PELOPONNESOS. ARGOLIS. Epidauros. Circa late 280-260 B.C. AR hemidrachm. 2.64 gm. 15 mm. Laureate head of Asklepios left / EP monogram within wreath. SNG Copenhagen 116. BCD Peloponnesos 1232-1233 (same dies). Very Fine; bold realistic portrait, well centered; attractive old cabinet tone. Most pleasing for issue. Interesting four-point star countermark or punch on reverse. Rare.

Ex BCD.

Prior to the Epidaurus Hoard found in the late 1970s (Coin Hoards VIII, 298), drachms and hemidrachms of Epidaurus were extremely rare, with many great collections lacking even a single piece. Most of the BCD pieces come from this hoard, as have virtually all other pieces appearing on the market in the last 30 years. (Ref. LHS 96:1226 note.) Prices have come down as a result, a temporary situation.The early Hellenistic coinage of Epidaurus is a very small issue and extremely rare. Epidaurus, a small city in ancient Greece on the Argolis Peninsula, is considered the birthplace of Asklepios, the god of healing. Just south of the city sat the Asklepieion, a massive healing center, sanctuary, temple, hotel and theatre, and the site of Panhellenic games. Their ruins remain a popular tourist destination, and in fact the theater, noted for its symmetry, beauty, and exceptional acoustics, is perfectly preserved and still in use today.