Caria, Tetradrachm, ca. 395-390 BC
Knidos - Silver - AU(55-58)
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 Aphrodite Euploia left, hair in ampyx and sphendone, wearing single pendant earring and pearled necklace; prow behind neck; Κ / Ν(I?) on either side of neck.
Forepart of roaring lion left, with extended paw; all within incuse square. Magistrate name below.
Chian-Rhodian standard tetradrachm. In the name of the magistrate Kleosthenes. A coin of exceptional quality and rarity, inscribed with the name of an extremely rare and sought-after magistrate. We have counted only two other examples bearing this magistrate in sales, and the specimen which is closest in conservation but also in size was sold for $11,000 in 2017 (Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XX, 10 January 2017, lot 305) (ex Triton XVI, 491, $18,000, 2013). Furthermore, its the only example with the beginning of the magistrate name visible, and with only one letter missing out of the flan. The engraving on this coin is remarkably fine and highly skilled, with a splendid gray patina, excellent centering (only the K and N are partially visible), and the lion is terrifically realistic. The preservation of the engraving, both on the obverse and reverse, makes this tetradrachm an exceptional object for major collections. Babelon II, 1637, 25; HN Online 1603; Ashton & Meadows 2002, "The Hecatomnus Hoard", Ashton 34, exemple 34B (A13/P32) and Gulbenkian 761. Ex Nusmismatics Fine Arts, Auction X, 17 September 1981, lot 189 ($4,000); Sotheby's Auction (The Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection), 19 June 1991, lot 379 and Poindessault & Vedrines, 4 November 1992, lot 62. Faune d'Argent Collection.
K - N(I?)
ΚΛΕΟΣΘΕΝΗ[Σ]
14.63 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 “AU(55-58)” 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:
About Uncirculated(55-58)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has been in circulation but sufficiently little that its original beauty is preserved almost in its entirety. The wear is barely visible and any other defect can only be identified with a magnifying glass or a particularly keen eye. The number (55-58) indicates that between three quarters and almost all of the original luster remains.
