EGYPT. Oxyrhynchos. Circa 1st-3rd centuries. Tessera (Lead, 21 mm, 4.77 g, 11 h). Athena-Thoeris advancing right, holding shield and brandishing spear at serpent. Rev. Nike advancing left, holding wreath in her right hand. Dattari (Savio) 11722. Emmett 4413. Good fine.


Milne (The Leaden Token-Coinage of Egypt Under The Romans, NC 8 (1908), p. 287-310) has connected these pieces showing Athena to the Middle-Egyptian town of Oxyrhynchos, famed for the massive find of papyri there by Grenfell and Hunt in the late 19th-early 20th century. Athena had a temple dedicated to her in the town and was equated with the Egyptian goddess Thoeris (or Taweret), who served as a local guardian deity. In contrast to lots 2676 and 2680, which show a tranquil Athena, this piece shows the goddess in full action, smiting down a threatening serpent.