GREEK. ASIA MINOR. Uncertain. Circa 3rd-1st centuries BC. Lead Tessera (13.98g). Facing gorgoneion / Blank. A large, attractive and impressive piece with an incredible green patina. The finest known example. The Gorgoneion, usually the head of Medusa, was one of the Greeks' most common protective symbols. With its staring eyes and wild snake-like hair, it was meant to frighten off evil and bad luck. It appears throughout antiquity, on shields and armour, on temples, and on coins, used as a bold sign of protection and supernatural power from the Archaic period through the Hellenistic age. (P)

Estimate: AUD 200