Nomos 23

LYDIA. Daldis. Gordian III, 238-244. Medallion (Bronze, 48.5 mm, 43.64 g, 12 h), struck when L. Aurelius Hephaistion was first Archon for the second time. ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟΣ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian to right. Rev. ΕΠ Λ ΑΥΡ ΗΦΑΙΣΤΙΩΝΟΣ ΑΡΧ / Α Τ Β / ΔΑΛΔΙΑΝ/ΩΝ On the right, Perseus stealthily advancing to left, towards the three sleeping Gorgons, lying to right beneath a tree; in field to right, above Perseus, winged figure of Hypnos; above left, in the field, temple of Apollo; in field to left, horse walking to left, its head turned back to right. GRPC Lydia 50. Kraft pl 45, 57. Mionnet IV, 34, 178. RPC VII.1, 200 = Online VII.1, 200.6 (this coin). Very rare. Dark, reddish-green patina. Good very fine.

From a European collection, acquired in 2019.

The complexity of the scene on the reverse suggested that it was taken from a painting rather than a sculpture. It is similar to other painterly scenes on coins, such as 'Sulla's Dream' or those of Alexander.