Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XX 29-30 Oct 2020
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Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 405-403 BC. Obverse die signed by Herakleidas. Head of Apollo three-quarters facing, turned slightly to left, his hair falling in disordered locks about his neck and face, encircled with a heavy laurel wreath; HPAKΛEIΔAΣ downwards to right / Victorious quadriga galloping to left at full pelt, with one horse looking back; the charioteer holds reins in both hands and is about to be crowned by Nike, who flies to right over the galloping horses with an open wreath; in exergue, KATANAIΩN, below which, fish swimming left. Mirone 62 (same dies); Rizzo pl. 14, 10 (same dies); Kraay-Hirmer, 43 and colour plate 3 (same dies); Gulbenkian 190 (same dies); AMB 337 (same dies); HGC 2, 577. 17.26g, 27mm, 10h.
Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone over lustrous metal. Very Rare.
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 76;
Ex private English collection, acquired from Italo Vecchi Ltd. (Nvmmorvm Avctiones), 1997;
Privately purchased from Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, 1989.
Facing portraits represented for the master engravers of the late 5th century the greatest challenge of their art; these portraits were undertaken and produced as proof of their prowess and virtuosity, as a result of which nearly all such dies are proudly signed by the engraver. The works of Herakleidas mark the apex of numismatic art at Katane, standing apart as the most technically remarkable and aesthetically pleasing coins ever produced at that city. This accomplished artist of the high classical period, who produced signed dies only at Katane, confronts the viewer with a portrait of Apollo that is utterly enthralling, the contrast inherent in the design intriguing. Apollo appears divinely serene and benevolent, apparently half smiling yet with a gaze of almost frightening intensity that radiates raw power and authority. This severity is relieved by the youthful, naturalistic manner of his hair that, perhaps caught in a breeze, appears wild and suggestive of an existence free from temporal concerns. Yet for all the ingenuity of the portrait's composition, it is the smooth moulding of forms suggesting flesh rather than metal that is the true aesthetic triumph of this series. In this respect, Herakleidas has succeeded where so many others tried and failed, in bringing life to the face of the depicted deity.
Although the victorious quadriga is from now on relegated to the reverse side of the coin, the type is no less full of life and vigour. This scene from the city's favourite sport presents us with a moment of high action, in which the charioteer urges on his team of horses with both reins and rod; though to the viewer the outcome is a certain victory as Nike flies overhead, the charioteer's posture suggests he is tense and concentrated.
Extremely Fine; light cabinet tone over lustrous metal. Very Rare.
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 76;
Ex private English collection, acquired from Italo Vecchi Ltd. (Nvmmorvm Avctiones), 1997;
Privately purchased from Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel, 1989.
Facing portraits represented for the master engravers of the late 5th century the greatest challenge of their art; these portraits were undertaken and produced as proof of their prowess and virtuosity, as a result of which nearly all such dies are proudly signed by the engraver. The works of Herakleidas mark the apex of numismatic art at Katane, standing apart as the most technically remarkable and aesthetically pleasing coins ever produced at that city. This accomplished artist of the high classical period, who produced signed dies only at Katane, confronts the viewer with a portrait of Apollo that is utterly enthralling, the contrast inherent in the design intriguing. Apollo appears divinely serene and benevolent, apparently half smiling yet with a gaze of almost frightening intensity that radiates raw power and authority. This severity is relieved by the youthful, naturalistic manner of his hair that, perhaps caught in a breeze, appears wild and suggestive of an existence free from temporal concerns. Yet for all the ingenuity of the portrait's composition, it is the smooth moulding of forms suggesting flesh rather than metal that is the true aesthetic triumph of this series. In this respect, Herakleidas has succeeded where so many others tried and failed, in bringing life to the face of the depicted deity.
Although the victorious quadriga is from now on relegated to the reverse side of the coin, the type is no less full of life and vigour. This scene from the city's favourite sport presents us with a moment of high action, in which the charioteer urges on his team of horses with both reins and rod; though to the viewer the outcome is a certain victory as Nike flies overhead, the charioteer's posture suggests he is tense and concentrated.