Description
Denomination: Bronze AE22
Period: Classical and Hellenistic
Date: 325-300BC
Origin: Black Sea area mint
Condition: VF+ a beautiful example
Obverse: Head of young Pan. left
Reverse: Forepart of griffin. left. sturgeon beneath. PAN around in Greek lettering
Size and Weight: 22mm. 6.51g
References: Spink 1700. SNG Cop 30
Features and Provenance: This highly sought after coin bears two relatively rare depictions of mythical characters. Firstly. Pan who was the Greek god of flocks and shepherds. he is sometimes shown sitting on a rock. cloven-hoofed. horns and with ‘Pan’ pipes. By contrast to the pastoral scene. he was feared by travellers as was known to jump out and surprise and startle. the word ‘panic’ is derived from their actions.
Secondly. the griffin was a creature with the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle. Griffins were supposed to protect possessions of great value. The region was very wealthy there was vast expenditure on its art. this is demonstrated in the superior quality of its coinage at such an early date.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
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