Welcome to our current edition of the Classical Numismatic Review (CNR) specially prepared for the ANA World’s Fair of Money. We are pleased to continue our strong presence at this show and our support of the ANA. Dave Michaels and I are just back from teaching our second class on Greek coinage at the ANA Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs. Our kudos to the ANA for doing things right to promote our hobby. We are sure this show will be another in a long line of successful ANA ventures.
On the next couple pages there is a feature article about a number of coins in this CNR from the Mougins Museum of Classical Art. We are particularly pleased to present these pieces which have long held a place of pride in that Museum. Of particular interest is a complete set of twelve Caesars in gold, offered individually. It is no longer common for this set to be found in a fixed price list. Most sets of this caliber are now going exclusively to auction. So, if you get the chance to come by our booths at the show, you will get a rare treat of seeing this complete set. But I suggest you come early if you want to see the entire group. As I indicated, the coins are being offered individually and may not last long.
On the home front, CNG has many changes in the works. Unfortunately, the timing of this show and the completion of several moves we are making internally doesn’t allow me to present many more details here. Suffice to say, we are looking at the addition of several new faces at CNG to help us expand our already industry leading stature in many of the collecting fields we serve. I expect to be able to provide more specifics by the time we hold our fall auction (CNG 127) on September 17 & 18, 2024.
And speaking of CNG 127, we will have this entire auction available for lot viewing at the World’s Fair of Money. This is a wonderful sale with many highlights across our entire spectrum of numismatic expertise. Of particular note is the exceptional first offering of coins from the Robert Hubel collection, a Roman Republican collection primarily, that was entirely formed between 1929 and 1939. It has been off the market for 85 years! If you aren’t sure what “old collection toning” looks like, stop by the table and take a look at this group of coins. They are uniformly beautiful!
As always, we thank you for your continued support of CNG. We hope to see many of you at the show.
Happy collecting!
Mike Gasvoda Managing Director
Terms of Sale
1. General Information. The point of sale for all items online is Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All orders are sent from Pennsylvania.
2. Guaranty and Return Privilege. All items are guaranteed genuine. Any coin order may be returned within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. Coins that have been encapsulated (“slabbed”) by a grading and/or authentication service may not be returned for any reason, including authenticity, if they have been removed from the encapsulation (“slab”). The customer shall bear the cost of returning all items and shall insure them for their full value. Books are not sent on approval and are not subject to return.
3. Sales Tax. Several states require us to collect and remit sales tax. Where applicable the appropriate tax will be charged to the customer invoice.
4. Postage. All orders are charged for postage, insurance, and handling.
5. Payment. Orders may be paid by US$ check, credit card or wire transfer. US$ checks must be written on a US bank and may be sent to either office. We accept VISA and MasterCard; payment by credit card must be made within 14 days of the invoice date. Payment by credit card will be charged a 2.5% handling fee. Credit card payment may be arranged by phone, fax or mail. United States address and phone number: CNG, LLC, P.O. Box 479, Lancaster, PA, 17608., phone: 717-390-9194, fax: 717390-9978. United Kingdom address and phone number: CNG, LLC, 20 Bloomsbury St, London WC1B 3QA, phone +44 (20) 7495-1888, fax: +44 (20) 7499-5916. Office hours are 10AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. US$ bank account for wire transfers will be provided by phone, fax or mail.
6. Shipment. Please provide a specific shipping address and advise us of any special shipping instructions. Unless other specific shipping instructions are indicated, coins are sent by U.S. Insured or Registered.
7. Sales tax, postage, handling and insurance are the responsibility of the buyer and are added to all invoices where appropriate. For buyers in the United Kingdom, CNG may import lots into the United Kingdom prior to shipment and charge buyers the import Value Added Tax. On any tax not paid by the purchaser which should have been paid, even if not invoiced by CNG, the purchaser agrees to pay the same on demand together with any interest or penalty that may be assessed. It is the responsibility of the buyer to comply with foreign customs and other regulations.
A Note on How to Order
As with our normal monthly uploads, these coins are available for purchase on our website, www.cngcoins.com. If you are viewing the virtual catalog, you may click on an image, which will bring you to the online lot description, where you can add the coin to your cart as usual.
Digital Publications Archive
Major Show Schedule
Additional Shows Listed on Our Online Calendar
World’s Fair of Money – Chicago August 6-10, 2024
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
54th New York International January 16-19, 2025
InterContinental New York Barclay 111 East 48th Street, New York January 16, Noon-7PM Preview January 17-19, 10AM-7PM (3PM on the 19th)
Feature Auction Schedule
CNG 127 - 17-18 September 2024
A Live Online Auction conducted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Triton XXVIII - 14-15 January 2024
A Public Auction to be held in New York City
CNG 129 - May 2025
A Live Online Auction conducted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Consignment Deadlines
Feature Auction Consignment Deadlines
Triton XXVIII - 15 September 2024 CNG 128 - 15 February 2025
Deadlines for Electronic Auction Consignments Ongoing - About 90 days before scheduled sale
Contact us early, as sales do fill up in a hurry.
We may be contacted by email, fax, phone, or mail.
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Email: cng@cngcoins.com
Mailing addresses & Phone numbers:
Attention: Mike Gasvoda P.O. Box 479
Lancaster PA 17608
Phone: 717-390-9194 Fax: 717-390-9978
or Attention: Paul Hill 20 Bloomsbury St. London WC1B 3QA
Phone: +44-20-7495-1888 Fax: +44-20-7499-5916 or
Attention: Max Tursi Noordeinde 64a, 2514GK The Hague, NL Phone: +31-851-301-541
Classical Numismatic Review Features
Coins from the Mougins Museum of Classical Art
This edition of the Classical Numismatic Review features a group of 55 coins from the collection of Christian Levett, a British commodities fund manager, philanthropist and art collector who displayed them alongside other dazzling works of ancient and modern art at his Musée d’Art Classique (Mougins Museum of Classical Art) in the picturesque village of Mougins (near Cannes), France from 2011 through 2023.
This institution’s world-renowned collection featured hundreds of Egyptian, Greek and Roman decorative objects, sculptures, and particularly arms and armor from classical antiquity. The Museum earned many accolades, including Apollo Magazine’s New Museum of the Year award in 2011 and a nomination for the European Museum of the Year in 2013, the only French museum to earn that distinction. Uniquely, the antiquities were displayed alongside modern works of art of a similar or contrasting theme, creating a fascinating juxtaposition that blurred the lines between distant past and present. The innovative and interactive methods of display drew praise from a broad cross section of the art market.
More than 250,000 visitors viewed the Musée d’Art Classique’s collections before Mr. Levett shifted his interests and decided in August of 2023 to sell off classical European antiquities to make way for a new collection devoted to women artists through the ages. The classical antiquities and armor are now being sold by Christie’s in a series of six auctions in London, New York and online, which started last December. The initial sale of Arms and Armor from the Levett Collection, held 30 January 2024 in New York City, brought in $6.6 million for only 40 objects, including a beautifully preserved Roman legionary helmet of the second century AD, which realized $1.26 million.
The Christie’s sales, however, omit the coins displayed at the Musée d’Art Classique, which are, as previously noted, offered exclusively in this edition of the Classical Numismatic Review. All of the coins in this list from the Museum’s collection are pedgireed as ex MACM and include their acquisition number.
Coins and medals were actually the first items collected by Mr. Levett, who inherited an extensive collection formed by his father and several relations in the early 1900s. He eventually focused on ancient coins, building a representative collection of Roman imperial coins including nearly every emperor along with a selective collection of Greek coins illustrating armor to complement the armor exhibited in the Museum.
Mr. Levett’s philanthropy includes extensive support of the British Museum, the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford, the National Gallery in London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. He is also a member of the Arms and Armor Committee at the Met and a past board member of the Hadrian’s Wall Trust.
The Levett Collection coins offered here present a unique opportunity for collectors to obtain coins that were on display for more than a decade at a major European museum of classical art and can now be purchased at fixed prices, eliminating the possibility of the kind of runaway prices that can result from the frenzied bidding at an auction sale. We invite you to examine these exceptional pieces carefully and get your orders in early!
CELTIC COINAGE
5668489. GAUL, Northeast. Ambiani. Circa 100-50 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 5.84 g). Gallic War issue. Plain bulge / Large disjointed horse right; above, pellets and crescent; below crescent above pellet, flanked by two S-like ornaments (retrograde); radiate disc to right; below exergue line, zigzag line; two cornucopias below. Scheers series 24, class V; Depeyrot NC VI, 161 var.; D&T 242 var.; de la Tour 8704 var. (all without cornucopias); cf. Elsen 123, lot 124 (one cornucopia). Lustrous, golden red toning. Near EF. Very rare variety. $1750
5668490. GAUL, Northeast. Ambiani. Circa 100-50 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 5.86 g). Gallic War issue. Plain bulge / Large disjointed horse right; above, pellets and crescent; below crescent above pellet, flanked by two S-like ornaments; radiate disc to right; below exergue line, zigzag line. Scheers series 24, class V; Depeyrot NC VI, 161 var.; D&T 242 var.; de la Tour 8704 var. (all with retrograde S). Lustrous, golden red toning, light roughness. Near EF. $3250
GREEK COINAGE
5685606. CAMPANIA, Neapolis. Circa 300 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.18 g, 8h). Head of nymph right, hair restrained in band, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; astragalos behind neck, APTEM below / Man-headed bull standing right, head facing; above, Nike flying right, crowing bull with open laurel wreath held in her extended right hand; QE below; [@]Eoπo¬5tW@ in exergue. Sambon 463; HN Italy 579. Deeply toned, trace horn silver deposits. VF. $1575
Ex Wild Rose Collection; William N. Rudman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1022; New York Sale I (December 1998), lot 6.
5672067. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos (21.5mm, 6.51 g, 2h). Reduced standard. Nude youth, crowning horse upon which he rides right; Ą to left, Ó to right; below, f5¬o/˚¬˙s in two lines above dolphin right / Phalanthos, holding rhyton and trident, riding dolphin left; two amphoras to right, tÅ-rÅs below. Vlasto 950–3; HN Italy 1057. Underlying luster. Choice EF. $1875
A Victory Lost to Time
5672068. CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 6.46 g, 3h). Reduced standard. Warrior, wearing military attire, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, on horse rearing right; t to upper left, ˚Ŭ¬5˚[rÅ]>t˙s in two lines below / Phalanthos, nude, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, and cradling trident in left arm, riding dolphin left; " to right, tÅrÅs below. Vlasto 965–6; HN Italy 1059. In NGC encapsulation 8228934-002, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. $4450
This remarkable nomos celebrates a military victory whose details are lost to us, struck at a time when the city was more or less subject to Rome. The cavalry rider on the obverse is depicted with exquisite detail, enabling us to determine he is likely a senior commander, or epihipparkos, abbreviated in the monogram in the upper left field. He is bearded and wears a short cuirass (linothorax, a modern term) with layered linen strips called pteryges at his waist. His ankle-high boots are equipped with spurs. Tarentum took great pride in its cavalry and honored its riders extensively on their coinage.
5677343. LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 330/25-281 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.77 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, wearing single-pendant earring, pearl necklace, and crested Corinthian helmet decorated with Skylla throwing a stone; ^˙rÅ˚¬˙5W@ above, ˚ behind neck / Herakles standing left, right hand set on grounded club to left, holding bow and two arrows in extended left hand, lion skin draped over left arm; oinochoë and ÅQÅ to left, ^˙[rÅ˚¬]˙5W@ to right. Work 62–3/78 (same obv./rev. dies); Van Keuren 84; HN Italy 1384; NAC 27, lot 29 (same dies). Slightly weak strike, a little die wear on obverse, minor flan flaw on reverse. Good VF. $4750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA10C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 24.
Herakleia, located on the Gulf of Taranto, was one of the latest Greek colonies to be established in Italy, with a foundation date of 432 BC. Its foundation arose from the destruction of Siris, an Ionic colony located nearby, circa 550 BC. Athens claimed the right to re-found Siris with its own colonists, and is said to have briefly considered relocating Athens itself to the site after its destruction by the Persians in 480 BC. Athens did indeed found Thourioi in 443 BC across the gulf from the site of Siris, but this was resisted by Tarentum and Kroton, which sided with Sparta in the Peoloponnesian War and did not want an ally of Athens so close. After a brief war, an agreement was signed whereby Athens and Tarentines would jointly found a new city on the site of Siris. This became Herakleia, named in honor of Herakles. The city’s coinage reflected its bifurcated foundation by honoring Athena (patron of Athens) on the obverse and its namesake Herakles on the reverse.
Pyrrhos’ Expedition to Italy
5677349. LUCANIA, Metapontion. temp. Pyrrhos of Epeiros. Circa 280-279 BC. AV Tetrobol – Third Stater (14.5mm, 2.80 g, 10h). Bearded head of Leukippos right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; ¬EU˚5π[πos] above / Two six-grained barley ears, each with a curly leaf to outside; Â-E across outer fields, s5 between. Johnston G5.1 (same dies); HN Italy 1630; SNG ANS 397–8; SNG Lockett 404 (same rev. die); Basel 153 = Gillet 202 (same obv. die); Dewing 378; Gulbenkian 72; Jameson 1867. Faintly toned, slight die wear on obverse. Good VF. $9000
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA16C; Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 24.
Demonstrating the usual flair shown by the die engravers in the service of Pyrrhos during his military expedition in Italy and Sicily, the small gold issues of 280/279 depicting Nike and Leukippos (HN Italy 1629-1631) are of a refinement second to none. The traditional city founder is rendered in exquisite detail with the added novelty of his helmet being decorated with Skylla hurling a stone, the very embodiment of aggressive violence before the enemy in time of war.
5685527. LUCANIA, Metapontion. Punic occupation. Circa 215-207 BC. AR Half Shekel – Drachm (19mm, 3.70 g, 5h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthan helmet and necklace / Barley ear with leaf to right; above leaf, owl standing right, head facing, with wings spread; ÂEtÅ to left. Robinson, Second, p. 50, 3; HN Italy 1634. Lightly toned, underlying luster, minor double strike and small spot of weak strike on reverse. Near EF. $1750
Ex Wild Rose Collection, purchased from John Jencek (inv. G797), June 2002; Classical Numismatic Group 50 (23 June 1999), lot 433.
5685528. LUCANIA, Velia. Circa 300-280 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.39 g, 3h). Philistion group. Helmeted head of Athena right, helmet decorated with griffin; Å behind neck guard, f before neck / Lion standing right; above, dolphin between 5 and f; UE¬˙tW@ in exergue. Williams 458 (O228/R320); HN Italy 1307; SNG Ashmolean 1344 (same dies). Toned, minor die wear. VF. $1750
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Roma VI (29 September 2013), lot 325; Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 3 (16 October 1998), lot 14.
Two Outstanding Nomoi from Kaulonia
5685574. BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (30.5mm, 8.33 g, 12h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, left arm extended, upon which a small daimon, holding branch in each hand, runs right, head reverted; ˚å¨Ò to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted; dot-and-cable border / Incuse of obverse, but daimon, branch, and stag’s antlers in outline and no ethnic; radiate border. Noe, Caulonia, Group A, 5 (same dies); Gorini 3; HN Italy 2035; SNG ANS 142 (same dies); SNG München 1396 (same dies); Gulbenkian 119 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 163 (same obv. die); Hunterian 2 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone, trace deposits, minor edge split. EF. $12,500 Ex Nomos 13 (7 October 2016), lot 116; Monetarium FPL 47 (Spring 1987), no. 5.
Kaulonia was founded in the 7th century BC by Achaean Greeks. The location, on the underside of Italy’s “toe,” has long since disappeared beneath the waves, but marine archaeologists have located more than 100 fluted columns, likely for a large shrine to Apollo, the deity depicted on the city’s beautiful coinage. On this exceptional piece, Apollo’s nude body is shown striding right, with a small winged daimon on his left arm; to his right stands a stag, sacred to both Apollo and his sister Artemis. The unusual fabric of this piece follows a style peculiar to Greek southern Italy in the archaic period: a broad, thin flan, obverse depicted in relief, the reverse repeating the obverse motif but incuse, and reversed. The reasons for the popularity of this fabric are poorly understood; some scholars have postulated a connection to the mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras, who was active in Italy during this period.
5624577. BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (30.5mm, 7.93 g, 12h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, left arm extended, upon which a small daimon, holding branch in each hand, runs right; ˚å¨Ò to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted; dot-and-cable border / Incuse of obverse, but daimon in outline and no ethnic; radiate border. Noe, Caulonia, Group A, 10 (same dies); Gorini 3; HN Italy 2035; SNG ANS 146 (same dies); Boston MFA 172 = Warren 138 (same dies); Jameson 408 (same dies). Attractive old collection tone. Choice EF. A splendid example of archaic Greek artistry. $23,750
Ex Father & Son Collection; Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1 (Winter 2020), no. 526710; Künker 326 (7 October 2019), lot 560; Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 69, 8 June 2005), lot 58.
