The minting of Roman imperial bronze coins for circulation in the east: Vespasian to Trajan

Abstract

The article discusses the coinage with eastern mint attributions circulating in the first century AD and the relationship with issues of Rome. Atomic absorption analysis of some 130 brass, bronze and copper coins are presented. An important finding was that at Antioch two series were in circulation. One was identical to Rome in terms of style and composition (brass) whereas the other was similar to earlier local issues in epigraphy, style and composition (bronze). The results suggest that, although a locally produced coinage was in use, issues were specially made in Rome for export and use concurrently in Antioch. -- AATA