CNG 111, Lot: 214. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1304. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.62 g). Head of Attis right, wearing Phrygian headdress; below, tunny right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 142; Boston MFA 1523; SNG BN 292–3. VF, a couple light marks and a hint of die rust. Well centered.

From the Siren Collection.

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.