The Most Expensive: Tetradrachms
Today in our record section, we look at the most expensive tetradrachms sold in auction. These big silver coins worth four drachms are often of staggering beauty, which resonates in the prices realized today.
Types and specific coins which would have appeared multiple times in the list were skipped and only the most expensive example is shown.
01Seleukid. Seleucus I. Tetradrachm, 281 BC, Pergamum. EF. From auction Numismatica Ars Classica 114 (2019), Lot 348.
02Sicily. Syracuse. Tetradrachm, 406-400 BC. Signed by Kimon. “A masterpiece of Greek monetary art.” From auction Numismatica Genevensis 12 (2019), Lot 112.
03Sicily. Naxos. Tetradrachm, circa 415 BC. Good VF. From auction Baldwin’s et al., New York Sale XXVII (2012), Lot 150.
04Cyrenaica, Barke. Tetradrachm, Magistrate Akesios, ca 360 BC. EF. From auction Dix Noonan Webb A11 (2011), Lot 2017.
05Sicily. Syracuse. Tetradrachm, last decade of the 5th century BC. Signed by Eukledias. VF / EF. From auction Nomos AG 8 (2013), Lot 52.
06Macedon. Amphipolis. Tetradrachm, 366/5 BC. Good VF. From auction Baldwin’s et al., The New York Sale XXVII (2012), Lot 271.
07Macedon. Amphipolis. Tetradrachm, 357/6 BC. Good VF. “Extremely rare, only the second known from these dies.” From auction Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIV (2011), Lot 60.
08Sicily. Syracuse. Tetradrachm. Gelon, 485-478 BC. EF. From auction Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XV (2012), Lot 1003.
09Sicily. Naxos. Tetradrachm, ca. 460 BC. About EF. “The tetradrachm is one of the most beautiful things that Greek coinage has ever produced.” From auction Baldwin’s et al., The New York Sale XXVII (2012), Lot 149. Coins from the same type or dies would have also been on the third, fourth and seventh place of this list.
10Sicily. Syracuse. Tetradrachm, signed by Kimon, circa 405-400 BC. Good EF. “The greatest masterpiece of Greek numismatic art and work of the most talented master-engraver of the period. In our opinion the most beautiful Greek coin in private hands.” From Auction Numismatica Ars Classica 77 (2014), Lot 17. The same coin would have also finished up second from another auction.
