★ Pelopponesian war incident ★

LESBOS, Mytilene: Electrum hekte, c. 454-427 BCE. 2.52g, 10mm.
Obv: Helmeted head of Athena, right.
Rev: Two steer heads confronted within incuse square.
Bodenstedt Em. 35
The end of the period to which this coin is dated falls at the time of Mytilene's failed rebellion against Athens. Thucydides reports a dramatic debate in the Athenian assembly in which the Mytileneans were first sentenced to death (adult males) and slavery (the rest), the reversal of that decision after a second debate, and the second ship barely arriving in time to announce the reprieve. It is one of the most famous incidents from the Pelopponesian war, nicely represented by this coin with its portrayal of Athena.