Here is my latest and last tetradrachm for awhile while I let some some relatives birthdays and mine not consume my coin $ the next two months. In hand it has more of a green patina over it like bronze gets. Kinda interesting since I have never had that before. Was told by the dealer to maybe clean it more, but I like it as is. Gordian III (238 - 244 A.D.) AR Tetradrachm Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch O: AVTOK K M ANT GORDIANOC CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right R: DHMAPX EX UPATO B, eagle standing facing, head left with wreath in beak, below, crescent & ram running left. Antioch Mint, Struck 242 A.D. 27mm 13.5g Prieur 301
yeah, right on ...that ram/crescent/ eagle is sweet! the portrait is different isn't it? i don't think my first guess would be gordian iii. cool coin mat.
Very nice coin and interesting exergue with ram on reverse. Prieur # 301 is radiate, draped and cuirassed bust, while yours would rather be Prieur # 302 with laureate, draped and cuirassed bust though Q
That's a nice Piece - I like the chunky nature of these Antioch issues. My first one was a Vespasian & the metal was super nice silver - buttery smooth and when it hit the tray made a solid " THUMP "
=> again, that's a sweet new addition, Mat ... Ummm, I have a ram-example from Seleucis and Pieria as well ... SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria, Philip I Æ 8 Assaria AD 244-249 Antioch mint Diameter: 30 mm Weight: 16.39 grams Obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip I right Reverse: Turreted, veiled, and draped bust of Tyche right; above, ram leaping right, head left; Δ-Є and S-C across field Reference: McAlee 990
Got to love a giant bird on top of a Ram. Good and interesting choice. I think the sharp portion of the obverse legend looks really cool too.
That little Syrian ram with the crescent moon is found on the famous "Star of Bethlehem" coins, which get hyped and overpriced as Biblical coins, even though it's unlikely they have anything to do with the Biblical story at all. I would much rather have the motif on one of these tetradrachms.
Thanks, made the change. Actually hope to buy the book if I get some birthday money next month. Emmett was the only one I got a month ago. Thanks for the added comments. I like the ram too. Seems common on his though while other emperor tets. that have such a thing is a big premium.
My only ram so far : Troas, Cebren, AE8 c. 400-350 BC Head of apollo right Ram's head right 1.1 gr, 8 mm Ref : Sear #4071 BTW Mat, isn't your ram running right instead of left ? (maybe he changed his mind after you posted and before I looked. Those are cheeky animals ) Q
Steve- No. 1 is Completely awesome. No. 2 is Super and has wonderful color, No. 3,4 and 5 are only mildly fabulous.