Lot 3729

Description

Syria, Coele-Syria, Damascus, Trebonianus Gallus, (A.D. 251-253). AE 25mm, (9.43 g), obv. laureate bust right of Trebonianus Gallus with slight drapery on left shoulder, IMP C VIB TREB GALLO AVG, REV. COL **DAM-AS [METR]*, infant seated left on low stool, raising hands upward to stag above to right; [ram, head left, leaping right] in exergue. (S.4352, BMC 29; SNG Cop.-; Rosenberger 56). Good very fine, black patina with dusty beige and gray-green overtones, very light adjustment marks on reverse.

Ex Noble Numismatics, Sale 86, Lot 3384, previously Classical Numismatic Group, Auction Sale 72, June 14, 2006 (lot 1247) realised US$300, coming from the Garth R. Drewry Collection who acquired it from David Vagi at FUN Show, 9th January 2003.
While the reverse of this coin must allude to the myth of Telephus being suckled by a doe, the engraver has clearly depicted a stag. Perhaps the die-cutter had never seen a deer before?