392, Lot: 258. Estimate $100. Sold for $60. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-400 BC. AR Hemiobol (7mm, 0.34 g, 9h). Head of Attis left, wearing Phrygian cap / Head of bull facing slightly right. Von Fritze II 23; SNG BN – (but cf. 393 for obv.); SNG von Aulock 7336. VF, toned, some porosity.

The portrait on this particular issue is thought to be Attis, the consort of Phrygian Kybele. The androgynous Kybele/Agdistis was castrated by the gods. From the severed parts grew an almond tree from which Attis sprang. Attis appears infrequently in Greek art, but he was raised in status when the Romans adopted the cult of Kybele.