Ionia, Uncertain Mint, Electrum 1/12-Stater (Hemihekte), Siren Type

Ionia, Uncertain Mint (c. 600-550 B.C.), Electrum 1/12-Stater (Hemihekte). Siren standing left, with the body of a bird and a human head, wearing a cap from which extends a long curl, rev. irregular incuse square, 1.39g (Linzalone -, cf. 1127 (Trite); cf. Naville VII, 1924, lot 1435 (Bement Collection); cf. Gemini VI, 2010, lot 159). Unpublished in the standard reference works, a fascinating issue with splendid mythological type, a little softly-struck, good very fine and rare.

The mythological Sirens have captivated the imagination of both ancient and modern civilization. Although beautiful creatures, they were in fact extremely dangerous and set out to lure sailors to their doom on rocky coasts with their hypnotic music and singing. Perhaps the most famous appearance of the Sirens in recorded tradition is the story of Odysseus who, curious to hear them, asked to be bound to the mast of his ship so that he would be able to resist their song. He requested that his crew (who had plugged their ears with beeswax) must not untie him, no matter how much he begged when he would become entranced by what he heard.

The Siren depicted on this rare coin follows the tradition of earlier Greek art, where the creature is portrayed as having the body of a bird and a human head. Later, the Sirens came to be represented in art as beautiful winged women, usually with the legs and feet of a bird, and often holding a musical instrument.

Provenance:

Ex CNG 99, 13 May 2015, lot 244