MYSIA, Pergamum. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ (36mm, 18.77 g, 6h). Sextus Claudius Silianus, Asiarch. VF.

Electronic Auction 571 – Session 1
Lot: 439.
Closing Date: Sep 25 2024 10:00 ET

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Estimate: $ 300

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MYSIA, Pergamum. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ (36mm, 18.77 g, 6h). Sextus Claudius Silianus, Asiarch. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Pergamus standing facing, head right, receiving ram's head from Hermes(?); open capsa (scroll case) on ground between. Weisser, Pergamon 2530; RPC X Online 62138 (this coin cited); SNG BN 2294 var. (magistrate); BMC Mysia 347. Black surfaces, light roughness. VF. Rare type.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 277 (11 April 2012), lot 117.

As both male figures on this coin are nude, one may conclude that they are heroes. The individual on the left, who receives the ram's head, must be Pergamus, the grandson of Achilles and the eponymous re-founder of Pergamum. The figure on the right is less certain, since he lacks any specific attributes. Wroth and Levante have suggested Hermes. The object on the ground between the two figures has been described, on the basis of imperfectly preserved specimens, as an altar. Better preserved examples clearly show it to be an open capsa, or scroll case. Pergamum was the inventor and chief supplier for parchment, a writing material made of sheep's skin, and much of the city's revenue came from the sale of this material. The presentation of the source of this wealth (the ram's head) by the god of business (Hermes) to the eponymous founder of the city (Pergamus) over the capsa, makes a noteworthy allusion to the city’s good fortune.

RPC describes the reverse as “two Kabeiroi(?) standing face-to-face holding ram’s head over altar”

Closing Date and Time: 25 September 2024 at 12:26:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.