Serapis Holding Boxer’s Himantes

Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 793. Estimate $2500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THRACE, Perinthus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (41mm, 36.70 g, 7h). Struck AD 214-215. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, aegis on left shoulder, holding spear over shoulder; gorgoneion on breastplate / Serapis standing left, holding two boxer’s himantes (fist bindings) over lighted and garlanded altar, and scepter. Mouchmov 4564; Varbanov 3921. VF, green patina, light smoothing. Rare.

In ancient boxing, the opponents wrapped leather straps, often interspersed with lead plates, around their hands. Upon successful completion of the match, the tools would then be offered to the gods as a thank-offering. The competitions celebrated here were held in conjunction with Caracalla’s award of neocorate status to Perinthus during his march eastward to meet the Parthians.