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Image search results - "Medusa"

Denarius - 49 B.C.
L CORNELIVS LENTVLVS & C CLAVDIVS MARCELLVS - Gens Cornelia.
Obv.: Facing head of Medusa in center of triskeles, ear of corn between each leg
Rev.: Jupiter standing right with thunderbolt & eagle. LENT MAR (NT & MAR in monogram) left, COS right.
Gs. 3,5 mm. 18,4
Craw. 445/1b, Sear RCV 414.

3 commentsMaxentius

Philip III Arrhidaios, 323 - 317 BC. Bronze Tetartemorion (Dichalkon / Quarter Obol). Struck 323 - 315 BC under Nikokreon at Salamis, Cyprus.Obverse: No legend. Macedonian shield with Gorgoneion (Medusa) head as the boss in the centre. The shield boss is sometimes called the episema, the Greek name for a symbol of a particular city or clan which was placed in the centre of a soldier's shield.
Reverse: Macedonian helmet surmounted with a horse hair crest; B - A (for BAΣIΛEOΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY = King Alexander) above; mint marks below the helmet, to left, a kerykeion (caduceus) and to the right, the monogram NK (for Nikokreon).
Diameter: 14mm | Weight: 4.6gms | Die Axis: 1
Price: 3162 | Liampi, Chronologie 170-92

This coin is a Type 7 (Macedonian shield type) bronze Quarter-Obol (two chalkoi). Price dated the Macedonian Shield coins as beginning during the latter part of Alexander's life, c.325 BC, and ending c.310 BC. Liampi later argued, based on new hoard evidence, that they were minted as early as 334 BC. This particular coin is dated from c.323 to 315 BC during the reign of Philip III Arrhidaios.

Salamis was founded around 1100 BC by the inhabitants of Enkomi, a Late Bronze Age city on Cyprus, though in Homeric tradition, the city was established by Teucer, one of the Greek princes who fought in the Trojan War. After Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, of which Salamis was a part, Greek culture and art flourished in the city and, as well as being the seat of the governor of Cyprus, it was the island's most important port.
Nikokreon had succeeded Pnytagoras on the throne of Salamis and is reported to have paid homage to Alexander after the conqueror's return from Egypt to Tyre in 331 BC. After Alexander's death, his empire was split between his generals, Cyprus falling to Ptolomy I of Egypt. In 315 BC during the war between Antigonos and Ptolemy, Nikokreon supported the latter and was rewarded by being made governor of all Cyprus. However, in 311 BC Ptolemy forced Nikokreon to commit suicide because he no longer trusted him. Ptolemy's brother, King Menelaus, was made governor in Nikokreon's stead.
In 306 BC, Salamis was the scene of a naval battle between the fleets of Ptolemy and Demetrius I of Macedon. Demetrius won the battle and captured the island. *Alex

Amisos, Pontos, c. 85 - 65 B.C. Mithradates VI Eupator. Obv. aegis with facing head of Medusa (gorgoneion) in center; Rev. AMI−ΣOY, Nike advancing right, holding palm frond across shoulders behind, A∆T monogram lower left.
19.7mm, 8.4 grams.
References: Sear 3642, BMC 72.2 commentsCanaan

Asclepius IntaglioMale figure Asclepius? holding two snakes.

Asclepius was the god of healing though he, like Heracles, was born as a mortal. Athena gave Asclepius two types of blood to help with his healing work, both from the gorgon, Medusa. One took life quickly but the other restored life. When Asclepius used this life restoring blood he encroached on the preserve of the gods and Zeus struck him down with a thunderbolt. One of the most famous centres for Asclepius worship was at Epidaurus on the Peloponnese. Snakes were sacred to the god and when the Romans embraced him as one of theirs his cult was supposedly taken to Rome in the body of a snake. He was preserved in the heavens as the constellation Ophiuchus, the serpent holder. The Romanised version of his name is Aesculapius.

0.34g

Greek or more likely Roman Provincial

Ex-Time Machine

Sold Forum Auctions December 20172 commentsJay GT4

ROME
PB Tessera (13mm, 3.30 g, 12 h)
Facing head of Medusa
Bestiarius standing facing, holding net and spear
Rostowzew 589 = Kircheriano 1167

The Roman bestiarii were arena fighters who fought against animals while wielding the spear and net. While professional schools for this role eventually developed, most animal fighters were condemned prisoners who barely survived a single match. They should be distinguished from the traditional gladiatiores, who fought only other men. It was in the role of bestiarius that Commodus won his arena fame and Herculean title.2 commentsArdatirion

ROME
PB Tessera
(17mm, 3.32 g, 12 h)
Facing head of Medusa
Corinthian helm right; gladius below; [R to upper right?]
Rostovtsev 1669; München 274; BM 1692Ardatirion

IONIA, Ephesos
PB Tessera (12mm, 2.97 g)
Facing head of Medusa
Blank
Gülbay & Kireç 191-2Ardatirion

IONIA, Ephesos
PB Tessera (14mm, 2.31 g, 10 h)
Hermit crab right; wheat ear below
Facing head of Medusa
Cf. Gülbay & Kireç 40/191-2 (for obv./rev.)

Ex Pecunem 10 (1 December 2013), lot 8481 commentsArdatirion

*SOLD*Balbinus AE 36

Attribution: SNG Paris 1627 (same dies), Tarsus, rare
Date: AD 238
Obverse: AVT KAIC KAI BALBEINON CEB, laureate and draped bust r.,
Ω / Π in l. and r. fields
Reverse: TA PCOY M HTPO Π O Λ C Ω C, Perseus stg. l. holding head of Gorgon Medusa in r. hand and a harpa in l. hand, A/K in l. field, M/B/ Γ in r. field
Size: 35 mm
Weight: 20.4 gramsNoah

0090 - Denarius Plautia 47 BCObv/ Head of Medusa facing, below L PLAVTIVS.
Rev/ Aurora holding palm and leading four horses; below, PLANCVS.

Ag, 19.9 mm, 4.02 g
Moneyer: L.Plautius.
Mint: Rome.
RRC 453/1c [dies o/r: 195/217 (all var.)] - Syd. 959 - RSC Plautia 15
ex-inAsta, auction 38, lot 514dafnis

01 - Philip I Tetradrachm - Laureate bust left, seen from front, cuirassed. Head of Medusa on breastplaterexesq

01 - Philip I Tetradrachm - Laureate bust left, seen from front, cuirassed. Head of Medusa on breastplaterexesq

01 - Philip I Tetradrachm - Laureate bust left, seen from front, cuirassed. Head of Medusa on breastplate. Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria.
Dated Year 3 of reign.
obv: Laureate, cuirassed bust left, seen from the front, breastplate decorated with a gorgoneion/medusa head.

rev: Eagle standing facing left, tail right. Wreath in its beak, ANTIOXIA SC below.2 commentsrexesq

01 - Philip I Tetradrachm - Radiate bust left, seen from front, cuirassed. Medusa Head on breastplate.Philip I AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria.
Dated Year 3.
obv: AYTOK K M IOYLI FILIPPOC CEB - radiate, cuirassed bust left, seen from the front, breastplate decorated with a gorgoneion/medusa head.
rev: DHMARC EXOVCIAC VPATO G - eagle standing facing with wings spread, head right with wreath in its beak, ANTIOXIA SC below.
13.9grams. - Prieur 357
3 commentsrexesq

02 - Philip I and Philip II Tetradrachmai - Frontal Busts Left.LEFT: Philip II, Antioch, Syria. Tetradrachm. Regnal year: 3
obv: Laureate bust left, draped and cuirassed, seen from front.
RIGHT: Philip I AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria.
Dated Year 3
obv: Radiate, cuirassed bust left, seen from the front, breastplate decorated with a gorgoneion/medusa head.

*note: Photo is off-color, due to camera problems.
rexesq

032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0116var., Rome, AR-Denarius, P M TR P COS III, Clementia standing left, #1032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0116var., Rome, AR-Denarius, P M TR P COS III, Clementia standing left, #1
avers: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, Laureate, cuirassed right, seen from front, with fold of cloak on front shoulder, with a visible thunderbolt on his cuirass leather strap and a winged frontal Medusa head (gorgoneion) on the breast of Hadrian's cuirass.
reverse: P M TR P COS III, Clementia standing left, holding patera over altar, holding scepter.
exergue: -/-//CLEM, diameter: 18-19,5mm, weight: 3,24g, axes: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 121 A.D., ref: RIC II 0116var.,
Q-0012 commentsquadrans

1. Seleukos I NikatorSELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 BC. Æ Uncertain mint. Winged head of Medusa right / Bull butting right; controls not visible. Cf. SC 21, 152, and 191; HGC 9, 92.ecoli

1. Seleukos I Nikator SELEUKID KINGS of SYRIA. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 BC. Æ. Winged head of Medusa right / Bull butting right; SC 6.1; HGC 9, 107a.ecoli

104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-0727 (Estiot), RIC V-I 196var, Siscia, AE-Antoninianus, VOTA ORBIS, -/-//II, Two Victories, extr. Rare !, 104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-0727 (Estiot), RIC V-I 196var, Siscia, AE-Antoninianus, VOTA ORBIS, -/-//II, Two Victories, extr. Rare !,
avers:- IMP-CLAVDIVS-AVG, Bust left, helmeted and radiate, cuirassed with cross-belt, holding spear without visible point over right shoulder, shield on left shoulder.Medusa-head on shield, (H4l (w/o point)).
revers:- VOTA-ORBIS, Two Victories stg. facing each other, fixing a shield inscribed SC to a palm tree which is placed between them, (Victories (two)1).
exerg: -/-//II, diameter: 21mm, weight: 3,31g, axes: 0h, (12h),
mint: Siscia, iss-3, off-2, Victory of Naïssus, date: 269 A.D., ref: T-0727 (Estiot), RIC V-I 196var, ,
Q-001quadrans

106 AD: Trajan triumph in the second Dacian warorichalcum sestertius (24.9g, 35mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 106-111.
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP laureate bust of Trajan with aegis (note the detail of the Medusa head on Trajan's chest)
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI [/] S C [in field] Winged Victory standing right, holding shield insribed VIC DAC against a palm tree
RIC 528 [common]; C 454; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 101-31b1 commentsCharles S

132 - Probus - RIC 106 Obv:– VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield (shield decorate with Medusa)
Rev:– TEMPOR FELICI, Felicitas standing right, holding caduceus and cornucopiae
Minted in Lugdunum (I) Emission 5, Officina 1. End A.D. 277 – Early A.D. 278
Reference:– Bastien 211 (6 examples cited). RIC 106.

