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Obolos 20

3 October 2021
Webauction
overview
Starting Price: 50 CHF
Hammer Price:  50 CHF
Lot 317

TROAS. Alexandria Troas. Gallienus, 253-268. Assarion (Bronze, 18 mm, 3.43 g, 12 h). IMP LICIN GALLIENV Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gallienus to right. Rev. COL AVG TROA Marsyas standing right, holding wineskin over left shoulder, extending right arm. Bellinger A440. SNG Copenhagen 207. Brown patina with green encrustation. Very fine.

From the Vineyard Collection, ex Pegasi 4, 25 September 2000, 310.

Marsyas was a Phrygian satyr connected to the worship of Dionysos via his flute playing: he was one of the Tityroi, the double-flute playing satyrs in the train of the god. Legend said that it was Marsyas who invented flute playing. The story goes that Athena had crafted the very first flute, but discarded it because she did not like how it disfigured her cheeks when she blew into it. Marsyas found it and played it beautifully. He felt that he was so good that he challenged the god Apollo to a musical contest, the winner to determine the fate of the loser. Apollo won, of course, and after tying Marsyas to a tree he flayed him alive for his presumption of challenging him.

Online bidding closes: 3 Oct 2021, 17:38:30 CEST Current Date & Time: 29 Mar 2024, 15:30:04 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:50 CHF by grey (1 bid)
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