Zeugitana, Tetradrachm, ca. 350-320 BC
Uncertain mint - Siculo-Punic - Silver
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Head of Tanit-Persephone facing left, wearing a wreath of corn-ears, a triple-pendant earring and a pearled necklace, a dolphin behind.
Horse standing right before a palm-tree, a crescent above in left field.
Tetradrachm of the highest quality. A slight blow to the forehead otherwise in mint state, almost Fleur de Coin. In an exceptional state of preservation, this coin has also gained golden tones around its reliefs giving it a highly attractive appearance. Also very rare, only a few examples with this dies combination have been seen in recent sales, and none in such good condition. Jenkins, SRN 56, 1977, 121 (O41/R109) and McClean 3036 (these dies). Ex J.M. De Costa Rica Collection (Vinchon, 23 April 1990, lot 18). Faune d'Argent Collection.
17.07 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 “MS(63)” 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:
Mint State(63)
This means – more prosaically – that it is very unlikely that the coin has circulated, even among few and careful hands. Traces of any manipulations are practically imperceptible and no patina or other form of oxidation has altered the object’s brilliance.
