The article presents an artifact, an antique bronze seal-box cap, donated to Sandanski Archaeolog... more The article presents an artifact, an antique bronze seal-box cap, donated to Sandanski Archaeological Museum at the end of the 20 th century, discovered in the area of the town. The historic sources, related to this type of objects, are presented in the work, among them "Wasps" of Aristophanes, Pliny the Younger, Lucian of Samosata, etc. The main characteristics and parameters of the artifact are described as follow: length 2.9 сm; max. width 1.7 сm; external circle diam. 2.9 сm; internal circle diam. 0.6 сm; thickness 0.17 сm; weight 2.77 gr. The seal-box is type IV after the typology of T. Derks, N. Roymans, and type 2b after the typology of A. R. Furger, M. Wartmann, Е. Riha. The item is dated to the 2 nd-3 rd centuries.
The subject of the present article is a newly discovered dedicatory inscription of Isis, Sarapis... more The subject of the present article is a newly discovered dedicatory inscription of Isis, Sarapis and Anubis (Обр. 1), made by the society of their venerable believers. Some of these admirers are also connected with the coinage – the coin magistrate ΚΥΡΣΑ was the father of one of the initiates – ΗΡΩΝΥΜΟ. Thanks to the parallel between the epigraphic data and the coins, the newly discovered inscription can be dated to the second half of the 2nd c. BC. From the research it can be concluded that somewhere in the outlines of Odessos during the Hellenistic era, maybe in the sacred territory around the today’s oldest active Christian temple in Varna – “The Assumption of the Holy Virgin” Church, or around the place of the newly discovered inscriptions (18 Tsar Ivan Shishman Str.), existed a temple of Isis, Sarapis and Anubis (№ 4 on Карта 1). Moreover, it is very likely that the upright statue of the Great God of Odessos was erected there in the 3rd–2nd centuries BC, and from its creation to be associated with Pluto/Sarapis, because the statue first appears on the Odessos tetradrachms of their own type (Cat. № 6–7, c. 168–167 BC). The new epigraphic and numismatic data confirm the opinion that the Thracians occupied very important positions in Odessos and perhaps had a leading role from the middle of the 2nd century BC until the capture of the city by Rome.
Университетско издателство „Св. Климент Охридски”, 2017
This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection from Varna. The hoard was found in t... more This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection from Varna. The hoard was found in the village of Ticha, Sliven region. It is consisted of 25 specimens in total, all from the following type of Odessos’ autonomous bronze coins (AMNG I/II 2200 – 2208, see Cat. No 1–25) – Octachalkon of Odessos: Оbverse: Head of the Great God Pluto. Reverse: The Great God ride a horse right, OΔHΣITΩN and monogram of coin magistrate under him. The most remarkable thread of the coins from this new hoard is the presence of hybrids between barbarian imitation reversеs and original obverses of Odessos coins. We also find reengraved (from original to barbarian imitation) reverse dies (Cat. No. № 15, 21 and 23). We think that these “semibarbarian” coins are struck in Odessos. We observe the same phenomenon in the tetradrachms of the city (Cat. No. 27–30; Price 1169–1171). Also we make a die study of the obverses and we think all coins from this hoard are made with five obverse dies.
This article presents several types of barbarous imitations of autonomous coins (Fig. 7–22), Mace... more This article presents several types of barbarous imitations of autonomous coins (Fig. 7–22), Macedonian coins (Philip II Fig. 1 and Philip III – Fig. 2), and coins from the time of Late Antiquity kept in the collection of Historical museum – Popovo. We also present the original type of Odessos’ coins. Odessos Type 1 in the collection (AMNG I/II 2177–2188; Fig. 3; 300–275 BC) has an obverse: Persephone (in the earliest emissions c. 300 BC the goddess bears Arsinoe’s portrait features) head right with taenia (in some examples with ears of wheat!), earrings and necklace. Reverse: The Great God Pluto reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN. Odessos Type 2 (AMNG I/II 2200–2208; Fig. 4–6; first group 250–200 BC Fig. 4 and 5, second 120–75 BC Fig. 6) has an obverse: laureate head of Great God Pluto, right and reverse: OΔHΣITΩN under rider (Great God Pluto) with rithon or Cornucopiae, right. We have large group of barbarian imitations of Odessos Type 2 coins. This group contains 16 coins from 1st century BC. The metal from which they are made is bronze (AE) – 2 coins (Fig. 7 and 8), bronze (AE 50%) and lead (Pb 50%) – 8 coins (Fig. 9–15 and 21), only lead (Pb) – 6 coins (Fig. 16–20 and 22). The Late Antiquity imitation that we present are as follows: the first one is from the Constantine I (306–337) type VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP (Fig. 23) and the second one is a lead (Pb) coin from 5th century AD with uncertain type or without a type (Fig. 24).
The coinage in bronze, silver and gold of ancient Odessos reflects the strategic importance of th... more The coinage in bronze, silver and gold of ancient Odessos reflects the strategic importance of this city in Pontic Thrace, gained under the reign of Lysimachus (306-281 BC). Odessos was entrusted with a great civilization potential from its metropolis Miletus, developing its religious and cultural life to a highest level in the 3rd century BC. The first bronze coins struck at Odessos do represent the marriage of Pluto and Persephone (Figs. 1, 3, 4-6). Direct evidence in favour of this identification is the wheat ears in the hairstyle of Persephone. Out of it follows that the Great God of Odessos is Pluto himself, at least in the beginning. Portrait similarities between Persephone and queen Arsinoe (Figs. 1 and 3) on the earliest series of Odessitan bronze coins (with no rhyton in Pluto’s hands) indicate that the start of this coinage was set around year 300 BC, thus coinciding with the date of the marriage of Lysimachus and Arsinoe. The iconography of Odessos’s early series is clearly linked with the Samothracian mysteries. These coins are a further argument for the connection of the Great Gods of Samothrace with Demeter, Persephone, Pluto and Hermes. In my opinion, the first issues of the silver coinage at Odessos (with a suggested date 275-270 BC) are produced with obverse dies O1 and O1A = Л1 and Л1А (Figs. 10-11, 13, 15, 17–19). Of major importance in this study is the die-linkage of tetradrachm issues. The newly identified issue of tetradrachms is a combination of obverse die Price 1141 (O1A = Л1А, Fig. 19) and a new reverse die (Fig. 17-18) with an unique for Odessos form of legend – the royal title ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ under the throne, which is hitherto unknown at the remaining West Pontic cities. This tetradrachm issue along with three other
die combinations – issues Price 1140–1141 (O1A=Л1А), Price 1144–1145 (O1=Л1) and the new combination O1A=Л1А with magistrate monogram ΠΥ – forms the earliest group of silver tetradrachms (Fig. 10-11, 13, 15, 17–19) and the second group of gold staters (Figs. 12, 14, 16 and 20) struck at the mint of Odessos. Most recently, I have noticed a new reverse die O1=Л1, marked again with ‘delta in
omikron’ but combined with a new civic symbol – caduceus, and monogram of the letters АР (Fig. 10). It is published for the first time in this article. After a careful examination of the only extant specimen of issue Price 1145А, I have been able to distinguish that the monogram consists of the letters АР, not
ΛР. The obverse is again struck with die O1=Л1.
For a better clarity I have separated the obverse dies used for the Alexander-type tetradrachms in a consecutive chronological order, as suggested: – Л1, Л1А, Л2, Л3, Л4 = O1, O1A, O2, O3 and O4. The obverse dies of issue Price 1138 used for the Odessitan tetradrachms can be described as Л2=O2
(Fig. 21) with dots (or more precisely - pores) between the locks of the lion’s skin, and as Л3=O3 (Figs. 22-23). Stylistically, die Л3=O3 is linked with the obverse die of issue Price 1146 (perhaps as a result of clumsy re-engraving) and with Л4=O4, which brings a large number of reverse dies of the Second stylistic group of Odessos – produced in a lower artistic quality. It should be therefore dated in the period ca. 270-260 BC.
