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KINGS OF ILLYRIA. Genthios (181-168 BC). Ae. Skodra

Dritto moneta
Dritto
Lotto n. 196
KINGS OF ILLYRIA. Genthios (181-168 BC). Ae. Skodra.

Obv: Draped bust of Redon right, wearing petasos.
Rev: BAΣIΛEOΣ / ΓENΘIOY.
Prow of galley.

HGC 3.1, 77.

Very rare

The bust on obverse sometimes identified as Genthios portrait, could instead be interpreted as Redon, an Illyrian god of the sea after which the Cape of Rodon is named. A similar iconography can be found on a civic coin of Lissos (HGC 3.1 56), bearing the legend PEΔΩN. Redon, patron of sailors, is usually portrayed as a bearded figure with trident, like Poseidon. He is also patron of travelers, like Hermes, as suggested by the broad hat kausia they wore.

Condition: Fine.

Weight: 4.36 g.
Diameter: 19 mm.