Sicily, Agathokles, Tetradrachm
317-289 BC - Syracuse - Silver - AU(55-58)
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Head of Arethusa left, wearing necklace, triple-pendant earring, and grain wreath; surrounded by three dolphins, two confronted before; the third downward behind; below neck, NK.
Charioteer brandishing kentron in extended right hand above horses, and reins in left, driving a galloping quadriga left on double ground line; above, triskeles; in exergue, ethnic and monogram.
A high-quality tetradrachm with a rare combination of dies, dated to the reign of Agathocles of Syracuse, between 361 and 289 BC. The flan, covered with a pleasant gray patina, is very even, especially on the edge. Only the letters below the portrait are partially visible, as are part of the charioteer and triskeles on the reverse. Nevertheless, it is very rare to find these examples with even wider flans. Here, the dolphins are clearly visible, testifying to the very well-formed flan, with a vigorous strike. The motifs have been printed perfectly and the details are all clearly perceptible in this masterly engraving. Ierardi 50 (O9/R28); SNG Manchester 496 (same dies); SNG ANS 633; HGC 2, 1348; SNG Lloyd 1478 (same obv. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1330 (same obv. die) and Pozzi 1315 (Coll.) / 641 (Vente). Faune d'Argent Collection.
NK
ΣYPAKOΣIΩN / AI
16.6 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.
