Thrace. Ainos circa 472-471 BC.
Tetradrachm AR

24 mm, 15,81 g

Head of Hermes to right, wearing petasos with a beaded border and a button top, his hair falling in curls from under his petasos / AINI, Goat standing to right.

Very Fine

HGC 3.2, 1266.

The ancient city of Ainos (or Aenus), located near the mouth of the Hebros River in Thrace, was a significant commercial and cultural center in antiquity. Its strategic position on the northeastern coast of the Aegean Sea made it an important hub for trade between the Aegean, the interior of Thrace, and regions further afield. The city's coinage is particularly noteworthy for its high artistic quality and the distinct symbols that reflect Ainos's identity and prosperity. One of the most iconic features of Ainos's coinage is the depiction of a head or figure of Hermes, the god of trade, travelers, and communication. Hermes was an appropriate choice for Ainos, given the city's reliance on trade and its status as a bustling commercial port. On many coins, Hermes is shown with his characteristic attributes: the caduceus (a staff entwined with two serpents), his petasos (a winged hat), and sometimes his winged sandals. These symbols underline his role as the protector of merchants and travelers, directly linking the city's economic activities to divine favor. Another prominent design on the coins of Ainos is the depiction of a goat or ram, often accompanied by the head of Hermes. The goat was a significant symbol for Ainos and was possibly linked to a local cult or a representation of the region's pastoral wealth. The city's name, ΑΙΝΙΟΝ (AINION), typically appears on the reverse side of the coins, sometimes accompanied by other symbols such as grain ears or other agricultural motifs, reflecting the city’s economic base. The coins of Ainos were mainly minted in silver and bronze, with some issues being particularly well-crafted and artistically sophisticated, making them highly valued by numismatists today. The silver tetradrachms, for example, are among the most famous, featuring a detailed head of Hermes on the obverse and a goat on the reverse, often standing in a naturalistic pose.