Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 337 22 October 2014
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BITHYNIA, Prusa ad Olympum. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (24mm, 7.42 g, 12h). Laureate head right / Ajax, wearing helmet and balteus, falling on his sword before a rocky outcropping; shield on ground before him. RG 102; SNG von Aulock 873. Fine, brown patina. Rare and interesting mythological type.
Ajax was regarded as the second greatest Greek warrior after Achilles. Following Achilles' death in battle with Paris (who was assisted by Apollo), Ajax and Odrysseus secured the hero's body and armor from the Trojans. A feud erupted as to which of the two deserved Achilles' armor and, after intense competition, the prize was awarded to Odrysseus. Ajax, consumed with anger and disappointment, took his own life by falling on his sword.
Ajax was regarded as the second greatest Greek warrior after Achilles. Following Achilles' death in battle with Paris (who was assisted by Apollo), Ajax and Odrysseus secured the hero's body and armor from the Trojans. A feud erupted as to which of the two deserved Achilles' armor and, after intense competition, the prize was awarded to Odrysseus. Ajax, consumed with anger and disappointment, took his own life by falling on his sword.