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Obolos 11

8 December 2018
Webauction
overview
Starting Price: 50 CHF
Hammer Price:  50 CHF
Lot 626

Aurelian, 270-275. Antoninianus (Billon, 24 mm, 3.36 g, 5 h), Rome, 2nd officina, 275. IMP AVRELIAVS AVG Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian to right. Rev. ORIENS AVG /B/ XXIR Sol, radiate, walking right, holding arrow in his right hand and bow in his left, his left foot resting on a captive kneeling on the ground to right, head to left. Cohen 159. RIC 64. RIC online 1815. Excellent surfaces, well struck, clear and fully silvered. Good extremely fine.

According to the bibliography, in this type, Sol is holding an olive branch with his right hand and a bow with his left. In the present example though, the shaft clearly ends with a pointed triangular peak that makes the object look more like a decorated arrow. The use of the olive branch, symbol of peace and prosperity, is opposed by the appearance of a weapon in Sol's hand and his attacking stance, making the scene not rational. What if Sol is actually holding an arrow?.

Online bidding closes: 8 Dec 2018, 21:13:00 CET Current Date & Time: 9 May 2024, 00:40:01 CEST Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:50 CHF by MailBidder2474 (1 bid)
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