Roman City Coins

ROMAN PALESTINE CITY COINS

RomanRomA large number of mints were active in ancient times and their coins circulated beyond local borders. In Rome, the emperor had the privilege of minting gold and silver coins while the senate minted the bronze. As Rome’s empire increased, they granted the right of minting bronze to many cities, which facilitated smaller daily purchases and generally circulated close to home. While the obverse featured the reigning emperor, the reverse was open to depiction of local deities, symbols, traditions, buildings, and some type of mint mark. They also record ideas and events, which became a significant form of communication as coins passed from hand to hand. Most inscriptions are in the regional language - Greek. Dates refer to local eras: the Seleucid era which began in 312 BCE, the Pompey conquest beginning in 63 BCE, or a significant date in the history of a particular city. These coins circulated heavily and often show significant wear.

A large number of mints were active in ancient times and their coins circulated beyond local borders. In Rome, the emperor had the privilege of minting gold and silver coins while the senate minted the bronze. As Rome’s empire increased, they granted the right of minting bronze to many cities, which facilitated smaller daily purchases and generally circulated close to home.

While the obverse usually featured the reigning emperor, the reverse was open to depiction of local deities, symbols, traditions, buildings, and some type of mint mark. They also recorded ideas and events, which became a significant form of communication as coins passed from hand to hand. Most inscriptions are in the regional language - Greek. Dates refer to local eras: the Seleucid era which began in 312 BCE, the Pompey conquest beginning in 63 BCE, or a significant date in the history of a particular city.

The coins vary widely in skill of production. They circulated heavily and often show significant wear. These mints ceased production by the end of the 3rd century, due to economic and political instability in the Empire.

Note: Images may be enlarged. The actual coin diameters are given in millimeters.

Coin numbers are from Meir Rosenberger's 4 volume work City Coins of Palestine.

