CNG Triton XXVII

TRITON XXVII In Conjunction with the 52nd Annual New York International

January 9-10, 2024

TRITON XXVII

In Conjunction with the 52nd Annual New York International Numismatic Convention

January 9–10, 2024

Barclay Salon, Lobby Level InterContinental New York Barclay, 111 East 48th Street, New York Featuring: Outstanding Greek Coins from the Columbus and Father & Son Collections Six Dekadrachms of Syracuse A Significant Offering of Siculo-Punic Coinage A Gold Stater of Pharaoh Nektanebo II from the Adda Collection Greek and Roman Coins from the Wayne Scheible Collection Four High Grade Vima Kadphises Double Dinars Selections from the Beniak Collection of Alexandrian Coinage Published Fourrée EID MAR Denarius Romano-British Coins from the Malcolm Lyne Collection A Very Rare Gold Histamenon of Michael VI Stratioticus Renaissance Coins & Medals from the J. Eric Engstrom Collection The Valois Collection of French Gold Portrait and Zodiac types of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir Rarities of British India from the Robert Puddester Collection Anglo-Saxon Coins from the Causeway Collection

Classical Numismatic Group, LLC US OFFICE

UK OFFICE

PO Box 479, Lancaster, PA 17608-0479 Phone (717) 390.9194 Fax (717) 390.9978

20 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QA, UK Phone +44.20.7495.1888 Fax +44.20.7499.5916

EU OFFICE

EMAIL & WEBSITE

Noordeinde 64a, 2514GK, The Hague, NL Phone +31.851.301.541

Email cng@cngcoins.com Website www.cngcoins.com

Pennsylvania License Number AY002406

Grading Conditions English

Proof Mint State/Uncirculated Extremely Fine (EF) Very Fine (VF) Fine Good/Fair

Deutsch

Polierte Platte Stempelglanz Vorzüglich Sehr Schön Schön Gut

Common Abbreviations AD Æ AE AH AR AV BBS BC BCE

BE BI CE Cf. c/m CY EL FPL g

Anno Domini Bronze Actian Era Anno Hegirae Silver Gold Buy or Bid Sale Before Christ Before the Common Era

Français

Flan Bruni Fleur de Coin Superbe Très Beau Beau Bien

IY MBS mm PB p. pl.

RPE RY SE

Bithynio-Pontic Era Billon Common Era Confer (compare) Countermark Civic Year (Era) Electrum Fixed Price List Gram

Italiano

Fondo Specchio Fior di Conio Splendido Bellissimo Molto Bello Bello

Indictional Year Mail Bid Sale Mintmark Lead Page Plate Roman Provincial Era Regnal Year Seleukid Era

See Bibliography on our website, www.cngcoins.com, for a complete list of reference abbreviations.

Bank Accounts Beneficiary: Classical Numismatic Group, LLC US$ Account:

€ Account:

PNC Bank, N.A. 249 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15222 Account Number: 5005069595 ABA Number: 031000053 BIC or SWIFT: PNCCUS33

£ Account:

HSBC Bank plc 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TR Account Number: 84309198 Sort code: 40 12 76 IBAN: GB82HBUK40127684309198

HSBC Bank plc 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TR Account Number: 71170910 Sort code: 40 11 60 IBAN: GB45HBUK40116071170910

BIC or SWIFT: HBUKGB4B BIC or SWIFT: HBUKGB4B

Classical Numismatic Group, LLC is a United States limited company. Auction license number AY002406.

United Kingdom Registration No. FC035702, Branch No. BR020787.

All lots in this auction were in the possession of CNG in CNG’s Lancaster, Pennsylvania office no later than 17 November 2023. This information is provided for the protection of buyers in the event that US import restrictions are introduced subsequent to that date on any of the types of coins that are included in this auction.

Notice Regarding “Slabs”

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”).

Acknowledgement CNG would like to thank Jan Moens (jan.moens@bvdmc.com) for creating and providing the Numismatica Medievalis font used in this sale.

AUCTION TERMS This is a public and Internet auction conducted by Classical Numismatic Group, LLC (CNG). Bidding in the auction constitutes acceptance of the following terms: 1. The property listed in this catalogue is offered for sale by CNG for itself and as agent for various owners and other consignors. We reserve the right to reject any bid, to determine the opening price, to set bidding increments, to vary the order of the auction, to reopen bidding in the case of a dispute, to withdraw any lot, to bid on behalf of CNG, to bid on behalf of the consignor, to permit the auctioneer to bid on his own behalf, and to permit the consignor, where reserves have been agreed, to bid on his own lots. CNG may loan or advance money to consignors or prospective bidders, and may have an interest other than commission charges in any lot. CNG may bid on its own account as an “insider” with information not available to the public.

2. A buyer’s fee will be charged to all successful bidders as follows on the hammer price: A. 25% for written, fax, email, and telephone bids.

B. 22.5% for floor bids placed in person at the auction and electronic bids placed directly on www.cngcoins.com. All written bids, email bids, nonlive telephone bids, live internet bid registrations, and live telephone bid registrations must be received before 5PM Eastern time on the day before the auction begins. CNG reserves the right to change the format of www. cngcoins.com at any time.

3. All coins are guaranteed genuine. Attribution, date, condition, and other descriptions are the opinion of the cataloguer, and no warranty is expressed or implied. Please note that an auction sale is not an approval sale. Grading is subjective and the opinion of the cataloger.

The photographs and videos (when available) of each coin provide additional information for the bidder and supplement the written description found in the catalog. It is the responsibility of the bidder to view photographs and videos and draw their own conclusion as to the quality of the coin they are bidding on. CNG expressly makes no guarantee that our grade and coin descriptions will match those provided by others. No refund will be provided due to grade or “adjectival” comments by a third-party grading service if a coin is submitted for grading after the sale. Any claim of lack of authenticity must be made in writing by the original purchaser immediately after discovery that an item is not authentic, and upon making such a claim the original purchaser must immediately return the lot to CNG in the same condition as at the time of the auction. Any coin returned as “not authentic” which CNG feels is genuine will be submitted to the International Association of Professional Numismatists Authentication Bureau (IBSCC) for final decision of authenticity. No refund shall be made on such coins until the IBSCC makes their determination.

This includes coins that have been submitted to a third-party grading service after the auction. Coins that have been previously 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”). If payment is made by credit card, rights of return are governed by these Auction Terms which supersede any rights of return promulgated by the card issuer. Estimates are intended as a guide only and not as a statement of opinion of value.

4. Invoices are due and payable immediately upon receipt. Interest and late fees of 2.0% per month, or at the highest rate permitted by law, whichever is less, from the date of the auction, shall be payable on invoices not settled within 30 days of the auction date. Payment may be made by check or bank wire. Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) will be accepted; credit card payments will not be accepted more than 14 days after the sale date. Payment by credit card for printed sale auctions will be charged a 2.5% handling fee. Payment by check must be made in either US dollars ($) drawn on a US bank or British sterling (£) drawn on a British bank. All successful bidders outside North America and the United Kingdom will be charged an additional $20 fee for bank charges that are the result of international wire transfer fees; this fee will be deducted for credit card or check payment as described above. CNG may reduce or compromise any charge or fee at its discretion.

5. Bidders not known to us must provide us with satisfactory credit references or pay a deposit as determined at CNG’s discretion before bidding. Minors are not permitted to bid without written consent of a parent guaranteeing payment. CNG may require payment in full from any bidder prior to delivery of lots. Title does not pass until lots are paid in full. Upon receipt of lots, the buyer assumes full responsibility for loss or damage. Delivery to the buyer’s address of record shall constitute receipt by the buyer regardless of the identity of the person accepting delivery.

6. Estimates are in U.S. dollars ($US) and bids must be in even dollar ($) amounts. CNG will execute mail bids on behalf of mail bidders.

Subject to reserves and opening prices, mail bids will be executed at one bidding increment (approximately 10%) over the next highest bid. In the case of identical bids, the earliest bid wins. A mail bid has priority over an identical floor bid. Bid by lot number. No lots will be broken. Bidders are responsible for errors in bidding. Check your bid sheet carefully.

7. All lots are subject to reserve unless otherwise indicated.

8. Bidders personally guarantee payment for their successful bids, including bidders executing commission bids from other parties and bidders representing corporations or other entities. Buyers accepting commission bids from other parties do so at their own risk and remain responsible for payment under these Auction Terms.

9. At the conclusion of bidding for each lot, the sale contract is concluded and the successful bidder becomes liable for immediate payment under these Auction Terms. In the event a successful bidder fails to make full payment within 30 days of the auction date, CNG reserves the right either: (a) to require payment as provided under these Auction Terms; or (b) to deem the sale incomplete and to re-auction the material, in which case the successful bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable cost of such a sale and also to pay any shortfall between the re-auction price and the successful bidder’s purchase price. CNG reserves all rights that it is entitled to under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code, including the right to offset any sums due from a successful bidder against any future consignment or purchase or monies or goods in possession of CNG. 10. 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.

11. Prices realized are published after the sale and are mailed with CNG’s next publication. Prices realized are also posted after the sale on CNG’s web site: www.cngcoins.com 12. Bidders hereby waive any claim for incidental, consequential or exemplary damages arising from this auction. The sole remedy that any participant in the auction shall have for any claim or controversy arising out of the auction shall be a refund, without interest, of all or part of the purchase price paid by the participant.

13. All rights granted by CNG or otherwise available to bidders and purchasers, under these Auction Terms or otherwise, are personal and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, whether by operation of law or otherwise. No third party may rely on any benefit or right conferred by these Auction Terms. Bidders acting as agents must disclose the agency in writing to CNG prior to the auction; otherwise rights are limited to the agent and are not transferable to the undisclosed principal.

14. Any dispute regarding this auction shall be governed by the laws of Pennsylvania and shall be adjudicated only by the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas or the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; all bidders submit themselves to the personal jurisdiction of these courts for this purpose, consent to service of process by registered or certified mail, and waive any contrary provisions of Articles 14 or 15 of the French Civil Code and any similar provisions in any jurisdiction. All bidders consent to the confidentiality of consignors’ identities and waive any right to require disclosure of the name of the consignor or owner of any auction lot, whether such right is based on New York GOL §5-701(a) or any other provision in any jurisdiction. In any dispute regarding this auction, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and attorney fees.

Meet the Team

Mike Gasvoda

Victor England

Eric McFadden

Dave Michaels

Bill Dalzell

Lance Hickman

David Guest

Paul Hill

Max Tursi

Bradley R. Nelson

D. Scott VanHorn

Caroline Holmes

Jeffrey B. Rill

Tom Mullally

Steve Lloyd

Julian Okun-Dubitsky

Managing Director Lancaster Office

Managing Numismatist Cataloging Staff Lancaster Office

Director, EU EU Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Consulting Director Lancaster Office

Managing Numismatist Consignment Staff Lancaster Office

Senior Numismatist Lancaster Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Consulting Director London Office

Director, London London Office

Senior Numismatist Lancaster Office

Numismatist Islamic Specialist London Office

Director Shows & Consignments Lancaster Office

Director, London London Office

Numismatist London Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Meet the Team

Daniel Burch

Bryan Kohn

Kan Liu (Vera)

Katie Vint

Steve Pruzinsky

Travis Markel

Christian Ventura

David James III

Dylan Ossman

Veronica Morris

Sharon Pruzinsky

Kate Rill

Julia Motter

Jennifer Ventura

Dawn Ahlgren

Lynn Gasvoda

Robert A. Trimble

Jeffrey B. Rill

Brian Callahan

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Chief Financial Officer Lancaster Office

Office Manager Lancaster Office

Shipping Lancaster Office

Numismatist Lancaster Office

Manager IT & Production Lancaster Office

Office Manager London Office

Shipping Lancaster Office

Consignments and Marketing Lancaster Office

Photographer Lancaster Office

Accounting Lancaster Office

Shipping Lancaster Office

Numismatic Intern Lancaster Office

Photographer Lancaster Office

Customer Relations Manager Lancaster Office

Administrative Assistant Lancaster Office

Additional Support A.J. Gatlin IT Consultant

Printing Control

Auctioneer PA License No. AU006206

Auctioneer PA License No. AU005870

Participate in Triton 27 using CNG’s Bidding Portal

With the CNG Bidding Portal, you can: • Log on and bid at any time at auctions.cngcoins.com • View the lots, follow the bidding, and see hammer prices as they are sold • Hear and see the auctioneer live • Enjoy all the advantages of an auction room bidder to win your favorite lots To bid live in this Feature auction: • Visit our new Bidding Portal before the auction at auctions.cngcoins.com • Register online with your email address and a password • Once approved, you may place pre-bids up until the moment the lot opens in the auction room • On the auction day, login to join the auction and participate live Please Note • If you have not already registered for our bidding platform, you must create a new registration at auctions.cngcoins.com/register. Your old cngcoins.com handle and password will not allow you to log on or bid.

• You must register to bid before 5PM EST on Monday, January 8, 2024 • All lots won through the CNG Bidding Portal will be subject to a 22.5% buyer’s fee

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Lot Viewing Lancaster, PA

Auction lots may be viewed at our Lancaster Office from December 1, 2023 until January 4, 2024, by appointment only.

Lancaster Office Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM (Monday - Friday).

Please note that our hours will be limited during the holiday season.

New York City

InterContinental New York Barclay Morgan Suite, Mezzanine Level Sunday, January 7, 2024 - 1 PM until 7 PM Monday, January 8, 2024 - 9 AM until 7 PM Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 8 AM until 6 PM Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 8 AM until Noon

Online Viewing Enlargements of all single lots and selected multiple lots may be viewed on the internet at

CNGCOINS.COM SIXBID.COM NumisBids.com We are sorry, but photographs of individual coins in multiple lots cannot be provided.

Auction Location New York City - InterContinental New York Barclay Barclay Salon (Lobby Level)

Lot Pickup New York City - InterContinental New York Barclay The Gallery (Mezzanine Level) Friday, January 12, 2024 - 10 AM until 6 PM Saturday, January 13, 2024 - 10 AM until 6 PM

7

ORDER OF SALE Session One – Tuesday Morning – January 9 – 9:00 AM Celtic Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Greek Coinage (part 1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-337

Session Two – Tuesday Afternoon – January 9 – 2:00 PM Greek Coinage (part 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338-387 Oriental Greek Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388-412 Central Asian Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413-455 Roman Provincial Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456-524 The Beniak Collection of Alexandrian Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-560 Roman Republican Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561-647

Session Three – Wednesday Morning – January 10 – 9:00 AM Roman Imperial Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 648-938

Byzantine Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 939-971

Early Medieval Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 972-978 Islamic Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-983

Session Four – Wednesday Afternoon – January 10 – 2:00 PM The J. Eric Engstrom Collection: Italy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 984-1091

World Coinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1092-1205

World Medals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1206-1211

British Coinage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1212-1328

British Medals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1329 Large Lots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1341

8

Wayne Scheible It is not unusual for someone in our small coin community to touch a great many lives.

Authors, dealers and instructors often do this to the great benefit of the hobby. What is unusual is for a collector to reach so many as Wayne Scheible has done. Wayne was an active member of both the Tucson, AZ and Rochester, NY coin clubs. At each meeting he was almost assuredly going to pull something out of his pocket for “show and tell” that would leave fellow club members in awe. One day, it might be a very rare Sulla aureus (as found in this auction). The next meeting it might be a high grade proof 1895 Morgan dollar. His collecting interests were broad and his desire to share was limitless. I know this because I sat next to Wayne for 13 years at almost every Tucson coin club meeting through the winter months when we were both “snowbirds” in Oro Valley Arizona.

Wayne’s reach did not end with coin club meetings. He was a frequent contributor holding a table at local coin shows and he often attended national shows in search of his next great show and tell treasure. But even more than that, Wayne’s company, Flower City Printing, was for many years the printer for all of Harlan J Berk’s Buy or Bid lists. If you bought a coin from “HJB” over a period of about 25 years, odds were you bought it from a list produced by Wayne and his company. He touched a lot of coin collectors whether they knew it or not.

Wayne was much more than a coin collector, however. He was trained in the Bob Ross school of painting and was both an artist and a teacher of the art. He produced many portrait paintings beyond the techniques taught by Bob Ross. And if it had wheels, Wayne was found testing out the maximum speed the device could achieve. His love of bicycling, racing, and fast cars was always an eventual part of the conversation. He competed many times in various Tucson bicycling road races, often of great length. This racing love also extended to his children.

I had many opportunities to spend time with Wayne, his wife Pat, and his children. We lived in sight of each others homes and routinely met between them for lunch. We always talked coins but our conversations generally drifted off into an endless number of subjects. A favorite was deer hunting as his career doing such had come to an end while my own children and grandchildren were just getting started. We even had a wonderful venison dinner one night at Wayne’s house with the meat provided by some acquaintance of his back in Rochester. Wayne prepared the venison himself. Such were the widespread interests of this wonderful man.

We are honored to offer the first part of Wayne’s ancient coin collection here. Further selections will be found in succeeding electronic auctions. His focus with ancients was almost exclusively with Roman coinage. Many of these coins have provenances dating back many years as the wonderful cabinet toning will attest. One aspect of Wayne’s interest should be noted; he was fascinated with the Venus Victrix reverse type and he collected many examples with this reverse, often getting multiples of the same coin. See the Vibius Varus aureus offered herein. Wayne had three examples of this scarce type!

I will close by saying I knew Wayne well and considered him a dear friend. But reflecting on his life, I realized something his son said to me. “Wayne touched a lot of people’s lives.” And indeed he did. He will be missed by many.

Mike Gasvoda

9

The Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection of Romano-British Coins Dr. Malcolm Asterley Barkley Lyne, archaeologist, historian and numismatist, is a renowned authority on the Iron Age and Roman pottery of Southern England and Northern France. Throughout his extensive archaeological career he has authored nine books, contributed approximately 220 articles to various scholarly journals and publications, and has lectured widely both within the UK and internationally.

His interest in Romano-British numismatics initially began in 1965 when, during a visit to an antique shop in Littlehampton, West Sussex, he purchased a small group of Roman coins. The group included dupondii of Antoninus Pius and Faustina Junior, and coins of Gallienus and Numerian, but among them was a single follis of Maximinus II Daia with the PLN mintmark. The discovery of this coin in particular sparked a life-long fascination with the Romano-British coinages of Carausius and Allectus, and the Tetrarchic issues of the London mint.

Malcom Lyne worked in Bond Street in London from 1967 until 1988, and throughout this time was also absorbed by archaeology in an amateur capacity. From 1989 until 1993, he undertook his PhD thesis Late Roman Handmade Wares in South-East Britain, and has worked as a freelance archaeologist ever since. He has developed a significant reputation for his knowledge of the Iron Age and Roman pottery of Southern England and the Isle of Wight (“Vectis ware”), becoming a leading specialist on the Alice Holt Romano-British pottery industry, and it was for his organisation on this that he was presented with the Chronicle Award for 1978 by The Prince of Wales.

He has also made several television appearances in his professional capacity as archaeologist, including the long-running ‘Time Team’ series. Malcolm has travelled extensively during his career to undertake archaeological and historical research, particularly throughout Turkey and the Middle East. Another of his historical interests is Roman military equipment, and he has both attended and contributed to a number of international conferences relating to this field.

During his years working in London, Malcolm pursued his interest in numismatics keenly, regularly visiting Spink & Son, A.H. Baldwin & Sons, as well as bidding in the various auctions that were held throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s and beyond. His collecting interest has continued alongside his archaeological career and, over the course of fifty-five years, he has put together a substantial collection of Romano-British coins. His collection contains a number of great rarities and unpublished coins, and is particularly notable for its inclusion of high-quality silver denarii of Carausius. He has been consulted on a regular basis by museums, collectors and dealers for his opinion regarding Iron Age and Roman pottery, as well as Romano-British numismatics. Having worked closely with Dr. Sam Moorhead at the British Museum for a number of years, his coin collection has helped to form an important basis for the forthcoming Roman Imperial Coinage volume on the coinages of Carausius and Allectus, the references from which we are grateful to Dr. Moorhead for allowing us to use in this catalogue.

Malcolm is not only a specialist collector of Romano-British coins, but also a long-time friend. His enthusiasm for history, archaeology, and numismatics is infectious, and every occasion with him, with his instinctive and kind generosity of knowledge, ensures lively conversation with a true specialist in his field. With this first offering from the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, we hope that those collectors who are fortunate enough to acquire coins with this pedigree will find an equal sense of enjoyment and fascination through them, and will appreciate the unique opportunity that his collection presents to secure a piece of a lifetime’s work.

Since this catalogue was prepared we have learnt that Dr. Malcolm Lyne has very sadly passed away. Having been ill for some time, he nevertheless took great enjoyment over the last few months in helping to both select and advise on his coins offered in this sale. He will be greatly missed and although it is with regret that he will not be here to see the final printed catalogue, we hope that this first offering of his collection will be the beginning of a fitting tribute to him.

10

The J. Eric Engstrom Collection of Renaissance Coins & Medals J. Eric Engstrom is an attorney from Wichita, Kansas. Graduating from the University of Chicago Law School, he began his practice in New York City with Dewey Ballantine and then returned to his hometown after military service. Collecting coins for over 73 years, he started with a bag of coins an uncle brought back from World War II. Since then, he has formed extensive collections of Ancient, World and British coins, medals and paper money.

While still an undergraduate at Dartmouth College, Engstrom authored the book, Coins in Shakespeare, a Numismatic Guide, with the help of Doran Jones. At Balliol College, University of Oxford, he studied at the Heberden Coin Room, Ashmolean Museum under Dr. Colin Kraay and other members of that remarkable staff. While serving as an Army Captain in Vietnam he finished work on his second book, The Medallic Portraits of Sir Winston Churchill.

In 1975, he was appointed by President Ford to the United States Assay Commission for that year. He co-chaired the committee designing the Kansas Statehood Commemorative Quarter. In addition to his two published books on numismatics, he has written articles and reviews for several publications. He is a Life Fellow of the American Numismatic Society, a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society, and has been a member of the American Numismatic Association for over 64 years. Eric has donated his definitive numismatic collections of William Shakespeare and Sir Winston Churchill portrait and related medals, plaques, coins, and tokens to the Ashmolean.

Eric’s interest in Renaissance coinage goes back to his earliest days of collecting. His first purchase in this series being a sixteenth century silver Giulio from Parma, purchased from B. Max Mehl for $2 in 1952. Perusing the offerings in auction catalogues and visits to museums, especially the wonderful collection of portrait testone from the Samuel H. Kress collection on display in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C, transformed this interest into a passion. It became an early goal to collect examples of as many of the portrait coins featured in the plates of Graham Pollard’s catalog of the Kress collection as possible, a feat he very nearly achieved. Eric became particularly intrigued by the beautiful coins and medals made by Benvenuto Cellini, so much so he collected die varieties of some of the most celebrated types. A personal favourite is the spectacular testone of Alessandro de Medici which Eric admires ‘for its pure artistry and connection with fascinating historical figures. Cellini claimed it as his masterpiece in his autobiography.’

The J. Eric Engstrom collection comprises of some 1000 Renaissance coins and a further 300 medals making it one of the largest of its kind in the United States. In addition to extensive series of Papal, Neapolitan, Florentine, Milanese, and Venetian coins and medals the spread of the Renaissance north of the Alps is represented in selections of French, Spanish, German, English and Scottish coins. The extraordinary personalities and remarkable artistry of the age abound on the coins and medals in the collection. Select highlights from the collection are offered in Triton XXVII. Further selections will be sold in CNG E-sales throughout 2024.

Dr. Lionel Tenby Dr. Lionel Tenby was born in London on April 11, 1932. During the war years, his family was evacuated to Blackpool. After the war they returned to London, where he graduated from Dulwich College as a Prefect in 1950. By the 1940s he had already begun his lifelong interests in travel, numismatics, and the world of ancient Rome.

Dr. Tenby graduated from the University of London’s Westminster Hospital Medical School in 1955, and immediately emigrated to Canada, interning at London, Ontario, St. Joseph’s Hospital and enlisting in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as a Medical Officer with the rank of Captain. Although he practiced as a medical doctor in family practice for nearly 60 years, retiring in 2014 at age 82, ancient coin collecting was a major centerpiece of his life. In 1957, he regrettably sold most of his ancient coin collection when he emigrated to Canada. But he reignited his ancient coin collecting passion in the mid 1970s, and was an avid ancient coin collector until his final days, and never again sold a single coin from his collection during his past 50 years in the hobby.

With a distinguished eye for seeking the best quality portraits, he was particularly interested in coins with an ancient Judaea connection, and also Roman coins featuring women. Having lived a life to the fullest, filled with many cherished times with family and dear friends, Dr. Tenby passed away at age 90 on December 22, 2022. He will be dearly remembered by his coin collecting friends of decades in Canada, as well as his extended family in Canada, the US, and the UK. The majority of Dr. Tenby’s collection will appear in upcoming Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auctions at www.cngcoins.com.

11

Session 1 – Tuesday, January 9, 2024 — 9 AM

CELTIC COINAGE

1.

CENTRAL EUROPE, Helvetii. 2nd century BC. Pale AV Stater (22mm, 7.14 g, 1h). Imitating Philip II of Macedon type. Celticized head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Charioteer driving devolved biga left; two parallel lines below.

D.F. Allen, “The Philippus in Switzerland and the Rhineland” in SNR 53 (1974), 4d, pl. 11, 67–8; Basel –; Flesche –; HMZ 1-8; KMH –; Muret & Chabouillet 8912; Zürich –. Typical weak strike, minor edge splits. VF. Very rare. ($1000) Ex Sincona 70 (19 May 2021), lot 3001.

GREEK COINAGE Ex Collignon Collection – Pedigreed to 1919

2.

CAMPANIA, Neapolis. Circa 275-250 BC. AR Nomos (20.5mm, 7.27 g, 9h). Head of nymph left, hair restrained in band, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; cornucopia behind neck / Man-headed bull standing right, head facing; above, Nike flying right, crowing bull with open laurel wreath held in her extended right hand; 5% below; @Eoπo¬5tW[@] in exergue. Sambon 522; HN Italy 586; SNG ANS 411 (same dies); SNG BN 856–7; BMC 113. Old cabinet tone, with some iridescence. Good VF. Well centered. ($2000) Ex Kirk Davis FPL 77 (2021), no. 2; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 53; Maxime Collignon Collection (Feuardent, 17 December 1919), lot 12.

Ex Moretti, Vlasto, and Marquis Ginori Collections – Pedigreed to 1920

3.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 465-455 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 8.14 g, 9h). Phalanthos, nude, arms extended and holding wreath with both hands, riding dolphin right; ˜ÅrÅt to upper left, shell below / Hippocamp right; crab below.

Fischer-Bossert Group 7, 117a (V62/R79) = Vlasto 131 = Vlasto, Taras 15 (this coin); HN Italy 827; SNG ANS 839; SNG Ashmolean 209 = SNG Lockett 126; SNG Copenhagen 777; SNG Lloyd 119 = Bement 70; McClean 537 = Warren 19 (all from the same dies). Attractive old collection tone with a hint of iridescence, slightly off center, a touch of roughness. Good VF. Fine style. ($2000) Ex Gemini II (10 January 2006), lot 6; A.D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica N, 26 June 2003), lot 1029; Michael Pandely Vlasto Collection; Marquis Ginori Collection; 1920 Calabria Hoard (IGCH 1886).

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Ex Maly, Jameson, and Evans Collections – Pedigreed to 1889

4.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 430-425 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.91 g, 11h). Phalanthos, nude, holding akrostolion in his right hand and supporting himself with his left, riding dolphin left; [˜]-W˜5-[t]-[˜]ÅrÅt above; below, crawfish left / Taras as Oikistes, his torso bare, wearing himation from his waist, seated left on stool, holding bird by both wings in his right hand and resting his left arm on the back of the chair; to left, dog leaping upward at the bird. Fischer-Bossert Group 17, 261d (V117/R184) = Vlasto, Taras, Type 38, i = Jameson 102 = A. J. Evans, “The ‘Horsemen’ of Tarentum” in NC 1889, pl. 12, 1 (this coin); Vlasto 221 (same dies); HN Italy 844; SNG ANS 856 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 236 (same dies); BMC 81 (same dies). Cabinet tone, a few old scratches under tone. VF. Splendid classical style. ($2000) Ex Dr. Roland Maly Collection (LHS 100, 23 April 2007), lot 34; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection.

Ex Maly, Gillet, Vlasto, and Seltman Collections

5.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 400-390 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.81 g, 11h). Nude youth, holding rein in right hand and shield on left arm, dismounting from horse rearing left; s to lower left / Phalanthos, nude, holding coiled serpent in extended right hand, shield on left arm, riding dolphin left; E to left, tÅrÅs below. Fischer-Bossert Group 24, 329e (V149/ R256) = Gillet 73 = Vlasto 301 (this coin); HN Italy 849; SNG Ashmolean 245 = Nanteuil 87 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, minor doubling on reverse, obverse scrapes, minor mark on edge. Good VF. Lovely style. ($1500) Ex Dr. Roland Maly Collection (LHS 100, 23 April 2007), lot 45; Charles Gillet Collection; Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; Charles Seltman Collection.

6.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 340-335 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.63 g, 5h). Nude youth on horse standing right, holding rein in left hand, raising right hand to crown horse with wreath; f to right; below, nude youth crouching right, removing stone from horse’s hoof / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand and trident and shield in left, riding dolphin left; tÅr-Ås to right, E and waves below. Fischer-Bossert Group 50, 697 (V262/R544); Vlasto 515 (same dies); HN Italy 818; SNG Lockett 176 (same obv. die); Gillet 32 (same obv. die); Jameson 141 (same obv. die); McClean 590 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, indications of undertype, irregular edge. Good VF. ($1000)

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Pyrrhos Emulates Alexander the Great

7.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 281-276 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.55 g, 12h). Youthful head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Taras(?), holding reins in right hand, trident in left, driving fast biga right; star above; below horses, ˚¬˙ above dolphin downward. Fischer-Bossert G20 (V17/R20); Vlasto, Or Type O 1 [a]; Vlasto 18 (same dies); HN Italy 955; Hirsch 85 (same dies); McClean 600 (same dies). Lustrous. Superb EF. Well centered and struck. ($50,000) From the Columbus Collection. Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 16.

There is a divergence of opinion concerning the dating of this attractive gold issue of Tarentum, which displays a youthful head of Herakles resembling the Macedonian issues of Alexander III the Great and a reverse depicting a nude male youth holding a trident, probably Taras / Phalanthos, driving a biga. The lack of a civic ethnic and the control letters ˚¬˙ on the reverse led N. K. Rutter, in Historia Nummorum Italy, and Oliver Hoover in Handbook of Greek Coins Vol. I, to place their minting during the expedition of the Spartan commander Kleonymos, who crossed to Italy at Tarentum’s invitation circa 302 BC, to pay his large mercenary army. Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert, citing the support of S. Garraffo and G.K. Jenkins, places the issue during the more famous Italian expedition of Pyrrhos of Epiros, circa 281-276 BC. The type’s great rarity means there is little in the way of hoard evidence to support either side. However, their similarity to Pyrrhic bronze issues in Sicily and Pyrrhos’s strong desire to emulate Alexander the Great argue for the latter dating, in which case the ˚¬˙ refers to a magistrate rather than to Kleonymos.

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Pedigreed to 1960

8.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. temp. Pyrrhos of Epeiros. Circa 276-272 BC. AV Quarter Stater – Triobol (11mm, 2.15 g, 4h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; 1 to left / Eagle standing right, wings spread, on thunderbolt; tÅrÅ@ [t5@W@] up left field; to right, [f5(?) above two stars] above two amphoras; @5˚År in exergue. Fischer-Bossert G58c (V49/ R58 – this coin); Vlasto 57 (same dies); HN Italy 986; SNG Copenhagen 837 (same dies); Berlin 28 (same dies). Minor marks, double struck on reverse. VF. ($2000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 207 (15 October 2012), lot 15; Hess-Leu [22] (4 April 1963), lot 14; Leu FPL [1] (ND [1960]), no. 4.

This gold issue from Tarentum was struck during the time of Pyrrhos of Epeiros’s campaigns in Italy. In the early 3rd Century BC, the Tarentines were at war with the Romans. To defeat their superior enemies, they decided that they needed the help of a powerful ally (Pausanias 1.12.1). So they sought the help of Pyrrhos, who crossed the Adriatic Sea in 280 BC. According to Pausanias, his reasons for joining the war were threefold. For one, the Tarentines had assisted him in his war with Korkyra, sending their fleet to augment Pyrrhos’ forces. Secondly, Pyrrhos was enticed by the assertion of the Tarentine envoys that the land of Italy was prosperous and bountiful. The final, and perhaps most important, reason was that Pyrrhos “remembered the capture of Troy, which he took to be an omen of his success in the war, as he was a descendant of Achilles making war upon a colony of Trojans” (Pausanias 1.12.1).

Plutarch relates a wonderful anecdote that as Pyrrhos was deciding whether or not to help the Tarentines, he was counseled by his advisor Kineas (Plutarch, Pyrrhus, 14.2-7). Kineas asked his ruler what they should do if they succeed in conquering the Romans, and Pyrrhos replied that they would then conquer all of Italy. When asked by Kineas, “What then?”, Pyrrhos replied that he would then move on to capture Sicily.

The conversation proceeded in this way, until Pyrrhos said that they would eventually conquer the entire world. Kineas then asked what they should do once all of their foes were vanquished, to which Pyrrhos said, “We shall be much at ease, and we’ll drink bumpers, my good man, every day, and we’ll gladden one another’s hearts with confidential talks” (14.6). Finally Kineas’s point became clear when he said, “Then what stands in our way now if we want to drink bumpers and while away the time with one another? Surely this privilege is ours already, and we have at hand, without taking any trouble, those things to which we hope to attain by bloodshed and great toils and perils, after doing much harm to others and suffering much ourselves” (14.7). Though this logic made him uneasy, Pyrrhos continued with his expedition to Italy.

Though Pyrrhos was successful in his battles against Rome, the losses he sustained diminished his forces to the extent that he could not capitalize on his victories, so he was eventually forced to retreat back to Greece. This situation of tactical victory at a crippling cost is to what the expression “Pyrrhic victory” refers. Appropriately, after his victory over Rome at the battle of Asculum in 279 BC, Pyrrhos remarked, “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined” (Plutarch, Pyrrhus, 21.9).

9.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 6.60 g, 10h). Reduced standard. Warrior, wearing military attire, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, on horse rearing right; * 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, tÅr[Ås] below. Vlasto 968 (same dies); HN Italy 1059; SNG ANS 1262; SNG BN 2061; SNG Lloyd 230; Dewing 316; Gillet 117. Lustrous, a little die wear. Superb EF. ($1000) Ex Roma XXII (7 October 2021), lot 149.

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10.

LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 390-340 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.75 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla holding rudder over her shoulder / Herakles standing facing, torso right, strangling the Nemean Lion to right; to left, rE above shell above club; ^˙rÅk¬[E5W@] to left. Work 29 (same dies); Van Keuren 47; HN Italy 1376; BMC 14 (same dies); McClean 822–3 (same dies). Old collection tone, minor flan crack, some doubling on obverse, struck with worn reverse die. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Hess-Leu 49 (27 April 1971), lot 19.

Artistic Herakleia Nomos

11.

LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 390-340 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.73 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, wearing triplependant earring, pearl necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; d>˚>f to right / Herakles standing facing, upper torso turned right, wrestling with the Nemean Lion; club and ˚Ŭ to left, ^˙rå[k¬˙5W˜] to right; between Herakles’ legs, owl standing right, head facing. Work 39 (same dies); Van Keuren 50; HN Italy 1377; SNG ANS 63 = Sartiges 28 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 272 (same dies); Gillet 125; McClean 824 (same obv. die); Pozzi 148 (same dies); Ward 44 (same obv. die).

Attractive deep iridescent tone. Good VF. Struck from wonderfully engraved dies for this type. ($4000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 564443; Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 15; Dr. G. W. Collection (Gorny & Mosch 269, 9 March 2020), lot 90.

Herakleia was a relatively late foundation along the instep of the Italian “boot,” starting out as a compromise settlement between the warring city-states of Thourioi and Tarentum around 432 BC. Although widely regarded as a colony of Tarentum, Herakleia considered itself independent and played host to an annual meeting of envoys from all the Italo-Greek cities. Named after Herakles, the city’s coinage naturally depicted the powerful demigod on the reverse, here in a deadly embrace with the Nemean Lion.

12.

LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 390-340 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.81 g, 6h). Head of Athena right, wearing singlependant earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone held in right hand; EU to right / Herakles standing facing, torso right, strangling the Nemean Lion to right; ^˙rÅk¬[E5W@] above, Åπo¬ and club to left, oinochoe below. Work 47 (same dies); Van Keuren 51 (same obv. die as illustration); HN Italy 1378; SNG ANS 66; Bement 138 (same obv. die); Hunterian 7 (same dies); McClean 825 (same obv. die); Weber 706 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone.

In NGC encapsulation 3760896-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. Well centered. ($2000) 16

First Issue of Metapontion – Ex Prospero Collection

13.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 540-510 BC. AR Nomos (27mm, 8.20 g, 12h). Ear of barley with eight grains and bracts at base; 7eT down left field, pellet border / Incuse ear of barley with eight grains; rayed border. Noe Class I, 1; Gorini –; HN Italy 1459; SNG ANS 166; Kraay & Hirmer 228; Prospero 51 (this coin). Attractively toned, a few minor edge marks.

Superb EF. ($15,000) Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLIII.2 (Summer, 2018), no. 489937; Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 51, purchased from Spink, 22 April 1986.

Metapontion was founded by residents of Kroton and Sybaris around 700 BC. Located on the sea coast on the arch of the Italian “boot,” adjoining vast fertile plains, Metapontion grew in importance as a major grain exporter. By the time the Greek world started coining silver, Metapontion was already a significant city in Magna Graecia. Like its Italian neighbors, the city took to coinage early with the first issues commencing circa 540 BC. Like several nearby cities, Metapontion’s first coins used an unusual fabric – an obverse design in relief combined with a reverse depicting the same design incuse. Metapontion chose an ear of barley as its emblem, reflecting the importance of its agricultural bounty.

This incuse coinage remains mysterious. We do not know which city commenced it, or who conceived it (the Greek polymath Pythagoras or one of his disciples have been suggested, but with no evidence aside from his reputed presence in Italy in the later sixth century BC). Despite much speculation and experimentation, we do not know for sure how coins were struck, so the raised and incuse designs remained aligned (theories include notched, socketed or hinged dies). We do know celators throughout southern Italy quickly adopted this minting technology as many incuse coins survived to the present day.

The present coin is an incredibly rare example Noe 1, the very first emission from Metapontion. Perhaps even more remarkable than its rarity is the state of preservation: we have graded this coin Superb EF, and it is probably the finest known from this initial die pair. One must wonder if, at the time of striking, this coin could have been set aside like a modern “First Strike” issue. Whichever way it arrived in the present day, this is a rare opportunity to own a superb example of the inception coinage from this important Greek city.

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14.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 510-470 BC. AR Nomos (22.5mm, 8.12 g, 12h). Ear of barley with six grains; 7et up left field, lizard up right field, seen from above / Incuse ear of barley with seven grains. Noe Class X, 216 (same dies); Gorini 26; HN Italy 1482; SNG ANS 241–2; SNG Copenhagen 1168; SNG Lockett 372. Iridescent tone. Good VF. ($750) From the DFA Collection.

15.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. AR Nomos (20.5mm, 7.62 g, 9h). Bearded head of Leukippos right, wearing Corinthian helmet; cross-torch to left / Barley ear with leaf to right; ÂEtÅ upward to left, ^˙ above leaf. Johnston Class A, 5.10 (same dies); HN Italy 1555; SNG ANS 407 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 381 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 1215 (same obv. die). Deep iridescent tone, overstruck on uncertain type, slightly off center, flan flaw in field on obverse. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio 182 (10 January 2014), lot 8; Giessener Münzhandlung 84 (13 October 1997), lot 5083; Giessener Münzhandlung 81 (3 March 1997), lot 81; Leu 61 (17 May 1995), lot 36.

16.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 340-330 BC. AR Nomos (19.5mm, 7.90 g, 4h). Head of Leukippos right, wearing Corinthian helmet; to left, head of lion right; [{ below chin] / Barley ear of seven grains, leaf to left; club above leaf, [Å] µ5 below; ÂEtÅ upward to right. Johnston Class B, 2.3–34; HN Italy 1575; SNG ANS 432–9; SNG Lloyd 377–8; Dewing 382–4. Toned, trace find patina, minor cleaning scratches. EF. ($1000)

Ex Gillet Collection

17.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 330-290 BC. AR Nomos (22mm, 7.68 g, 11h). Head of Demeter left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; dWr5 below chin / Barley ear with leaf to left; pitchfork above leaf, dÅ below, ÂEtÅ upward to right. Johnston Class C, 5.1 (same dies); HN Italy 1582; SNG ANS 452 (same dies); SNG Manchester 215 (same dies); Gillet 197 (this coin). Old cabinet tone, with some iridescence, minor lamination and small chip at edge on obverse. Good VF. Attractive style. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 133 (21 November 2022), lot 2; Numismatica Genevensis SA 6 (30 November 2010), lot 12; The Numismatic Auction 1 (13 December 1982), lot 9; Charles Gillet Collection.

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18.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 330-290 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.83 g, 3hh). Wreathed head of Demeter right, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; E[U] below chin / Barley ear of seven grains with leaf to right; ÂEtÅ upward to left, ¬U to lower left, star above leaf. Johnston Class C, 8.12 (same dies); HN Italy 1592; SNG Fitzwilliam 514 (same dies); Pozzi 192 (same obv. die). Underlying luster, a couple of tiny flan flaws. EF. Struck from dies of pleasing style. ($1000) Metapontion, originally named Sybaris, was an Achaian colony of very early foundation, though the precise details of its origin are shrouded in uncertainty. Following the destruction of its first foundation by the Samnites, it was refounded, as Metapontion, early in the 7th century BC by settlers under the leadership of Leukippos, who was thereafter revered as the city founder. The great prosperity of the city — attested by the extent of its archaic silver coinage commencing in the mid 6th century BC — was based on agriculture. Situated on the Gulf of Tarentum, Metapontion occupied a plain of extraordinary fertility watered by the rivers Bradanos and Kasuentos. Its standard coin type is an ear of barley, a tribute to the source of Metapontine wealth, and Demeter, the goddess of grain who is the city’s most revered deity.

19.

LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 290-280 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.91 g, 2h). Head of Demeter left, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ˚ to right, ¬U below / Barley ear with leaf to right; ÂEtÅ upward to left, spindle above leaf. Johnston Class D, 1.4 (same dies); HN Italy 1612; SNG Fitzwilliam 507 (same dies). Lightly toned with some underlying luster, trace obverse die rust, minor reverse die break, light scratches and marks. EF. ($1000)

Pedigreed to 1909

20.

LUCANIA, Sybaris. Circa 550-510 BC. AR Nomos (26mm, 8.16 g, 12h). Bull standing left, head right; ¨µ in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. S&S Class B, pl. XLVIII, 4–8; Gorini 2; HN Italy 1729; SNG ANS 828–44; SNG Lloyd 449–50; Basel 168–9; Bement 213; Dewing 406–7; Gillet 215. Attractive old cabinet tone, minor marks and deposits. Superb EF. A beautiful coin in hand. ($2500) Ex H. M. Collection (Bourgey, 15 December 1909), lot 28.

Sybaris, located on the bottom of the Italian boot, was founded circa 720 BC and quickly amassed great wealth due to its fertile fields and active port. Descriptions of the city’s sumptuous festivals and luxurious dwellings abound in ancient literature, and “Sybarite” became a synonym for any lover of luxury and pleasure. The silver coinage of Sybaris follows the remarkable relief / incuse pattern employed by other cities of Greek southern Italy in the sixth and early fifth centuries BC, which required careful flan preparation and precise alignment of dies.

The bull of Sybaris, with its reverted head, exerted a powerful influence on modern artists, including Picasso.

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Pedigreed to 1966

21.

LUCANIA, Sybaris. Circa 550-510 BC. AR Nomos (29.5mm, 8.02 g, 12h). Bull standing left, head right; ¨µ in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. S&S Class B, pl. XLVIII, 4–8; Gorini 2; HN Italy 1729; SNG ANS 828–44; SNG Lloyd 449–50; Basel 168–9; Bement 213; Dewing 406–7; Gillet 215. Attractively toned, only a hint of the ususal die shift/bounce on obverse. Near EF. Well struck, and exceptional for issue. ($2000) Ex Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 41; Freeman & Sear inventory G4830 (August 2004); Hess-Leu 31 (6 December 1966), lot 58.

22.

LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Nomos (20.5mm, 8.10 g, 11h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated on its bowl with Skylla raising his left arm / Bull butting right on plain ground line; QoUr5W@ above; in exergue, fish right. HN Italy 1804 note; SNG ANS 1000–1 (same obv. die); SNG Ashmolean 939 (same dies). Attractive cabinet tone with some iridescence, a few light scratches under tone. Near EF. Very rare. ($2000) Ex Waddell 91 (16 December 2004), lot 4; Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 44; Hess-Leu 31 (6 December 1966), lot 63.

In HN Italy, K. Rutter notes that issues with the left-facing portrait of Athena are extremely rare, and that the (apparently sole) issue of nomoi is likely associated with the double nomoi (distaters) of Noe Group D.

23.

LUCANIA, Thourioi. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Nomos (21.5mm, 7.36 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated on the bowl with Skylla throwing a stone, and sW(?) on the neck guard / Bull butting right, head facing; above, Nike flying right, crowning bull with wreath held in both hands, above s5; QoUr5W@ in exergue. Cf. HN Italy 1843–5; SNG ANS –; SNG Ashmolean –; SNG Lloyd –; SNG Copenhagen 1463 (same dies); NAC 138, lot 29 (same dies; hammer 3750 CHF). Lightly toned, minor obverse die wear, light cleaning scratches and tiny nicks on obverse, some roughness on reverse. Near EF. Well centered. Rare. ($1000)

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Two Outstanding Kaulonian Nomoi

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25

Ex Sheikh Al-Thani, Tan, Millenia, and de Guermantes Collections Pedigreed to 1906 24.

BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia. Circa 525-500 BC. AR Nomos (30mm, 8.13 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, 2p (this coin); Gorini 3; HN Italy 2035; SNG ANS 141 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 571–2 (same dies); Bement 265 (same dies); Gillet 279 (same dies); Locker-Lampson 43 (same dies); Morgan 92 (same dies); Rhousopoulos 208 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone, with a faint iridescence, usual spot of die rust on obverse (diagnostic for die). EF. A lovely example of this issue, with an outstanding pedigree. ($20,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 126, 17 November 2021), lot 6 (hammer CHF 34,000); Patrick H.C. Tan Collection (Gemini VII, 9 January 2011), lot 60; Millenia Collection (Goldberg 46B, 26 May 2008), lot 5; de Guermantes Collection (Leu 86, 5 May 2003), lot 255; J. Hirsch XVII [FPL] (February 1907), no. 291; J. Hirsch XVI (5 December 1906), lot 159.

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.

25.

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. ($15,000) 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.

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26.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 530-500 BC. AR Nomos (29.5mm, 8.03 g, 12h). Spread incuse type. Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion’s feet, two serpents rising from the bowl, set on basis of three lines, the center dotted; J®o to left / Incuse tripod as obverse, but wreaths and serpents in relief. Gorini 3 and p. 152–3 = Basel 194; Attianese 5; HN Italy 2075; SNG ANS 229; SNG Lewis 246; de Luynes 701. Lightly toned, a few minor patches of horn silver. EF. ($1500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 125 (23 June 2021), lot 272; Roma XV (5 April 2018), lot 32.

27.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 530-500 BC. AR Nomos (26mm, 8.14 g, 12h). Spread incuse type. Tripod, legs surmounted by wreaths and terminating in lion’s feet, set on basis of three lines, the center dotted; Jro to left; to right, heron standing left / Incuse tripod as obverse, but wreaths in relief; to left, heron standing right; Jro to right. Attianese –; Gorini –; HN Italy 2081; SNG ANS 250. Iridescent tone, minor double strike on reverse. Near EF. Very rare spread incuse issue with heron on the left of the reverse; only the ANS example is published in the major collections. ($1500) From the DFA Collection.

28.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Nomos (24.5mm, 7.96 g, 12h). Tripod, legs terminating in lion’s feet; orJ to right / Incuse eagle flying right, leg in relief. Attianese 9 (this coin illustrated); Gorini 7 (this coin illustrated); HN Italy 2095; SNG ANS 285 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean 469 (same obv. die). Attractively toned, with faint iridescence, traces of find patina, light cleaning marks, flan flaw on obverse, minor die break on reverse. Good VF. ($1500) Ex A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 33, 6 April 2006), lot 49.

29.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.86 g, 2h). Eagle, with wings spread and head raised, standing left on dead hare / Tripod; ˚ro downward to left; to right, heron standing left on d. Attianese 119; HN Italy 2175; SNG ANS 370 (same dies). Iridescent tone. In NGC encapsulation 6708932-011, graded Ch XF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750) Ex Nomos Obolos 6 (20 November 2016), lot 68; Künker 143 (6 October 2008), lot 56.

22

30.

BRUTTIUM, Lokroi Epizephyrioi. Circa 344-318 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 8.74 g, 2h). Pegasos flying left; thunderbolt below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; ¬o˚rW@ to left. Spinelli Group I, 1a, 3 (same dies); Pegasi 13; HN Italy 2342; SNG ANS 517; SNG Ashmolean 1555; SNG Lockett 2212–3. Iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces, some weakness to strike on obverse. Near EF. ($1000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 19 August 1980.

Die Signed by Master Engraver Kratesippos – Ex Moretti Collection

31.

BRUTTIUM, Rhegion. Circa 420-415/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.08 g, 6h). Reverse die signed by the engraver Kratesippos. Facing head of lion / Laureate head of Apollo right; olive sprig to left, r˙˝5@os to right, ˚rÅ[tE]/ oPP[5s] in two lines below chin. Herzfelder 64 (D36b/R53); HN Italy 2494; BMC 26 (same dies); Jameson 460 (same dies); Ognina 301–2 (same dies). Toned with iridescence on reverse. Good VF. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 561909; Nomisma 55 (4 April 2017), lot 2; Tkalec (29 February 2000), lot 22; Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 178; A.D. Moretti Collection, reportedly purchased in 1952.

This magnificent tetradrachm is from a series at Rhegion that is regarded as having the most finely engraved dies of all the numismatic output of the mint. The artist Kratesippos is thought to have been one of the first engravers of this period.

32.

SICILY, Akragas. Circa 465/0–445/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.31 g, 7h). Sea eagle standing left; Å˚RÅ1sotNÅ around / Crab within incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period II, Group II, 343 (O9/R32); HGC 2, 79; Boston MFA 221 = Warren 188 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, underlying luster, a few tiny flan flaws. EF. Well centered and struck, with exceptional detail. ($10,000)

23

33.

SICILY, Akragas. Circa 465/0–445/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.06 g, 9h). Sea eagle standing left; Å˚RÅ1sotNÅ around / Crab within shallow incuse circle. Westermark, Coinage, Period II, Group III, – (O13/R68 [unlisted die combination]); HGC 2, 77; SNG ANS 979; SNG Lloyd 801 (same obv. die); SNG Lewis 289 (same rev. die); Hermitage Sale II 222 (same obv. die). Moderately toned, with darker patch on obverse. EF. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Jonathan P. Rosen Collection (Triton XXI, 9 January 2018), lot 70; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 73; Tkalec (5 May 2009), lot 10.

34.

SICILY, Gela. Circa 490/85-480/75 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 8.66 g, 9h). Warrior, nude but for helmet, riding right, preparing to cast javelin held aloft in his right hand / Forepart of man-headed bull right; 1Es below. Jenkins, Gela, Group Ib, 60 (O18/R26); HGC 2, 363; SNG ANS 10 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 759 (same rev. die). Toned, struck with worn obverse die. VF. ($1500)

35.

SICILY, Gela. Circa 465-450 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.15 g, 1h). Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand and reins in right, driving slow quadriga right; in background, column with Ionic capital set on plinth of two steps / Forepart of man-headed bull right; 1Es above. Jenkins, Gela, Group III, 235 (O62/R125); HGC 2, 339; BMC 12 (same dies); Hunterian 3 (same obv. die). Attractively toned with some light iridescence, slight die wear, trace horn silver. EF. Well centered. ($7500) Ex Leu 53 (21 October 1991), lot 25.

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Ex Prospero Collection – Pedigreed to 1970

36.

SICILY, Gela. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.64 g, 10h). Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands; palmette with long tendrils in exergue / Forepart of man-headed bull right; !E¬Ås above. Jenkins, Gela, Group IV, 342 (O66/ R133); HGC 2, 343; Hermitage Sale I 50 (same dies); de Luynes 952 (same dies); Prospero 124 (this coin). Toned, scratches under tone, a few spots of find patina, edge scrapes. VF. ($5000) Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 124, purchased from Spink & Son, 19 November 1985; Sotheby’s (22 April 1970), lot 50.

37.

SICILY, Himera. Circa 530-520/15 BC. AR Drachm (22mm, 5.30 g). Cock standing right / Incuse square with mill-sail pattern enclosed within segmented linear border. Kraay Group Ia, 1–4 var. (O1/R– [unlisted rev. die]); HGC 2, 420.

Lightly toned, flan crack, porosity. EF. Well struck for issue. ($1000) Ex M.J.W. Collection; Berk BBS 172 (20 November 2010), lot 53.

Founded circa 649 BC by settlers from Zankle, Himera was the only Greek colony on the north coast of the island. On evidence of its late 6th century coinage it would appear to have enjoyed a high degree of prosperity at this time, despite the relative isolation of its position. As at the other two Chalkidian colonies (Naxos and Zankle), the standard denomination of Himera’s archaic coinage was the drachm of about 5.73 grams, being one-third of the Euboeic stater of 17.2 grams. It is generally assumed that the cock was the civic ‘badge’ of Himera, having been adopted in honor of the Euboian city of Karystos, perhaps the original home of many of the first colonists. In 483 BC, Himera was captured

by Theron, tyrant of Akragas, and thereafter the crab of Akragas appeared as the reverse type on the coinage of Himera.

Westermark Plate Coin – Ex Rosen Collection

38.

SICILY, Himera. Circa 483/2-472/1 BC. AR Didrachm (19mm, 8.60 g, 2h). Cock standing left; ˙5ÂE∞Å to left / Crab within shallow incuse circle. Westermark, Himera, Group I, 13.1 (O4/R10) = Rosen 55 (this coin, illustrated in both); HGC 2, 438; SNG Newham Davis 51 (same obv. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1024 (same obv. die); Locker-Lampson 70 (same obv. die). Attractive old cabinet tone, small nick on obverse. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Morton & Eden 9 (25 May 2004), lot 283; Phillips New York (18 June 1984), lot 17.

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39.

SICILY, Himera. Circa 483/2-472/1 BC. AR Didrachm (19mm, 8.55 g, 1h). Cock standing left; ˙5ÂE∞Å to left / Crab within shallow incuse circle. Westermark, Himera, Group II, – (O11/R73 [unlisted die combination]); HGC 2, 438; SNG ANS 160 (same obv. die); SNG Ashmolean 1761 (same obv. die); McClean 2295 (same obv. die). Minor porosity, struck with somewhat worn obverse die. Good VF. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection.

Ex Metropolitan Museum of Art and Ward Collections – Pedigreed to 1902

40.

SICILY, Himera. Circa 455-440 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.23 g, 2h). The nymph Himera, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning her with wreath held in both her hands; 5ÂE∞Å5o˜ in exergue / Himera, wearing long chiton, standing facing, head left, holding in right hand a patera over lit altar to left, left hand extended; to right, satyr bathing in fountain with lion-headed spout. Arnold-Biucchi, Monetazione, Group I, 12 (Q3/H10); Gutmann & Schwabacher 7i = Ward 163 (this coin); HGC 2, 435; Consul Weber 598 (same dies); McClean 2297 (same dies); Nantueil 289 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone, double struck and a couple of minor flan flaws on reverse. Near EF. ($3000) Ex Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection (Sotheby’s Zurich, 4 April 1973), lot 142; John Ward Collection (publ. 1902).

Westermark & Jenkins Plate Coin – Pedigreed to 1956

41.

SICILY, Kamarina. Circa 425-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.34 g, 1h). Athena, wearing crested Attic helmet and long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving galloping quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, preparing to crown Athena with wreath held in both hands; [@W5]Å@5rÅ[ÂÅ˚] on exergue line, two amphorai in exergue / Beardless head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress tied at neck; bow to right. Westermark & Jenkins 157.1 (O13/ R21 – this coin, illustrated); HGC 2, 526; SNG Lloyd 870 (same rev. die); SNG München 403 (same dies). Old collection tone, traces of find patina, slightly irregular flan, minor double strike with worn obverse die. VF. Very rare with head of Herakles right. ($2000) Ex Ponterio 141 (12 January 2007), lot 1402; Kricheldorf XXIX (3 March, 1975), lot 57; Hess-Leu [3] (27 March 1956), lot 74.

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Pedigreed to 1912

42.

SICILY, Katane. Circa 435-412 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.28 g, 8h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga of horses right / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; ˚Å[tÅ@Å5]-o@ around. Mirone 32; HGC 2, 568; SNG ANS 1245–6; Jameson 539 (same dies); Rizzo pl. X, 5 (same obv. die). Toned, a few scratches and flan flaws. VF. ($2000) Ex R. Ratto (24 June 1929), lot 86; R. Ratto (4 April 1927), lot 343; R. Ratto (13 May 1912), lot 380.

Ex Cappelli Collection

43.

SICILY, Katane. Circa 435-412 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.63 g, 12h). Reverse die signed by the “Maestro della foglia”. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga of horses right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; plane leaf to left (signature), ˚ÅtÅ@Å5o@ to right. Mirone –; HGC 2, 572 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS 1256 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 898 (same dies); Dewing –; Gillet 392 (same dies); Gulbenkian 185 = Jameson 541 (same dies); Pozzi 417 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XII, 11 (same dies). Toned, minor die flaw on obverse. Good VF. Fine style. ($5000) Ex Künker 133 (11 October 2007), lot 7930; Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), lot 47; R. Cappelli Collection [“Sammlung eines Diplomaten”] (Sternberg XX, with Apparuti, 20 April 1988), lot 259.

The masterful artist who engraved the reverse die was identified as “the Leaf Master” by Rizzo because of his use of leaves (laurel, plane and others) as a form of signature.

Ex Fenerly Bey du Phanar Collection – Pedigreed to 1912

44.

SICILY, Leontini. Circa 476-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.77 g, 10h). Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of roaring lion right; ¬Eo˜t5-˜o-˜ and four barley grains around. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 1 (same obv. die); HGC 2, 660; SNG ANS 200 (same obv. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1029 (same obv. die); Rizzo pl. XXII, 2 (same dies); Weber 1374 (same obv. die). Lovely old cabinet tone, die break on obverse. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($3000) Ex I. Vecchi 16 (9 October 1999), lot 63; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 5 (18 April 1986), lot 90; Dr. Fenerly Bey du Phanar Collection (Egger XLI, 18 November 1912), lot 122.

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Leontini by the Demareteion Master from the Gillet Collection

45.

SICILY, Leontini. Circa 466-460 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.48 g, 9h). Dies by the Demareteion master.

Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in both hands; in exergue, lion right / Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; three leaves and 6Eont[5]-no-n around; below, lion right. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 28 (same dies); HGC 2, 665 (this coin illustrated); SNG ANS 218 (same rev. die); SNG Lloyd 1045 (same dies); Basel 348 (same dies); Dewing 622 = Jameson 626 (same dies); Gillet 439 (this coin); Gulbenkian 210 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 18 = GPCG pl. 15, 44 (same dies); de Luynes 991 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXII, 15 (same dies). Beautiful old cabinet tone. EF. A sublime example of this famous issue, exhibiting the finest style of late archaic-early classical art on coinage. ($75,000) From the Columbus Collection. Ex Leu 81 (16 May 2001), lot 77; Leu 45 (26 May 1988), lot 39; Charles Gillet Collection. Lot also includes a certificate from the IBSCC. One of the earliest of the recognized masters of Sicilian engraving, the unknown artist who created the Demareteion dekadrachm of Syracuse was also responsible for several dies at the neighboring city of Leontini. R. Ross Holloway discusses the relationship of the Leontini tetradrachms with the masterworks of the “Demareteion Master” at Syracuse in “Damarete’s Lion,” ANSMN XI, pp. 1-11. He regards them as works of the same hand, while Carmen Arnold-Biucchi, in her work on the Randazzo Hoard, sees influence from, but not the work of, the master, with the Leontini piece being a few years later and in a more developed realistic style. In any event, these tetradrachms of Leontini are among the finest works of Sicilian numismatic art.

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46.

SICILY, Leontini. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.28 g, 12h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Head of roaring lion right; 6E-o-˜t-5˜-o˜ and four barley grains around. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 37 (same dies); HGC 2, 667; SNG ANS 225 (same obv. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1048 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1054 (same obv. die); Dewing 626 (same obv. die); Rizzo pl. XXIII, 2 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, a few light marks, light graze on obverse, indication of undertype on reverse. Near EF. Attractive portrait of Apollo. ($5000) Ex Peus 388 (1 November 2006), lot 84.

47.

SICILY, Leontini. Circa 450-440 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.22 g, 12h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Head of roaring lion right; 6Eo-˜t-5-˜o-˜ and four barley grains around. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 38 (same obv. die as illustration); HGC 2, 667; SNG ANS 228 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1053–4; Basel 349; Rizzo pl. XXIII, 2 (same obv. die). Lightly toned. Choice EF. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 121; M. L. Collection of Coins of Magna Graecia and Sicily (Numismatica Ars Classica 82, 20 May 2015), lot 42; Numismatica Ars Classica 4 (27 February 1991), lot 42.

48.

SICILY, Leontini. Circa 430-425 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.51 g, 6h). Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Head of roaring lion right; 6E-o-n-t5-n-on around; barley grain above, to left, and below; leaf to right. Boehringer, Münzgeschichte 55 (same dies); HGC 2, 671 (same dies as illustration); SNG ANS 257 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1063 (same obv. die); Basel 353 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXIV, 4 (same dies). Attractive light toning over lustrous surfaces, typical die break on obverse at an early state. EF. ($4000) Ex CNG inventory 851453 (August 2009).

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Exceptional Zankle Litra

49.

SICILY, Messana (as Zankle). Circa 500-493 BC. AR Litra (9.5mm, 0.60 g). Dolphin left within sickle-shaped harbor; Îånk6e below / Nine-part incuse square with scallop shell in center. Gielow 72–8; HGC 2, 768; SNG ANS 306. Find patina. EF. Well centered and quite attractive. Exceptional for issue. ($1000)

50.

SICILY, Messana. 480-478 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.07 g, 6h). Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand, reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right / Hare springing right; ÂeÍÍe-˜i-O-˜ around. Caltabiano Series IIA, – (unlisted dies); HGC 2, 779 corr. (some without leaf). Lightly toned, some porosity. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 109 (4 May 2022), lot 78 (hammer €4200).

Rizzo Plate Coin – Published in 1946

51.

SICILY, Messana. 478-476 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.33 g, 1h). Charioteer, holding kentron in left hand, reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right; olive leaf and berry in exergue / Hare springing right; Âe∞∞e-˜-iO˜ around.

Caltabiano Series IIB, 75.3 (D41/R38) = Rizzo pl. XXV, 8 (this coin); HGC 2, 779 (this coin illustrated); McClean 2380 (same dies). Old cabinet tone, minor die wear. Good VF. Well centered and struck. ($2500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 2009; Numismatica Ars Classica 46 (2 April 2008), lot 829; Leu 79 (31 October 2000), lot 377; Frankfurter Münzhandlung Button 112 (19 April 1966), lot 309.

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52.

SICILY, Messana. 420-413 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 16.70 g, 9h). The nymph Messana, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right; µEssÅ@Å above, two dolphins confronted in exergue / Hare springing right; µEs-s-Å-˜-5o-˜ around; below, dolphin right. Caltabiano Series XIV, 523 corr. (D207B/R220 – obv. die not D207); HGC 2, 792; Hirsch 469 (same dies). Toned, struck with somewhat worn obverse die. Good VF. ($2000)

Superb Messana Tetradrachm

53.

SICILY, Messana. 420-413 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.27 g, 3h). The nymph Messana, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules right; ŘÅs-sEµ counterclockwise from right, two dolphins confronted in exergue / Hare springing right; µEs-sÅ-˜-5-o˜ around; below, dolphin right. Caltabiano Series XIV, 533 (D210/R227); HGC 2, 792; SNG ANS 362; Pozzi 490 (same dies). Lightly toned and lustrous, trace obverse die rust, minor reverse die break and marks. Superb EF. Well struck on a broad flan and in high relief. ($10,000) Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLV.1 (Winter 2020), no. 525515 (priced $19,500); Numismatica Ars Classica 114 (6 May 2019), lot 57 (hammer CHF 13,000).

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The Coinage of Naxos Located on the eastern shore of Sicily in the shadow of Mt. Aitna, Naxos was the oldest of the Greek colonies on the island, founded in 735 BC by colonists from Chalkis in Euboia and Ionia. According to Thucydides (1.100), Naxos established its own colony by founding Leontini in 730 BC, which was soon followed by the foundation of a second colony, Aitne, later known as Katane. Taking advantage of the fertility of the surrounding volcanic soil of Mt. Aitna, Naxos developed an economy of viticulture, and along with Leontini and Katane became very prosperous. This wealth attracted the attention of Syracuse, which subjugated Naxos in 476 BC, removing its citizens along with those of Katane to Leontini. Upon the death of Hieron in 461 BC, the Naxians were reinstated to their original city, and formed a close alliance with Leontini and Katane. During the first Athenian Expedition in 427 BC, Naxos actively provided support to the Athenians, who had sent a large fleet to support the allies against Syracuse. In 409 BC, Naxos sided with Syracuse against the Carthaginian threat to Sicily, but in 403 BC, the tyrant Dionysios of Syracuse turned against the Naxians, destroying the city and selling the women and children into slavery.

54.

SICILY, Naxos. Circa 461-430 BC. AR Drachm (18.5mm, 4.25 g, 5h). Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath / Silenos, nude and ithyphallic, squatting half-left, holding kylix in right hand and supporting himself with his left, tail behind; ˜-Å-c5-o˜ around; all within shallow concave circular incuse. Cahn 55 (V41/R46); Campana 8 var. A/a; HGC 2, 990; SNG Lloyd 1151 = Weber 1467 (same dies); SNG Lockett 841 = Pozzi 508 (same dies); Basel 385 (same dies); Gillet 484 = Sartiges 110 (same dies); Jameson 674 (same dies); de Luynes 1063 (same dies); McClean 2467 (same dies); Rizzo pl.

XXVIII, 13 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster, a hint of porosity. Good VF. ($20,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 66 (hammer £26,000); Ambrose Collection (Roma VII, 22 March 2014), lot 132 (hammer £32,000).

The present issue is composed of multiple denominations in silver, and is dated by Cahn to the first few decades after the refoundation of the city in 461 BC. Some theorize that it was struck upon the refoundation as a celebratory issue, but one wonders whether the city had the resources for such a coinage so soon. It could also have been struck somewhat later, after the city had prospered from its trade ties to Kamarina and Leontini, and could afford the requisite silver for such a large output. The types found on the drachms are the same as that on the famed tetradrachms (Cahn 54), and the styles of both are so close that it is likely they were engraved by the same hand. The obverse features Dionysos, the god of the vine. The reverse is also an allusion to wine and the Dionysiac cult, featuring the satyr Silenos. Half-man, half-goat followers of Dionysos, these satyrs were often depicted in an ithyphallic state as they pursued the god’s female attendants, the mainads.

Silenos was the oldest, wisest, and most drunken of the satyrs. According to Euripides’ only surviving satyr-play, the Cyclops, Silenos had been forced to attend to Polyphemos, who dwelled in the region of Mt. Aitna, hence providing another reason for Silenos’ appearance on this coin of Naxos.

55.

SICILY, Naxos. Circa 430/20-415 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 16.49 g, 2h). Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing tainia decorated with an ivy branch / Silenos, nude and bearded, squatting half-left, holding up kantharos in right hand and resting his left hand on his knee, tail hanging to left below; large ivy vine with leaves to left, nÅ$5o[n] to right; all within shallow concave circular incuse. Cahn 103 (V66/R85); Campana 15; HGC 2, 984; BMC 18 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 493 (same dies); SNG Lockett 843 (same dies); Gillet 486 (same obv. die); Morgan 124 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 17 (same obv. die). Deep collection tone, some find patina. Near EF. Fine late classical style. Rare. ($50,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 261 (4 March 2019), lot 81; John R. Farnell, Sr. Collection.

With only one obverse and five reverse dies identified, the issue was apparently very short, and served a specific purpose for which we may only speculate today. Unlike the earlier archaic style tetradrachms, struck shortly after Naxian independence from Syracuse in 461 BC, these coins display a genuine classical style, with lifelike depictions of Dionysos, the god of the vine, on the obverse and Silenos on the reverse.

The god’s languid eye and countenance are now more physiologically correct, replacing the earlier Archaic conventions. The hair of his head and beard are now tousled, and the diadem, with its interweaving ivy, is less formalized than earlier, with the ear now overlapping the diadem.

Here too, the satyr Silenos is a more rounded version than that of the Aitna Master’s and a depiction much nearer his traditional description as a fleshy individual with a paunch and a round, balding head.

56.

SICILY, Naxos. Circa 415-403 BC. AR Hemidrachm (13mm, 1.54 g, 12h). Horned head of river god Assinos left, wearing ivy wreath; Åss5˜o-s around / Silenos, nude and ithyphallic, squatting facing half-right, head left, on rocks, holding kantharos over shoulder in right hand and two pipes in extended left; nÅ$5-W around. Cahn 115 (V73A/R93); Campana 23; SNG ANS 528; SNG Lloyd 1160; SNG München 764; SNG Delepierre 595; BMC 23; Basel 387 = Rizzo pl. XXVIII, 22; Boston MFA 310 = Warren 278; Jameson 683; Hunterian 11; McClean 2476 (all from the same dies); HGC 2, 991. Dark find patina. VF. ($750) From the MM Collection. Ex English Queen’s Counsel Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 47; Gorny & Mosch 237 (7 March 2016), lot 1138.

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54

55

56

33

An Extensive Offering of Syracusan Coinage The magnificent artistic flowering in Sicily in the 5th century BC, exemplified by the matchless coinage of Syracuse, originated in times of great strife. When the first colonists from Greece arrived on the fertile island in the 8th century BC, they found competitors in both the aboriginal inhabitants, the Sicels, Sicani, and Elymi, and the Phoenician colonists who established Carthage at about the same time. The social stresses set up by these conflicts prepared the way for the establishment of various tyrannies. Hippokrates of Gela was the first of the well known tyrants, and his son Gelon founded the greatest of the Sicilian courts at Syracuse in 485 BC. By the middle of the century, the situation began to resemble that of Renaissance Italy, where the princes engaged in continual warfare between themselves, while engaging the services of the finest artists and craftsmen of their time. Such fighting required significant amounts of money to hire mercenaries, and the increasing cultural sophistication of the courts encouraged experimentation in the all the arts, including the minor ones- the result was the patronizing of some of the most talented coin engravers in history.

In Syracuse and surrounding cities, the anonymous “Demareteion Master” and the “Maestro della foglia” were followed by their students and successors who proudly signed their work, such artists as Choirion, Euainetos, Eumenos, Exakestidas, Herakleidas, and others. These masters developed new ways of viewing the world through art, breaking the static forms of Classic art and developing new methods of portraying motion and life in miniature. The silver tetradrachm was the prefered mode of expression, being large enough for the expression free-ranging talents and also being minted in vast quantities to finance the expensive operations of the Greek hegemons. Even more remarkable were the large silver dekadrachms of Syracuse, which have become universal symbols of Greek numismatic art. Despite the emphasis on the great masterpieces, even the smallest of the silver fractions received the attentions of the masters, and the infrequent issues of gold likewise.

57.

SICILY, Syracuse. The Gamoroi. Circa 500-490/86 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.20 g, 5h). Charioteer, holding reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga right; ߨRÅJ>ß5o˜ in two lines above / Head of Arethousa left in incuse circle in center of quadripartite incuse square. Boehringer Series I, 10 (V8/R6); HGC 2, 1301 (same obv. die as illustration); SNG ANS 2 (same obv. die); SNG München 918 (same obv. die); Basel 421; Dewing 686; Gillet 524 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 72 (same rev. die); Kunstfreund 56 (same rev. die); Rizzo pl. XXXIV, 4–5. Deep find patina, light roughness. Near EF. Well centered. ($7500) Syracuse commenced its silver coinage at the end of the sixth century BC with an issue of tetradrachms on the Attic standard of about 17.2 grams. These coins are attributed to the Gamoroi, an oligarchic body of aristocrats who battled outsiders, and each other, for control of civic and financial affairs. The obverse features charioteer driving a walking quadriga while the reverse originally bore an incuse square divided into four compartments, which quickly gave way to the design seen here, a swastika-pattern incuse with a circle at its center bearing a female head to left. This is certainly the nymph Arethousa, sacred to the spring of Ortygia which provided Syracuse its pure water. These designs set the paradigm for a century of Syracusan coinage, although the head of Arethousa would soon outgrow the confines of the small incuse circle to occupy most of the reverse, surrounded by frolicking dolphins.

Ex Comte Chandon de Briailles and Weber Collections – Pedigreed to 1882

58.

SICILY, Syracuse. Gelon I. 485-478 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.97 g, 5h). Struck circa 480-478 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, both wings displayed, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing tainia and pearl necklace; four dolphins and s¬∞A-˚o-s-5-os around. Boehringer Series V, 60.1 (V31/R39) = Weber 1558 (this coin); HGC 2, 1306; SNG ANS 14 (same obv. die); Boston MFA 336 = Warren 298 (same obv. die); Randazzo 243 (same dies). Toned, struck with somewhat worn obverse die, minor die break on reverse. Good VF. ($3000) Ex California Collection (Heritage 3037, 4 January 2015), lot 29911; Heritage 3026 (25 September 2013), lot 23033; Manhattan Sale III (3 January 2012), lot 66; Naville IV (17 June 1922), lot 312; Comte Chandon de Briailles Collection (Bourgey, 17 June 1959), lot 161; Sir Hermann Weber Collection, purchased from Rollin & Feuardent, 1882.

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59

60

59.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.23 g, 9h). 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, single-pendant earring, and necklace; s¨‰-A˚os5o-˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIa, 207E (V93/R139); HGC 2, 1306; Randazzo 368 (same dies); Triton XXIV, lot 116 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone, light scratch on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. ($2000) From the Apollo to Apollo Collection. Ex Peus 355 (27 April 1998), lot 656.

60.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron I. 478-466 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.10 g, 6h). Struck circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses with wreath held in both hands / Head of Arethousa right, wearing pearl tainia, single-pendant earring and necklace; s¨-#A˚os-5o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIIb, 315 (V152/R221); HGC 2, 1307; SNG ANS 102 (same dies).

Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6709682-005, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000) Ex Noonans 253 (13 April 2022), lot 1180 (hammer £4800); Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 480 (11 November 2020), lot 59.

61.

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. ($10,000) 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.

62.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.21 g, 11h). Struck circa 460-450 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-¨-RÅkos-5-o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XIVa, 469 (V252/ R338); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 144–5 (same rev. die); SNG München 1008 (same dies); Dewing 787 (same obv. die); Gillet 560 (same dies); Jameson 761 (same obv. die); Pozzi 574 (same obv. die); Randazzo 532 (this coin). Attractive light gray tone with golden and iridescent hues around the devices, light scratches and marks mostly under tone. EF. ($15,000) Ex Triton XIX (5 January 2016), lot 49; Escalade Collection (Nomos 9, 21 October 2014), lot 59; Numismatica Genevensis SA V (2 December 2008), lot 41; Leu 72 (12 May 1998), lot 100; Randazzo/Sicily, 1980 Hoard (CH VII, 17).

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63.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.26 g, 12h). Struck circa 450440 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; in exergue, ketos right / Head of Arethousa right, hair in band, wearing singlependant earring and pearl necklace with pendant; s¨∞Å˚os5-o˜ and four dolphins around. Boehringer Series XVIb, 571 (V287/R391); HGC 2, 1311; SNG ANS 184 (same dies); Bement 473 (same dies); Pozzi 581 (same dies); Jameson 769 (same dies). Lovely even gray tone, with golden and iridescent hues and underlying luster, tiny mark. Choice EF. Well centered, and with exceptional details. ($10,000)

Fine Style

64.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.18 g, 9h). Struck circa 440430 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in both, driving slow quadriga left; above, Nike flying left, crowning horses with open wreath held in both hands; in exergue, ketos left / Head of Arethousa right, hair in thin bend, wearing hoop earring with pendant, and pearl necklace; s¨-‰Åkos5o˜ to right, four dolphins swimming around. Boehringer Series XVIIb, 596 (V294/R402); HGC 2, 1313; SNG ANS 194 (same dies); SNG Lockett 947 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 89 (same rev. die). Toned, light die rust on obverse. EF. Well centered. Rare and from one of the finest die pairs in the entire Syracusan series. ($15,000)

From the Columbus Collection. Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 321.

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Ex British Museum Collection – Published in 1874

65.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.10 g, 3h). Dies signed by Euth– and Phrygillos. Nike as charioteer, holding reins in both hands, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with laurel wreath held in her extended right hand; in exergue, dolphin swimming right behind Skylla, holding trident, swimming right, E¨Q before / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, hook earring, and linear necklace with pearl-shaped pendant; [frU]˝5¬¬/[os] in two lines below, four dolphins and s¨-rÅ˚-os-5-o@ around.

Fischer-Bossert, Coins 47t (V15/R29) = Tudeer 47.1 = BMC 157 = B. V. Head, “On the Chronological Sequence of the Coins of Syracuse” in NC 1874, pl. III, 14 (this coin); HGC 2, 1334; SNG ANS 274; SNG Ashmolean 1998 = SNG Lockett 969; SNG Lloyd 1382; Gillet 622; Gulbenkian 280; Hirsch 603; Jameson 801; de Luynes 1214–5; Regling, Antike 593; Weber 1603 (all from the same dies). Attractive old collection tone, minor mark in field on reverse. Good VF. ($10,000) From the Columbus Collection. Ex Leu 79 (31 October 2000), lot 424; Münzen und Medaillen AG XXXII (20 October 1966), lot 57.

Phrygillos is one of most distinctive die-engravers of the Syracusan series. His head of Arethousa is crowned with a wreath of grain ears, leading one scholar (G. D. Wynn) to conclude it is Demeter who is depicted. His signature is also found on contemporary engraved gems, and he may also be responsible for coin dies produced for the cities of Thourioi and Terina on the Italian mainland, signed frU and f respectively.

66.

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.11 g, 12h). Obverse die signed by Phrygillos. Struck circa 415-409 BC. Head of Arethousa left, hair in ampyx, inscribed f[r]U, and sphendone, wearing singlependant earring; s¨r[Å˚os5o˜] above, four dolphins around / Charioteer, holding flaming torch in right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in her extended hands; in exergue, grain ear left. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 53 (O18/R32); Tudeer 53; HGC 2, 1335; SNG ANS 278 (same dies); Basel 461 (same dies); Hirsch 607 (same dies). Lightly toned, thin flan crack, flan flaw on obverse. VF. Fine style. ($5000)

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Six Dekadrachms of Syracuse Dionysios assumed power in 405 BC and immediately set out to make Syracuse the greatest and most heavily fortified city in all Sicily. He was defending against the renewed imperialistic expansion of Carthage. Three times he defeated the Carthaginians, bringing further prestige and wealth to Syracuse. During his reign, the Syracusan navy became the most powerful in the Mediterranean, allowing Syracuse to expand her territorial control over much of southern Italy.

Dionysios reintroduced the large and ostentatious silver dekadrachms, a denomination that had not been used in Syracuse since the issue of the Demareteion decades earlier. He entrusted two of the greatest local numismatic artists, Kimon and Euainetos, to design these impressive pieces. The regard for these coins in modern times is reflected by the fact that they are considered a must for any first rank collection of Greek coins.

67.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (33mm, 42.82 g, 11h). Dies signed by Kimon. Struck circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line [inscribed ˚5ÂW@], a shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair restrained in an ampyx and open-weave sakkos; sUrÅ˚os5W@ behind hair, four swimming dolphins around, the one below neck inscribed ˚5ÂW@. Jongkees 5 (dies A/ε); Scavino 5 (D1/R5); Regling, Dekadrachmon 5; HGC 2, 1298; SNG Fitzwilliam 1272–3 (same dies); SNG Spencer-Churchill 56 = DDTP p. 15 (same dies); Gulbenkian 304 (same dies); Hunt III 27 (same obv. die); Jameson 1920 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 119 (same obv. die); Prosepero 176 (this coin). Beautiful old cabinet tone. In NGC encapsulation 6708769-001, graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. A lovely example of this famed issue. ($30,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 133 (21 November 2022), lot 21; Prospero Collection (The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 176; Pflieger Collection (Vinchon, 13 April 1985), lot 137.

68.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (33mm, 42.51 g, 12h). Reverse die signed by Kimon.

Struck circa 404-400 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, a military harness, shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair restrained in an open-weave sakkos and ampyx, ˚5 (Kimon’s signature) on ampyx; sUrÅ˚os5-W@ behind hair, four dolphins swimming around. Jongkees 6 (dies A/ζ); Scavino 6a (D1/R6) = M. Wallenbrock, Three Centuries of Silver, Art and the Coins of Syracuse (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2023), p. 102, fig. 4.4 (this coin); Regling, Dekadrachmon 6; HGC 2, 1298; SNG ANS 357 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1410 (same rev. die); Dewing 870 (same dies); Boston MFA 433 = Warren 356 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 121 (same dies); Rizzo pl. L, 5 (same rev. die). Toned, usual obverse die rust. Good VF. The reverse finely centered and struck. A masterpiece of the die engraver’s art. ($30,000) Ex Triton XVI (8 January 2013), lot 230; Classical Numismatic Group 82 (16 September 2009), lot 305; Gorny & Mosch 151 (9 October 2006), lot 90; Münzen und Medaillen AG 81 (18 September 1995), lot 39; Münzen und Medaillen AG XIII (17 June 1954), lot 1049.

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67

68

69

70

71

72

39

69.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (36mm, 41.38 g, 1h). Unsigned dies in the style of Kimon. Struck circa 404-400 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [a military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; ÅQ¬[Å] below / Head of Arethousa left, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair restrained in an open-weave sakkos and ampyx; [sUrÅ˚-os5W to right], four dolphins swimming around. Jongkees 12 (dies C/λ); Scavino 12 (D3/R11); Regling, Dekadrachmon 12; HGC 2, 1298; SNG ANS 360 (same dies); Bement 510 (same dies); de Luynes 1241 (same dies); Ward 292 (same dies). Deep old cabinet tone. In NGC encapsulation 6158788-001, graded Ch VF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 2/5, Fine Style, double-struck. ($15,000) Ex Doyle (19 January 2022), lot 12.

Ex Mavrojani and Lambros Collections – Pedigreed to 1910

70.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (35mm, 43.48 g, 6h). Reverse die signed by Euainetos. Struck circa 405-390 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with laurel wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; [sU-rÅ-k-os]-5W@ above, d below chin, four swimming dolphins around, and [EU-Å5@]E along lower edge. Gallatin dies R.IX/D.II; Scavino 33 (D9/ R18a); HGC 2, 1299; SNG Lloyd 1413 (same dies); Dewing 898–900 (same dies); Basel 481 (same dies); BMC 173 (same dies); Boston MFA 425 (same dies); Hunterian 53 (same dies); Rizzo pl. LIV, 5 and pl. LVI, 5 (same dies). Lightly toned, die rust on obverse as usual, slight die wear on reverse. Good VF. ($20,000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc65187 (ND; their ticket included); S. Mavrojani Collection (Sotheby’s, 9 March 1936), lot 105; Ars Classica & Naville XII (18 October 1926), lot 951; J. P. Lambros Collection (Hirsch XXIX, 9 November 1910), lot 121

71.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (34mm, 43.16 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos. Struck circa 405-380/67 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; [sU-rÅ]-k-o-s5W@ above, scallop shell behind neck, four dolphins swimming around. Gallatin dies R.XI/E.I; Scavino 38 (D11/R21); HGC 2, 1299; SNG ANS 372 (same dies); Boston MFA 426 = Warren 359 (same dies); Consul Weber 686 (same dies); Hunterian 55 (same dies); Jameson 829 (same dies). Toned, a little die rust as usual. Good VF. ($20,000) Ex Kovacs XV (1 October 2003), lot 30; Russel Bement, Jr. Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 51, 15 September 1999), lot 152.

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72.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (32mm, 41.92 g, 4h). Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos. Struck circa 405-380/67 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness, shield], greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a [horizontal spear]; [ÅQ¬Å below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; sU-rÅ-ko-[s-5W@] above, pellet below chin, four dolphins swimming around. Gallatin dies R.XXI/J.II; Scavino 59 (D18/R31); HGC 2, 1299; SNG ANS 375 (same dies); BMC 179 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6158788-002, graded Ch VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, Fine Style. ($15,000) Ex Doyle (19 January 2022), lot 13; reportedly purchased by the consignor from George M. Beach, 1990.

Ex Jameson, Prince Chachowsky, and Comte Du Chastel Collections Pedigreed to 1889

73.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 17.36 g, 12h). Unsigned dies in the style of Eukleidas. Struck circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in both hands; in exergue, grain ear left / Large head of Arethousa right, hair in ampyx and sphendone decorated with stars, wearing double hoop earring and necklace with six pendants; [sUr]-Å-˚o[s]-5W-@ and four dolphins around. Fischer-Bossert, Coins 63b (O22/R41) = Tudeer 63h = Jameson 839 (this coin); HGC 2, 1339; SNG Lloyd 1386 (same dies); BMC 221 (same dies); Boston MFA 414 = Warren 382 (same dies); Gillet 632 and 634 (same dies); Gulbenkian 285 (same dies); Pozzi 621 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XLVII, 10 (same dies).

Attractively toned, traces of overstriking on obverse, diagnostic die break on reverse. Near EF. ($15,000) From the Hydrologist Collection. Ex Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 252; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); Prince Chachowsky Collection (Egger [20], 7 January 1908), lot 108; Albéric Paul Edouard, comte du Chastel de la Howardries Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 27 May 1889), lot 79.

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Ex Johns Hopkins University and Garrett Collections – Pedigreed to 1914

74.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AV 100 Litrai – Double Dekadrachm (14.5mm, 5.77 g, 6h). Obverse die signed by Euainetos. Struck circa 400-370 BC. Head of Arethousa left, hair in sakkos adorned with stars, wearing triplependant earring and pearl necklace; [s]UrÅ˚os5o@ to left, EUÅ5 to right / Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; rocks below. Bérend Group II, 8.2 (D5/R5 – this coin); HGC 2, 1275; SNG ANS 322–3 (same rev. die); Gulbenkian 322 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 128 = Rizzo pl. LIV, 12 = De Ciccio 20 (same dies); de Luynes 1236 (same rev. die). Trace deposits. Choice EF. Full signature visible. ($20,000) From the Hydrologist Collection. Ex Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 44.5.143] (Part II, Bank Leu & Numismatic Fine Arts, 16 October 1984), lot 526 (pedigree to Bement is erroneous); John Work Garrett Collection [inv. G 104]; Naville X (15 June 1925), lot 290; Naville IV (17 June 1922), lot 351; 1914 Mammanelli Hoard (IGCH 2122).

The remarkable gold issues of Dionysios I, some of them signed by the same elite die engravers who were producing the immense silver dekadrachms, are considered among the most artistic gold pieces ever struck. The distinctive and expressive style of Euainetos is quite evident in his depiction of the nymph Arethousa, her hair enclosed in a sakkos ornamented with stars. The reverse depiction of Herakles wrestling the Nemean Lion is a marvel of compact tension and latent energy. Since Syracuse was engaged in a similar struggle with Carthage for control of Sicily, the imagery presents Dionysios as the new Syracusan Herakles saving Greek cities from the Carthaginian lion.

Pedigreed to 1930

75.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AV 100 Litrai – Double Dekadrachm (13.5mm, 5.78 g, 3h). Struck circa 400-370 BC. Head of Arethousa left, hair in sakkos adorned with a star, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace; sUrÅ˚os5o@ to left, pellets flanking neck / Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; rocks below. Bérend Group III, 15.10 (D11/R8 – this coin); HGC 2, 1275; SNG ANS 329 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1421 (same obv. die); SNG Lockett 985 (same dies); Hunt IV 115 (same obv. die); Jameson 814 (same obv. die); Pozzi 605 (same dies). In NGC encapsulation 6158586-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($20,000) Ex Heritage 3048 (11 August 2016), lot 32011; Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection (Part III, Triton XIX, 6 January 2006), lot 2018; Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 110; Spink 32 (30 November 1983), lot 11; Ars Classica XV (2 July 1930), lot 375.

76.

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AV 100 Litrai – Double Dekadrachm (14mm, 5.78 g, 1h). Struck circa 400-370 BC. Head of Arethousa left, hair in sakkos adorned with stars, wearing single-pendant earring and pearl necklace; sUr[Å˚os5o@] to left, star behind neck / Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion; rocks below. Bérend Group V, 41 (D24/R20); HGC 2, 1275; SNG ANS 338 (same obv. die); SNG Spencer-Churchill 54 (same dies); Du Chastel 121 (same dies); Kunstfreund 128 (same dies). Minor flan flaws and trace deposits on obverse, minor double strike and die break on reverse. Near EF. ($15,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 134 (21 November 2022), lot 197; Auction World 28 (16 April 2022), lot 2006.

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Ex Cutler, Jameson, and Evans Collections

77.

SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Hemidrachm (12mm, 1.29 g, 1h).

Corinthian standard. Struck 344-339/8 BC. Head of Arethousa left, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace; sUr-Åko[s]5-W@ and three dolphins around / Forepart of Pegasos left; star above. HGC 2, 1405; SNG Copenhagen 713 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1448 (same dies); Jameson 856 (this coin); Weber 1647 (same dies). Deep old iridescent tone, light porosity, scrape on reverse. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Lawrence M. Cutler Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts [XXIV], 18 October 1990), lot 106; Numismatic Fine Arts Winter MBS (15 January 1982), lot 93; Robert Jameson Collection (publ. 1913); Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection.

78.

SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Hemidrachm (15mm, 1.99 g, 3h). Attic standard. Head of Athena facing slightly left, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet and pearl necklace; two dolphins to left, sUrÅ˚-o-s5 around / Female, holding rein in right hand, riding right on horse; star and grain ear to left, @ below. HGC 2, 1370; SNG ANS 522; SNG Lloyd 1450; SNG München 1125; Pozzi 636 = Pozzi (Boutin) 1301. Some doubling on obverse.

EF. ($1000) Ex Roma XV (5 April 2018), lot 65.

Ex Spencer-Churchill and Virzi Collections – Pedigreed to 1931

79.

SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. Æ Hemilitron (20.5mm, 7.72 g). Laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios left; vertical thunderbolt to right, [zEUs] E¬EU[QEr5os] around / Swastika; [sUrÅ˚os]5[W@] around. CNS 83/3 = SNG Spencer-Churchill 63 = Virzi 1560 (this coin); HGC 2, 1458; SNG ANS 542; SNG Evelpidis 612–3; SNG Morcom 719. Rough dark green-brown patina. Good Fine. Extremely rare. ($1000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 734; Numismatica Ars Classica K (30 March 2000), lot 1204; Thomas Virzi Collection; Capt. C. E. Spencer-Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XVI, 3 July 1933), lot 824 (his SNG published in 1931).

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80.

SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.26 g, 7h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three dolphins around, @5 below neck / Charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; counterclockwise triskeles above, sUrÅkos5W@ and & in exergue. Ierardi 29 (O4/R15); BAR Issue 2; HGC 2, 1348; Morgan 150 (same dies); Ars Classica XVI, lot 840 (same dies). Toned, with golden iridescence around the devices, a little die rust on obverse, slight die shift on reverse. Good VF. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex CNG inventory 502 (c. 1992).

The Kore Tetradrachm of Agathokles

81.

SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 16.91 g, 4h). Struck circa 310-306/5 BC. Head of Kore right, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; [˚orÅs to left] / Nike, wearing long chiton, standing right, erecting trophy to right; [ to lower left, triskeles to outer right, [Å˝Å]Qo˚¬Eo[s] in exergue.

Ierardi 103 (O21/R64); BAR Issue 23; HGC 2, 1536; Boston MFA 463 = Warren 406 (same dies). Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4281288-015, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. Wings approved. ($5000) Ex Mercury Group Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 13 September 2021), lot 89; Ponterio 124 (17 January 2003), lot 363.

The Kore tetradrachms of Agathokles were struck following a major victory over Carthaginian forces outside the gates of Syracuse in 310 BC, which prompted him to name himself King of Sicily and adopt the style and trappings of a Hellenistic ruler. The reverse, depicting Nike erecting a trophy, proved highly influential and was widely copied by Greek kingdoms and Romans centuries hence; a near-contemporary issue of Seleukos I Nikator has a similar reverse design, though Nike is more demurely clothed. The Kore tetradrachms are found in two main varieties based on the engraving style, termed “Sicilian” and “African,” although both were probably struck in Syracuse. This piece exemplifies the finest Sicilian style and is clearly the work of a master engraver.

82.

SICILY, Syracuse. Pyrrhos. 278-276 BC. AR Oktobol (20mm, 5.33 g, 1h). Head of Persephone left, wearing grain ear wreath; poppy to right / ∫Ås5¬EWs πUrroU, Athena Promachos advancing left, shield decorated with aegis on left arm, preparing to cast thunderbolt held aloft in right hand; no control marks. B&S Type 6; BAR Issue 46; HGC 3, 264; SNG Lewis 604–5. Light iridescent tone, a little die wear, a few hairlines on reverse. Good VF. Well centered. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Gemini I (11 January 2005), lot 50; Leu 72 (12 May 1998), lot 119.

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Very Rare Oktadrachm of Hieron II – Ex Moretti Collection

83.

SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 32 Litrai – Oktadrachm (33.5mm, 28.40 g, 12h). Struck circa 217215 BC. Diademed head right; trident head to right / Nike, nude to waist, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast biga right; E below, 5ErW@o% in exergue. CCO 3 (D2/R3); BAR Issue 64; HGC 2, 1545; Basel 531 (this coin). Lightly toned, underlying luster, some hairlines. EF. Very rare oktadrachm of Hieron II, one of four known with the trident symbol. ($20,000) From the Hydrologist Collection. Ex A. D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 531.

Hieron II started life as the illegitimate son of a a noble father, allegedly a distant descendant of the Syracusan tyrant Gelon I. Later legends claim Hieron was exposed as an infant, but swarms of bees fed him honey until his father, warned by an astrologer, came and rescued the boy. As a young man, he served as a mercenary soldier in the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros. When his commander elected to abort his Sicilian expedition in 275 BC, Hieron stayed behind and convinced a cabal of fellow soldiers to choose him as leader and seize power in Syracuse.

He went on to rule the city and much of Sicily, first as a military tyrant, later as an enlightened and successful king, for nearly 50 years. He is most famous as the king who patronized the brilliant polymath Archimedes in his “eureka!” discovery, the principle of displacement. Hieron’s coinage is widely varied, interesting, and in many ways inspired by that his Hellenistic ally, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. The widely circulated silver 16-litra pieces depicting his aristocratic wife, Philistis, are clearly modeled on the veiled portraits of Ptolemaic queens. Much rarer is this exceptionally large and impressive silver coin, struck late in his reign, which depicts the diademed head of Hieron himself on the obverse and Nike driving a racing biga on the reverse. Although the type is often denominated as a 32 litra piece, its weight of about 28 grams (and presumed buying power) is the same as that of Ptolemaic oktadrachm.

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84.

SICILY, Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 16 Litrai – Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.59 g, 4h).

Struck circa 240-218/5 BC. Diademed and veiled head left; torch to right / ∫Å%5¬5%%Å% f5¬5%t5do%, Nike, holding reins in both hands, driving fast quadriga right; E below horses. CCO 49 (D12/R31); BAR Issue 65; HGC 2, 1554; SNG ANS 884 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean 2107 (same dies); SNG München 1357 and 1359 (same dies); McClean 1398 (same dies); Ward 337 (same dies); Weber 1707 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor die wear on obverse. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Jacquier 49 (17 September 2021), lot 66.

Philistis was the daughter of an influential Syracusan named Leptines. Hieron, a mercenary refugee from the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros, took control of Syracuse after Pyrrhos’ withdrawal from the city in 275 BC. Hieron immediately sought out and married Philistis to secure his position with the city’s elite. His coinage in her name commenced after he was proclaimed king (and she queen) in 265 BC and reflects the strong influence of Ptolemaic Egypt, depicting her veiled head in a manner reminiscent of Egyptian queens Arsinoe II and Berenike II.

85.

SICILY, Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 16 Litrai – Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 13.58 g, 6h).

Struck circa 240-218/5 BC. Diademed and veiled head left; grain ear to right / ∫Å%5¬5%%Å% f5¬5%t5do%, Nike, wearing long chiton, holding reins in both hands, driving fast quadriga right; crescent above, ˚5% to right, grain ear below. CCO 70 (D17/R47); Burnett, Enna 41; BAR Issue 65; HGC 2, 1554; SNG München 1350 (same dies). Iridescent tone, traces of find patina, slight die wear on obverse. EF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J Berk, Ltd. (their ticket included).

86.

SICILY, Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 5 Litrai – Drachm (19mm, 4.45 g, 9h). Struck circa 217-215 BC. Diademed and veiled bust left; palm frond to right / ∫Å%5¬5%%Å% f5¬5%t5do%, Nike driving fast quadriga right, holding reins in both hands; E to right. CCO 224 (D4/R3); BAR Issue 68; HGC 2, 1558; SNG ANS 892 (same dies); SNG Lockett 1016 (same dies); BMC 559 (same dies); Boston MFA 478 (same dies). Toned with some iridescence and light golden hues, hairline flan crack, slight porosity. EF. Rare. ($1500)

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87.

SICILY, Syracuse. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. AR 12 Litrai (24.5mm, 10.12 g, 12h). Head of Athena left, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, aegis, and crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent on the bowl / Artemis standing left, drawing bow; at side, hound springing left; xÅ to left, sUrÅkos5[W@] to right. Burnett, Enna 23 (dies 8/p); BAR Issue 84; HGC 2, 1412; SNG Copenhagen 878 (same dies); SNG Delepierre 713 (same dies); McClean 2957 (same obv. die). Iridescent tone, underlying luster, slight die shift and minor laminations on reverse. EF. ($1500) Ex Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 119.

88.

SICILY, Syracuse. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. AR 12 Litrai (24mm, 10.20 g, 5h). Head of Athena left, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, aegis, and crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin flying on the bowl / Artemis standing left, drawing bow; at side, hound springing left; UÅ/s¬ to left, sUrÅkos5W@ to right. Burnett, Enna 32 (dies 10/s); BAR Issue 84; HGC 2, 1412; SNG Lewis 412 (same dies); BMC 657 (same obv. die); Gulbenkian 359 (same obv. die); Jameson 892 (same dies); McClean 2958 (same obv. die); Triton XXIII, lot 147 (same dies). Attractive deep old collection tone, minor die break on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. ($1500)

89.

SICILY, Syracuse. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. AR 12 Litrai (25mm, 10.23 g, 6h). Head of Athena left, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, aegis, and crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent on the bowl / Artemis standing left, drawing bow; at side, hound springing left; cÅr to left, sUrÅkos5W@ to right. Burnett, Enna 36 (dies 14/w); BAR Issue 84; HGC 2, 1412; SNG ANS 1042 (same obv. die); BMC 653 (same dies); Weber 1720 (same dies). Iridescent tone, underlying luster, minor doubling on obverse, scratch in field on reverse. EF. ($1500) From the Libertas Collection.

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The Siculo-Punic Coinage The Siculo-Punic coinage in Sicily, which included the minting of Attic weight standard tetradrachms and didrachms within Sicily by Carthage, is linked primarily to five cities: Motya, Panormos, Lilybaion, Entella, Solous, and Thermai Himerenses. Entella has been identified as the site of the main Punic controlled mint on the island, but that is disputed and it is often referred to as “uncertain.” Thermai Himerenses and Solous were minor mints that issued only a few tetradrachms along with silver fractional and bronze issues. Motya, once the leading Punic city and mint in the area, ceased production after its destruction in 397 BC. This left Entella, Panormos, and Lilybaion as the major remaining mints, with Entella issuing the majority of the subsequent Punic coinage.

This coinage is directly tied to Carthage’s attempts to subjugate the eastern Greek half of the island. The first Sicilian War saw Carthage crushed at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC, and for seventy years after Carthage declined to interfere in Greek Sicilian politics even when called upon. However, this stance changed with her intervention on behalf of Segesta against Selinos and Himera in the Second Sicilian War. Notably, before Punic intervention, Carthage did not mint any coins at all. Instead, Punic trade across the Mediterranean was conducted in kind rather than with currency. However, Carthage needed to hire mercenaries to bolster her armies in her quest to conquer Sicily and this required currency that the mercenaries would trust.

While the earliest Siculo-Punic tetradrachms had a distinctly Punic style that did not match with current issues circulating on the island.

Subsequent Carthaginian emissions, however, copied local imagery and style, producing tetradrachms and didrachms that denizens of the island were familiar with. This allowed them to easily integrate into circulation alongside the Greek issues in Sicily. This syncretism, which Carthage practiced in other areas, produced a body of coinage that is fascinating not only due to its beauty, but also because of the amalgamation of styles and cultures. This model would be adopted for almost all of the Punic coinage minted in Sicily. The coins were identified as inherently Punic by alterations in style or use of a Punic legend or symbol such as the horse. However, the core concepts of the coins were borrowed from Syracuse, Akragas, Himera, and other Greek cities in Sicily. Even in Carthage’s last issue of Herakles head tetradrachms, we see the use of prototypes from Alexander’s different mints in the East. This amalgamation of cultures is what makes the series interesting to collect outside of its beauty and history: the ability to buy one coin that has elements from three or even four cultures is difficult to beat and is attractive to collectors of almost any area. In this auction we are proud to offer an impressive section of Siculo-Punic coins that includes coins from most of the major mints as well as a few impressive rarities that rarely appear at auction.

90.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 345/38-320/15 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.95 g, 7h). Head of Arethousa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; poppy behind neck, two dolphins to right / Horse stepping right; palm tree in background. Jenkins, Punic, Series 2b, 101 (O35/R92); CNP 203b; HGC 2, 275; Bement 595 (same dies); de Luynes 1437 (same dies). Lightly toned, patch of find patina along edge. Good VF. ($2000)

91.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 345/38-320/15 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.44 g, 12h). Head of Arethousa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; two dolphins to right / Horse stepping right; palm tree in background. Jenkins, Punic, Series 2c, 112 (O38/R102); CNP 203; HGC 2, 275; SNG Fitzwilliam 1479 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1617 (same rev. die). Lightly toned, a little off center. VF. ($1500) From the L.H. Collection. Ex Sigmund Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 500, 22 September 2021), lot 46; Continental Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 327, 28 May 2014), lot 377.

92.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 345/38-320/15 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.00 g, 3h). Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace / Horse leaping right; palm tree in background.

Jenkins, Punic, Series 2d, 126 (O42/R114); CNP 212; HGC 2, 279 (same dies as illustration); Gulbenkian 363 (same dies); de Luynes 1433 (same dies). Toned, with some iridescence around the devices, minor cleaning marks. Good VF. ($7500) From the Columbus Collection. Ex New York Sale XXXIV (6 January 2015), lot 45.

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93.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 320/15-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.73 g, 10h). Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJMM` (Punic ‘MMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 3a, 147 (O47/R132); CNP 267; BAR Issue 4; HGC 2, 284; SNG Fitzwilliam 1487 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1631 (same obv. die); de Luynes 1458 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, some light scratches, minor doubling and flan flaw with minor repair on obverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Noble 86 (21 November 2007), lot 3340; Davissons 10 (April 1998), lot 85; Numismatica Ars Classica 7 (2 March 1994), lot 214.

94.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 320/15-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 16.72 g, 11h). Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; shell below chin, four dolphins around / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJMM` (Punic ‘MMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 3a, 159 (O49/R143); CNP 267; BAR Issue 4; HGC 2, 284; SNG Newham Davis 99 (same obv. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1488–9 (same obv. die); Bement 580 (same obv. die); de Luynes 1469 (same obv. die). Toned. Good VF. ($2000) Ex “The Olympians” Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015), lot 1263; Deyo Collection (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 1039; Peus 382 (26 April 2005), lot 101; Gorny & Mosch 129 (8 March 2004), lot 65.

95.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 320/15-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.89 g, 9h). Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; shell below chin, four dolphins around / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJMM` (Punic ‘MMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 3a, 163 (O49/R132); CNP 267; BAR Issue 4; HGC 2, 284; SNG Newham Davis 99 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 1488 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of find patina, numerous cleaning marks. Good VF. ($2000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin Co.

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96.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 320/15-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.72 g, 6h). Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJMM` (Punic ‘MMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 3a, 171 (O50/R152); CNP 267; BAR Issue 4; HGC 2, 284; SNG Ashmolean 2160 (same obv. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 1485 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1635 (same obv. die); de Luynes 1459 and 1461 (same obv. die). Toned, flan flaw at edge on obverse, a few die breaks on reverse. Good VF. ($3000)

97.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 320/15-300 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.40 g, 9h). Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins around / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, M (Punic M) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 3c, 256 (O79/R210); CNP 264; HGC 2, 289; Hunterian 5 (same dies); de Luynes 1465 (same dies). Lightly toned, trace deposits, minor surface crack on reverse, small edge bump. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Nomos 23 (30 November 2021), lot 22.

98.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.95 g, 8h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, †nJMM` (Punic ‘MMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 273 (O86/R227); CNP 270b; BAR Issue 5; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legend); Hunterian 11 (same dies). Toned, die breaks. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Baldwin’s of St. James’s 16 (17 April 2018), lot 9.

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Sole Use of a Thunderbolt in Punic Art

99.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 17.05 g, 3h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; thunderbolt to left, palm tree to right, †nJM[∆M`] (Punic [‘MH]MḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 276 (O88/R229); CNP 271c; BAR Issue 5; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legend). Attractively toned, with golden hues around the devices, minor marks. Good VF. Extremely rare issue with thunderbolt; only one example recorded (in the BM), and this symbol only known on one die in the series. ($3000) From the L.H. Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular XCIX.1 (February 1991), no. 11.

This rare thunderbolt issue is known only from a single die in the series and Jenkins remarks that, “On R 229 is a fulmen symbol, never found elsewhere on Carthaginian coinage, nor in Carthaginian material of any other kind. This was doubtless copied from Greek coinage such as the pegasi of Ambrakia, Corinth and Syracuse, but is of a distinct form.” Jenkins also states that the thunderbolt is apparently unknown on any of the Punic stelai, making this issue the only known use of the thunderbolt symbol in Punic art.

100.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.82 g, 6h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; three pellets to left, palm tree to right, †nJM∆M` (Punic ‘MHMḤNT) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 283 (O90/R232); CNP 271c; BAR Issue 5; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legend); Naville 10, lot 353 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor die wear, hairline in field on reverse. Near EF. Well centered. Attractive in hand. ($3000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 19 August 1980.

101.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.36 g, 6h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; palm tree to right, [†nJM∆M` (Punic ‘MHMḤNT) below]. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5a, 290 (O93/R238); CNP 271; BAR Issue 5; HGC 2, 293 corr. (varying legend); McClean 3047 (same dies). Lightly toned, underlying luster, compact flan. Choice EF. ($3000) Ex Leu Numismatik 10 (24 October 2021), lot 2012.

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From Dies of Fine Workmanship

102.

SICILY, Entella. Punic issues. Circa 300-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.71 g, 3h). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Head of horse left; astragalos to left, palm tree to right, MBßJM (Punic MHSBM) below. Jenkins, Punic, Series 5b, 367–9 var. (O115/R– [unlisted rev. die]); HGC 2, 295. Attractive deep iridescent toning, minor horn silver on reverse. EF. Well struck from dies of fine workmanship. ($7500) Ex Father & Son Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 118, 14 September 2021), lot 617; Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 43; Classical Numismatic Group 61 (25 September 2002), lot 388.

Very Rare Early Type

103.

SICILY, Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’). Circa 350-310 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.28 g, 11h). Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in both hands; [teQ¬M[ße] ([RŠ]MLQRT = “Raš Melqart” in Punic) in exergue / Head of female right, wearing sphendone, triple-pendant earring, and linear necklace; three dolphins swimming around. Jenkins, Punic 5 (O4/R4); CNP 315; HGC 2, 731; Boston MFA Supp. 24 = Jameson 1903 (same dies). Deeply toned, patches of find patina, some light scratches. Good VF. Very rare early type, and one of only two examples known with this die combination. ($2000) From the L.H. Collection.

Lilybaion, modern day Marsala, was a Punic city in Sicily founded in the fourth century BC. The destruction of the chief Punic stronghold Motya in 397 BC by the Syracusan tyrant Dionysios I left the denizens of Motya without a home and Carthage without a primary military base on the island. In order to remedy both of these issues, the city of Lilybaion was founded by the survivors from Motya. The new port town would become a thriving trade hub and the most important military base in Sicily. The strong new walls that were built to defend the city were able to fend off both Pyrrhos of Epiros and the Romans. It was the last bastion of Punic rule in Sicily during Pyrrhos’ conquest of the island, beating back his attempts to take the city before his campaign unraveled entirely. The Romans placed the city under a nine year siege with numerous assaults during the First Punic War, but they were never able to capture the city and only gained control of it after Carthage’s surrender at the end of the war.

The issue of tetradrachms that are purportedly from Lilybaion were all struck in the later half of the fourth century BC. While many show strong affinity for Syracusan styles from the same period, Jenkins notes that this series relies heavily on prototypes from the Entella series.

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104.

SICILY, Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’). Circa 330-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.10 g, 11h).

Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in both hands; [[te]Q¬[Mße] (RŠMLQRT = “Raš Melqart” in Punic) in exergue / Head of Arethousa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three dolphins swimming around. Jenkins, Punic 38 (O14/R29); CNP 310; HGC 2, 741; Bement 364 (same dies); Jameson 597 (same obv. die); de Luynes 920 (same obv. die); Sartiges 453 (same obv. die); Weber 1297 (same dies). Attractive cabinet tone, some die rust and a few minor pits on obverse. Good VF. Well centered and struck. ($3000)

Ex Peter and Tronnier Collections

105.

SICILY, Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’). Circa 330-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 17.21 g, 7h). Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in both hands; [teQ]¬M[ße] ([RŠ]ML[QRT] = “Raš Melqart” in Punic) in exergue / Head of Arethousa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins swimming around. Jenkins, Punic 66 (O22/R50); CNP 312; BAR Issue 1; HGC 2, 741; BMC 10 (same dies); Boston MFA Supp. 23 (same dies). Attractively toned, minor edge split, die rust on obverse, minor flan flaw on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Heinrich Rudolf Peter Collection (Künker 347, 22 March 2021), lot 711; Künker 97 (7 March 2005), lot 323; Hagen Tronnier Collection (Künker 94, 27 September 2004), lot 474; Münz Zentrum 51 (28 March 1984), lot 53.

106.

SICILY, Lilybaion (as ‘Cape of Melkart’). Circa 330-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.14 g, 3h). Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with open wreath held in both hands; [te]Q¬Mße (RŠMLQ[RT] = “Raš Melqart” in Punic) in exergue / Head of Arethousa right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; three dolphins swimming around. Jenkins, Punic 69 (O24/R52); CNP 344; HGC 2, 743; BMC 4 (same dies); Hirsch 821 (same dies); de Luynes 925 (same dies). Find patina, some deposits. VF. ($1500) Ex Bertolami Fine Arts E-Auction 105 (21 October 2021), lot 688.

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Part of the Rare Punic Didrachm Series

107.

SICILY, Motya. Circa 410-405 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.70 g, 10h). Hound standing right / Head of female right; ivy leaf to left, [* (mṭv’ in Punic) to right]. Jenkins, Punic 27 (O13/R16); Campana 8 var. B/a; HGC 2, 927; SNG Ashmolean 1858 = SNG Lockett 2503 (same dies). Deeply toned, minor roughness. VF. Rare. ($1500) From the L.H. Collection.

The Punic didrachm series was minted during a period of strife in Sicilian politics. The Athenians had somewhat recently been thrown off the island by the victorious Syracusans in 413 BC, but the true purpose of the Athenian expedition had supposedly been to help the Segestans against their bitter enemies in Selinos. After the Athenian defeat, Selinos attacked again in 410 BC and the Elymian city of Segesta now called on Carthage for aid. Carthage proceeded to effectively vassalize Segesta and then capture and destroy both Selinos and Himera. This shocked much of the rest of Greek Sicily, but after the hard fought effort to expel the Athenians they did not immediately interfere. It was a Syracusan exile named Hermocrates leading mercenaries and citizens of the destroyed city of Himera that sparked the next phase of the war. He raided Punic territory in western Sicily in 407 BC, then headed back east and died in an attempt to take power in Syracuse. His raids precipitated a Punic invasion of western Sicily that would lead to the destruction of numerous cities in the years of war that followed, most prominently Akragas and Motya.

Considering the previously discussed historical context, the didrachm series, minted for use by the Siculo-Punic cities of Motya and Panormos, was most likely used to help pay for the massive armies and fleets that Carthage raised to fight in their long Sicilian conflict. It is also likely, given Segestan experience minting didrachms and the evidence for die sharing between Segesta, Motya, and Panormos, that Segesta, in its role as a new Punic dependency, was tasked with helping the Carthaginians with their didrachm production. The existence of a number of hybrids mixing the dies of Segesta, Motya, and Panormos points to the existence of a central mint, but which city housed that central mint is not agreed on by scholars. Jenkins and Hurter argue that the central mint’s location was Panormos, while Rutter argues convincingly that the likely location was Carthage’s new dependency Segesta. Considering the historical context of the didrachm series, it seems likely that the central mint was in fact Segesta.

Illustrated in CNP

108.

SICILY, Panormos (as Ziz). Circa 360-340 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.55 g, 6h). Charioteer, holding reins in both hands, driving slow quadriga left; above, Nike flying left, crowning horses with wreath she holds in her extended hands; 8$8 (Punic ṢYṢ) in exergue / Head of female right, hair in ampyx, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; four dolphins around. Jenkins, Punic 47 (O12/R38); CNP 289 (this coin illustrated); HGC 2, 1016; McClean 3054 (same dies).

Deeply toned, minor marks and scrapes, die break on reverse. Good VF. Very rare issue, and only one example from these dies known to Jenkins, with one additional in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the L.H. Collection. Ex Spink Taisei Numismatics 52 (Part 2, with Numismatica Ars Classica, 26 October 1994), lot 1816.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC, Panormos was established along the northern coast of Sicily as a trading post with the indigenous Sicani of the region. The people of Panormos, although active traders like the other Phoenician settlers in Sicily, felt little need for striking their own coinage; instead, they relied upon the regional Greek coinages for their transactions. By the late fifth century, however, as Carthage and its Punic allies were expanding control of the western Mediterranean, it became necessary to begin striking coins in order the pay the mercenaries used to assert Punic power. As a result, cities like Panormos began striking coins which could be integrated into the existing monetary system, and which derived their types for the most part from the Greek city-states in Sicily. This coin copies Syracusan coins of the late Eukleidas style with a Punic twist added to the design.

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109.

CARTHAGE. Circa 350-320 BC. AV Stater (19.5mm, 8.82 g, 9h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with nine pendants / Horse standing right; three pellets above ground line to right of forelegs. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIe, 24; CNP 1.5c; MAA 4. Minor marks on obverse. Near EF. Rare issue. ($5000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 63 (21 May 2003), lot 736; Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 317.

110.

CARTHAGE. Circa 310-290 BC. EL Stater (19mm, 7.51 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with ten pendants; pellet to left of neck / Horse standing right; three pellets in exergue. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 272 (same dies); CNP 2.10a; MAA 12. Lightly toned, light die rust on obverse, scratch in field on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex CNG inventory 521108 (September 2019).

111.

CARTHAGE. Circa 310-290 BC. EL Stater (19mm, 7.32 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with ten pendants; pellet before neck / Horse standing right; three pellets in exergue. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 284 (same dies); CNP 2.10f; MAA 10. Toned with underlying luster, thin flan crack, minor marks, tiny die flaw in reverse field. VF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 120 (11 May 2022), lot 75.

Coinage of the First Punic War

112.

CARTHAGE, First Punic War. Circa 264-241 BC. EL 1½ Shekels – Tridrachm (21mm, 10.34 g, 12h). Carthage mint. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears with pellet on its leaf, triple-pendant earring, and necklace with nine pendants / Horse standing right, head left; ouraios above; pellet behind forward hind hoof. Jenkins & Lewis Group Xb, 428; CNP 41i; MAA 32; SNG Copenhagen 996; Bement 600; Jameson 923; de Luynes 3747–8; Weber 8491. Flan crack, trace deposits, scrape on edge. Good VF. ($3000) Carthage, a Phoenician colony on the coast of North Africa, became a maritime powerhouse in the fifth century BC and challenged the Greek cities of Sicily and Southern Italy for control of the western Mediterranean. By the early third century, much of Sicily had fallen under Carthaginian control and mints were established on the island to produce coins used to pay the largely mercenary army. The stage was now set for the collision with Rome, newly dominant in Italy. Starting in 265 BC, Carthage and Rome fought three titanic wars that produced more death and destruction than any other conflict before the 20th century. This electrum piece, struck at the mother city of Carthage, was produced early in the First Punic War with Rome, which raged for more than 20 years and ended with a humiliating defeat for Carthage and the loss of Sicily to the Romans. Still, Carthage’s empire remained otherwise intact and the loss only laid the groundwork for the similarly destructive Second Punic War. The use of electrum points to the need to stretch Carthage’s gold supply while striking a coinage that would have special appeal to the mercenary soldiers that made up most of its army. A head of the Phoenician goddess Tanit adorns the obverse, while the “Punic horse” symbolic of Carthaginian cavalry stands on the reverse.

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Rare Second Punic War Gold

113.

CARTHAGE, Second Punic War. Circa 203-201 BC. AV Quarter Stater (12mm, 1.84 g, 12h). Carthage mint.

Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears / Horse standing right. Jenkins & Lewis Group XIV, 464–7; MAA 76; SNG Copenhagen –; Pozzi 3310. Lightly toned, minor marks, minor deposits. Good VF. Rare. ($1500) Ex F. David Collection.

114.

SKYTHIA, Olbia. Circa 437-410 BC. Cast Æ (67mm, 94.12 g, 1h). Facing gorgoneion / Sea eagle flying right, wings spread, holding in its talons a dolphin right; Å-r-5-c around. Karyshkovskij p. 395, Таб. III=B, 1; V&K –; Anokhin 168; SNG BM Black Sea 380–2; SNG Pushkin 38–42; SNG Stancomb 343; Frolova & Abramzon 156–8; Sutzu II 95–6. Dark green-brown patina. VF. ($1000) From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc83133 (ND).

115.

MOESIA, Istros. Circa 260-253/40 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.47 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; below left wing, 5s within wreath.

Vîlcu & Petac Group 3, 10 (O4/R7); Price 968; HGC 3, 1797; Anadol 484–93; ANS inv. 1944.100.38434 (same dies); BM no.

1927,0504.10 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 680 (same dies). Underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 6323054-003, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare, only the coins listed above are published (with the museum pieces likely from the Anadol hoard), none in CoinArchives. ($4000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 115 (16 September 2020), lot 80.

Vîlcu & Petac associate the rare Alexander type staters struck at Istros with the participation of the city as a Seleucid ally in the Second Syrian War.

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116.

THRACE, Abdera. Circa 450-425 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.85 g, 12h). Artemon, magistrate. Griffin springing left / Kantharos within linear square; År-tE-ÂW@ and ivy leaf around; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera, Period IV, Group LXIX, 187 var. (unlisted dies); HGC 3, 1140; Hunterian 5. Underlying luster. Near EF. Well centered on a broad flan. Very rare, only one noted by May, two in CoinArchives. ($4000)

117.

THRACE, Abdera. Circa 415/3-395 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 14.81 g, 12h). Heragores, magistrate. Griffin seated left, raising right foreleg / Hydria, wreathed with ivy, within linear square; Eπ ˙-rÅ-˝o-rEW around; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera, Period V, Group LXXI, 201 var. (A164/P– [unlisted rev. die]); HGC 3, 1158 (same obv. die as illustration); Jameson 2457 (same obv. die). Area of weak strike. Good VF. Very rare, only one example noted by May, none in CoinArchives. ($3000)

118.

THRACE, Abdera. Circa 415/3-395 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.95 g, 11h). Philados, magistrate. Griffin springing left / Bull grazing left within linear square; Eπ5 f5-¬Å-dos around; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera, Period V, – (unlisted issue); HGC 3, –. Bright surfaces, minor doubling on reverse. Near EF. Extremely rare, unpublished issue; none in CoinArchives, and this magistrate not listed in Leschhorn. ($3000)

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Superbly Rendered ‘Weary Herakles’

119.

THRACE, Abdera. Circa 395-360 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 12.96 g, 6h). Philados, magistrate. Griffin seated left; cicada to left, Å∫d˙ to right / Herakles seated half-left, his head turned to half-right, on lion skin draped over rock, his right hand holding club set vertically on his knee, his left arm resting on his left thigh; Eπ5 f5¬Å-sod at sides; all within shallow incuse square. May, Abdera 396 (A277/P322); AMNG II 105.4 = Ars Classica XIII, lot 620 (same dies); SNG Lockett 1132 = Weber 2379 (same obv. die). Beautiful iridescent cabinet tone. Near EF. A magnificent example, possibly the finest known of the type. ($75,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Collection of a Cosmopolitan (Künker 351, 25 September 2021), lot 100 (hammer €120,000); HessDivo 335 (6 December 2018), lot 20 and front cover; Giessener Münzhandlung 44 (3 April 1989), lot 152.

