ASIA MINOR or LEVANTINE REGION. Uncertain, 2nd-1st centuries BC. Hemilitron (1/2 Libra) (Lead, 76x70 mm, 269.66 g). HMIΛI/TPON engraved within linear square; around and in center, five rectangular countermarks of ΠPBC (?). Pondera -. Some edge chipping, otherwise, very fine.



The clumsily engraved inscription on this weight was likely added later, perhaps to revalidate it as a hemilitron. The five countermarks are identical but difficult to read. One possible reading is ΠPBC, certainly an abbreviation, though hard to interpret. It might stand for πρεσβευτής (Presbeutes), an office documented on Galatian and Cappadocian coins of the 1st century AD, but not previously found on weights.