Ephesos (AD 128-137) AE 34 - Sabina

Sabina, Augusta, 128-137 AD. AE34 (18.58g, 6h). CЄBACTH CABЄINA, diademed and draped bust right / APTЄMIC ЄΦЄCIA, cult-statue of Artemis facing; stag on either side. Near Extremely Fine.

The sister of Apollo, Artemis was the virgin huntress worshipped by a cult at Ephesos. This was a wealthy following and her temple in the city was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Destroyed and rebuilt three times before its final destruction, the last incarnation survived into the reign of Gallienus before it was sacked by raiding Goths. The image of the goddess worshipped at Ephesos was distinctly archaic; she was depicted with many breasts, supposedly (and perhaps, incongruously) denoting her fertility. This attribute, along with the usual mural crown denoting the protection of the city walls and the stags which were sacred only to Artemis, can be seen on the reverse type.