Apollonis (c.130 BC) - Cistophoric Tetradrachm - Two coiled serpents (EF)
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The coin was minted in Apollonis, a city in the ancient region of Lydia, which is now part of modern-day Aydın, Turkey.
The obverse features a Cista mystica (a sacred chest) with a serpent emerging from it. The cista mystica was associated with the cult of Dionysus and symbolized initiation and rebirth.
The entire scene is enclosed within an ivy wreath.
The reverse depicts two coiled serpents entwined around a bow and bowcase. To the right is a bee.
Weight 11.93g
(ref:AHC190)