• Finest Quality Ancient Greek, Roman & Byzantine Coins
  • Renaissance & 17th Century Dutch Medals
  • Auctions & Private Treaty Sales

Obolos 16

11 October 2020
Webauction
overview

Unpublished

Starting Price: 50 CHF
Hammer Price:  260 CHF
Lot 375

CYCLADES, Naxos. 4th century BC. (Bronze, 14 mm, 4.98 g, 6 h). Bearded head of Dionysos to right, wreathed with ivy. Rev. N-A/Ξ-I Kantharos with ivy leaves on the handles; above, grape bunch. Cf. HGC 6, 635-6. Joy -. Nicolet-Pierre, Naxos II -. Tan patina with dark deposits. Nearly very fine.

From the Vineyard Collection, ex Gorny & Mosch 115, 5 March 2002, 1972 (part of lot).

Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic Islands, was the epicenter of Cycladic culture during the late Bronze Age, and its importance continued into classical times. Herodotos describes Naxos shortly before the Greco-Persian Wars as the most prosperous of all Greek islands (Herod. 5.28, 5.31). In fact, it was Persia's failed invasion of Naxos that directly led to the Ionian Revolt. The island's wine was famous in classical times for its superb quality and was, in part, responsible for the island's prosperity. As would be expected from a center of viticulture in the classical period, the cult of Dionysos featured prominently on the island and on the island's coinage. In fact, Naxos was one of the main cult centers of Dionysiac religion in the Greek world (the other being at Thebes in northern Greece), the temple sanctuary of Dionysos at Naxos serving as his principal cult center.

Online bidding closes: 11 Oct 2020, 17:07:30 CEST Current Date & Time: 28 Mar 2024, 14:52:13 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:260 CHF by MailBidder2339 (6 bids)
An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙
Reconnecting, please wait...