Sale: Nomos 3 & 4, Lot: 131. Estimate CHF6750.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 May 2011.  Sold For CHF8000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 478-387 BC. Hekte (Electrum, 2.51 g). Head of a lion facing with his mane outstretched behind; to left, swimming downwards, seal. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 53 (-/γ). Traité II, 2 pl. CLVIII, 8. A sharp and attractive piece. Extremely fine.

From the SF Collection, USA,.

It has been suggested that this lion is actually swimming, probably because of the way this mane appears. Yet how else could a die cutter show a lion’s mane on a facing head?