51 Gallery
June 2017 Auction 9 Jun 2017
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SICILY, GOLD DEKADRACHM OF PYRRHOS, Syracuse, ca. 278-276 BC, 4.243g, 7h. BMC 4-5. Extremely rare. Ligthly toned with underlying luster. An issue of great historical interest and fascination. A few minor marks, otherwise, choice extremely fine. Sincona 2013 (10) lot 39; former James Velkov (1920-2008) collection, Jean Vinchon 1994 (24 November) lot 50; former William Woodward (1856-1941) collection, Rollin & Feuardent 1908 (22-23 May) lot 274
Pyrrhos was a famous Greek general of the Hellenistic period, and one of the strongest opponents of early Rome. King of the Greek tribe of Molossians, he later became king of Epirus and Macedon. Some of his battles, though successful, caused him heavy losses, from which the term Pyrrhic victory was coined. A legacy of his campaigns in Magna Grecia is a magnificent gold and silver coinage. The reverse, in particular, shows Nike in motion, in an innovative three-quarters view, wearing an elegant gown, her drapery swirling around her. It is a Hellenistic style tunic, with a long veil tying under the breast. Holding a military trophy and the oak wreath (symbol of Zeus Dodona, principal deity of Epirus), Nike symbolizes royal success and divine protection in triumphs past and yet to come.
Pyrrhos was a famous Greek general of the Hellenistic period, and one of the strongest opponents of early Rome. King of the Greek tribe of Molossians, he later became king of Epirus and Macedon. Some of his battles, though successful, caused him heavy losses, from which the term Pyrrhic victory was coined. A legacy of his campaigns in Magna Grecia is a magnificent gold and silver coinage. The reverse, in particular, shows Nike in motion, in an innovative three-quarters view, wearing an elegant gown, her drapery swirling around her. It is a Hellenistic style tunic, with a long veil tying under the breast. Holding a military trophy and the oak wreath (symbol of Zeus Dodona, principal deity of Epirus), Nike symbolizes royal success and divine protection in triumphs past and yet to come.