Syedra (AD 253-260) AE 30 - Valerian I

Valerian I, 253-260 AD. AE30 - 11 Assaria (15.47g). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; IA in field / Judgment of Ares, with Dike and Hermes leading Ares. Near VF, dark brown patina.

Ares slew Halirrhothius, son of Poseidon, for assaulting Ares' daughter, Alcippe. The site where Ares came before the gods for judgement became the Areopagos (Hill of Ares) in Athens, the location of the Athenian law courts. Ares was absolved of murder. It is unknown why this event had such import for Syedra, but the scene appears frequently on its 3rd century coinage.