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Sicily, Gela, Silver Tetradrachm
Sicily, Gela (c. 415-405 B.C.), Silver Tetradrachm. ΓEΛΩ[IΩ]N, charioteer, wearing a long chiton and holding a kentron and the reins, driving a fast quadriga to left, an eagle, with its wings spread, flying upwards above, a corn-ear in exergue, rev. ΓEΛAΣ (retrograde), forepart of bearded man-headed bull (the river-god Gelas) running right, head and neck raised, a barley-grain above, 17.20g., 12h (Jenkins 486.6 (O97/R195) (this coin); SNG Lloyd 987). Minor die-break on obverse, excellent style and with attractive cabinet toning, good very fine to nearly extremely fine, very rare and with a distinguished old pedigree.
This beautiful coin, the work of a master engraver, is struck from dies of superb style. The obverse has been rendered in exquisite detail, the chariot appearing in carefully rendered three-quarter perspective to give the impression that it has just navigated a fast turn.
Provenance:
Ex A. J. Evans Collection, Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, 20 January 1898, lot 53
Ex John Ward Collection, 157
Ex Collection of Ancient and Later Coins, The Property of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Part II, Greek Coins from the John Ward Collection, Sotheby & Co A.G., Zurich, 4-5 April 1973, lot 138
Ex SBV 33, Zurich, 20-22 September 1993, lot 94