Classical Numismatic
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1351. ANONYMOUS, Time of Tiberius. Circa 22-37 AD. JE Tessera (5.46 gm). Laureate head of Augustus right within linear circle / ΧΠ within beaded border surrounded by wreath. T.V. Buttrey, "The Spintriae as a Historical Source," NumChron (1973), 2; Cohen pg.252,74. Near EF, brown patina. ($1000)
An Impressive Offering of Erotic Spintriae
The rare series of erotic tesserae known as spintriae were struck circa 22-37 AD during the reign of Tiberius. It is not known exactly what their purpose was, although a variety of theories have been put forth. The most common explanation is that the spintriae were used during the Flavian dynasty (69-96 AD), and especially under Domitian, as a means of payment in the brothels, where, by order of the emperor Tiberius, it was a punishable offense to use coins which depicted the emperor's image. This theory is somewhat untenable in light of the existing evidence. There occurs die-linkage between the spintriae and a concurrent issue of tesserae that has obverse imperial portraiture, none of which can be dated after the reign of Caligula.
T.V. Buttrey in his study of the two series ("The Spintriae as a Historical Source," The Numismatic Chronicle (Seventh Series, Volume ΧΠΙ, 1973), pp.52-63, pls.3^1) proposes a chronology that fits much better with the evidence. He concludes that the spintriae were issued in Rome immediately before or during Tiberius' retirement to his palace on the island of Capri, and that the scenes probably reflect contemporary gossip concerning the emperor's supposedly salacious activities. All of the scenes portray a luxurious environment with fine draperies and furniture where the activity takes place, and this would not be found in a residence where opulence was not the norm. It is therefore not necessary to assume that the participants depicted were actually intended to represent the emperor and his court; whatever purpose the tokens did have, their issue in conjunction with the tesserae having imperial portraiture is enough to draw the association out of wit.
1352. ANONYMOUS, Time of Tiberius. Circa 22-37 AD. JE Spintria (4.51 gm). Erotic scene / Α ΠΠ within linear border. Simonetta-Riva, Le tessere erotiche romane, Scene 2, A (this piece); T.V. Buttrey, "The Spintriae as a Historical Source," NumChron (1973),—. Buttrey notes the spintriae with A preceding the number are significantly rarer than the normal type. Near VF, brown patina, minor encrustation. ($2000)
1353. ANONYMOUS, Time of Tiberius. Circa 22-37 AD. JE Spintria (4.92 gm). Erotic scene / ΧΠ within beaded border surrounded by wreath. Simonetta-Riva, Le tessere erotiche romane, Scene 4, A (this piece); T.V. Buttrey, "The Spintriae as a Historical Source," NumChron (1973), 9. VF, brown patina. ($2000)
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