Rhodes, Silver Drachm, c.205 BC, Stasion.

Islands off Caria, Rhodes, silver Drachm, c. 205-190 BC, Stasion, magistrate, head of Helios facing slightly right, rev. ΣTAΣIΩN above rose, P-O, club downward over bow in left field, 2.67g, 10h (HGC 6, 1453). About extremely fine.

This silver drachm was struck on the island of Rhodes around 205-190 BC, during the Hellenistic period when Rhodes was one of the most prosperous and influential maritime states in the eastern Mediterranean. The coin features two symbols that became closely associated with the island, the head of Helios, its principal deity, and the rose, a punning emblem based on the Greek name of Rhodes. The obverse shows the radiate head of Helios facing slightly to the right. Helios was the personification of the sun and was particularly important to the Rhodians, whose famous Colossus of Rhodes was dedicated to the god. The radiate crown surrounding his head represents the sun's rays and gives the portrait a striking, almost luminous appearance. The reverse bears the name of the magistrate, ΣTAΣIΩN, above a beautifully rendered rose, with P-O on either side identifying Rhodes. In the left field is a club placed over a bow, providing an additional control symbol associated with this issue. The naming of the magistrate reflects the administrative organisation of Rhodian coinage, with officials responsible for individual issues during their periods of office. Rhodes was a major commercial and naval power in the Hellenistic world, benefiting from its strategic position on important maritime routes between the Aegean, Asia Minor and the eastern Mediterranean. Its coinage circulated widely and became known for its consistent weight, high silver content and sophisticated artistic style. This drachm is therefore a particularly attractive representation of Rhodian identity, combining the divine image of Helios with the city's characteristic rose emblem. The elegant portrait and carefully balanced reverse demonstrate the refinement of Hellenistic engraving, while the magistrate's name and control symbols provide a glimpse into the organisation of the Rhodian mint.

The reverse legend ΣTAΣIΩN translates to the magistrate's name Stasion.