Ancient Greek, Mysia, Pergamon, Silver Tetradrachm, c133BC

Description

Denomination: Silver tetradrachm

Period: Ancient Greece

Date: After 133BC

Origin: Pergamon

Condition: VF+

Obverse: Cista mystica containing serpent. all within an ivy-wreath

Reverse: Bow case between two coiled serpents; mint monogram of PER to left. ME above and staff of Asklepos. snake-entwined. to right

Size and Weight: 27mm. 12.73g

References: Sear 3947-3950

Features and Provenance: Ex Reiner Hoard Collection. The cistophoric tetradrachm was first issued around 200BC. a popular coin. it was copied and became pan-Asiatic in its use. The cista on the obverse was a wicker basket used by the Ancient Egyptians. Greeks and Romans to hold mystical objects. It was used by the Greeks in their initiation ceremonies into the cult of Dionysus. The snake. used as a stand-in for the god. would be carried in the basket on a bed of vine leaves.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades inbetween

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