Watch List notes:

LYDIA. Philadelphia. Pseudo-autonomous issue, 1st-2nd centuries. Hemiassarion (Bronze, 16 mm, 2.35 g, 6 h). Youthful head of Herakles to right, lion's skin tied at neck. Rev. ΦΙΛΑΔ-ΕΛΦΕΩΝ Grape bunch on vine with leaves, the berries showing the facial features of Dionysos. Cf. BMC 36 (without facing bust). Lindgren & Kovacs -. Lindgren III -. McClean -. RPC -. SNG Copenhagen -. SNG Hunterian -. SNG Leypold -. SNG Righetti -. SNG von Aulock -. Weber -. Unpublished with the head in the grapes. Green patina with earthen deposits. Very fine.


Very few ancient coins have features hidden within the designs. This outstanding coin depicts a facing bearded head within the grape bunch on the reverse. Considering the subject matter, the head must belong to Dionysos, the god of wine and inebriation.