PHRYGIA. Prymnessus. Pseudo-autonomous. Time of the Antonines (138-192). Ae.

Obv: ΜΙΔΑϹ.
Draped and bearded bust of Midas right, wearing Phrygian cap and necklace.
Rev: ΠΡΥΜΝΗϹϹЄΩΝ.
River-god (Kaystros?) reclining left, holding long reed, resting on water-urn.

RPC IV.2 online 1919; von Aulock, Phrygiens, 858-68; SNG Copenhagen 659-60; BMC 3.

The legendary king of Phrygia, Midas is remembered for the punishment inflicted on him by Apollo, who gave him donkey ears for judging him inferior to Pan in a musical contest. According to another story, he kindly hosted Silenos and was rewarded by the god of wine, Dionysos, who granted him a wish. Midas asked for the power to turn everything he touched into gold, but he soon discovered the cost of his greed, risking death from hunger and thirst because even food and water turned into gold. Dionysos then freed him from this torture, advising him to bathe in the waters of the river Pactolus.

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 2.44 g.
Diameter: 15 mm.