Roma Numismatics Auction XIV by Roma Numismatics Ltd

ROMA NUMISMATICS LIMITED

Auction XIV 21 September 2017 Roma Numismatics Limited 20 Fitzroy Square Fitzrovia London W1T 6EJ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7121 6518 www.romanumismatics.com email: info@romanumismatics.com

Auction XIV

21 September

11:00

Greek Coins

13:30 Roman, Migration Period, Byzantine, World and Islamic Coins

Location The Alto Room The Cavendish Hotel London 81 Jermyn Street London SW1Y 6JF United Kingdom

Viewing At the office of Roma Numismatics: 20 Fitzroy Square Fitzrovia London W1T 6EJ United Kingdom From August 21st - September 20th Monday – Friday, 09:30 – 17:30

lots will not be available for viewing during the sale

Lot pickup will be available from 1:00pm on Friday 22nd September

Roma Numismatics Limited Richard Beale – Director Alexander Morley-Smith Leslee Arlington Garfield Simon Parkin

Special Thanks to Italo Vecchi Salem Alshdaifat Fenella Theis deniz grotjohann UNUS PRO OMNIBUS, OMNES PRO UNO

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

email or postal bids The customer is responsible for submitting these in good time and confirming that the bids have been received. Please note we no longer accept bids by fax.

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

Internet Bidding

BID ONLINE PRIOR TO THE AUCTION, SEE BIDS UPDATED IN REAL-TIME ON THE ROMA SITE. Internet bids may be submitted prior to the auction at www.RomaNumismatics.com - these bids will be automatically executed on the website. These bids will then be carried over into the live auction and executed by the auctioneer on the day. BID ONLINE DURING THE AUCTION, HEAR THE AUCTION LIVE ON YOUR COMPUTER. Real-time bids may be placed at www.the-saleroom.com on the day of the sale. These bids will be executed live on the floor. A 3% surcharge will apply to lots won through www.the-saleroom.com. This charge is made through the-saleroom. com and is not connected with Roma Numismatics. Roma Numismatics is not responsible for any missed lots or bids due to network speed or down-time. It is advisable to register as early as possible for this service, since all internet bidders must be manually approved by the auctioneer.

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

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Conditions of Sale The following terms and conditions will apply to this auction:

All estimates are in POUNDS STERLING. The opening bids will be 80% of the estimate unless there are existing higher bids. There will be a 19% Buyer’s Fee added to the hammer price. II. VAT at 20% (applicable to customers within the UK and EU) is due on the Buyer’s Fee only, not the hammer price. III. The auctioneer guarantees the absolute authenticity of any and all coins sold. There is no expiration to this guarantee. Any coins subsequently found to be not authentic will be exchanged for a full refund of the purchase price. IV. Absentee bids must be submitted and received by 20:00 on the day before the auction at the latest. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that bids have been received by Roma Numismatics. V. All grades and descriptions are the opinion of the cataloguer. Conditions of all lots are as per the photographs displayed on the Roma Numismatics website; condition reports are available upon request. It is not possible to note all marks or defects, and thus customers are encouraged to carefully examine in person all lots that they are interested in bidding on. Bids, once placed, are final and will not be rescinded. If, however, the description is found to be incorrect, the item is returnable within 21 days after the sale. No other returns will be accepted except on the grounds of non-authenticity. All prospective bidders who exercise the opportunity to examine lots in hand shall assume all responsibility for any damage they cause in so doing. The auctioneer shall have sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by the prospective bidder. VI. The auctioneer will have absolute discretion to accept or decline any bid, withdraw lots from sale at any time until such point as the purchaser takes physical possession, re-open any lot, even after the hammer has fallen, in which a bidding error has occurred, and to determine in the event of a dispute, the final winner of a lot or to rescind the sale and put the lot up for sale again. VII. For the protection of mail or absentee bidders, no ‘unlimited’ or ‘buy’ bids will be accepted. When identical bids are received for the same lot, preference will be given to the bid received first. A mail bid will take preference over a floor bid. VIII. Some lots may carry a reserve. The auctioneer reserves the right not to sell an item below the confidential price, or will repurchase the item on behalf of the consignor or for the account of Roma Numismatics Ltd. If a reserve exists the auctioneer reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of the consignor up to the amount of the reserve against any floor or mail bidders. The auctioneer also reserves the right to bid on any lot on behalf of Roma Numismatics Ltd. IX. Title remains with the owner until such time as the customer has paid in full. X. Invoices are due immediately upon receipt. Roma Numismatics Ltd. reserves the right to charge interest on unpaid invoices at the rate of 2% per calendar month, except where prior agreement has been made with regards to payment arrangements. XI. A 3.5% surcharge will be applied to payments made via PayPal or credit/debit card. A £10 surcharge will be applied to payments made by bank transfer from outside of the UK. The customer is responsible for paying all bank charges and shipping and insurance costs. XII. A 3% surcharge will be applied to lots won through www.the-saleroom.com. Roma Numismatics is not responsible for any missed lots or bids due to network speed or down-time. XIII. By making a bid the customer agrees to the above terms and conditions and accepts to be bound by them. These conditions shall take effect and be construed in accordance with the provisions of English Law.

RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORT TO THE UNITED STATES AND GERMANY

All coins in this sale that are subject to US or German import restrictions may be legally imported into the US or Germany (unless otherwise explicitly stated in the lot description), and are accompanied by documentation proving that they were outside of the source country prior to the effective date, or a valid export certificate issued by the country of origin. Any coins subject to US or German import restrictions that may not lawfully be imported into these countries will be clearly indicated as such with the note: ‘not suitable for US/German market’. Our commitment to ethical and responsible provenance ensures that the consignor affirms each auction lot is their lawful property to sell, and where cultural property restrictions may exist, that it meets the requirements to be legally imported into the United States and/or Germany. Roma Numismatics will make every effort to ensure that import restrictions affect our clients as little as possible, and will carry out all necessary importations and procedures as required on behalf of the client.

PAYMENT METHODS Invoices to be settled in POUNDS STERLING immediately upon receipt unless previously agreed otherwise. Bank Transfer: Barclays Bank, 22 The Borough, Farnham, GU9 7NH, UK | Account Name: Roma Numismatics IBAN: GB81 BARC 2031 0663 0101 39 | BIC: BARC GB22 | SORT CODE: 20-31-06 | ACC #: 63010139 Cheque (GBP only): Please make payable to Roma Numismatics Limited PayPal (add 3.5%): sales@romanumismatics.com Credit/Debit Card (add 3.5%): contact us directly on +44 (0)20 7121 6518

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COINS OF THE CELTS GAUL

1. Northwest Gaul, the Namnetes AV Stater. Circa 100-50 BC. Celticized head right, hair flowing behind; cross ornament at forehead, bar with hook ends below chin; pearl strings flowing around / Devolved charioteer driving biga right; below, devolved figure right, with arms outstretched. D&T 2189; Depeyrot, NC VIII, 173. 7.30g, 23mm, 12h. Very Fine.

750

BOHEMIA

2. Bohemia, the Boii AV Stater. Circa 1st century BC. Star of five rays on convex surface / Incuse ‘shell’ with fine rays emanating from a central point. Kellner 2115; Castelin 1133; Paulsen 369. 6.68g, 15mm. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the type.

1,000

COINS OF THE GREEKS CARTHAGINIAN SPAIN Extremely Rare Barcid Dominion Shekel

3. Carthaginian Spain, Barcid Dominion AR Shekel. Time of Hasdrubal the Fair. Akra Leuka, circa 229/8 BC. Diademed head of Eshmun-Adonis left / Horse standing right. L. Villaronga, Las monedas hispano-cartaginesas, Barcelona 1973, Class IV, 60 (same dies); ACIP 557 (same dies); AB 490 (Cartagonova). 7.19g, 22mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; Punic(?) graffito on obv. Extremely Rare, only three specimens recorded by Villaronga, one other in CoinArchives.

3,000

In 237 BC Hamilcar Barca, after having lost the First Punic War against Rome, but having won the Mercenary War against the Libyans, disembarked at Gadir with a Carthaginian expedition with the purpose of “re-establishing Carthaginian authority in Iberia” (Polybios, Histories, 2.1.6), and within 9 years he had expanded the territory of Carthage well into the Iberian peninsula, securing control of the southern mining district of Baetica and Sierra Morena, before dying in battle in 228. Hamilcar was succeeded by his son-in-law Hasdrubal the Fair who expanded the new province by skilful diplomacy and consolidated it with the foundation of Akra Leuka (Greek: White Mountain or White Point, modern Alicante), Mahon and finally in 227, Qart Hadasht (= New Carthage = Latin: Carthago Nova, modern Cartagena), originally named Mastia, as his capital.

CAMPANIA

4. Campania, Nuceria Alfaterna AR Didrachm. Circa 250-225 BC. Head of Apollo Karneios left with horn of Ammon, Oscan legend ‘nukrinum alafaternum’ around / Dioskouros standing facing, head turned to left, beside his horse, holding the reins and a thyrsos. HN Italy 608; SNG ANS 560; SNG Copenhagen 566; SNG München 388; Sambon 1008. 7.15g, 19mm, 10h. Very Fine. Rare.

750

LUCANIA

5. Lucania, Herakleia AR Diobol. Circa 432-420 BC. Head of Herakles left, wearing lion skin headdress / Lion advancing left; HE (retrograde) in exergue. Van Keuren 23 (same dies); HN Italy 1358. 1.12g, 12mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. From a private North American Collection.

250

6. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 540-510 BC. Ear of barley with eight grains on each side; MET upwards to right / Incuse ear of barley with eight grains on each side. HN Italy 1479; Noe 117. 8.07g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning.

1,500

Ex Heritage 3019, 26 April 2012, lot 23011.

7. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 540-510 BC. Ear of barley with eight grains on each side; META upwards to right / Incuse ear of barley with eight grains on each side. HN Italy 1479; Noe 129; SNG ANS 209. 8.14g, 28mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractive light tone. From a private North American Collection.

1,000

Most Desirable of All the Incuse Staters of Metapontion

Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 510 BC. Ear of barley upright with seven grains on each side, META downwards to left, grasshopper to right; raised and braided dotted border around / Incuse barley ear, dolphin upwards to left in linear relief. Noe 102 (2 examples); HN Italy 1472. 7.95g, 28mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Very attractive old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare. An issue of great fascination.

8,000

From the B.R.H. Collection, privately purchased c.1980s in Munich. The most desirable of all the incuse types of Metapontion, this remarkable and brief series comprising only four known obverse dies for the staters and one for a third stater marks the first usage of adjunct symbols on the coinage of Metapontion. A series of great fascination, the meaning of the grasshopper and the dolphin has been a subject of debate for many years. Noe advocated the symbols as representing the badges of the moneyers’ houses, an argument not dissimilar to that which led the early archaic Athenian coins to be called ‘wappenmünzen’. Lenormant’s view that the insect has a propitiatory significance is rejected with the derisory rhetorical question ‘there may have been a plague of locusts but could there have been a plague of dolphins?’, while avoiding trying to explain its significance. Babelon (Traité, 1395-1396) proposed a punning reference to the hero Alybas, father of Metabos, and legendary founder of the city, however the Greek word he proposes to mean locust is incorrect, and the argument founders, still failing to explain the dolphin. It is most logical to follow Lenormant and view the appearance of the grasshopperlocust on the coins as being a propitiatory emblem or commemorating the deliverance of the city from a plague of locusts through the intervention of Apollo. Indeed, the god is closely associated with afflictions (and the relief of), and had as one of his epithets ‘Parnopios’, from πάρνοψ, “locust” – the expeller of locusts. Given that the dolphin was both a form he had taken and one of his sacred animals, as well as being a punning allusion to him as Apollo Delphinios, it seems eminently reasonable to determine the link between the two symbols as being in reference to a plague of locusts whose abatement was attributed to the intervention of Apollo. That the grasshopper-locust symbol recurs several times more throughout the extensive coinage of Metapontion and at appreciable intervals is hardly suggestive of descendants of a particular family holding office, as Noe suggested, but rather more likely indicative of recurrent swarms threatening the principle source of the city’s wealth and food.

9. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 330-290 BC. Head of Demeter facing slightly right, wearing grain wreath / Ear of barley with leaf to right; bukranion above leaf, AΘA below, META upwards to left. Johnston Class C, 2.2 (same dies); HN Italy 1584; SNG ANS 463-464; SNG Fitzwilliam 503; SNG München 992; Dewing 388 (all from the same dies). 7.74g, 19mm, 1h. Very Fine.

1,000

10. Lucania, Metapontion AR Stater. Circa 290-280 BC. Head of Demeter left, wearing grain wreath / Ear of barley with leaf to right; cockerel standing left on leaf, META upwards to left. SNG ANS 513; Johnston Class D, 2.2; HN Italy 1613 (same dies). 7.76g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker Auction 111, 18 March 2006, lot 6044.

11. Lucania, Sybaris AR Stater. Circa 530-510 BC. Bull standing left, head right; VM in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. HN Italy 1729; SNG ANS 828-44. 8.06g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Struck on sound metal, and superbly well preserved. A wonderful example of this sought-after type.

4,000

From a private North American Collection.

12. Lucania, Sybaris AR Stater. Circa 530-510 BC. Bull standing left, head right; VM in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. HN Italy 1729; SNG ANS 828-44. 8.17g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. From the Louvière Collection, Belgium, privately purchased c.1970s.

3,000

Two Unusual Sybaris Staters

13. Lucania, Sybaris AR Stater. Circa 530-510 BC. Bull standing left, head right; VM in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. SNG ANS 82844; HN Italy 1729; CNG 67, 150 (same dies). 8.30g, 26mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Highly interesting style.

2,500

From a private North American Collection. The particularly distinctive style of this stater bears some resemblance to the alliance coinage of Siris and Pyxus (cf. TraitĂŠ 2083), and may date from a similar period.

14. Lucania, Sybaris AR Stater. Circa 530-510 BC. Bull standing left, head right; VM in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. HN Italy 1729; cf. SNG ANS 828-44. 8.13g, 33mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very interesting style.

2,500

From a private North American Collection. One of two staters of SybarisÂ in this sale engraved in unusual style, this coin depicts an animal that looks far more like a horse than it does a bull. The groundline and border are simplistic, perhaps suggesting a die that was produced in some haste.

15. Lucania, Sybaris AR Drachm. Circa 530-510 BC. Bull standing left, head right; VM in exergue / Incuse bull standing right, head left. SNG ANS 847-53; HN Italy 1736. 2.95g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. From a private North American Collection.

1,000

Apparently Unpublished Fraction of Sybaris IV

3x 16. Lucania, Sybaris AR Trihemiobol or heavy Obol. Circa 444-440 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested and laureate helmet / Bull standing left, head turned to right; ΣYBA in exergue. HN Italy -; Kraay, Sybaris -; SNG ANS -, cf. 862-7 (triobols, bull to right). 0.57g, 10mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine; a miniature gem of a coin. Apparently unpublished in the standard references, and possibly unique.

1,000

From a private North American Collection. In 446 the citizens of the (once again) destroyed city of Sybaris appealed to Athens for aid (Diodorus XII.10). Athens, seeing the opportunity to expand its influence in the west, thus assisted in the refoundation of the city. In 444 this new Sybaris was reinforced by Athens with settlers drawn from many parts of the Greek mainland. Soon however, dissension arose between the original inhabitants and the panhellenic colonists who were now more numerous, leading to the expulsion of the Sybarites in c.440. The again homeless Sybarites founded Sybaris V on the river Traeis, while the original city renamed itself Thurium. The coinage of Sybaris IV was therefore very short-lived, and it is not surprising that it survives in very small numbers.

17. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 400-350 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla; IΔ behind neck guard / Bull charging right, ΘOYPIΩN above; fish to right in exergue. HN Italy 1805; Noe, Thurian F28; SNG Lloyd 486; Pozzi 229; Jameson 359 (all from same dies). 15.65g, 27mm, 12h. Very Fine. Pleasantly toned; of fine style.

2,000

18. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla; B behind / Bull charging right, ΘOYPIΩN and APH in two lines above; fish to right in exergue. Noe, Thurian N8. 15.16g, 29mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

19. Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla / Bull charging right, ΘOYPIΩN above; cornucopiae and H-ΓA in exergue. HN Italy 1858; Noe, Thurian N14. 15.51g, 28mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Struck on a very broad flan.

2,500

A Beautiful Stater of Velia

20. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 340-334 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with griffin; dolphins swimming downwards to each side, Θ behind neck-guard / Lion standing right, Θ between its legs; ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ in exergue. Jameson 391 (same dies); SNG ANS 1301 (same dies); Williams 269; HN Italy 1284. 7.62g, 23mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

3,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 6, 11 March 1993, lot 44.

21. Lucania, Velia AR Stater. Circa 305-290 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing winged, laureate and crested Attic helmet / Lion standing right, bunch of grapes with Φ-Ι to either side above; ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ in exergue. Williams, Velia 496 (these dies); HN Italy 1311. 7.50g, 21mm, 12h. Very Fine. Attractively toned.

500

Ex Münzen & Medaillen 25, 18 October 2007, lot 2105.

CALABRIA

22. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 302-280 BC. Philon, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback left, holding shield; EY behind, ΦIΛΩN below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding Nike who crowns him; TAPAΣ behind, waves below. Vlasto 684; HN Italy 964. 7.93g, 21mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Attractive old tone.

750

23. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 272-235 BC. Nikylos, magistrate. The Dioskouroi riding to right; [ΝΙ]ΚΥΛΟΣ below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding trident and kantharos; AP monogram behind, ΤΑΡΑΣ below. Vlasto 935-7; HN Italy 1046. 6.35g, 21mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

500

24. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Daimachos, Herak... and Andre..., magistrates. Nude youth on horseback to right, holding torch behind him; monogram to left, ΔΑΙΜΑΧΟC below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding trident and kantharos; monogram to right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 938; HN Italy 1053. 6.55g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

750

25. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Daimachos, Herak... and Andre..., magistrates. Nude youth on horseback to right, holding torch behind him; monogram to left, ΔΑΙΜΑΧΟC below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding trident and kantharos; monogram to right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 938; HN Italy 1053. 6.54g, 21mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

26. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Daimachos, Herak... and Andre..., magistrates. Nude youth on horseback to right, holding torch behind him; monogram to left, ΔΑΙΜΑΧΟC below / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding trident and kantharos; monogram to right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 938; HN Italy 1053. 6.48g, 20mm, 11h. About Extremely Fine.

500

27. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Zopyrion, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback to right, ΖΩΠΥΡΙΩΝ below; below forelegs, ΣΩ above bukranion / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding hippocamp in extended right hand, trident against left arm; monogram and mask of Silenos right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 941; HN Italy 1054. 6.56g, 21mm, 11h. Extremely Fine; a beautiful reverse composition. Very Rare.

1,000

28. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Aristippos, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback to right, holding palm-branch tied with fillet; APICTIΠΠOC below horse, AP ligate behind / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos; MI ligate behind, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 949; SNG ANS 1253; SNG France 2056; HN Italy 1056. 6.65g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

300

29. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Philokles, Le..., and Ar..., magistrates. Nude youth on horseback to right, holding reins in left hand and crowning horse with wreath held in his right, monograms to left and right; below horse, ΦΙΛΟ-ΚΛΗΣ over dolphin swimming to right / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding rhyton and trident; to right, two elaborate amphoroi (or loutrophoroi?); ΤΑΡΑΣ below. Vlasto 951; HN Italy 1057; SNG ANS 1254; SNG France 2057. 6.55g, 20mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

500

30. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Kallikrates, magistrate. Warrior, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, on horse rearing right; monogram behind, KAΛΛIKPA-THΣ in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin to left, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm; ligate NE behind, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 964; HN Italy 1059; SNG ANS 1260; SNG Lloyd 230; SNG France 2059-60; Dewing 316. 6.43g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

31. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC. Kallikrates, magistrate. Warrior, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, on horse rearing right; monogram behind, KAΛΛIKPA-THΣ in two lines below / Taras riding dolphin to left, holding Nike, who crowns him, in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm; ligate NE behind, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 964; HN Italy 1059; SNG ANS 1260; SNG Lloyd 230; SNG France 2059-60; Dewing 316. 6.41g, 22mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

Beautiful and Pedigreed Campano-Tarentine Nomos

32. Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos. Campano-Tarentine series, circa 281-228 BC. Head of nymph left, wearing head band and triple pendant earring / Nude youth on horseback right, crowning horse that raises left foreleg; dolphin behind, lion to right below horse, TA below hoof. Vlasto 1020; SNG ANS 1292; HN Italy 1098. 7.30g, 21mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful old cabinet tone.

2,000

Ex Comte René Philipon Collection (1870-1936). The Campano-Tarentine series dates to around the middle of the 3rd century BC, and are usually said to have been struck somewhere in Campania or Lucania. The reverse displays not the usual type of Taras astride a dolphin, and the obverse horseman type is relegated to the reverse, while instead a nymph resembling those on the coinage of Neapolis takes its place. Furthermore, the coins are struck on the standard not of Tarentum, being 0.8 grams lighter on average, but of those cities on the west coast of Magna Graecia, hence the credence given to this theory. However, the question of where these coins were struck and which region they were intended for, was addressed by J.G. Milne (An Exchange-Currency of Magna Graecia), who convincingly argues that it was more likely they were produced in Tarentum for circulation in or trade with the Greek cities of Bruttium, and that they should therefore be properly referred to as Bruttio-Tarentine coinage.

BRUTTIUM

33. Bruttium, Kaulonia AR Stater. Circa 450-445 BC. Apollo, naked, advancing right, holding a branch in uplifted right hand, small daimon running right on outstretched left arm; stag on tablet in right field, looking backwards; KAVΛ to left / Stag standing right; branch in right field; KAVΛ in retrograde above. HN Italy 2046; SNG ANS 180 (these dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 731 (these dies); Noe, Caulonia 93. 8.31g, 21mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. Attractive old tone.

750

Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection, Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 62.

Exceptional Stater of Kroton

34. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Tripod, legs terminating in lion’s paws, two serpents at base; QPO to left / Incuse tripod. Attianese 4; SNG ANS 239-241; HN Italy 2075. 8.27g, 28mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

7,500

From a private North American Collection. In terms of quality, this coin is easily among the best preserved of its series that has been seen at auction in a great many years, and it represents one of the very finest surviving incuse staters of Kroton - it must have been virtually fresh from the die when lost or deposited over two and a half millennia ago. The importance of the Delphic oracle to the founding of Kroton was celebrated on its coinage from the earliest days. Despite later myths ascribing the founding of Kroton to Herakles, the city’s historical oikist is recorded as Myskellos of Rhypai who, on consulting the Delphic oracle about his lack of children was given the response that Apollo would grant children, but that first Myskellos should found the city of Kroton ‘among fair fields’. After being given directions on how to locate the site, Myskellos travelled to southern Italy to explore the land that he had been assigned, but seeing the territory of the Sybarites and thinking it superior, he returned once more to the oracle to ask whether he would be allowed to change. The answer came back that he should accept the gifts that the god gave him. A further element of the story is that Myskellos was accompanied on his expedition by Archias of Corinth; the Delphic oracle gave the pair the choice between health and wealth. Archias elected wealth, and was assigned the site of Syracuse, while Myskellos chose health: the favourable climate of Kroton, the eminent skill of its physicians and the prowess of its athletes later earned its citizens this reputation for good health.

35. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Tripod, legs terminating in lion’s paws, with ornaments on and serpents rising from the bowl; QPO to left / Incuse tripod, legs terminating in lion’s feet, with ornaments on and serpents rising from the bowl. SNG Ashmolean 1463; SNG ANS 230; HN Italy 2075. 7.87g, 29mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. From a private North American Collection.

5,000

36. Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 530-500 BC. Tripod, legs terminating in lion’s paws, with ornaments on and serpents rising from the bowl; QPO to left / Incuse tripod, legs terminating in lion’s feet, with ornaments on and serpents rising from the bowl. SNG Ashmolean 1463; SNG ANS 230; HN Italy 2075. 8.08g, 30mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone.

3,000

From the Louvière Collection, Belgium, privately purchased c.1970s.

37. Bruttium, Kroton AR Third Stater - Drachm. Circa 530-500 BC. Tripod, with legs terminating in lion’s paws, with ornaments on and serpents rising from the bowl; QPO to left / Incuse tripod, legs terminating in lion’s paws. HN Italy 2076; SNG ANS 298. 2.70g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare - the early fractions of Kroton are difficult to obtain, and seldom seen in such high grade.

1,000

From a private North American Collection.

38. Bruttium, Kroton AR Hemiobol. Circa 530-500 BC. Tripod, with legs terminating in lion’s paws; QPO to left / Incuse tripod. Unpublished in the standard references, cf. Roma Numismatics XII, 2016, 50 (0.24g), Heidelberger 64, 2014, 37 (0.16g) and Gorny & Mosch 204, 2012, 1071 (0.14g). 0.17g, 12mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Excessively Rare, and certainly the finest known specimen.

500

From a private North American Collection.

39. Bruttium, Kroton AR Triobol. Circa 430-420 BC. Tripod, legs terminating in lion’s paws; QPO (retrograde) to left / Pegasos flying left; Q below. HN Italy 2127; SNG ANS 323. 1.40g, 12mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Very well preserved for the type.

300

From a private North American Collection.

40. Bruttium, Kroton AR Tetrobol. Circa 360-330 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Tripod, legs terminating in lion’s paws; KPO to left, grain ear to right. SNG ANS 424; BMC 104. 1.89g, 15mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. From a private North American Collection.

250

41. Bruttium, Kroton AR Drachm. Circa 300-250 BC. Male head right / Owl standing left; QPO above, grain ear to left. Attianese 151; SNG ANS 421; HN Italy 2195. 3.19g, 15mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

750

From a private North American Collection; Ex Mark Christenson Collection.

NORTH AFRICA Beautiful Gold Stater of Carthage

42. North Africa, Carthage AV Stater. Circa 350-320 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace with eight pendants / Horse standing right on single ground line; three pellets to lower right. Jenkins & Lewis Group IIIf, 37; MAA 4; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Ashmolean 2166. 9.05g, 18mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine.

5,000

Ex Roma Numismatics IX, 22 March 2015, lot 60.

43. North Africa, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; two pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 259â&#x20AC;&#x201C;79; MAA 10; SNG Copenhagen 975. 7.37g, 19mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,000

44. North Africa, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; four pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 298-306; MAA 10; SNG Copenhagen 975. 7.44g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,000

45. North Africa, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; three pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 280-97; MAA 10; SNG Copenhagen 975. 7.52g, 19mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,000

46. North Africa, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; four pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 298-306; MAA 10; SNG Copenhagen 975. 7.42g, 18mm, 12. Very Fine.

1,000

47. North Africa, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; three pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 280-97; MAA 10; SNG Copenhagen 975. 7.41g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,000

48. North Africa, Carthage EL Stater. Circa 310-270 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; pellet in field before neck / Horse standing right on single ground line; three pellets below. Jenkins & Lewis Group V, 280-97; MAA 10; SNG Copenhagen 975. 7.51g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,000

49. North Africa, Carthage AV Fifth Stater. Second Punic War, circa 203-201 BC. Wreathed head of Tanit left, wearing single-pendant earring, and necklace / Horse standing right. Jenkins & Lewis Group XIV, 466 (same dies); MAA 76; SNG Copenhagen -. 1.97g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

SICILY

50. Sicily, Entella AR Tetradrachm. Circa 345-315 BC. Head of Tanit right, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace; four dolphins around / Horse prancing right; palm tree in background. Jenkins, Punic 132 (O44/R119); SNG Copenhagen 965. 17.13g, 26mm, 1h. About Extremely Fine.

3,000

51. Sicily, Entella AR Tetradrachm. Circa 317-310 BC. Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and necklace; four dolphins around / Horse’s head to left, palm tree behind; Phoenician ‘M’ below. Jenkins 237. 16.83g, 28mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

A Magnificent Aitna Litra

52. Sicily, Aitna AR Litra. Circa 461-450 BC. Ivy-wreathed head of Silenos right / AIT-NAI, winged thunderbolt. SNG Fitzwilliam 948; SNG ANS 1239; Jameson 537; HGC 65. 0.70g, 11mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine; an extraordinarily well preserved example. Very Rare.

2,000

A Miniature Masterpiece

53. Sicily, Galaria AR Litra. Circa 430-420 BC. Dionysos standing left, holding kantharos and thyrsos; ivy rising to left / Grape bunch on vine with leaves flanking; CAΛAPI-NON below. Rizzo pl. 59, 20; Jenkins, AIIN suppl. 20, pl. VI, a.; HGC 2, 332. 0.85g, 12mm, 10h. Mint State. Extremely Rare. A miniature masterpiece.

3,500

Originally a native Sikeliote city that appears to have later Hellenised, Galaria borrowed heavily from the iconography of Aitna and Naxos for its only two issues of coinage, both struck in the mid-late fifth century. However, while the style and form of the first issue c.460 which depicts Zeus Soter on the obverse and Dionysos on the reverse is exceedingly crude, by comparison and indeed by any standard the style of this second issue is sublime. Still highly archaising in a period when the rest of the city states of Sicily were reaching an apex of high classical style, the tiny figure of Dionysos holding his thyrsos and wine cup is exceedingly charming, and truly remarkable considering the size of the coin.

54. Sicily, Gela AR Didrachm. Circa 490-480 BC. Nude horseman galloping to right, brandishing spear held high / Forepart of man-headed bull right, CΕΛΑ above. Jenkins, Gela group I, 11. 8.34g, 21mm, 12h. Some areas of corrosion, otherwise Extremely Fine.

2,000

55. Sicily, Gela AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-450 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; Ionic column behind, grain ear in exergue / Forepart of man-headed bull right, CEΛAΣ above. Jenkins, Gela 211 (O56/R112); SNG ANS O47/R46. 17.56g, 29mm, 3h. Very Fine.

1,500

56. Sicily, Gela AR Tetradrachm. Circa 420-415 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; above, Nike flying left, crowning charioteer with wreath / Forepart of man-headed bull right, ΓEΛAΣ above. Jenkins, Gela 478; SNG ANS 96 (these dies). 17.16g, 28mm, 7h. Worn obverse die, but otherwise Very Fine.

1,000

57. Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 465-450 BC. The river god Amenanos as a bearded, man-headed bull kneeling to right on ground line; floral design in exergue / Nike, wearing long chiton, advancing left, holding taenia in her outstretched right hand, wreath in left; H to left, KATANAION around. SNG ANS 1236; Randazzo pl. 4, 75 (same dies). 17.32g, 29mm, 4h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

From a private American Collection. The city of Katane, founded around 729 BC by Chalkidic colonists from Naxos, was established on the site of the archaic village of the same name that was then peopled by the indigenous Sikels, who had named their village after the rugged black lava landscape (katane, meaning sharp stones). The native Sikels were rapidly hellenised, but the Naxian founders kept the autochthonal name for their new home on the banks of the river Amenanos.

58. Sicily, Katane AR Litra. Circa 461-450 BC. Bald head of Silenos with long beard to left, crowned with wreath of ivy / Winged thunderbolt; ΚΑΤΑΝΕ around. SNG ANS 1237; SNG Copenhagen -. 0.65g, 11mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

750

59. Sicily, Katane AR Tetradrachm. Circa 425 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga to right; Nike flying to right above, crowning horses with wreath in outstretched arms / Laureate head of Apollo facing right, KATANAION around. Rizzo pl. XI, 4; SNG ANS 1249 (same dies). 16.77g, 27mm, 1h. Near Very Fine. Rare. 1,000 60. Sicily, Messana Æ Dilitron. Circa 338-318 BC. Head of Poseidon left, wearing laurel wreath; ΠOΣEI-ΔAN around / Ornate trident head; dolphins downward at sides, M-E-Σ-Σ-AN-IΩ-N around. Caltabiano 716.2 (this coin); HGC 2, 833; SNG Copenhagen 420. 13.75g, 25mm, 10h. Very Fine. Rare. 500 Ex Hans Hermann Gutknecht Collection, Münzen & Medaillen 17, 4 October 2005, lot 245; Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein 2, 27 October 1977, lot 115.

A Numismatic Gem

61. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Deinomenid Tyranny. Time of Hieron I, circa 475-470 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; Nike flying to right above, crowning horses / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring, necklace and headband, her hair tied in a krobylos; ΣVRΑKΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer -, (V140/R208). 17.45g, 25mm, 2h. Mint State; exceptional metal quality and preservation for a Syracusan tetradrachm of this period. Superb lustre with vivid iridescence. Extremely Rare; this die pairing not recorded by Boehringer. 5,000 Ex Dr. Murray Gell-Mann Collection, Roma Numismatics XI, 7 April 2016, lot 105. This coin displays not only an incredibly sharp strike from fresh dies in the centre of a large planchet, but also a wonderfully deep cabinet tone with gold iridescence on the obverse and vivid green flashes radiating out from the portrait on the reverse. This has yielded a coin with gem-like qualities; it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Deinomenid tetradrachms to have come to market in many years. Following the Battle of Himera in 480 BC, Syracuse had been unchallenged in Sicily. The reign of Hieron therefore was characterised by a period of great expansion in the power and prestige of Syracuse, and the effective carte blanche to do as he pleased; he removed the inhabitants of Naxos and Katane to Leontinoi, peopled Katane (which he renamed Aitna) with Dorians, concluded an alliance with Akragas, and espoused the cause of the Lokrians against Anaxilas, tyrant of Rhegion. Around the time when this coin must have been struck, Hieron achieved his most important military victory at the Battle of Cumae in 474 BC. Responding to a call for aid from Aristodemos, the tyrant of Cumae, to counter an Etruscan invasion, Hieron sent a fleet of triremes to assist the Cumaeans, whose combined navies met and defeated the Etruscan forces in the Bay of Naples. This defeat caused the Etruscans to lose much of their influence in Italy; they lost control of the seas and their territories were eventually absorbed piecemeal by the Romans, Samnites and Gauls. The Syracusans dedicated a captured Etruscan helmet at the great panhellenic sanctuary at Olympia, a piece of armour found in the German excavations there. Perhaps remembering this bitter defeat and hoping to avenge their ancestors, the Etruscans would later readily join the ill-fated Athenian expedition against Syracuse in 415 BC.

62. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Second Democracy, circa 450-440 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow quadriga right; Nike flying to right above, crowning horses, ketos in exergue / Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring, necklace and headband; ΣΥRAΚΟΣΙΟΝ and four dolphins around. Boehringer 554 (V282/R385); SNG ANS 180 (same obverse die); Rizzo plate 37, 13 (same obverse die). 17.35g, 26mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; very difficult to find in this grade. Struck from dies of wonderful style on sound metal. Rare.

7,500

Privately purchased from Numismatica Ars Classica, 13 January 2011.

63. Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemilitron. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Head of Arethusa left, barley ear to right / Wheel of four spokes, ΣY-PA in upper quarters, dolphins in lower. CNS II, p. 49, 21; SNG ANS 404ff. 3.53g, 16mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Pleasing green patina.

300

Ex Roma Numismatics IV, 30 September 2012, lot 97.

Fine Style Agathokles Tetradrachm

64. Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Agathokles, circa 310-306/5 BC. Head of Kore right, wearing earring, necklace and wreath of grain ears; KOPAΣ to left / Nike standing right, wearing drapery that falls to waist, erecting trophy to right; AI monogram to lower left, triskeles to right, AΓAΘOKΛEOΣ in exergue. Ierardi 95 (O19/R61); Gulbenkian 336 (same dies); SNG ANS 664; SNG Lloyd 1488. 17.24g, 26mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone.

6,000

With the usurpation of Agathokles in 317 BC, Syracuse once more monopolised the right of coinage for the whole of Sicily, even more distinctly than in the time of Dionysios. Yet the reign of Agathokles, as noted by Malcolm Bell (Morgantine Studies I, 1981) “was a watershed for the arts in Sicily, just as it was for politics. The change from a conservative late-classical style to the new modes of the early-Hellenistic period came very quickly, within the space of a decade, and it coincided with the replacement of democratic government by the new monarchy. It is clearly perceptible in the coins that... document the full acceptance of early-Hellenistic style.” Depicted often as a cruel and unscrupulous adventurer and tyrant, Agathokles achieved little of lasting historical importance; indeed after his death anarchy erupted both in Syracuse, where a damnatio memoriae was decreed, and in other places that had been under his rule (Diod. Sic. 21. 18). Nonetheless, his patronage of the arts left a legacy of beauty as embodied by a small number of surviving works of art from his reign, and smaller but no less wonderful objects such as this stunning coin.

65. Sicily, Syracuse AR 10 Litrai. Hieronymos, circa 215-214 BC. Diademed head of Hieronymos left; K (retrograde) behind / BAΣIΛEOΣ IEPΩNYMOY, winged thunderbolt; KI above. Holloway 41 (O21/R33); SNG ANS 1029 (these dies). 8.44g, 23mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 76, 12 September 2007, lot 181. Hieronymos ascended to the throne of Syracuse at a time of crisis. A Roman Consular army of eight legions and allied troops had been annihilated at Cannae only the year before, and Roman power had been dealt a considerable shock. The repercussions of that defeat had been profoundly felt in Sicily; the former king Hieron II had remained steadfast in his loyalty and support to Rome though a significant party in the city favoured abandoning the Roman alliance and joining the cause of Carthage, despite their traditional enmity to that people. The young Hieronymos, who had already shown signs of weakness and depravity of character, allowed himself to be influenced by his pro-Carthaginian uncles into breaking the alliance with Rome, a decision that would have disastrous consequences for Syracuse.

EPEIROS Very Rare Epirote Republic Didrachm

66. Epeiros, Epirote Republic AR Didrachm. Circa 234-168 BC. Jugate heads right of Zeus Dodonaeus, wearing a wreath of oak leaves, and Dione, diademed and draped; monogram ΑΥΤΚ to left, monogram of ΑΥΡΚ below / Bull charging to right, ΑΠΕΙ above, ΡΩΤΑΝ below; all within oak wreath. Franke 21; SNG Copenhagen 107; Weber 3024. 9.64g, 27mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

From a private German collection. While the coinage of the Epirote Republic is quite frequently encountered, the issues of didrachms are very rare. The obverse type of the jugate heads of Zeus and Dione is a civic emblem representative of the great shrine at Dodona in Epeiros, that was regarded as the oldest Hellenic oracle and second only in prestige to the great oracle of Delphi. In 233 BC the murder of Deidamia, last surviving member of the Aeacid royal house that claimed its descent from Achilles, brought the Epirote monarchy to an abrupt extinction and a federal republic was set up, though with diminished territory. Western Akarnania had asserted its independence, and the Aitolians had seized Ambrakia, Amphilochia, and the remaining land north of the Ambrakian Gulf. The new Epirote capital was therefore established at Phoenike, the political centre of the Chaonians. Epeiros did however remain a powerful entity, unified under the auspices of the Epirote League as a federal state with its own synedrion, or parliament. In the following years, Epeiros faced the growing threat of the expansionist Roman Republic, which fought a series of wars with Macedon. The League remained neutral in the first two Macedonian Wars but split in the Third Macedonian War (171–168 BC), with the Molossians siding with the Macedonians and the Chaonians and Thesprotians siding with Rome. The outcome was disastrous for Epeiros; Molossia fell to Rome in 167 BC and 150,000 of its inhabitants were enslaved.

67. Epeiros, Epirote Republic AR Drachm. Circa 234-168 BC. Laureate head of Zeus Dodonaeus right; monogram below / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, ΑΠΕΙ to left, ΡΩΤΑΝ to right; all within wreath. Franke, Group II, Series 61, 282ff. 4.50g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Rev. a little off-centre. Lustrous metal, lightly toned with golden hues. A handsome example.

350

THESSALY

68. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 400-380 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx and necklace; on either side, dolphin swimming downward / Horse standing to right, trailing rein on the exergual line and preparing to lie down, [bukranion on haunch]; ΛI below horse’s belly, [ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙ] below. L-S Group 3, Type 16; BCD Thessaly I -; BCD Thessaly II, 203 (same obv. die); HGC 4, 434. 6.33g, 18mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. An obverse die of wonderful style.

1,250

69. Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 380-365 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly right, wearing ampyx, earring, and necklace / Horse standing to left and preparing to lie down; ΛAPI above (P retrograde), ΣAΙΩN in exergue (N retrograde). L-S series 1, type A, dies O1/R2; CNG e292, 78 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 283 var. (P and N not retrograde; same obv. die). 5.91g, 19mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

300

From the estate of an English numismatist.

70. Thessaly, Larissa AR Diobol. Circa 344-337 BC. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx and necklace / Horse standing right, preparing to lie down; ΛΑΡΙΣ above, ΑΙΩΝ below. BCD Thessaly II, 385.3; SNG Copenhagen 132; SNG München 75. 2.34g, 15mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

500

71. Thessaly, Perrhaiboi AR Hemidrachm. Circa 450-400 BC. Hero to right, with chlamys draped over his shoulders, holding with both his hands a band passing around the head of a bull’s forepart leaping to right / Forepart of bridled horse to right; Π above, E to right, all within incuse square. SNG Fitzwilliam 2429 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II, 542 (this coin). 2.96g, 17mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

750

Ex BCD Collection, Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 542.

72. Thessaly, Thessalian League AR Hemidrachm. Circa 470-460 BC. Forepart of horse right / ΘΕ-ΤΑ, wheat grain upwards; all within incuse square. BCD Thessaly II, 9 (this coin). 2.91g, 15mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine. Ex BCD Collection, Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 9.

