Search


CNG Bidding Platform

Information

Products and Services



Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
214, Lot: 166. Estimate $100.
Sold for $260. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LESBOS, Methymna. Circa 500/480-450/40 BC. AR Obol (8mm, 0.47 g, 8h). Helmeted head of Athena left / Sea turtle within linear border; all within incuse square. Franke, Münzprägung -; SNG Copenhagen -; Traité II 2255 var. (head right, style of helmet) Warren 1225 var. (same; “Lycia”); Klein 793 var. (same; “Uncertain”); Gorny & Mosch 170, lot 1419. VF, light porosity. Extremely rare.


From the D. Alighieri Collection.

The “head of Athena / sea turtle” obols previously have been attributed to Lycia, but Athena’s helmet on many specimens features an ornately designed bowl that is strikingly similar to that found on coins of Methymna. The current specimen, with Athena facing left and wearing a helmet with a high crest and undecorated bowl is probably late in the series, as the helmet is of a style closer to “head of Athena / kantharos” types introduced circa 450/40 BC.