Jotapian. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.18 g, 6h). Nicopolis in Seleucia mint. Good Fine.

Triton XXVII – Session 6
Lot: 6283. Estimated: $ 1 500

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 1 400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Jotapian. Usurper, circa AD 248-249. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.18 g, 6h). Nicopolis in Seleucia mint. Radiate and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond. RIC IV –; Bland, Jotapian –, dies V/xiii (unlisted die combination); RSC –. Toned, rough surfaces, deposits, slightly wavy flan. Good Fine.

Jotapian († AD 249) led a short-lived revolt in Syria while Philip I was still emperor. Little is known of Jotapian’s background. It was said that he boasted of a relationship to Severus Alexander, and his unusual name, although otherwise unknown for a man, is attested in its feminine form “Jotape” in the royal houses of Commagene and Emesa. The revolt was brief, and the crude style proves that the revolt was geographically confined, for Jotapian plainly did not control a major Roman mint. His head was brought to Rome and shown to Trajan Decius “as was customary, although Decius had not asked for it” (Aur. Vict., Caes. 29.4).

Closing Date and Time: 18 January 2024 at 11:34:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer’s fee.