ATTICA. Athens. AE 17mm (4.39 gms), ca. 360-338/5 B.C. NGC AU, Strike: 3/5 Surface: 4/5. HGC-4, 1764; Kroll-38l. Eleusinian festival coinage. Obverse: Triptolemos, holding two grain ears, seated left in winged car drawn by two serpents; Reverse: Piglet standing right on mystic staff; scallop shell in exergue. This amazing piece of history was struck during the festival of Eleusis during which initiations were held for the cult of Demeter and Persephone. A strong strike with a nearly perfectly centered reverse, and a slightly askew obverse. Almost no evidence of handling present on the problem-free rich brown surfaces. Ex: Christopher Morcom Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 76 - 9/2007) Lot # 486.
