Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3061 7-8 Jan 2018
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Ancients
CRETE. Cnossus. Ca. 330–270 BC. AR drachm (19mm, 5.22 gm, 7h). NGC Choice VF 4/5 - 3/5. Head of Hera left, wearing earring and stephane ornamented with palmettes / ΚΝΩΣΙ, Labyrinth in form of square with entrance at top, flanked by letters A-P. Svoronos 70, pl. vi, 7 (same dies). Traité III, 1548, pl. ccl, 14. Rare. Lightly rough obverse and reverse struck from slightly worn die.
According to a legend related by Diodorus Siculus, Zeus and Hera were wed on the island of Crete, near the site of Cnossus. The city held an annual festival in honor of this sacred marriage, and its coinage prominently features both deities, including this rare issue which pairs a refined head of Hera with the city's other legendary feature, the Labyrinth.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 4000-5000 USD
CRETE. Cnossus. Ca. 330–270 BC. AR drachm (19mm, 5.22 gm, 7h). NGC Choice VF 4/5 - 3/5. Head of Hera left, wearing earring and stephane ornamented with palmettes / ΚΝΩΣΙ, Labyrinth in form of square with entrance at top, flanked by letters A-P. Svoronos 70, pl. vi, 7 (same dies). Traité III, 1548, pl. ccl, 14. Rare. Lightly rough obverse and reverse struck from slightly worn die.
According to a legend related by Diodorus Siculus, Zeus and Hera were wed on the island of Crete, near the site of Cnossus. The city held an annual festival in honor of this sacred marriage, and its coinage prominently features both deities, including this rare issue which pairs a refined head of Hera with the city's other legendary feature, the Labyrinth.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 4000-5000 USD