Triton XV, Lot: 81. Estimate $200. Sold for $2500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Gyrton. Mid 4th century BC. Æ Dichalkon (18.5mm, 4.73 g, 6h). Head of Ares r., wearing Attic helmet decorated with palmettes, the ear flap raised; ΠΕΙ in field r. / ΓΥΡΤΩΝΙΩΝ from top r., down circular, head of nymph Gyrtone to r., wearing staphane and triple pendant earring; behind her neck, [Ι]Π. See Nomos 4, 1053 (same dies). Near EF, green patina with some areas of dark red; a rare variety.

Although some reference sources see the hero Gyrton on the obverse of this handsome coin, this writer doubts the hero’s transformation into a warrior and prefers to see the war god himself. See also lots 576 and 577 below for other portrayals of Ares.