Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 114 13-14 May 2020
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THRACE, Perinthus. Geta. AD 209-211. Æ (29mm, 13.49 g, 6h). Actian and Pythian Games. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Agonistic table with two victory crowns on top, two palm fronds between; below, five apples and amphora. Varbanov 297; Schönert-Geiss, Perinthos 647; BMC 51. Dark green patina, some light smoothing/cleaning scratches. EF.
Originally founded as one of four Panhellenic Games during the sixth century BC, the first Pythian Games were said to have been held by Apollo in penance for the killing of Python at Delphi. With gymnastic, athletic, music, and poetry competitions, the games evolved to display the very best of Graeco-Roman culture and traditionally drew visitors from across the empire. Illustrated on the reverse of this coin is the agonistic table showing the victors' prizes: two victory crowns, representing the Action and Pythian Games, the two local contests held in the city of Perinthus. Traditionally made of bay leaves, which were sacred to Apollo, the leaves for the crowns were taken from the sacred tree in the Vale of Tempe in Thessaly. Between them are two palm fronds, and below, apples and an amphora.
Originally founded as one of four Panhellenic Games during the sixth century BC, the first Pythian Games were said to have been held by Apollo in penance for the killing of Python at Delphi. With gymnastic, athletic, music, and poetry competitions, the games evolved to display the very best of Graeco-Roman culture and traditionally drew visitors from across the empire. Illustrated on the reverse of this coin is the agonistic table showing the victors' prizes: two victory crowns, representing the Action and Pythian Games, the two local contests held in the city of Perinthus. Traditionally made of bay leaves, which were sacred to Apollo, the leaves for the crowns were taken from the sacred tree in the Vale of Tempe in Thessaly. Between them are two palm fronds, and below, apples and an amphora.