SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015
AUCTION XII In Conjunction with the 43rd Annual New York International Numismatic Convention At the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel 301 Park Avenue, New York, New York Norse Suite, 18th Floor
Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 3:20 PM Presented by Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.
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NOTICE OF EXHIBITION Lot Viewing: Chicago, IL December 1, 2014 - January 6, 2015 (Except holiday closures) Harlan J. Berk Ltd. 31 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: (312) 609-0018 for appointment San Francisco, CA December 12 - December 13, 2014 Public Hours 10 AM-6PM Both Days San Francisco Historical Bourse Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Hotel 1500 Van Ness Avenue
Production Staff Senior Directors: Harlan J. Berk Aaron Berk Shanna Berk Schmidt Sammy B. Berk Cataloguers: Greek coins — Dr. Wolfgang Fischer-Bossert & Shanna Berk Schmidt Roman Republic & Imperatorial coins — Phillip Davis Roman coins — Curtis Clay Byzantine coins — Harlan J. Berk World Coins & Paper — Laura Wakeland & Dennis Forgue
New York, NY Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 301 Park Avenue Lexington Suite, 18th Floor Thursday, January 8, 2015, 12 PM-7PM Friday, January 9, 2015, 8 AM-8 PM Saturday, January 10, 2015, 8 AM-6 PM Sunday, January 11, 2015, 9 AM-1 PM Lot Pick-up: Monday, January 12, 2015, 10 AM-12 PM
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Catalogue Production Coordinators — Shanna Berk Schmidt & Aaron Berk Photography: Jay Crawford Layout: Aaron Berk Web Site: Pablo Saban Cover: Rainer Schmidt Printed by Classic Color, Chicago, IL
Herbert L. Kreindler, Auctioneer # 820339 Sammy B. Berk, Auctioneer #2001653-DCA
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ORDER OF SALE Begins Sunday, January 12 at 3:20 PM Greek Coins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-263
Byzantine Coins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446-468
Roman Republican & Imperatorial Coins . . 264-328
World Coins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-510
Roman Coins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-445
World Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511-537
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numismatic convention 13-16, 2005 JANUARYJANUARY 13-16, 2005
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CNG (1/11-12) Heritage (1/10) • Auctions: Baldwin’s / M & M / Dmitry Markov (1/13) Gemini (1/11-12)
The New York International Ponterio & Assoc. (1/14-15) CNG (1/11-12) Numismatic Convention will(1/13) feature General Baldwin’s /•M &M / Information: Dmitry Markov Kevin Foley-Bourse Chairman Ponterio & Assoc.presentations (1/14-15) auction from P.O. Box 370650
Sunday, January 4 thru • General Information: Milwaukee, WI 53237 USA Kevin Foley-Bourse Chairman Sunday, January (414) 421-3498 • Fax 11. (414) 423-0343 P.O. Box 370650 E-mail: kfoley2@wi.rr.com For the complete schedule of events, Milwaukee, WI 53237 USA Visit our website: www.nyinc.info visit the website: (414) 421-3498 • Fax (414) 423-0343 E-mail: kfoley2@wi.rr.com
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TERMS OF SALE This is a public auction and mail bid sale conducted by Gemini Numismatic Auctions, LLC (GNA). Bidding in the auction constitutes full acceptance of the following terms. 1) The property contained in this auction catalog is offered for sale by GNA for itself and on behalf of Harlan J. Berk Ltd. and other consignors. GNA may, at its sole discretion, set opening bidding levels, determine bidding increments, reject any bid, reopen a lot in the event of a dispute and withdraw any lot. GNA further reserves the right to bid on its own behalf, bid on behalf of the consignor or allow the consignor to bid on his own property. 2) A 21% buyer’s premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot sold. The buyer’s premium will be reduced to 18% if settlement is made by wire transfer, bank draft or personal check within thirty days of the auction date. The same buyer’s fee format is applicable to all purchases of unsold lots after the sale. 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Greek Coins
Enlargement Enlargement
1. CELTIC. Cantii (Kent). c. 50-30 BC. AV Quarter stater. 1.40g. Obv: Plain. Rx: Stylized, mane-less horse galloping right; above, crescent with pellet. Van Arsdell 158-1 (South Thames Banded Type). EF $1,300
4. Epaticcus, ruler of the Atrebates (Britain). 35-43 AD. AR Unit, 1.25g (2h). Obv: EPATI Male bust right, wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: Eagle with open wings facing, holding serpent in claws; above, pellet in ring. Van Arsdell 580-1. Toned. VF+ $250 Epaticcus was ruler of the Atrebates shortly before the Roman invasion led by the emperor Claudius.
2. Atrebates & Regni. c. 55-45 BC. AV Stater, 5.87g. Obv: Plain. Rx: Stylized, mane-less horse with triple tail galloping right; above, deformed charioteer (resembling a fish); below, wheel; pellet in lozenge to left. Van Arsdell 216-1. aEF $2,000
Enlargement
5. Southern Germany, Vindeliker tribe. 1st century BC. 1/24 Stater (Janus 1 according to Kellner), 0.30g (12h). Obv: Youthful janiform head. Rx: Horse right; above, V (so-called Winkelspitz). Kostial, Sammlung Lanz 14. Steffgen and Ziegaus, JNG 44 (1994), pl. 1, 2. Allen pl. 12, 153. VF $2,000
Enlargement
6. Eastern Celts. c. 150-75 BC. Tetradrachm, 15.62g (12h). Obv: Stylized head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath. Rx: Naked Herakles standing facing, holding club and lionskin; replacing the legend, two rows of dots to left, right, and below. Silver plug at bottom of flan, protruding on obverse but level with surface on reverse. GÜbl, OTA pl. 48. Lukanc 1592. Castelin, Cat. Zurich 1377. Dembski, Cat. Vienna 1527. Bent, otherwise VF+ for issue $1,850 3. c. 55-45 BC. AV Stater, 5.90g. Obv: Plain. Rx: Stylized, maneless horse with triple tail galloping right; above, deformed charioteer (resembling a fish); below, wheel; pellet in lozenge to left. Van Arsdell 216-1. Area of flat strike on horse’s head and neck. VF $1,500
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Plugged silver coins are mainly found on the periphery of the Greek world, for instance in Arabia (Freeman & Sear 13, 2006, lots 268 and 270), but occasionally Alexander coins are plugged as well (CNG 75, 2007, lot 131). Imitations of Thasos tetradrachms like ours are sometimes found holed, suggesting use as amulets; see Dembski, pls. 98-100.
Choice Capua Bronze
7. GREEK. Etruria. Cosa. c. 273-250 BC. Quartuncia, 5.08g (11h). Obv: Helmeted, bearded head of Mars right. Rx: [CO]Z-A-NO Bridled head of horse left; beneath, dolphin swimming left. HN Italy 210. T.V. Buttrey, Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome 34 (1980), Type I, 5-8; SNG Copenhagen 17. M. Crawford, Coinage and Money under the Roman Republic, pp. 38 f. Horse’s head in high relief. Choice EF $3,000 Ex Triton V, 15 January 2002, lot 3. Cosa, a harbor city in Tuscany, is likely to have been the place where the Romans built and trained their navy during the First Punic War. The bronze coinage of Cosa might have served as small change for the resulting influx of Roman workmen and sailors.
8. Populonia. c. 300-250 BC. AV 25 units, 1.44g. Obv: ΛΧ-Χ Head of lion right, with open jaws, tongue protruding. Rx: Blank. HN Italy 128. Vecchi series 21. SNG Firenze 88. Jameson Coll. 17. Choice EF $9,100
10. Campania. Capua. c. 216-211 BC. As, 40.82g (4h). Obv: Jugate busts right of Juno, diademed, scepter over shoulder, and Jupiter, laureate. Rx: Quadriga charging right driven by Jupiter hurling thunderbolt and holding scepter; in exergue, Oscan kapu. HN Italy 481. Sambon 1022. Giard 4.1-3. SNG Morcom 84. SNG Paris 477. Weakly struck, but beautifully patinated. EF $6,200 Ex NAC 64, 17 May 2012, lot 614. Ex Artemide 18, 2007, lot 6. Ex Giancarlo Silingardi Collection. In winter 216/5 BC, having eliminated the Roman army in the battle of Cannae, Hannibal put his troops into winter quarters at Capua in Campania. As the ancient historians put it, the Carthaginian army lost its strength in their luxuriant quarters, and so the Romans had the time to recover and to reorganize their forces. Hannibal’s string of successes ended, especially when the Romans began evading his forces and refusing to engage with him. In 212 the Romans laid siege to Capua, and eventually captured it a year later. This As was issued during the years of Capua’s desertion of Rome, when the city was hosting the troops of Hannibal.
Enlargement
Enlargement
9. 3rd century BC. 20 Asses, 8.32g. Obv: Gorgoneion facing, hair bound with diadem, X:X beneath. Rx: Blank. HN Italy 152. Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage, p. 178, 55.21 (this specimen). SNG ANS 83. SNG Firenze 337. Gorgon’s nose a bit flat. Toned. About EF $3,750 Ex Künker 94, 27 September 2004 (Tronnier), lot 43. Ex Aes Rude 4, 1979, lot 8.
11. Calabria. Tarentum. c. 480-470 BC. Nomos, 7.68g. Obv: ΤΑΡΑΣ Dolphin rider right; hand raised; below, shell. Rx: Fourspoked wheel. Fischer-Bossert 81. Vlasto Coll. 74. SNG Oxford 204 (all from same dies as ours). Medium gray toning. VF $2,500
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Fischer-Bossert Plate Coin
12. c. 450-440 BC. Nomos, 7.96g (9h). Obv: Youth on dolphin left, raising right hand; octopus below, Π in right field. Rx: Naked man on horseback riding left, holding reins and whip. FischerBossert 194a (this coin, illustrated on pl. 11). Vlasto 272 (same dies). Obverse a bit weakly struck. Nicely toned. VF $3,400 Ex NAC-CNG 40, 4 December 1996, lot 581. Ex Athos Moretti Collection 102. Ex Hesperia Art Bulletin 34 (1970s, but undated), lot 7. The horseman type made its first appearance on the coins of Tarentum in the mid-fifth century BC. Before then there had been only one figural type on Tarentine coins, usually the mythical dolphin rider. At first, the horseman was confined to the reverse and just supplemented the dolphin rider on the obverse. At the end of the fifth century, however, the two types switched sides, the horseman taking over the obverse and the dolphin rider retreating to the reverse. Since the horseman was never equipped with any of the attributes of a mythical figure, it seems likely that the type merely reflected the city’s pride in its cavalry and its devotion to equestrian contests. Superb Early Tarentum
13. c. 425-415 BC. Nomos, 7.99g (2h). Obv: Phalantos naked and ithyphallic riding dolphin left; extending right hand and holding cuttlefish in left hand. Rx: Taras naked to waist, seated left on stool and balancing distaff on right hand, a lekythos on his left wrist. Vlasto 255. Fischer-Bossert 279 (V127/R212). Head of boy weakly struck, beautifully toned. EF $15,000 Ex NAC 10, 9 April 1997, lot 17. Ex M&M Basel 10, 1951, lot 161.
14. c. 320-315 BC. Nomos, 7.95g (8h). Obv: Rider on horse galloping right, using whip; beneath the horse, ΣΑ. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Dolphin rider left, holding kantharos in outstretched right hand; caduceus in right field, TH below. Fischer-Bossert 803j (this specimen). HN Italy 947. SNG Lockett 196 (same obverse die) Vlasto Coll. 665 (same obverse die). Beautifully toned. About EF $3,000 Ex Sotheby’s, 26 March 1987, lot 327. Ex Glendining, 25 November 1953, lot 15. This small but very attractive issue was struck during a break in Tarentum’s chronic wars against the Illyrian and Oscan tribes of the Calabrian and Lucanian hinterland.
15. c. 300-290 BC. Nomos, 7.82g (5h). Obv: Helmeted rider to right, holding round shield, two spears and hurling third spear. Below, ΣΑ. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Dolphin rider to left, holding trident and round shield (ornamented with seahorse); in left field, ΦΙ; below, murex. Fischer-Bossert 983. SNG Klagenfurt 165 and SNG Lewis 130 (both from the same pair of dies). Cf. Vlasto Coll. 598. About EF $1,500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Berk 82, 13 July 1994, lot 98.
16. c. 280-272 BC. Nomos, 6.61g (8h). Obv: The Dioscuri cantering left with flowing mantles; between their heads Φ, below ΣΩΔΑΜΟΣ. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Dolphin rider left, holding round shield, two spears and Nike crowning him; below, ΓΥ and waves. HN Italy 1011. Vlasto Coll. 773. Well engraved showing the musculature of the rider and a lively dolphin. Toned EF $1,000 Ex Berk 149, 24 May 2006, lot 66. Ex Berk 34, 25 October 1984, lot 79.
Enlargement
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As the only colony of Sparta, Tarentum of course worshipped the Lacedaemonian Dioscuri, invoking them particularly as helpers in distress at sea and as helpers in battle.
17. c. 270-240 BC. Nomos, 6.47g (1h). Obv: Nude warrior on horseback left, holding round shield; in the field, ΕΥ and ΑΡΙΣΤΩΝ. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Dolphin rider left, holding trident and hippocamp; at right, ΙΩΠ. HN Italy 1044. Vlasto Coll. 927. Toned VF+ $1,000 Ex Berk 140, 27 October 2004, lot 80.
21. c. 380-360 BC. Nomos, 7.43g (5h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right, with Scylla holding trident on helmet and K on neck-guard. Rx: ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ Bull butting right, dolphin right in exergue. SNG Oxford 1057 (same dies). SNG Lockett 511. SNG ANS 1047. Banker’s mark E behind dolphin. Nicely toned. EF $1,500 Purchased privately from CNG.
Enlargement
18. Lucania. Heraclea. c. 420-390 BC. Diobol, 1.19g (12h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right; on helmet, winged seahorse. Rx: ΗΡΑ Herakles right with club, wrestling the Nemean lion. HN Italy 1379. Van Keuren 64-66 (group C). SNG ANS 38. SNG Fitzwilliam 441. Toned VF $1,100
Enlargement
19. c. 443-400 BC. Diobol, 1.32g (10h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: Bull butting right, ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ above, tuna swimming right in exergue. Klein 22 var. (no Z above). SNG Copenhagen 1470. Nicely toned. EF $625
Enlargement
22. Velia. c. 340-320 BC. Nomos, 7.16g (6h). Obv: Head of Athena in three-quarter perspective, wearing a winged Phrygian helmet, with the engraver’s signature [ΚΛΕΥΔΩΡΟΥ] across bowl. Rx: ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ Lion standing left, tearing prey; below lion monogram, above, Α. Williams 335. Gulbenkian 111. Dewing 464. SNG Fitzwilliam 667. Athena’s nose a bit flat. Light corrosion. Toned VF/EF $1,250
Ex NAC 29, 11 May 2005, lot 50 (weight listed incorrectly in catalog). Ex A.D.M. Collection.
20. c. 400-360 BC. Distater, 15.40g (7h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right, with Scylla on helmet. Rx: Bull butting right, pawing ground and flicking tail; above, ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ / ΕΥΦΑ; in exergue, two fishes right. Noe J16. SNG Copenhagen 1430. EF $2,500
23. c. 340-320 BC. Nomos, 7.02g (1h). Obv: Head of Athena in three-quarter perspective, wearing a winged Phrygian helmet, with the engraver’s signature [ΚΛΕΥΔΩΡΟΥ] across bowl. Rx: ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ Lion standing left, tearing prey, below lion, monogram, above, Α. Williams 335. Gulbenkian 111. Dewing 464. SNG Fitzwilliam 667. Areas of flat strike on both sides. VF $2,500 Ex Berk 180, 16 August 2012, lot 183. Ex Superior, 30 May 1995, lot 7077.
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Attractive Run of Terina Nomoi
24. Bruttium. Brettian League. c. 217-214 BC. Drachm, 4.37g (8h). Obv: Draped and veiled bust of Hera Lacinia right, wearing polos; at left, fly. Rx: ΒΡΕΤΤΙΩΝ Zeus, naked, standing left, holding scepter in left hand and resting right foot on Ionic column; in left field, eagle carrying wreath. HN Italy 1970. Scheu 84. SNG ANS 26. Mint State $1,100
Spectacular Style and Relief
25. Locroi Epizephyrii. c. 275-270 BC. Nomos, 7.16g (12h). Obv: Laureate head of Zeus left; below the truncation of neck monogram NE. Rx: Roma seated right on throne, wearing chiton and peplos over knees; right arm rests on oblong shield, parazonium held under left arm. She is crowned by a standing female figure (Pistis). In right field, ΠΙΣΤΙΣ; to left, [ΡΩΜΑ] and in exergue, ΛΟΚΡΩΝ. SNG ANS 531. SNG Copenhagen 1867. SNG München 1499. HN Italy 2347. Franke-Hirmer pl. 101, 293. Rare. Beautifully toned. EF $15,000 In c. 275 BC Rome regained control of Locroi Epizephyrii, and changed the weight standard of the city’s coinage from the Corinthian to the lighter Achaean standard. Our coin is one of the earliest to be struck on the new reduced standard.
26. Terina. c. 420-400 BC. Nomos, 6.65g (4h). Obv: ΤΕΡΙΝΑΙΟΝ Head of nymph Terina right, hair bound up in knot, and partly covered by sphendone decorated with a meander. Rx: Nike seated left on cippus wearing himation around waist, left hand resting on cippus, right hand on caduceus. Holloway and Jenkins 48. HN Italy 2603. SNG ANS 849. Areas of corrosion on both obverse and reverse. EF $600 The seated Nike is obviously influenced by the Parthenon style.
27. c. 420-400 BC. Nomos, 7.59g (5h). Obv: ΤΕΡΙΝΑΙΟΝ Head of nymph Terina left, Π behind. Rx: Winged Nike seated on cippus, holding wreath in right hand, Π in lower right field. Holloway and Jenkins 59 (same obverse die), 60 (reverse similar). Cf. HN Italy 2614-15. Toned About EF $1,100
28. c. 420-400 BC. Nomos, 7.80g (7h). Obv: ΤΕΡΙΝΑΙΟΝ Head of nymph Terina right, with hair rolled. Rx: Winged Nike seated left on cippus, holding olive branch above crane in right hand, resting left hand on cippus. Holloway and Jenkins 66. HN Italy 2619. SNG Lloyd 756 (same dies). Toned VF $1,700 Magnificent Terina
Enlargement
29. c. 400-370 BC. Nomos, 7.67g (2h). Obv: ΤΕΡΙΝΑΙΩΝ Head of nymph Terina right, wearing earrings. Rx: Winged Nike seated left on cippus, wearing chiton and himation, holding a bird on her right hand, left hand resting on the cippus. Regling 80 (same obverse die MM). Holloway & Jenkins 84 (same obverse die). SNG ANS 852 (same dies). HN Italy 2629. High relief obverse. A few light scratches on the reverse. Nicely toned. Good VF $13,500 Ex Triton XVI, 8 January 2013, lot 200. Ex Sternberg XVI, 15
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November 1985, lot 45. This reverse die is new to the two die studies of Terina’s coinage. Despite its minor role in history as far our sources reveal, Terina was a major mint in the early fourth century.
Seltman, NC 1948, p. 3, no. 6. Kraay and Hirmer, pl. 61, 178. Rizzo, pl. II, 1. Boston 232. SNG Lloyd 818. De Hirsch Coll. 288. De Luynes Coll. 859 (all from the same pair of dies as our coin). An unquestionably genuine example of one of the most sought after Greek coins. Light corrosion on obverse. VF/About EF $125,000 Ex Sotheby’s (New York), 19-20 June 1991 (Hunt Coll. Part IV), lot 56. Ex Leu 15, 4-5 May 1976, lot 53. Ex Dr. J.H. Judd Collection. Ex Hess-Leu, 27 March 1956, lot 68.
Enlargement
Enlargement
30. Sicily. Akragas. c. 480-450 BC. Litra, 0.60g (5h). Obv: ΑΚ-ΡΑ Eagle standing left on Ionic capital. Rx: Crab; below, ΛΙ. SNG ANS 986. SNG Lockett 710. SNG Lloyd 812 var. Exceptional detail. EF $250 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
During the final decade of the fifth century BC, the Greek cities of Sicily faced two Carthaginian invasions. In 409/8 BC, Selinus and Himera fell victim to the first invasion. The second invasion was even more disastrous. Akragas, Gela and Kamarina were conquered by the Carthaginian army, which finally drew up in front of Syracuse itself. Only a plague raging in their camps eventually forced the Carthaginians to retreat. The types of the late tetradrachm coinage of Akragas do not directly reflect this dire situation. Since the obverse type of a chariot was borrowed from Akragas’ old rival Syracuse, the style of the coins can be approximately synchronized with the coinages of both Syracuse and other neighboring cities. It is clear that the late chariot tetradrachms of Akragas were all issued during just a short period of time, not before 409/8 BC, maybe only in 407/6 BC. One of them was overstruck on a specimen of the earliest tetradrachm issues of the Carthaginians. Despite the perilous times, these coins are great works of art. It is interesting to see how the Akragantine die engravers, while adopting a foreign coin type, tried to create designs of their own. The motif of the first horse turning its head backwards, for example, is unique in Sicilian numismatics. Late Akragantine tetradrachms are therefore highly appreciated and very much sought after by serious collectors.
Enlargement
31. c. 410-406 BC. Hemidrachm, 1.59g (7h). Obv: Eagle standing left on hare. Rx: AKRA Crab; below, sea-monster; to left, barleycorn. SNG ANS 1012. Nicely toned. EF $1,250
Classic Rarity from Akragas Ex Hunt Collection; Ex Hess-Leu 1956
32. c. 408-406 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.32g (4h). Obv: Quadriga galloping right, the female charioteer crowned by Nike flying left; in the exergue, crab downwards. Rx: ΑΚΡ-Α-ΓΑΝΤΙΝΟΝ (retrograde) Two eagles standing right, devouring hare on rocks.
Enlargement
13
Unique Three-Quarter Facing Herakles Published by Westermark in Studies Price
33. Camarina. c. 414-405 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.36g (12h). Obv: Quadriga left, driven by Athena wearing chiton and crested helmet, who pulls in the reins with both hands in order to check the galloping horses; above, Nike flying right to crown her; in exergue, heron flying left. Rx: ΚΑΜΑΡΙΝΑΙΟ[Ν] Head of bearded Herakles wearing lion-skin headdress, facing left but turning slightly to front, his right eyelash and right brow just visible above his nose, the right eye of the lionskin also visible. U. Westermark in Studies Price (London 1998), pp. 373-377, pl. 78, 1 (this coin). Cf. Westermark and Jenkins, p. 179, no. 135 (same obverse die O2’). Toned VF $150,000
34. Gela. c. 480-470 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.96g (10h). Obv: Slow quadriga driven right by charioteer; above, Nike flying right to crown the horses. Rx: ΓΕΛΑΣ Forepart of man-headed bull swimming right. Jenkins 109. SNG München 268. SNG ANS 23. Arnold-Biucchi, Randazzo 20 (this specimen). Light corrosion on reverse. Toned VF+ $2,750 Ex CNG 55, 13 September 2000, lot 82. Exquisite and Detailed Man-Headed Bull
Ex CNG 26, 11 June 1993, lot 208. Ex Lanz 62, 26 November 1992, lot 91. Ex Gorny 56, 7 October 1991, lot 47. An artistically important new reverse die in Camerina’s coinage, unattested before its appearance in CNG 26 of 1993. As Westermark writes (p. 374), “the new head could be characterized as an experiment [towards the creation] of a three-quarter view. The foreshortening is skillful and the effect pleasing, but the three-quarter view is not fully attained….The lion’s scalp on top of the head is drawn with both eye sockets visible….In the upper part of Herakles’ head there is a slight turn towards the viewer with a glimpse of his right eye but it fades out in the lower part, and the neck is rendered in pure profile. The head is thus an artistically convincing fusion of three-quarter and profile aspects and matches well the semi-perspective quadriga on the obverse which has a similar mixture of foreshortened and profile details”.
35. c. 480/75-475/70 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.52g (3h). Obv: Quadriga right crowned by Nike. Rx: Γ-Ε-Λ-ΑΣ Archaic man-headed bull right. Jenkins 110 (O33/R64). Toned EF $6,500 Ex Peus 374, 23 April 2003, lot 36.
Enlargement
Exceptional Messana Tetradrachm
Enlargement
14
36. Messana. c. 413-405 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.06g (11h). Obv: Mule biga left, driven by charioteer holding goad and reins; in exergue, two dolphins meeting. Rx: ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΣ Hare springing left; above, dove flying up left; below, ear of wheat.
Caccamo Caltabiano 615. Rizzo, pl. XXVII, 6 (same dies). Jameson Coll. 657 (same dies). Area of flat strike on head/body of driver, as well as corresponding area on the reverse (head of hare). Minor horn silver below mules. Near Mint State $11,000 Ex NAC 54, 24 March 2010, lot 43. The rare legend ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΣ is a masculine adjective modifying an implied noun such as “stater”. Curiously, such adjectival legends appeared on the coins of numerous other Sicillian cities too at about the same time, probably because the coin engravers wanted to avoid having to write the vowel Ω in the normal ethnic in the form dictated by the recent orthographic reform.
Enlargement
Ex Gillet Collection Enlargement
Extremely Rare Sikeliotes Type
38. Motya. c. 405-398 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.52g (8h). Obv: In the style of the decadrachms of Kimon: Head of Arethusa left wearing hairnet, triple ear-pendant and necklace; four dolphins around. Rx: Crab. Jenkins, Punic 47 (O6/R9). SNG ANS 501. SNG Copenhagen 481. Jameson Coll. 667. SNG Lloyd 1138. Rizzo, pl. LXV, 9. Toned EF $9,100 Ex NAC 54, 24 March 2010, lot 44. Ex MMAG 43, 12 November 1970, lot 40. Ex Gillet Collection.
37. Morgantina. The Sikeliotes. c. 214-213 BC. 12 Litrae, 9.29g (3h). Obv: Laureate head of Zeus left. Rx: ΣΙΚΕΛΙΩΤΑΝ Winged thunderbolt; above, HΣ ligate. Cf. Gorny, 5 October 1992, lot 43 = NAC 59, 4 April 2011, lot 524 (brought $32,300 plus fees). Unobtrusive corrosion. Beautifully toned. EF $25,000
One of the last issues of Motya before Dionysios I conquered the city. Although there was a modest resettlement of the site (as shown by the Italian excavations), the Punic terminal was moved south to the site where Lilybaion (Marsala) was then founded.
Ex Spink, 6-7 October 2004, lot 11. This type was unique until a second specimen appeared in the 1992 Gorny sale cited above. Erik Sjöqvist in ANSMN 1960 illuminated the background of this interesting coinage. Sjöqvist argued that the Sikeliotan people inhabited Morgantina and that the town was pro-Carthiginian and wealthy in c. 214-213 BC when this coinage was struck. Sjöqvist suggests that the dies for the coinage were cut by highly talented Syracusan engravers, in the style of the Syracusan coinages of Hieron II and Hieronymos.
Enlargement
15
Ex NFA 1980
39. Selinus. c. 450-430 BC. Didrachm, 8.23g (6h). Obv: [ΣΕΛΙΝΟΤ]ΙΟΝ Herakles stepping right, wielding club and grasping horn of Cretan bull beside him. Rx: ΗΥΨΑΣ Rivergod Hypsas standing left holding phiale and branch, between altar with serpent coiled around it on left, and selinon leaf above crane standing right on right. SNG Lloyd 1265 (same dies). SNG ANS 709. VF $2,200 Ex Berk 180, 16 August 2012, lot 220. Ex Superior, 30 May 1995, lot 7162. The obverse show Herakles performing one of his twelve labors, the capture of the Cretan bull. Master of the Large Arethusa Head
40. Syracuse. Deinomenid Tyranny. c. 485-466 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.11g (5h). Obv: Quadriga right with charioteer; above, Nike flying right upright, wings outspread. Rx: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ Archaic head of Arethusa right; hair long, truncation dotted; four dolphins swimming around head. Boehringer 46 (V27/ R30). SNG ANS 10 (same dies). Boston 331, pl. 18 (same dies). Scharmer pl. 28, 5. Rizzo pl. 34, 13. Planchet defect at 10h on obverse edge. Unobtrusive corrosion. Toned EF and attractive $12,500
41. c. 485-480 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.12g (6h). Obv: Slow quadriga driven right by charioteer in long chiton; above, Nike flying right to crown horses. Rx: ΣVPΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ Head of Arethusa right with dotted neck truncation, wearing necklace and beaded fillet; four dolphins around. Boehringer 45 (V26/R29). Minor marks on both obverse and reverse. Toned About EF $12,500 Ex Gorny & Mosch 180, 12 October 2009, lot 41. Ex Hess-Divo 310, 22 October 2008, lot 30. Ex NFA 9, 10 December 1980, lot 69a. One of the earliest issues struck under the tyrant Gelon I, according to C. Arnold-Biucchi, NACQT 36 (2007), pp. 65 f. When asked by Syracusan oligarchs to remove their political opponents, Gelon, tyrant of Gela, did that and more: he also suppressed the oligarchs themselves, and set himself up as tyrant of Syracuse.
Enlargement
Ex Asta del Titano 39, 2009, lot 35.
42. c. 485-480 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.20g (8h). Obv: Charioteer driving quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike flying above to crown horses. Rx. ΣVRAK–OΣΙ −ΟΝ Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem and pearl necklace, four dolphins around. Boehringer 112 (V51/R77). Arnold-Biucchi, Randazzo 267 (same dies). SNG München 935 (same dies). Light pitting on reverse. VF+/VF $3,000 Enlargement
16
Privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk in 2012.
Sharply Struck Syracuse Tetradrachm
43. 480-475 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.32g (2h). Obv: Slow quadriga driven right by charioteer holding kentron and reins; above Nike flying right to crown horses. Rx: ΣVΡΑΚΟ ΣΙΟΝ Head of Arethusa right, wearing pearl diadem, earring and necklace; around four dolphins swimming clockwise. SNG ANS 43 (same dies). Randazzo 325 (this coin). Boehringer 154. Attractive and slightly iridescent toning. Good EF $19,000 Ex NAC 54, 24 March 2010, lot 55. Ex Sotheby’s, 25 October 1993, lot 12.
Enlargement
45. Timoleon. 345-335 BC. AV 30 Litrae, 2.13g (12h). Syracuse. Obv: ΣΥΡΑΚ-Ο-ΣΙ-[Ω]-Ν Laureate head of Zeus right; in left field, helmet (?). Rx: Pegasos right; below, ΣΩ. Jameson Coll. 850 var. Dewing Coll. 929 var. (both with different obverse symbol). VF $8,125 Ex Künker 236, 7 October 2013, lot 396.
Enlargement
Enlargement
Well-Struck Head of Arethusa
44. c. 450/445 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.46g (2h). Obv: Chariot in slow motion to right, driven by bearded charioteer; above, Nike flying right to crown the horses; in exergue, sea monster (κήτος) swimming right. Rx: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣ-Ι-Ο-Ν Head of nymph Arethusa right, hair bound with fillet; around, four dolphins. Boehringer 492 (V259/R348). SNG ANS 157 (same obverse die) and 154 (same reverse die). SNG Delepierre 636 (same reverse die). Minor deposits on obverse. Toned EF $25,000
46. c. 310-305 BC. EL 5 Litrae, 1.86g (10h). Obv: Laureate head of Apollo left. Rx: ΣΥΡΑΚ-ΟΣΙΩΝ Five-stringed lyre. SNG Fitzwilliam 1298. SNG ANS 619. Jenkins, Essays Robinson pl. 14, g-h. Head of Apollo detailed and well-engraved. EF $2,500 Ex NAC 78, 26-27 May 2014, lot 219.
Ex Lanz 32, 29 April 1985, lot 90. A remarkably nice piece from the period when Syracuse was fighting against both the ruler of the indigenous Sicels, Duketios, and her fiercest Hellenic rival, the city of Akragas.
Enlargement
17
47. Siculo-Punic. c. 345/40-320/1 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.60g (3h). Obv: Head of nymph right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triplependant earring, and necklace; three dolphins around, Tanit symbol in left field. Rx: Horse standing right, palm tree in the background, caduceus before. Jenkins, SNR 53 (1974), p. 40, 89 (O31/R80). SNG Lloyd 1619. SNG Lockett 1039. Gulbenkian 368. De Luynes 1440 (all from the same pair of dies). Slightly rough surfaces, otherwise close to Mint State $5,000
49. Macedonia. Acanthus. c. 480-470 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.03g. Obv: Lion attacking bull; above, Θ; in exergue, stylized blossom. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square with granulated surfaces. Desneux 78 (D76/R71). SNG Lockett 1282 (same dies). Beautifully toned EF $5,000 Ex CNG 96, 14 May 2014, lot 37.
Ex Triton XVII, 7-8 January 2014, lot 34. Ex Spink (Zurich)Nomos 20, 6 October 1986, lot 125.
