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Ephesos, Ionia, c. 48 - 27 B.C.
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Ephesos, on the west coast of Anatolia, was one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League. It was famous for its Temple of Artemis, completed around 550 B.C., one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The usual symbols of this nature-goddess are the torch, stag, and the bee. Coins of Ephesos most frequently depict a bee on the obverse. The high-priest of the temple of Artemis was called the King Bee, while the virgin priestesses were called honey-bees (Melissae). Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia cited in the Book of Revelation and the Gospel of John may have been written there.
GB88324. Bronze AE 16, SNG Cop 350 - 351, SNG München 92, Head Ephesus p. 76, BMC Ionia -, SNGvA -, SNG München -, SNG Kayhan -, F, dark green patina with buff earthen highlighting, slightly off center, scratches, Ephesos mint, weight 3.305g, maximum diameter 16.1mm, die axis 0o, magistrate Iason, c. 48 - 27 B.C.; obverse bee with straight wings seen from above, tiny E-Φ flanking head inside forelegs, all within laurel wreath; reverse stag standing right, head right, fillet in mouth, grounded long torch on far side of stag in center background, IAΣΩN (magistrate's name) in exergue; ex Münzhandlund Ritter
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