Translated by Evgeni Paunov
This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection
from Varna. It comprises five bronze... more This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection from Varna. It comprises five bronze coins. They were all minted in Odessos and later were stamped with countermarks of Odessos as well. The hoard was found in now-days Varna 2.5 km northeast from the ancient Odessos. All the coins have Odessos’ type obverse and reverse. Obverse: Persephone head right with taenia, earrings and necklace. Reverse: The Great God Pluto holding rithon or cornucopiae reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN (between 301–200 BC). All the coins bear the Odessos’ type countermark “ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae”. Coin № 2 in the catalogue is especially valuable because it has two countermarks – after being countermarked with the abovementioned type it was stamped once again, this time with – „The Great God Pluto holding cornucopiae reclining right on base“. This observation is important because it was believed so far that the mark „The Great God Pluto…“ preceded chronologically the „ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae“ one. We think this hoard was hidden into the ground in the period between 200 – 150 BC.
In this article we comment on four Hellenistic lead weights of Odessos. Three of them have alread... more In this article we comment on four Hellenistic lead weights of Odessos. Three of them have already been published (Fig. 1, 2 and 4). The third one is from a private collection and will be presented for the first time here (Fig. 3). The images of the Great god of Odessos – Pluto, with cornucopia reclining l., and an inverted amphora in left field on all four weights show the influence that city’s coinage traditions have had over the production of lead weights. The latter continue to develop the city symbols separately, by enriching the images (Fig. 1) – here we see The Great god of Odessos – Pluto with cornucopia reclining l. on kline and banqueting, table with food in front of him. This image presents the wedding banquet of Pluto and Persephone. (Bekov, Vl. Op. cit. 99-118). On one of the weights we see the mark API (Fig. 2), also present on Odessos’ bronze coins (Fig. 2-a). We assume that this coincidence may be a proof that the same person (Fig. 1 and Fig. 1-a, Fig. 1-b; Fig. 2 and Fig 2-a) was the head of both the coin and agoranom offices, based on a conclusion that D. Draganov (Draganov, D. Op. cit. 144-145) has already made for Dionysopolis (Fig. 5). The new specimen is dated in the 2nd c. B.C. Its weight is ¼ of the Attic mna by 126 drachms standard.
This article presents two coin hoards from a private collection in Varna. Both of them consist of... more This article presents two coin hoards from a private collection in Varna. Both of them consist of the same type of autonomous bronze coins of Odessos, and a single type of the Thracian king Lysimachus, one in both deposits. In author’s opinion the latter type could be also struck in Odessos (290–270 BC). It has an obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right; Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Lion running right, spear head below. The coins of Odessos in both hoards (ca. 280–270 BC) from Varna region are of the following type (AMNG I/II 2187–2188, see Figs. 2–21): Оbverse: Persephone head right with taenia and wedding hairstyle. Some coins have no a border of dots but of small “S”-shaped signs. In those cases, these specimens also have a big S in front Persephone’s head. Eventually it could be interpreted as engraver’s signature (see Figs. 1, 3 and 14). Reverse: The Great God Pluto reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN, emblem of the city – inverted amphora. The same sign we found also on the Dionysopolis type “Head of Dionysos, wreathed with ivy / Thyrsos” (280–270 BC; Fig. 23). This coin is also from a private collection in Varna.
In this article we present a Greek inscription on the Roman pedestal (Fig. 1a-c) for а statue fou... more In this article we present a Greek inscription on the Roman pedestal (Fig. 1a-c) for а statue found near the village of Dabravino, Varna region. We assume this inscription was made in honour of emperors Marcus Aurelius (161-180) and Commodus (177-192) because of the preserved title of Germanicus (Гερμανὶκων) and the plural form Αὐτ̣οκρατόρων. The inscription should be dated between AD 177 and 180 when Marcus Aurelius and Commodus were co-emperors. We also comment an interesting radiate coin of Caracalla with Diana– Luna on the reverse (Figs. 2a-b). This coin was also found in Dabravino village. It belong to a coin hoard containing more than 100 antoniniani and denarii from the time of Caracalla to Trajan Decius (249-251).
This article presents one special emission of Odessos’ autonomous coins – the
tetradrachms „Head ... more This article presents one special emission of Odessos’ autonomous coins – the tetradrachms „Head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Great God of Odessos / Pluto standing with cornucopiae”. This type has two variations. The first one is Type 1.1 (AMNG I/II 2214; Figs. 1, 3, 4, 8–10): Obverse: Bearded head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto, bound with metal hoop wrapped with cloth tape. Reverse: ΘΕΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗΣΙΤΩΝ around bearded figure of The Great God Pluto, draped, standing, holding phiale and Cornucopiae, beneath, ΚΥΡΣΑ (Magistrate name). The second one is Type 1.2. (AMNG I/II 2215; Figs. 2, 5, 6, 7). This type has the same obverse die like Type 1.1., but with different legend and position of the legend: ΘΕΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗ, beneath ΚΥΡΣΑ. We dated this beautiful emission between 217 – beginning of the 2nd century BC based on the Alexander type tetradrachms with the same magistrate name ΚΥΡΣΑ. We have so far a record of only 11 published specimen of these rare tetradrachms. In this article we present one unpublished type of Odessos’ Roman provincial coin of Lucius Verus (161–169) (Fig. 14). This type (four-assarion coin) depicts the same statue of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas as the aforementioned tetradrachms, but with a burning altar. Each one of the four-assarion coins, minted in Odessos from emperor Trajan (98 – 117) to Gordian III (238 – 244), is whit this reverse type. The coins struck after Emperor Caracalla (198 – 217) present the Great God of Odessos with calathos on his head. The calathos shows us a syncretisation with Serapis. This syncretisation of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto with Darzalas and Serapis in Roman times is due to emperor cult, practiced in the temple of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas/Serapis.
This article presents the Alexander Rusev’s collection of
Roman Provincial coins of Odessos, mint... more This article presents the Alexander Rusev’s collection of Roman Provincial coins of Odessos, minted by the emperors from Augustus (27 BC–14 AD) to Gordian III (238–244). The study presents 23 coins in total: two specimens (Fig. 1–2) of Augustus (27 BC–14 AD), one (Fig. 3) of Agrippa (23–12 BC), one (Fig. 4) of Trajan (98–118), two (Fig. 5, 6) of Hadrian (117–138), two (Fig. 7, 8) of Julia Domna (193–217), two (Fig. 9–10) of Caracalla (198–217), three (Fig. 11–13) of Severus Alexander (222–238) as Caesar (221–222), ten (Fig. 14–23) of Gordian III (238–244). In the coins of Odessos we see different reverse types for every nominal. The reverse of the Four assaria coins depicts the Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto standing left, holding patera in his right arm, Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 10, 11). The Three assaria coins have reverse with Demetra and Persephone facing each other (Fig. 7, 14). The Two assaria coins reverse shows Apollo seated left, laurel-branch in right, lyre resting on seat in left (Fig. 12) or Herakles standing right, leaning on club, holding bow and lion skin (Fig. 5, 8). The One assarion coins depict on their reverse the emperor on horseback (Fig. 6). The reverse of the Half assarion coins shows the Great God/Darzalas/Pluto reclining right (Fig. 4). Only the earliest and the latest coin emissions of Odessos have reverse types that differ from the aforementioned examples. The earliest emissions (Fig. 1–3) of Augusus and Agrippa are with reverse – OΔ H ΣIT (Fig. 2, 3) or ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) around Cornucopia, all in wreath. The countermarked coin (Fig. 3) is most likely to be with countermark, portraying King Kotys IV, the son of Rhoemetalkes I, who ruled Pontic Thrace in ca. AD 12/13–18. The latest emissions of Odessos are those of Gordian III. They include the aforementioned types and also two new denominations with new obverse and reverse types. The Five assaria coins have many different reverse types. In this collection we have five types of reverses: Athena, helmeted, standing right, holding spear and shield (Fig. 16, 23); Hera/Juno standing left (Fig. 20); Nemesis standing left, holding scales over wheel and cubit-rule (Fig. 18); Serapis standing facing, looking left, raising his right arm and holding scepter (Fig. 22); Demeter standing left, holding corn-ears and torch (Fig. 19) and Hygeia standing right, holding phiale in her left hand from which she feeds snake held in her right, to right (Fig. 21). The Five assaria coins have two different obverse types: one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto with Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 16–18) and another one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Tranquillina (Fig. 19–23). The Ten assaria coins or medallions are with reverse and obverse types (Fig. 19c) in honor of the emperor who visited the city of Odessos in 242. We have six variety of city name of Odessos: ΟΔHΣITΩN from 3rd to 1st century BC; ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) under emperor Augustus; ΟΔHСITΩN (Fig. 4) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Trajan (98–117); ΟΔHССITΩN, ΟΔHСЄITωN (Fig. 5 and 6) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Hadrian (117–138 ); ΟΔHССЄITΩN from the time of emperor from Antoninus Pius (138–161) to emperor Gordian ІІІ (238–244).
