MYSIA. Miletopolis. Pseudo-autonomous issue, 1st century BC-1st century AD. AE (Orichalcum, 21 mm, 8.36 g, 11 h). Ο ΔΗΜΟϹ ΑΞΙΟΧΟΝ Bare head of Demos with the features of Axiochos to right. Rev. ΜΙΛΗΤΟΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ Bust of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis. Plankenhorn, Mysien, p. 104, 10 (this coin). RPC I 2237. Very rare and of great historical interest. Light deposits and with some scratches, otherwise, good fine.


The obverse legend of this unusual issue translates as 'the Demos (honors) Axiochos'. Unfortunately, we do not know who this Axiochos was, and it is equally unclear whether the portrait shown is that of the Demos, or of the honoree. In any case, the fact that Axiochos received such extraordinary public acclamation from his polis suggests that he must have been of great prominence, and had presumably supported his community with extraordinary benefactions.