Smyrna - AE 19mm
Obverse
Name/Title
Smyrna - AE 19mmEntry/Object ID
C2016-G44-237Description
A bronze coin of Smyrna the city-state of Smyrna featuring two important civic goddesses, Cybele and Aphrodite Stratonikis.Context
Smyrna was an ancient Greek city located in Asia Minor. Both deities depicted on this coin, Cybele and Aphrodite Stratonikis, were important civic goddesses within Smyrna's history. Cybele was a mother goddess worshipped in Smyrna since its foundation. In fact, she was seen as the founder of the city itself. Known in Smyrna by the name Meter Sipylene, the goddess was worshipped in a temple called a Metroön in the center of the city. On this coin, she is depicted wearing the corona muralis (crown of city-walls) highlighting her role as the protector of the city. Aphrodite Stratonikis had a temple dedicated to her in Smyrna which served as a refuge for runaway slaves and criminals. Upon consulting the oracle of Apollo at Delphi in 254 BCE for unknown reasons, the Smyrnaeans were told by the oracle to erect and dedicate a temple to their recently deceased queen Stratonike under the title Aphrodite Stratonikis. The temple, built under the kings Antiochus II (r. 261-246 BCE) and Seleucus II (r. 246-225 BCE), was recognized as a sacred and inviolable place where individuals could seek sanctuary regardless of their crime.Collection
Hellenistic GreeceMintage
Mint
SmyrnaDate made
200 BCE - 1 BCETime Period
HellenisticPlace of Origin
City
SmyrnaRegion
Asia MinorManufacture Method
StruckCoin Details
Obverse
Description
Head of Cybele wearing mural crown, right.Reverse
Description
Statue of Aphrodite Stratonikis facing, wearing kalathos, holding sceptre in right hand; to left, Nike standing on a short column, holding a wreath.Transcription
IMYPNAIΩN ΔIONYΣIOΣ ΣKAMANTranslation
Of/belonging to the people of Smyrna. Dionysios Skaman (name of the magistrate).Issuing Authority
SmyrnaDenomination
AE 19mmEthnography
Cultural Region
Region
Asia MinorCulture/Tribe
Greek