Ankyra (AD 244-249) AE 35 - Philip I

Philip I. 244-249 AD. AE35 (16.83g, 12h). P. Aru. Zoilus, archon for the second time. AVT K M IOVΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Є ΠO AV ZOIΛOV APXA TO B / AΓKVPANΩN, Hephaistus seated right on chair, holding hammer and tongs, and Cyclops standing left, holding hammer; between, Minerva standing left, holding shield. Near VF, rough green-brown surfaces. The fourth known example, and only the second available to the public. Extremely rare.

Following the loss of equipment by Achilles, Hephaistus is charged with forging a new set of weaponry, which is depicted on the exceptional reverse of this very rare type. Both Hephaistus and a Cyclops are at work under the watch of Minerva in this scene adapted from Homer’s Iliad (Book 18).