The “Serres, 1966” Hoard: A Contribution to the Coinage of the Macedonian Koinon *

A BSTRACT In recent years, scholarly investigations pertaining to the institution of the Macedonian Koinon have witnessed a notable expansion, primarily driven by excavations conducted within the geographic confines of Macedonia, yielding a substantial amount of numismatic and epigraphic evidence. Although the historical record regarding the foundation and the existence of the Macedonian Koinon remains obscure, numismatic testimonies have significantly contributed to the comprehension of the institution, and its role within the Macedonian territory under Roman rule. The present article focuses on a meticulous examination of the “Serres, 1966” hoard, discovered in 1966 and currently preserved at the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum. Particular emphasis is given to the comprehensive analysis of the iconographic representations as well as inscriptions, which offer valuable insights into the institutional and cultural attributes characterising the Macedonian Koinon. Lastly, an endeavour of contextualising the hoard within the broader framework of the Roman province of Macedonia is attempted by a comprehensive analysis of hoard evidence

On the 7th November 1966, a coin hoard consisting exclusively of fifteen bronzes was delivered to the Serres Archaeological Museum by a local resident.Subsequently, it was transferred to the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum, where it is preserved today 1 .This hoard comprises fourteen coins of the Macedonian Koinon and one coin of Thessaloniki.The majority of the coins exhibit a condition of notably suboptimal preservation.Several issues have endured considerable wear and abrasion, with some demonstrating conspicuous signs of deterioration, including instances of double perforation and structural damage, thus rendering them unsuitable for conducting a comprehensive analysis and observations pertaining to the inscriptions and the

Composition and dating
Due to the elusive provenance of the hoard, a dearth of information regarding the circumstances and contextual details of its discovery persists.A significant concern revolves around the question of whether the hoard encompasses its entirety or represents merely a part of another coin hoard.It is important to acknowledge the publication from Ioannis Touratsoglou on the coinage of Thessaloniki during the Roman imperial period.Touratsoglou argued that a hoard unearthed in Macedonia in 1966, examined by the authors of the Evelpidis Collection, could be a constituent part of the "Serres, 1966" hoard2 .To draw definitive conclusions, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive examination of both hoards.A comparative analysis of these two hoards reveals several key points of interest.Both hoards are in suboptimal preservation conditions and were both discovered in 1966, which might be a chronological coincidence.Notable distinctions arise when examining their respective provenances; one was unearthed in the region of Macedonia, with an undisclosed source, while the other was discovered in the region of Serres.Delving into the composition of the "Macedonia, 1966" hoard, it becomes evident that it comprises over sixty-six specimens, encompassing nearly all the cities of the Roman province of Macedonia which include Thessaloniki, Amphipolis as well as the colonies of Dion, Cassandreia, Pella, Philippi, the municipium of Stobi and the Macedonian Koinon.Conversely, the "Serres, 1966" hoard is exclusively composed of the issuing authorities of the Macedonian Koinon and Thessaloniki.The coins of the "Serres, 1966" hoard were struck under three Roman emperors, namely during the reigns of Severus Alexander, Gordian III and Philip I.Ten out of the fifteen coins, were issued during the reign of Severus Alexander (231-235 AD)3 , while three coins were attributed to Gordian III reign (238-244 AD); two of which were produced by the Macedonian Koinon, whereas the last coin was issued by Thessaloniki4 .Lastly, one coin of the Macedonian Koinon belongs to the reign of Philip I (244-249 AD)5 .Among various hoards discovered in the region of Macedonia (Table 1), it is of utmost interest that the "Serres, 1966" hoard is unique in its composition, as it includes only issues from the Macedonian Koinon and Thessaloniki.Regarding the coins from the Macedonian Koinon and Thessaloniki in both hoards, they are attributed to the reigns of Severus Alexander (222-235 AD) and Gordian III (238)(239)(240)(241)(242)(243)(244).This evidence does not support the assertion that the hoards are necessarily interconnected.Therefore, aside from the same year of their discovery, and their composition of common issues of Thessaloniki and the Macedonian Koinon, there is no additional evidence to affirm the hypothesis that these two hoards are indeed interrelated.Further investigation and analysis are thus requisite to shed greater light on this intriguing numismatic conundrum.
