Olba (BC 50-0) AE 18

Autonomous issue, 1st century BC. AE18 (5.18g, 1h). Helmeted head of Mars (?) right / ΟΛBЄΩN, spear between caps of the Dioscuri surmounted by stars. Very rare. Slightly rough, otherwise gVF.

SNG Levante dates this issue to the Roman Imperial times but the style, fabric and transversal ethnic look earlier. It may have been struck sometime in the 1st century BC, before the Teukrid priest-kings appear on Olba's coinage, with the obverse type reflecting the increasing Roman influence in the era.