Enlargement
Enlargement
50. c. 470-430 BC. Tetrobol, 2.32g. Obv: Forepart of bull running left, head reverted; above, swastika. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square with granular surface. SNG ANS 39. Toned EF $400 Ex Freeman & Sear, FPL 10, Spring 2005, lot 145. 48. Illyria. Monunius. c. 290-270 BC. Stater, 10.56g (1h). Dyrrhachium. Obv: Cow standing right, head turned around to suckling calf; above, boar’s jaw bone (Aetolian badge). Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΟΝΟΥΝΙΟΥ and Δ-Υ, Double stellar pattern within square field, all within line border. Mørkholm, EHC, p. 83 f., pl. XII, 193. Traité II 4, col. 189 f. K. Preka and S. Gjongecaj in Liber amicorum Tony Hackens (Louvain-la Neuve 2007), pp. 374, no. 206. SNG Copenhagen 528. Boutin, Coll. Pozzi 2943. SNG Lockett 1642. Meadow 207 (forthcoming; this coin.). Mint State $2,500 Monunius, king of Dardania, was an opponent of the Macedonian kings, but in 281 BC he accepted King Pyrrhus as his ally. When Celtic tribes invaded central Greece in 279 BC, he offered assistance to Ptolemy Keraunos.
18
51. Lete. c. 500-480 BC. Stater, 9.75g (12h). Obv: Satyr right, seizing arm of nymph who tries to flee while looking back. Rx: Incuse square diagonally divided; in field, three pellets. AMNG III 2, 14. SNG ANS 950. Minor porosity. Dynamic high relief seduction scene. Toned About EF $1,600 Ex Roma Numismatics IV, 30 September 2012, lot 1138.
Two Terrifying Gorgons
52. Neapolis. c. 530-450 BC. Stater, 9.83g. Obv: Gorgoneion facing with tongue protruding. Rx: Rude incuse square. SNG ANS 400. AMNG III, 79.1. Beautifully toned. Choice VF $6,250 Ex Rauch 85, 2009, lot 149.
53. c. 510-480 BC. Stater, 9.43g. Obv: Gorgoneion facing with tongue protruding. Rx: Quadripartite mill-sail incuse. SNG ANS 405. Pozzi 675. High relief and exceptional strike. Beautifully toned EF $5,000 Ex Gorny & Mosch 200, 10 October 2011, lot 1377.
Enlargement
Alexander Portrait
55. Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. 357-336 BC. Stater, 8.60g (7h). Colophon, c. 323-319 BC. Obv: Believed to be the laureate head of Alexander III, the Great in the guise of Apollo. Rx: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ Galloping biga driven right by charioteer holding reins and goad; below the horses, tripod. Le Rider pl. 93, 26. SNG ANS 309. M. Thompson, Studia Paulo Naster oblata I, p. 58, 12 = Jameson Coll. 978 (same obverse die). Mint State $15,000 Ex Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 258 (Dr. Patrick Tan Collection).
Enlargement
The portrait on this obverse die is exceptional, in very fine style and looking more like an individual known to the engraver than the typical idealized head of Apollo. Could it be the first posthumous portrait of Alexander III, the Great, as hypothesized in Numismatica Genevensis 4, 11 December 2006, lot 61, and in other recent descriptions of similar coins? The specimen offered in that Geneva sale of 2006, and another in Heritage CICF Signature Sale 3032, 10 April 2014, lot 23133, both from the same die pair as ours and also virtually FDC, sold for $23,000 and over $40,000 respectively, including the buyer’s fee in each case
FDC Specimen; Spectacular Lyre
54. Olynthus. c. 390 BC. Tetradrachm, 14.36g (11h). Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right. Rx: Χ-Α-Λ-ΚΙΔ-ΕΩΝ Cithara. Robinson & Clement group F, 9 (A8/P9). SNG Lockett 1308. SNG ANS 470. FDC $7,500
Enlargement
19
Crisply Struck Gold Stater
56. Stater, 8.57g (12h). Magnesia ad Maeander, c. 323-315 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right. Rx: ΦΙΛΙΠ-ΠΟΥ Charioteer holding reins and goad in biga galloping right; below horses, bee; in exergue, spearhead right. Le Rider, pl. 90, 15. Thompson 2. SNG ANS 310. Mint State $9,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
59. Tetradrachm, 14.19g (2h). Pella, c. 323-315 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right. Rx: ΦΙΛΙΠ-ΠΟΥ Naked boy on horseback right, holding palm branch; serpent and Boeotian shield beneath torso and raised foreleg of horse. Le Rider, p. 67, 525, pl. 22 (same dies). Winterthur 1455 (same dies). Exceptionally detailed reverse. EF $2,150
Enlargement Enlargement
60. Fifth stater, 2.59g (3h). Amphipolis, c. 323-315 BC. Obv: Young male head right, wearing taenia. Rx: ΦΙΛΙΠ-ΠΟΥ Boy on horseback right; below, forked laurel branch. Le Rider pl. 46, 26-27. SNG ANS 711. SNG Alpha Bank 315. EF $225
57. Tetradrachm, 14.27g (9h). Amphipolis, c. 323-315 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right. Rx: ΦΙΛΙΠ-ΠΟΥ Boy rider holding palm on horse stepping right; beneath horse, round shield seen in profile; below raised leg, Π. Le Rider, p. 124, pl. 46, 13. Toned EF $2,100
58. Tetradrachm, 14.35g (10h). Amphipolis, c. 323-315 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right. Rx: ΦΙΛΙΠ-ΠΟΥ Naked boy on horseback right, holding palm branch; beneath torso and raised foreleg of horse, dolphin right and letter Π. Le Rider, pl. 46, 19. SNG Berry 120. Test cut on reverse. About Mint State $1,350
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61. Alexander III The Great. 336-323 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.08g (6h). Amphipolis, c. 336-323 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; in left field, ΤΕ monogram. Price 83. SNG Copenhagen 673. SNG Oxford 2564. SNG Saroglos 204. Banker’s mark above Zeus’s arm on reverse. Reverse a bit weakly struck. EF/VF $500
62. Tetradrachm, 16.67g (12h). Lampsacus, c. 280-275 BC. Obv:
Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; in left field, monogram above forepart of Pegasus; ΔK monogram under throne. Price 1449. SNG Saroglos 417. Reverse slightly doublestruck and lightly corroded. EF/VF $500
63. Tetradrachm, 17.06g (12h). Uncertain mint in Asia Minor or the Levant, c. 300-250 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; without symbol. Cf. Price 1473. High relief. EF $500 The attribution of this apparently unpublished coin is uncertain. It is not a close match to any of the dozen or so tetradrachms of Alexander the Great and Philip Arrhidaeus listed by Price whose reverses similarly omit any control or mintmark.
64. Stater, 8.58g (12h). Abydus, c. 310-297 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Nike standing left holding stylis and wreath; in lower right field, cornucopia. Cf. Price 1569A (but probably without monogram). EF $5,000
65. Tetradrachm, 16.81g (1h). Cyme, c. 215-200 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; in left field, monogram above one-handled pitcher. Price 1617. SNG Copenhagen 739. Light corrosion on reverse. VF $500
66. Tetradrachm, 17.03g (12h). Myrina, c. 215-190 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; in left field, monogram above amphora. Price 1657. Zeus’s left foot a bit flat. VF $500
67. Tetradrachm, 16.71g (11h). Priene, c. 210-200 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; below arm, ΠΡΙ above monogram and trident head; meander pattern in exergue. Price 2244. Areas of corrosion. VF+ $500
68. Tetradrachm, 16.68g (12h). Rhodes, c. 201-190 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; in left field, ΔΑΜΑΤΡΙΟΣ above rose; beneath throne, ΡΟ. Price 2521. SNG Oxford 2821. VF+ $500
69. Tetradrachm, 16.67g (1h). Aspendus, c. 207/6 BC (Price), c. 205/4 (Boehringer). Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lionskin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; in left field, ΑΣ; beneath throne, Ε (year 5). On the dating, see C. Boehringer in Travaux Le Rider, p. 71. Price 2885. High relief obverse. EF $500
70. Tetradrachm, 16.86g (12h). Perge, c. 210/09 BC (Price), c. 198/97 BC (Boehringer). Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, ΙΒ (year 12). Price 2924. Colin, Issue 12. EF/VF $500
21
Poseidon Victorious Reverse
71. Drachm, 4.08g (1h). Side, c. 210 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, pomegranate above ΑΦ. Cf. Price 2975 (tetradrachm), but see A. Meadows AJN 21 (2011), pp. 79-81. H. Seyrig, RN 1963, p. 57. VF/About VF $250
75. Demetrius Poliorcetes. 306-283 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.68g (3h). Uncertain Macedonia, c. 290 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right with bull’s horns. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ Poseidon seated left on rock, holding aphlaston in outstretched right hand and trident in raised left hand; in left field, Phrygian helmet. Newell, p. 122, no. 137, pl. XIV, 4. Boston 707. High relief obverse. Nicely toned. Good EF $5,000 Purchased in the 1990s from Dr. Bradley Bowlin on Vcoins.
72. Tetradrachm, 17.11g (12h). Aradus, c. 245-215 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, palm tree; beneath throne, monogram. Price 3365 ff. (dating in exergue is off flan). SNG Oxford 3002 ff. SNG Saroglos 585. Isolated pitting on reverse, otherwise EF $500
73. Tetradrachm, 16.98g (12h). Aradus, c. 200/199 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, palm tree; beneath throne, monogram; in exergue, Ξ. Price 3390. Mektepini 614. About EF $500
74. Tetradrachm, 16.95g (6h). Ecbatana, c.311-295 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left holding eagle and scepter; in left field, monogram above anchor and forepart of grazing horse; beneath throne, ΣΩ. Price 3928. SNG Oxford 3117A var. SNG Saroglos 658-659 var. Light scratches and some contact marks on reverse. High relief obverse. About EF $750
22
Poseidon hurling a trident is the common type of Demetrius’ tetradrachm reverses, symbolizing the king’s deeds during the war against the Ptolemaic navy in the Aegean. Much less frequent is the type of the victorious god, sitting relaxed at the seashore with the trophies of war. Newell was certainly right in suggesting that this type might belong to a later stage of Demetrius’ life when he was struggling in mainland Greece with Sparta, Thebes, and his rivals for the throne of Macedon, Alexander V and Pyrrhos.
Enlargement
76. Antigonus Gonatas. 277-239 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.01g (11h). Amphipolis, After 271 BC. Obv: Head of Pan left with lagobolon over shoulder, on boss of Macedonian shield. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ Athena standing left, with aegis and archaizing mantle, raising round shield and brandishing thunderbolt; in inner left field, crested Macedonian helmet; in inner right field, monogram. SNG Berry 350. SNG Alpha Bank 987. SNG Saroglos 923. VF $500
This series financed Perseus’ war against the Romans, which ended when Aemilius Paullus defeated him at Pydna in 168 BC.
77. Antigonus Doson. 229-221 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.99g (11h). Obv: Bearded head of Poseidon with seaweed wreath right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ Apollo, naked, holding bow in right hand, seated on prow left; monogram in exergue. SNG Berry 361. SNG Alpha Bank 1046. Some light contact marks. VF $1,000
81. Thrace. Thasos. c. 500-480 BC. Stater, 9.08g. Obv: Ithyphallic satyr right, carrying off protesting nymph. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square with windmill pattern. Guide de Thasos, pl. 1, 2. Jameson Coll. 1066. SNG Copenhagen 1009. Dewing 1313. Minor porosity, but high relief and well-detailed. EF $2,150 Ex Tkalec, 9 May 2011, lot 46. Kiourpet Hoard 1930
78. Tetradrachm, 17.02g (11h). Obv: Bearded head of Poseidon with seaweed wreath right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ Apollo, naked, holding bow in right hand, seated on prow left; monogram in exergue. SNG Berry 361. SNG Alpha Bank 1046. Light flan defect on obverse on cheek. Some deposits on reverse, otherwise About EF $1,000
82. Uncertain Mint in Thrace. c. 500-470 BC. Hemidrachm, 2.31g (3h). Obv: Sphinx squatting left, raising right forepaw. Rx: Head of roaring lion left within dotted incuse square. W. Schwabacher in Transactions of the International Numismatic Congress London 1936, p. 111, 9. E. Schönert-Geiss in ΧΑΡΑΚΤΗΡ. Αφιέρωμα στη Μάντω Οικονομίδου, p. 276, fig. 1, 2. SNG Copenhagen 991. Traité pl. cliv, 16 (as Chios). Beautifully toned. About EF/VF $18,500 Ex Auctiones 20, 8-9 November 1990, lot 216. From the Kiourpet hoard 1930 (IGCH 696).
79. Philip V. 221-179 BC. Didrachm, 8.46g (11h). c. 188-179 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right, with curly locks and short beard, the ends of the diadem ties ornamented. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ Club in oak wreath; in field above and below, three monograms. Mamroth, ZfN 40 (1930), 24. SNG Berry 372. SNG Alpha Bank 1053. Exceptional portrait in high relief. Near Mint State $2,000
80. Perseus. 179-168 BC. Tetradrachm, 15.40g (12h). c. 171-168 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙ-ΛΕΩΣ ΠΕΡΣΕΩΣ Eagle with raised wings standing right on thunderbolt, Φ between legs, K above, monogram in left field, all within oak wreath; below, plow right. A. Mamroth, ZfN 38 (1928), p. 25, 21. SNG Copenhagen 1269. Some minor wear on beard. Pleasantly toned. Virtually EF $3,700
Enlargement
23
the king; in inner left field, monogram. Marinescu issue 18, 49 (same dies). Thompson -, but see Seyrig, Essays Robinson, pl. 23, 2. Planchet defect on reverse, otherwise EF $700
83. Kingdom of Thrace. Lysimachus. 306-281 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.95g (10h). Amphipolis. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, caduceus; in outer right field, cornucopia. Thompson 189. Minor encrustation on both obverse and reverse. VF+/VF $500
84. Tetradrachm, 16.58g (2h). Ainos. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, cult statue standing on throne. Müller 114. Weber 2727. Meydancikkale 2691 (same obverse die). Fischer-Bossert, RBN 151 (2005), p. 73, C7, pl. VIII. VF $500
85. Tetradrachm, 16.14g (11h). Byzantium. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner l. field, monogram; in exergue, monogram. Marinescu issue 50, 126 (same dies). Cf. Mektepini, pl. 6, 129. EF $600
86. Tetradrachm, 16.79g (12h). Byzantium, c. 260-245 BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of
24
87. Tetradrachm, 16.69g (1h). Byzantium, c. 230s- early 220s BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, monogram. Marinescu issue 55, 133 (same dies). Thompson -. Good VF $500
88. Tetradrachm, 17.14g (12h). Byzantium, c. 230s- early 220s BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, monogram. Marinescu issue 52, 128 (same dies). Thompson -. Ding on cheek. Pleasant VF $500
89. Tetradrachm, 16.77g (12h). Calchedon, c. 220-210 BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, monogram. Marinescu issue 72, 162 (same dies). Müller 246. For the obverse, see Seyrig, Trésors, pl. 3, 1.47. Cox, Gordion Hoard, pl. V, 68. Mektepini, pl. 5, 109. Pleasant EF $500
90. Tetradrachm, 16.82g (8h). Lysimachia. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, lion’s head (?).; in outer left field, monogram; in exergue, encircled Κ. Meydancikkale 2594 (same obverse die). Vinchon, December 1975, lot 59 (same dies). High relief obverse. VF+ $700 94. Tetradrachm, 16.79g (12h). Uncertain mint in Thrace, possibly late lifetime issue, c. 280-260 BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, monogram; in exergue, monogram. Thompson -. Müller -. VF $500 91. Tetradrachm, 16.81g (2h). Lysimachia, c. 260-230 BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, lion’s head left; on throne, eagle standing left. Thompson -, but see Müller 38. SNG Spencer-Churchill 106 (same obverse die). Boston 843 (same obverse die). Some light roughness in field. VF $700
Enlargement
95. Thessaly. Oetaei. c. 371-280 BC. Obol, 0.75g (12h). Obv: Head of lion in three-quarter perspective left, spear in jaws. Rx: ΟΙΤΑ Bow and quiver. SNG München 125. Slightly coarse. EF $700 Ex CNG 93, 22 May 2013, lot 256. Ex BCD Collection.
92. Tetradrachm, 16.82g (12h). Parium, c. 297-282 BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, monogram; in outer right field, thyrsos. Thompson 231. Meydancikkale 2680 (likely same dies). VF $500
Enlargement
96. Perrhaebi. c. 440-400 BC. Obol, 0.81g (8h). Obv: Horse galloping left, rein hanging loose. Rx: Π-Ε-Ρ-Α Athena in full armor charging right, holding spear and shield; all in incuse square. SNG München 144. SNG Oxford 3904. Boston 916. Slightly rough, otherwise EF $825 Ex Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 550. Ex BCD Collection.
93. Tetradrachm, 16.83g (11h). Uncertain mint EK, c. 260-250 BC. Obv: Head of Alexander the Great with Ammon horns right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ Athena enthroned left, her left arm resting on round shield (with lion’s head in center), holding Nike on outstretched right hand, Nike crowning the name of the king; in inner left field, monogram; in exergue, monogram. Thompson -. Nice style. VF $600
Enlargement
97. Pharcadon. c. 460-430 BC. Obol, 0.61g (11h). Obv: Horse pacing right. Rx: Φ[A]-P-KAΔO Athena standing right, spear and shield leaning on her left side, her right hand resting on hip; all in shallow incuse square. BMC, p. 42, 6, pl. IX, 4. Unusually high quality for this issue. EF $825 Ex Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 606. Ex BCD Collection.
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Ex CNG E311, 25 September 2013 (BCD Coll.), lot 282. Ex Leu 2, 25 April 1972, lot 180. Ex Sotheby, 1 December 1924 (Kondylis Coll.), lot 92. 98. Pharsalus. c. 400 BC. Hemidrachm, 2.98g (7h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right, side-flaps turned up. Rx: Φ-Α-Ρ-Σ Horse’s head right. Lavva 135. Banker’s mark on cheek. High relief obverse. Choice EF $1,375 Ex CNG 96, 14 May 2014, lot 274. Ex BCD Collection.
Enlargement
101. c. 390-370 BC. Trihemiobol, 1.22g (1h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena in three-quarter frontal view; above, Λ. Rx: Φ-A-P-Σ Rider in military dress right, brandishing spear; beneath, V. Lavva 260. SNG Lockett 1469 (same dies). EF $1,375 Ex Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 656. Ex BCD Collection.
Enlargement
Ex Hess 1934 Enlargement
99. c. 390 BC. Drachm, 6.00g (12h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right, side-flaps turned up; behind neck, ΤΗ-ΙΠ. Rx: Φ-Α-Ρ-Σ Man on horseback right, wearing Thessalian dress including kausia and chlamys, holding lagobolon over shoulder. Lavva, p. 151, 104b (this specimen). DuChastel Coll. 217 (same dies). SNG Lockett 1601 (same obverse die). Area of weak strike. Banker’s mark on horse. Toned VF+ $1,750 Ex Spink 32, 30 November 1983, lot 30. Ex Gallerie des Monnaies & Spink, 15 February 1977 (Smookler Collection), lot 171. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular 78, November 1970, no. 12387. Ex Rasmussen 245, 10 March 1970 (Paul M. Proschowsky Coll.), lot 596. Ex Glendining, 31 January 1951 (Cunningham Collection), lot 139. Ex Hess, 15 February 1934 (Hoskier Collection), lot 290. Ex BCD. Ex Leu 2, 1972. Ex Sotheby 1924
102. c. 480-460 BC. Obol, 0.82g (12h). Obv: Head of nymph Larissa left. Rx: ΛAR[I] Sandal of Jason left, all within square incuse. BMC p. 24, 3, pl. IV, 6. BCD Thessaly II, lot 349.2. Reverse weakly struck. VF+/VF $500 Ex CNG E311, 25 September 2013, lot 93.
103. c. 460 BC. Trihemiobol, 1.35g (7h). Obv: Man on horseback right, holding spear; behind head, petasos. Rx: ΛΑΡΙΣΑ Nymph Larisa seated right on klismos, left hand raised; all in incuse square. BMC p. 25, 11. SNG München 52. Slightly rough. VF+ $500 Ex CNG E292, 5 December 2012, lot 22. Ex BCD Collection. Plate Coin in Berk’s 100 Greatest Book
100. c. 390 BC. Drachm, 5.78g (4h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right, side-flaps turned up; behind neck, [ΤΗ-ΙΠ]. Rx: Φ-Α-Ρ-Σ. Man on horseback right, wearing Thessalian dress and kausia, holding lagobolon over shoulder. Lavva, p. 149, 98a, pl. V (this specimen). SNG Fitzwilliam 2446 (same obverse die). Toned VF $1,000
26
104. c. 400-370 BC. Drachm, 6.07g (7h). Obv: Facing head of nymph Larissa. Rx: ΛΑΡΙΣΑ Horse grazing right. H.J. Berk, 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, p. 44 (this coin). Lorber in Florilegium Numismaticum, p. 277, fig. 17.1(a). Cf. BCD 1141.
Lush depiction of nymph with vivid, fluttering eyelashes. Toned EF $2,000
Enlargement
From the Atrax Hoard 1969
107. c. 360-340 BC. Drachm, 5.97g (12h). Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing in three-quarter view, wearing ear-pendants and necklace. Rx: ΛΑΡΙ-ΣΑΙΩΝ Horse and foal standing right. Herrmann, p. 44, pl. VI, 11. Martin, Sovereignty, pl. I, 2. Lorber, SNR 79 (2000), pp. 7 ff, pl. 1, 12-16. Dewing Coll. 1394. SNG Munich 69. Beautifully toned. Good VF+ $4,000 Ex Triton 15, 3 January 2012, lot 295. Ex BCD Collection. Acquired from Serge Boutin, early 1970s. Said to be from the Atrax Hoard (IGCH 58),1969.
105. c. 370 BC. Drachm, 5.90g (8h). Obv: Head of nymph Larissa facing in three-quarter view, wearing ear pendants and necklace. Rx: ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙ Horse standing right, preparing to roll over; between legs, ΑΙ. Herrmann, p. 44, pl. VI, 19. EF $825 Ex CNG E308, 7 August 2013, lot 76.
106. c. 370 BC. Drachm, 6.25g (11h). Obv: Head of nymph Larissa in three-quarter view, wearing two ears of wheat above forehead, ear-pendants, and necklace. Rx: ΛΑ-Ρ-ΙΣΑΙ-[ΩΝ] Cuirassed and helmeted warrior on horseback right, holding spear. Herrmann, p. 44, pl. 6, 14. BCD Thessaly II, lot 292 (same dies). Traité II 4, pl. 299, 11. McClean pl. 173, 19. Minor metal flaw on cheek. About EF $10,000
108. Thessaly. Magnetes. c. 167-140 BC. Drachm, 3.82g (3h). Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right; in left field, monogram. Rx: ΜΑΓΝ Artemis seated left on prow, holding bow; in upper right field, monogram. BCD Thessaly II 407 (same dies). SNG Lockett 1586. Light corrosion on reverse. EF $575 Ex CNG 96, 14 May 2014, lot 221. Ex BCD Collection.
Harlan J. Berk Ltd. List 1 Cover Coin 1974
Ex CNG 90, 23 May 2012, lot 80. Ex BCD Collection. Ex Leu 22, 8 May 1979, lot 85. As at Syracuse which produced the model for this obverse type, the local nymph at Larissa too was sometimes reinterpreted as another goddess, in this case Persephone, as the ears of wheat indicate.
109. Euboea. Eretria. c. 375-357 BC. Stater, 12.02g (12h). Obv: Head of the nymph Euboia right, wearing half-moon shaped earring, necklace and with her hair up. Rx: EYB Cow lying right; above grapes and two leaves hanging from stalk; all within shallow incuse square. Wallace 9. BCD 4. Babelon, Traité II, 3, 170, pl. CXCVII, 19. While the head of the nymph Euboia is archaized and somewhat pedestrian, the reverse is exquisite. The artist had a wonderful knowledge of the cows of Euboea and this one reclines beautifully on the planchet with a lush bunch of grapes above. Toned EF $25,000 Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd., List No. 1, April 1974, lot 83 (cover coin). Ex Dr. J. Hewitt T. Judd Collection, 1950s.
Enlargement
This coin was purchased by the famous author of the U.S.
27
Pattern book, Dr. Hewett T. Judd of Wichita, Kansas, in the 1950s. In the 1960s theives broke into his house hoping to steal his U.S. pattern collection, instead they took his ancient coins. These were then kept in the home of a Mafia member for at least a decade. When they came into the market in about 1970 they were quickly identified as the stolen coins of Dr. Judd. When we brought the coins years later to show them to Dr. Judd, then a man in his mid-80s, he said with a twinkle in his eye that these were not his coins. Of course the insurance company had already paid him a princely sum for his stolen collection.
Enlargement
111. Locris Opuntii and Epicnemidii. Opus. c. 420-330 BC. Obol, 0.81g Obv: ΟΠ-ΟΝ Amphora with ivy leaf and grapes. Rx: Star within circular incuse. SNG Sweden 1378. Corpus group 3a, 20e. SNG Lockett 1702. Nicely toned. EF $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex NAC 55, 8 October 2010 (BCD Coll.), lot 460.5.
Enlargement
Rare and Spectacular Aetolia Stater with Pedigree Far Too Long to List
110. Aetolia. c. 220-205 BC. Stater, 10.54g (11h). Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right, ΛΥ in left field. Rx: ΑΙΤΩΛΩΝ Hero Aitolos standing left, right foot on rock, causia behind neck, holding spear and sword; in left field, ΝΚ; between rock and leg, Α. Tsangari, p. 93, 582a, pl. 33 (this specimen). SNG Copenhagen 5. SNG Lockett 1686. High relief obverse. Reverse slightly doublestruck. Wonderfully toned EF $10,000 Ex Cahn 75, 30 May 1932, lot 304. Ex Ars Classica 14, 2 July 1929 (Spencer-Churchill Coll.), lot 242. Ex Ars Classica 6, 28 January 1924 (Bement Coll.), lot 1017. Ex Hirsch 29, 9 November 1910 (Lambros Coll.), lot 392.
Enlargement
28
112. Boeotia. Thebes. c. 395-338 BC. Stater, 12.16g (2h). Obv: Boeotian shield. Rx: Amphora with elongated foot; AN-ΔP across central field; all within concave circle. BCD Boiotia 499. Hepworth 4. Myron Hoard, pl. Γ, 33. BMC 112. Minor area of weak strike on reverse. Oversize flan. EF $2,000 Ex Triton XIII, 5-6 January 2010, lot 1178.
113. c. 395-339 BC. Stater, 12.21g (10h). Obv: Boeotian shield. Rx: Amphora with elongated foot, KΛ-ΙΩΝ across central field. Head, Boeotia, p. 66. BCD 534. Dewing Coll. 1512. Area of flat strike on amphora. Toned About EF $1,000
114. c. 395-338 BC. Stater, 12.08g (11h). Obv: Boeotian shield. Rx: Crater, the upper part fluted, magistrate’s name ΚΑ-ΛΛΙ across field. BCD Boeotia 555. BMC, p. 83, 151. SNG Copenhagen 340. Head, Boeotia, p. 65. Hepworth 63. EF $750
115. c. 395-338 BC. Stater, 12.25g (12h). Obv: Boeotian shield. Rx: Amphora; TI-MO across central field; all within incuse circle. BCD 556. Hepworth 90. BMC, p. 84, 164. SNG Copenhagen 351. About EF $750 Ex CNG 78, 14 May 2008, lot 579. Ex CNG 58, 19 September 2001, lot 463.
118. c. 475-465 BC. Didrachm, 8.02g (12h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing; in upper left field, olive sprig with two leaves and berry; all within incuse square. Starr 78. Seltman 466. Svoronos-Pick pl. 8, 30. VF $7,500 Ex NAC 78, 26-27 May 2014, lot 265. Ex Rockefeller University
116. Androkleidas Magistrate. c. 390-382 BC. Stater, 11.95g (11h). Obv: Boeotian shield. Rx: Amphora; above, wreath; in field, AN-ΔP. BCD Boeotia, lot 501 (this coin). Hepworth p. 70, A3 (same reverse die). Head, “History of the Coinage of Boeotia” (1881) p. 63. Myron Hoard pl. Γ, 32. SNG Copenhagen 315 (same dies). Mionnet II, p. 100, 16. Slightly rough obverse and darkly toned. About EF $875 Ex Gemini VI, 10 January 2010, lot 107. Ex Triton IX, 10 January 2006, lot 501 (BCD Collection). Ex Waddell FPL 55, 1992, lot 61.
Enlargement
119. c. 450-430 BC. Hemiobol, 0.35g (11h). Obv: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves. Rx: AΘE Owl standing right, head facing; in upper left field, olive twig; all within incuse square. SNG München 83. Toned EF $3,150 Ex Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 371. Ex Rockefeller University/Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection.
Powerful Archaic Athena
Ex MFA Boston; Ex Gemini I 117. Attica. Athens. c. 500-480 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.47g (11h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing; in upper left field, olive spray; all within incuse square. Cf. Seltman, pl. XVI (group M). EF for issue $12,500 120. c. 454-406 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.99g (7h). Obv: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three laurel leaves and vine scroll. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind, all within incuse square. Svoronos pl. 14, 1. Flament, pl. IV, 15. Minor deposits. VF+ $1,800
Enlargement
Ex Gemini 1, 11 January 2005, lot 620 (part). Ex Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
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Enlargement
121. c. 440-406 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.07g (7h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing, olive twig and crescent in upper left field; all within incuse square. Svoronos, pls. 10-11. Flament, pl. IX, 15. About EF $2,500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
124. c. 480-456 BC. Hemiobol, 0.37g. Obv: Turtle. Rx: Iincuse square divided into various compartments. SNG Copenhagen 513. Toned VF $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
Razor Sharp Athens
125. c. 445-431 BC. Stater, 12.11g. Obv: Land turtle. Rx: Shallow five-part incuse. Milbank 13, Period V. Turtle’s shell a bit weakly struck, otherwise EF $4,000 122. c. 430-406 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.16g (3h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing, olive spray and crescent in upper left field, all within incuse square. Svoronos pl. 13, 2. Flament pl. VIII, 4. Close to Mint State $3,750
123. Attica. Aegina. c. 480-446 BC. Stater, 12.18g. Obv: Sea turtle, the ridge of the shell ornamented with a row of dots and two smaller additional dots at the front. Rx: Five-part incuse square. Milbank 15, Period III. EF $5,000
Spectacular Land Turtle
126. c. 404-340 BC. Stater, 12.21g. Obv: Land turtle, A - I. Rx: Incuse square divided into five compartments, three of which contain the letter N, the letter I, and a dolphin. Milbank 6, Period VII, Pl III. EF $10,000
Enlargement Enlargement
30
Ex Hirsch 1909
127. Corinthia. Corinth. c. 315-310 BC. Drachm, 2.71g (5h). Obv: Pegasos flying left with koppa below. Rx: Head of Aphrodite left with hair up wearing beaded necklace and a drop earring; ΔΙ and phiale to left and right. BMC 305. Light scratches on obverse before face. About EF $750
131. Crete. Phaestus. 4th century BC. Stater, 11.46g (2h). Obv: Herakles, naked, standing facing, head right, holding club and bow; in left field, lionskin hanging down; around, four pellets. Rx: Bull’s head facing within round incuse. Svoronos 24, pl. XXIII, 18. Le Rider, pl. XXI, 11-12. Obverse a bit weakly struck; some light corrosion. VF $8,700 Ex New York Sale 27, 4 January 2012 (Prospero), lot 412. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, May 1987, lot 2841. Ex J. Hirsch 25, 29 November 1909 (Gustav Philipsen), lot 1525.
128. c. 315-310 BC. Drachm, 2.69g (2h). Obv: Pegasos flying left with koppa below. Rx: Head of Aphrodite left with hair up wearing beaded necklace and a drop earring; Δ and O to left and right, pine cone symbol behind head. Lanz, BCD, lot 146. Scratch on top reverse field. EF $750
Enlargement
Enlargement
129. Phliasia. Phlius. c. 400-350 BC. Obol, 0.82g (11h). Obv: Forepart of bull butting left. Rx: Φ surrounded by four pellets. BCD Peloponnesos 103 (same dies). McClean 6213. SNG Copenhagen 7. Dewing Coll. 1830. Toned. About EF $250
130. Elis. Olympia. c. 420-400 BC. Stater, 11.57g (6h). Obv: Head of Hera right, wearing a bride’s crown (polos) ornamented with palmettes and dots. Rx: Letters F-A and flaming thunderbolt, all within olive wreath. Seltman 257 (dies ΕΕ/ηκ). Ward Coll. 539 (same dies). BCD Olympia 71 (same dies). VF $3,200 This issue is now often dated to the 92nd Olympiad, 412-409 BC. Charles Seltman’s corpus of the staters of Olympia, which is still the main reference, provides a much wider bracket, 421-385 BC. In fact our chronology is not yet secure enough to assign the issues to specific Olympiads. What can be said is that this stater was struck during the Peloponnesian War, around the time when the chariots of Alkibiades were creating a sensation at the games.