The superbly rendered “weary Herakles” depicted on the reverse of this stunning stater is part of a well-known sculptural motif in the ancient world that includes the famous “Farnese Hercules” now in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples. Unlike the standing Farnese version, the die engraver of this piece depicts a seated Herakles with his heavily bearded face turned to right wearing a melancholy expression. The skin of the Nemean Lion covers the rock upon which he sits. He is surely mourning the death of his young companion Abderos, who perished while helping the hero complete his eighth labor, subduing the savage mares of Diomedes, king of the Thracian Bistones. Having captured the beasts, Herakles left them in the care of Abderos, but while he was away the youth was devoured by the mares. In a fit of rage, Herakles fed Diomedes to his own horses, and then founded a city on the site of Abderos’ tomb: Abdera.

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Ex Sheikh Al-Thani Collection

120.

THRACE, Ainos. Circa 412/1-410/09 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 16.49 g, 1h). Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos with pelleted rim / Goat standing right; Å5n-5 above, kerykeion to right; all within incuse square. May, Ainos, Period II, 259 (A159/P170); AMNG II 288; HGC 3, 1269; Boston MFA 779 = Warren 465; Jameson 1048. Iridescent tone, a few scratches and some porosity on obverse. Near EF. ($10,000) Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 126, 17 November 2021), lot 89; Nomos 3 (10 May 2011), lot 38; Nomos 1 (6 May 2009), lot 33.

The legendary founder of Ainos was said to be Ainios, a son of the god Apollo; the Roman poet Virgil apparently confused this name with that of the Trojan hero Aeneas and credits the city’s foundation to him. The main deity of the city was Hermes Perpheraios (”the wanderer”), and it is he who is depicted on the city’s early coinage. Here the messenger of the gods wears a tight-fitting conical hat called a petasos, and bears a particularly fierce expression. The goat on the reverse symbolizes the god’s status as a patron of herdsmen. Ainos initially used the Persic weight standard, by which this issue would be a triple sigloi.

121.

THRACE, Ainos. Circa 412/1-410/09 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 16.49 g, 7h). Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos with pelleted rim / Goat standing right; Å5n5 above, kerykeion to right; all within incuse square. May, Ainos, Period II, 268 (A165/P177); AMNG II 288; HGC 3, 1269; McClean 3826 (same obv. die); Ars Classica XIII, lot 583 (same dies). Lightly toned, small scrape on edge. EF. ($15,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Gasvoda Collection (Triton XXII, 9 January 2019) lot 162, purchased from Baldwin’s, August 2015; Gorny & Mosch 228 (9 March 2015), lot 49.

122.

THRACE, Maroneia. Circa 400-377 BC. AR Stater (23.5mm, 12.98 g, 7h). Aeginetic standard. Hebesas, magistrate.

Horse rearing left; astragalos above / Grape arbor within linear square; ˙∫-˙-sÅ-s and vine leaf with berry around; all within shallow incuse square. Schönert-Geiss Period VI, 163 var. (symbol on rev., unlisted dies); HGC 3, 1528; de Luynes 1777 var. (same). Iridescent tone, some old scratches under tone, minor die wear on obverse. Good VF. Very rare with vine leaf, only the present coin in CoinArchives. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex North River Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022), lot 169, purchased from Brian Kritt, January 2000.

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123.

THRACE, Maroneia. Circa 365-330s BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 11.35 g, 6h). Kallikrates, magistrate. Horse prancing left, trailing rein; below, dog left / Grape arbor in linear square; Eπ5 ˚-Ŭ¬-5˚rÅ-tEos around; all within shallow incuse square. Schönert-Geiss 491 (V35/R60); West 85 and 88 corr. (same dies); HGC 3, 1533; SNG Copenhagen 603; Jameson 1061; Traité IV 1467, pl. CCCXLII, 5. Deep iridescent tone, minor doubling, a few scratches under tone. Near EF. Well centered and struck with fresh dies. ($5000) From the Pythagoras Collection.

124.

THRACE, Mesambria. Circa 275/50-225 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.91 g, 1h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Å%5¬EW% ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in inner left field, helmet above ,. Karayotov I 29 (O7/R22); Price 992; HGC 3, 1567. Light toned, a few light scratches under tone, slight doubling on reverse. EF. Perfectly centered. Fine Style. ($1000)

125.

THRACE, Odessos. Circa 280-225 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.12 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; E below throne. Topalov, Odesos, Series 23, unlisted issue; AMNG I –; Price 1322 (Uncertain Black Sea); Black Sea Hoard 320 (OL/R34 – this coin, illustrated); HGC 3, 1584. Attractive light iridescent tone, underlying luster, slight die shift on obverse, a little off center on reverse. Near EF. Rare. ($750) Ex “Black Sea” Hoard.

126.

THRACE, Selymbria. Circa 492/0-473/0 BC. AR Oktobol (14mm, 4.43 g). Cock standing left; sÅ above / Quadripartite incuse square. Schönert-Geiss, Bisanthe 1–18 var. (unlisted dies); HGC 3, 1628. Lightly toned, some porosity, light scuff at edge on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. Rare. ($750) 60

127.

ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 412-404 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.77 g). Ithyphallic satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph; Å to upper right / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider, Thasiennes 6; HPM p. 99, 21; HGC 6, 334; BMC 29–30; Hirsch 147–8. Lightly toned, a few spots of die rust. Good VF. Well centered. ($1000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 78 (hammer €3000).

Exceptional Ephesian Lysimachos Stater

128.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.48 g, 6h). Ephesos mint.

Struck circa 294-287 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; to inner left, E f flanking bee.

Thompson 164; Müller 420; HGC 3, 1743f; SNG Berry 443; Anadol 58. Underlying luster, hairline in field on obverse.

Choice EF. ($10,000) From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from Ancient Art. Ex Gorny & Mosch 224 (13 October 2014), lot 813; Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 88.

Alexander the Great’s meteoric 13-year career of conquest left the classical world profoundly transformed by the time of his premature death in 323 BC. In the aftermath, Alexander’s generals carved up his immense new empire into spheres of influence. Territorial disputes soon led to civil wars, with the rival diadochi (successors) contending for supreme power. Chief among these was Lysimachos, who at various times controlled Thrace, Macedon and much of Asia Minor. For the obverse of his gold and silver coinage, Lysimachos claimed the mantle of Alexander by choosing the image of the conqueror himself, now shown as a god wearing the ram’s horn of the Greco-Egyptian deity Ammon.

The image is one of the earliest true portraits to appear on a coin, and one of the finest. Struck at a host of mints throughout the Hellenstic world, Lysimachos-type staters, tetradrachms and drachms exhibited a variety of engraving styles and continued to be struck for decades after their creator’s death. The die engravers of Ephesos, which produced this beautiful gold stater, are regarded as among the finest. The reverse design, depicting Athena enthroned, likewise proved extremely influential throughout history, forming the archetype for the figure of Britannia on modern English coins. Ever the warlord, Lysimachos fought ceaselessly against his rivals until he finally fell in battle at age 79 against Seleukos I Nikator in 281 BC.

129.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 4.29 g, 12h). Ephesos mint.

Struck circa 294-287 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; spear head to inner left, Å on throne.

Thompson 173; Müller 60; HGC 3, 1753d. Lightly toned. EF. Good metal for issue. ($750) From the Columbus Collection.

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130.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.27 g, 7h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 288/7-282/1 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; race torch to inner left, bee to outer right. Thompson 187; Müller 445a; HGC 3, 1750l. Light iridescent tone, underlying luster, minor marks. EF. High relief. ($2000)

131.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.89 g, 7h). Pergamon mint. Struck circa 287/6-282 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon; ˚ below / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; crescent to outer left, cult image to inner left, g in exergue. Arnold-Biucchi, Pergamene 33–6 var. (O11/R3– [obv. die unlisted for issue, unlisted rev. die]); Thompson 220; Müller 294; HGC 3, 1750m. Attractive iridescent tone, minor doubling on obverse. Near EF. Fine style. ($2000) From the Pythagoras Collection.

132.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.46 g, 1h). Pergamon mint. Struck circa 287/6-282 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon; ˚ below / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; f to outer left, cult image to inner left, crescent in exergue. Arnold-Biucchi, Pergamene 67–9 (obv. die O12 [erroneously labeled O11 on the plate]); Thompson 226; Müller 292; HGC 3, 1750m. In NGC encapsulation 4629121-018, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($2000) Ex Heritage 3077 (5 December 2019), lot 38007 (hammer $3400).

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133.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 17.06 g, 6h). Pella mint.

Struck 286/5-282/1 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; A to outer left, T to inner left.

Thompson 248; Müller 353 var. (position of inner left monogram); HGC 3, 1750p. Lightly toned, over lustrous surfaces, minor doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($2000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 12 December 1980.

134.

KINGS of THRACE, Macedonian. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.99 g, 11h). Uncertain mint. Struck early-mid 3rd century BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; to inner left, bearded head left above ‰. Thompson –; Müller 452 var. (monogram); cf. HGC 3, 1750 (for type). Light golden tone, underlying luster, trace deposits, slight doubling in areas, a few light marks. Superb EF. High relief. ($2000) Ex Roma XVII (28 March 2018), lot 427.

135.

KINGS of THRACE, Local Dynasts. Mostis. Circa 139/8-101/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.44 g, 12h).

Dated RY 38(?) (102/1 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / [∫]Å%5¬EW% Âo%t5do%, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield decorated with human face, transverse spear in background; ≤ to inner left, EtoU% [¬˙] (date) in exergue. Paunov, Coinage 17–20 var. (O4/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Peykov C4500; HGC 3, 1727. Lightly toned, irregular flan, some die wear and light marks on obverse. VF. Rare. ($1000) Although the date is off the flan, this monogram is known from four dies, all dated to year 38.

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Ex Prowe Collection – Pedigreed to 1914 – HPM Plate Coin

136.

THRACO-MACEDONIAN TRIBES, Derrones. Circa 480/75-465 BC. AR Tetrastater – “Dodekadrachm” (36mm, 34.43 g). Driver, holding goad in right hand, reins in left, driving ox cart right; above, crested Corinthian helmet right / Counterclockwise triskeles with central pellet-in-annulet within shallow incuse circle. Peykov A1410; HPM p. 8, 13, a and pl. I, 14 (this coin); HGC 3, 279; Rosen Sale 382; Traité I 1449 = de Luynes 1740. Toned, minor scratches and marks, typical doubling and weakness of strike. VF. ($7500) From the Libertas Collection, purchased 28 February 1982. Ex Theodor Prowe Collection (Part III, Egger XLVI, 11 May 1914), lot 465.

Many works of reference describe the Derrones as a tribe centered in Paeonia, based on an important hoard of Derronian dodekadrachms found at Ishtib (ancient Astibus) around 1912. Less well known are smaller finds of Derronian coins far to the east, which indicate the Derrones’ territory extended into Thrace. The unfailingly weak reverses of Derronian dodekadrachms are the result of hand-striking extremely large flans. The coins themselves likely served more as silver ingots, a form of storable and moveable wealth, rather than a circulating currency.

137.

MACEDON, Akanthos. Circa 470-430 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 17.13 g, 8h). Attic standard. Lion right, attacking bull crouching left, biting into its hindquarter; in exergue, fish left / Å˚Å-n-Q5o-n in shallow incuse around quadripartite square in relief. Desneux 96 var. (unlisted dies); AMNG III/2, 21; HGC 3, 385; Weber 1863. Light iridescent tone. EF. Well struck. ($10,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Long Valley River Collection (Roma XX, 29 October 2020), lot 119 (hammer £18,000); Numismatica Ars Classica 77 (26 May 2014), lot 26; David Walsh Collection; Giessener Münzhandlung 96 (7 June 1999), lot 93.

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138.

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 383/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.34 g, 11h). Olynthos mint. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 22 (A18/P19); AMNG III/2, 4; HGC 3, 497; BMC 3 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 587 (same dies). Light golden tone, tiny flan flaw on obverse, faint cleaning marks in field on reverse. EF. ($5000)

139.

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 383/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.42 g, 1h). Olynthos mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5[d-E]W@ around; all within incuse square. Robinson & Clement Group H, 27 (A22/P24); AMNG III/2, 5; HGC 3, 498; SNG ANS 474 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen 242 (same dies). Light golden tone, minor die wear and cleaning scratches on obverse, a little off center on reverse. EF. ($5000)

140.

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 357 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 14.45 g, 11h). Olynthos mint; Stratonos, magistrate. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; Eπ5 strÅtW@os below, c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around.

Robinson & Clement Group O, 93 (A60/P80); AMNG III/2, ; HGC 3, 500; SNG ANS 499. Lightly toned, minor double strike on obverse, a little porosity. VF. Clear magistrate name. Very rare, only one in CoinArchives. ($1500)

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141.

MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 354 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 14.40 g, 2h). Olynthos mint; Polyxenos, magistrate. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Kithara; c-Å-¬-˚5d-EW@ around, [Eπ]-5 πo-¬U$E-@o-[U] in tiny letters above crossbar. Robinson & Clement Group R, 101 (A67/P86); AMNG III/2, 9 (same dies); HGC 3, 500; SNG Lockett 1313 (same dies); BMC 9 (same dies). Attractive light toning, cleaning scratches. Near EF. Wonderful style. Rare issue of Polyxenos, only three in CoinArchives. ($4000)

142.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander I. 498-454 BC. AR Tristater – “Oktadrachm” (29.5mm, 28.30 g, 11h). Light Aeginetic standard. Aigai mint. Struck circa 476/5-460 BC. Horseman, petasos hanging from neck, holding two spears, standing right, behind horse standing right / ŬE-$Å-@d-ro in shallow incuse square around quadripartite square in relief.

Raymond Group II, 51 (A10/P13); AMNG III/2, 31 var. (no crescent); HGC 3, 755; BMC 1 (same obv. die); Dewing 1082 (same obv. die); Pozzi 815 (same dies). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6709090-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5. ($10,000) Ex Leu Numismatik AG 3 (27 October 2018), lot 42.

By the end of the sixth century BC, the Kingdom of Macedon became an influential regional power, strategically located between the Persian Empire and the city-states of Greece. The wars with Persia further extended Macedon’s importance, especially that of its young prince, Alexander I, son of Amyntas. An astute politician, Alexander succeeded to the throne in 498 BC and deftly maneuvered through this precarious situation as the Persians extended their power and influence into Greece proper. Alexander maintained an aloof but cordial relationship with the Persians as they moved through Thrace and Macedon, forcing other tribes to offer earth and water in tribute. At the same time, he worked towards a stronger association with the Greeks, who still regarded Macedon as semi-barbaric. Herodotos (9.44) says that on the eve of the battle at Plataia, Alexander entered the Athenian camp to report that a delay in engaging the Persians would help to further diminish their already low supplies. In return, he hoped the Greeks (in particular the Athenians) would assist him when the time came, thereby forging a relationship between the rising power in the north with the rising Greek city-states of Athens, Sparta and their allies. In 476 BC he was acknowledged as a full-blooded Greek himself and allowed to participate in the Olympic Games of that year.

Alexander I was the first Macedonian king to strike coins in his own name and likely made use of the silver mines of Mount Dysoron, which he used his Persian connections to obtain early in his reign. His large silver pieces, such as this splendid example, are denominated as tristaters or oktadrachms on the “heavy Thraco-Macedonian standard,” and were evidently intended for trade with the Persians and other Greek states.

A lighter weight standard was employed for coins in local situation, a situation which continued down to the time when Macedon became the dominant power in Greece and Asia Minor.

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143.

KINGS of MACEDON. Archelaos. 413-400/399 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 10.69 g, 1h). Aigai mint. Head of Apollo right, with short hair, wearing tainia / Horse advancing right, trailing rein; [Å]rc-[E]-¬Å-o around; all in linear square within shallow incuse square. Westermark, Staters, Group II, Series 1, dies O28/R41; AMNG III/2, 3; HGC 3, 795; Berlin 5 (same dies). Toned, typical edge splits, slight doubling, a little off center on reverse. EF. ($2000) Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 706.

Referenced by Le Rider

144.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Philip II – Alexander III. Circa 340/36-328 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.59 g, 12h).

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, 252b (D75/R190 – this coin); SNG ANS 144–54. Trace deposits on obverse, very minor double strike on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory (ND); Pilartz 7 (1 October 1964), lot 26.

145.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 17.15 g, 5h). Tarsos mint. Struck under Menes or Philotas, circa 324/3-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬExÅ@ droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; upright plow in left field, Q below throne, pellet above right shoulder. Price 3034; Newell, Tarsos 40, obv. die LXI; ANS inv. 1944.100.33659 (same obv. die). Bright surfaces, slight die shift. EF. Struck from fresh dies on a broad flan. ($1000)

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Very Rare ‘Poros’ Tetradrachm

146.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR ‘Medallion’ of 2 Shekels or Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.13 g, 9h). Local (Satrapal) mint in Babylon. Struck circa 325-323 BC. Archer, in Persian attire, drawing bow right; π to left / Elephant walking right; x below. Price pp. 452–3 and pl. CLIX, I; F. Holt, Alexander the Great and the Mystery of the Elephant Medallions (Berkeley, 2003), Appendix A, E/B 11 (dies 3/I) = M.J. Price, “Circulation at Babylon in 323 B.C.” in Mnemata: Papers in Memory of Nancy M. Waggoner (New York, 1991), 24 (this coin); M.J. Price, “The ‘Porus’ Coinage of Alexander the Great: a Symbol of Concord and Community” in SPNO, Obv. C/Rev. unlisted. Some flatness to strike. Near VF. Very rare, one of approximately twelve known, of which four are in museums; no additional examples in CoinArchives. ($10,000) Ex Gemini II (11 January 2006), lot 146.

Undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and intriguing issues associated with Alexander the Great, the ‘Poros’ Coinage has sparked debate about all aspects of its production and meaning. One point that is not contentious for a consensus of scholars is the interpretation of the designs; clearly they commemorate the great victory of Alexander against Poros at the Hydaspes. What is still debated is where, when, and under what circumstances were they produced. Both W. Hollstein (“Taxiles’ Prägung für Alexander den Grossen,” SNR 68 [1989], pp. 5-17) and F.L. Holt (Alexander the Great and the Mystery of the Elephant Medallions [Berkeley, 2003]) advocate for an emission struck while Alexander was in India, though they differ on the circumstances. Curtius (8.12.15) mentions that, while Alexander was in Taxila prior to the battle at the Hydaspes, Taxiles (Omphis) gave Alexander 80 talents of silver (signati argenti), and Hollstein suggests that the Poros coinage was the form in which this silver was given to the Macedonian king. M.J. Price disagreed, noting that the medium of coinage at Taxila was silver punch-marked bars, and the use of Greek types and monograms by Taxiles would be unlikely (cf. Price p. 452, n. 9). Moreover, M.J. Olbrycht’s analysis of the regalia of Alexander on these coins concluded that they are Iranian, rather than Indian (“On Coin Portraits of Alexander the Great and His Iranian Regalia,” Notae Numismaticae VI [2011]: 13–27). Similarly, with the exception of the elephant and its riders, the types on the coins are of specifically Iranian, and not Indian, iconography (cf. M.J. Olbrycht, “Macedonia and Persia,” in J. Roisman and I. Worthington, A Companion to Ancient Macedonia [Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2007]: 361). None of these aspects of the coins seem consistent with an issue that Taxiles would strike for Alexander, and the depiction of such a battle scene is unlikely prior to the famous encounter at the Hydaspes, let alone an amicable exchange of gifts between these two kings (see also R.J. Lane Fox, “Text and Image: Alexander the Great, Coins and Elephants,” BICS 41 [1996]: 103–4). In contrast to Hollstein, Holt placed the issue after the battle of the Hydaspes and considered the coins as aristeia, awards for meritorious service that would be handed out after the conflict. Holt’s theory has two flaws. The first is that Alexander and Poros were allies following the conflict, so such an issue would be highly unlikely while Alexander was still in India. The second problem is that it seems unlikely that Alexander would decide at this point in his long campaign to use a medallion or coinage as aristeia, when other objects, such as spoils of the battle, would suffice (and probably had sufficed before).

The most significant problem for both Hollstein and Holt, however, is the record of where the ‘Poros’ coins have been found. Nearly all of the extant examples, of all the denominations in the series, are from the Iraq 1973 Hoard; only one coin, a dekadrachm, has an eastern provenance (Bukhara – but this provenance is only anecdotal). If this coinage was produced and distributed in the east, it seems incredible that nearly all that are known today would be from a single hoard found in the region of Babylonia. Moreover, the Poros coins in the hoard exhibit almost no wear, which suggests they did not circulate much, if at all, prior to the deposit of the hoard. It is more logical that the coins were produced in relatively close proximity to the hoard – in Babylonia. At that time, there were at least two mints operating in Babylonia: an imperial mint in Babylon that produced the Alexander-type coinage, and at least one mint striking issues that were of a local character. This ‘local’ (or ‘satrapal’) mint was responsible for the Baal/Lion staters of Mazaios and his successors that were struck on the Babylonian shekel standard, and is thought to have produced coinage for the local Babylonian economy. If the ‘Poros Coinage’ was struck in Babylonia, it must have been at the ‘local’ mint, for the local coinage has the same characteristics – very thick flan, uneven striking, somewhat porous metal, less refined style – while the coins of the imperial mint were of a totally different character – relatively thinner flans, even striking, good metal, and a refined style. As a series of the ‘local’ mint, it is most likely that the coins were struck for members of the local population, rather than any of the Macedonians or Greeks. At the time of the battle at the Hydaspes, there was a large contingent of troops in Alexander’s army who were raised from the local populations of the eastern satrapies. Unlike the Macedonians and Greeks, who probably would have viewed Gaugamela as the most significant victory during their tenure under Alexander, to the troops raised from the populations of the east, the victory over Poros would have been the most important event in which they had participated. Thus, the event commemorated on the coins, the regalia of the figures on the coins, and the particular mint point to the recipients being local, probably Iranian, leaders who had served under Alexander.

Alexander’s popularity among the eastern leaders was significantly high, possibly even more so than among his war-weary countrymen and accompanying Greeks, so he certainly would have had good reason to reward them with such an issue (see also Olbrycht, “Macedonia and Persia,” 361). Using the local mint, which was controlled by Alexander’s Babylonian satrap, for such a purpose would be perfectly reasonable.

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147.

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 8.48 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;  in left field, P below throne. Price 3603; Waggoner, Issue 2, Series 6, dies 100/c; SNG Saroglos 696 (same obv. die); Berlin obj. no. 18251699 (same dies); Pozzi 937 (same obv. die). Bright surfaces, slightly off center. Good VF. ($750) From the famed Alexander dekadrachm issue at Babylon; the last issue of his lifetime coinage, in the city where he died.

148.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Alexander III – Philip III. Circa 325-319 BC. AV Quarter Stater (10.5mm, 2.14 g, 11h). In the name of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent and two necklaces / ŬE$Å@-droU, bow and club; thunderbolt above. Price 165; cf. Troxell, Studies, p. 100–1; SNG Alpha Bank 464–6; SNG Saroglos 179–81. Minor marks on obverse, a couple of thin die breaks on reverse. Good VF. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

149.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Alexander III – Philip III. Circa 332/325-319 BC. AV Quarter Stater (11mm, 2.14 g, 6h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent, and pearl necklace / ŬE$Å@-dro-U, bow and club; kantharos above. Price 169; cf. Troxell, Studies, p. 100–1; SNG Alpha Bank –; SNG München –; SNG Saroglos –; BN Fonds général 454 (same dies). Trace deposits, area of nicks on edge. Good VF. ($1000) From the Jeffrey H. Miller Collection.

150

151

150.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.18 g, 7h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 322-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås-5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Macedonian helmet in left field. Price 113; Troxell, Studies, Issue H3.

Underlying luster, a few hairlines, minor striking flaw on reverse. EF. Well centered and struck from fresh dies. ($1000) From the DFA Collection.

151.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.20 g, 10h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella mint. Struck under Antipater or Polyperchon, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, rose surmounted by bee right. Price 206; Moore 23-43. Superb EF. ($1000) Ex Leonidion Collection (Triton XIX, 5 January 2016), lot 94; Nomos FPL (Winter-Spring 2010), no. 40.

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Powerful Hellenistic Portrait of Alexander III

152.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.54 g, 12h). In the types of Philip II. Kolophon mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319 BC. Head of Apollo right, with the features of Alexander III, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5ππoU, charioteer, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga right; tripod below. Thompson, Philip 12 = Jameson 978 = Kunstfreund 232 = Gillet 785 (same obv. die); Le Rider pl. 90, 16 and pl. 93, 26; SNG ANS 309; SNG Alpha Bank 260 = Alpha Bank, Hellenic 72 = Alpha Bank, Macedonia 26 = Alpha Bank, Alexander 57 (same dies); SNG Ashmolean 2456; Kraay & Hirmer 565. Underlying luster, some smoothing and cleaning marks on the face (thus not suitable for NGC encapsulation), slight nick behind head. Superb EF. Struck from fresh dies. ($15,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 111 (29 May 2019), lot 117 (hammer $24,000); Classical Numismatic Group 76 (12 September 2007), lot 281; Triton X (9 January 2007), lot 144.

This beautiful gold stater belongs to the period following the death of Alexander the Great when his half-brother, Philip III Arrhidaios, was the nominal head of state together with the conqueror’s infant son by Roxane, Alexander IV. The gem-like delicacy of the engraving of these extraordinary dies singles this issue out as belonging to one of the mints of the Ionian coastal region of western Asia Minor, an area which, of course, was not controlled by the Macedonian monarchy in the time of Philip II. Kolophon is the city to which it is tentatively attributed, the tripod symbol linking it to an issue in the name of Philip III (cf. Price P41).

ADM Plate Coin – Ex Paeonian Hoard

153.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (17.5mm, 8.56 g, 1h). In the types of Alexander III. Sardes mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319/8 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent, and pearl necklace / f5¬5ππoU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; ∑ in left field, torch below left wing. Price P67; ADM I Series XII, 148 = Paeonian Hoard II 156 (this coin, illustrated in both). Underlying luster, a few minor marks, tiny deposit on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc58519 (ND); Marcel Silton inventory (ND); Extremely Important Greek Hoard [Paeonian Hoard] (Parke-Bernet, 9 December 1969), lot 156; Paeonia 1968 Hoard (IGCH 410; CH I, 40).

154.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.56 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Sardes mint. Struck under Menander or Kleitos, circa 322-319/8 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with a coiled serpent, and pearl necklace / ŬE$Å@dro[U], Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; torch below left wing, v below right wing. Price 2633; ADM I Series XV, 301a = ANS inv. 1967.152.292 (same rev. die). Lustrous, slight doubling, minor hairlines. EF. ($4000) Ex Dr. G. W. Collection (Gorny & Mosch 269, 9 March 2020), lot 257; Lanz 60 (11 June 1992), lot 121.

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155 156 155.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 17.16 g, 5h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Babylon mint. Struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left;  in left field, ¬U below throne. Price 3692; Waggoner Issue III, dies 152/a; SNG Saroglos 635; BN J. de Morgan 1045 (same dies). Faintly toned, slightly off center and a few minor scrapes on reverse. EF. Fine style. ($750) Ex Nomos 21 (21 November 2020), lot 127.

156.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.19 g, 1h). In the types of Alexander III. Babylon mint. Struck under Archon, Dokimos, or Seleukos I, circa 323-318/7 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / [∫Ås5¬EWs f5¬5ππoU], Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, wheel above :; W below throne. Price P189; Waggoner Issue VI, dies 235/– (unlisted rev. die); SNG Fitzwilliam 2261 (same obv. die). Toned, underlying luster. EF. Struck in high relief. Attractive style. ($1500) Ex Künker 376 18 October 2022), lot 4522; Dr. Lamar Payne Collection (Triton XI, 8 January 2008), lot 126; Schweizerischer Bankverein 38 (12 September 1995), lot 113.

157 158 157.

KINGS of MACEDON. Antigonos I Monophthalmos. As Strategos of Asia, 320-306/5 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 17.18 g, 7h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Susa mint. Struck under Aspesias, Satrap of Susiana, circa 316-311 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Å%5¬EW% ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; wreath in left field; below throne, Å5 above strut, Z below. Price 3857; Sunrise 156 (same dies). Lightly toned, trace deposits. EF. High relief. ($1000) 158.

KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 14.52 g, 7h). In the name and types of Philip II. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 316-311 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5π-πoU, nude youth, holding palm frond in left hand and rein in right, on horseback right; aphlaston below, À below raised foreleg.

Troxell, Studies, Group 9, 323-5; Le Rider pl. 46, 17–8; HGC 3, 988; SNG ANS 738-46. Lightly toned, with reddish hues around the devices, underlying luster, softly struck on obverse. EF. ($1000)

159.

KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC, or king, 305-298 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.16 g, 4h). In the name and types of Alexander III. Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 307-297 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ŬE$Å@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ¬ above torch in left field, Ò below throne. Price 490; Ehrhardt 46. Attractively toned, a couple die breaks and light scuffs on obverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($750) From the Leo and Paula Gorelkin Collection.

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160.

KINGS of MACEDON. Kassander. As regent, 317-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 14.27 g, 1h). In the name and types of Philip II. Pella mint. Struck circa 317/6-315/4 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬5π-πoU, nude youth, holding palm frond in left hand and rein in right, on horseback right; serpent below, Boeotian shield below horse’s raised foreleg. Le Rider Group III, 531 (D281/R436); SNG ANS 450 (same dies); SNG Lockett 1414 (same obv. die); Hunterian 58 (same rev. die). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6056175-003, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500) Ex Heritage 3091 (6 May 2021), lot 32021.

161.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.26 g, 1h). Pella mint.

Struck circa 294-293 BC. Nike standing left on prow of galley left, blowing trumpet she holds in her right hand and cradling stylis in her left arm / ∫Å-s5¬EW-s d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios standing left, seen from behind, preparing to throw trident held aloft in his right hand, chlamys draped over extended left arm; g to left; to right, dolphin left above star. Newell 68, obv. die LVII; HGC 3, 1012e; SNG München 1042 var. (no dolphin; same obv. die); Dewing 1196 (same obv. die). Toned and lustrous, minor obverse die wear and rust, faint scratches, trace deposits. Superb EF. An exceptionally detailed reverse. ($5000) Ex North River Collection; Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 177.

The most dashing of Alexander the Great’s successors, Demetrios I Poliorketes was the son of the Macedonian general Antigonos Monopthalmos (“one-eyed”), who served both Philip II and Alexander III the Great. After Alexander’s death, Demetrios led armies in support of his father’s claim to supreme power. He won a major naval victory in 306 BC at Salamis against the Ptolemaic fleet and, along with his father, accepted the title Basileos (“king”), ending the fiction that the Diadochi were ruling a united government. This dynamic tetradrachm type, with its depiction of Nike alighting on a prow perhaps inspired by (or inspiring) the famous “Nike of Samothrace” statue, celebrates the victory at Salamis and makes it clear that the foundation of his power rests on his naval forces. Poseidon was Demetrios’s patron god, and appeared on the coinages of many of the cities he founded or conquered during his campaigns in Greece.

162.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.22 g, 8h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 294-293 BC. Nike standing left on prow of galley left, blowing trumpet she holds in her right hand and cradling stylis in her left arm / ∫Å-s5¬E-Ws d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios, nude, standing left, seen from behind, preparing to throw trident held aloft in his right hand, chlamys draped over extended left arm; tripod to left; to right, z above m. Newell 94 (dies LXXXV/– [obv. die unlisted for issue, rev. die not known]); HGC 3, 1012f; Triton XXIV, lot 482 (same dies); Triton XXIII, lot 223 (same dies); Triton XIX, lot 102 (same dies); Triton XVII, lot 164 (same dies); CNG 106, lot 220 (same dies). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4935338-002, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($5000) Ex Richard Basler Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022), lot 209.

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Ex Hunt Collection

163.

KINGS of MACEDON. Demetrios I Poliorketes. 306-283 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31.5mm, 17.05 g, 3h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 289-288 BC. Diademed and horned head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs d˙µ˙tr5oU, Poseidon Pelagaios, nude, standing left, right foot propped on rock, holding trident in left hand, right arm resting on leg; : to outer left, : to outer right.

Newell 124 (obv. die CXXII); HGC 3, 1014b; Hirsch 1113 (same obv. die); Hunt Sale II 389 (this coin). Old collection tone, with areas of iridescence. Near EF. Well-detailed figure of Poseidon. ($1500) Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory 45780 (ND; his ticket included); Leu 61 (17 May 1995), lot 110; Classical Numismatic Review XV.4 (4th Quarter 1990), no. 17; Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s New York, 21 June 1990), lot 389; Numismatic Fine Arts X (17 September 1981), lot 120.

164.

KINGS of MACEDON. Antigonos II Gonatas. 277/6-239 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.06 g, 11h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 271/68-260/55 BC. Horned head of Pan left, lagobolon over shoulder, 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; crested Macedonian helmet to inner left, Ò to inner right. TEA Period I, Group 35, 146b (O4/R3 – this coin); HGC 3, 1042. Toned. Good VF. Well centered. ($1000) From the JTB Collection. ex CNG inventory 926177 (May 2012); Mayflower (Sukenik) Collection (Heritage 3019, 25 April 2012), lot 23085, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, 1987.

165.

KINGS of MACEDON. Antigonos II Gonatas. 277/6-239 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.88 g, 6h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 271/68-260/55 BC. Horned head of Pan left, lagobolon over shoulder, 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; crested Macedonian helmet to inner left, Ò to inner right. TEA Period I, Group 38, 151 (O9/R143); HGC 3, 1042; Dewing 1204 (same obv. die); de Luynes 1698 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of horn silver on reverse. EF. ($1000) Ex Saint Paul Collection (Roma XXV, 22 September 2022), lot 292 (hammer £1800).

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Referenced in TEA

166.

KINGS of MACEDON. temp. Antigonos II Gonatas – Demetrios II Aitolikos. 246/5-229 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.95 g, 10h). Amphipolis mint. Head of Poseidon right, wearing wreath of marine plants / Apollo, testing bow in extended right hand, seated left on prow left inscribed ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5˝o@oU; f below. TEA Period III, Group 43, 198c (O32/R189 – this coin); HGC 3, 1051; SNG Berry 369–70 (same obv. die); SNG Manchester 739 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 6763145-007, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, smoothing. ($2000) Ex Künker 365 (4 April 2022), lot 5100 (hammer €4200); Baldwin’s 52 (25 September 2007), lot 91; Ahlström 28 (22 October 1983), lot 1914.

167 168 167.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip V. 221-179 BC. AR Didrachm (25mm, 8.34 g, 12h). Pella or Amphipolis mint; Zoilos, mintmaster. Struck circa 184-179 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs f5¬5ππoU, club; g (mintmaster’s monogram) above, 6 and ˜ below; all within oak-wreath; thunderbolt to outer left. Mamroth, Philip 20; HGC 3, 1059; cf.

SNG Alpha Bank 1056 (drachm); SNG Copenhagen 1231. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4629462-015, graded XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($1000) Ex Philhellene Collection (Heritage 3067, 6 September 2018), lot 30074; CNG inventory 713833 (June 1999).

168.

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip V. 221-179 BC. AR Didrachm (23mm, 8.23 g, 12h). Pella or Amphipolis mint; Zoilos, mintmaster. Struck circa 184-179 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Ås5¬EWs f5¬5ππoU, club; g (mintmaster’s monogram) above, / and : below; all within oak-wreath; trident to outer left. Mamroth, Philip 24; HGC 3, 1059; SNG Alpha Bank 1053; SNG Berry 372. Lightly toned, light porosity, some scratches on obverse. EF. ($1500) From the Libertas Collection.

169.

KINGS of MACEDON. Perseus. 179-168 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 16.70 g, 12h). Attic standard.

Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 174-170 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5-¬EW% ∏Er-%EW%, eagle, wings spread, standing right on thunderbolt; g above, 9 to right, m between legs; all within oak wreath; below, plow left. De Luca, Tetradrachms, Group II, 71c (O20/R63 – this coin); Mamroth, Perseus 5; HGC 3, 1091; Bement 793 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, traces of find patina. EF. Well centered. ($2000) Ex Künker 367 (6 April 2022), lot 7154 (hammer €3400); Tradart (8 November 1992), lot 78.

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Ex Moretti Collection

170.

KINGS of EPEIROS. Pyrrhos. 297-272 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.63 g, 1h). Lokroi Epizephyrioi mint.

Struck circa 278-275 BC. Head of Zeus of Dodona left, wearing oak wreath; [Å below] / ∫Ås5¬EWs πUrroU, Dione, draped and wearing polos, seated left on high backed throne, holding staff in right hand and lifting her veil with her left. Babelon, Roi, Type B/c; HGC 3, 261; Basel 211 (this coin); Bement 972; Boston MFA 944 = Warren 735; Munzen und Medaillen AG 53, lot 70 = Leu 2, lot 181 = G. Hirsch 19, lot 347 (same obv. die); Virzi Sale 476 (same obv. die); Pozzi 1287. Toned, a few light deposits, slight roughness. Good VF. Rare. ($15,000) From the Hydrologist Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 49 (17 March 1999), lot 104; A.D. Moretti Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998), lot 211.

A majestic example of early Hellenistic artwork, as noted by G.K. Jenkins: “It is at once apparent that in one important respect Pyrrhos’ practice is closely akin to that of the Macedonian kings of this time, in that nowhere does his portrait appear. Much as we may regret this, the splendid and exuberant types of Pyrrhos’ Lokrian coins go far to compensate for it. The tetradrachm has for the obverse the head of Dodonean Zeus, whose sanctuary lay in Pyrrhos’ homeland; this head, crowned with oak leaves and with restless flowing hair and beard, makes a strong contrast with the restrained and classical head of the same god minted for Alexander of Epeiros at Tarentum, and even with the more concentrated style of Antigonos Doson’s Poseidon, but the Pyrrhos coin is masterly in its different way. Its exciting and dynamic quality is well matched by the calm majesty of the reverse type, Dione seated on a high-backed throne and swathed in the complex drapery so typical of Hellenistic sculpture.... The impressive style of these coins is quite different from anything we might have expected at an Italian mint at this time, and it may well be that the artist responsible was not a local one, but may have come from mainland Greece or Macedonia.” (G.K. Jenkins, Ancient Greek Coins [New York: Putnam, 1972], pp. 247-8.)

Ex BCD Collection and HGC Plate Coin

171.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 460-450 BC. AR Drachm (22mm, 5.85 g, 3h). The hero Thessalos, petasos hanging from neck, restraining with band he holds in both hands a bull rearing right; lotus flower below / Horse prancing left, trailing rein; ¬-Å-∞5 around; all within incuse square. Lorber, Thessalian 9 var. (no flower); BCD Thessaly II 152 (this coin); Herrmann Group III B, pl. I, 22 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 411 (this coin illustrated); Triton XIII, lot 1127 (same dies). Toned, minor die rust, traces of overstriking and light scrape on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Roma XI (7 April 2016), lot 135; BCD Collection (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 152.

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Ex Sheikh Al-Thani and BCD Collections

172.

THESSALY, Pherai. Alexander. Tyrant, 369-359 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 11.55 g, 5h). Head of Ennodia facing slightly right, wearing pearl diadem, earring in the form of a grape bunch, and linear necklace; torch to left / Å-¬-E-$Å-@droU, Alexander, wearing Thessalian military attire and sheathed sword, brandishing spear he holds aloft in his right hand, on horse, with labrys on it hind quarter, rearing right; labrys below. BCD Thessaly I 1309 (this coin); HGC 4, 576 (this coin illustrated); Traité IV 612 = Jameson 1106 (same dies). Deeply toned, slight roughness and a few tiny delaminations. Near EF. A wonderful example of this very rare issue, struck in high relief from dies of fine style. ($75,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 116, 1 October 2019), lot 119; BCD Collection (Nomos 4, 10 May 2011), lot 1309.

One of the ironies of ancient Greek numismatics is how a cruel, treacherous tyrant like Alexander of Pherai could produce a coin of such surpassing beauty. The son of a previous Thessalian tyrant, Alexander murdered his way into his late father’s position of power in 369 BC and immediately embarked on a rule so bloody that much of Thessaly rebelled and invited the armies of Macedon and Thebes to invade and depose him. Nearly a decade of warfare and atrocities followed, until a conspiracy led by his own wife ended his life and tyranny in 359 BC. Alexander’s extremely rare silver staters depict Ennodia, a uniquely Thessalian goddess who shared attributes with Artemis, Hecate and Persephone. The reverse depicts Alexander as a mounted officer in full kit, paying tribute to the loyal Thessalian cavalry that helped maintain him in power against superior forces.

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173.

AKARNANIA, Federal Coinage (Akarnanian Confederacy). Circa 250-200 BC. AR Stater (27mm, 9.90 g, 3h).

Leukas mint; Lykourgas, magistrate. Head of river god Achelöos right; [¬U]˚oUr˝os upward to left / Apollo Aktios, nude, holding bow in extended right hand, seated left; } to left, Å˚År@Å@W@ to right. Imhoof-Blumer, Akarnaniens 23; BCD Akarnania 18 (same dies); HGC 4, 721. Attractive cabinet tone, minor die wear as usual, graffiti on reverse. Near EF. Perfectly centered. Powerful head of Achelöos. ($3000) Ex New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 30; Waddell 79 (2003), lot 32; Numismatic Fine Arts Winter MBS (15 January 1982), lot 163.

Founded in the fifth century BC, the Akarnanian Confederacy was composed from time to time of a varying number of the local towns. In 438 BC, the Confederacy allied itself with Athens, providing it with support during the Peloponnesian War, while at the same time expanding its own control in the region. During this period the Confederacy began to issue coinage, which, like the coins of many of the other Greek confederacies, were struck in the city-states of its leading members. The obverse of this federal coinage depicts the head of the river-god Achelöos, the eponymous patron of the river which formed the natural boundary between Akarnania and Aitolia. The reverse may depict Apollo Aktiakos, whose temple was located on the promontory overlooking the Gulf of Ambrakia and which may have served as the meeting place of the confederacy’s members.

During the fourth century BC, the Confederacy shifted its alliances between Sparta and Athens as they struggled to control Greece. By the latter part of the century, however, the Akarnanian Confederacy was allied with Macedon. In 314 BC, it sided with Kassander in the Diadochi Wars. Periodic border conflicts with the Aitolians resulted in the loss of Akarnanian border territories and, although an agreement was reached in 263/2 BC, by 250 BC, at about the same time this quarter stater was minted, the Akarnanian Confederacy was divided between the Aitolians and the Molossians in Epeiros. In 230 BC the Akarnanian Confederacy enjoyed a brief revival, but after the Battle of Pydna in 168 BC, information about it disappears from the historical record.

174.

AKARNANIA, Federal Coinage (Akarnanian Confederacy). Circa 200-180 BC. AR Stater (26mm, 9.58 g, 10h).

Leukas mint; [...]hesippos, magistrate. Head of river-god Achelӧos right; [...]˙%5∏∏o% to left / Apollo Aktios, nude, holding bow in extended right hand and resting left arm on throne upon which he sits left; to left, head of boar left; [Å˚Å]r@Å@W@ to right. Cf. Imhoof-Blumer, Akarnaniens 25 (drachm); BCD Akarnania 45 (this coin); HGC 4, 722 (this coin illustrated).

Deeply toned, area of flat strike, minor scratches. VF. Very rare. ($2000) Ex BCD Collection (Münzen & Medaillen GmbH 23, 18 October 2007), lot 45; E. Bourgey (2 April 2001), lot 160.

175.

AKARNANIA, Argos Amphilochikon. Circa 340-300 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 8.40 g, 2h). Pegasos flying left; below, head of dog left / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; [År]˝E5 above, to right, crested Corinthian helmet left. Pegasi 9; Imhoof-Blumer, Akarnaniens 10; BCD Akarnania 135 (this coin); HGC 4, 783; BMC 7 (same dies). Attractive old collection tone. Good VF. Very rare with this symbol. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex CNG inventory 803297 (December 2007); BCD Collection (Münzen & Medaillen GmbH 23, 18 October 2007), lot 135; Hajo Zwager Collection (Van Zadelhoff, 14 October 1985), lot M102.

77

176.

LOKRIS, Lokri Opuntii. Circa 360-350 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 12.24 g, 11h). 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; ivy leaf and broken spear below, oπo@-t5W@ around. H&D Group 12, 117–22 var. (O–/R37 [unlisted obv. die]); BCD Lokris 44–5 (same rev. die); HGC 4, 989. Lightly toned, with some iridescence and underlying luster, a few minor hairlines. Superb EF. ($5000) From the James Fox Collection. Ex CNG inventory 701572 (May 1997).

Ex BCD Collection – Pedigreed to 1913

177.

BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 480-460 BC. AR Stater (18mm, 12.26 g). Boeotian shield / Square incuse with clockwise mill-sail pattern; q at center. BCD Boiotia 351 (this coin); HGC 4, 1308. Dark gray tone with blue, red, and gold iridescence in and around the devices, slightly off center. Good VF. Well struck. ($1500) Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory 45051 (his ticket included); Triton IX (10 January 2006), lot 351; Malter 55 (7 November 1993), lot 129 (weight given in error as 12.08 g); J. Hirsch XXXIII (17 November 1913), lot 708.

Dionysos’ Theban Origin

178.

BOEOTIA, Thebes. Circa 425-395 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 12.19 g). Later style. Boeotian shield / Bearded head of Dionysos right, wearing wreath of ivy with berries at the crown; Q-E across lower field; all within incuse square. BCD Boiotia 442–4; Myron Hoard pl. B, 5; HGC 4, 1326. Old cabinet tone, porosity on obverse. Good VF. ($2000) Though Dionysos was widely worshipped as god of the grape harvest and wine, according to the most widely quoted origin myth, he was only half-divine, being the product of Zeus’ dalliance with Semele, a mortal princess of Thebes. Semele was the daughter of Cadmus, founder of Thebes and one of the first Greek heroes. Semele was also a priestess of Zeus with whom the king of the gods became smitten. As was his wont with mortal women, Zeus began visiting her regularly in various guises until she conceived. Hera, getting wind of the affair, tricked Semele into demanding that Zeus reveal himself to her in all his godly glory, causing her to burst into flame. Zeus, however, rescued the fetal Dionysos and sewed him into his thigh. He was “born” a few months later, leading to one of Dionysos’ epithets as “twice born.”

78

179.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 500/490-485/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21mm, 17.10 g, 11h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with small spiral on the bowl, and round earring / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Seltman Group Gi (unlisted dies); Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 4, 26 = BMC 4 = GPCG pl. 4, 31; Asyut Group IVa; HGC 4, 1590. Toned, a few tiny flan flaws. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan, showing nearly full crest. ($5000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 289 (22 October 2022), lot 199.

180.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 500/490-485/0 BC. AR Tetradrachm (20mm, 16.56 g, 10h). Head of Athena right, wearing round earring and crested Attic helmet decorated with small spiral on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left, ¡QE to right; all within incuse square. Seltman Group Gii (unlisted dies, possibly rev. die P182 re-engraved); Asyut Group IVg; Svoronos, Monnaies, pl. 4, 6; SNG Copenhagen —; SNG München 28–34. Toned. Good VF. Well centered and struck for issue. ($7500) From the Columbus Collection. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 211.

181

182

181.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.21 g, 5h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 49; Dewing 1591–2 and 1594–8; Gulbenkian 519–21. Lightly toned over lustrous surfaces, trace deposits. Superb EF. Well struck from dies of high relief. ($1500) 182.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.08 g, 10h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 49; Dewing 1591–2 and 1594–8; Gulbenkian 519–21. Iridescent tone, minor die rust on reverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan, with a nearly full crest. ($1500) From the JTB Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 312 (9 October 2013), lot 80.

79

183.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 17.16 g, 4h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 49; Dewing 1591–2 and 1594–8; Gulbenkian 519–21. Faintly toned, with traces of underlying luster. Near EF. Well centered, compact head, showing nearly full crest. ($1500)

185

184

184.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 17.18 g, 7h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 49; Dewing 1591–2 and 1594–8; Gulbenkian 519–21. Lightly toned, a hint of porosity, minor flan flaw in field on reverse. Near EF. Well struck. ($1000) Ex Freeman & Sear inventory G3468 (ND).

185.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 17.11 g, 1h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; SNG Copenhagen 31; SNG München 49; Dewing 1591–2 and 1594–8; Gulbenkian 519–21. Lightly toned, typical edge splits, spot of die rust on obverse, minor doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Heritage 3021 (6 January 2013), lot 21197 (hammer $4000).

Ex Athena Fund and Pozzi Collection – Pedigreed to 1921

186.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 4.27 g, 4h). Head of Athena right, with frontal eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray to left, AQE to right; all within incuse square. Kroll 10; HGC 4, 1631; SNG Copenhagen 41–3; SNG München 60–4; Dewing 1599-602; Athena Fund II 539 = Pozzi 1558 (this coin). Old cabinet tone.

Good VF. Exceptional for denomination; well centered and showing full crest of Athena. ($3000) Ex Harald Salvesen Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 133, 21 November 2022), lot 85; Athena Fund (Part II, Sotheby’s Zurich, 27 October 1993), lot 539; Prof. S. Pozzi Collection (Naville I, 14 March 1921), lot 1558.

80

187.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 525/0-500 BC. AR Stater (18mm, 12.16 g). Sea turtle, head in profile, with thin collar and row of dots down its back / Incuse square with “Union Jack” pattern. Selinus Hoard 120 (this coin); Asyut Group II; Meadows, Aegina, Group IIa; Milbank Period I, pl. I, 3; HGC 6, 428; SNG Copenhagen 502; SNG Delepierre 1501–3; Boston MFA 1106; Dewing 1656; Rosen 212. Toned, slight granularity, minor scratches, some deposits on obverse.

Good VF. ($2000) Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc97327 (ND); Selinute, 1985 Hoard (CH VIII, 35).

Turtle-To-Tortoise Transition

188.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 480-457 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 12.24 g, 1h). Sea turtle, head in profile, with ‘T-back’ design on shell / Large square incuse with skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIa; Milbank Period III, pl.

I, 15; HGC 6, 435; SNG Copenhagen 507; SNG Delepierre 1522–6; ACGC 123; Boston MFA 1111–2; Dewing 1674–8; Gillet 947; Gulbenkian 523; Jameson 1199; Rosen 219. Toned, light granularity, minor obverse die break in right field, light graffito on reverse. Good VF. ($3000) The first coins produced on the island of Aegina depicted a sea turtle (emblematic of the marine interests of the Aeginetans) on the obverse, while bearing on the reverse the imprint of the punch used to force metal into the obverse die. The reverse punch originally consisted of an eight-pronged design that produced eight triangles; with use the prongs broke and clogged, producing filled and absent incuses. This led to the adoption first of a “mill sail” pattern, followed by the development of a “skew” pattern. The obverse design was also modified by the addition of a row of dots added at the collar from the earlier collared turtle design with a single row of dots down its shell, hence the name “T-back,” circa 480 BC (the present example). The production of turtles decreased over the next twenty years as silver from the island of Siphnos was no longer available and Mediterranean trade was now dominated by Athens, the new mistress of the Aegean. In 457 BC, Athens conquered Aegina and stripped her of her maritime powers. Following the loss of her naval autonomy, Aegina produced staters with a land tortoise on the obverse in lieu of her former emblematic sea turtle.

189.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 480-457 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 12.04 g, 1h). 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; SNG Copenhagen 510; SNG Delepierre 1528–9; Boston MFA –; Dewing 1679; Rosen 221. Toned, light granularity, two small test punches on reverse. Near EF. ($3000) 81

190.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 370 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 12.24 g, 3h). Land tortoise with segmented shell / Large square incuse with thin skew pattern. Meadows, Aegina, Group IIIb; Milbank Period IV, pl. II, 12; HGC 6, 437; SNG Copenhagen 517; SNG Delepierre 1535–40; Boston MFA 116; Dewing 1683; Gillet 948; Jameson 1200; Pozzi 1635.

Lightly toned, a hint of die wear. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Waddell 56 (1 July 1992), lot 26; Waddell 54 (1 January 1992), lot 33.

Ex Robinow Collection

191.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 350-338 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 12.24 g, 8h). 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. Attractive cabinet tone, a little die wear. Good VF. Very high relief obverse. ($7500) Ex H. M. Robinow Collection (Morton & Eden 51, 24 October 2011), lot 111; Sternberg XII (18 November 1982), lot 166.

192.

ISLANDS off ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 350-338 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 5.49 g, 12h). Land tortoise with segmented shell / Incuse square with thin skew pattern; two pellets in one segment. Milbank Period V, pl. II, 16; HGC 6, 443; SNG Copenhagen 520; SNG Delepierre 1546; BMC 167; Dewing 1690. Toned. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio 172 (16 November 2012), lot 11639.

193.

CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 400-350/45 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 8.45 g, 4h). Pegasos flying left; J below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; palmette to right. Ravel Period IV, 355 (P182/T278); Pegasi 111; BCD Corinth –; HGC 4, 1832. Toned, some die wear on obverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($1000) 82

194.

CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 400-350/45 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 8.30 g, 3h). Pegasos flying left; J and tiny ˙ bellow belly / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; to right, forepart of horse right. Ravel Period IV, 423 (P205/T313); Pegasi 141; BCD Corinth 54; HGC 4, 1832; Nanteuil 941 (same obv. die); Weber 3684 (same obv. die).

Toned, slight die wear, light cleaning marks on obverse. Near EF. ($1000)

195.

CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 350/45-285 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 8.64 g, 6h). Pegasos flying left; J below / Head of Athena left, 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. Old cabinet tone, light scratches mostly under tone. EF. ($1000) Ex Mark & Lottie Salton Collection.

Pedigreed to 1973

196.

CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 350/45-285 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.60 g, 5h). Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard and laurel wreath; Å-r flanking neck truncation, aegis to right. Ravel Period V, 1009; Pegasi 427; BCD Corinth –; HGC 4, 1848. Attractive old collection tone, a few light cleaning marks in fields, trace deposits. Near EF. Lovely style. ($1500) Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 344 (April 1973), no. 21.

197.

CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 350/45-285 BC. AR Stater (21mm, 8.58 g, 12h). Pegasos flying left; J below / Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet with neck guard; ˝ below chin, filleted thyrsos to right. Ravel Period V, 1026; Pegasi 417; BCD Corinth 109; HGC 4, 1848; SNG Copenhagen 81–2; Dewing 1758. Lightly toned, underlying luster, traces of find patina and minor doubling on reverse. EF. ($1000) From the Gil Steinberg Collection, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin Co. (their ticket included).

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198.

SIKYONIA, Sikyon. Circa 431-400 BC. AR Stater (23.5mm, 12.17 g, 4h). Chimaera standing right; sE below / Dove flying right; bow above tail feathers; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 193 (this coin); HGC 5, 188; Traité III 776, pl. CCXX, 14 = Pozzi 1797 (same dies). Deep old collection tone, traces of die rust, a couple of light marks under tone. Near EF. ($1500) Ex BCD Collection (LHS 96, 8 May 2006), lot 193.

199.

SIKYONIA, Sikyon. Circa 335-330 BC. AR Stater (24mm, 12.18 g, 3h). Chimaera standing left, raising left forepaw; wreath above, sE below / Dove flying left; 5 to left; all within wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 219; HGC 5, 201; BMC 56.

Attractively toned, with some iridescence. Choice EF. Well centered and struck. A wonderful coin in hand. ($7500) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 563030; Leu Numismatik 7 (24 October 2020), lot 1200; Triton IX (10 January 2006), lot 887; Leu 83 (6 May 2002), lot 281; Classical Numismatic Group XXX (11 June 1994), lot 144.

Marking the 93rd Olympiad

200.

ELIS, Olympia. 93rd Olympiad. 408 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 11.82 g, 3h). Head of eagle left; below, ivy leaf left / Thunderbolt, with wings above and volutes below; V-Å flanking; all within olive wreath. Seltman, Temple 155 var. (dies BT²/γχ); BCD Peloponnesos 628 (this coin); HGC 5, 348; Hirsch 1345 (same obv. die); J. Hirsch XXIX (Lambros), lot 543 (same dies).

Deeply toned, struck with worn obverse die, a few light cleaning marks under tone. Good Fine. Very rare. ($1500) Ex Auctiones GmbH E53 (20 November 2016), lot 56; BCD Collection (LHS 96, 8 May 2006), lot 628.

84

Marking the 101st Olympiad

201.

ELIS, Olympia. 101st Olympiad. 376 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 12.04 g, 12h). Hera mint. Head of Hera right, wearing ornamented stephanos and single-pendant earring; V-Å flanking neck / Eagle standing right, head left, wings spread, within olive wreath. Seltman, Temple 294 (dies ER/θι); BCD Olympia 110 (same dies); BMC 95 (same dies); Rhousopoulos 2558 (same dies). Lightly toned, minor porosity and flan flaws. VF. ($10,000) From the Columbus Collection. Ex New York Sale IV (17 January 2002), lot 166; Hess-Leu [7] (16 April 1957), lot 230.

Located near the western coast of the Peloponnesos, the sacred shrine of Olympia became established as the site of the most important Greek festival of athletics in the eighth century BC. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, consisting solely of a foot race, or stadion, won in that year by Koroibus of Elis. As time went on, more events were added, including wrestling, boxing, long jump, javelin, discus, and chariot races. The contests became so important that Greek cities at war would declare a truce for the duration. Soon a permanent complex was built to house the games, and a magnificent temple of Zeus containing a statue ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the World was completed in 463 BC. The first coins of Olympia date to the games of 468 BC, and new types were issued at four year intervals (to coincide with the games) thereafter. Three basic types were struck, depicting a head of Zeus, Hera, or an eagle. The finest die engravers were employed in their production and coins of Olympia rank as some of the greatest masterpieces of Greek coinage. This silver stater belongs to the Hera group and was struck at the peak of Elean artistic excellence, for the 101st Olympiad.

Pedigreed to 1905

202.

ELIS, Olympia. 111th-114th Olympiad. 336-324 BC. AR Hemidrachm (16mm, 2.92 g, 11h). Head of Hera right, wearing stephanos and single-pendant earring; V-Å flanking neck / Eagle, wings spread, standing left, head right, on rock.

Seltman, Temple, pl. XII, 26 = BMC 104 (same obv. die); BCD Olympia 201 (same obv. die); HGC 5, 451 (same obv. die as illustration). Old cabinet tone, minor roughness, slightly off center on reverse. VF. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell (inventory 49368 [ND]). Ex Robert and Julius Diez Collection (Lanz 151, 30 June 2011), lot 137; J. Hirsch XIV (27 November 1905), lot 452.

203.

ARGOLIS, Argos. Circa 270-260/50 BC. AR Triobol – Hemidrachm (14mm, 2.59 g, 9h). Forepart of wolf at bay left; Q above / Large Å; Q to upper right; below, eagle standing right on harpa right; all within incuse square. BCD Peloponnesos 1113; HGC 5, 670; BMC 81. Attractively toned, minor porosity. Near EF. Well centered. ($1000)

85

Unpublished Labyrinth Tetradrachm

204.

CRETE, Knossos. Mid 2nd-early 1st centuries BC. AR Tetradrachm. Diademed and bearded head (of Minos?) right / Labyrinth; ˚@W/s-5/W@ in three lines across field. Cf. Svoronos, Numismatique 98–101 and 177–8 (for type). Some cleaning marks and pitting. EF. An unpublished issue, struck between Svoronos types 98 and 177. ($10,000) The ancient city of Knossos, the remains of which were excavated by Sir Arthur Evans, beginning in 1900, was founded in the Minoan Period (circa 1700-1400 BC) as a large and complex palace-city. Although the exact origin of the word labyrinth, as well as its location, remains open to scholarly conjecture, the intricate maze of rooms and interior courtyards of this palace-city contributed to the later Greek use of the word to describe a maze and the source of the events connected with it to Crete.

According to the Greek myth, Minos was the first king of Crete. Although he gave the island its first constitution, ordered the construction of the palace at Knossos, and was the first to build a navy, he was a cruel tyrant and imperialist. One of his subject cities was Athens. He demanded from its citizens as payment every nine years seven youths and seven virgins. Minos would feed them then to the Minotaur, a halfman, half-bull who was held in the Labyrinth, a large walled maze. To stop this brutal tribute, the Athenian hero Theseus had himself sent as part of the required tribute. With the assistance of Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, Theseus was able to navigate the Labyrinth successfully and kill the Minotaur.

Extremely Rare Ios Bronze

205.

CYCLADES, Ios. 3rd-2nd centuries BC. Æ (13.5mm, 3.74 g, 9h). Bearded head of Homer right; oÂ[˙roU] to right / Palm tree; 5-˙ across field. SNG Copenhagen 675 var. (form of ethnic); HGC 6, 780 var. (same); BMC var. (same).

Attractive dark green patina, with light earthen dusting. Good VF. Extremely rare and exceptional issue of Ios, apparently unpublished with this form of the ethnic. ($750) From the Tiny Art Collection.

86

Ex Morcom and Pozzi Collections

206.

CYCLADES, Keos. Ioulis. Late 4th-early 3rd centuries BC. Æ (15mm, 4.90 g, 11h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Bee; 5oU-[¬5] around. Papageorgiadou-Banis Group VII, Issue 2, 34 (O24/R33); Joy 515; HGC 6, 520 (this coin illustrated); SNG Copenhagen 657; Pozzi (Boutin) 4512 (this coin). Even brown surfaces. VF. ($750) From the St. George Collection. Ex Christopher Morcom Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 76, 12 September 2007), lot 640; Prof. S. Pozzi Collection (not in Ars Classica sale).

207.

CYCLADES, Naxos. 4th century BC. Æ (11mm, 1.81 g, 6h). Bearded head of Dionysos left, wearing wreath of ivy with berries at the tip / Kantharos; grape bunch above, ivy leaves at sides, @-Å flanking base. Nicolet-Pierre, Naxos II, Canthare 1a, 1–6; HGC 6, 641; SNG Copenhagen 709. Light brown patina. Good VF. Fine depiction of Dionysos. ($750) From the St. George Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 91 (19 September 2012), lot 213; Classical Numismatic Group 50 (23 June 1999), lot 784.

208.

CYCLADES, Paros. Early 490s-early 480s BC. AR Drachm (15.5mm, 6.01 g). Goat kneeling right / Quadripartite incuse square. Sheedy Class D, Group 2, unlisted dies (but cf. 110 for similar); HGC 6, 655. Lightly toned with slight iridescence, traces of find patina. Good VF. ($4000) Ex Alde (19 October 2016), lot 88.

Ex Morcom and Weber Collections

209.

CYCLADES, Siphnos. 4th century BC. Æ (16mm, 4.90 g, 6h). Diademed head of female right / Eagle flying right; s-5f flanking tail feathers. Joy 563; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Weber 4715 (this coin). Brown surfaces. VF. Very rare. ($750) From the St. George Collection. Ex Christopher Morcom Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 76, 12 September 2007), lot 658; Sir Hermann Weber Collection (pub. 1922), 4715.

87

Gold Coinage at Pantikapaion

210

211

210.

CIMMERIAN BOSPOROS, Pantikapaion. Circa 340-325 BC. AV Stater (21mm, 9.12 g, 10h). Bearded head of Pan left, wearing ivy wreath / Griffin, holding spear in its mouth, standing left, head facing, forepaw raised, on grain ear; ∏-Å@ around. Anokhin 1021; MacDonald 54; HGC 7, 20; SNG BM Black Sea 864; Gulbenkian 588–90; Jameson 1361; Pozzi 1150; Sartiges 1580. NGC photo certification 6828475-001, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. Well centered on a broad flan, with significant mint luster. ($75,000) Pantikapaion was founded by Greek colonists from Miletos in the late seventh century BC. Situated on the west side of the Cimmerian Bosporos, in what is now called the Crimea, it achieved great prosperity through its exploitation of the abundant fisheries of the straits and the export of wheat from the Crimea. This wealth is attested by its splendid gold coinage, which commenced in the mid-4th century BC, and by the magnificently furnished rock tombs of its principal citizens in the same period. Later, it was to become a regional capital of the kingdom of Mithradates VI of Pontos (120-63 BC) and later still the seat of the kings of Bosporos (first century BC – fourth century AD). The coinage of Pantikapaion seems to have commenced with silver issues in the latter part of the fifth century BC, but it is for its beautiful gold staters that the mint is chiefly noted. They depict the head of the god Pan (a pun on the name of the city) and on the reverse, the griffin that Herodotos describes as being the guardian of the remote sources of gold.

211.

CIMMERIAN BOSPOROS, Pantikapaion. Circa 340-325 BC. AV Stater (21mm, 9.10 g, 11h). Bearded head of Pan left, wearing ivy wreath / Griffin, holding spear in its mouth, standing left, head facing, forepaw raised, on grain ear; ∏-Å@ around. Anokhin 1021; MacDonald 54; HGC 7, 20; SNG BM Black Sea 864; Gulbenkian 588–90; Jameson 1361; Pozzi 1150; Sartiges 1580. In NGC encapsulation 6066349-025, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($50,000) Ex Paramount Collection (Heritage 3096, 25 March 2021), lot 30223; Leu 86 (5 May 2003), lot 309.

88

212.

CIMMERIAN BOSPOROS, Pantikapaion. Circa 340-325 BC. AR Tridrachm (25.5mm, 11.45 g, 12h). Head of satyr left, wearing wreath of ivy with berries at the tip / Head of ox left; π-Å-@ around. Anokhin 1033; MacDonald 56; HGC 7, 84; SNG BM 879; Nomos 13, lot 152 = CNG 84, lot 543 (same rev. die; hammer 15,000 CHF and $15,000, respectively).

Find patina. Near EF. Rare. ($5000)

Ex Lockett and Bement Collections

213.

CIMMERIAN BOSPOROS, Pantikapaion. Circa 90-79 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 8.72 g, 12h). Head of young Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath / Grape bunch above ∏Å@t5/˚Å∏Å5/tW@ in three lines; all within ivy wreath; [Ë above].

Frolova & Ireland dies I/i; Anokhin 1116; MacDonald 168; HGC 7, 98; SNG Lockett 1102 = Bement 884 (this coin). Old collection tone, minor doubling on reverse, minor deposits. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part II, Glendining, 12 February 1958), lot 1017; Clarence S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 884.

Asander’s Power Play

214.

KINGS of BOSPOROS. Asander. As king, circa 43-16 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 8.22 g, 1h). Dated RY 7 (41/0 BC).

Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å%Å@droU, Nike, holding wreath in extended right hand, palm frond in left, standing left on prow left; to inner left, Z (date) above i. Frolova & Ireland § 6, 12 corr. (monogram); Natwoka 7a; Anokhin 1322; MacDonald 197; RPC I 1849; HGC 7, 201; DCA 447. Underlying luster, tiny die break on reverse. EF. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 111 (29 May 2019), lot 181; Tkalec (9 May 2005), lot 56.

After defeating Pharnakes II in 47 BC, Asander hoped that Caesar would recognize him as king of Bosporos. Instead, in 46 BC Caesar appointed Mithradates of Pergamon, the illegitimate son of Mithradates VI Eupator and a personal friend. Asander, however, subsequently defeated and killed Mithradates. To support his claim to the throne, Asander married Dynamis, the daughter of Pharnakes II, but for the first four years of his reign, he claimed the title ‘archon’ only, rather than that of ‘basileus.’ The reason for this may be that as Rome had formally recognized the archon Pharnakes II as king, Asander was hoping they would do the same on his behalf – a hope confirmed by Octavian in 43 BC. Consequently, all of Asander’s regnal dates are reckoned from his first year as archon (circa 47/6 BC).

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Coinage of Mithradates VI Eupator Mithradates was a Hellenistic monarch par excellence, his career driven by megalomaniacal ambitions leading to murderous assaults upon family and followers and disastrous foreign adventures against superior forces. His portraiture attempts to mimic the gods with its bold staring gaze and unruly, free-flowing hair, but at its most extreme is a personification of hysteria in its Dionysiac sense.

At the age of 18, Mithradates overthrew his mother’s regency and embarked on a career of conquest, bringing most of the lands around the Black Sea into his domain. His expansionist aims inevitably brought him into conflict with Rome, and in preparation for the coming war he built up the largest army in Asia, unleashing it in 88 BC in what would be the First Mithradatic War. He sought to undermine the Roman power base by ordering the massacre of every Roman citizen in Asia in which nearly 80,000 people perished.

The Romans were not intimidated, and when Mithradates crossed over to Greece proper as ‘Liberator’, the Roman legions under Sulla smashed his army. Mithradates retreated to Pontus, from where he continued to skirmish with the Romans, suffering more defeats to the general Lucullus. In 63 BC, having suffered a final defeat by Pompey and facing a revolt by his own son Pharnakes, the elderly king tried to commit suicide by taking poison, but he had inured himself to its affects by years of small counterdoses, and so had to be stabbed to death by one of his mercenaries.

215 216 215.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.85 g, 12h). Pergamon mint. Dated month 11, year 212 BE (August 85 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Â5QrÅdÅtoU EU∏Åtoro%, stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent above (; to right, ∫5s (year) above ¬; 5Å (month) below; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ p. 16, dies D4/R– (obv. die unlisted for date [but known for month 12], rev. die unlisted); RG 16; HGC 7, 338; DCA 688. Lightly toned, underlying luster, minor doubling on obverse. EF. ($2000) Ex Roma E-Sale 95 (13 April 2022), lot 335 (hammer £3200).

216.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.85 g, 11h).

Pergamon mint. Dated month 5, year 223 (February 74 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Â5QrÅdÅtoU EU∏Åtoro%, stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent above n; to right, ˝˚s (year) above =; E (month) in exergue; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ dies O45/R4; HGC 7, 340; DCA 692; SNG Hunterian 43 (same obv. die); Hermitage Sale II 1094. Faint toning. Superb EF. Excellent metal. ($2500)

217.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.72 g, 12h).

Pergamon mint. Dated month 9, year 223 (June 74 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Â5QrÅdÅtoU EU∏Åtoro%, stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent above n; to right, ˝˚s (year) above =; œ (month) in exergue; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ dies O48/R– (unlisted rev. die); HGC 7, 340; DCA 692; SNG Ashmolean 201 (same obv. die); Davis 186 (same obv. die); Pozzi 2100 (same obv. die). Beautiful golden toning, minor scratches and marks. Near EF. Well centered and struck, with a wonderful portrait. ($7500) 90

218.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.82 g, 11h). Pergamon mint. Dated month 10, year 223 BE (July 74 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Â5QrÅdÅtoU EU∏Åtoro%, stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent above n; to right, ˝˚s (year) above =; 5 (month) in exergue; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Callataÿ dies O49/R4, a (this coin); HGC 7, 340; DCA 692; SNG von Aulock 6682 (same obv. die); Bement 1341 (same obv. die). Attractive old iridescent tone. Choice EF. Well centered and struck. ($5000) Ex JW Collection; Freeman & Sear inventory G8608 (2007); Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 470 (September 1984), no. 9.

219.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33.5mm, 16.67 g, 12h).

Pergamon mint. Dated month 12, year 223 BE (September 74 BC). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Â5QrÅdÅtoU EU∏Åtoro%, stag grazing left; to left, star-in-crescent above ˝˚s (year); to right, n above #; s below, 5∫ (month) in exergue; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. Cf. Callataÿ pp. 21–2 (for date, issue and obv. die unlisted); HGC 7, 340; DCA 692; Nomos Obolos 8, lot 260 var. (same obv. die, different positions of date and monograms). Minor die wear. EF. Extremely rare issue with letter below stag. ($2500)

220.

KINGS of PONTOS. Mithradates VI Eupator. Circa 120-63 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.20 g, 12h). First Mithradatic War issue. In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Istros mint. Struck circa 88-86 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% 2U%5;ÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left; d5 to inner left, 5% on throne; in exergue, ornate trident left. Callataÿ p. 139, dies D1/R1; AMNG I 482; HGC 3, 1799; SNG Copenhagen (Thrace) 1094 (same dies); McClean 4481 (Thrace; same dies). In NGC encapsulation 4996359-001, graded Ch MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, die shift. ($2000) Ex Collection of a Gentleman (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 16 August 2021), lot 42090; Coin Galleries (12 July 2000), lot 2.

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221.

BITHYNIA, Kalchedon. Circa 260-220 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 8.47 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with serpent, single-pendant earring, and necklace / ŬE$Å@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; É in left field, ˜ below left wing. Price 914 (Kallatis mint). Lustrous, minor edge marks. Superb EF. Perfectly centered. Very rare civic issue. ($5000)

222.

BITHYNIA, Kios. Circa 270-260 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.13 g, 12h). In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; club to outer right, ¨ to inner left, bow-in-bowcase and † in exergue. Marinescu, Cius, Issue 20, 71.1 (O25/R64 – this coin); Müller 415; HGC 7, 555; ANS inv. 1944.100.81639 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 6323111-002, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($2000) Ex Heritage 3099 (5 May 2022), lot 31134; Baldwin’s 99 (4 May 2016), lot 96.

223.

KINGS of BITHYNIA. Prousias I Cholos. Circa 228-182 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34.5mm, 16.76 g, 12h). Nikomedeia mint. Struck circa 210/00-182 BC. Diademed and bearded head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏roU%5oU, Zeus Stephanephoros standing left; palm frond to outer left; to inner left, eagle standing left on thunderbolt above Ŵ above /. RG 9b, pl. XXIX, 11 var. (no palm, different upper monogram; same obv. die); HGC 7, 614; SNG von Aulock 6879 (same dies); Kunstfreund 247 var. (upper monogram; same obv. die). Slight die wear. VF. Well centered on a broad flan. Fine style, high relief portrait. ($1500)

92

Electrum Coinage of Kyzikos The celebrated electrum coinage of Kyzikos began in the second half of the sixth century, but is at its most varied and interesting during the classical period. These staters were regarded as gold coins and circulated throughout a large area along with the gold darics of Persian Empire.

On all of the coins of Kyzikos, large or small, was engraved the tunny-fish (θυννος), which constituted an important part of the Kyzikene economy. The orator Aristotelis, in the second century BC, stated the following in his speech regarding the people of Kyzikos: “It is enough for one just to glance at the location and the nature of this city to immediately understand that the name ‘blissful’ given to it by God was factual, so convenient is its land and its sea. As it is built in front of Asia Minor and since its dominion extends from the Black Sea to the Hellespont, Kyzikos joins the two seas together or rather all the seas that man navigates. Thus, ships continuously pass by or arrive at the harbor or depart from the harbor. Justly it should be called ‘blissful’ just as is Corinth because, as it is built in the mid part of the seas, it joins, as if it was the center of the world, all men who sail the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Kolchis at the far side of the Black Sea.”

224.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (20mm, 15.99 g). Head of goat with long beard left; to right, tunny upwards / Quadrapartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 48; Greenwell 134; Boston MFA 1421 = Warren 1560; SNG BN 186; BMC 88; Gulbenkian –; Jameson 1410. Faint scuff on obverse. VF. Well centered. ($1500)

225.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11.5mm, 2.66 g). Head of goat left; to right, tunny upward / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 48; Greenwell 134; cf. Boston MFA 1421 (stater); cf. SNG BN 186–7 (stater and hemihekte); cf. BMC 88–9 (same); Gulbenkian –; cf. Jameson 1410 (stater); CNG E384, lot 148; CNG E387, lot 128.

Edge splits, a little off center and slight doubling on obverse. Good VF. Very rare as a hekte. ($750)

226.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.65 g). Satyr kneeling left, holding in his extended right hand a tunny fish by the tail / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 122; Greenwell 41; cf. Boston MFA 1461 = Warren 1461 (stater); SNG BN 270 = de Luynes 2432. Slightly off center. Near EF. ($1000)

227.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.69 g). Head of Ephebos left on diskos; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 105; Greenwell 77; Boston MFA 1476 = Warren 1496; cf. SNG BN 248 (stater); cf. BMC 21 (stater); Gulbenkian –; cf. Jameson 2566 (stater). Light scratch on reverse. Good VF. Rare. ($1500)

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228.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.57 g). Head of Attis right, wearing Phrygian headdress; below, tunny right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 142; Greenwell 56; Boston MFA 1523; SNG BN 292–3; BMC –; Gillet –; cf. Gulbenkian 644 (stater); Jameson –; Weber –. Light scratches. Near EF. ($1000) From the Siren Collection.

The portrait on this particular issue is thought to be Attis, the consort of Phrygian Kybele. The androgynous Kybele/Agdistis was castrated by the gods. From the severed parts grew an almond tree from which Attis sprang. Attis appears infrequently in Greek art, but he was raised in status when the Romans adopted the cult of Kybele.

229.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.66 g). Perseus, nude but for helmet and cloak clasped at neck, crouching right, head left, holding harpa in left hand, head of Medusa in right; below, tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze I 162; Greenwell 74; Boston MFA 1549 = Warren 1491; SNG BN 312; BMC –; Gulbenkian 648; Jameson 1422. Minor hairlines, a touch off center on obverse. Good VF. ($750)

Unpublished Denomination of an Extremely Rare Issue

230.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 450-330 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (8mm, 1.32 g). Bearded head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Hurter & Liewald I 1 (unlisted denomination); cf. Gulbenkian 671 = Hermitage Sale II 1175 (stater); otherwise, unpublished in the standard references. Good VF. Unpublished as a hemihekte. ($1000)

231.

MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 170-150 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 116.87 g, 11h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Kore Soteira right, wearing oak wreath / Club left; kUz5>˚˙@W@ above and below; Ų at top, ' at bottom; all within oak wreath.

Von Fritze II 33; SNG BN 449–51 var. (monograms); SNG von Aulock 1432 var. (same); BMC 146 var. (same); Gaziantep 215 var. (same); Leu 18, lot 174 var. (upper monogram). Lightly toned, with golden hues around the devices, traces of find patina, area of light porosity, some marks under tone. Good VF. Well centered and fine style. ($2000) 94

232.

MYSIA, Lampsakos. Circa 525-500 BC. EL Stater (18mm, 15.28 g). Forepart of Pegasos left; grapevine around / Quadripartite incuse square. Baldwin, Electrum, Period I, Group II, 12; SNG BN 1111; SNG von Aulock 1292 var. (monogram below Pegasos); SNG Copenhagen Supp. 305 var. (same); Boston MFA 1582. Lightly toned. VF. Well centered and struck. ($3000)

233.

KINGS of PERGAMON. Philetairos. 282-263 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 17.12 g, 12h). Pergamon mint.

Struck circa 269/8-263 BC. Diademed head right / f5¬EtÅ5roU, Athena enthroned left, right hand resting on shield set at her feet, left elbow resting on small sphinx seated right; transverse spear in background, ivy leaf above knee, v on throne, bow to right. Westermark Group II, dies VI/2; SNG BN 1603–5 (Eumenes I); SNG von Aulock 1353–4; Ars Classica XV, lot 915 (same dies). Toned, with some iridescence. Good VF. ($2000) From the Columbus Collection. Ex New York Sale IV (17 January 2002), lot 200; Münzen und Medaillen AG 88 (17 May 1999), lot 218.

The eunuch Philetairos played a canny game in the years following the death of Alexander the Great. Entrusted with an immense treasure in the fortress of Pergamon by Lysimachos , Philetairos switched his allegiance to Lysimachos’ rival Seleukos I in return for a promise of autonomy. Seleukos defeated and killed Lysimachos at Kauropedion in 281 BC, but was assassinated soon thereafter. The Pergamene Kingdom officially broke from the Seleukid realm a few years later. Philetairos’ robust portrait appears on Pergamene coins during his lifetime and for several reigns thereafter, though his name lacks the royal title.

234.

KINGS of PERGAMON. Eumenes I. 263-241 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 17.17 g, 12h). In the name of Philetairos. Pergamon mint. Struck circa 255/50-241 BC. Head of Philetairos right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬EtÅ5roU, Athena enthroned left, left elbow resting on shield to right, crowning dynastic name with wreath held in her extended right hand; transverse spear in background, ivy leaf to outer left, v to inner left, bow to right. Westermark Group IVA, obv. die XLV; SNG BN 1614–5; SNG von Aulock 1356–7; SNG Copenhagen 335; Dewing 2208. Toned, slightly off center on reverse.

EF. ($2000)

95

235.

KINGS of PERGAMON. Eumenes I. 263-241 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.08 g, 12h). In the name of Philetairos. Pergamon mint. Struck circa 255/50-241 BC. Head of Philetairos right, wearing laurel wreath / f5¬EtÅ5roU, Athena enthroned left, left elbow resting on shield to right, crowning dynastic name with wreath held in her extended right hand; transverse spear in background, ivy leaf to outer left, v to inner left, bow to right. Westermark Group IVA, obv. die L; SNG BN 1614–5; SNG von Aulock 1356–7; SNG Copenhagen 335; Dewing 2208. Lightly toned, trace deposits, spots of minor porosity on reverse. EF. ($2000)

236.

TROAS, Assos. Circa 500-450 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 3.51 g, 1h). Chian standard. Griffin springing left / Head of roaring lion right within incuse square. SNG Arikantürk I –; BMC 1; Boston MFA 1626. Toned, a few minor flan flaws, a couple short scratches on obverse. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($1000)

237.

ISLANDS off TROAS, Tenedos. Circa 190s BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.87 g, 12h). In the name and types of Lysimachos of Thrace. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / ∫Å%5¬EW% ¬Us5ÂÅcoU, Athena Nikephoros seated left, left arm resting on shield, transverse spear in background; Ű and labrys in exergue. Meadows, Double-Axe, Group E, 172 (O12/R23 – this coin, illustrated); Müller –; HGC 6, 389. Lightly toned, some die wear and light deposits, cleaning scratches in field on obverse. Near EF. Extremely rare series, and the only example known of this variety. ($1500) Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 3 (25 February 2018), lot 146.

96

The “Wreath Bearing” Stephanophoroi With the collapse of Seleukid authority in Asia Minor in 189 BC, many communities of northwestern Asia Minor celebrated their liberation from regal authority by issuing series of large and impressive tetradrachms. All of these coins were struck on the reduced Attic standard, and were struck on broad, thin flans that were influenced by the Athenian New Style coinage. These series also copied a feature on their reverses, a large laurel wreath that formed the border encompassing the entire reverse type. We know from the Delos inventory lists that these coins were referred to as stephanophoroi (”wreath-bearers”), attesting to the ubiquity of these series. The types appearing on the coins clearly indicated their civic nature, depicting the city’s patron deity on the obverse and various aspects of the city’s culture on the reverse.

Regardless of the particular city of issue, the stephanophoric coinage is regarded among the more artistic of the Hellenistic period. This is no surprise as nearly all of the issuing cities were located in western Asia Minor, an area whose numismatic artistry is well attested in the preceding Classical period. While the stephanophoroi represent a benchmark in coin design, the reason for their introduction is not certain, and there is little consensus among numismatists. On one extreme, C. Boehringer argued that their appearance and consistency represented an “Aegean Münzunion” (Boehringer, Chron., pp. 38-9), while at the other O. Mørkholm argued that the wreaths were not indicative of any political or economic significance, but merely the result of a design that gained popularity throughout the northern Aegean (“Chronology and Meaning of the Wreath Coinages of the early 2nd. Cent. B.C.,” QT 9 [1980], pp. 145-54).

238.

ISLANDS off TROAS, Tenedos. Circa 100-70 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 15.73 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type.

Janiform head of a bearded male left, laureate, and female right, wearing stephanos / Labrys; tE@Ed5W@ above, c and grape bunch to left of handle; to right, Eros standing right, holding wreath in both hands; all within wreath. Callataÿ, Tenedos 78 var.

(D15/R– [unlisted rev. die]); HGC 6, 390; SNG Berry 988. Toned, struck with worn obverse die, die break at edge on reverse.

VF. Well centered. Very rare issue, only five examples recorded by Callataÿ, and four additional in CoinArchives (including this coin). ($6000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Peus 431 (27 April 2022), lot 3206.

239.

AEOLIS, Kyme. Circa 151/0-143/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.92 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Herakleides, magistrate. Struck circa 151/0 BC. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right; kUÂÅ5W@ to right; below raised foreleg, eagle standing right on thunderbolt; ˙rÅk¬E5d˙% below; all within wreath. E-E&E-Ö, Phase 1; Oakley obv. die 65; SNG Copenhagen 105. Lovely golden and iridescent toning, scratches under tone. EF. ($2000) 97

240

241

240.

AEOLIS, Kyme. Circa 151/0-143/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.74 g, 1h). Stephanophoric type. Kallias, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right; one-handled cup below raised foreleg, ˚UÂÅ5W@ to right, ˚Ŭ¬5Ås below; all within wreath. E-E&E-Ö, Phase 3; Oakley dies 12/– (unlisted rev. die); SNG Copenhagen 103; SNG Fitzwilliam 4313. In NGC encapsulation 5953885-001, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1500) Ex Heritage 3093 (28 October 2021), lot 31072 (hammer $2760).

241.

AEOLIS, Myrina. Circa 155-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33.5mm, 16.71 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand and laurel branch in left; ï and ÂUr5@Å5o@ to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 18, obv. die 11; SNG von Aulock 1664; SNG Copenhagen 2221 (same obv. die); BMC 11. Light golden tone, faint underlying luster, slight die shift on reverse.

Near EF. ($750) Ex Kritt FPL 35 (August 1998), no. 14.

242.

AEOLIS, Myrina. Circa 155-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.62 g, 1h). Stephanophoric type. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand and laurel branch in left; Ş and ÂUr5@Å5o@ to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 24, dies 34/– (unlisted rev. die); Locker-Lampson 279 (same obv. die). Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6167835-008, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1500) Ex Roma E-Sale 88 (9 September 2021), lot 447 (hammer £3000); Roma E-Sale 46 (5 June 2018), lot 150.

243.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (11mm, 2.58 g, 2h). Forepart of bull left / Incuse head of lion left; rectangular punch to right. Bodenstedt Em. 4; HGC 6, 926; SNG von Aulock 1683; SNG Berry 1004; Hermitage Sale II 1217. Minor edge splits, tiny die flaw in field on obverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($1500)

244.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.53 g, 10h). Head of roaring lion right / Incuse head of cock left; rectangular punch to right. Bodenstedt Em. 7; HGC 6, 931; SNG Copenhagen 302; BMC 24; de Luynes 2543–4; Rosen 552 = Pozzi 2319. Faintly toned, edge split, a few light scratches. Good VF. Well centered and excellent details. ($1000) 98

245.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.58 g, 9h). Head of roaring lion right / Incuse head of calf left; rectangular punch to right. Bodenstedt Em. 12; HGC 6, 937; SNG Ashmolean 1529; SNG von Aulock 1687 and 7721; BMC 23. A few hairlines in fields. EF. Well centered and struck. ($1500) Ex North River Collection; Triton XVI (8 January 2013), lot 446.

246.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 454-428/7 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.52 g, 11h). Diademed head of Silenos right / Two ram heads butting each other; palmette above; all within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 37; HGC 6, 963; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 323; SNG von Aulock 1700; BMC 40; Boston MFA 1896. Lightly toned, light die wear, minor scrape in margin on reverse, trace deposits. Good VF. ($750) Ex Locksmith Collection.

247.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 454-428/7 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.48 g, 10h). Head of Silenos facing slightly left / Head of lion right within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 38; HGC 6, 964; Boston MFA 1686; Hirsch 1484; Traite II 2171. A few light marks and scratches. VF. Perfectly centered and high relief portrait. ($1000)

248.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 454-428/7 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.46 g, 6h). Bearded head of Priapos right, wearing tainia / Head of female (nymph Chione or Dione?) right, hair in sphendone, within shallow incuse square.

Bodenstedt Em. 43, dies B/β; HGC 6, 969; BMC 47;–8; Hermitage Sale II 1230 (same dies); de Luynes 2556. Hairline flan crack, slight granularity, minor marks on edge. Good VF. ($750)

249.

LESBOS, Mytilene. Circa 377-326 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.56 g, 12h). Veiled head of Demeter right, wearing wreath of grain ears / Tripod tied with fillet in linear square within incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 91; HGC 6, 1017; SNG Copenhagen 329; SNG von Aulock 1726; SNG Lockett 2766 = Pozzi 2335; BMC 118–21; Bement 1429; Boston MFA 1743; Gulbenkian 712; Hermitage Sale II 1245; McClean 7979. Lightly toned, minor die wear, a few hairlines.

Good VF. ($750) 250.

No Lot. 99

251.

IONIA, Ephesos. Circa 390-325 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 15.21 g, 12h). Timolas, magistrate. Class F, circa 360-350 BC. Bee with straight wings; E-f flanking head / Forepart of stag right, head left; palm tree to left, t5Âo¬Ås to right. Karwiese II, Series 11.1, 517, dies O94/R1 (unlisted die combination, obv. die unlisted for issue); SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –. Attractive old collection tone, slightly off center on obverse. Good VF. Rare magistrate. ($2000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 265 (14 October 2019), lot 384.

252.

IONIA, Erythrai(?). 6th century BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9.5mm, 2.30 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Rosette with central pellet and eight petals / Incuse rectangle. SNG Kayhan –; cf. SNG von Aulock 7786 (trite); SNG Copenhagen –; Boston MFA –; Elektron –; Rosen –; Traité –; CNG 111, lot 233; Aufhäuser 20, lot 103 (hemihekte). VF. Extremely rare. ($1000)

253.

IONIA, Herakleia ad Latmon. Circa 140-135 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.49 g, 9h). 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, owl standing right, head facing, flanked by b and c; all within oak wreath.

Lavva, Silberprägung, Group I, 2 var. (V2/R– [unlisted rev. die]); SNG von Aulock 1977 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 71; de Luynes 2614 (same obv. die). Attractive cabinet tone. In NGC encapsulation 6323056-012, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style, scratches. Wonderful style and well struck. A beautiful coin in hand. ($3000) Ex Matthew Curtis Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 358; Classical Numismatic Review XXVII (Summer 2002), no. 36; Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1254.

100

In the Style of the Master Theodotos

254.

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. ($15,000) 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.

255.

IONIA, Magnesia ad Maeandrum. Circa 150-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.56 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Herognetos, son of Zopyrionos, “magistrate”. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder / Apollo Delphios standing left, elbow resting on tall tripod behind, holding branch tied with fillet; ˙ro˝@˙to% zo∏Ur5W@o% to left, ;Å˝@˙tW@ to right, meander pattern below; all within laurel wreath. Jones dies 27/a; SNG von Aulock 7921; SNG Lockett 2829 = Pozzi 2463 (same dies). Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6557753-010, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($2000) Ex Roma XXII (7 October 2021), lot 304 (hammer £2800).

256.

IONIA, Miletos. Circa 350-340 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 15.34 g, 12h). Lenaios, magistrate. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Lion standing left, head right; star above, s (civic monogram) to left, ¬˙@Å5os in exergue. D-L Period I, 80 var. (V9/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Marcellesi 2; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –. Attractive light toning, two tiny bumps at edge on obverse, trace deposits on reverse. EF. Perfectly centered on a broad flan. Very rare magistrate. Choice for issue. ($10,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 563013; Kleinkunst Collection (Leu Numismatik 6, 23 October 2020), lot 195.

101

257.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.62 g). Three seals swimming counterclockwise around central pellet-in-annulet; all on convex field with dotted border / Incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 29 var. (central pellet without annulet, field not convex); CNG 114, lot 296; CNG E-419, lot 181; Lanz 164, lot 76 = Roma E-30, lot 128; Roma X, lot 404. Light scrape. Good VF. Very rare variety. ($1500) In addition to the differences noted above, the style of the seals here appear more rudimentary/archaic than what is typically seen on examples of Bodenstedt’s emission 29.

258.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.59 g). Head of warrior left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with vine tendril on the bowl; below, small seal left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 30; SNG Kayhan 517; BMC 76–7; Boston MFA 1895. Light scuffs and scratches. Good VF. ($750)

259.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 478-387 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.54 g). Forepart of bull left; above, small seal right / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 58; SNG Lockett 2543 = Pozzi 2504. Lightly toned. Good VF. ($750) Ex Collection of a Well Known Author; Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 402 (26 July 2017), lot 223.

260.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 478-387 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (9.5mm, 2.55 g). Bearded head of Silenos facing, wearing ivy wreath; [to left, small seal upward] / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 67; otherwise, unpublished in the standard references. Small marks and scuffs, slightly off center on obverse. VF. ($1000)

261.

IONIA, Phokaia. Circa 387-326 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.53 g). Laureate female head left, hair in sakkos; below, small inverted seal right / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt Em. 102; BMC 63–5; Boston MFA 1920; Weber 6084–5. Toned, hairlines. Good VF. Well centered. ($1000)

102

262.

IONIA, Smyrna. Circa 150-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (35mm, 16.61 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Poseidonios, magistrate. Turreted head of Tyche right / z;Ur/@Å5W@ and > within laurel wreath. Milne, Silver, First Series, 2a, obv. die B; Milne, Autonomous, Period IX, 145; SNG von Aulock 2161; SNG Copenhagen –. Attractive light toning, light earthen deposits, a few hairlines and edge marks, light scratch in field on obverse. Near EF. ($1500)

263.

IONIA, Smyrna. Circa 150-143 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 16.79 g, 12h). Stephanophoric type. Metrodoros, magistrate. Turreted head of Tyche right / z;Ur/@Å5W@ and H within laurel wreath. Milne, Silver, First Series, 5c, obv. die E; Milne, Autonomous, Period IX, 165c; SNG Copenhagen –; SNG Kayhan 592. Iridescent tone, minor double strike, a couple of scratches, minor die wear. Good VF. ($1500) From the Gil Steinberg Collection, purchased from Superior Stamp & Coin Co. (their ticket included).

264.

IONIA, Teos. Circa 450-425 BC. AR Stater (25.5mm, 11.98 g). Griffin seated right, raising left forepaw, on ground line; below forepaw, head of female right; t-˙-5-o-˜ around / Quadripartite incuse square. Matzke Series Cb1; Balcer –; Mattingly, New 1 (same dies); CH VIII, pl. V, Hoard 47, 1 (same dies); Triton XIX, lot 236 (same dies); CNG 88, lot 354 (same dies). Lightly toned over lustrous surfaces, a couple of minor flan flaws on obverse. Superb EF. ($1500) Ex Künker 295 (25 September 2017), lot 317.

From the Inception of Coinage

265.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Forty-eighth Stater (4.5mm, 0.29 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Flattened striated surface / Incuse square. Weidauer –; Artemision 55; Elektron –; Traité –; SNG Kayhan 683 and 1527. As made. Very rare denomination for type. ($3000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 397 (17 May 2017), lot 160.

103

266.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.28 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Globular surface with cluster of pellets / Two incuse squares. Weidauer –; Traité I –; Elektron II 10; Rosen –; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock –. As made. Very rare. ($1000) From the MM Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 366 (13 January 2016), lot 558; Gorny & Mosch 211 (4 March 2013), lot 335.

267.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.64 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Geometric figure resembling a star, composed of a cross centered upon a polygon of eight sides / Rectangular incuse divided horizontally and vertically into four compartments by two perpendicular lines; the upper two compartments divided into halves by a single line, the upper halves each containing a pellet, the lower halves bisected by two small vertical lines; the lower two compartments divided into thirds by two parallel lines. McFadden 1; Konuk & Lorber fig. 14; Elektron I 16; Rosen Sale 12; Traité –; Zhuyuetang 2; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen (Cyprus, etc.), pl. 10, 318; SNG Kayhan 697. Near EF. ($3000) From the MM Collection. Ex L. Shea Collection (Triton XX, 9 January 2017), lot 288, purchased from J. Cain, March 2014.

268.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (8.5mm, 1.29 g). Phokaic standard. Lion standing right, head left, raising forepaw / Incuse square. Weidauer –; cf. Traité I 187–8 (hekte); SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock 1797; Elektron –; Rosen –. Good VF. Very rare. ($1000)

269.

IONIA, Uncertain. 5th century BC. EL Hemihekte(?) – Twelfth Stater (8mm, 0.97 g, 3h). Uncertain standard. Siren standing right, right hand playing tympanon it holds in its left hand / Facing boukranion with fillet hanging from each horn.

Weidauer –; Traité –; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock –; Elektron –; Rosen 369. A few hairlines on reverse. Good VF. Well centered. Extremely rare. ($1500)

270.

ISLANDS off IONIA, Samos. Circa 600-570 BC. EL Hemistater (16mm, 8.57 g). Euboic-Samian standard. Rough surface with irregular markings / Incuse square and rectangle with irregular markings. Konuk, Electrum, Type 1, pl. 2, B = SNG Kayhan 628; Nicolet-Pierre & Barrandon pl. V, 3; Barron pl. XXX, 2 = Traité I 373; HGC 6, 1165. Lightly toned, trace deposits. VF. ($3000) From the MM Collection. Ex Savoca 23 (17 June 2018), lot 176.

104

271.

ISLANDS off IONIA, Samos. Circa 408/4-380/66 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 15.27 g, 9h). Peirandrides, magistrate. Facing lion scalp / Forepart of bull right; πE5rÅ@dr5d˙[s] above, olive branch to left, sÅ and g below; all within shallow incuse square. Barron Class X, 137 (A64/P131); HGC 6, 1218. Toned, a few tiny spots of die rust on obverse.

Choice EF. Very rare magistrate, only two examples noted by Barron (both in museum collections), three additional in CoinArchives. ($15,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 14 (15 November 2021), lot 122 (hammer CHF 30,000); Gorny & Mosch 265 (14 October 2019), lot 402; Heritage 3054 (7 April 2017), lot 30107.

272 274 273 272.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Ardys – Alyattes. Circa 630s-564/53 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12.5mm, 4.76 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Confronted lion heads (die positioned to feature the right side lion); [Â5Òåkuk between] / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XVIII (unlisted denomination); Wallace, KUKALIṂ, pl. I, 1-4; Kurth 15 (same die and punches); Traité –; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock –; Triton XXV, lot 259 (same die and punches). Irregular flan, struck with a worn die. VF. ($2000) 273.

KINGS of LYDIA. Alyattes. Circa 620/10-564/53 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12.5mm, 4.75 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Confronted lion heads (only the left visible); Òe√ÒD√ between / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XVII, 91–2; Traité I –; SNG Kayhan –; Boston MFA –; Triton XXIII, lot 409 (same rev. punches). Struck with rusty obverse die. Near VF. ($1500) 274.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13mm, 4.74 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right; sun with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares.

Weidauer Group XVI, 86–7; Kurth G24–5; cf. SNG Ashmolean 749–53; SNG Kayhan –; Boston MFA 1763–4; Traité I 44.

Light scratches and hairlines. Good VF. ($1000)

275 277 276 275.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12.5mm, 4.72 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right; “sun” with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares.

Weidauer Group XVI, 86–7; Kurth G24–5; cf. SNG Ashmolean 749–53; SNG Kayhan –; Boston MFA 1763–4; Traité I 44. In NGC encapsulation 2012951-002, graded XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($1000) From the J.K. Biblical Collection.

276.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (12mm, 4.72 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, “sun” with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares.

Weidauer Group XVI, 89; Kurth G26; SNG Ashmolean 749–51; SNG Kayhan 1013; Boston MFA 1765–6; Traité I 44. Toned.

Good VF. ($1000) From the J.K. Biblical Collection.

277.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Alyattes – Kroisos. Circa 620/10-550/39 BC. EL Trite – Third Stater (13mm, 4.72 g).

Lydo-Milesian standard. Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, “sun” with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares.

Weidauer Group XVI, 89; Kurth G26; SNG Ashmolean 749–51; SNG Kayhan 1013; Boston MFA 1765–6; Traité I 44. Lightly toned. Good VF. Well centered. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

105

278.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AV Twelfth Stater (6.5mm, 0.67 g). Light standard. Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Incuse square. Walburg Group VI, 2–4 (same die and punch); Berk 10–3; Kurth G56; SNG München 9 (same die and punch); Gulbenkian 759; Sunrise 9. Lustrous. EF. ($2500) From the MM Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1494.

279 280 279.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 10.65 g). Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Berk 20; Kurth S1; Traité I 407–8; SNG Ashmolean 760; SNG von Aulock 2873–4; SNG Lockett 2980 = Pozzi 2730; SNG Lockett 2981 = Bement 1566 = Weber 6773; BMC 37; Boston MFA 2070; Rosen 662. Toned, typical granular surfaces, light cleaning marks, couple minor scrapes. Good VF. Well centered. ($1500) 280.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 10.40 g). Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Berk 20; Kurth S1; Traité I 407–8; SNG Ashmolean 760; SNG von Aulock 2873–4; SNG Lockett 2980 = Pozzi 2730; SNG Lockett 2981 = Bement 1566 = Weber 6773; BMC 37; Boston MFA 2070; Rosen 662. Deeply toned, with a hint of iridescence, typical granular surfaces, scrape on obverse. Good VF. ($1500) From the JTB Collection, purchased from Wolfshead Gallery, 14 January 2022.

281 282 281.

CARIA, Antioch ad Maeandrum. Early-Mid 1st century BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.03 g, 12h). Hermogenes, magistrate. Type 2. Bearded head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / Eagle, with closed wings, standing left on thunderbolt; Å@t5ocEW@ above, ErÂo˝E@˙% to left; to right, Nike flying left, crowning eagle with wreath held in her extended right hand; all within circular maeander pattern. Thonemann Group B, 10, b–d var. (O11/R– [unlisted rev. die]); HN Online 2070.

Lightly toned, minor cleaning scratches, traces of find patina on obverse. VF. Rare. ($2000) 282.

CARIA, Antioch ad Maeandrum. Early-Mid 1st century BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.17 g, 12h). Eunikos, magistrate. Bearded head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / Zebu bull standing left, head facing; to left, small female figure, wearing long chiton, standing right; Å@t5ocEW@/tW@ ∏ro% tW in two lines above, ÂÅ5Å@drW in exergue, E¨@5˚o% to right; all within laurel wreath. Thonemann Group C, 17, a–d (O18/R32); HN Online 2069.4–7 (same dies).

Lightly toned, a hint of porosity. Good VF. Rare. ($1500)

283.

CARIA, Mylasa. Circa 520-490 BC. AR Stater (18mm, 10.95 g). Forepart of lion right / Incuse square divided by band. SNG Ashmolean 322–3; SNG Kayhan 930; HN Online 1380. Toned, slightly compact flan, some die wear, test cut on reverse. EF. Excellent metal for issue. ($1000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 247.

106

Ex Prospero Collection – Pedigreed to 1932

284.

CARIA, Uncertain (‘Mint B’). Circa 450 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 11.81 g, 6h). Nude male deity, with curved wings and winged feet, in kneeling-running stance left; ∫ over left wing / Lion standing left, head right, raising forepaw; above,    (I[?]psy in Carian) flanking ∫; all within incuse square. Konuk, Coin M33; Troxell, Winged 41 (same dies); HN Online 1576.2 = Prospero 542 (this coin). Old cabinet tone, weakly struck on obverse. VF. ($5000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Prospero Collection (New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 542; Spink Numismatic Circular XCVI.10 (December 1988), no. 7669; Sternberg XIV (24 May 1984), lot 129; Hess-Leu [1] (14 April 1954), lot 170; 1932 Caria Hoard (IGCH 1180).

The Hekatomnids: Kings in All But Name

285.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Maussolos. Circa 377/6-353/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 14.79 g, 1h). Halikarnassos mint. Struck circa 370-360 BC. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; @ to left, ÂÅUssW¬¬o to right. Konuk, Identities 21; Babelon, Perses 397 var. (no monogram); HN Online 227; SNG von Aulock 2358; SNG Kayhan 873; SNG Lockett 2907 = Pozzi 2624; BMC 8; Traité II 95. Toned, traces of find patina, minor cleaning marks, minor delamination on edge. Good VF. ($2000) Ex Grand Haven Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 714 (hammer $3750).

As part of the Achaemenid Empire, Caria in the fourth century BC was under the rule of a family of semi-independent satraps known as the Hekatomnids after the dynasty’s founder, Hekatomnos. Born in Mylasa, Hekatomnos was appointed satrap of Caria by Artaxerxes II after the fall of Tissaphernes in 392/1 BC and was later given control of Miletos in 386 BC. A philhellene who was, in turn, admired by the Greeks, Hekatomnos died in 377/6 BC and was succeeded by his son, Maussolos, who became the most famous Carian Satrap.

At the time of Maussolos’ accession, Achaemenid power was weakened by the independence of Egypt and a revolt of the subject Kadusioi. As a result, the satraps of Asia Minor were able to exercise considerable independence; an opportunity of which Maussolos took full advantage.

Moving the satrapal capital to Halikarnassos, he fortified the city and allowed its population to increase in size. As part of the civic building program, he constructed a massive tomb for himself near the city’s center. Known later as the Mausoleum, its size and elaborate decoration made it one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. In addition, Maussolus moved and refounded the Greek cities of Knidos, Erythrai, and Priene. His relations with the Persians took a downturn when he briefly joined the Great Satrap Revolt, a series of rebellions that continued to spring up in the Persian Empire throughout the 360s, all of which ultimately failed. For the remainder of his rule thereafter, Maussolos continued to act more or less independently, although he had to accept a Persian garrison in Halikarnassos.

When Maussolus died in 353/2 BC, his sister-wife, Artemisia, succeeded him. Her rule was short-lived, and in 351/0 BC power passed to Hidrieus, Artemisia’s brother and the second son of Hekatomnos. Hidreius played a double-dealing game, nominally supporting his Persian overlords while secretly negotiating with the aggressive Macedonian King, Philip II. In 341/0 BC, Pixodarus, the youngest son of Hekatomnos, overthrew his sister, Ada, to claim the Carian satrapy. Ada, nevertheless, continued to receive support from the countryside, and still held the city of Alinda. As a result, Caria was thrown into turmoil and hesitated to support Persia with troops following the invasion of the Macedonians under Parmenion in 336 BC. Pixodaros, however, had secretly been forging diplomatic alliances with the Macedonian king. In 337 BC, he attempted a marriage between one of his daughters and the future Philip III Arridaios. Believing himself overlooked, Alexander III sent a private embassy to Halikarnassos, asking for the hand of the same princess. When word of this reached Philip II, he cancelled the Macedonian-Carian alliance. When Pixodaros died in 336/5 BC, he was succeeded by Orontobates, an otherwise unknown Persian. After Caria was conquered by Alexander III in 332 BC, the Macedonian made diplomatic overtures to Ada, and reappointed her as satrap. Ada, the last Hekatomnid, died sometime before the Partition of Bablylon in 323 BC and was replaced as satrap of Caria by the Macedonian Asander.

107

286.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Hidrieus. Circa 351/0-344/3 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 15.24 g, 1h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; E between foot and spear, 5dr5EWs to right. Konuk, Identities 28; Babelon, Perses 405; HN Online 1399; SNG von Aulock 8046 = SNG Lockett 2909 = Bement 1520 = Weber 6604 (same obv. die). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 3581470-017, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($3000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 317; Gemini V (6 January 2009), lot 630; Gordon McLendon Collection (Christie’s New York, 12 June 1993), lot 53; Numismatic Fine Arts X (17 September 1981), lot 192.

Ex Prospero Collection

287.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Hidrieus. Circa 351/0-344/3 BC. AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.84 g, 12h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; E between foot and spear, 5dr5EWs to right. Konuk, Identities 28; Babelon, Perses 405; HN Online 1399; SNG von Aulock 8046 = SNG Lockett 2909 = Bement 1520 = Weber 6604 (same obv. die). Minor cleaning marks. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Grand Haven Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 116, purchased from Pegasi Numismatics; Prospero Collection (The New York Sale XXVII, 4 January 2012), lot 546.

288.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AV Twelfth Daric (7.5mm, 0.67 g, 1h). Persian standard.

Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; π5$WdÅ to right. Konuk, Identities –; Babelon, Perses 410B = Waddington 2698; HN Online 239; SNG von Aulock 2373; SNG Copenhagen 595; SNG Kayhan 898; Karl 32.

Minor marks, slightly off center on obverse, scratch on reverse. VF. Rare. ($1000)

108

Exceptional Pixodaros Didrachm

289.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AR Didrachm (19.5mm, 7.02 g, 11h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; π5$odÅroU to right.

Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–21; HN Online 241; SNG Keckman 280; SNG von Aulock 2375–6; Pixodarus Hoard 12 (A1/P2). Light iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces, small flan flaw in field on reverse. EF. Struck from fresh dies, with exceptional detail showing all the veins each of the laurel leaves. ($1500) From the Gil Steinberg Collection, purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts, 13 December 1980 (their stock ticket included).

290.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AR Didrachm (19mm, 7.00 g, 12h). Halikarnassos mint.

Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; π5$odÅroU to right. Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–21; HN Online 241; SNG Keckman 280; SNG von Aulock 2375–6. Some die rust on obverse, minor die break on reverse. Near EF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($1000)

291 292 291.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AR Didrachm (20.5mm, 6.92 g, 12h). Halikarnassos mint. Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; π5$odÅroU to right.

Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–21; HN Online 241; SNG Keckman 280; SNG von Aulock 2375–6. Minor die wear on obverse. Good VF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($1000) 292.

SATRAPS of CARIA. Pixodaros. Circa 341/0-336/5 BC. AR Didrachm (19.5mm, 6.98 g, 1h). Halikarnassos mint.

Head of Apollo facing slightly right, wearing laurel wreath, drapery at neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, wearing chiton and himation at his waist and wrapped around his left arm, holding labrys and inverted spear; π5$odÅroU to right. Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–21; HN Online 241; SNG Keckman 280; SNG von Aulock 2375–6. A few tiny flan flaws, die break and a little die rust on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. ($1000)

109

Attractive Rhodian Tetradrachm from the 1971 Marmaris Hoard

293.

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 408/7-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (22.5mm, 15.35 g, 12h). Head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose in profile, with bud to right; rod5o@ above; to left, sphinx seated left; all within incuse square. Hecatomnus 35a (A23/P30) = Bérend, Tétradrachmes 28 (this coin, illustrated in Bérend); Ashton 4; SNG Keckman –; Karl –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 11; HGC 6, 1417. Iridescent tone, traces of die rust. Good VF. Well centered and in high relief. Very rare issue, one of only 16 examples noted by Ashton (in Hecatomnus). ($5000) Ex Peus 401 (3 November 2010), lot 388; Triton VIII (11 January 2005), lot 477; Leu 72 (12 May 1998), lot 275; Numismatica Ars Classica 9 (16 April 1996), lot 344; 1971 Marmaris Hoard (IGCH 1209).

The polis of Rhodes was created out of a synoecism of the cities of Ialysos, Kamiros, and Lindos in 408/7 BC, and immediately began to issue a series of coinage that endured until the Roman era. The rose was chosen as the perennial reverse type, a punning allusion to the city’s name. The obverse type was usually the head of Helios, the patron deity of the new polis, but occasionally the nymph Rhodos appeared. Until the end of the Rhodian series, these types adorned the coins, with a few exceptional issues that featured novel designs. The Chian standard was employed, although after a reduction in the late 340s, the standard is commonly called ‘Rhodian.’ The first issue of Rhodian coinage was a brief, yet large issue of tetradrachms, that stand among the finest pieces of Classical Greek art. On the obverse, the head of Helios is displayed in a nearly frontal position. Such facing head coins were not novel by this time, but the boldness of the design and the particularly high relief of the dies sets the Rhodian coinage apart from all others. Moreover, this facing head type was the standard obverse type for most of the Rhodian issues. The tetradrachm was the primary denomination until the later 4th century, when the didrachm became preeminent.

Both of these denominations were supplemented by a wide variety of fractions, in both silver and bronze, and the tetradrachm was also issued on occasion after the 4th century. Around 190 BC, the coinage system was completely reorganized, with the primary denomination being the drachm, struck on a standard called ‘plinthophoric’ for the square incuse around the reverse type (plinthos = brick or ingot). Gold coinage was issued on only very rare occasions, and not until the 2nd century BC. As noted by Ashton, the coinage was issued fairly regularly, with occasional spikes in production that correlate to either construction work (e.g. the building of the Colossus) or military necessity. As a primary trading center in the Mediterranean, it is not surprising that the bulk of the coinage of Rhodes appears to have been used for regular state expenditure, such as maintaining its fleet, paying mercenaries, making contributions to the Nesiotic League (revived by Rhodes circa 200 BC), paying state officials, and maintaining a system that cared for its needy citizens (Ashton, pp. 96-7). The massive amount of coinage struck

by Rhodes is evidenced by the adoption of the Rhodian weight standard by many other cities in the Hellenistic period, as well as the large amounts of Rhodian coins found in hoards today.

Pedigreed to 1971

294.

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 305-275 BC. AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.74 g, 12h). Head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; rod5o@ above, E and grape bunch on tendril to left. Ashton 157; Ashton, Colossus, Series 2, pl. XVI, 28; HN Online 681; HGC 6, 1435; SNG Keckman 449–50. Toned, patch of find patina, slightly off center. Near EF. ($750) Ex Kölner Münzkabinett 115 (29 October 2021), lot 81; Peus 277 (25 October 1971), lot 124.

110

295.

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 229-205 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.54 g, 1h). Aristokritos, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; rod5o@ above, aphlaston to left, Årsto˚r5tos (sic) flanking stem. Ashton 213; HN Online 388; HGC 6, 1432; SNG Copenhagen 753; SNG Keckman 544; SNG von Aulock 2800; Triton XXIII, lot 441 (same dies). Iridescent tone, flan flaw on obverse, a little off center on reverse.

Near EF. ($2000) From the Pythagoras Collection.

296.

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodos. Rhodes. Circa 229-205 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.47 g, 1h). Eukrates, magistrate. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Rose with bud to right; rod5o@ above; thunderbolt to left, EU˚rÅt˙s flanking stem. Ashton 214; HN Online 847; HGC 6, 1432; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen 754; SNG Keckman 547. Attractive golden and iridescent toning, trace find patina. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Historical Coin Review XIV.3 (May/June 1989), no. 47.

By the later third century BC, the facing head coins of Rhodes were not as novel as they had been almost two centuries before. Their bold design, however, as well as particularly high relief of the dies sets the Rhodian coinage of this period apart from all others. Moreover, this facing head type, now with the radiate nimbus, remained the standard obverse type for most of the Rhodian issues into the first century AD. The city’s devotion to Helios led it to build a gigantic bronze statue of the sun god, the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Apparently Unique

297.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Kheriga. Circa 440-410 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 7.93 g, 9h). Telmessos mint. Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet / Herakles, nude but for lion skin draped over his head and arm, advancing left, holding bow in extended left hand and club over shoulder in his right;  (KhERIGA in Lycian) to right; all in dotted circle within incuse circle. Unpublished. Toned, deposits, struck with worn dies. VF. Apparently unique in the name of Kheriga. ($1500) This Athena / Herakles type is known in this exact form on staters in the name of Erbbina (cf. Mørkholm & Zahle II 72 and Falghera 185), but is otherwise unknown in the name of Kheriga.

111

298.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Kherei. Circa 410-390 BC. AR Stater (18.5mm, 8.50 g, 12h). Telebehi (Telmessos) mint.

Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with spiral palmette and three olive leaves; between neck guard and crest, t above j (TE in Lycian) / Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin; tf¬f∫fCE[Cf] (TELEBEHI[HE] in Lycian) to left, efrgE (KhERÊI in Lycian) to right; all within incuse square. Mørkholm & Zahle II 52 = SNG Copenhagen Supp. 451 var. (letters on obv.); Müseler VI, 62–4 (same dies); Falghera –; Reuter –; SNG von Aulock 4198 var. (same); Sunrise 79 (same dies); Triton XX, lot 319 (same dies); Triton XVIII, lot 683 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of find patina, usual die wear on obverse. EF. ($2000) Ex Elsen 151 (10 June 2022), lot 53; Elsen 119 (7 December 2013), lot 245.

Quality Late Classical Portrait of Perikles

299.

DYNASTS of LYCIA. Perikles. Circa 380-360 BC. AR Stater (25mm, 9.77 g, 12h). Struck circa 380-375 BC. Head of Perikles facing slightly left, wearing laurel wreath, drapery around neck / Warrior, nude but for crested Corinthian helmet, in fighting attitude right, holding sword aloft in right hand, shield on left arm; triskeles to lower right, πjrE-˚¬j (PERI-KLE in Lycian) around; all within shallow incuse square. Mildenberg, Mithrapata 25 (dies 15/20); Podalia 419–25 (A2/P6); Müseler VII 36 (same obv. die); Falghera –; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 478 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 4253 (same obv. die). Toned, typical die wear on obverse. Good VF. Well centered. ($3000) Ex Dr. G. W. Collection (Gorny & Mosch 269, 9 March 2020), lot 476 (hammer €4600); Classical Numismatic Group 54 (14 June 2000), lot 740.

The portraits on coins in the later Lycian series are among the finest of the Classical period. Among the earliest to attempt depictions of their rulers on coinage, the Lycians’ first portraits in the later 5th century BC were innovative, but static, idealized forms lacking individual characterization. Over the next half-century, however, the style progressed significantly toward realism, culminating in the issues of the dynasts Mithrapata and Perikles in the early-mid 4th century BC. The coins of Mithrapata came first, depicting on their reverse the profile portrait of a man with distinctive elderly features. Through the relative chronology established in L. Mildenberg’s die study, one can even see the portrait become more aged as time progressed, reflecting the realism that had been captured in these issues. The coins of Perikles, Mithrapata’s successor, continue this trend, but also have two innovations that set them at the pinnacle of classical portraiture. First, the portrait is moved to the obverse of the coin, emphasizing the importance of the individual. Second, and most prominently, the portrait is not in the traditional profile, but in a dramatic facing state. Obviously influenced by Kimon’s facing Arethusa-head coinage at Syracuse, these depict Perikles looking out from the surface of the coin with a serene countenance and his hair flowing around him as if blown by the wind.

This depiction captures the essence of the earlier idealized portraits, conveying to the viewer a sense that Perikles was more than a mere man, but retaining the realism in its individualized features. Interestingly, both Mithrapata and Perikles are depicted without any sort of satrapal headgear, which was always included in earlier Lycian portraits, perhaps indicating that they had declared their independence from the Persian king. Unfortunately, these astonishing developments in portraiture came to an abrupt end in Lycia when Maussollos of Caria invaded the region circa 360 BC.

112

Enigmatic Obverse Legend

300.

PAMPHYLIA, Aspendos. Circa 380/75-330/25 BC. AR Stater (23.5mm, 10.91 g, 12h). Two wrestlers grappling; V@ between, ÂE@Et¨s E¬¨fÅ in exergue / Slinger in throwing stance right; EstVEd55Us to left, counterclockwise triskeles to right; all within dotted square border. Tekin Series 4; SNG BN 97-8; SNG von Aulock 4568 (same obv. die); Arslan & Lightfoot 92 (same dies); Izmir 195 (same obv. die). Attractive iridescent toning over lustrous surfaces, minor spot of weakness and light horn silver on reverse, faint hairlines on reverse. EF. ($1000) Ex Vecchi 2 (12 September 1996), lot 504.

As renderings of athleticism and action, the coins of Aspendos have seldom been matched. Aspendos was a colony of Argos located at the southern coast of Asia Minor on the navigable River Eurymedon, which made it an important emporium and naval base. Its famous wrestler coinage commences circa 410 BC. Wrestling was one of the premier events of Greek sports, practiced at the Olympic Games and at gymnasia throughout the ancient world. Poses of the wrestlers vary greatly. Sometimes, as here, they grasp each other’s arms; in other cases one tries to punch or trip the other. This specimen is notable for the tiny inscription below the wrestlers, which seems to spell out two complete names.

They could represent mint magistrates; however, Theodor Bergk (ZfN 11 [1884] p. 337) postulated that they referred to the wrestlers, naming one as Menetos (“Stalwart”) and the other as Elypsas (“Slippery”).

301.

PAMPHYLIA, Side. Circa 430-400 BC. AR Stater (23.5mm, 10.63 g, 9h). Pomegranate within dotted circular border / Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; olive branch to right; all within incuse square. Atlan 41–2 var. (O37/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Seltman, Hoard 6a–b (same obv. die); SNG Ashmolean 1413 (same obv. die); SNG BN 628 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, with some iridescence, a few thin die breaks. Good VF. ($1000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Roma XXII (7 October 2021), lot 369; Roma XIX (26 March 2020), lot 561; Gorny & Mosch 114 (4 March 2002), lot 135; Spink 331 (21 March 2017), lot 60.

302.

CILICIA, Mallos. Circa 440-390 BC. AR Stater (21.5mm, 10.56 g, 3h). Winged male figure advancing right, holding solar disk in both hands; [wnrM (MRLW in Aramaic) to left], barley grain to right / Swan standing left; to left, grasshopper upward; Â-[Å-¬-r] to right; all within shallow incuse circle. Casabonne Type 4; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; Prospero 583 (same dies); Traité II 1396, pl. CXXXVII, 21 = BMC 17 (same obv. die); Triton XXIV, lot 736 (same dies; hammer $15,000).

Attractive light toning, slightly compact flan, a touch off center on obverse. Near EF. Fine style. Very rare. ($3000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Nomos 21 (21 November 2020), lot 223.

113

303.

CILICIA, Mallos. Circa 385-375 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 10.41 g, 1h). Athena, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet and long chiton, seated left, holding grounded spear in right hand, left arm resting on shield at propped against her side; olive tree to right / Hermes, nude but for cloak tied at his neck and holding long kerykeion in right hand, standing facing beside Aphrodite, wearing long chiton and leaning half-left on pedestal to right, placing right hand on back of Hermes; ÂŬ to right.

Casabonne Type 12; SNG BN 404 = de Luynes 2778 (same dies); SNG Levante 155; BMC 26; Traité II 1410. Attractively toned, with some iridescence, slight die wear. Good VF. ($1000) From the Kalevala Collection. Ex Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 737.

304.

CILICIA, Soloi. Circa 440-410 BC. AR Stater (19.5mm, 11.02 g, 11h). Amazon, wearing pointed cap and nude to her waist, kneeling left, holding bow in both hands, quiver on left hip; ivy leaves to left; to right, Corinthian helmet left / Grape bunch on vine; so¬EWn to left, laurel branch to right; all in dotted square within incuse square. Casabonne Type 1; SNG BN –; SNG Levante 37 var. (orientation of leaves); SNG von Aulock 5857 var. (same). Toned, slight doubling on reverse. Near EF. ($1000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Nomos 21 (21 November 2020), lot 226.

