ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Early-mid 5th century BC. AR Obol(?) (9mm, 0.98 g). Near VF.

Triton XXVIII – Session 5
Lot: 5206. Estimated: $ 300

Greek, Silver

Sold For $ 1 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Early-mid 5th century BC. AR Obol(?) (9mm, 0.98 g). Two wrestlers grappling; globule (an aryballos?) between / Incuse square. A. Milavic, “Research and analysis reveal the first Greek wrestler-type coin” in The Celator 7/2 (February 1993), pp. 6–12 = id., “The First Greek Wrestler-Type Coin” in The International Journal of the History of Sport 10/3 (December 1993), pp. 409–17 (this coin); CNG E-319, lot 101; Lanz 151, lot 501; otherwise unpublished in the standard references. Toned, porous. Near VF. Extremely rare.

From the collection of Major Anthony F. Milavic, USMC (Ret.). Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 538 (November/December 1990), 98.

Although this obverse type is featured prominently on the staters of Aspendos and Selge, this fraction does seem not fit into the scheme of either city’s coinage. This type was not used on their coins until late in the 5th century, certainly too late for this issue. Also, the weight of the three known pieces, at 0.98, 1.04, and 1.24 grams, do not seem to comport with the weights of the other denominations at each city during the early-mid 5th century.

Closing Date and Time: 22 January 2025 at 11:08:20 ET.



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