Kilikia, Korakesion
Hadrian 117-138 CE
AE 19mm 4.00g
Obv: ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Τ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ, laureate and draped bust right.
Rev: ΚΟΡΑΚΗϹΙⲰΤⲰN, Demeter wearing long chiton standing left, holding ears of corn over lighted altar in her right hand, left resting on lighted torch.
RPC III 2745
Korakesion was the site of the famed Battle of Korakesion, between Pompey the Great and Cilician pirates. The pirates had a described 1000 ships against Pompey’s two hundred, but were badly outclassed and defeated. The pirates then retreated inland to Korakesion, which they besieged before surrendering.
Today, the city is the modern day Alanya, Turkey. The area has been occupied since at least 20,000 BCE and signs have been found of a city during Hittite and Achaemenid times. Today, most of the sites of this tourist city are from medieval times. Many foreigners, primarily from Europe, have retired to the city, known for its warm climate. Its ancient coinage is rare.