Ancient Coins: GREEK and GREEK IMPERIAL BRONZE: Sardinia, Uselis(?), M. Atius Balbus, praetor

AE 23, 2.66g.   c.38-36 B.C.  M [ATIVS] BA[LBV]S PR.  Bare head of the praetor M. Atius Balbus to left.  Rev. SARD[VS] [PA]TER.   Feather-crowned head of Sardus Pater to right; spear behind.  RPC 625.  SNG COP 1112. Grant 1969.  Reddish-brown patina.

Sardus Pater is the eponymous god of the island and was influced by the Phoenician god Baal.  His temple has been discovered in Antas in Southern Sardinia. 

Provenance/Pedigree:
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction L, 2001, lot 1522.

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