Apart from the composition of these coin hoards, it is essential to assess whether their concealment dates align.It should be noted that the concealment date of the "Macedoniosa, 1966" hoard is attributed to the reign of Gallienus (253-268 AD), predicated on the presence of late issues of Thessaloniki 6 , while the "Serres, 1966" hoard should be dated during or after the reign of Philip I (244-249 AD).Comparing the proposed concealment dates, it can be inferred that the chronological abstinence between the time of Philip I (244-249 AD) and the reign of Gallienus (253-268 AD) is relatively small.However, this time proximity does not conclusively imply that it might be the same hoard.The composition of the "Serres, 1966" hoard, encompassing issues from the era of Severus Alexander (222-235 AD) up to Philip I (244-249 AD), shows that these issues were in circulation at the same time.Regarding the motive behind the concealment of this hoard, bearing in mind the historical context of emergency hoards in the region of Macedonia, it is plausible that the hoard may have been stashed as a response to the frequent invasions and raids by barbarian forces from the north 7 .Such a scenario aligns with the broader historical situation in the middle of the Third Century AD within the Balkan Peninsula 8 .

Iconography
Despite the limited quantity of specimens of the hoard, it is worth highlighting the variety of the depicted scenes and motifs, rendering it of particular interest.Concerning the obverses, various types have been observed.Remarkably, except for the issue of Thessaloniki, which possesses distinct historical implications, the fourteen issues of the Macedonian Koinon represent the head or bust of Alexander the Great.The Macedonian king was illustrated in several variations and roles; specifically there are four distinctive types.Most of the coins -in total nine-bear Alexander's head, represented as a youthful king wearing a royal diadem and in most cases with flowing hair (nos.1-7, 10,11).This is the most common representation of Alexander the Great on the coinage of Macedonian Koinon, as a sign of his royal status.Two specimens (nos.9, 12) depict Alexander wearing a lion's skin, an emblematic symbol of Hercules.This type recalls Alexander's lifetime coinage, in which he was illustrated as Hercules emphasising his association with the mythic hero and his heroic achievements 9 , while coins (nos.8, 13) portray Alexander wearing an Attic helmet, indicating his military virtue 10 .Finally, the last type on the obverse of the coin (nº 14), illustrates a cuirassed bust of Alexander 11 .The obverses of the above emissions are always accompanied by the Greek legend ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (nos.2,4,6,8,10,14) or ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟV (nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13), which runs in genitive from left to right; given the presence of this legend, the identification with the king of Macedonia can be easily affirmed.
On the other hand, the reverses represent iconographic scenes related to Alexander the Great or representations referring to festivals, games, and competitions that took 6 TOURATSOGLOU 1988, 122 nº.18.  7 Considering the proximity of the hoard's provenance in eastern Macedonia, the concealment date might be also linked to the Gothic invasions in the neighboring city of Philippopolis in 249-250 AD;  KREMYDI 1996, 128.  TOURATSOGLOU 2006a, 19-20.The "Serres, 1966" hoard conforms the characteristics of an emergency hoard, a pattern observed in numerous hoards unearthed in the region of Macedonia.Its concealment might have been a precautionary measure taken by individuals to protect their wealth from the unpredictable circumstances by the barbarian incursions. 9TSANGARI 2010, 184. 10 PALAGIA 2018, 142.  1DAHMEN 2007, 136; the types with armoured busts are less frequent on the coinage of the Macedonian Koinon.Instead, the types with the diademed head of Alexander as well as the type with the Attic helmet are more usual.place in Veroia in honour of the Hellenistic King 12 .The majority of the reverse dies illustrate Alexander the Great riding on his horse Boukephalas (nos.1-6, 12, 14).Representations of Greek deities can also be discerned 13 .The coins (nos.7,8) depict the goddess Athena, demonstrating the ancient Greek religious spirit 14 .Interestingly enough, among the issues of the "Serres, 1966" hoard is also the type that features the representation of Alexander's mother, Olympias (nº 9), presented on a seat to the left, feeding a serpent.This scene can be associated with one of the myths pertaining to Alexander's divine descent.According to this legend, in the absence of Philip II, the hybrid deity of Zeus Ammon appeared as a giant serpent and impregnated Olympias, hence making Alexander the son of Zeus Ammo n.However, other numismatists have linked this type to the deity of health, Hygeia 15 .
