JUDAEA. Ascalon. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. AE (Bronze, 27 mm, 15.23 g, 12 h), CY 256 = 152/3. ΑΝΤⲰΝΙ[ΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ]ΑϹΤΟϹ Laureate head of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. ΑϹΚΑΛⲰN Derketo standing front, head to left, wearing crescent and holding dove in her right hand and long scepter in her left; below, Triton left, holding cornucopiae with both hands; to right, ζNC (date). BMC 195-6. RPC IV.3 online 6376.3 (this coin). Samel -. Shoshana -. SNG ANS -. Sofaer -. Very rare with this date. Somewhat rough and with light deposits, otherwise, very fine.



Derketo was the principal local goddess of Ascalon, generally regarded as a regional manifestation of the Syrian Atargatis and associated with fertility, water, and the protection of the city. Her marine character is emphasized here by the Triton beneath her feet, while the dove and crescent are characteristic attributes linking her to the broader Astarte-Aphrodite tradition.