5685574
5666141
High Quality Metal For Issue
5666141. BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 475-425 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 8.18 g, 1h). Apollo advancing right, holding branch aloft in right hand, small daimon running right on extended left arm; ˚Ũ¬ to left; to right, stag standing right, head reverted / Stag standing right; ¬¨Åk above, laurel branch to right. Noe, Caulonia, Group F, 93 (same dies); HN Italy 2046; SNG München 1404 (same dies); Jameson 411 (same dies). Faint toning over lustrous surfaces, a couple of minor marks. Near EF. Excellent metal for issue. $3500
Kaulonia’s early coinage, circa 525-500 BC, was of the spread flan, relief/incuse fabric adopted by many southern Italian cities in the later sixth century BC. The design featured the city’s patron god Apollo striding forward, with a small winged figure perched on his arm; a stag with head reverted appeared in the right field. Kaulonia’s second phase of coinage commenced about 475 BC, with a reduced diameter silver nomos of a more conventional relief fabric on both sides. The obverse retains the same figure of Apollo, but the stag moves to the reverse. This design persisted until the city’s capture and destruction by Syracuse in 389 BC.
Temesa Allies with Kroton
5677335. BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Alliance issue with Temesa. Circa 430-420 BC. AR Nomos (18.5mm, 7.99 g, 11h). Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion’s feet; orJ to left, 3t to right / Corinthian helmet right; orJ below. Montesanti Group III, XI-3; HN Italy 2122; SNG ANS 448 (same dies). Lightly toned. Good VF. $6500
In 510 BC, Kroton destroyed its rival, Sybaris. Current scholarship indicates that the city of Temesa was associated with Sybaris, and that, following the destruction of the latter, Temesa came under the domination of Kroton. Around this time, the present issue was struck at Kroton, while a similar issue was struck at Temesa (HN Italy 2566). It has been thought that these parallel coin issues represented a military alliance between the cities, apparently based on the military nature of the iconography. However, no historical record of such an alliance exists. Both coins exhibit a tripod on the obverse and a helmet on the reverse. Rather than the helmet indicating a military purpose, it is more likely that it is simply the civic badge of Temesa, and therefore each city’s badge appears on the coins. As such, it is more likely that the coinage represents a political/civic alliance between Kroton and Temesa. The Temesan coins also feature a pair of greaves on the obverse, which may be an attribute of that city’s most prominent deity, Polites (see Strabo, VI.1.5).
5685577. BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 425-350 BC. AR Nomos (19.5mm, 7.49 g, 3h). Eagle with closed wings standing left, head right, on the head of a stag right / Tripod with high neck surmounted by wreaths, legs terminating in lion’s feet; ivy leaf to left, Jro to right. Attianese 104 (same obv. die as illustration); HN Italy 2146; SNG ANS 351–2 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, small cleaning scratches on obverse, die break on reverse. Good VF. High relief for issue. $3250
Ex Mesogeios Collection; Classical Numismatic Group 120 (11 May 2022), lot 35; G. Hirsch 20 (2 April 1959), lot 759.
Hannibal’s Occupation of Southern Italy
5677351. BRUTTIUM, Carthaginian occupation. Circa 216-211 BC. EL Three-eighths Shekel (15mm, 2.71 g, 1h). Janiform female heads, each wearing grain ear wreath / Zeus, holding thunderbolt in right hand, scepter in left, standing in quadriga right, driven by Nike, who stands beside him, holding reins. Robinson, Second pl. V, 3 (Capua); Jenkins & Lewis 487 (Capua); HN Italy 2013; SNG ANS 146 (Capua). Good VF. Fine style for issue. $12,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA18C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 95.
This coinage, previously attributed to Capua in Campania, has been conclusively reattributed to the Carthaginians in Bruttium under Hannibal (see M.H. Crawford, “Provenances, Attributions, and Chronology of Some Early Italian Coinages,” CH IX (2002), p. 274, and HN Italy). While it is likely that this issue was minted in Bruttium by the Carthaginians, there is a possibility that these coins were struck in Carthage and transported to South Italy for Hannibal’s use (see G.K. Jenkins, Studi per Laura Breglia, Parte I, Generalia-Numismatica Greca. Bollettino di Numismatica, Supplemento al No. 4. [Rome, 1987], pp. 223-4).
5663746. SICILY, Messana. The Mamertinoi. 264-241 BC. Æ (28mm, 17.45 g, 6h). Laureate head of Ares right; arrowhead to left, ÅrEos to right / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, wings spread; ÂÅÂEr-t-5@W@ around. Särström Series III, Group A, 55 (same obv. die); BAR Issue 5; CNS 7; HGC 2, 865. Lovely turquoise patina, some brown encrustation. Good VF. $1875
5685578. SICILY, Selinos. Circa 540-515 BC. AR Didrachm (23.5mm, 8.77 g). Selinon leaf / Incuse square divided into twelve sections. Arnold-Biucchi Group 1; Selinus Hoard 32; HGC 2, 1211. Lightly toned. EF. $7250
Ex Wild Rose Collection; M. A. Armstrong Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 102, 18 May 2016), lot 115; Sotheby’s (7 March 1996), lot 56.
Ex Rockefeller University / Mirsky Collection – Pedigreed to 1930
5663848. SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.48 g, 7h). Struck circa 478-475 BC.
Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; s¨R-Akos5o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series VIIIb, 172 (V75/R120); HGC 2, 1306; Randazzo 339–41 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone, with light iridescence, minor flan flaw on reverse. EF. $27,750
Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 153; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 669; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 327.
5663747. SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 16.99 g, 2h). Struck circa 478-475 BC.
Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia and necklace; s¨‰-A-˚os-5o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIa, 192 (V87/R131); HGC 2, 1306; Bement 454 (same dies). Attractively toned, faint scratch in field on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. $3750
5685579. SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.34 g, 6h). Struck circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, hoop earring with a single pendant, and pearl necklace; four dolphins and s¨-∞åko-s5o-@ around. Boehringer Series XIId, 353 (V175/R246); HGC 2, 1307; SNG ANS 113 (same dies). Toned. Near EF. $12,750
Ex CNG inventory 990883 (December 2014); Roma VIII (28 September 2014), lot 101; Roma V (23 March 2013), lot 107.
5666533. SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.32 g, 12h). Struck circa 466-460 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring, and necklace; s¨-[∞]-Åk-o-s5-o-@ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIIa, 408 (V211/ R288); HGC 2, 1309; SNG ANS 128 (same dies); Bement 1050 (same dies); Hunterian 20 (same dies). Iridescent tone, die break on reverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan. $17,500
Ex Roma XVI (26 September 2018), lot 148; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 94; Ambrose Collection (Roma X, 27 September 2015), lot 199; Roma IV (30 September 2012), lot 80; Triton XV (3 January 2012), lot 1069.
Pedigreed to 1934
5677344. SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AV 100 Litrai – Double Dekadrachm (15.5mm, 5.70 g, 11h). Struck circa 304-289 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with a griffin, and pearl necklace / Winged thunderbolt; Å˝ÅQo˚¬Eos above, [∫]Ås5¬Eos and t in two lines below. Bérend, l’or 10 (D4/R3); BAR Issue 29; HGC 2, 1535; Sartiges 148 (same dies). Faintly toned, small mark on obverse. Near EF $15,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA11C; Gemini VI (10 January 2010), lot 45; Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 197; Münzen und Medaillen AG XXVIII (19 June 1964), lot 82; Ars Classica XVII (3 October 1934), lot 276.
5685510. SICILY, Syracuse. Hieronymos. 215-214 BC. AR 10 Litrai (22mm, 8.48 g, 7h). Diademed head left / Winged thunderbolt; ∫Å%5¬EW% and Åf above, 5ErW@UÂoU below. Holloway 28 (O13/R22); BAR Issue 79; HGC 2, 1567. Minor marks on obverse, slight die shift on reverse. EF. $1975
Ex CNG inventory 947477 (April 2013); Hunter Collection (Goldberg 72, 5 February 2013), lot 4034.
5677352. SICILY, Syracuse. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. AR 12 Litrai (23mm, 10.24 g, 7h). Head of Athena left, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, and crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent on the bowl / Artemis standing left, drawing bow; at side, hound springing left; dÅ to left, sUrÅkos5W@ to right. Burnett, Enna 8 (dies 2/c); BAR Issue 84; HGC 2, 1412; SNG Copenhagen 876 (same dies); SNG München 1432 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster, slight doubling, faint scuff on obverse. EF. $6275
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA19C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 82; Ars Antiqua II (4 October 2001), lot 45.
Jenkins
Plate Coin and from Jenkins’ Own Collection
5685511. SICULO-PUNIC, “The Camp”. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.72 g, 6h). Possibly Entella mint. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; pellet to left, palm tree to right, MBßJM (MḤSBM = “People of the Camp” in Punic) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5b, 343 (O110/R281 – this coin referenced and illustrated); CNP 272b; BAR Issue 5; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legend). Old collection tone, a couple of tiny spots of die rust on obverse. Good VF. $5500
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Manhattan Sale III (3 January 2012), lot 103; Kirk Davis FPL 39 (Summer 2002), no. 22; Kirk Davis FPL 35 (Summer 2001), no. 16; Numismatica Ars Classica L (18 May 2001), lot 1276; Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 396; G. K. Jenkins Collection (‘Collection Y’ cited in Jenkins).
5685600. MOESIA, Istros. Circa 256/5-240 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 5.28 g). Facing male heads, the left inverted / Seaeagle left, grasping dolphin with talons; 5str5˙ above, A below. Dima Group IV, Subgroup VIII, 1; AMNG I 416; HGC 3, 1804. Iridescent tone. Good VF. $950
Ex Numismatik Naumann 68 (5 August 2018), lot 20.
5685529. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.00 g, 11h). Lampsakos mint. Struck 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% 2U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; torch to inner left, star on throne. Thompson 43; Müller 381; HGC 3, 1750b; SNG BN 2538-9. Lightly toned, trace deposits on obverse, a couple of minor marks in field on reverse. Good VF. $3275
5663862. KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.06 g, 1h). Lampsakos mint. Struck 297/6-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% 2U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; B to inner left, crescent in exergue. Thompson 49; Müller 399; HGC 3, 1750b. Toned, with slight iridescence, minor porosity, light scuff at edge on reverse. Good VF. $3775
5683388. MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 351 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 14.44 g, 1h). Annikas, magistrate. Head of Apollo right, with long hair, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around, [Eπ5 Å@@5˚Å below]. Robinson & Clement Group U, 121–3 var. (A77/P– [unlisted rev. die]); AMNG III/2, –; HGC 3, 500; Rhousopolous 849 (same obv. die). Toned, a hint of die wear on obverse, slight die shift on reverse. Near EF. $4750
5685512. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip II. 359-336 BC. AV Stater (16.5mm, 8.59 g, 10h). Pella mint. Struck circa 345/2340/36 BC. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; cicada above. Le Rider Group I.C, 45–7 var. (D23/R– [unlisted rev. die]); SNG ANS 128 = Weber 2040; SNG Fitzwilliam 2023 (same obv. die). Underlying luster, slight die rust and tiny flan flaw on obverse. EF. $10,750 Ex Wild Rose Collection; Roma XVII (28 March 2019), lot 388.
5672084. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.61 g, 11h).
In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; trident head below. Le Rider Group II.1, 310 (D143/R237); SNG ANS 154. In NGC encapsulation 8228931-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, brushed. $9750
Ex Chrysos Collection (Nomos 13, 7 October 2016), lot 160.
5677339. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.56 g, 9h).
In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; trident head below. Le Rider Group II.1, 335 (D150/R209); SNG ANS 154 (same dies). Some hairlines, minor mark in field on reverse. VF. $4750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA6C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 413.
5685530. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.22 g, 12h). Damaskos mint. Struck under Menon or Menes, circa 330-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@ droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in field to left, forepart of ram right; below throne, two globules above strut, dÅ below. Price 3204; Taylor, Damaskos, Group 2.2.2, 192 (A11/P1 – this coin). Deep cabinet tone, with some iridescence, hairline flan crack. Good VF. $2650
Ex Wild Rose Collection, purchased from Zuzim Judaea, 14 April 2013. Reportedly ex Reeve Schley Sr. Collection, acquired c. 1900.
Fine Style
5663863. KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.13 g, 12h). Babylon mint. Struck under Stamenes or Archon, circa 324/3 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@ droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; M in left field, P below throne. Price 3602; Waggoner Issue 2, Series 4, obv. die 57; ANS inv. 1944.100.80462 (same obv. die). Iridescent tone, some underlying luster, small mark on obverse. Near EF. Fine style. $2775
Ex Roma VIII (28 September 2014), lot 452.
Well Centered and Attractive
5685513. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Alexander III – Philip III. Circa 325-319 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.60 g, 11h). In the name of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with serpent, and necklace / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling stylis in left arm; trident head downward in left field. Price 172; Troxell, Studies, p. 125, pl. 25, H. Underlying luster, trace earthen deposits, slight die wear. EF. Well centered. $8950
Ex Wild Rose Collection, purchased from Pars Coins, March 2017.
5677341. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Alexander III – Philip III. Circa 325-319 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.54 g, 9h). In the name of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with serpent and necklace / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike standing left, holding wreath in extending right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; in left field, trident head downward; “ below left wing. Price 179. A few light scratches, small scuff on reverse, minor edge marks from prior bezel. Good VF. $4575
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA8C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 433.
5685604. KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Alexander III – Philip III. Circa 324/3-320 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.12 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Arados mint. Struck under Menes or Laomedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU ∫Ås5¬EWs, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; kerykeion in left field, Û (civic) monogram below throne. Price 3332; Duyrat Group IV, Series 11, 599–605 (obv. die D142). Toned. VF. Fine style. $1875
Ex Wild Rose Collection, purchased from Palmyra Heritage, October 2010; Heritage 3009 (22 April 2010), lot 20024; Coin Galleries (23 May 1990), lot 83; Münzen & Medaillen AG 53 (29 November 1977), lot 63.
Struck from Fresh Dies
5683514. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.22 g, 8h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 322-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Macedonian helmet in left field. Price 113; Troxell, Studies, Issue H3; SNG Saroglos 218–9; ANS 1944.100.28433–6 (same obv. die). Attractive light gray tone. Choice EF. Well centered and struck from fresh dies.
$5275
Ex DMS Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 191.
5685608. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Drachm (16.5mm, 4.30 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Sardes mint. Struck under Menander, circa 323/2 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, ´ above torch. Price 2589; ADM I Series XII. Faintly toned, underlying luster, slightly compact flan, light scratch on obverse. EF. $675
Ex Jeffrey H. Miller Collection.
5685603. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Drachm (15.5mm, 4.26 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Sardes mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319/8 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; torch in left field, Å below throne. Price 2637; ADM I Series XV. Light iridescent tone, tiny flan flaws. EF. $675
Ex Spink inventory SPK3760A (ND).
5685605. KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.18 g, 8h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Uncertain mint in Cilicia. Struck under Philotas or Philoxenos. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; wreath in left field, d5 below throne. Price 2949 (Side[?] mint). Iridescent tone, a couple of minor scrapes on obverse. Good VF. Fine style. $1475
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Roma E-Sale 3 (30 November 2013), lot 161; LHS 95 (25 October 2005), lot 579.
A Rare Variety
5663864. KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.23 g, 7h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 294-290 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, thunderbolt above z; below throne, dolphin left. Newell –; Price 501 var. (dolphin right); Ehrhardt Group 5, 55; CNG 100, lot 1334 (same dies); HGC 3, –. Toned, struck with somewhat worn obverse die. Near EF. Rare variety. $1975
5685514. KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.42 g, 12h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 289-288 BC. Diademed and horned head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios standing left, right foot on rock, holding trident in left hand; : to outer left, : to outer right. Newell 124, obv. die CXXII; HGC 3, 1014b; Hirsch 1113 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone, minor porosity on obverse. Near EF. $4500
Ex CNG inventory 991047 (December 2014); Heritage 3016 (2 January 2012), lot 24432.
