Recognizing a New Variety

CNG 105, Lot: 238. Estimate $300. Sold for $750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.51 g, 11h). Head of ram left; below, cock standing right, pecking at the ground; Ǝ Λ below / Incuse head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress; incuse club below. Bodenstedt Em. 21 var. (no letters on obv.); HGC 6, 947 var. (same). VF, toned. Rare variety.

Although this variety was unknown to Bodenstedt, a number of examples have appeared on the market recently, though the letters were not noticed (see, e.g., CNG E-351, lot 259 and NAC 78, lot 1469).