Lot 2046
Sicily, Gela, c. 420-415 BC. AR Tetradrachm (16.44 g). Slow quadriga driven left by charioteer; above, Nike crowning horses. Reverse: Forepart left of man-headed bull. Jenkins 470; BMC 49 (same dies); Lockett 768 (same dies). Good / About Very Fine.
On this late tetradrachm issue from the important city of Gela, the obverse die is in a very worn state. The lizard in the exergue has vanished into a volcano-like raised hump with very little original detail remaining. The better protected reverse was struck from a well executed die, showing nice detail and fine, artistic engraving. Other Sicilian tetradrachms, like those of Syracuse, used the obverse dies much beyond their longevity, hence their very worn-appearing obverse types. Clearly, it was this wonderful man-headed bull reverse type that was valued.
Estimated Value $250 - 300.
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| Realized $426 |
