Aiolis. Myrina circa 160-143 BC.
Tetradrachm AR. Stephanophoric type

33 mm, 16,71 g

Laureate head of Apollo to right / ΜΥΡΙΝΑΙΩΝ, Apollo of Grynium standing right, holding filleted branch and phiale, omphalos and amphora on ground before his feet, ΠA monogram in left field, laurel wreath border.

good very fine

Sacks Issue 44; SNG Copenhagen –.

The design of the tetradrachm coin from Myrina reflects the city’s deep cultural and religious connections, particularly with the god Apollo. Myrina was an ancient port city in the region of Aiolis, Asia Minor, and like many other cities in the area, it had strong ties to Greek religious traditions. The prominence of Apollo on the coin is not just artistic but deeply symbolic, rooted in the city's association with the nearby sanctuary and oracle at Gryneion. Gryneion was an important religious site dedicated to Apollo, featuring a temple and an oracle that attracted visitors seeking divine guidance. Apollo, as the god of prophecy, music, and healing, was a fitting figure to be celebrated on Myrina’s coinage, which likely served as a means to emphasize the city's religious prestige and its connection to this powerful deity. The depiction of Apollo with a laurel wreath and holding a branch adorned with ribbons is closely linked to his role as a god of prophecy, wisdom, and victory. The laurel wreath, in particular, is a symbol directly associated with Apollo, most famously connected to the oracle at Delphi, one of the most significant religious sites in the ancient world. The reverse side of the coin also tells a story about Myrina's religious and cultural identity. The inclusion of the omphalos, a sacred stone that was believed to mark the center of the world, is a direct reference to Delphi, reinforcing the city's association with Apollo’s prophetic powers. The presence of the amphora on the coin is likely a nod to Myrina's role as a commercial hub, emphasizing the city’s participation in regional trade networks. Amphorae were commonly used in the ancient world for transporting goods, and their depiction here underscores Myrina's economic vitality.