Final Chapter of Roman Colonial Coinage (AD 235–275): Reminiscence of Romanitas / Końcowy rozdział rzymskiego mennictwa kolonialnego (235–275). Reminiscencja Romanitas

Abstract

Between AD 235–275, 36 Roman colonies emitted their final coins, with more than five hundred iconographic motifs represented. On the one hand, “veteran” colonies, having a long tradition of colonial coinages, maintained the Roman character of their issues. On the other hand, most colonies created in the 3rd century, recognised by scholars as “titular”, since no colonists were supposed to be settled there, also decided to follow the pattern of universal colonial coinage. The use of Latin, the exposure of status and typical colonial motifs such as a “foundation scene”, military emblems and Marsyas were exploited in the final issues of the Roman colonies. Even though the Romanitas of many colonies was merely superficial, coins performed the role of a medium which manifested the Roman nature of the colonies.