Laodikeia (AD 139-161) AE 37

Imperial Times, ca 139-161 AD. AE37 (19.91g). P. Claudius Attalus. BOYΛΗ ΛΑΟΔΙΚΕΩΝ, Boule right / Tyche standing left, with cornucopiae and rudder. Very rare. Very Fine.

The inscription shows this issue was produced at the expense of P. Claudius Attalus (Π ΚΛ ΑΤΑΛΟC), described as 'high priest' (APXIEPATEYΩN) and credited with paying for this coinage (ANEΘHKE ΛΑΟΔΙΚΕΩΝ). Attalus, perhaps a distant descendant of the Pergamene kings and a distinguished man, held citizenship at both Laodicea and Smyrna. On some coins struck at Smyrna he is described as COΦICTHC ('sophist'), meaning he was a salaried teacher of philosophy and rhetoric.