132. Cyclades. Paros. c. 200 BC. Didrachm, 7.52g (12h). Obv: Female head right (Artemis?) , hair bound with ribbon. Rx: ΠΑΡΙ Goat standing right; above ethnic, ΤΕΙΣΗΝ. Tully, p. 79, pl. 3, 1. SNG Fitzwilliam 4018. SNG Berry 881. Toned. Nice VF $5,600 Tully has recently suggested a much narrower period of issue for these Parian didrachms. A connection with the Second or even Third Macedonian War seems likely.
Enlargement
31
Double Sphinx
133. Paphlagonia. Sinope. c. 330-300 BC. Drachm, 6.03g (5h). Obv: Head of nymph left, aphlaston before. Rx: Eagle on dolphin left, API[ΣΤ] below. SNG BM, Black Sea 1462. Mint State $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
134. Mysia. Cyzicus. c. 530-500 BC. Hecte, 2.66g Obv: Winged siren standing left, holding tunny fish. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 74, pl. II, 29. SNG Paris 203. SNG von Aulock 7278. EF $6,200 Ex Roma Numismatics 5, 23 March 2013, lot 362.
Enlargement
Enlargement
136. c. 530-480 BC. EL Hecte, 2.71g Obv: Double sphinxes sharing one facing head; below, tunny fish left. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 128, pl. IV, 14. SNG Paris 280. VF $4,000
Enlargement
137. c. 520-490 BC. Hecte, 2.68g (0h). Obv: Male head left with pointed beard, hair hanging long behind and represented by dots; below, tunny fish left. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 66, pl. II, 19. Greenwell, Cyzicus 78, pl. III, 31. Rosen Coll. 447. SNG Paris 194. VF $4,000
Enlargement
Fascinating Imagery of Griffin Gnawing Tunny Fish
138. c. 510-480 BC. Hecte, 2.72g (0h). Obv: Nude youth kneeling left, holding tunny fish by tail. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 112, pl. III, 31. Boston 1488. EF $3,500
Enlargement
135. c. 530-500 BC. EL Hecte, 2.71g (0h). Obv: Head of griffin gnawing on tunny fish head. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Not in v. Fritze, but see S. Hurter & H.J. Liewald, SNR 81 (2002), p. 31, 28, pl. 3. VF $3,750 Hurter and Liewald knew two sixth-staters of this type. Since then, a twelfth has also emerged: Triton VIII, 2005, lot 368.
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Enlargement
139. c. 500-470 BC. Hecte, 2.67g Obv: Helmeted head of Athena left; below, tunny-fish left. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 67 pl. II, 20. Boston 1447. SNG von Aulock 1187. VF+ $4,000
Enlargement
140. c. 500-470 BC. Hecte, 2.64g (0h). Obv: Bearded head of Herakles left, wearing a helmet in the shape of the head of a sea-monster; below, tunny fish left. Rx: Four-part incuse square. Von Fritze -, but see Hurter & Liewald, SNR 81 (2002), p. 28, no. 17. SNG von Aulock 7241. EF $3,500
143. c. 440-400 BC. EL Stater, 15.76g Obv: Horseman in Thessalian garb right. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 168, pl. V, 16. Boston Suppl. 151. Dewing Coll. 2181. SNG Paris 315. Fine+ $15,500 A rare example of the Parthenon style in the coinage of Cyzicus. The reason why a distinctly Thessalian type was chosen is uncertain.
Unimprovable Portrait of Philetaerus
Enlargement
141. c. 500-450 BC. Hecte, 2.65g (0h). Obv: Gorgoneion, tongue protruding; below, tunny fish left. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 129, pl. IV, 15. Greenwell, Cyzicus 75, pl. III, 27. Banker’s mark on obverse and reverse. About EF $2,500
144. Pergamum Kingdom. Eumenes I. 263-241 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.11g (12h). Pergamum. Obv: Laureate head of Philetaerus right. Rx: ΦΙΛΕΤΑΙΡΟΥ Athena enthroned left, holding round shield and with spear behind shoulder; ivy leaf in inner left field, bow in outer right field, A on throne. SNG Paris 1604. Mint State $2,500
Unusual Depiction of Winged Dog
142. c. 480-450 BC. Hecte, 2.66g Obv: Winged dog standing left, head reverted; below, tunny fish. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 104. SNG Paris 246. EF $5,600
Enlargement
Enlargement
145. No lot.
146. Tetradrachm, 17.01g (12h). Pergamum. Obv: Laureate head of Philetaerus right. Rx: ΦΙΛΕΤΑΙΡΟΥ Athena enthroned left, left arm resting on round shield, spear behind shoulder, right arm raised to crown the ruler’s name; in inner left field, Α; in outer left field, ivy leaf; in outer right field, bow. SNG Paris 1610. VF $750
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2008, lot 34.
147. Attalus I. 241-197 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.96g (11h). Pergamum. Obv: Laureate head of Philetaerus right. Rx: ΦΙΛΕΤΑΙΡΟΥ Athena enthroned left, left arm resting on round shield, spear behind shoulder, right arm raised to crown the ruler’s name; in inner left field, monogram; in outer left field, cornucopia; in outer right field, bow. SNG Paris 1622. VF $750
148. Uncertain Mint in Ionia. c. 650-600 BC. Trite, 3.55g. Obv: Striated surface. Rx: Two punches with rough surfaces side by side. Weidauer 5. SNG Kayhan 679. VF $5,000
This unique and marvelous stater is a true mystery. Although struck on the Milesian standard, it cannot be linked to any series of early electrum known so far. The reverse punches show an agglutinated pattern that is somewhat reminiscent of late seventh and early sixth century coinages. The obverse type is difficult to interpret because substantial parts of it, above and to the left of the eagle in the center, were apparently struck off flan.
151. Ionia. Ephesus. c. 625-600 BC. EL Trite, 4.72g (11h). Obv: Spotted stag grazing right; above, retrograde, ΦΑΝΕΟΣ (“of Phanes”). Rx: Two rough geometric incuse punches (Reverse D). Weidauer 40. Unusually sharp and complete. About EF for issue $60,000 Ex Jonathan Rosen Collection.
1/96 Stater
Enlargement
Enlargement
149. Uncertain Mint in Ionia. c. 650-600 BC. 1/96 Stater, 0.16g. Obv: Two pellets. Rx: rough incuse square. Cf. SNG Kayhan 691 (1/192, one pellet). EF $2,000 Ex MMAG 10, 1951, lot 41.
Unique Ionia, Milesian Standard Electrum Stater Enlargement
150. Uncertain mint in Ionia. c. 600-550 BC. EL Stater (Milesian standard), 14.10g. Obv: Eagle with closed wings standing right within ornamental circle. Rx: Incuse square with irregular surface, partly stepped. Apparently unpublished and unique. Fine $20,000 Ex Fortuna Fine Arts & Vilmar Collectibles Ancient Coins FPL
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152. c. 650-600 BC. EL 1/12 Stater, 1.17g. Obv: Forepart of stag running right, head turned back. Rx: Incuse square with irregular surface. Boston 1816. Weidauer 38. Rose 37. About EF $1,500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Helios 5, 25 June 2010, lot 101. A variant of this issue (stag to left) was found in the Artemision deposit (IGCH 1153), see Weidauer 38.
17.01g (12h). Obv: Helmeted head of Athena Parthenos right. Rx: ΗΡΑΚΛΕΩΤΩΝ Club right; below, Nike left with wreath and palm between two monograms; all within wreath. Jameson Coll. 1503 (same reverse die). SNG Lockett 2823. Pozzi 2452. VF+ $2,000 Enlargement
153. Uncertain Mint in Ionia. c. 600-530 BC. EL 1/12 Stater (Hemihecte), 1.14g. Obv: Lion’s head right, right paw outstretched, left paw raised (partly visible above head). Rx: Incuse square with irregular surface. Not in Weidauer or the major references, but see Linzalone LN1117 (Miletus). Cf. Hauck & Aufhäuser 18 (2004), lot 183, and CNG 93, 22 May 2013, lot 402. About EF $1,500 Ex NAC R, 17 May 2007, lot 1177. Linzalone has observed that the reverse punch of this series is reminiscent of a group of Milesian hectai. It is not yet clear, however, whether this hemihecte should be attributed to Miletus itself or to some other mint in the area.
Ex Hunt Collection; Exquisite Sculptural Reverse
157. Ionia, Magnesia ad Maeander. c. 150 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.92g (12h). Obv: Draped and diademed bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder. Rx: ΜΑΓΝΗΤΩΝ Naked Apollo standing left on meander pattern, holding filleted branch and leaning against tripod; in left field, ΗΡΟΓΝΗΤΟΣ ΖΩΠΥΡΙΟΝΟΣ; all within laurel wreath. N.F. Jones, ANSMN 24 (1979), p. 105, 27. SNG von Aulock 7921. SNG Lockett 2829. Pozzi 2463. Some small deposits on obverse, otherwise close to Mint State $2,500 Ex Sotheby NY, 21-22 June 1990 (Hunt Coll.), lot 496.
154. Ionia. Ephesus. c. 380-370 BC. Stater, 15.31g (12h). Obv: Ε-Φ Bee. Rx: Forepart of stag right, head reverted; to left, palm tree; in right field, ΜΕΝΕΚΡΑΤΗΣ. P. Kinns, Coin Hoards IX, p. 176 (class C, obv. 18). SNG Copenhagen 231. Nicely toned. VF+/ EF $4,850 Ex Roma Numismatics VI, 29 September 2013, lot 618. Ex Triton 13, 5 January 2010, lot 182. Enlargement
155. Ionia. Ephesus. c. 202-133 BC. Drachm, 4.16g (11h). Obv: Ε-Φ Bee. Rx: Stag standing right; in the background, palm tree; in right field, ΒΙΑΝΩΡ (magistrate). SNG Copenhagen 287. P. Kinns, NC 159 (1999), p. 85. Nice VF $350
Enlargement
156. Ionia. Heracleia ad Latmum. c. 189-170 BC. Tetradrachm,
158. Ionia. Phocaea. c. 600-550 BC. EL Hecte, 2.56g. Obv: Two seals playing, chasing each other in a circle. Rx: Incuse square with irregular surface. Bodenstedt 46. SNG von Aulock 7941. Slightly rough. VF+ $3,750
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159. Ionia. Teos. c. 480-465 BC. Stater, 11.87g. Obv: Winged griffin squatting right, raising forepaw; in front, swan right. Rx: Quadripartite incuse square. Balcer 101. Dewing Coll. 2312. Toned EF $5,600
162. 3rd century BC. Hemidrachm, 2.98g (6h). Obv: Helmeted male head right. Rx: ΚΑΛΥ[ΜΝΙΟΝ] Cithara. BMC, p. 189, 12, pl. 29, 11. SNG Copenhagen 603. SNG von Aulock 2742. Toned VF $750 Ex NFA; Ex Rosen Collection
160. Lesbos. Mytilene. c. 360-340 BC. Hecte, 2.57g (12h). Obv: Head of Cabeiros right wearing wreathed pilos, two stars in field. Rx: Head of Persephone right within linear square frame. Bodenstedt 99. SNG Copenhagen 321. SNG von Aulock 1729. Choice EF $3,000 Originally the Cabeiroi were worshipped in the northwestern Aegean only, namely on the islands Samothrace and Lemnos. In Hellenistic times, the cult spread to Phoenicia and Egypt as well. The number of the deities called Cabeiroi varied, and so did their function. The Cabeiroi of Lemnos, the nearest sanctuary from the Mytilenean point of view, were thought to be sons of the god Hephaistos and a nymph named Cabeiro. Thus they were venerated as gifted blacksmiths.
Enlargement
161. Caria. Calymna. c. 300-200 BC. Didrachm, 5.96g (6h). Obv: Young male head right, wearing crested Attic helmet. Rx: ΚΑΛΥΜΝΙΟΝ Cithara within square dotted border. SNG von Aulock 2741. SNG Keckman 282. Slightly rough. Toned VF $2,000 Purchased from Bill Warden, 1999.
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163. Caria. Camirus Rhodi. c. 500-480 BC. Stater, 11.91g (12h). Obv: Fig leaf. Rx: Rectangular incuse with two oblong partitions. Rosen Coll. 645 (this specimen). Toned VF $3,750 Ex Peus 407, 7 November 2012, lot 652. Ex NFA Winter Mail Bid Sale, 18 December 1987, lot 350. Ex Rosen Collection.
164. Caria. Mylasa. c. 175-140 BC. Drachm, 2.05g (12h). Obv: Facing head of Helios with eagle superimposed on right cheek. Rx: Rose with bud on left side; in lower field, Λ-Μ/Α-Υ. R. Ashton, NC 1992, p. 17, 266. R. Ashton and G. Reger in Agoranomia. Studies in Money and Exchange presented to John Kroll (New York 2006), p. 143, 177. Mint State $300
165. Caria. Cos. c. 167-145 BC. Hemidrachm, 1.41g (11h). Obv: Head of youthful Herakles right, wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: ΚΩΙΩΝ Crab; below, club; in the field, name ΕΠΙΝΙΚΟΣ. Dewing 2392. Toned Good EF $500
Signed by ΞENO. Bérend, SNR 1972, #24 (this coin)
Exceptional Pixodarus Tetradrachm
Enlargement
167. Caria. Pixodarus. 341-336 BC. Tetradrachm, 14.84g (12h). Halicarnassus Obv: Laureate head of Apollo facing in threequarter view. Rx: ΠΙΞΩΔΑΡΟΥ Zeus Labraundos standing right in long chiron and himation, holding long spear pointing downwards and labrys resting on shoulder. K. Konuk in Coin Hoards IX (2002), p. 223, no. 9. SNG von Aulock 8047. Slightly iridescent toning. Exceptionally pleasant obverse die. EF $10,000
166. Caria. Rhodes. c. 408/7-404 BC. Tetradrachm, 15.09g (12h). Obv: Head of Helios three-quarter facing with flowing hair. Rx: ΡΟΔΙΟΝ Rose with two buds and signed ΞENO in small letters between tendril and rose. Bérend, Les tetradrachms de Rhodes de la première période, SNR 51 (1972), p. 13, no. 24, pl. 2 (this coin). Ashton in Meadows & Shipton, Money and Its Uses in the Ancient Greek World, p. 99, no. 4. This spectacular tetradrachm of Rhodes, first published in 1972 and then in 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, is one of only three artist-signed tetradrachms of Rhodes. Struck in ultra high relief. Toned EF $65,000 Published in Harlan J. Berk, 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, pp. 48 and 123. One of the earliest coins of the city of Rhodes, struck immediately after the foundation of the new capital of the island, and rivalling its contemporary female counterpart, Kimon’s facing Arethusa head from Syracuse. While the impressive reverse image of a rose is simply a pun on the name of city and island, the obverse image of the sun god Helios refers to the most popular cult of Rhodes. Despite his oriental origins (gods like Shamash), Helios was a panhellenistic deity but did not have many sanctuaries. In Rhodes, his cult included a very unusual and spectacular sacrificial rite: “a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses, is driven over a precipice into the sea, with its overtones of the plight of Phaeton noted“ (W. Burkert, Greek Religion, p. 174). The obverse of our coin expresses well the power of the sun god who could make the people of Rhodes perform such a cruel rite.
Enlargement
168. Lycia. Uncertain Dynasty. c. 525-480 BC. Stater, 9.48g. Obv: Forepart of winged boar running left; below, [ΦΟΙ]. Rx: Incuse square with Maltese cross pattern. Vismara II, p. 123, 45, pl. VI (same dies). SNG Keckman II, 425 (same dies). Cf. SNG von Aulock 4048. Toned About EF $5,000 Ex New York Sale 27, 4 January 2012 (Prospero Coll.), lot 565. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular 94/10, December 1986, lot 8134.
Enlargement
Enlargement
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Ultra Sharp Herakles
169. Lycia. Kherei. c. 410-390 BC. Stater, 8.58g (6h). Telmessos Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: KHERI TELEBHE in Lycian letters, Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing lionskin headdress, all within incuse square. Mørkholm and Zahle, Acta Archaeologica 47 (1976), p. 52, 52 [sic], pl. III. SNG Copenhagen Suppl. 451. Toned EF $7,000
Enlargement
After the Lycian dynast Kheriga’s death, Kherei usurped his throne and expelled the rightful heir Erbbina. On Kherei’s life and career, see P. Thonemann in J. Ma et ali. (eds.), Interpreting the Athenian Empire (London 2009), pp. 167-194, and K. Konuk in O. Tekin (ed.), Festschrift E. Bosch (Istanbul 2009), p. 197. Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
Enlargement
Exceptional Portrait of Mithrapata
170. Lycia. Mithrapata. c. 380-375 BC. Stater, 9.88g (11h). Obv: Forepart of roaring lion right. Rx: Persian legend MITHRAPATA, Bearded head of the dynast left within incuse square. N. Olçay and O. Mørkholm, NC 1971, p. 5, 60, pl. 2 = SNG Copenhagen Suppl. 472. Obverse struck from slightly worn die. Reverse virtually unimprovable. Toned EF $6,000 Along with his rival Perikle, Mithrapata struck the most attractive portrait coins of the early 4th century BC.
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171. Cilicia. Celenderis. c. 425-400 BC. Stater, 10.78g (9h). Obv: Boy rider right, holding whip and dismounting from horse; dotted exergual line. Rx: ΚΕΛΕΝ Goat kneeling right, head reverted; dotted exergual line. SNG Paris 67. SNG Levante 26 = SNG von Aulock 5638. Minor area of flat strike. Nice iridescent toning. EF $2,000
172. Cilicia. Nagidus. c. 380-370 BC. Stater, 10.58g (11h). Obv: Aphrodite seated left, holding phiale in right hand, her left arm around Eros who is standing next to her. Rx: ΝΑΓΙ-ΔΕΩΝ Dionysos, draped, standing left, holding bunch of grapes and thyrsus. Lederer 24. SNG Paris 24. Jameson Coll. 1605 (all from the same pair of dies as ours). Toned EF $2,000
173. Cilicia. Soloi-Pompeiopolis. c. 380-350 BC. Stater, 9.95g (12h). Obv: Bust of Herakles right, lionskin around shoulders. Rx: ΣΟΛΙΚΟΝ Bearded head of Persian satrap right, wearing Persian headdress. SNG Levante 50 = SNG von Aulock 5863. SNG Paris 160. Minor corrosion. Toned About EF $4,000 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1835.
174. Cilicia. Tarsus. c. 425-400 BC. Stater, 10.59g (2h). Obv: Man in Persian garments on horseback right. Rx: Aramaic inscription TRW, Hoplite, wearing Corinthian helmet but otherwise nude, kneeling left holding round shield decorated with wreath, and spear. BMC, p. 163, 8, pl. 28, 10. SNG Paris 226. SNG Levante 61. W. Weiser, ZPE 76 (1989), p. 280, pl. 19, 19. Obverse a bit weakly struck. Light scratch on right reverse field. Toned About EF $1,050
Ex British Museum and 1869 Idalium Hoard
175. Cyprus. Idalium, Attributed to the King Stasikypros. c. 460450 BC. Tetrobol, 3.53g (1h). Obv: Sphinx seated left; monogram before breast. Rx: Lotus flower; to right, astragalos to left, leaf. BMC 24, pl. V, 15 (this coin). R.H. Lang, NC 1871, p. 12, 7 (this coin in a line drawing). SNG Copenhagen 22. Porous surfaces. Distinctive cabinet toning. About EF $9,350
Enlargement
176. Cappadocian Kingdom. Ariobarzanes III. 52-42 BC. Drachm, 3.57g (12h). Obv: Diademed, bearded head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΙΟΒΑΡΖΑΝΟΥ ΕΥΣΕΒΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΦΙΛΟΡΩΜΑΙΟΥ Athena standing left, holding Nike on outstretched right hand and shield and spear in left hand; in upper right field, monogram; in lower left field, crescent and star; in exergue, [Θ]. Simonetta 1b. BMC 1. SNG Copenhagen 162. SNG Tübingen 4609. Toned EF $200
Ex Baldwin’s 68, 28-29 September 2010, lot 3432. Ex British Museum. A hoard coin with an old and distinguished pedigree, published for the first time by R.H. Lang, On Coins Discovered During Recent Excavations in the Island of Cyprus, Numismatic Chronicle 1871, p. 12, no. 7, with an accurate line drawing clearly showing this specimen. The coin formed part of a hoard found by Lang’s workmen in 1869 during his excavation of a temple in the ancient city of Idalium on Cyprus; it entered the British Museum collection in 1870, and was published again, this time with a photograph, in BMC Cyprus, 1904, p. 28, no. 24, pl. V.15. But later the BM apparently deaccessioned the coin and exchanged it, which they could do without harming the collection, since in 1904 they also possessed eight other specimens from the same die pair, all acquired from Lang. The new owner of this coin will receive a photocopy of Lang’s 1871 article publishing the complete contents of the two hoards he had found. It is a joy for us to auction this coin and pass on this interesting piece of numismatic history.
R.H. Lang, Line Drawing
177. Seleucid Kingdom. Seleucus I. 306-281 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.02g (2h). Seleuceia, after 300 BC. Obv: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion-skin headdress, knotted around neck. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter; in left. field, monogram; beneath throne, ΔΙ. SC 117.1c. High relief. EF $600
178. Tetradrachm, 16.77g (2h). Susa, c. 305-295 BC. Obv: Bust of king right, wearing helmet covered in panther skin and adorned with horns and ears of bull. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ Nike standing right, crowning trophy; in lower field, Μ and ΑΧ. SC 173.14. ESM 420. Lightly toned. A bit coarse. VF+ $8,000 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1870.
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179. Antiochus I. 281-261 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.79g (12h). Sardes. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; in exergue, ΑΣ ΑΘ. SC 325b. WSM 1375. VF $400
182. Tetradrachm, 17.06g (12h). Perhaps Bargylia mint. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; in left field, cult statue of Artemis Kindyas facing. SC 549. WSM 1468. High relief obverse. Toned EF $2,500 Ex CNG 61, 25 September 2002, lot 809. Extremely rare, only two specimens recorded by Houghton, both in museum collections (Berlin and London). Bargylia came under Seleucid control during the Second Syrian War (261-253 BC).
180. Antiochus II. 261-246 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.12g (12h). Uncertain mint, perhaps Temnus. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Naked, bearded Herakles seated left on rock, resting right hand on club; in inner left field, cantharus; in exergue, monogram. SC 497. WSM 1510. Exceptional style on both sides with especially muscular Herakles. EF $2,500 Purchased privately from Freeman & Sear.
183. Tetradrachm, 17.02g (3h). Antioch. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monogram in outer left field, ΔΙ in right field. SC 571.1. WSM 976. High relief obverse. VF $500 Antiochus II inherited not only an empire from his father Antiochus I, but also the Second Syrian War between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies. He was successful insofar as he reconquered some important areas in Asia Minor including Ionia and Cilicia, and eventually made peace with Ptolemy II. However, two of his eastern provinces, Bactria and Parthia, revolted and became independent kingdoms, the first step in the long decline of the Seleucid Empire.
Enlargement
181. Drachm, 4.23 (1h). Magnesia ad Maeander. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow. SC 541 (probably, controls are off flan). VF $300
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184. Antiochus Hierax. 242(?)-227 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.77g (11h). Alexandria Troas. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; two monograms in outer left field, horse grazing right in exergue. SC 877.8 (workshop A, series II, group A). VF $400 The younger son of Antiochus II and Laodike, Antiochus
Hierax, with his mother’s support, maintained an independent regime in Asia Minor for most of the reign of his brother, Seleucus II. Eventually he was defeated by Attalus I of the Pergamene kingdom. Hierax sought help in Egypt, then Thrace, where however he was killed by bandits.
185. Tetradrachm, 16.86g (12h). Alexandria Troas. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monogram in outer left field, horse grazing left in exergue. SC 881 var. (workshop B, series II, group B, but the second monogram missing). Oversize flan. VF $400
186. Seleucus III. 226-223 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.00g (1h). AntiochObv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monograms in outer left and right fields. SC 921.1. WSM 1029. VF $400
187. Antiochus III. 223-187 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.05g (12h). Tarsus. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monograms in outer left and outer right field. SC 1025b. WSM 1251. Minor deposit on reverse. Nice VF $400
188. Tetradrachm, 17.11g (12h). Tarsus. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monograms in outer left and outer right field. SC 1025b. WSM 1251. Tiny scratch on face. Good VF+ $500
189. Tetradrachm, 17.15g (1h). Tarsus. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monograms in outer left and outer right field. SC 1026.4. WSM 1264. High relief obverse. EF $500
190. Tetradrachm, 17.08g (12h). Tarsus. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monograms in outer left and right field. SC 1031.1. SNG Spaer 649. High relief obverse. Slightly rough surfaces. EF $500
191. Tetradrachm, 16.92g (12h). Antioch, c. 223-211 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow, two monograms in outer left field. SC 1041.2. WSM 1045. High relief obverse with well detailed reverse. Good EF $600
192. 223-187 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.88g (12h). Antioch, c. 223211 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monogram in outer left field. SC 1042.1. WSM 1051. EF $500 In the early years of his reign, Antiochus III consolidated the Seleucid empire. In 221 BC he crushed a revolt in Mesopotamia led by the usurper Molon. In 219- 217, he fought the Fourth
41
Syrian War against Ptolemy IV, often with remarkable success but eventually being defeated in the battle at Raphia. Then he turned to Asia Minor. In 223 a Seleucid general, Achaios, had started reconquering large areas of western Asia Minor from the Attalids, but he eventually set himself up as king in Ionia. In 213 Antiochus captured Achaios’ last refuge, Sardes, and had the usurper put to death. Our coin shows the portrait of a young but already experienced ruler who had seen both triumph and defeat.
ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monogram in outer left field. SC 1063. WSM 1186. Minor deposits on reverse. EF $500
197. Tetradrachm, 17.31g (12h). Edessa. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; rose in outer left field, monogram in outer right field. SC 1121.2a (Rose mint, perhaps Edessa). ESM 393. Small deposit on obverse. EF $500 193. Tetradrachm, 16.92g (1h). Antioch. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; two monograms in outer left field. SC 1042.4. WSM 1047. Congenial portrait. About EF $500
194. Tetradrachm, 16.97g (12h). Antioch, c. 204-197 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monogram in outer left field. SC1044.1. WSM 1089. Slight deposits on obverse. EF $500
195. Tetradrachm, 16.82g (12h). ΔΕΛ-Mint associated with Antioch, winter of 211/10 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monogram in outer left field. SC 1063. WSM 1186. High relief portrait. About EF $500
196. Tetradrachm, 17.00g (12h). Mint associated with Antioch. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ
42
198. Tetradrachm, 16.92g (11h). Edessa. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; rose in outer left field, monogram in outer right field. SC 1121.2c (Rose mint, perhaps Edessa). ESM 395. Slightly rough. EF $400
199. Tetradrachm, 17.04g (1h). Edessa. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; rose in left field, monogram in outer right field. SC 1121.2c (Rose mint, perhaps Edessa). ESM 395. Slightly rough. EF $400
200. Tetradrachm, 17.07g (7h). Seleucia on the Tigris, Series 2, winter of 211/10 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monograms in outer left and outer right field, and in exergue. SC 1162.1. ESM 240. EF $500
201. Tetradrachm, 17.08g (3h). Ecbatana, c. 220-187 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ Apollo Delphinios seated left on omphalos, holding arrow, other hand resting on bow; monogram above horse’s head in outer left field, second monogram in outer right field. SC 1230. ESM 575. About EF $400
202. Antiochus IV. 175-164 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.69g (12h). Antioch, c. 168-164 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding Nike and scepter; in outer left field, monogram. SC 1400a. Toned. About EF $950 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1886.
203. Demetrius I. 162-150 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.37g (12h). Uncertain mint in Cilicia. Obv: Diademed head of king right; fillet border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ Tyche, wearing chiton and himation, seated left on throne supported by winged tritoness, holding baton and cornucopia; in outer left field, monogram above forepart of bull leaping left. SC 1621.2. Houghton Coll. II 403. Small area of flat strike on obverse and minor deposits. Toned. VF+/EF $500
204. Alexander I. 150-145 BC. Tetradrachm, 14.21g (12h). Tyre, 147/6 BC. Obv: Draped and diademed bust of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Eagle with closed wings standing left on prow, palm over shoulder; in left field, club surmounted by ΥΡ monogram; in right field, SΞΡ (year 166) above monogram. SC 1835.5a. Newell, Tyre 72. SNG Lewis 1081. Pleasant portrait. Toned EF $1,500 Ex Italo Vecchi, 1999 Spring Auction.
205. Tryphon. c. 142-138 BC. Drachm, 3.97g (12h). Antioch. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΤΡΥΦΩΝΟΣ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ Spiked Macedonian helmet left with cheek guards, adorned with goat horns above visor; in lower left field, monogram. SC 2033b. SMA 265a. Seyrig, Notes on Syrian Coins, NNM 119, p. 22, no. 13. Small crack at 7h. Reverse somewhat corroded. Attractive portrait and nicely toned. EF $1,000 On the goat horns of Tryphon’s helmet, see Klose, Travaux Le Rider, pp. 190-195.
206. Demetrius II. 130-125 BC (second reign). Tetradrachm, 14.77g (12h). Antioch, 129-128 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right, with long beard. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΝΙΚΑΤΟΡΟΣ Zeus enthroned left, holding Nike and scepter; Ξ in outer left field, o beneath throne. SC 2166.2c. SMA 320. Houghton Coll. I 288. SNG Spaer 2162. Some iridescent toning. Good EF $1,500 Demetrius II was not popular when he was released by the Parthians after ten years in honorable captivity and resumed rule in Syria, partly because of the Parthian customs he had adopted, including the long beard shown on this tetradrachm.
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above head, standing left, wearing himation, holding star and scepter; in inner left field, Α above ΕΡ; laurel wreath border. SC 2281a. Houghton, SNR 72 (1993), p. 100, pl. 2, 14. SNG Spaer 2571. Attractive light toning. Good EF $750 Purchased privately from Edward Waddell.
207. Antiochus VIII and Cleopatra Thea. 125-121 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.32g (11h). Ptolemais, 124/3 BC. Obv: Jugate heads right of Cleopatra Thea, diademed and with stephane and veil, and Antiochus VIII, diademed. Rx: [ΒΑΣΙΛΙ]ΣΣΗΣ [Κ]ΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΘΕΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΣ-ΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤ-ΙΟΧΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding Nike and scepter; in outer left field, monogram. SC 2271 (control marks in exergue off flan). SNG Spaer 2472. About EF/EF $700
208. Tetradrachm, 16.70g (12h). Damascus, Year 192 = 121/120 BC. Obv: Jugate heads right of Cleopatra Thea, diademed and wearing stephane and veil, and Antiochus VIII, diademed; fillet border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΘΕΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤ-ΙΟΧΟΥ Zeus enthroned left, holding Nike and scepter; in outer left field and beneath throne, monograms; in exergue, RPP (year 192). SC 2267.2b. LSM 88. Houghton Coll. I 848. SNG Spaer 2492. Toned. Good VF $800 Cleopatra Thea, daughter of Ptolemy VI, was married successively to three Seleucid rulers, Alexander I Balas, Demetrius II, and Antiochus VIII, in order to stabilize the precarious relationship between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires. She gave birth to numerous children (among them Antiochus VI, VIII, and IX), and turned out to be a tough character. So she did not help her second husband Demetrius when he sought refuge with her at Tyre (he was then murdered) and she tried to poison her son Antiochus VIII, but Antiochus was forewarned and forced her to drink the poison herself.
209. Antiochus VIII. 121-96 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.63g (11h). EP mint in Cilicia. Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ Zeus Uranios, crescent
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210. Tetradrachm, 16.65g (12h). Sidon, Year 193 = 120/119 BC. Obv: Diademed head of king right; fillet border. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ Zeus Uranios, crescent above head, naked, standing left holding star and scepter; in left field ΣΙ ΙΕΡ above ΑΣ and monogram; in exergue, ΓΡΡ (year 193); all within laurel wreath. SC 2329.1. Light toning. About EF $750
211. Phoenicia. Tyre. Azemilkos. 349-332 BC. Shekel, 8.69g (12h). Phoenicia, Tyre, 345/4 BC. Obv: Melqart riding hippocamp right above waves; in exergue, dolphin leaping right. Rx: IIIIIO Owl standing right, head facing, holding flail and crook. Elayi & Elayi 906. Obverse struck from slightly worn die. Reverse is exceptionally sharp. Toned EF $1,250 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1913.
Enlargement
212. Byblos. c. 350 BC. Stater, 13.15g (12h). Obv: ΣΟ Galley left, three hoplites with shields above bulwark; below, hippocamp left and murex shell. Rx: Lion attacking bull, Aramaic inscription. BMC, p. 95, 4, pl. XI, 12. SNG Berry 1431. SNG Lockett 3216. Dewing 2662. De Hirsch 1738. Reverse slightly doublestruck. EF $750
217. No lot.
213. Sidon. c. 394-352 BC. Shekel, 13.21g (10h). Obv: Three hoplites in galley left above waves; below, hippocamp left above murex shell. Rx: Lion attacking bull. SNG Copenhagen 132. Betlyon 14. Cut on wing of hippocamp. Good VF $1,000 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1910.
