The Hadrianic Silver Coinage of Aegeae (Cilicia)

Imperial silver coinage of Cilician Aegeae turns out to be more abundant than has been supposed previously. The publication of a die study based on 400 coins in Lorber and Michaels 2007 is completed here with the study of an additional 400 coins which produce several new dies and two new coin types. Metallurgical data are presented here for the first time and together with a metrological overview new aspects of Cilician silver coinage are revealed. In addition to its close connection with military activity the coinage also reflects Hadrian’s personal interest in the healing cult of the city. The introduction of silver coinage in Aegeae can be interpreted as an imperial beneficium, comparable to the bestowing of buildings and infrastructure.