ATTICA. Athens. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Assarion (Bronze, 25 mm, 8.50 g, 6 h), circa 120-150. Bust of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis; all within laurel wreath.
Rev. AΘΗΝΑΙⲰN Acropolis-hill surmounted by Erechtheium, on the left, colossal statue of Athena Promachos in centre, and Propylaea, on the right; descending from Propylaea, stairs; halfway up Acropolis-rock, cave enclosing statue of Pan. Kroll -. Price & Trell 156 and fig. 131. RPC IV.1 online 3510. Svoronos, pl. 98, 19. Extremely rare and of great historical interest. Somewhat porous and with minor spots of corrosion
, otherwise, good fine.
From the MST Collection of architectural Roman Provincial coins, assembled over the past 50 years.
The Acropolis of ancient Athens, also known as the Kekropia after Cecrops, the city’s legendary first king, was a citadel perched upon the high rocky outcrop around which Athens was founded. By the close of the Periclean era, it housed most of the city’s principal religious temples and treasuries, including the renowned Parthenon among others. This elevated stronghold was not only a religious center but also a symbol of Athenian power and identity. Its temples and monuments embodied the city’s artistic and political achievements, reflecting the ideals of beauty, democracy, and civic pride that Athens championed during its golden age.
During the second Persian siege under Xerxes, many of the city’s elders sought refuge there while the remainder of the population fled to Salamis; tragically, the elders were ultimately massacred by the Persians, and the structures on the Acropolis were reduced to smoldering ruins. The site was subsequently rebuilt, primarily during Pericles’ political ascendancy from the 460s to the 430s BC, though it may have suffered further destruction following Athens’ final defeat in its prolonged conflict with Sparta. The depiction of the Athenian Acropolis on coins is exceptionally rare: the RPC records only three such issues, of which this is by far the rarest, previously known from just two examples.
Today, the Acropolis remains one of the most iconic symbols of classical antiquity and democratic ideals, its enduring cultural and historical significance drawing millions of visitors annually. The Parthenon, in particular, continues to captivate the global imagination as a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Athens.