500

SIKYONIA

73. Sikyonia, Sikyon AR Hemidrachm. Circa 330-280 BC. Chimaera standing left, raising forepaw; ΣI below / Dove flying left; NO behind. BMC 118. 2.81g, 16mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful old tone.

500

Ex Dove Collection, Morton & Eden 49, 9 June 2011, lot 281; Privately purchased from Tradart.

ATTICA Early Athenian Tetradrachm

74. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 490-482 BC. Archaic head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with chevron and dot pattern / AΘE, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig behind; all within incuse square. Cf. Seltman pl. XIII ‘Civic Mint’, particularly reverses P.235-P236 for similar style owl; cf. Svoronos pl. 5-7. 17.09g, 26mm, 6h. Very Fine; attractive old tone. Unusual and highly distinctive early style. Very Rare.

7,500

From a private German collection. The famous Athenian ‘owl’ tetradrachm, unquestionably one of the most influential coins of all time, was introduced by the tyrant Hippias sometime between c.525 and c.510 BC, with van Alfen offering a date of about 515 as the most current view. The basic design would remain unchanged for nearly five hundred years, be extensively copied throughout the Mediterranean, and is today, as it was then, emblematic of Greek culture. The quality of the engraving on the early owl tetradrachms varies greatly, from the sublime to some which are very crude indeed. This disparity led Seltman to propose that those tetradrachms he considered to be of fine style were issues from a ‘civic’ mint in Athens, while those exhibiting little talent on the part of the engravers emanated from an ‘imperial’ mint in the Attic or Thracian hinterlands.

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

4,000

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

76. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-430 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / AΘE, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31. 17.18g, 25mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

750

77. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-430 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / AΘE, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31. 17.15g, 24mm, 1h. Good Very Fine, near full crest.

1,000

78. Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-430 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / AΘE, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31. 17.22g, 25mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

1,500

CYCLADES Extremely Rare Stater of Delos

79. Cyclades, Delos AR Stater. Circa 530 BC. Seven-stringed kithara / Rough incuse square. ACGC 122; cf. Traité pl. LXI, 16. 5.66g, 19mm. Very Fine; partitioned in antiquity. Extremely Rare.

500

From a private Canadian collection. Delos was a holy sanctuary for approximately a thousand years before Olympian Greek mythology made it the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Under the direction of Athens, the island was purified in an attempt to render it fit for the proper worship of the gods: in the 6th century BC, the tyrant Pisistratos ordered that all graves within sight of the temple be dug up and the bodies moved to another nearby island, and in the 5th century BC, during the 6th year of the Peloponnesian war and under instruction from the Delphic Oracle, the entire island was purged of all dead bodies. It was then ordered that no one should be allowed to either die or give birth on the island due to its sacred importance. Immediately after this purification, the first quinquennial festival of the Delian games were celebrated there.

Unique and Highly Important Stater of Seriphos

80.

Cyclades, Seriphos AR Stater. Thraco-Macedonian standard. Circa 475-460 BC. Frog, as seen from above / Shallow quadripartite incuse square, each quadrant containing a dolphin; uncertain retrograde legend: Σ-E-?-↓ around. Unpublished in the standard references including the die study by K. Sheedy, “The Archaic and Early Classical Coinages of the Cyclades”, RNS SP 40, 2006, pp. 42-47, 175-177 pls. 4-5. 9.40g, 18mm. Extremely Fine; edge harshly treated at 7 o’clock on obv. Unique and of great numismatic importance.

15,000

From a private Canadian collection. This previously unpublished coin finally settles once and for all the identification of the frog issues as from the mint of the Cycladic island of Seriphos, with part of the ethnic within three quarters of the reverse four-part incuse square clearly reading Σ-E… Attribution of a single earlier anepigraphic stater to Seriphos was originally argued for by Svoronos in ΒΑΤΑΕΧΟΣ ΣΕΡΙΦΟΣ, JAN 1, 1898, pp. 205-211, on the grounds that this reputedly impoverished island was renowned for its silent frogs (cf. Theophratos fr. 186, Aelian 3.37, Pliny NH 8.227 and the Archilochos text from a Parian monument, cf. Sheedy p. 43, note 294). After the publication of the first frog stater by Svoronos there appeared such a plethora of forgeries created by Constantine Christodoulos that several numismatists considered that only the original stater was genuine. The weight standard employed for this stater is Thraco-Macedonian (ideally about 9.8g), very close to the silver staters of Thasos, the Pangeion tribal region including ‘Lete’ and the Greek polis of Abdera. It is to be noted that this weight standard is also found on the Dodecanese island of Astypalaia (cf. BMC Caria p. 59, 1 and HGC 6, 1267). Seriphos is also known to have issued staters on the Aiginetic standard of 12.2g (Sheedy p. 175, 1-15); Milesian standard of 14.1g (Jenkins NC 1955, pp. 139-140); and a drachm on the Attic-Euboic standard of 4.2g (Sheedy p. 177, 1.2). This variety of weight standards is not unexpected, produced by a small island dependent on international trade. Very little is known from the written sources concerning Seriphos in the archaic period. It was traditionally thought to have been colonised by Aiolians from Thessaly, and later resettled by Ionians from Athens. Seriphos is known to have sent a pentekonter to join the Greek allied fleet at Salamis in 480 BC and contributed two talents to the Delian League in 451/0. In myth, Perseus and his mother Danaë had taken refuge from Argos at Seriphos, and at the request of the king of Seriphos, Polydektes, Perseus killed the Gorgon. Aelian records that on his return to the island with the head of Medusa, Perseus was so exhausted and in need of sleep that Zeus silenced the frogs that kept him awake.

MACEDON

81. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 480-470 BC. Lion right, attacking bull crouching left; Î&#x2DC; above, floral ornament in exergue / Quadripartite incuse square. Desneaux 63 var.; AMNG III/2, 4; SNG ANS 10. 16.48g, 30mm. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

From a private Canadian collection.

82. Macedon, Akanthos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 480-470 BC. Lioness right, attacking bull crouching left, with head reverted; floral ornament in exergue / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. CNG 91, 105; cf. Desneux Type G1. 17.17g, 28mm. Good Very Fine.

4,000

Ex Gorny & Mosch 232, 5 October 2015, lot 111.

83. Macedon, Potidaia AR Tetradrachm. Circa 500-480 BC. Poseidon Hippios, nude, riding horse walking to left, holding trident with his right hand and reins with his left; dolphin beneath horse / Quadripartite incuse square divided diagonally. Unpublished in the standard references, but cf. TraitĂŠ pl. LII, 6 (stater) and Leu 28, 71 (star); Tkalec February 2013, 35 (same dies); Gorny & Mosch 232, 118 (same dies). 17.05g, 25mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

5,000

Ex G. Kratochwil Collection, Numismatik Lanz 161, 7 December 2015, lot 70.

84. Macedon, Potidaia AR Tetradrachm. Circa 500-480 BC. Poseidon Hippios, nude, riding horse walking to right, holding trident with his right hand and the reins with his left; star beneath horse / Quadripartite incuse square divided diagonally. AMNG III 2 var. (control marks); SNG Lockett 1366 var. (same); SNG ANS 688-9 var. (same). 16.90g, 26mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare. Ex Gorny & Mosch 232, 5 October 2015, lot 117.

10,000

3x 85. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander I AR Hemiobol. Circa 498-454 BC. Head of goat to right / Quadripartite incuse square. SNG ANS -; Raymond -; SNG Copenhagen -; CNG e228, 28; cf. AMNG III p. 138, 10 (obol; under Uncertain Macedon); cf. Weber 1841 (obol). 0.28g, 7mm. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

200

Ex Gorny & Mosch 233, 6 October 2015, lot 1280.

86. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 355-348 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / The king, wearing kausia and chlamys, raising his right hand in salute and riding a horse walking to the left; ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around, trident head to left below. Le Rider 85, pl. 26 (this rev. die). 14.42g, 25mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Excellent style and beautifully toned.

2,500

Ex Rockefeller University / Dr. Alfred E. Mirsky Collection, Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 253.

Splendid Philip II Stater

87. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Struck under Philip III. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; trident below horses, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Le Rider 507/509 (D222/R373). 8.64g, 19mm, 4h. Mint State; lustrous and perfectly centred. A wonderful example of the type.

5,000

Apollo with the Features of Alexander

88. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Struck under Philip III. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, with the features of Alexander III / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; bee below horses, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Cf. Le Rider 531-546; cf. SNG ANS 183; NAC 84, 1449 (same dies). 8.57g, 19mm, 10h. Mint State. Extremely Rare.

7,500

89. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Philip III. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback to right, holding palm; ΦIΛIΠΠOY around, dolphin below, Π with pellet to right. Le Rider pl. 46, 19; SNG ANS 751. 14.27g, 24mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

90. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Philip III. Amphipolis, circa 323-315 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback to right, holding palm; ΦIΛIΠΠOY around, thunderbolt over Z below, dolphin before. Le Rider pl. 48, 4; SNG ANS 812. 14.38g, 26mm, 10h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful style, and attractively toned.

2,000

91. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Struck under Philip III. Kolophon, circa 323-319 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, with the features of Alexander III / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; tripod below horses, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ in exergue. Thompson, Philip 12; Le Rider pl. 93, 26 (same obv. die); SNG ANS 309; SNG Ashmolean 2456 (same obv. die). 8.58g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful, lustrous surfaces.

5,000

92. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AV Stater. Struck under Philip III. Abydos, circa 323-319 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving racing biga to right; Ξ below, ΦIΛIΠΠOY in exergue. Thompson, ADM II, 88-89; SNG ANS 298. 8.59g, 18mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine; nearly invisible hairline on cheek.

2,500

93. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 307-297 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding palm; ΦIΛIΠΠOY around, Λ, torch and monogram below. Le Rider pl. 47, 23; SNG ANS 794; SNG München 137. 14.16g, 27mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Stunning golden toning.

2,500

Ex Ambrose Collection; Ex Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 1134.

94. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 320-317 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, laurel branch in left field, Π below throne. Price 124; Troxell, Studies, Issue J6. 16.98g, 25mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

95. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Kyzikos, circa 280-275 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, long torch and monogram in left field, monogram in circle below throne. Price 1340; SNG France -. 17.06g, 31mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

1,000

96. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Erythrai, circa 290-275 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, monogram above club in left field, monogram below throne. Price 1898. 17.03g, 28mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Refined style.

1,000

97. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Magnesia ad Maeandrum, circa 282-225 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, ΔΦ monogram in left field, maeander pattern in exergue. Price 2012. 17.20g, 30mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Reverse engraved in refined style and struck in high relief.

1,000

98. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Drachm. Teos, circa 310-301 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, HΔ monogram in left field, ΠP monogram below throne. Price 2290. 4.20g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. 200 99. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Drachm. Sardes, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, torch in left field, A below throne. Price 2637; Müller 31. 4.24g, 17mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. 100

100. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Struck under Balakros, governor of Cilicia. Tarsos, circa 333-327 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ above, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, Nike flying to right and kerykeion in left field, monogram below throne; Θ in exergue. Price 3047. 16.23g, 30mm, 9h. Very Fine.

300

Extremely Rare Hemistater of Alexander

101. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Hemistater. Salamis, circa 332-323 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, dove at her feet. Price 3130; Leu 13, 122. 4.27g, 15mm, 12h. Very Fine; scuff on obv. Extremely Rare.

2,000

102. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Salamis, circa 323-316 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, rudder in left field. Price 3149; Newell, Some 11. 8.53g, 19mm, 12h. Mint State.

3,000

103. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Damaskos, circa 330-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, in left field, forepart of ram to right, pellet between struts of throne, ΔA below. Price 3203. 16.95g, 25mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

750

104. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Damaskos, circa 330-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, forepart of ram to right in left field; below throne, five pellets (in the form of a Λ) above strut, ΔA below. Price 3211. 17.13g, 26mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

750

105. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Laodicea ad Mare, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, monogram in left field, pellet above and monogram below strut of throne. Price 3233; Müller -. 17.27g, 25mm, 4h. Good Very Fine.

250

106. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Tyre, dated RY 25 of Azemilkos = 325/4 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; in left field, ‘Z in Phoenician script (king’s name) above |||||=. Price 3262 (Ake); DCA 736. 17.15g, 28mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

500

107. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Arados, circa 328-320 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent; Σ behind / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; AP monogram in lower left field, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left. Price 3315. 8.58g, 18mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

2,500

108. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Arados, circa 324-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, kerykeion in left field, AP monogram below throne. Price 3332; SNG Alpha Bank 675; SNG Saroglos 579-81. 17.22g, 27mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Light deposit on rev. near kerykeion.

109

1,250

110

109. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Arados, circa 324-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; kerykeion in left field, AP monogram below throne; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right. Price 3332; SNG Alpha Bank 675; SNG Saroglos 579-81. 17.21g, 29mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. 500 110. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Arados, circa 324-320 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; kerykeion in left field, AP monogram below throne; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ below, ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right. Price 3332; SNG Alpha Bank 675; SNG Saroglos 579-81. 16.85g, 28mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. 500

The Dekadrachms of Alexander

111.

Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Dekadrachm. Babylon, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre, on throne with eagle-tipped finials; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, monogram below throne, M in right field. Price -, cf. 3600 = Mitchiner, The Early IndoGreeks and their Antecedents p.11, illustration 4 = NAC 72, 344 = Price, Mnemata, 6 = Coin Hoard 1975 fig. 6, 2 (same obverse die); ACR 8, 198 (same obverse die); cf. Price 3603 (tetradrachm, same arrangement of controls). 40.38g, 34mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; crystallised metal. Perfectly centred, and struck from dies of the most elegant style. One of the very finest of the exceedingly few surviving dekadrachms of Alexander, this is a magnificent treasure for which all words fall short of doing just service. 75,000 From a private Canadian collection. In all of human history, there have been but very few individuals whose accomplishments are recounted again and again undimmed by time, whose legends have grown only brighter with the passing of the years, and whose names can stir fierce emotion and wonder at a distance of millennia. Alexander is perhaps the greatest of all such paragons of humanity, whose life and exploits are the near-incredible stuff of myth and fable. Silver dekadrachms, be they of Athens, Syracuse, Akragas or Carthage, have ever been amongst the most desired and sought-after of ancient coins by virtue of their impressive size and weight, and the large canvas they presented for the showcasing of the engraver’s art. Though considered ‘rare’, the surviving dekadrachms of Syracuse number in the high hundreds or low thousands, and those of Athens in the dozens. Fewer than twenty dekadrachms of Alexander are known to exist today - figurative grains of sand on a beach amidst the hundreds of thousands of surviving tetradrachms, drachms, staters and other fractions. The extreme rarity of Alexander’s dekadrachms has therefore contributed an aura of unobtainability to the mystery of this most iconic coinage. Missing from most of the world’s major institutional collections, the majority of the examples known today originated from the 1973 ‘Babylon’ Hoard (sometimes also referred to as the Mesopotamia Hoard), and a smaller 1989 find that Martin Price believed to be a part of the original 1973 deposit. The eight coins that are known to have come from these two groups form the backbone of the Dekadrachm corpus. Struck in three emissions from a mint generally considered to be at Babylon, but possibly Susa or Ekbatana, the dekadrachms formed part of a massive conversion of bullion seized from the Persian Royal treasuries at Susa and Persepolis - some 180,000 Attic talents (4,680 metric tons) were liberated from those vaults, converted by decree of the King into ready coinage to meet the expenses of his vast empire and to pay his beloved soldiers. That so few examples of this large denomination survive today is potentially indicative of a special significance or purpose for these coins. It is certainly tempting to think - as many often have - that they represent presentation pieces intended for certain men of rank, and that Alexander, who was well known for his love of giving gifts, may have distributed them personally. In reality though, their low survival rate is probably due to the impracticality of the denomination, since the ubiquitous tetradrachm was the more common and more convenient medium of payment. Regardless of its intended purpose, and though it represents only a small splinter that survives of Alexander’s great vision, today his dekadrachms are one of the most tangible artefacts of his reign, and amongst the greatest prizes of ancient Greek numismatics.

Third Known with Bee Symbol

112. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Dekadrachm. Babylon, circa 325-323 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, monogram and M below throne. Price 3618A = Mnemata: Papers in Memory of Nancy M. Waggoner, p. 69, 8, p. 69, 7, pl. 15 = Spink 71, 11 October 1989, lot 49 = Prospero 307 (same reverse die); Price pl. CLIX, 3598 = Künker 280, 163 (same obverse die); Coin Hoards I, 1975, fig 6, 1; Kraay-Hirmer pl. 173, 572. 40.15g, 33mm, 4h. Very Fine. Exceedingly Rare; the third known example of this variety.

30,000

From a private Canadian collection.

113

114

113. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Babylon, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, AΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, M in left field, ΛY below throne. Price 3692. 17.01g, 27mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 500 114. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Babylon, circa 323-319 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, AΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, M in left field, ΛY below throne. Price 3692. 16.82g, 28mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. 1,000

115. Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander III ‘the Great’ AV Stater. Alexandria, circa 312-310 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ to right, EY to left. Price 3980; Müller 1575. 8.58g, 18mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. A perfect, gem-like coin.

5,000

A Perfect Philip III Stater

116. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AV Stater. Lampsakos, 323-317 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΦΙΛΙΠΠOY to right, buckle in left field and crescent-over-A beneath wing-tip to left. Price P13; Müller P77; ADM II Series IX, 182b = Bement 772 (same obv. die); SNG Alpha Bank -; SNG München -; SNG Saroglos -. 8.61g, 18mm, 9h. Fleur De Coin.

5,000

117. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip III Arrhidaios AV Stater. Arados, circa 323-316 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; ΦΙΛΙΠΠOY to right, Z below right wing, prow of war galley inscribed LY below left wing. Price P157. 8.64g, 18mm, 1h. Near Mint State.

3,000

118. Kingdom of Macedon, Demetrios I Poliorketes AR Tetradrachm. Amphipolis, circa 289/8 BC. Diademed head of Demetrios right, with bull’s horn / Poseidon standing nude to left, right foot on rock, resting right arm on thigh and holding trident in left hand; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ to left, monograms in inner left and outer right fields. Newell 123; SNG Berry 340; Pozzi 2012. 17.10g, 33mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

119. Kingdom of Macedon, Time of Philip V - Perseus AR Tetrobol. Pella or Amphipolis, circa 187-168 BC. Macedonian shield with MA-KE and club on boss / Macedonian helmet, two monograms to left, monogram and thunderbolt to right. SNG Ashmolean 3278 var.; SNG Copenhagen 1282 var.; SNG Alpha Bank -. 2.17g, 15mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

300

Devolution of Minting Authority

120. Kingdom of Macedon, Philip V AR Tetradrachm. In the name and types of Alexander III. Pella, circa 180 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, club in left field, B below throne. Price 636; Müller -; Roma XIII, 194. 16.71g, 30mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

1,000

This coin is part of the final issue of ‘Alexanders’ struck in Macedon, as outlined by Seyrig (H. Seyrig, ‘Monnaies héllenistiques, 5. Philippe V ou les Bottiéens’, RN 1963, 14-8, pl. ii). Price notes: It represents a revival of the coinage that is much later than the groups of the early part of Antigonos’ reign. Seyrig showed that the style of the head of Herakles on these later issues compared closely with that on bronze issues in the name of Philip V, dated from the use of the same symbol and monograms as are found on the silver tetradrachms to the later years of his reign. The Alexander issue is not, however, marked with the controls of the royal coinage of Philip, and was presumably struck to make a particular payment for which this type of coinage was stipulated. The letter B which occurs on the Alexanders of this group may be related to the name of the Bottiaeans of the Emanthian plain around Pella, who at this time struck fractional coinage parallel to the royal issues of Philip V. This suggestion is strengthened by the symbol of the prow (Price 640-2) which echoes the reverse type of the coinage of the Bottiaeans. F. W. Walbank (Philip V of Macedon, Cambridge University Press, 2013, p. 265) notes however that there is now evidence of at least three other regional issues - those of the Amphaxians, coined at Thessalonica, and those of two Paeonian peoples, the Doberes and Paroreians. Additionally, many cities minted in their own names including Amphipolis, Aphytis in Chalkidike, Apollonia, Pella and Thessalonica. Walbank concludes that this represents a concession of the king’s centralised political authority and an unprecedented devolution of minting authority. Rather than necessarily indicating weakness or insecurity though, Walbank makes the case for this devolution being a method of achieving some consolidation following the absolutist policies of the Antigonids, who had ever restricted coining rights, even to the great trading cities on the coasts. He proposes that the success Philip achieved with this policy should be measured by the prosperity of Macedon and the loyalty of its people to the king; the state of the Macedonian state on the eve of the Third Macedonian War indicates that this concession “weakened neither nation nor monarchy”.

Unpublished and Important Pangaion Hekte

3x 3x 121. Macedon, Pangaion Region EL Hekte. Circa 600-500 BC. Phokaic standard. Fish ‘tout seul’ to left / Rectangular incuse punch with irregular striations. Von Fritze -; Hurter & Liewald -; Rosen -; for similar issues with fish as obverse type attributed to Thraco-Macedonian region cf. Tzamalis 21; cf. Leu 45, 98 and 99; for similar reverse punch cf. Svoronos, l’hellenisme primitif de la macedoine, pl. XV, 31. 2.70g, 10mm. Near Mint State. Apparently unique and unpublished. Of significant numismatic interest.

4,000

THRACO-MACEDONIAN REGION

Extremely Rare Tyntenoi Tristater

122. Thraco-Macedonian Tribes, the Tyntenoi AR Tristater. Circa 480 BC. Hermes, naked and bearded, wearing kausia, walking between two bulls to right on ground line, extending left hand to neck of nearest bull; ΤΥΝΤΝΟΣ around / Wheel within incuse square. Cf. C. Arnold-Biucchi, NumAntClQT 9, 1980, 31 pl. 2, 13; cf. Svoronos, Hell. prim 4648 pl.4, 20; cf. AMNG 211f, pl.24, 40. 28.55g, 33mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare. Ex Gorny & Mosch 232, 5 October 2015, lot 120.

7,500

Very Rare Orreskioi Oktadrachm

123. Thraco-Macedonian Tribes, the Orreskioi AR Oktadrachm. Circa 5th century BC. Herdsman standing to right, holding two spears and guiding two bulls to right upon dotted ground line; OPPHΣKIΩN around. Cf. SNG ANS 977; cf. Svoronos, Hell. Prim. pl. V, 2-3. 28.06g, 30mm. Scrapes to obverse, otherwise Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

20,000

Ex G. Kratochwil Collection, Numismatik Lanz 161, 7 December 2015, lot 61.

THRACE

124. Thrace, Ainos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 412-409 BC. Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos / Goat walking right, kerykeion before, AIN above; all within incuse square. May 255c; Kraay-Hirmer 422; Locker-Lampson 131; SNG Lockett 1157. 16.50g, 25mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful late classical style.

7,500

Ex Roma Numismatics V, 23 March 2013, lot 292. This portrait is one of the last profile heads to appear on the coinage of Ainos, and its severe features make it one of the most striking of the entire series. The city of Ainos began striking its first tetradrachms only after the expulsion of the Persians from northern Greece following Xerxes’ defeat at Salamis. Its early issue of coinage came to an end with the Athenian coinage decree of 449 BC, but the mint began to strike again around 435 BC, finally ending when Philip of Macedon conquered the city in 342 BC. The coinage of Ainos consistently displayed Hermes on one side and a goat on the other, the reasons for which are that the goat represented the source of Ainos’ prosperity, and Hermes was the patron god of the city. According to a poem by Kallimachos, the sculptor Epeios, who constructed the Trojan Horse, also made a wooden statue (xoanon) of Hermes, which was washed out to sea and recovered by fishermen on the Hebros river. The fishermen, thinking it just a piece of driftwood, tried to burn it in their bonfire. When it failed to burn they took fright and threw it back into the sea, which promptly cast it back again. The natives accepted it as a relic of the gods, and erected the sanctuary of Hermes Perpheraios (the Wanderer) at the future site of Ainos.

125. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lysimacheia, circa 305-281 BC. Head of the deified Alexander ‘the Great’ right, wearing diadem and horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros enthroned left, shield decorated with Medusa’s head resting against base of throne, spear resting behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙMΑXOY to left, lion’s head and monogram below right hand, monogram in exergue. Müller 54. 17.06g, 29mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; some minor pososity.

1,000

126. Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos AR Tetradrachm. Lampsakos, circa 297-281 BC. Head of the deified Alexander ‘the Great’ right, wearing diadem and horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros enthroned left, shield decorated with Medusa’s head resting against base of throne, below which star, spear resting behind; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛΥΣΙΜΑΞΟΥ to left, torch to inner left. Thompson 43; Müller 381; SNG France 2538-9. 17.06g, 29mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,750

CRETE

127. Crete, Phalasarna AR Stater. Circa 300 BC. Head of Britomartis to right, her hair tightly bound / Elaborate trident head; Φ-A between prongs. Le Rider pl. X, 12-13 (same dies); SNG Lockett 2596; Svoronos 2, pl. XXV, 5 (same dies). 11.25g, 26mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

3,000

Britomartis was the Minoan goddess of mountains and hunting, who was later assimilated into classical Greek mythology through her equation to Artemis. She was worshipped as an aspect of Potnia, the Cretan Mother of Mountains, who in Minoan art appears as a demonic gorgon, accompanied by double-axes of power, and gripping divine serpents. Her name Britomartis, which means ‘sweet maid’, appears to have been an apotropaic euphemism to allay the dangerous, terrifying side to the goddess.

AEOLIS

128

129

128. Aeolis, Kyme AR Tetradrachm. Circa 165/55-145/0 BC. Stephanophoric type. Euktemon, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right, one-handled cup below, KYMAIΩN to right, EYKTHMΩN in exergue; all within laurel wreath. Oakley obv. die 56; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 77. 16.80g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 500 129. Aeolis, Kyme AR Tetradrachm. Circa 165/55-145/0 BC. Stephanophoric type. Seuthes, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right, one-handled cup below, KYMAIΩN to right, ΣEYΘHΣ in exergue; all within laurel wreath. Oakley obv. die 59; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 1640. 16.89g, 35mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 500

130

131

130. Aeolis, Kyme AR Tetradrachm. Circa 165/55-145/0 BC. Stephanophoric type. Seuthes, magistrate. Head of the Amazon Kyme right, wearing tainia / Horse prancing right, one-handled cup below, KYMAIΩN to right, ΣEYΘHΣ in exergue; all within laurel wreath. Oakley obv. die 61; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 79 (same obv. die); SNG von Aulock 1640 (same obv. die). 16.84g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 500 131. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Stephanophoric type. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand, filleted laurel branch in left; monogram and MYPINAIΩN to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 19; BMC 12. 16.76g, 34mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 300

132. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Stephanophoric type. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand, filleted laurel branch in left; monogram to left, omphalos and amphora at feet, ΜΥPΙΝΑΙΩΝ in exergue; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 20; SNG Copenhagen 223. 16.66g, 34mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. 500

133

134

133. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Stephanophoric type. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand, filleted laurel branch in left; monogram and MYPINAIΩN to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 27; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 15. 16.92g, 34mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. 750 134. Aeolis, Myrina AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-145 BC. Stephanophoric type. Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding phiale in right hand, filleted laurel branch in left; monogram and MYPINAIΩN to left, omphalos and amphora at feet; all within laurel wreath. Sacks Issue 27; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 15. 16.68g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. 500

ASIA MINOR

Unique and Unpublished EL Hekte

135. Western Asia Minor, uncertain mint EL Hekte. Circa 600-550 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Garbled Phoenician or Aramaic legend; uncertain design / Square punch mark with pellet-like protuberances. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar issues on the same weight standard cf. Weidauer 120 and Mitchiner, ATEC 140 (1/12 Stater, possibly the mint of Kolophon or Priene). 2.40g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

1,000

Unpublished Ram Stater

136. Asia Minor, uncertain mint AR Stater. Circa 4th century BC. Ram standing left on uncertain base / Quadripartite incuse square of mill-sail pattern. Unpublished in the standard references. 11.07g, 19mm. Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

1,000

The silver weight standard of about 11 grams is that of a Persian double siglos (= stater), employed by many mints throughout Asia Minor, especially in Cilicia. The inspiration for the obverse and mill-sale reverse types could have been the 4th century staters of Kalchedon (which depicts a bull standing on a base of grain - cf. SNG BMC Black Sea 94 and Waddington p. 292, 14), but whether intentionally or not, the type is more directly similar to a type struck at Kyzikos (Von Fritze 91).

IONIA 2x 137. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Ingot. Circa 650-600 BC. Smooth, blank surfaces. Cf. CNG E-344, lot 106. 1.49g, 8mm. As made.

500

Extremely Rare and Artistic Early Trite

138. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Trite. Circa 600-550 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Horse rolling over on to back, head to left / Vertical incuse rectangular punch. Weidauer 136, 137 = SNG Berry 1034; SNG von Aulock 7784; Rosen 254; cf. BMC Ionia 2, pl. III, 4 (stater); M. Mignucci, Elettro arcaico, incroci di conio inediti, SM 42, 166 (May 1992), fig. 1-2. 4.65g, 13mm. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, only the sixth known example of an issue of considerable artistic quality.

10,000

This extremely rare trite is part of a small series of staters and trites which are all closely linked through shared dies, that show a ram with head reverted (Weidauer 52-54), the horse rolling onto its back (Weidauer 135-137), and a butting bull (Weidauer 131-132). Mignucci points out that all these coins had to have been struck over a very short period of time at a single mint. In particular, the highly unusual reverse of the trites displays a single punch-mark, rather than the two separate punch marks we might normally expect to see. This technique is seemingly without parallel, perhaps indicating a short-lived experiment. The identification of the mint, as with much early electrum, is impossible to ascertain at present. Agnes Baldwin Brett, in her commentary on an example of the ram-type stater (Boston MFA 1759), proposed that it was struck at Klazomenai, on the basis that the ram, a symbol of Apollo, was a commonly used design at that city during the 4th Century BC. This of course fails to explain the common features with the horse and bull types. All we can surmise therefore is that given the incredibly high artistic quality of the dies, it is probable that this series must have been the product of one of the more important mints in Ionia.

Second Known Example

139. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Hekte. Circa 600-550 BC. Phokaic standard. Head of lion right, mouth open / Incuse square. Cf. Weidauer 184 (stater); Traité -; SNG Kayhan -; CNG 103, 284 (lion left); Roma XIII, 224. 2.62g, 12mm. Good Very Fine. Apparently unpublished in the standard references; the second known example.

1,000

2x 140. Ionia, uncertain mint EL Hemihekte. Circa 575-560 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Bridled horse head left / Incuse square punch. Weidauer 142; Traité I 346 (Chios); SNG Kayhan 715. 0.97g, 7mm. Good Very Fine.

300

Ex Roma Numismatics Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 275.

141. Ionia, uncertain mint EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 600-550 BC. Phokaic standard. Human leg / Incuse square. CNG 102, 492; CNG 100, 1482; otherwise unpublished in the standard references. 0.67g, 7mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

Both the obverse design and reverse punch are immediately reminiscent of the obols attributed to Phlious in Phliasia (cf. BCD Peloponnesos 78–80).

3x 142. Ionia, uncertain mint EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 600-550 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Facing lion head / Incuse square. Cf. Weidauer 162–4 (hemihektai); Traité I -; cf. Elektron I 19 (trite); cf. Rosen 267 (hekte); cf. SNG Kayhan 712 (hemihekte); SNG von Aulock 1801 (hemihekte). 0.54g, 5mm. Extremely Fine.

200

2x 143. Ionia, uncertain mint Pale EL Hekte. Circa 5th century BC. Uncertain standard. Forepart of horse rearing left, mane flowing behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Schönert-Geiss 4-5 (horse left); Triton XI, 252; CNG e359, 88; CNG e333, 97; Numismatik Naumann 52, 163. 2.09g, 10mm. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

250

Ephesian Artemis

144. Ionia, Ephesos AV Stater. Circa 155-140 BC. Draped bust of Artemis right, wearing stephane, and with bow and quiver over shoulder / Cult statue of the Artemis of Ephesos facing, a fillet hanging from each hand; thymiaterion in inner right field, Ε-Φ across fields. G. K. Jenkins, Hellenistic Gold Coins of Ephesos, in Festschrift Akurgal, Ankara, 1987, p. 134, pl. B, 6 (BM) = R Fleuscher I, Artemis von Ephesos und der erwandte Kultstatue von Anatolien und Syrien, EPRO 35, 1973, pl. 53b; LIMC II, pl. 565, 23. 8.39g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

The Hellenistic era gold coinage struck at Ephesos is extremely rare and rarely well preserved. Previously thought to have all been struck during the Mithradatic wars, this is now known not to be the case. Some seem to be dated by the era of the Province of Asia and the dates they bear are too early for them to be Mithradatic War issues. Certain other issues such as the present example appear to be part of extraordinary issue of gold struck in conjunction with an extremely rare gold stater type of Magnesia in the mid-second century. The style and fabric of both issues seem consistent with an emergency issue struck to meet an immediate expense. The reverse of this coin depicts the famous cult statue of Ephesian Artemis, housed in the great temple of Artemis that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The original image of the goddess was a wooden xoanon that had represented a pre-Hellenic goddess who the Greeks later equated with Artemis. This first image, which was kept decorated with jewellery, was possibly lost in a flood in the 8th or 7th century which destroyed the temple; excavations have discovered the tear-shaped amber drops of elliptical cross-section which must have dressed it. In circa 550 BC, when reconstruction of the temple was begun (partly financed by Kroisos), it was undertaken in grand style and was supposedly the first Greek temple to be built of marble. The wooden xoanon was replaced by a new ebony or grapewood statue sculpted by Enoidos, which presumably survived until the temple was again destroyed, this time by an act of arson on the part of one Herostratos. The second destruction of the temple coincided with the birth of Alexander the Great; Plutarch later noted that Artemis was too preoccupied with Alexander’s delivery to save her burning temple. The form of the goddess is distinctly near-eastern in appearance; characteristics such as her legs being enclosed in a tapering pillar-like term are closely related to Egyptian and Hittite images, and the curious feature of the many protuberances on her chest (usually described as breasts or eggs) are decidedly non-Greek in origin, and indeed have defied explanation or identification for centuries, though an association with fertility seems implicit.

145. Ionia, Lebedos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 160-140 BC. Stephanophoric type. Apollodotos, magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet with laurel branch above visor / Owl standing right, head facing, on club between two filleted cornucopiae; ΛEBEΔIΩN above, AΠOΛΛ-OΔOTOΣ below; all within wreath. Amandry, Tétradrachmes, Group IV, 17f (D2/R13); SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 1; Boston MFA Sup. 170. 16.10g, 32mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

146. Ionia, Lebedos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 160-140 BC. Stephanophoric type. Korabos, magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet with laurel branch above visor / Owl standing right, head facing, on club between two filleted cornucopiae; ΛEBEΔIΩN above, KΩPA-BOΣ below; all within wreath. Amandry, Tétradrachmes, Group V, 27-30; SNG von Aulock 2027; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG Munich -; BMC -. 16.36g, 33mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,250

Unpublished Gold Stater of Magnesia

147.

Ionia, Magnesia ad Maeandrum AV Stater. Circa 155-140 BC. Euphemos, son of Pausanias, magistrate. Draped bust of Artemis to right, wearing stephane, and with bow and quiver over shoulder / Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving fast biga to right; MAΓNHTΩN (of the Magnesians) above, EYΦHMOΣ ΠAYΣANIOY below. Heritage 3056, 30066 (same dies); unpublished in the standard references, but for the magistrate Euphemos son of Pausanias and dating of the stephanophoric tetradrachms of Magnesia, cf. N. F. Jones, “The Autonomous Wreathed Tetradrachms of Magnesia-on-Maeander”, ANSMN 24, 1979, pp. 63-109, especially nos. 8-25; for the obverse Artemis bust type cf. B. Head, History of the Coinage of Ephesus, London 1880, p. 69, 1-7, pl. 5 and Mørkholm, Early Hellenistic Coinage, Cambridge 1991, 657 = Gulbenkian 985. 8.44g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. A coin of extreme rarity and great numismatic importance.

15,000

The discovery of this totally new reverse type for a gold stater on the Attic weight standard of about 8.5g, fortunately signed by a very well known Magnesian magistrate, solves two long standing numismatic problems. Firstly, it allows for the dating of the Ephesian gold staters with which it is associated (see lot 144), and it confirms the mid second century dating of the Ionian stephanophoric coinage. Euphemos, son of Pausanias, was one of the eight magistrates who were responsible for the substantial silver stephanophoric ‘wreath-bearer’ tetradrachm issues, beautifully engraved and struck on broad flans on the Attic silver standard of about 17.2 grams. It is notable that Magnesia had in the late 4th and early 3rd centuries produced very high quality Attic standard gold staters with polished dies in the names of Philip, Alexander and Lysimachos. The obverse bust of Artemis is of exactly the same style as the well known Ephesos gold staters which depict on their reverse the Ephesian cult figure of Artemis. Until now those Ephesian staters have defied proper dating, having been given a chronological range by various authors from 150 to 88 BC (cf. Gilbert K. Jenkins, ‘Hellenistic gold coins of Ephesus’, in Festschrift E. Akurgal, Anadolu-Anatolia 21, 1978/80, Ankara, 1987, pp. 183-8, pls. A-B). Though of course it does not preclude the possibility that they were struck over an extended period of time, we may now at least say with some certainty that they were already being struck by around 150-140 BC. The evidence from the seven extant stephanophoric tetradrachm hoards from the contemporary territory of the Seleukid Empire, found together with dated Seleukid coins, points to a secure narrow chronological range for all these issues of 150-138 BC. Significantly the Magnesian coinage has often been found in close association with similar wreathed issues from Aigai, Kyme, Myrina, Herakleia, Lebedos and Smyrna in what must have been an unattested ‘entente’ by cities that had been guaranteed their autonomy following the imposition by Rome of the Treaty of Apameia between the Republic and Antiochos III in 188 BC - an attempt to stop the constant quarrelling between the Greeks. For the numismatic history of the period cf. Jones 1979, pp. 90-100 and Ch. Boehringer, Zur Chronologie Mittelhellenistischer Münzserien 220-160 v. Chr., Berlin 1972, pp. 49f.

148. Ionia, Magnesia ad Maeandrum AR Tetradrachm. Circa 155-140 BC. Euphemos, son of Pausanias, magistrate. Draped bust of Artemis right,wearing stephane, and with bow and quiver over shoulder / Apollo Delphios standing left, resting on tall tripod to right, holding branch tied with fillet; MAΓNHTΩN to right, EYΦHMOΣ ΠAYΣANIOY in two lines to left, maeander pattern below; all within laurel wreath. Jones 13; SNG Copenhagen -; Waddington 1725; BMC 36. 16.78g, 30mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

2x 149. Ionia, Miletos EL Hemihekte. Circa 600-550 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Head of lion right / Incuse punch of stellate pattern. Weidauer -; Traité I -; SNG Kayhan 446-8; Boston MFA -; Rosen -; Elektron I 66. 1.13g, 7mm. Very Fine. Rare.

200

Ex Roma Numismatics Auction VII, 22 & 23 March 2014, lot 561.

150. Ionia, Miletos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 295-270 BC. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MI (civic) monogram in left field. Price 2150. 16.93g, 28mm, 12h. Near Mint State; minor contact marks in rev. field.

1,000

151. Ionia, Miletos AR Drachm. Circa 295-270 BC. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MI (civic) monogram in left field. Price 2151; Marcellesi 29; SNG Saroglos 779. 4.26g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

200

2x 152. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hemihekte. Circa 625/00-522 BC. Head of seal left / Incuse square punch. Bodenstedt 2.2; SNG von Aulock -; BMC 9; Boston MFA -; Pozzi 2494; Weber 6066. 1.30g, 8mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

153

154

300

153. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 625/00-522 BC. Ram kneeling left, seal above / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 18; SNG von Aulock 7945. 2.58g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, only 3 specimens cited by Bodenstedt. 1,500 154. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 625/00-522 BC. Lion pouncing left, seal above / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 27; Boston MFA 1902. 2.59g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, only 2 examples recorded by Bodenstedt. 1,500

Unpublished Hekte of Phokaia 2x

155. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Archaic female head left, wearing hoop earring; to right, seal downward / Quadripartite incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references; cf. Bodenstedt 23 and 33 for similar head with stephane. 2.60g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished. 2x

156

157

1,000

156. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Forepart of lion left, devouring prey; above, small seal left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 36; SNG von Aulock -; Boston MFA -; BMC 21; de Luynes 2646. 2.55g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, only five other examples offered at auction in the past fifteen years. 2,000 The obverse type of the forepart of a lion tearing at its prey was used extensively by the Phokaian refugees who had settled at Velia in Bruttium after their native city had been conquered by the Persians in the 540s BC. The appearance of the same motif here can thus be easily explained as symbolising the link between Phokaia and their kin at Velia. 157. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Forepart of griffin left; to right, seal downward / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 42; Boston MFA -; SNG von Aulock -. 2.57g, 9mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare - Bodenstedt knew of only the Berlin specimen. 500

Extremely Rare Cicada Hekte

2x 158. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Cicada seen from above; seal to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 55 = Leu 20, 128; Gemini XIII, 67. 2.14g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of very few known examples (only one known to Bodenstedt).

