LESBOS. Mytilene. Ca. 454-427 BC. EL sixth-stater or hecte (10mm, 2.53 gm, 3h). NGC Choice XF S 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Diademed head of Silenus right / Two ram heads butting each other, palmette between; all in incuse square. Bodenstedt 37. HGC 6, 963. Struck from dies of Fine Style with a high-relief head of Silenus, carefully centered on both sides. Ex Heritage Auctions, Auction 3083 Central States (27 April 2020), lot 32072 Silenus, in Greek mythology, was the main follower and drinking companion of the wine god Dionysus. Silenus is usually portrayed as a bearded older man with the ears and tail of a horse, and an inebriated state, often supported by another satyr or a donkey. However, he is also reputed to have had special prophetic powers when drunk.

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