Ave!

Syria, Cyrrhus, Marcus Aurelius, Zeus the Protector Reverse

Cyrrhus Mint, ca. 170- 180 AD

Æ 23mm/9.7gm

Con/ Struck slightly off-center on each side, otherwise, Very Fine. Crisp portrait of Aurelius, near complete legends, dark brown patina. An excellent example of this scarce issue!

Obv/ [ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥΡΗΛ] ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC ?ΕΒ; laureate head of Marcus Aurelius, right.

Rev/ ΔΙΟ? ΚΑΤΕΒΑΤΟΥ [ΚΥΡΡΗ?ΤΩΝ], Δ (in r. field); Zeus Kataibates seated on rock, left, holding thunderbolt over eagle and long scepter.

Ref/ BMC 13 & 17-18

Seller's Note/ Zeus Kataibates was the protector of the Oikos (the religious life of the household) from lightning and thunderbolts! In ancient times, monuments and altars to Zeus Kataibates were erected on the site of lightning strikes. In typical household worship, similar altars were dedicated to the God in the courtyard.