[ancients] Evil-looking but cool facing Silenus from Macedon

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by TIF, Feb 11, 2014.

  1. TIF

    TIF Always learning.

    One of two coins I picked up in the recent Pecunem auction. Last year I first saw this type while trolling for facing portraits in CNG's archives and immediately put it on my BUY list. (also lifted a picture and used his face for the lead singer in a heavy metal JibJab Christmas video :D)

    There were two in that Pecunem auction and this one had a better portrait. I'd like one with an even better portrait but they aren't plentiful.

    MacedonSilenusFacing-Med.jpg

    MACEDON, under Roman rule
    D. Junius Silanus Manlianus, praetor

    142-141 BC
    AE, 20 x 22 mm, 9.5 gm
    Obv: Facing mask of Silenus, wearing ivy wreath.
    Rev: MAKE ΔONΩN legend In two lines; D above; all within ivy wreath.
    Ref: SNG Copenhagen 1324

    Pecunem had a few little mistakes in the attribution (date and size).

    Silenus looks decidedly pagan. Rather scary. And for some reason it makes me want to dig out some old Black Sabbath albums and listen to that devil music :D

    Got any coins showing Silenus? Post 'em here.
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2014
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  3. vlaha

    vlaha Respect. The. Hat.

    Umm...no...I don't have any coins showing Silenus, 'cause (why else?:rolleyes:) he isn't shown on any Alexandrian coins.

    Oh yes, I'm loving that expression!

    Can you say grumpy troll?:D
     
    TIF likes this.
  4. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    That's a marvelous coin. Now there's another coin on my want list!
     
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  5. Whizb4ng

    Whizb4ng HIC SVNT DRACONES

    All the words I could have to describe how Silenus looks have swear words so I can't write them on the form.

    You know what Samuel L. Jackson's wallet says in Pulp Fiction? That is what Silenus looks like.

    So awesome.
     
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  6. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    Katane AR litra c.450BC Silenos/winged thunderbolt

    g00365bb2704.jpg

    I came very close to bidding on the OP coin in Pecunem and would have had I won a lot up to that point but was then figuring that I was not going to win anything else to share in the postage. You still probably would have outbid me but we'll never know for sure. It is a coin worth owning!
     
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  7. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

    he does look a lil grumpy. Nice addition
     
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  8. Ancientnoob

    Ancientnoob Money Changer

    Thats one angry Santa!
     
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  9. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    Wow coin sister, that's a fantastic score!! (yah, I'm totally jealous of that nasty lookin' fella!!)

    ... *and so you shall* ...

     
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  10. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    Very very cool coin. And as for the Sabbath, I think Sweet Leaf would be the perfect theme song for Silenus.
     
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  11. TIF

    TIF Always learning.

    I'm glad you didn't bid on this one! What did you think of the second Silenus? I thought it had some good qualities (better flan) but the portrait lacked. There were three bids on it and no others on the one I won. Must've been due to the difference in estimated values and higher opening bid for mine, although I don't think it was unreasonable based on comparisons.

    Here's another coin showing Silenus, a coin I've posted here more than a few times. Corinth stater with Silenus control mark.

    CorinthStater.jpg

    You nailed it!

    Fantastic movie and yes, I remember his wallet ;)
     
  12. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    I did not want the other one. On this coin, the portrait style is everything. Too many collectors are completely blind to style and always prefer a VF to a Fine even if the VF is poorly engraved. I like this one and really think Silenos was considerably scarier than Ozzy was back then.
     
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  13. chrsmat71

    chrsmat71 I LIKE TURTLES!

    man, I don't have a coin with him on it...but that a great coin. kind of like a scary santa?

    get out of there kids!!!!!!

    [​IMG]

    "Is it the end, my friend?
    Santa's coming 'round the bend
    People running 'cause they're scared
    The people better go and beware!
    No, no, please, no!"

    love me some black sabbath! :)
     
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  14. Eng

    Eng Senior Eng

    TIF, you gotyourself a Bigfoot...awesome coin, come out to the great NW and we can go Bigfooten..
    image015_opt.jpg
     
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