Object Description
A Roman bronze, Ae26 coin minted for Otacilia Severa in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, surrounded by a crystal pendant mount. The coin features the profile bust of the Empress, facing right, diademed and draped, on a crescent. Her head is surrounded by the Romano/Greek legend MAP ΩTAKIΛ CЄOVHPAN CЄB, which would translate as MAR[CIA] OTACIL[IA] SEVIRAN CEB. CEB is an abbreviation of the word Σεβαστοσ, Sebastos, the Greek equivalent of Augusta and thus refers to the Empress’ title. The reverse depicts the frontal image of Tyche, seated within a tetrastyle temple. Above her head is a ram leaping to the right, whilst facing left. To the lower right, there is a half-length figure of the river-god swimming right. The legend reads IOY CЄΠ KOΛΩ NЄCIBI MHT. This translates as JUL[IA] SEP[TIMIA] COLO[NIA] NISIBI[S] MET[ROPOLIS]. The family name of ‘Julia’ refers to Philip I.
The coin is encased in a custom-made, modern, stainless steel, bezel to the obverse, decorated with high quality faceted crystals. On the reverse there is a silver mount, hallmarked at the top, to stabilise the coin within its frame. The steel suspension loop is also branded with a recessed TP, in collaboration with Tresor Paris, the Hatton Garden jewellers.
Dimension listed below measure from clasp to the end of the pendant. Please note the chain is not included in the price of the pendant and is for display purposes. Please enquire for chain availability.
Date: Coin circa AD 244-249. Pendant casing modern.