IONIA. Ephesus. Gallienus, 253-268. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 26 mm, 6.96 g, 1 h). AYT•ΠΟ•ΛΙΚ•ΓΑΛ[ΛΙΕΝΟC] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gallienus to right, seen from behind. Rev. EΦECIΩΝ Γ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ The hero Androklos walking right, holding spear over his left shoulder and dead boor with his right hand; behind, tree. SNG Copenhagen 512. SNG von Aulock -. Rare. An unusually attractive example with a fine green patina. Light smoothing, otherwise, good very fine.


Androklos was the mythological founder of Ephesus, instructed by the oracle of Delphi to found his city at a place indicated by a fish and a boar. One day, when Androklos and his hunting companions were grilling fish, one of them escaped from the pan, setting the bushes on fire. This startled a boar who tried to flee, but was killed by Androklos, thus fulfilling the prophecy.