CARIA, Knidos. Circa 465-449 BC. AR Drachm (6.25 gm). Forepart of roaring 
      lion right / Head of Aphrodite right, hair bound with taenia; within 
      incuse square. Cahn 78 (V38/R55); SNG Copenhagen 238-239 (same obverse 
      dies); McClean 8475 (same reverse die); SNG Lockett 2363 (same reverse 
      die). Attractively toned EF. ($3000) The types of the Knidian coinage are 
      discussed by Herbert Cahn, Knidos pg. 196 ff., and refer to the city's two 
      major cults. On the obverse is the forepart of a lion, attribute of 
      Apollo, who was worshipped as the sun god
      Triopian Apollo; every four years the federation met in his sanctuary for 
      the
      Dorian Games in his honour. The other major cult was that of Aphrodite 
      Euploia, the aspect of the goddess which protected ships and seafaring.


Triton V Sale, 16 Jan 2002, lot 1443.

By permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com.