Lot 3545

Sale 85 · Important Australian & World Coins, Medals & Banknotes

Description

Ionia, Ephesus, (1st century A.D.), tesserae, AE 14, (1.734 grams), obv. Medusa facing head, rev. bee, with open wings no inscription. Very fine or better with attractive deep brown patination, very rare.

Ex CNG Auction Sale XXV, March 24, 1993 (lot 309). The piece itself has uncertain status, It is suggested that it could be a tesserae or token made at Ephesus as Ephesus was a cult centre for Artemis. Its issue in either in the late Hellenistic period or early Imperial times is established on the basis of style. It also could have been in use as coinage. Certainly a most unusual piece.

Estimate
$100
Result Status
Sold
Prices Realised
$200

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