Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
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CILICIA, Tarsus. Maximinus I. AD 235-238. Æ (38mm, 24.55 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / The Three Graces (Charites) standing with arms around one another; central figure seen from behind, each holds a flower; B to right. RPC VI Online 7112.16 (this coin); SNG BN 1605 (same dies); SNG Levante 1096 var. (radiate bust & arrangement of rev. legend). Green patina, minor deposits on reverse. Good VF.
From the D.K. Collection. Ex Berk BBS 217 (30 November 2021), lot 426; Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1, (Winter 2020), no. 528365; Gorny & Mosch 265 (14 October 2019), lot 1103; Gorny & Mosch 176 (10 March 2009), lot 1727.
The Three Graces (or Charites) were goddesses of beauty, charm, and amusement, the embodiment of loveliness in all its aspects. Although their names varied from place to place, the most commonly encountered are Aglaea ("Beauty"), Euphrosyne ("Cheer"), and Thalia ("Flowering"). Over time an artistic convention of depicting the Graces developed: the three deities were shown undraped, each with one arm placed on the figure adjacent to them, the central figure standing facing the opposite direction as the others. This is the convention that one finds in numismatic depictions of the goddesses. By the representation of the Three Graces, the city of Tarus emphasized its claim for beauty according to its status "Kalliste", the most beautiful city.
From the D.K. Collection. Ex Berk BBS 217 (30 November 2021), lot 426; Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1, (Winter 2020), no. 528365; Gorny & Mosch 265 (14 October 2019), lot 1103; Gorny & Mosch 176 (10 March 2009), lot 1727.
The Three Graces (or Charites) were goddesses of beauty, charm, and amusement, the embodiment of loveliness in all its aspects. Although their names varied from place to place, the most commonly encountered are Aglaea ("Beauty"), Euphrosyne ("Cheer"), and Thalia ("Flowering"). Over time an artistic convention of depicting the Graces developed: the three deities were shown undraped, each with one arm placed on the figure adjacent to them, the central figure standing facing the opposite direction as the others. This is the convention that one finds in numismatic depictions of the goddesses. By the representation of the Three Graces, the city of Tarus emphasized its claim for beauty according to its status "Kalliste", the most beautiful city.