Rare Issue
5685515. KINGS of MACEDON. Antigonos III Doson. 229-221 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.08 g, 11h). Amphipolis mint. Horned head of Pan left, lagobolon behind, in the center of a Macedonian shield / ∫Ås5¬EWs Å@t5˝o@oU, Athena Alkidemos advancing left, shield decorated with aegis on left arm, preparing to cast thunderbolt held aloft in right hand; winged helmet to inner left, t5 to inner right. TEA Period IV, Group 2, 16 corr. (O1/R15; obv. die O1, not O4). Lightly toned, minor die wear. Good VF. Very rare issue with TI and winged helmet. $2275
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Davissons 17 (26 June 2002), lot 121; Giessener Münzhandlung 67 (2 May 1994), lot 124.
5677342. KINGS of PAEONIA. Patraos. Circa 335-315 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 12.77 g, 5h). Astibos or Damastion mint(?). Head of Apollo right, with short hair, wearing laurel wreath / Warrior on horse rearing right, thrusting spear held in his right hand at enemy below who defends with shield on his left arm; UoÅrt-Å∏ around; conical helmet to lower left. Paeonian Hoard 226 corr. (same dies; rev. die not same as 221); Peykov E2200; HGC 3, 148. Attractively toned. EF. $2750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA9C; Nomos 2 (18 May 2010), lot 63.
5677338. THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 370-360 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 5.92 g, 12h). Head of Aleuas facing slightly left, wearing conical helmet; labrys and ŬEUÅ to right / Eagle standing left, head right, on thunderbolt; E¬¬Å to left, ¬År5sÅ5Å to right. Lorber, Thessalian 94; BCD Thessaly 185 (same dies); HGC 4, 438; BMC 12 (same dies); Gulbenkian 473 (same dies); Jameson 2469 (same dies). Lightly toned, usual die wear, slight granularity on reverse. VF. $7750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA5C; Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 119.
Wonderful Signed Pharsalos Drachm – Ex
BCD Collection
5663849. THESSALY, Pharsalos. Late 5th-mid 4th century BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 5.93 g, 3h). Dies signed by the engraver Telephantos. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet with raised earflap; behind neck guard, small t˙ above 5∏ / Warrior, wearing petasos and holding mace over shoulder in right hand, on horseback right; f-Å-r-s clockwise around from upper left, small t˙ in exergue. Lavva 81d corr. (dies V42/R48) = BCD Thessaly I 1284 (this coin); HGC 4, 624. Wonderful old collection tone, with a subtle iridescence, over lustrous surfaces. EF. Well centered and excellent metal for issue. Among the finest examples. $22,500
Ex BCD Collection (Nomos 4, 10 May 2011), lot 1284.
Ex BCD Collection
5677340. AKARNANIA, Leukas. Circa 350-320 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.50 g, 11h). Pegasos flying right; ¬ below / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; to left, ¬ and hippocamp left. Pegasi 107; Imhoof-Blumer, Akarnaniens –; BCD Akarnania 224 (this coin); HGC 4, 823. Lightly toned. Near EF. Rare. $2750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA7C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 491; BCD Collection (Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 23, 18 October 2007), lot 224; Giessener Münzhandlung 58 (9 April 1992), lot 292.
5677336. LOKRIS, Lokri Opuntii. Circa 360-350 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 12.21 g, 12h). Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / Ajax, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, holding sword in right hand, shield decorated with coiled serpent on left arm, advancing right on rocks; oπo@-t5W@ to left, broken spear below. H&D Group 10, 101 (O16/R27); BCD Lokris 42 (same dies); HGC 4, 990; BMC 14 (same dies); Gulbenkian 489 (same dies). Lightly toned, with some iridescence on the obverse, underlying luster, a few hairlines, minor doubling on obverse. Near EF. Well centered.
Ajax the Lesser, depicted on the reverse of this attractive stater, hailed from Lokri Opuntii and led a flotilla of 40 ships during the Trojan War. Upon Troy’s fall, he was alleged by Odysseus to have violated a sanctuary of Athena by ravishing Cassandra, thus bringing the wrath of Athena down 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 honored their former leader by launching a ship fitted with black sails and laden with gifts, which was then set alight.
5677337. BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 364-362 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 12.15 g). Epa(minondas), magistrate. Boeotian shield / Amphora; Boeotian shield above, Eπ-πÅ across central field; all within concave circle. Hepworth, Epaminondas pl. 3, 4; Hepworth 35; BCD Boiotia 542 (same rev. die); HGC 4, 1333. Light iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces. EF. $7750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA4CE; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 442.
There are times when some of us wonder what the world would be like today if Alexander the Great had lived to a ripe old age. The same kind of “What if ...” thinking could be applied to Epaminondas. His premature death on the battlefield of Mantineia in 362 BC deprived Thebes of its greatest statesman and soldier, signalling the start of Thebes’ rapid decline into obscurity. If Epaminondas had lived to reap the benefits of his Mantineian victory, he would have undoubtedly proceeded to unite all Greece under his leadership. The next step would be to turn to the North and face Philip who, instead of finding a divided Greece ready for the taking, would think twice before attempting to invade Thessaly. Whether then there would be a clash between the two emerging superpowers or a truce between them, is anybody’s guess. Perhaps Philip would remember the years he spent as a hostage in Thebes and his respect for the Theban statesman would prevail. The conquest of Asia would then materialize sooner and in a more permanent manner. But, like many great soldiers, Epaminondas inspired his men by leading them into battle and, instead of capitalizing on his genius, Thebes paid the price for his bravery.
Fine Style Athena
5677355. ATTICA, Athens. Circa 165-42 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.83 g, 12h). New Style coinage. Struck circa 165-149/8 BC. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the foreparts of four horses above the visor, a Pegasos in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, and a curvilinear ornament on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; Å-œE across upper field, ‰ and M across central field, grain ear to lower right; all within wreath. Thompson 54 (same dies); HGC 4, 1602; McClean 5898 (same dies). Toned, minor die wear on obverse. EF. Fine style. Well struck. $2975
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA22C; Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 142.
5685580. ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 480-457 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 12.31 g, 12h). Sea turtle, head in profile, with ‘T-back’ design on shell / Large square incuse with skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIa; Milbank Period III; HGC 6, 448. Toned, patches of find patina, some cleaning scratches. Good VF. $12,750
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Roma XIX (26 March 2020), lot 348; Numismatica Ars Classica 114 (6 May 2019), lot 189; Numismatic Fine Arts XII (23 March 1983), lot 55.
5663850. ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 350-338 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 12.19 g, 7h). Ni–, magistrate. Tortoise with segmented shell; Å-5 flanking / “Thin skew” incuse pattern; @-5 in upper incuses, dolphin in lower left. Milbank p. 51, a; cf. HGC 6, 445 (drachm); SNG Copenhagen 526; SNG Lockett 1998; BMC 190; Hunt II 433; Pozzi 1639. Attractively toned, with light golden hues around the devices, a little die wear. Near EF. $12,875
Attractive Depiction of a Hound
5663748. CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 400-350/45 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 8.46 g, 10h). Pegasos flying left; J below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; to right, hound seated right. Ravel Period IV, Series 2, 412 (P202/T304); Pegasi 135; BCD Corinth 65; HGC 4, 1832; Sartiges 278 (same dies). Deep iridescent tone, minor cleaning marks in field on obverse. EF. $3500
5663749. CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 350/45-285 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.51 g, 9h). Pegasos flying left; J below / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard and laurel wreath; Å-r flanking neck truncation; to right, eagle standing left, head right. Ravel Period V, 1008; Pegasi 426; BCD Corinth 101; HGC 4, 1848. Toned over lustrous surfaces, trace deposits, slight die shift on reverse. EF. $2750
5663851. PAPHLAGONIA, Sinope. Circa 425-410 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 6.12 g). Aeginetic standard. Head of seaeagle left; below, dolphin left / Quadripartite incuse square with two opposing quarters filled, ˚ in one unfilled quarter. RG 11; HGC 7, 388 corr. (pellets not always present); SNG von Aulock 6837 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, compact flan. EF. Well centered. $3250
Fine Style and a Refined Portrait of Athena
5677356. IONIA, Herakleia ad Latmon. Circa 140-135 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34.5mm, 16.68 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos above the foreparts of five galloping horses / Club; ˙rÅ˚¬EWtW@ above; below, Nike walking left, holding wreath in right hand, flanked by ñ and V; all within oak wreath. Lavva, Silberprägung, Group II.B, 11–2 var. (V7/R– [unlisted rev. die]); SNG Keckman II 235 (same obv. die). Lovely old cabinet tone, minor deposit on reverse. EF. Fine style and well centered on a broad flan. $5750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA23C; Manhattan Sale I (5 January 2010), lot 72.
In the Style of the Master Theodotos
5631921. IONIA, Klazomenai. Circa 380-360 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 4.02 g, 6h). Mandronax, magistrate. Unsigned dies in the style of Theodotos. Head of Apollo facing slightly left, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Swan standing left, wings spread; ÂÅ@dro@Å[$] to left, ˚¬-Å below. SNG Copenhagen –; SNG München –; cf. BMC 26 (hemidrachm); SNG Lockett 2792 (same dies); Traité II 1998. Deeply toned with iridescence. Near EF. Well centered, and exceptional metal for issue. $44,475
Ex David Herman Collection (Triton X, 9 January 2007), lot 295; Schweizerische Bankverein 38 (12 September 1995), lot 213. This drachm is from the same series as the beautiful tetradrachms that were struck from dies by the artist Theodotos, whose signature is engraved on the obverse of those coins (cf. BMC 19 and Berlin obj. no. 18216496 [both also from the same magistrate as the present coin]). Due to the close similarity of style across all the issues, it is thought that the dies for the fractional silver of this series were struck from unsigned dies by the same master.
5685609. CARIA, Myndos. Mid 2nd century BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 3.86 g, 12h). Demophon, magistrate. Head of Sarapis right, wearing laurel wreath / Headdress of Isis set on two grain ears; ÂU-@d5W@ to left, [d˙Â]ofW@ horizontal torch below. Myndos 20 (A5/P– [unlisted rev. die]); HN Online 737. Attractively toned, underlying luster. EF. $1175
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Künker 333 (16 March 2020), lot 308; Münzen & Medaillen GmbH 38 (5 June 2013), lot 47; Tkalec (29 February 2000), lot 145.
5685607. ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 250-229 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.68 g, 12h). Agesidamos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; Å˝˙s5dÅÂos above; to left, Artemis, holding torch, running left; r-o flanking stem. Ashton 206; HN Online 392; HGC 6, 1439. Toned, a couple of light marks on obverse. Good VF. $1750
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Lanz 40 (25 May 1987), lot 299.
5685532. ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 205-190 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 17.18 g, 11h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Ainetor, magistrate. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, Å5@˙tWr above rose; ro below throne. Kleiner, Rhodes, Group II, Series XIII, dies X/111; Ashton 251; Price 2518; HN Online 868; HGC 6, 1455. Toned, minor doubling, traces of find patina. Near EF. Imposing style. $1500
Ex Richard Ashton Collection, purchased from Staples Coins, 26 August 2002.
Rare Stasion Civic Issue
5677353. ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 205-190 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 13.45 g, 12h). Stasion, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; %tÅ%5W@ above, snake coiled around omphalos to left, r-o flanking stem. Ashton 261; HGC 6, 1422. Toned, underlying luster. EF. Very rare, only three in CoinArchives. $9750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA20C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 637.
The magistrate Stasion is one of a handful of magistrates whose name appears on both these civic tetradrachms and the Alexander type tetradrachms that were struck in the same period on Rhodes. Stasion’s Alexanders are quite numerous, but his civic issue is quite rare.
Uncommon Depiction of a Sea Horse
5686079. LYCIA, Phaselis. Circa 250-221/0 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 10.30 g, 6h). Aristarkhos, magistrate. Prow of galley right; below, sea horse right / Stern of galley left; above, star above År5stÅrco[s] above fÅs˙. Heipp-Tamer Series 8, Emission 2, 130 (V15/R46); SNG von Aulock 4419 (same obv. die). Toned, some find patina. Good VF. $5975
5685601. PAMPHYLIA, Perge. Circa 221/0-189/8 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.37 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Dated CY 16 (204/3 BC). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; 5˙ (date) in left field. Colin Series 0, Em. 18 (dies 1/5); Price 2930; DCA2 478. Some minor porosity, a little die wear. Good VF. $1150
5663865. CYPRUS, Kition. Pumiathon. Circa 362/1-312 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 17.13 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Struck circa 325-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ‰ in left field. Zapiti & Michaelidou 19 var. (orientation of legend); Price 3108; Newell, Some 8 and 10. Lightly toned, slight die shift on reverse. Near EF. $2195
5685520. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 16.22 g, 6h). In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Seleukeia on the Tigris I mint. Struck circa 300-296/5 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Å%5¬EW% ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; @o in left field, % below throne. SC 117.6b; HGC 9, 12i. Light find patina, minor flan flaw on obverse. Near EF. $1750
5677345. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.10 g, 4h). Susa mint. Struck circa 305/4-295 BC. Head of hero (Alexander or Seleukos?) right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with the ear and horns of a bull / ∫Ås5¬EWs sE¬EU˚oU, Nike standing right, holding in both hands a wreath that she places on trophy to right; ‘ to lower left, ( in lower middle field. SC 173.4; ESMS Tr.21 (A18/P13); Marest-Caffey Group 1.4, 31 (A5/P15 – this coin); ESM 426; HGC 9, 20; Pozzi 2921 (same obv. die). Lightly toned. Good VF. $7950
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA12C; Manhattan Sale I (5 January 2010), lot 87.
5683784. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 3.92 g, 10h). Susa mint. Struck circa 305/4-295 BC. Head of hero (Alexander or Seleukos?) right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with the ear and horns of a bull / ∫Å%5¬E[W%] %E¬EU˚oU, Nike standing right, holding in both hands a wreath that she places on trophy to right; Ì to lower left, ( in lower middle field. SC 174.2; ESMS S-17; MarestCaffey Group 2.2, – (A2/P3 [unlisted die combination]); ESM 425; HGC 9, 34. Traces of find patina, cleaning scratches. Near EF. $2950
5685523. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 4.10 g, 12h). Apameia on the Orontes mint(?). Struck circa 212-210 BC. Diademed head (Type B) right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Elephant standing right; C to right. SC 1066; Houghton, Elephants, Type F, obv. die a2; HGC 9, 453a. Lightly toned, struck with somewhat worn obverse die. VF. $675
Attractive Old Cabinet Tone
5685533. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos). 121/0-97/6 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.29 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Struck circa 109-96 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; to outer left, Ÿ above `; œ below throne; all within laurel wreath. SC 2309.2g; HGC 9, 1200. Old cabinet tone. Good VF. $975
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 67, 22 September 2004), lot 894.
5685521. SELEUKID EMPIRE. Philip I Philadelphos. Circa 95/4-76/5 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 15.84 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Struck circa 88/7–76/5 BC. Diademed head right / ∫`%52EW% f525∏∏o¨ E∏5f`@o¨% f52`dE2fo¨, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; to outer left, f above Å; ù below throne; all within wreath. SC 2463.2a; HGC 9, 1319. Lightly toned. EF. $775
5677334. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Xerxes I to Darios II. Circa 485-420 BC. AV Daric (15mm, 8.31 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding spear and bow / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XIII, 27); Meadows, Administration 321; BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26; Sunrise 24. Edge scuff. Superb EF. $7750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA1C; Patrick H.C. Tan Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 84, 5 May 2010), lot 748.
5685516. PERSIA, Achaemenid Empire. temp. Xerxes I to Darios II. Circa 485-420 BC. AV Daric (14mm, 8.39 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Persian king or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, quiver over shoulder, in kneelingrunning stance right, holding spear and bow / Incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb, Group A/B (pl. XIII, 27); Meadows, Administration 321; BMC Arabia pl. XXIV, 26; Sunrise 24. Near EF. Well centered and struck. $6750
Ex Wild Rose Collection, purchased from Calgary Coin Gallery, April 2015.
Extremely Rare and Pedigreed to 1935
5685517. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 15.75 g, 1h). Ptolemaic standard. In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 306-300 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing elephant skin, aegis around neck / ŬE$Å@droU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and wearing shield on extended left arm; small round shield to inner left; to right, helmet, d5, and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 74; Svoronos 176; Zervos Issue 32 (dies 532/a – this coin referenced); SNG Copenhagen –; Künker 111, lot 6343 = Banque Populaire du Nord FPL April 1987, no. 258 (same dies). Attractive old collection tone, hairline flan crack, minor area of flat strike at edge on reverse. EF. Extremely rare issue, one of only six noted by Zervos, with one additional in CoinArchives; five are in museum collections (Alexandria [Graeco-Roman Museum], Berlin [Staatliche Museen, 2 coins], New York [ANS], and Paris [BN]). $12,750
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 403; Santamaria (24 January 1938), lot A168; Richard Cartwright Collection (Münzhandlung Basel 4, 1 October 1935), lot 949. Lot also includes two old collection tickets.
