The Rape of Thetis

CNG 84, Lot: 611. Estimate $1000. Sold for $2000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 500-450 BC. EL Hekte – 1/6 Stater (10mm, 2.61 g). Nude male youth standing left, arms wrapped around the waist of a female, wearing chiton, standing right, head left; below, tunny right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 109; SNG France -; Traité II 2706. VF, slightly off center. Very rare.

The figures on this coin were been identified by Fritze as Peleus and Thetis, as their positioning here is relatively unique in Greek art. Compare with the contemporary depiction by the Douris painter of the rape of Thetis by Peleus on a red figured kylix, circa 490 BC (Douris CdM 539).