#countermark

They can’t all be winners…

Roman Province - Bithynia

AE23 - 6.19g

Gordian III 238-244 AD

Nicaea Mint

Obverse Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC ΑΥΓ

Bust of Gordian III right, radiate, draped, cuirassed, from front

Reverse ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ

Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae, countermark: Nike standing right, holding wreath and palm (GIC 255, RIC 378)

O’Brien Irish Coin Guide: Edward VI’s Irish Shilling

Introduction:

Edward VI was crowned King of England and Ireland on crowned on 20 February at the age of nine. During Edward’s reign, the realm was governed by a Regency Council because he never reached his majority.

The Council was first led by his uncle Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset (1547–1549), and then by John Dudley, 1st Earl of Warwick, from 1551 Duke of Northumberland.

His short…

Silver Stater with an interesting countermark, minted in Selge, Pisidia, Circa 350 BC

On the obverse, two athletes wrestle, grasping each other's arms with a circular countermark in the shape of a curved triskelion. On the reverse, a slinger advances, about to discharge his shot; in right field, triskelion.

The obverse countermark is similar to reverse types commonly used by the dynasts of Lycia, and could indicate usage in that nearby province.

A triskelion or triskele is a motif consisting of three interlocked spirals, or three bent human legs. The triskelion symbol appears in many early cultures, including the earliest known astronomical calendar in Ireland at the famous megalithic tomb of Newgrange (c. 3200 BC, Mycenaean vessels, on coinage in Lycia and on staters of Pamphylia (at Aspendos, 370–333 BC) and Pisidia. It also appears as a heraldic emblem on warriors' shields depicted on Greek pottery.

Strabo states that Selge was founded by Spartans. It was built on fertile land, producing an abundance of oil and wine. The town was difficult to access, being surrounded by cliffs and streams. Bridges were required to make them passable. Because of its location, excellent laws and Spartan-like warriors, Selge became the most powerful city of Pisidia and at one time was able to send 20,000 men into the battlefield if necessary.  Because of this, the Selgians were never subject to any foreign power.  When Alexander the Great passed through Pisidia in 333 BC, Selge sent an embassy to him and gained his favour and friendship.