An Impressive Run of Ptolemaic Gold Issues
5677347. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 708 g, 12h). Kyrene mint. Struck under Magas, early 290s BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU ∫Å%5¬EW%, Alexander, holding thunderbolt in right hand, standing left in chariot drawn by four elephants left; .!( in exergue. CPE 93; Svoronos 147; Zervos Type VI, Issue 91; SNG Copenhagen –; Hirsch 1793. Faint graffito (¬Ås) in field on obverse, light scratch and minor doubling on reverse. Good VF. Very rare, only five examples noted by Zervos, five additional in CoinArchives (including the present coin).
$47,500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA14C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 751.
5677346. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Trichryson – ‘Pentadrachm’ (23mm, 17.64 g, 1h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-282 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, small d behind ear / ∫Ås5¬EWs πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; Å to left. CPE 133a; Svoronos 181; SNG Copenhagen –; Hüseyinli 47. A hint of porosity in fields on reverse. Near EF. $15,950
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA13C; Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 1351.
5685518. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Trichryson – ‘Pentadrachm’ (24.5mm, 17.75 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-282 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, small d behind ear / ∫Ås5¬EWs πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; O to left. CPE 166; Svoronos 210; SNG Copenhagen –; Boston MFA 2263; Dewing 2740. Minor edge marks, small flan flaw on obverse. Good VF. $18,950
Ex Wild Rose Collection, purchased from Calgary Coin Gallery, August 2015; CNG inventory 735221 (April 2003); Gorny & Mosch 121 (10 March 2003), lot 285.
5677350. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaïeion – “Oktadrachm” (28mm, 27.75 g, 12h). Posthumous issue under Ptolemy IV. Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 219-217 BC. Bust of the deified Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate diadem and aegis; trident over left shoulder, middle prong ends in a lotus finial / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, radiate and filleted cornucopia; d5 below. CPE 888; Svoronos 1117; Olivier & Lorber 212 (dies 4/20 – this coin); SNG Copenhagen 196. A little die rust on obverse. VF. $17,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA17C; Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 1358.
Massive Commemorative Silver Issue
5666538. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Berenike II, wife of Ptolemy III. Circa 244/3-221 BC. AR Pentakaidekadrachm (41.5mm, 51.81 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint(?). Struck under Ptolemy III, 245 BC. Veiled and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬%%˙% ∫ErE@5˚˙%, cornucopia, bound with fillet, between two laureate pileoi. CPE 734; Svoronos 988; D. Vagi, “The Ptolemaic Pentakaidekadrachm” in SAN XX.1 (1997), pp. 5-10; H.A. Hazard, Ptolemaic Coins (Toronto, 1995), c1052 (dodecadrachm); SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –. Toned, traces of find patina, typical slight roughness, minor delamination at edge on obverse, minor flan crack. Good VF. $47,500
Ex Heritage 3102 (2 November 2022), lot 31030; WTR Collection (Heritage 3097, 10 January 2022), lot 30039; John Whitney Walter Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 16 August 2018), lot 20085; Stack’s (2 December 1997), lot 644.
The issue has traditionally been attributed to Berenike II, the daughter of Magas of Kyrene, and wife of Ptolemy III Euergetes. Hazard had proposed instead that it honored Berenike Syra, the sister of Ptolemy III and widow of the Seleukid king Antiochos II Theos. He argued that the coins were struck in Syria from locally-acquired silver to pay the Ptolemaic army deployed there to press the claim of Berenike’s child to the Seleukid throne, though the two had been murdered in the interim, and that these coins were carried back to Egypt by the soldiers as pay. However, his argument was contingent upon the recognition that these were struck on the Attic standard, which is now not accepted. As noted in CPE this issue actually was a silver companion to a massive gold double mnaieion (double oktadrachm), that together represented a ceremonial coinage at Alexandreia whose types suggested they were associated with the Third Syrian War. If so, they presumably were issued to celebrate the successful return of Ptolemy III to Egypt from the battlefield.
5685518
5683387. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes. 204-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.65 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; no control marks. Svoronos 1231; Olivier 3610–74 var. (obv. die unlisted); SNG Copenhagen 244–5. Struck with somewhat worn dies. Near EF. $1250
5666134. PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy VI Philometor. Second sole reign, 163-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.23 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; no control marks. Svoronos 1489; Olivier 4035–41 (obv. die D97); SNG Copenhagen 262–8. Old collection tone, trace deposits, minor die wear on obverse, light scratch in field on reverse. Near EF $3500
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 51 (15 September 1999), lot 605; Numismatic Fine Arts [XXIV] (18 October 1990), lot 1012.
ORIENTAL GREEK COINAGE
5683507. KINGS of PARTHIA. Mithradates III. Circa 87-80 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 3.82 g, 12h). Rhagai mint. Bust left, wearing tiara decorated with six-rayed star / Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 31.5 (Orodes I); Sunrise 308; Shore 122. Bright surfaces, light hairlines. EF. $750
5683506. KINGS of PARTHIA. Mithradates IV. 58/7-55 BC. AR Drachm (20mm, 3.84 g, 12h). Mithradatkart mint. Diademed and draped bust left, wearing segmented necklace with medallion / Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow; ! below bow. Cf. Sellwood 40.3; Sunrise 349; Shore 190. Areas of slight toning, underlying luster. EF. $875
5683505. KINGS of PARTHIA. Orodes II. 57-38 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 3.67 g, 12h). Mithradatkart mint. Struck circa 56-55 BC. Diademed and draped bust left / Archer (Arsakes I) seated right on throne, holding bow; ! below bow. Cf. Sellwood 43.4; Sunrise –; Shore –; CNG E-400, lot 412. Lustrous, minor marks. EF. Rare. $750
5683517. KINGS of PERSIS. Vādfradād (Autophradates) II. 2nd century BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 4.03 g, 9h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Head right with very short beard, wearing diadem and kyrbasia surmounted by eagle / Fire temple, AhuraMazda above; to left, king standing right; to right, standard surmounted by eagle. van’t Haaff Type 547j; K&M 3/2; Alram 547; Sunrise 576. Traces of deposits, lustrous. EF. $475
5666539. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Euthydemos I Theos Megas. Circa 225-200/195 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.52 g, 6h). Mint A (near Aï Khanoum). Struck circa 206-200 BC. Diademed head right, with elderly features / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, EUQUd˙;oU to left, Herakles seated left on rock, holding club set on rocks; d below rock. Kritt A17; Bopearachchi 11A; MPHB A Group III, 244 (O69/R183 – this coin); SNG ANS 141 var. (monogram); MIG Type 89c; HGC 12, 40. Near EF. $6750
Ex JTB Collection; North River Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022), lot 645; Triton IX (10 January 2006), lot 1111.
5683498. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 4.24 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5GE∑% above, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding couched spears and palm fronds, on horses rearing right; Å in upper left field, à in lower right. Bopearachchi 2D; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 169 (monogram combination unlisted); HGC 12, 135. Traces of deposits on edge with corresponding marks, whisper of porosity, areas of slight double strike, tiny edge flaw on reverse, underlying luster. EF. $2275
5683501. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 4.24 g, 12h). Helmeted, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU around, EUkrÅt5doU in exergue, the Dioskouroi, holding palm fronds and spears, on horses rearing right; T in lower right field. Bopearachchi 7I var. (monogram to left); Bopearachchi & Rahman 249 var. (same); SNG ANS 479-82; MIG Type 178c; HGC 12, 136. Hint of porosity, slight traces of horn silver on reverse. EF. $2275
Establishing a Monogram Sequence
5677354. BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.84 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear; all within bead-and-reel border / ∫å%5GE∑% ÂE˝ÅGoU EUkrÅt5doU, the Dioskouroi right on horseback with horses rearing, holding reins and palm fronds over right shoulders in left hands and spears in right hands;äto lower right with traces of g underneath. Bopearachchi 6T; Bopearachchi & Rahman 244 var. (monogram; same obv. die); SNG ANS 468; HGC 12. Minor traces of deposits, minor cleaning marks, a few minor marks on edge. EF. Struck in high relief with dies of fine style. $3950
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA21C; Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 257.
This specimen establishes that in Bopearachchi 6, monogram 6U preceded monogram 6T, as traces of the former are visible underneath the latter.
ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINAGE
An Attractive First Year Issue
5672072. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.31 g, 12h). Dated year 26 of the Actian Era and Cos. XII (5 BC). KAIΣAPOΣ ΣEBAΣTOY, laureate head right / ETOVΣ ςΚ (Actian era date) NIKHΣ, Tyche seated right on rocky outcropping, holding palm frond in right hand; below, half-length figure of river-god Orontes swimming right; in right field, monogram (=ΥΠΑTOY) and IB (consular date) above monogram (=ANTIOXIEΩN?). McAlee 180; RPC I 4151; Prieur 50. Some luster, a few light nicks and hairlines. EF. The first year of issue of this popular series. $8750
Ex Bohemond Collection of the Coins of Antioch.
5666958. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Nero. AD 54-68. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 15.03 g, 12h). Dated RY 10 and year 112 of the Caesarean Era (AD 64). NEPΩN KAIΣAP ΣEBAΣTOΣ, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / ETOVΣ BIP • I (dates), eagle standing right on thunderbolt, with wings displayed; palm frond to right. McAlee 265a; RPC I 4188; Prieur 89. Small spots of find patina, cleaning marks. EF. $1500
Wonderful Vespasian Portrait
5672087. SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 15.17 g, 12h). Dated “New Holy Year” 4 or 5 (AD 71-3). AYTOKPATΩP OYЄCΠACIANOC KAICAP CЄBACTOC, laureate head left / ETOYC NЄOY IЄPOY [..], eagle standing left on garlanded altar, head right, with wings displayed and caduceus in beak, palm frond in talon; [Δ or Є] (date) in legend. Cf. McAlee 359-60; cf. RPC II 1973-5; cf. Prieur 137-9. Minor marks, reverse off center. Good VF. $775
Superb Hadrian Drachm Commemorating His Visit to Alexandria – RPC Plate Coin
5672077. EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (35mm, 24.62 g, 12h). Dated RY 15 (AD 130/1). AVT KAI TPAI A∆PIA CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Hadrian standing left, holding scepter in right hand, greeted by Alexandria, clad in elephant’s skin headdress, chiton, and peplos, holding two grain ears in left hand and kissing emperor’s extended right hand; L IE (date) across lower field. Köln 1034; Dattari (Savio) 1610 & 7544-5; K&G 32.509; RPC III 5777.47 (this coin); Emmett 964.15; Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 65 (this coin). Lovely reddish brown patina with touches of green in the devices. Superb EF. Extraordinary quality with only a whisper of wear. Certainly one of the finest known examples. $14,750
Ex Numismatik Naumann 112 (2 January 2022), lot 451; Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection (Triton XXI, 9 January 2018), lot 67, purchased from Athos Moretti, Bellinzona, February 1987; Athos Moretti Collection (Bellinzona); Numismatica Aretusa SA (Lugano–Franco Chiesa).
This drachm, a two-year type (regnal years 12 and 15), is part of an extensive series of billon and bronze issues that commemorate Hadrian’s triumphant tour of Egypt in AD 130. The trip was marred by the tragic and mysterious death of Hadrian’s young companion, Antinoüs, on their boat trip up the Nile.
Superb Zodiac Type – Sun in Leo
5672078. EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (33mm, 24.99 g, 12h). Zodiac series. Dated RY 8 (AD 144/5). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Sun in Leo – Lion leaping right; above, radiate and draped bust of Helios (Sun) right and eight-rayed star; L H (date) below. Köln 1495-6; Dattari (Savio) 2968 var. (obv. legend); K&G 35.278; RPC IV.4 858; Emmett 1530.8. Dark brown patina, slight roughness. EF. Among the finest known. $15,750
Four Known to RPC
5685581. EGYPT, Alexandria. Commodus. AD 177-192. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 13.55 g, 12h). Dated RY 17 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 177). Λ AVPHΛIOC KOMMOΔOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Nike advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; IZ/L (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 14.10; RPC IV.4 3325.4 (this coin); Emmett 2487.17 (R5). Dark brown surfaces, minor marks and scratches. VF. Very rare first issue after Commodus’ elevation to Augustus. Only four known to RPC. $1875
Ex Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection; Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 105, 10 May 2017), lot 606.
ROMAN REPUBLICAN COINAGE
5663750. Anonymous. Circa 300/280-276 BC. AR Didrachm (19mm, 7.13 g, 6h). Helmeted head of Mars left; oak spray to right / Horse’s head right, wearing bridle, on base inscribed ROMANO; stalk of grain to left. Crawford 13/1; Burnett (OB/ R2); Sydenham 1; RSC 4; HN Italy 266; RBW 3. Cabinet toning, slight roughness, small scrapes. VF. $2975
The first Roman silver coins were produced about the time of King Pyrrhus’ invasion of Italy at the behest of the Tarentines (280 BC) and were struck on a weight standard derived from the currency of the Campanian city of Neapolis. This initial issue (Mars/horse’s head) seems to have been produced at the Greek mint of Metapontum, an attribution strongly suggested by the ear of barley appearing behind the horse’s head on the reverse. The dies for this first issue of Roman didrachms display the fine Greek style for which the Metapontine coinage was renowned. The head of Mars on the obverse is inspired by the portrait of Leukippos, the founder of Metapontum when it was resettled from Sybaris, which had appeared regularly on the Metapontine coinage in the latter part of the 4th century.
5685761. Anonymous. Circa 225-217 BC. Æ Aes Grave As (62mm, 260.75 g, 12h). Sickle series. Rome mint. Head of bearded Janus; – (mark of value) below; all on a raised disk / Prow of galley right; | (mark of value) above; all on a raised disk. Crawford 35/1; ICC 74; Sydenham 71; HN Italy 337; RBW 83. Dark green patina, some small casting pits and minor cleaning scratches. Good VF. A wonderful example with a clear mark of value on the obverse. $6500
Ex Cayón (24 June 2010), lot 1135.
5668519. C. Aburius Geminus. 134 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.96 g, 7h). Rome mint. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces, single-pendant earring and pearl necklace; ge to left, • (mark of value) below chin / Mars, holding trophy in right hand and spear, shield, and reins in left, driving galloping quadriga right; C • äœi below, rOÂA in exergue. Crawford 244/1; Sydenham 490; Aburia 1; RBW 1006. Lustrous, hairlines, small scrape on obverse. EF. $1575
5663752. Appius Claudius Pulcher, T. Manlius Mancius, and Q. Urbinius. 111-110 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.93 g, 9h). Rome mint. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces and peaked, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace, hair arranged in three symmetrical locks; quadrangular device to left / Victory, holding reins in both hands, driving triga right; Ap
5686078. Gargilius, Ogulnius, and Vergilius. 86 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.09 g, 8h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right; thunderbolt below / Jupiter, holding thunderbolt in right hand and reins in left, driving galloping quadriga right. Crawford 350A/2; Sydenham 723; RSC 226; BMCRR Rome 2622-4; Kestner 3064-8; RBW 1333. Some roughness, small edge flaw. EF. $1275
Ex Gorny & Mosch 236 (7 March 2016), lot 357.
5672069. Q. Antonius Balbus. 83-82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (18mm, 3.94 g, 2h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Jupiter right; Í • C downward to left / Victory, holding wreath in extended right hand, palm frond and reins in left, driving galloping quadriga right; n below; œ • O B8B. Crawford 364/1d; Sydenham 742b; Antonia 1; BMCRR Rome 2761; Kestner 3157-60 var. (control); RBW 1374 var. (same). Light iridescent golden toning. In NGC encapsulation 8228934-003, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. $1275
Ex Ried Redlich Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions VII (4 May 1989), lot 222.
Q. Antonius Balbus was a member of the Marian party, and in 82 BC was appointed praetor of Sardinia. Before he left for his territory, the Senate ordered him to mint this issue to pay the army preparing to resist Sulla’s return. The reverse reflects expectation of Balbus for victory and consequent peace. Sulla was victorius, however; L. Philippus, a partisan of Sulla, removed Balbus from his position and had him slain.
Sulla’s Triumph
5666040. L. Sulla and L. Manlius Torquatus. 82 BC. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 10.79 g, 3h). Military mint moving with Sulla. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces and peaked, single-pendant earring, and ornate necklace; L • ÂANLi up right field, prO • œ down left / Sulla, holding branch in right hand and reins in left, driving triumphal quadriga right; above, Victory flying left, crowing him with wreath; L • ÍuLLA • i in exergue. Crawford 367/4; Sydenham 756; Bahrfeldt 13; Calicó 16; Biaggi 11; BMCRR East 5–6; Kestner –; RBW 1385. Small die flaw on obverse, minor marks, underlying luster. VF. Very rare. $95,000
Ex Wayne Scheible Collection; J. Whitney Walter Collection (Stack’s, 29 November 1990), lot 1; Berk BBS 50 (18 November 1987), lot 24.
