Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 316 4 December 2013
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PHOENICIA, Berytus. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ (25mm, 10.38 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Poseidon advancing right, holding trident and grasping the arm of the nymph Beröe kneeling left, head right, holding small amphora(?). Sawaya 1783-5 var. (D342/R719 [unlisted die combination]); BMC 190-1. VF, brown patina.
The nymph Beroe was pursued by both Dionyus and Poseidon. Zeus intervened and gave Beröe to Poseidon, who granted Berytus (previously called Beroia) victory in naval battles. The reverse design shows Poseidon forcibly taking the nymph, who much preferred the god of wine, and reflects a sculptural group from Berytus' main temple.
The nymph Beroe was pursued by both Dionyus and Poseidon. Zeus intervened and gave Beröe to Poseidon, who granted Berytus (previously called Beroia) victory in naval battles. The reverse design shows Poseidon forcibly taking the nymph, who much preferred the god of wine, and reflects a sculptural group from Berytus' main temple.