Catalog
| Issuer | Himera |
|---|---|
| Year | 420 BC - 410 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Tetradrachm (20) |
| Currency | Litra |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 17.46 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | Mai... |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | HGC 2#436, Gutmann&Schwabacher#20, Kraay&Hirm#71, SNG Lloyd#1022, De Luynes#977, AMB Basel#306 |
| Obverse description | The Nymph Himera driving a galloping quadriga to right. Above to right, Nike flying left, holding a wreath and a tablet inscribed with the first letters of the artist’s name. In exergue, hippocamp swimming left |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering | ΜΑΙ |
| Reverse description | The Nymph Himera, wearing a long chiton and peplos, standing left, holding a phiale in her right hand and raising her left. To left, horned altar, to right, satyr standing right, showering in a fountain with a lion’s head spout |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΙΜΕΡΑΙΟΝ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (420 BC - 410 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2274875300 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by the prosperous Greek city of Himera in Sicily between 420 and 410 BC, this silver tetradrachm belongs to the city's final period of independence and artistic flourishing before its destruction by Carthage in 409 BC. Himera, strategically located on Sicily's northern coast, was a significant economic power, leveraging its fertile hinterland and maritime trade. These substantial coins served as crucial instruments for commerce, military expenditure, and civic pride during a turbulent era marked by inter-city rivalries and external threats, making them poignant artifacts of a lost civilization.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies the zenith of Sicilian numismatic art during the High Classical period. While no specific engraver is definitively attributed, the style is unmistakably that of master artisans. The obverse typically features a dynamic quadriga, often with Nike crowning the victorious charioteer, a powerful symbol of civic triumph. The reverse commonly depicts the nymph Himera sacrificing at an altar, accompanied by a satyr or a lion-head fountain, with the city's emblematic crab prominently displayed. This intricate design showcases exceptional relief and meticulous detail, reflecting Himera's cultural sophistication.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this tetradrachm weighs 17.46 grams and measures 27 millimeters, adhering to the Attic standard prevalent in Sicily. Key high-points for grading include the horses' heads and charioteer's torso on the obverse, and the nymph's facial features and drapery on the reverse. A superb example would exhibit a full, even strike, strong relief, and excellent centering, preserving the intricate details of the quadriga, Nike, and the reverse scene. Minor flan imperfections or areas of light strike are common but do not detract from the overall quality of well-preserved specimens.