Description
Lydia, Sardes, Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm (12.29g, 29mm, Cistophoric Standard), circa 165-150 BC. Obverse: Cista mystica central with open lid from which serpent emerges to the left, all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Reverse: Two serpents coiled around central decorative bow case, city name “ΣAP” monogram to left field, filleted thrysos to right field. Weber-6898; SNG ANS-1142; GRPC Lydia-S334. Deeply toned each side and well centred, light porosity around periphery, a charming piece in hand, Very Fine, reverse little less so, scarcer then other cistophoric issues.
The reverse monogram reads in full as “ΣAPΔEIΣ” or “Σάρδεις”, English transliteration of “Sárdeis”, with an English translation of “Sardes”.