Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 35 3 May 2017
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Sicily, Naxos AR Litra. Circa 461-430 BC. Head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath; NAXI to right / Grape bunch on vine. Cahn 74.8 (V54/R62 – this coin); Campana 10; Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 15; SNG ANS 521; SNG München 758; SNG Copenhagen 491–2; BMC 17; de Luynes 1067 (all from the same dies). 0.67g, 11mm, 11h.
Extremely Fine. Perfectly centred A remarkable coin. Extremely Rare and the finest example known.
In 476 BC the citizens of Naxos and Katane were forcibly removed and resettled at Leontinoi by the tyrant Hieron of Syracuse. After the fall of the Deinomenid tyranny c. 461 BC, the Naxians were able to return from their involuntary exile to their ancient homeland. The refounding of the city was celebrated with an emission of coinage for which they sought the services of the most talented engraver of the time. This master, who had already distinguished himself with his coinage for the Aitna Tetradrachm, created for Naxos the dies for a series of coins of which the tetradrachms are undoubtedly the most famous, and of which only one pair of dies was made. For the litrai which were intended for mass circulation, the master produced three pairs of dies in which his unique style can also be clearly seen.
Extremely Fine. Perfectly centred A remarkable coin. Extremely Rare and the finest example known.
In 476 BC the citizens of Naxos and Katane were forcibly removed and resettled at Leontinoi by the tyrant Hieron of Syracuse. After the fall of the Deinomenid tyranny c. 461 BC, the Naxians were able to return from their involuntary exile to their ancient homeland. The refounding of the city was celebrated with an emission of coinage for which they sought the services of the most talented engraver of the time. This master, who had already distinguished himself with his coinage for the Aitna Tetradrachm, created for Naxos the dies for a series of coins of which the tetradrachms are undoubtedly the most famous, and of which only one pair of dies was made. For the litrai which were intended for mass circulation, the master produced three pairs of dies in which his unique style can also be clearly seen.