ANA Purchase: 2 Sicilians

Zohar · August 22, 2014 6:12PM

These were two unplanned and pricier purchases at the ANA as the show was winding down. I was struck by the quality of these artistic designs and in particular, the look of these two coins. As I become more educated and engaged with the ancient coin domain, I wholeheartedly agree with the conclusion that the Sicilian designs present the height of Greek Art as depicted in coinage. I am very pleased with the pair.

SICILY, Syracuse. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. AR 8 Litrai (22mm, 6.8gr). Obv: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, single-pendant earring, necklace, and aegis. Rev: Winged thunderbolt; ÓYPAKOÓIÙN above, ÎA below. Burnett 28. SNG ANS 1046. SNG Lockett 1023. ex CNG 32 (12/1994), Lot 100. NGC Ch AU* 5/5, 5/5, Fine Style.

SICILY, Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 16 Litrai – Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.27gr). Struck circa 240-215/4 BC. Obv: Diademed and veiled bust left; torch behind. Rev: Nike driving galloping quadriga right; E to lower right. Burnett 47; SNG ANS 884. NGC Ch AU, 5/5, 5/4, Fine Style.

zompels · August 22, 2014 6:29PM

Fantastic Sicilians.Great Photos.
Love the portrait of Athena , used again (inspiration) of course for the modern greek coins of 1926 (engraver F. Gillieron)

Andres · August 22, 2014 9:23PM

another 2 beauties added to your collection
I like the winged thunderbolt, from Zeus ?
thanks for sharing !

Zohar · August 22, 2014 9:44PM

Thanks guys.

Re Zeus - thunderbolt does refer to Zeus in its symbolism as the king of all the gods who oversaw the universe. His depicted symbols are the thunderbolt, eagle, bull, and oak. In addition to his Indo-European inheritance, the classical "cloud-gatherer" also derives certain iconographic traits from the cultures of the Ancient Near East, such as the scepter. Zeus is frequently depicted by Greek artists in one of two poses: standing, striding forward, with a thunderbolt leveled in his raised right hand, or seated in majesty.