Æ

Historical Context: This Æ issue from Laodikeia ad Lycum, Phrygia, dates from 100 BC to 1 BC, placing it firmly within the late Hellenistic period and the formative years of Roman provincial administration in Asia Minor. Laodikeia, a prominent and wealthy city, retained significant civic autonomy in minting its own bronze coinage, even after its incorporation into the Roman province of Asia following the Attalid bequest and the Mithridatic Wars. These issues reflect the city's continued prosperity and its capacity to manage local affairs, bridging the transition from independent Hellenistic city-state to a key Roman provincial center.

Artistry: While specific engravers for civic bronze issues of this period remain anonymous, the coin adheres to the prevailing Hellenistic stylistic traditions, adapted for provincial minting. The design, typical for Laodikeian bronzes, would likely feature a prominent deity or a civic personification on the obverse, embodying local religious beliefs or civic pride. The reverse commonly displayed a local symbol or attribute, executed with varying degrees of artistic skill, ranging from competent to more schematic representations characteristic of busy provincial mints focused on utilitarian currency rather than high art.

Technical/Grading: Measuring 15mm and weighing 4.84g, this bronze coin exhibits typical characteristics of its type and period. Flans are frequently irregular, and strikes can vary significantly in pressure and centering. High points of the design, such as hair, facial features, or drapery folds, are often the first areas to show wear or be weakly struck. A well-centered strike with full details on the primary devices and legible legends is desirable, though less common. The bronze composition often results in patination that can obscure finer details if not carefully preserved.