Description
| Roman Provincial, Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Laodicea ad Mare Mint, Trajan, 98-117 AD, AE Diassarion (bronze, 8.56g, 25.7mm) | |
| Obv: Traces ĪĪ„Ī¤ĪĪĪ” ĪĪĪ” Ī¤Ī”ĪĪĪĪĪĻ¹ ĪĪ”ĪĻ¹Ī¤ ĪĪĪĻ¹ Ļ¹ĪĪ ĪĪĪ” ĪĪĪ Laureate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder | |
| Rev: IĪYĪĪŠā²°Ī Ī¤ā²°Ī ĪĪĪ [ĪĪĪĪĪĪŠā²°Ī ĪĪĪ”]; Turreted, veiled and draped bust of the city-goddess (Tyche) to right, monogram before. | |
| Ref: RPC III 3795;Ā SNG Copenhagen 344 | Rarity/Choice: Common, VF (nicely struck on dark brown patina) |
| Note: Emperor Trajan, born Marcus Ulpius Traianus, ascended to the Roman throne in AD 98, following the reign of Emperor Nerva. He distinguished himself as a military leader and statesman, earning a reputation for his conquests and public works. Trajan’s reign, lasting until AD 117, is often considered a golden age in Roman history. Laodicea ad Mare, situated along the Mediterranean coast in what is now Turkey, held strategic importance as a center of trade and commerce within the Roman province of Syria. Founded by Seleucus I Nicator, it bore the name of his mother, Laodice. The city flourished under Roman rule, boasting impressive architecture and a diverse population. Seleucis and Pieria, the broader region encompassing Laodicea ad Mare, bore historical significance as part of the eastern territories of the Roman Empire. Named after the Seleucid Empire that once ruled the area, it retained a rich cultural heritage and played a vital role in the empire’s eastern frontier. The depiction of Tyche on the coin speaks to the religious and cultural beliefs of the time. Tyche, the Greek goddess of fortune and prosperity, held sway over the fate of cities and individuals alike. Her representation on the coin, adorned with a turreted crown and veil, symbolized the aspirations for prosperity and security of Laodicea ad Mare’s inhabitants. |
