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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 

The Source of the Chrysoroas River

341, Lot: 39. Estimate $300.
Sold for $1800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SYRIA, Coele-Syria. Damascus. Macrinus. AD 217-218. Æ (24mm, 12.07 g, 12h). Laureate and cuirassed bust right, with gorgoneion on breastplate / Elevated temple seen in perspective to left, situated above spring from which river-god swims; tree to right of spring, altar at base of temple steps. De Saulcy 2; Rosenberger –; BMC –; cf. Price & Trell Fig. 413 (same type for Otacilia). Near VF, green patina, earthen highlights. Very rare and highly interesting type.


From the J.S. Wagner Collection.

This remarkable type makes its first appearance during the short reign of Macrinus and was used only very occasionally thereafter. Related types explicitly state the scene depicts the source (πηγή) of the Chrysoroas (Barada) River (see lot 57 below).