305.

CILICIA, Soloi. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (20.5mm, 10.68 g, 9h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin on the bowl / Grape bunch on vine tendril; A to upper left, so¬EW@ to right; all within incuse circle. Casabonne Type 5; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; Athena Fund II 791 (same dies); Triton XXV, lot 294 (same dies). Toned, slightly off center on reverse. EF. ($2000)

306.

CILICIA, Soloi. Circa 410-375 BC. AR Stater (19mm, 10.72 g, 12h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin on the bowl / Grape bunch on vine tendril with leaves at sides; so¬EW@ to left, A to lower right. Casabonne Type 5; SNG BN –; SNG Levante –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC –; CNG 93, lot 465 = Triton XV, lot 1255 (same dies). Minor die wear on obverse, hairlines on reverse. EF. Very rare. ($1500) 114

Overstruck on a Stater of Side

307.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Tarkumuwa (Datames). Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia, 384-361/0 BC. AR Stater (24.5mm, 10.72 g, 3h). Struck circa 380 BC. Female head facing slightly left, hair in ampyx, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace with seven pendants / Bearded head right, wearing crested Attic helmet, drapery around neck; wMdRt (TRKMW in Aramaic) to right; c/m: l`b (BAL in Aramaic) above man-headed bull standing right, head facing, within incuse square.

Casabonne Series 1; Moysey Issue 4, obv. die 13; SNG BN 258-65; SNG Levante 79; SNG von Aulock 5942 (with same countermark); SNG Copenhagen 280 (same obv. die). Deeply toned, struck with worn dies over an Athena / Apollo stater of Pamphylian Side (Atlan 119 [O100/A111]). Good VF. ($1000) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXVII (29 September 1993), lot 683.

308.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Mazaios. Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 11.01 g, 12h). Baal of Tarsos seated left, head and torso facing, holding eagle, grain ear, and grape bunch in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; rt (TN in Aramaic) to left, M (M in Aramaic) below throne, zRtL`b (B’LTRZ in Aramaic) to right / Lion left, attacking bull left; ydzM (MZDY in Aramaic) above. Casabonne Series 2, Group D; SNG BN 335; SNG Levante Supp. 20; SNG von Aulock 5960. In NGC encapsulation 4938384-002, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. ($2000)

309.

CILICIA, Tarsos. Mazaios. Satrap of Cilicia, 361/0-334 BC. AR Stater (23mm, 10.89 g, 7h). Baal of Tarsos seated left, head and torso facing, holding eagle, grain ear, and grape bunch in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; rt (TN in Aramaic) to left, M (M in Aramaic) below throne, zRtL`b (B’LTRZ in Aramaic) to right / Lion left, attacking bull left; ydzM (MZDY in Aramaic) above. Casabonne Series 2, Group D; SNG BN 335; SNG Levante Supp. 20; SNG von Aulock 5960.

Light iridescent tone over lustrous surfaces, minor die wear on obverse, minor edge scrape. Superb EF. ($1500) From the Libertas Collection.

115

A Selection of Tigranes II Tetradrachms Tigranes II won the epithet “The Great” by expanding the Artaxiad Armenian Kingdom to its greatest extent and claiming the title “King of Kings,” hitherto employed by the Achaemenid and Parthian rulers of Persia. The son of the Artaxiad king Artavasdes I (ruled 159-115 BC), Tigranes spent much of his youth as a hostage to his father’s loyalty in the Parthian court. Tigranes inherited the Armenian throne in 95 BC and began methodically turning his mountainous, feudal kingdom into a powerful, centralized Hellenistic state. At its peak his kingdom incorporated all of Seleukid Syria, Cilicia, Cappadocia, and large swaths of Parthia. Though a crafty and talented statesman, his success was due less to his own military prowess than the result of a power vacuum caused by internal strife within Parthia and the collapse of the Seleukid Kingdom, along with the turmoil caused by the titanic struggle between the Roman Republic and Mithridates VI of Pontus. Tigranes formed an alliance with Mithridates, but fared poorly against the Roman generals Lucullus and Pompey. He ultimately elected to formally submit to Rome, which allowed him to retain his core kingdom while giving up his conquests.

310.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.11 g, 1h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with star between two eagles / ∫&%5¬EW% t5˝r&@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; v to inner right, M on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 1, obv. die A7; Kovacs 74.1; M&D 2; CAA 17; AC 30.

Slight die wear on obverse. EF. ($1000)

311 312 311.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 15.66 g, 1h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with star between two eagles / ∫&%5¬EW% t5˝r&@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; v to inner right, M on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 1, obv. die A7; Kovacs 74.1; M&D 2; CAA 17; AC 30.

A few light scratches on obverse. EF. ($1000) 312.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 15.77 g, 12h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with star between two eagles / ∫&%5¬EW% t5˝r&@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; v to inner right, M on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 1, obv. die A13; Kovacs 74.1; M&D 2; CAA 17; AC 30.

Light scratches. Good VF. ($750)

313 314 313.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 15.67 g, 1h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with star between two eagles / ∫&%5¬EW% t5˝r&@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; Q to inner right, M on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 2, obv. die A24; Kovacs 74.2; M&D 1; CAA 19; AC 30.

Tiny scratches, minor flan flaw and a couple of small nicks on reverse. Near EF. ($750) 314.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 15.38 g, 12h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing jewelled tiara decorated with star between two eagles / ∫&%5¬EW-% t5˝r&@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; · on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 7, obv. die A49; Kovacs 75.3; M&D 4; CAA 21; AC 33. Trace deposits, light cleaning scratches. EF. ($750) 116

315

316

315.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 15.81 g, 1h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with star between two eagles / [∫] Å%5¬EW[%] t5˝rÅ@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch in extended right hand; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; on rock, é above ·; all within wreath. SCADA Group 7, obv. die A55; Kovacs 75.1; M&D 9; CAA 33; AC 37. Trace deposits, some marks. EF. ($750) 316.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes II ‘the Great’. 95-56 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.75 g, 12h). Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 80-68 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with star between two eagles / ∫&%5¬EW% t5˝r&@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding laurel branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; · on rock; all within wreath. SCADA Group 7, obv. die A57; Kovacs 75.1; M&D 9; CAA 33; AC 37. Trace deposits, cleaning marks, die break on reverse. EF. ($1000)

Unpublished Tigranes the Younger

317.

KINGS of ARMENIA. Tigranes ‘the Younger’. 77/6-66 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.23 g, 12h).

Tigranocerta mint. Struck circa 71 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing tiara decorated with comet / ∫&%5¬EW-% t5˝r&@oU, Tyche of Antioch seated right on rock, holding filleted laurel branch; below, river-god Orontes swimming right; d˙-Âo in exergue; all within wreath. SCADA Group 1, dies A4/P– (unlisted rev. die; Damaskos satellite mint); Kovacs 152 var. (letter in right field of rev.); M&D 32 var. (same); CAA 11 var. (same); AC – (all but Kovacs as Tigranes II). Some die wear. VF. Extremely rare, unpublished issue with no additional letter on reverse; none in CoinArchives. ($3000)

318.

CYPRUS, Paphos. Stasandros. Second half 5th century BC. AR Stater (24mm, 10.85 g, 12h). Bull standing left; winged solar disk above, e to left, palmette ornament in exergue / Eagle standing left; one-handled vase to left, s1 ß^ß (Basi Stasa in Cypriot) around; all within dotted square in incuse square. Destrooper-Georgiades 15; Zapiti & Michaelidou 7; Tziambazis 7. Slightly off center, minor die wear. Near EF. ($3000) 117

319.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.51 g, 3h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I mint. Struck circa 311-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing single pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Corinthian helmet adorned with a coiled serpent / ∫Å-s5¬EWs ŬExÅ@droU, Nike, wearing long chiton, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand, cradling stylis in left arm; below left wing, pellet above µ5; ü below right wing. SC 81.2; Price 3748; HGC 9, 3a; SNG Saroglos 166–8. Faintly toned, underlying luster. EF. ($3000)

320.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 17.12 g, 7h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I mint. Struck circa 311-300 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / ∫Ås5¬EWs ŬExÅ@droU, Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; ¶ in left field, Â5 below throne. SC 82.5b; Price 3747; HGC 9, 10f. Lightly toned, minor double strike on reverse. EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 117 (19 May 2021), lot 261.

321.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Seleukos I Nikator. Second satrapy and kingship, 312-281 BC. AR Drachm (15mm, 4.15 g, 1h). 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¬EW%] %E¬EU˚oU, Nike standing right, holding in both hands a wreath that she places on trophy to right; ' to lower left, o in lower middle field. SC 174.1 var. (monogram between); ESMS S-15 var. (same); Marest-Caffey Group 2.1 var. (same); ESM 427 var. (same); HGC 9, 34. Lightly toned. VF. Apparently unique, unpublished example with this monogram between Nike and the trophy. ($750) From the St. George Collection. Ex John A. Seeger Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 76, 12 September 2007), lot 3080.

Ex Houghton Collection – Pedigreed to 1961

322.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos I Soter. 281-261 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.17 g, 5h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude but for drapery around waist, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow, seated left on omphalos; Û to outer left, ° to outer right. SC 379.3c; ESM 155; HGC 9, 128g; CSE I 852 (this coin). Attractive collection tone, small scratch on obverse. Good VF. ($750) Ex Arthur Houghton Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 69, 8 June 2005), lot 521; Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 211 (May 1961), no. 3.

118

Ex Hermitage Museum Collection

323.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos I Soter. 281-261 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 17.00 g, 8h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t-5ocoU, Apollo, nude but for drapery around waist, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow, seated left on omphalos; ° to outer left, ¢ to outer right. SC 379.6a; ESM 162γ = Hermitage Sale II 1428 (this coin); HGC 9, 128g; Bement 1670 (same obv. die). Old collection tone, a couple old scratches under tone on obverse. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Mark & Lottie Salton Collection; Hermitage Museum Collection (Schlessinger 13, 4 February 1935), lot 1428.

324.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos I Soter. 281-261 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 8.50 g, 6h). Aï Khanoum mint. Struck circa 266-261 BC. Diademed head right, with elderly features / ∫Å%5¬EW[%] [Å]@t5oco[U], Apollo, nude, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow, seated left on omphalos; to inner left, fi above arm, ò below.

SC 435.2 var. (monogram above arm); SMAK A1SA-15 var. (A12/P– [unlisted rev. die]); ESM 699 var. (same); HGC 9, 122.

In NGC encapsulation 6827557-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 2/5, scuffs. ($7500)

Rare Andragoras Tetradrachm

325.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Andragoras. Seleukid governor, circa 280-275 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 17.06 g, 6h).

Alexandreia on the Oxus mint. Turreted head of Tyche right, wearing single-pendant earring and linear necklace; ” to left / Athena, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and chiton, standing left, holding owl in extended right hand and resting arm on shield set on ground below to right; transverse spear in background, Å@drÅ˝oroU to right. SC –; Kritt, Andragoras 34 (A9/ P15 – this coin, illustrated); Taylor, Birds, Series 6.2, 223 var. (unlisted dies); MIG Type 20; HGC 9, –; BMC Arabia p. 193, 4.

Toned, with faint iridescence around the devices, trace deposits, struck with worn obverse die. EF. Rare. ($3000) The identification of Andragoras has been a matter of debate. Justin mentions two people by that name: (1) a noble Persian appointed by Alexander the Great as governor of Parthia (xii.4.12), and (2) a Seleukid governor of Parthia about the middle of the 3rd century who was defeated by Arsakes (xli.4.7). Both extremely rare gold staters and scarce silver tetradrachms are known in his name, neither of which bear the royal title Basileos. What literary evidence exists derives from the later Greco-Roman historians of Alexander (Arrian and Curtius), as well as the first century AD historian, Pompeius Trogus (known later through Justin). One possible contemporary piece of evidence – a Greek inscription from Gurgan – mentions Andragoras as a high official under Antiochos I (see J. Wolski, “Andragoras était-il Iranien ou Grec?”

Studia Iranica 4 [1975], pp. 166-69). B. Kritt, in his recent work, Andragoras, Double Darics, and the coinage of Alexandria on the Oxus (Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2022), reassessed the totality of the evidence, and persuasively argues that the coinage was struck earlier than previously thought, circa 280-275 BC, rather than circa 249-239/8 BC. As such, our Andragoras must be the one mentioned in the Gorgan inscription (SEG 20.325), which is dated to the time of Antiochos I. Andragoras could not have been the later satrap of Parthia.

In fact, he was the governor of Alexandreia on the Oxus, appointed by Antiochos I shortly after his accession to the throne, circa 280 BC. Andragoras, who was in his late sixties when appointed, ruled over the Seleukid colony until his death, circa 275 BC.

119

326.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos II Theos. 261-246 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.93 g, 8h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Diademed head of Antiochos I right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5-ocoU, Apollo, nude but for drapery around waist, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow, seated left on omphalos; q to outer left, ¶ to outer right. SC 587.1a; ESM 178; HGC 9, 236g; Babelon, Rois 127; CSE 955; Pozzi 2935; Rhousopoulos 4435; Ward 776.

Minor scrapes. Good VF. ($750) From the Columbus Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 5 (14 May 1999), lot 279.

Pedigreed to 1972

327.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos Hierax. Circa 242-227 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.48 g, 11h). Ilion mint.

Head of Antiochos I right, wearing winged diadem / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude but for drapery around waist, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow, seated left on omphalos; in exergue, w and v flanking round shield. SC 872b; WSM 1606α–β (same obv. die); Bellinger T22; HGC 9, 399 corr. (winged diadem). Find patina, slight roughness, minor nicks on edge. Good VF. Very rare issue, only two examples noted by WSM, none in SCO, only one in CoinArchives. ($1500) From the Pythagoras Collection. Ex Leu 42 (12 May 1987), lot 347; Auctiones AG 11 (30 September 1980), lot 202; Münzen und Medaillen AG 54 (26 October 1978), lot 357; Münzen und Medaillen AG 47 (30 November 1972), lot 518.

328.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 17.06 g, 12h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Series 2, 211/0-209/8 BC. Diademed head right (Type B) / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow to right, seated left on omphalos; to outer left, © above ‹ ; QE to outer right. SC 1043.7 var. (control mark to outer right); Le Rider, Antioche –; HGC 9, 447u. Lightly toned, thin flan crack, trace deposits, some cleaning scratches, small nick on obverse. EF. Extremely rare, unpublished issue; only one in CoinArchives (CNG E-487, lot 205). ($1000) 120

Ex Houghton Collection – SC Plate Coin

329.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos III ‘the Great’. 222-187 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.93 g, 12h). “ΔI mint” in southern or eastern Syria. Struck circa 202-187 BC. Diademed head right (Type CII); d5 to left / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude but for drapery around waist, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow to right, seated left on omphalos; d5 in exergue. SC 1109.2 (this coin referenced and illustrated); ESM 605; HGC 9, 447y; CSE 1171 (this coin). Attractively toned, minor marks on reverse. EF. Well centered on a broad flan. ($1500) Ex LHS 102 (29 April 2008), lot 307; Leu 81 (16 May 2001), lot 331; Arthur Houghton Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts XVIII, 31 March 1987), lot 324.

Molon the Usurper – A Great Seleukid Rarity

330.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Molon. Usurper, 222-220 BC. Æ (21mm, 8.01 g, 12h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Struck circa 221-220 BC. Head of Zeus right, wearing laurel wreath / [∫]Å%5¬EW% Âo¬W@o%, Apollo Kitharodeos, draped, standing right, holding plektron in lowered right hand and cradling kithara in left arm; ¨ to outer right. SC 949.2; ESM 227; HGC 9, 430; Babelon, Rois 457. Dark brown patina, light deposits. VF. Extremely rare, one in SCO (in the BN), and no coins of Molon (of any issue) in CoinArchives. ($1500) Molon was a Seleukid noble who was elevated to satrap of Media by Antiochos III, shortly after his acclamation as king. After Antiochos departed Babylonia to receive his crown in Antioch, Molon and his brother, Alexander, who was satrap of Persis, revolted. Molon defeated two armies sent against him, and entered Seleukeia on the Tigris in 221 BC, at which time the present issue was struck. Eventually, Antiochos, who has been campaigning against the Ptolemies, was forced to turn his attention to the revolt. Molon was compelled to move his army east, towards Media, as Antiochos approached from the west, but the Seleukid king was able to confront and defeat Molon’s forces near Apollonia (Sittake). Although Molon and his brother survived the confrontation, they committed suicide upon realizing the futility of their position.

Coins of Molon are among the rarest of the Seleukid series. Not only are there no issues of his present in CoinArchives, the last sales record we were able to find was an example of the present issue that appeared as lot 191 in Sternberg XVIII in 1986.

Ex Houghton Collection

331.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos IV Epiphanes. 175-164 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.97 g, 12h). Tarsos (Antioch on the Kydnos) mint. Struck 173/68-164 BC. Diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, Apollo, nude, testing arrow in extended right hand, and placing left hand on grounded bow to right, seated left on omphalos, “ above [wing]; , to outer right, club in exergue. SC 1377.1a (this coin referenced); HGC 9, 615c; CSE 468 = H. B. Mattingly, “The Ma’Aret en-Num’an Hoard, 1980” in Essays Carson-Jenkins 96 (this coin). Light iridescent tone, minor deposits. Near EF. Rare. ($1500) Ex LHS 102 (29 April 2008), lot 310; Leu 81 (16 May 2001), lot 334; Münzen und Medaillen AG 72 (6 October 1987), lot 688; Arthur Houghton Collection; 1980 Ma’Aret en-Num’an Hoard (CH VI, 37; CH VII, 98; CH IX, 511).

121

Overstruck on Timarchos

332.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios I Soter. 162-150 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 16.70 g, 1h). Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Struck circa 161-150 BC. Jugate heads right of Demetrios, wearing diadem, and Laodike, wearing stephanos, within fillet border / ∫Å%5¬EW% d˙µ˙tr5[oU %Wt]˙ro%, Tyche, fully clothed, holding scepter in extended left hand and cradling cornucopia in right arm, seated left on throne supported by tritoness right; [L] and palm frond to outer left. SC 1686; HGC 9, 799; CSE 991 (also overstruck on Timarchos). Iridescent tone, area of roughness on obverse, minor double strike on reverse. Overstruck on an issue of Timarchos (HGC 9, 761), with his helmet visible on the reverse and the forepart of the horses and spears of the Dioskouroi visible on the obverse. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) This tetradrachm is from the earliest issue of Demetrios I at Seleukia, which celebrates his marriage to Laodike. As noted in SC, the first of these coins were overstruck on tetradrachms of Timarchos, who had been recently defeated by Demetrios.

333.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios I Soter, with Laodike. 162-150 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 16.69 g, 12h).

Seleukeia on the Tigris mint. Struck circa 161-150 BC. Jugate heads right of Demetrios, wearing diadem, and Laodike, wearing stephanos, within fillet border / ∫Å%5¬EW% d˙µ˙tr5oU [%Wt˙ro%], Tyche, fully clothed, holding scepter in extended left hand and cradling cornucopia in right arm, seated left on throne supported by wreath-bearing Nike advancing right; L and palm frond to outer left. SC 1688; HGC 9, 800; SNG Spaer 1358. Area of weak strike. VF. ($1500)

334.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VI Dionysos. 144-142 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 16.91 g, 1h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. Dated SE 170 (143/2 BC). Radiate and diademed head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU E∏5fÅ@oU% d5o@U%oU, the Dioskouroi, holding reins in right hand and couched lances in left, on horses rearing left; to right, trU above – above %tÅ; or (date) below; all within wreath of laurel, ivy, and grain ears. SC 2000.3d; SMA 242; HGC 9, 1032; DCA 178; Babelon, Rois 994 (same obv. die). Attractive iridescent tone, short edge split, minor die wear on obverse. EF. ($2000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 151 (9 October 2006), lot 222.

122

335.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VII Euergetes (Sidetes). 138-129 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30.5mm, 14.19 g, 12h). Tyre mint. Dated SE 182 (131/0 BC). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@t5ocoU, eagle standing left on prow left; palm frond in background; to left, õ above club surmounted by i (Tyre monogram); to right, &† above ∫∏r (date); > between legs. SC 2109.10c; Rouvier 1911; Newell, Tyre 141; HGC 9, 1074; DCA 198; Babelon, Rois 1126; de Clercq 195; de Luynes 3384. Faintly toned, minor die break on obverse, double struck on reverse. EF. ($500)

336.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Demetrios II Nikator. Second reign, 129-125 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.40 g, 12h). Damaskos mint. Dated SE 184 (129/8 BC). Diademed and bearded head right / ∫Å%5¬EW% d˙µ˙tr5oU QEoU @5˚Å-toro%, Zeus Nikephoros seated left; § below throne, d∏[r] (date) in exergue. SC 2181.2b; Schwei Group 3, 29–31 (A5/P19); HGC 9, 1116d; DCA 223; SNG Spaer 2266 (same dies). Lightly toned, compact flan, a few minor scratches. Near EF. ($1500)

337.

SELEUKID EMPIRE. Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos). 121/0-97/6 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29.5mm, 15.93 g, 12h). Tarsos mint. Second reign at Tarsos, circa 112-96 BC. Diademed head right within fillet border / ∫Å%5¬EW% `@ t5oco¨ E∏5f`@o¨%, Sandan standing right on back of horned and winged lion standing right upon garlanded altar with baldachin; to outer left, 8 above /. SC 2288.1d; CSE 489 (same obv. die); HGC 9, 1198. Toned, trace deposits and light scuff on obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($3000)

End of Session 1

123

Session 2 – Tuesday, January 9, 2024 — 2 PM

338.

PHOENICIA, Sidon. Ba`alšillem (Sakton) II. Circa 401-365 BC. AR Dishekel (26mm, 26.49 g, 12h). Phoenician galley left; B (B in Phoenician) above, waves below / Persian king, raising right hand, and driver, holding reins, in chariot left; to right, king of Sidon, in Egyptian style garments, holding cultic scepter in right hand, walking left. E&E-S Group IV.1.1a, unlisted dies; HGC 10, 236. Deep old cabinet toning, light roughness, a few scratches under tone. VF. ($1500) Ex Richard Winokur Collection (Classical Numismatic Group inventory 778165 [October 2006]).

Sidon (modern Saida) was an important commercial center located on the coast of Phoenicia. Archaeological evidence dates the earliest remains to the Palaeolithic era. In the 10th century BC, the Phoenicians freed the city from Egyptian control and developed it into a maritime power through trade with other settlements throughout the eastern Mediterranean. During this time, it is thought that Tyre was founded by colonists from Sidon. Over the next five centuries, the city fell under Assyrian, Babylonian, and, eventually, Persian control. In the latter period, Sidon became the most important city of Phoenicia, and it was the first to develop a local coinage. These coins were struck under the local Sidonian king, and typically consisted of iconography representing the king and his overlord, the Great King of Persia, as well as a galley, the source of Sidonian wealth and power.

339.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. Uncertain king. Circa 440-425 BC. AR Quarter Shekel (15mm, 3.40 g, 11h). Dolphin right; nclc (Phoenician ŠLŠN) above, waves and murex shell below / Owl standing right, head facing; crook and flail over shoulder; all in outline incuse within incuse square. E&E-T Group I.2.2, 185 (O1/R3); Elayi & Lemaire 8 (same dies); Rouvier 1776; HGC 10, 323; AUB 2; Traité II 983; Weber 8082. Toned, with some iridescence, edge splits. Good VF. ($1500)

340

341

340.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (29mm, 14.26 g, 12h). Dated CY 20 (107/6 BC). Bust of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, l˚ (date) above club; Ê to right; Å (Phoenician A) between legs; tUroU 5Er&% ˚&5 &%U¬oU around. DCA-Tyre 57 (same obv. die as illustration); Rouvier 1997 var. (letter between legs); HGC 10, 357; DCA 919; BMC 91–2. Attractively toned, light earthen deposits. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Gorny & Mosch 265 (14 October 2019), lot 519.

341.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (24.5mm, 13.80 g, 1h). Lifetime of Christ issue. Dated CY 126 (1 BC/AD 1). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, r˚? (date) above club; to right, ˚r above B; B (Phoenician B) between legs; t¨ro¨ 5Er`% ˚`5 `%¨¬o¨ around. DCA-Tyre 452 (same obv. die as illustration); Rouvier 2093; RPC I 4650; HGC 10, 357; DCA 920; BMC –. Toned, horn silver, slightly off center on reverse. VF. Rare. ($1000) From the J.K. Biblical Collection. Ex Roma E-Sale 44 (3 March 2018), lot 250.

124

“Crucifixion” Shekel

342.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (24mm, 14.23 g, 12h). Lifetime of Christ issue. Dated CY 159 (AD 33/4). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, r@œ (date) above club; to right, ˚r above •; b (Phoenician B) between legs; [t¨ro¨] 5Er`% ˚`5 [`%¨¬o¨] around. DCA-Tyre 579 (this coin illustrated); Rouvier 2107 var. (monogram); RPC I 4663; HGC 10, 357; DCA 920; BMC 204 var. (same). Lightly toned, light earthen deposits, traces of find patina, a little off center. VF. Clear date. ($1500) From the J.K. Biblical Collection.

According to the most widely accepted chronology, this coin and the following half shekel were struck in the year of Jesus’ crucifixion, AD 33.

“Crucifixion” Half Shekel

343.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Half Shekel (19.5mm, 7.03 g, 12h). Dated CY 159 (AD 33/4). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, r@œ (date) above club; to right, ˚r above O; a (Phoenician A) between legs; t¨r[o¨ 5Er`% ˚`5] `%¨¬o¨ around. DCATyre 876; Rouvier –; RPC I 4693; HGC 10, 358; DCA 922. Lightly toned, typical compact flan. VF. Rare. ($1000)

344

345

344.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (22mm, 13.73 g, 12h). Dated CY 186 (AD 60/1). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, r∏? (date) above club; to right, ˚r above 4&; b (Phoenician B) between legs; tUroU 5Er&% [˚&5 &%U¬oU] around. DCATyre 678 (this coin illustrated); Rouvier –; RPC Supp. 4680B; HGC 10, 357 var. (unlisted date); DCA 920; BMC –. In NGC encapsulation 4282172-006, graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5. Very rare date. ($1000) From the J.K. Biblical Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 377.

345.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (23.5mm, 13.48 g, 12h). Dated CY 187 (AD 61/2). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, lion skin around neck / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, r∏Z (date) above club; to right, ˚r above E[õ]; b (Phoenician B) between legs; [tUroU 5Er&%] ˚&5 &%U¬oU around.

DCA-Tyre 680 (same dies as illustration); Rouvier –; RPC –; HGC 10, 357 var. (unlisted date); DCA 920; BMC –. In NGC encapsulation 4282172-007, graded XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare date. ($1000) From the J.K. Biblical Collection. Ex Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 378.

125

Shoshan - Symbol of Rebirth

346.

JUDAEA, Achaemenid Province (Yehud). Anonymous. Circa 375-332 BCE. AR Half Gerah (7mm, 0.38 g, 5h).

Lily / Falcon flying upward, wings spread; dhy (YHD in Phoenician) to right. GLF Type 14, dies O1/R2; Meshorer 15; Hendin 1060; HGC 10, 442 corr. (Hendin reference). Lightly toned. EF. Exceptional detail. ($2500) Symbolically and historically, the Lily/Flacon Half Gera are one of the most important coin types struck in ancient Judaea. Among the earliest Jewish coins, it would later serve as the model for the modern Israeli shekel. The obverse depicts the lily, known as shoshan in Hebrew, the ancient symbol of rebirth and of the city of Jerusalem. As Rabbi Emil Hirsch describes, “As it withers in the sunlight, but blooms beneath the dew, so Israel withers away except God becomes as dew for her (Hos. xiv. 5), and she is renowned among the nations as the lily among the flowers.”

347.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22.5mm, 13.71 g, 12h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 1 (66/7 CE).

Omer cup; ! (“1” in Hebrew = date) above, pellets flanking; L!Rc¥ LQc (“Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; YcrQ 2Lcur¥ (“Jerusalem [the] holy” in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 6 (O3/R6); Kadman 2; Meshorer 187; Hendin 6383; Bromberg 57 (same dies); Shoshana I 20196 (same obv. die); Sofaer 1 (same obv. die); Spaer 162 (same dies). Deep old collection tone, a touch off center. Good VF. ($5000) From the Libertas Collection, purchased from Spink, 23 April 1986 (their tickets included).

348.

JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. Æ Quarter Shekel (22mm, 7.81 g, 6h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 4 (69/70 CE).

Two lulav branches; o¥@R o@RF ¡3c (“year four, quarter” in Hebrew) around / Etrog; 3X¥ß ¡L!GL (“to the redemption of Zion” in Hebrew) around. MCR FJR-14, dies O1/R2; Kadman 33; Meshorer 213; Hendin 6397; Bromberg 386 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20216; Sofaer 41–3; Spaer 181–2. Blue-green and earthen patina. VF. ($2000)

349.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 2.60 g, 1h). Dated year 2 (133/4 CE). #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) in two lines within wreath / Kithara with three strings; L!RC¥ RHL @C (“Y[ear] 2 of the freedom of Israel” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 57 (O14/R27); Meshorer 241 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 6431; Bromberg 466 (same dies); Shoshana I 20318 (same dies); Sofaer 43 (same dies); Spaer 213 (same dies); SNG ANS 522 (same dies). Minor die breaks, overstruck on a denarius or drachm of Trajan (his partial profile visible on the reverse). Near EF. ($1000) From the Libertas Collection, purchased 13 May 1981.

126

Overstruck on a Divus Vespasian Denarius

350.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.31 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). #⁄o2C (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew) within wreath / Elongated kithara with three strings; 2LC∑R¥ ¡∑RHL (“For the Freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 70 (O14/R42); Meshorer 272; Hendin 6446; Bromberg 158 (same dies); Shoshana II 20226 (same dies); Sofaer 123–4; Spaer 218. In NGC encapsulation 6327383-005, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, overstruck. Overstruck on a denarius of Divus Vespasian (RIC II.1 357?). ($1000)

Finely Detailed Fluted Jug

351.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (18mm, 3.21 g, 1h). Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). „o32c (“Shim‘on” in Hebrew, irregularly distributed) in two lines within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds / Fluted jug and branch; 2lc∑R¥ ¡∑Rjl (“for the freedom of Jerusalem” in Hebrew) around.

Mildenberg 134 (O19/R94); Meshorer 283 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6454; Bromberg 503 (same dies); Shoshana II 20240 (same dies); Sofaer 118–9; Spaer –. In NGC encapsulation 6327383-009, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, overstruck. Overstruck on an uncertain issue with no visible traces of undertype. ($1000)

352.

PHILISTIA (PALESTINE), Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.75 g, 1h). Hunting scene with an archer, his torso right, drawing his bow, mounted on a horse facing; at each side, a lion couchant outward, their heads looking back at the archer; uncertain symbol or letter to upper right / Hunting scene with a warrior, holding a sword in his right hand, shield on left arm, crouching right; to right, two boars standing right above one another, the top one inverted; uncertain symbol or letter to left. Gitler & Tal XXIX.3O; otherwise, unpublished. Light scratches. Good VF. Well centered.

Extremely rare, only one example cited by Gitler & Tal, in a private collection; none in CoinArchives. ($1000)

353.

NABATAEA. Malichos I. Circa 59/8-30 BC. AR Quarter Shekel – “Drachm” (17mm, 3.37 g, 12h). Petra mint.

Dated RY 26 (35/4 BC). Diademed head right / [wT]∫n klm Aklm uklm (MLKW MLK’ MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = “Malichos the King, King of the Nabataeans”), eagle standing left; palm frond to left; l ˚4 (date) to right. CN 10; Hoover & Barkay 15 = Barkay, Silver 1; Al-Qatanani 22; Meshorer, Nabataea 12 var. (no palm frond); HGC 10, 679; DCA 957. Toned, scratches under tone. Good VF. ($1500) 127

354.

NABATAEA. Malichos I. Circa 59/8-30 BC. Quarter Shekel – “Drachm” (16mm, 3.47 g, 12h). Petra mint. Dated RY 28 (33/2 BC). Diademed head right; e (W[?] in Nabataean) / wT∫n klm Aklm uklm (MLKW MLK’ MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Malichos the King, King of the Nabataeans), eagle standing left; 116ss (Š[NT] and date in Nabataean) across field. CN 16; Al-Qatanani –; Meshorer, Nabataea –; Schmitt-Korte II –; Hoover & Barkay 16 = Huth 46; cf. HGC 10, 682; cf.

DCA 958 (didrachm). Lightly toned, minor roughness, light cleaning marks. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000)

355 356 355.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Half Shekel (21mm, 6.85 g, 12h). Pre-reform coinage.

Petra mint. Dated RY 2 (29/8 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to lower right / [eT∫]n B¬m AB¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK’ MLK N[BṬW] in Nabataean = Obodas the King, King of the Na[bataeans]), eagle standing left; o (Nabataean S) to lower left, h (Nabataean Ḥ) to upper right, Ítrt tn! (ŠNT TRTṢ in Nabataean = year two [date]) across central field. Barkay, King –; CN 22; Al-Qatanani 30; Meshorer, Nabataea –; DCA 962. Patches of find patina, areas of light porosity and roughness, slightly off center. Good VF. Extremely rare year 2 issue, only three examples published (one illustrated in both CN and Al-Qatanani, the other in DCA). ($1500) 356.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Half Shekel (21mm, 6.83 g, 12h). Petra mint. Dated RY 4 (27/6 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right / eT∫n B¬m AB¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLK’ MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas the King, King of the Nabataeans), eagle standing left; o (Nabataean S) to upper left, h (Nabataean Ḥ) to upper right, a∫rA tn! (ŠNT ’RB‘ in Nabataean = year four [date]) across central field. Barkay, King 11; CN 30; Al-Qatanani 32 t2; Meshorer, Nabataea 20 corr. (date); DCA 962. A little off center, pitting. VF. Very rare. ($750)

357 358 357.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ – “Drachm” (17.5mm, 4.40 g, 11h). Petra mint. Dated RY 10 (21/0 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right / AB¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLKA in Nabataean = Obodas King), diademed head of Obodas right; r!a tn! (ŠNT ‘ŠR in Nabataean = year ten [date]) at end of legend to left. Barkay, King 27A; CN 46a; Al-Qatanani 38 t7; Meshorer, Nabataea 30; DCA 965. Light horn silver deposits, light scrapes and slightly off center on obverse. VF. Struck on a broad flan. ($1000) 358.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ – ”Drachm” (16mm, 4.63 g, 12h). Petra mint.

Dated RY 16 (15/4 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to left / [eT∫n B¬m] tr∫a (‘BDT [MLK NBṬW] in Nabataean = Obodas [King of the Nabataeans]), diademed head of Obodas right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to inner left, 160 tn! (ŠNT 16 in Nabataean = year 16 [date]) at end of legend to left. Barkay, King 35; CN 54; Al-Qatanani 42 t9; Meshorer, Nabataea, Sup. 3; DCA 965. Slightly off center, slight die shift on obverse. EF. Clear date. ($750)

359 360 359.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ – “Drachm” (18mm, 4.50 g, 11h). Petra mint.

Dated RY 16 (15/4 BC). Laureate head of Obodas right / AB¬m tr∫a (‘BDT MLKA in Nabataean = Obodas King), veiled, diademed, and draped bust of Hagaru left; 160 tn! (ŠNT 16 in Nabataean = year 16 [date]) to left. Barkay, King 37 (same dies as illustration); CN 56; Al-Qatanani 42 t1; Meshorer, Nabataea, –; DCA 967 var. (unlisted date). Light porosity, minor double strike. Good VF. Nice portraits and a clear date. ($1500) 360.

NABATAEA. Obodas II, with Hagaru I. Circa 30-9 BC. AR Sela’ – ”Drachm” (17mm, 4.72 g, 11h). Petra mint.

Dated RY 21 (10/9 BC). Jugate diademed and draped busts of Obodas and Hagaru right; [h (Nabataean Ḥ) to left] / [eT∫n B¬m] tr∫a (‘BDT MLK NBṬW in Nabataean = Obodas King of the Nabataeans), diademed head of Obodas right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to lower left, ydtn! (ŠNT 21 in Nabataean = year 21 [date]) to left. Barkay, King 46; CN 66; Al-Qatanani –; Meshorer, Nabataea, –; DCA 965. Weakly struck, double struck on obverse. Good VF. Very rare date. ($750) 128

Unpublished and Unique

361.

NABATAEA. Aretas IV, with Huldu. Circa 9/8 BC-AD 40. AR Sela’ – “Drachm” (17mm, 4.34 g, 12h). Petra mint. Dated RY 6 (4/3 BC). Laureate head of Aretas right; o (Nabataean S) to left, h (Nabataean Ḥ) to right / eT[∫n] B¬m ttrh (ḤRTT MLK [NB]ṬW in Nabataean = Aretas King of the [Naba]taeans), veiled and draped bust of Huldu left, wearing diadem with Isis crown; 1W t[n! (ŠNT 6 in Nabataean = year 6 [date]) at end of legend to left. Unpublished. Flan cracks, roughness, a little off center on reverse. Good VF. Apparently unique. ($1000)

362.

NABATAEA. Aretas IV. Circa 9/8 BC-AD 40. AR Quarter Sela’ (10.5mm, 0.79 g, 6h). Petra mint. Undated, but attributed to years 2–24. Laureate head right / h (Nabataean Ḥ) within laurel wreath. CN 148; Barkay, New 10; Al-Qatanani 122 t1; Meshorer, Nabataea –. Light roughness. VF. Extremely rare. ($750)

363.

NABATAEA. Aretas IV. Circa 9/8 BC-AD 40. AR Quarter Sela’ (11mm, 1.16 g, 12h). Petra mint. Undated, but attributed to years 2–24. Laureate head right; h (Nabataean Ḥ) to right / h (Nabataean Ḥ) within laurel wreath. CN 148 var. (no letter on obv.); Barkay, New 10 var. (same); Al-Qatanani 122 (same dies); Meshorer, Nabataea –. Find patina, a few minor scratches. EF. Extremely rare. ($750)

Extremely Rare Ma’in Issue

364.

ARABIA, Southern. Ma’in (Minaia)(?). Circa 250-150 BC. AR BLṬT – “Tetradrachm” (20mm, 16.29 g, 9h).

Imitating Athens. Stylized helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, wings folded; stylized olive spray and crescent to left, ¤o5 downward to right. Cf. M. Huth, “The ‘folded flan’ coinage of eastern Arabia: some preliminary comments” in Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 9 (1998), 2/1 (for obv./rev. type); cf. Huth 153/154 (same); M. Huth, “Monetary Circulation in South West Arabia” in CCK, p. 85, 1–2. Lightly toned, patches of find patina. Near VF. Extremely rare, and exceptionally complete. ($1000) This fascinating coin of derivative Athenian type was struck on a folded flan of another coin, and was originally attributed by Huth (1998) to a mint in eastern Arabia, where all of the six then-extant examples had been found. The discovery of the al-Jawf hoard in 2002, however, definitively changed his view of this intriguing coinage. In his analysis of the hoard (in CCK), Huth determined that all of the previous six coins, and those found in the hoard, were struck at the same mint, in three phases that employed increasingly simplified methods. In the first phase, the coins were struck on previous tetradrachms that were folded over twice, forming a triangular shaped flan upon which derivative Athenian types were struck (the present coin is from this phase). The second phase consisted of coins struck on previous coins that had only been folded over once, forming a semicircular shaped flan. Finally, in the third phase, the host tetradrachms were cut into two halves that were then each folded once, then both halves were placed upon each other and joined by hammering, resulting in a triangular shape. The identification of the undertype used for this series in uncertain. While Huth originally surmised that Alexanders were the common host coin, his analysis of the al-Jawf hoard suggested that this was not likely. Though the question of the undertype remains unresolved, the hoard provided strong evidence that this series was not of eastern Arabian origin, but rather from a mint in the region of Wadi al-Jawf, in the Minaian trading sphere.

129

Mazakes, Satrap of Mesopotamia

365.

PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. Mazakes. Satrap of Mesopotamia, circa 331-323/2 BC. AR Tetradrachm (21.5mm, 16.90 g, 12h). Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, with profile eye, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a pi-style palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left, small Q and kdzM (MZDK in Aramaic) to right. Le Rider, Alexander, pp. 214-9; Van Alfen, Owls, Group IVb, 91–4 (same obv. die). Iridescent tone, a little off center, two test cuts on obverse, area of minor roughness on reverse.

Good VF. Rare. ($2000) Ex Leu 83 (6 May 2002), lot 257.

Mazakes is best known as the Persian satrap who took over Egypt after Sabakes fell in battle against Alexander the Great’s army at the Granicus, and later handed over the province peacefully to the Macedonian king. Imitative owls in the name of Mazakes have been known for some time, and all were originally attributed to his satrapy in Egypt. However, it was clear that stylistic elements separated the coinage into two general groups. More recent hoards, especially the 1973 Iraq hoard, have shown that one of the groups of imitative owls was certainly not struck in Egypt, but somewhere in the territory of modern day Iraq. In his analysis of the 1973 hoard, M. Price (“Circulation at Babylon in 323 B.C.” in W.E. Metcalf, ed., Mnemata: Papers in Memory of Nancy M. Waggoner [New York, 1991], pp. 63–72) changed the findspot from Iraq to the more specific site of Babylon, based on anecdotal evidence (p. 63), and gave the series of Mazakes’ owls to the city. However, such an assignment has forced numismatists to conduct mental gymnastics in order to rationalize the presence of Mazakes’ coins at Babylon (cf. Van Alfen, Owls, pp. 27–33, and Le Rider, Alexander, pp. 215–7, for a summary of the previous research).

It is clear that the attribution of the owls to Babylon is almost certainly incorrect, and other find evidence suggests an attribution to somewhere further north, perhaps in the satrapy of Mesopotamia (cf. Le Rider, op. cit., p. 217–9). In any event, this coinage clarifies the historical record regarding the disposition of Mazakes following his hand-over of Egypt, upon which subject the literary evidence is silent. As noted by Le Rider (op. cit., p. 215), one can compare Mazakes to other Persians who peacefully welcomed Alexander to their domains: Mazaios, who handed over Cilicia, was later made satrap in Babylon; and Mithrenes, who surrendered Sardes, was made satrap in Armenia. Also, the Persian noble Amminapes, who met Alexander in Egypt with Mazakes, was later made satrap of Parthia and Hyrkania. Thus, one would expect Mazakes to receive similarly favorable treatment, appointment to some position of authority. Interestingly, Mesopotamia is the only satrapy that is not addressed in the literary evidence when Alexander is organizing his eastern territories. As these tetradrachms of Mazakes are found in that region, and date to the period after Alexander’s conquest, it is reasonable to suggest that Mazakes may have been appointed as satrap of Mesopotamia. It was also in the adjacent satrapy of Babylonia that Mazaios was allowed to strike a coinage in his name and types (influenced by his prior issues at Tarsos) for local use, and similar issues of local type and weight are known to have been issued at mints throughout the basin of the Tigris and Euphrates, from the time of Alexander to Seleukos I. Thus, these Athenian type tetradrachms likely constitute a local coinage of Mazakes, struck in the satrapy of Mesopotamia while he reigned there.

130

Gold Stater of the Pharaoh Nektanebo II – Ex Adda Collection

366.

EGYPT, Pharaonic Kingdom. Nektanebo II. 361-343 BC. AV Stater (18mm, 7.94 g, 12h). Horse prancing right / Hieroglyphic representation of “good gold”: pectoral necklace (nebew = “gold”) crossing horizontally over a windpipe and heart (nefer = “good”). FF-BD 2p (D1/R2 – this coin); SNG Berry 1459 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 1 (same dies); ACGC 1064 (same dies); Adams III 2075 (same obv. die); Hunt I 106 (same obv. die); Zhuyuetang 121 (same dies). Minor scrapes, small dig and slight weakness of strike on obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($75,000) From the Libertas Collection. Ex Victor A. Adda Collection (Christie’s, 7 October 1986), lot 124; Bajocci & Fratelli (M.G. Lee, 25 February 1955), lot 138.

One of the great (and very popular) rarities for ancient gold coinage collectors is the gold stater (or daric?) issued by the Egyptian Pharaoh Nektanebo II. The authors of the die study cited above could account for only 42 examples struck from 3 obverse and 3 reverse dies with 5 die combinations. They also listed 5 examples from the Mit Rahineh hoard (IGCH 1658) that they could not examine for their die study.

The attribution to Nektanebo II is based primarily on circumstantial historical evidence and not the coins themselves, which do not bear any specific ethnic or monogram.

Nekht-har-hebi, or Nektanebo II as he was known to the Greeks, was the nephew of the Pharaoh Tachos (Djedhor). Placed in command of the Egyptian army in Syria during the Satrapal Revolt, he turned his troops against his own king, and uncle, and took Egypt by force. In 351-350 BC, he repelled a Persian invasion but was driven from his throne in 344-343 by a second assault. He then fled Egypt and found refuge in Ethiopia and retained control of Upper Egypt for another few years.

Nektanebo most likely would have issued his gold staters to pay the mercenaries in his army. What makes the coinage of Nektanebo stand out is the adoption of a purely Egyptian design. This is the only known ancient coinage to employ a hieroglyph – a purely Egyptian coin.

131

367.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC, or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 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 with tiny d in scales / ŬE$Å@droU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right; to right, ’, Corinthan helmet right, and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 70; Svoronos 164; Zervos Issue 29, dies 518/c; SNG Copenhagen –; Noeske –; SNG Lockett 3393; Weber 8226. Toned, traces of undertype. EF. Well centered. ($2000) From the JTB Collection. Ex North River Collection; RCM Collection (Triton XVI, 8 January 2013), lot 587; Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 372.

Ptolemy I Soter, the son of a Macedonian nobleman, was a friend and intimate of Alexander III the Great from boyhood and accompanied him on his great career of conquest, from 333-323 BC. Upon Alexander’s death in 323 BC, Ptolemy was granted the prized satrapy of Egypt, the richest of the formerly Persian provinces. Alone among the Diadochi (”successors”), he was content with his sphere of influence and did not risk all to succeed Alexander. However, he was not above using the great conqueror’s image and reputation to secure his own position.

He hijacked Alexander’s funeral cortege as it was proceeding back to Macedon and had his embalmed corpse formally interred at Memphis in Egypt; later the body was relocated to a splendid mausoleum in Alexandria. Ptolemy’s early coinage is modeled on that of Alexander and carries the conqueror’s image and name, as seen on this remarkable tetradrachm, which shows Alexander wearing an elaborate elephant-skin headdress in honor of his victories in India, backed with a striking image of Athena in a fighting stance. Ptolemy declared his own kingship in 305/4 BC and was the only one of Alexander’s Successors to die peacefully, in his bed, in 282 BC, having founded a dynasty that would last three centuries.

368.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305/4 BC, or king, 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.77 g, 11h). 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 with tiny d in scales / ŬE$Å@droU, Athena Alkidemos advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and wearing shield on extended left arm; to right, helmet, d5, and eagle standing right on thunderbolt. CPE 72; Svoronos 169; Zervos Issue 31, dies 531/b; SNG Copenhagen 30; BMC 26. Lightly toned, hairline flan crack, some die wear on obverse. Near EF. ($2000) Ex GTP Collection; CNG inventory 419724 (December 2015).

369.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AV Tetarte – ‘Triobol’ (10mm, 1.79 g, 12h).

Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-285 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; P to left. CPE 129; Svoronos 197; SNG Copenhagen 45; Boston MFA 2262. In NGC encapsulation 6156597-001, graded Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. An exceptional example for type. ($4000) Ex Heritage 3098 (18 January 2022), lot 33179.

132

370.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter. 305/4-282 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.25 g, 12h).

Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 294-285 BC. Diademed head right, wearing aegis around neck, tiny d behind ear / ∫Å%5¬EW% πto¬EµÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; to left, r above O. CPE 168; Svoronos 255; SNG Copenhagen 70–1; Boston MFA 2264; Noeske 41–2. Toned, traces of find patina. Near EF. ($750) Ex Triton XII (6 January 2009), lot 382.

Rare Ptolemy II Trichryson – NGC Ch AU

371.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos. 285-246 BC. AV Trichryson – ‘Pentadrachm’ (24mm, 17.87 g, 1h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 275/4-c. 272 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; to left, Ï above Gallic shield; 5 between legs.

CPE 287; Svoronos 573; SNG Copenhagen –; Adams –; Boston MFA –; Dewing –; Kraay & Hirmer –; Noeske –. In NGC encapsulation 5784010-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare, only four in CoinArchives. ($20,000)

372.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos. 285-246 BC. AV Trichryson – ‘Pentadrachm’ (24mm, 17.63 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 275/4-c. 272 BC. Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis around neck / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left on thunderbolt; to left, Ï above Gallic shield; 5 between legs.

CPE 287; Svoronos 573; SNG Copenhagen –; Adams –; Boston MFA –; Dewing –; Kraay & Hirmer –; Noeske –. Light scratches, some smoothing in field on obverse and edge. Good VF. Very rare. ($5000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Trausnitz Collection (Nomos 19, 17 November 2019), lot 224, purchased from Münzhandlung Athena, 5 March 1998.

133

Pedigreed to 1912

373.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285246 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (26mm, 27.80 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 272-261/0 BC. Conjoined busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinöe II right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Arsinöe is diademed and veiled; ÅdE¬fW@ above, shield to left / Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; QEW@ above. CPE 313; Svoronos 603; Olivier & Lorber dies 11/41, 101 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 132; Adams III 2083; Boston MFA 2274; Dewing 2752; Kraay & Hirmer 801; Noeske 37. Lustrous, a couple of marks on edge. EF. ($10,000) From the Jeffrey H. Miller Collection. Ex Santa Barbara Museum of Art Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts I, 20 March 1975), lot 263; Ratto (13 May 1912), lot 1164.

374.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285246 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (27mm, 27.67 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 272-261/0 BC. Conjoined busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinöe II right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Arsinöe is diademed and veiled; ÅdE¬fW@ above, shield to left / Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; QEW@ above. CPE 313; Svoronos 603; Olivier & Lorber dies 14/49; SNG Copenhagen 132; Adams III 2083; Boston MFA 2274; Dewing 2752; Kraay & Hirmer 801; Noeske 37. Underlying luster, minor die wear, faint scratches, light scuff on reverse, edge marks. Near EF. ($10,000) From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from Terasani, 11 February 2015.

375.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy II Philadelphos, with Arsinöe II, Ptolemy I, and Berenike I. 285246 BC. AV Half Mnaïeion – ‘Tetradrachm’ (20mm, 13.85 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 272-261/0 BC. Conjoined busts of Ptolemy II and Arsinöe II right; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Arsinöe is diademed and veiled; ÅdE¬fW@ above, shield to left / Conjoined busts of Ptolemy I and Berenike I; Ptolemy is diademed and draped, Berenike is diademed and veiled; QEW@ above. CPE 314; Svoronos 604; Olivier & Lorber dies 20/– (unlisted rev. die); SNG Copenhagen 133; Adams III 2084; Boston MFA 2275; Dewing 2753-4; Noeske 38. Underlying luster, slight die shift, some edge marks. EF. ($5000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Pars Coins inventory PCW-G5871.

134

Ex Pozzi Collection

376.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AR Dekadrachm (34.5mm, 35.62 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 261/0-253/2 BC. Head right, with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, ÅÅ to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia with grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 343 (Ptolemy II); Svoronos 937; Troxell, Arsinoe, Group 3, p. 43 and pl. 6, 5 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen –; Pozzi 3228 (this coin). Lovely old iridescent tone, a few minor scratches under tone, a couple of tiny nicks on obverse, trace deposits on reverse. Good VF. Very rare, ten examples noted by Troxell, and two additional in CoinArchives. ($20,000) Ex Prof. S. Pozzi Collection (Naville I, 14 March 1921), lot 3228.

Arsinoe II, daughter of Ptolemy I and Berenike I, was born in 316 BC. Her early life saw her married off to Lysimachos of Thrace at the age of 15 and then to her half-brother, the brutal Ptolemy Keraunos. She conspired against the latter and was forced to flee circa 280 BC to the protection of Egypt, ruled by her younger full brother, Ptolemy II. Her beauty, charm and intelligence utterly captivated Ptolemy, and, after eliminating his previous wife with an accusation of treason, Arsinoe married her brother, probably about 276 BC. Sibling marriage was traditional among Egyptian royalty but among the Greeks it was known only among deities; thus their union advanced the concept of rulers being worshipped as divinities. Though unscrupulous, Arsinoe proved a capable queen and co-ruler, taking charge of Egypt’s foreign affairs.

Her death in 270 or 268 BC was marked by her full deification and a huge outpouring of gold and silver coinage bearing her veiled portrait.

The ram’s horn just visible emerging from the veil is a further symbol of her deification, reminiscent of the horn of Ammon on images of the deified Alexander.

377.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (29mm, 27.78 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy II, circa 252/1-250/49 BC. Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, ˚ to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. CPE 390; Svoronos 475; Olivier & Lorber dies 1/16, 233 (this coin); Troxell, Arsinoe, Group 3, p. 44 and pl. 7, 3 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen –; Adams –; Boston MFA 2268 (same obv. die); BMC 10 (same dies); Pozzi 3223 (same obv. die). Lustrous. Near EF. ($10,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Weise Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 524, purchased from CNG, 16 September 2000; Victor Adda Collection (Leu 77, 11 May 2000), lot 383.

135

Ex Bement and Lockett Collections – Pedigreed to 1918

378.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Half Mnaïeion – ‘Tetradrachm’ (21.5mm, 14.04 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy VI, circa 180-145 BC. Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, ˚ to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. Olivier Group 2, 3384 (D14/R21) = SNG Lockett 3446 = Bement 1860 (this coin); Svoronos 1500; SNG Copenhagen –; BMC 40; Boston MFA –; Consul Weber 4511; Hirsch 1829; Gulbenkian 1085; Hunterian p. 391, 5; De Luynes 3599; Noeske –. In NGC encapsulation 5785794-004, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, smoothing. Two small cuts on obverse, visible in Bement and Lockett catalogs, previously repaired, but not noted on the NGC slab (the smoothed areas they note correspond to the repairs). ($20,000) Ex Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Greek Part IV, Glendining, 21 February 1961), lot 2828; Clarence S. Bement Collection (Part II, Naville VII, 23 June 1924), lot 1860, acquired from Sir Hermann Weber (†1918).

379.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos. Died 270/268 BC. AV Mnaïeion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (29mm, 27.67 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck under Ptolemy VI or Ptolemy VIII, circa 180-145 or 145-116 BC. Head right with ram’s horn, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped scepter in background, ˚ to left / År%5@o˙% f5¬ÅdE¬foU, double cornucopia, grape bunches hanging at sides, bound with fillet. Olivier Group 7, 3463–70 (obv. die D39); Svoronos 1499β (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen 322; BMC 45; Boston MFA 2298; Hermitage Sale II 1577–8; Pozzi 3247. Slight wave in flan, minor scratches, edge bump. Good VF. ($7500) Ex Freeman & Sear inventory G8875 (ND; incorrectly as Svoronos 475).

380.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (26.5mm, 27.79 g, 11h). 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 dies 3/7; SNG Copenhagen 196; BMC 103 (same dies); Bement 1851 (same dies); Boston MFA 2283; Kraay & Hirmer 803; Nanteuil 452 (same obv. die); Noeske 137; Pozzi 3239 (same obv. die); Weber 8264 (same obv. die). In NGC encapsulation 5785795-003, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, Fine Style, edge marks, brushed. ($10,000) 136

Ex Santa Barbara Museum of Art

381.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’ (27mm, 27.82 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 dies 4/21, 214 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen 196; SNG Lockett 3424 (same obv. die); BMC 103; Boston MFA 2283 (same obv. die); Kraay & Hirmer 803; de Luynes 3573 (same dies); Noeske 137. Some die rust, light marks, edge marks. Superb EF. ($10,000) From the Jeffrey H. Miller Collection. Ex Santa Barbara Museum of Art Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts I, 20 March 1975), lot 266.

Massive Commemorative Silver Issue

382.

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. In NGC encapsulation 4531056-003, graded XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5. ($15,000) 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.

137

383.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy IV Philopator. 222-205/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.17 g, 12h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 219-217 BC. Jugate draped busts right of Serapis and Isis / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left, head right, on thunderbolt; filleted double cornucopia over shoulder, d5 between legs. CPE 892; Svoronos 1123–4; Landvatter Group 4, 44 (O12/R34); SNG Copenhagen 197-8; Noeske 139; Boston MFA 2284; SNG Berry 1488; Dewing 2760. Lightly toned, trace deposits, hairline flan crack, faint cleaning marks. Good VF. ($3000) This type is thought to have been issued in celebration of the Ptolemaic victory over the Seleukids at the battle of Raphia during the Fourth Syrian War. Official propaganda proclaimed that these two deities, Serapis and Isis, had intervened on behalf of the Egyptians, saving them from defeat (see C. Lorber, “The Ptolemaic Era Coinage Revisited,” NC 2007, p. 116, and L. Bricault, “Serapis et Isis, Sauveurs de Ptolémé IV à Raphia,” Chronique d’Égypte LXXIV (1999), pp. 334-43).

Thomas Landvatter, in his 2012 die study, suggests that this issue was “carrying a very specific ideological message directed more widely throughout the empire: Ptolemy IV was equating himself and his wife Arsinoe with the divine sibling-spouses Serapis and Isis.” Landvatter also notes that “[t]his was an ideological statement made during wartime, meant to have wide appeal and explicitly associate the Ptolemaic king and queen with two of the most popular deities in the Eastern Mediterranean.” Indeed, the popularity of the Serapis/Isis cult would outlive the Ptolemaic dynasty and continue well into the Roman Imperial period, only to be eventually eclipsed by the Christian and Muslim faiths.

384.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy IV Philopator. 222-205/4 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 14.09 g, 11h). Alexandreia mint. Struck circa 219-217 BC. Jugate draped busts right of Serapis and Isis / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing left, head right, on thunderbolt; filleted double cornucopia over shoulder, d5 between legs. CPE 892; Svoronos 1123–4; Landvatter Group 4, 51 (O12/R41); SNG Copenhagen 197-8; Noeske 139; Boston MFA 2284; SNG Berry 1488; Dewing 2760. Traces of die rust on obverse, hairline in field on reverse. Good VF. ($2000)

138

385.

PTOLEMAIC KINGS of EGYPT. Ptolemy V Epiphanes. 204-180 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.10 g, 12h).

Dora mint. Struck circa 205-200 BC. Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% ∏to¬EÂÅ5oU, eagle standing right on thunderbolt; dW to left. CPE 1091; Svoronos 1262β (same obv. die); O. Mørkholm, “Some coins of Ptolemy V from Palestine” in INJ 5 (1981), 7–9 (obv. die A3); Olivier 2943–6 (obv. die D1); SNG Copenhagen Supp. 1294. Lightly toned, trace deposits, minor hairlines. Good VF. Very rare. ($2000)

386.

KINGS of MAURETANIA. Kleopatra Selene. Queen, wife of Juba II, 25 BC-AD 24. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.34 g, 2h). Caesarea mint. ˚¬(o∏[¬tr¬] ∫Å15¬5, diademed and draped bust left / Bull, head surmounted by globe, standing right. MAA 109; Mazard 393; Müller, Afrique 103; SNG Copenhagen –. Rough find patina, some marks. Near VF. Extremely rare, only one in CoinArchives (CNG 123, lot 272 [hammer $14,000]). ($1500) From the D.M.K. Collection.

Kleopatra Selene, along with her brothers Alexander Helios and Ptolemy Philadelphos, were brought to Rome following Octavian’s victory at Actium. Kleopatra’s hand was given to Juba II, Augustus’ loyal client king of Mauretania, sometime between 26 and 20 BC. She reigned in Mauretania alongside Juba II and is frequently depicted with him, and rarely by herself, on the kingdom’s silver coinage. The date of her death is a matter of debate, possibly occurring sometime around AD 4 or as late as AD 17. Her brothers presumably died in childhood, either naturally or by assassination.

Charon’s obol

387.

UNCERTAIN. 4th-1st centuries BC. AV (16mm, 0.75 g). Imitating Ephesos type. Bee; E-f flanking / Incuse of obverse. Cf. CNG 75, lot 376. Trace deposits, a few hairlines. EF. ($1000) From the Kalevala Collection. Ex Heritage (17 February 2021), lot 63115.

A variety of thin, uniface disks of this nature are known that have a single obverse type that imitates a known coin type (see, e.g., CNG 75, lot 376,with the obverse of coins of Ephesos [as here]; CNG 55, lot 359, [the reverse type of New Style Tetradrachms of Athens]; and CNG 55, lot 1866, [the reverse type of Sikyon staters]). Numerous coin issues could have influenced the type chosen here; among the most popular are facing heads of a satyr or Silenos. All of these pseudo-coins have no sign of attachment, are too thin for normal use, and are often found in burial sites. In ancient times, it was customary to place coins with the dead during burial so that the deceased could pay the boatman Charon to ferry them across the river Styx. These uniface tokens probably also served this same purpose.

139

ORIENTAL GREEK COINAGE The First Parthian Coin

388.

KINGS of PARTHIA. Arsakes I. 247-211 BC. AR Drachm (19mm, 4.02 g, 12h). Nisa(?) mint. Head right, wearing bashlyk and earring / År%Å˚oU to right, ÅUt o˚rÅtoro% to left, archer (Arsakes I) seated left on backless throne, holding bow. Sellwood 1.1; A&S 1/1 (same dies); Sunrise 234 = Shore 1 (same dies). Iridescent toning, porosity, edge bumps, scratch under tone on obverse, a couple of scuffs under tone on reverse. VF. Extremely rare. The first Parthian coin. ($4000)

389.

KINGS of PERSIS. Baydād (Bagadat). Early 3rd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 16.47 g, 9h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Head right, with short beard, mustache, and earring, wearing kyrbasia with flaps tied behind / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Baydād standing right; standard to right; %rP (prs in Aramaic) to outer left, 6rw3b (bgwrt in Aramaic) to inner left, à3%;ä yz !kr†rP (prtrk’ zy ’lhy’ in Aramaic) in exergue, †D3b (bgdt in Aramaic) to inner right. van’t Haaff, Persis Type 515/519, example k = KM p. 21, fig. 6 = Sunrise 560 (same dies); KM 2/3a; Alram 519. Lightly toned, porosity, scapes, smoothing, doubling on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($2000)

390.

KINGS of PERSIS. Vādfradād (Autophradates) I. 3rd century BC. AR Hemidrachm (16.5mm, 1.88 g, 12h).

“Victory” type. Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Diademed head right, wearing kyrbasia / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Vādfradād standing right, being crowned with wreath by Nike standing behind; standard to right. van’t Haaff, Persis –, but cf.

Type 545 (drachm); K&M –, but cf. 2/23 (same); Alram –, but cf. 545 (same); Zeno –. Deposits, smoothing, cleaning marks.

VF. Extremely rare. ($1000)

140

Issue With Crescent Below Head

391.

KINGS of PERSIS. Vādfradād (Autophradates) II. 2nd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.80 g, 7h).

Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. Bearded head right, wearing diadem and kyrbasia adorned with eagle; crescent below / Fire temple of Ahura-Mazda; above, half-figure of Ahura-Mazda; to left, Vādfradād standing right, bow before; to right, eagle standing left on standard; traces of retrograde !%R†RP (prtrk’ = “fratarakā” in Aramaic) in exergue. van’t Haaff, Persis, Type 546 var. (no crescent below head); K&M 3/1 var. (same); cf. DeMorgan, p. 403 and pl. XXVIII, 8 (for obv.); Sunrise 574 var. (same); Zeno –. Bright surfaces, traces die rust, reverse die wear. EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($1000)

392.

BAKTRIA, Local issues. Sophytes. Circa 275-circa 266 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 8.04 g, 6h). Attic standard.

Alexandria on the Oxus mint. Struck 271-266 BC. Male head right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with laurel wreath and wing on cheek piece: ;@Å on truncation of neck / %WfUtoU to right, cockerel standing right; kerykeion (caduceus) to left. Kritt, Andragoras Series 8, 1 (dies a1/p1); Jansari 11 (same obv. die); cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes, Group 3A and pl. 1, 2; Taylor, Birds 244; SMAK pl. 30; HGC 12, –. Iridescent toning, slight die flaw on obverse. Near EF. ($4000) Ex Roma XXIII (24 March 2022), lot 410.

393.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I Soter. Circa 255-235 BC. AV Stater (20mm, 8.34 g, 6h). In the name of Antiochos II of Syria. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum). Diademed head right / ∫å%5GEW% down right, Å@t5o≈oU down left, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, aegis draped over outstretched left arm, and brandishing thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left. Kritt, New A8, Style 2; Holt Series A, Group 8; Bopearachchi 1A; SNG ANS 75; MIG Type 66a; SC 630; HGC 9, 234 (Antiochos II). Lightly toned, traces of underlying luster. Choice EF. With typical test cut in head. ($2000)

394.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I Soter. Circa 255-235 BC. AV Stater (18.5mm, 8.22 g, 12h).

Mint A (near Aï Khanoum). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5GE∑% to right, d5odotoU to left, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, @ above eagle standing left. Kritt –; Holt –; Bopearachchi 5B; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 70b = BM Inv. 1888,1208.63 (same dies); HGC 12, 19. Scrape and small lamination on obverse, scratch on reverse, traces of underlying luster. Near EF. Very rare. ($5000) 141

395.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos II Theos. Circa 235-225 BC. AV Stater (19mm, 8.34 g, 6h). Mint A (near Aï Khanoum). Diademed head right / ∫Å%5GE∑% down right field, d5odotoU down left, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above eagle standing left. Kritt, New, D7, Style 3; Bopearachchi 5A; SNG ANS 82; HGC 12, 20 corr. (mint); Triton XXVI, lot 460 (same obv. die, but later die state). Lightly toned, slight marks and cabinet friction, traces of underlying luster.

EF. Rare without the typical test cut. ($7500) Ex Oxus Collection (Roma XXII, 7 October 2021), lot 459.

Referenced and Illustrated in MPHB

396.

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, 246 (O69/R184 – this coin referenced and illustrated); SNG ANS 141 var. (monogram); MIG Type 89c; HGC 12, 40. Attractively toned, small die break on reverse. EF. Exceptional portrait. ($3000) From the Columbus Collection. Ex Triton IX (10 January 2006), lot 1112.

The coinage of Euthydemos exemplifies the superior realism of Hellenistic portraiture in Baktria. Over the approximately 25 years of his reign, the portrait of Euthydemos reflects the trials of his monarchy, as he is transformed from a vigorous, youthful appearance in his early coins to a weary, almost haggard, look in his later issues. The present coin is from the latest portrait group, which began to be seen in the issues following Euthydemos’ successful resistance of the Seleukid king Antiochos III’s siege of Baktra, circa 206 BC. In this portrait one may see that the years of tribulations, culminated by a particularly stressful war against the Seleukids, has clearly transformed this once energetic king. Nevertheless, Euthydemos was ultimately successful in his endeavors and firmly established his dynasty following his usurpation of the Diodotid throne.

397.

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. Areas of iridescence. Near EF. ($1500) From the JTB Collection. Ex North River Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 121, 6 October 2022), lot 645; Triton IX (10 January 2006), lot 1111.

142

New Monogram

398.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32mm, 16.83 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right / ∫Å%5¬EW% to right, Å˝Åœo˚GEoU% to left, Zeus standing facing, holding scepter in left hand, and in right hand a statue of Hekate, who holds torch in each hand; E/U to inner left. Unpublished in the standard references. Light iridescent toning, circulation marks, slight double strike on obverse, edge marks. Near EF. ($3000) From the Columbus Collection, purchased from Freeman & Sear, 2003.

Agathokles Dikaios (“the Just”) is a near complete mystery to us in terms of his origins, rise to power and the extent of his realm. On his rare “pedigree” coinage he claims the previous Baktrian Kings Diodotos I, Euthydemos and Demetrios as his ancestors; however these were from rival houses and unlikely to be his true relations. The available evidence supports the conclusion that he was a usurper who seized control, or was appointed to rule, a portion of the vast, unwieldy kingdom along with his contemporaries Antimachos Theos, Pantaleon and Apollodotos I, whose coins were struck in the same 20 year span. Of his character we can deduce little aside from the personality hinted at by his extraordinary coin portraits, which depict a lean man with a head of tight, curly hair, a sharply pointed nose, compressed lips, and a bit of a mad gleam in his eye. This remarkable tetradrachm bears a particularly fine portrait. It also has a monogram – E above Y – that is hitherto unrecorded in the standard references and has not appeared in any auction record, making it unique according to current scholarship.

Pedigree Tetradrachm

399.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Agathokles Dikaios. Circa 185-175 BC. AR Tetradrachm (33mm, 16.45 g, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Antiochos III of Syria. Å@t5o≈oU to right, @5kÅtoro% to left, diademed head of Euthydemos right / ∫Å%5¬Eo@to% to right, Å˝Åœok¬EoU% to left, d5kÅ5oU in exergue, Zeus Bremetes, seen from behind, advancing left, extended left arm draped with aegis, preparing to hurl thunderbolt in right hand; in inner left field, wreath above above eagle standing left; D to right. Bopearachchi 13A (this coin cited); Bopearachchi & Rahman 164; MPHB 121 (O21bis/R61 – this coin); SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12, 87. Slight traces of deposits in devices, light porosity, slight double strike on obverse. EF. Very rare. ($5000) Ex Mr. K.-D. Walkhoff-Jordan Collection (Triton II, 1 December 1998), lot 590; Numismatic Fine Arts XXV (29 November 1990), lot 228.

The attribution of the individual on this tetradrachm, one of the series of pedigree issues struck by Agathokles, has been the subject of much discussion. Based on his own coinage, the portrait here is that of Euthydemos I. The legend – ANTIOXOY NIKATOPOΣ – suggests one of the early Seleukid kings of that name, and attempts have been made to associate the Antiochos on this tetradrachm with Antiochos II, who is named on the issues of Diodotos I. Jens Jakobsson (“Antiochus Nicator, the Third King of Baktria?” in NC 170 [2010], p. 25), while rightly arguing against Antiochos II as the person commemorated, offered no alternative. Brian Kritt, who recently has revisited the issue (New Discoveries in Bactrian Numismatics, Chapter 5), convincingly suggests Antiochos III as the mostly likely candidate. Antiochos III, whose historical epithet is Megas (the Great), conducted a vigorous series of campaigns in the East, including the subjugation of the Parthians, his victories in Bactria, including the capture of Aï Khanoum, and his subsequent campaigning in India (p. 80). Like Alexander before him (who also figures in the pedigree series), Antiochos would have been a figure worthy of emulation by Agathokles and with whom he would wish to be associated.

143

400.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Antimachos I Theos. Circa 180-170 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 16.08 g, 12h). Commemorative issue struck for Euthydemos I Theos. EUQUd˙;oU down right, QEoU down left, diademed head of Euthydemos right / ∫Å%5¬EUo@to% down right, Å@t5;ÅcoU down left, QEoU in exergue, Herakles seated left on rocky outcropping, holding club set on knee; J to inner right. Bopearachchi 10A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 191-192; MPHB 10 (O1/R4 – this coin referenced); SNG ANS 297–8; MIG Type 129; HGC 12, 108. Deposits in devices, areas of corrosion, some roughness and smoothing. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($3000) From the Bellwether Collection. Ex Trausnitz Collection (Nomos 19, 17 November 2019) , lot 203, purchased from Münzhandlung Athena, 1 June 1999; Giessener Münzhandlung 95 (9 March 1999), lot 429.

401.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Tetradrachm (36mm, 16.95 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; Í in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6E; Bopearachchi & Rahman 240-2; SNG ANS 465; MIG Type 177ee; HGC 12, 131. Lightly toned, traces of deposits, slight peripheral weakness, underlying luster. EF. Struck on a broad flan. ($1000) Ex Dr. Ulisses Vaz Pardal Collection (Roma XXV, 22 September 2022), lot 581.

402.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I Megas. Circa 170-145 BC. AR Drachm (19.5mm, 4.27 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. Lightly toned with hints of iridescence, slight double strike, tiny hairline flan crack. EF. ($750)

144

Very Rare Plato Tetradrachm

403.

BAKTRIA, Greco-Baktrian Kingdom. Plato Epiphanes. Circa 145-140 BC. AR Tetradrachm (34mm, 16.72 g, 12h). Diademed and draped bust right, wearing helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / ∫Å%5¬EW% E∏5fÅ@oU% ∏¬ÅtW@o%, Helios standing facing in quadriga; M to right, ;Z in exergue. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; Qunduz 378 (same dies); SNG ANS 631 (same dies); Mitchiner Type 197a; HGC 12, 167. In NGC encapsulation 6157848003, graded MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, die shift. Very rare. ($15,000)

404.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Nikias Soter. Circa 129-125 BC. AR Drachm (17.5mm, 2.20 g, 12h). ∫Å%5¬EW% %Wt˙ro% @5k5oU, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / sAKÎ srt{ sjrhm (maharajasa tratarasa nikiasa in Kharosthi), Nikias advancing left, raising hand and holding palm; B to right. Bopearachchi 3A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 1265 corr. (monogram); MIG Type 379a; HGC 12, 232. Toned slight double strike on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, possibly the finest offered at auction. ($1000) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group.

405.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Lysias Aniketos. Circa 130-125 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 2.39 g, 12h). ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@5k˙toU 2U%5oU, diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia / skSL sthˇpA sjrhm (maharajasa apadihatasa lisikasa in Kharosthi), Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with wreath and cradling club and palm frond in arm draped with lion skin; Ö to inner left, % to inner right. Bopearachchi 7A; Bopearachchi & Rahman 442; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 263a; HGC 12, 243; CNG 66, 958 (same rev. die). Light iridescent toning, deposits, green encrustation on reverse.

Near EF. Extremely rare. ($1000) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 88 (14 September 2011), lot 601.

145

406.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Philoxenos Aniketos. Circa 125-110 BC. AR Drachm (14x14mm, 2.26 g, 12h). Square module. ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@5k˙toU f52o$E@oU, diademed heroic bust to left, seen from behind, wearing aegis over shoulder, brandishing spear / snSUf sthˇpA sjrhm (maharajasa apadihatasa philasinasa in Kharosthi), Philoxenos in military attire right on rearing horse; } to lower right. Bopearachchi 8A = MIG Type 342a = HGC 12, 273 illustration = BM Inv. 1956,0710.33 (same dies); Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –. Toned with hint of iridescence, some marks. VF. Extremely rare. ($1000) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection. Ex Album 13 (18 May 2012), lot 1027.

Illustrated in HGC 12

407.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Diomedes Soter. Circa 115-105 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 2.45 g, 12h). ∫Å%5¬EW% %Wt˙ro% d5o;˙doU, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / stMyD srt{ sjrhµ (Maharajasa tratarasa diyumitasa in Kharosthi), the Dioskouroi standing facing, each holding spear and with hand on baton; G to inner left. Senior G-20a; Bopearachchi 9B; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 1231; MIG –; HGC 12, 285 (this coin illustrated). Toned, light deposits, minor porosity. Near VF. Very rare. ($750) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 70 (21 September 2005), lot 477.

Hermaios Soter, with Kalliope

408.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Hermaios Soter, with Kalliope. Circa 105 BC. AR Tetradrachm (28.5mm, 9.66 g, 11h). ∫~%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% ErÂ~5oU ˚~5 ˚~GG5o∏˙%, conjoined draped busts right of Hermaios, diademed, and Kalliope, wearing stephane / ypyLk sy mrÓ srt{ sjrhm (Maharajasa tratarasa Hiramayasa Kaliyapaya in Kharosthi), Hermaios, in military attire, on horse rearing right, bow in bow case and spear attached to saddle; G to lower right. Senior, Hermaios H1bT; Bopearachchi 1C; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS 1318; MIG Type 407a; HGC 12, 287. Lightly toned, areas of porosity, a few minor scratches. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 115 (15 September 2020), lot 410.

146

409.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Strato I Soter. Circa 105-85/0 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 2.31 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% %∑t˙ro% %tråt∑@o%, diademed and draped bust right / st— srt{ sjrhµ (maharajasa tratarasa stratasa in Kharosthi), Athena Alkidemos standing facing, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; H to inner left. Bopearachchi 5A = MIG Type 312 = Haughton, Silver 5 (same dies); Bopearachchi & Rahman–; SNG ANS –; MIG – ; HGC 12, 338. Iridescent toning, light marks and porosity. Good VF. Very rare. ($750) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection. Ex Eck Prud’homme Collection (Album 12, 13 January 2012), lot 915.

410.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Artemidoros Aniketos. Circa 100-80 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 2.23 g, 12h). ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@5k˙toU ÅrtE;5dWroU, diademed and draped bust right / srDMˇA sthˇpA sjrhm (maharajasa apadihatasa atimidorasa in Kharosthi), Artemis standing left, quiver at shoulder, drawing bow; § to inner left. Senior H.1.8D; Bopearachchi 3C; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; cf. SNG ANS 1274 (same obv. die); MIG Type 399a; HGC 12, 359. Areas of find patina, deep iridescence, some roughness and porosity, small edge chip. Good VF. ($1000) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection, purchased from Najaf Coins.

411.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Artemidoros Aniketos. Circa 100-80 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 2.23 g, 12h). ∫Å%5¬EW% Å@5k˙toU ÅrtE;5dWroU, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / srDMˇA sthˇpA sjrhm (maharajasa apadihatasa atimidorasa in Kharosthi), Artemis standing left, quiver at shoulder, drawing bow; monogram to left. Senior H.2.8D; Bopearachchi 4A; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 401b; HGC 12, 360. Traces of iridescence, areas of encrustation. VF. ($1000) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection, purchased from Najaf Coins.

412.

BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Peukolaos Soter Dikaios. Circa 75 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 1.99 g, 12h). ∫å%5GE∑% d5kå5oU kå5 %∑t˙ro% ∏EUkoGåoU, diademed and draped bust right / sAl˚HP srt{ skM# sjrhm (maharajasa dhramikasa tratarasa piukulaasa in Kharosthi), Zeus standing left, raising right hand in benediction and holding scepter in left; 3 to inner left. Senior –; Bopearachchi –; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG –; HGC 12, –; Zeno –; Triton XIII, lot 264 var. (additional monogram; same obv. die). Areas of find patina, porosity and roughness. VF. Unique variety of an extremely rare denomination. ($3000) From the Robert J. Weinstein Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 88 (14 September 2011), lot 623.

147

CENTRAL ASIAN COINAGE Four High Grade Vima Kadphises Double Dinars 413.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (24mm, 15.96 g, 12h). Reduced Attic (Kushan) standard. Main mint in Baktria. bacileyc oh mo kadfichc, diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated cross-legged right on clouds, holding mace-scepter in right hand and hilt of sword in left; flames at shoulder; 9 to left / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa hima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who is standing right with head facing; 0 (Three Jewels to left. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série VIII, 13 (same dies); MK 10 (O1/R–; unlisted rev. die); ANS Kushan 259; Sunrise 522 (this coin); Donum Burns 75. Lightly toned, a couple of light scratches in field on reverse. Superb EF. ($20,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Professor David R. Beatty, CM, OBE Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 551 (part of); Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 539; Sunrise Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2005), lot 267 (part of), purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, 2007.

414.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (25mm, 15.96 g, 12h). Reduced Attic (Kushan) standard. Main mint in Baktria. bacileyc oh mo kadfichc, diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated facing on cushioned throne with ornate legs and high back, head left, feet on footstool, holding laurel branch in raised right hand and resting left arm on left knee; club to left; 9 to right / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa hima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who is standing right with head facing; 0 (Three Jewels) to left. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série IX, 22; MK 11 (O1/R9; unlisted die pair); ANS Kushan 260; Sunrise 523 (this coin); Donum Burns 76. Lightly toned. Superb EF. ($20,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Professor David R. Beatty, CM, OBE Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 551 (part of); Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 537; Sunrise Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2005), lot 267 (part of), purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, 2007.

415.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (23mm, 15.89 g, 12h). Reduced Attic (Kushan) standard. Main mint in Baktria. bacileyc oh mo kadfichc, diademed and crowned half-length bust of Vima Kadphises right on clouds, holding mace-scepter in right hand and hilt of sword in left; flames at shoulder; 9 to left / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa hima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who is standing right with head facing; 0 (Three Jewels) to left. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série X, 24; MK 12 (O4/R12A); ANS Kushan 261; Sunrise 524 (this coin); Donum Burns 77-8. Lightly toned. Superb EF. ($20,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Professor David R. Beatty, CM, OBE Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 551 (part of); Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 538; Sunrise Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2005), lot 267 (part of), purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, 2007.

416.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (25mm, 15.92 g, 12h). Reduced Attic (Kushan) standard. Main mint in Baktria. bacileyc oh mo kadfichc, diademed and crowned half-length bust of Vima Kadphises left on clouds, holding mace-scepter in right hand and hilt of sword in left; flames at shoulder; 9 to right / [Å]rd~ Å9`k m˙ År·Óm År·Ó g¬‰Å ÅjrÎjr Åjrhm (Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa hima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi), ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who is standing right with head facing; 0 (Three Jewels) to left. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série X, 29; MK 13 (O3/R– [unlisted rev. die]); ANS Kushan 262; Sunrise 525 (this coin); Donum Burns –. Lightly toned. Superb EF. ($20,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Professor David R. Beatty, CM, OBE Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 551 (part of); Classical Numismatic Group 105 (10 May 2017), lot 540; Sunrise Collection (Triton XVIII, 6 January 2005), lot 267 (part of), purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, 2007.

148

413

414

415

416

149

417 418 417.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.99 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. saonanosao ˚a nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / nana to left, Nana, nimbate, wearing fillet and crescent, standing right, holding scepter and box; 8 to right. MK 35/8 (O4/R5); ANS Kushan 370; Donum Burns 117.

Lustrous. EF. Well centered and struck. ($1500) 418.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127/8-152. AV Dinar (21mm, 8.03 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ˚a nIs˚i ˚osaNo, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / Mao to right, Mao, wearing lunar horns, standing left, extending right hand in benediction and holding globe-tipped scepter; 8 to right. MK 58 (unlisted dies); ANS Kushan 379; Donum Burns 133. Traces of deposits in devices, slight die wear and doubling. Near EF. ($1500)

419.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I. Circa AD 127-151. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.98 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. saonanosao ˚a nIs˚i ˚osano, Kanishka, diademed and crowned, standing facing, head left, holding goad and scepter, sacrificing over altar to left; flame at shoulder / orlagno to left, Orlagno, nimbate and wearing eagle-crested helmet and fillet, standing facing, head right, holding filleted lance in right hand, and sword with eagle’s head hilt in left; 8 to right. MK 63/10 (O25/R7 [unlisted die combination]); ANS Kushan 387; Donum Burns 132 ; Triton XXIII, lot 555 (same obv. die, but later die state). Lightly toned, die rust. Good VF. ($1500)

420.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 8.02 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. saOnanOsaO O OIs˚i ˚OsanO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / carapO, Sarapis, nimbate and wearing polos, enthroned facing with feet on footstool, holding diadem in outstretched right hand and scepter in left; 8 to left. MK –, but cf. 164 (quarter dinar); ANS Kushan –, but cf. 724-5 (same); cf. Donum Burns 230 (for type); Göbl, SO 2 (same); Singapore 28, lot 532; Zeno 59807. Matte surfaces, hint of die rust, slight doubling on obverse, minor edge marks, evidence of having placed in a bezel. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($4000)

421.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.78 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early phase. saOnanOsaO O OIs˚i ˚OsanO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / carapO, Sarapis, nimbate and wearing polos, enthroned facing with feet on footstool, holding diadem in outstretched right hand and scepter in left; 8 to left. MK –, but cf. 164 (quarter dinar); ANS Kushan –, but cf. 724-5 (same); cf. Donum Burns 230 (for type); Göbl, SO 2 (same); Singapore 28, lot 532; Zeno 59807. Lightly toned, deposits in devices, light scrape on obverse. VF. Extremely rare. ($2000) Ex Künker 83 (17 June 2003) lot 1534.

150

Extremely Rare Dionysos Reverse – The First Time at Auction

422.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21.5mm, 7.63 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅ O OOIs˚i ˚OsÅ[˜O], crowned and diademed bust left on clouds, holding mace scepter and goad; flames over shoulder / dE˜Eico to right, Dionysos standing right, holding kantharos in right hand and wineskin over left shoulder in left hand; 7 to left. MK –, but cf. 255 (for obv.); Cribb & Bracey series 112, coin d (this coin); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Zeno –. Lightly toned, traces of deposits, areas of double strike, scrapes, edge marks, minor smoothing in fields, holed and plugged. VF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives or Zeno, the first time at auction. ($20,000) While Dionysos – apart from his image on this dinar – is otherwise unknown among the Kushan pantheon shown on the coinage, he is prevalent in Kushan sculpture. Carrying a wineskin over his shoulder, as well as a kantharos, is unusual for the god in his traditional appearances.

Nevertheless, it is a common motif in Dionysiac scenes in Gandhara, and thus, more representative to local viewers.

For more detailed information on Dionysiac imagery in Kushan art, See Martha Carter’s published dissertation, “Dionysiac Aspects of Kushān Art,” in Ars Orientalis Vol. 7 (1968).

423 424 423.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. sÅo˜Å˜osÅo o oIs˚i ˚osŘo, crowned and diademed bust left on clouds, holding mace scepter and goad; flames over shoulder / Årdoxso to left, Ardoxsho, wearing stephane, standing facing, head right, extending cornucopia with both hands; 7 to right. MK 287 (O1/R– [unlisted rev. die]); ANS Kushan 751 corr. (Göbl number); Donum Burns 264. Lightly toned, die break on edge of obverse, evidence of having been placed in a bezel. Good VF. ($1500) 424.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 152-192. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.91 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saopaposao o oIs˚i ˚osapo, crowned and diademed bust left on clouds, holding mace scepter in right hand and goad in left; flames over shoulder / Miiro (Mithra) standing facing, head left, extending hand in benediction, cradling filleted scepter, and holding hilt of sword; 7 to left. MK 291 (O30/R10); ANS Kushan 755; Donum Burns –. Lightly toned, scrapes on obverse, slight doubling on reverse, evidence of having been placed in a bezel. Near EF. ($2000)

425.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.97 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saO˜a˜OsaO O OIs˚O ˚OsŘO saO, Huvishka, diademed and crowned, sitting cross-legged facing on clouds or mountain, head right, holding mace-scepter in right hand and filleted standard, surmounted by eagle, in left / Mao to right, Mao, diademed, lunar “horns” at shoulders, standing facing, head left, extending right hand in benediction, cradling filleted and globe-tipped scepter in left arm, and holding sword in left hand; 8 to left. MK –, but cf. 299 and 305 (for obv.); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –, but cf. 275 (same); Zeno 306640 (this coin). Toned, light deposits, minor smoothing in fields. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($10,000) Ex Album 37 (11 June 2020), lot 993.

151

426.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.81 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. saO˜a˜OsaO OOIskO kOsa˜O, Huvishka, diademed and crowned, and holding spear in right hand and goad in left, on caparisoned elephant right / OIsO down right, Siva standing left, holding goad and pouring water from flask on extended right hand, holding vajra (thunderbolt) in raised right hand, triśūla (trident) in raised left, and he-goat in lowered left; 9 to left. Cf. MK 305A/308 (for obv./rev.); ANS Kushan 753 = Adams III, lot 2143 (same obv. die); Donum Burns –; CNG 115, lot 415 (same dies); CNG 72, lot 1089 (same dies); Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 544 (same dies). Lightly toned, slight doubling. VF. Extremely rare. ($7500)

Extremely Rare Ahuramazda – Sole Creator God of Zoroastrianism

427.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.99 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Early phase. sÅO˜Å˜OsÅO O˜s˚i ˚OsŘO, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds or mountain, holding mace-scepter and goad / wrOM to right, Oromzdo (Ahuramazda) standing left, extending right hand and holding scepter in left; & to left. MK 333/1 (O1α/R1) = Cribb & Bracey E.G2iii = FdS 154 illustration = Rosenfield 182 illustration = BM Inv. 1879,0501.10; ANS Kushan –, but cf. 764-5 (for obv.); Donum Burns 287; Zeno –; Triton XXV, lot 611 = Triton XXII, lot 473 (same dies); CNG 102, lot 713 (same dies). Lightly toned, deposits in devices, obverse struck with typical worn die. Good VF. Extremely rare, the third to appear at auction. ($15,000)

428.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 152-192. AV Dinar (20mm, 7.92 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Late phase. sÅO˜Å˜Å[sÅO O˜s˚i] ˚OsŘO, nimbate, diademed, and crowned half-length bust left on clouds, flames at shoulder, holding mace-scepter and filleted spear over shoulder / ˜Å˜Å to left, Nana, nimbate, wearing fillet and crescent, standing facing, head right, holding scepter and box; ^ to right. Cf. MK 365-365A (same obv. die as illustration of 365A); ANS Kushan –; cf. Donum Burns 295 (same obv. die). Toned, traces of deposits in devices, obverse struck with slightly worn die, edge marks. Near EF. ($2000)

429.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.83 g, 112h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Late phase. saO˜a˜OsaO OIskO kOsa˜O, nimbate, diademed, and crowned half-length bust left on clouds, holding mace scepter and filleted spear / OhsÅ down right, triple-headed Siva standing facing, holding vase, vajra (thunderbolt), triśūla (trident) and danda (club); 9 to left. MK 366.1 = BM inv. 1879,0501.26 (same dies); ANS Kushan 776 = ANS inv. 1986.149.11 (same dies); Donum Burns –; cf. BM inv. 1894,0506.70 (for rev. – same die). Toned, traces of deposits, struck with worn dies. VF. Extremely rare. ($15,000) 152

Extremely Rare Nana on Lion

430.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka II. Circa AD 230-247. AV Dinar (24mm, 7.86 g, 12h). Uncertain mint. Late series. sOOnOnO sao sÅII sÅo ˚osÅno (sic), king, nimbate, standing left, holding trident and sacrificing over altar to left; filleted trident to left / NwNgIoo (sic) to right, Nana, with feet on lotus and holding diadem and scepter, seated facing on lion standing left; tamgha to upper left; d to right. Mukherjee, Nana pl. 1, 1 and 1A (same dies); MK 660 = Mukherjee, Kushāṇa pl. V, 2 (same dies); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Zeno –; cf. Triton XXV, lot 5191 (AV quarter dinar, tentatively attributed to Vasudeva I). Hint of deposits, die breaks, double strike on reverse, ex jewelry, flattened and gilt. Good VF. Göbl cites only one example (now lost) making this the only known example. ($30,000) A paper by Joe Cribb on this extremely rare coin is forthcoming in the next issue of Journal Asiatique.

431.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Mahi. Circa AD 300-305. AV Dinar (19mm, 7.81 g, 12h). Uncertain mint. s[aO˜a˜OsaO...] ˚Osa˜OO, Mahi standing left, sacrificing over altar and holding filleted staff; filleted trident to left; P (pu in Brahmi) below arm; ,/˙ (mahi in Brahmi) to outer right / [ardO]xsO to right, Ardoxsho enthroned facing, holding filleted investiture garland and cornucopia; ^ to left. MK 588 (“Usurper I”); ANS Kushan 1666; Donum Burns 766-8 (“Maiores domus”). Lightly toned.

EF. ($750) From the JTB Collection.

432.

INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Samudragupta. Circa AD 335-380. AV Dinar (22.5mm, 7.58 g, 12h).

Aśvamedha Type, Class I, Variety B.1. (rajadhiraja prithivim vi[jitya divam jayatyahritavajimedha] in Brahmi), horse standing left on ground line; to left, filleted yūpa surmounted by standard with streamers flying over horse; (si in Brahmi) below horse / (aśvamedhapa[rakrama] in Brahmi) to right, Lakshmi standing left on lotus, holding chauri (fly whisk) over right shoulder in right hand, and fillets or vastra (towel) in left; filleted suchi (sacrificial spear) to left. Kumar Class I, Variety B.1 (fourth example – this coin); BKB 196; cf. BMC Guptas, p. 22, – and pl. V, 11; Altekar 6; Bayana 170. Lightly toned with reddish deposits in devices, areas of peripheral weakness, tiny edge splits. VF. Very rare and popular type. ($2000) Ex Baldwin’s 53 (25 September 2007), lot 1533.

153

433.

INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Skandagupta Kramaditya. Circa AD 455-467. AV Dinar (20mm, 9.31 g, 12h). Archer Type, Class II, Variety C. (Parahitakariraja jayati divam sri in Brahmi), Skandragupta standing left, sacrificing over altar and holding filleted standard; behind to left, Garuda standard; A$ (skandra in Brahmi) down inner right / (kramaditya in Brahmi) to right, Ardoxsho, enthroned facing, holding diadem and cornucopia; to upper left, [śankhanidhi symbol] with pearls. Kumar Class II Variety C (cf. fourth example for type); BKB –; BMC Guptas –; Altekar Class I, Variety –; Bayana –.

Toned with traces of iridescence, areas of slight double strike. EF. Rare. ($1500)

434 435 434.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (23mm, 7.19 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”).

Phase 1b, circa AD 244-252/3. !U RM UKiX WNM L!RL! !0M L!LLM 00 j˚π j!U 4 0¡dRM (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN ya in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos and ribbons / ‚j1RWN (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to left, KjKoj ([š]hpwhr[y] in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns, each with korymbos; > on altar shaft. SNS type IIc/1a, style A ou Ater (?); Göbl type I/1; cf. Saeedi AV9 (for type); Sunrise –; Triton XXIII, lot 565 (same obv. die); cf. CNG 111, lot 472 (for obv; same die); CNG 109, lot 406 (same); CNG E-391, lot 344 (same). Lightly toned, light edge bumps. Good VF. ($2500) 435.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.41 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”).

Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; ˘ to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group b; Saeedi AV4 var. (no pellets); Sunrise 739 var. (same). Lightly toned. EF.

($2500)

436 437 436.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (22mm, 7.45 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”).

Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos; one pellet above and two pellets below diadem ties / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; > to left of flames. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group d/1; Saeedi AV5; Sunrise 740.

Lightly toned. EF. ($2500) 437.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (23mm, 7.29 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”).

Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; > to left of flames;. to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group b; Göbl type I/1; Saeedi AV5 var. (no pellets); Sunrise 740 var. (same); CNG 111, lot 473 (same dies). Hint of deposits, tiny metal flaw on obverse, light marks. EF. ($2500)

154

438 439 438.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (23mm, 7.28 g, 3h). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”).

Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns;. to right of altar. SNS type IIc/1b, style P, group d/1b; Saeedi AV4 var. (no pellets); Sunrise 739 var. (same). Lightly toned. Near EF.

($2500) 439.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AR Drachm (4.01 g, 3h). Mint II (“Marw”). Phase 1a, circa AD 240-244. !000 NM 0000X 0NM N! 00!!00M N!00 M 00j000j! 4 †0000µ (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos and no ear flap; ≥ on shoulders / bj100) (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, )00jojç (šhpwhry in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns. SNS type IIa2/1(b) style B, and pl. 21, A9 = SNS Schaaf 60 = Zeno 287568 (same dies); Zeno 287558 (this coin); Saeedi 80 (same dies); Sunrise –. Deposits, some porosity, evidence of cleaning/smoothing. VF. Extremely rare, one of only three currently recorded. ($1000)

440.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) I. AD 240-272. AV Dinar (23mm, 7.38 g, 3h). Hamadan(?) mint. Phase 2, circa AD 260-272. !U RM UKiX WNM L!RL! !0M L!LLM 00 j˚π j!U 4 0¡dRM (mzdysn bgy šhpwhry MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN ya in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos and ribbons / ‚j1RWN (nwr’zy in Pahlavi) to right, KjKoj ([š]hpwhr[y] in Pahlavi) to left, fire altar; flanked by two attendants wearing mural crowns; pellets flanking flames. SNS type IIc/1a, style Q, group E; Göbl type I/1; Saeedi –; Sunrise –; cf. Zeno 264905 = Heritage 3089, lot 32141. Lightly toned, traces of deposits light die rust, slight double strike, edge bump. EF. ($2500)

441.

SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II. AD 276-293. AV Dinar (22mm, 7.44 g, 3h). ‘HWPY/HRPY’ (Herat?) mint. Phase I. YNuXZNP N!Zu! !RRM N!fijLˆ Y$ NsYduµ (blundered mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’ ’yr’n MN yzd’n in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing winged crown with korymbos / bZZZY (blundered nwr ’zy in Pahlavi) on left, ´YºWZZ (blundered wrhr ’n in Pahlavi) on right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing winged crown with korymbos, the right wearing mural crown. SNS type I(1)/1(1a), style I (unrecorded as a dinar); Göbl type I/1; Saaedi –; Sunrise –; Classical Numismatic Group 120, lot 604 (same rev. die); Zeno 163923 = New York Sale XXXVII, lot 422 (same dies); Triton XXIII, lot 569 (same dies); Zeno 229225 = Classical Numismatic Group 112, lot 414 (same dies); Zeno 172466 = Album 26, lot 59 (same dies). Minor doubling. EF. A well struck and attractive example. ($5000) From the Nisa Collection.

155

442.

SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II. AD 276-293. AV Dinar (23mm, 7.47 g, 3h). ‘HWPY/HRPY’ (Herat?) mint. Phase I. YNuXZNP N!Zu! !RRM N!fijLˆ Y$ NsYduµ (mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’ ’yr’n MN yzd’n in blundered Pahlavi), bust right, wearing winged crown with korymbos / bZZZY (blundered nwr ’zy in Pahlavi) on left, ´YºWZZ (blundered wrhr ’n in Pahlavi) on right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing winged crown with korymbos, the right wearing mural crown. SNS type I(1)/1(1a), style I (unrecorded as a dinar); Göbl type I/1; Saaedi –; Sunrise –; Classical Numismatic Group 120, lot 604 (same rev. die); Zeno 163923 = New York Sale XXXVII, lot 422 (same dies); Triton XXIII, lot 569 (same dies); Zeno 229225 = Classical Numismatic Group 112, lot 414 (same dies); Zeno 172466 = Album 26, lot 59 (same dies). Lightly toned, traces of deposits, die break on obverse, double strike on reverse. Good VF. ($3000)

443.

SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Prince 3. AD 276-293. AR Drachm (27 mm, 4.29 g, 3h). Style I. HWPY (Herat) mint. 1ZZq Z1 ZZq ¨1:jZ n1LjKK ˆUU U Uq (mzdysn wrhr’n wrhr’nMRK’N MRK’ in blundered Pahlavi), bust of Bahram right vis-à-vis bust of prince 3 left; Bahram wearing winged crown with korymbos, prince wearing kolah with boar’s head / [...]00j4 (wrhr ’n in blundered Pahlavi) to left, 0Y4M00 (nwr ’zy in blundered Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing crown with korymbos, the right with mural crown; yM wÔ (hw py in Pahlavi) flanking flames. SNS type III(1)/1(1a), Style I and pl. 24, 64; Saaedi –; Sunrise –; Triton XXV, lot 6283. Deep iridescent toning, tiny edge split, cleaning marks, slight tooling. Near EF. Rare. ($1500)

444 445 444.

SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Prince 3. AD 276-293. AR Drachm (28mm, 4.22 g, 3h). Style I. HWPY (Herat) mint. 1ZZq Z1 ZZq ¨1:jZ n1LjKK ˆUU U Uq (mzdysn wrhr’n wrhr’nMRK’N MRK’ in blundered Pahlavi), bust of Bahram right vis-à-vis bust of prince 3 left; Bahram wearing winged crown with korymbos, prince wearing kolah with boar’s head / [...]ZZZb (nwr ’zy in blundered Pahlavi) to left, 1w˚U (wrhr ’n in blundered Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing crown with korymbos, the right with mural crown; yM wÔ (hw py in Pahlavi) flanking flames. SNS type III(1)/1(1a), Style I and pl. 24, 64; Saaedi –; Sunrise –; Triton XXV, lot 6283. Spotty iridescent toning, porosity, tooled. VF. Rare. ($1000) 445.

SASANIAN KINGS. Vahrām (Bahram) II, with Prince 3. AD 276-293. AR Drachm (28mm, 4.22 g, 3h).

Uncertain style. Uncertain mint. ÅgºH00 ˆ 000º 0ºº0 oÅj00M0ˆ00H0:::00… (mzdysn bgy wrhr’n MRK’ ’yr’n MN yzd’n in blundered Pahlavi), bust of Bahram right vis-à-vis bust of prince 3 left; Bahram wearing winged crown with korymbos, prince wearing kolah with boar’s head; z or blundered ö between / UZZZZ (NWRA ZY in blundered Pahlavi) to left, ZSS00 (wrhr’n in blundered Pahlavi) to right, fire altar; flanked by two attendants, the left wearing mural crown crown, the right wearing crown with korymbos. SNS type III(1)/1(1a), diverse and indeterminate styles; SNS Schaaf –; Saeedi –; Sunrise –; Zeno –.

Toned with slight iridescence, some roughness and double strike, crystallization along edge. VF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($1500) 156

446.

SASANIAN KINGS. Ardaxšīr (Ardashir) II. AD 379-383. AV Dinar (21.5mm, 7.28 g, 3h). Mint I (“Kabul”).

RM Z†Cj†R1 4 EYYZZM (mzdysn bgy ’rtḥštr MR in Pahlavi), bust right, wearing plain crown with korymbos / Fire altar with ribbons; 1YYM Y1YYM (MRK’n MRK in blundered Pahlavi) to left and right of flames. SNS III type Ib/2 and pl. 23, A45; Saeedi AV59; Sunrise 871 = New York Sale XXXVII, lot 531; Triton VII, lot 624. Toned, die rust, some doubling, slight smoothing and tooling, edge marks. EF. Well struck. Very rare. ($5000)

447.

SASANIAN KINGS. Šābuhr (Shahpur) III. AD 383-388. AV Dinar (19.5mm, 7.13 g, 3h). Mint IX (“Merv”). çM Y00M YjMjC (šhphr MRK’N M’ in blundered Pahlavi), bust right, wearing flat-topped crown with korymbos / ⁄E0 (nwr’ in blundered Pahlavi) on right, aa (šh in blundered Pahlavi) on left, fire altar with ribbons. SNS type Ib1/2 and pl. 32, N2 = Zeno 20845 = Triton VII, lot 626 (same dies); Göbl type I/4; Saeedi AV61 (same dies); Sunrise –. Tiny test cut on edge. EF. Extremely rare; the third, and finest, recorded example. ($10,000) Ex Nisa Collection (Triton XXI, 9 January 2018), lot 594.

448 449 448.

SASANIAN KINGS. Bōrān. AD 630-631. Æ (25mm, 3.31 g, 9h). WYHC (Veh-az-Amid-Kavād) mint. Dated RY 1 (AD 630). G and 02∑§ (GDH monogram and ‘pzwt’ in Pahlavi) to left, 0fl:0∫ (bwl’n in Pahlavi to right), bust right, wearing mural crown with frontal crescent, two wings, and korymbos set on crescent; ribbon on left shoulder, crescent and ribbon on right; star behind crown, star in crescent before; traces of star-in-crescents in outer margin / Fire altar with ribbons; flanked by two attendants; star and crescent flanking flames; 0k* (’ywky [date] in Pahlavi) to left, Uj0E (wyhc [mint] in Pahlavi) to right; traces of star-in-crescents in outer margin. Malek & Curtis 164-6; Mochiri fig. 704; SC Tehran –; Saeedi –; Sunrise –. Brown surfaces, deposits, slight doubling on obverse, areas of peripheral weakness, small edge split. Good VF. Attractive high-grade example for issue. Rare. ($750) 449.

SASANIAN KINGS. Husrav (Khosrau) IV or V. AD 631-637(?). AR Drachm (33mm, 4.09 g, 9h). WYHC (Vehaz-Amid-Kavād) mint. Dated RY 5 (AD 636/7). G and 02∑§ (GDH monogram and ‘pzwt’ in Pahlavi) to left, bÚV˙ (hwslwy in Pahlavi to right), bust right, wearing mural crown with frontal crescent and two wings surmounted by star-increscent; fillet over each shoulder, crescent over right shoulder / Fire altar with ribbons; flanked by two attendants; star and crescent flanking flames; 1VM˙ (hwms’ [date] in Pahlavi) to left, Uj0E (wyhc [mint] in Pahlavi) to right. Mochiri, Monnaies 33 var. (date); Mochiri 495; Malek, Late, p. 492 (date for this mint unlisted) SC Tehran –; SNS Schaaf 655 var. and corr. (RY date; attributed to Husrav [Khosrau II]); Saeedi –; Sunrise –. Deposits, die break and die rust on obverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($1500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 118 (13 September 2021), lot 697; Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 877; Gorny & Mosch 237 (2 March 2016), lot 1582.

157

450.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS. Pērōz (Fīrūz) I. Circa AD 245-270. AV Dinar (28mm, 7.93 g, 12h). Mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Early series. pIrOzA oozo rko kosano sauo ((pi)rozo oozo rko koshano shahro) in Kushano-Bactrian, Peroz standing left on ground line, nimbate, wearing Vasudeva II-style crown, flames at shoulders, sacrificing at altar and holding trident; to left, trident standard above altar; • to right of altar; ( between legs; ˘ below left arm; í (pi in Brahmi) to right of left leg; 0 to right / oorz1Noo oaz1 (oorzo-omoo oozo-o) in Kushano-Bactrian, Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident with o on shaft; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; ★ below Siva’s left arm. Cf. Carter 24 (for type); cf. Cribb 1 (same); cf. MK 702 (same); ANS Kushan –, but cf. 2156 (same); Donum Burns –; Zeno –. Lightly toned, slightly double struck. EF. ($2000)

451.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS. Ohrmazd (Hormizd) I. Circa AD 270-300. AV Dinar (32mm, 7.74 g, 12h). Boxlo (Balkh) mint. Early series. OuromAz1 oaz arko kosano sauo (ohromozoo oozo orko koshano shahro in KushanoBactrian), nimbate Ohrmazd standing left on ground line, wearing lion-head crown with ribbons and surmounted by artichoke, flames at shoulders, sacrificing at altar and holding trident; to left, trident standard above altar, middle prong surmounted by crescent; • to right of altar; ( between legs; ˘ below left arm; 0 to right / 1rz1okooo Cozoo (oorzoookooo oozoo in Kushano-Bactrian), Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; trace of • in outer margin to left and in exergue. MK 707; ANS Kushan 2206; Carter 26; Cribb 3; Donum Burns 815. Lightly toned, minor edge split. Good VF. ($750) From the JTB Collection. Ex Archytas Collection (Triton XXV, Session V, 25 January 2022), lot 5198.

452.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS. Ohrmazd (Hormizd) I. Circa AD 270-300. AV DinarAV Dinar (32mm, 7.74 g, 12h).

Boxlo (Balkh) mint. Late series. OuromAz! o az oarko kosano sau (ohromozoo ooozo oorko koshano shahr in Kushano-Bactrian), Ohrmazd standing left on ground line, wearing lion-head crown with ribbons and surmounted by artichoke, flames at shoulders, sacrificing at altar and holding trident; to left, trident standard above altar, middle prong surmounted by crescent; • to right of altar; ( between legs; ˘ below left arm; to right, 0 and bdcld (mint signature) / 1rz1okooo Cozoo (oorzoookooo oozoo in Kushano-Bactrian), Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; trace of • in outer margin to left and in exergue. MK 747; ANS Kushan –; Carter 27; Cribb 4; Donum Burns 827-8. Lightly toned, small edge split. EF. ($1000) From the JTB Collection. Ex Archytas Collection (Triton XXV, Session V, 25 January 2022), lot 5200.

158

453.

KUSHANO-SASANIANS. Pērōz (Fīrūz) II. Circa AD 303-330. AV Dinar (31mm, 7.90 g, 12h). Mint in Baktria (Balkh?). bo©o pIorOzA ooz orkokosdndus (bogo (pi)rozo ooz orkokoshonohsh in Kushano-Bactrian), Peroz standing left on ground line, wearing crown with ribbons and surmounted by pomegranate set on crescent, pomegranates at shoulders, sacrificing at altar and holding trident; to left, trident standard above altar, middle prong surmounted by crescent; • to right of altar; ( between legs; ˘ below left arm; 0 to right / 1rz1 omoo Cazooo (oorzoo omoo cozooo in Kushano-Bactrian), Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; six pellets in outer margin. MK 712 var. (additional letter below tamgha); ANS Kushan 2342; Carter 29 var. (same); Cribb 6 var. (same); Donum Burns –; Triton XXI, lot 602 var. (two pellets on reverse). Deposits in devices, some doubling, hint of die rust, tiny edge split. EF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

454.

HUNNIC TRIBES, Hephthalites. Anonymous. Circa 484/8-560. AR Drachm (29mm, 4.19 g, 3h). Hephthalite Prince type. ebAo oKo o ©AAA (ηβοo oκο o ηoo in Kushano-Bactrian), mustachioed half-length bareheaded bust of prince facing, head left, holding drinking cup / Sasanian style bust imitating Vahrām (Bahram) V right; 3 to right. Vondrovec [Göbl, Hunnen] Type 287B; cf. Alram & Pfisterer, p. 32; cf. Alram, Schatzfund 47; cf. Zeno 88664 = CNG 85, lot 575. Iridescent toning, hint of deposits, slight doubling. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

455.

HUNNIC TRIBES, Hephthalites. Anonymous. Circa 484/8-560. AR Drachm (29mm, 4.17 g, 9h). Hephthalite Prince type. [e]bA/o-z-o 1 obA ([η]βο/ο-z-ο o-oβο in Kushano-Bactrian), mustachioed half-length bareheaded bust of prince facing, head left, holding drinking cup / Sasanian style bust imitating Vahrām (Bahram) V left; 3 to left. Vondrovec [Göbl, Hunnen] Type 287C; cf. Alram & Pfisterer, p. 32; cf. Alram, Schatzfund 47-8; Zeno –. Iridescent toning, double strike on reverse with weakness at the high points, obverse struck with broken and rusty die. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($1500)

159

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINAGE Rare Issue for Lucius Aelius Sejanus

456.

SPAIN, Bilbilis. Tiberius. AD 14-37. Æ As (32mm, 12.53 g, 9h). L. Aelius Sejanus, praetorian consul. Struck AD 31. TI CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTI F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / (MVN) • (AV)GVSTA BILBILIS above, • TI • CÆSARE • V • L • [ÆLIO • SEIANO] below, laurel wreath containing COS. ACIP 3024a; RPC I 398; Burgos 284; D. Calomino, Defacing the Past pp. 41-5. Dark green patina, cleaning scratches, peripheral roughness. Good VF. The name of Sejanus erased as part of his damnatio memoriae. ($1500) From the D. K. Collection.

Lucius Aelius Sejanus came from an up-and-coming equestrian family. Early in his career, Sejanus served with Augustus’ grandson Gaius in the east, and may have accompanied Drusus Caesar north to quell the mutinies that broke out upon Augustus’ death. He was made praefectus praetorio (commander of the Praetorian Guard) along with his father Lucius Seius Strabo, but when Strabo was promoted to the post of praefectus Aegypti, Sejanus took sole command of the Guard. As head of a force of 12,000 loyal soldiers, he used his position to gain influence over Tiberius.

In AD 23, upon the death of Drusus Caesar, Sejanus proposed marrying Drusus’ widow Livilla, with whom he was allegedly having an affair.

So indispensable had he become in maintaining order in the capital that Tiberius called him “the partner of my labors,” a position that Sejanus carefully built upon following the emperor’s retirement to Capri in AD 26. Using the emperor’s absence to his advantage, Sejanus imprisoned Germanicus’ widow, Agrippina Senior, her sons Nero and Drusus, and their supporters on charges of treason. In AD 31, Sejanus served as consul with Tiberius – the first step, he hoped, in acquiring tribunician power and becoming the imperial heir. Although Sejanus’ position seemed unassailable, Tiberius became aware of Sejanus’ machinations and condemned his consular colleague in a letter to the Senate. Sejanus and his children were executed, reprisals followed against his adherents, and the Senate issued a damnatio memoriae.

Herakles’ Third Labor – The Cerynean Hind

457.

THRACE, Anchialus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ (37mm, 35.55 g, 6h). Labor of Herakles type. AYT K M ANT AYΓ ΓOPΔIANOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield decorated with eagle / OYΛΠIANΩN AΓXIAΛEΩN, Herakles and the Cerynean Hind – Herakles standing left, lion’s skin draped over his shoulders, grasping the antlers of the Cerynean Hind with both hands and leaning on its back with his right knee; below, club. Tachev, Anchialos 14 (O4/R7) = RPC VII.2.6 (this coin); AMNG 622; Varbanov 639; Voegtli Type 3j; Stoll, Herakles –. Dark green and brown surfaces, some light smoothing and tooling. Near EF. Very rare. ($2500) Ex Benito Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 502; Gemini III (9 January 2007), lot 433.

For his third labor, Herakles was required to capture the Cerynean hind, with its brazen hooves and golden horns, alive and bring it from Oenoe to Mycenae. Herakles chased the stag for one full year before it finally tired, and then he captured it – as shown on the coin type.

160

Prokopov Plate Coin

458.

MACEDON, Republican period. First Meris. Circa 167-148 BC. AR Tetradrachm (32.5mm, 16.80 g, 3h).

Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 174/3-158 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield ornamented with stars within crescents, •• between each set / Club right; A and µÅkEdo@W@ above, ∏rWt˙% and @ below; all within oak wreath, thunderbolt to left. Prokopov, Silver, Group Ia, 87 (O24/R69 – this coin); AMNG III 167; HGC 3, 1103. Attractively toned, hairline flan cracks, minor doubling on reverse. Good VF. ($750) Ex Gorny & Mosch 121 (10 March 2003), lot 103.

459.

MACEDON, Republican period. First Meris. Circa 167-148 BC. AR Tetradrachm (31mm, 17.05 g, 9h). Amphipolis mint. Struck circa 149/8-2nd half of 2nd century BC. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield ornamented with stars within crescents, •• between each set / Club right; 1 and µÅkEdo@W@ above, ∏rWt˙% below; all within oak wreath, thunderbolt to left. Prokopov, Silver, Group I.B, 175 (O47/R147); AMNG III 159; HGC 3, 1103. Lightly toned with hints of iridescence and luster, small scrape on reverse. Near EF. ($1000) From the DFA Collection.

161

The Naming of Athens

460.

ATTICA, Athens. Circa AD 120-140/50. Æ (30mm, 16.31 g, 9h). Helmeted bust of Athena right, wearing necklace and aegis; all within laurel wreath / AΘ H, The naming of Athens: Poseidon, on left, advancing right, brandishing trident; on left, Athena advancing left, raising right hand and holding spear and shield in left; between them, olive tree entwined by serpent, in the branches, owl facing right. Kroll 174; RPC IV.1 8191; Svoronos, Athenes 89.3 (same dies as illustration); BMC 710. Dark green patina with light earthen highlights, minor cleaning marks. Good VF. Well struck on a full flan and in an exceptional state of preservation. ($750) According to legend, the city of Athens had been built by the serpent-god Cecrops and named Cecropia. He ruled the prospering city but the Olympian gods became jealous as the city never paid tribute to them. Athena and Poseidon both desired to be the patron deity of the fledgling city and Zeus declared a contest, the people of the city gathered to watch the spectacle. Poseidon moved first and struck the top of the Acropolis with his trident, the earth shook and water poured from the hole like a geyser, this gift meant the citizens would never face drought.

But they soon realized that the water was saltwater and became angry as the city had close proximity to the sea. Athena laughed and knelt a few feet away, she planted something in the ground. A few moments later an olive tree grew to full maturity; she demonstrated the fruit it bore could be used as food and oil, and the tree could be used as a source of lumber. The tree had multiple uses. Athena proved that she was the goddess of wisdom, thus, the city was named Athens and the temples of the Parthenon were erected in her honor. Poseidon, in anger, cursed the land to be arid and the lakes dried. There is an alternate story where Poseidon struck the rock and the first horse sprung forth, a scene that was depicted on the west pediment of the Parthenon. An olive tree still stands today at the spot of the battle, the current tree is believed to have been planted around WWII.

461.

KINGS of PONTUS. Polemo II, with Britannicus(?). AD 38-64. AR Drachm (18mm, 3.49 g, 7h). Dated RY 18 of Polemo II (AD 55/6). BACIΛЄω ΠOΛЄMωNO, diademed head of Polemo II right / Laureate and draped bust of Britannicus(?) right; ЄTOYC HI (date). RG 36; RPC I 3837; SNG BN 845-6. Toned, short flan crack, scuff on obverse and other minor marks. Near EF. Very rare, only six in RPC. This specimen superior to any in RPC or CoinArchives. ($1000)

462.

MYSIA, Adramyteum. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (35mm, 29.37 g, 6h). Homonoia with Ephesus. Markianos II, grandson of Menemachos, magistrate. AYTOKP KAI M AYPH ANTΩNЄINOC AYΓ, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front, breastplate decorated with a gorgoneion / ЄΠI CTP MAPKIANOY ·B· AΔPAMYTH/NΩN K ЄΦЄCIΩN; Γ NЄ/ΩKO/P/Ω/N/O/MO/NOI/A in center, Cult statue of Artemes Ephesia standing facing, wearing calathus, with supports; to right, Zeus Idaios standing left, holding eagle in right hand and scepter in left. S&B 151; Franke & Nollé 15 (VA/R15); SNG BN 59; von Fritze, Mysiens 148. Dark brown patina, slight smoothing. Good VF. Very rare, superior to the specimens illustrated in Franke & Nollé. ($1500) Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2005), lot 756; Freeman & Sear 8 (5 February 2003), lot 322.

162

Extremely Rare and the Finest Known

463.

MYSIA, Pergamum. Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (43mm, 36.23 g, 6h). Homonoia with Ephesus. P. Aelius Pius, magistrate. Struck circa AD 180-182. AV KAI M AVPH KOMOΔOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / EΠI TP Π AI ΠIOV KOINON OMONO ΠEPΓAMHNΩN KAI EΦEIΩ, Cult statue of Artemis Ephesia standing facing, wearing calathus, with supports; to right, Asclepius standing facing, head left, leaning on serpent-entwined staff to left, gathering himation with right. Weisser –; Franke & Nollé 1545 (VH/R17); Kampmann, Homonoia, 18 corr. (V10/ R18); RPC IV.2 11337.3 (this coin). Dark brown patina, light reverse roughness, obverse double struck. Good VF. Extremely rare, only five known to RPC, this the finest recorded. ($1000) Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2005), lot 759; Freeman & Sear 6 (10 June 2000), lot 521; Waddell I (9 December 1982), lot 156; Sternberg 7 (24 November 1977), lot 684.

Second and Finest Known

464.

MYSIA, Pergamum. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (42mm, 38.95 g, 12h). Marcus Caerellius Attalus, strategos. Struck AD 211-217. AYTKPA K MAPKOC AYP ANTΩNЄINOC, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front, breastplate decorated with a gorgnoeion / ЄΠI CTP M KAIPЄΛ ATT/AΛOY ΠЄPΓAMHNΩN ΠPΩTΩN Γ NЄΩKOPΩN, Asclepius standing facing, leaning on serpent-entwined staff to left, gathering himation with right; to right, Caracalla, togate, standing left, sacrificing from patera with his right hand over lighted altar between them, he holds a scroll with his left hand. Weisser 1750; MPR II, 1546. Brown patina, scattered porosity. Near VF. Extremely rare, the second and finest known. ($1000) From the CLA Collection, purchased from Pegasi Numismatics, inventory no. 9954294, 12 August 1999. Ex Waddell I (9 December 1982), lot 155.

163

Olympics At Pergamum

465.

MYSIA, Pergamum. Valerian I. AD 253-260. Æ Medallion (43mm, 31.84 g, 12h). Olympic Games issue.

Aur(elios) Damas, Strategos and Asiarch. Struck AD 253 or 257. AYT • K • Π • ΛIK • OY AΛЄPIANOC •, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ЄΠI C AYP • ΔAMA •/A ΠЄPΓA(MH)NΩN, • ΠΡΩTΩN • Γ •/ NЄΩKOPΩ/N, wreath with OΛ/ YMΠ/IΛ in three lines, flanked by two prize crowns, each containing a palm frond; all set on prize table; below, urn, flanked on either side by a purse and whip. Weisser – (cf. 2533, Gallienus); Von Fritze, Pergamon, p. 81 and pl. IX, 4; RPC X Online 62133; SNG BN 2293 (same dies); SNG Leypold –; SNG von Aulock 7518 (same dies). Brown patina, rough surfaces, once gilt with traces remaining. Near VF. Very rare. ($1000) Ex J. P. Righetti Collection, no. 0369.

By the mid second century BC, Pergamum had become the the most important center of sport and physical education in the Hellenistic east.

Its Nikephoria games, held every three years, had nearly the prestige and appeal of great Panhellenic games, including the Olympics, upon which they were modeled. By the second century AD, the Olympic name had even been “franchised,” in a manner still poorly understood, for use at sporting contests far removed from the original quadrennial festival still held at the ancestral home of Elis, Olympia. The contests at Pergamum now honored the Roman emperors and bore the name Olympic, as attested by the reverse of this remarkable medallion, which shows the prizes awarded to the victors in the various athletic, equestrian and artistic contests, all arrayed on and around a table. The laurel wreath enclosing the name “Olympia” was likely for the winner of the premier event of the games, possibly the “stadion” foot race.

466.

IONIA, Ephesus. Circa 1st-3rd centuries AD. Æ Tessera (17mm, 3.16 g, 12h). KHPIΛICωAЄΠPOCAΛYPIN, bee / Stag kneeling left, head right; Є Φ flanking, CKOΠI in exergue. Cf. SNG Copenhagen 355; cf. BMC 186; cf. SNG von Aulock 1875 (all with legend variations). Dark brown patina, minor marks. Choice EF. A superb example of the type, with exceptionally detailed engraving. ($750)

Rare and Collectible Harbor Scene

467.

