Interesting type Sam!
In my opinion this scheme (lion above attacking a bull below, also seen on issues of other mints) has a connotation of astral dimension, of near-eastern origin.
Bye
Nico
yes, a very interesting image.
when i first discovered these i thought the scheme was a
bit weird. i relegated them to the pile of rather confused and busy eastern Hellenistic
types.
then i saw my first high
quality specimen (and i haven't seen too many nicer than Sam's!) and i realized that the engraver was forcing the perspective in an effort to depict the two
animals in an almost 3D picture. i now think he did an excellent job, and i have a new respect for these coins.
beautiful example Sam, and thanks for sharing!
~
Peter