Description:

Greek sphere of influence, Istrus in Moesia (modern Romanian Black Sea coast), ca. 4th century BCE. AR Drachm. Obverse: two facing male heads side by side, one upright and the other inverted. Reverse: sea eagle standing left on dolphin. This coin is set within a modern 12K gold (52%) pendant with inlaid glass jewels; the pendant is suspended on a modern black leather cord with sterling silver clasp. The form of the pendant allows the coin to swing freely so that both sides can be seen. This coin is particularly fascinating as scholars believe the imagery was inspired by a solar eclipse (see the link below). Size of pendant: 1.7" W x 3" H (4.3 cm x 7.6 cm); length of cord: 19" L (48.3 cm); total weight: 22.5 grams

Link to paper about the double heads of Istrus being inspired by a solar eclipse: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2005JHA....36...21S by Saslaw, W. C. & Murdin, P., "The double heads of Istrus: the oldest eclipse on a coin?", Journal for the History of Astronomy, Vol. 36, Part 1, No. 122, p. 21 - 27 (2005)

Provenance: ex-private North Carolina, USA collection

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#145796

  • Condition: Coin is F/VF. Pendant and cord are modern and in excellent condition.

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August 6, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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