Hello. A coin-friend collector sent me an info about a rare coin which was published on the Internet. It was found accidently in South Karmel last month. The coin was struck in Gefa-Philippi under Antoninus Pius and has "Men", the god of the moon on reverse. The term Men was latinized by Emperor Caracalla. Maybe from Men derives our moon !. He then said that he had just found a similar one and don't know what to do. I have photos of both coins on my iPhone. The coin of South Karmel is detained by the Authorities of Antiquities there. Now why would such a coin be of such importance. Is it because of the god Men who was worshipped far back in History during the times of the Canaanites and the Hebrews. I also noticed that I might have a similar coin which was struck under Marcus Aurelius. But I'm not very sure if Men is on the reverse. He is usually shown with a Phyrgian cap. Here's mine first, and thank you for your assistance whatsoever.
I have been researching Mên for a while now. This does not appear to be Mên. Normally he is accompanied by a cock or pinecone. And most coins (not saying all) include the crescent protruding from the shoulders. I don't feel you have a representation of Mên. The city is not located in the region(s) where the religion was practiced.
Thanks. The name of the city is Geva Phillipi, and not Gefa as I posted above. Here's the coin as published on the Internet by the Antiquities Authorities. I shall post the coin of my coin-friend later today.
Here is an exaple of a Roman provincial with Men: Septimius Severus, 193 - 211 AD AE22, Pisidia, Parlais Mint Obverse: IMP CAES L SE SEVER P, Laureate and cuirassed bust of Septimius left. Reverse: IVL AVG CO PARLAIS, Men standing right with foot on bucranium and holding pine cone and scepter. Reference: SNG France 1676 // SNG von Aulock 8617 Perhaps our recident god-expert @Jochen can help you with the depictions of Men.
Recent addition with bust of Mên. Lydia, Sardes. AE22. Mên Askenos Obv: MHN ACKHNOC, draped bust of Mên Askenos right, wearing Phrygian cap decorated with stars, crescent behind shoulders. Rev: CAΡΔIANΩN B NEΩKOΡΩN, cornucopiae and rudder crossed. 198-249 AD. BMC 95
Thanks a lot for your useful contribution. Now here's the worn coin found by my coin-friend. There might be Men on reverse!
I believe this is the coin in RPC, @7Calbrey : https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/4/3773 Volume IV.3 Number 3773 (temporary) Province Syria Palaestina Region Syria City Gaba Reign Antoninus Pius Person (obv.) Antoninus Pius (Augustus) Obverse inscription ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΑΝΤⲰΝƐΙΝΟϹ ϹƐΒ ƐΥϹ Obverse design laureate head of Antoninus Pius, r. Reverse inscription ΓΑΒΗΝⲰΝ ΖΙϹ Reverse design Mên standing on short base, facing, head, l., wearing Phrygian cap, holding spear, resting l. arm on sword on hip; between star and crescent Metal Æ Average diameter 24 mm Average weight 10.49 g Axis 12 Reference Kindler, Geva 32 Specimens 15
Well, there you go. This is an interesting transitional issue. The only iconography associated with Men would be the crescent and star. Both are missing on this example. This depiction is also showing the short / hunting garb and not the traditional Persian style garb. It is a good find. But not sure why it would be written in an article.
I had to pass on that auction. The wife saw the last 3 auction bills on the bank account! So, I had to take a hiatus from the auction scene. Congrats that a very high style portrait!
Can you provide any attribution for this coin? Yes, from the articles and books I have read Mau is supposed to be the predicessors of Men. But Men is an Antolian mountain god. It is interesting because you have the extended arm of Sol commanding the sun to rise! No cap and none of the associated animals.
It is Gobl 58. Here is the Wildwinds reference. https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/indo_scythians/kanishka_I/i.html I am sorry I haven’t much more information on it. The coin was an unresearched impulse buy at the Bay State coin show last year. I remember the type from an NFA auction about 30 years ago which had beautiful Kushan gold coins, and I guess I have always wanted one.
