Phrygia, Kidyessos
Time of Marcus Aurelius. 161-180 CE
Sestilius Severus (asiarch), magistrate Struck circa 178–182 CE
AE 23mm 7.11g
Obv: ΙЄΡΑ ϹΥΝΚΛΗΤOϹ, draped bust of youthful Senate right.
Rev: ЄΠΙ ϹΗϹ ϹЄΒΗΡOΥ ΚΙΔΥΗϹϹЄΩN, Athena standing, facing, head, right, holding spear, resting arm on shield.
RPC Von Aulock, Phygiens 509-10. RPC IV.2 1850.4 (temporary, this coin)
Ex Andreas Reich collection
Kidyessos was located in a place called the “Mouse Plain”, presumably because it had mice. However, no mouse occurs on this coin – just Athena.
The coinage of Kidyessos is uncommon, but was minted over a relatively long time from Domitian to Philip I. Its reverses depict Zeus, Kybele, Tyche, and Athena.
The city was an important christian center and three ancient bishops are attested from there.