Lot 2265
Valerian I. Æ 25 (15.18 g), AD 253-260. Tyre in Phoenicia. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I right. Reverse: Kadmos standing facing, head left, holding patera and spear; at feet to left, cow reclining right; in left field, city gate of Thebes above ΘH/B?; in right field, murex shell. Rouvier 2500; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. Very Rare. Earthen green patina. Choice Very Fine. Estimate Value $700 - 800
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
The reverse depicts the foundation myth of the great city of Thebes in Boeotia. According to legend, while wandering through Greece in search of his sister, Europa, who had been abducted by Zeus, Kadmos consulted the Delphic Oracle. The Oracle instructed him to give up his search for his sister and to follow a special cow, one marked with a half moon on her flank, and at the spot where she lie down to rest to build a city. He did so, founding Thebes and becoming its first king.
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