LYDIA, Sardis. temp. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Medallion (39mm, 23.24 g, 12h). Aurelius Rufinus, first archon for the second time. Near VF.

Triton XXVII
Lot: 470. Estimated: $ 1 000

Roman Provincial, Bronze, Coin-in-Hand Video

Sold For $ 850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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LYDIA, Sardis. temp. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Medallion (39mm, 23.24 g, 12h). Aurelius Rufinus, first archon for the second time. ACIAC ΛYΔIAC ЄΛΛAΔOC A MHTPOΠOΛIC CAPΔIC, turreted, veiled, and draped bust of the Tyche of Sardis right / ЄΠI AYP POYΦЄINOY APX A T B CAPΔIANΩN B NЄΩKOPΩN, Zeus Lydios seated left, holding Nike in right hand and scepter in left; within zodiac circle; ZЄYC ΛYΔIOC across field. Hochard 2222 (D381/R807); Kurth 340; RPC VII.1. 3 (this coin). Brown patina, roughness, smoothing, once gilt with traces remaining. Near VF. Very rare, five recorded in RPC.

Ex J. P. Righetti Collection, no. 275; Lanz 163 (7 December 2016), lot 435; Lanz 151 (30 June 2011), lot 857; Peus 366 (25 October 2000), lot 731.

A popular Zodiac reverse type. Lorber summarized the type as "...a symbolic map of the cosmos. Zeus, chief of the gods, is the central figure... Surrounding this scene is a broad band containing the twelve signs of the zodiac. The entire design reflects the common belief of third-century Romans that their lives were shaped by higher powers. This schema and variations on it were employed by numerous mints for different emperors from the mid-second through the mid-third centuries."

The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.

Triton XXVII – Session Two – Lot 338–647 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 9 January 2024 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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