PHRYGIA. Ancyra. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Hemiassarion (Bronze, 16 mm, 2.72 g, 12 h), P. Volasenna, proconsul and T. Bassillaos, magistrate, circa 62-63. ΘΕΟΝ ΣΥΝΚΛΗΤΟΝ Draped bust of the Roman Senate to right. Rev. ΠΟ ΟΥΟΛΑΣΕΝΝΑ ΑΝΚΥΡΑΝΩΝ / ΑΙΤΗΣΑΜΕ - ΒΑΣΣΙΛΛ Large stele. BMC 1. RPC I 3113. An unusually attractive example of this interesting issue. Some deposits, otherwise, good very fine.


The reverse legend ΑΙΤΗΣΑΜΕ(NOY TI) ΒΑΣΣΙΛΛ(AOY) translates as 'Bassillaos, who called for the vote', a formula indicating that Bassillaos requested the issuing of coins, the expenses of which he would bear as a form of euergetism to his polis. The permission came either from the city authorities or from the Roman proconsul Publius Volasenna, who is also named on the reverse, whereas the stele may be an actual honorary stele set up in Ancyra recording the benefaction of Bassillaos