Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 105 10 May 2017
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LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 455/4 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.50 g, 9h). Facing gorgoneion / Incuse head of lynx facing. Bodenstedt Em. 53.2; HGC 6, 952. VF, toned. Very rare.
This issue likely was the last of the incuse-reverse emissions in the electrum series at Mytilene. In the recent Triton XX sale, lot 261 was a hekte of these same types, but with the lynx head in relief. It was unknown to Bodenstedt. Although similar types do recur in the Mytilene series, and are not consecutive, the close similarity of the obverse styles of the incuse and relief issues suggests a common die engraver (compare the Triton coin with CNG 103, lot 238).
This issue likely was the last of the incuse-reverse emissions in the electrum series at Mytilene. In the recent Triton XX sale, lot 261 was a hekte of these same types, but with the lynx head in relief. It was unknown to Bodenstedt. Although similar types do recur in the Mytilene series, and are not consecutive, the close similarity of the obverse styles of the incuse and relief issues suggests a common die engraver (compare the Triton coin with CNG 103, lot 238).