Nomos AG
Auction 24 22 May 2022
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IONIA. Klazomenai. Circa 370-360 BC. Drachm (Silver, 16 mm, 4.17 g, 1 h), struck under the magistrate Apollas. Laureate head of Apollo facing, turned slightly to the left, wearing chlamys visible along the neckline. Rev. ΚΛ-Α / AΠ-OΛΛA-Σ Swan standing left with open wings. BMFA 1862 (this coin). Gulbenkian 741 (same dies). Perkins, Guide, 465 (this coin). Extremely rare and of exceptionally fine Classical style. Extremely fine.
From a European collection, ex Bank Leu 42, 12 May 1987, 298, and from the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, received as a gift of Catharine Page Perkins in 1901.
The facing Apollo head coinage of Klazomenai, struck in the second quarter of the 4th century BC, is one of the most magnificent of all the contemporary issues of that period. It was almost certainly influenced by the earlier tetradrachms of Amphipolis and the nearly contemporary issues of Rhodes. Its quality is so high that it, in turn, must have inspired the extensive issues of Maussolos of Caria, but it was certainly never equaled by them. This is a much more emotional looking Apollo than the similar heads found elsewhere; interestingly enough, while the hair on top of his head seems securely bound by his wreath, the hair hanging down his neck appears to be fluttering wildly.
From a European collection, ex Bank Leu 42, 12 May 1987, 298, and from the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, received as a gift of Catharine Page Perkins in 1901.
The facing Apollo head coinage of Klazomenai, struck in the second quarter of the 4th century BC, is one of the most magnificent of all the contemporary issues of that period. It was almost certainly influenced by the earlier tetradrachms of Amphipolis and the nearly contemporary issues of Rhodes. Its quality is so high that it, in turn, must have inspired the extensive issues of Maussolos of Caria, but it was certainly never equaled by them. This is a much more emotional looking Apollo than the similar heads found elsewhere; interestingly enough, while the hair on top of his head seems securely bound by his wreath, the hair hanging down his neck appears to be fluttering wildly.