LYDIA, Thyateira. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (42mm, 31.54 g, 6h).

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Three – The Ken Bressett Collection, Part II – Roman Coinage
Lot: 3009. Estimated: $ 150

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 160. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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LYDIA, Thyateira. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (42mm, 31.54 g, 6h). Laureate bust of Commodus right; c/m: at edge with oval incuse / Hephaestus seated left on wreathed cippus, putting finishing touches with hammer on a new Corinthian helmet set for Achlles, while Athena, standing left, holding spear and shield, touches top of column. BMC Lydia 82; for c/m: Howgego 93. Good, rough brown surfaces. Rare mythological type.

From the Ken Bressett Collection. Purchased from John Aiello in 2000 for @ $75.

As related by Homer (Iliad 18), Achilles’ armor was lost when, he allowed his companion Patroclus to wear it while he spurred the Greeks into a battle on the plains below Troy. Overconfident, Patroclus met Hector in single combat. Mistaking Patroclus for Achilles, the Trojan hero Hector brutally killed him and dragged off Patroclus’ still-armored corpse as a war prize. Achilles’ mother, the sea nymph Thetis, persuaded the god Hephaestus to construct a new set of armor, among which a highly decorated shield was included.

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Three, presenting part 1 of the Ken Bressett Collection, featuring Roman coinage, will be held Friday evening, 11 March 2022 beginning at 7:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.