Ionia, Phokaia, AE Circa 3rd Century BC, Female head (Aphrodite?) / Griffin’s head - RR

Greek, Ionia, Phokaia, AE (bronze, 1.8g, 11.4mm), Circa 300 BC

Obv: Female head (Aphrodite?) left, hair bound in sphendone

Rev: Griffin’s head left

Ref: SNG Copenhagen 1031; SNG von Aulock 2135

Rarity/Choice: Scarce, Good VF (light verdigris otherwise attractive)

Note: Phokaia was an ancient Greek city located in the region of Ionia, situated on the western coast of Anatolia, in present-day Turkey. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League, making it a significant political and cultural center in ancient Ionia. The depiction of the griffin's head likely held symbolic significance for the city. It may have represented Phokaia's maritime power and the protective role of its navy in guarding the city against external threats. Additionally, the griffin's association with the god Apollo, who was worshipped in Phokaia, could have added religious connotations to the coinage.