Historical Backstory: Asclepius and Pergamon
Asclepius, son of Apollo, was revered across the Greco-Roman world as the deity of medicine, healing, and rejuvenation. His temples, known as Asclepions, functioned as ancient hospitals and spiritual healing centers, blending medicine, religion, and holistic therapy.
Pergamon, located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), hosted one of the greatest healing centers dedicated to Asclepius. Patients from across the Roman Empire visited Pergamon's sanctuary, hoping to be cured by divine intervention through dream healing, herbal medicines, and the spiritual guidance of temple priests.
Coins bearing the symbol of Asclepius were minted as a testament to the city's prestigious status as a center for healing. They circulated widely as tokens of divine protection, symbols of health, and tributes to Asclepius’s power to heal and restore well-being.
Journey of Your Coin
Minting in Ancient Pergamon (circa 100 BC–50 AD)
Your coin was expertly struck in the vibrant city of Pergamon. Mint artisans carefully engraved dies depicting the revered Rod of Asclepius, symbolizing healing and restoration. The bronze coin, glowing freshly from the mint’s furnace, soon entered the bustling commerce of the ancient city.
Circulation in Pergamon’s Streets and Markets
Traders, physicians, pilgrims, and local residents used your coin daily. It exchanged hands in the crowded streets around Pergamon’s famous temple markets—perhaps buying herbal remedies, medical supplies, sacrificial offerings, or provisions from local vendors.
Symbol of Healing and Protection
Residents and visitors alike recognized the Rod of Asclepius as a sign of health and protection. Pilgrims seeking healing might have carried your coin as an amulet, hoping for divine favor or improved fortunes during their stay at the temple.
Travels Across the Ancient World
With Pergamon positioned strategically in Asia Minor, coins circulated widely, possibly traveling with traders across Greek and Roman cities along the Mediterranean coast. It could have journeyed with merchants, soldiers, or healers, moving from hand to hand through ports, markets, and temples.
Lost and Forgotten
Perhaps accidentally dropped during a pilgrimage to the Asclepion or hidden for safekeeping during a local crisis, your coin rested beneath layers of earth, waiting centuries to resurface. Its bronze surface developed a beautiful, earthy patina over two millennia of peaceful slumber.
Rediscovery in Modern Turkey
In modern times, our archaeological team unearthed your coin near Bergama (Pergamon), Turkey. Cleaned carefully, and preserved with museum wax its symbolic Rod of Asclepius emerged vividly, connecting modern eyes directly to ancient traditions and beliefs, opening a remarkable window into the world of ancient medicine and spirituality.
Ancient Greek Bronze Coin – Pergamon Mint (circa 133–27 BC)
Opening Sale
Origin: Pergamon (modern-day Bergama, Turkey)
Type: AE Bronze
Date of Minting: Late 2nd century BC to early 1st century AD
Diameter: 16 mm
Weight: 2.7 grams
Obverse Imagery: Laureate or diademed head (likely Apollo or Asclepius)
Reverse Imagery:
Left: A club, associated with Heracles (Hercules), symbolizing strength and heroism.
Right: A staff entwined by a serpent (Rod of Asclepius), symbolizing medicine, healing, and spirituality in ancient Greek mythology.
Reverse Inscription: The inscription "OKAH" on the reverse of your ancient coin suggests it is of Greek origin, specifically from the city of Heraclea. In ancient Greek, "ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΑ" (Herakleia) refers to cities named after the hero Heracles (Hercules). The letters "OKAH" are likely part of this inscription, possibly reading "ΗΡΑΚΛΕΩΝ" (Herakleōn), meaning "of the Heracleans..
Condition: Typically VG–VF (Very Good to Very Fine) with distinct symbolic imagery.
Metal Composition: Bronze (AE)