MOESIA INFERIOR. Marcianopolis. Philip II, as Caesar, 244-247. Pentassarion (Bronze, 29 mm, 13.71 g, 1 h), C. Ulpius Pacatus Prastina Messalinus, legatus Augusti pro praetore. Μ ΙΟΥΛΙΟϹ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟϹ ΚΑΙ/ϹΑΡ ΑΥΓ Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip II, on the left, facing draped bust of Serapis, wearing kalathos, on the right. Rev. ΥΠ ΠΡΑϹΤ ΜΕϹϹΑΛΛΕΙΝΟΥ ΜΑΡΚΙΑΝΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ Hermes standing to left, his right foot set on ram's head and his head turned to right; below, turtle left; to left, tree stump against which leans caduceus; in field to right, E (mark of value). Hristova/Jekov 6.44.10.3. RPC VIII online ID 27775 (this coin illustrated). Varbanov 2107 (this coin illustrated). Rare and with a very interesting reverse type. Minor traces of corrosion on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.



The reverse of this coin features the 'Sandalbinder,' a renowned statue by the famous sculptor Lysippos from Sikyon (circa 400/390 - late 4th century BCE). Lysippos, along with Skopas and Praxiteles, is considered one of the three greatest classical sculptors of the Greek Late Classical period. His reputation was so esteemed that, according to an ancient legend, Alexander the Great only allowed himself to be depicted in bronze by Lysippos, just as he supposedly only permitted Apelles to paint him.