214. Tyre. Year 87 = 40/39 BC. Half shekel, 6.98g (12h). Obv: Laureate bust of Melqarth right. Rx: ΤΥΡ - ΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ - ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ Eagle standing left with right foot on prow of ship and palm branch over right shoulder; in left field, date ΠZ and club; in right field, Z / W; Phoenician letter between legs of eagle. RPC Addenda and Suppl. I, 4681A. Cohen, Dated Coins, p. 510 (R3). VF+ $800 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1918.
215. Tyre. Year 96 = 31/30 BC. Shekel, 14.37g (1h). Obv: Laureate bust of Melqart right, lionskin tied around neck. Rx: TYPOY IEPA[Σ] - KAI AΣVΛOY Eagle standing left on prow, palm over shoulder, club and date YS in field before, monogram ΠA behind, Phoenician letter between eagle’s legs. RPC 4632. Toned VF $1,800
Enlargement
216. Judaea, Jerusalem. Yehud. Hemiobol, 0.35g (1h). Persian Period, before 333 BC. Obv: Head and neck of horse right, indistinct and off-center. Rx: Bird standing right, head turned left; around, Hebrew inscription YHWDH. Sofaer pl. 194, 24. Toned EF $1,150
Enlargement
218. Alexander Jannaeus. 104-76 BC. Prutah, 2.38g (2h). Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Yehonatan the King” Lily flower. Rx: [ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ] ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟ[Υ] Inverted anchor within circle. Hendin 1148. Sofaer pl. 200, 214. Bilingual coin naming Jannaeus as king in both paleo-Hebrew and Greek. EF $375
219. Herod the Great. 40-4 BC. 8 Prutah, 7.50g (1h). Samaria, Year 3 = 40 BC. Obv: HPΩΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ Tripod, ceremonial bowl (lebes) above, date LΓ (year 3) and monogram TP in field left and right. Rx: Military helmet, facing, with cheek pieces and straps, star above flanked by two palm branches. Hendin 1169. RPC 4901. Sofaer pl. 207, 1. Good VF $500
220. 8 Prutah, 6.20g (12h). Samaria, Year 3 = 40 BC. Obv: HPΩΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ Tripod, ceremonial bowl (lebes) above, date LΓ (year 3) and monogram TP in field left and right. Rx: Military helmet, facing, with cheek pieces and straps, star above flanked by two palm branches. Hendin 1169. RPC 4901. Sofaer pl. 207, 1. VF $500
221. Herod Archelaus. 4 BC-6 AD. 2 prutot, 2.76g (1h). . Obv: HPW - [Δ]H[C] around double cornucopia, adorned with grapes, horns parallel and turned to left. Rx: EΘNA[P] / X / H[C] above war galley left with aphlaston, oars, cabin, ram. Hendin 1194. RPC 4914. Sofaer pl. 209, 68. Good VF $375
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Extremely Rare Philip the Tetrarch
222. Philip. 4 BC-34 AD. AE 11, 1.37g (12h). Caesarea Panias, Year 34 = 30/1 AD. Obv: [ΦIΛIΠ] - ΠOY Bare head of Philip right. Rx: Date LΛΔ (weak) within wreath. RPC 4950, pl. 179 (same obv. die). Hendin 1232. The same obverse die was also used to strike a similar coin dated Year 37, RPC 4953, pl. 179. VF $1,500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex CNG 97, 17 September 2014, lot 346 (Patrick H. C. Tan Collection).
225. Jewish War. 66-70 AD. Shekel, 14.27g (11h). Jerusalem, Year 3 = 68/69 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Shekel of Israel, Year Three”, Ritual chalice with pearled rim, flat base raised by projections on ends. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “Jerusalem the Holy” around staff with three pomegranate buds, round base. Hendin 1361. Sofaer pl. 223, 29. Toned EF $5,000 Ex CNG/NAC 40, 4 December 1996, lot 1102.
Extremely rare portrait coin of Philip the Tetrarch, one of the three sons of Herod the Great who divided his realm among them after his death.
Enlargement
Enlargement
223. Valerius Gratus. 15-26 AD. Prutah, 2.09g (5h). Judaea, Jerusalem, Year 4 of Tiberius = 17/18 AD. Obv: [IOYΛIA] above vine leaf and small bunch of grapes on tendril. Rx: [L] Δ flanking narrow-necked amphora with scroll handles. Hendin 1336. RPC 4953. Sofaer pl. 219, 23. Area of weak strike, mostly affecting obverse. About EF $125 Ex Superior 15, 19 June 1976, lot 104.
224. Pontius Pilate. 26-36 AD. Prutah, 2.32g (5h). Jerusalem, Year 18 of Tiberius = 31/2 AD. Obv: LIH (year 18) in wreath. Rx: TIBEP[IOY KAIC]APOC around lituus. Hendin 1343. RPC 4969. Sofaer pl. 220, 50. Good VF $625
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Splendid Year 4 Shekel
226. Shekel, 12.80g (11h). Jerusalem, Year 4 = 69/70 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Shekel of Israel, Year Four”, Ritual chalice with pearled rim, flat base raised by projections on ends. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “Jerusalem the Holy” around staff with three pomegranate buds, round base. Hendin 1364. Sofaer pl. 223, 36. Somewhat rough but bold. About EF $17,500
Enlargement
227. AE Eighth Shekel, 4.81g (12h). Year 4 = 69/70 AD. Obv: Lulav bunch flanked by an etrog on either side, Hebrew inscription (=Year 4) around. Rx: Chalice with pearled rim, Hebrew inscription (=To the Redemption of Zion) around. Hendin 1369. Sofaer pl. 223, 44. Good EF $800
228. AE Eighth Shekel, 5.78g (12h). Year 4 = 69/70 AD. Obv: Lulav bunch flanked by an etrog on either side, Hebrew inscription (=Year 4) around. Rx: Chalice with pearled rim, Hebrew inscription (=To the Redemption of Zion) around. Hendin 1369. Sofaer pl. 223, 44. Area of flat strike, otherwise Good EF $800 Exceptional Bar Kokhba Bronze
229. Bar Kokhba Revolt. 132-135 AD. AE 19, 5.08g (5h). Year 1 = 132/3 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Year One of the Redemption of Israel”, Bunch of grapes and small leaf on tendril. Rx: PaleoHebrew “Eleazar the Priest”, Seven-branched palm tree with one bunch of dates. The identity of Eleazar the Priest is one of the mysteries of ancient Jewish numismatics. Hendin 1380a. Sofaer pl. 228, 26. Mildenberg 147 (dies 1/1, “Large issue”). The same obverse die was also used for silver drachms, with reverse Pitcher and willow branch, Mildenberg p. 172. Good EF $1,200
Enlargement
230. Drachm or Zuz, 3.44g (1h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: PaleoHebrew “Simon” (“Sma” as the letters are arranged) within a wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, medallion at top, tendrils at bottom. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel”, two trumpets upright. Hendin 1392. Mildenberg 23 (dies 5’/14’, 28 spec.). Overstruck on a provincial drachm of Trajan, letters AIC NEP and back of emperor’s head from obverse of undertype visible upside down at right of obverse, letters HMA from reverse of undertype survive at left on reverse. Area of flat strike, otherwise EF $1,000
231. Drachm or Zuz, 3.46g (2h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: PaleoHebrew “Simon” (“Sma” as the letters are arranged) within a wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, medallion at top, tendrils at bottom. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel”, fluted jug, handle on left, willow branch on right. Hendin 1391. Mildenberg 30 (dies 5’/18, 11 spec.). Traces of overstriking, especially at left on reverse. EF with luster $1,200
232. Drachm or Zuz, 3.08g (1h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: PaleoHebrew “Simon” (“Sma” as the letters are arranged) within a wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, medallion at top, tendrils at bottom. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel”, fluted jug, handle on left, willow branch on right. Hendin 1391. Mildenberg 33 (dies 5’/21, 52 spec.). Overstruck on a provincial drachm, letters ΔHMA from reverse of undertype survive at right on obverse. EF $1,200
233. Drachm or Zuz, 2.58g (6h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: PaleoHebrew “Simon”, Bunch of grapes in three lobes hanging from branch, which has a leaf to the left and a tendril to the right. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel”, Two trumpets upright. Hendin 1394 corr. Mildenberg 40 (dies 7/12’, 60 spec.). Traces of overstriking. Toned EF $1,000
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Superb Bar Kokhba Abu Jara Bronze
234. Large bronze, 23.54g (12h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: PaleoHebrew YRW/SLM “Jerusalem” within wreath. Rx: PaleoHebrew S B LHR YSR’L “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel”. Amphora with two handles. Mildenberg, p. 299, 16 (dies 3/11, 6 spec.). Hendin 1404. Sofaer pl. 230, 60. Choice VF $37,500
237. 132-135 AD. AE 23-24, 10.52g (6h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel” around vine leaf on tendril. Rx: “Simon” in five letters in fields beneath seven-branched palm tree with two bunches of dates. Hendin 1408a. Mildenberg 110 (dies 9/74, 6 spec.). EF $625
Ex NAC 64, 17 May 2012, lot 1848. 238. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 3.33g (7h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon” within a wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, medallion at top, tendrils at bottom. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Palm branch. Hendin 1416. Mildenberg 65 (dies 14/37, 29 spec.). Overstruck on an uncertain imperial denarius, letters CO of undertype visible at bottom of reverse. Toned EF $1,000
Enlargement
235. AE 25-27, 8.40g (6h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel” around vine leaf on tendril. Rx: “Simon” in five letters in fields beneath seven-branched palm tree with two bunches of dates. Hendin 1408a. Mildenberg 77 (dies 6/41, 16 spec.). VF for issue $950
236. 132-135 AD. AE 25, 8.73g (7h). Year 2 = 133/4 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel” around vine leaf on tendril. Rx: “Simon” in five letters in fields beneath seven-branched palm tree with two bunches of dates. Hendin 1408a. Sofaer pl. 231, 79 (same dies). Mildenberg 92 (dies 7/56, 7 spec.). EF for issue $1,100
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239. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 2.94g (1h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon” within a wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, medallion at top, tendrils at bottom; with pairs of dots, one inside, one outside, where each almond meets the next. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Fluted pitcher, handle on left, willow branch on right. Hendin 1427. Mildenberg 86 (dies 15/55, 20 spec.). No visible traces of undertype. VF+ $800
240. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 3.36g (2h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon” within a wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, medallion at top, tendrils at bottom; with pairs of dots, one inside, one outside, where each almond meets the next. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Elongated lyre with three strings. Hendin 1424. Mildenberg 100 (dies 16/68, 27 spec.). Some traces of overstriking over uncertain undertype. EF $1,500
Mildenberg 166 (dies 21/86, 22 spec.). Overstruck on a denarius of Vespasian: letters P AVG P M from obverse of undertype visible at left on obverse. EF $1,500
241. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 3.26g (1h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon” within a wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, medallion at top, tendrils at bottom; with pairs of dots, one inside, one outside, where each almond meets the next. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Fluted pitcher, handle on left, willow branch on right. Hendin 1427. Mildenberg 104 (dies 16/55, 29 spec.). Some traces of uncertain undertype. Uneven strike. EF $1,000
242. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 3.56g (7h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon”, Bunch of grapes in three lobes hanging from branch, which has a tendril to the left and a leafl to the right. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Palm branch. Hendin 1430. Mildenberg 149 (dies 11/102, 25 spec.). Overstruck on a provincial drachm of Trajan, letters AIC NEP T and back of emperor’s head from obverse of undertype visible at left of obverse, letters HMA from reverse of undertype survive at left of reverse. Toned EF $1,250
245. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 2.62g (7h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon”, Bunch of grapes in three lobes hanging from branch, which has a tendril to the left and a leafl to the right. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Elongated lyre with three strings, two die breaks through top of lyre (Mildenberg’s “State 3” of the die). Hendin 1435. Mildenberg 218 (dies 24/141, 23 spec.). Without visible remains of undertype. Uneven strike. EF $1,000
Enlargement
246. Judaea. Philistia. Obol, 0.54g (3h). 5th-4th cent. BC. Obv: Hybrid head joining bearded male head right and dog’s head left. Rx: Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig behind, ΔΘΕ (sic) retrograde before, all within incuse square. Gitler-Tal, Coinage of Philistia, pp. 200-1, XIV.22O (4 spec.). Probably from the same obverse die as their specimens a and b. Area of weak strike. Toned VF+ $1,500 “This is one of the three Philistian coin-types which may allude to the importance of canines in daily life in Philistia in Persian times” (Gitler-Tal, p. 200).
243. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 3.28g (7h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon”, Bunch of grapes in three lobes hanging from branch, which has a tendril to the left and a leaf to the right. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Fluted pitcher, handle on left, no willow branch. Hendin 1434. Mildenberg 164 (dies 21/89, 40 spec.). Without visible remains of undertype. EF $1,200
244. 132-135 AD. Drachm or Zuz, 3.22g (7h). Attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 AD. Obv: Paleo-Hebrew “Simon”, Bunch of grapes in three lobes hanging from branch, which has a tendril to the left and a leaf to the right. Rx: Paleo-Hebrew “For the Freedom of Israel”, Two trumpets upright, dot between. Hendin 1431.
Enlargement
247. Samaria. Obol, 0.74g (6h). c. 380-332 BC. Obv: Satrap wearing tiara seated right holding bird. Rx: Persian king standing right, holding knife in right hand, about to stab bull which he holds up before him by its horns; to left, Aramaic inscription SMR. Samarian Coinage 98. Sofaer pl. 167, 37. VF $1,500
Enlargement 248. Samaria. Obol, 0.75g (3h). c. 380-332 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right. Rx: Owl standing right, head front, [olive sprig] to left, to right AΘE and Aramaic inscription HNNYH. Samarian Coinage 38. Sofaer pl. 172, 111. Toned VF+ $1,400
49
Rare Elymais Silver
right hand resting on club, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 10A. SNG Lewis 1165. SNG Lockett 3350. SNG ANS 137. Minor green deposits. Toned EF $5,000 Ex Malter 81, 29 September 2002, lot 230.
249. Kingdom of Elymais. Kamnaskires V. 54-32 BC. Tetradrachm, 12.63g (12h). Seleucia on the Hedyphon, Year 267 = 46/5 BC. Obv: Diademed and draped bust of king left, with pointed beard; behind, star and anchor. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΚΑΜΝΑΣΚΙΡΟΥ [.]ΟΙΛΕΓΒΑΣ [.]ΑΠΝΑΣΚΡΟ (blundered) Diademed and draped male bust tleft, with short beard. Van’t Haaff p. 75, subtype 1-4. Bright metal. Especially bold obverse. EF $5,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
252. Demetrius I. c. 200-185 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.91g (11h). Obv: Draped and diademed bust of king right, wearing elephant’s scalp headdress. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ Naked Herakles standing facing, crowning himself and holding club and lionskin; in lower left field, monogram. Bopearachchi 1F. SNG ANS 190. Qunduz 26. Exceptional obverse detail, especially on elephant headdress. Minor deposits on reverse. EF $2,500 Purchased privately from Frank Kovacs.
Enlargement
250. Kingdom of Elymais. Kamnaskires III and Anzaze. c. 82/173/2 BC. Drachm, 3.82g (12h). Seleukeia on the Hedyphon, 79/8 BC (?). Obv: Conjoined busts left of Kamnaskires III and his consort Anzaze. In field, [anchor]. Rx: BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAMNΣKIROY KAI BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ ANZAZHΣ Zeus seated left, holding Nike and scepter; monogram in inner left field, date [Δ]Λ[Σ?] in exergue. Cf. Van’t Haaff Type 7.1.2-1B (same monogram, dated SE 234). DCA 519. EF $1,000
Enlargement
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Elsen FPL 259, JanuaryMarch 2012, lot 148. Ex Peus 363, 26 April 2000, lot 5075. Exceptional Euthydemus Tetradrachm
253. Eucratides. c. 171-145 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.92g (12h). Obv: Helmeted, draped, cuirassed bust of king right; on his helmet, horn and ear of bull. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ The Dioscuri on horseback right, each wearing pilos and holding spear and palm branch; in front, monogram. SNG ANS 469. Good EF $2,500 Privately purchased from Freeman & Sear.
251. Bactria. Euthydemus I. c. 230-200 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.41g (12h). Obv: Diademed head of king right. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΥΘΥΔΗΜΟΥ Naked, bearded Herakles seated left on rock,
50
The portrait coins of Eucratides are among the most impressive and flamboyant of the Hellenistic age. The ruler is shown in full military dress, with helmet, cloak and cuirass, as though ready for battle during a campaign.
Gold Sasanian Rarity
254. Sasanian Kingdom, Shapur I. 240-272 AD. Dinar, 7.40g (3h). Obv: Persian legend; Crowned and draped bust of king right. Rx: Fire altar in flames between two attendants, both wearing crowns; to left and right, Persian legends; above, two dots. Cf. SNS I, pl. 31, 143. Mint State $18,000
256. Kushan Empire. Vasudeva II. c. AD 290-310. AV Dinar, 8.07g (12h). Obv: PAONANOPAO BAZOΔHO KOPANO The king standing facing, nimbate and head turned left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident, flame at shoulder; to left, filleted trident. Rx: OHPO Siva standing facing, draped, holding diadem and trident; in background, bull Nandi standing left; in upper left field, tamgha. Göbl 509. Good EF $1,250
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
257. Arabia, Abi’el, king of Gerrha. 3rd century BC. Drachm, 3.66g (10h). Obv: Stylized head of Herakles right, wearing lionskin headdress. Rx: Male figure enthroned left, holding horse and scepter; to left, palm tree. Potts, Suppl. p. 62, Class 44, 311. About EF $1,000 Enlargement
Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1926.
Album 1
255. Arab-Sasanian. Yazdgard Type. Year 20 (frozen, c. AH 31-45 or 651-665 AD). Drachm, 3.69g (3h). Obv: Crowned Sasanianstyle bust right; bism allāh in margin. Rx: Fire altar flanked by attendants; star and crescent flanking flames. Album 1. SICA 1, 353. VF/EF $250
258. Tetradrachm, 15.18g (12h). Obv: Stylized head of Herakles right, wearing lion-skin headdress. Rx: Male figure enthroned left, holding horse and scepter; to left, palm tree; to right, Persian legend. Potts, p. 92, Class 48b. EF $1,500 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1925.
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex J. P. Righetti Collection, 90. This type is generally considered to be the earliest indisputably Islamic coin. Most of the coins bear the “frozen” date year 20, which is believed to have been struck without change over a 15-year period. They bear the portrait of the Sasanian ruler, Yazdgard, with the addition of the Islamic words bism Allah (In the name of Allah). The term Arab-Sasanian is a convenient description for such Islamic coins with Arabic and/or Pehlevi legends, but Sasanian types and denominations. These coins were issued by the Arabs who assumed the government of the Sasanian provinces after the overthrow of the monarchy. Yazdgard III, the last Sasanian monarch, was assassinated in 651 AD near Merv.
259. Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy I. 306-283 BC. Tetradrachm, 15.58g (11h). Alexandria, c. 319-315 BC. Obv: Head right of Alexander the Great with horn of Zeus Ammon and wearing elephant-skin headdress. Rx: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ Athena Alkidemos advancing right, holding round shield and hurling spear; in right field Corinthian helmet, XA monogram, and eagle standing right. Svoronos 162. SNG Copenhagen 29. About EF $2,500 Ex Roma Numismatics IV/2, 30 September 2012, lot 1959.
51
die). Robinson, Essays Mattingly, pp. 52 f., no. 8 (a). SNG Copenhagen 382. Very rare $25,000 Ex NAC 66, 17 October 2012, lot 25. Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection (HAS 23269).
260. Ptolemy VI. 180-145 BC. Tetradrachm, 13.31g (12h). Paphos, 163/2 BC. Obv: Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis. Rx: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΤΟΛΕΜΑΙΟΥ Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; in right field, ΠΑ; in l. field, LIΘ (year 19). Svoronos 1431. SNG Copenhagen 616. Paphos Hoard, p. 74, 2, pl. XIV. Bold EF $1,000
For a long time it was assumed that this issue (consisting of shekels, halves and quarters) was struck in Spain. New hoard evidence (the Enna Hoard IGCH 2232 in particular) has shown that the mint might have been located in Sicily or Carthage instead. Since the elephant appears to refer to Hannibal’s trek across the Alps in 218 BC, it is tempting to view the portrait on the obverse as Hannibal’s.
Ex Berk 161, 28 October 2008, lot 206. Ex B.A. Seaby.
Enlargement
261. Cleopatra VII. 51-30 BC. AE 26, 13.57g (11h). Alexandria. Obv: Draped bust of Cleopatra VII right, her hair bound up by a fillet. Rx: ΚΛΕΟΠΑΤΡΑΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΣΣΗΣ Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; in left field, double cornucopia; in right field, Π. Svoronos 1871, pl. LXIII, 3. Weiser, Cologne 183. SNG Copenhagen 419-421. McClean 9847. Sear, Imperators 948. Good VF $7,000
263. Numidia. Juba I. 60-46 BC. Denarius, 3.88g (1h). Obv: REX IVBA Draped bust right, bearded and diademed, scepter across shoulder. Rx: Neo-Punic legend HMMLKT YWB’Y Octastyle temple, pellet in center between the columns. Mazard 84. SNG Copenhagen 523. A few areas of weak strike. Some light corrosion. EF with luster $300 Privately purchased from Harlan J. Berk, 2011.
Amazing Quadrigatus
Enlargement
262. Zeugitania. Carthage. c. 213-210 BC. Shekel, 6.66g (12h). Obv: Unbearded, laureate head left of young man with long sideburns (Hannibal?). Rx: Elephant walking right; in exergue, Punic letter aleph. Burnett, Enna hoard 114 (same reverse
52
264. ROMAN REPUBLIC. Anonymous. Quadrigatus, 6.49g (5h). Rome, 225-212 BC. Obv: Laureate, janiform head of Dioscuri. Rx: Jupiter holding scepter and hurling thunderbolt in chariot driven right by Victory; ROMA incuse on tablet. Crawford 28/3. Very slight surface crack between Victory and Jupiter. Beautiful iridescent toning. Best style. Oversize flan. EF $7,500 Ex Triton XVI, 8 January 2013, lot 751 (realized $9500 + commission!). Ex Elsen 65, 17 March 2001, lot 458.
265. Quadrigatus, 6.96g (4h). Rome, 225-214 BC. Obv: Laureate, janiform head of Dioscuri, pellet under neck. Rx: Jupiter holding scepter and hurling thunderbolt in chariot driven right by Victory; ROMA partially incuse on tablet. Crawford 31/1, pl. IV, 10. Grey toning. Minor area of weak strike. EF $750
269. Quadrans, 12.35g (4h). Rome, after 211 BC. Obv: Head of Hercules right, wearing lion’s skin headdress; four pellets to left. Rx: Prow of galley right; four pellets below. Crawford 56/5. Sydenham 143c. McCabe 93. Very minor green deposits. VF $150 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope. Ex CNG 42, 29 May 1997, lot 760 (part). Ex Thurlow Collection.
266. Triens, 51.64g (4h). Rome, 217-215 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Minerva right, four pellets behind. Rx: Hercules fighting centaur, holding his hair in left hand and club in right; four pellets before. Crawford 39/1. Sydenham 93. Insignificant green deposits. Typical areas of flatness. Light smoothing. Fine $500 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope. Ex Aes Rude, 23 October 1981, lot 56.
270. Apex and hammer. Semis, 24.08g (1h). Central Italy, 211208 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Saturn right, S behind. Rx: Prow right; apex and hammer above, S before, ROMA below. Crawford 59/3. Sydenham 150a. Scarce; eight specimens in Paris. Mottled patina. Some remaining encrustation. Fine $200 Ex RBW Collection. Ex NAC 61, 5-6 October 2011, lot 249.
267. Semuncia, 5.50g (1h). Rome, 217-215 BC. Obv: Female bust right. Rx: Horseman right, holding whip and reins; ROMA below. Crawford 39/5. Sydenham 97. A bit weakly struck. About VF $100
271. MP in ligature. Victoriatus, 2.83g (7h). Uncertain mint, 211208 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Jupiter right. Rx: Victory standing right, crowning trophy; MP monogram between. Crawford 93/1b. Sydenham 111. Attractive toning. VF+ $250
Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope; privately purchased from Baldwin’s in 1981.
Ex RBW Collection.
268. As, 40.95g (4h). Rome, after 211 BC. Obv: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I above. Rx: Prow right; I above, ROMA below. Crawford 56/2. Sydenham 143. McCabe Group C1 (rare). Pleasant green patina. Minor corrosion in isolated areas. VF $250 Ex RBW Collection.
272. Crescent. As, 32.50g (4h). Rome, 194-190 BC. Obv: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I above. Rx: Prow right; I and crescent above, ROMA below. Crawford 137/2. Sydenham 267. Rare; two specimens in Paris. VF $250 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope. Ex Aes Rude 62, 24 November 1995, lot 110.
53
273. Spearhead and Victory with wreath. Semis, 18.73g (12h). Central Italy, 189-180 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Saturn right, S behind. Rx: Prow right; apex and hammer above, S before, ROMA below. Crawford 145/2. Sydenham 293a. Scarce; five specimens in Paris. Rare. VF $150 Ex RBW Collection. Ex NAC 61, 5-6 October 2011, lot 641.
274. M. Titinius. As, 33.01g (2h). Rome, 189-180 BC. Obv: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I above. Rx: Prow right; [M TI]TINI above, I before, ROMA below. Crawford 150/1. Sydenham 365. Tininia 1. Reddish patina. VF $100
277. PT or TP in ligature. Semis, 10.93g (1h). Rome, 169-158 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Saturn right, S behind. Rx: Prow right; PT ligate above, S before, ROMA below. Crawford 177/2. Sydenham 353a. Scarce; nine specimens in Paris. Somewhat rough. VF $100 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope; privately purchased from Tom Cederlind in 1995.
278. C. Saxula. Quadrans, 8.58g (4h). Rome, 169-158 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Hercules right, three pellets behind. Rx: Prow right; SAX ligate above, three pellets before. Crawford 180/4. Sydenham 361c. VF $150 Ex RBW Collection. Ex NAC 61, 5-6 October 2011, lot 760.
Ex RBW Collection. Ex NAC 61, 5-6 October 2011, lot 662.
275. Dolphin. As, 8.77g (8h). Rome, 179-170 BC. Obv: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I above. Rx: Prow right; I and dolphin above, ROMA below. Crawford 160/1. Sydenham-. Scarce; seven specimens in Paris. Green patina. VF $150 Ex RBW Collection. Ex NAC 61, 5-6 October 2011, lot 695.
276. A. Caecilius. Triens, 6.86g (4h). Rome, 169-158 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Minerva right, four pellets above. Rx: Prow right; A CAE ligate above, four pellets before. Crawford 174/3. Sydenham 355b. Scarce; four specimens in Paris. Green patina. VF+ $250 Ex RBW Collection. Ex NAC 61, 5-6 October 2011, lot 735.
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279. A. Terentius Varo. As, 27.62g (7h). Rome, 169-158 BC. Obv: Laureate head of bearded Janus; I above. Rx: Prow right; I to right, VARO monogram above. Crawford 185/1. Sydenham 364. About EF $150 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope; privately purchased from Kurt Spanier in 1985.
280. Anonymous. Denarius, 3.82g (11h). Rome, 157-156 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind. Rx: Dioscuri riding right, ROMA in linear frame below. Crawford 198/1. Sydenham 207. EF $300 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope. Ex M & M 61, 7 October 1982, lot 243.
281. M. Marcius Mn.f.. Triens, 7.83g (2h). Rome, 134 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Minerva right, four pellets above. Rx: Prow right, M. MARCI. M. F. ligate above, four pellets before, ROMA below. Crawford 245/2. Sydenham 501. Very scarce; five specimens in Paris. VF $100 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope; privately purchased from Marcus Weder in 1993.
282. M. Aburius M.f. Geminus. Denarius, 3.87g (5h). 132 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right, GEM behind, mark of value under chin. Rx: Sol in quadriga right, M ABVRI below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 250/1. Sydenham 487. RSC Aburia 6. Beautifully toned. EF $400
285. M. Herennius. Uncia, 5.22g (4h). Rome, 108 or 107 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right, pellet behind. Rx: Double cornucopia; on left, ROMA downwards. Crawford 308/4b. Sydenham 766. Rare; three specimens in Paris, of both varieties. About VF $150 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope. Ex NAC 8, 3 May 1995, lot 721.
286. L. Memmius. Denarius, 4.00g (5h). 109-108 BC. Obv: Male head right, wearing oak wreath. Rx: Dioscuri standing facing, holding their horses, each with a star above his head; L.MEMMI in exergue. Crawford 304/1. Sydenham 558. RSC Memmia 1. Minor area of weak strike on reverse. Close to Mint State $750
Ex HJB 163, 25 March 2009, lot 195. Ex Triton XII, 6 January 2009, lot 462 (part). Ex AK Collection.
283. Cn. Domitius Calvinus. Triens, 4.59g (2h). Rome, 128 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Minerva right, four pellets above. Rx: Prow right, CN·DOMI above, four pellets before, ROMA below. Crawford 261/3. Sydenham 515a. Rare; three specimens in Paris. Slightly rough green and brown patina. EF $200
287. L. Scipio Asiagenus. Denarius, 4.02g (5h). 106 BC. Obv: Head of Jupiter left, R dot behind. Rx: Jupiter in quadriga right, L SCIP ASIAG in exergue. Crawford 311/1a. Sydenham 576. RSC Cornelia 24b. Beautifully toned. Choice EF $500 Ex HJB 163, 25 March 2009, lot 224. Ex Triton XII, 6 January 2009, lot 462 (part). Ex AK Collection.
Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope. Ex Aes Rude 62, 24 November 1995, lot 142.
284. C. Fonteius. Denarius, 3.89g (10h). 114-113 BC. Obv: Janiform head of Dioscuri, S to left., mark of value to right. Rx: Galley with pilot and three rowers left, C FONT above, ROMA below. Crawford 290/1. Sydenham 555. RSC Fonteia 1. EF $300
288. Q. Thermus M.f.. Denarius, 3.92g (8h). Rome, 103 BC. Obv: Helmeted head of Mars left. Rx: Two warriors fighting, the one on the left protects fallen comrade, the other wears horned helmet, Q THERM M F in exergue. Crawford 319/1. Sydenham 592. RSC Minucia 19. Attractive toning. In NGC holder graded XF*, 5/5 Strike, 5/5 Surface $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
55
in exergue. Campana 170b (this coin). Historia Numorum Italy 418. Sydenham 630. Minor deposits. Mint State $25,000 Ex NAC 73, 18 November 2013, lot 91. Ex Leu 2, 25 April 1972, lot 320.
289. P. Servilius M.f. Rullus. Denarius, 3.88g (7h). 100 BC. Obv: Bust of Roma left, wearing Corinthian helmet and aegis; RVLLI behind. Rx: Victory in biga right, P below horses; in exergue, P. SERVILI M.F. Crawford 328/1, Sydenham 601, RSC Servilia 14. Beautifully toned. Good EF $500 Ex HJB 163, March 2009, lot 230. Ex Triton XII, 6 January 2009, lot 462 (part). Ex AK Collection.
290. P. Servilius M.f. Rullus. Denarius, 4.00g (12h). 100 BC. Obv: Bust of Roma left, wearing Corinthian helmet and aegis; RVLLI behind. Rx: Victory in biga right, P below horses; in exergue, P. SERVILI M.F. Crawford 328/1. Sydenham 601. RSC Servilia 14. EF/About EF $400
291. C. Vibius C.f. Pansa. Semis, 6.05g (8h). Rome, 90 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Saturn right, S behind. Rx: Prow right; C·VIBI·AP above. Crawford 342/8a. Sydenham 690f. Scarce; nine specimens in Paris (of all varieties). Beautiful green patina. VF $200
Enlargement
Unimprovable Q. Antonius Balbus Denarius
293. Q. Antonius Balbus. Denarius, 3.83g (4h). Rome, 83-2 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Jupiter right. Rx: Victory in quadriga right, L below, Q ANTO BALB / PR in exergue. Crawford 364/1d. Sydenham 742b. RSC Antonia 1. Beautiful iridescent toning. FDC $1,000
Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope. Ex Aes Rude 52, 13 March 1993, lot 310. Enlargement
Exceptional Social War Denarius
292. The Social War. Coinage of the Marsic Confederation. Denarius, 3.66g (12h). 90-88 BC. Obv: Helmeted bust of Minerva left, crowned by Victory behind. Rx: Warrior with spear and parazonium standing facing, foot placed on uncertain object; to left, trophy, to right, forepart of recumbent bull. IIIV
56
294. C. Naevius Balbus. Denarius, 3.87g (4h). 79 BC. Obv: Diademed head of Venus right, S C behind. Rx: Victory in triga right, LXXXI above, C NAE BALB in exergue. Crawford 382/1b. Sydenham 576. RSC Naevia 6. Scrape on reverse. Toned EF $300 Ex HJB 164, 20 May 2009, lot 287.
