10
Double Signed Kimon Masterpiece Sicily. Syracuse. 406/5 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.16g (8h). Obv: Three-
Description
Double Signed Kimon Masterpiece
Sicily. Syracuse.
406/5 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.16g (8h). Obv: Three-quarter facing head of Arethusa, artist`s signature ???O? on headband. Dotted border. Above, [???T?S?]. Rx: Racing quadriga left, Nike flying right above, crowning driver; artist`s signature ???O? on exergual line. In exergue, wheat ear and S?????S?O?. Tudeer 80. Jameson Coll. 1835. SNG Oxford 2004. Nanteuil Coll. 358. For the meaning of the obverse type, see W. Fischer-Bossert in S. Vogt (ed.), Gedenkschrift Manfred Gutgesell (forthcoming). Some reverse porosity. A significant amount of horn silver has been removed from this coin since the 2011 Hirsch sale. EF/VF+
Ex Gemini X, 13 January 2013, lot 21. Ex G. Hirsch 275, 22-23 September 2011, lot 3289. Ex M&M 79, 28 February and 1 March, 1994, lot 186
Kimon’s facing Arethusa is one of the most famous head designs of antiquity, rivaling even the Arethusa of Euainetos’ decadrachm. Like the latter, Kimon’s facing Arethusa was quickly adopted by other mints in Sicily and abroad, as well as by vase painters and metal workers. The design’s adoption even in remote areas such as Lycia and Cilicia shows that it got to the heart. The point is not in the boldness to show a head 3/4 facing to the observer – this idea had been in the wind for many years, though mainly among vase painters. The revolutionary attraction is in the facial expression that gives voice to a new philosophy of life. In archaic and early classical times, heads looking to front were used by both vase painters and sculptors for characterizing dying and dead warriors, as well as monsters like the Gorgons. Then, facing heads were something scary. Heads about to turn around, thus seen in three-quarter perspective, only came into fashion in early classical times, c. 470 BC. Judging from the scenarios they were used in, they are thought to characterize a process of reasoning, or a sophisticated perception like listening to music. Kimon’s facing Arethusa, however, is totally different. The nymph is not acting as a mythological being, executing her role in the myth told about her and the river god Alpheios. She is not acting at all, but merely presenting herself to the observer, thereby enjoying herself rather than executing a role. This design appears to be the earliest forerunner of a new view of the Greek gods. In fifth century art, the gods were acting beings, engaged in human affairs. In fourth century art, the gods kept to themselves, enjoying their divine sphere, and no longer dealing with human trifles. On the one hand, this development accords with old Greek thinking, expressed as early as Homer who spoke of the “easy-living gods”. On the other, this view of the gods is totally new, and revolutionary. The old gnawing doubt as to whether deities were really controlling human affairs, thereby setting moral standards and balancing out the many great injustices of human life, forced its way into Greek philosophy during the fifth and fourth centuries, thus leading to new designs in Greek art. So Kimon’s facing Arethusa is likely to be the first, and most influential, predecessor of masterpieces of fourth century art like Praxiteles’ Cnidian Aphrodite and Olympian Hermes. The short die chain this coin belongs to consists of just four dies, two obverse dies and two reverse dies, three of which were signed by Kimon, and the fourth one made by him, too. The obverse die of our coin (Tudeer’s O29) might be the prototype; the late Leo Mildenberg demonstrated that Tudeer’s arrangement must be modified, thereby putting O29 first and O28 second. The reverse die (R53) is a highly sophisticated variant of a famous Catanean model, the tetradrachm made by Kimon’s rival Euainetos. Surprisingly in view of its importance – the influence that both the obverse and the reverse types were to exert on contemporaneous coinages, and t
Auction Details
Shipping
T&Cs & Important Info
Ask seller a question
Double Signed Kimon Masterpiece
Sicily. Syracuse.
