Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 96 14-15 February 2017
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Cyclades, Naxos. Silver Stater (12.32 g), ca. 540/30-520/15 BC. Kantharos with grape bunch hanging from each handle; above, ivy leaf. Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square. Sheedy 12 (O8/R11; this coin); HGC 6, 624; Lockett 2616. Extremely Rare. Boldly struck and excellent metal. A fabulous example of this historic issue. A candidate for the world's first commemorative coin. Choice Very Fine. Estimate Value $5,000 - UP
The Hanbery Collection; Ex Kovacs X (18 May 1990), 117.
The kantharos wine cup on the obverse of this coin alludes to the role of the Naxos in the mythology of the wine-god Dionysos. According to the mythographers, after slaying the Minotaur and escaping the Labyrinth of Crete, Theseus fled to Naxos. He took with him Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos who had helped him safely navigate the deadly maze. However, once at Naxos, the exhausted Ariadne fell asleep. Theseus, suddenly forgetful of the great service she had done him on Crete, abandoned her and continued on his way home to Athens. Taking pity on the desolate princess and attracted by her beauty, Dionysos appeared and took her as his wife. She subsequently became mother of minor deities related to wine (Oinopion and Staphylus) and the heroes Thoas, Peparethos, Phanos, Eurymedon, Enyeus, Ceramos, Maron, Euanthes, Latramys, and Tauropolis. Her wedding diadem was set in the heavens as the constellation Corona Borealis.
The Hanbery Collection; Ex Kovacs X (18 May 1990), 117.
The kantharos wine cup on the obverse of this coin alludes to the role of the Naxos in the mythology of the wine-god Dionysos. According to the mythographers, after slaying the Minotaur and escaping the Labyrinth of Crete, Theseus fled to Naxos. He took with him Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos who had helped him safely navigate the deadly maze. However, once at Naxos, the exhausted Ariadne fell asleep. Theseus, suddenly forgetful of the great service she had done him on Crete, abandoned her and continued on his way home to Athens. Taking pity on the desolate princess and attracted by her beauty, Dionysos appeared and took her as his wife. She subsequently became mother of minor deities related to wine (Oinopion and Staphylus) and the heroes Thoas, Peparethos, Phanos, Eurymedon, Enyeus, Ceramos, Maron, Euanthes, Latramys, and Tauropolis. Her wedding diadem was set in the heavens as the constellation Corona Borealis.