Forum recently listed a group of fine style hemilitrons of Syracuse. I have always liked artistic coins and coins signed by master engravers. These two coins are not signed but are possibly the work of two well known celators. They were very reasonably priced so I scooped them up. They may be the cheapest coins at around $100 that could possibly be the work of well known Greek engravers??? Syracuse AE19, 4.5 gm, Hemilitron 466-405 Second Democracy Obverse: Arethusa with hair in amphyx and sphendone Reverse: Wheel with two Dolphins Calciati notes that coins of this issue included dies signed by the masters Kimon, Phrygillos, Eukleidas, and possibly Eumenes. Other examples are unsigned but of fine style. Fine classical style, possibly the work of Phrygillos References: SNG ANS 411, SNG COP 696 Syracuse AE16, 3.35 gm, Hemilitron 466-405 BC Second Democracy Obverse: Arethusa, EY on hairband? Reverse: Wheel with two Dolphins Fine classical style, possibly the work of Eukleidas References: SNG ANS 403, SNG COP 696 Post your signed or fine style Greek coins. John
I have no signed coins, but enjoy seeing your new acquisitions. Love the top one with Arethusa's hair in amphyx and sphendone best of the two.
Very cool ... Theodosius, congrats on adding those awesome Syracuse winners! (I see that you have an innie and an outie, eh?) I also happen to have a pretty sweet example as well ... ummm, but I have no idea if it's signed? Syracuse, Sicily Hemilitron => sprues Rock!! ... ummm, am I allowed to show a few of my other Sicily/Syracuse sprues? => oh, and congrats again on adding those two delicious OP-coins!! cheers
I don't have any signed-die Syracuse bronzes but I do have some with signature-worthy artistry SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysius I (400-345 BC) Æ 20 mm, 8.23 gm Struck c. 390 BCE Obv: head of Athena left, wearing wreathed Corinthian helmet pushed back on head Rev: hippocamp left Ref: Calciati 35. SNG ANS 426 Sicily, Syracuse. Dionyisos I c. 390 BCE Æ tetras, 14 mm, 1.8 gm Obv: head of nymph facing slightly left, wearing necklace Rev: octopus Ref: CNS 29; SNG ANS 385
LOVE all the posts!! No 'signed die' examples here either, although I bid on a few. I suppose these two exhibit 'fine style'----from Neapolis and Kios:
Great posts, fun to see. I only have one signed Tet by the Delta guy: Ptolemy I signed by the Designer / Artist Celator with a Delta behind his ear (curl of his hair). 305-285 BCE AR Tetradrachm OBV: Ptolemy I facing r, Delta behind ear, punch marks REV: Standing Eagle l, punch marks. 23.6mm x 4.5mm (thick) 13.8g
My Syracuse hemilitron is from the good old days when they used silver. Considering the flan is 10mm, I'd call the style quite fine. I have not seen the OP type dated that early. Who has changed that call?
Doug, I think those are the dates of the second democracy. The coins are dated to 410-405 if memory serves. I will look when I get home. John
