Lot 1012
Sicily, Gela. Silver Didrachm (8.70 g), ca. 490/85-480/75 BC. Nude warrior on horseback galloping right, preparing to hurl javelin. Rev. CEΛAΣ, forepart of man-headed bull right, within circular incuse. (Jenkins grp. Ic, 71 (O22/R23); SNG ANS 14 (same dies); Jameson 576 (same dies)). Attractive style. Toned. About extremely fine. Estimate $10,000UP
The reverse of this coin depicts the river-god Gelas in the form of a bearded man-faced bull. This peculiar form is derived from that of Acheloös, the great river of Arkadia that was said to be the father of all rivers and who once fought Herakles. Recent study of the man-faced bull on Greek coinage by N. Molinari and N. Sisci has led to the suggestion that the iconography was ultimately derived from Near Eastern deities and carried west by mercenaries, many of whom returned to homes in Sicily and Italy after service in the East. This theory would explain the popularity of the type in the region in the Archaic and Classical periods.
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