Roman City Coins Each city chose themes and images of which it was proud. Almost all were bronze except for some debased silver issues from just 7 cities, under Emperor Caracalla (212 - 217). It is impossible to state a denomination of value for these. NOTE: Coin images here are not necessarily of accurate size. English letters have been used to approximate the Greek inscriptions. Coin identification numbers are from the 4 volume Meir Rosenberger "City Coins of Palestine".	City Coin Map This map shows the location of coin-issuing cities. There were 37 altogether, 19 in Israel proper and 18 across the Jordan river. This map is from Yaakov Meshorer's book "City Coins of Eretz Israel and the Decapolis in the Roman Period". He listed them geographically: First the coastal cities from North to south, then the inland cities, and finally those east of the Jordan river. Here they are listed alphabetically.	Abila. Decapolis Abila, called Abel in the Talmud, was in central Trans-Jordan. (Apparently also known as Raphana). Its symbol was a bunch of grapes, which is a product for which the city was famous. Featured on the obverse is Faustina, wife of Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180). On the reverse is a prominent bunch of grapes. The inscription in Greek includes the visible name ABILA. 15 mm. Rosenberger # 5b.
Adraa.Transjordan Adraa is the city of Edrei in the Bible. The obverse shows Valerian (253-258). The reverse shows a figure, presumably a city-goddess, standing between 2 pillars under an arch facing right. Starting at 8 o'clock the inscription ADRA HNWNP and below AN. Oblong 22-25 mm. Rosenberger #7	Aelia Capitolina This well-known coin commemorates the re-founding of Jerusalem as a Roman colony with the new name Aelia (part of Hadrian's name) Capitolina (for Jupiter). Hadrian is on the obverse. The reverse inscription reads: COL (onia) AEL(ia) KAPIT(olina) and below COND(itor) = 'the colony Aelia Capitolina founding'. It is remarkable fulfillment of the Biblical verse in Micah 3:12 - "Zion will be plowed like a field". 23 mm. Rosenberger #1	Aelia Capitolina Aelia Capitolina is the name Hadrian gave to Jerusalem after his conquest. It stuck for 1000 years. Here we see emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) and his co-emperor until 169 Lucius Verus, facing. If we could read the inscription it would name both of them. The reverse show Tyche in a tetrastyle temple and around the bottom in Latin: COL(onia) AEL(ia) CAP(itolina). 28 mm. Meshorer #53.
Aelia.Tetradrachm Aelia (Jerusalem) tetradrachm. Under Caracalla (198-217) and Macrinus (217-218) the economy was stimulated by 29 mints producing silver (debased) tetradrachms. 7 were in our immediate area including Aelia. This coin shows emperor Macrinus and the standard eagle. The mint is indicated by the wine jar and 'thyrsus' under the eagle - that is a staff wound with vines symbolizing the local deity Dionysus, the wine god.	Akko Ptolemais was known as Akko and to the Crusaders as Acre. It had a long history of minting even before the Romans. This coin shows Nero on the obverse. The reverse commemorates becoming an official Roman Colony, symbolized by the emperor ploughing the city boundary with an ox and a cow. Interestingly, it shows 4 military standards behind, with their legion numbers in Roman numerals - III, VI, X, XII. These were the legions gathered at the beginning of the First Revolt, 66 CE. Rosenberger #46.	Akko Above, we read 'DIVOS CLAUD' honoring the late Claudius. Between the standards appear some of the following letters: COL CCS PTOL, referring to the colony status. Some of the numerals can be made out on the standards. 25 mm.
Anthedon Anthedon, an Hellenic city, was just north of Gaza. It played a role in Maccabean and First Revolt battles. The emperor is Severus Alexander (222-235) and we read (AUP)CE ALEZAND(ROC). Reverse: City goddess seated left holding a sail. From 7 o'clock: ANThDON(OC ETOYC). 21-23 mm. Rosenberger #8.	Antipatris Antipatris was originally Aphek in the Bible. founded by Herod and named for his father. The emperor is Elagabalus (218-222). On the reverse Tyche stands facing left under a tetrastyle arch. Below: ANTIP in Greek. 18 mm. Rosenberger # 1.	Ashkelon Ashkelon, a Mediterranean port city mentioned in the Bible, is north of Gaza. It had a long history of minting. Here is portrayed Domitian (81-96). The busy reverse shows the city goddess standing on a galley, facing left, holding a standard and a small aphlaston. On her right an alter, on her left the city mintmark- a Dove - and the date = 85 CE. On the left ACKALON. 21-23 mm. Rosenberger #115.
