contorniate

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Object Type
Museum number: 1844,0425.1933
Description: Copper alloy contorniate. (whole); Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trajan, left; before, countermark inlaid in silver (and possibly gold). (obverse); Annona standing right with cornucopia; Ceres sits left, facing her, sacrificing with right hand over an altar and holding torch in left hand; in background, prow. (reverse)
State
Cultures/periods
Production date: 4thC(late)-5thC
Production place: Minted in: Rome (city)
Materials: copper alloy; silver (countermark); gold (?)
Technique
Dimensions: Die-axis: 6 o'clock; Weight: 26.000 grammes
$Inscriptions
Bibliographic references: Alföldi / Die Kontorniat-Medaillons (253.2); Mittag 1999 / Alte Köpfe in neuen Händen: Urheber und Funktion der Kontorniaten (Traianus II) (obverse die)
Location: Not on display
Subjects: emperor/empress; classical deity; allegory/personification
Associated names: Named in inscription & portrayed: Trajan; Named in inscription & portrayed: Annona; Named in inscription & portrayed: Demeter/Ceres
Acquisition name: Purchased from: William George Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire; Purchased through: Christie's; Purchased through: Harry Osborn Cureton
Acquisition date: 1844
Acquisition notes: Devon.I 908
Department: Coins and Medals
Registration number: 1844,0425.1933

Free entry