Nomos 19

PHRYGIA. Julia. Cornelia Supera, wife of Aemilian, 253. Triassarion (Bronze, 25 mm, 11.05 g), Philoteimos, archon for the second time. •ΓΑΙ•ΚΟΡ• CΟΥΠΕΡΗΝ /•CE• Diademed and draped bust of Cornelia Supera to right. Rev. ΑΡΧ•Τϕ - ΦΙΛΟΤΕΙΜΩ / ΙΟΥΛΙΕΩΝ Kybele seated left on throne with two lions, holding patera in her right hand. RPC IX, 896. Clear, with a dark patina and with a good portrait. Very fine.

One of the great mysteries of Roman coinage, on a par with the modern American mystery of which concrete elevated highway support conceals Jimmy Hoffa's body, is why a few very curious and mostly obscure Greek cities produced provincial issues in the name of Aemilian and his wife Cornelia Supera. Especially, why were coins struck in Julia; originally known as Ipsos – the scene of the great defeat of Antigonos Monopthalmos in 301 BC – the city's name was changed to Julia under the Julio-Claudians. Prior to striking under Aemilian, the city's last issues were in the second century, under Marcus Aurelius. It is likely, however, that Julia (modern Çayırbağ) was a popular vacation spot for Roman officers, and that Aemilian and Cornelia spent numerous happy holidays there, getting to know the locals and leaving generous tips. Thus, on hearing of their ascension to the throne the Juliotes probably figured they were finally about to cash in! As we know, it didn't quite work out.