Bostra.Transjordan Ancient Bostra is called Basra today. Severus Alexander (222-235) on the obverse. The reverse shows a city goddess with a turret-shaped crown. Behind her shoulder is a cornucopia. Severus declared Bostra a Roman colony. The inscription in Latin (!) from 7:00 o'clock: COLONIA B OSTRA, 22 mm. Rosenberger #42.	Caesaria_edited Caesaria was named for Augustus Caesar when this port was founded in 12 CE.. It became the center of Roman administration in Judaea. The emperor featured is Hadrian. City goddess Tyche is shown on the reverse, holding a standard in left hand an a bust in the right. Her right foot is on something, likely a captive. In Latin: CIFA VG CAESAR. 21mm. Rosenberger #23.	Canatha.Decapolis Near Bostra, the ruins of the Greek city of Canatha are still there today. The emperor is Commodus (177 - 192). Around his bust starting 12:30: ANTONI (KOMO). The reverse shows Athena in a helmet. Around from 8 o'clock in Greek: GA(B)I KANATh. 17 mm. Rosenberger #9.
Capitolias.Decapolis Capitolias in Jordan was originally Beit Reisha. The emperor is Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180). AYTKAICMAVP. Tyche holds a spear and cornucopia. From 7 o'clock: KAPITOLIEONIAL. 24 mm. Rosenberger #3.	Carach Moba.Transjordan Carach Moba was Kir Haroshet/Kir Moab in the Bible, south of Amman. Emperor Elagabalus (218 - 222) is on the obverse, with AKMAV ANTONINO in Greek. On the reverse a figure sits before an altar. Steps/ladder lead up, on which is a tall column. Above: XAR(ax). Below: MOB. 20 mm. Rosenberger #2.	Diospolis Diospolis was originally Lod, an important talmudic center. Severus made it a Roman colony Diospolis ('city of Zeus'). Elagabalus (281-222) is the emperor shown. The reverse portrays Tyche in a tetrastyle temple, holding a bust in her right hand and a scepter in the left. Below we read in Greek: DIOC. 17 mm. Rosenberger #15.
Dium.Decapolis Zeus was called Dios in Greek and this city was named for him. Emperor Caracalla on the obverse: AKMAV ANTON***. The reverse shows a Hexastyle (6-columned) temple, an eagle in the pediment and an altar under the arch. Below in Greek: DEIHN. Around: KOI CVP. left HSC, right WN. Oval 26-30 mm. Rosenberger #1.	Dora Dora's ancient name was Dor. The obverse features Doros, the mythical founder and patron god of the city. The reverse portrays city goddess Astarte, holding a standard in her right hand and a cornucopia in her left. The city name in Greek at 2 o'clock: DOREITON. This example is unusually sharp and clear. 22 mm. Rosenberger #16,	Eleutheropolis Previously known as Beit Guvrin and by the Arabs as Beit Jibrin, Eleutheropolis ('City of Liberty') is its Roman name. Elagabalus is the emperor. Tyche stands in a tetrastyle temple looking left, holding a bust and a cornucopia. Beneath we read ELEU. 21 mm. Rosenberger # 25.
Eleutheropolis Eleutheropolis. the emperor is Caracalla (198-217). the reverse image is of Zeus Heliopolis facing, a whip in his right hand,between 2 bulls. the inscription the name starts at 11:30. (ACEP CE O V) ELEUTh. 21 mm. Rosenberger #14.	Esbus.Transjordan Esbus was known as Heshbon in the Bible. Only Elagabalus appears on her coins. A deity holds something in his right hand and a scepter in his left, with a serpent coiled around it. 20 mm. Rosenberger #6.	Gaba Gaba's name may come from its founder Gabinius. Hadrian is the emperor. Victoria walks left, holding out a wreath, while holding a trophy in her left hand. Starting at 8 o'clock in Greek: PhI GABINON. 23 mm. Rosenberger # 9.
Gadara.Decapolis Gadara was southeast of lake Tiberias and near Hamat Gader hot springs. The appearance of a galley on many of her coins suggests a connection with the Lake. The emperor is Gordianus (238-244). The galley shows oars, an aphlaston, and 2 figures. We read in Greek: (POMP) / GADARE / ON and below GT. 25 mm. Rosenberger #89.	Gaza The ancient port city of Gaza is mentioned in the Bible. Gaza had a long history of minting. Antoninus ( (138-161) is the emperor. From 8 o'clock K AYTOKKA IA ANTIN. A city goddess stands left holding a scepter and a cornucopia, next to a heifer. The mintmark on lower right is an ancient Phoenician 'M' which stands for 'Marnas' the Gazan version of Zeus. 21 mm. Rosenberger #91.	Gerasa.Decapolis Gerasa. The emperor is Hadrian. We read: IAYKTRA ADRIANOCEB. The reverse shows a bust of Artemis with a bow in front and a quiver at back. Inscription in Greek: ARTEMITVXH GERACON. 20 mm. Rosenberger #9. This one unusually clear and legible.
