Watch List notes:

ITALY. Bracchiano. Paolo Giordano II Orsini, Duke, 1615-1656. Medal (Bronze, 32 mm, 12.62 g, 12 h), an original struck example, by J. J. Kornemann ('il Cormano'), Augsburg, 1621. PAVL · IORD · II · D G · ANG · C · BRACC · DVX · SRI · P · Bare head of Paul Jordan II to right; on truncation, 1621. Rev. VT · VTRVNQVE · TEMPVS · Athena standing facing on the seashore, her head turned slightly to left, holding a transverse spear in her right hand, and a small oval shield with her left; to left, a small tree (an olive tree); behind, Poseidon striding ashore from a small boat, thrusting his trident at one of two horses running before him on the land. Vannel-Toderi Bargello II, 327. Wurzbach 6996. Attractive tan patina with a lovely darker tone in the legends and around the devices. About extremely fine.



Exactly what is happening on the reverse is not quite clear: it is most probably an illusion to the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the city of Athens. To Athena's left is what looks like some kind of shrub, but is probably meant to be an olive tree (it has lots of what seem to be circular/oval fruits); behind her, coming out of the sea, is Poseidon who, with his trident, seems to be either prodding or stabbing a galloping horse, Poseidon has a close connection with horses (after all he was also known as Poseidon Hippios), but why he should be stabbing one is a mystery. Perhaps he was angry at losing to Athena?