Lot 253: Macedonia, Amphipolis. Pseudo-autonomous issue. 1st-2nd centuries A.D. Æ.

Macedonia, Amphipolis. Pseudo-autonomous issue. 1st-2nd centuries A.D. Æ (24 mm, 10.58 g, 6 h). CTP-Y-MωN, the river-god Strymon reclining left, holding whip and reed / AMΦIΠO-ΛЄITωN, Tyche seated left, holding patera and reed. AMNG III/2 63; SNG ANS -. Very rare - two examples on online search engines and this far nicer than either. Brown patina. Choice Very Fine. 

Tyche, the personification of the fortune of the city, is paired with the reclining god of the Strymon River here because of their close relationship. Amphipolis ("Around the City") was located along the river and was so named because the Strymon flowed around it on two sides. The site of Amphipolis was originally known as Ennia Hodoi ("Nine Ways") and during Xerxes I's invasion of Greece became the scene of a terrible sacrifice to propitiate the Strymon River. The Great King ordered nine youths and nine maidens to be buried alive as a gift to the river-god in the hope of guaranteeing a safe crossing for his vast army.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 253
• Listing #: 227052
• Closed: Friday, September 28, 2018 4:42:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $100