Lot 2614

Description

Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Laodikeia ad Mare, type issued 81-16 B.C., issue dated A = 48-47 B.C., silver tetradrachm, 26mm, (15.18 g), obv. turreted bust of Tyche to right, bead and reel border, rev. Zeus seated to left, holding Nike and sceptre to right downwards **LAODIKEWN/TWN PROSAS* to left **QALASSH*, in inner left field A (date)/ ZH, in exergue KA, monogram below throne, (S.5874, Morkholm Laodicea ad Mare (ANS MN 28, 1983 No.21b, HGC 9, 1398). Attractive light patination, nearly extremely fine and very rare date.

Ex Spink & Son, London Auction Sale 162 (Lot 53) March 27, 2003. A curious one year type where the legend states "Laodikeia by the sea", replacing that on all the other year dates stating "Laodikeia Sacred and Autonomous". Morkholm dates this change to 48/47 B.C., when the status of many cities in the east was in flux after Caesar's victory over Pompey at Pharsalos. Laodikeia de-emphasized its titles and rights to autonomy until 47 B.C., when Caesar passed through the city. Only one example listed in Coin Archives.