4,000

2x 159. Ionia, Phokaia AR Diobol. Circa 500-480 BC. Female head left, wearing helmet or close fitting cap / Rough incuse square. SNG Kayhan 522-526; SNG von Aulock 1813. 1.30g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

100

One of Six Known Examples

2x 160. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 478-387 BC. Head of youth (probably Attis) in Persian cap and taenia to left; seal behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 84; BMC 34, pl. 4, 22. 2.58g, 11mm. Extremely Rare; one of as few as six known examples.

1,000

2 Examples Recorded by Bodenstedt

2x 161. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 387-326 BC. Laureate head of youthful Pan left, small horn at forehead; seal behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 85; SNG von Aulock -; Boston MFA -; Triton XI, lot 243; CNG 94, lot 542. 2.54g, 10mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare, only two examples recorded by Bodenstedt. 2x

162

163

1,000

162. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 387-326 BC. Head of Io to left; below, small seal to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 96; SNG von Aulock 1710; Boston MFA 1730-1. 2.54g, 10mm. Very Fine. 250 163. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 387-326 BC. Wreathed youthful head of Pan left; seal below neck truncation / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 97; SNG von Aulock 2124. 2.50g, 9mm. Good Very Fine.

250

2x 164. Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 387-326 BC. Head of Queen Omphale left, wearing Herakles’ lion skin headdress and ear pendant, club over shoulder; beneath, seal / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 107; SNG Copenhagen 1029. 2.53g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

300

2x 165. Islands off Ionia, Samos AR Drachm. Circa 400-365 BC. Facing lion scalp / Forepart of bull right; AMΦ above, ΣA below. Barron p. 210, 2; Jameson 1530; SNG France 265 (same dies). 3.83g, 14mm, 8h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

LESBOS

2x 166. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Forepart of winged boar right / Incuse head of lion left; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 10; HGC 6, 935; SNG von Aulock -; Boston MFA 1678; BMC -. 2.57g, 10mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. 2x

167

168

750

167. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of roaring lion right / Incuse head of calf right; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 13; SNG Copenhagen 301. 2.55g, 10mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. 250 168. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of roaring lion right / Incuse head of calf right; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 13; SNG Copenhagen 301. 2.57g, 10mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. 250

A Masterful Miniature

4x 169. Lesbos, Mytilene EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 521-478 BC. Head of calf to left / Incuse head of lion left; rectangular punch behind. Unpublished in the standard references; Gorny & Mosch 195, 222 (12,000 EUR). 0.65g, 6mm, 11h. Mint State. An excessively rare denomination; one of just two known examples of this type.

170

171

1,000

170. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Winged boar flying right / Incuse head of roaring lion right; rectangular punch behind. Bodenstedt 15; SNG Copenhagen -. 2.60g, 9mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Well centred. 300 Ex Roma Numismatics Auction IV, 30 September 2012, lot 317. 171. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Gorgoneion facing, surrounded by snakes and with a protruding tongue / Incuse bearded head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress; neck truncation formed by two rows of small squares, four above and six below; behind head, incuse rectangle with irregular field. Bodenstedt 19.1; BMC 14; SNG von Aulock 1691. 2.53g, 10mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. 500

2x 172. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 478-455 BC. Head of Athena wearing crested Attic helmet to right / Incuse lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head facing. Bodenstedt 30; HGC 6, 957. 2.54g, 11mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

173

174

173. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 455-428/7 BC. Head of an aged satyr facing right, wearing taenia / Two confronted heads of rams within incuse square. Bodenstedt 37 (dies c/g); Boston MFA 1685; BMC Troas pg. 160, 41 (same dies); SNG Copenhagen Supp. 323 (same dies); SNG von Aulock 7726 (same dies); SNG Fitzwilliam 4340 (same dies). 2.46g, 10mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare variety without palmette. 300 174. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 455-428/7 BC. Bare male head right / Head of calf right within linear square. Bodenstedt 39; HGC 6, 965; SNG von Aulock 1696; Boston MFA 1698; BMC 34. 2.55g, 10mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Rare. 500 2x

175

176

175. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 400 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Bearded head of Pharnabazos right, wearing Persian tiara, within linear frame; all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 71; HGC 6, 997. 2.49g, 11mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. 250 176. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-326 BC. Head of Athena facing three-quarters right, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet, earring, and pearl necklace / Head of Hermes right, chlamys around shoulders and petasos behind neck, within linear frame. Bodenstedt 86. 2.53g, 10mm. Good Very Fine. 400 2x

177

178

177. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-326 BC. Wreathed head of Persephone right / Bull butting left in linear square, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 88; HGC 6, 1014 corr. (bull butting left, not right). 2.56g, 10mm, 12h. Very Fine. 250 178. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-326 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Head of female right within linear square. Bodenstedt 95; HGC 6, 1021. 2.56g, 10mm, 12h. Very Fine. 100

2x 179. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-326 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Forepart of serpent right in linear square, all within incuse square. Bodenstedt 96; HGC 6, 1022. 2.52g, 10mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. 2x

180

181

500

180. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-326 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Head of female right, hair in sakkos, small coiled serpent behind, within linear square. Bodenstedt 100A; SNG Von Aulock 1715; SNG Copenhagen 317. 2.55g, 10mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. 200 181. Lesbos, Mytilene EL Hekte. Circa 375-326 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing, within linear square. Bodenstedt 105; HGC 6, 1031. 2.54g, 10mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. 250

MYSIA 3x 182. Mysia, Kyzikos EL 1/24 Stater. Circa 600-550 BC. Head of tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze -; Rosen 414; SNG France -; NAC 100, 1110. 0.65g, 5mm. Very Fine. Rare.

300

One of Four Known

2x 183. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hemihekte. Circa 600-550 BC. Head of tunny fish to left, two pellets behind; tunny fish above to right. Hurter & Liewald III 5.2; cf. Von Fritze I 2 (hekte); SNG France -; Boston MFA -; CNG 82, lot 586. 1.37g, 8mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare - only one example listed by Hurter & Liewald, a further two recorded at auction.

300

Unique Hekte of Kyzikos

2x 184. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 600-550 BC. Head of tunny fish to right on raised disc / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Hurter-Liewald in SNR 2006, 21 (1/12 stater); cf. von Fritze 32 (1/12 stater); cf. SNG France 174 (1/12 stater). 2.73g, 11mm. Extremely Fine. Unique and unpublished in this larger denomination.

1,000

A New Type for Kyzikos

185. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Forepart of bull running to left, head reverted / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze -; SNG France -; Boston MFA -; BMC -; Hurter-Liewald -. 16.18g, 20mm. Extremely Fine. Unique and unpublished type.

15,000

The choice of a bull with head turned backwards was a popular one on ancient coins; its most famous use as a principal coin type occurs on the coinage of Sybaris, which of course featured the entire animal, as did Gortyna, Parion, Karystos and others. Similar foreparts of a bull also occur on the tetrobols of Akanthos, and a hekte of Phokaia (Bodenstedt 28), which this type most closely resembles in style and from which it was probably copied.

186. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Kerberos standing to left on tunny fish / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 10; Boston MFA 1538. 16.11g, 22mm. Very Fine; two bankerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marks.

3,000

Second Known Stater

187. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Facing head of lion, tunny fish in mouth / Quadripartite incuse square. Hurter-Liewald, 2004, addenda 36; cf. Von Fritze 34 (head of ‘bear’ to right); cf. Boston MFA 1406 (same); SNG France -; BMC -. 16.05g, 19mm. Very Fine. Apparently the second known stater of this extremely rare type.

5,000

188. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of roaring lioness left, tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 39; Boston 1414; SNG France 178. 16.04g, 19mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

189. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Forepart of a lion to left, devouring prey; tunny fish upwards behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 41, pl. I, 42; Boston MFA 1416; cf. SNG France 181 (hekte). 16.12g, 20mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

190. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Female boar (sow) standing left; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 45, pl. I, 46; Greenwell 136, pl. V, 30. 16.21g, 21mm. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

191. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Ram kneeling left, head reverted; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 47; SNG France -; BMC 48; Boston MFA 1419 = Warren 1555. 15.99g, 20mm. Very Fine.

3,000

Unique as a Stater

192. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of ibex left; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze 49 (1/12th stater); cf. SNG France 187 (same); Boston MFA -; BMC -; Hurter-Liewald -. 16.18g, 19mm. Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished as a full stater.

2,500

2x 193. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Ketos to left; tunny fish above / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 52 var. (stater); Boston MFA 1407 var. (same); SNG France -. 2.70g, 10mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

2x 194. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of griffin to left, tunny fish on either side / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 57; Rosen 440. 2.67g, 10mm. Good Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

195. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged bull to left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 60; Greenwell 125; Boston MFA 1439 = Warren 1546; cf. SNG BN 191 (hemihekte); BMC 51; Jameson 1409; Weber 5015. 16.06g, 18mm. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,000

196. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Nude youth kneeling to left, holding tunny fish in each hand / Quadripartite incuse square. Goldberg 63, 2469; cf. Von Fritze 70 (stater); cf. Greenwell 87 (stater); cf. Boston MFA 1478 (stater). 2.67g, 11mm. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

197. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Winged sphinx crouching to left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 72, pl. II, 25; Boston 1450; SNG France 200. 16.12g, 21mm. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

The Flower Girl of Kyzikos - An Early Depiction of Persephone

198. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Half-length bust of a winged female deity to left, wearing kekryphalos headdress, round earring and long-sleeved chiton, in her right hand holding a tunny fish by the tail, and raising a flower to her chin; bust truncation indicated by dotted line between parallel lines / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 75; SNG France 205; Boston MFA 1448 = Warren 1519. 16.20g, 23mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

The winged figure on this coin of Kyzikos is most frequently simply described as a ‘winged female’, though on occasion numismatists have ventured to suggest that the depiction is that of a harpy, one of the mythical ‘snatchers’ who were sent by the gods to torment Phineos, the blind seer-king of Thrace, for his transgressions. Though in the Homeric poems the harpies are nothing more than the personifications of storm winds, Hesiod (c. 750-650 BC) described them as the daughters of Thaumas by the Oceanid Electra; fair-haired and winged maidens, who surpassed the winds and birds in the rapidity of their flight. Archaic pottery depicts them thus, in a manner that closely resembles the winged figures on the coins of Kaunos in Karia - see in particular Wagner Museum L164 – black figure clay vase. It was only later tradition that portrayed the harpies as hideous half-woman, half-bird creatures - a development resulting from a confusion of harpies with sirens. By the time of Aeschylus (c. 525-455 BC), this transformation was largely complete, though the harpy’s ‘beautiful’ image is still occasionally seen as late as 480 BC - see the J. Paul Getty Museum hydria/kalpis by Kleophrades, on which the harpies are rendered as young winged girls. The identification of the winged figure on this stater as a harpy is therefore possible, though other identifications are equally plausible. Iris, goddess of the rainbow, was depicted as a winged woman with a herald’s staff, as likewise was Nike, though the latter usually carried a wreath or palm. However, none of these beings was associated with flowers, which above all were an attribute of Aphrodite and Kore-Persephone. Only one parallel for the present type exists in surviving Greek art: the 5th century BC funerary stele now known as ‘The Exaltation of the Flower’, held in the Louvre. Carved in a similarly severe archaic style, the stele depicts two female figures holding up flowers; the left figure in a pose very similar to that shown on this coin. Those figures have been identified either as unknown mortals, or as Demeter and her daughter Persephone - the view favoured by its discoverer Léon Heuzey. The wings on our figure clearly identify her as a goddess though, and the flower is most likely the key to understanding her identity. Kore-Persephone, daughter of Demeter, therefore seems to be a logical choice: she was gathering flowers when Hades came to abduct her, and her return to earth each year was heralded by the blossoming of the meadows. Her overwhelming prominence on the later coinage of Kyzikos further strengthens the case for her depiction here.

199. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Half-length bust of a winged female deity to left, wearing kekryphalos headdress, round earring and long-sleeved chiton, in her right hand holding a tunny fish by the tail, and raising a flower to her chin; bust truncation indicated by dotted line between parallel lines / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 75; SNG France 205; Boston MFA 1448 = Warren 1519. 16.11g, 20mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

2x 200. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Half-length bust of a winged female deity or spirit to left, wearing kekryphalos headdress, round earring and long-sleeved chiton, in her right hand holding a tunny fish by the tail, and raising a flower to her chin / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 75; cf. Boston MFA 1448 = Warren 1519 (stater); SNG BN 206. 2.70g, 10mm. Very Fine.

300

Superb Archaic Head of Poseidon

4x 201. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Bearded head of Poseidon to left, wearing a helmet in the form of the head of a sea monster; below, tunny fish to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze -; cf. Hurter & Liewald, SNR 81 (2002), p. 28, no. 17; SNG Aulock 7291. 2.70g, 11mm. Good Extremely Fine; unusually complete. Extremely Rare.

3,000

The male head on this coin has been variously identified as a nameless hero, Perseus wearing a griffin skin helmet, or Herakles wearing a lion skin. Other specimens of the type have revealed that the helmet in fact bears a fin-like crest and pointed ears (which on the present coin are off the flan). It has therefore seems that the headdress is actually in the form of a ketos, one of the familiar sea monsters of Greek myth which is most frequently seen on Sicilian coinage, in particular that of Katane and Syracuse. Given that the bearded head is less likely to represent Perseus (who appears beardless, as on von Fritze 65) it could well be Herakles, who killed a ketos in the course of rescuing the Trojan princess Hesione, daughter of Laomedon and sister of Priam. According to some versions of the myth, Herakles was swallowed whole by the monster, and slew it by hacking at its innards for three days until it died, by which time he had lost all his hair. Perhaps during the course of this contest, Herakles temporarily misplaced his trademark lion skin headdress, and resorted to covering his baldness with a nice ketos skin hat. We must bear in mind however that Kyzikene electrum is more frequently influenced by religion (and, it has been supposed, by cult images in particular) than by myth, and so we must look elsewhere for a positive identification - given the marine monster, Poseidon is a prime candidate. Although the god is more frequently encountered with a trident attribute to facilitate identification, a ketos headdress attribute is also appropriate. F. Catalli (Monete Etrusche, Roma 1990, p. 90) included in his work an image of the remarkable Volterra kelebe which depicts a very similar god head wearing a ketos, which though formally identified as Hades, must in fact be Poseidon due to the presence on the one side of a marine monster, and on the other of a bridled horse – both symbols of the God of the Sea. This identification is confirmed by the Etruscan coinage – see Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage I, part 1 pp. 319-321, nos. 2-4 – on these coins we find an identical head identified as Nethuns (Neptune-Poseidon), paired with a reverse showing a hippocamp and border of waves.

Unique as a Stater

202. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Janiform head of nymph wearing stephane, and satyr; tunny fish below to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze 76 (hekte); cf. Greenwell 47 (hekte); cf. Boston MFA 1426 = Warren 1466 (hekte); SNG France -; BMC -. 16.10g, 19mm. Good Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

10,000

This beautiful coin appears to be the only stater denomination of this issue known to have survived. Unusually for Kyzikene electrum, rather than faithfully reproducing the type in larger scale, on this design the two heads’ positions are reversed, with the nymph now on the right, and the satyr on the left.

Oldest, Wisest and most Drunken of Dionysos’ Followers

203.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Head of Silenos facing; tunny fish upward to either side / Quadripartite incuse square. CNG 75, 23 May 2007, lot 336; cf. Von Fritze 77 (fractions); SNG France -; Hurter & Liewald I, 77. 16.06g, 19mm. About Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, one of fewer than ten known examples, of which this is among the best. A superb archaic head of Silenos. 20,000 This spectacular coin features a bold facing portrait of Silenos engraved in excellent archaic style. The teacher and faithful companion of the wine-god Dionysos, Silenos was described as the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysos, and was said in Orphic hymns to be the young god’s tutor. Originally a folkloric man of the forest with the ears of a horse (and sometimes also the tail and legs of a horse), Silenos was often depicted with thick lips and a squat nose, as is the case here, fat, and most often bald – though our Silenos may consider himself fortunate in that he sports a full head of hair. Unusual consideration has been given to symmetry in the composition of this type: though symmetrical designs do occur, as in the case of two eagles perched on an omphalos (v. Fritze 220) or the double bodied sphinx (v. Fritze 138) to name but two, this is one of a tiny minority of designs that incorporates two tunny fish for balance. Interestingly, it has been suggested that the head of Silenos on this coin very possibly served as the model for a silver issue of the slightly later Lykian dynast Teththiveibi (see BMC 88 and SNG Berry 1164). One of the principal myths concerning Silenos has him lost and wandering in Phrygia, rescued by peasants and taken to the Phrygian King Midas, who treated him kindly. In return for Midas’ hospitality Silenos regaled him with tales and Midas, enchanted by Silenos’ fictions, entertained him for five days and nights. When the god Dionysos found his wayward friend, he offered Midas a reward for his kindness towards Silenos, a blessing which the avaricious Midas squandered by choosing the power of turning everything he touched into gold. How fitting then, that we should see in this beautiful coin a faint reflection of that classic myth of the drunken but sage Silenos looking out at us across the millennia through this window of golden metal.

Wonderful Corinthian Helmet Type

204. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Corinthian helmet with large crest to left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 81, pl. II, 36; Gemini XIII, 60 = Hess-Divo 325, 211; Boston MFA -; SNG France -. 16.13g, 20mm. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only one other example in CoinArchives.

10,000

2x 205. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Lion scalp facing; below, tunny fish left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 82; SNG France 211; cf. Boston MFA 1473 (stater). 2.67g, 11mm. Good Very Fine. Rare.

1,000

Beautiful and Extremely Rare Lion Stater

206. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Lion crouching to left, inclining head to left and seen from above; tunny fish below to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 83, pl. III, 2; SNG France -. 16.08g, 19mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only three other examples on CoinArchives.

15,000

2x 207. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Lion crouching to left, inclining head to left and seen from above; tunny fish below to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 83; SNG France 212; Boston MFA 1443. 2.73g, 11mm. Extremely Fine.

1,250

Second Known Example

208. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Tunny fish between two dolphins, all swimming to left / Quadripartite incuse square. The New York Sale IV, 180; cf. Von Fritze 95 (hekte); Boston MFA -; cf. SNG France 236 (hekte); cf. Rosen 471 (hekte). 16.11g, 22mm. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; apparently only the second known example.

7,500

209. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged lioness to left; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 96; SNG France 237; Boston MFA -. 16.28g, 21mm. Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,000

The prevalence of winged beings in Kyzikene coinage is a reflection of archaic mythological convention that assigned wings to most divine or sacred entities as an immediately visible and understandable symbol of their nature, and in the case of gods, of their power to move at will across great distances. In the case of the winged animals, we should probably understand these to be attributes of or animals sacred to a particular Olympian god.

210. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged lioness to left; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 96; SNG France 237; Boston MFA -. 16.11g, 20mm. Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,000

211. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged stag left; tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 102, pl. III, 21; Rosen Plate XII, 222; SNG von Aulock 7281; Greenwell -; SNG France -; BMC -. 15.97g, 20mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

4,000

2x 212. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Forepart of winged stag left, tunny fish below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 102, pl. III, 21; Rosen 482. 2.66g, 11mm. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

2x 213. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Winged dog to left, head reverted; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 104, pl. III, 23; SNG France 246–7; cf. Boston MFA 1433 (stater). 2.68g, 10mm. Extremely Fine.

300

2x 214. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Winged dog to left, head reverted; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 104, pl. III, 23; SNG France 246–7; cf. Boston MFA 1433 (stater). 2.66g, 11mm. Extremely Fine.

300

Extremely Rare Ephebos Issue

215. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Head of ephebos left on disk; tunny fish to left below / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 105; SNG France 248. 15.88g, 19mm. About Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only three other examples on CoinArchives.

2,000

Extremely Rare and Complete Europa Stater

216.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Europa, hair tied up in bun and wearing short-sleeved garment, seated on the back of Zeus in the form of a white bull who charges to left, her right hand holding on to a horn, the left resting on his rump; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 108, pl. III, 27; Boston MFA 1477; SNG France 250. 16.00g, 18mm. Extremely Fine; exceptionally complete for the issue. Extremely Rare.

20,000

This type appears to have been fairly uniformly struck on flans that were just a little too short - both the von Fritze and Boston specimens are missing the top part of Europa’s head, as are the two examples recently sold by Roma Numismatics (X, 490) and CNG (Triton XX, 232). The present example therefore is one of the most complete surviving examples. The reverse design of this coin is almost identical to one featured on a unique tetradrachm of Abdera (Roma Numismatics IV, lot 242), which shows Europa in the same pose on the back of the bull. Both follow a well established artistic and literary tradition that can be traced back as far as the 8th century BC, according to Herodotus’ dating of Homer, though the myth itself is certainly much older than its earliest known literary appearance (in the Iliad), and its earliest securely datable visual appearance, which is not seen until the mid-7th century BC. We find the same treatment of the scene in Ovid’s Metamorphoses many centuries later: “And gradually she lost her fear, and he offered his breast for her virgin caresses, his horns for her to wind with chains of flowers until the princess dared to mount his back, her pet bull’s back, unwitting whom she rode. Then - slowly, slowly down the broad, dry beach - first in the shallow waves the great god set his spurious hooves, then sauntered further out ‘til in the open sea he bore his prize. Fear filled her heart as, gazing back, she saw the fast receding sands. Her right hand grasped a horn, the other lent upon his back; her fluttering tunic floated in the breeze.”

217. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Nude youth kneeling left, holding tunny fish / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 112, pl. III, 31; Boston 1487; SNG France 253. 16.28g, 19mm. Very Fine. Rare.

4,000

2x 218. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Youthful male figure, wearing taenia with frontal spike, kneeling to right, [holding knife in right hand], extending left arm upon which is a tunny fish / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 113; Greenwell 88; Boston MFA 1480 = Warren 1507; SNG France 255-8. 2.63g, 11mm. Very Fine.

300

219. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Hoplite, nude but for Corinthian helmet, with shield on left arm, and right arm extended forward, standing in a semi-crouched stance to right on ground line; to right, tunny downward / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 119; Greenwell 91; Boston MFA 1497; SNG France 265 = de Luynes 2452; BMC 78; Gillet -; Gulbenkian 620; Jameson 1404. 16.03g, 21mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

220. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Double-bodied winged sphinx standing with head facing atop tunny fish to right, wearing ouraios, hair falling in plaited locks behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 128; SNG France 280. 2.70g, 10mm. Good Extremely Fine; double struck.

750

The Double-Bodied Sphinx

221.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Double-bodied winged sphinx standing with head facing atop tunny fish to right, wearing ouraios, hair falling in plaited locks behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze -, cf. 128 (hekte); Greenwell -, cf. 101 (hekte); SNG France -, cf. 280 (hekte); CNG inventory 925160. 15.88g, 22mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; not more than a half-dozen examples known, and of these it is one of the best preserved and most complete. 20,000 The sphinx as a type recurs frequently on the coinage of Kyzikos and new types are still being discovered today (see lot 617), yet the double-bodied sphinx is certainly the most curious depiction of this mythological monster, and the reason for it being so is not easy to divine. Greenwell (p. 102), who was citing Cousinéry, proposed that it was simply an artistic device for showing the sphinx as seated facing, ‘arising from the difficulty of depicting a figure in that position’. This proposition appears plausible, until one considers that double-bodied owls are also engraved on coins at various cities including Athens, where they certainly had no problem with engraving a front-facing owl. More damning still for this simplistic view, the double-bodied sphinx appears also in statuary where again there is no logical reason to sculpt it so unless it possesses some significance - see in particular the limestone Tarentine column capital of the Corinthian order at the Metropolitan Museum, New York, and also the marble gravestone decorated with a loutrophoros supported by a double-bodied sphinx at the British Museum (both 4th century). The concept of double-bodied monsters was an ancient one, and probably originated in ancient Sumeria, as they are seen on cylinder seals from this culture, and are repeated later on ancient Iranian goldwork. Here, the doublebodied monsters probably signified a dualistic nature that is easily adaptable and can be one thing or another, or a span between two distinct yet connected elements such as sunrise and sunset. Tom Rasmussen (Corinth and the Orientalising Phenomenon) proposes that the artistic portrayal of the sphinx as a double-bodied monster was first devised at Corinth, where it can be found on a Protocorinthian olpe vase, circa 640 BC, known as the Chigi olpe which is now in the Villa Giulia in Rome. This was likely the product of a blending of Greek and Eastern imagery, yet the result is wholly original; indeed Rasmussen points out that ‘Greek Orientalising is rarely straight copying of Oriental’. It has often been suggested that the electrum staters of Kyzikos take their types from a wide range of artistic sources across a broad geographical range, as might be expected for a city-state that relied almost entirely for its prosperity on being a commerce hub where east and west would meet and exchange wares and ideas. Whether or not Corinth was the origin of the double-bodied Sphinx, it is not surprising that such an intriguing motif should be adopted at Kyzikos.

Second Known ‘Aethiopian’ Hekte of Kyzikos

2x 222. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Archaic female ‘Aethiopian’ head right, wearing kekryphalos headdress, and large circular earring; tunny fish behind / Quadripartite incuse square. Hurter-Liewald 2002, 19a; von Fritze -; Boston MFA -; BMC -; SNG France -. 2.66g, 10mm. Very Fine. Extremely rare, apparently only the second recorded example.

750

The Gorgoneion as an Apotropaic Symbol

223. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 500-450 BC. Facing gorgoneion with mouth open and tongue protruding, six serpents on top of head, another below each ear; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 129, pl. IV, 15; Boston 1445 = Warren 1492; cf. SNG von Aulock 7295 (hemihekte); SNG France -. 16.08g, 19mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

15,000

While the origin or inspiration for many of the types used at Kyzikos is obscure or uncertain, the apotropaic design used on this type is very similar in style to those found on the silver coinage of Apollonia Pontika on the Black Sea coast of Thrace (Topalov 37-38ff), and certain issues from both Mytilene (Bodenstedt 19) and Phokaia (Triton XIX, 217). All were important trading hubs within a relatively short distance of Kyzikos; the latter’s strategic location on the main trade route would inevitably have meant close economic ties. Given that Apollonia Pontika utilised the gorgoneion as their principal reverse type, it seems likely that this would have been the primary source of inspiration for the present coin. Regardless of the stylistic origin of this beautiful stater, the use of the gorgoneion as an apotropaic (for averting evil influences or bad luck) symbol is well attested in Greek art from the Orientalising period in the eighth and seventh centuries BC, and it remained a popular protective convention until the advent of widespread Christianity, though even then its use persisted in the Byzantine empire. Widely employed on the coinage of Greek city states (no fewer than 37, as per A. Potts, ‘The World’s Eye’, 1982), the gorgoneion ranked in numismatic ubiquity only below several principal Olympian gods and Herakles. Its origin cannot be directly traced; though there is a similar monstrous image from the Knossos palace, datable to the fifteenth century BC, and and it has been argued (Marija Gimbutas, ‘The Living Goddesses’, 2001) that “the Gorgon extends back to at least 6000 BC, as a ceramic mask from the Sesklo culture illustrates”, this identification of a monstrous image as the traditional gorgoneion of myth cannot be supported. Gimbutas also identified the prototype of the gorgoneion in Neolithic art motifs, especially in anthropomorphic vases and terracotta masks inlaid with gold, however this approach fails to take into account a very widespread use of monstrous or otherwise frightening visages at a primitive human level, some of which inevitably accrue more complex mythologies around them. In the near east, the myth of the Mesopotamian monster Humbaba ‘the Terrible’ and its death at the hands of the hero Gilgamesh has some striking parallels with that of Medusa and Perseus, and both monsters are certainly depicted in very similar manners. However, while any attempt to imply a direct connection between the two is ultimately futile, we may certainly consider that the autonomous and indigenous European gorgoneion could have assimilated some aspects of its near-eastern parallel. Possibly our only clue to the evolution of the Greek myth lies in the work of Homer, who refers to the Gorgon on four occasions, each time alluding to only one gorgon, and just the head alone, as if it had no body. The implication is that the myth of the gorgon Medusa was not yet fully developed, and indeed it appears to have been left to Hesiod (Theogeny, c.700 BC) to imagine the Gorgons as sea daemons and increase their number to three.

2x 224. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 500-450 BC. Facing gorgoneion with mouth open and tongue protruding, six serpents on top of head, another below each ear; below, tunny fish to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 129; SNG France -; Boston MFA -; SNG von Aulock -; Rosen -. 2.69g, 11mm. Extremely Fine.

500

Highly Artistic Facing Apollo Stater

225. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Laureate head of Apollo, facing slightly to right; tunny fish below to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 132; Greenwell 17; Boston MFA 1492 = Warren 1436; SNG France 283-284; BMC 56; Gillet 1079. 16.06g, 19mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only four others on CoinArchives, of which this is by far the finest.

15,000

The present coin, which features a highly competent three-quarters facing head of Apollo, forms part of a distinguished tradition of adventurous engraving at Kyzikos. Also depicted three-quarters facing are Athena, Medusa, Zeus, Zeus Ammon, and Demeter, thus making Apollo one of just four Olympian gods accorded this honour. The paucity of such facing portraits at Kyzikos, as elsewhere, is undoubtedly due to the inherent difficulty of engraving a portrait from this perspective. This difficulty is compounded by the low amount of wear that such coins can tolerate before important elements of the design become flattened, a problem that perhaps dissuaded many engravers from undertaking such a challenge. Often compared to the tetradrachms of Amphipolis struck immediately prior to the capture of Amphipolis by the forces of Philip II of Macedon in 357/6 BC due to the extreme similarity of the design, this type was almost certainly inspired by that remarkably brief but beautiful coinage, which itself is thought to have taken inspiration from the seated Apollo of the east frieze of the Parthenon created by Pheidias in the 430s BC. As a tribute therefore to a historically important monument, this coin becomes a significant record of how artistic influences travelled in the Greek world and were spread via the medium of numismatic art.

226. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Head of Aphrodite left, wearing stephane ornamented with palmette, flower in hair above forehead, and pendant earring; tunny fish below to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 135; Boston MFA 1553; Gulbenkian 647; SNG France 287; SNG von Aulock 7316. 16.00g, 20mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

15,000

Magnificent Head of Dionysos

227.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Archaistic head of Dionysos to right, wearing diadem and ivy wreath; tunny fish below to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 138; Boston MFA 1529 = Warren 1455; SNG France 288. 16.01g, 20mm. Near Extremely Fine. One of very few known examples.

30,000

The head of Dionysos on this coin at once invites comparison with another most famous portrait of the god – that engraved on the high classical tetradrachm of Naxos (cf. Gulbenkian 232). Though the form of the portrait on this electrum stater is more archaistic and static in style, with its formalised ivy-pointed diadem and semi-archaic eye form, the tendency toward a more fluid and lifelike image can already be observed in the engraving of the beard and the hair, particularly at the back of the god’s head. This movement will, on the Naxos tetradrachm, be taken to the next logical step, whereupon the god’s image becomes defined by a juxtaposition of movement all around a serene visage. While it is unlikely that this Kyzikene stater copied the Naxian type due to the differences in style and representation, it is certainly possible that both drew inspiration from a common source. From the latter half of the fifth century onwards though, Dionysos would relinquish his mature, bearded appearance in Greek myth and art, and would increasingly adopt an effeminate, boyish form. It is in this guise that he would again be portrayed at Kyzikos around a century later (von Fritze 193).

Gaia with Erichthonios

228. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Gaia rising out of the earth, bearing in both hands the infant Erichthonios; tunny fish below to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 157; Greenwell 31; Boston MFA 1500 = Warren 1449; BMC 65; cf. SNG France 304 (hekte). 16.03g, 19mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

This type depicts the myth of Erichthonios, a legendary early king of Athens. According to myth, the warrior goddess Athena was said to have visited the smith-god Hephaestus in order to request more arms be forged for her. Overcome by desire, Hephaestus attempted to seduce Athena, and when he was rebuffed, chased her and tried to rape her. Though Athena fought him off, in the struggle Hephaestusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; seed fell upon her thigh. In disgust, she wiped it from her leg and flung it to the earth. Upon contact with Gaia, the earth-goddess, an autochthonous boy was born and named Erichthonios (earth-shaker). This coin depicts the moment the new-born boy was presented by the personified Earth to the goddess of wisdom. Athena accepted the child, and gave him to the three daughters of Kekrops, the first king of Athens, in a box for safekeeping, warning the three daughters never to open it. Overcome by curiosity the sisters decided to take a fateful look inside, and the sight that greeted them (depending on the version of the myth) was the infant Erichthonios who either was encircled by a snake, or was himself half-man and half-serpent. Terrified and driven mad, the daughters threw themselves from the cliff-face of the Acropolis (or were killed by the snake). In this depiction of the myth, the pair are classically idealised, perhaps (as suggested by Greenwell) inspired by a statue group. This coin, with its clear pro-Athenian type, was almost certainly struck during the period of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership of the Delian League (478-411 BC).

Sculptural Silenos Figure

229. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 450-330 BC. Silenos crouching right, supporting amphora on left leg while pouring wine into cup held in right hand; below, tunny fish to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Hurter & Liewald II 172 (same obv. die); cf. Von Fritze I 172 (unlisted denomination); cf. Greenwell 42 (same); cf. SNG France 318-9 (stater); SNG von Aulock -; Boston MFA -. 2.65g, 11mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

230. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Forepart of man-headed bull right; tunny fish upwards to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 174; Greenwell 51; Boston MFA 1491 = Warren 1468; SNG France 320; BMC 82; Gillet 1066; Jameson 2202; Weber 5011. 16.05g, 19mm. Good Very Fine. Very Rare; only six examples on CoinArchives of which the present specimen is the finest.

12,500

Superb Lion Stater

231. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Lion to right, gnawing on the leg of a prey animal, its hoof held in his right paw and the upper part held in his mouth; below, tunny fish swimming to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 177; Greenwell 108; Boston MFA 1502; SNG France 322; BMC -; Gulbenkian 621; Jameson 2204; Weber 5009. 16.03g, 19mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

20,000

Prior to the appearance of the particularly well preserved hekte at Sternberg XI in 1981, most cataloguers and scholars had referred to the object in the lion’s mouth as a sword or harpa, and that the lion is therefore engaged in an illogical animalistic act, attacking a weapon that perhaps had been used against it. This strange conclusion may be forgiven due to the fact that those surviving examples of the type (staters in inferior condition, and two fractions - a twelfth and a twenty-fourth) were indistinct, thus preventing accurate description. Thanks to the superb condition of the Sternberg example, the cataloguer was able to finally recognise the object in the lion´s mouth as being the lower leg and thigh of an animal, presumably that the lion had just attacked and killed.

232. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Laureate and bearded head right; tunny fish below to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 197; S.A. Bulatovič, “Kyzikenerstatere aus dem Archäologischen Museums von Odessa” in stephanos nomismatikos, 1; SNG France -; SNG von Aulock -; Boston MFA 1561; BMC 103; ACGC 965. 16.02g, 20mm. Very Fine. Very Rare.

5,000

An Extremely Rare and Statuesque Demeter Stater

233.

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Demeter kneeling to left, wearing grain wreath, sleeveless girdled chiton and himation which hangs from left shoulder, holding sceptre in left hand, grain stalk in right hand / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 201; Boston MFA 1544; SNG France -. 16.00g, 19mm. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; one of very few specimens known and the only example of any denomination of this type on CoinArchives. 30,000 This extraordinarily rare coin features a most unusual depiction of the goddess Demeter: her kneeling posture is without parallel in surviving contemporary statuary or relief. Indeed, gods would rarely be depicted in kneeling postures without exceptionally good cause; not only does such a stance, low to the ground, diminish the aura of grandeur about them (particularly where statues are concerned), it was from a technical standpoint a more difficult pose to draw, engrave, or sculpt. That Demeter should thus be portrayed here is noteworthy, but perhaps not surprising – in fact, Kyzikos made extensive use of the kneeling posture on its electrum coinage, certainly due to the limited ‘canvas’ space available for the showcasing of the engraver’s talent. To compress a design of artistic merit into so small a space required no small degree of creativity. While almost all fully figural types, as well as most animalistic types, are placed into a space-saving crouch or kneel, such a requirement then necessitated the provision of a motive for the subject. In the case of animals or mythical monsters, this was simple: a lion or panther may crouch, ready to pounce; a bull or goat may recline in rest. Where gods and heroes are concerned, and the motive becomes more difficult to produce, so then does the ingenuity of the engraver shine the brighter: Hermes kneels as he reaches his hand into an urn set upon the ground (von Fritze 204); Odysseos kneels in order to sacrifice a prostrate ram (von Fritze 156); Silenos kneels as he pours win from a krater using his leg for support (von Fritze 172); Theseus places his knee across a centaur’s back to force him to the ground (von Fritze 170). Here, Demeter is shown in the act of raising herself from a kneeling position - she puts her weight on her sceptre, held in her left hand, while in her right hand she holds and inspects the grain she has knelt to pick.

Unique Artemis Hekte

2x 234. Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 450-330 BC. Head of Artemis left, hair tied up behind, bow and quiver over shoulder; tunny fish below to left. Von Fritze -; SNG France -; Boston MFA -; cf. Hurter-Liewald, SNR 2002, 5a (stater, head right). 2.65g, 12mm. Very Fine. Unique and unpublished. An excessively rare depiction of Artemis on the Kyzikene coinage.

3,000

2x 235. Mysia, Lampsakos EL Stater. Circa 480-450 BC. Forepart of Pegasos with curved wings to left, vine with bunches of grapes around / Quadripartite incuse square. A. Baldwin, Period I, pl. I, 11; BMC 9; Traité pl. 8, 2. 15.26g, 19mm. Good Extremely Fine.

5,000

236. Kingdom of Pergamon, Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 263-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos right / Athena seated left, left elbow resting on shield, crowning ΦIΛETAIΡOY with wreath held in her extended right hand, spear diagonally in background; ivy leaf in outer left field, A in inner left field, bow in right field. SNG France 1610–1615; SNG von Aulock 1356; SNG Copenhagen 335. 17.08g, 30mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

237. Kingdom of Pergamon, Eumenes I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 263-241 BC. Laureate head of Philetairos right / Athena seated left, left elbow resting on shield, crowning ΦIΛETAIΡOY with wreath held in her extended right hand, spear diagonally in background; ivy leaf in outer left field, A in inner left field, bow in right field. SNG France 1610–1615; SNG von Aulock 1356; SNG Copenhagen 335. 17.24g, 32mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

LYDIA

238. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite. Sardes, circa 610-546 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sunburst with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Traité II/1, 44, pl. II, 6; BMC Lydia 2, 7, pl. I, 6; SNG von Aulock 2869; SNG Copenhagen 449–451; SNG Lockett 2977; Weidauer 86; Boston MFA 1764. 4.76g, 14mm. Good Extremely Fine. A superb example of the type.

3,000

239. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite. Sardes, circa 610-546 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sunburst with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Traité II/1, 44, pl. II, 6; BMC Lydia 2, 7, pl. I, 6; SNG von Aulock 2869; SNG Copenhagen 449–451; SNG Lockett 2977; Weidauer 86; Boston MFA 1764. 4.72g, 13mm. Good Extremely Fine.

3,000

240. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite. Sardes, circa 610-546 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sunburst with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Traité II/1, 44, pl. II, 6; BMC Lydia 2, 7, pl. I, 6; SNG von Aulock 2869; SNG Copenhagen 449–451; SNG Lockett 2977; Weidauer 86; Boston MFA 1764. 4.73g, 12mm. Very Fine.

1,500

241. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite. Sardes, circa 610-546 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sunburst with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Traité II/1, 44, pl. II, 6; BMC Lydia 2, 7, pl. I, 6; SNG von Aulock 2869; SNG Copenhagen 449–451; SNG Lockett 2977; Weidauer 86; Boston MFA 1764. 4.72g, 13mm. Good Very Fine.

1,250

242. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Trite. Sardes, circa 610-546 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sunburst with multiple rays on forehead / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Traité II/1, 44, pl. II, 6; BMC Lydia 2, 7, pl. I, 6; SNG von Aulock 2869; SNG Copenhagen 449–451; SNG Lockett 2977; Weidauer 86; Boston MFA 1764. 4.71g, 13mm. Very Fine.

1,000

243. Kingdom of Lydia, Alyattes EL Hemihekte. Sardes, circa 610-560 BC. Head of roaring lion right, sunburst on forehead / Incuse square. Weidauer group XVI, 90; Traité I 47; SNG Kayhan 101; Rosen 654; Elektron I 72. 1.18g, 8mm. Extremely Fine.

500

244. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Stater - Double Siglos. Sardes, circa 564/53-550/39 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG von Aulock 2874; SNG Copenhagen 455; SNG Ashmolean 760. 10.76g, 20mm. Good Very Fine.

2,500

245. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Stater - Double Siglos. Sardes, circa 564/53-550/39 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG von Aulock 2874; SNG Copenhagen 455; SNG Ashmolean 760. 10.75g, 19mm. Good Very Fine.

2,500

246. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR Stater - Double Siglos. Sardes, circa 564/53-550/39 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left / Two incuse squares of unequal size. Berk 20; Traité I 407; SNG Kayhan 1018; SNG von Aulock 2874; SNG Copenhagen 455; SNG Ashmolean 760. 10.41g, 23mm. Very Fine.

1,500

247. Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos AR 1/12 Stater. Sardes, circa 564/53-550/39 BC. Confronted foreparts of lion right and bull left / Incuse square. Berk 26-7; Traité I 413; SNG Kayhan 1020-1021; SNG von Aulock 8213; Boston MFA 2072. 0.85g, 8mm. Extremely Fine.

