MYSIA. Lampsakos. Circa 394-350 BC. Stater (Gold, 17 mm, 8.43 g, 4 h). Head of a Maenad to left, wearing a pendant earring and a pearl necklace, her hair flying out loosely behind her head, but bound with a taenia with fringed ends. Rev. Forepart of Pegasos to right. Baldwin, Lampsakos 17. Jameson 1444 ( same obverse die ). McClean 7629 ( same obverse die ). SNG Paris 1151. Of lovely style. A few minor deposits and marks, otherwise, extremely fine.

Sold on behalf of the Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique, Switzerland, ex Bank Leu 2, 25 April 1972, 231.

The dishevelled hair of this woman makes it quite clear that she is a Maenad, rather than any more restrained or staid kind of woman. Maenads apparently spent most of their time dancing riotously around, as they worshiped Dionysos with their equally mythical companions the Satyrs. Interestingly enough, while our Maenad’s hair is in wild disarray, her expression is completely calm.

Impressive rendering of a Maenad