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Description
Between the 1st c. BC and the 3rd c. AD cities across the Roman Empire could aspire for a colonial status. A new colony, modelled on Rome, imitated it in urban design, government system etc. This transformation would be reflected in the colonial coins.
In general, the Roman colonial coinage features a few distinctive features. First of all, most of them have a Latin inscription. Next, the status of a 'colonia' and additionally titles such as Iulia, Felix etc. are commonly mentioned. The main characteristic of colonial coins are universal iconographic motives: a yoke of oxen with a priest to commemorate the colonial foundation; military symbols (aquilae, etc.) highlight the military past of the veterans; the statue of Marsyas, a symbol of colonial liberty.
On the other hand cities when raised to the status of a colonia usually already had a long tradition of civic coinage. Therefore, in this paper I will discuss how coins reveal the approach taken by the authorities in the process of transition.
