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ancient classic artifacts coins numismatic roman greek

                                 Lot: 30

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            [Image]              CRETE: Phaestus. Ca. 360–350 BC. AR stater.
    (i.e. Keywords, Catalog
           ID, etc.)             CRETE. Phaestus. Ca. 360–350 BC. AR stater (11.86 gm).
                                 CASMTSO (retrograde), Europa seated left on rock, extending
                                 right hand to forepart of bull approaching right, with one
      Mail Bid Home Page         horn growing downward  / Hermes seated left on rock, holding
                                 kerykeion in right hand and resting left on rock. Svoronos
                                 2, pl. xxii, 36 (same dies). Le Rider pl. xx, 25. Traité
                                 III, pl. clv, 5 (same dies). Very rare. Reverse struck from
                                 worn die, otherwise very fine

                                 Ex Münzen und Medaillen 66, 22–23 October 1984, lot 179.

                                 Like Gortyna, Phaestus portrayed the myth of Europa on its
                                 coinage. In this case the obverse shows the moment at which
                                 Zeus first approached the princess in the form of a bull and
                                 won her caresses. According to Ovid, Hermes facilitated the
                                 seduction by leading Europa and her companions to the edge
                                 of the sea so that Zeus, in his taurine form, might mingle
                                 with them. The reverse of this issue, the only one to
                                 reflect his role, shows him observing the success of the
                                 plan.

                                 Estimated Value: $ 8,000

 ... sold for high bid of $6800 [ $7820, or approx 6099.6 EUR, 4066.4 GBP ] including the 15% buyers fee. 


From the Freeman & Sear Mail Bid Sale 13, Closed August 25th, 2006.

Re-used by permission of Freeman & Sear, www.freemanandsear.com.