Palaeopolis, Lycia
Faustina II (147 – 175 CE)
Ae 20.6mm, 5.1g
Obv: FAVCTEINA CEBACT; Draped bust right
Rev: PALAIOPOLEITWN; Mên standing left wearing Phrygian cap, crescent behind shoulders, holding pine cone and scepter
RPC IV online 7692
Palaeopolis is often mistakenly listed under Lycia today, but is now believed to have been in Pisidia. It was located in the Lysis valley between Olbasa and Lysinia. Most likely its ruins are those at Ak Euren in Burdur Province, Turkey.
Unfortunately, we know little of its history. Its name means “old city”, which doesn’t tell us much. It was important enough to serve as a Roman provincial mint, and does not appear to have minted autonomous coinage.
This particular coin depicts Mên, who was a popular Anatolian god, far more widely worshipped in Pisidia than in Lycia.