Lot 3328

Description

Caria, Kaunos, Uncertain ruler, (c.490-470 B.C.), silver stater, (11.766 grams), obv. Winged back and feet of a muscular Hermes with outstretched arm in kneeling-running position to left, Carian lettered monogram OY to right, rev. four part incused field with various symbols, including a bull's head to right, a ram's head to left the Carian letered monogram OY with a central vase, (S.-, SNG Von Aulock 2343 [same dies]; Hyla Troxell 'Winged Carians' in Essays Thompson, No.35 [same dies] published as a unique coin type). Small flan, very fine and extremely rare.

Apparently from a recent hoard that contained several examples of this type. A similar example was in Giessener Munzhandlung Sale 96 June 7, 1999 (lot 194 est 1200DM). The attribution of this annonymous archaic coin has been given to Kaunos by the cataloguer of that Giessener Munzhandlung sale and to Mint 2 (uncertain) by Troxell. The reverse of this coin in unique in ancient coinage, in that it divides the incuse square into corners and central area each displaying a minute image; these images include a bull's head, a vase, a ram's head and the Carian lettered OY monogram. The various objects are all placed on a granulated field highlighting the subject to much better advantage. An exceptionally interesting coin, and the subject of a forthcoming paper by Dr. N. Hardwick.