406/5 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.16g (8h). Obv: Three-quarter facing head of Arethusa, artist`s signature ???O? on headband. Dotted border. Above, [???T?S?]. Rx: Racing quadriga left, Nike flying right above, crowning driver; artist`s signature ???O? on exergual line. In exergue, wheat ear and S?????S?O?. Tudeer 80. Jameson Coll. 1835. SNG Oxford 2004. Nanteuil Coll. 358. For the meaning of the obverse type, see W. Fischer-Bossert in S. Vogt (ed.), Gedenkschrift Manfred Gutgesell (forthcoming). Some reverse porosity. A significant amount of horn silver has been removed from this coin since the 2011 Hirsch sale. EF/VF+
Ex Gemini X, 13 January 2013, lot 21. Ex G. Hirsch 275, 22-23 September 2011, lot 3289. Ex M&M 79, 28 February and 1 March, 1994, lot 186
Kimon’s facing Arethusa is one of the most famous head designs of antiquity, rivaling even the Arethusa of Euainetos’ decadrachm. Like the latter, Kimon’s facing Arethusa was quickly adopted by other mints in Sicily and abroad, as well as by vase painters and metal workers. The design’s adoption even in remote areas such as Lycia and Cilicia shows that it got to the heart. The point is not in the boldness to show a head 3/4 facing to the observer – this idea had been in the wind for many years, though mainly among vase painters. The revolutionary attraction is in the facial expression that gives voice to a new philosophy of life. In archaic and early classical times, heads looking to front were used by both vase painters and sculptors for characterizing dying and dead warriors, as well as monsters like the Gorgons. Then, facing heads were something scary. Heads about to turn around, thus seen in three-quarter perspective, only came into fashion in early classical times, c. 470 BC. Judging from the scenarios they were used in, they are thought to characterize a process of reasoning, or a sophisticated perception like listening to music. Kimon’s facing Arethusa, however, is totally different. The nymph is not acting as a mythological being, executing her role in the myth told about her and the river god Alpheios. She is not acting at all, but merely presenting herself to the observer, thereby enjoying herself rather than executing a role. This design appears to be the earliest forerunner of a new view of the Greek gods. In fifth century art, the gods were acting beings, engaged in human affairs. In fourth century art, the gods kept to themselves, enjoying their divine sphere, and no longer dealing with human trifles. On the one hand, this development accords with old Greek thinking, expressed as early as Homer who spoke of the “easy-living gods”. On the other, this view of the gods is totally new, and revolutionary. The old gnawing doubt as to whether deities were really controlling human affairs, thereby setting moral standards and balancing out the many great injustices of human life, forced its way into Greek philosophy during the fifth and fourth centuries, thus leading to new designs in Greek art. So Kimon’s facing Arethusa is likely to be the first, and most influential, predecessor of masterpieces of fourth century art like Praxiteles’ Cnidian Aphrodite and Olympian Hermes. The short die chain this coin belongs to consists of just four dies, two obverse dies and two reverse dies, three of which were signed by Kimon, and the fourth one made by him, too. The obverse die of our coin (Tudeer’s O29) might be the prototype; the late Leo Mildenberg demonstrated that Tudeer’s arrangement must be modified, thereby putting O29 first and O28 second. The reverse die (R53) is a highly sophisticated variant of a famous Catanean model, the tetradrachm made by Kimon’s rival Euainetos. Surprisingly in view of its importance – the influence that both the obverse and the reverse types were to exert on contemporaneous coinages, and t
Numismatic Auctions XI
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Waldorf Astoria
301 Park Avenue
New York
New York
10022
United States
For Gemini Numismatic Auctions delivery information please telephone +1 3126090018.
Important Information
Lot Viewing
Chicago, IL
Lots may be viewed at the gallery of
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. December 1, 2013 - January 6, 2014 (Except during holiday closures)
31 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.609.0018 for more information
New York, NY
Thursday, January 9, 2014 (12 p.m. - 8 p.m.)
Friday, January 10, 2014 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Saturday, January 11, 2014 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Sunday, January 12, 2014 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
301 Park Avenue
Lexington Suite, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Lot Pick-up
Monday, January 13, 2014, 10 AM-12 PM
Lexington Suite, 18th Floor - Waldorf Astoria Hotel
A 21% buyer’s premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot sold when bidding through the-saleroom. The buyer’s premium will be reduced to 18% if settlement is made by wire transfer, bank draft or personal check within thirty days of the auction date. The same buyer’s fee format is applicable to all purchases of unsold lots after the sale.
Chicago, IL
Lots may be viewed at the gallery of
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. December 1, 2013 - January 6, 2014 (Except during holiday closures)
31 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.609.0018 for more information
New York, NY
Thursday, January 9, 2014 (12 p.m. - 8 p.m.)
