★ The Nymphaeum of Neocaesarea ★

PONTUS. Neocaesarea. Severus Alexander (222-235). Ae. Dated CY 163 (226/7).

Obv: ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥ ϹЄΟΥ ΑΛЄΞΑΝΔΡΟϹ.
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ΚΟΙ ΠΟ ΝЄΟΚΑΙ ΜΗΤΡΟ ΔΙϹ ΝЄΩΚΟΡ ЄΤ ΡΞΓ.
Front view of two storey nymphaeum, enclosing a statue of Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia.

RPC VI online 6529; Çizmeli 244; Price & Trell fig. 71.

Rare. The term nymphaeum literally means 'temple of the Nymphs'. The nymphaeum was, in fact, dedicated to those minor deities, represented by young maidens, who, according to Greek and Roman mythology, lived in watery places such as springs, rivers and lakes. In addition to their cultic character, nymphaeums were environments suitable for a pleasant rest or mere decorative elements, monumental fountains with an apsidal structure and a vaulted roof that resembled the sacred grottoes of the nymphs, sometimes preceded by a colonnaded portico. Some provincial issues present a complex architectural representation of nymphaea, such as those of Neocaesarea, Hadrianopolis and Nicopolis.

Condition: Good fine.

Weight: 12.87 g.
Diameter: 29 mm.