CILICIA. Seleucia ad Calycadnus. Gordian III, 238-244. Tetrassarion (Orichalcum, 30 mm, 14.74 g, 7 h). MAP ANTΩ ΓOPΔIANOC Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind; on head, countermark: Δ (mark of value). Rev. [CЄΛЄY] - [ΠΡO]C [T]ΩN KA (sic!) Infant Zeus seated facing on throne, head to left and raising his right hand; around him, three Curetes, each wearing military outfit, striking shields with swords. CNG 93 (2013), 889-890 (same dies). SNG Levante -. SNG Paris -. SNG PFPS -. SNG von Aulock -. Very rare. Flan fault on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.


The Curetes were the protectors of the infant Zeus while he was hidden away on Crete. Their dancing and clashing of swords on shields drowned out the cries of the little child, which saved him from his murderous father Kronos.