Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 43 3 Feb 2018
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Attica, Athens AR Tetartemorion (1/4 Obol). Circa 400/390-353 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / AΘΕ above crescent within incuse square.
Kroll -; SNG Copenhagen 78-9; HGC 4, 1687. 0.16g, 5mm, 1h.
Very Fine. Rare.
From the collection of V.B., United Kingdom.
From Aristophanes we learn that it was common to carry small coins such as this tiny example in one's mouth; in his play 'The Wasps', first staged at the Lenaia festival of 422 BC, Philocleon is comically relieved of his money by his daughter: "Ah, but I've forgotten the sweetest benefit of them all! And I get this when I come home with my payment, because everyone welcomes me at the front door and goes after my money. First in line is my darling daughter who gives me a bath, rubs my feet and relaxes them splendidly before she bends down and kisses me with "daddy this and daddy that" while at the same time she uses her tongue to fish out my three obols from inside my mouth."
Kroll -; SNG Copenhagen 78-9; HGC 4, 1687. 0.16g, 5mm, 1h.
Very Fine. Rare.
From the collection of V.B., United Kingdom.
From Aristophanes we learn that it was common to carry small coins such as this tiny example in one's mouth; in his play 'The Wasps', first staged at the Lenaia festival of 422 BC, Philocleon is comically relieved of his money by his daughter: "Ah, but I've forgotten the sweetest benefit of them all! And I get this when I come home with my payment, because everyone welcomes me at the front door and goes after my money. First in line is my darling daughter who gives me a bath, rubs my feet and relaxes them splendidly before she bends down and kisses me with "daddy this and daddy that" while at the same time she uses her tongue to fish out my three obols from inside my mouth."