I picked this up today. It is a fairly average Cistophoric tet example. These usually have weak strikes and suffer from off centering issues. This one is no different with some weakness of strike in the obverse, as well as some off centering, though the theme is almost complete on the obverse despite the centering issues. It also has some wear and/or flatness, though not excessively for its type. The reverse has a deep strike and just a slight bit of off centering. All in all, I think it is a pretty average sample, but that's Ok. Average/plain coins need a little loving too. I've always wanted one of these, and this one I can definitely live with as an honest example of its kind. Share any applicable coins. MYSIA, Pergamon. Circa 133-67 BC AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm, 29mm, 11.8g, 12h; Struck 76-67 BC. Obv.: Cista mystica with serpent; all within ivy wreath. Rev.: Bow-case with serpents; monogram left, MH and N-monogram-O above, serpent-entwined thyrsos right. Reference: Kleiner, Pergamum 42.
I like the design of these and I've just about always wanted one. I just have other priorities it seems (all the time). Congratulations.
Don't have one but I'd love to get one. The legend behind the cista mystica is pretty interesting too.
Nice piece of silver there. I was curious as to what else got picked up from JA's tray of goodies (got something myself).
I have to take issue with the idea that that example is average, and not because I'm the one that sold you the coin. If you look through the numerous EF examples at CNG, a somewhat off-center VF coin might look average, yes. But CNG only bothers with the higher-grade specimens. These were produced in great quantities, and many of them have absolutely terrible strikes and crappy preservation. Look at the vcoins page filtered from cheapest to most expensive, and you'll see my point. Any coin with a decent strike, ample detail, smooth surfaces, and minimal cleaning is by no means average.
VERY NICE!! I also like the design and wanted to replace the one I sold long ago.....and then JAZ came to the rescue....
Ok, definitely not average then. Even better. Either way it is a type I've always wanted and I'm glad to finally have acquired.
I think these are very cool coin! I put off getting one for a while too...simply because they seem so plentiful. This one "spoke" to me and I went for it: MYSIA, Pergamon. c. 166-67 BC. AR Tetradrachm, 29mm 12.5, 12h; Cistophoric standard. Struck c. 104-98 BC. Obv.: Cista mystica with serpent; all within ivy wreath. Rev.: Bow case with serpents; above, KP above prytaneis monogram, civic monogram to left, serpent-entwined staff to right. I'm fond of the below bronze with a cista mystica becase of the : Pontos, Amisos AE20, 8.2g, 12h; 85-65 BC. Obv.: Head of Dionysos with ivy wreath right. Rev.: AMIΣOY; Cista mystica with panther skin and thyrsus; monogram in left field
Often one side of a cistaphoric tetradrachm is more worn than the other. I suspect the mint did not retire dies when their details became deformed. Mysia, Pergamon, 135-128 BC, cistaphoric tetradrachm, 12.38g 27mm Obv: Cista mystica with serpent; all within ivy wreath Rev: Bow case with serpents; AΣ above, civic PE monogram to left, gorgoneion to right. Kleiner Series 30, 97a, Pl. IX, 1 ex-Empire Coins, Fixed Price List 76 (September 1995), lot 74 The far right side of the coin depicts a winged gorgoneion facing three-quarters left, two snakes above facing each other, and snakes crossing below chin. The Medusa symbol on my cistaphoric tetradrachm reminds me of the full Medusa on the extremely rare Medusa/"Athena" tetradrachms such as this example from the museum in Copenhagen. Mørkholm, “Pergamene Coins in Copenhagen”, Festschrift für Leo Mildenberg (1984)) 16.75g 33.5mm I have never seen a specimen of the Medusa/"Athena" type in person. They are not available for collectors. I choose to believe the small symbol on my tetradrachm was inspired from the same source.
Wow! Another cool type of coin to learn about. These are great. Congrats @Sallent on your new addition. I enjoyed looking at everyone's Cistophoric Tet coins.
I just read that the snake in the cysta mystica on the obverse of the coin might symbolize Dionysus/ Bacchus' penis. LOL. That's definitely some symbolism you won't see on modern coinage.
That is a really great example of the type. Very nice! I have several Flavian cistophori I can share, but I think this Vespasian denarius is more appropriate. Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.27g Rome Mint, 75 AD RIC 776 (R), BMC 169, RSC 369 Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VI; Victory, draped, holding wreath extended in r. hand and palm upright in l., standing l. on 'cista mystica', on either side of which is a snake, coiling up on it's tail, facing inwardly Ex Berk 145, 14 September 2005, lot 232. Not the usual denarius reverse type.
Yeah, I got to agree with JA, that's a pretty nice lookin' one @Sallent congrats on that pick up. The type is on my list, I'm going for one in 2018. @Andres2 that one is just plain HOT...look at those flow lines!
