Numismatica Genevensis SA
Auction 9 14 December 2015
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Cyprus, Salamis. Pnytagoras, 351/0 - 332/1 BC. Stater. (Gold, 8.30g., 17.3mm). ΒΑ Draped bust of Aphrodite to left, wearing a diadem-crown ornamented with semi-circular plates, a taenia, a hoop earring ornamented with pearls and a torc / ΠΝ Turreted and draped bust of Aphrodite to left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace. BMC 26. De Luynes 2950. Gulbenkian 814. Traité II, 1184.
A splendid example of this rare coin, showing two aspects of the goddess Aphrodite. Extremely fine.
Provenance: Numismatica Genevensis SA IV, 11 December 2006, 103. Gorny & Mosch 121, 10 March 2003, 207.
Pnytagoras was related in some way to the earlier Cypriote king Euagoras I, and after driving out Euagoras II and becoming king in Salamis, joined in the pan-Cypriote revolt against the Persian king Artaxerxes III. This revolt failed and by 345/4 Pnytagoras had submitted to Persian over-lordship. Cypriote ships formed a major part of the Persian fleet (along with those from Phoenicia), but after Issus Pnytagoras went over to Alexander, helping in the siege of Tyre. This gold stater, on the Persian standard, shows us Aphrodite in two of her aspects: as a turreted city-goddess of Greek aspect, and as a more oriental goddess of marriage, sexuality and fertility.
A splendid example of this rare coin, showing two aspects of the goddess Aphrodite. Extremely fine.
Provenance: Numismatica Genevensis SA IV, 11 December 2006, 103. Gorny & Mosch 121, 10 March 2003, 207.
Pnytagoras was related in some way to the earlier Cypriote king Euagoras I, and after driving out Euagoras II and becoming king in Salamis, joined in the pan-Cypriote revolt against the Persian king Artaxerxes III. This revolt failed and by 345/4 Pnytagoras had submitted to Persian over-lordship. Cypriote ships formed a major part of the Persian fleet (along with those from Phoenicia), but after Issus Pnytagoras went over to Alexander, helping in the siege of Tyre. This gold stater, on the Persian standard, shows us Aphrodite in two of her aspects: as a turreted city-goddess of Greek aspect, and as a more oriental goddess of marriage, sexuality and fertility.