IONIA, Ephesus. 2nd-3rd centuries AD. PB Tessera (16mm, 5.59 g).

Electronic Auction 506
Lot: 11. Estimated: $ 100

Selections from the Dalzell Collection, Lead

Sold For $ 250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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IONIA, Ephesus. 2nd-3rd centuries AD. PB Tessera (16mm, 5.59 g). Leda kneeling left, stroking neck of swan standing right / Blank. Unpublished. Tan patina. Near VF. Rare numismatic depiction of the popular myth.

From the Dalzell Collection.

According to the popular myth, Leda, the bride of the Spartan king Tyndaris, drew the eye Zeus. The lustful deity transformed into a swan and seduced the woman. Though more common on gems and terracotta lamps, a handful of numismatic depictions are known, most notably a bronze of Severus Alexander from Nicomedia (RG 316) and a electrum hekte of Mytilene (Bodenstedt Em. 82).

Closing Date and Time: 15 December 2021 at 10:03:20 ET.