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

Nomos 23

30 November 2021
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zurich

overview

An artistic miniature

Estimate: 1000 CHF
Hammer Price:  1700 CHF
Lot 24
Video

SICILY. Katane. Circa 415/3-404 BC. Litra (Silver, 13.5 mm, 0.86 g, 8 h). Head of Silenos to left, wearing ivy wreath. Rev. ΚΑΤΑΝΑΙΩΝ Winged thunderbolt between two round shields. Boehringer, Kataneische Li 6-7. Rizzo pl. XIV, 18 var. SNG ANS 1266. An exceptional piece: of the finest Classical style, very well-struck, and lacking the usual corrosion that plagues these issues. Reverse slightly double-struck, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the collection of a Nobleman who died in 1940.

The superlative quality of the die engraving for this coin has impelled some cataloguers to attribute it to a known engraver like Euainetos (or Kimon, why not?). In any case, it is yet another example of how the minters of the Sicilian cities lavished great care on even the smallest silver pieces. This coin was surely issued as a donative to the city, paid by a wealthy citizen out of civic pride and a desire to enhance his own prestige, so that his fellow citizens could have a coin for daily use, made with superlative artistry.

Online bidding closes: 30 Nov 2021, 08:00:00 CET Current Date & Time: 28 Mar 2024, 18:27:17 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:1700 CHF

Pre-Bidding closes on 30 November 2021 at 8:00 CET. Live bidding starts at 14:00 CET and is EXCLUSIVELY available on biddr. Separate registration is required.

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙
Reconnecting, please wait...