Lot 3163

Description

Attica, Athens, (A.D. 264-267), AE 20, drachm, (5.492 grams), obv. bust of Athena to right, wearing Corinthian helmet, rev. Athena Parthenos standing to left with shield and spear, holding Nike in outstretched right hand, *AQHN A IWN* around, dotted border, (S.4851, Sv.Pl.82, 17; Kroll (Athenian Agora) 284 [p.146, Pl.19, BMC 682). Attractive brown patina, very fine or better and scarce.

Ex William B. Porter Collection. The reverse type represents the famous chryselephantine statue by Pheidias. This the most famous of all Greek statues, Athena Promachos on the Acropolis by Pheidias, was seen and described by Pausanias (I.28, 20) '.... it was the work of Pheidias but reliefs upon the shield, including the fight between Cetaurs and Lapithae, are said to be from the chisel of Mys, for whom they say Parrhasius, the son of Evenor, designed this and the rest of his work. The point of the spear of this Athena and the crest of her helmet are visible to those sailing to Athens, as soon as Sunium is passed.'