DIOSPOLIS-LOD (LYDDA) AE
Sofaer 17, Rosenberger 14, Fine, contrast added, 19.6mm, 4.59 grams, Struck Circa. 218 - 222 B.C.E.
Obverse: Laureate head of Elagabalus to right, AVT ANTWN around
Reverse: Tetrastyle temple with central arch, turreted Tyche standing to left, holding scepter and small bust, between inner columns, two figures flank her between outer columns, inscription begins in exergue, going around ΔIOCΠOΛIC
An EXTREMELY RARE coin with ZERO examples present in acsearch! Missing from most Judaean coin collections. Worn but pleasant.
The references list this coin as Elagabalus, but the portraiture actually more resembles Caracalla. Ben Gurion international airport is currently located on the outskirts of this ancient city.
