Analysis of declining obol weight standard, taken from Svoronos data. Ptolemy VI Æ29 diobol (21.6g) Svor Note the effaced reverse legend.

Transcription

1 131 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS Appendix I Analysis of declining obol weight standard, taken from Svoronos data. Ptolemy III Æ26 obol (12.33g). Svor Svor. # Average g/obol of # of spec. w/o * Type g 9 Ptolemy III, Aphrodite 3/2 obol g 9 (c. 260 BC) obol g 7 1/2 obol g 15 1/4 obol g 7 1/8 obol All types 11.8g 47 Ptolemy VI Æ29 diobol (21.6g) Svor Note the effaced reverse legend g 1 Ptolemy VI, EYΛ below eagle g 8 (some struck under Antiochus IV) g g 2 (c. 168 BC) g g g 2 All types 11.4g 23 Ptolemy VIII Eueregetes Æ45 drachm (71.24g). Svor g 7 Ptolemy VIII Eueregetes, Double Cornucopia, drachm, Phi seems to be a mixture of Eagle right denominations: 66 An unpublished Æ36 with effaced name of king, lotus symbol and EYΛ below the eagle weighs 42.07g, presumably a tetrobol of g / obol. It has a countermark E, likely from either a later revaluation from 4 to 5 obols or E for Ptolemy VIII Eueregetes.

2 132 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS a drachm, hemidrachms, and tetrobols, all with Phi g 14 Eagle left, obol, Phi g 7 Eagle right, obol, Phi g 4 Eagle left, wings closed, obol, Phi g 4 Eagle right, diobol, K for Kition seems to be a mixture of different denominations: diobols and trihemiobols, K in Svor pic. All types 11.1g 36 Ptolemy IX, 1st reign g 8 All types 11.2g 36 Ptolemy VIII and co-ruler (joint rule) Æ34 triobol, (24.4g) Svor g 6 Ptolemy VIII and Cleo II g g g g g 1 All types 9.6g 11 Ptolemy VIII Æ25 obol dated Year 34 (10g) Svor Svor. Year Avg. Obol # specimens g 2 Ptolemy VIII dated obols g g g g g g ?

3 133 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS g 3 All dates 9.2g 31 Some chronological conclusions about additional bronze issues can be inferred from the above data. Larger denominations with cornucopia symbol before a single eagle were issued on the same scale as the Statue of Aphrodite types. Svor. 1002, 1003 and 1004 were a drachm, triobol and diobol. The weight standard and production methods are very similar to large bronzes issued under Ptolemy IV. Issues with lotus symbol were produced from the time of Ptolemy VI to c. 50 BC, during the reign of Cleopatra VII. The lotus symbol appeared on Classical coins of Paphos. It is probably a Paphos mintmark. The round examples of close to 12 g per obol (such as Svor. 1403, 1404, 1411 and 1414) are from the reign of Ptolemy VI. Later issues of 10 g (and less) per obol are less round. Weight and fabric may be used to narrow the time period of a given example. Æ33 triobol, Svor with the head of Cleopatra II as Isis, attributed here to the first years of the reign of Ptolemy VIII, BC. (29.73g) A similar Æ28 trihemiobol Svor with a A monogram for Paphos before the eagle. (14.01g) The series of bronzes (triobols, diobols, trihemiobols, obols, and hemiobols) with Cleopatra II as Isis are less round and at a slightly lower weight standard than the EYΛ issues from the early reign of Ptolemy VI, dated to include 168 BC above. Therefore, they are too late to be Cleopatra I, who was regent in 180 to 176 BC. The style of the eagle is similar to the bronze naming Ptolemy VIII. Indeed this series is slightly lighter than the average obol weight of Ptolemy VIII named bronze. Instead they must be of Cleopatra II, wife sister of Ptolemy VI and VIII. Ptolemy VIII married his sister Cleopatra II, who was also his brother s widow. Ptolemy VIII married his sister Cleopatra II, who was also his brother s widow. This marriage gave him additional legitimacy. This issue may be dated to BC. (Svor. 1233, 1234, 1235, 1237, 1238, 1384, 1385, 1387 (weights mixed in Svor.))