Hippos - Decapolis Hippos means horse as does the previous name in Hebrew, 'Susita'. A site of Jewish-gentile battles during the war. The emperor is Antoninus Pius (138-161): AYTOKR KYR ANTONINOC. On the reverse city-goddess Tyche stands next to a horse and holds its reins. Starting 10 o'clock: ANTIO TO PR IP TIC IER K ACYLOY = 'Of the Antiocheans at Hippos, holy, city of asylum'. 'Asylum' meant some protection for refugees but mainly was used to attract residents and increase population. 24 mm. Rosenberger #8	Decapolis A group of Greek cities mostly in 'Eastern Palestine', that is east of the Jordan river, formed a league during Roman rule. It was for mutual protection from tribal enemies. Ancient historians called the league the Decapolis ('10 cities'), although as many as 18 may have belonged. They are indicated here after the title name. Additional cities in the area issued coins as well, although not included in the Decapolis list.	Joppa Joppa is the ancient port city, Yaffo, mentioned in the Bible. Elagabalus (218 - 222) on the obverse. The reverse shows Tyche in a tetra-style (4-columned) temple. Around in Greek letters: IO P P IC. Rosenberger # 7.
Medaba. Transjordan Medaba is in Transjordan. The emperor is Caracalla (198-217). AYTKM AV ANTONIN. Tyche is on the reverse holding in her right hand a bust and in the left a cornucopia. From 7 o'clock: MHDABUN TV X I. 26 mm. Rosenberger #6.	Neapolis.large Neapolis. Today called Nablus but originally it was Shechem, mentioned in the Bible. Emperor Domitian (81-96 and his titles on obverse. Clear inscription on the reverse : FLAOYI/NEAPOLI/SAMARE/LEI. Given the prefix FL(avia) by Vespasian from his family name. 25 mm. Rosenberger #2. This is one of the very first coins of the city.	Neapolis.Mountain Many of Neapolis' coins show a temple on a mountain, as does this one. The emperor is Volusianus (251-253) who appears on the obverse with his name and titles. The reverse shows 2 mountain peaks with a temple and shrine on top. A stairway leads up from the colonnade below. All is supported on eagle wings. The site hosted many temples, this one to Zeus. FL NEACPOLEOC. 26 mm. Rosenberger #125.
Neapolis.temple A similar coin, without the eagle. The emperor is Volusianus (251-253). The reverse shows 2 mountain peaks with a temple and shrine on top. A stairway leads up from the colonnade below. NEACPOLEOC. 20 mm and thinner, this is a half- or quarter- denomination. Rosenberger #124.	Neapolis.'Palestine' Neapolis. Notable here is Hadrian's new name for the country. No longer Judea but rather 'Syria Palestina'. Marcus Aurelius ( 161-180 with his titles on the obverse, the reverse shows the deity Zeus Heliopolites, mummy shaped, between 2 bulls. The important inscription: FL NEACPOLE CYRIAC PALECT(ina). Dated 159. 23 mm. Rosenberger #15.	Nysa.Decapolis Nysa -Scythopolis was Beit Shean in the Bible. Scythopolis = City of Scythians. The emperor is Gordian III (238-244). The reverse shows the goddess Tyche seated on an elaborate chair/throne and 'nursing the infant Dionysus'. From 8 o'clock: NYC CK(YThO...). 22 mm. Rosenberger #57.
Panias.Transjordan Panias in the north was re-named several times. Pan was the local god and appears on coins playing his flutes. Niches in which his statue stood are still there. The emperor is Marcus Aurelius. Pan leans on a tree, with crossed legs, and plays. At 12:30 we read: ACYP PANIO. dated to 168 CE. 27 mm. Rosenberger #9/11	Pella.Decapolis Pella was originally Pehal, famous for nearby hot springs. The emperor is Commodus (177-192): AU K L AYP KOOMODOC. On the reverse Athena stands facing right holding a spear and shield: PELLA ION and a date equal to 177 CE. 27 mm. Rosenberger similar to #13. Meshorer #249.	Petra.Transjordan Petra had been the capital of the Nabateans. It became a 'Metropolis' after Hadrian visited. The emperor here is Hadrian. AUTOKRATOP KAICAR TRAIANOC ADRIANOC CEBACTOC. The reverse shows Tyche seated left on a rock, extending her right hand and holding a trophy in her left: PETRA MITROPOLIC. 26 mm. Rosenberger #2/3. This one is exceptionally complete and clear.
