Caria, Drachm, ca. 465-449 BC
Knidos - Silver - EF(40-45) - Pozzi:2585-2586
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
Head of lion, jaws open and tongue protruding, right.
Diademed head of Aphrodite to right, with earring and pearled necklace, within dotted/pearled frame (grenetis), all within an incuse square.
Very fine example, which seems to have a rare combination of dies that we have not found in recent sales. We note that the lion's tongue is elevated in the jaws and does not touch the lower jaw, as seen on most examples. Most interesting of all is the reverse, where we see a slight die break on the tip of Aphrodite's nose, and above all, the portrait set in a grenetis or pellet/pearl frame, which is moreover, in an incuse square. We have found only one example with the same dies (TimeLine Auctions, December 2015 Auction, 01.12.2015, lot 2121), without specification of this variety. Our example is struck on a very wide flan, and all the details are perfectly visible. The extreme rarity of grenetis specimens could indicate that only one pair of dies were engraved for this type, which belongs to the issues with the ethnic dated from the early Classical period. It's impossible to know whether this engraving is from the beginning or the end of the issuing period. However, as on the other types, we recognize this portrait with the remains of features typical of the Archaic period, subtly showing the transition between the engravings of these two periods. BMC 13 ; SNG Copenhagen 240-241 ; Boston MFA 1985-1986 ; McClean 8473 ; HN Online 666 ; Pozzi LXXVI, 2585-2586 and Cahn, Serie IV, 70-71, 73 and 83. Faune d'Argent Collection.
K-N-I
5.79 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
