★ The bridge of Antiochia ad Maeandrum ★

CARIA. Antiochia ad Maeandrum. Gallienus, 253-268. Hexassarion (Bronze, 33 mm, 18.00 g, 6 h). AY K ΠΟ ΓAΛΛIHNOC Radiate, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust of Gallienus to left, seen from behind, holding spear and shield. Rev. ANTIOXЄΩN Bridge of six arches spanning the Maeander, with monumental gateway to left, on which stork is perched, and river-god Maeander reclining left on bridge, holding reed in his right hand and cornucopiae in his left. BMC 57 var. (differing reverse legend arrangement). SNG Leypold 797. SNG München 92. SNG von Aulock 2430 var. (bridge of five arches). A beautiful and unusually well struck example with a lovely brown patina. Die break on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.

The monumental bridge shown on the reverse of this coin is probably the Antiochian bridge mentioned, en passant, by Strabo, before he goes on to praise the famous dried figs of the city (Strabo XIII 4,15).