LESBOS. Mytilene. Ca. 454-427 BC. EL sixth-stater or hecte (11mm, 2.52 gm, 6h). NGC XF 5/5 - 5/5. Diademed head of Silenus right / Two ram heads butting each other, palmette between; all in incuse square. Bodenstedt 37. HGC 6, 963. Struck from attractive style dies on satiny flan. 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.

HID09801242017

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