One glance at this Severan bronze, typically referred to as an 'Assarion' (The as --plural asses, also assarius (rendered into Greek as ἀσσάριον, assarion)[1] was a bronze, and later copper, coin used during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire) and it's obvious why the reverse compelled me to purchase this coin. Fortunately, it was offered at Forvm on lay-a-way, just accommodating the remaining balance of my then prevailing coin budget. So, I'm sure many are wondering, just who is that obscure figure 'Thanatos'....and what is the 'Elysium' connection??? Not to mention; What precisely was the 'reverse' meant to communicate? Thanatos was a Greco/Roman mythological figure that seems to have transformed over time and space from a discredited entity to a far more benevolent spirit or daemon with a rather interesting 'family line'. On this specific coin, he is seemingly a pouting cupid-like angel of death. "He was the daemonic representation of death in Ancient Greek mythology (daemonic here is used with its classical meaning, which refers to benevolent or benign nature spirits). He did not play a major part in Greek mythology and rarely appeared in any stories, as he was mostly displaced by Hades, the god of the Underworld." "Thanatos was believed to be merciless and indiscriminate, and both mortals and gods hated him. However, he could sometimes be outsmarted. In a myth, Thanatos was told by Zeus to chain King Sisyphus in the Underworld, as it was time for him to die. Sisyphus managed to chain Thanatos in his own fetters, thus protecting all mortals from dying while the god was chained. In the end, god Ares, angry that at the wars he waged no one died, freed Thanatos and gave Sisyphus to him" "He was the son of Nyx (the Night) and Erebos (the Darkness), while his twin brother was Hypnos (the Sleep). Other siblings of Thanatos and Hypnos included Geras (old age), Eris (strife), Nemesis (retribution), Apate (deception) and Charon (the boatman that led the souls to the Underworld)." (Courtesy: Thanatos: GreekMythology.com). Elysium was a far more desirous vision of the after-life than that of the traditional Greco/Roman Underworld or Hades. There are many examples of use of the name "Elysium" in popular culture. For example, Elysium is briefly mentioned in Ridley Scott's film Gladiator, wherein the general Maximus addresses his troops thus: "If you find yourself alone, fighting in the green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled. For you are in Elysium, and you're already dead!" For further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elysium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanatos According to FORVM: "The figure on the reverse is sometimes identified as Eros (Cupid) or a generic winged Genius. The inverted torch represents a life extinguished, indicating the figure is Thanatos (death). By the Severan Era, there was increased hope for an afterlife in pleasant Elysium rather than in dismal Hades. Thanatos was associated more with a gentle passing than a woeful demise. Thanatos as a winged boy, very much akin to Cupid, with crossed legs and an inverted torch, became the most common symbol for death, depicted on many Roman sarcophagi." Lastly, I have not discovered any reference that 'Thanatos' was meant as a commemorative for the death of any Severan family member or close associate so the precise meaning may be lost in the mist of time. Speculating, I assume it was meant to offer solace to the population of a pleasant after-life after the trial and tribulations of this mortal existence---and a reminder of the reward the soldiers would eventually receive by constantly placing their lives in harms way for the glory and survival of the Empire??? The more I 'researched' this coin, the more relieved I was that I immediately placed it on reserve--- potentially losing it weeks later would have been unbearable. It seems Severan coins of this type or variety are regarded as common to scarce or even rare and priced accordingly. My example with the bust of Geta seems to be considered about 'highly scarce' and pricier than others previously sold at auction. Prior to coming across this coin, I had only the vaguest impression of 'Cupid' depicted in this manner and that was solely on Roman sarcophagi. I hope you all like this cool bronze as much as I do Please indulge yourselves......There are so many relevant choices to choose from and post. I'm dying to see what you all have. I know @dougsmit has a super example to share. Bronze assarion, Schönert-GeissAugusta Traiana 501 (V145/R422), Varbanov II 1276 (R3), Moushmov 3087, SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, Nice EF, attractive portrait and reverse style, nice green patina, centered on a tight flan, some light scratches and marks, Augusta Traiana (Stara Zagora, Bulgaria) mint, weight 3.247g, maximum diameter 18.1mm, die axis 180o, 209 - c. 26 Dec 211 A.D.; obverse AV K Π CE-ΠTI ΓETAC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse AVΓOVCTH TPAIANH, Thanatos standing right with legs crossed, left hand to face, right resting on inverted torch; scarce.
Wow, Mikey... outstanding catch! I think you absolutely made the right decision when you snapped this one up. Everything about that coin is off the charts! I did some reading about the reverse type when I picked up an example some time ago. If you haven't come across this page, there's an indepth and interesting discussion about the identification of the torch-bearer here: http://eroscoin.blogspot.sg/2011/03/eros-and-thanatos.html?m=1 My far more humble example: COMMODUS AE20. 4.43g, 19.6mm. THRACE, Philippopolis, circa AD 180-192. RPC Online Vol. 4, #7572 var (obv legend and bust type). O: AV KAI M AV ANT [KOMOΔO], laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. R: ΦIΛIΠΠOΠOΛЄITΩN, winged Eros, legs crossed, resting on an inverted torch.
Beautiful coin Mikey! Very nice and unusual cuirass on that bust. Thrace, Callatis. Julia Domna AE18. Eros Thrace, Bizya. Philip II, AE18. Eros
Fantastic coin Mikey Zee, haven't seen to many of that type (R3) might have something to do with it.....lovely coin great pick up.
Cool coin and post! I only remember the name Elysium from when Russell Crowe shouted it to his men in Gladiator lol. "If you find yourself alone, riding in the green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled. For you are in Elysium, and you're already dead!"
Cool addition @Mikey Zee. Nice examples @zumbly Thanks to the "CT GANG" I have another coin to research then find and buy. But ya know you guys/girls are like family. My family costs me a lot of money
Incredibly unbelievable capture @Mikey Zee ! Absolutely lovit! Thank you for the wonderful write up... just great reading! Unfortunately, I have been low key and won't be posting for a while. Some very major medical issues, then to training/travel, and then to opening the new business. I regret my participation here will be spotty until July/August(?). I will try to check in and keep up with the fantastic posts and threads!
