Off the Beaten Path: Germe (Mysia)

[David Atherton]

This is the last coin from the small hoard of provincials I ordered from Tom Vossen back in September. But last is not least! It has a decent portrait and neat ethnic Greek reverse ... and notably is made of brass!

 

Titus
Æ20, 4.28g
Germe (Mysia) mint, undated
Obv: ΑΥΤΟ Τ ΚΑΙ ϹΕΒΑϹ; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: ΓΕΡΜΗΝΩΝ; Apollo stg. facing (head l.), holding patera and lyre
RPC 926 (5 spec.).
Acquired from Tom Vossen, September 2024.

The city of Germe in the region of Mysia began striking coins during the imperial period under Titus. The issue was struck in brass in two denominations - one larger (20mm) and one slightly smaller (18mm). The larger denomination featured Apollo on the reverse either standing or sitting holding a lyre. The reverse legend translates as 'of the Germeans'.

In hand.

 

Thank you for looking!

[Roman Collector]

Congratulations on this new acquisition, @David Atherton. Provincials make for an interesting and informative adjunct to a specialty collection focused on a particular dynasty. I have two coins of Germe, one with the same Apollo reverse design as yours.

Faustina II, AD 147-175.
Roman provincial Æ 17.6 mm, 3.59 g, 6 h.
Mysia, Germe ad Rhyndakos, under Sex. I. Faustos (first archon), 2nd emission, AD 147 - c. 152.
Obv: ΦΑVϹΤЄΙΝΑ NЄΑ; bare-headed and draped bust of Faustina II, right.
Rev: ΓƐΡΜΗΝΩΝ; Apollo Kitharoedos in long, belted chiton, standing, facing, head left, holding patera and lyre;  ΦΑV monogram (for Faustos, the archon) in lower r. field.
Refs: RPC IV.2 647 (temporary); SNG von Aulock 1109 (same dies), Imhoof-Blumer GRMK p. 117, 3; SNG Fitzwilliam 4229; Ehling 116 (O5/R5).

Crispina, 178-182 CE.
Roman provincial Æ 26.1 mm, 8.38 g, 11 h.
Mysia, Germe, issue 1a, 179-180 CE.
Obv: ΚΡΙⳞΠΙΝ-Α ⳞΕΒΑⳞ, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: ΓΕΡΜ-Η-ΝΩΝ, two Nymphs(?) standing, facing, heads turned towards each other, each emptying an oenochoe over pillar and holding her dress (or towel); between them on the ground, an amphora.
Refs: RPC IV.2, 654 (temporary); Lindgren III, 464; SNG France 982-82.

[CPK]

Nice coin @David Atherton!