IONIA, Ephesus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Medallion (48.5mm, 56.17 g, 12h). Homonoia with Alexandria in Egypt. AYT K M ANTΩ ΓOPΔIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / EΦECIN K AΛЄΞANΔPЄΩN, cult statue of Artemis Ephesia, wearing calathus, with supports on left; to right, Serapis standing left, raising right hand and holding scepter in left, on galley sailing left with full sail and rowers; in the background, coastal line with series of buldings with a large temple in the center; to right of the temple, boar running right. Franke & Nollé 555 (VsU/ Rs59); Karwiese, MvE 5, 899 (V30/R71); RPC VII.1 400. Red-brown patina, roughness, smoothing and light tooling, once gilt with traces remaining, holed and plugged. Near VF. Extremely rare, only two known to RPC. ($1000) Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 6 (9 December 2018), lot 529; J. P. Righetti Collection, no. 0323.

164

468.

LYDIA, Germe. Septimius Severus, with Caracalla. AD 193-211. Æ Medallion (45mm, 48.30 g, 6h). Glykon II, strategos. Struck AD 202-205. AV KAI Λ CЄΠTI CЄYHPOC Π KAI AY K M AY ANTΩNЄINOC ЄY, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Septimius Severus right, seen from behind vis-à-vis laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla left, seen from behind / ЄΠI CTPA ΓΛYKΩNOC B ΓЄPMHNΩN, at center; Hercules seated left on rock draped with lion’s skin, right hand resting on club, holding cantharus in left hand; to right, Apollo stands facing, head right, holding plectrum and lyre; to right, Tyche stands left, wearing calathus, holding cornucopia in right and crowning Hercules with wreath in left; behind Hercules, Artemis standing right, drawing arrow from quiver at shoulder. Ehling 160 (V1/R1); SNG BN 986. Green-black patina, slight roughness. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of five known. ($5000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 72 (14 June 2006), lot 1167; Garth R. Drewry Collection (Triton VIII, 11-12 January 2005), lot 765; Classical Numismatic Group 42 (29 May 1997), lot 992; Gorny & Mosch 64 (11 October 1993), lot 547.

This coin can be more closely dated by the magistrate’s office. Glykon appears as strategos for the first time earlier in the Severan period; he appears on a coin of Germe in the name of Plautilla, hence 202-205 AD. He must have accepted his second magistracy in the period 205-209 AD, since it is recorded on a coin of Geta as Caesar. The rather crowded reverse features deities that appear individually on numerous Germe coins in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, but not in this grouping, the significance of which is uncertain. We cannot say for sure if reference is being made to a specific event, but the posture of Tyche presenting a wreath to a seated figure (or being presented one herself) is often associated with the sponsoring of agonistic games proclaimed by the emperor and eagerly sought by ambitious towns for the prestige (and income) that the city derived from the affairs. On the other hand, the city fathers would be tapped for hefty contributions toward expenses, often leaving individual magistrates like Glykon bankrupt! He at least got his name on the coin. Germe may have celebrated such a festival, which perhaps coincided with the elevation of Severus’ younger son Geta to the rank of Augustus. The problem with this theory, though, is that there are no games issues struck during the Severan era at Germe. There are, however, multiple procession scenes possibly depicting an imperial visit.

Extremely Rare and the Finest Known

469.

LYDIA, Hypaepa. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (37mm, 23.90 g, 6h). Aurelius Damas & Aurelius Lucius Damas, strategoi. AYT K M AYP CЄ ANTΩNЄINOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ЄΠI AYP ΔAMA KAI ΛOYKIOY CTPA YΠAIΠHNΩN, Cult statue of Artemis Anaïtis standing facing, veiled and draped; to right, Helios, radiate, standing facing, head left, holding torch in raised right hand and globe in left. Hochard 861 (D94/R209) = Altinoluk 111B = Kurth 279 (this coin); Waddell 1, lot 270. Dark brown patina, minor marks. Near EF. Extremely rare, the finer of two known specimens. ($1000) Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2005), lot 766; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 631; Sternberg XIV (24 May 1984), lot 382.

165

Popular Zodiac Reverse

470.

LYDIA, Sardis. temp. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Medallion (39mm, 23.24 g, 12h). Aurelius Rufinus, first archon for the second time. ACIAC ΛYΔIAC ЄΛΛAΔOC A MHTPOΠOΛIC CAPΔIC, turreted, veiled, and draped bust of the Tyche of Sardis right / ЄΠI AYP POYΦЄINOY APX A T B CAPΔIANΩN B NЄΩKOPΩN, Zeus Lydios seated left, holding Nike in right hand and scepter in left; within zodiac circle; ZЄYC ΛYΔIOC across field. Hochard 2222 (D381/R807); Kurth 340; RPC VII.1. 3 (this coin). Brown patina, roughness, smoothing, once gilt with traces remaining. Near VF. Very rare, five recorded in RPC. ($1000) Ex Lanz 163 (7 December 2016), lot 435; Lanz 151 (30 June 2011), lot 857; Peus 366 (25 October 2000), lot 731; J. P. Righetti Collection, no. 275.

A popular Zodiac reverse type. Lorber summarized the type as “...a symbolic map of the cosmos. Zeus, chief of the gods, is the central figure...

Surrounding this scene is a broad band containing the twelve signs of the zodiac. The entire design reflects the common belief of third-century Romans that their lives were shaped by higher powers. This schema and variations on it were employed by numerous mints for different emperors from the mid-second through the mid-third centuries.”

471.

CILICIA, Tarsus. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Tridrachm (25.5mm, 10.56 g, 12h). AYT KAI ΘE TPA ΠAP YI ΘE NEP YI TPAI A∆PIANOC CE, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder, balteus across right shoulder / TAPCEΩN MHTPOΠΟΛΕΩC, lion attacking bull kneeling left. RPC III 3264; SNG BN –; Prieur 765; SNG Levante 997. Attractive light toning, scrape and tiny spot of verdigris on reverse. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 912.

472.

GALATIA, Ancyra. Antinoüs. Died AD 130. Æ (32mm, 23.74 g, 7h). Julius Saturninus, legatus Augusti. ΘEOC ANTINOOC, bare head of Antinoüs right / IOYΛIOC CATOPNINOC ANKYPANOIC, Mên standing left wearing cloak and Phrygian cap, crescent on shoulder, holding anchor and scepter. Arslan 83; RPC III 2839; SNG BN 2445; Blum, Smyrne 2; SNG Copenhagen 108. Brown-green surfaces. In NGC encapsulation 6369993-002, graded VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, Fine Style, smoothing. Very rare. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 507 (5 January 2022), lot 279; Auctiones E45 (21 February 2016), lot 73; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 4 (3 December 1985), lot 511.

166

473.

CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea-Eusebia. Nero, with Agrippina Junior. AD 54-68. AR Drachm (18mm, 3.74 g, 12h).

Struck AD 54-56. NERO CLAVD • DIVI CLAVD • F • CAESAR • AVG • GERMANI •, laureate head of Nero right / AGRIPPINA • AVGVSTA • MATER • AVGVSTI •, draped bust of Agrippina left, her hair in a long plait down neck; double K monogram behind. Ganschow, Münzen 55a; RPC I 3640; Sydenham, Caesarea 76. Light iridescent tone, minor hairlines, slightly off center.

EF. Extremly rare, three known to RPC, only two in CoinArchives, this specimen finer than all. ($2500)

RPC Plate Coin

474.

CAPPADOCIA, Caesarea-Eusebia. Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Didrachm (22mm, 5.89 g, 12h). CЄBACTOC AΔPIANOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left / ΠATHP ΠATPI YΠATOC TO Γ, Tyche standing left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left. Ganschow, Münzen 182; RPC III 3117.6 (this coin); Sydenham, Caesarea 252. Attractively toned with light iridescence. EF. Rare variety, only six known to RPC, three in CoinArchives. Excellent portrait, among the finest known. ($1000)

475.

ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (27mm, 11.96 g, 1h). Ephesus mint(?).

Struck 28 BC. IMP • CAESAR • DIVI • F • COS • VI • LIBERTATIS • P • R • VINDEX, laureate head right / PAX, Pax standing left, holding caduceus in right hand; to right, serpent arising from cista mystica; all within laurel wreath. Sutherland Group I, 1-72 (both dies unlisted); RPC I 2203 (Cistophoric mint); RSC 218. Deep cabinet tone, minor obverse die flaw, a few minor marks under tone. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Peter Corcoran Collection (Roma XVII, 28 March 2019), lot 628.

167

Three Magnificent Cistophoric Issues of Augustus

476

477

478

Photographed and Cited in RPC 476.

ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (27mm, 11.70 g). Uncertain mint in Asia Minor. Struck soon after 27 BC. IMP • CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, Sphinx seated right. Sutherland Group II 7376 (both dies unlisted); RPC I 2204.9 (this coin, Cistophoric mint); RSC 31. Lightly toned, minor marks, a little softly struck at high points. EF. Very rare. ($20,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 247 (hammer CHF 36,000).

477.

ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (26mm, 11.87 g, 11h). Pergamum mint(?).

Struck circa 27/6 BC. IMP • CAESAR, bare head right; lituus before / AVGV STVS, six grain ears bound together. Sutherland Group IIIγ, 99-115 (both dies unlisted); RPC I 2209.11 (this coin, Cistophoric mint); RSC 32. Lightly toned with hints of iridescence, minor marks under tone. EF. ($10,000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 249 (hammer CHF 19,000); Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 560; Gorny & Mosch 180 (12 October 2009), lot 274; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 389; Hess-Divo 309 (28 April 2008), lot 102.

478.

ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Cistophorus (25mm, 11.95 g, 12h). Ephesus mint(?).

Struck circa 25-20 BC. IMP • CAESAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, capricorn right, head left, bearing cornucopia on its back; all within laurel wreath. Sutherland Group IV 124 var. (O5/R–, [unrecorded rev. die]); RPC I 2213 (Cistophoric mint); RSC 16. Lightly toned, a few minor marks. EF. ($5000) From the Father & Son Collection. Ex Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 248 (hammer CHF 15,000).

168

RPC Plate Coin and Among The Finest Known

479.

ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Claudius, with Agrippina. AD 41-54. AR Cistophorus (26mm, 11.44 g, 6h). Ephesus mint(?). Group II, AD 51. TI CLAVD CAES • AVG • AGRIPP • AVGVSTA, laureate head of Claudius and draped bust of Agrippina left, jugate / DIANA EPHESIA, cult statue of Diana (Artemis) Ephesia standing facing, wearing calathus, fillets hanging from wrists. RPC I 2224.3 (this coin, Cistophoric mint); RSC 1. Attractive cabinet toning, trace deposits. Good VF. Rare, among the finest known. ($10,000) Ex Gasvoda Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 94, 6 October 2016), lot 106; Goldberg 60 (20 September 2010), lot 2360; BruunRasmussen 764 (11 December 2006), lot 5700; Richard Cyrill Lockett Collection (Part VIII, Glendining, 26 May 1959), lot 191; Glendining (15 November 1949), lot 68.

Exceptional Domitia Cistophorus

480.

ASIA MINOR, Uncertain. Domitia. Augusta, AD 82-96. AR Cistophorus (26.5mm, 11.17 g, 6h). Struck under Domitian, AD 82. DOMITIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, hair in long braids with single looped plait at back / VENVS AVG, Venus Victrix, seen half from behind, naked to the hips and draped below the waist, standing right, resting left elbow on column, holding scepter in left hand and helmet in right. RPC II 870; RSC 19; SNG von Aulock 6590. Old cabinet tone with deep iridescence, a few minor cleaning hairlines. Near EF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Ex Triton VI (14 January 2003), lot 854; CNG inventory 726296 (18 April 2001).

Domitia Longina was the daughter of the famous Roman general Corbulo, and the mistress of Domitian before the two were married in AD 71.

A boy was born to the couple, but died very young and was deified upon Domitian’s accession as emperor in AD 81. Domitia was acclaimed as Augusta shortly thereafter, but the marriage was a tempestuous one and she was exiled from the palace for a time in AD 83. By the following year she had returned, and the couple seems to have arrived at a modus vivendi for the rest of Domitian’s reign. The historian Cassius Dio claims Domitia had a role in her husband’s assassination in September of AD 96. However, she continued to refer to herself as “Domitia, wife of Domitian” for the rest of her long life. She died peacefully sometime between AD 126 and 130.

169

Salome, Daughter of Herodias – Cited by Josephus, Antiquities 18.5

481.

KINGS of ARMENIA MINOR. Aristoboulos, with Salome. AD 54-92. Æ (21.5mm, 7.89 g, 12h). Dated RY 13 (AD 66/7). ∫å45¬EW4 år54to∫oU¬oU Et 5˝, diademed and draped bust of Aristoboulos left / ∫å45¬54 4˙4 4å¬oÂ˙4, diademed and draped bust of Salome left. Kovacs 300; Meshorer 365 corr. (date); Hendin 1257a; RPC I 3840 corr. (same).

Dark red-brown and green patina, light scratch on reverse. Good VF. Clear and complete legends and date. ($10,000) Salome is described in the Gospels (Matthew 14 and Mark 6) only as the daughter of Herodias, who asked Herod Antipas for the head of John the Baptist in return for his daughter’s risqué dance for the king. Salome’s name is supplied by Josephus in Antiquities 18.5, where he also informs us that she grew up to marry her great-uncle Philip the Tetrarch and, after Philip’s death, her cousin Aristoboulos, who is featured on the obverse of this coin and with whom Salome had three sons. Aristoboulos was the son of Herod V of Chalkis and great grandson of Herod I, and was appointed king of Armenia Minor in the first year of Nero’s reign.

The present issue was struck in AD 66/7 (year 13 of Aristoboulos’s reign), the first year of the Jewish war and around 40 years since the execution of John the Baptist, which has been tentatively dated to some time between AD 25 and 29. Hendin (5th ed., p. 275) suggests that Aristoboulos struck this issue for propagandistic and political purposes, in the first year of the war, as a show of loyalty to Rome and his patron Nero.

When RPC was published, citing three known examples of this type, the date was off the flan on two pieces and the one example with partial date had been tentatively read as date Α or Η (RPC p. 570). Frank Kovacs subsequently discovered an example with a clear date 13 (Hendin p. 275, pl. 24, same obverse die as the present coin), and Kovacs’s opinion was that other reported dates were most likely mis-readings of that date. The publication of additional specimens has since confirmed Kovacs’ opinion, and it is now clear that all coins of this type are dated year 13.

Remarkable Bust Type – The Bearded Apollo of Hierapolis

482.

CYRRHESTICA, Hierapolis. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.16 g, 12h). Struck AD 215217. AVT • K • M A AN TΩNЄINOC •, laureate and cuirassed bust left, with gorgoneion on breastplate, holding scepter over shoulder in right hand, large shield suspended by baldric over left shoulder; shield is decorated with a half-length figure of the bearded Apollo of Hierapolis, wearing calathus, holding serpent-entwined spear in right hand and flower in left, set on a pedestal decorated with two eagles / ΔHMAPX • ЄΞ V ΠATOC TO • Δ •, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, lion advancing right. Prieur 935. Lustrous, light porosity. EF. Extremely rare, only six cited by Prieur, one in CoinArchives. Much finer than Prieur’s specimen. ($1000) A fascinating bust type, the shield Caracalla carries is decorated with a cult image of a local deity, whom Henri Seyrig (“Sur une idole hiérapolitane,” Syria 26 [1949], pp. 17-41) identified as the bearded Apollo of Hierapolis contained within the temple complex of Atargatis and Haddad. The statue is only briefly discussed by Lucian of Samosata (De Dea Syria 35), but Macrobius (Saturnalia I.17.66-67) describes it in much greater detail, informing us that Apollo wore a calathus, pointy beard, and cuirass, and held a lance and flower.

170

483.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Mark Antony & Cleopatra VII of Egypt. 36 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 15.08 g, 1h). Struck circa 36-34 BC. [B]ACIΛICCA KΛЄOΠATPA ΘЄA [NЄωTЄPA], diademed bust of Cleopatra right, wearing earring, necklace, and embroidered dress / ANTωNIOC AVTOKPATωP TPITON TPIωN ANΔPωN, bare head of Antony right. McAlee 174; RPC I 4094; Prieur 27; HGC 9, 1361. Lightly toned, trace deposits, minor surface cracks. VF. Two excellent portraits. ($15,000)

484.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Gaius (Caligula), with Germanicus. AD 37-41. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 15.04 g, 12h). ΓAIOΣ KAIΣAP ΣEBAΣTOΣ ΓEPMANIKOΣ, laureate head of Caligula right / ΓEPMANIKOΣ KAIΣAP, laureate head of Germanicus right. McAlee 227; RPC I 4163; Prieur 62; Trillmich 114. Lightly toned, minor roughness, light deposits. Near VF. Very rare, only six recorded in RPC, two in CoinArchives. ($2000)

485.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Nero. As Caesar, AD 50-54. AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.13 g, 12h). Struck under Claudius. NЄPωNOC KAICAPOC ΓЄPMANIKOY, bareheaded and draped bust right / ∆I∆PAXMON, simpulum and lituus.

McAlee 272; RPC I 4171; Prieur 70. Lightly toned, trace deposits, light cleaning marks, slightly off center. Near EF. An excellent example of the type. ($750)

486.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Nero. AD 54-68. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 15.33 g, 12h). Dated RY 10 and year 112 of the Caesarean Era (AD 63/4). NEPΩN KAIΣAP ΣEBAΣTOΣ, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / ETOVΣ BIP • I (dates), eagle standing right on thunderbolt, with wings displayed; palm frond in right field. McAlee 265a; RPC I 4188; Prieur 89. Lightly toned, lustrous, slight roughness in the fields, sharply struck. Choice EF. A superb specimen. ($750)

171

The Third and Finest Known

487.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Galba. AD 68-69. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.94 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 68/9). AYTOKPATωP ΓΑΛBAC KAICAP CЄBACTOC, bare head right / Eagle standing left on wreath, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; palm frond to left; between eagle’s legs, crescent; ЄTOYC B (date) in exergue. McAlee 309; RPC I 4198A; Prieur 100A. Lightly toned, small scratches on obverse, minor die flaws. Good VF. Extremely rare, one recorded in RPC, two in CoinArchives. The third and finest known. ($1500)

488 489 488.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Galba. AD 68-69. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.13 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 68/9). AYTOKPATωP CЄPOYIOC ΓΑΛBAC CЄBACTOC, bare head right / Eagle standing left on wreath, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; palm frond to left, ЄTOYC B (date) in exergue. McAlee 310; RPC I 4197 corr. (on thunderbolt); Prieur 99. Toned, lustrous with traces of iridescence, minor marks, peripheral weakness. Good VF. Excellent portrait. ($1000) 489.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Otho. AD 69. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 15.36 g, 1h). Dated RY 1 (AD 69).

AYTOKPATωP • M • OΘωN KAICAP CЄBACTOC, laureate head right / Eagle standing left on wreath, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; palm branch to left, crescent between legs, ЄTOYC A (date) below. McAlee 316; RPC I 4199; Prieur 101. Lightly toned, trace deposits, minor porosity. Near EF. ($1000)

490 491 490.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Vespasian, with Titus as Caesar. AD 69-79. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.89 g, 11h). Dated “New Holy Year” 2 (AD 69/70). AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΠAΣIANOY, small bust of Vespasian left, with slight drapery; below, eagle standing left with one wing extended / T ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠ KAIΣ ETOYΣ NEOY IEPOY, laureate head of Titus right; lituus to left, barred B (date) to right. McAlee 331; RPC II 1944; Prieur 109. Light iridescent tone with underling luster, trace deposits, slight double strike of reverse portrait. Near EF. Rare. Superior to any illustrated in RPC or in CoinArchives. ($750) 491.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.30 g, 12h). Dated “New Holy Year” 2 (AD 69/70). AYTO KPA KAICA OYЄCΠACIANOY, laureate head right / ETOYC NЄOY IЄPOY B (date), Eagle standing left on club, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; palm branch to left, crescent between legs. McAlee 351; RPC II 1961; Prieur 127. Lightly toned with underlying luster, minor marks and scratches, slight doubling of obverse portrait, area of weakness on reverse. EF. Rare. ($750)

172

492.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Geta. As Caesar, AD 198-209. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.33 g, 12h). Struck AD 205-207. ΓЄTAC KAICAP, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / VΠATOC TO • A •, eagle standing facing on leg and thigh of sacrificial animal, head and tail right, with wings displayed and holding wreath in beak.

McAlee 716; Prieur 204. Lustrous, a couple of small marks. Choice EF. Superb portrait of the young Geta. Rare. ($750)

493.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Geta. AD 209-211. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.04 g, 6h). Struck circa AD 211.

AYT • KAI • ΓЄTAC • CЄ • B •, laureate head right / • ΔHMAPX • Є • Ξ • VΠATOC • TO • B •, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; stars flanking head. McAlee 720; Prieur 213. Lustrous, minor marks, a couple of small scratches on reverse. Choice EF. Exceptional portrait of the 22 year old Geta, struck in the year of his assassination. ($750)

Master Engraver – The Finest Known

494.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Laodicea ad Mare. Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.87 g, 11h). Struck circa AD 205-207. AYT • KAI CЄOYHPOC C, laureate and cuirassed bust right, with gorgoneion on breastplate, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX • ЄΞ • YΠATTOC • Γ •, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed; star between legs. Prieur & Amandry Group I, 5 (this coin illustrated); McAlee, Severan, Group I, –; Prieur 1119 (this coin).

Lightly toned with hints of iridescence, lustrous. Choice EF. Superb portrait and bust, carved by a master die cutter. Very rare, only five noted by Prieur, eleven in CoinArchives. This, the finest known. ($2000) Ex Lanz 102 (28 May 2001), lot 707; Leu 33 (3 May 1983), lot 91.

173

495.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Laodicea ad Mare. Geta. As Caesar, AD 198-209. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.67 g, 6h).

Struck AD 205-207. KAICAP • • ΓЄTAC, bareheaded and cuirassed bust right with gorgoneion on breastplate, slight drapery on left shoulder / VΠATOC TO • A •, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed; star between legs. Prieur & Amandry Group I, 20; McAlee, Severan, Group I, 11; Prieur 1135. Lustrous. Choice EF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur, three in CoinArchives. ($1000)

496 497 496.

PHOENICIA, Aradus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 14.13 g, 11h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT • K • M • A • AV AN TΩNЄINOC • (retrograde), laureate and cuirassed bust left, holding spear over shoulder in right hand, large shield over left shoulder / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, bull’s head right. Prieur 1235. Lustrous, light roughness. EF. Extremely rare, only two known to Prieur, one in CoinArchives. ($750) 497.

PHOENICIA, Berytus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.85 g, 12h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT KAI ANTωNINOC CЄ, laureate head right / ΔHM • APX ЄΞ [YΠATO TO Δ], eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, grain ears above dolphin-entwined trident right. Prieur –; cf. CNG 79, lot 675 var. (two grain ears). Lustrous, light doubling in legends, slightly off center. EF. Extremely rare, unpublished. ($750)

498 499 498.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 11.02 g, 6h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT • KAI AN TωNINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠTOC Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, wine jar in crude style. Meshorer, Aelia 89b var. (rev. legend); Prieur 1629 var. (same). Lustrous, minor marks, small area of weakness on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare and unpublished variety, none on CoinArchives. ($750) 499.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 12.82 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANT ωNЄINOC C B, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX EΞ VΠATOC Δ, eagle standing facing on vine branch with three grape bunches, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, wine jar. Meshorer, Aelia 91; Prieur 1634; Sofaer 81. Lightly toned with traces of luster, minor marks. VF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur, two in CoinArchives. Possibly the fourth known. ($500)

174

500 501 500.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 11.54 g, 12h). Struck 215217 CE. AVT KAI ANTω NЄINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, mask of Silenus left; wine jar in exergue. Meshorer, Aelia 94a var. (obv. legend); Prieur 1620; Sofaer –. Lightly toned with some luster, obverse double struck. Near EF. Extremely rare, two known to Prieur, none in CoinArchives. ($750) 501.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 12.74 g, 11h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANT ωNЄINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, vine leaf. Cf. Meshorer, Aelia 94/95 (for obv./rev.); cf. Prieur 1618/1617 (same); Sofaer – Lightly toned with residual luster, light marks and scratches. Good VF. Very rare and unpublished variety. ($750)

The Second Known

502.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 15.01 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANT ωNЄINOC C B, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; in exergue, panther seated right with paw on wine jar. Meshorer, Aelia –; Prieur –; Sofaer –; Roma XIII, lot 520 (same dies; hammer £2,600). Lightly toned, areas of weak strike. VF. Extremely rare. Unpublished and the second known. ($750)

503 504 503.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Macrinus. 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 10.99 g, 12h). AVT K M OΠΛ C MAKPINOC C B, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠTOC ΠΠ, eagle standing facing on filleted thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, wine jar. Meshorer, Aelia 96 var. (obv. legend); Prieur 1639 var. (same). Lightly toned with luster, minor marks and scratches, light porosity, peripheral roughness. EF. Extremely rare. Unpublished legend variety. ($500) 504.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Macrinus. 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (26.5mm, 12.73 g, 6h). AVT K • M OΠΛ • C • MAKPINOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠTOC ΠΠ, Eagle standing facing on thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, wine jar, ivy leaf in exergue. Meshorer, Aelia –; Prieur 1643 var. (obv. legend); CNG 99, lot 509 (same dies; hammer $4,250). Lightly toned, lustrous, numerous scratches, peripheral weakness, slightly off center. Good VF. Extremely rare, the third known. ($750)

175

505 506 505.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Macrinus. 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.00 g, 12h). AVT K M OΠ CЄ MAKPIN[OC ЄCB], laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX Є VΠATOC, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, uncertain object. Meshorer, Aelia –; Prieur 1644 corr. (legends); Sofaer –. Lightly toned with some luster, graffito on reverse, slight roughness. Near EF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur, one more in CoinArchives, this is the third known. ($1000) Bellinger purchased his piece in the bazaar of Damascus and did not assign it to any particular mint. Based on stylistic links to coins of Diadumenian, Prieur placed the issue at Jerusalem.

506.

JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Diadumenian. As Caesar, 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 13.67 g, 12h). M OΠ ANTωN • KAI, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Δ HMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC ΠΠ, eagle standing facing on thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, wine jar (amphora). Meshorer, Aelia 99a; Prieur 1646; Sofaer 96. Lightly toned with underlying luster, a few minor marks. Near EF. Extremely rare, only two known to Prieur, four in CoinArchives, this coin superior to all published specimens. ($1000)

508 507 507.

JUDAEA, Ascalon. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 14.27 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. [AVT K • M] • AN TΩNЄINOC C Є, laureate head right / ΔH ЄΞ Y ΠATOCTO • Δ, eagle standing facing on palm frond, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; in exergue, dove right with olive branch in beak. Prieur 1654; Sofaer 177.

Traces of luster, some obverse die weakness. Good VF. Rare. ($750)

Unique Ascalon Tetradrachm 508.

JUDAEA, Ascalon. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (29mm, 12.48 g, 1h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT K • M • ANT ΩNЄINOC C Є, laureate head right / ΔH EΞ Y ΠATOC TO • Δ, eagle standing facing on palm frond, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; in exergue, T dove right T. Prieur –; Sofaer –. Toned, light marks. VF. Extremely rare and unpublished. The dove with two Ts in the exergue is not known for any emperor, this is the first appearance of such a type. ($750)

509.

JUDAEA, Ascalon. Macrinus. 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (28mm, 15.26 g, 12h). AVT KAI ΟΠ CЄ MAKPЄIИOC, laureate head right / ΔHM AP X ЄΞ VΠ Δ, eagle standing facing on palm frond, head left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; below, dove standing right, holding olive branch in beak. Prieur –; Sofaer –; Triton XXII, lot 736 (same obv. die). Lightly toned, lustrous, minor marks. EF. Extremely rare and possibly unique. While there are two similar specimens in CoinArchives, the reverse legends are slightly different. ($750) A great rarity missed by Prieur when compiling his book. He did, however, record a single tetradrachm of Diadumenian, so the appearance of an issue for Macrinus is not surprising.

176

Very Rare Portrait Issue of Agrippa I

510.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Agrippa I. 37-43 CE. Æ (21.5mm, 6.92 g, 12h). Dated RY 7 (42/3 CE).

[BA]IΛEY MEΓA AΓPIΠΠA [ΦIΛOKAI], diademed and draped bust right / KAIAPAI H ΠPO TΩ EBATΩ ΛIMENI, Tyche standing left, holding rudder in right hand and palm frond in left; L Z (date) to right. Meshorer 122; Hendin 6276; RPC I 4985; Sofaer 165. Earthen brown surfaces, light cleaning marks, metal flaw on reverse. Near VF. Very rare, one of the finest known. ($1500) From the J.K. Biblical Collection, purchased from J.P. Fontanille, January 2013. Ex Archaeological Center 14 (18 April 1995), lot 15.

The Fall of Jerusalem

511.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Vespasian. 69-79 CE. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 15.03 g, 12h). Dated “New Holy Year” 3 (70/1 CE). AYTO • KP • KAIΣ • OYEΣΠAΣIA, laureate head right / Eagle standing left on palm frond, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; club to left; ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY (date) around. McAlee 352 (Antioch); RPC II 1964; Prieur 131 (Antioch). Minor deposits, small die flaw on obverse, light scuff on reverse edge, edge hammered. Good VF. Very rare, only four known to RPC, another four in CoinArchives. ($750) The date “New Holy Year” 3 coincides with the fall of Jerusalem in August of AD 70 to the Romans under Titus’ command. The portraits of Titus for this year are similar to those seen on “Judaea Capta” bronze coins, and it is has been suggested that these tetradrachms were struck at the same mint. RPC has reattributed this series to Casearea Maritima based on portrait style.

512 513 512.

JUDAEA, Caesarea Maritima. Diadumenian. As Caesar, 217-218 CE. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 12.89 g, 12h). M • OΠ • ANTωN • KAI, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX • Є Z, eagle standing facing on serpent-entwined torch, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak. Prieur 1681; Sofaer –.

Luster over tone, slight porosity. Near EF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur and one in CoinArchives, the third known. ($1000) 513.

JUDAEA, Gaza. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 11.94 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT K • M • AV ANTΩNЄINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO • Δ •, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, symbol of Marnas.

Prieur 1691; Sofaer –. Toned with traces of luster, area of weakness. Near EF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur, two in CoinArchives (CNG 99, lot 524 hammered for $9,500). Possibly the fourth known. ($1000) 177

514.

JUDAEA, Gaza. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 13.58 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI ANTΩNЄINOC CЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / ΔHMAPX • ЄΞ VΠATOC TO • Δ •, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; symbol of Marnas above each wing, between legs, wreath with fillets. Prieur 1692; Sofaer –. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Near EF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur, two in CoinArchives, this coin finer than both. Possibly the fourth known. ($500)

Unpublished

515.

JUDAEA, Neapolis. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.67 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI AN TωNINOC C B, laureate head right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC T • Δ, temple complex atop Mt. Gerizim; all within linear border supported by eagle standing facing, head left, with wings displayed, wreath in beak. Cf. Kropp, Roman, Fig. 1 (for rev., same rev. die); Prieur 1700 var. (bust); Sofaer –; Galst, New Fig. 2 var. (rev. temple complex, eagle). Lustrous, light porosity.

Good VF. Extremely rare and unpublished, none in CoinArchives. ($2000)

516.

JUDAEA, Neapolis. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 14.48 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. AVT KAI AN TωNINOC C B, radiate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠTOC Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, three-horned altar. Kropp –; Prieur 1310 (Byblus). Lustrous, minor marks. Good VF. Extremely rare, only one known to Prieur, none in CoinArchives (one listed but incorrectly attributed). ($500) Dr. Kropp has reattributed this series, by die study, from Byblus to Neapolis in Judaea (see Dr. Andreas Kropp, “A Roman altar on Mt. Gerizim: Rediscovering a civic icon on tetradrachms of Neapolis (Samaria)” in JRA 34 [2021]. pp. 220-236).

517.

JUDAEA, Neapolis. Caracalla. 198-217 CE. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.38 g, 12h). Struck 215-217 CE. ΛVT KΛI ΛN TΩNINOC CЄ, laureate head right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, laureate head of Caracalla right, set on eagle standing facing, head left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; altar to upper right. Prieur 1699 = BN Inv. 1965.1117 (same rev. die); Bellinger –; Bellinger, Dura-Europos –; Sofaer –; Triton XXII, lot 743 var. (obv. legend; same rev. die).

Toned, porosity, some flan flaws. VF. Extremely rare obverse legend variety, only one cited by Prieur (in the Bibliothèque Nationale). ($750) 178

518.

MESOPOTAMIA, Edessa. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (27mm, 12.65 g, 12h). Struck circa AD 215217. AVT • K • M • AV • ANTΩNЄINOC CЄB, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front, with gorgoneion on breastplate / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, shrine with pediment. Prieur 843 (same obv. die). Lustrous, small flan crack, minor edge chips. EF. Rare, high relief portrait. ($500)

519 520 519.

MESOPOTAMIA, Edessa. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (29mm, 13.12 g, 12h). Struck AD 215-217.

AVT • K • M • AV • AИTΩИЄIИOC CЄB, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, shrine with pediment. Prieur –. Lustrous, small die flaws on obverse. Near EF. Extremely rare and unpublished. ($750) 520.

MESOPOTAMIA, Edessa. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 13.81 g, 11h). Struck AD 215-217.

AVT • K • M • AV • ANTΩNЄINOC CЄB, radiate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / ΔHMAP • X • ЄΞ • VΠATOC TO • Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, shrine with pediment. Prieur 850 (same obv. die as illustration). Attractive cabinet tone, trace deposits. Choice EF. ($1000) Ex Triton XVIII (6 January 2015), lot 904.

Dies of Exceptional Artistic Quality

521.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 27.15 g, 12h). Dated RY 13 (AD 128/9). AVT KAI TPAI AΔPIA CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Nilus reclining left on crocodile, holding cornucopia in extended right hand, and cradling reed in left arm; Iς (for 16 cubits) above, L TPICKAI (date) in exergue. Köln 1001; Dattari (Savio) 1808; K&G 32.470; RPC III 5730; Emmett 1014.13. Brown patina with earthen highlights. EF. Struck with dies of fine style. ($3000) Ex Triton XI (7 January 2008), lot 525.

The “Iς” on the reverse represents 16 cubits on the Nilometer, the gauge which measured the annual flood crest of the Nile, with 16 being the ideal point for the agriculture of the Nile valley. Lower than 16 cubits brought the danger of drought conditions, much higher and there was the possibility of damaging floods.

179

RPC Plate Coin

522.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 23.89 g, 12h). Dated RY 18 (AD 133/4). AVT KAIC TPAIAN A∆PIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Diademed bust of Hermanubis right, slight drapery on shoulder, wearing calathus and wreath; L IH (date) and palm frond to right. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 7685; K&G 32.584 var. (caduceus-palm frond combination before bust on reverse); RPC III 5891.9 (this coin); Emmett 986.18 (R3). Dark green patina, light roughness, light cleaning marks. Near VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the CLA Collection, purchased from Forum Ancient Coins, inventory no. 17103, 4 March 2007.

Rainer Pudill, in his 2014 book Antinoos – Münzen und Medaillen, classifies this type from Hadrian’s regnal year 18 as “pseudo-Antinoos” or a “hidden” representation of Antinoüs (see p. 96). Indeed, when Hadrian introduced coinage at Alexandria specifically to honor Antinoüs, he is always depicted in the guise of Hermanubis or Hermes.

Rare Altar of Agathodaemon

523.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 29.45 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 138/9).

AYT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Altar of Agathodaemon: monumental hexastyle altar; within, uncertain deity sacrificing to left; to either side of altar, a coiled serpent; above; four serpents rise from rocks with aphlasta as acroteria; below, LB (date). Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 3007; K&G –; RPC IV.4 96.5 (this coin); Emmett 1449.2 (R4). Dark green patina, flan void on reverse, edge chip. Good VF. Fine style portrait.

Very rare. ($3000) Ex Künker 347 (22 March 2021), lot 154.

Ex Wetterstrom Collection

524.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (34mm, 28.79 g, 11h). Dated RY 13 (AD 149/50).

AYT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄVC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / The Dioscuri on horseback facing each other, both holding a spear and wearing pileus, star above each; L TPIC KAIΔ (date) above and below. Köln 1636; Dattari (Savio) 8401 (same dies); K&G –; RPC IV.4 Online 14910; Emmett 1492.13. Mottled green-brown patina. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Michael Slavin Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions XIII, 4 December 1990), lot 113.

180

The Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection

The Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection I was born on July 30, 1947 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents Edward Beniak and Evelyn Stodola Beniak. My childhood and adolescent years were spent in Cudahy, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan. I attended Cudahy public schools through high school, graduating in June of 1965. Following in the footsteps of my grandfather and father, I matriculated to Marquette University, graduating cum laude with an A.B. degree in psychology in May of 1969. I was fortunate to be accepted into the University of Minnesota’s doctoral training program in Clinical Psychology, beginning my studies in the Twin Cities in September, 1969.

Always a responsible student, college and particularly graduate school left little time if any for the hobbies I had enjoyed beginning in early childhood. Spare time in high school was largely consumed by interscholastic athletics.

During college and graduate school, athletics were very limited and purely recreational. In retrospect, it was easy for me to identify a genetic pre-disposition to collect beginning with stamps and then the US coins that could be gleaned from circulation in the 50’s and 60’s. Thanks to the Stamp and Coin Department in Gimbels’s downtown store, occasional exotic foreign coins and perhaps even an ancient coin or two made the journey from New York to downtown Milwaukee and would catch my eye.

Acquiring my first ancient coin and the story behind it remain vivid in my memory. My maternal grandparents grew up on farms near Rice Lake, Wisconsin surrounded by lakes and the north woods. The highlight of each summer was to visit relatives there especially my two great uncles. Otto, the older of the two had enlisted in the Army in 1942 at 44 years of age to prevent his younger brother from being drafted. As fortune would have it, he ended up in a combat engineering outfit and traversed much of North Africa, Sicily, and the entire Italian peninsula. In June of 1959 while looking through Uncle Otto’s penny and dime jars, he blurted out “I think I’ve got a more interesting coin for you from Italy!” It came with an interesting story. His unit was assisting a British combat engineering unit clearing debris near Rome. In doing so, a clay pot was bulldozed spewing coins all over. British soldiers filled their pockets and later shared them with their American comrades and that’s how I got my first ancient coin, a beautiful extra fine sestertius of Phillip I with elephant and mahout reverse. Of course, it took me 13 years and a visit with Harlan Berk at the 1972 Central States Show to find out what it was.

Graduate studies allowed little time for hobbies. My academic interests and professional goals drifted away from traditional clinical psychology toward a relatively new subspecialty, clinical neuropsychology. Concerns over personality disorders and psychopathology were set aside and neurological disorders/patients became my focus along with how to evaluate the cognitive effects and deficits of same. Upon completion of my doctorate, I accepted a staff position at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and remained there for 10 years, working primarily with epilepsy patients, especially surgical candidates. In April of 1987, I continued this work in private practice. I also developed an active forensic neuropsychology practice which grew considerably after retiring from the university in 2015. Complete retirement essentially came on the heels of the COVID epidemic.

Despite working many long hours at my profession, I always found time to return to and indulge in my earlier passions including a love of history, classics (fostered by my father), and of course numismatics which now focused entirely on ancient coins.

Family life was also very important to me. In August of this year, my wife, Judith and I celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary.

Originally trained as a nurse, Judith retired in 2017 after a long and very productive career at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. Her work there ranged from staff RN on the organ transplant service to the founding director of the Health Careers Center. Judith helped lead this innovative center recruiting and coaching pre-health students in their exploration of health careers for 15 years. We have two children, Alexander and Larissa. Alexander is involved in security technologies and Larissa is a medical social worker.

My return to active coin collecting, especially ancients, dates to 1972 at which time Greek silver and Roman denarii and sesterces were the focus. As of November 1984 and owning only one billon tetradrachm, I initiated the pursuit of all things Roman Egypt, this quest lasting to the present. My efforts have provided me with enormous enjoyment, satisfaction, and a wealth of knowledge. Along the way, I have also made countless friends from the ranks of both dealers and fellow collectors.

Ongoing involvement in the Twin Cities Ancient Coin Club since 1974 has also contributed significantly. All have played an important role in building my collection and most importantly enjoying it. Thanks to you all.

182

Fine Style Portrait of Antonia

525.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Claudius, with Antonia. AD 41-54. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 12.81 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 41/2). TI KΛAVΔI KAIΣ ΣEBA ΓEPMANI AVTOKP, laureate head of Claudius right; L B (date) below chin / ΑΝΤΩΝΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗ, draped bust of Antonia right. Köln 62-3; Dattari (Savio) 114-5; K&G 12.3; RPC I 5117; Emmett 73.2. Deep cabinet toning, slight obverse roughness, off center obverse. Good VF. Rare. Fine style portrait of Antonia. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Ponterio 61 (26 February 1993), lot 339.

One of the Great Rarities in the Alexandrian Series

526.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Claudius. AD 41-54. BI Drachm (17mm, 2.97 g, 12h). Dated RY 3 (AD 42/3). [TI KΛ KA] CЄ AV, laureate head right; L Γ (date) before / Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing calathus. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 12.25; RPC I 5136; Emmett 76.3 (R4). Golden yellow patina, edge roughness, off center obverse. VF. Extremely rare, finer than the published examples. ($1500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 19 April 2018. Ex Classical Numismatic Group XIV (20 March 1991), lot 463; Aufhäuser 6 (5 October 1989), lot 310; Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions IV, 21 September 1988), lot 255; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 7 (27 April 1987), lot 813.

527.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Otho. AD 69. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 13.24 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 69). AYTOK MAPK OΘΩNOK KAIΣ ΣEB, laureate head right; L A (date) below chin / EΛEY ΘEPIA, Eleutheria standing left, leaning on column, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. Köln 247-8; Dattari (Savio) 326; K&G 18.5; RPC I 5359; Emmett 184.1. Toned, minor porosity, trace deposits. VF. Finer than those illustrated in RPC. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex New Orleans Collection; Classical Numismatic Group 43 (24 September 1997), lot 1151.

183

528.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitian. AD 81-96. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.03 g, 12h). Dated RY 8 (AD 88/9). [AYT KAI]ΣAP ΔOMITIANOΣ ΣEB ΓEPM, laureate head right / Athena Nikephorus standing facing, head left, holding Nike in her extended right hand, leaning on grounded shield with her left; L H (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 435bis; K&G 24.77; RPC II 2548; Emmett 237.8 (R5). Lightly toned, small deposits, minor porosity. VF. Very rare, nine recorded in RPC, four in CoinArchives. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts [XXVI] (18 October 1990), lot 2364.

529.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. BI Tetradrachm (24.5mm, 13.12 g, 12h). Dated RY 11 (AD 126/7).

AYT KAI TPAI AΔPAI CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Diademed and draped bust of Nike right; L EN ∆ EKATOV (date) around. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 1408; K&G 32.405; RPC III 5652; Emmett 870.11 (R5). Toned, minor porosity. Good VF. Very rare, four known to RPC, one in CoinArchives. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Barry Murphy, 14 August 2010.

530 531 530.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, with Marcus Aurelius as Caesar. AD 138-161. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.81 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTΩNINOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius right, seen from behind / M AVPH KAICAP, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius left, seen from behind; L Є (date) to left. Köln 1373; Dattari (Savio) 2111; K&G 35.132; RPC IV.4 Online 387; Emmett 1407.5 (R3). Toned, light porosity. VF. Extremely rare, the third known. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Holyland Numismatics at NYINC, 8 January 2010.

531.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. BI Tetradrachm (22mm, 13.77 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 of Antoninus Pius (AD 148/9). M AVPHΛIC KAICAP, bare head right / Draped bust of Serapis right, wearing ornate calathus; L ΔωΔЄKATOV (date) around. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 3174; K&G 37.17; RPC IV.4 Online 1098; Emmett 1861.12.

Deeply toned. Good VF. Very rare, only two in CoinArchives. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 12 September 2009.

184

532.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius, with Faustina Junior. As Caesar, AD 139-161. BI Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 12.60 g, 11h). Dated RY 22 of Antoninus Pius (AD 158/9). M AVPHΛIOC KAICAP, bareheaded and draped bust of Marcus Aurelius left / ΦAVCTINA CЄBACTH, draped bust of Faustina Junior right; L in exergue, K B (date) across fields. Köln 1937 var. (date arrangement); Dattari (Savio) 9003; K&G 37.99; RPC IV.4 Online 2070; Emmett 1846.22 (R3). Toned, minor porosity, peripheral roughness. VF. Rare, only three in CoinArchives. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Holyland Numismatics at NYINC, 8 January 2010.

533.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 12.79 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 161/2). M AVPHΛIOC ANTωNINOC C, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, seen from behind / Draped bust of Nike right; L B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 3352; K&G 37.129; RPC IV.4 Online 2320; Emmett 2067.2. Toned, minor deposits. Good VF. Very rare, three known to RPC, one more in CoinArchives. Superb and artistic portraits on both sides. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Holyland Numismatics at NYINC, 8 January 2010.

Rare Dynastic Issue

534.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Marcus Aurelius & Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 13.83 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 161/2). ANTωNINOC KAI OVHPOC CЄBACTOC, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius right vis-à-vis bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Lucius Verus left / Draped bust of Zeus-Ammon right, wearing crown of horns, solar disc and uraei; L B (date) across fields. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; RPC IV.4 Online 2331.3 (this coin); Emmett 2045.2 (R5). Dark brown surfaces. VF. Very rare, only three known to RPC, including this coin. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 9 February 2020. Ex Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 105, 10 May 2017), lot 605.

185

Unpublished and Unique

535.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 12.70 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 164/5). ΦAVCTINA CЄBACTH, diademed and draped bust right / APMЄ NIA, trophy consisting of a cuirass, helmet, shields and spears; below, Armenian captive, seated right, wearing Phrygian cap, hands bound behind his back, looking left; L Є (date) in field. Cf. Köln 2113/2163 (for obv./rev.); cf. Dattari 3230-1/9437 (for obv., rev. under Verus); RPC IV.4 Online –; cf. Emmett A/2363 (for obv., rev. under Verus). Brown patina with red and green, spot of corrosion on obverse. VF. Extremely rare and possibly unique. ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex CNG inventory 760245 (September 2005).

Ex Dattari and Wetterstrom Collections

536.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. BI Tetradrachm (22mm, 12.06 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 164/5). Λ AVPHΛIOC OVHPOC CЄ, laureate head left / APMЄ NIA, trophy consisting of a cuirass, helmet, shields and spears; below, Armenian captive, seated right, wearing Phrygian cap, hands bound behind his back, looking left; L Є (date) in field.

Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 3691 = RPC IV.4 Online 2737.4 (this coin); K&G 39.108; Emmett 2362.5. Dark brown patina. Good VF. Very rare. RPC plate coin. ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 27 September 1997. Ex Kerry K. Wetterstrom Collection (Classical Numismatic Auctions V, 9 December 1988), lot 192; Schweizerischer Kreditanstalt 4 (3 December 1985), lot 192; Sternberg XIII (17 November 1983), lot 718; Malter II (23 February 1978), lot 347; Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 3691.

Although Lucius Verus was not primarily known as a military emperor, preferring the political theater of Rome, Verus was dispatched to deal with the Parthian invasion in the east while his brother was ill in Rome. He began his advance east in AD 161. He spent the majority of the war as an administrative leader from Antioch, delegating command of his army to his generals. Finally, in AD 164, having never seen battle and under pressure from the Senate and his generals, Verus recovers Armenia and captures the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon. Although defeated, Vologases IV would not cede western Mesopotamia to Rome for another two years. The trophy and legend on the reverse of this coin commemorate the capture of the Parthian capital.

186

Extremely Rare and Unpublished

537.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. BI Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 13.45 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 164/5). Λ AVPHΛI OVHPOC CЄB, laureate bust right, draped left shoudler / Nilus seated left on rocks, holding reed in left hand and cornucopia in right; crocodile below; before him, Euthenia standing right, crowning cornucopia with wreath; Є/L (date) in left field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G –; cf. RPC IV.4 Online 2729-31 (rev. type); Emmett 2355.5 (R4). Brown patina. Good VF. Extremely rare, unpublished bust type for the reverse and year. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Holyland Numismatics at NYINC, 8 January 2010.

Cited in RPC – Ex Dattari Collection

538.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Lucilla. Augusta, AD 164-182. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 12.14 g, 12h). Dated RY 9 of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus (AD 168/9). ΛOVKIΛΛA C ANT ΘV, draped bust right / Asclepius standing facing, head left, sacrificing from patera in right hand over lighted altar, leaning on serpent-entwined staff to right; L Θ (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 9533 = RPC IV.4 Online 3113.4 = Figari & Mosconi 927 (this coin); K&G –; Emmett 2471.9 (R5). Toned, light roughness, minor deposits. Good VF. Extremely rare, four in RPC including this coin. ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex CNG inventory 736102 (October 2003); Nomisma 25 (21 September 2003), lot 144; Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 9533.

A Popular Maritime Theme

539.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Commodus. AD 177-192. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 11.72 g, 12h). Dated RY 29 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 188/9). M A KOM ANTω CЄB ЄVCЄB, laureate head right / Pharos of Alexandria; to right corbita under sail right over waves; L KΘ (date) in exergue. Köln 2242-3; Dattari (Savio) 3903; K&G 41.113; RPC IV Online 3539; Emmett 2542.29. Deeply toned, minor porosity. VF. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Victor England, 23 April 1988.

187

Three Rare Commodus as Herakles

540 541 540.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Commodus. AD 177-192. BI Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 12.60 g, 1h). Dated RY 33 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 192). Λ AIΛ AVP KOM ЄVCЄ CЄ ЄVTV, laureate head right / [Ρ]ωΜΑΙωΝ Η Ρ Α ΚΛЄΑ, Commodus, as Herakles-Helios, radiate-headed and nude, standing right, head left, raising right hand, chlamys draped over left arm and holding Nike, left foot on prow; L ΛΓ (date) in left field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 3843; K&G 41.142; RPC IV.4 Online 15626; Emmett 2531.33 (R5). Lightly toned, minor porosity. VF. High silver content, struck on a broad flan. Very rare and superior to the four specimens known to RPC. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 18 December 1999.

The reverse legend, along with the radiate crown and Nike, signify Commodus’ title Aniketos Romaios Herakles, the undefeatable conquerer for the Roman people, Commodus.

The reverse image is likely based on a statue which originally stood in the Herculis Invicti Ara Maxima, one of the earliest cult temples to Herakles in Rome, predating the circular Temple of Hercules Victor, possibly dating as early as the 6th century BC. The altar was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64 but was rebuilt and stood until the 4th century.

541.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Commodus. AD 177-192. BI Tetradrachm (23.7mm, 13.07 g, 12h). Dated RY 33 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 192). Λ AIΛ AVP KOM ЄVCЄ CЄ ЄVTV, laureate head right / [Ρ]ωΜΑΙωΝ ΗΡ Α ΚΛЄΑ, Commodus, as Herakles, seated left on rocks, holding Nike in his extended right hand and club and lion’s skin with his left hand and draped over his arm; [L ΛΓ (date) in exergue]. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 41.144; RPC IV.4 Online 3572.2 (this coin); Emmett 2532.33 (R5). Toned, high silver content. Good VF. Extremely rare, the second known and superior to the British Museum specimen. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 428 (5 September 2018), lot 314.

Rome had seen its share of deranged emperors by the time of Commodus in the late second century: Tiberius, Caligula, Nero, and Domitian all had their malicious sides but Commodus was different. By the time Commodus ascended to the throne, the old gods were no longer in favor and he attempted to bring back “The Golden Age” and revitalize their worship. It started innocently enough, donning a lion’s skin and club and addressing the Senate in the guise of Hercules, then appearing in public in the same attire. But Commodus’ megalomania soon took over his persona. He was in excellent physical condition and well skilled with the javelin as well as archery and chariot racing. He first entered the Colosseum driving a chariot of gold dressed as Herakles, much to the delight of all in attendance. He proceeded to slay a harmless ostrich and his popularity soared. This would be the height of his popularity, however, as his depravity would only grow from here. In future games, he is said to have slain 100 bears from the safety of his balcony. In one instance, he assembled a large number of men who had lost their feet, dressed them as serpents, and gave them sponges to throw in lieu of rocks and clubbed them to death pretending they were the gigantomachy. In one of his most heinous acts, when the stadium had run out of beasts, he ordered the first two rows of spectators to be thrown into the arena to be slaughtered by the gladiators. Commodus boasted of slaying over 12,000 men and beasts in the Colosseum. Many of Commodus’ exploits in the arena attempted to recreate Herakles’ labors Commodus also decided to rename the months and the city of Rome itself. August became Commodus, October became Herculeus, the rest of the months referenced many of his self-conferred titles. After a fire in Rome in AD 191, Commodus renamed the city Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana, or Commodus’ Colony, the Roman Senate became the Commodian Fortunate Senate, and Roman citizens became known as Commodiani. He survived two assassination attempts but was eventually killed by his favorite wrestler, Narcissus, who strangled him while in a bath. He had ruled for twelve years.

Consignor’s note: Emmett records 49 different reverse types of billon tetradrachms issued by Commodus as sole ruler (180 to 192 A.D.). These three tetradrachms are the only ones depicting Commodus as the “Roman Hercules”. All are exceptionally rare. They were all issued during the last year of his life (192 A.D.). Prior to this Commodus had already demonstrated considerable depravity and cruelty as described above.

However, his mental state continued to deteriorate as verified by these three tetradrachms. In fact, the motivation to issue them likely derived from an active psychosis. In describing Commudus, most historians use the term megalomaniac. This seems to be a gross understatement. His claim and belief in being reincarnated as the “Roman Hercules” can only be explained by a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.

Enlargement of Lot 540

Enlargement of Lot 541 188

Enlargement of Lot 542

542.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Commodus. AD 177-192. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 12.29 g, 12h). Dated RY 33 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 192). Λ AIΛ AVP KOM ЄVCЄ CЄ Є[VTV], laureate head right / ΡωΜΑΙ℧Ν Η Ρ ΑΚΛЄΑ, Commodus, as Herakles, standing facing, head left, holding the Golden Apples of the Hesperides and leaning on club, lion’s skin draped over his right arm; behind him, Nike standing left, crowning him with her right hand, holding palm frond with her left; L ΛΓ (date) in exergue. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) pl. 320, 599; K&G –; RPC IV.4 Online 3571.3 (this coin); Emmett –. Dark grey-brown surfaces. VF. Extremely rare, only four in RPC, two in CoinArchives, including this coin. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 355, 15 July 2015), lot 398 (hammer $1100).

Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Herakles was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these was to steal the Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Herakles asked the Titan Atlas, the father of Hesperides whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so.

Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Herakles that he would take back the apples to Tiryns for him. Herakles thereupon tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens while Herakles adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.

The Second Known

543.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Pertinax. AD 193. BI Tetradrachm (26mm, 12.99 g, 1h). Dated RY 1 (AD 193). AYT • KAI • Π • ЄΛOY IOC • ΠЄPTINAΞ • CЄB, laureate head right / Elpis advancing left, holding lotus blossum and raising hem of dress; L [A] (date) across field. Lempereur Type 3, 4 (D2/R3 – note2, probably this coin); Köln 2264; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 43.1; Emmett 2639 (R5). Dark brown patina, small scrape and edge roughness on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare, one of two known and the only one in private hands. ($20,000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 19 April 2018. Probably ex Reginald Godrey Peckitt Collection (Sotheby’s, 21 February 1929), lot 348 (not illustrated, but described as having the date unstruck).

544.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 12.20 g, 11h). Dated RY 2 (AD 193/4). AYT K Λ CЄΠT CЄOYHPOC ΠЄPT CЄB, laureate head right / Legionary aquila right on column between two signa topped with wreaths, columns decorated with capricorns facing outward; L B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4008; K&G 49.3; Emmett 2667.2. Red-brown patina, slight roughness. VF. Very rare, only three in CoinArchives. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Ponterio 47 (8 March 1991), lot 1357.

189

545 546 545.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. BI Tetradrachm (23mm, 12.53 g, 11h). Dated RY 2 of Septimius Severus (AD 193/4). IOYΛIA ΔOMNA CЄB, draped bust right / Zeus seated left on high-backed throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand and scepter in left; L B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 9737; K&G –; Emmet 2744 (R5).

Grey toning, light porosity. VF. Extremely rare, only one in CoinArchives. ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 14 March 1998.

Extremely Rare – Ex Dattari Collection 546.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Caracalla. AD 198-217. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.31 g, 12h). Dated RY 9 of Septimius Severus (AD 200/1). AYT K M AYPHΛ ANTωNINOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Caracalla on left, laureate and holding standard, and Geta on right, holding parazonium, standing facing each other, clasping hands, altar between; L Θ in fields. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4045 (this coin); K&G 51.3; Emmett 2762 (R5). Toned, slight reverse porosity, reverse flan flaw, double struck reverse. VF. Extremely rare, the second known (the other in the ANS). ($2000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 19 May 2018. Ex Philip DeVicci Collection (Triton IV, 5 December 2000), lot 373; Empire Coins 7 (2 May 1987), lot 190; Sternberg XIV (24 May 1984), lot 384; A. Hess 251 (7 May 1981), lot 174; Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 4045.

Ex Dattari and Staffieri Collections

547.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Geta. As Caesar, AD 198-209. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 14.68 g, 12h). Dated RY 9 of Septimius Severus (AD 200/1). [Π CЄ]ΠTIMIOC ΓЄTAC KAICA[P], bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Eagle standing right, head left with a wreath in its beak, wings closed; L Θ (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 9790 = Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 198 (this coin); K&G 53.3 var. (obv. bust type); Emmett 2795.9 (R5). Mottled toning, high silver content. Near EF. Extremely rare, only this coin in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 30 July 2020. Ex Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection (Triton XXI, 9 January 2018), lot 198, purchased from Renzo Canavesi, Sagno, 1996; Renzo Canavesi Collection (Sagno); Dr. Piero Beretta Collection (Milan); Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 9790.

Extremely Rare

548.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Elagabalus, with Annia Faustina. AD 218-222. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 13.57 g, 11h).

Dated RY 5 (AD 221/2). [A KAICAP MA AYP AN]TωNINOC ЄYCЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus right, seen from behind / ANNIA ΦAYCTINA CЄBA, draped bust of Annia Faustina right; L Є to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4093 & 12323; K&G 56.54; RPC VI Online 10140; Emmett 2910.5 (R5). Red-brown patina, light cleaning marks, peripheral roughness, edge splits. Near VF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives. ($3000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 12 October 2000.

190

Ex Dickie and Dattari Collections – Cited in RPC

549.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Aquilia Severa. Augusta, AD 220-221 & 221-222. Billon Tetradrachm (23mm, 11.52 g, 12h).

Dated RY 5 of Elagabalus (AD 221/2). IOYΛIA AKYΛIA CЄYHPA CЄB, draped bust right / Nike in galloping biga right; L Є (date) above. Köln 2381; Dattari (Savio) 4181 = RPC VI Online 10194.7 = Figari & Mosconi 1067 (this coin); K&G 58.14; Emmett 3019.5 (R4). Brown patina, obverse weakness, reverse sharply struck, small flan cracks. VF. Very rare. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Syracuse Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015), lot 1786; Classical Numismatic Auctions VI (1 March 1989), lot 303; Gordon J. Dickie Collection (Empire Coins 7, 2 May 1987), lot 197; Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 4181.

The second of Elagabalus’s three wives, Julia Aquilia Severa was a maiden from a good Roman family who had been selected to join the order of Vestal Virgins. Late in AD 220, she caught the eye of the emperor Varius Avitus Bassianus Antoninus, popularly known by the name of the exotic eastern sun god to which he served as High Priest, Elagabalus. Having conceived the scandalous idea of a union with a Vestal Virgin, the young emperor abruptly divorced the bride he’d only recently married, Julia Paula, and informed the Senate that a child begotten of a high priest of Elagabal and a priestess of Vesta could only be considered divine. Few in the Senate were likely moved by such an argument, but the emperor proceeded to marry the girl early in AD 221, causing widespread consternation and revulsion among the Roman populace.

Oddly, the marriage seems to have been a happy one, and Aquilia seems to have been the only female with whom the flamboyant emperor enjoyed spending time. Aquilia was given the rank of Augusta, becoming the fourth woman to bear the title in the female-dominated regime.

However, the true power behind the throne, Elagabalus’ formidable grandmother Julia Maesa, saw the tide of public favor turning and forced her grandson to divorce Aquilia to marry a respectable matron, Annia Faustina, a descendant of Marcus Aurelius. The willful emperor tired of Faustina almost immediately and returned to Aquilia before the end of AD 221, a course of action which surely contributed to his downfall in March of AD 222. Aquilia Severa seems to have survived her husband’s murder, but her subsequent career is unrecorded.

Ex Dattari Collection – Published in Figari & Mosconi

550.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian I. AD 238. Billon Tetradrachm (23mm, 12.51 g, 11h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CЄM AΦP ЄYCЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Nike advancing left, holding a wreath with her extended right hand and a palm frond over left shoulder; L A (date) to lower left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4658 = RPC VII.2 3635.12 = Figari & Mosconi 1352 (this coin); K&G 68.8; Emmett 3345.1 (R3). Brown patina with underlying silvering, minor pitting, reverse slightly off center. VF. Rare. ($1500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 70 (21 September 2005), lot 617; Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 4658.

191

Ex Dattari Collection – Cited in RPC

551.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian II. AD 238. Billon Tetradrachm (23.5mm, 12.40 g, 11h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC AΦP ЄYCЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Athena seated left on throne, holding Nike in extended right hand, spear in left, shield leaning against throne; L A (date) to lower left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 10159 = RPC VII.2 3641.2 = Figari & Mosconi 1364 (this coin); K&G –; Emmett 3353.1 (R5). Red-brown surfaces, light roughness, edge chips. VF. Extremely rare, four known to RPC, including this coin, one more in CoinArchives. ($2000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Praefectus Coins, 15 December 2015. Ex Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 381; Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 10159.

Each of the five coins studied were struck from the same reverse die. At first glance, it appears that the A in the date is double struck, but on closer inspection, it is an A over Δ. The reverse die has most likely been recarved from a year four tetradrachm of Maximinus, used the previous year and earlier in the same year.

Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection

552.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Balbinus. AD 238. BI Tetradrachm (24mm, 13.04 g, 11h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). A K ΔЄK KAIΛ BAΛBINOC ЄYC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Homonoia standing facing, head left, raising right hand and holding double cornucopia in right; L A (date) to lower left. Köln 2611 var. (obv. legend ends EV); Dattari (Savio) 10171 = RPC VII.2 3673.2 (this coin); K&G 70.7 var. (same); Emmett 3374.1 (R4). Dark brown patina with underlying luster, minor roughness. VF. Very rare, only five known to RPC, including this coin. ($750) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions IV (21 September 1988), lot 317; Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 10171.

Ex Col. James W. Curtis Collection

553.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Aemilian. AD 253. Billon Tetradrachm (24mm, 10.85 g, 11h). Dated RY 2 (AD 253). A K M AIMΛ AIMIΛIANON ЄYC CЄB, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Alexandria, wearing turreted crown, standing left, raising right hand, holding scepter in left; L B (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 10509-10; K&G 85.3; RPC IX 2326; Curtis 1487 (this coin); Emmett 3692.2 (R4). Dark brown patina, light porosity, edge chip. Good VF. Very rare, only one in CoinArchives. ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 19 April 2018. Ex Kalmbach Collection; Col. James W. Curtis Collection, no. 1487.

192

Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra

554.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Zenobia. Usurper, AD 268-272. Potin Tetradrachm (22mm, 9.90 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 of Vabalathus (AD 272). CEΠTIM ZHNOBIA CЄB, draped bust right, wearing stephane / Homonoia standing facing, head left, raising her right hand, holding double cornucopia with her left; L Є (date) to left. Bland, Covinage 59; Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 5512; K&G 108.2; RPC X Online 75758; Emmett 3912.5 (R2). Brown patina, roughness, flan crack, small edge chip. VF. ($2000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 6 October 2009.

The widow of Odenathus, the ruler of the rich eastern trade center Palmyra, and the mother and regent of Vabalathus, Septimia Zenobia became a powerful regional ruler in her own right. Granted de facto power in the East by the emperor Gallienus to counteract the Persian advance, Odenathus used the opportunity to establish his own separatist kingdom. When Odenathus was murdered in AD 267, Zenobia used the moment to advance her son Vabalathus. Since he was still in his minority, Zenobia took over as regent, using the confusion following the death of Gallienus to offset her position between Rome and Persia and expand Palmyrene power. In AD 269 the Palmyrenes seized control of Egypt and with it, the Roman grain supply. To bolster her position, Zenobia began to lay claims to an illustrious ancestry, including Cleopatra VII of Egypt and the legendary Dido of Carthage.

Aurelian, initially taken with concerns in the west, pragmatically acquiesced to Zenobia and Vabalathus’ rule in the East. Eventually, though, the situation was stabilized in the West, allowing him to vigorously campaign against them in AD 272. Palmyra was sacked, and both Zenobia and Vabalathus were captured as they tried to make their way to Persia. She was brought to Rome and paraded in Aurelian’s triumph in AD 274, bound in gold chains. According to later tradition, Aurelian, impressed by her beauty and dignity, later freed her, and granted her a villa in Tibur, where she spent the rest of her life.

556 555 555.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Vabalathus. Usurper, AD 268-272. Potin Tetradrachm (21mm, 8.59 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 (AD 272). AYT K OYABAΛΛAΘOC AΘHNO CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Radiate and draped bust of Helios right; L Є (date) across field. Bland, Coinage 51; Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 5508; K&G 109.1; RPC X Online 75755; Emmett 3909.5 (R4). Brown patina, light roughness. Near VF. Rare, only two in CoinArchives. Well centered and struck. ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Holyland Numismatics, 25 May 2011.

556.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Diocletian. AD 284-305. Potin Tetradrachm (20mm, 6.46 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 295/6). ΔIOKΛHTIANOC CЄB, laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Laureate and draped bust of Zeus right; L I B (date) in field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 5773; K&G 119.137; RPC X Online 76336; Emmett 4086.12 (R4). Dark brown patina.

Choice EF. Very rare, five in CoinArchives. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, 21 March 1995.

RPC Plate Coin

557.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. Potin Tetradrachm (19.5mm, 7.96 g, 12h). Dated RY 11 (AD 295/6). MAΞIMIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Draped and cuirassed bust of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, holding spear forwards; L I A (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 10699; K&G –; RPC X Online 76363; Emmett 4097.5 (R5). Brown patina with golden iridescence. Choice EF. Extremely rare and possibly the finest known. ($500) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Naville Numismatics 45 (9 December 2018), lot 263.

193

The Revolt of Domitius Domitianus

558.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Potin Octodrachm(?) (22mm, 8.52 g, 11h). Dated RY 2 (AD 297/8). ΔOMITI ANOC CЄB, radiate head right / Serapis standing right, raising right hand, holding scepter with left, palm frond to left; L B (date) across field. Köln 3367 var. (position of date); Dattari (Savio) 10829-32; K&G 126.2; RPC X Online 76424; Emmett 4241.2. Brown patina, slight reverse weakness, light roughness, small flan crack. Good VF. Rare. ($2000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions V (9 December 1988), lot 210; Numismatic Fine Arts XII (23 March 1983), lot 441.

The revolt of Domitius Domitianus in Egypt destabilized a vitally strategic region by interrupting the grain supply to Rome and opening the possibility of a Sasanian invasion. For almost a year, Domitius Domitianus controlled Alexandria and its mint, striking aurei and folles, as well as a series of pre-reform provincial denominations.

Domitianus issued a denomination reform at Alexandria during his brief occupation of the city. A major question regarding these latter coins has been what were their specific values. For the most part, scholars agree that the larger coins featuring the radiate bust must be a double, and thereby call it an octodrachm. At half the weight, then, the smallest coins with the Nike on the reverse must be tetradrachms, though these coins have erroneously been called heretofore didrachms. The weights of these tetradrachms appear consistent with the final issues of pre-reform tetradrachms of the Tetrarchs. The middle denomination poses the largest challenge to this arrangement. By weight, it should be a hexadrachm. However, no such denomination was known to have been struck in Egypt, though tetradrachms earlier in the third century achieved this weight. The obvious problem here would be the confusion caused in circulating the same denomination in two different weights.

As this type is the rarest of the group, it is possible that it was meant for a special occasion, or more remotely, a stalled attempt to reinstitute the pre-reform coinage on an earlier weight standard. Further investigation may shed more light on this subject.

An Extreme Rarity in the Late Alexandrian Series

559.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. Potin Tetradrachm (21mm, 7.47 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 292/3). ΦΛA KωCTANTIOC K, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Draped bust of Isis left, wearing crown of horns and solar disk; L A (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 10765-6; K&G –; RPC X Online 76526; Emmett 4192.1 (R5). Dark red-brown patina, slight porosity and peripheral roughness. Near EF. Extremely rare, only the Dattari specimen in CoinArchives (hammer £1700). ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Nilus Coins, 27 September 1997. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts [XXVI] (18 October 1990), lot 2538.

The Second and Finest Known

560.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. Potin Tetradrachm (19mm, 6.90 g, 12h). Dated RY 4 (AD 295/6). ΓΑΛ ΜΑΞI MIANOC K, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Galerius left, holding a spear over his right shoulder and a shield on his left shoulder; his helmet decorated with a crowning Nike; star over L ∆ (date) to left. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) – (but cf. 6110 – a similar bust right with shield only); K&G – (but. cf. 122.39 – same); RPC X Online 88566 corr. (obv. legend); Emmett 4221.4 (R5); Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 249; Triton XXI, lot 250. Dark brown patina, slight roughness. EF. Extremely rare, the second and finest known example (the other, Triton XXI, lot 250, hammer $1600). ($1000) From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, 21 March 1995.

194

ROMAN REPUBLICAN COINAGE

561.

Anonymous. Circa 280 BC. Æ Aes Grave Semis (53mm, 156.75 g, 12h). Libral cast series. Rome mint. Helmeted head of Minerva left, wearing high crested Corinthian helmet; Í (mark of value) horizontally below; all on raised disk / Bare head of Venus left; Í (mark of value) above; all on raised disk. Crawford 14/2; ICC 26; Sydenham 9; Haeberlin pl. 38, 9-10; HN Italy 269; RBW –. Dark brown patina, cleaning scratches, casting voids with deposits. Good Fine. Very rare. ($750) From the Ramrodivs Collection.

562.

Anonymous. Circa 270 BC. Æ Aes Grave As (66mm, 326.0 g, 12h). Libral cast series. Rome mint. Diademed head of Apollo right; i (mark of value) above; all on raised disk / Diademed head of Apollo left; i (mark of value) above; all on raised disk. Crawford 18/1; Sydenham 15; HN Italy 279; ICC 33; Haeberlin pl. 34, 1-10; BMC Italy –; Kestner –; RBW 20. Beautiful green patina with patches of red, small casting voids. Good VF. Impressive cast in high relief giving a sculptural appearance.

Rare. ($5000) From the D.K. Collection.

195

563.

Anonymous. Circa 270 BC. Æ Aes Grave Triens (47mm, 106.65 g, 12h). Libral cast series. Rome mint. Head of horse right; •••• (mark of value) below / Head of horse left; •••• (mark of value) below. Crawford 18/3; Sydenham 17; HN Italy 281; ICC 35; Haeberlin pl. 36, 2-4; BMC Italy p. 52, 13–7; Kestner 33–4; RBW –. Brown patina, light smoothing, casting voids. VF. Impressive cast in high relief. ($1500) From the Ramrodivs Collection, purchased from James Beach.

564.

Anonymous. Circa 264-255 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.21 g, 7h). Rome mint. Diademed head of beardless young Hercules right, wearing lion skin around neck; club on shoulder / She-wolf standing right, head left, suckling the twins (Romulus and Remus); rOÂANO in exergue. Crawford 20/1; Sydenham 6; HN Italy 287; RSC 8; BMCRR RomanoCampanian 28; Kestner 38-9; RBW 23. Toned, minor marks, trace deposits. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Peus 337 (3 November 1993), lot 274.

565.

Anonymous. Circa 250-240 BC. AR Didrachm (18mm, 6.50 g, 6h). Neapolis(?) mint. Head of Roma (or Diana) right, wearing Phrygian helmet adorned with griffin’s head; sword in scabbard with strap to left / Victory standing right, attaching wreath to long palm frond; rOÂANO to left, ii to right. Crawford 22/1; Burnett, Romano, pl. III, 49; Sydenham 21a; HN Italy 295;RSC 7a; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 41 var. (rev. control); Kestner –; RBW 30 corr. (Sydenham reference).

Old cabinet toning, reverse scrape, minor edge flaws. Good VF. ($2000) Ex M. Ratto FPL (February 1966), no. 285.

196

566.

Anonymous. Circa 250-240 BC. AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.69 g, 6h). Neapolis(?) mint. Head of Roma (or Diana) right, wearing Phrygian helmet; cornucopia to left / Victory standing right, attaching wreath to long palm frond; rOÂANO to left, i to right. Crawford 22/1; Burnett, Romano, pl. I, 10; Sydenham 21; HN Italy 295; RSC 7; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 36 var. (control); Kestner –; RBW –. Toned, minor marks under tone. VF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 87 (18 May 2011), lot 916; Frederick H. Rindge Collection (Malter XXX, 7 June 1985), lot 1444.

While this series is not particularly rare, the I control is considerably rarer than the others. It is unlisted in Crawford and this coin is the only specimen recorded in CoinArchives.

Ex Brand and Niklovitz Collections

567.

Anonymous. Circa 235 BC. Æ Semilitra (12mm, 1.37 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet adorned with griffin’s head / Dog standing right, left paw raised; rOÂA below. Crawford 26/4; Sydenham 22; HN Italy 309; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 44; Kestner 66-74; RBW 51. Dark brown patina, minor porosity. Near EF. Very rare, one of the finest known. ($750) Ex Goodman Collection (Triton I, 2 December 1997), lot 842; Virgil Brand Collection (Part VII, Sotheby’s, 25 October 1984), lot 478 (part of); Niklovitz Collection (L. Hamburger [76], 19 October 1925), lot 221.

568.

Anonymous. Circa 235 BC. Æ Aes Grave Sextans (34.5mm, 19.19 g, 12h). Rome mint. Cockle (or scallop) shell, convex; • • (mark of value) and club below / Cockle (or scallop) shell, concave; club below. Crawford 27/9; Sydenham 42; HN Italy 322; ICC 62; Haeberlin pl. 29, 13-7; BMC Italy p. 47, 10–2; Kestner 87; RBW 59. Green-brown patina with light deposits, small casting voids. VF. ($750) From the Gil Steinberg Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 19 August 1980.

197

Ex Thurlow Collection

569.

Anonymous. Circa 230-220 BC. Æ Aes Grave Dupondius (71mm, 259.87 g, 6h). Volterrae (Etruria) mint. Janiform head of Culsans, wearing pointed petasus / Club;   (mark of value) across field;  around. ICC 136; HN Italy 109a; Haeberlin p. 83, 1-6. Dark green patina, traces of deposits. VF. Rare. ($3000) From the Ramrodivs Collection. Ex Berk BBS 179 (24 May 2012), lot 447; L.C. Aes Grave Collection (Triton XV, 3 January 2012), lot 1449; Numismatica Ars Classica 10 (9 April 1997), lot 287; Bradbury Kalmonde Thurlow Collection (Classical Numismatic Group XXIV, 9 December 1992), lot 69.

570.

Anonymous. Circa 225-217 BC. Æ Aes Grave As (65mm, 290.80 g, 12h). Libral cast series. Rome mint. Head of bearded Janus; – (mark of value) below; all on a raised disk / Prow of galley right; i (mark of value) above; all on a raised disk.

Crawford 35/1; ICC 74; Sydenham 71; HN Italy 337; Haeberlin pl. 10, 1–16; BMCRR Rome (Aes Grave) 1–9; Kestner 112–3; RBW 83. Green patina with light earthen deposits. EF. A spectacular coin in a wonderful state of preservation. ($2000) From the CLA Collection, purchased from Subak 22 December 1992. Ex NBD Bank Money Museum Collection (Part II, Craig Whitford Numismatic Auctions, 30 November 1992), lot 146.

198

571.

Anonymous. Circa 225-217 BC. Æ Aes Grave Semis (53mm, 114.11 g, 12h). Libral cast series. Rome mint. Laureate head of Saturn left; Í (mark of value) horizontally below; all on raised disk / Prow of galley right; Í (mark of value) above; all on raised disk. Crawford 35/2; ICC 76; Sydenham 73; HN Italy 338; RBW 86. Green-brown patina with light earthen deposits, small casting voids on reverse. Good VF. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Auctions XVI (16 August 1991), lot 338.

Ex RBW, Johns Hopkins University, Garrett, & Vierordt Collections Pedigreed to 1923

572.

Anonymous. Circa 225-217 BC. Æ Aes Grave As (73mm, 280.10 g, 12h). Libral cast series. Rome mint. Head of Minerva facing slightly right, wearing triple-crested helmet / Bull standing right; l above, rOÂA below. Crawford 37/1a; ICC 73; Sydenham 138; HN Italy 331; Haeberlin pl. 55, 3-4; RBW 93 (this coin). Green patina, roughness, minor casting flaws.

Near VF. Extremely rare, only three in CoinArchives. ($5000) From the Ramrodivs Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk. Ex RBW Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 61, 5 October 2011), lot 42; Classical Numismatic Group XXIV (9 December 1992), lot 43; Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 44.6.120] (Part I, Numismatic Fine Arts and Bank Leu, 16 October 1984), lot 606; John Work Garrett Collection [inv. G 1024]; M. L. Vierordt Collection (J. Schulman, 5 March 1923), lot 39.

According to Thurlow-Vecchi, this is a war issue. This head of Minerva is reminiscent of those of Eukleidas on Syracusan tetradrachms, and the bull may represent Italy. “Such a combination, together with the ROMA inscription, would fittingly symbolize the anti-Carthaginian alliance of Rome, Magna Graecia, Hiero of Syracuse, and the [Mamertini] (a Samnian expeditionary force originally and the specific pretext for the First Punic War)” (Thurlow-Vecchi p. 25).

199

The Roman Quadrigatus This type, the first truly extensive Roman coinage in silver, began shortly before the outbreak of the Second Punic War and continued until it was superseded by the denarius reform of circa 211 BC. Some early Roman imperial texts refer to a coin called a “quadrigatus” that was used to make payments during the war against Hannibal; this is clearly the type that commenced circa 225 BC, bearing a youthful, laureate janiform head on the obverse and a quadriga carrying Jupiter and Victory on the reverse. The issue was quite large and included a number of variant subtypes, indicating several mints were involved in the production. Later issues were struck on smaller flans in debased silver, no doubt due to wartime shortages.

573.

Anonymous. Circa 225-212 BC. AR Didrachm – Quadrigatus (23mm, 6.67 g, 5h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Janus, two small annulets at top of head, curved truncation / Jupiter, hurling thunderbolt with right hand and holding scepter in left, in galloping quadriga driven right by Victory, holding reins in both hands; rOÂa incuse on raised tablet in exergue.

Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64; HN Italy 334; RSC 23; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 83; Kestner 89–90 and 94; RBW 65–6.

Lightly toned, light marks and hairlines, small die crack on obverse. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Tauler & Fau 77 (9 March 2021), lot 47; Phoibos Collection (Künker 326, 7 October 2019), lot 997.

574.

Anonymous. Circa 225-212 BC. AR Didrachm – Quadrigatus (21mm, 6.62 g, 9h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Janus, no annulets at top of head, curved truncation / Jupiter, hurling thunderbolt with right hand and holding scepter in left, in galloping quadriga driven right by Victory, holding reins in both hands; rOÂa incuse on raised tablet in exergue. Crawford 28/3; Sydenham 64a; HN Italy 334; RSC 23; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 87; Kestner 88, 92–3, and 95; RBW 65. Lightly toned and lustrous, minor metal flaw. EF. Elegant rendering of Janus. ($1500)

575.

Anonymous. 211-208 BC. AV 60 Asses (15mm, 3.36 g, 8h). Rome mint. Bearded head of Mars right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; çc (mark of value) to left / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, with wings spread; rOÂA below. Crawford 44/2; Sydenham 226; Bahrfeldt 4a; Biaggi 3; BMCRR Rome 185-6; Kestner 285-6; RBW 160–1. In NGC encapsulation 6062408-004, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($7500) Ex Ed’s Treasures Collection (Heritage 61238, 5 December 2021), lot 99069); Stacks (1 November 2010), lot 312; CNG inventory 863493 (2010); Sternberg XXIX (30 October 1995), lot 409; Numismatic Fine Arts XXXIII (3 May 1994), lot 1468.

200

576.

Anonymous. 208 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 4.48 g, 9h). Club series. Uncertain mint in southeast Italy. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, single-pendant earring, pearl necklace, and hair in three symmetrical locks; x (mark of value) to left / The Dioscuri, each holding couched spear, and wearing chlamys, cuirass, and a pileus surmounted by star, on horseback riding right; club below horses; rOÂa in exergue. Crawford 89/2; Sydenham 211; RSC 20g; BMCRR Rome 309; Kestner 1032-7; RBW 382. Deep old collection toning, small obverse scrape, short flan crack.

EF. Exceptional, among the finest known. ($750) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 492 (hammer CHF 3500).

577.

C. Junius C.f. 149 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 4.04 g, 6h). Rome mint. Helmeted head of Roma right; x (mark of value) to left / The Dioscuri, each holding couched spear, and wearing chlamys, cuirass, and a pileus surmounted by star, on horseback riding right; C • iuNi • C • F below; rOÂa in tablet in exergue. Crawford 210/1; Sydenham 392; Junia 1; BMCRR 660-3; Kestner 1995-6; RBW 893. Vibrant iridescent toning. EF. ($750)

578.

L. Sempronius Pitio. 148 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.92 g, 3h). 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; x (mark of value) below chin, πiTiO to left / The Dioscuri, each holding couched spear, and wearing chlamys, cuirass, and a pileus surmounted by star, on horseback riding right; L • Íef below horses, rOÂa in relief in linear frame in exergue. Crawford 216/1; Sydenham 402; Sempronia 2; BMCRR Rome 717; Kestner 2045–7; RBW 926. Deep iridescent cabinet tone. Superb EF. ($750) Ex Andrew McCabe Collection (Roma E-Sale 86, 8 July 2021), lot 778; Manhattan Sale III (3 January 2012), lot 2012; Gorny & Mosch 190 (11 October 2010), lot 420.

579.

Ti. Veturius. 137 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.85 g, 3h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Mars right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, ornamented on each side with a feather or aigrette; Ti • & downward to left, x (mark of value) to left between end of crest and back of neck / Oath-taking scene: Youth kneeling left, looking right between two soldiers, each of whom holds a spear in left hand and sword in right that touches a pig held by the youth; rOÂA above. Crawford 234/1; Sydenham 527; Veturia 1; BMCRR Italy 550-4; Kestner 2131–2; RBW 969. Lightly toned with underlying luster, irregular flan. Superb EF. ($750) Ex Alan J. Harlan Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 794; Hess-Divo 317 (27 October 2010), lot 510; Sternberg XXXII (28 October 1996), lot 154 (part of).

201

580.

C. Aburius Geminus. 134 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.94 g, 10h). 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; BMCRR Rome 999; Kestner 2214–5; RBW 1006. Lightly toned and lustrous, a few minor metal flaws. EF. ($750) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 115 (25 May 2005), lot 538.

Ex Haeberlin Collection – Pedigreed to 1933

581.

M. Caecilius Q.f. Q.n. Metellus. 127 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.94 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces and peaked, star on ear-flap, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace, hair falling in three locks; x (mark of value) below chin; rOÂA upward to left / Macedonian shield with head of elephant right in central boss, surrounded by laurel wreath;  • ÂeTeLLuÍ • œ • F around. Crawford 263/1a; Sydenham 480; Caecilia 29; BMCRR Rome 1145; Kestner 2368-70; RBW 1064. Old cabinet toning with light iridescence.

EF. Exceptional, one of the finest known. ($1000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 518; Ernst Justus Haeberlin Collection (Cahn & A. Hess, 17 July 1933), lot 571.

582.

T. Quinctius Flamininus. 126 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.94 g, 11h). Rome mint. Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces and peaked, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace, hair falling in three locks; apex to left, • (mark of value) below chin / The Dioscuri, each holding couched spear, and wearing chlamys, cuirass, and a pileus surmounted by star, on horseback riding right; below T œ flanking Macedonian shield; rOÂA in exergue. Crawford 267/1; Sydenham 505; Quinctia 2; BMCRR Rome 1038; Kestner 2401-2; RBW 1078. Lustrous, light die rust. Choice EF. ($750) Ex Grand Haven Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 936.

202

Ex Haeberlin Collection – Pedigreed to 1933

583.

L. Philippus. 113-112 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.88 g, 12h). Rome mint. Head of Philip V of Macedon right, wearing diademed royal Macedonian helmet with goat horns; ” to left, f below chin / Equestrian statue, holding laurel branch, right on inscribed tablet; flower below horse; • (mark of value) in exergue. Crawford 293/1; Sydenham 551; Marcia 12; BMCRR Italy 532; Kestner 2494-5; RBW 1132. Attractive old collection toning with iridescence, minor marks. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Leu Numismatik 8 (23 October 2021), lot 219; Dr. Hans Krähenbühl Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 52, 19 June, 1975), lot 314; Ernst Justus Haeberlin Collection (Cahn & A. Hess, 17 July 1933), lot 595.

Though roughly 90 years removed from his interactions with the Roman Republic, the image of Philip V of Macedon was a clear reminder of Rome’s victories and gains in the Macedonian Wars. Through the usual practice of puns on republican coins, the moneyer here utilized Philip to further allude to his own cognomen, Philippus.

584.

L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus. 89 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.88 g, 11h). Rome mint. Bearded head right of the Sabine king, Tatius; ÍABiN downward to left, palm frond to right / Tarpeia facing, buried to her waist in shields, with raised hands she tries to thrust off two soldiers who are about to cast their shields at her; star-in-crescent above; L • TiTuri in exergue. Crawford 344/2b; Sydenham 699; Tituria 4; BMCRR Rome 2328; Kestner 3007-10; RBW 1301. Deep iridescent toning. EF. ($500) Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection [ANS 1001.1.22556] (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 513.

There are two variant legends concerning Tarpeia, a maiden of Rome’s mythical founding years. One story, probably the earliest, holds that she agreed to betray Rome to the Sabines by opening the city gates, in return for which she would receive what the Sabine soldiers wore on their left arms. She meant their heavy golden bracelets, but after the deed, the soldiers “rewarded” her buy crushing her under their shields, which they also “wore” on their left arms. A later version of the story holds that Tarpeia was in fact trying to save Rome by disarming the Sabines and thus died a martyr’s death. The legends are probably an attempt to explain the name of the Tarpeian Rock, a promontory on Capitoline Hill from which criminals were thrown to their deaths.

203

Ulysses Greeted by Argus

585.

C. Mamilius Limetanus. 82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (18.5mm, 3.58 g, 6h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus; to left, N above caduceus / Ulysses, wearing pileus and mariner’s dress, walking right, leaning on staff in left hand and extending his right hand toward his dog, Argus, who advances toward him; C • ÂAÂiL downward to left, LiÂeëN upward to right. Crawford 362/1; Sydenham 741; Mamilia 6; BMCRR Rome 2726; Kestner 3152 var. (control); RBW 1370 var. (same). Lightly toned with underlying luster. Superb EF. ($1500) Ex Alan J. Harlan Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 828, purchased from Edward J. Waddell. Ex Tkalec (24 October 2003), lot 187.

The obverse and reverse of this coin refer to the lineage of the gens Mamilia, who claimed their descent from Mamilia, the daughter of Telegonus, the son of Ulysses and Circe, and a descendant of Mercury. The reverse scene depicts the moment when, returning home from his long wanderings in the guise of a beggar so as to surprise and kill the many suitors of his wife Penelope, Ulysses’ aged dog Argus recognizes him: Soon as he perceived Long-lost Ulysses nigh, down fell his ears Clapped close, and with his tail glad sign he gave Of gratulation, impotent to rise, And to approach his master as of old.

Ulysses, noting him, wiped off a tear Unmarked. ... Then his destiny released Old Argus, soon as he had lived to see Ulysses in the twentieth year restored.

(Hom. Od. 17.290 [Cowper’s translation]).

At last, seeing his master after so many years, the old dog dies.

586.

L. Censorinus. 82 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 4.32 g, 10h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right / Marsyas standing left, raising hand and holding wineskin over shoulder; to right, column surmounted by statue of Minerva(?) standing right; L • CeNÍOr downward to left. Crawford 363/1d; Sydenham 737; Marcia 24; BMCRR Rome 2657–9; Kestner 3155; RBW 1372. Deep iridescent toning, small scratch in obverse field. EF. ($500) Ex Alan J. Harlan Collection (Triton XXII, 8 January 2019), lot 829, purchased from Edward J. Waddell. Ex Monetarium FPL 51 (Spring 1989), lot 116; reportedly Downie-Lepczyk 67 (25 April 1986), lot 96 (not illustrated in catalog); Sternberg VII (24 November 1977), lot 359.

587.

C. Valerius Flaccus. 82 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.85 g, 6h). Massalia mint. Winged and draped bust of Victory right; winged caduceus to upper left / Aquila between two signa inscribed h (hastati) and p (principes), respectively; C • u8 • FLA upward to left, iÂRerAT upward to right, ex • Í • C across lower field. Crawford 365/1a; Sydenham 747a; Valeria 12; BMCRR Gaul 1 var. (cadueceus location); Kestner 3163-4 var. (control); RBW –. A little light porosity in reverse field, minor marks, but well-struck and attractive with some underlying luster, slightly off center. EF. One of the finest known. ($1500) Ex Scipio Collection (Roma XXIII, 24 March 2022), lot 580 (hammer £2,400), purchased from Jose A. Herrero, 2002.

204

Sulla’s Triumphant Return

588

589

Ex Walter, Johns Hopkins University, Garrett, and Hennessy Collections 588.

L. Sulla and L. Manlius Torquatus. 82 BC. AV Aureus (19mm, 10.78 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, singlependant 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. ($40,000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex J. Whitney Walter Collection (Stack’s, 29 November 1990), lot 1; Berk BBS 50 (18 November 1987), lot 24; Johns Hopkins University Collection [inv. 44.6.132] (Part I, Numismatic Fine Arts and Bank Leu, 16 October 1984), lot 654; John Work Garrett Collection [inv. G 627], purchased from Spink, 5 November 1930; Hennessy Collection.

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.

589.

L. Sulla and L. Manlius Torquatus. 82 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.83 g, 12h). Military mint moving with Sulla.

Head of Roma right, wearing winged helmet, ornamented with griffin’s head, the visor in three pieces and peaked, singlependant earring, and ornate necklace; prO • œ to left, L • ÂANLi to right / Sulla, holding branch in right hand and reins in left, driving triumphal quadriga right; above, Victory flying left, crowing him with wreath; L • ÍuLLA • iÂp in exergue.

Crawford 367/5; Sydenham 757a; Manlia 5; BMCRR East 7 & 11; Kestner 3174–6; RBW 1386. Deep iridescent tone, minor marks, struck on a small flan. EF. ($750) Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory 44249 (ND); Antiqua FPL 12 (2004), no. 120.

205

590.

C. Poblicius Q.f. 80 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (18.5mm, 4.20 g, 7h). Rome mint. Draped bust of Roma right, wearing helmet ornamented with griffin’s head, and at each side a feather; A above, rOÂA to left / Hercules, naked, standing left, and strangling the Nemean Lion; club on ground at his feet, bow case to left, A above left, C • pOBLiCi • œ • F to right.

Crawford 380/1; Sydenham 768; Poblicia 9; BMCRR Rome 2896; Kestner 3220-1 var. (control); RBW 1408 var. (same).

Lightly toned with some iridescence, light porosity. EF. ($750)

591.

C. Hosidius C.f. Geta. 64 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.12 g, 3h). Rome mint. Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; iii uir downward to left, geTA downward to right / Calydonian boar standing right, pierced by spear and attacked by dog; C hOÍiDi C F in exergue. Crawford 407/2; Sydenham 903; Hosidia 1; BMCRR Rome 3388; Kestner 3317–8; RBW 1456. Light iridescent tone. EF. Wonderful details, struck in high relief. ($750)

592.

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, a few light scratches, a few spots of find patina. EF. From dies of fine style. ($1000) Ex Bertolami 67 (11 July 2019), lot 288.

Pedigreed to 1960

593.

M. Aemilius Lepidus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.88 g, 8h). Rome mint. Laureate and diademed female head (Roma?) right, wearing hair collected into a knot, and falling in locks down neck; palm frond to left / Equestrian statue of M. Aemilius Lepidus right, holding trophy over shoulder; AN • xu • Pr • h • O • C • Í • to left, Â LepiDuÍ in exergue.

Crawford 419/1c; Sydenham 830a; Aemilia 22a; BMCRR Rome 3644; Kestner –;RBW –. Old cabinet tone with iridescence, obverse off center, minor metal flaw, trace horn silver on reverse. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Vogelberg Collection; Crippa FPL 2 (1971), lot 166; Giuseppe de Falco FPL 51 (December 1960), lot 203.

206

594.

M. Aemilius Lepidus. 58 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.99 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Alexandria right, wearing mural crown; ALexANDreA below / M. Lepidus standing left, crowning the young Ptolemy V, who stands facing, holding staff; T • uTOr • reg to left; Í • C above, pOá • ÂAx • to right; Â • LepiDuÍ in exergue. Crawford 419/2; Sydenham 831; Aemilia 23; BMCRR Rome 3648; Kestner 3430-1; RBW 1511 var. (rev. legend arrangement). Attractive cabinet toning with iridescence, reverse somewhat off center. Superb EF. ($4000) Ex Vogelberg Collection.

Erato: Muse of Erotic Poetry – Possibly the Finest Known – Extremely Rare

595.

Q. Pomponius Musa. 56 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.99 g, 5h). Rome mint. Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath, hair rolled back and in loose locks over forehead; flower on stem to left / Erato, the Muse of Erotic Poetry, standing slightly right, head facing, wearing long flowing tunic and peplum, holding lyre in left hand and with right hand striking it with plectrum; œ • pOÂpONi downward to left, ÂuÍA downward to right. Crawford 410/6; Sydenham 814 (same dies as plate coin); Pomponia 12 (same dies as plate coin); BMCRR Rome 3612 (same dies); Kestner –; RBW –. Lightly toned, underlying luster.

EF. Perfectly centered and well struck. Possibly the finest known example of this extremely rare issue. ($30,000) Ex Triton XIII (5 January 2010), lot 281.

Of all the Muses in Q. Pomponius Musa’s series, Erato, the Muse of Erotic Poetry, is very many times rarer than any other of the Muses. Even the Kestner Museum in Hannover does not have a single example in its extensive collection.

596.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Hostilius Saserna. 48 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.71 g, 12h). Rome mint. Bare head of Gallia right, wearing long, dissheveled hair; carnyx (Gallic trumpet) to left / Diana (Artemis) of Ephesus standing facing, laureate, wearing long hair falling down her shoulders and long flowing robes, holding spear in left hand and stag by its antlers in her right; ÍAÍerNA upward to left, L • hOÍTiLiuÍ downward to right. Crawford 448/3; CRI 19; Sydenham 953; Hostilia 4; BMCRR Rome 3996-8; Kestner 3541; RBW 1570. Deeply toned, minor die flaws. EF. Rare in this grade, exceptional reverse details. ($1000) Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 1829.

207

597.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Plautius Plancus. 47 BC. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.84 g, 9h). Rome mint. Facing mask of Medusa with disheveled hair; L • pLAuTiu below / Aurora, draped and winged, flying right, head facing slightly left, holding palm frond in left hand, conducting four rearing horses of the sun; pLANCuÍ below. Crawford 453/1e; CRI 29a; Sydenham 959b; Plautia 15c; BMCRR Rome –; Kestner –; RBW –. Lustrous with light iridescence, reverse slightly off center. EF. ($1000) Ex Roma XXIII (24 March 2022), lot 753; Bertolami Fine Arts 87 (14 December 2020), lot 435.

Certainly this type is one of the most attractive of all Roman Republican issues, although it is notoriously difficult to obtain an example that is well struck on both sides, as is this superb specimen. The reverse type, remarkably, can be tied to a specific ancient work of art, a painting by the 4th century BC artist Nikomachos of Thebes, apparently in the possession of the Munatii and possibly the personal property of the moneyer, L. Plautius Plancus. Plautius was the brother of Lucius Munatius Plancus, who famously survived the precarious times by constantly switching sides. When the Second Triumvirate was formed in 43 BC, he reputedly demonstrated his loyalty by offering up his brother Plautius for proscription and execution. Munatius apparently inherited the painting as it is recorded that he dedicated it to the Capitol at his Gallic Triumph of the same year, raising the question of his motivation in surrendering his brother’s life.

598.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. C. Vibius Varus. 42 BC. AV Aureus (20mm, 8.02 g, 7h). Rome mint.

Laureate head of Apollo right / Venus, half nude and seen from behind, standing left beside a column, looking at herself in mirror; C • uiBiuÍ upward to left, uAruÍ upward to right. Crawford 494/34; CRI 190; Sydenham 1137; Bahrfeldt 36; Calicó 33; Biaggi 23; BMCRR Rome 4300; Kestner 3741; RBW 1738. Some luster remains, minor marks. VF. ($5000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 11 (29 April 1998), lot 317.

David Sear relates both the head of Apollo on the obverse and the Venus on the reverse to the gens Iulia. The aureus thus commemorates the murdered Caesar, which is certainly related to the struggle of the triumvirs against the assassins of Caesar. The extraordinarily extensive coinage in 42 served to finance this struggle and was made possible by proscriptions and tax collections.

Pedigreed to 1970

599.

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. C. Vibius Varus. 42 BC. AV Aureus (20mm, 8.04 g, 7h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right / Venus, half nude and seen from behind, standing left beside a column, looking at herself in mirror; C • uiBiuÍ upward to left, uAruÍ upward to right. Crawford 494/34; CRI 190; Sydenham 1137; Bahrfeldt 36; Calicó 33; Biaggi 23; BMCRR Rome 4300; Kestner 3741; RBW 1738. Scattered marks, slightly off center, ex-jewelry. Near VF. ($4000) Ex Birger Bentsen Collection (Leu Numismatik Web Auction 16, 22 May 2021), lot 59; Kurt Haintz Collection (27 May 2019), lot 61; Künker 111 (18 March 2006), lot 6471; Peus FPL 18 (October 1970), no. 81.

208

600.

Special issues. L. Cestius and C. Norbanus. January-April 43 BC. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.96 g, 1h). Emergency issue of the Roman Senate. Rome mint. Draped bust of Africa right, wearing elephant skin headdress / Curule chair, front legs ornamented with eagles flying, facing half-right, surmounted by two confronted snakes; L • CeÍTiuÍ above, Í • C to left, pr to right, C • NOrBA in exergue. Crawford 491/1b; CRI 195a; Sydenham 1154; Bahrfedt 25 (same dies as illustration); Calicó 4; Biaggi –; RBW 1718. In NGC encapsulation 6158066-005, graded Ch AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Very rare variety. ($7500) Ex Roma XXIII (24 March 2022), lot 775; New York Sale XL (11 January 2017), lot 1167; Aurora Collection (New York Sale XXXII, 8 January 2014), lot 2; Numismatica Ars Classica 63 (17 May 2012), lot 486; Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 828.

601.

The Pompeians. Sextus Pompey. 37/6 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.89 g, 12h). Uncertain Sicilian mint. Bare head of Pompey the Great right; capis to left, [lituus to right]; ÂAg • piuÍ • iÂp • iTer around / Neptune, naked but for chlamys on left arm, holding apluster and resting right foot on prow, standing left between the Catanaean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus running in opposite directions, bearing their parents on their shoulders; pr‰F above; CLAÍ • eT • Or‰/ºiT • ex • Í • C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; Sydenham 1344; RSC 17 (Pompey the Great); BMCRR Sicily 7-10; Kestner 3783-4; RBW 1785. Deep cabinet toning, obverse off center. Near EF. Superb reverse details. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

602.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.72 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. Attractive iridescent toning over lustrous surfaces, hairlines. Superb EF. ($3000) Ex Thomas A. Palmer Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, July 1989.

Julius Caesar and his armies assembled on the banks of the Rubicon River on 10 January 49 BC, ready to invade Italy. Since large quantities of denarii were necessary to pay Caesar’s military expenses, the mint traveled with them. This issue was ordered, not by a moneyer, as was usual, but by Julius Caesar himself. The obverse clearly depicts the triumph of good over evil, numismatic propaganda designed to encourage Caesar’s soldiers during the long, intense campaign. The reverse, depicting priestly emblems, tells of Caesar’s office as Pontifex Maximus, high priest. In all likelihood, this type was used by Caesar’s military forces at least until the decisive battle of Pharsalus.

209

603

604

605

603.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.77 g, 6h). 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. Beautiful iridescent toning, slightly off center obverse, area of weak strike on reverse. EF. ($1000) From the J.K. Biblical Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 16 (5 June 2009), lot 292.

604.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April-August 49 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.95 g, 12h). 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. Lightly toned with hints of iridescence, minor marks. Near EF. ($1000) 605.

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. ($1000) Ex Aureo & Calicó 346 (12 March 2020), lot 1015; Aureo & Calicó 289 (16 March 2017), lot 1036.

606.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late spring-early summer 48 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 4.12 g, 7h). Military mint traveling with Caesar. Diademed female head (Clementia?) right, wearing oak wreath; %ii (= 52, Caesar’s age) to left / Gallic trophy, holding oval shield and carnyx surmonted by wolf’s head; securis to right; CAe ÍAr across lower field. Crawford 452/2; CRI 11; Sydenham 1009; RSC 18; DCA 937; BMCRR Rome 3955; Kestner 3558-9; RBW –. Lustrous. EF. ($750)

607.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late 47 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.89 g, 2h). Mint in Sicily (Lilybaeum?); Aulus Allienus, proconsular governor of Sicily. Draped bust of Venus right, wearing stephane; C • CAeÍAr iÂp • COÍ • iTer around / Trinacrus standing left, foot on prow, holding triskeles in right hand, resting right elbow on knee, cloak over left arm; A • ALLieNuÍ down left, prO • COÍ up right. Crawford 457/1; CRI 54; Sydenham 1022; RSC 1; BMCRR Sicily 5; Kestner 3575-6; RBW 1599. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6155519-004, graded XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000) Before embarking for North Africa from the Sicilian port of Lilybaeum, Caesar spent some time on the island organizing the invasion force with which he was going to confront Scipio and the other Pompeians. During this period (late 47 BC), a small issue of denarii was produced in Caesar’s name by Aulus Allienus, who had been appointed proconsular governor of Sicily the preceding year. The issue – one of the rarest in the Caesarian series – was unusual in that it bore the name of one of the dictator’s lieutenants in addition to his own name, a feature more characteristic of the Pompeian coinage.

210

Pedigreed to 1934

608.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Early 46 BC. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.95 g, 3h). 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 122 (D7/R214, this coin); CRI 56; Sydenham 1018; Bahrfeldt 19; Calicó 37b; Biaggi –; BMCRR Rome 4052; Kestner 3634-6; RBW 1634. Lightly toned, small scrape on obverse, minor marks in field and edge. Good VF. Fine style obverse. ($10,000) Ex Naville XVII (3 October 1934), lot 666.

609.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Early 46 BC. AV Aureus (19mm, 8.11 g, 3h). 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 281-294 (D37/R245); CRI 56; Sydenham 1018; Bahrfeldt 19; Calicó 37; Biaggi –; BMCRR Rome 4052; Kestner 3634-6; RBW 1634. In NGC encapsulation 4936368004, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($7500) Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (16 August 2021), lot 42212; Kreisberg & Schulman (18 March 1964), lot 91.

One of the Finest Known - Pedigreed to 1913

610.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. Late 46-early 45 BC. Æ Dupondius (27mm, 15.19 g, 12h). Rome mint; C. Clovius, prefect. Winged and draped bust of Victory right; CAeÍAr • DiC • Ter outward from lower right / Minerva advancing left, holding trophy over shoulder and spears and shield; at feet to left, snake gliding left with head erect; C • CLOui prAeF around.

Crawford 476/1a; CRI 62; Sydenham 1025; BMCRR Rome 4125; Kestner –; RBW 1667. Dark green patina with traces of red, minor porosity. EF. Among the finest known. ($5000) Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 564364; Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 455; Vinchon (23 April 1976), lot 6; Étienne Bourgey (4 November 1913), lot 672.

211

Excellent Lifetime Caesar Portrait – Cited by Alföldi

611.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. January-February 44 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.91 g, 5h). Rome mint. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. Laureate head right; CAeÍAr • i downwards to right; to left, large crescent dividing p  / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and leaning on scepter in left; L • AeÂiLiuÍ BuCA around from upper right.

Crawford 480/4; Alföldi Type IV, 103 (A8/R4 – this coin illustrated); CRI 102 (same rev. die); Sydenham 1060; RSC 22; RBW –. Wonderful cabinet tone, reverse off center, reverse die wear. Near EF. A magnificent portrait of Caesar. ($4000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 480; Sternberg XI (20 November 1981), lot 547.

Alfӧldi Plate Coin

612.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. January-February 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.93 g, 5h). Lifetime issue. Rome mint. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. Laureate head right; CAeÍAr • i downwards to right; to left, large crescent dividing p  / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and leaning on scepter in left; L • AeÂiLiuÍ BuCA around from upper right. Crawford 480/4; Alföldi Type IV, 21 (A4/R13 – this coin illustrated); CRI 102; Sydenham 1060; RSC 22; BMCRR Rome 4152-3; Kestner 3685; RBW –. Toned with iridescence, light marks, areas of minor flatness on reverse, slight edge roughness. Good VF. Superb portrait of Caesar. ($4000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Gemini III (9 January 2007), lot 315 (hammer $6,500); Luigi de Nicola Collection.

Veristic Portrait of Julius Caesar

613.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. March-April 44 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.08 g, 3h). Rome mint; M. Mettius, moneyer. Laureate head right; CAeÍAr downwards to right, iÂper upwards to left / Venus Victrix standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left, resting her left elbow on shield set on celestial globe to right; A to left, Â • ÂeTTiuÍ downwards to right. Crawford 480/17; Alföldi Type XVI, 59 (A9/R7); CRI 101; Sydenham 1055; RSC 35; BMCRR Rome 4137; Kestner –; RBW 1686. Toned, underlying luster, a few light scratches on reverse. EF. Well struck with a bold and expressive portrait. ($10,000) Verism, a style of portraiture that strives to be hyper-realistic in its depiction of the subject “warts and all,” can be traced as far back as the reign of the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten in the 13th century BC. It came to its full fruition in the late Roman Republic, perhaps influenced by the practice of making wax masks of the deceased. Caesar was the first living Roman to place his image on coins, and, in keeping with the style of portrait busts in stone and bronze, many of his numismatic portraits are veristic to the extreme. It is surprising to modern sensibilities that a man of his alleged vanity would allow himself to be portrayed with the balding pate, sagging jowls, and long “turkey neck” seen on this lifetime denarius. But it was clearly less important to Caesar that he be flattered with an idealized portrait, in the manner of Hellenistic kings, than to have his image convey the power and gravitas that only age and experience could provide.

212

614.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. April 44 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.10 g, 6h). Rome mint; C. Cossutius Maridianus, moneyer. Laureate and veiled head right; apex and lituus flanking neck; pAreNÍ pATriAe upward to left, CAeÍAr upward to right / Cruciform COÍÍuTiuÍ ÂAriDiANuÍ; A A A F • F in angles. Crawford 480/19; Alföldi Type XVII, 10 var.

(O–/R5, [rev. die unrecorded]); CRI 112; Sydenham 1069; RSC 8; BMCRR Rome 4187; Kestner –; RBW 1687. Toned, off center. In NGC encapsulation 4241286-009, graded AU, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style. One of the rarer portrait types for Julius Caesar. ($2000) Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 506 (January 1988), no. 41; Waddell 2 (12 September 1987), lot 464.

Gaius Cossutius Maridianus was apparently the last man appointed to the recently expanded quatrovirate of moneyers in 44 BC. All of his Caesar heads are veiled, alluding to Caesar’s role as Pontifex Maximus. This issue is the last Caesar portrait type struck in 44 BC and is, according to David R. Sear, “clearly posthumous, presumably belonging to mid-April.”

Attractive Caesar Portrait

615.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 42 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.86 g, 10h). Rome mint. L. Livineius Regulus, moneyer.

Wreathed head of Caesar right; laurel branch to left, winged caduceus to right / Bull charging right; L • LiuiNeiuÍ above, reguLuÍ below. Crawford 494/24; CRI 115; Sydenham 1106; RSC 27; BMCRR Rome 4274-6; Kestner 3729-30; RBW 1730. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4936382-001, graded Ch XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. ($10,000) Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 7 (Spring 2003), no. 201.

Bold Caesar Portait – Pedigreed to 1964

616.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.00 g, 2h). Rome mint; L. Mussidius Longus, moneyer. Laureate head right / Rudder, cornucopia on globe, winged caduceus, and apex; L • ÂuÍÍiDiuÍ • LONguÍ in semicircle above. Crawford 494/39a; CRI 116; Sydenham 1096a; RSC 29; BMCRR Rome 4238-9; Kestner 3750; RBW 1742; CNR I 108/11 (this coin). Deep cabinet toning, reverse somewhat off center, light porosity, trace reverse die rust. EF. Excellent portrait of Caesar. ($3000) Ex Künker 257 (10 October 2014), lot 8843; Münzen und Medaillen AG 43 (12 November 1970), lot 229; Münzen und Medaillen AG XXVIII (19 June 1964), lot 240.

213

Pedigreed to 1931

617.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.55 g, 9h). Rome mint; L. Mussidius Longus, moneyer. Laureate head right / Rudder, cornucopia on globe, winged caduceus, and apex; L • ÂuÍÍiDiuÍ • LONguÍ in semicircle above. Crawford 494/39a; CRI 116; Sydenham 1096a; RSC 29; BMCRR Rome 4238-9; Kestner 3750; RBW 1742; CNR I 108/4 (this coin). Toned, light marks. Near EF. An attractive portrait of Julius Caesar. Fine style. ($2000) Ex G. Hirsch (16 April 1958), lot 252; Cahn 71 (14 October 1931) lot 1372.

Lucius Mussidius Longus, a moneyer with an otherwise unknown cursus honorum. His nomen Mussidius indicates that he was a novus homo, or up-and-coming man with no long family pedigree. As such, he would have allied himself to any potential long-term power base. In 42 BC, as the Second Triumvirate was defeating Caesar’s assassins, Mussidius oversaw the striking of this denarius of the now-deceased and soon to be deified dictator, a clear nod to the Caesarian cause. Apparently, such a move benefitted the gens Mussidia. A distant relation, T. Mussidius Pollianus, was a senator under the new regime in the first century AD.

618.

The Caesarians. Julius Caesar. 40 BC. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.89 g, 9h). Rome mint; Ti. Sempronius Gracchus, quaestor designatus. Laureate head right; Í C flanking neck / Signum, aquila, plow, and decempeda (measuring rod); Ti · ÍeÂprONiuÍ above and to right; grACCuÍ below; · œ · DeÍig to left. Crawford 525/4a; CRI 327a; Sydenham 1129; RSC 47; RBW –. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4164524-007, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($2000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 46 (2 April 2008), lot 947.

619.

The Republicans. C. Cassius Longinus. Spring 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.99 g, 6h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Tripod surmounted by cortina and two laurel branches, fillet hanging on either side; C • CAÍÍi upwards to left, iÂp upwards to right / Capis and lituus; LeNTuLuÍ/ÍpiNT in two lines below. Crawford 500/1; CRI 219; Sydenham 1308; RSC 7; BMCRR East 79; Kestner –; RBW 1761. Deep iridescent toning, minor marks, reverse slightly off center. EF. Rare. ($1500) Ex Triton XII (6 January 2009), lot 518.

The obverse of this rare denarius closely copies the reverse of the aureus struck by M. Aquinius, and was probably minted on the occasion of the meeting in Smyrna between Cassius and Brutus. The capis and lituus, symbols of the pontificate, recall Spinther’s election to that college in 57 BC.

214

Very Rare Cassius Aureus

620.

The Republicans. C. Cassius Longinus. Spring 42 BC. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.95 g, 6h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Diademed head of Libertas right; C • CAÍÍi • iÂp upward to left, LeiBerTAÍ upward to right / Capis and lituus; LeNTuLuÍ/ÍpiNT in two lines below. Crawford 500/2; CRI 220; Sydenham 1306; Bahrfeldt 58; Calicó 65b; Biaggi 45; BMCRR East 76; Kestner 3766; RBW –. Small scratches on reverse, areas of slight weakness. VF. Struck on a broad flan. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich 13 (16 May 2021), lot 251; Vinchon (23 April 1976), lot 210; Münzen und Medaillen AG 43 (12 November 1970), lot 237.

Shakespeare depicts the “lean and hungry” Cassius as primary ringleader in the conspiracy against Julius Caesar, motivated more by envy than love of liberty. The Bard gets the basic facts right, but omits the details of Cassius’ colorful career. Born into a senatorial family but lacking any talent for politics, Gaius Cassius Longinus found soldiering more to his liking and joined the triumvir Crassus on his doomed expedition against the Parthians in 53 BC. Cassius managed to rescue himself and a handful of others from the massacre and escaped to Roman Syria, where he remained for another two years ably defending the province from Parthian attack. He returned to Rome as a war hero in 51 BC and fell in with the Pompeian faction, serving as commander of Pompey’s fleet during the civil war of 49-48 BC. After Pompey’s defeat and death, Cassius accepted a pardon from Caesar and loyally served him for the next four years. Cassius perhaps hoped to attain supreme power once Caesar retired, but it soon became apparent the dictator had no intention of stepping down. Thus, Cassius suborned his close friend Marcus Junius Brutus and several other senators into a conspiracy, and he was one of the first to plunge his dagger into Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 BC. After fleeing Rome with the other conspirators, Cassius returned to Syria and commandeered several crack legions and a fleet, which he used to attack and pillage the wealthy island of Rhodes in order to procure gold for the approaching civil war. He joined forces with Brutus in 42 BC and the two marched into Thrace to meet the pro-Caesarian legions led by Mark Antony and Octavian. Though their army outnumbered the Caesarians, Cassius and Brutus seemed oddly fatalistic and made a suicide pact should either meet defeat or capture. At the first clash at Philippi in early October, Cassius suffered a reverse and rashly fell on his sword before he could be told that Brutus had counterattacked and saved the day. Demoralized by his friend’s death, Brutus was easily defeated three weeks later and took his own life.

This aureus was issued by P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther and M. Servilius, who were joint legates to Cassius and Brutus and issued coins in the names of their generals. Lentulus Spinther was born in 74 BC and assumed the toga virilis in 57 BC, and in the same year was elected to the college of augurs. After the murder of Caesar, he joined the parties of Cassius and Brutus and was probably killed at Philippi. The reverse type of this coin refers to Lentulus’ appointment to the college of augurs, and is one of the few instances in imperatorial coinage in which a moneyer used a reverse type that was personal to himself.

621.

The Republicans. Brutus. Early 42 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.74 g, 12h). Military mint, probably at Smyrna; P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Emblems of the pontificate: securis, simpulum, and secespita; BruTuÍ below / Emblems of the augurate: capis and lituus; LeNTuLuÍ/ÍpiNT in two lines below. Crawford 500/7; CRI 198; Sydenham 1310; RSC 6; BMCRR East 80-1; Kestner 3770; RBW 1766. Toned, porosity, light roughness, minor scratches. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Triton XII (6 January 2009), lot 520.

215

622.

The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.96 g, 12h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; Pedanius Costa, legatus. Laureate head of Apollo to right; Leg upwards to left, COÍTA downwards to right / Trophy composed of cuirass, crested helmet, oval shield with incurved sides, and two crossed spears; iÂp upwards to left, BruTuÍ downwards to right. Crawford 506/2; CRI 209; Sydenham 1296; RSC 4; BMCRR East 59-61; Kestner 3775-6; RBW 1778. Toned with a hint of iridescence, minor marks, slightly off center on reverse. EF. ($1000) Ex Lampasas Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 977; Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 453 (2 October 2019), lot 485.

Brutus is best known for his role in the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BC. This action, while often thought as an attempt to save liberty and justice, was actually meant to try to preserve aristocracy and privilege. Brutus and the other conspirators wanted to restore power to the Senate, comprised of the wealthiest and most powerful of Roman citizens. This brought him in conflict with Julius Caesar, who wanted to break the old power holds in the Senate, populating it with men of lower rank and birth. In a way, Julius Caesar could be seen as promoting a dictatorship with some flavor of a democracy, whereas Brutus and the other conspirators were attempting to save the aristocracy.

After his assassination of Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius occupied Rome, but had to flee when a funeral oration delivered by Caesar’s protégé, Marc Antony, turned public opinion against them. Brutus and Cassius went their separate ways, but met again in early 42 BC in Smyrna, Ionia, where they began preparations for the inevitable conflict that would ensue between them and Marc Antony and Octavian, Caesar’s grandnephew. They began using their armies to conquer cities, for which this series of coins was undoubtedly issued. The title IMP on the reverse shows that Brutus still styled himself the savior of the Republic, as that was a title only the Senate could award.

Exceptional Fourrée EID MAR Denarius - Published in Cahn

623.

The Republicans. Brutus. Late summer-autumn 42 BC. Fourrée Denarius (18mm, 3.43 g, 6h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece; L. Plaetorius Cestianus, magistrate. Bare head of Brutus right; BruT above, iÂp to right, L • pLAeT • CeÍT around to left / Pileus between two daggers pointing downward; eiD • ÂAr below. Cf. Crawford 508/3; Campana, Eid Mar, P13 (dies OP6/RP6) = Cahn 29a (this coin); cf. CRI 216; cf.

Sydenham 1301; cf. RSC 15; cf. BMCRR East 68-70; Kestner –; RBW –. Toned, small planchet delamination in obverse field, minor marks and scratches. Good VF. Very rare, three fourrées cited in Cahn, thirteen listed in Campana, two additional specimens in CoinArchives, including this coin. One of the finest quality fourrées known. ($50,000) From the Father & Son Collection, purchased from ArtAncient on VCoins in 2016 ($89,000). Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 83 (20 May 2015), lot 498 (hammer CHF 52,500); Sternberg 15 (11 April 1985), lot 297.

One of the most important coins associated with an event in ancient history, this denarius pointedly commemorates the assassination of Julius Caesar by depicting the perpetrator of the act (Brutus), by naming the date of the act (EID[ibus] MAR[tiis], and by displaying the instruments of the act (daggers) between the reason for the act (the pileus [freedman’s cap] as a symbol of liberty). Though many senators plotted against Caesar and are collectively represented by the two daggers, the portrait of Brutus alone emphasizes his primary role in the conspiracy.

The only securely identified portraits of Brutus occur on coins inscribed with his name; all others, whether on coins or other artifacts, are identified based on the three issues inscribed BRVTVS IMP (on aurei) or BRVT IMP (on denarii). A careful study of Brutus’ portraits by S. Nodelman segregates these inscribed portraits into three main categories: a ‘baroque’ style portrait on the aurei of Casca, a ‘neoclassical’ style on the aurei of Costa, and a ‘realistic’ style on the ‘EID MAR’ denarii, which Nodelman describes as “the soberest and most precise” of all.

216

Ahenobarbus, Great Grandfather of Nero – Pedigreed to 1958

624.

The Republicans. Cn. Domitius L.f. Ahenobarbus. 41-40 BC. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.75 g, 8h). 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; BMCRR East 94-7; Kestner 3801-2; RBW 1803. Toned with areas of iridescence, minor lacquer deposit on reverse. Near EF. ($5000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Review XLVI.1 (Winter 2021), no. 561917; Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 654; Nomisma 59 (14 May 2019), lot 139; Hans Schulman (14 February 1958), lot 1958.

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.

625

626

625.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavian. Spring-early summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.85 g, 12h).

Ephesus mint; M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right;  ANT • if Yg iii uir • r • p • C •  BArBAT œ p around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAeÍAr • iÂp • pONT • iii • uir • r • p • C • around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; Sydenham 1181; RSC 8a; BMCRR East 100; Kestner 3793-5; RBW 1798.

Iridescent tone, a couple of minor marks. Choice EF. Two handsome portraits. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXVII (4 December 1991), lot 92.

626.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavian. Spring-early summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.72 g, 1h). Ephesus mint; M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right;  ANT • if • Yg • iii • uir • r • p • C •  • BArBAT • œ • p around / Bare head of Octavian right; CAeÍAr • iÂp • pONT • iii • uir • r • p • C • around.

Crawford 517/2 note; CRI 243 note; Sydenham 1181 var. (obv. legend); RSC 8d; BMCRR East –; Kestner –; RBW –. Lustrous, small die flaw on obverse. Choice EF. Rare obverse legend variety. Two excellent portraits. ($1000)

627.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavian. Spring-early summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.69 g, 12h).

Ephesus mint; M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right;  ANT • if Yg iii uir • r • p • C •  BArBAT œ p around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAeÍAr • iÂp • pONT • iii • uir • r • p • C • around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; Sydenham 1181; RSC 8a; BMCRR East 100; Kestner 3793-5; RBW 1798. Toned with light golden hues, some luster. Superb EF. A pair of excellent portraits. ($1000)

217

Two Extremely Rare Aurei of Antony & Octavia

628.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavia. Summer 38 BC. AV Aureus (18mm, 8.14 g, 12h). Athens mint. Bare head of Mark Antony right; Â • AN[TONiuÍ •] Â • F • Â • N • Augur • iÂp • Ter around / Head of Octavia right, her hair tied in a knot behind with one long plait arranged as a loop on top of her head; [COÍ • DeÍiGN • iTer] • eT • [Ter • iii • uir • r • p • C] around. Crawford 533/3a; CRI 268; Bahrfeldt 90 (Pl. IX, no. 6, same dies); Calicó 111; Sydenham 1200; BMCRR East 144; Cohen 1; Biaggi 67; Mazzini 1; RBW –. Toned, off center, reverse double struck. Good Fine.

