12 Olympian Portraits: Apollo

[Curtisimo]

Satraps of Caria
Maussolos 
AR Tetradrachm, Halikarnassus mint, struck ca. 377 - 352 BC
Dia.: 23 mm
Wt.: 15.06 g
Obv.: Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right
Rev.: MAYΣΣΩΛΛO, Zeus Labraundos standing right
Ref.: BMC 1 var; SNG Von Aulock 2359 var.; Traité II, 91
Ex Roma Auction II, lot 302 (Oct. 2, 2011)

I have been working on a project to collect interesting Greek portrait coins of the 12 Olympian Gods. For this sub-collection I’ve set myself a few parameters:

• Coins must represent the Greek god or goddess (not the Roman equivalent)
• Coins must be a portrait coin of the god or goddess (as opposed to a full figure)
• The coin must be an exceptional portrait or be interesting in some other meaningful way

You can track my progress on write ups for this sub-collection below:

Curtisimo’s 12 Olympian Portraits 

1 Disputed Origins
While there is plenty of debate and disagreement concerning the origins of all the Olympian gods, Apollo’s origin is especially contested. Below I will very briefly outline the leading theories.

1.1 Pre-Greek Anatolian Origin
This theory postulates that the worship of Apollo originated in western Asia Minor, specifically Lycia and the Troad. One of the best pieces of evidence for this is a treaty between the Hittite king Muwatalli II and the city of Wilusa under king Alaksandu ca. 1280 BC. In the treaty, the Hittite king calls upon several gods of Wilusa as guarantors of the treaty, among which is Apaliunas who may be an early form of Apollo [1].

The treaty between the Hittite Empire and Wilusa

What is particularly interesting is that Wilusa is widely considered to be the same ancient city as Troy (Wilusa = Ilion = Troy). The Iliad may even contain a memory of Apollo as Anatolian. First, he is the primary god fighting on behalf of the Trojans. Further, several of the epithets that Homer used to describe Apollo reference western Anatolian places (Ʃμινθεῦ associated with Sminthia; Λυκηγενής meaning “born of Lycia)[2]. Finally, Apollo’s mother, Leto, was principally an Anatolian goddess.

I found this theory particularly interesting, as it has caused me to consider the Iliad in a way I hadn’t done before.

1.2 Doric Greek Origin
In 1975, Walter Berkhert proposed that Apollo was of Doric origin based on highly technical etymological arguments [3][4]. He suggests that the root of the name is απελλα. The apellai were the assemblies of all male citizens. It is also the name for a festival held in honor of Apollo at Sparta. Both the festival and assembly were held in the month of Apellaios [4].

The Apellai festival was also an occasion where young men would have been initiated into adulthood. Berkhert points out the association of Apollo with these young men [3]. Apollo, is famously depicted as the eternal youth, just at the transition into manhood.

If this explanation for the origin of Apollo is accurate, there would be no documented evidence for Apollo before the 8th or 9th century BC.

1.3 Apollo and Paeon 
This isn’t a stand alone origin theory for Apollo, per se, but it does merit consideration. Paeon was a very ancient god of healing who had become syncretized as an aspect of Apollo by the Classical age. By the Hellenistic age, Apollo had ceded the epithet “Paeon” to Asclepius.

Paeon is mentioned in the same Linear B tablet that I discussed in relation to Athena (see here). In the Iliad, he heals Ares from the wounds he sustained at the hands of Diomedes (how embarrassing!)[5]. This shows that in the time of Homer, Paeon was still a distinct god in his own right. However, even in Homer it seems that Apollo’s dual responsibilities for healing and disease overlapped with Paeon, who had become a minor figure.

Therefore, no matter which origin for Apollo is correct, his myth was influenced by traditions that went back well into the Mycenaean age.

2 The Shifting Responsibilities of Apollo
If you were to ask a modern person what the primary aspect of Apollo was, I suspect a large percentage of people would answer that he was a god of the sun. To take this thought experiment a bit further, we might imagine that a 5th century BC Athenian would respond that he was a god of prophesy. An Ionian Greek of Homer’s day might have said that he was a god of plague.

I think this complicated nature sets him apart from the other Olympians. For example, Apollo was such a unique god that the Romans didn’t even try to syncretize him to one of their gods. They simply adopted his worship wholesale (a temple was built for him in Rome in 430 BC to avert plague). I think it is fascinating that most of the divine areas he oversaw overlapped to some extent with other deities: the domain of healing was shared with Paeon and Asclepius, archery (and the hunt) was shared with Artemis, prophecy with Zeus, music and art with the muses, solar aspects with Helios etc. Perhaps this partially explains why the focus of his myths tended to shift so dramatically depending on time and place.

3 The Oracle
While Apollo’s association with plague and healing is probably his oldest form, prophecy became increasingly important to his cult in the archaic and classical periods. The oracle at Delphi is the most famous example of his power over prophesy. Neither Homer nor Hesiod mention him in association with prophesy or Delphi. In the Hymn to Delian Apollo (7th century BC), Apollo proclaims that he will “declare to men the unfailing will of Zeus.” [7] The Hymn to Delphic Apollo (early 6th century BC) tells the story of his establishment at Delphi [7]. The temple and oracle at Delphi were probably established in the 8th century BC on an earlier cult site [6]. Greek history and myth is filled with stories where the oracle plays a prominent role.

However, the oracle was more than just a cult center. Its predictions had real world consequences. The role the oracle played in advising settlers of new colonies is one reason that the image of Apollo shows up so often on coins and other forms of art across the Greek world.

