SOLD
210,000.00CHF+ (34,650.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2010 Mar 24 @ 09:58UTC+1
Did you win this lot?
A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
The sign-up for this auction will close 48 hours before the auction starts. Please make sure you sign up on time. Also, there is NO ABSENTEE BIDDING for this auction. Please plan to bid live during the sale.
Greek coins. Syracuse. Tetradrachm signed by Kimon ca. 406-400, AR 17.37g. Head of Arethusa facing three-quarters l., wearing pearl-shaped pendant and necklace over collier ornamented with pearls; hair flowing in loose tresses. Across her forehead ampyx upon which the signature K[IMW]N; around, three dolphins swimming among the locks and the snout of a fourth emerging l. from curls. In l. field , SIW and above, outside the dotted border, AREQOSA. Rev. Fast quadriga driven l. by chiton clad charioteer, holding kentron and reins; above, Nike flying r., holding wreath to crown the charioteer; on the exergual line, KIMWN. In exergue, SYPAKOSIWN / ear of barley l. Rizzo pl. XLVIII, 11 (this obverse die) and 10 (this reverse die). Jameson 822 (these dies). de Luynes 1226 (these dies). Boston 417 (these dies). Boehringer, SNR 57, 1978, pl. 31, 297 (these dies). Boehringer, Essays Thompson, pl. 38, 4 (these dies). Kraay-Hirmer pl. 45, 123 (this obverse die) and pl. 44, 122 (this reverse die). Cahn, Arethusa Soteira, 1b (these dies). Tudeer 80. Extremely rare. An attractive specimen of this prestigious and desirable issue with an enchanting representation of Arethusa in sublime classical style. A masterpiece from the most celebrated die-engraver active in Sicily. Struck on sound metal with an exceptionally clear obverse, minor area of weakness on reverse, otherwise about extremely fine. Ex Sotheby’s sale 26 October 1993, 12 (illustrated on the front cover page). Certainly among the most influential coinages of the ancient Greeks, this set of dies rank among Kimon's finest. The obverse offers an arresting portrait of the nymph Arethusa, whose placid countenance is a foil to the hive of activity that surrounds it (and to the energetic scene on the reverse). First to catch the viewer's attention is Arethusa's hair, which flows wildly in all directions, though not to the detriment of her appeal; indeed, the fact that is flows back permits an unobstructed view of her beauty. Four dolphins artfully intertwine with the strands of Arethusa's hair: one at the right is shown in full, one at the left is nearly full, and only the faces of the remaining two are shown, one at each side. Kimon imparts a "playful quality" to these dolphins-a naturalistic triumph considering that is one of the most endearing features of these sea mammals. Even the dotted border is of interest, as it restrains the expansive power of Arethusa's image. Perhaps most masterful of all, though, is how Kimon incorporates three inscriptions into the design. His signature appears on the ampyx that restrains the nymph's hair; her name, Arethusa, is creatively placed at the top outside the border; and an abbreviation for "saviour" is so cleverly hidden among the dolphins and the strands of hair at the left that it was not acknowledged until very recently (H. A. Cahn, "Arethusa Soteira", Essays in honour of Robert Carson and Kenneth Jenkins, 1993, pp. 5-6). The reverse is equally masterful: here we observe a quadriga in high action, viewed at a slight angle, which allowed the artist to demonstrate his ability to convey perspective. Here, it would seem, we have a momentary snapshot of a victorious team after the meta: the driver, with his firm grip on the reins and his command of the goad, is restraining the horses, which rear up and toss their heads in all directions. Clearly Kimon captured a moment when a driver performs an unconventional, but masterful action that catches his team by surprise, yet, was necessary to secure a victory, as symbolised by the crowning of the driver by Nike. We may note that the border is a thin, solid line that does not distract us from the powerful scene; Kimon even delights in allowing the hoofs of the lead horse to break through the border. The combination of the obverse depicting "Arethusa the Savior" and the reverse dedicated to a victorious charioteer, and the remarkable quality of the dies, earmarks this as a commemorative issue. As such, it has been associated with historical events, principally the defeat of the Athenian fleet at Syracuse in 413 B. C. and, perhaps more likely, the good fate of the Syracusans in the otherwise devastating invasion of Sicily by the Carthaginians from 406 to 405 B. C.