Extremely rare, one of approximately eight known: Bahrfeldt notes 5 examples, of which 4 were in museums (Berlin, London [2 examples], and Paris), with the fifth offered in the Trau sale; CoinArchives adds three examples, Triton XXIV, lot 979, as well as NAC 70, lot 194, and this coin. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 111 (24 September 2018), lot 153 (hammer CHF 27,000).

Shortly after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, cracks began to appear in the Second Triumvirate. Antony’s affair with Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, and his designs on Rome’s eastern holdings, prompted Octavian to formulate a binding agreement that would buy him time. At Brundisium a pact was signed, bringing about a reconciliation and some semblance of peace. As a condition of this reconciliation, Antony was married to Octavian’s widowed sister, Octavia. She stayed with him in Athens while he continued to prepare for a war against Parthia, and where, in 39 BC, he was associated with the “New Dionysus”. In 37 BC, she helped negotiate the Pact of Tarentum, which renewed the triumvirate until 33 BC. Antony, by this time, however, had renewed his affair with Cleopatra. He remained in the East, where he married the queen, and subsequently fathered several children. In 32 BC, as a renewal of civil war became imminent, Antony divorced Octavia. In the aftermath of Antony’s death, Octavia, known for her loyalty and nobilty, brought Antony’s surviving children to Rome to live with her.

629.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavia. Summer-autumn 39 BC. AV Aureus (19mm, 8.16 g, 11h). Athens mint.

Bare head of Mark Antony right; Â • ANTONiuÍ • Â • F • Â • N • Augur • iÂp • TiirT around / Head of Octavia right, her hair tied in a knot behind with one long plait arranged as a loop on top of her head; COÍ • DiiÍiG • iTiir • iiT • TiirT • iii • uir • r • p • C around. Crawford 533/3b; CRI 269; Bahrfeldt 91; Calicó 116; Sydenham 1201; BMCRR East 145; RBW –. Lightly toned with underlying luster, minor marks. Near VF. Extremely rare. ($20,000) The aurei of this issue that have appeared at auction over the last twenty years have different obverse and reverse legends to the example offered here (cf. Crawford 533/3a). The first example of this specific type, and with these legends, to have been publicly offered at auction was the same coin that was published by Eckhel in his 1828 Doctrina Numorum Veterum (VI, pp. 46-7), where it was described as being the only example known, prior to it selling in Sotheby’s Metropolitan Museum of Art sale (Part I, 10 November 1972, lot 11), where it was described as being “of the highest rarity and probably unique.” Since the Sotheby’s sale, another seven have come to market.

630.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Autumn 34 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.85 g, 1h). Alexandria mint(?).

Bare head of Mark Antony right; Armenian tiara to left, ANTONi • ArÂeNiA • DeuiCTA around / Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; at point of bust, prow right; CLeORATr re2iNAe • re2u • FiLiOru • re2u around. Crawford 543/1 note; CRI 345; Sydenham 1210 var. (rev. legend); RSC 1b; BMCRR East –; cf. Kestner 3836; RBW –. Iridescent toning, scratches, pitting. VF. ($4000) From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor, purchased from C. H. Wolfe, 26 October 1989. Ex Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 842 (July/August 1989), no. C386.

218

631.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Autumn 34 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.86 g, 12h). Alexandria mint(?). Bare head of Mark Antony right; Armenian tiara to left, ANTONi • ArÂeNiA • DeuiCTA around / Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; at point of bust, prow right; CLeORATrAe re2iNAe • re2u • FiLiOru • re2u around.

Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; Sydenham 1210; RSC 1; BMCRR East 179–81; cf. Kestner 3836; RBW 1832. Toned, porosity, obverse pits, reverse off center. VF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), lot 1270; Münzen und Medaillen AG 81 (18 September 1995), lot 140.

632.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Autumn 34 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.37 g, 1h). Alexandria mint(?).

Bare head of Mark Antony right; Armenian tiara to left, ANTONi • ArÂeNiA • DeuiCTA around / Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; at point of bust, prow right; CLeORATrAe re2iNAe • re2u • FiLiOru • re2u around. Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; Sydenham 1210; RSC 1; BMCRR East 179–81; cf. Kestner 3836; RBW 1832. Deeply toned, banker’s mark on obverse, graffiti on reverse, edge chip. Good VF. Two pleasant portraits. ($3000) Ex Varesi 8 (12 November 1987), lot 35.

633 634 633.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.81 g, 3h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT Aug above, iii uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg iii across lower field. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; Sydenham 1217; RSC 28; BMCRR East 193; Kestner 3844; RBW 1839. Lightly toned, small area of weak strike, short die break on reverse. EF. ($750) From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Ex CNG inventory 903520/78585 (ca. 1992–6).

634.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.89 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT Aug above, iii uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg iu across lower field. Crawford 544/17; CRI 352; Sydenham 1219; RSC 30; BMCRR East 195; Kestner 3846; RBW –. Iridescent cabinet toning, minor marks. Near EF. ($750) From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Ex Classical Numismatic Review XIX.2 (Second Quarter 1994), no. 191; Numismatica Ars Classica 7 (2 March 1994), lot 665.

635 636 635.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.95 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg u across lower field. Crawford 544/18; CRI 354; Sydenham 1221; RSC 32; BMCRR East 196; Kestner 3847; RBW 1840. Toned, light surface marks, struck on a small flan. Near EF. ($750) 636.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.86 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT Aug above, iii uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg ui across field. Crawford 544/19; CRI 356; Sydenham 1223; RSC 33; BMCRR East 197; Kestner 3848; RBW 1841. Lightly toned, hairlines on reverse. EF. ($750) From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Ex CNG inventory 903520/78597 (ca. 1992–6).

219

637.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.48 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg uii across field. Crawford 544/20; CRI 357; Sydenham 1224; RSC 34; BMCRR East 198; Kestner 3849; FFC 38 (this coin); RBW 1842. Lightly toned, a couple of tiny die flaws. Choice EF. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVI.2 (Summer 2021), no. 576421; Alba Longa Collection (Aureo & Calico 339, 14 November 2019), lot 1109; Ponterio 80 (29 March 1996), lot 309.

Antony’s Legio VII was founded by Julius Caesar at the outset of his Gallic campaign, circa 58 BC, and remained loyal to him throughout the heavy fighting and civil conflict that followed. Its first cognomen, Paterna, derives from Caesar’s title of Pater Patriae (”father of the fatherland”). Caesar disbanded his seventh circa 45 BC and settled them near Capua, but after the Ides of March 44 BC, it was evidently reconstituted in “split” form, as were several other Caesarian legions, with one Legio VII joining Mark Antony’s force in the east and the other supporting his triumviral partner and later rival, Octavian, in Italy. Thus the civil war of 32-31 BC saw two Legio VIIs serving on opposite sides, but the failure of Antony’s fleet at Actium meant they never faced each other in the field. After Actium, Antony’s Legio VII was evidently disbanded entirely while Octavian’s went on to become the long-serving Legio VII Claudia Pia Fidelis.

638 639 640 638.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (15.5mm, 3.72 g, 5h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg uii across field. Crawford 544/20; CRI 357; Sydenham 1224; RSC 34; BMCRR East 198; Kestner 3849; RBW 1842. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Near EF. ($750) 639.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.72 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg uii across field. Crawford 544/20; CRI 357; Sydenham 1224; RSC 34; BMCRR East 198; Kestner 3849; RBW 1842. Lightly toned with underlying luster, minor marks. Near EF. ($750) 640.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.64 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg x across lower field. Crawford 544/24; CRI 361; Sydenham 1228; RSC 38; BMCRR East 202; Kestner 3853; RBW –. Toned, multiple marks and hairlines, light deposits. Near EF. ($750)

642 643 641 641.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.85 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg xi across lower field. Crawford 544/25; CRI 362; Sydenham 1229; RSC 39; BMCRR East 203; Kestner 3854; RBW –. Toned, lustrous, minor marks. EF. ($1000) 642.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.35 g, 11h). Patrae(?) mint.

Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg xui across field.

Crawford 544/31; CRI 372; Sydenham 1236; RSC 48; BMCRR East 211; Kestner 3860; RBW –. Old cabinet toning, areas of weak strike, scratches. EF. ($750) From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXX (11 June 1994), lot 283.

Not to be confused with a similar legion under the command of Octavian, this Antonian legion was either disbanded or incorporated into another legion after Actium.

643.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3..82 g, 6h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • Aug above, iii • uir • r • p • C below / Aquila between two signa; Leg xuiii across lower field. Crawford 544/33; CRI 376; Sydenham 1239; RSC 51; BMCRR East 213; Kestner 3862; RBW –. Toned, small reverse scratch. EF. ($1000) From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Ex CNG inventory 903050 (ca. 1992–6).

220

644.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.55 g, 4h). Legionary type.

Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT Aug above, iii uir • r • p • C below / Three signa decorated with wreaths and rostra; ChOrTiÍ • ÍpeCuLATOru above. Crawford 544/12; CRI 386; Sydenham 1214; RSC 6; BMCRR East 185; Kestner 3841; RBW 1837. Old cabinet toning, bankers marks on obverse, minor scratches, obverse scrape, area of weak strike, edge filing. VF. Rare. ($750) From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor, purchased from C. H. Wolfe, 26 October 1989. Ex Tom McKenna 1-10 (October 1981), no. 30.

Serving as scouts and messengers, the cohortes speculatorum filled the role of spies within each legion. Normally ten in number per legion, Mark Antony created a special group of cohortes who specifically served around him, carrying out personal instructions and protecting his well-being, essentially acting as an early secret service – a concept which was further developed during the empire under Augustus.

645.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 31 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.72 g, 12h). Uncertain mint (Actium?). D. Turullius, moneyer. Bare head right; Â • ANTONiuÍ • Aug iÂp • iiii • COÍ • TerT iii uir • r • p • C / Victory standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and cradling palm frond in left arm; all within wreath. Crawford 545/2; CRI 388; Sydenham 1211a; RSC 81; BMCRR East 228; Kestner –; RBW 1851. Toned with underlying luster, edge scrape. Near EF. A wonderful example of the type. Rare. ($2000)

646.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Summer 31 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.41 g, 12h). Cyrene mint; L. Pinarius Scarpus, imperator. Head of Jupiter Ammon right; Augur PONTiF around / Victory standing right on globe, holding wreath tied with fillet in extended right hand and palm frond over left shoulder in left hand; iÂp CAeÍAr / Diui F across field. Crawford 546/4; CRI 411; Sydenham 1281; RSC –; BMCRR Cyrenaica 4; Kestner –; RBW 1854. Toned, obverse die flaws, reverse scrape.

Good VF. Extremely rare, one of the rarest of Mark Antony’s denarii, only one in CoinArchives. ($1000)

Extremely Rare Octavian & Antony Aureus

647.

The Triumvirs. Octavian and Mark Antony. Late 40-early 39 BC. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 8.02 g, 5h). Mint in central or southern Italy. Bare head of Octavian right, wearing slight beard; CAeÍAr iÂp around / Bare head of Mark Antony right; ANTONiuÍ iÂp around. Crawford 529/1; CRI 301; Sydenham 1327; Bahrfeldt 29; Calicó 105a; Biaggi 64; BMCRR Gaul 90; Kestner 3810; RBW 1815. Underlying luster, scattered edge and field marks, slightly off center. Good Fine. Extremely rare. ($7500) Unlike most other dual portrait Imperatorial issues, the fabric of this rare aureus suggests that Octavian (identified as CAESAR IMP) is on the obverse and Antony (ANTONIVS IMP) occupies the reverse, and so it is attributed to Octavian rather than the senior Triumvir. It also omits the triumviral titles and the name of the moneyer, both of which appear on the counterpart issues of Antony. The mint is not immediately obvious; Crawford attributes it to a “mint moving with Octavian,” Calico suggests Gaul, and Sear proposes southern or northern Italy. The types suggest that the occasion for this issue was the signing of the Treaty of Brundisium between Octavian and Antony in October of 40 BC, which renewed their partnership and, for a time, staved off civil war between them.

End of Session 2 221

Session 3 – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 — 9 AM

ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE

648.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.84 g, 2h). Emerita mint; P. Carisius, legatus propraetore. Struck circa 25-23 BC. IMP CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / P • CARISIVS • LEG • PRO • PR, round shield with central boss within octagon and with studs; above, a spear-head with short shaft right; below, a machaera (curved sword) with hilt closed by a bar. RIC I 3; RSC 400; BMCRE 277 = BMCRR Spain 110; BN 1029-32. Pretty old cabinet tone, minor marks under tone, a few edge marks. Good VF. ($1500)

The Second Known Example

649.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.68 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Caesaraugusta?).

Struck circa 19-18 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, head right, wearing oak wreath (corona civica) / [SP] QR across upper field, Victory flying right, holding in both hands wreath above round shield, inscribed CL•V (clipeus virtutis), resting against tall column. RIC I 45 var. (bust type); RSC 289 var. (same); BMCRE 340 var. (same); cf. BN 1328 (same dies; there a fourrée); CNR VI 778 = 778/1 (same dies). Toned, some scratches and marks under tone, shallow edge test cut. VF. Extremely rare.

Apparently the second known example. ($1000) Ex Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 64, 24 September 2003), lot 919; Monetarium 60 (Autumn 1993), no. 92; Monetarium 57 (Spring 1992), no. 130; Monetarium 54 (Autumn 1990), no. 124.

Extremely Rare Augustus Aureus – Pedigreed to 1920

650.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.79 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?). Struck circa 18 BC. CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head left / S • P • Q • R • in exergue, triumphal quadriga right, the car ornamented with Victories at front and on side, and in it are an aquila and four miniature horses galloping right; all within line border. RIC I 107b; Bahrfeldt 154/1 (same dies); Calicó 278 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 390 = BMCRR Rome 4428 (same dies); BN 1182; Biaggi 135 (this coin); CNR IV 190/1 (this coin). Small die break on obverse, a few marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($10,000) Ex Frühwald 141 (2 April 2021), lot 4; Lanz 26 (5 December 1983), lot 432; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Münzen und Medaillen AG XVII (2 December 1957), lot 359; V.J.E. Ryan Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 20 February 1951), lot 1620; Bruti Liberati Collection (Santamaria [14], 16 January 1924), lot 43; Achille Cantoni Collection (Santamaria [5], 29 November 1920), lot 217.

222

651.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.75 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck 15 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI • F, bare head right / IMP • X in exergue, bull butting right, left forefoot raised, lashing his tail. RIC I 167a; Lyon 19; RSC 137; BMCRE 451-3; BN 1373-82. Areas of attractive iridscent toning, a few tiny marks, thin edge test cut. Superb EF. ($2000)

652.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.57 g, 5h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck 15 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI • F, bare head right / IMP • X in exergue, bull butting right, left forefoot raised, lashing his tail. RIC I 167a; Lyon 19; RSC 137; BMCRE 451-3; BN 1373-82. Toned, hairline flan crack. In NGC encapsulation 6290949-004, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Well struck. ($1000)

Ex Haeberlin Collection

653.

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. Deep cabinet tone. In NGC encapsulation 4936333-008, graded Ch AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. ($4000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 121 (6 October 2022), lot 778; Ernst Justus Haeberlin Collection (Cahn-Hess, 17 July 1933), lot 3237.

654.

Augustus, with Divus Julius Caesar. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.62 g, 5h). Rome mint; M. Sanquinius, moneyer. Struck 17 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI • F, bare head of Augustus right / M • SANQVI NIVS • III • VIR, youthful, laureate head of deified Julius Caesar right; above, a comet with four rays and a tail. RIC I 338; RSC 1 (Julius Caesar and Augustus); BMCRE 71-3 = BMCRR Rome 4585-7; BN 279. Darkly toned, a few scratches under tone. Good VF. Rare. ($1500) Ex Grand Haven Collection (Triton XXIV, 20 January 2021); Kallman Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 389, 18 January 2017), lot 578; Gorny & Mosch 164 (17 March 2008), lot 357; Giessener Münzhandlung 89 (5 May 1998), lot 393.

223

655.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.84 g, 6h). Rome mint; C. Antistius Reginus, moneyer. Struck 13 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / C • ANTISTIVS • REGINVS, III • VIR in exergue, sacrificial implements: simpulum and lituus above tripod and patera. RIC I 410; RSC 347; BMCRE 119-20 = BMCRR Rome 4661-2; BN 542-7.

Traces of horn silver, minor cleaning marks, some smoothing on reverse. EF. Wonderful portrait. ($1000)

The Triumphal Issue of Augustus

656.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Dupondius (33mm, 24.09 g, 5h). “Triumphal Coinage” issue. Rome mint; M. Salvius Otho, moneyer. Struck 7 BC. [CAES]AR • AVGVST • PONT • MAX • TRI BVNIC • [POT], laureate head of Augustus left; behind, Victory, draped, touching fillet of laurel wreath with right hand and holding cornucopia in left / M • SALVIVS • OTHO • III • VIR • A • A • A • F • F • around large S • C. RIC I 429; BMCRE 224-5 = BMCRR Rome 4689-90; BN 685-6; CNR III 419/5 (same dies). Dark green-brown patina, some light cleaning marks. Good VF. Exceptional and rare. ($4000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. (their ticket included).

This coin, unusual because of its obverse, has been the subject of scholarly speculation. The obverse clearly shows Augustus as a victorous commander. By 7 BC, however, when this coin was struck, Augustus, now in his 50s, no longer personally commanded Rome’s armies; instead, he acted as commander-in-chief, while it fell to his stepsons, Drusus and Tiberius, to actually take the field. Drusus died in 9 BC from complications resulting from a fall. Thereafter Tiberius became Rome’s main commander until his retirement to Rhodes in 4 BC. This issue may then commemorate Tiberius’ victories in Germania, as well as his subsequent triumph and assumption of the consulship for that year (Vell. Pat. 2.97).

657 658 657.

Divus Augustus. Died AD 14. Æ Dupondius (29mm, 15.88 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Gaius (Caligula), AD 3741. DIVVS • AVGVSTVS, S C across field, radiate head left / CONSENSV SENAT • ET • EQ • ORDIN • P • Q • R •, Augustus, togate, seated left on curule chair, holding branch in right hand and resting left against side. RIC I 56 (Gaius); BMCRE 88–91 (Caligula); BN 137–8 (Caligula). Glossy green patina, smoothing and light cleaning marks. EF. ($750) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. (their ticket included).

658.

Julia Augusta (Livia). Augusta, AD 14-29. Æ Dupondius (30mm, 15.55 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Tiberius, AD 22-23. SALVS • AVGVSTA, bareheaded and draped bust of Julia Augusta (Livia) as Salus Augusta right, wearing waved hair and fastened in a knot at the back / TI • CAESAR • DIVI • AVG • F • AVG • P M • TR • POT • XXIIII • around large S • C. RIC I 47 (Tiberius); BMCRE 81-4 (Tiberius); BN 63-7 (Tiberius). Glossy brown surfaces, smoothing scratches. VF. ($1000) 224

Outstanding Tiberius - Divus Augustus Aureus

659.

Tiberius, with Divus Augustus. AD 14-37. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.81 g, 8h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 14-16. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head of Tiberius right / DIVOS ΛVGVST DIVI F, laureate head of Divus Augustus right; six-pointed star above. RIC I 24; Lyon 118, 6a (D3/R4); Calicó 311; BMCRE 29; BN 1-2; Adda 16 (same rev. die); Biaggi 167; Jameson 32; Mazzini 3 (Tiberius and Augustus). Lustrous, some light hairlines. EF. Two wonderful portraits. Rare. ($20,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 119 (with Jesús Vico, 6 October 2020), lot 7.

The son of Augustus’ wife Livia by her previous marriage to a member of the Claudian family, Tiberius Claudius Nero was born in 42 BC in the last days of the Roman Republic. Augustus had ambivalent feelings toward his stepson, finding him dour and humorless, but still provided him with an excellent education and an accelerated career. He found his true calling as a soldier, where he spent years in the field with his legions expanding the Empire’s holdings in the Balkans and Germany. In 12 BC, Augustus arranged for his widowed daughter Julia to marry Tiberius, seemingly a mark of high favor. But Julia was promiscuous and capricious, and the marriage was a failure. A despairing Tiberius went into exile in Rhodes in 6 BC, seemingly ending his public life. With the deaths of Augustus’ two grandsons, Tiberius was recalled to Rome in A.D. 4, officially adopted and granted the Tribunican power, marking him out clearly as successor. From then forward, he was essentially co-emperor and succeeded to the throne without challenge upon Augustus’ death on August 19, AD 14. His first coinage issues quite understandably stressed his dynastic connections and the deification of his adoptive father.

660.

Tiberius. AD 14-37. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.78 g, 3h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 1, AD 15-18. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on chair, holding scepter in right hand and olive branch in left; plain chair legs, double line below. RIC I 25; Lyon 143 (unlisted dies); Calicó 305d; BMCRE 30-3; BN 13-5; Biaggi 169; Jameson 31; Mazzini 15. In NGC encapsulation 6029601-005, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. ($5000)

661.

Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.79 g, 9h). “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. Lustrous, hairlines. EF. Portrait in high relief. ($1000) Ex DFA Collection.

Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give. But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, “Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it.” And they brought it. And he saith unto them, “whose is this image and superscription?” And they said unto him, Caesar’s. And Jesus, answering, said unto them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:14-17) Since Tiberius was the reigning Caesar at the time this famous incident took place in Jerusalem, it is believed by many that the famous “penny” (a James-era English translation of “denarius”) was a silver denarius of Tiberius.

225

662.

Tiberius. AD 14-37. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.85 g, 7h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 6, AD 36-37. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right; long, parallel ribbons, caricature portrait / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia (as Pax) seated right on chair, feet on footstool, holding spear in right hand and olive branch in left; ornate chair legs, single line below. RIC I 29 var. (scepter); Lyon 153; Calicó 305c var. (same); BMCRE 46-7 var. (same); cf.

BN 22; Biaggi 170 var. (same); cf. Mazzini 15*. In NGC encapsulation 6029810-001, graded VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, “Boscoreale” tone. ($5000) Ex Monaco Collection (Heritage 3094, 19 August 2021), lot 32016; Jonathan K. Kern [Lexington] Collection (Heritage 3035, 3 September 2014), lot 29197.

663.

Tiberius. AD 14-37. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 26.49 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 36-37. Empty horse-drawn quadriga right, its side ornamented with trophy, captive seated left, Victory standing right, erecting trophy, and wreath / TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXXIIX around large S • C. RIC I 66; BMCRE 130; BN 116-7. Brown patina.

Near EF. Amazing details on the obverse. ($1000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers & Ruddy Galleries. Ex Auctiones AG 11 (30 September 1980), lot 399.

664.

Tiberius. AD 14-37. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 25.55 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 36-37. Hexastyle temple with flanking wings; Concordia seated within, Hercules and Mercury standing on flanking podia; Jupiter, Juno, Minerva and Victories above pediment / TI CAESAR • DIVI • AVG [• F • AV]GVST • P • M TR POT XXXIIX • around large S • C. RIC I 67; BMCRE 132-4; BN 119-21. Brown patina, minor smoothing. Good VF. ($1500) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers & Ruddy Galleries, 20 July 1981.

226

665.

Anonymous issues. temp. Tiberius, AD 14-37. Æ Tessera – Spintria (22mm, 3.97 g, 10h). Struck circa AD 22/337. Male figure kneeling right on couch, raising left leg of woman laying on her back and resting her head on her left elbow / Campana, Spintriae Series 10, dies D19/VII; Simonetta & Riva scene 10, dies A/VII; Buttrey 8. Brown patina, some roughness and deposits, cleaning scratches, light smoothing. Fine. Extremely rare – only two examples of this die numeral recorded for this particular erotic scene, both of them in museum collections. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

For centuries, numismatists have been puzzled by a curious series of bronze tokens bearing on their reverse numerals from I to XVI. The obverse types on these tokens vary dramatically, bearing not only portraits of Augustus, Tiberius, and Livia, but also various erotic scenes, heterosexual and (possibly) homosexual, or bigas, maenads, capricorns, and other scattered mythological figures. The most prominent theories suggest that they were tickets for entrance to the theater or the games, and the numerals represented sections in the stands, or that they were brothel tokens, with the obverse representing a chosen “product” and the reverse the price. However, both of these theories seem unlikely when one considers that the two seemingly divergent themes are joined by die links to the numeral reverses.

Alberto Campana (“Le Spintriae: Tessere Romane con Raffigurazioni Erotiche,” in La Donna Romana Imagini e Vita Quotidiana [2009], pp.

43-96) has published a new die study of the erotic pieces, recording eight specimens with at least basic find spot information, most notably a sealed tomb in Modena, firmly dated to the mid-late Julio-Claudian period, as well as other examples found around the Roman world in Palestine, Gaul, Germany, and Britain, often in areas of military interest. He notes that these tesserae are primarily struck in orichalcum, a metal more valuable than regular copper or bronze. Considering the find spots and the metal used in the tokens, Campana suggests that they were luxury gifts given by the Imperial house to important military figures for use in some now-forgotten board game, possibly a variant of duodecim scripta, a game resembling modern backgammon (“Les spintriae et leur possible fonction ludique,” in Archeothema 31 [2013], p. 66).

Ex Vicomte de Sartiges Collection – Published in 1910

666.

Nero Claudius Drusus. Died 9 BC. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.78 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 41-42. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP, head left, wearing oak wreath (corona civica) / DE above and GERM on architrave of triumphal arch surmounted by equestrian statue right, holding spear in right hand, between two trophies, each with seated and bound captive at foot. RIC I 69 (Claudius; Rome) var. (laureate); von Kaenel Type 12, 202.255 (V158/R159) = CNR XI 1/1 = Sartiges 46 (this coin); Lyon 22 (unlisted dies); Calicó 315; BMCRE 95 (Claudius; Rome) var. (same); BN 2; Adda 17; Biaggi 180; Mazzini 1. Edge scuff. Good VF. ($10,000) Ex Rauch 114 (16 June 2022), lot 66; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (Ars Classica XVIII, 10 October 1938), lot 68.

227

667.

Nero Claudius Drusus. Died 9 BC. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 27.18 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 42-43. NERO • CLAVDIVS • DRVSVS • GERMANICVS • IMP, bare head left / TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P • IMP • P • P •, S C in exergue, Claudius, bareheaded and togate, seated left on curule chair, holding out branch in right hand and resting left hand on lap; around the chair are scattered arms–spears, shields, cuirass, helmet. RIC I 109 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 72; BMCRE 208-211a (Claudius); BN 198-203 (Claudius). Brown surfaces. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Gemini III (9 January 2007), lot 344.

668.

Agrippina Senior. Died AD 33. Æ Sestertius (37.5mm, 31.32 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Gaius (Caligula), AD 37-41. AGRIPPINA • M F MAT • C • CAESARIS AVGVSTI, draped bust right; her hair is waved and knotted in a club at the back; a single lock falls free down the neck / S P Q R above, MEMORIAE/ AGRIPPINAE in two lines high in left field, carpentum drawn left by two mules, the cover supported by standing figures at the corners, and with ornamented side; eight spokes in wheel. RIC 55 (Gaius); Trillmich Group I, 3 (same dies); BMCRE 86-7 (Caligula); BN 128-9 (Caligula). Green patina, earthen deposits, minor smoothing. Near EF. Well centered and complete. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory C24106 (ND); Stack’s (6 December 1995), lot 278; Numismatica Ars Classica 7 (2 March 1994), lot 681.

Ex Benz, Garrett, and Delbeke Collections – Pedigreed to 1904

669.

Agrippina Senior. Died AD 33. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 29.68 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 42-43.

AGRIPPINA • M • F • GERMANICI • CAESARIS, draped bust right / TI • CLAVDIVS • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P • M TR • P • IMP • P • P • around large S • C. RIC I 102 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 78; BMCRE 219-23 (Claudius); BN 236-40 (Claudius). Red-brown and green patina, smoothed and details slightly enhanced. EF. ($3000) Ex Triton XVI (8 January 2013), lot 1032; Leo Benz Collection (Lanz 94, 22 November 1999), lot 185; John W. Garrett Collection (Part I, Numismatic Fine Arts & Leu, 16 May 1984), lot 734, purchased from M. Schulman, 1 April 1927; Baron Augustus Carolus Delbeke Collection; J. Hirsch XI (4 May 1904), lot 758.

228

670.

Agrippina Senior. Died AD 33. Æ Sestertius (36.5mm, 29.71 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 42-43.

AGRIPPINA • M • F • GERMANICI CAESARIS, draped bust right / TI • CLAVDIVS • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P • M • TR • P • IMP • P • P • around large S • C. RIC I 102 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 78; BMCRE 219-23 (Claudius); BN 236-40 (Claudius). Dark green and brown patina, minor smoothing. Good VF. ($1000)

Pedigreed to 1934

671.

Agrippina Senior. Died AD 33. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 30.49 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 42-43.

AGRIPPINA • M • F • GERMANICI CAESARIS, draped bust right / TI • CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG • GERM • P • M • TR • P • IMP • P • P • around large S • C; c/m: NCAPR (= Nvmmvs Caesare Avgvsto PRobatvs[?]) in rectangular incuse. RIC I 102 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 78; BMCRE 219-23 (Claudius); BN 236-40 (Claudius); c/m: Pangerl 1; CNR XII 52/9 (this coin). Green and red-brown patina. Host coin: VF; c/m: VF. ($1000) From the Libertas Collection, purchased 1 December 1985. Ex Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection (Ars Classica XVII, 3 October 1934), lot 1242.

672.

Gaius (Caligula), with Germanicus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.63 g, 5h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 2nd emission, 2nd phase, late AD 37-early 38. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P • M • TR • POT •, laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) right / GERMANICVS • CAES • P • C • CAES • AVG • GERM, bare head of Germanicus right. RIC I 18; Lyon 172/6a (D149/R150); RSC 2; BMCRE 19-20; BN 28-9. Light iridescent toning, slightly granular surfaces, faint hairlines, small flat spot on edge. VF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex CNG inventory 520 (ca. 1990–1991).

673.

Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.56 g, 3h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.

1st emission, after 18 March AD 37. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERM • P • M • TR • POT • COS •, bare head of Gaius (Caligula) right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right; two stars flanking. RIC I 2; Lyon 157 (unlisted dies); RSC 11 (Caligula and Augustus); BMCRE 4-5; BN 3-8. Find patina, a few scratches, granular surfaces, some smoothing. Near EF. Two pleasing portraits. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

229

674.

Gaius (Caligula), with Agrippina Senior. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.39 g, 4h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 2nd emission, 2nd phase, late AD 37-early 38. C • CΛESΛR • ΛVG • GERM • P • M • TR • POT, laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) right / AGRIPPINA • MAT • C • CAES • AVG • GERM •, draped bust of Agrippina right. RIC I 14 (Rome mint); Lyon 169 (D77/ R111); RSC 2; BMCRE 15 (same dies); BN 24. Toned, porosity, scrapes, and scratches, edge scrapes. VF. ($1500)

Three Sisters Sestertius

675.

Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 26.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 37-38. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERMANICVS • PON M • TR • POT •, laureate head left / AGRIPPINA on left, DRVSILLA above, IVLIA on right, S • C in exergue, Gaius’ three sisters standing facing: Agrippina (as Securitas), head right, holding cornucopia in right hand and leaning on column, placing left hand on shoulder of Drusilla (as Concordia), head left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left; on right, Julia (as Fortuna), head left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 33; BMCRE 36 -7; BN 47-9. Green-brown patina, light porosity. Good VF. An attractive coin in hand. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

On this popular and beautiful reverse, the three sisters of Gaius “Caligula” – Drusilla, Julia Livilla, and Agrippina the Younger – are honored and portrayed as goddesses. All three were deeply involved in deadly Julio-Claudian politics. Caligula’s hostile biographers depict him as excessively and unnaturally fond of his sisters, Drusilla in particular, whom he named as his primary heir in AD 37, while he was suffering from a near-fatal illness. Drusilla herself died of a virulent plague in 38 AD at the age of 22, plunging Caligula into violent grief. He gave her a state funeral befitting an Augusta and ordered the Senate to deify her. In his depression, Caligula’s affections for his remaining sisters cooled and they took to plotting against him, for which he ultimately banished them to the Pontian Islands. After Caligula’s assassination in AD 41, the new emperor, his uncle Claudius, rescinded his nieces’ exile. Julia Livilla soon fell afoul of Claudius’ wife Messalina, who had her imprisoned and starved to death in AD 42. Messalina herself overreached and was executed in AD 48. The following year, Claudius married his surviving niece Agrippina and she quickly became the most powerful woman the Roman Empire had yet seen.

676.

Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ As (28mm, 10.89 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 40-41. C • CAESAR • DIVI • AVG PRON AVG P • M • TR • P • IIII P • P, bare head left / VESTA above, S C across field, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on throne with ornamented back and legs, holding patera in right hand and long transverse scepter in left. RIC I 54; BMCRE 72-3; BN 121-2. Green patina, fields smoothed. EF. ($2000) 230

678 677 677.

Claudius. AD 41-54. Fourrée Denarius (18mm, 3.28 g, 6h). Romano-British imitation. Imitating Rome mint issue of AD 50-51. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG P M TR • P • X • P P IMP VIII, laureate head right / SPQR/ P • P/ OB C S in three lines within oak wreath. North Suffolk 75-83 (dies G/5); cf. RIC I 60; cf. von Kaenel Type 39; cf. RSC 94; cf. BMCRE 60 note; BN –. Attractive light iridescent tone, hairlines under tone, minor deposits. Good VF. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

678.

Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.75 g, 12h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 41-42. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P, Laureate head right / EX • S • C/ OB • CIVES/ SERVATOS in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 16; von Kaenel Type 8; Lyon 17; RSC 35. Lightly toned with hints of iridescence, a few faint scratches.

Good VF. ($2000) The reverse of this attractive denarius depicts the Corona Civica or “Civic Crown,” the second highest military decoration of the Republic, which took the form of a chaplet of oak leaves woven into a wreath. It was awarded to a citizen who had saved the lives of his fellow citizens by defeating or slaying an enemy of the state. The recipient was required to wear the wreath at any public gathering. Julius Caesar won the award for his actions during the Siege of Mytilene in 81 BC, which gained him immediate entry into the Senate. Augustus was voted the honor by the Senate for ending the destructive Roman civil wars. Caligula was granted the honor for “saving” Rome from the tyranny of Tiberius.

Ironically, Claudius was bestowed the Corona Civica for saving Rome from the tyranny of Caligula.

Pedigreed to 1969

679.

Claudius. AD 41-54. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.79 g, 3h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 43-44. TI • CLAVD • CAESAR • AVG • P • M TR • P • III •, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Pax-Nemesis advancing right, holding out fold of drapery below chin with right hand and holding in left hand a winged caduceus pointing down at serpent gliding right with head erect. RIC I 21; von Kaenel Type 19, 356 (V289/R297); Lyon 36/1 (D156/R167); Calicó 364; BMCRE p. 167, note †; BN 37 (same dies); CNR XIV 108 (this coin). Scratches and hairlines. Good VF. ($5000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 963; M. Ratto FPL 1969.2 (April-June), no. 4.

680.

Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.56 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 43-44. TI CLAVD • CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • III, laureate head right / IMPER RECEPT across top of front wall, view of the Castra Praetoria: in front is a wall with two small arched openings below and five battlements on top; above and behind it stands a soldier on guard looking left, holding spear in right hand; aquila to left; behind him is a pediment in which is a crescent, on two pillars, flanked left and right by walls, each with a battlement above and an arch below. RIC I 20; von Kaenel Type 18 (V –/R292 [unlisted obv. die]); Lyon 35 (D –/R135 [unlisted obv. die]); RSC 42a; BMCRE 21 (same rev. die); BN –; CNR XIV, 290 (this coin). Toned, some roughness, traces of deposits, scratches along edge. VF. ($1000) From the CLA Collection, purchased from Jonathan Kern, 25 July 1992. Ex Münz Zentrum XX (24 April 1974), lot 18.

231

Founding of Roman Britain

681.

Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.65 g, 4h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 49-50. TI CLAVD CAESAR AV[G P M] TR P VIIII IMP XVI, laureate head right / DE BRITANN on architrave of triumphal arch surmounted by equestrian statue left between two trophies. RIC I 45; von Kaenel Type 31, 813 (V558/R572); Lyon 61/4a ((D293/R313); RSC 19; BMCRE 50; BN 62. Toned, some porosity. VF. ($2000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 112 (11 September 2019), lot 593.

Thanks to the Dr. Malcom Lyne and other featured collections, Triton XXVII is remarkably rich in coinage relating to, or struck in, Roman Britain (Provincia Britannia). Beginning with two exploratory probes by Julius Caesar in 55-54 BC, Roman interest and influence in Britannia grew throughout the next three centuries. Many emperors were personally involved in campaigns, which were often commemorated on their respective coinages.

During the reign of Claudius, Verica, king of the Atrebates and ally of Rome, was forced into exile by invasions of the Catuvellauni, a neighboring tribe to the east. This served as the pretense for the Claudian invasion of Britannia in AD 43, led by general Aulus Plautius, who subsequently served as governor of the region (the future emperor Vespasian also ranked among the commanders). While Claudius had some participation in the campaigns–bringing reinforcements and elephants to Camulodunum–and received a triumph after his return to Rome, he refused the title Britannicus. The success of the invasion was commemorated on various issues. This denarius depicts the triumphal arch erected by the Roman Senate in honor of “Britannia conquered” ( DE[victa] BRITANNIA). So momentous was the establishment of Roman rule in Britain that Claudius celebrated it even on a provincial issue from the far eastern mint in Cappadocia.

682.

Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 29.11 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 41-42. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, laureate head right / SPES AVGVSTA, S C in exergue, Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left. RIC I 99; von Kaenel Type 55 (unlisted dies); BMCRE 124-5; BN 165-7. Handsome brown patina, some smoothing. Good VF. Wonderful portrait. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

Pedigreed to 1922

683.

Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ As (28.5mm, 10.87 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 42-43. TI • CLAVDIVS • CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • IMP • P • P •, bare head left / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, S C across field, Constantia, helmeted and in military dress, standing left, raising right hand and holding long spear in left hand. RIC I 111; von Kaenel Type 76 (unlisted dies); BMCRE 199-201; BN 226-9. Dark green patina, gently smoothed. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Leo Benz Collection (Lanz 94, 22 November 1999), lot 215; Lanz 26 (5 December 1983), lot 465; Naville II (12 June 1922), lot 278.

232

684.

Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.83 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 51-52. TI CLAVD CAESAR • AVG • P • M • TR • P • XI • IMP • P • P COS V, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Nemesis, winged and draped, advancing right, her right arm is bent upwards and with right hand she pulls out a fold of her robe below the neck, holding in left hand a winged caduceus pointed downwards at a serpent gliding right before her. RIC I 62; von Kaenel Type 44, 752 (V638/R655); RSC 68; BMCRE 69; BN 71 (Lugdunum). Beautiful deep and iridescent toning. Choice EF. Perfectly centered on both sides. A very attractive coin. ($7500) Ex G.W. Trow Collection; New York Sale XXXIV (6 January 2015), lot 532; C.K. Collection (Triton XIV, 4 January 2011), lot 648; Leu 86 (5 May 2003), lot 765.

Nemesis is the goddess who enacts divine retribution on those who display hubris, or arrogance before the gods. By Roman times she is usually depicted as a winged woman holding out a fold of her garment before her, expressing aversion by spitting upon her bosom (supposedly humans could avoid her anger by making the same gesture). From early in his reign, Claudius employed on his coins a version of Nemesis sharing some features with Pax (Peace) along with the legend PACI AVGVSTAE (“the Emperor’s peace”). Claudius’s Nemisis coinage starts in AD 43 and probably refers to his invasion and subsequent conquest of Britain, with Rome meting out “divine retribution” on the arrogant British tribes. “The Emperor’s peace” presumably refers to Britannia being brought within the Pax Romana, albeit by force of arms. Nine decades later Hadrian would employ a similar reverse as a reference to the Bar Kochba conflict.

The Second Known – Pedigreed to 1932

685.

Claudius, with Agrippina Junior. AD 41-54. Fourrée Denarius (19mm, 2.88 g, 5h). Imitating a Rome mint issue of AD 51. [TI CLA]VD CAESAR AVG • GERM TRIB POTES P [P], laureate head of Claudius right / ΛGRIPPINΛE ΛVGVSTΛ, draped bust of Agrippina right, wearing wreath of grain ears, from which one long tie hangs down at back; her hair is fastened at the neck in a long plait taken up. Cf. RIC I 81; cf. von Kaenel Type 50, p.18, pl. 17, 1243 (same dies); cf.

RSC 4; BMCRE 78, pl. 33, 2 (same dies); BN –; CNR XVI 45/1 (this coin). Old collection toning, marks under tone. VF. Apparently the second known, and the only example in private hands. ($1500) Ex Baranowsky FPL (Part 1, 1932), no. 430.

686.

Nero, with Agrippina Junior. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.52 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck December AD 54. AGRIPP AVG DIVI CLAVD NERONIS CAES MATER, bare head of Nero right, facing draped bust of Agrippina Junior left / NERONI CLAVD [DIVI F CAES] AVG GERM IMP TR P •, EX • S C within oak wreath. RIC I 2 (Rome); WCN 36; Lyon 5/5a (D22/R27); RSC 7; BMCRE 3; BN 8-9. Attractive toning, hairlines, scratch on obverse. VF. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc52391 (ND).

233

687.

Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.40 g, 9h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 58-59(?). NERO • CAESAR • AVG • IMP •, bare head right / PONTIF • MAX • TR • P [• V •] P • P •, EX S C within oak wreath. Cf. RIC I 17; cf. WCN 41; cf. Lyon 17; cf. RSC 211; cf. BMCRE 20; BN –. Attractively toned, slightly granular surfaces, scattered shallow scratches. Near EF. Outstanding portrait of a young Nero. Certainly the work of a master die engraver. ($1500) Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 551.

688.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 26.74 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 64. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis, globe at point of bust / ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES, S C in exergue, Annona standing right, holding cornucopia in left hand, facing Ceres seated left, holding grain ears in outstretched right hand and torch in left; between them, modius on garlanded altar, ship’s stern in background. RIC I 372; WCN 402; Lyon 44 (unlisted dies); BMCRE 306; BN –. Glossy dark green patina. EF. Exceptional for the type. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Berk BBS 94 (16 January 1997), lot 712.

234

Port of Ostia Sestertius

689.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 25.63 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right, globe at point of neck / S C high to left and right, PORT AVG upside down in exergue, Port of Ostia: eight ships within the harbor; at the top is a pharus surmounted by a statue of Neptune; below is a reclining figure of Tiber, holding a rudder and dolphin; to left, crescent-shaped pier with portico, terminating with figure sacrificing at altar and with building; to right, crescent-shaped row of breakwaters or slips. RIC I 440; WCN 420; Lyon 10/1 (D304/R315); BMCRE 323; BN 75 (same dies). Light green patina, even light roughness, minor smoothing and marks.

Good VF. Exceptionally complete reverse. ($7500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc42956 (ND; their ticket included).

While Julius Caesar recognized the value of expanding Rome’s port facilities at Ostia, it was Claudius who began actual building in AD 42.

As part of the construction, one of Caligula’s pleasure galleys was scuttled and filled with cement; above it was constructed a lighthouse surmounted by a statue of Neptune. Although the actual date of completion is not certain, it must have occurred shortly before this sestertius was minted. A further expansion of the facilities was required under Trajan and Hadrian. By the fourth century, however, the port’s importance began to diminish as a result of silting. Soon the region became a breeding ground for malaria and was abandoned.

690.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 25.09 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right, globe at point of neck / S C across field, triumphal arch, showing the front, with a wreath hung across it, surmounted by the emperor in facing quadriga accompanied by Pax and Victory, flanked by two soldiers; statue of Mars in side niche; the faces and plinths of the arch are ornamented with elaborate reliefs.

RIC I 432; WCN 422; Lyon 113; BMCRE 329; BN 77; Kleiner 22a. Brown patina, some brassy highlights, small flan flaw on obverse, short hairline flan crack. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 819; Schweizerische Kreditanstalt 4 (3 December 1985), lot 462.

This monumental triumphal arch was erected by Nero to commemorate Roman military campaigns against the Parthians in Mesopotamia and Armenia. Although not particularly successful in a military sense, with Paetus losing almost his entire army at Randeia in Armenia, the war did end with a peace treaty favorable to Rome that was upheld for nearly fifty years. This coin type is vitally important for architectural historians as the arch’s appearance is only known through its depiction on the coins.

235

691.

Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter, bare to waist, with cloak around lower limbs, seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC I 52; WCN 25; Calicó 412; BMCRE 67-73; BN 213-9; Biaggi 225-6.

Lustrous, edge marks, ex jewelry. EF. ($3000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 28 July 1981.

Ex Biaggi, Morgan, and Stiavelli Collections, and 1895 Boscoreale Hoard

692.

Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.28 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / ROMA in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, right foot resting on helmet, holding Victory in right hand and resting left hand on parazonium at side; round and oblong shield and greave to right. RIC I 54; WCN 27; Calicó 439 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 82 (same dies); BN 222-3; Biaggi 238 (this coin); Morgan 65 (this coin).

Attractive red toning, characteristic of aurei from Boscoreale, traces of deposits, small edge split. Near EF. ($30,000) Ex collection of an attorney (Künker 341, 1 October 2020), lot 5797; Collection of a European Scholar (LHS 97, 10 May 2006), lot 7; Leu 83 (6 May 2002), lot 727; Leu 25 (23 April 1980), lot 252; Leo Biaggi De Blasys Collection, 238; J. Pierpont Morgan Collection (as consigned

by Wayte Raymond, H. Schulman, 26 April 1951), lot 3048, previously purchased en bloc by Wayte Raymond from the Morgan Library; Prof.

Carlo Stiavelli Collection (Santamaria, 6 April 1908), lot 400; Boscoreale Hoard of 1895.

236

The Macellum Magnum

693.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (28mm, 15.40 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 64. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, radiate head right / MAC AVG above, S C across field, Façade of the Macellum Magnum: statue standing facing on base within cylindrical tetrastyle entrance set on tiered base, upper tristyle story surmounted by ornate conical dome; two-story tristyle porch on either side; II (mark of value) in exergue. RIC I 184; Wulzinger Series V; WCN 203; BMCRE –; BN 318-9. Green and red-brown patina, smoothing. VF. Excellent architectural type. ($750) The Macellum Magnum was Nero’s great provision-market, probably dating from AD 59. This magnificent structure, originally occupying the middle of a square lined with porticoes and shops, was located on the Caelian Hill. It survived in its original state until the late 4th century, when its dilapidated condition necessitated a major reconstruction. During the turbulent 5th century the building again fell into partial ruin and in the latter part of the century it was transformed under Pope Simplicius (468-482) into the church of S. Stefano Rotondo.

Pedigreed to 1922

694.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 26.37 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / S C across field, ROMA in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, right foot on helmet, holding Victory in outstretched right hand and resting left hand on parazonium; to right, shields set on ground. RIC I 275; WCN 137; BMCRE 180; BN 364. Dark green-brown patina, smoothed. Good VF. ($1500) Ex Ars Classica XIII (27 June 1928), lot 1172; Naville II (12 June 1922), lot 350.

695.

Nero. AD 54-68. Æ Dupondius (30mm, 15.16 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, radiate head right / S C across field, ROMA in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, right foot resting on helmet, holding wreath in right hand and resting left hand on parazonium at side; three round shields to right. RIC I 296; WCN 225; BMCRE 205; BN 389-91. Attractive light brown surfaces, some smoothing, a couple of pits, minor flan flaws. Good VF. Excellent portrait. ($750) From the Lionel Tenby Collection, with a Seaby ticket.

237

The Denarii of the Civil War The civil wars at the end of Nero’s reign began with the revolt of the governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, Gaius Julius Vindex, probably around the beginning of March of AD 68. Vindex offered the leadership of the revolt to Servius Sulpicius Galba, then governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, who was hailed imperator by the Spanish legions at Carthago Nova in April of the same year. The title was cautiously refused, but Galba did declare himself the legatus of the senate and people of Rome. Just a month later, Galba’s confidence would be shaken by the crushing defeat of Vindex near Besançon by the general Lucius Verginius Rufus, governor of Germania Superior. But in another twist of fate, by 9 June, Nero was dead, having taken his own life. Galba began his march to Rome, and his brief reign was underway.

Coinage, of course, was needed during these precarious months of revolt and without an emperor to strike in the name of (save for that in honor of the “model emperor” of Roman history, Augustus) the coinage was struck with messages suiting the political climate. The issues struck under Vindex possess a more aggressive air that underscores the militant nature of his revolt, while Galba’s tend to be more constitutional and optimistic in tone.

Extremely Rare – Among the Finest Known

696.

Civil War. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.67 g, 7h). ‘G P R Group II’. Uncertain mint in Gaul or in the Rhine Valley.

G • P • R, draped bust of the Genius of the Roman people to right; scepter over shoulder / MARS VLTOR, Mars, nude but for helmet and parazonium slung around his chest, advancing right, wielding spear in his right hand and holding shield in his left. RIC I 48; AM 25, but cf. 24 and pl. 2, 24 P (for an aureus struck from the same reverse die); RSC –; Mairat 35.3 (this coin); BMCRE 21 note; Nicolas, Néron 26, but cf. 24-25 and pl. I, 24 P & 25 CAL (for aurei struck from the same reverse die). Deeply toned, slight roughness in the fields. Near EF. Extremely rare and exceptional for issue. Among the finest known. ($5000) Ex Dipl.-Ing Christian Gollnow Collection (Leu Numismatik 9, 24 October 2021), lot 1138; Lanz 128 (22 May 2006), lot 291; Numismatica Ars Classica 92 (23 May 2016), lot 501.

Exceptional style, not typically encountered in the Civil War denarii. While most of the Rhine mint denarii tend to be of a more crude style and fabric, this specimen is superb, revealing the hand of a particularly talented engraver.

Pedigreed to 1933

697.

Civil War. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.55 g, 1h). ‘SIGNA P R Group’. Uncertain mint in Gaul or in the Rhine Valley. MARS VLTOR, draped bust of Mars to right, wearing crested helmet and plain necklace / SIGNA / P - R, Aquila to right before lighted altar; signum on either side. RIC I 51; AM 60; RSC 406; Mairat 78.8 (this coin); BMCRE 39; Nicolas, Néron 94 and pl. VIII, 94 PR1 (this coin). Toned, area of edge scuffs. Good VF. ($3000) Ex Dipl.-Ing Christian Gollnow Collection (Leu Numismatik 9, 24 October 2021), lot 1123; Gordon McLendon Collection (Christie’s New York, 12 June 1993), lot 103; Numismatic Fine Arts XII (23 March 1983), lot 201; Dr. E.P. Nicolas Collection (Kampmann, 9 March 1982), lot 203; A. Page (14 June 1933), lot 799 (‘Collection d’un Amateur Parisien’).

698.

Civil War. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.17 g, 12h). ‘S P Q R Group’. Uncertain mint in Gaul or Rhine Valley.

Struck May/June-December AD 68. SALVS GE NE RIS HVMANI, Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left / S P Q R within oak wreath. RIC I 72; AM 77; RSC 420; BMCRE 36; BN 41-2. Toned, minor marks, reverse slightly off center, edge test cut, area of minor edge filing, tooled. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) Ex Dipl.-Ing Christian Gollnow Collection, purchased from Seaby.

238

699.

Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (35.5mm, 26.31 g, 6h). Rome mint, 1st officina. Struck circa November AD 68. SER • GALBA • IMP • CAES • AVG • TR • P •, laureate head right / EX • S C/ OB/ CIVES/ SER in four lines within oak wreath.

RIC I 434; ACG 42 (A57/P71); BMCRE 62; BN –. Brown patina, areas of roughness. EF. Outstanding portrait struck in high relief. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XII (23 March 1983), lot 207.

Pedigreed to 1920

700.

Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 26.68 g, 6h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa October AD 68. SER • GALBA • IMP • CAESAR • AVG • TR • P, laureate head right / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, S C across field, Libertas, draped, standing left, holding pileus in right hand and vindicta in left. RIC I 387; ACG 169 (A61/P144 – this coin); BMCRE 68; BN 195 (same obv. die). Brown patina, light roughness, slight double strike on obverse. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Collection de Monsieur B... (Ciani, 1 June 1920), lot 351.

By AD 68, Servius Sulpicius Galba had governed Hispania for nearly eight years with a single Roman legion, VI Victrix, under his command.

In April of that year, with Nero’s support crumbling, Galba proclaimed himself as representing the Senate and People of Rome, in opposition to Nero, thus taking the first steps that would lead to his brief, chaotic reign as emperor. However, the final collapse of Nero’s regime took several months, during which the Roman coinage reflected the uncertain political climate.

701.

Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 26.56 g, 6h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa October AD 68. SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG TR P, laureate head left / LIBERTAS PVBLICA, S C across field, Libertas standing left, holding pileus in right hand and vindicta in left. RIC I 389; ACG – (A84/R– [unlisted rev. die]); BMCRE p. 319 §; BN 196. Green and red patina, some roughness. VF. High relief portrait. ($3000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 310 (4 September 2013), lot 372.

239

702 703 702.

Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 26.33 g, 6h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. Struck circa October AD 68. SER • GALBA • IMP • CAESAR • AVG P M TR P, laureate head left / S C across field, Victory advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left over left shoulder. RIC I 400; ACG 196 (A99/P149); BMCRE –; BN 205 (same obv. die); Mazzini 248 (same dies). Brown patina, smoothing. Good VF. Rare type with head left. ($1000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers and Ruddy Galleries, 21 May 1981.

703.

Galba. AD 68-69. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 26.48 g, 6h). Rome mint, 4th officina. Struck circa June-August AD 68.

IMP SER GALBA AVG TR P, laureate and draped bust right / S P Q R/ OB/ CIV SER in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 262; ACG 289 (A100/P151); BMCRE 117; BN 121 (same dies). Mottled red-brown patina, small collector’s cachet at base of neck. VF. ($1000) Ex Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 67, 22 September 2004), lot 1338.

Ex Ryan and Montagu Collections – Pedigreed to 1896

704.

Galba. AD 68-69. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January AD 69. IMP SER GALBA AVG, bare head right / S P Q R/ OB C S in two lines within oak wreath. RIC I 164; Calicó 509; BMCRE 29-30; BN 72-4; Adda 42; Biaggi 265; Jameson 53; Mazzini 286; NAC 97, lot 93 (same dies; hammer CHF 60,000). Toned, some hairlines on reverse, minor edge marks. Near EF. Struck on a broad flan. Exceptional portrait. ($50,000) Ex Provence Collection (Triton XXIII, 14 January 2020), lot 679; V. J. E. Ryan Collection (Part IV, Glendining, 20 February 1951), lot 1669; Sir Hyman Montagu Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 20 April 1896), lot 172.

705 706 705.

Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.34 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January 69. IMP SER GALBA AVG, bare head right / S P Q R/ OB/ C S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 167; RSC 287; BMCRE 34 corr. (not laureate); BN 76-7. Lightly toned, a few minor scratches, faint hairlines. Good VF. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex CNG inventory 96391 (ca. 1990-1991).

706.

Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.51 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, laureate head right / DIVA AVGVSTA, Diva Julia Augusta (Livia), draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 186; RSC 55; BMCRE 8-9; BN 83-4. Wonderful old cabinet tone with some blue and gold iridescence. Near EF. Bold portrait. ($2000) 240

707.

Galba. AD 68-69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.42 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa July AD 68-January AD 69. IMP SER GALBA CAESAR AVG, laureate and draped bust right / DIVA AVGVSTA, Livia, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and long scepter in left. RIC I 189; RSC 55a. Toned with some light golden hues and iridescence, hairlines. Near EF. Nicely centered with a wonderful bust of Galba. ($1500) Ex Pecunem 9 (Gitbud & Naumann, 3 November 2013), lot 440.

He (i.e., Galba) showed marked respect to Livia Augusta, to whose favor he owed great influence during her lifetime and by whose last will he almost became a rich man; for he had the largest bequest among her legatees, one of fifty million sesterces. But because the sum was designated in figures and not written out in words, Tiberius, who was her heir, reduced the bequest to five hundred thousand, and Galba never received even that. (Suetonius 5.2) The line of the Julio-Claudian emperors had died out with Nero, but the new emperor Galba still wished to demonstrate continuity with the dynasty that had ruled for the last century, via his close friendship with Livia.

708.

Otho. AD 69. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.16 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP OTHO CΛESΛR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECVR I TAS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 9; Muona Group 2, Type 9A, Portrait Type B; Calicó 529; cf. BMCRE p. 366, note †; BN 9; Adda 43; Biaggi 273; Mazzini 14. Smoothing and tooling. Good VF. ($15,000) Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 814; Künker 312 (8 October 2018), lot 2820; Künker 273 (14 March 2016), lot 674; Gorny & Mosch 224 (13 October 2014), lot 471.

Marcus Salvius Otho was a minor functionary in the court of Nero, known more for his enthusiastic participation in the emperor’s revels than for any real competency. His one mistake was in introducing his beautiful wife Poppaea Sabina to his master. Very soon, Otho got the governorship of the remote province of Lusitania, and Nero got Poppaea. With Nero’s downfall, Otho aligned himself with his fellow governor Galba, fully expecting to be named the elderly emperor’s successor. When Galba designated Piso as his successor, the disappointed Otho joined the conspiracy that lead to Galba’s assassination. Otho himself would perish three months later, by his own hand as the armies of Vitellius approached Rome.

709 710 709.

Otho. AD 69. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.28 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January-8 March. IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / PAX ORBI[S TE]RRARVM, Pax standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and caduceus in left. RIC I 4; Muona Group 1, Type 5B, Portrait Type A; RSC 3. Light cabinet tone, scratches. Good VF. Great portrait. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Review XLVII.2 (Summer 2022), no. 5604303.

710.

Otho. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.69 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck 15 January–8 March. IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / SECV RI TΛS P R, Securitas, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and scepter in left. RIC I 8; Muona Group 1, Type 4B, Portrait Type A; RSC 17; BMCRE 17-8; BN 10. Attractive deep cabinet tone. Good VF. Wonderful portrait. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

241

711.

Otho. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.38 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 9 March-mid April. [IMP] OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right / PONT MAX, Ceres, draped, standing left, holding two grain ears in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 20 (Aureus) note; Muona Group 3, Type 12B, Portrait Type D; RSC 11; BMCRE 9; BN 24-5. Toned, a pair of test cuts on edge, a few light scratches under tone on reverse. Near EF. Wonderful portrait. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 106 (13 September 2017), lot 718; UBS 78 (9 September 2008), lot 1537.

Calicó Plate Coin – Pedigreed to 1889

712.

Vitellius, with Vitellius the Elder. AD 69. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head of Vitellius right / [L VI]TELLIVS COS III CENSOR, L. Vitellius the Elder, togate, seated left on curule chair, feet on stool, extending right hand and holding eagle-tipped scepter in left. RIC I 94; Calicó 565a (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 23; BN 54-5; Adda 44. Lustrous, reverse struck slightly off center, some faint hairlines. EF. A bold portrait struck in high relief. Very rare. ($50,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 119 (with Jesús Vico, 6 October 2020), lot 23; Numismatic Fine Arts XXX (8 December 1992), lot 227; Albéric Paul Edouard, comte du Chastel de la Howardries Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 27 May 1889), lot 279 (there purchased for 190 francs).

The last of Nero’s immediate three successors, Vitellius was declared emperor by his troops while campaigning in lower Germany in January, AD 69. His reign was short lived however, as Vespasian was hailed emperor in Judaea only a few months later. Vitellius’ troops gave little resistance as Vespasian entered Italy. As Vespasian’s army approached Rome, Vitellius attempted to abdicate but was prevented by the Praetorians and his backers, who rioted and burned down the Temple of Jupiter. Vitellius was ultimately dragged out of his hiding place and brutally murdered, his body thrown down the Gemonian Stairs.

Pedigreed to 1922

713.

Vitellius. AD 69. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April–20 December. Λ VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP, bare head right / CONCOR DIA P R, Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 66; RSC 21; BMCRE 1; BN 31-2. Deep old cabinet tone, small edge split, slight porosity, a few light scratches. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Rauch 99 (8 December 2015), lot 120; Sternberg XIII (17 November 1983), lot 599; Sternberg [I] (30 November 1973), lot 72; Hess-Leu 24 (16 April 1964), lot 288; Naville II (12 June 1922), lot 422.

242

714.

Vitellius. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.46 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. [A VITEL] LIVS GERMAN IMP TR P, laureate head right / S P Q R/ OB/ C S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 83; RSC 86. Lightly toned with golden hues around devices. Near EF. A well executed portrait. ($1500) Ex Künker 341 (1 October 2020), lot 5828.

715.

Vitellius. AD 69. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.58 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. Λ VITELLIVS GERM IMP ΛVG TR P, laureate head right / [PONT] MAXIM, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated right on throne, holding vertical scepter in left hand and patera in right. RIC I 107; RSC 72; BMCRE 34-7; BN 71-4. Attractively toned, some earthen deposits on obverse. EF. Well struck with fresh dies. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc46172 (ND).

Ex Walters Collection – Pedigreed to 1932

716.

Vitellius. AD 69. Æ Sestertius (37mm, 25.19 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa late April-20 December. A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P, laureate and draped bust right / PAX AVGVSTI, S C across field, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in outstretched right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC I 118 (this coin cited); BMCRE p. 377, † (this coin cited); BN 92 (same obv. die). Brown patina, smoothed. Good VF. ($6000) Ex Bolaffi 41 (26 May 2022), lot 213; Lanz 32 (29 April 1985), lot 451; Frederick A. Walters Collection (A. Hess 211, 9 May 1932), lot 503.

243

Ex Price and Apostolo Zeno Collections

717.

Vitellius. AD 69. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 24.61 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa late April–20 December. A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P, laureate and draped bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, S C across field, Victory, naked to waist, standing right, left foot set on helmet, inscribing OB/ CIVES/ SERV in three lines on round shield attached to palm tree. RIC I 123 corr. (shield inscription: SERV, not SER); Hendin 6489; BMCRE 62-3; BN 96 corr. (S C across field, not in exergue). Brown and green patina, smoothing, light tooling. Good VF. Bold portrait. ($7500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Berk BBS 103 (28 July 1998), lot 584; Michael F. Price Collection (Stack’s, 3 December 1996), lot 146; Stack’s (8 December 1993), lot 2158; Galeries des Monnaies & Crédit de la Bourse (6 November 1976), lot 61; Apostolo Zeno Collection (Part I, Dorotheum, 13 June 1955), lot 340.

The victory noted on the reverse of this impressive sestertius can only be the impending defeat of Jewish rebels in Judaea.

As David Hendin notes in Guide to Biblical Coins, “Vitellius... apparently knew Vespasian, his chief rival for the throne, was approaching victory. In an effort to consolidate and spread word of his power, Vitellius issued the first Judaea Capta coins.”

718.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 18.70 g, 7h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.

Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right, globe at point of neck / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, Vespasian standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, right hand on knee, left hand propping her head in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 1134; Hendin 6573; Lyon 27, 2a (D67/R77); BMCRE 800; BN –. Rough green patina, pitting. VF. ($1500) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection.

244

Exceptional Judaea Capta Aureus – Ex Biaggi Collection

719.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.22 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa 21 December AD 69-early 70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / IVDAEA in exergue, trophy; to right, Judaea, veiled and draped, seated right on ground in attitude of mourning, knees drawn up, head resting on left hand, which is propped on knees, right arm on lap. RIC II.1 1; Hendin 6492; Calicó 643; BMCRE 31-4; BN 20-2; Biaggi 324 (this coin).

Wonderful red toning, characteristic of aurei from Boscoreale, underlying luster. Near EF. A beautiful coin. ($50,000) Ex Samel Collection (Künker 334, 17 March 2020), lot 2285; Leu 22 (8 May 1979), lot 225; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection, purchased from M. Ratto in 1952; Boscoreale Hoard of 1895.

720.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (18mm, 7.21 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck circa 21 December AD 69-early 70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / IVDAEA in exergue, trophy; to right, Judaea, veiled and draped, seated right on ground in attitude of mourning, knees drawn up, head resting on left hand, which is propped on knees, right arm on lap. RIC II.1 1; Hendin 6492; Calicó 643; BMCRE 31-4; BN 20-2; Biaggi 324. Hairlines, scratches, marks, deposits, edge marks. VF. ($6000)

721.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 24.87 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, male captive standing right with his hands tied behind his back; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, in attitude of mourning; two spears, a hexagonal and a couple of round shields to left; round shields and spear to right. RIC II.1 159; Hendin 6530; BMCRE 533; BN 489-90 var. (configuration of arms). Brown patina, minor pitting, a few scratches, edge marks. Good Fine. ($1500) Ex Cederlind 145 (18 December 2007), lot 211.

245

722.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 24.56 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, male captive standing right with his hands tied behind his back; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass, in attitude of mourning; shields and arms around. RIC II.1 159; Hendin 6530; BMCRE 533-5; BN 489-90 var. (configuration of arms).

Red-brown surfaces, small fissure on reverse, slight legend weakness, minor smoothing. Near VF. ($1500) From the Lionel Tenby Collection. Ex Triton XVIII (5 January 2015), lot 1044.

723.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (32.5mm, 23.18 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, Judaea, veiled and draped, seated left on cuirass, propping her head in attitude of dejection on her right knee; to right, male captive standing left, his hands bound behind his back; both figures surrounded by arms. RIC II.1 165; Hendin 6532; BMCRE 540-2; BN 494-6. Brown patina. VF. Rare. ($1500)

724.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 26.80 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate bust right, slight drapery / ROMA RESVRGES, S C in exergue, Vespasian, laureate and togate, standing left, left arm at side, right hand extended to raise up Roma, a draped woman, kneeling right in front of him, and holding out her right hand to him; in the background stands the goddess Roma, helmeted and in military dress, holding [spear in right hand] and round shield in left hand. RIC II.1 195 (R2; same rev. die as illustration on back of dust jacket); BMCRE 565 (same dies); BN 531 (same obv. die). Brown patina, smoothed. VF. Very rare. ($3000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2020 (25 May 2020), lot 934; Rauch 86 (12 May 2010), lot 669; Numismatica Ars Classica 25 (25 June 2003), lot 410.

246

725.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 25.87 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, bound male captive standing right; to right, Judaea seated right on cuirass in attitude of mourning; both figures surrounded by arms. RIC II.1 233; Hendin 6539; BMCRE 532; BN 491. Dark brown patina, blue-green highlights. Good VF. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

726.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19mm, 6.96 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 72-73. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head right / Palm tree; to left, Vespasian standing right, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left, foot on helmet; to right, Judaea seated right in attitude of mourning, head resting on left hand, left arm propped on knee. RIC II.1 363 (same dies as illustration); Hendin 6494; Calicó 587 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 78 (same dies); BN 64; Biaggi 348 (same dies); Mazzini 644 (same dies). Light marks, banker’s mark and some faint hairlines on reverse, traces of deposits. Good Fine. Rare. ($4000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 885.

727.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 27.22 g, 5h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 72-73. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS IIII, laureate head right / VICTOR[IA] AVGVSTI, S C across field, Victory standing right, left foot on helmet, inscribing shield set on palm tree. RIC II.1 390 (R2); Hendin 6551 var. (obv. legend); BMCRE –; BN –. Brown surfaces, some small flan flaws on obverse. Near VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Herb Kreindler, 28 July 1981.

247

728.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.14 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 77-78. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head left / COS VIII in exergue, Vespasian, in military dress, standing left, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left, crowned by Victory standing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC II.1 936; Calicó 625a; BMCRE 205; BN 183; Adda 55; Biaggi 318. Light reddish tone, some underlying luster, faint hairlines. Good VF. ($5000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 125 (23 June 2021), lot 660; Künker 304 (19 March 2018), lot 1096.

729.

Divus Vespasian. Died AD 79. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 20.62 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Titus, AD 80-81. DIVO/ AVG/ VESP in three lines above, S P Q R in exergue, Deified Vespasian, togate and radiate, seated right on car drawn right by a quadriga of elephants with riders, holding long vertical scepter in right hand and Victory in left / IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII around large S • C. RIC II.1 258; BMCRE 223; BN 231. Green patina, reddish-brown surfaces on the high points. VF. ($1000)

248

Wonderful Titus Aureus

730.

Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.26 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 73. T CAES IMP VESP CEN, laureate head right / VES TA, Temple of Vesta: round-domed, tetrastyle temple with statue of Vesta within, flanked by statue to right and left of temple. RIC II.1 557 (Vespasian); Calicó 794 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 386 (this coin). Vibrant orange and purple toning characteristic of aurei from the Boscoreale hoard. In NGC encapsulation 6029813-001, graded Ch XF★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. ($30,000) Ex Monaco Collection (Heritage 3094, 19 August 2021), lot 32032; Long Valley River Collection (Roma XX, 29 October 2020), lot 575; Roma IV (30 September 2012), lot 535; Sotheby’s (8 July 1996), lot 101; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection (Leu 36, 7 May 1985), lot 247; Münzen und Medaillen AG XIII (17 June 1954), lot 666. Likely ex Boscoreale Hoard of 1895.

731.

Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.30 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Antioch mint.

Struck under Vespasian, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate and draped bust right / Palm tree; to left, Titus standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear in right hand, cradling parazonium in left arm; to right, Judaea seated right in attitude of mourning. RIC II.1 1562 (Vespasian); Hendin 6522; RPC II 1934; RSC 392; BMCRE 518-9 (Vespasian); BN 322-3 (Vespasian). Toned, struck with fresh dies on a compact flan. EF. ($750)

732.

Titus. AD 79-81. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.50 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 79, after 1 July. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M •, laureate head right / TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P, Venus, seen half from behind, naked except for drapery around hips, standing right, resting left elbow on column, holding helmet in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC II.1 34, note 4; RSC 268; BMCRE 9-10; BN 9-10. Lustrous with iridescent toning, flan flaw on obverse.

EF. A spectacular example of the type. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

249

A Meta Sudans Mystery

733.

Titus. AD 79-81. Æ Dupondius (28.5mm, 17.18 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 80-81 (or a 16th-17th century fantasy). IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII, radiate head left / Conical fountain set on plinth (Meta Sudans) with statues set within alternating squared and arched recesses, S C across field; LM in ink (old collector or museum initials) in upper left field. RIC II.1 205; BN III Faux Modernes 28; Asolati, M. Note sulla medaglia all’antica d’età rinascimentale tra invenzioni, rivisitazioni e “ritocchi” (Milano, 2018), pp. 155–6; Heenes and Jansen, Jacopo Strada’s Magnum AC Novum Opus, A Sixteenth-Century Corpus Of Ancient Numismatics (Berlin, 2022), pp. 292, no. 5 (this coin illustrated). Yellow-brown surfaces, minor marks and scratches, tooled and smoothed. Good VF. An extreme rarity, the only specimen not in a museum collection. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS – Not Suitable For Encapsulation. ($1000) The Meta Sudans was a tall fountain located in front of the Flavian Amphitheater, it marked the spot where processions would turn from the Via Trumphalis along the Palatine and onto the Roman Forum. It was erected shortly after the completion of the amphitheater, between AD 89-96.

This coin is not without controversy. The consignor showed photos of this coin to the late Ted Buttrey, curator at the Fitzwilliam Museum, in the mid 1990s who studied it intently. He concluded that the coin must be genuine and gave the following appraisal: “The two pieces, RIC 205 = L195A and [this] piece, were struck from the same obverse die, while Paris was struck from a very similar die by the same engraver, the way the wreath ends terminate at CO and OS respectively. However, the reverses were struck from three separate dies, distinguished by the nature and placing of the arches below the steeple. It is certainly beyond belief that an evil modern craftsman, attempting to create an un-struck type for Titus, would have - or even could have - stretched out his hand toward the mountains of random asses and dupondii still surviving, and come up with three pieces to work on which had been produced virtually at the same moment at the Rome mint amid the abundant bronze coinages of 80-81 AD. I think we have to accept it as genuinely ancient.” More recently, the coin was studied in-hand by the current curator of the Coins and Medals department at the British Museum who commented that he had seen genuine Titus dupondii with similar surfaces and concave flans and since Ted Buttrey had said it was authentic, he had no reason to disagree. He did confirm that it had been tooled and smoothed in similar fashion as the BM and BN specimens.

In the years since Professor Buttrey’s comments, further research has been done on this coin as well as others of its type. New evidence supports this being a Paduan-era medallion of the 16th-17th century schools in Italy. The Asolati and Heenes references cited above, one of which included this very coin, detail the works of Giovanni Cavino, Jacopo Strada, and other 16th century artists. Both authors believe that every extant specimen, including the BM coin, are Paduan-era medallions and that no genuine ancient coins of the type exist. It is interesting to note that the sestertius of this type has a laureate base instead of the statues seen here. Had an ancient celator carved the dies, we would expect to see a similar scene on both denominations. This lends credence to the belief that the Renaissance engravers had not actually seen the fountain they were engraving. A note from the consignor: ”Dr. Heenes did not study my coin in hand when preparing his book, he only worked from a photo.” Cataloger note: Since cataloging this coin for Triton, a new Paduan-era sestertius of Vitellius has been found, CNG E-551, lot 770.

The reverses share unmistakable similarities; the alternating squared and arched recesses, the beaded edges around the enclosures, and the base style lead me to believe that both coins are the work of the same Renaissance engraver.

There are only five of this type known: one each in the British Museum, Bibliothèque National, Nationale di Venezia, Banca Regionale del Veneto, and the one offered here from a private collection. This coin is the only specimen available in the public market and has been in the consignor’s collection for over 50 years.

734.

Julia Titi. Augusta, AD 79-90/1. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.44 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Titus, AD 80-81.

IVLIA AVGVSTA TI[TI AVG]VSTI F •, diademed and draped bust right; hair in long plait / VENVS AVGVST, Venus, seen half from behind, naked to the hips, standing right, resting elbow on column, holding transverse scepter and crested helmet.

RIC II.1 388 (Titus); RSC 14; BMCRE 141-3 (Titus); BN 106-7 (Titus). Attractive iridescent toning, a few light scratches, minor flan flaw. EF. Struck with fresh dies. Wonderful portrait. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory 22453 (ND).

250

Very Rare Domitian Aureus – Pedigreed to 1909

735.

Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.36 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 73.

CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II, laureate head right / VES TA above, round, tetrastyle Temple of Vesta, the roof divided into panels by horizontal and transverse bars and slops upward to a point, on which is an ornamental top; within, statue of Vesta standing left on low base; to left and right of temple, statues standing on low bases. RIC II.1 559 (Vespasian); Calicó 940 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 412 (Vespasian; same obv. die); BN –; Biaggi –. Red and blue iridescent toning on the reverse, characteristic of Boscoreale Hoard aurei, minor edge mark. EF. Very rare. ($15,000) Purchased by the consignor from Numismatica Ars Classica, January 2020. Ex Ernst Ploil Collection (Part III, Numismatica Ars Classica 101, 24 October 2017), lot 216; European Nobleman Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 24, 5 December 2002), lot 56; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 866; Astarte 1 (11 May 1998), lot 235; Walter Niggeler Collection (Part 3, 2 November 1967), lot 1177; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (Ars Classica XVIII, 10 October 1938), lot 168; Sir John Evans Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 26 May 1909), lot 80.

Possibly from the Boscoreale Hoard of 1895.

736.

Domitian. As Caesar, AD 69-81. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.32 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck early AD 76-early 77. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS, laureate head right / COS IIII, large cornucopia with pair of grape bunches and grain ears. RIC II.1 918 (Vespasian); Calicó 817; Biaggi 395. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6156281-007, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5, Fine Style, scratches. ($5000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Spring Sale 2021 (10 May 2021), lot 1263; Roma V (23 March 2013), lot 722.

737 738 737.

Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 29.02 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 13 September-31 December AD 81.

IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P COS VII DES VIII P P, Minerva, helmeted and draped, with aegis down back, advancing right, brandishing javelin in right hand and holding round shield on left. RIC II.1 76; BMCRE 261 (same obv. die)/260 (for obv./rev. types); BN 274-5. Brown patina, area of minor roughness on reverse. Good VF. Attractive portrait. ($1500) Ex Jack A. Frazer Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 114, 13 May 2020), lot 818; CNG inventory 704477 (December 1997); Malter 72 (23 November 1997), lot 384; Leu 20 (25 April 1978), lot 282.

738.

Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 19.11 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 85. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / GERMANIA CAPTA, S C in exergue, trophy; to right, German captive standing right, looking left, hands bound behind his back; to left, Germania seated left in attitude of mourning, head propped on right hand, right elbow resting on right knee; around both, various arms. RIC II.1 351; BMCRE 325-6; BN 350. Brown patina, smoothed. VF. ($1000) From the CLA Collection, purchased from Arnie Saslow, 8 March 1991.

251

Unique Domitian Aureus

739.

Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.47 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 95-96. DOMITIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / GERMANICVS COS XVII, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left, holding Victory in right hand and resting left arm on shield. Cf. RIC II.1 775-783 for the same obverse and reverse legends. Unlisted in the standard references. Minor marks, edge scuffs, traces of luster. Near EF. The reverse type is heretofore unpublished and unknown for Domitian. ($5000) This unpublished, and previously unrecorded, aureus of Domitian dates from circa 95-96 AD and, with the same obverse and reverse legends as the other known, albeit very rare, aureii in this group, clearly fits into the output that is already known for this period. What is noticeably different however is the reverse iconography, depicting a seated female figure holding a palladium in her left hand, with her right resting on a shield, at first glance sharing all the attributes of Roma. Two reverse types similar to this exist for Domitian, both on medallions housed in the British Museum. One silver, one bronze and both dated to earlier in Domitian’s reign, 85 AD, they both show the emperor laureate and wearing aegis on the obverse and, on the reverse, Athena/Minerva seated left, her arm resting on a decorative shield, but in this instance holding Victory and with a captive and boat below. Towards the end of Domitian’s reign a wider variety of reverse types began to be employed to coincide with Rome’s German victories, such as Germania or the emperor himself in a triumphal quadriga, and although it is known that Domitian considered Minerva to be his own personal patron goddess, devoting much of his personal time and public funds to her worship and with over 75% of his denarii and aurei having Minerva on the reverse, it is possible that this unique aureus shows a further development to his coinage that came to an end with Domitian’s assassination in 96 AD.

740. temp. Domitian. AD 81-96. Counterfeiter’s Denarius Die (31.5x32mm, 165.50 g). Circa AD 92-circa 93. Bronze die set in iron shank. In intaglio on die face: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P (retrograde) upwards from lower right, Minerva, helmeted and draped, standing left, shield at side to right, holding spear in right hand and thunderbolt in left. Cf. RIC II.1 741 (for coin). Dark brown-green patina with red oxide surfaces at edge. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($3000) A wonderful complete example of a contemporary counterfeiter’s die.

741 742 741.

Nerva. AD 96-98. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 26.99 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P, laureate head right / FORVNA AVGVST, S C across field, Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC II 83; Banti 21; BMCRE 107-9; BN 98. Green-brown patina, light smoothing in fields, minor cleaning marks along edge. Good VF. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Berk BBS 125 (27 February 2002), lot 719.

742.

Nerva. AD 96-98. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 26.20 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 97. IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS III P P, laureate head right / VEHICVLATIONE ITALIAE REMISSA, S C in exergue, Two mules grazing, one left, one right; behind, high-wheeled cart, with pole and harness (collars and traces), tipped up and pointing slightly to right. RIC II 93; Banti 44; BMCRE 120; BN 108. Brown and green patina, light smoothing. VF. ($1000) 252

Magnificent Portrait

743.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 23.91 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 101-102. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M, laureate bust right, slight drapery / TR POT COS IIII P P, S C in exergue, Pax, draped, seated left on throne, holding olive branch in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC II 432 var. (bust type); Woytek 107b; Strack 338; Banti 337; BMCRE 745, note; BN 144-5. Glossy green patina, some smoothing. EF. Boldly struck, with a magnificent portrait. ($5000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 117 (19 May 2021), lot 521 ($22,000 hammer).

When Trajan entered his fourth consulship in AD 101, the Roman Empire seemed securely at peace, as celebrated by the figure of Pax on the reverse of this attractive sestertius. This peace, however, was not to be sustained as Trajan was already planning a massive campaign against the Dacian King Decebalus, who had humiliated Roman armies on two occasions during Domitian’s reign.

744.

Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.36 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 104/5-107. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Trajan, bareheaded and in military dress, with cloak flying behind him, on horse riding right, thrusting spear with right hand at Dacian falling on left knee, right, looking back left, holding out hands in attitude of alarm. RIC II 209; Allen Series 31, Type VI (dies –/vi.11 [unlisted obv. die]); Woytek 202cB2; Strack 80; Calicó 1109; BMCRE 245 note; BN 365 (photo switched with 364 in plates); Biaggi 538. Lustrous, small flan flaw and flat spot on obverse, tiny flat spot on edge. Near EF. ($7500) Ex Dr. Michael Rogers Collection (Part II, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 14 January 2022), lot 3124; Stack’s (4 December 2001), lot 25; Numismatica Ars Classica 9 (16 April 1996), lot 858; Numismatica Ars Classica 7 (2 March 1994), lot 725; Dr. Bernard Jean Collection (Part 1, Bourgey, 21 June 1992), lot 27.

745.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 24.81 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 104/5-107. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery / SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C in exergue, Danuvius (the Danube) standing left, with cloak floating in arch behind his head and drapery falling away from his thighs and thrown out to the right, placing knee on Dacia, whom he forces to the ground. RIC II 556 var. (bust type); Woytek 199bA; Strack 383 Banti 231; BMCRE 793 var. (bust type); BN 301 var. (same). Beautiful light green patina. Near EF. ($3000) Ex Michael F. Price Collection (Stack’s, 3 December 1996), lot 170.

253

746.

Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.46 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 107. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC II 169; Woytek 222b1 (same dies); Strack 101; RSC 462; BMCRE 167; BN 243-4. Attractive light tone, minor flan flaw on reverse, a couple of short, shallow scratches on reverse. Superb EF. Well struck on a round flan. ($750) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 748.

The Forum Traiani

747.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (32.5mm, 27.45 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 112-summer 114. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery / SPQR OP TIMO [PRI] NCIPI, FORVM TRAIAN/ S • C in two lines in exergue, view of the Forum of Trajan: the front is formed by six columns, on a podium of two steps, carrying a heavy center pier and two smaller piers on each side: there are four recesses between the piers: both left and right the side is indicated by a column and a recess: in the intercolumniations of the front are a doorway in center, and four small shrines with statues, two to left, two to right: above each of these is a round shield: above, statues–in center, a facing quadriga with driver, to left and right, warriors leading the quadriga, to left and right, trophies and Victories (?). RIC II 630 var. (bust type); Woytek 465b2; Strack 425; Banti 70 var. (same); BMCRE 984; BN 715 var. (same). Green-brown patina.

VF. Wonderful architectural reverse. Very rare. ($3000) Ex Gemini IX (9 January 2012), lot 480 (hammer $8,500).

Nearly every detail of the Forum Traiani was intended as a celebration and aggrandizement of the emperor’s Dacian victory, so it is fitting that the forum’s entrance doubled as Trajan’s triumphal arch. In typical fashion, the arch is surmounted by a statuary group with figures of the emperor and Victory in a chariot, here drawn by six horses, and flanked by soldiers, trophies, and additional Victories.

254

Woytek Plate Coin – The Second Known For This Bust Type

748.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 25.42 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck late summer-autumn AD 114. IMP CAES TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CONSERVATORI PATRIS PATRIAE, S • C in exergue, Jupiter, nude except for cloak hanging behind him from his shoulders, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand over Trajan standing left, holding laurel branch in right hand and scepter in left. RIC II –; Woytek 507f (this coin); Strack 448β; Banti 39 var. (bust type); BMCRE p. 215, * corr. (bust type); BN –. Brown patina, some green, flan preparation marks on obverse, light smoothing. Good VF. Extremely rare, Woytek records only one other example in the Vatican Collection, which BMCRE quotes with incorrect information about the bust variant. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Gemini II (10 January 2006), lot 347 (hammer $9,000); Lanz 123 (30 May 2005), lot 562.

Woytek Plate Coin – Pedigreed to 1958

749.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 27.28 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck winter AD 114-early 116. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO. AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right / SENATVS POPV LVSQVE ROMANVS, S C across field, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding up caduceus in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC II 672; Woytek 534v2 (this coin); Strack 455; Banti 106; BMCRE 1002-3; BN 845-6. Handsome brown patina, marks on edge. Good VF. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Berk BBS 89 (14 February 1996), lot 554; Numismatic Fine Arts XII (23 March 1983), lot 256; Hess-Leu [9] (2 April 1958), lot 317.

750.

Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 24.81 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 114-116. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust right / SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS, FORT RED/ S · C in two lines in exergue, Fortuna Redux seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia. RIC II 652; Woytek 542v; Banti 66. Attractive brown patina with some green and red, some smoothing on edge. EF. Fine style. ($1500) Ex T.R. Fehrenbach Collection (Heritage 3089, 21 January 2021), lot 32192; Triton II (1 December 1998), lot 890 and color plate 15; Astarte 1 (11 May 1998), lot 243.

255

Restitution Coinage of Trajan

751

752 751.

Trajan. AD 98-117. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.47 g, 6h). Restored issue of M. Claudius Marcellus. Rome. Struck circa AD 107 or 112/113. MARCELLINVS downward to right, bare head of the consul M. Claudius Marcellus right; triskeles to left / IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P P REST around, MARCELLVS downward in field to right, COS QVINQ downward in field to left, M. Claudius Marcellus advancing right, carrying trophy held in right hand into tetrastyle temple. RIC II 809 (same dies as illustration); Woytek 8342 (this coin referenced and illustrated); H. Mattingly, “The Restored Coins of Trajan” in NC 1926, 35, pl. XII, 16 (same dies); Komnick Type 36.0, 2 (V1/R2); RSC 35 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 689 (same dies); BN 502 (same obv. die): cf. Crawford 439/1 (for prototype); cf. Sydenham 1147 (same); cf. Claudia 11 (same). Cabinet toned. In NGC encapsulation 2130990-002, graded AU★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style. ($15,000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 114 (13 May 2020), lot 842; Palombo 17 (20 October 2018), lot 61; Numismatica Ars Classica 33 (6 April 2006), lot 479.

This exceedingly rare coin, struck under Trajan, copies a denarius of 50 BC issued by the moneyer P. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus (ref.

Crawford 439/1). The obverse shows the head of the general M. Claudius Marcellus, consul five times, with a triskeles behind that reminds of his conquest of Syracuse in 211 BC during the second Punic War. The reverse shows the moneyer’s ancestor, carrying a Gallic trophy into the tetrastyle temple of Jupiter Feretrius (supposedly the first temple to have been built in Rome), which commemorates his victory of 222 BC against the Celtic Insubres under their king Britomartis.

752.

Trajan. AD 98-117. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.18 g, 6h). Restored issue of Julius Caesar. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 107 or AD 112/113. C • IVLIVS • CAES IMP • COS III, bare head of Julius Caesar right / IMP • CAES • TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P P REST, Venus, bare to waist, standing right, leaning left elbow on column, holding helmet in right hand and transverse spear in left; shield on ground to right. RIC II 806; Woytek 851 (same dies as illustration – this coin referenced); Komnick 53.0, 1 (V1/R1); Calicó 47 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 696, pl. 23, 17 (same dies); BN –; Biaggi 34 (same dies); Jameson 422 (same dies). Reddish tone, minor marks, hairlines. Near Fine. Very rare. Woytek lists ten examples, including this coin. ($20,000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Spink. Ex 1985 Arquennes Hoard, no. 404.

Curtis Clay wrote the primary purpose of restored coins was to provide substitutes in circulation for coin types that had become familiar, but that the emperor was calling in, melting down, and restriking, because the originals were worn out and sometimes also because they contained more precious metal than current coins, so the emperor could make a profit. When selecting the types for the restored coins, however, a secondary purpose kicked in: to present a full picture of earlier Roman coinage, and to honor worthy earlier emperors, even if the earlier coins in question were not actually being called in and restruck, either because they were so old that they were no longer in circulation, or because they were so recent that they were still in excellent condition and contained no more bullion than the mint’s current production. This secondary purpose explains Trajan’s restoration of both a Republican didrachm, though such didrachms were certainly no longer in circulation, and of aurei of Nerva and Divus Nerva, though Nerva’s aurei were only a decade old so didn’t need restriking because of wear. It explains why Trajan Decius’ restored antoniniani included coins for Divus Augustus, whose original denarii had long since disappeared from circulation. And finally it explains why Titus’ restored bronzes included coins for Galba, whose original bronzes were also only a dozen years old.

As Mattingly wrote regarding Titus’ selection of emperors for restoration: “The list of persons whose coins were to be restored was evidently drawn up with deliberate care. Tiberius, Claudius, and Galba were included, Caligula, Nero, Otho, and Vitellius omitted. The list is something like a roll of honour of the early Empire, preserving all memories that deserved to be remembered” (BMC II, p. lxxviii).

Relative to dating Trajan’s restored coins, the traditional dating of AD 107 is based on Eckhel’s theory linking the restitution coinage with the general recoinage that Dio places after Trajan’s return from the Second Dacian War. Bernhard Woytek disagrees, and places their issue in AD 112/113, surmising that the appearance of Divus Nerva in this coinage must be contemporary to his appearance on an aureus securely dated to that period. Clay, however, pleads for the traditional dating of recoinage which, according to Dio, began circa AD 107. Curtis states that “If the restored coinage was connected with the recoinage, and the recoinage began circa AD 107, how likely is it that Trajan would have waited until AD 112-3 to issue the restored coins resulting from that recoinage?”

256

753 754 753.

Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 25.67 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 119-circa mid 120. IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III, laureate bust with bare chest right, slight drapery / RELIQVA VETERA HS NOVIES MILL ABOLITA, S C in exergue, Lictor, wearing short tunic and cloak, standing left, with brand in right hand setting fire to a heap of bonds on ground to left, and holding fasces with ax upright in left hand; to left, three citizens standing right, raising right hands in celebration. RIC II.3 264; Strack 556-7; Banti 622; BMCRE 1208. Dark green-brown patina, earthen deposits, scratch on obverse. VF. ($1000) From the CLA Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 66 (19 May 2004), lot 1445.

To promote his popularity, Hadrian cancelled debts and burned promissory notes in a general amnesty for tax arrears, the event this sestertius commemorates. The reverse depicts either Hadrian himself or a lictor applying a torch to a heap of documents (sungraphoi) symbolizing the debts being cancelled. The burning occurred in Trajan’s Forum, where Hadrian erected a monument inscribed “the first of all principes and the only one who, by remitting nine hundred million sesterces owed to the fiscus, provided security not merely for his present citizens but also for their descendants by this generosity. “The legend RELIQVA VETERA HS NOVIES MILL ABOLITA literally translates to “old receipts in the amount of nine times a hundred thousand sestertii cancelled.” The HS is a standard abbreviation for sestertii and, depending upon its context, it can mean a single sestertius, a unit of one thousand sestertii, or a unit of one hundred thousand sestertii. Novies means “nine times” and applies to the sestertius as a unit of one thousand sestertii. Considering the monumental inscription, the HS in the legend of this sestertius should be interpreted with the thousand, or mille, understood. Thus, the figure should be increased to 900 million sestertii, equaling the sum named on Hadrian’s monumental inscription.

754.

Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (36mm, 29.87 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck late AD 121-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN H ADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS III, S C across field, Minerva, helmeted and draped, standing left, with right hand dropping incense on candelabrum to left, and holding vertical spear in left hand; a round shield, on which a snake coils, rests against her left side. RIC II.3 668; Strack 574; Banti 583; BMCRE 1254.

Brown and green patina, minor smoothing, flan crack. Good VF. Wonderful portrait. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Münzen und Medaillen AG (their ticket included).

755.

Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Medallion (52.5mm, 83.50 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 124-127. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / COS III in exergue, symbols of the Capitoline Triad, to left, owl standing right on shield, head facing; in center, eagle standing right, head left; to right, peacock standing slightly left. RIC II.3 2825; Gnecchi III 64 and pl. 144, 10 var. (without frame); Banti 207 var. (same); Gemini III, 368 (same dies). Dark brown patina and brassy surfaces, roughness, some smoothing. VF. Extremely rare with frame. ($2000) From the D. K. Collection. Ex Roma XIX (26 March 2020), lot 834.

A most impressive medallion made from a single substantial flan containing a sestertius-sized central die bordered by a large frame with two circular grooves.

257

Hadrian and the Senate: A Complex Dynamic

756.

Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 6.86 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 128-circa 129. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COS III, Hadrian, Roma, and Genius of the Senate group: On right, Hadrian, togate, standing left, extending right hand, left hand at side; on left, the Genius of the Senate, togate, standing right, extending right hand and holding short scepter in left; Roma, helmeted and in military dress, standing right behind and between them, holding vertical spear in left hand and with right draws right hand of Hadrian toward that of the Senator. RIC II.3 934; Strack 216β; Calicó 1212 (same dies as illustration); cf. BMCRE 506-7; Biaggi 585 (same dies). Edge smoothing and marks, a few minor minor scuffs and hairlines, residual luster, die break bisects the reverse. Near EF. Wonderful reverse composition. Struck on a broad flan. Extremely rare, possibly the second recorded example. ($15,000) Hadrian, throughout his reign, was at pains in his official propaganda to pay homage to the Augustan concept the Principate, in which emperor and senate ruled jointly. On the reverse of this lovely aureus, which closely follows a famous sculpture group now in the Musei Capitolini in Rome, Hadrian is shown being greeted by the Genius of the Senate and the female figure of Roma. The harmonious image is at odds with reality: Hadrian’s relations with the senate were frequently rocky, if not openly antagonistic. As a young man he gave a speech in the senate and was mocked for his Spanish accent, which may have set the tone. Later he became the protogé of the Emperor Trajan and seemed marked out for the succession, but he was not formally adopted until Trajan lay on his deathbed in August, AD 117. The transition proved rough, and four distinguished ex-consuls were summarily executed for plotting a coup. Hadrian also abandoned many of Trajan’s over-ambitious conquests and engaged in a policy of retrenchment and consolidation, which was unpopular with the expansionist wing of the senate. Consequently, Hadrian never really felt comfortable in Rome and spent most of his 21-year reign traveling.

757.

Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 25.28 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 128-circa 129. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate bust right, slight drapery / HILA RI TAS • P • R •, S C across field, COS III in exergue, Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding palm frond set on ground in right hand and cornucopia in left; on left, a small boy, standing right, lays hands on palm frond; on right, a small girl, standing left, grasping dress of Hilaritas. RIC II.3 988; Strack 629α; Banti 442; BMCRE 1372. Brown patina, a few pits on reverse. VF. ($1000) Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 17 (14 August 2021), lot 2441.

758 759 758.

Hadrian. AD 117-138. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.24 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 133-circa 135. [HAD]RIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / SALVS AV G, Salus, draped, standing right, right hand extended, feeding out of patera in left hand serpent coiled around and rising from altar to right. RIC II.3 2048; Strack 264δo; RSC 1335; BMCRE 717. Iridescent tone, a few shallow scratches on reverse. Superb EF. Struck with fresh dies. ($1000) From the DFA Collection. Ex Ulysses Collection (Triton XXV, 11 January 2022), lot 899; Leu Numismatik 4 (25 May 2019), lot 646.

759.

Sabina. Augusta, AD 128-136/7. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.42 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 128-circa 129. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, draped bust right, wearing double stephane, hair braided with pearls / Venus Victrix, seen half from behind, naked to the hips and draped below the waist, standing right, resting left elbow on column, holding scepter in left hand and helmet in right; to left, shield leaning on column. RIC II.3 2492; Abdy, Chronology, New Group 3; Strack 363a; BMCRE 920 (Hadrian); RSC 89. Lightly toned, slight hairlines. EF. ($750) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 973.

258

Very Rare Obverse Type

760.

Sabina. Augusta, AD 128-136/7. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 26.48 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, circa AD 130-133. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, draped bust right, wearing grain-ear wreath, hair in queue and wearing stephane / CONCORDIA AVG, Concordia seated left, holding patera in right hand, resting left elbow on head of statuette of Spes set on column; cornucopia below throne; S C in exergue. RIC II.2 2512; Abdy, Chronology, New Group 4; Strack 863; Banti 9; BMCRE 1864. Brown patina with green highlights, traces of brassy highlights, light marks, flan void on reverse, edge marks. Good VF. Superb portrait. Very rare, Banti cites three specimens with the grain-ear wreath. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Waddell FPL 71 (1997), no. 123; Leu 36 (7 May 1985), lot 264; Birkler & Waddell II (11 December 1980), lot 364.

761.

Sabina. Augusta, AD 128-136/7. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.51 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Hadrian, circa AD 133-135. SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, draped bust right, hair falling in plait down neck: hair waved at back and rises on top in crest over stephane above diadem / VES TA, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on throne, holding palladium on extended right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC II.3 2545; Abdy, Chronology, New Group 4; RSC 81; BMCRE 918 (Hadrian). Lightly toned and lustrous, reverse die wear. EF. Wonderful portrait. ($750) Ex Berk BBS 113 (22 July 2003), lot 360.

762.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 23.97 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 141-143.

ANTONINVS AVG PI VS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right / TIBERIS, S C in exergue, Tiber reclining left on overturned urn from which water flows, right hand resting on boat, cradling reed in left arm; waves beneath. RIC III 642a; Banti 414 var. (break in obv. legend); BMCRE 1313-4 var. (no waves); Mazzini 819 var. (break in obv. legend). Dark brown and green patina, minor spots of smoothing, flan flaw, a couple light scratches on reverse. Near EF. Exceptional strike. ($2000) Ex DMS Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, January 2003.

259

Handsome Double Portrait Sestertius

763.

Antoninus Pius, with Marcus Aurelius as Caesar. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (32.5mm, 24.77 g, 12h). Rome mint.

Struck circa AD 141-143. ANTONINVS AVG PI VS P P TR P COS III, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right / AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II F COS around, S C below, bareheaded and draped bust of Marcus Aurelius right. RIC III 1212; Banti 9; BMCRE 1209. Brown-green patina, minor porosity, small scratches on reverse. Good VF. ($1000)

Ex Morgan and Hartwig Collections – Pedigreed to 1910

764.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.08 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 143-144. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right / IMPERA TOR II, Victory, winged and draped, flying right, holding trophy in both hands. RIC III 109; Strack 126δ; Calicó 1548 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 492; Biaggi 727 (same obv. die); Morgan 129 (this coin). A few minor marks, traces of deposits, slight flatness on Victory’s leg. Near EF. High-relief portrait. ($5000) From the Libertas Collection. Ex J. Pierpont Morgan Collection (Stack’s, 14 September 1983), lot 79; Hartwig Collection (Santamaria, 7 March 1910), lot 1477.

J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) was among the greatest American bankers and industrial magnates of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Starting during the U.S. Civil War, Morgan’s shrewd dealings placed his family banking company in a dominant position in all major industries, including railroads, steel production, and shipping. His wealth grew to legendary proportions by 1890, when his wide collecting interests began to proliferate. They included art and sculpture, gems, autographs, early manuscripts, and rare coins. He employed trusted dealers as agents to seek out works of rarity and beauty the world over. His impressive coin collections included ancient Greek and Roman pieces in silver and gold, including eight of the famous Aboukir gold medallions found in Egypt in 1902, and more than 200 gold aurei, including this specimen. The Morgan family retained his collection long after his death, publishing a portion of the holdings in 1953. Many of his coins have been subsequently sold at auction, including the Stack’s sale of 1983.

765.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.18 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 153-154. ΛNTONINVS ΛVG PI VS P P TR P XVII, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / COS IIII, Antoninus Pius, togate, standing left, holding globe on extended right hand and volumen in left. RIC III 233a; Strack 270ζ; Calicó 1526a; BMCRE 812; Biaggi 717; Jameson –; Mazzini 311. In NGC encapsulation 2401326-004, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($3000)

260

766.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 24.56 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 159-160. ΛNTONINVS ΛVG PIVS P P TR P XXIII, laureate head right / PIETΛTI ΛVG COS IIII, Pietas, draped, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and child in left arm; to left and right, small girl standing left, each raising right arm. RIC III 1031; Strack 1192δ; Banti 287; BMCRE 2088. Green patina, minor deposits. Near EF. ($2000) Ex Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 1095.

Ex Mazzini Collection – Published in 1957

767.

Diva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 26.00 g, 11h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, AD 140-141. DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA, draped bust right, wearing hair bound in pearls on top of her head / CONSE CRATIO, S C in exergue, funeral pyre in three stories, set on base, ornamented and garlanded, surmounted by charioteer in biga right. RIC III 1135 (Pius); Beckmann dies (daf9/FP2); Strack 1238 (Pius); Banti 61 var. (break in obv. legend); BMCRE 1429; Mazzini 186 (this coin). Dark green and brown patina, some roughness, flan crack. Good VF. Exceptional for type. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Edward J. Waddell inventory 19145 (ND); Giuseppe Mazzini Collection (publ. 1957).

The funeral pyre depicted on this sestertius is much more elaborate than those usually seen on other Roman consecration coins. The tiered structure is adorned with columns, garlands and what appear to be temple doors.

261

Pedigreed to 1910

768.

Diva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.21 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, AD 147-150. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right, wearing hair bound in pearls on top of her head / AVG VSTA, Ceres, draped, standing left, holding lighted torch in each hand. RIC III 357a (Pius); Beckmann dies df64/CB32, b (this coin referenced); Strack 471α (Pius); Calicó 1758; BMCRE 404 (Pius); Adda 241 var. (break in rev. legend); Biaggi 807-8 var. (same); Mazzini 75 var. (same). Light die breaks, a few minor marks. Near EF. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex J. Schulman (27 February 1939), lot 53; J. Hirsch XXIX (9 November 1910), lot 1065.

Ex Arquennes Hoard of 1985

769.

Diva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.18 g, 6h). Consecration issue. Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, early AD 150s. DIVA FAV STINA, draped bust right, wearing hair bound in pearls on top of her head / CONSECR ATI O, peacock walking right, head turned back left. RIC III 384 (Pius); Beckmann dies df129/P4, a (this coin referenced); Strack 453α (Pius); Calicó 1783; BMCRE 472; Adda 248; Biaggi 819; Jameson 122; Mazzini 174. Some underlying luster. Good VF. An attractive coin in hand. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Spink 65 (5 October 1988), lot 223; 1985 Arquennes Hoard, no. 715.

The Arquennes Hoard was discovered in 1985. All coins were recorded in an archive in Brussels, Belgium. Most were sold through Spink, “many but not all in catalogues 60 (7 October 1987), 65 (5 October 1988), and later auctions” (Beckmann p. 107).

Extremely Rare And Unpublished Aureus

770.

Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.42 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, AD 145-147. AVRELIVS CAE SAR AVG PII F, bare bust right, slight drapery / COS DES II, Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding long palm frond in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC III 425 var. (no drapery) (Pius); Calicó 1835 var. (only represented by a line drawing, no drapery); BMCRE 507† (Pius); Adda –; Biaggi –; Jameson –. Lustrous, minor hairlines. EF. Unpublished variety of an already extremely rare type. ($10,000) The bare-head type is extremely rare (none found in CoinArchives) and is cited in the references above. The type offered here, with slight drapery, is not recorded in any publication, but there are two other specimens in CoinArchives; Vico 155, lot 321 and Künker 133, lot 8896.

262

771.

Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.29 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, AD 152-153. ΛVRELIVS CΛE SΛR ΛVG P II FIL, bareheaded and draped bust right / TR POT VII COS II, Roma, helmeted, in military dress, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and parazonium in left. RIC III 457b (Pius); Calicó 1946 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 801 (Pius); Biaggi 880-1 var. (bust type). Light hairlines, underlying luster.

Choice EF. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 135 (21 November 2022), lot 302 (hammer CHF 14,000); Münzen und Medaillen AG 72 (6 October 1987), lot 742.

Salus and Hercules

772.

Marcus Aurelius. As Caesar, AD 139-161. Æ Medallion (42.5mm, 65.70 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, AD 154-155. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII FIL, bareheaded and draped bust right / TR POT VIIII COS II, Salus, draped at waist, seated right, holding and feeding serpent draped over arms with extended right hand, to right, Hercules, nude but for cloak draped over shoulders, standing left, leaning on club set on ground to left held in right hand; at center, tree. Gnecchi – cf.

RIC III p. 184 (for struck years); Banti –. Brown surfaces, roughness. Good Fine. Apparently unpublished. ($4000)

From the Ellison Collection. Ex Morris (Phil Peck) Collection (Heritage Monthly 271933, 18 August 2019), lot 35514 (part of).

Among the little-known attributes of Hercules were his healing powers, which are associated with springs and thermal baths. Here, on this extremely rare medallion, he is paired with Salus, goddess of health, who is shown feeding a serpent (a reference to Aesculapius, god of healing). The tripod and tree are also symbols of healing.

773.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.21 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 161. IMP CΛES M ΛVREL ΛNTONINVS ΛVG, bare head right / CONCORDIΛE ΛVGVSTOR TR P XV; COS III in exergue, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, both togate, standing vis-à-vis, clasping right hands, and both holding a volumen in left hand. RIC IV 8; MIR 18, 15-2/10; Calicó 1822a (same dies); BMCRE 7; Biaggi 841. Attractively toned, small dig on reverse, edge marks and filing, light scratches, minor wax deposit. Good VF. ($4000) Ex Künker 347 (22 March 2021), lot 1152; Hess-Divo 336 (27 May 2019), lot 145; Künker 236 (7 October 2013), lot 1085; Künker 182 (14 March 2011), lot 722.

263

774.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.28 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 161. IMP CΛES M ΛVREL ΛNTONINVS ΛVG, bare head right / CONCORD ΛVGVSTOR TR P XV; COS III in exergue, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, both togate, standing vis-à-vis, clasping right hands, and both holding a volumen in left hand. RIC IV 8 var. (rev. legend); MIR 18, 15-2/10 var. (same); Calicó 1826 (same dies); BMCRE 7 var. (same); Biaggi 842 (same dies). Lightly toned with some luster, light scratches. VF. A rare variety with the shorter CONCORD rather than the more often encountered CONCORDIΛE. The Calicó specimen from a 1933 Ars Classica sale is the same as the Biaggi coin. However, since then, additional examples have been noted in auction records. ($3000)

775.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (18mm, 6.93 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 snaked coiled around and rising from altar to left. RIC III 77; MIR 18, 54-2/17; Calicó 1915 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 226-7; Biaggi 867 (same obv. die as illustration). Lightly toned, considerable luster, hairlines. Good VF. ($6000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 135 (21 November 2022), lot 303 (hammer CHF 9,000); Triton XIX (5 January 2016), lot 566.

Advent of A Hopeful Year

776.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Medallion (39.5mm, 56.15 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 168/9. M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TR P XXIII IMP V COS III, Faustina, draped, seated left on throne, gesturing right hand and holding scepter in left; to left, two winged Geniuses advancing right, holding large cornucopia between them. Gnecchi II 56 and pl. 63, 6; MIR 18, 1045-1/37; Banti 478. Dark green patina, some light smoothing, a couple spots of bare metal showing at edge. Good VF. Extremely rare. ($5000) From the Ellison Collection. Ex Marti Hervera & Solar & Llach 1120 (20 July 2021), lot 151.

777.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.16 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 169. M ΛNTONINVS ΛVG TR P XXIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FELICITΛS ΛVG COS III, Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and scepter in left. RIC III 201; MIR 18, 180-2/37; Calicó 1850a; BMCRE 489; Biaggi 847; Mazzini 177. Toned and lustrous, a few light scratches. Superb EF. ($10,000) Ex Heritage 3094 (19 August 2021), lot 33077; Provence Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 115, 16 September 2020), lot 669.

264

Three Medallions Celebrating German Victories

778.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Medallion (38.5mm, 52.07 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 172/3. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate and cuirassed bust right, with gorgoneion aegis on cuirass / IMP VI COS III; VICT GERM in exergue, Victory in triumphal quadriga left, holding reins in right hand and palm frond in left. Gnecchi II 57 and pl.

63, 7; MIR 18, 1056-1/36; Banti 495. Dark brown-red patina, roughness, smoothing. Good Fine. Very rare. ($2000) From the Ellison Collection. Ex G. Hirsch 375 (22 September 2022), lot 1431; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 18 (18 December 2021), lot 2798.

This and the following medallion mark the ongoing campaigns of Marcus Aurelius against Germanic tribes beyond the Danube, AD 169180. The Romans celebrated many victories during these Marcomannic Wars, but victory on the battlefield did not readily translate into a satisfactory conclusion to the war.

779.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Medallion (37.5mm, 50.68 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 173/4. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII, laureate and cuirassed bust right / IMP VI COS III; VICT GERM in exergue, Victory in triumphal quadriga left, holding reins in right hand and palm frond in left. Gnecchi II 58 and pl. 63, 8 (same die); MIR 18, 1059-1/36; Banti 496 (same dies). Dark brown patina. In NGC encapsulation 4884860-003, graded Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style, edge bump. ($5000) From the Ellison Collection. Ex Heritage 3075 (15 August 2019), lot 32054; John F. Sullivan Collection (Triton IX, 10 January 2006), lot 1486; Geissener Münzhandlung 87 (2 March 1998), lot 621; Geissener Münzhandlung 76 (22 April 1996), lot 463; Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 1996; Gorny & Mosch 107, lot 440; Numismatic Fine Arts XXVI (14 August 1991), lot 255.

780.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Medallion (38.5mm, 47.29 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 174/5. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXIX, laureate and cuirassed bust right, with gorgoneion aegis on cuirass / IMP VII COS III, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on pile of shields, holding palm frond in right hand and supporting shield inscribed [VIC/ AVG] in two lines with left hand and left knee; to right, trophy. Gnecchi II 14; MIR 18, 1063-1/36; Banti 156. Dark green patina, light smoothing and pitting. Good VF. Rare. ($5000) From the Ellison Collection. Ex Marti Hervera & Solar & Llach 1120 (20 July 2021), lot 150.

265

781.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 26.79 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 174. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IMP VI COS III, S C in exergue, Jupiter, draped at waist, seated left on throne, holding Victory on extended right hand and vertical scepter in left. RIC III 1098; MIR 18, 266-6/37; Banti 128; BMCRE 1471. Attractive green patina, a few tiny marks. EF. A wonderful portrait. ($3000) Ex Nomos 22 (22 June 2021), lot 309 (hammer CHF 7500); Tradart (15 February 2018), lot 138.

783 782 782.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 23.04 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 175. M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARMATICVS, laureate head right / TR P XXIX IMP VIII COS III, S C across field, Annona, draped, standing front, head left, holding in right hand grain ears over modius with grain ears and holding cornucopia in left hand. RIC III 1154; MIR 18, 313–6/30; Banti 479; BMCRE 1513. Dark green-brown patina, lightly smoothed. Near EF. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. (their ticket included).

783.

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Medallion (37.5mm, 47.47 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 177-178. M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TR P XXXII, laureate and cuirassed bust right / IMP VIIII COS III P P, Marcus Aurelius, bareheaded and wearing military attire, standing facing, holding spear in left hand and placing right hand on top of trophy to his left; two captives seated at base of trophy flanking. Gnecchi II 23 and pl. 60, 9; MIR 18, 1073-1/36; Banti 192. Dark brown-green surfaces, smoothed and tooled. Good Fine. Extremely rare, three recorded by Gnecchi. ($3000) From the Ellison Collection.

784.

Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 7.31 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 161-164.

FΛVSTINΛ ΛVGVSTVΛ, draped bust right / SΛLVTI ΛVGVSTΛE, Salus, draped, seated left on throne, resting left arm on throne and feeding from patera held in extended right hand a serpent coiled around and raising from altar set on ground at feet to left. RIC III 716 (Aurelius); Beckmann, Faustina dies fm27/SA11; MIR 18, 30-2/b; Calicó 2073a (same obv. die); BMCRE 152-4; Biaggi 935. Toned with some underlying luster, light edge mark. EF. ($5000) 266

785.

Diva Faustina Junior. Died AD 175/6. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 28.31 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, after AD 176. DIVA FAV STINA PIA, veiled and draped bust right / AETERNITAS, female, veiled and draped, standing front, head left, with right hand drawing veil from head and holding torch in left hand. RIC III 1691 (Aurelius); MIR 18, Fa 50-6/19; Banti 1 (same dies); BMCRE 1560-2. Dark green patina, light smoothing. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Áureo & Calicó 391 (1 June 2022), lot 1050.

786.

Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.29 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 165. L • VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head right / TR P V IMP III COS II, Lucius Verus, wearing military attire, on horseback galloping right, trampling and thrusting spear held in right hand at fallen enemy to lower right, kneeling right, head left. RIC III 545; MIR 18, 111-12/30; Calicó 2185 (same obv. die); BMCRE 390 var. (obv. legend break); Biaggi 965 (same obv. die). Toned.

Good VF. ($7500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 135 (21 November 2022), lot 310 (hammer CHF 12,000).

Extremely Rare – Illustrated in Banti

787.

Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 25.59 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 166. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / TR POT VI IMP IIII COS II, Victory, draped at waist, standing facing, head right, left foot on helmet, placing right hand on shield inscribed VIC/ PAR in two lines set on palm tree to right and holding palm frond in left hand; S C across lower field. RIC III 1456-7 var. (bust type); MIR 18, 142-16/32; BMCRE 1308-9 var. (same); Banti 142 (this coin cited and illustrated). Green-brown patina, flan crack, smoothing. Near EF. Extremely rare. The only example known to Banti. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc72752 (ND); Vinchon (15 November 1965), lot 172.

267

788.

Lucilla. Augusta, AD 164-182. Æ Sestertius (29mm, 29.23 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 161-162. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust right, hair waved and coiled at back of head / VENUS, S C across field, Venus standing left, holding apple in right hand and scepter in left. RIC III 1763 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 16-6/2a; Banti 39; BMCRE 1167 (Aurelius and Verus). Red-brown and green patina. Choice EF. A superb portrait. ($1500) Ex Gemini IX (8 January 2012), lot 498; Astarte XXII (12 June 2010), lot 183.

SECVRITAS PVBLICA

789.

Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.09 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 181. M • COMMODVS ΛNTONINVS ΛVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITΛS PVBLICΛ TR P VI IMP IIII, COS III P P in exergue, Securitas, draped, seated right, resting head on right hand and holding transverse scepter in left. RIC III 23 var. (not cuirassed); MIR 18, 514-2/37; Calicó 2325 (same rev. die as illustration); BMCRE 54 var. (same; same rev. die); Biaggi 1011 var. (bust type); Mazzini 700 v. (same obv. die). Some luster, light scratch. EF. ($10,000) The sole reign of Commodus, AD 180-192, is often viewed as the tipping point where The Roman Empire’s 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 made him co-Augustus in AD 177, and the following year he accompanied Marcus to the Danubian front on a strenuous military campaign against the Germanic tribes. Worn out by his exertions, Marcus died on 17 March AD 180, commending Commodus to the legions as his successor. Freed of his dutiful father’s control, Commodus 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, for the most part, plundered the public purse and aggrandized themselves. His lax rule soon led to plots against the regime, which were ruthlessly suppressed; one ended in the exile and executions of his sister Lucilla and wife Crispina. Rejecting the intellectuality of his father, Commodus favored the physicality of the Arena and fancied himself as a great athlete, hunter and gladiator. The Roman people seemed largely to enjoy his antics; 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 early in his sole reign, depicts him as a young man very much in the image of his father. The historians Dio and Herodian both describe him as exceptionally handsome, a picture borne out by his coin portraits and sculpture.

The reverse evokes the “Security of the Public” in an uncertain age.

268

Ex Walters Collection – Pedigreed to 1932

790.

Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (39mm, 45.32 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 184-185. M COMM[O]DVS [ANTO] NINVS AVG PIVS [BRIT], laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / BRITANNIA P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, Britannia seated left on a rock, holding a signum in right hand and transverse spear in left, resting left arm on shield set on a helmet. Old countermark on edge. Gnecchi II, p. 51, 2, pl. 78, 2; MIR 18, 1109-1/38; Banti 21 (this coin). Green-brown patina, red/green encrustations, a few marks on edge. VF. Extremely rare. Old countermark of star applied to edge. ($5000) From the Libertas Collection. Ex Sotheby’s (5 October 1989), lot 163. Ex Platt Hall Collection (Part II, Glendining’s, 16 November 1950), lot 1629; Frederick A. Walters Collection (A. Hess 211, 9 May 1932), lot 1046.

This reverse commemorates the victories in Scotland of the governor Ulpius Marcellus in AD 184/5, which were in retribution for a major barbarian invasion several years earlier which resulted in major damage to Hadrian’s Wall, which had been temporarily overrun, and the defeat and death of an unknown governor.

791.

Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 29.14 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 184. M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG PIVS, laureate head right / TR P VIIII IMP VI COS III P P, Fides standing right, holding two stalks of grain in right hand and raising plate of fruits with left. RIC III 413; MIR 18, 598-6/30; Banti 478. Dark brown patina. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 902141 (August 2011).

792.

Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 25.11 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 184. M COMMODVS AN TON AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate head right / TR P VIIII IMP VII COS IIII; VICT BRIT in exergue, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on two shields, supporting shield with left hand and left knee and inscribing it with stylus held in right hand; S C across lower field. RIC III 440; MIR 18, 653-6/30; BMCRE 551 var. (obv. legend break); Banti 484; SCBC 648. Dark brown patina with some red and green, smoothing. VF. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from Tom Cederlind, 1 April 2004.

269

Ex Biaggi Collection – Illustrated in Calicó

793.

Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.31 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 189. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ROMAE AET ERNAE; C V P• P• in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on shield, holding Victory in extended right hand and reversed spear in left. RIC III 195a; MIR 18, 763-2/37; Calicó 2320 (this coin illustrated); BMCRE 238; Biaggi 1010 (this coin). Lightly toned, minor mark. Superb EF. ($10,000) Ex Roger Wolf Collection, purchased from Gorny & Mosch, 19 January 2009; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 49, 21 October 2008), lot 296, purchased from Leu, 1965.

Commodus attained many prestigious titles starting at a young age. For example, he was made Caesar at age five and, breaking with tradition, adopted the title Pater Patriae or Father of the State at a very early state in his coinage. Later in his reign, such as when this issue was struck, the evidence of this early titles remained apparent. Here, the legend in the exergue on the coin’s reverse reads C V P• P•. The P P stands for the aforementioned title Pater Patriae while the C V refers to Commodus’ fifth consulate.

Impressive Commodus Medallion – Banti Plate Coin

794.

Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (38mm, 47.93 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 191-192. L AELIVS AVRELIVS COM MODVS AVG PIVS FELIX, jugate heads right of Commodus, laureate, draped, and cuirassed and female (Roma, Minerva, or Marcia?), cuirassed and wearing crested helmet / TEMPORVM FE/LICITAS in two lines in exergue, the Four Seasons, dancing and showing their attributes: from left to right, spring carries a basin on his head, summer holds a sickle in right hand above his head, autumn holds a hare and a tray full of fruit, winter wears a hood over his head and holds a bird which he has just captured, probably a wild duck. Gnecchi II, p. 67, 137, pl. 87, 4 corr. (obv. legend); MIR 18, 1157-1; Banti (Commodus and Marcia) 9 (this coin); Froehner p.140. Green and brown patina, smoothing, minor pitting. VF. Extremely rare. ($5000) From the Libertas Collection. Ex Hess-Leu 49 (27 April 1971), lot 389.

The obverse of this massive medallion has a martial look, showing the armored bust of Commodus conjoined with that of a helmeted and cuirassed goddess, likely Roma or Minerva. But the overall theme is essentially peaceful: The passing of seasons from one to the next, and the overall happiness of the age (TEMPORVM FELICITAS). Surprisingly, the twelve years of Commodus’ sole rule were relatively peaceful despite his neglect of the frontiers.

270

The Second and Finest Known

795.

Commodus. AD 177-192. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.72 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 192. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FIDEI CO HO R TIVM AVG, Fides standing left, holding two grain ears in right hand and vexillum in left. Cf. RIC III 199 (AR Denarius); MIR 18 –; Calicó –; Biaggi –; cf. G. Hirsch 303, lot 3090. Lightly toned and lustrous, scratch, small spot of hairline scratches. EF. Extremely rare, the second known and in superior grade. ($10,000) Despite his increasingly erratic rule, the Emperor Commodus enjoyed relatively good relations with the soldiery during his 15-year reign.

Early on, aristocratic conspiracies against Commodus caused his complete alienation from the Roman Senate, leading him to rely heavily on the army, the 10 cohorts of Praetorian Guard in particular, to carry out his will. The two Praetorian commanders, or praefects, wielded great power in this regime, but at the same time bore the brunt of his violent mood swings and arbitrary decisions. Cleander, the most powerful of these viziers, held sway for three years before a grain shortage caused public rioting and calls for his execution, which Commodus quickly heeded. This extremely rare aureus type, issued in AD 192, thanks the Praetorian Cohorts for their loyalty to him in the aftermath of Cleander’s fall, slyly referenced by the figure of Fides (Fidelity) clutching two grain ears. The new praefect, Laetus, would soon engineer a successful conspiracy against his master, and the Praetorians would ultimately prove themselves loyal only to whomever paid them the most.

Lempereur Plate Coin

796.

Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.27 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / [O]PI DIVIN • TR P COS II, Ops, draped, seated left on throne, holding two grain ears in right hand and resting left hand on seat of throne. RIC IV 8a; Lempereur Type 9, 452a (D169/R242 – this coin); RSC 33; BMCRE 19-20.

Lightly toned, a few scratches and minor deposits on obverse. Near EF. ($1000) From the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers & Ruddy Galleries, 14 August 1981. Ex Monetarium 34 (Spring 1981), no.

129.

797.