Temple of Apollo at Delphi (Author’s photo)

This votive offering to Apollo from Thebes is dating to 700-675 BC. The inscription on the legs reads in part “Mantiklos dedicated me as a tithe to the Far Shooter, the bearer of the Silver Bow…” Though there is some disagreement, this statue probably shows Apollo. That would make this one of the earliest representations of Apollo and would be near contemporary with Homer and Hesiod. (Image courtesy of the Boston Museum of Fine Art)

Why I Chose this Coin to Represent Apollo
This coin scores a solid 10/10 on all of the criteria I used to select coins for this sub-collection. The portrait is one of my favorites across my entire collection and the artistry of the reverse is also worthy of note. 

This coin was struck by King Maussolos of Halicarnassus and has his name spelled out on the reverse. The tomb that was built for him was ranked as one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. It was so grand that it gives us the modern word Mausoleum. This coin is as close as I’ll be able to get to having this wonder represented in my collection.

In addition, the Hecatomid dynasty under Maussolos, was the primary rival to Athens for control of the Aegean Sea during the mid-4th century BC. At the time Athens had to contend with the threat of Philip of Macedon on land, and the Hecatomids at sea. 

References 
[1] Beekes, Robert, The Origins of Apollo, 2003

[2] Ashlock, Garret L., The Anatolian Connection: Traditional Epithets of Apollo in the Iliad, July, 2023

[3] Burkert, W.: Apellai und Apollon, Rheinisches Museum für Philologie, Neue Folge, 118. Bd., H. 1⁄2, 1975, pp. 1-21. JSTOR. Web. Nov. 2014.j

[4]  Chabrečková, Barbora, Apollo and His Cult in the Geometric and Archaic Periods, thesis, Masaryk University, 2014

[5] Homer, Illiad Book 5: https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134%3Abook%3D5%3Acard%3D899

[6] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/393/

[7] https://www.theoi.com/Text/HomericHymns1.html#3

Apollo has some of the best portraits in all of the Greek world so I am hoping this thread will get lots of interesting posts. Please post your,

• Portrait coins of Apollo!
• Any coin associated with Apollo (Roman or Greek)
• Coins from Halicarnassus
• Coins of the Hecatomids
• Facing portraits 

Edited November 11, 2023 by Curtisimo

[Ryro]

Another stunner followed by an amazing write up! Man, I'm loving your Greek gods series!!

"Coins must represent the Greek god or goddess (not the Roman equivalent)"

Frustratingly the Roman equivalent is none other than... Apollo. 

That said, the Greeks were superior in artistry across all artistic mediums. Other than the art of war and the Romans unique ability to sacrifice their and their allies sons.

In regards to favorite depictions of Apollo, recently gave my favorite Apollo Portrait to a good friend, and though I've recently shared this coin for its reverse, the obverse has a pretty stunning image of everyone's favorite pretty boy... NO! Not me. But thanks for thinking it😉

IONIA. Smyrna. Ae (Circa 115-105 BC). Paramonos, magistrate. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right. Rev: ΠAPAMO ΣΜΥΡΝΑΙ. Hand in caestus; palm to right. Milne 1927, 239. Good very fine. 1.91 g, 14 mm. Numismatik Naumann Feb 2021 

And my favorite Apollo coin:

Bruttium, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (31 mm, 6.63 g).
Obv. Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, left arm extended, upon which a small daimon, holding branch in each hand, runs right; KAVΛ to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted.
Rev. Incuse of obverse, but daimon in outline and no ethnic.
Noe, Caulonia Group A, 1 (same dies).
Rare. Cracked in three parts, otherwise, very fine/fine

[Di Nomos]

Great write up and fantastic coin as always. My favourite Apollo portrait in my collection is also a facing head, though a smaller coin being a drachm.

Macedon, Amphipolis c. 369/368 BC

Ex Gorny & Mosch 240 (10 October 2016), lot 85; Star Collection (LHS 102, 19 April 2008), lot 123; Hess-Leu 28 (5 May 1965), lot 139;   Burton Y. Berry Collection, 13.                    Aidhonokhorion Hoard, circa 1936 (IGCH 364).

Edited November 11, 2023 by Di Nomos

[CPK]

A fabulous coin @Curtisimo!

The best Apollo I've got is this little bronze: (posted about here.)

SICILY, SYRACUSE

Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, 337-317 BC

AE (15.09mm, 3.00g, 8h)

Struck 336-317 BC

Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right

Reverse: ΣΥΡΑ, Pegasus flying right

References: SNG Munich 1185

*A very rare type. Timoleon was a Corinthian general commissioned to aid the Syracusans against both the Carthaginian invaders and the local ruling tyrants. Timoleon brilliantly accomplished both objectives, ushering in the period of cultural and economic renewal and recovery known as the Third Democracy.*

 

[Ocatarinetabellatchitchix]

Caracalla, and APOLLO with the foot on a cippus.

[Deinomenid]

@Ryro love it - that Kaulonia is probably the one with the most Apollo information packed into  it an obverse that I know, from why  he holds that genius, to the laurel branch supposedly being from the Vale of Tempe in Thessaly, to why Apollo is naked etc etc!

So many coins of Apollo, so hard to narrow it down to just one,  but here's a classical style Apollo from Syracuse, picked  for its (in my view) beauty. Agathokles was no devout follower (though Dionysius II a little before before him was) and it is likely it was used as the obverse was familiar to mercenaries in and from southern Italy.

