Nicopolis Ad Istrum
A secondary focus of my collection is the coins of Elagabalus from Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior (wikipedia). It was founded by the Emperor Trajan around 101-106 AD 43° 14' N, 25° 40' E (google satellite map). Its ruins are 20 km north of Veliko Tărnovo, in northern Bulgaria (wikipedia) Google satellite map of where Veliko Tărnovo is in Bulgaria. Here is a link to a website that has pictures of the ruins. It also has more information about the city. Here's a site about the excavations at Nicopolis. The main focus remains the coins of Elagabalus from Markianopolis. My page on Moesia Inferior shows information about the different coin issuing cities in that region. Below is a cropped portion of the public domain map found here. Nicopolis ad Istrum can be found a little to the left of the center of the map directly over the I in MOESIA. Click to view it larger (possibly right click and open in new tab if just clicking doesn't work).
Moesia Inferior
a cropped portion of the public domain map found here
Note: I have tried very hard to verify everything on this website, especially the information having to do with the coins of Elagabalus, including references and would like for them to be both complete and correct. However, it is still a learning process for me. As I get new reference materials and as I review the coins, I have found that I've had to update my pages many times. Provincial coins can be quite challenging, which is part of what draws them to me, however there isn't a complete and authoritative reference for them. If you see any issues with the coins that I have posted, whether to their authenticity or to any other information I have on the site, please contact me. You can do so either through the Yahoo! Groups or through my gmail email address which can be found via the url of my pages. I don't post it directly due to spammers. Thank you to anybody and everybody who have helped me along the way.
Most of the Roman Provincial coins used Greek letters in some parts of the legend. Moneta (Unfortunately, they no longer exist and no longer support the program, but I haven't found anything better so I'm still using it.) from http://www.numus.com has a font that allows me to type the legends using both Greek and Latin letters, however this web page doesn't support embedded fonts. If you download and install the Numus Moneta font (subject to their limitations found on their page) you can see the Greek letters properly. I definitely suggest downloading the font. If you are a collector, I strongly suggest purchasing the software itself. After the legend using that font, I will place duplicate legend using the following common substitutions: large L is a lambda, small w is an omega, small p for pi, small e for epsilon, small d for delta, small g for gamma, small f for phi, small x for xi. A great page that shows what the letters look like on actual coins is at snible.
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝ... (AVT K M AVPH ANTwN...) (could be NIN or NEIN) (Avt k m avph antVn...) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙ ΤΩΝΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΩ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLI TwNpPOC ICTPw) (vP nobiov povFov nikoPoLi tVnPpoc ictpV) Athena (Minerva) enthroned left, holding Nike and spear; shield at her side. Legate Nobius Rufus. The diameter is 27.5 mm and is 13.46 g, die axis 30 deg. Reference: Varbanov-3931 (probably as Varbanov did not have an obverse legend listed) (R4), Moush 1383, AMNGI 1924 (also probably, as obverse legend listed AVTKM...), not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC) (Avt k m avph antVneinoc) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟCΙ CΤΡΟ Ν (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOCI CTPO N) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoci ctpo n) Athena (Minerva) standing left, holding spear and resting on shield. The diameter is 26 mm and is 12.65 g, die axis 25 deg. obverse legend by Varbanov by obverse type. Reference: Moush-1382, Varbanov 3985 (R3), not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC) (Avt k m avph antVneinoc) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝΠΡΟCΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN P CIC T PON) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn p ci c t pon) Ares helmeted, naked holding spear and shield. The diameter is 26 mm and is 13.06 g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-1377, AMNGI-1916, Not in Varbanov (does not match 3965-3970 for reverse style, the only Ares listed), not in BMC III (Thrace), legends based on similarities between this coin, AMNGI-1916 and Moushmov 1377
Obverse: ΑVΤ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝ... (AVT M AVP ANTwN...) (Avt m avp antVn... ) radiate & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠΑΝΟΒ ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (VpANOB POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (vPanob povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Apollo standing facing, head left, holding patera over flaming altar and laurel-branch. The diameter is 26 mm and is 11.30 g, die axis 20 deg. Reference: Moushmov-1371, Varbanov-4103v v for different obverse legend, not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Zeus standing left, holding patera and sceptre. The diameter is 27 mm and is 10.43 g, die axis 225 deg. Reference: Moush-1404, Varbanov 4096/8 depending on obverse legend, BMC III (Thrace) 60 depending on obverse legend.
