TROAS, Alexandria Troas. Valerian I. 253-260 AD. Æ 22mm-As (4.51 gm). IMP LIC VALERIANVS AV[G], laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / COL AVG/TROAS, Silenus standing right, his right arm held by nude figure at left, his left arm behind the neck of satyr at right, who reaches toward another satyr, nearly hidden, facing left behind. Bellinger,
Troy A435; SNG Copenhagen 194. Good VF, gray-green patina.
Although Bellinger describes this intriguing type as "drunken Heracles with satyrs", we believe it represents the "Silenus dance." Silenus was a bearded, hairy old satyr and the mentor of Dionysus. Since "he could not trust his own legs, he is generally represented (being) supported by other satyrs." He is famous for the "Silenus dance," and is referred to as "the dancer." The figure at left is probably his good friend Marsyas, who appears frequently on coins of this city. The horned figure at right is clearly a satyr. The figure behind is human, but only his legs, arm and head appear here. All four are holding each other and generally cavorting about naked.
