Ancient Coins

ReverseObverse

ReverseObverse

Legend: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AUG PM TR

PPP COS II

Legend: IUDAEA CAPTA SC

ReverseObverse

Legend: Imperator Caesar Vespasian Augustus Pontifex Maximus (‘High

Priest”) Tribune of People Pater Patriae (“Father of the Country”)

Consul for a second time

Legend: Judea Captured Senatus Consulto (“By the

decree of the Senate”)

ReverseObverse

Portrait of the humble Vespasian

Type: Emperor stands over over weeping woman

sitting under a palm tree

Other types of this coin…

Field

Rim

How ancient coins were made

Key Terminology

• Numismatics= the study of coins

• The obverse = the heads side of a coin or the front. E.g. roman usually displays head of emperor

• The reverse = the opposite side of the coin to the obverse, or the tails. E.g. propaganda images pictured or glorifying and event/ancestor

• Legend = the inscription on the coin (except mint characters). Usually running around the edge. Often contains abbreviations.

• Field = the flat or undecorated area which indicates the mint

• Type = The central design on the reverse which is generally surrounded by the legend

• Die = one of the two metallic pieces that are used to strike one side of a coin. A die contains an inverse version of the image to be struck on the coin.

Why are coins important to archaeologists & historians?

• Can help date layers

• Provide information about

– Trade

– Economy

– Social organisation & leadership

– Important events/perspectives on events

– Buildings

– Mythology/religion