Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 96 14-15 February 2017
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Sicily, Gela. Silver Didrachm (8.33 g), ca. 490/85-480/75 BC. Nude warrior on horseback galloping right, preparing to hurl javelin. Reverse: CEΛAΣ, forepart of man-headed bull right, within circular incuse. Jenkins grp. Ie, 99 (O30/R54); SNG Lockett 756 (same obv. die). Uniform old cabinet tone. Very Fine / Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $500 - 600
The reverse of this coin depicts the river-god Gelas in the form of a bearded man-faced bull. This peculiar form is derived from that of Acheloös, the great river of Arkadia that was said to be the father of all rivers and who once fought Herakles. Recent study of the man-faced bull on Greek coinage by N. Molinari and N. Sisci has led to the suggestion that the iconography was ultimately derived from Near Eastern deities and carried west by mercenaries, many of whom returned to homes in Sicily and Italy after service in the East. This theory would explain the popularity of the type in the region in the Archaic and Classical periods.
The reverse of this coin depicts the river-god Gelas in the form of a bearded man-faced bull. This peculiar form is derived from that of Acheloös, the great river of Arkadia that was said to be the father of all rivers and who once fought Herakles. Recent study of the man-faced bull on Greek coinage by N. Molinari and N. Sisci has led to the suggestion that the iconography was ultimately derived from Near Eastern deities and carried west by mercenaries, many of whom returned to homes in Sicily and Italy after service in the East. This theory would explain the popularity of the type in the region in the Archaic and Classical periods.