As consul for the year 88 BC, Sulla was awarded the coveted assignment of suppressing the revolt of Mithradates VI of Pontus, but political maneuvers resulted in this assignment being transferred to Marius. In response, Sulla turned his army on Rome, captured it, and reclaimed his command against Mithradates. His prosecution of the first Mithradatic War was successful, but he spared the Pontic king for personal gain. In 83 BC, Sulla returned to Italy as an outlaw, but he was able to win the support of many of the leading Romans. Within a year he fought his way to Rome, where he was elected dictator. It was during this campaign to Rome that this aureus was struck. The obverse type represents Sulla’s claim to be acting in Rome’s best interest. The reverse shows Sulla enjoying the highest honor to which a Roman could aspire, the celebration of a triumph at Rome.
5672070. P. Satrienus. 77 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.81 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of young Mars right, wearing crested helmet; xxxi to left / She-wolf standing left with paw raised; rOMA above, p • ÍATrie/NuÍ in two lines in exergue. Crawford 388/1b; Sydenham 781a; Satriena 1; BMCRR Rome 3219; Kestner –; RBW 1422 var. (control). Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 8228934-004, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, light scuff. $1475
Ex Ried Redlich Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 23 June 1989.
5672071. Cn. Lentulus. 76-75 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.97 g, 12h). Spanish(?) mint. Diademed and draped bust of Genius Populi Romani right, scepter over shoulder; g • p • r • above / ex Í • C divided by scepter with wreath, globe, and rudder; Le¸ Cur • FL below. Crawford 393/1b; Sydenham 752a; Cornelia 55; RBW 1433. Attractive iridescent toning, areas of slight weakness, traces of underlying luster. Near EF. $1175
Ex Ried Redlich Collection, purchased from Palladium Numismatics, 10 December 1995.
The Sybelline Oracle
592517. L. Torquatus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.99 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Sibylla right, wearing ivy wreath; [ÍiBULLA below] / Tripod surmounted by amphora between two stars; L • TOrœuAT downward to left, iii • uir upward to right; all within ornamented torque. Crawford 411/1a-b var. (border on obv.); Sydenham 836; Manlia 12a; BMCRR Rome 3514 corr. (no border on obv.); Kestner –; RBW –. Toned and lustrous, light scratches, a few spots of find patina. EF. From dies of fine style. $3500
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 67 (11 July 2019), lot 288.
The moneyer Lucius Manlius Torquatus, later famous as a champion of Cicero and enemy of Caesar, was a member of the Quindecimviri Sacris Faciundis, a religious collegium responsible for consulting the Sibylline Books in times of crisis. The three books were allegedly the work of a prophetess, the Sibyl of Cumae, whose cryptic pronouncements predicted the future of Rome for those able to properly interpret them. The Sibyl (here named Sibylla) is depicted on the obverse of this attractive silver denarius. According to Ovid, the Sibyl was a beautiful young woman who captivated the god Apollo (represented by the tripod on the reverse). The god offered to grant her any wish in return for her virginity. She scooped up a handful of sand and asked to live as many years as the number of grains within it. However, she had neglected to ask for eternal youth, and so, over 1,000 years, her body withered away until only her voice remained.
5620722. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.78 g, 3h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Elephant advancing right, trampling on horned serpent; CAeÍAr in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis, and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; Sydenham 1006; RSC 49; BMCRR Gaul 27-30; Kestner 3515-8; RBW 1557. Deep blue iridescent toning, reverse slightly off center. Near EF. $4250
Ex Aureo & Calicó 346 (12 March 2020), lot 1015; Aureo & Calicó 289 (16 March 2017), lot 1036.
Despite being the most widespread of all Caesar’s coins, the design of this type, the first issue in the dictator’s name, is still somewhat mysterious. Authorities have even debated which side is which: Crawford describes the elephant as the obverse, but other experts dispute this. The symbolism is commonly held to show the triumph of good (elephant) over evil (serpent or dragon). Alternatively, the “horned serpent” may be intended to represent a carnyx, a serpent-shaped horn used by the Celtic tribes in Gaul, whom Caesar had recently overcome in his epic eight-year conquest, in which case the elephant would again represent Caesar himself, or the unstoppable juggernaut of Rome. Unlike Pompey, Caesar brazenly placed his own name on the coinage without having the constitutional authority to do so, as Sulla had done 33 years before. The reverse depicts the emblems of the Pontifex Maximus, an office Caesar had possessed since 63 BC.
Impressive Caesar Aureus
5677364. The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Early 46 BC. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 8.27 g, 4h). Rome mint; A. Hirtius, praetor. Veiled head of female (Vesta or Pietas?) right; C • CAeÍAr COÍ Ter around / Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: lituus, capis, and securis; A • hirTiuÍ • pr around from lower left. Crawford 466/1; Molinari 296-7 (D37/R247); CRI 56; Sydenham 1018; Bahrfeldt 19; Calicó 37; Biaggi –; BMCRR Rome 4052; Kestner 3634-6; RBW 1634. Light hairlines and porosity, edge crimping and flatness. Near EF. $22,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA31C; Goldberg 59 (30 May 2010), lot 2412.
This coin was part of the first truly large issue of Roman gold aurei, commissioned by Aulus Hirtius, friend and confidant of Julius Caesar, who was praetor in 46 BC. The aurei were struck for distribution to Caesar’s successful troops after their final victory over the Pompeians in Africa at Thapsus. Each legionary received 5,000 denarii (200 aurei), centurions twice that amount. Since Caesar had at least 40,000 legionaries at Thapsus, the amount of gold needed to strike the aurei was immense. But the amount of booty collected from Caesar’s many campaigns was also colossal, and Hirtius was able to easily supply the need. Hirtius was nominated by Caesar to serve as Consul in 43 BC; between the time of Caesar’s assassination on March 15, 44 BC and his assumption of the Consulship, he finished and edited the dictator’s memoirs and his account of the Roman Civil War of 49-45 BC. Hirtius initially supported Mark Antony, but Cicero successfully lobbied him to switch to the Senatorial faction. He led the Senatorial army at the battle of Mutina in April of 43 BC. Antony was defeated, but Hirtius and his co-Consul C. Vibius Pansa were slain in the fighting, opening the door for the young Octavian to take charge of the Senatorial army and broker a deal with Antony, establishing the Second Triumvirate.
Ahenobarbus, the Pirate King
578302. The Republicans. Cn. Domitius L.f. Ahenobarbus. 41-40 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.94 g). Uncertain mint in the region of the Adriatic or Ionian Sea. Bare head of Ahenobarbus right, wearing short beard; AheNOBAr upward to right / Prow right surmounted by a military trophy; CN • DOÂiTiuÍ • iÂp around from lower left. Crawford 519/2; CRI 339; Sydenham 1177; Domitia 21; RBW 1803. Attractive cabinet tone with some light iridescence, obverse scratches, reverse die flaws, flan crack. Near EF. A particularly appealing example. $6750
Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus commanded a fleet against the Triumvirs, achieving a minor victory in September of 42 BC. But that very day, the Triumvirs won the battle of Philippi, and Ahenobarbus found himself fighting for a lost cause. He became a piratical rogue, terrorizing the ports of the Adriatic like his western counterpart, Sextus Pompey, until he signed the Pact of Brundisium in 40 BC, which reconciled him to Mark Antony. His great-grandson would become the Emperor Nero (AD 54-68). The rare coinage of Ahenobarbus belongs to his stint as a “pirate king” 42-40 BC. This silver denarius bears an appropriately nautical reverse celebrating his victories at sea. The balding, bearded portrait on the obverse remains enigmatic; it may represent Gnaeus himself, or one of his ancestors.
The 12 Caesars in Gold
5677364
Augustus 5677366
Tiberius 5677367
Nero 5677370
Caligula 5677368
Claudius 5677369
Julius Caesar
The 12 Caesars in Gold
5677371
Otho 5677372
5677373
Vespasian 5677374
Titus 5677375
Domitian 5677376
Galba
Vitellius
ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE
Ex Biaggi and Mazzini Collections – Calicó Plate Coin
5677366. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.83 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?). Struck 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / SIGNIS downward to left, RECEPTIS upward to right, Mars, helmeted, naked except for chlamys behind, standing left, head right, holding aquila in right hand and signum cradled in left over left shoulder. RIC I 80a; Calicó 268 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE –; BN 1095; Biaggi 140 (this coin); Mazzini 258 (this coin); CNR IV 173 (this coin). Good VF. Wonderful portrait of fine style. Extremely rare. $29,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA33C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 73; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Giuseppe Mazzini Collection (publ. 1957).
Ex Haeberlin Collection – Pedigreed to 1933
5666042. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.96 g, 5h). Rome mint; P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Struck 19/8 BC. · TVRPILIANVS III · VIR ·, draped bust of Feronia right, wearing pearl necklace and stephane, above which is a row of berries; FE RON below bust / CAESAR AV GVSTVS SIGN RECE, bareheaded Parthian kneeling on right knee right, extending in right hand a signum, to which is attached a vexillum marked with X, and holding out left hand below left knee. RIC I 288; RSC 484; BMCRE 15–7 = BMCRR Rome 4526-8; BN 127–37. In NGC encapsulation 4936333-008, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. $5500
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 121 (6 October 2022), lot 778; Ernst Justus Haeberlin Collection (Cahn-Hess, 17 July 1933), lot 3237. Reportedly also ex “Mossberg” Collection (1946).
5685582. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.08 g, 1h). Rome mint; P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Struck 19/8 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / TVRPILIANVS • III • VIR •, six-rayed star above large crescent. RIC I 300; RSC 495; BMCRE 32-4; BN 161-6. Attractive cabinet toning, a few minor contact marks on obverse. Near EF. $5950
Ex Wild Rose Collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 568; Nomisma 16 (27 September 2000), lot 205.
5677367. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.78 g, 12h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 3, AD 18. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right, one ribbon on shoulder / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on chair, holding inverted spear and olive branch; ornate chair legs (simplified), triple line below. RIC I 27; Lyon 147; Calicó 305a; BMCRE 39-41 var. (ornate chair legs); BN 19 var. (double line below). Scratches, edge marks. Good VF. $17,500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA34C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 318.
Exceptional Portrait
5682677. Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.86 g, 5h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 4, AD 18-35. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right; one ribbon on shoulder / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right, holding scepter in right hand and olive branch in left, feet on footstool; ornate chair legs, single line below. RIC I 30; Lyon 150; RSC 16a; BMCRE 48-60; BN 28-31. Beautiful cabinet tone. Superb EF. Exceptional portrait struck in high relief. $5000
Ex Leu 86 (5 May 2003), lot 757.
Excellent Portraits of Caligula and Agrippina
5677368. Gaius (Caligula), with Agrippina Senior. AD 37-41. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.65 g, 11h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 37-38. C
CAESAR
POT
laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) right / AGRIPPINA
MAT
C
CAES
GERM
draped bust of Agrippina Senior right. RIC I 13; Lyon 168/5b (D80/R104); Calicó 326; BN 22 (same dies). Red toning, scattered edge marks. VF. $48,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA35C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 975.
5677369. Claudius. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.68 g, 9h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 46-47. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • VI • IMP • XI, laureat head right / S P Q R/ P P/ OB • C • S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 40; von Kaenel Type 26 (unlisted dies); Lyon 50; Calicó 379a; BMCRE 42-4; BN 58. Lightly toned, hairlines. Good VF.
$24,500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA36C; CNG inventory 859164 (November 2009); A. Lynn Collection (Helios 4, 14 October 2009), lot 251.
The Temple of Janus Geminus
5677370. Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.33 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IANVM CLVSIT PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA, closed doors of the Temple of Janus. RIC I 50; Calicó 409; BMCRE 64-6; BN 211-2; Biaggi 224; Elkins, Monuments Figure 76. Lustrous and attractive. Near EF. An interesting architectural reverse type with the closed doors of the Temple of Janus, sending the signal to the Roman people that there was no war. $26,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA37C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 983; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 401.
5677371. Galba. AD 68-69. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.05 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January AD 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG P M, laureate head right / DIVA ΛVGVSTΛ, Diva Julia Augusta (Livia), draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and long scepter in left. RIC I 223; Calicó 474; cf. BMCRE 12; BN 99-100; Biaggi 255. Edge scrape and edge marks. Near VF. $7500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA38C; Spink 200 (1 October 2009), lot 954.
Very Rare
5677372. Otho. AD 69. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.24 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / VICTORIΛ OTHONIS, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC I 15; Muona Group 1, Type 2, Portrait A; Calicó 535; BMCRE 23, pl. 60, 13 (same dies); BN 20. Attractive reddish tone, small banker’s mark on obverse, a few marks and scratches, die break on reverse, edge marks. Good VF. Very rare. Pleasant portrait. $92,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA39C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 364.
An Attractive Portrait of Vitellius
5677373. Vitellius. AD 69. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head right / PONT MAXIM, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated right on throne, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 106; Calicó 571; BMCRE 33; BN 70; Adda 46; Biaggi 282; Mazzini 71. Some shallow scratches, a couple of minor edge marks. Good VF. $65,000
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA40C; Künker 168 (12 March 2010), lot 7701; Künker 89 (8 March 2004), lot 2123.
5677374. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.32 g, 7h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P, laureate head right / COS III FORT RED, Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and winged caduceus upright in left. RIC II.1 1111; Lyon 8 (unlisted dies); Calicó 613; BMCRE 382; BN 292; Biaggi 310. EF. $15,000
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA41C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 209; Classical Numismatic Group 53 (15 March 2000), lot 1487.
Judaea Capta Anepigraphic Reverse
5685762. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 2.77 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate head right / Palm tree; to left, Titus standing right, foot on globe, holding spear and parazonium; to right, Judaea seated right in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 369 (R2); Hendin 6512; RSC 391a; BMCRE 85; BN –. Toned, minor porosity, small edge split. Good VF. Judaea Capta anepigraphic reverse. $4750
Ex David Hendin Collection.
Pedigreed to 1972
5677375. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.38 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 77-78. T CAESAR VESPASIANVS, laureate head right / ANNONA AVG, Annona seated left, holding open on her lap a bag of grain ears, the ends held in her hands. RIC II.1 971 (Vespasian); Calicó 726; BMCRE 316-8 (Vespasian); BN 278-9 (Vespasian); Biaggi 360. Toned, hairlines. Near EF. $24,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA42C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 383; Leu 77 (11 May 2000), lot 539; Leu 2 (25 April 1972), lot 380.
Superb Colosseum Denarius
5685583. Titus. AD 79-81. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.54 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1 January-30 June AD 80. IMP • TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M •, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, elephant, wearing armor, walking left on exergual line. RIC II.1 115; RSC 303; BMCRE 43-6; BN 37-9. Light iridescent toning, minor metal flaw on obverse. Superb EF. An absolutely gorgeous coin in hand. $5500
Ex Yves Gunzenreiner Collection (Leu Numismatik AG 1, 25 October 2017), lot 186; Gorny & Mosch 114 (4 March 2002), lot 260.
5677376. Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.57 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 92-94. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, bare head right / GERMANICVS above, COS XVI in exergue, Domitian standing left in slow triumphal quadriga, holding laurel branch in right hand and scepter in left; Victory left, crowning trophy, on side of chariot. RIC II.1 749; Calicó 853; BMCRE 213; BN 190; Mazzini 161 (same rev. die). A few shallow scratches, minor edge marks. Good VF. $16,500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA43C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1002.
Ex Mazzini Collection – Published in 1957
5677377. Nerva. AD 96-98. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 97. IMP NERVΛ CΛES ΛVG P M TR P COS III P P, laureate head right / CONCORDIΛ EXERCITVVM, clasped right hands holding aquila set on prow left. RIC II 15; Calicó 958 corr. (plate shows COS II instead of COS III); BMCRE 27-8; BN 16-8; Mazzini 28 (this coin). Good VF. $18,500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA44C; Numismatica Ars Classica 54 (24 March 2010), lot 1091; Giuseppe Mazzini Collection (publ. 1957).
Entryway of the Forum of Trajan
5677378. Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck circa mid AD 112-spring 113. IMP TRAIANVS AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FORVM TRAIAN in exergue, Arcus Traiani (triumphal entrance) of the Forum Traiani: hexastyle building façade; surmounted by statue of facing chariot drawn by six horses between two figures flanking trophy on either side; four statues within arches below. RIC II 257; Beckmann, Early Group I, 15 (dies b2/F6); Woytek 409f; Strack 216; Calicó 1031 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 509; BN 687 (same rev. die); Biaggi 494 (same obv. die); Elkins, Monuments Figure 123. VF. Historic architectural reverse. $14,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA45C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1006.
