Nomos AG
Auction 11 9 October 2015
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SICILY, Abakainon. Circa 420-400 BC. Litra (Silver, 11mm, 0.51 g 12). ΑΒΑΚ Laureate head of Zeus to right, with a full beard and long hair bound into a bun at the back. Rev. ΑΙ - ΝΙ Boar standing right. De Luynes 836 var. SNG Copenhagen 3 var. Rare. Nicely toned and of very attractive style. Minor traces of corrosion, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From a German collection formed in the 1990s.
This head of Zeus (we know it has to be Zeus from the laurel wreath he wears) is remarkably similar to the head of Dionysos found on a drachm of Naxos that is dated to c. 460 (i.e., Cahn 55). The litrai of Abakainon were traditionally dated to c. 450-400, but have been relatively recently down-dated to c. 420-400; this coin throws that dating into question.
From a German collection formed in the 1990s.
This head of Zeus (we know it has to be Zeus from the laurel wreath he wears) is remarkably similar to the head of Dionysos found on a drachm of Naxos that is dated to c. 460 (i.e., Cahn 55). The litrai of Abakainon were traditionally dated to c. 450-400, but have been relatively recently down-dated to c. 420-400; this coin throws that dating into question.