This coin is an impulse purchase, fueled by a price markdown, which took the price from stratospheric to somewhere at cruising altitude for most airliners. But the reverse is really nice for this type, and the story is of the reverse is one rooted in Greek mythology. This story is, as can be seen in the photo below, the abduction of Persephone by Hades. The coin is from Sebaste, located in ancient Samaria. It has Julia Soaemias, the mother of Emperor Elagabalus on the obverse. In terms of condition, the coin is a nice Fine, but I find the rough "hoard" surfaces also very appealing, and the strike is very good given such a small flan. I've noticed that other emperors issued coins with the Persephone and Hades theme; what other examples are out there? Roman Empire, 218-222 AD JUDAEA Sebaste in Samaria Julia Soaemias Bassiana (180 – 222 AD) Æ 21mm (9.50 g) SVAEMIAS AVGVSTA SEB, Draped bust right. / COL. L. SEP. SEBASTE, "The Abduction of Persephone" Hades in galloping quadriga right, carrying Persephone in his right arm; Eros flying right above, overturned cista mystica below horses. Choice Fine with olive-brown patina with earthen highlights. Sear GIC 3218; B.M.C.27.81,18 Very scarce with nearly full quadriga visible
Wow, that IS a nice example, @robinjojo ! These coins typically come on flans that are too tiny for the dies and it's unusual to find a complete quadriga. Here's my example of the coin, sadly, much of it off the dumpy little flan: Julia Soaemias, AD 218-222 Roman provincial Æ 21.4 mm, 10.97 g Samaria, Sebaste, AD 218-222 Obv: SVAMIAS AVGVSTA SEB, bare-headed and draped bust right Rev: COL L SEBAS-TE, Hades in galloping quadriga right abducting Persephone, Eros above Refs: Rosenberger 34; BMC 18.
Both coins have an earthy, dark patina. I wonder if they came out of a hoard. This type is pretty rare.
Great coin! I love mythological types like this one. Mine is on a pseudo-autonomous issue. PHRYGIA, Hierapolis. Pseudo-autonomous issue AE29. 12.36g, 29.1mm. PHRYGIA, Hierapolis, circa AD 2nd-3rd centuries. RPC Online 2045; SNG Cop 428. O: IЄPAΠOΛЄI-TΩN, head of youthful Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath. R: The Abduction of Persephone: Hades in galloping quadriga right, carrying off struggling Persephone.