BIBLICAL CITY OF ASHKELON (ASKALON), VESPASIAN AE
Sofaer 71, RPC 2203, Very Fine, some obverse corrosion, 19.9mm, 6.90 grams, Struck Circa. 72/73 C.E.
Obverse: Laureate head of Vespasian to right, CEBACTOC around
Reverse: Phanebal standing facing, holding dagger in right and small shield and palm in left, date ϚΟΡ (year 176 - 72/73 C.E.) to left, ΑΣ in right field
Ex: Harold Nussbaum Collection, NY. Purchased in 1973.
Coin was misattributed as Nero. In truth, it's interesting because the portrait does appear closer to Nero. However, the fact is that the mint of Ascalon during this early to late first century had some of the most unskilled engravers ever. Several of the rulers have coins whose images are virtuallly identical (like Nero and Vespasian) without any regard for the actual profile of the emperor.
