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View: Obverse
Tetradrachm (cistophoros) of Sardis with cista mystica
Greek
Hellenistic Period
about 135–128 B.C.
Mint: Lydia, Sardis
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
Diameter: 28 mm. Weight: 12.08 gm. Die Axis: 2
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule Jr.
Accession Number59.311
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsNumismatics – Coins
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek Coins, 1950-1963 (MFA), no. 199.
DescriptionObverse: Cista mystica with lid raised, serpent issuing to left, downwards, all in an ivy wreath with bunches of berries.
Reverse: Two serpents entwined around a bow-case ornamented with palmettes. At right, a draped figure (Zeus Lydios) stands to left, phiale in extended right hand.
At upper left: I = year 10 = 124 B.C.
Monogram above case and inscription at left.
Reverse: Two serpents entwined around a bow-case ornamented with palmettes. At right, a draped figure (Zeus Lydios) stands to left, phiale in extended right hand.
At upper left: I = year 10 = 124 B.C.
Monogram above case and inscription at left.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the American Numismatic Society; by 1959: Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule Jr. Collection; gift of Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule Jr. to MFA, May 14, 1959