Nomos AG
Auction 26 21 May 2023
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SICILY. Himera. Circa 450-420 BC. Litra (Silver, 10.5 mm, 0.59 g, 7 h), for the denomination of this coin, see the note below. Male head to left, wearing crested Attic helmet with its bowl decorated with tendrils and with a raised side-flap. Rev. Ι-ΜΕΡ-Α-ΙΟΝ Pair of greaves. Buceti 40 (hemilitra). Gabrici pl. 5, 13. Cf. SNG Lloyd 1030. Rare. Clear and nicely toned. Rough surfaces, otherwise, good very fine.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions, and from the collection of Leo Mildenberg, acquired 29 January 1975.
The problem with this coin is that the dies used to strike it are those of a hemilitra that should weigh c. 0.25-0.35 g; but this coin actually weighs 0.59 g, which is the weight of litra! So what is it? Almost certainly a litra struck from hemilitra dies!! Concerning this coin's date, it simply has to be later than the previous type because it no longer uses the archaic aspirate in its legend.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions, and from the collection of Leo Mildenberg, acquired 29 January 1975.
The problem with this coin is that the dies used to strike it are those of a hemilitra that should weigh c. 0.25-0.35 g; but this coin actually weighs 0.59 g, which is the weight of litra! So what is it? Almost certainly a litra struck from hemilitra dies!! Concerning this coin's date, it simply has to be later than the previous type because it no longer uses the archaic aspirate in its legend.