Lot 3158

Description

Cilicia, Aegeae, Hadrian. (117-138 AD). Silver tetradrachm (9.654 grams), Year 164 = 117/118 AD. obv. around AYTOKP KAI**S* - TPAIA A**D*PIANO **S*EB, laureate, head to right drapery on far shoulder, rev. around AI**GEAIWN ETOUS DXR* Athena standing to left, holding phiale and shield, spear at side, goat in lower left field, (S.1218, Prieur 714 [4 specimens], SNG von Aulock 5449). Toned, very fine and very rare.

The issue from Aegeae are all rare, Prieur notes a total of 29 known examples for Hadrian. Other tetradrachms were struck from 44-30 B.C. and Prieur note 12 examples. The small issue from this city came only from a few dies and six reverse types. The recumbent goat in the exergue is a symbol of the city and a pun on its name (of the goats). The principle cult of the city was Asclepius as the city was renown for its doctors.