NumisBids
  
Agora Auctions, LLC
Numismatic Auction 5  18 February 2014
View prices realized

Lot 4

Estimate: 250 USD
Lot unsold
Find similar lots
Share this lot: Share by Email
Sikyonia, Sikyon. Ca. 330/20-280 B.C. AR hemidrachm (15.7 mm, 2.64 g, 9 h). Chimaera advancing left; ΣI below / Dove flying left; three pellets above tail feathers. BCD 294; SNG Copenhagen 62-3; BMC 120. aVF.

The earliest description of the Chimera comes from Homer\'s Illiad, "a thing of immortal make, not human, lion-fronted and snake behind, a goat in the middle, and snorting out the breath of the terrible flame of bright fire." There are a few myths associated with the Chimera, but the most popular is from Corinth, where the beast attacked the city on a nightly basis, carrying off women, children, and livestock. Athena appeared to Bellerophon in a dream and gave him the golden bridle, allowing him to tame the Pegasos. Belleraphon was able to slay the Chimera while riding Pegasos, by driving a spear through its heart. Another variation of the myth is that the spear ended with a clump of lead, when heated by the Chimera\'s flaming breath, melted and sealed the monster\'s throat.

Question about this auction? Contact Agora Auctions, LLC