391, Lot: 264. Estimate $300. Sold for $320. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

IONIA, Erythrai. Circa 550-500 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9.2mm, 2.56 g). Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin; the lion skin has three rays emanating from its forehead / Incuse square with mill-sail design. Cf. SNG Kayhan 737–8 (without rays & quadripartite incuse); cf. SNG von Aulock 1942 (same); SNG Copenhagen –; cf. Boston MFA 1806–7 (same). Good VF. Very rare.

An interesting variety of this type with the lion skin having three rays emanating from its forehead, much like the earlier electrum coinage issued by the Lydian kings (see CNG eAuction 324, lot 139 for an example). Additionally, this coin exhibits an unusual reverse incuse with a mill-sail design.