Sicily, Hieron I, Tetradrachm
ca. 475-470 BC - Syracuse - Unique - Silver
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Charioteer driving quadriga at pace to right on double ground line, holding kentron in his right hand and reins in his left; above, Nike flying right crowning the horses with a wreath.
Pearl-diademed head of Arethusa to right, her hair drawn up at the back and wearing pearl necklace and round earring; around, four dolphins swimming clockwise.
Unique example. The coin has a combination of dies that has only been seen on one coin by Boehringer, this example, with the obverse O151 of its classification, associated with the reverse with the Arethusa of the R220 die. A unique record of the end of life of an obverse die that has been combined with a new reverse die, this tetradrachm is of the greatest numismatic interest because of this transitional combination between several die engravings. It also has a splendid dark grey patina and a very good overall state of preservation. The style is very interesting, moving on from the archaic style of previous series and groups to a more classical style of engraving, as illustrated by the hair and dolphins. Boehringer Group III, Series XIIb, 313E (V151/R220) (this coin illustrated); HGC 2, 1307; Jameson 746 (same rev. die); Ars Classica-Naville V, lot 1025 (same obv. die); Egger Auction 1909, Lestranges, lot 211 (same obv. die). Ex Barrachin Collection (Florange & Ciani, 18-20 December 1924, lot 168). Faune d'Argent Collection.
ΣVʁ-Α-ΚΟ-ΣΙ-ΟИ
17.25 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(50-53)” 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(50-53)
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 displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
