TROAS. Ilium. Faustina Junior, Augusta, 147-175. Diassarion (Orichalcum, 25 mm, 10.56 g, 1 h). ΦΑYСΤΙΝΑ ΑYΓ СЄΒΑС Draped bust of Faustina II to right. Rev. ΑΠΟΛΛΩ ΕΚΑΤΟС ΙΛΙΕΩΝ Apollo standing front, head to left, holding laurel branch in his right hand and leaning left on tripod. Bellinger T169 = RPC IV online 105.1 (same dies). SNG Leypold 478 (same dies). Extremely rare, perhaps only the fourth known example and a very interesting type. Light pitting on the obverse and with some minor deposits, otherwise, good very fine.


Hekatos literally means 'the far-shooter', which refers to Apollo's ability to strike enemies with his celebrated bow. It is thus a bit surprising to find this epithet on a coin that shows us a decidedly relaxed Apollo, who holds not a bow but a laurel branch and leans at ease on a tripod.