ASIA MINOR. Uncertain. 2nd-3rd centuries. Tessera (Lead, 15 mm, 2.00 g). Monogram of ΦΛ within wreath. Rev. Blank. For a very similar tessera with two palm branches (?) instead of a wreath, see N. Schindel: 'A lead tessera and its potential importance for understanding the reverse image of ‘Abd al-Malik’s 'standing caliph' coins', in: Journal of the Oriental Numismatic Society 209 (2011), pp. 12-13. A very interesting piece. Some deposits, otherwise, good very fine.


Schindel connects the tessera that is the subject of his publication to the 'standing caliph' coins of ‘Abd al-Malik, which is not very plausible. This tessera and ours much more likely date to the 2nd-3rd centuries. Their monograms ΦΛ or ΦIΛ must refer to a magistrate's name beginning Phil..., like Philippos, Philolaos or Philostratos.