Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXI 24-25 Mar 2021
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Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Corinthian helmet with large crest to left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 81, pl. II, 36; Gemini XIII, 60 = Hess-Divo 325, 211; Boston MFA -; SNG BnF -. 16.05g, 20mm.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only five examples in CoinArchives, and the most complete.
Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3071, 6 January 2019, lot 34038.
The helmet type called 'Corinthian' is one of the most important and influential military archetypes in human history. Described by Fernando Quesada Sanz as one of the most aggressive looking helmets in history, the evolution of the immediately recognisable classical form can be traced to simple designs of the early seventh century BC, beaten from a single sheet of bronze, which covered the full head, leaving only the eyes and mouth exposed. Over time the design was made more elaborate: the cheek-guards lengthened, and decoration was frequently added around the eyes and bowl. Together with dyed helmet plumes, the features of this helmet were deliberately intended to de-humanise the wearer in the eyes of his opponent and contribute to an image of implacable hostility. However, the peripheral vision and hearing of the wearer were severely compromised by this design, making its use possible only within the phalanx formation since open order combat would have proven deadly thus encumbered.
Weighing on average approximately two kilograms, the helmet was a critical element of the Greek hoplite's panoply, an expensive heirloom often handed down from father to son. As a type, it is depicted on more sculpture than any other helmet pattern; it has often been suggested that it possessed a deep romantic associated with glory not only for Greeks (note the Corinthian helmet dedicated at the temple of Zeus at Olympia by Miltiades for the victory at Marathon), but later for the Romans also, who adapted the helmet into the Italo-Corinthian type that was designed specifically to be worn pushed back on the head in the 'over the forehead' position so often depicted in Greek art, and on the coinage in particular. As a standalone type however, such a design is exceedingly rare, with only a few parallels such as is found on the silver coins of Temesa in Italy. While it is tempting to look for a military reason behind the present issue, the likelihood is that it found artistic favour for its simple yet bold and striking appearance.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of only five examples in CoinArchives, and the most complete.
Ex Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3071, 6 January 2019, lot 34038.
The helmet type called 'Corinthian' is one of the most important and influential military archetypes in human history. Described by Fernando Quesada Sanz as one of the most aggressive looking helmets in history, the evolution of the immediately recognisable classical form can be traced to simple designs of the early seventh century BC, beaten from a single sheet of bronze, which covered the full head, leaving only the eyes and mouth exposed. Over time the design was made more elaborate: the cheek-guards lengthened, and decoration was frequently added around the eyes and bowl. Together with dyed helmet plumes, the features of this helmet were deliberately intended to de-humanise the wearer in the eyes of his opponent and contribute to an image of implacable hostility. However, the peripheral vision and hearing of the wearer were severely compromised by this design, making its use possible only within the phalanx formation since open order combat would have proven deadly thus encumbered.
Weighing on average approximately two kilograms, the helmet was a critical element of the Greek hoplite's panoply, an expensive heirloom often handed down from father to son. As a type, it is depicted on more sculpture than any other helmet pattern; it has often been suggested that it possessed a deep romantic associated with glory not only for Greeks (note the Corinthian helmet dedicated at the temple of Zeus at Olympia by Miltiades for the victory at Marathon), but later for the Romans also, who adapted the helmet into the Italo-Corinthian type that was designed specifically to be worn pushed back on the head in the 'over the forehead' position so often depicted in Greek art, and on the coinage in particular. As a standalone type however, such a design is exceedingly rare, with only a few parallels such as is found on the silver coins of Temesa in Italy. While it is tempting to look for a military reason behind the present issue, the likelihood is that it found artistic favour for its simple yet bold and striking appearance.