Ionia, Smyrna Mint, AE, Circa 155-50 BC

Ionia, Smyrna Mint, AE (bronze,4.49g,20mm), circa 155-50 BC

Obv: Laureate head of Cybele (Tyche of Smyrna) right, hair falling on the neck

Rev: Statue of Aphrodite Stratonikis (Venus), polos on head, standing front by column, holding a Nike (victory goddess) in her right hand; behind a scepter.

Ref: Gorny & Mosch 4565

Rarity/Choice: Scarce Variety, VF (nice patchy green patina)

Note: Smyrna was an ancient Greek city known for its strategic location and economic importance, situated on the Aegean coast of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Cybele, also known as Tyche was an ancient Anatolian mother goddess associated with fertility, nature, and the protection of cities and their inhabitants.