athena / Goat – RRR

$380.00

- + - +
SKU: G10.23 Categories: ,

Description

Roman Provincial, Cilicia, Aigeae, Pseudo-Autonomous Issue, time Trajan, AD 98-117, AE (bronze, 4.31g, 15.5mm), Year CY 161 = 114/5 AD
Obv: Bust of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis, AIΓEAIΩN right
Rev: Goat kneeling left, AΞP above and ΦI ΠA in exergue
Ref: RPC III 3330; SNG von Aulock 5448 Rarity/Choice: Rare, aEF EF (one of the best among very few known examples)
Note: As per Haymann notes this issue, struck under Trajan, revives the old Hellenistic civic type of a reclining goat for the ‘first’ time in the Roman era.  Aigeai was a city located in the region of Cilicia, in modern-day Turkey. It belongs to a series of pseudo-autonomous coinage, which means that while the city had some autonomy in issuing its coins. On the obverse, there is a depiction of a helmeted and draped bust of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. This imagery is a common representation of Athena, symbolizing her role as a protector of the city. On the reverse, there is a representation of a goat kneeling left. This depiction is likely symbolic and could be associated with agricultural or pastoral themes, which were significant in the region’s economy. Overall, this coin provides insight into the economic and cultural life of Aigeai during the Roman Provincial period. It reflects the city’s integration into the wider Roman world while still maintaining its local identity and traditions. The imagery of Athena and the goat offers valuable historical and artistic context to scholars and collectors studying the ancient Mediterranean world.