DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.49262#0216
196
GREEK AND ROMAN COINS
[bk. xr
§ 6. Names and Values of Coins.
Inscriptions are employed, though not very commonly,
to give the denominations of coins. The general terms
such as κόμμα, apyvpiov have already been mentioned. More
definite denomination is expressed by inscriptions such as
οβολός, τετράχαλκον, άσσάρια τρία, άσσάριον ήμυσυ [—ημιαυ, ΐΐ aSSai’ia)
and the like at Chios, δίδραχ^οι- (Ephesus, Rhodes), (ΗΕΞΑΞ,
Segesta), ημιοβέλιυ (=ήμιοβελιον, Aegium). The letter T repeated
three times represents the value τρίτεταρτημόριον at Pale; in
Arcadia, όδ is the dialectal form of όβ(ελός) ; at Colophon
the letters ημ combined in a monogram represent ήμιοβόλιον, and
re. similarly combined, τεταρτημόριου. X is χαλκούς at Clazo-
menae k Similarly, in Italy, b is a common abbreviation for
litra or libra, and S for semis.
The method of indicating value by means of numerals is
twofold ; the figures either mean that the coin weighs so many
units, or- that its weight is an aliquot part of a greater weight.
The sign .... is equivalent to four unciae or a triens (j of
a libra); the sign * · ’ to five ounces (πεντόγκιον). On the
other hand, the Greek numerals OB, on the late Roman coins,
indicate that they are struck at seventy-two to the pound2.
§ 7. Nates.
Inscriptions relating to dates, with the exception of those
which merely give the date in numerals3, are rare. Such as
are found really refer only to anniversaries, and are therefore
to be classed among commemorative inscriptions. τίερίοδος
δεκάτη, Saeculum novum, and others similar have already been
mentioned. ’'Erovs· ίεροΰ (Caesarea in Cappadocia), έτους νέου ίεροΰ
(Antiochia in Syria), έτους δεκ. ίεροΰ all have reference to the
decennalia or similar occasions.
' These abbreviations all occur on specimens published by Imhoof-
Blumer, Num. Chr. 1895, pp. 269 ff. See also the Indices to his Monnaies
grecques and Griechische Munzen.
2 Further instances may be found in ch, ii.
3 See ch. ix. § 2, pp. 201 ff.
GREEK AND ROMAN COINS
[bk. xr
§ 6. Names and Values of Coins.
Inscriptions are employed, though not very commonly,
to give the denominations of coins. The general terms
such as κόμμα, apyvpiov have already been mentioned. More
definite denomination is expressed by inscriptions such as
οβολός, τετράχαλκον, άσσάρια τρία, άσσάριον ήμυσυ [—ημιαυ, ΐΐ aSSai’ia)
and the like at Chios, δίδραχ^οι- (Ephesus, Rhodes), (ΗΕΞΑΞ,
Segesta), ημιοβέλιυ (=ήμιοβελιον, Aegium). The letter T repeated
three times represents the value τρίτεταρτημόριον at Pale; in
Arcadia, όδ is the dialectal form of όβ(ελός) ; at Colophon
the letters ημ combined in a monogram represent ήμιοβόλιον, and
re. similarly combined, τεταρτημόριου. X is χαλκούς at Clazo-
menae k Similarly, in Italy, b is a common abbreviation for
litra or libra, and S for semis.
The method of indicating value by means of numerals is
twofold ; the figures either mean that the coin weighs so many
units, or- that its weight is an aliquot part of a greater weight.
The sign .... is equivalent to four unciae or a triens (j of
a libra); the sign * · ’ to five ounces (πεντόγκιον). On the
other hand, the Greek numerals OB, on the late Roman coins,
indicate that they are struck at seventy-two to the pound2.
§ 7. Nates.
Inscriptions relating to dates, with the exception of those
which merely give the date in numerals3, are rare. Such as
are found really refer only to anniversaries, and are therefore
to be classed among commemorative inscriptions. τίερίοδος
δεκάτη, Saeculum novum, and others similar have already been
mentioned. ’'Erovs· ίεροΰ (Caesarea in Cappadocia), έτους νέου ίεροΰ
(Antiochia in Syria), έτους δεκ. ίεροΰ all have reference to the
decennalia or similar occasions.
' These abbreviations all occur on specimens published by Imhoof-
Blumer, Num. Chr. 1895, pp. 269 ff. See also the Indices to his Monnaies
grecques and Griechische Munzen.
2 Further instances may be found in ch, ii.
3 See ch. ix. § 2, pp. 201 ff.