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According to legend, the city of Myrina was founded by the Amazon queen of the same name, and became the first settlement in the ancient region of Aeolia in northwest Asia Minor. Myrina was one of the founding twelve cities of the Aeolian League dodecapolis in 8th century BC. Over subsequent centuries, it would sequentially fall under Persian, Macedonian, Seleucid, and, at the time this coin was minted, after the Treaty of Apamea, Pergamon rule.
By mid 2nd century BC, Greek influence and culture were on the wane, and Rome was about to completely dominate the Mediterranean region. Even so, the Greeks certainly went out in style with beautiful coinage like this tetradrachm which was crafted in Myrina during this time.
This tetradrachm type is called stephanophoric, or "wreath bearer," also produced over the same period in nearby Cyme. Interestingly, these coins were produced during the time when Rome forced the Bithynians to pay enormous reparations — in silver — to the neighboring Asia Minor territories they had plundered. Perhaps this silver was used by Myrina and Cyme to produce the stephanophoric coinage as a last grasp at victory and glorification.
Regardless of the exact history behind the short-lived stephanophoric coins, their beauty is undeniable, as evidenced by this coin. On the obverse is the laureate head of god Apollo. The artistry and detail are extraordinary, particularly so on this specimen, which was given "Fine Style" designation. On the reverse, enclosed by a wreath, is the figure of Apollo, holding a laurel branch and a phiale, a Greek libation bowl, and standing before the ompalos, the "navel" or center of the world.
The coin is widely considered one the great masterpieces of Greek numismatic art, and you will remember distinctly the first time you have the privilege to hold one in your hand.
Coin Details: AEOLIS, MYRINA, c. mid-2nd Century BC, AR Tetradrachm (35 mm, 16.40 g, 12h), NGC Grade: Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style, 160-143 BC, Stephanophoric type, Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right , Reverse: Apollo Grynios standing right, holding branch and phiale; monogram to left, omphalos and amphora at feet to right, References: Sacks Issue 29; SNG Copenhagen 222.