Lot 3435

Description

Thrace, Bizya, Philip I, (A.D. 244-249), AE 29, (13.440 grams), obv. laureate bust to right of Philip I, around AVT K M IOV**L FILIPP*OC AV, rev. Hygieia standing to left feeding serpent from patera, around BIZV H N**WN*, (S.-, Varbanov 1556, Jurukova 84, BMC -, SNG Cop.-). Bronze with river patination, good fine and very rare.

In Greek mythology, Hygieia or Hygeia was a daughter of Asclepius. She was the goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation. She also played an important part in her father's cult. While her father was more directly associated with healing, she was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health. Her name is the source of the word "hygiene".