CILICIA. Olba. Ajax, High Priest, 10-15. Dichalkon (Bronze, 15 mm, 3.90 g, 9 h), RY 2 = 11/2. TOΠAPX• / KENNAT• / [ΛA]ΛAΣ / [E]T B in four lines. Rev. APXIEP / AIANTO[C] / TEYKPOY Thunderbolt. RPC I 3729. SNG Levante 634. SNG Paris 807-9. Light earthen deposits, otherwise, very fine.


Ajax, the high priest of Olba whose title appears on this coin and on several other types, is otherwise unknown to history. The town of Olba was said to have been founded by Ajax, the son of Teuker, who was the step-brother of Ajax the Great, the hero second only to Achilles in the Greek host at Troy. The high priests, or archiereis, of Olba often took either the name of Ajax or Teuker.