Nomos AG
Auction 25 20 Nov 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
CRETE. Knossos. Circa 320-300 BC. Stater (Silver, 25 mm, 10.92 g, 10 h). ΚΝΩ Head of Demeter (or Kore?) to right, wearing grain wreath, an earring with a pyramidal pendant and a pearl necklace. Rev. Labyrinth with a head of the Minotaur at the center; all within a concentric border of dots. Le Rider p 30 and pl. XXXIV, 16 (this coin). Svoronos, Numismatique -. Very rare, of very fine style, unusually well-struck and finely toned. An extraordinarily attractive Cretan coin. Extremely fine.
From the collection of A. Hofer and from an Italian collection, Monnaies et Médailles 68, 15 April 1986, 258. Published in Splendeurs et témoignages p. 101, 146.
This is by far one of the prettiest coins ever struck by Knossos, and is both very well-struck and has an obverse of lovely style. The reverse is wonderful in its way too: at the center of the Labyrinth is the head of the Minotaur, looking as if he is waiting for the next visitor! Of interest is the fact that as shown here, the labyrinth does start at the entrance and does end in the monster's den!
From the collection of A. Hofer and from an Italian collection, Monnaies et Médailles 68, 15 April 1986, 258. Published in Splendeurs et témoignages p. 101, 146.
This is by far one of the prettiest coins ever struck by Knossos, and is both very well-struck and has an obverse of lovely style. The reverse is wonderful in its way too: at the center of the Labyrinth is the head of the Minotaur, looking as if he is waiting for the next visitor! Of interest is the fact that as shown here, the labyrinth does start at the entrance and does end in the monster's den!