Dea Moneta
login
Banner Artemide LXII
Lot # 122 - Sicily. Panormos as Ziz. AR Tetradrachm, c. 405-380 BC. Obv. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning him; in exergue, hippocamp swimming right and Punic ṢYṢ. Rev. Head of Tanit-Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three swimming around. HGC 2 1010; SNG ANS 538 (same obv. die); CNP 299; Jenkins, Punic 31 (O7/R31); SNG Lloyd 1583 (same obv. die); SNG Ashmoleon 2137 (same obv. die); Rizzo pl. LXIV, 27; Jameson 689 (same obv. die). AR. 16.83 g. 26.5 mm. RR. Wonderful and rare tetradrachm, with superb style and attractive toning. Minor flatness on obverse. Good VF/EF. The Siculo-Punic coinage of Panormos (modern-day Palermo), minted in the late 5th to early 4th century BC, exhibits a unique fusion of Sicilian Greek and Phoenician artistic traditions. This particular issue from circa 405-390 BC draws inspiration from the tetradrachms and decadrachms of Syracuse. The obverse, featuring a quadriga, is influenced by the work of the engraver Euth... (potentially Euthydemus), mirroring his dynamic style. The reverse shows a female head reminiscent of Kimon’s decadrachms but reinterpreted with distinct local characteristics, including a small swastika on the headband, possibly serving as an artist’s signature. This design reflects a sophisticated adaptation of Greek artistry, indicative of the cultural and artistic exchanges in ancient Sicily.
Starting price: € 6'000
Number of bids: 6
Sold: € 8'100
Watch
Lot # 140 - Sicily. Syracuse. Dionysos I (405-367 BC). AR Dekadrachm. Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos, c. 405-400 BC. Obv. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; Nike flying right above, crowning charioteer; in exergue: a military harness, shield, greaves, cuirass and Attic helmet all connected by a horizontal spear. Rev. Wreathed head of Arethousa left, wearing triple pendant earring and necklace, surrounded by four swimming dolphins; shell behind; [ΣYPAKOΣIΩN]. HGC 2 1299; SNG ANS 372; Dewing 903-906; Jameson 829; Boston MFA 426. AR. 41.84 g. 34 mm. RRR. Toned. Rusty die on obverse. Nice classical style portrait. VF. The decadrachm of Syracuse is one of the most impressive and celebrated silver denominations of classical times, and remains one of the most fascinating masterpieces in numismatic history. With its large module, this coin offered the engravers of Syracuse ample room to express their mastery. After a brief experimental issue in the 460s BC, the decadrachm was reintroduced under the tyrant Dionysius I in 405 BC, marking an ambitious attempt to elevate Syracuse to the capital of the Greek world. Two of the most distinguished local numismatic artists, Kimon and Euainetos, were responsible for creating the coinage for this series, each infusing their own distinctive style into the well-known emblems of Syracuse. The obverse of the coin depicts a quadriga, a four-horse chariot, triumphing in the race, while the reverse shows the head of the beautiful Arethusa, nymph of the spring of Ortygia, surrounded by dolphins. Both engravers were so proud of their work that they signed their coinage, similar to the practice of modern artists. Some of the decadrachm coinage features symbols, such as a shell, in place of the signature, suggesting the involvement of apprentices who emulated the work of the masters.
Starting price: € 10'000
Number of bids: 6
Sold: € 14'000
Watch