Roman Imperial | Claudius II Gothicus| AE Antoninianus | Isis Pharia

Description: Claudius Gothicus | AE Antoninianus Reference: RIC V.1 217 Date: 268-269 CE Obverse: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG; bust, radiate, draped, and cuirassed right Reverse: SALVS AVG; Isis Pharia, draped, standing left, holding sistrum (sacred Egyptian rattle-like instrument) in right hand and situla, containing water from the sacred Nile, in left hand. Epsilon in exergue situla (Cited from: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/the-iconography-of-isis-on-alexandrian-coinage.35014in left hand. Epsilon in exergueMint: Antioch Size: 22.2 mm Weight: 3.29 grams Only three Roman imperial issues depict Isis Pharia and this Antiochene antoninianus of Claudius Gothicus is a very nice example of one of them. Isis Pharia (Isis the Lighthouse or Isis the Guide) is portrayed here to symbolize the goddess' role in guiding the souls of humankind into the afterlife. She carries a sistrum, a sacred instrument, and a situla or water jug containing the healing waters of the Nile. During the third century CE, widespread popularity was given to new, non-mutually exclusive religious groups including the Cult of Mithras, the Cult of Isis; the Cult of Sol Invictus; and of course, Christianity. The mainstream appeal of these new "mystery religions" was that each of them -- in some way shape or form -- made promises of immortality and a blissful afterlife. Prior to the triumph of Christianity (and even for some time after) the Cult of Isis was one of the most popular. According to mythology, the Egyptian god Osiris was murdered by Set who then dismembered Osiris’s body into multiple pieces and scattered them across Egypt. After an exhaustive search, Isis recovers each part and restores Osiris' body. Revivified Osirus and Isis then "get jiggy with it" and conceive the god Horus who goes on to extract sweet, sweet vengeance on Set. Cultists of Isis believed that after participating in elaborate ritual purification and a symbolic death/rebirth, Isis would help an initiate's soul continue after death, just as she had done with Osiris. This coin is a testament to the popularity of the Cult of Isis within the Roman Empire during the third century CE. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only If you purchase multiple items please message me and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!

Price: 44.99 USD

Location: Canton, Michigan

End Time: 2024-09-21T00:41:13.000Z

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