Lot 138: Mysia, Kyzikos. Ca. 450-410 B.C. EL hekte.

Mysia, Kyzikos. Ca. 450-410 B.C. EL hekte (9 mm, 2.68 g). Head of Attis righ, wearing Phrygian cap; below neck, tunny / Mill-sail incuse square. Von Fritze 9; SNG BN 292-3. Rare. Excellent strike well centered, a touch of toning around the devices. Choice extremely fine.

Attis was originally a Phrygian god of Pessinos, but came to be associated in Greek religion as the consort of the goddess Kybele. According to Pausanias, Attis was a godlike beauty betrothed to the king of Pessinos' daughter. During the wedding ceremony, Kybele appeared which caused Attis to go mad, wherein he cut off his own genitals, prefiguring the devotees of Kybele, the korybantes.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 138
• Listing #: 206621
• Closed: Friday, April 6, 2018 4:45:40 PM CT
• Estimate: $1,200