David Atherton Posted May 6 · Member Share Posted May 6 (edited) The title says it all - it's not a variety you come across very often. The portrait is rather stylish and the anatomically correct Hermes is icing on the cake! Domitian Æ Diobol, 7.60g Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, wreathed with corn, r. Rev: LΙΑ; Hermes standing, l., with corn-ears and caduceus RPC 2640 (1 spec.). Emmett -. Dattari-Savio 6745. Ex Naville Auction 88, 7 April 2024, lot 240. An extremely rare diobol featuring Hermes on the reverse, fleetingly struck in regnal year 11 (91-92 AD). The Greeks equated the Egyptian god Thoth with Hermes. Like Thoth, Hermes was often a guide, a messenger, and an espouser of wit and learning. The wreath of corn ears Domitian is wearing on the obverse, along with the corn ears and caduceus Hermes is holding on the reverse, symbolise a profitable and stable grain supply. Missing from most major collections, only six specimens are recorded in the RPC online database. In hand. Thank you for looking! Edited May 6 by David Atherton 19 1 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAZ Numismatics Posted May 6 · Member Share Posted May 6 Nice coin! I wasn't aware of the type. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted May 6 · Supporter Share Posted May 6 That's a really masterful portrait, and perfectly centered, too. Great rarity! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted May 6 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted May 6 Nice style David and we don't get to see Hermes on coins very often, good pick-up! May be an early reference to Hermes Trimegistus, or Thrice Holy Hermes which had its origins in Egypt. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted May 6 · Member Author Share Posted May 6 3 hours ago, Ancient Coin Hunter said: Nice style David and we don't get to see Hermes on coins very often, good pick-up! May be an early reference to Hermes Trimegistus, or Thrice Holy Hermes which had its origins in Egypt. You could be correct! And it is neat to see Hermes represented on a coin. If anyone wishes to share their Hermes coins, please feel free to do so! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted May 6 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted May 6 (edited) Great signature line @David Atherton. I guess you've got the angle on the headpiece to the staff of Ra and hence the Ark of the Covenant???☺️ Edited May 6 by Ancient Coin Hunter 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted May 6 · Member Author Share Posted May 6 3 hours ago, Ancient Coin Hunter said: Great signature line @David Atherton. I guess you've got the angle on the headpiece to the staff of Ra and hence the Ark of the Covenant???☺️ You know it! Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.