Two Dancing Curetes

CNG 88, Lot: 746. Estimate $500. Sold for $850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THRACE, Mesembria. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Pentassarion (28mm, 12.28 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian right vis-à-vis draped bust of Tranquillina left, wearing stephane / Two Curetes, helmeted and clad in short tunics, each holding short sword in hand and shield over head. Karayotov 118-25 (O20/R34); Varbvanov 4186 (same dies as illustration). Good VF, black-green patina with lighter green overtones. Attractive well centered strike.

From Group CEM.

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.