Ave!

Panticapaeum, Old Satyr and Griffin, Look!

Æ 21mm/7.3gm.       Struck circa 310-303 B.C. 

Con/ about Extremely Fine; perfectly centered and boldly struck to either side; outstanding unblemished glossy deep forest green patina.

Obv/ Head of bearded satyr r.

Rev/ ΓAN; protome of eagle-headed griffin l.; below, sturgeon fish.

Ref/ MacDonald 69

Seller's Note/ The city was NOT named after Pan. The name Pantikapaion was derived from the local Iranian expression 'Panti Kapa', which meant 'fish route', hinting at one of the area's greatest natural resources, the exceptionally rich fisheries of the Sea of Azov. The wealth acquired through the export of fish and other commodities allowed Pantikapaion to hire the finest artists of the time, resulting in the production of dies of spectacular power and beauty, as with this masterpiece.

Ever notice how when you show your coins to your friends and family and the only reaction you get is a barely concealed yawn? Well, not with this one, trust me. It's an eye-popper!