CYCLADES, Keos. Karthaia. Late 3rd-early 2nd century BC. AE (Bronze, 17 mm, 4.46 g, 11 h). Laureate head of Apollo to right. Rev. Forepart of a dog (Seirios) to left; below, fly; all within circle of rays. Papageorgiadou-Banis Series VIII, Issue 1. SNG Copenhagen 623-624. Rare and with an unusually sharp reverse. The obverse struck off center and corroded, otherwise, very fine.


The reverse of this interesting issue shows the Dog Star Seirios (Sirius), who appeared shortly before the summer solstice and was worshipped as an annunciator of good fortune, or heat, drought and pestilence.