Rhodes, Caria (Nikhforos, magistrate)

[B]Rhodes, Caria (Nikhforos magistrate; 166-88 BC.) AR Drachm[/B] [u]Obv[/u]: Radiate head of Helios, facing right. [u]Rev[/u]: Rose profile in shallow incuse square; symbol hand holding ear of corn in left field and immature rose bud in right field; NIKHΦOPOΣ (Nikhforos; Muensterberg, Br.M. 255) magistrate legend above rose; R and O in the lower left- and right-sided incuse corners. [u]Attribution[/u]: BMC Caria 276 [u]Provenance[/u]: ex. Stacks (4/13/05, lot#77) [u]Weight[/u]: 2.89 gm [u]Maximal Diameter[/u]: 15.67 mm [u]Axis[/u]: 12 [u]Note[/u]: Rhodes - site of the "Colossus of Rhodes," one of wonders of the ancient world. This splendid city, situated on the northern promontory only 12 mi. from the mainland, was given the same name as the island. It quickly achieved great prosperity and eventually became one of the principle trading centers of the ancient world. In the 3rd century Rhodos exercised much political influence in the eastern Mediterranean, through the strength of its fleet. But, in 167 BC., the Romans declared Delos a free port, and the Rhodians, their prosperity now greatly diminished, sank into comparative obscurity. GK169