LYDIA, Sardis Hadrian Ae 25 Temple of Aphrodite at Paphos Reference. RPC III, 2400; BMC 134; Sardis 285 Issue No magistrate name Obv. ΑΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟС ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС Laureate head of Hadrian, r., with drapery over shoulders Rev. ΠΑΦΙΗ СΑΡΔΙΑΝΩΝ Temple of Aphrodite at Paphos, in which conical xoanon with star and crescent above; to l. and r., flaming torch and column; paved semi-circular walled courtyard in front 10.36 gr 25 mm
Thanks for the link! Their rationale for dating doesn't quite make sense ("Although, it is said that the temple was erected in 1500-1300 BC, the idols and coins related to Aphrodite found here date back to 3800 BC."), since no coins are that old. I wonder where the author found that information.
Cool coin! No matter how many times I look at the reverse, though, my brain sees it as incuse! Must be the angle of the shadows and lighting or something.
For the first minute it was incuse for me too no matter how hard I looked at it. I took a break and read the rest of the thread and then scrolled back up and voila... relief! And then promptly incuse again ! Fantastic coin, @Okidoki. Also on The List.
Yeah, probably so. Looks like the reverse was upside down when it was shot (assuming "the usual" lighting approximately 12:00). Rotating a coin after the fact always make it look odd due to the unexpected lighting.
