512
Greek Coinages, Syracuse: Tetradrachm, struck under the Second Democracy, c. 406; signed...
Obverse: head of Arethusa canted slightly left, hair fluttering radially as if submerged in water, four dolphins swimming around; κιμων across ampyx
Reverse: charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, the horses twisting in excited agitation; wreath-bearing Nike stepping across the reins towards driver; toppled turning post lying below the horses forelegs; corn-ear in exergue
Metal: silver; Attic weight standard; 17.47g/11h
References: Fischer-Bossert 81 [O29/R54]; Gulbenkian 293; Rizzo pl. XLCIII, 11
Condition: Almost extremely fine, perfectly centred with traces of residual lustre; the portrait struck in high relief and utterly captivating £100,000-£150,000
---
Provenance: CNG Triton XI, New York, 8 January 2008, lot 61 (cover coin)
CNG Triton XIX, New York, 5 January 2016, lot 55
M. Gasvoda Collection, CNG Triton XXII, New York, 8 January 2019, lot 145
Of all the typological schemes to appear on Ancient Greek coinage, the front facing heads are the most celebrated. And of the facing heads, those signed by the artist Kimon at Syracuse are the most accomplished. Note the signature across Arethusa’ ampyx. It’s presence tells us to things; firstly, that the Greeks themselves saw coinage as art, as appropriate forum for competition between the greatest sculptors of the day; and secondly, that Kimon, who was quite clearly a genius, thought these dies worthy of his name.
One could talk at length about the balance of the composition seen here, how the radial hair fits perfectly to the flan, and Kimon’s genius in having the dolphins play through the hair so that the whole scene appears submerged; or the remarkable depth of the engraving, and the technical mastery which this required; or the vitality of the portrait, the dreamy eyes which captivate, utterly and completely, and the slight kink of the neck which imbues the whole scene with energy and life. Indeed, many have; thousands of words have been written in attempt to capture and convey the experience one has when in the presence of such a coin. It will suffice to quote from just two. Barclay Head called called Kimon’s masterpiece ‘the finest representation of the facing human head on any coin’ while Colin Kraay ranked it ‘amongst the most delightful creations of Greek coinage’. Both were great authorities on classical numismatics, and both were right.
Obverse: head of Arethusa canted slightly left, hair fluttering radially as if submerged in water, four dolphins swimming around; κιμων across ampyx
Reverse: charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, the horses twisting in excited agitation; wreath-bearing Nike stepping across the reins towards driver; toppled turning post lying below the horses forelegs; corn-ear in exergue
Metal: silver; Attic weight standard; 17.47g/11h
References: Fischer-Bossert 81 [O29/R54]; Gulbenkian 293; Rizzo pl. XLCIII, 11
Condition: Almost extremely fine, perfectly centred with traces of residual lustre; the portrait struck in high relief and utterly captivating £100,000-£150,000
---
Provenance: CNG Triton XI, New York, 8 January 2008, lot 61 (cover coin)
CNG Triton XIX, New York, 5 January 2016, lot 55
M. Gasvoda Collection, CNG Triton XXII, New York, 8 January 2019, lot 145
Of all the typological schemes to appear on Ancient Greek coinage, the front facing heads are the most celebrated. And of the facing heads, those signed by the artist Kimon at Syracuse are the most accomplished. Note the signature across Arethusa’ ampyx. It’s presence tells us to things; firstly, that the Greeks themselves saw coinage as art, as appropriate forum for competition between the greatest sculptors of the day; and secondly, that Kimon, who was quite clearly a genius, thought these dies worthy of his name.
One could talk at length about the balance of the composition seen here, how the radial hair fits perfectly to the flan, and Kimon’s genius in having the dolphins play through the hair so that the whole scene appears submerged; or the remarkable depth of the engraving, and the technical mastery which this required; or the vitality of the portrait, the dreamy eyes which captivate, utterly and completely, and the slight kink of the neck which imbues the whole scene with energy and life. Indeed, many have; thousands of words have been written in attempt to capture and convey the experience one has when in the presence of such a coin. It will suffice to quote from just two. Barclay Head called called Kimon’s masterpiece ‘the finest representation of the facing human head on any coin’ while Colin Kraay ranked it ‘amongst the most delightful creations of Greek coinage’. Both were great authorities on classical numismatics, and both were right.
The Neale Collection of Ancient Greek Coins
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
If you are successful in purchasing lot/s being auctioned by us and opt for the item/s to be sent to you, we will use the following methods of shipment:
Within the UK
If you live within the UK, items will be despatched using Royal Mail Special Delivery. This service provides parcel tracking (via the Royal Mail website) and next weekday delivery (betwen 9am and 1pm). Items delivered within the UK are covered by our insurance company. Heavy and bulky lots will be sent by courier, in discussion with the client.
Outside of the UK
If the item/s being sent are worth under £1000 in total they are sent using Royal Mail’s Signed For International service. This ensures the item must be signed for when it is delivered.
If the item/s being sent are valued at over £1000 in total they will be sent using FedEx. This service allows next day delivery to customers in many parts of the US and parcels are fully trackable using the FedEx website.
Shipping Exceptions
Certain lots such as those containing glass or sharp implements, etc., may not be suitable for in-house shipping within or outside of the UK. Please contact Noonans with any queries.
Important Information
Auctioneer's Buyers Premium: 24% (+VAT)
There is an additional charge of 4.95% (+VAT/sales tax)