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Mysia was an ancient territory in northwest Asia Minor, bounded by water to the north (the Sea of Marmara) and west (the Aegean Sea) and land to the south (Lydia) and east (Phrygia and Bithynia). The region, more a geographic territory rather than a solidified political realm, fell under the domain of various rulers in ancient times.
In late 4th century BC, Mysia was among the lands inherited by the great general Lysimachus following the death of his leader, Alexander the Great. Lysimahcus delegated governance of the region to his trusted lieutenant, Philetaerus, who choose Pergamon (also spelled Pergamum) as the site for founding his Attalid dynasty.
Initially a fortress built atop a steel hill, the Acropolis grew over time, expanding to fill the valley below. Elaborate construction projects ensued, with the intent to impress visitors and competing cities with Pergamon’s wealth and culture. The buildings erected included temples, gymnasiums, markets, and palaces. Particularly remarkable was the Pergamon theatre, build on the steep west slope of the upper Acropolis, with a capacity of over 10,000 spectators (and the ruins are impressive to this day). In addition, a large library was raised and soon became one of the most important in the ancient world. Moreover, when the Ptolemaic Kingdom refused to export any more papyrus to Pergamon in early 2nd century BC, the reigning Attalid king, Eumenes II, ordered that a substitute be developed. The result of this ancient government-sponsored research was development of charta pergamena, otherwise known as parchment, which had a profound impact on the dissemination of knowledge throughout Europe and Asia.
It was during this time, at Pergamon’s height in mid to late 2nd century BC, when this coin was struck. On the obverse is Athena, the multifaceted patron goddess of Pergamon, whose diverse associations include battle, wisdom, and handicrafts. She is donning a crested helmet, as is her wont; after all, according to myth she wore it from the day she sprang forth from Zeus, part of her attire created by her mother Metis. From underneath her helmet spills her braided hair (confirming femininity in an otherwise masculine visage). On Athena’s helmet is a star comprised of a central point and eight rays, a Pergamene adornment (not commonly found on other Hellenistic depiction of Athena’s helmet). In this context, the symbol may represent the Macedonian Star, perhaps in reference to the land of Lysimachus and Alexander. On the verso is a delightful depiction of an owl, facing forward with its wings spread, perched on a palm branch, and the epithet AQH-NAS NIKHFOROU, referring to Athena Nikephoros, or Athena bearing Nike (Victory).
The exact intent of pairing Athena with her nocturnal avian sidekick, Athene noctua, is lost to antiquity. Like Athena, the owl simultaneously projects an aura of wisdom and strength, with their large piercing eyes, extremely keen hearing, and formidable talons.
The Attalid kings, perhaps inspired by Athena and her owl, were wise rulers, known for fostering advancement and sharing of Pergamene culture and knowledge. They were also wise to align with the rising Roman Republic against Macedonia in a series of wars. The Romans prevailed, and for their efforts the Attalids gained control over many former Hellenistic domains in western Asia Minor. The last Attalid ruler, Attalus III, died heirless in 133 BC. He bequeathed Pergamon back to Rome, preventing civil war and ensuring his realm’s continued prosperity since it became the new capital of the Roman province of Asia.
Coin Details: MYSIA, PERGAMUM, 2nd-1st Centuries BC, AE16 (2.98 g, 16 mm, 12h), Mid-late 2nd Century BC, NGC Grade: Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right, star on helmet, Reverse: Owl, with wings spread, standing facing, on palm branch, AQHNAS NIKHFOROU, Reference: SNG Copenhagen 383.