200

KARIA

Exceptional Pixodaros Didrachm

248. Satraps of Karia, Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 341/0-336/5 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly right, with drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) and lotus-tipped sceptre; ΠIΞΩΔAPOY to right. Konuk, Identities 30; Babelon, Perses 414–421; Traité II 111; SNG von Aulock 2375–2376; SNG Kayhan 891–892; SNG Copenhagen 597; Roma Numismatics III, 293 (same obverse die). 6.94g, 20mm, 11h. Near Mint State. Of exceptionally fine style; struck from the same obverse die as Roma III, lot 293 (hammered for £10,000 on an estimate of £7,500), but struck from a reverse die in superior condition to that of the aforementioned. 5,000 Privately purchased from Maison Platt, September 1980. From 395 to 334 BC, the rulers of Karia were members of the family of Hekatomnos of Mylasa, whose sons Maussolos, Idrieos and Pixodaros all succeeded him in their turn. Pixodaros, the youngest, was the last member of the family to rule Karia, and but for the indignant interference of Philip II of Macedon, would have given the hand of his daughter in marriage to Alexander III. This stunning didrachm, though from dies the product of which are not themselves excessively rare, is here found to be in a condition far surpassing the majority of those of its brothers that have survived to the present day. The coins struck from these dies are of a rare, sculptural quality that is matched by only one other set of dies for the didrachm issues, and one set of tetradrachm dies. The others are, much in common with the coins of his siblings, of a style that is often weak-featured and insipid. Here however, we are presented with a portrait bearing a bold chin, proud cheekbones and strong nose; all of this is cunningly rendered in carefully wrought relief.

249. Satraps of Karia, Pixodaros AR Didrachm. Halikarnassos, circa 341/0-336/5 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly right, with drapery around neck / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe (labrys) and lotus-tipped sceptre; ΠIΞΩΔAPOY to right. Pixodaros 28; SNG von Aulock 2376; SNG München 15. 7.00g, 21mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent toning.

2,500

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker 193, 26 September 2011, lot 248.

Re-attribution to Halikarnassos

250. Karia, Halikarnassos AR Half Stater. Aeginetic standard. 510-480 BC. Ketos with scaled body, forked tail and dorsal sail to right / Geometric pattern in star format, grain ear to right and uncertain legend (AΠ..A..ΩNOΣ?) around; all within shallow incuse circle. Cf. Kritt, Kindya, pl. 47, 4 = Troxell, Greek Accessions, ANSMN 22, pp. 17-21; cf. Roma XIII, 332 (rev. legend); cf. Roma E-35, 279. 5.83g, 19mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

4,000

Numismatists have long suspected the attribution of this issue and the companion fractions to Kindya to be incorrect. Indeed, this attribution was made on the misreading of just one partial legend. The discovery of a coin (Roma E-35, 279) bearing the reverse legend ‘AΛIKAP’ allows for a certain reattribution of the series to Halikarnassos. The other reverse legend seen on this issue, ‘AΠ..A..ΩNOΣ’, may be connected to a cult or site dedicated to Apollo.

251. Karia, Halikarnassos AR Half Stater. Aeginetic standard. 510-480 BC. Ketos with scaled body, forked tail and dorsal sail to right / Geometric pattern in star format, grain ear to right and uncertain legend (AΠ..A..ΩNOΣ?) around; all within shallow incuse circle. Cf. Kritt, Kindya, pl. 47, 4 = Troxell, Greek Accessions, ANSMN 22, pp. 17-21; cf. Roma XIII, 332 (rev. legend); cf. Roma E-35, 279. 5.84g, 18mm. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

252. Karia, Knidos AR Drachm. Circa 449-411 BC. Head and foreleg of roaring lion right / Head of Aphrodite right, wearing necklace, hair bound in taenia and in queue down neck; all within incuse square. Cahn, Knidos 56, 86A (same dies); Boston MFA 1983. 6.16g, 17mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Münzen & Medaillen Stuttgart 25, 18 October 2007, lot 2159; Ex H. Rollhäuser Collection, M&M Basel FPL 557, 1992, no. 1.

253. Islands off Karia, Kos AR Didrachm. Circa 345-340 BC. Philo-, magistrate. Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Veiled head of Demeter left; IΦ to right, KΩION below. HGC 6, 1305; Pixodarus p. 235, 19a (A2/P10 - this coin). 6.85g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

3,000

Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XX, 9 March 1988, lot 737; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts VIII, 6 June 1980, lot 294; Ex Pixodarus Hoard (CH IX, 421), 1978.

RHODOS

254. Rhodos, Rhodes AR Didrachm. Mnasimachos, magistrate. Circa 250-229 BC. Radiate head of Helios facing slightly to right / Rose with single bud to right; MNAΣIMAXOΣ above, P-O flanking stem, Athena Nikephoros standing left in left field. BMC 143; SNG Copenhagen 765; Ashton 208; SNG Keckman 537. 6.73g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Vibrant golden iridescent tone.

1,250

LYKIA

255. Dynasts of Lykia, uncertain dynast AR Stater. ‘Protodynastic’ period, circa 490-430 BC. Boar standing right on ground line / Tortoise in dotted square border within incuse square. Falghera 48; SNG Copenhagen Supp. 385-6. 9.35g, 18mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

2x 256. Dynasts of Lykia, Kuprilli AR Obol. Circa 460-440 BC. Head of bull left / Triskeles; K in upper right field. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar type cf. Mørkholm-Zahle, AA43, 2 (bull right). 0.50g, 9mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

300

2x 257. Dynasts of Lykia, Kherei AR Obol. Circa 410-390 BC. Owl standing left; uncertain legend around / Head of Aphrodite to left; KHEREI in Lycian script around. Unpublished type in the standard references, for dynast cf. Traité 343-361. 1.03g, 11mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

300

2x 258. Dynasts of Lykia, Kherei AR Obol. Circa 410-390 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Head of satrap right, wearing bashlyk, symbol before; all within incuse circle. CNG E-310, 98 (same obv. die); Elsen 108, 189 (same dies); cf. SNG von Aulock 4177-4178; cf. Traité II 352. 0.54g, 10mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

100

2x 259. Dynasts of Lykia, Kherei AR Obol. Circa 410-390 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Head of satrap right, wearing Persian kyrbasia; all within incuse circle. Cf. CNG 93, 434; SNG von Aulock 4177-4178; Traité II 352. 0.71g, 10mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

300

2x 260. Dynasts of Lykia, Arin.. AR Obol. Xanthos, circa 380-360 BC. Cockerel standing right on shield / APΞ, head of Aphrodite right. Traité ΙΙ, 399. 0.62g, 11mm, 7h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

250

2x 261. Lykia, Patara AR Diobol. 380-340 BC. Young male head right; E and kerykeion(?) before / Head of Hermes right, wearing winged petasos; ΠΤTA around. Roma E-26, 335; otherwise unpublished in the standard references. 0.76g, 13mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

200

2x 262. Lykia, Tlos AR Hemiobol. Circa 400-380 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Panther seated to right, raising forepaw. Müseler VII, 16; Nomos 7, 196. 0.31g, 9m, 1h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

200

2x 263. Lykia, Xanthos AR Obol. Circa 400-380 BC. Helmeted head of Athena left / Helmeted head of Athena right, Π behind. Unpublished in the standard references, for type. cf. Traité ΙΙ, 399. 0.65g, 11mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

250

CILICIA

2x 264. Cilicia, Satraps AR Obol. Datames, satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia. Tarsos, circa 380 BC. Head of female facing slightly left, with drapery around neck / Draped bust of female (Aphrodite?) right, wearing taenia, hoop earring, and pearl necklace. Casabonne Series 1; Göktürk -; SNG France 310–311; SNG Levante 217–218. 0.63g, 10mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

200

265. Cilicia, Satraps AR Stater. Pharnabazos, satrap of Hellespontine Phrygia. Tarsos, circa 380-374/3 BC. Head of Arethusa facing slightly left / Helmeted and bearded male head right. SNG France 247; SNG von Aulock 5922. 10.65g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine.

750

In the wake of a protracted war against Sparta, Persian power was weakened, causing Egypt to revolt and declare its independence from Persian rule. An initial force sent to crush the upstart Egyptians was defeated by Greek mercenaries hired by the Egyptian pharaoh. Pharnabazos was then appointed commander of the second campaign to reconquer Egypt, and caused these coins to be struck in order to pay the Greek mercenaries he hired to counter those of the Egyptians.

266. Cilicia, Satraps AR Stater. Mazaios, satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia. Tarsos, circa 361-334 BC. Baaltars seated left, holding eagle, ear of corn and bunch of grapes in right hand, lotus-headed sceptre in left; Aramaic legend ‘BLTRZ’ = Baaltars, to right, Aramaic letters on left and below seat / Lion attacking a bull to left, Aramaic legend above ‘MZDI’ = Mazaios. SNG France 335; SNG Levante 100ff. 10.94g, 23mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

Among The Finest Known

267. Cilicia, Issos AR Stater. Circa 385-380 BC. Obverse die signed by Apatorios. Apollo standing facing, head left, holding patera and placing hand on laurel tree behind; engraver’s signature AΠATOPIOΣ in upper left field / Herakles standing facing, head right, resting hand on grounded club and holding bow and arrow, lion skin draped over arm; ankh-like symbol in right field. Brindley, NC 1993, group 5b; Casabonne type 3; SNG France 2; cf. SNG Levante 173. 10.67g, 23mm, 3h. Extremely Fine; among the finest known. Very Rare.

3,000

Privately purchased from Numismatic Fine Arts in 1989. Issos was situated on a strategic coastal plain along the Pinarus river, through which ran the highway linking east and west Cilicia. In 333 BC, it was the site of Alexander the Great’s decisive victory over Darios III of Persia.

268. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 425-410 BC. Nude rider, holding whip in his left hand, jumping from horse galloping to left; A below horse / Goat kneeling to left, head turned back to right; KEΛEN above, A in exergue. Kraay, The Celenderis Hoard, NC 1962, 5b (same dies); SNG France -; SNG von Aulock 5618. 10.78g, 22mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

1,500

269. Cilicia, Kelenderis AR Stater. Circa 425-410 BC. Nude rider, holding whip in his left hand, jumping from horse galloping to left; A below horse / Goat kneeling to left, head turned back to right; KEΛEN above, A in exergue. Kraay, The Celenderis Hoard, NC 1962, 5b (same dies); SNG France -; SNG von Aulock 5618. 10.79g, 23mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

300

BITHYNIA Extremely Rare Stater of Kios

270.

Bithynia, Kios AV Stater. Circa 340-330. Hierokles, magistrate. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Prow of war galley to left, ornamented with a star on fighting platform; club above, eagle standing to left before, IEPO-ΚΛΗΣ above and below. Cf. Waddington, Recueil Général des Monnaies Grecques d’Asie Mineure, pl. XLIX, 2 (same obverse die) and 3 (same magistrate). 8.62g, 18mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare; one of fewer than a dozen known examples of which almost all are in museums. 50,000 According to myth, Kios was founded on the Propontic coast by the Argonaut Polyphemos, with Herakles’ approval. In practice, the site appears to have been first a Mysian, then a Karian colony, which was refounded by Milesians in circa 626/5 (Euseb. Chron. 97b). Nothing is known about the city’s early history, but it was under Persian domination from as early as 547/6 onwards. The Kians made several attempts to shake off the Persian yoke, first taking part in the Ionian Revolt in 497, then twice joining the Delian League, but though a Greek settlement, it is described as both small and barbarised, and in the Athenian tribute-list it is one of the many insignificant places assessed at 1,000 drachmai. Each time therefore, it is unsurprising that it was quickly brought back under Persian rule, and from 404 Kios made no further bids for independence. Kios’ civic coinage is confined to a narrow period in the mid 4th century BC, struck either shortly before or immediately after Alexander’s invasion of Asia Minor. Though it has been suggested that the coinage may have been intended to pay Mercenaries, this seems unlikely since the circulation of all the Kian coin series seems to have been limited. Throughout Alexander’s reign Kios was in the hands of a Persian dynast, Mithridates, uncle of the founder of the kingdom of Pontus, who ruled there from 337 to 302. While he lived, the city was never in the Hellespontine satrapy, demonstrated by the fact that when Antigonos drove out the Hellespontine satrap in 318, he fled to Kios (Diod. XVIII, 72, 2). Given that the Kian coins feature the names of civic magistrates rather than those of a local dynast, it seems possible that a short-lived uprising, unknown to history, may have occurred in the early part of the second half of the fourth century which occasioned the striking of a small number of gold staters, silver drachms and hemidrachms.

271. Kingdom of Bithynia, Prusias II Cynegos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 182-149 BC. Head right, wearing winged diadem / Zeus Stephanophoros standing left, holding sceptre; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ to left, eagle standing left on thunderbolt above monogram in inner left field. Rec. Gen. 10a; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 2. 16.90g, 37mm, 12h. Very Fine. An expressive portrait.

300

KYRRHESTIKE

272. Kyrrhestike, Bambyke-Manbog AR Stater. Abdhadad, circa 310 BC. Head of Atargatis facing, wearing ornamented headdress; crescent and circlet (numeral 30) to left; Aramaic ‘atar’ateh to right / Temple of two columns within which stands the Priest-King before altar, wearing conical hat and holding pine-cone; Aramaic ‘bdhdd (Abdhadad) to right. Seyrig, Hierapolis de Syrie, RN 1971, pl. I, 3; BM-PCG pl. 28, 32. 8.23g, 23mm, 7h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

Bambyke-Manbog was a temple state ruled by priests who recognised the authority of the Great Kings of Aštart (Hellenised as Astarte).

PONTOS

273. Kings of Pontos, Mithradates VI Eupator AV Stater. First Mithradatic War issue, in the name and types of Lysimachos. Kallatis, circa 88-86 BC. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon / Athena Nikephoros seated left, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΛVΣΙΜΑΧΟY to left; HP monogram to inner left, KAΛ on throne, ornate trident in exergue. Callataÿ p. 140 (D6/R4); AMNG I 266. 8.32g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

274. Kings of Pontos, Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. Pergamon, dated year 224 BE (December 74 BC). Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MIΘPAΔATOY EYΠATOPOΣ, stag grazing left; star within crescent above ΔKΣ (date) to left, two monograms to right, Γ below; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. De Callataÿ D61/-. 16.83g, 33mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

Stunning Last Issue of Mithradates VI

275. Kings of Pontos, Mithradates VI Eupator AR Tetradrachm. Pergamon, dated year 231 BE (October 67/September 66 BC). Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ MIΘPAΔATOY EYΠATOPOΣ, stag grazing left; star within crescent to left, monogram to right, AΛΣ (date) below; all within Dionysiac wreath of ivy and fruit. De Callataÿ obv. die D77; Waddington 131 = RG pg. 20, pl. 3, no. 6; HGC 7, 340; DCA 692. 16.44g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare - De Callataÿ recorded only two specimens. The example presented here bring the known corpus to just eight surviving coins. 5,000 Ex Roma Numismatics VII, 22 March 2014, lot 759 (sold for £12,000 but not paid for). The last known issue of tetradrachms in Mithradates’ name were struck at the height of the Third Mithradatic War, when he had succeeded in regaining control of his kingdom of Pontos after a resounding victory at the Battle of Zela where the Romans suffered near catastrophic casualties and were routed, leaving 7000 dead on the field including 24 tribunes and 150 centurions. Despite this victory, Mithradates had only bought himself brief respite, as Pompey’s campaign against the Mediterranean pirates was brought to a close and he proceeded to take command of the war against Mithradates, reorganising the Roman forces and drawing on reinforcements from Cilicia, such that a force of some six legions was brought under his command. Pompey opened peace negotiations with Mithradates, naming his terms as a formal submission to Pompey’s authority and the surrender of a large number of Roman deserters who were now fighting on the Pontic side. Mithradates refused his terms and, forced onto the defensive, he made preparations to receive Pompey’s assault.

PHOENICIA

276. Phoenicia, Arados AR Drachm. Circa 174-110 BC. Bee with straight wings, seen from above; monograms to left and right / Stag standing right in front of palm tree, APAΔIΩN to right. BMC 150-151. 4.16g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

500

Exceptional Sidon Dishekel

277.

Phoenicia, Sidon AR Dishekel. `Abd`aštart (Straton) I, dated RY 13 = 353/2 BC. War galley under way to left over zig-zag waves; III- (date) above / King of Persia and charioteer in biga left, King of Sidon standing left behind, in Egyptian dress, holding cultic sceptre and votive vase; ‘B (in Phoenician) above. E&E-S Group IV.2.1.m, 1339 (D31/R33); Betlyon 23; Rouvier -; HGC 10, 242; DCA 849. 25.55g, 27mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Exceptionally well detailed for the type.

15,000

Ex Jean Elsen list 231, 2005, no. 104. The dishekels of Sidon are not particularly rare. They are however nearly uniformly poorly struck, or heavily worn, or both. This coin satisfies the conditions of being both comparatively very well struck on both obverse and reverse, and has evidently seen very limited circulation indeed, evidenced by the preservation of fine detail on both sides. It is therefore an extreme rarity within the series on account of its superlative condition and level of detail, unmatched by any of the examples present on CoinArchives, and far superior to the Millennia Collection example which sold for US$30,000 in 2014. This coin dates to the final year of the reign of Abdashtart I (or Straton, as he was known to the Greeks). One of his first acts as king was to reduce the weight of the dishekel by approximately 12%, while increasing its silver content from 72 to 99 per cent, primarily to safeguard confidence in the Sidonian currency which had in his father’s reign become increasingly debased. A complex figure, caught between East and West, Abdashtart was required to honour Sidon’s allegiance to the Persian Great King on the one hand, yet found himself personally drawn towards Greek culture on the other. Yet, despite increasing discontent amongst the Sidonians at Persian overlordship of Phoenicia, Abdashtart initially displayed the outward appearance of being a loyal servant of Artaxerxes II. Early on in his reign, Abdashtart was able to obtain a guarantee of safe passage for an Athenian embassy to Artaxerxes, for which favour the Athenians honoured him with a decree set in marble on the Acropolis, next to the Parthenon. Importantly, this decree granted favourable trading rights and exemptions from taxation in Athens to the Sidonians. Thanks to this decree he obtained for himself an image as a philhellene, an image he promoted further through lavish patronage of Greek artists and musicians he invited to his court from the cities of Ionia and the Peloponnese. Following the redating of the reigns of the Sidonian kings by J. Elayi (An Updated Chronology of the Reigns of Phoenician Kings during the Persian Period), it is now understood that Abdashtart was responsible for leading the Sidonian revolt against Persian overlordship that occurred in 356 BC, and which was swiftly suppressed the following year. Though he was not deposed, he was forced to surrender unconditionally and all of Phoenicia was placed under the supervision of the Persian agent Mazaios, who was made satrap of Transeuphrates. Abdashtart’s final years between 355 and 352 appear to have been difficult, and according to ancient sources it is likely he suffered a sudden and violent death.

278. Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. Dated CY 24 = 103/2 BC. Laureate head of Melkart right / ΤΥPΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing left on prow, palm frond behind; ΔK (date) over club to left, monogram to right, Phoenician A between legs. SNG Copenhagen 320; BMC 106-7 var. (Phoenician B between legs). 13.36g, 30mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

279. Phoenicia, Tyre AR Shekel. Dated CY 144 = AD 18/19. Laureate head of Melkart right / ΤΥPΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing left on prow; palm fond behind; PMΔ (date) above club to left, Phoenician B between legs, KP above monogram to right. BMC 199. 14.18g, 25mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

500

CYPRUS

280. Cyprus, Kition AR Stater. Azbaal, circa 449-425 BC. Herakles in fighting stance to right, wearing lion skin upon his back and tied around neck, holding club overhead in right hand and bow extended before him in left hand; monogram or ankh to right / Lion attacking stag crouching right, L’Z’B’L (in Aramaic) above; all inside dotted border within incuse square. Zapiti & Michaelidou 5–6; Tziambazis 17; BMC 16–8. 11.05g, 25mm, 1h. Very Fine. From the collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s.

300

Third Known Example

281. Cyprus, Paphos AR Stater. Onasioikos, circa 450-440 BC. Bull standing left on beaded double line; [winged solar disk above, ankh to left]; all within dotted circular border / Eagle standing left; ankh to left, ‘pa-si o-na’ in Cypriot script around; all within dotted square border in incuse square. Tziambazis -; BMC -; Destrooper-Georgiades, p. 196, 13 = Gulbenkian 809 = NFA II, 1976, 275; Roma XIII, 405. 11.12g, 22mm, 2h. Very Fine. The third known example. Of great numismatic and historical importance.

5,000

From the collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s. The existence of this issue in the name of ‘Ona’ in the style of the coinage struck in the name of Stasandros illustrates the many problems of attribution in early Cypriot numismatics. We know of coins attributed to a king ‘Onasioikos’ which utilise the same obverse type of a bull with ankh and solar disk, but with a flying eagle as the reverse design (BMC pl. XXI, 14 = Traité II 1306). This in itself is not unusual, since Cypriot cities often continued the same obverse type under different rulers much as other Greek city-states did. The present coin however, which bears the name of ‘Ona’(sioikos), utilises the same reverse type as the staters of King Stasandros with the only difference being the legend, suggesting a more direct link between the two rulers than has hitherto been widely assumed. Indeed, the style of the reverse is so similar to archaic style issues of Stasandros (see following lot, certainly the work of the same hand), that it appears to conclusively demonstrate that this king Onasioikos was the immediate predecessor of Stasandros, since the latter retained the same types as seen on this issue for his first coinage. This theory is supported by the difference in style between the issues of Stasandros - the following lot, the ‘earlier’ issue, being distinctly archaic in appearance, while the ‘later’ issue is more classical in style. In a thorough analysis of this mint and inscriptions, A. Destrooper-Georgiades (Le monnaies frappées à Paphos (Chypre) durant la deuxième moitié du Ve siècle et leur apport à l’histoire de l’île” in Proceedings of the 12th International Numismatic Congress, Berlin 2000, pp. 194-8), proposes a sequence of kings based on the available numismatic evidence which securely places Onasioikos prior to the reign of Stasandros, who is in turn succeeded by at least two other kings, Mineos and Zoalios, who are known to history only from their inscriptions on re-engraved coins of Stasandros. The evidence presented by Destrooper-Georgiades demonstrates with a high degree of probability that the issues attributed to Onasioikos bearing the flying eagle reverse (generally dated to 400 BC without supporting evidence) are in fact an earlier issue of the same king named on the present type, and that his flying-eagle coinage should clearly be re-dated to before the reign of Stasandros. The archaistic appearance of the flying-eagle type weighs heavily in favour of this, since a backwards step from classical style to archaic is counter-intuitive. Destrooper-Georgiades proposes a revised dating of circa 450 BC for the flying-eagle type of Onasioikos, and a period from the mid-fifth century to the first decades of the fourth century for the standing-eagle coinage of Onasioikos, Stasandros, Mineos and Zoalios.

282. Cyprus, Paphos AR Stater. Stasandros, circa 440-425 BC. Bull standing left on beaded double line; winged solar disk above, [ankh to left]; all within dotted circular border / Eagle standing left, ankh to left, ‘pa-si sa-ta-sa-to’ in Cypriot script around; all within dotted square border in incuse square. Babelon, Perses 749a; BMC pl. XXI, 9; Tziambazis -; Roma XIII, 406. 10.92g, 28mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,500

From the collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s. The similarities in style and fabric of this coin with the preceding lot attributed to Onasioikos indicate that it was the first known issue in the name of Stasandros, who has evidently succeeded Onasioikos as king. Both sets of dies are very clearly the work of the same engraver(s).

A Magnificent Stater of Paphos

283. Cyprus, Paphos AR Stater. Stasandros, circa 425 BC or later. Bull standing left on beaded line; winged solar disk above, ankh to left, palmette ornament in exergue; all within dotted circular border / Eagle standing left, one-handled vase to left, ‘pa-si sa-ta-sa’ in Cypriot script around; all within dotted square in incuse square. Destrooper-Georgiades 15; Tziambazis 7; Traité II 1291 = BMC 17; SNG Copenhagen 26; ACGC 1089. 11.01g, 22mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare, and exceptionally well preserved for the type.

7,500

From the collection of an antiquarian, Bavaria c. 1960s-1990s.

KYRENAIKA Very Rare Drachm of Euhesperides

284. Kyrenaika, Euhesperides AR Drachm. Circa 470-44 BC. Silphium plant with leaves / Head of Zeus Ammon to right within circle of dots; all within incuse square cornered by E-[Y]-E-Σ (retrograde). SNG Copenhagen 1003 (these dies); BMC p. 110, 3 (these dies). 3.26g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

6,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 29, 11 May 2005, lot 243; Ex Münzen & Medaillen 88, 17 May 1999, lot 323. 2x

285

286

285. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AV 1/10 Stater. Circa 322-313 BC. KY..., magistrate. Head of Apollo Karneios left, with Horn of Ammon; K-Y retrograde across fields / Female head (Kyrene?) right; K-Y retrograde across fields. Naville 64 (same dies); BMC 147, pl. XV, 16. 0.88g, 8mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. 500 286. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AV 1/10 Stater. Second Revolt of the Kyrenaikans, circa 305-300 BC. Head of Zeus Ammon right / Upright thunderbolt; stars flanking. Naville 183–217; SNG Copenhagen 1233; BMC 216–220; Boston MFA 1342 = Warren 1366; Jameson 2535; Pozzi 3281; Weber 8444. 0.73g, 7mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. 750

Beautiful Kyrene Didrachm

287. Kyrenaika, Kyrene AR Didrachm. Koinon issue, circa 250 BC. Diademed head of Zeus Ammon right / Silphium plant with four leaves; ibex horn in upper left field, KOI-NON across fields. BMC 1; SNG Copenhagen 1275. 7.81g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine - exceptional for the issue. Fine style. Iridescent toning.

5,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 84, 20 May 2015, lot 757. Kyrene was founded in 631 BC by Dorian settlers from Thera and their leader Battos, as instructed by the Delphic oracle. Around a hundred years later as the city grew in prosperity to rival even Carthage, Kyrene began issuing silver coins of archaic style on small, thick modules. Virtually all of the coins of Kyrene display the badge of the city and the principal source of its wealth - the silphium plant. It was described as having a thick root, a stalk like fennel, large alternating leaves with leaflets like celery, spherical clusters of small yellow flowers at the top and broad leaf-like, heart-shaped fruit called phyllon. The plant was valued in ancient times because of its many uses as a food source, seasoning for food, and, most importantly, as a medication. Perfumes were made from the flowers, the stalk was used for food or fodder while the juice and root were used to make a variety of medical potions. Aside from its uses in Greco-Roman cooking (as in recipes by Apicius), the many medical applications of the plant included use to treat cough, sore throat, fever, indigestion, aches and pains, warts, and it has even been speculated that the plant may also have functioned as a contraceptive, based partly on testimony from Pliny. The plant only grew along a narrow coastal area, about 125 by 35 miles. Much of the speculation about the cause of its extinction rests on a sudden demand for animals that grazed on the plant, for some supposed effect on the quality of the meat. Overgrazing combined with over harvesting and climate change led to its extinction. Pliny reported that the last known stalk of silphium found in Kyrenaika was given to the Emperor Nero as a curiosity. The city never recovered from the extinction of its principal export, and economic decline combined with a series of devastating earthquakes led to the abandonment of the city in the 4th Century AD.

EGYPT

288. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Memphis, circa 323 BC. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, rose before, moneyer’s signature ΔI-O beneath. Price 3971. 16.97g, 27mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

289. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Memphis, circa 323 BC. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, rose before, moneyer’s signature ΔI-O beneath. Price 3971. 16.77g, 27mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

290. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy I, as satrap, AR Tetradrachm. Memphis, circa 323 BC. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, rose before, moneyer’s signature ΔI-O beneath. Price 3971. 17.09g, 25mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

Attractive Oktadrachm of Arsinoe II

291. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Arsinoe II AV Mnaieon - Oktadrachm. Alexandria, circa 253-246 BC. Head right, veiled and wearing stephane; lotus-tipped sceptre in background, K to left / Double cornucopiae bound with fillet, grape bunches hanging at sides; APΣINOHΣ ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY around. Svoronos 1242, 1374, and 1498–9; SNG Copenhagen 321-2. 27.62g, 30mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

7,500

292. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy VI AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in Cyprus(?), dated year 105 of an uncertain era (158/7 BC). Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis / Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, PE (date) on thunderbolt; ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ around. Svoronos 1212; SNG Copenhagen 552; DCA 76. 6.67g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

500

Unique and Unpublished Oktadrachm

293. Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy VI AV Mnaieon - Oktadrachm. Paphos, year 29 = 153/2 BC. Head of Arsinoe II to right, wearing diadem, stephane and ram’s horn, and with a lotus-tipped sceptre above her head / Double cornucopiae bound with fillet; ΑΡΣΙΝΟΗΣ ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ around; LΚΘ to left, ΠΑ above bird to right. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar issues cf.: Svoronos 1444 (year 31); St James’s, 11 May 2009, 908 (year 19); Leu 71, 1997, 249 (year 17). 27.78g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Unique, unpublished, and numismatically significant.

10,000

In 164 BC Ptolemy VI was driven out by his brother and went to Rome to seek support. The Romans cleverly responded by partitioning the Ptolemaic kingdom, granting Cyprus and Egypt to Ptolemy VI which he ruled until 145, and Kyrenaica to Ptolemy VIII. The numismatic importance of this extremely rare dated gold mnaieon commemorating the divine Arsinoe II, issued by Ptolemy VI at Paphos, is that it has been associated with the gold staters of Magnesia signed by Euphemos son of Pausanias, and by association the Artemis/Cult statue of Artemis gold staters, and confirms their chronology to shortly before or after 153/2 BC.

ARABIA

294. Arabia, uncertain mint AR Tetradrachm. 4th-3rd centuries BC. Imitating Athens. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing left, head facing; degraded Athens ethnic to left, degraded olive spray to right; all within incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references; cf. Huth 31-2; cf. CNG E-345, 339. 17.02g, 25mm, 12h. Very Fine; test cut. Very Rare.

1,200

NABATAEA Extremely Rare Drachm of Malichus I

295. Nabataea, Malichus I AR Drachm. Petra, dated RY 26 = 35/4 BC. Diademed head right / Eagle standing right; palm to left; LKς (date) to right. Cf. Meshorer, Nabataea 12 (didrachm); Schmitt-Korte II 11 var. (Aramaic semkath and ḥēth above and below date, respectively); Barkay, Silver 1; CNG 82, 743. 3.44g, 17mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

296. Nabataea, Obodas II, with Hagaru I, AR Drachm. Dated RY 17 = 14/13 BC. Jugate diademed busts of Obodas and Hagaru right / Diademed and draped bust of Obodas right; date (in Nabataean) to left. Meshorer, Nabataea 32-34 (Obodas III); DCA 965. 4.62g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Exceptional metal quality.

750

297. Nabataea, Obodas II, with Hagaru I, AR Drachm. Dated RY 17 = 14/13 BC. Jugate diademed busts of Obodas and Hagaru right / Diademed and draped bust of Obodas right; date (in Nabataean) to left. Meshorer, Nabataea 32-34 (Obodas III); DCA 965. 4.52g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Minor flan split to edge of a very broad flan.

750

PERSIA

298. Achaemenid Kings of Persia AV Daric. Time of Darios I to Xerxes II, circa 485-420 BC. Persian Great King or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running attitude right, holding apple-tipped spear and strung bow; quiver over shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb A/B. 8.34g, 18mm. Minor flatness, otherwise Extremely Fine.

2,000

299. Achaemenid Kings of Persia AV Daric. Time of Artaxerxes II to Darios III, circa 375-336 BC. Persian Great King or hero, wearing kidaris and kandys, in kneeling-running attitude right, holding apple-tipped spear and strung bow; quiver over shoulder / Rectangular incuse punch. Carradice Type IIIb Late; BMC 84; Meadows, Administration -; BMC Arabia pl. XXV, 24. 8.38g, 16mm. Mint State. Exceptionally well-detailed figure.

3,000

SELEUKID EMPIRE

300. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AV Stater. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon, circa 311-305 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, MHP monogram within wreath under left wing, MI under right wing. SC 81.1; Price 3745; Müller 733. 8.58g, 20mm, 10h. Mint State.

3,000

301. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AV Stater. In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon, circa 311-308 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet ornamented with griffin / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to left, AΛEΞANΔPOY to right, H in left field, MHP monogram within wreath under left wing. SC 81.7 var. (griffin on helmet, different position of control marks); Price 3707 var. (same); HGC 9, 3a. 8.56g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous; well centred on a broad flan.

2,500

Ex Roma Numismatics II, 2 October 2011, lot 354.

302. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. In the types of Alexander III of Macedon. Susa, circa 300-281 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΣEΛEYKOY to left, BAΣIΛEΩΣ below, monograms in left field and below throne. SC 399.7; HGC 9, 125c; Roma E-21, 446. 16.87g, 27mm, 7h. Good Very Fine; scuff on rev.

750

303. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos I Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Susa, circa 300-294 BC. Head right, wearing helmet covered with panther skin and adorned with bull’s ears and horns, panther skin tied around neck / Nike standing right, wearing peplos, crowning trophy of Macedonian arms set on sapling tree, from which branch sprouts near base; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ around, E-ΔI in fields. SC 173.11; ESM 413; Hoover 20 var. (different monograms). 17.10g, 27mm, 1h. About Extremely Fine.

5,000

Stunning Tetradrachm of Antiochos I Soter

304.

Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Smyrna, circa 281-261 BC. Diademed head right / Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, testing arrows and resting on grounded bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to left, NK and ΩΣ monograms in exergue. SC 311.4; WSM 1496. 17.08g, 30mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; a stunning coin both stylistically and in terms of preservation. Extremely Rare.

15,000

Antiochos I was the son of Seleukos I and Apama, Seleukos’ Persian wife. His date of birth is unknown, but was probably circa 320 BC as he was old enough to lead the Seleukid cavalry at the battle of Ipsos in 301. When Seleukos was assassinated in 281, Antiochos was probably in Ekbatana or Aï Khanoum, where he had maintained court ruling the eastern satrapies on behalf of his father since 294. With his accession, Antiochos faced immediate attacks by Ptolemy II in Asia Minor and revolts of the cities of Syria. He left his eldest son, Seleukos, as governor of the eastern satrapies and marched west to meet the threats, which he soon overcame. However, it was not long before his attention was once again drawn to disturbances, this time from a menacing force of warlike Celtic tribes that had crossed over the Hellespont in the winter of 278/7 and invaded Asia Minor, and also shortly thereafter renewed hostilities with Ptolemy II (First Syrian War, 274-271 BC). After defeating the Celts and receiving the title of Saviour (Soter) by the Greek cities of Asia Minor, Antiochos concluded an uneasy truce with Ptolemy which allowed him to focus on public relations and administrative work in Asia Minor. His subsequent reign was relatively peaceful, with the exceptions of sedition by his son and co-regent, Seleukos, whom he was forced to execute and replace with his younger son, the future Antiochos II, and the loss of northwest Asia Minor to Eumenes I of Pergamon. The tetradrachms of Antiochos from Smyrna are of two iconographic types, one with an elderly but god-like portrait, and the other with rejuvenated, powerful and idealized features, as on this coin. Likewise there are differences in the details of the reverse: on the former, Apollo holds but a single arrow, on the latter either two or three arrows. The figure of Apollo seated on the omphalos gained prominence under Antiochos, publicising his supposed descent from the god, and became the characteristic reverse type for most Seleukid precious metal coinage down through the reign of Antiochos IV.

305. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Smyrna, circa 281-261 BC. Diademed head right / Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, testing arrows and resting on grounded bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to left, ΘΕ monogram to right, ΑΤΡ monogram in exergue. SC 311.2; WSM 1494; Roma VII, 818 = Nomos 1, 120 (same dies). 16.77g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

306. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 281-261 BC. Diademed head right / Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, testing arrow and resting on grounded bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to left, AP monogram to outer left, HP monogram to outer right. SC 379.3a; HGC 9; ESM 149; Houghton 950; SNG Spaer 289. 17.22g, 28mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; rev. die somewhat worn.

3,000

307. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Seleukeia on the Tigris, circa 281-261 BC. Diademed head right / Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, testing arrows and resting on grounded bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ to left, ΠA monogram to outer left, HP monogram to outer right. SC 379.1; SNG Spaer 287 var. (one arrow); ESM 143. 17.04g, 29mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

Unique Variety of an Exceedingly Rare Issue

308.

Seleukid Empire, Antiochos I Soter AV Stater. Aï Khanoum, circa 280-271 BC. Diademed head right / Horned and bridled horse head to right, with braided, horn-like forelock; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to left, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΟΥ below, pellet-in-Δ within circle at upper right. SC 426-7 (same reverse symbol position as 426, same obverse die as pl. 20, 427b); cf. ESM 676, 683-4. 8.43g, 16mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. An apparently unique variety of an exceedingly rare issue.

50,000

Newell (The Coinage of the Eastern Seleucid Mints from Seleucus I to Antiochus III) attributed the important series of gold, silver and bronze coins, of which the present specimen is an exceptionally rare and beautiful example, to Baktra, the capital city of Baktria. Subsequent excavations at Aï Khanoum, which was perhaps the Alexandria Oxiana mentioned by Ptolemy (6.12.6), revealed many coins there of the type assigned to Baktra. A more thorough study by Kritt (Seleucid Coins of Bactria, pp. 27-30), utilising the newly discovered information, reassigned the entire Baktra series to Aï Khanoum. The existence of an active mint there was confirmed by the excavation of a large palace complex complete with administrative offices, treasury and unstruck bronze flans. This reattribution was further supported by the discovery of a bronze coin depicting the river Oxus – a type appropriate to Aï Khanoum, but not Baktra. Antiochos I himself was possibly in residence at Aï Khanoum when he received word of his father’s assassination. Houghton and Lorber (Seleucid Coins, p. 151) note that this city’s monetary output grew in importance during Antiochos’ sole reign, probably rendering other local coinages obsolete. The horned horse head type has often been mistakenly thought to represent Alexander’s beloved warhorse Bukephalas, which apart from the mythical Pegasos was certainly the most celebrated horse of antiquity. The type was instituted by Seleukos, who used it at Pergamon for a brief issue of commemorative silver, at Apameia and Carrhae for small bronze, and at Ekbatana for an extremely rare issue depicting both horned horse and rider. Used more extensively by Antiochos I, the horned horse head seems, according to Miller and Walters (Seleucid coinage and the legend of the horned Bucephalas, SNR 83, 2004) “to have been a personal symbol of Seleukos I, and not an oblique claim to legitimisation via reference to Alexander’s favourite steed”. Several scholars including Hoover (1996) cite a statue mentioned by John Malalas (Chronographia, c. AD 491-578) which he says bore the inscription: “On this Seleukos fled Antigonos and was saved; returning and conquering him, he destroyed him.” It is clear that the use of bulls’ horns comes to represent royalty and divinity, a custom perhaps derived from ancient near-eastern religious motifs, and the usage of such horns was perpetuated on the portraits of Seluekos II, Antiochos III, and several later Baktrian kings. If Malalas may be believed then, the present horned horse type could easily represent this honoured steed that saved Seleukos - it is certainly the only horse we have any mention of in connection with him.

Antiochos, the son of Seleukos IV

309. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos the son of Seleukos IV AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 175 BC. Diademed head right / Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, testing arrows and resting on grounded bow; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ to right, ANTIOXOY and tripod to left, ΔΙ monogram in exergue. SC 1369b; SMA 46; Mørkholm 6; Antioche de Syrie 9–18. 16.39g, 30mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

7,500

An episode seemingly unknown to or forgotten by the ancient writers, the very brief reign of Antiochos, the younger son of Seleukos IV, is attested to by a surprisingly sizeable output of coinage in the material record, consisting of oktadrachms that feature the conjoined busts of Antiochos and his mother, Queen Laodice IV, and drachms and tetradrachms such as the present piece bearing the portrait and name of the young boy king. Heliodorus, the minister responsible for the murder of Seleukos IV, is supposed to have elevated the young Antiochos in the belief that the power of the throne would reside in his hands, installing the regency of Laodice as a necessity. However, Seleukos IV’s younger brother Antiochos, who had been held hostage in Rome under the Treaty of Apamaea until his replacement with Demetrios, elder son of Seleukos IV, swiftly moved to march on Syria with an army and claim his rightful place on the throne as Antiochos IV, abruptly changing the arrangements Heliodorus had instigated. He adopted his nephew, associated him with his rule, and married the boy’s mother, his brother’s widow. Thus, Antiochos the younger son of Seleukos IV survived a few years more until 170 when a son was born to his uncle, and he had the young Antiochos killed.

310. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos V Eupator AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 164-162 BC. Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYΠATOPOΣ, Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding sceptre; monogram to outer left. SC 1575.2; Le Rider, Antioche 104-28 (obv. die A4); CSE 137 (same obv. die); SNG Spaer -; HGC 9, 752. 16.84g, 31mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very attractive style, a beautiful portrait of Antiochos V.

