Hierapolis-Castabala in 253

[seth77]

There are cities/towns that minted sporadically (or even just one or two issues during their whole Roman history) and others that minted multiple coinages per year, at least at some points. 

These two from Hierapolis-Castabala are (likely):

1. coined during the same year 253
2. covering the change of the regime in August-September 253
3. possibly struck with the dies made by the same team of die sinkers 


Volusian as Augustus (251-253)
AE28mm 16.15g copper alloy multiple (hexassaria?), minted at Castabala c. first half of 253(?)
ΑΥΤ Κ Ο[ΥΟΛΟΥϹ]ϹΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear
ΚΑϹΤΑΒΑΛΕΩN ΙΕΡΟΠO[Λ];  veiled and draped bust of Tyche wearing mural crown, right
RPC IX 1546

 

Valerian (253-260)
AE25mm 13.40g copper alloy multiple (hexassaria?), minted at Castabala c. later 253
ΑΥΤ Κ ΟΥΑΛΕΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian, right, seen from rear
ΙΕΡΟΠ ΚΑϹΤΑΒΑΛΕΩ; nude athlete/Helios(?) standing right, head right, raising right hand and holding agonistic urn(?) in left hand or drapery flowing over the left shoulder gathering on the lower arm; Ϛ in left field
cf. RPC X unassigned 60375

While the first one for Volusian is quite clear in its theme with the local mural crown Tyche, the second one for Valerian is less clear. 

RPC does not identify the naked character on reverse, nor the object that he holds. Some have him with a radiate crown (Helios?). Some coins seem to show nothing in his left hand, some dies have him looking left others looking right. There are possibly a couple of variations for this general type. This reverse die shows an object similar to the agonistic urns of this period and the naked character could be an athlete -- possibly assigning this coin to a period of local games and celebrations at the beginning of the joint reigns of Valerian and Gallienus. There are multiple instances of coinages of this general geographic area that point to local games and celebrations during the reign of Valerian and Gallienus.

Soon after becoming emperor and raising his son to the purple, Valerian moved East -- the local celebrations and games in places like Castabala, Tarsus, Anazarbus, et al at this time could also be related to the emperor's passing through on his way to Antioch.

The Ϛ on reverse is likely a denomination mark, making this a piece of six assaria (a hexassaria).

These coins are a bit on the later side of local coinage and their minting so close together is likelier related to local aspects rather than Imperial needs/policy. Local events such as expenses undertaken by the local elite and the city council for local games could be the driving factor behind the issue of coinage.

The downfall of this local elite and of the traditional local institutions, who find themselves unable to support expenses like local games and municipal building projects starting with the 240s-260s largely corresponds with the extinction of local coinage too.

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

Very interesting!  I enjoy learning about some of these local issues.

[Orange Julius]

Interesting coins. It would be fun to know more about the events that spurred this regional coinage. I have a Valerian coin from Anazarbus showing the prize urn on a table motif. Last time I tried to photograph it, the image was terrible, so I don’t have a pic. I’ll try to get one later today.