New iconographic scenes emerged from the time of Elagabalus.During the reign of Elagabalus (218-222 AD), the Macedonian Koinon received the significant grant of a second Neokoria (δις νεωκόρος) and this augmentation of status is notably evident in the coinage of the Macedonian Koinon 16 .A defining feature of the institution was its emphasis on the social, cultural and religious activities of daily life, with relatively less involvement in political matters.Moreover, a preoccupation was focused on the cult of the Roman Emperors along with the organization of festivals 17 .Representations of an agonistic table with two prize crowns on it, are depicted as reverses on the coinages during the reign of Elagabalus and Gordian 13).This type is related to the games and festivals, which were held in honour of Alexander the Great, the so-called ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΑ ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ 18 .Honorary and sepulchral inscriptions as well as numismatic testimonies indicated the existence of the festivals ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ and ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΑ, which were held in Veroia 19 .These festivals were organized in honour of the emperor; athletic and artistic competitions were celebrated on an annual basis and they might have attracted not only local athletes and merchants from the neighbouring regions, but even outside the boarders of the province 20 .The games under the reign of Gordian III renamed ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΑ in honour of the Hellenistic King, Alexander the Great 21 .A glance at the iconography of the issues, minted by the Macedonian Koinon, gives a vivid impression of the predominance of Alexander's representations.During the Third 12 TOURATSOGLOU 2006, 294-295; DAHMEN 2007, 136.The games of ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΑ ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ had taken place every four years starting from 242-243 AD during the reign of Gordian III, and a second time in 246-247 AD under Philip I. 13 HOWGEGO 2005, 3. Local deities were relatively common on the coinage of the eastern Roman provinces.Contrary to the western provinces, they were not integrated into the Roman Pantheon.14 GAEBLER 1906, 19.  15 DAHMEN 2007, 140-141.16 KANATSOULIS 1956, 41; BURELL 2004, 192-193. Th seat of the assembly, where the representatives of the Macedonian cities and the officials of the Koinon met, was Veroia, strategically situated in close proximity to the two Macedonian capitals -Aegae and Pella-as well as the significant center of Thessaloniki.This geographical advantage made Veroia an appealing location for Roman officials, who established their presence in the hinterland.17 TATAKI 1988, 456; KREMYDI 2005, 102-103.18 BURELL 2004, 193-194; DAHMEN 2007, 138.19 GAEBLER 1906, 102-103; honorary and sepulchral inscriptions had testified names of athletes and magistrates, who were involved in these festivals.According to epigraphic and numismatic evidence, the celebration of ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΑ can be dated during the reign of Alexander Severus and more precisely in the year 229 AD.See GOUNAROPOULOU-HATZOPOULOS 1998, nos. 68-69; for further information on the games, see LESCHHORN 1998, 403-405.20 DAHMEN 2007, 33.21 TOURATSOGLOU 2006, 294-295.Century AD, this phenomenon became more intense.Based on the iconography of both obverses and reverses, the revived interest of the cult of Alexander the Great during the Roman imperial period is related to the policy of the emperors to identify themselves with Alexander as well as to the "revival" of the Macedonian past 22 .Furthermore, the variety of the iconographic types that illustrate Alexander as a young and beautiful king, and in several instances represent him with heroic and divine features, exemplify a profound adoration for the Macedonian king 23 .
