Nomos 10

Odessos, Moesia Inferior. Gordian III, 238-244. Hexassarion (Bronze, 35mm, 28.01 g 7). ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC ΑVΓ Radiate, draped and cuirassed three-quarter bust of Gordian to left, holding globe in his left hand and raising his right hand in greeting. Rev. ΟΔΗCCΕΙΤΩΝ On the left, Hygeia standing right, holding phiale in her left hand from which she feeds snake held in her right; to right, Asklepios standing left, holding serpent-entwined staff in his right hand. AMNG 2315. Varbanov 4434. An impressive, very well struck and very well centered ‘medallic’ coin with a lovely, glossy dark green patina. Traces of very careful cleaning, otherwise, extremely fine.

This coin is an unusually fine example of a special issue from Odessos (the importance of the issue is shown by the fact that obverse die was also used for comparable issues at Marcianopolis and Tomis). What is also worthy of note about this coin is that, unlike so many coins that have appeared over the past generation from Bulgaria, the modern inhabitants have not used their cleaning ‘skills’ to improve it (as they have with so many others from that country).