500

311. Seleukid Empire, Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, dated SE 164 = 149/8 BC. Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY, Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding sceptre; monogram to inner left, ΔΞP (date) and monogram in exergue. SC 1782.3h; Houghton 178; SMA 146. 16.99g, 30mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

100

300

312. Seleukid Empire, Alexander I Balas AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, dated SE 166 = 147/6 BC. Diademed head right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY ΘEOΠATOPOΣ EYEPΓETOY, Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding sceptre; monogram within inner left field, ςΞΡ (date) and monogram in exergue. SC 1784.6e; Roma e35, 404. 16.66g, 30mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

300

313. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios II Nikator AR Tetradrachm. First reign, Antioch, dated SE 168 = 145/4 BC. Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΘEOY ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦOY NIKATOPOΣ, Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, testing arrows and resting on grounded bow; palm to outer left, monogram to inner left and between legs, ΗΞΡ (date) in exergue. SC 1907.1c; CSE 218; SNG Lockett 2607. 16.75g, 30mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine.

400

Apparently Unique Variety

314. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios II Nikator AR Tetradrachm. First reign, Uncertain mint, probably in Cilicia Pedias, dated SE 169 = 144/3 BC. Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΘEOY ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦOY NIKATOPOΣ, Apollo Delphios seated left on omphalos, testing arrow and resting on grounded bow; palm to outer left, monogram between legs, ΘΞP (date) in exergue. Apparently unique and unpublished; cf. SC 1902 (no palm branch). 16.97g, 28mm, 12h. Mint State. An apparently unique and unpublished variety.

1,000

315. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios II Nikator AR Tetradrachm. Second reign, Sidon, dated SE 185 = 128/7 BC. Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY NIKATOPOΣ, Zeus Nikephoros seated left, holding sceptre; ΣI below throne, EΠP (date) and monogram in exergue. SC 2187a; HGC 9, 1117e; DCA 225. 16.30g, 29mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

101

300

316. Seleukid Empire, Seleukeia Pieria Æ Tetarton (1/4 Mina) Weight. Circa 200-150 BC. Zebu (Brahma) bull to left, ΣΕΛΕΥΚΕΙΟN above, TETAPTON below; countermark: anchor within incuse rectangle / Latticework design. J. Paul Getty Museum: A Passion for Antiquities, Ancient Art from the Collection of Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman, 95 = J. Paul Getty Museum 96.AC.143. 117.32g, 57x57mm. Preserved in excellent condition; concretions remaining on rev. Extremely Rare.

3,000

Remarkable Royal Seleukid Weight

317. Seleukid Empire, Diodotos Tryphon Æ Tetarton (1/4 Mina) Weight. Circa 142-138 BC. Spiked Macedonian helmet to right, with cheek guards, adorned with ibex horn above visor; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΤΡVΦΩΝΟΣ upwards to left, TE-TAPTON upwards to right / Latticework design. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar Seleukid weights cf. J. Forien de Rochesnard, Album des poids antiques 2, L Gece Antique, pp. 50-89 and Gewichte aus Syrien-Phoenizien, Münzzentrum Köln sale 49, 1983, 5078-5085. 130.15g, 57x57mm. Preserved in outstanding condition; concretions remaining on rev. Extremely Rare.

5,000

This Seleukid commercial weight is remarkable on a number of counts. Firstly, unlike the majority of its surviving counterparts, it is bronze, not lead. Secondly, it specifically names the king, Tryphon, as the issuing authority, unlike most of the surviving weights which are civic issues. Lastly, it utilises as its main type the same motif that adorns the coinage of Tryphon, namely the spiked and horned helmet. The obverses of commercial weights such as this were often decorated with popular Seleukid motifs, but also necessarily featured a clear indication of their weight. The reverses were often given a pattern as a security measure to ensure that any modification should be apparent. The lattice, as on this piece, was a common reverse pattern.

102

Unique Tryphon Tetradrachm

318.

Seleukid Empire, Diodotos Tryphon AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 142/1-138 BC. Diademed head of Tryphon right / ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΤΡΥΦΩΝΟΣ ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΟΡΟΣ, Macedonian helmet adorned with ibex horn, Π monogram in inner left ﬁeld; all within oak wreath border. Not listed in the standard references. 15.42g, 32mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine. An apparently unique variety of this very rare type.

10,000

Diodotos was a powerful administrator at Antioch during the reign of Alexander I, who played a key role in organising the rebellion that saw Alexander forced from the city and Demetrios II crowned king on the promise that Ptolemy VI would supervise his reign. This was met with one final challenge from Alexander, who was defeated by Ptolemy and subsequently assassinated by the Nabataean prince from whom he sought refuge. The victory was to come at the cost of Ptolemy’s life, who died days later from wounds received in the battle. Demetrios quickly lost the support of both the military and the populace after disbanding much of the Seleukid army and brutally crushing a rebellion at Antioch. Once again Diodotos seized the opportunity for rebellion and found an alternative ruler in Antiochos VI, the young son of Alexander and Kleopatra Thea, who he took under his protection. Their revolt against Demetrios started in Chalkis, where they gained the control of the surrounding districts before capturing Apamea in 144. It was around this time that Diodotos assumed a new name, Tryphon. He succeeded in removing Demetrios from Antioch around 144/3 and elevated Antiochos to the Seleukid throne. For two years, Antiochos reigned while Tryphon continued to campaign against Demetrios, expanding their territory into Cilicia Pedias and north Phoenicia. Around 142, Tryphon announced that Antiochos had died during surgery and having ensured the support of his soldiers with the promise of money, proclaimed himself king. He continued to wage war against Demetrios’ generals, who still held the Phoenician cities of Sidon and Tyre, Gaza, Mesopotamia, Babylonia and parts of northern Syria. The seizure of Babylonia by Mithradates I in 141 led Demetrios to embark on an eastern campaign which would see him captured in 138. This prompted Antiochos VII, the brother of Demetrios, to raise a substantial mercenary force to recover the Seleukid kingdom. He landed at Seleukia Pieria, where many of Tryphon’s troops had defected to Kleopatra Thea, who admitted his troops and married him. Antiochos quickly took northern Syria from Tryphon’s control and pursued him into Phoenicia, where he was besieged at Dora. Tryphon escaped and fled to Apamea, where he was besieged again and eventually executed late in 138 or early 137. The elaborate ibex-horned helmet used as a reverse type on the coinage of Antiochos VI and of Tryphon once he assumed the kingship is usually considered to have been Tryphon’s personal sigil. The horn and diadem together denote divinity and royalty, and the helmet itself, with its thunderbolt-adorned cheek-guards and two medallions depicting an eagle and a panther holding a thyrsos would certainly have been worthy of either, or both. While it is most unlikely to represent Tryphon’s personal choice of headwear, it has been speculated (H. Seyrig, The Khan El-Abde Find and the Coinage of Tryphon, ANS NNM, 1950) that the helmet may have been a spectacular offering, made by the young king Antiochos VI, under the direction of Tryphon, to the god that had favoured their claim to power.

103

319. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos VIII Epiphanes Grypos AR Tetradrachm. Antioch, circa 121-114 BC. Diademed head right / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑNTIOXOY EΠIΦANOYΣ, Zeus Ouranios, draped, standing facing, head left, holding star in outstretched hand and long sceptre, crescent above, IE over A in left field, O at inner right; all within laurel wreath border. SC 2298.2b; HGC 9, 1197e. 16.64g, 29mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

250

320. Seleukid Empire, Antiochos IX Eusebes Philopator Kyzikenos AR Tetradrachm. Second reign, Antioch, circa 110-109 BC. Diademed head right / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΑNTIOXOY ΦIΛOΠATOPOΣ, Athena Nikephoros standing left; monogram above A in outer left field, H in inner right field; all within wreath. SC 2366.1g. 16.30g, 27mm, 1h. Near Mint State. An exceptional example of the type. Rare variant.

2,000

Ex ACR 12, 29 October 2014, lot 345. 2x

321

322

321. Seleukid Empire, Seleukos VI Epiphanes Nikator AR Diobol. Antioch, 95/4 BC. Diademed head right / Grain ear standing upright; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΕΛΕΥΚΟΥ in two lines to right, ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΝΙΚΑΤΟΡΟΣ in two lines to left. SC 2422; CSE 377; SNG Spaer 2778. 1.25g, 12mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare. 300 322. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios III Eukairos AR Tetradrachm. Damaskos, dated SE 219 = 94/3 BC. Diademed head right / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOV ΦEOV ΦIΛOΠΛTOPOΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ, cult statue of Atargatis standing facing, arms extended, holding flower in left hand, barley stalk rising from each shoulder; N above monogram in outer left field, OIΣ (date) and monogram in exergue; all within wreath. SC 2450.8; DCA 303; HGC 9, 1305. 15.64g, 29mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. 300

323

324

323. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios III Eukairos AR Tetradrachm. Damaskos, dated SE 222 = 91/0 BC. Diademed head right / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOV ΦEOV ΦIΛOΠΛTOPOΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ, cult statue of Atargatis standing facing, arms extended, holding flower in left hand, barley stalk rising from each shoulder; N above Δ in outer left field, BKΣ (date) in exergue; all within wreath. SC 2451.5; HGC 9, 1305; DCA 304. 15.95g, 31mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; uncommonly well detailed. 750 324. Seleukid Empire, Demetrios III Eukairos AR Tetradrachm. Damaskos, dated SE 224 = 89/8 BC. Diademed head right, with pellet on nose / ΒAΣΙΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOV ΦEOV ΦIΛOΠΛTOPOΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ, cult statue of Atargatis standing facing, arms extended, holding flower in left hand, barley stalk rising from each shoulder; N above monogram in outer left field, [ΔKε (date) followed by monogram] in exergue; all within wreath. SC 2451.11; HGC 9, 1305; DCA 304. 15.68g, 29mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. 250

104

105

PARTHIA Andragoras of Parthia

A GROUP OF SIGNIFICANT NUMISMATIC IMPORTANCE The following 43 lots (325-367) represent a highly important group of coins which apparently came to light in the Oxus region in the 1960s, taken to Germany in 1975 when the owners emigrated there, and subsequently exported to the USA. Principally consisting of ‘Athenian Series’ tetradrachms, didrachms and drachms, also included are some highly important issues bearing the names of Andragoras and Sophytes. Additionally, the group includes (but not presented here) a 4th century drachm of Thebes, two well-worn mid-4th century Tyre owl-type shekels, two official Athens tetradrachms, five regional Athenian imitations, an Amphipolis mint Alexander-type tetradrachm minted circa 316-311 (Price 133), another attributed to the Susa mint, circa 322-320 (Price 3850), and another from the Ekbatana mint, struck under Seleukos circa 311-295 (Price 3899). Lastly (and significantly), the group also contained one elephant-quadriga type tetradrachm of Seleukos (SC 177.5) from the Susa mint, dated 296/5-281 BC. Though the possibility that they were stray finds from the same area cannot be excluded, their condition suggests otherwise and is indicative of having been within a contained and stable environment. Consigned now after half a century of having remained in the possession of the same family, these coins have significant implications for the chronology and sequence of the coinage of Baktria and the surrounding satrapies. Moreover, they may require the reassessment of some attributions, and potentially, amendments to our understanding of regional history. 325.

Parthia, Andragoras AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana, circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Turreted head of Tyche right, wearing pendant earring and necklace; monogram of Andragoras behind / Athena standing left, wearing helmet, long chiton and himation, holding owl on extended right hand and resting left hand on grounded shield, transverse spear in background; ANΔPAΓOPOY to right. Mitchiner 20; BMC 3-4, pl. xxviii, 2-3. 17.08g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. One of exceedingly few known examples, in outstanding condition for the type which is otherwise almost uniformly well worn, and very possibly the finest surviving specimen.

20,000

It has been suggested that the Andragoras of Parthia whom Alexander the Great supposedly conferred local authority upon (Justin, xii. 4), never existed at all and is only mentioned by Justin by mistake. Andragoras was in fact not included in the partition of power at the Treaty of Triparadisus in 321 BC, when instead Philip was named as the ruler of Parthia, and in other classical sources Phrataphernes is usually mentioned as the satrap of Parthia until Philip replaced him. Philip in turn was satrap until 318 BC, when Peithon, who was then seeking to establish his power over all the Eastern provinces, made himself master of Parthia, and put Philip to death. Andragoras therefore has no secure place in the immediate chronology of post-Alexandrine Parthia. It is of course possible that Justin was mistaken about his satrapy (numerous other small satrapies existed in the area), or had his dating confused - the existence of an Andragoras who was Satrap of Parthia under Seleukos I, is uncontested. This Andragoras appears to have taken advantage of what appeared to be the imminent collapse of the Seleukid Empire in the Third Syrian War, when - following the death of Antiochus II - Ptolemy III seized control of the Seleucid capital at Antioch, to secede from the empire and make his satrapy into an independent kingdom. Following the secession of Parthia from the Empire and the resultant loss of military support, Andragoras had difficulty in maintaining his borders, and in about 238 BC the Parni invaded under the command of Arsaces and his brother Tiridates and seized control of the northern region of the Parthian territory. Andragoras appears to have been killed either attempting to retake this territory, or while resisting the Parni conquest of the remainder of Parthia. Given the evidence we are presented with, the silver coinage of Andragoras and Sophytes should be considered roughly contemporary, but it seems apparent that Andragoras’ Tyche-Athena tetradrachms slightly pre-dated the helmeted head series of Sophytes. Earlier scholarship has often tended to date the coinage of both Andragoras and Sophytes much too early, occasionally to their period immediately following the death of Alexander. The presence in this group of a somewhat worn Seleukos elephant-quadriga type tetradrachm (SC 177.5) from the Susa mint, suggests a terminus post quem of 295 BC. Further considerations on the identical monograms found on the gold and silver coinage of Andragoras (see lot 329), and a thorough review of the political history of the eastern satrapies of the Seleukid empire from 321-250 BC lead us to conclude that there can have been only one Andragoras, and that both the silver and gold coinage must date to the time of his rebellion and secession from the Empire. We therefore propose redating this series to c.246/5239/8 BC.

106

107

326. Parthia, Andragoras AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana, circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Turreted head of Tyche right, wearing pendant earring and necklace; monogram of Andragoras behind / Athena standing left, wearing helmet, long chiton and himation, holding owl on extended right hand and resting left hand on grounded shield, transverse spear in background; ANΔPAΓOPOY to right. Mitchiner 20; BMC 3-4, pl. xxviii, 2-3. 16.65g, 26mm, 6h. Very Fine. One of exceedingly few known examples.

3,000

Unpublished Field Symbol

327. Parthia, Andragoras AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana, circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Turreted head of Tyche right, wearing pendant earring and necklace; monogram of Andragoras behind / Athena standing left, wearing helmet, long chiton and himation, holding owl on extended right hand and resting left hand on grounded shield, transverse spear in background; ANΔPAΓOPOY to right, kerykeion to left. Mitchiner -; BMC -. 17.04g, 25mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. An apparently unique and unpublished variety with a kerykeion field symbol.

10,000

A New Type for Andragoras

328. Parthia, Andragoras AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana, circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Turreted head of Tyche right, wearing pendant earring and necklace, rosettes on turrets; monogram of Andragoras behind / Athena standing right, wearing helmet, long chiton and peplos, holding owl on extended left hand and with right hand holding transverse spear behind her, shield at side; ANΔPAΓOPOY to left. Mitchiner -; BMC -. 17.23g, 25mm, 7h. About Extremely Fine. Unique, unpublished, and of significant numismatic interest.

10,000

If we accept that the silver coinage of Andragoras was struck by the same individual responsible for the gold staters (BMC Arabia, North East Persia 1), and that this individual was the Andragoras recorded as being the satrap who rebelled against Seleukid rule in the early part of the second half of the third century BC, the types employed on this ruler’s coinage now make perfect sense given their context. Andragoras faced a belligerent tribe the Parni - on his border, and with Seleukos II preoccupied with fighting an increasingly desperate war against Ptolemy III, no assistance would be forthcoming. Thus we find the types of Tyche, wearing her mural crown, who on the obverse is invoked as the goddess governing the fortune and prosperity of the city, and Athena as military protectress on the reverse. The gold staters depicting Zeus, the supreme Greek deity, and a war-chariot guided by Nike the goddess of Victory, likewise hint at production in a war-time setting.

108

A Parthian Series of Athenian Type Tetradrachms?

329. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing right, head facing; prow behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS -; H. Nicolet-Pierre / M. Amandry, “Un nouveau trésor de monnaies d’argent pseudo-Athéniennes venu d’Afghanistan”, RN 1994, 36-39; Mitchiner 13a = G.F. Hill, “Greek coins acquired by the British Museum in 1920,” in NC 1921, 17. 16.75g, 25mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only two other examples on CoinArchives.

3,000

The presence of this particular monogram on these issues of the ‘Athenian Series’ coinage is confounding. It is (with the occasional inclusion or omission of a central vertical line) precisely the same monogram that appears on all of the silver tetradrachms of Andragoras, as well as the gold staters (BMC Arabia, North East Persia 1) which have been variously attributed to either a Satrap appointed by Alexander in c.331 BC, or the Seleukid satrap who declared independence in 246/5 BC. The monogram has three possible explanations: firstly, the monogram could be an engraver’s signature; secondly, it could be a magistral mark, the monogram of a mint or treasury official; thirdly, it could be the monogram of the issuing authority, i.e. the satrap. If indeed as we have proposed above there was only the one Andragoras, and that his silver and gold coinage is related, it is equally possible that the monogram could belong to engraver, official or satrap. However, examining the monogram itself, one can easily read ‘ANΔPAΓOPAΣ’, whether the central vertical line is present or not. The implications, if this is indeed correct, are significant. It may require the reconsideration of the attribution of at least part of the ‘Athenian Series’ and ‘Eagle Series’ coinage from Sophytes to Andragoras and therefore the Ekbatana mint. The matter is not so simple though, since the ‘MNA’ mark that appears on some other ‘Athenian Series’ coins also appears on the bust truncation of the helmeted coins of Sophytes. Additionally, there are other monograms and marks which cannot be tied to either Andragoras or Sophytes. One possible answer to this puzzle is that the ‘Athenian Series’ was not all struck at a single ‘uncertain mint in the Oxus region’, and that Athenian imitations were being produced at various satrapal minting facilities in the region for the purpose of local commerce, each utilising a different control mark or set of controls. Nicolet-Pierre and Amandry also reached the same tentative conclusion (see N&A p.40). We will not presume to attempt to solve a century old mystery in the few hours available to us - this must be left to others with more time - however in this cataloguer’s opinion the links between the ‘Athenian Series’ and the coinage of both Andragoras and Sophytes cannot be ignored, and for the time being we have elected to re-attribute part of the ‘Athenian Series’ and ‘Eagle Series’ to the mint under Andragoras’ control, since the same monogram can be found across those series.

330. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 3; N&A 40-42; Mitchiner -. 17.24g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

331. Parthia(?), ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Owl standing right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS 6; N&A 43-45; cf. Mitchiner 24, third illustrated specimen (appears to have appropriate reverse symbols, but is not described in text and listed, probably erroneously, as local weight standard). 8.03g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

109

1,500

2x 332. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram of Andragoras(?) behind / Eagle standing left, head right; grape cluster on vine with leaf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner -; N&A -; CNG 63, 920. 3.66g, 15mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

2x 333. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing left, head right; grape cluster on vine with leaf and kerykeion above. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64. 3.66g, 15mm, 5h. Mint State. Extremely Rare, and probably the finest surviving example.

1,500

2x 334. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing left, head right; grape cluster on vine with leaf above. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS 14-16; Mitchiner 26c; N&A 52-57. 3.54g, 14mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

750

2x 335. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing left, head right; grape cluster on vine with leaf and kerykeion above. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64. 3.62g, 14mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

1,000

2x 336. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing left, head right; grape cluster on vine and kerykeion above. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner 26d; N&A 63-64. 3.51g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

110

750

2x 337. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Hemidrachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing left, head right; grape cluster on vine with leaf above. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A; SNG ANS 17-18; cf. Mitchiner 26c (drachm). 1.49g, 11mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, and among the finest known examples.

500

2x 338. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Drachm. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Eagle standing right, head left; grape cluster on vine with leaf and kerykeion above. SNG ANS -; Mitchiner -; N&A -; for type with eagle to left, cf. Mitchiner 26d and Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 2A. 3.55g, 15mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Apparently unpublished with eagle to right.

1,500

2x 339. Parthia(?), ‘Eagle series’ AR Diobol. Ekbatana(?), circa 246/5-239/8 BC. Local standard. Laureate head of Zeus right / Eagle standing left, head right; grape cluster on vine with leaf and kerykeion above. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; N&A 65; SNG ANS -; cf. Mitchiner -. 1.49g, 11mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Exceedingly Rare; apparently the second known example.

500

UNCERTAIN EASTERN SATRAPY

340. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena left, wearing earring, and crested Attic helmet decorated with two olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘ [E erased from die] before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -; cf. P. van Alfen, “The ‘Owls’ from the 1973 Iraq Hoard” in AJN 12 (2000), pl. 6, 116. 16.22g, 22mm, 5h. Very Fine. Exceedingly Rare.

1,500

The style and fabric of this coin and the following 5 is quite unlike both the preceding ‘Athenian Series’ coins that we have re-attributed to Parthia on the basis of the presence of the Andragoras monogram, and the following issues that are attributed to Baktria. They also exhibit significant differences to one another. Because of the difficulty at this time of assigning them either a chronological or geographical range, we tentatively propose that these issues were struck at one or more different mints, perhaps (though not necessarily) in one of the two satrapies - Aria and Drangiana - that lie between Parthia to the west, and Baktria to the east. For the multiple mint hypothesis, see N&A p. 40. It is likely that they were produced for local commerce only, given that they have not been found west of Ekbatana, so far as we know. In this case they might have been produced as early as after Alexander’s death, and as late as the Parni invasion of Parthia and the assumption of power in Baktria by Diodotos II.

341. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor, a spiral palmette on the bowl, and grape bunch / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before; all within incuse square. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; N&A 8-9; Mitchiner -; cf. SNG ANS -. 17.14g, 20mm, 9h. Very Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished with grape bunch on helmet.

111

750

342. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; small grape bunch behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS 5; N&A 24-29; NAC 77, 102; Triton VIII, 608. 8.12g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

750

343. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; lotus flower on long stalk behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig, crescent and lotus flower on long stalk behind, AΘE before; all within incuse square. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -. 8.32g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

1,500

344. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before; all within incuse square. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner 13a; SNG ANS 1. 16.76g, 25mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; not a single example has appeared at auction since before 2001 at least.

2,000

345. Uncertain Eastern Satrapy, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint, circa 323-240 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before; all within incuse square. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner 13a; SNG ANS 1. 17.18g, 24mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

112

3,000

BAKTRIA

Stasanor as Satrap?

346. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Stasanor, satrap(?). Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 321-245 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; ΣTA behind, MNA below / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig, crescent and grape bunch behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A 1-3; Spink 3014, 124 = G&M 48, 604. 17.03g, 23mm, 12h. About Very Fine. Extremely Rare; only the fourth known example.

1,250

The ΣTA MNA mark which appears on a small number of extremely rare tetradrachms is nearly identical to a mark on a double daric (BMC Arabia p. 178, 12) attributed to Babylon. F. Imhoof-Blumer read the two clearly separate marks as one, arriving at the name ‘Stamenes’, who was briefly satrap of Babylonia under Alexander after the death of Mazaios, before being replaced by a Macedonian, Archon, son of Kleinias, who governed until after Alexander’s death. There is however no evidence to support this attribution, and in fact the reverse punch of the double daric is considerably different in style to others of the series. Moreover, in considering the origin of that coin, which came from the Oxus hoard and entered the BM in 1881, it seems more logical to suppose, as proposed by Head (NC, 1906), that it was minted further east, perhaps under the then satrap Stasanor. The letters MNA remained unexplained to Head, but the appearance of these letters on their own, not preceded by ΣTA on ‘Athenian Series’ tetradrachms and the helmeted portrait issues of Sophytes, which also appear in abbreviated form as MN and M, further discredit the Stamenes theory, and strengthen the case for ΣTA being viewed independently of the second mark, MNA. For further discussion on the ΣTA-MNA marks, see N&A p. 50-54. Stasanor was a native of Soli in Cyprus who held a distinguished position among the officers of Alexander the Great. He probably entered the service after the siege of Tyre in 332 BC, but the first occasion on which his name is mentioned is during the campaign in Baktria, when he was despatched by Alexander with a strong force to reduce Arsames, then satrap of Aria, who was in revolt. As reward, Stasanor was confirmed in the now vacant position of satrap, whence he was soon promoted to Drangiana. In the Partition of Triparadisus in 321 BC, Stasanor was appointed the more important government of Baktria and Sogdiana. He is attested as having been still at his post in 316, and may possibly have remained there until his death before or in 305, when Seleukos is believed to have attacked and conquered the province. However, while an attribution of this type to Stasanor may seem attractive and even tempting, its context within this group and the rather moderate wear it has suffered suggest that it may have been produced somewhat later than the time of Stasanor, even if we accept that he may have still been at his post in 305. Moreover, in considering the redating of the coins of Sophytes (see lots 325, 364 and 365) we must admit the possibility that if MNA is an engraver or mint-master’s initials, then it seems unlikely that the same engraver or mint-master would have been active for so lengthy a span of time. It then follows that ΣTA might refer to neither Stamenes nor Stasanor.

MNA - A Local Maestro?

347. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; MNA behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig, crescent and grape bunch behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A 18-19; Leu 83, 264. 16.74g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Only three other specimens previously recorded.

3,000

The appearance of the letters MNA on their own, not preceded by ΣTA, which also appear in abbreviated form as MN and M, both on this ‘Athenian Series’ coinage and on the helmeted portrait issues of Sophytes, is suggestive of MNA being either a magistral mark, or an engraver’s signature. While the prominent placement of MNA on both the double daric and the tetradrachm would seem to be counter-indicative of its being a signature because of its brazen size and obtrusiveness, on the helmeted portrait coins of Sophytes it is very discreetly placed on the bust truncation. The fact that it is so well hidden (and on the tetradrachms, abbreviated simply to ‘M’) very strongly argues against it being a magistrate or subordinate official’s name. The Baktrian ‘Athenian series’ coinage, judging from its lack of wear, must have been issued immediately prior to or concurrent to Sophytes’ named coinage.

113

348. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; MNA behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -; Leu -. 17.18g, 24mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished without grape bunch.

3,000

349. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; MNA behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -, cf. 18-19 (tetradrachms); CNG E-115, 180 (misdescribed). 8.03g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only one other didrachm of the MNA issue in CoinArchives.

2,000

350. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; MNA behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -, cf. 18-19; CNG E-115, 180 (misdescribed). 8.14g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

351. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Drachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; MN[A] behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner -; N&A -, cf. 18-19 (tetradrachms); cf. CNG E-115, 180 (didrachm, misdescribed). 3.81g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Excessively Rare.

114

500

352. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; ΦA over prow behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig, crescent and grape bunch behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; N&A 20-22; SNG ANS -. 16.45g, 24mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

353. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Drachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; prow behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS -; N&A -; Mitchiner -. 3.89g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Excessively Rare.

500

354. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, grape bunch over tail, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner 13e; N&A 13-15; SNG ANS -; Svoronos pl. 109, 8; Leu 83, 263. 17.02g, 23mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,500

355. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, [grape bunch] over tail, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner 13e; N&A 13-15; SNG ANS -; Svoronos pl. 109, 8; Leu 83, 263. 16.99g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

115

2,500

356. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig, crescent and grape bunch behind, AΘE to right. Cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; N&A -, cf. 13-17 (different monogram); SNG ANS -. 16.80g, 24mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished with this monogram.

2,000

357. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram behind / Owl standing right, head facing; behind, prow, and monogram, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; SNG ANS -; N&A -; Mitchiner -. 7.98g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

1,000

358. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, grape bunch over tail, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner 13e; N&A 13-15; SNG ANS -; Svoronos pl. 109, 8; Leu 83, 263. 16.97g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

3,000

359. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Drachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; monogram behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, grape bunch above tail, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; SNG ANS -; Mitchiner -, cf. 13e (tetradrachm); N&A -, cf. 13-15 (tetradrachms). 3.93g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Excessively Rare.

116

1,000

360. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl; small grape bunch behind / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, grape bunch over tail, AΘE to right. Cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; N&A -; SNG ANS -. 16.45g, 24mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

3,000

361. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; behind, prow and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 1A; Mitchiner -; SNG ANS -; N&A -. 7.84g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State. Apparently unique variety without obverse monogram.

3,000

362. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; behind, kerykeion, prow, and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; SNG ANS -; N&A -; Mitchiner -. 8.03g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished with these three reverse symbols.

1,500

363. Baktria, ‘Athenian Series’ AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 261-239/8 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Owl standing right, head facing; behind, kerykeion, prow, and grape bunch on vine with leaf, AΘE before. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; SNG ANS -; N&A -; Mitchiner -. 7.98g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished with three reverse symbols.

117

1,250

118

Finest Known Example

364.

Baktria, Sophytes AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246/5-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Athena right, wearing earring, necklace, and crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor and a spiral palmette on the bowl / Cockerel standing right; kerykeion behind, ΣΟΦYΤΟΥ to right. Bopearachchi, Sophytes -; Mitchiner -; Whitehead, NC 1943, pp. 60ff (drachm); O. Bopearachchi, “Royaumes grecs en Afghanistan. Nouvelles données“, in L’art d’Afghanistan de la préhistoire à nos jours, CERDAF, Actes d’une Journée d’étude, UNESCO, 11th March 2005, Paris, 2005, p. 60-2 = NAC 59, 655. 16.97g, 25mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Of the greatest rarity, the second and by far the finest known example.

30,000

The question of who Sophytes was and when he lived is one that has confounded numismatists for a hundred and fifty one years. It should be quite clear to anyone reading this that the Sophytes of this coinage was not the Sopeithes described in classical sources as the ruler in the Punjab region between the Hydraotes and the Hyphasis who so impressed Alexander. We can say with certainty only that he was evidently Indo-Iranian by ethnicity, for Sophytes is the Hellenisation of a non-Greek name, and that he must have commanded an important region or city, most likely within Baktria, in the vicinity of the Oxus river. Though little (if any) attention has been paid to the choice of the cockerel as the reverse type, it is when considered properly, thoroughly Baktrian in character. The cockerel was a most sacred animal in Zoroastrian religion; besides its common name ‘Halka’ and its onomatopoeic name ‘Kahrkatas’, it was also referred to by a religious name, ‘Parodarsh’ - literally, ‘foreseer’ (of the dawn). It was the bird of light and hence of righteousness, scattering the darkness and the evil that dwells within. This remarkable tetradrachm provides direct evidence for a transitional phase coinage struck by Sophytes, on the obverse of which we can observe the continuation of the ‘Athenian Series’ using the helmeted head of Athena type, while the reverse replaces the Athenian owl for the cockerel that will remain the principal type of Sophytes on his helmeted portrait issues. The cockerel is joined by a kerykeion adjunct symbol already familiar to us from the preceding series, and the legend ΣΟΦYΤΟΥ. We have already established that the coinage of Andragoras and Sophytes should be considered roughly contemporary, with the former’s probably preceding that of the latter, judging by the patterns of wear that we have encountered. It seems fair to propose therefore, that emboldened by Andragoras’ placement of his own name upon the reverse of his coins, Sophytes decided to follow suit. Certainly, the hold of the Seleukid central government over its farthest eastern satrapies had been weakening since the death of Antiochos I; Houghton and Lorber (SC, p. 167) observe that “mint operations in the rich province of Baktria gradually escaped Seleukid control” throughout Antiochos II’s reign, and while it was previously accepted that there was only one Baktrian mint, recent scholarship and archaeology has shown this not to be the case.

119

120

A Portait of Seleukos I?

365.

Baktria, Sophytes AR Tetradrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246/5-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Seleukos(?) right, wearing laurel wreathed Attic helmet decorated with spiral pattern on crest and eagle wings on cheek-guard, tied under chin / Cockerel standing right; kerykeion behind, ΣΟΦYΤΟΥ to right. Cf. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 3A, pl. I, 1; for type cf. SNG ANS 21-23 (drachm); Mitchiner 29 (drachm); Whitehead NC 1943, pp. 64, 1 and pl. III, 7-8 (drachm). 16.81g, 27mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. The second known example of an issue of considerable numismatic interest. A bold and expressive portrait engraved in the finest Hellenistic style. 50,000 This portrait, which has all too often been simply assumed to be that of Sophytes himself, is eminently worthy of further scrutiny. It is the work of a highly talented individual, and depicts what should by any account be a great general, helmeted in Attic style and wearing the laurel wreath of a conqueror. Unfortunately the actions of Sophytes, whatever they might have been, were either not recorded or have long since been lost. We cannot therefore determine whether this individual may indeed have performed such deeds as to be worthy of commemoration in such a fashion. In examining the features of the individual depicted on this coin however, it becomes immediately apparent that there are distinct similarities with certain idealised portraits of Seleukos I. It is conceivable that we should see in this portrait not an image of the unknown ruler Sophytes, but an idealised image of the deified Seleukos, as can be found on the somewhat earlier coinage of Philetairos. Those images (cf. in particular Gulbenkian 966) have nearly identical features - in particular the heavy brow, aquiline nose, down-turned mouth and prominent chin. The historical sources offer us few clues as to the dating of Sophytes’ rule. They tell us that Stasanor was satrap of Baktria until at least 316 BC, and that Seleukos reintegrated Baktria into his empire on his eastern anabasis in c. 305. An early date therefore seems highly unlikely. Turning to the evidence of the coin itself, numismatists have correctly observed that the obverse portrait is derived from the similar type of Seleukos on his trophy tetradrachms (SC 174), which should be dated to after c. 301 BC; the presence of the somewhat worn elephant-quadriga tetradrachm in the present group pushes the date even further to the right, and into the third century. Now, the presence of this type in this group along with coins of Andragoras indicates a considerably later date than previously supposed. We have already proposed with good reason that the coinage of Andragoras should be dated to c.246/5-239/8 BC (see lots 325 and 328), and that given the patterns of wear that may be observed upon them, there is sufficient justification to argue for the dating of Sophytes’ named coinage to c. 246/5-235, after Andragoras had begun coining but before Diodotos II would have been free to dispose of any lesser regional powers. This turbulent time period has already afforded us a plausible reason for the striking of Andragoras’ coinage. It is possible that Sophytes too was prompted to look to the security of his own territory following the effective withdrawal of the central government’s influence in that area. Diodotos I too struck his own coinage in Baktria, which while bearing his own portrait on the obverse nevertheless maintained the name ‘Antiochos’ on the reverse as a token symbol of loyalty. Does Sophytes coinage, with a distinctly ‘local’ reverse type, seek to achieve the same veneer of loyalty as that of Philetairos and Diodotos by placing the image of Seleukos I, the founder of the Seleukid empire, on his obverse?

121

The Only Attic Standard Example

366. Baktria, Sophytes AR Didrachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246/5-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Seleukos(?) right, wearing laurel wreathed Attic helmet decorated with spiral pattern on crest and eagle wings on cheek-guard; MNA on bust truncation / Cockerel standing right; kerykeion behind, ΣΟΦYΤΟΥ to right. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 3A, pl. I, 2 = Alpha Bank 7461; for type cf. SNG ANS 21-23 (drachm); Mitchiner 29 (drachm); Whitehead NC 1943, pp. 64, 1 and pl. III, 7-8 (drachm). 8.00g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State. The second known specimen, the only Attic standard example, and of considerable numismatic interest.

10,000

Beautiful Drachm of Sophytes

367. Baktria, Sophytes AR Drachm. Uncertain mint in the Oxus region, circa 246/5-235 BC. Attic standard. Head of Seleukos(?) right, wearing laurel wreathed Attic helmet decorated with spiral pattern on crest and eagle wings on cheek-guard; MNA on bust truncation / Cockerel standing right; kerykeion behind, ΣΟΦYΤΟΥ to right. Bopearachchi, Sophytes Series 3A, pl. I, 3; G&M 169, 149 (same mark on bust truncation); cf. SNG ANS 21-23 (M only on bust truncation); cf. Mitchiner 29b (M only); cf. Whitehead NC 1943, pp. 64, 1 and pl. III, 7-8 (M only). 3.89g, 17mm, 6h. Mint State.

7,500

368. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 225-200/195 BC. Mint A (near Aï Khanoum), circa 220/15 BC. Diademed head right / Herakles seated left on rock, holding club set on rocks; BAΣIΛEΩΣ and monogram to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Bopearachchi 5B; SNG ANS 124-5; HGC 12, 40. 16.30g, 28mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,500

369. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Euthydemos I Theos Megas AR Tetradrachm. Mint B (‘Baktra’), circa 210-206 BC. Diademed head right / Herakles seated left on lion skin draped over rocks, holding club set on rock behind knee; monogram below to right; BAΣIΛEΩΣ to right, EYΘYΔHMOY to left. Bopearachchi 9A; Mitchiner 94; SNG ANS 136. 16.29g, 30mm, 11h. Very Fine.

122

500

370. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 200-185 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin headdress / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself with right hand, holding club and lion’s skin in left; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 1D; SNG ANS 188-189; HGC 14, 63. 16.86g, 34mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

371. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrios I Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 200-185 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing elephant skin headdress / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin. Bopearachchi 1F; SNG ANS 190-2; HGC 12, 63. 16.83g, 32mm, 12h. Very Fine.

1,500

372. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIMAXOY, Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 1A; SNG ANS 274-5; HGC 12, 106. 16.26g, 32mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; somewhat bent.

123

1,500

373. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Antimachos I Theos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 180-170 BC. Diademed and draped bust right, wearing kausia / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIMAXOY, Poseidon, laureate, standing facing, holding trident and filleted palm; monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 124b; SNG ANS 276-7. 16.76g, 33mm, 12h. Very Fine.

500

374. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Agathokles Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Circa 185-175 BC. Diademed and draped bust right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕOYΣ, Zeus standing facing, holding figure of Hekate with torches in outstretched right hand, and sceptre in left; monogram to inner left. Bopearachchi 1D; Mitchiner 137a; SNG ANS 230. 16.76g, 32mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,500

375. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I AR Tetradrachm. Circa 171-145 BC. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 1D; SNG ANS 432. 16.97g, 33mm, 12h. Very Fine.

750

376. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Helmeted bust right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6O; SNG ANS 467. 16.54g, 33mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

124

1,000

377. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Helmeted bust right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6X; SNG ANS 472. 16.94g, 32mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,500

378. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Helmeted bust right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6X; SNG ANS 472. 16.58g, 36mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Original ‘find’ patina.

1,250

379. Greco-Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides I ‘the Great’ AR Tetradrachm. Circa 170-145 BC. Helmeted bust right / The Dioskouroi on horses prancing right, each holding spear and palm; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ above, ΕΥΚΡΑΤΙΔΟΥ below, monogram in lower right field. Bopearachchi 6Z; Mitchiner 177l; SNG ANS 473. 16.68g, 33mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

125

1,250

Stunning Strato I Tetradrachm

380. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Strato I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Circa 105-85/0 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ ΣTPATΩNOΣ, diademed and draped bust right / ‘Maharajasa pracachasa dhramikasa Stratasa’ in Kharosthi, Athena Alkidemos standing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; monogram to left. Bopearachchi 26A; Mitchiner 330; SNG ANS 999. 9.82g, 28mm, 11h. Near Mint State; outstanding quality for the issue. Extremely Rare.

7,500

381. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Strato I Soter AR Tetradrachm. Circa 105-85/0 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ ΣTPATΩNOΣ, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear / ‘Maharajasa pracachasa dhramikasa Stratasa’ in Kharosthi, Athena Alkidemos advancing left, brandishing thunderbolt and aegis; monogram to right. Bopearachchi 28A; HGC 12, 335. 9.69g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Exceptional condition for the issue. Extremely Rare.

5,000

382. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Heliokles II Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Circa 90-75 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔIKAIOY HΛIOKΛEOYΣ, diademed and draped bust right / ‘Maharajasa dhramikasa Hiliyakresasa’ in Kharosthi, radiate Zeus standing slightly left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre; monogram to lower left. Bopearachchi 1A; SNG ANS 1139-41; HGC 12, 377. 9.82g, 26mm, 11h. Near Mint State. Very Rare.

126

2,000

Extremely Rare Heliokles II Tetradrachm

383. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Heliokles II Dikaios AR Tetradrachm. Circa 90-75 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔIKAIOY HΛIOKΛEOYΣ, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust right / ‘Maharajasa dhramikasa Hiliyakresasa’ in Kharosthi, Zeus standing slightly left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre; monogram in left field. Bopearachchi 3A; Mitchiner 2, 290a (Heliokles I); SNG ANS -. 9.83g, 25mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

2,000

384. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Philoxenos Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 125-110 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANIKHTOY ΦΙΛOΞENOY, diademed and draped bust right / ‘Maharajasa apadihatasa Philasinasa’ in Kharosthi, Philoxenos, in military attire, on horse rearing right; monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 3J; Mitchiner 338d; SNG ANS 1162-3. 9.78g, 29mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

1,000

385. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Philoxenos Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 125-110 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANIKHTOY ΦΙΛOΞENOY, diademed, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust right / ‘Maharajasa apadihatasa Philasinasa’, Philoxenos, in military attire, on horse rearing right; monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 5C; SNG ANS 1183-6; HGC 12, 268. 9.77g, 28mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

127

1,500

Extremely Rare Philoxenos ‘Heroic Bust’ Tetradrachm

386. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Philoxenos Aniketos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 125-110 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANIKHTOY ΦΙΛOΞENOY, diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, aegis on shoulder and brandishing spear with right hand / ‘Maharajasa apadihatasa Philasinasa’ in Kharosthi, Philoxenos, in military attire, on horse rearing right; Σ and monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 7A; SNG ANS 1197. 9.76g, 26mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; the rarest of Philoxenos’ bust types and and perhaps the finest known in terms of surface quality.

3,000

Very Rare Diomedes Tetradrachm

387. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Diomedes Soter AR Tetradrachm. Circa 115-105 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΔIOMHΔOY, diademed and draped bust right / ‘Maharajasa tratarasa Diyamitasa’ in Kharosthi, the Dioskouroi on horses prancing right, each holding spear and palm; monogram to lower right. Bopearachchi 3A; SNG ANS 1215. 9.73g, 26mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

2,500

388. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Hermaios Soter, with Kalliope, AR Tetradrachm. Circa 105-90 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ EPMAIOY KAI KAΛΛIOΠHΣ, conjoined busts of Hermaios and Kalliope, both diademed and draped right / ‘Maharajasa tratarasa Hiramayasa Kaliyapaya’ in Kharosthi, Hermaios, in military attire, on horse rearing right, bow in bow case and spear attached to saddle; monogram to lower right. Mitchiner 407a; Bopearachchi 1B; SNG ANS 1317-1318. 9.66g, 28mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

128

2,500

Exceptional and Extremely Rare Hermaios Tetradrachm

389. Indo-Greek Kingdom, Hermaios Soter AR Tetradrachm. Circa 105-90 BC. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΟΤΗΡΟΣ ΕΡΜΑΙΟΥ, diademed and draped bust right / ‘Maharajasa tratarasa Heramayasa’ in Karosthi, radiate Zeus enthroned facing slightly left, extending hand and holding sceptre; monogram to inner right. Bopearachchi 2D; SNG ANS 1328-29. 9.90g, 27mm, 11h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.

5,000

INDIA Extremely Rare Skando-Komaro and Bizago Dinar

390. Kushan Empire, Huvishka AV Dinar. Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?), circa AD 151-190. Early phase. ÞΔO(retrograde h)A(retrograde h)OÞAO O OhÞKI KOÞA(retrograde h)O, diademed and crowned half-length bust left on clouds, holding mace-sceptre and goad / CKAHΔO αPO KO M BIZAΓO, Skando-Komaro and Bizago, both nimbate, standing facing, heads vis-à-vis; Skando-Komaro holding spear in right hand, left hand on hilt; Bizago with right hand on hip, holding spear in left hand; tamgha between. MK 156; cf. ANS Kushan 723 (for type); Donum Burns -. 7.92g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; probably ex-jewellery, edge and border repaired at 6 o’clock obv. Extremely Rare.

10,000

391. Kushan Empire, Kanishka II AV Dinar. Taxila, 4th emission, circa AD 230-247. Kanishka standing left, holding filleted standard, sacrificing over altar to left; filleted trident to left; ga in Brahmi to right of altar; gho in Brahmi between legs; pri in Brahmi to right of sceptre / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding a garland or diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; tamgha to upper left. MK 635 (O21/R8); ANS Kushan 1645. 7.95g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous.

129

400

392. Kushan Empire, Vasishka AV Dinar. Mint I (A), 13th emission, circa AD 240-250. Vasishka sacrificing over altar and holding standard; filleted trident to left, pa in Kharosthi to inner left at feet, tha in Brahmi between feet, uncertain letter in inner right field / Ardoxsho seated facing, holding filleted garland in right hand and cradling cornucopiae in left arm; tamgha to upper left, tha in Brahmi to right above. MK 557 (O2/R19); Donum Burns 673. 7.96g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Struck from slightly worn dies of wonderful style. Warm, lustrous metal.

400

393. Kushan Empire, Vasudeva II AV Dinar. Mathura/Gandhara, 24th emission, circa AD 267-300. Vasudeva standing left, sacrificing over altar and holding filleted staff; filleted trident to left; [bha in Brahmi to right of altar]; ga in Brahmi below Vasudeva’s left arm; vasu in Brahmi to outer right / Ardoxsho enthroned facing, holding filleted garland and cornucopiae; tamgha to left. MK 577 (O15/R-; unlisted rev. die); ANS Kushan 1649. 7.82g, 21mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Struck on a tight flan of lustrous metal.

400

394. Kushan Empire, Vasudeva II AV Dinar. Mint III (C), 1st emission, AD 290-310. Vasudeva standing facing, head left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; filleted trident to left, Buddhist triratana (“Three Jewels”) to right / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding a garland or diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; tamgha to left. MK 640A (O19A/R25). 7.96g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Slight die-shift on rev., well struck centrally on a full flan. Highly lustrous.

400

395. Kushan Empire, Vasudeva II AV Dinar. Mint III (C), 1st emission, AD 290-310. Vasudeva standing facing, head left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; filleted trident to left, Buddhist triratana (“Three Jewels”) to right / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding a garland or diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; tamgha to left. MK 640A (O14/R22). 8.02g, 24mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Some slight flatness, good style.

400

396. Kushan Empire, Vasudeva II AV Dinar. Mint III (C), 7th emission, AD 290-310. Vasudeva standing facing, head left, sacrificing over altar and holding trident; filleted trident to left, Buddhist triratana (“Three Jewels”) to right / Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, holding a garland or diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left; tamgha to left. MK 652 (O32/R- [unlisted rev. die]). 8.03g, 23mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Pleasing style, lustrous metal.

130

400

397. Kushan Empire, Shaka AV Dinar. Mint I (A), 31st emission, circa AD 325-345. Shaka standing facing, head left, sacrificing over altar and holding standard; filleted trident to outer left, Brahmi “Bhri” beneath left arm, “Shaka” to outer right / Ardoxsho enthroned facing, holding filleted garland and cornucopiae; tamgha in upper left field. MK 589 (O4/R4). 7.86g, 20mm, 12h. b Extremely Fine. Die break to rev. Lustrous.

400

JUDAEAN COINS

398. Samaria(?), uncertain mint AR Stater. Circa 4th century BC. Uncertain design / Archaic temple within a dotted border compound(?). Unpublished in the standard references. 9.18g, 20mm, 12h. Fine / Very Fine. Test cut to rev. Unpublished in the standard references.

500

399. Samaria(?), uncertain mint AR Stater. Circa 4th century BC. Griffin seated left with right paw raised / Winged bull left. Unpublished in the standard references. 9.10g, 22mm, 9h. Good Fine. Porous. Unpublished in the standard references.

300

400. Samaria(?), uncertain mint AR Siglos. Circa 4th century BC. Ruler or priest standing left with raised right arm / Phoenician or Aramaic legend ggy within ankh symbol in round incuse punch. Unpublished in the standard references. 5.20g, 16mm, 12h. Near Very Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.

300

The weight standard seems to be based on the Persian siglos standard of 5.35 grams, employed throughout the southern Levant. The reverse inscription ggy is possibly a personal name, such as found on an 8th century BC seal from Sebaste in Samaria reading Iggy, cf. P. Bordreuil / A. Lemaire, JA 265, 1977, p. 17, and A. Lemaire, Cinq nouveaux sceaux inscrits ouest-semitique’, SEL 7, 1990, p. 98, 6.

401. Samaria(?), uncertain mint AR Quarter-Shekel. Circa 4th century BC. Two dolphins leaping in opposite directions / Phoenician or Aramaic legend ggy within ankh symbol in round incuse punch. Unpublished in the standard references. 3.19g, 14mm, 6h. Very Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.

The weight standard seems to be that of a quarter Phoenician shekel of about 14 grams. A similar seal inscription of the 8th century BC from Sebaste in Samaria reading Iggy has been recorded by P. Bordreuil / A. Lemaire, JA 265, 1977, p. 17, and A. Lemaire, Cinq nouveaux sceaux inscrits ouest-semitique, SEL 7, 1990, p. 98, 6.

131

300

Unique Samarian Quarter-Shekel

402. Samaria, uncertain mint AR Quarter-Shekel. Circa 4th century BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing facing; Aramaic letters flanking. Unpublished in the standard references, for similar imitative Athenian types cf. Y. Meshorer and S. Qedar, The Coinage of Samaria in the Fourth Century BCE, Jerusalem 1991, 92 (obol); D. Hendin, Guide to Biblical Coins, New York 2010, 1037 (ma’al-obol); Sofaer collection 34. 2.74g, 16mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Unique and Unpublished.

1,000

403. Samaria, uncertain mint AR Obol. Circa 375-333 BC. Head of Satrap left, wearing Persian tiara; ΦΑΡΝΒΑZC behind / Forepart of Pegasos right; below, smrn retrograde. Meshorer-Qedar 1. 0.59g, 9mm, 11h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

404. Samaria, uncertain mint AR Obol. Circa 375-333 BC. King of Persia seated right, on throne with back terminating in swan’s head, holding flower in right hand and sceptre in left; ŠN (in Aramaic) to left / Four-winged deity standing right, wearing crown, holding flower in right hand and uncertain object in left; MZ (in Aramaic) to left. Meshorer & Qedar 100; Sofaer 41. 0.58g, 10mm, 1h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

300

405. Philistia, uncertain mint AR Drachm - Quarter Shekel. Circa 450-400 BC. Bearded male head left, wearing oriental headdress / Paradise flower or Phoenician palmette, two birds (ibises?) confronted within the volutes; dolphin below, [yod] in lower right corner. Gitler-Tal XVII 3D. 2.61g, 12mm, 12h. Good Very Fine; in excellent condition for the issue.

500

406. Philistia, Ashod AR Quarter-Shekel - Drachm. Circa 450-400 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing, AΘE before, crescent and olive spray behind; ‘shin’ to left, ‘aleph’ to right. Gitler-Tal, I.2D var. (no crescent). 3.06g, 14mm, 2h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; very few specimens known.

132

3,750

Two Extremely Rare Portrait Issues of Herod Philip

407. Judaea, Herod Philip Æ22. Caesarea Paneas, dated year 5 = AD 1/2. KAICAP CEBACTOY, bare head of Augustus right / ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ ΤΕΤΡΑΡΧΟΥ, bare head of Herod Philip right; LE (date) across fields. Hendin 1219; TJC 95; AJC II 244, 1P; RPC 4938; Samuels 53. 8.55g, 22mm, 12h. Very Fine. Earthen repatination. Extremely Rare.

7,500

408. Judaea, Herod Philip Æ18. Caesarea Paneas, dated year 5 = AD 1/2. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ ΤΕΤΡΑΡΧΟΥ, bare head of Herod Philip right, LE (date) across fields / CEBAC [KAICAP], the Augusteum of Paneas shown as a tetrastyle temple on high platform, lily in pediment. Hendin 1220; TJC 228, 96; AJC II 244, 2; Samuels 54. 4.36g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine. Earthen repatination. Extremely Rare.

7,500

ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINS

409. Marc Antony and Octavia AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Ephesus, Ionia. Summer-Autumn 39 BC. M•ANTONIVS•IMP•COS•DESIG•ITER•E T•TERT, head of Antony right, wearing ivy wreath, lituus below; all within wreath of ivy and flowers / II•VIR• R•P•C, head of Octavia atop cista mystica, between twisting snakes. RPC I 2201; RSC 2; CRI 262. 12.11g, 26mm, 12h. Very Fine.

750

Extremely Rare Marc Antony Bronze of Akko-Ptolemais

410. Marc Antony Æ26 of Akko-Ptolemais, Phoenicia. Dated CY 11 = 39/8 BC. Bare head right, within laurel wreath / Tyche Soteiros (Fortuna Redux) standing left on prow of galley, head right, holding aplustre and rudder in right hand and cradling cornucopiae and palm in left arm; L IA KAI ΑΣΥ to left, ΠΤΟΛΕ ΜΑEΩΝ ΙΕPΑΣ to right. RPC I 4740.6; Seyrig, Monnayage 19; Kadman, Akko 73; Rouvier 993; AUB 8; SNG Copenhagen -. 6.72g, 26mm, 1h. Good Very Fine; exceedingly well detailed and preserved for the issue. Earthen repatination.

133

2,000

411. Augustus AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Ephesus, Ionia. Circa 25 BC. IMP CAESAR, bare head of Augustus right / AVGVSTVS, bunch of six ears of grain, tied together. RPC I 2214; RIC 478; Sutherland 186. 11.34g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

750

412. Augustus AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Pergamum, Mysia. Circa 19-18 BC. IMP•IX•TR•PO•V•, bare head right / Triumphal Arch of Augustus, surmounted by charioteer in facing quadriga, an aquila before each side wall; IMP•IX•TR•POT•V• on entablature, S•P•R• SIGNIS RECEPTIS in three lines below. RPC I 2218; RIC 510; RSC 298; BMCRE 703 = BMCRR East 310; CNR 809/2 (this coin). 11.91g, 25mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Old cabinet tone.

2,500

Ex Richard Prideaux Collection, Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 714; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 5, 25 February 1992, lot 401; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 2, 21 February 1990, lot 513; Ex Crippa FPL, April 1971, lot 362.

413. Galba AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. Dated ‘New Holy Year’ 1 = AD 68. ΓAΛBAC KAICAP AYTOKPATΩP CEBACTOC, laureate head right, star before / ETOYC [NEOY IEPOY • A], eagle standing left on thunderbolt, with wings spread; palm frond in left field. Prieur 96; RPC 4196; McAlee 305. 14.83g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

414. Galba AR Tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 68-69. AYTOKPATWP CEPOYIOC ΓAΛ[BAC CEBACTOC], bare head right / Eagle standing left on opposed laurel branches, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; palm in left field, ETOYC B in exergue. Prieur 99; RPC 4197; McAlee 310. 15.03g, 27mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

134

500

415. Trajan Æ33 of Caesarea Maritima, Samaria. AD 98-117. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OP AVG GER DAC COS VI P P, laureate bust right / Tyche standing left, resting foot on helmet, holding bust and sceptre, within Tetrastyle temple with central arch behind enclosure with altar in front; at her feet in right field, harbour-god holding anchor, C I F AVG CAES in exergue. Rosenberger 19; Kadman 22; Sofaer pl. 23 , 21; Samuels 172. 24.97g, 33mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Earthen repatination. Rare this well preserved.

750

Highly Attractive Architectural Type

416. Hadrian Æ28 of the Koinon of Bithynia. Uncertain Koinon mint, possibly Nicomedia, circa AD 117-138. AVT KAIC TPAI AΔPIANOC CЄB, radiate head right / Octastyle temple on podium of two steps; KOI-NON across fields, BЄIΘYNIAC in exergue. RPC III 996. 13.02g, 28mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Obv. slightly off-centre and weakly struck, but of an elegant style with an attractive dark patina, and rev. well struck centrally on a good flan. 500

417. Hadrian BI Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 11 = AD 126/7. AVK KAI TPAI AΔPIA CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Canopus of Osiris right; L ENΔ-EKATOV (date) around. Köln 939; Dattari (Savio) 1327; K&G 32.404; Emmett 827.11. 12.81g, 25mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare, particularly so well preserved and with such a remarkable, sharply detailed canopic jar.

418

300

419

418. Hadrian Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 17 = AD 132/3. AYT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CԐB, laureate head right, with slight drapery over left shoulder / Isis Pharia advancing right, holding sistrum and sail; [LI]-Z across fields. RPC 5837; Emmett 1002; Dattari (Savio) 1757. 21.92g, 34mm, 12h. Very Fine. 125 419. Hadrian Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 18 = AD 133/4. AVT KAIC TPAIAN• AΔPIANOC CЄB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Isis Pharia standing right, holding billowing sail with both hands; to right, the Pharos of Alexandria: high tower with entrance to left at base and decorated with bosses along sides and surmounted by lantern room, decorated at base by Tritons blowing horns and itself surmounted by statue of Poseidon(?); L-IH (date) above. Köln 1121-2; Dattari (Savio) 1768; K&G 32.588; Emmett 1002.18. 24.80g, 34mm, 12h. Very Fine. 300

135

The Deified Antinous

420.

Antinous Æ Hemidrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 19 of Hadrian = AD 134/5. ANTINOOV HPωOC, draped bust right, wearing hem–hem crown / Antinous, cloaked and holding caduceus, on horseback right; L/I–Θ (date) in field. Köln -; Dattari (Savio) 8007-9; K&G 34a.2; Blum 10; Emmett 1347.19; Kellner p. 108, Abb. 14. 16.59g, 31mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Tiny flan flaw to horse’s head and slight flatness to tail and caduceus, but well centred and struck, and engraved in the finest style. An outstanding example of the type, and among the finest known. 10,000 Antinous’ death by accidental drowning in the Nile in October AD 130 was a severe blow to Hadrian, for the youth had been his close companion and confidant for nearly five years, and had accompanied the emperor throughout his great tour of the empire beginning in March 127. Hadrian’s marriage to Sabina was an unhappy one, and Antinous has been described as “the one person who seems to have connected most profoundly with Hadrian” throughout the latter’s life (see R. Lambert, Beloved and God: The Story of Hadrian and Antinous, 1984, p.30). It is unsurprising therefore that Hadrian decreed that Antinous should be elevated to the Roman pantheon as a god, and that a city should be built at the site of his death. What was most unexpected however was that he deified the young man without consulting the Senate, and that he ordered Antinous’ image to be placed on coinage across the empire. The coinage in the name of the deified Antinous was substantial. In all, over thirty cities issued bronzes bearing his image, though none as prolifically as Alexandria in Egypt, where his cult, associated with Osiris, was particularly strong. Hadrian himself, we are told, preferred to associate Antinous with Mercury/Hermes, but across the Empire he was far more widely syncretised with the god Dionysus. A great many busts and statues of his were set up in cities across the Roman world, of which numerous examples survive including the iconic ‘Braschi Antinous’, now in the sala rotonda of the Vatican Museums. That statue, on whose head modern restorers placed a sort of pine cone, would have originally been topped with a lotus flower or hem-hem crown, as on the present coin type. To create the myriad busts, statues and engraved images Hadrian turned to Greek sculptors to perpetuate the melancholic beauty and diffident manner of Antinous, in the process creating what Caroline Vout (Power and Eroticism in Imperial Rome, 2007) described as “the last independent creation of Greco-Roman art”. All of his images share certain distinct features, including tousled curls, a perfect Hellenic nasion, and a downcast gaze – that allow him to be instantly recognized.

136

137

421. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 2 = AD 138/9. AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTѠNINOC EV CEB, bare-headed and draped bust right / Isis Pharia, holding billowing sail and sistrum, Pharos before; LB above. Dattari (Savio) -; Emmett 1592; RPC Online 15153 (temporary). Very Fine. Extremely Rare; no other examples on CoinArchives.

400

Zodiac Series: Venus in Taurus

422. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Zodiac Series. Dated RY 8 = AD 144/5. AVT K T AIΛ A∆P [ANTωNЄINOC C]ЄB ЄVC, laureate head right / Venus in Taurus (night house): diademed and draped bust of Aphrodite left, star of eight rays before her, bull butting left below; L-H (date) across fields. Köln 1492; Dattari (Savio) 2960; K&G 35.280; Emmett 1450.8. 24.26g, 32mm, 12h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

750

423. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 9 = AD 145/6. AVT K T AIΛ AΔP ANTωNINOC CԐB ԐVC, laureate head right / [L] ENATOV, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding parazonium and Nike, who offers wreath; shield behind. Emmett 1644; Dattari (Savio) 8661. 27.30g, 35mm, 1h. Very Fine.

175

424. Antoninus Pius Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 24 = AD 160/1. [AVT K] TI AI AΔPI ANTωNINOC CEB EVC], laureate and draped bust right / Ram standing right, wearing hem-hem crown; above, bust of Serapis to right, altar to right, LK- Δ (date) across fields. Köln 1857; Dattari (Savio) 2835; Milne 2418. 20.18g, 32mm, 12h. Very Fine. Rare.

138

300

425. Septimius Severus, with Julia Domna, Æ Medallion of Stratonicea, Caria. AD 193-211. AV•KAI•CЄVHPOC IOVΛIA ΔOMNA, confronted busts of Severus right, laureate, draped and cuirassed, and Domna left, draped; countermarks: helmeted head of Roma, and ΘEOV / Hekate standing, facing, head left, holding patera and torch, dog at her feet. SNG von Aulock 2675; SNG Copenhagen 506-7; countermarks: Howgego 188 and 536. 28.61g, 40mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine. Earthen repatination. Two bold portraits.

1,000

426. Septimius Severus AR Tetradrachm of Laodicea ad Mare, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 207-208. AYT KAI CEOYHPOC CE, laureate and draped bust right / ΔHMAPX EΞ VPATOCΓ, eagle standing, head left, holding wreath in beak; star between legs. Prieur 1140. 13.80g, 28mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

427. Caracalla Æ32 of the Koinon of Cyprus. AD 198-217. M ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC ΑΥΓΟΥCΤΟΥC, laureate head right / ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΚΥΠΡΙΩΝ, Temple of Paphian Aphrodite within which cone, crescent and star on top of temple, roofed wing on each side within which candelabrum stands, dove on roof of each wing, paved semicircular court before temple. SNG Copenhagen 92. 15.65g, 32mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Exceptional for the issue.

500

Palea Paphos was one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the Greek world due to its famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite; the goddess herself was born of the sea near Paphos, and floated in on a scallop shell. When she arose, she was hailed as ‘Cyprian’. The Sanctuary of Aphrodite continued to flourish well into the Roman era. Several Roman emperors honoured the shrine, and it was visited by Titus in AD 69 when the future emperor was on his way to Egypt; he consulted the oracle of Aphrodite, and was told that he had a great future. The sanctuary was rebuilt by the Romans after the earthquake of AD 76/77, in a design that preserved the layout of the original. The cult of Aphrodite survived at Palea Paphos until the 4th century AD, when emperor Theodosius I outlawed paganism. Today, virtually nothing remains of the Sanctuary save the holy ground itself.

139

428. Caracalla Æ31 of the Koinon of Cyprus, Cyprus. AD 198-217. M ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟC ΑΥΓΟΥCΤΟΥC, radiate, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / KOINON KYΠPIΩN, Temple of Paphian Aphrodite within which cone, crescent and star on top of temple, roofed wing on each side within which candelabrum stands, dove on roof of each wing, paved semicircular court before temple. SNG Copenhagen 92 var. (bust type); BMC 63. 19.43g, 31mm, 12h. Very Fine.

300

429. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Gaza, Judaea. AD 215-217. AVT KAI ANTωNINOC CE, laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡX ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟ Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; Marnas symbol between legs. Prieur 1690. 13.93g, 26mm, 6h. Very Fine.

500

Aelia Capitolina

430. Caracalla AR Tetradrachm of Aelia Capitolina, Judaea. AD 198-217. AYT KAI ANTωNINOC CE, laureate bust right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠATOC TOΔ, eagle standing facing on thyrsus, head and tail left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; between legs, a theatrical mask to left. Prieur 1618 var. 13.42g, 25mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

1,000

431. Diadumenian AR Tetradrachm of Gabala, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 218. ΑΥΤ Κ AN ΔIAΔYMENEI•, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ΔHMAPX EZ ΥΠΑ, eagle standing facing with wings spread, head and tail left, holding wreath in beak; crab between legs. Prieur 1090 (same obv. die). 12.36g, 24mm, 11h. Very Fine; minor flan flaws on obv. Very Rare, possibly only the fifth known.

140

600

Finest Known Example

432.

Severus Alexander Æ Drachm of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 10 = AD 230/231. Α ΚΑΙ ΜΑΡ ΑΥΡ СЄV ΑΛЄΞΑΝΔΡΟС ЄΥϹЄ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Hermanubis standing right wearing kalathos, holding winged caduceus and palm branch, jackal behind to left, palm branch to right; L I (date) to left. Emmett 3165A.10; Dattari (Savio) -; RPC VI Online 10455 (temporary). 26.22g, 34mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine, the finest known example. Extremely Rare.

7,500

The reign of Severus Alexander witnessed what is probably quite fair to describe as the last great flourishing of numismatic art at the mint of Alexandria, before several centuries of steady decline. The mint had ceased operations following the great massacre perpetrated by Caracalla in 215, and was only reopened after his assassination and the accession of Macrinus, under whose rule it produced an extremely limited coinage. Under Elagabalus output increased markedly, though by now the principal denomination had long been the tetradrachm, and the bronze drachm was struck in very limited numbers. In the reign of Severus Alexander a renewed threat from the East presented by the Sassanids, who had entirely overwhelmed Rome’s old adversary the Parthian Empire, required a fresh output of coinage on a larger scale than Alexandria could fulfil. As a result, tetradrachms were struck both at Alexandria and at Rome, whence they were imported into Egypt. Severus Alexander’s reign also saw the reintroduction of the drachm on a much greater scale (only two types had been struck under his predecessor), with a wide variety of types both old and new, fully utilising the skills of the engravers evidently brought back to work at Alexandria under Elagabalus. Struck on large flans with dies engraved as competently as any during the ‘golden age’ reigns of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius, this would be the last ever issue of bronze drachms from Alexandria before the demonination was forever rendered obsolete by inflationary forces and retained only as a unit of account. In his paper entitled “The Onomastic Evidence for the God Hermanubis” (Proceedings of the 25th International Congress of Papyrology, 2007), Amin Benaissa succinctly describes the conflation of the Greek god Hermes with the Egyptian god Anubis: “Hermanubis is known from a handful of epigraphic and literary sources, mostly of the Roman period. Plutarch cites the name as a designation of Anubis in his underworldly aspect (De Is. et Os. 375e), while Porphyry refers to Hermanubis as ‘composite,’ and ‘half-Greek’ (De imaginibus fr. 8, p. 18.1–2 Bidez). The name has been restored in a second-century BC dedicatory inscription from Delos (ID 2156.2), which would be its earliest attestation, but otherwise it appears in three inscriptions of the Roman period, two from Egypt and one from Thessalonike. It is clear that the name is a result of the assimilation of the Egyptian god Anubis to the Greek god Hermes, which is well attested in a number of literary, epigraphic, and artistic sources. Although Hermes was traditionally equated with the Egyptian Thoth, his function as psychopompos encouraged his association with Anubis given the latter’s comparable funerary role in Egyptian religion as embalmer and guardian of the dead and as leader of the deceased to the tribunal of Osiris. This assimilation resulted in widespread Greco-Roman representations of the canine-headed Anubis with attributes of the Greek Hermes, such as the distinctive staff known as the kerykeion or winged sandals. In Roman Alexandria there emerges a new iconographical type, well represented in coins and sculpture, in which a fully anthropomorphic young god is flanked by a dog and holds the same attributes as the said Anubis, in addition to wearing the kalathos headdress. It is this type that art historians have traditionally labelled ‘Hermanubis’.”

141

The Sacred Stone of Emesa

433. Uranius Antoninus Æ32 of Emesa, Seleucis and Pieria. Dated SE 565 = AD 253/4. AVTOK C OVΛΠ ANTωNЄINOC CЄ, laureate bust right, wearing paludamentum and cuirass / ЄMICωN KOΛΩN, hexastyle temple of Elagabal at Emesa containing the conical stone of Elagabal shaded by two parasols; crescent in pediment, ЄΞΦ (date) in exergue. BMC 24; Baldus 38-42; R. Delbrueck, ‘Uranius of Emesa,’ NC 1948, Series I, 2; SNG Hunterian 3174. 24.34g, 32mm, 1h. Very Fine. Pleasant reddish-brown patina with green touches, a well-centred strike on a typically thick flan. Very Rare.

1,500

The literary sources are unclear about Uranius Antoninus: Zosimus describes a usurper by the name of Antoninus during the reign of Gallienus, while contemporary Christian writer John Malalas speaks of an Emesan priest by the name of Samsigeramus who repulsed the Sassanid king Shapur I. Whether the accounts describe the same person, and whether this person was the Uranius who struck coins at Emesa, is a matter for debate. The era date given on the reverse of this coin, ЄΞΦ = 565 = 253/4, suggests that Uranius established an independent Empire at Emesa around the time Valerian and Gallienus were crowned co-augusti in 253. The dating supports Malalas’ account and Uranius may have indeed come to prominence during the attempts to defend the city of Emesa from the invasion of Shapur, prompting the establishment of his small independent state. If Uranius was the priest described by Malalas, the name Samsigeramus suggests that he may have been a member of the Emesan royal house of the same name and likely, the high priest of Elagabal. If this was the case, we might assume that Uranius was a descendant of the Severan-Emesan house who had previously seen a priest proclaimed emperor in Elagabalus. Though the name Samsigeramus is not attested on the coinage of Uranius, the reverse depiction of the temple of Elagabal certainly suggests the cult was important to his legitimacy. There is little doubt that Uranius’ rebellion came to an end shortly after Valerian marched east and recovered Syria in AD 254.

434. Uranius Antoninus AR Tetradrachm of Emesa, Seleucis and Pieria. AD 253-254. AVTOK K COVΛΠ ANTωNINOC CEB, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ΔHMAPX EΞ OVCIAC, eagle standing right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; EMICA SC in exergue. Baldus, “Neue Forschungen zu Uranius Antoninus (Nachtrag III),” JNG XXXIII (1983), p. 33, 1, pl. 10, 8 = Prieur 1034. 12.66g, 29mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Attractive dark tone. Very Rare. Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker 124, 16 March 2007, lot 9470 (part of).

142

2,000

COINS OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

435. Anonymous Ӕ Litra. Rome, circa 241-235 BC. Head of beardless Mars right, wearing Corinthian helmet / Horse’s head right; sickle behind, ROMA below. Crawford 25/3; RBW 40; HN Italy 299 2.79g, 15mm, 8h. Near Extremely Fine.

150

436. Anonymous Æ Semilitra. Rome, circa 234-231 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet / Dog standing right; ROMA in exergue. Crawford 26/4; RBW 51; HN Italy 309. 1.90g, 12mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

Second Punic War Mars/Eagle Coinage

437. Roman Republic AV 60 Asses. Rome, circa 211-207 BC. Bearded head of Mars right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; ↓X (mark of value) behind / Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, with spread wings; ROMA below. Crawford 44/2; RBW 160-1; Bahrfeldt 4a. 3.36g, 15mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

6,500

Struck circa 211 BC during the latter stages of the Second Punic War, the types chosen for the three small gold denominations valued at 60, 40, and 20 asses like the present piece, could not have been more fitting. On the obverse we find Mars, God of War and defender of Rome, who in myth was the father of Romulus, the city founder. The eagle on the reverse symbolised strength and immortality in the face of adversity, and together these types make a very appropriate opening statement for the gold coinage of Rome, most especially when struck at a time of war. The war with Carthage had ravaged the Italian peninsula, and in addition to the wholesale destruction of Rome’s armies, the most crucial damage inflicted by Hannibal’s invasion of Italy was the total collapse of Rome’s young monetary system. At that time, the Roman currency was based entirely on bronze, for which the demand in wartime was competing with the needs for weaponry. The weights of the bronze currency were radically decreased, and it therefore became necessary to make bronze convertible to silver which, however, was also in short supply. The strain on the Roman treasury was extreme. The decision was therefore taken in circa 216 BC to issue a gold coinage as an attempt to provide further stability for and increase faith in the bronze coinage by creating the impression that bronze could be freely exchanged for gold, thus making the token bronze coinage acceptable. In “The Mars/eagle and thunderbolt gold and Ptolemaic involvement in the Second Punic War” (Essays Hersh, 1998) A. R. Meadows convincingly argues that the influx of gold after the decision of 216 most likely came from the Ptolemaic kingdom in response to a direct appeal for help and that the reverse type of eagle on thunderbolt, so clearly similar to the Ptolemaic coinage, was the tacit acknowledgement of the financial aid that was received by Rome.

438. Staff series AR Denarius. Etruria, 208 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; X behind / The Dioscuri riding right; staff below horses, ROMA within linear frame in exergue. Crawford 106/3c; RSC 20bb. 3.75g, 21mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine. Struck on a very broad flan.

143

250

439. L. Saufeius AR Denarius. Rome, 152 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; X behind / Victory in biga right; L•SAVF below horses, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 204/1; RSC Saufeia 1. 3.64g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent tone.

150

440. L. Julius AR Denarius. Rome, 141 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; XVI behind / The Dioscuri riding right; L•IVLI below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 224/1; RSC Julia 1. 3.73g, 21mm, 3h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.

150

441. Cn. Lucretius Trio AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; TRIO behind, X below chin / The Dioscuri riding right; CN•LVCR below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 237/1a; RSC Lucretia 1. 3.93g, 18mm, 12h. Mint State.

250

442. C. Servilius M. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 136 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; wreath above XVI monogram behind, R[OMA] below / The Dioscuri riding in opposite directions, heads reverted; C SERVEILI•M•F in exergue. Crawford 239/1; RSC Servilia 1. 3.93g, 19mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

443. C. Aburius Geminus AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; GEM behind, XVI monogram below chin / Mars in quadriga right; C•ABVRI below horses, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 244/1; RSC Aburia 1. 3.87g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned; lustrous.

144

300

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

750

445. M. Marcius Mn. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 134 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; modius behind, XVI monogram below chin / Victory driving galloping biga right, holding whip in right hand and reins in left; M MARC ROMA divided by two stalks of grain below. Crawford 245/1; RSC Marcia 8. 3.88g, 20mm, 5h. Near Mint State.

300

Ex InAsta 49, 18 May 2013, lot 98.

446. M. Tullius AR Denarius. Rome, 119 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; ROMA behind / Victory in quadriga right, holding reins and palm branch; X below horses, wreath above, M•TVLLI in exergue. Crawford 280/1; RSC Tullia 1. 3.90g, 20mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

150

447. M. Cipius AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; M•CIPI•M•F before, X behind / Victory driving galloping biga right, holding reins and palm branch; rudder below, ROMA in exergue. Crawford 289/1; RSC Cipia 1. 3.95g, 18mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Old cabinet toning.

500

448. M. Cipius AR Denarius. Rome, 115-114 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; M•CIPI•M•F before, X behind / Victory driving galloping biga right, holding reins and palm branch; rudder below, [ROMA] in exergue. Crawford 289/1; RSC Cipia 1. 3.96g, 18mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. From the Eucharius Collection.

145

150

449. L. Flaminius Chilo AR Denarius. Rome, 109-108 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; X below chin, ROMA behind / Victory driving biga right; L•FLAMINI below, CILO in exergue. Crawford 302/1; RSC Flaminia 1. 3.93g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent tone.

300

Very Rare and Well Preserved Sisena Denarius

450. Cn. Cornelius L. f. Sisena AR Denarius. Rome, 118-107 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right; SISENA behind, ROMA before, [X below chin] / Jupiter in quadriga right, holding sceptre and reins and hurling thunderbolt; star on either side, head of Sol and crescent above, anguipede giant holding thunderbolt below, CN•CORNEL•L•F in exergue. Crawford 310/1; RSC Cornelia 17. 3.75g, 22mm, 6h. About Extremely Fine, minor scuff on reverse, but exceptional for type. Very Rare.

1,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 84, 20 May 2015, lot 783.

451. C. Sulpicius C. f. Galba AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 106 BC. Jugate laureate heads of the Dei Penates left; D•P•P below / Two soldiers swearing oath over a sow; D above C•SVLPICI•C•F in exergue. Crawford 312/1; RSC Sulpicia 1. 3.88g, 19mm, 10h. Near Mint State.

300

452. L. Thorius Balbus AR Denarius. Rome, 105 BC. Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin headdress; I•S•M•R. behind / Bull charging right, I above, L•THORIVS below, BALBVS in exergue. Crawford 316/1; RSC Thoria 1. 3.86g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Lightly toned with golden highlights.

300

From the Eucharius Collection.

453. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; FRVGI behind, star over pileus before; fillet border around / Horseman riding to left carrying torch; six-pointed star and L•PISO•L•F below, vertical thunderbolt above. Crawford 340/1; RSC Calpurnia 10. 3.82g, 21mm, 9h. Very Fine. Attractive old tone.

146

150

454. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; anchor behind, T below chin / Horseman galloping right, holding palm frond and reins; P above, staff below, L•PISO•FRVG beneath horse. Crawford 340/1; RSC Calpurnia 11. 4.15g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Attractive iridescent tones on lustrous metal.

250

455. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; N behind, F below chin / Horseman galloping right, holding palm frond and reins; C above, D below, L•PISO•FRVGI beneath horse. Crawford 340/1; RSC Calpurnia 11. 3.98g, 19mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.

250

456. L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; symbol behind, F below chin / Horseman galloping right, holding palm frond and reins; staff(?) above, N below, L•PISO•FRVG beneath horse. Crawford 340/1; RSC Calpurnia 11. 3.52g, 18mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

250

Ex José Manso Pinheiro Collection, ANP 133, May 2014, lot 12.

457. Q. Titius AR Quinarius. Rome, 90 BC. Draped and winged bust of Victory right / Pegasus right; Q•TITI below. Crawford 341/3; RSC Titia 3; King 44. 2.00g, 14mm, 1h. Very Fine.

100

From the Eucharius Collection.

458. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; A below chin, PANSA behind / Minerva driving galloping quadriga right, holding trophy, reins and spear; C•VIBIVS•C•F in exergue. Crawford 342/5b; RSC Vibia 1. 4.02g, 20mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine. Ex Hirsch 255, 14 February 2008, lot 1695.

147

300

459. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; X below chin, PANSA behind / Minerva driving galloping quadriga right, holding trophy, reins and spear; C•VIBIVS•C•F in exergue. Crawford 342/5b; RSC Vibia 1. 4.04g, 20mm, 5h. Near Mint State. Lightly toned.

150

From the Eucharius Collection.

460. C. Vibius C. f. Pansa AR Denarius. Rome, 90 BC. Minerva driving galloping quadriga left, holding trophy, reins and spear; [PA]NSA in exergue / Minerva driving galloping quadriga right, holding trophy, reins and spear; C•VIBIVS•C•F in exergue. Crawford 342/6a; RSC Vibia 5. 4.05g, 19mm, 5h. Very Fine. Deep grey tone, areas of flat striking. Rare.

150

From the Eucharius Collection.

The Social War

461. The Social War, Marsic Confederation AR Denarius. Bovianum(?), 89 BC. Laureate head of Italia left; VITELIV (= ITALIA) retrograde in Oscan script behind / Soldier standing facing, head right, foot on uncertain object, holding inverted spear and sword; facing recumbent bull to right, retrograde [N] in exergue. Campana 120; RBW 1218; HN Italy 407. 4.09g, 21mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

1,000

Ex E. E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection. This type was struck during the struggle for independence against the dominant leadership of Rome that we know today as the Social War (91-88 BC). The Marsic Confederation consisted of allied Italic peoples such as the Marsi, Peligni, Piceni, Vestini, Samnites, Frentani, Marrucini, and Lucani. The coins not only helped pay for the troops, but were also used as propaganda against Rome.

462

463

462. Gargilius, Ogulnius, and Vergilius AR Denarius. Rome, 86 BC. Head of Apollo right, wearing oak-wreath; thunderbolt below / Jupiter driving quadriga right, wielding thunderbolt; OGVL (ligate) below, GAR•VE (ligate) in exergue. Crawford 350A/1c; RSC Ogulnia 1. 3.76g, 19mm, 10h. Very Fine. Rare. 300 From the Eucharius Collection. 463. Gargilius, Ogulnius, and Vergilius AR Denarius. Rome, 86 BC. Head of Apollo right, wearing oak-wreath; thunderbolt below / Jupiter driving quadriga right, wielding thunderbolt; control letter (Q?) above, VER (ligate) below, GAR•OGVL (ligate) in exergue. Crawford 350A/1e; RSC Vergilia 1. 3.92g, 18mm, 6h. Very Fine. Rare. From the Eucharius Collection.

148

150

464. C. Norbanus AR Denarius. Rome, 83 BC. Diademed bust of Venus right; CLXXIIII behind, C•NORBANVS below / Corn ear, fasces and caduceus. Crawford 357/1b; RSC Norbana 2. 3.94g, 20mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Pleasant golden toning.

300

465. P. Crepusius AR Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; sceptre and X behind, [symbol before] / Horseman right, brandishing spear; control-numeral behind, P•CREPVSI in exergue. Crawford 361/1c; RSC Crepusia 1. 3.77g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Well centred with beautiful tone and golden highlights.

300

Ex Varesi 58, 20 April 2011, lot 1262.

466. L. Censorinus AR Denarius. Rome, 82 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Marsyas standing left, holding wineskin over shoulder; to right, column surmounted by statue of Minerva (?) standing left; L•CENSOR downwards to left. Crawford 363/1d; RSC Marcia 24. 3.65g, 20mm, 3h. Near Mint State.

300

467. C. Valerius Flaccus AR Denarius. Massalia, 82 BC. Draped and winged bust of Victory right; tripod behind / Legionary eagle between two standards inscribed H (Hastati) and P (Principes); C•VAL•FLA (ligate) upwards to left, IMPERAT upwards to right, EX• S•C below. Crawford 365/1a; RSC Valeria 12. 3.66g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Pleasing iridescent toning.

300

468. C. Annius T. f. T. n. and L. Fabius Hispaniensis AR Denarius. North Italy and Spain, 82-81 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Anna Perenna right; C•ANNI•T•F•T•N•V•PRO•COS•EX•S•C• around, scales before, winged caduceus behind, pelta below / Victory driving quadriga right, holding reins and palm-branch; Q above, L•FABI•L•F•HISP in exergue. Crawford 366/1a; RSC Annia 2a. 3.96g, 20mm, 2h. Extremely Fine; struck on a very broad flan with complete designs.

149

300

469. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius AR Denarius. Spain, 81 BC. Diademed bust of Pietas right, stork before / Jug and lituus; IMPER in exergue; all within wreath. Crawford 374/2; RSC Caecilia 44. 3.89g, 18mm, 2h. Fleur De Coin. Deep and richly coloured old tone.

1,250

Ex Poindessault, 27 March 1990, lot 90. Claiming the agnomen ‘Pius’ on account of the tireless campaign he fought to have his father given a full pardon and be allowed to return to Rome, Metellus is here announcing his personal pietas through official nomenclature in an innovative move that became an establshed Roman tradtion. Coupling the head of Pietas on the obverse with the priestly implements on the reverse further burnished Metellus’ image, though the reverse type may actually allude more to his support of the dictator Sulla, for whom he was leading an army in the Sertorian War against the supporters of Gaius Marius when this issue was struck.

470. L. Procilius AR Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right; S•C behind / Juno Sospita advancing right, hurling spear and holding shield decorated with thunderbolt; L•PROCILI•F downwards in two lines to left, serpent to right. Crawford 379/1; RSC Procilia 1. 3.95g, 18mm, 2h. Good Very Fine.

200

From the Eucharius Collection.

471. L. Procilius AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat-skin headdress; S•C behind / Juno Sospita, hurling spear and holding shield decorated with thunderbolt, in biga right; serpent below, L•PROCILI•F in exergue. Crawford 379/2; RSC Procilia 2. 4.11g, 19mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

500

472. C. Poblicius Q. f. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 80 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Roma right; P above, ROMA behind / Hercules strangling the Nemean lion; club at his feet, bow and arrows in bowcase to lower left, P to upper left, C•POBLICI•Q•F upwards to right. Crawford 380/1; RSC Poblicia 9. 3.88g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent tone.

150

750

473. L. Papius AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 79 BC. Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin headdress; butterfly behind / Griffin leaping right; bee below, L•PAPI in exergue. Crawford 384/1 (symbols 15); RSC Papia 1. 3.94g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

500

From the Eucharius Collection.

474. L. Farsuleius Mensor AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Libertas right; MENSOR before, S•C and pileus behind / Roma in biga right, holding reins and spear, assisting togate figure to mount into the chariot; ↓XX below horses, L•FARSVLEI in exergue. Crawford 392/1b; RSC Farsuleia 2. 3.92g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Old collection tone with attractive iridescence to rev.

500

475. L. Farsuleius Mensor AR Denarius. Rome, 75 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Libertas right; MENSOR before, S•C and pileus behind / Roma in biga right, holding reins and spear, assisting togate figure to mount into the chariot; XVI below horses, L•FARSVLEI in exergue. Crawford 392/1b; RSC Farsuleia 2. 3.93g, 20mm, 7h. Mint State. Minor flatness to rev. Lustrous and toned, with iridescent highlights around the devices.

300

476. Cn. Lentulus AR Denarius. Spanish (?) mint, 76-75 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Genius Populi Romani right, with sceptre over shoulder; G•P•R above / Sceptre topped with wreath, globe and rudder; EX to left, S•C to right, CN•LEN•Q in exergue. Crawford 393/1a; RSC Cornelia 54. 3.85g, 19mm, 7h. Near Mint State. High relief with golden highlights.

400

Ex Gorny & Mosch 228, 9 March 2015, lot 406; Purchased from Numismatica Varesi, December 1989.

477. Cn. Lentulus AR Denarius. Spanish (?) mint, 76-75 BC. Diademed and draped bust of Genius Populi Romani right, with sceptre over shoulder; G•P•R above / Sceptre topped with wreath, globe and rudder; EX to left, S•C to right, LENT•CVR•Ӿ•FL in exergue. Crawford 393/1b; RSC Cornelia 55. 3.91g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Iridescent highlights.

151

300

478. Mn. Aquillius Mn. f. Mn. n. AR Serrate Denarius. Rome, 71 BC. Helmeted bust of Virtus right; VIRTVS III VIR around / The consul Manius Aquillius standing facing, holding shield and raising slumped Sicilian by the arm; MN AQVIL upwards to right, MN•F MN N• downwards to left, SICIL in exergue. Crawford 401/1; RSC Aquillia 2. 3.81g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Iridescent highlights.

500

Ex Triton VI, 13 January 2003, lot 703.

479. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Draped bust of Fortuna right, wheel as symbol behind / Half-length bust of Sors facing, head slightly right; tablet inscribed SORS below, M•PLAETORI CEST•S•C around. Crawford 405/2; RSC Plaetoria 10. 3.49g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Some areas of flat striking. Rare.

750

From the Eucharius Collection.

480. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Draped bust of Fortuna right, control symbol behind / Half-length bust of Sors facing, head slightly right; tablet inscribed SORS below, M•PLAETORI CEST•S•C around. Crawford 405/2; RSC Plaetoria 10. 3.84g, 19mm, 6h. Near Very Fine. Rare.

100

481. M. Plaetorius M. f. Cestianus AR Denarius. Rome, 69 BC. Bust of Ceres right, hair gathered in net; jug behind / Winged caduceus; M•PLAETORI downwards to right; CEST•EX•S•C downwards to left. Crawford 405/3b; RSC Plaetoria 6. 3.92g, 18mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Scarce. Ex José Manso Pinheiro Collection, ANP 133, May 2014, lot 25.

152

200

The Calydonian Boar

482. C. Hosidius C. f. Geta AR Denarius. Rome, 68 BC. Draped bust of Diana right, wearing stephane, earring, and necklace, and with bow and quiver over shoulder; III VIR downwards to left, GETA downwards to right / The Calydonian boar standing right, its front legs thrust forward, pierced through by a spear and harried by a hound below; C•HOSIDI•C•F in exergue. Crawford 407/2; RSC Hosidia 1. 4.07g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. An exceptionally sharp and complete example of this type.

1,000

Although the significance of the type to the moneyer who caused it to be struck remains a mystery, the classical myth which it depicts and the lesson it carried regarding the consequences of neglecting the Gods would have been a message well known to and easily recognised by the ancient Romans. The Calydonian boar was sent by Diana to ravage the lands of Calydon in Aetolia, where the king Oeneus had not afforded her the proper rites and respect. With the citizens cowering behind city walls, a hunt was organised in which the lone female hunter, Atalanta, was the first to draw blood when she pierced the boar through its side with her spear, as depicted in this fine reverse type.

483. C. Piso L. f. Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, jug behind / Horseman galloping right, holding palm frond and reins; torque above, C•PISO•L•F•FRVG in exergue. Crawford 408/1a; RSC Calpurnia 24. 3.90g, 18mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. High relief with attractive toning.

250

484. C. Piso L. f. Frugi AR Denarius. Rome, 67 BC. Head of Apollo right, hair bound with taenia; control mark behind / Horseman galloping right, holding palm frond and reins; C•PISO•L•F•FRVG and control mark below. Crawford 408/1b; RSC Calpurnia 24. 3.95g, 19mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

485

200

486

485. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, scroll behind / Clio, Muse of History, standing left, holding scroll in right hand and resting left elbow on column; Q•POMPONI downwards to right, MVSA downwards to left. Crawford 410/3; RSC Pomponia 11. 3.89g, 18mm, 2h. Very Fine. Minor scratch to cheek. Toned. 200 Q. Pomponius Musa designed ten coin types that were a play on his family name whilst at the same time recalling the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts from Greek mythology. Each type represented one of the nine Muses, identifiable by their attributes, with the tenth featuring Hercules Musarum (Hercules of the Muses). 486. Q. Pomponius Musa AR Denarius. Rome, 66 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right, flower on stem behind / Terpsichore, Muse of Dance, standing right, holding plectrum and lyre; Q•POMPONI downwards to left, MVSA downwards to right. Crawford 410/7b; RSC Pomponia 17. 3.58g, 18mm, 7h. Very Fine. Toned. 150

153

The Cumaean Sibyl

487. L. Manlius Torquatus AR Denarius. Rome, 65 BC. Ivy-wreathed head of Sybil right; SIBYLLA below neck truncation / Tripod, on which stands amphora flanked by two stars; L•TORQVAT downwards to left, III•VIR upwards to right, all within torque. Crawford 411/1b; RSC Manlia 12. 3.95g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. A superb example of the type, with a deep old cabinet tone.

2,500

Destroyed during the civil wars under the dictatorship of Lucius Cornelius Sulla in 83 BC, the rebuilt Temple of Jupiter in Rome was dedicated in 69 BC, though some literary sources report that it was not until the late 60’s that work was actually finished. The Sibylline Books, volumes of prophecies purchased by the last king of Rome and consulted only in times of emergency, had also been lost in the destruction. Keen to replace them the Senate sent envoys in 76 to collect similar oracular sayings from all over the known world. Lucius Manlius Torquatus had become consul with Lucius Aurelius Cotta only after having had the consuls-elect for 65 BC condemned for bribery, one of whom was the nephew of the dictator Sulla. The types chosen for this denarius, readily recognisable to the citizens of Rome, would have brought to mind the dictatorship of Sulla and the scandal of the elections and placed Torquatus as the saviour of Rome against such men, for the torque that surrounds the reverse type humorously recalls his famous ancestor from whom the family agnomen stemmed.

488. L. Manlius Torquatus AR Denarius. Rome, 65 BC. Ivy-wreathed head of Sybil right; [SIBYLLA below neck truncation] / Tripod, on which stands amphora flanked by two stars; L•TORQVAT downwards to left, III•VIR upwards to right, all within torque. Crawford 411/1b; RSC Manlia 12. 3.84g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

500

489. P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 60 BC. Head of Neptune right, wreathed in seaweed; trident to left, P•YPSAE•S•C to right / Jupiter, holding reins in right hand, throwing thunderbolt with left, driving quadriga left; CEPIT upwards behind, C•YPSAE•COS PRIV in two lines in exergue. Crawford 420/1a; RSC Plautia 11. 3.92g, 18mm, 1h. Extremely Fine. Banker’s mark on obv.

250

From the Eucharius Collection.

490. P. Plautius Hypsaeus AR Denarius. Rome, 60 BC. Draped bust of Leuconoë right, with pearled band in hair and wearing earring and necklace; dolphin swimming downward to left, P•YPSAE•S•C to right / Jupiter, holding reins in right hand, throwing thunderbolt with left, driving quadriga left; CEPIT upwards behind, C•YPSAE•COS PRIV in two lines in exergue. Crawford 420/2a; RSC Plautia 12. 3.75g, 18mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine. Slightly off-centre, but lustrous and far more beautiful in hand.

154

400

491. M. Nonius Sufenas AR Denarius. Rome, 59 BC. Bearded head of Saturn right; baetyl, harpa and S•C upwards behind, SVFENAS downwards before / Roma seated left on cuirass and shields, holding sceptre and sword, being crowned by Victory standing left behind, holding palm frond; PR•L•V•P•F around, SEX•NONI in exergue. Crawford 421/1; RSC Nonia 1. 4.10g, 18mm, 5h. As Struck. Well centred and in excellent style. Mirror-like surfaces, lightly toned.

2,500

Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg 80, 3 June 2014, lot 3053; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 40, 16 May 2007, lot 496.

492. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ancus Marcius right, wearing diadem; lituus behind, ANCVS below / Aqueduct on which stands equestrian statue, flower at horse’s feet; PHILIPPVS to left, AQVA MAR ligate within arches of aqueduct. Crawford 425/1; RSC Marcia 28. 3.91g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old cabinet tone. Well centred and struck on a very large flan.

500

From the Eucharius Collection.

493. L. Marcius Philippus AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ancus Marcius right, wearing diadem; lituus behind, ANCVS below / Aqueduct on which stands equestrian statue, flower at horse’s feet; PHILIPPVS to left, AQVA MAR ligate within arches of aqueduct. Crawford 425/1; RSC Marcia 28. 4.12g, 19mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Pleasant old tone.

150

494. Faustus Cornelius Sulla AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Draped bust of Diana right, wearing diadem with crescent; lituus behind, FAVSTVS downwards before / Sulla seated left above kneeling figures of Bocchus, king of Mauretania, on left who offers an olive branch and Jugurtha, king of Numidia, on right, his hands tied behind his back; FELIX downwards to right. Crawford 426/1; RSC Cornelia 59. 3.95g, 20mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

500

495. C. Memmius C. f. AR Denarius. Rome, 56 BC. Head of Ceres right, wearing wreath of grain ears; C•MEMMI•C•F downwards before / Naked captive, his hands tied behind his back, kneeling right on right knee, at foot of trophy of arms with a Greek shield; [C•MEM]MIVS downwards to right, IMPERATOR downwards to left. Crawford 427/1; RSC Memmia 10. 3.77g, 19mm, 4h. Good Very Fine.

155

200

496. Q. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Veiled head of Vesta right; Q•CASSIVS downwards to left, VEST upwards to right / Curule chair within circular temple of Vesta; urn to left, vota tablet inscribed AC to right. Crawford 428/1; RSC Cassia 9. 4.11g, 19mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. Attractively toned.

500

497. P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. Helmeted and draped bust of Mars right; trophy behind, P•FONTEIVS•CAPITO•III•VIR around / Warrior on horseback galloping right, thrusting spear downwards at kneeling enemy in Gallic helmet, who holds sword and shield; to lower left, another enemy warrior, kneeling right; Gallic helmet and shield to lower right, MN•FONT•TR•MIL above. Crawford 429/1; RSC Fonteia 17. 3.57g, 18mm, 2h. Good Very Fine; light graffito on obv.

300

498. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bust of Libertas right; LIBERTAS downward behind / Consul L. Junius Brutus, between two lictors, preceded by accensus, all walking left; BRVTVS in exergue. Crawford 433/1; RSC Junia 31. 3.94g, 18mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

300

Struck a decade before the assassination of Julius Caesar and recalling the legendary expulsion of the Tarquins from Rome in 509 BC by L. Junius Brutus, his ancestor and the consul of that year, Brutus here uses the reverse type to illustrate his strong republican views, while the presence of the goddess Libertas on the obverse was particularly prescient of his participation in the events of 44 BC, the word ‘libertas’ reportedly being the watchword with which Brutus signalled the all-clear to his fellow conspirators. When he became consul in 54, Brutus’ full name was Quintus Servilius Caepio Brutus, on account of his having been adopted by his uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio. Having reverted to his birth name for a time, following Caesar’s assassination Brutus revived his adoptive name in order to illustrate his links to another famous tyrannicide, Gaius Servilius Ahala, from whom he was also descended.

499. Q. Pompeius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Curule chair flanked by arrow and laurel-branch; Q•POMPEI•Q•F RVFVS above, COS on raised tablet below / Curule chair flanked by lituus and a wreath; SVLLA•COS above, Q•POMPEI•RVF on raised tablet below. Crawford 434/2; RSC Pompeia 5. 3.56g, 17mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

200

From the Eucharius Collection.

500. Q. Sicinius AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Diademed head of Fortuna right; P•R upwards behind, [FORT] before / Palm-branch and caduceus in saltire, laurel wreath above; III-VIR across fields, Q•SICINIVS below. Crawford 440/1; RSC Sicinia 5. 3.67g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

156

100

501. Man. Acilius Glabrio AR Denarius. Rome, 49 BC. Laureate head of Salus right; SALVTIS upwards behind / Salus standing left, leaning against column and holding serpent; MN•ACILIVS downwards behind; III•VIR•VALETV upwards before. Crawford 442/1a; RSC Acilia 8. 3.96g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

150

502. Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Diademed head of Apollo right; XVI monogram below, III•VIR upwards behind, Q•SICINIVS downwards before / Club of Hercules surmounted by lion’s skin between arrow and bow; PR•S•C upwards to left, C•COPONIVS downwards to right. Crawford 444/1b; RSC Sicinia 2. 3.92g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive iridescent toning.

400

Ex Fritz Rudolf Künker 143, 6-7 October 2008, lot 422.

503. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Pompey, 49 BC. Facing head of Medusa in centre of triskeles with grain ear between each leg / Jupiter standing facing, head right, holding thunderbolt in right hand and eagle in left; LENT MAR ligate upwards to left, COS upwards to right. Crawford 445/1b; RSC Cornelia 64a. 3.78g, 19mm, 1h. Near Mint State. Struck in fine style, lightly toned and lustrous.

3,500

504. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus AR Denarius. Apollonia, 49 BC. Head of Apollo right; L•LENT•C•MARC•COS• around / Jupiter standing facing, head right, holding thunderbolt in right hand and eagle in left above garlanded altar; star and [Q] in left field. Crawford 445/2; RSC Cornelia 65. 3.85g, 17mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

From the Eucharius Collection.

505. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bare head of Gallia right, with long, dishevelled hair; carnyx behind / Artemis (Diana) standing facing, laureate and wearing long flowing robes, with long hair falling down her shoulders, and holding spear in left hand and stag by its antlers in right; L•HOSTILIVS SASERNA around. Crawford 448/3; RSC Hostilia 4. 3.93g, 19mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Ex Triton XVI, 8 January 2013, lot 810; Ex A. Tkalec, 29 February 2008, lot 227.

157

1,000

506. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bare head of Gallia right, with long, dishevelled hair; carnyx behind / Artemis (Diana) standing facing, laureate and wearing long flowing robes, with long hair falling down her shoulders, and holding spear in left hand and stag by its antlers in right; L•HOSTILIVS SAS[ERNA] around. Crawford 448/3; RSC Hostilia 4. 3.90g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

507. L. Hostilius Saserna AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bare head of Gallia right, with long, dishevelled hair; carnyx behind / Artemis (Diana) standing facing, laureate and wearing long flowing robes, with long hair falling down her shoulders, and holding spear in left hand and stag by its antlers in right; L•HOSTILIVS SASERNA around. Crawford 448/3; RSC Hostilia 4. 3.69g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Areas of flatness. Fine style.

750

508. D. Junius Brutus Albinus AR Denarius. Rome, 48 BC. Bare head of the consul Aulus Postumius Albinus right; A•POSTVMIVS•COS around / ALBINV BRVTI•F in two lines within wreath of grain ears. Crawford 450/3b; RSC Postumia 14. 4.06g, 18mm, 8h. Good Very Fine.

200

Attractive Plancus Denarius

509. L. Plautius Plancus AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Head of Medusa facing, without serpents; L•PLAVTIVS below / Aurora flying right, head slightly left, holding reins and leading four rearing horses of the sun; PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1c; RSC Plautia 14. 3.97g, 20mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. Traces of die rust on obv., but well centred and lightly toned with golden highlights.

3,500

Ex Goldman Roman Imperatorial Collection, Triton XVI, 8 January 2013, lot 813; Ex H. J. Berk 155, 31 July 2007, lot 195; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 40, 16 May 2007, lot 543. In his ‘Fasti’, Ovid relates that during the censorship of C. Plautius and Ap. Claudius Caecus in 312 BC, the latter quarrelled with the tibicines (flute-players) and had them exiled to Tibur. As the people resented their loss, Plautius schemed to bring them back to Rome in the very early morning with their faces covered by masks, an event from his ancestry which the moneyer of this type chose to celebrate on his coinage. Hence, the depiction of Aurora is an allusion to their early morning arrival and the mask of Medusa to the concealment of their faces. The commemoration of this event was already a part of the yearly calendar of Roman religious festivals with the Quinquatrus Minusculae, celebrated at Rome on the Ides of June, at which the tibicines processed through the city to the Temple of Minerva whilst wearing masks.

158

510. L. Plautius Plancus AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Head of Medusa facing, without serpents; L•PLAVTIVS below / Aurora flying right, head slightly left, holding reins and leading four rearing horses of the sun; PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1c; RSC Plautia 14. 3.54g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 7, 1 March 1994, lot 639.

511. L. Plautius Plancus AR Denarius. Rome, 47 BC. Mask of Medusa facing, with coiled serpent on either side; L•PLAVTIVS below / Aurora flying right, head slightly left, holding reins and leading four rearing horses of the sun; PLANCVS below. Crawford 453/1a; RSC Plautia 11. 3.93g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

512. Mn. Cordius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 46 BC. Corinthian helmet right, with crest on which owl stands; RVFVS upwards to left / The aegis of Minerva with head of Medusa in the centre; MN•CORDIVS around. Crawford 463/2; RSC Cordia 4. 4.04g, 20mm, 1h. Good Very Fine.

125

513. Mn. Cordius Rufus AR Denarius. Rome, 46 BC. Diademed head of Venus right; [RVFVS]•S•C behind / Cupid riding dolphin to right; MN•CORDIV[S] below. Crawford 463/3; RSC Cordia 3. 3.88g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Some areas of flat striking.

200

From the Eucharius Collection.

Superb Sestertius of Mn. Cordius Rufus

514. Mn. Cordius Rufus AR Sestertius. Rome, 46 BC. Crested Corinthian helmet right; [MN•CORDIVS] below / Cupid walking right, holding palm branch and wreath; RVF downwards to right. Crawford 463/6b; RSC Cordia 8. 0.52g, 10mm, 4h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare, and in excellent condition for the issue.

159

1,500

Fine Style Sphinx

515. T. Carisius AR Denarius. Rome, 46 BC. Head of Sibyl Herophile right, hair elaborately decorated with jewels and enclosed in a sling and tied with bands / Sphinx seated right; T•CARISIVS above, III•VIR in exergue. Crawford 464/1; RSC Carisia 11. 3.98g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely rare thus.

1,000

516. T. Carisius AR Denarius. Rome, 46 BC. Head of Roma right, wearing ornate crested helmet; ROMA downwards behind / Sceptre, cornucopiae on globe, and rudder, T•CARISI below; all within laurel wreath. Crawford 464/3a; RSC Carisia 4. 3.65g, 18mm, 10h. Near Mint State. Extremely rare in such high grade.

500

Extremely Rare T. Carisius Sestertius

517. T. Carisius AR Sestertius. Rome, 46 BC. Mask of bearded Pan right; T•CARISIVS downwards behind / Panther walking to right, holding thyrsus; III•VIR in exergue. Crawford 464/7; RSC Carisia 12. 0.77g, 12mm, 7h. Very Fine. Banker’s mark on obv. Extremely Rare; only one other example on CoinArchives (in very poor condition).

750

518. Lollius Palikanus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Diademed head of Libertas right; LIBERT[ATIS] behind / Subsellium standing on rostrum; PALIKANVS above. Crawford 473/1; RSC Lollia 2. 4.03g, 20mm, 11h. Good Very Fine. Pleasantly toned. Banker’s mark on obv.

250

From the Eucharius Collection.

519. P. Accoleius Lariscolus AR Denarius. Rome, 43 BC. Draped bust of Diana Nemorensis right; P•ACCOLEIVS upwards to left, LARISCOLVS downwards to right / Triple cult statue of Diana Nemorensis facing, supporting on their hands and shoulders a beam, above which are five cypress trees; the figure on left holding a poppy, that on right holding a lily. Crawford 486/1; RSC Accoleia 1. 4.01g, 20mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine.

160

500

520. P. Clodius M. f. Turrinus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right; lyre behind / Diana standing facing, head right, with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand; P•CLODIVS downwards to right, M•F• downwards to left. Crawford 494/23; RSC Claudia 15. 3.92g, 21mm, 1h. Near Mint State.

250

521. L. Livineius Regulus AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. Bare head right / Gladiatorial scene: in foreground, lion charging right toward a combatant who spears it; in background on left, a wounded bear sits right; on right, another gladiator, holding sword and shield, defends himself against a tiger charging left; [L•R]EGVLV[S] in exergue. Crawford 494/30; RSC Livineia 12. 3.62g, 18mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. Bankers’ marks on obverse.

500

522. C. Vibius Varus AV Aureus. Rome, 42 BC. Laureate head of Apollo right / Venus seen from behind, half nude with drapery hanging low beneath her posterior, standing left before column looking at herself in mirror held in left hand; C•VIBIVS upwards to left, VARVS upwards to right. Crawford 494/34; Calicó 33a. 8.00g, 20mm, 11h. Good Very Fine; tiny edge mark. Rare.

5,000

523. C. Clodius Vestalis AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Draped bust of Flora right, wearing wreath of flowers; lily at shoulder, C•CLODIVS C•F• around / Veiled Vestal Virgin seated left, holding a two-handled bowl; VESTALIS downward to left. Crawford 512/2; RSC Claudia 13. 3.84g, 19mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

500

524. C. Clodius Vestalis AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Draped bust of Flora right, wearing wreath of flowers; lily at shoulder, C•CLODIVS C•F• around / Veiled Vestal Virgin seated left, holding a two-handled bowl; VESTALIS downward to left. Crawford 512/2; RSC Claudia 13. 3.68g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Die rust to obv. Lustrous.

161

500

525. C. Numonius Vaala AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Bare head of Numonius Vaala right; C•NVMONIVS downwards before, VAALA upwards behind / Soldier advancing left, holding sword and shield, attacking a vallum defended by two soldiers; VAALA in exergue. Crawford 514/2; RSC Numonia 2. 3.93g, 19mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. Well centred and struck. Old collection tone. Rare.

4,000

The Corona Vallaris was a Roman military award given to the first soldier to breach the enemy rampart (vallum), and was awarded regardless of rank. That the reverse type chosen by Numonius Vaala for his denarii depicts the deeds of an ancestor which resulted in the cognomen Vaala is a distinct possibility, though the details of the relative in question, or the particular instance at which such an award might have been won, are not known to history.

Pedigreed to 1912

526. C. Numonius Vaala AR Denarius. Rome, 41 BC. Bare head of Numonius Vaala right; C•NVMONIVS downwards before, VAALA upwards behind / Soldier advancing left, holding sword and shield, attacking a vallum defended by two soldiers; VAALA in exergue. Crawford 514/2; RSC Numonia 2. 3.99g, 19mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare.

4,000

Ex Count Tolstoi Collection, Hess, 11 March 1912, lot 923.

COINS OF THE IMPERATORS

527. Cnaeus Pompey Magnus AR Denarius. Mint in Greece, 49-48 BC. Cn. Calpurnius Piso, proquaestor. Head of Numa Pompilius right, wearing diadem inscribed NVMA; CN•PISO PRO•Q• around / Prow of galley right; MAGN above, PRO•COS below. Crawford 446/1; CRI 7; RSC 4 (Pompey the Great). 3.74g, 19mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; some deposits. Toned and lustrous.

500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica H, 30 April 1998, lot 1736. The second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius, appears on the obverse of this coin as an allusion to the nomen (family name) of the issuing proquaestor for, according to tradition, Pompilius had a son by the name of Calpus, from whom the gens Calpurnia was descended and derived its name. Striking for Pompey Magnus, the prow on the reverse was intended to recall and glorify Pompey’s famous victories over the Cilician pirates in 67/6 BC.

528. Cnaeus Pompey Magnus AR Denarius. Mint in Greece, 49-48 BC. Cn. Calpurnius Piso, proquaestor. Head of Numa Pompilius right, wearing diadem inscribed NVMA; CN•PISO PRO•Q• around / Prow of galley right; MAGN above, PRO•COS below. Crawford 446/1; CRI 7; RSC 4Pompey the Great). 3.86g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

162

400

529. Cnaeus Pompey Magnus AR Denarius. Mint in Greece, 49-48 BC. Diademed terminal bust of Jupiter right, VARRO•PRO•Q downwards behind / Sceptre between dolphin and eagle; MAGN•PRO COS in two lines in exergue. Crawford 447/1a; CRI 8; RSC 3 (Pompey the Great). 3.83g, 19mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Lightly toned. Rare.

2,000

530. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant advancing right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis (surmounted by wolf’s head), and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; RSC 49. 3.83g, 18mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

500

531. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant advancing right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis (surmounted by wolf’s head), and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; RSC 49. 3.57g, 19mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

532. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant advancing right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis (surmounted by wolf’s head), and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; RSC 49. 4.14g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

533. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant advancing right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis (surmounted by wolf’s head), and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; RSC 49. 3.92g, 18mm, 2h. Near Extremely Fine.

163

500

534. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 49-48 BC. Elephant advancing right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue / Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis (surmounted by wolf’s head), and apex. Crawford 443/1; CRI 9; RSC 49. 3.83g, 19mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

535. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 48-47 BC. Diademed female head right, wearing oak-wreath, cruciform earring, and pearl necklace; [LII downwards behind] / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal’s head to right; CAESAR below. Crawford 452/2; CRI 11; RSC 18. 3.82g, 18mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine. Minor flan crack.

400

536. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar, 48-47 BC. Diademed female head right, wearing oak-wreath, cruciform earring, and pearl necklace; LII downwards behind / Trophy of Gallic arms; axe surmounted by an animal’s head to right; CAESAR below. Crawford 452/2; CRI 11; RSC 18. 3.89g, 20mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

400

537. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Scipio in Africa, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right, in archaic style with beard and hair in ringlets; Q•METEL PIVS around / Elephant standing right; SCIPIO above, IMP below. Crawford 459/1; CRI 45; RSC Caecilia 47. 4.12g, 17mm, 4h. Extremely Fine.

500

After L. Caecilius Metellus’ victory over the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal at the Battle of Panormus in 251 BC and the capture of many of the war elephants that had so terrorised the Roman soldiers, that beast became as a heraldic symbol to the gens Caecilia and was a frequent motif on their consular coinage. It is ironic then, that displayed on this coin it should be so reminiscent of Julius Caesar’s own earlier issue bearing an elephant where, in a position that overshadows this later coinage, it was placed prominently on the obverse.

538. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Scipio in Africa, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right, in archaic style with beard and hair in ringlets; Q•METEL PIVS around / Elephant standing right; SCIPIO above, IMP below. Crawford 459/1; CRI 45; RSC Caecilia 47. 3.70g, 12mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

164

500

539. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Scipio in Africa, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right, in archaic style with beard and hair in ringlets; Q•METEL PIVS around / Elephant standing right; SCIPIO above, IMP below. Crawford 459/1; CRI 45; RSC Caecilia 47. 4.02g, 19mm, 2h. Good Very Fine. Attractive old collection tone.

500

540. Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Scipio in Africa, 47-46 BC. Laureate head of Jupiter right, in archaic style with beard and hair in ringlets; Q•METEL PIVS around / Elephant standing right; SCIPIO above, IMP below. Crawford 459/1; CRI 45; RSC Caecilia 47. 3.60g, 18mm, 4h. Good Very Fine.

300

541. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in North Africa, 47-46 BC. Diademed head of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, carrying palladium in right hand and Anchises on left shoulder; CAESAR to right. Crawford 458/1; CRI 55; RSC 12. 3.80g, 17mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Minor flan flaw and crack. Lightly toned and lustrous.

400

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

542. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in North Africa, 47-46 BC. Diademed head of Venus right / Aeneas advancing left, carrying palladium in right hand and Anchises on left shoulder; CAESAR to right. Crawford 458/1; CRI 55; RSC 12. 3.92g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Minor contact mark to both obv. and rev. Lustrous and lightly toned.

165

400

Well Struck Julius Caesar Aureus

543. Julius Caesar AV Aureus. Rome, early 46 BC. A. Hirtius, praetor. Veiled female head (Vesta?) right; C•CAESAR COS•TER around / Emblems of the augurate and pontificate: lituus, guttus, and securis; A HIRTIVS PR around lower left. Crawford 466/1; CRI 56; Calicó 37b. 8.20g, 22mm, 5h. Extremely Fine; struck on a very broad flan.

10,000

From the Paulo Leitão Collection; Ex Goldman Collection, Triton XVI, 9 January 2013, lot 899; Ex A. Tkalec, 8 September 2008, lot 268. Authorised by Caesar himself, the present aureus was part of the first ever large-scale issue of aurei in the history of the Roman coinage. Under extreme pressure to strike the vast quantities of coinage that Caesar required in time for his ‘Quadruple Triumph’and the return of his veteran soldiers to Rome, the exacting standards of the Capitoline mint seemingly slipped. We have in the present coin an extremely fine example from dies of good style, which is in marked contrast to the variable quality of the dies used and the technical skill with which the coins were struck. The ‘Quadruple Triumph’ that Caesar celebrated on his return to Rome in 46 BC was spread over four days, with each day to feature a themed procession commemorating his four greatest achievements on campaign: the victories in Gaul while he was proconsul between 58 and 51 BC, his defeat of Ptolemy XIII of Egypt in 47, of Pharnaces of Pontus later the same year and finally over king Juba of Numidia, who was cast as the main enemy of the recently successful African campaign - a Triumph could not be celebrated for the defeat of fellow Romans, a fact that left many uneasy due to the common knowledge of the deaths of Scipio and Cato, Caesar’s real opponents. It is also interesting to note that the types chosen by Caesar to mark his attainment of military supremacy could not have been more opposite to the character of the occasion they were intended for. Referencing Caesar’s occupation of various religious positions with the emblems of the augurate and pontificate on the reverse, it is believed Caesar sought to highlight his care for Rome, the family and home by honouring Vesta, goddess of the hearth, with the veiled female head on the obverse. Although never positively identified as Vesta, that her rites were under the care of the pontifices, and most especially Caesar himself as Pontifex Maximus, makes this likely a correct assumption.

544. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Caesar in Spain, 46-45 BC. Draped bust of Venus left, wearing stephane; small Cupid at point of bust; lituus to left, sceptre to right / Trophy of Gallic arms, holding a shield and carnyx in each hand; on left, kneeling bearded male captive left, looking right; on right, seated female captive right, resting head in hand; CAESAR in exergue. Crawford 468/2; CRI 59; RSC 14. 4.02g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Attractive light tone.

166

1,500

545. Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Rome, February - March 44 BC. Lifetime issue. L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer. Laureate head of Caesar right; CAESAR DICT PERPETVO around / Venus standing left, holding Victory and sceptre; L•BVCA downwards to right. Crawford 480/8; CRI 105; RSC 23. 3.87g, 19mm, 6h. About Very Fine.

500

546. Marc Antony and Julius Caesar AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Marc Antony in Cisalpine Gaul, autumn 43 BC. Bearded bare head of Marc Antony right; lituus to left; M ANTO IMP•R•P•C downwards to right / Wreathed head of Julius Caesar right; capis to left, CAESAR DIC downwards to right. Crawford 488/2; CRI 123; RSC 3a. 3.88g, 19mm, 9h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

1,750

Ex Schulman 264, 26 April 1976, lot 5336.

Unique Octavian Denarius

547. Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Octavian in Italy, spring-summer 42 BC. Bare head right, slightly bearded; CAESAR before, III•VIR•R•P•C behind / Wreath set on curule chair (without sculpted eagle supports) inscribed CAESAR•DIC•PER (partially ligate); S•C in exergue. Cf. Crawford 497/2c-d; cf. CRI 137-137a. 3.53g, 20mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. Unique, unpublished and numismatically important.

1,000

This unique and previously unknown coin fills an important gap in Octavian’s numismatic record. His previous issues depicting the equestrian statue voted to him by the conscript fathers of the Senate use the formula S•C to emphasise his constitutional and officially sanctioned military command, as does his subsequent issue bearing the head of Mars and legionary standards. That the intervening issue which displays the gilded sella curulis of his adoptive father Julius Caesar, and a wreath placed upon the empty seat, made no mention of the legality of his command is strange. The present coin reverses the direction of the obverse legend, and like Crawford 497/2d does not have sculpted eagle supports on the curule chair. Now present is the very clear S•C in the exergue. A unique and previously unknown denarius of Octavian is a very uncommon thing indeed. We may suppose that this coin’s design was the final variation of the Crawford 497 type, and was produced for only a very brief time before being superseded.

167

548. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Rome, 42 BC. C. Vibius Varus, moneyer. Bearded bare head of Marc Antony right / Fortuna standing left, holding Victory and cornucopiae; C•VIBIVS downwards to right, VARVS upwards to left. Crawford 494/32; CRI 149; RSC 4. 3.76g, 19mm, 4h. Very Fine; banker’s mark on obv. Toned. Rare.

300

549. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus in Asia Minor, 42 BC. L. Sestius, proquaestor. Veiled and draped bust of Libertas right; L•SESTI•PRO•Q around / Tripod between sacrificial axe and simpulum; Q•CAEPIO•BRVTVS•PRO•COS around; all within beaded border. Crawford 502/2; CRI 201; RSC 11. 3.72g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

1,250

In marked contrast to later types issued by Brutus on which he followed the shameless personal political advertising of Marc Antony, in this coin we can still see the republican cause clearly. In the use of Libertas as the obverse type we find the Republican championing the freedom of the individual citizen, while on the reverse we have the sacrificial tripod representing Apollo’s prophetic powers, with the axe and simpulum referencing Brutus’ membership of the college of pontifices. Indeed, aside those that make reference to the campaigns on which Brutus was engaged in Lycia (see lot 551), the reverse types and subsidiary marks across the whole of the series struck for him during his time in Asia Minor highlight the traditional republican institutions of religion and state with such motifs as the Quaestatorial chair (subsellium) and staff (virga viatoris) seen on one very rare quinarius type (Cr. 502/4; CRI 203), this denomination being an unusual addition to an eastern issue.

550. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus in Asia Minor, 42 BC. L. Sestius, proquaestor. Veiled and draped bust of Libertas right; L•SESTI•PRO•Q around / Tripod between sacrificial axe and simpulum; Q•CAEPIO•BRVTVS•PRO•COS around; all within beaded border. Crawford 502/2; CRI 201; RSC 11. 3.84g, 17mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

1,000

551. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Brutus in Lycia, 42 BC. C. Flavius Hemicullus(?), legatus pro praetore. Draped bust of Apollo right, lyre before; C•FLAV•HEMIC•LEG•PRO•PR around / Victory standing left, crowning trophy with wreath; Q•CAEP• below, BRVT• to right, IMP• to left. Crawford 504/1; CRI 205; RSC 7. 3.83g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

168

1,000

EID MAR

552. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus Fourrée Denarius. Military mint travelling with Brutus in Asia Minor or Northern Greece, summer-autumn 42 BC. L. Plaetorius Cestianus, magistrate. Bare head of Brutus right; BRVT above, IMP to right, L•PLAET•CEST around / Pileus between two daggers pointing downward; EID•MAR below. Crawford 508/3; CRI 216; RSC 15; G&M 208, 1957 (same dies, also fourrée). 2.72g, 19mm, 1h. Near Very Fine. Very Rare.

7,500

In the summer of 42 BC Brutus and Cassius marched through Macedonia and in October met Antony and Octavian in battle on the Via Egnatia just outside Philippi, and won the first engagement. Cassius, as his conservative coins show, remained true to the old republican cause, while Brutus followed the self-advertising line of Antony in the new age of unashamed political propaganda and struck coins displaying his own portrait. Brutus’ estrangement from Cassius was effectively complete when this almost inanely assertive coin was struck displaying the pileus, or cap of liberty (symbol of the Dioscuri, saviours of Rome, and traditionally given to slaves who had received their freedom), between the daggers that executed Caesar. In an ironic twist of fate, Brutus committed suicide during the second battle at Philippi on 23 October 42 BC, using the dagger with which he assassinated Caesar. Struck from dies engraved in a variety of styles, some of which are very faithful to the solid silver counterparts, the plated denarii of Brutus’ EID MAR type have occasionally elicited speculation that they may have been produced thus on account of dwindling silver supplies in Brutus’ camp. However, none of the plated denarii can be die matched with official, solid silver denarii. Indeed, the wide range of styles on these plated issues is indicative of their true nature as contemporary counterfeits. Whether produced by disaffected, bored or greedy Republican soldiers, or idealistically inclined civilian fraudsters, we shall never know. What is most interesting though is that a forthcoming study has identified approximately 82 surviving EID MAR denarii of Brutus, and at least another 16 plated examples. This disproportionately high ratio of plated coins to official issues is remarkable, and surely makes the EID MAR one of the most contemporaneously counterfeited coins in history.

553. C. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Military mint, probably at Smyrna, 42 BC. P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legate. Tripod surmounted by cortina and two laurel branches, fillet hanging on either side; C•CASSI upwards to left, IMP upward to right / Jug and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/1; CRI 219; RSC 7. 3.96g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State. Attractively toned.

169

2,000

554. C. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Military mint, probably at Smyrna, 42 BC. P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legate. Diademed and draped head of Libertas right; LEIBERTAS upwards before, C•CASSI•IMP upwards behind / Capis and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/3; CRI 221; RSC 4. 3.89g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

750

555. C. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Military mint, probably at Smyrna, 42 BC. P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legate. Diademed and draped head of Libertas right; LEIBERTAS upwards before, C•CASSI•IMP upwards behind / Capis and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/3; CRI 221; RSC 4. 3.76g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine; minor flan flaw on rev.

500

556. C. Cassius Longinus AR Denarius. Military mint, probably at Smyrna, 42 BC. P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legate. Veiled and draped bust of Libertas right; LEIBERTAS upwards before, C•CASSI•IMP upwards behind / Capis and lituus; LENTVLVS SPINT in two lines below. Crawford 500/5; CRI 223; RSC 6. 3.84g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.

500

Ex Stoecklin Collection.

557. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.91g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Banker’s mark to obv.

1,500

558. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 4.20g, 20mm, 12h. Near Mint State; bankers’ marks on rev.

170

750

559. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.74g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

750

560. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.91g, 21mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

750

561. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.91g, 19mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

562. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.85g, 19mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

750

563. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.76g, 20mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

171

750

564. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.78g, 20mm, 9h. Good Very Fine.

500

565. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right, with slight beard; CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C• around. Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; RSC 8a. 3.82g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Pleasant golden highlights.