Obverse: ΑV Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC (AV K M AVPH ANTwNINOC) (Av k m avph antVninoc) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Serapis standing left, right hand raised, holding sceptre in left. The diameter is 28 mm and is 14.37 g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-1443, Varbanov-4057 (R3), not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝ...ΝΟC (AVT K M AVP ANTwN...NOC) (NEINOC or NINOC, probably NEINOC based on Varbanov) (Avt k m avp antVn...noc) radiate draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ Α ΝΟΒ ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝΠΡ ΟC ΙC ΤΡ ΟΝ (Vp A NOB POVfOV NIKOpOLITwNpP OC IC TP ON) (vP a nob povFov NikoPoLitVnPp oc ic tp on) Serapis standing left, right hand raised, holding sceptre in left. The diameter is 27 mm and is 12.16 g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-1443, Varbanov-4107 (R4), not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC) (Avt k m avph antVneinoc) radiate draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Tyche standing left wearing Kalathos, holding rudder on globe and cornucopia. The diameter is 26 mm and is 10.26 g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-1450, Varbanov-4087 (R3), BMC III (Thrace) 65v v for radiate vs laureate, reverse legend layout. Note: the rudder on a globe is an assumption based on that it is the only Varbanov # that has the obverse legend/reverse legend/radiate draped & cuirassed bust right.
Obverse: ΑV Κ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC (AV K M AVP ANTwNINOC) (Av k m avp antVninoc) radiate draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Tyche standing left wearing Kalathos, hoding rudder on globe and cornucopia. The diameter is 26 mm and is 10.33 g, die axis 195 deg. Reference: Moush-1451, Varbanov 4083 (R3), BMC III (Thrace) 65v v for radiate vs laureate, reverse legend layout
Obverse: ΑVΤ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC(AVT M AVP ANTwNEINOC) (Avt m avp antVneinoc) laureate head right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICT) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoc ict) River-god reclining left, holding reed and resting on inverted vase from which water flows. Obverse legend based on Varbanov. The diameter is 26 mm and is 12.19 g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-1440v v is this coin does not have a thyrsos while Moush-1440 does. Varbanov-3909 (R4), not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: ΑV Κ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC (AV K M AVP ANTwNEINOC) (Av k m avp antVneinoc) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (vP nobiov povFov NikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Nike standing left, holding wreath. The diameter is 26 mm and is 10.49 g, die axis 210 deg. Reference: Moush-1389, Varbanov 4051 (R3) by obverse type, legends by obverse type, Not in BMC III (Thrace).
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC) (possible AVT KM AVPH) (Avt k m avp antVneinoc) radiate or laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: Ν ΙΚΟΠ ΟΛΙΤΩ ΝΠΡΟC ΤΡΟΝ (N IKOp OLITw NpPOC TPON) (N ikoP oLitV nPpoc tpon) City legend as five lines inside laurel wreath. The diameter is 25 mm and is 8.55 g, die axis 210 deg. Reference: Moush-1426 Varbanov-3842 (R3), BMC III (Thrace) 69/70 (if laureate and dependant on obverse legend. 70 has an H after AVP), AMNGI-2015.
Obverse: Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC (M AVP ANTwNINOC) (M avp antVninoc) laureate head right.
