Just received this coin and fascinated to read in Price & Trell their version of what the coin represents, and some pics below from this marvellous book. This type of coin has parallels to the earliest Mesopotamia and Egypt of processional shrines. This class of portable shrines found on coins has a flat roof and unmistakably Eastern decorations underline the oriental origin of such a class of coins as coins depict it as far west as Megara in Greece. At Antioch Syria, only the carry bars at the base identify it as a portable shrine to be carried in processions through the streets of the city. Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia ad Orontem. Herennius Etruscus. As Caesar, A.D. 250-251. Æ octassarion. 31mm // 16,30g. Obv: ЄPЄNN ЄTPOV MЄ KV ΔЄKIOC KЄCAP, bare-headed and draped bust of Herennius Etruscus right. Rev: ANTIOXЄΩN MHTPO KOΛΩN, Tyche seated within tetrastyle temple, the river-god Orontes swimming at her feet; above shrine, ram leaping right, head left; in exergue, S C. McAlee 1158. Scarce. A couple of excerpts from his books explaining a couple of types around 250 AD. POST YOUR SYRIA COINS OR ANYTHING RELEVANT.
Very cool info and a beautiful coin, AA. I’ve never noticed that detail on this temple reverse type before. This portashrine has wheels, which seems like a functional addition. PHOENICIA, Sidon Pseudo-autonomous issue AE Triassarion. 12.42g, 24.2mm. PHOENICIA, Sidon, CY 227 = AD 116/7. SNG Cop 247. O: Turreted, veiled and draped bust of city-goddess to right; behind, [aplustre]; before, star. R: ΣΙΔΩΝΟΣ ΙΕΡΑΣ, Cart of Astarte : covered two-wheeled vehicle facing slightly right, spherical baetyl set on a base within; ZKΣ (date) below.
Thanks, but I have seen even better!!! If we ask Cucumbor he might show us he's it is absolutely fantastic.
Just out of interest I noticed this coin in CNG eauction 421, in the same era as my OP coin and is a distinctive portable shrine. 421, Lot: 470. Estimate $300. Sold for $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. PHOENICIA, Tyre. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ (26mm, 10.37 g, 12h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Portable shrine seen in perspective to right, containing facing cult object (bust of Astarte?); murex shell in exergue. Cf. Rouvier 2522; BMC –. Fine, earthen dark green patina, adjustment marks on obverse. Rare.
I'm still waiting for one particular portable shrine type but in the meantime, I have your sister coin: a "Cart of Astarte" with baetyl, mine surrounded by the zodiac:
I saw this one and was really tempted to bid on it, but I'm currently on the Wagon . I'd love an example of the type some day. The reverse details of the wheel on yours are great!