My First Animal On A Coin.

I'm not really sure about the symbolism, @Quintillius. I have read that the bull represented anything from strength and fortitude, to a bull representing the sun, and a cow representing the moon. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could explain better?


It was a place that I was unfamiliar with too, Paul. When I come across these unusual coins, I've found that there usually is a very interesting history regarding their origin. Yes, the coin is said to be fairly scarce. That is an excellent map on the Wikipedia page, thank you.

Another recent find, a Kebren in Troas fraction. Considering it's age, and that the coin is only 10mm in diameter, the ram's head still shows reasonable detail. Apollo's head has not fared so well. I'm surprised that these tiny coins survive at all.

Kebren - Troas. 400-350 BC. Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right. Reverse: Ram's head right; K below.
Bronze. Diameter: 10 mm. Weight: 0.9 gr. Reference: BMC 17

Another interesting subject, Bob. Thank you. I read the on-line sample of "Interdisciplinarity, Creativity, and Learning.", and found the Divine (Golden) Ratio fascinating. I wonder what Euclid would think, if he knew that his "extreme and mean ratio" was still drawing so much attention after more than two millennia?

I think this is the smallest ancient coin I have. It is only 9mm in diameter. Unfortunately Pegasus is not clearly defined, but hopefully I'll find a better example some time in the future.

Skepsis - Troas. 350-310 BC. Obverse: Forepart of Pegasus right. Reverse: Fir tree within linear border.
Bronze. Diameter: 9 mm. Weight: 0.6 gr. Reference: SNG Cop 483; SNG von Aulock 1579

Nice one, Jim. Another twofer.

Thanks Bob. It's always nice to find a "two in one" with the animals.


Cheers Paul. Yes, I have seen some with a stag, but that was the first one I had seen with the bee and kneeling stag combination.

I was lucky to get this Ionian coin with the female head facing left, and the bee reverse. The turreted headdress always makes me think of Tyche, but it seems not in this case.

Ephesos - Ionia. 305-288 BC.
Obverse: Female head left. Reverse: Bee. Reverse Inscription: E Φ. Diameter: 10 mm. Weight: 1.4 gr.
Reference: SNGCop 256; BMC 68-70; SNG Von Aulock 1839

That's a really neat palm tree, but why are they calling it a fir?

@thq It can be frustrating to see how much the creature coins, especially the sea creature coins, go for. I had hoped to add an Akragas eagle and crab coin to my collection, but even very worn ones command high prices.


@january1may It does seem like a rather odd description, and as Paul mentioned it is sometimes referred to as a palm branch. I agree that it is most definitely a palm tree.


I was very lucky with those two Paul, so they may be the last. It's a pretty small colony with just the two.

The Artemis description is better than the "female head left" one. Female head left is just so bland.

Jim

Another decent bronze with honest wear and clear devices. Nice!