Auction Location:
Hotel Baur au Lac, Talstrasse 1, Zurich, 8001, Switzerland
Previewing Details:
in London: February 22 to March 8, 2010
in Zurich: March 23, 2010
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
16.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
The coins will be dispatched by registered, insured and priority mail for the account and the risk of the purchaser. The purchaser is responsible for any dues or taxes outside of Switzerland and is advised to acquaint himself with the formalities.
Payment Details:
After the auction invoices will be sent to the successful buyers. Payment instructions are found on the invoice.
Terms and Conditions:
English:
The following conditions are acknowledged by all persons participating in the auction:
The estimates are in Swiss Francs. The opening bids will be about 80% of estimate, unless there are higher offers. The purchase price plus a commission of 16.5% is due and payable in Swiss currency. For lots delivered in Switzerland, VAT of 7.6% will be added to the total (hammer price together with auctioneer's commission and sending charges). Gold coins (AV) are free of VAT. The total price is due after the final bid and payable on delivery. A default interest of 1% per month on the purchase price will be charged for delayed payments. Adjudication ensues after the highest bid has been called three times, and commits the bidder to accept the coins. Written bids have preference over room bids. The buyer cannot claim to act on behalf of a third person. The authenticity of the coins is unconditionally guaranteed, without time limit. All identifications of the items sold in this catalogue are statements of opinion and made in good faith. The coins will be dispatched by registered and insured mail for the account and the risk of the purchaser. The purchaser is responsible for any dues or taxes outside of Switzerland and is advised to acquaint himself with the formalities. The auctioneer cannot be responsible for contraventions. The auction is held in Zurich and any legal questions arising shall be determined in Zurich. A buyer consigning commissions or executing room bids acknowledges the acceptance of the above conditions. The usual conditions applied to auction sales held in Zurich are here reiterated. The above mentioned conditions are written in German, French and English; the only valid text is the German one.
German:
Mit der Teilnahme an der Versteigerung werden folgende Bestimmungen anerkannt:
Die angegebenen Preise sind Schätzpreise in Schweizer Franken. Der Ausruf erfolgt in der Regel bei 80%, sofern nicht höhere Angebote vorliegen. Auf den Zuschlagspreis ist ein Aufgeld von 16.5% zu entrichten; für Auslieferungen in der Schweiz erhöht sich der Endpreis (Zuschlagspreis + Aufgeld und Versandspesen) um die MWSt von 7,6%. Goldmünzen (AV) sind von der MWSt befreit. Der Gesamtpreis ist nach erfolgtem Zuschlag fällig und bei der Aushändigung in Schweizer Franken zu bezahlen. Für verspätete Zahlungen wird ein Verzugszins von 1% pro Monat in Rechnung gestellt. Der Zuschlag erfolgt nach dreimaligem Aufruf des höchsten Gebotes und verpflichtet zur Annahme. Schriftliche Gebote haben den Vorrang. Jeder Ersteigerer verpflichtet sich für die durch ihn getätigten Käufe persönlich. Er kann nicht geltend machen, für Rechnung Dritter gehandelt zu haben. Für die Echtheit der Münzen wird vorbehaltlos und zeitlich unbeschränkt garantiert. Alle Angaben im Katalog sind nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen zusammengestellt. Der Versand erfolgt eingeschrieben und versichert auf Kosten und Risiko des Empfängers. Im Ausland verrechnete Gebühren und Steuern gehen zu Lasten des Käufers. Es obliegt dem Erwerber, sich über ausländische Zoll- und Devisenvorschriften zu informieren. Die Veranstalterin der Auktion übernimmt keine Haftung für allfälliges Zuwiderhandeln gegen solche Vorschriften. Erfüllungsort und Gerichtsstand im Verhältnis zwischen der Veranstalterin und dem Erwerber ist Zürich. Die Abgabe eines schriftlichen oder mündlichen Gebotes bedeutet gleichzeitig die Anerkennung der Auktionsbedingungen. Im übrigen kommen die ortsüblichen Gantbedingungen zur Anwendung. Vorliegende Bedingungen liegen in deutscher, französischer, italienischer und englischer Fassung auf. Bei Meinungsverschiedenheiten ist die deutsche Fassung massgebend.