3.96 gms

A coin with some obvious problems but it is a rare variety and one that I am more than happy with. This is the first example of this bust type that I have managed to obtain for Probus from Lugdunum. 1 commentsmaridvnvm

132 - Probus - RIC 435 var (Ticinum) (QXXT) Obv:– IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust left in elaborate cuirass decorated with Medusa medallion & holding Vitoriola (Victory on globe, facing left, holding wreath) in right hand, palm up
Rev:– VIRTVS AVG, Soldier standing left, holding Victory and spear and leaning on shield
Minted in Ticinum(QXXT) Emission 2 Officina 4. A.D. 276
Reference:– Cohen unlisted. RIC 435 var. (This bust type not listed in RIC or Cohen)
Die match is illustrated in Bastien's Buste Monetaire... pl. 126 number 11 2 commentsmaridvnvm

132 - Probus - RIC 886 - Bust Type G (Serdica) (KAÎ”)Obv:– IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, Radiate, helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield
Rev:– VIRTVS PROBI AVG, Roma seated in temple, holding Victory and sceptre
Minted in Serdica (KAÎ” in exe)
Reference:– RIC 886 Bust type G
Medusa on breastplate. Pegasus ?? on shield.
Nice detail, lovely toning. Shame about the flan crack.maridvnvm

136 - Numerian Ant. - RIC 394Obv:– IMP C NVMERIANVS AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust left with spear and shield (decorated with Medusa head)
Rev:– PAX AVGG, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre
Minted in Lugdunum (B in left field) Emission 6 Officina 2. August A.D. 283 – start A.D. 284
Reference:– Cohen 49. Bastien 554 (4 examples cited), RIC 394 (Rated Rare) maridvnvm

136 - Numerian Ant. - RIC 395Obv:– IMP NVMERIANVS AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust left with spear and shield (decorated with Medusa head)
Rev:– PAX AVGG, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre
Minted in Lugdunum (B in left field) Emission 6 Officina 2. August A.D. 283 – start A.D. 284
Reference:– RIC 395 (Rated Rare). Cohen 47. Bastien 557 (6 examples cited).2 commentsmaridvnvm

1608C LYCAONIA. Iconium (as Claudiconium). Pseudo-autonomous. Time of Claudius to Hadrian 41-138 AD, WreathReference
Aulock, Lykaonien 251; SNG France 2277; RPC II, 1608C

Obv.
Winged head of Medusa facing.dotted border

Rev: KLAY / ΔΕΙΚΟ / ΝΙΕWΝ.
Legend in 3 lines within wreath.

1.90 gr
15 mm
6hokidoki

161-180 AD - MARCUS AURELIUS AE dupondius - struck 172 ADobv: M ANTONINVS AVG TRP XXVI (radiate head right)
rev: IMP VI COS III (Roma seated left, holding Victory & spear, behind her shield on wich is Medusa), S-C in field
ref: RIC III 1035, C.283
12.11gms, 24mm,
Scarceberserker

2014.051.4Siscia; 3.90 g

Obverse: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG; Probus, radiated, helmet, cuirassed bust right; spear in right hand over right shoulder; shield decorated with Medusa head (Gorgon) on left shoulder, strap across chest;
Reverse: ROMAE AETERNAE; XXIS in exergue; Roma seated left in hexa-style temple; holding in extended right hand Victory standing left; scepter in left; shield beneath seat; wreath in pediment.
Ref: RIC 737; Alfoldi Type 61, no 27
gordian_guy

2014.051.5Serdica; 4.48 g

Obverse: VIRTVS PROBI AVG; Probus, radiate, helmet, cuirassed, Medusa (Gorgon) head on breast plate, bust right; spear in right hand over right shoulder; shield decorated with Pegasus left and globules, over left shoulder.
Reverse: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG; KADelta in exergue; Probus on horseback left; right hand raised in salute; scepter in left; captive on ground before on left.
Ref: RIC 837; cf Pink, Gysen, 4th Emission
gordian_guy

2014.084.2Serdica, 4.31 g; 12h

Obverse: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG; Radiate, cuirassed, bust right; breastplate decorated with head of Medusa.
Reverse: SOLI - I-NVICTO; -/-//XXI•T •; Sol, nude, but for chlamys wrapped around shoulders and left arm, trailing behind, walking left, right hand raised, left holding whip, on each side bound captives, in oriental dress, seated back to back; captive on right looking back to left.
Ref: cf RIC 311 for type but different obverse inscription; BnF pg. 398; RIC V,1 online T-2715; Emission 7 (April-November 274)
Notes: This obverse die is a match to RIC V,1 online T-2723 Medusa-head example.3 commentsgordian_guy

2825 LYCAONIA, Iconium. Hadrian PerseusReference.
RPC III, 2825 Von Aulock, Lykaonien, 290-292.

Obv. ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС ΚΑΙСΑΡ
Bare head of Hadrian with lions trophy around neck

Rev. ΚΛΑΥΔΕΙΚΟΝΙΕωΝ
Perseus standing facing, head r., holding head of Medusa in his r. hand, harpa in left

2.60 gr
16 mm
6hokidoki

2958 CAPPADOCIA, Tyana. Hadrian 135-36 AD Perseus standingReference.
RPC III, 2958;

Issue Year 20

Obv AYTO KAI TP ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СΕΒΑСΤ
Laureate head of Hadrian, right.

Rev. ΤΥΑΝΕΩΝ ΤΩ ΠΡ Τ ΙΕΡ ΑС, ΕΤ - Κ (in field)
Perseus standing facing, holding head of Medusa and harpa.

3.30 gr
16 mm
12h1 commentsokidoki

312-280 BCSeleukos I Nikator
AE 19

Obverse:Winged head of Medusa right
Reverse:ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ;Bull charging right

19.37mm 7.09gm

Sear 6852 maik

47 BC L Plautius PlancusL PLAVTIVS
Head of Medusa facing

PLANCVS
Victory facing, her wings spread, conducting four rearing horses

Rome 47 BC
Sear 429, RSC Plautia 14-15c, RRC 453/1
4.00g

ex Roberto Pedoni Roma2 commentsJay GT4

A ROMAN SARDONYX CAMEO OF MEDUSAA ROMAN SARDONYX CAMEO OF MEDUSA
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
Cameo size : 4.5 cm length/ 3.5 cm width.
One of the most beautiful cameos of Medusa ever crafted and ever found
The collection of Mr B Mazeh .
2 commentsBrahim M

Abydos - AR Obol480-450 BC
eagle left, star above
ABY
facing head of Medusa within incuse square
SNG Copenhagen 5; BMC 4-5
0,55g 8mm
ex SavocaJ. B.

