Savoca Coins
Online Auction 209 | Silver 28 Apr 2024
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Pisidia. Selge circa 350-300 BC.
Obol AR
10 mm, 0,90 g
Facing gorgoneion / Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet; astragalos behind.
Very Fine
SNG BnF 1932; SNG von Aulock 5278; BMC 8; SNG Ashmolean 1546–50.
The astragalos, also known as the knucklebone, is a small bone found in the ankle joint of some mammals, including humans. In ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures, the astragalos was commonly used as a game piece in various gambling and gaming activities. It was often fashioned into a cube-like shape with four flat sides and two rounded ends. The bone was used similarly to dice in games of chance and skill, where players would throw the astragalos onto a surface and observe the side that landed facing up. Depending on the game being played, the outcome of the throw could determine the winner or affect the progression of the game. Additionally, the astragalos held symbolic significance in ancient societies, representing luck, fortune, and fate due to its association with gambling and games. It was sometimes used in divination practices, where the position of the bone after being cast would be interpreted to predict future events or outcomes.
Obol AR
10 mm, 0,90 g
Facing gorgoneion / Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet; astragalos behind.
Very Fine
SNG BnF 1932; SNG von Aulock 5278; BMC 8; SNG Ashmolean 1546–50.
The astragalos, also known as the knucklebone, is a small bone found in the ankle joint of some mammals, including humans. In ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures, the astragalos was commonly used as a game piece in various gambling and gaming activities. It was often fashioned into a cube-like shape with four flat sides and two rounded ends. The bone was used similarly to dice in games of chance and skill, where players would throw the astragalos onto a surface and observe the side that landed facing up. Depending on the game being played, the outcome of the throw could determine the winner or affect the progression of the game. Additionally, the astragalos held symbolic significance in ancient societies, representing luck, fortune, and fate due to its association with gambling and games. It was sometimes used in divination practices, where the position of the bone after being cast would be interpreted to predict future events or outcomes.