THRACE. Mesambria. Gordian III, with Tranquillina (238-244). Ae.

Obv: ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ΑΥΓ ϹΕΒ ΤΡΑΝΚΥΛΛΙΝΑ.
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian and draped bust of Tranquillina, wearing stephane, facing one another.
Rev: ΜΕϹΑΜΒΡΙΑΝΩΝ.
Two dancing Corybantes, holding swords and raising shields.

RPC VII.2 1233; Varbanov 4186.

The Corybantes, initially linked to the Phrygian cult of Cybele, are part of the story of the early days of Zeus' life. Kronos wanted to kill all the children he fathered because an oracle had predicted that one of his newborns, once grown, would sooner or later dethrone him. To prevent this, being immortal themselves and unable to simply kill them, he swallowed them as soon as they were born. For this reason, his wife Rhea, on the advice of her parents, decided to give birth to Zeus in secret on the island of Crete. The Corybantes, described as armed warriors, were tasked with making a terrible noise by incessantly beating their swords on their shields, so that the cries of the newborn would not reach Cronos' ears and reveal Rhea's deception.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 10.62 g.
Diameter: 24 mm.