Friday, January 10, 2014 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Saturday, January 11, 2014 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Sunday, January 12, 2014 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
301 Park Avenue
Lexington Suite, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Lot Pick-up
Monday, January 13, 2014, 10 AM-12 PM
Lexington Suite, 18th Floor - Waldorf Astoria Hotel
A 21% buyer’s premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot sold when bidding through the-saleroom. The buyer’s premium will be reduced to 18% if settlement is made by wire transfer, bank draft or personal check within thirty days of the auction date. The same buyer’s fee format is applicable to all purchases of unsold lots after the sale.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS OF SALE
This is a public auction and mail bid sale conducted by Gemini Numismatic Auctions, LLC (GNA). Bidding in the auction constitutes full acceptance of the following terms.
1) The property contained in this auction catalog is offered for sale by GNA for itself and on behalf of consignors. GNA may, at its sole discretion, set opening bidding levels, determine bidding increments, reject any bid, reopen a lot in the event of a dispute and withdraw any lot. GNA further reserves the right to bid on its own behalf, bid on behalf of the consignor or allow the consignor to bid on his own property.
2) An 21% buyer’s premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot sold. The buyer’s premium will be reduced to 18% if settlement is made by wire transfer, bank draft or personal check within thirty days of the auction date. The same buyer’s fee format is applicable to all purchases of unsold lots after the sale. Anyone purchasing on live internet bidding through the sale-room.com pays an additional 3% in addition to the above Gemini fees
3) All property offered herein is guaranteed genuine. Grades, descriptions of condition, assessment of rarity and attribution are the opinion of the cataloguer and in no way imply or express warranty. This auction is not an approval sale. Lots may not be returned for any reason except lack of authenticity or mis-description. Group lots, containing more than one coin, are sold “as is” and may not be returned for any reason. Bidders attending the sale, including those acting as agents for others, are excluded from returning any lot for any reason except for lack of authenticity. Any claim of mis-description, excluding a claim of lack of authenticity, must be made within five days of delivery of the property. Any claim of lack of authenticity must be made in writing by the original purchaser immediately on determining the item is not authentic. The original purchaser then must return the item to GNA in the same condition as when purchased.
4) Settlement is due immediately upon receipt of the invoice. Interest charges and late fees of 2% per month, or the highest rate allowable by law, whichever is less, will be applied to invoices not settled within thirty days of the auction date and will accrue from the auction date. Bidders personally guarantee payment for lots purchased in the auction, including those executing commission bids for other parties. Payment by check, cash, money order, bank wire transfer, Visa Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted. Checks must be made in US dollars and drawn on a US bank. All successful bidders who choose to pay by bank wire transfer will be charged an additional $20 for bank charges.
5) Title does not pass until payment is made in full. GNA reserves the right to maintain possession of all lots and to require full payment before delivery is made.
6) Bidders unknown to GNA must establish satisfactory credit prior to bidding or must pay a deposit determined by GNA. Bids from those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by the written consent of a parent or legal guardian guaranteeing payment.
7) Estimates printed in this catalog are in US dollars. They are intended only as a guide to bidders and not as statements of value. Selling reserves will apply to all property sold in this auction and are normally placed at, but never more than, 80% of the printed estimates. Therefore, a bid of less than 80% of estimate will not be accepted. In no instance will a selling reserve exceed the printed estimate.
8) Bids must be in even dollar amounts. GNA will represent mail bidders and will execute mail bids at approximately 10% above the next highest bid. In the event identical mail bids are received, GNA will execute the earliest bid. A mail bid has priority over an identical floor bid. GNA accepts no responsibility for errors made in bidding and urges that bid sheets be checked carefully before submission.
9) In the event a successful bidder fails to make payment when due, GNA reserves the right to resell the property, or to have an affiliated company do so, and the bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable cost of such a sale and also to pay the difference between the resale price and the previously successful bid. GNA also reserves any and all rights that it is entitled to under the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code, including the right to offset any sums due from a successful bidder against any future consignment or purchase or monies or goods in possession of GNA or its assigns.
10) Sales tax, postage, handling and insurance are the responsibility of the buyer and these charges will be added to all invoices where applicable. Foreign purchasers are advised to comply with all customs regulations. GNA declines any responsibility for consequences arising from contravention of such regulations.
11) Bidders hereby waive any claim for incidental, consequential or exemplary damages arising from this auction. The sole remedy that any bidder shall have for any claim or controversy arising out of the auction shall be a refund of all or part of the purchase price.
12) The rights conferred under these Terms of Sale are personal and may not be transferred to any other person or entity. No third party may rely on any benefit or right granted under these Terms.
