Lot 31-026. Sikyonia, Sikyon. Ca. 330/20-280 B.C. AR hemidrachm.

Sikyonia, Sikyon. Ca. 330/20-280 B.C. AR hemidrachm (16.0 mm, 2.66 g, 11 h). Chimaera advancing left; ΣI below / Dove flying left. BCD 284; SNG Copenhagen 57; BMC 111. aVF, toned. 

The earliest description of the Chimaera comes from Homer's Illiad, "a thing of immortal make, not human, lion-fronted and snake behind, a goat in the middle, and snorting out the breath of the terrible flame of bright fire."There are a few myths associated with the Chimaera, but the most popular is from Corinth, where the beast attacked the city on a nightly basis, carrying off women, children, and livestock. Athena appeared to Bellerophon in a dream and gave him the golden bridle, allowing him to tame the Pegasos. Belleraphon was able to slay the Chimera while riding Pegasos, by driving a spear through its heart. Another variation of the myth is that the spear ended with a clump of lead, when heated by the Chimera's flaming breath, melted and sealed the monster's throat.

 

Estimate:

$  100.00

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Bidding closed (Tuesday, 28 Apr 2015, 12:12:30)
Current time: Saturday, December 28th, 13:12:34