The New York Sale XXX-XXXI 2013 will see The New York Sale group celebrate fifteen years of auctions at The New York Coin Convention and these, their 30th and 31st auctions at the event, promise not to disappoint. In keeping w
2013 will see The New York Sale group celebrate fifteen years of auctions at The New York Coin Convention and these, their 30th and 31st auctions at the event, promise not to disappoint. In keeping with tradition the first day of the two-day event will contain an exciting array of ancient and world coins, including a number of spectacular collections of ancient Greek coins and a fantastic group of over fifty Islamic rarities. Day-two will, as usual, include a plethora of fascinating Russian coins, orders and medals to excite and entice both dealers and collectors alike.
In amongst the numerous gems from the ancient section are some truly stellar pieces, including a beautiful Syracuse, Dionysios I (c. 405-367 B.C.), Silver Tetradrachm from Sicily. This stunning work of art by the master artist Kimon depicts the facing head of Arethusa. She is seen to have an ampyx in her hair upon which is the signature K[IMΩ]N (partially visible.) The signature can also be seen on the exergual line of the reverse of the coin. The head of Arethusa, brought here to the obverse of the coin and set in stunning facing majesty, is both arresting and at the same time serene. Her eyes stare longingly out from the composition, providing the viewer with a genuine sense of the divine and other-worldly. Then, outside of this peaceful gaze, the viewer is overwhelmed by a surprising amount of activity. Her hair flows wildly out behind her and down towards her shoulders and, from this busy arrangement, we can see dolphins emerging into view. These creatures seem almost to be playfully moving to and fro between the locks of her hair. The reverse of the coin is full of animation and energy, with a quadriga viewed in three-quarter perspective. The horses are rearing and tossing their heads in the heat of the moment as they speed towards their point of victory. This issue is without doubt one of Kimon’s greatest achievements and the most important of the late fifth century B.C. In addition to this many works of the famous die engravers prevalent in Sicily during the late 5th century B.C. are represented in this collection. All of the coins have prior provenance to Swiss or London auctions and trade. The lot is estimated to sell for US$100,000.
Also included in the ancient section of the sale are two exceptional electrum staters, one of which is believed to be unpublished. The first, a stater from an uncertain Mint in North West Asia Minor (c. 600-560 B.C). The coin is of the greatest rarity, apparently only one of two known examples, the other residing in the British Museum and this being the better preserved of the two. The coin handsomely depicts the mythical beast chimaera, a fire-breathing monstrous creature with the combined parts of a lion, a goat and a serpent. Although the precise location of the mintage of this fascinating coin is uncertain, it seems that
