363, Lot: 462. Estimate $300. Sold for $550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MEDALS. Æ Medal (73mm, 204.76 g, 12h). Hail to Dionysus. By P. Manship. Struck 1930. HAIL • TO • DIONYSUS • WHO • FIRST • DISCOVERED • / • THE • MAGIC • OF • THE • GRAPE •, head of Dionynus facing slightly left, wearing wreath of grape leaves and grape bunches / Youthful satyrs trampling grapes; large grape bunch to left and right. Alexander 2. Superb EF.

This is the second issue of the Society of Medalists series (founded in 1928 and active from 1930-1995), and much sought after today as a collectible work of Paul Manship. Its design triggered considerable uproar in a country still officially enforcing Prohibition, as the mischievous artist no doubt satirizes.