★ Birthplace of modern medicine ★

ISLANDS off CARIA, Kos, c.180/70 BCE, AR tetrobol, issued under Nikostr– and Deinias, magistrates. 1.92g, 15mm.
Obv: Laureate head of Asklepios right
Rev: ΚΩ below, ΝΙΚΟΣΤΡ on left, ΔΕΙΝΙΑΣ on right; Coiled serpent to right; all within incuse square.
Stefanaki 2036 (E83/O137); HGC 6, 1324. Rare. (Only one other on acsearch, CNG 417 lot 256, 28.03.2018, realized 1000 USD.)
From the JB (Edmonton) collection.
A scarce type, especially popular among collectors in the health professions. This is a splendid example with lovely toning (better than the photo).
Estimate: 400

Kos was the location of perhaps the most famous medical school in ancient history, associated with an Asklepieion founded by Dorian invaders, including Epidaureans, who brought the cult with them. The medical school was founded later, and was certainly attended by Hippocrates, who was born on Kos c. 460 BCE. At the time of this coin's minting, the school was supported by the Ptolemies through the island’s alliance with Egypt. The emperor Claudius’s personal physician and possible collaborator in his murder, Xenophon, was also born and trained in Kos.