Lot 45
Macedon. Acanthus. 370-360 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.48g, 10h). Desneux 150 (same dies); Tselekas 394b (this coin). Old cabinet tone. Of superb, late classical style. An outstanding specimen of this desirable issue. Good extremely fine. From a private collection; former Ladislaus von Hoffmann (1927-2014) collection, Sotheby's 1995 (5 July) lot 46
"As when a lion springs with a bound upon a herd of cattle and fastens on a great black bull which dies bellowing in its clutches" sang Homer (Iliad 16). The lion attacking a bull composition was a very popular motif in the ancient world, originating in the ancient near east. The first depiction of the scene was identified on a prehistoric Elamite seal impression dating from the fourth millennium, and referred to an astronomical event involving the Zodiac constellations of Leo and Taurus. The archaic coinage of Acanthus is remarkable for the vigorous way these animals are portrayed
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