Lot 38
Sicily, Morgantina. The Sikeliotes. Silver 4 Litrai (3.95 g), ca. 214/3-213/2 BC. Veiled head of Persephone left, wreathed grain ears; behind, poppy. rev. ΣIKEΛIΩTAN, Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping biga left; above, monogram. Sjöqvist 3; Enna 112 (same dies); Basel 415 (same dies). Rare. Lightly toned and absolutely superb. Nearly Mint State. Estimated Value $1,000
From the Dionysus Collection.
As on the preceding issue naming the Greeks of Sicily - the Sikeliotes - the Persephone and biga types are also derived from the earlier coinage of Hieron II. This time the model was provided by his important gold series, but the treatment of the goddess also suggests a relationship to the similar Tanit type used for coins of Carthage in the fourth and third centuries BC.
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| Realized $2,714 |
