Roma Numismatics 2 (02.10.2011) by A T

ROMA NUMISMATICS LIMITED AUCTION

II 2 October 2011 Roma Numismatics Limited 20 Hanover Square Mayfair London W1S 1JY United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 3178 2874 Fax: +44 (0) 20 3178 2456 www.romanumismatics.com email: info@romanumismatics.com i

ROMA NUMISMATICS LIMITED AUCTION II 2 October 2011 14:00 Location: The Alto Room The Cavendish Hotel London 81 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JF

Viewing: At our office: 20 Hanover Square, Mayfair London, W1S 1JY United Kingdom From September 01 – September 30: Monday – Friday, 09:30 – 17:30 Saturday October 01: 10:00 – 17:00 On Sunday October 02: 08:00 – 12:00 Please note that the lots will not be available for viewing during the sale.

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ABSENTEE BIDDING If you are unable to attend the auction in person, you may submit an absentee bid that will be executed on your behalf by Roma Numismatics. Roma Numismatics will attempt to obtain the lot for you at the lowest possible price, and will not purchase the lot for you at a price higher than the maximum you specify. This service is free and confidential. To place absentee bids please submit your list of lots, together with your maximum bids, either by mail, fax, post using the form provided, or online using at www.RomaNumismatics.com or at www.sixbid.com You may also participate live online during the sale at www.coretech.cc

Mail, fax or postal bids The customer is responsible for submitting these in good time and confirming that the bids have been received.

Telephone bids Bids may be placed by telephone as the auction is in progress, but are accepted only at the discretion of Roma Numismatics Ltd and at the risk of the customer. Roma Numismatics will not be held responsible for any failure to execute bids by telephone during the auction resulting from technical issues or any other reason. Any client wishing to bid by telephone should inform Roma Numismatics no later than 72 hours before the auction that they wish to bid by phone, and should have a prepared list of all the lots they wish to bid on. The telephone bidder should have a preconceived idea of their maximum bids.

Internet Bids

Internet absentee bids may be submitted prior to the auction at www.RomaNumismatics.com or www.sixbid.com - these bids will be executed by the auctioneer. Real-time bids may be placed at www.coretech.cc on the day and these will be executed live on the floor. A 1.5% surcharge will apply to lots won through www.coretech.cc Roma Numismatics is not responsible for any missed lots or bids due to network speed or down-time.

Successful Bids Successful bidders will be notified and invoiced within a few days of the auction. Prices realized will be published around the same time. Grades of preservation

Degrés de preservation

Gradi di conservazioni

Erhaltungsgrad

Grados de conservación

FDC Uncirculated

Fleur de coin (FDC)

Fior di conio

Stempelganz

FDC

Extremely fine Very fine

Superbe Très beau

Splendido Bellissimo

Vorzüglich Sehr schön

EBC MBC

Fine

Beau

Molto Bello

Schön

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Conditions of Sale The following terms and conditions will apply to this auction: I. II. III. IV. V.

VI.

VII. VIII.

IX. X. XI. XII.

All estimates are in Pounds Sterling. The opening bids will be 80% of the estimate unless there are existing higher bids. There will be a 15% buyers fee added to the hammer price. VAT at 20% is due on the buyer’s fee only, not the hammer price. The auctioneer guarantees the absolute authenticity of any and all coins sold. There is no expiration to this guarantee. Any coins subsequently found to be not authentic will be exchanged for a full refund of the purchase price. Absentee bids must be submitted and received by 08:00 on the day of the auction at the latest. All grades and descriptions are the opinion of the cataloguer. Customers are encouraged to carefully examine all lots in person that they are interested in purchasing. If however the description is found to be incorrect, the item is returnable within 21 days after the sale. No other returns will be accepted except on the grounds of non-authenticity. All prospective bidders who exercise the opportunity to examine lots in hand shall assume all responsibility for any damage they cause in so doing. The auctioneer shall have sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by the prospective bidder. The auctioneer will have absolute discretion to accept or decline any bid, withdraw lots from sale at any time until such point as the purchaser takes physical possession, re-open any lot, even after the hammer has fallen, in which a bidding error has occurred, and to determine in the event of a dispute, the final winner of a lot or to rescind the sale and put the lot up for sale again. For the protection of mail or absentee bidders, no ‘unlimited’ or ‘buy’ bids will be accepted. When identical bids are received for the same lot, preference will be given to the bid received first. A mail bid will take preference over a floor bid. Some lots may carry a reserve. The auctioneer reserves the right not to sell an item below the confidential price, or will repurchase the item on behalf of the consignor or for the account of Roma Numismatics Ltd. If a reserve exists the auctioneer reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of the consignor up to the amount of the reserve against any floor or mail bidders. The auctioneer also reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of Roma Numismatics Ltd. Title remains with the owner until such time as the customer has paid in full. Roma Numismatics Ltd. reserves the right to charge interest on invoices unpaid after one month at the rate of 1% per calendar month, except where prior agreement has been made with regards to payment arrangements. A 3.5% surcharge will be applied to credit card payments or payments made via Paypal. The customer is responsible for paying all bank charges and shipping and insurance costs. By making a bid the customer agrees to the above terms and conditions and accepts to be bound by them. These conditions shall take effect and be construed in accordance with the provisions of English Law.

US COIN IMPORT RESTRICTIONS All of the coins in this sale of Italian type that fall under US import restrictions are accompanied by documentation proving that they were outside of Italy prior to 19 January 2011, or are accompanied by a valid export certificate issued by the Republic of Italy. All other coins in this sale were present in the United Kingdom on or before 1st July 2011 and can be supplied with documentation to that effect. Any coins subject to US import restrictions that may not lawfully be imported into the United States of America will be clearly indicated as such with the note: ‘not suitable for US market’. Roma Numismatics will make every effort to ensure that US import restrictions affect our clients as little as possible, and will carry out all necessary importations and procedures as required on behalf of the client.

Payment Methods Invoices to be settled in Pounds Sterling within 30 days of auction date unless previously agreed otherwise. Bank Transfer: Barclays Bank, 22 The Borough, Farnham, GU9 7NH, UK | Account Name: Roma Numismatics IBAN: GB81 BARC 2031 0663 0101 39 | BIC: BARC GB22 | SORT CODE: 20-31-06 | ACC #: 63010139 Cheque: Please make payable to Roma Numismatics Limited Paypal (add 3.5%): sales@romanumismatics.com Credit Card (add 3.5%): contact us directly on +44 (0)20 3178 2874

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COINS OF THE CELTS

1. Northeast Gaul, Ambiani AV Stater. Circa 58-55 BC. Gallic Wars issue. Blank convex surface / Disjointed horse right; crescents and pellets around. D&T 239; Depeyrot, NC VI, 161; SCBC 11. 6.40g, 18mm. Good Very Fine.

500

These staters were issued by the coalition of Gallic tribes to fund the war against Julius Caesar in Gaul. The blank obverse is likely an indication of the vast quantity that were struck and the haste in which they were made. The Ambiani themselves, to whom these issues are attributed, occupied the Somme valley area and were said to have fielded ten thousand warriors against Caesar. Their chief town Samarobriva, afterwards called Ambiani and Civitas Ambianensium, is thought to have been on the site of modern-day Amiens. 2. Northern Gaul, Nervii AV Quarter Stater. Circa 115-100 BC. Crossed lines at various angles / Disjointed driver guiding chariot left; ‘lyre’ below and other patterns in fields. D&T 94; Sheers 99; cf. De la Tour 8697; Van Arsdell 37. 1.92g, 13mm. Good Very Fine. Very good condition for the type.

300

3. Northern Gaul. Uncertain tribe AV Quarter Stater. Circa 58-50 BC. Blank convex surface / Rooted tree or trophy with bar each side; rosette and pellets-in-annulets above, three pellets-in-annulets and bent line below. D&T 254; cf. Scheers 120-5. 1.39g, 10mm. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

300

This coin belongs to a somewhat enigmatic series that is known through numerous varieties, but the issuing tribe is uncertain, with the Trinovantes, Ambiani, Cantiaci and Morini all having been suggested. The reverse type has been described as a Celtic tree or a Roman trophy, and the numerous symbols that are present on this series have not yet been properly categorized.

4. Gaul, Senones AV Stater. Circa 100-60 BC. Gallo-Belgic Bullet Type. Small cross in center of plain globule with prominent rim / Plain convex reverse. Delestrée-Tache 2537; Castelin 704ff; Scheers, Danicourt 316; Allen/Nash 159. 7.36g, 13mm. Good Very Fine.

300

It was at the hands of the Senones that Rome suffered one of its most humiliating defeats, leading to the capture and near total destruction of the city in 390 BC. In about 400 BC the Senones had crossed the Alps, and having driven out the Umbrians, settled on the East coast of Italy, in the so-called ager Gallicus, and founded the town of Sena Gallica, which became their capital. In 391 BC they invaded Etruria and besieged Clusium. The Clusines appealed to Rome, whose intervention, accompanied by a violation of the law of nations, led to war, the defeat of a Roman army at the Allia on 18 July 390 BC and the capture of Rome. For more than 100 years the Senones were engaged in hostilities with the Romans, until they were finally subdued in 283 BC by P. Cornelius Dolabella and driven out of their territory. A branch of the Senones then settled in central Gaul and from 53-51 BC were engaged in hostilities with Julius Caesar.

5. Central Europe, Vindelici AV Stater. Early 1st century BC. Triskeles within a wreath like torque with an annulet at each open end / Pyramid of eight annulets: five, on the bottom, each enclosing a pellet, and three, forming the top two rows, each enclosing a smaller annulet; all within a wavy torque. Allen & Nash 160; De la Tour 9441; Kellner type IX B. 7.58g, 17mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. An exceptional example.

1,500

Vindelicia was the region bounded on the north by the Danube and later Hadrian’s Limes Germanicus, on the east by the Oenus (Inn), on the south by Raetia and on the west by the territory of the Helvetii. It thus corresponded to the northeast portion of Switzerland, the southeast of Baden, and the south of Württemberg and Bavaria. Its chief town was refounded by the Romans as Augusta Vindelicorum, which is today Augsburg.

COINS OF THE GREEKS CALABRIA

6. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 302-280 BC. Philokles, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback left, holding shield; ΣI behind, ΦIΛOKΛHΣ below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding wreath; ΛY below; TARAS behind. Vlasto 689; HN Italy 965. 7.78g, 22mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. Attractively toned.

1,000

7. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 302-280 BC. Philon, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback left, holding shield; EU behind, ΦIΛΩN below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding Nike who crowns him; TAΡAΣ behind, waves below. Vlasto 686; HN Italy 964. 7.82g, 22mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Attractive grey tone with golden highlights.

1,000

8. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 302-280 BC. Dakimos, magistrate. Warrior on horseback right, thrusting spear downward with right hand, holding two spears and shield in his left hand; SI behind, DAKIMOS below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding dolphin in right hand, cradling cornucopiae in left arm; DA below, TARAS behind. Vlasto 696 corr. (DA not WA); HN Italy 967; SNG France -; SNG ANS 1071 corr. (same obv. die; DA not WA); SNG Copenhagen -. 7.89g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasing old tone.

1,000

The ANS catalogue repeats the mistake from Vlasto (whose coin was unique at the time); the correct letters were noted by G. Procopio who examined two or three examples of this type (nos. 497-499) in his article on the Bernalda hoard in 1957.

9. Calabria, Tarentum AR Drachm. Circa 302-280 BC. Zor..., magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with Skylla hurling a stone / TAP, owl with folded wings standing right, head facing; in right field, ZOP downwards and olive branch. Vlasto 1047; HN Italy; SNG ANS 1303. 3.30g, 16mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned and excellent condition for the type. Ex BVH Collection.

500

10. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 275-235 BC. Lykinos, magistrate. Nude rider crowning horse left, ΣΥ to right, ΛΥΚΙ-ΝΟΣ in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, brandishing trident, wearing chlamys around shoulders and left arm, owl standing left, ΤΑΡΑΣ below. Vlasto 836; HN Italy 1025; SNG ANS 1165. 6.53g, 20mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old toning.

1,000

Ex Norman Davis Collection.

11. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 275-235 BC. Lykinos, magistrate. Nude rider crowning horse left, ΣΥ to right, ΛΥΚΙ-ΝΟΣ in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, brandishing trident and wearing chlamys, owl behind, ΤΑΡΑΣ below. Vlasto 836; HN Italy 1025; SNG ANS 1165. 6.51g, 19mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

700

12. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 275-235 BC. Hippodanos, magistrate. Warrior, wearing breast plate and holding javelin, on horseback right, |-IPPODA below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos and distaff; DI and amphora behind; TARAS below. Vlasto 904; HN Italy 1040; SNG ANS 1224. 6.28g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Attractively toned.

700

Ex H.D. Rauch 84, May 2009, lot 33.

13. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 275-235 BC. Philokrates, magistrate. Nude rider crowning horse left; FILOKR-ATHS in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand, distaff in left; owl behind, TARAS below. Vlasto 850; HN Italy 1027; SNG ANS 1178. 6.49g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

1,000

14. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 275-235 BC. Aristokrates, magistrate. Youth on horseback right, crowning horse; behind, Nike flying right, crowning youth; APIΣTO-KPATHΣ in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding cornucopia and trident; ΠI to left, herm to right, TARAS below. Vlasto 908; HN Italy 1041. 6.59g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

1,000

15. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 272-240 BC. Herakletos, magistrate. Warrior on horseback right, wearing helmet, holding lance, shield slung on back; |-HPA-KΛHTOΣ in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding rose and cornucopia; monogram and thyrsos to right, TARAS below. Vlasto 890; HN Italy 1037. 6.51g, 20mm, 1h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

400

An Exceptional Didrachm of Tarentum

16. Calabria, Tarentum AR Didrachm. Circa 240-228 BC. Kallikrates, magistrate. Warrior, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, on horse rearing right; monogram behind, KAΛΛIKPA-THΣ in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin left, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm; ligate NE behind, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 963; HN Italy 1059; SNG ANS 1260; SNG Lloyd 230; SNG France 2059-60; Dewing 316. 6.46g, 21mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Superbly detailed; an exceptional example and one of the finest known. Ex Leu 72, 1978, lot 26.

3,000

Tarentum, the only Spartan colony ever to be established, was founded in 706 BC by the Partheniae - Spartan children born to unmarried women as a product of Spartan desperation to ensure the survival and continuation of their demographic during the bloody Messenian wars, who were later disowned and expelled by the state - and Perioeci (subjects, but not citizens of Sparta), under the leadership of the Parthenian Phalanthus. According to legend, Phalanthus consulted the oracle at Delphi, and was told that he should found his new city ‘where rain fell from a clear sky’. After much searching, and despairing of finding a suitable location for a city, Phalanthus was consoled by his wife Aethra who laid his head in her lap, and as her tears splashed upon his forehead he understood the oracle’s words for his wife’s name itself meant ‘clear sky’, and thus he determined to make the nearby harbour the site of their new home, which they named after Taras, the son of Poseidon and the nymph Satyrion.

LUCANIA

17. Lucania, Herakleia AR Stater. Circa 330 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing a rock; ΕΥ in left field / ΗΡΑΚΛΗΙΩΝ, Herakles standing facing front, wrestling the Nemean lion; fluted jug beneath. [Club and ΑΠΟΛ to left]. HN Italy 1378; SNG ANS 65; Van Keuren 51. 7.76g, 21mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine – an excellent example of this type.

5,000

The flourishing of an artistic culture in Herakleia is attested to by the beauty and variety of its coinage, and that they survive in relative profusion is demonstrative of the wealth and commercial importance of the city. That said, to find them in a good state of preservation as is the case with the present coin, is no easy task.

18. Lucania, Herakleia AR Stater. Circa 330-280 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; |-HRAKLHIWN above, small K behind / Herakles standing facing, holding club, bow, and arrow, lion’s skin draped over arm; AQA to left of club, |-HPAKΛHIΩN to right; aryballos above. HN Italy 1384; SNG ANS 76 (same obverse die); Van Keuren 85; Work 66; SNG Copenhagen 1106. 7.78g, 20mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Lustrous surfaces.

1,500

19. Lucania, Hyele-Velia AR Stater. Circa 365-340 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with griffin; behind neckguard, XA ligate / Lion standing right, E above, Q below; UELHTWN in exergue. HN Italy 1285; SNG Lockett 550 (these dies); SNG Ashmolean 1208 (these dies); Williams 280. 7.69g, 25mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Extraordinarily large flan for the type; perfect metal and lustrous.

5,000

Ex NAC 27, May 2004, lot 50. According to Herodotus, in 545 BC Ionian Greeks fled Phokaia, in modern Turkey, which was besieged by the Persians. After some wanderings (8 to 10 years) at sea, they stopped in Rhegium, and then moved North along the coast and founded the town of Hyele, later renamed Ele, and then, eventually, Elea. The location is nearly at the same latitude as Phokaia. Elea was not conquered by the Lucani, but eventually joined Rome in 273 BC.

20. Lucania, Hyele-Velia AR Stater. Circa 300-280 BC. Philistion group. Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with griffin; Δ above visor / Lion standing right; above, pentagram between Φ and I. HN Italy 1306; Williams 433 (O214/R305); SNG ANS 1368 (these dies); Jameson 392 (these dies). 7.30g, 21mm, 7h. Very Fine.

1,000

21. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 540-510 BC. Ear of barley with seven grains on each side; ME-TA across field / Incuse ear of barley with seven grains on each side. HN Italy 1577; Noe 97 (these dies); SNG ANS 203 (these dies); SNG Lloyd -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Ashmolean 650 (these dies); Basel -; Gulbenkian -. 8.17g, 26mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone with underlying lustre. Ex Sotheby’s, 30 March 1995, lot 877.

4,000

Superb Portrait of Leukippos

22. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 340-330 BC. Head of Leukippos right, wearing Corinthian helmet, AMI behind / Ear of barley, leaf and thunderbolt to right; META in left field. HN Italy 1577; Johnston B 4.1. 7.78g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful old tone with underlying lustre. An excellent example of the type.

3,000

We are told that at the time of the foundation of this city the site was unoccupied; for which reason the Achaean settlers at Kroton and Sybaris were desirous to colonize it, in order to prevent the Tarentines from taking possession of it. With this view a colony was sent from the mothercountry, under the command of a leader named Leukippos, who is depicted on this issue. The new colonists were at first engaged in a contest with the Tarentines, as well as the neighbouring tribes of the Oenotrians, which was at length terminated by a treaty, leaving them in the peaceable possession of the territory they had acquired.

23. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa, 340-330 BC. Head of Leukippos right, wearing Corinthian helmet, AMI behind / Ear of barley, leaf and thunderbolt to right; META in left field. HN Italy 1577; Johnston B 4.1. 7.71g, 19mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

Two Highly Attractive Distaters of Thourioi

24. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 350-300 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right, helmet decorated with Skylla pointing; B behind / Bull butting right; QOURIWN/HPA above. HN Italy 1858; Noe, Thurian, group N, 6 (these dies); Jameson 386 (these dies); De Luynes 583 (these dies). 15.26g, 27mm, 11h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

8,000

A superb piece of exceptionally fine style, struck on a very broad flan for the type. Thourioi was one of the last Greek colonies to be established in this part of Italy, having been founded almost seventy years after the fall of Sybaris, a city of proverbial wealth and power. Sybaris itself had been destroyed by the Krotoniats in 510 BC, who had determined to destroy the place so utterly that it should never again be inhabited. For this purpose they turned the course of the river Crathis, so that it inundated the site of the city and buried the ruins under the deposits that it brought down. The site remained deserted for 58 years, until some surviving inhabitants and their descendants made an attempt to establish themselves anew on the ancient site. The settlement rose so rapidly to prosperity that it excited the envy and fear of Kroton, who expelled the Sybarites from their colony little more than five years after its establishment. The refugees appealed to Sparta and Athens for aid, and the latter determined to send fresh colonists from Greece, who restored the Sybarites to their ancient home, though the colony was moved shortly afterwards (apparently in obedience to an oracle) to a spot a short distance away where there was a fountain named Thuria, from whence the new city derived its name.

25. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with Skylla preparing to throw stone / Bull butting right; QOURIWN/HPA above, fish in exergue. HN Italy 1862; Noe -; SNG ANS -; SNG Lockett 519. 15.74g, 27mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

5,000

26. Lucania, Thourioi AR Stater. Circa 300-280 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla pointing right hand and holding rudder with left; TIMO behind neck guard / Bull butting right, crowned by Nike flying above; in exergue, ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ. Missing in all major reference works; cf. Triton III, 1999, lot 84 (these dies). 7.49g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Rare, apparently only the sixth known specimen. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

27. Lucania, Poseidonia AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Poseidon advancing right, wielding trident overhead, chlamys draped over both arms, POS to left, retrograde / Same, reversed and incuse, showing the figure from the back, with the chlamys draped over his shoulders, but trident in relief. HN Italy 1107 var.; SNG ANS 613 var. 7.48g, 28mm, 12h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

9,000

Minor corrosion and delamination in fields. Struck from dies of high style, the heads of Poseidon are particularly well rendered. This is especially true on the reverse, where the detail is usually crude; on this example however the portrait is equally pleasing on the reverse as it is on the obverse. Little is known of Poseidonia from its foundation at around the end of the Seventh Century BC by colonists from Sybaris other than that information which can be gleaned from archeological study of the city and its remaining artifacts. Evidence from votive figurines and the city’s architecture suggest close trade relations with Metapontion during the Sixth and Fifth Centuries, but the city is not mentioned in the classical sources until the Fifth Century, when the city was conquered by the Lucani. A sizeable Greek population must have remained despite the conquest however, as the archeological record shows both Greek and Oscan culture continuing to thrive alongside one another. As a Lucanian city, Poseidonia sided with Pyrrhos of Epirus when he landed in Italy and upon the latter’s withdrawal, the Lucani suffered severe reprisals from Rome throughout a ten year punitive campaign. When Hannibal invaded Italy it is unsuprising then that most of the Lucani sided with the Carthaginians. Poseidonia however, having become a Roman city in 273 BC, remained faithful to Rome’s cause and was granted civic honours as a result, including the right to mint its own coins once more.

BRUTTIUM

28. Bruttium, Kaulonia AR Stater. Circa 525-510 BC. Apollo, naked, advancing right, holding a branch in uplifted right hand, small daimon running r. on outstretched left arm; stag on tablet in right field, looking backwards; KAVL to left / Same type incuse, but without legend, and with simplified fish-bone border. HN Italy 2035; SNG ANS 147 var.; cf. Noe Caulonia 14. 8.32g, 29mm, 12h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

5,000

29. Bruttium, Kaulonia AR Stater. Circa 450-445 BC. Apollo, naked, advancing right, holding a branch in uplifted right hand, small daimon running r. on outstretched left arm; stag on tablet in right field, looking backwards; KAVL to left / Stag standing right; branch in right field; KAVL in retrograde above. HN Italy 2046; SNG ANS 180 (these dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 731 (these dies); Noe Caulonia 93. 8.16g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Ex NAC 33, April 2006, lot 47.

1,000

30. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 525-515 BC. Tripod with legs ending in lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet; two snakes emerging from base, QPO to left / The same type incuse without snakes or legend. HN Italy 2075; De Luynes 702; SNG ANS 241; Gorini 1. 7.82g, 28mm, 12h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

1,500

31. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 480-450 BC. Tripod with legs ending in lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet; crab in right field, QP in retrograde to left / The same type incuse; in relief, dolphin swimming downwards in left field, QP in retrograde to right. HN Italy 2100; SNG Ashmolean 1470; SNG ANS 282 (these dies). 7.47g, 21mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,000

32. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 350-300 BC. Eagle standing right on olive branch, head raised / Tripod, legs terminating in lion’s feet; QPO to left, ear of grain right. SNG ANS -; SNG Ashmolean 1512 (these dies). 7.37g, 22mm, 8h. Near Very Fine. Attractive old tone.

500

33. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 360-340 BC. Eagle standing left on olive-branch, head raised and wings open; AI beneath / Filleted tripod, KPO to left, Δ to right. HN Italy 2173; SNG ANS 363. 7.51g, 24mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

1,500

Beautiful Portrait of Hera Lakinia

34. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 420-376 BC. Head of Hera Lakinia facing slightly right, wearing stephane decorated with palmettes / Herakles seated left on rock covered with lion’s skin, holding cup and club, bow on the ground below him; KROTIWNATAN around. HN Italy 2167; Attianese 136 (this reverse die, but obverse die of 137); SNG ANS 372 (these dies). 7.78g, 21mm, 1h. Rare. Extremely Fine. A beautiful portrait of wonderful classical style.

5,000

Ex Leu 20, 25-26 April 1978, lot 18 (sold for CHF 15,400). The type of Herakles Epitrapezios (“Herakles at the table”) shows the hero reclining in the midst of his labours, enjoying a relaxing cup of wine. P. Lehmann, in Statues on Ancient Coins, makes a connection between the coin type and a series of later statues in the manner of Lysippos, linking both to a common source, probably an earlier statue at the temple of Hera Lakinia at Kroton, one of the most prominent sanctuaries in Italy.

35. Bruttium, Rhegion AR Tetradrachm. Circa 415-387 BC. Lion’s scalp facing / Laureate head of Apollo right, PHΓINON before, laurel sprig behind. HN Italy 2496; Herzfelder 90. 17.07g, 23mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Struck in high relief; old cabinet tone. Ex CNG MBS 47, September 1998, lot 78.

10,000

36. Bruttium, Lokroi Epizephyrioi AR Stater. Circa 350-275 BC. Pegasos flying left; ΛO below / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet. Pegasi 5; HN Italy 2338; SNG ANS 506; SNG Lloyd -; Basel -; Gulbenkian -. 8.61g, 23mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone with gold highlights.

1,000

ZEUGITANIA

37. Zeugitana, Carthage AV 1/10th Stater. 350-320 BC. Palm tree with two date-clusters / Horse’s head right. Jenkins & Lewis Group III, 138. 0.94g, 8mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

38. Zeugitana, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-290 BC. Head of Tanit facing left, wearing grain wreath and necklace, dot before / Horse standing right, two dots beneath exergual line. Jenkins and Lewis, Group V, 259-279. 7.51g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Struck in high relief and well detailed.

1,000

39. Zeugitana, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-290 BC. Head of Tanit facing left, wearing grain wreath and necklace, dot before / Horse standing right, two dots beneath exergual line. Jenkins and Lewis, Group V, 259-279. 7.60g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Well centred obverse.

500

40. Zeugitana, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-290 BC. Head of Tanit facing left, wearing grain wreath and necklace, dot before / Horse standing right, two dots beneath exergual line. Jenkins and Lewis, Group V, 259-279. 7.55g, 20mm, 12h. Very Fine.

500

41. Hispania, Carthago Nova AR ¼ Shekel. Circa 221-209 BC. Head of Hannibal left / Horse standing right. Villaronga, Villaronga 184; SNG Copenhagen 297. 1.79g, 14mm, 12h. Rare. Very Fine.

300

SICILY

42. Sicily, Lilybaion AR Tetradrachm. Circa 330 BC. Charioteer driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right to crown charioteer, kerykeion to left; Punic script in exergue / Wreathed head of Arethusa right; two dolphins before, barley grain behind. Jenkins, Punic 24; BMC 21 (this obverse die); de Luynes 923 (this obverse die). 17.02g, 25mm, 1h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

3,000

43. Sicily, Lilybaion AR Tetradrachm. Circa 330 BC. Charioteer driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right to crown charioteer, kerykeion to left; Punic script in exergue / Wreathed head of Arethusa right; two dolphins before, barley grain behind. Jenkins, Punic 24; BMC 21 (this obverse die); de Luynes 923 (this obverse die). 16.89g, 25mm, 1h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

3,000

44. Sicily, Entella. Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Circa 345-315 BC. Head of Arethusa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace; four dolphins around / Horse prancing right; palm tree in background. Jenkins, Punic 132 (O44/R119); SNG Lloyd 1615; SNG Copenhagen 82; SNG Lockett 1038; Boston MFA 492 (all from the same dies). 16.66g, 27mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone.

4,000

Ex Patrick Tan Collection; Ex Nomos AG FPL 1, Winter-Spring 2008, 6.

45. Sicily, Entella. Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Circa 320-300 BC. Head of Arethusa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring and necklace; four dolphins around / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, Punic ‘MMḤNT’ below. Jenkins, Punic 183 (O53/R161 – this coin); SNG Lloyd 1633 (these dies); Hunterian 7 (these dies). 17.39g, 28mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone. Excellent old provenance.

3,000

Ex New York Sale IV, Jan. 2002, lot 95; Ex J. Schulman, 31 May 1938, lot 107; Ex Hamburger 98, 3 April 1933, lot 455.

46. Sicily, Entella. Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Circa 320-300 BC. Head of Arethusa left, wearing barley wreath, earring and necklace; cockle shell below chin, four dolphins around / Horse’s head left, palm tree with date clusters behind; ‘MMHNT’ in Punic characters below. SNG Copenhagen 85 (these dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 1488 (these dies); Jenkins, Punic 163. 17.00g, 26mm, 6h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

2,000

47. Sicily, Entella. Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Circa 300-289 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Horse’s head left, palm tree with date clusters behind; ‘MHMḤNT’ in Punic characters below. Jenkins, Punic 323; SNG Lloyd 2162 (these dies); SNG Ashmolean 2162 (these dies). 16.55g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Fine style and well struck on a large flan.

2,000

Ex Leu 83, May 2002, lot 125; Ex NFA MBS, October 1990, lot 523.

48. Sicily, Entella. Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Circa 310-300 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Horse’s head left, palm tree with date clusters behind; ‘MHSBM’ in Punic characters below. Dewing 983; Jenkins, Punic 394. 16.92g, 24mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

49. Sicily, Entella. Siculo-Punic AR Tetradrachm. Circa 300-289 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Horse’s head left, palm tree with date clusters behind; astragalos to left; ‘MḤSBM’ in Punic characters below. Jenkins, Punic 348; SNG Lloyd 1653 (these dies). 16.83g, 23mm, 2h. Very Fine.

1,000

50. Sicily, Selinos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-440 BC. Artemis driving slow quadriga right, Apollo beside her drawing bow; barley grain in exergue / SELINONTION, river god Selinos standing left, nude, holding phiale over altar and branch; rooster on altar, bull on basis and selinon leaf to right. Schwabacher 31 (Q9/S22); SNG ANS 700; Hunterian 7; Hirsch 529 (all from the same dies). 17.23g, 26mm, 12h. Good Fine – Near Very Fine.

2,000

51. Sicily, Selinos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 417–413 BC. Fast quadriga driven right by Nike, laurel wreath above horses, ΣELINONTION in exergue, horizontal grain ear below / river god Selinos standing left, nude, holding phiale over altar and branch; rooster on altar, bull on basis and selinon leaf to right. Schwabacher 45. 17.01g, 25mm, 7h. Very Rare. Near Extremely Fine; reverse weakly struck from worn dies.

4,000

A Classic Rarity of Finest Stlye

52. Sicily, Segesta AR Tetradrachm. Circa 400 BC. The hunter Aigestes, nude but for chlamys over his left arm and pileus hanging down from the back of his neck, standing right, his left foot propped on a rock, holding two spears in his left hand and with his sword suspended from belt going across his shoulders; at his feet, two hunting dogs prowling towards a herm standing left on the far right (off flan); ΣΕΓΕΣΤΑΙΩΝ behind / Head of the nymph Segesta to right, wearing pendant earring and necklace, and with hair bound up in an ampyx and a sakkos ornamented with stars; below and to left, stalk of grain; ΣΕGΕΣΤΑZΙΑ before. Lederer 6; Franke-Hirmer 203; Rizzo pl. LXII, 14; SNG ANS 646. L. Mildenberg, Kimon in the manner of Segesta, Proceedings of the 8th International Congress of Numismatics New York - Washington 1973 (1976), pl. 11, 21 (these dies). 16.29g, 27mm, 2h. Very Rare. Of the finest classical style. Extremely Fine.

15,000

Ex Tkalec, May 2010, lot 10.

Extremely Rare Bronze of Solous

53. Sicily, Solous Æ21. Circa 400-350 BC. Youthful male head left, wearing Attic helmet; Punic letter before / Horse galloping right; kerykeion behind. CNS 9; SNG ANS -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -. 6.87g, 21mm, 2h. Extremely Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Missing from most of the world’s collections; in outstanding condition for the type.

2,000

54. Sicily, Himera AR Didrachm. Circa 483-472 BC. HIMEPA, Cockerel standing left / Crab within incuse circle. De Hirsch 416 (this obverse die); Westermark, Himera, (O3/R61); cf. NAC 54, 2010, lot 35 (these dies). 8.70g, 20mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. The name of Himera became closely associated after 480 BC with the great defeat of the Carthaginians in that year, who had fielded an army of 300,000 commanded by Hamilcar Mago but who were soundly beaten outside the very gates of that city by Gelon of Syracuse. Later, in 408 BC the city was razed to the ground and its population slaughtered by Hannibal Mago, apparently to utterly erase any trace of that city where his grandfather had been defeated and killed.

500

Probably The Finest Known

55. Sicily, Himera AR Litra. Circa 450-420 BC. Protome of a winged and horned, manheaded monster right / Nude youth riding goat prancing left, holding goatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horn with left hand, and holding whip with right; HIMEPAION around. SNG ANS 174; SNG Munich 354; SNG Copenhagen 310. 0.77g, 12mm, 3h. Very Rare. Mint state; probably the finest known example.

2,000

A companion issue of this litra in similar quality featuring a left facing monster sold at Peus Auction 398 in April 2009 for 6800 Euros plus fees.

56. Sicily, Himera Ă&#x2020; Tetras. Circa 415-409 BC. Nude youth riding goat prancing right, blowing conch shell; three pellets below / Nike flying left, holding aphlaston. CNS 32; SNG ANS 185. 2.61g, 17mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Excellent for the type.

400

57. Abakainon AR Litra. Circa 450-400 BC. Bearded male head right, ABAK before / Boar standing right, AINI around; barley ear below. ANS -; SNG Copenhagen 3. 0.70g, 13mm, 10h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

300

58. Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 520-472 BC. Sea eagle, with folded wings, standing right; AKPAGAS behind / Crab within incuse circle. Jenkins Group II, pl. 37, 6 (this obverse die); SNG ANS 933 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen -. 8.92g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Stunning old collection tone with gold and blue iridescence.

1,500

59. Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 495-478 BC. Sea eagle, with folded wings, standing left; AKPA behind / Crab within incuse circle. SNG Copenhagen 26; SNG ANS 941; Dewing 552. 8.83g, 20mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Very well centred on a large flan; attractive old tone. Ex NAC 52, October 2009, lot 56.

2,000

60. Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 495-478 BC. Sea eagle standing left, AKRA behind / Crab, Corinthian helmet left below; all within incuse circle. Jenkins Group III, pl. 37, 13; SNG Lloyd 798; SNG ANS 946-7; Jameson 499. 8.56g, 21mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

61. Sicily, Akragas AR Didrachm. Circa 495-478 BC. Sea eagle standing left, AKPA behind / Crab within incuse circle. SNG ANS 945; SNG Munich 49; SNG Copenhagen 26; SNG Lloyd -; Rizzo -. 8.79g, 20mm, 8h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant old tone.

500

Two Beautiful Early Tetradrachms Of Akragas

62. Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-420 BC. Sea eagle standing left with wings closed, AKRACANTOS around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. SNG ANS 979; cf. SNG Lloyd 810 (this obverse die). 17.09g, 24mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Well struck for the type; beautifully toned.

6,000

Ex Tkalec Auction, May 2009, lot 10. Akragas was founded by colonists from Gela in around 582-580 BC in a highly favourable location on a plateau overlooking the sea, and was supplied with water by two nearby rivers. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position benefited it greatly, and it quickly became one of the wealthiest Greek colonies in Sicily. Under the tyrant Phalaris, who seized power in the city after having been entrusted with the building of the temple of Zeus on the citadel, the city attained considerable prosperity. Phalaris also supplied the city with water, adorned it with grand public buildings, and strengthened it with defensive walls. Yet for all this, he was renowned for his cruelty and sadistic tendencies, which supposedly included cannibalism. His notorious reputation is etched in legend, as it was he who commissioned the Brazen Bull, a hollow bronze statue invented by the sculptor Perillos as a novel way to execute criminals in which the victim would be placed, before a fire was set below the statue. A complex system of tubes converted the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s screams into the sounds of a bellowing bull. Perillos, expecting a reward for his service, was instead thrown into the bull to test it. Phalaris himself was said to have been killed in his brazen bull after being overthrown by Telemachos, the ancestor of Theron.

63. Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 470-420 BC. Sea eagle standing left with wings closed; AKRACANTOS around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. SNG ANS 978 (this obverse die); cf. SNG Munich 70. 17.20g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Struck on a broad flan and unusually complete.

5,000

A Classic Masterpiece

64. Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 409-406 BC. Charioteer driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer; crab in exergue / Two eagles standing right on dead hare lying on rock, one eagle raising its head, the other tearing at hare with beak and raising wings. Seltman, Engravers 6 (dies E/ζ); SNG ANS -; Rizzo pl. II, 1; SNG Lloyd 818 = Pozzi 388; BMC 57; Dewing 561; Jameson 1889; Ward 139; de Luynes 859 (all from the same dies). 16.97g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; light die shift on obverse. Well detailed reverse and attractively toned. A classic masterpiece.

15,000

The coinage of Akragas consistently depicted the crab and eagle since its earliest issue of the sixth century BC, and the best engravers were recruited to render these symbols of the city in the finest possible style. Late in the fifth century the coinage of the city underwent a remarkable transformation. Like in many cities of Sicily such as Messana and Syracuse, a renaissance began that saw numismatic art reach new heights of intricacy and magnificence. The traditional types were transformed, and the metamorphosis could not have been more pronounced. The previously static types are replaced by dynamic stills of scenes full of activity and energy. This particular design of the two eagles may have been inspired by the omen received by Agamemnon and Menelaus in Aeschylos’ Agamemnon, where two eagles, representing the two kings, devoured a pregnant hare, an allusion to the city of Troy. Alas, as was so the fate also of Messana nine years later, this brief flourishing of vibrant art in Akragas was brutally put to an end by the Carthaginian destruction of the city in 406 BC.

Three Well Preserved Bronzes Of Akragas

65. Sicily, Akragas Æ Hemilitron. Circa 400-380 BC. Diademed head of river-god left, AKRAGAS before / Eagle standing left on Ionic column, head right; crab to left, six pellets (mark of value) to right. CNS 89; SNG ANS 1097-1101. 17.84g, 26mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. A very attractive example of the type.

1,000

66. Sicily, Akragas Æ Hexas. Circa 450-406 BC. Sea eagle standing right, wings displayed, devouring fish / Crab flanked by two pellets; below, fish right. CNS 72; SNG ANS 1050-1. 7.54g, 20mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Unusually well preserved.

500

67. Sicily, Akragas Æ19. Circa 338-287 BC. Laureate head of Zeus left, AKPAGANT / Eagle standing left, wings spread, holding in its talons a hare, which it attacks with its beak; ΦI to right. CNS 116; SNG ANS 1113-6 var. 4.07g, 19mm, 10h. Rare, particularly with a fully legible ethnikon. Good Very Fine.

1,250

68. Sicily, Gela AR Didrachm. Circa 490-475 BC. Naked horseman wearing crested helmet, galloping right and brandishing spear held high in his hand / Forepart of man-headed bull with long beard right, CELA before. Jenkins 69; SNG Copenhagen 256 (these dies); SNG ANS 13. 8.73g, 20mm, 1h. Obverse from a worn die, otherwise Good Very Fine. Old cabinet tone.

1,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch 164, March 2008, lot 49.

An Exceptional Tetradrachm Of Gela

69. Sicily, Gela AR Tetradrachm. Circa 480-475 BC. Bearded charioteer driving quadriga to right; above, Nike flying right to crown the horses / Forepart of man-headed bull to right, CELAS around. Jameson 580; Jenkins Group II, 104; Randazzo 19; SNG Ashmolean 1727. 17.13g, 26mm, 7h. Very Rare. Mint State, and among the finest known examples.

10,000

This coin, the first of the Group II tetradrachms, is the prototype for all the Geloan issues which followed. The quadriga on the obverse is a type taken directly from the coinage of Syracuse, and is a proud proclamation of the conquest of that city by Gela under the leadership of the tyrant Gelon in 485 BC. It seems likely that the occasion for the issue of this masterpiece of classical die engraving was the accession of Gelon’s brother Polyzalos to the throne of Gela in 478-7 BC, a year which also saw Hieron I, another brother of Gelon, ascend to throne of Syracuse. Juxtaposed with this ‘trophy’ obverse die is a reverse that is engraved in the finest Geloan style and surpasses the beautiful series of didrachms that were struck over the previous decade. The die cutter responsible for this coin was a highly talented individual. Sadly, the engravers that followed him and who were responsible for the dies used on the later mass issues were of a far lesser calibre, and with only a few exceptions, produced coins which are far less sophisticated and refined than this one.

70. Sicily, Gela AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465 BC. Charioteer driving slow quadriga past Ionic column with wreath resting atop capital, two confronting dolphins in exergue / CELAS, forepart of man-headed bull running right. Jenkins 203; SNG ANS 45 (this obv. die, rev. die of ANS 47). 17.35g, 29mm, 7h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine. Beautiful, lustrous surfaces.

4,000

71. Sicily, Gela AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-450 BC. Charioteer driving slow quadriga right, Ionic column behind, Nike flying above to crown horse, ear of corn in exergue / CELAS, forepart of man-headed bull with long beard right. Jenkins 205; Hunterian 5. 17.09g, 28mm, 10h. Very Rare. Near Extremely Fine. Excellent for the type.

4,000

72. Sicily, Gela AR Tetradrachm. Circa 420-415 BC. Charioteer driving slow biga right, Nike flying left above with wreath / GELAS, forepart of manheaded bull right. Jenkins 475; SNG Lockett 652. 16.80g, 27mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

4,000

A superb reverse in fine style, beautifully preserved; obverse struck from worn dies and lightly corroded, as is often the case.

73 74 73. Sicily, Gela Æ Tetras. Circa 420-405 BC. Bull standing left; olive leaf and ΓΕΛΑΣ above, [three pellets] below / Head of youthful river god facing to right; barley-grain behind. CNS 7; SNG Morcom 588 var. 3.89g, 16mm, 10h. Good Very Fine.

400

74. Sicily, Gela Æ Tetras. Circa 420-405 BC. Bull standing left; olive leaf and ΓΕΛΑΣ above, [three pellets] below / Head of youthful river god facing to right; barley-grain behind. CNS 7; SNG Morcom 588 var. 3.19g, 17mm, 10h. Good Very Fine.

400

Signed Dies By The Artist Exakestidas

75. Sicily, Kamarina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 425-405 BC. Obverse die signed by Exakestidas. Athena driving galloping quadriga right, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both; Nike flying left above, holding in her extended hands a wreath tied with fillet which she places on Athena’s head; two amphorae in exergue connected by line; signature EXAKESTIDAS on exergual line / Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin headdress; KAMARINAION before. Westermark & Jenkins 149 (O8/R15); SNG ANS 1205; SNG Lloyd 871; BMC 14 = Rizzo pl. V, 11; Boston MFA 260; Jameson 523; Kraay & Hirmer 152 (all but ANS from the same dies). 17.22g, 27mm, 4h. Rare. Very Fine.

4,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch 164, March 2008, lot 50; Ex Künker 94, 2004, lot 299. Following an extremely difficult start, wherein the city was founded by Syracuse in 599 BC, then destroyed by its mother-city, refounded by Gela, destroyed again and then refounded by Gela yet again, Kamarina attained a relatively high degree of prosperity that is reflected in a brief issue of magnificent tetradrachms, including a few signed issues by the artist Exakestidas. This coin dates to a short period of two decades when Kamarina had reached the zenith of its wealth and splendour, before it was razed to the ground by the Carthaginians in 405 BC. Immediately prior to the city’s destruction, the people were afflicted with a mysterious disease. The marsh of Kamarina, which acted as a natural defensive barrier, was suspected as the source of the illness. The city’s oracle was consulted over the popular idea of draining the marsh to end the affliction; the oracle advised against this, and suggested instead that the disease would pass in time. Nevertheless, under pressure, the city’s leaders decided to drain the marsh against the oracle’s advice. Shortly thereafter the Carthaginians advanced across the drained marsh and destroyed the city.

A Miniature Masterpiece By The Aitna Master

76. Sicily, Aitna AR Litra. Circa 467-461 BC. Ivy-wreathed head of Silenos right / Winged thunderbolt, ΑΙΤΝΑ around. SNG ANS 1239 (Katane); Jameson 537. 0.59g, 11mm, 2h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

1,000

The magnificent head of Silenos on this coin is from the hand of the Aitna Master, engraver of the famous tetradrachm that now resides in Brussels.

77. Sicily, Aitna Æ Trias. Circa 405-401 BC. Wreathed female head right, AITNAIWN before / Horse galloping right, trailing rein; M above. CNS 3; SNG ANS 1158; SNG Copenhagen 13. 7.03g, 19mm, 1h. Very Rare with such a well-preserved ethnikon. Near Extremely Fine.

500

78. Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 450-445 BC. Charioteer driving slow quadriga right, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both / Wreathed head of Apollo right; KATANA-IO-N around. Mirone 34 (same obv. die); SNG ANS 1244 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 892 (same obv. die); Rizzo pl. X, 3 (same dies); Basel 324 (same obv. die); Gulbenkian 177 (same dies); Kraay-Hirmer 35 (same dies). 16.92g, 26mm, 1h. Rare. Very Fine.

1,000

79. Sicily, Katane AR Drachm. Circa 412-410 BC. Charioteer driving fast quadriga right, Nike flying left above, crowning charioteer; ΚΑΤΑΝΑΙΩΝ in exergue / Head of Amenanos left, wearing tainia; two fish and crayfish around, AMENANOΣ above. SNG ANS 1263; SNG Copenhagen 181; Basel 335. 4.26g, 19mm, 5h. Rare. Very Fine. Attractive iridescent toning.

1,000

Ex Leu Summer List 1992.

80. Sicily, Katane Æ Tetras. Circa 412-410 BC. Bare head of Amenanos left, AMENANOS before / K-A, upright winged thunderbolt; four pellets around (only three visible). CNS 1; SNG ANS 1272; SNG Lloyd 915-6; SNG Morcom 552; Basel 342. 1.80g, 14mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; excellent condition for the type.

500

The Aitna Master At Naxos

81. Sicily, Naxos AR Litra. Circa 461 BC. Bearded and ivy-wreathed head of Dionysos right / NA-XI, bunch of wine grapes and vines around. Cahn, Naxos 63 (these dies); cf. Lanz 151, 260 for similar late die state. 0.64g, 11mm, 2h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine. Break at obv. 5 o’clock, repaired. An attractive example of this miniature masterpiece.

1,000

In 476 BC the citizens of Naxos and Katane were forcibly removed and resettled at Leontinoi by the tyrant Hieron of Syracuse. After the fall of the Deinomenid tyranny c. 461 BC, the Naxians were able to return from their involuntary exile to their ancient homeland. The refounding of the city was celebrated with an emission of coinage for which they sought the services of the most talented engraver of the time. This master, who had already distinguished himself with his coinage for the Aitna Tetradrachm, created for Naxos the dies for a series of coins of which the tetradrachms are undoubtedly the most famous, and of which only one pair of dies was made. For the litrai which were intended for mass circulation, the master produced three pairs of dies, in which his unique style can also be clearly seen.

82. Sicily, Tauromenion Æ13. Circa 325-275 BC. Laureate head of Apollo Archegetes left, APXAGETA before / Bunch of grapes, vine above; TAUROMENIWN around. CNS 12; SNG ANS -; SNG Morcom 847. 1.96g, 13mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Extremely Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the issue, with full ethnikon and epithet of Apollo; beautiful glossy surfaces.

A Run Of Gold Issues From Syracuse

83. Sicily, Syracuse AV 20 Litrai. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405-400 BC. Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin; ΣYP-A before / Quadripartite incuse square, Σ-Y-P-A in quarters; in deeper incuse circle in center, small head of Arethusa left, wearing necklace. Jameson 816; Bérend pl. XI, 3; Boehringer, Münzprägungen, pl. I, 6; Rizzo p. 225, fig. 53, b; SNG Lloyd -; SNG ANS 351; Pozzi 1263; Dewing 865. 1.16g, 11mm, 5h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

84. Sicily, Syracuse AV 60 Litrai. Time of Agathokles. Circa 317-310 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right, ear of barley behind / Charioteer driving fast biga to right, holding reins in his left hand and kentron in his right; triskeles running to right below. Jameson 858; Dewing 934; SNG ANS 552; SNG Lockett 1000; SNG Munich 1190. 4.32g, 16mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old lustre and tone.

3,000

There can be little doubt that the prototype for Agathokles’ issue of gold 60 litrai or ‘dekadrachms’ is the gold stater introduced by the Macedonian king Philip II and continued by his successors for at least two decades after his death, down to approximately the time when Agathokles came to power in Syracuse. Agathokles likely chose Philip’s design because it was familiar to Greek mercenaries, which he often had cause to recruit.

85. Sicily, Syracuse AV 60 Litrai. Time of Agathokles. Circa 317-310 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to right, ear of barley behind / Charioteer driving fast biga to right, holding reins in his left hand and kentron in his right; triskeles running to right below. Jameson 858 (these dies); Dewing 934; SNG ANS 552 (these dies); SNG Lockett 1000 (this rev. die); SNG Munich 1190. 4.27g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

86. Sicily, Syracuse EL 25 Litrai. Time of Agathokles. Circa 317-289 BC. Laureate head of Apollo l.; pilos behind / Tripod-lebes, SURAKOSIWN around. Jenkins Group B, plate 14 (these dies not shown); Dewing 941; cf. Goldberg 60, September 2010, lot 2298. 3.57g, 15mm, 10h. Very Fine. Attractive toning.

