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PHRYGIA, AIZANOI - AE 30 or medaillion, circa 260 AD
weight 14,71gr. ; bronze Ø 30mm.
obv. Youthful bust of laurated Demos right, ΔHMOC in front, IЄPOC behind
rev. Octastyle temple of Zeus AIZ - ANЄI - TωN
Settlement in the area is known from the Bronze Age. The city may have derived its name from Azan, one of three sons of Arcas and the nymph Erato, legendary ancestors of the Phrygians. During the Hellenistic period the city changed hands between the Kingdom of Pergamum and the Kingdom of Bithynia, before being bequeathed to Rome by the former in 133 BC. It continued to mint its own coins. The city was an important political and economic centre in Roman times; surviving remains from the period include a well-preserved Temple of Zeus, unusual combined theatre-stadium complex, and macellum inscribed with the Price Edict of Diocletian. The city fell into decline in Late Antiquity.
On this coin the temple of Zeus of Aizanoi is depicted. The size of this coin is rather large and probably it was used as a medaillon in honour of their glorious temple of Zeus. The construction of the temple, which was the main religious sanctuary of the city, started in the last half of the 2nd century AD. The preserved inscriptions indicate that emperor Hadrian was responsible for its commission. The temple stands on a many-stepped podium and was built of marble. It is surrounded by a peristasis in a pseudodipteral arrangement, originally with 15 Ionic columns on its long side and 8 on the short side. The podiom itself measures 33 X 37 meters. Nowadays, only the columns on the western and northern side are still standing. The temple was dedicated to two deities. Zeus - the ruler of the Olympians - was worshipped in its aboveground section, and the underground part of the building was the place of Cybele cult. Stylistically, the part dedicated to Zeus was built in accordance with the Greek patterns and the underground section - with the Roman ones as the barrel vaults are clearly visible. The Zeus Temple in Aizanoi is a rare example of an excellently preserved original ancient building. With an exception of three columns that were re-erected after the earthquake from 1970, this temple has remained in its splendid glory since the ancient times, untouched by modern construction teams.
BMC- ; SNG.von Aulock- ; McClean- ; Weber collection- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ;
SNG.München- ; SNG.Tübingen- ; SNG.Leypold- RRRR
Wonderful historical coin of the highest rariry. Dark patina.
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PHRYGIA, EUMENIA - AE 16, circa 150-133 BC
weight 5,43gr. ; bronze Ø 16mm.
obv. Laureate head of Zeus right
rev. EYME / NEΩN within oak-wreath
This is the first coin type that was minted in Eumenia.
Eumenia was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 BC) at the sources of the Cludrus and near the Glaucus, on the site of the modern Ishekli. The new city was named by its founder after his brother Eumenes. Numerous inscriptions and many coins remain to show that Eumenia was an important and prosperous city under Roman rule. On its coins it boasts of its Achaean origin. The spread of Christianity is, however, the most interesting fact in its history. As early as the third century its population was in great part Christian, and it seems to have suffered much during the persecution of Diocletian. Its bishop and martyr, St. Thraseas (Eusebius, Church History V.24), must belong to this period.
BMC 1-4 ; SNG Copenhagen 377-378 ; SNG.München 201 ;
Weber collection- ; Lindgren collection 949 ; McClean 8808 ;
Walcher Collection 2774 ; SNG.von Aulock- ; SNG Tübingen 4004
Very attractive high-relief portrait and dark patina.
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PHRYGIA, EUMENIA - AE 16, circa 150-133 BC
weight 3,35gr. ; bronze Ø 16mm.
obv. Head of Zeus with oak-wreath right
rev. Cityname within oak-wreath
This is the first coin type that was minted in Eumenia.
Eumenia was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 BC) at the sources of the Cludrus and near the Glaucus, on the site of the modern Ishekli. The new city was named by its founder after his brother Eumenes. Numerous inscriptions and many coins remain to show that Eumenia was an important and prosperous city under Roman rule. On its coins it boasts of its Achaean origin. The spread of Christianity is, however, the most interesting fact in its history. As early as the third century its population was in great part Christian, and it seems to have suffered much during the persecution of Diocletian. Its bishop and martyr, St. Thraseas (Eusebius, Church History V.24), must belong to this period.
