A small bronze coin in my collection, struck in Ibiza (Iberia/Spain)is a modest reminder of Bes, the popular Egyptian Deity, who has been represented on coins throughout the Mediterranean area. Bes has also been assimilated to the Spanish Ebusus or Kabiros.A great number of coins representing Bes have been found not only in Spain, but also in Sicily and at Pompei (probably struck locally). Besides a traditional statue, here is an image of the coin in question: IBERIAN, Celtic. Standing deity, Bes. Rev.: bucking bull l. Mint: Ibiza, AE (3,2gr,/17mm.) 2nd.Century BC. Rare.VF. “ aus alter deutscher Privatsammlung
Cool coin! I strongly considered buying Stevex6's awesome example but it's still available in his buddy's eBay shop. It has one of the clearest and funniest Kabeiros I've seen: ISLANDS off IBERIA, Ebusus. 2nd century BC. Æ Quarter Unit (17mm, 3.28 g, 3h). Squatting Kabeiros, holding hammer and serpent / Bull butting left. ACIP 719; SNG BM Spain 318-21. VF, brown patina. Totally looks like...
I love this coin of his and also strongly considered buying it. Alas, my wallet had even stronger opinions. I wish someone would buy it and just put me out of my misery!
Stevex6's is listed for less than it sold for in CNG e-auction 329, June 2014, lot 45. In my opinion it is the second best Ibiza Bes in CNG's online archives. If you don't own one of these you might not realize how difficult it is to get one that looks like anything. When I was a new collector I foolishly looked at cool example in Sear's book on Greek coins and sent in a bid for an unpictured lot thinking I would acquire something special and cool. I received a coin that was very difficult to love: Balearic Islands off Spain, Ebusus / Ibiza. Octavo (eight unit), AE9x12, 0.87g Obv: Bull grazing r Rev: Kabeiros (Bes?) facing, crowned, holding hammer. cf. Jesús Vico, auction 145, June 2016, lot 39; cf SNG Munich 339 ex-Alex G Malloy, auction LXIII, November 2001, lot 11. It turns out that I bought a very rare coin. And I got mine cheaply. Yet even the rarity and bargain price does not redeem this coin to me. I can't show it to anyone. Even other ancient coin collectors cannot tell what is depicted or what it is supposed to be. If you are looking for Ebusus, do yourself a favor and get a nice one. Bes was the protector of households, mothers and children, and childbirth. Yet Stevex6's coin depicts him holding a hammer and a snake! The perfect gift for punk-rock midwives.
It's still there: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Islands-Iberia-Ebusus-AE-Quarter-Unit-/142520520519?hash=item212ee28f47
Thanks @TIF I see why I missed it...it's beyond my small remaining balance. It seems Santa has to deliver a new car for me before New Years as my poor old Altima has finally conked out and I'll be on the wagon to a great degree for a while
I looked hard at it and a couple others 2 days ago. Finally settled on the RR Papius with the She-Wolf reverse... RR Hd Juno Sospita R goat skin hddrss She-wolf R placing stick on fire eagle stndng fanning flames 45 BCE 19.0mm 4.07g Cr 472-1
