Description: Ephesos, Ionia | AR Cistophorus Reference: ANS 1951.5.135, McClean 8088 Date: 120-119 BCE Obverse: Cista mystica with serpent; all within ivy wreath Reverse: EΦE. Bow case between two serpents; torch above, IE (civic year 15 = 120-119 BCE) in left field, torch in right field. Mint: Ephesos, Ionia Size: 28.3 mm Weight: 11.57 grams Struck in the famous ancient city of Ephesos during year 15 of the first, pre-Mithridates period of Roman rule. Snake-centric mystery cults were widespread in Anatolia during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The cista mystica portrayed on the obverse of this coin is a wicker-work box which contained a live serpent important in local cultic rituals. The importance of snakes, symbols of healing and rebirth, is reinforced with the serpents shown on the reverse. When the last Attalid king died in 133 BCE, he bequeathed his kingdom to the Roman Republic. Interestingly, Roman cities in what used to be the Kingdom of Pergamon continued to strike the cistophorus, a coin unique to the Attalids and similar to the tetradrachm, well into the imperatorial period and the early years of the Roman Empire. Struck off center as is typical for cistophorii of this period, with some evidence of harsh cleaning. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only, except for international shipments through eBay International Shipping program. If you purchase multiple items please message me before you pay and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!
Price: 179.99 USD
Location: Canton, Michigan
End Time: 2024-11-29T22:44:07.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5.5 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Tetradrachm
Historical Period: Greek (450 BC-100 AD)
Composition: Silver
Year: 120 BC
Era: Ancient
Grade: Ungraded
Certification: Uncertified