In addition to the iconography, the legends should also be mentioned, especially on the reverses that inform on the wider historical and cultural context, in which the coins have been struck.The issues of the Macedonian Koinon can be divided into three groups.The first group contains coins (nos.1-2) with iconographic types of Alexander's head and horseman (Alexander on Boukephalas), which are dated in the early reign of Severus Alexander (222-235 AD).These emissions, apart from the Greek legend ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ, on their reverses carry also the word ΟΜΟΝΟΙA, "concordia" 24 .The title of OMONOIA is referred to the alliance between the Macedonian Koinon and the civitas libera Thessaloniki 25 .Historically, it is well attested that the Macedonian Koinon and Thessaloniki had a rivalry concerning the organisation of their local festivals and games 26 .Furthermore, they also had a dispute for proclaiming their privileges and the honorary titles of Neokoria and Metropolis 27 .Types that bear the title of OMONOIA were inaugurated during the reign of Severus Alexander and according to Gaebler are precisely dated to 231 AD.In addition, on the reverses of these coins, the symbol of a star is also portrayed beneath the horse (nos.1-2).The second group comprises later issues of Severus Alexander (nos.3-9), which refer to the first Neokoria of the city, when Veroia was granted with the privilege of erecting a temple related to the imperial cult 28 .The inscribed legend ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ (ΝΕΩ) denotes the connection with the first Neokoria.Although the title was achieved during the reign of Nerva (96-98 AD), the inscription of Neokoria appeared on the coins for the first time a century later, during the reign of Macrinus (217-218 AD).The title continued to exist also during the reign of Severus Alexander.Finally, the third group of coins (nos.10-13) is associated with the celebration of the second Neokoria of the city, since the inscriptions demonstrate the ethnic ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ along with the indication of B ΝΕΩΚΟΡ 29 .The coin nº 14 holds great significance on the grounds that there is a very rare reference to the year of issue (244 AD) in the exergue of its reverse die, indicated by the engraved letters ΕΟC (according to Actian Era) 30 .Taking 22 MUCCIOLI 2018, 277. 23TSANGARI 2010, 186-187; DAHMEN 2007, 31-33.  2LIAMPI 2005, 896.Issues bearing the title of OMONOIA were also minted during the reign of Julia Mamea with the depiction of Nike and Macedonia holding a Kabeiros, the divine protector of Thessaloniki.See TOURATSOGLOU 1988, 95.  25 GAEBLER 1906, 21.  26 Likewise, the case of Veroia, literary sources in accordance with coins and inscriptions testified that the games of ΚΑΒΕΙΡΙΑ and ΠΥΘΙΑ were held in Thessaloniki; see LESHHORN 1998, 406-408.In the case of Thessaloniki, the title of Metropolis on the coinage has emerged in the reign of Gordian III (240-241 AD), and at the same time title of Neokoros is also mentioned under his coinage.TOURATSOGLOU 1988, 277.  27 TOURATSOGLOU 1988; KREMYDI 2005, 103.  2GAEBLER 1906, 97-101 nos.341-358.  2GAEBLER 1906, 101-188, nos.359-859; BURELL 2004, 193; The coins (nos.10, 11 and 13) of the hoard with the depictions of the prize urns which are closely related to the festivals in honour of Alexander, according to Gaebler's die study, are dated back to the reign of Gordian III (238-244 AD). 30 GAEBLER 1906, 14.  into consideration the implied chronology, these issues can be attributed to the reign of Philip I and precisely to AD 244 31 .Regarding the coin of Thessaloniki (nº 15), which is dated during the reign of Gordian III (238-244 AD), on the obverse the emperor is depicted with a radiating crown to the right, along with the legend ΑΥΚ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC.The reverse die illustrates a Nike holding a Kabeiros and a palm branch, which are accompanied by the ethnikon of the city ΘΕCCΑΛΟΝΙΚΕΩΝ 32 .According to Touratsoglou, the type with Gordian III and the Nike holding a Kabeiros and a palm branch can be approximately dated to 238-240/1 AD and belongs to the first group of the coin series under this emperor 33 .

Metrology
In terms of metrology, the specimens of the hoard have an average weight between 10-12 g. with a diameter measuring approximately 24mm. to 27 mm.Such denominations were in widespread use within the province of Macedonia, particularly after the Third Century AD 34 .Although all the issues of the coin hoard were struck in bronze, only a limited number of them are preserved in excellent condition.Notably, coins with nos.13-15 display either outstanding or rather careful production work from both mints.Several coins bear partial imprints of the circular die's edge.These imprints were discerned on the obverses of nos. 5 and 9 and on the reverses of nos. 1, 4-5, and 10-12.Another indicative observation is that some coins bear signs from die breaks.For instance, coin nº 8 has a partially broken flan, while coin nº 2 features a round hole.In addition, by examining the coins, it can be assumed that almost all the emissions retained some measures of similar type of oxidation, thus suggesting that they all come from the same place of concealment.An overall impression of the production of these issues is that they were minted for the supplement of the local needs, but also for covering the expenses of the organisation of festivals in both cases of Veroia and Thessaloniki.
Taking into consideration comparative data from studies of other mints of the Macedonian cities, it becomes evident that the bronze coinage of the Macedonian Koinon adhered to the metrological patterns of the other Macedonian mints, particularly of Thessaloniki 35 .Although the early denominations varied, by the Third Century AD these coins adopted a standard value equal of 1-assarion 36 .However, it is important to note that this adoption does not imply that the Macedonian cities ceased minting larger or smaller denominations during this period.As Kremydi stated, the bronze provincial issues often experienced effects of inflation 37 .Despite certain similarities with the Roman denominational system, the provincial authorities in Macedonian cities, including the Macedonian Koinon, displayed a degree of autonomy that allowed them to respond to local economic conditions, financial needs and the broader economic dynamics of the region while still adhering to certain Roman standards. 31LIAMPI 2005, 897.  3Numismatic and epigraphic material affirmed the importance of the worship of the god Kabeiros as a protector of Thessaloniki during the Roman imperial period.For further details on the worship of Kabeiros, see TOURATSOGLOU 1985, 71-83.  3TOURATSOGLOU 1988, 68 nº.263.  3KREMYDI 1996a, 283-284.  3TOURATSOGLOU 1988, 98-99.  3LIAMPI 2005, 898-899.  3KREMYDI 1996a, 283.

THE CIRCULATION OF THE COINAGE OF THE MACEDONIAN KOINON: HOARD EVIDENCE
Significant contribution to the understanding of numismatic circulation in Roman Macedonia as well as to the coin hoards of the "free city" of Thessaloniki was achieved by Touratsoglou 38 , while a comprehensive examination of the coinage of the Roman colony of Dion was accomplished by Kremydi 39 .Additionally, Papaefthymiou's research has provided valuable insights into the hoard evidence with specific focus on the coinage of Edessa 40 .These scholarly endeavours have collectively yielded a substantial outline of the numismatic circulation within Macedonia.This section presents a comprehensive overview of the hoards containing issues of the Macedonian Koinon, endeavouring to outline the dynamic of the coinage and its circulation within the Roman province of Macedonia during the second and Third Century AD.
