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Nomos 26

21 May 2023
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zurich

overview
Estimate: 800 CHF
Hammer Price:  1700 CHF
Lot 373

ARGOLIS. Kleonai. Circa 500-490 BC. Twelfth Stater (Silver, 10 mm, 0.97 g). Forepart of lion crouching to right, with two forelegs visible. Rev. Millsail pattern incuse. BCD Peloponnesos -. Apparently unpublished save for its previous auction appearance. Unique. Some roughness, otherwise, good very fine.

From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions, ex Nomos 6, 8 May 2012, 73.

At first glance the obverse of this coin seems to be double struck, giving the lion the appearance of having two forelegs, rather than the expected one, which is what we see on so many animal foreparts on coins (as with the gold and silver of Kroisos). But here the lion does have two forelegs: the die engraver tried to be an innovator! Alas, it is not really successful, but it is a fascinating try!

Online bidding closes: 21 May 2023, 00:00:00 CEST Current Date & Time: 7 Oct 2025, 21:00:41 CEST Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:1700 CHF
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