Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 1 25 Jun 2017
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ISLANDS OFF IONIA, Samos. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 29 mm, 12.90 g, 6 h). AYT ΠO ΛIK ΓAΛΛIHNOΣ AYΓΟ Radiate and draped bust to left, holding spear and shield. Rev. CAMIΩN Achilles, helmeted and naked, standing facing, head left, holding round shield in left hand; below shield and behind the legs, uncertain long object (vine trunk?). BMC -. BMFA -. Lindgren I+III -. Imhoof-Blumer KM -. SNG Copenhagen -. SNG Glasgow -. SNG Leypold -. SNG Righetti -. SNG von Aulock -. Apparently unpublished and unique. Minor adjustment marks and a die break on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
The figure on the reverse is clearly different from the usual warrior in chiton advancing right on prow and gesturing troops to follow (BMC 348 and 384): not only is the hero resting, but he is also naked, with the exception of wearing a helmet. The latter is clearly reminiscent of the Samos issue with Achilles stabbing Penhesilea, the queen of the Amazons, in battle during the siege of Troy (BMFA 1984.257 and Auctiones GmbH 18, 2013, 51). Another similarity lies in the uncertain object behind the legs, which also appears on the Boston and Auctiones examples: it might be part of a long clamys, although its supporting position points towards a more static object, possibly a vine trunk. While this identification remains uncertain for the time being, there can be little doubt that the hero is, in fact, Achilles the Thessalian, the strongest warrior of the Greeks.
The figure on the reverse is clearly different from the usual warrior in chiton advancing right on prow and gesturing troops to follow (BMC 348 and 384): not only is the hero resting, but he is also naked, with the exception of wearing a helmet. The latter is clearly reminiscent of the Samos issue with Achilles stabbing Penhesilea, the queen of the Amazons, in battle during the siege of Troy (BMFA 1984.257 and Auctiones GmbH 18, 2013, 51). Another similarity lies in the uncertain object behind the legs, which also appears on the Boston and Auctiones examples: it might be part of a long clamys, although its supporting position points towards a more static object, possibly a vine trunk. While this identification remains uncertain for the time being, there can be little doubt that the hero is, in fact, Achilles the Thessalian, the strongest warrior of the Greeks.