13) Any dispute regarding this auction shall be governed by the laws of Illinois and shall be adjudicated by the appropriate courts of law in Cook County, Illinois. All bidders submit themselves to the jurisdiction of these courts for this purpose.
See Full Terms And Conditions
This is a public auction and mail bid sale conducted by Gemini Numismatic Auctions, LLC (GNA). Bidding in the auction constitutes full acceptance of the following terms.
1) The property contained in this auction catalog is offered for sale by GNA for itself and on behalf of consignors. GNA may, at its sole discretion, set opening bidding levels, determine bidding increments, reject any bid, reopen a lot in the event of a dispute and withdraw any lot. GNA further reserves the right to bid on its own behalf, bid on behalf of the consignor or allow the consignor to bid on his own property.
2) An 21% buyer’s premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot sold. The buyer’s premium will be reduced to 18% if settlement is made by wire transfer, bank draft or personal check within thirty days of the auction date. The same buyer’s fee format is applicable to all purchases of unsold lots after the sale. Anyone purchasing on live internet bidding through the sale-room.com pays an additional 3% in addition to the above Gemini fees
3) All property offered herein is guaranteed genuine. Grades, descriptions of condition, assessment of rarity and attribution are the opinion of the cataloguer and in no way imply or express warranty. This auction is not an approval sale. Lots may not be returned for any reason except lack of authenticity or mis-description. Group lots, containing more than one coin, are sold “as is” and may not be returned for any reason. Bidders attending the sale, including those acting as agents for others, are excluded from returning any lot for any reason except for lack of authenticity. Any claim of mis-description, excluding a claim of lack of authenticity, must be made within five days of delivery of the property. Any claim of lack of authenticity must be made in writing by the original purchaser immediately on determining the item is not authentic. The original purchaser then must return the item to GNA in the same condition as when purchased.
4) Settlement is due immediately upon receipt of the invoice. Interest charges and late fees of 2% per month, or the highest rate allowable by law, whichever is less, will be applied to invoices not settled within thirty days of the auction date and will accrue from the auction date. Bidders personally guarantee payment for lots purchased in the auction, including those executing commission bids for other parties. Payment by check, cash, money order, bank wire transfer, Visa Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted. Checks must be made in US dollars and drawn on a US bank. All successful bidders who choose to pay by bank wire transfer will be charged an additional $20 for bank charges.
5) Title does not pass until payment is made in full. GNA reserves the right to maintain possession of all lots and to require full payment before delivery is made.
6) Bidders unknown to GNA must establish satisfactory credit prior to bidding or must pay a deposit determined by GNA. Bids from those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by the written consent of a parent or legal guardian guaranteeing payment.
7) Estimates printed in this catalog are in US dollars. They are intended only as a guide to bidders and not as statements of value. Selling reserves will apply to all property sold in this auction and are normally placed at, but never more than, 80% of the printed estimates. Therefore, a bid of less than 80% of estimate will not be accepted. In no instance will a selling reserve exceed the printed estimate.
8) Bids must be in even dollar amounts. GNA will represent mail bidders and will execute mail bids at approximately 10% above the next highest bid. In the event identical mail bids are received, GNA will execute the earliest bid. A mail bid has priority over an identical floor bid. GNA accepts no responsibility for errors made in bidding and urges that bid sheets be checked carefully before submission.
9) In the event a successful bidder fails to make payment when due, GNA reserves the right to resell the property, or to have an affiliated company do so, and the bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable cost of such a sale and also to pay the difference between the resale price and the previously successful bid. GNA also reserves any and all rights that it is entitled to under the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code, including the right to offset any sums due from a successful bidder against any future consignment or purchase or monies or goods in possession of GNA or its assigns.
10) Sales tax, postage, handling and insurance are the responsibility of the buyer and these charges will be added to all invoices where applicable. Foreign purchasers are advised to comply with all customs regulations. GNA declines any responsibility for consequences arising from contravention of such regulations.
11) Bidders hereby waive any claim for incidental, consequential or exemplary damages arising from this auction. The sole remedy that any bidder shall have for any claim or controversy arising out of the auction shall be a refund of all or part of the purchase price.
12) The rights conferred under these Terms of Sale are personal and may not be transferred to any other person or entity. No third party may rely on any benefit or right granted under these Terms.
13) Any dispute regarding this auction shall be governed by the laws of Illinois and shall be adjudicated by the appropriate courts of law in Cook County, Illinois. All bidders submit themselves to the jurisdiction of these courts for this purpose.