295. Ti. Claudius Ti.f.Ap.n.Nero. Serrate Denarius, 3.82g (6h). Rome, 79 BC. Obv: Bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder, S C before. Rx: Victory in biga right, CXXXXII below; TI CLAVD TI F / AP N in exergue. Crawford 383/1. Sydenham 770. RSC Claudia 5. Light pitting. Nicely toned. EF $550
299. M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. Denarius, 3.81g (7h). 67 BC. Obv: Turreted bust of Cybele right, CESTIANVS and lion forepart behind, globe before. Rx: Curule chair, ant to left, M PLAETORIVS AED CVR EX SC around. Crawford 409/2. Sydenham 808. RSC Plaetoria 3. Attractive steel-grey toning with luster. EF $500 Privately purchased from Ed Waddell in 2008.
296. Ti. Claudius Ti.f.Ap.n.Nero. Serrate Denarius, 4.15g (6h). Rome, 79 BC. Obv: Bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder, S C before. Rx: Victory in biga right, CXI below; TI CLAVD TI F / AP N in exergue. Crawford 383/1. Sydenham 770. RSC Claudia 5. Nicely toned. EF $600
300. Q. Pomponius Musa. Denarius, 3.66g (12h). Rome, 66 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right, tortoise behind. Rx: Terpsichore standing right, holding lyre and plectrum, Q POMPONI behind, MVSA before. Crawford 410/7c. Sydenham 820. RSC Pomponia 18. Nicely toned. About EF $3,000
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
297. L. Lucretius Trio. Denarius, 3.96g (12h). 76 BC. Obv: Head of Neptune right, II behind. Rx: Winged Genius on dolphin right, L LVCRETI / TRIO below. Crawford 390/2. Sydenham 784. RSC Lucretia 3. Beautifully toned. EF $1,500 Ex NAC 70, 16 May 2013, lot 142. Ex Leu 17, 3-4 May 1977, lot 472. Ex Nicholas Collection.
298. Pub. Lentulus P.f. L.n. Spinther. Denarius, 3.82g (2h). Rome, 74 BC. Obv: Head of Hercules right, QSC behind. Rx: Genius of the Roman People seated facing, being crowned by Victory, P LENT P F to left, L N to right. Crawford 397/1. Sydenham 791. RSC Cornelia 58. Good. About EF $2,500
301. L. Aemilius Lepidus Paullus. Denarius, 3.95g (4h). Rome, 62 BC. Obv: Veiled and diademed head of Concord right, PAVLLVS LEPIDVS CONCORDIA around. Rx: PAVLLVS TER L. Aemilius Paullus erecting trophy before three captives, King Perseus of Macedon and his two sons, commemorating Paullus’ victory at Pydna in 168 BC. Crawford 415/1. Sydenham 926. RSC Aemilia 10. Beautiful iridescent toning. In NGC holder graded AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5 $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
302. L. Scribonius Libo. Denarius, 3.78g (7h). 62 BC. Obv: BON EVENT before diademed head of Bonus Eventus right, LIBO behind. Rx: PVTEAL above well-head ornamented with two lyres, hammer and festoons, SCRIBON in exergue. Crawford 416/1a. Sydenham 928. RSC Scribonia 8a. Nicely toned. A few minor die breaks on reverse. About EF $400 Privately purchased from Apollo in 2006.
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303. M. Nonius Sufenas. Denarius, 3.82g (4h). 59 BC. Obv: Head of Saturn right, SVFENAS before, harpa, conical stone and S C behind. Rx: Roma seated left, crowned by Victory standing behind her; PR L V P F around, SEX NONI in exergue. Crawford 421/1. Sydenham 885. RSC Nonia 1. Beautifully toned. About EF $400 Ex HJB 163, 25 March 2009, lot 299. Ex Triton XII, 6 January 2009, lot 462 (part). Ex AK Collection.
304. Q. Cassius Longinus. Denarius, 3.63g (4h). 55 BC. Obv: Veiled head of Vesta right, VEST before, Q CASSIVS behind. Rx: Curule chair within temple of Vesta; to left, urn; to right, voting tablet inscribed AC. Crawford 428/1. Sydenham 917. RSC Cassia 9. A bit coarse. VF+ $250
ing figure on the reverse has been subject to considerable controversy. The scene evidently refers to the submission of Aristobulus the High Priest to Pompey; the alternative explanation, that Bacchius refers to Dionysius of Tripoli (mentioned in Josephus), derives solely from the similarity between the Greek Dionysus and the Latin Bacchus, and seems implausible. An Italian correspondent of the cataloguer points out the precise resemblance between the kneeling figure depicted here and Bocchus on Sulla’s signet ring, copied on Crawford 426/1.
307. C. Coelius Caldus. Denarius, 4.00g (12h). Rome, 51 BC. Obv: C·COEL·CALDVS Bare head of C. Coelius Caldus right; COS below,, tablet inscribed L·D. behind. Rx: CALDVS·IIIVIR Radiate head of Sol right, S and oval shield decorated with thunderbolt behind, Macedonian shield before. Crawford 437/1b. Sydenham 892. RSC Coelia 4. Beautifully toned. EF $3,750 Ex NAC 63, 17 May 2012, lot 326. Ex RBW Collection, privately purchased from Baldwin’s in 1976.
Ex HJB 156, 23 October 2007, lot 254.
305. Q. Cassius Longinus. Denarius, 3.82g (10h). Rome, 55 BC. Obv: Head of Bonus Eventus right, scepter behind. Rx: Eagle on thunderbolt, between lituus and capis, Q CASSIVS below. Crawford 428/3. Sydenham 916. RSC Cassia 7. Mint State $800
308. Q. Sicinius & C. Coponius. Denarius, 3.64g (2h). 49 BC. Obv: Head of Apollo right with band in hair, star below; Q SICINIVS before, III VIR behind. Rx: Club of Hercules surmounted by lion skin with scalp right and forelegs hanging down on each side; arrow on left, bow on right; C COPONIVS [P]R S C around. Crawford 444/1a. Sydenham 939. RSC Sicinia 1. Exceptional obverse style. EF $500 Ex Hess-Divo, 4 May 2009, lot 314. Ex Gorny 48, 1990, lot 740.
306. A. Plautius. Denarius, 3.94g (5h). 55 BC. Obv: Turreted head of Cybele right, A. PLAVTIVS before, AED. CVR S.C. behind. Rx: Bacchius (Aristobulus?) kneels right, camel at side, extending olive branch, IVDAEVS on right, BACCHIVS in exergue.. Crawford 431/1. Sydenham 932. RSC Plautia 13. Nicely toned. EF $500 Ex Gemini IV, 8 January 2008, lot 292. Ex Albert M. Potts Collection. “Bacchius” is unknown to history, and the identity of the kneel-
58
Enlargement
Exceptional L. Plautius Plancus Denarius
309. L. Plautius Plancus. Denarius, 3.79g (7h). Rome, 47 BC. Obv: Mask of Medusa, serpents at sides of face, L. PLAVTIV below. Rx: Aurora flying, conducting four horses of the Sun, PLANCV below. Crawford 453/1a. Sydenham 959. RSC Plautia 15. Sear, Imperators 29. Beautifully toned. Unusually well-struck and complete reverse. EF $4,000
ing from mountain, Victory in background. Crawford 480/1. Sydenham 1064 (R7). RSC Aemilia 12. Tiny cut on Venus’ hair. Choice EF $13,000 Ex NAC 73, 18 November 2013, lot 207. Ex NAC 7, 2-3 March 1994, lot 650.
Enlargement Enlargement
310. L. Plautius Plancus. Denarius, 3.88g (1h). 47 BC. Obv: Mask of Medusa, [L PLAVTIVS] below. Rx: Aurora flying, conducting four horses of the Sun, PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1c. Sydenham 959b. RSC Plautia 14. Nicely toned. EF $500 Privately purchased from Mike Vosper in 2008.
Two Attractive Caesar Portraits
313. Julius Caesar, struck by L. Aemilius Buca. Denarius, 3.83g (9h). Rome, 44 BC. Obv: Wreathed head of Caesar right; CAESAR DICT before, PERPETVO behind. Rx: Fasces and winged caduceus in saltire, globe above, ax below, clasped hands in field left, L·BVCA upwards on right. Crawford 480/6. Sydenham 1063. Sear, Imperators 103. Cohen 25 (25 Fr.). From the same dies as Alföldi, Caesar in 44 v. Chr., pl. XCIII, 14. Strong portrait. Nicely toned. EF $15,000 Ex Manhattan Sale IV, 8 January 2013, lot 108. Ex Sotheby, 28 October 1993, Athena Fund, lot 1407.
311. C. Clovius for Julius Caesar. Dupondius, 11.41g (11h). Rome, 46-45 BC. Obv: CAESAR DIC·TER Draped bust of Victory right, star behind. Rx: C·CLOVI – PRAEF Minerva standing left, holding trophy, spear and shield decorated with gorgoneion; at her feet, snake. Crawford 476/1b. Sydenham 1026. Sear Imperators 62. A bit rough. EF $500 Ex RBW Collection, with collector’s envelope; privately purchased from Frank Kovacs in 1989. Exceptional ‘Sulla’s Dream’
Enlargement
312. L. Aemilius Buca. Denarius, 3.53g (11h). Rome, 44 BC. Obv: Head of Venus right,wearing stephane, L BVCA behind. Rx: ‘Sulla’s Dream’: Sulla reclining on rock, Selene descend-
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314. Julius Caesar, struck by P. Sepullius Macer. Denarius, 3.93g (5h). Rome, 44 BC. Obv: Wreathed head of Caesar right, CAESAR before, DICT PERPETVO behind. Rx: Venus standing left, head bowed, holding Victory and scepter resting on star, P SEPVLLIVS behind, MACER before. Crawford 480/11. Sydenham 1072. Sear, Imperators 107b. From the same dies as Alföldi, Caesar in 44 v. Chr., pl. LIV, 19. Good EF $15,000 Ex Gorny 46, 30 October 1989, lot 498.
316. Denarius, 3.94g (11h). Massilia, 44-3 BC. Obv: [N]EPTVNI Head of Pompey the Great right with dolphin below and trident to right. Rx: Galley in full sail right with bank of rowers, steersman holding [rudder] in stern, figure standing right and raising right arm in prow; star above; name of naval commander [Q N] ASIDIVS below. Crawford 483/2. Sydenham 1350 (R6). Sear, Imperators 235. Minor weakness typical of issue. Nicely toned. Strong portrait and well-detailed ship. EF $8,000 Excessively Rare Lepidus Portrait Aureus Second in Private Hands
Enlargement
Extraordinary Portrait of Pompey
315. Sextus Pompey. Denarius, 4.00g (8h). Massilia, 44-3 BC. Obv: NEPTVNI Head of Pompey the Great right with dolphin below and trident to right. Rx: Galley in full sail right with bank of rowers, steersman holding rudder in stern, figure standing right and raising right arm in prow, eye as decoration on prow below him; star above; name of naval commander Q NASIDIVS below. Crawford 483/2. Sydenham 1350 (R6). Sear, Imperators 235. Unusually complete and detailed ship on reverse despite minor weakness affecting prow. Mint State $12,500 Ex NAC 78, 26 May 2014, lot 738.
Enlargement
317. Lepidus. Aureus, 7.46g (8h). Rome, moneyer L. Mussidius Longus., 42 BC. Obv: M·LEPIDVS·III·VIR·R·P·C Bare head of Lepidus left. Rx: [L·MVSSI]DIVS·T – F·LONGVS·IIII·V[IR·A·P·F·] Helmeted Mars, nude, standing right, setting left foot on shield and holding spear and sword. Crawford 494/7b. Bahrfeldt 50.1 (Vienna), pl. VI, 20 = Buttrey, Mus. Notes 137, 50.1, pl. 7 (same dies as ours). Cohen 2 (2000 Fr.). Sydenham 1097 (R7). Possibly ex-jewelry. Edge bent. Numerous marks but clear name and types. Fine $14,000 Very rare. Bahrfeldt and Buttrey knew only four portrait aurei of Lepidus struck by L. Mussidius Longus, namely in BM, Paris, and two in Vienna. A fifth specimen, which is illustrated by Sear, Imperators 161 and Calicó 75, appeared in Leu 25, 1980, lot 223 = NAC 33, 2006, lot 374. Ours is apparently only the sixth specimen recorded, and one of only two in private hands. All six of the known specimens come from the same obverse die, and from three different reverse dies.
318. Julius Caesar, struck by L. Mussidius Longus. Denarius, 3.73g (3h). Rome, 42 BC. Obv: Wreathed head of Caesar right, without legend. Rx: Rudder, cornucopia on globe, winged caduceus, and flamen’s cap; L.MVSSIDIVS.LONGVS to left and below. Crawford 494/39b. Sydenham 1096c. Sear, Imperators 116. Area of weak strike. Toned. EF $9,700 Ex NAC 78, 26-27 May 2014, lot 747. Ex CNG 64, 24 September 2003, lot 843.
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Imperators 209. Beautifully toned. Choice EF
$3,800
Ex NAC 45, 2 April 2008, Barry Feirstein IV, lot 39. Ex MMAG 86, 1998, lot 131. Ex Leu 57, 25 May 1993, lot 187 (Bob Levy Coll.). Ex Superior, 7 June 1987, lot 432A.
Enlargement
Enlargement
319. P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus. Denarius, 3.91g (10h). 42 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right, lyre behind. Rx: P. CLODIVS on right, M.F on left, Diana Lucifera standing right holding two long torches, bow and quiver on her shoulder. Crawford 494/23. Sydenham 1117. RSC Claudia 15. Nicely toned on oversize flan. EF $550
320. L. Livineius Regulus. Denarius, 3.50g (4h). 42 BC. Obv: Bare head of praetor L. Livineius Regulus right Rx: Curule chair between six fasces; L LIVINEIVS above, REGVLVS below. Crawford 494/28. Sydenham 1110. RSC Livineia 11. Minor marks and die breaks. Toned. About EF $2,250
321. Cassius. Denarius, 3.96g (6h). Smyrna, 42 BC. Obv: Tripod surmounted by cauldron, fillet hanging on either side, C CASSI on left, IMP on right. Rx: Pitcher and lituus, LENTVLVS / SPINT below. Crawford 500/1. Sydenham 1308 (R9). Sear, Imperators 219. Cohen 7 (200 Fr.). Mint State $4,800
323. Denarius, 3.81g (11h). Military mint, 42 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right, COSTA before, LEG behind. Rx: Military trophy, BRVTVS IMP around. Crawford 506/2. Sydenham 1296. Sear, Imperators 209. Beautifully toned. EF $3,900
324. Sextus Pompey. Denarius, 3.51g (11h). Sicily, 42 BC. Obv: Diademed head of Neptune right, trident over shoulder, MAG PI - VS behind (MA ligate), IMP ITER before. Rx: Naval trophy set on anchor, [head of trident] above, two canine heads of Scylla below torso; around, PRAEF CL[AS ET ORAE] MARIT EX SC (several letters ligate). The reverse legend records the fact that Sextus Pompey had been appointed “Prefect of the Fleet and of the Sea Coasts by Decree of the Senate”. Crawford 511/2b. Sydenham 1347. Sear, Imperators, 333. Cohen 1 (12 Fr.). With ticket from former NGC slab, graded Choice EF, Strike 3/5, Surface 3/5, Fine Style. Area of weak strike. Toned EF $2,300 Ex Vecchi 6, 9 June 1997, lot 1015.
Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, lot 250.
322. Brutus, struck by Pedanius Costa. Denarius, 3.89g (12h). Military Mint in East, 42 BC. Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right, COSTA before, LEG behind. Rx: Military trophy, BRVTVS IMP around. Crawford 506/2. Sydenham 1296. Sear,
325. Denarius, 3.68g (5h). 42-40 BC. Obv: MAG PIVS IMP ITER Bare head of Pompey the Great right between augural symbols, pitcher and lituus. Rx: PRAEF [CL]AS ET OR[AE MARIT EX S C] Neptune standing left, foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers with their parents on their shoulders. Crawford 511/3a. Sear, Imperators 334. Sydenham 1344 (R5). High relief portrait of Pompey. Nicely toned and well struck. EF $3,250
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326. Mark Antony. Denarius, 3.79g (1h). Mint travelling with Antony in Asia, 41 BC. Obv: Bare head of Antony right, lituus behind, M ANTONIVS IMP III VIR R P C around. Rx: [PI] ETAS COS Pietas standing left, holding lighted censer and cornucopia surmounted by two storks. Crawford 516/4. Sydenham 1172. Sear, Imperators 238. Area of weak strike. About EF $1,500
329. Augustus. 27 BC-14 AD. Denarius, 3.86g (9h). c. 36-31 BC. Obv: Bare head of Octavian right, no legend. Rx: IMP CAESAR across field, Laureate, ithyphallic terminal figure facing front on winged thunderbolt. BM 628. Paris 49. RIC 269a. Cohen 114 (5 Fr.). Banker’s mark “E” behind head. Beautifully toned. Choice. EF $1,600
Ex HJB 156, 23 October 2007, lot 298.
327. Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony. Tetradrachm, 15.10g (12h). Syria or Phoenicia, c. 36 BC. Obv: BACIΛICCA KΛEOΠAT[PA ΘEA NEWTEPA] Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right. Rx: ANTWNIOC AYTOKPATWP TPITON TPIWN ANΔ[PWN] Bare head of Antony right. RPC 4094 (43 spec., 21 obv. dies). Prieur 27 (53 spec.). Toned VF $10,000
328. Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Chalkis. AE 25, 6.10g (11h). Chalkis, Years 21 and 6 of Cleopatra = 32/31 BC. Obv: Draped bust of Cleopatra right, wearing stephane. Rx: Bare head of Mark Antony right. RPC 4771. Sear, Imperators 926. Svoronos 1887. BMC Phoenicia 15. Minor encrustation. Bold EF/VF $750
330. Denarius, 3.86g (4h). Obv: CA - ES - AR below youthful portrait of Augustus, all within oak wreath. Rx: AVG - VST. Candelabrum, decorated with two rams’ heads, within wreath of flowers. The wreath incorporates two bucrania and three pateras, one of which is directly above, almost resting on, the candelabrum. BM 684. Paris 1013. Cohen 2 (Caius Caesar, 30 Fr.). RIC 540 (R2). High relief portrait. Beautifully toned. Good EF $5,000 Ex Berk 165, 28 July 2009, lot 302. Mattingly in BMC I (1923, pp. cxxvi f.) thought that the portrait of this coin must certainly represent a youthful Augustus rather than Caius Caesar, but he was unable to decide where and when the coin might have been struck and how it should be interpreted. Giard in his Paris catalogue (1976, p. 45) thought the youthful portrait and candelabrum reverse type might relate to the Saecular Games, so dated the coin to 17 BC. R. Prideaux (Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 829) suggested that the reverse type was actually funereal, so might refer to the death of Agrippa in Pannonia in 12 BC, the coin being an emergency issue produced in Pannonia for the army soon after that event.
Enlargement
Enlargement
62
small round temple, shown on this cistophorus, until they were moved to the permanent temple of Mars Ultor in the Forum of Augustus upon its completion in 2 BC.
331. As, 12.74g (5h). Rome, 7 BC, moneyer M. Maecilius Tullus. Obv: CAESAR AVGVST PONT MAX TRIBV[NIC - P]OT Head bare right. Rx: M [M]AECILIVS TVLLVS III VIR A A A F F around large S C.. BM 220. Paris 654. Cohen 448. RIC 435. With tag from former NGC slab, graded Choice XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 4/5. Minor area of flat strike. EF $1,000
Enlargement
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Heritage 3035, September 2014, lot 29194. Ex Jonathan Kern Collection.
332. 27 BC-14 AD. Cistophoric tetradrachm, 11.28g (12h). Ephesus, 28 BC. Obv: IMP.CAESAR.DIVI.F.COS.VI.LIBERTATIS P.R.VINDEX Head laureate right, border of dots. Rx: PAX Pax standing left on lighted torch, holding short caduceus; behind her snake emerging from cista; all in laurel wreath. RPC 2203. BM 691. Cohen 218 (40 Fr.). RIC 479 (R2). Nicely toned. EF $7,500 Octavian is named “vindicator of the liberty of the Roman people”, a year before he was to surrender his illegal powers and accept the name Augustus from the Senate. The flame emerging from the left end of the torch under Pax’s feet on the reverse is particularly clear on this example (often it is omitted altogether), justifying Giard’s identification of this object as a torch (Paris 908), not a parazonium as suggested by RPC. Well-Detailed Temple
334. Tiberius. 14-37 AD. Aureus, 7.82g (1h). Lugdunum. Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI - AVG F AVGVSTVS Head laureate right. Rx: PONTIF - MAXIM Livia seated right holding scepter and branch, throne legs ornamented, single line beneath throne. BM 46. Paris 26. RIC 29. Giard, Lyon, 149. Calicó 305b. Two insignificant scrapes on face. Light scratch in obverse right field, otherwise Good EF $12,000
Lovely Livia
335. Tiberius. 14-37 AD. Denarius, 3.87g (7h). Lugdunum. Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI - AVG F AVGVSTVS Head laureate right. Rx: PONTIF - MAXIM Livia seated right holding scepter and branch, throne legs ornamented, footstool below feet, single line beneath throne. BM 48. Paris 28. RIC 30. Cohen 16. Good EF $1,500
333. 27 BC-14 AD. Cistophoric tetradrachm, 11.55g (1h). Uncertain Asia Minor mint, 19/18 BC. Obv: IMP IX TR PO V Head bare right. Rx: MART - VLTO across field, Circular temple showing four columns on podium of five steps, military standard within. RPC 2220. BM 704. Paris 989. Cohen 202 (25 Fr.). RIC 507. Some light scratches. Good EF $5,000 The standards of Crassus that Augustus recovered from the Parthians in 20 BC seem to have been housed in a temporary
Enlargement
63
Ex Sotheby 1893, Hermann Weber Collection
336. 14-37 AD. AE 21, 6.64g (11h). Bosporan Kingdom, Aspurgus, c. 14-37 AD. Obv: TIBEPIOV KAIΣAPOΣ Laureate head of Tiberius right. Rx: Diademed head of Aspurgus right, with long hair; BAP monogram behind, IB before. RPC 1903 (14 spec.). MacDonald, Bosporus 300. EF $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Lanz 158, 5 June 2014, lot 470. Ex Peus 368, 25 April 2001, lot 78.
337. AE 26, 14.43g (12h). Cilicia, Augusta. Obv: TIBEPIOΣ. [KAIΣAP ΘEOY ΣEBAΣTOY Y]IOΣ.ΣEBAΣTOΣ. Head bare right. Rx: IOYΛIA.ΣEBAΣTH - .AYΓOYΣTANΩN. Draped bust of Livia right. RPC 4006 (11 spec.). SNG Levante 1240. SNG Paris 1894. Choice VF $2,500
339. Caligula and Divus Augustus. 37-41 AD. Denarius, 3.80g (10h). Lugdunum, 37 AD. Obv: C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT COS Bare head of Caligula right. Rx: No legend, radiate head of Divus Augustus right between two stars. BM 4. Paris 3. Cohen 11 (12 Fr.). RIC 2. These dies not in Giard, Monnayage de Lyon. Choice EF $16,000 Ex Sotheby, 29-30 June 1893, Hermann D. Weber, pl. I, 8. According to J. Spring, this was “the first British ancient coin catalogue to contain photographic plates”. Weber here sold off his Roman coins, in order to concentrate on his famous collection of Greek coins that was published in three volumes by Spink in 1922-29. “Caligula at first intended to bestow on Tiberius similar honours to those enjoyed by Augustus, but desisted in face of the passive resistance of the Senate. The two stars (on his earliest aurei and denarii) suggest two ‘divi’, Augustus and (Tiberius)” (Mattingly, BMC I, p. cxliv).
Finer than the specimens in three famous collections that strove for quality: Levante 1240, Paris 1894 ex Waddington, and SNG Aulock 5533 (now BM, illustrated in RPC, pl. 151).
Enlargement
338. Tessera. AE 22, 6.50g (1h). Early first century AD. Obv: Draped bust of Dionysus right wearing wreath of ivy leaves, his hair gathered in a roll along the front edge, and with two long loose locks falling down his neck; no legend, dotted border. Rx: Numeral XIIII across field within dotted border. Cohen VIII, p. 262, no. 2 (citing BM, with line drawing, probably same dies as ours, classified by Cohen as “Drusilla?”). Choice EF $1,875 Ex NAC 64, 17-18 May 2012, lot 1096 (“From the Alberto Campana collection”). Our tessera belongs to the “spintria” series, with reverses all showing a Roman numeral from I to XVI, while the obverses show erotic scenes, early imperial portraits, and a few other types, including our apparent head of Dionysus. Despite its publication with a drawing by Cohen, our obverse type is not in Buttrey, The Spintriae as a Historical Source, Num. Chronicle 1973, pp. 52-63, nor in Reis and Schindel, Typenkatalog der Tesserae und Spintriae, Money Trend, September 1998, pp. 51-53.
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340. Claudius I and Agrippina II. Died 54 AD. Denarius, 3.59g (5h). Lugdunum, 51-4 AD. Obv: TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P Laureate head of Claudius right. Rx: AGRIPPINAE - AVGVSTAE Draped bust of Agrippina right wearing wreath of wheat ears.. BM 75. Paris 82. Cohen 4 (20 Fr.). RIC 81. Apparently from von Kaenel’s reverse die 731, pl. 13, coin 1006, whereas the obverse die does not seem to occur among those illustrated by von Kaenel, pl. 13-14. Flan crack at 7h. Toned Choice EF $14,000 Ex Berk 106, 20 January 1999, lot 451.
342. Nero. 54-68 AD. Aureus, 7.28g (1h). Rome, 64 AD. Obv: NERO CAESAR - AVGVSTVS Head laureate right. Rx: IANVM CLVSIT PACE P R TERRA MARIQ PARTA Front view of Temple of Janus with closed doors. BM 64. Paris 211. Cohen 114 (50 Fr.). RIC 50. Calicó 409. EF $24,500 Commemorates the closing of the doors of the Temple of Janus in Rome after Nero’s victory over the Parthians in 63 AD, as the legend declares: “He closed Janus after imparting peace on land and sea to the Roman people.” On the bronze coins commemorating the same event, one side of the temple is also shown and the legend ends rather than beginning with IANVM CLVSIT.
Enlargement
Choice Divus Claudius
341. Divus Claudius I. . Denarius, 3.66g (4h). Lugdunum, 54-5 AD. Obv: DIVVS CLAVDIVS AVGVSTVS Head laureate left. Rx: EX S C Tensa drawn right by four horses; the tensa has a pediment like a temple, surmounted by four small horses and flanked by two Victories, with a lituus between two pateras in the pediment itself; on the side panel of the car a standing frontal figure holding scepter or spear and a Victory advancing right holding out wreath; on the front panel, a standing figure holding scepter or spear and two pateras.. BM 6. Paris 3. Cohen 32 (80 Fr.). RIC 5 (R3). Choice EF $7,500 Ex Gorny & Mosch 207, 15 October 2012, lot 581.
Enlargement
A tensa was used to transport the attributes of a god to the circus in the procession before circus games. The consecration coins of Divus Claudius and a similar type on the coins of Divus Vespasian prove that the same honor was sometimes accorded to deified emperors.
Enlargement
343. Aureus, 7.27g (4h). Rome, 66-7 AD. Obv: IMP NERO CAESAR - AVGVSTVS Head laureate right. Rx: Salus seated left on throne, holding patera in right hand, left arm resting at her side; SALVS in exergue. BM 94. Paris 236. Cohen 31 (40 Fr.). RIC 66 (R2). Calicó 445. Some faults in fields, particularly a scratch before Salus’ legs on reverse and an indentation to the right of her left elbow. Good detail with only a touch of wear. EF $12,000
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344. Sestertius, 27.24g (6h). Rome, c. 65-6 AD. Obv: NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P Head laureate right. Rx: ROMA in exergue, S - C across field, Roma seated left on captured cuirass and arms, left foot on helmet, holding Victory and parazonium. BM 173. Bust variety of Paris 369, Cohen 261, and RIC 273. This coin omits the usual aegis on Nero’s front shoulder. Obverse slightly doublestruck. EF $3,800
345. Dupondius, 13.52g (8h). Lugdunum, 66-8 AD. Obv: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P Head laureate right, globe below neck. Rx: VICTORIA - A - V - GVS - TI around, S - C across field, Victory advancing left holding wreath and palm. BM 353. Paris 144. RIC 522=601. Cohen 343. Good EF $6,400
346. Hemidrachm, 1.77g (1h). Caesarea, c. 58-60 AD. Obv: NERO CLAVD DIVI CLAVD F CAESAR AVG GERMANI Head laureate right. Rx: No legend, Victory seated right on globe, holding wreath before her with both hands. RPC 3645 (23 coins, 18 obv. dies). Sydenham 82. Partially toned. Good VF $350
348. Nero, naming Vespasian as governor of Syria. 54-68 AD. AE 24, 11.67g (12h). Sepphoris, Galilea, Year 14=67/8 AD. Obv: Caduceus between two crossed cornucopias, legend names Sepphoris Irenopolis (City of Peace) and Neronias (all here off flan) and begins “Under Vespasian”, [E]ΠI OYECΠACIA[NOY]. Rx: L ΔI / NEPΩNO / KΛAYΔIOY / KAICAPO / C in five lines within wreath. Hendin 1276. RPC 4849 (14 spec.). Good VF $1,700 Cf. Hendin, 4th ed., p. 407: “The earliest coins of Sepphoris were issued in 68 C.E. by Agrippa II, naming Vespasian under the emperor Nero. These coins establish that Vespasian was a governor as well as a general before he took the throne”.
349. Civil War: Augustus Type. Denarius, 3.85g (7h). Spanish or Gallic mint, 68 AD. Obv: CAESAR - DIVI F P P Laureate head of Augustus right. Rx: PAX Clasped hands before caduceus between two crossed cornucopias. Obv. legend var. of RIC 103 (R4), Martin A22, Nicholas 21, Paris 57, Cohen 219 (100 Fr.), and BMC p. 304. A very rare reverse type, coupled with an obverse legend that was hitherto unknown in the Augustus series of the Civil War of 68 AD. Nicely toned. Good EF $9,400 This interesting reverse type, which was not merely copied from a type of Augustus himself but newly created to express a wish for a peaceful and prosperous settlement of the crisis of 68 AD, had previously only been attested with the obverse legends CAESAR AVGVSTVS (references above) and DIVVS AVG P P (RIC 113). Our obverse legend CAESAR DIVI F P P is in fact altogether new in the Civil War series for Augustus; the closest parallels being AVG DIVI F P P and CAESAR DIVI F, RIC’s legends 3 and 7 (p. 210).
347. Nero and Divus Claudius. 54-68 AD. Didrachm, 5.55g (5h). Caesarea, Cappadocia, 63-6 AD. Obv: NERO CLAVD DI CLAVD F CAESAR AVG GERMA Laureate head of Nero right. Rx: DIVOS CLAVD AVGVST GERMANIC PATER AV[G] Laureate head of Claudius right. RPC 3653 (8 spec., from 5 obv. dies), pl. 144 (same dies). BM Antioch 174. Sydenham 68. Unusual abbreviation DI for DIVI in obverse legend. Good VF $1,500 Ex CNG 97, 17 September 2014, lot 481. Ex Patrick H.C. Tan Collection. Ex CNG 57, 4 April 2001, lot 836. Ex Sternberg X, 25 November 1980, lot 298.
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Enlargement
Otho. Some corrosion. EF
$4,800
Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, lot 268. Ex Monetarium 60, 1993, lot 99. 350. Galba. 68-69 AD. Denarius, 3.52g (6h). Rome. Obv: IMP SER - GALBA AVG Head bare right. Rx: SPQR / OB / C S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC 167. Paris 76. Cohen 287. BM 35 corr. Bare-headed portrait, wrongly described as laureate in BMC. $5,000 Enlargement
Enlargement
Stern and Realistic Galba Portrait
351. Galba. 68-69 AD. Denarius, 3.30g (6h). Rome. Obv: IMP SER - GALBA AVG Head bare right. Rx: SPQR / OB / C S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC 167. Paris 76. Cohen 287. BM 35 corr. Bare-headed portrait, wrongly described as laureate in BMC. Beautifully toned. Choice EF $10,000
353. Titus as Caesar. 70-79 AD. Denarius, 3.43g (6h). Rome, 77-8 AD. Obv: T CAESAR - IMP VESPASIANVS Head laureate right. Rx: Ornamented prow right, above which star with sixteen rays, eight prominent and eight in the background between the prominent ones. RIC 950 (R). BM 226. Paris 202. Cohen 68 (8 Fr.). Rare: not in Reka Devnia hoard, only two specimens in Berk photofile and two others in CoinArchives Pro. EF/Choice EF $2,000 Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, Harry N. Sneh Collection, lot 322. This reverse type was copied from aurei and denarii of Ahenobarbus struck for Mark Antony in 40 BC, Crawford 521.
