| Leu Numismatik AG > Web Auction 28 | Auction date: 9 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 2643 Price realized: 165 CHF (Approx. 188 USD / 174 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: SYRIA, Decapolis. Gadara. Elagabalus, 218-222. Octassarion (Bronze, 30 mm, 19.15 g, 12 h), CY 281 = 218. [ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΥΡ] ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝΟϹ Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus to right. Rev. ΠΟΜΠ / ΓΑΔΑΡЄⲰ[Ν] / ΑΠϹ Galley with eight oarsmen and hortator at stern left; at prow, figure standing right and vexillum; below to left, dolphin swimming right. Rosenberger 79. RPC VI online 9255.8 and 9255.13 (both this coin, listed twice in error). SNG ANS 1330. Spijkerman 85 (same dies). Repatinated, otherwise, about very fine. From the Jay Smith Collection of coins of Elagabalus, ex Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 525, 19 October 2022, 697, Classical Numismatic Group Mail Bid Sale 118, 13 September 2021, 745, from the Father & Son Collection, Goldberg 90, 2 February 2016, 3195 and ex Goldberg 37, 10 September 2006, 3439. Situated near the modern village of Ain Qais in Jordan, close to the triple border with Israel and Syria, Gadara was a strategic stronghold in a defensible position with access to the nearby springs and cisterns, and also a major center of Hellenistic culture. Originally part of the Herodian Kingdom of Judaea, Gadara was annexed to the Roman Province of Syria upon the death of Herod the Great in 4 BC. The galley shown on some of its 3rd century coins is probably a reference to the Roman fleet serving the Sea of Galilee, which was well visible from Gadara, and which saw action during the First Jewish Revolt, in 67 CE. Starting price: 75 CHF |  |
