Description
Asia. Caria. Knidos. Tetradrachm ca. 395-390 BC. Silver 14.63 g.; 23.8 mm.
Obverse: Head of Aphrodite Euploia left, hair in ampyx and sphendone, wearing single pendant earring and pearled necklace; prow behind neck; Κ / Ν(I?) on either side of neck. Obverse caption: K - N(I?) //
Reverse: Forepart of roaring lion left, with extended paw; all within incuse square. Magistrate name below. Reverse caption: ΚΛΕΟΣΘΕΝΗ[Σ]
Babelon II, 1637, 25; HN Online 1603; Ashton & Meadows 2002, "The Hecatomnus Hoard", Ashton 34, exemple 34B (A13/P32) and Gulbenkian 761.
Chian-Rhodian standard Tetradrachm. In the name of the magistrate Kleosthenes. A coin of exceptional quality and rarity, inscribed with the name of an extremely rare and sought-after magistrate. Almost uncirculated AU 55-58
Provenance Details
Ex Nusmismatics Fine Arts, Auction X, 17 September 1981, lot 189 ($4,000);
Ex Sotheby's Auction (The Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection), 19 June 1991, lot 379 and
Poindessault & Vedrines, 4 November 1992, lot 62.
Faune d'Argent Collection.
Comment
We have counted only two other examples bearing this magistrate in sales, and the specimen which is closest in conservation but also in size was sold for $11,000 in 2017 (Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XX, 10 January 2017, lot 305) (Ex Triton XVI, 491, $18,000, 2013). Furthermore, its the only example with the beginning of the magistrate name visible, and with only one letter missing out of the flan. The engraving on this coin is remarkably fine and highly skilled, with a splendid grey patina, excellent centering (only the K and N are partially visible), and the lion is terrifically realistic. The preservation of the engraving, both on the obverse and reverse, makes this Tetradrachm an exceptional object for major collections.
Payment
Bankwire acceptedPaypal accepted