Enlargement
Enlargement
352. Otho. 69 AD. Denarius, 3.20g (7h). Rome. Obv: IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P Head bare right. Rx: VICTORIA - OTHONIS Victory advancing right holding wreath and palm. BM 22, pl. 60.12 (same reverse die). Paris 19. Cohen 27 (30 Fr.). RIC 14 (R3). A rare early reverse type of Otho’s reign: only one specimen in Reka Devnia hoard, among 47 denarii of
354. Titus. 79-81 AD. Denarius, 3.23g (6h). Rome, 80 AD. Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M Head laureate right. Rx: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P Trophy of arms between two seated captives; the captive on left is a veiled woman supporting head with right hand and resting right elbow on right knee; the one on right is a bearded male, torso bare, wearing trousers, with hands tied behind back. RIC 102 (C). BM 37. Hendin 1584. Paris 34. Cohen 306 (3 Fr.). VF $500 Ex Berk 167, 3 December 2009, lot 262.
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pated in the reconquest of Judaea and the siege of Jerusalem during the First Jewish Revolt, and was thereafter stationed in Jerusalem.
355. Titus. Judaea Capta. 79-81 AD. AE 22, 8.91g (12h). Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΤΙΤΟ - C ΚΑΙΣΑΡ Laureate head right. Rx: ΙΟΥΔΑΙΑC [E] - AΛΩΚΥI[ΑC] Nike standing right, left foot on helmet, writing on shield set on palm tree. RPC 2311 (39 spec.). Hendin 1446. Sofaer pl. 224, 4. About VF $200
356. Drusus, Son of Tiberius, restored by Titus. As, 10.57g (8h). Uncertain Thracian Mint, 80-1 AD. Obv: DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N Head bare left. Rx: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST around large S C. RPC 517. Paris 299, pl. LXXXVIII (same obv. die). BM 286, pl. 55.3. RIC 437 (C3). Komnick 24 (54 specimens, from 21 obverse and 25 reverse dies, from both Rome and the provincial mint). Cohen 6 corr. (10 Fr.). Green patination. EF $4,150 Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, lot 456. Ex Conti Collection.
Enlargement
358. Nerva. 96-98 AD. Dupondius, 11.54g (5h). Rome, 96 AD. Obv: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II DESIGN III P P Head radiate right. Rx: LIBERTAS - PVBLICA S - C Libertas standing left holding cap and scepter. BM 138A. Not in Cohen, RIC, or the Paris catalogue, which have the corresponding sestertius and As, but not this dupondius. Rare issue of late 96 AD recording Nerva’s designation to his third consulship. EF $1,000
359. Trajan. 98-117 AD. Sestertius, 27.97g (7h). Rome, c. 107-110 AD. Obv: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P Bust laureate right showing bare chest, with folds of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI around, S C in exergue, Trajan on horse charging right, about to hurl spear at Dacian falling to one knee below the horse, who looks back at the emperor and extends his right arm to implore mercy. MIR 317d (2 spec.), pl. 65 (same obv. die). Bust variety of BM 839 and Paris 305. Cohen 508 corr. (12 Frs.). RIC 543. Rare heroic bust type, only two such coins listed by Woytek in his comprehensive new Trajan monograph. Medallic-style portrait in high relief. EF $4,800 Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, lot 479.
357. Domitian, with Tenth Legion Countermarks. 81-96 AD. AE 23-25, 13.75g (0h). Samaria, Sebaste, Year 109 = 81/2 AD. Obv: [IMP DOMITIA - NVS - C]AESAR (the last S retrograde) Head laureate right; countermarks Laureate head right and LXF (Howgego 119 and 733). Rx: Tyche standing left, ethnic, and date, all eradicated; countermarks Galley and Boar right, dolphin below, [LX]F above (Howgego 410 and 291). RPC 2226 (17 spec.). Sofaer p. 64 and pl. 61-62, 1-6. Countermarks VF, underlying coin VG $900 With two countermarks of Legio X Fretensis, which partici-
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Enlargement
Bird’s-eye View of Harbor at Ostia
360. Sestertius, 26.86g (6h). Rome, c. 113 AD. Obv: IMP CAES [NER T]RAIANO AVG GER - DA[C P] M TR P COS V[I] P P Bust laureate, draped right, seen from side. Rx: PORTVM TRAIANI around, S C in exergue, Bird’s-eye view of Trajan’s hexagonal harbor at Ostia, with entrance at bottom, buildings and colonnades surrounding the harbor, and three ships anchored within. In the largest ship, at top, two sailors work on the rigging, doubtless lowering the sails after successfully reaching the harbor. MIR 470v (18 spec.). BM 770A corr. Paris 773. RIC 632 (R2). Bust var. of Cohen 178 (80 Fr.). From the same dies as MIR pl. 94, 470v1. Extremely rare and among the finest specimens known of this important issue. Brown patina with some minor areas of corrosion and very gentle smoothing, otherwise Good VF+ $18,500 Ex NAC 64, 17-18 May 2012, lot 1164; ex Nudelman 10, 2011, lot 99.
362. Hadrian. 117-138 AD. Denarius, 3.43g (6h). Rome, 117 AD. Obv: IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO AVG DIVI TRA Bust laureate right with bare chest, fold of cloak on front shoulder. Rx: PAX in exergue, PARTH F DIVI NER - NEP P M TR P COS around, Pax standing left holding branch and cornucopia. BM 27. Cohen 1011. RIC 12. Scarce, 17 specimens in Reka Devnia hoard. Toned EF $400
363. Drachm, 24.68g (11h). Alexandria, Egpyt, Year 15=130/1 AD. Obv: AVT KAI - [T]PAI AΔPIA CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: L - IE in lower field, Emperor, togate and laureate, standing left, holding scepter and presenting his right hand to Alexandria to be kissed; she steps right towards the emperor wearing elephant-skin headdress and also holding two wheat ears. Commemorates the arrival of Hadrian in Alexandria in 130 AD. Cologne 1035. Dattari 1610. Emmett 964/15. Choice EF $2,500
Enlargement
361. Drachm, 20.07g (12h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 15=111/2 AD. Obv: AVT TPAIAN CEB ΓEPM ΔAKIK Bust laureate right, with fold of aegis on front shoulder and behind neck. Rx: Two Canopi wearing different crowns placed beside one another on garlanded base, date L - IE across field. Cologne 577. Dattari 826. Emmett 429/15 (R3). EF $1,500
364. Drachm, 21.56g (12h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 18=133/4 AD. Obv: [ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙC T]PAIAN - ΑΔΡIANOC CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: Isis Pharia standing right holding billowing sail with both hands and with left foot; to right Pharos lighthouse with statues of a standing figure and of two Tritons blowing horns at top, and a door at bottom; date L IH in field above. Cologne 1122 (same dies). Dattari/Savio pl. 85, 1768. Emmet 1002/18. VF/EF $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
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365. Billon Tetradrachm, 13.47g (11h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 21 = 136/7 AD. Obv: AVT KAIC TPA - AΔPIANOC CEB Head laureate left. Rx: Demeter standing left holding wheat ears and poppies in right hand, torch in left, date L / K in l. field, A in right field. Cologne 1210. Dattari 1336. Emmett 832/21. In NGC slab, graded Choice XF*, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5 $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
Spectacular Antinous
366. Antinous. Diobol, 8.93g (12h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 19 = 134/5 AD. Obv: ANTINOOV - HPWOC Draped bust right, seen mainly from front, wearing hem-hem crown. Rx: Antinous on horseback right. holding caduceus; date [L] above horse’s tail, I and Θ respectively above and below its raised left foreleg. Dattari-Savio pl. 104, 8012. Cologne 1277 var. Emmett 1348/19 (R3). Choice EF $4,800
Enlargement
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367. Antinous, Favorite of Hadrian. AE 35, 19.93g (12h). 18th19th cent. medal copying ancient prototypes. Obv: ANTINOOC - HPΩC Head of Antinous bare left. Rx: TOIC in exergue, AXAIOIC. - ANE - ΘHKE around, Ram with curved horn standing right. Blum, Antinoos, p. 37, F (a similar modern piece in BM by 1914, not illustrated). Choice VF $100 Said to be Ex Virgil Brand Collection. The obverse type and legend and the ram on the reverse seem to be copied from ancient medallions of Smyrna, Blum, pl. II, 5 and 8. The reverse legend, in contrast, was taken from a medallion of the Achaean Koinon, Blum pl. I, 13. The name of the donator of the coinage, given on the originals, has been omitted; on our piece the legend would appear to state that “Antinous the Hero” himself had “dedicated (this coinage) to the Achaeans!"
368. Aelius as Caesar. Drachm, 28.43g (11h). Alexandria, Egypt, 137 AD. Obv: Λ AIΛIOC - KAICAP Bare-headed, draped bust right, seen from front. Rx: OMONOIA in exergue, ΔHM EΞOVC - VΠAT B around, Homonoia seated left holding patera, left arm resting on cornucopia beside throne. DattariSavio pl. 103, 2076. Cologne 1274 var. Emmett 1351. Beautiful green patina. Choice EF $3,500
369. Antoninus Pius as Caesar. 138 AD. Sestertius, 27.00g (5h). Rome, 25 February-10 July 138. Obv: IMP T AELIVS CAES - AR ANTONINVS Bare head right. Rx. T - RIB POT - COS - DES II around, PIE - TAS and S - C across field, Pietas standing left by altar, raising right hand and holding box of incense. BM 1951. Cohen 610 (4 Fr.). RIC 1093. Strack 908, citing only two specimens, in BM and Paris. Considerably rarer with date COS DES II rather than just COS in reverse legend. Small area of flat strike on portrait, otherwise Good EF $2,450
370. Lot of two denarii of Antoninus Pius, rare legend and overdate. (0h). (1) Rare initial long obverse legend of Pius in 151 AD, omitting the normal HADR. 2.59g, 5h. Obv: IMP CAES T AEL ANTONINVS A[V]G PIVS P P Head laureate right. Rx: TRANQ in exergue, TR POT XIIII - COS IIII around, Tranquillitas standing right holding rudder and two wheat ears. This legend variant without HADR was first recorded on a single coin in the Reka Devnia hoard, which was the only specimen known to BMC 736 note and Strack 228. (2) Overdate: tribunician number XIIII altered in the die to XV. 152 AD. 3.15g, 6h. Obv: as previous coin, but with HADR. Rx: PAX in exergue (mostly off flan), TR POT XV (altered from XIIII) - COS IIII around, Pax standing left holding branch and scepter. Reverse legend variant (overdate) of BM 749, Cohen 585 corr., and RIC 216a. (1) A few light scratches, small pit at 2-3h on obverse edge, otherwise Good EF. (2) Good VF $350
371. Divus Antoninus Pius. Sestertius, 25.74g (12h). Rome. Obv: DIVVS - ANTONINVS Head bare right. Rx: DIVO - PIO S - C Altar enclosure with door in front and horns on top. BM 886. Cohen 358 (8 Fr.). RIC 1272. Olive patination. Some isolated deposits and pitting. $4,125 Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, lot 491. Ex Astarte XXII, 12 June 2010, lot 174.
373. Drachm, 22.74g (11h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 11 = 147/8 AD. Obv: ΑVΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ - ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟC CEB EVC Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rx: L EN - Δ - EKATOV Elpis/ Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising skirt. Cologne 1578. Dattari/Savio pl. 128, 2543. Emmett 1501/11. Good VF $1,500 Ex Sotheby’s 1908. Ex Merzbacher 1910 Ex M&M Basel 1960
374. Diva Faustina I. Died 141 AD. Aureus, 7.21g (6h). Rome. Died 140 AD. Obv: DIVA AVGVS - TA FAVSTINA Draped, veiled bust right wearing stephane decorated with string of pearls. Rx: No legend. Front view of temple, showing six columns, on podium of five steps; behind the columns, wall of stone blocks with entryway at center; in the pediment, standing nude figure extending right hand in center, between two smaller figures and further uncertain objects in the corners; atop the pediment, facing quadriga in center, driven by figure with drapery blown out in circle above head, between two frontal Victories on corners, each holding up a round shield. Calicó 1742 (same obv. die). Beckmann, Diva Faustina, p. 118, T6/daf10, c (this coin). BMC p. 51 and RIC 406B (both citing Revue belge 1880, p. 61 for this bust type). Bust var. of Cohen 317 (no source, 100 Fr.). Very rare: Beckmann found only 11 aurei with this reverse type, coming from seven reverse dies. Exceptional reverse detail. Choice VF+ with some cabinet wear $48,000 Ex M&MAG XXI, 19 March 1960, lot 53. Ex Merzbacher, 15 November 1910, lot 1736. Ex Sotheby, 13-23 July 1908, O’Hagan, lot 395.
372. Drachm, 24.45g (12h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 2 = 138/9 AD. Obv: [ΑΥΤ] Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡI - ΑΝΤωΝΙΝΟC EYC - EB Bareheaded, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rx: EVΘHNIA around, L B in exergue, Euthenia reclining left on sphinx, holding two wheat ears and two poppies, on her head uraeus snake between two wheat ears. Cologne 1301 (same dies). Dattari/Savio pl. 128, 8446. Emmett 1518/2. Good VF $2,400
This type apparently commemorates the dedication of the Temple of Diva Faustina, since on sestertii and denarii the same type was labeled DEDICATIO AEDIS, after a construction period of only some three or four years, since our aureus obverse die and a number of others that were used with the same Temple reverse type also share a PIETAS AVG reverse die showing Pietas sacrificing with an obverse die of Antoninus Pius dated COS III (140-144 AD): see Beckmann, Diva Faustina, pp. 42-46. Faustina’s temple was later dedicated to Divus Antoninus Pius too, and much of it still stands on the Roman Forum today, incorporated into the church of S. Lorenzo. The Temple reverse die of our coin is also noteworthy for two details: it shows a broader entryway into the masonry
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wall of the cella, not confined to the central intercolumniation as on other dies, but beginning in the second intercolumniation and extending into the fourth; and it seems to be alone in showing drapery billowing around the head of the driver of the frontal quadriga that surmounts the apex of the pediment.
VI 989. The style of this provincial issue proves that the dies used must have been cut by engravers of the mint of Rome.
Enlargement Enlargement
375. Diva Faustina I. Died 141 AD. Dupondius (yellow metal), 10.06g (12h). Rome. Obv: DIVA FAV - STINA Bust draped right. Rx: AVGV - STA S - C Ceres, veiled, standing left holding up two short torches. BM 1576. Cohen 92 (2 Fr.). RIC 1174. EF $2,200 Ex Gemini IX, 8 January 2012, lot 492. Exceptional Galerius Antoninus Bronze
376. Faustina I, Diva and Galerius Antoninus. AE 25-27, 16.06g (1h). Obv: ΘEA ΦAY - CTEINA Veiled and draped bust of Diva Faustina right. Rx: Μ ΓΑΛEPIOC ANTWNINOC AYTOKPATOPOC ANTWNINOY YIOC Bare-headed and draped bust of Galerius Antoninus right. Cohen 2 (150 Fr.). Very rare and among the finest specimens known. Brown-green patina with minor corrosion and smoothing, otherwise Good VF/About EF $7,500 Ex NAC 45, 2 April 2008, lot 127. Ex Leu 75, 26-27 October 1999, lot 1525. The only surviving portrait of Antoninus Pius’ son Galerius Antoninus, who died before Pius became emperor and whose epitaph from Hadrian’s Mausoleum has come down to us, CIL
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377. Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Billon Tetradrachm, 13.38g (11h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 1 = 161 AD. Obv: ANTWNINOC.KAI.OVHPOC CEBACTOI. beginning at upper right, Laureate, draped, cuirassed busts of Marcus and Verus, facing one another. Rx: EIPH - NH in circualr legend above, date L - A across lower field, Eirene/Pax seated left, holding patera and resting left elbow on seat back, cornucopia below seat. Dattari-Savio pl. 175, 9146 (same dies). Emmett 2041/1 (R3). Some corrosion and marks from cleaning. VF $750 Very rare obverse type of Marcus and Verus together at Alexandria, apparently struck from only two obverse dies, this one in Year 1 and a second in Year 2: Compare Cologne 2120 and the nine specimens illustrated by Dattari-Savio, pl. 175.
378. Kingdom of Bosporus, Sauromates II and Marcus Aurelius. 174-210 AD. AV Stater, 7.74g (12h). Year 476 = 179/80 AD. Obv: ΒΑCΙΛΕΩC CΑΥΡΟΜΑΤΟΥ Diademed, draped bust of Sauromates right. Rx: Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius or Commodus right, spear before neck, date SΟΥ below. Frolova I, p. 169. MacDonald 489 (same dies as illustration). Not in SNG Moscow. Good VF $1,900
Attractive Crispina Aureus
379. Crispina, Wife of Commodus. Aureus, 7.15g (12h). Rome. Obv: CRISPINA - AVGVSTA Bust draped right. Rx: VENVS FELIX Venus seated left holding Cupid and scepter, dove standing left below seat. BM 47. Calicó 2377 (same dies). Cohen 39 (300 Fr.). RIC 287 (R2). Good VF $10,000
382. Didius Julianus. 193 AD. Denarius, 2.91g (6h). Rome. Obv: IMP CAES M DID - IVLIAN AVG Head laureate right. Rx: P M TR - P COS Fortuna standing left holding rudder on globe and cornucopia. BM 6. Cohen 10 (100 Fr.). RIC 2. EF with luster $2,500 Ex Gorny & Mosch 121, 10 March 2003, lot 467.
Impressive Run of Rare Emperors
380. Pertinax. 193 AD. Denarius, 3.20g (0h). Rome. Obv: [I] MP[ ]CAES P HELV - PERTIN AVG Head laureate right. Rx: PROVID - DEOR COS II The Human Race standing left, raising both forearms towards star in field. BM 13. Cohen 43 (50 Fr.). RIC 11a (R2). Strong portrait. EF $2,500
Enlargement
Ex Schulman, Vierordt Collection 1923
The reverse type suggests that the gods sent a star to presage Pertinax’ accession, apparently a reference to a comet which appeared late in Commodus’ reign according to Herodian.
Enlargement
383. Sestertius, 20.14g (0h). Rome. Obv: IMP CAES M DID S EVER IVLIAN AVG Head laureate right. Rx: RECTOR ORBIS S C Didius Julianus, bare-headed, togate, standing left holding globe and roll. BM 29. Cohen 17 (30 Fr.). RIC 16 (R), pl. III.9 (=BM 29, same obv. die). From obverse die 2 and reverse die D in A.M. Woodward, Coinage of Didius Julianus, Num. Chronicle 1961. Some smoothing. Choice VF $9,000 Ex J. Schulman 1923, Vierordt Collection, lot 1789.
381. Denarius, 2.96g (6h). Rome. Obv: IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG Head laureate right. Rx: AEQVIT AVG - TR P COS II Aequitas standing left holding scales and cornucopia. BM 15. Cohen 2 (50 Fr.). RIC 1 (R2). EF with luster $2,800
Enlargement Enlargement
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Stunning Septimius Severus Aureus
384. Septimius Severus. 193-211 AD. Aureus, 7.22g (5h). Rome, 207 AD. Obv: SEVERVS - PIVS AVG Head laureate right. Rx: RESTITVTOR - VRBIS Roma seated left above shield, holding Palladium and scepter. BM 358. Calicó 2529. Cohen 605 (150 Fr.). RIC 288. Close to Mint State $33,000
only three specimens in Reka Devnia hoard. Minor marks in obverse fields. Good EF $300 This Eastern reverse legend is anomalous since on the official reckoning Caracalla’s fourth tribunician year ended on 10 December 201 and he did not become consul until 1 January 202. P MAX should be interpreted as Parthicus Maximus, since Caracalla did not become Pontifex Maximus until after Septimius Severus died.
387. AE 33, 19.05g (6h). Tarsus, Cilicia. Obv: AYT KAI M AYP CEYHPOC ANTΩNEINOC CEB around, Π - Π across field, Laureate bust left, aegis on front shoulder. Rx: [ANT]ΩNIA - NHC - CEYH AΔP MH around, [T]APCOY in exergue, A / MK in left field, Γ / B in right field, Caracalla, laureate and in military dress, with sword at side on strap over shoulder, standing left holding Victory and spear. SNG Levante 1046 = SNG Aulock 6006 (this coin). SNG Paris 1511 (same dies). Bold VF $600 Ex Levante and von Aulock Collections.
Enlargement
385. Tetradrachm, 13.64g (12h). Laodicea ad Mare, c. 208-9 AD. Obv: .AVT.KAI. - .CEOVHPOC.C - E. Bust laureate, draped right, seen from side. Rx: .ΔHMAPX.EΞ.VΠATOC.TO. Γ. Eagle standing right, head left, wreath in beak, star between legs. Prieur 1149 (94 spec.). With ticket from an NGC Ancients slab: graded AU*, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5. Choice EF $1,300
386. Caracalla. 198-217 AD. Denarius, 2.81g (1h). New-style Eastern Mint, 202 AD. Obv: ANTONINVS - AVGVSTVS Bust laureate, draped right. Rx: P MAX T - R P IIII COS Togate Caracalla standing left, sacrificing from patera over tripod altar and holding roll. BM 727. Cohen 183 (5 Fr.). RIC 342a. Rare:
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388. Kingdom of Bosporus, Rhescuporis III and Caracalla. 211226 AD. EL Stater, 7.71g (11h). Year 508 = 211/2 AD. Obv: ΒΑCΙΛΕΩC ΡΗCΚΟVΠΟΡΙΔΟC Diademed, draped bust right, seen from front. Rx: Laureate head of Caracalla right, star before neck, date ΗΦ below. Frolova I, p. 197. MacDonald 551/2. BM 1, pl. XVI, 1. The same obverse die continued to be used in the following year 509: see the illustration of MacDonald’s 552/3. VF $1,125 Choice Damnatio Memoriae
389. Caracalla and Geta. AE 33-35, 25.98g (7h). Stratoniceia, Caria. Obv: [AV] KAI...ΛI ANTΩI...Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust of Caracalla right, facing laureate bust of Geta left, eradi-
cated; countermarks helmeted head right and ΘEOV (Howgego 536 and 188). Rx: …. EOV CTPATONIK around, EΩN (retrograde) in exergue, Hekate standing left holding patera over altar at her feet, and short torch. The first part of the reverse legend giving the magistrate’s name is partially legible, but hard to decipher. Lanz 131, Sammlung Karl, 27 Nov. 2006, lot 311 (same dies). SNG Aulock 2687 var. Good EF $1,300
390. Diadumenian as Caesar. 217-218 AD. Denarius, 3.23g (6h). Rome. Obv: M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES Bare-headed, draped bust right, seen from front. Rx: PRINC IVVENTVTIS Diadumenian standing left, head right, holding standard and scepter, two further standards behind him. BM 87. RIC 102. Cohen 3 (15 Fr.). Mint State $1,000
the stone: CNG 93, 22 May 2013, lot 976. Possibly only the third recorded specimen of this Stone of Emesa reverse type at Laodicea ad Mare. VF+ $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Types showing the Stone of Emesa in a quadriga under Elagabalus appeared on the coins of only a few provincial cites, Alexandria in Egypt, Aelia Capitolina in Judaea, Neapolis in Samaria, Hierapolis-Castabala in Syria, and now Laodicea in Seleucis and Pieria, and are generally even rarer than the similar types on Roman imperial aurei and denarii. In addition our coin gives Laodicea the interesting title “Metropolis of the Four Provinces”, that is metropolis of the four regions Seleucis and Pieria, Phoenicia, Commagene, and Coele-Syria, which Laodicea was apparently able to retain after Septimius Severus took it away from Antioch as punishment for Antioch’s support of Pescennius Niger in the civil war of 193-4: see E. Meyer in the article cited above, pp. 68-73.
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Morton & Eden, 11 June 2014, lot 103. Ex M. Trenerry list, May 2009 (cover coin).
391. Kingdom of Bosporus, Rhescuporis III and Elagabalus. 211-226 AD. EL Stater, 7.69g (1h). Year 518 = 221/2 AD. Obv: ΒΑCΙΛΕΩC ΡΗCΚΟVΠΟΡΙΔΟC Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust of Rhescuporis right, seen from front, trident before. Rx: Laureate, draped bust of Elagabalus right, date ΗΙΦ below. Frolova I, p. 209. MacDonald 561/1. Not in BMC or SNG Moscow. VF $700
392. Elagabalus. AE 31, 13.82g (5h). Laodicea ad Mare, Syria. Obv: IMP CAES M…Bust laureate right, fold of cloak on front shoulder. Rx: Frontal quadriga bearing Stone of Emesa, decorated with eagle standing front, head right, with raised wings, and flanked by four religious standards (“parasols”), two on each side; above the stone, crescent and annulet (?); circular legend naming Laodicea as colony and metropolis is off flan or not struck up, in exergue IIII PR, between the standards probably Δ on left and E on right. Cf. Meyer, Bronzeprägung von Laodikeia, Jahrb. für Num. 1987/8, pl. 18, B (above stone crescent and star, ANS). Another example, with star only above
393. Julia Maesa. AE 27, 12.71g (11h). Tyre, Phoenicia. Obv: IVLIA MAE - SA AV[G] Draped bust right, wearing stephane. Rx: TVRIORVM Dido (?) standing left on deck of galley sailing right, extending right hand and holding cornucopia in left; to left, helmsman bending left over rudder (?); to right, sailor extending right hand and holding curved staff in left; stern decorated with a shield and aphlaston, [two murex shells] in exergue. CNG E320, 12 Feb. 2014, lot 323 (same dies). Rouvier 2408. Choice VF $750 An interesting mythological reverse type, whose interpretation, however, is uncertain. “A figure in a galley, accompanied by two sailors, and holding a cornucopiae,…has been identified with Dido, but without certainty” (G.F. Hill, BMC Phoenicia, p. cxli).
Enlargement
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Rare and Bold Severus Alexander Quinarius
394. Severus Alexander. 222-235 AD. Silver quinarius, 1.58g (7h). Rome, 225-8 AD. Obv: IMP C M AVR SEV - ALEXAND AVG Laureate, draped bust right. Rx: ANNO - NA AVG Annona standing left, holding wheat ears over modius at her feet, and cornucopia. BM 345. King 3 (8 spec.), pl. 22 and pl. J (same dies). Cohen 24 (15 Fr.). RIC 134. High relief portrait. Choice EF $5,500
397. Gordian II Africanus. 238 AD. Denarius, 3.27g (11h). Rome. Obv: IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: PROVIDENTIA AVGG Providentia standing left leaning on column, legs crossed, holding wand and cornucopia, globe at feet. BM 13. Cohen 5 (120 Fr.). RIC 1 (R2). Good EF $7,500 Ex Berk 137, 31 March 2004, lot 432.
Ex Triton XVI, 9 January 2013, lot 1110.
395. Orbiana, Wife of Severus Alexander. Denarius, 2.64g (12h). Rome, c. 226 AD. Obv: SALL BARBIA - ORBIANA AVG Bust draped right, wearing stephane. Rx: CONCORDI - A AVGG Concordia seated left holding patera and double cornucopia. BM 287. Cohen 1 (20 Fr.). RIC 319. Flan crack at 3h. Excellent portrait. EF $1,125 Ex Gemini VI, 10 January 2010, lot 509. Ex NAC 40, 16 May 2007, lot 793.
398. Balbinus. 238 AD. Sestertius, 16.51g (1h). Rome. Obv: IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right, seen from front. Rx: CONCORDIA AVGG around, S C in exergue, Concordia seated left holding patera and double cornucopia. BM 18. Cohen 4 (12 Fr.). RIC 22, pl. XIII.4 (same obv. die). The same obverse die was also used with the reverse VOTIS / DECENN - ALIBVS / S C in wreath, BM 7, pl. 43. Dark green patina. Strong portrait. Good EF $3,700
396. Gordian I Africanus. 238 AD. Sestertius, 20.73g (11h). Rome. Obv: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: SECVRITAS AVGG around, S C in exergue, Securitas seated left holding scepter. BM 12. Cohen 11 (70 Fr.). RIC 11 (R ). Choice EF $22,000 Enlargement
Enlargement
399. Pupienus. 238 AD. Denarius, 3.43g (6h). Rome. Obv: IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: CONCORDIA AVGG Concordia seated left holding parera and double cornucopia. BM 42. Cohen 6 (10 Fr.). RIC 1. A scarce reverse type for this rare emperor: only two specimens in Eauze hoard. Sharp and Bold EF $750 Ex Berk 126, 23 April 2002, lot 438.
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400. Sestertius, 20.50g (2h). Rome. Obv: IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: CONCORDIA AVGG Concordia seated left holding patera and double cornucopia. BM 43, pl. 45 (same obv. die). Cohen 7 (12 Fr.). RIC 20. VF+ $3,150 Ex Gadoury, 30 November 2013, lot 155. Rare and Mint State Tranquillina Denarius
402. Drachm, 3.35g (1h). Cappadocia, Caesarea, Year 4=241 AD. Obv: CABINIA TRANKVΛΛIN AV Bust draped right, large nest of braids in hair at back, without stephane. Rx: MHTPO KAICA B NE around, ET Δ in exergue, Mt. Argaeus. Künker 248, 14 March 2014, lot 7568 (same dies). Bust and legend var. of Sydenham/Malloy 617aa. EF $1,500 Rare silver drachm of Tranquillina at Caesarea. Sydenham knew no silver coins for her at Caesarea, but Sydenham-Malloy 617aa cites a drachm for her, a bust and legend variant of our coin, from Leu 18, 5 May 1977, lot 373, and the Burbules Collection. Recently several dozen further specimens have appeared on the market, but the fourteen in CoinArchives Pro with the same bust type and coiffure as ours, plus nine other such specimens that we have had in stock, were all struck from the same obverse die as the present coin, confirming the rarity of Tranquillina’s silver at Caesarea.
401. Tranquillina, Wife of Gordian III. Denarius, 3.30g (8h). Rome, after 241 AD. Obv: SABINA TRANQVILLINA AVG Draped bust right wearing stephane. Rx: CONCORDIA AVGG Concordia seated left holding patera and double cornucopia. RIC 252 (R4). Mint State $12,000 Very rare, both as a Rome-mint coin of Tranquillina and for its denomination. Cohen 1 values the corresponding antoninianus of Tranquillina at 800 francs, ten times his base price for an aureus of Gordian III, but the denarius of this empress was unknown to him. Gordian III had struck denarii as his regular silver denomination for a few months in 240, but by 241 when he married Tranquillina he had reverted to the antoninianus as standard silver coin, and the denarius had become a rare special denomination probably struck for distribution on special occasions, like the silver quinarius. The surviving Rome-mint coins of Tranquillina can be interpreted as a special issue for her marriage to Gordian in 241, after which her father, Gordian’s praetorian prefect Timisitheus, apparently turned down the honor of coinage at Rome for his daughter, though provincial mints struck for her in considerable volume.
Enlargement
403. Philip I, 244-249 AD. Tetradrachm, 12.01g (6h). Antioch, 244 AD. Obv: AVTOK K M IOVΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOVCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing left on palm branch, head left, wreath in beak. McAlee 887. Prieur 318 (26 spec.). Mint State $500
404. Tetradrachm, 11.09g (1h). Antioch, 244 AD. Obv: AVTOK K M IOVΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Bust radiate, cuirassed left. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOVCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing left on palm branch (tail not shown), head left, wreath in beak. McAlee 893 (Scarce). Variety of Prieur 313 (13 spec.) and 314 (7 spec.). This variant reported by McAlee, p. 330, note 225: “The eagle’s tail...occasionally is completely absent”. Mint State $500
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405. Tetradrachm, 11.16g (1h). Rome, 246 AD. Obv: AYTOK K M IOYΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOY CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOYCIAC around, MON VRB in exergue, S - C in field, Γ (officina 3) to right of eagle’s head, Eagle with spread wings standing right on ground line, head left, wreath in beak. McAlee 899Aa (Ex. Rare). Mint State $700 Very rare with ground line, which though normal on the unmarked coins, is usually omitted on the tetradrachms bearing officina letters. McAlee 899Aa records only one coin from officina Γ with ground line, communicated to him by M. Prieur. Our second recorded specimen is from the same reverse die as that coin, but from a different obverse die.
