Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XX 29-30 Oct 2020
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Sicily, Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Lilybaion (as 'Cape of Melkart'), circa 330-305 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga right, Nike flying above left to crown charioteer; Punic legend RSMLQRT in exergue / Head of Tanit-Persephone to right, wearing wreath of grain-ears, triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; three dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic 37 (O14/R28); Jameson 597 (same dies); de Luynes 920 (same dies); HGC 2, 741. 17.03g, 28mm, 9h.
Good Extremely Fine; resplendent iridescent cabinet tone. Rare, and possibly the finest known specimen.
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex Prospero Collection, Baldwin's Auctions Ltd - Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd, The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012, lot 200;
Privately purchased from Spink & Son Ltd.
This piece bears an incredibly vivid iridescent tone, present on both obverse and reverse, but especially pronounced on the reverse. The aquamarine hues, interspersed with gold and violet flashes, are overlaid on a highly lustrous flan and are perfectly fitting for this depiction of the nymph Arethusa, around whom we see dolphins playing, seemingly in their element. This reverse die far outshines its contemporary issues in the quality of the engraving, being neither heavily stylised, nor displaying exaggerated features as are common in this series. The gentle, feminine visage that is portrayed here in fine Greek, not Punic, style is perhaps suggestive of this being the work of a highly talented engraver not normally present at this mint.
Good Extremely Fine; resplendent iridescent cabinet tone. Rare, and possibly the finest known specimen.
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex Prospero Collection, Baldwin's Auctions Ltd - Dmitry Markov Coins & Medals - M&M Numismatics Ltd, The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012, lot 200;
Privately purchased from Spink & Son Ltd.
This piece bears an incredibly vivid iridescent tone, present on both obverse and reverse, but especially pronounced on the reverse. The aquamarine hues, interspersed with gold and violet flashes, are overlaid on a highly lustrous flan and are perfectly fitting for this depiction of the nymph Arethusa, around whom we see dolphins playing, seemingly in their element. This reverse die far outshines its contemporary issues in the quality of the engraving, being neither heavily stylised, nor displaying exaggerated features as are common in this series. The gentle, feminine visage that is portrayed here in fine Greek, not Punic, style is perhaps suggestive of this being the work of a highly talented engraver not normally present at this mint.