Judea - Ascalon Legion X Counterstamp

November 2024

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Time of Vespasian and Titus - Pseudo-autonomous municipal coin of Ascalon (coastal city between Tel Aviv and the Gaza strip), a principle Roman held city and Legion X (Ten) permanent encampment. Extremely historical coin of the period of the First Jewish Revolt (66 - 70 A.D.). This exact coin is depicted in "The Handbook of Biblical Numismatics" - Mel Wacks; see below). This type is in Hendin's (6th ed.) "Guide to Biblical Coins" # 6642.
AE16 (16.11 mm) 3.89 g 4H, aVF. OB: Veiled and turreted bust of Tyche r.; 'X' (w/ bar over or under the X) in incuse rectangular countermark; Rx: galley right, ~OP (date). Not and impressive looking piece but very historical and part of my Legion X series, nonetheless the piece was expensive!
cf. Rosenberger 53; RPC 2204; SNG ANS 679-82 (Agora Auction Sale 65, Lot# 119)
There is a great article on the "Countermarks of the Roman Legions" - this is from an Numismatics Internationals "Bulletin" issue of Jan 2008. Perhaps this [ link ] will get you there.
The Roman Coins site has many examples of all of the variations of Legion countermarks at this: [ link ]
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For a great article on the coins of Pontius Pilate be sure to check out this Numiswiki article at this: [ link ]
Handbook of Biblical Numismatics by Mel Wacks (see section on Legion X counterstamped coins, see coins # 59 & 60) at this: [ link ]