Superb Coin From The Birthplace Of Asclepius
This silver drachm, struck circa 250-245 BC, is from the ancient city of Epidaurus (map) in Argolis, Greece. It displays the laureate head of Apollo Maleatas on the obverse. The reverse shows Asclepius (Asklepios) seated on a stool, holding a long scepter in his left hand and extending his right over the head of a serpent that coils before him. A hound is seated underneath his stool. This coin is probably the finest Epidaurus drachm known. The estimated value of this drachm is $40,000 - 50,000.
Epidaurus was reputed to be founded by or named for the ArgolidEpidauros, and to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son, Asclepius the god of medicine. The city was known for its sanctuary situated about five miles (8 km) from the town, as well as its theater (photo), which is once again in use today. The cult of Asclepius at Epidaurus is attested in the 6th century BC, when the older hill-top sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas was no longer spacious enough.
The asclepeion at Epidaurus was the most celebrated healing center of the Classical world, the place where ill people went in the hope of being cured. To find out the right cure for their ailments, they spent a night in the enkoimeteria, a big sleeping hall. In their dreams, the god himself would advise them what they had to do to regain their health.