BMC 1 ; SNG.von Aulock- ; SNG.Copenhagen 377
attractive obverse, struck with very high relief
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PHRYGIA, EUMENIA - AE 19, circa 133-100 BC
weight 6,67gr. ; bronze Ø 17mm.
obv. Head of Athena right in crested Corinthian helmet
rev. Nikè advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm over shoulder in left
EYME behind / NEΩN in front
Eumenia was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 BC) at the sources of the Cludrus and near the Glaucus, on the site of the modern Ishekli. The new city was named by its founder after his brother Eumenes. Numerous inscriptions and many coins remain to show that Eumenia was an important and prosperous city under Roman rule. On its coins it boasts of its Achaean origin. The spread of Christianity is, however, the most interesting fact in its history. As early as the third century its population was in great part Christian, and it seems to have suffered much during the persecution of Diocletian. Its bishop and martyr, St. Thraseas (Eusebius, Church History V.24), must belong to this period.
cf. BMC 6 ; SNG.von Aulock 3582 and 8365 ; SNG Copenhagen 379-380 ;
SNG.München- ; Weber collection- ; Lindgren collection- ;
McClean 8809 ; SNG Tübingen 4005-4007 ; Sear- (cf. 5140)
Short and thick flan. Attractive dark patina.
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PHRYGIA, EUMENIA - DIONYSIOS, magistrate - AE 18, circa 110-50 BC
weight 7,80gr. ; bronze Ø 19mm.
obv. Head of Athena right in crested Corinthian helmet
rev. Nikè advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm over shoulder in left
EYME behind / NEΩN ΔIONYC in front
Eumenia was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 BC) at the sources of the Cludrus and near the Glaucus, on the site of the modern Ishekli. The new city was named by its founder after his brother Eumenes. Numerous inscriptions and many coins remain to show that Eumenia was an important and prosperous city under Roman rule. On its coins it boasts of its Achaean origin. The spread of Christianity is, however, the most interesting fact in its history. As early as the third century its population was in great part Christian, and it seems to have suffered much during the persecution of Diocletian. Its bishop and martyr, St. Thraseas (Eusebius, Church History V.24), must belong to this period.
BMC 6 ; SNG.von Aulock - ; SNG Copenhagen 381 ;
SNG.München- ; Weber collection 7091 ; Lindgren collection- ;
McClean 8810 ; SNG Tübingen-
Very attractive coin with dark patina.
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PHRYGIA, EUMENIA - DIONYSIOS, SON OF PHILONIDOS, magistrate - AE 23, circa 110-40 BC
weight 9,52gr. ; bronze Ø 23mm.
obv. Head of young Dionysos right with band across
forehead and wreath of ivy-leaves and berries
rev. Tripod containing lebes with three handles, surmounted by flat cover
fronged with spikes; above and on either side three stars; attached to tripod,
on left side labrys (double axe) with serpent entwined round handle,
and on right side laurel-branch filleted, EYMENEΩN on right,
ΔIONYΣIOY ΦIΛΩNIΔ on left
Eumenia was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 BC) at the sources of the Cludrus and near the Glaucus, on the site of the modern Ishekli. The new city was named by its founder after his brother Eumenes. Numerous inscriptions and many coins remain to show that Eumenia was an important and prosperous city under Roman rule. On its coins it boasts of its Achaean origin. The spread of Christianity is, however, the most interesting fact in its history. As early as the third century its population was in great part Christian, and it seems to have suffered much during the persecution of Diocletian. Its bishop and martyr, St. Thraseas (Eusebius, Church History V.24), must belong to this period.
BMC 13 ; SNG.von Aulock - ; SNG Copenhagen - ; Mionnet IV 562 ;
SNG.München- ; Weber collection- ; Lindgren collection- ; McClean - ;
SNG Tübingen- ; SNG.Paris 1094; SNG Oxford 1022-1023 R
Very minor traces of oxidation. Dark patina. Rare.
