GOETZ: K-45 Asclepius

cacheman · February 20, 2005 12:46AM

K-45 ASCLEPIUS, 1910, Incuse-Reverse uniface plaquette. Cast AE, 95.25mm x 177.0mm, Wt. 369.1g, Edge-punched “KGoeTz”. VZ/UNC R

The legendary Greek physician and God of Medicine.

The same design exists on the reverse of the struck K-43.

The casting process to produce incuse-reverse uniface pieces is done because it results in a highly detailed finished piece. Additionally, the surface takes on a beautiful ‘matte’ texture that lends to the overall visual enjoyment You might note the ever so small model crack that runs to the left, and parallel, to his right leg.

And yes, LM, we can see his pee-pee....

boz · February 20, 2005 1:20AM

Nice

Just a little side note: The single caduceus, seen on coins and tokens, is attributed to Asclepius, the Greek God of Medicine. A double caduceus is attributed to Hermes the Messenger. Although a caduceus is not pictured on the medal, I thought I'd throw that in anyway

The Myth: Asclepius is the god of Healing. He is the son of Apollo and the nymph, Coronis. While pregnant with Asclepius, Coronis secretly took a second, mortal lover. When Apollo found out, he sent Artemis to kill her. While burning on the funeral pyre, Apollo felt pity and rescued the unborn child from the corpse. Asclepius was taught about medicine and healing by the wise centaur, Cheiron, and became so skilled in it that he succeeded in bringing one of his patients back from the dead. Zeus felt that the immortality of the Gods was threatened and killed the healer with a thunderbolt. At Apollo's request, Asclepius was placed among the stars as Ophiuchus, the serpent-bearer.