Description: Greek Coin of MYSIA, Pergamum Struck Circa 133-67 BC. AR Silver Cistophorus (26mm, 12.51 gm, 12h) Reference: SNG France 5, 1741 Certified: NGC Choice AU Strike: 5/5 - Surface: 4/5 6158249-011 Obverse: Serpent arising from cista mystica; all within ivy wreath Reverse: Bow in bow case decorated with aphlaston, flanked by two serpents; KT and ΠPY monogram above, ΠΕPΓ monogram in left field, serpent entwined thyrsus in right field. Coin Notes: Pergamum had a distinct monetary system marked by the minting of cistophori, a large silver coin native to the region. The coin was introduced in Pergamum prior to Roman rule but continued to be minted throughout, with portraits of Roman emperors appearing on later issues. The cistophorus, literally translating to "cista-bearer," was named after the cista, or box, often appearing in the coin's design. This notable coin typically bore the emblem of a snake emerging from a cista mystica (a sacred basket), a nod to the local religious ritual associated with the Dionysian Mysteries. Arrives with specifications page for your reference. See the Genuine History Collection A cista mystica (secret casket) is a sacred object thought to have originated in ancient Egypt. It is usually made of reeds (papyrus) and used in the Khoiak ritual of Denderah. Inside the box was a vase, and inside the vase was the head of Osiris, a canopic box containing the viscera of the dead god. Concrete evidence concerning the cista mystica of Isis is scarce. In Roman times, Plutarch gives an account of the pouring of drinking water into a golden casket inside the cista, while the congregation shouts “Osiris has been found.”In ancient Greek mystery cults, the cistra mystica were wicker-work boxes which seem to have contained a live serpent, as represented in numerous ancient images, including coins on which a cista is shown half-open with a serpent creeping out of it. These cistra were sometimes oblong, but more frequently cylindrical, for example, as represented in a statue of Silenus sitting on a large drum-shaped cista, holding a wine-jug in his hand. Cistra mystica were also carried in procession in the Greek festivals of Demeter and Dionysus—these boxes were always kept closed in public, and contained sacred items connected with the worship of these deities. The cista mystica was also known to be sacred to Bacchus, but similar cult objects were probably also affiliated with Isis. In the Bacchic mysteries, the serpent was carried on a bed of grape leaves and was used as a stand-in for the god. The characteristic form of the serpent was an important component of the symbolism, and classical sources note it shares its shape with “the forms of men.” Cista Depicting a Dionysian Revel and Perseus with Medusa's Head, The Walters Art Museum.
Price: 1999 USD
Location: Forest Hills, New York
End Time: 2025-01-19T02:59:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Composition: Silver
Certification Number: 6158249-011
Grade: Ch AU
KM Number: SNG France 5, 1741
Certification: NGC
Date: 133-67 BC
Denomination: Cistaphorus
Historical Period: Greek (450 BC-100 AD)
Cleaned/Uncleaned: Uncleaned
Year: 133 BC
Era: Ancient
Country/Region of Manufacture: Greece
Variety: Mid-mass Coinage Issue
