Carthaginian Sicily, Decadrachm, ca. 260 BC
Sicilian Mint - Silver - AU(55-58)
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Head of Tanit/Persephone to the left, crowned with ears of corn and wearing a pendant earring.
Pegasus prancing on the right, wings spread. Punic caption "B'RST" [in the land] below.
An exceptional coin, as much for its absolute rarity and for the incredible finesse of its engraving, this decadrachm with spectacular dimensions of more than 37g and a diameter of almost 4cm (!) is absolutly fascinating and breathtaking. The island of Sicily, first occupied by Punic colonies, then by Carthage itself, issued these decadrachms to facilitate regional trade, inspired by the engraving models of their influential Greek neighbors. Most probably issued during the First Punic War, between Rome and Carthage from 264 to 241 B.C., we don't know exactly which city housed the mint, but today's Palermo (ancient Panormos), on the north coast of western Sicily, could be a good possibility. Indeed, as a major city, it was one of the main battlegrounds between the Romans and the Carthaginians. The Romans laid siege to it several times, the first in 258 BC being unsuccessful, but this was not the case for the second in 254, when their forces surrounded the city on land and by sea. It finally fell to the Romans that same year, with over a third of the population enslaved, and another third having to pay a huge tribute in exchange for their freedom. Despite several attempts to retake this important city, the Carthaginians were unable to do so before 244 BC, when, after a last attempt, they finally withdrew from the territory. Three years later, unable to keep up with Rome's war effort, the First Punic War came to an end. The result of the striking of this decadrachm is simply astonishing, on a module that never ceases to impress. The example we offer here is superbly preserved, well centered, struck with great force and extreme precision on a meticulously prepared flan. A beautiful gray cabinet patina has formed in the fields and reliefs, alternating between golden shades and iridescent tones, particularly on the reverse, giving this coin a highly pleasing aspect to the eye. The details of Pegasus' wing and Tanit-Persephone's hair, in particular, never cease to amaze with their finesse and detail, as does the powerful look with which the divinity has been endowed - this is truly a spectacular object! A true museum masterpiece! This decadrachm comes from the P. M Collection, Vinchon Sale, 7 November 1966, lot 24 (10.200 f + fees) described as "d'une qualité exceptionnelle" (of an exceptionnal quality). Ex Fraisse Sale, April 19, 2023, from the Collection of Monsieur B. Supplied with the collector's labels; De Luynes 3758; Head 880; SNG Cop.180 (Zeugitane) = SNG Cop. 998 (Sicile); Muller 127; Jenkins & Lewis 27-2; HGC 2, 1664.
BARZTH / B'RST in Punic characters. This legend means "in the lands" or "on the territory", to be understood and developed into "(currency minted) in the territories (of Carthage)".
37.84 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.
