MACEDON. Thessalonica. Philip I, 244-249. (Bronze, 26 mm, 11.61 g, 1 h), 244/5. ΑΥ Κ Μ ΙΟΥ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I to right, seen from behind. Rev. ΘЄCCΑΛΟΝΙΚЄΩΝ ΠΥΘΙΑ Apollo facing, head to left, holding a standing figure of a Kabeiros in his right hand and a laurel branch in his left; to left, before Apollo's feet, table bearing a prize crown containing a palm branch. BMC 333. RPC VIII Online 69508. Touratsoglou 25, 54–6. Bold and well-struck with a dark, greenish patina. Nearly extremely fine.

From the collection of Major Anthony F. Milavic, USMC (Ret.), acquired from BCD in May 1993.

Gordian III introduced the Pythian games to Thessalonika in 241, renewing the previously celebrated Kabeirian games. Here we have Apollo holding a Kabeiros, thus making the connection clear!