4 134 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS Æ22 obol Svor attributed to the to the early first sole reign of Ptolemy IX. (9.96g) The next bronze series had trihemiobol, obol and hemiobol with a portrait of Alexander the Great. (Svor. 1493, 1495, (weights mixed in Svor.)) The series may date to c. 125 BC. A fairly non-descript Anonymous coinage filled the years of c BC. Various symbols (including no symbol) were used. The weight standard of an obol fell from 11 to 8 grams. Æ25 obol (9.65g) Svor var. attributed to Ptolemy VIII. Note the A mintmark on this variety The series of bronzes (diobols, trihemiobols, obols, and hemiobols) with obverse of Hercules are of a less round and similar average weight per obol. They are probably from the reign of Ptolemy VIII, c. 114 BC. (Svor. 1492, 1494, 1496, 1497 (weights mixed in Svor.)) It was the first of the broad flan obols, preceding the dated coinage. Æ30 triobol Svor with cornucopia before the two eagles re-attributed tothe joint reign of Ptolemy X and Cleopatra III. (23.94g) A series of bronzes (triobols, obols, hemiobols) with obverse legend Queen Cleopatra may follow these. (Svor. 1380, 1381, 1382). The reverse has the usual legend King Ptolemy. The larger denomination has two eagles, not one. The flans are en chapelete. For the two smaller denominations, the portrait may be Alexander the Great. Other references date this type to Ptolemy VI. Here, on the basis of the flans and their average weight they are attributed to the reign of Ptolemy X. The Cleopatra named in the obverse legend is Cleopatra III, the mother and co-ruler of Ptolemy IX and X. An estimated date is BC. Silver tetradrachms were issued during this period, with the name of Ptolemy and the dates of both Ptolemy X and his mother Cleopatra III. Both have the A mintmark for Paphos. This series of bronzes names mother and son.

5 135 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS Similar and common Æ31 triobol Svor with cornucopia before the two eagles reattributed to either the joint reign of Ptolemy X and Cleopatra III. (21.77g) The common two eagles with cornucopia symbol coinage have been called Ptolemy VI. The 8g mm of this type was the fourth most common Ptolemaic bronze found in the excavations at Kurium. The flans are also en chapelete, with the weight variance that this implies. Svor is mm, of average weight of g for the 102 examples of weight recorded by Svoronos. Its smaller counterpart is Svor. 1426, which has an average weight of 8.09 g for 37 examples. (Svor is perhaps a variety of Svor. 1426, with a shorter flan). The average weights of 1425 and 1427 show a 3:1 relationship. Scarcer types Svor and 1428 with average weight of g and 3.28 g may represent double and half of Svor Logic suggests that the common types are the obol and triobol and that the scarcer types are the diobol and hemiobol. What time period had both two rulers symbolized by a double eagle and an 8 g obol? The traditional attribution of Ptolemy VI would have an average obol weight of c g. Cox suggests both Ptolemy VI and the joint reign of Ptolemy IX with Ptolemy X. At 8 g per obol, these cannot be Ptolemy VI. One fit for this coinage is the joint reign of Ptolemy IX and X, BC. However, the two eagle thin flan obols are from Paphos during this joint reign. Alternatively, the coins may be attributed to the joint reign of Ptolemy X and his mother, Cleopatra III, BC. The types are the same: Zeus / Two eagles with cornucopia symbol). Svor has the name of Queen Cleopatra on the obverse. Triobol Svor has average obol weight similar to Svor (7.85g vs. 8.06g) Tetradrachms of this period have a similar single eagle with reginal dates for both Ptolemy X and his mother. Which of these simultaneous attributions fits better? The 25 mm thin flan obols are probably from Paphos. The thick flan obols of 22 mm are probably from the other larger Paphos Mint that has been called Alexandria. Both Paphos mints produced tetradrachms marked A. Æ36 tetrobol Svor of Ptolemy IV(?) with a later countermark of a cornucopia before the eagle. The countermark revalued the coin as a drachm on the same standard as the 24g triobols Svor with cornucopia before eagles. (44.0g) Existing older bronzes were revaluated at this time. A cornucopia countermark was placed before the left wing of common 48 g tetrobols of Ptolemy IV-VI, revaluing it as a

