I enjoy occasionally buying one of the finest known examples of a rare coin. This is not such an occasion. While the coin is rare, with only three known to Bodenstedt and perhaps eight examples currently known*, this is the worst example I've seen. However, the condition is not dreadful and it cost 90% less that the most recently sold example. The condition of my hekte is not 90% worse, so I'm happy to have this interesting little thing . IONIA, Phokaia EL hekte, 11 mm, 2.5 gm c. 478-387BCE Obv: head of young male left, wearing Silenos mask on top of head; to right, small seal downward Rev: quadripartite incuse square. Ref: Bodenstedt Em. 70; SNG von Aulock –; Boston MFA –; BMC 43 * Although currently considered rare, with the abundance of electrum coins hitting the market I wonder if it will still be considered rare five years from now. In addition to mine, I've found three in archives and one coming up for auction in April. One recent auction listing indicated that a total of five were noted in various archives, plus the three Bodenstedt examples. Turned ninety degrees counterclockwise, you can see Silenos quite clearly: I have a soft spot for Silenos (genial drunk and foster-father of Dionysos) since my first "big" coin purchase had a control mark of Silenos, who looks remarkably like drunk Nick Nolte on that particular coin. I wonder if the engraver intended this as a type of optical illusion. I had my eye on another type of illusion coin this month but didn't even get a bid in. That dream coin was estimated very low (1000 EUR) and hammered at 12x estimate, manyfold higher than I wanted to pay. It exceeded my max before it even hit the block. [here's that coin ] Do you have any interesting electrum coins or coins which have some type of gimmick or illusion? Let's see 'em!
Very cool little bargain . While your other Silenos looks like a drunken Nolte, this one qualifies for the 'Looks just like' thread as well. Socrates:
I find it impossible to dislike these tiny electrum coins of Phokaia, no matter what grade or problems they may have. You have to hold them to appreciate their charm. Images are a poor substitute, no matter how good they may be.
Awesome OP-addition, coin Princess ... I'm lovin' the double-image obverse!! (very cool) => man, that coin still looks pretty sweet for being 2500 years old, eh? (congrats)
Admittedly not in my collecting niche, but I do know when to appreciate a coin that is special regardless. Yours fits the bill. A most excellent acquisition.
