★ Well centered example. ★

Ionia. Ephesos. Hadrian circa AD 117-138.
Cistophoric Tetradrachm AR

28 mm, 10,91 g

HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, bare head of Hadrian to right. / COS III, Aesculapius standing front, head to left, leaning right on serpent-entwined staff.

Near Extremely Fine.

Metcalf 20; RPC III online 1348.15.

Aesculapius, known as Asclepius in Greek mythology, was the god of medicine and healing in both ancient Roman and Greek cultures. He was the son of Apollo and the mortal Coronis. According to myth, Apollo saved him from his mother’s womb after she died, which highlighted his divine connection to healing. Aesculapius was celebrated for his exceptional healing abilities, and his worship involved a unique blend of spiritual and medical practices. Temples dedicated to him, called Asclepiia, functioned as ancient hospitals where people sought cures for their ailments. These temples were staffed by priests and physicians who used both traditional remedies and rituals. He is often depicted with a staff around which a single serpent is coiled. This staff, known as the Rod of Asclepius, remains a symbol of medicine today. Although it’s sometimes confused with the caduceus, which features two serpents and is associated with Hermes, the Rod of Asclepius is specifically linked to medical practice. The legacy of Aesculapius reflects the ancient belief in the combination of divine and practical approaches to health. His influence underscores the historical integration of spiritual beliefs with the early practice of medicine.