6 136 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS drachm. 24 g Svor was a similar half denomination, with a similar countermark. The diobol became a triobol. The rare corresponding Æ47 octobols of c. 95 g, the largest Ptolemiac coins, would have been revalued as a didrachm, though countermarked Æ47 are not known. Æ20 obol Svor has obverse K for Cleopatra or Cyprus. The reverse is dated to Year 3, perhaps of Ptolemy IX. (7.82g) Another slightly scarcer series with similar obverse has a K for Kition behind the head of Hercules. Svor and 1191 are diobols and obols, struck on thicker flans. The reverse symbols are Ω and L Γ. The latter symbols are for Year 3. This date is important. The style does not work for Ptolemy VIII, nor does the lack of the title Euregetes. The date does not work for Ptolemy X who was not king in his own year 3 because he dated his rule from his governorship of Cyprus. The weight standard is correct for Ptolemy IX. A Zeus obverse with K behind follows the next year. Weight standard is similar. The same Ω symbol is paired with L on Svor Four denominations of bronze coins have obverse Greek legend Berenike Queen with a diademed portrait of a Ptolemaic queen. The reverse Greek legend reads Ptolemy King. One example was found at Paphos II, though the flan shape shows a mint other than Paphos, probably the same mint that struck the K bronzes noted above and the Cleopatra 40 and 80 drachma. There are four reverse types. One has a large cornucopia. Svor (16 g diobol); Svor (4 g hemiobol). The second has a similar large cornucopia with a club and an eagle at its sides. Svor to 1049 (8 g obol) and Svor (4g hemiobol). The third has just an eagle with closed wings. Svor (8 g obol). The fourth has an eagle with open wings. Svor (4 g hemiobol, 2 g 1/4 obol). Overall weight standard is about 8 grams per obol. This weight standard and en chapelete method of flan manufacture excludes the prior attribution to Berenike II, wife / sister of Ptolemy III. 8 gram obols suggest an attribution to Berenike III, either with Ptolemy X ( BC) or Ptolemy XI (80 BC). Berenike IV (58-55 BC) is not excluded by the weight standard, though the reverse legend suggests the former attribution. Small denomination bronzes without symbol were issued during much of this time.

7 137 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS Appendix II Octavia or Cleopatra? The attribution of several female portraits on coins to Octavia is questioned here. While still technically still married to Octavia, Antony married Cleopatra in 37 BC. Plutarch, Comparison of Demetrius and Antony notes that he was married to Cleopatra and Octavia at the same time, a position that was invalid under both Greek and Roman law, but nevertheless implies that he did consider himself married to Cleopatra before he divorced Octavia in 32 (Plutarch, Antony 57.2). Strabo also calls Cleopatra Antony's wife. (Chris Bennett, Cleo.7 #41) The coin legends allow for a date for the coinage from either period. None of the coins show the titles of the woman in question, though all include the portrait and titles of Marc Antony. Two types of gold Antony portrait aurei have an unnamed female portrait on the reverse. (C527, C533/3a-b). Two types of silver cistophorii are known. These were struck for circulation in Asia Minor, at Ephesos and / or Pergamum. One (RPC2002) shows the jugate bust of a woman with Antony. The second (RPC2001) shows a draped female bust atop a cista, between snakes. The woman s diadem is a royal symbol, which is unexpected for a Roman woman such as Octavia. (8.03g) Gold aureus (38-37 BC) with heads of Marc Antony and his wife: Octavia or Cleopatra? M ANTONIVS M F M N [AVGVR] IMP TER Bare head of Marc Antony right. / COS DESIGN ITER ET TER III VIR R P C Diademed female head right, hair in bun. The titles of Antony make up both legends. C 533/3a. This is the first Roman Imperial coin with the portrait of a living woman. Note the diadem, a royal symbol. (11.25g)

8 138 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS (11.88g) Silver cistophorii with heads of Antony and his wife: Octavia or Cleopatra? Bronze Fleet Coinage sometimes has a female bust with Antony. The female bust faces Antony on all the larger bronze denominations, and is jugate on some ases. There are a variety of hairstyles. On the three-as Fleet Coinage piece, a second young male head appears jugate with Antony. Both male heads face the female head. This second male head appears in a subordinate position, behind Antony. This younger male only appears on this denomination, which tends to make him appear as less important than the female, who appears with Antony on this denomination as well as one, two and four-as coins. There are no titles for anyone but Antony on the Fleet Coinage. However, if this younger male portrait is Octavian, a pairing with Cleopatra is ruled out. If the younger male portrait is Marc Antony Junior (Antyllus), then the unnamed female is probably Cleopatra. Alternatively, use of a diadem, a regal and quasi-divine symbol nearly eliminates Octavia. Without a very clear example, it is difficult to say whether Octavia or Cleopatra was intended. Bronze Fleet Coinage three-as of Bibulus. (20.22g) Western Mint silver quinarii of c. 40 BC have a veiled female head of Concordia. Vagi identifies this head with Octavia, who was the Concord between Antony and Octavian. The type is a successor to the quinarius of Fulvia as Victory.

