Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction X 27 September 2015
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Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull swimming to right; above, a nude horse-tailed Silenos kneeling to right on left knee, stretching left hand over the god's head; Ketos to right in exergue / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand; KATANAION around. Rizzo pl. 9, 14 (these dies); Giesecke, Sicilia pl. 4, 1 (these dies); Mirone 31 no. 19 (these dies). 16.89g, 29mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. Excellent quality for the issue. An extremely rare variety of an already very rare and spectacular series of coinage.
From the Ambrose Collection;
Ex A. Moretti Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998, lot 382.
The tetradrachms of Katane are today nearly without exception seen in poor condition, being corroded, poorly struck, off centre, double struck and over struck, from dies that were used to destruction. While displaying some limited evidence of corrosion, this example is remarkable for the precision of its striking and preservation that make it one of the finest examples not in a public collection.
The prominence of Amenanos, the personification of the river that flowed through the territory of Katane (whose name itself can be translated as 'harsh land' or 'rough soil'), on the early coinage of Katane suggests the vital importance of the river to the sustenance of the city, and the fertility of the surrounding lands. The Silenos most likely alludes to the fruit of the vine as an important part of the Katanaian economy, and the ketos similarly makes reference to the fruits of the sea.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. Excellent quality for the issue. An extremely rare variety of an already very rare and spectacular series of coinage.
From the Ambrose Collection;
Ex A. Moretti Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998, lot 382.
The tetradrachms of Katane are today nearly without exception seen in poor condition, being corroded, poorly struck, off centre, double struck and over struck, from dies that were used to destruction. While displaying some limited evidence of corrosion, this example is remarkable for the precision of its striking and preservation that make it one of the finest examples not in a public collection.
The prominence of Amenanos, the personification of the river that flowed through the territory of Katane (whose name itself can be translated as 'harsh land' or 'rough soil'), on the early coinage of Katane suggests the vital importance of the river to the sustenance of the city, and the fertility of the surrounding lands. The Silenos most likely alludes to the fruit of the vine as an important part of the Katanaian economy, and the ketos similarly makes reference to the fruits of the sea.