Nomos 25

THRACO-MACEDONIAN REGION. Berge (previously identified as either Lete or Siris). Circa 525-480 BC. Stater (Silver, 21 mm, 9.23 g). Nude ithyphallic satyr standing right, with his right hand grasping the right arm of a nymph fleeing away from him to the right; around, three pellets. Rev. Incuse square with uneven surfaces. AMNG pl. XIV, 31. HPM pl. VII, 27 (same dies). Traité I 1566 and pl. L, 5. Very rare, and likely the finest known example. Extremely well struck with fine details and in wonderful Archaic style. Extremely fine.

Ex Numismatic Ars Classica 48, 21 October 2008, 58, and Bank Leu 50, 15 April 1990, 96.

As late Archaic coin types go, this is one of the most dramatically important of all of them. We have a scene showing a very rough - rustic perhaps - satyr engaging in a conversation - or could he be negotiating? - with a nymph who is in the process of trying to get away from him. But she is unable to do so because he is grasping her right hand with his left. Or could it be different? Could it be that she is leading him off to some revels - "come along," she says, "don't be shy, you'll have fun!".