Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XV 5 Apr 2018
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Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Facing gorgoneion with protruding tongue / Incuse bearded head of Herakles to left, wearing lion skin headdress; small incuse square behind, neck truncation formed by two rows of small squares. Bodenstedt 19.2; BMC -; Boston MFA -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock -. 2.52g, 10mm, 6h.
Mint State. Extremely Rare, only one example recorded by Bodenstedt in the National Museum, Athens, and two others in commerce.
Ex Kleines Meisterwerk Collection, Roma Numismatics X, 27 September 2015, lot 435.
This exceptionally rare variety with the incuse head of Herakles facing left also displays an intricately detailed gorgon. Aside from the careful attention the engraver has lavished on such details as the gorgon's teeth and serpent heads, we also see the scaly skin the gorgon has been given between her hair and eyebrows. Even on a larger coin this would be impressive - that this fine work has been accomplished on such a small flan is nothing short of astounding.
Mint State. Extremely Rare, only one example recorded by Bodenstedt in the National Museum, Athens, and two others in commerce.
Ex Kleines Meisterwerk Collection, Roma Numismatics X, 27 September 2015, lot 435.
This exceptionally rare variety with the incuse head of Herakles facing left also displays an intricately detailed gorgon. Aside from the careful attention the engraver has lavished on such details as the gorgon's teeth and serpent heads, we also see the scaly skin the gorgon has been given between her hair and eyebrows. Even on a larger coin this would be impressive - that this fine work has been accomplished on such a small flan is nothing short of astounding.