SICILY, Katane. Circa 415/3-404 BC. AR Hemidrachm (15mm, 1.70 g, 3h). Obverse die in the style of Prokles.

Triton XXV
Lot: 69. Estimated: $ 3 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 1 800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SICILY, Katane. Circa 415/3-404 BC. AR Hemidrachm (15mm, 1.70 g, 3h). Obverse die in the style of Prokles. Bearded head of Silenos left, wearing ivy wreath / Winged thunderbolt; two shields, decorated with stars, flanking; K-A-T-A-NAI-ΩN around. Unpublished as a hemidrachm, for contemporary litra with the same types, cf. Boehringer, Kataneische Li 6; cf. HGC 2, 590. Toned, underlying luster, some minor flan flaws. Good VF. Apparently unique as a hemidrachm.

From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler.

The present coin bears the same types as an issue of litrai (Boehringer Li 6), but the weight and diameter is clearly that of a hemidrachm. No other examples are presently known.

The dies used at Katane in the mid-late 5th century BC display some of the finest classical style engraving in Sicilian numismatics. Parallels in style between issues of Katane in this period and contemporary signed pieces from other mints have led numismatists to assign many dies to the work of master engravers such as Euainetos. Some litrai dies are signed with the first initial of the artist Prokles, whose full signature is present on contemporary tetradrachms. The unsigned dies are of an identical style, however, suggesting they are also the work of the master, but perhaps before he began engraving his signature. This unsigned hemidrachm is also in the style of Prokles.

The final winners of all Triton XXV lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 11-12 January 2022. Triton XXV – Session One – Greek Coinage (Part 1) will be held Tuesday morning, 11 January 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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