Pisidia, Selge. c. 350-300 BC

AR Obol, 0.96g (10.5mm, 3h).Gorgoneion facing / Head of Athena to l, wearing crested Attic helmet; before, astragalosPedigree: From the Collection of Jonathan H. KaganReferences: Cf. SNG Ashmolean 1531 and SNG France 1928 (both with the astragalos behind Athena's head). Roma e116, 2023, 432 (same dies)Grade: Lovely high relief with cabinet toning. EFgk1934The reverse symbol on this coin is a astragalos. An astragalos was a small piece of bone (knucklebone) that was typically taken from the hind leg of a sheep or goat. The modern day game of Jacks could be compared to the games used with an astragalos of the ancient Greeks. Evidence of the popularity of the astragalos was strong as evidenced by the numerous coin examples with symbols of it.