Pertinax. AD 193. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.70 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / VOT DECEN TR P COS II, Pertinax, veiled and draped, standing front, head left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over tripod left, and holding volumen in left hand at side. RIC IV 13a; Lempereur Type 11, 694 (D257/R329); RSC 56; BMCRE 24. Wonderful iridescent toning, underlying luster, slightly granular surfaces, tiny flan flaw on reverse.

VF. ($750) From the J. Okun-Dubitsky Collection.

271

Lempereur Plate Coin – Pedigreed to 1931

798.

Pertinax. AD 193. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 23.65 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd emission. IMP CAES P HELV PERTINAX AVG, laureate head right / VOT DECEN TR P COS II, S C across field, Pertinax, veiled and togate, standing left, holding volumen in left hand and sacrificing out of patera in right over lighted tripod to left. RIC IV 24; Lempereur Type 11, 799a (D287/ R409 – this coin); Banti 22; BMCRE 44. Dark green patina, minor smoothing in fields. Good VF. Bold portrait. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Michael Weller Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2005), lot 1034; Classical Numismatic Review XXII.3 (Fall/Winter 1997), no. 92; Hess-Divo 271 (4 June 1997), lot 54; Helbing 63 (29 April 1931), lot 865.

799 800 799.

Didius Julianus. AD 193. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 2.93 g). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / RECTOR ORBIS, Didius Julianus, togate, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and volumen in left.

RIC IV 3; RSC 15. Golden toning. VF. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

800.

Didius Julianus. AD 193. Æ Sestertius (27.5mm, 17.20 g, 12h). Rome mint. IMP CAES M DID SE [VER] IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / CO[NCOR]D MILIT, Concordia, draped, standing left, holding aquila in right hand and signum in left; S C across field. RIC IV 14; Woodward, Didius dies –/B (unlisted obv. die); BMCRE 20; Banti 1. Dark green patina, smoothing, details strengthened. VF. ($1000) From the Gil Steinberg Collection, purchased from Bowers & Ruddy, 20 July 1981.

801 802 801.

Manlia Scantilla. Augusta, AD 193. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.38 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Didius Julianus.

MANL SCAN TILLA AVG, draped bust right / IVNO RE GINA, Juno, draped, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head turned upwards to right. RIC IV 7a; BMCRE 11 var. (rev. legend break); RSC 2. Attractively toned with iridescence, flan crack, die wear. Good VF. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc54544 (ND).

802.

Manlia Scantilla. Augusta, AD 193. Æ Sestertius (29mm, 21.47 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Didius Julianus.

MANLIA SCAN TILLA AVG, draped bust right / IVNO REG[INA], Juno, draped, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head turned upwards to right; S C across field. RIC IV 18a; Woodward, Didius dies 6/B; BMCRE 32-6; Banti 2. Green patina, roughness, smoothed. Near VF. ($1000) Ex Editions V. Gadoury (15 October 2022), lot 73.

272

803

804

803.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.42 g, 6h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES C PE S NIGER IVS A, laureate head right / AETERNITATIS AVG, seven stars above and within upturned crescent. RIC IV 1 var. (legends); BMCRE † var. (same); RSC 1 var. (same). Toned, minor scratches. Near EF. An extremely rare variety of an already very rare issue. ($1000) From the DFA Collection.

804.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.40 g, 12h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES C PESC NI[G]ER IVS AVG COS II, laureate head right / FORTNAE REDVCI, Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding branch in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC IV 29 var. (rev. legend); BMCRE –; RSC 26a var. (same). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4680544-005, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5. Rare legend variety. ($1000) Ex W.B. and R. E. Montgomery Collection (Heritage 3012, 2 January 2011), lot 24714.

805.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.37 g, 6h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVS AVG COS II, laureate head right / CERER FRVG, Ceres, draped, standing left, holding grain ears in extended right hand and scepter in left. RIC IV 7b; BMCRE 291 var. (rev. legend breaks); RSC 12. Lightly toned, minor edge split. EF. Rare. Well struck. ($2000)

806.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.31 g, 6h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVS AVG COS II, laureate head right / FELICITAS TEMPORVM, cista filled with grapes, grain ear, poppies, and assorted fruit.

RIC IV 17; BMCRE 293; RSC 16a. Toned, scratch on reverse. Good VF. Rare. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Berk BBS 94 (16 January 1997), lot 392.

807.

Pescennius Niger. AD 193-194. AR Denarius (16.5mm, 3.39 g, 6h). Antioch mint. IMP CAES C PESC NIGER IVST AVG, laureate head right / IVSTIT IA AVG, Justitia, draped, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and scepter in right. RIC IV 50; BMCRE –; RSC 45. Toned with some iridescence, slight porosity. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) From the CLA Collection. Ex Goldberg 5 (6 April 2000), lot 3617.

273

Severus Acclaimed Imperator

808.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ Medallion (41mm, 59.51 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 194. L • SEPTIMIVS • SEVERVS PERTINAX • AVG IMP IIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / [P] M TR P III [COS] II P P, FIDEI • MILIT, Septimius Severus standing left on däis, right hand raised in salute and holding scepter with left; behind him, Caracalla and Geta, both in military attire, standing left; before, six soldiers standing right, the front row holding shields, the back row holding two signa and a vexillum. Gnecchi II, 16 (pl. 94, 7); Banti 51; Cohen 152; Grueber 3; Froehner p. 153. Attractive dark green and brown patina, slight roughness, a few light scratches. Good VF. Extremely rare. A very impressive piece. ($15,000) Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 786; Gorny & Mosch 232 (5 October 2015), lot 456.

Although Septimius Severus is often described as first of the “soldier emperors,” his early career was almost entirely civilian, rising steadily through the ladder of Roman magistracies, much like his predecessors. Nevertheless, his reign proved a major step in militarizing Roman government and life. He entered the Senate in AD 173 and gained some early military experience as legionary officer in Africa and Syria, where he served under the later Emperor Pertinax. After reaching the Consulship in AD 190, he was appointed as governor of Pannonia Superior, which placed him in command of Legio XIIII Gemina Martia Victrix, strategically located within easy march of Italy and Rome.

With the assassination of Commodus in AD 193, followed within weeks by the murder of his mentor Pertinax, Severus was hailed as emperor by the XIIIIth at Carnuntum. A lightning march to Rome deposed the pathetic Didius Julianus and placed Severus in firm control of the capital, whereupon he immediately prepared for civil war against two rivals who had likewise been proclaimed in the provinces, Clodius Albinus and Pescinnius Niger. Though wealthy and connected, Severus was from a “new” family and relied heavily on the army to cement his power. He raised military pay and showed his troops many preferments, including ending the longtime ban on marriage for regular soldiers. The army began to think of him as one of their own and, after disposing of Niger and Albinus, he suffered no revolts or serious internal threats for the rest of his reign. This remarkable bronze medallion, struck in AD 194 for presentation to a senior officer, depicts Severus being hailed as Imperator (victorious general) by his soldiers. Behind him stand his sons, Caracalla and Geta, whom he told on his deathbed, “get along with one another, enrich the soldiers, and despise everyone else!”

274

809.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 26.37 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 196-197. L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIII, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ADVENTVI AVG FELI CIS SIMO, Septimius Severus on horseback right, bareheaded and wearing military attire, raising right hand in salutation; to right, a soldier, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, head left, leading the emperor’s horse; S C in exergue. RIC IV 719; BMCRE 596; Banti 4 (same obv. die as illustration). Dark brown and earthen patina, light roughness. VF. ($1000) Ex Numismatik Naumann 113 (6 February 2022), lot 692; Leu 10 (24 October 2021), lot 2316.

Restorer of the City

810.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.35 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 201. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / RESTITVTOR VRBIS, Roma, helmeted, draped to feet, seated left on small, round shield, holding palladium on extended right hand and scepter, nearly vertical, in left, resting feet on stool. RIC IV 288; Calicó 2529a; BMCRE 358; Biaggi 1101; Jameson –; Mazzini –. In NGC encapsulation 4938386-016, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, edge scuff. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 13 (15 November 2021), lot 47 (hammer CHF 22,000); Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 633 (hammer ₤14,000); Roma 3 (31 March 2012), lot 503 (hammer ₤42,000).

Flush with plunder from his eastern conquests and cash forcibly extracted from his political enemies, Septimius Severus engaged in a prodigious building campaign in the city of Rome, including the arch that bears his name and still survives in the Roman Forum. He also built the Septizodium, an elaborately layered colonnade that served as a public gathering place and alternate forum, which survived until demolished by Pope Sixtus V in 1588. These and other improvements were celebrated on coinage naming Severus as “Restitutor Urbis,” or “Restorer of the City,” including this aureus.

The Temple of Aesculapius

811.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.24 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 207. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / P M TR P XV COSIII P P, distyle temple; within, Aesculapius standing facing between two serpents erect, holding a serpent-entwined wand in right hand. RIC IV 205; Calicó 2511 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE p. 262, note †; Biaggi 1094 (same dies). Lightly toned with some luster, light scratches, edge bump. Good VF. Extremely rare. Only one example in CoinArchives. ($20,000) Aesculapius, the god of healing, is depicted in his temple, which was located on Tiber Island in Rome. Built circa 290 BC, according to legend the location was marked by a snake that slithered out of a ship and into a grotto on the island, indicating the god’s favor. Remains of the temple can still be seen on the island today. The Severans all counted Aesculapius among their patron deities and featured him on their coinage.

275

Spectacular Bridge Reverse

812.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ As (26mm, 9.89 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 208. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / [P] M TR P XVI above, COS III P P/ S C in two lines in exergue, bridge with curved side and curved roof, with four pillars above; on bridge, five figures–heads and shoulders showing; below, boat on river: at each end of bridge, triumphal arch with three arches below and groups of statuary on top. RIC IV 786b; BMCRE 857 var. (bust type); Hill 203; Mazzini 523 (same obv. die); cf. Gorny & Mosch 265, lot 1402 (hammer €1800). Brown patina, smoothing.

VF. Very rare. ($1500) Ex Libertas Collection; Sotheby’s (5 October 1989), lot 166.

This rare coin copies the Danubian bridge type of Trajan (RIC II 569), and is possibly the bridge over the Firth of Forth, built for Severus’ Scottish campaigns.

The Augusti on Campaign in Britain

813.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (21.5mm, 7.22 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 210. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS AVGVSTOR VM, Septimius Severus, Caracalla, and Geta on horses prancing left, each with right hand raised. RIC IV 305; Calicó 2578; BMCRE 374 (same rev. die); Biaggi 1116. Underlying luster, minor edge marks. Good VF. ($10,000) This rare and attractive aureus type was struck at Rome early in AD 210 and depicts Severus, Caracalla and Geta on horseback galloping side by side, a military scene commemorating the campaign in northern Britain that was in full swing. This was the first occasion in Roman history when three emperors reigned jointly – Severus’ youngest son Geta having been raised to the rank of Augustus just a few months prior to the issue of this aureus.

276

British Victory Sestertius

814.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ Sestertius (32.5mm, 29.61 g, 12h). British Victory type. Rome mint. Struck AD 210. L SEPT SEVE RVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / VICTORIAE BRITANNICAE, two Victories, both draped, standing vis-à-vis, holding between them a shield and placing it on palm tree in center; at base of palm tree flanking, two seated captives, both with hands bound behind back; S C in exergue. RIC IV 818; BMCRE 811 (same obv. die); Banti 167; SCBC 652. Dark brown-green patina with some red, some light smoothing. Good VF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 67 (22 September 2004), lot 1621; Sternberg XXVIII (with Freeman & Sear, 30 October 1995), lot 174.

In AD 208, Septimius Severus together with the entire imperial family (his wife Julia Domna and their sons Caracalla and Geta) set out for Britain where the situation on the northern frontier demanded urgent attention. He was to spend the last two and a half years of his life in the island province and was destined never to return to Rome. Together with his elder son, the co-emperor Caracalla, he campaigned vigorously beyond the imperial frontier, penetrating far into Scotland. The line of their marching-camps can still be detected today by aerial photography.

Severus also restored Hadrian’s Wall, the northern frontier of the province, which was in serious need of renovation now that more than eighty years had elapsed since its original construction. Little is known of the success of these military operations, though they were to bring peace to the area for the remainder of the third century and an extensive issue of coinage in all metals was produced to commemorate the British victory.

Pedigreed to 1933

815.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ As (25.5mm, 11.59 g, 6h). British Victory type. Rome mint. Struck AD 210211. SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICT BRIT P M TR P XIX COS III P P, Victory, draped, standing right, holding vexillum in both hands; seated captives flanking, both draped at waist and with hands bound behind back, heads looking up at Victory; S C flanking. RIC IV 812b; BMCRE 264. Attractive dark green-brown patina, smoothing in fields, minor pitting. Good VF. ($1000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Dix Noonan Webb 139 (15 February 2017), lot 146; B. A. Seaby, 14 February 1934; R. Laughlin Collection (A. Hess, 18 December 1933), lot 712.

816.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AV Aureus (20mm, 6.97 g, 6h). Laodicea mint. Struck AD 198-200. L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIAE M ILITVM, Concordia, draped, standing left, holding signum in each hand. RIC IV 502a (same dies as illustration); Calicó 2439 (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 653 (same dies); Adda 388 (same dies); Biaggi 1066 (same obv. die); Jameson 163 (same dies). Underlying luster, minor marks, edge scrape and a few scratches on reverse. Good VF. Rare. ($5000) 277

817.

Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 6.13 g, 12h). Rome mint(?). Struck circa AD 193-196.

IVLIA DO MNA • AVG, draped bust right / VENER I VICTR, 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; BMCRE 47-8 and 123; Calicó 2642 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1154 (this coin). Toned over lustrous surfaces, somewhat irregular flan, edge marks, minor die flaws, a few light scratches. Good VF. ($4000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc62749 (ND); Edward J. Waddell inventory A13301 (ND); Numismatica Ars Classica 49 (21 October 2008), lot 318; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection, purchased, 1954.

Due to the somewhat differing style of this issue than those attributed to the Rome mint, some consider these coins to be from a secondary mint. BMCRE lists the ‘poorer’ style examples on p. 379.

Beautiful Dynastic Aureus

818.

Caracalla, with Septimius Severus and Julia Domna. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.37 g, 6h). Dynastic issue. Rome mint. Struck AD 201. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG PON TR P IIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right / CONCORDIAE AETERNAE, jugate busts right of Septimius Severus, radiate and draped, and Julia Domna, draped, wearing stephane, set on crescent. RIC I 52; Calicó 2849; BMCRE 260 (same dies); Adda 430; Biaggi 1163; Mazzini 1. A few minor marks. EF. Struck with dies of exceptional artistic merit. ($30,000) Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 13 (15 November 2021), lot 52, there noted as graded NGC AU 5/5, 4/5. Fine Style; Numismatica Genevensis SA 10 (3 December 2018), lot 59; Roma XIII (23 March 2017), lot 858.

The British Victory After Severus

819.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 27.74 g, 12h). British Victory type. Rome mint. Struck AD 211.

M AVREL ANTONI NVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICT BRIT TR P XIIII COS III, Victory, draped at waist, standing right, right foot on helmet, placing right hand on trophy in center; trophy composed of helmet, cuirass, shields, spears, and greaves; at base of trophy to right, male captive seated left with hands bound behind back, to his right, veiled and draped female figure standing facing with both hands on hips; S C in exergue. RIC IV 483d var. (rev. legend); Banti 133; BMCRE 266; SCBC 659A. Dark brown-green and red patina, light smoothing, details strengthened. VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 66 (19 May 2004), lot 1546.

Septimius Severus died in Eboracum (York) in 211 during the British campaign. Upon the death of his father, Caracalla made peace with the hostile Caledonians and determined to return to Rome. Under the terms of the peace, the Romans removed to the southern side of Hadrian’s wall which had recently been repaired by the Severans. While ‘victory’ was a generous term for the ultimate arrangement, the occasion of the successful British campaign was sufficient cause for Caracalla and Geta to continue striking issues commemorating the British Victory.

278

820.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 24.91 g, 12h). British Victory type. Rome mint. Struck AD 211.

M AVREL ANTONI NVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICT BRIT TR P XIIII COS III, Victory, draped at waist, standing right, right foot on helmet, placing right hand on trophy in center; trophy composed of helmet, cuirass, shields, spears, and greaves; at base of trophy to right, male captive seated left with hands bound behind back, to his right, veiled and draped female figure standing facing with both hands on hips; S C in exergue. RIC IV 483d var. (rev. legend); Banti 133; BMCRE 266; SCBC 659A. Dark brown patina with some green, thin flan crack, slight roughness, minor smoothing, minor doubling. Near EF. Very rare. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

The Circus Maximus

821.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 30.70 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 213. M AVREL ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XVI IMP II; COS IIII PP SC in two lines in exergue, view of the Circus Maximus: the front consists of an arcade of arches and a large arch on right; just behind on left, driver and quadriga right on arch, spina in center, three quadrigae driving left around, spectators in gallery to right; in background, on left, temple and colonnade of three tiers of arches, upon which is a quadriga. RIC IV 500b; BMCRE 252; Banti 47. Dark green patina, smoothing, minor pitting, a few light scratches. Near EF. Rare. ($4000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc56499 (ND); LHS 100 (23 April 2007), lot 528 (hammer CHF 8000); Hess-Leu [9] (2 April 1958), lot 360.

822.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 6.56 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 216. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XVIIII COS IIII P P, Serapis, wearing modius and draped, standing left, raising right hand and holding scepter in left. RIC IV 280a; BMCRE 164 (same dies); Calicó 2745 (same dies); Biaggi 1197 (same dies). Toned and lustrous, light scratches on reverse. Near EF. ($15,000) Ex Thos. H. Law Collection (Stack’s, 4 December 2001), lot 31; R. Castro Maya Collection (Bourgey, 18 November 1957), lot 332.

279

Extremely Rare – The First Known Since Caylus (1760)

823.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.33 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 217. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XX COS IIII P P; VIC PART in exergue, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass and shield, supporting shield with left hand and left knee and inscribing VOT/ XX on it in two lines with stylus held in right hand; to right, trophy, composed of helmet, two shields, cuirass, and greaves, flanked by two captives seated at base, both with arms crossed. RIC IV 297b; Calicó 2837; BMCRE 197 note; Biaggi –; Cohen 649. Lightly toned and lustrous, light scratches, minor marks. Near EF. Extremely rare. Perhaps the second known. ($15,000) BMCRE lists this issue as a note with the caveat ‘confirmation required.’ All references cite Cohen who cited Caylus. This appears to be the first example known since Caylus reported one as a line drawing in his Numismata Aurea Imperatorum Romanorum in 1760 which appears in the catalog as number 763. Unfortunately, the drawing there is too stylized to allow for comparison to the present example.

Pair of Geta VICT BRIT Sestertii

824 825 824.

Geta. AD 209-211. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 26.54 g, 6h). British Victory type. Rome mint. Struck AD 210-211. P SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head right / VICT BRIT TR P III COS II, Victory, draped, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield with left hand and left knee and inscribing it with stylus held in right hand; below, three shields. RIC IV 172a; Banti 59; BMCRE 268 note; SCBC 663A. Dark green patina, trace smoothing marks. VF. Very rare. A wonderful specimen of a very difficult issue. ($1000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from Spink, 24 May 2005. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction P (12 May 2005), lot 2117.

825.

Geta. AD 209-211. Æ Sestertius (31.5mm, 22.18 g, 12h). British Victory type. Rome mint. Struck AD 210-211. P SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / VICT BRIT TR P III COS II, Victory, draped, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield with left hand and left knee and inscribing it with stylus held in right hand; below, three shields. RIC IV 172b; Banti 60; BMCRE 268-9; SCBC 663A. Green patina. Good VF. Rare. ($4000) Ex Peus 410 (31 October 2013), lot 491; Gorny & Mosch 180 (12 October 2009), lot 413.

826.

Diadumenian. As Caesar, AD 217-218. Æ As (25mm, 10.86 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st emission of Macrinus, AD 217.

M OPEL DIADVMENIANVS CAES, bareheaded and draped bust right / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian, bareheaded and wearing military attire, standing left, holding baton in right hand and cradling scepter in left arm; two signa to right; S C in exergue. RIC IV 216 (Macrinus); Clay Issue 1; BMCRE 163. Dark brown-green patina with some red, some trace smoothing marks. Good VF. ($750) From the Lionel Tenby Collection. Ex Douglas O. Rosenberg Collection (Triton IX, 9 January 2006), lot 1532; Classical Numismatic Group 63 (21 May 2003), lot 1463.

280

827.

Diadumenian. As Caesar, AD 217-218. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 26.31 g, 12h). Rome mint. 2nd emission of Macrinus, AD 217-218. M OPEL ANTONINVS DIADVMENIANVS CAES, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian, bareheaded and wearing military attire, standing left, holding signa in right hand and cradling scepter in left arm; two signa to right; S C in exergue. RIC IV 211 (Macrinus); Clay Issue 2; Banti 3; BMCRE 151. Greenbrown patina with some red, slight roughness. Good VF. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 11 (29 April 1998), lot 483; Numismatica Ars Classica 8, (3 April 1995), lot 888.

Ex Biaggi de Blasys Collection – Pedigreed to 1955

828.

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus (20mm, 6.26 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st emission, early AD 222. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS P P, Mars, helmeted and wearing military attire, standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and reversed spear in left. RIC IV 6; BMCRE 26; Calicó 3082 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1319 (this coin). Lightly toned with underlying luster, light scratches. Near EF. ($7500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 135 (21 November 2022), lot 343; Classical Numismatic Group 106 (13 September 2017), lot 792; Continental Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 812; Tkalec & Rauch (25 April 1989), lot 363; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection; Monnaies et Médailles Basel XV (1 July 1955), lot 820.

Illustrated in Calico with a Line Drawing – Very Rare

829.

Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus (20.5mm, 6.39 g, 6h). Rome mint. 9th emission, AD 228. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P VII COS II P P, Virtus, helmeted and wearing military attire, standing left, right foot on prow, holding reversed spear in right hand and parazonium in left. RIC IV 77; BMCRE 475; Calicó 3117 (line drawing); Biaggi –. Lightly toned and lustrous, marks, hairlines. EF. Very rare. None in CoinArchives. ($5000)

281

830.

Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.10 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS AVGG, Securitas, draped, seated left on throne, holding scepter in right hand, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 11; RSC 10. Toned with some trace iridescence, some reverse die wear. EF. ($2000) Ex Gemini XIII (6 April 2017), lot 203.

831 832 831.

Gordian I. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.14 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS AVGG, Securitas, draped, seated left on throne, holding scepter in right hand, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 11; RSC 10. Toned, light scratches under tone. Good VF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

Banti Plate Coin 832.

Gordian I. AD 238. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 20.66 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVGG, Providentia, draped, standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe set at feet to left and cornucopia in left hand, resting left arm on column; S C across field. RIC IV 9; BMCRE 5-6 var. (rev. legend break); Banti 3 (this coin illustrated). Attractive greenbrown patina, some doubling. Good VF. ($3000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc21633 (ND); Numismatica Ars Classica 18 (29 March 2000), lot 644; Leu 2 (25 April 1972), lot 433.

Banti notes this coin as a variety with only one G in the reverse legend and without the cornucopia. However, when inspected in hand, both features are present amidst the doubling making this coin synonymous with Banti 5 rather than a unique variety.

833.

Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 2.96 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVGG, Providentia, draped, standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe set at feet to left and cornucopia in left hand, resting left arm on column. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 19-20 var. (rev. legend break); RSC 5. Attractive golden toning. EF. ($2000)

282

834 835 834.

Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.12 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVGG, Providentia, draped, standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe set at feet to left and cornucopia in left hand, resting left arm on column. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 19-20 var. (rev. legend break); RSC 5. Toned. Near EF. ($1500) Purchased by the consignor from Calgary Coins, 10 February 2005.

835.

Gordian II. AD 238. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.14 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTO RIA AVGG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in raised right hand and palm frond in left. RIC IV 2; BMCRE 28; RSC 12. Deep cabinet tone, scratch under tone on reverse.

Near EF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection.

836 837 836.

Balbinus. AD 238. AR Denarius (22mm, 3.00 g, 7h). Rome mint. 1st emission, 22 April-29 July. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS II P P, Balbinus, togate, standing left, holding branch in extended right hand and parazonium in left. RIC IV 5; BMCRE 26-7; RSC 20. Lightly toned and lustrous, light scratch on reverse, hairlines, a few tiny deposits. EF. ($750) From the DFA Collection.

837.

Balbinus. AD 238. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 22.00 g, 1h). Rome mint. 1st emission, 22 April-29 July. IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in outstretched right hand and double cornucopia in left; S C in exergue. RIC IV 22; BMCRE 18-21; Banti 1. Dark brown and green patina. Near EF. A wonderful coin in hand. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

Ex Biaggi de Blasys Collection – Calicó Plate Coin

838.

Gordian III. AD 238-244. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 4.61 g, 12h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 1st emission, JuneDecember AD 238. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC IV 10; Calicó 3230 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1369 (this coin). Lightly toned and lustrous, minor scuff, light scratch, minor marks, hairlines. EF. ($4000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 34 (24 November 2006), lot 182; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection.

283

Very Rare Tranquillina Denarius

839.

Tranquillina. Augusta, AD 241-244. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.88 g, 8h). Rome mint. Special emission of Gordian III, AD 243. SABINIA TRANQVILLINA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia, draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in extended right hand and double cornucopia in left. RIC IV 251; RSC 1a. Toned, reverse die wear, minor lamination error, small lamination repairs on reverse. Near EF. Very rare. ($5000) Ex Soler & Llach 1122 (26 October 2021), lot 891; Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 650.

Furia Sabinia Tranquillina was the daughter of the formidable Gaius Furius Sabinius Aquila Timesitheus, a highly respected career soldier of equestrian rank who rose to become Praetorian Prefect under the young emperor Gordian III. In AD 241, Tranquillina married Gordian, making Timesitheus his father-in-law and guardian. The stage appeared set for a successful dynasty. The next few years appeared to be relatively tranquil, but in early AD 243 Gordian and Timesitheus were forced into arms by an aggressive Persian attack on the eastern frontier.

Under the Prefect’s guidance, the Romans won a major victory in early AD 244, but at this point Timesitheus fell suddenly ill and died, leaving the young, inexperienced Gordian without his mentor and guardian. In short order Gordian was dead, either slain in battle or the victim of a coup led by his successor, Philip I. It is not known whether Tranquillina was present in camp or back in Rome, but we hear no more of her.

840 841 840.

Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. Æ Double Sestertius (32.5mm, 31.89 g, 12h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 2nd-3rd emissions, late AD 249-mid 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; S C across field. RIC IV 126a; Banti 29.

Warm brown patina with some green at edge, a few light scratches, minor die break on obverse, minor adjustment marks on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

841.

Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. Æ Double Sestertius (32.5mm, 35.86 g, 12h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 3rd emission, early-mid AD 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FELICITAS SAECVLI, Felicitas, draped, standing facing, head left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopia in left; S C across field. RIC IV 115c; Banti 10. Dark green patina, a couple tiny flan cracks, some minor smoothing. Good VF. ($4000) Ex Goldberg 128 (28 June 2022), lot 1061; James Fox Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 40, 4 December 1996), lot 1647; Giessener Münzhandlung 44 (3 April 1989), lot 950.

842.

Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. AV Aureus (20mm, 4.88 g, 2h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 4th emission, mid-late AD 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ABVNDANTIA AVG, Abundantia, draped, standing right, emptying cornucopia held in both hands to right. RIC IV 10 var. (bust type); Calicó 3282b; Biaggi 1391. Some luster, edge marks, a couple scrapes, scratches. Near EF. ($3000) Ex Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl Collection (Leu 8, 23 October 2021), lot 348; purchased from Leu, 7 April 1967.

284

843.

Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. AV Aureus (18.5mm, 4.76 g, 12h). Rome mint, 5th officina. 4th emission, mid-late AD 250. IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VBERITAS AVG, Uberitas, draped, standing left, holding purse in right hand and cornucopia in left. RIC IV 28a; Calicó 3299; Biaggi 1397. Lustrous, light edge marks. EF. ($4000) Ex Künker 143 (6 October 2008), lot 654.

844.

Herennia Etruscilla. Augusta, AD 249-251. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 4.70 g, 6h). Rome mint, 6th officina. 3rd emission of Trajan Decius, early-mid AD 250. HER ETRVSCILLA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / PVDICITIA AVG, Pudicitia, draped and veiled, seated left, drawing veil with right hand and holding transverse scepter in left. RIC IV 59a (Decius); Calicó 3308c; Biaggi 1403. Lightly toned and lustrous, light scratches. EF. ($6000) Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA II (18 November 2002), lot 122.

Ex Tinchant and Evans Collections – Pedigreed to 1925

845.

Trebonianus Gallus. AD 251-253. Æ Bimetallic Medallion (39mm, 60.80 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 252.

IMP CAES C VIBIVS TREBONI[A]N[V]S GALLVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ADV ENTV S AVGG, Trebonianus Gallus and Volusian on horseback riding left, each raising right hand in greeting, preceded by Victory, holding a wreath in raised right hand and a palm frond in left; behind, two soldiers, one closest to the viewer is armed with a spear in his right hand over his right shoulder and a shield in left hand; in background, a vexillum and two signa. Gnecchi II, p. 102, 1, pl.

111, 2 (same obv. die); Banti 1; Froehner p. 206; Firenze 101; Mazzini 5. Green and brown patina, smoothing/cleaning marks, light roughness, earthen deposits. VF. A rare and impressive bimetallic medallion. ($7500) From the Libertas Collection, purchased 30 September 1981. Ex “Richard J. Graham” [Paul Tinchant] Collection (J. Schulman 243, 8 June 1966), lot 2498; Sir Arthur J. Evans Collection (Ars Classica XVII, 3 October 1934), lot 1697; Ars Classica X (15 June 1925), lot 1768.

285

Very Rare Cornelia Supera Antoninianus

846.

Cornelia Supera. Augusta, AD 253. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 3.16 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Aemilian. C CORNEL S VPERA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / VESTA, Vesta, draped, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC IV 30 (Aemillian); RSC 5. Toned, light even porosity, minor lamination error. VF. Very rare. ($7500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 72 (16 May 2013), lot 725; Künker 158 (28 September 2009), lot 735.

Gallienus as Hercules

847.

Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ Medallion (35.5mm, 38.94 g, 6h). Rome mint. 6th-10th emissions. GALLIENVS PIVS FEL AVG, head of Gallienus as Hercules right, wearing lion skin headdress; club at base of neck / MONETA AVG, the three Monetae, each draped, standing facing, heads left, each holding a scale above a stack of coins at their feet in right hand and cornucopia in left. Gnecchi II p. 108, 20; MIR 36 754k; Banti 36. Dark brown patina, minor flan crack, slight roughness. VF. Very rare. ($5000) From the D. K. Collection. Ex Lanz 128 (22 May 2006), lot 728.

Ex Bolla, Biaggi, Jameson, and du Chastel Collections – Pedigreed to 1906

848.

Salonina. Augusta, AD 254-268. AV Aureus (16.5mm, 2.16 g, 1h). Cologne mint. SALONIN A AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane / VENV S VICTRIX, 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 V –; MIR 36 904b; Calicó 3683 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 1502 = Jameson 261 (this coin). Lustrous, edge marks, light scratches. EF. Extremely rare. ($7500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk inventory cc56030 (ND); F. Bolla Collection (Tkalec, 28 February 2007), lot 80; Leo Biaggi de Blasys Collection (Leu 22, 8 May 1979), lot 343; Frédéric-Robert Jameson Collection; Albéric Paul Edouard, comte du Chastel de la Howardries Collection; Frank McClean Collection (Sotheby’s, 13 June 1906), lot 106.

286

Further Selections from the A.K. Collection of Roman Coinage

287

Further Selections from the A.K. Collection of Roman Coinage The present selection of the by now well-known A.K. collection consists of several group lots of silver, bronze, and billon coins. The section starts out with issues of Valerian, Gallienus, and their family. These are followed by issues of the Gallic Empire, beginning with coins Aureolus struck in the name of Postumus, then issues of Laelianus and Marius. After these, we return to the central Roman Empire, with lots of Claudius Gothicus, Divus Claudius Gothicus, and his successor Quintillius.

Two interesting lot of mules, hybrids, and irregular issues are also available and of great interest to collectors of this period. Coinage of the 3rd century often varies greatly in style and weight. To explain this phenomenon, some have suggested that mint workers clandestinely struck coins for their own account, rather than the Imperial coffers. This can also make it difficult to distinguish official coins from contemporary imitations or forgeries. The core of the A.K. Collection of contemporary imitations will be sold in the next Triton auction.

Several of the various rare coins in this offering are plated in the standard references, including Pflaum, H.G & P. Bastien, La trouvaille de Canakkale, Deniers et antoniniani émis de 261 à 284 (Wettern, 1969) and Göbl’s seminal Moneta Imperii Romani 47 (Vienna, 1993).

May of the pieces have further pedigrees to auctions, including Hirsch, Glendining, and Kress sales, or fixed price lists, such as Augustus Brown, Kricheldorf, and Jacquier. The remainder were purchased from the stock of major dealers: R. Kaiser, Leu, Maison Platt, Münzen und Medaillen Basel, M. Romcevic, and Sternberg, among others.

A separate, fully illustrated catalogue of the complete collection has been compiled, containing the photos and full description of all the coins in each lot. This catalogue will be available during the Triton lot viewing in New York, but you may also request that a catalogue be sent to you. Additionally, this catalogue will be available online (see individual lots below for details).

Further single lots from this portion of the A.K. Collection will be available in the online sessions of Triton XXVII, available at www. cngcoins.com in early January.

849.

Collection of 6 Antoniniani of Valerian I and II, Gallienus, Macrianus and Quietus from the mint of Samosata.

Antoniniani. Includes the following: Valerian I (2 coins) // Valerian II (1 coin) // Gallienus (1 coins) // Macrianus (1 coin) // Quietus (1 coin). Six (6) coins in lot. Fine to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins. com. ($500) From the A.K. Collection.

850.

Collection of 57 Antoniniani of Gallienus and Salonina from different mints. Antoniniani. Rome, Cologne, Milan, Siscia, and Antioch mints. Includes the following: Gallienus (56 coins) // Salonina (1 coin). Fifty-seven (57) coins in lot. Fine to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1000) From the A.K. Collection.

851.

Collection of 12 Antoniniani struck by Aureolus in the name of Postumus from the mint of Milan. Antoniniani.

Twelve (12) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins .com. ($1000) From the A.K. Collection.

852.

Collection of 3 Antoniniani of Laelianus and Marius from different mints. Antoniniani. Cologne and Trier mints. Includes the following: Laelianus (1 coin) and Marius (1 coin) from Cologne // Marius (1 coin) from Trier. Three (3) coins in lot. VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1500) From the A.K. Collection.

288

853.

Collection of 25 Antoniniani of Victorinus from different mints. Antoniniani. Trier and Cologne mints. Includes the following: Trier (17 coins) // Cologne (8 coins). Twenty-five (25) coins in lot. VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($500) From the A.K. Collection.

854.

Collection of 50 Antoniniani of Claudius Gothicus from different mints. Antoniniani. Siscia and Milan mints.

Includes the following: Siscia (49 coins) // Milan (1 coin). Fifty (50) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($750) From the A.K. Collection.

855.

Collection of 18 Antoniniani of Claudius Gothicus from different mints. Antoniniani. Cyzicus and Smyrna mints. Includes the following: Cyzicus (16 coins) // Smyrna (2 coins). Eighteen (18) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($400) From the A.K. Collection.

856.

Collection of 6 Antoniniani of Claudius Gothicus from the mint of Milan. Antoniniani. Six (6) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($400) From the A.K. Collection.

857.

Collection of 98 Antoniniani of Divus Claudius Gothicus from the mint of Rome. Antoniniani. Ninety-eight (98) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1500) From the A.K. Collection.

858.

Collection of 23 Antoniniani of Quintillus from different mints. Antoniniani. Rome, Milan, and Siscia mints.

Includes the following: Rome (18 coins) // Milan (4 coins) // Siscia (1 coin). Twenty-three (23) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($1000) From the A.K. Collection.

859.

Collection of 17 mules and hybrids: Gallienus and Claudius II Gothicus. Antoniniani. Includes the following: Gallienus (1 coin) // Claudius II Gothicus (16 coins). Seventeen (17) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($400) From the A.K. Collection.

860.

Collection of 50 irregular, unusual hybrid coins. Antoniniani. Includes the following: Gallienus (3 coins) // Claudius II Gothicus (41 coins) // Quintillus (3 coins) // Divus Claudius II Gothicus (3 coins). Fifty (50) coins in lot. Near VF to good VF. Photos and detailed descriptions available online, at http://ak.cngcoins.com. ($500) From the A.K. Collection.

289

861.

Carus. AD 282-283. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 4.37 g, 6h). Rome or Ticinum mint. 1st emisison, mid October AD 282.

IMP C M AVR CARVS P F AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / VIRT V S AVGG, Virtus, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, holding trophy over left shoulder in left hand and transverse spear in right. RIC V 34 and 65 var. (bust type); Pink VI/2 p. 27 var. (Rome; same); Calicó 4292 var. (same); Biaggi –. Lustrous, light scratch, a couple minor marks, hairlines on reverse, minor deposits. EF. ($10,000) Ex Hess-Divo 340 (1 June 2022), lot 104; Leu Numismatik 10 (24 October 2021), lot 2354.

Calicó Plate Coin

862.

Divus Carus. Died AD 283. AV Aureus (19mm, 4.62 g, 6h). Siscia mint(?). DIVO CARO PARTHICO, laureate head right / CONSECRATIO AVG, eagle standing right, head left, on banded globe. RIC V –; Pink VI/2 –; Calicó 4262a (this coin illustrated); Biaggi –. Lightly toned. EF. Extremely rare. Only three examples known. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 114 (6 May 2019), lot 832; Numismatica Genevensis SA IV (11 December 2006), lot 245; Tkalec (18 February 2002), lot 235.

863.

Carinus. As Caesar, AD 282-283. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 4.61 g, 12h). Antioch mint. 3rd emission of Carus, early March AD 283. IMP C M AVR CARINVS NOB C, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR IAE AVGG, Victory, draped, advancing right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm frond in left; SMA. RIC V –; cf. Pink VI/2, p. 56 (for emission); Calicó 4393b (same dies); Biaggi 1677. Lightly toned with some luster, edge marks, light scratches. Near EF. Extremely rare. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 105 (9 May 2018), lot 93; Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 576; Numismatica Genevensis SA IV (11 December 2006), lot 247; G. Hirsch 214 (15 February 2001), lot 1805; Lanz 44 (16 May 1988), lot 805.

864.

Divus Nigrinian. Died circa AD 284. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 3.60 g, 6h). Rome mint. 5th emission of Carinus, mid November AD 284. DIVO NIGRINANO, half-length radiate and bare-chested bust right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing facing, head left, wings spread; KAA. RIC V 472; Pink VI/2, p. 38. Dark brown patina. Near EF. ($1000) From the Kings Collection.

290

866 865 865.

Julian of Pannonia. Usurper, AD 284-285. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 3.81 g, 6h). Siscia mint, 3rd officina. Struck mid December AD 284-February or March 285. IMP C M AVR IVLIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAN NONIA E AVG, the two Pannoniae, both draped, standing left, heads turned left and right respectively, both raising right hand; the Pannonia on the right holding signum in left hand; S//XXIΓ. RIC V 4; Pink VI/2, p. 50; Venèra 4399-4400. Dark brown-green patina, some minor smoothing. Good VF. ($1000) From the Kings Collection. Ex Trausnitz Collection (Nomos Obolos 23, 12 June 2022), lot 801; Trausnitz Collection (Nomos Obolos 18, 21 February 2021), lot 694; Giessener Münzenhandlung 69 (18 November 1994), lot 684.

866.

Diocletian. AD 284-305. AR Argenteus (18.5mm, 3.26 g, 6h). Siscia mint. 1st emission, Fall AD 294-295.

DIOCLETI ANVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city gate with eight turrets. RIC VI 32a; Gautier, Argent 2; RSC 516†f. Lightly toned and lustrous. Superb EF. ($750) From the CJR Collection.

867.

Diocletian. AD 284-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.35 g, 7h). Cyzicus mint. Struck AD 286-287. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IOVI CO NSE RVATORI, Jupiter, nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, standing left, holding thunderbolt in extended right hand and scepter in left; SC*. RIC V 297 var. (mint mark); Depeyrot 6/3; Calicó 4488 var. (bust type); Biaggi 1719 (same dies); I. & L. Goldberg, eds., Money of the World: Coins That Made History (Whitman, 2007), 54 (this coin). Lightly toned, highly lustrous, a few minor edge marks. Superb EF. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 135 (21 November 2022), lot 371; Millennia Collection (Goldberg 46B, 25 May 2008), lot 136.

868.

Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (19mm, 5.34 g, 5h). Vicennalia issue. Ticinum mint. Struck AD 303-304. MAXIMIAN VS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / XX/ MAXI /MIAN/ I AVG/ SMT in five lines within wreath with large central jewel. RIC VI 11b; Depeyrot 7/2; Calicó 4770; Biaggi –. Lightly toned and lustrous, minor mark, light hairlines. EF. ($7500) Ex MDC Monaco 7 (12 June 2021), lot 53.

291

869.

Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AR Argenteus (17.5mm, 3.49 g, 12h). Rome mint. 1st emission, late AD 294-early 295. MAXIMIA NVS AVG, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city gate with eight turrets. RIC VI 28; Gautier, Argent 54; RSC 625†d. Lightly toned and lustrous, minor scratches, area of deposits. Superb EF. ($750) From the CJR Collection.

Hercules & the Lernaean Hydra

870.

Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (18mm, 5.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 293-294.

MAXIMI ANVS P F AVG, laureate head right / HERCVLI D EBELLAT, Hercules, nude, standing left, battling the Lernaean Hydra, holding club overhead in right hand and grasping one of the heads of the Hydra with left; the Hydra coiled around Hercules’ right leg to left. RIC VI –; Depeyrot 6/13; Calicó –; Biaggi –. Lightly toned and lustrous, a few faint marks, trace deposits. Near EF. Extremely rare. One other in CoinArchives. Well executed dies and in very high relief. ($7500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 135 (21 November 2022), lot 377 (since conserved).

The reverse of this issue depicts Hercules’ battle with the Lernaean Hydra. The Hydra was the monstrous offspring of Typhon and Echidna, and the sibling of the Nemean Lion, the Chimaera, and Kerberos. It possessed numerous mortal and one immortal head on its single body; should one head be removed, two more would grow in its place. Tasked with vanquishing the beast for his second labor, Hercules traveled to the creature’s lair – the spring of Amymone at the swamp near Lake Lerna in the Argolid. Hercules engaged the beast, wielding a harvesting sickle, and attempted to decapitate the creature. When this proved unsuccessful due to the Hydra’s regenerative ability, Hercules enlisted the assistance of his nephew Iolaos, who devised a plan: once Hercules had cut off one of the creature’s heads, Iolaos would cauterize the stump with a burning firebrand. The plan succeeded and the Hydra was destroyed. Hercules placed its one immortal head under a large rock on the sacred way between Lerna and Elaius and dipped his arrows in its poisonous blood.

To the Tetrarchy, and particularly Maximianus, the British usurper Carausius was a type of Hydra – a problem that refused to go away and continued to rear its ugly head. Maximianus launched two failed attempts to defeat Carausius, who controlled Roman Britain in rebellion and much of the Gallic coastline across the Channel. Both expeditions ended in failure. After a couple years of preparations, a new expedition was launched in 293 in an effort to defeat the usurper once and for all. This time, the new Caesar, Constantius, spearheaded the campaign. After a number of victories in Northern Gaul, Constantius succeeded in forcing the surrender of Carausius’ major port and stronghold of Gesoriacum (today’s Boulongne-sur-Mer). This event precipitated Carausius’ sudden downfall. He was assassinated in Britain shortly after the loss of the important city. Thus ended the reign of Carausius. Three years later, Constantius would succeed in eliminating his successor Allectus and reincorporate Roman Britain into the Empire.

292

Ex Bastien and Valette Collections – Pedigreed to 1924

871.

Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AV Aureus (19mm, 5.43 g, 12h). Uncertain mint (Cyzicus or Antioch).

Struck AD 293. MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / CONCORDI AE AVGG NN, Diocletian and Maximian, both helmeted and draped, seated left on curule chairs, holding globe in extended right hand and parazonium in left, being crowned by Victory above. RIC V 601 (Cyzicus) and 615 (Antioch); Depeyrot 13/3 (Cyzicus); Calicó 4612; Biaggi 1771.

Lustrous with proof-like fields, slightly wavy flan, thin reverse die break. Superb EF. Well executed dies. ($20,000) From the Willamette Valley Collection. Ex Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 854; Pierre Bastien Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 111, 24 September 2018), lot 214; Mme. Valette Collection (Rollin & Feuardent, 16 June 1924), lot 272.

Aurei with the CONCORDIAE AVGG NN reverse are known for Diocletian, Maximianus, Constantius, and Galerius, placing this issue in AD 293, the year the First Tetrarchy was fully established with two junior rulers (Constantius I and Galerius as Caesars), and when Diocletian (for the fifth time) and Maximianus (for the fourth time) held the joint-consulship.

Which mint struck these unsigned issues has long been debated. Pink, in laying out the gold issues of the First Tetrarchy, assigned the unsigned aurei to Cyzicus, including the CONCORDIAE AVGG NN reverse issue. Webb, however, assigned the coin to Antioch. Although he gave no specific reason for doing so, he did note in his discussion of the Cyzicus mint (p. 215) a close association between the two mints. He also noted referenced Pink’s 1931 article (“Die Goldprägung des Diocletianus und seiner Mitregenten”), but did not incorporate its findings (p.

219). Since then, attributions for these unsigned issues have varied among numismatists and catalogers. One can see obverse stylistic affinities between these aurei and later marked issues of Antioch (Lukanc 5 [p. 175, 3]). Unfortunately, as Sutherland (RIC VI, p. 597 [Antioch]) points out in his discussion of the mint, these early issues have largely been studied out of context, and only a more detailed study of this early coinage will provide a more satisfactory answer.

872.

Maximianus. As Senior Augustus (2nd reign), AD 307-310. Æ Follis (26.5mm, 6.90 g, 6h). Londinium (London) mint. Struck circa November-December AD 307. D N MAXIMIANO P F S AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / ROMAE AETER, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated facing, head left, holding Victory on globe right in extended right hand and and scepter in left; all within hexastyle temple; PLN. RIC VI 100; RML 212 (forthcoming; this coin plated); C&T 5.03.016.

Dark brown patina with some trace verdigris, hairline flan crack. Good VF. Very Rare. RR in RML. No other examples in CoinArchives. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 88 (14 September 2011), lot 1411.

873.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.78 g, 6h). ‘RSR’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA MILITVM, clasped right hands; RSR. RIC V 548; Shiel 16-17 and 19; RSC 24. Deep and iridescent toning, porosity, scratches under tone. VF. Rare. ($2000)

293

The Coinage of Carausius from the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection When one considers the coinage of the Romano-British Empire led by the rebels Carausius and Allectus, the following adjectives do not usually come to mind: stunning, captivating, intriguing, entrancing, and more. However, the collection of Romano-British coinage that Dr. Malcolm Lyne has assembled is without doubt one of the finest known today. Perhaps never before has such an extensive and high-quality offering of the coinage of Carausius appeared on the market in a single sale. These extremely difficult issues are rarely encountered in excellent states of preservation or with many of the incredible pedigrees that are found within Dr. Lyne’s collection. Furthermore, these coins have been studied by the author of the upcoming RIC V.5, Sam Moorhead, who has graciously provided critical updated catalog numbers and rarity information. As the numismatic community awaits the upcoming new versions of RIC 5, a preview of the wealth of information to come can be found here. It should be noted that it has been ninety years since the original publication of the old RIC V.2 in 1933. However, many issues in this collection that were known then remain incredible rarities. Some of these issues that were either formerly unknown or known from precious few examples are today still unique, extremely rare, or very rare. Furthermore, many them are not only near peer-less in rarity, but are also incredibly attractive specimens. On top of these desirable traits, there are also outstanding pedigrees attached from famous collections. Many of these old pedigrees feature the names of famous numismatists who studied and wrote on the coinage of Carausius in the 20 th century. Additionally, some of the coins found in this section are appearing here again for the first time in a generation making this a rare opportunity to acquire seldom encountered or even unique issues. This sale and its pedigree name are certain to be remembered in future work as a major moment for the coinage of Carausius.

The ‘RSR’ Mint Mark

874.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (20mm, 4.81 g, 6h). ‘RSR’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, laureate and draped bust right / FELIC ITA AVG, galley on waves, with mast and four rowers, sailing right; RSR. RIC V.5 86 (forthcoming); RIC V 560; Shiel 47; RSC 50. Toned, light porosity, light scratches mostly under tone, metal flaw at edge. Near EF. Well struck and in good metal. A detailed specimen of a very difficult issue.

Very rare, only 9 examples noted in RIC V.5. ($5000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, 16 December 2003.

Sir Arthur Evans suggested in 1928 that the ‘RSR’ mark in the exergue “[can] be explained as R[ationalis], S[ummae] R[ei] rather than a local mint mark” (as cited in Shiel 1977). Shiel followed Evans’ explanation and suggested that “one would expect to find such an officer based at the administrative centre of the area concerned, in this case London, and so the denarii... must have been produced there also” (Shiel, 98).

Alternatively, Guy de la Bédoyère proposed a more literary explanation for the three letters in his article “Carausius and the Marks RSR and I.N.P.C.D.A.” in NC 1998. His explanation draws upon the enigmatic letters INPCDA found on a pair of large bronze Carausius medallions and extrapolates from the two sets of exergual letters that they are a reference to a passage from Virgil’s Ecologues iv.6-7 which reads “Redeunt Saturnia Regna, Iam Nova Progenies Caelo Demittitur Alto” (de la Bédoyère, 82). De la Bédoyère suggests that perhaps at the least the RSR-marked silver denarii of Carausius were likely not intended for widespread general circulation but were instead donatives for the state’s elite (ibid, 85). The substantial weight of the denarii and their metal quality lends some credence to this hypothesis. Both Evans’ and de la Bédoyère’s explanations are offered here for this intriguing and artistic series.

875.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.63 g, 6h). ‘RSR’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / RENOVAT ROMANO, She-wolf standing right, head facing, suckling the twins (Romulus and Remus); RSR. RIC V.5 117 (forthcoming); RIC V 571; Shiel 68-71; RSC 82. Toned, hairline flan crack.

Good VF. Very rare. Well struck. ($3000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 25 July 2007.

Though often called the first ruler of a united Britain, Carausius employed imagery in his propaganda that was almost entirely Roman in character, including this issue depicting the famous she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.

294

876.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.03 g, 6h). ‘RSR’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F A, laureate bust left, wearing imperial mantle, holding eagle-tipped scepter in right hand / VBERITAS AVG, Uberitas, draped, standing right, holding standard in left hand and clasping right hand with soldier, wearing military attire, standing left; soldier also holding spear in left hand; RSR. RIC V.5 163 (forthcoming); RIC V 589; Shiel 89; RSC 101. Toned, dark find patina. Good VF. Excellent style. Superior to the sole example in CoinArchives. Extremely rare, only 4 examples noted in RIC V.5. ($5000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 21 January 2006.

Courage of the Ages

877.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.95 g, 6h). ‘RSR’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, laureate and draped bust right / VIRTVS SAECC, radiate lion walking left, holding thunderbolt in mouth; RSR. RIC V.5 174 (forthcoming); cf. RIC V 591 (for similar type); cf. Shiel 92-3 (same). Toned, flan crack, light scrapes and scratches. Near EF. Extremely rare, only 2 examples noted in RIC V.5. ($5000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 114 (6 May 2019), lot 844. Found in St. Mary Bourne, Hampshire, 2015 (PAS ID BM-B49CF4).

The reverse type with the radiate lion holding a thunderbolt in its mouth is first seen in the coinage of Caracalla. What exactly the significance and meaning of this type is has been a source of much discussion. David Woods in his article “From Caracalla to Carausius: The Radiate Lion With Thunderbolt in its Jaws” for the 2018 BNJ suggested that the scene is a reference to courage inspired by the classical account of a pair of dream premonitions concerning Alexander the Great as recounted by Plutarch of Chaeronea. Caracalla, a fervent admirer of Alexander, would likely have been familiar with the account and enthusiastic to compare his courageousness to that of Alexander. Later, Carausius revived the reverse type as is found here on this coin. Carausius’ coinage is ripe with literary references, so it is not astonishing to think that he would have picked up on this previous design and elected to strike coinage depicting it. His legend reads VIRTVS SAECC, or “courage of the ages.” A quite aspirational expression but one that was perhaps not fated to be sustained as Carausius’ rebellion came it an abrupt end in 293 upon the fall of his fortress of Gesoriacum (today’s Boulongne-sur-Mer).

878.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.30 g, 6h). ‘C’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / SAECVLARES AVG, cippus inscribed COS/ IIII in two lines; C. RIC V.5 2267 (forthcoming); RIC V 393 var. (mint mark). Dark green-brown patina, light smoothing, a couple metal flaws. VF. Very rare, only 6 examples noted in RIC V.5. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Frank Kovacs Collection (Helios 1, 17 April 2008), lot 385.

295

Two Unique Antoniniani

879 880 879.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (22mm, 3.31 g, 8h). ‘C’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / APOLLINI CONSERV AVG, Apollo, draped at waist, seated left on throne, holding olive branch in extended right hand and resting left arm on throne; C. RIC V.5 2284 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); cf. RIC V 197 (for similar issue). Toned partial silvering and dark brown-green patina with some red, some minor smoothing. Good VF. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 18 August 2017. Ex Mike Vosper inventory (ticket included).

880.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (23mm, 5.34 g, 7h). ‘C’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AV, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / GENI V S EXE, Genius, towered and nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, standing left, with right hand feeding serpent coiled around and rising from altar to left and holding cornucopia in left hand; C. RIC V.5 2363 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); RIC V –. Toned trace silvering and dark brown patina, a couple flan flaws. EF. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 19 January 2010. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 46 (2 April 2008), lot 685.

881 882 881.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (23.5mm, 4.25 g, 6h). ‘C’ mint. IMP C CARAVSIVS P F AVG, radiate and draped bust right / LEG IIII FLA, centaur walking right, raising left hand and holding scepter in right; S|C//C. RIC V.5 2417 (forthcoming); RIC V 272 var. (mint mark). Dark brown-green patina. Good VF. Extremely rare, only two examples noted in RIC V.5. ($1000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 18 August 2017. Ex Spink inventory.

882.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 3.17 g, 6h). ‘C’ mint. [...] CARAVSIVS P AVG, half-length radiate and cuirassed bust right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield in left / SAL V S AVG, Salus, draped, standing left, with right hand feeding from patera a serpent coiled around and rising from altar to left and holding scepter in left hand; C. RIC V.5 2545 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); cf. RIC V 398-400 (for similar issues). Attractive emerald green patina, area of edge loss, light roughness. VF. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 18 August 2017. Ex Spink and Mike Vosper inventory.

Unique

883.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 2.69 g, 7h). ‘C’ mint. IMP CA[...], halflength radiate and cuirassed bust right, wearing gorgoneion aegis, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield on left shoulder / COME S AVG, Victory, draped, advancing right, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm frond in left; –|C//–. RIC V.5 2675 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); RIC V – but cf. 199-200 (for reverse type). Dark green-brown patina, light roughness. VF. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($2000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Dix Noonan Webb 182 (16 September 2020), lot 602; Vecchi 5 (5 March 1997), lot 830.

A most interesting bust type (unlisted in the old RIC V) complete with the wonderfully detailed gorgoneion aegis.

296

884.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (25.5mm, 4.20 g, 6h). Legionary issue. ‘C’ mint.

IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, radiate and draped bust right / LEG VII CL AVG, bull standing right, head facing; CXXI. RIC V.5 2818 (forthcoming); cf. RIC V 274 (for similar issue). Lightly toned partial silvering with light golden hues and iridescence, minor edge split, light porosity. Good VF. Extremely rare, only two examples noted in RIC V.5. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 2143.

Impressive and Unique

885.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 4.42 g, 12h). ‘C’ mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, jugate radiate busts of Carausius, wearing imperial mantle, and Sol, draped, left / PAX AVG, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in raised right hand and transverse scepter in left; CXXI. RIC V.5 2835 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); RIC V 304 var. (scepter vertical). Dark green-brown patina with some red, slight roughness, some faint smoothing. Good VF. Impressive with the jugate busts of Carausius and Sol. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($2000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from Spink, 25 November 1999.

886.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (23.5mm, 3.85 g, 6h). ‘C’ mint. IMP C M AVR M CARAVSIVS P AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / MARTI PACIFERO, Mars, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, holding olive branch in raised right hand and transverse spear and shield in left; S|P//C. RIC V.5 3072 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); cf. RIC V 281 (for similar issue). Toned near complete silvering, minor deposits. EF. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 8 (5 February 2003), lot 481.

In addition to its extreme rarity, this piece is in an excellent state of preservation complete with rarely encountered substantial silvering.

297

887.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (20.5mm, 4.18 g, 6h). ‘C’ mint. [CAR]AVSIVS ET FRATRES SVI, jugate, radiate and cuirassed busts of Maximian, Diocletian, and Carausius left / PAX A VGGG, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in raised right hand and vertical scepter in left; S|P//C. RIC V.5 3526 (forthcoming); RIC V 1; Bourne 67; N. Shiel, “Carausius et Fratres Sui” in BNJ 48 (1978), 5-11; R.A.G. Carson, “Carausius et Fratres Sui: A Reconsideration” in SPNO I, 5. Green-brown patina, light roughness. VF. Very rare and of great historical interest. ($1000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, 11 July 2002.

888.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (24mm, 3.32 g, 7h). Uncertain mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P [AVG], radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / [A]DIVT RI X AVG, half-length bust of Victory right, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC V.5 790 (forthcoming); RIC V 731; Hunter 193 (same dies). Attractive dark green-brown patina, edge split, some minor spots of smoothing. Good VF. Extremely rare, only three examples noted in RIC V.5. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII. 3 (June 2000), no. 2261.

Unique

889.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (23mm, 4.89 g, 6h). Uncertain mint. IMP C CARAVSIVS P AVG, radiate and draped bust right / INVI CT VS AVG, Jupiter, nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and scepter in left. RIC V.5 987 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); RIC V –.

Toned partial silvering. Near EF. Struck on a hefty flan. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($1500) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection, purchased from David Miller, 15 October 2016.

890.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (19.5mm, 3.02 g, 9h). Uncertain mint. IMP C CARAVSIVS P F AV, radiate and draped bust right / TEMPORVM [FE]LICITA[S], the Four Seasons at play. RIC V.5 1653 (forthcoming); RIC V 1016 var. (obv. legend). Red-brown and green patina, roughness. Near VF. Extremely rare, only four examples noted in RIC V.5. ($1500) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Roma E-Sale 86 (8 July 2021), lot 1354.

298

Unique

891.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.92 g, 5h). Uncertain mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AV, laureate and draped bust right / FID ES MILI, Fides, draped, standing left, holding a signum in each hand flanking; + +. RIC V.5 202 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); RIC V – but cf. 564 (for reverse type) and 1074 (for mint mark); cf. Shiel 60 (for reverse type); RSC 63 (same). Toned with some light iridescence around devices, hairline flan crack, a couple minor metal flaws and marks. Good VF. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5. ($3000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 10 (Spring 2005), no. 127.

One of the astonishing innovations by the Romano-British usurper Carausius was the introduction of a new denarius coin struck in good silver, the first such issue in close to half a century. Indeed, the new coin was struck on the old Augustan standard of purity and weight, though the latter tended to fluctuate. The silver bullion was likely provided by some of the treasure seized from looters and pirates by Carausius during his turn as commander of the Roman Fleet of Britain (Classis Britannica), which he used to finance his grab for the throne. The propaganda move enhanced his legitimacy and forced Diocletian and Maximian to issue their own silver coin, the argenteus.

Ex Lockett, Evans, & Wigan Collections – Cited in RIC, Shiel, and Cohen

892.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.68 g, 6h). Uncertain mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P AV, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ADVENTV, Carausius on horseback riding left, raising left hand and holding scepter in right, trampling captive with hands bound behind his back below; XX>. RIC V.5 211 (forthcoming); RIC V 1067 corr. (obv. legend and bust type; this coin cited); Shiel 4 (this coin cited); Cohen 3 corr. (same; this coin cited); RSC 1. Deeply toned, slight roughness. VF. Extremely rare, only two examples noted in RIC V.5. ($5000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Baldwin’s 99 (4 May 2016), lot 748; Richard Cyril Lockett Collection (Part I, Glendining, 6 June 1955), lot 156; Sir Arthur Evans Collection (Ars Classica XVII, 3 October 1934), lot 1837; Edward Wigan Collection († 1871), purchased en bloc by Rollin & Feuardent.

This coin appears to be the sole example cited by the old RIC V, Shiel, and Cohen and traces its origins back to the Edward Wigan Collection (died 1871). Cohen first cited this coin as the sole reference for the issue in volume VII of his work (published between 1880-1892) as from the Wigan Collection. Wigan was an avid collector and built a substantial collection upon that which he received from his uncle, acquiring the Roman gold from the Earl of Pembroke, Duke of Devonshire, Thomas Thomas, and Prosper Dupré Collections. The gold was almost entirely donated to the British Museum in 1864/5. What remained at the time of his death in 1871 was purchased by the firm Rollin & Feuardent. The British Museum, using a grant, purchased additional items in his collection from them. RIC V (1933) cites two references for the coin, Cohen 2 (an error for Cohen 3) and R. and F. (for Rollin & Feuardent). These two references are almost certainly to the same coin since Cohen simply cites Wigan. Cohen’s work was published by Rollin & Feuardent which almost certainly possessed the coin at this time having acquired the Roman silver from Wigan’s estate. These two references in RIC are evidently to the same coin but simply to different periods in its pedigree.

Norman Shiel in his 1977 catalog cites the coin as well and gives the following citations: Ex A. Evans coll, A. H. Baldwin, and COH 3 M Wigan for (Cohen 3, Mr. Wigan). The Evans reference refers to a previous pedigree cited by Glendining in the Lockett sale of 1955 (where this coin appeared). The chronology proceeds as Wigan (d. 1871), Evans (1934), and then Lockett (1955). Evidently, Evans possessed the coin sometime after R&F (not surprisingly since he wrote extensively on the coinage of Carausius). From Evans’ collection, the coin was subsequently owned by Lockett prior to its sale in 1955. The details of the Cohen/Wigan reference by Shiel have already been discussed, though the reference to A. H. Baldwin is not so clear. It is not clear when Baldwin inspected the coin or if he possessed it at some time.

Ultimately, Shiel noted in 1977 that the whereabouts of the coin were at the time unknown. It eventually reappeared without the old pedigree noted in a Baldwin sale in 2016. Finally, this captivating coin with a thoroughly detailed history appears here in this sale offering a rare opportunity to acquire a fascinating denarius of Carausius.

299

The Zenith of the Coinage of Allectus

893.

Allectus. Romano-British Emperor, AD 293-296. Antoninianus (21mm, 4.92 g, 7h). ‘C’ mint. IMP C ALLECTVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PA X AVG, Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive branch in right hand and vertical scepter in left; S|P//C. RIC V.5 394 (forthcoming); RIC V 86; Burnett, Coinage 153; A. H. Baldwin, “A find of coins of Carausius and Allectus from Colchester” in NC 1930, pp. 173–95, 137 (this coin). Lightly toned trace silvering and dark brown patina. Choice EF. Good metal and outstanding detail for issue. ($750) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Colchester Hoard, before 1927 (IRBCH 910).

An outstanding antoninianus of Allectus from the 1927 Colchester hoard of Carausius and Allectus. The hoard consisted of 298 coins, over 90% of them belonging to the two rulers of the Romano-British Empire. According to A. H. F. Baldwin who acquired and then published the hoard in 1930, “the hoard as a whole consisted of very neatly executed pieces with bust in high relief with well-formed lettering, well centered on carefully rounded blanks” (Baldwin, 174). He emphasized that “this is especially noticeable with the coins of Allectus, many of which are beautiful examples of portraiture with artistically decorated drapery and cuirass” (ibid). This fitting description applies in its entirety to this outstanding example. In addition to noting the trace silvering on the coins, Baldwin concluded that “the coins... of Allectus are as sharp as when struck, and must have been buried within a short time of their issue : they form perhaps, the finest series of coins of this emperor ever discovered” (ibid). In 1927 this statement was accurate and nigh a century later it remains true. The coinage of Allectus is usually found both ill-preserved and poorly-excecuted. But within the Colchester hoard the zenith of the coinage of Allectus is perhaps contained. Finally, within the hoard, there was only one coin, cataloged by Baldwin following P. H. Webb’s 1906 style, of this issue––this very coin. This sale affords a once in a century opportunity to acquire one of, if not the finest, specimen of this issue.

894.

Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Æ Follis (25mm, 8.52 g, 12h). Alexandria mint, 3rd officina. IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right / GENIO POPV L I ROMANI, Genius standing left, nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, holding patera from which liquor flows in right hand and cornucopia in left; eagle at feet to left, standing left, head right; –|Γ//ALE. RIC VI 20 var. (wreath in break of eagle). Dark green-brown patina, slight roughness, some marks. Good VF. A wonderful specimen for issue. ($1500) From the CJR Collection.

895.

Constantius I. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AR Argenteus (18mm, 3.22 g, 6h). Siscia mint. 1st emisison, Fall AD 294-295.

CONSTANI VS CAESAR, laureate head right / VIRTVS M ILITVM, the tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city gate with eight turrets. RIC VI 47a; Gautier, Argent 32; RSC 315†c. Lightly toned and lustrous, light scratches. Superb EF. ($750) From the CJR Collection.

300

896.

Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.37 g, 6h). Nicomedia mint. Struck AD 294-295.

MAXIMIANV S NOB CAES, laureate head right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, holding thunderbolt in right hand and scepter in left; SMN. RIC VI 6; Depeyrot 2/5; Calicó 4916; Biaggi 1860; Mazzini –; Barhfeldt –; Jameson –. Toned and lustrous, a few light scratches. EF. ($6000) Ex Rauch 108 (4 June 2019), lot 357.

897 898 897.

Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AR Argenteus (17.5mm, 3.48 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st emisison, late AD 294-early 295. MAXIMIA NVS CAES, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city gate with six turrets. RIC VI 29b; Gautier, Argent 58; RSC 219a. Lightly toned with some golden hues, lustrous, minor spot of die rust, a few light scratches and marks. Superb EF. High relief. ($750) From the CJR Collection.

898.

Galerius. As Caesar, AD 293-305. AR Argenteus (18mm, 3.03 g, 6h). Rome mint. 1st emisison, late AD 294-early 295. MAXIMIA NVS CAES, laureate head right / VIRTVS MILITVM, the tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city gate with six turrets. RIC VI 29b; Gautier, Argent 58cp (this coin); RSC 219a. Exceptionally vibrant rainbow iridescent toning, a few light scratches under tone. EF. A lovely coin in hand. ($750) Ex Gentleman’s Collection (Triton XII, 5 January 2009), lot 766.

The Fourth Known

899.

Maximinus II. As Caesar, AD 305-309. AR Argenteus (19mm, 3.16 g, 12h). Alexandria mint, 2nd officina. 6th emission, 2nd series, AD 306-307. MAXIMIN VS NOB CAES, laureate head right / CONCOR DIΛ ΛVGG, Tyche of Alexandria standing facing, head left, holding a bust of Serapis in her extended right hand and a scepter with her left; B|–// ALE. RIC VI –; Gautier, Argent 65d (this coin); RSC –; NAC 52, lot 597 (same dies); Helios I, lot 585 (same dies); Gorny & Mosch 164, lot 448 (same dies). Attractive iridescent tone, minor edge marks. Superb EF. Extremely rare. The fourth known example, all from the same dies. ($5000) Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 845; Tetrarchy Collection (Nomos 3, 10 May 2011), lot 243; Freeman & Sear FPL 13 (Winter 2008), no.

72.

301

Three Outstanding Issues of Licinius I

900

901

902

900.

Licinius I. AD 308-324. AV Aureus (19mm, 5.21 g, 6h). Siscia mint. Struck AD 316. LICINI VS P F AVG, laureate head right / IOVI CONSER VATORI AVG, Jupiter standing left, nude but for chlamys draped over left shoulder, holding thunderbolt in right hand and long scepter in left; at his feet to left, eagle standing right, head left, holding wreath in beak; –|X// SIS. RIC VII 21; Depeyrot 12/1 var. (rev. legend break); Calicó 5120; Biaggi –. Toned with some luster, light hairlines, minor edge marks. EF. Extremely rare. ($10,000) Ex Brexit Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 111, 29 May 2019), lot 801; ArtCoins Roma 8 (4 February 2014), lot 715 (hammer €20,000).

This aureus was struck at Siscia (modern Sisak, Croatia) during the brief border war of AD 316 between the rival emperors Licinius I, in the East, and Constantine I, in the West. The reverse invokes the protection of Jupiter, traditional head of the Roman pantheon, as the champion of Licinius in his struggle against Constantine, who had forsaken the old gods of Rome to embrace Christianity.

901.

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 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. ($10,000) Ex Tkalec (24 October 2003), lot 411.

902.

Licinius I. AD 308-324. AV Aureus (20mm, 5.25 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint, 4th officina. Struck November AD 317318. LICINIVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IOVI CONS LICINI, Jupiter Optimus Maximus, draped at waist, enthroned left on platform inscribed SIC X/ SIC XX in two lines, holding Victory on globe in right hand and scepter in left; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak; –|(wreath)//SMNΔ. RIC VII 20 var. (no wreath); Depeyrot 28/1 var. (same); Calicó –; Biaggi –. Lightly toned with some luster, faint hairlines. EF. Extremely rare. Only three examples in CoinArchives. An exquisitely detailed reverse die. ($10,000) 302

The Usurper Martinian

903.

Martinian. Usurper, AD 324. Æ Follis (19.5mm, 2.96 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint, 2nd officina. D N M MARTINIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IOVI CONS ERVATORI, Jupiter, nude but for chlamys draped over shoulders, standing left, holding Victory on globe in extended right hand and eagle-tipped scepter in left; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in beak; to right, bound captive kneeling left; –|X/IIΓ//SMNB. RIC VII 45. Dark green patina, light roughness, smoothing. Near VF. Rare. ($1000) Proof that history does often repeat itself can be found in the sad tale of Martinian, a puppet ruler installed by the Eastern Roman Emperor Licinius in the midst of his second civil war against Constantine I “the Great.” Martinian was of obscure origins, but by the mid AD 320s had risen to become the chief minister of Licinius, just as it became apparent that a final clash with Constantine was imminent. Though Licinius had a larger army, Constantine was the better general and inflicted a heavy defeat on his rival in Thrace on July 3, AD 324. Crossing to Chalcedon, Licinius declared Constantine deposed and raised Martinian to the office of Augustus, with instructions to prevent Constantine from crossing into Asia Minor. Constantine easily evaded Martinian’s blocking force, landed in Asia and cornered Licinius at Nicomedia.

Having no choice, Licinius surrendered on terms brokered by his wife (and Constantine’s sister) Constantia. Martinian went into exile in Cappadocia, but was executed a few months later when Licinius was detected plotting a return to power. Seven years before, under virtually identical circumstances, Licinius had appointed Valerius Valens to a similar role, with almost identical results.

Like those of Valerius Valens, coins of Martinian are quite rare. The reverse evokes “Jupiter the Protector,” Licinius’ patron deity, who notably failed to protect him and Martinian from the wrath of Constantine.

904.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. Æ Follis (18.5mm, 2.97 g, 12h). Lugdunum (Lyon mint). Struck AD 315.

CONSTANTINVS [M] AX AVG, laureate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust left, wearing balteus, holding spear over right shoulder and horse’s head by the bridle in right hand and shield, decorated with horseman motif, on left shoulder / VICTORIA AVGG NN, Victory standing right, draped at waist, placing left foot on helmet, holding stylus in right hand and in left hand supporting shield inscribed VOT/ X in two lines, set upon Victory’s left knee and upon palm tree to right; T|F//PLG. RIC VII 28 corr. (bust type H19); Lyon 558. Dark brown patina, minor metal flaw, light scrape. Good VF. Extremely rare. Likely the second known. Both references cite the same coin in Paris. This the superior example. ($1000) Ex Peter Weiss Collection (Gorny & Mosch 276, 19 April 2021), lot 649.

Unique Constantine Solidus – Ex Trau Collection

905.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (18.5mm, 4.48 g, 12h). Ticinum mint. Struck AD 315. CONSTAN TINVS P F AVG, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ADLOCVTIO AVG, Constantine, bareheaded and wearing military attire, standing left on platform, raising right hand and resting left hand on hip, addressing four soldiers and two bound captives, two soldiers and one captive flanking on each side, each soldier holding signum, an additional signum behind; S • M • T. RIC VII 48 (this coin cited); Depeyrot 15/1 (this coin cited and plated); Biaggi –; Andreas Alföldi, “The helmet of Constantine with the Christian monogram,” in The Journal of Roman Studies Vol. 22, Part 1 (1932), 1 and pl. ii, 21 (this coin cited and plated). Lightly toned with some luster, pierced, hairlines on obverse, minor deposits. VF. Unique. The only known example. ($3000) Ex Trau Collection (A. Hess, 28 April 1936), lot 2780; Trau Collection (A. Hess, 22 May 1935), lot 3933.

303

Evoking Trajan

906.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. Æ Medallion (34.5mm, 29.76 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 327-333.

CONSTANTI NVS MAX AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS AVG N, Constantine on horseback riding right, holding shield in left hand, trampling and thrusting spear held in right hand at fallen enemy to right, kneeling right, head left. RIC VII 309; Gnecchi II p. 136, 20 and pl. 131, 3. Brown patina with some red and green, flan crack, light roughness, a few scratches. Near VF. Very rare and far superior to the two examples in CoinArchives. ($1500) From the Wayne Scheible Collection, purchased from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Reportedly ex De Young Museum (Butterfield, March 1998), lot 12181.

1½ Solidus Medallion – Pedigreed to 1969

907.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV 1½ Solidus Medallion (23mm, 6.29 g, 6h). Vicennalia issue. Siscia mint.

Struck AD 327. Diademed head right, eyes to God / GLORIA CON STANTINI AVG, Constantine, helmeted and wearing military attire, advancing right, holding trophy over left shoulder in left hand and dragging captive with hands bound between his back in right hand, placing right foot on bound captive seated right, head left; SIS. RIC VII 206; Gnecchi I, 20; Depeyrot p. 153; Calicó –; Biaggi 1973. Toned and lustrous, ex-mount, extensive smoothing, light scratches, hairlines. Good VF. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Goldberg 70 (4 September 2012), lot 3407; Gemini VIII (14 April 2011), lot 551; Numismatic Fine Arts XIV (29 November 1984), lot 555; Hess-Leu 41 (24 April 1969), lot 565.

908.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.29 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck AD 332. CONSTANTI NVS MAX AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA CO NSTANTINI AVG, Victory, draped, advancing left, holding trophy in right hand and palm frond in left; TS. RIC VII 189; Depeyrot 15/2; Calicó –; Biaggi –.

Lustrous, thin reverse die break, edge filing, a few light marks, light hairlines. Near EF. ($3000) From the CJR Collection.

304

Untainted by the Faults of the Old - Inspired by Divine Intervention

909.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. Æ Follis (19mm, 3.16 g, 12h). Constantinople mint, 1st officina. Struck AD 327.

CONSTANTI NVS MAX AVG, laureate head right / SPES PVBLIC, labarum, with Christogram at top and three medallions on drapery, spearing serpent; A|–//CONS. RIC VII 19. Dark brown-green patina, scratches, smoothing. Good VF. Rare and popular type. ($3000) From the J. K. Biblical Collection. Ex Nomos 19 (17 November 2019), lot 358 (hammer CHF 5500).

There has been much speculation regarding this rare issue, minted only at Constantinople during AD 327/8, since it is the only issue of Constantine I which appears to be so overtly Christian in its symbolism. The reverse shows for the first time the labarum (a Christian emblematic replacement for the vexillum) firmly planted on the back of a wriggling serpent. Influenced by the ancient sources (the Panegyrici Latini and, in particular the Vita Constantini of Eusebius), J. Maurice, in his Numismatique Constantinienne (II, pp. 506-13), was the first to argue for such an unambiguous interpretation – the symbol of Christ piercing the dark powers of Satan – a view accepted by subsequent scholars and numismatists (P. Bruun, “The Christian signs on the coins of Constantine” in Studies in Constantinian Numismatics: Papers from 1954 to 1988 [Rome: 1991], p.61).

Constantine I was constantly adjusting his public image to meet the changing status of his political career. Such was the case with his new diademed portrait, adopted in 324 following his victory over Licinius I, which depicted Constantine I looking slightly upward, as if in the attitude of prayer. There, the emperor seemed to have been intentionally ambiguous, so that imperial images could be viewed by various groups within the empire in the context of their own hopes and aspirations (for a discussion of Constantine’s use of deliberately ambiguous language and imagery, see T.G. Elliot, “The Language of Constantine’s Propaganda,” TAPA 120 [1990], pp. 349-353 and H.A. Drake, Constantine and the Bishops: The Politics of Intolerance [Johns Hopkins, 2000]). Is that same ambiguity, however, at work here?

Beginning with the sons of Constantine and their successors (excluding Julian II, the Apostate), the labarum would appear more regularly on imperial solidi of the mid-fourth century onwards and would be interpreted by Christians and pagans alike as an emblem of imperial power.

Likewise, the serpent (or dragon), which first appeared as a non-beneficent symbol on the denarii of Julius Caesar (Crawford 443/1), came to represent enemies of the state, such as “barbarians”, “pagans”, and “heretics” (cf. Gnecchi 2 for the serpent as a representation of Germanic tribes on a bronze medallion of Constantine I). As with the labarum, the serpent thereafter became an integral part of late Roman imperial iconography, particularly on the reverse of various solidi, where the emperor is depicted triumphally placing his foot on a serpent. In 327, however, the imagery presented on this coin may not have been so ambiguous and may have been directed specifically to those Christians living in and around the new capital.

Following his defeat of Licinius I at Chrysopolis in 324, Constantine I worked to reestablish peace and stability within a restored empire.

In 325, he successfully convened and oversaw an ecumenical council of Christian bishops in at Nicaea, primarily to address the trouble produced by the Arian controversy in the eastern portion of the empire. The result of this council was the creation of the Nicene Creed and the establishment (under imperial auspices) of a theologically orthodox Christianity.

This success, however, was tempered the following year when the imperial family underwent a crisis when Constantine executed his son and heir-apparent, Crispus, and the empress Fausta, allegedly on account of mutual improper behavior. Now, a new dynastic arrangement needed to be implemented, and a period of contrition followed. Not only were the remaining three sons elevated to receive the empire jointly, but also the emperor’s mother, Helena, went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, in part to expiate the sins of the imperial household, and during which journey she discovered a number of important holy relics, including the True Cross, which she brought back to Constantinople. Now, with religious controversies settled, the difficulties of the previous heir replaced by the three new co-heirs, and the bringing of holy relics to the new capital, Constantinople could be untainted by the faults of the old. In the context of these recent events, this coin, meant for local popular consumption, could reassure the populace that Constantine I and his rule, inspired by divine intervention and represented by the labarum, would ensure orthodox stability against all imperial enemies, represented by the serpent.

910.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AR Miliarense (21.5mm, 3.73 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. Struck AD 336. CONSTANTI NVS MAX AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVS, Virtus, helmeted and wearing military attire, standing facing, head right, holding reversed spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on ground to right; CONSΔ. RIC VII 131 var. (unlisted officina); RSC 700†d. Toned, edge chip, light porosity and scratches, light scrape on reverse, slight bend. Good VF. Very rare. No other examples of this officina in CoinArchives. ($1000)

305

Very Rare Solidus of Crispus

911.

Crispus. Caesar, AD 316-326. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.52 g, 12h). Nicomedia mint. Struck AD 324-325. FL IVL CRIS PVS NOB CAES, laureate heroic bust left, wearing balteus, holding spear in right hand and shield in left / VIRTVS CAESARI N, Crispus on horseback riding right, holding shield in left hand, trampling and thrusting spear held in right hand at fallen enemy to right, kneeling left, both hands raised; beneath horse, another fallen enemy and shield; SMNM. RIC VII 84-5 var. (unlisted officina); Depeyrot 35/6; Biaggi 2068 var. (same). Lightly toned with some luster, light scratches and marks. Good VF. Very rare. Only three examples with the mint mark SMNM recorded by Depeyrot; two additional in CoinArchives. ($7500) The eldest son of Constantine I, Flavius Julius Crispus inherited much of his father’s charisma and military prowess. He was born circa AD 295-305 while Constantine was a junior officer in the court of the Emperor Diocletian. Apparently, Crispus was the only child born of Constantine’s liaison with Minervina, probably his common-law wife. After his father became Caesar, Crispus could only watch as his mother was set aside so Constantine could marry Fausta, daughter of Diocletian’s co-ruler Maximian, who soon produced three more sons and a daughter. In late AD 316, Constantine raised Crispus to the rank of Caesar and began grooming him for the succession. Crispus spent the next few years at Trier on the German frontier, honing his skills as a soldier and administrator. In the early 320s he oversaw campaigns against the Franks and Alemanni while Constantine was engaged with the Sarmatians to the East. Crispus further distinguished himself as his father’s naval commander against Licinius in 324. He won a spectacular victory against the larger Licinian fleet at Byzantium, and later ferried his father’s army from Thrace to Asia Minor to complete their triumph. Crispus was heaped with honors and seemed secure as Constantine’s primary heir. In AD 326, he traveled to Italy to celebrate his father’s 20th anniversary of rule. There, he apparently ran afoul of a plot hatched by his stepmother Fausta, who wanted to advance her own sons in the succession. In the summer of AD 326, Crispus was abruptly arrested at the town of Pola, charged with treason, and beheaded. Soon thereafter, Constantine ordered Fausta’s execution via being smothered in her steam bath. He supposedly later ordered golden statue of Crispus be erected and dedicated “to the son I unjustly condemned,” The events of AD 326 so embittered Constantine that he never returned to Italy, and they may have played a role in his decision to move the imperial capital to Byzantium, soon renamed Constantinople.

This beautiful gold solidus depicts Crispus as a young hero, with his nude, muscular physique shown in the act of shouldering a shield and brandishing a spear. The reverse depicts him on horseback, making short work of Rome’s babrarian enemies. The artistry fully reflects the return to Hellenistic styles in coinage evident in the Constantinian era.

912.

Constantine II. AD 337-340. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.57 g, 12h). Antioch mint, 6th officina. Struck AD 337-347.

CONSTAN TINVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTO RIA AVG, Victory advancing left, partially draped, holding trophy in right hand and palm frond in left; *|LXXII//SMANS. RIC VIII 6 var. (unlisted officina); Depeyrot 2/1 (same obv. die); Biaggi –. Toned, a few light scratches. Near EF. Very rare. R4 in RIC and unlisted in this officina. Only one example cited in Depeyrot from the British Museum. This the far superior of the two. ($3000) From the CJR Collection. Ex William H. Williams Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 61, 25 September 2002), lot 2098.

The LXXII indicates that this issue was struck at 72 solidi per pound.

913.

Constans. AD 337-350. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.51 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck AD November 344. CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG, two Victories, both draped, standing vis-à-vis, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT/ X/ MVLT/ XX in four lines; TR. RIC VIII 129; Depeyrot 5/2; Biaggi 2123. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2400004-001, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. ($2000) Ex Freeman & Sear inventory R8890.

306

914.

Constans. AD 337-350. AV Nine Siliquae – 1 ½ Scripulum (15mm, 1.68 g, 12h). Aquileia mint. Struck AD 340-350.

CONSTANS AVGVSTVS, laurel-and-rosette diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / FELICI TA S PERPETVA, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; SMAQ. RIC VIII –; Depeyrot –; Biaggi –; Triton XXV, 1006 (same rev. die). Toned, minor scratches and marks, light deposits. Near EF. Extremely rare. The second known. ($2000) The gold 1½ Scripulum - 9 Siliquae denomination was introduced by Constantine I circa AD 310, and tariffed at the inconvenient ratio of three-eighths of a gold solidus. It was later replaced by the more convenient gold tremissis under Theodosius I circa AD 383. The denomination is particularly rare as an issue of Constans.

915.

Constans. AD 337-350. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.51 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck AD 337-340. FL IVL CON STANS AVG, pearl-and-rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITVM, Constans standing facing, head right, wearing military attire, holding a trophy mounted on a spear with his left hand and resting hand on shield on the ground to right; a captive seated to either side at his feet, the one on the left with his hands bound, and the one on his right holding his head with his left hand, both are looking upward at the emperor; TES. RIC VIII 34; Depeyrot 4/7; Biaggi 2126. Toned with underlying luster, slight doubling on reverse, light scratches, trace deposits. EF. ($2000) From the Conti Collection. Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 862; Gorny & Mosch 211 (4 March 2013), lot 677; Bayerische Vereinsbank 1 (4 December 1978), lot 53.

916.

Constantius II. As Caesar, AD 324-337. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.33 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck AD 335-336.

FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PRINCIPI IVVE NTVTIS, Constantius standing left, wearing military attire, holding vexillum in right hand and transverse scepter in left; two signa to right; TR. RIC VII –; Depeyrot 37/3; Biaggi –. Lightly toned, tiny edge split. VF. Very rare. Three examples cited in Depeyrot, two in CoinArchives including this coin. ($1500) Ex Heidelberger Münzhandlung 77 (12 November 2019), lot 377.

307

Ex Hoffman Collection – Published 1866

917.

Constantius II. AD 337-361. Æ Medallion (34.5mm, 28.99 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 337-340. D N FL CONSTANTIVS AVG, laurel-and-rosette diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR GE NTIVM, Constantius on horseback riding right, bareheaded and wearing military attire, thrusting spear held in right hand at barbarian, to right, kneeling right, head left; fallen barbarian holding shield in right hand beneath emperor’s horse; BARBARR. RIC VIII 357 (this coin cited; Ntantalia Series B, Group 10, Type h, 78 (V61/R55 – this coin cited); Gnecchi II, pp. 147–8, 17 (this coin cited). Dark brown-green patina, a few old spots of roughness, smoothing, details enhanced. Good VF. Very rare and possibly unique variety. ($1500) Ex New York Sale XIV (10 January 2007), lot 453; Dr. H. Longuet Collection (Platt, 17 March 1970), lot 208; Henri Hoffmann Collection.

All references cite the same coin from the Henri Hoffmann Collection in 1866. That coin, published in the 1866 Annulaire de la Societe Francaise de Numismatique et Archeologie, has a line drawing on p. 88, pl. II, 16. This coin appears to be the same coin depicted in that line drawing. The areas of weakness, particularly where the beading on the obverse tapers off are quite convincing. Furthermore, the roughness in the far right of the reverse are likewise represented. These dies, recorded in Ntantalia as V61/R55 do not appear elsewhere in her substantial 2001 work, making this coin the only known instance of these dies and die pair.

What is additionally noteworthy about this coin, and is mentioned in a note for the RIC entry is that the legend appears to read VICTOR instead of VICTORI. RIC speculates that perhaps the coin’s legend is tooled but this is not the case. However, there is some old corrosion in the relevant area which makes determining the distinction difficult.

The original Annulaire entry for the coin (which describes it as a “Grand médaillon de bronze” on pp. 93-4 despite the incorrect symbol being used in the plate) highlighted that is was the first coin known with this legend rather than the more commonly found DEBELLATORI GENTIVM BARBARR. For context, in 1866 this type with the medallion reading VICTORI was not yet known. With this background established, this coin appears to be from Hoffmann’s collection in 1866, though not appearing in any of the sales of his collection from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More likely, it was privately sold when Hoffmann was a dealer and remained in private hands until its 1970 sale in Paris.

918.

Magnentius. AD 350-353. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.54 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 1st emission, 18 January-27 February AD 350. IM CAE MAGN ENTIVS AVG, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA ‘ AVG ‘ LIB ‘ ROMANOR, Victory, cradling palm frond in left arm, standing right, and Libertas, holding transverse vindicta, standing left, both draped and holding trophy on long shaft between them. RIC VIII 247; Bastien 7; Depeyrot 8/1; Biaggi 2197. Lightly toned with some luster, light scratches and marks, a few minor edge bumps. EF. ($7500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 38 (21 March 2007), lot 254; Leu 18 (5 May 1977), lot 398.

919.

Magnentius. AD 350-353. AR Siliqua (20.5mm, 2.74 g, 6h). Treveri (Trier) mint. 5th emission, early AD 351-August 352. D N MAGNEN TIVS P F AVG, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCITI, helmeted soldier standing facing, head right, holding reversed spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield set on ground to right; TR. RIC VIII 304; Bastien 54; RSC 81†. Toned, flan crack. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Baldwin’s 43 (11 October 2005), lot 2178; Spink 4013 (15 July 2004), lot 140; Münz Zentrum XX (24 April 1974), lot 137.

308

920.

Vetranio. AD 350. AR Siliqua (19.5mm, 2.93 g, 6h). Siscia mint. D N VETRA NIO P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left; SIS(pellet-in-crescent). RIC VIII 265; RSC 9a. Toned, find patina, flan crack, light scratches. VF. Rare. ($1000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 254 (20 April 2011), lot 367.

921.

Valentinian I. AD 364-375. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Decennalia issue. Antioch mint, 7th officina.

Struck AD 373-374. D N VALENTINI ANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory, draped at waist, seated right on cuirass with shield behind, inscribing VOT/ X/ MVL/ XX on shield set on left knee; Christogram to right; PANOBZ. RIC IX 22b var. (unlisted officina); Depeyrot 40/5 var. (same); Biaggi 2241 var. (same). Toned and lustrous, light hairlines. EF. Very rare issue, and unique for this officina. ($2500) Ex Triton XVIII (5 January 2015), lot 1255.

922 923 922.

Valens. AD 364-378. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Nicomedia mint, 9th officina. Struck October AD 367. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Valens, wearing military attire, standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand and Victory on globe in left; SMNΘ. RIC IX 2d.4; Depeyrot 18/3; Biaggi 2253 var. (officina). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2400004-005, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. ($1000) Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA V (3 December 2008), lot 309.

923.

Gratian. AD 367-383. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck December 380-381. D N GRATIA NVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / CONCOR DIA AVGGG, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, seated facing on throne decorated with lions’ heads, right foot on prow, holding scepter in right hand and globe in left. RIC IX 44a var. (bust type); Depeyrot 31/1. Lustrous, minor obverse die break, thin scrape on reverse. EF. Very rare. Only five examples cited in Depeyrot. ($1500) Ex iNumis 17 (23 March 2012), lot 237.

924.

Arcadius. AD 383-408. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. Struck AD 397-402. D N ARCADI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / CONCORDI A AVGG, Constantinopolis, helmeted and draped, enthroned right, right foot on prow, holding scepter in right hand and Victory on globe in left; Δ//CONOB. RIC X 7; Depeyrot 55/1; Biaggi –. Toned and lustrous, faint scratches. EF. ($1000) 309

Unique Londinium Siliqua

925.

Magnus Maximus. AD 383-388. AR Siliqua (15.5mm, 1.46 g, 6h). Londinium (London) mint. D N MAG MA XIMVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / [VICT]ORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory, draped, seated right on cuirass, supporting shield with left hand and left knee and inscribing VOT/ V/ MVLT/ X on it with stylus held in right hand; winged Genius to right, standing left, supporting the shield with both hands; [AV]GOB. RIC IX –; RSC –. Toned, crystallized. VF. Unique and unpublished. Fragile. ($3000) From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Triton XIII (4 January 2010), lot 409.

While this reverse type is known for a Treveri mint semissis of this emperor, the mint mark of this coin corresponds to London. The similarity of reverse types suggests that Maximus may have intended to strike semisses at London in addition to his issue of solidi. If this was the case, the idea was evidently abandoned in favor of using the reverse die to strike this siliqua.

926.

Magnus Maximus. AD 383-388. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.46 g, 12h). Treveri (Trier) mint. Struck AD 385-386. D N MAG MA XIMVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR IA AVGG, Theodosius I and Valentinian II enthroned facing, each with right hand on globe between them; above, Victory facing with wings spread; palm fond between legs; TROB. RIC IX 77b; Depeyrot 52/1; Biaggi 2311. Underlying luster, light scratches, edge marks. EF. Rare. ($5000) Ex William H. Williams Collection (Triton VI, 14 January 2003), lot 1124; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s, 5 May 1984), lot 1460; Sir Charles Oman Collection.

A capable general of Spanish birth, Flavius Magnus Clemens Maximus was appointed military commander of Britain (Comes Britanniae) in AD 380. Three years later, Maximus made a bid for the throne of the Western Roman Empire, then ruled by the young Gratian and his brother Valentinian II. After disposing of Gratian, Maximus proposed a three-way division of the Empire, with himself ruling Britain, Gaul, Germany and Spain, Valentinian II ruling Italy and Africa, and Theodosius I, another Spaniard, holding the East. During this period of relative calm, Maximus struck this gold solidus at his capital, the mint city of Trier, with a reverse depicting him ruling in harmony with Theodosius and Valentinian. The uneasy equilibrium lasted about three years but, in AD 387, Maximus launched an invasion of Italy, provoking a final showdown with Theodosius. In a lightning campaign, Theodosius struck westward and defeated Maximus before he could fully marshal his forces. Both Maximus and his son Victor were summarily executed by Theodosius, who restored Valentinian II to the Western throne.

Maximus’ grab for power proved ill-advised, igniting a destructive civil war and fatally weakening the Western Empire, particularly in Britain and northern Gaul. It is claimed, however, that a descendent of his ended up marrying Vortigern, king of the Britons, and is it through this union that several Welsh kings claimed Maximus as an ancestor.

927.

Honorius. AD 393-423. AR Light Miliarense (23mm, 4.27 g, 12h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 408-circa 420.

D N HONORI VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust left / GLORIA ROMANORVM, Honorius, nimbate, draped and wearing military attire, standing facing, head left, gesturing with raised right hand and holding globe in left; star to left; CON. RIC X 369; RSC 19a. Lightly toned and lustrous, spot of weakness, a few small metal flaws, light porosity, faint scratches. Near EF. ($1000) From the Kings Collection. Ex Nomos 23 (30 November 2021), lot 269; Trausnitz Collection (Nomos 19, 17 December 2019), lot 381; Lanz 109 (27 May 2002), lot 901.

310

Pedigreed to 1935

928.

Contorniates. Late 4th century AD. Æ Contorniate (35mm, 17.87 g, 12h). In the name of the author Sallust.

SA[LLV]STI VS AVTOR, bareheaded and draped bust of Sallust right / Sol, raising right hand and holding globe in left, in facing quadriga. Alföldi, Kontorniat 107.12 = A. Alfoldi, Die Kontorniaten (Budapest, 1943), pl. 47, 2 (this coin). Dark greenbrown and earthen patina, some light graffiti. Good Fine. Very rare. ($2000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 114 (14 May 2020), lot 2017; Phil Peck (Morris) Collection (Heritage 3071, 6 January 2019), lot 32047; Hans M. F. Schulman (31 May 1972), lot 880; Thomas Ollive Mabbott Collection (Part II, H. Schulman, 27 October 1969), lot 4927; Münzenhandlung Basel 3 (4 March 1935), lot 1070.

929 930 929.

Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.42 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck AD 414.

AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / SALVS REI PUBLICAE, Victory, draped, seated right on cuirass and shield, holding stylus in right hand and inscribing Christogram on shield, supported by left hand and set on left knee; star to left; CONOB. RIC X 205; Depeyrot 60/2.

Lightly toned with some luster, edge marks, light scratches. VF. Rare. ($1500) Aelia Pulcheria, the daughter, sister and wife to three different East Roman emperors, played a critical role in maintaining the stability of the East Roman regime in the tumultuous early to mid fifth century AD. Born circa AD 398 to Arcadius and Aelia Eudoxia, she had a far more forceful and dominating personality than her timid younger brother, Theodosius II. When Arcadius died in AD 408 and Theodosius ascended the throne at the age of seven, Pulcheria took upon the role of her brother’s protector. In AD 414, she came of age and the Senate declared her Augusta, or Empress, whereupon she dismissed the powerful Praetorian prefects who had been controlling the government and took over the regency herself. She declared her intent to remain a virgin (possibly to avoid a political marriage and an end to her independent power), and devoted herself to the Church, which was playing an increasingly dominant role in the East Roman government. When Theodosius was killed in a riding accident in AD 450, Pulcheria briefly ruled as sole empress before bowing to demands that she marry. She wisely chose the lowborn but capable Marcian, who proved to be the strong, even-handed ruler the Empire needed. Pulcheria died in AD 453, having kept her vows of virginity and defense of her Imperial dynasty for a half-century.

930.

Aelia Pulcheria. Augusta, AD 414-453. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 1st officina. Struck AD 420-422. AEL PVLCH ERIA AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right, wearing earring and necklace; being crowned by manus Dei above / VOT XX MVLT XXX, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; A//CONOB. RIC X 220; Depeyrot 74/3. Lightly toned with some luster. VF. Rare. ($1500)

931.

Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.43 g, 12h). Consular issue. Rome mint. Struck AD 435. D N PLA VALENTI NIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed bust left, wearing consular robes, holding mappa in raised right hand and cruciform scepter in left / VOT X MVLT XX, Valentinian enthroned facing, holding mappa in raised right hand and cruciform scepter in left; R|M//COMOB. RIC X 2034; Depeyrot 42/1; Biaggi 2352. Toned. EF. Rare consular issue. ($4000) Ex J. J. Grano Collection (Numismatica Genevensis SA VIII, 24 November 2014), lot 203, purchased 2001.

311

932 933 932.

Valentinian III. AD 425-455. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.45 g, 2h). Ravenna mint. Struck AD 426-circa 430. D N PLA VALENTI NIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORI A AVGGG, Valentinian, wearing military attire, standing facing, right foot on human-headed serpent, holding long cross in right hand and Victory on globe in left; R|V//COMOB. RIC X 2018; Ranieri 96; Depeyrot 17/1; Biaggi 2349. In NGC encapsulation 2400004-008, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, scratches. ($1000) Ex Rauch 83 (14 November 2008), lot 513.

933.

Anthemius. AD 467-472. AV Tremissis (13.5mm, 1.44 g, 6h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint. D N ANTHEMI VS PERPET å, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Cross within wreath; COMOB. RIC X 2903; Lacam 139; Toffanin 528/2; Depeyrot 32 var. (legend). Lightly toned, graffito on reverse, a few light scrapes, minor deposits. VF. Rare. ($1500) Ex Z. P. Collection (Roma XVIII, 29 September 2019), lot 1269.

Exceptional Anthemius – Ex Adda, Bement, & De Quelen Collections – 1888 Pedigree

934.

Anthemius. AD 467-472. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 468. D N ANTHE MIVS PP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / SALVS R EI P UBLICAE, crowned facing figures of two emperors, Leo I and Anthemius, both wearing military dress, the one to left holding spear in right hand, the one to right holding spear in left hand, both holding globus cruciger between them; * between; CORMOB. RIC X 2823; Lacam 73 (this coin illustrated; also plated on pl. CXIX); Depeyrot 61/1; Adda 759 (this coin illustrated); Biaggi 2376. Toned with some luster, a few faint scratches, trace deposits. Superb EF. ($7500) Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 23 (19 March 2002), lot 1726; Victor Adda Collection (Leu 77, 11 May 2000), lot 767; Clarence S. Bement Collection (Ars Classica VIII, 25 June 1924), lot 1590; Vicomte Alphonse Marie Louis Elzéar de Quelen Collection (Rollin and Feuardent, 14 May 1888), lot 2315.

935.

Basiliscus. AD 475-476. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 1st officina. D N ЬASILIS C*S PP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; star to right; A//CONOB. RIC X 1003; Depeyrot 101/1. Lightly toned with some luster, minor deposits. Good VF. ($750) 312

936.

Basiliscus. AD 475-476. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 5th officina. D N ЬASILIS C*S PP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; star to right; Є//CONOB. RIC X 1003; Depeyrot 101/1. Lightly toned with some luster, minor obverse die break, minor marks. Near EF. ($750)

Zeno: Captivating Bookend to Late Roman Coinage in the East

937.

Zeno. Second reign, AD 476-491. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. D N ZENO PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory, draped, standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; star to right; I//CONOB. RIC X 929; Depeyrot 108/1. Lightly toned with some luster, a few light scratches. EF. ($750) Zeno’s ascent to the throne in the east followed an interesting path. The succession of Emperor Leo I during the latter part of his reign was not secure as he had no surviving son. His hope rested in an heir being produced from his daughter Ariadne’s marriage to the Isaurian soldier Zeno.

The couple produced a son and heir for Leo I who was also given the name Leo. When Leo I’s health began to fail, he elevated his grandson to the rank of Caesar in October AD 473 and subsequently as Augustus in January 474. Leo I died a few days later. This left the young and sickly Leo II as sole emperor. Leo I’s widow Aelia Verina arranged for Leo II to appoint his own father, Zeno, as co-emperor on 9 February AD 474. This arrangement lasted until the young Leo II died in November of the same year. This left Zeno as sole ruler. Zeno was thrust into a difficult political climate in Constantinople that required one to possess great political acumen to survive. He was ultimately deposed and fled with his wife to Isauria on 9 January AD 475. Zeno, however, was an adept survivor and successfully navigated a return to power. His second reign lasted from late August 476 until his death in 491. Upon his death, the question of succession again arose. This time, his widow, Ariadne appointed a court official named Anastasius as his successor who she then married and continued her tenure as empress. Thus the page turned to the reign of Anastasius who reformed the currency system and ushered in what is now widely divided from late Roman coinage and instead referred to as Byzantine coinage. This distinction leaves Zeno as the final late Roman emperor in the east. Zeno’s storied career has recently been given greater attention and treatment in scholarship making his coinage a ripe collecting area.

938.

Odovacar. King, AD 476-493. AR Half Siliqua (13mm, 0.90 g, 6h). In the name of Zeno. Ravenna mint. Struck AD 476-491. D N ZENO PERP ΛV, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left on ground line, head right, wings spread; cross above. RIC X 3648 (Zeno); Ranieri 230; Lacam –; RSC 14† (Zeno); BMC Vandals 8. Iridescent toning, light scrape on reverse, struck on slightly ragged flan. VF. ($1000)

313

BYZANTINE COINAGE The Foundations of the Byzantine Empire

939.

Anastasius I. 491-518. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.49 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 492-507.

D N ANASTA SIVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross in right hand; star to right; I//CONOB. DOC 3i; MIBE 4a; SB 3. Toned with some luster, trace die rust, a few light scratches, minor deposits. EF. Helmet decorated with the less commonly seen simple cross rather than trefoil. Well struck. A wonderful example struck from charming dies. Lot includes a physical copy of Hess-Leu 36. ($1000) Ex Dr. Max Blaschegg Collection (Leu Web 22, 20 August 2022), lot 247; Hess-Leu 36 (17 April 1968), lot 602.

Anastasius proved to be an effective ruler for his time, particularly in the area of finances. He completely reformed the coinage and his reforms fundamentally shaped the history of Byzantine coinage which then stood as a model system in stark contrast to the deteriorating situation in the west. Anastasius was also notably Greek Orthodox, a requirement the people requested during the appointment process. Anastasius I is considered to be the first Byzantine ruler on account of both the developments and differences in his rule, and due to the diverging paths of the eastern and western portions of what had long stood as the Roman Empire. This distinction, is of course, largely convenient. The rulers and citizens of the eastern empire, ‘Byzantines,’ thoroughly considered themselves Romans and referred to themselves as such. It was not until after the fall of the Byzantine state in the mid 15th century AD that western historians began referring to the eastern empire at this time as the ‘Byzantine’ Empire rather than the continuation of the Roman. In fact, it was even used as a derogatory distinction. However, the fundamental changes that occurred at the time of Anastasius I’s reign and continued into the Justinian dynasty as well as the radically different development and practices of the east versus the west lends substantial merit to the delineation that considers Anastasius the first Byzantine ruler. Distinguished as such, Anastasius laid the foundational groundwork essential for a successful civilization that is often overlooked or under-appreciated. The groundwork he laid set the stage for a thriving civilization that endured for a millennium.

940.

Anastasius I. 491-518. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.48 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. Struck 507-518.

D N ANASTA SIVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by reversed staurogram in right hand; star to left; I//CONOB. DOC 7j; MIBE 7; SB 5. In NGC encapsulation 2412001-002, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

941.

Anastasius I. 491-518. Æ Follis (33mm, 19.34 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 2nd officina. Struck 512-517. D N ANASTA SIVS PP AVG, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Large M; cross above, stars of six rays flanking; B/ CON. DOC 23b; MIBE 27; SB 19. Dark brown patina. EF. Exceptional for issue. ($500) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex Nea Rhomê Collection; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 24 (3 December 2022), lot 642.

314

942 943 942.

Justinian I. 527-565. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck 542-562. D N IVSTINI ANVS PP AVI, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, angel standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and globus in left; eight-rayed star to right; CONOB. DOC 7 (Constantinople); MIBE 22; Metcalf, Thess. 341-350; SB 138 note (Constantinople). Some luster, light scratches. EF. A bold strike. ($1000) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex Nea Rhomê Collection; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 24 (3 December 2022), lot 666.

943.

Justinian I. 527-565. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.41 g, 5h). Thessalonica mint. Struck 542-562. D N IVSTINI ANVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Angel standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and globe in left; star to right; CONOB. DOC 7 (Constantinople); MIBE 22; Metcalf, Thess. 341-350; SB 138 note (Constantinople). Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 6558178-003, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, clipped. ($1000) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 64 (24 September 2003), lot 1255.

944 945 944.

Justinian I. 527-565. AV Tremissis (16.5mm, 1.45 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck 542-565. D N IVSTINI ANVS PP AVI, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star to right; CONOB. DOC –; MIBE 24b; Metcalf, Thess. 364-366; SB 173E. Some luster, lightly clipped, slightly bent, light hairlines. Superb EF. ($500) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex Nea Rhomê Collection; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 24 (3 December 2022), lot 668.

945.

Justinian I. 527-565. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. Struck 542-526. D N IVSTINI ANVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand and globus cruciger in left; six-rayed star to right; Γ//CONOB. DOC 320 var. (unlisted officina); MIBE 34; SB 291.

Lightly toned with some luster, hairlines, minor deposits. EF. ($1000)

946.

Justinian I. 527-565. Æ Follis (31.5mm, 13.54 g, 6h). Ravenna mint. Dated RY 34 (560/1). D N IVSTINI ANVS PI C, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder; cross to right / Large M, cross above; Λ/N/N/O - X/XX/IIII (date) across field; RΛVEN/NΛ. DOC 342.1; MIBE 233; Ranieri 371 (same rev. die); SB 323. Dark green patina, some cleaning scratches and smoothing. VF. Very rare. No others with this date configuration in CoinArchives. ($750) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex Nea Rhomê Collection; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 24 (3 December 2022), lot 670.

315

947.

Justin II. 565-578. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.44 g, 6h). Ravenna mint. Struck circa 567(?)-circa 570. D N I VSTI NVS PP AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding Victory on globe in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder / VICTORI A AVGGG, Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, head right, holding scepter in right hand and globus cruciger in left; Z://CONOB. DOC 210a; MIBE 20e; Ranieri 402; SB 407. Lustrous. EF. ($1000)

948.

Maurice Tiberius. 582-602. AR Light Siliqua (20mm, 1.94 g, 8h). Ceremonial coinage. Constantinople mint.

Struck 583/4-602. O N mAV RI PP AVG, helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust right; all within double pelleted border / Cross potent set on globe; all within double pelleted border; [four globules] around and outside border. DOC –; MIBE 54a; SB 491.

Attractively toned, find patina, minor flan crack, scratches. VF. Very rare. ($750) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 114 (13 May 2020), lot 1040; Classical Numismatic Group 111 (29 May 2019), lot 849.

The ceremonial coinage of Maurice is very rare and scarcely encountered.

Interesting Series

949.

Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine. 610-641. AV Solidus (21.5mm, 4.38 g, 7h). Carthage(?) mint. Dated IY 2 (613/14). D N ЄRACLIVS Єτ ЄRA CONSτ PP, crowned and draped facing busts of Heraclius, wearing beard, and Heraclius Constantine, beardless; cross above / VICTORI A AVGG, cross potent set on three steps; B//CONOB. Cf. DOC 211 (for small module series); MIB 92a; SB 867; W. Hahn, “Some Unusual Gold Coins of Heraclius and Their Mint Attribution” in NumCirc LXXXV.12 (December 1977), Group B (African prefecture). Lightly toned, flip over rotated double strike on obverse, graffito on reverse. VF. Very rare. ($1500) This series of broad flan solidi, tentatively attributed to Carthage, are from an interesting series. While Carthage is known to have extensively struck the small globular flan solidi, this series is quite rare and is instead struck on broad flans. The broad flan coins, however, do exhibit North African stylistic differences compared to other solidi series. Consulting from MIB III pl. 5 is a helpful tool for examining these two series concurrently. Dated by indiction years as with the small flan series, this specimen is dated to IY 2. Hahn further discussed this series in his 1977 article where we explained that “there are ... some rare solidi of certain Cathaginian fabric but of larger size ... But we can deduce from the fabric of the coins the dies were certainly produced in Carthage if not the coins themselves. The find evidence ... points to Africa” (Hahn, 537-8).

However, some still find the Carthage attribution doubtful and consider it unlikely for there to be two distinctly different series minted at the same time and location (see DOC II.1 p. 43 and SB 867 note). However, Sear noted that until better evidence becomes available, it seems most prudent to continue listing them alongside the small flan Carthage solidi on stylistic grounds. Ultimately, this example belongs to a rare series characterized by charming dies. It is also a series that is likely to be the subject of further study.

316

950.

Constans II, with Constantine IV. 641-668. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.37 g, 6h). Syracuse mint. Struck 654-659. ∂ N CONSτANτINЧS CONSτANτINЧ, crowned facing busts of Constans, wearing long beard and mustache, and Constantine, beardless, both wearing chlamys; cross above / VICTORIA AVςЧ ΘI•, cross potent set on small globe on four steps; C to right; CONOB. DOC 156b; MIB 89; Anastasi 124; SB 1076. Lightly toned with some luster, a few light scratches and minor marks on reverse, minor deposits. Near EF. Rare. ($1500)

Unique – New Denomination Constantine IV at Carthage

951.

Constantine IV Pogonatus. 668-685. AV Tremissis (16mm, 1.40 g, 6h). Carthage mint. Dated IY 10 (681/2). [...] τN τ ς VC[...], helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with horseman motif on left shoulder; • to right / *CTR IA AVCC, cross potent; I (date) to left; globule to right; CONOB. DOC –; cf. MIB 28 (for similar type; solidus); cf. SB 1191 (same). Some roughness, scrapes. VF. Unique and unpublished. ($1500) This coin represents a new denomination for Constantine IV at Carthage. This tremissis features a strong resemblance to MIB 28 which, though a solidus, is near identical to this piece in iconography save for the cross potent being set on three steps. This new tremissis follows the series of solidi with the pellet to the right of the obverse bust (also seen on other Carthaginian issues from this time). Additionally, the reverse has the I to right, which Hahn dates to IY 10, and the globule to right as well as similar legends. Finally, while difficult to make out on this piece, the loop on the right side of the cross potent may also be present as is found on the solidi.

The date of IY 10 (681/2) is quite interesting. At that time, Byzantine Carthage, and the whole of the Exarchate of North Africa, was under heavy pressure from the invading Arab forces. The Berber kingdoms of North Africa, often unfriendly towards the Byzantines, where likewise not all enthused about forced conversion to Islam and acceptance of Arab overlordship. One such ruler was the Christian-Berber king of Altava, Kusaila ibn Malzam. Forced into an alliance of necessity, Kusaila allied with Byzantine forces and set an ambush for the invading Arab warlord Uqba ibn Nafi of the Rashidun Caliphate. South of the Roman city of Vescera at Tehouda, the coalition decisively defeated the Arab army and killed Uqba in the battle. The defeated Arab forces retreated to Egypt and regrouped. This issue was stuck around the time of the famous Battle of Vescera and could have been used to pay the troops engaged in the counteroffensive.

Ultimately, the victory at Vescera would not be enough to turn back the inevitable. Finally, in 698 a large Umayyad force defeated the Byzantines at Carthage and seized the city. This final battle marked the termination of Byzantine coinage at Carthage. Shortly before the fall of Carthage, a small Byzantine mint was opened on Sardinia which continued minting Byzantine gold in the western Mediterranean for some time.

This tremissis affords a possibly once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a unique piece from the late Byzantine gold coinage at Carthage just a few years before its fall.

952.

Constantine IV Pogonatus. 668-685. AV Tremissis (13.5mm, 1.45 g, 6h). Rome mint, 10th(?) officina. ∂ N C[ONSTA]NTIN[Ч]S PP Ч, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR IA AVςЧ, cross potent;  to right; I// CONOB. DOC 77; MIB 49; SB 1228. Lightly toned, some obverse die breaks and die rust, light scratches, trace deposits. Near EF. ($1000) Ex Gadoury (15 November 2019), lot 519.

317

Well Struck First Christ Portrait

953.

Justinian II. First reign, 685-695. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.36 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 2nd officina. Struck 692-695.

IҺS CRISτOS RЄX RЄςNANτI*M, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; cross behind head / D IЧSτINI AN ЧS SЄRЧ CҺRISτI, Justinian standing facing, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent set on two steps in right hand and akakia in left; B//CONOP. DOC 7b var. (officina not retrograde); MIB 8a; SB 1248. Some luster, lightly clipped, a few light scratches. EF. Well struck example of the first coin to depict Christ. ($3000)

954.

Leontius. 695-698. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.45 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. D LЄO N PЄ AV, crowned facing bust, wearing loros, holding akakia in right hand and globus cruciger in left / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; Δ//CONOB. DOC 1d; MIB 1; SB 1330. Lightly toned and lustrous, a few minor marks. Superb EF. ($1000)

955.

Leontius. 695-698. AV Solidus (19.5mm, 4.47 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 10th officina. D LЄO N PЄ [AV], crowned facing bust, wearing loros, holding mappa and globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; I// CONOB. DOC (1i); MIB 1; SB 1330. Obverse slightly off center, hairlines on reverse, underlying luster. EF. ($1000) Ex European Ambassador Collection.

956.

Justinian II. Second reign, 705-711. AV Tremissis (15mm, 1.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. ∂ N IҺSCҺS RЄ X RЄGNANTIЧ, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; cross behind head / D N IЧS TINIA NЧS MЧL[...], crowned facing bust of Justinian, wearing loros, holding cross potent in right hand and patriarchal globus cruciger inscribed PAX in left. DOC 5.2; MIB 5; SB 1419. Lustrous, some weakness at periphery, hairlines, minor deposits. Near EF. ($1000)

318

957.

Artavasdus. Patrikios, kouropalates, and strategos, circa 717-circa 742. PB Seal (27.5mm, 17.97 g, 12h). ΘEOTOKE BOHΘEI in the form of a cruciform monogram; Tω Δ/Λω C in quarters, APTAVA/ CΔω ΠATPI/ KIω KP AΠ/ AΛATH SC/ TPATHΓ´ in five lines; cross flanked by palm fronds above, Cf. BLS 1743 (for similar as patrikios and strategos) and 1742c (for similar as patrikios and kouropalates). Tan and earthen patina. Good VF. Very rare and nicely complete. ($750) A wonderful seal of Artavasdus before his accession to the throne. Known from examples in various stages of Artavasdus’ career, this seal features the future emperor in his first three offices: strategos (of the Armeniakoi), patrikios, and kouropalates. Artavasdus was first appointed strategos of the Armenian theme by emperor Anastasius II. After Theodosius III usurped Anastasius, Artavasdus sided with and aided Leo III in his revolt against Theodosius. In exchange for his loyalty, Artavasdus was granted the honorific title kouropalates (master of the palace) and given Leo’s daughter Anna in marriage. The overthrow of Theodosius occurred in July 717. Shortly thereafter Artavasdus gained the title kouropalates, the final office chronologically that appears on this seal. Consequently, the early date of this seal can be dated to mid 717. Artavasdus continued to hold these three titles until he successfully, albeit briefly, usurped the throne for himself from Leo’s son and successor Constantine V in July 742. Artavasdus successfully ambushed and defeated Constantine’s forces as they set out to campaign against the Umayyads. Following the disastrous battle, Constantine fled into exile at Amorium where he began rallying support for his cause against Artavadus. In contrast to Leo and Constantine, Artavasdus was an iconodule who restored the adoration of icons during his brief reign.

Unfortunately for the iconodules, Constantine and Artavasdus would meet in battle again, this time at Sardes, where Constantine emerged victorious and Artavasdus’ brief reign came to an end. Upon retaking the throne, Constantine promptly reinstated his father’s iconoclast policies.

This seal is an interesting example as it features Artavasdus with the first three of his offices all together. A number of seals are known with Artavasdus as either strategos and patrikios or as patrikios and kouropalates. Here, one finds all three offices cited: strategos, patrikios, and kouropalates. There are five similar seals in DOC’s online Byzantine Seals Collection, but none with this composition of titles.

Irene’s Coinage and Rise to Power

958.

Irene. 797-802. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.38 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. ЄIRInH ЬASILISSH, crowned facing bust, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform scepter in left / • ЄIRIҺH ЬASILISSH , crowned facing bust, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand and cruciform scepter in left. DOC 1a; Füeg 1.C.1; SB 1599. Some weakness at periphery. Near EF. ($2000) The accession of Irene, the first sole empress to rule the Byzantine state, caused some difficulty for those tasked with creating her coinage.

Upon the deposition and gruesome blinding of her own son Constantine VI by her courtiers, it would be difficult to continue the previous status quo of the coinage depicting the new ruler on the obverse while honoring their predecessor or displaying an associate ruler on the reverse. Consequently, Irene elected to have her visage represented twice on both the obverse and reverse of her solidi. The precedent this set would see the technique employed again in future reigns. As an additional difficulty to overcome, this time linguistic, Irene was titled on her coinage in the dative; although, Grierson notes in DOC III.1 that she titled herself as basileus in her legislation. Following the Greek meaning of the word and given the nature of her unusual rise to power, her detractors may well have thought of her as Irene Tyrannos rather than as the Irene Basileus she desired to be.

959.

Nicephorus I, with Stauracius. 802-811. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.44 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 803-811.

• ҺICI FOROS ЬASILЄ´, crowned facing bust of Nicephorus, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand and akakia in left / SτAVRA CIS ∂ЄSPO´ Є, crowned facing bust of Stauracius, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger in right hand and akakia in left. DOC 2a; Füeg 2.B.2; SB 1604. Lightly toned with some luster, a couple minor spots of weakness.

EF. ($750) 319

960.

Theophilus. 829-842. AV Solidus (16.5mm, 3.83 g, 6h). Syracuse mint. Struck 829-circa 830. * ΘЄOFI LOS ЬASIL, crowned facing bust, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent in right hand / ΘЄOFI LOS ЬASIL, crowned facing bust, wearing loros, holding globus cruciger in right hand. DOC 18.2; Anastasi 542; SB 1671. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6826833-004, graded MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($750)

961.

Leo VI the Wise, with Constantine VII. 886-912. AV Solidus (18.5mm, 4.41 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 908-912. + IҺS XPS RЄ[X] RЄŲNANTIЧm, Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing on suppedion, nimbate, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left / LЄOҺ ЄT COҺS†AҺ†´ AЧŲŲ´ ROm´, crowned facing figures of Leo, holding globus cruciger in right hand, and Constantine, holding globus cruciger in left hand, both wearing loros decorated with a cross at end and holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 2; Füeg 3.C.4; SB 1725. EF. ($2500)

962.

Basil II Bulgaroktonos, with Constantine VIII. 976-1025. AV Histamenon Nomisma (24.5mm, 4.41 g, 6h).

Constantinople mint. Struck 1005-1025. + IҺS XIS RЄX RЄςNANTIҺm, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, nimbate, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; upturned crescents in upper two quarters of nimbus / + ЬASIL C COҺSτAҺτI Ь R, crowned half-length busts of Basil, wearing loros, being crowned from above by manus Dei, and Constantine, wearing jeweled chlamys, both holding long cross between them. DOC 6a; Füeg II 6.B; SB 1800. Lightly toned with some luster, minor metal flaw, a few faint scratches. EF. A vibrant strike. ($1500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 506 (15 December 2021), lot 551.

963.

Theodora. 1055-1056. AV Tetarteron Nomisma (19mm, 4.05 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, nimbate, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; •• in quarters of nimbus; IC XC, each with macron above, flanking head of Christ / + ΘЄOΔω AVτCЧ, crowned facing bust of Theodora, wearing loros, holding jeweled scepter in right hand and globus cruciger in left. DOC 2; Füeg II 2.y; SB 1838. Lightly toned, a few light scratches.

Good VF. ($2000) 320

From the Fox and Hunt Collections

964.

Michael VI Stratioticus. 1056-1057. AV Histamenon Nomisma (25mm, 4.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. + IhS XIS RЄX RЄςNANτIҺm, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, nimbate, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; (squares) in quarters of nimbus / + mIXA HL AЧτOCRAτ, facing figures of Michael, wearing crown and jeweled chlamys, resting right hand on chest and holding globus cruciger in left, being crowned by the Theotokos, nimbate, to right; MΘ, each with macron above between. DOC 1b; Füeg II 1.B; SB 1840. Attractively toned, a few tiny die breaks, a few light scratches mostly under tone. EF. Very rare. A seldom-offered rarity from the brief one-year reign of Michael VI. ($15,000) From the James Fox Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 40 (4 December 1996), lot 1941; William Herbert Hunt Collection (Sotheby’s New York, 5 December 1990), lot 800.

965.

