BITHYNIA. Nicomedia. Caracalla, 198-217. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 27 mm, 15.21 g, 1 h). ANTΩNЄINOC AYΓOYCTOC Laureate head of Caracalla to right. Rev. NIKOMHΔЄΩN ΔIC NЄΩKOP The hero Astakos advancing right off the prow of a ship, head to left and his left foot placed on rocks, holding spear with his left hand and gesturing for companions to follow with his right. RG p. 545-546, 230 corr. (the reverse figure misdescribed as being female). SNG Leypold -. SNG von Aulock -. Extremely rare and with a very interesting reverse. Well struck and with a very attractive green patina. Minor smoothing, otherwise, good very fine.
According to Memnon of Herakleia, Astakos, the son of Zeus and the nymph Olbia, was the eponymous hero of the city of Astakos in Bithynia. In 264 BC, Nikomedes I of Bithynia founded Nikomedia to replace Astakos and the cult was moved to the new capital