Catalog
| Issuer | Katane |
|---|---|
| Year | 410 BC - 405 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Drachm (5) |
| Currency | Litra |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.68 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | SNG ANS 4#1262, Jameson#554, SNG Lloyd#909, Kraay&Hirm#46 |
| Obverse description | Head of Silenos facing, with full beard, pointed ears and bald head |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Head of the river god Amenanos to left, his hair bound with a taenia and with a tiny horn on his forehead |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΚΑΤΑΝΑΙΩΝ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (410 BC - 405 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 9386932820 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver drachm was issued by Katane, a prominent Chalcidian colony on the east coast of Sicily, during a tumultuous yet artistically vibrant period between 410 and 405 BC. This era immediately preceded the significant Carthaginian invasions that would profoundly impact Sicilian Greek cities. The coinage of Katane from this time reflects the city's economic prosperity and its participation in the broader Hellenic cultural sphere, particularly its commitment to employing master engravers to produce coins of exceptional artistic merit. Such issues were crucial for asserting civic identity and projecting power amidst intense inter-city rivalries, especially with Syracuse.
Artistry: The artistry of this Katanaean drachm epitomizes the highpoint of Sicilian numismatic engraving, a period renowned for its sculptural realism and dynamism. While a specific engraver is not explicitly known for this type, the sophisticated execution strongly suggests the influence of a master die-cutter, possibly from the Syracusan school or a highly skilled local Katanaean artist. Common obverse designs for Katane drachms of this period include the laureate head of Apollo or the local river-god Amenanos, rendered with exquisite detail. The reverse often features a quadriga or a powerful bull, showcasing a mastery of composition and perspective characteristic of the late High Classical period.
Technical/Grading: This silver drachm, weighing 3.68 grams and measuring 16 millimeters, typically exhibits excellent technical strike qualities. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the intricate hair details and facial features on the obverse, and the horses' heads, charioteer, and chariot details on the reverse. A well-preserved example will retain sharp definition in these areas. The strike is generally strong, often with good centering and full flan coverage, though minor variations in die alignment or flan preparation can be observed. The purity and quality of the silver metal are consistently high, indicative of careful minting practices.