-
Copyright credit: Auction CNG 2011
-
Copyright credit: Auction CNG 2011
-
Copyright credit: Auction CNG 2011
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE WEIGHT
Authority
Mint
Ainos
Denomination
Material
Copper alloy (bronze or brass)
Manufacture
Cast
Shape
Square
Length
4.40 cm
Width
4.40 cm
Height
0.80 cm
Metrology
| Mass (g) | Mass (grain) | Date of measurement | Reference | fragmented | cleaned | reference weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128.07 | - | - | Auction CNG 2011 | No | No | Yes |
Iconography
| Symbol | Technique | Direction | Position | Number | Synecdoche |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herm | Relief | FACING | |||
| Throne | Relief | FACING |
Wear
Corrosion
Handle
Yes
Suspension hole
Yes
Recarved mould
No
Recarved weight
No
Intentionally destroyed
No
Archaeological description
Auction CNG 2011: Lead commercial weight. Thracian (Ainos), 2nd-1st centuries BC. Square, uniface commerical weight with suspension loop. Front face containing, in raised design, ithyphallic cult image of Hermes Perpheraios set on facing throne above π. Dimensions (exclusive of suspension loop and raised design): 4.4×4.4×0.8cm; weight: 128.07g. Intact with attractive tan-brown sufaces. [...] The weight of 128g would put the piece around five ounces, with the π presumably standing for penta.
Autopsy
No
INSCRIPTION
| Language | Technique | Legend type |
|---|---|---|
| Greek | Relief | Unidentified |
Fac simile
Π
Edition
Π
Monogram
ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Findspot (region)
Findspot (site)
context
CIRCUMSTANCES OF ACQUISITION
Region
City
Date of first acquisition
Sept. 14, 2011
circumstances
Antiquities trade.
DATING OF THE WEIGHT
Curatorial Section
GREEK
Time frame
FROM
-400
TO
-100
Comments on Chronology
Tekin 2016a: The depiction on the Ainos weights is parallel to the coins of the fourth century BC but their corresponding mna values (608.5 g and 640.35 g) [Cf. Tekin 2016a for the other similar weight] indicate Late Hellenistic period (first century BC).
COLLECTION HISTORY
Collection
| Name | Date of acquisition | Inventory number |
|---|---|---|
| Antiquities Trade | Sept. 14, 2011 | None |
Bibliography
| Reference | Page/Column | Reference (number) | Plate / Figure | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auction CNG 2011c | None | 2171 | None | None |
| Tekin 2016a | 57–60, 181 | 1 | pl. 7/43 | None |
VARIA
Additional comment
Auction CNG 2011: Lead weight / Tekin 2016: AE.
Auction CNG 2011: According to myth, the famous cult image of Hermes Perpheraios was carved by Epeios, the maker of the Trojan Horse. Lost at sea, the statue was caught by local fishermen of Ainos. Quite displeased with their catch, they attempted to cut it up for firewood but could not split it. They then tried to burn the image as a whole, but the flames would not catch. Finally, the frustrated fishermen threw the statue back to sea. It was only when it was caught in their nets a second time that the sacredness of the object was realized. The cult image makes its first appearance on the coinage of Ainos around the mid 5th century (May group XV) as a subsidiary symbol. It stands as the principal reverse type for 4th century drachms and a unique gold piece of uncertain date (May B AV = BMC 1).
Auction CNG 2011: According to myth, the famous cult image of Hermes Perpheraios was carved by Epeios, the maker of the Trojan Horse. Lost at sea, the statue was caught by local fishermen of Ainos. Quite displeased with their catch, they attempted to cut it up for firewood but could not split it. They then tried to burn the image as a whole, but the flames would not catch. Finally, the frustrated fishermen threw the statue back to sea. It was only when it was caught in their nets a second time that the sacredness of the object was realized. The cult image makes its first appearance on the coinage of Ainos around the mid 5th century (May group XV) as a subsidiary symbol. It stands as the principal reverse type for 4th century drachms and a unique gold piece of uncertain date (May B AV = BMC 1).
Permalink
External link