Sicily, Himera. Silver Tetradrachm (17.35 g), ca. 409-407 BC. Obverse die signed by the artist Mai… The nymph Himera driving quadriga galloping to right; above, Nike flying left, crowning the nymph with wreath and holding plaque inscribed MAI; in exergue, ketos left.
Reverse: HI-MEP-AION (retrograde), The nymph Himera standing facing, head left, pouring libation over altar from patera; to right, satyr standing to right in a fountain basin, showering under a stream of water emanating from a lion's head spout. Arnold-Biucci grp. IV, 22 (Q8/H17); Gutmann & Schwabacher 20 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXI, 23 = de Luynes 977 (same dies); Gillet 434 (same dies). Beautiful light toning, sharp strike, and excellent metal. Underlying luster thoughout the fields.
Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $10,000 - UP
This tetradrachm belongs to the celebrated Sicilian tradition of coin dies signed by their highly skilled engravers. The MAI who signed this issue also signed dies that he engraved for Syracuse. Despite the high artistry of the coin, it was struck on the eve of disaster for Himera. In 410 BC, a Carthaginian expeditionary force under Hannibal Mago intervened in a conflict between Segesta and Selinous which resulted in the defeat of the latter and the destruction of Selinous in 409 BC. Although not part of his mandate, Mago followed this victory by besieging and destroying Himera in revenge for the defeat of his grandfather by the Himerites some 60 years earlier. This tetradrachm may have been hopelessly struck in part to hire mercenaries and improve the poor fortifications of Himera in response to the threat of the Carthaginian army.
Ex NAC 120 (6 October 2020), 255.
Ancient Coins
