coin). Seltman, Group N, p. 207, 412 (A274/P349), pl. XVIII (this coin). Cf. Svoronos, pl. 8, 1. Starr Group I. Although it has a large planchet irregularity at 12h, no doubt before striking, this appears to the finest of only 12 Starr Group I coins recorded. VF/Fine+ $6,000 366. Contemporary Imitation, possibly struck in the northern Aegean. c. 500-480. Tetradrachm, 17.87g (10h). Obv: Head of Athena facing right, wearing Attic helmet. The hair above the forehead is rendered by pairs of circular locks enclosing pellets, the hair beneath the helmet by wavy lines. Prominent nose. Rx: ΑΘE Owl standing right, head facing. In upper left corner, long olive sprig. All within incuse square. Cf. Seltman, Group M. Asyut Hoard 283 ff. For the reverse, cf. Svoronos, pl. 6, 13-23. About EF $20,000 Dr. Patrick Tan Collection. Ex Auctiones AG, 1-2 October 1986, lot 137.
The Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky. Ex Charles Seltman Collection.
Enlargement
In the auction catalogue of 1986, H. Cahn stated that a metallurgical analysis of this coin had shown clear divergencies from the alloy of contemporary Athenian coins. Cahn pointed to stylistic similarities with specimens from the Gela Hoard (IGCH 2066, cf. Jenkins, Gela, pl. 36). These similarities, however, are not conclusive, and the existence of Sicilian imitations of Athenian coins is highly controversial. So we prefer to attribute the coin to an irregular mint in the northern Aegean area. 368. c. 460/450 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.14g (5h). Obv: Head of Athena facing right, wearing crested Attic helmet, the truncation dotted. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing. In upper left field, olive twig and crescent moon. All within incuse square. Starr, Group IV, pl. XII, 116. SNG Lockett 1837. SNG Delepierre 1424. SNG München 44. VF/ About EF $1,500 The Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky.
Enlargement
Seltman and Starr Plate Coin
367. c. 475/70 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.76g (1h). Obv: Head of Athena facing right, wearing crested Attic helmet, the truncation dotted. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing. In upper left field, olive twig and crescent moon. All within incuse square. Starr, Group I, p. 15, 5, pl. I (this
72
369. Tetradrachm, 16.50g (6h). Obv: Head of Athena facing right, wearing crested Attic helmet, the truncation dotted. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing. In upper left field, olive twig and crescent moon. All within incuse square. Starr, Group IV, pl. XIII, 128. SNG Lockett 1837. SNG Delepierre 1424. SNG München 44. VG/EF $250 The Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky.