“Charon’s Obol” for Crossing the River Styx
230, Lot: 164. Estimate $200. Sold for $575. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. |
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5th-1st centuries BC. AV Danake (7mm, 0.14 g). Facing radiate head / Blank. VF.
In ancient times, it was customary to place coins with the dead during burial so that the deceased could pay the boatman Charon to ferry them across the river Styx.