Troas, Ophrynion. AE, 1.72 g 14.01 mm. 4th century BC.
Obv: Helmeted head of Hektor facing slightly right.
Rev: [OΦPY], Infant Dionysos kneeling right, holding grape bunch.
Ref: SNG Arikantürk 713-6.
Fine
Ophrynion is stated as the burial place of Hector in ancient literature; it is said that a hero cult for him was established there. The depiction of the head of Hector on Ophrynion coins has three variations: In this remarkable variation, there is a sphinx on top of the helmet, wing-like feathers, apparently from a horse’s mane, on the both side crests, and just below the feathers, raised cheek pieces looking like horse ears. The hero-horse connection, which is especially emphasized for Hector in the Homeric epic, has been reflected on the iconography of the helmet here. This type refers to the lines in the sixth chapter of Iliad, where Hector says farewell to his wife and son. A sphinx on top of the helmet, animal ears, flying horsehair crest and manes! With this image, Hector has the appearance that he can scare both his enemies and his son. The coin engraver depicted Hector with the perception of his son Astyanax. The parents' laughter at his reaction in a sad scene shows that they saw the helmet through his eyes - as the Ophrynians would later imagine - and that they were enjoying the humorous moment. It is understood that the Ophrynians knew the role of the helmet in farewell scene and referred to Homer's lines in the image of their prominent hero. This unique image of Hector also explains the epithet of korythaiolos, the meaning of which is arguable. The head on Ophrynion coins represents “(quick moving like) the stormy (wind) helmeted Hector (κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ)” who is likened to the galloping horses with their manes flying. S. Altınoluk, “The Head of Hector on the Coins of Ophrynion”, Lycus 3 (2021), p. 42 var. 3.
Described by Pactolus Numismatic Academy (PNA).