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Orbis Collectibles

Philippopolis, Marc Aurel, 5 unit — Flamming torch on a decorated base (CN type 20754)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Period

AD 163–169

Issuing entity

Thrace

5 unit in bronze struck at Philippopolis in Thrace under Marc Aurel, dated AD 163–169. Corpus Nummorum, the online type corpus of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, records it as CN type 20754 (period: Roman Imperial Period; issuing authority type: city).

Obverse: Bust of bearded Marcus Aurelius, right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum. Legend: ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝΕΙΝΟϹ. Reverse: Flamming torch (or candelabrum?) on a decorated base. Legend: ΗΓΕ ΤΟΥ Λ ΜΑΞΙΜΟΥ ΑΠΟΔ ΥΠΑ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟ(ΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ). Measured specimens give a diameter of 30.1–30.6 mm (from 1 recorded specimen). Published references cited by the corpus: Heuchert, RPC IV: Roman Provincial Coinage. Vol. IV: From Antoninus Pius to Commodus (AD 138–192). online (temporary), http://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/, nr. 7455; Varbanov, The Coinage of Philippopolis. Vol. II Catalogue 2, Bourgas 2019, p. 97, nr. VII.4; Varbanov, Greek Imperial Coins and their Values III Band 3, Thrace (from Perinthus to Trajanopolis), 2007, p. 104, nr. 802; Linked type corpus, RPC IV.1, 7455.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
5
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
4

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus ruled as Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and was a member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. Struck during the Roman Imperial Period between AD 163 and 169, this bronze coin was issued under his authority by the city of Philippopolis in Thrace. Originally founded as a polis by Philip the Great in 342 BC, the settlement later came under Roman rule before developing into the modern city of Plovdiv.

Physical characteristics

Material
bronze
Denomination
5 unit
Recorded diameter
30.1–30.6 mm (from 1 recorded specimens)

Technical characteristics

Mint
Philippopolis
Region
Thrace
Authority type
City
Issuing authority
Marc Aurel

Design

Obverse type
Bust of bearded Marcus Aurelius, right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum.
Reverse type
Flamming torch (or candelabrum?) on a decorated base
Obverse legend
ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝΕΙΝΟϹ
Reverse legend
ΗΓΕ ΤΟΥ Λ ΜΑΞΙΜΟΥ ΑΠΟΔ ΥΠΑ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟ(ΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ)

Identification

Period
Roman Imperial Period
How to identify
Check the mint name or ethnic, the reverse type and the legend together, then compare weight and module; types from the same mint often differ only in legend arrangement, magistrate names or control marks.
Type corpus record
https://www.corpus-nummorum.eu/types/20754
Type corpus identifier
CN type 20754

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Weight not recorded in the source corpus
  • Photograph reuse terms to be confirmed with the holding institution
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