Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 96 14-15 February 2017
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Thraco-Macedonian Region, Siris. Silver Stater (9.80 g), ca. 525-480 BC. Ithyphallic satyr standing right, clutching wrist of nymph fleeing right; around, three pellets. Reverse: Rough incuse square divided diagonally. Smith grp. 5 (Lete); SNG ANS 954-61 ('Lete'); HPM pl. VIII, 4. Rare. Well struck on excellent metal. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $3,000 - 3,500
The Hanbery Collection; Purchased privately from CNG in 1991.
This stater features a scene involving a satyr and a nymph, the descendants of Silenos, the rustic and permanently drunk tutor of Dionysos. While the nymphs were female spirits of rivers and the woods, the satyrs were male goat-like woodland spirits with only one thing on their minds. Here, the satyr seems to be propositioning a reluctant nymph - a not uncommon motif in Greek art, especially vase painting - although some commentators (perhaps of a more Victorian bent) have described the scene as a satyr and nymph dancing. Both the weight of the coin and the subject matter of the obverse type shows the influence of Thasian coinage on the coinages of the Thraco-Macedonian mainland.
The Hanbery Collection; Purchased privately from CNG in 1991.
This stater features a scene involving a satyr and a nymph, the descendants of Silenos, the rustic and permanently drunk tutor of Dionysos. While the nymphs were female spirits of rivers and the woods, the satyrs were male goat-like woodland spirits with only one thing on their minds. Here, the satyr seems to be propositioning a reluctant nymph - a not uncommon motif in Greek art, especially vase painting - although some commentators (perhaps of a more Victorian bent) have described the scene as a satyr and nymph dancing. Both the weight of the coin and the subject matter of the obverse type shows the influence of Thasian coinage on the coinages of the Thraco-Macedonian mainland.