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  [Image]                               Item Sold At Auction #7
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                  Web Product ID: 1300
                  Estimate: $300.00
                  Final Sale Price: $385.00
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                  Denomination: Didrachm
                  Grade: VF toned, nice metal
                  Reference: SNG Helsinki 457




  Caria, Islands off. Rhodes. Circa 316-304 BC. AR Didrachm (6.65 gm). Head of Helios
  facing 3/4 right / Rose with single bud; grapes left, E-Y. SNG Helsinki 457. Toned,
  nice VF. Estimate $300.



  The sun god Helios was revered at Rhodes; the rose on the reverse of this coin is a
  punning allusion to the city's Greek name, Rhodos, the same as the flower. The city's
  great statue of Helios--the famous Colossus--was built with proceeds from the sale of
  siege engines left outside the city walls by Demetrios Poliorketes, who failed to
  take the city after a long siege. The statue stood for 60 years, until brought down
  by an earthquake in 224 BC. It remained impressive even in ruins until finally sold
  for scrap in Medieval times by an Islamic trader.


Used by permission of CNG, www.historicalcoins.com