Ancient Snakes ?

I see nothing but snakes on this ancient coin. I can't tell the origin, because only a couple of letters are showing up in the middle. The coin weighs 9.35 g. I appreciate all your views and comments. Thanks.. Charles

 

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A cistophoric tetradrachm from Pergamon.

http://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=275538

 

Thanks Ardy. Could you guess the name of the Seleucid King under whom this coin was struck. I don't understand the word cistophoric. Isn't 9.35 g. a small weight for a tetradrachm. ?

 

Sorry, I think the coin looks kind of "mushy". Doesn't mean it's not real since I am not real familiar with this issue.

 

Read the link. It's not a Seleukid issue at all. "Cistophoric" refers to the type. That basket full of snakes is known as a cista. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=cistophoric

 

It could go either way. The scan isn't doing any favors. I'm leaning in the direction of authentic.

 

I understand that the coin is Roman because the cista with the sacred serpent are dedicated to the worship of god Bacchus. This one was the Roman god of Wine, also named Liber, I think. BTW.. There is a famous temple dedicated to Bacchus in my country. It was built by the Romans. It stands aside 2 other temples dedicated to Jupiter and Venus. Then, does the small weight require a research. Did any Authority struck cistophoric coins with a denomination of 3 Drachms. ? I do really appreciate your sincere collaboration in this interesting and scientific thread. History is a science.

 

This coin isn't Seleukid or Roman, its an issue of the city of Pergamon in Mysia. There are later issues struck under Roman authorities, though.

A weight of 9 grams is a bad sign for you. Even by the time of Hadrian, the weight hadn't dipped that low. There were no cistophoric tridrachms struck. Considering this, I'd have to lean much closer to the "fake" camp.

 

Thanks a lot. I shall exchange it tomorrow for another tetradrachm or many smaller Roman coins.

 

Great find, 7Charles ... I have an example of this cool coin-type

Mysia – PERGAMON,
Cistophoric Tetradrachm
123 - 104 BC
Diameter: 27 mm
Weight: 12.4 grams
Obverse: Cista mystica within ivy wreath
Reverse: two serpents entwined around bowcase; BO above




Ummm, but my example weighs significantly more that your example (odd, yes?)

 

Hi Steve. I'm leaning to the fact that this coin is a fake. I'm going to exchange it tomorrow. What do you say ?
Charles

 

Steve likes it anyway. He likes everything.

 

I don't like to be a loser in case I can catch up and restart again. Who does ?

 

If Ardatirion says 9 grams is bad, it's bad. Get rid of it and get yourself a real coin.

 

Ditto

 

I shall.. Brothers.

 

I have one to show... My obverse looks like a cup of coffee...


Mysia, Pergamum (Pergamon) 85-76 BC
Cista Mystica or Cistophoric Tetradrachm
AR Tetradrachm 12.46 x 26 mm
Obverse: Cista mystica with serpent; all within oak / ivy wreath
Reverse: bow-case with serpents, PRE monogram to left, KP / PRY monogram above, serpent-staff right.
Ref: Kleiner 36

 

I have one from a large mixed lot. It weighs 12.4 gm.


MYSIA, Pergamon
76 BCE
12.4 gm
Obv: cista mystica with serpent; all within ivy wreath
Rev: bow-case with serpents; snake-entwined staff to the right; monogram left; AΠ above; monogram & star above
Ref: Kleiner, Pergamum 25; Pinder 122

 

I have 0.06g more coffee in my mug than yours!

 

Looks like a German beer stein to me. Ein Bier, Bitte. Bitte, ein mass!