Rosen-454. Forepart of Harpy facing right, holding tunny fish by the tail; Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square. Expert centering on a somewhat compact flan allowing for the full design. Gorgeous lemon hue, well struck with immense eye appealing, especially in the hand.<p>The harpy (a large bird with a female human head) was originally seen as a wind spirit, with some early Greek pottery interpretations of them with beautiful feminine features. Later on, the Roman, Byzantine and Medieval depictions of these creatures would portray them as ugly and grotesque, notably inhabiting a tortured forest in Dantes <em>Inferno</em>. The depiction on this coin provides a keen look at the beautiful origins of this fascinating mythical creature.</p>NGC Ch EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5.