Philadelphia.Decapolis Philadelphia was originally known as Rabbat Ammon, today Amman, Jordan. The emperor is Marcus Aurelius (161-180): AVT KAIC M AV P ANTONINOC. On the reverse around the bust of Herakles at 7 o'clock: FILADELFEON KOILIC CYRIAC. This indicates it was in 'southern Syria' as the Romans referred to the area. 21 mm. Rosenberger # 26. Unusually legible example.	Philippopolis.Decapolis Philippopolis. Founded by Philip I (244-249) as a Roman colony, and portraying his family, including here Otacilia Severa with a long braid in her hair. In Greek: M AROTAKILI CEOVIRAN CEB. The reverse shows Roma in a helmet. Her right hand holds an eagle and 2 small figures, her left a spear: FILIPPOPOLITON KOLONIAC, indicating colony status. Also SC in Latin showing Senate approval. This coin is thick, substantial, and beautifully produced. 28 mm. Rosenberger #3.	Rabath Moba.Trans-Jordan Rabath Moab. Perhaps 'Ir Moab' in the Bible. The emperor is Septimius Severus (193-211): AYT KAC CEOVIROC. The reverse shows the war god Ares, in full armor, holding a sword, spear and shield, standing between 2 flaming altars. RABATh MOBA. 26 mm. Rosenberger #2.
Raphia Raphia, today called Rafah, is on the coast, south of Gaza. The emperor is Septimius Severus (193-211). P.C.OIP.C.CEBA. The reverse portrays Artemis, huntress, facing left, drawing an arrow from her quiver and holding a bow in her left hand. RAPhIA CNC. 20 mm. Rosenberger # 6.	Sebaste Sebaste was the Biblical Shomron. The emperor is Domitian (81-96): At 2 o'clock we can read DOMITIAN. The reverse shows a city goddess facing left holding a ceremonial stone and a spear. From 8 o'clock: CEBAC TINON. This example, like many in Rosenberger, has been countermarked LXF by the 10th Roman legion. 23 mm. Rosenberger #3.	Sepphoris.set Sepphoris was called Tzipori ('birdlike') by the Jews, then and now. It was a major city in Galilee. This was their first issue, a set of 4 denominations, although we can't say how they were valued. Trajan (98-117) is the emperor. The designs are familiar Jewish ones, without the pagan symbolism.
Sepforis.Wreath Sepforis. This is the largest denomination at 26 mm. Trajan is the emperor: TRAIANOSAVTO KRATO(RED). The reverse shows a thick wreath in which we read: SEPFO/RINON. Rosenberger #3.	Sepforis.Palm Sepforis. The next denomination is 24 mm. Trajan on obverse with a sharp bust & a similar inscription. This denomination shows a palm tree. The inscription is around the trunk: SEP FO/ RI NON. Rosenberger #4.	Sepforis.Caduceus Sepforis. 19 mm. Fully round and well struck. Similar obverse bust and inscription. The reverse is a caduceus with a bow tied at the bottom - perhaps indicating balance and reciprocity. The city name around: SEPFO RINON. Rosenberger #5.
Sepforis.Ears of Grain Sepforis. Similar obverse, although here off center and incomplete on such a small flan. a double ear of grain flanked by the name: SEPF(O) (R)INON. 14 mm. Rosenberger #6.	Sepphoris > Diocaesarea Sepforis was re-named Diocaesaria under Hadrian, reflecting a less Jewish atmosphere. The emperor here is Antoninus Pius (138-161): (AVT)KAI ANT (ONINOC). The reverse shows goddess Hera facing left holding an incense shovel. Counterclockwise from 6:30 - DIOK(AI IER A) CVAYTO. 22 mm. Rosenberger #9.	Tiberias.Hygieia Tiberias. Founded by Herod Antipas in 20 CE and he minted his coins here. Roman city coins began with Trajan (98-117) shown here with his titles. The reverse shows Hygieia, goddess of health and hygiene. She sits on a rock from which waters of the local hot springs flow: TIBERI KLAYDI. Dated 108. 22 mm. Rosenberger # 7.
Tiberias.Temple Tiberias. Hadrian sought to add pagan character to the city by building the temple symbolized here. Zeus sits left holding a sceptre: TIBER KLAYD/ ETAR (= date 119). 24 mm. Rosenberger #12.	Tiberias.Galley Tiberias. Hadrian and his titles on obverse. We can read part (AYTRADRI) ANO KAIC CEB. The reverse shows a galley with oars, associating the nearby sea of galilee/Lake Tiberias. Above: TIBE/KLAY. below LAP indicating a date = 119. 13 mm. Rosenberger # 15.	City_edited