Sicily, Syracuse, Agathokles circa 300BC, electrum 25 litrai, laureate head of Apollo left; behind, single curved bow, rev., ΣΥΡΑΚ-ΟΣΙΩΝ, tripod, 3.62g

 

@Curtisimo many thanks again for a great series. Especially for the oracle section - as you say for a Sicilian/Magna Graecia "specialist" Apollo was essential as Apollo Archegetes. One of the saddest verses in classical literature  in my view are the reported last words of  that oracle to a visit by an emissary of Julian the Apostate. 

Tell the emperor that the Daidalic hall has fallen.
No longer does Phoebus [Apollo] have his chamber, nor mantic laurel,
nor prophetic spring and the speaking water has been silenced.

 

 

 

[Roman Collector]

Very interesting and informative write-up, @Curtisimo! I love etymology and this installment is chock full of it!!

While I like coins that depict Apollo as Musagetes ...

Gordian III (238-244 CE) with wife Tranquillina (241-244 CE).
Roman provincial AE 25.8 mm, 11.44 g.
Thrace, Mesembria, 241-244 CE.
Obv: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC ΑVΓ CΕΒ-ΤΡΑΝΚVΛΛΙΝ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian and draped bust of Tranquillina, wearing stephane, confronted.
Rev: ΜΕCΑΜΒΡΙΑΝΩΝ, Apollo Musagetes in long robe, standing left, holding plectrum in outstretched right hand and resting left on lyre set on column.
Refs: RPC VII.2, 1226; BMC 3.133,15; Moushmov 3998; Varbanov 4175-4176.

This is the nicest portrait of the god in my collection.

C Vibius C.f. Pansa, 90 BCE.
Roman AR denarius, 3.87 g, 18.2 mm, 1 h.
Rome, 90 BCE.
Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right; PANSA behind, control mark (prow) below chin.
Rev: Minerva in quadriga right, holding spear and reins in left hand and trophy in right hand; C·VIBIVS·C·F in exergue.
Refs: Crawford RRC 342/5b; Sydenham CRR 684-684c; BMCRR 2265; Sear RCV 242.

[AncientJoe]

My two favorite Apollos, coincidentally sold in on the same day (although I bought the Rhegium privately a year after the auction):

 

Clazomenae Drachm circa 360, AR 4.05 g. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters l., wearing chlamys secured by round brooch. Rev. AΠ – ΟΛΛΑ – Σ ??Swan standing l., with open wings; below, KΛ. ??Traité II, 1997 and pl CLV, 25. Boston 1861. Kunstrfreund 219 (this coin). Ex Naville I, 1921, Pozzi, 2400; Ars Classica XVI, 1933, 1390 and Leu-M&M 28 May 1974, Kunstfreund

 

Tetradrachm circa 300-280, AR 17.29 g. PHΓINOΣ Laureate head of Apollo l., long hair falling in curls over neck. Rev. Lion's head facing. SNG ANS 676. Historia Numorum Italy 2501 (these dies). SNG Lloyd 700 (these dies). AMB 229 (these dies). Ex NAC sale 8, 1995, 115

[kirispupis]

Great series!

Although I haven't counted, Apollo may be the best represented deity on my coins.

Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AR Tetradrachm
Seleukeia on the Tigris, 281-261 BC
Diademed head to right / Apollo Delphios seated to left on omphalos, testing arrow and resting left hand on grounded bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to left, monogram to outer left and right.
SC 379.5a; HGC 9, 128g. 16.80g, 29mm, 3h.

 

Derdas II, Dynasts of Elimiotis
circa 380BC
AE 5.0g 16mm
Ox: Laureate head of young Apollo right
Rx: Rider on horse prancing right wearing petasos and chlamys; DERDA below
Ex BCD collection

 

KINGS OF BITHYNIA. Prusias I Chloros
circa 230-182 BCE
Tetrachalkon (Bronze, 28 mm, 10,27 g)
Laureate head of Apollo to left. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ Helmeted and winged figure of Athena-Nike standing to left, crowning the king's name with her right hand and resting her left on a shield by her side; in field to left, monogram.
HGC 7, 615. RG 16. SNG von Aulock 6880

 

 

Temple of Apollo at Delphi and some other Apollo temples from a visit this spring

 

Temple of Apollo Epikourios at Bassai 

 

Temple of Apollo at Corinth 

[expat]

Another great installment to the Olympian portraits thread. Unfortunately, the only Apollo portrait I have is a denarius from Rome mint.

L. Memmius AR Denarius (20mm, 3.77 g.)
Rome mint, struck 109-108 BC Gens Memmia
Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing oak wreath, mark of value below chin.
Rev. The Dioscuri standing facing, each holding spears and bridle of their horses, Xanthus and Cyllarus. Moneyer name in exergue.
Crawford 304
The gens Memmia was a plebeian family at ancient Rome. The first member of the gens to achieve prominence was Gaius Memmius Gallus, praetor in 172 BC. From the period of the Jugurthine War to the age of Augustus they contributed numerous tribunes to the Republic.

[Sulla80]

An excellent post @Curtisimo, I am enjoying your series.  Here are two Apollo's from Abdera.

https://www.sullacoins.com/post/coins-of-abdera-thrace

Thrace, Abdera, circa 346/345-336 BC, AR Hemisiglos (hemidrachm)  

Obv: ΕΠΙ - Χ-ΑΡΜ-Ο, griffin leaping left, forepart and forpaws raised, with feathered wings, tail curling and closed beak.

