Asia Minor Coins - Photo Gallery

Ancient Greek and Roman coins from Asia Minor


Coin ID #5650

Seleukeia (AD 222-235) AE 29 - Severus Alexander

Severus Alexander, 222-235 AD. AE29 (14.41g, 6h). AV • K • M • AVP • C Є OVHP • AΛЄZA/NΔPOC, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / СЄΛЄV in exergue, KEΩN K AΛ VK A ΔNΩ, infant Zeus seated facing on throne, head left, raising right hand; around him, three Curetes, each wearing military outfit, striking shields with swords. Good VF, dark green patina with dusty earthen overtones. A very rare reverse type for this emperor. Ex Alighieri Coll.

The Curetes share some of the attributes of the Corybantes, dancing divinities associated with the worship of Cybele, but their specific role in Greek mythology was to serve as the protectors of the infant Zeus while he was hidden away on Crete, safe from his murderous father Cronus. Their militant dancing, accompanied by the clashing of swords on shields, drowned out the cries of the infant. The Curetes’ dance was later re-enacted by young men at Greek festivals and games.

File information
Filename:80000709.jpg
City/Mint name:Seleukeia
Rating (3 votes):11111
Keywords:roman / bronze
References:SNG France 1004 var. (illustrated specimen with countermark; same dies); cf. SNG von Aulock 5831 (Caracalla) and 5834 (Macrinus); cf. SNG Copenhagen 212 (Macrinus); Waddington 4467
Valuation:Triton XII (1/2009), lot 709 ($1,800 + comm)
Photo courtesy of:Classical Numismatic Group - www.cngcoins.com
Filesize:113 KiB
Date added:Dec 23, 2008
Dimensions:800 x 397 pixels
Displayed:520 times
URL:http://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=5650
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