Lot 3865

Description

Ionia, Ephesus, (c.91-90 B.C.), silver cistophoric tetradrachm, (12.518 grams), year ME = 45 = 90-89 B.C., obv. Cista mystica with half opened lid, from which a serpent issues left, the whole in wreath of ivy. rev. Two coiled serpents with erect heads between them a bow case with a strap ornamented with an aplustre and strung bow at left, long upright torch to right, between serpents upright serpent staff, to left ME (= year 45), E **F* E below to left, (cf.S.4394, Kleiner ANS Museum Notes 18, No. 46, (p.26), Paris BN 2665, Pinder 36, SNG Cop.326). Mint bloom, extremely fine and very rare.

One of the rarer dates of this series from 133 - 67 B.C. The proconsular cistophori followed. Four examples of this date recorded by Francois De Callatay in "L'Historie des Guerres Mithradatiques vue par les Monnaies", p.161 and notes three obverse dies used.