Thought id share this one with you guys. This is my first ancient, purchased in 2014 (ex Demitriadis) . While i dont normally collect ancients exclusively, this is one that "spoke" to me.
In case you want to know more about your coin, here it is Pamphylia, Side. AR Tetradrachm 145-125 BC. -Helemted head of Athena right -Nike advancing left, holding wreath, pomegranate, in field K/\E-YX SNG France 695 There might be variations but I'm not sure.
Like I said, beautiful. Here an AE from Side with a winged thunderbolt counter-mark. PAMPHYLIA SIDE Æ16 OBVERSE: Head of Athena right, in crested Corinthian helmet, winged thunder bolt countermark REVERSE: SIDHTWN, Nike advancing left, holding wreath; pomegranate to left Struck at Side, 2d-1st Century BC 2.72g, 16mm SNG Cop 408, BMC 66
Congrats DBD , great coin, certainly for a first ancient. what is the weight and diameter ? Heres mine: @ countermarks can mean : an upgrade in value , an adoption in another currency system then the Original system, proof of good silver (bankers mark) , a state tax paid.
The anchor was the sign of the Seleucid kings. I assume the coin was accepted as good in their lands but there are different meanings for different marks and I have not studied this specific one. We may not know but there are usually experts who publish guesses. The anchor countermark shows up on a variety of coins. Below is one from Phaselis, Lycia. Many but not all were placed as if they were trying not to damage the original design. Not all c/m's were applied with such care.
Ummm, I think Doug may be referring to examples like this baby? => although it is uncommon and awesome to have the counter-mark on the reverse, the down-side is the snout-damage on the obverse ... ... I still think this coin rocks!!
weight is around 16.3 grams....30 mm diameter. Really love your piece as well!! There is something about the feel of these coins that make them special and sets them apart from everything mainstream. The weight, the relief...just unbelieveable!