CNG 96, Lot: 401. Estimate $500. Sold for $700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

TROAS, Assos. Circa 210-200 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.93 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, griffin with curved wing seated left. Price 2223 (Phokaia). Near EF, bright surfaces, die shift on reverse. Rare.

Although Seyrig and others originally attributed this type to Assos, based on overall style, Price thought the style of griffin, with curved wing, was more compatible with that found on the contemporary civic bronzes of Phokaia. However, an inspection of the civic issues at Assos shows that the griffin was engraved with either straight or curved wings, probably due to the choice of the engraver. Accordingly, Price 2223-5 should all be returned to Assos.