Search


CNG Bidding Platform

Information

Products and Services



Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 

The Metamorphosis of Ambrosia?

341, Lot: 71. Estimate $100.
Sold for $240. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SYRIA, Coele-Syria. Damascus. Volusian. AD 251-253. Æ (25mm, 12.18 g, 11h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Female figure (Ambrosia?) facing, head right, metamorphosing into grape vine. De Saulcy 8; Rosenberger –; BMC –; SNG München –; SNG Hunterian –; SNG Copenhagen –. Fine, green patina under a thick layer of earthen encrustation. Very rare.


From the J.S. Wagner Collection.

The figure on the reverse has often been described as Dionysus holding vines, but as the type represents a female this identification can be discounted. For recent interpretations of this very interesting type, see G. Bijowski, “The myth of Daphne on a coin minted at Damascus,” AJN 15 (2003), pp. 53-9 and K. Butcher, “Ambrosia in Damascus?,” NC 170 (2010), pp. 85-91.