TROAS. Ilium. Faustina Junior, Augusta, 147-175. Diassarion (Bronze, 26 mm, 11.30 g, 12 h), circa 164-166. ΦΑΥCΤΙ-ΝΑ CΕΒΑCΤ Draped bust of Faustina II to right. Rev. ΔΙΑ ΙΔΑΙΟΝ ΙΛΙΕΙC Zeus Idaios seated right, holding long sceptre in his right hand and cult statue of Athena Ilium in his left. Bellinger T168. RPC IV.2 online 104. A beautiful example with a dark green patina and an interesting reverse. Some roughness, otherwise, good very fine.


As denoted by the reverse legend 'ΔΙΑ ΙΔΑΙΟΝ ΙΛΙΕΙC', this fascinating coin shows Zeus Idaios on the reverse, or the Zeus of Mount Ida. Mount Ida played an important role in Greek mythology, particularly in the works of Homer. It was the location where both Paris and Anchises, the father of Aeneas, lived as shepherds and where the Paris Judgement took place. During the Trojan War, it also served as the seat of the gods to watch the ensuing battles, and fittingly the father of the gods made his abode there.