Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 75 15 Oct 2020
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Sicily, Naxos AR Litra. Circa 461 BC. Bearded and ivy-wreathed head of Dionysos right / NA-XI, bunch of grapes with vines around. Cahn, Naxos 63 (same dies); 0.73g, 10mm, 7h.
Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare, an attractive example of this miniature masterpiece.
From the collection of a Scientist.
In 476 BC the citizens of Naxos and Katane were forcibly removed and resettled at Leontinoi by the tyrant Hieron of Syracuse. After the fall of the Deinomenid tyranny c. 461 BC, the Naxians were able to return from their involuntary exile to their ancient homeland. The refounding of the city was celebrated with an emission of coinage for which they sought the services of the most talented engraver of the time. This master, who had already distinguished himself with his coinage for the Aitna Tetradrachm, created for Naxos the dies for a series of coins of which the tetradrachms are undoubtedly the most famous, and of which only one pair of dies was made. For the litrai which were intended for mass circulation, the master produced three pairs of dies, in which his unique style can also be clearly seen.
Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare, an attractive example of this miniature masterpiece.
From the collection of a Scientist.
In 476 BC the citizens of Naxos and Katane were forcibly removed and resettled at Leontinoi by the tyrant Hieron of Syracuse. After the fall of the Deinomenid tyranny c. 461 BC, the Naxians were able to return from their involuntary exile to their ancient homeland. The refounding of the city was celebrated with an emission of coinage for which they sought the services of the most talented engraver of the time. This master, who had already distinguished himself with his coinage for the Aitna Tetradrachm, created for Naxos the dies for a series of coins of which the tetradrachms are undoubtedly the most famous, and of which only one pair of dies was made. For the litrai which were intended for mass circulation, the master produced three pairs of dies, in which his unique style can also be clearly seen.