Tetradrachm 435 BC - 412 BC

Reverse

Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; plane leaf to left (signature), KATANAION to right.

Script: Greek

Lettering: ΚΑΤΑΝΑΙΟΝ

Comment

Mirone –; Basel –; Dewing –; Hunt –; Pozzi 417; Rizzo pl. XII, 11; de Sartiges –.

Notes from CNG : 

During the second half of the 5th century the design of the Katanian tetradrachms underwent a radical change with the introduction of a racing chariot on the obverse and a head of Apollo on the reverse. While reflecting dramatic stylistic developments, these types were to remain relatively unchanged down to the time of the capture of the city in 404 BC by Dionysios, tyrant of Syracuse, who sold the population into slavery. The "Maestro della foglia" or "Master of the Leaf" is the appellation that Rizzo gave to the master engraver who began the transformation of Katanian coin design. The driver and horses come alive, as if they truly are trying to win the race, rather than merely posing. The face of Apollo begins to carry a hint of a bemused expression, and his locks of hair become more unruly. Over the course of the next decade the successors to this master – Euainetos, Herakleidas, and Choirion – would produce their own unrivaled masterpieces.

Interesting fact

Price

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Tetradrachm (435 BC - 412 BC) coin.