Pre-Long Beach Auction #85

Sicily, Katane. Silver Tetradrachm (16.5 g), ca. 410 BC. Signed by Euainetos. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga left past winning post, holding goad and reins; above, Nike flying right; right hand, crowning charioteer with wreath; in left hand, holding tablet inscribed with artist's name () (Euainetos); in exergue, crab. Reverse: above, head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath; before, bell hanging on knotted wool cord; behind, crawfish. Rizzo pl. XIV, 6; SNG ANS 1260; SNG Lloyd 901; SNG Munich 437; BMC 48, 35. Seltman, Masterpieces of Greek Coinage, 36 (same dies). Struck from slightly rusted obverse die. Excellent detail and some minor fine scratches on cheek. The detail on the crawfish is astounding. Pleasing natural antique toning on both sides. A masterpiece of Greek art. Extremely Fine. The obverse signed by Euaintos the famous celetor of Sicilian coins. His style shows that he was trained in Athens before engraving his Syracuse and Katane dies. The style of coins by Euaintos were very unique because, besides being signed by him, they depicted his subjects in a realistic and dynamic manner, with scale depictions of the charioteer, horses, and chariot wheels. Here Apollo's countenance appears very youthful, delicate, and feminine, which is almost identical with the portrait Euainetos engraved of Arethusa, in his Syracuse coins. They look as though they could be siblings. Estimated Value $25,000-UP Ex Sternberg Auction XX (April 1988), Lot 264.