PHRYGIA. Hierapolis. Time of Elagabalus, 218-222. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 24 mm, 7.35 g, 6 h), commemorating the Aktian Games in Hierapolis. ΛΑΙΡΒΗΝΟϹ Laureate, radiate and draped bust of Apollo Lairbenos to right; before his neck, oval countermark bearing a figure of Mên standing facing, holding a pine cone in his right hand and a scepter with his left; across the countermark's field, Α - N (?). Rev. ✳︎ΙΕΡΑΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ around a laurel wreath tied at the bottom and enclosing Α/ΚΤΙ/Α. Burrell p. 141. Johnston, Hierapolis 54. RPC VI Online 5470, especially 7 and 14 ( struck from the same dies and both counter marked ). SNG von Aulock 3629 ( struck from the same dies ). For the countermark: GIC 278. Clear and with a tan patina. Minor flan crack, otherwise, good very fine.

From the collection of Major Anthony F. Milavic, USMC (Ret.), acquired from Brian Kritt in December 1990.

Apollo Lairbenos was the Hellenization of a local Anatolian god whose sanctuary was near Hierapolis, modern Pammukale. He seems to have been identified with Helios - thus his rayed crown - and in some representations also bears a double axe, a typical Anatolian attribute. He was often worshipped in tandem with the goddess Leto.