AE, time of the Antonines. Lydia, Silandus.

1.150,00 €

incl. VAT (differential taxation according to §25a UStG.)

 

The third known and probably best example of this pleasing type

Out of stock

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Description

Roman Provincial. Lydia, Silandus. Pseudo-autonomous issue. AE, time of the Antonines.
Obverse: Draped bust of Zeus Olympios wearing a diadem right.
Reverse: CΙΛΑNΔЄΩN.
Draped Hades driving a galloping quadric right, struggling with Persephone.
Dimensions: AE, 10.20 g, 26 mm, 6h.
References: RPC IV.2, 9956.3 (temp.) (this coin).
Condition: Struck from fresh, finely engraved dies, beautiful black patina, slightly rough. Good extremely fine.
Provenance: Acquired from a German dealer.
Comment: This coin shows an extraordinary fine style, especially the bust of Zeus Olympios features fine lineaments and detailed hair. It is the third example known, the two other examples are situated in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin and the Archeological Museum of Istanbul.

Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. One day while the young Persephone was picking flowers, Hades, god of the underworld, kidnapped and carried her to the underworld to become his wife.
Demeter pleaded with Zeus to order Hades to release their daughter. Persephone was told that as long as she did not eat there, she would be released from the underworld. But when she thought no one was looking, she ate six pomegranate seeds. Therefore she was doomed to spend six months of the year in the underworld, while the other six months she could return to earth. The myth says that the months Persephone spends in the underworld leave the earth cold, dark and wintry, but when she returns it brings spring and summer.

Additional information

Metal

AE
Weight

10.20 g
Diameter

26 mm
Die axis

6 h

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