The article presents an artifact, an antique bronze seal-box cap, donated to Sandanski Archaeolog... more The article presents an artifact, an antique bronze seal-box cap, donated to Sandanski Archaeological Museum at the end of the 20 th century, discovered in the area of the town. The historic sources, related to this type of objects, are presented in the work, among them "Wasps" of Aristophanes, Pliny the Younger, Lucian of Samosata, etc. The main characteristics and parameters of the artifact are described as follow: length 2.9 сm; max. width 1.7 сm; external circle diam. 2.9 сm; internal circle diam. 0.6 сm; thickness 0.17 сm; weight 2.77 gr. The seal-box is type IV after the typology of T. Derks, N. Roymans, and type 2b after the typology of A. R. Furger, M. Wartmann, Е. Riha. The item is dated to the 2 nd-3 rd centuries.
The subject of the present article is a newly discovered dedicatory inscription of Isis, Sarapis... more The subject of the present article is a newly discovered dedicatory inscription of Isis, Sarapis and Anubis (Обр. 1), made by the society of their venerable believers. Some of these admirers are also connected with the coinage – the coin magistrate ΚΥΡΣΑ was the father of one of the initiates – ΗΡΩΝΥΜΟ. Thanks to the parallel between the epigraphic data and the coins, the newly discovered inscription can be dated to the second half of the 2nd c. BC. From the research it can be concluded that somewhere in the outlines of Odessos during the Hellenistic era, maybe in the sacred territory around the today’s oldest active Christian temple in Varna – “The Assumption of the Holy Virgin” Church, or around the place of the newly discovered inscriptions (18 Tsar Ivan Shishman Str.), existed a temple of Isis, Sarapis and Anubis (№ 4 on Карта 1). Moreover, it is very likely that the upright statue of the Great God of Odessos was erected there in the 3rd–2nd centuries BC, and from its creation to be associated with Pluto/Sarapis, because the statue first appears on the Odessos tetradrachms of their own type (Cat. № 6–7, c. 168–167 BC). The new epigraphic and numismatic data confirm the opinion that the Thracians occupied very important positions in Odessos and perhaps had a leading role from the middle of the 2nd century BC until the capture of the city by Rome.
Университетско издателство „Св. Климент Охридски”, 2017
This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection from Varna. The hoard was found in t... more This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection from Varna. The hoard was found in the village of Ticha, Sliven region. It is consisted of 25 specimens in total, all from the following type of Odessos’ autonomous bronze coins (AMNG I/II 2200 – 2208, see Cat. No 1–25) – Octachalkon of Odessos: Оbverse: Head of the Great God Pluto. Reverse: The Great God ride a horse right, OΔHΣITΩN and monogram of coin magistrate under him. The most remarkable thread of the coins from this new hoard is the presence of hybrids between barbarian imitation reversеs and original obverses of Odessos coins. We also find reengraved (from original to barbarian imitation) reverse dies (Cat. No. № 15, 21 and 23). We think that these “semibarbarian” coins are struck in Odessos. We observe the same phenomenon in the tetradrachms of the city (Cat. No. 27–30; Price 1169–1171). Also we make a die study of the obverses and we think all coins from this hoard are made with five obverse dies.
This article presents several types of barbarous imitations of autonomous coins (Fig. 7–22), Mace... more This article presents several types of barbarous imitations of autonomous coins (Fig. 7–22), Macedonian coins (Philip II Fig. 1 and Philip III – Fig. 2), and coins from the time of Late Antiquity kept in the collection of Historical museum – Popovo. We also present the original type of Odessos’ coins. Odessos Type 1 in the collection (AMNG I/II 2177–2188; Fig. 3; 300–275 BC) has an obverse: Persephone (in the earliest emissions c. 300 BC the goddess bears Arsinoe’s portrait features) head right with taenia (in some examples with ears of wheat!), earrings and necklace. Reverse: The Great God Pluto reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN. Odessos Type 2 (AMNG I/II 2200–2208; Fig. 4–6; first group 250–200 BC Fig. 4 and 5, second 120–75 BC Fig. 6) has an obverse: laureate head of Great God Pluto, right and reverse: OΔHΣITΩN under rider (Great God Pluto) with rithon or Cornucopiae, right. We have large group of barbarian imitations of Odessos Type 2 coins. This group contains 16 coins from 1st century BC. The metal from which they are made is bronze (AE) – 2 coins (Fig. 7 and 8), bronze (AE 50%) and lead (Pb 50%) – 8 coins (Fig. 9–15 and 21), only lead (Pb) – 6 coins (Fig. 16–20 and 22). The Late Antiquity imitation that we present are as follows: the first one is from the Constantine I (306–337) type VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP (Fig. 23) and the second one is a lead (Pb) coin from 5th century AD with uncertain type or without a type (Fig. 24).
The coinage in bronze, silver and gold of ancient Odessos reflects the strategic importance of th... more The coinage in bronze, silver and gold of ancient Odessos reflects the strategic importance of this city in Pontic Thrace, gained under the reign of Lysimachus (306-281 BC). Odessos was entrusted with a great civilization potential from its metropolis Miletus, developing its religious and cultural life to a highest level in the 3rd century BC. The first bronze coins struck at Odessos do represent the marriage of Pluto and Persephone (Figs. 1, 3, 4-6). Direct evidence in favour of this identification is the wheat ears in the hairstyle of Persephone. Out of it follows that the Great God of Odessos is Pluto himself, at least in the beginning. Portrait similarities between Persephone and queen Arsinoe (Figs. 1 and 3) on the earliest series of Odessitan bronze coins (with no rhyton in Pluto’s hands) indicate that the start of this coinage was set around year 300 BC, thus coinciding with the date of the marriage of Lysimachus and Arsinoe. The iconography of Odessos’s early series is clearly linked with the Samothracian mysteries. These coins are a further argument for the connection of the Great Gods of Samothrace with Demeter, Persephone, Pluto and Hermes. In my opinion, the first issues of the silver coinage at Odessos (with a suggested date 275-270 BC) are produced with obverse dies O1 and O1A = Л1 and Л1А (Figs. 10-11, 13, 15, 17–19). Of major importance in this study is the die-linkage of tetradrachm issues. The newly identified issue of tetradrachms is a combination of obverse die Price 1141 (O1A = Л1А, Fig. 19) and a new reverse die (Fig. 17-18) with an unique for Odessos form of legend – the royal title ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ under the throne, which is hitherto unknown at the remaining West Pontic cities. This tetradrachm issue along with three other
die combinations – issues Price 1140–1141 (O1A=Л1А), Price 1144–1145 (O1=Л1) and the new combination O1A=Л1А with magistrate monogram ΠΥ – forms the earliest group of silver tetradrachms (Fig. 10-11, 13, 15, 17–19) and the second group of gold staters (Figs. 12, 14, 16 and 20) struck at the mint of Odessos. Most recently, I have noticed a new reverse die O1=Л1, marked again with ‘delta in
omikron’ but combined with a new civic symbol – caduceus, and monogram of the letters АР (Fig. 10). It is published for the first time in this article. After a careful examination of the only extant specimen of issue Price 1145А, I have been able to distinguish that the monogram consists of the letters АР, not
ΛР. The obverse is again struck with die O1=Л1.
For a better clarity I have separated the obverse dies used for the Alexander-type tetradrachms in a consecutive chronological order, as suggested: – Л1, Л1А, Л2, Л3, Л4 = O1, O1A, O2, O3 and O4. The obverse dies of issue Price 1138 used for the Odessitan tetradrachms can be described as Л2=O2
(Fig. 21) with dots (or more precisely - pores) between the locks of the lion’s skin, and as Л3=O3 (Figs. 22-23). Stylistically, die Л3=O3 is linked with the obverse die of issue Price 1146 (perhaps as a result of clumsy re-engraving) and with Л4=O4, which brings a large number of reverse dies of the Second stylistic group of Odessos – produced in a lower artistic quality. It should be therefore dated in the period ca. 270-260 BC.
