Lot 3010
Lucania. Thourioi, c. 443-400 BC. AR Stater (7.99 g). Head of Athena right in crested Attic helmet adorned with olive wreath; above visor, phi. Reverse: Bull walking left with head lowered; on rump, phi; below, small bird taking flight; in exergue, tunny fish left. SNG Ashmolean 899 (same dies); SNG ANS 948 (same obv. die); Kraay-Hirmer 251 (same obv. die). The quality is superb, the toning delightful and the dies are rare. A simply magnificent Thurian stater. Superb Extremely Fine.
This coin is sometimes attributed to Phrygillos, the famous coin and gem engraver, and the bird on the reverse has been considered a pun on his name. Phrygilos in Greek means finch.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000.
Ex Leu 81 (16 V 2001), lot 26. Prior: Nelson Bunker Hunt Coll. (Sotheby's, 21 VI 1990), lot 204; NFA X (17 IX 1981) lot 19; Bank Leu 25 (23 IV 1980), lot 38.
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| Realized $29,900 |