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PHRYGIA, EUMENIA - AE 12, circa 110-40 BC
weight 1,84gr. ; bronze Ø 12mm.
obv. Turreted and draped bust of Tyche right
rev. Three-footed conical altar with globe-shaped top on a flat surface,
two objects hanging from the ends to left and right.EY - ME / NE - ΩN in field.
Eumenia was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 BC) at the sources of the Cludrus and near the Glaucus, on the site of the modern Ishekli. The new city was named by its founder after his brother Eumenes. Numerous inscriptions and many coins remain to show that Eumenia was an important and prosperous city under Roman rule. On its coins it boasts of its Achaean origin. The spread of Christianity is, however, the most interesting fact in its history. As early as the third century its population was in great part Christian, and it seems to have suffered much during the persecution of Diocletian. Its bishop and martyr, St. Thraseas (Eusebius, Church History V.24), must belong to this period.
BMC- ; SNG.von Aulock - ; SNG Copenhagen- ; SNG.München - ;
Weber collection- ; Lindgren collection- ; McClean - ;
SNG Tübingen 4009 ; SNG.Paris 1971.394 ; Unal Eumenia 3 RR
Attractive dark patina. Very rare.
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PHRYGIA, HIERAPOLIS - AE 35 of Medaillon, circa 100-170 AD
weight 23,07gr. ; bronze Ø 35mm.
obv. Draped bust of the youthful Senate facing right,
surrounded by the legend; ΙЄΡΑ ϹΥΝ - ΚΛΗΤΟϹ,
within border of dots
rev. Tyche standing, left, wearing kalathos, holding poppy, ears of
corn and rudder in het right hand, cornucopia resting on her left arm,
surrounded by the legend; ΙЄΡΑΠΟ - ΛЄΙΤΩΝ, within border of dots
As early as the Iron Age, a settlement existed at the site of Hierapolis. Before the Greek colony was established the cult area dedicated to Cybele around a cave and the surrounding rocks was the center of the archaic settlement. From well before the time of the Greek colonization, the area was seen as a gateway to the underworld and a place of communication with the underworld deities because of the toxic gasses that emerge from a hot spring inside the cave. The Phrygians built a temple dedicated to the mother goddess Cybele on the site probably in the first half of the 7th century BC. This temple, originally used by the indigenous communities living in the Lycus valley would later form the center of Hierapolis. When the Greek colonists arrived and built the city on the pre-existing pattern of settlement, the ancient cult of Cybele was gradually assimilated into the Greek religion. The hot springs were a major draw to city. After the process of assimilation into Greek culture, it was associated with Hades (Pluton) and Persephone instead of Cybele and the temple was named Plutonium.
Hierapolis was founded by the Seleucids in the time of Antiochus I (281 - 261 BC) and received polis status by Eumenes of Pergamon (197-160 BC). The city was famous for its high quality woolen fabrics and dye products. While the Phrygian inhabitants of the valley were gradually Hellenized, Hierapolis was a Greek foundation from the start. Antiochus the Great sent 2,000 Jewish families to Lydia and Phrygia from Babylon and Mesopotamia, later joined by more from Judea. The Jewish congregation grew in Hierapolis and has been estimated as high as 50,000 in 62 BC. The city was expanded with the booty from the 190 BC Battle of Magnesia where Antiochus the Great was defeated by the Roman ally Eumenes II. Following the Treaty of Apamea ending the Syrian War, Eumenes annexed much of Asia Minor, including Hierapolis.
Hierapolis became a healing centre where doctors used the thermal springs as a treatment for their patients. The city began minting bronze coins in the 2nd century BC. These coins give the name Hieropolis. It remains unclear whether this name referred to the original temple (hieron) or honoured Hiera, the wife of Telephus, son of Heracles and the Mysian princess Auge, the supposed founder of Pergamon′s Attalid dynasty. This name eventually changed into Hierapolis ("holy city"), according to the Byzantine geographer Stephanus on account of its large number of temples.
In 133 BC, when Attalus III died, he bequeathed his kingdom to Rome. Hierapolis thus became part of the Roman province of Asia. Unlike other cities in the region, it was never reconstituted as a Roman colony, though some Romanization took place. In AD 17, during the rule of the emperor Tiberius, a major earthquake destroyed the city. The philosopher Epictetus was born as a slave in the city in 50 AD. In the year 60, during the rule of Nero, an even more severe earthquake left the city completely in ruins. Afterwards, the city was rebuilt in the Roman style with imperial financial support. Through the influence of the Christian apostle Paul, a church was founded here while he was at Ephesus. The Christian apostle Philip spent the last years of his life here. The town′s martyrium was alleged to have been built upon the spot where Philip was crucified in AD 80. His daughters were also said to have acted as prophetesses in the region.
When Caracalla visited the town in 215, he bestowed the much-coveted title of neocoros upon it, according the city certain privileges and the right of sanctuary. This was the golden age of Hierapolis. Thousands of people came to benefit from the medicinal properties of the hot springs. New building projects were started: two Roman baths, a gymnasium, several temples, a main street with a colonnade, and a fountain at the hot spring. Hierapolis became one of the most prominent cities in the Roman Empire in the fields of the arts, philosophy, and trade. The town grew to 100,000 inhabitants and became wealthy. During his campaign against the Sassanid Shapur II in 370, the emperor Valens made the last-ever imperial visit to the city.
During the 4th century, the Christians filled Pluto′s Gate (a ploutonion) with stones, suggesting that Christianity had become the dominant religion and begun displacing other faiths in the area. Originally a see of Phrygia Pacatiana, the Byzantine emperor Justinian raised the bishop of Hierapolis to the rank of metropolitan in 531. The Roman baths were transformed to a Christian basilica. During the Byzantine period, the city continued to flourish and also remained an important centre for Christianity. In the early 7th century, the town was devastated first by Persian armies and then by another destructive earthquake, from which it took a long time to recover. In the 12th century, the area came under the control of the Seljuk sultanate of Konya before falling to crusaders under Frederick Barbarossa and their Byzantine allies in 1190. About thirty years later, the town was abandoned before the Seljuks built a castle in the 13th century. The new settlement was abandoned in the late 14th century. In 1354, the Fall of Gallipoli toppled the remains of the ancient city. The ruins were slowly covered with a thick layer of limestone.
Bronze coins of this size and weight were probably not intended for normal circulation, but were more likely minted during a special occasion. Religious festivals are a possibility in this regard. In that context, it is more accurate to speak of a medallion. RPC listed only 5 specimens, all of which are located in prominent museum collections. Extremely rare.
BMC 83var. ; SNG.Copenhagen 412 ; Weber Collection- ; Slg.Leypold- ;
L. Weber, NC 1913, 151, XXVIII, nos. 4-5 ; SNG.v.Aulock 3630 ;
SNG.München - ; SNG.Tübingen- ; RPC online 9990 RRR
very attractive specimen of a wonderful style
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PHRYGIA, KIBYRA - AR Drachm, circa 166 - 84 BC
weight 2,65gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
obv. Young male head right (Heros Kibyras ?), wearing crested helmet
rev. Armed horseman galloping right, holding spear couched,
behind ear of corn, KA-monogram below and KIBYPATΩN
Kibyra, also known as Cibyra Magna, was the principal city of the Cibyratis region. This confederation of towns and villages from the area of Pisidia was created in the 2nd second century BC. Its core was formed by four cities - Kibyra, Bubon, Balubura, and Oenoanda, known collectively as Tetrapolis. In this political entity, Kibyra had two votes, and the remaining cities - one vote each. As the most influential member of the federation, Kibyra could muster 30,000 infantry and 2,000 horse riders. The federation had a constitution and was governed by tyrants who demonstrated moderate political views. Moagetes, the son of Pancrates, was the last tyrant of Kibyra. Roman general, Lucius Licinius Murena, put an end to the federation in 83 BC, during the Second Mithridatic War. The territory of the federation was then divided, and the city Kibyra was attached to Phrygia.
BMC- (vgl.9) ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.von Aulock- ; Weber collection- ;
SNG.München- ; McClean- (vgl.8780) RRR
Attractive and extremely rare coin of good style.
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PHRYGIA, KIBYRA - AE 8, circa 166 - 84 BC
weight 1,01gr. ; bronze Ø 8mm.
obv. Young male head right (Heros Kibyras ?), wearing crested helmet
rev. Humped bull butting right, M above, KIBYP(A) in exergue
Kibyra, also known as Cibyra Magna, was the principal city of the Cibyratis region. This confederation of towns and villages from the area of Pisidia was created in the 2nd second century BC. Its core was formed by four cities - Kibyra, Bubon, Balubura, and Oenoanda, known collectively as Tetrapolis. In this political entity, Kibyra had two votes, and the remaining cities - one vote each. As the most influential member of the federation, Kibyra could muster 30.000 infantry and 2.000 horse riders. The federation had a constitution and was governed by tyrants who demonstrated moderate political views. Moagetes, the son of Pancrates, was the last tyrant of Kibyra. Roman general, Lucius Licinius Murena, put an end to the federation in 83 BC, during the Second Mithridatic War. The territory of the federation was then divided, and the city Kibyra was attached to Phrygia.
cf. BMC 20 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 271-272 ; SNG.von Aulock- ; McClean- ;
Weber collection- ;cf. SNG.München 284 ; SNG.Tübingen 4087 RR
Struck slightly off-centre. Attractive dark green patina. Very rare.
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PHRYGIA, KIBYRA - AE 18, circa 166 - 84 BC
weight 4,02gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.
obv. Young male head left (Heros Kibyras ?), wearing crested helmet
rev. Armed horseman galloping right, holding spear couched,
A (?) left above, KIBYPAT(ΩN) below
Kibyra, also known as Cibyra Magna, was the principal city of the Cibyratis region. This confederation of towns and villages from the area of Pisidia was created in the 2nd second century BC. Its core was formed by four cities - Kibyra, Bubon, Balubura, and Oenoanda, known collectively as Tetrapolis. In this political entity, Kibyra had two votes, and the remaining cities - one vote each. As the most influential member of the federation, Kibyra could muster 30.000 infantry and 2.000 horse riders. The federation had a constitution and was governed by tyrants who demonstrated moderate political views. Moagetes, the son of Pancrates, was the last tyrant of Kibyra. Roman general, Lucius Licinius Murena, put an end to the federation in 83 BC, during the Second Mithridatic War. The territory of the federation was then divided, and the city Kibyra was attached to Phrygia.
BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.von Aulock- ; McClean- ;
Weber collection- ; SNG.München- ; SNG.Tübingen- RRR
Seems to be unpublished in the important reference literature. Extremely rare.
Wonderful portrait. Dark patina.
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PHRYGIA, LAODIKEA AD LYKOS - AE 18, circa 200-133 BC
weight 4,73gr. ; bronze Ø 18mm.
obv. Diademed head of Aphrodite (or Queen Laodice right,
hair in a bun.
rev. Aphrodite (or Queen Laodice) standing left, holding dove.
Rose on stalk in left field, ΛAOΔIKEΩN to right
Laodicea is situated on the long spur of a hill between the narrow valleys of the small rivers Asopus and Caprus, which discharge their waters into the Lycus. The town was originally called Diospolis, "City of Zeus", and afterwards Rhodas. Laodicea, the building of which is ascribed to Antiochus II Theos in 261-253 BC in honor of his wife Laodice, was probably founded on the site of the older town.
BMC 27 ; SNG.von Aulock- - SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.München- ;
SNG.Tübingen 4120 ; cf. McClean 8826 ; Weber collection 7127 ;
Mionnet Supp. VII, 416 ; Hoover HGC.740 R
Attractive coin with dark patina. Rare.
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