5677379. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.08 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 118. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P • COS II, CONCORD in exergue, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left arm on statuette of Spes; cornucopia below throne. RIC II.3 107; Calicó 1205a (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 59-60 var. (bust type); Adda 143 (same dies); Mazzini 252 (same dies). Short scratch on reverse, a few minor edge marks. Good VF. $6750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA46C; Lanz 145 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 5 January 2009), lot 97.
The theme of Concordia on this aureus is likely intended to smooth out relationships with the Roman Senate, which were strained at the time this coin was struck in mid-AD 118. Hadrian first arrived in Rome on July 9 of that year, nearly a year after his accession to the purple in August of 117, while he was commanding an army in Syria. In the interim, as Hadrian slowly made his way back to Rome, four important Senators of consular rank – Cornelius Palma, Publius Celsus, Avidius Nigrinus, and Lusius Quietus, a Moorish chieftain – had been put to death, allegedly for conspiring against the new ruler. Hadrian blamed these executions on the Praetorian Prefect Attianus, whom he induced to resign his post in AD 119. Relations with the Senate never fully recovered during Hadrian’s reign.
High-Relief Portrait
5677380. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 148-149. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate bust right, slight drapery on both shoulders / COS IIII, Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 177e var. (bust type); Calicó 1503; BMCRE 650; Adda 176; Biaggi 703; Gorny & Mosch 190, lot 499 (same dies). Edge marks. Near EF. High-relief portrait struck from dies of artistic merit. $9750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA47C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 445.
5668295. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.40 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 148-149. Laureate head right / Annona standing left, holding grain ears over modius and anchor. RIC III 175; RSC 284. In NGC encapsulation 6830026-002, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. $1575
Ex Wayne Scheible Collection; Gemini II (10 January 2006), lot 426.
5677381. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.19 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 163. IMP M ΛNTONINVS ΛVG, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SΛLVTI ΛVGVSTOR TR P XVII, COS III in exergue, Salus, draped, standing left, holding scepter in left hand, and feeding out of patera in right hand a snake coiled around and rising from altar to left. RIC III 77; MIR 18, 54-2/17; Calicó 1915; BMCRE 226-7; Biaggi 867; Jameson –; Mazzini 560. A few shallow scratches on reverse, slight wave in flan. VF. $6500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA48C; CNG inventory 857142 (29 September 2009).
5666144. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.46 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 166. M ΛNTONINVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, laureate head right / PIETΛS ΛVG TR P XX COS III, Pietas, veiled and draped, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar and holding acerra (incense box) in left hand. RIC III 148; MIR 18, 133-4/30 corr. (obv. legend); RSC 463; BMCRE 397. Lustrous. Choice EF. $825
Verus as Conqueror of Armenia
5677382. Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 164. • L • VERVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, laureate and cuirassed bust right / TR P IIII • IMP II COS II, Hercules, naked, standing front, head right, wearing lion skin headdress and holding lion skin over left arm, holding up olive branch beside head in right hand and holding club in left. RIC III 517 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 77-12/35; Calicó 2172; BMCRE 281. Toned. EF. Lustrous. $17,750 Ex MACM inventory MMoCA49C; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 476.
As with most conflicts between Rome and Parthia, the great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the two states. In AD 161, the Parthian king Vologases IV marched into Armenia and evicted its pro-Roman king, replacing him with his kinsman Pacorus. The Roman governor of Cappadocia marched into Armenia with a legion (perhaps the supposed ‘lost legion’ IX Hispana), but the Parthian general Chosroes surrounded the Romans and slaughtered them to a man, the worst military disaster to befall the Empire in nearly a century. The newly installed co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus responded by raising a massive expeditionary force and sending it east under Verus’ supposed command, but in reality commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparation, the Romans invaded Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia, which is proudly displayed in its entirety on this gold aureus of AD 164.
Impressive Portrait
5677383. Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.24 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 188. M • COMM • ANT • P • FEL • AVG BRIT, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XIII • IMP VIII COS V • P • P, Aequitas, draped, standing front, head left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 164 var. (bust type); MIR 18, 741-2/37; Calicó 2305 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 242 var. (same); Adda 365 (same obv. die). Lustrous. EF. A bold and impressive portrait. $24,500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA50C; Lanz 148 (with Numismatica Bernardi, 4 January 2010), lot 113.
The sole reign of Commodus, AD 180-192, is often viewed as the tipping point where The Roman Empire’s ascent ended and its long decline began. Commodus has thus been featured in novels, plays, and feature films, usually as a villain, most recently in the cinema epics “Fall of the Roman Empire” (1964), portrayed by Christopher Plummer, and “Gladiator” (2001), portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. His actual persona, and the events of his 12-year sole reign, are far more complex and fantastical than depicted in either film. The son of the greatly revered “Philosopher Emperor” Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180), Commodus was born “in the purple” in AD 161 and was raised in an almost monastically austere environment. Marcus raised him to the rank of Consul in January 177 and made him co-Augustus a few months later. He accompanied Marcus to the Danubian front on a strenuous military campaign against the Germanic tribes in 178; worn out by his exertions, Marcus died on 17 March AD 180. Freed of his dutiful father’s control, Commodus immediately cut a deal with the Germans and abandoned all further plans of military conquest. Returning to Rome, he plunged into sensual pursuits and left governing to a succession of favorites who plundered the public purse and aggrandized themselves. His lax rule soon led to plots against the regime, which were ruthlessly suppressed. Rejecting the intellectuality of his father, Commodus favored the physicality of the arena and fancied himself as a great athlete, hunter and gladiator. After the fall of his corrupt vizier Cleander in AD 190, Commodus took control of governmental affairs himself. Wealthy Romans in high positions were routinely executed so their estates could be confiscated to finance his orgy of self-indulgence. Still the Roman people seemed largely to enjoy his antics, and the Legions remained loyal throughout. However, his close advisors began to fear for their own lives and ultimately arranged his death by strangulation at the hands of his wrestling instructor. The damage done by his 12 years of listless, corrupt rule was deep and lasting.
While Commodus continued and worsened the debasement of Roman silver coinage begun by his father, the gold coinage remained of high purity, weight and artistry. This beautiful aureus, struck at the mid point of his reign, depicts him as as a bearded philosopher-king much in the image of his father. The reverse evokes Aequitas, personification of equal justice, something in scarce supply during his reign.
5677515. Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.47 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / PROVID DEOR COS II, Providentia, draped, standing front, head left, raising right hand toward star, left hand on breast. RIC IV 11a; Lempereur Type 10, 561a (D205/R291 – this coin, illustrated); RSC 43; BMCRE 13. Lightly toned. EF. Exceptional portrait. $6750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA181C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 331; Jürgen K. Schmidt Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 2007; Numismatica Ars Classica 9 (16 April 1996), lot 892; Numismatic Fine Arts XXIX (13 August 1992), lot 385; Tkalec (26 March 1991), lot 315.
As the Senate’s choice to replace the dissolute Commodus, the elderly Pertinax immediately launched into a program of reform intended to restore faith in the Roman Empire’s government and finances. Among these was a reform of the silver coinage, which had been seriously debased under Commodus. The silver denarii issued by Pertinax show a marked increase in both weight and fineness over the last issues of Commodus. The portraiture was likewise of a high standard, showing the emperor as a distinguished and heavily bearded senior statesman. However it was not to last: Pertinax was slain by the Praetorians after a reign of less than three months, and the debasement of Rome’s coinage soon resumed and accelerated.
An Empire Sold at Auction
5677516. Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.60 g, 12h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus, togate, standing left, holding globe in outstretched right hand and volumen in left. RIC IV 3; RSC 15; BMCRE 7-8. Toned, shallow scrape on obverse under tone. Near EF. Better than most. $9750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA182C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 332; Classical Numismatic Group 53 (15 March 2000), lot 1612.
Didius Julianus was born to a wealthy family in AD 137, probably in Milan. He had a prominent government career, including several provincial governorships, in the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Though successful, he did not earn the respect of his fellow senators, who regarded him as a sensualist and a spendthrift. When the Emperor Pertinax was killed by the Praetorians after only a threemonth reign on March 28, AD 193, no ready successor was at hand. Pertinax’s father-in-law, Flavius Sulpicianus, entered the Praetorian camp and tried to get the troops to proclaim him emperor, but he met with little enthusiasm. Sensing an opportunity, Didius Julianus rushed to the camp and began to make cash promises to the soldiers from outside the wall. Soon the scene became an auction, with Sulpicianus and Julianus striving to outbid each other for the favor of the troops. When Sulpicianus reached 20,000 sesterces per soldier, Didius Julianus upped the bid by a whopping 5,000 sesterces, signaling with hand gestures. One emperorship sold! Julianus was allowed into the camp and the Praetorians proclaimed him emperor. Confronted by the Praetorian swords, the Senate approved his elevation, but could not hide its disgust. Disturbances broke out throughout the city, and a crowd at the Colosseum loudly called for Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, to march on Rome. Niger was not the only alternative. Two other provincial governors also declared themselves emperor: Clodius Albinus in Britain, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia. Severus, closest to Rome, immediately marshaled his troops and invaded Italy. Julianus at first tried negotiations, then sent assassins to kill Severus, to no avail. Julianus next tried to fortify Rome but the results were ineffective and ludicrous. With Julianus’ authority in Rome rapidly deteriorating, Severus sent messages to the Praetorians, who renounced their allegiance to Julianus. Seeing their cue, the Senators proclaimed Severus emperor and passed a death sentence on Julianus. On June 1, AD 193, a Praetorian officer found the cringing Julianus hiding in the palace and dispatched him, ending his pathetic 65-day reign.
The reverse of this attractive silver denarius depicts Julianus with the grandiose title “Rector Orbis,” or ruler of the world. In reality, his authority never extended far beyond the immediate environs of Rome.
Striking Portrait of Pescennius Niger
5668296. Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 2.63 g, 12h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES PESC NIGER IVST AVG, laureate head right / IVSTI TIA AVG, Justitia standing facing, head left, holding scales and cornucopia. RIC IV 45c var. (obv. legend); RSC 43a var. (same); BMCRE –. Attractively toned, residual find patina, a couple light scratches on reverse. Good VF. Very rare. A striking portrait. $1575
Ex Wayne Scheible Collection; Gemini II (10 January 2006), lot 491.
Illustrated in Calicó
5677384. Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.29 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 193-194. IMP CAE • L • SEP SE V • PERT • AVG, laureate head right / VIRT • A VG TR P COS, Virtus, helmeted and wearing military attire, standing left, holding Victory right in outstretched right hand and reversed spear in left. RIC IV 24; Calicó 2570 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 32 (same rev. die); Biaggi 1114 var. (legend breaks); Mazzini 751 var. (same). Toned with some luster. EF. $13,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoAC51C; A. Lynn Collection (Manhattan Sale I, 5 January 2010), lot 339.
Exceptional Portrait
5668297. Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.76 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus, circa AD 193-196. Draped bust right / Venus, draped below waist, seen from behind standing right, leaning on column to left, holding apple in extended right hand and palm frond in left. RIC IV 536 (Septimius); RSC 194. In NGC encapsulation 6830026-003, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. $1450
5677465. Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.66 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS P P, Gordian I, togate, standing left, holding branch in raised right hand, wearing parazonium on hip and resting left hand on its hilt. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 1-3; RSC 2. Toned. Near EF. Well struck. $4975
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA131C, purchased from Ian Roper Coins and Antiquities, 26 September 2008; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 158.
5677466. Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (21.54mm, 2.77 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVGG, Providentia standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe set at feet to left and cornucopia in left hand; leaning against and resting left arm on column. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 19-20 var. (rev. legend break); RSC 5. Toned, minor reverse die wear. Good VF. Rare. $4675
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA132C, purchased from Coincraft, 15 July 2003.
5677410. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Sestertius (28mm, 18.63 g, 12h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 12th emission, mid-late AD 243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / MARTEM PROPVGNATOREM, Mars, wearing helmet and military attire, advancing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and shield in left; S C across lower field. RIC IV 333; Banti 53. Beautiful dark brown patina, some doubling, gentle smoothing. EF. An incredibly bold strike with magnificent detail. $3275
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA77C; Classical Numismatic Group 84 (5 May 2010), lot 1242.
The Usurper Regalianus
5677473. Regalianus. Usurper, AD 260. AR Antoninianus (18.5mm, 3.07 g, 7h). Carnuntum mint. IMP C P C
REGΛLIΛN[VS ΛVG], radiate and draped bust right / PROVIDENTIΛ ΛVGG, Providentia standing left, holding grain ears in right hand and cornucopia in left; at feet to left, modius filled with grain ears. RIC V 8 corr. (rev. legend); MIR 43, 1714a; RSC 5 corr. (same). Toned, overstruck. VF. Rare. An excellent example of this very difficult issue. $17,750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA139C; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 188
Exceptional Tacitus Antoninianus
5668304. Tacitus. AD 275-276. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 4.86 g, 6h). Ticinum mint, 6th officina. 2nd emission, early-June AD 276. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Securitas standing left, legs crossed, placing hand on head and resting arm on column to right; Ч. RIC V Online 3381; RIC V 163; BN 1708-9. In NGC encapsulation 6830026-001, graded MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. $2475
Ex Brian Henry Grover Collection (Roma E-Sale 72, 25 June 2020), lot 1359, purchased from B. Carter, 1964.
5677504. Divus Nigrinian. Died circa AD 284. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 4.28 g, 12h). Rome mint. 5th emission of Carinus, mid November AD 284. DIVO NIGRINANO, radiate head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, head left, wings spread; KAA. RIC V 472; Pink VI/2, p. 38. Dark olive-brown patina with some verdigris. Near EF. A very attractive example in hand. $2175
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA170C, purchased from Ian Roper Coins and Antiquities, 26 June 2009; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 201; Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 178.
5677544. Julian of Pannonia. Usurper, AD 284-285. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.91 g, 12h). Siscia mint, 1st officina. Struck December AD 284. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICT ORI A AVG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in right hand, and palm frond in left arm; S|A//XXI. RIC V 5; Pink VI/2, p. 49; Venèra 4397. Attractive dark olive brown-green patina, area of deposits. Good VF. $5750
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA210C; Baldwin’s 57 (23 September 2008), lot 202.
Marcus Aurelius Sabinus Iulianus, was a corrector in Northern Italy under Carus. In AD 284, during the struggles surrounding the succession between Carinus and Diocletian, Julian usurped imperial authority in Pannonia for a brief period and began issuing coins from Siscia. Carinus marched from his base in Britain to deal with the usurpation, dispensing with Julianus early in AD 285 near Verona.
Extremely Rare and Unpublished Variety
5677385. Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 5.30 g, 6h). Consular issue. Antioch mint. Struck circa AD 296-circa 299/302. DIOCLETIA NVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / CONSVL VI P P PROCONS *, Diocletian standing left, laureate and togate, holding globe in outstretched right hand and short scepter in left; *|–//SMA%. Cf. RIC VI 13 and 22 (for similar issues of COS VI and COS VII respectively); cf. Depeyrot 12/1 and 16/1 (same); cf. Calicó 4440 and 4441 (same); cf. Biaggi 1699 and 1700 (same). Some luster. Near EF. Extremely rare and unpublished variety. $12,500
Ex MACM inventory MMoCA52C; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 1062.
While the mint mark with the star at end of the legend paired with SMAΣ is known for Diocletian during his sixth consulship (RIC VI 13), the addition of the star in the left field (RIC 22) is known only for the seventh consulship. On this coin, one finds the far rarer mint mark of RIC 22 paired with the reverse legend of Diocletian’s sixth consulship of AD 296-297.
Licinius, Last Rival of Constantine
5640873. Licinius I. AD 308-324. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.28 g, 12h). Siscia mint. Struck AD 316. LICINI VS P F AVG, laureate head right / IOVI CON SERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe right in outstretched right hand and veritcal scepter in left; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak; –|X//SIS. RIC VII 18; Depeyrot 16/1; Calicó 5108A; Biaggi –. Lightly toned and lustrous, minor deposits. EF. Very rare. $17,500
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 135 (21 November 2022), lot 388; Tkalec (24 October 2003), lot 411.
