Description

Title: PISIDIA, SELGE | SILVER OBOL (c. 350–300 BC)

Description: The Historical Narrative: Apotropaic Power and Patronage. Struck in the fiercely independent mountain city of Selge in Pisidia, this silver Obol perfectly encapsulates the synthesis of local belief and Hellenistic influence. The facing Gorgoneion was a powerful apotropaic device—a mythological symbol explicitly designed to avert evil and protect the city (and the coin's bearer) from misfortune. Coupled with the patron goddess of strategic warfare, Athena, this fractional coinage fueled the local economy and paid the formidable mercenaries for which the Selgians were renowned.

Iconography & Artistry
The Obverse: A stylized, facing head of a Gorgoneion (Medusa). While archaic Gorgons were purely monstrous, this 4th-century rendering features a more humanized face with thick, flowing locks, representing the Classical evolution of Greek numismatic art. * The Reverse: The profile of Athena facing right, wearing a prominently crested Attic helmet. Her presence on the reverse underscores the military readiness of the Pisidian highlanders.

Date/Period: 350–300 f.Kr.

Materials: Silver

Dimensions:

Reserve: $80.00

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Location: This item ships from Sweden.

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Condition

Very Fine (Ch. VF)

Buyer's Premium

20%