Lot 3068

Description

Sicily, Katana (Catana), (c.465 B.C.), silver tetradrachm (17.31 gm), Obv. Man-faced bull (river god Amenanos) running or swimming to right, tunny to right below, branch above, dotted border, Rev. KAT ANE around below, Nike running to left, holding fillet in extended right hand, (S.766 [£7500], Carmen Arnold-Biucchi "The Randazzo Hoard 1980.. No.53 [This Coin, p.51, Pl.3]. SNG Cop. 175 [same dies]. SNG ANS 1235 [same dies]), Jameson 1891 [same dies], BMC 1, De Luynes 887). Slight obverse die rust, lightly toned, good very fine and very rare.

Ex Randazzo Hoard (1980) No.53. Some 6 examples of this die combination was present in this hoard. Another example from the same dies in similar condition described as very fine was but not from this hoard was sold in Dr. Busso Peus Sale Auktion 392 (4 May 2007) (lot 4082) realised 9500+15% euros. This coin is from the very first examples of the coinage of this city (see p.22-3 Randazzo Hoard for detailed discussion). Arnold-Biucchi states these "Amenanos/Nike tetradrachms are perhaps the most important and most interesting component of the hoard. These coins are quite rare" She notes that prior to the discovery only five coins were known but these new six examples of this die combination in the hoard increases the number of known pieces to 11. All known examples of this type are all in similar condition.