Roman Provincial Coins

Which coins are considered Roman Provincial?

Roman provincial coins usually refer to those coins minted by local civic authorities within the Roman Empire. These coins often continued the currency systems that existed before the Roman rule and were mainly minted in the Greek regions of the empire, leading to their previous classification as Greek Imperial coinage. When new regions became part of the Roman Empire, the existing local currencies were usually used for practical reasons. Additionally, newly established colonies were frequently allowed to mint their own bronze coins. These provincial currencies were mainly used for local trade, as their value was generally lower than that of Roman imperial coins.

Which Roman Provincial coins can you buy at VCoins?

At VCoins you can purchase ancient coins issued by the Roman Empire through non-Imperial mints. The provincial coins are listed in regional order from east to west and include provinces such as Macedonia, Moesia, Thrace, Messenia, Gaul, Hispania, Roman Egypt, Syria and Cappadocia.

What are the most important Roman Provincial coins?

There are several provincial coins that hold historical and numismatic significance. A notable example is the tetradrachms minted in Alexandria, Egypt, which often feature the portrait of the ruling Roman emperor on the obverse and various Egyptian deities and symbols on the reverse. Coins minted Greek cities within the Roman Empire, especially cities in Asia Minor such as Ephesus, Pergamum, and Smyrna, also produced significant coinage. Their coins are highly sought by collectors due to their distinctive designs and iconography of the respective cities, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.

What were the Roman Provincial coins like?

Provincial coins encompassed a range of denominations including silver, billon, and bronze, with gold coins being notably absent. Bronze coins constituted the majority of provincial coinage, while silver and billon coins were more prevalent in the Eastern regions, particularly in Alexandria and Syria. The production of silver coins was primarily overseen by the Roman authorities, granting them a means of exerting control and influence across the empire. The coins displayed a wide variety of designs and imagery, often reflecting the local culture and traditions of the region where they were minted. They featured a range of motifs, including portraits of local rulers or deities, mythological figures, city emblems, architectural landmarks, and symbols of prosperity or fertility.

Which province minted the most coins?

The province that minted the most coins varied over time due to fluctuations in economic activity and political influence. However, cities in Asia such as Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamon, among others, were renowned for their extensive coinage production. These cities were centres of trade and commerce, and their coins circulated widely throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Other provinces that had significant coin production include Egypt, Syria, and Macedonia. The mint in Alexandria, Egypt, was the longest-lasting since it was in operation until the beginning of the 4th century.

Macedonia

Macedonia became a Roman province in 168 BC, although it was officially established in 146 BC, incorporating the former Kingdom of Macedonia along with Epirus, Thessaly, and parts of Illyria, Paeonia, and Thrace. During the Republic, Macedonia played a crucial military role, defending the Aegean region from northern threats. After Augustus' victory at the Battle of Actium in 30 BC, the province underwent territorial changes, with the creation of separate provinces like Moesia, Dalmatia, and Pannonia. Throughout the Empire, Macedonia prospered as a region, boasting thriving cities such as Thessalonica and Philippi. These cities enjoyed self-governance, adhering to a similar administrative structure as other Roman communities. Roman Macedonian coins often reflected the influence of Greek culture, as Macedonia had a strong Hellenistic background prior to the Roman conquest. Greek deities were commonly depicted on the coins, along with local Macedonian symbols and motifs.

Moesia

Moesia was an ancient region and later Roman province situated in the Balkans, which included territories of modern Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Northern Bulgaria, and Southern Ukraine. It was established as a province by the Roman Empire in 15 BC and divided into two main regions: Moesia Superior and Moesia Inferior. Moesia Superior covered the western part of the province, bordering the Danube River, while Moesia Inferior encompassed the eastern portion, along the Black Sea coast. The province played a significant role in the defence of the Empire's eastern borders and was a site of military campaigns against neighbouring tribes, such as the Dacians and the Goths. Moesia remained under Roman control until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. Following this, the region was subject to various invasions, ultimately leading to its incorporation into the Byzantine Empire. The design of Moesian coins typically reflected Roman traditions and imperial propaganda by showcasing the portraits of emperors, deities, and symbols associated with the Empire. Minting centres were established in cities such as Viminacium and Serdica (modern-day Belgrade and Sofia, respectively), where the coins were struck with specific mint marks.