500

87. Sicily, Syracuse AV 80 Litrai. Time of Agathokles. Circa 305-289 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a griffin, single-pendant earring and necklace / AGAQOKLEOU BASILEOS, winged thunderbolt; monogram below. Jameson 867; Bérend, l’or, pl. 9, 8; SNG ANS 704; SNG Lloyd 1510; Jenkins pl. 15, C; SNG Ashmolean 2081 (same rev. die). 5.71g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

This piece is from a short-lived issue known from six obverse and seven reverse dies with numerous interlinkings, which suggest a specific occasion for its striking. Three alternatives proposed are the assumption of the royal title by Agathokles in 304 BC, the marriage of his daughter to Pyrrhos of Epirus in 297, or renewed preparations for war against Carthage, the last of which seems the most plausible; indeed we again see here a type familiar to Greek mercenaries that at once recalls the gold staters of Alexander The Great, and the silver staters of Alexander of Epirus.

88. Sicily, Syracuse AV 40 Litrai. Time of Agathokles. Circa 305-289 BC. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving galloping biga right; triskeles below horses, monogram in exergue. Jameson 859 var. (Φ in exergue); Bérend, l’or pl. 9, 11; BAR Issue 30; SNG ANS 706 var. (Φ in exergue); SNG Lloyd 1474 var. (T in exergue); Gulbenkian 337; cf. Triton VII, January 2004, lot 110. 2.83g, 12mm, 1h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

2,000

89. Sicily, Syracuse AV 20 Litrai. Time of Agathokles. Circa 295 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears / Bull butting left, SURAKOSIWN around. Jameson 860; Bérend, l’or pl. 9, 14; SNG ANS 707; SNG Lloyd 1475; SNG Copenhagen 752. 1.20g, 11m, 11h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,000

90. Sicily, Syracuse AV 60 Litrai. Time of Hiketas. Circa 279-278 BC. Head of Persephone to left, wearing grain wreath, pendant earring and pearl necklace; poppy bud behind, QE below / Nike driving galloping biga to right; moon above; Q below horses; EPI IKETA in exergue. Jameson 871; Buttrey 2-C/2-D; SNG Fitzwilliam 1362. 4.28g, 18mm, 2h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Splendid, lustrous surfaces.

5,000

After Agathokles’ assassination by Maenon, the latter put the former tyrant’s grandson to death and seized command of his army that was then beseiging Aitna, directing it instead against Syracuse. Hiketas was entrusted with the command of a sizeable army by the Syracusans to defend the city. Despite later seizing supreme power himself, Hiketas himself apparently never styled himself as king, as evidenced on the reverse of this coin. During his reign he defeated Phintias of Akragas and took that city, but when he turned against the Carthaginians he was badly beaten at the river Terias and expelled from Syracuse. This coin was produced to pay for his ill-fated campaign against the Carthaginians in 279. It is interesting that after his defeat the Syracusans continued to issue gold coins of his types but with his name erased in the die.

An Apparently Unique and Unpublished Reverse Die By The Master Of The Large Arethusa Heads

91. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Gelon. Circa 490-485 BC. Attributed to the Master of the Large Arethusa Heads. Charioteer driving slow quadriga right, above Nike floating vertically to right, wings and shoulders facing, crowning far horse with left hand and holding second wreath behind her in right hand / Head of Arethusa right, wearing headband and choker, beaded hair cut short before ear and falling loose down back of neck, faint linear arc surrounding head, apparently a guideline for the legend; ΣVRAQΟΣΙON and four dolphins around. Boehringer -, (V27/R-); Rizzo -; SNG Cop -; SNG ANS -; Jameson -; BMC -; Randazzo Hoard -; Gulbenkian -; Lockett -; Ashmolean -. 17.06g, 27mm, 9h. Extremely Rare – apparently unique and unpublished. Minor die shift on reverse; otherwise Good Extremely Fine.

25,000

This coin should properly lie between 47 and 48 in Boehringer’s series. This intriguing and important issue includes stylistic elements present on both Boehringer 47 and Boehringer 49; the pellets that make up Arethusa’s hair are coarser as on 47, and similarly the headband is much thicker. Other features such as the slighter letters of the legend and the more rounded columella of Arethusa’s nose are a stylistic evolution that is found on the later issue Boehringer 49. Similarly, the hair truncation is less pointed, and the dolphins’ tails are thinner. The form of the ear however, is distinct from both of these issues, suggesting an intermediary style wherein the artist was still refining his design. Of course the reverse of Boehringer 48 cannot be used as a basis for comparison as it features a left-facing head, however the obverse die state (being the only die used for 46-49) provides further evidence that this issue should be placed between 47 and 48, since the die break present on the foremost horse’s rear right leg on known specimens of 47 is seen in a very early state, and already by Boehringer 48 we see the break in a more advanced state, with an additional transverse break across both horses’ rearmost legs. On this specimen we see only the first break in an intermediate state, confirming that the issue should be seen as an important precursor to the artist’s attempt at a left facing head, followed by his return to a final right-facing Arethusa. Boehringer’s 1929 book ‘Die Münzen von Syrakus’ is still considered to be a comprehensive study of Syracusan issues, and it is rare that dies unknown to Boehringer are discovered. That said, the Randazzo Hoard of 1980 contained three obverse and eight reverse dies unkown to Boehringer, as well as twenty-five new die combinations. Given also the extreme rarity stemming from the very limited size of the issue of coins in this engraver’s series, it is not therefore surprising that one die should have gone hitherto undiscovered.

92. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Gelon. Circa 485-480 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa left, wearing diadem, earring and necklace; SVRAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 42 (V26/R26); SNG ANS 8; McClean 2601; Jameson 740; (all from the same dies). 17.07g, 27mm, 2h. Rare early issue. Good Very Fine.

5,000

93. Sicily, Syracuse AR Didrachm. Time of Gelon. Circa 485-478 BC. Nude rider on horse pacing right, leading second horse on far side / Head of Arethusa right, wearing diadem, earring and necklace; thin linear circle, around which ΣVRΑQΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins. Boehringer 51 (V28/ R34); SNG ANS 11 (these dies); Jameson Coll. 745 (these dies). 8.36g, 22mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Centrally struck on a broad flan. Minor corrosion.

4,000

94. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Circa 480-475 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, hair in bunch, wearing pearled hair-tie, earrings, and necklace; ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 187 (V84/R125); SNG Lloyd 1291 (these dies); SNG ANS 56 (this obverse die). 17.37g, 25mm, 4h. Very Fine. Old collection tone. An archaic portrait of very fine style – one of the most pleasing in the series; beautifully centred reverse.

3,000

Ex Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection.

95. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 470-465 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, hair in bunch, wearing pearled hair-tie, earrings, and necklace; ΣVΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 305 (V146/R212); Randazzo Hoard 470 (these dies); H. Troxell, The Norman Davis Collection, ANS 1969, #50 (this coin). 17.43g, 24mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.

3,000

Ex Norman Davis Collection.

One Of The Finest Known

96. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath; in exergue, ketos swimming right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, hair in bunch, wearing pearled hair-tie, earrings, and necklace; SURAKOSIWN and four dolphins around. Boehringer 481 (V256/R345); SNG Lloyd 1314 (this obv. die); SNG ANS 149 (these dies); BMC 72 (these dies). 17.21g, 29mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. One of the very finest known of this type. Ex Lawrence R. Stack Collection; Ex Stack’s Auction, January 2008, lot 2105. Struck on a remarkably large flan which has splayed around the edge due to the stress caused by the strike, yet all of the details including the dolphins’ dorsal fins have providentially survived intact. It would be very difficult indeed to find a finer example of this type.

8,000

97. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath; ketos swimming right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, hair in bunch, wearing pearled hair-tie, earrings, and necklace; SURAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 483; Jameson 760; SNG ANS 151. 17.07g, 26mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine. A very handsome early classical portrait of Arethusa.

3,000

98. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath; ketos swimming right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, hair in bunch, wearing pearled hair-tie, earrings, and necklace; SURAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 483; Jameson 760; SNG ANS 151. 17.55g, 28mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

99. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 460-450 BC. Charioteer driving slow quadriga right, holding kentron in right hand; Nike flying above right to crown the horses; ketos swimming right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, earring and necklace, hair rolled and bunched; SURAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 509 (V268/R365); SNG ANS 162 (same dies). 17.28g, 25mm, 3h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Pleasing old cabinet tone.

4,000

100. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 460-440 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath; ketos in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, earring and necklace, hair rolled and bunched; SURAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer -, (V271/R365). 17.06g, 28mm, 11h. Very Rare. This die pairing not listed in Boehringer. Extremely Fine.

5,000

Ex Moretti and Jameson Collections

101. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath; ketos swimming right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, hair bunched behind, wearing singlependant earring and necklace; ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 508.2 (V268/R360) = Jameson 764 (this coin); SNG ANS 161 (these dies); BMC 81 (these dies). 17.32g, 24mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Old collection toning. Excellent provenance.

5,000

Ex Athos D. Moretti Colletion; Ex Robert Jameson Collection, lot 764; Ex NAC 8, 3 Apr. 1995, lot 156.

102. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 445 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath; ketos swimming right in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, earring and necklace, hair rolled and bunched; ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 521 (V272/R370). 17.37g, 25mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. The finest example of the type to have been offered in the past decade.

5,000

Ex Gemini I, January 2005, lot 40.

103. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 440-430 BC. Charioteer driving slow quadriga left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both; Nike flying above crowning horses; ketos swimming left in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earrings and necklace with pendant, hair tied with two hair bands; ΣYRAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 596 (V294/R402); SNG ANS 194 (these dies); SNG Lockett 947 (these dies); Kraay-Hirmer pl. 30, 89. 17.08g, 31mm, 7h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

8,000

Ex Laurence Stack Collection; Ex Stack’s Auction, Jan 2008, lot 2108. This magnificent portrait of Arethusa is struck from one of the finest dies in the entire Syracusan series. This is a sublime rendering of this revered water nymph, who is here depicted with a both serene and benign countenance.

Three Beautiful Second Democracy ‘Sakkos’ Issues

104. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 430 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, wearing necklace with offset bead, double-hook earring, ampyx ornamented with olive branch, and sakkos ornamented with meander in band; ΣΥΡAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 641 (V326/ R441). 18.00g, 27mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Pleasant, even grey toning.

5,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch 146, March 2006, lot 64.

105. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 430 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath; olive branch in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing necklace, earring, ampyx and sakkos; ΣΥΡAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 652 (V330/R447); SNG ANS 215. 17.29g, 29mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Struck on an exceptionally broad flan; beautifully toned.

5,000

Ex Patrick Tan Collection.

The First Signed Die At Syracuse A Masterpiece By The Unkown Master ‘A’

106. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 420 BC. Signed by unknown master ‘A’. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with wreath / Head of Arethusa right, wearing double-hook earrings and necklace with lion-head pendant, ampyx decorated with olive branch, hair enveloped in sakkos drawn together at top and decorated with a meander pattern above chevrons; SURAKOSION and four dolphins around. Boehringer 699. 18.02g, 24mm, 9h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine; nearly as struck.

10,000

Roma Numismatics Auction I coverpiece; Privately purchased from NAC; Ex David Freedman Collection. The finest specimen known of this very rare type. Though the obverse strike was not quite perfect, it is clear that the dies were fresh when this coin was minted as evidenced by the subtle yet crisp detail of the horses. The reverse displays a magnificent head of Arethusa wearing a sakkos, a form of ornamental net, which is an intriguing indicator of the changing fashions of the time. This majestic portrait is rendered all the more impressive by the light tone of the piece and by the golden highlights that seem in this photograph to create an aura of divinity. The unknown individual who signed this reverse simply ‘A’ was the very first master engraver to sign his dies at Syracuse, around 15 years before other masters such as Eumenos, Kimon and Euainetos began signing theirs.

Signed Die By Eumenos

107. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 415-405 BC. Reverse die signed by Eumenos. Charioteer driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer / Diademed head of Arethusa left; ΣΥΡAKOΣION above, EVMHNOV below truncation, four dolphins around. Tudeer 19 (dies 8/12); SNG ANS 256; BMC 141; de Luynes 1180; Ward 275 (all from the same dies). 17.44g, 25mm, 2h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

4,000

108. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 415-405 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left; Nike flying above right, crowning charioteer with open wreath; grain ear in exergue / Diademed head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair in ampyx and sphendone; ΣΥΡAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Tudeer 63 (V22/R41); SNG ANS 281; Rizzo pl. XLVII, 10 (same dies); BMC 221 (same dies); Boston MFA 414 = Warren 382 (same dies); Gulbenkian 285 (same dies); Jameson 108 (same dies). 17.43g, 24mm, 11h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Ex Lanz 138, November 2007, lot 129.

10,000

Sicily in the mid-5th Century BC was riven by continual warfare between cities vying for pre-eminence and power over their neighbours, and such warfare required vast amounts of money to finance, money which the cities of Sicily had in abundance thanks to their favourable position on the Mediterranean trade routes. This constant state of war was contrasted by a climate of state-patronized cultural experimentation and development. Great artists, sculptors and die cutters were hired to imbue their employers’ cities with elegance and grandeur; the need for ready coin to pay mercenaries naturally leant itself to the die cutter’s advantage. The tetradrachms provided the ideal medium on which to explore, refine and hone their art, and while the first masters such as the ‘Maestro della foglia’, and the unknown master who signed his work ‘A’ (see lot 106) remained anonymous on their coinage, their students proudly signed their works with their signatures, and thus are passed on to us the names of Exakestidas, Kimon, Euainetos and others. Yet while the signed dies are often among the most coveted by collectors, many of the finest dies were left unsigned – as was the case with the present piece, which though lacking a signature is nonetheless an excellent example of the very best numismatic art of the period.

109. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 415-405 BC. Charioteer driving fast quadriga left; Nike flying above right, crowning charioteer; shell in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, wearing double loop earring and necklace, hair bound with two bands; four dolphins around. Tudeer 11 (V5/R8); SNG ANS -; J. Hirsch 32, 304 (these dies). 17.26g, 27mm, 3h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine. Some minor die rust and the usual reverse die break. Attractively toned. The present piece is only the second example of the type to be offered at auction in the last ten years.

7,000

Rare Fraction Signed By Euainetos

110. Sicily, Syracuse AR Hemidrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 410-405 BC. Reverse die signed by Euainetos; the obverse die an unsigned work of the same artist. Head of Arethusa left, wearing necklace with pendant, hair confined by ampyx and sphendone with wavy locks loose above ear; two dolphins around, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ before / Fast quadriga right, Nike flying above left, wings facing, crowning charioteer with wreath, [in exergue two dolphins nose to nose with die engraver’s initial E between]. SNG ANS 305 (same reverse die); Rizzo pl. liii, 5 and pl. LV, 2 (same reverse die). 2.03g, 15mm, 5h. Extremely Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

A beautiful example of this extremely rare fraction by Euainetos. Lustrous metal.

111. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy. Circa 405 BC. Signed dies by Euainetos. Charioteer holding kentron and reins, driving fast quadriga right, Victory flying above left, crowning charioteer with wreath on which is hung a tablet inscribed EYAIN-ETO in two lines; two dolphins in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, wearing diadem, necklace, earring and ampyx; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ behind, four dolphins around, [EYAI] on lower dolphin to left. Tudeer 42; Boston 407. 17.14g, 26mm, 4h. Very Rare. Very Fine.

3,000

Ex Peus 380, November 2004, lot 247; Ex Lanz 44, 1988, lot 80; Ex Hirsch 100, 1976, lot 5.

112. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405-399 BC. Unsigned dies in the style of Eukleidas. Charioteer holding kentron and reins, driving fast quadriga left, Victory flying above right, crowning charioteer; ear of grain in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, wearing necklace, earring and sakkos ornamented with stars; four dolphins around, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ behind. Tudeer 83; Dewing Coll. 850. 17.37g, 24mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Ex Peus 380, November 2004, lot 253; Ex KPM 44, 1993, lot 24.

3,000

Rare Issue Signed By Phrygillos

113. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405 BC. Reverse die signed by Phrygillos, obverse die in the style of Euarchidas. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath; in exergue, grain ear left / head of Arethusa left, hair in ampyx with ΦPY on the front, wearing single-pendant earring and pearl necklace; ΣVPAKOΣION and four dolphins around. Tudeer 51. 17.24g, 29mm, 3h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine.

6,000

Ex NAC Auction P, May 2005, lot 1261. Only four examples of this type were known to Tudeer; apart from the present coin, only one other has come to the market in the last decade. Struck on an exceptionally large flan.

114. Sicily, Syracuse AR Drachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405-400 BC. Unsigned work by Eukleidas. Head of Athena facing three-quarters left, wearing double hook earring and necklace of pendant acorns with central medallion and triple-crested Attic helmet; on either side, two dolphins snout to snout; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙWN around / Naked Leukaspis advancing right, wearing crested helmet and holding spear in right hand and oval shield in left; sword suspended by strap over right shoulder; square altar ornamented with garland in background left, and to right, forepart of slain ram on its back; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙWN around; ΛΕΥΚΑΣΠΙΣ in exergue. Rizzo pl. XLVII, 1 (this obverse die); Jameson 810; SNG ANS 310 (this obverse die); Kunstfreund 12; Boehringer, Essays Thompson pl. 38, 6. 4.22g, 18mm, 8h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine.

3,000

The similarities between this drachm and the facing head of Athena on the Tetradrachm engraved by Eukleidas (Rizzo pl. 43, 21-22) is evident; that larger issue was used as the model for this drachm and the hemidrachm below, which features a chariot scene. The advancing warrior on this drachm is identified as the hero Leukaspis based upon the inscription in the exergue which is rarely visible on most known examples. Diodorus informs us that Leukaspis – ‘he of the white shield’ – was a Sican who was killed in battle by Herakles.

115. Sicily, Syracuse AR Hemidrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405 BC. Helmeted head of Athena facing slightly left; four dolphins around / Charioteer driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer; two confronting dolphins in exergue. SNG ANS 312 (same dies); Basel 483; SNG Lockett 961; SNG Copenhagen 861. 2.08g, 15mm, 11h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine. Ex Jean Elsen 94, December 2007, lot 124.

2,000

The Finest Known Ex Star Collection

116. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405-400 BC. Fast quadriga driven left by chiton clad charioteer, holding kentron and reins, Nike flying above right to crown him; dolphin to left in exergue / Head of Arethusa left wearing double earring and necklace, hair bound with sphendone over which several tresses fly back; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around: two swimming left downwards and two right, upwards. Boston 443 (these dies); Dewing 860; Tudeer 99. 16.94g, 28mm, 4h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

15,000

The finest known example of this type. The dies are of masterly style, rendering both obverse and reverse with both flair and grace; struck on an exceptionally broad flan for the type, lightly toned with hints of iridescence. Ex Star Collection; Ex NAC 18, 2000, lot 129. This magnificent coin depicts the goddess Arethusa in her natural environment, her hair gently drifting in the current while dolphins play around her. Arethusa, a Nereid and attendant of Artemis, one day came upon a clear stream and began bathing, not knowing it was the river god Alpheus. He fell in love during their encounter, but she fled after discovering his presence and intentions, as she wished to remain a chaste attendant of the Goddess of the Hunt. After a long chase, she prayed to her goddess to ask for protection. Artemis hid her in a cloud, but Alpheus was persistent. She began to perspire profusely from fear, and soon transformed into a stream. Artemis then broke the ground allowing Arethusa another attempt to flee; her stream travelled under the earth to the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, Sicily.

117. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405-400 BC. Fast quadriga driven left by chiton clad charioteer, holding kentron and reins, Nike flying above right to crown him; dolphin to left in exergue / Head of Arethusa left wearing double earring and necklace, hair bound with sphendone over which several tresses fly back; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around: two swimming left downwards and two right, upwards. Boston 443 (these dies); Dewing 860; Tudeer 99. 17.50g, 26mm, 3h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

4,000

118. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405-395 BC. Fast quadriga driven left by chiton clad charioteer, holding kentron and reins, Nike flying above right to crown him; dolphin to left in exergue / Head of Arethusa left, hair bound with sphendone over which several tresses fly back; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around: two swimming left downwards and two right, upwards. Tudeer 103 (V35/R70); SNG ANS 300 (same obverse dies); SNG Lloyd 1407 (same obverse die); SNG Copenhagen 682; Jameson 809 (same obverse die). 17.35g, 25mm, 9h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

3,000

A Kimonian Dekadrachm Of Outstanding Quality and Beauty

119. Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 404-400 BC. Unsigned work by Kimon. Fast quadriga driven left by female charioteer leaning forward, with kentron in right hand and reins in left hand, Nike above flying right to crown her; heavy exergual line and panoply of arms below; [below to left, AQLA] / Head of Arethusa left, wearing ear-ring with pendant and beaded necklace; wavy hair bound in front with ampyx and caught up behind by net, SURAKOSIW behind; around, three dolphins swimming, while a fourth makes dorsal contact with neck truncation. Rizzo pl. 56, 6 (these dies); Gulbenkian 309 (these dies); J.H. Jongkees, The Kimonian Decadrachms, 12. 43.33g, 35mm, 1h. Extremely Rare. Minor die shift on obverse and light die clogging on reverse, but otherwise Good Extremely Fine.

50,000

A spectacular specimen of this eminently desirable type, struck in high relief, beautifully toned and well-centred on a large flan. The reverse of this piece displays particularly well preserved surfaces and a wonderful lustre. This reverse die is, despite the lack of a signature, certainly one of the finest of this prestigious series.

120. Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 400-390 BC. Unsigned dies by Euainetos. Fast quadriga driven left by female charioteer leaning forward, with kentron in right hand and reins in left hand, Nike above flying right to crown her; heavy exergual line and panoply of arms below/ Wreathed head of Arethusa left, wearing triple pendant earring and necklace, SURAKOSIWN behind; around, four swimming dolphins, pellet before. Gallatin J.IV/R.XXII; Boehringer, Finanzpolitik, pl. 38, 2; SNG ANS -; SNG Copenhagen 694; Boston MFA 430 (same dies); Rizzo pl. 53, 17 (same dies). 43.21g, 33mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine. A rare die combination missing from the ANS and Dewing collections.

25,000

121. Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 400-390 BC. Reverse die signed by Euainetos (off flan). Fast quadriga driven l. by female charioteer leaning forward, with kentron in right hand and reins in left hand, Nike above flying r. to crown her; heavy exergual line and panoply of arms below / Wreathed head of Arethusa left, wearing triple pendant earring and necklace, SURAKOSIWN behind; around, four swimming dolphins; [EYAINE below]. Gallatin C.XII/R.IV. 42.37g, 36mm, 4h. Good Very Fine.

25,000

122. Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 400-390 BC. Reverse die signed by Euainetos (off flan). Fast quadriga driven left by female charioteer leaning forward, with kentron in right hand and reins in left hand, Nike above flying right to crown her; heavy exergual line and panoply of arms below / Wreathed head of Arethusa left, wearing triple pendant earring and necklace, SURAKOSIWN behind; around, four swimming dolphins; [below, EYAINE]. Rizzo pl. LIV, 7; SNG ANS 368 (this obverse die); Gallatin R.IV/C.XIII. 43.28g, 32mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Attractive tone and lustre.

25,000

Privately purchased from Baldwins, 2006.

123. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Time of Timoleon. Circa 344-336 BC. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helm, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before. Pegasi 2; SNG ANS 496-507; BMC 5. 8.65g, 20mm, 2h. Fleur De Coin. A few light, insignificant deposits. Attractively toned.

1,500

Timoleon was dispatched from Corinth at the head of an army to answer a call for aid from Syracuse. When he arrived in Sicily there was no local currency sufficient to pay his mercenary troops. No Greek coinage had been minted for several decades in Sicily and the older coins that remained in circulation were worn and of mixed origin. Timoleon undoubtedly brought with him a war-chest consisting primarily of Staters (Pegasi) from his native Corinth and her allies and colonies in northwestern Greece which quickly became the dominant currency in Greek Sicily. When bullion became available, it is not surprising that Timoleon struck his own staters, based on the weight and bearing the types of his native Corinthian Staters, but with the Syracusan ethnikon.

124. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Time of Timoleon. Circa 344-336 BC. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helm, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before. Pegasi 2; SNG ANS 496-507; BMC 5. 8.42g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

125. Sicily, Syracuse AR Stater. Time of Timoleon. Circa 344-336 BC. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helm, ΣYPAKOΣIΩN before. Pegasi 2; SNG ANS 496-507; BMC 5. 8.52g, 20mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

126. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Agathokles. Circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethusa left, wearing triple pendant earring and pearl necklace, hair wreathed with grain leaves, NI below, three dolphins around / fast quadriga left, triskeles in upper field, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ in exergue, AN monogram below. SNG Ashmolean 2067; SNG ANS 633; BMC 348. 17.24g, 27mm, 10h. Fleur De Coin. An exceptional specimen of this type, being remarkably well preserved and struck in fine style on a full and complete flan.

8,000

Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection A High Relief Reverse Die In The Style Of Euainetos

127. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Agathokles. 310-307 BC. Head of Arethusa left, wearing triple pendant earring and pearl necklace, hair wreathed with grain leaves, NI below, three dolphins around / fast quadriga left, triskeles in upper field, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ in exergue, AN monogram below. SNG ANS 632; Kraay-Hirmer 134. 16.99g, 25mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

10,000

Ex Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection; Ex Sotheby’s Auction, June 1990, lot 285. This reverse die, the very best of the entire series, is engraved in unusually high relief and takes as its inspiration the portraits engraved by Euainetos a century before; in this endeavour, the artist’s labours were a splendid success and far surpass other attempted reproductions.

128. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Agathokles. 305-295 BC. Head of Kore right, wreathed with corn; ΚΟΡΑΣ behind / ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΙΟΣ, Nike, naked to waist, standing right, erecting trophy, triskeles in left field. SNG ANS 674; Dewing 949 (same obv. die). 17.12g, 26mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Lightly toned. A very attractive and well-detailed reverse.

2,000

After concluding peace with Carthage in 306 BC, Agathokles styled himself as King of Sicily, and set about firmly cementing his rule over the cities of the island. The marked departure of Agathokles’ coinage in this period from the traditional, established types of Syracuse is a reflection of the political situation and Agathokles’ own ambitions - Arethusa has been replaced with the more pan-Sicilian deity of Kore, advertising his control over nearly the entire wheat-rich island. The reverse proclaims his military successes, conveniently ignoring his apalling defeat in Africa, perhaps not entirely unfairly, because he no doubt blamed his own incompetent son for the disaster since it was he whom Agathokles had left in charge of the army there, and who had so spectacularly turned certain victory to crushing defeat.

129. Sicily, Syracuse AR stater. Time of Agathokles. Circa 304-289 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right; behind, trident head / Pegasos flying left; thunderbolt below. Pegasi 24. 6.75g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

500

130. Sicily, Syracuse AR stater. Time of Agathokles. Circa 304-289 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right; behind, trident head / Pegasos flying left; thunderbolt below. Pegasi 24. 6.52g, 19mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

500

131. Sicily, Syracuse AR 16 Litrai. Philistis, wife of Hieron II, Circa 218-214 BC. Diademed and veiled head of Philistis left; behind, torch / Nike driving galloping quadriga right; ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΑΣ above, E below; ΦΙΛΙΣΤΙΔΟΣ in exergue. SNG ANS 884 (same dies); Caltabiano-Carrocio, Siracusa Ellinistica, 37. 13.09g, 26mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

Philistis was a son of Leptines – a popular and influential man at Syracuse. She was married to Hieron, one of the generals of Pyrrhos of Epirus, after the latter’s departure from Sicily and Hieron’s appointment by the soldiers and citizens of Syracuse as commander of the troops. Following Hieron’s acclamation as King by the citizens of Syracuse for his defeat of the Mamertines, Philistis thus became Queen. Her son Gelo co-ruled with Hieron for some twenty five years, but he died a year before his father. The throne therefore passed to Hieronymus, Hieron’s grandson who was then only fifteen years old.

132. Sicily, Syracuse AR 10 Litrai. Hieronymos. Circa 215-214 BC. Diademed head of Hieronymos left; behind, K (retrograde) / BASILEOS IERWNUMOU, winged thunderbolt; above, KI. Holloway 41 (O21/R33); SNG ANS 1029 (these dies). 8.44, 23mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Light deposits on reverse.

2,000

Ex CNG 76/1, September 2007, lot 181. Hieronymos ascended to the throne of Syracuse at a time of crisis, for a Roman Consular army of eight legions and allied troops had been annihilated at Cannae only the year before, and Roman power had been dealt a considerable shock. The repercussions of that defeat had been profoundly felt in Sicily; the aged Hieron II had remained steadfast in his loyalty and support to Rome though a significant party in the city who favoured abandoning the Roman alliance and joining the cause of Carthage, despite their traditional enmity to that people. The young King had already shown signs of weakness and depravity of character, and allowed himself to be influenced by his pro-Carthaginian uncles into breaking the alliance with Rome and raising an army against her.

The Fifth Democracy Despite the assassination of Hieronymos and the removal of the pro-Carthaginian leaders, Rome’s threatening reaction to the danger of a Syracusan alliance with Carthage at the height of the Second Punic War forced the new republican leaders of Syracuse to prepare for a conflict, and despite attempts to preserve peace, war was declared in 214 BC. Shortly thereafter, a Roman army under the command of Marcus Claudius Marcellus arrived to lay siege to the city. Though the defenders held out for three years, in part thanks to the engineering genius of Archimedes, the Romans finally stormed the city under cover of darkness. Much of the population fell back to the citadel, but this too fell after an eight month siege. As retribution for the city having changed its allegiance to Carthage and for having forced the Romans into a lengthy and costly siege while Italy and Rome herself remained in peril, the city was thoroughly sacked and the inhabitants put to the sword or enslaved. This extensive series of siege coinage reflects the last flourishing of Syracusan numismatic art; the diversity of the coinage is all the more impressive given that the city was being subjected to protracted warfare during this period. The series is special too for its depiction of so many deities, whose divine assistance the people clamoured for to deliver them from disaster.

133

134

133. Sicily, Syracuse AR 12 Litrai. Fifth Democracy. Circa 214-212 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Artemis standing left, discharging arrow from bow, hound running left at her feet; SURAKOSIWN to right, XA to left. SNG Cop 878; SNG ANS 1040. 10.22g, 24mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

2,000

Ex George Fekula Collection; Ex Empire Coins Auction 10, May 1989, lot 18. 134. Sicily, Syracuse AR 12 Litrai. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet ornamented with snake / Artemis standing left, discharging arrow from bow, hound running left at her feet; SURAKOSIWN to right, XA to left. SNG Cop 878; SNG ANS 1040. 10.19g, 25mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive toning with lustre around the devices.

2,000

135. Sicily, Syracuse AR 8 Litrae. Fifth Democracy. Circa 214-212 BC. Head of Kore left, wearing pendant earring and pearl necklace, hair wreathed with grain, bee behind neck / ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, slow quadriga driven left by Nike, who holds filleted palm in right hand and reins in left, in upper field ΣΥ and API (first two letters in monogram), before horses AP monogram. Burnett, SNR 62 (1983), 51; Gulbenkian 360; Jameson 895 (same obverse die). 6.81g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

6,000

136. Sicily, Syracuse AR 8 Litrae. Fifth Democracy. Circa 212 BC. Reverse die Signed by Lysid.... Head of Demeter left, wearing earring and necklace; curled hair rolled and bound in barley wreath; behind, owl. / Nike driving quadriga right, wearing chiton, holding reins in left hand and kentron in right; above horses, monogram AKP; AI to right. Double exergual line inscribed LY. Jameson 894 (this obverse die), De Luynes 1395. 6.76g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

2,000

137

138

137. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemilitron. Second Democracy. Circa 410-405 BC. Obverse die signed by the artist E(uainetos?). Head of Arethusa left, hair in sphendone; E behind / Star of eight rays within incuse circle in center of quadripartite incuse square. CNS 16; SNG ANS 398-402. 4.51g, 17mm, 1h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

200

The meaning of the E on the obverse of this type has been the subject of much debate, and is most likely an artist’s signature, perhaps that of the engraver responsible for the famous issue of dekadrachms, Euainetos. 138. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemilitron. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 405-400 BC. Head of Arethusa left, hair in sphendone / Wheel of four spokes; dolphins in lower quarters; SURA in upper quarters. CNS 19; SNG ANS 403-410. 4.29g, 17mm, 3h. Good Very Fine.

200

139. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Litra. Time of Dionysios I. Circa 390 BC. Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with wreath; dolphin before and behind, SURA before / Bridled hippocamp left. CNS 44; SNG ANS 447. 8.70g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Very well preserved for the issue.

400

140. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Dilitron. Time of Timoleon. Circa 339-334 BC. IEUS ELEUQERIOS, laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios left / SURAKOSIWN, horse prancing left. Castrizio Series II, 1; CNS 80; SNG ANS 533-41; SNG Lloyd 1456-7; Basel 499. 18.75g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

500

141. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemilitron. Time of Timoleon. Circa 334-317 BC. Head of Persephone left, hair bound with fillet and tied in knot at back of head, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace / Forepart of Pegasos left; Σ below. CNS 79; SNG ANS 526-9. 4.96g, 16mm, 8h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

200

142. Sicily, Syracuse Æ23. Time of Agathokles. Circa 295 BC. SWTEIPA, head of Artemis right, quiver over shoulder / AGAQOKLEOS BASILEOS above and below winged thunderbolt. BMC 422; SNG Copenhagen 779; CNS 142. 9.18g, 23mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

143. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Trias. Fourth Democracy. Circa 289-285 BC. Head of Kore left; flower behind / Bull butting left; kerykeion above, A in exergue. BAR issue 36; CNS 104A; Favorito type 44 (Agathokles); SNG ANS 1195 (Agathokles). 3.69g, 17mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. Very sharp reverse and an excellent example of the issue.

300

144. SICILY, Syracuse Æ Litra. Time of Hiketas II. Circa 283-279 BC. Laureate head of Zeus Hellanios right, ΔΙΟΣ EΛΛΑΝΙΟΥ before / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, with wings displayed; A to left, SURAKOSIWN around. SNG ANS 804. 8.07g, 22mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

145

300

146

145. Sicily, Syracuse Æ24. Time of Pyrrhos. Circa 278-276 BC. SURAKOSIWN, head of Herakles left, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Athena Promachos advancing right, wielding thunderbolt and holding shield; in left field, vertical trident head. SNG ANS 852-7. 11.12g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

100

146. Sicily, Syracuse Æ23. Time of Pyrrhos. Circa 278-276 BC. SURAKOSIWN, head of Herakles left, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Athena Promachos advancing right, wielding thunderbolt and holding shield. SNG ANS 852-7. 10.64g, 23mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. 50

A Beautiful Tetradrachm Of Messana

147. Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. Circa 425-421 BC. The Nymph Messana, wearing long chiton and holding whip and reins with both hands, driving biga of mules to right; bay leaf and fruit in exergue / ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΝ, Hare springing right; dolphin swimming to right below. Caltabiano 492 (these dies); SNG Lockett 828 (these dies). 17.20g, 26mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful, subtle toning with hints of blue, gold and violet.

5,000

According to Aristotle, Anaxilas placed these types on his coins to commemorate his victory in the mule biga event at the Olympic Games in 484 or 480 BC, and his introduction of the hare for the first time into Sicily. Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messana was originally called Zankle, meaning ‘scythe’ because of the shape of its natural harbour (though a legend attributes the name to King Zanklus). Herodotus and Thucydides relate that in the early 5th century BC, Anaxilas of Rhegium encouraged the Samians and other Ionian refugees to seize Zankle, which was then under the rule of the tyrant Skythes, who had been appointed to that post in 494 BC by Hippocrates of Gela. Shortly afterwards Anaxilas himself beseiged the city, drove out the Samians, peopled it with fresh inhabitants and renamed it Messana in honour of his native city of Messene, which had itself been founded by Epaminondas after the battle of Leuktra.

148. Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. Circa 425-421 BC. The Nymph Messana, wearing long chiton and holding whip and reins with both hands, driving biga of mules to right; bay leaf and fruit in exergue / ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΝ, Hare springing right; dolphin swimming to right below. SNG Lloyd 1094 (these dies); SNG Tubingen 608 (these dies); Caltabiano 494. 17.07g, 26mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

3,000

Two Tetradrachms Of Magnificent Stlye

149. Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. Circa 420-413 BC. ΜΕΣΣΑΝΑ (retrograde) The Nymph Messana, wearing long chiton and holding whip and reins with both hands, driving biga of mules to right; two facing dolphins in exergue / ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΝ, Hare springing right; dolphin swimming to right below. Caltabiano 534. 17.35g, 27mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine.

8,000

A truly superb example of the type. Well struck from fresh dies on a large flan, displaying almost complete borders; attractively toned and exceptionally pleasing in hand. The composition of this type is in the finest style of the period, at a time when the master die engravers of Sicily were producing magnificent issues for the great cities of the island. While the earlier issues such as the previous two lots were already of a beautifully high standard, the present coin displays a refinement of technique and elegance that breathes new life into the type.

150. Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. Circa 412-408 BC. The nymph Messana, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow biga of mules left; in exergue, two dolphins confronted / Hare springing left; above, dove flying left; grain ear below, MEΣΣANIΩN in exergue. Caltabiano 622 (D223/R248); SNG ANS 378; SNG Lloyd 1105; Rizzo pl. XXVII, 7 (this obverse die); Basel -; Gulbenkian -; SNG Lockett 831; Pozzi 1094 (these dies). 17.17g, 27mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Light deposit on obverse at 11 o’clock.

10,000

With the creation of this sublime obverse die, coin production at Messana reached its zenith shortly before the city was sacked by the Carthaginians under Himilco.

151. Sicily, Messana Æ Tetras. Circa 433-422 BC. Hare springing left, Lagobolon above, F and grasshopper below; MESSANIWN around / Octopus with splayed tentacles. SNG ANS 384; Caltabiano 72, II/41 and 73, 6. 5.99g, 18mm, 4h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Unusually well preserved for the type.

1,000

152. Sicily, Mamertinoi Æ Hemilitron. Circa 270-220 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind / Nike standing left, holding wreath and palmbranch; six pellets in right field. CNS 47; SNG ANS 456-8. 10.35g, 26mm, 7h. Rare. Very Fine.

200

153. Sicily, Morgantina Æ Dilitron. Circa 340 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet and necklace, owl to right behind neck; ΜΟΡΓΑΝΤΙΝΩΝ before / Lion right, gnawing stag’s head, Γ above, coiled serpent below. CNS 2; SNG Morcom 640. 14.77g, 27mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Excellent condition for the type.

1,500

154. Sicily, Morgantina Æ Onkia. Circa 350-330 BC. Laureate female head facing right, ΑΛΚΟΣ before, monogram behind / Tripod, ΜΟΡΓΑΝΤΙΝΩΝ around. CNS 7; Laffaille Coll. 183; SNG ANS 470. 3.73g, 15mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

ILLYRIA

155. Illyria, Dyrrhachium AR Stater. Circa 350-300 BC. Pegasos flying to right, D below / Helmeted head of Athena to right, club and S behind, dolphin above; griffin countermark. Pegasi 46; BMC 4-5. 8.21g, 23mm, 2h. Very Rare. Very Fine.

500

EPIRUS

156. Epirus, Epirote Republic AR Drachm. Circa 210 BC. Head of Zeus Dodonaeus right wearing oak wreath, monogram behind / APEIRWTAN, eagle with closed wings standing right on thunderbolt, oak wreath around. Franke, Epirus 32ff. 4.98g, 21mm, 11h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned. Ex Gorny & Mosch 138, March 2005, lot 64.

2,000

AKARNANIA

157. Akarnania, Leukas AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos flying right, L below / Head of Athena facing left, wearing Corinthian helmet; vine and bunch of grapes behind, M above. Pegasi 38. 8.59g, 22mm, 7h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

1,000

158. Akarnania, Leukas AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos flying right, L below / Helmeted head of Athena right; kantharos behind. Pegasi 29; BCD Akarnania 187. 8.32g, 20mm, 5h. Very Fine.

500

159. Akarnania, Leukas AR Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Pegasos flying right, L below / Helmeted head of Athena right; kerykeion and Î&#x203A; behind. Pegasi II 92; BCD Corinth 221. 8.58g, 21mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

160. Akarnania, Argos Amphilochikon AR Stater. Circa 360-330 BC. Pegasos flying left, A below / Head of Athena left, wearing corinthian helmet with neckguard; crested corinthian helmet behind, APGEI above. BMC 8; CNS 11; BCD 132. 8.43g, 23mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned but lustrous, with hints of iridescence about the devices.

1,000

Ex BCD and J.S. Wilkinson Collections

161. Akarnania, Akarnanian Confederacy AR Stater. Leukas, circa 250-200 BC. ΛΥΚΟΥΡΓΟΣ, head of the youthful river-god Acheloös right / Apollo, nude, seated left on a volute ornamented marble throne, holding a bow in his right hand and resting his left arm on the chair; ΑΡ monogram to left, ΑΚΑΡΝΑΝΩΝ to right. BCD Akarnania 22.1 (this coin); BMC 4; Imhoof-Blumer Akarnanien 21. 9.95g, 24mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. Engraved in good style and attractively toned.

1,500

EX BCD Collection; Ex J.S. Wilkinson Collection; Ex Münzen und Medaillen, 18 October 2007, lot 22.1; Ex Malter, 15 November 1992, lot 387.

162. Akarnania, Ambrakia AR Stater. Circa 404-360 BC. Helmeted head of Athena left, tripod behind; AMBRAKIOTAN before / Pegasos flying right, A below. Pegasi 65. 8.33g, 23mm, 7h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,250

AETOLIA 1909 Pedigree - Ex Niggeler And Bougon Collections

163. Aetolia, Aetolian League AR Stater. Circa 250-225 BC. Head of Apollo wearing oak wreath to right; FI below neck / Aitolos standing left, right foot on rock, partially draped with chlamys and with kausia hanging behind his back, holding spear in his right hand and with sword under his left arm; LA to left, AITOLWN to right. Scholten 550, Chart III, 20-24; Scheu 51, 10; De Laix 72, 15; Tsangari 770a (this coin). 10.37g, 24mm, 9h. Rare. Good Very Fine. Attractive old toning. A superb example of this rare type with an impeccable provenance.

5,000

Ex Niggeler Collection; Ex Bougon Collection; Ex Sternberg, Zürich VIII, 1978, lot 68; Ex Bank Leu – Münzen & Medaillen, The W. Niggeler Collection I, Basel 1965, lot 273; Ex C. Platt, Paris 18/19 November 1935, lot 58; Ex E. Bourgey, Paris, 15 December 1909, lot 136. The Aetolian League was conceived during the reign of Philip II by the cities of Aetolia for their mutual benefit and protection and became a formidable rival to the Macedonian monarchs and the Achaean League. It occupied Delphi from 290 BC and gained territory steadily until, by the end of the 3rd century BC, it controlled the whole of central Greece outside Attica. At its height, the league’s territory included Locris, Malis, Dolopes, part of Thessaly, Phocis, and Akarnania. The League was one of the more effective political and military confederations of its time. In 279 BC a great mass of Gauls invaded mainland Greece, and were repelled and driven out after suffering severe losses at the hands of the allied states of Greece, and in particular the Aetolians.

164. Aetolia, Aetolian League AR Stater. Circa 250-225 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Aitolos standing left, right foot on rock, partially draped with chlamys and with kausia hanging behind his back, holding spear in his right hand and with sword under his left arm; Δ to left, AITΩΛΩN to right. Scheu 13; BMC 10; McClean 5402. 10.56g, 25mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

THESSALY

165. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 440-400 BC. Cloaked youth left, petasos flying out behind him, restraining charging bull / LARISAIA, bridled horse galloping right, reins trailing; all within incuse square. Herrmann group III, series H, 18; SNG Copenhagen 108. 5.93g, 20mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Pleasantly toned.

1,000

Ex BVH Collection.

166. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing three-quarters right, wearing ampyx / Horse grazing right, ΛΑΡΙ above. Lorber, 1992 67 = Lorber, Early O1/R3. 6.06g, 20mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Attractively toned; interesting early style.

500

167. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. 395-350 BC. Head of nymph Larissa facing three-quarters left / Horse grazing right, LARISA above. SNG Copenhagen 130 var; F. Herrmann, ZfN 35, Plate VI 2f. var. 6.26g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Beautiful style and attractively toned.

1,000

168. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 365-356 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing three-quarters left / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; LARIS above, AIWN below. Lorber, Hoard L-II; SNG Copenhagen -. 6.06g, 19mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Attractive toning.

500

A Larissa Portrait Of Outstanding Beauty

169. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 360-350 BC. Head of nymph Larissa facing three-quarters left / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ΛAΡIΣ above, AIWN below. Lorber SNR 79, pl. III, 29-30; Hermann group VII A; Dewing 1406. 6.13g, 21mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. A stunning portrait of the nymph Larissa, with vibrant iridescent tones over lustrous surfaces in the field.

3,000

This style of portraiture was copied from the tetradrachm engraved by Kimon that was struck at Syracuse. Great was the admiration and reverence for that coin even in its own day, and its influence can be readily seen in the present piece.

170. Thessaly, Larissa AR Diobol. Circa 344-337 BC. Head of nymph Larissa facing three-quarters l., wearing ampyx, earring and necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ΛAΡIΣ above, AIWN below. Hermann pl. V, 17; SNG Copenhagen 132. 2.34g, 15mm, 11h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine.

500

171. Thessaly, Larissa AR Didrachm. Circa 350 BC. Head of nymph Larissa facing three-quarters l., wearing ampyx, earring and necklace / ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙΩΝ, bridled horse advancing r., r. foreleg raised. SNG Copenhagen 119; Jameson 1092; Hermann pl. V, 2. 11.98g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

8,000

Ex NAC 48, October 2008, lot 74; Ex LHS Sale 100, 2007, lot 223.

172

173

172. Thessaly, Phalanna AR Drachm. Circa 400-344 BC. Head of Apollo right / Horse prancing right, ΦΑΛΑΝΝΑΙΩΝ around. Papaevangelou-Genakos 1; SNG Copenhagen 199. 5.59g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

500

173. THESSALY, Phalanna Æ Dichalkon. Circa 400-350 BC. Male head (Ares?) right / Head of nymph right, hair in sakkos; A below chin, FALANNAIWN around. Rogers 452 var. (no letter); BCD Thessaly 1255.3 = Papaevangelou-Genakos 21 var. (A behind nymph); SNG Copenhagen 206 var. 4.25g, 17mm, 11h. Very Fine.

100

174. Thessaly, Pharsalos AR Drachm. Circa 400-344 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right; TH-IP behind / Horseman wearing petasos, on horseback trotting right, mace over shoulder; FARS around TELEFANTO retrograde in exergue. SNG Copenhagen 220; BMC 6. 5.94g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

500

175. Thessaly, Krannon Æ15. Circa 400-300 BC. Horseman galloping right / Bull butting right; trident and PE above, KPAN below. Rogers 187; SNG Copenhagen 42. 2.45g, 15mm, 9h. Very Fine.

100

LOKRIS Ex BCD Collection

176. Lokris, Lokris Opuntii AR Stater. Circa 420-380 BC. Head of Demeter l., wearing barley-wreath, triple-pendant earring and necklace / Ajax the Locrian, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, advancing r. on rocky ground, holding short sword in his r. hand, round shield decorated on its interior with coiled serpent in his l. hand; between his legs, laurel twig with berry and two leaves; OPONTIWN around. Weber Coll. 3140; SNG Fitzwilliam 2801 (this rev. die); Delbridge, Corpus group 5, 64e. 12.25g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

8,000

Ex BCD Collection; Ex Glendining’s, 10 December 1986, lot 196. Ajax the Lesser, depicted on the reverse of this attractive type, hailed from Lokris Opuntii and led a flotilla of forty ships during the Trojan War. Upon Troy’s fall, he was alleged by Odysseus to have violated a sanctuary of Athena by ravishing Cassandra, who had sought refuge there. He thus brought down the wrath of Athena upon himself and his countrymen. Ajax himself perished on the return voyage, and the rest of the Opuntians reached home only with great difficulty. Nevertheless, they annually honoured their former leader by launching a ship fitted with black sails and laden with gifts, which they then set alight.

177. Lokris, Lokri Opuntii AR Obol. Circa 375-350 BC. Amphora with grape bunch and ivy wreath, OPON around / Star of sixteen rays; pellets in centre. BCD Lokris 32. 0.59g, 12mm. Extremely Fine.

200

Ex Peter Guber and Viscount Wimbourne Collections

178. Lokris, Lokris Opuntii AR Stater. Circa 369 BC. Head of Demeter l., wearing barley-wreath, pearl necklace and elaborate ‘boat’ earring with crescent and five pendants / Ajax the Locrian, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, advancing r. on rocky ground, holding short sword in his r. hand, round shield decorated on its interior with griffin, transverse spear behind hero’s legs; ΟΠΟΝΤΙΩΝ around. SNG Berry 570 (same dies); Gulbenkian 495–496 (same obverse die); SNG Lockett 1693 (same obverse die). 12.14g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

8,000

Ex Peter Guber Collection; Ex Viscount Wimbourne Collection; Ex Freeman & Sear Fixed Price List 9, Spring 2004, 29; Ex Sotheby’s, 4 April 1991, lot 52; Ex Leu 28, 5 May 1981, lot 102. This exceptional portrait, with its right-facing orientation and elaborate earring, has been suggested as the inaugural type of the Locrian series, but it is in any case certainly one of the most beautiful, and the reverse too is of an exceptionally fine style.

179. Lokris, Lokris Opuntii AR Stater. Circa 350 BC. Head of Demeter l., wearing barley-wreath, triple-pendant earring and necklace / Ajax the Locrian, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, advancing r. on rocky ground, holding short sword in his r. hand, round shield decorated on its interior with coiled snake; below, broken spear; ΟΠΟΝΤΙΩΝ around. BMC 15; SNG Delepierre 1258. 11.97g, 23mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

4,000

Ex Tkalec, October 2003, lot 87.

PHOKIS

180. Phokis, Phokian League AR Triobol. Struck under Philomelos, Circa 357-354 BC. Frontal bull’s head / Laureate head of Apollo right, laurel branch behind, F and W below and in front of neck. Williams - (O222/R193). 2.81g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Hints of blue and gold toning.

