Rhodian Drachm

AR Rhodian Peraia Drachm 172-168 B.C. (2.6g,15 mm) This type was one of a number struck for Perseus during the Third Macedonian War as payment for mercenaries who required Rhodian coinage. Price has suggested that the Zo. . . which replaces the Rhodian ethnic on this issue may be the patronymic of the named issuer, Hermias, and indeed we know of a Hermias son of Zoilos at exactly this period, who came from Oropos and was Hieromemnon at Delphi in 178 B.C. Zoilos himself may also be the same man whose name appears below the portrait of Perseus on the early tetradrachms, and whose monogram continues to appear on Perseus’ coinage for much of the period of the full weight issues. The find site of Pharsalos and the weight indicate it was probably minted in Thessaly. O: Helios facing; Sear 5092-var; SNG Helsinki 795; Price, Larissa p. 241. R: Rose, Z and omega flanking, magistrate’s name EPMIAS above G: Iridescent toning FDC S: Glenn W. Woods Vcoins website 11-16-2003