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Chimaera and Dove 
Sikyonia, Sikyon, 330/20-280 BC, AR Triobol  
Chimaera standing left; ΣI below. / Dove flying left; Δ above tail feathers. BCD Peloponnesos 298 (this coin); BMC 112 var.; SNG Copenhagen 61 var. (ΔI on reverse) - very rare variant. 
(15 mm, 2.99 g, 7h)                                                                                                                                                    
CNG; ex- BCD Collection; LHS 96 (8 May 2006) Lot 298.

The Chimaera, featured on the obverse of this coin, was a mythical fire-breathing beast; a composite of a lion, a goat and a snake.  In myth, it inhabited Lycia in Asia Minor. It’s sighting was considered to be a portent or omen of storms, shipwrecks and natural disasters.  The Chimaera’s representation in the arts is wholly Greek. It evolved to become a decorative motif in the region around Corinth. The pairing of a motif that forebodes disaster on the obverse, with a dove, the symbol of Aphrodite, goddess of love on the reverse is curious.  Perhaps this was a metaphor for the ancients’ view of the double-sided nature of life?
Keywords: Sikyon Sicyon Chimaera Dove Triobol

Chimaera and Dove

Sikyonia, Sikyon, 330/20-280 BC, AR Triobol
Chimaera standing left; ΣI below. / Dove flying left; Δ above tail feathers. BCD Peloponnesos 298 (this coin); BMC 112 var.; SNG Copenhagen 61 var. (ΔI on reverse) - very rare variant.
(15 mm, 2.99 g, 7h)
CNG; ex- BCD Collection; LHS 96 (8 May 2006) Lot 298.

The Chimaera, featured on the obverse of this coin, was a mythical fire-breathing beast; a composite of a lion, a goat and a snake. In myth, it inhabited Lycia in Asia Minor. It’s sighting was considered to be a portent or omen of storms, shipwrecks and natural disasters. The Chimaera’s representation in the arts is wholly Greek. It evolved to become a decorative motif in the region around Corinth. The pairing of a motif that forebodes disaster on the obverse, with a dove, the symbol of Aphrodite, goddess of love on the reverse is curious. Perhaps this was a metaphor for the ancients’ view of the double-sided nature of life?

File information
Filename:Sikyonia,_Sikyon,_AR_Triobol.jpg
Album name: / Coin Zoo - Animals
Rating (3 votes):55555Show details
Keywords:Sikyon / Sicyon / Chimaera / Dove / Triobol
Filesize:70 KiB
Date added:Oct 11, 2010
Dimensions:800 x 426 pixels
Displayed:304 times
URL:https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=60648
Favorites:Add to Favorites

Comment 1 to 2 of 2
Page: 1

Brian L   [Oct 11, 2010 at 11:17 AM]
Very Very Nice!
Philoromaos   [Oct 11, 2010 at 12:47 PM]
Great piece! Shocked

Comment 1 to 2 of 2
Page: 1

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