Tripolis in Lydia, 98-117 AD., Trajan, Æ20, BMC 55.

Tripolis in Lydia, Trajan, 98-117 AD.,
Æ20 / Assarion(?) (ø 19-19,5 mm / 5,58 g), bronze, axis about medal alignment ↑↑ (ca. 10°),
Obv.: TPIΠOΛ , bust of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, aegis around neck.
Rev.: AV KAI – TPAIANOC , emperor standing left, wearing military dress, holding long scepter in his left and erecting trophy with his right.
BMC 55 ; SNG Cop. 745 ; SNG München 811 ; RPC online 2559 ( http://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/3/2559/ , 11 pieces listed, see below) .

Under Trajan, Tripolis issued an unusual series of bronze coins with autonomous obverse types and the emperor named and shown on the reverse. 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.

# Collection Bibliography Diameter Weight Axis Countermark Note Image
1 L BMC 55 (and Pl. XL, 5) 5.71 g None
2 L 1979-1-1-2087 5.62 g None
3 O Milne 1925 (ex Sotheby, 11 Dec. 1924, lot 69 = Weber 6967) 5.05 g None
4 P 1817 5.35 g None
5 P 1818 5.68 g Pictured
6 Cop 745 4.28 g None
7 V GR 15459 4.99 g None
8 Mu SNG 811 4.87 g None
9 B I-B 5.18 g None
10 Münz Zentrum 154, 13 Jan. 2010, lot 272 6.48 g None
11 CGT ex G. Boersema stock 20 mm 5.07 g 12 Available