I posted this in another thread yesterday saying I wanted to give it it's own thread. So here it is. Because it is broken and very brittle, I was able to get this at an unblieveable price considering how rare the issue seems to be according to Hoover (information thanks to ancientnut - Hoover gives it a R1 rating with only 25-60 known). So, in my mind, even broken I feel lucky to have such a piece in my meager collection. GELA, SICILY AR Litra OBV: Naked horseman galloping left holding spear & shield REV: Forepart of man-headed bull right Struck at Gela, Sicily, 425BC 0.36g; 13mm SNG Cop 275, BMC 52, Jenkins 405; HGC 2 374 The color in the images is just about spot on, and it tested positive with a silver test kit. All-in-all I am happy with it.
yeah, the face is awesome. on some of the one's i've been looking at lately (in my price range) the face is usually worn off.
I know I am no fun but we need to avoid confusing a new person to the list and should point out that Randy's coin is a famous fake clearly marked copy which we get asked about at least every month or two. If you see one of these for sale, don't buy it.
Ah, yes. The rare and desirable "COΡΥ" man-faced bull. As everyone knows, Greek R is written as "P" and U as "Y". This commemorates the Battle of Corupedion. Modern scholars attribute this coin to the victorious Seleukos I Nicator, who defeated Lysimachos in the last battle of the Diadochi, 281 BCE. That battle took place near Sardes on the plains of Koros known as Corupedion. Seleukos I was killed soon after his victory. Opinions are divided as to whether this was issued posthumously but it is widely acknowledged that the face on the bull is that of Seleukos I. (This is of course a complete fabrication--as is the pictured coin-- and is meant for entertainment although Lysimachos and Seleukos Nikator did indeed battle it out at Corupedion.)
How long should I wait before expecting to see this coin as an update on the Battle of Corupedion in the World History textbooks bought by my local school system? Quiz Time: Why are these coins shown on this thread as it has now mutated?
They are authentic coins of the two ruler combatants mentioned in my previous post: a Lysimachos drachm and a Seleukos I Nikator bronze. The second coin is the über-rare "head of Medusa with T-Rex headdress". According to Numismatic Briefs/Archaeologic Studies Society (numbass.org), this iconography has stirred up quite a debate, especially with the creationist crowd.
There is an animal coin I'll bet Steve wants! ...and thanks, I think you just doubled the value of my collection.
Nice => sweet pick-up, Bing (I actually kinda think the chipped/broken flan adds a bit of "cool" to your new addition) ... I don't have one of these, yet!! oh, and sweet additions, Doug
