Is it Greek or Celtic or something completely different??

[bhx7 222]

Hi All

Now this one seems to be baffling everyone I have asked so far. I bought this tiny little coin recently more as a curio, it is a wopping 6.5-7mm diameter and weighing a whole 0.5g. It was sold to me as an ancient Greek , Asia Minor Obol. I have tried to research it and so far can't find anything like it. I did ask a few other people and they seem to think it looks more Celtic.  Any idea's or places to look would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Paddy 1,878]

I don't know, but have you tried the Indian Princely states? Reminds of some of the small silver coins they produced.

 

[zookeeperz 470]

looks like a crude medusa type creature on the right if you rotate it back anti-clockwise Head,body and tail ? and either something representing the devil like a horned minotaur?

[craigy 363]

not uk celtic 

[bhx7 222]

15 hours ago, Paddy said:

I don't know, but have you tried the Indian Princely states? Reminds of some of the small silver coins they produced.

 

Hi Paddy, yes tried those with no luck. Will have another luck as you never know I may have overlooked something. Thanks

 

15 hours ago, zookeeperz said:

looks like a crude medusa type creature on the right if you rotate it back anti-clockwise Head,body and tail ? and either something representing the devil like a horned minotaur?

Thanks Zookeeperz, still trying to visualize the crude medusa, etc... Appreciate you taking a look. The more heads the better 

 

14 hours ago, craigy said:

not uk celtic 

Totally agree Craigy. I still think its probably more Greek or that way. Definitely has everyone puzzled so far. Thanks

[zookeeperz 470]

I thought as the designs were really basic looking they looked more of a representative of something rather than an artistic design Like the medusa looking thing with top part for head the middle section for the body with an arm either side and a long tail like a half human / half sea serpent (siren) . The reverse does look like a front facing Bull sitting on its haunches . Greeks did get in to mythology creatures Perhaps it's a very early type. I do have a vivid imagination I even have a mouse on my 1967 penny .

Ok I think I was closer than I gave myself credit for, The Medusa looking effigy is definitely some kind of sea serpent perhaps an irish harpie as if you look to the left the white area I believe is the sea and there is a what looks like a fish or a dolphin head just above the surface. Also the space adjacent to the left of the head has a tick which as you know always depicts a flying bird in the distance, The other effigy I am pretty sure is a dancing bear as there was more detail on the coin when I reversed negged the picture. the rest of the ear and the side profile of the nose and mouth.

 

 

Edited May 1, 2018 by zookeeperz

[zookeeperz 470]

and then i did this and totally threw myself a curveball. I actually think this way up looks more plausible. What do you think?

[bhx7 222]

16 hours ago, zookeeperz said:

I thought as the designs were really basic looking they looked more of a representative of something rather than an artistic design Like the medusa looking thing with top part for head the middle section for the body with an arm either side and a long tail like a half human / half sea serpent (siren) . The reverse does look like a front facing Bull sitting on its haunches . Greeks did get in to mythology creatures Perhaps it's a very early type. I do have a vivid imagination I even have a mouse on my 1967 penny .

Ok I think I was closer than I gave myself credit for, The Medusa looking effigy is definitely some kind of sea serpent perhaps an irish harpie as if you look to the left the white area I believe is the sea and there is a what looks like a fish or a dolphin head just above the surface. Also the space adjacent to the left of the head has a tick which as you know always depicts a flying bird in the distance, The other effigy I am pretty sure is a dancing bear as there was more detail on the coin when I reversed negged the picture. the rest of the ear and the side profile of the nose and mouth.

 

 

Mind blown

My wife an I have  literally looked at it from every angle.  But this way we can see a Lion or some form of mythical creature. 2 legs to bottom of coin. tail coming up and round to the left of the coin as you look at it; head roaring to right.  More than likely once we learn what it should be it will all be very clear!!!

 

[bhx7 222]

This is what I saw initially- CRUDE Drawing Alert - Jug with grapes and a human figure in the bottom section.

[zookeeperz 470]

15 hours ago, zookeeperz said:

and then i did this and totally threw myself a curveball. I actually think this way up looks more plausible. What do you think?

Top left quadrant Do you not think that is a castle? letter C to the right