Assaria of Anchialus, Thrace. AD 193 - 211.
ΑΥ Κ Λ CΕΠΤ CΕΥΗΡΟC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Septimius Severus to right / ΟΥΛΠΙΑΝΩΝ ΑΓΧΙΑΛΕΩΝ Prize crown with two palm branches set on table; ΝΥΜΦΙΑ / CEBHPIA below.
The reverse of this coin commemorates the holding of the Severan Nymphian Games at Anchialos. To honor the local nymphs the city had long celebrated games called the Nymphia, in which, unlike the usual athletic events that were reserved for men only, women were, perhaps, also allowed to compete. In the late 2nd century, after Septimius Severus defeated Pescennius Niger in 194, many cities in the Balkans established ‘Severan’ games to honor the victory. In some cases, however, rather than founding an entirely new festival the city would simply rename an existing event as a Severan one, as here at Anchialos.
Rare.Dark brownish green patina.
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