ALFOLDI 023.091 MEDUSA WITHIN PARMA SHIELD !!!OBVERSE: IMP PROBVS P F AVG
REVERSE: CONCORDIA MILIT
BUST TYPE: E1 = radiate, cuirassed and helmeted bust left, holding spear and (Parma) shield
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: T//XXI
WEIGHT 3.63g / AXIS: 6h / DIAMETER: 20mm
MINT: Siscia
RIC 666 VAR. (UNLISTED WITH THIS SHIELD)
ALFOLDI 023.091 (3 ex. cited)
COLLECTION NO. 1357

Provenance: ex S. Luethi collection

Very rare and desirable shield type! Additionally, there Is a Gorgoneion inside the Parma shield !!!

Of the highest numismatic interest!

Only the 4th example of this exact type known to me (the remaining 3 examples are cited by Alfoldi)Barnaba6

Amisos SNG 1177Obv: aegis with facing head of Medusa (gorgoneion) in center
Rev: Nike advancing right, holding palm frond across shoulders behind, AMI−ΣOY divided across field, monogram (control) lower right
Mint: Amisos (Samsun, Turkey) mint, c. 105 - 85 B.C.
Size: 7.498 g, 21.0 mm, die axis 0o
Ids: SNG BM 1177 ff.; BMC Pontus p. 19, 69 ff.; HGC 7 242 (various controls)ickster

Amisos, Pontos105-90 or 90-85 B.C.
Bronze AE27
19.64 gm, 27.5 mm
Obv.: Helmeted head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet ornamented with Pegasus
Rev.: Perseus standing facing, wearing pointed helmet or cap, with flaps, and himation over shoulders; holding harpa in right hand and head of Medusa in left, whose decapitated winged body lies at his feet, AMI-ΣOY across field, monograms to left and right
HGC vol. 7, 238;
SNG Black Sea 1166-76;
BMC 13, p.16, 30-31;
Sear 3637
Jaimelai

Amisos, Pontos105-90 or 90-85 B.C.
Bronze AE29
20.06 gm, 29 mm
Obv.: Helmeted head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet ornamented with Pegasus
Rev.: Perseus standing facing, wearing pointed helmet or cap, with flaps, and himation over shoulders; holding harpa in right hand and head of Medusa in left, whose decapitated winged body lies at his feet; AMI-ΣOY across field, monograms to left and right
HGC vol. 7, 238;
SNG Black Sea 1166-76;
BMC 13, p.16, 30-31;
Sear 3637
Jaimelai

Amisos, Pontos105-90 or 90-85 B.C.
Bronze AE26
18.95 gm, 26.5 mm
Obv.: Helmeted head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet ornamented with Pegasus
Rev.: Perseus standing facing, wearing pointed helmet or cap, with flaps, and himation over shoulders; holding harpa in right hand and head of Medusa in left, whose decapitated winged body lies at his feet; AMI-ΣOY across field, monograms to left and right
HGC vol. 7, 238;
SNG Black Sea 1166-76;
BMC 13, p.16, 30-31;
Sear 3637
Jaimelai

Amisos, Pontos105-90 or 90-85 B.C.
Bronze AE27
18.23 gm, 27 mm
Obv.: Helmeted head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet ornamented with Pegasus
Rev.: Perseus standing facing, wearing pointed helmet or cap, with flaps, and himation over shoulders; holding harpa in right hand and head of Medusa in left, whose decapitated winged body lies at his feet; AMI-ΣOY across field, monograms to left and right.
HGC vol. 7, 238;
SNG Black Sea 1166-76;
BMC 13, p.16, 30-36;
Sear 3637
Jaimelai

AMISOS, PONTOS AE30OBVERSE: Helmeted head of Athena right
REVERSE: AMI-ΣOY across fields, Perseus standing facing, looking left, holding harpa and head of Medusa; Medusa's body at his feet right, AMTE and ΩΣ monograms to left and right
Struck at Amisos 109-89 BC
19.87g, 27mm
BMC 30; RecGen 17h; SNG Tuebingen 2049; Malloy 16LLegatus

Antiochos VII, posthumous, by Ariarathes VII. Standing Athena Tetradrachm of Cappadocia.Seleukids. Antiochos VII, posthumous, by Ariarathes VII. 138-129 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.33 gm, 29.8mm, 12h) Cappadocia. Diademed head of Antiochos VII right. / Athena standing left holding Nike, spear to right, hand resting on shield ornamented with Medusa's head. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ | ΣΥΣΡΓΕΤΟΥ. ⍋ over Α to outer left. Ο-Ʌ inside fields left & right. EF. Morkholm mint B. Bt. Marty Schmitt, 2002. SC 2148; HGC 9 #1069; Babelon Rois 1156; BMC 24; Houghton CSE I #2617-2618; Newell SMA 298; SNG Spaer 1872-1874; Lorber & Houghton Series 1, Issue 3, cf. #98-106 (obv. die A4). Cf CNG EA 440 #190 (same dies).Anaximander

Antoninus Pius, RIC 1009a, Sestertius of AD 158-159 (Pius sacrificing)Æ Sestertius (22,35g, Ø 33mm, 6h). Rome, AD 158-159.
Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right, aegis.
Rev.: VOTA SVSCEP DECENN III around, COS IIII in ex. S | C, Emperor standing left, sacrificing out of patera over tripod.
RIC 1009a; BMCRE 2070; Cohen 1119 v.; Strack 1172; App. IV 102a; Banti 527 (1 spec., no aegis).
Ex Pecunem Auction 32 by Gitbud & Naumann, June 2015.

This type was issued at the end of 20 years reign - a very rare event during the Roman Empire - and vows were undertaken to the gods for continuation in the third decennium: VOTA SVSCEPta DECENNalia III.

