Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 307. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BOIOTIA, Tanagra. Early-mid 4th century BC. Æ 23mm (8.25 g). Boiotian shield of distinctive shape: in low relief, with narrow double rim / TAN in large concave incuse with curved edge. Head, Boeotia p. 79; Traité III 359, pl. CCIV, 22 = BMC 29, pl. X, 4. Good VF, nice brown patina. Very rare. ($500)

These large city bronzes, which are surprisingly rare, are now dated to the first quarter of the 4th century instead of 338-315 BC as suggested by Head, Boeotia p. 76. For the argument supporting their new dating see V. Demetriadi, "Some new fractions from central and southern Greece," pour Denyse, p. 53, note 44. For obol and stater shields similar to the shield of this bronze see lots 269 above and 605 below. For a scenario which dates them to the last two decades of the 3rd century see note after lot 629q.