In total, nineteen coin hoards have been collected, including also the "Serres, 1966" hoard 41 .Based on the collected data (Tables 1 and 2), it is evident that 167 coins are attributed to the Macedonian Koinon out of the 2,459 total coins of the nineteen hoards, accounting 7%.Notably, the mint of Dion stands out as a dominant production centre, contributing the highest number of coins (1,699), constituting a substantial 73% of the total.The remarkable number of issues associated with the mint of Dion is attributed to the discovery of the "Dion, 1999" hoard, which yielded an impressive number of 1,590 coins 42 .In comparison to the other Roman provincial mints within Macedonia, the coinage of the colony of Dion emerges as one of the most extensively studied and documented cases.Following the extensive contribution of the mint of Dion, the mint of Thessaloniki represents 267 emissions, accounting 11% of the total number of 2,459 issues 43 .Meanwhile, the mints of the Amphipolis and Pella are notable for their respectable quantities of 71 and 55 issues, respectively.In contrast, the remaining mints, specifically the mints of the colonies of Cassandreia and Philippi, along with the municipium of Stobi, are either scarcely represented or entirely absent in the examined hoards.Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the Roman issues constitute a relatively small portion, comprising just 2% of the total coins in the examined hoards.In light of the comprehensive analysis and in comparison to other Macedonian mints, following Dion and Thessaloniki, it becomes apparent that the mint of the Macedonian Koinon stands out significantly, boasting a remarkable quantity of issues within the examined coin hoards.
Concerning the districts, where the examined hoards were discovered, it becomes evident that the coins minted by the cities, colonies, and the municipium of Stobi predominantly circulated at a local level, not far from the mint of their production.In the case of the Macedonian Koinon, the coins were primarily in circulation within central Macedonia including the peninsula of Chalkidike, but also in the wider area of 38 Touratsoglou's publication concerning a historical, numismatic and economic approach of Greece and the area of Balkans has also supplemented the research towards Macedonia under Roman empire.For a further overview, see TOURATSOGLOU 2006. 39Concerning the coinage of the Roman colony of Dion, see KREMYDI 1996; 2004b.  4For the study on the coinage of Edessa in Macedonia, see PAPAEFTHYMIOU 2002.  4Five of the nineteen coin hoards are grave hoards ("Ierissos, 1976", "Ierissos, 1973", "Sevasti, 1987b", "Sevasti, 1987a" and "Methone, 1986"). 42For this specific hoard with the ample numismatic material, see KREMYDI 2004a, 25-28.  4For the coinage and the circulation of Thessaloniki, see TOURATSOGLOU 1988.eastern Macedonia44 .More specifically, seven out of the nineteen coin hoards have been concealed in the region of Pieria45 , while six hoards have come to light in the region of Bottiaia and Mygdonia, namely the neighbouring areas of Veroia and Thessaloniki46 .Furthermore, three coin hoards discovered in the region of eastern Macedonia (Odomantike, Edonis-Pieris)47 and two hoards have been unearthed from the peninsula of Chalkidike ("Ierissos 1976" and"Ierissos 1973").The existence of multiple coin hoards in these areas serves as a testament to the importance of these locales as centres of economic activity and trade and offer valuable insights into the monetary circulation patterns during the Roman Era.The data from the collected hoard evidence (Table 1) clearly show that the issues of the Macedonian Koinon, in most cases, were accompanied by coins of the cities of Thessaloniki, and Dion.The presence of Thessaloniki is attested in seventeen out of the nineteen hoards, the colony of Dion in fifteen coin hoards, while the city of Edessa and Pella, in nine and eight coin hoards respectively.
Regarding the issuing authorities of the Macedonian Koinon (Table 2), a comprehensive analysis of the data reveals that a substantial number of issues were struck during the reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD), Severus Alexander (22-235 AD), Hadrian (117-138 AD) and Gordian III (238-244 AD) respectively.Coins of Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD), Elagabalus (218-222 AD) and Philip I (244-249 AD) are represented in quite small number, while the number of coins issued during the reign of the early emperors, namely Claudius (41-54 AD), Vespasian (69-79 AD) and Domitian (81-96 AD) is notably limited, and in most instances nonexistent.As far as the concealment date of the hoards is concerned, it covers a period from the reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) to the reign of Claudius Gothicus (268-270 AD).The majority of them are dated to the Third Century AD, while there are several coin hoards that are attributed to the middle of the Second Century AD, during the reign of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, and Commodus.More precisely, only six coin hoards are dated in the Second Century AD48 .A majority of the hoard concealments are notably concentrated during the reigns of Gordian III (238-244 AD), Philip I (244-249 AD), and mostly Gallienus (244-249 AD).According to the studies conducted on the hoard evidence of Macedonia during the Roman imperial period, the concealment of the hoards in the middle of the Third Century AD might be associated with the broader historical context of that era49 .