406. Tetradrachm, 11.35g (6h). Rome, 246 AD. Obv: AYTOK K M IOYΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOY CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOYCIAC around, MON VRB in exergue, S - C in field, Δ (officina 4) to right of eagle’s head, Eagle with spread wings standing right without ground line, head left, wreath in beak. McAlee 901d (Scarce). Prieur 308 (18 spec.). Good EF $500
407. Tetradrachm, 13.12g (12h). Rome, 246 AD. Obv: AYTOK K M IOYΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOY CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOYCIAC around, MON VRB in exergue, S - C in field, S (officina 6) to right of eagle’s head, Eagle with spread wings standing right without ground line, head left, wreath in beak. McAlee 901f (Scarce). Prieur 310 (17 spec.). A few deposits. Good EF $500
408. Tetradrachm, 12.87g (12h). Antioch, 247 AD. Obv: AYTOK
78
K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC YΠΑ TΟ Γ around, ANTIOXIA / S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing left, head right, wreath in beak. McAlee 909 (V. Rare). Prieur 370 (3 spec.). A rare combination of laureate portrait with this eagle type. Minor deposits. Especially sharp strike. Mint State $500
409. Tetradrachm, 12.70g (6h). Antioch, 247 AD. Obv: AYTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Bust radiate, cuirassed left, seen from front, Medusa head on cuirass. Rx: ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC YΠΑ TΟ Γ around, ANTIOXIA / S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right, wreath in beak. McAlee 919a (Scarce). Prieur 354 (19 spec.). EF $400
410. Reverse legend error. Tetradrachm, 11.18g (1h). Antioch, 249 AD. Obv: AVTOK K M IOVΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Bust laureate, cuirassed left, seen from front, short cuirass flaps visible on left shoulder. Rx: ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIC (sic, A left out) VΠΑ TΟ Δ around, ANTIOXIA / S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right, wreath in beak. Rev. legend var. of McAlee-941d (V. Rare) and Prieur 422 (5 spec.). Apparently unpublished with engraver’s error in reverse legend, A omitted from EΞOYCIAC. Minor area of weak strike. EF $400 McAlee 941e records a similar engraver’s error in the obverse legend of a bust variant of the same coin: V left out from IOVΛI.
411. Philip II as Caesar. Tetradrachm, 12.19g (7h). Antioch, 244 AD. Obv: MAP IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC KECAP Bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOYCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right on palm branch, head left, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 1008. Prieur 333 (30 spec.). Mint State $500
ΔHMAPX EΞOVCIAC VΠA TO Δ around, ANTIOXIA / S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 1065c (Ex. Rare). Not in Prieur. EF $500
412. Philip II as Caesar, wrongly with obverse legend of Philip I. Tetradrachm, 10.94g (1h). Antioch, 244 AD. Obv: AYTOK KAI M IOYΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust of Philip II right. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOYCAC (sic, I omitted) around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right on palm branch, holding wreath in beak, tip of left wing passes behind left leg. Rev. type var. of McAlee 1012 (Ex. Rare) and Prieur 333A (1 spec.). EF $500 An interesting coin with an accumulation of three rare features. First, on the obverse, the bare-headed, beardless portrait of Philip II as Caesar was wrongly given the obverse legend of his father, Philip I Augustus. Only one other such coin is known, published and illustrated by Prieur 333A; our piece is from the same obverse die. Second, this reverse type with eagle looking right rather than left, McAlee’s Type 2 eagle, is very rare on Philip’s tetradrachms of 244. The other piece with incorrect obverse legend, by contrast, has the normal reverse type of 244, with eagle looking left. Third, the legend on the reverse die of our coin also contains an error, the I having been left out of the word EΞOYCIAC. This same reverse die, with eagle looking right and error EΞOYCAC, had previously been known only coupled with a correctly labeled obverse die of Philip II Caesar, McAlee 1013 and Prieur 334, and a correct obverse die of Philip I, McAlee 890 and Prieur 322.
413. Philip II as Augustus. Tetradrachm, 13.05g (1h). Antioch, 247 AD. Obv: AVTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rx: ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC VΠA TO Γ around, ANTIOXIA / S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 1028 (Scarce). Prieur 415 (18 spec.). Mint State $500
414. Tetradrachm, 12.68g (7h). Antioch, 248-9 AD. Obv: AVTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB Bust laureate, cuirassed left, seen from front, belt over right shoulder and across chest, eagle head from sword handle visible on breast; two pellets (officina 2) below left shoulder of bust, at end of obverse legend. Rx:
Very rare left facing, cuirassed bust type showing sword (only eagle-tipped handle visible) borne on belt over shoulder. Only one specimen known to McAlee 1065c, seen in Barry Murphy’s stock in 2003; our coin, apparently the second known, is from the same dies.
415. Otacilia Severa. Tetradrachm, 11.61g (12h). Antioch, 244 AD. Obv: MAP ΩTAKIΛ CEOVHPAN CEB Draped bust right on crescent, wearing stephane. Rx: ΔHMAPX - EΞOYCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing left on palm branch, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 1086. Prieur 324 (27 spec.). Some staining on reverse. VF $500
416. Trajan Decius, 249-251 AD. Tetradrachm, 14.14g (6h). Antioch, c. 250-1 AD. Obv: AVT K Γ ME KV ΔEKIOC TPAIANOC CEB Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right, three pellets (officina 3) below bust. Rx: ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right on palm branch, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 1113c (Scarce). Prieur 527 (13 spec.). Exceptional portrait. Some deposits on reverse. EF $400
417. Tetradrachm, 11.93g (6h). Antioch, c. 250-1 AD. Obv: AVT K Γ ME KV ΔEKIOC TPAIANOC CEB Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rx: ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing left on palm branch, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 1116h (Rare). Prieur 520 (10 spec.). EF $300
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Unpublished Triple Alliance Medallion
418. Herennius Etruscus as Caesar. Tetradrachm, 12.35g (12h). Antioch. Obv: EPENN ETPOV ME KV ΔEKIOC KECAP Bare-headed, draped bust right, two pellets (officina 2) below bust. Rx: ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right on palm branch, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 1152b (Scarce). Prieur 631 (18 spec.). EF with luster $400
419. Trebonianus Gallus. 251-253 AD. AE 24, 10.10g (1h). Samaria, Neapolis. Obv: [AVT KAI Γ OVIB TPI]B ΓAΛΛOC CEB Bust laureate, cuirassed right, seen from front, fold of cloak on front shoulder. Rx: ΦΛ NEAC -ΠOΛEWC Gallus and Volusian, both togate, stand facing each other, each extending patera over altar between them with right hand and holding short scepter in left; between their heads, Mt. Gerizim between star and crescent. Harl, Neapolis, Museum Notes 29, 1984, no. 120 (A28-P113), pl. 13 (mislabeled 121), citing Rosenberger 112. Apparently only the second recorded specimen of this interesting type. Light smoothing, band of radiate crown and hair above forehead tooled. Repatinated after its appearance in Gemini VII. VF $800 Ex Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 867 (Dr. Patrick Tan Collection). Harl seems to have misidentifed the obverse die of the Rosenberg specimen of this coin as being his A27, when in fact it is his A28. Our coin is definitely from his A28, the same obverse die as his catalogue no. 124, pl. 13 = SNG ANS 1034.
420. Volusian. Tetradrachm, 12.28g (7h). Antioch. Obv: AVTOK K Γ AΦIN ΓAΛ OVENΔ OVOΛOVCCIANOV CEB Laureate, draped bust right, seen from front, two pellets (officina 2) below bust. Rx: ΔHMAPX E - ΞOYCIAC around, S C in exergue, Eagle with spread wings standing right on ground line, head left, holding wreath in beak, between legs B (officina 2). McAlee 1187b (Rare). Prieur 695 (9 spec.). Some porosity. EF $350
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421. Valerian I, 253-260 AD. AE 43, Medallion, 40.31g (12h). Mytilene, Lesbos. Obv: AVT K Π ΛΙΚ ΒΑΛEPIANOC AVT K Π ΛIK ΓAΛΛIHNOC Vis-à-vis busts of Valerian on the left and Gallienus on the right, each laureate, draped, and cuirassed. Rx: EΠI CTP - BAΛ APICT - O - MA - XOV around, OMO - NOI / A in two lines in upper field, MVTIΛHNAIΩN / ΠEPΓAMHN / EΦECI in three lines in exergue, City-goddess of Mytilene seated facing, wearing mural crown and holding patera and herm of Dionysos, between (a) standing figure of Asklepios of Pergamum on left, holding rod with serpent entwined around it, and (b) archaic cult-image of Artemis of Ephesus on right. Unpublished, but cf. Franke/Nollé 1343-4 (the same rev. die, coupled with an obv. type of Zeus). Choice EF $9,000 A rare reverse type showing Mytilene in alliance with both Pergamum and Ephesus, apparently unique and unpublished in combination with this obverse type of Valerian I and Gallienus together. Our reverse type was hitherto known on only two medallions, in Paris and in the von Aulock collection, both from the same reverse die as our medallion, but coupled with a “quasi-autonomous” obverse type of Zeus Boulaios (FrankeNollé 1343-4). Under the same strategos Val. Aristomachos, Mytilene indeed struck smaller bronze coins for both Valerian I alone and Gallienus alone, but our medallion die combining the portraits and titles of both emperors was hitherto unknown. Cohen reports provincial medallions of Valerian I and Gallienus together only from two mints, Temenothyrae in Phrygia (e.g. SNG Aulock 4012) and Tripolis in Lydia (Mionnet III, p. 396, no. 541); the reported pieces have different legends and bust types than our medallion, so are from different obverse dies. The alliances commemorated on provincial coins were normally only between two cities; types like ours that commemorated an alliance among three cities were unusual. See H. von Aulock, Die Homonoia-Münzen von Mytilene, JNG XIX, 1969, pp. 83-88, pl. 7-8.
Rare Postumus Aureus
422. Postumus. 260-268 AD. Aureus, 6.35g (6h). Gaul, 263-4 AD. Obv: POSTVMVS - PIVS AVG Head laureate right. Rx: INDVLG PIA POSTVMI AVG Postumus, laureate and togate, seated left on curule chair, holding roll and extending right hand towards small figure kneeling before him. B. Schulte, Goldprägung der gallischen Kaiser, 92, pl. 7 (same dies). RIC 276 (R2). Cohen 145 (250 Fr.). Calicó 3737 (R3). Rare: known to Schulte in eight specimens, from five obverse and four reverse dies. Flan crack on obverse at 8h. EF $79,000 The reverse commemorates the “dutiful generosity” of Postumus, presumably exercised when he celebrated his quinquennalia which are one of the main themes of this issue of gold coins, Schulte’s Group 6b. Alföldi cited this type as proof that kneeling adoration of the emperor had been introduced before the Tetrarchy; Schulte (pp. 35-6) thinks that it is actually a small curved object held by the emperor that the kneeling figure is adoring. In our opinion the curved object is merely a clumsy rendering of the emperor’s thumb, as also on Schulte, pl. 6, reverse dies 45 and 49, and the kneeling figure is stretching out his arms to receive a gift from the emperor, not to worship him.
424. Vabalathus as Augustus. 272 AD. Antoninianus, 3.12g (5h). Antioch. Obv: IM C VHABALATHVS AVG Bust radiate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: VICTORIA AVG Victory standing left holding wreath and palm, star in left field. RIC 6 (R3). Paris 1267. Cohen 6 (200 Fr.). Bland, Coinage of Vabalathus, Num. Chron. 171, 2011, pl. 22, 27i (same dies). Rare antoninianus of Vabalathus as Augustus: with this Victory reverse type Bland found 15 specimens, from six obverse and eight reverse dies. Good VF $2,500 According to the Egyptian papyri, Vabalathus’ revolt against Aurelian began sometime after April 17, 272 and had already been suppressed by June 24, 272: see M. Price in Numismatic. Chronicle 1973. The rarity of the antoniniani and Egyptian tetradrachms of the revolt suggests that it was very brief, probably lasting no more than a couple of weeks. SISCIA PROBI AVG Complex Reverse Scene
425. Probus. 276-282 AD. Antoninianus, 3.90g (12h). Siscia. Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG Bust radiate, cuirassed left, holding spear and shield. Rx: SISCIA PROBI AVG Citygoddess of Siscia seated left on throne, holding out both ends of a long piece of cloth, and flanked by two river gods (Savus and Colapis), each holding an urn from which water flows; additional waves below and, below the waves, XXIT (officina 3). The T in the mintmark was apparently engraved over an earlier Q (officina 4). Alföldi, Siscia V, 69/13 (1 spec., in Zagreb). Bust var. of Cohen 638 (citing a private collection, 20 Fr.) and RIC 764 (R). A rare obverse legend and bust type variety for this interesting reverse type, and with a possibly unrecorded altered officina letter in the mintmark. EF $3,900 Ex Künker 243, 21 November 2013, lot 5166. Enlargement
423. Claudius II Gothicus, 268-270 AD. Billon Tetradrachm, 10.23g (12h). Alexandria, Egypt, Year 2 = 269/70 AD. Obv: AVT K [K]ΛAVΔIOC CEB Bust laureate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: Elpis/Spes advancinng left, holding flower and raising skirt; date L - B across field. Cologne 3035. Dattari 5388. Emmett 3881/2. Choice EF $100
Siscia, which lay at the confluence of the two rivers depicted in the coin type, is called Probus’ special city in the legend, probably because it had played an important role in the emperor’s campaigns in Pannonia.
Enlargement
81
Amazing Allectus Antoninianus
426. Magnia Urbica, Wife of Carinus. Antoninianus, 3.62g (11h). Rome, 283-285 AD. Obv: MAGN VRBICA AVG Draped bust right on crescent, wearing stephane. Rx: VENVS V - ICTRIX Venus standing left, holding helmet and scepter and with shield leaning against her legs; in exergue KAS (officina 6). RIC 343. Cohen 17 (10 Fr.). Venèra 3894-3918 (25 spec.). EF $750 Ex Künker 243, 21 November 2013, lot 5178.
428. Allectus. 293-296 AD. Antoninianus, 4.52g (6h). Camulodunum. Obv: IMP C ALLECTVS P F AVG Bust radiate, cuirassed right, seen from front. Rx: PA - X - AVG around, C in exergue, S - P across field, Pax standing left holding branch and transverse scepter. RIC 91. Burnett, Coinage of Allectus,146. Lovely black patination. EF $2,000 Ex NAC 36, 16 May 2007, Barry Feirstein Collection, lot 182; purchased by Feirstein from Harlan J. Berk.
Spectacular Hercules Reverse
427. Maximianus. 286-305 AD. Aureus, 5.54g (6h). Rome, 294 AD. Obv: MAXIMIA - NVS P F AVG Head laureate right. Rx: HERCVLI - DEBELLAT around, PROM in exergue, Hercules, nude, standing right, raising club to slay the hydra, one of whose five heads he grasps with his left hand, while the hydra wraps its tail around Hercules’ left leg. Calicó 4662 (same dies). Cf. Cohen 255 (Hercules standing left, 300 Fr.). Mint State $40,000 Apparently only the second recorded specimen with Hercules standing right rather than left on the reverse, after the example illustrated by Calicó which is the same as NAC 49, 2008, Biaggi, 428; Biaggi 1786; and M. Ratto, 26 January 1955, 1082. Depeyrot 9/7, p. 83, cites this same coin, but fails to note the variant reverse type, mistakenly equating it with seven other specimens showing Hercules standing left.
429. Domitius Domitianus. 296-297 AD. Follis, 8.36g (1h). Alexandria. Obv: IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG Head laureate right. Rx: GENIO POPV - L - I ROMAN[I] around, AL[E] in exergue, Γ in right field, Genius of the Roman people standing left, pouring liquid from patera and holding cornucopia, eagle with wings spread standing at his feet. RIC 20, officina Γ=3. Cohen 1 (100 Fr.). VF $2,500 Ex Roma Numismatics VI, 29 September 2013, lot 993.
430. Alexander. 308-311 AD. Reduced follis, 4.80g (6h). Carthage. Obv: IMP ALEXANDER P F AVG Head laureate right. Rx: IOVI CONSE - RVATORI around, PK in exergue, Jupiter standing left holding thunderbolt and scepter. RIC 69 (R5, unique in Milan). Cohen 7 corr. (Milan, 200 Fr.). Apparently only the fourth recorded specimen with this reverse type, the other three being in Milan and in two sales of 1988 (MMAG 73, October 1988, lot 272) and 2011 (CNG E258, 22 June 2011, lot 465). Expertly cleaned after its appearance in CNG 94. EF/VF $6,900 Ex CNG 94, 18 September 2013, lot 1093 (Ronald J. Hansen Coll.); ex NAC 51, 5 March 2009, lot 423.
Enlargement
Enlargement
82
1914 Pedigree. Facing Portrait of Licinius II
431. Licinius II as Caesar. 317-324 AD. Solidus, 5.29g (12h). Nicomedia, 321-2 AD. Obv: D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C Bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust facing front. Rx: IOVI CONSER - VATORI CAES Platform inscribed SIC.V. / SIC.X. in two lines, upon which Jupiter, nude apart from cloak hanging from left shoulder and wrapped around lower body, sits front, holding Victory on globe and scepter, eagle at his feet with wreath in beak, SMNE in exergue. RIC 42 (4 spec. from officina E=5). Depeyrot 31/2, p. 126 (7 spec. from this officina). Calicó 5152. Cohen 28 (300 Fr.). A few faint scratches. About EF $47,000
432. Crispus as Caesar. 317-326 AD. Reduced Follis, 2.83g (5h). Cyzicus, c. 317-20 AD. Obv: D N FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES Laureate bust left holding mappa and scepter. Rx: IOVI CONSER - VATORI CAESS Jupiter standing l. holding Victory on globe and scepter, SNK in exergue, wreath and S in field. RIC 10, officina S=6 (r3). Small letters in the obverse legend and a small bust of the Caesar, leaving much empty field between the two. Choice EF $125
Helena Solidus
From the estate of Rear Admiral E.L. Tottenham. Ex Merrill’s, 29 August 1914, lot 26. With Spink envelope.
433. Helena, Mother of Constantine I. Solidus, 4.36g (1h). Sirmium, 324-5 AD. Obv: FL HELENA - AVGVSTA Diademed, draped bust right, seen from front, wearing earring and necklace. Rx: SECVRITAS - REIPVBLICE Empress, draped and veiled, standing left holding branch, SIRM in exergue. RIC 60 (BM only). Depeyrot 9/6, p. 106 (4 specimens, including ours). Cohen 11 (800 Fr.). Apparently only the fourth recorded solidus of Helena from this mint, the other three being in BM, the Sirmium Hoard, and M&M 52, 19-20 June 1975, lot 759. Impressive pedigree. A great rarity. This coin has been repaired and the surface wizzed, but still it has good eye appeal and would be presentable even in an important collection. With regard to wear About EF $10,000 Ex Gemini VIII, 14 April 2011, lot 552. Ex Leu 28, 5-6 May 1981, lot 568 (brought 39,000 Swiss francs plus fees).
Enlargement
434. Urbs Roma. Reduced follis, 2.73g (5h). Heraclea, 330-3 AD. Obv: VRBS ROMA Helmeted bust left. Rx: She-wolf standing left, suckling twins and turning back her head to lick them, two stars above, SMHE in exergue. RIC 114, officina E=5 (r2). EF $125 Ex NAC R, 17 May 2007, lot 1630.
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Ex Egger 1913
435. Constans. 337-350 AD. Centenionalis, 3.92g (6h). Siscia, c. 348-50 AD. Obv: D N CONSTA - NS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped bust left, holding globe in left hand. Rx: FEL TEMP. REPA - RATIO Soldier holding spear pointing upwards and leading barbarian right from hut under tree; BSISRM in exergue. RIC 218c, officina B=2. Choice EF $200
436. Constantius II. 337-361 AD. Siliqua, 3.51g (7h). Constantinople, 351-5 AD. Obv: D N CONSTAN - TIVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, seen from front. Rx: VOTIS / XXX / MVLTIS / XXXX within wreath, mintmark C (palm) Γ below. RIC 104 (S), officina Γ=3. Cohen 342 (6 Fr.). RSC 342-3k. This officina Γ=3 recorded from a specimen in Vienna by RIC 104; the BM has specimens from just officinae 8 and 11. Lovely iridescent toning. Good EF $500
438. Valentinian III. 425-455 AD. Contorniate, 49.79g (1h). Rome, c. 433 AD. Obv: D N PLA VALENTI – NIANVS P F AVG Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from front; in right field, sun incuse. Rx. MARGARI – TA VINCAS Performer standing facing, head right, holding wreath in right hand; to left, winged putto flying right, holding out wreath to the performer. Alföldi 466, this coin only, illustrated pl. 189, 6. RIC 2176, pl. 54 (this coin). VF $9,000 Ex NAC 72, 16 May 2013, lot 803. Ex Sachero Collection, Turin. Ex Egger 45, 1913, lot 1259.
437. Nepotian. 351 AD. Centenionalis, 5.40g (6h). Rome. Obv: FL NEP CONST - ANTINVS AVG Bust laureate, draped right, seen from front. Rx: VRBS - ROMA around, R E in exergue, Roma seated left above shield, holding Victory on globe and spear. Bust var. of RIC 203 (R3), officina E=5. Bastien, Magnence, p. 208. Cohen 4 (160 Fr.). On this coin Magnentius usually wears a diadem composed of rosettes alternating with pairs of laurel leaves. Our coin, however, shows him wearing a laurel wreath only, with a single rosette or medallion at the top of the wreath. Somewhat corroded, otherwise VF $5,000 The usurpation of Nepotian at Rome against Magnentius lasted only thirty days, apparently in c. May-June 351 AD, not 350 as traditionally stated. The obverse legend on our coin stresses Nepotian’s descent from the family of Constantine the Great: he was the son of Constantine’s sister Eutropia.
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The performer shown on the reverse was apparently a man, MARGARITA being the vocative form of the masculine name Margarites: see Die Kontorniat-Medaillons II, p. 224. The same obverse die was also used with a reverse die commemorating the consulship of Petronius Maximus in 433 AD.
439. Marcian. 450-457 AD. Solidus, 4.36g (12h). Constantinople. Obv: D N MARCIA - NVS P F AVG Helmeted bust facing, diademed with frontal ornament, cuirassed, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman riding down enemy. Rx: VICTORI - A AVGGG B Victory standing left supporting long jeweled cross; in right field, star; in exergue, CONOB. RIC 510 (S), officina B=2. MIRB 5b. DO 477. Berk 23 var. Nose a bit flat. About EF $500 Ex Fleischman. Ex Ganz, 17 February 1956.
Rare and Extraordinary Majorian Half Siliqua
440. Majorian. 457-461 AD. Northern Gaul, Half Siliqua, 0.72g (6h). Obv: D N I[VL MAIO]RI - ANVS P F AVG Helmeted, draped, cuirassed bust right, seen from front, with double pearl diadem on helmet. Rx: VITO - R CC (starting lower right, retrograde, blundered and abbreviated from VICTORIA AVGG) Victory standing left holding long cross, in exergue pellet between two stars C. King, “Fifth Century Silver Issues in Gaul,” SNL, Group B; FS Jelocnik 1988. RIC 2651 (R4), pl. 60 (same dies). Choice VF $15,000
443. Vandals, Gelimer, 530-534 AD. 42 Nummi, 12.65g (4h). Carthage. Obv: Carthage standing facing, holding grain ears in both hands, all within laurel wreath. Rx: NXLII within laurel wreath. Grierson 34. Hahn 17a. BM 3. Planchet defect at base of figure. Dark green patina. About EF $500
Ex CNG 87, 18 May 2011, lot 1183.
444. Vandals, Gelimer, 530-534 AD. 42 Nummi, 10.53g (12h). Carthage. Obv: [KA]R[T] HAGO Soldier standing left, reaching out right hand and holding spear in left. Rx: Horse’s head with bridle left; XLII in exergue. Grierson 43. Hahn 22. BM 10. Dark green patina. VF $500
Enlargement
441. Leo I. 457-474 AD. Solidus, 4.46g (5h). Constantinople. Obv: D N LEO PE - RPET AVG Helmeted, cuirassed bust threequarter front to right, holding spear and shield. Rx: VICTORI - A AVGGG Γ Victory standing left, holding long voided cross; to right, star; in exergue, CONOB. RIC 605 (S), officina Γ=3. Depeyrot 93/1, p. 258 (96 specimens from officina 3). MIB 3. With tag from former NGC slab, graded MS, Strike 5/5. Surface 4/5. Mint State $2,500
445. Vandals. Gelimer. 42 Nummi, 10.70g (7h). Carthage, 530534 AD. Obv: KART-HAG[O] Soldier standing left, reaching out right hand and holding spear in left Rx: Horse’s head with bridle left; XXI in exergue. Grierson 45. Hahn 23. BM 14. Dark green, almost black patina. VF $500
Ex Stack’s, 13 July 1994, Dimitriadis Collection, lot 1646. A Group of Choice and Rare Vandal Coins
Enlargement
442. Vandals, Gunthamund. 484-496. 25 Denarii, 0.34g (5h). Carthage. Obv: Diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, D N RX-[G] VNTHΛ around. Rx: DN / XXV within wreath. Grierson 11. Hahn 4. BM 8. Probably among the finest known. Choice VF $500
446. Anastasius I. 491-518 BC. Solidus, 4.30g (7h). Constantinople, c. 492-507 AD. Obv: D N ANASTA-SIVS PP AVC Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield decorated with soldier on horseback motif in left hand. Rx: VICTORIA - A AVCCC H Victory standing left, holding jeweled cross in right hand; star to right; CONOB in exergue. Berk 30. DOC 3g. MIBE 4a. Sear 3. About EF $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
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hand. Indeterminate border. Rx: RM monogram with cross above. SNR 64 1985, Type 10. O’Hara 20. NAC/Leu May 1993, lot 594 (six known). Sear 1308 var. EF $1,600
Enlargement
447. Byzantine-Papal. Constantine IV and Pope St. Benedict. Siliqua, 0.22g (6h). Rome, c. 684-5 AD. Obv: Crowned beardless bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger in right hand. Indeterminate border. Rx: Rm in monogram combined with a short barred cross monogram, eight-pointed star in upper left field. Pellet and bar border. SNR 64 (1985), Type 6. O’Hara 11 (this coin). NAC/Leu May 1993, lot 589 (three known). Sear 1233 var. EF $2,250 This and the following two small silver coins surprisingly combine a portrait of the Byzantine emperor on the obverse with the monogram of the serving bishop of Rome (Pope) on the reverse, implying that the popes acquired temporal sovereignty long before historians had hitherto suspected. Though a few such coins were already published by Sabatier in 1862, they did not really become known and appreciated until Michael O’Hara published a small find of them in the Swiss Numismatic Review for 1985, and a group of 41 of them then appeared in an NACLeu Sale in May 1993, with an introduction also by Michael O’Hara. As O’Hara there wrote, “These small silver coins, to use the rather sensational terminology in the Daily Telegraph item (Sept. 12, 1986), are expected to prompt the rewriting of a chunk of mediaeval (Dark Age) history”. Finest Known
450. Justinian I. 527-565 AD. Tremissis, 1.49g (6h). Constantinople. Obv: D N IVSTINI - ANVS PP AVG Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, seen from front. Rx: VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM Victory advancing right, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger; to right, star; in exergue, CONOB. Sear 145. DO 19. Slightly wavy flan, otherwise sharp strike and good centering. EF $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection. Ex M&M Sale, February 1995, lot 61.
451. Follis, 23.53g (7h). Constantinople, 527-565 AD, Year 13 (539/40 AD). Obv: Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross to right. Rx: Large M with cross above, A/N/N/O to left and year to right (XIII); Γ below M and CON in exergue. DOC 38c. MIBE 95a. Sear 163. Attractive green patina. Good EF $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
Enlargement
448. Byzantine-Papal. Constantine IV and St. Vitalian. Siliqua, 0.27g (5h). Rome, c. 657-72 AD. Obv: Crowned beardless bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger in right hand. Indeterminate border. Rx: Squat monogram of Pope Vitalian. SNR 64 1985, Type 7b. O’Hara 15. NAC/Leu May 1993, lot 585 (three known). Sear 1233A var. Berman p. 32, 8. Brighter silver. EF $3,750 Finest Known
Enlargement
449. Byzantine-Papal. Justinian II and Pope John V. Siliqua, 0.30g (5h). Rome, c. 685-6 AD. Obv: Crowned beardless bust facing, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger in right
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First Portrait of Christ in Semissis Denomination
452. Justinian II. First Reign, 685-695 AD. Semissis, 2.14g (12h). Constantinople. Obv: [IiS C]RISTOS REX - REJNANTIVM Bust of Christ facing, with cross behind head; he has long hair and a full beard, wears pallium and colobium, and raises his right hand in benediction, while holding book of Gospels in left. Rx: D IVST[INIA]NV - S SERV ChRISTI Justinian standing facing, wearing crown and loros, holding cross potent and akakia. Sear 1252. DO 10. MIB 12. Flat strike on obverse rim from 7h to 9h. The type is exceedingly rare in the semissis denomination. EF $3,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection.
453. Justin II and Sophia, 565-578 AD. Follis, 15.26g (7h). Nicomedia, Year 5=569/70 AD. Obv: D N IVSTI - NVS P P AVG Justin and Sophia seated facing, both nimbate, he holds globus cruciger, she holds cruciform scepter. Rx: Large M, cross above, A below (officina 1), date left and right (ANNO U), NIKO in exergue. Sear 369. Berk 318. Choice EF $400
Ex Harlan Berk Collection
454. Constantine V, Copronymus and Leo IV. 741-775 AD. Solidus, 4.43g (6h). Constantinople, c. 757-775 AD. Obv: COnSTAnTINOS S LEOn O nEOS Crowned facing busts of Constantine (to left) and Leo IV (to right), each wearing chlamys, cross between heads. Rx: C - LE - ON P A MUL Crowned facing bust of Leo IV wearing loros, holding cross potent on base in right hand. Berk 226 (this coin). DOC 2d. Sear 1551. Superb strike and centering. Choice EF $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection. Ex “An Important Private Collection of Byzantine Coins”, Sotheby’s, New York, 2 November 1998, lot 408. Ex Harlan Berk Collection.
455. Leo IV, the Khazar. 775-780 AD. Solidus, 4.43g (6h). Constantinople, c. 776-778 AD. Obv: LEOn VS [S ESSOn CONSTAnTInOS] O nEO Facing busts of Leo IV, with short beard (on left) and Constantine VI, beardless (on right), each wearing crown and chlamys; between their heads, pellet; in field above, cross. Rx: LEOn PAP’ COnSTANTInO[S PATHR] Facing busts of Leo III (on left) and Constantine V (on right), both with short beard, each wearing crown and loros; between their heads, pellet; in field above, cross. Berk 232. Sear 1583. DO 1. VF+ $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection. Ex William Herbert Hunt Collection (Sotheby’s New York, 21 June 1991), lot 545 (part of).
456. Constantine VI and Irene. 780-797 AD. Solidus, 4.38g (6h). Constantinople. Obv: IRInH - AΓOVSTI Bust of Irene facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding globus cruciger and cruciform scepter. Rx: COnSTAn - TInOS bAS Bust of Constantine VI facing, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger and akakia. Berk 235 (this coin). Sear 1594. DO 3b. Three light marks in obverse field above the globus cruciger and spot of discoloration at 1h on the reverse edge, otherwise a lovely strike and vibrant toning. Lustrous EF $12,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection. Ex “An Important Private Collection of Byzantine Coins”, Sotheby’s, New York, 2 November 1998, lot 420 (ex Harlan Berk Collection).
457. Michael II. 820-829 AD. Solidus, 4.31g (6h). Constantinople, c. 810-829 AD. Obv: *MIX-AHL-bASILE’ Bust facing, bearded, wearing chlamys and crown with cross on circlet; in right hand, cross potent on base; in left, akakia. Rx: ΘΕΟFI-LO dESP’+E Bust facing, beardless, wearing loros and crown with cross on circlet; in right hand, globus cruciger; in left, cross scepter. Berk 241. Sear 1640. DO 5a. VF+ $500 Ex Sotheby’s New York, Hunt Collection, 5-6 December 1990, lot 642.
458. 820-829 AD. Solidus, 3.91g (6h). Syracuse. Obv: MI - XAHL b Bust of Michael facing, with short beard, wearing crown and loros, and holding cross potent. Rx: ΘEO - FILOS b Facing bust of Theophilus, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding globus cruciger. Berk 244. Sear 1645. DO 14b. Small flan but nicely struck. EF $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre Constantine Dimitriadis Collection. Ex Stack’s, June 1994, lot 2063.
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459. Basil I, the Macedonian. 867-886 AD. Solidus, 4.38g (6h). Constantinople, c. 868-879 AD. Obv: + IhS XPS REX REGNANTIUM * Christ, nimbate, seated facing, bearded, on small lyre-backed throne, wearing tunic and himation, right hand raised outwards in blessing, book resting on left knee. Rx: bASILIOS ET COnSTANT’ AUGG’ b’ Two busts facing, Basil on left, bearded, wearing loros and crown with cross, Constantine on right, smaller, beardless, wearing chlamys and crown with cross; patriarchal cross held between them by their right hands. Sear 1704. DO 2. BN 4-7. Coin is clipped. Slight overall wear, but good surfaces and centering. Good VF $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection. Purchased from Spink, 1985.
