Campania, Neapolis. Silver Nomos (7.52 g), ca. 395-385 BC. Head of the nymph Parthenope right, wearing hair band adorned with maeander pattern, pendant earring, and plain necklace. Reverse: NEAΠOΛI, man-headed bull (the river-god Achelous) walking right; above, Nike flying right, crowning him with wreath. Sambon 349; cf. AMB 45; HN Italy 176. Beautiful old cabinet tone. Magnificent style. Choice Very Fine. Estimate Value $1,000 - 1,200
From the Lee Rousseau Collection.
The beautiful head of Parthenope on this coin is the work of a highly skilled master-engraver, and compares admirably to the earlier works of Kimon and Euainetos designed for Syracuse. It is surely one of the most beautiful female heads in the entire Neapolitan series.