French:
En participant à la vente, les conditions suivantes sont considérées comme acceptées:
Les prix indiqués sont des prix estimatifs en francs suisses. La vente débute en principe à 80% du prix d'estimation, pour autant qu'il n'y ait pas d'offres plus élevées. Sur le prix d'adjudication une majoration de 16.5% est prélevée. En cas de livraison en Suisse, le prix total (prix d'adjudication + majoration et frais d'expédition) est augmenté de la TVA de 7,6%. Les monnaies en or (AV) ne sont pas sujettes à la TVA. Le prix total, y compris les taxes, est payable en francs suisses à la réception de la marchandise. Un intérêt de 1% par mois sera facturé pour tout retard. L'adjudication a lieu après le 3e rappel de l'offre la meilleure et oblige l'acheteur à prendre son acquisition. A prix égal, les offres écrites ont la priorité. Chaque participant à la vente s'oblige pour les achats effectués par lui-même. Il ne peut faire valoir avoir agi pour un tiers. Nous garantissons l'authenticité des monnaies sans condition et sans aucune limite de temps. Les indications de notre catalogue ont été faites en toute science et conscience. L'envoi se fait sous pli recommandé, assuré, aux frais et risques du destinataire. Toutes taxes ou impôts prélevés à l'étranger sont à la charge du destinataire. L'acquéreur doit lui-même s'informer des prescriptions douanières et des taxes du pays d'importation. La maison organisatrice de la vente ne peut être tenue pour responsable au cas ou ces prescriptions ne seraient pas respectées. Le domicile juridique entre l'organisatrice et les acheteurs est Zurich, ceci en cas de différences. La remise d'une offre écrite ou verbale signifie en même temps l'acceptation des conditions précitées de vente aux enchères. Les conditions locales de mise aux enchères seront appliquées et celles-ci sont disponibles dans les langues allemande, française, italienne et anglaise. En cas de différences d'interprétation, le texte allemand fait foi.
Italian:
La partecipazione alla vendita all'asta comporta l'accettazione integrale delle seguente condizioni:
I prezzi indicati rappresentano la stima in franchi svizzeri. Se non sono pervenute offerte più elevate, l'inizio di battuta d'asta corrisponde generalmente all' 80% circa dello stesso. Al prezzo di aggiudicazione verrà aggiunto un diritto d'asta del 16.5%. Per le consegne all'acquirente in territorio svizzero sarà aggiunta al prezzo totale (prezzo di aggiudicazione + diritto d'asta e spese di spedizione) il 7,6% d'IVA. Le monete in oro (AV) non sono soggette al pagamento dell' IVA. L'importo complessivo sarà esigibile alla consegna dei lotti e pagabile in franchi svizzeri. In caso di ritardo nel pagamento sarà applicato un interesse dell'1% al mese sul totale dovuto. L'aggiudicazione avviene dopo la terza chiamata della migliore offerta ed obbliga l'offerente ad accettarla. In caso di parità di offerte, avrà la precedenza quella effettuata per corrispondenza. Ogni partecipante alla vendita all'asta è personalmente responsabile degli acquisti effettuati: pertanto egli non può pretendere di avere agito per conto di terzi. Gli oggetti offerti in vendita sono garantiti autentici senza limiti di tempo. L'invio degli oggetti viene di regola effettuato in plico postale raccomandato a spese ed a rischio del destinatario, il quale, se residente all'estero, dovrà assumere a proprio carico ogni eventuale tassa o imposta applicata nel paese di residenza. E' onere dell'acquirente d' informarsi sulle prescrizioni doganali e valutarie del paese d' importazione e la società organizzatrice della vendita all'asta non può essere ritenuta responsabile nel caso in cui esse non vengano rispettate. In caso di controversia è competente il foro di Zurigo. L'inoltro di un'offerta scritta o verbale implica l'accettazione senza riserve delle presenti condizioni d'asta. Saranno inoltre applicabili le consuetudini locali sulle vendite all'asta, il testo delle quali è disponibile nelle lingue tedesca, francese e inglese: in caso di divergenze di interpretazione farà fede il testo in lingua tedesca.