Alexius I Comnenus. 1081-1118. PB Seal (32mm, 20.11 g, 12h). Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, raising right hand and holding Gospels in left; IC XC, each with macron above, flanking throne / + AΛЄZIω Π’T T ω, crowned facing figure of Alexius, wearing loros, holding labarum in right hand and globus crucgier in left. Cf. BLS 102 (for similar seals of Alexius I); DOCBS 6, 88.35 (for similar issue for overtype). Dark gray patina with some tan highlights, a couple marks and minor edge bends. Good VF. Very rare and unusual. Overstruck on a previous seal. ($750) A most interesting seal of Alexius I which features an overstrike of a smaller seal over a previous large module. The larger module undertype is partly visible but difficult to attribute to another known example definitively. The overtype, however, is the same diameter as DOCBS 6, 88.35 and the dies are indeed quite similar though not identical. As two examples, the pellets suspended from the stemma are triple pellets on this specimen instead of one and this seal’s loros fold is pelleted rather than unpelleted.

321

966.

Alexius I Comnenus. 1081-1118. EL Histamenon Nomisma (29.5mm, 4.31 g, 6h). Thessalonica(?) mint. Struck circa 1081-circa 1092(?). Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing on suppedion, nimbate, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left; IC XC, each with macron above, flanking head of Christ / + AΛ ΞIω ΔЄCΠOτ, crowned half-length facing bust, wearing jeweled loros, holding akakia in right hand and globus in left; being crowned by manus Dei to left; large stars flanking. DOC –; SB –; CLBC 1.1.4; CNG 49, 1990. Toned, flan cracks, scratches. VF. Very rare; only seven examples, including this coin, in CoinArchives. ($1500) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex Numismatik Naumann 118 (3 July 2022), lot 1140; Classical Numismatic Group 49 (17 March 1999), lot 1990.

This very rare unpublished coin of Alexius first appeared in 1999. Now with seven specimens known from auction records from the past few decades. An interesting issue that likely belongs to the pre-reform period given that the metal is so poor. Possibly an issue of the Thessalonica mint. Sear noted in SB 1927 that perhaps the large star on that issue “could be a reference to a brilliant comet which appeared in the heavens during Alexius’ visit to Thessalonica in 1105/6” (Sear, 387). Of course, this would likely contradict the coin belonging to the pre-reform period. Another hypothesis is simply that the coin was inspired by the better known issue of Constantine IX (SB 1831).

Two Attractive Trachea of Theodore Comnenus-Ducas

967.

Theodore Comnenus-Ducas. As emperor of Thessalonica, 1225/7-1230. AR Trachy (29.5mm, 4.10 g, 6h).

Thessalonica mint. Struck 1225/6(?). The Theotokos enthroned facing, holding head of the Holy Infant on lap; MP ΘV, each with macron above, flanking head; sigla: Γ | Γ(?) / ΘЄOΔωPOC [Δ](OV)KA[C], facing figure of Theodore, wearing crown and loros, holding sword set on ground to left in right hand and akakia in left, being crowned by Christ, standing to right, holding Gospels in left hand. DOC 3a var. (sigla); CLBC 12.1.3 var. (same); LBC 323 var. (same); SB 2160. Toned with some light iridescence, a couple thin scrapes on reverse at periphery, a few light scratches. EF. Very rare. ($2000)

968.

Theodore Comnenus-Ducas. As emperor of Thessalonica, 1225/7-1230. AR Trachy (31mm, 3.89 g, 6h).

Thessalonica mint. Struck 1227(?). HA/ ΓIO/ CO - PH/ TH/ CA in two columnar groups across field, the Theotokos standing facing, orans; MP ΘV, each with macron above, flanking head; no sigla / ΘЄOΔωPOC Δ[...] OΛΓIOC ΔIMIT PIOC, facing figures of Theodore, wearing crown and loros, resting right hand on chest, and St. Demitrius, nimbate and wearing military attire, both holding city walls between them; above, manus Dei crowning Theodore. DOC 2c; CLBC 12.1.2 var. (sigla); LBC 321 var. (same); SB 2159. Toned, some light scratches, hairlines on reverse. EF. Very rare. ($1500)

322

Ex Fox and Hunt Collections

969.

John V Palaeologus, with Anna of Savoy (Regent). 1341-1391. AR Basilikon (19.5mm, 0.95 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 1341-1347. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, raising right hand and holding Gospels in left; IC XC, each with macron above, flanking head of Christ / Anna standing facing to left, holding trefoil scepter in right hand, and John, standing facing to right, holding akakia in left hand and cruciform scepter in right, both wearing loros; [...]/ω between. DOC 1109–13; LBC 847; LPC p. 132, 2; PCPC 277; SB 2503; S. Bendall, “A Hoard of Silver Basilika of Andronicus III and John V” in CH III, 10 (this coin). Toned. Good VF. ($750) From the Iconodule Collection. Ex James Fox Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 40, with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 1961; William Herbert Hunt Collection (Sotheby’s New York, 5 December 1990), lot 959; Chios, Greece, 1975 Hoard (CH III, 254).

New Issue for John V

970.

John V Palaeologus. 1341-1391. AR Basilikon(?) (12mm, 0.50 g, 5h). Uncertain mint. Struck circa 1376/9-1391.

IωЄN X ω Θ, crowned facing figure of John, wearing loros, holding cruciform scepter in right hand and resting left hand on chest / M, nimbate and winged saint on horseback riding right, holding sword in right hand and reins in left. Cf. DOC V.1 p.

96 (for obv. inscription); cf. SB 2546 (for similar issue of Andronicus IV); cf. LBC 901 (for similar type as half stavraton); cf.

LPC 168, 1 corr. (John V) (John VII; for similar type as half stavraton) cf. PCPC (326) (Provincial mint?; for similar issue of Andronicus IV). Toned with some blue iridescence. Near EF. Unique and unpublished. ($3000) This new type of basilika for John V was previously known as an issue of John’s rebel son Andronicus IV. That type was given a SB (2546) number and referenced as unpublished at the time. LPC also referenced the issue as a note on p. 152, 2. Classical Numismatic Group sold a later specimen of the extremely rare issue in 2012 in CNG 91, 1125. With this new find, the same type is encountered but with the legends of John V. John’s name is clearly evident as it appears on many of his issues, furthermore, the invocative legend “in Christ the Godhead faithful sovereign and emperor of the Romans” is found heavily abbreviated to fit the tiny flan.

Dating John V’s coinage is a somewhat difficult task due to the tumultuous nature of his reign both sole and with various associates. But this issue is likely a product of his later coinage. What makes this coin doubly fascinating (apart from being an unpublished issue) is that the coin, if indeed issued first chronologically, would almost certainly have served as the prototype for the issue of the rogue prince Andronicus IV. While Andronicus’ issue was published far earlier, this new issue furthers the collective understanding of the extremely rare series.

It should be noted that Bendall in PCPC hypothesized that the issue of Andronicus IV being discussed was perhaps the product of a provincial mint. Whether that is the case here for this new issue is uncertain as is where this provincial mint would have been located. But it is very likely that the two issues belong to the same mint.

Additionally, Bendall in PCPC, writing on the coinage of Andronicus IV on p. 60, notably mentions that “Andronicus... issued very rare small silver coins unlike anything struck in previous or subsequent reigns.” This is a reference to the very series in question here. However, with this new find for John V, a new critical issue emerges requiring further study concerning the extremely rare series. Indeed, it is possible that the Andronicus issue was the first struck and that this coin of John V was struck by the same mint as a continuation of the series for his continued reign. This alternative hypothesis would suggest that both issues were struck at the same mint but that the John coin was issued after Andronicus was ultimately defeated by John V and his loyal son Manuel in 1379.

323

The Last Byzantine Ruler

971.

Constantine XI Palaeologus (Dragases). 1448-1453. AR Eighth Stavraton (13.5mm, 0.59 g, 12h). Constantinople mint. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, holding Gospels in both hands; [I]C - [XC], each with macron above, flanking head of Christ; sigla: • | • / Crowned facing bust of Constantine, wearing loros; •/K/• | •/C/• flanking. DOC 1789; Bendall, Coinage 135 (this coin); SB –. Toned. EF. Rare. ($7500) From the James Fox Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 40 (4 December 1996), lot 1964.

Constantine XI, a member of the last Byzantine dynasty, the Palaeologan, was a heroic figure despite being fated to be the final Byzantine ruler. One of the younger sons of Emperor Manuel II, Constantine distinguished himself during the siege of Constantinople in 1422 during the last days of Manuel II’s rule. After Manuel suffered a stroke and became incapable of governing, Constantine’s older brother, future emperor John VIII, took the reins of the government on behalf of his father. However, John’s first priority was to seek to rally support for the Byzantine state against the ascendant Ottomans. In pursuit of this objective, he embarked on a tour of Western Europe. In his stead, he left his younger brother Constantine as regent and granted him the title of despot. Constantine effectively administered what was left of the shrinking Byzantine State in his brother’s absence, but John’s quest to enlist western support for Byzantium was ultimately unsuccessful.

Once John assumed the imperial mantle upon the death of Manuel II, Constantine was tasked with governing one of the few remaining possessions of the once-illustrious Byzantine Empire—the Depostate of Morea. Constantine again proved himself a capable ruler and administrator, using the limited resources he had at his disposal to recover Morea from the Franks who had occupied the Peloponnesos since the Fourth Crusade. Ultimately, Constantine’s Morea encompassed the entire Pelponnesos and, along with Epirus, constituted the bulk of Byzantine possessions outside of Constantinople which was itself quickly shrinking into a city-state as more and more territory was lost to the Ottomans.

When John died in 1448 without issue, Constantine was designated as his successor and called to assume the fateful position of emperor.

Crowned at the citadel at Mystras, Constantine traveled from Morea to Constantinople in a hired Catalan galley—a succinct representation of how miserably Byzantine power had dwindled by the mid 15th century. The Byzantine fleet had been previously destroyed during the reign of John VI in a disastrous naval engagement in 1349 with the Genoese. All Constantine could do in his new station as emperor was prepare for the inevitable attack by the Ottomans. He worked to repair the city walls and recruit and muster as many soldiers as possible to mount his final defense of the city. As part of that effort, coins such as this rare example were minted to pay the mostly hired soldiers.

The attack came in late May of 1453. Constantine himself manned the ramparts and fought valiantly during the city’s final defense. He was ultimately killed upon the city walls and his corpse mutilated by the invaders. Thus ended the Byzantine Empire, an institution that lasted nearly a millennium and outlasted its parent Western Roman Empire by five centuries.

EARLY MEDIEVAL COINAGE

972.

LOMBARDS, Beneventum. Sicard. 832-839. AV Solidus (22mm, 3.63 g, 11h). ๘ ⌽Ʃ⍛ Ú Ó ²⎁ĕѝ •, crowned bust facing, holding globus cruciger; wedge in right field / ѝƩ⍛˶⌴⎁N Ⴘ P⎁Ʃn⍛Ʃ, cross potent set on two steps; ⌽ Ʃ across field, wedge to either side of steps; ⍛⌴n⌴Ě. CNI XVIII 1; Oddy 481; BMC Vandals 3; MEC 1, 1108. Toned, small edge chip. Good VF. ($1000) Ex Marc Poncin Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 72, 14 June 2006), lot 2261; Künker 94 (27 September 2004), lot 2125.

324

973.

MEROVINGIANS, Banassac. Circa 620-640. AV Tremissis (12.5mm, 1.29 g, 6h). Elafius, moneyer. Diademed male head right, diadem ends in three ribbons, pelleted border along truncation of neck; trace of pellet below; floral symbol to right; [all within wreath] / ˶ e⌦²ŊƩ⎍˞ ȵ⌴ne˶², chalice with curved, open-ended handles, surmounted by cross. SCBI 69 (Abramson), 1078 (this coin); NM 16; Stahl, Merovingiens –; Belfort 653; MEC 1, 423. Lightly toned, traces of deposits in devices, a few minor marks, hint of die rust, edge marks. Good VF. An early issue in fine gold and of good style. ($1500) Ex Tony Abramson Collection (Part IV, Spink 273, 30 September 2021), lot 991, purchased from Mike Vosper, May 2014. Reportedly found in Northern France.

974.

CAROLINGIANS. Charlemagne (Charles the Great). As Charles I, King of the Franks, 768-814. AR Denier (21.5mm, 1.80 g, 11h). Class 3. Pavia mint. Struck 793/4-812. แ 沕⎁ǮVs ⎁⍟X Ŋ⎁, cross pattée / แ ⍷ ² ⍷ Ɨ ², ü²⎀⌴ǮVs monogram. Coupland, Charlemagne, pl. 7b, 15; Depeyrot 780E; M&G 207; MEC 1, –. Toned, slight porosity.

VF. ($1000) From the St. George Collection.

975.

CAROLINGIANS. Louis ‘le Pieux’ (the Pious). As Emperor Louis I, 814-840. AR Denier (20mm, 1.49 g, 8h).

Class 1. Metallum (Melle) mint. Struck 814-819. ƊǮVē⌴VVIæVs I⍵ʖ ±VŶ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / แ ȉ⍟˶±ǮǮVȉ, implements of coin minting: pair of dies, flanked on either side by mallet. Coupland, Money 3; Depeyrot 607; M&G 396; Gariel 73; MEC 1, 758. Toned, some deposits in devices, areas of porosity. VF. Very rare. ($2000) Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 1104.

325

Exceptional For Issue

976.

CAROLINGIANS. Louis ‘le Pieux’ (the Pious). As Emperor Louis I, 814-840. AR Denier (21mm, 1.64 g, 9h).

Class 3. Unspecified mint. Struck 822/3-840. แ ƊǮ⎍ē⌴⎍⎍IæVs Iȵʖ, cross pattée; pellets in quarters / แPIs⍆I²Ⱦ² ⎁⍟ǮIŶIɯ, temple façade. Coupland, Money –; Depeyrot 1179; M&G 472; cf. MEC 1, 809 (obol); Simon Coupland Collection (CNG E-467), lot 486. In NGC encapsulation 2141143-030, graded MS 64. ($1000) This denier belongs to a sizeable group of Christiana religio coins which are beautfiully executed, with very neat lettering, and a temple cross which has the appearance of a fifth, central column. It has been suggested that the group may have been minted in Melle, and this coin was illustrated in the article putting forward that theory (M. Bompaire and G. Sarah (ed.), Mine, métal, monnaie, Melle. Les voies de la quantification de l’histoire monétaire du haut Moyen Âge, Geneva 2018, p. 277, Fig. 21). However, that attribution is now seen as less likely.

[S. Coupland]

977.

CAROLINGIANS. Charles le Chauve (the Bald). As Emperor Charles II, 875-877. AR Denier (21mm, 1.73 g, 3h). Class 3. Biturices (Bourges) mint. Struck 876-877. ม æ©⎁ǮVs Ʃዦʊ ©V, cross pattée; ! above ዦ / ม BƩ˶V⎁Ʃæዞs æƩVƩ, nj©⎁⌴ǮVs monogram. Depeyrot 198; M&G 1479; MEC 1, 914. Deeply toned with iridescence, hint of die rust, slight double strike on obverse. Near EF. ($500) From the James Fox Collection.

These coins of Bourges appear to have become an immobilised type which was minted throughout the period from Charles the Bald’s accession as emperor in 875 until Odo replaced them in 888. They were evidently minted in large numbers and remained in circulation for a long while, as 18 ended up in the Cuerdale hoard of around 905 and 17 in the Rennes hoard of circa 920. The majority were probably minted under Emperor Charles the Fat (884–8). [S. Coupland]

978.

CRUSADERS, Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Jerusalem Pilgrim Coinage. 12th century. BI Denier (17mm, 0.75 g, 6h). ˟©ዧ ©⌐©ʼ⌐©, cross pattée / Medieval façade of the al-Aqsa Mosque: façade with three arched entries; above; central pedimented tower surmounted by cross; on either side, sphere surmounted by pellet-in-crescent. Metcalf, Crusades, pp. 78-9; Slocum 284; Schlumberger –; CCS 49. Porous and crystallized surfaces. Fine. Very rare. ($1000) Associated with the pilgrim traffic in Jerusalem and the Crusaders, especially the Knights Templar, who oversaw the local Christian holy sites there, this very rare denier most likely served as a token coinage used specifically on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The obverse legend, here crudely rendered, referred to the s(a)n(cta) aerea, or “holy area”, which was the Haram esh-Sharif, or Temple Mount. At the time, this area was dominated by three Umayyad structures: the Qubbat al-Sakhrah, or Dome of the Rock; the Qubbat al-Silsilah, or Dome of the Chain; and the al-Masjid al-’Aqṣā, or the al-Aqsa Mosque. It is this last structure that is represented on the reverse of this denier. Following the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, the mosque was renamed as the Templum Solomonis, or Solomon’s Temple, to distinguish it from the Dome of the Rock, now known as the Templum Domini, or Lord’s Temple. First converted into a palace and stable, the al-Aqsa Mosque was transformed in 1119 into the headquarters of the Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Salomonici, or Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. More commonly known as the Knights Templar, they were a Christian military order, their mission, as stated by the Order’s founder, Godfrey de Saint-Omer, was to provide protection for Christian pilgrims on their journey in the Holy Land. Initially a very poor order, which relied largely on donations, the Templars soon grew to be a wealthy and powerful organization, largely through the advocacy of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Within a decade of their founding, the Templars became a favored charity throughout Christendom and, by papal bull, could cross its borders unhindered and were exempted by papal bull from taxation and all authority except that of the Pope. When the Muslims under Saladin retook Jerusalem in 1187, following the Battle of Hattin, the Templars were forced to evacuate their headquarters on the Temple Mount and flee northward. This withdrawal initiated the loss of Templar control in the Holy Land and their eventual destruction

by Pope Clement IV and the French king, Philip IV, in 1307.

326

ISLAMIC COINAGE First Known Umayyad Dirham from Bamm Mint

979.

Umayyad Caliphate, Silver coinage. AR Dirham (26mm, 2.71 g, 6h). Bamm mint. Dated AH 80 (AD 699/700).

Small portion of edge chipped and repaired. Near EF. Of the highest rarity, apparently unique. ($30,000) Founded by the Sasanians, Bamm was a strongly fortified town in the province of Kirman. Its citadel was described by one contemporary writer as being impregnable, but the local water was apparently bad, and a complex network of aqueducts supplied most of the Bamm’s water supply. According to Arab geographical writers of the 9/10th century, the town’s prosperity was primarly based on dates and especially cotton, which was grown locally and used to manufacture fabric. Speaking of Bamm, the great traveller Ibn Hawqal reported that ‘they weave splendid, beautiful and durable cotton garments which are sent to places all over the world. They also make fine clothes, each of which costs around thirty dinars, and these are sold in Khurasan, Iraq, and Egypt.’

This is the first Umayyad dirham known from Bamm. It is extremely rare for a new Umayyad dirham mint to come to light, and this is only the second such discovery within the past decade, the other being a coin from the mint of al-Hind, which sold for $140,000 hammer in CNG Triton XXII (8 January 2019), lot 1229.

While more than a hundred mints struck Umayyad silver dirhams between AH 78-132, for much of this period only a small number were active at any one time, with production generally centred on Wasit and Damascus. But we can observe two clear periods when this centralised model of Umayyad dirham production clearly did not apply, and as many as forty or fifty different mints were operational in a given year.

The first period, to which this coin belongs, spanned the six years between the introduction of the reformed silver coinage in AH 78 and the foundation of Wasit in AH 84. Virtually all of the mints operating during these years were located in the East and had previously issued ArabSasanian drachms; this is hardly surprising given that these locations would have already had the personnel, resources and infrastructure to strike the new coins. Almost all of them were closed after AH 84, when dirham production in the East was focused on Wasit.

A few years later, dozens of Eastern dirham mints were opened again in AH 90, but not all of those which had been operational from AH 78-84, were reopened, and some of the mints which began striking in AH 90 were completely new. This may suggest that the decision to revert to a decentralised pattern of dirham production in AH 90 was part of a wider series of changes in Umayyad taxation and provincial administration. Bamm was one of those mints which were not reopened, and the recent study by Diler records no further coins being produced there before a small issue of Buwayhid dirhams was struck at Bamm in the 360s.

It is surprising that Bamm has not previously been confirmed as an Arab-Sasanian drachm mint. In his latest Checklist of Islamic Coins, Album has tentatively proposed that the Pahlawi mint-signature KRMAN-BN might refer to Bamm (Album p. 21), and this identification is followed

by Diler in his monumental Islamic Mints, although the most recent study of the Arab-Sasanian coinage by Malek still considers KRMAN-BN as unidentified. However, the existence of the present coin suggests that Bamm had indeed previously been an Arab-Sasanian mint, as many of the early reform dirham mints were. That being so, KRMAN-BN would seem to be the most likely candidate.

980.

Umayyad Caliphate, Silver coinage. AR Dirham (28mm, 2.81 g, 12h). al-Jazira mint. Dated AH 95 (AD 713/4).

Obverse margin: pellet below b of bi’l-Jazira. Klat 220 var. (no pellet below mint-name); al-‘Ajlan 95/14 (same obverse die as illustration). Traces of iridescence, hint of deposits and die rust, light hairlines, slightly wavy flan. EF. ($2000)

327

Rare with Name of Chingiz Khan visible

981.

Great Mongols. Chingiz (Genghis). AH 602-624 / AD 1206-1227. AV Dinar (23.5mm, 6.54 g, 6h). Ghazna (Ghazni) mint. Dated AH [6]18 (AD 1221/2). Kalima and name of Abbasid caliph in four lines, floral ornament above and to left; Umayyad “Second Symbol” (al-Quran Sura 9:33) in outer margin / Name and titles of Chingiz Khan in four lines, floral ornament to left and right; mint formula and AH date in outer margin. Spengler 16-18; CNR XXI, 1 (Spring 1996), 245-3035; Album 1964; ICV 1940. Lightly toned, deposits, scrapes and scratches, areas of typical flat strike. VF. Rare with name of Chingiz Khan visible. ($1500)

Struck During Nadir Shah’s Invasion and Occupation of Northern India

982.

Afsharids. Nadir Shah. As king, AH 1148-1160 / AD 1736-1747. AV Mohur (19mm, 10.95 g, 3h). Type D1. Sind mint. AH date off flan (but struck circa AH 1157). sultan hast bar salatin jehan, shahanshah nadir sahib qiran / zarb/ sind; floral ornaments. Album 2739.1; cf. SICA 9, 873 (AR rupi). Lightly toned, traces of deposits, some peripheral weakness, shroff marks on reverse, edge marks, evidence of having been placed in a bezel. Extremely rare. ($7500)

983.

Durrani Shahs. Mahmud Shah. First reign, AH 1215-1218 / AD 1800-1803. AV Double Mohur (25.5mm, 21.99 g, 3h). Bahawalpur mint. Dually dated AH 1217 and RY 1 (4 May AD 1802-22 April AD 1803). Persian couplet citing Mahmud Shah; AH date to left / Mint and RY formula. Edge: /////. SICA 9, –; Album 3112; KM 246; Friedberg 7; Adams III, lot 2222.

Lightly toned areas of slight double strike and peripheral weakness, underlying luster. EF. Extremely rare and an exceptional example. ($7500)

End of Session 3

328

Session 4 – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 — 2 PM

The J. Eric Engstrom Collection of Renaissance Coins

Lot 1017

Lot 986

Lot 1023

Lot 988

Lot 991

Lot 1031

Lot 1076

Lot 1000

Lot 1043

Lot 1293

Lot 1056

329

The J. Eric Engstrom Collection: Italy

984.

ITALY, Bologna (Seignory). Giovanni II Bentivoglio. 1494-1509. AV Doppio ducato (27mm, 7.20 g, 12h). Bust right, wearing berretto / Coat-of-arms surmounted by crowned helmet; above, eagle facing with wings spread, head left. MIR 39 (Bologna) = MIR 2 (Antegnate); Friedberg 59 (Antegnate). Polished, minor edge marks. VF. Rare. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collecion. Ex Morton & Eden 49 (9 June 2011), lot 92; Astarte XIII (13 September 2005), lot 1228.

985.

ITALY, Casale Monfferato (Marquisate). Guglielmo Gonzaga. 1566-1587. AV Scudo d’oro (21mm, 3.27 g, 9h).

Crowned coat-of-arms / Threaded cross fleurée. MIR 266; Friedberg 178. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-013, graded AU 50. Top Pop. Richly toned. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Ferdinand David Collection (Gadoury, 12 March 2022), lot 626.

986.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole I d’Este. 1471-1505. AV Ducato (24mm, 3.49 g, 10h). Second emission, 1474.

Armored bust left, wearing small ruff / The Resurrection: Christ rising from tomb, raising hand in benediction and holding banner. Belessia 6/B; MIR 250/1; Friedberg 265. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6864661-001, graded MS 63. A high grade example. Very rare. ($10,000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XIX (5 January 2016), lot 755; Heritage 3037 (4 January 2015), lot 31208 (conserved since).

This beautiful and rare type bears a delicate portrait of Ercole on the obverse and Christ rising triumphantly from the grave on the reverse. In 1925 Hans Nussbaum suggested that the reverse was derived from a 15th century fresco, attributed to the school of Pisanello, in the Oratory of the Annunciation in Ferrara.

330

987.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole I d’Este. 1471-1505. AR Grossone (25mm, 3.70 g, 2h). Second emission, 1474.

Armored bust left, wearing small ruff / St. George on horseback right, spearing dragon to lower right. Belessia 7/C; MIR 257.

Toned, a few light marks. Good VF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXIII.7-8 (July/August 1975), no. 7072.

988.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole I d’Este. 1471-1505. AR Idra – Doppio grossone (27mm, 7.64 g, 6h). Third emission, struck 1493. Bare head right / Seven-headed Hydra. Belessia 14/C; MIR 255. Richly toned. Good VF. Rare. A most pleasing example of this wonderful type. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from C. Subak, February 1985.

This reverse alludes to the construction of the Addizione Erculea, a northern suburb of Ferrara. The area to be developed was covered with malaria-ridden swamps which had to be drained and filled before construction could begin. To symbolize this monumental task, Ercole chose a scene from the exploits of his namesake, Hercules, who slayed the seven-headed Lernean Hydra in the second of his Twelve Labours. It is believed these Testone may have been issued to pay the poll tax levied to fund the construction.

989.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole I d’Este. 1471-1505. AR Quarto – Testone (29mm, 9.68 g, 10h). Final emission, struck after 1498(?). Bare head left / Classical horseman riding right, with flowing cloak and extended right hand. Belessia 19/G; MIR 254. Some light scratches under delicate toning. Good VF. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 556 (July 1992), no. 182.

This splendid testone combines a fine effigy of Ercole I d’Este with, as Philip Grierson has shown, a depiction of a model of the great equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza by Leonardo da Vinci which was moved to to Ferrara from Milan in 1502. According to Grierson the engraver Giannantonio da Folgino added the detail of the rider and cloak.

331

990.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Alfonso I d’Este. 1505-1534. AR Quarto – Testone (29mm, 9.35 g, 12h). First emission, struck 1505. Armored bust left, without beard / Romanesque Samson seated left on curule chair, holding lion head from which a swarm of bees flies forth; stump entwined by serpent to left. Belessia 4/C; MIR 270. Richly toned. Good VF. Rare. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Nomisma S.p.a. 54 (30 August 2016), lot 985.

The reverse of this intriguing type alludes to the Riddle of Samson found in the Book of Judges: ‘Out of the eater came something to eat, And out of the strong came something sweet.’ On the road to Timnah, Samson was attacked by a young lion which he tore apart with his bare hands.

Later, on returning to Timnah to take a Philistine bride, Samson discovered a swarm of bees had made a honeycomb in the carcass of the lion.

Samson poses the riddle at his wedding feast confounding his Philistine hosts. A satisfactory reading of why this Biblical enigma should have been chosen for the reverse of this type has yet to be made.

991.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Alfonso I d’Este. 1505-1534. AR Quarto – Testone (29mm, 9.74 g, 10h). Second emission, struck 1509. Armored bust left, with beard / Romanesque Samson seated left on curule chair, holding lion head from which a swarm of bees flies forth; stump entwined by serpent to left. Belessia 11/B; MIR 271. Richly toned, small mark behind head, some light cabinet friction. EF. Rare. ($5000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from C. Subak, February 1985.

992.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Alfonso I d’Este. 1505-1534. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (26mm, 3.37 g, 8h). Final emission, 1526. Crowned coat-of-arms; rayed sun above / The cross at Calvary. Belessia 20/C; MIR 269; Friedberg 269. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-014, graded MS 63. Top Pop. A highly lustrous example. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Ponterio 35 (12 January 1989), lot 269.

332

993.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Alfonso I d’Este. 1505-1534. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (26mm, 3.36 g, 3h). Final emission, 1526. Crowned coat-of-arms; rayed sun above / The cross at Calvary. Belessia 20/C; MIR 269; Friedberg 269. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-007, graded AU 55. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Atlas Numismatics.

994.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole II d’Este. 1534-1559. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (24mm, 3.19 g, 5h). First emission, 1536. Crowned coat-of-arms; rayed sun above / The cross at Calvary; at base, Mary Magdalene kneeling left. Belessia 3/B; MIR 288; Friedberg 270. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-015, graded AU 55. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Spink 220 (1 October 2013), lot 220.

995.

ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole II d’Este. 1534-1559. AR Bianco (28mm, 5.07 g, 5h). Second emission, struck 1542. Draped and cuirassed bust left / Justitia seated right, holding inverted ax and scales. Belessia 10/C; MIR 296. Toned.

VF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Glendining’s (15 October 1985), lot 520.

996.

ITALY, Firenze. Republic. 1189-1532. AV Fiorino d’oro (19mm, 3.52 g, 2h). Segno: rosette. Struck 1267-1303.

Ornate lily of Florence / St. John standing facing raising right hand in benediction and holding cross-tipped scepter. MIR 4/75; Bernocchi 321; Friedberg 275. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6864711-002, graded MS 62. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from D.A. Perry.

333

997.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Alessandro de Medici. 1532-1537. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (26mm, 2h) (3.37 g). First series, struck 1533. Crowned coat-of-arms; radiant sun above / Voided cross with polylobes at center and ends; rings in quarters. MIR 96; Friedberg 280. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-006, graded AU 53. Top Pop. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (12 August 2015), lot 30442.

998.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Alessandro de Medici. 1532-1537. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (25mm, 3.32 g, 6h). Dies

by Benvenuto Cellini. Second series. Crowned coat-of-arms; radiant sun above / Voided cross fleurée; facing cherub heads in angles. MIR 97; Friedberg 280. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-016, graded MS 61. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Spink 220 (1 October 2013), lot 226.

999.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Alessandro de Medici. 1532-1537. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (26mm, 3.31 g, 9h). Dies

by Benvenuto Cellini. Second series. Crowned coat-of-arms; radiant sun above / Voided cross fleurée; facing cherub heads in angles. MIR 97; Friedberg 280. In NGC encapsulation 6864711-001, graded AU 53. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Adam Murray, December 2018.

334

1000.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Alessandro de Medici. 1532-1537. AR Testone - 3 Barili (28mm, 10.01 g, 8h). Dies by Benvenuto Cellini. Struck 1534. Armored bust left / Sts. Cosmos, holding papyrus scroll, and Damian, holding open book, standing facing. MIR 103. A few minor edge marks, reverse slightly off center. Lightly toned with traces of luster. Near EF. Rare. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Sternberg XV (11 April 1985), lot 961.

“Duke Alessandro gave me orders at once to strike dies for his coinage, the first a piece of 40 soldi with the Duke’s head on one side. This was in silver, and it gave so much satisfaction that the Duke did not hesitate to say these were the best pieces of money in Christendom. All Florence agreed, and so did everyone else who saw them. I struck four other sorts of coins to the satisfaction of the Duke.” The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini.

1001.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Alessandro de Medici. 1532-1537. AR Testone - 3 Barili (28mm, 9.98 g, 2h). Dies by Benvenuto Cellini. Struck 1534. Armored bust left / Sts. Cosmos, holding papyrus scroll, and Damian, holding open book, standing facing. MIR 103 (same obv. die as illustration). Toned, some light marks. VF. Rare. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from C. Bullowa.

From different dies than the preceding.

1002.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Cosimo I de Medici. 1537-1557. AR Testone – 3 Barili (29mm, 9.30 g, 6h). Armored and draped bust right / St. John seated facing, head slightly right, raising hand and benediction and holding cross-tipped banner. MIR 122/2. Some light deposits and hairlines, minor edge marks. Good VF. Rare legend variety and from a celebrated cabinet. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collecion. Ex Spink America (17 May 1999), lot 85; Herbert Cahn Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 87, 4 June 1998), lot 500.

335

1003.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Cosimo I de Medici. 1537-1557. AR Medal (30mm, 9.41 g, 10h). By Domenico di Polo de’ Vetri. Struck 1537. Armored bust right / Crossed anchors within ribbon reading D VABV S. Attwood 778. Even cabinet toning with iridescent highlights. Good VF. An attractive example of this very rare, testone-sized medal. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Nomisma S.p.a. 64 (17 December 2021), lot 467; Michael Hall Collection (Part III, Baldwin’s 67, 28 September 2010), lot 2263.

1004.

ITALY, Firenze (Duchy). Cosimo I de Medici. As Duke of Firenze and Siena, 1555-1569. AR Testone (32mm, 9.18 g, 2h). Armored and draped bust right / St. John seated facing, raising hand in benediction and holding long cross. MIR 149/2. Lightly toned with significant luster, small edge split. Superb EF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Bertolami Fine Arts 41 (20 January 2018), lot 110.

1005.

ITALY, Genova. Simone Boccanegra. Doge, first tenure, 1339-1344. AV Genovino (20mm, 3.53 g, 6h). Stylized castle surrounded by alternating rosettes and pointed trilobes; all within tressure of eight arches; stars in spandrels; segno: ч / Cross pattée surrounded by alternating rosettes and pointed trilobes; all within tressure of eight arches; stars in spandrels; segno: g. MIR 28; CNI III 58-60 var. (legend stops); MEC 12, 269-70 var. (segni); Friedberg 354. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-011, graded MS 63. Top Pop. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collecion.

336

1006.

ITALY, Genova. Gian Galeazzo Maria Sforza, duke of Milan. Signore, 1488-1494. AR Lira – Testone da 20 soldi (29mm, 13.13 g, 3h). Struck from 1490. City gate flanked by two stars; all within polylobe with annulets at cusps; above, serpent coiled left / Short cross pattée with stars in second, third, and fourth quarters, all within polylobe with annulets at cusps. MP at end of legend. MIR 137; MEC 12, 360 var. (legend). Lightly toned. Good VF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

Unrecorded Date

1007.

ITALY, Genova. The Biennial Doges. 1528-1797. AV Mezza doppia (21mm, 3.4 g, 3h). Dated 1559. Castle / Cross fleurée. MIR 209 var. (unlisted date); Friedberg 420 (unlisted date). A few faint hairlines. EF. Extremely rare and possibly unique. An unrecorded date for this denomination. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (10 August 2016), lot 21077; Heritage 3040 (9 April 2015), lot 30139.

1008.

ITALY, Lucca. Republic. 1169-1805. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (24mm, 3.39 g, 5h). Struck circa 1552. Coat-ofarms / Radiate bust of Christ facing slightly left. Bellesia 34/C; MIR 179; Friedberg 490. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-003, graded MS 61. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s, Bowers & Ponterio (7 August 2014), lot 1164.

337

Friedberg Plate Coin

1009.

ITALY, Mantova (Marquisate). Francesco II Gonzaga. 1484–1519. AV Ducato (23mm, 3.41 g, 2h). Dies by Gian Marco Cavalli. Second period, 1497-1519. Cuirassed bust left / Crucible in flames. MIR 409; MEC 12, –; Adams III 2507 (this coin); Friedberg 520 (this coin illustrated). In NGC encapsulation 6864464-012, graded AU 58. Top Pop. A very rare ducat.

($2500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection (Part III, Triton XIX, 6 January 2016), lot 2507; Stack’s (8 December 1988), lot 3245; Stack’s (4 March 1988), lot 1257.

An epigram by Battista Spagnoli il Mantovano (1477-1516) probably refers to this coin: AD MARCUM CABALLUM NOBILEM FICTOREM

On Behalf of the Noble Sculptor, Marco Cavallo

Ipse nec est fictus, vivit Franciscus in auro.

Quod si fictum, opus (est), Marce Caballe, tuum hoc.

Francisco is not a sculpture in gold, he himself lives; But if (he were) a sculpture, this is your work, Marco Cavallo.

1010.

ITALY, Mantova (Marquisate). Francesco II Gonzaga. 1484–1519. AR Testone (27mm, 9.71 g, 4h). Dies by Gian Marco Cavalli. Second period, 1497-1519. Armored bust left / Crucible set in flames. MIR 418; MEC 12. 526. An excellent example of this celebrated Renaissance coin. Richly toned. Good VF. Very rare, especially so this fine. ($7500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Glendining’s (15 October 1985), lot 523; ‘Late Collector’ (Sotheby, 12 June 1976), lot 74 (a collection chiefly formed in the 18th century).

A close associate of the another great Mantuan artist Andrea Mantegna, Gian Marco Cavalli, was in employ of Federico Gonzaga from 1481.

He was later summoned to Hall in the Tyrol to make patterns for the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian.

338

1011.

ITALY, Messerano. Pier Luca II Fieschi. As Count of Lavagna, 1528-1548. AR Testone (31mm, 9.37 g, 8h).

Draped bust right / St. Teonesto seated facing, holding palm frond and raising hand in benediction. MIR 709; Morosini 4.

Toned. Near EF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 2 (12 September 1996), lot 1552.

1012.

ITALY, Messerano. Pier Luca II Fieschi. As Count of Lavagna, 1528-1548. AR Testone (21mm, 9.33 g, 7h). Eagle facing with wings spread, head left / St. Teonesto standing facing, holding banner and resting sword on ground. MIR 711.

Toned with underlying luster. EF. Well struck. Rare. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (15 July 1998), lot 759.

1013.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Filippo Maria Visconti. 1412-1447. AV Fiorino – Ducato (20mm, 3.51 g, 10h). Third period, 1436-1447. Armored figure on caparisoned horse right, holding sword and reins / Crested helmet left surmounting coat-of-arms; fƩ ȶª, each with crown above flanking helmet; all within arched and angled quadrilobe. MIR 150/1; Crippa 1/C; MEC 12, 972; Friedberg 681. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-009, graded AU 55. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (10 April 1985), lot 568.

339

First Portrait Coin of the Renaissance

1014.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Francesco I Sforza. 1450-1466. AV Ducato (23mm, 3.45 g, 10h). Third period, 14621464. Armored bust right / Armored figure on caparisoned horse right, holding sword and reins. MIR 171/1; Crippa 2; MEC 12, 708 var. (rev. legend); Friedberg 683. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-011, graded AU 53. Slightly double struck on obverse as usual for type. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Steinberg, October 2000.

‘It was appropriate that Francesco was the first modern ruler to issue portrait coins, for the essence of these was they showed the duke in his humanity, and Francesco was the very type of Renaissance prince who governed by virtue of his personal qualities and not by hereditary or constitutional right.’ – John Porteous, Coins in History

1015.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Galeazzo Maria Sforza. 1466-1476. AV Ducato (23mm, 3.50 g, 10h). Struck under Bianca Maria Visconti as regent, 1467–1468. Armored bust right, wearing small ruff / Helmet left, crested by dragon consuming human figure; branding irons with buckets to left and right; G 3 flanking. MIR 200/1; Crippa 2/A; MEC 12, 721; Friedberg 688. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-012, graded AU 58. Some minor die rust. Attractive yellow tone. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s (6 December 1995), lot 1833.

1016.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Galeazzo Maria Sforza. 1466-1476. AV Ducato (24mm, 3.52 g, 7h). Struck under Bianca Maria Visconti as regent, 1467–1468. Armored bust right, wearing small ruff / Helmet left, crested by dragon consuming human figure; branding irons with buckets to left and right; G 3 flanking. MIR 200/1; Crippa 2/A; MEC 12, 721; Friedberg 688. Lustrous, some light hairlines. Near EF. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 20 (2 November 2000), lot 141.

340

1017.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Galeazzo Maria Sforza. 1466-1476. AV Ducato (23mm, 3.52 g, 9h). Second period, 1474-1476. Armored bust right, wearing small ruff / Helmet left, crested by dragon consuming human figure; branding irons with buckets to left and right; G3 M flanking. MIR 200/5; Crippa 4/B; MEC 12, –; Friedberg 688. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-014, graded MS 61. Very rare variety. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1018.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Galeazzo Maria Sforza. 1466-1476. AV Ducato (24mm, 3.43 g, 1h). Second period, 1474-1476. Armored bust right, wearing small ruff / Helmet left, crested by dragon consuming human figure; branding irons with buckets to left and right; G3 M flanking. MIR 200/6; Crippa 5; MEC 12, 732; Friedberg 688. Crimped, some edge marks.

VF. Rare. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s (4 March 1988), lot 1275.

1019.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Galeazzo Maria Sforza. 1466-1476. AR Testone (28mm, 9.15 g, 2h). Second period, 1474-1476. Armored bust right / Helmet left, crested by dragon consuming human figure; branding irons with buckets to left and right; G3 M flanking. MIR 201/2; Crippa 6/A; MEC 12, 735. Toned, a few minor edge marks. Near EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from C. Subak. Ex Herbert A. Cahn Collection (Münzen und Medaillen AG 87, 4 June 1998), lot 516.

The increased supply of silver and resulting issue of larger coins during the reign of Galeazzo allowed for the die engravers, who had been limited by the small diameter and thin flans of the gold ducats, to produce truly impressive portrait coins for the first time.

341

Very Rare Testone of Bona di Savoia

1020.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Bona di Savoia. Regent, 1476-1481. AR Testone (28mm, 9.50 g, 3h). Second period, 14791480. Veiled bust right / Phoenix left, wings spread, rising from flames. MIR 218/1; Crippa 2/A; MEC 12, 746. Small edge split, a few light scratches under old tone. VF. Very rare. The sole portrait of a woman in the Italian Renaissance series. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Baldwin’s 71 (29 September 2011), lot 2047.

Bona of Savoy became regent for her son Gian Galeazzo after the assassination of her husband Galeazzo Maria Sforza on the porch of San Stefano on 26 December 1476. The rare Testone bearing her portrait were issued shortly before she renounced her regency and went into exile in Piedmont leaving the care of her son and the state to her brother-in-law Ludovico il Moro. With the exception of the medallic ‘Taler’ issues of Margherita di Foix from Saluzzo, the Bona of Savoy’s testone are the only coins of the Italian Renaissance to bear a portrait of a woman.

1021.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Giovanni Galeazzo Maria Sforza. 1476-1494. AR Testone (29mm, 9.48 g, 3h). First period, under Ludovico Maria Sforza as regent, circa 1481-1492. Armored bust right / Coat-of-arms surmounted by two ornately crested helmets. MIR 222; Crippa 4; MEC 12, 749. Lightly toned. Good VF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Superior (6 February 1978), lot 1308.

1022.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Giovanni Galeazzo Sforza, with Ludovico Maria Sforza. 1476-1494. AR Grosso da 5 soldi (24mm, 2.91 g, 8h). First period, under Ludovico Maria Sforza as regent, circa 1481-1492. Helmet left, crested by dragon consuming human figure / Mitred facing bust of St. Ambrosius. MIR 223; Crippa 5; cf. MEC 12, 753-4 (for type). Vivid electric blue iridescent toning. EF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Monnaies de Collection Monaco 4 (15 November 2018), lot 942.

342

1023.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Giovanni Galeazzo Sforza, with Ludovico Maria Sforza. 1476-1494. AR Testone (28mm, 9.58 g, 5h). Second period, circa 1492/3-1494. Armored bust of Giovanni right / Armored bust of Ludovico right.

MIR 221; Crippa 3; MEC 12, 761. Pleasing iridescent toning, minor lamination on reverse. Good VF. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

Described as ‘some of the most beautiful coins ever made’ the Milanese Testone by the goldsmith and medallist Caradosso portray on one side Giovavanni Galeazzo as ‘a youth of ravishing beauty’ and, on the other, Ludovico ‘the archetypal wicked uncle.’ As Porteous observed, ‘the conjunction of the two on either side of the same piece in the years 1481-94 is dramatic.’

1024.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Giovanni Galeazzo Sforza, with Ludovico Maria Sforza. 1476-1494. AR Testone (28mm, 9.63 g, 10h). Second period, circa 1492/3-1494. Armored bust of Giovanni right / Armored bust of Ludovico right.

MIR 221; Crippa 3; MEC 12, 761. Minor edge marks. Pleasing iridescent toning. Good VF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from International Coin.

1025.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Lodovico Sforza. 1494-1499. AR Testone (27mm, 9.61 g, 10h). Armored bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms; olive branch and palm frond in crown; branding irons with buckets to left and right. MIR 229/1; Crippa 2; MEC 12, 763. Toned. Good VF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (21 November 1974), lot 1071 (illustrated on front cover).

343

Ex Robert de Bourbon & Prinz Philipp von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha

1026.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Lodovico XII di Francia. 1499-1500. AR Testone (28mm, 9.75 g, 2h). First period, 1499-1505. Crowned and mantled bust right / St. Ambrosius on horseback right, holding flail and reins; crowned coat-of-arms below. MIR 236/1; Crippa 3/A; MEC 12, 769; Duplessy 723; Ciani 997. Rich cabinet toning, slightly double struck on bust, minor edge marks. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Robert de Bourbon Collection (Auctiones AG 18, 21 September 1989), lot 20; Prinz Philipp von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha Collection (L. Hamburger, 20 February 1928), lot 5030.

Louis XII seized control of Milan early in 1499, ousting the ruling Sforzas. Louis’s coinage in his Italian possessions bear the first veristic portraits of a French king on a coin. Testons bearing Louis’s portrait would follow in France some 15 years later.

1027.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Francesco I di Francia. 1515-1521. AR Testone (27mm, 9.59 g, 5h). St. Ambrosius seated facing, holding flail and crozier / Crowned coat-of-arms. MIR 261; Crippa 3. Toned, minor deposits. Good VF. Rare. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Monnaies de Collection Monaco 4 (15 November 2018), lot 944.

1028.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Francesco II Sforza. 1521-1535. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (26mm, 3.40 g, 3h). Crowned coat-of-arms; palm frond and olive branch in crown / Cross fourchée terminating in crowns with palm frond and olive branch.

MIR 267; Crippa 2; Friedberg 702. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-008, graded AU 58. Top Pop. Rare. ($2500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex “Collection d’un amateur distingue” (Spink Taisei Numismatics 48, 27 October 1993), lot 54.

344

1029.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Carlo I di Spagna (Carlo V, Holy Roman Emperor). 1535-1554. AR Testone (28mm, 9.04 g, 5h). Struck 1551. Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Pillars of Hercules set on waves, intertwined with banner. MIR 284/2; Crippa 11/A. Toned. Good VF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 104 (16 December 2017), lot 162.

1030.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Carlo I di Spagna (Carlo V, Holy Roman Emperor). 1535-1554. AR Denaro da 25 soldi (28mm, 8.55 g, 12h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Salus standing left, holding scepter and feeding from patera a snake rising from altar to left; to lower left, the river god Po reclining right, resting arm on overflowing urn and holding transverse scepter. MIR 285; Crippa 12. Toned. Good VF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, November 1981.

1031.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Carlo I di Spagna (Carlo V, Sacro Romano Impero). 1535-1554. AR Medal (31mm, 12.04 g, 12h). Tribute of the Milanese Senate to the Emperor. By Leone Leoni. Struck circa 1535. CAROLVS · AVG · IMP · CAES ·, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / · S · P · Q · MEDIOL · OPTIO · PRINCIPI ·, Pietas seated left on lionbacked altar, holding patera; arms and armor in background; PIETAS in exergue. MIR –; Crippa 26/B; MEC 12, 788. Toned, edge marks. EF. A magnificent example of this most impressive medallic type. Very rare thus. ($5000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Asta Ceresio [1] (26 September 1987), lot 416 (illustrated on front cover).

On this celebrated type the talented sculptor and medalist Leone Leoni combines a flamboyant bust of the Emperor with a reverse derived from a Sestertius of Caligula struck to commemorate the dedication of the temple to Divus Augustus (RIC 36). Leoni was to become master of the mint in Milan in 1542.

345

1032 1033 1032.

ITALY, Milano (Duchy). Filippo II di Spagna. 1554-1598. AV Doppia (27mm, 5h) (27mm, 6.59 g, 5h). Dated 1588. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Crowned coat-of-arms; palm frond and olive branch in crown. MIR 301/7; Crippa 4/E2; Friedberg 716. Lustrous, a few faint hairlines. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XVII (7 January 2014), lot 1095; Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.10789).

1033.

ITALY, Mirandola (Duchy). Ludovico II Pico. 1550-1568. AV Scudo d’oro del Sole (25mm, 2h) (26mm, 3.32 g, 2h). Coat-of-arms; rayed sun above / Composite cross with leaves in angles. MIR 501; Friedberg 752. In NGC encapsulation 6205479-015, graded MS 61. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (22 October 2021), lot 71276.

1034.

ITALY, Modena (Duchy). Ercole II d’Este. 1534-1559. AR Bianco da 10 soldi (27mm, 4.90 g, 2h). Bare head right / Coat-of-arms. MIR 646. Iridescent toning, flan flaws in hair and on face, minor marks. Near EF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Glendining’s (15 October 1985), lot 524.

1035.

ITALY, Napoli (Kingdom). Alfonso I il Magnanimo (the Magnanimous) d’Aragona. 1442-1458. AV Alfonsino – 1½ Ducato (27mm, 5.30 g, 10h). Napoli or Gaeta mint. Coat-of-arms / Knight right on caparisoned horse, holding sword. MIR 53; Pannuti-Riccio 2; MEC 14, 848 var. (legends); Friedberg 816. Richly toned, tiny edge marks. EF. Very well struck for the type. Rare. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex “Collection d’un amateur distingue” (Spink Taisei Numismatics 48, 27 October 1993), lot 59.

346

1036.

ITALY, Napoli (Kingdom). Carlo I di Spagna (Carlo V, Holy Roman Emperor). 1516-1554. AV Scudo (26mm, 3.28 g, 8h). Napoli (or Barcelona?) mint. Crowned double-headed eagle facing, wings spread, crowned coat-of-arms on breast / Cross fleurée terminating in crowns; K in second and third quarters. MIR p. 87 note; Pannuti-Riccio –; Cayón p. 142; ME 3238; Friedberg 836. Rich yellow tone, minor edge marks. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Joel Coen, May 1990.

The precise attribution of this issue remains a matter of discussion. MIR gives the coat-of-arms/cross fleurée gold types as having been struck in Spain, while Cayón notes that varieties with the letter K in particular were struck in Naples. ME specifically gives them as Barcelona issues of 1535, struck in relation to Carlo’s Tunisia expedition.

1037.

ITALY, Napoli (Kingdom). Filippo II di Spagna. 1554-1598. AR Mezzo ducato (35mm, 14.99 g, 8h). Second period. Napoli mint. Struck 1561-1567. Armored and draped bust right, wearing ruff / Crowned coat-of-arms. MIR 171/1; Pannuti-Riccio 15a. Richly toned. Near EF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1038.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Nicholas V. 1447-1455. AV Ducato papale (22mm, 3.52 g, 6h). Rome mint. Coat-ofarms surmounted by Papal tiara; all within quadrilobe / St. Peter standing facing, holding key in right hand and gospel in left; all within quadrilobe. MIR 329/2; Muntoni 4; Berman 326; Friedberg 6 (Vatican). In NGC encapsulation 6864464-006, graded MS 62. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Ponterio 22 (1 December 1985), lot 369.

347

1039.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Paul II. 1464-1471. AV Ducato papale (24mm, 3.50 g, 4h). Rome mint. Crossed keys surmounted by papal tiara over coat-of-arms; all within quadrilobe / St. Peter, holding key and Gospels, and St. Paul, holding sword and Gospels, standing facing. MIR 404/1; Muntoni 16; Berman 401; Friedberg 19 (Vatican). Minor edge mark, small attempted repair on St. Peter. Good VF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (10 February 1993), lot 600.

1040.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Sixtus IV. 1471-1484. AR Grosso (24mm, 3.04 g, 5h). Rome mint. Bust left, wearing mantum / Coat-of-arms within tetralobe. MIR 454; Muntoni 14; Berman 451. Toned, scratch, scuff, clipped. VF. The first Papal portrait coin. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Lepczyk 61 (13 March 1985), lot 1365.

1041.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Innocent VIII. 1484-1492. AV Fiorino di camera (21mm, 3.37 g, 7h). Rome mint. Crossed keys surmounted by papal tiara over coat-of-arms; all within quadrilobe / St. Peter standing left in boat, casting net. MIR 488/2; Muntoni 3; Berman 497; Friedberg 26 (Vatican). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-001, graded AU 55. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Lepczyk 61 (13 March 1985), lot 629.

1042.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Alexander VI. 1492-1503. AV Fiorino di camera (22mm, 3.37 g, 11h). Rome mint.

Crossed keys surmounted by papal tiara over coat-of-arms; all within quadrilobe / St. Peter standing left in boat, casting net. MIR 519/1; Muntoni 8; Berman 530; Friedberg 31 (Vatican). In NGC encapsulation 6864464-002, graded MS 61. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Kallman Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 1301; Elsen 95 (15 March 2008) lot 1029.

348

Extremely Rare Giulio of Julius II

1043.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Julius II. 1503-1513. AR Giulio (27mm, 3.70 g, 3h). Rome mint. Dies by Piermaria Serbaldi da Pescia. Bust right, wearing mantum and zucchetto / Sts. Peter and Paul embracing. MIR 558; Muntoni 24; Berman 570. Toned, minor deposits. Good VF. Extremely rare. A wonderful portrait coin. ($7500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Gadoury Online Auction 40 (24 April 2023), lot 83 (hammer €15,000).

Piermaria Serbaldi gained fame as an engraver of gems. Vasari says he was “grandissimo imitatore delle cose antiche.” He was made engraver of the Roman mint for life in 1499 remaining in office till 1522. His consummate mastery of working in low relief is found on this very rare Giulio of the warrior pope Julius II.

1044.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Leo X. 1513-1521. AR Giulio – Leone (26mm, 3.32 g, 10h). Macerata (or Ancona) mint.

Half-length busts of St Paul, holding sword and gospel, facing right, and St. Peter, holding key and gospel, facing left, both within crescent frames above coat-of-arms surmounted by crossed keys and Papal tiara / Lion standing left, resting paw on globe, being crowned by Victory flying left. MIR 679; Muntoni 74; Berman 672. Toned, minor deposits. Good VF. Rare. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Christie’s Milan (29 November 2011), lot 50.

349

1045.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AV Doppio fiorino di camera (26mm, 6.80 g, 10h). Rome mint. Crossed keys surmounted by papal tiara over coat-of-arms; all within quadrilobe / St. Peter standing left in boat, casting net; monogram below. MIR 786/1; Muntoni 14; Berman 829; Friedberg 59 (Vatican). Highly lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 6864464-003, graded MS 64. Top Pop. A superb coin. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s (4 March 1988), lot 2129.

1046.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AV Fiorino di camera (23mm, 3.31 g, 12h). Rome mint.

Crossed keys surmounted by papal tiara over coat-of-arms; all within quadrilobe / St. Peter standing left in boat, casting net; F over crescent below. MIR 787/2; Muntoni 16; Berman 830; Friedberg 60 (Vatican). In NGC encapsulation 6864464-004, graded MS 65. Top Pop. A choice coin. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s (7 December 1989), lot 2156.

350

1047.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AR Doppio giulio (31mm, 7.65 g, 10h). Rome mint. Dies by Valerio Belli. Struck circa 1525. Coat-of-arms surmounted by crossed keys and Papal tiara / Confronted nimbate and draped busts of Sts. Peter and Paul. MIR 788/1; Muntoni 39; Berman 840. Toned, a few light marks on obverse. EF. Detailed portraits of the Apostles. ($2500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Münzen und Medaillen AG FPL 154 (February 1956), no. 138.

Valerio Belli, also called Vicentino, was a very skilled medalist and supremely talented engraver of intaglios. A friend of Raphael, who painted his portrait in 1517, Belli was patronised extensively by Clement VII and Paul III, cutting dies for some 150 coins and medals. His most famous work is the spectacular rock crystal casket presented by Clement VII to Francis I of France on the marriage of Clement’s niece Catherine de Medici to the Dauphin, later Henry II.

Dies by Benvenuto Cellini

1048.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AR Doppio carlino (28mm, 5.44 g, 7h). Rome mint. Dies

by Benvenuto Cellini. Struck 1529-1534. Bust left, wearing mantum and zucchetto / Christ standing left, pulling St. Peter from water with right hand. MIR 809/1; Muntoni 43; Berman 841. Toned, crisply struck. EF. Rare, especially in this high grade. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Golden Horn Collection (Stack’s, 12 January 2009), lot 4287.

Cellini’s tempestuous relationship with Clement VII is revealed in vivid detail in his autobiography. During the sack of Rome by the Imperial forces of the Constable of Bourbon both artist and pontiff found themselves holed up the Castel San Angelo. Cellini gained distinction manning the guns defending the castle. During the siege Clement ordered Cellini to melt down the papal collection of great jewels. Some time later Cellini had to beg the pope’s forgiveness for ‘accidentally’ not returning over a pound of gold he had accumulated in the process.

351

Muntoni Plate Coin

1049.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AR Doppio carlino (28mm, 5.40 g, 7h). Rome mint. Dies by Benvenuto Cellini. Struck 1529-1534. Bust left, wearing mantum and zucchetto / Christ standing left, pulling St. Peter from water with right hand. MIR 809/1; Muntoni 43 (this coin illustrated for obv.); Berman 841. Beautiful old cabinet toning, a few faint scratches under tone. Near EF. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 20 (2 November 2000), lot 244 (hammer CHF 11,000).

Struck from a different obverse die than the preceding lot.

1050.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Paul III. 1534-1549. AV Doppio fiorino di camera (26mm, 6.55 g, 1h). Rome mint.

Dies by Leone Leoni. Struck 1534-1540. Bust left, wearing zucchetto and mantum / St. Peter standing left in boat, casting net; crossed lion’s arms below. MIR 877/2; Muntoni 2; Berman 900; Friedberg 62 (Vatican). Smoothed and tooled, minor edge marks. VF. Very rare. ($5000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1051.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Paul III. 1534-1549. AV Scudo (26mm, 3.38 g, 10h). Rome mint. Dies by Benvenuto Cellini. Struck 1534-1535. Crossed keys surmounted by papal tiara over coat-of-arms / St. Paul standing facing, holding gospel and sword; lis below. MIR 867/2; Muntoni 20; Berman 904; Friedberg 65 (Vatican). In NGC encapsulation 6864464005, graded AU 58. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Baldwin’s 71 (29 September 2011), lot 2024.

352

1052.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Gregory XIII. 1572-1585. AR Testone da 3 giuli (30mm, 9.57 g, 2h). Rome mint.

Struck 1575-1581. Coat-of-arms with supporters, surmounted by crossed keys and Papal tiara / Christ standing left, raising hand in benediction; to left, three figures kneeling right in supplication. MIR 1174; Muntoni 77; Berman 1174. Richly toned.

EF. Rare. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1053.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Gregory XIII. 1572-1585. AR Testone da 3 giuli (30mm, 9.49 g, 11h). Ancona mint.

Dated 1581. Bust right, wearing zucchetto and mantum / Christ standing facing, holding shovel, drawing away from Mary Magdalene kneeling right, extending hand to Christ; in exergue, coat-of-arms surmounted by tasseled gallero. MIR 1211/1; Muntoni 201; Berman 1213. Richly toned with flashes of iridescence. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXVI.6 (June 1978), no. 8683.

The reverse illustrates a scene recorded in John 20:15-17, where Mary Magdalene, weeping at the sepulcher after finding the stone removed and Christ’s body missing, questions a figure she initially mistakes as a gardener about the body’s whereabouts. She soon recognizes this figure as Christ, who tells her “Noli me tangere” (“touch me not”) and directs her to inform others of the Resurrection.

1054.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement X. 1670-1676. AR Testone (32mm, 9.57 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck 1675.

Coat-of-arms surmounted by crossed keys and Papal tiara / King David seated right, playing harp; in exergue, coat-of-ams surmounted by tasseled gallero. MIR 1937/2; Muntoni 26; Berman 2015; KM 350. Deep iridescent toning with traces of luster.

Superb EF. One of the most beautiful Testone issues in the Papal series. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 7 (6 October 1997), lot 1856.

353

1055.

ITALY, Piacenza (Duchy). Ranuccio I Farnese. 1592-1622. AV Due doppie (29mm, 13.11 g, 8h). Dated 1599 PP. Draped and cuirassed bust left / She-wolf standing left; behind, three branches surmounted by crown. MIR 1152/1; Friedberg 907. Edge marks, light scratches and hairlines. Good VF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (20 October 2010), lot 772; Numismatica Ars Classica 35 (2 December 2006), lot 366.

Morosini Plate Coin

1056.

ITALY, Reggio (Duchy). Ercole II d’Este. 1534-1559. AR Bianco (29mm, 4.80 g, 9h). Dated 1553. Draped bust left, wearing ruff / Coat-of-arms. MIR 1302; Morosini 29 (this coin cited and illustrated). Rich cabinet toning, some light marks. Good VF. An exceptional example of this very rare issue. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, October 2019.

1057.

ITALY, Saluzzo (Marquisate). Michele Antonio. 1504-1528. AR Cornuto (32mm, 5.45 g, 10h). Carmagnola mint.

Crowned helmet set on coat-of-arms and surmounted by crowned eagle with head left, wings spread / St. Constantine on horseback right, holding labarum; annulet below. MIR 146. Richly toned with underlying lsuter. EF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

354

1058.

ITALY, Savoia (Duchy). Carlo II. 1504-1553. AR Testone (27mm, 9.32 g, 8h). Bourg mint. Armored bust right, wearing biretta / Coat-of arms; knot above, FE RT across fields. MIR 340a. Toned. Good VF. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XIV (4 January 2011), lot 1407.

1059.

ITALY, Savoia (Duchy). Emanuele Filiberto. 1553-1580. AR Lira (33mm, 12.66 g, 5h). Chambéry mint. Dated 1562 P. Armored bust right, wearing ruff / INSTAR/ OMNIVM within wreath. MIR 506d. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Choice EF. A superb coin, Much as struck. Very rare in this condition. ($5000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

355

1060.

ITALY, Savoia (Duchy). Emanuele Filiberto. 1553-1580. AR Testone (28mm, 9.29 g, 6h). Asti(?) mint. Dated 1561 A. Armored bust right, wearing ruff / Crowned coat-of-arms. MIR 510. Toned, flan split, light deposits and faint scratches.

Near EF. Rare. ($2500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Monnaies de Collection Monaco 4 (15 November 2018), lot 973.

Pedigreed to 1915

1061.

ITALY, Sicilia (Kingdom). Federico I (Federico II, Holy Roman Emperor). 1198-1250. AV Augustale (21mm, 5.26 g, 6h). Messina mint. Struck 1231-1250. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left, head right, with wings spread. Kowalski dies U11/A38, no. 491 (this coin); MIR 59; Spahr 98; MEC 14, 515; Friedberg 134 (Brindisi). Toned, some marks behind bust and on edge, tiny edge split. Good VF. Rare. ($7500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex P. R. Franchville Collection (Heritage, 12 December 1985), lot 463; Giuseppe Ruggero Collection (R. Ratto, 8 February 1915), lot 3452.

Although very much a medieval coin the magnificent Augustales of Frederick II, with their fine high relief bust of the Emperor derived from Roman imperial types, prefigure the inspiration in the antique found in issues of the later Renaissance masters.

356

1062.

ITALY, Sicilia (Kingdom). Carlo I di Spagna (Carlo V, Holy Roman Emperor). 1516-1554. AR 2 Tarì (26mm, 5.76 g, 6h). Messina mint. Dated 1553 GM. Crowned and armored bust right / Crowned eagle facing with wings spread, head right. MIR 293/2; Spahr 245. Richly toned, some light deposits, edge splits. EF. A superb example. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Dr. Feori Pipito Collection (Superior, 12 December 1987), lot 2881.

Excessively Rare Sienese Giulio

1063.

ITALY, Siena. Republic. 1404-1555. AR Giulio (27mm, 3.17 g, 10h). Dated 1549. The Virgin in radiant clouds, borne by cherubs / Cross fleurée. MIR 568. Richly toned. EF. Extremely rare. ($2500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coins & Antiquities (8 September 1986), lot 425.

Only one example of this type, dated 1548, is on CoinArchives in pierced and Near Fine grade. Montagano records a unique gold Scudo from the same dies as the present coin in the National Museum in Rome (MIR 565) and notes Toderi considered it to be a proof of the Guilio issue.

357

1064.

ITALY, Toscana (Grand Duchy). Cosimo I de Medici. 1569-1574. AR Piastra d’argento (40mm, 32.03 g, 8h).

Firenze (Florence) mint. Dated 1570. Draped and armored bust right / St. John standing facing, raising hand in benediction and holding long cross. MIR 166/1; Davenport 8383. Richly toned, small flan crack, a few light marks in fields. Good VF. Very rare date. A beautiful Mannerist crown-sized coin. This piece finer than the MIR plate coin. ($5000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1065.

ITALY, Toscana (Grand Duchy). Francesco I de Medici. 1574-1587. AR Testone (33mm, 9.19 g, 5h). Firenze (Florence) mint. Dated 1575. Draped and cuirassed bust right / St. John seated facing, head left, raising hand in benediction and holding long cross. MIR 183/5. Rich cabinet toning. Good VF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (16 August 1983), lot 797.

358

1066.

ITALY, Toscana (Grand Duchy). Cosimo III de Medici. 1670-1723. AR Mezzo tallero (37mm, 13.32 g, 6h).

Livorno mint. Dated 1683. Crowned, armored, and draped bust right / Galley under sail right, with decorative prow. MIR 75; KM 26. Toned. Good VF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 85 (15 Septembe 2010), lot 1384.

1067.

ITALY, Urbino (Duchy). Francesco Maria I della Rovere, with Pope Leo X. First reign, 1508-1516. AV Ducato (21mm, 3.45 g, 6h). Urbino mint. Struck 1513-1516. Armored bust right / Crowned eagle standing left, with wings spread, resting claw on coat-of-arms to left. Cavicchi 63; Adams III 2529 (this coin); Friedberg 1197 var. (citing Julius II). In NGC encapsulation 6864711-006, graded XF 45. Very rare citing Leo X. ($5000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams Collection (Triton XIX, 6 January 2016), lot 2529, purchased from Bank Leu, October 1984.

1068.

ITALY, Urbino (Duchy). Francesco Mari II della Rovere. 1574-1621 and 1623-1634. AR Testone (29mm, 9.11 g, 10h). Gubbio mint. Armored and draped bust right, wearing ruff / Tree with city view in background. Cavicchi 142; CNI XIV 11. Richly toned, edge marks, small flan split. VF. Rare. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Glendining’s (15 October 1985), lot 521.

359

1069.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Nicolò Tron. 1471-1473. AR Tron – Lira da 20 soldi (28mm, 6.55 g, 12h). Struck 14721473. Draped bust left, wearing ducal biretta; three leaves below / Winged lion of St. Mark facing, holding gospel; all within wreath. Paolucci 2; MEC 12, 1341-4. Lightly toned with some luster. Near EF. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Alex Numismatica.

Struck from dies produced by Antonello della Moneta, superintendent of the mint, the lira of 20 soldi is the earliest silver testone in Europe.

Placing a portrait of the Doge on the coinage proved anathema in the Most Serene and most conservative Republic. Nicolo Tron’s successor did not repeat the experiment.

The First Osella

1070.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Antonio Grimani. 1521-1523. AR Osella (33mm, 8.89 g, 2h). Struck 1521. Christ seated right, holding gospel and raising hand in benediction; to right, St. Mark standing right, presenting banner to Doge kneeling left / Justitia, standing right, and Pax, standing left, clasping hands. Paolucci, Zecca 1; Werdnig 1 variante 1. Toned, mount marks, a few light scratches. Good Fine. Extremely rare. The first osella. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Luma Collection (Spink 136, 6 October 1999), lot 401.

From the introduction to the Luma Collection: ‘Osellas orignated as an annual tribute payment by the Doge to the Venetian nobility upon surrendering absolute power. Gifts of particular symbolic poultry evolved in 1361 into partial cash payments, and in 1521 into specifically struck coins: (the name osella is derived from the word for bird). As each member of the great Council received one coin, approximately 2,500 pieces were issued each year. The coins were legal tender and did circulate, but many were retained, partly for their range of pictoral designs...

As they were mainly intended as presentation pieces, they have usually been mounted.’

360

1071.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Andrea Gritti. 1523-1538. AV Scudo d’oro (25mm, 3.38 g, 7h). Cross fleurée; pinecone at end of each bar / Coat-of-arms. Paolucci 3; Friedberg 1448. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-001, graded MS 61. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s (20 March 1985), lot 385.

1072.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Sebastiano Veniero. 1577-1578. AR Osella (34mm, 9.64 g, 4h). Dated RY 1 (AD 1577).

St. Mark seated right, presenting cross-tipped banner to Doge kneeling left, being crowned by angel flying right / Nimbate half-length figure of Christ in clouds above city view of Venice. Paolucci, Zecca 60; Werdnig 56 variante 1. Richly toned, minor edge mark. VF. Very rare. The only osella type issued for this doge. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1073.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Pasqual Cicogna. 1585-1595. AR Ducato da 124 soldi (41mm, 28.06 g, 2h). Struck circa 1588. Lion of St. Mark right, presenting cross-tipped banner to Doge kneeling left / St. Justina standing facing, holding quill and Gospel, pierced by sword; behind, two galleys at sea before the Curzolari (Echanides) Islands. Paolucci 14; Davenport 8404. Toned, a few light scratches. Good VF. Rare. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Spink 121 (7 October 1997), lot 772.

361

1074.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Giovanni Cornaro. 1624-1630. AR Osella (37mm, 9.74 g, 10h). Dated RY 2, AUC 1290, and 1710 MAB. Crowned and nimbate Lion of St. Mark facing, wings spread, holding gospel in paws / Legend in seven lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 193; Wednig 191. Toned, spot of discoloration on reverse. EF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XIX (5 January 2016), lot 776.

1075.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Alvise Contarini. 1676-1684. AR Osella (35mm, 9.69 g, 6h). Dated RY 6, AUC 1261, and 1681 GM. St. Mark seated right, presenting cross-tipped banner to Doge kneeling left; G M in exergue / Legend in six lines. Paolucci, Zecca 164; Werdnig 161. Toned, minor edge marks. Near EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 6 (9 June 1999), lot 1883.

1076.

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. ($4000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 26 (27 June 2003), lot 3126.

362

1077 1078 1077.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Francesco Loredano. 1752-1762. AR Osella (36mm, 9.72 g, 2h). Dated RY 5 and 1756 FT. Virgin holding infant Christ atop urn flanked by cherubs and angels blowing trumpets; below, S. Marco reclining right on lion, presenting corno Ducale to Doge kneeling left / Legend in six lines within cartouche; corno Ducale at top. Paolucci, Zecca 239; Wednig 237. Deep iridescent toning, edge marks. Good VF. An excellent type in a perfect Baroque style. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 6 (9 June 1997), lot 1893.

1078.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Marco Foscarini. 1762-1763. AR Osella (36mm, 9.80 g, 7h). Dated RY 1 VET M (AD 1762/3). Female figure seated facing, resting arm on globe and holding compass and rolled map / Legend in five lines within cartouche; corno Ducale at top. Paolucci, Zecca 245; Wednig 243. Deep iridescent toning with significant luster, a few scratches, edge marks. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Roma XII (29 September 2016), lot 1184.

1079.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Alvise IV Giovanni Mocenigo. 1763-1779. AR Osella (36mm, 9.7 g, 5h). Dated RY 2 and 1764 MF. Ornate altar decorated with figure of Madonna and infant at center, Sts. Mark and Matthew at sides, and various angels around / Legend in five lines within cartouche; corno Ducale at top. Paolucci, Zecca 247; Wednig 245. In NGC encapsulation 3899502-005, graded MS 63. ($2000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (9 January 2015), lot 1208.

1080 1081 1080.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Alvise IV Giovanni Mocenigo. 1763-1779. AR Osella (34mm, 12h). Commemorating the convention with the Bey of Tripolis. Dated 1766 MS. Tiger and lion seated facing one another / Legend in seven lines within wreath of palm and laurel. Paolucci, Zecca 249; Wednig 247. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4498768-004, graded MS 61. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Heritage 3067 (6 September 2018), lot 31903.

1081.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Alvise IV Giovanni Mocenigo. 1763-1779. AR Osella (34mm, 9.74 g, 12h). Dated RY 8 and 1770 BC. Justitia, holding scales, and Prudentia standing facing, holding hands; above, wreath of olive and palm / Legend in six lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 253; Werdnig 251. Richly toned with some luster, adjustment marks. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

363

1082.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Alvise IV Giovanni Mocenigo. 1763-1779. AR Osella (34mm, 9.84 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 and 1775 GMB. Crowned and nimbate Lion of St. Mark facing, wings spread, holding gospel in paws; rosette flanked by pellets in exergue / Legend in six lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 257; Wednig 255. Prooflike surfaces with dark gray toning, minor adjustment marks. Superb EF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XIX (5 January 2016), lot 779.

1083 1084 1083.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Alvise IV Giovanni Mocenigo. 1763-1779. AR Osella (34mm, 9.76 g, 12h).

Commemorating the Suppression of Gambling. Dually dated RY 13 and AD 1775 VV. Winged Genius standing left, setting fire to pile of dice and gambling equipment / Legend in five lines in wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 258; Wednig 256. Prooflike surfaces with light purple-gray toning. Superb EF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XIX (5 January 2016), lot 777.

1084.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Paolo Renier. 1779-1789. AR Osella (33mm, 9.77 g, 12h). Commemorating the Visit of Pope Pius VI on his Return from Vienna. Dually dated RY 4 and 1782 DT. Papal tiara atop crossed keys and corno Ducale, each set on cushiom and ornate base / Legend in five lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 265; Werdnig 263. Beautiful iridescent toning. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 99 (13 May 2015), lot 1039.

1085

1086

1085.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Paolo Renier. 1779-1789. AR Osella (32mm, 9.80 g, 12h). Recording the Discovery and Punishment by the Doge of Embezzlement at the Arsenale di Venezia. Dated RY 7 and 1785 AO. The two towers of the entrance to the Arsenale di Venezia; between, ship facing, set on waves / Legend in six lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 268; Werdnig 266. Toned with underlying luster. Superb EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1086.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Paolo Renier. 1779-1789. AR Osella (31mm, 9.53 g, 12h). Commemorating the bombardments of Sfax and Bizerte in North Africa. Dated RY 8 and 1786 FMR. La Serenissima, armored, standing facing, holding sword and shield / Legend in five lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 269; Werdnig 267. Toned, a few minor marks underneath, traces of mount, hints of luster. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Old World Coins, March 1980.

364

1087

1088

1087.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Paolo Renier. 1779-1789. AR Osella (33mm, 9.5 g, 12h). Dated RY 9 and 1787 GF. Lion standing right, raising paw, head left / Legend in five lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 270; Werdnig 268. In NGC encapsulation 3899502-007, graded MS 63. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (9 January 2015), lot 1210.

1088.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Paolo Renier. 1779-1789. AR Osella (32mm, 9.58 g, 12h). Dated RY 10 and 1788 GF. La Serenissima seated right on throne with lion of St. Mark, holding gospels, at her feet; banners and cannons to right / Legend in five lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 271; Werdnig 269. Lightly toned with significant luster. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 6 (9 June 1997), lot 1899.

1089.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Ludovico Manin. 1789-1797. AR Osella (32mm, 9.74 g, 12h). Commemorating the successful quarantine of a plague-ridden ship. Dated RY 5 and AD 1793 ZAB. The Virgin standing facing atop clouds, with halo of stars; buildings and sea behind, ship to left / Legend in five lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 276; Werdnig 274.

Toned with significant luster. EF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 1112.

1090

1091

1090.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Ludovico Manin. 1789-1797. AR Osella (33mm, 12h). Dated RY 5 and AD 1793 ZAB. The Virgin standing facing atop clouds, with halo of stars; buildings and sea behind, ship to left / Legend in five lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 276; Werdnig 274. In NGC encapsulation 2710560-015, graded MS 62. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Heritage 3083 (24 April 2020), lot 30453; Heritage 3057 (7 September 2017), lot 31168.

1091.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Ludovico Manin. 1789-1797. AR Osella (32mm, 9.79 g, 12h). Commemorating the generosity of the citizens of Venice. Dated RY 8 and 1796 FB. Citizen kneeling right, presenting bags of coins to La Serenissima standing left, wearing ducal regalia / Legend in five lines within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 279; Werdnig 277. Toned with some luster. EF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex I. Vecchi 6 (9 June 1997), lot 1905.

365

WORLD COINAGE Marriage Celebration

1092.

AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Maximilian I, with Maria von Burgund. As Duke and Duchess of Burgundy, 1477-1482. AR Hochzeitsguldiner (42.5mm, 30.49 g, 7h). On their marriage. Hall mint. By Ulrich Ursentaler. Dated 1479 (though struck after 1511). Laureate and mantled bust of Maximilian right; ETA TIS ·19· across field / Draped bust of Maria right; ·ETAT IS ·20· across field. Moser & Tursky 83; Voglhuber 3. Guilding in hair, lightly chased. Richly toned. VF. ($10,000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Triton XXI (9 January 2018), lot 956; Dorotheum (16 November 2016), lot 656; Vintler zu Platsch und Runkelstein (Brunecker Linie) family.

The Tyrolean noble family of von Vintler zu Platsch und Runkelstein (Brunecker Linie) had a long and distinguished association with the House of Habsburg, as well as other noble families in Tyrol and Germany. Due to the family’s wealth, Niklas Vintler, in 1385, purchased the Schloss Runkelstein, which became the family seat for the next 150 years. One member of the family, Konrad III (died 1480), was so well respected that he helped negotiate a treaty between Tyrol and Bavaria, and was the tutor/confessor to Eleonora, the daughter of James I of Scotland and wife of Sigismund, the Archduke of Austria. Given the family tradition that family possession of this medal goes back to the time of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, it is possible that it was acquired by Konrad himself, who may have been somehow involved in the the marriage of Maximilian to Maria.

The union of Maria, the daughter of Charles the Bold and Duchess of Burgundy, with Maximilian, the son of the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick III, and future Holy Roman Emperor himself, was the result of much political intrigue and resulted in the establishment of the Habsburgs as the preeminent political family in Europe. The untimely death of Charles the Bold in early 1477 left his ninteen-year-old daughter, Maria, the heiress of the sizable and far-reaching Duchy of Burgundy. Hoping to make inroads into the Burgundian Netherlands, Louis XI of France claimed the entire duchy on the grounds of the old Salic Law, which excluding females from the inheritance of a throne or fief. He proposed that Maria be betrothed to the Dauphin, an arrangement which Maria rejected. Advised by her step-mother, Margaret of York, the sister of both Edward IV and Richard III, Maria appealed to the Netherlands for assistance. In return, she was compelled to grant a number of concessions. Following her “Joyous Entry” into Ghent in February 1477, Maria signed the Great Privilege, a document laying out these concessions and one of the first steps on the road to Dutch independence. In the meantime, the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick III, had begun proposing his son, Maximilian, as a possible suitor. Not wanting to ally herself with the French, Maria accepted Maximilian as her choice, marrying him in August 1477. Maximilian proved an effective husband and political ally. He stabilized the situation in the Netherlands, creating a bond between the Habsburgs and the populace. In addition, the son of Maximilian and Maria, Philip the Handsome, would marry Juana, the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. Their son, Charles (who was born in Ghent), would succeed Ferdinand as King of Spain in 1506, and Maximilian in 1519 as Holy Roman Emperor.

366

1093.

AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Maximilian I. Emperor, 1493-1519. AR Guldiner – Taler (42mm, 28.25 g, 7h).

Klagenfurt mint. Dated 1518. Collared and mantled bust left, wearing cap / Three crowned coats-of-arms over eight coats-ofarms, the lowermost crowned. Voglhuber 24; Davenport 8007. Mottled toning. In NGC encapsulation 2790313-001, graded AU 55. A high grade example of this rare type. ($5000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Dr. James Eustace Bizzell Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 11 January 2019), lot 40016; American Numismatic Society Collection (Numismatica Genevensis SA VII, 27 November 2012), lot 1713, donated by W.B.O Field, 1946.

1094.

AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Rudolf II. Emperor, 1576-1611. AR Quarter Taler (30mm, 12h). Dated 1603.

Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. Moser & Tursky 356; Moser & Tursky, Rudolf R284; KM 44. Rich cabinet toning. In NGC encapsulation 21258746-026, graded MS 61. Very rare, especially in this condition. ($1500) Ex Koehlmoos Collection; Meister & Sonntag 9 (26 May 2010), lot 982.

367

a

b

c 1095.

BHUTAN. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. 1952-1972. Set of three (3) gold coins. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the accession of the king’s father. Dated 1926, 1952, and 1966. All coins: Bust of Wangchuck left, wearing raven crown / Floral pattern set on wheel. Includes: a) AV 5 Sertum. KM 35; Friedberg 1. In PCGS encapsulation 39652973, graded PCGS PR67 DCAM. b) AV 2 Sertum. KM 34; Friedberg 2. In PCGS encapsulation 39652974, graded PR66 DCAM c) AV Sertum. KM 33; Friedberg 3. In PCGS encapsulation 48409023, graded PR68 DCAM. Three (3) coins in set. Only 1200 proofs minted of each denomination.

($4000)

1096.

BULGARIA, Tsardom. Ferdinand I. 1908-1918. AR 50 Stotinki (17mm, 6h). Kremnitz mint. Dated 1913. Bare head left / Denomination within wreath. CBC p. 26; KM 30. In PCGS encapsulation 42272285, graded MS 67. One of three in this grade at PCGS, none higher at PCGS or NGC. ($1000)

368

Extremely Rare 1845 Bank of Montreal Halfpenny

1097.

CANADA, Province of Canada. Bank of Montreal. Pattern CU Halfpenny Token (28mm, 12h). Soho (Birmingham) mint. Dated 1845. View of the Bank of Montreal building flanked by trees / Coat-of-arms within garter and wreath. Charlton PC-1C; Breton 527; Corteau, Montreal p. 18. In NGC encapsulation 6943900-001, graded MS 64 BN. Prooflike with traces of luster. Extremely rare, one of fewer than ten known, of which no more than three are in private hands. ($25,000) The Bank of Montreal had been authorized by Parliament to import 1200 pounds of copper coins in the year 1845, but none were ever sent.

The Soho mint had, however, prepared dies for the 1845 issue. As these were never issued, halfpennies of this date are considered by Corteau to be patterns.

This exceptionally high grade copper is a stunning example of one of the rarest types in the Canadian token series, with both the Doug Robins and Partrick Collections lacking an example. The most recent example to appear on the market was in the fall 2015 Geoffrey Bell Auction, lot 129, which hammered for 51,000 CAD.

369

Graded Three Character Qi Knife

1098.

CHINA, Eastern Zhou dynasty - Warring States Period. State of Qí. Circa 400-220 BC. Æ Qi Knife (180x30mm, 45.0 g). Qi Fa Hua (= Qi Legal Money) in jīnwén (bronzeware script) characters / Three lines (or San?) and Gong in jīnwén (bronzeware script) characters. BN Chinoises I 342 var. (rev. characters); Hartill 4.6j. Charming patina, a lovely example. In GBCA encapsulation 1111878449, graded 82. ($1000)

1099.

CROATIA, Adriatic Coastal Cities. Zadar (Zara). AR 4 Francs 60 Centimes (40mm, 10h). Siege of Zadar. War of the Sixth Coalition issue. Dated 1813. Crowned eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right, with wings spread; ZAR to left, 1813 to right; all within diamond incuse / 1.0./4F 60C in two lines on tablet; all within incuse square. On edge: SB, SP and MF in three incuse squares. Korchnak 664; Maillet pl. CXXX, 3; De Mey & Poindessault 854; KM 1. Toned, diagnostic die break. In NGC encapsulation 3930788-002, graded AU 55. ($1500)

370

Choice Medieval Gold

Lot 1100

Lot 1101 Lot 1104

Lot 1110

Lot 1115

Lot 1120

Lot 1189

Lot 1106

Lot 1203

Lot 1324

Lot 1285

Lot 1326

371

Exceptional Petit Royal d’or

1100.

FRANCE, Royal. Philippe IV le Bel (the Fair). 1285–1314. AV Petit royal d’or (19mm, 3.51 g, 2h). Authorized August 1290. Philippe enthroned facing on lion head throne, holding lis-tipped scepter and lis / Cross feuillue and fleuronnée; lis in quarters. Duplessy 207; Ciani 193; Friedberg 255. Beautifully struck, lightly toned with underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 6496498-001, graded MS 63. Top Pop. A superb specimen. The highest graded example at either NGC and PCGS.

($20,000) Ex Ferdinand David collection.

Struck at the weight of the florin of Florence and tariffed at 10 sous tournois, the introduction of the charming Petit Royal d’or in 1290 marks the successful establishment of a French gold coinage.

Lamb of God

1101.

FRANCE, Royal. Philippe IV le Bel (the Fair). 1285–1314. AV Agnel d’or (24mm, 4.07 g, 3h). Authorized 26 January 1311. Agnus Dei standing left, head upturned right; behind, banner flying from ornate cruciform staff / Cross fleurée and feuillue; voided quatrefoil at center; lis in spandrels, trefoils at cusps. Duplessy 212; Ciani 199; Friedberg 258. In PCGS encapsulation 44653163, graded MS 62. ($5000) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Burgan (12 November 2021), lot 11.

372

1102.

FRANCE, Royal. Philippe V le Long (the Tall). 1316–1322. AV Agnel d’or (24mm, 4.10 g, 10h). Authorized 8 December 1316. Agnus Dei standing left, head upturned right; behind, banner flying from ornate cruciform staff; small cross below / Cross fleurée and feuillue; voided quatrefoil at center; lis in spandrels, trefoils at cusps. Duplessy 237; Ciani 243; Friedberg 260. In PCGS encapsulation 44653164, graded MS 62. Areas of rich red-purple toning. ($5000) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Burgan (12 November 2021), lot 14.

1103.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles IV le Bel (the Fair). 1322–1328. AV Agnel d’or (23mm, 4.06 g, 7h). Authorized 5 January 1322. Agnus Dei standing left, head upturned right; behind, banner flying from ornate cruciform staff; small crescent below / Cross fleurée and feuillue; voided quatrefoil at center; lis in spandrels, trefoils at cusps. Duplessy 239; Ciani 251; Friedberg 263.

In NGC encapsulation 6532176-010, graded AU 58. Slight double strike on obverse. Traces of luster. Rare. ($4000)

373

Imposing Parisis d’or

1104.

FRANCE, Royal. Philippe VI de Valois (of Valois). 1328-1350. AV Parisis d’or (31mm, 6.99 g, 10h). Authorized 6 September 1329. Philippe seated facing on elaborate Gothic throne, holding scepter surmounted by Hand of Justice in left hand and lis-tipped scepter in right; lion crouching beside each foot / Cross fleurée over voided short cross potent, with voided quatrefoil at center and lis in each quarter; all within double polylobe, with trefoil at each spandrel. Duplessy 248; Ciani 268; Friedberg 264.

In NGC encapsulation 6062581-002, graded MS 63. Top pop. A well struck example of this impressive type. ($15,000) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Heritage 61253 (16 January 2022), lot 99069 (hammer $24,000).

High Grade Lion d’or

1105.

FRANCE, Royal. Philippe VI de Valois (of Valois). 1328-1350. AV Lion d’or (29mm, 4.86 g, 5h). Authorized 31 October 1338. Philippe seated facing within Gothic portico, holding lis-tipped scepter in each hand; at feet, lion seated left, head facing / Cross quadrilobée, feuillue, and fleurdelisée; quadrilobe in center of cross; all within quadrilobe, arcs ending in trefoils; crowns in spandrels. Duplessy 250; Ciani 290; Friedberg 265. In NGC encapsulation 5984388-001, graded MS 63+. ($10,000) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Roma XX (29 October 2020), lot 836.

374

The Crown of Charlemagne

1106.

FRANCE, Royal. Philippe VI de Valois (of Valois). 1328-1350. AV Couronne d’or (30mm, 5.39 g, 10h). Authorized 29 January 1340. Crown surrounded by six lis / Cross quernée over voided short cross potent, with voided quatrefoil at center and crowned lis in each quarter; all within polylobe, with trefoil at each spandrel. Duplessy 252; Ciani 271; Friedberg 275. In NGC encapsulation 6864723-001, graded MS 64. Highly lustrous. A most impressive and very rare medieval French gold type coin. ($40,000) The Couronne d’or is believed to depict the Crown of Charlemagne, which was used for the coronation of all French kings from 875 to 1590. Initially comprised of a heavily jewelled band, four large fleur-de-lis were added during the reign of Philip Augustus. The Crown of Charlemagne was probably chosen by Philippe VI for a coin type to emphasis his legitimacy against the claims to the French throne of Edward III of England.

375

1107.

FRANCE, Royal. Jean II le Bon (the Good). 1350-1364. AV Mouton d’or (30mm, 4.70 g, 6h). Authorized 17 January 1355. Agnus Dei standing left, head upturned right; behind, banner flying from ornate cruciform staff; all within tressure of fourteen arcs / Cross tréflée and feuillue, and fleurdelisée; in center of cross, cinqefoil within angled quadrilobe; lis in quarters; all within angled quadrilobe; in spandrels, lis flanking angles. Duplessy 291; Ciani 354; Friedberg 280. In NGC encapsulation 6864711-009, graded MS 64. Highly lustrous. ($1500)

1108.

FRANCE, Royal. Jean II le Bon (the Good). 1350-1364. AV Franc à cheval (29mm, 3.85 g, 8h). Authorized 5 December 1360. Jean, crowned and in full armor, left on caparisoned horse, holding sword / Cross tréflée and feuillue; at center, pellet within quadrilobe; all within quadrilobe, trefoil fleurée at end of each arc; trilobe in spandrels. Duplessy 294; Ciani 361; Friedberg 279. In NGC encapsulation 5780846-007, graded MS 64. Top Pop. Unusually well struck for such a broad flan. ($2500) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Monnaies de Collection 8 (20 October 2021), lot 408 (hammer €6500).

1109.

FRANCE, Royal. Jean II le Bon (the Good). 1350-1364. AV Franc à cheval (27mm, 3.86 g, 2h). Authorized 5 December 1360. Jean, crowned and in full armor, left on caparisoned horse, holding sword / Cross tréflée and feuillue; at center, pellet within quadrilobe; all within quadrilobe, trefoil fleurée at end of each arc; trilobe in spandrels. Duplessy 294; Ciani 361; Friedberg 279. In NGC encapsulation 6532176-007, graded MS 63. Excellent detail to king. ($2000) 376

1110.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.78 g, 8h). Authorized 20 April 1365. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-034, graded MS 65. Slight ghosting but nevertheless a very high grade specimen. ($1500)

1111

1112

1111.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.81 g, 4h). Authorized 20 April 1365. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-045, graded MS 64. ($1500) 1112.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.78 g, 8h). Authorized 20 April 1365. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-005, graded MS 64. ($1500)

1113 1114 1113.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.81 g, 4h). Authorized 20 April 1365. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-008, graded MS 64. ($1500) 1114.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.78 g, 5h). Authorized 20 April 1365. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360; Ciani 457; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-055, graded MS 62. ($1500)

377

1115 1116 1115.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.82 g, 4h). Authorized 20 April 1365. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword with annulet pommel, and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360A; Ciani 457A; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-016, graded MS 64. Charming style. ($1500) 1116.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (27mm, 3.79 g, 2h). Uncertain provincial mint. Struck after 1368. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword with annulet pommel, and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360A/360 (obv./rev.); Dieudonné 792; Ciani –; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6864711-008, graded MS 64. ($1500)

1117.

FRANCE, Royal. Charles V le Sage (the Wise). 1364-1380. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.77 g, 10h). Uncertain provincial mint. Struck after 1368. King standing facing within Gothic arch; semé of seven lis to left and right, holding sword with annulet pommel, and main de Justice / Cross tréflée; in center of cross, pellet within angled quadrilobe; lis in first and fourth quarters, crown in second and third; all within angled quadrilobe; lis in spandrels. Duplessy 360A/360 (obv./rev.); Dieudonné 792; Ciani –; Friedberg 284. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-039, graded MS 64. ($1500)

1118.

FRANCE, Royal. Henri III. 1574-1589. AR Demi franc (29mm, 7.06 g, 2h). Poitiers mint; différent: four-pointed mullet. Dated 1587 G. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, wearing ruff / Cross fleurée with H at center. VG 487; Duplessy 1131; Ciani 1430. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-002, graded MS 61. Some luster. ($750)

378

1119.

FRANCE, Third Republic. 1870-1940. Proof AV 100 Francs (20mm, 6h). Paris mint; différents cornucopia and wing. Dated 1936. Head of Marianne left, wearing winged pileus / Ear of grain flanked by laurel and oak branches; rising sun behind. VG 1148; KM 880; Friedberg 598. In PCGS encapsulation 38566752, graded PR 63 DCAM. Rare – most circulation strikes of this date were melted down in 1936. ($2000)

1120.

FRANCE, Provincial. Provence (county). Jeanne de Naples. 1343-1382. AV Franc à pied (28mm, 3.81 g, 5h). 5th type. Struck from 1372. Jeanne standing facing within Gothic portico surrounded by lis, holding sword and lis-tipped scepter / Cross fleurée, with pellet-in-polylobe in center and lis and crown alternating in angles; all within polylobe, with lis in each angle. Rolland 93; Duplessy, Féodales 1679; Friedberg 208. In NGC encapsulation 6532187-017, graded MS 65. Top Pop. Near pristine surfaces. ($3000)

1121.

GERMANY, Augsburg (city). nomine Ferdinand III. Holy Roman Emperor, 1637-1657. AR Taler (44mm, 12h).

Dated 1641. Laureate, armored, and draped bust right / Cityscape of Augsburg; cherub above; below, pine cone set on ornate base. Forster 286; KM 77; Davenport 5039. Toned. In PCGS encapsulation 39238216, graded MS 63. ($1500)

379

1122.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Celle (Principality). Christian Ludwig. 1648-1665. AR 3 Taler – Löser zu 3 Talern (78mm, 85.72 g, 5h). Zellerfeld mint; mm: crossed keys. Dated 1665 HS. Crowned CL monogram within wreath; around, fourteen crowned coats-of-arms on vines / Wildman standing left, holding tree trunk; in background, view of the countryside including miners and woodworkers. Welter 1501; Davenport 192; KM 256.2. In NGC encapsulation 6066354014, graded AU 58. Richly toned with traces of luster. ($10,000) Ex Paramount Collection (Heritage 3096, 25 March 2021), lot 30223.

1123.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Lüneburg (Principality & Electorate). Georg I. As King of Great Britain, 17141727. AR Taler (42mm, 7h). Zellerfeld mint. Dated 1724 EPH. Wildman standing left, tearing pine branch in half on pine tree to right / Crowned coat-of-arms within garter, with lion and unicorn supporters. Smith 32; Welter 2236; Davenport 2076; KM 114. In PCGS encapsulation 45194446, graded MS 62. ($1500) Ex Robert C. Knepper Collection; Ponterio 17 (30 November 1984), lot 1107.

380

1124.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Lüneburg (Principality & Electorate). Georg III. King of Great Britain, 17601820. AV 2½ Talers (19mm, 12h). Hannover mint. Dated 1814 CHH. Horse leaping left / Denomination and date in three lines. Smith 214; Welter 2791; KM 109; Friedberg 623. In NGC encapsulation 195954-004, graded MS 63. ($1000) Ex Heritage 3073 (25 April 2019), lot 30994.

1125.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Principality). Friedrich Ulrich. 1613-1634. AR 1¼ Taler – Löser zu 1¼ Talern (49mm 1h). Andreasberg mint. Struck 1622. Legend on cross dividing four scenes; to upper left, hunting scene featuring figure on horseback right, to upper right, fishing scene depicting fishing boat pulling in net, to lower left, agricultural scene depicting two farmers at work, to lower right, smithing scene featuring a blacksmith in his workship / Fortuna standing left on orb marked 1¼ (markof value); in background, ship under sail right. Welter 1048; Davenport 6313; KM 340. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 34713769-016, graded VF 35. ($1000) Ex Augustana Collection.

1126.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Principality). August der Jüngere (the Younger). 1635-1666. AR Taler (42mm, 5h). Zellerfeld mint; mm: crossed keys. Struck circa 1650. Draped figure facing slightly left, wearing skullcap / Figure standing left on shore, looking out on two ships under sail right. Welter 804B; Davenport 6362A; KM 447.1. Toned.

In NGC encapsulation 2879574-001, graded XF 45. ($750) 381

Impressive Multiple Taler

1127.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Principality). August der Jüngere (the Younger). 1635-1666. AR 4 Taler – Löser zu 4 Talern (86mm, 10h). Commemorating his 88th birthday. Zellerfeld mint. Dated 10 April 1666 HS. Draped and armored bust facing slightly right, wearing skullcap, being crowned by Justitia, standing right, holding sword and scales, and crowned with a wreath by Victory, standing left, holding palm frond / Ornately crested helmet facing; all within wreath decorated with fourteen crowned coats-of-arms; mark of value ‘4’ punched below; wreathed border. Welter 781A; Davenport 84; KM 488. Deeply toned. In NGC encapsulation 3155060-001, graded XF 45. ($5000)

382

1128.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Principality). Rudolf August & Anton Ulrich. 1666-1704 and 16851714. AR Taler (47mm, 7h). Zellerfeld mint. Dated 1690 RB. Coat-of-arms surmounted by five ornately crested helmets / Two wild men standing facing, each holding entwined trees. Welter 2068; Davenport 6393; KM 571. Tond. In PCGS encapsulation 45194454, graded MS 61. ($1000) Ex Robert C. Knepper Collection (Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 22 August 2022), lot 30172.

1129.

GERMANY, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Principality). Karl I. 1735-1780. AR Taler (42mm, 6h). Zellerfeld mint. Dated 1746 IBH. Wildman standing facing, holding pine tree / Coat-of-arms surmounted by five ornately crested helmets. Welter 2719; Davenport 2145; KM 924. In PCGS encapsulation 45194447, graded MS 63. Top Pop. ($1500) Ex Robert C. Knepper Collection.

383

1130.

GERMANY, Hannover (Kingdom). Georg V. 1851-1866. AR 2 Taler (41mm, 12h). Hannover mint. Dated 1854 B. Bare head left / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms with lion and unicorn supporters. Welter 3184; Davenport 681; KM 229.

Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4463288-001, graded MS 65. An attractive high grade example. ($1000)

1131.

GERMANY, Pommern (Swedish Occupation). Karl XII. King of Sweden, 1697-1718. AR Riksdaler (44mm, 29.34 g, 12h). Stettin mint. Dated 1709 (in Roman numerals). Draped and cuirassed bust right / Crowned lion rampant right, head left, holding sword over shoulder; to right, large lighted candle decorated with palm fronds. Delzanno 283; AAJ 237; Davenport 1872; KM –. Toned, flan flaw, a few faint hairlines and minor marks. EF. ($1500) From the Libertas Collection, purchased June 1984.

384

Powerful German Renaissance Portrait

1132.

GERMANY, Sachsen (Duchy & Electorate). Friedrich III der Weise (the Wise). 1486-1525. AR Guldengroschen (49mm, 28.70 g, 12h). Hall mint. Struck 1512. Armored bust right, wearing embroidered cap; four coats-of-arms in legends / Nimbate eagle facing with wings spread, head left. Keilitz 70.2; Schnee 37; Merseburger 417; Davenport 9699. Richly toned, slight double strike in legends and minor marks in obverse fields. Near EF. A magnificent, high-relief portrait coin of the German Renaissance. ($10,000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Künker 346 (28 January 2021), lot 294; Künker 316 (31 January 2019), lot 379.

385

Ex Johns Hopkins University and Hall Collections

1133.

GERMANY, Sachsen (Duchy & Electorate [Albertine line]). Johann Georg II. Elector, 1656-1680. AR Taler Klippe (47x48mm, 29.27 g, 3h). Commemorating the marriage of Erdmuthe Sophie to Christian Ernst. Dresden mint. Dated 1662. Hands emerging from clouds crowning with wreath a monument decorated with two coats-of-arms, joined by hanging garlands to two garlanded pillars on either side, one surmounted by a pair of wings, the other a pair of doves; radiate name of God above; ornate coats-of-arms in corners / Legend in nine lines; ornate coats-of-arms in corners. Clauss & Kahnt 511; Schnee 914; Davenport 7631; KM 500. Wonderful old cabinet toning, very minor edge marks. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Johns Hopkins University Collection (Part II, Leu & Numismatic Fine Arts, 16 October 1984), lot 1398; Hall Collection, 128.

1134.

HUNGARY, Kingdom of Hungary. Sigismund. 1387-1437. AV Florin – Goldgulden (21mm, 3.62 g, 9h). Buda mint. Struck 1399. Coat-of-arms / St. Ladislaus I standing facing, holding ax and globus cruciger; ⍴ ª. Lengyel 17/6; Huszár 572; Friedberg 9. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-017, graded MS 61. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1135.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AV Square Mohur (21x20mm, 12.75 g, 3h). Sawai (Heavy) issue. Lahore mint. Dually dated AH 1015 and RY 2 (1607). ruya zar ra sakht noorani mihr-o-mah; AH date to left / shah nur al-din jahangir ebn akbar padshah RY date above Akbar. Liddle Type G-43; BM 294 var. (dates); IMC (Wright) –; Hull 1502; KM 184.1. In NGC encapsulation 6865298-001, graded XF Details, rev damage. Schroff mark. Very rare. ($6000) This handsome coin was struck as a presentation piece. Jahangir issued both round and square heavy mohurs during the early years of his reign, before they were replaced by standard weight issues during his sixth year. The couplet on the obverse translates as ‘He made the face of money to shine with the hues of sun and moon.’

386

Indian Rarities

Lot 1139

Lot 1140

Lot 1144

Lot 1143

Lot 1171 Lot 1146

Lot 1157

Lot 1155

Lot 1158

Lot 1167

Lot 1170

Lot 1147

387

The Bacchanalian Mohur

1136.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AV Mohur (20mm, 10.81 g, 1h). So-called “Bacchanalian” type. Ajmer mint. Dually dated AH 1023 and RY 9 (11 February – 14/23 October AD 1614). shabih-e hazrat Shah Jahangir (The likeness of majesty Shah Jahangir) in Persian to left, qaza-e bar sikka zar kard tasvir (Destiny on gold coin did portray) in Persian to right, radiate Jahangir cross-legged left on ornate throne against patterned cushion holding flower or goblet / huruf-e Jahangir wah allahu Akbar (The letters of Jahangir and Allahu Akbar) in Persian above, za ruz awal dar a’dad shud brabar (from first day to last number becomes equal) in Persian below, central radiate sun within pelleted quadrate border with upper and lower lines extending to create additional side panels; zarb Ajmer (struck Ajmer) in Persian and AH date in left panel, mu’aiyan ba 9 sanat (equal to regnal year 9) in Persian and AH date in right. Liddle Type G-38; BM 319-21; IMC (Wright) –; Hull 1423-4; Zeno 161343 = Adams III, lot 2398 (same dies, but later die state); KM 179.6; Friedberg 76; Zeno 209176 = Album 32, lot 1866 (same dies). Toned. In NGC encapsulation 4660932001, graded XF 40. Very rare portrait issue. ($50,000) Given that Jahangir was a celebrated patron of the arts, it is not surprising that he should have taken a strong interest in the coins struck during his reign. But this remarkable mohur represents an astonishing departure from established norms and conventions, and was clearly a source of controversy at the time. Not only does it bear the image of the emperor himself, but he is shown holding a wine-cup, and it is not hard to see why the devout might have felt sufficiently scandalized as to describe these portrait mohurs as ‘Bacchanalian’.

The obverse portrays Jahangir, seated cross-legged on his throne, nimbate and holding up a wine cup. In the center of the reverse is the radiant sun, said to represent the month of Jahangir’s birth, with the mint and date to the left, and the regnal year to the right. Divided between obverse and reverse is a Persian couplet, engraved in calligraphy of the finest style, which was translated by Stanley Lane-Poole as: Destiny has drawn on money of gold The portrait of his Majesty Shah Jahangir The letters of Jahangir and Allahu Akbar Are equal in value from the beginning of time.

According to Arabic numerology, the values of both Jahangar and Allahu Akbar are identical, with both equating to 292. Jahangir himself makes mention of this in his Memoirs, relating that he was told of this equivalence by a holy man who came to visit his court at Ajmer. ‘Considering this a good omen,’ Jahangir wrote, ‘I gave the discoverer of this coincidence land, a horse, cash, and clothing.’

While struck to the weight of standard currency mohurs, it seems clear that these beautiful coins were intended as presentation pieces. According to contemporary historical sources, Jahangir ordered that they were to be presented to favored ministers, servants and eminent visitors to the Mughal court. Jahangir’s own courtiers and attendants were even instructed to wear these coins, prominently displayed on their clothing or on their turban sash, both as a mark of their status and also as a life-preserving amulet.

388

The Zodiac Mohur Series Previously to this, the rule of the coinage was that on the face of the metal they stamped my name, and on the reverse the name of the place and the year of the reign. At this time it entered my mind that in place of the month they should substitute the figure of the constellation which belonged to that month...in each month that was struck, the figure of the constellation was to be on one face, as if the sun was emerging from it.

– The Memoirs of Jahangir [Tuzk-e Jahangiri] (Entry for 20 March 1619) In the 29th year of his reign, the Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605) established the Din-e Ilahi (literally faith of God), a syncretic belief system that incorporated elements of the different religious beliefs in his empire. Immediately thereafter, Akbar began counting his reign in accordance with the tenets this new belief system. Known as the Ilahi Era, dating was now based on a solar, rather than lunar, calendar with the year divided into twelve Ilahi months.

Akbar’s early successors continued to employ this dating system. Jahangir (1605-1628), Akbar’s son and immediate successor, used the Ilahi Era to great artistic effect by issuing two series of mohurs that incorporated Ilahi Era elements. The earliest series, known as the portrait series, since the coins show the emperor on the obverse, all show the constellation Leo superimposed over the sun – a reference to Jahangir’s birth in August. This series was struck within a three-year span early in Jahangir’s reign and are quite rare. The second series, known as the zodiac series, since each of the twelve constellations of the Zodiac is represented on the reverse, was a much larger series. Struck both in gold and silver, the zodiac series was issued from several mints (with Agra being the primary), and like the previous series, minted over three or four years. Since the Ilahi months were solar months and corresponded with the solar ecliptic (an imaginary line in the sky that marks the annual path of the sun), each month was represented by an appropriate sign of the Zodiac, recording its particular month of issue.

Because many of these coins had been recalled and melted by Jahangir’s successor, Shah Jahan, original strikes are very rare. Collector restrikes were periodically issued over the following century, and though they are more often encountered than the originals, are relatively rare themselves. Numismatists have divided the portrait and zodiac series mohurs into four classes: Class A: undisputed original strikes, characterized by deep relief, somewhat uneven flans, and rounded calligraphy.

Class B: possibly original strikes, but more likely minted in the first decade or two following Jahangir’s death. The relief is shallower, of a more uniform appearance, and the calligraphy is more square.

Class C: mohurs of Class A or B that have had the zodiac type removed and re-engraved.

Class D: later imitations and forgeries.

Constellation of Tora/Vrishabha – Taurus the Bull

1137.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AV Mohur (21.5mm, 10.74 g, 12h). Zodiac Type (month of Ardibihisht), Class A. Agra mint. Dually dated AH 1030 and RY 16 (22 April-21 May AD 1621). Constellation of Tora/Vrishabha (Taurus the Bull): zebu standing right; radiate sun behind / zar zewar dar Agra ruye yaft az Jahangir Shah Akbar Shah (Received ornament on gold at Agra from Jahangir Shah [son of] Akbar Shah) in Persian verse; RY and AH dates to left. Liddle Type G-78 (same dies as illustration); BM 327-8; IMC (Wright) 572-3; Adams III, lot 2400 (same obv. die); Hull 1383; KM 180.5; Friedberg 763. Lightly toned, traces of deposits in devices, evidence of having been mounted. VF. ($30,000) Ex Spink USA 355 (19 January 2020), lot 264; Album FPL 160 (April 2000), no. 41.

389

1138.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AV Mohur (20mm, 10.72 g, 12h). Zodiac Type (month of Ardibihisht), Class A. Agra mint. Dually dated AH 1030 and RY 16 (22 April-21 May AD 1621). Constellation of Tora/Vrishabha (Taurus the Bull): zebu standing right; radiate sun behind / zar zewar dar Agra ruye yaft az Jahangir Shah Akbar Shah (Received ornament on gold at Agra from Jahangir Shah [son of] Akbar Shah) in Persian verse; RY and AH dates to left. Liddle Type G-78; BM 327-8; IMC (Wright) 572-3; Adams III, lot 2400 (same dies); Hull 1383; KM 180.5; Friedberg 763. Toned with iridescence. In NGC encapsulation 6866422-001, graded VF Details, edge damage. ($15,000)

Gemini Mohur

1139.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AV Mohur (20mm, 10.82 g, 6h). Zodiac Type (month of Khurdad), Class A. Agra mint. Dually dated AH 1029 and RY 15 (22 May-21 June AD 1620). Constellation of Dopatkar/Mithuna (Gemini the Twins): pair of nude twins embracing, right twin raising left leg slightly; radiate sun behind / zar zewar dar Agra ruye yaft az Jahangir Shah Akbar Shah (Received ornament on gold at Agra from Jahangir Shah [son of] Akbar Shah) in Persian verse; partial AH and RY dates to left. Liddle Type G-83; BM 330; IMC (Wright) 575; Adams III, lot 2401 (same dies, but later die state); Hull 1385 and 1387; KM 180.6; Friedberg 764. Light orange toning. In NGC encapsulation 6866428-001, graded XF 45. Bold detail to twins. One of the rarest and most desirable types in the Zodiac series. ($75,000)

390

Excessively Rare Zodiac Half Rupee

1140.

INDIA, Mughal Empire. Nur al-Din Muhammad Jahangir. AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. AR Half Rupee (18mm, 5.62 g, 8h). Zodiac Type (month of Tir), Class A. Ahmadabad mint. Dually dated [AH 1027] and RY 13 (22 June23 July AD 1618). Constellation of Karkata/Kalakang (Cancer the Crab): crab, seen from above; radiate sun behind; stars flanking lower legs; sanat 13 (regnal year 13) in Persian in exergue / zar zewar dar Ahmadabad ruye yaft az Jahangir Shah Akbar Shah; [AH date in exergue]. Liddle Type S-183 (this coin illustrated); BM –; IMC (Wright) –; Hull –; SACPM (KM) –.

Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6865281-001, graded XF Details, damaged. Small test mark on edge and minor schroff mark on reverse. Of the highest rarity. ($20,000) Jahangir’s Zodiac coins were struck in both gold and silver, and his half-rupees are the rarest denomination of all. The piece offered here, which is the example illustrated by Liddle, is understood to be only the second Zodiac half-rupee to be offered at public auction in over twenty years.

1141.

INDIA, Princely States. Baroda. Pratap Singh. VS 1995-2008 / AD 1938-1951. Restrike AV Mohur (21mm, 6.32 g, 12h). Coronation issue. Baroda mint. Dated VS 1995 (AD 1938). Bust right, wearing royal headdress with ornaments; śrīmat pratap singh maharaja gaikwar (Highness Pratap Singh Mahaaaja Gaikwar) in Nagari around / Baroda/1 Mohur in Nagari; below, scimitar left and 1995 in Nagari; all within wreath. KM (Y) 41; Friedberg 1041 (529a); Adams III, lot 2418.

Lightly toned, proof like fields, light marks and hints of die rust, edge marks. EF. ($3000)

1142.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AV Sixteenth Mohur (8mm, 0.68 g, 1h). In the name of ‘Alamgir II (AH 1167-1173 / 1754-1759). Mint (possibly Calcutta) off flan. Dated RY 4 (1757/8). [sikka mubarak badsha] h gh[azi ‘alamgir] / [zarb [––] sanah] 4 [julus maimanat manus]. Cf. CEEIC 2.5 (for denomination); otherwise unpublished in the standard references. In NGC encapsulation 6382528-016, graded MS 65. Apparently unique. ($2500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased in London, 1982.

391

Unique ‘C’ Mohur – Friedberg Plate Coin

1143.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AV Mohur (19.5mm, 11.65 g, 6h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad mint. Dually dated AH 1180 and RY 8 (1766/7). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah / zarb murshidabad sanah 8 julus maimanat manus; C to right of RY. CEEIC 2.7 = Pridmore 15 = KM A94 = Friedberg 1526 (this coin illustrated). Once gilt and lightly polished, attractive orange toning. VF. An apparently unique coin of great interest and importance. ($20,000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; F. Pridmore Collection (Part II, Glendining, 18 October 1982), lot 569, purchased from Spink, May 1983; Singapore 24 (27 February 1997), lot 640; Adolphe Menjou Collection (Kreisberg & Schulman 1, 25 January 1957), lot 1587; R. D. Wills Collection (Glendining, 6 December 1938), lot 212.

The large C prominently displayed on the reverse of this exceedingly rare Mohur may indicate that it was part of a special issue authorised by the English government in Calcutta. Paul Stevens writes ‘another possible interpretation is that the letter C was the initial letter of Robert Clive, the Governor of Calcutta at the time.’

1144.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AR Pattern Half Mohur (20mm, 11h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint. Dually dated AH 1182 and RY 10 (March-May 1769). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah / zarb murshidabad sanah 10 julus maimanat manus. CEEIC 2.34; Pridmore 40; Johnston 29; cf. KM 92 (AV half mohur). In NGC encapsulation 6382529-002, graded PF 63. A superb coin. Struck from dies of exceptional workmanship. Richly toned and much as made. ($5000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; D. Fore Collection (Part II, Baldwin’s 82, 31 May 2013), lot 890.

While Shah ‘Alam’s tenth regnal year commenced during the year 1768, approval for the striking of these half-mohurs was not issued until March 1769. This extremely rare pattern can therefore be dated to a short window between March and May 1769, when production began.

1145.

INDIA, British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. Proof AR Sixteenth Mohur (19mm, 6.16 g, 8h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint. Dually dated AH 1183 and RY 10 (May-August 1769). sikka shah alam badshah / zarb murshidabad sanah 10 . CEEIC 2.52; Pridmore 56; cf. KM 87. In NGC encapsulation 6382528-002, graded PF 63. Deep cabinet tone with flashes of underlying brilliance. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; D. Fore Collection (Part II, Baldwin’s 82, 31 May 2013), lot 894.

392

Prinsep’s Pattern Double Rupee

1146.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AR Pattern Double Rupee (34mm, 23.51 g, 6h).

Prinsep’s coinage. In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Pulta) mint. Triply dated AH 1198, RY 26 of Shah Alam II, and 1784. sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah 1198 / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus. Edge: მ UNITED მ EAST მ INDIAმ COMPANY მ 1784. CEEIC 3.1; Pridmore 346; KM Pn9. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6382530-002, graded PF 63. A most impressive coin. A great rarity of the Indian series. ($20,000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; F. Pridmore Collection (Part II, Glendining, 18 October 1982), lot 674.

John Prinsep (1748-1830) was the son of an Oxfordshire vicar. Seeing few opportunities for advancement in England, he joined the East India Company as a cadet, landing in Bombay in 1771. It appears that the young Prinsep soon decided to abandon his army career in favour of the commercial opportunities India offered him; he never joined the Company’s army and resigned his commission in 1772.

Having worked for several London cloth merchants before leaving for India, Prinsep soon became involved in the East India Company’s cotton trade. In 1779, Prinsep began to cultivate and manufacture indigo in Nilgang, and while it appears this venture was profitable from the outset, events on the other side of the world would lead to Prinsep making his fortune. During the second half of the eighteenth century, one of the main sources of indigo was the plantations of South Carolina, so that indigo dye accounted for more than one-third of the value of all exports from the American colonies. The outbreak of the American War of Independence disrupted this trade at exactly the moment when Prinsep began producing indigo at Nilgang, allowing Indian producers to take control of this highly lucrative market.

Following the discovery of copper mines at Rotasgarh, in 1780 Prinsep secured a contract to strike copper coins at a mint which he established in Pulta. In 1784, Prinsep tried to persuade the Calcutta Board to let him issue a new silver and gold coinage for Bengal, pointing out that the equipment in use at his new mint in Pulta was superior to what was then in use at the Calcutta mint. Following the resignation in January 1785 of the Calcutta mint master, James Paxton, it appears that Prinsep produced a small number of pattern coins dated 1784, including the present piece. Prinsep sent these to the Court of Directors in London in an attempt to persuade them to appoint him as the new mint master, but was unsuccessful. This setback hardly hindered Prinsep, however, who returned to England in 1788 having amassed a colossal fortune. He went on to pursue an active political career, including serving as MP for Queenborough from 1802-6, before his death at an advanced age in 1830.

393

Prinsep’s Pattern Rupee

1147.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AR Pattern Rupee (27mm, 11.32 g, 6h). Prinsep’s coinage. In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Pulta) mint. Triply dated AH 1198, RY 26 of Shah Alam II, and 1784. sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah 1198 / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus. Edge: მ UNITED მ EAST მ INDIAმ COMPANY მ 1784. CEEIC 4.122; Pridmore 355; KM Pn14. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6382529-001, graded PF 63. Crisply struck. Deeply toned with flashes of underlying brilliance. A beautiful coin of the highest rarity. ($10,000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Sir John Wheeler Collection (Baldwin’s 22, 2 May 2000), lot 172, purchased from Spink, October 1989.

The provenance of this coin prior to 1989 is not known, but there is a possibility that it could be the same specimen included within the Montagu (lot 89), Murdoch (lot 75) and Caldecott (lot 93) collections, which was the only specimen known to James Atkins.

Prinsep’s Pattern Madosie

1148.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. CU Pattern Half Anna – Madosie (28mm, 14.20 g, 6h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Pulta) mint. Dually dated AH 1195 and RY 22 (December 1780-April 1781). shah alam badshah 1195; large star above; small star below / sanah 22 julus, five stars around.

Edge: plain. CEEIC 3.7 = E. Wodak, “John Prinsep’s Copper Coins for Bengal– 2,” Spink Numismatic Circular LXVI.3 (March 1958), fig. 2 (this coin illustrated); Pridmore –; KM –. Iridescent brown surfaces with hints of red, traces of hard green.

Much as struck. Very rare. ($1500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; D. Fore Collection (Part II, Baldwin’s 82, 31 May 2013), lot 886, purchased from Spink, 1997; C. E. Pitchfork Collection (Part III, Noble 48, 11 July 1995), lot 2135, purchased c. 1970-1971; E. Wodak Collection.

394

1149.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AV Half Mohur (19mm, 6.16 g, 11h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint. Dually dated AH 1200 and RY 19 (1785/6). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus. CEEIC 2.36 (this coin referenced); Pridmore –; KM 101. In NGC encapsulation 6382528-018, graded AU Details, bent. Very minor bend to flan. Toned with underlying luster. ($2500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection. Ex Sir John Wheeler Collection (Baldwin’s 22, London, 2 May 2000), lot 131; A Parcel of East India Company Issues for Bengal (Glendining, 3 October 1988), lot 487.

1150.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AR Pattern Mohur or Rupee (27mm, 12.44 g, 12h). Second milled issue. In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint. Dated RY 19 of Shah Alam II (1793). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus. Edge: plain. CEEIC 3.2; Pridmore 347; KM Pn8. In NGC encapsulation 6382526-044, graded PF 63. Small tone spot in center of reverse. Mirror like fields. Rare. ($1500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased from Spink, May 1983; F. Pridmore Collection (Part II, Glendining, 18 October 1982), lot 679 (part of).

1151.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AV Mohur (22mm, 6.19 g, 12h). Second milled issue. Murshidabad (Patna) mint. Dually dated AH 1202 and RY 19 of Shah Alam II (Struck 1793-1818). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah; no secret marks / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus. Edge: /////. CEEIC 5.31 (this coin referenced); Pridmore 69 (Dacca); cf. KM 111. In NGC encapsulation 6382528-019, graded MS 64. A highly lustrous coin. ($2500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Sir John Wheeler Collection (Baldwin’s 22, 2 May 2000), lot 136, purchased from Spink, February 1977.

395

1152.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AV Mohur (28mm, 12.38 g, 12h). Second milled issue. Murshidabad mint. Dually dated AH 1202 and RY 19 of Shah Alam II (Struck 1794-1796). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah (defender of the religion of Muhammad, Shah ‘Alam emperor, shadow of the divine favor, put his stamp on the seven climes); secret marks / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus (struck at Murshidabad in the 19th year of the prosperous reign). Edge: /////. CEEIC 5.2; Pridmore 71; KM 103.2. In NGC encapsulation 6382527-033, graded MS 63. Delicate tone. Rare. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Sir John Wheeler (Baldwin’s 22, 2 May 2000), lot 138; A Parcel of East India Company Issues for Bengal (Glendining’s, 3 October 1988), lot 502.

1153.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. AV Mohur (28mm, 12.38 g, 12h). First milled issue. Murshidabad (Dacca) mint. Dually dated AH 1202 and RY 19 of Shah Alam II (Struck 1794-1796). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya fazl ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah (defender of the religion of Muhammad, Shah ‘Alam emperor, shadow of the divine favor, put his stamp on the seven climes); no secret marks / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus (struck at Murshidabad in the 19th year of the prosperous reign). Edge: /////. CEEIC 5.54 (this coin illustrated and referenced); cf. Pridmore 61, 68, and 74; cf. KM 103.2. Lightly toned with traces of luster . In NGC encapsulation 6382527022, graded MS 63. Very rare. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Sir John Wheeler (Baldwin’s 22, 2 May 2000), lot 143 (there attributed to Patna); A Parcel of East India Company Issues for Bengal (Glendining’s, 3 October 1988), lot 504.

