Obolos 31

MYSIA. Uncertain city in the neighborhood of Parion. Late 6th or early 5th century BC. Drachm (Silver, 14 mm, 3.85 g). Facing head of a lioness (or a lion?). Rev. Variegated quadripartite incuse square with, at the center, a small relief square surmounted by a pellet. Apparently unpublished, save for auction appearances, e.g. CNG 94, 692. Extremely rare. A clear and fascinating example, lightly toned. Good very fine.

From the collection of a scholar.

This extraordinary coin, which is so similar in fabric to the early drachms of Parion that it must have been struck near that city, finds its closest parallels with the extensive obol coinage of Akanthos: (as SNG ANS 27-29, etc.).