Translated by Evgeni Paunov
This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection
from Varna. It comprises five bronze... more This article presents a coin hoard from a private collection from Varna. It comprises five bronze coins. They were all minted in Odessos and later were stamped with countermarks of Odessos as well. The hoard was found in now-days Varna 2.5 km northeast from the ancient Odessos. All the coins have Odessos’ type obverse and reverse. Obverse: Persephone head right with taenia, earrings and necklace. Reverse: The Great God Pluto holding rithon or cornucopiae reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN (between 301–200 BC). All the coins bear the Odessos’ type countermark “ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae”. Coin № 2 in the catalogue is especially valuable because it has two countermarks – after being countermarked with the abovementioned type it was stamped once again, this time with – „The Great God Pluto holding cornucopiae reclining right on base“. This observation is important because it was believed so far that the mark „The Great God Pluto…“ preceded chronologically the „ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae“ one. We think this hoard was hidden into the ground in the period between 200 – 150 BC.
In this article we comment on four Hellenistic lead weights of Odessos. Three of them have alread... more In this article we comment on four Hellenistic lead weights of Odessos. Three of them have already been published (Fig. 1, 2 and 4). The third one is from a private collection and will be presented for the first time here (Fig. 3). The images of the Great god of Odessos – Pluto, with cornucopia reclining l., and an inverted amphora in left field on all four weights show the influence that city’s coinage traditions have had over the production of lead weights. The latter continue to develop the city symbols separately, by enriching the images (Fig. 1) – here we see The Great god of Odessos – Pluto with cornucopia reclining l. on kline and banqueting, table with food in front of him. This image presents the wedding banquet of Pluto and Persephone. (Bekov, Vl. Op. cit. 99-118). On one of the weights we see the mark API (Fig. 2), also present on Odessos’ bronze coins (Fig. 2-a). We assume that this coincidence may be a proof that the same person (Fig. 1 and Fig. 1-a, Fig. 1-b; Fig. 2 and Fig 2-a) was the head of both the coin and agoranom offices, based on a conclusion that D. Draganov (Draganov, D. Op. cit. 144-145) has already made for Dionysopolis (Fig. 5). The new specimen is dated in the 2nd c. B.C. Its weight is ¼ of the Attic mna by 126 drachms standard.
This article presents two coin hoards from a private collection in Varna. Both of them consist of... more This article presents two coin hoards from a private collection in Varna. Both of them consist of the same type of autonomous bronze coins of Odessos, and a single type of the Thracian king Lysimachus, one in both deposits. In author’s opinion the latter type could be also struck in Odessos (290–270 BC). It has an obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right; Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Lion running right, spear head below. The coins of Odessos in both hoards (ca. 280–270 BC) from Varna region are of the following type (AMNG I/II 2187–2188, see Figs. 2–21): Оbverse: Persephone head right with taenia and wedding hairstyle. Some coins have no a border of dots but of small “S”-shaped signs. In those cases, these specimens also have a big S in front Persephone’s head. Eventually it could be interpreted as engraver’s signature (see Figs. 1, 3 and 14). Reverse: The Great God Pluto reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN, emblem of the city – inverted amphora. The same sign we found also on the Dionysopolis type “Head of Dionysos, wreathed with ivy / Thyrsos” (280–270 BC; Fig. 23). This coin is also from a private collection in Varna.
In this article we present a Greek inscription on the Roman pedestal (Fig. 1a-c) for а statue fou... more In this article we present a Greek inscription on the Roman pedestal (Fig. 1a-c) for а statue found near the village of Dabravino, Varna region. We assume this inscription was made in honour of emperors Marcus Aurelius (161-180) and Commodus (177-192) because of the preserved title of Germanicus (Гερμανὶκων) and the plural form Αὐτ̣οκρατόρων. The inscription should be dated between AD 177 and 180 when Marcus Aurelius and Commodus were co-emperors. We also comment an interesting radiate coin of Caracalla with Diana– Luna on the reverse (Figs. 2a-b). This coin was also found in Dabravino village. It belong to a coin hoard containing more than 100 antoniniani and denarii from the time of Caracalla to Trajan Decius (249-251).
This article presents one special emission of Odessos’ autonomous coins – the
tetradrachms „Head ... more This article presents one special emission of Odessos’ autonomous coins – the tetradrachms „Head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Great God of Odessos / Pluto standing with cornucopiae”. This type has two variations. The first one is Type 1.1 (AMNG I/II 2214; Figs. 1, 3, 4, 8–10): Obverse: Bearded head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto, bound with metal hoop wrapped with cloth tape. Reverse: ΘΕΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗΣΙΤΩΝ around bearded figure of The Great God Pluto, draped, standing, holding phiale and Cornucopiae, beneath, ΚΥΡΣΑ (Magistrate name). The second one is Type 1.2. (AMNG I/II 2215; Figs. 2, 5, 6, 7). This type has the same obverse die like Type 1.1., but with different legend and position of the legend: ΘΕΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗ, beneath ΚΥΡΣΑ. We dated this beautiful emission between 217 – beginning of the 2nd century BC based on the Alexander type tetradrachms with the same magistrate name ΚΥΡΣΑ. We have so far a record of only 11 published specimen of these rare tetradrachms. In this article we present one unpublished type of Odessos’ Roman provincial coin of Lucius Verus (161–169) (Fig. 14). This type (four-assarion coin) depicts the same statue of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas as the aforementioned tetradrachms, but with a burning altar. Each one of the four-assarion coins, minted in Odessos from emperor Trajan (98 – 117) to Gordian III (238 – 244), is whit this reverse type. The coins struck after Emperor Caracalla (198 – 217) present the Great God of Odessos with calathos on his head. The calathos shows us a syncretisation with Serapis. This syncretisation of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto with Darzalas and Serapis in Roman times is due to emperor cult, practiced in the temple of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas/Serapis.
This article presents the Alexander Rusev’s collection of
Roman Provincial coins of Odessos, mint... more This article presents the Alexander Rusev’s collection of Roman Provincial coins of Odessos, minted by the emperors from Augustus (27 BC–14 AD) to Gordian III (238–244). The study presents 23 coins in total: two specimens (Fig. 1–2) of Augustus (27 BC–14 AD), one (Fig. 3) of Agrippa (23–12 BC), one (Fig. 4) of Trajan (98–118), two (Fig. 5, 6) of Hadrian (117–138), two (Fig. 7, 8) of Julia Domna (193–217), two (Fig. 9–10) of Caracalla (198–217), three (Fig. 11–13) of Severus Alexander (222–238) as Caesar (221–222), ten (Fig. 14–23) of Gordian III (238–244). In the coins of Odessos we see different reverse types for every nominal. The reverse of the Four assaria coins depicts the Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto standing left, holding patera in his right arm, Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 10, 11). The Three assaria coins have reverse with Demetra and Persephone facing each other (Fig. 7, 14). The Two assaria coins reverse shows Apollo seated left, laurel-branch in right, lyre resting on seat in left (Fig. 12) or Herakles standing right, leaning on club, holding bow and lion skin (Fig. 5, 8). The One assarion coins depict on their reverse the emperor on horseback (Fig. 6). The reverse of the Half assarion coins shows the Great God/Darzalas/Pluto reclining right (Fig. 4). Only the earliest and the latest coin emissions of Odessos have reverse types that differ from the aforementioned examples. The earliest emissions (Fig. 1–3) of Augusus and Agrippa are with reverse – OΔ H ΣIT (Fig. 2, 3) or ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) around Cornucopia, all in wreath. The countermarked coin (Fig. 3) is most likely to be with countermark, portraying King Kotys IV, the son of Rhoemetalkes I, who ruled Pontic Thrace in ca. AD 12/13–18. The latest emissions of Odessos are those of Gordian III. They include the aforementioned types and also two new denominations with new obverse and reverse types. The Five assaria coins have many different reverse types. In this collection we have five types of reverses: Athena, helmeted, standing right, holding spear and shield (Fig. 16, 23); Hera/Juno standing left (Fig. 20); Nemesis standing left, holding scales over wheel and cubit-rule (Fig. 18); Serapis standing facing, looking left, raising his right arm and holding scepter (Fig. 22); Demeter standing left, holding corn-ears and torch (Fig. 19) and Hygeia standing right, holding phiale in her left hand from which she feeds snake held in her right, to right (Fig. 21). The Five assaria coins have two different obverse types: one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto with Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 16–18) and another one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Tranquillina (Fig. 19–23). The Ten assaria coins or medallions are with reverse and obverse types (Fig. 19c) in honor of the emperor who visited the city of Odessos in 242. We have six variety of city name of Odessos: ΟΔHΣITΩN from 3rd to 1st century BC; ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) under emperor Augustus; ΟΔHСITΩN (Fig. 4) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Trajan (98–117); ΟΔHССITΩN, ΟΔHСЄITωN (Fig. 5 and 6) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Hadrian (117–138 ); ΟΔHССЄITΩN from the time of emperor from Antoninus Pius (138–161) to emperor Gordian ІІІ (238–244).
