The First Coin Type of Marion

438, Lot: 187. Estimate $300. Sold for $280. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CYPRUS, Marion. Sasmas. Circa 470-450 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 10.59 g, 10h). Lion standing right, licking its right foreleg; [Boiotian shield above, sa–sa–ma–o to-ka-ro-to-sa (“Sasmas, son of Doxandros” in Cypriot) across upper field], floral pattern in exergue / Phrixos standing left, clinging to the back of a ram advancing left; ma–ri–eu–se (“of Marion” in Cypriot) on left and below (only traces visible), Boiotian shield below; all within incuse square. Zapiti & Michaelidou 1; Tziambazis 50; SNG Copenhagen 24. Fine, area of flat strike, struck with worn dies. The first coin type of Marion. Very rare.