MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum. Anonymous issue. 1st-3rd century AD. Æ Tessera (12.5mm, 0.93 g, 6h).

Electronic Auction 506
Lot: 243. Estimated: $ 75

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 90. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum. Anonymous issue. 1st-3rd century AD. Æ Tessera (12.5mm, 0.93 g, 6h). Bare head of Mercury right, caduceus over shoulder / Three stars above crescent moon. CNG E-356, lot 747b (same obv die?, different arrangement of stars on reverse); cf. H&J Nikopolis 8.(?).48.4-5 (for series); cf. Rowan, Ashmolean 98-9 (same). Light brown patina, holed as usual. VF. Rare.

This tesserae is related to a curious series that appears to originate from the Moesia area. Known specimens feature a great variety of deities and animals on the obverse, with the vast majority sharing the same reverse type of three stars atop a crescent, though some are known with more stars. All examples known to this cataloger are holed, suggesting a non-monetary role function for the series.

Closing Date and Time: 15 December 2021 at 11:20:40 ET.