Nomos AG
Auction 24 22 May 2022
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TROAS. Assos. Circa 500-480 BC. Drachm (Silver, 14 mm, 4.01 g, 4 h). Griffin seated to left, outstretching his left forepaw and raising his right; all within a circular, linear border. Rev. Lion's head to right, with open jaws and protruding tongue; all within an incuse square. BMC 1. BMFA 1626 = Warren 1040 and pl. XXIV. Traité II, 2, 2298 and pl. CLXIII, 25. Rare. Very well struck, with vigorously bold types, a remarkably impressive coin. Some minor marks and deposits, otherwise, extremely fine.
The way the obverse type is contained within a circular border suggests that this is meant to be thought of as a shield blazon, rather than just a simple type. In fact, the way the griffin's forepaws are resting against the border makes the whole resemble the tondo of a contemporary Attic Red Figure kylix.
The way the obverse type is contained within a circular border suggests that this is meant to be thought of as a shield blazon, rather than just a simple type. In fact, the way the griffin's forepaws are resting against the border makes the whole resemble the tondo of a contemporary Attic Red Figure kylix.