Classical Numismatic Group > Electronic Auction 561Auction date: 1 May 2024
Lot number: 454

Price realized: 80 USD   (Approx. 75 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Show similar lots on CoinArchives

Find similar lots in upcoming
auctions on
  NumisBids.com
Lot description:


CILICIA, Seleucia ad Calycadnum. Macrinus. AD 217-218. Æ (29mm, 11.62 g, 6h). Laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front; c/m: small circle within Δ / Infant Zeus seated facing on throne, head left, raising right hand; around him, three Curetes, each wearing military outfit, striking shields with swords. SNG BN 990-1; SNG Levante –; BMC 30. For c/m: Howgego 670. Earthen brown surfaces, scrape, cleaning scratches, reverse pit. Coin Fine; c/m: Near VF.

Ex NBS Web Auction 5 (25 April 2021), lot 546.

The Curetes share some of the attributes of the Corybantes, dancing divinities associated with the worship of Cybele, but their specific role in Greek mythology was to serve as the protectors of the infant Zeus while he was hidden away on Crete, safe from his murderous father Cronus. Their militant dancing, accompanied by the clashing of swords on shields, drowned out the cries of the infant. The Curetes' dance was later reenacted by young men at Greek festivals and games.

Estimate: 100 USD