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The Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm, minted between 450 and 440 B.C., represents one of the most iconic and striking coins from the ancient Greek world. Selinus, located on the southwestern coast of Sicily, was one of the major Greek colonies on the island. The city was founded around 650 B.C. by settlers from the Greek city of Megara Hyblaea. Over the centuries, Selinus grew into a powerful city-state known for its agricultural wealth, military prowess, and cultural achievements. During the 5th century B.C., Selinus was engaged in frequent conflicts with neighboring Carthage and other Greek city-states, such as Acragas and Syracuse. This period also saw Selinus at the height of its prosperity, and its coinage, including the famous tetradrachms like this one, reflected the city’s wealth and ambitions on the Mediterranean stage. The Selinus AR Tetradrachm is a testament to the city's cultural identity and its desire to assert its power through both artistic and military symbols.
The obverse of the Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm features a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses, a symbol that had deep significance in ancient Greek and Sicilian coinage. The quadriga was often used to represent victory, military success, and athletic prowess, particularly in chariot races, which were central to Greek athletic competitions. The quadriga on the coin is depicted in full motion, with the horses shown in dynamic, energetic postures that convey a sense of speed and power. The charioteer, who would typically be shown guiding the horses, is included in the image, although their figure is secondary to the horses, which are the focus of the design. This imagery aligns with the city's desire to highlight its military strength, both in terms of its victories in battle and its dominance in athletic contests. The quadriga’s association with victory further reinforced Selinus’ aspiration to project an image of success and divine favor, particularly in light of the frequent conflicts with Carthage and other powers during this time.
The reverse of the coin features a detailed representation of Selinos, the city’s eponymous hero and deity. Selinos, depicted as a youthful and robust figure, is often shown with a crown and a sceptre, symbols of his divine authority. The image of Selinos on the reverse not only underscores the city’s religious connections but also serves as a symbol of its founding myth. According to legend, Selinos was a hero who played a significant role in the city’s foundation and was later worshipped as a local god. His image on the coin thus reinforces the city’s connection to divine protection and legitimacy, suggesting that Selinus’ prosperity and strength were gifts from the gods. The design also connects the people of Selinus to their city’s founding, offering a sense of continuity and identity through the divine figure of Selinos. The combination of military symbols on the obverse and the divine figure of Selinos on the reverse creates a powerful narrative of strength, protection, and divine favor for the city and its citizens.
The mint of this tetradrachm was located in Selinus itself, a city that was known for its high-quality coinage during the Classical period. The mint produced coins in a variety of denominations, with the tetradrachm being one of the most prestigious and widely used. The minting of tetradrachms in Selinus would have been reserved for significant transactions, such as trade, military payments, and tribute. The use of such a large silver coin reflects the city’s wealth and its desire to assert its power both within Sicily and in the broader Mediterranean world. The coins minted in Selinus were widely circulated and were recognized for their artistic and symbolic designs. They were used in trade with other Greek city-states, Carthage, and other Mediterranean powers, helping to cement Selinus’ position as a significant economic and military force in the region. The coinage of Selinus is often considered to be among the most beautiful and sophisticated of the ancient Greek world, with an emphasis on both artistic excellence and the representation of the city’s values.
During the time the Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm was minted, the city was engaged in intense struggles for dominance, particularly against the Carthaginians. The Carthaginian Empire, which controlled much of North Africa and parts of Sicily, was a frequent adversary of the Greek city-states on the island. Selinus, situated strategically in western Sicily, was often caught in the crossfire of the conflict between the Greek cities and Carthage. Despite these challenges, the city managed to maintain its independence and military strength, aided by its agricultural wealth and powerful military forces. The coinage minted during this period, particularly the tetradrachm, reflects Selinus’ desire to project power and dominance in the region. The quadriga, symbolizing victory, and the image of Selinos, representing divine protection, served as powerful symbols of the city’s resilience and aspirations for continued prosperity and military success.
The mintage of the Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm was likely substantial, given its importance in the city’s economy and its widespread use in trade and military payments. The tetradrachm, as one of the larger denominations of silver coinage, would have been used for significant transactions, such as trade with neighboring Greek colonies, payment to mercenaries, or diplomatic gifts. While not as numerous as the smaller denominations, the tetradrachms produced by Selinus were crucial for the functioning of the city’s economy. These coins were likely minted in sufficient quantities to support the city’s extensive trade networks and to facilitate its military campaigns. The quality and consistency of the minting also suggest that the city took great care in producing these coins, using them not only as currency but also as a means of projecting Selinus’ power and identity in the Mediterranean world.
The condition of the Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm is graded as VF (Very Fine), indicating that the coin has been well-preserved despite the wear it would have experienced through circulation. The obverse, featuring the quadriga, retains much of its original detail, particularly in the horses’ muscular bodies and flowing manes, which are still clearly visible. While some wear is evident on the high points, especially in the details of the chariot and the charioteer, the design remains strong and identifiable. The reverse, featuring the figure of Selinos, also retains a significant amount of detail, particularly in the god’s youthful features and the symbols of his divine authority. The wear on the reverse is minimal, and the figure of Selinos remains easily recognizable. The coin’s edges are intact, and the inscriptions surrounding the images are legible, contributing to the overall quality of the piece. The VF grade suggests that the coin has been well-maintained and that its important design elements remain visible, making it an excellent example of Selinus’ coinage.
The artistic quality of the Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm is exceptional, particularly in the rendering of the quadriga and the figure of Selinos. The quadriga is portrayed with dynamic energy, with the horses’ powerful forms and the motion of the chariot captured with a high degree of realism. The depiction of the horses’ muscles and flowing manes adds a sense of vitality and movement to the design. The charioteer, though secondary to the horses, is skillfully portrayed, conveying the control and mastery required to guide the powerful steeds. On the reverse, the figure of Selinos is rendered with fine detail, emphasizing the god’s divine attributes and the nobility of his appearance. The care taken in the design and execution of both sides of the coin reflects the high standards of craftsmanship at the Selinus mint, which produced coins that were both functional and artistic expressions of the city’s values and aspirations.
The pairing of the quadriga on the obverse with the figure of Selinos on the reverse creates a powerful narrative of victory, divine protection, and military strength. The quadriga, as a symbol of military success and athletic prowess, reflects the city’s martial and cultural achievements, while the figure of Selinos emphasizes the city’s divine favor and its connection to its founding myths. The combination of these two symbols suggests that Selinus was a city blessed with both the strength to achieve victory and the divine protection to ensure its continued prosperity. The coin’s imagery would have resonated deeply with the citizens of Selinus, reinforcing their identity and their pride in their city’s military, religious, and cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm, minted between 450 and 440 B.C., is a remarkable example of ancient Greek coinage that reflects the city’s military, religious, and cultural identity. The coin’s design, featuring the quadriga on the obverse and the figure of Selinos on the reverse, underscores the city’s aspirations for victory, divine favor, and continued prosperity. The high-quality craftsmanship and relatively well-preserved condition, graded as VF, make this coin a valuable artifact for collectors and historians alike. The Selinus Sicily AR Tetradrachm continues to provide valuable insights into the history and identity of one of Sicily’s most important city-states during a period of intense military and political rivalry in the ancient Mediterranean world.