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« Last post by v-drome on Today at 09:51:25 pm »
Hi, all. Here is another very tiny lead tessera that has me stumped. The obverse has a male figure to right. At first I thought maybe Helios, but there are no rays and the figure appears to be clothed and bearded. The gesture strongly suggests Serapis, but the modius is either missing or off-flan. Bonner has some examples of amulets with Zeus and Zeus-Serapis wearing himation, so this is what I have gone with. The reverse is half off-flan much more obscure. I am thinking maybe an architectural type with altar, or tree, or maybe throne, crown, or even some type of couch/bed. I am not even sure which orientation is correct. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Jimi
BCC LT94
Lead Tessera
Caesarea Maritima
1st - 3rd century CE
Obv: Zeus-Serapis advancing left, clothed,
raising hand in gesture, (or holding object?),
(staff in left hand?), and (eagle at feet?).
Rev: Uncertain type, partially off-flan, perhaps
throne, or crown, or couch, or temple with altar???
PB 9 x 8 x 1.5mm. 0.51gm. Axis: ?
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1976.