, the Journal of Historical and Archaeological Research has been indexed in the prestigious inter... more , the Journal of Historical and Archaeological Research has been indexed in the prestigious international database ERIH PLUS. This is another great recognition for the publication. We promised it to you a year ago and we are pleased to have succeeded. Congratulations to the authors and readers of the journal and congratulations to its editors! We can also boast of another great achievement during the yearthe Journal of Historical and Archaeological Research now has a new website (http://journal-history.com/)even more informative, and even easier to find and use. In 2022, the Journal of Historical and Archaeological Research was published in the format of 3 issues per yearthe 1 st in a separate book, and the 2 nd and 3 rd in a combined volume. We will strive to follow this format in the future. After a double peer-review process in the journal, a total of 11 articles written by authors from the different scientific institutions were published:
Списание "Журнал за исторически и археологически изследвания" е индексирано и реферирано в междун... more Списание "Журнал за исторически и археологически изследвания" е индексирано и реферирано в международната мрежа CEEOL. Изданието е включено в Националния референтен списък на съвременни български научни издания с научно рецензиране. The magazine "Journal of Historical and Archaeological research" is an indexed and referenced issue in the international platform CEEOl. It is entered in the Registry of the National referent list of the peer-reviewed contemporary Bulgarian scientific editions.
Приятели най-сетне излезе първата книга от дългосрочен проект на Варненско археологическо дружест... more Приятели най-сетне излезе първата книга от дългосрочен проект на Варненско археологическо дружество - изцяло цветна на тежка, гланцирана хартия!!! „Антични, средновековни и ренесансови монети от колекцията на Христо Раев“, от Владимир Беков и Невян Митев (Варна, 2015), 96 стр., формат Б5, 118 цветни илюстрации и ок. 50 стр. историческа част. Луксозна полиграфия, всичко в цвят. Цена: 16,оо лева./The book presents the private numismatic collection of Hristo Raev, a lawyer from Varna, Bulgaria. The collection comprises ancient, medieval, and renaissance coins found in Varna and Shumen regions. For the purposes of the study the specimens are divided thematically and chronologically into five groups. The catalogue begins with the Roman autonomous and provincial coinage, consisting of 34 pieces in total (fig. 1 – 34). Based on the examined specimens the autonomous coinage is dated between the 4rd and 1st centuries BC and the provincial one – from the time of Septimius Severus (193 – 211) to Philippus II (244 – 249). The published examples originate from the following regions and cities: Moesia Inferior – Odessos (present-day Varna), Marcianopolis (till 193 in Thrace, then to Moesia Inferior, Devnia), Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikyup village, Veliko Tarnovo region), Tomis (Constanta, Romania), Dionysopolis (Balchik); Moesia Superior – Viminacium (Kostolats, Serbia); Thrace – Serdica (Sofia), Anchialos (Pomorie), Deultum (Debelt village, Burgas region), Adrianople (Edrine, Turkey); Bithynia – Nicaea (Iznik, Turkey). These coins impress with their rich repertoire of reverses, combining elements from both Greek and Roman pantheons as well as Thracian local cults. On some of the examples from Marcianopolis and Nicopolis ad Istrum, one can read the names of Legatus augusti pro preatore (Roman governors of Moesia Inferior): Quintilianus (213 – 216), M. Statius Longinus (june 216 – aug. 217), Pontius Fu(rius) Pontianus (aug. 217 – nov./dec. 217), Marcius Clau(dius) Agrippa (nov./dec. 217 – 218), Sergius Tiberiustianus (221 – 222), Sabinius Modestus (241 – 243). The numismatists will be especially impressed by the overstruck specimens from Dionysopolis (fig. 20) and Marcianopolis (fig. 7). The second group presents the Roman republic coinage and includes three denarii in total (fig. 35 – 37). They are dated from the time of consuls Pinarius Natta (149 BC), L. Rutilius Flacus (77 BC), and C. Mamilius Limenatus (82 BC). As the most interesting example from the above specimens the authors consider the one of C. Mamilius Limetanus – a good quality coin with an uncommon image on the revers, showing Odysseus with his dog Argos (fig. 37). The next group is the Roman imperial coinage. It represents the largest part of the collection – 53 pieces (fig. 38 – 90), and covers the period between the rule of imperator Trajan (98 – 117) and Marcianus (450 – 457). A number of examples should be pointed out here. One is a large group of antoniniani from the time of Gordian III (238 – 244) until Carin (282 – 337). Other very particular coin is one barbaric imitation of Constantine the Great's (306 – 337) “Two Victories with shield and altar” (fig. 86). It was struck in the Lower Danube region by the Goths who were settled there. The specimen is specific because it has been overstruck on an earlier coin of Constantius II (337 – 361), of the type “Soldier standing left spearing fallen horseman”, Nicomedia mint (351 – 355). The authors consider the coins minted in Serdica (fig. 56, 62, 65, 69) as the most exciting among all the imperial specimens. Furthermore, the example on fig. 69 is even with a new RIC type of the emperor's bust. The forth group are the medieval coins – 15 pieces. They could be distinguished, according to their origin, as: Byzantines – 2 folles and 1 half follis of Anastasius (491 – 518), 1 follis, 1 half follis, and 1 decanummium from Justin I (518 – 527), 2 folles (one from before and one after the reforms) and 1 decanummium of Justinian I (527 – 565), 1 follis and 1 pentanummium of Justin II (565 – 578), and 1 billon trachy of Manuel I Komnenos (1143 – 1180); Bulgarians, from the Second empire – 2 pieces of Bulgarian imitative coinage, one from type B and the other from type C; Venetian – 1 matapan of Doge Ranieri Zeno (1253 – 1268). The Early-Byzantine emissions, frequently found in Bulgarian lands, represent the largest part of the medieval coins. As a rare and interesting specimen the authors consider a decanummium of Justinius I, minted in Constantinople – a type not typical for the Bulgarian lands. The last group represents the coinage of the European courts from the Renaissance period. The specimens here are examples of the most widely spread foreign emissions that were in circulation in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. In the collection are present coins from: the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth – 1 three groschen coin of Stefan Batori (1576 – 1586) and 3 three groschen coins of Sigizmund III Vaza (1587 – 1632); the Belgian Confederation – 1 lion thaler of province Gelderland, minted in 1606, 1 lion thaler of province Zeeland (1616), 1 half lion thaler (1641), and 1 lion thaler from the province Cwole (1650); the German lands – 1 quarter thaler of Georg Wilhelm (1622 – 1640) from Brandenburg (1622) and 28 stuiver coins of Ferdinand III (1637 – 1653) from Embem; Ragusa – 1 thaler (1747) and one coin from the type with St. Blasii, minted in 17(?). The presented ancient, medieval, and renaissance coins from the collection of Mr. Raev complement the already known quantity of coinage that had circulated in Varna and Shumen regions through the Hellenistic, Roman, Early-Byzantine, Late-Medieval and Ottoman periods.
Report from the National scientific conference dedicated to the life and activity of Vera Antonov... more Report from the National scientific conference dedicated to the life and activity of Vera Antonova – one of the notable scholars in Medieval Bulgarian studies, Shumen, 31 october – 1 november 2013 / Материал от Национална научна конференция, посветена на живота и делото на ст.н.с. Вера Антонова. Шумен, 31 окт. – 1 ноем. 2013 г.
Uploads
Papers by Vladimir Bekov
Оbverse: Head of the Great God Pluto.
Reverse: The Great God ride a horse right, OΔHΣITΩN and monogram of coin magistrate under him.
