Description
Mysia, Pergamon, period following the death of Attalus III and the formation of the Roman Province Asia, Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm (12.33g, 26mm, Cistophoric Standard), circa 133-67 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 bow case, city name “ΠEΡ” monogram downward to left field, serpent entwined staff horizontal to right field, “ΠA” over “ΠΡY” monogram above. SNG Copenhagen-438. Despite the off-centre strike on the obverse, which the series often has unilateral deficits in strike, the piece offers sharp detail in high relief, very attractive in hand, Extremely Fine, reverse near Extremely Fine.
The reverse city monogram reads in full as “ΠEPΓAMON” or “Πέργαμον”, with a transliteration and translation of “Pérgamon” / “Pergamon”.
