L. Papius Coins of Variety 150

obverse symbol: harpa
reverse symbol: petasos
trade guild:
RRC: 150
BMCRR: unlisted
Babelon: 149
CNR: unknown

These symbols perhaps signify Mercury / Hermes who killed Argus who was guarding a disguised Io for Juno. Or they perhaps represent Perseus the Greek hero who killed Medusa. His sword is called the harpa (possibly provided to Perseus by Minerva along with a mirror-like shield) and Perseus is sometimes depicted wearing a petasos, the hat assosciated with Hermes (who gave Perseus winged sandals). For a depiction see the statue of Perseus with the head of Medusa, by Antonio Canova, completed 1801 (Vatican Museums) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Perseus_Canova_Pio-Clementino_Inv969.jpg See my blog entry for additional information: http://www.bonannocoins.com/blog/index.html?cq=1&p=4


ImageSourceDateOffering/Estimate Price ($)Realized Price ($)CommentsImage Source
MediterraneanCoins GmbH VCoins store2006-10-27900BACC #38MediterraneanCoins GmbH VCoins store