Mytilene (BC 412-378) EL Hekte - B?

ca 412-378 BC. EL Hekte (2.58g, 10mm, 4h). Head of Ares right, wearing crested helmet decorated with forepart of griffin / Calf's head to right within incuse square. EF. Carr coll.

This emission is unpublished in the standard references including Bodenstedt and appears to be unique. The obverse is that of Bodenstedt emission 65 and 66 and is a die match for Bodenstedt 66 in Roma Numismatics Auc. X (9/2015), lot 459 - see Coin ID #12825. The reverse is that of Bodenstedt 56, but has no die match with any example known at the time of this sale.

This is an important coin, as it raises questions as to whether it is a completely new emission or a hybrid. If it is a combination of two existing dies used in other emissions, those dies are at least 20 years apart in the Bodenstedt order. The condition of the coins in the aforementioned example of a die link with Bodenstedt 66, suggests they are a contemporary issue.