When I first decided to coin-stalk TIF, I realized that it was imperative I get myself a nice pigasus of Klazomenai. Afterall, who has a more impressive litter of rampaging flying boars on coins? Then, she had to go and get herself that extravagant Agathokles tetradrachm of hers, which quickly put an end to my budding coin-stalking hopes. I nevertheless decided to pick up this little Klazomenai diobol when I saw it unloved at a recent auction, and now that it's here, I'm really glad I did. There's some wear on it, but that doesn't detract from the fierce-looking pigasus. Also, the metal's good and it has the sort of deep toning I like... all in all one of my favorite coins so far this year. Seriously, the next time anyone is thinking of buying a lion/eagle/bull/stag coin, I highly recommend you place a flying boar under consideration as well. IONIA, Klazomenai Circa 499 - 494 BC AR Diobol (1.35g, 10mm) SNG Kayhan 334–5, SNG von Aulock 1983. O: Forepart of winged boar right. R: Quadripartite incuse square.
I didn't realize I was being coin-stalked! Flattering? Yeah, let's go with that. (I coin-stalk Steve and others all the time ) Nice pigasus, glad to see others taking an interest! I plan to expand my squadron. Rather than post each coin, I'll piece together a composite and post it shortly.
Klazomenai Pigasi: Top row: two AR diobol, including a less-common boar left. Middle row: drachm; later-date AE Bottom row: hard to make out but the animal above the ram is a winged boar Gathering my non-Klazomenai winged boars for the next post.
Hmm, looks like I only have two more. There are at least 8 places that issued winged boar coins and someday I hope to have at least one from each. So far I only have Klazomenai (where the vast majority were made), Samos, and Rhodos. IONIA, Samos. 510-500 BC AR drachm, 13.7 mm, 3.2 gm Obv: forepart of winged boar left Rev: facing lion scalp with dotted square, within incuse square Ref: SNG Cop 1673 From a nice eBay score, misidentified and at a great price. This one is a bit different, a sweeter-looking pig. Looks more like Wilbur. Can't tell if that is a bristled ridge or its right wing. ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Ialysos. 480-408 BC AR Obol (or some other size-appropriate fractional name), 9 mm, 0.6 gm Obv: forepart of winged boar left Rev: helmeted head of Athena right within incuse square. Ref: SNG Keckman 315; Karl 373 (a guess based on a similar CNG coin...) There was some discussion about the origin and meaning of the winged boar. In Klazomenai, it may be from the legend of the Hus Klazomenaios, winged sow which rampaged through the islands. From http://www.theoi.com/Ther/HusKlazomenaios.html : Aelian, On Animals 12. 38 (trans. Scholfield) (Greek natural history C2nd A.D.) : "I have heard that on Klazomenai [and island west of Smyrna] there was a Sow with wings, and it ravaged the territory of Klazomenai. And Artemon records this in his Annals of Klazomenai. That is why there is a spot named and celebrated as `The Place of the Winged Sow,’ and it is famous. But if anyone regards this as myth, let him do so." A question was raised about the sex of these porkers, with someone pointing out that the bristled ridge is found in males, not females. However, yesterday I saw a coin which clearly depicted a sow and she has a bristled ridge. Not a winged pig but otherwise similar. A Mysia, Kyzikos EL hekte from CNG, a current offering which some lucky person is taking home today:
I only own two pig coins, but they pale in comparison to the ones already posted: MYSIA AR Hemiobol OBVERSE: Forepart of running boar left, tunny fish behind upward REVERSE: Head of roaring lion left within incuse square, star above Struck at Kysikos, 480-450BC 0.41 g, 9.5 mm Sear 3850 TRAJAN AE Quandran OBVERSE: IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GERM, diademed bust of Hercules right with lion-skin on neck REVERSE: Boar walking right, SC in ex. Struck at Rome, 98-117 AD 2g, 14mm RIC 702
I knew I didn't need to include any research with my post. I guess now I'll have to take a closer look at this lot, and while I'm at it the rest of today's catalog. A collector's job is never done...
Great coin, Z! I only have one pig to share. Kyzikos, Mysia AR Tritatemorion, 9X12mm, 0.58g; 480-450 BC. Obv.: Forepart of running boar left, tunny fish facing upward. Rev.: Roaring lion. Notes: Ex Sidney Mygind.
Zumbly, awesome very cool lookin' coin. very good details, just remember, a herd pigs with feathers, will hang together... TIF, that a great herd you have there..
Wow => that's an outstanding pig farm we've got going-on here!! Great new flyin' swine, Z!! (it has very attractive eye-appeal) ... it's worn in all the right places (congrats)