This is an unrecorded bust type with aegis. Four snakes are there attached to the line of the aegis in front of the medusa head. Charles S

Apollonia Pontica450 – 404 B.C.
Silver DrachmJaimelai

Apollonia Pontica480 - 324 B.C.

150 years of Apollonia Pontica Medusa!4 commentsJaimelai

Apollonia Pontica150 Years of Medusa!

480 - 324 B.C.1 commentsJaimelai

Apollonia PonticaSilver Drachm
450 – 404 B.C.Jaimelai

Apollonia PonticaJaimelai

Apollonia Pontica - AR Drachmc. 450-404 BC
facing head of Medusa
anchor flukes up; crayfish right
A
SNG Cop 456; SNG BM 160, SNG Stancomb 37
2,9g 21,5mmJ. B.

Apollonia Pontica - AR hemidrachmmid-late 4th century BC
facing head of Medusa
anchor flukes up
A / crayfish
Apollonia p. 347, 1; SNG BM Black Sea 160-1, SNG Cop. 456ff
3,24g 12,5mmJ. B.

Apollonia Pontica Topalov 38 - Silver Drachm480/478 – 470 B.C.
2.92 gm., 12.5-14 mm.
Obv: Anchor; blank to left, crayfish to right
Rev.: Gorgon head facing in archaic Ionian style with hair in pellets
Topalov Apollonia p. 584, 38
BMC Mysia p.8, 3, Pl.II, 2

Topalov Type: Upright Anchor - Gorgon's Head: First Early Issues (480/478-470 B.C)
Obv.: Upright anchor with large flukes on a curved stock. Image of a crab viewed from above on the right between the fluke and the stock. Letter “A” missing.
Rev.: Full-face Gorgon's head in the archaic Ionian style with a low narrow forehead, projecting eyebrows and eyes, a short flat nose, abnormally open mouth, long teeth and toungue. Instead of hair there are snakes with thin bodies. The image in a concave circle.

These "Early-Issue" Medusa coins may have been reminted on the earlier swastika type Apollonia drachmas (from Topalov Apollonia 2007) Jaimelai

Apollonia Pontica Topalov 56 - Silver Diobol - very worn410 - 323 B.C.
0.59 gm, 8.78 mm
Obv.: Head of Apollo (or Medusa)
Rev.: Anchor, A to left, crayfish to right
Topalov Apollonia p.596, 56
Sear p.165, 1657
B.M.C. 15 (Mysia) p.9, 15

From Topalov Apollonia 2007: "Full-Face Apollo's Head - Upright Anchor" silver diobol (410/404 – 341/323 B.C.) Obv.: Full-face laureate Apollo with short hair. Rev.: Magistrates' initials around the images. Upright anchor with thick flukes and a rectangular stock. The letter A on one side and the additional symbol of a crab viewed from above on the other side between flukes and the stock.Jaimelai

Apollonia Pontica, 450-375 B.C.Silver-drachm, Apollonia Pontica in Thrace (present-day Sozopol, Bulgria), 450-375 BC.; diameter 13.5mm, weight 2.43 grams, obverse head of Medusa facing; reverse anchor, crawfish left, "A" right; very fine.Neal A

APOLLONIA PONTICA, THRACEAPOLLONIA PONTICA, THRACE, AR Drachm. 450-404 B.C. Facing head of Medusa in classic Attic style, long protruding tongue, human hair & snakes for hair. Rev.: Anchor, to right A, to left crayfish. SNG Cop 457. Sear 1655.dpaul7

Apollonia Pontica, ThraceAncient Greek City Issue
Apollonia Pontica, Thrace

Obverse: Gorgon (Medusa?) or Apollo head facing with tongue sticking out

Reverse: Upturned anchor with crayfish and A on sides

Silver Drachm (16mm, 2.5g)
Minted in Apollonia Pontica 450-400BC

Reference: SNG Black Sea 155

Translations and explanations:

Apollonia Pontica (Apollonia on the Black Sea) is modern day Sozopol, Bulgaria.

While the city was clearly named after Greek god Apollo, the earlier coins feature a snake-haired gorgon face that over time seems to transition to a more Apollo like image.

The anchor on the reverse was the symbol of the city denoting its important maritime trade status.

Sphinx357

Asia Minor, Lydia, Hierocaesarea, Commodus, Perseus Commodus
Lydia, Hierocaesarea
Obv: AVT KAI M AVPH KOMMOΔOC.
Laureate and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ЄΠ AI APTЄMIΔΩPOV APX A IЄPOKAICAPЄΩN.
Perseus advancing right, holding harpa and severed head of Medusa
Æ, 35mm, 20.53g
Ref.: RPC IV.2 online 113972 commentsshanxi

AURELIAN RIC TEMP 2573OBVERSE: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
REVERSE: IOVI CONSER
BUST TYPE: F8 (heroically nude) = bust left, radiate, nude with cross-belt, seen from rear, holding spear pointing forward in right hand, shield on left shoulder
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//P
MINT: Serdica
ISSUE: 2 (autumn – end 271)
WEIGHT: 3,46 g
RIC TEMP: 2573/4 = THIS EXAMPLE! (18 ex. cited in total)
Coll. no. 253

Note: very rare and desirable bust type! Only one obverse die of this variant recorded. Medusa-head on shield.

