Lot 4538

Description

Caria, Carian Islands, Rhodos (Rhodes), (304-167 B.C.), silver didrachm, (6.76 g), obv. radiate head of Helios three-quarter face to right with hair loose, rev. rose, with bud on right, to left Athena to left with right hand raised holding an aplustre, P O across, above **MNASIMACOU*, all within dotted border, (S.5048, cf.BMC 145-6 [p.244], cf.SNG Cop.765, cf.SNG Finland 537-9 [similar dies]). Lightly toned, off-centred obverse, nearly extremely fine, rare.

The literature also describes the figure on the reverse as Athena but appears to be a standing female goddess. This personification is very much like the other examples illustrated in the SNG noted above.