Lot 3249

Description

Phrygia, Aezani, Hadrian, (A.D. 117-138), silver cistophorus, 28mm, (9.91 g), struck AD 128-138, obv. bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust to right, dotted border, around HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, rev. Zeus standing left, holding eagle in right hand and sceptre in left hand, dotted border, (cf.S.3441, RPC III, 1390 [notes 7 examples known], RIC II 497 var. (bust type), Metcalf, 'The Cistophori of Hadrian' [NS 15], type 49 (unlisted dies), RSC 275b). Very fine, lightly toned, evidence of overstriking and very rare.

The attribution of this issue to Aezani is based on style, as Metcalf notes that the mint employed one engraver who cut uniformly broad heads with large noses and thick necks. His lettering in large and crude but consistent throughout. The issue is very rare as Metcalf could only find 13 coins from all types for this mint of which only 7 came with the draped and cuirassed bust. The issue appears to be overstruck on worn Augustus cistophorii.