Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

NAQLUN

EGYPT

NAQLUN 2007: NUMISMATIC NOTE
Barbara Lichocka'

Archaeological excavations carried out in
2007 in Hermitage 87 belonging to the
western group of anchorite complexes
brought to light three bronze coins of Late
Roman date.
1. Nd.07.209 [Fig. 1]; findspot: E.87.4,
courtyard surface
Second half of 4th century, Valentinian
II(?), mint uncertain
AE 4, diam. 11 mm; weight 1.17 g
Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped bust r.
[D]N V(?) [
Reverse: Illegible
The letter V in the legend on the obverse
indicates the name of either Valentinian or
Valens. The size and weight of the specimen
appears to exclude an issue of Valentinian I or
Valens. Judging by the size and proportions
of the design, the coin may have been struck
by Valentinian II in 378-392.


Fig. 1. Bronze coin Nd.07.209
(Photo \V. Godlewski)

2. Nd.07.402 [Fig. 2\; findspot: E.87.1,
floor, close to entrance
Reign of Arcadius, 395-408 or later,
mint uncertain
AE 4, smaller module, diam. 8 mm,
weight 0.39 g, die axis 6(?)
Obverse: Diademed, draped bust r.
]AVG
Reverse: Cross. Inscription around cross:
.XXXX(or T) X(or Y)..
Only the terminal letters of the legend, most
probably not divided, can be seen on the
obverse. The inscription on the reverse is
obscure and partly missing. It could be that
we have here a case of imitation of the
Concordia Aug type with cross, struck in the
reign of Arcadius in a number of imperial
mints, either with his name or with that of
Honorius or Theodosius II. The coin is very
small and light, which could also be con-
strued as proof that it was indeed an


Fig. 2. Bronze coin Nd.07.402
(Photo W. Godlewski)

*

Research Center for Mediterranean Archaeology (IKSiO from 1 September 2010), Polish Academy of Sciences

Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007

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