Mytilene (BC 454-427) EL Hekte - B42

ca 454-427 BC. EL Hekte (2.48g, 11mm, 12h). Forepart of a goat right, head reverted / Owl standing, wings spread, within incuse square. VF, lightly toned. Carr coll.

This emission is thought to have occurred at a time when Lesbos was a member of the Delian League â€“ an alliance of around 330 Greek city-states formed in the first half of 477 BC and led by Athens for the purpose of defending themselves against the Persians. It is suggested that this emission may have been part of the Lesbos tribute (phoros) to the war chest of the League. The depiction of an owl on the reverse appears to have been copied from Athenian Dekadrachms and would seem to allude to the relationship with Athens. Bodenstedt notes 21 examples of this emission. A further 43 examples have appeared at auction, this being the 43rd.

File information
Filename:	Carr_43.jpg
City/Mint name:	Mytilene EL
Keywords:	classical / electrum
References:	Bodenstedt 42
Valuation:	CNG Auc. 400 (6/2017), lot 173 [$800 + comm]
Photo courtesy of:	Classical Numismatic Group Inc - www.cngcoins.com
Filesize:	172 KiB
Date added:	Jun 30, 2017
Dimensions:	800 x 386 pixels
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URL:	http://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=13789
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