The most remarkable thread of the coins from this new hoard is the presence of hybrids between barbarian imitation reversеs and original obverses of Odessos coins. We also find reengraved (from original to barbarian imitation) reverse dies (Cat. No. № 15, 21 and 23). We think that these “semibarbarian” coins are struck in Odessos. We observe the same phenomenon in the tetradrachms of the city (Cat. No. 27–30; Price 1169–1171). Also we make a die study of the obverses and we think all
coins from this hoard are made with five obverse dies.
die combinations – issues Price 1140–1141 (O1A=Л1А), Price 1144–1145 (O1=Л1) and the new combination O1A=Л1А with magistrate monogram ΠΥ – forms the earliest group of silver tetradrachms (Fig. 10-11, 13, 15, 17–19) and the second group of gold staters (Figs. 12, 14, 16 and 20) struck at the mint of Odessos. Most recently, I have noticed a new reverse die O1=Л1, marked again with ‘delta in
omikron’ but combined with a new civic symbol – caduceus, and monogram of the letters АР (Fig. 10). It is published for the first time in this article. After a careful examination of the only extant specimen of issue Price 1145А, I have been able to distinguish that the monogram consists of the letters АР, not
ΛР. The obverse is again struck with die O1=Л1.
For a better clarity I have separated the obverse dies used for the Alexander-type tetradrachms in a consecutive chronological order, as suggested: – Л1, Л1А, Л2, Л3, Л4 = O1, O1A, O2, O3 and O4. The obverse dies of issue Price 1138 used for the Odessitan tetradrachms can be described as Л2=O2
(Fig. 21) with dots (or more precisely - pores) between the locks of the lion’s skin, and as Л3=O3 (Figs. 22-23). Stylistically, die Л3=O3 is linked with the obverse die of issue Price 1146 (perhaps as a result of clumsy re-engraving) and with Л4=O4, which brings a large number of reverse dies of the Second stylistic group of Odessos – produced in a lower artistic quality. It should be therefore dated in the period ca. 270-260 BC.
Translated by Evgeni Paunov
from Varna. It comprises five bronze coins. They were all minted in Odessos and later were stamped with countermarks of Odessos as well. The hoard was found in now-days Varna 2.5 km northeast from the ancient Odessos. All the coins have Odessos’ type obverse and reverse. Obverse: Persephone head right with taenia, earrings and necklace. Reverse: The Great God Pluto holding rithon or cornucopiae reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN (between 301–200 BC). All the coins bear the Odessos’ type countermark “ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae”. Coin № 2 in the catalogue is especially valuable because it has two countermarks – after being countermarked with the abovementioned type it was stamped once again, this time with – „The Great God Pluto holding cornucopiae reclining right on base“. This observation is important because it was believed so far that the mark „The Great God Pluto…“ preceded chronologically the „ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae“ one. We think this hoard was hidden into the ground in the period between 200 – 150 BC.
here (Fig. 3). The images of the Great god of Odessos – Pluto, with cornucopia reclining l., and an inverted amphora in left field on all four weights show the influence that city’s coinage traditions have had over the
production of lead weights. The latter continue to develop the city symbols separately, by enriching the images (Fig. 1) – here we see The Great god of
Odessos – Pluto with cornucopia reclining l. on kline and banqueting, table with food in front of him. This image presents the wedding banquet of Pluto
and Persephone. (Bekov, Vl. Op. cit. 99-118). On one of the weights we see the mark API (Fig. 2), also present on Odessos’ bronze coins (Fig. 2-a). We assume that this coincidence may be a proof that the same person (Fig. 1 and Fig. 1-a, Fig. 1-b; Fig. 2 and Fig 2-a) was the head of both the coin and agoranom offices, based on a conclusion that D. Draganov (Draganov, D. Op. cit. 144-145) has already made for Dionysopolis (Fig. 5). The new specimen is dated in the 2nd c. B.C. Its weight is ¼ of the Attic mna by 126 drachms standard.
also struck in Odessos (290–270 BC). It has an obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right;
Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Lion running right, spear head below.
The coins of Odessos in both hoards (ca. 280–270 BC) from Varna region are of the following type (AMNG I/II 2187–2188, see Figs. 2–21):
Оbverse: Persephone head right with taenia and wedding hairstyle. Some coins have no a border of dots but of small “S”-shaped signs. In those cases, these specimens also have a big S in front Persephone’s head. Eventually it could be interpreted as engraver’s signature
(see Figs. 1, 3 and 14).
Reverse: The Great God Pluto reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN, emblem of the city – inverted amphora.
The same sign we found also on the Dionysopolis type “Head of Dionysos, wreathed with ivy / Thyrsos” (280–270 BC; Fig. 23). This coin is also from a private collection in Varna.
of the preserved title of Germanicus (Гερμανὶκων) and the plural form Αὐτ̣οκρατόρων. The inscription should be dated between AD 177 and 180 when Marcus Aurelius and Commodus were co-emperors. We also comment an interesting radiate coin of Caracalla with Diana–
Luna on the reverse (Figs. 2a-b). This coin was also found in Dabravino village. It belong to a coin hoard containing more than 100 antoniniani and denarii from the time of Caracalla to Trajan Decius (249-251).
tetradrachms „Head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Great God of Odessos / Pluto
standing with cornucopiae”. This type has two variations. The first one is Type 1.1 (AMNG
I/II 2214; Figs. 1, 3, 4, 8–10):
Obverse: Bearded head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto, bound with metal hoop
wrapped with cloth tape.
Reverse: ΘΕΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗΣΙΤΩΝ around bearded figure of The Great God
Pluto, draped, standing, holding phiale and Cornucopiae, beneath, ΚΥΡΣΑ (Magistrate name).
The second one is Type 1.2. (AMNG I/II 2215; Figs. 2, 5, 6, 7). This type has the
same obverse die like Type 1.1., but with different legend and position of the legend: ΘΕΟΥ
ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗ, beneath ΚΥΡΣΑ.
We dated this beautiful emission between 217 – beginning of the 2nd century BC
based on the Alexander type tetradrachms with the same magistrate name ΚΥΡΣΑ. We have
so far a record of only 11 published specimen of these rare tetradrachms.
In this article we present one unpublished type of Odessos’ Roman provincial coin of
Lucius Verus (161–169) (Fig. 14). This type (four-assarion coin) depicts the same statue of
the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas as the aforementioned tetradrachms, but with a
burning altar. Each one of the four-assarion coins, minted in Odessos from emperor Trajan
(98 – 117) to Gordian III (238 – 244), is whit this reverse type. The coins struck after
Emperor Caracalla (198 – 217) present the Great God of Odessos with calathos on his head.
The calathos shows us a syncretisation with Serapis. This syncretisation of the Great God of
Odessos – Pluto with Darzalas and Serapis in Roman times is due to emperor cult, practiced
in the temple of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas/Serapis.
Roman Provincial coins of Odessos, minted by the emperors from Augustus (27 BC–14 AD) to Gordian III (238–244). The study presents 23 coins in total: two specimens (Fig. 1–2) of Augustus (27 BC–14 AD), one (Fig. 3) of Agrippa (23–12 BC), one (Fig. 4) of Trajan (98–118), two (Fig. 5, 6) of Hadrian (117–138), two (Fig. 7, 8) of Julia Domna (193–217), two (Fig. 9–10) of Caracalla (198–217), three (Fig. 11–13) of Severus Alexander (222–238) as Caesar (221–222), ten (Fig. 14–23) of Gordian III (238–244). In the coins of Odessos we see different reverse types for every nominal. The reverse of the Four assaria coins depicts the Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto standing left, holding patera in his right arm, Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 10, 11). The Three assaria coins have reverse with Demetra and Persephone facing each other (Fig. 7, 14). The Two assaria coins reverse shows Apollo seated left, laurel-branch in right, lyre resting on seat in left (Fig. 12) or Herakles standing right, leaning on club, holding bow and lion skin (Fig. 5, 8). The One assarion coins depict on their reverse the emperor on horseback (Fig. 6). The reverse of the Half assarion coins shows the Great God/Darzalas/Pluto reclining right (Fig. 4).
