Schulman b.v.
Auction 362 20-21 Mar 2020
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Ancient - ROMAN EMPIRE
AR Cistophorus ca. 25–20 BC, AUGUSTUS 27 BC –14 AD Ephesos. Head right IMP. CAE – SAR. Rev. capricorn right, head left bearing cornucopiae on back, all within laurel wreath AVGVSTVS.RIC 477; cf. RIC 480; cf. RPC I 2213.The cistophoric Tetradrachm was introduced by the Attalid kings of Pergamum in the 190s BC and was intended for circulation only within a closed economic region in western Anatolia. Its name derives from the cista, or sacred basket containing serpents, that appeared on the obverse of the first issues. The Pergamene Kingdom was later bequeathed to Rome in 133 BC as Asia Province and the coinage continued, with the local design gradually supplanted by portraits of Roman rulers. It was theoretically a Tetradrachm (4-drachm piece) on the reduced Asian standard of about 3 grams per drachm, however, its weight was also equivalent to three Roman Denarii, so it could also have passed current in the western provinces as a triple Denarius piece. Whether Cistophori were used in the west in this fashion is a matter of ongoing debate.11.47 g. NGC VF Strike 5 of 5; Surface 4 of 5 Nearly very fine/Very fine +
AR Cistophorus ca. 25–20 BC, AUGUSTUS 27 BC –14 AD Ephesos. Head right IMP. CAE – SAR. Rev. capricorn right, head left bearing cornucopiae on back, all within laurel wreath AVGVSTVS.RIC 477; cf. RIC 480; cf. RPC I 2213.The cistophoric Tetradrachm was introduced by the Attalid kings of Pergamum in the 190s BC and was intended for circulation only within a closed economic region in western Anatolia. Its name derives from the cista, or sacred basket containing serpents, that appeared on the obverse of the first issues. The Pergamene Kingdom was later bequeathed to Rome in 133 BC as Asia Province and the coinage continued, with the local design gradually supplanted by portraits of Roman rulers. It was theoretically a Tetradrachm (4-drachm piece) on the reduced Asian standard of about 3 grams per drachm, however, its weight was also equivalent to three Roman Denarii, so it could also have passed current in the western provinces as a triple Denarius piece. Whether Cistophori were used in the west in this fashion is a matter of ongoing debate.11.47 g. NGC VF Strike 5 of 5; Surface 4 of 5 Nearly very fine/Very fine +