MOESIA INFERIOR. Callatis. Septimius Severus (193-211). Ae Tetrassarion

MOESIA INFERIOR. Callatis. Septimius Severus (193-211). Ae Tetrassarion.

Obv: AVT K Λ CЄΠ CЄVHPOC ΠЄ.
Laureate head right.
Rev: KAΛΛATIANΩN.
Serpent Glycon coiled right; Δ (mark of value) to upper left.

Varbanov 296 corr. (obv. legend).

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 and Nicomedia.

Condition: Near very fine.

Weight: 10.73 g.
Diameter: 24 mm. Estimate: € 50