![Aeolis, Myrina, 'Stephanophoric' Tetradrachm, c. 155-143 BC [AGC2-94] - Image 2](https://colonialcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AGC2-94-1.jpg)
Description
Aeolis, Myrina, Silver Tetradrachm (16.88g, 33mm, Hellenistic-Attic Standard), Stephanophoric type, circa 155-143 BC. Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo facing to the right, hair falling in three long ringlet curls. Reverse: Apollo Gruníou (‘of Grynium’) stands to the right, draped and holding phiale in right hand and filleted laurel branch in left, omphalos and amphora at feet to right, “MYPINAIΩN” downward and “ΠA” monogram to left field, all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 20; SNG Copenhagen 223. A masterful example struck with refined dies, notably sharp detail either side and with an obverse portrait of quite fine style, some trifling flatness to reverse, near Mint State if not so.
The term “Stephanophoric” type refers to the wreath on the reverse encompassing the figure of Apollo Gruníou (‘of Grynium’) and is derived from the Ancient Greek word “στεφᾰνήφορος” (stephănḗphoros) which means “crowned, garlanded or wreathed”, and is derived from στέφανος (stéphanos, crown, that which encircles) + φέρω (phérō, to bring, bear, carry).
