CAPPADOCIA. Kaisareia-Eusebia (?). Autonomous issues, Late 2nd-1st century BC. Diobol (?) (Silver, 13 mm, 1.21 g, 6 h). Pyramid-shaped object with pellets at each corner (stylized Mount Argaios?). Rev. T - A (or Δ?) Club within wreath. Classical Numismatic Group 51 (1999), 51 var. (no letters). Ganschow -. Sydenham, Caesarea, Supplement p. 141, B var. (no letters). Zeus 13 (2020), 601 (same reverse die). An extremely rare variety of a rare type, perhaps the second known example with an inscription. Slightly porous and with some horn silver and light marks, otherwise, very fine.



This type, with its unusual pyramid-like image on the obverse, was already known to Sydenham, yet its attribution remains a matter of debate. The design is perhaps best interpreted as a stylized depiction of Mount Argaios, the sacred mountain frequently featured on the coinage of Kaisareia-Eusebia. Our specimen is apparently only the second known example to bear a legend on the reverse. The inscription appears to read T–A or, more likely, T–Δ. Unfortunately, this provides little help in resolving the question of attribution, as the meaning of these letters remains unclear. As such, these coins remain enigmatic and continue to await a more definitive interpretation.