300

Ex BCD Collection.

EUBOIA

181. Euboia, Euboian League AR Stater. Circa 375-357 BC. Head of the nymph Euboia right, hair rolled in, wearing crescent shaped earring / bull recumbent right, EYB below, grape bunch on vine above. Weber 3389. 12.11g , 22mm, 5h. Rare. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine. A difficult type to find in good condition.

7,000

BOIOTIA

Two Rare Theban Staters From The BCD Collection

182. Boiotia, Thebes AR Stater. Klee(s)-, magistrate. Circa 379-368 BC. Boiotian shield / Amphora; incense burner to upper right, KL-EE across field; all within incuse concave circle. Hepworth 65; Head, Boeotia p. 65; Myron Hoard pl. E, 5. 12.13g, 24mm, 9/3h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a huge flan; a choice example of the type.

3,000

Ex BCD Collection; Ex Triton IX, January 2006, lot 504.

1933 Pedigree

183. Boiotia, Thebes AR Stater. Andr(okleidas), magistrate. Circa 390-382 BC. Boiotian shield / Amphora with elongated foot; AN-DR across field; all within incuse concave circle. Hepworth 4; Head, Boeotia p. 63; Myron Hoard pl. G, 33; BMC 112, pl XV, 1. 12.20g, 26mm, 12h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Struck on a very broad flan.

2,000

Ex BCD Collection; Ex Sotheby’s London 12 May 1983, lot 192; Ex L. Hamburger 98, 3 April 1933, lot 598. 184

185

184. Boiotia, Thebes AR Hemidrachm. Circa 425-375 BC. Boeotian shield / Kantharos; club above; all within incuse square. BCD Boiotia 408; SNG Copenhagen 289. 2.75g, 13mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

200

ATTICA 185. Attica, Athens AR Drachm. Circa 467-465 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 10; SNG Copenhagen 41-43; Svoronos pl. 11, 22. 4.23g, 15mm, 1h. Good Very Fine

800

A Dekadrachm Portrait In Miniature

186. Attica, Athens AR Drachm. Circa 467-465 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig behind; all within incuse square. SNG Copenhagen -; Svoronos -; BMC -. 4.06g, 15mm, 12h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine.

10,000

While the tetradrachm of Athens is found in great profusion, the same cannot be said for the fractional issues, and in particular the drachms of the transitional period which saw the production of some of the finest dies in the series. The portraiture on this issue is all the more remarkable for the striking resemblance to those found on the dekadrachms (see Triton X, Jan 2007, lot 230). Indeed, the near perfect reproduction of the style apparent on the Triton coin with all of its idiosyncrasies suggests that we are looking at the work of the very same engraver. The reverse too is no less worthy of mention, for the use of perspective in the engraving and the unusually high relief of the owl is such that it seems to truly stand out from the coin in a way that is seldom, if ever, seen.

A Published Athens Dekadrachm From The ‘Avant-Garde’ Dies

187. Attica, Athens AR Dekadrachm. Circa 460 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing droplet earring and crested Attic helmet ornamented with spiral palmette on bowl and three olive leaves above visor / A—Θ—E, owl with spread wings standing facing, olive sprig to upper left, all in incuse square. Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert, The Athenian Decadrachm, O13 (this die)/R21. Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert, “More Athenian Decadrachms,” SNR 88 (2009), 20a (this coin). 43.81g, 32mm, 8h. Extremely rare. Extremely Fine.

125,000

From a private English collection. A beautiful and excellent example of this extremely rare denomination, depicting an owl of marvellous style and clear detail. A few light scratches; the usual surface porosity and flan issues probably resulting from metal impurities. This magnificent coin, featured in SNR 88 and from the much admired ‘avant-garde’ style as described by Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert in his publication ‘The Athenian Decadrachm’, is important not only for the superb and stylistically interesting qualities of the engraving, but also in that this coin adds to and changes the known die links in the series, as Fischer-Bossert re-draws in SNR 88. In his book he suggests that the Athenian engravers ignored their instructions to design archaizing heads and instead produced these works which are described as being avantgarde and which, it is asserted, can be directly compared to other contemporary works of art. He writes: “The Athena head on O13 with its compact proportions, notably the arched forehead, the heavy chin and the fleshy cheek, evidently belongs with the sculptures made ‘after’ the Olympia complex, that is to say c.460.” While the engraver has included features within this composition that submit to the archaic style of their mandate, notably the hair and eye along with just a hint of a smile, the overall impression is more serious and grave. If the dating of this piece is indeed to be placed at circa 460 BC, this could very well be seen as a tacit reflection of the turmoil at home and warfare abroad in which Athens was then embroiled - in 461 BC Kimon had been expelled from the city, and Ephialtes murdered. The following year, when we might place the date of this issue, the leader of an Egyptian revolt against Persian rule appealed to Athens for assistance, resulting in the diversion of an Athenian fleet of 200 triremes from Cyprus where they were then campaigning, to Egypt. In the same year, Sparta and its allies declared war against Athens. The occasion for the creation of the Athenian Dekadrachm is one that scholars have debated for many years, and several theories have been advanced regarding the impetus for the striking of such a prestigious issue, and the source of the bullion required. Given that the coining of the dekadrachms seems to have occurred over a limited period of time from circa 467-460 BC, the most plausible explanation is that the occasion for their issue was the great victory at the Eurymedon in 467 BC, when Athens led the Delian League against a Persian force, capturing and destroyed 200 triremes, routing the Persian army, and capturing their camp along with many prisoners. The spoils were supposedly vast, and such a stunning triumph would have provided ample reason for Athens to strike coins displaying its emblematic owl now standing fully facing, its outspread wings a clear statement of Athenian military power.

A Beautiful Transitional Owl

188. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-455 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Sear 2520; Starr Group IV, cf. Starr 125. 17.17g, 25mm, 10h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

5,000

A beautiful example of this rare transitional style, which feature the finest stlyle owls of the entire Athenian tetradrachm series. Here the emblematic bird is rendered with a remarkable degree of realism and proportionality, and lies within the typically deep incuse square that characterizes the issue; evidence of the great care and attention to detail with which these coins were struck.

189. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-430 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31. 17.15g, 24mm, 9h. Extremely Rare with such a full crest. Extremely Fine.

5,000

190. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 420-405 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Flament group III, 28/b; Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 46; Dewing 1591. 17.02g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Struck on a broad flan, and with a well centred reverse displaying a full incuse square.

3,000

191. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 420-405 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 46. 17.24g, 24mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

192

193

192. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454–430 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31. 17.11g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

193. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 420–405 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Flament Group III, 29/II.r; Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31. 17.02g, 24mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex CNG 78, May 2008, lot 616.

194

195

194. Attica, Athens AR Obol. Circa 454-404 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / ΑΘΕ, owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 13; SNG Copenhagen 53-6. 0.68g, 9mm, 2h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

300

195. Attica, Athens AR Hemiobol. Circa 454-404 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / ΑΘΕ, owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 14; SNG Copenhagen 59-61. 0.33g, 7mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

200

Third Known Example

196. Athenian Style AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint (possibly in the Levant). Circa 4th century BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / ΑΘΕ, owl standing threequarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind, bull’s head before; all within incuse square. Cf. Svoronos pl. 17, 1 = De Luynes Coll. 2048 pl. 77, 2040 [sic] = W. Weiser, Zeitschrift fur Papyrologie und Epigraphik 76 (1989), p. 268, no. 9, pl. 16. 17.33g, 27mm, 9h. Extremely Rare – the third known example. Extremely Fine.

12,000

Two other specimens of this exceedingly rare issue are known – one in France (De Luynes), the other offered for sale at NAC Auction 46, April 2008, lot 296. The bull’s head on the Paris specimen had been interpreted as symbolizing the island of Samos, and the coin was therefore dated to 365 BC when the Athenians reconquered that island. However a further type displaying an incuse bull’s head, now known from two specimens including one at Gemini in January 2011 and a further example that has come to light since, suggests by virtue of the fact that the die likely had a protruding element to create the incuse symbol, that in fact this was more likely to have been struck at a mint somewhere in the Levant where there was experience of creating such partially incuse designs. Indeed, Gitler and Tal describe many varieties of Athenian-style coinage produced in Philistia in their recent work. While most of the issues they describe are small fractions, they do note the existence of locally produced tetradrachms in Athenian style, some with symbols and others with letters in the fields to distinguish them as local issues and not those of the regular Athenian mint.

197. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 480-457 BC. Sea turtle / Square incuse with large skew pattern. Milbank pl. I, 13; SNG Copenhagen 507. 12.35g, 20mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

198

1,000

199

198. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 456-431 BC. Land tortoise with segmented shell / Large incuse square with heavy skew pattern. Milbank pl. II, 12; SNG Copenhagen 516. 12.40g, 19mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

199. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 456-331 BC. Land tortoise with segmented shell / Large incuse square with heavy skew pattern. Milbank pl. II, 12; SNG Copenhagen 516; Delepierre 1535; Dewing 1683. 12.33g, 20mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

200. Islands off Attica, Aegina AR Stater. Circa 350-338 BC. Tortoise with segmented shell; A-I flanking / Large incuse square with thin skew pattern; N I in upper incuses, dolphin upward in lower left incuse. Milbank p. 51, a; SNG Copenhagen 526; Traité III 134. 11.89g, 21mm 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a very broad flan for the issue.

5,000

ELIS The 98th Olympic Games

201. Elis, Olympia AR Stater. Circa 388 BC, struck for the 98th Olympiad. Eagle standing left, grasping the back of a ram with its talons and tearing at its neck with its beak; the whole on round shield with raised rim / F – A (incuse) thunderbolt with closed wings above and volutes below. BMC 37, Kraay-Hirmer 501-502 (these dies), Kunstfreund 155, Seltman 172, BCD Olympia 92. 11.67g, 25mm, 4h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

4,000

By the middle of the fourth century BC, bronze statues of Zeus (paid for by the fines for lying, bribery and cheating) lined the route to the Olympic stadium. The first six of these were established in the 98th Olympiad, for which occasion this coin was struck, when the boxer Eupolos of Thessaly bribed his opponents. An inscription on the base of one of the first statues declares that “an Olympic victory is to be won not by money but by swiftness of foot or strength of body”. Inscriptions on other bases similarly urged piety and warned against violations.

202. Elis, Olympia AR Hemidrachm. Circa 191-146 BC. Issue for the Achaean League. Laureate head of Zeus right / Monogram, thunderbolt below. Thompson, Agrinion Hoard -; Clerk, Achaean League, pl. X, 18; BCD 679. 2.43g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

500

SIKYONIA A Run Of Beautifully Toned Coins From Sikyon

203. Sikyon AR Stater. Circa 350-330 BC. Chimera advancing left, right paw raised, ΣΕ below, wreath above / dove flying left, Ν below beak; all within laurel wreath. BMC 57; SNG Copenhagen 48; BCD 218. 12.25g, 24mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a large flan, well centred and beautifully toned.

8,000

204. Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Stater. Circa 350-340 BC. Chimera advancing left, right paw raised; wreath above, ΣΕ below / Dove flying right; A above tail feathers, Θ below; all within wreath tied at left. BCD 215 (this coin); Boston MFA 1179 (these dies). 12.24g, 23mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent tone.

2,000

Ex BCD Collection; Ex CNG 78, May 2008, lot 683; Ex LHS Numismatik 96, May 2006, lot 215.

205. Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Drachm. Circa 330-320 BC. Chimera advancing left, right paw raised; SE below / Dove flying left within wreath. BMC 68; BCD 227-230. 5.83g, 21mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

206. Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Hemidrachm. Circa 330-320 BC. Chimera advancing left, right paw raised; SI below / Dove flying left, S behind. BMC 119. 2.82g, 16mm, 11h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

500

207. Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Obol. Circa 330-320 BC. Laureate head of Apollo / Dove flying right, SI retrograde behind. BMC 167; BCD 262. 0.80g, 12mm, 6h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

400

CORINTHIA

208

209

208. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 405-345 BC. Pegasos flying right, Q below / Head of Athena facing right, wearing Corinthian helmet. Behind, Nike standing right holding thymiaterion. Pegasi 347; Boutin, Pozzi Coll. 3726; Cammann 84e. 8.39g, 21mm, 5h. Very Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

1,250

209. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 405-345 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; A below chin, astragalos behind. Pegasi 400; Ravel 1039. 8.56g, 22mm, 2h. Good Very Fine.

750

210. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos with curled wing walking left; Q beneath / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, four dolphins swimming around. BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -; Gulbenkian -; Pozzi -. 8.27g, 21mm, 10h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine.

211

1,500

212

211. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 400-375 BC. Pegasos flying left; Q below / Helmeted head of Athena right; lily flower behind. Ravel 587; Pegasi 152 (same dies); BCD Corinth 71; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 129 (these dies). 8.38g, 23mm, 2h. Rare. Very Fine.

1,000

212. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 375-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; E and race torch behind. Ravel 995; Pegasi 372; BCD Corinth 95; SNG Copenhagen -. 8.63g, 23m, 3h. Extremely Fine.

500

An Extremely Rare Drachm Of Corinth

213. Corinthia, Corinth AR Drachm. Circa 350-300 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Aphrodite left, wearing earrings and necklace, wavy hair bound loosely in back; A before, Y behind. SNG Cop -; BCD Corinth -; BMC 276. 2.72g, 15mm, 11h. Extremely Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Engraved in magnificent style and in extraordinary condition for the issue. Of the 34 drachms amongst the 981 coins of the BCD Collection of Corinth, there were none of this stunning type.

2,000

214. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying l., Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; I below chin, Nike flying l., holding taenia behind. Ravel 1030; Pegasi 420. 8.51g, 22mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Pleasantly toned. Ex Gorny & Mosch 180, October 2009, lot 141.

1,000

215. Corinthia, Corinth AR Stater. Circa 330-315 BC. Pegasos flying left, Q below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet; dove within wreath behind. Ravel 1029 var. (no G below chin). 8.57g, 22mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

ARGOLIS

216. Argolis. Argos AR Triobol. Circa 125-80 BC. Forepart of wolf right / Large A, Î&#x201D;-A above, MAP below, trident head below crossbar. BCD 1145; BMC 111. 2.20g, 14mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine. A superb piece with a beautifully detailed wolf. Pleasant blue/red toning.

500

MACEDON

Three Beautiful Chalkidian League Tetradrachms

217. Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 355-352 BC. Ariston, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo right / ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around kithara with six strings; ΕΠΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΩΝΟΣ below. Gulbenkian 422; Robinson-Clement 134; SNG ANS 497. 14.59g, 26mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Engraved in excellent style and well centred on a very broad flan.

10,000

Ex Nomos I, May 2009, lot 44. Olynthos took its name from the Greek olunthos – a fig which matures too early, for the area abounded with this fruit. Olynthos, son of Herakles, was according to tradition the founder of this city which rose to prominence as head of the Chalkidian League during the Peloponnesian War. Philip II of Macedon deprived the city of its League by both diplomacy and force, then undertook to besiege the city itself in 348 BC. Through the treachery of the city’s two leading citizens Euthycrates and Lasthenes, the city was betrayed to Philip, who sacked the city, razed it to the ground and sold all those within, including an Athenian garrison, into slavery.

218. Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 432-348 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around kithara with six strings. Robinson-Clement A63/-; SNG ANS 502 (corr.). 14.21g, 25mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. A portrait of fine style, centrally struck in high relief on a large sized flan.

5,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch 155, March 2007, lot 61.

219. Macedon, Chalcidian League AR Tetradrachm. Olynthos, circa 420-417 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around kithara with seven strings. SNG ANS 469 (same dies). Robinson-Clement A1/P1. 13.54g, 24mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

220

5,000

221

220. Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 432-348 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Kithara, ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around. SNG ANS 514; SNG Cop 235. 2.19g, 14mm, 8h. Very Fine.

200

221. Macedon, Chalkidian League AR Tetrobol. Olynthos, circa 432-348 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, Δ behind / Kithara, ΧΑΛΚΙΔΕΩΝ around. SNG ANS 515; Robinson-Clement B 15d. 2.33g, 15mm, 1h. Very Fine

200

222

223

222. Thraco-Macedonian Tribes, Ichnai AR Diobol. Circa 485-470 BC. Bull kneeling left, head right / Wheel of four spokes within incuse square. SNG ANS 940. 0.63g, 12mm. Extremely Rare. Very Fine.

200

223. Macedon, Argilos AR Tetrobol. Circa 510-480 BC. Forepart of Pegasos right / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Liampi, Argilos 16; SNG ANS -; SNG Copenhagen -. 2.43g, 16mm. Extremely Rare - apparently unpublished variant. Extremely Fine.

224

225

500

226

224. Macedon, Argilos AR Hemiobol. Circa 495-477 BC. Forepart of Pegasos right / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Liampi 72-90; SNG ANS 763. 0.37g, 9mm. Rare. Good Very Fine.

150

225. Macedonia, Eion AR Obol. Circa 500-437 BC. Goose standing right, looking back, lizard above / Quadripartite incuse square. AMNG III/2, 38 var. (A below goose); SNG ANS 278 (same rev. punch). 0.92g, 12mm. Very Fine.

150

226. Macedonia, Dikaia AR Trihemiobol. Circa 500-450 BC. Rooster standing right, DIKA around / scallop shell within incuse punch. AMNG III, 8; SNG ANS -. 0.70g, 9mm, 3h. Extremely Rare. Very Fine.

227

200

228

227. Macedon, Amphipolis AR Obol. Circa 357-353 BC. Male head right, wearing tainia / Perch right, AMFI around. Lorber 75 (O7/R7); SNG ANS 83-4. 0.42g, 9mm, 5h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

300

228. Macedon, Amphipolis Æ11. Circa 410-357 BC. Diademed male head right / Torch, AMFI around. SNG ANS 89; SNG Copenhagen 48. 1.74g, 11mm, 5h. Rare. Very Fine.

100

229. Macedon, Apollonia Æ22. Circa 187-120 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Amphora. SNG ANS 224-6; SNG Copenhagen 133. 7.77g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine.

200

230. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 475-325 BC. Lion right attacking bull standing left; DI above; laurel branch in exergue / AKANQON around quadripartite square; all within incuse square. Desneux 104-106. 17.27g, 28mm, 2h. Very Fine. Attractive style; lightly toned.

232

231

4,000

233

231. Kingdom of Macedon. Perdikkas II AR Tetrobol. Circa 451-446 BC. Horse standing right / Helmet right within square linear border within square incuse. SNG Copenhagen 486; SNG ANS 29. 1.90g, 13mm, 3h. Very Fine.

200

232. Kingdom of Macedon. Archelaos AR Obol. Circa 413-399 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Wolf’s head; club above, APXE around. SNG Copenhagen -; SNG ANS -. 0.39g, 8mm, 9h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

250

233. Kingdom of Macedon. Archelaos AR Obol. Reduced standard. Circa 413-399 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Head of lion left; club above; APXE around; all in incuse square. Westermark, Remarks, pl. LXIX, 8; SNG ANS 75 (quarter obol). 0.28g, 8mm, 3h. Very Rare. Very Fine.

250

Fine Style Apollo

234. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AV Stater. Pella, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer driving fast biga right, thunderbolt below; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider pl. 65, 404 (reverse). 8.62, 18mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Good style.

3,000

Ex Patrick Tan Collection; Ex CNG 69, 8 June 2005, lot 146.

235. Kingdom of Macedon. Phillip II AV Stater. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer driving fast biga right, trident head below horses; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Cf. SNG ANS 265 (= LeRider 181a); Goldberg Auction 37, 10 Sep 06, lot 3402 (these dies). 8.63g, 18mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. A portrait of fine style; beautiful lustrous surfaces.

2,000

236. Kingdom of Macedon. Phillip II AV Stater. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer driving fast biga right, tripod and K below; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider 238 (D101/R187); SNG ANS 272 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 526 (same dies). 8.60g, 19mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Patrick Tan Collection; Ex CNG 84, May 2010, lot 288.

237. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AV Stater. Abydos, circa 323-319 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer driving fast biga right, ΠΑ monogram below; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue, ear of grain below. Müller 247; Le Rider pl. 90, 12; Thompson Abydos 127; SNG ANS 305. 8.53g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Light metal flaw on cheek. Lustrous surfaces.

2,000

Apollo With The Features Of Alexander The Great

238. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AV Stater. Colophon, circa 323-319 BC. Laureate head of Apollo with the features of Alexander the Great right / Charioteer driving fast biga right, the charioteer holding reins and kentron, tripod below; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider pl. 93, 26; SNG ANS 309; M. Thompson in Studia Paulo Naster oblata I, p. 58, 12 = Jameson Coll. 978 (this obverse die). 8.60g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

6,000

Ex Patrick Tan Collection. This type which like the above lots traditionally featured a head of Apollo on the obverse, now displays a portrait that is stylistically unlike any of the previous issues. While not explicitly identified on the coin as being the image of Alexander, the facial features here bear such a direct resemblance to those on known portraits of him that there is now little doubt that the engraver has deliberately tried to evoke the likeness of that greatest of conquerors, Alexander. Nor, in this amalgamation of King and God by the engraver, do we see a wholly unjustified comparison: as Apollo was known as Phanaios - ‘bringer of light’, so was Alexander seen as having carried the light of Hellenic culture to the farthest reaches of the known world.

239. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 355-348 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Mounted horseman left, wearing chlamys and petasos, seated on caparison, raising right hand; trident head to left below; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. Le Rider 85, pl. 26 (this rev. die). 14.42g, 25mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Excellent style and beautifully toned. Ex Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection.

1,500

240. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 336-328 BC. Struck under Alexander III. Laureate head of Zeus right / Rider on horseback right, holding palm and reins, star below; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. Le Rider 371 (D187/R296); SNG ANS -. 14.47g, 25mm, 10h. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan.

241

1,500

242

241. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Hemidrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-318 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / rider on horseback right; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above, monogram below. Le Rider pl. 45, 7. 2.57g, 14mm, 10h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

300

242. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Hemidrachm. Amphipolis, circa 323-318 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / rider on horseback right; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ above, shield below. Le Rider pl. 46, 29. 2.57g, 14mm, 12h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

300

243. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AV Stater. Babylon, circa 317-311 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below left wing, MP monogram in wreath; below right wing, HP monogram. Price 3716. 8.57g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful, lustrous surfaces.

244

245

3,000

246

244. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AV Stater. Babylon, circa 317-311 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below left wing, MP monogram in wreath; below right wing, HP monogram. Price 3717. 8.50g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

245. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AV Stater. Miletos, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; monogram to left; double-axe to lower right. Price 2114. 8.61g, 19mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

246. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AV Stater. Miletos, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; corn-ear to left; double axe to right. Price 2096. 8.58g, 19mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Two Alexander Tetradrachms Of Superb Quality

247. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 325-315 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to right, horizontal axe in left field, coiled snake beneath throne. Price 246. 17.25g, 27mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Extremely rare symbol; struck on a very broad flan.

3,000

248. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 315-310 BC. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to r., Boeotian shield in left field, coiled snake beneath throne. Price 249. 17.21g, 28mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Struck on a very broad flan.

3,000

249. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AR Tetradrachm. Rhodes, civic issue, circa 205-190 BC. Hephaistion, magistrate. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to right, HΦAIΣTIΩN above rose in left field; PO below throne. Price 2522; Kleiner, Alexander, series IX, obv. die S; Ashton 254. 17.09g, 30mm, 11h. Rare. Very Fine.

1,000

250. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 315-294 BC. Struck under Kassander, Philip IV, or Alexander (son of Kassander). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to right, Λ/T above torch in left field; E below throne. Price 440 var. (strutted throne, E above strut); cf. CNG E240, September 2010, lot 123 (these dies). 17.27g, 27mm, 9h. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

251. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AR Drachm. Chios, circa 290-275 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to r., monogram above grapes in left field. Price 2318 corr.; Müller 1531. 4.24g, 21mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin. Old, dark tone, but highly lustrous metal.

500

252. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AR Drachm. Chios, circa 290-275 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to r., M within vine wreath in left field, bunch of grapes below. Price 2324. 4.13g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

300

253. Kingdom of Macedon. Alexander III AR Drachm. Chios, circa 290-275 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion’s skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding eagle and sceptre; ALEXANDROU to r., M within vine wreath in left field, bunch of grapes below. Price 2324. 4.15g, 20mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin.

500

254. Kingdom of Macedon. Antigonos Doson AR Tetradrachm. Circa 227-225 BC. Head of Poseidon right, wearing wreath of seaweed / Apollo, naked, holding bow in right hand, seated to left on prow on which inscribed ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ. Monogram and Μ beneath. SNG Alpha Bank 1048 var. (different second monogram); I.L. Merker, ANSMN 9 (1960), p. 49; SNG Copehagen Supl. 218 var. 17.01g, 31mm, 12h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

2,000

Rare Denomination

255. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip V AR Didrachm. Pella, circa 184-179 BC. Diademed head of Philip V right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ, club with one monogram above and two below; all within oak wreath; star to left. Mamroth, Philip 25:1; SNG Alpha Bank 1055. 8.48g, 27mm, 11h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan and well centred. Ex George Fekula Collection; Privately purchased from Harlan J Berk, March 1995.

3,000

256. Kingdom of Macedon. Perseus AR Tetradrachm. Pella or Amphipolis mint, circa 173-171 BC. Au-, magistrate. Diademed head of Perseus right / BASILEWS PERSEWS, eagle standing right, wings spread, on thunderbolt; mintmaster’s monogram to right, control marks above and between legs; all within oak wreath, plow below. Mamroth, Perseus 19b; AMNG III 3 note; SNG Alpha Bank 1132 var (top monogram). 15.53g, 32mm, 12h. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

257. Macedonia under Roman Rule. First Meris AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 167-149 BC. Head of Artemis right, wearing stephane, quiver and bow over shoulder, all within tondo of Macedonian shield / MAKEDONWN PRWTHS horizontal club, monograms above and below, all within oak wreath. SNG Copenhagen 1313 (this obverse die). 17.13g, 32mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. A splendid example of the type; beautifully centred and struck.

1,500

THRACE

258. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos AV Stater. Byzantion, circa 200-150 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon r., S below / BASILEWS LUSIMAXOU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, resting left arm on shield set on ground; spear behind, monogram to l., BY beneath throne; trident in exergue. SNG Cop 1086-1088 var. (monogram); Müller 171. 8.33g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,500

259. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lampsakos, circa 297-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / BASILEWS LUSIMAXOU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, resting left arm on shield set on ground, spear behind; herm to outer left, ΔΞ monogram to inner left. Thompson 50; Müller 91; SNG France 2553-4. 16.87g, 32mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a very broad flan; very fine style.

3,000

260. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lampsakos, circa 297-281 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right / BASILEWS LUSIMAXOU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, resting left arm on shield set on ground, spear behind; monogram above star to inner left. Thompson 61; Müller -. 17.02g, 31mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal; a portrait of excellent style.

3,000

261. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Magnesia, circa 297-281 B.C. Diademed head of the deified Alexander with horn of Ammon right, / BASILEWS LUSIMAXOU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, resting left arm on shield decorated with gorgon set on ground, spear behind; kerykeion with handle to left. Thompson 195. 17.26g, 35mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

262. Kings of Thrace. Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm - Posthumous restoration. Byzantion, struck during the First Mithridatic War, circa 88-86 BC. Head of deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / BASILEWS LUSIMAXOU, Athena Nikephoros seated left holding Nike who crowns LUSIMAXOU to left; spear behind, monogram above knee, BY below throne; trident in exergue. De Callataÿ Group 2A; Müller 199; SNG Copenhagen -. 16.98g, 37mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin. A massive coin, perfectly preserved with incredibly sharp details.

2,000

263. Thrace, Maroneia AR Tetradrachm. Circa 386-347 BC. Choregos, magistrate. Horse prancing left, rein trailing / vine with four bunches of grapes within linear square border; EPI-XOP-HG-O around; cicada to upper left; all within shallow incuse square. Schönert-Geiss 439 (V16/R25); BMC 26 (these dies). 11.32g, 23mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Pleasing old collection tone.

2,500

Ex CNG 78, May 2008, lot 280.

264. Thrace, Maroneia AR Stater. Circa 386-347 BC. Horse prancing left, eagle above / Linear square, vine with four bunches of grapes, tendrils and leaves within; ΕΠΙ ΗΓΕΣ above, ΑΓΟΡΕΩ below. Schönert-Geiss 407-9. 10.67g, 24mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Extraordinary rendering of the horse on the obverse. Wonderful iridescent toning.

3,000

Maroneia was famous for its wine production. The wine was esteemed everywhere; it was said to possess the odor of nectar, and to be capable of mixture with twenty or more times its quantity with water. The people of Maroneia’s veneration of Dionysus is evident not just from the city’s coins, but also from its famous Dionysian Sanctuary, the foundations of which can still be seen today.

265. Thrace, Maroneia AR Tetrobol. Circa 386-347 BC. Zenon, magistrate. Forepart of horse right, M-A across / Grape bunch on vine within dotted square border, EPI-ZH-NW-NOS around. Schönert-Geiss 521-34; SNG Copenhagen 622. 2.61g, 15mm, 4h. Very Fine.

200

Very Rare Didrachm Of Abdera

266. Thrace, Abdera AR Didrachm. Circa 540-515 BC. Griffin with wing curved and pointing upwards, seated left, raising paw / Quadripartite incuse square. May 9. 7.42g, 19mm. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine.

2,000

May recorded only three didrachms in his corpus on the coinage of Abdera.

267. Thrace, Abdera AR Tetrobol. Circa 395-360 BC. Protes, magistrate. Griffin, forepaws raised, springing left from grain ear / Laureate head of Apollo left; ΠPΩTHΣ to right; all in linear border within shallow incuse square. May 331 (A-/P281 [unlisted rev. die]); AMNG II 123; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 44a. 2.78g, 16mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

500

268. Thrace, Abdera AR Tetrobol. Circa 385-375 BC. Molpagores, magistrate. Griffin seated left, preparing to spring / MOLPAGORHES, head of Dionysus left in linear square, wearing wreath of ivy; all within shallow incuse square. May 415. 2.73g, 16mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning.

300

269. Thrace, Abdera AR Tetrobol. Circa 385-375 BC. Molpagores, magistrate. Griffin seated left, preparing to spring / MOLPAGORHES, head of Dionysus left in linear square, wearing wreath of ivy; all within shallow incuse square. May 418. 2.76g, 15mm, 3h. Very Fine.

200

1923 Pedigree

270. Thrace, Ainos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 410 BC. Head of Hermes to right, wearing petasos with a beaded border and a button top / AIN, Goat walking to right; to right, kerykeion. Kraay-Hirmer 422; Locker-Lampson 131; May 255c (this coin); SNG Lockett 1157. 16.39g, 23mm, 7h. Minor old scuff, otherwise, About Extremely Fine.

15,000

Splendid old cabinet tone, and of beautiful late classical style. This portrait is one of the last profile heads to appear on the coinage of Ainos, and is arguably the finest die of the entire series. Ex Leu 83, 2002, lot 138; Ex Sotheby’s Zürich, 26 October 1993, lot 24; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 6, 11 March 1993, lot 131; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXII, 1 June 1989, lot 236; Ex R. Ratto, 4 April 1927, lot 789; Ex Naville V, 18 June 1923, lot 1509. The city of Ainos began striking its first tetradrachms only after the expulsion of the Persians from northern Greece following Xerxes’ defeat at Salamis. Its early issue of coinage came to an end with the Athenian coinage decree of 449 BC, but the mint began to strike again around 435 BC, finally ending when Philip of Macedon conquered the city in 342 BC. The coinage of Ainos consistently displayed Hermes on one side and a goat on the other, the reasons for which are that the goat represented the source of Ainos’ prosperity, and Hermes was the patron god of the city. According to a poem by Kallimachos, the sculptor Epeios, who constructed the Trojan Horse, also made a wooden statue (xoanon) of Hermes, which was washed out to sea and recovered by fishermen on the Hebros river. The fishermen, thinking it just a piece of driftwood, tried to burn it in their bonfire. When it failed to burn they took fright and threw it back into the sea, which promptly cast it back again. The natives accepted it as a relic of the gods, and erected the sanctuary of Hermes Perpheraios (the Wanderer) at the future site of Ainos.

271. Thrace, Kallatis AR Hemidrachm. Circa 300-250 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / KALLA, bow and bowcase below, club and ear of grain above. BMC 203; SNG Stancomb 64. 1.78g, 13mm, 8h. Very Rare. Very Fine.

272

200

273

272. Thracian Islands, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 480-463 BC. Satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 5; SNG Copenhagen 1010-1. 8.88g, 22mm. Good Very Fine.

400

Ex CNG 85, September 2010, lot 219. 273. Thracian Islands, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 480-463 BC. Satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 5; SNG Copenhagen 1010-11. 8.35g, 22mm. Very Fine. Ex CNG 240, September 2010, lot 92.

200

274. Thasos AR Drachm. Circa 435-411 BC. Satyr crouching right, abducting protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider 8; SNG Copenhagen 1019. 3.72g, 16mm. Extremely Fine. Exceptionally good metal quality for the issue, and attractively toned.

1,000

Ex BVH Collection.

275. Islands off Thrace, Thasos AR Stater. Circa 412-404 BC. Satyr advancing right, carrying nymph; A to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 6; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 103. 8.94g, 22mm. Very Fine.

750

Ex CNG 240, September 2010, lot 93.

276. Thrace, Byzantion AR Siglos. Circa 340-320 BC. Bull standing l. on dolphin, PY above / Mill-sail incuse punch. BMC Black Sea 21; SchonertGeiss 27. 5.35g, 18mm. Good Extremely Fine.

250

Perfect Example Of The Type

277. Thrace, Koson AV Stater. Dacian mint, circa 44-43 BC. Roman consul accompanied by two lictors, monogram to left, ΚΟΣΩΝ in exergue / Eagle standing left on sceptre, holding wreath. BMC Thrace 1; RPC I 1701. 8.38g, 22mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

Although a common type, perfect examples such as this are very scarce. Struck on an extraordinarily large flan.

MOESIA

278. Moesia, Istros AR Drachm. Circa 4th Century BC. Facing male heads, the left inverted / Sea-eagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; IΣTPIH above, monogram below. AMNG I/1 421; SNG BM Black Sea 253; SNG Stancomb 149; SNG Copenhagen -. 5.01g, 18mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. A beautifully toned and finely detailed example of the type.

750

TROAS

279. Islands off Troas, Tenedos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 100-70 BC. Janiform head composed of a laureate and bearded head of Zeus to left and a diademed head of Hera to right / ΤΕΝΕΔΙΩΝ, Double axe; monogram of ΠΑ and bunch of grapes below left; caps of the Dioscouri below right; all within laurel wreath. Callataÿ, Tenedos 82. 16.89g, 32mm, 11h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine. Somewhat corroded, but all major details still present.

3,000

The early coinage of Tenedos bore janiform heads similar to the one here, but on those the male head was bare and without a laurel wreath. Those heads portrayed two characters from a local foundation legend: Tenes and, probably, his young step-mother and lover, Philonome. However, even in ancient times the combination of the janiform, male/female head and the double axe on the reverse gave rise to tales of the punishment for adultery, and by the end of the 5th century the head on the coins of Tenedos was transformed into one of Zeus and Hera. After a long break when the only silver coins struck were posthumous Lysimachos tetradrachms, Tenedos resumed minting silver during the 1st century BC with a series of tetradrachms and drachms, like the present example.

CRETE

280. Crete, Gortyna AR Drachm. Circa 94-87 BC. Diademed, bearded head of Zeus r. / ΓΟΡΤΥΝΙΩΝ, Apollo, nude, seated l. on rock, head facing, his r. foot placed on rock, holding bow in his lowered l. hand, his r. hand resting on his r. knee. Svoronos 164 var. 3.14g, 18mm, 10h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

400

AEOLIS

281

282

281. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing r., holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monogram in left field. SNG Copenhagen 221; Dewing 2231; Sacks, ANSMN 30, 1985, 45. 16.77g, 34mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

282. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Orynios standing r., holding branch and phiale; omphalos and amphora at his feet, MURINAIWN behind, monogram in left field. SNG Copenhagen 223; SNG Lockett 2749 Sacks, ANSMN 30, 1985, 30. 16.64g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

283. Aeolis, Kyme AR Tetradrachm. Circa 165-140 BC. Kallias, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, hair bound with taenia / Horse standing right, one-handled cup below raised foreleg, KUMAIWN right, all within wreath. SNG Copenhagen 103. 16.81g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

IONIA

284. Ionia, Smyrna AR Tetradrachm. Circa 150 BC. Turreted head of Tyche r. / ΣΜΥΡ-ΝΑΙΩΝ in two lines, monogram of Metrodoros below; all within wreath. Milne, NC 1914, p. 275, 5 var., and pl. XVI, A1 (a) (this obverse die); SNG Von Aulock 2162 var.; cf. NAC 52, October 2009, lot 173 (these dies). 16.80g, 35mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine.

3,000

285. Ionia, Herakleia ad Latmon AR Tetradrachm. Circa 165-140 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet decorated with a pegasos above the foreparts of five galloping horses / HRAKLEWTWN, club; below, SK> monogram to left & WDPI monogram to right of Nike walking left holding wreath, all within oak wreath. SNG Lockett 2823; SNG Kayhan 330; Pozzi 2452. 16.84g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly Toned. A superb piece.

3,000

286. Ionia, Magnesia AR Didrachm. Circa 340 BC. Armoured and helmeted cavalryman galloping r., chlamys billowing behind, holding lance / MAGN above bull butting l., LUCOMHD below; the whole within meander. IW 1723 und Ph. Kinns, Two Studies in the Silver Coinage of Magnesia on the Maeander, Essays Kraay-MĂ¸rkholm 136, 4. 7.07g, 21mm, 12h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Beautiful old toning.

2,500

287. Ionia, Phokaia AR Triehemiobol. Circa 500-490 BC. Female head left / Quadripartite incuse punch. SNG Von Aulock 1613; Cahn, Studies Price, pl 15, 2. 1.37g, 9mm. Good Very Fine.

100

288. Ionia, Teos AR Stater. Circa 510-490 BC. Griffin seated r., with l. forepaw raised, vines and bunch of grapes in lower r. field; THIOS around / Quadripartite incuse square. Balcer 15; BMC 55 var. 12.09g, 26mm. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

1,000

Unique

289. Ionia, Teos AR Stater. Circa 478-465 BC. Griffin seated r., with l. forepaw raised; cista(?) in lower r. field; THI around / Quadripartite incuse square. Balcer –; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Von Aulock -; BMC -. 11.89g, 26mm. Apparently unique and unrecorded in the major publications. Good Extremely Fine.

3,000

Ex NAC 33, April 2006, lot 161.

One Of Four Known

290. Ionia, Miletos AR “Persic” Stater. Circa 259-246 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Lion walking left, head right, looking back at eight-pointed star, MI over AP monograms to left, magistrate’s name SAMIOS in exergue. Deppert-Lipitz 504 (this reverse die); Bement Collection (Naville, June 1924) lot 11465 (this obverse die). 10.59g, 26mm, 11h. Extremely Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

8,000

This extremely rare issue, known from only 14 surviving examples, was struck on a highly unusual weight standard which was quite different from the one normally employed by Miletos in the 3rd century BC - the city normally struck didrachms of about 6.5 grams in weight. It has been observed by some numismatists that this ‘new’ standard was equivalent to two of the old Persian sigloi and it has therefore been dubbed the “Persic” standard. The reason for such a change is unknown; indeed, since the siglos had not been actively minted for half a century at the time these coins were struck, and the Persian Empire was by this time a fading memory, the choice of this particular weight standard is all the more puzzling. In any case, the new weight standard was quickly abandoned, and only 14 examples of these rare, heavy issues have survived to the present, with only four in the name of the magistrate Samios.

291. Ionia, Uncertain mint AV 1/24 Stater. Circa 600-550 BC. Facing head of lion / Incuse square punch. SNG Von Aulock 1802f. 0.51g, 5mm. Very Fine.

LESBOS

400

One Of The Earliest Issues From Mytilene

292. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 521-478 BC. Forepart of bull left, M below / Incuse head of roaring lion left; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 2; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Von Aulock 1683. 2.55g, 10mm, 7h. Extemely Rare. Fleur De Coin.

500

This is an exceptional example of one of the very earliest emissions of electrum hektes from Mytilene. Only the first few initial issues identified the mint by including the letter M on the design. Unlike her fellow cities of Phokaia and Kyzikos which also produced extensive series in electrum, Mytilene did not thereafter include a symbol or letter to identify her coins, perhaps because they were so well known that it was seen as unnecessary.

293. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 521-478 BC. Winged boar flying right / Incuse head of roaring lion right. Bodenstedt 15; SNG Von Aulock 7717; SNG Copenhagen -. 2.58g, 10mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

294. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 377-326 BC. Veiled head of Demeter r., wearing barley wreath / Tripod decorated with two fillets hanging at sides; all within square frame. Gulbenkian 885; SNG Von Aulock 1726; Bodenstedt 91. 2.54g, 12mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

500

295. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 377-326 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; small coiled serpent behind / Head of female right, hair in sakkos, within linear square. Bodenstedt 100B (dies K/E); SNG Von Aulock 1715; SNG Copenhagen 317. 2.57g, 10mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

500

296. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of Kabeiros right, wearing pileos; two stars flanking / Head of Persephone right within linear square. Bodenstedt 99; SNG Von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen 321. 2.54g, 10mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

297. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of Persephone r., wearing barley wreath / Bull butting l., within linear frame. SNG Lockett 2765; Bodenstedt 88; SNG Von Aulock 7737. 2.57g, 11mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

500

298. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of Dionysos right wearing ivy wreath / Diademed head of youth right. Bodenstedt 81; SNG Copenhagen 322. 2.53g, 10mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

300

299. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hecte. Circa 377-326 BC. Head of Dionysos facing right, wearing ivy-wreath / Mask of Silenos facing in thin square frame, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 90; Traite II 2, col. 2200, pl. 161, 1; BMC 77; SNG Copenhagen 324. 2.56g, 11mm, 1h. Fleur De Coin.

500

LYDIA

300. Kings of Lydia. Time of Cyrus to Darius I, AR Siglos. Sardes, circa 545-520 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse square punches of unequal size. Berk 23; Traité I 411; SNG Kayhan 1025; SNG Von Aulock 2877-9; SNG Copenhagen 456. 5.26g, 16mm. Good Very Fine.

1,000

MYSIA Unique Diobol Of Cisthene

301. Mysia, Cisthene. Persian satrap Orontes AR Diobol. Circa 4th Century BC. Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet / forepart of winged boar left, OPONTA around. Cf. Troxell, Orontes, Satrap of Mysia, SNR 60, 1981, p.30, 4 – tetrobol. 1.32g, 11mm, 6h. Unique. Extremely Fine.

1,000

CARIA

302. Satraps of Caria. Maussolos AR Tetradrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 377-352 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right / MAYΣΣΩΛΛO, Zeus Labraundos standing right. BMC 1; SNG Von Aulock 2359 var.; cf. Kunker 104, September 2005, lot 258 (these dies). 15.06g, 23mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

3,000

303. Satraps of Caria. Idrieus AR Tetradrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 351-344 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right / ΙΔΡΙΕΩΣ, Zeus of Labraunda standing right, holding double-bladed axe over right shoulder and vertical spear in left hand, tiny E before left foot. BMC Caria 1, pl. xxviii, 5 (same obverse die); SNG Von Aulock 8046 (this reverse die); SNG Kayhan 880; Traite II 100, pl. xc, 8. 15.18g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Attractive facing portrait.

3,000

304. Satraps of Caria. Pixodaros AR Tetradrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 341-335 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right / PIXWDAROU, Zeus Labraundos standing right; small E between foot and spear. Pixodarus 9 (A2/P3); Traité II 110; SNG Keckman -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC -; SNG Kayhan 890 (these dies); SNG Von Aulock 8047 var. (no E). 15.23g, 23mm, 12h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

2,500

Ex David Herman Collection; Ex Triton X, January 2007, lot 351.

A Magnificent Portrait Of Apollo

305. Satraps of Caria. Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 340-334 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing three-quarters right / PIXWDAROU, Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) and sceptre. SNG Copenhagen 597; SNG Von Aulock 2375f. 6.90g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone. Struck from what are undoubtedly the finest dies for the issue.

4,000

From 395 to 334 BC the rulers of Caria were members of the family of Hekatomnos of Mylasa, whose sons Maussolos, Idrieos and Pixodaros all succeeded him in their turn. Pixodaros as the youngest, was the last member of the family to rule Caria, and but for the indignant interference of Philip II of Macedon, would have given the hand of his daughter in marriage to Alexander III. It has been suggested that since the reverse lacks the usual ‘E’ found between the leg of Zeus and his sceptre, which appears to have been carried over from the coins of Idrieos and which may have been an engraver’s initial, it is likely that the dies for the present coin were produced later in the reign of Pixodaros by a new and far more talented artist. The coinage of Pixodaros’ predecessors had exhibited wide variations in style, but were often of a trite and lifeless style. This piece, which is undoubtedly the work of the same engraver that created the dies for the magnificent tetradrachm (Triton XII, January 2009, lot 325) far surpasses its contemporary issues in terms of artistic merit. Apollo here has well-defined and handsome features. The artist no doubt took inspiration from the facing tetradrachms of Amphipolis and Rhodes that had been produced only a few years earlier.

306. Caria, Myndos AR Drachm. Circa 2nd-1st Century BC. Theodoros, magistrate. Laureate head of Zeus right / Headdress of Isis on two grain-ears, thunderbolt below. SNG Keckman 236; BMC 6. 4.45g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. A very good example struck on a particularly broad flan and very well preserved for the type.

1,000

Mylasa, the home city of Hekatomnos and the original capital of Caria, retained its importance throughout the period of the Hekatomnid satrapy despite the moving of the capital to Halikarnassos under Maussolos. Though the city was contested by the various successors of Alexander’s empire, the city enjoyed a period of brilliant prosperity that was brought to an abrupt end when it suffered great destruction and despoiliation when it was captured by Labienus during the Roman Civil War.

307. Caria, Knidos AR Drachm. Circa 460-55 BC. Lion’s head facing to right, paw outstretched / Head of Aphrodite right, hair tied by plait, wearing necklace, within incuse square. Cahn, Knidos, 74 (O37/R54). 6.14g, 18mm, 10h. Very Fine. Attractive style.

500

Ex Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection.

A Beautiful Tetradrachm Of Rhodos

308. Islands off Caria, Rhodos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 380 BC. Head of Helios facing three-quarters r. / ΡΟΔ – ΙΟΝ Rose with bud to right, barley ear and Φ in left field, all within incuse square. BMC 23; Bérend O-/R83 (this reverse die; obverse die not listed). 15.30g, 24mm, 1h. Extremely Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

15,000

In Pindar’s ode, the island of Rhodes was said to be born of the union of Helios the sun god and the nymph Rhodos, and the cities Lindos, Ialyssos and Kameiros were named for their three sons. The Persians invaded and overran the island, but were in turn defeated by forces from Athens in 478 BC. The cities then joined the Athenian League, although when the Peloponnesian War broke out in 431 BC, Rhodes remained largely neutral, even though officially it was still a member of the League. In 408 BC the cities of the island united to form one territory, building for themselves a new capital, the city of Rhodes, on the northern end of the island. Its regular plan was superintended by the Athenian architect Hippodamos. In 357 BC however, the island was conquered by the king Mausolus of Caria, and later it fell to the Persians in 340 BC. To the great relief of its citizens, Rhodes became a part of the growing Macedonian empire in 332 as Alexander the Great passed through Asia Minor, liberating or conquering the Persian lands as he went. Following the death of Alexander, Rhodes formed strong commercial and cultural ties with the Ptolemies in Alexandria, and together formed the Rhodo-Egyptian alliance that controlled trade throughout the Aegean in the 3rd century BC. The city developed into a maritime, commercial and cultural centre; its coins circulated throughout the Mediterranean. Its famous schools of philosophy, science, literature and rhetoric shared masters with Alexandria. Its school of sculptors developed a rich, dramatic style that can be characterized as “Hellenistic Baroque”.

309. Islands off Caria, Rhodos AR Didrachm. Circa 250-229 BC. Agesidamos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose, leaf to left and bud to right; in left field, Artemis running left, holding torch; ΑΓΗΣΙΔΑΜΟΣ above. R. J. H. Ashton, “Rhodian Coinage and the Colossus,” RN 144 (1988), series 4, 206; SNG Keckman 534. 6.66g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful golden iridescent tones, highly appropriate for this appealing image of Helios. Ex Nomos 1, May 2009, lot 110.

1,500

310. Islands off Caria, Rhodos AR Didrachm. Circa 250-229 BC. Mnasimachos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose in profile, bud to right; MNAΣIMAXOΣ above, P-O flanking stem; to left, Athena Nikephoros standing left. Ashton 208; SNG Keckman 537-8; SNG Von Aulock 2807; SNG Copenhagen 765. 6.80g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. A superior example of the type, displaying a beautiful tone with hints of iridescence around the devices.

500

311. Islands off Caria, Rhodos AR Didrachm. Circa 250-229 BC. Mnasimachos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose in profile, bud to right; MNAΣIMAXOΣ above, P-O flanking stem; to left, Athena Nikephoros standing left. Ashton 208; SNG Keckman 537 (this obv. die); Karl 471 (this coin); SNG Von Aulock 2807; SNG Copenhagen 765. 6.70g, 22mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Well centred and attractively toned.

500

Ex Erich Karl Collection. Ex Lanz 131, Nov. 2006, Lot 471.

Final Issue Of Tetradrachms At Rhodos

312. Islands off Caria, Rhodos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 205-190 BC. Ainetor, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing three-quarters right / Rose with bud to right, butterfly to left; AINHTOP above, P-O below. Ashton 262; SNG Keckman -; SNG Copenhagen -. 13.37g, 25mm, 1h. Extremely Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

This tetradrachm displays an extremely rare butterfly symbol, and hails from the final issue of tetradrachms at Rhodos.