The son of a Moesian peasant, Gaius Valerius Licinianus Licinius was born in the AD 250s or early 260s. Little is known about his early life, but like many other young men of low birth, he joined the Roman Army seeking escape from poverty. He rose quickly through the ranks and befriended Galerius, who became Caesar in AD 293, and then Augustus upon Diocletian’s retirement in AD 305. When Maxentius revolted against the Tetrarchs in AD 306, Galerius sent Licinius to Rome in a fruitless attempt to negotiate with the rebel. The failure did not reflect poorly on Licinius, for at the Conference of Carnuntum in November, AD 308, Galerius appointed him as Augustus in place of the deceased Severus II, thus leapfrogging the legitimate Caesars Constantine I and Maximinus II. Both had themselves proclaimed Augusti in reaction. The death of Galerius in AD 311 left four men claiming the supreme title of Augustus—Licinius in the Balkans, Maxentius in Italy, Constantine I in Gaul and Britain, and Maximinus II in Asia Minor and Egypt. Another round of civil wars in AD 312-313 saw Constantine defeat Maxentius and Licinius victorious over Maximinus. After adding Asia and Egypt to his realm, Licinius launched a massacre of all potential rivals, including Maximinus’ children, Galerius’ son, and Diocletian’s daughter. Yet he grudgingly accepted Constantine’s edict of toleration toward Christians and came to a modus vivendi with his western counterpart. To seal the pact, Licinius married Constantine’s halfsister Constantia. The peace was uneasy and short-lived, with a border skirmish in AD 314 slowly escalating into full-scale war two years later. Constantine got the better of it, and Licinius was forced to cede most of the Balkans in AD 317. Now Licinius began to suspect that the Christians within his realm were a subversive fifth column working for Constantine, and resumed the persecutions. Tensions rose, with a final civil war erupting in AD 324. Again, Constantine landed a series of crushing blows, and Licinius retreated with the remnants of his army to Nicomedia for a final stand. His wife Constantia intervened and negotiated an honorable surrender. Constantine at first allowed him to retire to Thessalonica, but Licinius began plotting a return to power, and Constantine executed him in AD 325. Although a competent soldier and administrator, his many murders paint him as an unattractive character.
This gold aureus, struck at Siscia in AD 316, depicts him in the almost Art Deco style of the Tetrarchic era. The reverse image of Jupiter shows his devotion to the traditional gods of Rome, while in the West, Constantine’s coinage was already beginning to show Christian influence.
Wonderful and Very Rare Pulcheria Solidus
5685584. Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck under Theodosius II, AD 443-450. AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / IMP • XXXXII • COS • XVII • P • P •, Constantinopolis seated left, holding globus cruciger in right hand and scepter in left, left foot on prow; shield to right; star to left; COMOB. RIC X 295; Depeyrot 84/3; Biaggi –. Toned, trace find patina, a few faint scratches. EF. Rare. $13,750
Ex Family of Constantine Collection; Tkalec (19 February 2001), lot 425.
The sister of Emperor Theodosius II, Aelia Pulcheria, was a major force in the life of the young emperor. Governing him as a young man until he came of age, Pulcheria prepared the emperor for his duties and served as a constant guiding voice and counselor to him. Present throughout his accomplishments and major events, Pulcheria eventually won the contest between her and her brother’s wife, Aelia Eudocia, who was eventually dismissed from court. While she was a teenager, Pulcheria took a vow of virginity which she maintained until her death. This dedication to God inspired some of Theodosius’ imperial propaganda during wars with the Sasanian Persians, and the Romans considered Pulcheria’s pious dedication of her virginity to be a source of blessing upon the Empire from God. Theodosius died unexpectedly after being mortally injured during a hunting accident in AD 450. Upon his death, Pulcheria was tasked with appointing his successor. She chose a man of Roman stock, though not of nobility, named Marcian. She married the new emperor on the condition that he not make her violate her vow of virginity, to which Marcian agreed. This unconventional marriage was made possible by church officials, who sponsored the agreement and decreed that God approved of the union and arrangement.
5685585. Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.35 g, 6h). Consular issue. Ravenna mint. Struck AD 435. D N PLA VALENTI NIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed bust left, wearing consular robes, holding mappa in right hand and cruciform scepter in left / VOT X MVLT XX, Valentinian enthroned facing, wearing consular robes, holding mappa in right hand and cruciform scepter in left; R|V//COMOB. RIC X 2036; Ranieri 99-100; Depeyrot 14/1; Biaggi –. Lightly toned with some underlying luster, doubling, tiny die breaks. Near EF. Very rare. $7950
Ex Family of Constantine Collection; Gorny & Mosch 107 (2 April 2001), lot 639.
BYZANTINE COINAGE
Very Rare Joint Reign Solidus
5685586. Justin I & Justinian I. 527. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.49 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. Struck 4 April-1 August. D N IVSTIN ЄT IVSTINI PP AVC, Justin and Justinian enthroned facing, both nimbate, both placing right hand on breast and holding globus in left; cross between / VICTORI A AVCCC, Angel standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star to right; S/CONOB. DOC –; Metcalf, Joint Group Id, 17 (O8/S4); MIBE 1d; SB 117. Lightly toned, small metal flaw, a few minor marks. EF. Very rare. $10,500
Ex Family of Constantine Collection; William H. Williams Collection (Triton VI, 13 January 2003), lot 1196.
Justin was an illiterate peasant from Thrace who acquired the throne through his natural strengths and cunning. Though of little learning himself, he understood the value of education, especially for his relatives. Consequently, his nephew Peter was sent to Constantinople for his education. When Justin became emperor, his nephew was renamed Justinian and served as his trusted advisor. Justinian was the real driving force behind many of the wise policies adopted under the reign of his uncle and his true brilliance would come to light during his future sole reign. When Justin’s health began to fail in 527, Justinian was readily accepted as co-emperor and the transition of power was uneventful. The coming change was advertised by an extensive series of joint reign solidi, judging by the number of dies known. Presumably, these pieces were withdrawn from circulation after the accession of Justinian, accounting for their significant rarity today.
5683513. Romanus III Argyrus. 1028-1034. AV Histamenon Nomisma (23mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing on suppedion, nimbate, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left / ΘCЄ ЬOHΘ RωmAҺω, Romanus standing facing, wearing loros, placing right hand on chest and holding globus cruciger in left, being crowned and blessed by the Theotokos, nimbate, to right; four pellets in loros end; M Θ, both with macron above, in upper field. DOC 1d; Füeg II 1.D.4.y; SB 1819. Lightly toned with some luster, reverse die rust. Near EF. $1650
WORLD COINAGE
5685587. AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Leopold I. Emperor, 1658-1705. AR Taler (42mm, 28.84 g, 12h). Hall mint. Dated 1699/8. Laureate and armored bust right / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. Moser & Tursky 757; Davenport 3245; KM 1303.4 (unlisted date). Beautifully toned, minor edge marks. Choice EF. Sharp details. $2675
5667024. DENMARK. Harald Blåtand (Bluetooth). Circa 958/9-986. AR Halvbrakteat (17mm, 0.38 g). Haithabu (Hedeby) mint. Struck circa 975/980. Cross bottonée / Crude Carolus monogram. Malmer, Nordiska, group KG 10-a; Hauberg 2; De Wit Group 3. Richly toned. EF. $2500
5682679. DENMARK. Svend II Estridsen. 1047-1075. AR Penny (17mm, 1.05 g). East Danish standard. Roskilde mint. Openwork cross fleurée with central pellet-in-annulet, triple pellets in three of the voids and trefoil terminals on three of the bars, upper bar consisting of small globe set on larger globe; all within large open linear convex cross with pellet terminals and joined at ends by double line / Ornate “tapestry” pattern: central design consisting of pellet-in-annulets joined by double lines; on either side, IIIIIOIII and IICIIDII within pelleted border; at outer ends, cross pattée within pelleted border; pellet and crescent in outer voids. Becker Collection 104 (same obv. die); Hede II 53; cf. Hauberg 36 (for type). Richly toned. EF. $1750
Rare Danish Elephant Type
5682684. DENMARK. Christian IV. 1588-1648. AR 8 Solidi (24mm, 2.74 g, 12h). København (Copenhagen) mint. Dated 1603. Elephant left with mahout, banner, and tower containing soldiers / Denomination and date in three lines. Schou 9; Hede 74; KM 15. Toned. Good VF. Rare. $3950
Pleasing City View of Venice
5666549. ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Marcantonio Giustinian. 1684-1688. AR Osella (37mm, 9.42 g, 5h). Dated RY 1 (AD 1684/5). St. Mark seated right, presenting cross-tipped banner to Doge kneeling left / Angel flying left, holding ducal crown and raising hand, over view of the Piazzetta of St. Marco and three galleys. Paolucci, Zecca 167; Werdnig 164. Richly toned, a few minor edge marks. VF. A pleasing example of this city view type depicting many of Venice’s most famous landmarks. $6500
Ex J. Eric Engstrom Collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 26 (27 June 2003), lot 3126.
5683141. LOW COUNTRIES, Vlaanderen (Flanders [County]). Lodewijk II van Male. 1346-1384. AR Dubbele groot Botdrager – Double gros (31mm, 4.26 g, 8h). Gent or Mechelen mint. Struck 1365-1384. Helmeted lion seated left; all within a tressure of fifteen arches / Cross fleurée. Elsen 30; De Mey, Flanders 218. Lightly toned, a few minor scratches and deposits. VF. $575
WORLD MEDALS
The Wreck of the Casper, 23 December 1928
5653806. Life Saving Medal – Presented to A. Mölder for actions during the sinking of the American ship Casper, 23 December 1928. AV Medal (35mm, 33.98 g, 12h). Philadelphia mint. Dies by George T. Morgan. PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, wreathed and diademed head of Liberty left / Engraved: To A. MÖLDER/ SEAMAN OF THE/ ESTONIAN/ STEAMSHIP/ METEOR/ IN RECOGNITION OF THE HEROIC/ SERVICES IN EFFECTING THE RESCUE/ AT SEA, ON DECEMBER 23, 1928, OF THE/ MASTER AND CREW OF THE/ AMERICAN/ STEAMSHIP. CASPER, all within wreath. Suspended from bar decorated with shield and E · PLUR S UNUM. Julian LS-3. A few hairlines, minor edge marks and scratches. Near EF. Struck in standard (.900) gold. $6750
On 13 December 1928, the American steamship Casper, en route from New York to Gothenburg, Sweden, ran aground on rocks near Utö Light in Pargas, Finland. The crew remained aboard, hoping to dislodge and refloat the vessel. On the 23rd, a fire broke out in the ship’s engine room. The flames spread with such great speed that there was no time to lower the boats, and the crew was forced to jump into the cold Baltic waters. One fireman drowned, while the remainder were picked up by salvage vessels that had been standing by
BRITISH COINAGE
5668487. CELTIC, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Tasciovanus. Circa 20 BC-AD 10. Æ Half Unit (13mm, 1.00 g, 12h). Tasciovanus Goat type (Trinovantian M). [uerL], bearded head left / Goat leaping right; pellet-in annulet below, floral motif above. Kretz, Bronze A4; Van Arsdell 1715-1; ABC 2709; SCBC 256. Green-brown patina. Good VF. Very rare. $1500
Exceptional Metal Quality
5686072. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Eanred. 810-841. AR Styca (14mm, 1.19 g, 6h). Phase Ia. York mint; Huaetred, moneyer. Struck circa 810-830. + EANRED REX, small cross pattée / + HVAETRED, small cross pattée. Pirie, Guide 3.4a-j var. (moneyer); SCBI 68 (Lyon), 88 (same rev. die); North 186; SCBC 860. Lustrous, a few spots. EF. Exceptional metal quality for reign. $1175
Ex P. Moffat (Classical Numismatic Group 90, 23 May 2012), lot 2347.
Ex Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins; M. Lessen (Dix Noonan Webb 146, 25 April 2018), lot 195, purchased from Baldwin’s, 1981; Sir John Hanham Collection; G.C Drabble (Part II, Glendining, 13 December 1943), lot 818); A. Mann (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 29 October 1917), lot 140; T. Bliss (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 22 March 1916), lot 47; H. Montagu (Part I, 18 November 1895), lot 306.
Attractive Wessex Lunettes Penny
5686076. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (19mm, 1.13 g, 5h). Lunettes type (BMC i). Canterbury mint; Sæferth, moneyer. Struck 871-circa 875. ม ⍒⌓⌦Bያ⌓ዝḦ ያ⌓ҟ , small diademed bust right breaking inner circle / ⌽⌓⌘ያ⌓ዝ across central field; /ዦɭ⌱/ /⌓˶⍒Ḩ in lunettes above and below. Lyons & Mackay, Lunettes, Group 1, Dies B/b, AfL1.104 (this coin); cf. SCBI 42 (South-Eastern), 742; cf. BMC 166; North 625; SCBC 1057. Well struck with a dark matte tone. Near EF. Very rare. $12,500
Ex A. Wayne (Triton XIX, 5 January 2016), lot 910; L.M. LaRiviere (Spink 160, 10 October 2002), lot 996; J. Linzalone Collection (Stack’s, 7 December 1994), lot 2351.
5677111. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Æthelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (20mm, 1.80 g, 9h). Long Cross type (BMC iva, Hild. D). Shaftesbury mint; Goda, moneyer. Struck circa 997-1003. Draped bust left; pellet behind neck / ม űɭዝ¨ ዦ ቸɭ Ӳ üዞዟ˸ , voided long cross, with pellet at center and triple-crescent ends. SCBI 7 (Copenhagen), 1081 (same dies); North 774; SCBC 1151. Richly toned with some iridescence. Superb EF. $3750 Ex Williams (Part I, Spink 252, 27 March 2018), lot 83; Spink Numismatic Circular CI.4 (May 1993), no. 2602; G.V. Doubleday (Glendining, 6 October 1987), lot 435; L.A. Lawrence (Part II, Glendining, 14 March 1951), lot 258 (part of).
5675038. ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harold II. 1066. AR Penny (20mm, 1.37 g, 9h). Pax type (BMC i, Hild. A). Sudbury mint; Folcwine, moneyer. Crowned head left, scepter to left / ม ዟɭ⌦üዩዢnዞ ɭn S⎍ T Ḧ , ዩ ¨ ҟ across central field. Braintree Hoard 107 (this coin); SCBI –; North 836; SCBC 1186. Toned, slightly wavy flan. EF. Of the highest rarity. $13,500
Ex 2019 Braintree Hoard.
5675037
5675038
5663761. NORMAN. Henry I. 1100-1135. AR Penny (20mm, 1.33 g, 2h). Double Inscription type (BMC xi). London mint; Ælfwine, moneyer. Struck circa 1115. Crowned and draped bust left, holding cross-tipped scepter in right hand; two quatrefoils before face / [ ม ¨ ] ⌦ዟ ዩዢn ዞ [ ɭ ]/ ม n ⌦⎍nዝዞ / , small cross pattée; quatefoils-in-annulets in outer legend. SCBI –; EMC 1200.0904 and1 990.0212 var. (obv. legend); BMC 76 var. (same); North 867; SCBC 1272. Toned, reverse off center, official edge snick. VF. Good portrait. Rare. $3950
Ex Davissons 40 (3 March 2021), lot 141; Marshall (Spink 167, 31 March 2004), lot 72; Spink Numismatic Circular List 7 (July 1944), no. 26143; Lord Grantley (Part IV, Glendining, 20 April 1944), lot 1286 (illustrated); E.W. Rashleigh (Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge, 12 June 1909), lot 508 (illustrated).
5668181. NORMAN. Stephen. 1135-1154. AR Penny (18mm, 1.21 g, 6h). Ornamental group, flag type. York mint. Struck circa 1145-1149. Crowned bust right, holding spear-tipped flag; star to right / Cross moline. Allen, York 31 var. (dies –/t; unlisted rev. die); Mack 217; SCBI 30 (American) 791 (same rev. die); North 919; SCBC 1313. Toned. Good VF. Excellent metal for issue. Rare. $7500
Ex Baldwin’s 40 (3 May 2005), lot 145.
5683323. PLANTAGENET. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Noble (34mm, 7.68 g, 8h). Fourth coinage, Post-Treaty period, Group II. Calais mint. Struck 1369-1377. Edward standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; ornaments 1-1-1-1, ropes 3/1, quatrefoils 5/4, lis 4; flag at stern / Voided short cross potent over cross fleurée; in each angle, crown over lion passant over voided trefoil; at center, E within quadrilobe; all within polylobe, with trefoils in spandrels. Lawrence 1; cf. Schneider 111; North 1280; SCBC 1520. In NGC encapsulation 6909359-003, graded MS 62. Rare Lawrence Group II issue. $15,000
5678594. TUDOR. Henry VII. 1485-1509. AR Groat (25mm, 3.03 g, 6h). Facing bust issue, type IVa. London (Tower) mint; im: cross-crosslet. Struck 1504-1505. Crowned facing bust within double polylobe with fleurs at cusps; single arch in crown, double bar, four crockets / Long cross fourchée; triple pellets in quarters. P&W type IVa, 14; cf. SCBI 23 (Ashmolean), 428-34; North 1706a; SCBC 2200. Toned with significant luster. Superb EF. Rare in this condition. $3950
5662570. TUDOR. Edward VI. 1547-1553. AV Halfcrown (19mm, 1.44 g, 2h). Second period. Southwark mint; im: Y. Struck January 1549-April 1550. Crowned and armored bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms. Schneider –; North 1916; SCBC 2444. Edge chip, wavy flan, a few marks. Near VF. Very rare. $6250
Ex Spink Numismatic Circular C.1 (February 1992), no. 100; D. Dupree Collection.
