Didrachm 410 BC

410 BC year


Silver	8.48 g	22 mm

Description

Issuer	Naxos (Sicily)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Year	410 BC
Value	Didrachm (10)
Currency	Litra
Composition	Silver
Weight	8.48 g
Diameter	22 mm
Shape	Round (irregular)
Technique	Hammered
Orientation	Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized	Yes
Updated	2024-10-10

References

Numista	N#272946
Rarity index	100%

Reverse

Silenus, bearded and nude, kneeling facing on two steps, head left, cantharus upright in right hand, thyrsus in left; herm right in left field, ivy stem with five leaves in right field, ΠPOKΛHΣ (artist signature) on lower step

Script: Greek

Lettering: ΠPOKΛHΣ

Engraver: Prokles

Comment

Rizzo pl. 28, 25.

Comment from Heritage Auctions: "The signature of the engraver Prokles can also be found on a Catanian tetradrachm and may also have engraved the Terina nomoi which are signed simply with Π. Naxian coinage featured Dionysus on the obverse until this issue. Apollo Archegetes was worshipped as civic founder at Naxos as at many other Greek colonies. The reverse design is essentially that of Naxian tetradrachms, showing Silenus communing with Dionysus through wine. Other modification smade by the master engraver include the staff of the thyrsus transformed from a scepter to a branch, stripped of its leaves and twigs, bringing this well-known symbol of Dionysus closer to nature. The herm in the left field is a pillar with a bearded head and a phallus that was used to mark crossroads. In this case, it is also honoring Dionysus, who included fertility among his several functions."

Interesting fact

The Didrachm from Naxos (Sicily) is interesting because it features a unique combination of Greek and Sicilian elements. The obverse depicts a lion's head, which is a common motif in Greek coinage, while the reverse shows a silphium plant, which was a symbol of the island of Sicily. This blending of cultural influences reflects the rich history of Sicily as a crossroads of different civilizations.