Provincial bronze issue from Iconium in Lycaonia, dated to the reign of Vespasian (AD 69–79) and struck for Titus as Caesar, belongs to the colonial coinage produced within the administrative framework of the Roman Empire. Iconium, as a colonia, as indicated by the reverse legend, issued coins with distinctly Roman features in both language and iconography.
The obverse presents a laureate head of Titus facing right with the Latin legend T CAES IM PONT, a shortened form of his titulature as Caesar and designated heir. Such issues formed part of Flavian dynastic policy, emphasizing Titus’ role as co-participant in imperial authority during the lifetime of Vespasian.
The reverse depicts two legionary standards (signa) with a star placed between them, accompanied by the legend COL – ICO – NIEN, an abbreviation of Colonia Iconiensium. The depiction of standards is a well-established military motif in Roman iconography, directly associated with the army as the foundation of imperial power. Their presence in colonial coinage underscores both the military character of the settlement and its loyalty to the emperor, while the star adds a symbolic element often linked to auspiciousness and divine favor within Roman visual language.
Roman Provincial
Lycaonia, Iconium, Vespasian (69-79) for Titus ceasar, AE
Obverse: laureate head right
T CAES IM PONT
Reverse: two standards, between them star, E-Q across fields
COL - ICO - NIEN
Diameter 19 mm, weight 5.72 g
