Greek
MYSIA. Kyzikos. ( Circa 450-400 BC).
AR Hemiobol (8.2mm 0.35g)
Obv: Head of Attis to left, wearing Phrygian cap; below, tunny fish to left
Rev: Head and neck of bull to right, head slightly facing, KYZI around.
Von Fritze II 20; SNG Ashmolean -; SNG BnF -; SNG von Aulock 7336-7.
The portrait on this particular issue is thought to be Attis, the consort of Phrygian Kybele. The androgynous Kybele/Agdistis was castrated by the gods. From the severed parts grew an almond tree from which Attis sprang. Attis appears infrequently in Greek art, but he was raised in status when the Romans adopted the cult of Kybele.