ASIA MINOR. Uncertain. 2nd-3rd centuries. Tessera (Lead, 16 mm, 2.44 g). NO-MH Female figure standing facing, carrying basket on her head. Rev. Blank. Gülbay & Kireç 48-50. Vossen collection 54-56. Slightly rough, otherwise, very fine.

From a collection of lead tesserae from Asia Minor.

Gülbay & Kireç read MH-NO and identify the figure as Hekate. The editors of the Vossen collection propose the alternative reading of NO-MH which would indicate that this token type served a function during a public “distribution” (Greek “nomè” or “dianomè”), which were usually associated with games, festivals and donations of wealthy benefactors. The obverse figure is identified as a "kanephoros", a maiden carrying a basket. This figure appeared in ancient art since archaic times.