Only the earliest and the latest coin emissions of Odessos have reverse types that differ from the aforementioned examples. The earliest emissions (Fig. 1–3) of Augusus and Agrippa are with reverse – OΔ H ΣIT (Fig. 2, 3) or ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) around Cornucopia, all in wreath. The countermarked coin (Fig. 3) is most likely to be with countermark, portraying King Kotys IV,
the son of Rhoemetalkes I, who ruled Pontic Thrace in ca. AD 12/13–18. The latest emissions of Odessos are those of Gordian III. They include the aforementioned types and also two new denominations with new obverse and reverse types. The Five assaria coins have many different reverse types. In this collection we have five types of reverses: Athena, helmeted, standing right, holding spear and shield (Fig. 16, 23); Hera/Juno standing left (Fig. 20); Nemesis standing left, holding scales over wheel and cubit-rule (Fig. 18); Serapis standing facing, looking left, raising his right arm and holding scepter (Fig. 22); Demeter standing left, holding corn-ears and torch (Fig. 19) and Hygeia standing right, holding phiale in her left hand from which she
feeds snake held in her right, to right (Fig. 21). The Five assaria coins have two different obverse types: one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto with Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 16–18) and another one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Tranquillina (Fig. 19–23). The Ten assaria coins or medallions are with
reverse and obverse types (Fig. 19c) in honor of the emperor who visited the city of Odessos in 242. We have six variety of city name of Odessos: ΟΔHΣITΩN from 3rd to 1st century BC; ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) under emperor Augustus; ΟΔHСITΩN (Fig. 4) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Trajan (98–117); ΟΔHССITΩN, ΟΔHСЄITωN (Fig. 5 and 6) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Hadrian (117–138 ); ΟΔHССЄITΩN from the time of emperor from Antoninus Pius (138–161) to emperor Gordian ІІІ (238–244).
Оbverse: Head of the Great God Pluto.
Reverse: The Great God ride a horse right, OΔHΣITΩN and monogram of coin magistrate under him.
The most remarkable thread of the coins from this new hoard is the presence of hybrids between barbarian imitation reversеs and original obverses of Odessos coins. We also find reengraved (from original to barbarian imitation) reverse dies (Cat. No. № 15, 21 and 23). We think that these “semibarbarian” coins are struck in Odessos. We observe the same phenomenon in the tetradrachms of the city (Cat. No. 27–30; Price 1169–1171). Also we make a die study of the obverses and we think all
coins from this hoard are made with five obverse dies.
die combinations – issues Price 1140–1141 (O1A=Л1А), Price 1144–1145 (O1=Л1) and the new combination O1A=Л1А with magistrate monogram ΠΥ – forms the earliest group of silver tetradrachms (Fig. 10-11, 13, 15, 17–19) and the second group of gold staters (Figs. 12, 14, 16 and 20) struck at the mint of Odessos. Most recently, I have noticed a new reverse die O1=Л1, marked again with ‘delta in
omikron’ but combined with a new civic symbol – caduceus, and monogram of the letters АР (Fig. 10). It is published for the first time in this article. After a careful examination of the only extant specimen of issue Price 1145А, I have been able to distinguish that the monogram consists of the letters АР, not
ΛР. The obverse is again struck with die O1=Л1.
For a better clarity I have separated the obverse dies used for the Alexander-type tetradrachms in a consecutive chronological order, as suggested: – Л1, Л1А, Л2, Л3, Л4 = O1, O1A, O2, O3 and O4. The obverse dies of issue Price 1138 used for the Odessitan tetradrachms can be described as Л2=O2
(Fig. 21) with dots (or more precisely - pores) between the locks of the lion’s skin, and as Л3=O3 (Figs. 22-23). Stylistically, die Л3=O3 is linked with the obverse die of issue Price 1146 (perhaps as a result of clumsy re-engraving) and with Л4=O4, which brings a large number of reverse dies of the Second stylistic group of Odessos – produced in a lower artistic quality. It should be therefore dated in the period ca. 270-260 BC.
Translated by Evgeni Paunov
from Varna. It comprises five bronze coins. They were all minted in Odessos and later were stamped with countermarks of Odessos as well. The hoard was found in now-days Varna 2.5 km northeast from the ancient Odessos. All the coins have Odessos’ type obverse and reverse. Obverse: Persephone head right with taenia, earrings and necklace. Reverse: The Great God Pluto holding rithon or cornucopiae reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN (between 301–200 BC). All the coins bear the Odessos’ type countermark “ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae”. Coin № 2 in the catalogue is especially valuable because it has two countermarks – after being countermarked with the abovementioned type it was stamped once again, this time with – „The Great God Pluto holding cornucopiae reclining right on base“. This observation is important because it was believed so far that the mark „The Great God Pluto…“ preceded chronologically the „ΘΕΟΥ cornucopiae“ one. We think this hoard was hidden into the ground in the period between 200 – 150 BC.
here (Fig. 3). The images of the Great god of Odessos – Pluto, with cornucopia reclining l., and an inverted amphora in left field on all four weights show the influence that city’s coinage traditions have had over the
production of lead weights. The latter continue to develop the city symbols separately, by enriching the images (Fig. 1) – here we see The Great god of
Odessos – Pluto with cornucopia reclining l. on kline and banqueting, table with food in front of him. This image presents the wedding banquet of Pluto
and Persephone. (Bekov, Vl. Op. cit. 99-118). On one of the weights we see the mark API (Fig. 2), also present on Odessos’ bronze coins (Fig. 2-a). We assume that this coincidence may be a proof that the same person (Fig. 1 and Fig. 1-a, Fig. 1-b; Fig. 2 and Fig 2-a) was the head of both the coin and agoranom offices, based on a conclusion that D. Draganov (Draganov, D. Op. cit. 144-145) has already made for Dionysopolis (Fig. 5). The new specimen is dated in the 2nd c. B.C. Its weight is ¼ of the Attic mna by 126 drachms standard.
also struck in Odessos (290–270 BC). It has an obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right;
Reverse: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣIMAXOY, Lion running right, spear head below.
The coins of Odessos in both hoards (ca. 280–270 BC) from Varna region are of the following type (AMNG I/II 2187–2188, see Figs. 2–21):
Оbverse: Persephone head right with taenia and wedding hairstyle. Some coins have no a border of dots but of small “S”-shaped signs. In those cases, these specimens also have a big S in front Persephone’s head. Eventually it could be interpreted as engraver’s signature
(see Figs. 1, 3 and 14).
Reverse: The Great God Pluto reclining right on base inscribed OΔHΣITΩN, emblem of the city – inverted amphora.
The same sign we found also on the Dionysopolis type “Head of Dionysos, wreathed with ivy / Thyrsos” (280–270 BC; Fig. 23). This coin is also from a private collection in Varna.
of the preserved title of Germanicus (Гερμανὶκων) and the plural form Αὐτ̣οκρατόρων. The inscription should be dated between AD 177 and 180 when Marcus Aurelius and Commodus were co-emperors. We also comment an interesting radiate coin of Caracalla with Diana–
Luna on the reverse (Figs. 2a-b). This coin was also found in Dabravino village. It belong to a coin hoard containing more than 100 antoniniani and denarii from the time of Caracalla to Trajan Decius (249-251).
tetradrachms „Head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Great God of Odessos / Pluto
standing with cornucopiae”. This type has two variations. The first one is Type 1.1 (AMNG
I/II 2214; Figs. 1, 3, 4, 8–10):
Obverse: Bearded head of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto, bound with metal hoop
wrapped with cloth tape.
Reverse: ΘΕΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗΣΙΤΩΝ around bearded figure of The Great God
Pluto, draped, standing, holding phiale and Cornucopiae, beneath, ΚΥΡΣΑ (Magistrate name).
The second one is Type 1.2. (AMNG I/II 2215; Figs. 2, 5, 6, 7). This type has the
same obverse die like Type 1.1., but with different legend and position of the legend: ΘΕΟΥ
ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΟΔΗ, beneath ΚΥΡΣΑ.
We dated this beautiful emission between 217 – beginning of the 2nd century BC
based on the Alexander type tetradrachms with the same magistrate name ΚΥΡΣΑ. We have
so far a record of only 11 published specimen of these rare tetradrachms.
In this article we present one unpublished type of Odessos’ Roman provincial coin of
Lucius Verus (161–169) (Fig. 14). This type (four-assarion coin) depicts the same statue of
the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas as the aforementioned tetradrachms, but with a
burning altar. Each one of the four-assarion coins, minted in Odessos from emperor Trajan
(98 – 117) to Gordian III (238 – 244), is whit this reverse type. The coins struck after
Emperor Caracalla (198 – 217) present the Great God of Odessos with calathos on his head.
