MOESIA INFERIOR. Nicopolis ad Istrum. Macrinus, 217-218. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 27 mm, 13.04 g, 6 h), Marcus Claudius Agrippa, legatus consularis, 217-218. AY K OΠΠEΛ C[EYH MAKΡINOC] Laureate and cuirassed bust of Macrinus to right, seen from behind. Rev. ΥΠ AΓΡIΠ[ΠA NIKOΠ]OΛITΩN / ΠΡOC ICT The Nymphaeum at Nicopolis: a semi-circular building with two stories of colonnaded porticos, and with a colonnaded forecourt fronting a body of water. AMNG I -. Hristova-Jekov 8.23.46.1. Price & Trell 48. Varbanov -, cf. 3343 and 3382. Very rare. Minor deposits and the obverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, about very fine.



Nymphaea are monumental fountain structures dedicated to the nymphs - particularly spring nymphs. They served both cultic and decorative functions. Their appearance on coins is rare and of considerable architectural and historical significance. The present piece depicts the Nymphaeum of Nicopolis, evidently a semicircular structure with two tiers of colonnaded porticos, which was undoubtedly adorned with statues and must have been highly decorative.