CONCLUSIONS
The coinages produced by the cities, colonies and Koina of the Roman provinces proved to be insightful perspectives when it comes to the political, institutional and socio-cultural activities.The hoard evidence unearthed from the region of Macedonia reveals that, among the Macedonian mints operating during the Roman imperial period, Thessaloniki, Dion as well as the Macedonian Koinon produced a sufficient number of issues that circulated extensively within the province.These coinages played a significant role in the economic transactions and monetary circulation of the region.The Macedonian Koinon produced significant issues characterized by a wealth of unique iconographic themes and had a consecutive coin production during almost the entire Roman imperial period.The majority of the coins reflect the ethnic and cultural identity of the Hellenistic Macedonia.A notable phenomenon of the Third Century AD coinage concerns the representations of Alexander the Great that replaced the imperial portrait on the obverses of the coins.This phenomenon started during the reign of Elagabalus (218-222 AD) and continued until the end of the coin production of the Macedonian Koinon under Philip I (244-249 AD).The Third Century AD coin iconography of the Macedonian Koinon, in accordance with the epigraphic material, asserted the coexistence of the Roman imperial cult and the cult of Alexander the Great.This fact could be also affirmed by the renowned organisation of the games and festivals ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ and ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΕΙΑ ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ in honour of Alexander.The iconography demonstrates that the inhabitants were adapted to the conditions imposed by the Romans; they maintained to a great extent their cults, institutions and traditions.On the other hand, the Roman elements are not absent, since the imperial portraits and cult are represented on the coins.Finally, even though it becomes evident that there is no general pattern behind the iconography of the coinage of the Macedonian Koinon, the iconographic representations of Alexander the Great demonstrate his enduring legacy and influence across different regions, time periods and cultures and the profound impact of his achievements.
The examination of the "Serres, 1966" hoard has led to significant observations and new deductions regarding its chronological assignment and contextualisation within the broader circulation of the province of Macedonia during the Third Century AD.Despite the limited data regarding its provenance, it should be studied as a detached coin hoard.Compared to other coin hoards dated to the Third Century AD, the "Serres, 1966" hoard stands out for its distinctive composition.It is primarily comprised of coins of the Macedonian Koinon, with only two instances of Thessaloniki coinage represented.The Macedonian Koinon, in particular, emerges as a noteworthy contributor to the coinages within the province, following closely the output of other Macedonian cities, like Thessaloniki.This fact underscores the importance of the Macedonian Koinon in the broader context of numismatics as well as the economic activity in the Roman province of Macedonia.Regarding the composition of the hoards, the issues of the Macedonian Koinon are commonly accompanied by the coinages of Thessaloniki and Dion.Furthermore, a prevalent characteristic observed in the coin hoards of the Tird Century AD is the predominance of bronze issues, since few instances include a limited number of Roman silver coins.Lastly, it should be noted that by analyzing the hoard evidence, a significant concern is that several coins remain unidentified, lacking essential information.This issue underscores the need for a comprehensive investigation of these coins.As a consequence, it is imperative to acknowledge that the outcomes of this examination

Time of Gordian III (238-244 AD) 239 AD: Second Neokoria
. Diademed head of Alexander the Great with flowing hair to r., below star; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟV.Rev. Agonistic table seen in perspective from l., two prize crowns with palm on table; ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ Β ΝΕΩΚΟΡ. .Helmeted head of Alexander the Great to r., griffin on helmet, below star; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟV.Rev. Agonistic table seen in perspective from l., two prize crowns with palm on table, star above; KOINON ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΩΝ Β [Ν] ΕΩΚΟΡ.AE 25 mm, 10.35 g, 1-2 h.Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum, nº 59.

Table 1 . Coin hoards from Macedonia containing issues of the Macedonian: Issuing authority.
TABLES