Nomos AG
obolos 16 11 Oct 2020
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IONIA. Smyrna. Gaius (Caligula), 37-41. 1/3 Assarion (Bronze, 14.5 mm, 1.78 g, 12 h). ΓΑΙΟΝ ΚΑ-ΙCΑΡΑ Radiate head of Caligula to right; behind, six-rayed star. Rev. ΖΜΥΡ-ΝΑΙΩΝ Crab seen from above. BMC 279-280. Klose XXVII B. RPC I 2474. SNG Copenhagen 1347. Excepionally nice for the issue; tan patina. Good very fine.
The crab on the reverse of this coin was probably selected as a type because of its abundance in the region and perhaps also for its popularity is Smyrnaean cuisine. The city of Smyrna was divided into two regions, the old original settlement located on a small peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and a newer foundation (by Alexander the Great) built on the lower slopes of the Mount Pagos above a small bay. Fishing, including for crabs, must have been a significant business during antiquity as it is today. There is also a slight possibility that the reverse has to do with Caligula's birth: on the day he was born the moon was aligned with the constellation Cancer, the sign of which is the crab.
The crab on the reverse of this coin was probably selected as a type because of its abundance in the region and perhaps also for its popularity is Smyrnaean cuisine. The city of Smyrna was divided into two regions, the old original settlement located on a small peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and a newer foundation (by Alexander the Great) built on the lower slopes of the Mount Pagos above a small bay. Fishing, including for crabs, must have been a significant business during antiquity as it is today. There is also a slight possibility that the reverse has to do with Caligula's birth: on the day he was born the moon was aligned with the constellation Cancer, the sign of which is the crab.