Nomos 33

CYPRUS. Idalion. Stasikypros, circa 460-450 BC. Tetrobol (Silver, 17.5 mm, 3.64 g, 2 h). Sphinx seated to left, resting her right forepaw on a lotus tendril with flower and bud; in the field to left, monogram. Rev. Large lotus flower with volutes; to left, linear ivy leaf; to right, astragalos; all within circular incuse punch. BMC 20-8. SNG Copenhagen 22. SNG Lockett 3068 = Weber 7697 (this coin). Traité II, 2, 1250 and pl. CXXXII, 7. Very rare and beautifully toned. Minor scratches under the toning and some uncleaned deposits, otherwise, good very fine.

From the Collection of Jonathan H. Kagan, ex Classical Numismatic Group 42, 29 May 1997, 548, and from the collections of R.C. Lockett, IV, Glendining's, 22 February 1961, 2531, C. S. Bement, Naville VII, 23 June 1924, 1645 and Sir Herman Weber.

Interestingly enough this sphinx is almost exactly the same as the Naxian Sphinx at Delphi: that, of course, was erected about 100 years earlier than this coin was struck.