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Æ30 - Commodus ΚΥΖΙΚΗΝΩΝ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ
| Issuer | Cyzicus (Conventus of Cyzicus) |
|---|---|
| Year | 180-186 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | The goddess Cybele, turreted and draped, seated left upon a lion walking right, her arm resting upon the lion's head; she holds a tympanum in her raised hand. The composition emphasizes the close ritual bond between the Magna Mater and her sacred animal. The encircling Greek legend ΚΥΖΙΚΗΝΩΝ ΝΕΟΚΟΡΩΝ proclaims the city's prestigious status as a neokorate, i.e. warden of the imperial cult, a title of considerable civic pride. The reverse type reflects the deep religious significance of Cybele's cult at Cyzicus, one of the pre-eminent centres of her worship in Asia Minor. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Cyzicus held the title of neokoros — warden of the imperial cult — and this coin was almost certainly struck to advertise that status locally and to visiting officials. The city had lobbied hard for the honor, which brought tax benefits, festival rights, and prestige that translated directly into civic revenue. Commodus was an enthusiastic participant in imperial cult theater, and cities like Cyzicus found his reign a productive moment to press such claims.