CYCLADES, Melos. Circa 440-416 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 14.31 g, 6h). Good VF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 179. Estimated: $ 10 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 40 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

CYCLADES, Melos. Circa 440-416 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 14.31 g, 6h). Apple on stem with [two leaves] flanking above / Fig leaf within dotted circle border. Kraay, Melos 41a (A13iii/P31) = Jameson 1294 = Traité III pl. CCXLII, 8 (this coin); HGC 6, 806; McClean 7268 (same dies); Pozzi 2031 (same dies). Toned, minor roughness, metal flaws. Good VF. Very rare.

From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG 76 (19 September 1991), lot 745; Hess-Leu 45 (12 May 1970), lot 209; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); Melos, 1907 Hoard (IGCH 27).

The simplicity of Melos’ coinage belies the historical importance of the volcanic island and its eponymous city. Its founders hailed from Bronze Age Sparta, circa 1100 BC, and by circa 600 BC Melos boasted an excellent harbor and a fortified citadel with a large agora and theater. Starting circa 530 BC, its early silver coinage was struck on the Milesian standard and depicted either a wine pitcher (oinochoe) or an apple (milo) on the obverse; the latter is likely a canting pun for Melos. While extremely rare today, these early staters bore a variety of reverse types, starting with a simple quadripartite incuse and progressing to specialized floral and geometric designs, including the fig leaf seen here. During the Peloponnesian War, Melos, true to its Spartan roots, refused to join the Delian League and was subjected to a horrific siege by Athens, whose soldiers put all adult males to the sword and enslaved the women and children. Melos recovered from this disaster and today, as Milos, is a popular tourist destination most famous for a beautiful Hellenistic statue found on the island in 1820, the Venus de Milo.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session One – Lots 1-334 will be held Tuesday morning, 10 January 2023 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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