Sicily, Catana. 410-402 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.02g). Signed by Herakleidas. Laureate head of Apollo nearly facing, but turned very slightly to left, artist's signature ERAKLEIDAE in right field. Reverse: Fast quadriga galloping left, Nike flying above to crown charioteer, KATANAION and tunny fish left in exergue. Gulbenkian 190 (same dies). Rizzo, pl. XIV, 10 (same dies). Sound metal, boldly struck and lightly toned. Very Fine. A highly important and sought after coin. Very rare.
Estimated Value $15,000-25,000.
The facing head motif in Greek coinage is quite unusual and, when attempted, seldom produced artistically satisfying results. The dies by the artist Herakleidas for the city-state of Catana represent an exception. The head of Apollo on the obverse is quite sculptural in its representation and displays a three-dimensional quality unparalleled even in the works of Herakleidas' talented contemporaries. The reverse displays a racing quadriga in a highly naturalistic fashion, the head of each horse positioned differently and the charioteer seemingly straining in an attempt to goad his team to victory.
