| Nymphs on Ancient Coins |  |
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| Histiaia, North Euboea, Greece, c. 267 - 146 B.C. |   | Histiaia, named after its patron nymph, commanded a strategic position overlooking the narrows leading to the North Euboian Gulf. In the Iliad, Homer describes the surrounding plain as "rich in vines." It was pro-Macedonian during the 3rd century, for which it was attacked in 208 and captured in 199 by a Roman-Pergamene force. The Roman garrison was removed in 194. It appears Histiaia continued to prosper but little is known of its later history. Finds at the site indicate it continued to be inhabited in Roman, Byzantine, and later times. |
| GS63552. Silver tetrobol, cf. BCD Euboea 385 ff.; SNG Cop 517 ff.; BMC Central Greece p. 128, 34 ff.; SGCV I 2498, VF, weight 2.415 g, maximum diameter 15.8 mm, die axis 45o, Histiaea mint, c. 267 - 146 B.C.; obverse head of nymph Histiaia right, wreathed in vine, hair rolled up, wearing earring and necklace; reverse ISTIAIEWN, nymph Histiaia seated right on stern of a galley holding naval standard, ornate apluster; nice style, ex Helios; $160.00 (€123.20) |
| Syracuse, Sicily, Dionysos I, 405 - 367 B.C. |  | "The model for the head on the obverse is derived from the facing Arethusa by Kimon. Exemplars signed by the great master are known. This issue is usually attributed to Exakestidas with several exemplars signed E. However, stylistic evidence of many exemplars reveals such substantial differences the intervention of other engravers seems to be certain, while the discovery of traces of signature not completely legible but certainly not pointing to Exakestidas confirm the assumption." - Calciati p. 59
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| SH63876. Bronze tetras, Calciati II, p. 59 ff., 29; SNG ANS 385, VF, fine classical style, weight 1.764 g, maximum diameter 12.9 mm, die axis 00o, Syracuse mint, 405 - 367 B.C.; obverse head of nymph facing slightly left, wearing necklace; reverse octopus; $160.00 (€123.20) |
| Syracuse, Sicily, Dionysius I, 405 - 367 B.C. |  | The style of the facing head resembles that of tetradrachms signed by Kimon. |
| GB59265. Bronze tetras, Calciati II, p. 59 ff., 29; SNG ANS 385; SNG Morcom -, VF, rough green patina, weight 1.852 g, maximum diameter 13.6 mm, Syracuse mint, c. 400 B.C.; obverse head of nymph facing slightly left, wearing neck; reverse octopus; $150.00 (€115.50) |
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