Provenance: ex Philippe Gysen collection Barnaba6

BCC CG20 Red Slip Oil Lamp Fragment Discus With MedusaDecorated Oil Lamp Discus
Caesarea Maritima
1st-2nd Century CE
Fragment of an Early Roman oil lamp
consisting of the central part of a discus
decorated with the head of Medusa facing,
slightly to left. Reverse shows a remarkably
clear thumbprint resulting from the pressing
of the clay into the top half of the mould.
Fabric: Medium fine grained, light tan clay
with red slip. Manufacture: Mould made.
2.95 x 2.9 x 0.6cm. Weight: 2.88gm.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1977
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)v-drome

BCC CG21 Oil Lamp Fragment Discus with MedusaDecorated Oil Lamp Discus with Medusa
Caesarea Maritima
1st-2nd Century CE
Fragment of an Early Roman oil lamp
consisting of the central part of a discus
decorated with the head of Medusa facing.
Medium fine grained, light tan clay with red slip.
Manufacture: Mould made.
Origin: N. Africa? or Italy?
Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.6 x 0.7cm. Weight: 2.79gm.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1976
J. Berlin Caesarea Collectionv-drome

BCC CG22 Oil Lamp Fragment Discus with MedusaDecorated Oil Lamp Discus with Medusa
Caesarea Maritima
1st-2nd Century CE
Fragment of an Early Roman oil lamp
consisting of the central part of a discus
decorated with the head of Medusa? facing.
Fabric: Medium fine grained, light tan clay
with traces of red slip.
Manufacture: Mould made.
Origin: N. Africa? or Italy?
Dim: 3.0 x 2.75 x 0.6cm. Weight: 2.3gm.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1974
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection2 commentsv-drome

BCC CG23 Oil Lamp Fragment Discus with MedusaDecorated Oil Lamp Discus
Caesarea Maritima
1st-2nd Century CE
Fragment of an Early Roman oil lamp
consisting of the central part of a discus
decorated with the head of Medusa? facing.
Part of the filler hole is visible below the
chin, and the back shows traces of a fingerprint.
Medium fine grained, light tan clay with traces
of black/brown slip. Manufacture: Mould made.
Origin: N. Africa? or Italy?
2.25 x 2.1 x 0.5cm. Weight: 1.17gm.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1978
J. Berlin Caesarea Collectionv-drome

BCC CG40 Oil lamp Discus Perseus?Decorated Oil Lamp Discus
Caesarea Maritima
1st-2nd Century CE
Small, thin waterworn fragment, probably
an oil lamp discus with a standing male
figure, facing, wearing cloak pinned on
right shoulder. Uncertain object to his left.
Possibly Perseus with the head of Medusa?
Medium fine-grained, light tan clay with
many small crystalline inclusions. Mould
made. Origin: N. Africa? or Italy?
2.3 x 2.2cm. Max. Th.: 0.3cm. Wt: 0.82gm.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1970's
J. Berlin Caesarea Collection
(click for larger pic)v-drome

BCC L3 Hollow Cast Miniature Lead Oil Lamp Lead Oil Lamp
Hollow Cast Miniature
Central disc with facing portrait (Helios
or Medusa?) Remnants of handle.
Though it seems that the lamp
could have been functional, there is
no evidence of carbon on the object,
as far as I can tell. Weight: 16.10gm.
38.5mm.x20.0mm.x10.0mm. v-drome

BCC LT68Lead Tessera
Caesarea Maritima
Roman 1st-3rd Century CE
Obv: Gorgon/Medusa facing.
Rev: Hephaistos seated right,
holding tongs over anvil, hammer?
above, deformed feet, below.
10 x 9 x 1.5mm. Weight: 1.02gm.
Axis:0 (12h)
Identical to BCC LT38 except
for Axis:(90), it appears it could?
be from the same stamp, or from
a mold created from the same
stamp. Surface find, Caesarea
Maritima, 1977.v-drome

Bronze snakeBronze fragment of a snake.
Perhaps from Medusa's head? Underside unfinished, fine line detail in skin.

Roman

6.92g
10mm X 20mm

Sold to ANE October 2021Jay GT4

BULL, Indian Humped BullSeleukid Kingdom, Antioch on the Orontes, Seleukos I Nikator, 312-281 BC, AE20 Double
Winged head of Medusa right. / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣEΛEYKY Indian humped bull butting right, control mark Ξ in exergue.
SC 21.2(b); CSE 9; WSM 925; SNG Spaer 23; HGC 9, 92a (S-R1). Struck ca. 286-281 BC at Antioch on the Orontes.
(20 mm, 7.06 g, 2h).
Note the misspelled legend, missing the letter O in the genitive of the king's name; the only known example of this apparently unrecorded error.
ex-Forvm Ancient Coins

This coin type was produced at many mints across the Seleukid Empire in the last years of Seleukos’ reign. The bull on the reverse is an allusion to a story about Seleukos’ prowess related to us in Appian: He (Seleukos) was of such a large and powerful frame that once when a wild bull was brought for sacrifice to Alexander and broke loose from his ropes, Seleukos held him alone, with nothing but his bare hands, for which reason his statues are ornamented with horns.

C. Clovius, Crawford 476/1aAE - Orichalcum-Dupondius, 14.87g, 27mm
struck 45 BC for Julius Caesar, mint in northern Italy (probably Milano)
obv. bust of Victoria, winged, draped and with ear-ring, r.
CAESAR.DIC.TER before
rev. Minerva, wearing Korinthian helmet, advancing l., holding trophy over r.
shoulder, spear and shield decorated with head of Medusa; behind her feet a
snake, erecting in front of her.
C.CLOVI before, PRAEF behind
Crawford 476/1a; Sydenham 1025; C.7; RPC I 601/1; CRI 62; Julia 17; BMRR 4125
about VF, attractive yellow-olive patina (so-called river-patina!)
Pedigree:
ex Glendining 25.June 1997, lot 45
ex CNG

An exceptional issue: It is the first Roman coin struck from Orichalcum (brass). Probably this type was struck after the victory over the sons of Pompeius at Munda 17.March AD 45 to serve as donation at his triumph in Rome. The depiction is unusual and is a symbol of Caesar's military abilities. Brass was used probably to make the look of the coin more valuable.
4 commentsJochen

Caelia - AE sextans220-150 BC
head of Athena right wearing crested helmet
●●
trophy of captured arms, helmet spear, palm branch and shield decoraded with Medusa head; club left
KAIΛIN_ΩN
HNItaly 762; Weber 439; SNG ANS 670-671; BMC Italy pg. 133, 3; SNG Copenhagen 632; SNG Morcom 201 var.; Laffaille -
3,1g 16,5mmJ. B.

