361, Lot: 794. Estimate $300. Sold for $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THRACE, Mesembria. Gordian III, with Tranquillina. AD 238-244. Æ (27mm, 12.10 g, 7h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian and draped bust of Tranquillina facing one another / Two Curetes standing outward, heads facing one another, holding short sword in hand and shield over head. Karayotov 118-25; Varbvanov 4186. Good VF, green patina. Well centered and struck.

Ex Lanz 112 (25 November 2002), lot 796.

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.