PHRYGIA. Aezanis. Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Diassarion (Bronze, 23 mm, 9.08 g), Potitus Valerius Messala, proconsul, circa 25 BC. ΠΟΤ[ΙΤ ΜΕΣΣΑ]ΛΑΣ Bare head of Potitus Valerius Messala to left. Rev. [ΕΖΕΑ]ΝΙΤΩΝ Right hand holding scales to left; to right, monogram of ΔΙΟΣ. RPC I 3067. SNG Righetti 1124. Von Aulock, Aezani, 7-8. Very rare. Thick deposits and with minor traces of corrosion and light cleaning scratches, otherwise, fine.



Potitus Valerius Messala belonged to the ancient Roman gens Valeria, one of the most significant and influential patrician families in ancient Rome. Under Octavian, he achieved the rank of suffect consul in 29 BC and is believed to have served as proconsul of the province of Asia from around 25–23 BC. His year of death is unknown, though it must have been after 17 BC, since he is mentioned multiple times in the records of that year’s Secular Games. He is among the last Romans outside the imperial family to be depicted on coins.