9 139 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS Photos Most photos supplied by Classical Numismatic Group. Other photos supplied by Atlantis, Edward Waddell, Forum, Freeman & Sear, David Hendin, Beast Coins, Tom Cederlind, Goldberg Coins, Dieter Gorny, Lanz, John Lavender, Wayne Sayles, British Museum, the Author, and others. Photos are not to scale. Thank you for input from: Michel Amandry, William Andreas, Chris Bennett, Allen Berman, T. V. Buttrey, Joseph Charter, Curtis Clay, Frank Cochran, Greg Conlin, Henri Delger, Basil Demetriadi, Victor England, David Hendin, Walter Holt, Stephen Huston, David Kaplan, Jonathan Kern, Frank Kovacs, Brenda Kreuzer, Brian Kritt, James Lamb, Peter Lampinen, John Lavender, Cathy Lorber, Richard McAlee, David Michaels, Barry Murphy, Daniel Pelak, Adam Philippidis, Richard Pincock, Robert Sekulovich, Joseph Sermarini, Justin St. Louis, David Vagi, Alan Walker, Kerry Wetterstrom, and Rick Witschonke. Not all of the readers endorsed the conclusions presented here. Copyright Matthew Kreuzer Bibliography M. Amandry, Coinage Production and Monetary Circulation in Roman Cyprus, (Nicosa, 1993) BMC, Egypt, Catalog of Greek Coins in the British Museum, (London 1882 reprinted) BMC, Cyprus, Catalog of Greek Coins in the British Museum, (London 1904 reprinted) SNG Copenhagen, Danish National Museum, (1942 on, reprinted) D. H. Cox, Coins from the Excavations at Curium, NNM 145, (New York, 1959) M. Crawford, Roman Republican Coinage, (Cambridge, 1974) Col. J. Curtis, The Tetradrachms of Roman Egypt, (Chicago, 1957) Richard Hazzard, Ptolemaic Coins, An Introduction for Collectors, (Toronto, 1995) Richard Hazzard, JSSEA XX, The Composition of Ptolemaic Silver (Toronto, 1990) David Hendin, Guide to Biblical Coins, Fourth Edition (New York, 2001) David Hendin, Barbarous Coins of Ancient Israel The Celator, (Lancaster, April, 2003, p. 44) Chris Howgego, Greek Imperial Countermarks, Royal Numismatic Society Special Publication #17. (London, 1985) James & Thorpe, Ancient Inventions, (New York, 1994) H. Lindgren, Ancient Greek Bronze Coins, (Quarryville, 1993) Catharine Lorber, "The Lotus of Aphrodite on Ptolemaic Bronzes," Swiss Num. Rev. 80 (2001), pp Harold Mattingly, Roman Imperial Civilisation, (New York, 1957). Michael Marotta and Ann Zakelj, Portraits & Representations of Alexander the Great, Celator, 7/02, p. 6. Y. Meshorer, Ancient Jewish Coinage, (New York, 1982) Milne, Catalogue of Alexandrian Coins in the Ashmolean Museum, (Oxford, 1927 reprinted) O. Morkholm, Ptolemaic Coins and Chronology: The Dated Silver Coinage of Alexandria, ANSMN 20 (1975) Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage, Coin catalogue, Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, (Nicosia 1996) Newell, Standard Ptolemaic Silver, (New York, 1941) Newell, The Coinages of Demetrios Poliorketes, (Chicago, Obol Reprint of 1978) Newell, Royal Greek Portrait Coins, (New York, 1937) Ino Nicolaou and O. Morkholm, Paphos I: A Ptolemaic Coin Hoard, (Nicosia, 1976) Ino Nicolaou, Paphos II: The Coins from the House of Dionysos (Nicosia, 1990) Price, The Coinage in the Name of Alexander the Great and Philip Arrhidaeus (Zurich / London, 1991)

10 140 / 140 THE COINAGE SYSTEM OF CLEOPATRA VII, MARC ANTONY AND AUGUSTUS IN CYPRUS M. Prieur, A Type Corpus of The Syro-PhoenicianTetradrachms and their Fractions from 57 BC to AD 253 (Lancaster, 2000) David Sear, Roman Coins & Their Values, Millennium Edition, (London, 2000) David Sear, The History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators BC, (London, 1998) Stager and Walker, American Expedition to Idalion, Cyprus , Part VI by I Nicolaou. (Chicago 1989) C H C Sutherland, L attribution des deniers Augustéens aux types du temple, de la couronne et du jeune tareau, RN 1974, 59 Rev. E. A. Sydenham, The Coinages of Augustus, (New York Reprint of Numismatic Chronicle, 1977) M. Thompson, Morkholm & Kraay, An Inventory of Greek Coin Hoards, (New York, 1973) David Vagi, Coinage & History of the Roman Empire, Volume I & 2, (Sidney, Ohio, 1999) Susan Walker & Peter Higgs, Cleopatra of Egypt, from History to Myth, (London, 2001) W. Wruck, Die Syrische Provinzialpragung von Augustus bis Traian (Stuttgart, 1931) O. Zervos, The Early Tetradrachms of Ptolemy I, ANS Museum Notes (New York, 1967)