The finely detailed laureate head of Apollo, his short curly hair cascading in a timeless, classical style. Apollo, a figure central to both Greek and Roman mythology, was revered as the god of music, poetry, and artistic inspiration. He symbolised order, healing, and prophecy, bringing light and harmony to the ancient world.
Apollo's laurel crown, featured prominently in the design, held great significance. The laurel was sacred to Apollo and was associated with purification and health. The god was the father of Asklepios (Aesculapius to the Romans), the god of medicine, whom he instructed in the healing arts. Both were known as ‘Paean’, a title denoting their roles as healers.
Apollo’s most famous sanctuary was at Delphi, where he was celebrated as the god of prophecy. The myth of Apollo slaying the Python, a monstrous serpent, at Delphi marked the site as a place of divine oracular wisdom. The Pythian Games, held in his honour, further reinforced his importance as the patron deity of Delphi.
On the reverse side, the coin captures a dynamic scene: a Paeonian horseman, helmeted and crested, charges rightward on a prancing horse. Below, a fallen foot soldier lies supine, his back almost parallel to the ground, symbolising defeat and the power of the mounted warrior. The horseman, with spear in hand, directs his weapon toward the bareheaded fallen soldier, epitomising the valor and martial prowess of the Paeonian cavalry. The monogram behind the rider and the inscription "ΠΑΤΡΑΟΥ" (Patraos) underscore the authority and legacy of King Patraos.