PHRYGIA,
Laodicea Hadrian Medallion Zeus standing
Reference.
RPC III, 2329.5;
Von Aulock, Phrygiens -; SNG München -; SNG von Aulock-;
SNG Copenhagen 575;
BMC 195
Obv. ΑΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС ΟΛΥΜΠΙΟС
Laureate
head of
Hadrian, r. with drapery on l. shoulder
Rev. ΛΑΟΔΙΚΕΩΝ
Zeus Laodiceus standing facing,
head l., holding
eagle in
his extended r. hand, l. resting on
sceptre36.37 gr
39 mm
12h
Note.
From the Group CEM
Collection, Classical Numismatic Group 90, 23 May 2012, 1058 and ex Waddell II, 12 September 1987, 363.
The epithet 'Olympios' was adopted by
Hadrian in 128/9 following the dedication of the temple of
Zeus Olympios in
Athens. It emphasized the emperor's Panhellenic program and enthusiastic Philhellenism, for
Zeus Olympios, chief god of the Greek peoples, was the Panhellenic god before all others.
RPC suggests that the impressive Laodicean medallions bearing the new epithet were struck on the occasion of
Hadrian's visit to the city in June 129.
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