Lot 346: Lydia, Tripolis. Trajan. A.D. 98-117. Æ.

Lydia, Tripolis. Trajan. A.D. 98-117. Æ (21 mm, 7.19 g, 12 h). ΤΡΙΠΟΛ, draped bust of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis / ΑΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟ?, emperor, in military dress, standing facing, head left, crowning trophy and holding spear. SNG Copenhagen 745; SNG Munich 811; BMC 55. Rare and unusual. Mottled dark green patina, minor roughness. Very fine.

This coin presents an unusual departure from the norm in that the obverse, instead of depicting the bust of the emperor, shows the bust of Athena, replete with the aegis of Zeus on her breast and majestically wearing a crested Corinthian helmet. The emperor is relegated to the less important position of the reverse, although he is shown in full form actively engaged either crowning or erecting a trophy. The types are heroic and clearly relate to Trajan's foreign policy, a policy which necessitated expanded military activity. Perhaps the unusual nature of this coin was done purposefully in order to draw attention to its subject matter, and thereby promote legionary recruitment.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 346
• Listing #: 177196
• Closed: Friday, September 16, 2016 6:55:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $100