PHRYGIA. Apameia. Hadrian. A.D. 117-138. Æ assarion. 6.08 gm. 20.5 mm. His laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing aegis; [AΔPIANOC] KAI CEB / Marsyas reclining left in a rocky cave, holding cornucopia in his left hand and double flute in his right; five chests above; AΠAMEΩN MAPCYAC [KIBΩTOI]. RPC III 2586. SNG von Aulock 3492. Good Very Fine; rich glossy dark brown patina, with some areas lighter; slightly off center; handsome bust of Hadrian. Spectacular and fascinating mythological reverse.

The city of Apameia was named by Antiochos I after his mother, Apameia. It also went by the nickname Kibotos, or The Chest, in reference to either its great wealth or the wooden packing crates widely used by the city's traders. Marsyas the satyr challenged Apollo to a musical contest and lost. For daring to challenge a god he was flayed and his skin hung in a cavern, with the blood from his body becoming the source of the river Marsyas. (NB Lots 52 and 127.)