ROMAN PALESTINE CITY COINS

City Coin Map

Abila. Decapolis

Adraa.Transjordan

Adraa is the city of Edrei in the Bible. The obverse shows Valerian (253-258). The reverse shows a figure, presumably a city-goddess, standing between 2 pillars under an arch facing right. Starting at 8 o'clock the inscription ADRA HNWNP and below AN. Oblong 22-25 mm. Rosenberger #7

Aelia Capitolina

Aelia Capitolina

Aelia.Tetradrachm

Akko

Akko

Above, we read 'DIVOS CLAUD' honoring the late Claudius. Between the standards appear some of the following letters: COL CCS PTOL, referring to the colony status. Some of the numerals can be made out on the standards. 25 mm.

Anthedon

Anthedon, an Hellenic city, was just north of Gaza. It played a role in Maccabean and First Revolt battles. The emperor is Severus Alexander (222-235) and we read (AUP)CE ALEZAND(ROC). Reverse: City goddess seated left holding a sail. From 7 o'clock: ANThDON(OC ETOYC). 21-23 mm. Rosenberger #8.

Antipatris

Antipatris was originally Aphek in the Bible. founded by Herod and named for his father. The emperor is Elagabalus (218-222). On the reverse Tyche stands facing left under a tetrastyle arch. Below: ANTIP in Greek. 18 mm. Rosenberger # 1.

Ashkelon

Bostra.Transjordan

Caesaria_edited

Canatha.Decapolis

Near Bostra, the ruins of the Greek city of Canatha are still there today. The emperor is Commodus (177 - 192). Around his bust starting 12:30: ANTONI (KOMO). The reverse shows Athena in a helmet. Around from 8 o'clock in Greek: GA(B)I KANATh. 17 mm. Rosenberger #9.

Capitolias.Decapolis

Capitolias in Jordan was originally Beit Reisha. The emperor is Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180). AYTKAICMAVP. Tyche holds a spear and cornucopia. From 7 o'clock: KAPITOLIEONIAL. 24 mm. Rosenberger #3.

Carach Moba.Transjordan

Carach Moba was Kir Haroshet/Kir Moab in the Bible, south of Amman. Emperor Elagabalus (218 - 222) is on the obverse, with AKMAV ANTONINO in Greek. On the reverse a figure sits before an altar. Steps/ladder lead up, on which is a tall column. Above: XAR(ax). Below: MOB. 20 mm. Rosenberger #2.

Diospolis

Dium.Decapolis

Dora

Eleutheropolis

Previously known as Beit Guvrin and by the Arabs as Beit Jibrin, Eleutheropolis ('City of Liberty') is its Roman name. Elagabalus is the emperor. Tyche stands in a tetrastyle temple looking left, holding a bust and a cornucopia. Beneath we read ELEU. 21 mm. Rosenberger # 25.

Eleutheropolis

Eleutheropolis. the emperor is Caracalla (198-217). the reverse image is of Zeus Heliopolis facing, a whip in his right hand,between 2 bulls. the inscription the name starts at 11:30. (ACEP CE O V) ELEUTh. 21 mm. Rosenberger #14.

Esbus.Transjordan

Esbus was known as Heshbon in the Bible. Only Elagabalus appears on her coins. A deity holds something in his right hand and a scepter in his left, with a serpent coiled around it. 20 mm. Rosenberger #6.

Gaba

Gaba's name may come from its founder Gabinius. Hadrian is the emperor. Victoria walks left, holding out a wreath, while holding a trophy in her left hand. Starting at 8 o'clock in Greek: PhI GABINON. 23 mm. Rosenberger # 9.

Gadara.Decapolis

Gaza

Gerasa.Decapolis

Gerasa. The emperor is Hadrian. We read: IAYKTRA ADRIANOCEB. The reverse shows a bust of Artemis with a bow in front and a quiver at back. Inscription in Greek: ARTEMITVXH GERACON. 20 mm. Rosenberger #9. This one unusually clear and legible.

Hippos - Decapolis

Decapolis

Joppa

Joppa is the ancient port city, Yaffo, mentioned in the Bible. Elagabalus (218 - 222) on the obverse. The reverse shows Tyche in a tetra-style (4-columned) temple. Around in Greek letters: IO P P IC. Rosenberger # 7.

