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ARGOLIS, Argos(?). Circa 370-350 BC. AR Hemidrachm (15mm, 2.54 g, 8h). Head of Hera right, wearing ornamented stephane / Wolf left. CNG E-583, lot 125; CNG 81, lot 2424; Naville Numismatics 1, lot 52 = NAC 64, lot 2226 = New York Sale XVII, lot 64; Gorny & Mosch 212, lot 1639; Pecunem 38, lot 180; otherwise, unpublished. Toned, edge split, roughness, some marks, off center on obverse, area of weak strike on reverse. VF. Very rare.
The attribution here to Argos rests on the similarity of its obverse type to the contemporary “temple-key” tritetartemorions (see BCD Peloponnesos 1069), as well as later bronze issues (see CNG 81, lots 2443 and 2464ff). We have also interpreted the reverse type as a wolf, which is the common symbol on coins of Argos. This attribution, however, is not without controversy. Alan Walker suggests an attribution to Argos Amphilokion in Akarnania, where the head of Hera is also similarly depicted on certain silver issues. Moreover, he views the reverse type to be a dog, and has a style more in line with the dog reverse types common at that city. BCD, however, is unconvinced of either attribution, and suggests that this issue may be from a mint in western Asia Minor. Recently, two examples appeared with an inscription, XOP, on the reverse, below the creature. Such a name is unknown for a mint, and there are no known occurrences of such a magistrate in either Akarnania or anywhere in the Peloponnesos.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.
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