MACEDON. Mende. AR Tetradrachm (16.71 gms), ca. 460-423 B.C. NGC Ch EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5. HGC-3.1, 545; Noe-36. Obverse: Inebriated Dionysos, nude save for mantle displaying a tiny swastika on the drapery between the loins, holding kantharos and reclining on the back of a donkey standing right; to right, bird perched right upon branch; Reverse: Linear square containing vine with leaves, tendrils, and four bunches of grapes. An <strong>EXTREMELY RARE </strong>offering of a popular type, this amazing specimen offers an exceptional strike that delivers immense clarity in the details, particularly the head of Dionysos. As the dies are the same as the other two known examples that are of fine style, this piece should be considered as fine style as well, despite lacking a notation on the NGC holder. Though the surfaces do bear some slight porosity, they certainly retain some brightness and a charm to them. A piece offering an artistry that is elusive on ancient coins, and this majesty is certain to drive much frenzied bidding.<p><em>Noe cites only three examples of this die pairing (Jameson/Salton, C.J. Bauer, and E.T. Newell.) The Jameson specimen was offered in our January 2022 New York sale in the portion of the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection (Lot # 4141 @ $33,600), and the Newell specimen is now in the possession of the ANS. This suggests that the present example could be the Bauer piece, though as it did not trade in the January 1963 Gledining sale, this cannot be confirmed.</em>
