Sicily. Katane. 460-450 BC. AR Litra (0.73g, 2h). Hirsch 334; Jameson 536. Old cabinet tone. A masterpiece in miniature. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc. From a European private collection

Greek coins and Attic vases depict satyrs as being strongly built with flat noses, large pointed ears, long curly hair and full beards (sometimes with ivy wreaths circling their balding heads). Satyrs, whose chief was Silenus, are described as roguish, subversive, dangerous, and greatly dreaded by mortals (Theocritus 13.44). They love music, wine, women and always ready for every physical pleasure.