Mesopotamia, Uncertain, AE 2nd-1st Century BC, Male Head / Camel – RRRRR

$780.00

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SKU: G14.20 Categories: ,

Description

Mesopotamia, Uncertain, AE (bronze, 4.51g, 20.3mm), 2nd-1st Century BC
Obv: Radiate and diademed male head right (Helios-Shamash? God of sun)
Rev: Camel standing left
Ref: This is one of only three known examples of this type, with the present specimen being the best-known; CNG 79, lot 713 (2008) and CNG E-Auction 405 lot 244 (2017) Rarity/Choice: Extremely Rare, VF (Very bold relief with clear green patina, entirely natural, with a layer of encrusted earth that has been formed over time and helped protect the coin for a long period. It has undergone some cleaning, allowing for identification)
Note:  Disclosure: Please note that the information in the references regarding the present coin is incomplete, and due to further study by the numismatic community in future.                  Mesopotamia, under Seleucid rule, was a melting pot of cultures, trade, and religion. Cities like Seleucia and Babylon thrived as commercial centers, while diverse communities coexisted, influenced by Greek, Persian, and indigenous traditions. The economy relied on agriculture and trade, with camels playing a vital role in transportation, reflecting the region’s prosperity and cultural richness. The obverse of the coin features the radiate and diademed male head, hesitantly identified as the sun god Helios or the Mesopotamian sun god Shamash. Helios, the Greek personification of the sun, was often depicted with a radiant crown or halo, symbolizing the sun’s brilliance and life-giving power. Similarly, Shamash, the Babylonian sun god, was associated with justice, law, and divinity. On the reverse side, a camel is depicted standing left. Camels were integral to trade and transportation in Mesopotamia, serving as reliable pack animals capable of traversing the region’s arid landscapes. Their appearance on coins symbolizes the importance of trade and commerce in Mesopotamian society. Overall, this coin provides valuable insights into the daily life, religious practices, and economic activities of the people who inhabited ancient Mesopotamia during the Hellenistic period.