The New York Sale
Auction 42 9 Jan 2018
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Sicily, Morgantina. The Sikeliotes. Silver 8 Litrai (6.78 g), ca. 214/3-213/2 BC. Veiled head of Persephone left, wreathed grain ears; behind, leaf. rev. ΣIKEΛIΩTAN, Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga right; above, monogram. Sjöqvist 2; Enna 110; SNG ANS 1168. Slightly double-struck from finely detailed dies. Beautifully toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $3,000
From the Dionysus Collection.
Ex Hess-Divo 307 (2007), lot 1101
ex P. Arnaud Collection (MMAG List 496 (1987), lot 2.
In 263 BC, Morgantina was included in the Sicilian kingdom granted by the Romans to Hieron II of Syracuse, but the city chafed under Syracusan rule and the Roman garrison installed at the outbreak of the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). When the Morgantinans betrayed their city to Himilco, a Carthaginian commander, in 214 BC, Morgantina became a center for rallying the Greek cities of Sicily against Rome. As a means of promoting alliance with Carthage against Rome, a rare gold and silver coinage in the name of the Sikileotes, i.e. the united Greek Sicilians was struck - a little ironic since most attempts at unifying the Greek cities in Sicily since the early fifth century hinged on resisting the advance of Carthage. The types imitate those used for Syracusan coins struck in the name of Hieron's wife, Queen Philistis.
From the Dionysus Collection.
Ex Hess-Divo 307 (2007), lot 1101
ex P. Arnaud Collection (MMAG List 496 (1987), lot 2.
In 263 BC, Morgantina was included in the Sicilian kingdom granted by the Romans to Hieron II of Syracuse, but the city chafed under Syracusan rule and the Roman garrison installed at the outbreak of the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). When the Morgantinans betrayed their city to Himilco, a Carthaginian commander, in 214 BC, Morgantina became a center for rallying the Greek cities of Sicily against Rome. As a means of promoting alliance with Carthage against Rome, a rare gold and silver coinage in the name of the Sikileotes, i.e. the united Greek Sicilians was struck - a little ironic since most attempts at unifying the Greek cities in Sicily since the early fifth century hinged on resisting the advance of Carthage. The types imitate those used for Syracusan coins struck in the name of Hieron's wife, Queen Philistis.