Rock crystal gem: Lion-headed figure (A) Greek text (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1418

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

US-NY-ANS_0000.999.35785

Collection:

New York, American Numismatic Society

Collection Inventory:

0000.999.35785

Reference Numbers:

Bonner, SMA D. 235; Schwartz–Schwartz, no. 9; Michel, DMG, no. 37.B.1.b_2; CBd, no. 1418

Former Collections:

Newell, Edward T. (1886–1941)

Material:

rock crystal

Dimensions:

20 × 17 × 9 mm

Iconography:

lion-headed figure; kilt; nimbus; rays (7); whip; globus

Logoi:

ζεθ αφοβε-logos and variants

Rock crystal gem. Upright oval, both faces convex. Shape 4. Intact, save for minor chips.

Side A: Frontal view of a lion-headed figure in kilt (Helioros), head turned to the left and encircled by a nimbus with seven triangular rays. There is a whip in the raised right hand of the figure, and a globe in his left.
Side B: Six lines of Greek inscription: ζεθαοβετωρ|θροψμεωμι|θρορομφαωχι|ιλεωςκετηε|μηψυχηκαιτω|εμωβιω → ζεθ αφοβε-logos ἵλεως κ(ύρι)ε τῇ ἐμῇ ψυχῇ καὶ τῷ ἐμῷ βίῳ. 'Be gracious, Lord, to my soul and my life.'

Selected bibliography
• Bonner, SMA >>, no. D. 235, click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Schwartz–Schwartz 1979 >>, no. 9; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 37.B.1.b_2.
• Spier 2025 >>, 113, 125, fig. 5a–b.