313. Islands off Caria, Rhodos AR Tetrobol. Circa 175-170 BC. Head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud on right, ERMIAS above. SNG Keckman 793. 2.66g, 15mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

Ex Sitichoro Hoard.

314. Islands off Caria, Kos AR Didrachm. Circa 345-340 BC. Biton, magistrate. Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Veiled female head left; BITΩN to right, KWION below. Ashton Pixodarus 32; SNG Copenhagen 621. 6.98g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Pleasantly toned.

1,000

LYCIA

315. Dynasts of Lycia. Uncertain dynast AR Stater. Circa 520-460 BC. Forepart of collared boar left / Irregular incuse. Falghera 11; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 368; SNG Von Aulock 8460. 9.27g, 21mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

PAMPHYLIA

316. Pisidia, Selge AR Stater. Circa 325-250 BC. Two wrestlers grappling, AL between / Slinger standing right; triskeles and club in right field, SELGEWN to left. SNG France -; SNG Von Aulock -; Weber 7424. 10.82g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine, attractive light grey toning with blue/violet and gold iridescence.

317

1,000

318

317. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 330-250 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; E between / Slinger standing right; triskeles and club before, O between his legs; ESTFDIY to left. SNG Von Aulock 4575 var.; SNG France 122 var.; SNG Copenhagen 240 var.; legend variation (usually ESTFEDIY); cf. CNG 60, May 2002, lot 855 (these dies). 10.43g, 25mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Attractively toned.

750

318. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 330-250 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; ΠO between / Slinger in throwing stance right; EΣTFEΔIIYE to left; to right, forepart of horse above helmet. BMC -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG France -; SNG Lockett 3020. 10.37g, 25mm, 12h. Good Very Fine – Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

319. Pamphylia, Aspendos AR Stater. Circa 330-250 BC. Two wrestlers grappling; ΠO between / Slinger in throwing stance right; EΣTFEΔIIYE to left; to right, forepart of horse above star. Tekin Series 5; SNG France 114. 10.48g, 26mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Very good style.

1,000

320. Pamphylia, Side AR Tetradrachm. Circa 205-100 BC. Attic standard. Dio.., magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand; to left, pomegranate above ΔIO. Seyrig, 14; SNG Aulock 4790; SNG France 689; SNG Copenhagen 399; BMC -. 17.00g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Old tone with underlying lustre. High relief and unusually fine style for the issue.

1,500

CILICIA

321

322

321. Cilicia, Nagidos AR Stater. Circa 400-384 BC. Aphrodite seated left, holding phiale over altar to left; to right, Eros standing left, crowning her with wreath / Dionysos standing left, holding grape bunch on vine and thyrsos; A in wreath to left, retrograde N below; NAGIDEWN to right. Casabonne type 4; Lederer 26 (same dies); SNG France 21 var. (control marks); SNG Levante -. 10.59g, 23mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

Ex George Fekula Collection. 322. Cilicia, Nagidos AR Stater. Circa 400-384 BC. Aphrodite seated left, holding phiale over altar to left; to right, Eros standing left, crowning her with wreath / Dionysos standing left, holding grape bunch on vine and thyrsos; A in wreath to left, retrograde N below; NAGIDEWN to right. Casabonne type 4; Lederer 26 (same dies); SNG France 21 var. (control marks); SNG Levante -. 10.68g, 24mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

500

323. Cilicia, Tarsos. Mazaios AR Stater. Circa 361-334 BC. Baaltars seated l., holding bunch of grapes, ear of grain and eagle in r. hand and sceptre in l.; B’LTRZ to right; Aramaic characters in lower field l. and below chair / Lion l. attacking bull, MZDI above. SNG Levante 106 (these dies). 10.65g, 23mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasantly toned.

1,000

The Finest Known

324. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 450-400 BC. Nude youth, holding whip, dismounting from horse rearing right / Goat kneeling right, head left, KELENDERITIKWN around, all within incuse square. Traite’ pl. II, 140, 8; Pozzi coll. 2817; Walter Nieggeler Coll., Bank Leu/Muenzen & Medaillen AG Auction, 3 Dec 1965, lot 433 (same dies). 10.77g, 23mm, 9h. Extremely Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

6,000

A very rare and beautiful coin that displays the complete ethnikon of Kelenderis. Of the known dies for this issue, these are unquestionably the finest in terms of artistry; all the details display a supreme elegance in style, flawlessly executed and struck on a very thick module. The finest example known of the type. Lightly toned, with golden highlights within the incuse square fields.

325. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 400 BC. Nude rider r., holding whip and dismounting from horse / Goat crouching right, head to left; KELEN above, T below. SNG France 71 var.; SNG Levante 26 var. 10.35g, 22mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Centrally struck on a full, well rounded flan.

2,000

326. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 425-400 BC. Nude youth, holding whip, dismounting from horse rearing right / Goat crouching right, head to leftl ΚΕΛΕ-Ν around, T in exergue. SNG France - ; SNG Levante - ; SNG Von Aulock - ; Kraay, NC 1962, - ; SNG Copenhagen -; cf. Gorny & Mosch 185, March 2010, lot 171 (these dies). 10.85g, 24mm, 1h. Good Very Fine - Extremely Fine.

1,000

ARMENIA

327. Kings of Armenia. Tigranes II AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 95-56 BC. Draped bust right, wearing tiara with star and eagles / BASILEWS TIGRANOU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; monogram to inner right and on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 1; CAA 17; AC 31. 16.75g, 28mm, 1h. Very Fine.

1,000

PHOENICIA Well Detailed Double Shekel Of Sidon

328. Phoenicia, Sidon AR Double Shekel. Baalshillem (Sakton) II. Circa 401-365 BC. Phoenician galley (pentekonter) left on waves; Phoenician “B” above, figure at prow, standard at stern / Persian king and driver standing in chariot left; king of Sidon advancing left behind. Betlyon 18; cf. SNG Copenhagen 194; Elayi & Elayi 573. 28.12g, 32mm, 11h. Extremely Rare in this condition. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

Despite the apparently subservient appearance of the king of Sidon walking behind the Persian king’s chariot, in reality the Sidonian kings held great influence in the Persian empire, not only due to the commercial importance of the city and its production of glass and purple dye, but also because of the city’s valuable provision of galleys and troops to Persia.

329. Phoenicia, Byblos AR Shekel. Ozbaal (Uzzibaal). Circa 400-376 BC. Three hoplites, holding shields, on galley left above waves, prow ending in lion’s head; below, hippocamp left above murex shell, `Z (in Phoenician script) above dorsal fin / Lion attacking bull left; ‘ZB’L MLK GBL (in Phoenician script) above. Betlyon 14 var. (no letters on obv.); Rouvier -; HGC 10, 133; SNG Copenhagen 132; BMC 4-5 var. 13.27g, 27mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

Very well-centred and struck for the type – this type is usually plagued by off-centre and weak/flat strikes.

330

331

330. Phoenicia, Byblos AR Shekel. Ozbaal (Uzzibaal). Circa 400-376 BC. Three hoplites, holding shields, on galley left above waves, prow ending in lion’s head; below, hippocamp left above murex shell, `Z (in Phoenician script) above dorsal fin / Lion attacking bull left; ‘ZB’L MLK GBL (in Phoenician script) above. Betlyon 14 var. (no letters on obv.); Rouvier -; HGC 10, 133; SNG Copenhagen 132; BMC 4-5 var. 13.28g, 25mm, 1h. Very Fine.

1,000

331. Phoenicia, Byblos. AR Shekel. Addirmilk. Circa 348-333 BC. Three hoplites, holding shields, standing on galley left on waves, prow ending in lion’s head; below hippocamp left above murex shell / Lion attacking bull left, Phoenician script above. SNG Fitzwilliam 6031; Kraay-Hirmer 685 (this reverse die); Betlyon 18 var. 13.16g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Very well preserved and relatively well centred for the type.

2,000

332. Phoenicia, Byblos AR 1/16 Shekel. Azbaal. Circa 350 BC. Three hoplites, holding shields, standing on galley l. on waves, prow ending in lion’s head; below hippocamp l. / Lion attacking bull left, Phoenician script above. Betlyon 15; BMC 6; SNG Copenhagen 133 var. 0.73g, 11mm, 12h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

333

300

334

333. Phoenicia, Tyre AR 1/2 Shekel. Circa 340-39 BC. Melkart, holding reins and bow, riding hippocamp right over double line of waves; below, dolphin right / Owl standing right, crook and flail over left shoulder; date to right. Elayi & Elayi 1164 (O?/R79); Betlyon 37; SNG Copenhagen 306-11 var. (date); HGC 10, 349. 8.55g, 20mm, 1h. Rare. Very Fine.

300

CYPRUS 334. Cyprus, Kition. Azbaal AR Stater. Circa 449-425 BC. Herakles advancing right, wearing lion’s skin around shoulders, brandishing club and carrying bow / Lion attacking stag, to right; all within dotted square frame, and incuse square. Dewing Coll. 2518; Cf. SNG Delepierre 2904; H. Troxell, The Norman Davis Collection, ANS 1969, #248 (this coin). 10.91g, 21mm, 12h. Very Rare. Good Fine – Near Very Fine. Very good condition for the type. Ex Norman Davis Collection.

750

KYRENAICA Very Rare Tetradrachm Of Kyrene

335. Kyrenaica, Kyrene AR Tetradrachm. Late 5th-4th Century BC. Head of Zeus Ammon right / K-Y-P-A, silphium plant. Weber 8475, BMC 69; McClean 9936, pl.375, 3. 13.25g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine. A magnificent example of this issue.

15,000

Kyrene was founded in 631 BC by Dorian settlers from Thera and their leader Battus, as instructed by the Delphic oracle. Around a hundred years later as the city grew in prosperity to rival even Carthage, Kyrene began issuing silver coins of archaic style on small, thick modules. Virtually all of the coins of Kyrene display the badge of the city and the pricipal source of its wealth - the silphium plant. It was described as having a thick root, a stalk like fennel, large alternating leaves with leaflets like celery, spherical clusters of small yellow flowers at the top and broad leaf-like, heart-shaped fruit called phyllon. The plant was valued in ancient times because of its many uses as a food source, seasoning for food, and, most importantly, as a medication. Perfumes were made from the flowers, the stalk was used for food or fodder while the juice and root were used to make a variety of medical potions. Aside from its uses in Greco-Roman cooking (as in recipes by Apicius), the many medical applications of the plant included use to treat cough, sore throat, fever, indigestion, aches and pains, warts, and it has even been speculated that the plant may also have functioned as a contraceptive, based partly on testimony from Pliny. The plant only grew along a narrow coastal area, about 125 by 35 miles. Much of the speculation about the cause of its extinction rests on a sudden demand for animals that grazed on the plant, for some supposed effect on the quality of the meat. Overgrazing combined with overharvesting and climate change led to its extinction. Pliny reported that the last known stalk of silphium found in Cyrenaica was given to the Emperor Nero as a curiosity. The city never recovered from the extinction of its principal export, and economic decline combined with a series of devastating earthquakes led to the abandonment of the city in the 4th Century AD.

336. Kyrenaica, Kyrene AR Ddidrachm. Circa 308-277 BC. Head of Apollo Karneios left / KY-PA, silphium plant. M端ller 150; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 259, pl. XXIV, 6. 7.26g, 21mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Beautifuly old toning with iridescent highlights. Ex BVH Collection.

1,000

EGYPT

337. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy I Soter, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, circa 313-312 BC. Head of the deified Alexander III to right, wearing mitra of Dionysos and elephant skin headdress, with aegis around his neck, and with horn of Ammon on his forehead / ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Athena Promachos advancing right, hurling spear with her right hand and with shield over her extended left arm; to right, eagle with closed wings standing on thunderbolt to right with ΔΙ below. SNG Copenhagen 14; Svoronos 33; Zervos Issue XIII. Very Rare. Near Extremely Fine. Beautiful old iridescent toning; a stunning portrait with an almost cameo-like appearance.

3,000

338. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy II Philadelphus AV Pentadrachm (Trichryson). Alexandria, circa 285-246 BC. Diademed head of the deified Ptolemy I right, with aegis around neck / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt, ΣΩ monogram in left field. Svoronos 547; SNG Copenhagen 106; BMC 1 (Cyprus). 17.89g, 23mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

5,000

Ex Gemini IV, January 2008, lot 269.

339. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy II Philadelphus AV Pentadrachm (Trichryson). Alexandria, circa 285-246 BC. Diademed head of the deified Ptolemy I right, with aegis around neck / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt, H and club in left field. Svoronos 636; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 74. 17.84g, 23mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

5,000

340. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy II for Arsinoe II AV Octadrachm (Mnaieon). Alexandria, circa 253-246 BC. Veiled head right, wearing stephane; A to left / ARSINOES FILADELFOU, double cornucopiae bound with fillet. Troxell, Arsinoe, pl. 7, 4; Svoronos 476; SNG Copenhagen -; Boston MFA -. 27.83g, 29mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

7,000

Obverse struck from slightly worn dies but much nicer in hand. Very well preserved for the type with attractive lustre. Not from the recent hoard.

341. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy II for Arsinoe II AV Octadrachm (Mnaieon). Alexandria, circa 253-246 BC. Veiled head right, wearing stephane, Θ to left / ARSINOES FILADELFOU, double cornucopiae bound with fillet. Troxell, Arsinoe, pl. 6, 3; Svoronos 460. 27.80g, 28mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

5,000

A Superior Octadrachm Of Ptolemy III

342. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy III AV Octadrachm (Mnaieon). Alexandria, circa 246-222 BC. Jugate busts right of Ptolemy II, diademed and wearing chlamys, and Arsinoe II, diademed and veiled; Gallic shield in left field, ΑΔΕΛΦΩΝ above / Jugate busts right of Ptolemy I, diademed and wearing aegis, and Berenice I, diademed and veiled; ΘΕΩΝ above. Svoronos 603; SNG Copenhagen 132; Hazzard C1034. 27.85g, 26mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. A stunning piece with highly lustrous surfaces.

8,000

A beautiful example of this type; well centred and sharply detailed. Some authorities, notably Svoronos, place this issue in the last years of the reign of Ptolemy II, however others consider it to be an issue of Ptolemy III commemorating his parents and grandparents. When seen in the wider context of the Ptolemaic issues - in that commemorative strikes of the previous king or indeed, the first Ptolemy, were the norm - then it appears far more likely that this too should have been a type designed to honour the glorious ancestors of the Ptolemaic house. Under Ptolemy III the Ptolemaic Kingdom reached the height of its power and influence. The death of the Seleukid King and a brief power struggle over the succession led to the murder of Ptolemy’s sister Berenike and her infant son at the hands Antiochos II’s widow, Laodike. Incensed, Ptolemy launched an invasion into Seleukid territory, capturing Antioch and reaching Babylon. Laodike was captured and put to death. In 241 BC, in exchange for peace, Ptolemy was awarded new territories on the northern coast of Syria, including Seleucia Pieria, the port of Antioch.

343. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy IV Philopator AV Octadrachm (Mnaieon). Alexandria, circa 217 BC. Radiate and diademed bust right of deified Ptolemy III wearing aegis and with trident resting on his shoulder / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, radiate cornucopia bound with royal diadem, ΔI below. Svoronos 1117; SNG Copenhagen 196. 27.81g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

7,000

344. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy IV Philopator AV Octadrachm (Mnaieon). Alexandria, circa 217 BC. Radiate and diademed bust right of deified Ptolemy III wearing aegis and with trident resting on his shoulder / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, radiate cornucopia bound with royal diadem, ΔI below. Svoronos 1117; SNG Copenhagen 196. 27.59g, 28mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

7,000

Lustrous and uncommonly well preserved without the heavy wear usually found on the highest points, notably the ear and diadem of Ptolemy.

An Extremely Rare Tetradrachm Of Ptolemy V

345. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy V Epiphanes AR Tetradrachm. Sidon, circa 202-200 BC. Diademed, draped bust of the deified Ptolemy IV Philopator right / ΠTOΛEMAIOΥ FILOPATOROS, eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt, SI between legs. Svoronos -; McClean -; BMC -; Jameson -; Mørkholm XIII, pl 24, 10 var. (no control mark); cf. Spink Auction 9008, March 2009, lot 426 (same obverse die, incorrectly described as same dies as SNG Cop. 529; but from Phoenician mint and with BASILEWS reverse legend). 14.23g, 26mm, 1h. Extremely Rare, possibly unpublished. Fleur De Coin.

3,000

Extremely Rare. A rare variant of an extremely rare type, with a legend proper to Ptolemy IV. Mørkholm (Otto Mørkholm - Portrait Coinage of Ptolemy V in Essays Thompson) notes that this die was used at Sidon for striking the series with the Philopatoros legend before being transferred to the military mint in Phoenicia, where the die appears to have used for a period (see the Spink example) and then recut.

346. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy V Epiphanes AR Tetradrachm. Tyre, circa 202-200 BC. Diademed and draped bust right / ΠTOΛEMAIOΥ BASILEWS, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; to left, club surmounted by Tyre monogram; NI to right, DI between legs. Mørkholm, pl. 23, 12 (this reverse die); Svoronos 1297; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 1300 var. (I below NI); BMC -. 13.94g, 27mm, 12h. Very Rare. Fleur De Coin.

3,000

347. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy VI AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis knotted round neck / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt. Svoronos 1489; SNG Copenhagen 262-268; Hazzard C1095. 14.13g, 28mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. A superb portrait struck in high relief; beautiful lustrous metal.

1,000

Ex Patrick Tan Collection.

348. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy VI AR Tetradrachm. Alexandria, Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis knotted round neck / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt. Svoronos 1489; SNG Copenhagen 262-268. 14.25g, 28mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful old cabinet tone with iridescent colours.

1,000

349. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy VIII AR Tetradrachm. Paphus Cypri, circa 144-143 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right / ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, eagle with closed wings standing to left on thunderbolt. Svoronos 1502. 14.34g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

300

PERSIA

350. Persia, Achaemenid Empire AV Daric. Time of Darius I to Xerxes II. Circa 485-420 BC. Great King of Persia in kneeling-running pose right, wearing turreted crown and quiver over shoulder, holding bow in left hand and transverse, apple-tipped spear in left / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb A/B (pl. XIII, 27); BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26. 8.28g, 15mm. Good Very Fine

1,000

Attractive Double Daric

351. Persia, Alexandrine Empire AV Double Daric. Babylon, circa 331-311 BC. Great King of Persia in kneeling-running pose right, wearing turreted crown and quiver over shoulder, holding bow in left hand and transverse, apple-tipped spear in left, Φ-Λ behind / Oblong incuse, bilaterally striated. Dewing 2676; BMC 3. 16.74g, 19mm. Very Rare. Extremely Fine.

6,000

Unusually well struck and preserved for the type, which always suffers from significant weakness and wear.

352. Persia, Alexandrine Empire AV Double Daric. Babylon, circa 331-311 BC. Great King of Persia in kneeling-running pose right, wearing turreted crown and quiver over shoulder, holding bow in left hand and transverse, apple-tipped spear in left, Φ-Λ behind / Oblong incuse, bilaterally striated. Dewing 2676; BMC 3. 16.71g, 18mm. Very Rare. Very Fine.

3,000

SELEUKID KINGDOM Sharp And Lustrous Stater Of Seleukos I

353. Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I AV Stater, in the name of Alexander. Babylon, 317-311 BC. Head of Athena r., wearing Corinthian helm decorated with snake / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Nike stg. l., holding wreath and stylis, dot and head of Silenos in l. field, monogram within wreath to r. Price 3736. 8.61g, 19mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine; nearly as struck. Fine style; beautiful, lustrous metal.

3,000

Seleukos was appointed satrap of Babylon in 320 BC, and continued striking coinage in the name of Alexander after the King’s death.

354

355

354. Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I AV Stater, in the name of Alexander. ‘Babylon’, 311-308 BC. Head of Athena right wearing Corinthian helmet ornamented with coiled serpent / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Nike standing left, holding stylis and wreath, MHP monogram in wreath at feet to left. SC 81.3; Price 3749. 8.57g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous; well centred on a broad flan.

3,000

355. Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I AV Stater, in the name of Alexander. ‘Babylon’, 311-300 BC. Head of Athena right wearing Corinthian helmet ornamented with coiled serpent / BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, Nike standing left, holding stylis and wreath, MI at feet to left, AP monogram in wreath to right. SC 81.2; Price 3748. 8.58g, 17mm, 7h. Extremely Fine; lustrous.

2,000

356. Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 305-295 BC. Head of Seleukos/Alexander right, wearing Attic helmet covered in panther skin and ornamented with bull’s horns and ears / BASILEWS SELEUKOU, Nike standing right, erecting trophy consisting of cuirass, helmet, shield and greaves set on pole, Boiotian shield between, I-E and monogram in outer fields. Hoover 20; SC 173.1. 17.05g. 28mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. A bold portrait of fine style, and an exceptionally well detailed and preserved reverse for the type.

5,000

357. Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos II Kallinikos AR Drachm. Uncertain western mint, circa 246-226 BC. Draped bust of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / ASILEWS SELEUKOU, Apollo standing left, testing arrow and resting hand on grounded bow; in outer left field, K. SC 732; WSM 1653; Hoover 310b. 4.09g, 21mm, 12h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine; of extremely good quality and style for the type.

1,000

Ex BVH Collection.

358. Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochos IV Epiphanes AR Tetradrachm. Ake-Ptolemaïs mint, circa 168-164 BC. Diademed head right, monogram behind / Zeus seated left, holding Nike and sceptre, BASILEWS ANTIOXOU to r., QEOU EPIFANOU NIKHFOROU to l.; monogram in exergue. SC 1475; SNG Spaer 1151 var. (control mark in exergue). 16.73g, 30mm, 12h. Good Very Fine - Extremely Fine.

500

359. Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochos VI Dionysos AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 43-42 BC. Radiate and diademed head right / The Dioskouroi riding left, holding couched lances, BASILEWS ANTIOXOU above, EPIFANOUS DIONUSOU below; TPY above monogram; OP (date) below horses; all within wreath. SC 2000.5b; SMA 243. 16.62g, 31mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

500

360. Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochos VII Euergetes AR Tetradrachm. Tyre, circa 132-131 BC. Diademed head right / Eagle standing left on prow; palm over shoulder; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ around; monogram above club surmounted by Tyre monogram to left; monogram above date to right; control mark between legs. SNG Spaer 2076-2077; Newell, Tyre 136. 14.10g, 30mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

500

361. Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochus VIII AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 112-110 BC. Diademed head of Antiochus right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ, Zeus Uranios, draped, standing to left, holding vertical sceptre and star; monogram above Α to left, Ν to right; all within laurel wreath. SC 2302.1d; Gulbenkian Coll. 1054 var.; SNG Berry 1403 var. (both with different letter in inner right field). 16.53g, 30mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

Rare Seleukid Tetradrachm The Altar Of Sandan At Tarsos

362. Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochos IX Kyzikenos AR Tetradrachm. Tarsos, circa 114-112 BC. Diademed head right / Altar within which Sandan stands atop winged mythical lion right, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to right, FILOPATOROS to left; DI and ME monograms to outer left. SC 3250; SNG Spaer -; Houghton 496 (same obverse die); Babelon, Rois 1482. 16.51g, 29mm, 12h. Rare. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

1,500

Sandan was the Hittite lion god, represented in association with a horned lion, and often residing inside a pyre surmounted by an eagle. Sandan was often associated with the Greek god Herakles. In ceremonies, an image of the god was placed inside a pyre and was set on fire.

PARTHIAN KINGDOM Rare Mithradates I ‘Philhellenos’ Tetradrachm

363. Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates I AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 148 BC. Diademed and draped bust right / Diademed and beardless young Herakles standing left, holding skyphos in extended right hand and cradling club in lion skin-draped left arm, BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY to right, APΣAKOY ΦIΛEΛΛHNOΣ to left; monogram in exergue. Sellwood 13.2; Shore 35: BMC 50; MACW 481. 14.86g, 26mm, 1h. Very Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

4,000

This type represents the first issue of tetradrachms by the Parthians. They were coined shortly after the Parthians had conquered Mesopotamia from the waning Seleukid Empire. As was to be expected, the die engravers of the mint at the Seleukid capital produced coinage that stylistically differed very little from the issues of the previous century under the Seleukid kings. While this could be viewed as both expedient and pragmatic – the Parthians had not struck coins since the reign of Arsakes and probably lacked experienced die cutters – Mithradates in fact actively promoted Hellenism in his territories and indeed styled himself ‘Philhellenos’ as seen on this coin. He also assumed the traditional Greek symbol of kingship, the diadem. Yet by the end of his reign, the Greek qualities that were so apparent on his early coinage was in decline, and by the reign of Orodes I in around 90 BC, the coins had become thoroughly eastern in style.

364. Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates II AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 119-109 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Mithradates left / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY archer (Arsakes I) seated right on omphalos, holding bow; ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ in exergue, TV below. Sellwood 24.4 variant (palm in right field); Cf. Shore 67 (same detail). 16.11g, 31mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Boldly struck; of good style and attractive lustrous metal.

1,500

365. Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates II AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 119-109 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Mithradates left / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY APΣAKOY, archer (Arsakes I) seated right on omphalos, holding bow; palm to r.; EΠIΦANOYΣ in exergue, TV below. Sellwood 24.5; Shore 68. 16.32g, 29mm, 12h. Good very Fine – Near Extremely Fine. Well centred with a full border.

1,500

Old collection toning; not from the recent hoard - these coins were very rare and usually found in poor condition until the hoard of 15 years ago.

Unique Gold Stater Of Sophytes

366. Baktria, Pre-Seleukid Era. Sophytes AV Stater. Circa 315-305 BC. Head of Sophytes right, wearing crested Attic helmet, decorated with laurel wreath, intricate decorations on crest and wing on cheek guard; artist signature MNA on bust truncation / Kerykeion with Herakles knot decoration and dragon head terminals; SWFUTOU below. Bopearachchi & Flandrin, ‘Le Portrait d’Alexandre le Grand’, 200-201ff (this coin); Bopearachchi, Notae 4: Sur les pas d’Alexandre, 16 (this coin); Bopearachchi, “Royaumes grecs en Afghanistan. Nouvelles données“, in L’art d’Afghanistan de la préhistoire à nos jours, CERDAF, Actes d’une Journée d’étude, UNESCO, 11th March 2005, Paris, p. 60-1 (this coin). 8.58g, 19mm, 6h. A coin of incredible style and quality, not to mention historical importance and numismatic interest. Fleur De Coin.

200,000

Exhibited at Musée Archéologique Henri Prades – Lattes, April-August 2003. The identity and origin of Sophytes has been the subject of much debate since the discovery of the first coin bearing his name, in 1866. While it has been suggested that he was a Greek mercenary captain, it is more likely that he was an Indian king, as was reported in the Bibliotheca of Diodorus Siculus, with a capital at Baktra/Balkh. Bopearachchi argues in ‘Le Portrait d’Alexandre le Grand’ that Sophytes’ gold coinage must have been struck before Seleukos’ eastern campaign against Chandragupta, and furthermore that they are the coins of a powerful and independent dynast rather than those of a satrap of Seleukos, since the striking of an innovative gold coinage of such regal character by a satrap under Seleukid dominion would have effectively constituted an invitation to war. It has been alternatively suggested that this stater and the accompanying silver issues depict a portrait of Seleukos, in order to placate him while Sophytes proceeded to spin the wheels of his own independent ambitions, However, Bopearachchi suggests that this hypothesis relies on the portrait indeed being a copy of the Susa tetradrachm issue (see lot 356), but it should be noted that this is not necessarily the case - Sophytes used iconography from far beyond Baktrian lands as the inspiration for his coinage: the tetradrachms and didrachms have Athenian coins as their model, and Bopearachchi posits that this helmet type more closely resembles those of Thourioi with the addition of a cheek guard, than that of Seleukos on the trophy issue. While the features bear some resemblance to known images of Seleukos, they are markedly different to the Susa tetradrachms it has been suggested they copy, and there are also substantial differences to the image of Seleukos on the coins of Philetairos. Were this an attempt - thinly veiled or otherwise - to pay homage to Seleukos then the type would surely have been more of a direct representation than a vague allusion. The circumstances of this issue may lie hidden in the turmoil of the years following Alexander’s death and the fracture of his empire. A man such as Sophytes would have stood to gain much in this time of conflict and opportunity, and throughout the period of 316-305 BC there are no surviving records regarding the satrapy of Baktria. Boperarachchi therefore suggests the possibility that it was in this time, when Seleukos was campaigning to regain the lost eastern provinces, that Sophytes seized power and struck his enigmatic series of gold and silver coinage, and that furthermore it is also possible that Seleukos’ campaign also had as one of its many goals, the removal of this rebel upstart. The letters MNA visible on the bust truncation are unique to Baktrian coinage of this period. This mark appears in varied forms, and is also seen as ‘MN’ and simply ‘M’. This monogram, carefully placed in a deliberately unobtrusive location is almost certainly associated with the engraver himself, and in all probability is a signature of the die engraver responsible for this coin. It is interesting to consider the possible reasons for such a prominent placement of a kerykeion on the reverse, and its true meaning. The use of a symbol of Hermes perhaps alludes to the wealth of the province and its position as a commercial hub; it may also have a political meaning, suggesting some form of balance or mutually supportive relationship, however this would simply be speculation. That the symbol also appears on the silver coins of Sophytes, but as an adjunct of the design, is significant. It clearly has some pertinent meaning either to Sophytes personally, or specifically to the Kingdom of Baktria. It also appears again as a distinct reverse type in its own right approximately a century later on the coinage of Demetrios I. The design is identical, and may be a reference to this important early Baktrian issue. While the facts of Sophytes life and identity may forever remain unknown to us, this coin is nevertheless of great historical and numismatic interest, and represents certainly one of the earliest, or indeed very possibly the first ever issue of a gold Hellenistic coin.

100

An Extremely Rare Stater Of Euthydemos The 3rd Known

367. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I AV Stater. Circa 230-190 BC. Diademed head of Euthydemos right / BASILEWS EUQUDEMOU, seated Herakles with club in hand, the right resting on a rock ledge. SNG ANS -; BMC -; Bopearachchi -; cf. Gorny & Mosch 155, March 2007, lot 163 (same dies). 8.46g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Rare – only the 3rd known example. Extremely Fine.

15,000

A superb portrait of fine style, which unlike the more common stater of Euthydemos, displays an aged portrait of the king, with more mature features and a furrowed brow. Another example from the same dies was published by O. Bopearachchi in ONS Newsletter 165, Autumn 2000. Euthydemos is thought to originally have been a satrap of Sogdia, who overthrew the dynasty of Diodotus of Baktria to become king himself. Little is known of the early years of his reign, until he was attacked by Antiochos III. A battle at the Arius forced Euthydemos to retreat to the fortified city of Baktra, where he successfully withstood a three year siege. Antiochos and Euthydemos eventually negotiated a peace, Antiochos recognized Euthydemos’s sovereignty and offered his daughter to Euthydemos’ son Demetrius in marriage. According to classical sources, Euthydemos swayed Antiochos by arguing that he deserved credit for overthrowing the descendents of the rebel Diodotos, and for keeping at bay the hordes of barbarian nomads who would otherwise trouble the Seleukid Kingdom. The kingdom seems to have recovered quickly after the departure of the Seleukid army, and the last years of Euthydemos’ reign probably saw the start of the Baktrian invasion of India.

One Of Three Known

368 Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-180 BC. Commemorative issue struck for Demetrios I. ΔHMHTPIOY ANIKHTOY, diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin headdress / BAΣIΛEΥONTOΣ ΔIKAIOY AΓAΘOKΛEOYΣ, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with his right hand and holding club with his left, lion’s skin draped over left arm; monogram in inner left field. Bopearachchi Series 17A var. (ΡΚ monogram); Mitchiner Type 146 var. (same); SNG ANS -; cf. CNG MBS September 2008, lot 497; cf. Triton XII, January 2009, lot 403. 16.61g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine.

5,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch 169, October 2008, lot 153.

Less Than Ten Known

369. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Apollodotos I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-160 BC. Attic standard. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia; bead and reel border / BASILEWS APOLLODOTOU, Athena seated left, holding Nike, who crowns the king’s name, and a spear, resting her left elbow on shield; monogram in exergue. Bopearachchi pg.188, Série 1A (pl.11, A) = C.Y. Petitot-Biehler, “Trésor d’Aï Khanoum” in RN 1975, pl. V, 50 (same dies); SNG ANS -; MIG -; Rahman 193 (same obverse die)/194 (same reverse die); cf. Triton VII, Jan. 2004, lot 696 (same dies); cf. Gorny & Mosch 164, March 2008, lot 272 (same dies). 16.45g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Rare; less than ten known specimens. Near Extremely Fine.

4,000

A magnificent portrait, powerful, and elegant, and the only denomination with a portrait of this king who ruled the southern territories of the Baktrian kingdom as either an associate or subordinate of Antimachos I. Almost all of his coinage adhered to Indian standards, with bi-lingual Greek and Kharosthi legends and non-portrait types, either elephant and bull on his silver, or Apollo and tripod on the bronze. Apollodotos introduced the Indian standard silver drachm of circa 2.42 grams into the Baktrian coinage system, which gradually replaced the heavier Attic weight standard throughout the realm. His only Attic weight coinage was of scarce hemidrachms of Indian type and the truly rare portrait tetradrachms.

101

102

103

Seventh Known Stater of Eukratides The Great

370. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I AV Stater. Circa 170-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within pelleted border / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛΟΥ above, EYKPATIΔOY below, the Dioskouroi on rearing horses right, holding palm fronds and spears; monogram in lower right field. Al. N. Oikonomedes, “The Gold Coinage of the Indo-Greek King Eukratides I (171155 BC.),” North American Journal of Numismatics 7.6 (1968), Group B; F.L. Holt, “Eukratides of Baktria,” Coins, Cults, History and Inscriptions III: Studies in Honor of Al. N. Oikonomedes, pp. 72-76; Bopearachchi 5 var. (unlisted monogram); cf. Bopearachchi 7A (drachm); Bopearachchi & Rahman -; cf. SNG ANS 163 (monogram); MIG Type 176 var. (unlisted monogram); MACW -; Triton I , 618 (same dies); Tkalec, 29 February 2000, 199; Triton VIII, 645 (same obv. die); Triton XIV, 428 (same dies). 8.55g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Rare. Mint State.

40,000

Only six other examples of this rare stater have appeared on the public market: Giessener Münzhandlung 64, 11 Oct. 1993, lot 251 (same dies); Numismatic Fine Arts XXXIII, 3 May 1994, lot 316 (same obverse die); Tkalec, 28 October 1994, lot 136 (same obverse die; same reverse die as Numismatic Fine Arts); Triton I (2-3 Dec.r 1997), lot 618; Triton VIII, January 2005, lot 645; Triton XIV, January 2011, lot 428. The close die links (only one obverse die and two reverse dies) suggest that this issue was very limited and struck for a special occasion, no doubt at the same time as the fabulous 20 stater medallion now in the Bibliothèque Nationale in France, apparently to celebrate the conquest of Demetrius in India. The example sold in Triton XIV (Jan. 2011) realised $160,000 plus fees. Eukratides The Great was one of the last but most important Greco-Baktrian kings, responsible for the overthrow of the Euthydemid dynasty and for waging numerous campaigns against the Indo-Greek kings, temporarily holding territory as far east as the Indus. By the range, quantity and quality of his coinage, which included the abovementioned medallion - the largest gold coin ever struck in the ancient world - we can surmise that his was a reign of considerable significance and prestige. Eukratides was murdered on his way home from India, and the consequential civil war between rival members of the dynasty, combined with external pressures from the Indo-Greeks, Sogdians and Parthians led to the ultimate collapse of the Greko-Baktrian Kingdom which was conquered by the Parthians under Mithradates.

104

Magnificent Heroic Portrait

371. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust heroic bust left, holding spear, wearing helmet adorned with bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horseback right, each holding spear and palm; BASILEWS MEGALOU EUKRATIDOU around, monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 8B. 16.92g, 33mm, 12h. Rare. Virtually As Struck.

10,000

Struck from what is arguably the very best obverse die of the issue, centrally struck with complete border on a very broad flan; a stunning coin with medallic qualities and probably the finest known.

372. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust heroic bust left, holding spear, wearing helmet adorned with bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horseback right, each holding spear and palm; BASILEWS MEGALOU EUKRATIDOU around, monogram to lower right. Mitchiner 177ee; Bopearachchi series 6, 29. 16.96g, 32mm, 12h. Rare. Extremely Fine. Ex NAC 33, April 2006, lot 179.

105

4,000

Finest Known Specimen Of An Extremely Rare Type

373. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / The Dioskouroi on horseback right, holding palms and lances; monogram to lower left. Cf. Bopearachchi 6I (curved legend); Bopearachchi & Rahman 239; SNG ANS -. 15.67g, 34mm, 11h. Extremely Rare. Fleur De Coin.

10,000

This extremely rare variety with horizontal legend has only been seen once on the market in the last decade, and that example was of relatively poor condition. The type is known from perhaps as few as half a dozen specimens, if that. This coin is not only struck on a remarkably large flan, it is also struck from dies of very fine style, and is perfectly preserved. One of the great rarities of Eukratides’ coinage.

374. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY EYKPATIΔOY, the Dioskouroi on horses rearing right, holding palms and spears; monogram to lower right. Mitchiner Type 177ff; Bopearachchi series 6AA. 16.67g, 34mm, 12h. Very Rare with this monogram. Good Extremely Fine. Engraved in finest style; highly attractive iridescent toning.

106

1,500

375. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY EYKPATIΔOY, the Dioskouroi on horses rearing right, holding palms and spears; monogram to lower right. Mitchiner Type 177ee; Bopearachchi series 6E. 17.00g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

376. Baktria, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I AR Drachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY EYKPATIΔOY, the Dioskouroi on horses rearing right, holding palms and spears; monogram to lower left. Mitchiner Type 178d; Bopearachchi series 7J. 4.19g, 19mm, 11h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

500

377. Baktria, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Menander I Soter AR Drachm. Circa 165-130 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ around / Athena Alkidemos standing left; monogram to right. Bopearachchi Series 13B; SNG ANS 774-81. 2.47g, 18mm. 2.47g, 17mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin.

500

After the death of Eukratides it appears the various Greek factions engaged in an almost continuous civil war as rival families established themselves in different locations and fought one another for supremacy. One king who seems to have reconstituted a large kingdom was Menander. Menander struck coinage on the Indian standard, and though the coin is still very much in the Greek style, as it displays a diademed, helmeted bust of the king on the obverse and Athena Alkidemos, on the reverse, the Greek legend has migrated to the obverse and a new legend, in the local Prakrit language and using the Kharoshthi script, has appeared on the reverse. The legend: maharajasa tratarasa menamdrasa is a translation of the obverse Greek legend BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ MENANΔPOY (of King Menander, the Saviour). This coin was issued south of the Hindu Kush mountains and has bowed to the requirements of the Indian marketplace by adopting the reduced weight standard and introducing a local language legend.

378. Baktria, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Menander I Soter AR Drachm. Circa 155-130 BC. Diademed bust left, seen from behind, wearing aegis and brandishing spear; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ around / Athena Alkidemos advancing left; monogram to right. Bopearachchi Series 9B; SNG ANS 748-9. 2.46g, 17mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

107

200

108

COINS OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

379. Anonymous AR Didrachm. Rome, 241-235 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars right / Horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head right; sickle behind; ROMA below. Sydenham 24; Crawford 25/1. 6.64g, 19mm, 3h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Centrally struck in high relief and in excellent state of preservation. Ex NAC 25, June 2003, lot 237.

4,000

This issue dates to the period between the close of the First Punic War in 241 BC and the closing of the doors of the Temple of Janus for the second time in Roman history in 235 BC, signifying that the Republic was again at peace.

380. Anonymous AR Didrachm (Quadrigatus). Rome, 225-212 BC. Janiform bust / Jupiter holding sceptre and hurling thunderbolt, standing in chariot, driving fast quadriga right, Victory behind holding reins; ROMA incuse below in tablet. Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64. 6.68g, 23mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Perfectly centred example of excellent style with a beautiful old cabinet tone; light hints of blue, red and gold around the devices. Without the usual flan crack. An exceptional example.

Early Gold Issue Of The Roman Republic

381. Anonymous AV 60 Asses. Rome, 211-208 BC. Bearded bust of Mars right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; LX (mark of value) behind / Eagle standing on thunderbolt right with wings spread; ROMA below. Crawford 44/2; Sydenham 226; Kestner 285; BMC 185; Bahrfeldt 4a. 4.40g, 16mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military successes in the later stages of the Second Punic War, especially the capture and sack of Syracuse, enabled her to undertake a fundamental reform of the coinage in 211 BC. This included the introduction of a series of three small gold denominations valued at 60, 40, and 20 asses. The types were identical in each case: a bearded bust of Mars, god of war, on the obverse, and an eagle on thunderbolt (representing Jupiter) on the reverse. The issue extended over a period of about three years and Rome seems to have been the principal mint.

109

110

111

Two Uncommonly Sharp Victoriati

382

383

382. Anonymous AR Victoriatus. Rome, 211-208 BC. Laureate bust of Jupiter right; beaded border / Victory standing right, crowning trophy; VB in field; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 95/1b; Sydenham 113. 3.26g, 17mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

383. Anonymous AR Victoriatus. Rome, 211-208 BC. Laureate bust of Jupiter right; bead and reel border / Victory standing right, crowning trophy; V in field; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 97/1a; Sydenham 121. 3.14g, 16mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful lustrous surfaces.

384

300

385

384. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, 211-208 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; V behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 44/6; Sydenham 141; RSC 3. 2.10g, 17mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin. Struck on a very broad flan, with attractive old collection toning.

300

Ex BVH Collection. 385. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, after 211 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; V behind / The Dioscuri riding right; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 48/1; BMC 210. 1.99g, 17mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned. Small flan crack.

300

Ex Tkalec, February 2000, lot 212.

386. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, after 211 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; V behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 44/6; Sydenham 169; Kestner 328-352; BMC 10-12; RSC 3. 2.26g, 17mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

Ex New York Sale III, December 2000, lot 233.

387. Anonymous Ă&#x2020; As. Luceria, 211-208 BC. Laureate bust of Janus / Prow of galley right; ROMA below. Crawford 97/22a; BMC Italy 168. 27.67g, 37mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. A superb example of this rare issue, in very good condition for the type, and displaying an attractive, evenly toned patina. Struck on a broad flan with nearly all fine detail surviving.

112

500

The Dioscuri on Roman Coinage The Dioscuri Castor and Pollux were accorded a special place in the Roman collective consciousness and were honoured on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coinage for their legendary assistance to the Romans against the Latins and Tarquinius Superbus, the former King of Rome. It was said that at the height of the Battle of Lake Regillus (circa 496 BC) Castor and Pollux were seen armed and mounted, fighting at the head of the legions, and that afterwards had carried news of the victory to Rome with far greater alacrity than was possible for any ordinary man. The well at which they had alighted to water their horses was pointed out, and it was on this spot that Aulus Postumius Albinus, dictator for that year and commander of the Roman army, built his avowed temple to the Dioscuri. A great festival was kept to their honour on the Ides of Quintilis, supposed to be the anniversary of the battle, and on that day sumptuous sacrifices were offered to them at the public expense. One spot on the margin of Lake Regillus was regarded throughout many ages with superstitious awe; a mark resembling in shape a horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoof was discernible in the volcanic rock, and this mark was believed to have been made by one of the celestial chargers.

388. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, after 211 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; stars above; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 53/2; Sydenham 229; Kestner 480-2; BMC 291-4. 4.21g, 21mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Beautifully toned.

389

300

390

389. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 209 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 88/2a; Sydenham 222. 4.09g, 19mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned, but still nicely lustrous metal.

300

Ex Sternberg XXXII, 1996, lot 92. 390. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 209-208 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; anchor below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 50/2; Sydenham 144; BMC 21. 4.71g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

300

Ex CNG 43, 1997, lot 1261; Ex Peus 342, 1994, lot 649.

391

392

391. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 207 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; cornucopiae below; ROMA within linear frame. Crawford 58/2; cf. Sydenham 216. 3.74g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

392. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 179-170 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 167/1; Syd 311. 3.66g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Well centered and struck.

113

300

393. C. Scribonius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 154 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; C•SCR below; ROMA in linear frame below. Scribonia 1; Crawford 201/1; Sydenham 380. 4.32g, 20mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Attractive toning.

300

Ex Goodman collection; Ex Triton I, 1997, lot 1052; Ex Frankfurt Münzhandlung 133, 1989, lot 2.

394. C. Junius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 149 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; C•IVNI•C•F beneath; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 210/1; Sydenham 392. 3.97g, 18mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

200

Ex CNG 43, 1997, lot 1539.

395

396

395. Pinarius Natta AR Denarius. Rome, 149 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / Victory driving biga right; NAT below; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 300/1; Sydenham 382; BMC 756. 3.95g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone; especially beautiful reverse toning with blue and golden hues.

300

The gens Pinaria was a most ancient Roman family of the patrician order. It was already a family of great renown in the times of the monarchy. According to Livy, the Pinarii, along with the Potitii, had been appointed by Evander to the ministration of sacred rights paid to Hercules. 396. Pinarius Natta AR Denarius. Rome, 149 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X behind / Victory driving biga right; NATTA (ligate) below; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 208/1; Sydenham 390. 3.76g, 18mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Attractive, lustrous metal with golden highlights.

397

300

398

397. Q. Marcius Libo AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; LIBO behind; X before / The Dioscuri riding right; Q•MARC below horses; ROMA in linear frame below. Marcia 1; Crawford 215; Sydenham 396. 3.98g, 21mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful, lustrous metal; lightly toned.

300

398. Q. Marcius Libo AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X below chin, LIBO behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding spear; stars above, Q•MARC below; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 215/1; Sydenham 395; Kestner 2030; BMC 700-701; Marcia 1. 4.06g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful toning with hints of iridescence.

114

300

399. L. Sempronius Pitio AR Denarius. Rome, 148 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; PITIO behind; X below chin / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; L•SEMP below; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 216/1. 4.11g, 20mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin.

300

A few light encrustations do not detract from the beauty of this piece. Perfect preservation of detail, and struck on a full flan. Pleasing iridescent tones.

400

401

400. L. Cupiennius AR Denarius. Rome, 147 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X before; cornucopiae behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; L• CVP below; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 218/1; Sydenham 404. 3.71g, 21mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful mirror lustre, struck on a full flan.

300

401. C. Terentius Lucanus AR Denarius. Rome, 147 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right being crowned by Victory behind, standing on X / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; C•TER•LVC below; ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 217/1; Terentia 10. 4.23g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

402

300

403

402. C. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Rome, 140 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; XVI behind / Victory in galloping biga right; C•VAL•C•F below; FLAC above; ROMA n linear frame below. Crawford 228/1; Sydenham 441 (R5). 4.07g, 19mm, 2h. Rare. Extremely Fine. Attractive gold toning with pleasing blues and reds on obverse.

400

403. Cn. Lucretius Trio AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; X before; TRIO behind / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; CN•LVCR below; ROMA in exergue. Sydenham 450; Crawford 237/1. 3.93g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Mint lustre. 300 The Lucretia gens was one of the most ancient in Rome, and it featured prominently in the early history of the city. The wife of Numa Pompilius, second King of Rome, was Lucretia; of the same name and family was the Lucretia whose rape at the hands of Sextus Tarquinius caused the monarchy to be overthrown and the Republic established with her father Spurius Lucretius Triciptinus as one of the first two consuls in 509 BC.

404. M. Marcius Mn. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; modius behind; XVI monogram below chin / Victory driving galloping biga right, holding whip in right hand and reins in left; M MARC ROMA divided by two stalks of grain below. Crawford 245/1; Sydenham 500; Kestner 2223-4; BMC 1008-12; Marcia 8. 3.91g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Bold iridescent tones.

115

300

405

406

405. M. Marcius Mn. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; modius behind; XVI monogram below chin / Victory in galloping biga right; M MARC ROMA divided by two stalks of grain below. Crawford 245/1; Sydenham 500. 3.93g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Ex Gorny 101, 1999, lot 659.

300

406. P. Maenius Antiaticus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; XVI monogram behind / Victory driving quadriga right; P•MAE ANT (ligate) below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 249/1; Sydenham 492. 3.89g, 19mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful mint lustre.

300

407. M. Aburius M. f. Geminus AR Denarius. Rome, 132 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; GEM behind; XVI monogram below chin / Sol driving galloping quadriga right; M•ABVRI below horses; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 250/1; Sydenham 487. 3.93g, 19mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

408. M. Vargunteius AR Denarius. Rome, 130 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; M VARG behind; XVI monogram below chin / Jupiter driving slow quadriga right; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 257/1; Sydenham 507. 3.90g, 22mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. An exceptional example of the type, centrally struck on a large flan of medallic qualities.

400

Ex Tkalec, February 2008, lot 28.

409. T. Quinctius Flamininus AR Denarius. Rome, 126 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; flamen’s cap behind; XVI monogram below chin / The Dioscuri riding right, each holding a couched lance, stars above; Macedonian shield between T-Q below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 267/1; Sydenham 505. 3.97g, 20mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasing old tone; struck on a large flan. Ex Goodman Collection; Ex CNG, 1997, lot 1602; Ex Swiss Bank Corporation (SBC) 33, 1993, Lot 499.

400

This moneyer T. Quinctius Flaminius was the son of the famous consul of 198 BC of the same name, who defeated Philip V, King of Macedon, at Cynoscephalae in 197; the Macedonian shield is in reference to his father’s victory.

116

A Lustrous M. Furius L. f. Philus AR Denarius

410. M. Furius L. f. Philus AR Denarius. Italian mint, 119 BC. Laureate bust of Janus; M•FOVRI•L•F around / Roma standing left erecting trophy, gallic arms around; ROMA to right; PHILI (ligate) in exergue. Crawford 281/1; Sydenham 529; BMC (Italy) 555. 3.94g, 21mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Lustrous metallic surface.

