Troas, Gergis, AE Circa 4th-3rd Centuries BC, Sibyl Herophile / Sphinx – RR

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Description

Greek, Troas, Gergis, AE (bronze, 1g, 10.4mm), Circa 4th-3rd Centuries BC
Obv:  Laureate head of the sibyl Herophile facing slightly right
Rev: Sphinx seated left
Ref: SNG Ashmolean 1146 var. Rarity/Choice: Scarce, VF
Note: Gergis was an ancient city located in the region of Troas, which was situated in the northwest part of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Troas, also known as the Troad, was famous in antiquity as the setting for many events in Greek mythology, including the Trojan War.  Herophile was a legendary figure in Greek mythology, known as a sibyl or prophetess. She was associated with the city of Gergis, where a famous oracle was dedicated to her.  The sphinx is a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, often with wings. It was known for its riddles and its role as a guardian. The sphinx seated left on the coin likely represents the famous Sphinx of Gergis, which was considered a guardian of the city and its oracle. Coins like these not only served as currency but also as symbols of civic identity and religious belief in ancient cities like Gergis. They provided a tangible connection to the city’s mythology and religious practices.

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