Metrology
Mass (g) |
Mass (grain) |
Date of measurement |
Reference |
fragmented |
cleaned |
reference weight |
113.90 |
- |
- |
Auction CNG 2014 |
No |
No |
Yes |
Iconography
Symbol |
Technique |
Direction |
Position |
Number |
Synecdoche |
Lion |
Relief |
RIGHT |
Leaping |
|
Protome |
Handle
No
Suspension hole
No
Recarved mould
No
Recarved weight
No
Intentionally destroyed
No
Archaeological description
Auction CNG 2014: Lead tetarteron weight. Hellenistic, circa 3rd century BC. Forepart of lion right, head facing; Λ–Y/Σ–I around, TE monogram below / Blank. Diameter: 37mm; weight: 113.9 g. See CNG 72, lot 2725 (3rd weight) for another example. Near VF. It is uncertain if the legend refers to Lysimachos, whose lion symbol was frequently used on his coinage, or, perhaps more likely, Lysimacheia, his eponymous capital built in 309 BC. If the latter is true, Lysimachos’ symbol would still be entirely appropriate. Interestingly, a similar weight featuring a full lion leaping right and the legends ΛY above and ΣMY below can be attributed to Smyrna in Ionia, another important city within Lysimachos’ realm (see Rochesnard p. 83).
Tekin 2018: Square lead weight. On the obverse there is a lion protome jumping right, in relief. On the corners, Λ-Υ-Σ-Ι. Below the belly of the lion is a ΤΕ (ligature) which stands for tetarton The reverse is blank.