Coin of Christmas

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by 7Calbrey, Dec 25, 2020.

  1. 7Calbrey

    7Calbrey Well-Known Member

    Merry Holidays. I received this coin today, some 3 hours ago. That's why I called it " Coin of Christmas". Obverse has Julia Domna. Reverse legend reads Tyrus Metro Coloni. It was struck in Tyre- Phoenicia. Murex shell in lower right field.
    But that's not the only reason why I called it so. In fact, the standing deity on reverse is likely or possibly "Harpocrates" literally "Horus the Child." Plutarch tells us in the late first century AD that goddess Isis gave birth to Harpocrates on the Solstice of Winter, that might coincide with December 25th. As if this holy date was derived from an ancient myth. Harpocrates was associated with silence, birth, and the sun or Apollo. He seems rather mystique. The coin is thick and weighs 13.93 g. I think it's likely to be rare. I can't easily find an attribution or a clear reference to Harpocrates in ancient Roman Numismatics. Hope I'm right about the name of the deity. Thanks for your comments.

    JulyN O.JPG JulyMD R.JPG
     
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  3. shanxi

    shanxi Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Dec 25, 2020
    dougsmit and 7Calbrey like this.
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