SYRIA, Decapolis. Gadara. Elagabalus, 218-222. Octassarion (Bronze, 30 mm, 19.15 g, 12 h), CY 281 = 218. [ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΥΡ] ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝΟϹ Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus to right. Rev. ΠΟΜΠ / ΓΑΔΑΡЄⲰ[Ν] / ΑΠϹ Galley with eight oarsmen and hortator at stern left; at prow, figure standing right and vexillum; below to left, dolphin swimming right. Rosenberger 79. RPC VI online 9255.8 and 9255.13 (both this coin, listed twice in error). SNG ANS 1330. Spijkerman 85 (same dies). Repatinated, otherwise, about very fine.


Situated near the modern village of Ain Qais in Jordan, close to the triple border with Israel and Syria, Gadara was a strategic stronghold in a defensible position with access to the nearby springs and cisterns, and also a major center of Hellenistic culture. Originally part of the Herodian Kingdom of Judaea, Gadara was annexed to the Roman Province of Syria upon the death of Herod the Great in 4 BC. The galley shown on some of its 3rd century coins is probably a reference to the Roman fleet serving the Sea of Galilee, which was well visible from Gadara, and which saw action during the First Jewish Revolt, in 67 CE.