2017-06-05 Mon

Classical Numismatic Group’s auction sold one of the 14 known examples of a circa 479 to 475 B.C silver tridrachm of Delphi that was discovered in the 1960s from Ghazzat Hoard, off the coast of Gaza. It was sold for $45,000 and could not reach its estimated value of $50,000.

The obverse features two drinking vessels forming rams’ heads and two dolphins. The reverse features a four-part square with a dolphin in each quadrant. It looks as if the dolphins are swimming in a clockwise circle. The obverse design indicates Greek victory over the Persians at Plataea in 479. The Greeks had captured a lot of wealth including the rhyta. Rams and Dolphins were also sacred to Apollo in Delhi. The coffered ceilings on the reverse might have decorated ancient buildings. The Dolphins could be representing Delphi or the fact that Apollo could appear as a dolphin.