300

M. Furius Philus, son of Lucius, is considered to have been the nephew of the Consul P. Furius Philus who together with Caius Flaminius enjoyed the honours of a Triumph for victories gained over the Ligurian Gauls in 223 BC. In his capacity as monetal triumvir he here represents the triumph in question.

411

412

411. L. Porcius Licinius AR Denarius. Narbo, 118 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; L• PORCI LICI around; XVI monogram behind / Naked warrior (Bituitus) standing right, holding shield, carnyx, and reins driving biga galloping right; L•LIC•CN•DOM in exergue. Crawford 282/5; Sydenham 520. 3.85g, 21mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

300

The reverse records the victory in Gaul of Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus and Quintus Fabius Maximus over the Allobroges and their ally Bituitus, king of the Averni, who was shortly afterwards taken prisoner and figured in Rome in his own chariot of silver at the triumph of Fabius and Ahenobarbus. M. Aurelius Scaurus, L. Porcius Licinius, L. Cosconius M. f., L Pomponius Cn. f. and C. Malleolus C. f. all struck similar issues at the same time. 412. M. Sergius Silus AR Denarius. Rome, 116-115 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; EX•S•C ROMA XVI around; monogram behind / Horseman galloping left with sword and severed head held aloft; Q below horses leg; M•SERGI below; SILVS in exergue. Sydenham 534; Crawford 286/1. 3.89g, 20mm, 8h. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine. In very good condition and style for the issue. 200 The gens Sergia was a family of high patrician rank, which according to Virgil traced its origin to Sergestus, the companion of Aeneas. The inscription on this denarius indicated that it was struck in Silus’ official capacity as quaestor and under the direct mandate of the senate. The reverse portrays the Roman hero and grandfather of this moneyer, M. Sergius, a veteran of outstanding courage and fortitude, as evidenced by his exploits in the Gallic and Hannibalic wars. In respect of this amazing man is a passage in Pliny, who describes Sergius as having lost his right hand in battle, and in two campaigns receiving three and twenty wounds, yet fighting on a further four times with his left hand only, and afterwards, having made himself an iron hand and fastened it to himself, he continued to engage in mortal combat with the enemies of Rome.

413. Anonymous AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Bust of Roma right, wearing winged and crested helmet, hair falling in two locks down neck, another under her chin; X behind; ROMA below / Roma seated right on shields and leaning with left hand on spear; before her, she-wolf standing right, head reverted, suckling the Twins (Romulus and Remus); helmet at Roma’s feet; on either side, a bird flying toward her. Crawford 287/1; Sydenham 530; Kestner 2478-81; BMC Italy 562-5; RSC (Anonymous) 176. 3.77g, 21mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

A notoriously difficult issue to find in good condition, no doubt party on account of the fact that it must have been a very popular type even in its own day as attested by the degree of wear on surviving specimens and the reproduction of the type on the later coinage of Titus. Pleasantly toned. An exceptional coin.

117

414. M. Cipius AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; M•CIPI•M•F before; X behind / Victory driving biga right with palmbranch; rudder below; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 289/1; Sydenham 546. 3.95g, 18mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Old cabinet toning.

200

This moneyer has been identified with a certain Cipius, who gave rise to the proverb ‘Non omnibus dormio’, and who was called “the snorer” because he pretended to be asleep in order to facilitate his wife’s acts of adultery.

415

416

415. Appius Claudius Pulcher, T. Manlius Mancinus and Q. Urbinus AR Denarius. Rome, 111-110 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; square behind / Victory in triga right, one horse looking back; T•MANL•AP•CL•Q•VR in exergue. Crawford 299/1a; Sydenham 570. 3.95g, 18mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

416. Mn. Fonteius AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Jugate, laureate busts of the Dioscuri right, stars above; XVI monogram below / Galley under oar right; MN•FONTEI above; two pellets to right; A below. Crawford 307/1; Sydenham 566a. 3.99g, 20mm, 9h. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone with hints of gold iridescence.

300

Ex CNG 43, 1997, lot 1618.

417. M. Herennius AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Laureate bust of Pietas right; PIETAS behind, B below chin / Amphinomus carrying his father right. Crawford 308/1a; Sydenham 567. 3.94g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 400 A notoriously difficult coin to find in good condition - the faces of Amphinomus and his father are always worn and indistinct; this example is much better than most. This type recalls the story of the brothers Amphinomus and Anapias of Catana, who at the eruption of Mount Etna, saved the lives of their parents by carrying them to safety on their shoulders. The moneyer M. Herennius must have had some connection to Sicily, and probably Catana.

418. M. Herennius AR Denarius. Rome, 108-107 BC. Laureate bust of Pietas right; PIETAS behind, control letter below chin / Amphinomus carrying his father right; M•HERENNI behind. Crawford 308/1a; Sydenham 567. 3.91g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine - Extremely Fine. Struck on a full flan with almost complete border. Pleasant old cabinet toning.

118

200

419

420

419. L. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Italian mint, 108-107 BC. Draped bust of Victory right; XVI monogram below chin / Mars walking left, carrying trophy; L•VALERI FLACCI and flamen’s cap before; grain-ear behind. Crawford 306/1; Sydenham 565. 3.92g, 20mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Attractive toning. In very good condition for the type.

300

This coin appears to record three events connected with the Valeria gens: the successes of L. Valerius Flaccus in the north of Italy against the Gauls in 194 BC, the colonization of Placentia and Cremona by the triumvir of the same name in 190 BC, referred to by the cornstalk, and finally the appointment of L. Valerius Flaccus, the consul of 131 BC, as flamen Martialis. 420. C. Sulpicius C. f. Galba AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 106 BC. Conjoined laureate busts of the Dei Penates left; D•P•P before / Two soldiers swearing oath over a sow; V above; C•SVLPICI•C•F in exergue. Crawford 312/1; Sydenham 572; Sulpicia 1. 3.66g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Pleasant old cabinet tone. 250 This type alludes to Lavinium, the birthplace of this gens, where Aeneas is said to have brought the Penates from Troy. The reverse bears a portrayal of the supposed founding of the gens, when one of Aeneas’ companions, being the first to behold, beneath an oak, the sow lying with her litter of thirty on the spot pointed out by the oracle, and on which point the city of Lavinium was built. Hence, we are told, this fortunate sow-finder was called suispicius, which word was changed by posterity into Sulpicius. The sow and the whole litter were offered in sacrifice by Aeneas to the Dei Penates, and it was held as a great point of religion among the Romans that the worship of the Penates should always be properly celebrated at Lavinium.

421. L. Memmius Galeria AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 106 BC. Laureate bust of Saturn left; •I before; ROMA and harpa behind / Venus driving biga right; Cupid flying above with laurel wreath; L•MEMMI GAL in two lines in exergue. Crawford 313/1b; Sydenham 574. 3.91g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

300

422. L. Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 106 BC. Laureate bust of Jupiter left; control mark before / Jupiter driving fast quadriga right, holding sceptre and reins and hurling thunderbolt; L•SCIP•ASIAG in exergue. Cornelia 24c; Crawford 311/1b; Sydenham 576. 3.80g, 20mm, 4h. Good Very Fine – Extremely Fine. Pleasant hints of toning. Lustrous metal.

423

300

424

423. Lucius Appuleius Saturninus AR Denarius. Rome, 104 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma left / Saturn driving quadriga right; control mark and L•SATVRN below the horses. Crawford 317/3b; Sydenham 578a. 3.97g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

300

Ex Tkalec, October 2007, lot 87. 424. C. Coelius Caldus AR Denarius. Rome, 104 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma left / C COIL, Victory driving biga left; letter above; C•COIL below; CALD in exergue. Crawford 318/1a; Sydenham 582. 3.98g, 19mm, 3h. Very Fine.

119

300

425. Q. Minucius Thermus M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 103 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars left / Two warriors in combat, one on left protecting a fallen man; Q•TERM•MF in exergue. Sydenham 592; Crawford 319/1. 3.86g, 20mm, 9h. Fleur De Coin.

300

This coin records the brave deeds of the moneyer’s ancestor and namesake, Quintus Minucius Q. f. L. n. Thermus who was elected consul in 193 and assigned Liguria as his province. From his base in Pisa, he waged war against the Ligurians. His command was extended for the following year, during which time he defeated the Ligurian forces near Pisa. He remained as proconsul in Liguria for 191–190. During this time it appears that he may have won the distinction of the corona civica, the second highest military award to which a Roman could aspire, by saving the life of a fellow citizen in battle through slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy army that day - this act being depicted on the reverse. He may also have been the same Thermus who served as military tribune under Scipio in North Africa in 202 BC. Appian relates that about this time there was a cavalry engagement between the forces of Hannibal and those of Scipio near Zama, in which the latter had the advantage. On the succeeding days they had sundry skirmishes until Scipio, learning that Hannibal was very short of supplies and was expecting a convoy, sent the military tribune, [Quintus Minucius] Thermus, by night to attack the supply train. Thermus took a position on the crest of a hill at a narrow pass, where he killed 4,000 Africans, took as many more prisoners, and brought the supplies to Scipio.

426. C. Fabius C. f. Hadrianus AR Denarius. Rome, 102 BC. Veiled and turreted bust of Cybele right; •O behind / Victory driving biga right; stork below; C•FABI•C•F in exergue. Crawford 322/1a; Sydenham 589. 4.04g, 21mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Unobtrusive, light die break across obv. Centrally struck on a large flan.

400

Ex Sternberg, 1997.

427. L. Julius AR Denarius. Rome, 101 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; corn ear behind / Victory driving galloping biga right; L•IVLI below. Sydenham 585; Crawford 323/1. 3.90g, 19mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant toning.

250

428. L. Julius AR Denarius. Rome, 101 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; corn ear behind / Victory driving galloping biga right; L•IVLI below. Sydenham 585; Crawford 323/1. 3.91g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Ex NAC 27, 2004, lot 245.

120

300

A Rare and Beautifully Toned D. Junius L. f. Silanus Denarius

429. D. Junius L. f. Silanus AR Denarius. Rome, 91 BC. Diademed bust of Salus right within torque; SALVS below; D before / Victory driving biga right; ROMA beneath; D•SILANVS L•F in exergue. Crawford 337/2c; Sydenham 645. 3.92g, 18mm, 4h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

500

Ex Goodman Collection; Ex Triton I, 1997, lot 1144; Ex CNG, Quarryville XI, 1990, lot 224. This type refers to the first T. Manlius Torquatus whose son was adopted by D. Junius Silanus, an ancestor of the moneyer. The head of Salus records the dedication in 302 BC of the temple to that divinity near the Quirinal by the dictator C. Junius Bubulcus Brutus in commemoration of his great victory over the Samnites.

430

431

430. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Quinarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; K behind / Victory standing right with palm over shoulder; L•PI-SO across fields; FRVGI in exergue. Crawford 340/2; Sydenham 672. 1.74g, 15mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. An exceptional example of the type, struck on a broad flan, well preserved and attractively toned.

200

431. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; anchor behind; letter before / Horseman galloping right, holding palm branch; L. PISO FRVGI and staff below; P above. Crawford 340/1; Sydenham 669b; Calpurnia 8ff. 4.15g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Attractive iridescent blue/red tones on lustrous metal.

200

432. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. laureate bust of Apollo right; palm branch before; PANSA behind / Minerva driving quadriga right; C•VIBIVS C•F in exergue. Crawford 342/5b; Sydenham 684. 3.76g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescence; much nicer in hand. Not a rare coin, but hard to find in such good condition.

300

433. M. Cato AR Denarius. Rome, 89 BC. Diademed and draped female head right; ROMA behind; M•CATO below / Victory seated right, holding patera and palm; ST below chair; VICTRIX in exergue. Crawford 343/1c; Sydenham 596a; Porcia 6. 3.94g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent toning. Ex BVH Collection.

121

300

A Very Rare Marsic Confederation Denarius

434. The Social War. Marsic Confederation AR Denarius. Bovianum, Corfinium or Aesernia, 89 BC. Laureate and draped bust of Italia left; behind, Oscan inscription: viteliú / Soldier standing facing, head right, resting foot on uncertain object, holding sword and inverted spear; beside him to right, recumbent bull; I in exergue. Campana group 9b, 137 (D94/R116); Sydenham 627; HN Italy 407. 3.62g, 19mm, 12h. Very Rare. Extremely fine, lightly toned.

1,000

Ex William N. Rudman Collection; Ex BVH Collection; Ex Triton V, January 2002, lot 1817. This type was issued during the Social War (91-88 BC) by the Italic allies of the Marsic confederation, Marsi, Peligni, Piceni, Vestini, Samnites, Frentani, Marrucini, and Lucani, during their last struggle for independence against the dominant leadership of Rome. The coins not only helped pay for the troops, but were also used as propaganda against Rome. The types issued by the Marsic Confederation are predominantly silver and weigh approximately the same as a contemporary Roman denarius. Their circulation continued even after the conflict ended, alongside their republican models.

435. L. Titurius L. f. Sabinus AR Denarius. Rome, 89 BC. Bust of Tatius Sabinus right; SABIN behind; palm before / Tarpeia buried to waist in shields, with raised hands as she tries to thrust off two soldiers who are about to cast their shields at her; * in crescent above; L•TITVRI in exergue. Tituria 4; Crawford 344/2b; Sydenham 699a. 3.89g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Uncommonly good style; well detailed.

400

Ex NAC 46, 2008, Lot 367. Tarpeia, a virgin of the period of Romulus’ war with Tatius and the Sabines, was supposed to have sacrificed her country for her love of gold. She opened the gate, the price of her treason being ‘those things which they wore on their arms’ - the bracelets of gold with which the Sabines adorned themselves. However the enemy soldiers were so disgusted at her treachery that instead of giving her their gold bracelets they gave her their shields and buried her in a pile of them which they threw at her.

436. L. and C. Memius L. f. Galeria AR Denarius. Rome, 87 BC. Bust of Saturn left; EX•S•C below; control letter beneath chin / Venus driving biga right; Cupid above; L•C•MEMIES•L•F GAL in exergue. Crawford 349/1; Sydenham 712. 3.89g, 19mm, 7h. Very Fine.

200

437. M. Fannius and L. Critonius AR Denarius. Rome, 86 BC. Bust of Ceres right; AED•PL behind / The two aediles, M. Fannius and L. Critonius, seated right on subsellium; PA (publico argento) behind; ear of corn before; M• FAN•L•CRT in exergue. Sydenham 717; Crawford 351/1. 3.95g, 17mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. This issue was struck on the occasion of a public largesse and the bullion to provide for this coinage was supplied by the public treasury.

122

400

123

438. L. Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. 84-83 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right; L•SVLLA below; cupid with long palm branch before / Capis and lituus between two trophies; IMPER above; ITERVM below. Crawford 359/2; Sydenham 761; Cornelia 29. 4.20g, 19mm, 1h. Rare. Good Very Fine. Struck on a large flan.

300

This coin was issued by L. Cornelius Sulla, the Great Dictator, the first to turn Rome’s armies upon herself. The coin bears a bust of Venus on the obverse because, according to Plutarch, Sulla inscribed ‘Mars, Fortuna, Venus’ on a trophy. Cupid with a palm branch clearly denotes Venus Victrix. The two trophies on the reverse allude to Sulla’s two victories over the general of Mithridates, Archelaus, at Mount Thurius and on the field of Cheronea, on which account two trophies were erected. For this twofold measure of success, Sulla was acclaimed Imperator Iterum - Imperator for the second time.

439. C. Norbanus AR Denarius. Rome, 83 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right; number behind; C•NORBANVS below / Corn ear, fasces and caduceus. Sydenham 739; Crawford 357/1b. 3.94g, 20mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant golden toning.

300

The reverse type is probably an allusion to the moneyer’s father and the part he played in Sicily during the Social War, when he raised troops, organised a fleet, and provisioned the town of Rhegium. It must have been a very large issue, as the numbers run from I to over CCXX.

440. Q. Antonius Balbus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 83-82 BC. Laureate bust of Jupiter right; S•C behind / Victory driving quadriga right; control letter below; Q•ANTO•BALB PR in exergue. Crawford 364/1c; Sydenham 742a. 3.85g, 18mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Superb iridescent toning.

250

This moneyer was a member of the Marian party and was appointed Praetor in Sardinia in 82 BC, from whence he was driven by L. Philippus, the legate of Sulla, and slain.

441. C. Mamilius Limetanus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; M and caduceus behind / C•MAMIL LIMETAN, Ulysses walking right, holding staff and extending hand towards his dog, Argus. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham741; Mamilia 6. 4.12g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Lightly Toned.

400

The Mamilia gens pretended to derive its origin from Mamilia, the daughter of Telegonus, the reputed son of Ulysses and Circe, and thus C. Mamilius, as monetal triumvir, caused this subject to be adopted on his coins. The reverse shows Ulysses, after a long absence, returning in beggar’s dress to Ithaca, where he was recognised at once by his old dog, Argus, who died of joy at seeing his former master.

124

An Exceptional P. Crepusius AR Denarius

442. P. Crepusius AR Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right, control symbols before and behind / Horseman right, brandishing spear; control-numeral behind; P•CREPVSI in exergue. Sydenham 738a; Crawford 361/1c. 4.04g, 18mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. Pleasant Toning.

500

The gens Crepusia figures little in Roman history; even its order is unknown. This moneyer is known only from his coins, and the reverse appears to depict some unknown act of bravery on the part on an ancestor.

443. C. Annius T. f. T. n. and L. Fabius Hispaniensis AR Denarius. North Italy and Spain, 82-81 BC. C•ANNI•T•F•T•N•V•PRO• COS•EX•S•C•, diademed, draped bust of Anna Perenna right; before, scales; behind, winged caduceus / Victory driving quadriga r., holding reins and palm-branch; above, Q; L•FABI•L•F•HISP in exergue. Crawford 366/1a; BMC Spain 1; Annia 2; Sydenham 748; Catalli 2001, 526. 3.96g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

400

444. L. Manlius Torquatus and L. Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Sulla, 82 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right, with peaked visor, cruciform earring and necklace, hair in three locks; L MANLI before; PRO•Q behind / Sulla, togate, driving triumphal quadriga right, holding branch and reins; above, Victory flying left crowning Sulla with laurel wreath; L•SVLLA•IM in exergue. Crawford 367/5; Sydenham 757. 3.90g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned with golden iridescence.

300

We learn from Plutarch that Manlius Torquatus, who on the above is called Proquaestor, was one of Sulla’s generals. Prior to becoming praetor and placed in charge of an army, Lucius Manlius Torquatus was Sulla’s quaestor, or Roman magistrate with responsibility for the treasury. During the Mithradatic Wars, L. Manlius Torquatus resigned this position which is why he is often referred to during this period as a proquaestor, or exquaestor.

445. A. Postumius A. f. Sp. n. Albinus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Draped bust of Diana right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; bucranium above / Togate figure standing left on rock, holding aspergillum over bull; between them, lighted altar; A•POST•A•F•S•N•ALBIN around. Postumia 7; Sydenham 745; Crawford 372/1. 3.87g, 19mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone with blue and gold iridescent highlights.

300

It is highly likely that this moneyer was a son of A. Albinus Sp. f. and the type relates to the battle of Lake Regillus, at which the Roman army was commanded by A. Postumius, and at which the Dioscuri are said to have assisted the Romans against the Latins. The bust of Diana recalls that before the battle a special sacrifice was made at her temple on the Aventine. The reverse could allude to the sacrifices made during the festival on the Ides of Quintilis (supposedly the anniversary of the battle), in honour of the assistance given by the Dioscouri.

125

446. A. Postumius A. f. Sp. n. Albinus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Veiled bust of Hispania right; HISPAN behind / Togate figure standing left between legionary eagle and fasces; A ALBIN S N across fields; POST•A•F in exergue. Sydenham 746; Crawford 372/2. 4.07g, 20mm, 2h. Fleur De Coin.

300

This type relates to the praetorship of L. Postumius Albinus over Spain and his successful expeditions against the Vaccaei and Lusitani, and the levying of troops for this campaign.

447. C. Marius Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 81 BC. Bust of Ceres right, wreathed in grain; trident before chin; CAPIT•XXXXVIII behind / Ploughman driving two oxen left; XXXXVIIII above; C•MARI•C•F over S•C in exergue. Crawford 378/1c; Maria 9. 3.88g, 20mm, 1h. Fleur De Coin. Beautifully toned.

400

Ex W.B. and R. E. Montgomery Collection.

448. Anonymous AR Quinarius. Rome, 81 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right / Victory erecting trophy; • and L between. Crawford 373/1b; Sydenham 609a. 1.96g, 15mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

200

It is highly unusual to find this type in such a good state of preservation. This piece displays an attractive light tone, while retaining much of its lustre.

449. L. Procilius AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Bust of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin; S•C behind / Juno Sospita driving biga right, holding spear and shield; serpent below; L•PROCILLI•F in exergue. Crawford 379/2; Sydenham 772; Procilia 2. 3.94g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Nice toning.

400

From the types it must be presumed that the Procilia gens came from Lanuvium, where the cult of Juno Sospita flourished. She is represented here in her militant character as the protectress against the dangers of war.

450. L. Procilius AR Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Bust of Jupiter right; S•C behind / Juno Sospita advancing right with shield, spear aloft and serpent before; L•PROCILI•F behind. Sydenham 771; Crawford 379/1. 4.11g, 18mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Small area of flat strike towards edge. This denarius was struck by L. Procilius whilst serving in his capacity as monetal triumvir. The type is also a reference to his family origins.

126

300

451

452

451. C. Naevius Balbus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right; S•C behind; C below chin / Victory in triga right; C•NAE•BALB in exergue. Crawford 382/1a; Sydenham 769. 3.75g, 18mm, 5h. Very Fine.

300

This is one of the few instances of the triga on Roman coins. This war chariot the Romans borrowed from the Greeks. 452. P. Satrienus AR Denarius. Rome, 77 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars right; numeral behind / She-wolf walking left; ROMA above; P•SATRIE-NVS in two lines in exergue. Crawford 388/1b; Sydenham 781a. 3.84g, 17mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

453. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius AR Denarius. Spanish mint, 77-76 BC. Diademed bust of Pietas right; stork before / Elephant left; Q•C•M•P•I• in exergue. Crawford 374/1; BMC Spain 43; Caecilia 43; Sydenham 750; Catalli 535. 3.70g, 19mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant hints of toning.

400

454. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius AR Denarius. Spanish mint, 77-76 BC. Diademed bust of Pietas right, stork before / IMPER below jug and lituus, all in wreath. Crawford 374/2; Sydenham 751. 3.93g, 19mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Stunning toning.

300

In 79 BC Metellus was sent to Spain as Proconsul. After repeated failures he defeated Sertorius and was hailed ‘Imperator’ by the army. He celebrated his victory with magnificent entertainments and it is probably on this occasion that this denarius was struck. The type of the head of Piety was selected in recognition of his title of Pius that he received when he besought the people of Rome to recall his father from banishment.

455. L. Rustius AR Denarius. Rome, 76 BC. Helmeted bust of Mars right; S•C behind / Ram standing right; L•RVSTI in exergue. Crawford 389/1; Sydenham 782. 3.72g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful toning.

300

456. L. Lucretius Trio AR Denarius. Rome, 76 BC. Laureate bust of Neptune right; trident over shoulder; numeral above / Infant Genius riding dolphin right; L•LVCRETI TRIO in two lines in exergue. Crawford 390/2; Sydenham 784. 4.05g, 18mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Attractive toning; a very difficult issue to find in such good condition.

300

This coin may refer to an ancestor of the moneyer, C. Lucretius Gallus, who in 181 BC was created duumvir navalis, and later commanded the fleet against Perseus of Macedon. For historical note on the gens Lucretia see lot 403.

127

457. L. Farsuleius Mensor AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Libertas right; MENSOR S•C before; Number and pileus behind / Roma driving biga assisting togate figure to mount into the chariot; scorpion below horses; L•FARSVLEI in exergue Crawford 392/1b; Sydenham 789. 3.91g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous surfaces.

400

Very Rare Issue Of P. Lentulus Spinther

458. Pub. Lentulus P. f. L. n. Spinther AR Denarius. Rome, 74 BC. Bust of Hercules right; Q•S•C behind / P•LENT•P•F•L•N, Genius of the Roman People seated facing, holding cornucopiae and sceptre, being crowned by Victory, flying left. Crawford 397/1; Sydenham 791. 4.10gm, 18mm, 8h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine. Beautiful golden toning. In excellent condition for this very rare type.

1,000

Publius Cornelius Lentulus, nicknamed Spinther because of his likeness to a popular actor of that name, came from an ancient Roman patrician family of the Cornelia gens. Although treated with great favour by Julius Caesar, Spinther eventually came to support the aristocratic senatorial cause of Caesar’s great rival Pompeius Magnus and aligned himself with that party. This proved an unwise move that would eventually lead to his political destruction and perhaps his death. Although his execution on Caesar’s orders is unverified, this may explain why his son (P Cornelius P. f. P. n. Lentulus Spinther) joined Caesar’s assassins, Brutus and Cassius, and struck coins for them during their civil war against the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian. Like his father before him, the younger Spinther also put his own name and nickname ‘Spinther’ on the reverse of his coins, the obverse of which feature the bust of Libertas.

459. Mn. Aquillius Mn. f. Mn. n. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 71 BC. Helmeted bust of Virtus right, VIRTVS III VIR around / The consul Manius Aquillius standing facing, holding shield and raising slumped Sicilia by the arm; MN•AQVIL right; MN•F•MN•N left; SICIL in exergue. Crawford 401/1; Sydenham 798. 3.96g, 20mm, 7h. Very Fine. Good metal; lightly toned.

300

Probably a son of Manius Aquillius, consul in 129 BC, he was a loyal follower of Gaius Marius. During the election campaign for Marius’ fourth consulship, Aquillius was left in command of the army in case the migrating Cimbri attacked before Marius could return to command the army himself. As a reward for his loyal services, Gaius Marius ran with Aquillius under a joint ticket for the consulship of 101 BC. After the consulship, with Rome struggling with famine caused by the slave revolt on Sicily, Aquillius was sent to put it down. Aquillius completely subdued Salvius and his insurgents, and earned a triumph in Rome in 100 BC. In 98 BC Aquillius was accused by Lucius Fufius of maladministration in Sicily. In the trial he was defended by Marcus Antonius Orator (the grandfather of Mark Antony), and, even though there were strong proofs of his guilt, he was acquitted because of his bravery in the war.

460. Q. Fufius Kalenus and Mucius Scaevola Cordus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 70 BC. Jugate heads right of Honos, laureate, and Virtus, wearing crested helmet; KALENI below; HO behind; VIRT before / Italia standing right, holding cornucopia, and Roma standing left, foot on globe and holding sceptre, clasping hands; winged caduceus and ITAL behind Italia; CORDI in exergue. Crawford 403/1; Sydenham 797; Fufia 1. 3.56g, 20mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Superb toning.

500

Ex Tkalec, February 2000, lot 217. This type refers to the recent pacification of Italy following the murderous Social War. The remembrance here perpetuated of that event must have been an especial subject of pride to Mucius Cordus because it showed his attachment to the side of Papius Mutilus, first general of the Romans in the war. On this denarius we see Rome belligerent and Italy fertile, as distinguished by their respective attributes, reciprocally offering right hands to each other. Because such reconciliation had been effected, not by force of arms but, through the virtue and honour of Italy, of which Rome was the capital, so we see here the heads of these two divinities, who each had their own temples, but which were so closely linked, that no one could enter that of Honos without first passing through that of Virtus.

128

129

Very Rare Depiction Of The Temple Of Praeneste

461. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Female bust left, hair confined in hairnet; control-mark behind / Pediment of temple; within pediment, anguipede monster holding cornucopiae; M•PLAETORI on entablature; CEST•S•C• in exergue. Plaetoria 9b; BMC 3521; Sydenham 800; Crawford 405/1b. 3.73g, 20mm, 11h. Near Very Fine. 2,000 This type may have been issued on the occasion of the celebration of the Ludi Florales. The Ludi Florales were games in honour of the goddess Flora, to invoke the seasonable appearance of the flowers. They were celebrated on the 29th April in Rome, under the direction of the curule aediles. The obverse bust may be that of Fortuna, and the reverse a view of the tympanum of her celebrated temple at Praeneste. The gens Plaetoria was of Sabine origin, and of the Cestianus family there are fifty seven varieties of coins engraved by Morell, all silver, amongst which there are pieces struck in honour of Brutus, including the celebrated EID MAR denarius.

462. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Draped bust of Fortuna right; symbol behind / Half-length bust of Sors facing, head slightly right; M•PLAETORI•CEST•S•C; tablet inscribed SORS below. Crawford 405/2; Sydenham 801. 3.91g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine. Well centred and preserved and in very good condition for the issue. Ex NAC 10, 1997, lot 512.

1,000

The Romans undertook the imaginative task of deifying the virtues, qualities and affections of the mind. These they have represented by various attributes on monuments, and principally on their coinage which is frequently the most survivable of ancient artefacts. Among such allegorical divinities was this personification of Sors (chance or hazard), which has sometimes been confused with Destiny or Fate. The Sortes Praenestiae, were tesserae, or tablets of oak inscribed with sentences of antique writing, and shut up in a casket of olive wood. It was believed that, under the secret guidance of the goddess Fortuna, Sors drew these lots by the hand of a child, and it was supposed to learn its fate by the reading of what was written on the tablets by one of the ministers called sortilege, or fortune-tellers.

463. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Bust of Ceres right, hair gathered up in net; staff behind / Winged caduceus; M•PLAETORI before; CEST•EX•S•C behind. Crawford 405/3b; Plaetoria 6; Sydenham 805. 3.85g, 20mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. Lightly toned. Struck on a very broad flan.

500

Ex LHS Numismatik 100, April 2007, lot 401.

464. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Bust of Ceres right, hair gathered up in net; branch behind / Winged caduceus; M• PLAETORI before; CEST•EX•S•C behind. Crawford 405/3b; Plaetoria 6; Sydenham 805. 3.89g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Lovely blue and gold toning.

130

400

465. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Bust of Bonus Eventus right; control symbol behind / Winged caduceus; M• PLAETORI before; CEST•EX•S•C behind. Crawford 405/5; Sydenham 807. 3.95g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

466

400

467

466. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Turreted bust of Cybele right; CESTIANVS behind; globe under chin / M• PLAETORIVS•AED•CVR•EX•S•C, curule chair; symbol to left. Crawford 409/2; Sydenham 808. 4.06g, 19mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful old cabinet tone.

400

This type refers to the celebration of the Ludi Megalesiaci, in honour of Cybele, which was under the control of the curule aediles. 467. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Bust of ‘Vacuna’ right, wearing a wreathed and crested helmet, bow and quiver on shoulder; cornucopiae below chin; CESTIANVS behind; S•C before / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, head left; M• PLAETORIVS M•F•AED•CVR around. Crawford 409/1; Sydenham 809; Plaetoria 4. 3.99g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

400

This particular coin bears record to the curule aedileship of Plaetorius. Cicero himself notes that Plaetorius conducted himself memorably in that magistracy, and the types of his coins seem to allude to the same fact. The sella curulis on his other issue places this beyond dispute. The eagle and turreted bust of Cybele indicate that the public games sacred to Jupiter and Mater Magna were, as usual, caused to be performed by the curule aediles. The winged and helmeted bust on this issue is often identified with Vacuna, a Sabine goddess, and appears to pay homage to the Sabine origins of the Plaetoria gens. However, Crawford suggests that this identification of the obverse bust as Vacuna is impossible, citing J.P. Morel. The bust appears to bear the attributes of a number of different deities, and has therefore been occasionally deemed a pantheon. The identity of this goddess is as such something of a mystery.

The Calydonian Boar

468. C. Hosidius C. f. Geta AR Denarius. Rome, 68 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver on shoulder; GETA before; III•VIR behind / Wild boar of Calydon right, pierced by arrow and attacked by dog; C•HOSIDI C•F in exergue. Sydenham 903; Crawford 407/2. 3.87g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Lovely old cabinet tone.

400

King Oenus of Calydon, an ancient city of western Greece, north of the Gulf of Patras, held annual harvest sacrifices to the gods on the sacred hill. One year the king forgot to include Diana in his offerings. Insulted, she loosed the biggest, most ferocious boar imaginable on the countryside of Calydon. It rampaged throughout the land, destroying vineyards and crops, forcing people to take refuge inside the city walls, where they began to starve. Oeneus sent out messengers to look for the best hunters in Greece, offering them the boar’s pelt and tusks as a prize. Among those who responded were some of the Argonauts, Oeneus’ own son Meleager, and, remarkably for the Hunt’s eventual success, one woman - the huntress Atalanta, the “indomitable”, who had been suckled by Artemis as a she-bear and raised as a huntress. Many of the men refused to hunt alongside a woman, but it was the smitten Meleager who convinced them. Nonetheless it was Atalanta who first succeeded in wounding the boar with an arrow, although Meleager finished it off, and offered the prize to Atalanta, who had drawn first blood. But the sons of Thestios, the uncles of Meleager, who considered it disgraceful that a woman should get the trophy where men were involved, took the skin from her, saying that it was properly theirs by right of birth, if Meleager chose not to accept it. Outraged by this, He slew the sons of Thestios and again gave the skin to Atalanta. It had been prophesied at Meleager’s birth that he would only live until a brand, burning in the family hearth, was consumed by fire. So his mother Althaea, overhearing, doused and hid the brand. Upon now hearing that Meleager had slain his uncles, her brothers, she took the fatal brand from the chest where she had kept it for so many years and threw it once more on the fire; as it was consumed, Meleager died on the spot, as the Fates had foretold. Thus did Diana achieve her revenge against King Oeneus.

131

469. C. Piso L. f. Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; bee behind / Naked horseman on horse galloping right, holding palm frond and reins; B above; C•PISO•L•F•FRVG below. Calpurnia 24g; Crawford 408/1a; Hersh, Piso 110 (O45/R1051); Sydenham 850a; Kestner -; BMC -. 3.93g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

400

This moneyer was the son of L. Piso Frugi and adopted for his coins the type used by his father. C. Piso married Tullia, daughter of Cicero, in 63 BC and in 58 BC he was appointed quaestor.

470. C. Piso L. f. Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; snake on caduceus behind / Naked horseman on horse galloping right, holding whip; symbol above; C•PISO•L•F•FRV below. Calpurnia 24; Sydenham 865e; Crawford 408/1a. 4.12g, 17mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Pleasing old cabinet tone.

300

The Muses The gens Pomponia claimed descent from Pompo, son of Numa Pompilius, who was the originator of the sacred rites of sacrifice to Apollo, as depicted on the coinage of Pomponius Molo. Unsurprisingly then, Apollo features on the obverse of this moneyer’s coins, while the reverse is type parlant of Musa’s own name.

471. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Q•POMPONI MVSA, diademed bust of Apollo right / HERCVLES MVSARVM, Hercules standing right, playing lyre, club at his feet. Crawford 410/1; Sydenham 810. 3.88g, 18mm, 3h. Fleur De Coin. Lightly and attractively toned.

500

Hercules Musagetes, or leader of the choir of Muses, shown here playing a lyre, was known in Greece under that name, and his worship was often associated with that paid to the nine virgin goddesses of poetry and civilisation. It is difficult to account for this seeming abandonment of Apollo’s maiden companions by the God of Song himself to the protection of another and inferior divinity. However such were the contradictions and inconsistencies of the superstitious patchwork which formed the Greco-Roman system of deification. The subject before us has been reasonably supposed to indicate, by an allegory, that the cultivation of intellectual pursuits rests secure under the guardianship of strength and courage, and that the heroic genius of Hercules can be worthily proclaimed only through the influence of the Muses.

472. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right, in hair rolled back and in loose locks over forehead; flower or rosette before ear; tortoise behind / Terpsichore, the Muse of Dancing, standing right, in long flowing tunic and peplum, holding lyre and plectrum at her side; MVSA to left; Q•POMPONI to right. Crawford 410/7a; Sydenham 819. 3.75g, 19mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

400

Terpischore, like all the Muses, is a daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, ruling over dance and the dramatic chorus. She lends her name to the word “terpsichorean” which means “of or relating to dance”. She is usually depicted sitting down, holding a lyre, accompanying the dancers’ choirs with her music. She is sometimes said to be the mother of the Sirens by Achelous.

132

473

474

473. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; scroll behind / Clio, the Muse of History, standing left, left elbow on pedestal, holding an open scroll; Q•POMPONI behind; MVSA before. Crawford 410/3; Sydenham 813. 3.86g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Banker’s mark on obverse, but a well-centred issue struck on a full flan.

400

Clio, or Kleio, the muse of History, had one son, Hyacinth, with the King of Pieria, Pierus. Some sources say she was also the mother of Hymenaios. She is often represented with a parchment scroll or a set of tablets and is also known as the Proclaimer. 474. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; two crossed flutes behind / Euterpe, the Muse of Lyric Poetry, standing right, supporting chin with arm resting on column to right, and holding two tibiae (a form of flute); Q•POMPONI behind; MVSA before. Crawford 410/5; Sydenham 815. 3.91g, 19mm, 9h Good Very Fine.

300

Euterpe was called the “Giver of delight”, when later poets assigned roles to each of the Muses, she was the muse of lyric poetry. In late Classical times she was named muse of lyric poetry and depicted holding a flute. A few say she invented the aulos or double-flute, though most mythographers credit Marsyas with its invention. The river god Strymon impregnated Euterpe; her son Rhesus led a band of Thracians and was killed by Diomedes at Troy, according to Homer’s Iliad.

475. L Roscius Fabatus AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 64 BC. Bust of Juno Sospita in goat skin; symbol behind; L•ROSCI below / Female figure standing right feeding serpent before; symbol behind; FABATI in exergue. Crawford 412/1; Sydenham 915. 3.92g, 18mm, 2h. Good Very Fine.

200

L. Roscius Fabatus was born at Lanuvium and was a “new man” (the first to ennoble his family by entering the Senate). In 55, he held the tribuneship. Roscius was co-author of a measure to further Caesar’s plans for agrarian and municipal reform. He was a Caesarian legate in Gaul after 54, where he commanded the 13th legion. In 49, he held the praetorship and was involved as a messenger in the events of that year, which led to the fatal rupture between Caesar and Pompey. In one of his letters, Cicero reported Roscius was killed at Forum Gallorum in 43 BC during the war of Mutina. Juno Lanuvina, or with title in full, Juno Sospita Maxima Regina, as it is expressed on denarii of Thorius Balbus, was worshipped with particular devotion at Lanuvium, and accordingly we find her honoured here on the coinage of the gens Roscia, which was of Lanuvinian origin. On this coin we see opposite to the serpent a woman offering food to it, the meaning of which may be learnt in Elianus and Propertius. Each year at the festival in honour of Juno Sospita at Lanuvium, a virgin descended into the grotto under the temple with food for the serpent that dwelt there. If the girl selected for the ceremony was chaste, then she returned safely to her home, where there was much rejoicing. If she was not chaste she was destroyed by the serpent.

476. L. Furius Cn. f. Brocchus AR Denarius. Rome, 63 BC. Bust of Ceres right; wheat-ear behind; ear of barley before; III-VIR across fields; BROCCHI below / Curule chair between fasces; L•FVRI CN•F above. Crawford 414/1; Sydenham 902a. 3.85g, 19mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. Perfectly centred reverse; attractive old cabinet tone with iridescent tones.

400

The gens Furia was of the patrician order, amongst whose members was the great Marcus Furius Camillus, though he is not depicted on its coins. It also included other great men, who filled high employments under the Republic. On this elegant denarius we observe accents employed in the abbreviation of words and an example of refinement in pronunciation such as the word FVRI being used instead of FOVRI.

133

477

478

477. L. Aemilius Lepidus Paullus and L. Scribonius Libo AR Denarius. Rome, 62 BC. Veiled and diademed bust of Concordia right; PAVLLVS LEPIDVS CONCORD around / Puteal Scribonianum, garlanded, ornamented with lyres, hammer at base; PVTEAL•SCRIBON around; LIBO in exergue. Scribonia 9; Crawford 417/1a; Sydenham 927. 3.99g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. A very attractive example of the type.

300

The reverse of this coin depicts the Puteal Scriboniarum, or Puteal Libonis, which L. Scribonius Libo renovated. According to ancient sources, the Puteal Libonis was a bidental, that is, a spot which had been struck by lightning. It took its name from its resemblance to the low enclosure around a well (puteus) that was between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Vesta, near the Porticus Julia and the Arcus Fabiorum (arch of the Fabii). The praetor’s tribunal was convened nearby, having been removed from the comitium in the 2nd century BC. It thus became a place where litigants, money-lenders and business people congregated. 478. L. Scribonius Libo AR Denarius. Rome, 62 BC. BON•EVENT LIBO around bust of Bonus Eventus right, with broad diadem / PVTEAL SCRIBON, Puteal Scribonianum, garlanded, ornamented with lyres, hammer at base. Sydenham 928; Crawford 416/1a. 3.97g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

200

Two Rare M. Aemilius Lepidus Denarii

479. M. Aemilius Lepidus AR Denarius. Rome, 61 BC. Laureate and diademed female bust right; palm branch behind / Equestrian statue of M. Lepidus, right, holding trophy; AN•XV•PR•H•O•C•S• around; M•LEPIDVS in exergue. Aemilia 22a; BMC 3644; Crawford 419/1c; Sydenham 830a. 4.01g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Well struck on a large flan; the scarcer variety of the two issues, boasting a complete legend.

800

The coins of the Lepidi are remarkable for their commemoration of warlike achievements performed by persons belonging to that branch of the Aemilia gens. This particular issue records the deeds of the moneyer’s ancestor of the same name who was honoured for his bravery with the Corona Civica, the second highest military award to which a Roman soldier could aspire. This coin’s accompanying issue bears the legend AN XV PR H O C S, which means ANorum XV PRaetextatus Hostem Occidit Civem Servavit - thus informing us that M Lepidus at the age of fifteen, still Praetextatus (that is, wearing the robe peculiar to a patrician boy) killed an enemy in battle and saved the life of a Roman citizen. According to Valerius Maximus, a statue of Lepidus, dressed in the costume appropriated to the male children of noblemen till 17 years of age, was placed in the Capitol, by order of the Senate, as an honourable record of this precocious act of valour and patriotism. This moneyer went on to become one of the Triumviri along with Mark Antony and Caesar Octavian.

480. M. Aemilius Lepidus AR Denarius. Rome, 61 BC. Laureate and diademed female bust right / Horesman right, carrying trophy over shoulder; M LEPIDVS in exergue. Aemilia 21; Sydenham 827; Crawford 419/1a. 3.71g, 18mm, 5h. Rare. Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

134

500

The Capture of Privernum After a long period of peace, the Privernates in 358 BC laid waste some Roman territory in the Pontine Marshes. Gaius Marcius Rutilus in a brief campaign the next year defeated them and celebrated a triumph. According to Livy, twice later, in 342 and 330 BC, the Privernates laid waste the lands of the Roman colonies of Norba and Setia, and were twice defeated by Gaius Plautius in 341 and 329 B.C. Modern historical criticism reduces these two wars to one, that of 330-329 BC, which resulted in the capture of the city and the granting of a triumph to its captor, Gaius Plautius Decianus Hypsaeus. As a punishment for the attack on Rome, the walls of Privernum were destroyed, the senators of the city were deported to quarters in Rome on the right bank of the Tiber, and the Romans seized two-thirds of the territory of Privernum. Livy and others assert that the Privernates did not suffer further punishment, but were granted full Roman citizenship, owing to the spirit of liberty displayed by their envoys and the firm attitude of Plautius. The Hypsaei traced their descent from Neptune and his daughter Leuconoë. The reverse of the following two coins commemorate the capture of Privernum by the ancestor of this moneyer.

481. P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 60 BC. Draped bust of Leuconoë right; dolphin behind; P•YPSAE S•C before / Jupiter in rearing quadriga left; CEPIT to right; C•YPSAE•COS PRIV in exergue. Crawford 420/2a; Sydenham 911; Plautia 12. 4.03g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

482. P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 60 BC. Draped bust of Leuconoë right; dolphin behind; P•YPSAE•S•C• before / Jupiter in rearing quadriga left; CEPIT to right; C•YPSAE•COS PRIV in exergue. Crawford 420/2a. 3.75g, 18mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly off-centre, but lustrous and far more beautiful in hand.

483

300

484

483. M. Nonius Sufenas AR Denarius. Rome, 59 BC. Bust of Saturn right, harpa and conical stone behind; SVFENAS right; S•C left / Roma seated left, being crowned by Victory; PR•L•V•P•F• around; SEX•NONI in exergue. Crawford 421/1; Sydenham 885. 4.03g, 16mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

200

484. C. Servilius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 57 BC. Bust of Flora right wearing wreath of flowers; FLORAL PRIMVS before; lituus behind / Two warriors face to face with shields and swords; C•F to right; C•SERVEIL• in exergue. Crawford 423/1; Sydenham 890. 3.66g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone with red iridescent highlights.

200

This type refers to the institution of the Floralia or Ludi Florales by Servilius on the occasion of the dedication of the temple to Flora in the Circus Maximus in 240 BC. The reverse may be a depiction of the alliance between Romulus and Tatius.

485. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed bust of Ancus Marcius right; lituus behind; ANCVS below / Equestrian statue on aqueduct of five arches; flower below statue; AQVA MAR between arches; PHILIPPVS behind. Marcia 28; Sydenham 919. 4.01g, 19mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned with blue and gold iridescent highlights. 200 The Marcia gens claimed descent from Ancus Marcius, the fourth King of Rome, who is said to have been the first to bring water to Rome by means of an aqueduct. The equestrian statue is that of Q. Marcius Rex, who, when praetor in 144 BC, was commissioned by the Senate to repair the old aqueducts and to build one which would give a supply of water to the Capitol. This aqueduct is known as the Aqua Marcia.

135

Faustus Cornelius Sulla - Son Of The Great Dictator Faustus was eldest surviving son of the Dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Faustus married Pompeia Magna, daughter of the notable Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. They had three children. His career as an advocate was cut short, however, by the civil war between Pompey Magnus and Caesar. He, as Pompey’s son-in-law, sided with him and was killed in a minor skirmish with Caesarian troops in 47 BC.

486. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Diana right; FAVSTVS before; crescent above; lituus behind / Sulla seated left, Bocchus, king of Mauretania, kneels before and offers olive-branch; Jugurtha, king of Numidia, kneels behind; FELIX behind. Crawford 426/1; Sydenham 879. 3.96g, 20mm, 10h. Good Very Fine.

400

Sulla the Dictator was surnamed Felix, the happy, or the lucky, from having been successful in all his enterprises. Jugurtha, King of the Numidians, in a long war which he sustained against the Romans, was in 106 BC defeated by Marius, and compelled to take refuge in the territories of King Bocchus of Mauretania. Sulla, though then only second in command, had influence enough with this sordid and treacherous man, to procure from him the surrender of Jugurtha into his own hands. This historical incident forms the subject of the above described and illustrated coin. The lituus on the obverse symbolizes the Augurate of Sulla.

487. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Diademed bust of young Hercules right, wearing lion’s skin; FEELIX (sic) behind / Diana driving galloping biga right, holding reins and lituus; crescent and two stars above; two stars over FAVSTVS below; Crawford 426/2; Sydenham 880. 3.92g, 19mm, 5h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

488

300

489

488. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Bust of Hercules right, in lion skin; S•C behind / Globe between jewelled wreath and three triumphal wreaths. Crawford 426/4b; Cornelia 62. 4.12g, 19mm, 5h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

300

The three wreaths and the three trophies on the following lot are symbolic of the three triumphs of Pompey Magnus. Pompey’s string of victories against the Marian party in Sicily and Africa, where he defeated Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and the Numidian King Hiarbas led to him being reluctantly awarded his first, and illegal, triumph by Sulla, and being hailed by the Dictator as Magnus (‘The Great’), no doubt in recognition of his many victories, but also with some degree of sarcasm. Following his defeat of Quintus Sertorius, the Marian general who had been holding out in Hispania, Pompey returned to Italy, encountering on his way the remnants of Spartacus’ army that had been crushed by Crassus. Pompey slew the fugitives, and claimed the credit for ending the war, thus earning the enmity of Crassus. On returning to Rome Pompey was awarded a second triumph for his victories in Hispania, and like the first it was awarded extra-legally. Pompey’s third triumph, awarded for his victories in the East against Mithridates VI of Pontus and at Jerusalem, exceeded all others in magnificence – an unprecedented two days were scheduled for its procession and games. Spoils, prisoners, soldiers and banners depicting battle scenes made their way along the triumphal route between the Campus Martius and the Capitoline temple of Jupiter. To conclude, he gave an immense triumphal banquet and money to the people of Rome, and promised them a new theatre. Plutarch claimed that this triumph represented Pompey’s - and therefore Rome’s - domination of the entire world, an achievement to outshine even Alexander’s. 489. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Laureate, diademed, and draped bust of Venus right, wearing double necklace of pearls and pendants, cruciform earring, and jewels in hair, pulled into a knot; S•C and sceptre behind / Three military trophies standing facing; capis (onehandled jug) on left; lituus on right; FAVSTVS monogram in exergue. Crawford 426/3; Sydenham 884; Kestner 3457; BMC 3909; Cornelia 63. 3.70g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Difficult to find with a well preserved reverse.

136

300

The Lex Cassia Tabellaria

490. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Veiled bust of Vesta right; Q•CASSIVS behind; VEST before / Curule chair within circular temple of Vesta between urn and voting tablet inscribed AC (Absolvo; Condemno). Sydenham 917; Crawford 428/1. 4.05g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

This coin relates to an ancestor, L. Cassius Longinus, and his Lex Cassia Tabellaria, a law relating to the method of voting. This Cassius, having been appointed in the year of Rome 641, under the Peduceian Law, as Commissioner with praetorian power to investigate certain cases of violation of chastity in Vestal virgins, summoned again to trial and condemned to death Licinia and Marcia, who had allegedly been improperly acquitted by L. Metellus P. M, according to Asconius Paedianus on Cic. Pro Milone. Cassius was so great an exemplar of severity that he was commonly called ‘reorum scopulus’, and Cassiana judicia became a proverb. The curule chair within the temple denotes the praetorian power. The urn, or cista, is that into which the tabella were cast.

491. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. 55 BC. Bust of young Jupiter, sceptre behind / Eagle on thunderbolt right between lituus and jug; Q CASSIVS below. Sydenham 916, Crawford 428/3. 3.97g, 19mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant toning.

300

The youthful bust on this coin is often described as being that of Bonus Eventus, however unlike the coins of the Scribonii, there is no legend or defining attribute to identify it as such. Indeed, the sceptrum, fulmen and aquila instead point to this being the bust of a young Jupiter, for whom such insignia are normally reserved. The priestly implements on the reverse likely allude to an ancestor who belonged to the college of pontiffs, and if we take the symbolism of this coin to be in reference to Jupiter, then it is probable that this coin is in reference to a family member who was once Flamen Dialis, (high priest of Jupiter), a position of great importance and privilege in Rome that entitled the holder of that office to many honours, including the right to a lictor, the toga praetexta, the sella curulis, and to a seat in the Senate. The moneyer of this coin, Quintus Cassius Longinus, was the brother or cousin of the Cassius who conspired to assassinate Caesar. In 49 BC, as tribune of the people, he strongly supported the cause of Caesar, by whom he was made governor of Hispania Ulterior. He treated the provincials with great cruelty, and his appointment in 48 BC to take the field against Juba I of Numidia gave him an excuse for fresh oppression. The result was an unsuccessful insurrection at Corduba. Cassius punished the leaders with merciless severity, and made the lot of the provincials harder than ever. Some of his troops revolted under the quaestor Marcellus, and Cassius was surrounded in Ulia. Bogud, king of Mauretania, and Lepidus, proconsul of Hispania Citerior, to whom Cassius had applied for assistance, negotiated an arrangement with Marcellus whereby Cassius was allowed to go free with his remaining legions. Cassius sent his troops into winter quarters and boarded ship at Malaca with his ill-gotten gains, but was wrecked in a storm at the mouth of the Iberus. His tyrannical behaviour in Hispania greatly injured Caesar’s cause.

493

492

492. P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. P•FONTEIVS P•F•CAPITO•III•VIR, helmeted and draped bust of Mars Tropaeophorus right, trophy over shoulder / MN•FONT•TR•MIL, Roman horseman thrusting his spear at a Gallic enemy who is about to slay an unarmed comrade. Crawford 429/1; Sydenham 900. 3.88g, 20mm, 1h. Etremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan, even grey toning.

300

This coin records the exploits of this moneyer’s uncle Mn. Fonteius who was governor of Narbonese Gaul between 76-73 BC. The reverse type depicts some now unknown battle that occurred while Mn. Fonteius was serving in the capacity of a military tribune, wherein he may have saved the life of a comrade in battle. 493. Cn. Plancius AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Bust of Diana Planciana right, wearing petasus; CN•PLANCIVS AED•CVR•S•C around / Cretan goat right; bow and quiver behind. Crawford 432/1; Sydenham 933. 3.68g, 17mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Ex Astarte VI, 2000, lot 384. This moneyer had served in Crete under the proconsul Q. Metellus, and also as military tribune in Macedonia; both of these commands are illustrated on this type through the petasus and Cretan goat.

137

300

‘Descendant of Two Tyrannicides’ Brutus claimed that he was descended from Lucius Junius Brutus, the first consul, on his father’s side, and from Gaius Servilius Ahala on his mother’s, and thus was sprung from two tyrannicides.

494. M. Junius (Q. Servilius Caepio) Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. bare head of Lucius Junius Brutus right; BRVTVS behind / bare head of Caius Servilius Ahala right; AHALA behind. Sydenham 907; Crawford 433/2. 3.78g, 20mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Beautiful iridescent tones.

750

Caius Servilius Ahala served as magister equitum in 439 BC, when Cincinnatus was appointed dictator on the supposition that Spurius Maelius was styling himself a king and plotting against the state. During the night on which the dictator was appointed, the capitol and all the strong posts were garrisoned by the partisans of the patricians. In the morning, when the people assembled in the forum, with Spurius Maelius among them, Ahala summoned the latter to appear before the dictator; and upon Maelius disobeying and taking refuge in the crowd, Ahala rushed into the throng and killed him. Though considered an act of murder at the time, Ahala was regarded by later writers as a hero.

495. M. Junius (Q. Servilius Caepio) Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bust of Libertas right; LIBERTAS behind / Consul L. Junius Brutus, between two lictors, preceded by accensus, all walking left; BRVTVS in exergue. Sydenham 906; Crawford 433/1; Junia 31. 3.88g, 20mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Well centred and attractively toned.

500

This piece was struck by Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar when he was a moneyer. Brutus’ uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio, adopted him when he was a young man and Brutus was known as Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus for an unknown period of time. This type, whilst illustrating his strong republican views, is also record of his ancestry. It recalls the expulsion of the Tarquins from Rome in 509 BC by L. Junius Brutus, who was consul in that year.

A Rare and Attractively Toned L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus Denarius

496. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Apollonia, 49 BC. Bust of Apollo right; L•LENT•C•MARC COS around / Jupiter standing right, eagle in left hand, thunderbolt in right; flower and Q in left field; garlanded altar in right field. Crawford 445/2. 3.98g, 18mm, 2h. Rare. Extremely Fine. Lustrous and attractively toned.

750

This coin was struck for the two consuls of 49 BC, both of whom supported the party of Pompey and were violently opposed to Caesar, on whose approach to Rome they fled to Sicily. They then went, via Greece, to Asia Minor where this coin was struck. The reverse is claimed to be a copy of the famous statue of Zeus Eleutherios, by Myron, which was set up by the Syracusans as a memorial to their freedom in 460 BC.

138

497

498

497. Q. Sicinius AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Diademed bust of Fortuna right; FORT P•R• around / Caduceus and palm in saltire; III•VIR across fields; laurel wreath above; Q•SICINIVS below. Sydenham 938. 4.02g, 18mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Light iridescent highlights.

400

This type is in honour of Pompey and his party. The palm-branch refers to Pompey’s numerous victories; the caduceus to the restoration of commerce after the destruction of the fleets of the pirates, the wreath to the golden chaplet conferred on him by the citizens of Rome. These great deeds were effected by the special favour of the goddess Fortuna. 498. Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius AR Denarius. Military mint in the east moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed bust of Apollo right; III•VIR behind; * below; Q•SICINIVS before / Club of Hercules, arrow and bow; C•COPONIVS•PR•S•C around. Crawford 444/1a; Sydenham 939. 3.88g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Sharp strike, attractive iridescent tones.

300

This coinage was struck by Sicinius for the use of the fleet commanded by Coponius in the East for Pompey. To justify this action the formula S.C. is added to make it appear as under senatorial authority.

499. Man. Acilius Glabrio AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Bust of Salus right; SALVTIS behind / Valetudo standing left holding serpent; MN ACILIVS III VIR VALETV around. Sydenham 922; Crawford 442/1a. 4.06g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

Salus and Valetudo are almost synonymous divinities of health and physical well-being. A famous statue by Nikeratos of Salus/Hygieia was in the temple of Concord at Rome. It represented the goddess feeding a serpent which she holds. The coin type might well represent this statue. Pliny notes that the first doctor to practise in Rome (a Peloponnesian named Archagathos) came to the city in 219 BC and was given citizenship and a shop located at public expense in the crossway Acilia. There is, however, no ancient evidence to support the Acilia gens’ claim that it was they who brought him to Rome. The moneyer is commonly identified with the son of Mn. Acilius Glabrio, consul in 67, and Aemilia, daughter of M. Aemilius Scaurus, whom Sulla forced him to divorce in 82. He was born in Pompey’s house in 81. Aemilia was the sister of M. Scaurus, the infamous curule aedile in 58. Pompey married Aemilia after her divorce. Acilius supported his uncle M. Aemilius Scaurus at his trial in 54. The year 50 saw Pompey fall gravely ill at his villa at Naples, and prayers and public vows for his recovery were offered throughout Italy. His recovery was greeted with widespread celebrations. These coin types are not inappropriate choices for one who was born in Pompey’s house. It is possible that he was the Acilius who produced bronze coins in Sicily as quaestor, and at Corinth. There is no further record of him. It is interesting to note that the Acilii Glabriones long survived and had consuls in the direct line in AD 210 and AD 256.

500

501

500. C. Vibius C. f. C. n. Pansa Caetronianus AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Mask of Pan right; PANSA behind / Jupiter Axurus seated left, holding patera and sceptre; C•VIBIVS C•F•C•N• behind; IOVIS AXVR before. Crawford 449/1a; Sydenham 947. 3.95g, 20mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Exhibits none of the usual flat striking and consequent loss of detail.

200

This elegant and unique type most probably presents to us a copy from the image of the Auxurian Jupiter, who from his radiate bust and beardless face, seems to be identical to Apollo, or Sol, like Ve Jupiter, and Jupiter Heliopolitanus, whose figure appears on coins of Heliopolis, in Coele Syria. The obverse depiction of Pan is a punning allusion to the cognomen Pansa. Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus was tribune in 51 BC and supported Gaius Julius Caesar in the civil war. After Caesar’s assassination, however, he became one of the leading proponents for the return of the Republic, and was elected consul in 43 BC, with Aulus Hirtius. The two took command of the senatorial legions, marching north to engage Mark Antony, now an enemy of the Roman Senate. On April 14, 43 BC, the two forces clashed at the Battle of Forum Gallorum. Although the Senate’s forces proved victorious, Hirtius was killed in battle and Pansa was wounded and died a few days later. 501. C.Vibius C. f. C. n. Pansa Caetronianius AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Young bust of Bacchus right, wearing ivy wreath; PANSA behind / CeresDemeter walking right, carrying torches; plough before; C•VIBIVS•C•F•C•N behind. Sydenham 946; Crawford 449/2. 4.03g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

300

The reverse of this coin illustrates the goddess Demeter, or Ceres as she was known to the Romans, seeking the path by which her daughter Persephone was taken down to Hades. The cult of Demeter and Persephone was of the greatest importance in Southern Italy, and given that this gens is reputed to have come from Bruttium it is therefore not unexpected that Demeter should figure prominently on its coinage.

139

Two Denarii Of C. Antius C. f. Restio

502 503 502. C. Antius C. f. Restio AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Bare head of the tribune Antius Restio right; RESTIO behind / Hercules Triumphalis nude, walking right, head left, holding club and trophy left, cloak over left arm; C•ANTIVS•C•F• before. Crawford 455/1a; Sydenham 970. 3.80g, 19mm, 7h. Rare. Extremely Fine. Exceptional condition for the type.

500

Ex Tkalec, February 2008, lot 239. The Antius Restio portrayed here was the tribune of the people who after the passing of his sumptuary law, was compelled to seek refuge at Lavinium, in which city there existed a special cult of the Dei Penates. The representation of Hercules Triumphalis relates to the reputed descent of the Antia gens from Antiades, son of Hercules and Aglaia. 503. C. Antius C. f. Restio AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Jugate heads of the Dei Penates right; DEI PENATES behind / Hercules Triumphalis nude, walking right, head left, holding club and trophy left, cloak over left arm; C•ANTIVS•C•F• behind. Crawford 455/2a; Sydenham 971. 4.14g, 19mm, 4h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Well centred on a large flan.

400

Ex UBS 43, 1997, lot 259. The diademed, jugate heads on this type’s obverse are those of Penates, which, according to Servius and Cicero, were deities worshipped privately and at home in the innermost and secure part of the family dwelling. Roman religion allowed each individual to choose their own personal Penates, which could take the form of the main deities of the heavens such as Jupiter or Vesta, or could also be a man’s own ancestors or even an Emperor. These particular Penates indicate that the gens originated in Lavinium. Statues of the Penates were consecrated in the Penetralia or most secret apartment, and on certain occasions wine and incense were offered, they were also covered with garlands of poppies and garlic. Sometimes sheep and lambs were sacrificed to them. The festival of the Penates was celebrated during the Saturnalia, along with a day each month, dedicated to the honour of these domestic gods.

504. L. Plautius Plancus AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Mask of Medusa facing, hair dishevelled, serpents at sides; L•PLAVTIVS below / Aurora flying right conducting the four horses of the sun; PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1a; Sydenham 959. 4.01g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Struck on a broad flan with an attractive old cabinet tone.

1,000

This moneyer was the brother of L. Munatius but was adopted into the Plautia gens. Ovid relates that during the censorship of C. Plautius and Ap. Claudius Caecus in B.C. 312, the latter quarrelled with the tibicenes, who retired to Tibur. As the people resented their loss, Plautius caused them to be placed in wagons and conveyed back to Rome early in the morning, and in order that they should not be recognised their faces were covered with masks. The chariot of Aurora is an allusion to their early arrival and the mast to the concealment of their faces. In commemoration of this event the Quinquatrus Minusculae were celebrated yearly at Rome on the 13th June, at which those who took part in them wore masks.

505

506

505. Mn. Cordius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 46 BC. Corinthian helmet with crest on which an owl stands; RVFVS left / The aegis of Minerva with head of Medusa in the centre; MN CORDIVS around. Crawford 463/2; Sydenham 978. 3.85g, 19mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the issue - this denarius is notoriously difficult to find in good condition.

300

This type is ascribed to Manius Cordius Rufus, monetal triumvir under Julius Caesar, before or after the dictatorship. The owl refers to Caesar’s prudence and wisdom; the warlike helmet and the Aegis to his valour. 506. L. Lollius Palikanus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Diademed bust of Libertas right; LIBERTATIS behind / View of the Rostra in the Forum, surmounted by a sella; PALIKANVS above. Crawford 473/1; Sydenham 960. 3.56g, 21mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Pleasant toning. This type, like the others issued by Lollius, may relate to the vigorous and successful exertions of the tribune M. Lollius Palikanus (possibly the moneyer’s father), to obtain for the tribunes the restoration of those powers and privileges of which they had been deprived by Sulla.

140

500

507. L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Diademed bust of Apollo Soranus right; ACISCVLVS and axe behind; XVI monogram above / Valeria Luperca riding a heifer right, holding a veil above; L•VALERIVS in exergue. Sydenham 998a; Crawford 474/1b. 3.16g, 19mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Lovely old cabinet tone.

400

This type refers to the legendary origin of the family. Plutarch relates that when the plague visited Falerii, in Etruria, the oracle announced that the scourge would only cease by the annual sacrifice of a virgin to Juno. This superstition was long maintained till the lot fell on a young virgin named Valeria Luperca; when she drew forth the sword to slay herself an eagle descended and carried off this weapon and deposited on the altar a hammer, it then threw the sword on a heifer grazing nearby. When the virgin saw this she sacrificed the heifer and taking the hammer she went from house to house restoring the sick by gently touching them gently with the hammer, and telling them to be healed.

508. C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Ivy-wreathed bust of Bacchus right / Panther springing left, toward garlanded altar upon which sit thyrsus and mask; VARVS to left; C•VIBIVS in exergue. Crawford 494/36. 3.75g, 19mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. An excellent example, struck on a large flan and attractively toned.

400

509. C. Vibius Varus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Bust of Minerva right, in crested Corinthian helmet and aegis / Hercules standing left, holding club and lion’s skin; C•VIBIVS to right; VARVS to left. Crawford 494/38; Sydenham 1140. 4.05g, 20mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. Minor areas of flatness, but very well preserved for the issue. Attractively toned.

300

This coin with its clearly military overtones should be seen in the context of the impending conflict between the Triumvirs and the assassins of Caesar. Minerva, in her magnificent panoply and the legendary hero Hercules (with whom Mark Antony identified and claimed descent from) are here invoked on behalf of the avenging Triumvirs.

510 511 510. P. Clodius M. f. Turrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; lyre behind / Diana standing facing, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand; P•CLODIVS right; M•F• on left. Sydenham 1117; Crawford 494/23. 3.92g, 21mm, 1h. Fleur De Coin. Hints of toning.

200

Regardless of his entirely feminine appearance, this obverse bust is indeed that of Apollo. The image, along with that of his sister represented on the reverse, would have been chosen to propagandise the Apollinarian games, which were splendidly celebrated for the victory gained by Ventidius over the Parthians. 511. C. Clodius Vestalis AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Laureate, draped bust of Flora right; lily at shoulder; C•CLODIVS C•F• around / Veiled Vestal Virgin seated left, holding a two-handled bowl; VESTALIS to left. Crawford 512/2; Sydenham 1135. 3.88g, 19mm, 7h. Choice Extremely Fine.

300

This coin was struck by Caius Clodius, who fought under Brutus, monetary quatuovir in 43 BC. The head of Flora recalls the fetes instituted by Clodius Certho in 240 BC, which were probably made annual in 173 BC by C. Servilius, whose son struck coins in 74-50 BC with the legend C SERVEIL C F FLORAL PRIMVS (see lot 484). The type of the Vestal recalls either Quinta Claudia (c. 212 BC), who, when a ship laden with things sacred to Cybele struck in the shallows of the Tiber, called upon the goddess to vindicate her innocence, and drew the vessel safe to shore; or the Vestal Virgin Claudia (143 BC) who, when her father Appius Claudius Pulcher resolved to have a triumph contrary to the will of the people, walked by his chariot to the Capitol, so that it might not be lawful for any of the tribunes to interfere and forbid it.

141

COINS OF THE IMPERATORS

512. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Traveling military mint, 49 BC. Elephant right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priest’s hat. Crawford 443/1; Sydenham 1006; BMC 27. 3.98g, 21mm, 11h. Good Very Fine - Extremely Fine. Attractive toning with golden highlights.

400

The obverse refers to Caesars recent victories in Gaul, whereas the reverse refers to his office of Pontifex Maximus.

513

514

513. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Traveling military mint, 48-47 BC. Laureate head of Pietas right; LII behind / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal’s head on right; CAESAR below. Crawford 452/2; Sear 11; Sydenham 1009. 3.82g, 19mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Ex CNG 43, 1997, lot 1722.

500

Since the numerals behind the head of Pietas have long been recognized to represent Caesar’s age at the time, this denarius was struck shortly after the battle of Pharsalus, where Pompey met his ultimate defeat, and Caesar became master of Rome. The reverse deliberately references Caesar’s Gallic victories, rather than his recent victory over fellow Romans, the celebration of which would have been distasteful; Caesar’s conduct after the battle was similarly conciliatory - he forgave the large part of Pompey’s officers and army. The depiction of Pietas wearing the corona civica, or oak wreath, however, may be a subtle allusion to his Pompeian victory. This award was granted to any citizen who had personally saved the life of another citizen; in this case, Caesar had saved the citizen-body of Rome and the Empire from further civil war. 514. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Traveling military mint, 48-47 BC. Laureate head of Pietas right; LII behind / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal’s head on right; CAESAR below. Crawford 452/2; Sear 11; Sydenham 1009. 3.91g, 16mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

400

515. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, carring palladium in right hand and Anchises on left shoulder; CAESAR to right. Julia 10; Crawford 458/1; Sydenham 1013; Sear 55. 3.92g, 19mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Lovely iridescent toning.

400

This issue was probably struck in Africa during Caesar’s campaign against Metellus Scipio and Labienus. The types are purely propagandistic in nature; the obverse depicts Venus, from whom Caesar claimed descent via Iulus, son of the legendary Trojan prince Aeneas, who was himself the son of Anchises and Venus. The reverse depicts Aeneas’ flight from the doomed city of Troy, with his elderly father Anchises upon his shoulder. As seen in the first books of the Aeneid, Aeneas is one of the few Trojans who were not killed in battle or enslaved when Troy fell. When Troy was sacked by the Greeks, Aeneas, after being commanded by the gods to flee, gathered a group, collectively known as the Aeneads, who then travelled to Italy and became progenitors of the Roman people.

516. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 47 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right / Aeneas walking left, carrying Anchises and the Palladium; CAESAR to right. Crawford 458/1; Sydenham 1013. 3.89g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

142

400

143

517. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. African mint, 46 BC. Bust of Ceres right; COS•TERT•DICT•ITER around / Simpulum, sprinkler, capis and lituus; AVGVR above; PONT•MAX below; D in right field. Sydenham 1023; RSC 0004a. 4.03g, 18mm, 11h. Very Fine.

400

This type was probably struck to pay Caesar’s successful legions after the battle of Thapsus on 6 April 46 BC. The bust of Ceres is emblematic of Africa and its corn-producing wealth.

Caesar’s Gallic Triumph Of 46 BC The following two types were struck to commemorate Caesar’s Gallic triumph of 46 BC. The obverse bust is of Venus Genetrix, to whom Caesar had dedicated a temple in the Forum Julium in fulfilment of the vow he had made at the Battle of Pharsalus. The reverse refers to his victories in Gaul, and the figures below the trophy are likely be Gallia and Vercingetorix, who was executed at the conclusion of Caesar’s triumph.

518. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in Spain, 46-45 BC. Diademed bust of Venus left with sceptre over shoulder; lituus and small cupid before / Trophy of Gallic arms between kneeling male and seated female captive; CAESAR in exergue. Crawford 468/2. 3.91g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

500

519. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in Spain, 46-45 BC. Diademed head of Venus right; Cupid on her shoulder / Gallia and Gaulish captive seated beneath trophy of Gallic arms; CAESAR in exergue. Sydenham 1014; Crawford 468/1. 3.84g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

300

A Portrait Of Caesar In Excellent Style

520. Divus Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Struck under the magistrate Q. Voconius Vitulus. Rome, 40 BC. Laureate bust of Julius Caesar right / Calf standing left; S-C across fields; Q•VOCONIVS above; VITVLVS•Q•DESIGN below. Julia 121; Crawford 526/4; Sydenham 1133. 3.72g, 21mm, 11h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Outstanding portrait of Caesar, engraved in fine style.

5,000

While there exist a great many portrait issues of Julius Caesar, the vast majority are of poor style and usually poorly preserved. Indeed, the issue of Q. Voconius encompasses a great many obverse dies, of which this is unquestionably the finest. This portrait is of masterly style, having clearly been engraved by an individual of substantial talent.

144

145

521. Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Pompey, 49 BC. CN•PISO PRO•Q•, Head of Numa Pompilius right wearing diadem inscribed NVMA /Prow of galley right; MAGN above; PRO•COS below. BMC 62; Crawford 446/1; Calpurnia 30. 3.89g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Well centred, with full types and legends visible. Uncommonly fine for the issue. Pleasing old tone.

1,000

This piece was minted under Cnaeus Pompey Junior, who was the elder son of Pompey the Great and Mucia. The obverse of this issue displays a bust of Numa Pompilius, from whose son Calpus, the gens Calpurnia (of which family this moneyer Cn. Calpurnius Piso, here named as proquaestor, was a member) claimed descent. The reverse refers to Pompey’s victories over the Pirates who had so recently plagued the Mediterranean. Skilled in the art of war, Pompey’s valour and success in a series of brilliant actions established him in the opinion of his contemporaries as one of the finest generals that ever commanded an army.

522. Cn. Pompeius Magnus and M. Poblicius AR Denarius. Spanish mint, 46-45 BC. Helmeted bust of Roma right; M•POBLICI•LEG PRO•PR around / Hispania standing right, with shield slung on back, holding two spears in left hand and presenting long palm branch to soldier standing left on prow of ship; CN•MAGNVS•IMP around. Pompeia 9 and Poblicia 10; Sydenham 1035; Sear 48; Crawford 469/1c. 3.72g, 22mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Obverse of uncommonly fine style; attractively toned.

500

Following the battle of Thapsus in the spring of 46 BC, Julius Caesar returned to Rome to celebrate a series of triumphs. That September, Caesar set out for Spain in what would be his final campaign. Here the sons of Pompey the Great, Cnaeus and Sextus, had rallied the remains of the African forces to make one last stand against Caesar. The forces met at Munda in March of 45 BC and the Pompeians were defeated, thus ending the first series of civil wars. Cnaeus was captured and executed, but Sextus escaped and survived to become a problem for the Second Triumvirate. This coin was issued by Marcus Poblicius, legatus pro praetore to Cnaeus, to pay the legions under his command in Spain.

523. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. African mint, 47-46 BC. Laureate bust of Jupiter right, in archaic style; Q•METEL before; PIVS below / Elephant right; SCIPIO above; IMP in exergue. Crawford 459/1; Sydenham 1046. 3.91g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone.

500

Ex Künker 71, 2002, lot 630. After L. Caecilius Metellus’ victory over Hasdrubal at Panormus and the capture of one of the Carthaginians’ elephants, that beast became as a heraldric symbol to the gens Caecilia. It is ironic then that displayed on this coin it should be so reminiscent of Caesar’s own earlier issue bearing an elephant on the reverse.

524. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint in Africa, legate Eppius, 47-46 BC. Laureate bust of Africa right in elephant skin headdress; grain ear before; plow below; Q•METELL to right; SCIPIO•IMP to left / Hercules standing facing, naked, hand on hip, leaning on club set on a rock; EPPIVS to right; LEG•F•C to left. Crawford 461/1; Sydenham 1051. 3.91g, 18mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the type, and nicely toned.

500

Scipio disclosed to Cicero the Catiline conspiracy, was consul with Pompey in 52 BC and governor of Syria in 49 BC. He commanded the centre line of Pompey’s army at Pharsalus, after which he fled to Africa and formed an alliance with Juba, king of Numidia. This coin, along with the following one, was struck during his African campaigns and the type refers to Africa and the fertility of that province. He was defeated by Caesar at Thapsus, and when cornered in flight by the fleet of Publius Sittius he committed suicide, famously departing from his soldiers with a nonchalant Imperator se bene habet – ‘Your general is just fine.’ Scipio, from a long and illustrious line of generals and statesmen, was the last man of any consequence to bear that famous name.

146

525. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint in Africa, legate Eppius, 47-46 BC. Laureate bust of Africa right in elephant skin headdress; grain ear before; plow below; Q•METELL to right; SCIPIO•IMP to left / Hercules standing facing, naked, hand on hip, leaning on club set on a rock; EPPIVS to right; LEG•F•C to left. Crawford 461/1; Sydenham 1051. 3.88g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful, lustrous metal.

400

526. Decimus Junius Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bust of Pietas right; PIETAS behind / Two joined hands holding a caduceus; ALBINVS BRVTI•F• below. Crawford 450/2; Sydenham 942. 3.97g, 18mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

400

Decimus Junius Brutus, who was later to become one of the assassins of Julius Caesar, was adopted by A. Postumius Albinus and he joined to his own name that of his adopted father. He must not be confused with the more celebrated M. Junius (or Q. Caepio) Brutus. This moneyer served under Caesar in Gaul and received many marks of favour from him. This type denotes the good relationship between Caesar and the citizens of Rome.

One of the Finest Known Examples

527. M. Junius Brutus with P. Servilius Casca Longus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with the army (western Asia Minor or northern Greece), 43-42 BC. Laureate bust of Neptune right; trident below; CASCA LONGVS around / Victory in long tunic walking to right, palm branch over left shoulder and breaking diadem with both hands; BRVTVS to left; IMP to right. Broken sceptre on ground. Junia 44; Crawford 507/2; Sydenham 1298. 3.86g, 21mm, 12h. Rare. Fleur De Coin.

3,000

Struck on a flan of extraordinary size and perfectly preserved, this coin displays a complete border, a feature that is seldom, if ever, seen on this type. Beautiful old cabinet tone. One of the finest known examples. P. Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against Caesar and although his family was loyal to Caesar, with Casca’s brother Gaius Servilius Casca even being a close friend of Caesar, both siblings joined in the assassination on the Ides of March, 44 BC. Casca struck the first blow, attacking Caesar from behind and hitting his neck, after Tillius Cimber had distracted the dictator by grabbing his toga. He later joined Brutus in the East and was entrusted with the command of a fleet. He fought bravely at Philippi, but after their forces were defeated and it became clear that the cause was lost he followed Brutus’ example by committing suicide. This remarkable type, issued in the months preceding Philippi, graphically symbolizes the anticipated defeat of the forces of tyranny which, in the view of the ‘liberators’, were aiming at the destruction of Rome’s republican constitution and its replacement by an autocratic form of government. The depiction of Neptune on the obverse of this piece is probably in celebration of Cassius’ naval exploits against the Rhodians, though it could equally well be in recognition of Casca’s own command. However, it is ironic that while Casca’s denarius here depicts Victory breaking the diadem of royal power, his aureus shows Brutus’ portrait surrounded by a similar symbol of regal or even divine status.

147

528. M. Junius (Q. Caepio) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in Western Asia Minor or Northern Greece, 43-42 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo right; COSTA LEG around / Trophy of arms; IMP BRVTVS around. Junia 42; Sydenham 1296; Crawford 506/2. 3.76g, 20mm, 1h. Rare. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

An incredible example that is as fresh today as when it was minted. Centrally struck on a broad flan, this is without a doubt one of the very best examples of the type. The types here celebrate the victories in Thrace and the coins were likely struck from silver donated by Polemokratia, widow of the Thracian prince Sadala. Nothing is known about Pedanius Costa, who was the legate of Brutus here mentioned. What is interesting iconographically about the bust of Apollo on the obverse is the way the standard border of dots has been changed to tear-drop shaped rays, thus emphasizing his connection with the sun.

529. M. Junius (Q. Caepio) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in Western Asia Minor or Northern Greece, 43-42 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; COSTA LEG around / Trophy of arms; IMP BRVTVS around. Junia 42; Sydenham 1296; Crawford. 506/2. 3.90g, 19mm, 12h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone.

400

530. M. Junius (Q. Caepio) Brutus and C. Flavius Hemicillus AR Denarius. Mint moving with Brutus, 43-42 BC. C•FLAV•HEMIC•LEG•PRO•PR, veiled and draped bust of Apollo right; before lyre / Q•CAEP•BRVT•IMP , Victory standing left, holding branch and crowning trophy. Junia 49; Sydenham 1294; Crawford 504/1; Sear 205. 3.65g, 21mm, 12h. Very Rare. Very Fine – Good Very Fine.

1,000

Ex CNG sale 76, 2007, lot 1296.

531. M. Junius (Q. Caepio) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus in Asia Minor, 42 BC. Veiled, draped bust of Libertas right; L•SESTI•PRO•Q around; P in left field / Tripod between sacrificial axe and simpulum, all within beaded border; Q•CAEPIO BRVTVS PRO COS around. Junia 37; Sydenham 1290; Crawford 502/2. 3.71g, 19mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

500

Lucius Sestius Quirinalis Albinianus was a proquaestor of Marcus Iunius Brutus and a suffect consul in 23 BC. He was the son of Publius Sestius. During the excavations of the villa in Settefinestre, which belonged to Sestius’ parents, stamped potteries with the letters LS, attributed to his initials, have been revealed. Literary sources credit him with the dedication of three arae (altars) of the Imperial cult in north-west Hispania, sometime around 19 BC. Sestius was also a friend of Horace and was the subject of one of his odes.

148

149

532. Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus AR Denarius. Mint moving with Ahenobarbus, 41 BC. Bearded male head right; AHENOBAR before / Trophy with two spears and shield facing, on prow right; CN•DOMITIVS•IMP around. Domitia 21; Sydenham 1177; Crawford 519/2; Sear 339. 3.59g, 19mm, 11h. Rare. Good Very Fine. Spectacular toning.

1,500

Cneus Domitius Ahenobarbus references an early Roman legend of how an ancestor, Lucius Domitius, came by the name. Two young soldiers (the Dioscuri in disguise), flush with the news of the important victory achieved by Postumius over the Latins near lake Regillus in 498 BC, upon meeting Lucius, charged him with making the news known to his fellow citizens. In order to win his confidence by a miracle, they touched his cheeks, whereupon his black beard instantly became red. (Suetonius, in Nerone, c. i. Plutarch, Vita Pauli Aemilei, §25). It is said that this is why Domitius was afterwards called Ahenobarbus, or red beard. Cneus Domitius Ahenobarbus, a member of the aforementioned family, had allied himself with Cassius and Brutus during the period of the civil war. He was made commander of a formidable fleet, which crossed the Ionian sea and blockaded the ports of Italy. This type was minted in order to pay for the cost of his expedition. The obverse depicts the head of his ancestor, Lucius Domitius; the reverse depicts a trophy raised on the prow of a galley, alluding to the victory gained by Cneus Domitius Imperator, fought on the Ionian sea, between the port of Brundusium and Epirus. This event took place in 42 BC, on the same day that Cassius and Brutus were defeated at Philippi.

533. Mark Antony and Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Antony in Cisalpine Gaul, November 43 BC. Bare head of Mark Antony right; lituus behind; M•ANTON•IMP•R•P•C before / Wreathed head of Julius Caesar right; capis behind; CAESAR•DIC before. Crawford 488/2; Sydenham 1166; Kestner 3712; BMC Gaul 56; RSC 3. 3.91g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. A superb example of this sought after type, in excellent condition and of good style.

2,000

After the War of Mutina, Antony and Lepidus entered into an autocratic pact with Octavian, the Second Triumvirate. Antony struck these coins in this new atmosphere of cooperation to emphasise and remind the people of his former station as Caesar’s right hand man - a shrewd publicity tactic at once connecting himself to the memory of the people’s beloved dictator and subtly suggesting himself superior to his colleagues in prestige.

534. Mark Antony AR Denarius. Military mint (Italy), 42 BC. Bearded bust of Mark Antony right; lituus behind / Radiate bust of Sol right; M• ANTONIVS•III•VIR•R•P•C around. Crawford 496/2; Sydenham 1170; Sear 127. 3.83g, 19mm, 7h. Very Fine. Excellent portrait of Antony in finest style.

500

535. Mark Antony, Lucius Antony and L. Cocceius Nerva AR Denarius. Mint moving with Mark Antony, Ephesus, Summer 41 BC. Bare head of Mark Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG III VIR•R•P•C•M NERVA PRO•Q•P around / Bare head of Lucius Antony right; L•ANTONIVS COS around. Antonia 48; Sydenham 1185; Crawford 517/5a; Sear 246. 3.93g, 20mm, 12h. Rare this well preserved. Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Ex New York Sale XIV, January 2007, lot 221.

150

1,500

536. Mark Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. M. Barbatius Pollio, moneyer. Ephesus mint, 41 BC. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG III VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR• IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; RSC 8a. 3.86g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

537. Mark Antony and M. Junius Silanus AR Denarius. Mint moving with Antony, probably Athens, 33 BC. Bare head of Mark Antony right; ANTON •AVG•IMP•III•COS•DES•III•IIV•R•P•C• around / M•SILANVS•AVG Q•PRO•COS in two lines. Antonia 97; Crawford 542/1; Sydenham 1208. 3.85g, 19mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. An attractive, bright coin with a fine portrait.

500

Ex East Side Collection, Switzerland. This issuer, Silanus Junius, was the step-brother of Brutus. After the treaty of Misennum, 39 BC, Silanus went to Rome and then to the East to join Antony and was given governorship of one of the provinces. It was during this period that he struck this type.

Only Signed Republican Die

538. Mark Antony AR Denarius. Obverse die signed by ‘P.’ Athens mint, 33 BC. Bare head of Mark Antony right; in hair below ear, small P; ANTON•AVG•IMP• III•COS•DES•III•V•R•P•C• around / ANTONIVS AVG•IMP•III in two lines. Crawford 542/2; Sydenham 1209; RSC 2. 3.72g, 20mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

The carefully concealed letter “P” behind the ear of Antony’s portrait represents the only known example of an artist’s signature on a Roman Republican coin. The letter went unnoticed by numismatists for centuries before it was recognized in the early decades of the twentieth century. Ex BVH Collection.

539. Cleopatra and Mark Antony AR Denarius. Alexandria mint, 32 BC. CLEOPATRAE•REGINAE•REGVM•FILIORVM•REGVM, draped and diademed bust of Cleopatra right; prow before / ANTONI•ARMENIA•DEVICTA, bare head of Antony right; Armenian tiara behind. Crawford 543/1; Sydenham 1210. 3.26g, 21mm, 2h. Near Very Fine. Light toning.

151

1,000

541

540

540. Mark Antony AR Denarius. Travelling mint with Mark Antony (Patrae?), 32-31 BC. Galley right, with sceptre tied with fillet on prow; ANT AVG above; III•VIR•R•P•C below / Aquila between two standards; LEG II below. Antonia 105; Sydenham 1216; Crawford 544/14; Sear 349. 3.96g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

541. Mark Antony AR Denarius. Travelling mint with Mark Antony, 32-31 BC. Galley right, with sceptre tied with fillet on prow; ANT• AVG above; III•VIR•R•P•C / Three standards; CHORTIS SPECVLATORVM around. Crawford 544/12; RSC 6. 3.46g, 17mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

500

With this issue, Antony honours the Cohortes Speculatorum. Speculator, derived from specula, roughly equates to ‘a view from the summit of a place, whence anything may be seen advantageously from a distance.’ Thus the cohort was established, based on the idea that they may explore, act as watchmen or sentries and scouts. These soldiers also served as messengers, spies and even assassins. While ten Speculatores were normally assigned to a specific legion, Antony’s Speculatores were a special detachment who carried out his personal assignments. This innovation of Antony’s was copied by Augustus during the empire, and the Speculatores became an elite group within the Praetorian Guard whose mission was to protect the emperor’s person. On this type three standards are shown with two wreaths and a miniature depiction of the prow of the galley, referencing the specula (look out or turret in Latin) and the specialised role of the Speculatores as look outs on the ships.

542. Octavian, with Julius Caesar, Æ Dupondius. Vienna, Gaul, 36 BC. Bare heads of Julius Caesar and Octavian, back to back; •IMP• above / Prow of quinquireme with elaborate superstructure and mast right; CIV above. RPC 517; SNG Copenhagen. 18.06g, 31mm, 12h. Rare. Good Very Fine. Exceptional for this issue.

500

Ex Richard Prideaux Collection. The reverse of this piece could refer to one of several naval actions in 36 BC, but the most likely event to which it alludes is the action on September 3rd, when Agrippa defeated Sextus Pompey in a major naval engagement off Naulochus.

543. Octavian AR Denarius. Brundisium or Roma, 32-29 BC. Bare head of Octavian right / Mercury, with petasus slung behind, seated right on cloak set on rock, playing lyre; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. RIC 257; BMC 597; C. 61. 4.04g, 19mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Superb toning.

750

544. Octavian AR Denarius. Uncertain Italian mint, 32-29 BC. Diademed bust of Venus or Pax right / Octavian, in military dress, rushing left, bearing spear in left hand and raising right; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. RIC 251; RSC 70; BMC 609. 3.60g, 20mm, 9h. Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

152

750

Exceptional Octavian AR Denarius

545. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint, 31-30 BC. Bare head of Octavian left / Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond in left; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. RIC I 254b; BMCRR 4339 = BMCRE 603; RSC 115. 4.00g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on an exceptionally broad flan and pleasantly toned. A coin of medallic quality.

2,000

Ex CNG 64, September 2003, lot 900. This coin was part of a series struck to commemorate Octavian’s victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. His victory left him the sole and undisputed ruler of the entire Roman world; for this reason the date of the battle is often used to mark the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. The reverse legend adds credence to Octavian’s right to rule, as “son of the Divine [Julius] Caesar.”

546. Octavian AR Denarius. Undetermined Italian mint, 31-30 BC. Bust of Victory right, her hair knotted behind / Octavian as Neptune, naked, standing to left, foot on globe; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. Aplustre in right hand, sceptre in left hand. RIC 256; BMC 615; C. 60. 3.68g, 20mm, 8h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine.

750

This coin was also struck to commemorate Octavian’s victory at the Battle of Actium. The symbolism on this piece is bold and clear; the bust of Victoria occupies the entire obverse. Normally rendered as only a small figure, and usually on the reverse of Roman coinage, here she is paid high tribute with a full bust of fine style, itself exclaiming victory to all that saw it. The reverse is no less audacious in design. Octavian is portrayed as Neptune himself, bearing a sceptre and aplustre – the ornamental appendage of wood at the ship’s stern – that denote authority and maritime power. Octavian stands, foot firmly planted upon a globe, a prerogative previously reserved only for Roma herself on the coinage of the Republic, suggesting at once both Rome’s ordained dominion over the world, and that of Octavian himself as the embodiment of Rome’s power and auctoritas.

547

548

547. Octavian AR Denarius. Cyrenaica, provincial governor L. Pinarius Scarpus, 31–29 BC. Open right hand reaching left; IMP•CAESARI above; SCARPVS•IMP below / Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath; DIVI•F before; AVG•PONT behind. Crawford 546/6; Sydenham 1282; RSC 500. 3.88g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Rare. Very Fine. A number of bankers’ marks.

500

According to Crawford, this coin represents the last denarius of the Roman Republic. L. Pinarius Scarpus commanded four legions for Mark Antony in Cyrenaica against Octavian’s African army which was under the command of Cornelius Gallus. After learning of Antony’s defeat at Actium, Scarpus changed his allegiance to Octavian. This issue was struck shortly after the battle of Actium, the open hand signalizing a gesture of friendship toward Octavian. 548. Octavian AR Denarius. Rome, 28 BC. Laureate bust of Apollo of Actium right, with features of Octavian / Octavian, veiled and in priestly robes, ploughing right with team of oxen; IMP•CAESAR in exergue. RIC 272; BMC 638; RSC 117. 3.98g, 20mm, 10h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved for the issue. Attractive iridescent tones.

1,000

The obverse of this rare coin borrows from the Greek tradition of moulding the features of a deity to resemble the ruler, as was the case on the coinage of Alexander and his father Philip. The reverse depicts Octavian as city founder of Nikopolis in Epirus, established in 31 BC at the site of the battle of Actium in memory of his victory over Antony and Cleopatra. The sacred boundary was marked by a pomerium or sacred furrow. On the spot where Octavian’s own tent had been pitched he built a monument adorned with the beaks of the captured galleys; and in further celebration of his victory he instituted the so-called Actian games in honour of Apollo Actius, who had an ancient temple on the promontory there.

153

COINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

549. Augustus AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm. Pergamum, 27-26 BC. IMP•CAESAR, bare head of Augustus right; lituus before / AVGVSTVS across fields; six grain ears bound together. RIC 490; RPC 2209; RSC 32a. 11.59g, 30mm, 12h. Rare - R2. Very Fine. Struck on a broad flan and attractively toned.

500

550. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Carisius, moneyer. Emerita, Spain, 25-23 BC. IMP CAESAR AVGVST, bare head of Augustus right / P CARISIVS LEG PRO PR, helmet between dagger and bipennis. RIC 7a; BMC 281; RSC 405. 3.80g, 19mm, 3h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

500

551. Augustus AR Cistophorus. Ephesus, 24-20 BC. IMP•CAESAR, bare head of Augustus right / Laurel wreath enclosing Capricorn right, bearing cornucopiae on its back and AVGVSTVS below. RIC 480; BMC 696. 11.61g, 27mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

500

552. Augustus AR Denarius. Samos, 21-20 BC. CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, bull standing right. RIC 475; BMC 622; C. 28. 3.87g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned. Ex Prideaux collection; Ex Triton sale XI, 2008, lot 671.

154

1,000

553. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in the northern Peloponnnesos, 21 BC. AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus right / Hexastyle temple of Zeus at Olympia, seen from front, round shield in pediment and palmettes on roof; IOVI OLVM across fields. RIC 472; BMC 665; BN 939; C. 182. 3.33g, 19mm, 4h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

500

This coin was issued while Augustus was traveling east across the Peloponnesos after having arrived at Patrai. The site of its production is not known - it may have been produced at Elis or even at Patrai. The Temple of Zeus at Olympia, built between 472 and 456 BC, was an ancient temple; the very model of the fully-developed classical Greek temple of the Doric order. It stood in the most famous sanctuary of Greece, which had been dedicated to local and Pan-Hellenic deities and had probably been established towards the end of the Mycenaean period. The Altis, the enclosure with its sacred grove, open-air altars and the tumulus of Pelops, was first formed during the tenth and ninth centuries BC. The temple housed the Statue of Zeus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Chryselephantine statue was was made by the sculptor Phidias in his workshop on the site at Olympia, taking about twelve years to complete, and it stood approximately 13 metres (43 ft) high, occupying the whole width of the aisle in the temple built to house it. “It seems that if Zeus were to stand up,” the geographer Strabo noted early in the first century BC, “he would unroof the temple.” In his right hand he held a figure of Nike, the goddess of victory, also made from ivory and gold, and in his left hand, a sceptre made with many kinds of metal, with an eagle perched on the top. His sandals were made of gold and so was his robe. His garments were carved with animals and with lilies. The throne was decorated with gold, precious stones, ebony, and ivory. This statue was the most famous work in all of Greece. In 426 AD, Theodosius II ordered the destruction of the sanctuary, and earthquakes in 522 and 551 devastated the ruins and left the Temple of Zeus partially buried.

554. Augustus AR Denarius. L. Aquillius Florus, moneyer. Rome, 19 BC. Draped bust of Virtus right, wearing helmet with a long crest and feather on side, L•AQVILLIVS FLORVS•III•VIR around / Augustus driving biga of elephants left, holding laurel branch over their backs; AVGVSTVS above; CAESAR below. RIC 301; BMC 36; C. 354. 3.66g, 20mm, 2h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

An exceptionally difficult coin to find in good condition. This example is the best to have been offered in at least a decade. The obverse of this coin is taken from the issues of the moneyer’s ancestor, Mn. Aquillius who struck coins in 71 BC. The reverse type, also used by the moneyer’s two colleagues M. Durmius and P. Petronius Turpilianus, probably refers to the events of the previous year, when Armenia was “reduced under the power of the Roman people”, as Velleius puts it. In 20 BC, the Armenians sent messengers to Augustus to tell him that they no longer wanted Artaxias II as their king, and asked that his brother Tigranes (then in Roman custody in Alexandria) be installed in his place. Augustus readily agreed, and Tiberius was sent into Armenia at the head of his legions to depose Artaxias. Before they arrived, however, Artaxias was assassinated by some of his other relatives, and the Romans put Tigranes on the throne unopposed.

555. Augustus AR Denarius. L. Aquillius Florus, moneyer. Rome, 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus right / L•AQVILLIVS FLORVS•III•VIR, open flower with six petals seen from above. RIC 309; BMC 46; BN 183; C. 364. 3.57g, 21mm. Very Rare. Fleur De Coin. A bright, lustrous and exceptionally sharp example of this very rare type. Certainly one of the finest known.

1,500

Punning allusions were a well-established tradition on coins of the Roman Republic, and we find a number of them on coins from the middle of Augustus’s reign. This superb denarius shows a flower in bloom with the moneyer’s name L. Aquillius Florus around it. The similarity of the Latin floris (meaning a flower or a blossom) to the moneyer’s name florus would not have been lost on recipients of this coin. That a coin type of such a personal nature was struck is evidence of Augustus’ desire to restore the semblance of the old Republican institutions. Indeed, he restored the appearance of moneyers’ names on coinage in 19 BC after they had been absent for more than a generation. Augustus allowed moneyers to strike coins with their names and personalized designs until 12 BC and thereafter he allowed the tradition to linger until 4 BC in a somewhat more constrained fashion with moneyers’ names still appearing on dupondii, asses and quadrantes of generic designs.

155

556. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Rome, 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head bust right / TVRPILIANVS III VIR around star with six rays and crescent. RIC 300; BMC 32; C. 495. 4.07g, 21mm, 5h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive old toning, and well centred.

1,000

Ex Münzen and Medaillen AG, Basel, FPL 459, 1983, 24.

557. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / Oak wreath; OB•CIVIS above; SERVATOS below. RIC I 75a; RSC 210. 3.82g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck on a very broad flan for the type. Attractive old collection tone.

1,000

The reverse depicts the oak wreath, the Corona Civica, awarded to Augustus by the Senate for having saved the Republic.

558. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Rome, 19 BC. TVRPILIANVS III•VIR•FERON, diademed and draped bust of Feronia right / CAESAR•AVGVSTVS•SIGN RECE, Parthian warrior kneeling right, holding out standard with vexillum marked X. RIC 288; C. 484; BMC 14. 3.96g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Old cabinet tone.

750

This coin is a historically significant proclamation of Augustus’ return in 20 BC of the captured Roman standards from the Parthians, lost by Crassus in 53 BC at the disastrous Battle of Carrhae in which 30,000 Roman soldiers were lost. Augustus used the return of the standards as propaganda symbolizing the submission of Parthia to Rome. The event was celebrated in art such as the breastplate design on the statue of Augustus at the Prima Porta and in monuments such as the Temple of Mars Ultor (‘Mars the Avenger’) built to house the returned standards.

559. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Rome, 19 BC. TVRPILIANVS III•VIR•FERON, diademed and draped bust of Feronia right / CAESAR•AVGVSTVS•SIGN RECE, Parthian warrior kneeling right, holding out standard with vexillum marked X. C. 484; BMC 14; RIC 288. 3.91g, 21mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

156

500

560

561

560. Augustus AR Denarius. M. Durmius, moneyer. Rome, 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / M DVRMIVS III•VIR, lion bringing down stag left. RIC 318; BMC 65; CBN 217, pl. IX (same obverse die); C. 43. 3.97g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

750

This type is another example of Augustus’ desire to restore the semblance of Republican institutions. During this time there was a resurgence of individualistic family orientated themes on Roman coinage. This particular coin takes its reverse design from a diadrachm of Velia, perhaps because the moneyer’s family originated from Velia. 561. Augustus AR Denarius. Colonia Patricia, 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / OB CIVIS SERVATOS within oak wreath with jewel at the top and with the ties extending upwards. RIC 77a; BMC 378; C. 208. 3.73g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Unobtrusive bankers mark on neck.

400

562. Augustus AR Denarius. P. Licinius Stolo, moneyer. Rome, 17 BC. AVGVSTVS TR•POT, bare head right / P•STOLO III•VIR, Apex Flaminis between two ancilia. RIC 343; BMC 74; C. 438. 3.99g, 19mm, 7h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,000

The Ancile was the legendary shield of the god Mars, said to have fallen from heaven upon Numa Pompilius during a plague that had devastated the city. The plague was stayed, and at the same time, a voice was heard which declared that Rome should be mistress of the world while the shield was preserved. Though there was but one Ancile that fell from heaven, there were twelve preserved, called the Ancilia; Numa, by the advice, as it is said, of the nymph Egeria, ordered eleven others, perfectly like the first, to be made. This was so that if anyone should attempt to steal it, as Ulysses did the Palladium, they might not be able to distinguish the true Ancile from the false ones. These Ancilia were preserved in the temple of Mars, and were committed to the care of twelve priests of Salii, instituted for that purpose by Numa. They were carried every year, in the month of March, in procession around Rome, and on the 30th day of that month, were again deposited in their place.

