Search


CNG Bidding Platform

Information

Products and Services



Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 

The Sophist Attalos

413, Lot: 252. Estimate $200.
Sold for $750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

IONIA, Smyrna. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Medallion (35mm, 23.91 g, 6h). P. Kl. Attalos, the sophist, magistrate. Struck AD 169-175. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ΑΤΤΑΛΟC CΟΦΙΣΤΗC ΤΑΙC ΠΑΤΡΙCI, Zeus of Laodicea standing right, holding scepter and eagle; to right, Cybele of Smyrna seated left on throne, resting elbow on drum; CΜΥΡ ΛΑΟ in exergue. Klose 9 (V6/R9) = SNG von Aulock 2243; BMC 512 (same dies). VF, rough brown surfaces. Rare.


The son of the famous sophist Polemon, Attalos was born in Laodicea but lived and taught in Smyrna. From the “homonoia” style coinage that he signed, it is clear that he was fond of both cities and sought to promote them as allies.