The Inebriated Dionysos of Mende

164, Lot: 36. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1551. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MACEDON, Mende. Circa 460-423 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.25 g). Inebriated Dionysos reclining left, holding kantharos in right hand, on back of an ass standing right; ant below, to right, bird standing right on bush / MEN-DA-I-ON within linear square around vine of six grape clusters within linear square; all within incuse square. Noe, Mende 75 (same dies); SNG ANS 341 (same dies). Near VF, toned, slight double striking on the obverse.

The Dionysiac types of Mende proclaim it as a famous wine producing city, as attested by its amphoras that have been found throughout the Mediterranean. On this delightful coin Dionysos, who rules wine and winemaking, is shown being carried home drunken from a symposium, a type of careless joy which links the world of men with the Olympians--at least until the morning.