Thanks As ostentatious as the pyramids are, the pharaohs would surely be quite pleased that they're still thought of so frequently! Great addition, TIF! The broad flan is incredible.
I wish I did! I'm not optimistic about finding a better example any time soon. Besides, Zumbly is going to nab the next one I unashamedly aspire to be MiniJoe
Interesting to mention. Joe's coin struck in the time Domitian, the Sphinx has already lost its beard.
the sphinx probably never had a beard Theory is that the head was recarved from a feline or canine, in either case it wouldn't had the material for the beard. I'm sure most here are aware of john anthony west's identification of vertical water erosion on the sphinx (that dates it to more than 10 millenniums ago). The fact these vertical water lines weren't on the face is an indication that it was re-carved at some point.
Please provide us with links to discussion of the recarved option. The article below mentions the rise in groundwater causing peeling on some surfaces and damage from that cause would affect lower parts more than higher. I assume you find the beard parts found to be fakes? Finally is there any basis for the size and shape of that black head shown above or is it an artist's rendition? http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/uncovering-secrets-of-the-sphinx-5053442/?all
As a big fan of facing portraits AND mythical beasts, there's no way I was passing this up. I've had my eye out for a good (affordable) Griffin or Sphinx for some time now.. Troas, Gergis, 4th century BC. Æ - RARE Troas, Gergis, 4th century BC. Æ 19mm 7.35g 6h Laureate head of the sibyl Herophile facing slightly r., wearing necklace. R/ Sphinx seated r. on grain ear; monogram to l. SNG Ashmolean 1146 var. (no monogram); SNG Copenhagen 339 var. (same). Rare, green patina, metal flaws, otherwise near VF
Nice @Nvb. Excellent Sphinx. Here's my poor man's example of a Sphinx: T. CARISIUS ROMAN REPUBLIC AR Denarius OBVERSE: Head of the Aphrodisian Sibyl right, back hair in sling REVERSE: T. CARISIVS above sphinx sitting right; III.VIR below Rome 46 BC 19mm, 3.49 g Cr464/1; Syd 983a; Carisia 11 ex. Doug Smith Collection
SPHINX COIN Just a big nose, no beard. Iberia Castulo Late 2nd C BC AE As 25mm Bust Nose Hand Sphinx SPHINX SCARAB Shows a beard... Egyptian Steatite Scarab Period: Middle Kingdom, 2055 - 1650 BC Steatite scarab, with plain top. The underside depicts a recumbent sphinx with beard, a horizontal separator and a scarab. This scarab dates from the Middle Kingdom and is most likely a representation of a Scarabaeus. Scarabs were produced in vast numbers for many centuries and many thousands have survived. They were generally intended to be worn or carried by the living. This scarab is from the Gustave Mustaki collection. Mustaki amassed a collection of antiquities from Alexandria in Egypt. Mustaki was an avid collector in the early 20th century and his collection came to the UK under Egyptian license in 1947.
I hope to some day!! Alas, there are an insufficient number of hours in the day at the moment. In the meantime, resurrections of threads from almost five years ago keeps content coming.
Thank you @Bing. Fwiw this was a 2 digit purchase so not unaffordable in the realm of ancients. This larger denomination is scarce but its 4g little brother is relatively common. I never knew either one existed until yesterday =) Hopefully thats not a bad thing @AncientJoe. I know reviving old threads is frowned upon in some forums. I have always reasoned that if a well developed "post your ______ here" topic already exists, might as well add to it.
Alas, I am sphinxless, but this is all the more reason to pay attention to the Castulo issues like @dougsmit posted. This one was in my numisbids watchlist, but I let it pass me by. I would not have been in a position to win it anyway. But now the type is on my radar.
WB2, I'm surprised you didn't post the "magic token". You know the one. Not ancient, but very sphinx-topical, and fun nonetheless. I don't think people would mind seeing it here.