Centered Portrait of an Early Hellenistic Helios
Lot 166: Islands off Caria, Rhodes. Ca. 275-250 B.C. AR didrachm. Aristibios, magistrate. 
AUCTION: Triskeles - Auction 23 (Auction 329)
- Sold Winning Bid: $335
- 4 Bid(s)
Islands off Caria, Rhodes. Ca. 275-250 B.C. AR didrachm (20 mm, 6.71 g, 12 h). Aristibios, magistrate. Head of Helios facing slightly right / P-O flanking stem, rose, bud to right; above, magistrate's name: APIΣTOBIOΣ; in left field, wreath. Ashton 191; SNG Keckman 494. Gentle toning. Some flatness on the reverse, and corresponding softness on the obverse. Choice very fine.
The obverse die employed on this Rhodian didrachm captures nicely the hand of a real artist, someone whose style epitomizes early Hellenistic portraiture in the round. This is highlighted by the nearly perfect centering of Helios' portrait, as well as by the coin's light toning.
- Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
- Lot #: 166
- Listing #: 196476
- Closed: Friday, April 6, 2018 4:55:00 PM CT
- Estimate: $400