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Nomos 19

17 November 2019
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zurich
overview
Estimate: 400 CHF
Hammer Price:  550 CHF
Lot 145

IONIA. Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. One twenty-fourth stater (Electrum, 6.5 mm, 0.53 g). Head of seal (or a calf?) to right, with a very large eye and a large globule in his mouth. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 2.1 1/24 a/α var. Rosen 328. SNG von Aulock 7774. Very rare. Sharply struck and clear. Extremely fine.

From the Trausnitz Collection, acquired from Münzhandlung Athena on 15 September 2006.

It has been suggested that the head on the obverse is that of a calf rather than a seal, but if the large globule that appears to be between the creature's jaws is actually meant to be a ball (rather than just being a misplaced nose), a seal might be more likely. In fact, it could hint at the existence of a tame seal that served as the city's mascot and might be prevailed upon to do tricks at appropriate times.

Online bidding closes: 17 Nov 2019, 10:00:00 CET Current Date & Time: 18 Apr 2024, 12:12:31 CEST Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:550 CHF

Pre-Bidding closes on 17 November 2019 at 10:00 CET. Live bidding starts at 14:00 CET and is EXCLUSIVELY available on biddr. Separate registration is required.

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