Nomos AG
Auction 26 21 May 2023
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CYCLADES, Keos. Ioulis. Circa 515-490/80 BC. Obol (Silver, 8 mm, 0.66 g). Grape cluster with five grapes. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square, with two smaller and two larger compartments. Papageorgiadou-Banis xxiii. Sheedy -. SNG Copenhagen 646. For another example, probably from the same reverse punch, see Nomos 24, 2022, 153. Boldly struck and with a dark grey patina. About extremely fine.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions, ex Kricheldorf IV, 7 October 1957, 262 (ascribed to Tenos).
Sheedy makes a good case, partially accepted by P.-G., that the coins with grape clusters (composed of 5 grapes) unaccompanied by a dolphin, do not come from Ioulis but from another mint. However, if we assume, and we do, that the dolphin added to Ioulis's obverse type of a bunch of grapes signifies a kind of league between the three cities of Keos (Karthaia has it next to its amphora, and Koressos places it next to its cuttlefish), we should note that the first silver coins of Karthaia and Koressos both lack that added symbol and just show, respectively, an amphora or a cuttlefish. Thus, why should Ioulis not have had an early coinage with just a bunch of grapes?
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions, ex Kricheldorf IV, 7 October 1957, 262 (ascribed to Tenos).
Sheedy makes a good case, partially accepted by P.-G., that the coins with grape clusters (composed of 5 grapes) unaccompanied by a dolphin, do not come from Ioulis but from another mint. However, if we assume, and we do, that the dolphin added to Ioulis's obverse type of a bunch of grapes signifies a kind of league between the three cities of Keos (Karthaia has it next to its amphora, and Koressos places it next to its cuttlefish), we should note that the first silver coins of Karthaia and Koressos both lack that added symbol and just show, respectively, an amphora or a cuttlefish. Thus, why should Ioulis not have had an early coinage with just a bunch of grapes?