Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 16 22-24 May 2021
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ASIA MINOR. Uncertain. 2nd-3rd centuries. Tessera (Lead, 14 mm, 1.48 g, 6 h), Milon. ΦA or ΦΛ... Draped female bust to right. Rev. MIΛ-ΩN Female figure standing facing, head turned slightly to left, holding uncertain object in her right hand. Apparently unpublished, but cf. Gülbay & Kireç 183 (for another tessera with a female bust of similar style). An intriguing tessera showing the portrait of an empress or a noble woman. Minor doubling on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.
From a collection of lead tesserae from Asia Minor.
If the legend is completed ΦA[VCTЄIN]A, the bust may be identified as the empress Faustina II. Alternatively, the initial letters could indicate the family name Flavia, and the portrait may therefore show a noble woman belonging to this family. The reverse legend may be interpreted as a magistrate's name.
From a collection of lead tesserae from Asia Minor.
If the legend is completed ΦA[VCTЄIN]A, the bust may be identified as the empress Faustina II. Alternatively, the initial letters could indicate the family name Flavia, and the portrait may therefore show a noble woman belonging to this family. The reverse legend may be interpreted as a magistrate's name.