Thrace, Tetradrachm, ca. 436-410 BC
Maroneia - Silver - EF(40-45) - HGC:3.2-1526
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.
Horse galloping left; kantharos and ethnic above.
Vine with six grape bunches within square, magistrate name around; all within incuse square.
Unique example, used as a reference. This tetradrachm shows some marks due to its circulation, as well as some wear. The details of the horse are no longer entirely visible, and the vine on the reverse has been worn by circulation, with the bunches of grapes showing no details of the fruits. The rest of the coin is well preserved, with excellent centring, as the obverse grenetis is visible for 3/4 over the coin. On the reverse, the type has been very well centered and the letters of the name of the magistrate Deonytos (ΔΕΟΝΥΤΟΣ) are all visible. According to reference books and databases, this tetradrachm is a unique coin. Indeed, Schönert-Geiss gives only one reference for this type, a coin from the Fenerly Bey collection, specifying ‘nicht bei Egger’ (not at Egger), to signify that it was not included in the Brüder Egger catalogue at the 1912 sale. Illustrated in this book under no. 91 and in the Corpus Nummorum under type no. 731 (coin no. 2368), a mould is used in each case. This cast matches our example, showing the very ancient pedigree of this tetradrachm, and above all the prestige it acquires through the name of the collection to which it belonged. Many coins from this collection, sold in 1912, were subsequently acquired by other prestigious collections. This tetradrachm, however, had never been seen again before the publication of the work by E. Schönert-Geiss, who had access to this plaster model as a member of the Berlin Academy of Sciences, where it is held. With no trace in the digital sales archives, we assume that the coin has been transmitted between one or more private collectors since 1912 without going through auctions. Minted in Maroneia, in ancient Thrace, still in Greece today, in the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the iconography of the coin is perfectly representative of the city, situated on high grounds facing the Aegean Sea. On the observe, the name of the city is indicated by ‘ΜΑΡΩΝ’. Then, the galloping horse could be a reminder of the region's tradition and beliefs in the ‘Thracian horseman’, a hero and deity worshipped by the inhabitants throughout the ancient period. However, it could also be a reminder of the myth of the meat-eating mares of Diomedes, King of Thrace, which Herakles was charged with bringing back to King Eurystheus for the eighth of his twelve labours. Above the horse, the kantharos, a ceramic vase used for drinking wine, is a subtle reference to the reverse, and to the city's attachment to the god Dionysus, who, according to certain myths, created the vase. The reverse side, for its part, is much more closely associated with the city, which was a major producer of wine in ancient times renowned throughout the Greek world for its nectar-like aromas. According to its foundation myth, Maron was the founder of the city, a priest of Apollo who was nicknamed the ‘hero of sweet wine’. According to some versions, he was a son of Dionysus and a member of his Dionysian procession, already evoked by the kantharos. The importance of the connection between the city and the god was such that over the years, and even over the centuries, the god and his symbols were represented on the coins, and we know that he was venerated there, as can be seen today in the ruins of the sanctuary dedicated to him. An exceptional coin in terms of its exceptional rarity and its provenance, whether minted or a collector's item, and worthy of the greatest collections of Greek coins! HGC 3.2, 1526; CN Type 731 & CN Coin 2368 (this example); Schönert-Geiss 91, V5/R6 (this example). Ex Daniel Féret Collection (Vinchon, 24-25 November 1994, lot 232) = Comtesse de Béhague Collection (Vinchon, 14 April 1984, lot 83) = Fenerly Bey Collection (not presented at the Egger sale, Vienna, 18 November 1912). Faune d'Argent Collection.
Μ - ΑΡΩΝ
ΔΕΟ - ΝΥ - Τ - ΟΣ (ΔΕΟΝΥΤΟΣ)
14.1 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.
