Collection

410 bc DIDRACHM NAXOS SICILY

Issuer Naxos (Sicily)
Type Standard circulation coin
Year 410 BC
Value 1 Didrachm = 2 Drachm
Currency Litra
Composition Silver
Weight 8.48 g
Diameter 22 mm
Shape Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered
Demonetized Yes
Number N# 272946
References Cahn Nax# 135, 108, Kraay&Hirm# pl. 4, 11
Obverse
Laureate youthful head of Apollo right; laurel spray with leaf and berry behind, dotted border

Lettering: ΝΑΞΙΩΝ

Engraver: Prokles

Reverse
Silenus, bearded and nude, kneeling facing on two steps, head left, cantharus upright in right hand, thyrsus in left; herm right in left field, ivy stem with five leaves in right field, ΠPOKΛHΣ (artist signature) on lower step

Lettering: ΠPOKΛHΣ

Engraver: Prokles

Comments
Comment from Heritage Auctions: “The signature of the engraver Prokles can also be found on a Catanian tetradrachm and may also have engraved the Terina nomoi which are signed simply with Π. Naxian coinage featured Dionysus on the obverse until this issue. Apollo Archegetes was worshipped as civic founder at Naxos as at many other Greek colonies. The reverse design is essentially that of Naxian tetradrachms, showing Silenus communing with Dionysus through wine. Other modification smade by the master engraver include the staff of the thyrsus transformed from a scepter to a branch, stripped of its leaves and twigs, bringing this well-known symbol of Dionysus closer to nature. The herm in the left field is a pillar with a bearded head and a phallus that was used to mark crossroads. In this case, it is also honoring Dionysus, who included fertility among his several functions.”