Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
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MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Stater (17.5mm, 16.02 g). Poseidon, nude but for cloak hanging over his left shoulder, kneeling right, holding dolphin in extended right hand, left hand holding trident downward, on tunny right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 146; Greenwell 6; cf. Boston MFA 1516 = Warren 1428 (hekte); SNG BN –; BMC 62; Gulbenkian –; Jameson –; Myrmekion 99. Toned, a few light marks. Good VF. Very rare, one of only three in CoinArchives.
From the Jonathan P. Rosen Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 199 (hammer $14,000).
This depiction of Poseidon is one of the most intriguing types of the Kyzikene series, since his pose is unusual compared to other coinages that typically depict him standing and holding his trident in a more authoritative manner. The latter stye is expected given the nature of the deity as a supreme lord over the seas, whereas here he is depicted in a lifelike pose. The composition of the scene suggests a subsequent action involving the dolphin, since his trident is held in a neutral fashion and his gaze is forward, as if he is preparing to place the dolphin into motion. As such, it seems that this is unlikely a commemoration of an event involving the city's navy, but rather some scene tied to the city's mythology.
From the Jonathan P. Rosen Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 199 (hammer $14,000).
This depiction of Poseidon is one of the most intriguing types of the Kyzikene series, since his pose is unusual compared to other coinages that typically depict him standing and holding his trident in a more authoritative manner. The latter stye is expected given the nature of the deity as a supreme lord over the seas, whereas here he is depicted in a lifelike pose. The composition of the scene suggests a subsequent action involving the dolphin, since his trident is held in a neutral fashion and his gaze is forward, as if he is preparing to place the dolphin into motion. As such, it seems that this is unlikely a commemoration of an event involving the city's navy, but rather some scene tied to the city's mythology.