Nomos AG
Auction 17 26 Oct 2018
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ISLANDS OFF IONIA, Chios. Circa 435-425 BC. Hemidrachm (Silver, 11.5 mm, 1.77 g). Sphinx seated to left on groundline; to left, bunch of grapes over Chian amphora; to right, monogram of ΗΓ. Rev. Granulated quadripartite incuse square. Cf. BMC 27 (different monogram). Mavrogordato Period VI, 42 (but only drachms). Rare, especially in this condition. Nicely toned and very well centered. Nearly very fine.
From the Vineyard Collection, acquired in November 2002.
It is remarkable how badly preserved most 5th century BC Chian silver drachms and hemidrachms tend to be. They are usually badly centered and seriously worn; thus, the present piece is actually unusually well-preserved! The centering is perfect, with all details fully visible, and the toning, along with the excellent surfaces, implies that this coin has been long in collections – almost certainly going back to the earlier 20th century if not before. Unfortunately the only record we have is that it was acquired in 2002.
From the Vineyard Collection, acquired in November 2002.
It is remarkable how badly preserved most 5th century BC Chian silver drachms and hemidrachms tend to be. They are usually badly centered and seriously worn; thus, the present piece is actually unusually well-preserved! The centering is perfect, with all details fully visible, and the toning, along with the excellent surfaces, implies that this coin has been long in collections – almost certainly going back to the earlier 20th century if not before. Unfortunately the only record we have is that it was acquired in 2002.