Rev: ΑΒΔ-ΗΡΙ-ΤΕ-ΩΝ, laureate head of Apollo, left, within linear square

Thrace, Abdera, ΗΡΟΔΟΤΟΣ (Herodotos), magistrate circa 300-250 BC, Bronze Æ

Obv: ABΔHΡITΩN, griffin springing left

Rev: [...]ΔΟΤOY, laureate head of Apollo right
Size: 17mm, 4.83g

 

[Curtisimo]

18 hours ago, Ryro said:

Coins must represent the Greek god or goddess (not the Roman equivalent)"

Frustratingly the Roman equivalent is none other than... Apollo. 

Ha! Yes indeed. As such I could well have added a Roman coin to this sub-collection and still been within my parameters. Fortunately, Apollo may well be the most widely represented Olympian on Greek coins (along with Athena).

18 hours ago, Ryro said:

In regards to favorite depictions of Apollo, recently gave my favorite Apollo Portrait to a good friend, and though I've recently shared this coin for its reverse, the obverse has a pretty stunning image of everyone's favorite pretty boy... NO! Not me. But thanks for thinking it😉

IONIA. Smyrna. Ae (Circa 115-105 BC). Paramonos, magistrate. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right. Rev: ΠAPAMO ΣΜΥΡΝΑΙ. Hand in caestus; palm to right. Milne 1927, 239. Good very fine. 1.91 g, 14 mm. Numismatik Naumann Feb 2021 

And my favorite Apollo coin:

Bruttium, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (31 mm, 6.63 g).

Wonderful coins of Apollo! That Smyrna / boxing coin is the perfect Ryro coin. It has a great portrait as well!

I love the detail on your Kaulonia. It’s interesting that you can get a feel for where this coin fits chronologically by comparing the archaic style to other forms of art.

18 hours ago, Di Nomos said:

Great write up and fantastic coin as always. My favourite Apollo portrait in my collection is also a facing head, though a smaller coin being a drachm.

Macedon, Amphipolis c. 369/368 BC

Ex Gorny & Mosch 240 (10 October 2016), lot 85; Star Collection (LHS 102, 19 April 2008), lot 123; Hess-Leu 28 (5 May 1965), lot 139;   Burton Y. Berry Collection, 13.                    Aidhonokhorion Hoard, circa 1936 (IGCH 364).

Just wow!!!! What a coin and what a tremendous provenance!

Thank you also for the kind words! 🙂 

18 hours ago, CPK said:

A fabulous coin @Curtisimo!

The best Apollo I've got is this little bronze: (posted about here.)

SICILY, SYRACUSE

Time of Timoleon and the Third Democracy, 337-317 BC

AE (15.09mm, 3.00g, 8h)

Struck 336-317 BC

Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right

Reverse: ΣΥΡΑ, Pegasus flying right

References: SNG Munich 1185

*A very rare type. Timoleon was a Corinthian general commissioned to aid the Syracusans against both the Carthaginian invaders and the local ruling tyrants. Timoleon brilliantly accomplished both objectives, ushering in the period of cultural and economic renewal and recovery known as the Third Democracy.*

 

Thanks Connor! Lovely Apollo and great write up as always.

17 hours ago, Ocatarinetabellatchitchix said:

Caracalla, and APOLLO with the foot on a cippus.

Nice coin Ocat!

17 hours ago, Deinomenid said:

@Curtisimo many thanks again for a great series. Especially for the oracle section - as you say for a Sicilian/Magna Graecia "specialist" Apollo was essential as Apollo Archegetes. One of the saddest verses in classical literature  in my view are the reported last words of  that oracle to a visit by an emissary of Julian the Apostate. 

Tell the emperor that the Daidalic hall has fallen.
No longer does Phoebus [Apollo] have his chamber, nor mantic laurel,
nor prophetic spring and the speaking water has been silenced

What an unbelievably beautiful portrait and coin @Deinomenid. I am glad you are enjoying the series. That is one of my favorite sub-collections so it has been really fun to write about it.

It is indeed sad to think of the end of the oracle. It is interesting to think what might have happened if Julian would have ruled for the 30+ years of an Augustus or a Constantine.

Here are a few more photos of my trip to Delphi several years ago.

 

View including the theatre.

 

The place where the Omphalos was located. The center of the world in the Greek imagination.

 

The arena where the Pythian Games were held. One of the 4 great festivals of the Olympiad cycle.

 

The treasury of Athens. Just as ostentatious as you might imagine from them.

17 hours ago, Roman Collector said:

Very interesting and informative write-up, @Curtisimo! I love etymology and this installment is chock full of it!!

While I like coins that depict Apollo as Musagetes ...

Gordian III (238-244 CE) with wife Tranquillina (241-244 CE).
Roman provincial AE 25.8 mm, 11.44 g.
Thrace, Mesembria, 241-244 CE.
Obv: ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC ΑVΓ CΕΒ-ΤΡΑΝΚVΛΛΙΝ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian and draped bust of Tranquillina, wearing stephane, confronted.
Rev: ΜΕCΑΜΒΡΙΑΝΩΝ, Apollo Musagetes in long robe, standing left, holding plectrum in outstretched right hand and resting left on lyre set on column.
Refs: RPC VII.2, 1226; BMC 3.133,15; Moushmov 3998; Varbanov 4175-4176.

This is the nicest portrait of the god in my collection.