The calathos shows us a syncretisation with Serapis. This syncretisation of the Great God of
Odessos – Pluto with Darzalas and Serapis in Roman times is due to emperor cult, practiced
in the temple of the Great God of Odessos – Pluto/Darzalas/Serapis.
Roman Provincial coins of Odessos, minted by the emperors from Augustus (27 BC–14 AD) to Gordian III (238–244). The study presents 23 coins in total: two specimens (Fig. 1–2) of Augustus (27 BC–14 AD), one (Fig. 3) of Agrippa (23–12 BC), one (Fig. 4) of Trajan (98–118), two (Fig. 5, 6) of Hadrian (117–138), two (Fig. 7, 8) of Julia Domna (193–217), two (Fig. 9–10) of Caracalla (198–217), three (Fig. 11–13) of Severus Alexander (222–238) as Caesar (221–222), ten (Fig. 14–23) of Gordian III (238–244). In the coins of Odessos we see different reverse types for every nominal. The reverse of the Four assaria coins depicts the Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto standing left, holding patera in his right arm, Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 10, 11). The Three assaria coins have reverse with Demetra and Persephone facing each other (Fig. 7, 14). The Two assaria coins reverse shows Apollo seated left, laurel-branch in right, lyre resting on seat in left (Fig. 12) or Herakles standing right, leaning on club, holding bow and lion skin (Fig. 5, 8). The One assarion coins depict on their reverse the emperor on horseback (Fig. 6). The reverse of the Half assarion coins shows the Great God/Darzalas/Pluto reclining right (Fig. 4).
Only the earliest and the latest coin emissions of Odessos have reverse types that differ from the aforementioned examples. The earliest emissions (Fig. 1–3) of Augusus and Agrippa are with reverse – OΔ H ΣIT (Fig. 2, 3) or ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) around Cornucopia, all in wreath. The countermarked coin (Fig. 3) is most likely to be with countermark, portraying King Kotys IV,
the son of Rhoemetalkes I, who ruled Pontic Thrace in ca. AD 12/13–18. The latest emissions of Odessos are those of Gordian III. They include the aforementioned types and also two new denominations with new obverse and reverse types. The Five assaria coins have many different reverse types. In this collection we have five types of reverses: Athena, helmeted, standing right, holding spear and shield (Fig. 16, 23); Hera/Juno standing left (Fig. 20); Nemesis standing left, holding scales over wheel and cubit-rule (Fig. 18); Serapis standing facing, looking left, raising his right arm and holding scepter (Fig. 22); Demeter standing left, holding corn-ears and torch (Fig. 19) and Hygeia standing right, holding phiale in her left hand from which she
feeds snake held in her right, to right (Fig. 21). The Five assaria coins have two different obverse types: one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Great God of Odessos/Darzalas/Pluto with Cornucopia on his left shoulder (Fig. 16–18) and another one with facing draped busts of Gordian III and Tranquillina (Fig. 19–23). The Ten assaria coins or medallions are with
reverse and obverse types (Fig. 19c) in honor of the emperor who visited the city of Odessos in 242. We have six variety of city name of Odessos: ΟΔHΣITΩN from 3rd to 1st century BC; ΟΔHΣITωN (Fig. 1) under emperor Augustus; ΟΔHСITΩN (Fig. 4) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Trajan (98–117); ΟΔHССITΩN, ΟΔHСЄITωN (Fig. 5 and 6) and ΟΔHССЄITΩN under emperor Hadrian (117–138 ); ΟΔHССЄITΩN from the time of emperor from Antoninus Pius (138–161) to emperor Gordian ІІІ (238–244).
The catalogue begins with the Roman autonomous and provincial coinage, consisting of 34 pieces in total (fig. 1 – 34). Based on the examined specimens the autonomous coinage is dated between the 4rd and 1st centuries BC and the provincial one – from the time of Septimius Severus (193 – 211) to Philippus II (244 – 249). The published examples originate from the following regions and cities: Moesia Inferior – Odessos (present-day Varna), Marcianopolis (till 193 in Thrace, then to Moesia Inferior, Devnia), Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikyup village, Veliko Tarnovo region), Tomis (Constanta, Romania), Dionysopolis (Balchik); Moesia Superior – Viminacium (Kostolats, Serbia); Thrace – Serdica (Sofia), Anchialos (Pomorie), Deultum (Debelt village, Burgas region), Adrianople (Edrine, Turkey); Bithynia – Nicaea (Iznik, Turkey). These coins impress with their rich repertoire of reverses, combining elements from both Greek and Roman pantheons as well as Thracian local cults. On some of the examples from Marcianopolis and Nicopolis ad Istrum, one can read the names of Legatus augusti pro preatore (Roman governors of Moesia Inferior): Quintilianus (213 – 216), M. Statius Longinus (june 216 – aug. 217), Pontius Fu(rius) Pontianus (aug. 217 – nov./dec. 217), Marcius Clau(dius) Agrippa (nov./dec. 217 – 218), Sergius Tiberiustianus (221 – 222), Sabinius Modestus (241 – 243). The numismatists will be especially impressed by the overstruck specimens from Dionysopolis (fig. 20) and Marcianopolis (fig. 7).
The second group presents the Roman republic coinage and includes three denarii in total (fig. 35 – 37). They are dated from the time of consuls Pinarius Natta (149 BC), L. Rutilius Flacus (77 BC), and C. Mamilius Limenatus (82 BC). As the most interesting example from the above specimens the authors consider the one of C. Mamilius Limetanus – a good quality coin with an uncommon image on the revers, showing Odysseus with his dog Argos (fig. 37).
The next group is the Roman imperial coinage. It represents the largest part of the collection – 53 pieces (fig. 38 – 90), and covers the period between the rule of imperator Trajan (98 – 117) and Marcianus (450 – 457). A number of examples should be pointed out here. One is a large group of antoniniani from the time of Gordian III (238 – 244) until Carin (282 – 337). Other very particular coin is one barbaric imitation of Constantine the Great's (306 – 337) “Two Victories with shield and altar” (fig. 86). It was struck in the Lower Danube region by the Goths who were settled there. The specimen is specific because it has been overstruck on an earlier coin of Constantius II (337 – 361), of the type “Soldier standing left spearing fallen horseman”, Nicomedia mint (351 – 355). The authors consider the coins minted in Serdica (fig. 56, 62, 65, 69) as the most exciting among all the imperial specimens. Furthermore, the example on fig. 69 is even with a new RIC type of the emperor's bust.
The forth group are the medieval coins – 15 pieces. They could be distinguished, according to their origin, as: Byzantines – 2 folles and 1 half follis of Anastasius (491 – 518), 1 follis, 1 half follis, and 1 decanummium from Justin I (518 – 527), 2 folles (one from before and one after the reforms) and 1 decanummium of Justinian I (527 – 565), 1 follis and 1 pentanummium of Justin II (565 – 578), and 1 billon trachy of Manuel I Komnenos (1143 – 1180); Bulgarians, from the Second empire – 2 pieces of Bulgarian imitative coinage, one from type B and the other from type C; Venetian – 1 matapan of Doge Ranieri Zeno (1253 – 1268). The Early-Byzantine emissions, frequently found in Bulgarian lands, represent the largest part of the medieval coins. As a rare and interesting specimen the authors consider a decanummium of Justinius I, minted in Constantinople – a type not typical for the Bulgarian lands.
The last group represents the coinage of the European courts from the Renaissance period. The specimens here are examples of the most widely spread foreign emissions that were in circulation in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. In the collection are present coins from: the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth – 1 three groschen coin of Stefan Batori (1576 – 1586) and 3 three groschen coins of Sigizmund III Vaza (1587 – 1632); the Belgian Confederation – 1 lion thaler of province Gelderland, minted in 1606, 1 lion thaler of province Zeeland (1616), 1 half lion thaler (1641), and 1 lion thaler from the province Cwole (1650); the German lands – 1 quarter thaler of Georg Wilhelm (1622 – 1640) from Brandenburg (1622) and 28 stuiver coins of Ferdinand III (1637 – 1653) from Embem; Ragusa – 1 thaler (1747) and one coin from the type with St. Blasii, minted in 17(?).
The presented ancient, medieval, and renaissance coins from the collection of Mr. Raev complement the already known quantity of coinage that had circulated in Varna and Shumen regions through the Hellenistic, Roman, Early-Byzantine, Late-Medieval and Ottoman periods.
Translated by Kolyo Hubenov