563

564

563. Augustus AR Denarius. Uncertain mint (Emerita?), 16 BC. Bare head right / AVGVSTVS, capricorn right, bearing cornucopiae on its back and holding globe and rudder. RIC 547a; BMC 346; BN 1271ff; RSC 21. 3.97g, 20mm, 7h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. A superb example of this very rare and sought after type. This piece displays a beautiful mirror lustre.

1,000

The capricorn represents Augustus’ birth sign and was to appear frequently as a coin type during his reign. His birthday was September 23 (63 BC), which would have made him a Libra by the modern reckoning. However, it is clear from an astronomical work dating from the early part of Tiberius’ reign that the moon and not the sun was used as the basis for computations at that time. The moon was in Capricorn at the time of Augustus’ birth. 564. Augustus AR Denarius. L. Vinicius, moneyer. Rome, 16 BC. Equestrian statue of Augustus right, on low pedestal inscribed SPQR IMP CAES in three lines; arched gateway of city wall to right / L•VINICIVS L•F•III•VIR, cippus inscribed SPQR IMP CAE QVOD V M S EX EA P Q IS AD A DE in six lines. RIC 362; BMC 82; RSC 543. 3.83g, 19mm, 7h. Very rare. Very Fine; attractively toned.

1,000

Ex BVH Collection; Ex Triton XI, January 2008, lot 784. Senatus Populusque Romanus, Imperatori Caesari, quod viae munitae sunt ex ea pecunia quam is ad aerarium detulit - This piece relates to the improvement and administration of the public roads made by Augustus, who contributed towards them from his own private funds. The statue may represent one of those erected to Augustus by the senate outside the city near the Porta Flaminia.

157

565. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 13 BC. AVGVSTVS CAESAR, bare head right / C•ANTISTIVS•REGINVS, simpulum and lituus above tripod and patera; III•VIR below. RIC 410; RSC 347; BMC 120. 4.01g, 20mm, 8h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

566. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right / IMP•X, Diana standing left, head right, leaning on spear and holding bow; dog at her feet to left; SICIL• in exergue. RIC 173a; RSC 146. 3.71g, 21mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Attractively toned. Ex Kunker 124, 16th March 2007, lot 8647.

500

This issue commemorates the defeat of Sextus Pompey by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in 36 BC at the Battle of Naulochus. Following the victory a shrine was erected to Diana Siciliensis at Naulochus, by whose divine favour the victory was supposedly gained.

567. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, Lugdunum, 8-7 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI F, laureate bust right / Augustus, bareheaded and togate, seated left on curule chair set on low dais, extending his right hand toward a cloaked Gaul or German on left, standing right, presenting a child held out in both hands toward Augustus; IMP XIII(I) in exergue. RIC 201a; C. 175; BMC Gaul 216. 3.79g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful toning.

500

Augustus was interested in Germania not only as a potential threat to wealthy, Romanized Gaul, but also as an area of possible expansion of Roman influence. By 15 BC his wife Livia’s sons Tiberius and Nero Claudius Drusus had annexed Raetia and Noricum, the Alpine provinces which spanned the mountain range to the Danube. In conquering these lands the Romans expanded their territories and had gained control of major invasion routes from Germania to Italy. This was followed by other commitments of Roman forces along the great river-borders of the North, with Nero Claudius Drusus being sent to Germania and Tiberius to Illyria. While Tiberius brought Pannonia and Dalmatia under the Roman yoke, his brother led four daring campaigns in Germania between the Elbe and the Rhine. Not long after Drusus died in an accident in 9 BC, Tiberius was sent to take over the German campaign, which focused principally on solidifying control over the areas that Drusus had conquered between the Rhine and the Ems. He won a major victory, and in the following year he was awarded a triumph, the tribunician power for five years, and his second consulship. Except for the troublesome Sugambri, the rest of the conquered German tribes readily sued for peace, sending emissaries to visit Augustus, who had taken up residence in Lugdunum. This denarius celebrates the conclusion of that campaign, and it would seem to depict the surrender of German kings to Augustus or Tiberius, with the defeated tribes offering their young as hostages. They would grow up in the circles of nobility, being educated in the Roman manner. As well as serving as leverage against their fathers, they could be used as pretenders to the conquered thrones in case of civil war.

568. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 2 BC-4 AD. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate bust right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT; Gaius and Lucius standing, facing front with shields and spears; in field above, a simpulum and lituus; C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC 210; BMC 540; RSC 43b. 3.81g, 21mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Struck in good style on a very broad flan. In exceptional condition for the type.

158

500

569. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 2 BC-4 AD. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate bust right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT; Gaius and Lucius standing front with shields and spears; a simpulum and lituus over X above; C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC 212; C 43. 3.68g, 19mm, 7h. Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

500

570. Divus Augustus Æ As, struck under Tiberius. Rome, 31-37 AD. DIVVS•AVGVSTVS•PATER, radiate bust left / Altar of Augustus; S-C across fields; PROVIDENT in exergue. RIC 81(tib); C. 228. 10.91g, 30mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

Very Rare Gaius Caesar AR Denarius

571. Gaius Caesar AR Denarius. Uncertain mint, 17 BC. CAESAR, bare youthful head of Gaius Caesar right, within laurel wreath / AVGVSTVS, candelabrum in wreath, patera to right. RIC 540; BN 1013. 3.73g, 19mm, 2h. Very Rare. Very Fine.

1,000

Born Gaius Vipsanius Agrippa, the eldest son of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Julia, the daughter of Augustus. Upon his adoption by his grandfather in 17 BC along with his brother Lucius, he assumed the name of Gaius Julius Caesar. It was Augustus’ intent that Gaius should succeed him at the helm of the empire, and to this purpose he was enrolled in the senate at the age of fourteen, and assumed the consulship at twenty one. He was made commander of the armies in the east, and the young Gaius soon earned the respect of his countrymen and enemies alike when he forged a peace treaty with Phraates V of Parthia on an island in the Euphrates. Tragically, his brother Lucius fell ill and died in August 2 AD, and around the same time Gaius was wounded while besieging the Armenian city of Artagira. He died eighteen months later at the age of twenty four. Their deaths robbed the empire of two most promising young princes, and Augustus of his most favoured heirs. The aged emperor was left inconsolable with grief, and the way was thus cleared for the succession of Tiberius.

P. Quinctilius Varus

572. P. Quinctilius Varus Æ21 of Berytus, Phoenicia. 6-4 BC. IMP CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head of Augustus right / QVINCTILIVS VARVS, two aquilae between two legionary standards. RPC 4535. 6.50g, 21mm, 12h. Very Rare. Good Fine.

300

A very rare coin that bears the name of Publius Quinctilius Varus, one of Augustus’ most celebrated generals, a general who was later to meet his doom with three full legions in the Teutoberg Forest disaster.

573. Livia Æ Sestertius. Rome, 22-23 AD. S•P•Q•R• / IVLIAE AVGVST in two lines above ornamented carpentum being drawn by two mules / TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXIIII around large S C. RIC 50 (Tiberius); BMC 78 (Tiberius); C. 6. 27.06g, 35mm, 9h. Scarce. Near Extremely Fine.

159

1,000

574. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 14-17 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right, holding branch and sceptre; plain legs to chair. RIC 25; C. 15; BMC 30. 7.78g, 21mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Highly attractive portrait.

2,000

Note that the design of the reverse has been composed using geometric principles – Livia’s sceptre stands at a right angle with the ground, which runs parallel to the line at the base of her chair, and to Livia’s left thigh. The chair legs, in turn, as well as Livia left leg to a lesser extent, again are at right angles to this line running underneath her. This geometric design, and the youthful portrait depicted in fine style on the obverse are typical of earlier issues of this type and its corresponding denarius.

A Superb Aureus Of Tiberius

575. Tiberius AV Aureus. Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (as pax) seated right on chair, holding sceptre in right hand and olive branch in left, single line below chair. RIC 29; BMC 46. 7.83g, 20mm, 1h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Struck in good style on a remarkably broad flan.

8,000

576. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-16 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / TR POT XVII, Tiberius, laureate and cloaked, standing driving slow quadriga right, laurel branch in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left; IMP VII in exergue. RIC 4; BMC 8. 3.69g, 19mm, 1h. Rare – R2. Very Fine.

500

The reverse commemorates Tiberius’ German triumph over the Chatti and Chequsci in 13 BC.

577. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on throne with ornate legs, holding long sceptre and olive branch, single line below chair. RIC 30; RSC 16a; BMC 48. 3.79g, 20mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Well centred on a large flan; the fine style of the portraiture indicates that this was one of the earlier issues of this popular type. Beautiful light toning with golden highlights.

160

1,000

161

578. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right, holding olive-branch and sceptre; plain legs to chair, double line below. RIC 26; BMC 34. 3.69g, 18mm, 10h. Fleur De Coin. Well centred and struck on a good sized flan. Lightly toned with attractive iridescence. Geometric reverse design.

579

500

580

579. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (as pax) seated right on chair with ornate legs, holding sceptre in right hand and olive branch in left, single line below chair. RIC 30; RSC 16a; BMC 48. 3.91g, 19mm, 4h. Good Very fine.

500

580. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right on chair with ornate legs, holding long sceptre and olive branch, single line below. RIC 30; RSC 16a; BMC 48. 3.84g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

400

581. Tiberius Æ As. Rome, 15-16 AD. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST IMP VII, bare head right / PONTIF MAXIM TRIBVN POTEST XVII, Livia seated right, S-C across fields. RIC 33; C. 17. 10.86g, 29mm, 6h. Very Rare – R3. Good Very Fine. Attractive portrait And finely detailed rendering Of Livia.

300

Well Detailed Dupondius Of Germanicus

582. Germanicus Æ Dupondius. Rome, 37-40 AD. GERMANICVS CAESAR, Germanicus, bare-headed and cloaked, standing in ornamented slow quadriga right, holding eagle-tipped sceptre in left hand / Germanicus, bare-headed and cuirassed, with tunic, standing left, right hand raised, in left hand holding aquila. SIGNIS RECEP DEVICTIS GERM S-C in three lines across fields. RIC 57; C.7; BMC 94. 14.62g, 29mm. 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

162

1,000

583. Nero Claudius Drusus, son of Livia and brother of Tiberius, AR Denarius. Rome, 41-45 AD. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP, laureate bust left / DE GERMANIS, two oblong shields crossed over spears and trumpets, vexillum, and flag. RIC 74; BMC 107; C. 6. 3.48g, 19mm, 3h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,000

Ex Hirsch Auction, 3rd October 1934, lot 1234. Roman history, like that of any enduring empire, allows for speculation about how the course of events might have changed had certain people died, or in this case, not died. A perfect study in this is Nero Claudius Drusus, the younger brother of Tiberius. Unlike Tiberius, whom Augustus had always disliked, Drusus was much beloved by Rome’s first emperor. When Augustus wrested Livia from her first husband, she was pregnant with Drusus, and gave birth to him months after her marriage to Augustus. It is commonly understood that Livia’s first husband had sired Nero Claudius Drusus – but perhaps it is not impossible that Augustus was the father. Speculation aside, Augustus took instantly to the newborn Drusus and treated him as if he was a son of his own blood. The same cannot be said for Drusus’ brother Tiberius, who was already four years old when he came to live in Augustus’ household. Augustus saw personally to Drusus’ education and arranged his marriage to his noble and wealthy niece Antonia. Drusus’ career advanced quickly and, after commanding alongside his brother, he spent three years leading a campaign in Germania. While there Drusus was able to dedicate the great Altar of Lugdunum to Augustus on August 1, 10 BC, the very day that his youngest son, Claudius (who struck this denarius in posthumous remembrance 50 years after his death) was born. But Drusus’ great possibilities ended tragically in 9 BC when he died of injuries he received falling off a horse at age 29. This reverse type celebrates his German campaign – for which his eldest son, Germanicus, was renamed.

584. Nero and Drusus Caesars, brothers of Caligula, Æ Dupondius. Struck under Caligula. Rome, 37-38 AD. NERO ET DRVSVS CAESARES, Nero & Drusus on horseback riding right / C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT around large S C. RIC 34; C. 1. 16.26g, 31mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful even patina.

1,000

Nero and Drusus were the brothers of the future emperor Caligula, and the children of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. More significantly Tiberius adopted both sons as grandchildren, and it was thought that Nero, being the oldest, would succeed Tiberius. However, Nero and his mother were accused of treason in 29 AD, and Nero’s demise quickly followed when he was exiled to the island of Ponza. Drusus suffered a similar fate a year later in 30 AD and, having been accused of plotting against his Grandfather and Emperor, he was thrown into prison in 33 AD where he was left to starve.

585. Caligula Æ Sestertius. Rome, 37-38 AD. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, laureate bust left / ADLOCVT, Caligula standing left atop platform, addressing a formation of Paetorian Guardsmen, each in full armour and holding shield, four aquilae behind; COH in exergue. RIC 32; BMC 33; BN 45; C. 1. 30.79g, 36mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. A superb example of the type, well centred and with a glossy, deep red patina.

1,500

Ex W.B. and R. E. Montgomery Collection. The adlocutio was the formal address by the emperor to the army, which would be arrayed in full armour and with the aquilifers in the front rank, as on this coin. The adlocutio was the formal address by the emperor to the army, which would be arrayed in full armour and with the aquilifers in the front rank, as on this coin.

163

A Pleasing Sestertius Of Caligula

586. Caligula Æ Sestertius. 39-40 AD. C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P III P P, Pietas, veiled and draped, seated l., holding patera and resting l. arm on statue of Spes / DIVO AVG, Caligula, veiled and togate, pouring libation from patera above altar before elaborately decorated hexastyle temple of Divus Augustus, garlanded for sacrifice; behind him, an attendant restrains bull, while a second attendant looking l. holds another patera, S-C across fields. RIC 44; C. 10. 26.24g, 35mm, 7h. Very Fine. Nicely detailed and with an attractive tone.

1,000

The Temple of Divus Augustus stood between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, behind the Basilica Julia, on the site of the house that Augustus had inhabited before he entered public life. The temple’s construction began during the reign of Tiberius, having been vowed by the Roman Senate shortly after Augustus’ death in AD 14. However it was not until after the death of Tiberius in 37 that the temple was finally completed and dedicated by his successor Caligula, which scene is presented here.

587

588

587. Claudius Æ As. Rome, 42-43 AD. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head left / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Constantia standing left leaning on sceptre, S-C across fields. RIC 111; C. 14; BMC 199. 11.59g, 29mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

300

588. Claudius Æ As. Rome, 50-54 AD. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head left / LIBERTAS AVGVSTA, Libertas standing facing with pileus, extending left hand, S-C across fields. RIC 113; C. 47; BMC 202. 10.21g, 30mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

300

589. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, 57-58 AD. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, bare head right / TR P IIII P P PONTIF MAX around wreath enclosing EX SC. RIC 14; BN 20; BMC 15; Calico 424. 7.61g, 19mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine. Well centred strike; engraved in fine style. Lustrous, attractive metal.

164

3,000

Very Rare Nero Aureus

590. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, 60-61 AD. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, bare head right / PONTIF MAX TR P VII COS IIII PP, EX-SC across fields, Virtus standing left in military attire, foot on helmet, holding parazonium on knee and spear resting on ground. RIC 25; C. 219; Calicó 429. 7.65g, 18mm, 7h. Very Rare – R2. Very Fine.

2,000

591. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, 56-57 AD. NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, bare head right / PONTIF MAX TR P COS III P P around oak wreath containing EX SC. RIC 12; RSC 207. 3.62g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

500

Ex BVH Collection; Ex White Mountain Collection; Ex Triton XII, January 2009, lot 557; Ex Aufhäuser 19, 21 March 2006, lot 275.

592. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, 64-65 AD. NERO CAESAR, laureate bust right / AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS, radiate statue of the emperor standing, holding Victory on globe. RIC 47; RSC 45; BMC 60. 3.31g, 19mm, 6h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Superbly detailed portrait of Nero.

1,000

593. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, 65-66 AD. IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate and bearded bust right / Salus draped, seated left on throne, holding patera; SALVS in exergue. RIC 60; RSC 258. 3.09g, 18mm, 7h. Rare. Good Very Fine. Beautiful toning on obverse.

500

594. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, 66-67 AD. IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left with thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 64; RSC 121. 2.39g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

165

500

595. Nero Æ Sestertius. Rome, 64 AD. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right, aegis on left shoulder / Nero, bareheaded, cuirassed and with cloak floating free, prancing right on horseback, holding spear in right hand; beyond and behind him, soldier right with vexillum held over shoulder, S-C across fields; DECVRSIO in exergue. RIC 167. 32.42g, 32mm, 6h. Very Fine. Attractive light red-brown tone. Full borders on a large flan.

1,500

596. Nero Æ Dupondius. Lugdunum, 65 AD. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TRP IMP P P, laureate bust left / MAC AVG, facade of the Macellum Magnum, its domed central section flanked by two-storied wings of unequal height, above the steps in centre, a male figure standing left holding long sceptre; S-C in exergue. RIC 402. 15.58g, 31mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

500

The Macellum Magnum was essentially a large circular covered market which Nero built and dedicated in 59 AD. As depicted on this coin’s reverse, the building was likely to have been one of significant grandeur, with two stories, a domed centre and colonnades throughout.

597. Nero Æ Sestertius. Rome, 66 AD. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right, aegis on far shoulder / PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT, view of the Temple of Janus, with latticed window to left and garland hung across closed double doors right, S-C across fields. RIC 265; BMC 160; C. 145. 25.62g, 36mm, 7h. Good Very Fine - Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

The reverse of this type alludes to the closing of the doors of the Temple of Janus in 66 AD, signifying that there was once again peace throughout the entire Roman world. This extremely rare state of affairs was made possible by the efforts of Nero’s general, Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo. Corbulo’s successful prosecution of the war in the east against the Parthians, earned him the respect of the military and popularity among the people of Rome, but also the jealousy and fear of Nero who compelled him to take his own life.

598. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, 67 AD. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG GERM P MAX TRIB POT PP, laureate bust left, globe at point of bust / Nero, bare-headed, cuirassed and with cloak floating free, prancing right on horseback, holding spear in right hand; beyond and behind him, soldier right with vexillum held over shoulder, S-C across fields; DECVRSIO in exergue. RIC 582 var., (unlisted obverse legend for this type). 23.23g, 38mm, 5h. Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

166

2,000

167

Two Civil War Issues

599. Civil War, Revolt of Vindex, AR Denarius. Spanish mint in support of Vindex/Galba. Early 68 AD. LIBERTAS RESTITVTA, bust of Libertas wearing necklace right / S P Q R on round shield within oak wreath. RIC 27; BMC 12; C. 431. 3.57g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,000

In early 68 AD, as a reaction to Neroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax policy, the governor Vindex attempted a revolt in Gaul, calling on Galba to join the rebellion against Nero. Although Vindex was defeated, popularity was growing for Galba, and, in sensing this, Nero fled Rome. Shortly after, the Senate decided to oust Nero by declaring him a public enemy, thus spurring on Neroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suicide. His death saw the arrival of the first civil war since the death of Mark Antony in 30 BC. Consequently, between June 68 AD and December 69 AD, Rome witnessed a period of anarchy and a series of quick successions. Four Emperors ruled in this period: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, with the latter securing the imperial throne and founding the Flavian dynasty.

600. Civil War, Vitellian forces in Southern Gaul, AR Denarius. March 69 AD. IO M CAPITOLINVS, diademed and draped bust of Jupiter left, palmbranch before chin / VESTA P R QVIRITIVM, Vesta, veiled, enthroned left, holding patera and torch. RIC 125a; BMC 72. 3.25g, 19mm, 8h. Very Rare. Very Fine. Superb Obverse.

1,000

Ex Munzhandlung Basel; Ex USB 78, September 2008, lot 1516.

601. Galba AR Denarius. Spanish mint, 68 AD. SER GALBA IMPERATOR, laureate bust right / VICTORIA P R, Victory standing on globe left, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC 111; BMC 227; RSC 322. 3.42g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

602. Galba AR Denarius. Rome, 68-69 AD. IMP SER GALBA AVG, bare head right / SPQR OB CS, legend in three lines within oak wreath. RIC 167; BMC 34; RSC 287. 3.43g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine - Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone; light scrape on reverse.

168

750

603

604

603. Galba AR Denarius. Rome, 68-69 AD. IMP SER GALBA AVG, bare head right / SPQR OB CS, legend in three lines within oak wreath. RIC 167; BMC 34; RSC 287. 3.47g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Attractive old tone.

500

604. Galba AR Denarius. Rome, late 68 AD. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, laureate, draped bust right / DIVA AVGVSTA, Livia standing left, holding patera and long sceptre. RIC 189; RSC 55a. 3.30g, 18mm, 6h. Rare. Very Fine.

300

Rare Restitution Issue For Galba

605. Galba Æ As. Restitution under Titus. Rome, 80-81 AD. SER GALBA IMP CAES AVG TR P, laureate bust right / IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST around large SC. RIC 444; C 351. 10.45g, 28mm, 6h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,000

Handsome, High Relief Portrait Of Otho

606. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, January-April 69 AD. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVRITAS P R, Securitas standing facing, head left, holding wreath and sceptre. RIC 10; BMC 19; RSC 15. 3.45g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. A superb portrait and attractive old collection tone.

1,250

Ex W.B. and R. E. Montgomery Collection. The Year of the Four Emperors followed Nero’s suicide in 68 AD. Galba was the first of four men to rule and Otho allied with him in the hope that he would be announced as future heir. However, Galba named another to succeed him and thus Otho conspired with the Praetorians against Galba. Otho had Galba and his named successor murdered, but upon reading Galba’s correspondence he learned that Vitellius had also claimed the purple and was marching on Rome. Otho met Vitellius’s forces in battle, and having been defeated, though he yet had reinforcements and might have prevailed, Otho committed suicide so as no more Roman blood might be spilled on his account.

607. Otho AR Denarius. Rome, 69 AD. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / PAX ORBIS TERRARVM, Pax standing left with branch and caduceus. RIC 4; RSC 3; BMC 3. 3.24g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Excellent Portrait.

169

1,000

608. Vitellius AR Denarius. Tarraco, 69 AD. A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laureate bust left, globe at point of bust / FIDES EXERCITVVM above and below clasped hands. RIC 29. 3.31g, 17mm, 7h. Extremely Rare - R4. Very Fine.

500

Outstanding Denarius Of Vitellius

609. Vitellius AR Denarius. Rome, 69 AD. A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, laureate bust right / CONCORDIA P R, Concordia seated left with patera and cornucopiae. RIC 73; BMC 7; RSC 20. 3.54g, 18mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

In 69 AD, Vitellius defeated Otho and his forces to become the third of four Emperors to rule in the period of anarchy following Nero’s death. Whilst in power, Vitellius lead a gluttonous life losing him a great deal of public respect. As a result, Vespasian was declared Emperor in Alexandria, and marched against Vitellius. Vitellius reached a gruesome end as, once defeated, his body was dragged through Rome and then hauled into the River Tiber.

610. Vitellius AR Denarius. Rome, 69 AD. A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, laureate bust right / LIBERI IMP GERMAN, confronted, bare headed busts of Vitellius’ son, right, and daughter, left. RIC 103. 2.96g, 18mm, 6h. Rare. Very Fine.

500

611. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, January-June 70 AD. IMP CAESAR VESPIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / CAESAR AVG F COS CAESAR AVG F PR, bare heads of Titus and Domitian facing one another. RIC 15; C. 4; BMC 1. 7.22g, 18mm, 7h. Very Fine.

3,000

Judaea Capta

612. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, 69-early 70 AD. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / Judaea seated right, head resting on hand, to right a trophy; IVDAEA in exergue. RIC 2. 3.40g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

In 67 AD, Vespasian arrived in Judaea to end the rebellions which began due to tensions between the Jews and the Greeks, and which were further agitated by Roman taxation. In 69 AD, Vespasian was declared Emperor and travelled to Rome to defeat Vitellius. Meanwhile, his son, Titus, was left to command the eastern campaign and, in 70 AD, he captured and destroyed Jerusalem.

170

613. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, 69-early 70 AD. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / Judaea seated right, head resting on hand, to right a trophy; IVDAEA in exergue. RIC 2. 3.29g, 18mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

614. Vespasian AR Denarius. Ephesus, 71 AD. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate bust right / CONCORDIA AVG, Ceres seated left, holding corn ears, poppies and cornucopia; EPHE monogram in exergue. RIC 1428; RSC 67; BMC 453. 3.52g. 17mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Strong Portrait.

200

615. Divus Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, struck under Titus, 80-81 AD. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate bust right / EX-SC across fields, Victory standing left placing shield on trophy, Jewish captive seated at foot of trophy. RIC 364 (Titus); RSC 144; BMC 112. 3.07g, 22mm, 7h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine. Superbly toned with gold iridescence on obverse.

500

616. Divus Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, struck under Titus, 80-81 AD. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate bust right / EX S C across fields, Victory standing left placing shield on trophy, Jewish captive seated at foot of trophy. RIC 364 (Titus); RSC 144; BMC 112. 3.30g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

617. Divus Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, 80-81 AD. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate bust right / SC inscribed on shield supported by two capricorns, orb with crosshatching below. RIC 357 (Titus); RSC 497; BMC 129; BMC 129; BN 101. 3.48g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively Toned.

171

300

618

619

618. Vespasian Æ As. Rome, 71 AD. IMP CAES VESPASIANVS AVG COS III, laureate bust right / S-C across fields, facade of the Ara Providentiae Augusti; PROVIDENT in exergue. RIC 494 var. 10.27g, 29mm, 7h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine. Beautiful patina and surfaces.

500

619. Vespasian Æ Dupondius. Rome, 74 AD. IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG, laureate bust left / PON•MAX•TR•POT•P•P•COS V•CENS, winged caduceus flanked by crossed cornucopiae. RIC 757. 13.91g, 27mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

Superb Dupondius Of Vespasian

620. Vespasian Æ Dupondius. Lugdunum, 77-78 AD. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P, laureate bust right / FORTVNAE REDVCI, Fortuna standing left holding rudder and cornucopiae, S-C across fields. RIC 1215. 11.26g, 27mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. ‘Tiber’ Patina.

1,000

A truly exquisite piece, with superb preservation of detail, from the wrinkles on Vespasian’s brow to the fruit overflowing from Fortuna’s cornucopiae, and the delicate toes of her feet. In excellent condition.

621

622

621. Titus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, 79 AD. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate bust right / TR POT VIII COS VII, slow quadriga left, car garlanded and containing flower. RIC 1073 (Vespasian); RSC 336. 3.13g, 18mm, 6h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Gorny and Mosch 170, October 2008, lot 2070. A sharp and very pleasing example of this rare final issue for Titus as Caesar. 622. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, 79 AD. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate bust right / TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P, Capricorn left, globe below. RIC 37. 2.99g, 17mm, 6h. Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

300

623. Titus AR Denarius. Rome, January-June 80 AD. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate bust right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, wreath on curule chair. RIC 108; RSC 318. 3.43g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned fields, remaining lustrous around the devices.

172

400

173

625

624

624. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, 76-77 AD. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate bust right / COS IIII, winged Pegasus standing right with raised left foreleg. RIC 921 (Vespasian); BMC 193; RSC 47. 3.29g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

1,500

625. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, January-June 79 AD. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI, laureate bust right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, clasped hands before legionary eagle, set on prow. RIC 1081 (Vespasian); RSC 393; BMC 269. 3.29g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely fine.

626

500

627

626. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, 80 AD. CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate bust right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, lighted, garlanded altar, with corn ears on either side. RIC 266 (Titus); RSC 397. 3.32g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful gold, pink and blue iridescence. A very attractive piece.

300

627. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, 80-81 AD. CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate bust right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, goat standing left within laurel wreath. RIC 267 (Titus); RSC 390. 3.29g, 17mm, 7h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine. A superior example of this type, with well centred strikes on both obverse and reverse.

300

628. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, 81-83 AD. IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate bust right / IVPPITER CONSERVATOR, eagle standing on thunderbolt. RIC 40; BMC 53; C. 320. 3.37g, 18mm, 6h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine.

629

300

630

629. Domitian AR Plated Denarius. Irregular mint, 84 AD. IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERMANIC, laureate bust right, aegis on far shoulder / P M TR POT COS III IMP X P P, Minerva advancing right, holding shield and brandishing javelin. RIC I 46a; RIC II -; Fallani, Numi Pelliculati, p.57 100-160 (these dies). 3.22g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

For an unofficial issue this is of exceptionally good style, with a portrait to rival any of the official issues. Note the perfectly engraved face of the aegis on Domitianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoulder. 630. Domitian AR Denarius. Rome, 92-93 AD. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P XII, laureate bust right / IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right with spear & shield. RIC 739; RSC 280. 3.32g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Stunning old cabinet tone with iridescent highlights.

174

300

Finest Known Example

631. Domitian, as Caesar, Æ Sestertius. Unknown Balkan Imperial mint, 80-81 AD. CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate bust right / S C across field, Mars walking right, holding spear in right hand, trophy over left shoulder. RIC 159 (Titus; Rome mint); RPC II 505 (Thrace); A. Burnett, “Regional Coinage in Thrace and Bithynia during the Flavian Period,” Travaux Le Rider, pl. 8, 1; H. Cahn, “An Imperial Mint in Bithynia,” INJ 8 (1984-5), 5; BMC -; BN 326 (Titus); C. 422. 26.90g, 35mm, 7h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

5,000

A beautiful imperial bronze of impressive proportions and stunning detail. The portrait is rendered in exceptionally fine style, and the reverse depiction of Mars in heroic stance with his cloak billowing in the wind is of no less artistic merit. This piece has been perfectly preserved with the metal completely intact and with only a very thin patina, in some areas exposing the golden orichalcum beneath. Besides being very rare, this example is also the finest of the type known to exist.

A Splendid As Of Domitian

632. Domitian Æ As. Rome, 86 AD. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P, laureate bust right, with aegis on far shoulder / FORTVNAE AVGVSTI, Fortuna standing left with rudder & cornucopiae, S-C across fields. RIC 488. 10.10g, 29mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

Exceptionally well preserved. The obverse depicts a serene looking Domitian, with his facial features masterly engraved. The reverse too is of very fine style, and the artist responsible for these dies was clearly an experienced and talented individual.

633. Domitian Æ Dupondius. Rome, 88-89 AD. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER PP, radiate bust right / VIRTVTI AVGVSTI, Virtus standing right, foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium, S-C across fields. RIC 645. 13.04g, 28mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

175

300

634. Julia Titi, as Augusta, AR Denarius. Rome, 80-81 AD. IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F, draped bust right / VENVS AVGVST, Venus standing right, back facing, leaning upon column to left, holding helmet and sceptre. RIC 388 (Titus); RSC 14. 3.45 g, 19mm, 5h.. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively Toned.

1,500

Despite the nobility and quality of her father Titus, Julia was alas no model of womanly virtue. Despite being a married woman, she and her uncle Domitian carried on a public affair that gained public notoriety and was thoroughly condemned by contemporary Roman writers.

635. Julia Titi Ă&#x2020; Dupondius. Rome, 80-81 AD. IVLIA IMP T AVG F AVGVSTA, draped bust right, hair piled high in long plait and knotted low at back / S-C across fields, Vesta seated left with Palladium and sceptre; VESTA in exergue. RIC 397. 14.39g, 30mm, 7h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful desert patina.

1,500

636. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, 96 AD. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate bust right / CONCORDIA EXCERCITVVM, clasped hands holding legionary eagle resting on prow. RIC 3; RSC 25; BMC 8. 3.68g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Excellent quality for the issue. Pleasantly toned.

300

637. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, 97 AD. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR POT, laureate bust right / COS III PATER PATRIAE, priestly implements: ladle, sprinkler, jug & lituus. RIC 24. 3.34g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

638. Nerva AR Denarius. Rome, 98 AD. IMP NERVA CAES AVG GERM P M TR P II, laureate bust right / IMP II COS IIII P P, priestly implements: ladle, sprinkler, jug & lituus. RIC 47; RSC 95. 3.56g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. A Splendid Portrait. Beautifully Toned.

176

500

639

640

639. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 100 AD. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / P M TR P COS IIII P P, Victory standing facing, head left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 58; RSC 240a. 3.23g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Old tone with iridescent highlights.

300

640. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 101-102 AD. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIANVS AVG GERM, laureate bust right / P M TR P COS IIII P P, Victory standing right on prow, holding wreath and palm. RIC 59; RSC 241. 3.42g, 19mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. Beautifully toned, sharp detail and portrait of fine style.

641

300

642

641. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 103-104 AD. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, draped far shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Virtus standing right, holding reversed spear and parazonium, right foot standing on helmet. RIC 204; RSC 402a. 3.34g, 18mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. Excellent strong portrait; old tone with hints of golden iridescence.

300

642. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 103-111 AD. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan standing facing, crowned by Victory. RIC 212; RSC 514. 3.34g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

300

643. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 103-111 AD. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Spes advancing left holding flower & lifting skirt. RIC 127; RSC 84. 3.54g, 19mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Struck on a full flan; lightly toned, still lustrous.

500

644. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 103-111 AD. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory standing left, draped, holding wreath & palm. RIC 128; RSC 75; BMC 355. 3.21g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Large flan, well centred and lightly toned.

645

500

646

645. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 103-111 AD. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right with drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory walking left over a round shield on capital. RIC 131; RSC 77; BMC 337. 3.53g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Excellent, sharp detail; lightly toned.

300

646. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 103-111 AD. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder / COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC, Victory standing left, draped, holding wreath & palm. RIC 128; RSC 75; BMC 355. 3.51g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Light deposits on obverse.

177

300

Trajan’s Equestrian Statue

647. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 112-114 AD. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS VI PP, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan on horseback left carrying spear. RIC 291; RSC 497a; BMC 445. 3.23g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Finely detailed and beautifully toned. The fields display an old, dark cabinet tone, while around the devices there is a light, slightly golden iridescence that highlights the detail. An exceptional example of this type that has to be held to be fully appreciated.

500

The reverse depicts an equestrian statue of Trajan that once stood in the centre of the plaza of Trajan’s Forum. Although several coin variants depict Trajan on horseback, those dating to his sixth consulship (AD 112), the year in which the forum was dedicated, would seem to commemorate the monument, itself, which was likely modelled on that of Domitian in the Forum Romanum. In turn, the equestrian statue of Trajan probably influenced the design of the surviving statue of Marcus Aurelius (see lot 680).

The Via Traiana

648. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 112-114 AD. TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS VI PP, laureate bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, goddess reclining left on rocks with wheel & branch; VIA TRAIANA in exergue. RIC 266; RSC 648. 3.40g, 19mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine. An interesting historical reverse; attractively toned.

500

The Via Traiana was an extension of the Via Appia from Beneventum, reaching Brundisium by a shorter route. This important road was constructed at Trajan’s own expense, and was commemorated on his coinage and with an arch at Beneventum. Strabo indicates correctly that travelling to Beneventum from Brundisium on the Via Traiana was a good day shorter than the old Republican road, the Via Appia. Although the actual measurement shows the Via Appia to be 203 miles and the Via Traiana to be 205 miles from Beneventum to Brundisium, the difference lies in their topography. There are a number of severe hills and the terrain along the Via Appia is difficult until it reaches Venusia which is about 66 miles away from Beneventum. In contrast, although the Via Traiana does encounter equally demanding inclines as well in the first 40 miles from Beneventum, there is not another serious hill all the way to Brundisium.

649. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, 114-117 AD. IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC, laureate, draped bust right / PARTHICO PM TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Fortuna seated left holding rudder & cornucopia; FORT RED in exergue. RIC 315. 3.55g, 18mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

200

650. Trajan Æ As. Rome, 99-100 AD. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM PM, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / TR POT COS IIII P P S C, Victory advancing left, holding shield inscribed SPQR. RIC 434. 11.46g, 28mm, 6h. Very Fine.

178

100

179

Three Attractive Sestertii Of Trajan

651. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, 103-111 AD. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan standing left in military attire, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, crowned by Victory; SC in exergue. RIC 549; BMC 825. 28.50g, 35mm, 7h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine.

5,000

652. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, 103-111 AD. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Fortuna standing facing, head left, holding rudder & cornucopiae, S-C across fields. RIC 500; C. 477. 27.44g, 34mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

653. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, 104-111 AD. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, displaying bare shoulder & chest, slight drapery on left shoulder / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, octostyle temple of Venus Genetrix(?), Venus standing within; Jupiter seated facing in pediment, flanked by smaller reclining figures; five statues on roof; SC in exergue. RIC 575; C. 552. 27.89g, 35mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

This sestertius was part of an extensive issue in bronze, silver and gold, clearly intended to commemorate an important event. The authors of RIC note that Trajan built no temples in Rome, and that this temple must either be a building connected with Trajan’s Forum or else one erected in the provinces. However, one must question why quite so much fanfare would have been made in Rome over a provincial temple. Since the only temple we know of in Trajan’s forum was that of Jupiter, later rededicated to Divus Traianus, which has its own distinct representation on coinage, this is unlikely to be the case also. Though that temple is octostyle and similar in design to the one depicted here, there are distinct differences, the most important being the figure within. On this coin we clearly see a figure which cannot be Jupiter, but which does bear remarkable resemblance to surviving statues of Venus Genetrix in both stance and posture. The temple of Venus Genetrix, which this coin might plausibly represent, was dedicated by Caesar on September 26, 46 BC, and subsequently damaged by fire in 80 AD, rebuilt under Domitian, and finally rededicated by Trajan in 113 AD. While this coin was issued earlier than this date, as denoted by COS V, it is not unlikely that Trajan would have had the rededication publicised pre hoc. Contemporary coins also bear the likeness of Trajan’s column and the temple of Jupiter (subsequently rededicated by Hadrian as the temple of the deified Trajan), both integral elements of Trajan’s Forum, though these two had also yet to be completed.

180

The Sanctuary Of Aphrodite

654. Trajan Æ Dupondius of Paphos, Cyprus. 112-117 AD. AUTOKR KAIC NEP TRAIANW ARICTW CEB GERM DAK, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / DH MARX ES UPATO G, Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Paphos, within which is a conical xoanon flanked by two stars, semicircular courtyard around; KOINON KUPRIWN below. BMC 36 var.; SNG Copenhagen 82. 10.79g, 26mm, 7h. Very Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,000

Seldom found in such good condition; the finest of perhaps less than six examples offered in the past decade. Of great historical and architectural importance. Palea Paphos was one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the Greek world due to its famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite; the goddess herself was born of the sea near Paphos, and floated in on a scallop shell. When she arose, she was hailed as ‘Cyprian’. The Sanctuary of Aphrodite continued to flourish well into the Roman era. Several Roman emperors honoured the shrine, and it was visited by Titus in 69 AD when the future emperor was on his way to Egypt. He consulted the oracle of Aphrodite, and was told that he had a great future. The sanctuary was rebuilt by the Romans after the earthquake of 76/77 AD, in a design that preserved the layout of the original. The cult of Aphrodite survived at Palea Paphos until the 4th century AD, when Emperor Theodosius outlawed paganism. Today, virtually nothing remains of the Sanctuary save the holy ground itself.

655. Trajan Æ Quadrans. Rome, 114-117 AD. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIANO AVG, laureate bust right / She-wolf standing right; SC in exergue. RIC 691; C. 338. 3.36g, 18mm, 7h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine. A superb example of this type, perfectly struck on an unusually large flan.

300

Very Rare Plotina Denarius

656. Plotina AR Denarius. Rome, 112-114 AD. PLOTINA AVG IMP TRAIANI, diademed, draped bust right / CAES AVG GERMA DAC COS VI PP, Vesta seated left, holding palladium and sceptre. RIC 730 (Trajan); C. 3; Sear RSC II, p. 107, 3 (this coin). 3.20g, 19mm, 7h. Very Rare – R3. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

Plotina was the wife of Trajan and was renowned for her virtue, dignity and devotion to the epicurean philosophy. She and Trajan complemented each other perfectly, as her philosophical interests led her to encourage the reform of taxation, the improvement of education and the provision of assistance to the poor. Though they had no children of their own, Tajan and Plotina appear to have enjoyed a happy marriage.

657. Marciana AR Denarius. Rome, 112 AD. DIVA AVGVSTA MARCIANA, diademed and draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, eagle with spread wings standing right, head to left. RIC 745; C. 8. 2.86g, 19mm, 7h. Very Rare – R3. Good Very Fine.

1,000

Marciana was the beloved elder sister of Trajan. As a widower, she went to live with Tajan and Plotina, and would frequently accompany Trajan on his travels and assist him in decision making.

181

Matidia, Niece Of Trajan, Mother-In-Law Of Hadrian

658. Matidia AR Denarius. Rome, 112 AD. MATIDIA AVG DIVA F MARCIANAE F, draped bust right / PIETAS AVG, Matidia as Pietas standing holding hands with Sabina and Matidia Minor. RIC 759 (Trajan); BMC 660 (Trajan); RSC 10. 3.22g, 20mm, 7h. Very Rare â&#x20AC;&#x201C; R3. Near Extremely Fine.

659

1,000

660

659. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 117 AD. IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO AVG DIVI TRA, laureate, draped bust right / PARTH F DIVI NER NEP P M TP P COS, Concordia seated left holding patera, under her elbow a statue of Spes left, with cornucopiae below throne; CONCORD in ex. RIC 9; RSV 248(a); BMC 18. 3.37g, 20mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Sternberg 27, 7-8 November 1994, lot 424. 660. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, late 125-early 128 AD. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, drapery on left shoulder / COS III, Spes advancing left, flower upward in right hand, raising skirt with left. RIC 181; RSC 390; BMC 417. 3.43g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

661

500

662

661. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, late 125-early 128 AD. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS III, modius with four grain ears. RIC 197; RSC 472a. 3.38g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

662. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, late 125-early 128 AD. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right with draped far shoulder / COS III, Genius standing left, sacrificing over a lighted altar and holding cornucopiae. RIC 173; RSC 335. 3.28g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. An exceptional piece with a reverse engraved in superb style.

300

This type usually features a non-descript figure that is traditionally interpreted as a Genius of the Roman people, but in this case the engraver has clearly gone to some effort to create an image of what appears to be Hadrian in the guise of said Genius, with a muscular, well-proportioned build.

663. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 128 AD. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate bust right / COS III, Pudicitia, veiled, seated left with right hand raised before her. RIC 343; RSC 395. 3.46g, 20mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin. Struck on a broad flan; lustrous.

182

300

Hadrian’s Travel Series Hadrian spent more than half of his twenty one year reign outside of Italy, touring the provinces of the Empire, inspecting and ensuring the discipline and readiness of the legions. Hadrian’s stlye of administration was highly personal, and a great part of the purpose for his travels was to commission or oversee the construction of infrastructure, grand public buildings and defensive works, which contrary to his predecessor Trajan, Hadrian believed to be the key to a stable and secure empire. His belief in peace through strength or the threat of force manifested itself in what came to be known as Hadrian’s wall, and the vast series of forts and defences constructed along the Danube and Rhine frontiers. Hadrian’s coinage commemorates his visits to many of the important provinces of the Empire and served to propagandise the proactive character of his reign and his willingness to devote his direct attention to the running of the disparate parts of the Roman Imperium rather than succumb to the temptations of power.

664. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 134-138 AD. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate bust right / NILVS, Nilus reclining right on urn, holding cornucopiae, crocodile below, hippopotamus before. RIC 310; RSC 991. 3.39g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old collection toning.

300

665. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 134-138 AD. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right, slight drapery on far shoulder / AEGYPTOS, Egypt reclining left, left elbow on snake wrapped basket & sistrum in right hand, ibis at feet. RIC 296; RSC 97. 3.42g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

666

300

667

666. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 134-138 AD. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate bust right / ROMVLO CONDITORI, Romulus in military dress advancing right, holding spear and trophy. RIC 266; RSC 1316; BMC 710. 3.54g, 18mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin.

300

667. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 134-138 AD. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate bust right / FELICITATI AVGVSTI, galley sailing left. RIC 240; RSC 712. 3.47g, 18mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

300

This reverse type commemorates Hadrian’s survival of a near-shipwreck during his return to Rome from the East in 176 AD.

668 669 668. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 134-138 AD. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate bust right / RESTITVTOR HISPANIAE, Hadrian standing right, raising kneeling figure of Hispania holding branch, rabbit between them. RIC 327; RSC 1260a. 3.35g, 18mm, 5h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

300

669. Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 136 AD. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate bust right / AFRICA, Africa reclining left holding scorpion & cornucopiae, basket of grain at feet. RIC 299. 3.56g, 18mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

183

300

Impressive Hadrian Sestertius

670. Hadrian Ă&#x2020; Sestertius. Rome, 122 AD. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS III, Minerva, wearing long dress, mantle and helmet, standing left, holding spear in her left hand, with her right hand dropping incense on candelabrum in front of her, at her side, shield decorated with snake, S-C across fields. RIC 611b; C. 1067; BMC 1253. 26.19g, 35mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Engraved in fine style; a portrait of majestic quality. Well preserved with good metal; attractive even patina with lighter highlights around the devices.

A Sharp And Artistic Portrait Of Aelius

671. Aelius AR Denarius. Rome, 137 AD. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, Pietas standing left, raising right hand, holding drapery in left, garlanded altar at feet. RIC 432; RSC 53; BMC 972. 2.97g, 19mm, 5h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Attractively toned and well centred on a broad flan. A superb example.

672. Aelius AR Denarius. Rome, 137 AD. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS II, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 430; RSC 53; BMC 972. 3.38g, 18mm, 7h. Scarce. Near Extremely Fine.

300

673. Aelius Ă&#x2020; As. Rome, 137 AD. L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head right / TR POT COS III, Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising skirt, S-C across fields. RIC 1067. 9.73g, 27mm, 7h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

184

500

674. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, 153-154 AD. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVII, draped & cuirassed bust right / COS IIII, Antoninus Pius standing left, togate, holding globe. RIC 233a; BMC 812; C. 313; Calico 1526. 6.90g, 20mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

675. Antoninus Pius, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, 138 AD. IMP T AEL CAES ANTONINVS, bare head right / TRIB POT COS, Pietas standing left, hand raised over altar at feet. RIC 452a; RSC 1062. 3.36g, 19mm, 5h. Scarce - 16 examples in the Reka Devnia Hoard. Near Extremely Fine.

300

An attractive, scarce type. An interesting obverse too, with a portrait that strongly resembles Antoninus’ adoptive father Hadrian. This resemblance doubtless served to secure the succession in the minds of the people, though the two men were not related by blood.

676. Antoninus Pius Æ41 ‘Medallion’ of Bageis, Lydia. 138-161 AD. AVK A M AVR ANTWNEINOS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / KAICAP EWN, Emperor on horseback advancing right towards Nike, tethered barbarians below; BAGHNWN in exergue. SNG Von Aulock - ; SNG Copenhagen - ; SNG Munich - ; BMC - ; Missere - ; Imhoof-Blumer, -; cf. Gorny & Mosch 147, March 2006, lot 1839. 24.37g, 41mm, 5h. Very Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

677. Diva Faustina Senior AV Aureus. Rome, 141 AD. DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS, Fortuna standing left, holding globe and sceptre. RIC 349b. 7.29g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

678. Diva Faustina Senior AR Denarius. Rome, 181 AD. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, peacock advancing right, looking left. RIC 384; C. 174. 3.31g, 19mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Nicely Toned.

185

200

186

187

679. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, 151-152 AD. AVRELIVS CAESAR ANTONI AVG PII FIL, bare head left / TR POT VII COS II, Clementia standing front, head left, holding patera and holding out skirt with left hand; CLEM in exergue. RIC 456c (Antoninus Pius). 7.27g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

The Equestrian Statue Of Marcus Aurelius

680. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, 172-173 AD. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IMP VI COS III, Marcus Aurelius on horseback right, raising right hand and holding parazonium. RIC 281; C. 302. 7.25g, 21mm, 6h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

The reverse of this coin depicts the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, which has the distinction of being the only surviving Roman bronze equestrian statue. The 3.5 metre high over-lifesize statue, fashioned in bronze and clad in gold, displays Marcus Aurelius holding his left hand out and slightly open in the traditional Imperial gesture of peace and clemency. It is clear from the appearance of the statue on this and other coins of the type that the emperor once held a parazonium in his left hand; this important symbol is depicted here with great and uncommon clarity - indeed, on some dies this detail is not present at all. This die is unquestionably the finest of the type, displaying also finely rendered facial features of the emperor on horseback.

681. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, December 174-Autumn 175 AD. M ANTONINVS AVG GERM TR P XXIX, laureate, draped bust right / LIBERAL AVG VI IMP VII COS III, liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae. RIC 318. 7.24g, 19mm, 12h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

2,000

682. Marcus Aurelius Ă&#x2020; Sestertius. Rome, 163 AD. IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG P M, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVII, Salus standing facing, head left, feeding out of patera in right hand a snake coiled around and rising from an altar, cradling sceptre in left arm, S C across fields; COS III in exergue. RIC 844; MIR 18, 54-6/32; Banti 287; BMC 1042. 24.94g, 32mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. This coin displays a beautiful Tiber patina and very good preservation of detail. Beautiful, untouched fields.

188

3,000

A Lustrous Faustina Junior Aureus

683. Faustina Junior AV Aureus. Rome, 149-152 AD. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust right with hair waved and coiled at back with band of pearls / VENVS, Venus standing left holding apple and rudder, around which dolphin entwined. RIC 517c (Antoninus Pius). 7.40g, 20mm, 6h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine .

2,000

This coin displays beautiful a lustre around the devices that gives the appearance of a nimbate portrait.

684. Faustina Junior AV Aureus. Rome, 161-176 AD. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / SALVTI AVGVSTAE, Salus seated left feeding snake twined round altar. RIC 716. 7.33g, 20mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

685. Faustina Junior AR Denarius. Rome, 176-180 AD. DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, Peacock standing right. RIC 744. 3.21g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

Artistic Portrait Of Faustina Junior

686. Faustina Junior Ă&#x2020; Sestertius. Rome, 147-150 AD. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL, draped bust right, wearing stephane / VENERI GENETRICI, Venus standing left, holding apple in her raised right hand & cradling swaddled infant in her left arm, S-C across fields. RIC 1386b; C. 237. 27g, 32mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Attractice green patina.

189

2,000

687. Lucius Verus AV Aureus. Rome, February-December 168 AD. L VERVS ARM PARTH MAX, laureate bust right / TR P VIII IMP V COS III, Victory advancing left holding wreath and palm. RIC 587. 7.30g, 20mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

4,000

A Pleasing Sestertius Of Lucius Verus

688. Lucius Verus Æ Sestertius. Rome, 165 AD. L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, laureate, cuirassed bust right / TR POT V IMP II COS II, Mars standing left holding Victory and trophy, S-C across fields. RIC 1424; C. 186. 26.28g, 35mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Rare And Attractive Aureus Of Commodus

689. Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, 178 AD. L AVREL COMMODVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TR P III IMP II COS P P, Castor standing left, holding spear and horse by its bridle. RIC 648 (M. Aurelius); Calicó 2337a (these dies); BMC 775. 19mm, 7.26g, 11h. Rare - R2. Extremely Fine. Lustrous. A particularly attractive coin with a portrait of fine style.

5,000

Ex Collection of a Northern California Gentleman. Commodus was born in August 161 AD at Lanuvium in Latium, as the ninth child of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior. He was the only boy to survive, though perhaps it would have been better for everyone if he had not. Commodus was made Caesar at 5 and Princeps Iuventutis in 175. He was made co-emperor with his father in 177. The reverse displays Castor as the patron of the Equites and protector of the young emperor, and may also symbolize Commodus himself in his role as Princeps Iuventutis. When this coin was struck Commodus was only 17 years old and had been co-emperor with his father Marcus Aurelius for about a year.

190

191

Unique Commodus Medallion 18th Century Pedigree

690. Commodus Æ Medallion. 180-192 AD. ΑΥ ΚΑ Μ ΑΥ ΚΟΜΜΟΔΟC CΕΒΑCΤΟC ΗΛΙΟC ΗΡΑΚΛΗ ΡΩΜΛΙ, laureate bust left, lion skin draped about shoulders / ΑCΙΑC ΠΡΟΤΩΝ ΕΦΕCΙΩΝ ΠΕΡΓΑΜΗΝΩΝ, Herakles seated nude upon a rock, holding the hand of Auge (priestess of Athena); club resting behind. 54.33g, 47mm, 6h. Unique. Very Fine.

4,000

Ex Münzhandlung Basel 1935 (Waldeck-Pyrmont Collection); Ex Schulman 1966; Ex Christian August, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont (1744-1798) Collection. This remarkable medallion remained for centuries in the collection of the Princes of Waldeck and Pyrmont that was assembled in the eighteenth century by Prince Christian August, and was first brought to market when auctioned by Herbert A. Cahn in 1935. It is clear that this piece was at some point smoothed and tooled to the extent that much of the detail has been strengthened or re-engraved, including the reverse legend listing the magistrates’ names. It has been correctly identified by Kölner Münzkabinett and Gorny&Mosch that these magistrates are highly unlikely to have been the issuing authority, since their names appear on earlier issues under Antoninus Pius (see Ursula Kampmann: a common emission of Pergamum and Ephesus for the koinon of the 13 Ionian cities, in: J. Noll, B. Overbeck, P. Weiss (Eds.), nomismata I, Milan 1997), and the chances of there being two individuals of the same name in the same office at the same time at a later date is slim. It is most probable that in the absence of any clear detail in this area, the later ‘engraver’ has attempted to recreate the missing legend with a formula that was known in his time; however it is nonetheless clear that this is an ancient piece, as both Cahn and Schulman believed it to be, and not a Paduan creation as it was recently offered on account of the incorrect legend. Despite this flaw, the piece remains an interesting and very attractive medallion of Commodus portraying himself as a Roman Hercules, with a rare left-facing bust.

A Well-Detailed Aureus Of Pertinax

691. Pertinax AV Aureus. Rome, 193 AD. IMP CAES HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate bust right / PROVID DEOR COS II, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding up right hand toward star, left hand on breast. RIC 11a; Calicó 2389; BMC 11. 7.25g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Superb portrait. This coin has wonderful detail both on the obverse and reverse. Ex Gemini I, January 2005, lot 386. 15,000 Upon the murder of Commodus, the Urban Prefect Pertinax was rushed to the Praetorian camp and proclaimed emperor. His attempts at reform and restraint, along with attempts to impose discipline on the unruly Praetorians did not endear him to the Guard, who had expected a large donative. After a reign of only three months, during which time he refused imperial titles for his wife and son, a contingent of several hundred Praetorian Guardsmen rushed the palace and Pertinax, although he almost succeeded in reasoning with them, was struck down. Yet by his understanding of the danger of his station and his wise decision not to associate his family with the purple, they were spared from violence.

Very Rare Didia Clara Denarius

692. Didia Clara AR Denarius. Rome, April-June 193 AD. DIDIA CLARA AVG, draped bust right / HILAR TEMPOR, Hilaritas standing left, holding branch and cornucopiae. RIC 10 (Didius); BMC 14 (Didius); RSC 3. 3.09g, 17mm, 11h. Very Rare – R4. Good Very Fine.

1,500

Didia Clara, the daughter of the Emperor Didius Julianus and of Manlia Scantilla, was known to be one of the most beautiful women of her time, something rarely reflected in her portraits. Named Augusta along with her mother, both her title and social standing were taken from her after her father’s death.

192

Very Rare Sestertius Of Didia Clara

693. Didia Clara Æ Sestertius. Rome, 193 AD. DIDIA CLARA AVG, draped bust right / HILAR TEMPOR, Hilaritas standing left, holding long palm and cornucopiae. RIC 20 (Didius). 3.09g, 17mm. 20.04g, 30mm, 5h. Rare – R2. Good Very Fine.

694

2,000

695

694. Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, 193 AD. D CLOD SEPT ALBIN CAES, bare head right / MINER PACIF COS II, Minerva standing facing with olive branch, shield & spear. RIC 7; RSC 48; BMC 98. 2.09g, 19mm, 6h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

200

This coin displays an exceptional portrait with perfectly defined features. Attractive blue toning below the beard and under the chin. 695. Clodius Albinus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 195-197 AD. IMP CAES D CLO SEP ALB AVG, laureate bust right / FIDES LEGION COS II, clasped hands, holding legionary eagle. RIC 20b; RSC 24; BMC 284. 3.37g, 17mm, 12h. Very Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

500

Very Rare Aureus Of Septimius Severus And Julia Domna

696. Septimius Severus & Julia Domna AV Aureus. Rome, 200-201 AD. SEVERVS AVG PART MAX, laureate bust right, lion’s skin over both shoulders / IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust of Julia Domna right. RIC 161b; Cohen 1. 7.35g, 20mm, 12h. Very Rare – R3. Fleur De Coin.

20,000

This coin displays remarkable detail throughout, particularly on Septimius’s ornate beard and the lion skin draped over his shoulders. Throughout 200-201 AD Septimius Severus issued a series of coinage that was of a dynastic nature. These coins (see also lots 698 and 699) displayed a wide variety of double-sided portrait coins along with jugate, confronting, and facing portrait types of himself and his family members in order to propagandise the continuity of his house, and thus convey the prospect of a stable succession and internal stability to the people.

697. Septimius AR Severus Denarius. Rome, 198-200 AD. L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate bust right / PROFECT AVGG FEL, Severus on horseback right, holding spear. RIC 138. 3.22g, 20mm, 11h. Scarce. Fleur De Coin. Superbly detailed reverse.

193

300

698. Septimius Severus and Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, 200-201 AD. SEVERVS AVG PARTH MAX, laureate bust of Septimius Severus right / ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped bust of Caracalla right. RIC 157; C. 2; BMC 18. 2.88g, 20mm, 7h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Part of the series of dynastic issues struck by Septimius Severus.

1,000

Ex NAC sale 51, March 2009, lot 350.

699. Septimius Severus and Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, 200-201 AD. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right / AETERNIT IMPERI, busts of Septimius and Caracalla, both laureate and draped, facing each other. RIC 250; C. 1; BMC 307. 2.98g, 20mm, 12h. Very Rare – R3. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Important Architectural Issue

700. Septimius Severus AR Denarius. Rome, 202-210 AD. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right / COS III P P, Triumphal Arch of Septimius of four columns and three arches, surmounted by quadriga between two equestrian statues. RIC 259; BMC 320; RSC 104. 2.74g, 20mm, 7h. Very Rare – R3. Very Fine.

1,500

The Arch of Septimius Severus was constructed in the the Forum Romanum in 203 AD to commemorate his victories with Caracalla and Geta over the Parthians. Originally, a bronze quadriga with the emperor and his sons topped the arch. Inscriptions dedicated the arch to all three, but Caracalla had Geta’s name removed from the arch after murdering him. The arch survived into our time because an early Christian church had incorporated it into its building. After the church itself was no longer used, it still remained owner of the arch and thusly the arch was not torn down for building material. It is, today, one of the best preserved Roman monuments in existence. Roman architectural types have long ranked among the most sought-after coins by scholars, historians, archaeologists and collectors, not only because their designs are often attractive, but also because they are usually valuable in reconstructing the appearance of buildings, temples and monuments that no longer exist. Another category altogether is coins depicting ancient structures that survive, the population of which is far smaller than the category of vanished structures. In terms of rarity and importance, the great prizes include provincial coins depicting the Acropolis in Athens, and, imperial coins depicting, in Rome, the Colosseum, the arch of Septimius Severus, and the Circus Maximus (even though its modern remains largely consist of an open field).

701. Divus Septimius Severus AR Denarius. Rome, 211 AD. DIVO SEVERO PIO, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, funeral pyre of five levels surmounted by the emperor in a quadriga. RIC 191f (Caracalla); RSC 89; BMC 27. 3.01g; 19mm, 7h. Scarce. About Extremely Fine.

194

500

702. Septimius Severus Æ36 of Tarsos, Cilicia. 193-211 AD. AVT KAIC Λ CEPT CEVHPOC PER CEB R, laureate and cuirassed bust right / CEP CEVHPIANOC TARCOV MHTROPOΛEWC GB, two temples, in perspective; KOINWN above and KIΛIKIAC below. SNG France, 1473 (same dies). 26.14g, 36mm, 5h. Rare. Very Fine. Beautiful desert patina.

1,000

703. Septimius Severus and Julia Domna Æ37 of Stratonikeia, Caria. 193-211 AD. Facing busts of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna, QEOU within rectangular incuse countermark to right / Hekate standing half-left, holding patera and torch, at her feet to left, dog standing left looking back at her. SNG Von Aulock 2675 (same obverse die); SNG Copenhagen 507 (same dies). 24.70g, 37mm, 12h. Rare. Very Fine.

1,000

704. Julia Domna AR Antoninianus. Rome, 215 AD. IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, diademed and draped bust right on crescent / LVNA LVCIFERA, Luna, cloak floating around head, driving biga galloping left. RIC 379a (Caracalla); RSC 106. 5.06g, 24mm, 2h. Good Extemely Fine.

300

This epigraph and type appear on gold, silver, and Æ coins of Julia Domna. The ambitious wife of Septimius Severus is exhibited on her coins as Cybele, then as Venus, but here as Diana, or Luna. Just as her imperial husband is styled Pacator Orbis under the figure of the Sun, so Julia on account of her fertility in bearing sons, is associated with Luna Lucifera, for as Cicero says (Lib. ii De Nat. Deor.), Diana was invoked by women at the time of childbirth.

Rare And Attractive Provinicial Issue for Julia Domna

705. Julia Domna Æ of Isaura, Cilicia. 193-217 AD. IOUΛIA DOMNA SEBAS, draped bust right / MHTPOPOΛEWS ISAU Athena Promachos advancing right with spear and shield, PWN in left field. SNG Levante 260; SNG Paris 491. 16.22g, 30mm, 8h. Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,000

A very attractive depiction of Athena Promachos “Athena who fights in the front line” as the disciplined, strategic side of war, in contrast to her brother Ares, the patron of violence, bloodlust and slaughter.

195

706. Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, 210 AD. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate bust right / PONTIF TR P XIII COS III, Virtus standing right, helmeted, holding reversed spear & parazonium, foot on helmet. RIC 117b. 3.13g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

200

707. Caracalla AR Antoninianus. Rome, 215 AD. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, radiate, draped bust right / P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Serapis standing facing, head left, with raised hand & sceptre. RIC 263d. 4.64g, 24mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. A very attractive example of the type.

200

708. Divus Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, 217 AD. DIVO ANTONINO MAGNO, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle with raised wings standing left, head right, on celestial globe marked with zodiac band. RIC 717 (Severus Alexander); BMC (Elagabalus) 7; C. 32. 3.34g, 27mm, 11h. Very Rare. No specimens in the Reka Devnia hoard. Good Very Fine.

1,000

709. Caracalla Ă&#x2020;27 of Isaura, Cilicia. 198-217 AD. A V K M AV ANTWNINOC, laureate and cuirassed bust right / MHTPOPOLEWC, tetrastyle temple, bust of Hercules left on column within; ICAVPWN in exergue. SNG Levante 263; SNG France 497. 8.96g, 27mm, 7h. Rare. Extremely Fine. Well centred and in excellent state of prevervation.

1,000

710. Geta AR Denarius. Rome, 200-202 AD. P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, draped & cuirassed bust right / VICT AETERN, Victory flying left, crowning sheild with wreath. RIC 23; RSC 206. 3.47g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

196

150

711. Geta Æ25 of Dium, Arabia Petraea. 207-208 AD. PCEP GETA C, draped and cuirassed bust right / DEIH NWN-OC around, the storm and rain god Hadad standing facing, holding eagle-tipped sceptre and Nike; recumbent bull to either side, date to right; NWN. Rosenberger 6; Spijkerman 7; SNG ANS 1281 var. (year 269). 15.24g, 25mm, 11h. Rare. Very Fine.

500

Rare And Lustrous Aureus Of Macrinus

712. Macrinus AV Aureus. Rome, 217-218 AD. IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right, short beard / FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head right, right foot on helmet, holding legionary standard in each hand. RIC 64; C. 21. 6.22g, 21mm, 12h. Rare – R2. Good Extremely Fine. A very attractive coin with fine detail, struck on a broad flan.

10,000

Praetorian Prefect during the reign of Caracalla, Macrinus was almost certainly responsible for Caracalla’s assassination. Declaring himself Emperor, and nominating his son as Caesar, the Senate confirmed his accession. His rule was short lived however, as the failure of a campaign against the Parthians and the curtailing of soldiers’ privileges caused the legions to search for a rival.

713. Macrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 217 AD. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate, draped bust right / P M TR P II COS P P, Macrinus seated left on curule chair, holding globe & short sceptre. RIC 27a; RSC 51. 3.21g, 20mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Fine style.

500

714. Macrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 217-218 AD. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate, cuirassed bust right / PONTIF MAX TR P P P, Felicitas standing left holding long caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 4; RSC 79. 3.15g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very attractive toning.

197

300

715. Macrinus Æ Sestertius. Rome, 217-218 AD. IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate, cuirassed bust right / PONTIF MAX TR P COS, Felicitas standing left holding long caduceus and cornucopiae, S-C across fields. RIC 139; C. 66. 23g, 31mm, 1h. Scarce. Extremely Fine. Very attractive patina.

1,000

716. Elagabalus AR Antoninianus. Rome, 218-222 AD. IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / MARS VICTOR, Mars advancing right, naked save for cloak floating behind waist, holding transverse spear and trophy over shoulder. RIC 122. 4.47g, 23mm, 5h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

300

717. Elagabalus Æ Sestertius. Rome, 218-222 AD. IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA ANTONINI AVG, Victory advancing r., holding wreath and palm branch. RIC 377; C. 297; BMC 362. 23.19g, 31mm, 1h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

2,000

Very Attractive Julia Paula Denarius

718. Julia Paula AR Denarius. 219 AD. IVLIA PAVLA AVG, draped bust right / CONCORDIA, Elagabalus and Julia Paula standing, clasping hands. RIC 214; RSC 12; BMC 318. 3.11g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Very attractively toned. Julia Paula, the daughter of the Praetorian Prefect Julius Cornelius Paulus, was the first wife of Elagabalus whom he promptly divorced after becoming infatuated with the Vestal Virgin Julia Aquila Severa, who he scandalously married against all Roman tradition and mores. Julia Paula withdrew from public life after the divorce and her fate is unknown.

198

300

Two Excellent Denarii Of Aquilia Severa

719

720

719. Aquilia Severa AR Denarius. Rome, 221 AD. IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG, draped bust right / CONCORDIA, Concordia standing half-left sacrificing from patera over lighted altar, holding double cornucopia, * to right. RIC 226; RSC 2; BMC 335. 3.20g, 20mm, 7h. Rare. Fleur De Coin. Beautifully toned.

300

720. Aquilia Severa AR Denarius. Rome, 221 AD. IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG, draped bust right / CONCORDIA, Concordia standing half-left sacrificing from patera over lighted altar, holding double cornucopia, * to right. RIC 226; RSC 2; BMC 335. 3.26g, 20mm, 5h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine. Good style; old tone.

300

721. Severus Alexander AR Denarius. Rome, 221-235 AD. IMP CM AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate bust right / P M TR P COS II P P, Liberalitas standing left holding abacus and cornucopiae. RIC 310a. 3.15g, 20mm, 5h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine.

200

722. Severus Alexander Æ Sestertius. Rome, 223 AD. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate draped bust right / P M TR P XII COS III, Sol standing left with raised hand and whip, S-C. across fields. RIC 535; C. 442. 23.12g, 32mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

300

Beautiful Portrait of Orbiana

723. Orbiana AR Denarius. Rome, 225 AD. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera & double cornucopiae. RIC 319; RSC 1. 2.57g, 20mm, 6h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine. A Beautiful portrait; struck in good metal on a broad flan. Well-centred and attractively toned.

500

Orbiana was the beautiful wife of Severus Alexander. Julia Mamaea, Severus Alexander’s mother encouraged the marriage but, after Orbiana was named Augusta, she became jealous of her daughter in law’s title and the bond that developed between her and her son. Cruel treatment forced Orbiana to flee to her father Sallustius who had been made Caesar. Sallustius then approached the Praetorian Guard for help in protecting his daughter but was accused of treason and was, as a result, executed. Orbiana was divorced, stripped of her title and banished to North Africa.

199

724. Orbiana AR Denarius. Rome, 225 AD. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera & double cornucopiae. RIC 319, RSC 1. 2.57g, 20mm, 1h. Scarce. Near Extremely Fine.

725

300

726

725. Maximinus I AR Denarius. Rome, 236 AD. IMP MAXIMINVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PM TR P II COS P P, Maximinus standing left between two standards, holding sceptre & raising right hand in salute. RIC 4; RSC 56. 3.12g, 21mm, 1h. Fleur de Coin. An extremely detailed portrait.

200

726. Maximus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, 236-238 AD. MAXIMVS CAES GERM, draped bust right, seen from behind / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Maximus standing left with baton & two standards. RIC 3; RSC 10. 2.93g, 21mm, 12h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine. Handsomely toned.

300

Attractively Toned Gordian I Africanus Denarius

727. Gordian I Africanus AR Denarius. Rome, March-April 238 AD. IMP M AND GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. / ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated left on shield, holding victory and leaning on sceptre. RIC 4; C. 8. 3.11g, 20mm, 11h. Very Rare - R2. Fleur De Coin Ex G. Steinberg Collection; Ex Hess-Divo Sale 307, June 2007, lot 1671; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Zurich 16 November 1994, lot 662. 3,000 Gordian’s long and distinguished career included the command of Legio IIII Scythica, the governorship of Britain in 216 AD, and he was Suffect Consul some time during the reign of Elagabalus. As an aedile, he had gained great popularity for the magnificence of the games and shows he produced for the people, however his prudence in remaining far from intrigue allowed him to escape the attention of jealous and paranoid emperors. During his term as governor of Africa Proconsularis, a revolt broke out against the oppressive rule of Maximinus Thrax, and the people turned to Gordian, demanding that he take the imperial throne. Despite his advanced years and claiming he was too old to rule, Gordian eventually acceded to their demands. Because of his age, he insisted that his son (Gordian II) be co-emperor with him. Gordian sent a delegation to the Senate, who confirmed him as emperor. However, Capelianus, govenor of Numidia, a loyal supporter of Maximinus, invaded the province of Africa at the head of the only legion in the area and defeated Gordian II’s militia army. Upon hearing of the death of his son, Gordian took his own life, but was survived by his grandson who would eventually rule as Gordian III.

728. Gordian I Africanus AR Denarius. Rome, March-April 238 AD. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / P M TR P COS P P, Gordian, standing facing, head left, holding branch in right hand & a short sceptre in left. RIC 2. 2.94g, 19mm, 12h. Rare – R2. Extremely Fine. Hint of copper deposit on reverse; lustrous and bright metal.

200

3,000

729. Balbinus AR Antoninianus. Rome, April-June AD 238. IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / FIDES MVTVA AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 11; BMC 71; RSC 6. 4.71g, 23mm, 5h. Good Very Fine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Near Extremely Fine.

700

Ex W.B. and R. E. Montgomery Collection.

730. Balbinus AR Denarius. April-June 238 AD. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Balbinus right /P M TR P COS II P P, Emperor, togate, standing left, holding branch and parazonium. RIC 5; BMC 26. 3.11g, 20mm, 1h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine.

700

731. Balbinus AR Denarius. April-June 238 AD. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Balbinus right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm branch. RIC 8; BMC 37; C. 27. 2.66g, 22mm, 11h. Fleur De Coin. Very fine and artistic style. Lustrous but with handsome, light toning.

500

732. Pupienus AR Antoninanus. Rome, April-June 238 AD. IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CARITAS MVTVA AVGG, clasped hands. RIC 10b; RSC 3; BMC 87. 5.08g, 23mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

700

733. Pupienus AR Denarius. Rome, April-June 238 AD. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX PVBLICA, Pax seated left holding branch and sceptre. RIC 4; BMC 46; C. 22. 2.79g, 22mm, 1h. Scarce. Extremely Fine. A portrait of excellent style, perfectly preserved. Ex H.D. Rauch 85, November 2009, lot 766.

201

700

734. Pupienus AR Denarius. April-June 238 AD. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS II P P, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and sceptre. RIC 6; RSC 26; BMC 52. 2.94g, 21mm, 11h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

500

735. Pupienus Ă&#x2020; Sestertius. April-July 238 AD. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory standing left holding wreath and palm, S-C across fields. RIC 23a. 23.50g, 31mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,000

Gordian III As Caesar

736. Gordian III AR Denarius. Rome, 238-244 AD. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG, Jug between lituus and knife on left, simpulum and sprinkler on right. RIC 1; C. 182. 3.06g, 21mm, 6h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

500

737. Gordian III AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. 240 AD. AVTOK K M ANT GORDIANOC CEB, laureate, draped, & cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / DHMAPX EZOVCIAC, eagle standing right, head left, wreath in its beak, SC in ex. BMC 494; Prieur 282. 11.98g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

202

300

738. Philip I AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Syria. 244-249 AD. AVTOK K M IOVL FILIPPOV CEB, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right / DEMARC EXOVCIAC, eagle standing facing, wings spread, head left with wreath in its beak, officina above right wing, S-C across fields; MON VRB in exergue. Prieur 309. 10.50g, 23mm, 1h. Very Fine.

500

739. Trajan Decius Ă&#x2020; Sestertius. Rome, 249-251 AD. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate & cuirassed bust right / PANNONIAE S-C, The two Pannoniae standing side by side, holding standards. RIC 124a; Cohen 87. 16.63g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the issue.

2,000

Very Rare Trebonianus Gallus Binio

740. Trebonianus Gallus AV Binio (Double Aureus). Rome, 251-253 AD. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG, radiate, draped bust right / PIETAS AVGG, Pietas, veiled, standing left, raising both hands, altar to left. RIC -; Calico -. 5.84g, 21mm, 5h. Very Rare. Struck from worn dies but otherwise Near Mint State.

7,500

Not in RIC. This reverse variant with altar before the figure of Pietas is known for both silver coins of Trebonianus Gallus and gold issues of his son Volusian, however it is unknown as a binio issue for this emperor. Trebonianus Gallus was suffect consul in 245 AD and in 250 AD the Emperor Trajan Decius awarded him the governorship of the province of Moesia Superior. He became very popular with the army, proving successful in repelling the frequent attacks by the Gothic tribes of the Danube. After Trajan Decius and his son were killed at the hands of the Goths in June 251 AD, and although it was rumoured that Gallus had conspired with the Goths, the army proclaimed him emperor. In order to secure his position in Rome, he made peace with the Goths, and upon reaching Rome, the Senate confirmed him as emperor.

741. Trebonianus Gallus AR Antoninianus. Rome, 251-253 AD. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG, radiate draped bust right / FELICITAS PVBLICA, Felicitas standing left with caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 33. 4.16g, 22mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

203

150

742

743

742. Aemilian AR Antoninianus. Rome, 253 AD. IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / APOL CONSERVAT, Apollo standing left, holding branch in right hand and resting left elbow on lyre set on rock. RIC 1; C. 2. 3.63g, 23mm, 11h. Rare. Extremely Fine. Superb Portrait. Attractively Toned.

700

As commander of the Moesian legions, Aemilian obtained an important victory against the invading Goths and was, for this reason, acclaimed emperor by the army. He then moved quickly to Italy, where he defeated Trebonianus Gallus. According to some sources, after his recognition as emperor, Aemilian wrote to the Senate, promising to fight for the Empire in Thrace and against Persia, and to relinquish his power to the Senate. Aemilian received the titles of Pius, Felix and Pater Patriae, the tribunicia potestas, and was elevated to the rank of Pontifex Maximus. However by this time Valerian, the governor of the Rhine provinces, was already on his way southwards with the Rhine army. 743. Aemilian AR Antoninianus. Rome, 253 AD. IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate draped bust right / VIRTVS AVG, Virtus standing left, foot on helmet, holding branch & spear. RIC 12; RSC 60. 3.84g, 22mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Lightly toned.

300

744. Gallienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, 257-258 AD. IMP GALLIENVS PF AVGG M, radiate, cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGG, Pax standing left holding olive branch and sceptre, T in left field. RIC 157 var (different obverse legend). 2.85g, 22mm, 11h. Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

200

745. Laelianus Ă&#x2020; Antoninianus. Moguntiacum, 268 AD. IMP C LAELIANVS P F AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing right, holding wreath & palm. RIC 9; Cohen 4. 3.13g, 23mm, 7h. Rare. Good Very Fine. An attractive portrait, struck on a broad flan.

1,000

Ex ANS collection, Estate of Dr. John F. Lhotka Jr.

Rare Carausius Denarius

746. Carausius AR Denarius. London (?), 287-293 AD. IMP CARAVSIVS PF AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORD MLI, clasped hands; RSR in exergue. RIC-; cf. RIC 549 (different reverse legend). 2.99g, 20mm, 11h. Rare. Very Fine.

204

1,500

205

747. Florian Silvered Æ Antoninianus. Cyzicus, 276 AD. IMP FLORIANVS AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA MILITVM, Victory standing right, presenting wreath to Florian standing opposite, holding spear; P in exergue. RIC 116; C. 15. 3.54g, 22mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Much original silvering remaining.

150

748. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Rome, 294 AD. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets; A in exergue. RIC 40a. 3.36g, 18mm, 7h. Scarce. Fleur De Coin. Perfectly centred, lightly toned and lustrous.

749

500

750

749. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Rome, 294 AD. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets. RIC 27a. 2.94g, 19mm, 5h. Rare. Fleur De Coin.

500

750. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Rome, Circa AD. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / VICTORIA SARMAT, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets. RIC 31a. 3.77g, 19mm, 12h. Very Rare – R4. Fleur De Coin.

500

A Medallic Argenteus Of Diocletian

751. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Nicomedia, 295 AD. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / VICTORIAE SARMATICAE, four turreted camp-gate, open, with doors thrown back; SMNG in exergue. RIC 25a. 3.37g, 20mm, 12h. Very Rare – R3. Fleur De Coin. Struck on a remarkably broad flan of medallic quality.

1,000

752. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Nicomedia, 295 AD. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / VICTORIAE SARMATICAE, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets; SMNG in exergue. RIC 19a. 3.43g, 19mm, 1h. Very Rare – R4. Fleur De Coin.

206

500

Unique Diocletion Medallion

753. Diocletian Gilt Æ Medallion. Rome, 287 AD. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust left / VICTORIA AVGG, two victories holding shield. RIC-. 14.22g, 27mm, 1h. Unique. Good Very Fine. Much of the original gold plating remaining.

5,000

Ex Tkalec Auction, September 2008, lot 380.

Extremely Rare Domitius Domitianus Follis

754. Domitius Domitianus Æ Follis. Alexandria, 295-296 AD. IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius of the Roman people standing left, pouring liquid from patera and holding cornucopiae, eagle with wings spread standing at his feet, G in right field; ALE in ex. RIC 20; C. 1. 8.40g, 27mm, 1h. Extremely Rare. Good Very Fine.

1,500

Stationed in an Egypt that was overtaxed and burdened with considerable administrative corruption, Domitian Domitianus took the purple in an effort to ameliorate the lot of the people. He instituted agricultural reforms and repairs to the decrepit irrigation channels, undertook a reform of the local coinage in order to improve commerce, and strengthened the province militarily. Diocletian’s response was swift and brutual. He invaded Egypt, but despite being heavily outnumbered, Domitianus was able to withstand Diocletian’s advance for months, and although by December of 297 Diocletian had control of Egypt, Alexandria refused to capitulate. Domitianus’ ultimate fate is unrecorded, however he was likely killed or assassinated. In his fury, Diocletian authorised a general sack of the city and a massacre of the population.

A Sharp And Lustrous Aureus Of Maximianus

755. Maximianus AV Aureus. Nicomedia, 294 AD. MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, laureate bust right / HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules standing facing, head right, holding club and apples, lion skin draped over left shoulder; SMN in ex. RIC 3; C. 294. 5.36g, 20mm, 1h. Very Rare – R4. Good Extremely Fine.

10,000

Given the title ‘Herculius’ by Diocletian, Maximianus’ role was always that of the military brawn to Diocletian’s stategic planning. We thus see a rich and varied series of depictions of Hercules on the coinage of Maximian. Here we see Hercules after the completion of his eleventh labour - to steal the apples from the garden of the Hesperides.

756. Maximianus AR Argenteus. Siscia, 294 AD. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before camp gate with eight turrets. RIC 32b; RSC 625f. 3.09g, 19mm. Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

207

500

757. Maximianus AR Argenteus. Carthage, 300 AD. MAXIMIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / XC -VI surrounded by laurel wreath, dot placed centrally between two lines of legend. RIC 16a. 3.33g, 18mm, 1h. Very Rare - R2. Fleur De Coin.

2,000

Ex Th. Voltz Collection; Ex Hess-Divo Sale, June 2007, lot 1713; Ex Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel 81, September 1995, lot 326.

758. Constantius I, as Caesar, AR Argenteus. Rome, 294-295 AD. CONSTANTIVS CAES, laureate bust right / VICTORIA SARMA, four emperors sacrificing over tripod altar before gate of eight-turreted enclosure. RIC 18; C. 286 var; Sisak hoard 68. 3.14g, 19mm, 1h. Fleur De Coin. Beautiful iridescent tone.

759

500

760

759. Galerius, as Caesar, AR Argenteus. Siscia, 294-295 AD. MAXIMIANVS CAESAR, laureate bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four princes sacrificing before city gate. RIC 44b. 3.70g, 18mm, 5h. Very Rare – R3. Extremely Fine.

500

760. Galerius, as Caesar, AR Argenteus. Heraclea, 295 AD. MAXIMIANVS CAESAR, laureate head of Galerius right / VIRTVS MILITVM, tetrarchs sacrificing before six-turreted enclosure; HD in exergue. RIC 8; RSC 220e. 3.58g, 18mm, 11h. Very Rare – R3. Good Extremely Fine.

500

A Superb Argenteus Of Galerius

761. Galerius, as Caesar, AR Argenteus. Antioch, 296 AD. MAXIMIANVS CAESAR, laureate bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, three-turreted camp gate, arch open, no doors, H in right field; ANT in exergue. RIC -; cf. RIC 36. 3.35g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Rare. Fleur De Coin.

208

1,000

209

762. Severus II Silvered Æ Follis. Cyzicus, 307 AD. IMP C FL VAL SEVERVS PF AVG, laureate bust right / GENIO POPV-LI ROMANI, Genius standing left, modius on head, naked except for chlamys over left shoulder (falls low), holding patera from which liquid flows, and cornucopiae, * in right field; KB in exergue. RIC 27b. 9.35g, 29mm, 5h. Rare. Good Extrmemely Fine. Well struck on a broad flan with some original silvering remaining.

500

763. Maximinus II AV Aureus. Antioch, 310-311 AD. MAXIMINVS P F AVG, laureate bust right / CONSVL P P PROCONSVL, emperor standing left wearing consular robes, holding globe & sceptre; (crescent)SMAZ* in exergue. RIC 127a. 5.27g, 19mm, 11h. Very Rare – R3. Good Very Fine.

3,000

A Lustrous And Beautifully Detailed Aureus Of Licinius I

764. Licinius I AV Aureus. Siscia, 316 AD. LICINIVS P F AVG, laureate bust right / IOVI CON-SERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, chlamys hanging from left shoulder, holding Victory on globe in right hand, leaning on sceptre, eagle with wreath, X in right; SIS in exergue. RIC 18. 5.41g, 20mm, 1h. A couple of minor marks, otherwise Mint State. Lustrous surfaces, well centred and of the finest style.

8,000

765. Licinius I and Licinius II Æ Follis. Antioch, 308-324 AD. DD NN IOVII LICINII INVICT AVG ET CAES, confronting busts of Licinius I and Licinius II, laureate, draped, cuirassed, holding trophy between them / IO M ET VIRTVTI DD NN AVG ET CAES, Jupiter, naked apart from chlamys over shoulder, standing left, holding sceptre, to his left, two bound, seated captives at the base of a trophy; SMATE in exergue. RIC 50 (Heraclea) note; see also P. Bastien, coins with a double effigy issued by Licinius at Nicomedia, Cyzicus, and Antioch, NC 1973, 91, 5 and pl. 6, 20. 5.25g, 25mm, 10h. Extremely Rare. Good Very fine.

210

500

Excellent Facing Portrait Of Licinius II

766. Licinius II, Caesar, AV Aureus. Nicomedia, 321-322 AD. D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C, facing, draped, & cuirassed bust / IOVI CONSERVATORI CAES, Jupiter seated facing on throne set on base inscribed SIC•V•/SIC•X•, holding Victory set on globe in extended right hand & long sceptre in left hand; eagle standing left on base, head right, holding wreath in beak; SMND in exergue. RIC 42; C. 28; Depeyrot 31/2. 5.27g, 22mm, 11h. Very Rare - 9 specimens known to RIC; 15 to Depeyrot. Fleur De Coin.

10,000

This is one of the very few Roman coins to bear a facing portrait, and was an early example of a style that would become the norm in the late empire and Byzantine period. The coin was struck to honor Licinius’s quinquennalia, and his father simultaneously issued a coin with a similar facing portrait for the same purpose.

767. Constantine I AV Solidus. Trier, 313-315 AD. CONSTANTINVS PF AVG, laureate bust right / P M TRIB P COS IIII P P PRO COS, Emperor, togate, seated left on curule chair, holding globe and short sceptre; PTR in exergue. RIC 19; C. 398; Depeyrot 21/2; Alföldi 301; Biaggi 1984 (this coin). 4.34 g, 19mm, 8h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

7,500

Ex Biaggi Collection.

768. Constantine I AV Solidus. Sirmium, 323 AD. CONSTANTINVS PF AVG, laureate bust right / SECVRITAS PERPETVAE, Emperor, in military attire, standing left and holding spear, crowning trophy at foot of which cuirass and shield; SIRM in exergue. RIC 42; C. 496; Depeyrot 7/5; Alföldi 451; Biaggi 1991 (this coin). 4.42g, 19mm, 11h. Rare. Extremely Fine.

7,500

Ex Biaggi Collection.

One Of Two Known

769. Constantine I AV Medallion of 1¼ Solidi. Nicomedia, 325-326 AD. DN CONSTANTINVS AVG, diademed bust right with uplifted gaze / EQVIS ROMANVS, Constantine, bare-headed and in military dress, mounted r., raising right hand; SMN in exergue. RIC -; Depeyrot -; Alföldi -; Goldmünzenprägung -; Hunter -; Mazzini Coll. -, Bachofen von Echt Coll. -; C. -. 5.29g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine. Ex Lanz 145, January 2009, lot 148. Multiples of 1½ and 2 solidi are recorded, however this 1¼ is one of only two known.

211

10,000

770. Constantine I AR Miliarense. Constantinople, 330-335 AD. CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS, soldier standing facing, head right, holding reverted spear in right hand and leaning on shield; •CONSIA• in exergue. RIC 58; RSC 700†b. 4.84g, 23mm, 5h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

5,000

An excellent example of this very rare type. Engraved in fine style and struck on a large flan; insignificant flaw on neck.

771. Constantine I AR Miliarense. Constantinople, 335 AD. CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, rosette-diademed and cuirassed bust right / CONSTANTINVS AVG, four military standards; CONS in exergue. RIC 99 var. (bust type and obverse legend); RSC 109†; Kapmnann, Die Münzen der Römnische Kaiserzeit 136.109 (this coin illustrated). 4.19g, 23mm, 7h. Very Rare. Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.

5,000

Ex Lanz 190, May 2002, lot 849; Ex Lanz 100, November 2000, lot 520.

772. Crispus Æ Follis. Ticinum, 317 AD. CRISPVS NOB CAES, draped bust right / PRINCIPIA IV-VENTVTIS, Prince helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding reversed spear, right hand on shield set on ground; PT in exergue. RIC 65. 3.59g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Rare – R5. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Officina P is not listed in RIC, however S and T are, therefore it was only natural that an example of officina P should turn up eventually. However, both officinae S and T of this type are listed as r5 for rarity which suggest a very limited issue. The outstanding artistry of the obverse deserves special mention - this extremely rare type was the first issue of coinage for Crispus, occurring in AD 317. The remarkably attractive portrait bears a striking resemblance to Constantine that cannot have failed to impress itself on the population. To the people, Constantine’s dynastic future must have seemed to be secure, and this therefore would have leant a feeling of stability and security to Constantine’s realms.

773. Constans AV Solidus. Trier, 345 AD. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories standing facing each other, holding between them wreath inscribed VOT X MVLT XX in four lines; TR in exergue. RIC VIII 135; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.49g, 28mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

212

3,000

774. Constans AR Siliqua. Siscia, 340-350 AD. FL IVL CONSTANS PF AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; SIS(pellet-in-crescent) in exergue. RIC VIII 163; RSC 316†. 3.08g, 20mm, 12h. Rare. Choice Extremely Fine. Attractively Toned.

500

Lustrous Constantius II Solidus

775. Constantius II, As Caesar, AV Solidus. Thessalonica, 324 AD. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantius standing facing, head right, holding sceptre in left hand and standard (surmounted by an eagle holding wreath in beak) in right; to right, standard surmounted by hand; SMTΓ in exergue. RIC 133; Depeyrot 10/3. 4.43g, 20mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

7,000

Ex CNG 69, 8 June 2005, lot 1759.

776. Constantius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, 337-340. D N CONSTANTIVS AVG, Rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA CONSTANTI AVG, Victory seated right on cuirass holding shield, supported by winged genius, inscribed VOT/XX MVLT/XXX; CONS in exergue. RIC 10; ; Biaggi 2175 (this coin); Depeyrot 1/9. 4.46 g, 22mm, 6h. Very Rare - R4. Good Extremely Fine. Ex Biaggi collection.

5,000

777. Constantius II AV Solidus. Thessalonica, 337-340 AD. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVM, Emperor standing left in military attire and holding standard; two captives below; TES in exergue. RIC 34; Depeyrot 4/6. 4.61g, 21mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin. Lustrous.

213

3,000

778. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, 337-347 AD. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / FELICITAS ROMANORVM, laurel wreath, jewel at top, tied at the bottom, enclosing VOTIS/XV MVLTIS/XX; SMAND in exergue. RIC VIII 31. 4.55g, 22mm, 5h. Very Rare - R3. Good Extremely Fine.

3,000

779. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, 347-350 AD. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, diademed, cuirassed and draped bust right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma and Constantinopolis supporting round shield, on which inscribed VOT/XX MVLT/XXX; SMANS in exergue. RIC 81; C. 108. 4.49g, 21mm, 4h. Very Rare – R2. Fleur De Coin. Perfectly centred on full flan. Elegant style, lustrous.

2,000

780. Constantius II AV Solidus. Sirmium, 351-355 AD. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma seated facing & Constantinopolis seated left, holding shield between them inscribed VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX; SIRM in exergue. RIC VIII 1. 4.38g, 22mm, 7h. Rare – R2. Extremely Fine.

781

1,500

782

781. Constantius II AR Siliqua. Sirmium, 351-355 AD. DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX in four lines within wreath; •SIRM in exergue. RIC 17; RSC 342-3f. 2.21g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

300

782. Constantius II AR Reduced Siliqua. Sirmium, 355-361 AD. DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. / VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX within wreath; SIRM in exergue. RIC 68; C. 343. 1.87g, 19mm, 5h. Fleur De Coin.

214

500

783. Magnentius Æ Centenionalis. Trier, 350-353 AD. DN MAGNENTIVS PF AVG, draped bust right; A behind / GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor on horseback galloping right, right, slaying pleading barbarian, weapons below; TRP(crescent) in exergue. RIC 271; C. 20. 6.81g, 25mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Strongly and centrally struck on a full flan. An exceptional example of the type.

150

784. Vetranio Silvered Æ Centenionalis. Siscia, 350 AD. DN VETRANIO PF AVG, laureate, draped bust right; A behind / CONCORDIA MILITVM, Vetranio standing left, * above head, holding a labarum (chi-ro standard) in each hand, A in left field; •ASIS* in exergue. RIC VIII 290. 4.99g, 23mm, 12h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

200

785. Julian II AR Siliqua. Lyons, 360-363 AD. DN FL CL IVLIANVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed and beardless bust right / wreath surrounding VOT /X MVLT/XX in four lines; PLVG in exergue. RIC 234. 1.52g, 18mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

150

786. Julian II Æ1. Constantinople, 360-363 AD. DN FL CL IVLIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS REIPVB •, bull standing right, two stars above; (palm branch)CONSPA(palm branch) in exergue. RIC 164. 8.63g, 29mm, 7h. Scarce. Extremely Fine.

300

787. Jovian AR Siliqua. Constantinople, 363-364 AD. DN IOVIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Laurel wreath enclosing VOT V MVL X in four lines; CP•Δ in exergue. RIC IX 173; RSC 33†b. 2.05g, 20mm, 6h. Scarce. Extremely Fine. Beautiful old toning.

215

300

216

788. Valentinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, 367-375 AD. DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG, rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and Victory bearing wreath on globe; *CONS (wreath) in exergue. RIC 25a; C. 25. 4.43g, 22mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

1,500

789. Valens AR Siliqua. Nicomedia, 367-375 AD. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOT X MVLT XX within wreath; SMN in ex. RIC 22b; C. 96b. 2.05g, 19mm, 6h. Scarce. Fleur De Coin. Mint lustre.

500

Finely Detailed Siliqua Of Procopius

790. Procopius AR Siliqua. Cyzicus, 364-367 AD. DN PROCOPIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right / VOT V within wreath; KVD in exergue. RIC IX Cyzicus 3a var (officina). 1.84g, 18mm, 1h. Very Rare - R3. Fleur De Coin. Of superb style and quality; one of the finest known.

3,000

791. Gratian AV Solidus. Trier, 367-375 AD. DN GRATIANVS P F AVG, diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Gratian & Valens enthroned, holding globe, Victory above; TROBT in exergue. RIC 17g. 4.50g, 21mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine.

217

1,500

Beautifully Toned Gratian Miliarense

792. Gratian AR Miliarense. Sisica, 367-375 AD (1st officina). DN GRATIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS, Gratian standing slightly right, head left, holding labarum and round shield set on ground; •SISCP in exergue. RIC IX 10c; RSC 53†b. 24mm, 4.42g, 1h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

3,000

Beautifully toned example of this rare type that represents one of the last great flourishes of Roman coinage. When Valentinian I died in 375 AD, Gratian’s younger brother Valentinian II was proclaimed Augustus by the now mostly barbaric foederati army. Due to Valentinian II being just five years old, Gratian acquiesced, though in reality power remained in his hands. In 378 his uncle Valens was killed at the Battle of Adrianople, delivering control of the East into Gratian’s hands. Feeling unable to rule alone, Gratian raised Theodosius to the purple. A revolt by Magnus Maximus caused Gratian to be deserted by his troops, and fleeing to Lyon, he was captured and killed.

793. Gratian AR Miliarense. Trier, 367-375 AD. DN GRATIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS, Gratian standing facing, head left, holding signum in right hand, placing left hand on shield set on ground; TRPS• in exergue. RIC IX 26e; RSC 52†b. 4.51g, 25mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.

2,000

Ex Mark Poncin Collection; Ex Triton X, 9 January 2007, lot 803; Ex Lanz 120 18 May 2004, lot 594; Ex Auctiones 23, 17 June 1993, lot 622.

794

795

794. Gratian AR Siliqua. Constantinople, 367-375 AD. DN GRATIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOT V MVLT X in wreath; (palm) C (Christogram) S (wreath) in exergue. RIC 36e; C. 66. 2.08g, 19mm, 1h. Scarce. Fleur De Coin.

500

795. Gratian AR Siliqua. Trier, 367-375 AD. DN GRATIANVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, & cuirassed bust right / VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left holding spear and Victory on globe; TRPS• in exergue. RIC 27f. 2.10g, 18mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful lustre with hints of iridescent tone on obverse. Much more attractive in hand.

218

200

796. Eugenius AR Siliqua. Lyons, 392-395 AD. DN EVGENIVS PF AVG, Draped and cuirassed bust right wearing pearl diadem / VRBS ROMA, Roma seated left with Victory and spear; LVGPS in exergue. RIC 46; C. 72. 1.92g, 19mm, 12h. Very Rare. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Beautiful And Sharp Solidus Of Theodosius II

797. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, 408-420 AD. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, helmeted facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / CONCORDIA AVGGH, Constantinopolis seated facing with sceptre & Victory on globe; CONOB in exergue. RIC 202. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Scarce. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

798. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, 420-422 AD. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, helmeted 3/4 facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / VOT XX MVLT XXX H, Victory standing left, holding long cross; CONOB in exergue. RIC 219; Berk 8 var (different officina). 4.46g, 21mm, 7h. Scarce. Fleur De Coin.

1,500

799. Theodosius II AR Miliarense. Constantinople, 408-423 AD. DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left / GLORIA ROMANORVM, Theodosius, nimbate, standing facing, head left, raising hand & holding globe, * to left; CON in ex. RIC 370; RSC 20A. 4.31g, 24mm, 11h. Scarce. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned and lustrous.

219

2,000

Aelia Eudocia, Wife of Theodosius II

800. Aelia Eudocia AV Tremissis. Constantinople, 425-429 AD. AEL EVDOCIA AVG, diademed, draped bust right / Cross within wreath; CONOB in ex. RIC 253. 1.40g, 14mm, 6h. Rare. Near Extremely Fine.

500

801. Justin I AV Tremissis. Constantinople, 518-527 AD. DN IVSTINVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right holding wreath and cross on globe, * in right field; CONOB in exergue. Sear 58; BMC 11-13; MIBE 5. 1.47g, 16mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

802. Justininian I AV Tremissis. Constantinople, 527-565 AD. DN IVSTINIANVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right holding wreath and cross on globe, * in right field; CONOB in exergue. Sear 343; MIBE 19. 1.49g, 16mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

300

803. Heraclius AV Solidus. Constantinople, 610-641 AD. dN hERACLIVS PP AVG, draped and cuirassed facing bust, with short beard, wearing crown with pendilia and plume, holding cross / VICTORIA AVGVE, Crux Potens on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Sear 731; DOC 3. 4.50g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

804. Theophilus AV Solidus. Constantinople, 829-842 AD. QEOFILOS bASILEQ, crowned bust, holding patriarchal cross and akakia, * in left field / +MIXAHL S CONStANtInâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, facing busts of Michael II and Constantine, cross between their heads. Sear 1653. 3.47g, 20mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

220

300

Charming Basillius I Miliaresion

805. Basilius I AR Miliaresion. Constantinopole, 868-879 AD. IhSUS XRISTUS NICA. Crux Potens on three steps, Globus below; all within triple border of dots / + bASI / LIOS CE / CONSTAN / TIN’ PISTV / bASILIS / ROMEO’ in six lines, all within triple border of dots. Sear 1708; DOC 7. 2.96g, 25mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Beautifully toned with a charming medallic quality.

1,000

806. Issac I AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinopole 1057-1059 AD. +IhS XIS PCX RCGNLNTI hM , Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction, in left hand a book of Gospels; double border around / + ICAAKIOC RL C ILEVC PWM, Issac, bearded, standing facing, wearing crown and military attire, a drawn sword in his right hand, left hand rests on sheath; double border around. DOC 2; Sear 1843. 4.41g, 26mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

221

500

Notes

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