Back to Main Themes page |  Back to Religious/Mythological Symbols

Caduceus

The caduceus is a staff adorned with two snakes and sometimes wings that was carried by Hermes in his role as messenger of the gods. The two snakes derive from a myth where Hermes separated two fighting snakes and thus symbolizes his additional role as a peacemaker.

(3 coins)
Macedonian Kings, Philip II, (359-336 B.C.)

AV Stater, 8.57g.  18.5mm.  Issued under Philip III, c.323-317 B.C.  Kolophon mint  Laureate head of Apollo to right.  Rev.  Charioteer driving biga to right; caduceus and spear point  below.  Thompson in Studia Paulo Naster Oblata p. 58, 9.  Lustrous, fine style, and high relief head.   

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: Stacks, NY, Auction 113, Jan. 8, 2013, lot 75.

See more detailed image
Mint State $15,000.
Italy, Apulia, Venusia

AE Semis, 3.41g. 16.5mm.  c.205-200 B.C. Draped bust of Hermes to right wearing winged petasos.  Rev. VE.  Winged boot; caduceus and S (Semis) to left.  HN, Italy, 726. SNG ANS 770. Small patina scrape on reverse.   Rare and among the best known examples.  Fine green patna with some light encrustation.

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 40, May 16, 2007, lot 209.

See more detailed image
Extremely Fine $3,500.
53198 New Add to Cart
Syria, Palmyra

AE 16, 4.81g.   2nd-3rd cents. A.D. Head and neck of bull to right; crescent below.  Rev. Caduceus between two crossed cornucopia. De Saulcy 65,3 = Mionnet, vol. 6, 653, 286(Uncertain mint).   BMC_.  SNG COP_.  SNG Munich_.   Scarce and with an attractive brown patina.

See more detailed image
good Very Fine $400.

Back to Main Themes page |  Back to Religious/Mythological Symbols

Terms of Sale and Privacy Policy

View Cart

Comments and questions to webmaster@coin.com
Copyright © 1995-2025 Edward J. Waddell, Ltd. All rights reserved.