Uncertain East, Mysia or Philisto-Arabian. c. Mid 5th century BC
Uncertain East, Mysia or Philisto-Arabian. c. Mid 5th century BC
AR Drachm, 3.89g (15mm, 4h).
Forepart of Pegasus to r. / Male head (possibly satyr) to r., fiercely grimacing with his open mouth, bearded, wearing a taenia and with a bearded neck truncation; all in a bearded square frame within an incuse square
Pedigree: From the Collection of Jonathan H. Kagan; Ex Classical Numismatic Group MBS 72, 14 June 2006, Lot 700 (but as Philisto-Arabian).
References: SNG Paris 1132 (as Lampsakos) = Traité II, 1, 640 and pl. XVI, 17 (as Lampsakos) = Traité II, 2, 1069 and pl. CXXIV, 18 (reattributed to an uncertain Philisto-Arabian mint) = Waddington 873 (same dies). Triton V, 2002, 1411 (same dies, but as a tetrobol 3.38 g, from Dardanos).
Grade: Somewhat porous surfaces. Two larger edge splits at 11h and 1h on obverse and corresponding reverse. Fascinating and rare imagery on reverse. Good VF
gk1932
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This enigmatic issue is either from Mysia (western Asia Minor) or the Philisto-Arabian region (Palestine Arabia). The pegasus on the obverse suggests Mysia, however, the reverse imagery of a satyr or man makes this issue uncertain. The coin is however not unknown. There is a similar example with same dies at Harvard University (https://harvardartmuseums.org/collections/object/186785).