CNG 99, Lot: 265. Estimate $5000. Sold for $9000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CARIA, Mylasa (or Kaunos). Mid 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.08 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / AΛEΞANΔPOY, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; labrys in left field. Price 2074 (Miletos or Mylasa); Thompson, Alexandrine, Group 3, 20; SNG Alpha Bank –; SNG München –; SNG Saroglos 435. Superb EF, fine cabinet tone. Sharply struck from fresh dies, well centered.

Price was fairly certain that his issues 2073-6 belonged to Mylasa, based solely on their control marks. R.H.J. Ashton, however, argues that these same symbols also apply to the mint at Kaunos (“Kaunos, not Miletos or Mylasa,” NC 2004, pp. 33-46). Regardless of the attribution, based on their style and fabric, Price’s date of circa 300-280 BC is certainly too early for these coins, while Ashton’s placement in the mid-3rd century is more likely.