ATTICA, Athens. Circa AD 120-140/50. Æ (30mm, 16.31 g, 9h). Good VF.

Triton XXVII
Lot: 460. Estimated: $ 750

Roman Provincial, Bronze, Coin-in-Hand Video

Sold For $ 4 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ATTICA, Athens. Circa AD 120-140/50. Æ (30mm, 16.31 g, 9h). Helmeted bust of Athena right, wearing necklace and aegis; all within laurel wreath / AΘ H, The naming of Athens: Poseidon, on left, advancing right, brandishing trident; on left, Athena advancing left, raising right hand and holding spear and shield in left; between them, olive tree entwined by serpent, in the branches, owl facing right. Kroll 174; RPC IV.1 8191; Svoronos, Athenes 89.3 (same dies as illustration); BMC 710. Dark green patina with light earthen highlights, minor cleaning marks. Good VF. Well struck on a full flan and in an exceptional state of preservation.

According to legend, the city of Athens had been built by the serpent-god Cecrops and named Cecropia. He ruled the prospering city but the Olympian gods became jealous as the city never paid tribute to them. Athena and Poseidon both desired to be the patron deity of the fledgling city and Zeus declared a contest, the people of the city gathered to watch the spectacle. Poseidon moved first and struck the top of the Acropolis with his trident, the earth shook and water poured from the hole like a geyser, this gift meant the citizens would never face drought. But they soon realized that the water was saltwater and became angry as the city had close proximity to the sea. Athena laughed and knelt a few feet away, she planted something in the ground. A few moments later an olive tree grew to full maturity; she demonstrated the fruit it bore could be used as food and oil, and the tree could be used as a source of lumber. The tree had multiple uses. Athena proved that she was the goddess of wisdom, thus, the city was named Athens and the temples of the Parthenon were erected in her honor. Poseidon, in anger, cursed the land to be arid and the lakes dried. There is an alternate story where Poseidon struck the rock and the first horse sprung forth, a scene that was depicted on the west pediment of the Parthenon. An olive tree still stands today at the spot of the battle, the current tree is believed to have been planted around WWII.

The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.

Triton XXVII – Session Two – Lot 338–647 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 9 January 2024 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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