LYDIA, Sardis. Philip I. AD 244-249. Æ (34mm, 26.06 g, 11h). Aurelius Herakleidianos, strategos. AYT K M IOYΛ ΦIΛiΠΠOC AYΓ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ЄΠ CTP AYP HPAKΛЄIΔIANOY CAPΔIANΩN B NЄΩK, Chrysanthina wreath enclosing XPYCANΘINA A. Hochard 2133 (D309/R653); Kurth 681; RPC VIII Online 20239 (this coin cited). Brown patina, some smoothing and cleaning marks. VF. Very rare.
From the collection of Major Anthony F. Milavic, USMC (Ret.). Ex Gorny & Mosch 122 (10 March 2003), lot 1795; Gorny & Mosch 107 (2 April 2001), lot 311.
The Chrysanthina flower, modern Mediterranean Strawflower, gave its name to the Chrysanthian Games, founded between 150 and 175 AD. The games honor Persephone, who was said to be picking these flowers in a field near Sardis when she was abducted by Hades and taken to be his wife as queen of the underworld. The prize wreath given to the winners of these games was made of these flowers.
Descripción