Medaba. Transjordan

Medaba is in Transjordan. The emperor is Caracalla (198-217). AYTKM AV ANTONIN. Tyche is on the reverse holding in her right hand a bust and in the left a cornucopia. From 7 o'clock: MHDABUN TV X I. 26 mm. Rosenberger #6.

Neapolis.large

Neapolis.Mountain

Neapolis.temple

A similar coin, without the eagle. The emperor is Volusianus (251-253). The reverse shows 2 mountain peaks with a temple and shrine on top. A stairway leads up from the colonnade below. NEACPOLEOC. 20 mm and thinner, this is a half- or quarter- denomination. Rosenberger #124.

Neapolis.'Palestine'

Nysa.Decapolis

Nysa -Scythopolis was Beit Shean in the Bible. Scythopolis = City of Scythians. The emperor is Gordian III (238-244). The reverse shows the goddess Tyche seated on an elaborate chair/throne and 'nursing the infant Dionysus'. From 8 o'clock: NYC CK(YThO...). 22 mm. Rosenberger #57.

Panias.Transjordan

Pella.Decapolis

Pella was originally Pehal, famous for nearby hot springs. The emperor is Commodus (177-192): AU K L AYP KOOMODOC. On the reverse Athena stands facing right holding a spear and shield: PELLA ION and a date equal to 177 CE. 27 mm. Rosenberger similar to #13. Meshorer #249.

Petra.Transjordan

Philadelphia.Decapolis

Philippopolis.Decapolis

Rabath Moba.Trans-Jordan

Rabath Moab. Perhaps 'Ir Moab' in the Bible. The emperor is Septimius Severus (193-211): AYT KAC CEOVIROC. The reverse shows the war god Ares, in full armor, holding a sword, spear and shield, standing between 2 flaming altars. RABATh MOBA. 26 mm. Rosenberger #2.

Raphia

Raphia, today called Rafah, is on the coast, south of Gaza. The emperor is Septimius Severus (193-211). P.C.OIP.C.CEBA. The reverse portrays Artemis, huntress, facing left, drawing an arrow from her quiver and holding a bow in her left hand. RAPhIA CNC. 20 mm. Rosenberger # 6.

Sebaste

Sepphoris.set

Sepphoris was called Tzipori ('birdlike') by the Jews, then and now. It was a major city in Galilee. This was their first issue, a set of 4 denominations, although we can't say how they were valued. Trajan (98-117) is the emperor. The designs are familiar Jewish ones, without the pagan symbolism.

Sepforis.Wreath

Sepforis. This is the largest denomination at 26 mm. Trajan is the emperor: TRAIANOSAVTO KRATO(RED). The reverse shows a thick wreath in which we read: SEPFO/RINON. Rosenberger #3.

Sepforis.Palm

Sepforis. The next denomination is 24 mm. Trajan on obverse with a sharp bust & a similar inscription. This denomination shows a palm tree. The inscription is around the trunk: SEP FO/ RI NON. Rosenberger #4.

Sepforis.Caduceus

Sepforis. 19 mm. Fully round and well struck. Similar obverse bust and inscription. The reverse is a caduceus with a bow tied at the bottom - perhaps indicating balance and reciprocity. The city name around: SEPFO RINON. Rosenberger #5.

Sepforis.Ears of Grain

Sepforis. Similar obverse, although here off center and incomplete on such a small flan. a double ear of grain flanked by the name: SEPF(O) (R)INON. 14 mm. Rosenberger #6.

Sepphoris > Diocaesarea

Sepforis was re-named Diocaesaria under Hadrian, reflecting a less Jewish atmosphere. The emperor here is Antoninus Pius (138-161): (AVT)KAI ANT (ONINOC). The reverse shows goddess Hera facing left holding an incense shovel. Counterclockwise from 6:30 - DIOK(AI IER A) CVAYTO. 22 mm. Rosenberger #9.

Tiberias.Hygieia

Tiberias.Temple

Tiberias. Hadrian sought to add pagan character to the city by building the temple symbolized here. Zeus sits left holding a sceptre: TIBER KLAYD/ ETAR (= date 119). 24 mm. Rosenberger #12.

Tiberias.Galley