Caracalla - Alexandria, Troas211-217 AD
laureate, cuirassed bust right, head of Medusa on cuirass
AV.M AV__ANTONIN
Apollo left leaning foot on pedestal, holding branch
COL A_LEXA AVG
Bellinger, Troy Vgl. A 298; SNG v. Aul. Vgl. 7559.
6,7g 23mm
ex Gorny & Mosch
ex Sol1 commentsJ. B.

Cilicia, Coropissos, Maximinus I SNG Paris 770Maximinus I AD 235-238
AE 32, 15.62g
obv. AVT KG IOVH - MAXIMEINOC
bust, draped and cuirassed, seen from behind, r.
rev. KOROPICCEWN THC KHTWN MHTROPOLEW
Perseus, nude except chlamys, stg. l., holding harpe and head of Medusa in his
l. hand, clasping hands with Andromeda, stg. r. in long chiton, holding with her
l. hand fold of her garment under her chin; below the sea-monster Ketos.
SNG Levant 590; SNG Levante Supp. 157 (this ex.); SNG Paris 770; this obv. die was used in Philadelphia too, see SNG Levante 580
rare, about VF, brown-green patina

For more information look at the thread 'Coins of mythological interest'4 commentsJochen

Cilicia, Tarsos, Trajan Decius, SNG Paris 1757Trajan Decius, AD 240-251
AE 35, 27.29g
obv. AV KAI G MEC KVIN.DEKIOC TRAIANO
in l. and r. field P- P
rev. TARCO - V MHTROPOLEWC GB
in l. and r. field A/M - K
Perseus, nude except chlamys over l. shoulder, stg. l., holding harpa in l. arm, head of Medusa in l. hand
and in extended r. hand cult-statue of Apollo stdg. frontal on omphalos and holding in each hand a dog
with head up.
ref. SNG Paris 1757; not in SNG Levante
rare, F+/about VF, oliv-green patina, usual roughness

Perseus was the suggested founder of Tarsos. Apollo here is often called Apollo Lykeios in error. For the correct mythology please take a look at the article 'Apollo Lykeios - or rather not' in the thread 'Mythological interesting coins'Jochen

Claudius II - Seleucia SideraSep 268 - Aug 270
laureate and cuirassed bust right, decorated with Medusa
AY·K·M·__AYΡ·KΛAYΔIOC
Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia
KΛAYΔI_O__CEΛEYKEΩ_N
SNG France 1909; Aulock, Pisidien II 2075 (stgl.)
16,2g 33mm
ex SavocaJ. B.

Claudius II Gothicus. Victoriae Gothis Antoninianus of Cyzicus.Roman Empire. Claudius II Gothicus. 268-270 AD. AE Antoninianus (3.40 gm, 21.6mm, 6h) of Cyzicus, 269 AD. Radiate & cuirassed bust right. IMP CLAVDIVS P F AVG. / Two captives at foot of Roman trophy, VICTORIAE GOTHIC. EF. Celebrates the Roman Victory over the Goths at Naissus in Moesia. Bt. Medusa Galleries, 2001. RIC V.1 #252; Cohen 308; RSC - ; Hunter 87; SRCV III #11381.Anaximander

Claudius II RIC V-1 Cyzicus 252 ( var ) AE 20 mm 3.5 grams 268-270 AD
OBV :: IMP CLAVDIVS PF AVG. Radiate head right with 2 pellets below. Aegis on left shoulder . snake erecting from the Head of Medusa on right.
REV :: VICTORI-A-IE GOTHIC. Trophy with 2 seated, bound captived on either side
EX :: none
Minted in Cyzicus
REF :: RIC V ( 1) 252 Var ( variation due to the 2 pellets below, the Aegis, and the snake )
EX white mountain collection
EX CNG auction 225 lot 483
Purchased 01/2010Johnny

Clovius ObverseJULIUS CAESAR (C. CLOVIUS MONEYER)
JULIUS CAESAR (C. CLOVIUS MONEYER)
Bronze, Dupondius
Obverse: CAESAR · DIC ·TER: Head of Nike right and a star behind.
Reverse: C·CLOVI - PRAEF: Minerva advancing Left holding trophy over shoulder and shield decorated with Medusa, at her feet, snake left
Mint: Mediolanum Italy (?)
Minted: 45 BCE

Notes: Scarce.
Ref: Cr. 476/1b; Sydenham 1025; CRI 62; RPC 601jimbomar

Clovius ReverseJULIUS CAESAR (C. CLOVIUS MONEYER)
Bronze, Dupondius
Obverse: CAESAR · DIC ·TER: Head of Nike right and a star behind.
Reverse: C·CLOVI - PRAEF: Minerva advancing Left holding trophy over shoulder and shield decorated with Medusa, at her feet, snake left
Mint: Mediolanum Italy (?)
Minted: 45 BCE
Notes: Scarce.
Ref: Cr. 476/1b; Sydenham 1025; CRI 62; RPC 601jimbomar

Corinthia, Corinth, Ravel 992Silverstater, 20.8mm, 8.55g
struck c. 345-307 BC
obv. Pegasos, with spread wings, flying l.
below Koppa
rev. Head of Athena with Corinthian helmet, l.
behind E and burning torch
Ravel 992; Pegasi I-372
about EF, well centrated

