★ The founding of the Roman colony in Damascus ★

SYRIA, Coele-Syria. Damascus. Otacilia Severa, Augusta, 244-249. Octassarion (Bronze, 28 mm, 20.79 g, 1 h), 247-249. M OTAC SEVERA AVG Diademed and draped bust of Otacilia Severa to right, set on crescent. Rev. COL ΔAMA[S M]ΕTROP Lighted altar with male and felame figures on either side, making offerings: on the left, Roman emperor (?) togate, standing right and extending his right hand over altar; on the right, Roma (?) helmeted, pouring a libation over altar and holding box of fruits; between them above, cypress tree; in exergue, ram's head. Rosenberger, Damascus 43. RPC VIII online 15977. Attractive earthen highlights. Very fine.

Privately acquired from C. J. Martin and from a British collection, formed before 2005.

Damascus became a Roman colony under Severus Alexander, and this unusual reverse type is probably a reference to the founding of the colony, or perhaps to celebrations connected with her vicennalia.