THRACE. Pautalia. Lucilla (Augusta, 164-182). Ae.

Obv: ΛΟΥKIΛΛΑ CЄBACTH.
Draped bust right.
Rev: OVΛΠIAC ΠAYTAΛIAC.
Serpent Glycon coiled right, with human head and long hair.

Varbanov 4519.

Extremely Rare

Glycon was a snake with a human head worshipped in the city of Abonuteichus in Paphlagonia as the reincarnation of Asklepios. The cult was established during the reign of Antoninus Pius by a certain Alexander of Pella. He used a large tame snake to which he attached a human head made from a painted sheet and horsehair. From the movement of the monster's tongue, Alexander drew very expensive responses for the worshippers. This fraud made him rich and developed into a structured cult, with priests and many followers. Mysteries were even established with sacred representations of the birth of Asklepios, and Glycon even appeared on the gems and coins of Abonuteichus, Pautalia e Nicomedia.

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 11.66 g.
Diameter: 28 mm.