Tesoro o monete sparse? A proposito di un gruzzolo di bronzi della zecca di Flavia Neapolis (Samaria)

In 1997 a hoard of 37 copper coins appeared on the antique market, coined in the mint of Flavia Neapolis and associated with the iconography of the temple of Zeus Hypsistos and of Mount Gerizim. Among the Emperors present on the coins: Elagabalus (25 coins), Alexander Severus (8 coins), Trebonianus Gallus (1 coin). Elagabalus’ group belongs to the light series; eleven of these specimens have a countermark used to establish a different and more valuable quota than the precedent, during Alexander Severus’ reign. Among the coins of this Emperor we can note two particularities. The first (cat. n. 32) concerns a legend of obverse, different to the ones known by the repertories. The second (cat. n. 33), due to its radiating head, allows us to recognize a new type of nominal and the probable formation of a relationship between two emissions in copper, similar to that between the dupondius and the as, found at that time in the western part of the empire. The coins of Flavia Neapolis, with the reverse side related to the Samaritan tradition, are coins that are highly sought after by collectors. It seems very unlikely therefore that such a numerous group of specimens could have been gathered and conserved for such a long period. By means of a comparison with similar coin findings in archaeological contexts it is hypothesized that the hoard was formed following a “thematic” selection of a larger treasure trove, probably discovered in Samaria or in the nearby territories, where it was hidden towards the first half of the 3rd century.