MYSIA. Poemanenum. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Diassarion (Bronze, 23 mm, 7.21 g, 12 h), Klaudianos, son of Asklepiades, archon and strategos, 175-177. ΠΟΙΜΗC Bare head of the eponymous founder Poimes to right, with features resembling Commodus Caesar. Rev. CTPA ΚΛΑΥΔΙΑΝΟΥ ΠΟΙΜΑΝΗ Homonoia standing front, head to left, holding patera over lighted altar in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. BMC -. Plankenhorn, Mysien -. RPC IV.2 online - , cf. 3079 (same obverse type, but differing reverse). SNG Copenhagen -. SNG Paris -. SNG von Aulock -. Apparently unpublished. Minor traces of corrosion and with light deposits, otherwise, very fine.



This fascinating coin introduces us to Poimes for the first time, the eponymous founder of Poemanenum. As seen on the Tabula Peutingeriana, the city was located not far from Kyzikos. Its name may derive from the Paemani, a Germanic tribe mentioned by Caesar in Celtic Belgium. Some Paemani likely migrated to Spain, where a goddess named Poemena is attested in inscriptions, while others may have joined the Galatians on their military campaigns to Asia Minor, where some might have settled in Mysia. Coins from Poemanenum are rare, and with the appearance of this piece, we can add a new chapter to the history of this little-known city: that of a hero cult dedicated to its eponymous founder, similar to those found in many cities of Asia Minor.