Before the island rose from the sea, Rhodes was claimed by the sun god Helios, whose wife Rhodos gave her name to the beautiful island. Rhodes was possibly the only place in the ancient world where Helios was the primary god, and the site of an important festival Halieia dedicated to him. So strong was their veneration the Rhodians constructed the Colossus to honor their patron god, which was to become one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This radiant mythical being, the personification of the sun, adorns this very lovely stater, bearing the face of a handsome youth with full, flowing hair. On the reverse is an elegantly engraved rose bud, with a smaller bud at right. Rhodes enjoyed great prosperity at the time this coin was minted; and its vibrant and glittering beauty reflects that richness.