Tetradrachm 415 BC
415 BC year| Silver | 16.74 g | - |
| Issuer | Naxos (Sicily) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 415 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (20) |
| Currency | Litra |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 16.74 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#24588 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Silenus squatting facing, head left, holding cantharos and thyrsos; to left, stem of ivy.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΝΑΞΙΟΝ
Comment
Rizzo pl. XXXVIII, 17-19; Gulbenkian 232; Campana 15; HGC 2, 984; BMC 18; Gillet 486; Morgan 124.
According to legend, the wine god Dionysus had a strong attachment to the Cycladic island of Naxos, which provided the earliest settlers of its Sicilian namesake. Dionysus met his wife Ariadne there, and the island was one of his earliest cult centers. The cult of Dionysus features strongly on the coinage of both Cycladic and Sicilian Naxos. This beautiful tetradrachm of c. 415 BC depicts the wine god in an almost melancholy and contemplative manner, with his hair and beard in tousled disarray, as though recently woken after an all-night revel. On the reverse, his compatriot Silenus squats, gazing longingly at his wine cup, his fleshy body rendered with remarkable skill and sensitivity.
Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm coin from Naxos (Sicily) features a unique design on its obverse side, which includes a portrait of the Greek goddess Athena. Athena is depicted wearing a helmet and a cloak, and she is surrounded by an olive wreath. This design was a common feature on many ancient Greek coins, but the Tetradrachm coin from Naxos (Sicily) is particularly notable for its intricate details and beautiful craftsmanship. The coin's design has been praised for its artistic merit and historical significance, making it a valuable and sought-after collector's item among numismatists.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (-415) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Tetradrachm (415 BC) coin.