CRETE, Knossos. Circa 320-300 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 11.14 g). Good VF.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 191. Estimated: $ 3 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 7 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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CRETE, Knossos. Circa 320-300 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 11.14 g). Head of female (Demeter or Persephone) left / Labyrinth in the form of a swastika, five pellets at center; four small incuse squares at corners; all within shallow incuse circle. Svoronos, Numismatique 39; Le Rider, Cretoises pl. VI, 22 and pl. XXV, 9 (same dies[?]); BMC 9; Weber 4414. Toned, overstruck on a facing head type from an uncertain mint. Good VF. A spectacular overstrike.

Ex Prof. David Macdonald Collection.

According to the Greek myth, Minos was the first king of Crete. Although he gave the island its first constitution, ordered the construction of the palace at Knossos, and was the first to build a navy, he was a cruel tyrant and imperialist. One of his subject cities was Athens. He demanded from its citizens as payment every nine years seven youths and seven virgins. Minos would feed them then to the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull who was held in the Labyrinth, a large walled maze. To stop this brutal tribute, the Athenian hero, Theseus, had himself sent as part of the required tribute. With the assistance of Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, Theseus was able to navigate the Labyrinth successfully and kill the Minotaur.

The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session One – Lot 1-301 will be held Tuesday morning, 13 January 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM 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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