1154.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. Pattern AR Rupee (27mm, 11.65 g, 12h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Farrukhabad mint. Dated RY 45 of Shah Alam II (Struck circa 1830). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya faz ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah; AH date in lower field; private mark above / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus; private marks around min and below shin. Edge: |||||. CEEIC 8.104 corr. (edge \\\\\); Pridmore 41; KM 112. Iridescent toning, proof like fields, minor die rust. As made. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Spink Numismatic Circular (June 1984), no. 3843; F. Pridmore Collection (Part II, Glendining, 18 October 1982), lot 669, purchased from Spink, May 1983.

396

Rare Pattern Mohur

1155.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. Pattern AV Mohur (27mm, 13.26 g, 12h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint. Dually dated AH 1202 and RY 19 of Shah Alam II (Struck circa 1830). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya faz ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah; AH date in lower field; private mark above / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus; private marks around min and below shin. Edge: |||||. CEEIC 9.1; Pridmore 85; KM 112. In NGC encapsulation 6860617, graded PF 62. A very rare pattern. ($5000)

1156.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bengal Presidency. 1699-1835. Pattern AV Mohur (27mm, 10.91 g, 12h). In the name of Shah ‘Alam II (AH 1173-1221 / 1759-1806). Murshidabad (Calcutta) mint. Dually dated AH 1202 and RY 19 of Shah Alam II (Struck circa 1830). sikka zad bar haft kishwar saya faz ilah hami din muhammad shah alam badshah; AH date in lower field; private mark above / zarb murshidabad sanah 19 julus maimanat manus; private mark (crescent). Edge: \\\\\.

CEEIC 9.2; Pridmore 86; KM –, but cf. 114. Traces of deposits, some marks, underlying luster. EF. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, August 1986; H. M. Lingford Collection, purchased from Baldwin, November 1948.

397

1157

1158

1157.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AR Anglina (24mm, 11.79 g, 9h). Type I. Bombay mint. Undated, but struck 1676 to 1692. Company coat-of arms; shield surrounded by floral design / MONETΛ · BOMBΛIENSIS, PΛX/DEO in two lines; · below Λ. CEEIC 1.8; Pridmore 17; KM 140. In NGC encapsulation 6381640-002, graded AU 53. Conservatively graded by NGC in our opinion. Reverse slightly off center. Richly toned. A handsome and well struck example of this very rare and and desirable type. ($20,000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; F. Pridmore Collection (Part II, Glendining, 18 October 1982), lot 449, purchased from Spink, February 1983; H. A. Parsons Collection (Part II, Glendining, 11 May 1954), lot 886.

When Charles II married Catherine of Braganza in 1662, part of her large dowry was the island of Bombay, which had previously been a Portuguese possession. It was not until 1665, however, that Bombay became a possession of the East India Company. It is recorded that the first enquiries were made about obtaining minting equipment from London late in 1668, but it was only in 1672 that the Company wrote back to the President and Council in Surat, agreeing that ‘...Wee doe thinck it convenient for us to have a coyne of our owne there. Wee would have you therefore consider of such a coyne, soe as it bee not our Kings Majesties or any stampe resembling the same, and of such sorts as will best suite with the traffique and exchange of the country, both in bigger and lesser speties. And if you shall find it necessary to have for change a small sort of copper coyne, let it apeare to be what it is , but what you shall coyne of gold or silver, let it have an intrinsique value as to what it is stampt for, that it may be to our honnor and the begetting and preserving the esteeme thereof.’ A subsequent letter, dated December 21 1672, sheds interesting light on the Company’s motives for striking its own coinage, noting that ‘We had often serious debate, and tooke the best advise we could of the banians, sherofifs, and others that could direct us; and have concluded that the gold and silver coyne shall be exactly in weight and finenesse equall with the rupee of Surratt. The reason is because they will vend the more currantly in the neighbouring countrys of the Portuguese, Sevagee and Decan, and in time probably passe as currantly in payments, which will be a notable accommodation to the trade of the island, if we can bring it soe about.

The specimen offered here is an extremely rare example of the third type of silver anglina issued, introduced in 1676. Unlike the two previous types, it omits the Company’s title from the marginal legend around the coat of arms, and replaces the longer A DEO PAX ET INCREMENTUM (‘From God come Peace and Profit’) used on the earlier silver coins with the much shorter PAX DEO (‘Peace from God’).

In accordance with the letters quoted above, its weight was intended to be equivalent to that of contemporary Surat rupees (although it seems that these were felt to be of slightly better fineness and weight than early anglinas), and these new coins were intended to play their part in the Company’s continued expansion and growth into India.

1158.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AR Anglina (24mm, 11.75 g, 2h). Type II. Bombay mint. Undated, but struck 1676 to 1692. Company coat-of arms; shield surrounded by floral design / MOИBTA · BOMBAIEИSIS, PAX/DEO in two lines; · below A. CEEIC 1.9; Pridmore 17; KM 140. In NGC encapsulation 6381640-003, graded XF 45. A most pleasing specimen. Deep old tone. Very rare. ($15,000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Spink-Taisei 2 (19 February 1987), lot 327 (consigned by D. Vice of Format from an old collection in the English Midlands).

398

An Exremely Rare Issue Naming William and Mary

1159.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AR Rupee (24mm, 11.38 g, 7h). In the name of William III and Mary II, King and Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland (AH 1101-1106 /1688-1694). Mumbai (Bombay) mint. Dated RY 4 (1692/3). sikka zad dauran king william an kween mary / sanah julus 4 angrez shaheen zarb munbai. CEEIC 1.25; Pridmore –; KM 148.1. Toned, deposits, porosity, a couple of flan flaws and shroff marks. VF. An extremely rare issue naming William and Mary. ($2500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased from R. C. Senior, 1983.

1160.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AV Mohur (23mm, 10.94 g, 8h). in the name of Muhammad Shah (AH 1131-1161 /1719-1748). Mumbai (Bombay) mint. Dually dated AH 114[1] and RY 11 (1729/30). sikka mubarak badshah ghazi muhammad shah / zarb munbai sanah 11 julus maimanat manus. CEEIC 2.12 Pridmore –; KM –. Lightly toned, minor roughness and die rust, slightly wavy flan, ex jewelry, traces of underlying luster. VF. Extremely rare. ($7500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased in London, July 2007.

1161.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AV Panchia – Third Mohur (14mm, 3.83 g, 2h). in the name of ‘Alamgir II (AH 1167-1173 /1754-1759). Mumbai (Malabar Coast) mint. Dated RY 9 of Alamgir II (Struck 1774/5). [sikka mubara]/k [b]dshah gh[az]/i/[shah] alam (the auspicious coin of the victorious emperor Shah Alam) / zarb mumbai sanah 9 julus maiman[at manus] (struck at Mumbat in the 9th year of the prosperous reign). CEEIC 7.1; Pridmore 10; KM –. Reddish iridescence, marks, small edge mark. VF. Rare. ($1500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Spink 102 (2 March 1994), lot 551.

399

Ex Puddester, Pridmore, Lingford, and Brushfield Collections

1162.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AV Panchia – Third Mohur (14mm, 3.86 g, 10h).

Surat mint, but struck at Bombay. Dated RY 4[6] of Shah Alam II (Struck 1825-1831). [sikka mubara]/k [ba]dshah gh[az]/i/ [shah alam] (the auspicious coin of the victorious emperor Shah Alam); privy mark 5 above shah / z[arb surat sanah 4[6] julus maiman[at manu]s (struck at Surat in the 46th year of the prosperous reign); trace of star to left. CEEIC 3.10; Pridmore 267; KM 247. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6381622-055, graded MS 61. ($2500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; F. Pridmore Collection (Part II, Glendining, 18 October 1982), lot 526 (erroneously illustrated as lot 527); H. M. Lingford Collection; Dr. A.N. Brushfield Collection (Part V, Glendining, 2 November 1949), lot 3.

1163.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AV Panchia – Third Mohur (14mm, 3.86 g, 10h).

Surat mint, but struck at Bombay. Dated RY 4[6] of Shah Alam II (Struck 1825-1831). [sikka mubara]/k [bad]shah [ghaz]/i/ [shah alam] (the auspicious coin of the victorious emperor Shah Alam); privy mark 4 above shah / [zar]b [surat sana] h 4[6] julus [maimanat manus] (struck at Surat in the 46th year of the prosperous reign); [star to left]. CEEIC 3.8; Pridmore 263; KM 243. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6381622-054, graded AU 55. ($750) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Sir John Wheeler Collection (Baldwin’s 22, 2 May 2000), lot 113; R. J. Ford Collection (not in Spink sales); Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXVII.11 (November 1979), no. 10400; Dr. A. N. Brushfield Collection (Part V, Glendining, 2 November 1949), lot 4.

Referenced in CEEIC

1164.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Madras Presidency. 1653-1835. AV Pagoda (17mm, 2.98 g, 12h). Madras mint.

Struck 1808-1817. Gōpuram (temple porch or entrance) set on ground; five stars to left, five to right; all within buckled garter inscribed PAGODA and hun (hun) in Persian / Vishnu, holding sword in hand, standing facing, rising from lotus; floral and pellet design to left and right; all surrounded by triple-pelleted border; star above; all within swallowtail banner inscribed vara kun in Tamil and vara hun (hun) in Telegu; stop in legend. CEEIC 3.29 (dies B/I; this coin referenced); Pridmore 149; KM 356. In NGC encapsulation 6381363-010, graded MS 63. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Noble 64A (12 July 2000), lot 1902.

400

1165.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Madras Presidency. 1653-1835. AV Pagoda (17mm, 2.94 g, 12h). Madras mint.

Struck 1808-1817. Gōpuram (temple porch or entrance) set on ground; five stars to left, five to right; all within buckled garter inscribed PAGODA and hun (hun) in Persian / Vishnu, holding sword in hand, standing facing, rising from lotus; floral and pellet design to left and right; all surrounded by triple-pelleted border; star above; all within swallowtail banner inscribed vara kun in Tamil and vara hun (hun) in Telegu; stop in legend. CEEIC 3.31 (dies C/I); Pridmore 150; KM 356. In NGC encapsulation 6381363-011, graded MS 63. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s, 6 June 1988 (ticket and envelope included).

1166.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Madras Presidency. 1653-1835. AV Pagoda (17mm, 2.98 g, 12h). Madras mint.

Struck 1808-1817. Gōpuram (temple porch or entrance) set on ground; five stars to left, five to right; all within buckled garter inscribed PAGODA and hun (hun) in Persian / Vishnu, holding sword in hand, standing facing, rising from lotus; floral and pellet design to left and right; all surrounded by triple-pelleted border; star above; all within swallowtail banner inscribed vara kun in Tamil and vara hun (hun) in Telegu; stop in legend. CEEIC 3.36 (dies F/I); Pridmore 148; KM 356. In NGC encapsulation 6381363-005, graded MS 64. ($2000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXVIII.10 (October 1980), no. 8547 (ticket included).

1167.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Madras Presidency. 1653-1835. AR Half Pagoda (36.5mm, 21.43 g, 12h). Second issue. Madras mint. Struck 1808-1812. Gōpuram (temple porch or entrance) set on ground; nine stars to left, nine to right; all within buckled garter inscribed HALF PAGODA and nim hun phuli (half a flower, or star, pagoda) in Persian / Vishnu, holding sword in hand, standing facing, rising from lotus; floral and pellet design to left and right; all surrounded by triple-pelleted border; star above; all within swallowtail banner inscribed arai pu vara kun in Tamil and ara pu vara hun (half a flower, or star, pagoda) in Telegu; stop in legend. CEEIC 3.139 (dies O/IV); Pridmore 171A; KM 353. In NGC encapsulation 6381361-018, graded MS 61. No trace of undertype. A well struck, toned example with considerable eye appeal. Rare thus. ($3000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased from P. H. Davis (Tampa, FL), August 1981.

401

1168.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Madras Presidency. 1653-1835. AR Half Pagoda (36.5mm, 21.27 g, 12h). Second issue. Madras mint. Struck 1808-1812. Gōpuram (temple porch or entrance) set on ground; nine stars to left, nine to right; all within buckled garter inscribed HALF PAGODA and nim hun phuli (half a flower, or star, pagoda) in Persian / Vishnu, holding sword in hand, standing facing, rising from lotus; floral and pellet design to left and right; all surrounded by triple-pelleted border; star above; all within swallowtail banner inscribed arai pu vara kun in Tamil and ara pu vara hun (half a flower, or star, pagoda) in Telegu; no stop in legend. CEEIC 3.144 (dies Q/X); Pridmore 171A; KM 353. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6381361-041, graded AU 55. Very rare variety. Overstruck on a Colonial (possibly Mexico City mint) 8 Reales of Charles III of Spain. ($1500) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection.

Excessively Rare Mule

1169.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. William IV. King of Great Britain and Ireland, 1830-1837. AR Rupee (31mm, 11.52 g, 10h). Mule issue. Bombay or Calcutta mint. Dated 1840/35. WILLIAM IIII, KING., head right / ❈ EAST INDIA COMPANY ❈ 1840., ONE/RUPEE in English and Persian in three lines; all within wreath. UCI –, but cf. 1.49a (probably Bombay); Pridmore –; KM 450.6 (Calcutta). In NGC encapsulation 6860910-002, graded XF Details, harshly cleaned (incorrectly referenced on NGC ticket). An extremely rare mule with a reverse of Victoria’s reign combined with an obverse of William IV. Known from a handful of specimens. ($10,000)

402

Andaman Island Penal Colony Token

1170.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. Victoria. Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 1837-1901.

CU Penal Colony Rupee Token (29mm, 8.71 g, 12h). Issue of the Andaman Island Penal Colony. Dated 1861. VICTORIA QUEEN, young head left, wearing stephane / ANDAMAN TOKEN 1861, ONE RUPEE around central hole as made; all within laurel wreath. Pridmore 1; KM Tn 1. Brown surfaces. VF. Extremely rare. ($7500) Ex New York Sale XVII (9 January 2008), lot 407.

While the first British penal colony on the Andaman Islands was established as early as 1789, disease and a high mortality rate led to its closure after barely seven years. The token offered here was issued from a later convict establishment, begun in November 1857 at Port Blair. Originally delayed by two years because of the Indian Rebellion, the Andaman penal colony became chiefly used as a prison for Indian political prisoners, who referred to the facility as Kala pana, meaning ‘Black Water’.

1171.

INDIA, Colonial. British India. George VI. King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India, 1936-1947. AR Rupee (30.5mm, 11.65 g, 12h). Bombay mint. Dated 1939. GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR ·, crowned head left; bead below / · ONE ·/· RUPEE ·/· INDIA ·/– 1939 –/(yek rupiya in Persian) five lines; all within ornate floral border; Edge: |||||. UCI 9.13; Pridmore 235; KM 555. In NGC encapsulation 6860617-006, graded AU Details, cleaned. A very rare issue. ($5000)

1172.

INDIA, Private Tola Coinage. M.S. Kirtilal Jeshinglal & Co., Bombay. AV 2½ Tola Round (36mm, 29.00 g, 12h).

Royal figure on elephant left, numerous figures running alongside; company name around / Half-length bust of Buddha facing slightly left; fineness and value around. Adams IV, lot 304. Lightly toned, light hairlines. UNC. AGW: 0.937 oz. ($1000)

403

1173.

INDIA, Private Tola Coinage. M.S. Manilal Chimanlal & Co., Bombay. AV 5 Tola Round (38mm, 58.30 g, 12h).

Diamond set in radiant star; company name around / Value and fineness within ornate frame. KM X#42; Friedberg 1611.

Lightly toned, hint of deposits in devices, some marks, traces of luster. EF. AGW: 1.865 oz. ($2000)

1174.

INDIA. AV Appliqué (30x33mm, 1.34 g, 12h). Obovate appliqué depicting figure of Hanuman standing facing, head right, holding betel leaf in each hand; additional vegetation around; all within pelleted border / Incuse of obverse. Minor deposits, slightly wavy, a few small striking fractures, holed at cardinal points for attachment. As made. ($1000)

1175.

ITALY, Montalcino. Republic of Siena in exile. 1555-1559. AR Parpagliola da 10 quattrini (22mm, 1.69 g, 7h).

In the name of Henri II of France. Dated 1556. She-wolf standing left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus / Cross fleurée over small saltire. MIR 342. Light porosity, usual weak strike. VF. Rare. ($1000) When Siena was conquered by the forces of Medici-controlled Florence, a group of Sienese refugees fled to Montalcino. The city held out until 1559, when it was ultimately conquered and subsumed into the territories of Florence.

1176.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AV Ducato papale (23mm, 3.46 g, 12h). Modena mint.

Bust left, wearing mantum decorated with medallion of Sts. Peter and Paul / St. Geminianus seated facing, holding crozier and raising hand in benediction; in exergue, two coats-of-arms, the left surmounted by tasseled gallero. MIR 846/1; Muntoni 111; Berman 882; Friedberg 406. Slight flat strike on reverse. Good VF. Extremely rare. A wonderfully detailed portrait, particularly in the pontif’s regalia. Certainly the work of a master engraver. ($15,000) The nephew of Lorenzo il Magnifico (the magnificent) and cousin of Pope Leo X, Clement VII wavered between alliances with France and the Holy Roman Empire, which led to the sack of Rome by imperial troops in 1527. On account of this attack, he grew a beard, in defiance of Church canon, to show his mourning. He kept the beard, a tradition continued by the following 24 Popes, up to his death. Clement VII also strained relations with England when he refused to annul the marriage of Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon, ultimately causing the break of England from Rome and the advent of the Church of England.

404

1177.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Paul III. 1534-1549. AV Scudo (25mm, 3.42 g, 9h). Rome mint. Struck 1534-1540.

Coat-of-arms surmounted by crossed keys and Papal tiara / St. Paul standing facing, head left, holding sword and gospel. MIR 868/10; Muntoni 229 var. (segno on obv.); Berman 905; Friedberg 65. Lightly toned, slightly double struck. EF. ($1000)

Treaty of Rijswijk Commemorative – Ex Martinori Collection

1178.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Innocent XII. 1691-1700. AV Doppia (25mm, 6.71 g, 12h). Rome mint. Dated RY 6 (AD 1696/7). Bust right, wearing camauro, mozzetta, and pallium / Noah’s Ark left upon sea; mountain peak to right; above dove flying left, holding olive branch in beak. MIR 2118/1; Muntoni 3; Berman 2213; Friedberg 175; KM 603. A few very light scratches and hairlines. Toned. EF. Rare. ($10,000) Ex Property of Princeton Economics (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 271, 11 January 2012), lot 168; Numismatica Ars Classica 14 (9 October 1998), lot 1147; Schulman 271 (17 November 1980), lot 2952; Eduardo Martinori Collection (Santamaria, 22 November 1913), lot 3438.

Beginning in 1678, French king Louis XIV began to press increasingly broad territorial claims for his kingdom, absorbing the smaller states along the northern and eastern borders. This growth brought France into conflict with not only the Dutch Republic, but the vast Holy Roman Roman Empire. To these belligerents were added England, Spain, and Savoy into a Grand Alliance. Yet over nine years of fighting, neither side was able to score a decisive victory, and by 1697 all were willing to begin negotiations. This coin commemorates the Treaty of Rijswijk, that brought an end to the fighting, but mostly reset the map of Europe to its pre-war borders.

The reverse design, a scene of Noah’s ark and the dove of peace, recalls the covenant God made with Noah after the flood. Of course, the crowned heads of Europe were not as steadfast as the Almighty in adhering to their covenant, and within a few years the continent would again be wracked with war.

1179.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Gregory XVI. 1831-1846. AV 10 Scudi (28mm, 6h). Rome mint. Dated 1836 R. Bust left, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and pallium / Denomination and date within wreath. Muntoni 1b; Berman 3281; KM 1108; Friedberg 263 (Vatican). In NGC encapsulation 3704326-002, graded MS 63. WINGS approved. ($1500)

405

1180.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Second Roman Republic. 1849. AR 40 Baiocchi (39mm, 6h). Rome mint. Dated 1849 R. Eagle standing facing with wings spread, head right, on fasces and within wreath / Denomination and date. Muntoni 1; Berman 1; KM 27. In NGC encapsulation 4625130-008, graded MS 66. Top Pop. Highest graded specimen on CoinArchives. ($1000)

1181.

ITALY, Sardegna (kingdom). Carlo Felice. 1821-1831. AV 80 Lire (32m, 6h). Genova (Genoa) mint; segni: P and anchor. Dated 1830. Bare head left / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms within wreath. MIR 1032m; KM 123.2; Friedberg 1133. In NGC encapsulation 5780851-002, graded MS 64. Very rare in this condition, only one graded higher. ($7500)

1182.

ITALY, Sicilia (kingdom). Federico I (Federico II, Sacro Romano Impero). 1198-1250. AV Half Augustalis (15mm, 2.63 g, 6h). Brindisi mint. Struck circa 1231-1250. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left, head right, with wings spread. Kowalski dies M91/B84; MIR 267; Spahr 104; MEC 14, 517 var. (no pellets; mint); Friedberg 135. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 2119442-010, graded MS 63. Very rare especially in this exceptional state of preservation. ($15,000) Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 14 (15 November 2021), lot 350 (hammer CHF 26,000).

Frederick II Hohenstaufen, “Stupor Mundi” (Wonder of the World), was the most enlightened ruler of medieval Europe. Besides encouraging the study of both the ancient and natural worlds, Frederick was instrumental in improving relations with the Muslims, negotiating free access to Christian holy sites in Palestine, where all Crusader armies had been unsuccessful. One of his innovations was a gold coinage comparable in style and quality to the gold of the ancient Caesars. The classical motifs proclaimed his inheritance of the legacy of Rome, and the augustale and its fractions were issued concurrently with the publication of the Constitution of Melfi, his codification of Norman law meant to follow the famous Roman law codes. These coins were struck until Frederick’s death in 1250, and may have been continued by his successors for about another fifteen years.

406

1183.

ITALY, Sicilia (kingdom). Ferdinando III di Borbone. 1759-1816. AR Oncia da 30 Tarí (48mm, 67.95 g, 12h).

Palermo mint. Dated 1793 Nd OV. Cuirassed bust right / Phoenix rising from flames; head right, wings spread; radiant sun above. MIR 598/1; Spahr 3; KM 227. Toned, a few adjustment and other scattered marks. Good VF. ($1500)

Very Rare 10 Zecchini

1184.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Ludovico Manin. 1789-1797. AV 10 Zecchini (50mm, 34.90 g, 12h). St. Mark standing right, presenting long cross to Doge kneeling left on pillow / Christ standing facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels, surrounded by mandorla containing sixteen stars. CNI VIII 62; Papadopoli 2; Paolucci 8; KM 791; Friedberg 1439.

Evidence of having been placed in a bezel, scattered light scratches. EF. Very rare. An impressive large-format multiple of the iconic Venetian zecchino. ($15,000) Ex Gorny & Mosch 277 (20 April 2021), lot 1796 (hammer €17000).

Ludovico Manin was the 120th and last Doge of Venice. Although born in Venice to a noble family (his father was Doge Ludovico III Alvise), he spent his early life and public career in other Italian cities. Elected Doge in 1789, his term was troubled by the decline of Venice’s finances and navy. Large gold multiples such as this were intended to be sold to wealthy citizens at above gold “face value” in order to raise money for the government. However much was raised, it was not enough to face the threat of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose war against Austria spilled into Italy in 1796. Doge Manin tried to remain neutral, but Napoleon sent troops and ships into Venice and demanded its surrender in April, 1787. Manin abdicated on May 12, ending the line of Doges that stretched back over a thousand years to AD 726.

407

The Long Lost 1572 Cavallina for Candia

1185.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Coinage for Candia (Crete). Æ Cavallina da 10 perperi (23mm, 2.18 g, 10h). Dated 1572. Lion of St. Mark left, head facing, resting paw on gospel; tower to left / ÆS/ ARGE/NI/ X. Cf. Paolucci, Zecca 873 (for 1573 dated issue); Papadopoli p. 558, 86-7 (for 1571 and 1573), otherwise unknown with this date. Brown surfaces, edge split, pock marks, wavy flan. VF. Extremely rare. ($1500) In 1570, Ottoman sultan Selim II invaded the Venetian-held island of Cyprus. Ballooning military expenditures for the defending forces resulted in a drain specie from Venetian Crete and caused a major monetary crisis. The Venetian administrator-General Marino Cavalli took action and overstepped his authority, striking not only the torensi and sesini authorized by the central government, but also perperi and “Cavalline,” a new denomination that soon took on its issuers name.

Valued at 10 perpari (ie, hyperpera), this exceptional issue was struck in bronze, but intended to serve in the marketplace in lieu of silver, as indicated by the reverse legend “æs argeni X.” The issuance of a wholly fiduciary coinage was remarkable at this point in history with over 190,000 ducats worth struck, but it was not intended as a long term solution. In July 1573, Venetian authorities in Crete began the process of withdrawing the coins from circulation, exchanging them for their full stated value in current specie. The process was broken down into two steps, with smaller holdings redeemed first, followed by larger.

This extremely rare coinage was issued from 1571 to 1573, though until recently none had been discovered bearing the 1572 date.

1186.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Provisional Government. 1848-1849. AR 5 Lire (37mm, 6h). Dated 22 March 1848 V. Lion of St. Mark standing left, resting paw on gospel / Denomination within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 1107; KM 804. Toned.

In PCGS encapsulation 17235524, graded MS 63. ($750)

1187.

ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Provisional Government. 1848-1849. AR 5 Lire (37mm, 6h). Dated 11 August 1848.

Lion of St. Mark standing left on plinth, resting paw on gospel / Denomination within wreath. Paolucci, Zecca 1108; KM 803.

Toned. In PCGS encapsulation 82144233, graded MS 63+. ($750)

408

1188.

LOW COUNTRIES, Henegouwen (Hainaut [County]). Albrecht van Beieren. 1389-1404. AV Gouden kroon – Couronne d’or (29mm, 4.00 g, 12h). Valencijn (Valenciennes) mint. Crowned coat-of-arms / Cross fleurée with star at center, within quadrilobe with trefoils at cusps, crowns in spandrels. Lucas 137; Chalon 117; Delmonte, d’Or 295; Friedberg 239. In NGC encapsulation 6864711-007, graded UNC Details, cleaned. ($1500) Ex Elsen 60 (11 December 1999), lot 1852.

1189.

LOW COUNTRIES, Vlaanderen (Flanders [County]). Lodewijk II van Male. 1346-1384. AV Gouden rijder – Franc à cheval (29mm, 3.79 g, 2h). Gand (Ghent) mint or Mechelen (Malines) mint. Struck 1361-1364. Armored knight on caparisoned horse left, holding reins and raised sword / Cross fleurée and feuillue; in center of cross, pellet within quadrilobe, each arc ending in palmette; all within quadrilobe; trilobes in spandrels. Elsen 27; Delmonte, Or 458; De Mey, Flanders 193; Vanhoudt G2602; Friedberg 156. In NGC encapsulation 6532176-009, graded MS 61. Excellent detail to horseman. ($2000)

1190.

MALTA, Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Jean de Valette. Grandmaster, 1557-1568. AR 4 Tarì (32mm, 10.85 g, 7h). Fort St. Angelo (Birgu) mint. Coat-of-arms / St. John the Baptist standing facing, holding long cross; to right, lamb standing right, head left. Gatt 06-4T-38X26; Restelli & Sammut 9-10; Schembri 3. Richly toned, flan cracks, scratches.

Near EF. Rare. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

409

1191.

MALTA, Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Jean de Valette. Grandmaster, 1557-1568. AR 2 Tarì (28mm, 5.62 g, 10h). Fort St. Angelo (Birgu) mint. Circular coat-of-arms / Head of St. John the Baptist on platter. Gatt 06-2T-66X55; Restelli & Sammut 87; Schembri 3. Toned with some peripheral iridescence, flan crack, minor roughness. VF. Very rare. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Seaby.

Important Recently Discovered Maltese Countermark

1192.

MALTA, Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Luis Mendez de Vasconcellos. Grandmaster, 1622-1623. AR Leeuwendaalder (40mm, 27.03 g, 3h). Coat-of-arms of Luis Mendez de Vasconcellos countermarked on a 1609 Dutch Leeuwendaalder of Friesland, with official test cut and snick at edge. Unpublished in the standard references. For general discussion on Maltese countarmarks, see: Gatt p. xx and online addendum. For host coin: CNM 2.16.45. Scattered mark, worn reverse die. Host Good Fine. Countermark VF. Extremely rare – the first recorded countermark of this Grandmaster. ($3000) Recently discovered in a lot of silver coins of a similar age, this Lion Daalder bears the edge cuts and countermark typical of the rare Crown or Taler size issues of the Knights of St. John in Malta from the early seventeenth century. The countermark on this piece displays the coat-ofarms of Grand Master Luis Mendes de Vasconcellos. A Portuguese nobleman, de Vasconcellos had a long and distinguished diplomatic and military career for the Order before becoming governor of Portuguese Angola in 1617. He was appointed the 55th Grand Master of the Order in 1622 but died after only six months of taking up office. Consequently all coins of his Grand Mastership are rare.

Prior to this discovery, countermarked crown-sized issues were known for only three grandmasters: Alof de Wignacourt, Antoine de Paule, and Jean-Paul Lascaris Castellar. All are very rare, with Gatt recording only 43 in his online addendum. No countermarked coins for De Vasconcellos have previously been recorded.

1193.

MALTA, Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Emmanuel Pinto. Grandmaster, 1741-1773. AV 10 Scudi (23mm, 7.82 g, 6h). Second coinage. Valletta mint. Dated 1762. Crowned coat-of-arms within wreath / St. John standing facing, holding banner; at feet, agnus Dei standing right, head left. Gatt 25-10S-21N21; Restelli & Sammut 45; Schembri 5; KM 270; Friedberg 36. Wiped. Near EF. ($750) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

410

A Selection of High Grade Nepalese Gold

1194.

NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Prithvi Vira Vikrama. SE 1803-1833 / AD 1881-1911. AV Duitole Asarphi – 2 Tola (29mm, 12h). Dated SE 1833 (AD 1911). Legend within quadrate around central ornate design; additional designs around; SE date in exergue / Legend and design in three lines within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. Edge: milled. RGV 1125; KM 680; Friedberg 15. Toned with considerable gleaming luster. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-005, graded MS 65. Very rare especially in this grade. Top Pop – the finest graded by NGC. ($4000)

1195.

NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Prithvi Vira Vikrama. SE 1803-1833 / AD 1881-1911. AV Bakla Asarphi – Tola (26mm, 12h). Dated SE 1824 (AD 1902). Legend within quadrate around central ornate design; additional designs around; SE date in exergue / Legend and design in three lines within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. Edge: plain. RGV 1137; KM 674.3; Friedberg 16. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-002, graded MS 67. A superb gem coin, with only one graded higher at NGC. ($2000)

1196 1197 1196.

NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Tribhuvana Vira Vikrama. VS 1968-2007 / AD 1911-1950. AV Asarphi – Tola (27mm, 12h). Dated VS 1975 (AD 1918). Legend within quadrate around central trident symbol; additional designs around; VS date in exergue / Legend and design in three lines within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. KM 703.1; Friedberg 26.

In NGC encapsulation 4863673-007, graded MS 67. Top Pop – the only MS 67 example graded by NGC, with none higher.

An exceptional coin. ($2000) 1197.

NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Tribhuvana Vira Vikrama. VS 1968-2007 / AD 1911-1950. AV Asarphi – Tola (27mm, 12h).

Dated VS 1991 (AD 1934). Legend within quadrate around central trident symbol; additional designs around; VS date in exergue / Legend and design in three lines within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. KM 703.1; Friedberg 26. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-010, graded MS 66. Top Pop – tied with one other for finest graded by NGC. ($2000) 411

1198.

NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Tribhuvana Vira Vikrama. VS 1968-2007 / AD 1911-1950. AV Asarphi – Tola (26mm, 12h). Dated VS 2000 (AD 1943). Legend around trident, flanked by crescent moon and sun; above crossed kukris; VS date in exergue / Legend and design within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. KM 727; Friedberg –. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-012, graded MS 63. Conservatively graded in our opinion. ($1000)

1199.

NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Tribhuvana Vira Vikrama. VS 1968-2007 / AD 1911-1950. AV Mohar (27mm, 12h). Dated VS 2000 (AD 1943). Legend within quadrate around central trident symbol; additional designs around; VS date in exergue / Legend and design in three lines within center of floral design; additional legend in petals. KM 702; Friedberg 27. Lustrous with hint of toning. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-011, graded MS 67. Top Pop – the finest graded by NGC. ($2500)

a

b

c

1200.

NEPAL, Shah dynasty. Virendra Vira Vikrama. VS 2028-2058 / AD 1971-2001. Set of three (3) gold coins.

Coronation. Dated VS 2031 (AD 1974). All coins: Shriprech (Nepalese royal crown) left within ornate border with legend / Garland over sword within ornate border with legend. Includes: a) AV 10 Gram Asarfi. KM 829a; Fridberg 44. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-015, graded MS 64. b) AV 5 Gram Asarfi. KM 822a; Friedberg 45. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-014, graded MS 63. c) AV 2.5 Gram Asarfi. KM –; Friedberg 46. In NGC encapsulation 4863673-013, graded MS 64+.

Three (3) coins in lot. An attractive matching set.

($2000) 412

1201.

PORTUGAL, Kingdom. Maria II a Educadora (the Educator). Second reign, 1834-1853. AV Dobrão – 30000 Réis (38mm, 6h). Struck 1847. Crowned coat-of-arms countermarked on a 1725 M Brazilian 20000 Réis. For host: Gomes 38.02; KM 117; Friedberg 145. For c/m: Gomes 23.01; KM –. In NGC encapsulation 6066333-008, graded AU 58, countermark UNC. ($10,000) Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 16 (14 November 2022), lot 353 (hammer CHF 20,000).

1202.

PORTUGAL, Kingdom. Luís I o Popular (the Popular). 1861-1889. AV 10000 Réis (28mm, 6h). Lisboa (Lisbon) mint. Dated 1881. Bare head left / Crowned and mantled coat-of-arms. Gomes 17.04; KM 520; Friedberg 152. In PCGS encapsulation 33817508, graded MS 65. ($1000)

1203.

SPAIN, Castile & León. Pedro I el Cruel (the Cruel). 1350-1369. AV Dobla de 35 Maravedis (28mm, 4.52 g, 3h).

Sevilla (Seville) mint. First period, 1350-1366. Crowned and mantled bust left / Plain cross with castles and lions in alternating quarters; ˫ in fourth quarter. MEC 6, 533 var. (legends); ME 1276; Friedberg 105. Light blue toning, a few tiny marks on edge.

EF. Well struck and an exceptional example of the type. ($3000) Ex Gadoury (15 October 2022), lot 229; Nomisma 62 (15 September 2020), lot 231.

413

Las Monedas Españolas Plate Coin

1204.

SPAIN, Castile & León. Fernando V & Isabel I (Los Reyes Católicos - the Catholic royals). 1474-1504. AV Dobla excellente (29mm, 10h) (6.96 g). Sevilla (Seville) mint. Struck after 1497. Crowned confronted busts of Fernando and Isabel; ermine above; S over annulet between / Crowned coat-of-arms surmounted by nimbate eagle facing with wings spread, head left. ME 2923a (this coin illustrated p. 451); Calicó 80 var. (no annulet); cf. MEC 6, 772 (for type). Small spot of residue on reverse. Good VF. ($1500) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Heritage 3085 (5 August 2020), lot 31981; Ponterio 119 (5 April 2002), lot 1012.

1205.

SPAIN, Kingdom. Carlos III. 1759-1788. AV 8 Escudos (36.4mm, 27.06 g, 12h). Sevilla (Seville) mint. Dated 1787/6 S CM/C. Armored and draped bust right / Crowned and collared coat-of-arms. ME 12999; Calicó 841; KM 409.2a; Friedberg 293. Toned, banker’s mark, hairlines. Near EF. ($1500) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 97 (17 September 2014), lot 959.

414

WORLD MEDALS Rare Original Struck Cavino

1206.

ANCIENT THEMES. Nero. AD 54-68. Æ “Sestertius” (34mm, 27.97 g, 6h). Paduan type. By Giovanni da Cavino(?) (1500-1570). NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR IM III P P, laureate bust right; aegis at point of bust / Roma seated left on cuirass, right foot on helmet, holding Victory and parazonium; shields around and behind; S C across field; ROMA in exergue. Cf. Johnson & Martini 1422-5 (for type); cf. Klawans 5 (DECVRSIO reverse; same obv. die). Brown patina, minor edge splits. Good VF. A rare struck Cavino in fine style. ($1000) From the Wayne Scheible Collection. Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 67, 22 September 2004), lot 2072; Frederick S. Knobloch Collection (Stack’s 1 May, 1980), lot 1410.

The obverse depicts a much more finely rendered portrait of Nero than on any recorded by Johnson & Martini. Likewise, no precise match was found for the reverse, which is among the rarest Paduan types for this emperor. Accordingly, it may not actually be a work of Cavino himself, but certainly belongs to the same period.

1207.

FRANCE, Third Republic. 1870-1940. AV Medal (51mm, 83.89 g, 12h). Exposition universelle de 1878 – First Prize. By J.C. Chaplain. Dated 1878. Awarded to Providence Tool Company (later Rhode Island Tool Company).

REPUBLIQUE ★ FRANÇAISE, laureate and draped bust of Marianne left, wearing pearl necklace / EXPOSITION UNIVERSELL E INTERNATIONALE DE 1878, Victory, veil billowing behind, left above the exposition, head right, holding wreath in raised right hand and clarion in left; radiate star above; below, cherub alighting right, head left, holding aloft tablet inscribed PROVIDENCE/TOOL CỌ in two lines. Edge: (bee) OR. Maier 65; PBE 48; BDM I, 402; Jones, Art of the Medal, 313. Minor hairlines. Choice EF. Prize winner’s name struck with special die inserted into main die. Very rare with American winner. AGW: 2.4276 oz. ($4000) Ex Lampasas Collection (Triton XXIV, 19 January 2021), lot 1353; Triton XXIII (14 January 2020), lot 1071.

415

1208.

FRANCE, Third Republic. 1870-1940. AV Medal (51mm, 83.25 g, 12h). Exposition universelle de 1878 – First Prize. By J.C. Chaplain. Dated 1878. Awarded to J.B. Clerc. REPUBLIQUE ★ FRANÇAISE, laureate and draped bust of Marianne left, wearing pearl necklace / EXPOSITION UNIVERSELL E INTERNATIONALE DE 1878, Victory, veil billowing behind, left above the exposition, head right, holding wreath in raised right hand and clarion in left; radiate star above; below, cherub alighting right, head left, holding aloft tablet inscribed J.B. CLERC in two lines. Edge: (bee) OR. Maier 65; PBE 48; BDM I, 402; Jones, Art of the Medal, 313. Light marks and hairlines, edge bump. EF. AGW: 2.4276 oz. ($3000)

1209.

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Innocent XI. 1676-1689. AR Medal (35mm, 23.97 g, 12h). By Hamerani. Dated RY VI (AD 1682/3). $ INNOC $ $ XI $ PON $ M $ A $ VI $, bust right, wearing camauro, mozzetta, and pal / VNA $ SVPER $ VNVM, La Chiesa seated facing in clouds, holding patriarchal cross and keys; to left, cherub bearing Papal tiara; to right, cherub bearing model of rotunda. Mazio 338; Lincoln 1440-1 var. (silver). Deeply toned with traces of iridescence, a few scratches, edge marks. EF. A powerful portrait of Innocent XI. ($1000) Ex Hess-Divo 328 (22 May 2015), lot 1212 (hammer CHF 2000).

416

Presented by Pope Pius XII

1210.

ITALY, Papal (Prisoner of the Vatican). Pius IX. 1846-1878. AV Medal (44mm, 52.96 g, 12h). By Bianchi. Dated RY 27 and 1871 (in Roman numerals), though struck 1873. PIVS · IX · PONT · MAX · AN · XXVII ·, bust left, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and pallium / View of the Cappella Sistina del Santissimo Sacramento in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Liberian Basilica); in exergue, SACELLVM · XYSTIN · IN · BASIL · LIB ·/ OPERIB · RENOVATIS · EXCVLTVM/ A · MDCCCLXXI ·. Rinaldi 66; Lincoln –. Minor rim dent, a few hairlines. EF. Very rare in gold. ($4000) Ex Querendon Collection (Stack’s, 10 January 2011), lot 778. Presented to the Querendon collector by Pope Pius XII in 1956/7.

‘Prisoner of the Vatican’ refers to the period between Rome’s capture by the newly unified Kingdom of Italy on 20 September 1870 and the establishment of Vatican City by the Lateran Treaty of 1929. For the 59 intervening years, Popes Pius IX (1846-1878), Leo XIII (1878-1903), Pius X (1903-1914), Benedict XV (1914-1922), and Pius XI (1922-1939) refused to leave the Vatican, make public appearances at Saint Peter’s Square, or do anything that would acknowledge the authority of the Kingdom of Italy over the Vatican district.

417

Pedigreed to 1930

1211.

POLAND, Monarchy. Michal Korybut Wisniowiecki, with Eleonora of Austria. 1669-1673. AV 10 Dukát Medal (38mm, 34.64 g, 12h). Marriage. By J. Höhn. Struck 1670. MICHAEL D · G · REX · POL · M · D · LIT · RLS · PRUS : MAS :, laureate and draped bust of Michal right / ELEONORA MARIA D · G · REGINA POL :, crowned bust of Eleonora right. HuttenCzapski 2391. Light orange-peel toning, hairlines and scratches, edge marks. Good VF. Very rare. ($30,000) Ex Monnaies de Collection 6 (29 October 2020), lot 1014; Bruun Rasmussen 894 (12 May 2020), lot 513; M. Frankiewicz Collection (Hamburger & Schlessinger, 15 September 1930), lot 736.

Michal’s reign was marked by internal tension. Elected to the throne with the backing of the Polish nobility, who hoped his inexperience would make him more pliable, he was opposed to the pro-French camp, led by Jan Sobieski, who would ultimately succeed him. At the same time, the country was threatened by the Ottomans, who would invade in 1672, reaching as far as Biecz (Bietsch). Michael died in 1673.

418

BRITISH COINAGE

1212.

CELTIC, Atrebates & Regni. Verica. Circa AD 10-40. AV Stater (16mm, 5.18 g, 9h). Warrior Rex type (Atrebatic J). Cavella mint. Tablet inscribed COÂ • F / Warrior, preparing to hurl spear, on horse leaping right; lituus to lower left; uir above, rex below. Allen & Haselgrove Series C, 17-20 (Dies F/e); Bean VERC2-1; ABC 1190; Van Arsdell 500–1; SCBC 120.

In NGC encapsulation , graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Well centred. Good detail to horseman. ($3000)

1213.

CELTIC, Atrebates & Regni. Verica. Circa AD 10-40. AV Quarter Stater (11mm, 1.20 g, 3h). Little Horse Stepping type (Atrebatic I) . Southern mint. COÂ F on tablet / Horse stepping right; ui above. Allen & Haselgrove 142-3 (dies B/a); Bean VERS1-2; ABC 1202; Van Arsdell 467-1; SCBC 125. In NGC encapsulation 6557026-012, graded Ch XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. ($1000)

1214.

CELTIC, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Tasciovanus. Circa 20 BC-AD 10. AV Quarter Stater (12mm, 1.38 g, 4h). Tasciovanus Tasci type (Trinovantian M). Second coinage. Crossed linear wreaths with two oppposed crescents at center; pellets-in-annulets at ends; T A s C in quarters / Horse leaping right; bucranium above, pellets around; T As C counterclockwise around. Kretz, Quarter type B var. 3; ABC 2595; Van Arsdell 1692-1; Hobbs 1643; SCBC 223. Lightly toned and lustrous. EF. ($750)

1215.

CELTIC, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Cunobelin. Circa AD 10-43. AV Stater (17mm, 5.36 g, 8h). Cunobelinus Classic, stalk type (Trinovantian X). Camulodunum mint. Grain ear with central stalk; CA Âu / Horse prancing right; branch above, CuNO below. Allen, Cunobelin 126 (dies C/e); ABC 2798; Van Arsdell 2027-1; SCBC 288. Light scratches.

Near EF. ($1000)

Superb Cunobelin Portrait

1216.

CELTIC, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Cunobelin. Circa AD 10-43. AR Unit (13mm, 1.23 g, 12h). Crescent Horse type (Trinovantian W). CuNOB eLiiN, bare head right / TAÍCiO, horse leaping right; crescent above. De Jersey, Silver, Group D4; ABC 2873; Van Arsdell 2055; SCBC 312. Slight porosity under rich find patina. Good VF. Superb portrait. ($1000) 419

Ex Strauss Collection – Among the Finest Known

1217.

CELTIC, Dobunni. Catti. Circa AD 1-20(?). AV Stater (20mm, 5.45 g, 9h). Tree type (Dobunnic G). Tree with pellet at base / Disjointed horse with triple tail right; ornaments around, wheel below; CATTi above. Van Arsdell 1130-1; ABC 2057; SCBC 384. Toned, minor scratches and marks. EF. Perfectly centered. Among the finest known. Very rare. ($7500) Ex Morton & Eden 76 (14 December 2015), lot 95; R. Strauss (Sotheby’s, 26 May 1994), lot 28.

1218.

ANGLO-SAXON, Transitional/Pre-Primary Phase. Circa 665/70-670/5. Pale AV Thrymsa (12mm, 1.26 g, 10h).

‘Pada’ series (Rigold PaIIB, Type 96). Mint in Kent. Diademed bust right; +  downward to right / + [...]ΛI, cross set on two steps within double beaded border. Abramson, Gold 1000’ Abramson 1.40; EMC 8 table 3, 31; SCBI 63 (BM), 34; North –; SCBC 769A. Small rim chip, some porosity and light scratches. VF. Extremely rare – only the second to appear at auction. ($1500) Of the enigmatic Pada series of thrymsas first classified by Stuart Rigold in his seminal 1960 study, type PaIIB is by far the rarest. The obverse shares with type P IIA a bust based on a Constantinian prototype with a distinctive wreath made from a ’special cloven punch’. On the reverse, however, the Runic inscription PADA has been replaced with a cross-on-steps, a common Byzantine motif first encountered in the AngloSaxon series on the fine gold Benitugo type Thrymsa.

1219.

ANGLO-SAXON, Primary Sceattas. Circa 710. AR Sceatt (12mm, 1.06 g, 6h). Aethiliraed Series (E), type 105.

Mint in east Kent. ‘Porcupine’ right; wavy line below / ᚪᚦᛁᛚᛁ/ᚱᚪᛞ (AThILI/RAD in Runic) in two lines around central line; all within double pelleted border. Abramson 92.10; MEC 8 Series AEÐ; SCBI 69 (Abramson), 296 (same dies); North 155; SCBC 780. Rich glossy find patina. EF. Rare. An excellent example of this iconic runic type. ($1500) Ex W.L. Subjack (Vecchi 11, 5 June 1998), lot 31.

1220.

ANGLO-SAXON, Secondary Sceattas. Circa 720/5-730. AR Sceatt (12mm, 1.15 g, 4h). Series J, type 72 var.

York mint. Two diademed heads facing each another; long cross on base between / Fantastic bird right, head left, within counterclockwise ouroboros. Abramson 19-25 (this coin illustrated); SCBI 63 (BM), –; SCBI 69 (Abramson), –; MEC 8 Series Jb, 359-363 var. (direction of ouroboros); North 141 var. (same); SCBC 802C. Toned, slight porosity, mark. VF. Very rare, much more so than the usual clockwise ouroboros. The first of this sub-variety we have seen. ($750)

420

Chapman Plate Coin

1221.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Aldfrith. 685-705. AR Sceatt (13mm, 1.12 g, 12h). York mint.

ม aዢčŊlዢčк˝ around central pellet-in-annulet / Quadruped with forked tail standing left. Beowulf 11 = Chapman 4 (this

coin); Pirie, Guide 1.2; North 176; SCBC 846. Toned, a few light marks, small edge split. Good VF.

($1500)

Ex K. Chapman Collection; Beowulf Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 75, 23 May 2007), lot 1438.

1222

1223

1222.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Eadberht, with Archbishop Ecgberht. 737-758. AR Sceatt (12mm, 0.98 g, 8h). York mint. · hΓ around central cross pattée / Ҁh, mitred figure standing facing, head right, holding long cross and crozier. Chapman 95-6 var. (rev. legend); Pirie, Guide 2.2a; North 192; SCBC 852. Toned with underlying luster, faint scratch. EF. ($1000) 1223.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Alchred. 765-774. AR Sceatt (14mm, 0.99 g, 9h). York mint.  down right side,  down left side, cross pattée / Quadruped standing right, raising foreleg; small cross pommée below. Chapman 103 (same dies); Pirie, Guide 2.5b; North 179; SCBC 849. Lghtly toned. Good VF. An attractive example. ($1000)

1224.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Alchred. 765-774. AR Sceatt (14mm, 1.14 g, 3h). York mint.  down right side,  down left side, both read from outside, cross pattée / Quadruped standing right, raising foreleg; small cross pommée below. Chapman 107; Pirie, Guide 2.5b var. (direction of legend); North 179; SCBC 849. Lightly toned, trace deposits, faint porosity. VF. ($1000)

1225.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Alchred, with Archbishop Ecgberht. 765-774. AR Sceatt (14mm, 1.14 g, 2h). York mint.  counterclockwise around, read from outside, cross pattée / ҁ  down right, both read from the inside, cross pattée. Chapman 114-5; Pirie, Guide 2.6a; North 193; SCBC 854. Toned. Near EF. An impressive example of this rare issue. ($1000)

421

1226.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Æthelred I. First reign, 774-779/80. AR Sceatt (13mm, 0.98 g, 11h).

York mint. ҁ, cross pattée / Quadruped standing right, raising foreleg; triquetra below, small cross pommée below tail.

Chapman 116-22; Pirie, Guide 2.7b/2.7a (obv./rev.); North 180; SCBC 850. Toned, minor deposit, thin flan crack. Near EF. Rare. ($2000)

1227.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Æthelred I. First reign, 774-779/80. AR Sceatt (12mm, 0.90 g, 1h).

York mint. ҁ, cross pattée / Quadruped standing right, raising foreleg; triquetra below, [small cross pommée below tail?]. Chapman 116-22 var. (no cross on rev.?); Pirie, Guide 2.7b; North 180; SCBC 850. Rough, porous, horn silver, edge chip. VF. Rare. ($750)

1228.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Æthelred I, with Archbishop Eanbald I. First reign, 774-779/80.

AR Sceatt (13mm, 0.99 g, 2h). York mint.  , cross pattée /  , pellet within dotted circle. Cf. Chapman 123 (for issue); Pirie, Guide 2.8c var. (central devices); cf. North 185.1 (for moneyer types); SCBC 855. Toned. EF. Very rare. ($1000)

1229.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Northumbria. Ælfwald I. 779/80-788. AR Sceatt (13mm, 0.99 g, 12h). York mint. ᚮ up right side,  up left side, both read from the right, central cross pattée; cross above / Quadruped standing right, raising foreleg; short cross pommée below, pellet-in-pelleted-annulet below tail. Chapman 133 (same dies); Pirie, Guide 2.9c; North 181; SCBC 851. Find patina, faint roughness. VF. Rare. ($1000)

The Causeway Collection of Anglo-Saxon Coins

1230.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Kent. Cuthred. 798-807. AR Penny (18mm, 1.40 g, 10h). Tribrach type. Canterbury mint; Sigebeorht, moneyer. Struck 798-805. ü⎍Tʼዞዝ ʼዞҟ in angles of tribrach with circles at terminals and annulet at center containing three pellets in angles of small tribrach / SIG EBE R(HT) in angles tribrach moline with small annulet at center containing three pellets. Naismith C20.2g (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 678; North 210/2; SCBC 876. Toned, slight porosity. VF. Very rare. ($2000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Williams (Part II, Spink 253, 3 July 2018), lot 103; G.S. Hopkins (Baldwin’s 30, 7 May 2002), lot 6.

422

The Causeway Collection of Anglo-Saxon Coins

Lot 1232

Lot 1235

Lot 1252

Lot 1238

Lot 1243

Lot 1239

Lot 1253

Lot 1255

Lot 1268

Lot 1267

Lot 1261

Lot 1280

Lot 1275

Lot 1270

Lot 1282

423

1231.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Kent. Cuthred. 798-807. AR Penny (19mm, 1.34 g, 8h). Cross-and-wedges type.

Canterbury mint; Eoba, moneyer. Struck 805-807. ม ü⎍Tʼዞዝ ʼዞҟ üan˶ዢ, diademed bust right / ม ዞ¥ዛ¥ ȮɭnዞͿ¥, cross pommée, wedges in angles. Naismith C31 var. (obv. legend); SCBI 67 (BM), 988-9 var. (same); North 211; SCBC 877.

Toned. VF. Very rare. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Sovereign Rarities.

Extremely Rare Anonymous Issue Mule

1232.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Kent. Anonymous. 822/3-4(?). AR Penny (21mm, 1.37 g, 12h). Canterbury mint; Swefheard, moneyer. ม Ӳ⎍⎍ዞዟዡዞʼዝ ዦɭnዞͿ¨, diademed bust right / ม Ӳ⎍⎍ዞዟዡዞʼዝ ዦɭnዞt, ! !/ ዝʼ⎍ʼ/ üዢͿӲ/ ! !. Naismith C55.3a and p. 126, note 92 = BLS 11 (this coin); SCBI –; North 222/1; SCBC 878. Richly toned, slight die rust.

Good VF. Extremely rare. ($7500) Form the Causeway Collection. Ex Archbishop Sharp (Morton & Eden 91, 7 December 2017), lot 22.

Earlier scholarship assigned this coinage to the 822/3-4 period, based on stylistic comparison with the royal coinage of King Coelwulf I of Mercia. However, Bradley Hopper recently challenged this chronology, questioning why there would be a break down in royal authority, as indicated by the removal of the royal name from the coinage. He suggests the answer lies in the contentious relationship between Archbishop Wulfred and King Coenwulf of Mercia, who had Wulfred suspended from 817-821, providing an alternate chronology for these anonymous issues. (Hopper, B. “The dating of Canterbury’s anonymous Archiepiscopal coinage,” in BNJ 92 [2022], p. 39-48) Naismith notes that this particular coin is a mule of the anonymous type with a reverse normally used under Baldred. The die rusts suggests that Swefheard pressed an outdated obverse into service when his Baldred obverse die broke.

Standard Catalogue Plate Coin

1233.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Kent. Baldred. 823/4-825/6. AR Penny (21mm, 1.32 g, 9h). Non-portrait type.

Canterbury mint; Oba, moneyer. ฾ B⌓⌦/ዝያ⎶ዝ ያ⎶Ҧ ù±⎴ñ, cross pattée, pellets in angles / ฾ ɭ B ¥, divided by four ms and pellets, arranged cruciform around cross pattée with pellets in angles. Naismith C62.2; SCBI 67 (BM) 717; North 215; SCBC 880 (this coin illustrated). Toned, tiny perforation. EF. A beautifully struck, crisp coin. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 106 (13 September 2017), lot 1084; Dr. Andrew Wayne Collection (Triton XIX, 5 January 2016), lot 857; Spink 215 (4 December 2012), lot 24.

424

1234.

ANGLO-SAXON, Archbishops of Canterbury. Æthelheard. 792/3-805. AR Penny (19mm, 1.29 g, 7h). With Coenwulf as King. Canterbury mint. Struck 797/8-805. კ ¨ዞዝዢ⌦ዡዞ¨ʼዝ ¨ʼ, barred ⌓P in pelleted circle / კ üɭዞn⎍⎍⌦/ዟ ʼዞҟ, M in pelleted circle. Naismith 22.1m-n (same obv. die); SCBI 67 (BM) 752 (same obv. die); North 232; SCBC 886A. Toned. Good VF. Well struck. Very rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from L. Bennett, June 2015.

1235.

ANGLO-SAXON, Archbishops of Canterbury. Wulfred. 805-832. AR Penny (21mm, 1.36 g, 6h). Portrait type.

Canterbury mint; Swefheard, moneyer. Circa 810-822/3. ม ⎍⎍⌦ዟʼዞዝ © ʼüዡዢዞዩ©, tonsured and draped facing bust; three pellets to either side / ม Ӳ⎍⎍ዞዟዡዞʼዝ ዦɭnዞͿ©, Dorobernia civitas monogram. Naismith C47.2e = BLS 8c (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 763; North 240/1; SCBC 889. Richly toned, a few spots of hard green, some light die wear. Good VF. Rare. A bold facing portrait. ($5000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins. Ex 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.

Pedigreed to 1872

1236.

ANGLO-SAXON, Archbishops of Canterbury. Ceolnoth. 833-870. AR Penny (21mm, 1.33 g, 12h). DOROB-C type. Canterbury mint. Struck 833-839. ม üዢɭ⌦nɭ T ©ʼü, tonsured and draped facing bust / ม ⎍⎍ɉʼዞ ȮɭɉͿ©, Dorobernia civi monogram. Naismith 105j = 105o (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 775; North 241; SCBC 893. Lightly toned, a few hard green deposits, worn obverse die. VF. Rare. ($2000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular LXXVIII.2 (February 1970), no. 1398; N.J. Ebsworth Collection; V.J.E. Ryan (Glendining, 22 January 1952), lot 600; Spink Numismatic Circular XXIV.3-4 (March-April 1916), no. 39321; Spink Numismatic Circular XXII.11-12 (November-December 1914), no. 24525; H.M. Reynolds (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 4 May 1914), lot 24; P.W.P. CarlyonBritton (Part I, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 17 November 1913), lot 300; H. Montagu (Part I, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 18 November 1895), lot 316; R. Marsham (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 19 November 1888), lot 115; E. Wigan Collection (purchased en bloc by Rollin & Feuardant, 1872).

425

1237.

ANGLO-SAXON, Archbishops of Canterbury. Plegmund. 890-914. AR Penny (23mm, 1.46 g, 10h). Group II. Circumscription cross/Horizontal-Trefoil 1 (HT 1) type. Canterbury mint; Ecgmund, moneyer. Struck circa 905-914/23. ม ዩ⌦ዞűዦ⎍nዝ ©ʼüዢዞዩ, small cross pattée / ዞዢüዦ⎍/nዝ ዦɭn in two lines; ฾ ฾ ฾ between, Ḩ above, Ḩ below. CTCE P.5; SCBI 20 (Mack), 672 (same dies in a later state); North 256; SCBC 900. Old cabinet toning. Near EF. Rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from L. Bennett, June 2015. Ex Baldwin’s FPL (Summer 2014), no. AS002; Ridgemount (Spink 69, 20 April 1989), lot 31.

1238.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Offa. 757-796. AR Penny (17mm, 1.30 g, 4h). Light coinage, non-portrait type. London mint; Ealhmund, moneyer. Struck circa 785-792/3. ℽ Ŋ ⍎ R within the angles of a lozenge cross fleury with central pellet-in-annulet surrounded by four pellets / / ᛁ //AlH/ዦлn/č divided by a beaded bar with fleury ends. EMC 2011.0257 (this coin); Chick 39; SCBI 67 (BM), 73; North 282; SCBC 904. Toned some light porosity in high points, minor deposits. Near EF. A well struck example of an elegant type. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins, September 2013. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 90 (23 May 2012), lot 2370.

Found in High Easter, near Chelmsford, Essex, 2011.

Extremely Rare – Unrecorded Offa Penny

1239.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Offa. 757-796. AR Penny (18mm, 1.51 g, 9h). Heavy coinage, non-portrait type. Canterbury mint; Babba, moneyer. Struck circa 792/3-796. ℽዟዟ¥ between two beaded lines; ornamental sprays above and below / ዛ¥ዛዛ¥ between two beaded lines; above, two pellets in pelleted annulets flanked by trefoils; below, two annulets within circles of pellets, trefoil to left, quatrefoil to right. Chick –; SCBI –; North –; SCBC 908. Toned, very slight bow to flan and small die flaw on reverse. Near EF. A handsome example of this issue. Extremely rare, unrecorded type. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins, July 2014.

426

Eadberht, Bishop of London

1240.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Eadberht. Bishop of London, circa 776-787/9. AR Penny (16mm, 1.13 g).

Light coinage, non-portrait, with Offa as overlord. London mint. Struck circa 776-782. /Ḧ ɭዟ Ḧ/ /Ḧ ዟ¥ Ḧ/ inward from left to right, /Ḧ ม ʼ Ḧ/ /Ḧ ģҟ Ḧ/ outward from right to left, large lozenge with incurved sides and trefoils in inner terminals; at center, petal-cross with trefoils in angles within plain circle / ģ¥ዝ/ዛģʼዡ/˸ F divided by three beaded lines. Chick 81d = PAS NLM-4B4EB4 (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 736 (same obv. die); North 278; SCBC 911. Toned, porosity, slight bend and crack.

VF. Very rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection. Found at Roxby-cum-Risby, North Lincolnshire, before 2006.

1241.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Coenwulf. 796-821. AR Penny (18mm, 1.27 g, 8h). Tribrach type. Canterbury mint; Eoba, moneyer. Struck 798-805. ม üɭዞn⎍⎍⌦ዟ ʼዞҟ, M within pelleted circle / ม ዞ ¨ዛ ¥ within angles of tribrach moline. Naismith 14.1; SCBI 67 (BM), 124; North 342; SCBC 914. Toned, faint deposits and minor porosity on highpoints.

Near EF. Well struck. Rare. ($2000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased form Silbury Coins, June 2013. Reportedly found Findon, West Sussex.

1242.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Coenwulf. 796-821. AR Penny (18mm, 1.42 g, 2h). Portrait type. London mint; Coelbald, moneyer. Struck circa 805-821. ม üɭዞn⎍⌦ዟ ʼዞҟM, diademed and draped bust right / ⌐ģ/ɭ⌦/B/ዞ¥⌦/č, cross-crosslet. EMC 2018.0085 (this coin); cf. Naismith 19b-c; cf. SCBI 67 (BM), 215; North 345; SCBC 918. Toned, slight porosity. Good VF. Very rare. Distinct London mint style. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Inventory 532145 (October 2019). Found at Epping, Essex, circa 1997-1998.

1243.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Coenwulf. 796-821. AR Penny (20mm, 1.53 g, 9h). Portrait type. Canterbury mint; Deormod, moneyer. Struck circa 810-821. ม üɭዞn⎍⎍⌦ዟ ʼዞҟM, diademed and draped bust right / ม ዝዢɭʼȮɭዝ ȮɭnዞͿ¥, double pincer-shaped cross superimposed on cross pommée; wedges in angles. Naismith 39.1; SCBI 67 (BM), 152-4; North 347; SCBC 916. Pleasing coin with fresh surfaces and faint deposits. Good VF. Rare. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased form Asprey Coins, June 2023.

427

1244.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Burgred. 852-874. AR Penny (19.5mm, 1.13 g, 4h). Lunette type. London mint; Coenræd, moneyer. Phase IIb, struck circa 866-868/70. ዛ⎍ʼűʼዞዝ ʼዞ!ҟ, diademed and draped bust right / üዞnʼዞዝ across central field; =ዦɭn= =ዞͿ¥= in lunettes above and below. MacKay H8.4-7 var. (unlisted dies); North 426; SCBC 941A. Rich glossy find patina. Good VF. ($1000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Silbury Coins.

1245.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Burgred. 852-874. AR Penny (20mm, 1.32 g, 8h). Lunette type. London mint; Dudwine, moneyer. Phase IIb, struck circa 866-868/70. ዛ⎍ʼűʼዞዝ ʼዞҟ !, diademed and draped bust right / ዝ⎍ዝዩዢnዞ across central field; ዦɭn ዞͿ¥ Ḧ/ in lunettes above and below. MacKay V.5/121 (O18/R18; this coin); SCBI 65 (Norwegian), 28; North 426; SCBC 942D. Toned, faint deposits. VF. ($1000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins. Ex A. Lyons (Spink 219, 24 September 2013), lot 82; St. James 4 (8 May 2006), lot 27; R.C. Lockett (English Part I, Glendining, 6 June 1955), lot 403 (part of).

1246.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of East Anglia. Æthelstan I. Circa 827-845. AR Penny (19mm, 1.27 g, 12h). Nonportrait type. Mint in East Anglia (Ipswich?). Struck circa 830-837/8. ม ዞዝዞ⌦//˞Ϳ²n, large ² / ม ʼዞҟ ²ḨnḨű /, large W. Naismith E32.1aa (same dies); SCBI 67 (BM), 846; North 439; SCBC 950. Lightly toned, a few minor marks. Near EF. Rare.

Well struck. ($2500) From the Causeway Collection.

1247.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of East Anglia. Æthelstan I. Circa 827-845. AR Penny (19mm, 1.34 g, 6h). Non-portrait type. Mint in East Anglia (Ipswich?). Struck circa 830-837/8. ม ዞዝዞüSͿ²ḨnḨ, large ², pellets flanking; all within beaded circle / ม ʼዞҟ ²/©/ዢű /, large W within beaded circle. Naismith E32.1n var. (pellets on obv.; same rev. die); cf. SCBI 67 (BM), 846; North 439; SCBC 950. Glossy dark find patina, die flaw on obverse. Good VF. Rare. ($2500) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Silbury Coins, November 2021.

428

1248.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of East Anglia. Æthelweard. Circa 845-855. AR Penny (21mm, 1.12 g, 12h). Mint in East Anglia (Ipswich?); Æthelhelm, moneyer. ዞTዞ⌦/ዩ¨ʼዝ ʼዞҟ, short cross with crescents in angles / ¥ዞዝዞ⌦n/ዞ⌦ò, short cross with wedges in angles. Naismith 48.2; SCBI 67 (BM), 903-4; North 453; SCBC 953. Rich find patina, tiny edge split. Good VF. Very rare. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased Silbury Coins, October 2017. Reportedly found at Great Ryburgh, Norfolk 2016.

1249.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Ecgberht. 802-839. AR Penny (21mm, 1.25 g, 3h). DOROB-C type.

Canterbury mint; Oba, moneyer. Struck circa 828-839. ม ዞüűዛዞʼ ዡͿ ʼዞҟ, diademed and draped bust right / ม ɭዛ© ዦɭnዞͿ©, Dorob C monogram. Naismith C85; SCBI 67 (BM), 1040-6; North 573; SCBC 1035. Toned, traces of porosity.

Good VF. Very rare. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Morton & Eden 75 (2 July 2015), lot 98.

1250.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelwulf. 839-858. AR Penny (20mm, 1.24 g, 2h). Portrait type. Rochester mint; Beagmund, moneyer. Struck 839-circa 844. ม ዞዝዞ⌦⎍⎍⌦ዟ ʼዞҟ, diademed head right / ม ዛዞ¨űȮ⎍ë, plain cross.

Naismith R19.1e (this coin); SCBI 67 (BM), 1115 (same dies); North 592; SCBC 1042. Toned, speckled hard deposits on reverse. Near EF. Very rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex M. Lessen Collection (Dix Noonan Webb 146, 25 April 2018), lot 214; B. Bird (Glendining, 20 November 1874), lot 82.

1251.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelwulf. 839-858. AR Penny (20mm, 1.38 g, 6h). Inscribed Cross type.

Rochester mint; Tirweald, moneyer. Struck circa 854-858. ม ¨ዞTዞ⌦⎍⎍⌦ዟ ʼዞҟ, draped bust right / ม Ϳዢʼ⎍¨ ⌦ዝ ዦ ɭ n ዞ Ϳ ¨ arranged on limbs of, and around, beaded cross. Naismith R41.2c (this coin, illustrated as R41.1b); SCBI 26 (East Anglia), 1109; North 618; SCBC 1051. Lightly toned, slight bow to flan. Good VF. Excellent metal for issue. Rare. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins, March 2013. Ex Spink 211 (13 December 2011), lot 15 (further pedigree given there erroneous); Bruun Rasmussen 764 (11 December 2006), lot 5428.

429

1252.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelberht. 858-865/6. AR Penny (21mm, 1.18 g, 10h). Inscribed Cross type. Canterbury mint; Osbeorht, moneyer. Struck circa 858-864. ม ¨ዞTዞ⌦ዛዞ¨ʼhʼዞҟ, draped bust right / ม ɭSዛዞ¨ ʼhዦ ɭ n ዞ Ϳ ¨ arranged on limbs of, and around, beaded cross. Naismith C197; SCBI 67 (BM), 1281; North 620; SCBC 1053. Richly toned, faint deposits. Good VF. Rare. Excellent portrait. The attractive old cabinet toning suggests that this coin is one of the several untraced examples recorded by Naismith. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex E. Miller (Spink 19004, 27 March 2019), lot 45, purchased from Baldwin’s, 29 December 1964.

Pedigreed to the 1862 Croydon Hoard

1253.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (19mm, 1.42 g, 9h). Lunettes A type.

Canterbury mint; Denewald, moneyer. Struck 871-circa 875. ส ⌃ዞǮዟʼዞዝ ʼዞᛸ, diademed and draped bust right / ዝዞɉќ⌃Ǯ across central field; / ዝ ዦɭn / / ዞ˶⌃ Ḧ/ in lunettes above and below, respectively. Lyons & MacKay, Lunettes Afl2.19 (dies B/b) = Blunt & Dolley, “The Hoard Evidence for the Coinage of Alfred,” in BNJ 29 (1959), p. 229 = C. Anderson, Chronicles of the Parish of Croyden, Surrey: Saxon Croydon (Boston, 1877), p. 144, no. 9 (this coin); SCBI –; North 626; SCBC 1057.

Attractively toned, crisply struck. Near EF. Very rare and with a remarkable pedigree. ($5000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex St. Mary’s College (Morton & Eden 105, 28 November 2019), lot 387; Spink Numismatic Circular C.2 (March 1992), no. 864; Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXVI.5 (May 1978), no. 6343; Spink Numismatic Circular XXV.4 (April 1927), no.

66997; Spink Numismatic Circular XXXIII.3-4 (March 1925), no. 38445; Spink Numismatic Circular XXXII.1-2 (January 1924), no. 27248; Spink Numismatic Circular XXVI.11-12 (November 1918), no. 67293; O. Fitch Collection; W. Allen (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge 14 March 1898), lot 185; 1862 Croydon, Sussex Hoard.

1254.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great. 871-899. AR Penny (19.5mm, 1.51 g, 5h). Two-line (’Guthram’) type (BMC xiv). Canterbury mint; Æthelræd, moneyer. Struck circa 880-899. ม ዞ⌦ ዟʼ ዞዝ ʼዞ, small cross pattée / ዞTዟዛዞ ዝ nɭ in two lines; pellets above, below, and between. SCBI 26 (East Anglia), 52 (same rev. die); North 635; SCBC 1066. Richly toned. Good VF. Rare. ($2500) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins.

430

1255.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Edward the Elder. 899-924. AR Penny (21mm, 1.68 g, 1h). Circumscription cross/Horizontal-Quatrefoil (HQ1) type (BMC ii). Mercia West dies; Wynbeorht, moneyer. Early periods I or II, circa 899910. ม ዞ¨ዝ⎍⎍ዞ¨ʼዝ ʼዞҟ /, small cross pattée; pellet in second quarter / ⎍⎍nዛ/ዞʼዡͿ in two lines; ฾ / ฾ between, Ḷ above and below. CTCE 310; SCBI 9 (Ashmolean), 304-5; BMC 69 (same dies); North 649; SCBC 1087. Deeply toned. EF. Rare. ($1500) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins, August 2012. Ex R.C. Lockett (English Part I, 6 June 1955), lot 550a.

1256.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (22mm, 1.59 g, 8h). Circumscription cross/ Horizontal-Trefoil 1 (HT 1) type (BMC i). North East I mint; Willaf, moneyer. ®Tዞ⌦/Ӳ˸±n ʼዞҟ, small cross pattée / ⎍⎍ዢ⌦/⌦⎍ዟ ዦ in two lines; ฾ ฾ ฾ between, Ḩ above and below. Blunt, Aethelstan 407; SCBI 34 (BM), 233/232 (same obv./ rev. dies); North 668; SCBC 1089. A few light marks under rich glossy find patina. Near EF. ($1000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Silbury Coins. Ex John Moore Collection.

1257.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (23mm, 1.52 g, 1h). Circumscription Cross type (BMC v). York mint; Ragnald, moneyer. ม ዞTዞ⌦Ӳ˸©n ʼዞҟ ˸ɭ ዛʼዢlḦ, small cross pattée / ม ያዞűn©⍇ዝ ቫຖ ዞዟɭያĂዢï, small cross pattée. Blunt, Aethelstan 234; cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 112 (for type); North 672; SCBC 1093. Lustrous. Choice EF. Rare. ($2500) From the Causeway Collection.

1258.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (22mm, 1.60 g, 11h). Bust Crowned (BC) type (BMC viii). London mint; Eilafr, moneyer. ม ®Tዞ⌦Ӳ˸©n ʼዞҟ Ḧ/, crowned and draped bust right / ม ዞ⌦⌦±ዟ ዦɭ ⌦ɭnዝɭnዢ üዢ, small cross pattée. Blunt, Aethelstan 272; SCBI 34 (BM), 132 (same rev. die); North 675; SCBC 1095. Dark toning, a few light marks. Good VF. Rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection.

431

1259.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (23mm, 1.60 g, 11h). Circumscription Rosette type (BMC vi). Chester mint; Eadmund, moneyer. ม ®Tዞ⌦Ӳ˸©n ʼዞҟม Ϳɭ ዛʼ, rosette / ม ዞ©ዝዦ⎍nዝ ዦɭn ⌦ዞű, rosette.

Blunt, Aethelstan 351; cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 184 (for type); North 680; SCBC 1098. Toned. Good VF. ($2000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Silbury Coins, April 2019. Ex Morton & Eden 91 (7 December 2017), lot 31.

1260.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (23mm, 1.71 g, 2h). Circumscription Cross/ Rosette type (BMC v/vi). Chester mint; Mægenferth, moneyer. ม ®Tዞ⌦Ӳ˸©n ʼዞҟ ˸ɭ ዛ, rosette / ม ዦዞűʼዞዝ ዦɭn ⌦ዞűü, small cross pattée. Cf. Blunt, Aethelstan 354 (for Rosette type); cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 188 (same); North 682; SCBC 1099.

Toned. EF. Very rare. An unrecorded mule for this moneyer. ($2000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Silbury Coins, September 2017.

1261.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (22mm, 1.34 g, 12h). Tower type (BMC iv). York mint; Etram, moneyer. ม ዞ±ዝዞ⌦ӲͿ±n ʼዞҟ ±, small cross pattée / ҏ ҏ/ ዝɭ ዢӲ/ ዞͿʼ±ዦ/ ዦ!ɭ in field around building set on ground line. Blunt, Aethelstan 440; SCBI 34 (BM), 239 (same dies); North 683; SCBC 1100. Light golden toning, minor lamination on the reverse. Near EF. Very rare, especially so of this moneyer. ($6000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Eboracum ‘Ryedale’ Hoard (Spink 228, 25 March 2015), lot 471.

The Tower type of Aethelstan is unparalleled in his coinage. Christopher Blunt posited that it may have been an ecclesiastical issue, struck for Hrothweard, Archbishop of York, between Aethelstan’s capture of the city in 927 and the Archbishop’s death in 931. If this is the case, the tower on the reverse is likely to be a depiction of York Minster.

432

Aethelstan Helmet Type

1262.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (21mm, 1.64 g, 3h). Helmet type (BMC xii).

North Eastern II mint; Smala, moneyer. ®Tዞ⌦Ӳ˶±n ʼዞҟ, crowned, helmeted, draped bust right / ส Ӳዦ©⌦© ዦɭnዞ˶©, cross crosslet. Blunt, Aethelstan 415; SCBI 34 (BM), 248 (same obv. die); North 686; SCBC 1104. Light golden toning. Good VF. Very rare. ($4000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from A. Bryant.

1263.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Eadred. 946-955. AR Penny (22mm, 1.48 g, 8h). Circumscription cross/ Horizontal-Trefoil 1 (HT 1) type (BMC i). Uncertain mint in the Midlands or South; Beorhstan, moneyer. ม ዞ±ዝʼዞዝ ʼዞҟ, small cross pattée / ม ዛӎʼn/Z˶±n / in two lines; ฾ ฾ ฾ between, Ḩ above and below. CTCE –; SCBI –; North 706; SCBC 1113. Toned. Near EF. ($1000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Silbury Coins. Ex John Moore Collection.

1264.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Eadred. 946-955. AR Penny (21mm, 1.54 g, 10h). Bust Crowned type (BMC vi). Uncertain mint; Wilferth, moneyer. ม ዞ¨ዝʼዞዝ ʼዞҟ, crowned and draped bust right / ม ⎍⎍ዢ⌦ዟʼዞTዦɭnዞͿ¨, small cross pattée. CTCE 269; SCBI 34 (BM), 717; North 713; SCBC 1115. Rich find patina. Good VF. A bold portrait. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex M. Rasmussen FPL 24 (Spring 2013), no. 10.

1265.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Eadgar. 959-975. AR Penny (20mm, 1.13 g, 6h). Circumscription cross/ Horizontal-Trefoil 1 (HT 1) type (BMC i). North-Eastern V dies; Farthein, moneyer. Struck circa 959-968/9. ม ዞ©ዝű/©/ʼ ʼዞҟ, small cross pattée / ü©ʼT/ዞዢዢòɭ in two lines; three crosses pattée between, trefoils above and below. Walker, “A Hoard of Anglo-Saxon Coins form Tetney, Lincolnshire,” NC 1945, 229 (this coin); CTCE 38; SCBI 42 (South-Eastern), 789 (same dies); North 741; SCBC 1129. Old cabinet toning, slightly weak strike. Near EF. ($1000) Ex St. George Collection, purchased from Baldwin’s; 1945 Tetney Hoard.

433

1266.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Eadgar. 959-975. AR Penny (22mm, 1.28 g, 3h). Bust Crowned (BMC v) . Bedford mint; Leofstan, moneyer. Struck circa 960-965. ม ዞ²ዝű²ʼ ʼዞҟ, crowned and draped bust right / ม ⌦ዢɭዟӲͿ²n ዦɭnዞͿ² ዛዞ, small cross pattée. CTCE 348; SCBI 9 (Ashmolean), 417 var. (rev. legend); North 751; SCBC 1139. Toned, waterworn, slightly wavy flan. Near VF. An elegant pre-reform portrait. Very rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Silbury Coins, June 2018. Ex M. Lessen (Dix Noonan Webb 146, 25 April 2018), lot 247; Coin Galleries (23 April 2003), lot 245.

Extremely Rare Londonia Halfpenny

1267.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Eadgar. 959-975. AR Halfpenny (16mm, 0.60 g, 12h). London mint.

Struck circa 959-967/8. ዞ²ዝű ม ²ʼ ʼዞ, crude bust right / Londonia monogram; cross above, pellet to left triangle of pellets below. CTCE 394; SCBI 68 (Lyon), 753 (same dies); North 753; SCBC 1140B. Toned. Good VF. A high grade example of this intriguing issue. Extremely rare. ($5000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from T. Owen.

A fascinating type harkening back to the London issues of Alfred the Great.

A Pair of Martyrs

1268.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Martyr. 975-978. AR Penny (21mm, 1.41 g, 4h). Sole type (BMC i). Lincoln mint; Leofing, moneyer. Diademed and draped bust left / ม ⌦ዞ⎍⎍n!ɭ ⌦ዢnዝɭ⌦nዞ, small cross pattée.

Mossop pl. I, 30 (dies A/a); SCBI 27 (Lincolnshire), 15 (same dies); North 763; SCBC 1142. Toned, minor scratch. Near EF. Very rare. ($6000) From the Causeway Collection, purchsed from AMR Coins. Ex Bruun Rasmussen 764 (11 December 2006), lot 5444.

1269.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Martyr. 975-978. AR Penny (21mm, 1.16 g, 4h). Sole type (BMC i). Stamford mint; Leofing, moneyer. Diademed and draped bust left / ม ⌦ዞዟዢnű ዦ!ɭ Ӳ˸©n, small cross pattée.

SCBI 16 (Norweb), l72 (this coin); North 763; SCBC 1142. Rich old cabinet toning. Near EF. A boldly struck portrait. Very rare. ($6000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Dix Noonan Webb 119 (4 December 2013), lot 2043; Norweb (Part IV, Spink 59, 17 June 1987), lot 1200; Duke of Argyll Collection; Grantley (Part III, Glendining, 22 March 1944), lot 1107.

434

1270.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Æthelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (20mm, 1.39 g, 11h). First Hand type (BMC iia, Hild. B1). York mint; Beolan, moneyer. Struck circa 979-985. Diademed and draped bust right / ม ዛዞɭ⌦©n ዦ!ɭ ዞዟዞ, manus Dei descending from clouds; barred © ѽ flanking. SCBI 2 (Glasgow), 812 var. (legends); North 766; SCBC 1144. Attractive old iridescent tone, minor die flaws. EF. Excellent portrait. A rare moneyer. ($1000) From the Causeway Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 505835 (February 2019).

1271.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Æthelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (21mm, 1.64 g, 9h). Crux type (BMC iiia, Hild. C). Exeter mint; Beorhtsige, moneyer. Struck circa 991-997. Draped bust left; trefoil-tipped scepter to left / ม ዛӎʼዡӲዢűዞ ዦ!ɭ ዞ©ҟዞ, voided short cross; ü–ʼ–⎍–ҟ in quarters. SCBI 20 (Mack), 855 (same rev. die); North 770; SCBC 1148. Toned. Near EF. ($750) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from R. Richardson, October 2011. Ex Spink 201 (26 November 2009), lot 153; Spink Numismatic Circular LXXX.6 (June 1972), no. 6333; R.P.V. Brettell (Glendining, 28 October 1970), lot 28; Stephen Simpson Collection (purchased en bloc by Brettell, 1955).

1272.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Æthelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (20mm, 1.68 g, 12h). Long Cross type (BMC iva, Hild. D). Oxford mint; Wulfwine, moneyer. Struck circa 997-1003. Draped bust left / ม ዩ⎍⌦ዟ ዩዢɉ ዦณɭ ɭ n ɭҟn, voided long cross, with pellet at center and triple-crescent ends. Stainer 19; SCBI 9 (Ashmolean), 573 (same dies); North 774; SCBC 1151. Richly toned, slight weakness on front of profile, slight wave. EF. ($750) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins, March 2014.

1273.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Cnut. 1016-1035. AR Penny (18mm, 0.95 g, 11h). Pointed Helmet type (BMC xiv, Hild. G). London mint; Wynstan, moneyer. Struck circa 1023-1030. Bust left, wearing pointed helmet; trefoiltipped scepter before / ม ዩ⎍n⎄Ϳan ∂ ⌦⎍nዝ, voided short cross, limbs united at base by two concentric circles with pellet in center; in each angle, broken annulet enclosing pellet. SCBI 14 (Copenhagen), 3076; North 787; SCBC 1158. Lustrous, minor softness on reverse. Near EF. Much as struck. ($500) From the Causeway Collection.

435

1274.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Cnut. 1016-1035. AR Penny (17mm, 1.15 g, 9h). Short Cross type (BMC xvi, Hild. H). Leicester mint; Wulfnoth. Struck circa 1029-1035. Diademed and draped bust left; scepter to left / ม ዩ⎍⌦nɭT ɭn ⌦ዞዡʼ, voided short cross; annulet at center. SCBI –; North 790; SCBC 1159. Richly toned, slightly wavy flan.

EF. ($500) Form the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins, December 2014.

Cnut Posthumous Jewel Cross

1275.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harthacnut. 1035-1042. AR Penny (17mm, 1.24 g, 1h). Jewel Cross type (BMC xx, Hild. K). London mint; Eadric, moneyer. Struck in the name of Cnut, circa 1036-1037. Diademed bust left / ม ዞዝʼዢü ɭn ⌦⎍nዝዞɉ, cross composed of four ovals united at base by two concentric circles. SCBI 40 (Stockholm), 101 (same dies); North 797; SCBC 1160. Light golden toning with significant luster, slightly double struck obverse. EF. Extremely rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection.

A rare posthumous issue of Cnut, struck in the aftermath of Cnut’s death during the regency of his widow Emma Aelgifu, who held Winchester pending the arrival of her son Harthacnut from Denmark.

1276.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harthacnut. 1035-1042. AR Penny (17mm, 1167 g, 12h). Jewel Cross type (BMC ia, Hild. Aa). Winchester mint; Æthelstan Loc, moneyer. Struck circa 1036-1037. Diademed bust right / ม ®⎄˶©n ⌦ɭü ɭn ዩዢn Ḧ, cross composed of four ovals united at base by two concentric circles. Harvey 1413 (dies A/a); SCBI 18 (Copenhagen), 723 (same die); North 809; SCBC 1167. Toned. Good VF. Very rare. ($3000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from T. Owen.

1277.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harthacnut. 1035-1042. AR Penny (18mm, 1.13 g, 6h). Arm and Scepter type (BMC [Cnut] xvii, Hild. [Cnut] I). Norwich mint; Leofwine, moneyer. Struck in the name of Cnut, 1040-1042.

Diademed bust left, holding trefoil-tipped scepter / ม ⌦ዞɭዟ ዩዢnዞ ɭn nɭʼዩዢü, quadrilateral, with pellet in center and angles, over voided short cross. SCBI 40 (Stockholm), 1902 (same dies); North 799; SCBC 1169. Lightly toned, worn reverse die.

Near EF. Rare. ($2000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins.

436

1278.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harthacnut. 1035-1042. AR Penny (17mm, 0.89 g, 9h). East Danish standard. Lund mint; Toci, moneyer. Struck 1040-1042. Helmeted and armored bust left / ม ˶∂ üዢ ∂ n ⌦⎍ዝዢ Ḩ, voided long cross with triple-crescent ends and pellet at center; crescents in first and third quarters. Becker, Coinages dies H28/35; Becker Collection 37 (same die); cf. Hauberg 28 (for type); SCBC 1170. Richly toned. Near EF. ($750) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from Ormonde Coins. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CXIX.1 (March 2011), no. HS4228.

1279.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Confessor. 1042-1066. AR Penny (18mm, 1.04 g, 12h).

Pacx type (BMC iv, Hild. D). Norwich mint; Hringulf, moneer. Struck 1042-circa 1044. Diademed bust left; quatrefoil-tipped scepter to left / ม ʼዢ nü⎍ ⌦ / ዟɭ nɭʼ, voided long cross with crescent at ends and pellet at center; ዩ © ü ⎄ in quarters. Pagan, Pacx 354 (dies A/c); Freeman 131; SCBI 54 (Stockholm), 231-2 (same dies); North 813; SCBC 1172. Light golden toning.

Choice EF. Very rare reading of PACS for PACX. ($1500) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins.

1280.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Confessor. 1042-1066. AR Penny (18mm, 1.19 g, 5h).

Expanding Cross type, light issue (BMC va, Hild. E var.). York mint; Arnketill, moneyer. Struck circa 1050-1053. Diademed bust left; scepter to left / ม ¥ʼü⎍Ϳዞ⌦ ɭn ዞɭዟዞʼ, voided short cross with expanding limbs; at center, circle around pelletin-circle; annulet in one quarter. Freeman 45; SCBI 29 (Merseyside), 757-8 (same dies); North 822; SCBC 1176. Deeply toned. EF. Well struck. ($750) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from T. Owen.

1281.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Confessor. 1042-1066. AR Penny (20mm, 1.38 g, 9h).

Sovereign/Eagles type (BMC ix, Hild. H). Northampton mint; Wulfnoth, moneyer. Struck circa 1056-1059. Edward seated facing on throne, holding scepter and globus cruciger / ม ዩ⎍⌦nɭT ɭn ዡ©ዦ, voided cross, with martlet in each quarter.

Wells, “The Northampton and Southampton Mints, Part II,” in BNJ XIX (1927-1928), pl. IV, 6 (this coin illustrated); Freeman 67; SCBI 17 (Midlands), 428A (same dies); North 827; SCBC 1181. Toned. Near EF. ($750) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins. Ex William C. Wells Collection (purchased en bloc by Baldwin’s, 1949).

437

Harold Godwinson

1282.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Harold II. 1066. AR Penny (18mm, 1.31 g, 9h). Pax type (BMC i, Hild. A). Lewes mint; Osweald, moneyer. Crowned bust left; scepter to left / ม ɭZዩɭ⌦ዝ ɭn ⌦ዞዩዞዞዢ, ዩ¨ҟ across central field. King 278 (same dies); SCBI 11 (Reading), lot 185 (same dies); North 836; SCBC 1186. Toned, faint scratch. Near EF. Rare. ($5000) From the Causeway Collection, purchased from AMR Coins. Ex Ross Schraeder Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 78, 14 May 2008), lot 2156; Classical Numismatic Auctions XIV (20 March 1991), lot 1276.

1283.

NORMAN. William I ‘the Conqueror’. 1066-1087. AR Penny (19mm, 1.37 g, 11h). Paxs type (BMC viii).

Southwark mint; Leofdeard, moneyer. Struck circa 1083-1086. Crowned facing bust, holding scepter; annulet on right shoulder / ม ⌦ዢዟዩɭʼዝ ɭn ⎄ዢዢTዞዢ, cross pattée; letters of P A X S in annulets within quarters. BMC 962; North 848; SCBC 1257. Toned. In NGC encapsulation 6610478-001, graded MS 61. ($1000)

1284.

NORMAN. William II Rufus. 1087-1100. AR Penny (21mm, 1.40 g, 7h). Profile type (BMC i). London mint; Eadwig, moneyer. Struck 1086-1089. ม ዩዢ⌦⌦ዞ⌦ዦ ʼዞҟ, crowned bust right, holding sword / ม ዞዝዩዢ ɭn ⌦⎍nዝnዞn, cross pattée, with annulet at center; all over cross fleurée in saltire. SCBI –; BMC 32; North 851; SCBC 1258. Beautifully toned, reverse struck slightly off center. Near EF. An attractive portrait coin. Very rare. ($4000) Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 915709 (May 2012); Nomos FPL 5 (Winter-Spring 2012), no. 107; Andrew Wayne Collection; Marshall Collection (Spink 167, 31 March 2004), lot 68; Spink Numismatic Circular 7 (July 1943), no. 21074 (for £7-10-0).

438

Exceptional Post Treaty Calais Noble

1285.

PLANTAGENET. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Noble (36mm, 7.72 g, 4h). Fourth coinage, Post-Treaty period, Group III. Calais mint. Struck 1369-1377. Edward standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; ornaments 1-1-1-1, ropes 3/1, quatrefoils 4/4, lis 4; flag at stern / Voided short cross potent over cross fleurée, pellets flanking top and bottom lis; in each angle, crown over lion passant over voided trefoil; at center, E / within quadrilobe; all within polylobe, with trefoils in spandrels.

Lawrence 3; Schneider 115 (for type); North 1281; SCBC 1521. In NGC encapsulation 6860910-001, graded MS 66. Struck on a broad flan. Significant luster. Top Pop – the finest graded by NGC. Crisp strike on broad flan. Lot includes an old Baldwin’s ticket. ($20,000)

1286.

LANCASTER. Henry VI. First reign, 1422-1461. AV Noble (33mm, 6.89 g, 6h). Annulet issue. Calais mint; im: lis.

Struck 1422-1427. Henry standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; annulet to left of hand; ornaments: 1-1-1; quatrefoils: 3/3 / cross fleurée over voided short cross potent; at center, ƌ within quatrefoil; in each angle, crown above lion passant; all within double polylobe, with annulet in one spandrel and trefoil in all others. Whitton, Heavy 7a; Schneider 300 (same obv. die); North 1415; SCBC 1803. Toned with traces of luster. In NGC encapsulation 6860617-001, graded MS 62. ($5000) 439

Boar’s Head Groat in Name of Edward

1287.

YORK (Restored). Richard III. 1483-1485. AR Groat (26mm, 2.95 g, 1h). Type 2a. London (Tower) mint; im: boar’s head 1 over halved sun & rose 1/sun and rose 1. Struck in the name of Edward IV or V, 20 July 1483 to June 1484.

Crowned facing bust within tressure of arches; lis at lower cusps / Long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters. Winstanley p.

184; MEG type 2a; Whitton, “Die Links Between Edward IV, Edward V, and Richard III” in BNJ XXIV (1941-44), 5 (same dies); Locket III, 3175 (same obv. die); North 1672 (Edward V); SCBC 2155. Toned, a few marks. VF. Struck on a broad flan, with both mintmarks clear. Very rare. ($4000) Ex Glendining (28 February 1995), lot 74.

Groats in the name of Edward with mint mark halved sun & rose 1 were in production during the last few months of the reign of Edward IV and the very brief reign of his son Edward V. Tim Webb Ware’s study has shown that a small number of the obverse dies for this rare issue were over marked with the boar’s head, the personal emblem of Richard III, following the appointment of Richard’s henchman, Robert Brackenbury, as Constable of the Tower and Master of the Mint on 20 July 1483. At this time Edward V was a prisoner in the Tower, along with his younger brother. There are no recorded sightings of the two princes after the summer of 1483. Brackenbury was undoubtedly complicit in their murder.

1288.

YORK (Restored). Richard III. 1483-1485. AR Groat (24mm, 2.85 g, 3h). Type 2b. London (Tower) mint; im: boar’s head 2. Struck 20 July 1483 to June 1484. Crowned facing bust within tressure of arches; lis at lower cusps / Long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters. Winstanley 5; MEG type 2b; North 1679; SCBC 2156. Richly toned. VF. Rare. ($3000)

Very Rare York Mint Richard III Groat

1289.

YORK (Restored). Richard III. 1483-1485. AR Groat (25mm, 2.79 g, 4h). Type 3. York mint; im: sun & rose 3/–.

Struck circa June 1484-22 August 1485. Crowned facing bust within tressure of arches; lis at lower cusps / Long cross pattée; triple pellets in quarters. Winstanley 17; MEG type 3; North 1681; SCBC 2159. Rich cabinet toning, small edge split and a few light marks. VF. Very rare York mint for Richard. ($5000) Ex E.M. Norweb (Part IV, Spink 56, 19 November 1986), lot 894; D. Mangakis Collection; H.A. Parsons Collection (Part II, Glendining, 11 May 1954), lot 886; F.A. Walters (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 26 May 1913), lot 469.

440

1290.

TUDOR. Henry VII. 1485-1509. AV Angel (28mm, 5.13 g, 7h). Type V. Tower (London) mint; im: pheon. Struck 1504-1509. Archangel Michael slaying dragon to lower right / Ship bearing coat-of-arms; above, cross between ƌ შ. SCBI 23 (Ashmolean) 64 (same obv. die); Schneider 541-4; North 1698; SCBC 2187. Richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6866422002, graded AU 58. ($4000)

1291.

TUDOR. Henry VIII. 1509-1547. AV Angel (28mm, 5.18 g, 6h). Third coinage. Tower (London) mint; im: lis.

Struck 1544-1547. Archangel Michael slaying dragon to lower right; annulet to left of St. Michael’s head / Ship bearing coatof-arms; annulet on hull; above, cross between ƌ შ. Whitton p. 188; Schneider 624 var. (legend); North 1930; SCBC 2299. In NGC encapsulation 6860617-004, graded AU 55. ($4000)

1292.

TUDOR. Henry VIII. 1509-1547. AV Crown of the Double Rose (25mm, 3.15 g, 5h). Third coinage. Tower (London) mint; im: pellet-in-annulet. Struck 1544-1547. Crowned rose; crowned h R flanking / Crowned coat-of-arms; crowned H R flanking. Whitton p. 180, 3 var. (Roman H on rev. only); Schneider 6235 (same rev. die); North 1834; SCBC 2305. In NGC encapsulation 2124442-009, graded AU 58. ($3000) Ex Dr. Baumhauer Collection.

441

Exceptional Holbein Portrait

1293.

TUDOR. Henry VIII. 1509-1547. AR Testoon (31mm, 7.68 g, 11h). Third coinage. Tower (London) mint; im: pelletin-annulet. Struck 1544-1547. Crowned facing bust (Jacob type 1) / Crowned rose; crowned h R flanking. Jacob O12/R16; Whitton B(5); North 1841; SCBC 2365. Toned, usual areas of weak strike in legends. Good VF. Excellent portrait. ($10,000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 868218 (April 2010).

Handsome Sovereign of Edward VI

1294.

TUDOR. Edward VI. 1547-1553. AV Sovereign (36mm, 11.19 g, 5h). Third period, crown gold coinage. Tower (London) mint; im: У. Struck 1551–1553. Crowned and armored half-length bust right, holding sword over right shoulder and globus cruciger in left hand / Crowned coat-of-arms with crowned leopard and griffin supporters; all set on ornate frame with central titulus inscribed ⌓ˊ. Schneider 690 (same dies); North 1927; SCBC 2450. Some very minor planchet flaws on obverse. Well struck and richly toned. In NGC encapsulation 6499651-001, graded AU 53. Rare, especially with this У initial mark. ($30,000) Ex St. James 24 (23 September 2013), lot 43; Spink 208 (22 June 2011), lot 651.

442

1295.

TUDOR. Philip & Mary. 1554-1558. AR Shilling (31mm, 6.34 g, 10h). Tower (London) mint. Confronted busts of Philip, armored, and Mary, veiled; crown above / Crowned coat-of-arms; X II (mark of value) flanking crown. North 1967; SCBC 2498. Lightly toned, a few very light marks. VF. A handsome, even coin with well balanced portraits. ($4000)

1296.

TUDOR. Elizabeth I. 1558-1603. AR Shilling (32mm, 6.11 g, 2h). Second issue. Tower (London) mint; im: crosscrosslet. Struck 1560-1561. Crowned bust 1A left, wearing ruff / Coat-of-arms over long cross fourchée. BCW CC-2Ci/LSh5; North 1985; SCBC 2555A. Toned, a few light marks, minor scratches, slightly double struck. Good VF. An exceptional example of this rare large bust variety. ($2500)

443

Portcullis Dollar

1297.

TUDOR. Elizabeth I. 1558-1603. AR 8 Testerns (40mm, 27.76 g, 10h). ‘Portcullis’ money. Tower (London) mint; im: O. Struck 1600. crowned coat-of-arms; crowned E R flanking / Crowned portcullis. Seaby, The Story of British Coinage (London, 1985), p. 99, no. 126 (this coin illustrated); BCW 0-1C/0-a; North –; SCBC 2607A (this coin illustrated in the late 1990s and early 2000s editions); Pridmore 1. In NGC encapsulation 6381364-001, graded XF 40. Richly toned. Broad flan.

Very rare. ($20,000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection; ‘A Collection of Crowns’ (Baldwin’s 30, 7 May 2002), lot 408; Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin 786 (February 1984), no. 70; E. Gosling (H. Christiansen, 9 December 1983), lot 718.

In 1600, the recently organized East India Company found themselves in need of coin. They initially planned to import the commonly used Spanish dollars, but Elizabeth refused to grant such a license, and insisted that the company use coins bearing her name and image. In the end, a compromise was reached allowing the royal mint to strike new coins with the name of the queen, but with the royal symbol of the portcullis in lieu of a portrait of a woman, which would likely have not been acceptable in the Indies. (BCW p. 11) Ultimately, £6000 worth of silver was struck in denominations of 1, 2, 4, and 8 testerns. But even without a feminine visage, the coins proved to be unsuccessful in trade, and quickly disappeared. Only a very small number of specimens for each denomination have survived to this day.

444

1298.

TUDOR. Elizabeth I. 1558-1603. AR 4 Testerns. ‘Portcullis’ money. Tower (London) mint; im: O. Struck 1600.

Crowned coat-of-arms; crowned E R flanking / Crowned portcullis. BCW 0-1E/0-a; North –; SCBC 2607B; Pridmore 2. In NGC encapsulation 6381364-012, graded AU 55. Minor metal flaws, otherwise a high grade specimen. Richly toned. Very rare. ($10,000) Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection.

1299.

STUART. James I. 1603-1625. AV Unite (36mm, 10.08 g, 4h). Second coinage, crown gold. Tower (London) mint; im: cinquefoil. Struck 1613-1615. Crowned and armored fifth bust right, holding globus cruciger and lis-tipped scepter over shoulder / Crowned coat-of-arms; I R flanking. Schneider 28; North 2085; SCBC 2620. In NGC encapsulation 6860617-003, graded MS 61. ($4000)

445

1300.

STUART. James I. 1603-1625. AV Laurel (33mm, 10h). Third coinage, crown gold. Tower (London) mint; im: trefoil. Struck 1624. Laureate fourth bust left; XX (mark of value) to right / Crowned coat-of-arms over long cross fourchée.

Schneider –; North 2114; SCBC 2638B. In NGC encapsulation 6529290-001, graded AU Details, obverse spot removed. Short scratch before head. Lustrous. ($2000) Ex 2020 Hazelbury, Wiltshire Hoard (PAS WILT-0CB2A3).

1301.

STUART. James I. 1603-1625. AR Shilling (30mm, 5.85 g, 6h). Second coinage. Tower (London) mint; im: coronet. Struck 1607-1609. Crowned fifth bust right with single-arch to crown / Coat-of-arms. North 2101; SCBC 2656.

Minor edge split, usual weakness in legends. Richly toned. Good VF. Pleasant surfaces and portrait. ($750) Ex Classical Numismatic Group 115 (16 September 2020), lot 1157.

1302.

STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AV Angel (26mm, 4.07 g, 3h). Fine gold coinage. Tower (London) mint; im: star.

Struck 1640-1641. Archangel Michael slaying the Dragon; X to left / Three-masted ship sailing left; royal coat-of-arms on mainsail; hull ornamented with lis and lions passant. Schneider, Tower dies 0-24/R-23; Brooker 14 (same dies); Schneider 111 (same dies); North 2145; SCBC 2684A. In NGC encapsulation 2119532-039, graded AU Details, holed. Pierced for use as a touch piece. Very rare with this mintmark. ($3000) Ex Dr. Baumhauer Collection.

446

1303.

STUART. Charles I. 1625-1649. AV Unite (34mm, 8.98 g, 5h). Crown gold coinage, group B. Tower (London) mint; im: castle. Struck 1627-1628. Crowned second bust left, wearing ruff; XX (mark of value) to right / Crowned coatof-arms. Brooker 37 var. (legend stops); Schneider 123 (same dies); North 2148; SCBC 2687. Flan flaw at center. In NGC encapsulation 6852864-001, graded AU 55. ($4000)

Negative image of obverse to highlight armorial engraving 1304.

STUART, Siege money. Newark. 1645-1646. AR Sixpence (22x23mm, 2.50 g, 12h). In the name of Charles I. Dated 1646. Large crown; C R flanking, VI (mark of value) below / OBS :/ NEWARK/ 1646. Brooker 1228 (same dies); North 2642; SCBC 3146. Toned, with considerable luster on obverse. Good VF/VF. Struck on a flan cut from an engraved plate, with some armorial engraving still visible. Very rare. ($2500) Ex Samuel Birchall of Leeds Collection (1761-1814).

During the English Civil Wars of 1642-1651, the countryside of the English Midlands and West tended to side with King Charles I, while the wealthy “cathedral cities” tended to support the Parliamentarians. Newark-on-Trent, located in the East Midlands, was a vital nexus of Royalist control and, along with Oxford, represented dual salients into Parliamentarian-controlled territory in eastern England during the early phase of the first Civil War, 1642-1646. It was the target of Parliamentary sieges in 1642/3, 1643/4 and, finally, 1645/6, when the famous siege coinage was struck on cut up pieces of silver plate. Newark held out against the Parliamentarian armies until May 1646, when Charles surrendered himself at Southwell.

447

Charles II Five Guinea Piece

1305.

STUART. Charles II. 1660-1685. AV 5 Guineas. Dated 1679 and RY T PRIMO. Second bust. Bull, Gold 190; MCE 20; SCBC 3331. In NGC encapsulation 6529294-001, graded AU 53. Minor metal flaws. Otherwise richly toned with pleasing surfaces. ($20,000)

1306.

STUART. Charles II. 1660-1685. AV 5 Guineas. Dated 1682 and RY T. QVARTO. Second bust. Bull, Gold 195; MCE 25; SCBC 3331. In PCGS encapsulation 44647264, graded AU Details, repaired. ($5000)

448

Second Finest Mint State Vigo Crown at NGC

1307.

STUART. Anne. 1702-1714. AR Crown. Dated 1703 VIGO and RY TERTIO. Bull 1340; ESC 99; SCBC 3576.

Marbled toning. In NGC encapsulation 6856222-002, graded MS 62. Some light haymarking. A lustrous and very high grade example of this desirable type. ($10,000) The War of the Spanish Succession, sparked by Louis XIV of France in his attempts to expand his hegemony, flared into a continent-wide conflict, with France, Spain, and Bavaria opposed by a coalition centered around England, Holland, and Austria. One aim of the Allies was to deprive Spain of the wealth derived from its American colonies. When Admiral Sir George Rooke, commander of the combined fleet, learned the 1702 treasure had arrived at Vigo Bay in Spain, he resolved to seize it. His force of fifty ships besieged the harbor, destroying the French fleet guarding the convoy, sinking most of the ships and capturing cargo worth some 2 million pounds at the time. A special issue of gold and silver coins was struck from the captured plate and a number of medals honored the great victory.

1308.

HANOVER. George I. 1714-1727. AV Half Guinea. Dated 1725. 2nd, older bust. Bull, Gold I 546; SCBC 3637.

Richly toned with some luster. In NGC encapsulation 6515820-008, graded AU 55. ($1500)

1309.

HANOVER. George II. 1727-1760. AR Crown. Dated 1736 and NONO. Roses and plumes in angles. ESC 121; SCBC 3686. Colorful cabinet tone. In NGC encapsulation 6455612-001, graded MS 61. Conservatively graded in our opinion. ($3000) Ex Spink-Taisei (26 November 2017), lot 139; Heritage 3035 (3 September 2014), lot 30795 (where graded PCGS MS 62).

449

1310.

HANOVER. George III. 1760-1820. AV Sovereign. Dated 1817. Marsh 1; SCBC 3785. Lustrous. In NGC encapsulation 618503-005, graded MS 62. Late 90s era NGC holder. Under-graded in our opinion. ($3000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

1311.

HANOVER. George III. 1760-1820. AR Halfcrown. Dated 1817. Bull head. Bull 2090; ESC 616; SCBC 3788.

Beautiful orange golden tone with underlying luster. In NGC encapsulation 6529299-008, graded MS 65. ($750)

1312.

HANOVER. George III. 1760-1820. AR Halfcrown. Dated 1817. Bull head. Bull 2090; ESC 616; SCBC 3788.

Frosty luster with some toning at periphery. In NGC encapsulation 6529299-007, graded MS 65. ($750)

450

1313.

HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. AR Halfcrown. Dated 1842. Bull 2717; ESC 675; SCBC 3888. Dark iridescent toning. In PCGS encapsulation 38566300, graded MS 65. ($2000)

1314.

SCOTLAND. Mary, with Francis. 1542-1567. AR Testoon (30mm, 6.00 g, 10h). Second period, group II. Edinburgh mint. Dated 1560. Crowned coat-of-arms; cross to left, X to right / Crowned FM monogram; crowned lis to left, crowned thistle to right. Burns 13 (fig. 884); cf. SCBI 58 (Edinburgh), 1092-4 (for type); SCBC 5418. Toned, areas of weak strike. Good VF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Coin Galleries (15 November 1989), lot 1177.

1315.

SCOTLAND. James VI. 1567-1625. AR Ryal – Sword Dollar (44mm, 30.19 g, 9h). First coinage. Edinburgh mint.

Dated 1567. Countermarked during the re-evalution of 1578. Crowned coat-of-arms; crowned I R flanking / Sword; pointing hand to upper left, XXX (mark of value) to upper right; c/m: crowned thistle. Burns 2 (fig. 921); SCBI 58 (Edinburgh) 132931; SCBC 5472. For c/m: SCBC p. 76. Obverse off center. Attractively toned. Good VF. ($1000) From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Marshall (Spink 167, 31 March 2004), lot 310.

451

1316.

SCOTLAND. Charles I. 1625-1649. AV Unit (35mm, 9.11 g, 6h). Third coinage, Briot’s issue. Edinburgh mint.

Struck 1637-1642. Crowned and armored half-length bust right, holding lis-tipped scepter and globus cruciger / Crowned coat-of-arms; crowned C R above quadrate stop across fields. Burns 3 (fig. 1032 – same dies); SCBI 35 (Scottish), 1392-6 (same dies); SCBC 5531. In NGC encapsulation 6860617-002, graded UNC Details, edge filing. ($4000)

1317.

IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Sihtric III Olafsson. Circa 995-1036. AR Penny (19mm, 1.31 g, 8h). Phase II coinage.

Imitating Long Cross type of Æthelred II. ‘Dublin’ mint; ‘Ndremin,’ moneyer. Struck circa 1015-1035. Draped bust left; three pellets and quatrefoil to right / Voided long cross, with pellet at center and triple-crescent ends; pellets in quarters. SCBI 8 (BM), 74; SCBI 22 (Belfast), 58 (same dies); SCBC 6122. Toned. Good VF. Rare. ($1000)

1318.

IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Phase III. Circa 1035-1055/60. AR Penny (18mm, 0.94 g, 12h). Phase III coinage, Long Cross type. Draped bust left / Voided long cross, with triple crescent ends; ‘hand’ symbols in second and third quarters.

Cf. SCBI 8 (BM), 118; cf. SCBI 22 (Copenhagen), 109; cf. SCBI 32 (Ulster), 141; D&F 24; SCBC 6132. Toned. EF. Bold, fluid style. Rare. ($1000)

1319.

IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Phase V. Circa 1065-1085/95. AR Penny (17mm, 0.99 g). Phase V coinage, Long Cross type. Draped bust left; pellet to left, cluster of pellets on neck / Voided long cross, with triple crescent ends; pellet, lis, crescent, and pellet-in-annulet in quarters. SCBI 8 (BM), 164-6 (same dies); SCBI 22 (Copenhagen), –; SCBI 32 (Ulster), –; D&F 28; SCBC 6138 var. (symbols). Toned, obverse double struck, a few light scratches. VF. Extremely rare. ($1500) Ex Glendining (1 October 1980), lot 188.

452

Plated in Roth’s BNJ Article in 1909

1320.

IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Phase V. Circa 1065-1085/95. AR Penny (18mm, 0.91 g). Phase V coinage. Uncertain mint signature and moneyer. Four croziers forming cross in saltire, with cross pattée at center; ˝ to left, scourge to right / Voided long cross, with triple crescent ends and pellet at center; pellet, annulet, pellet, and ‘hand’ in quarters. B. Roth, “The Coins of the Danish Kings of Ireland. Hiberno-Norse Series” in BNJ 1909, 171 (this coin); SCBI 22 (Copenhagen), 272 (same dies); SCBI 32 (Belfast), 352 (same dies); SCBC 6182. Toned, edge slightly smoothed, minor deposits. VF. Extremely rare. ($2500)

Issues of the Lord Justices

1321.

IRELAND, The Great Rebellion. Issues of the Lords Justices. 1642-1649. AR Crown (38mm, 29.16 g, 10h).

‘Ormonde Money’ issue. Issued 1643-1644. Large C R; crown above; all within linear and beaded border / Large V; S above; all within linear and beaded border. D&F 288; SCBC 6544. Toned, areas of weak strike. VF. ($1500) Ex Spink 117 (19 November 1996), lot 401.

1322.

IRELAND, The Great Rebellion. Issues of the Lords Justices. 1642-1649. AR Halfcrown (36mm, 14.75 g, 2h).

“Ormonde Money” issue. Struck 1643-1644. Large C • R; crown above; all within linear and beaded border / Large II VI; S D above; all within linear and beaded border. D&F 296; SCBC 6545. Toned, minor edge splits. Choice VF. Evenly struck on a broad flan. ($2000) Ex H.M. Lingford Collection, purchased from Spink, November 1943.

453

1323.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Écu d’or (29mm, 4.50 g, 5h). Bordeaux mint(?). Struck circa 1344/5. Full-length figure of Edward seated facing on ornate Gothic throne, holding sword and resting coat-of-arms on ground; all within tressure of arches with trefoils at cusps and in spandrels / Ornate cross fleurée with central four petalled flower, bars end intrefoils; leaves in quarters; all within quadrilobe with arches ending in trefoils; trefoils in spandrels. AGC 38A, 2/a; Schneider 4; Duplessy 286C; SCBC 8035. In PCGS encapsulation 44653165, graded MS 61. Rare. ($4000) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Burgan (12 November 2021), lot 34.

1324.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Edward III. 1327-1377. AV Léopard (28mm, 2h). Bordeaux mint. Third issue, authorized July 1357. Crowned leopard passant left, head facing, within tressure of ten arcs; quatrefoils at end of each arc; mullet in one spandrel, quatrefoils in others / Cross fleurée with ornate central rosette within angled quadrilobe; leopards passant in quarters, quadrilobes in spandrels. AGC 44, 4/b; Schneider 17; Duplessy, Féodales 1051B; SCBC 8040. In NGC encapsulation 3928044-023, graded MS 63. An attractive, high-grade example. Top Pop at NGC. ($7500) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries (2 August 2017), lot 20312.

454

An Impressive Run of Edward the Black Prince Gold

1325.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Edward the Black Prince. As Prince of Aquitaine, 1362-1372. AV Noble guyennois à la rose – Pavillon d’or (31mm, 5.32 g, 4h). La Rochelle mint. Struck 1362(?). Edward wearing rose wreath, standing facing, holding sword up in right hand and raising left hand; at feet, two leopards couchant; to left and right, two ostrich feathers with tips curved inward; all within ornate Gothic portico / Ornate cross quernée with rose in center, lion passant and lis in opposite quarters; all within arched quatrefoil set on quadrate frame with roses in angles; pelleted cinquefoils in spandrals. AGC 157A, 3/– (unlisted rev.); Schneider 44 (same obv. die); Duplessey, Féodales 1120; SCBC 8123. In NGC encapsulation 6864661002, graded MS 64. A very high grade coin. ($10,000)

1326.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Edward the Black Prince. As Prince of Aquitaine, 1362-1372. AV Noble guyennois à la rose – Pavillon d’or (32mm, 5.37 g, 5h). La Rochelle mint. Struck 1362(?). Edward wearing rose wreath, standing facing, holding sword up in right hand and raising left hand; at feet, two leopards couchant; to left and right, two ostrich feathers with tips curved inward; all within ornate Gothic portico / Ornate cross quernée with rose in center, lion passant and lis in opposite quarters; all within arched quatrefoil set on quadrate frame with roses in angles; pelleted cinquefoils in spandrals. AGC 157A, 3/e; cf. Schneider 44-6 (for type); SCBC 8123. In NGC encapsulation 6864695-010, graded MS 62. ($7500) 455

1327.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Edward the Black Prince. As Prince of Aquitaine, 1362-1372. AV Noble guyennois à la rose – Pavillon d’or (32mm, 5.34 g, 2h). La Rochelle mint. Struck 1362(?). Edward wearing rose wreath, standing facing, holding sword up in right hand and raising left hand; at feet, two leopards couchant; to left and right, two ostrich feathers with tips curved inward; all within ornate Gothic portico / Ornate cross quernée with rose in center, lion passant and lis in opposite quarters; all within arched quatrefoil set on quadrate frame with roses in angles; pelleted cinquefoils in spandrals. AGC 157A, 8/k; cf. Schneider 48 (for type); Duplessey, Féodales 1120; SCBC 8123. In NGC encapsulation 5982252-001, graded MS 63.

Well struck. ($15,000) From the Valois Collection of French Gold. Ex Triton XXV (11 January 2022), lot 1363; Arthur M. Fitts Collection (Dix Noonan Webb 102, 18 September 2012), lot 2375; Münzen und Medaillen Deutschland 9 (4 October 2001), lot 1206.

1328.

ANGLO-GALLIC. Edward the Black Prince. As Prince of Aquitaine, 1362-1372. AV Noble guyennois à la rose – Pavillon d’or (32mm, 5.28 g, 9h). La Rochelle mint. Struck 1362(?). Edward wearing rose wreath, standing facing, holding sword up in right hand and raising left hand; at feet, two leopards couchant; to left and right, two ostrich feathers with tips curved inward; all within ornate Gothic portico / Ornate cross quernée with rose in center, upright lion passant and lis in opposite quarters; all within arched quatrefoil set on quadrate frame with roses in angles; pelleted cinquefoils in spandrals.

AGC 157B, 2/a; Schneider –; Duplessy, Féodales 1120; SCBC 8123. In NGC encapsulation 6532176-008, graded MS 61.

Rare variety with lions and lis upright on reverse. ($6000) 456

BRITISH MEDALS

1329.

COMMONWEALTH. Oliver Cromwell. Lord Protector, 1653-1658. AR Medal (49mm, 42.89 g, 12h). The Death of Oliver Cromwell. Of Dutch manufacture. Dated 3 September 1658. OLIVAR · D · G · RP · ANG · SCO · HIBERNIÆ · PROTECTOR, laureate and armored bust left / NON · DEFITIENT · OLIVA · SEP · 3 · 1658 ·, shepherd standing below olive tree, tending to his flock. Lessen, Funeral, –; MI 435/85; Eimer 200; van Loon (new edition) 1658.6. Iridescent toning, hint of double striking in legends, light hairlines and handling marks. EF. Very rare. ($2000) Ex North Yorkshire Moors [M. Lessen] (Part IV, Dix Noonan Webb 186, 21 January 2021) lot 1255; R.C. and O.M.W. Warner; R.E. Ockenden (from O.M.W.W. 1964); purchased from R.E.O.

457

LARGE LOTS 1330.

WORLD. Germany. Lot of one-hundred-fifty-eight (158) silver and bronze coins. Includes: Mostly bronze and small silver issues. A good number from the period of the Thirty Years War. An excellent lot for the dealer or budding specialist. Average VF, with individual examples from Near Fine to EF. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. One-hundredfifty-eight (158) coins in lot. ($1000) From the St. George Collection.

1331.

WORLD. Italy. Lot of two-hundred (200) Venetian AR Grossi. Includes: mostly issues of Antonio Veniero. Fine to Good VF. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Two-hundred (200) coins in lot. ($5000) 1332.

WORLD. Italy. Lot of two-hundred (200) Venetian AR Grossi. Includes: mostly issues of Antonio Veniero. Fine to Good VF. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Two-hundred (200) coins in lot. ($5000) 1333.

PAPER MONEY. China. Lot of one-hundred-seventy-one (171) notes. Includes: various issuers. All identified by Pick number. Good to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. One-hundred-seventy-one (171) notes in lot. ($500) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1334.

PAPER MONEY. Germany. A collection of six-hundred-four (604) pieces of notgeld. Includes: various cities, all organized alphabetically and cataloged by Lindman number. Lovingly arranged in four binders, making for a wonderful presentation of this fascinating group. Good to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Six-hundred-four (604) pieces in lot. ($1000) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1335.

PAPER MONEY. Mexico. Lot of one-hundred-fifteen (115) pieces of paper money. Includes: various denominations and issuers, mostly from the Revolutionary period. All with collector’s attributions by Pick number. Fair to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. One-hundred-fifteen (115) notes in lot. ($500) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1336.

PAPER MONEY. Philippines. Lot of three-hundred-sixty-six (366) pieces of Japanese invasion money. Includes: various types, all sorted and identified by Pick number. A wonderful grouping for a dealer or collector of this series. Fair to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Three-hundred-sixty-six (366) notes in lot. ($500) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1337.

PAPER MONEY. Russia. Lot of eight-five (85) notes. Includes: Imperial and Soviet issues. All sorted and identified by Pick number. Mostly large size notes. Good to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Eighty-five (85) notes in lot. ($500) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1338.

PAPER MONEY. Miscellaneous. Lot of one-hundred-eighty-nine (189) notes. Includes: various denominations and issuers, mostly from Algeria to Guatemala. All with collector’s attributions by Pick number. A number of interesting notes from Greece depicting ancient themes and deities. Fair to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. One-hundred-eighty-nine (189) notes in lot. ($750) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1339.

PAPER MONEY. Miscellaneous. Lot of two-hundred-sixteen (216) pieces of world currency. Includes: various countries and denominations, from Argentina to Uganda. Fair to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Two-hundredsixteen (216) notes in lot. ($500) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1340.

PAPER MONEY. Miscellaneous. Lot of one-hundred-twenty-seven (127) notes. Includes: various denominations and issuers, mostly from Philippines to Yugoslavia. All with collector’s attributions by Pick number. Fair to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. One-hundred-twenty-seven (127) notes in lot. ($500) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

1341.

PAPER MONEY. Miscellaneous. Lot of approximately two-hundred-six (206) notes. Includes: various denominations and issuers, with a good selection of notes depicting ancient themes and birds of various species, as well as a few Zimbabwean hyperinflationary notes. Fair to UNC. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Two-hundred-six (206) notes coins in lot. ($500) From the Don T. Hayes Collection.

End of Session 4 458

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Please refer to our online bibliography at www.cngcoins.com for a complete listing of specialized and general references used, and abbreviations.

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G. Lunardi. Le monete delle repubblica di genova. Genoa. 1975.

P. Grierson & M. Blackburn. Medieval European Coinage. Cambridge. 1986.

W. Hahn. Moneta Imperii Byzantini. 3 Vols. Vienna. 1973-81.

W. Hahn and M.A. Metlich. Money of the Incipient Byzantine Empire. Vienna. 2000.

Various. Monete Italiane Regionali. 5 Vols. Pavia. ND. G. Depeyrot. Le numéraire mérovingien. 5 vols. Wetteren. 1998-2001.

J.J. North. English Hammered Coinage. 2 Vols. London. 1963, 1975.

D. Sear, et al. Byzantine Coins and Their Values. 2nd edition. London. 1987.

Standard Catalogue of British Coins. London. Annually.

Various authors. Sylloge of the Coins of the British Isles.

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