Pegasos, son of Poseidon and Medusa, was a standard reverse for Corinth. Poseidon was the founder of Corinth. 2 commentsJochen

Cr 453/1a AR Denarius L. Plautius Plancus 47 BCE
o: Facing head of Medusa with coiled snake on either side; below, L. PLAVTIVS
r: Aurora flying right, head facing slightly left, holding palm branch and reins in each hand and conducing four horses of the Sun; below, PLANCVS Cr. 453/1a. Plautia 15
(g. 3.82 mm. 18.50)
Several very nice specimens on these galleries, see JayT4 and Carausius for example.
Reasonable minds can differ, slightly, but this reverse is possibly the most artistic of the Republican series. This coin is decent, but some examples are breathtaking. Obviously, an infusion of Greek engravers that year. Perhaps from Alexandria or the aftermath of Pharsalus (speculating a bit here).PMah

Crawford 453/1, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Plautius Plancus, AR DenariusRome. Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
L. Plautius Plancus, 47 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.94g; 19mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: L·PLAVTIVS; Facing mask of Medusa with coiled snakes on each side.

Reverse: PLANCVS; Victory facing, leading four horses and holding palm.

References: Crawford 453/1a; HCRI 29; Sydenham 959; BMCRR 4006; Plautia 14.

Provenance: Ex The New York Sale Auction XXXII (8 Jan 2014) Lot 205; NAC 54 (24 Mar 2010), Lot 256.

Lucius Plautius Plancus was a brother of L. Munatius Plancus, who became Prefect of the City under Caesar. Lucius was adopted by L. Plautius. In 47 BCE, Lucius was a moneyer and produced this coin. Two styles of the obverse were produced, one with coiled snakes on either side of Medusa's head; the other without snakes.

In 43 BCE, Lucius was proscribed by the Second Triumvirate and executed. The same year of Lucius’ proscription and execution, his brother, L. Munatius Plancus, placed in the capitol a painting by the 4th century BCE, Greek artist, Nicomachus of Thebes in which Victory is driving a quadriga and holding a palm. David Sear, in “History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators” suggests that Lucius may have owned the Nicomachus painting in 47 BCE (it would have passed to his brother upon his execution) and that the reverse of this coin was inspired by the painting. Sear is not the first numismatist to have proposed this theory regarding the Nicomachus painting. Eckhel had an equally conjectural theory for this coin type that connected the devices to a story involving one of Lucius’ ancestors as the basis for an annual celebration in Rome where masks were worn.

Regardless of the true derivation and meaning of the type, the coin is a remarkably artistic design for the period, and surely the devices must have some connection to the moneyer’s natural or adopted family.
3 commentsCarausius

Crawford 463/2, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, M. Cordius Rufus, AR DenariusRome, Moneyer Issues of the Imperatorial Period.
M. Cordius Rufus, 46 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.55g; 18mm).
Rome Mint.

Obverse: Crested Corinthian helmet facing right, with owl perched on crest; RVFVS behind.

Reverse: MN·CORDIVS; aegis with head of Medusa.

Reference: Crawford 463/2; HCRI 64; Sydenham 978; BMCRR 4042; Cordia 4.

Provenance: Ex Jack Frazer Collection [Triton XXIII (14 Jan 2020) Lot 603]; CNG 64 (24 Sep 2003) Lot 827.

Caesar celebrated multiple triumphs in 46 BCE, and the large output by the moneyers Carisius and M. Cordius Rufus may have been to pay the largesse owed to the legionaries. The coinage of this year often alludes to Caesar, rather than the moneyer’s family. On this coin, we see references to Minerva (the helmet, owl and aegis being among her attributes), the Roman goddess of strategic warfare, which likely related to Caesar’s military triumphs.

M. Cordius Rufus is not generally known beyond his coinage. However, his name appears on an inscription found at Tusculum, identifying Manius Cordius Rufus as praetor, proconsul, aedilis lustrando Monti Sacro. It is possible that his family originated in Tusculum, a city in the Alban Hills, sixteen miles southeast of Rome.
5 commentsCarausius

Crispus BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS Trier Crispus BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS Trier
Crispus IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES LC-SP-SH left
BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS VO - TIS - XX
PTR dot Trier
RIC VII Trier 347 c2 322
On some shields: Head of Medusa James b4

Crispus Trier RMBT.199IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate bust, draped and cuirassed left holding spear forewards and shield with Medusa head
R/ BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, Globe set on Altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX, above 3 stars, •STR crescent in exergue - Trier - 323
18 mm - 2.91 g - RIC. - – RMBT 199 (SH 11)2 commentsgb29400

Denarius of L. Plautius Plancus47 BC, Rome Mint
Obverse : Facing head of Medusa (or Gorgon), L. PLAVTIVS.
Reverse : Aurora (or winged Victory), flying right, leading the four horses of the Sun, PLANCVS
Crawf. 453/1a. Syd. 959.

3,50gr ; 18 mm1 commentsChut

Domitian RIC II, 65 var.Domitian AD 81-96
AR - denar, 3.45g, 19.78mm
obv. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG - GERM PM TRP IIII (with line above)
head laureate r.
Medusa head with wings, snakes, aegis on shoulder of portrait
rev. IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P
Minerva, draped, standing l. with spear
(Minerva type 4)
RIC II, 65 var; BMC 80; Paris 83; RSC 180a
Scarce; EF, exquisite obverse and very elegant reverse
added to www.wildwinds.com

RIC and Cohen have POTES in rev. legend!
One of my nicest coins.6 commentsJochen

EB0290 Zeus / PerseusLycaonia, Iconium, AE 16, 1st Century BC.
Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus right.
Reverse: Perseus walking left, holding harpa and head of Medusa.
References: BMC 1; SNGvA 5285 (5385?).
Diameter: 16.5mm, Weight: 3.243g.EB

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