Sicily. Aitna-Inessa. Litra. Circa 470-450 BC (Silver, 11.04 mm, 0.64 g). Bald and bearded head of Silenos right, wearing ivy wreath. Rev. ΑΙΤ - ΝΑΙ, Thunderbolt with wings above. Campana 3c. Jameson 537. SNG ANS 1239 (Katane). SNG Fitzwilliam 948. HGC 2, 65. Well toned. Crystalized surfaces. Nice classical style. Good Extremely fine. Rare.

This splendid bearded head of Silenos is based on the head that appears on the unique tetradrachm of Aitna showing on the reverse Zeus Aitnaios, protector of the volcano Etna; this tetradrachm is considered the masterpiece of one of the best engravers of all time, preserved since 1899 in the Cabinet des Médailles, Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique, in Brussels.