Leu Numismatik AG > Auction 15 | Auction date: 1 June 2024 |
Lot number: 122 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot | |
Lot description: PAMPHYLIA. Aspendos. Circa 380/75-330/25 BC. Stater (Silver, 23 mm, 10.91 g, 12 h). Two nude wrestlers, standing and grappling with each other; between them, BΛ. Rev. EΣTFEΔIIYΣ Slinger standing right, about to shoot from his sling; to right, triskeles running left; all within shallow incuse square. SNG Copenhagen -. SNG Paris -. SNG PFPS 5 var. (triskeles to right). SNG von Aulock -. Tekin Series 4. A spectacular piece, fresh and with beautiful iridescent toning. Very light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine. Ex Künker 124, 16 March 2007, 8030. In the Greek cultural world, sports was considered a most noble pastime, and wrestling was a particularly beloved discipline. The two main ways to beat one's opponent were to grab and lift him by the waist, or to grab his wrist to pull him off-balance, as shown on the obverse of this wonderful stater. The reverse, on the other hand, shows one of the most feared military weapons of the ancient world: the sling. Able to crush bone and penetrate armor, skilled slingers were a menace on the battlefield and therefore coveted mercenaries - a fact the Aspendians understood and celebrated. Estimate: 3500 CHF |