BITHYNIA. Nicomedia. Philip I, 244-249. AE (Bronze, 27 mm, 12.07 g, 7 h). Μ ΙΟΥΛΙΟϹ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟϹ ΑΥΓ Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I to right, seen from behind; on neck, countermark: H within round incuse. Rev. ΝΙΚΟΜΗΔΕΩΝ ΔΙϹ ΝΕΩ/ΚΟΡΩΝ Lectisternium (?): semi-circular object placed on kline underneath pearl wreath out of which emerge three branches; beneath, rooster and dog above which bucranium and small altar. RPC VIII online ID 19997. For countermark, Howgego 821. Rare and exceptionally well preserved, perhaps the finest known example with this interesting reverse type. Minor weakness from countermarking, otherwise, good very fine.


The meaning of the reverse scene is not entirely clear. It most likely represents a lectisternium, a ritual banquet in which cult images or divine symbols were laid out on cushioned couches and honoured with offerings. On our coin, the scene is best taken as an allusion to a local public celebration - perhaps a festival or the fulfilment of a vow at a civic sanctuary (possibly also in an imperial-cult context).