5682685. TUDOR. Edward VI. 1547-1553. AR Crown (42mm, 31.04 g, 8h). Third period, fine silver issue. London mint; im: tun. Dated 1551. Edward, armored and holding sword, on caparisoned horse right / Coat-of-arms over long cross fourchée. Woodbridge A/5; North 1933; SCBC 2478. Slightly bright surfaces, minor scratch on rim. VF. Well struck and with good detail to king and horse. $6750
5662580. TUDOR. Elizabeth I. 1558-1603. AR Groat (23mm, 2.19 g, 5h). Second issue. Tower (London) mint; im: martlet. Struck 1560-1561. Crowned bust 1F left, wearing ruff / Crowned coat-of-arms over long cross fourchée. BCW MR1F/MR-b4; North 1986; SCBC 2556. Toned, minor deposits in legend. Good VF. Exceptional portrait. $1750
Ex Classical Numismatic Review 18.1 (First Quarter 1993), no. 586.
5682686. STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AR Halfcrown (34mm, 14.95 g, 6h). Briot’s Second Milled issue. Tower (London) mint under Briot; im: в and anchor. Struck 1638-1639. Charles on horseback left, holding reins and sword / Garnished coat-of-arms; crowned C R over pellets flanking. Bull 469; Brooker 724 (same dies); North 2304; SCBC 2858. Glossy toning with hints of luster, a few light adjustment marks. Near EF. $6750
5686073. STUART (ORANGE). William III & Mary. 1688-1694. AR Halfcrown. Dated 1693 and RY QVINTO. Second busts, third shields. Bull 861; ESC 519; SCBC 3436. Lightly toned with significant luster. In NGC encapsulation 2153870042, graded MS 60. $2675
5682810. SCOTLAND. James I. 1406-1437. AV Demy (24mm, 3.24 g, 6h). Type II. Edinburgh mint; im: crown/cross pattée. ՟ # Ʃ # ⌃ýɨBѝ˫ ჭ dĚჭƩ ŷˆ⌃ýƩ⌃ ˆĚҢ ˫ý ჭ , coat-of-arms within lozenge / ๘ ˫⌃ǭѝѝ⍴ Ḻ Ŗ⌃ý # Ŗ⌃ý ʖɨʖѝǭѝ⍴ ჭ # ˸ѝѝ⍴ dNĚ ჭ #, St. Andrew’s Cross, flanked by lis to left and right; all within tressure of six arches, arches terminating in lis, quatrefoils with open center in spandrels; border of annulets (’chain mail’). Burns 6b (fig. 437C; same dies); SCBI 35 (Ashmolean & Hunterian) –; SCBC 5191. Toned. VF. Very rare subtype with ‘chain link’ inner circle on reverse. $8750
Ex R. Wilson (Spink 189, 27 June 2007), lot 123.
5682811. SCOTLAND. James II. 1437-1460. AV Lion (26mm, 3.36 g, 6h). Second coinage. Edinburgh mint; im: crown. Struck 1451-1460. ՟ Ʃ⌃æɨÙѝS ĕĚƩ Żˊ⌃ Ḻ ˊĚҢ Ḻ Sæɨ˶˶ɨˊѝ⍴ Ḻ , crowned coat-of-arms; lis flanking / ՟ Ң Pæ Ḻ ˊĚŻɀ ⌃˶ Ḻ ҢP æ ѝƩɀæƩ˶ Ң P , St. Andrew crucified on short cross saltire; crowned lis flanking. Burns 5 (fig. 525; same dies); SCBI 35 (Ashmolean & Hunterian) 691 (same obv. die); SCBC 5222. A few scratches and edge marks. VF. $7750
Ex Baldwin’s FPL (Winter 2010-2011), no. SC001; R. Berseford-Jones (Spink 108, 7 March 1995), lot 478.
5682819. SCOTLAND. James IV. 1488-1513. AV Half Unicorn (20mm, 1.93 g, 4h). Type I. Edimburgh mint; im: lis.
, large twelve-rayed star over cross fleurée. Murray, Early type Ie; Burns 3 (fig. 633; same rev. die; James III); SCBI 35 (Ashmolean & Hunterian), 836 (same dies); SCBC 5320. Slightly double struck. Good VF. An excellent example struck on a full, round flan. Very rare thus. $13,750
Ex St. James’s 13 (6 May 2010), lot 849; M. Glass (Spink Numismatic Circular CXV.2 [April 2007]), no. SC0557; Strauss (Sotheby’s, 26 May 1994), lot 110; R.C. Lockett (Glendining, 18 June 1957), lot 230; R.W. Cochran-Patrick (Sotheby & Co., 30 March 1936), lot 41.
5682822. SCOTLAND. Mary. 1542-1567. AV Half-lion – 22 Shillings (28mm, 2.55 g, 8h). First period. Before marriage. Type I. Edinburgh mint. James, Earl of Arran, regent and Governor of Scotland. Dated 1553. MARI D G R SCOTORVM, crowned coat-of-arms; I G across field / • DILIGITE ·: IVSTICIAM • 1553, crowned MR monogram; cinquefoils across field. Murray, 1553, dies B3(3)/2(1); Burns 1 (fig. 814); SCBI 58 (Edinburgh), 262 (same obv. die); SCBC 5396. Toned. Good VF. $18,750
Ex Triton XIV (4 January 2011), lot 1671.
5682825. SCOTLAND. James VI. 1567-1625. AV Half Sword & Scepter Piece (21mm, 2.54 g, 1h). Eighth coinage. Edinburgh mint. Dated 1601. + · IACOBVS · 6 · D · G · R · SCOTORVM ·, crowned coat-of-arms / + · SALVS · POPVLI · SVPREM · REX ·, crossed sword and scepter; crown above, thistles flanking, · 1601 · below. Burns 1 (fig. 957); SCBI 58 (Edinburgh), 1320/1322 (same obv./rev. dies); SCBC 5462. A few light marks. Good VF. $3750
Ex Baldwins FPL (Winter 2010-2011), no. SC005.
5652157. SCOTLAND. Charles I. 1625-1649. AV Half Unit (26mm, 4.91 g, 2h). Third coinage, Briot’s issue, type I. Edinburgh mint. Struck 1637-1642. CAR ◊ D : G ◊ MAG ◊ BRIT · FRAN · ET · HIB · REX, crowned and draped bust left; small B at end of legend / ◊ VNITA ◊ TVEMVR ·, crowned coat-of-arms; crowned C R over lozenges flanking. Murray 1, a/ (2 or 3); Burns 5 (fig. 1034; same obv. die); SCBI 35 (Ashmolean & Hunterian), 1398 (same obv. die); SCBC 5534. Toned, slightly crimped, a few edge marks. VF. Rare. $3950
Ex Saunders Collection; H. Farquhar (Glendining, 25 April 1955), lot 34 (part of).
5682811
5682810
5682819
5682822
5682825
5652157
Rare Moneyer
5684710. IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Sihtric III Olafsson. Circa 995-1036. AR Penny (19mm, 1.46 g, 12h). Phase II coinage. Imitating the Long Cross type of Æthelred II. Dublin mint; ‘Carmn,’ moneyer. Struck circa 1015-1035. Draped bust left; quatrefoil of pellets to right / ม ü¥ ʼዦn ∂ ዝዢዟዢ ⌦ዢnʼ , voided long cross, with pellet at center and triple-crescent ends; pellets in quarters. O’S 5 var. (rev. legend); SCBI 8 (BM), –; SCBI 22 (Copenhagen), 57 var. (rev. legend; same obv. die); SCBI 32 (Ulster), 37 var. (rev. legend; same obv. die); SCBC 6122. Highly lustrous. Superb EF. A rare moneyer. $3950
Ex Hibernia Collection.
5676617. IRELAND. John. As King, 1199-1216. AR Halfpenny (14mm, 0.76 g, 2h). Third (’Rex’) coinage. Dublin mint; Roberd, moneyer. Struck 1208/9-circa 1211/2. Crowned facing head, three stars around; all within triangle / Short cross pattée within crescent moon; three stars around; all within triangle. Withers VI 3a var. (obv. legend stops); D&F 51; SCBC 6231. Toned, slight ghosting at center. Good VF. $750
5676618. IRELAND. John. As King, 1199-1216. AR Farthing (11mm, 0.41 g, 4h). Third (’Rex’) coinage. Dublin mint; Willem, moneyer. Struck 1208/9-circa 1211/2. Crowned facing head, star above; all within triangle / Whorled sun within triangle. Withers VI p. 37; D&F 52; SCBC 6234. Minor porosity under toning. VF. Bold portrait. Much finer than usually seen for this very rare issue. $2250
5676619. IRELAND. Edward IV. First reign, 1461-1470. AR Groat (26mm, 2.80 g, 7h). Anonymous ‘Crown’ coinage. Dublin mint. Struck circa 1460-1463. Large crown within tressure of 9 arches with trefoils of pellets at cusps; small cross in top spandrels / Long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters; additional annulets in first and fourth quarters. D&F 81; SCBC 6280A (6272). Toned, a few scuffs and marks, ghosting at center. Good VF. Rare. $4500
Ex Hibernia Collection.
5676620. IRELAND. Edward IV. First reign, 1461-1470. AR Penny (16mm, 0.74 g, 5h). Anonymous ‘Crown’ coinage. Dublin mint. Struck circa 1460-1463. Large crown within tressure of 9 arches with trefoils of pellets at upper cusps; small cross in top spandrels / Long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters. IHP N-2; D&F 93; SCBC 6282A (6277). Find patina, reverse slightly off center, some ghosting, small flan split. VF or better. Extremely rare. $5750
Ex Hibernia Collection.
5676621. IRELAND. Edward IV. First reign, 1461-1470. AR Penny (15mm, 0.63 g, 10h). Anonymous ‘Crown’ coinage. Dublin mint. Struck circa 1460-1463. Large crown / Long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters. IHP N-5; D&F 97; SCBC 6282D (6280). Toned, slightly wavy flan. VF. A bold strike on this extremely rare coin. $5750
Ex Hibernia Collection.
ANNOUNCING NEW RELEASE OF DATED COINS OF ANTIQUITY (DCA2)
Dated Coins of Antiquity, Release 2 (DCA2), two-volume set, $195 available from the Classical Numismatic Group
Dated Coins of Antiquity Release 2
By Edward E. Cohen
Volume 1
Dated Coins of Antiquity Release 2
By Edward E. Cohen
Volume 2
Cohen, Edward E. Dated Coins of Antiquity, Release 2. A comprehensive catalogue of the coins and how their numbers came about. 2023. Hardbound. 916 pp., including appendices, drawings, maps, charts, and other illustrations; over 981 cataloged coins illustrated and more than 6,000 individually dated coins listed (GR, RR). (GR366)
DCA2 is a substantially complete and revised catalog of dated coins before the lifetime of Jesus Christ. Where a coin series such as the biblical shekels of Tyre crosses the millennium divide of 1 BC / 1 AD, the catalog continues to its last dated coin in the AD era. The coins of antiquity used various kinds of numbers and more than 50 calendar systems for dating that have no familiarity to most modern readers. Their calendars and notations for numbers varied among cities and even over time in the same city. For each dated coin, DCA2 reproduces the date as written accompanied by its BC or AD equivalent. DCA2 also cross-references each coin to other standard catalogs, including DCA, when previously published or when auctioned in the market-place.
DCA2 is a major expansion from the first release, DCA, and requires a two-volume set. Volume 1 consists of dated coins from Europe, Northern and Central Asia including the Seleukid Kings and Queens, Syrian Cities, Parthian Kings and Queen, kingdoms such Characene and Elymais under Persian Influence, Anatolia and Armenia. Volume 2 has the dated coins for Phoenicia, Mediterranean Islands, Southern Levant, Nabataea, Africa including the Ptolemaic Kingdom, monthly dated coins and exhaustive finder Appendices. At least one enlarged color photo accompanies nearly all coin types. DCA2 assigns new catalogue numbers to each type coin. Adjacent to each DCA2 number is the corresponding catalog number in the first release when appropriate.
Starting with the first dated coin by Zankle Sicily in 494/493 BC, DCA2 lists all coins displaying annual or monthly dates expressed in numerals or words. More than 100 issuing states or authorities are represented. The catalog describes nearly 1200 type coins struck in gold, silver and bronze, exceeding 10,000 different dated coins. DCA2 reports hundreds of dated coins and their sources that appear in no other catalog.
Several areas are especially noteworthy. A new denomination has been added to the first dated coins from Zankle. The Phoenician cities under Persian rule – including Arados, Marathos, Gabala, Sidon, and Tyre – show dozens of unreported dates, denominations and designs. The Tyre section for the Melkart shekels, half shekels and quarter shekels includes more than 15 unreported dates and overdates with photos that were not published in DCA or in the 2017 DCA-Tyre supplement. The rarity of individual dates for these shekels of Tyre is given. Guidelines also help the reader to distinguish the many similar coins of the Egyptian Ptolemaic Empire. For Nabataea, the listing has doubled in size.
The handbook of Greek CoinaGe SerieS by
Oliver D. Hoover
More than three decades have passed since David Sear published Greek Coins & Their Values, his revision of Gilbert Askew’s A Catalogue of Greek Coins published by B. A. Seaby in 1951. Since then, the field of ancient numismatics and the hobby of collecting ancient coins have changed so much that now Greek Coins & Their Values would require a complete revision to include all of the most current numismatic information available, list the many new types and varieties unknown to Sear, and determine an approximate sense of rarity for all of these issues. In order to encompass this new material and create a viable reference for the beginning and specialized collector, such a handbook would have to be more than the two volumes which Sear found necessary. As a result, Classical Numismatic Group is publishing The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series, written by Oliver D. Hoover, in a series of 13 volumes, each covering a specified area of Greek coinage with the first being The Handbook of Syrian Coins: Royal and Civic Issues, Fourth to First Centuries BC (Volume 9 in the series). This series is designed to aid the user in the quick, accurate, and relatively painless identification of Greek coins, while providing a cross-reference for each entry to a major work, which will allow the inquirer to pursue more in-depth research on the subject. The subject-matter of each volume is arranged chronologically for royal issues, and regionally for the civic issues; within each region, cities are listed directionally, depending on the region. For those rulers or cities that issued coins concurrently in all three metals, these issues will be arranged in the catalog with gold first, followed by silver, and then bronze; each metal is arranged by denomination, largest to smallest. Known mints for the royal coinage are listed below the appropriate type, making an easy search for a specific mint. Each entry will include a rarity rating based on the frequency with which they appear in publications, public and private collections, the market, and/or are estimated to exist in public or private hands. No valuations are listed, since such values are generally out of date by the time of publication. An online valuation guide will allow interested individuals the opportunity to gauge the market, and reduce the need for repeated updates of this series. Whether one purchases the entire set for their reference library, or the individual volume pertaining to one’s area of specialization, The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series should provide a useful staging-point from which collectors and interested scholars can pursue their research and interests.
Hoover, Oliver D. Handbook of Coins of Macedon and Its Neighbors. Part I: Macedon, Illyria, and Epeiros, Sixth to First Centuries BC [The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series, Volume 3]. 2016. lxxviii and 431 numbered pp. Hardbound. (GR332) $65
Hoover, Oliver D. Handbook of of Coins of Northern and Central Greece: Achaia Phthiotis, Ainis, Magnesia, Malis, Oita, Perrhaibia, Thessaly, Akarnania, Aitolia, Lokris, Phokis, Boiotia, Euboia, Attica, Megaris, and Corinthia. [The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series, Volume 4]. 2014. lxxvii + 563 numbered pages (GR333) $65
Hoover, Oliver D. handbook of CoinS of bakTria and anCienT india Including Sogdiana, Margiana, Areia, and the Indo-Greek, Indo-Skythian, and Native Indian States South of the Hindu Kush. Fifth Century BC to First Century AD. [The Handbook of Greek Coinage Series, Volume 12]. 2013. lxxxiv + 389 numbered pages. (GR341) $65
Please see our website for additional volumes.
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