Lot 3447
Crete, Itanos. AR Drachm (5.5g) struck ca. 330-270 BC. Head left of Athena, in crested Attic helmet adorned with palmettes. Reverse: ITANIΩN. Eagle standing left, head right, its wings folded; to right, Triton holding trident; all within circular incuse. SNG Lockett 2574 var; Svoronos 41 (pl. XIX, 24). Light reverse scratch behind eagle. Rare. Lustrous surfaces and well struck. Superb Extremely Fine.
Situated in a remote location in the extreme northeast of the island of Crete, the town of Itanos dates from Minoan times, though the archaeological evidence for this period is slight. In the third century BC, an Egyptian garrison was established here, and this led to increasing Ptolemaic influence over the politics of the island. However, the issue represented by this attractive silver drachm appears to precede the Egyptian occupation. The types combine the head of Athena with the eagle of Zeus, while the interesting symbol in the reverse field represents the marine deity Triton, son of Poseidon and his consort Amphitrite.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
The Hunter Collection The Arden Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $3,680 |
