LESBOS. Mytilene (?). Circa 521-478 BC. Diobol (Silver, 10 mm, 1.15 g, 6 h). Forepart of a winged boar to right. Rev. Incuse head of a man-headed bull to right. Cf. Classical Numismatic Group 103 (2016), 233 (in electrum and with reverse to left). Leu 4 (2019), 254. SNG Copenhagen -. SNG Kayhan -. SNG von Aulock -. Of the highest rarity, apparently the second known example. Somewhat rough and with minor traces of corrosion, otherwise, very fine.



The exact origin of these extremely rare and unusual silver coins is uncertain, but a convincing argument can be made that they originate from Lesbos, where the winged boar is common on hektai from Mytilene. The reverse, which is known as a convex obverse type accompanied by a seal on Phokaian hektai, is unattested on Lesbian electrum (but see Classical Numismatic Group 103 (2016), 233), but the incuse animal motive with a rectangular incuse behind is typical for the early coinage of the island.