IONIA. Ephesus. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Tessera (Bronze, 20 mm, 3.55 g, 1 h), circa 1st century AD. KHΡIΛIC ΩΔE ΠΡOC ΠAΛΥΡIN Bee. Rev. Є-Φ / CKⲰΠΙ Stag kneeling left, head turned back to right. BMC 186. SNG Copenhagen 355. SNG von Aulock 1875. Rare. An exceptionally well preserved example with a beautiful glossy green patina. Minor areas of weakness on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.


With the exception of the ethnic, the meaning of the legends on this beautiful tessera eludes us, suggesting that they represent mystical formulae rather than actual text.