381, Lot: 169. Estimate $150. Sold for $120. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CYCLADES, Keos. Karthaia. Late 3rd-early 2nd century BC. Æ (15.5mm, 4.81 g, 6h). Radiate head of Aristaeus right / Forepart of dog (Seirios) left, surrounded by rays. Papageorgiadou-Banis Series II, Issue 9; SNG Copenhagen 622. VF, brown patina.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 60 (22 May 2002), lot 594 (part of).

The Dog Star Seirios (Sirius) was associated with the heat of summer, drought, and pestilence. The heliacal rising of Seirios occurred shortly before the summer solstice, and the period that followed was termed by the ancients as the “dog days” of summer. Seirios held particular importance at Keos; a bright, clear appearance of the star portended good fortune, while a faint appearance signaled pestilence.