460. Solidus, 4.39g (6h). Constantinople, c. 868-879 AD. Obv: + IhS XPS REX - REGNANTIUM * Christ, nimbate, seated facing, bearded, on small lyre-backed throne, wearing tunic and himation, right hand raised outwards in blessing, book resting on left knee. Rx: bASILIOS ET COnSTANT’ AUGG’ b’ Two busts facing, Basil on left, bearded, wearing loros and crown with cross, Constantine on right, smaller, beardless, wearing chlamys and crown with cross; patriarchal cross held between them by their right hands. Sear 1704. DO 2. BN 4-7. Good VF $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection. Ex William Herbert Hunt Collection, Sotheby’s New York, 21 June 1991, lot 557 (part of).
461. Follis, 6.27g (6h). Constantinople. Obv: +bASILIO - S BASILEVS Basil enthroned facing, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum and akakia. Rx: +bASIL / IOS EN ΘEO / bASILEVS / ROMEON in four lines. Sear 1709. Berk 905. Dark green patina. Small deposit at bottom of obverse, otherwise EF $400
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462. Romanus III, Argyrus. 1028-1034 AD. Histamenon Nomisma, 4.39g (6h). Constantinople. Obv: + IhS XIS REX - RESNANTIhm Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, book of Gospels; double border. Rx: ΘCE bOHΘ - RWmAhW The Virgin nimbate (on right) and Romanus, bearded (on left), both standing facing; the Virgin wears pallium and maphorium, and with her right hand crowns the emperor, who wears saccos and loros, and holds globus cruciger in left; between their heads, MΘ; six pellets on the fold of robe hanging beneath the globus cruciger; double border. Berk 296. DO 1d. Sear 1819. Slight doubling on head of Christ, otherwise a wonderful strike. VF+/EF $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection.
463. Histamenon Nomisma, 4.34g (6h). Constantinople. Obv: Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, book of Gospels; double border. Rx: The Virgin nimbate (on right) and Romanus, bearded (on left), both standing facing; the Virgin wears pallium and maphorium, and with her right hand crowns the emperor, who wears saccos and loros, and holds globus cruciger in left; between their heads, MΘ; four pellets on the fold of robe hanging beneath the globus cruciger; double border. Berk 296. DO 1d. Sear 1819. Ratto 1972-3. Nice strike with minimal wear. About EF $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection.
464. Constantine IX. 1042-1055 AD. Histamenon Nomisma, 4.37g (6h). Constantinople. Obv: Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction; in left hand, book of Gospels; triple border. Rx: Bust facing, bearded, wearing crown, loros and saccos, and holding labarum and plain globus cruciger. Berk 302. DO 2a. Sear 1829. Fine frontal portrait of Christ. Mint State $1,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
maniakon, KWNCTANTINOC ΔΕCΠΟΤΗC Ο ΠΑΛΕΟΛΟΓ in the outer circle, ΘV ΧΑΡΙΤΗ ΒΑCΙΛΕΩC ΡΟΜΕΟΝ in the inner circle. Bendall, Revue Numismatique 1991, ‘The Coinage of Constantine XI’, pp. 135-142, pl. XV, 93 (this coin). EF for issue $15,000 Purchased from Harlan J. Berk Ltd., 16 July 1990. From the Constantine XI Hoard. Enlargement
Rare Theodora
465. Theodora. 1055-1056 AD. Tetarteron nomisma, 3.96g (6h). Constantinople. Obv: Facing bust of Christ; behind, cross within nimbus crown; barred IC XC across field. Rx: + ӨЄOΔω AVΓOC Facing bust of Theodora, wearing crown with pendilia, saccos, and loros, and holding globus cruciger and jeweled scepter. Berk 309. DO 2. Sear 1838. Off-center obverse, otherwise Good VF $5,000
466. John VIII, Palaeologus. 1423-1448 AD. Half Hyperpryon, 6.98g (7h). Constantinople. Obv: Facing bust of Christ Pantocrator; no sigla / + IWANHC ΔECΠOTHC O ΠΑΛΕΟΛΟΓOC (outer circle); + ΘV XAPITI AVTOKPATWP (inner circle). Rx: facing bust of John, crowned and nimbate; sigla: pellet | pellet.. Sear 2564. Bendall, LPC, p. 172, 1. EF for issue $1,000
Enlargement
468. Eighth-stravrata, 0.48g (12h). Constantinople, Siege of Constantinople. Obv: Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cr. and holding book of Gospels. Rev. Crowned bust of Constantine facing, wearing maniakon. Bendall, Revue Numismatique 1991, ‘The Coinage of Constantine XI’, p. 135-142. pl. XVII, 148 (this coin). EF for issue $7,000 Purchased from Harlan J. Berk Ltd., 16 July 1990. From the Constantine XI Hoard.
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Andre C. Dimitriadis Collection. Ex William Herbert Hunt Collection (Sotheby’s New York, 21 June 1991), lot 152. Two Examples of the Last Byzantine Coinage
467. Constantine XI. Palaeologus. 1448-1453 AD. Stavrata, 6.80g (12h). Constantinople, Siege of Constantinople. Obv: Bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cruciger and holding book of Gospels. Rev. Crowned bust of Constantine facing, wearing
Enlargement
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WORLD COINS
469. Austria. Rudolph II. 1576-1612. 2 Thaler, 1604. Obv: RVDOLPHVS.II.D.G:IM:SEM:HV:BO:REX Bust right with date below. Rx: NEC NON ARCHIDVCE-SA. DVC:BVR:CO:TIROL Crowned arms in Order chain. Davenport 3004. Lovely toned patina. PCGS MS64 $6,500
470. Archduke Leopold. 1619-1632. Thaler, Hall, 1620. Leopold as Bishop of Strassburg, 1607-1626 Resigned. Obv: *LEOPOLDVS. NEC NON. CAETER(I): D:G: ARCHID: AVSTR(I)(AE) bust right dividing date. Rx: DVC: BVRG:STYR:CAR: ET CARN:COM:TYROL crowned arms with shields of Strasburg and Passau below. Davenport 3328. Original luster with subdued toning especially on the high points. PCGS MS64 $3,100
472. Maximilian Gandolf Von Kuenburg. 1668-1687. Thaler, Salzburg. 1671. Obv: MAX:GAND:D:G: AR: EP:SAL:AP:L. Madonna and child over hatted arms. Inner row SVB TVVM PRAE SIDIVM CONF VG. Rx: S:RVDBERTVS. EPS:SALISBURG:1671 Saint behind arms. Stunning eye appeal, crisp devises with purple and blue toning. Davenport 3508. PCGS MS64+ $3,100
473. Belgium. Maximilian Henry of Bavaria. 1650-1688. Patagon, Liege, 1671. Obv: MAX.HEN.D.G.ARC.COL.PRIN.E(L). Bust right. Rx: .EP.ET.PRINC.LEOD.DVX.BVL.MAR.FR.CO.LOH. Capped arms with date above. Davenport 4294. PCGS AU53 $1,875
474. Carolingian. Charlemagne. 768-814. Denier, 1.11g. Melle. 771-793/4 AD. Obv: C(AR)o/LVS in two lines. Rx: mEDOLVS in circle around central ornament; L with hook. Coupland, Charlemagne 4. Depeyrot 605. MEC I, 727. Toned VF $4,000
471. Leopold I. 1640-1705. Thaler, Hall, 1696/5. Obv: LEOPOLDVS.D:G:ROM:IMP: SE:A:G:H:B:REX. Leopold I “Hog Mouth” armored bust right with IAK below. Rx: ARCHID:AVST:-DVX:BV:CO:TYR:1696/5 Crowned arms. Davenport 3245. Amazing gold, blue, purple and red toning in the fields. PCGS MS64 $2,500
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Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Astarte 11, 12 December 2002, lot 1146. Ex Aufhauser 3, 7 October 1986, lot 372. In a ceremony in St Peter’s on Christmas Day, 800, Pope Leo III was due to anoint Charlemagne’s son as his heir but unexpectedly, as Charlemagne rose from prayer, the pope placed a crown on his head and acclaimed him emperor. Charlemagne expressed displeasure but diplomatically accepted the honor. This public alliance between the pope and the ruler of a confederation of Germanic tribes launched the concept of the new
Holy Roman Empire and would later facilitate the introduction of the silver penny, which became the mainstay of early medieval commerce.
plain. Guilloteau 3104. Mazard 1281/1276 (obv./rev.). KM Pn57. This large pattern piece has exquisite brown surfaces with underlying traces of red. Gayrard (unsigned). Proof $500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
Enlargement
Rare Chinese Tael
478. Napoleon Bonaparte I. 1769-1821. Marriage Medal, 40mm, 1886. Bronze Marriage of Joseph Napoleon and Catherine of W端rttemberg. Obv: Bust Right. Rx: Amore and Hymen, lovely winged cherubs create garland of roses; coin finish. From the Bayard Series of Unique Napoleon Medals. AU $400
475. China. Manchukuo. Tael, ND (1932). Fr-unlisted. L&M 1067. K 1595. Bruce 1.2. WS 1346. NGC AU Details, Rim bump $5,000
476. France. Napoleon Bonaparte III. 1808-1873. Ministry of Agriculture & Commerce Award Medal. Valence. 25.9g .900 .7495oz. Gold. Obv: Laureate bust of Napoleon III, right, by Barre. Rx: Inscriptions within and outside of wreath. Plain edge with OR and bee. Lustrous. Unc $1,200
477. Second Republic. 1848-1852. 5 Francs Essai, 27.97g, 37.2mm. Bronze. 1848. Obv: Female head left, wearing lion skin head. Rx: Value and date in three lines within laurel wreath. Edge:
479. German States. Brunswick-Wolfenb端ttel. Rudolf August and Anton Urlich. 1685-1704. Thaler. 1702-RB. Obv: D.G.RVD:AVG:ET ANTH:VLR:D.D.BRVN:ET LVN+ Bust right. Rx: DVOBUS-FVLCRIS-SECVRIVS., altars, crowned shield, flags, date below separating .R.-.B. Davenport 2111. PCGS MS64+ $2,500
480. Friedberg. Burgrave Johann Maria Rudolph, Count of Waldbott-Bassenheim. 1777-1805. Thaler. 1804. Obv: FRANC.II.D.G.R.I.S.A.CONSERVATOR CASTRI. 1804* X.E.F.M.ARCK, crowned double-headed eagle with shields. Rx: MON.NOV.CASTRI.IMP.FRIEDBERG: knight on horseback killing dragon, castle in the background. Below dragon GB(F)GH. Davenport 655. BU $3,500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
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VND DER HEILIGE GEIST/ DIESSE DREY SIND EINS EIN EINGER GOTT Qualities of God on 9 beams radiating from sun. Below MEINE AUGEN SEHEN two eyes STETS ZVM HERRN. Rx: 10-line inscription loosely translates as: You rule eternal as the highest good, commanding dominion over life and death, threading everything together in your infinite wisdom. Your helpful words are like a treasure. Your mercy and grace keeps us safe. Subject: The Catechism. Davenport 7447. Incredible eye appeal. Hues of rose, gold, blue and violet. PCGS MS64 $5,350 Rare Reverse Legend Variety 481. Hamburg. Leopold I. 1657-1705. Thaler. 1694-IR. Obv: MONETA NOVA CIVITATIS HAMBURGENSIS. City arms in baroque frame. Rx: Crowned imperial eagle. Davenport 5374. PCGS MS65 $5,000 This type was struck 1694 only and is rather scarce. It was the first Thaler struck since 1687.
482. Nuremburg. Rudolf II. 1552-1612. 60 Kreuzer (Reichsgulde), 25.1g. 1612. Obv: RESPVB/ NVRENBERG/ F.F/M.D.CXII. Two shields of arms. Rx: +RVDOLPH:II:ROM:IMP:AVG:P: F:DEC:. Crowned imperial eagle, 60 in orb on eagle’s breast. Davenport 89. Waiter 149th. Pretty patina, slight planchet flaw on edge. Superb EF $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. An important coin; Emperor Rudolf II died on Jan. 12, 1612 and this coin is said to have been made after his death still bearing his title as Emperor.
484. Schwarzenberg. Ferdinand Wilhelm Eusebius. 1652-1703. Thaler. 1696-MIM. Obv: FERDINAND ET MARIA ANNA Conjoined busts of Ferdinand and Maria Anna. Rx: D: G: PRINC. A SCHWARZENBERG.HAERES.LANDGRAVIA.IN SVLZ+ Two crowned and mantled shields, date above, legend begins at bottom. Reverse legend variety: D: G: PRINC. A. Davenport 7702. Superb luster and patina. Almost proof like contrasts between fields and devices. Finest known! PCGS MS66 $3,750
485. Great Britain. Anglo Saxon, England. Æthelred II. 9781016 AD. Penny, 1.63g, 20mm. London mint, moneyer Leofstan. Obv: +ÆDELRÆD REX ANGLO, Bust left. Rx: +LEO FSTA NMO LVND. Long Cross with crescent finials on arms. Spink 1151. Some marks in field. EF $950 Ex Tom May Collection, published Australasian Coin and Banknote Magazine, 2010 Yearbook, p.55, fig. 6
483. Saxe-New-Gotha. Ernest I “Ernest the Pious”. 1601-1675. Thaler. 1671AKH. Obv: Sun surrounded by 3 lines; EWIG OHNE ANFANG UND ENDE /DER VATER DAS WORT
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Enlargement
An Exceptional British Crown
486. George II. 1727-1760. Crown, 30.08g, LIMA, 1746. Obv: DEI. GRATIA GEORGIVS.II. Wreathed bust left, LIMA below. Rx: A.T.ET.E.17-46.M.B.F.ET. Four shields of arms. Spink 3689. Outstanding eye appeal. Rich toning with beautiful gold, red and blue hues. BU $10,000
489. Trade Dollar, Bombay, 1929. Obv: Britannia standing before sailing ship, holding trident and supporting shield. Rx: Arabesque design with the Chinese symbol for longevity in the center, and the denomination in two languages - Chinese and Jawi Mala. KM-T5. PCGS MS66. $3,000
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex. Triton X, 9-10 January 2007, lot 427.
487. George V. 1865 -1936. Sovereign, 7.98g, 1926 P, Perth mint (Australia). Obv: Bare head left, B.M. on truncation. GEORGIVS V D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: Rx: St George slaying dragon with sword, P mintmark on ground, date in exergue, tiny B.P. to upper right. Bentley 872. McD 284. QM 216 S. KM 29. Fr 40. Marsh 265 R. S 4001. The hardest date to find in the George V Perth series. Mintage 1,131,000. NGC MS62 $1,200
488. Trade Dollar, Bombay, 1929. Obv: Britannia standing before sailing ship, holding trident and supporting shield. Rx: Arabesque design with the Chinese symbol for longevity in the center, and the denomination in two languages - Chinese and Jawi Mala. KM-T5. PCGS MS66+ $3,500
490. Trade Dollar, Bombay, 1930. Obv: Britannia standing before sailing ship, holding trident and supporting shield. Rx: Arabesque design with the Chinese symbol for longevity in the center, and the denomination in two languages - Chinese and Jawi Mala. KM-T5. PCGS MS65 $1,800
491. Guernsey. William IV. 1830-1837. 8 Doubles, 1834. Obv: National arms within 3/4 wreath. Rx: Value, date within wreath. KM 3. NGC MS66 BN $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
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Built the Taj Mahal
492. India, Mughal Empire. Shihab al-Din Muhammad Shah Jahan. AH 1037-1068 / AD 1627-1658. AV Mohur, 10.98g, Surat mint. Dated Azar Ilahi year 2 (23 November - 21 December, AD 1628) KM 255.6. Gem Unc $3,500 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
495. Mesocco. Gian Giacomo Trivulzio. 1487-1518. Silver Grosso da 6 Soldi. 3.61g., 27mm. Obv: IO.IA. TRIVL.MAR.VIGLE. ET. MARE coat of arms. Rx:. GEORGIV .SANCTVS. Giorgio slaying dragon. CNI IV 68, MIR 982. AU/Unc $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Elsen 88, 10 June 2006, lot 685.
Shah Jahan’s reign was the golden age of Mughal architecture. He erected many splendid monuments, the most famous of which is the Taj Mahal at Agra, built in 1632–1654 as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. 496. Napoli. Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain) 1516-1554. Gold Scudo. 3.33g. 23mm. Obv: CAROLVS V ROMANO IMPERA, laureate head right; (IBR) to left; below bust, rosette with four pellets flanking. Rx: RA RAG OV SIC crowned double-headed eagle over coat of arms. Giovan Battista Ravaschien, Mintmaster. CNI XIX 96. Pannuti-Ricio 9a. MIR 131/1. Friedberg 834. Good VF, toned $3,500 493. Ireland. George III. 1760-1820. ½ Penny, 1775. Obv: GEORGIVS .III .REX. Rx: HIBERNIA. 1775. Beautiful redbrown toning. NGC MS63 RB $750
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.1.1598)
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
Finest Known
497. Napoli. Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain) 1516-1554. Carlino. 3.02g, 23mm. Obv: CAROLVS IIIII HO.IMP. Bust right. Rx: REX.ARAGO.VTRIVS.SI Order of the Golden Fleece. Large annuelt below, two smaller annulets above. Giovanni Battista Ravaschien, Mintmaster. CNI XIX 674. Pannuti-Riccio 37d. MIR 149/4. EF $250 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Archer M. Huntington (HSA1001.1.21975)
494. Italian States. Livorno. Cosimo III 1670-1723. Tollero, 1704. Obv: COSMVS.III.D(.)MAG.DVX. ETRVRIAE.VI.1704. crowned bust right. Rx: ET PATET.ET FAVET., Livorno harbor scene with hills in the background. Davenport 1498. This coin is of superlative quality, boasting satiny fields and a precise strike. The color is of slight magenta, green blue. Finest known. PCGS MS64 $12,500
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498. Napoli. Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain) 1516-1554. Tari. 6.19g, 27mm. Obv: CAROLVS.IIIII. ROM.IMP IBR. Bust
right. Rx: .R.HISPA.V TRIV.R.S Crowned eagles over coat of arms. Pannuti-Riccio 21a, Fiorelli 6751. Reverse legend rare. Gorgeous rainbow toning and beautiful portrait. AU/Unc $1,250 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Triton 17, 7-8 January 2014, lot 1182, Archer M. Huntington Collection 6847
499. Napoli. Charles II of Spain 1665-1700. Tari, 5.65g, 26mm. 1686. Andrea Giovane, Mintmaster; Marco Antonio Ariani, Trial Master. Obv: .ET.REGNO. HIS.VICI. Crowned fasces with blade emerging and cornucopia lie atop the earth. Date at the bottom. Rx:.CAROLVS.II.DG.HISP.NEAP.REX. Crowned shield with ornamentation. Order of the Golden Fleece symbol hangs below. CNI XX 273. Pannuti-Riccio 13. MIR 298/5. Bright blues, greens, purple and gold highlight this coin within truly wonderful reflective peripheral fields. Mint State $500
502. Sardinia. Charles II of Spain 1665-1700. 2 1/2 Reali, 6.06g, 24mm, Cagliari, 1696. Obv. .CAROL.II. HISPAN.(ET). SARD. REX Crowned bust right; 12 to left, 6 to right; 1696 below bust. Rx . INIMIC.EIVS. IND(VAM).CONFVS. Central pellet; pellet at each end of bar; stars in quarters. CNI II 70. MIR 86/3. Rare. Good VF $375 Ex Archer M. Huntington Collecion (HSA 1001.1.18376)
Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.57.6010)
503. Sicily. Philip II of Spain. 1554-1598. Mezzo Scudo di 5 Tari. 13.00g, 29mm. Messenia. Obv: .P HILIPPVS. D.G. REX. SI. Bareheaded and armored bust left. PP. below breast. Rx: Crowned royal coat of arms within grain ear wreath; P flanking bottom of angular shield. MIR 314/4. Good VF $1,150 500. Papal, 1523-1534. Double Carlino, 5.50g, 28mm. Obv: CLEMENS (some doubling), PONT MAX Portrait of Pope Medici bearded. Rx: QVAR DVBITASTI Jesus pulling St. Peter from water. This Pope denied Henry VIII’s annulment and was a patron of Raphael, Michelangelo and Cellini. This die by Cellini. Berman 841. Subdued luster and lovely Patina. Unc $3,000
501. Sardinia, Charles II of Spain 1665-1700. Reale. 2.33g, 19mm. Cagliari, 1689. Obv: CAROLVS.II.R.SPARVM Bareheaded and draped bust right; CI to left, star to right. Rx: .INIMICOS.EIVS. DESTRVAT.1689 Ornate cross ancrée with central pellet surrounded by inner circular border with lis and arches. CNI II 46. MIR 88/1. Good VF $550 Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.126739)
Ex Archer M. Huntington Collection (HSA 1001.57.4424)
504. Italy. First Republic. 1798-1799. 2 Baiocchi, 12.519g, 1798TM. (1798)-SESTO (6)TM. Obv: ROMANA REPVBBLICA Crowned eagle on fasces within thin wreath. Rx: Value within fasces in form of triangle. KM-5. NGC MS62 BN $2,000 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection.
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pounding on the forge of freedom. Rx: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1908. Eagle perched on a shield with symbols from the American flag. KM 172. Toned. PCGS MS65 $1,500
505. Netherlands. Low Countries, Gelre (Gelderland). Philip II of Spain. 1554-1598. Gold Half Gouden Reaal, 3.43g. 26mm. Obv: .DOMINVS.MICHI.ADIVTOR Bust right. Rx: PHS.D.G.HISP.REX.DVX.GEL Crowned coat of arms. G&H 207-6a. Delmonte, Or 628. Lightly toned, small lamination on head. EF $1,200 Ex Archer M Huntington Collection, Hispanic Society (HSA 1001.1.10754) Seldom Seen Historical Medal
506. Turkey. Ottoman. Abdul Mejid. 1839-1861. Silver Medal. 23.70 g, 36.67 mm. 1855/1856 (= 1272 AH), unsigned, on the return of the town of Kars in Armenia to Turkey. Obv: Tughra surrounded by wreath. Rx: Cityscape of Kars including the castle and the Turkish flag. Pere 1099th. EF Toned $750 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Little is known of the early history of Kars beyond the fact that it had its own dynasty of Armenian rulers and was the capital of a region known as Vanand. It had changed hands many times from the Armenian Bagratunis and the Ani to the Seljuk Turks and the Ottoman Empire. In 1731 it withstood a Persian siege and in 1808 resisted the Russian army. During the Crimean War an Ottoman garrison led by British officers including General William Fenwick Williams kept the Russians at bay during a protracted siege; but after the garrison had been devastated by cholera and food supplies had failed, the town was surrendered to General Mouravieff in November 1855.
507. Philippines. USA Administration. Peso, San Francisco. 1908-S. Obv: ONE PESO FILIPINAS. Young Walking Liberty
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508. United States of America, Saudi Arabia. Abd al-’Aziz ibn al-Sa’ud. AH 1344-1373 (1926-1953). 1 Pound. .2354oz. Philadelphia mint. Struck 1945-1946. Obv: American heraldic eagle, ingot punch of U.S. MINT, PHILADELPHIA. Rx: 3-line statement of gold weight. KM 35. Friedberg 191. Choice Unc $1,800 Ex Helianthus annuus Collection. Ex John F. Sullivan Collection In the 1940s, the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco) was paying $3 million each year in oil revenues to the Saudi government, and its contract required that the payments be made in gold. To satisfy this request, Gold 4 Pounds and Pounds (Sovereigns) were struck at the Philadelphia mint. These bullion pieces would see limited circulation in the Saudi Kingdom (some Aramco workers were even known to use them for poker chips), but most were melted down into bullion and later sold as gold bars in Macao.
509. 4 Pounds. 31.9g. Philadelphia mint. Struck 1945-1946. Obv: American heraldic eagle, ingot punch of U.S. MINT, PHILADELPHIA. Rx: 3-line statement of gold weight. KM 34. Friedberg 190. Lustrous EF $1,900 Interesting Architecture Medal
510. New York. Fifth Avenue Association Best Altered Building Gold Award Medal 1925. 32.75g. 40mm. 18kt. Obv: THE FIFTH AVENUE ASSOCIATION INC / ORGANIZED 1907 INCORPORATED 1916 Washington Square Arch. Rx: AWARDED TO BRUMMER BUILDING AS THE BEST
ALTERED BUILDING IN THE FIFTH AVENUE DISTRICT IN THE YEAR 1925 Surrounded by wreath. Unsigned. Light scratches. Unc $1,400 The Brummer Gallery was opened in 1914 by Imre and Joseph Brummer and was located at 27 E 57th St. Joseph and his brother Ernest were among the most significant art dealers of the first half of the 20th century, dealing in a broad range of art that spanned from classical antiquity to modern art. Their collection included many works from the Middle Ages, PreColumbian America, and Renaissance and Baroque decorative arts. Following Joseph Brummer’s death in 1947, the gallery closed down in 1949, and its collections were auctioned off over the next three decades.
WORLD CURRENCY For our first time offering of world currency in our Gemini Sale we are pleased to present an outstanding collection of Israel and Palestine Mandate currency from the 500 mils note to the EXCEPTIONALLY RARE 50 POUND note of 1929. These notes have never been offered before and are from the years of searching in the late 1960s and early 1970s by a dedicated collector who shared his enthusiasm with his children showing off the notes as he obtained them. Many were obtained through the aid of a friend, named Shasha, a dealer in Tel Aviv who got them directly from their source, who was a signer on many of the notes! We have also included in this offering two UNIQUE RUSSIAN NOTES. These walrus-skin notes were issued by the Russian American Company in the period 1816-1852 for use in Russian North America, i.e. for present day Alaska and the surrounding islands.
511. PALESTINE. Currency Board. 500 Mils. 30th September 1929. Serial Number B250129, Watermark: Flower. Lovely purple print with Rachel’s tomb near Bethlehem on the obverse. Pick 6b. Rust noted but very light. PMG VF30 Net $700
Palestine under the British Mandate issued notes in denominations of Palestinian pounds which were equivalent to British pounds. The notes were redeemed by the Bank of England. On November 1, 1927 the first of the notes issued by the Palestine Currency Board were put into circulation. These notes were printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited in London. They were in the three official languages Arabic, English and Hebrew.
512. 1 Pound, 30th September 1929. Serial Number C462228, Watermark: Flower. Nice bright original green color with the Dome of the Rock depicted on the left. Pick 7b. Very nice problem-free note. PMG VF30. $1,000
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513. 5 Pounds, 20th April 1939. Serial Number C806664, Watermark: Flower. Crusader’s Tower at Ramleh at left. Pick 8c. Bright original red/orange color. Very light annotation on the reverse right margin. Rarely seen this nice. PMG VF35 Net $2,000
515. 50 Pounds. 30th September 1929. Serial Number A014886, Watermark: Flower. Pick 10b. Extremely attractive color and appearance. The capstone for any collection! Annotations in margins as typically found. Very minor rust marks and pin holes. PMG VF30 Net $70,000 One of the RAREST NOTES obtainable. None have been offered for many years, with only unissued specimens turning up. A total of a dozen or less of all three issues of this denomination exist today. Only 82 notes remain unredeemed on the Bank of England’s books.
514. 10 Pounds, 1st January 1944. Serial Number B466363, Watermark: Flower. Pick 9d. The last issue date for these scarce higher denomination notes. Very bold blue ink. Certainly one of the finest condition notes of this denomination we have seen and worthy of the finest collection. Foreign Substance, Annotation. PMG VF30 Net $3,500
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516. ISRAEL. ND (1948), 50 Mils. Vivid bright orange and red color. Serial Number 020491 A/A. Printed by Levin-Epstein Press in Tel-Aviv. Pick 6. As nice an example as can be found. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG MS64 $400 This was an emergency issue of fractional notes to counter the shortage of coins in circulation. Because the designs looked like miniature carpets they were called “shtikhim,” the Hebrew word for carpet.
517. 100 Mils. Serial Number 316005 A/A. Pick 7. The highest denomination of this emergency issue of fractional notes. A very pleasing green “carpet�. Exceptional Paper Quality and very difficult to locate this nice. PMG MS64 $500
519. 50 Pruta. A second issue of March 1952, this in red and black with the Serial Number 14747 0105/B on the reverse. Pick 9. PMG Choice AU58 $400
518. ND (1952-3) 50 Pruta. Rx: Serial Number 08534 0117/B. The Israel Government Printing Press printed these notes. Pick 8. PMG MS64 $500 Additional small change notes were needed so a new issue was authorized and issued in March of 1952. These blue and black notes have a guilloche pattern with a lace border.
520. 100 Pruta. Printed in two shades of green, and again the Serial Number 83766 0114/B is printed on the reverse. Pick 11. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG MS64 $200
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521. ISRAEL. Anglo-Palestine Bank Ltd. ND (1948-51) 1 Pound. Beautiful blue and green guilloche patterned obverse and reverse. Serial Number C493748, Printer: ABNC. Pick 15a. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG VF35 $150
523. 10 Pound. Lovely red guilloche patterns on this note. Serial Number B400435, Printer: ABNC. Pick 17a. Ink. PMG VF25 Net $250
This issue of notes was contracted with the American Bank Note Company on April 26, 1948 before the actual State of Israel was established and without a name for the country or its currency. Thus the notes were denominated in Palestine Pounds.
522. 5 Pounds. Printed brown on both sides. Serial Number Y271846, Printer: ABNC. Pick 16a. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG EF40 $200
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524. 50 Pounds. Very Rare denomination printed in violet and blue. Serial Number 04679, Printer: ABNC. Pick 18a. Seldom seen in any grade. Edge Damage, Staining. PMG F15 net $2,500
525. ISRAEL. Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (The Israel National Bank Ltd.), ND (1952) 500 Prutah. Serial Number E511219, Printer: ABNC. Pick 19a. Nice dark green and bright blue guilloche pattern with all English and Arabic text removed from the obverse. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG AU55 $400
527. 1 Pound. Another example. Serial Number Q448404, Printer: ABNC. Pick 20a. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG AU55 $150
This issue of notes were also obtained from the American National Bank Note Co. in June of 1951, and denominated in Israel pounds and prutah.
526. 1 Pound. Serial Number M416320, Printer: ABN. Pick 20a. Exceptional Paper Quality. The unusual combination of olive green and pink was used for this note. As nice as can be found PMG MS64 $200
528. 5 Pounds. Lovely brown and yellow print. Serial Number L104482, Printer: ABNC. Pick 21a. A truly superb example. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG MS64 $300
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529. 5 Pounds. Another bright example. Serial Number R374260, Printer: ABNC. Pick 21a . Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG AU55 $200
531. 50 Pounds. Another high denomination rarity in this collection. Bright brown and green guilloche Rarely ever seen in any grade, let alone this nice. Serial Number 589024, Printer: ABNC. Pick 23a. Truly great eye appeal. Exceptional Paper Quality. PMG EF40 $2,500 ISRAEL LOTS 532. Israel Currency (6 notes), ND (1952) 50 Prutah (2), 100 Prutah (2), 250 Prutah (1), 250 Prutah (1). Pick numbers 10c, 12c, 13a, 13d. All bright and as beautiful as the day they were printed. Unc $250
533. Israel Currency (3 notes), ND (1952) 500 Mils, 1 Pound (spots), 5 Pound. Pick numbers 14, 15, 16. VF $250
534. Israel Currency (5 notes), ND (1952) 500 Prutah (Unc), 1 Lira (Unc), 10 Lirot (Red #, Unc), 5 Lirot (VF), 50 Lirot (Red #, VF ink). Pick numbers 24, 25a,26, 27a, 28b. VF-Unc $200
530. 10 Pounds. Dark grey and pink guilloche on both sides. Very attractive note. Serial Number J089368, Printer: ABNC. Pick 22a. PMG AU55 $400
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535. Bank Of Israel Currency (9 notes), 1958 and 1968. 1958 Set: 1/2 Lira (Unc), 1 Lira (Unc), 5 Lirot (Unc), 10 Lirot (AU), 50 Lirot (VF). 1968 Set all Unc: 5, 10, 50 and 100 Lirot. Pick numbers 29, 30a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 34, 35a, 36a, 37a. VF-Unc $100
RUSSIAN NORTH AMERICA (ALASKA) The Russian American Company was a monopoly that controlled trade in the Russian possessions in North America. Their primary business was trading in furs. It has been written that otter skins were shipped to Russia in waterproof bags made from walrus skins. These used bags, which were called “Kozhanye” or skins in Russian, were then cut into pieces which were used to print money on for in-company usage. Very few of any of the types and denominations are still in existence, with most sitting in museums.
537. 5 Rubles, Walrus Skin Parchment. Pick UNL5b. Obv: 5 PYbAE surrounded by multiple designs. Another totally UNIQUE offering for the Russian/Alaska/US collector. Internal damage where the denomination punch went through the skin. PMG AU50 Net $3,500 Ex Spink’s, 1 October, 2008, lot 1190B 536. RUSSIA. Russian American Company, ND (1816-52), 1 Ruble, Walrus Skin Parchment. Obv: “1” surrounded by ornamental designs. Pick UNL1a. Truly a unique offering! PMG VF25 $2,500 Ex Spink’s, 1 October, 2008, lot 1190A Excessively rare “note” stamped on walrus hide. Quite different from the normally seen “Seal Skin” notes.
Enlargement
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