CILICIA, Seleucia ad Calycadnum. Macrinus. AD 217-218. Æ (29mm, 11.62 g, 6h). Coin Fine; c/m: Near VF.

Electronic Auction 561
Lot: 454.
Closing Date: May 1 2024 10:00 ET

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Estimate: $ 100

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CILICIA, Seleucia ad Calycadnum. Macrinus. AD 217-218. Æ (29mm, 11.62 g, 6h). Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front; c/m: small circle within Δ / Infant Zeus seated facing on throne, head left, raising right hand; around him, three Curetes, each wearing military outfit, striking shields with swords. SNG BN 990-1; SNG Levante –; BMC 30. For c/m: Howgego 670. Earthen brown surfaces, scrape, cleaning scratches, reverse pit. Coin Fine; c/m: Near VF.

Ex NBS Web Auction 5 (25 April 2021), lot 546.

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 reenacted by young men at Greek festivals and games.

Closing Date and Time: 1 May 2024 at 12:31:00 ET.

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