C Vibius C.f. Pansa, 90 BCE.
Roman AR denarius, 3.87 g, 18.2 mm, 1 h.
Rome, 90 BCE.
Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right; PANSA behind, control mark (prow) below chin.
Rev: Minerva in quadriga right, holding spear and reins in left hand and trophy in right hand; C·VIBIVS·C·F in exergue.
Refs: Crawford RRC 342/5b; Sydenham CRR 684-684c; BMCRR 2265; Sear RCV 242.

Thanks RC! Glad you enjoyed it. Great Apollo examples. 🙂 

[Curtisimo]

17 hours ago, AncientJoe said:

My two favorite Apollos, coincidentally sold in on the same day (although I bought the Rhegium privately a year after the auction):

 

Clazomenae Drachm circa 360, AR 4.05 g. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters l., wearing chlamys secured by round brooch. Rev. AΠ – ΟΛΛΑ – Σ ??Swan standing l., with open wings; below, KΛ. ??Traité II, 1997 and pl CLV, 25. Boston 1861. Kunstrfreund 219 (this coin). Ex Naville I, 1921, Pozzi, 2400; Ars Classica XVI, 1933, 1390 and Leu-M&M 28 May 1974, Kunstfreund

 

Tetradrachm circa 300-280, AR 17.29 g. PHΓINOΣ Laureate head of Apollo l., long hair falling in curls over neck. Rev. Lion's head facing. SNG ANS 676. Historia Numorum Italy 2501 (these dies). SNG Lloyd 700 (these dies). AMB 229 (these dies). Ex NAC sale 8, 1995, 115

These are absolutely beautiful portraits @AncientJoe! That Rhegium in particular is stunning.

If you have a mind to I encourage you to check out my first two write ups in the series that are linked above (for Athena and Zeus). I would love to see your favorite example of those two Olympians.

15 hours ago, kirispupis said:

Great series!

Although I haven't counted, Apollo may be the best represented deity on my coins.

Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AR Tetradrachm
Seleukeia on the Tigris, 281-261 BC
Diademed head to right / Apollo Delphios seated to left on omphalos, testing arrow and resting left hand on grounded bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to left, monogram to outer left and right.
SC 379.5a; HGC 9, 128g. 16.80g, 29mm, 3h.

 

Derdas II, Dynasts of Elimiotis
circa 380BC
AE 5.0g 16mm
Ox: Laureate head of young Apollo right
Rx: Rider on horse prancing right wearing petasos and chlamys; DERDA below
Ex BCD collection

 

KINGS OF BITHYNIA. Prusias I Chloros
circa 230-182 BCE
Tetrachalkon (Bronze, 28 mm, 10,27 g)
Laureate head of Apollo to left. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ Helmeted and winged figure of Athena-Nike standing to left, crowning the king's name with her right hand and resting her left on a shield by her side; in field to left, monogram.
HGC 7, 615. RG 16. SNG von Aulock 6880

 

 

Temple of Apollo at Delphi and some other Apollo temples from a visit this spring

 

Temple of Apollo Epikourios at Bassai 

 

Temple of Apollo at Corinth 

Wonderful coins and BEAUTIFUL photos!

12 hours ago, expat said:

Another great installment to the Olympian portraits thread. Unfortunately, the only Apollo portrait I have is a denarius from Rome mint.

L. Memmius AR Denarius (20mm, 3.77 g.)
Rome mint, struck 109-108 BC Gens Memmia
Obv. Apollo facing right, wearing oak wreath, mark of value below chin.
Rev. The Dioscuri standing facing, each holding spears and bridle of their horses, Xanthus and Cyllarus. Moneyer name in exergue.
Crawford 304
The gens Memmia was a plebeian family at ancient Rome. The first member of the gens to achieve prominence was Gaius Memmius Gallus, praetor in 172 BC. From the period of the Jugurthine War to the age of Augustus they contributed numerous tribunes to the Republic.

Thanks @expat! Nice Apollo / Dioscuri.

10 hours ago, Sulla80 said:

An excellent post @Curtisimo, I am enjoying your series.  Here are two Apollo's from Abdera.

https://www.sullacoins.com/post/coins-of-abdera-thrace

Thrace, Abdera, circa 346/345-336 BC, AR Hemisiglos (hemidrachm)  

Obv: ΕΠΙ - Χ-ΑΡΜ-Ο, griffin leaping left, forepart and forpaws raised, with feathered wings, tail curling and closed beak.

Rev: ΑΒΔ-ΗΡΙ-ΤΕ-ΩΝ, laureate head of Apollo, left, within linear square

Thrace, Abdera, ΗΡΟΔΟΤΟΣ (Herodotos), magistrate circa 300-250 BC, Bronze Æ

Obv: ABΔHΡITΩN, griffin springing left

Rev: [...]ΔΟΤOY, laureate head of Apollo right
Size: 17mm, 4.83g

 

Thanks @Sulla80! I am glad you are enjoying the series.

I really like your Abdera hemidrachm. I will check out your blog and read up on it. 🙂 

[Brennos]

To continue with the portraits of the 12 Olympians on bronze coins from Magna Graecia and Sicily :

Bruttium, Rhegium Bronze circa 351-280, Æ 22mm., 9.42g. Facing lion-mask. Rev. PHΓINON Laureate head of Apollo r. SNG ANS 687. Historia Numorum Italy 2534.

 It's possibly an Apollo Karneios as known in some coins of Metapontion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carneia

 

 

[Qcumbor]

It's certainly one of the coins of yours that I love the most, and the writeup is very informative as usual.

Greek Apollo (the second one isn't mine anymore, and when I see the picture I blame myself for I've sold it...) :

Macedonian Kingdom, Philip II

Head of Apollo right
PHILIPPOY, horse and rider ging right
7.25 gr, 18 mm
Ref : Sear #6698

 

Seleukid kingdom, Seleukos I -  ca.312-280 BCE

Laureate head of Apollo right
Athena standing right, holding thunderbolt and shield. BASILEWS SELEYKOY in field, reverse partially off center
7.32 gr, 21 mm
Ref : Sear #6849

 

Roman Apollo :

L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, Denarius - Rome mint, 90 BCE
Laureate head of Apollo right, Δ below chin
Naked horseman galloping right, holding whip; above swan  (I rather see an ibis though...). L.PISO.FRUGI / ROMA at exergue
3,93 gr - 18,8 mm
Ref : RCV # 235, RSC # 12b, RRC # 340/1-Calpurnia 12b-symbol 166

 

C. Piso L.f. Frugi, Denarius - Rome mint, 67 BCE
Laureate head of Apollo right, behind, heron right
C•PISO L•F•FRVGI Naked horseman galloping right, holding whip in his right hand; above, lituus.
3,75 gr - 16 mm - 6h
Ref : RCV # 348, RSC (Calpurnia) # 24, Crawford # 408/1a, Sydenham # 865c, RBW -, Hersh, Piso # 29 (O10/R1005)

Q

[Curtisimo]

On 11/11/2023 at 4:19 PM, Brennos said:

To continue with the portraits of the 12 Olympians on bronze coins from Magna Graecia and Sicily :

Bruttium, Rhegium Bronze circa 351-280, Æ 22mm., 9.42g. Facing lion-mask. Rev. PHΓINON Laureate head of Apollo r. SNG ANS 687. Historia Numorum Italy 2534.

 It's possibly an Apollo Karneios as known in some coins of Metapontion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carneia

 

 

Beautiful example! Those facing lions of Rhegium are so distinctive and artistic. Thank you for sharing.

On 11/11/2023 at 4:29 PM, Qcumbor said:

It's certainly one of the coins of yours that I love the most, and the writeup is very informative as usual.

Greek Apollo (the second one isn't mine anymore, and when I see the picture I blame myself for I've sold it...) :

Macedonian Kingdom, Philip II

Head of Apollo right
PHILIPPOY, horse and rider ging right
7.25 gr, 18 mm
Ref : Sear #6698

 

Seleukid kingdom, Seleukos I -  ca.312-280 BCE

Laureate head of Apollo right
Athena standing right, holding thunderbolt and shield. BASILEWS SELEYKOY in field, reverse partially off center
7.32 gr, 21 mm
Ref : Sear #6849

 

Roman Apollo :

L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, Denarius - Rome mint, 90 BCE
Laureate head of Apollo right, Δ below chin
Naked horseman galloping right, holding whip; above swan  (I rather see an ibis though...). L.PISO.FRUGI / ROMA at exergue
3,93 gr - 18,8 mm
Ref : RCV # 235, RSC # 12b, RRC # 340/1-Calpurnia 12b-symbol 166

 

C. Piso L.f. Frugi, Denarius - Rome mint, 67 BCE
Laureate head of Apollo right, behind, heron right
C•PISO L•F•FRVGI Naked horseman galloping right, holding whip in his right hand; above, lituus.
3,75 gr - 16 mm - 6h
Ref : RCV # 348, RSC (Calpurnia) # 24, Crawford # 408/1a, Sydenham # 865c, RBW -, Hersh, Piso # 29 (O10/R1005)

 

Q

Thanks Q! Great additions. I like your lifetime Philip II bronze. I have a similar coin but from the time of Alexander that is Ex AMCC. It was one of the contenders for this sub-collection. 
 

Great RR examples of Apollo as well. He seems to be less often represented on imperial coins.

[Sulla80]

While we are on the subject of Apollo, I always enjoy pulling out this coin.  As Hersh points out in his die study "The physical appearance of the coins themselves is most satisfying and interesting. The laureate heads of Apollo...are of superior workmanship and have some of the most artistically excellent portraits in the entire Roman Republican series". He also wonders if Greek engravers might have been used as the coins show Hellenistic influence.

Notes: https://www.sullacoins.com/post/frvgi-father-son

Edited November 14, 2023 by Sulla80

[Curtisimo]

Beautiful coin @Sulla80!

……………………………..

I thought it might be fun for me to post a few of the “runner up” coins with portraits of Apollo from my collection.

Paeonian Tetradrachm

Kings of Paeonia
Patraos (c. 335-315 BC)
AR Tetradrachm, mint at Astibos or Damastion. 
(24 mm, 1 h, 12.93 g)
Obv.: Laureate head of Apollo right
Rev.: Warrior on horse rearing r., spearing enemy warrior who defends with shield and spear. 
Ref.: Paeonian Hoard 493-9; HGC 3, 148
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts E-Auction 105, lot 884 (Oct. 21, 2021)

This is one of my favorite Greek coins. It has a very distinctive high relief portrait of Apollo that I find really appealing. The detail and artistic ambition of the reverse is what really sets this coin apart for me.

Silphium

Cyrenaica
Cyrene AR didrachm, struck ca. 308-277 BC
Magas as Ptolemaic governor
Dia.: 20 mm
Wt.: 7.62 g
Obv.: Bare head of Apollo-Carneius right, with horn
Rev.: K-Y / P-A, silphium plant, cornucopia in inner right field
Ref.: SNG Copenhagen 1234; BMC 228
NGC 

This coin is interesting because it shows the famously extinct Silphium plant that was a big part of Cyrenean economy.

Homer

Ionia, Smyrna
Menophilos Krabaus, magistrate.
Ae Homereium, struck ca. 105-95 BC
Dia.: 21 mm
Wt.: 7.05 g
Obv.: Laureate head of Apollo right
Rev.: ΣΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ MHNOΦIΛOΣ KPABAYΣ. 
Homer, holding scroll and resting chin upon hand, seated left on plinth; sceptre behind
Ref.: Milne 1927, 294
Ex Gerhard Plankenhorn Collection of Ionian Coins

This coin shows the poet Homer. It also has the relatively rare distinction of being mentioned by name by an ancient writer, namely Pausanias.

Lifetime Alexander the Great

KINGS OF MACEDON: Alexander III 'the Great' (336-323 BCE), lifetime issue.
AE15 “half unit.” Macedonian mint. 
Dia.: 15 mm
Wt.: 4.13 g
Obv: Diademed head right.
Rev: AΛEΞANΔPOY, Horse prancing right; below, torch.
Ref.: Price 338.
Ex AMCC 2, lot 23 (Nov. 9, 2019)

This coin is special to me because is comes from an AMCC auction and is a lifetime Alexander coin. I think the portrait is interesting because there are several theories that propose other possibilities than Apollo. I did a write up about it over on CT. Apollo seems to be the leading theory so I think it that makes it fair game as a contender for this sub-collection. 

[Ursus]

A fantastic write-up and lots of beautiful coins in this thread.

I am excited to see what happens once you get to the more unusual deities, @Curtisimo. How many portraits of, for example, Hephaestus are there on Greek coins? I have no idea...

For now, here is an attractive Apollo type not yet shown in this thread:

Thessaly, Thessalian League, AR drachm, mid-late 2nd century BC. Obv: head of Apollo, laureate, r.; behind ΓAYANA (eroded). Rev: ΘΕΣΣΑΛΩΝ; Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear, shield on arm; in fields, , Π-Ο-Λ-Y; to r., grape. 18mm, 3.90g. Ref: BCD Thessaly II 819.

 

 

Edited November 13, 2023 by Ursus

[Qcumbor]

8 hours ago, Sulla80 said:

 

Wow, that scorpion is gorgeous !

 

27 minutes ago, Ursus said:

 

And Wow again, fantastic portrait of Apollo !

Q

[Prieure de Sion]

On 11/11/2023 at 2:02 AM, Curtisimo said:

Portrait coins of Apollo!

Sure 🙂 ... some Republican Apollo Busts...

 

Publius Crepusius; Reign: Roman Republic; Mint: Rome; Date: 82 BC; Nominal: Denarius; Material: Silver; Diameter: 18mm; Weight: 3.97g; Reference: Sydenham 738a; Reference: Babelon (Crepusia) 1; Reference: Crawford RRC 361/1c; Obverse: Laureate head (possibly Apollo), right; behind, sceptre; Inscription: -; Translation: -; Reverse: Horseman, right, brandishing spear; Inscription: P CREPVSI; Translation: Publius Crepusius.

Publius Crepusius must have the rare distinction of being essentially unknown outside the coins he issued as moneyer, yet having a significant amount of research dedicated to these coins. What we know of him and his family is practically limited to a single short statement: he was one third of the triumvir monetalis in 82-81 BC. So little is known about P. Crepusius that Michael Crawford, author of perhaps the most important reference book on Roman Republican coinage, had only this to say of him: “The moneyer is a P. Crepusius, not otherwise known”.

 

 

Lucius Marcius Censorinus; Reign: Roman Republic; Mint: Rome; Date: 82 BC; Nominal: Denarius; Material: Silver; Diameter: 18mm; Weight: 4.06g; Reference: B. Marcia 24; Reference: Sydenham 737; Reference: Crawford RRC 363/1d; Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right; sometimes a control symbol in right or left field. Anepigraphic; Inscription: -; Translation: -; Reverse: The satyr Marsyas standing left, raising his right arm and carrying wineskin over left shoulder; to right, column surmounted by statue of Minerva. Moneyer mark downwards in left field; sometimes, control-letter or numeral in right field; Inscription: L CENSOR; Translation: Lucius [Marcius] Censorinus.

Marsyas was a Phrygian satyr connected to the worship of Dionysos via his flute playing: he was one of the Tityroi, the double-flute playing satyrs in the train of the god. Legend said that it was Marsyas who invented flute playing. The story goes that Athena had crafted the very first flute, but discarded it because she did not like how it disfigured her cheeks when she blew into it. Marsyas found it and played it beautifully. He felt that he was so good that he challenged the god Apollo to a musical contest, the winner to determine the fate of the loser. Apollo won, of course, and after tying Marsyas to a tree he flayed him alive for his presumption of challenging him.

 

 

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi; Denarius of the Roman Republic Period 90 BC; Material: Silver; Diameter: 18mm; Weight: 3.56g; Mint: Rome; Reference: Crawford RRC 340/1; Provenance: Ex Collection Patrick Guillard; Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo, right or left; control-mark below chin, behind, or both. Border of dots; Reverse: Horseman, right or left, with palm-branch, torch, or whip; control-mark above, below, or both. Border of dots. The Inscription reads: L PISO FRVGI for Lucius Piso Frugi.

The denarii of the Master of the Mint Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi were minted en masse in 90 BC to meet the immense expenses of the so-called Confederate War, which the Roman state was waging against its Italic allies. In order to maintain control over the numerous issues and the mintmarks used in the process, a system of objets d'art in the form of small images, letters or numbers was employed, but its complexity and arbitrariness proved impractical. The pictorial motifs of this huge series of coins can be linked to the Ludi Apollinares, the games in honor of Apollo in the Circus Maximus, which were included in the Roman festival calendar in 208 BC on the initiative of an ancestor of the Master of the Mint, C. Calpurnius Piso. The depiction of Apollo's head on the front of the denarius and of the rider with the palm branch on the reverse, rushing along in a strict gallop, are reminiscent of models from Greek art and thus of the Greek coinage of these competitive games.

 

 

Gaius Licinius Macer; Denarius of the Roman Republic Period 84 BC; Material: Silver; Diameter: 20mm; Weight: 3.93g; Mint: Rome; Reference: Crawford RRC 354/1; Obverse: Bust of Apollo seen from behind, with head turned to left and with thunderbolt in right hand. Border of dots; Reverse: Minerva in quadriga, right, holding shield and reins in left hand and spear in right hand. Border of dots. The Inscription reads: C LICINIVS L F MACER for Gaius Licinius Licinius Filius Macer.

 

 

Lucius Caesius; Denarius of the Roman Republic Period 112/111 BC; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.71g; Mint: Rome; Reference: Crawford RRC 298/1; Provenance: Ex Dr. Gernot Heinrich Collection; Obverse: Bust of Apollo seen from behind, with head turned to left and with thunderbolt in right hand. Border of dots; Reverse: Lares Praestites seated facing, with dog between, each holding staff in left hand; above, bust of Vulcan with tongs over shoulder. Border of dots. The Inscription reads: L CAESI for Lucius Caesius.

Lucius Caesius, triumvir monetalis in 112 or 111 BC. His coins feature the Lares Praestites, the guardian spirits of Rome.

 

[Deinomenid]

5 hours ago, Ursus said:

How many portraits of, for example, Hephaestus are there on Greek coins

This is a very good point!

There are a lot, made to order just outside  Palermo, with Lipari symbols on them. Reminds me  of a question  I saw ages ago about a larger number than expected hydraulic presses in Sicily per capita gdp... Probably tongue in cheek. Well, possibly. Mytistraton has some too but they are more  likely Adranos as  it was a purely Sikel settlement. Methana, but obscure. Hopefully other mints though!

 

2 hours ago, Prieure de Sion said:

 Obverse: Bust of Apollo seen from behind

That's stunning!

 

[ambr0zie]

Great coins. Apollo is one of the most popular on coinage - Greek, Republican, Imperial and even Provincial, so plenty of coins to choose from. And of course, a lot of them as masterpieces, like the ones shown in this thread. 

@Curtisimo, from the moment I first saw your Halikarnassus coin it instantly became a must have for me, but, as expected, good examples are out of my reach by far and for the moment the ones I saw in auctions and I could afford (not cheap though) are no attractive enough. I also love the reverses on these. 

Now some Apollo coins 

The first Greek coin I ever saw is a left facing portrait of Apollo with a MFB reverse from Campania, Suessa Aurunca 

 

My first RR denarius - and a type I wanted a lot, with Apollo and a Marsyas reverse 

Archaic Apollo and Athena from Lampsakos, tetartemorion, one of the oldest coins in my collection

 

A coin from Smyrna, where the reverse is more interesting, as the reverse character is Homer:

Edited November 13, 2023 by ambr0zie

[Curtisimo]

Beautiful coins @Prieure de Sion! Your Macer denarius is particularly nice.

8 hours ago, Ursus said:

How many portraits of, for example, Hephaestus are there on Greek coins? I have no idea...

2 hours ago, Deinomenid said:

Hopefully other mints though!

My Hephaestus example is my ugliest… and perhaps the most interesting coin of this sub-collection. Hephaestus will be a fun one to write up.

1 hour ago, ambr0zie said:

Great coins. Apollo is one of the most popular on coinage - Greek, Republican, Imperial and even Provincial, so plenty of coins to choose from. And of course, a lot of them as masterpieces, like the ones shown in this thread. 

@Curtisimo, from the moment I first saw your Halikarnassus coin it instantly became a must have for me, but, as expected, good examples are out of my reach by far and for the moment the ones I saw in auctions and I could afford (not cheap though) are no attractive enough. I also love the reverses on these. 

Now some Apollo coins 

The first Greek coin I ever saw is a left facing portrait of Apollo with a MFB reverse from Campania, Suessa Aurunca 

 

My first RR denarius - and a type I wanted a lot, with Apollo and a Marsyas reverse 

Archaic Apollo and Athena from Lampsakos, tetartemorion, one of the oldest coins in my collection

 

A coin from Smyrna, where the reverse is more interesting, as the reverse character is Homer:

Nice Apollos @ambr0zie. I particularly like your Archaic Apollo from Lampascus. Thanks for the kind words on my Maussolos. I hope you manage to get one and I look forward to seeing it. 🙂 

Edited November 13, 2023 by Curtisimo

[jdmKY]

How about some Imperatorial Apollos?

 

1 - L Valerius Acisculus, 45 BC 

2 - Sicinius and Coponius, 48 BC 

3 - P Clodius, 42 BC 

4 - Brutus, 42 BC

Edited November 13, 2023 by jdmKY