A monsterous little coin

Actually this is pretty big as little silver goes at 2.01g. The obverse shows a sea monster identified as Ketos. I am unclear if it is breathing fire or just rude with a fluffy tongue sticking out. The reverse is ornate as incuse punches go but I am unable to explain the reason for the design called 'lattice'. Most books identify it as Kindya, Caria, but I do see a note in Kayhan (SNG Turkey 1) that he intended to publish another idea. Many of these c.500 BC coins of the region have questions attached to their ID. These come both left and right facing and with quite a range of styles on the basic theme.

The truth is I just bought this to encourage Steve to buy a better one in case it is an animal he lacks. There are not that many left are there?

 

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I really like these gnarly little monsters. The teeth and tongue on mine are clear. If I were to be writing a description for yours, it would be "Ketos snacking on uncertain object (sacrificial maiden?)".

 

I suppose now I need to get a sea monster. Both are nice. Z's has a better strike, but I'll take either.

 

Incredible. Very rare, I suppose?

 

Sweet new sea monster addition ...

Yah, I already have one of these babies, but it isn't really a top-drawer example ... it's kinda missing the top of its sea monster head (sweet reverse though, eh?)

Caria, Kindya AR Tetrobol / Sea monster
circa 510-480 BC
Size: 12.6 mm
Weight: 2 grams
Obverse: Head of Ketos sea monster left
Reverse: Latticework pattern in incuse
Reference: SNG Keckman 920

 

I like these Kindya tetrobols quite a lot . Mine is right-facing. The reverse geometric design looks a bit smushed but the Ketos is very nice.


CARIA, Kindya
510-480 BCE
AR tetrobol, 2.18 gm, 11 mm
Obv: head of Ketos right
Rev: geometric pattern within incuse square
Ref: Kagan and Kritt, 'The Coinage of Kindya,' NC 1995, 1 var. (head left); SNG Keckman 920 var. (same); SNG Kayhan 815; "Asyut Hoard" 688

 

total winner, my princess (best I've ever seen)

pretty

 

Yours looks like a seagull Stevo .... sorry m8

 

Back in ancient times, the mighty seagull was feared by all who roamed the sea ...



=> let's see your example, my friend!!

 

^^^ Perfect picture for that reply

 

Fascinating coins!!!

Another to add to my never shrinking 'want list'...

 

Excellent, too funny, LOL,LOL!

 

They all look like winners

 

This is known as the rude Ketos variety.

 

Just won an example in the last CNG and can't wait to get it in hand. For now here is the auction pic.



CARIA, Kindya. Circa 510-480 BC. AR Tetrobol (11.5mm, 2.24 g). Head of ketos right / Geometric pattern within incuse square. Kagan & Kritt 1 var. (head left); SNG Keckman 920 var. (same); SNG Kayhan 815; Asyut 688 (uncertain mint). VF, toned.

 

@TIF is back! TIF, your island sustained a lot of damage in the hurricane. Are you still there, or did you move away temporarily? I am pleased to see you have time enough to post.

 

2016 posts. @H8_modern 's is the only recent one. I believe she is back in the States.

 

You are right. An old, revived, thread. I didn't check the date of her post.

 

Sorry for the confusion. I thought it made sense to add to a thread that already exists for the coin type.

 

Nice example, @H8_modern.

Incidentally, in their recent auction description for this type, Roma now points to evidence for "certain reattribution" of these little monsters to Harlikarnassos. Their notes in full :

"Numismatists have long suspected the attribution of this issue and the companion fractions to Kindya to be incorrect. Indeed, this attribution was made on the misreading of just one partial legend. The discovery of a coin (Roma E-35, 279) bearing the reverse legend 'AΛIKAP' allows for a certain reattribution of the series to Halikarnassos."

Here's the coin (not mine) that they reference with the AΛIKAP legend: