Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2012/04/25

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Subject: [Leica] IMG: Pantikapaion stater
From: john.nebel at csdco.com (John Nebel)
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:34:27 -0600
 
http://photos.csd.net/pantikapaion_stater.html

mouse over for reverse, click for enlargement

4th cent BC, diameter 22 mm

The coin is from Pantikapaion, a Greek settlement on the north shore of 
the Bosporus.  Its obverse is a satyr with an ivy wreath, reverse a 
griffin, the PAN inscription is probably a pun on the name of the city 
and some also think of the obverse, the god Pan.

I have read (MacDonald Bosporus 2005) that the name of the town may have 
derived from an Iranian language's panti kapa or fish route, the 
Bosporous.  Pantikapaion was also grain exporter.

Journey into the twilight zone here: <http://www.atmo.info/Mithridat.htm>

Nevertheless, this coin does exist, it's thoroughly weird and beautiful 
and subject of several attempts at photographing it over many years, its 
relief and reflectivity rather than mystical issues presenting problems.

C & C welcome.

Best,

John
Replies: Reply from hopsternew at gmail.com (Geoff Hopkinson) ([Leica] IMG: Pantikapaion stater)
Reply from tcharara at mac.com (Tarek Charara) ([Leica] IMG: Pantikapaion stater)