Thrace

Thrace was a Roman province located in the south-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, covering parts of present-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. It was established as a province in 46 AD, following the incorporation of the Thracian kingdom into the Roman Empire. Thrace was known for its strategic importance since it was a crossroads between Europe and Asia. Moreover, it benefited from its access to important sea ports, such as Byzantium. The province faced challenges from various barbarian invasions and was often a battleground during conflicts between the Roman Empire and neighbouring tribes, such as the Goths and the Huns. With the decline of the Roman Empire, Thrace gradually fell under the control of the Byzantine Empire and later became part of the Bulgarian Empire. The design and iconography of Roman Thracian coins reflected both Roman and local traditions. They incorporated imperial symbols and portraits and local Thracian elements or deities, showcasing the blending of Roman and Thracian cultures.

Lydia

Lydia was an ancient kingdom in western Asia Minor, known for its wealth and cultural influence. It reached its peak during the 7th and 6th centuries BC under the rule of King Croesus. After being conquered by the Persians in the mid-6th century BC, Lydia became a province of the Persian Empire and later came under the control of Alexander the Great and his successors, becoming part of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. In 133 BC, Lydia was incorporated into the province of Asia, a highly prosperous region within the Roman Empire. Under the tetrarchy reform of Emperor Diocletian in 296 AD, it became a separate Roman province with its capital at Sardis. The designs of Lydia's Roman coins typically featured the portraits of Roman emperors, along with various symbols, inscriptions, and mythological figures. They reflected the authority and power of the Empire while incorporating elements of local Lydia culture and traditions.

Roman Egypt

Egypt was under the rule of the Roman Empire from 30 BC after the death of Cleopatra VII and the annexation of Egypt by Octavian, marking the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Under Roman rule, Egypt became a vital province for the empire due to its strategic location and fertile land, providing vital resources to feed the growing population in Rome and other provinces. The Romans maintained a strong presence in Egypt, establishing a complex administrative system to govern the region effectively. They respected and preserved many of Egypt's ancient traditions, including its religion. However, the ruling elite and administration became increasingly Romanized. Alexandria served as the regular imperial mint, whose coins minted can be classified into two main categories: those with imperial propaganda and local types. These coins featured depictions of Greco-Egyptian deities and symbols associated with their cults. Among the popular motifs were the mythological cycle of Sarapis and representations of the Nile River. The personification of Alexandria itself was also depicted on these coins, highlighting the city's importance.

Syria

Ancient Syria encompassed parts of modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. After the conquest of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, Syria came under the rule of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. However, in 64 BC, Pompey annexed it as a Roman province. The region served as a crucial frontier territory, bordering the Parthian Empire to the east and protecting Roman interests in the eastern Mediterranean. Syria faced various challenges throughout its history, including conflicts with neighbouring powers, revolts, and invasions. The Roman coinage in Syria served as means of propaganda while portraying elements and symbols associated with the region. They were typically minted in bronze, although silver and gold coins were occasionally issued. Roman rule in Syria continued until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia was a historical region located in central Anatolia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. The region of Cappadocia was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic era, and it gained prominence during the Hittite and Persian periods. However, it was during the Hellenistic and Roman periods that Cappadocia flourished and became a notable part of the Roman Empire. Under Roman rule, Cappadocia was initially a client kingdom, with its own local rulers known as the Cappadocian Kings. However, in 17 AD, it was annexed as a Roman province, becoming an integral part of the empire. Roman coins issued in Cappadocia were primarily made of bronze and silver. The designs on these coins often featured the portrait of the reigning Roman emperor while showcasing regional symbols, such as local deities, mythological figures, or cultural landmarks.