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (vP nobiov povFov nikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Coiled snake with head up. Legate Nobius Rufus. The diameter is 27 mm and is 11.48 g, die axis 195 deg. Reference: Moush-1409v, probably Varbanov-4063 (R3), not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝEΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC) (Avt k m avph antVneinoc) laureate head right
Reverse: VΠ ΝΟΒΙΟV ΡΟVΦΟV ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟC ΙCΤΡΟΝ (Vp NOBIOV POVfOV NIKOpOLITwN pPOC ICTPON) (with the O and the N in the left and right field respectively) (vP nobiov povFov nikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Bearded Herakles left standing, the right on the club. supported over the left arm the lion skin. The diameter is 27 mm and is 11.06 g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-1457, not in BMC III (Thrace), AMNGI-1947, Similar to several Varbanov. Varbanov-3937 references AMNGI-1947 but is V-1937 is laureate, draped and cuirassed while AMNGI is just laurate. (also missing the H after AVP on obverse legend). Varbanov-4032 he compares to AMNGI-1948 has the right Obverse and Obverse legend but doesn't mention where the last of the reverse legend is in the field and the AMNGI-1948 have more of the legend in the field. Varbanov 4101 is compared to AMNGI-1947 as well but is missing the H after AVP as well as listed as radiate and cuirassed. I think that Varbanov-4032v would be closest to his text but the others would fit the variety.
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNINOC) (avt k m avph antVninoc) Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟCΙCΤΡΟΝ (NIKOpOLITwN pPOCICTPON) (nikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Tetrastyle temple containing statue standing left; pellet in pediment. The diameter is 16 mm and is 2.69 g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Varbanov-3868 (R5), not in BMC III (Thrace) (67 is a temple, however different size of coin and significant difference of style).
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡΗ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNINOC) (avt k m avph antVninoc) Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟCΙCΤΡΟΝ (NIKOpOLITwN pPOCICTPON) (nikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Staff of Asklepios entwined by serpent. The diameter is 18 mm and is 2.45 g, die axis 210 deg. Reference: AMNGI-2032 listed variety based on obverse legend, Varbanov-3867v, different obverse, Moush 1409a, Not in BMC III (Thrace) Note, this is the example on Moushmov online
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝ... (AVT K M AVP ANTwN...) (either NIN or NEIN) (avt k m avp antVn...) Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟCΙCΤΡΟΝ (NIKOpOLITwN pPOCICTPON) (nikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) Lion walking left. The diameter is 17 mm and is 3.18 g, die axis 210 deg. Reference:Varbanov-3858 (probably as obverse legend not listed), Moush 1424v, v as lion left rather than right, AMNGI-2029v, v as lion left rather than right, Not in BMC III (Thrace)
Obverse: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) (avt k m avp antVninoc) Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: ΝΙΚΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ ΠΡΟCΙCΤΡΟΝ (NIKOpOLITwN pPOCICTPON) (nikoPoLitVn Ppoc ictpon) - Readable nikoPoLitVn P... (NIKOpOLITwN p...) Hermes standing facing, head left, holding purse and caduceus above left arm, robe. The diameter is 17.5 mm and is 2.83 g, die axis 250 deg. Reference: Moush 1458/1459 wording seems to fit 1459 better, however the plate picture of 1458 is close. AMNGI-2021v, v as Elagabalus is wearing a Laurel wreath. Not in BMC III (Thrace). Varbanov-3840 (appears very close to his pictured coin, confirms AMNGI-2021)
My Provincial Roman Coins collage
New Provincial Roman Coins of Elagabalus Collage (including Nicopolis Ad Istrum) page
Reverse types of Elagabalus from Nicopolis ad Istrum
Gods and Goddesses on coins of Elagabalus from Nicopolis ad Istrum
Continue to my Moushmov page on coins of Elagabalus from Nicopolis ad Istrum
Continue on to my Roman Imperial coins of Elagabalus
Continue to my Elagabalus coins of Markianopolis.
Continue to my Elagabalus coins of Odessus
Continue to other provincial coins of Elagabalus