104-98BC Mysia Pergamon Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm – gVF
104-98BC Mysia Pergamon Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm.
With an intriguing mystical design serpent emerging from a Cista Mystica, garland wreath around. the reverse with two serpents entwined around bowcase.
This coin features a delicate light cabinet toning. It has been graded as good Very Fine
Description
Origin:Greece
Denomination:Cistophoric Tetradrachm
Composition:Silver
Date:104-98 B.C.
Obverse:Head of Athena Parthenos to right, wearing necklace, pendant earring, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, Pegasos in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, and curvilinear ornament on the bowl
Reverse:Owl standing to right, head facing, on prostrate amphora [dated m] A-ӨE above magistrates names Phanokles, Apollonios and Philinos. Artemis with torch in field, all within olive wreath
Diameter & Weight:12.46g, 26mm, 1h
Grade:Good Very Fine, well centered with light cabinet toning
Provenance:Ex.Noonans Mayfair, London, Great Britain
References:Thompson 705i
Mysia, Pergamon: The Silver Cistophorus That Hissed with Style
A Coin with Bite and Prestige
Struck in Pergamon during the 2nd century BC, the Silver Cistophoric Tetradrachm wasn’t your average Hellenistic coin. Although it carried the weight of a tetradrachm, it contained silver closer to three Attic drachms—clever economics with a shine of divine mystery.
At first glance, the obverse grabs attention: a cista mystica, sacred to Dionysus, spills its secrets as snakes slither from its sides. On the reverse, a wreath of ivy frames a bow case and serpent-wrapped staff—symbols oozing with religious and cultural meaning.
Over time, even the Romans kept the design, recognising its regional power. However, they couldn’t resist stamping their emperors’ egos onto it later.
Though born in Pergamon, this coin travelled far and wide, carrying with it the myth, identity, and ambition of a city that punched well above its weight—while keeping its snakes right where it could see them.
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