When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Description:Pergamum, Mysia AE18pseudo-autonomous issuecirca AD 40-60OBV: draped bust of the Senate rightLegend: ΘΕΟΝ ϹΥΝΚΛΗΤΟΝREV: draped bust of Roma right, wearing mural crownLegend ΘΕΑΝ ΡΩΜΗΝRPC 2374, BMC 205, SGI 4910
Diameter measures at approx 18.1mm and is about 2.2mm thick. Coin weighs approx 2.90g with faded features and some corrosion present with slight crack evident (as pictured).
Info:This small brass coin was struck at Pergamum in Mysia, in the Roman province of Asia, during approximately AD 40–60. Pergamum was one of the most important cities of western Asia Minor and had an exceptionally distinguished Hellenistic past as the capital of the Attalid Kingdom. By the first century AD, however, Pergamum was firmly incorporated into the Roman world. Despite this, the city retained the ability to produce local civic coinage. This type is therefore described as a pseudo-autonomous issue, meaning that it was issued without an imperial portrait or the name of a reigning emperor while still being struck under Roman authority. RPC classifies the issue as \"Roma and Senate\" and dates it approximately to AD 40–60.
The obverse depicts the draped bust of the Roman Senate facing right, accompanied by the Greek legend ΘΕΟΝ ϹΥΝΚΛΗΤΟΝ, meaning \"for the divine Senate.\" The representation of the Senate is particularly noteworthy because the coin does not simply acknowledge Roman political authority through an emperor; instead, it personifies one of Rome\'s central governing institutions. The use of Greek language demonstrates how Roman political concepts were expressed within the Greek-speaking cities of Asia Minor. The imagery reflects Pergamum\'s position as a Greek civic community operating within the political framework of the Roman Empire.
The reverse features the turreted and draped bust of Roma, the female personification and divine embodiment of the city and Roman state, facing right. Her mural or turreted crown is an important identifying attribute, while the legend ΘΕΑΝ ΡΩΜΗΝ translates as \"for the goddess Roma.\" The pairing of the Senate and Roma is especially appropriate: one side represents the Roman governing institution, while the other represents Rome itself as a divine personification. Together, the two designs create a remarkably explicit statement of allegiance to Roman power on a coin that was nevertheless produced by a Greek city and written entirely in Greek.
Disclaimer:My late father was a deeply passionate numismatic throughout his life. He carefully built and treasured his coin collection over many years, and each piece was an important part of his interests and legacy. While all of his possessions hold great sentimental value to me, I do not share his enthusiasm for coins. After careful consideration, I believe these coins, which carry both historical significance and intrinsic value, would be better appreciated by someone who truly values their worth and beauty, rather than being stored away in my closet for none to see! Each coin listed here is from his private collection.
Although I am not a numismatic expert, my father was, and his expertise guided the careful selection of each coin. Therefore, each coin is assumed authentic based on his knowledge and curation. The coins are sold \"as-is\", in the condition in which they were kept, and the buyer assumes full responsibility for verifying their authenticity. I hope they bring you the same joy they once brought him.
