After enjoying several recent threads of this deity and the coins associated with her, I had to score one myself. When I noticed one with the above 'title' description, I expected to see an obverse/reverse of docile lions at her side or perhaps even Cybele driving a chariot with lion-power. Instead this Roman Republic denarius has her on the obverse with the 'fore-part' of a lion (the head)----a hand-puppet depiction--- seemingly sprouting from what would be her right shoulder. Of course, the reverse is a cool representation of the curule chair with an even cooler scorpion LOL. A bit pricey, perhaps, for this relatively high-grade and well centered strike with sharp details, but I couldn't accept losing this bid after several others passed me by. This coin was struck during the time of the 1st Triumvirate of Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. The 'Plaetorii..." is the family name of this plebeian gens, apparently ardent supporters of the 'Republican' cause, whom are noted for holding office during the Republic from the 2nd century BC to the civil wars of the 40's BC..." (WIKIPEDIA) For those unfamiliar with Cybele, it seems she was introduced to Rome during the 2nd Punic War (218-201 BC) and was ..." the mistress of wild nature (symbolized by her constant companion the lion), a healer, a goddess of fertility, and the protectress in time of war...." (Encyclopaedia Britannica) The 'curule chair' was used by the highest government dignitaries, made like a camp-stool with curved legs and ordinarily made of ivory and subsequently became a sign of office for all higher magistrates or officials. (British Museum) The scorpion is a 'control mark' and other variations alternatively use a 'scepter', a 'palm branch'....... AR Denarius of M. Plaetorius M f Cestianus, Rome mint 57 BC CESTIANVS behind turreted and draped bust of Cybele, forepart of a lion behind, globe below chin. M PLAETORIVS AED CVR EX S C; Curule chair within wreath, scorpion in left field. Crawford 409/2; Sydenham 408, Plaetoria 3.
Another winner, Mikey... very, very nice! I've always liked the story of Cybele's cult being brought to Rome during the Punic Wars under the direction of the Sibylline oracle, thereby enlisting the aid of one lion-associated mother-goddess against another (the Carthaginian's Tanit). The Romans won, but both goddesses were still getting some love during the Severan period... Cybele and her lion quadriga. Tanit, as the lion-riding Dea Caelestis.
Super denarius Mikey! The Curule Chair in these issues always reminded me of a fireplace - logs on andirons. I see that the scorpion is a device that changes as a control symbol. Cool. I have the same moneyers 10 years later... Roman Republic M. Plaetorius M.f. Caestianus. 67 BC AR Denarius Helmeted Deity quiver cornucopia S-C Eagle thunderbolt Sear 349 Cr 409/1
that's a great coin MZ...sweet scropion! How interesting that cyble has a "lion tumor" growing out of her back! she should really get that checked out!
P. FURIUS CRASSIPES ROMAN REPUBLIC; GENS FURIA AR Denarius OBVERSE: Turreted head of Cybele (Tyche) right, behind, foot pointing upwards, AED.CVR behind head REVERSE: Curule chair inscribed P FOVRIVS; CRASSIPES in exergue Rome 84 BC 3.88g. 19Mm Cr 356/1c; Syd 735b M. VOLTEIUS M.F. ROMAN REPUBLIC; GENS VOLTEIA AR Fouree Denarius OBVERSE: Laureate & helmeted bust of Attis right; shield behind REVERSE: Cybele seated right in chariot drawn by two lions; OQ above Rome 78BC 2.9g, 18mm Cr385/4; Syd 777, Volteia 4 A PLAUTIUS ROMAN REPUBLIC; GENS PLANCIA AR Fouree Denarius OBVERSE: Turreted hd of Cybele right, A PLAVTIVS before, AED CVR SC behind REVERSE: supplicant offerng palm-branch, camel behind; IVDAEVS before, BACCHIVS below Rome 55 BC 18mm, 3.2g Cr431/1, Syd 932, Hendin 741, Plautia 13
Wonderful posts guys!! Thanks again for sharing!! I still need to get an 'alternate mode of transportation type'....a lion driven quadriga!!