400

566. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Brockage Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony (Ephesus?), 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Antony right; M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•M•BARBAT•Q•P around / Incuse of obverse. Cf. Crawford 517/2; cf. CRI 243; cf. RSC 8a. 3.91g, 20mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

567. Marc Antony and Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony in Asia Minor, 41 BC. L. Gellius Poplicola, quaestor pro praetore. Bare head of Mark Antony right; capis to left, M•ANT•IMP•AVG•III•VIR•R•P•C•L•GELL•Q•P around / Bare head of Octavian right; lituus to left, CAESAR•IMP•PONT•III•VIR•R•P•C around. Crawford 517/8; CRI 250; RSC 10. 3.89g, 23mm, 10h. Good Fine. Very Rare.

200

568. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Athens, 38 BC. Radiate bust of Sol right; III•VIR•R•P•C•COS•DESIG•ITER•ET•TERT around / Antony standing right, wearing the priestly robes of an augur, holding lituus; M•ANTONIVS•M•F•M•N•AVGVR•IMP•TER around. Crawford 533/2; CRI 267; RSC 13a. 3.88g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Uncommonly complete for the issue.

172

500

569. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Athens, 38 BC. Radiate bust of Sol right; III•VIR•R•P•C•COS•DESIG•ITER•ET•TERT around / Antony standing right, wearing the priestly robes of an augur, holding lituus; M•ANTONIVS•M•F•M•N•AVGVR•IMP•TER around. Crawford 533/2; CRI 267; RSC 13a. 3.97g, 20mm, 9h. Very Fine. Banker’s mark to obv. An attractive example of this sought after type, displaying magnificent iridescent hues around the devices.

300

Very Rare Marc Antony Trophy Denarius

570. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Antony in northern Syria, late summer - autumn 38 BC. Bare head right; ANT•AVGV•III• VIR•R•P•C around / Trophy of arms; at base to left, prow left, [Macedonian shield to right]; IMP-TE[R] across fields. Crawford 536/3 note; CRI 272; RSC 18b. 3.86g, 20mm, 9h. Good Extremely Fine; two light scratches on obverse. Sound, lustrous metal. Very Rare.

2,500

The Parthians had been well aware of Caesar’s ambitions to invade their territory, and during the civil war that followed the dictator’s assassination, they actively supported the cause of the Liberators, sending a contingent of troops which fought with them at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. Following that defeat the pro-republican general Titus Labienus, who had lately served as Cassius’ ambassador to Parthia, assisted the Parthians in their bid to invade the Eastern Roman territories. Along with the Parthian prince Pacorus, Labienus commanded the invasion forces which swept into Syria and down the Phoenician coast. Distracted first by his dalliance with Cleopatra, then by his wife Fulvia, in the following year Marc Antony eventually dispatched his lieutenant Publius Ventidius Bassus with eleven legions to drive back the invaders. Ventidius first surprised and defeated Labienus at the Cilician Gates, executing the traitor, then encountered a Parthian army at the Amanus pass which he also defeated. Finally in the spring of 38 at the Battle of Cyrrhestica, Ventidius inflicted an overwhelming defeat against the Parthians which resulted in the death of the Pacorus. Antony at this point hurried to take command of Ventidius’ forces in the prosecution of a campaign of reprisal against Antiochus of Commagene, who had aided the Parthians. Ventidius meanwhile was pensioned off back to Rome, where he became the first Roman to celebrate a triumph over the Parthians.

571. Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint travelling with Octavian in Italy, early 40 BC. Q. Salvius, moneyer. Bare head right, with slight beard; C•CAESAR•III•VIR•R•P•C around / Winged thunderbolt; Q•SALVIVS IMP•COS•G DES around. Crawford 523/1b; CRI 300; RSC 514b. 3.78g, 19mm, 11h. Mint State. Highly lustrous metal.

1,500

572. Octavian AR Brockage Denarius. Southern or central Italian mint, summer 37 BC. Bare head right, with slight beard; IMP•CAESAR DIVI•F•III•VIR•ITER•R•P•C around / Incuse of obverse. Cf. Crawford 538/1; cf. CRI 312; cf. RSC 91. 3.70g, 19mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

173

750

573. Octavian AR Brockage Denarius. Southern or central Italian mint, summer 37 BC. Bare head right, with slight beard; IMP•CAESAR DIVI•F•III•VIR•ITER•R•P•C around / Incuse of obverse. Cf. Crawford 538/1; cf. CRI 312; cf. RSC 91. 3.85g, 18mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Banker’s mark on obv.

300

The Temple of Divus Julius

574. Octavian AR Denarius. Southern or central Italian mint, spring - early summer 36 BC. Bare head right, with beard; IMP•CAESAR•DIVI•F•III• VIR•ITER•R•P•C around / Tetrastyle temple of Divus Julius: statue of Julius Caesar as augur, standing within temple holding lituus; DIVO•IVL on architrave, star within pediment, and lighted altar to left; COS•ITER•ET•TER•DESIG around. Crawford 540/2; CRI 315; RSC 90. 3.87g, 19mm, 4h. Good Very Fine.

500

Octavian is here firmly cementing his connection to the now ‘divine’ Julius Caesar, thinly disguised as the more traditional fulfilment of pietas, in the minds of the Roman people. The bearded portrait on the obverse, the typical attitude of mourning for the male Roman citizen, recalls the assassination of his patron and adoptive father eight years before, but it is with the reverse type that the message is made clear. Depicting a structure that had not yet been built was a calculated move from Octavian that in part renewed his commitment to the project, which had been agreed six years earlier. Finally dedicated in 29 BC, construction having started only after the Battle of Actium, the Temple of Divus Julius was built on the site in the forum where Caesar’s body had been cremated fifteen years previously.

575. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before; MAG •PIVS•IMP•ITER around / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and with foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders; [PRÆF above], CLAS•ET•ORÆ•MARIT•EX•S•C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; RSC 17. 3.87g, 19mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

576. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before; MAG •PIVS•IMP•ITER around / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and with foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders; PRÆF above, CLAS•ET•ORÆ•MARIT•EX•S•C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; RSC 17. 3.92g, 20mm, 9h. Good Very Fine; worn rev. die. Golden highlighted toning.

174

750

577. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before; MAG •PIVS•IMP•ITER around / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and with foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders; PRÆF above, CLAS•ET•ORÆ•MARIT•EX•S•C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; RSC 17. 3.94g, 17mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

500

From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

578. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before; MAG •PIVS•IMP•ITER around / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and with foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders; [PRÆF above], CLAS•ET•ORÆ•MARIT•EX•S•C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; RSC 17. 3.89g, 19mm, 4h. Very Fine - Good Very Fine. 300

579. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before; MAG •PIVS•IMP•ITER around / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and with foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders; [PRÆF above], CLAS•ET•ORÆ•MARIT•EX•S•C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; RSC 17. 3.76g, 18mm, 9h. Very Fine. 300

580. Sextus Pompey AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Sicily (Catania?), 42-40 BC. Bare head of Pompey Magnus right; capis behind, lituus before; MAG •PIVS•IMP•ITER around / Neptune standing left, holding aplustre and with foot on prow, between the Catanaean brothers, each carrying a parent on their shoulders; [PRÆF above], CLAS•ET•ORÆ•MARIT•EX•S•C in two lines in exergue. Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334; RSC 17. 3.88g, 18mm, 12h. Very Fine. 300

175

176

Cleopatra and Antony

581.

Cleopatra and Marc Antony AR Denarius. Uncertain Eastern mint, autumn 34 BC. CLEOPA[TRAE•R] EGINAE•REGVM•FILIORVM•REGVM, diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; [at point of bust, prow right] / ANTONI•ARMENIA•DEVICTA, bare head of Marc Antony right; Armenian tiara to left. Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; RSC 1. 3.65g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Two bold, well-preserved portraits of fine style. Very Rare.

15,000

Issued in the wake of the successful campaign against Armenia in early-mid 34 BC, this type proudly commemorates the victory with the legend ‘Armenia Devicta’ (Armenia vanquished). In the execution of his war on Parthia in early 36 BC, Antony had followed the advice of the Armenian king Artavasdes to invade Parthia not from the West (which would have been the shortest route) but from the North, subduing the Parthian allied kingdom of Media Atropatene along the way, whose king was (conveniently) an enemy of Artavasdes. At the fortified town of Phraaspa however, the attack foundered and Artavasdes abandoned Antony in the face of the enemy, allowing his logistics train and two legions to be massacred in an ambush. Following a failed two-month siege of Phraaspa, Antony was forced to call off the campaign and effect a fighting retreat back to friendly territory, in the course of which no fewer than eighteen battles were fought. Antony arrived back in Syria by late 36 BC, having lost about 40% (some 80,000 men) of his original force. In early 34 BC, after variously attempting to lure Artavasdes out to meet with him to discuss marriage proposals and renewed war on Parthia, pleasant inducements and entreaties through the king’s companions, and then a forced march to the capital Artaxata and what Cassius Dio describes as ‘aggressive use of his soldiers’, eventually Antony convinced Artavasdes to come to his camp, where the king was promptly arrested. Antony proceeded to plunder the country as best he could, and returned to Alexandria with his captives: King Artavasdes, his wife, and his family. There he celebrated a mock Roman triumph – an eastern pastiche of Rome’s most important military ceremony – wherein Antony paraded through the streets in a chariot with his captives walking behind him. Cleopatra watched, seated high above with Caesarion at her side. As a grand finale, the whole city was summoned to the gymnasium to bear witness to a political statement which became known as the Donations of Alexandria. Antony and Cleopatra, dressed as Dionysus-Osiris and Isis-Aphrodite, sat on golden thrones while Antony distributed kingdoms among his children by Cleopatra: Alexander Helios was named king of Armenia, Media and Parthia, his twin Selene was awarded Cyrenaica and Libya, and the young Ptolemy Philadelphus was given Syria and Cilicia. Cleopatra was proclaimed Queen of Kings, a title evidenced on the obverse of this coin type, which also names ‘her Children, who are kings’. Most damaging of all to his relations with Octavian was the naming of Caesarion as a legitimate son and heir of Julius Caesar. This caused a fatal rupture of Antony’s relations with Octavian, and Rome. When the triumvirate officially expired on the last day of 33 BC it was not renewed, and the Roman world again found itself at war.

177

582. Cleopatra and Marc Antony AR Denarius. Uncertain Eastern mint, autumn 34 BC. [CLEOPATRAE]•REGINAE•REGVM•FILIORVM•REG[VM], diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; [at point of bust, prow right] / ANTONI•ARMENIA•DEVICTA, bare head of Marc Antony right; Armenian tiara to left. Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; RSC 1. 3.85g, 18mm, 1h. Very Fine - Good Very Fine. Toned, with attractive golden highlights.

4,000

583. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG II across fields. Crawford 544/14; CRI 349; RSC 27. 3.65g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

500

584. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG II across fields. Crawford 544/14; CRI 349; RSC 27. 3.80g, 16mm, 5h. Mint State.

500

585. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG II across fields. Crawford 544/14; CRI 349; RSC 27. 3.84g, 15mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

500

586. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG II across fields. Crawford 544/14; CRI 349; RSC 27. 3.47g, 19mm, 10h. Extremely Fine.

178

500

587. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG II across fields. Crawford 544/14; CRI 349; RSC 27. 3.72g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

588. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG II across fields. Crawford 544/14; CRI 349; RSC 27. 3.68g, 17mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

200

Superb LEG III Denarius

589. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG III across fields. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; RSC 28. 3.77g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

590. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG III across fields. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; RSC 28. 3.47g, 17mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

591. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG III across fields. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; RSC 28. 3.38g, 16mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

179

750

180

592

593

592. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG III across fields. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; RSC 28. 3.76g, 18mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. 300 593. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG III across fields. Crawford 544/15; CRI 350; RSC 28. 3.78g, 16mm, 6h. Very Fine. 200

594. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG IV across fields. Crawford 544/17; CRI 352; RSC 30. 3.68g, 17mm, 7h. Mint State.

750

595. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG IV across fields. Crawford 544/17; CRI 352; RSC 30. 3.59g, 20mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

596. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG V across fields. Crawford 544/18; CRI 354; RSC 32. 3.85g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

597. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG V across fields. Crawford 544/18; CRI 354; RSC 32. 3.83g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

181

500

598. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across fields. Crawford 544/19; CRI 361; RSC 33. 3.71g, 19mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

750

599. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across fields. Crawford 544/19; CRI 356; RSC 33. 3.84g, 18mm, 5h. Near Mint State.

600

500

601

600. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across fields. Crawford 544/19; CRI 356; RSC 33. 3.58g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. 400 601. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across fields. Crawford 544/19; CRI 356; RSC 33. 3.67g, 18mm, 3h. Good Very Fine. 400

602

602. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across fields. Crawford 544/19; CRI 356; RSC 33. 3.59g, 18mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. 300 603. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across fields. Crawford 544/19; CRI 356; RSC 33. 3.89g, 18mm, 8h. Good Very Fine. 250

604. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VII across fields. Crawford 544/20; CRI 357; RSC 34. 3.83g, 16mm, 6h. Mint State.

182

400

605. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG VIII across fields. Crawford 544/21; CRI 358; RSC 35. 3.79g, 18mm, 3h. Extremely Fine.

250

Die Engraver’s Error?

606. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG IX across fields. Crawford 544/23; CRI 359; RSC 37. 3.73g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

The retrograde N in the obverse legend of this piece, likely a simple error on the part of the die engraver but easily recognisable, shows us that this obverse die was used to strike Legionary denarii for both the Eighth and Ninth Legions concurrently (cf. Goldberg 84, 27 January 2015, lot 3151).

607. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG X across fields. Crawford 544/24; CRI 361; RSC 38. 3.67g, 21mm, 11h. Good Very Fine.

300

608. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG X across fields. Crawford 544/24; CRI 361; RSC 38. 3.85g, 18mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

609. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG X across fields. Crawford 544/24; CRI 361; RSC 38. 3.49g, 17mm, 5h. Near Mint State.

183

750

610. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XI across fields. Crawford 544/25; CRI 362; RSC 39. 3.55g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

611. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XI across fields. Crawford 544/25; CRI 362; RSC 39. 3.74g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

300

612. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XI across fields. Crawford 544/25; CRI 362; RSC 39. 3.66g, 18mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine.

613

300

614

613. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XI across fields. Crawford 544/25; CRI 362; RSC 39. 3.80g, 18mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. 200 614. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XII ANTIQVAE above. Crawford 544/9; CRI 363; RSC 40. 3.78g, 19m, 6h. Good Very Fine. 200

615

616

615. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XII across fields. Crawford 544/26; CRI 365; RSC 41. 3.80g, 19mm, 2h. Extremely Fine. 300 616. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XII across fields. Crawford 544/26; CRI 365; RSC 41. 3.86g, 20mm, 10h. Near Extremely Fine. 300

184

617

618

617. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XII across fields. Crawford 544/26; CRI 365; RSC 41. 3.66g, 20m, 1h. Good Very Fine. 250 618. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XII across fields. Crawford 544/26; CRI 365; RSC 41. 3.73g, 19mm, 3h. Very Fine - Good Very Fine. 250

619. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XIII across fields. Crawford 544/27; CRI 367; RSC 42. 3.30g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

620. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XIII across fields. Crawford 544/27; CRI 367; RSC 42. 3.21g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

400

621. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XV across fields. Crawford 544/30; CRI 371; RSC 47. 3.77g, 19mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine.

622

400

623

622. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG•XVII•CLASSICAE above. Crawford 544/10; CRI 373; RSC 50. 3.69g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. 400 623. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XVII across fields. Crawford 544/32; CRI 374; RSC 49. 3.83g, 19mm, 10h. Good Very Fine. Rare. 300

185

624

625

624. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XVIII across fields. Crawford 544/33; CRI 376; RSC 51. 3.67g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. 300 625. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XIX across fields. Crawford 544/35; CRI 378; RSC 55. 3.41g, 20mm, 1h. Very Fine. 250

626. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XX across fields. Crawford 544/36; CRI 380; RSC 57. 3.87g, 19mm, 10h. About Extremely Fine.

750

627. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XX across fields. Crawford 544/36; CRI 380; RSC 57. 3.51g, 18mm, 6h. Mint State.

750

628. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XX across fields. Crawford 544/36; CRI 380; RSC 57. 3.75g, 17mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

250

Fleur De Coin

629. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XXII across fields. Crawford 544/38; CRI 382; RSC 59. 3.63g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

186

1,000

630. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XXII across fields. Crawford 544/38; CRI 382; RSC 59. 3.70g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

300

LEG XXIII

631. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XXIII across fields. Crawford 544/39; CRI 383; RSC 60. 3.82g, 18mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Well centred. Rare.

750

XXIII was the highest number securely known to have been given to a legion within Marc Antony’s order of battle. This legion appears to have been disbanded after Actium, as XXIII was never again employed as a legionary numeration following Augustus’ reorganisation of the Roman army, in which he consolidated and decreased the total number of serving legions. However, the following numerations of legions unknown to history have been noted on fleet denarii by Sydenham in Roman Republic Coinage, 1952. p. 196, nos. 1247-1253: XXIV, XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX and XXX; A. Banti and L. Simonetti, in Corpus Nummorum Romanorum II, pp. 38-41, no. 102-8) record denarii for legions: LEG XXIV (= Turin, Fava 1964, pl. 19, 3); LEG XXV (= Hamburger sale 32, 1933, 547); LEG XXVI (= Babelon 104); LEG XXVII (Paris, BnF); LEG XXVIII (= Babelon 143); LEG XXIX (= Paris, BnF); LEG XXX (= BMCRR II, pl. 116, 12; Brunacci collection, Santamaria sale 1958, 797 [struck over a denarius of Julius Caesar with P. Sepullius Macer]; Ratto sale 1924, 1392).

632. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XXIII across fields. Crawford 544/39; CRI 383; RSC 60; Sydenham 1246; BMCRR East 219. 3.69g, 17mm, 3h. Very Fine. Rare.

300

633. Marc Antony Legionary AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Antony, autumn 32 - spring 31 BC. ANT•AVG III•VIR•R•P•C, praetorian galley to right / CHORTIVM • PRAETORIARVM, aquila right between two signa. Crawford 544/8; CRI 385; RSC 7. 3.66g, 19mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

187

750

634. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Cyrene, 31 BC. L. Pinarius Scarpus, Imperator. [M•ANTO•COS•III]•IMP•IIII, head of Jupiter Ammon right; pellet below chin and truncation / Victory, naked to the waist, walking right holding wreath and palm; ANTONIO AVG downwards before, SCAR[PVS IMP?] downwards behind. Crawford 546/2; CRI 390; RSC 1. 3.83g, 18mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

750

Lucius Pinarius Scarpus was the grandson of a sister of Julius Caesar, and a general for Antony in the war against Brutus and Cassius. Shortly before the battle of Actium he was placed in charge of Cyrene with the command of four legions. The obverse type used here refers to his new position, as Jupiter was the chief deity of Cyrene and featured prominently on their old coinage. This was the last issue struck in Marc Antony’s name before his defeat at Actium and subsequent suicide.

Pedigreed to 1905

635. Marc Antony AR Denarius. Cyrene, 31 BC. L. Pinarius Scarpus, Imperator. M•ANTO•COS•III•IMP•[IIII], head of Jupiter Ammon right / Victory, naked to the waist, walking right holding wreath and palm; ANTONIO AVG downwards before, SCARPVS IMP downwards behind. Crawford 546/2a; CRI 390; RSC 1. 3.40g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine, banker’s mark on reverse, attractive deep old cabinet tone.

750

Ex Marc Poncin Collection, CNG MBS 72, 14 June 2006, lot 1354; Ex William C. Boyd Collection, Baldwin’s 42, 26 September 2005, lot 130; Purchased from W.S. Lincoln, July 1905.

636. Octavian AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Octavian, 32 BC. Bare head of Octavian right / Round shield with three concentric rows of studs and a central boss; IMP above, CAE-[SAR] across fields, DIVI F below. RIC 543a; CRI 392; RSC 126. 3.89g, 19mm, 3h. Near Extremely Fine. Dark toning. Scarce.

1,000

637. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 32 - summer 31 BC. Head of Venus right, wearing stephane, earring and necklace / Octavian, in military attire and with cloak billowing out behind, advancing left, extending right hand and cradling spear in left arm; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. RIC 251; CRI 397; RSC 70. 3.49g, 20mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

188

1,000

638. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 31 - summer 30 BC. Bare head left / Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath and palm; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. RIC 254b; CRI 407; RSC 64. 3.82g, 20mm, 4h. Good Extremely Fine.

2,000

639. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 31 - summer 30 BC. Winged bust of Victory right / Octavian as Neptune, standing left, foot set on globe, holding aplustre and sceptre; CAESAR DIVI•F across fields. RIC 256; CRI 409; RSC 60. 3.87g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; lustrous metal.

1,000

Very Rare Defection Issue of Scarpus

640. Octavian AR Denarius. Cyrene, autumn 31 BC. L. Pinarius Scarpus, Imperator. Head of Jupiter Ammon right; AVGVR upwards to left, PONTIF upwards to right / Victory standing right on globe, holding palm frond over left shoulder with left hand, and wreath tied with fillet in extended right hand; IMP CAESAR DIVI F in two lines across fields. Crawford 546/4; RIC 535; CRI 411; RSC 125. 3.73g, 19mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

This type is most likely the first struck by Scarpus after defecting to Octavian’s side. Although clearly one of his issues as it bears the distinctive portrait of Jupiter Ammon, the imperator’s name is absent no doubt as a sign of submission. The obverse instead bears Octavian’s priestly titles of augur and pontifex, naming him on the reverse.

641. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 BC. Octavian driving triumphal quadriga right, holding reins in left hand and branch in right, the car ornamented with figures on its front and side panels; IMP•CAESAR in exergue / Victory, draped, standing right on prow, holding palm frond over left shoulder with left hand and wreath in extended right hand. RIC 264; CRI 416; RSC 115. 3.82g, 20mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

189

750

642. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Bare head right / Military trophy, its base crossed with rudder and anchor and set on prow right; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 265a; CRI 419; RSC 119. 3.92g, 22mm, 2h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

643. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Bare head right / Military trophy, its base crossed with rudder and anchor and set on prow right; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 265a; CRI 419; RSC 119. 3.79g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

750

644. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Bare head right / IMPâ&#x20AC;˘CAESAR on architrave of arch surmounted by facing quadriga bearing Octavian. RIC 267; CRI 422; RSC 123. 3.64g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

645. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate head right / Rostral column ornamented with two anchors and six beaks of galleys, surmounted by a statue of Octavian, naked but for cloak over left shoulder, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 271; CRI 423; RSC 124. 3.86g, 20mm, 3h. Near Mint State. Very rare in such high state of preservation.

2,000

646. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate head right / Rostral column ornamented with two anchors and six beaks of galleys, surmounted by a statue of Octavian, naked but for cloak over left shoulder, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 271; CRI 423; RSC 124. 4.05g, 19mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. Very rare in this condition.

190

1,250

647. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate head right / Rostral column ornamented with two anchors and six beaks of galleys, surmounted by a statue of Octavian, naked but for cloak over left shoulder, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 271; CRI 423; RSC 124. 3.92g, 19mm, 4h. Near Extremely Fine.

500

648. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate head of Apollo Actius right / Octavian, veiled and in priestly robes, ploughing right with team of oxen; IMP•CAESAR in exergue. RIC 272; CRI 424; RSC 117. 3.77g, 18mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

649

1,000

650

649. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate head of Apollo Actius right / Octavian, veiled and in priestly robes, ploughing right with team of oxen; IMP•CAESAR in exergue. RIC 272; CRI 424; RSC 117. 3.79g, 17mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine. 500 650. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate head of Apollo Actius right / Octavian, veiled and in priestly robes, ploughing right with team of oxen; IMP•CAESAR in exergue. RIC 272; CRI 424; RSC 117. 3.89g, 19mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. 300

651. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Bare head right / Ithyphallic boundary-stone of Jupiter Terminus, surmounted by laureate head of Octavian facing; winged thunderbolt below; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 269a; CRI 425; RSC 114. 3.74g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

750

Exceptionally Well Preserved

652. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate bust of Octavian right, as Jupiter Terminus; thunderbolt behind / Octavian seated left on curule chair, togate and holding Victory in right hand; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 270; CRI 427; RSC 116. 3.93g, 21mm, 2h. Near Mint State. Struck on a flan of sound, lustrous metal. Among the finest known examples of this beautiful type.

191

2,000

192

653. Octavian AR Denarius. Italian mint (Rome?), autumn 30 - summer 29 BC. Laureate bust of Octavian right, as Jupiter Terminus; thunderbolt behind / Octavian seated left on curule chair, togate and holding Victory in right hand; IMP CAESAR across fields. RIC 270; CRI 427; RSC 116. 3.79g, 21mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine. Highly lustrous. An excellent example of a type virtually impossible to find in high state of preservation.

1,000

ROMAN IMPERIAL COINS

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

1,250

655. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / OB CIVIS SERVATOS in three lines within oak wreath. RIC 77a; RSC 208; BMC 378. 3.75g, 18mm, 7h. Near Mint State. Lustrous.

750

656. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head left / OB CIVIS SERVATOS above and below oak-wreath enclosing shield inscribed S•P•Q•R CL•V in two lines. RIC 79b; RSC 213; BMC 383. 3.92g, 17mm, 7h. Mint State.

1,250

Proudly placed as the main motifs of this reverse type are the clipeus votivus, or votive shield, and corona civica which we learn in the Res Gestae the Senate bestowed on Augustus. Traditionally awarded to those who had saved the life of a citizen, the corona civica was awarded to Augustus for ending the strife of the civil wars and thus ‘saving’ the citizens of Rome. At the same time, the Senate and the People of Rome dedicated the clipeus to Augustus on account of his virtues of bravery, clemency, justice, and pietas, virtues which he here proudly displays on his coinage.

193

657. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head left / OB CIVIS SERVATOS above and below oak-wreath enclosing shield inscribed S•P•Q•R CL•V in two lines. RIC 79b; RSC 213; BMC 383. 3.86g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Lustrous metal.

500

658. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAE[SAR] AVGVSTVS, bare head left / Round shield inscribed CL•V, aquila and signum flanking; SIGNIS above, RECEPTIS below, S P Q R around. RIC 86b. 4.04g, 18mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,250

659. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 19 BC. CAESAR [AVGVSTVS], bare head right / Round shield inscribed CL•V; aquila and signum flanking, SIGNIS above, RECEPTIS below, S P Q R around. RIC 86a; RSC 265; BMC 418. 3.78g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

400

660. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-18 BC. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. TVRPILIANVS III VIR FERON, draped bust of Feronia right, wearing stephane and pearl necklace / CAESAR AVGVSTVS•SIGN•RECE•, bare-headed Parthian kneeling right, extending in right hand a standard, to which is attached a vexillum marked X, and holding out left hand. RIC 288; RSC 484; BMC 14. 3.90g, 19mm, 11h. Extremely Fine.

750

661. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-18 BC. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. TVRPILIANVS III VIR FERON, draped bust of Feronia right, wearing stephane and pearl necklace / CAESAR AVGVSTVS•SIGN•RECE•, bare-headed Parthian kneeling right, extending in right hand a standard, to which is attached a vexillum marked X, and holding out left hand. RIC 288; RSC 484; BMC 14. 3.48g, 20mm, 9h. Extremely Fine; harshly cleaned surfaces. Iridescent blue tone.

194

500

Wonderful Tarpeia Denarius

662. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-18 BC. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / TVRPILIANVS III VIR, Tarpeia standing facing, raising both hands, buried to her waist under ten shields; broken spear below. RIC 299; RSC 494; BMC 29. 3.85g, 19mm, 1h. Good Extremely Fine. Bold iridescent tones. A superb example of this sought-after type.

5,000

The moral message afforded by the early Republican story of Tarpeia, the daughter of the commander of Rome’s defences who betrayed the city and opened the gates to the Sabines, was the perfect motif with which Augustus chose to highlight and humilite those such as M. Egnatius Rufus, who was accused of plotting against him. Expecting to be made rich with gold for the betrayal of her city, Tarpeia instead found that her dishonesty was viewed unfavourably by those she acquiesed to, who threw down their shields on her, crushing her to death.

Exceptional M. Durmius Denarius

663. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-18 BC. M. Durmius, moneyer. CAESAR AV[GVSTVS], bare head right / The Calydonian boar standing right, its front legs thrust forward, pierced through by a spear; M•DVRMIVS above, III•VIR in exergue. RIC 317; RSC 430; BMC 61. 3.96g, 19mm, 1h. Near Mint State. Exceptional for the type.

4,000

Ex Leu 54, 28 April 1992, lot 214; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts 16, 2 December 1985, lot 329. The similarities in style and depiction of the Calydonian boar seen on this reverse type and that of the Republican moneyer C. Hosidius Geta (see lot 482) would suggest that the latter had directly influenced the former, save for the lack of the hound on this Augustan example. Struck exactly fifty years after Hosidius Geta caused the type to be issued in the Republic, the replacement of the snubbed Diana on the obverse with Augustus could easily have been intended to convey a similar message to those who resented the political changes that had taken place in Rome during the intervening period, in the same way as a Republican moral message was utilised on the denarii featuring Tarpeia (see lot 662).

664. Augustus AR Denarius. Rome, 19-18 BC. M. Durmius, moneyer. M•DVRMIVS III•VIR•HONORI, head of Honos right / CAESAR AVGVSTVS•SIGN RECE•, bare-headed Parthian kneeling on right knee right, extending in right hand a signum, to which is attached a vexillum marked X, and holding out left hand below left knee. RIC 315 corr. (no stars); RSC 428; BMC 56. 3.78g, 19mm, 1h. Near Extremely Fine. Ex Richard Prideaux Collection, Triton XI, 8 January 2008, lot 706; Ex Vecchi 9, 4 December 1997, lot 111.

195

1,250

The Temple of Mars Ultor

665. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), circa 18 BC. CAESARI AVGVSTO, laureate head right / The Temple of Mars Ultor: round-domed, hexastyle temple with acroteria set on podium of three steps, an aquila between two signa within; MAR-VLT across fields. RIC 105a; RSC 190; BMC 373. 3.95g, 18mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,500

After his defeat of Marc Antony at the Battle of Phillipi in 42 BC Octavian, as he was still styled at that time, vowed that he would build a fine temple to honour Mars, the god of war. Forty years later and after Octavian had become Princeps of Rome, the civic complex that had been created at his behest that included the Temple of Mars Ultor were dedicated, though unfinished, as the Forum of Augustus.

666. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), July 18-17/16 BC. Bare head right / Capricorn right, holding globe attached to rudder, cornucopiae over its shoulder; AVGVSTVS below. RIC 126; RSC 21; BMC 346. 3.93g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

3,000

667. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), July 18-17/16 BC. Bare head right / Capricorn right, holding globe attached to rudder, cornucopiae over its shoulder; AVGVSTVS below. RIC 126; RSC 21; BMC 346. 3.82g, 19mm, 8h. Mint State; lovely iridescent tone.

2,000

From the Paulo LeitĂŁo Collection.

668. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), July 18-17/16 BC. Bare head left / Capricorn right, holding globe attached to rudder, cornucopiae over its shoulder; AVGVSTVS below. RIC 130; RSC 22; BMC 307. 3.88g, 19mm, 7h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare, with beautiful golden highlights.

196

750

The Arch of Augustus

669. Augustus AR Denarius. Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), July 18-17/16 BC. S•P•Q•R•IMP•CAESARI•AVG•COS•XI•TR•POT•VI, bare head right / CIVIB•ET•SIGN•MILITA•PART•RECVPE, facing quadriga on central part of triumphal arch, figures on left and right each holding a standard, aquila and bow. RIC 134a var. (RECVPER); BMC 428; C. 84 var. (same); CBN 1232 var. (same). 3.76g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Highly lustrous metal. Very Rare, and almost certainly the finest known specimen.

5,000

This type depicts the Arch of Augustus in the Forum Romanum, which spanned the road between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Caesar, and was built in 20/19 BC to commemorate the return from Parthia of the lost standards of Crassus. Though little remains of the arch today, its identification is certain, thanks to an inscription found at this location in 1546. This inscription is significant, as it records a dedication to Augustus in 29 BC, and since no remains of a second arch of Augustus have been found in the Forum, this has led many to conclude that this ‘Parthian Arch’ was an expansion or replacement of the old Actian Arch (see RIC 267, CRI 422) set up in 29 BC, which commemorated the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, and which was almost certainly considered distasteful for celebrating a victory over other Romans. The appearance of the arch must be deduced from the numismatic record, since it is not anywhere described in the historical texts. The present type is thus an important archaeological document, allowing for the reconstruction of an early Imperial monument which is otherwise survived only by partial travertine foundations and some marble fragments which have been set atop them in modern brick beds.

670. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right / Bull butting to right; IMP•X in exergue. RIC 167a; RSC 137; BMC 451. 3.92g, 19mm, 4h. Fleur De Coin; beautiful lustre. From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

197

2,500

671. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right / Bull butting to right; IMP•X in exergue. RIC 167a; RSC 137; BMC 451. 3.89g, 21mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Well-centred and struck on a large flan. Lightly toned, mirror-like surfaces.

2,500

672. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right / Bull butting to right; IMP•X in exergue. RIC 167a; RSC 137; BMC 451. 3.84g, 19mm, 7h. Fleur De Coin.

1,500

673. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right / Bull butting to right; IMP•X in exergue. RIC 167a; RSC 137; BMC 451. 3.74g, 19mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Attractive old tone.

1,250

Very Rare Variant

674. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right / Bull butting to left; IMP•X in exergue. RIC 169; RSC 141; BMC 458. 3.86g, 18mm, 11h. Mint State. Very Rare with bull butting left.

198

1,000

675. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 15-13 BC. AVGVSTVS DIVI•F, bare head right / Apollo Citharoedus of Actium, standing left, holding plectrum and lyre; IMP X across fields, ACT• in exergue. RIC 171a; RSC 144; BMC 461. 3.44g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Exceptional level of detail, and highly lustrous metal.

2,500

676. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 7-6 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, each togate and holding spear with hand resting on shield between them; simpulum and lituus above, C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC 207; RSC 43c; BMC 433. 3.76g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive portrait style.

750

677. Augustus AR Denarius. Lugdunum, 7-6 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS DIVI F PATER PATRIAE, laureate head right / AVGVSTI F COS DESIG PRINC IVVENT, Gaius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, each togate and holding spear with hand resting on shield between them; lituus and simpulum over X between, C L CAESARES in exergue. RIC 211; RSC 43a; BMC 537. 3.67g, 18mm, 3h. Near Mint State. Rare.

500

678. Tiberius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 14-37. [TI CAE]SAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MAXIM , Livia, as Pax, seated right on chair with ornate legs over single ground line, holding sceptre in right hand and olive branch in left. RIC 29; Calicó 305. 7.88g, 17mm, 3h. Very Fine. Minor marks on reverse.

2,000

679. Tiberius AR Denarius. Lugdunum, AD 36-37. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONTIF MAXIM, Livia as Pax seated right on chair with ornamented legs above a single exergual line, holding long vertical sceptre in right hand and branch in left. RIC 30; RSC 16a; BMC 48. 3.77g, 19mm, 8h. Extremely Fine. From the Paulo Leitão Collection.

199

500

Stunning Germanicus

680. Germanicus Æ Dupondius. Struck under Caligula. Rome, AD 37-41. GERMANICVS CAESAR, Germanicus, bareheaded and draped, standing right in chariot, holding eagle-tipped sceptre and reins in left hand, driving triumphal quadriga right; chariot decorated with figure of Victory advancing right / SIGNIS RECEP[T] DEVICTIS GERM, Germanicus, bareheaded, wearing cuirass and short tunic, standing left, right leg bent at knee and drawn back behind left, with cloak over left arm in which he cradles an aquila, and extending right hand in gesture of command; S-C across fields. RIC 57 (Gaius); BMCRE 93-100 (Caligula); BN 140-51 (Caligula). 17.72g, 29mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive dark red-brown patina with touches of green. An incredibly well preserved coin, certainly one of the very finest surviving examples of the type, this extraordinary piece retains all of its intricate details and is a magnificent example of 1st century Roman art. 5,000

681. Agrippina I Æ Sestertius. Struck under Claudius. Rome, circa AD 42-43. AGRIPPINA M F GERMANICI CAESARIS, draped bust right, with hair in long plait / TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P IMP P P around large S•C. RIC 102 (Claudius); BMCRE 219 (Claudius). 31.24g, 37mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Green/brown patina, gently smoothed. An elegant portrait of attractive style well-struck centrally on a good flan. Rare.

3,000

682. Claudius Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 41-54. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head left / CERES AVGVSTA, Ceres seated left, holding grain ears and long torch. RIC 110; C. 1; BMCRE 197. 15.18g, 31mm, 5h. Extremely Fine.

200

2,000

683. Claudius Æ Quadrans. Rome, AD 42. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG around modius on three legs / PON M TR P PP IMP COS II around large SC. RIC 90. 2.99g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

100

684. Claudius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 46-47. [TI CLAV]D CAESAR AVG P M TR P VI IMP XI, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTAE, Pax-Nemesis, winged and draped, advancing right, with right hand holding out fold of drapery below chin, with left hand holding winged caduceus, pointing down at snake, gliding right. RIC 39; von Kaenel Type 24; RSC 58; BMCRE 40-1; BN 51. 3.53g, 18mm, 2h. Good Very Fine; slightly polished.

1,500

685. Nero Æ As. Rome, AD 64. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate bust right / GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding cornucopiae and patera; altar before, S-C across fields, T in exergue. RIC 214; C. 107. 8.00g, 25mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Lovely ‘tiber’ tone.

500

686. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 52; Calicó 412a. 7.27g, 18mm, 9h. Near Very Fine.

1,500

687. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left on throne, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 52; Calicó 412a. 7.14g, 18mm, 7h. Good Fine.

750

688. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 65-66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / VESTA, statue of Vesta within domed hexastyle temple, holding patera and long sceptre. RIC 61; Calicó 448. 7.02g,19mm, 6h. Near Very Fine.

201

1,000

689. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 65-66. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / Salus seated left on throne, holding patera and resting arm at side; SALVS in exergue. RIC 59; Calicó 443. 7.00g, 19mm, 5h. Fine.

500

690. Nero AR Denarius. Rome, AD 65-66. NERO CAESAR AVGV[STVS], laureate head right / Salus seated left on throne, holding patera and resting arm at side; SALVS in exergue. RIC 60; C. 314; BMCRE 90. 3.46g, 18mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

300

691. Nero Æ Sestertius. Lugdunum, circa AD 65. NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P, laureate head right, globe at point of bust / DECVRSIO, Nero riding right, holding spear in right hand, soldier riding behind, holding vexillum over his right shoulder; S-C across fields. RIC 436; WCN 418; BMCRE 311; BN 71; Cohen 86. 25.54g, 35mm, 6h. Very Fine.

750

692. Nero AV Aureus. Rome, AD 66-67. IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre. RIC 63; BN 231-2; BMCRE 77; Calicó 413. 7.22g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

4,000

Finely Detailed Image of Victory

693. Nero Æ Dupondius. Lugdunum, AD 66. IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P MAX TR P P P, laureate head left / VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; S-C across fields. RIC 523.13.13g, 29mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

3,000

Ex Luc Girard Collection; Ex Sincona 4, 25 October 2011, lot 4091; Ex NAC Auction P, 12 May 2005, lot 1928. This coin features a very finely detailed and beautifully rendered image of Victory, which fortunately has been preserved in excellent condition, right down to her facial details.

202

Unique Civil War Denarius

694. Civil War, Vindex AR Denarius. Uncertain mint in Gaul, AD 68. DIVVS AVG, laureate head of Augustus right / IMP, bull advancing right on ground line. Martin 13 var. (obv legend); RIC 94 var. (same); C. 129 var. (same); BMCRE 302 var. (same); cf. Nicolas pl. XX 10 (same rev die). 3.14g, 17mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique.

7,500

Ex Roma Numismatics VII, 22-23 March 2014, lot 1013. Augustus’ self-styled persona as the protector of the liberty of the Roman people is an obvious choice to champion on the coinage of Vindex as he led a revolt against the tyranny of Nero. The use of this particular type of Augustus (c.f. RIC 166) is also poignant in that it was one of the earliest issues from the mint of Lugdunum, established by the emperor in 15 BC. Once again, Vindex is indicating that neither Gallic independence nor the abolition of the principate is his agenda.

695. Vitellius Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 69. A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP AVG P M TR P, laureate and draped bust right / L VITELL CENSOR II, Vitellius, bare-headed and togate, seated left on platform, clasping hand of foremost of three togate figures before, seated togate figure in background; SC in exergue. RIC 134; BMCRE 49. 23.78g, 35mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare; RIC lists the type as only ‘scarce’, however no examples have appeared at auction in over 15 years.

3,000

696. Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 69-70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / Judaea seated right, in attitude of mourning, to right of trophy leaning head on left hand; IVDAEA in exergue. RIC 2; C. 226; BMCRE 35. 3.36g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Unusually broad flan.

203

300

697. Vespasian AV Aureus. Lugdunum, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / SPQR P P OB CS in three lines within oak-wreath. RIC 1131; C. -; BMCRE 401; Calicó 674. 6.99g,19mm, 7h. Near Very Fine.

1,500

698. Vespasian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head right / IVDAEA CAPTA, palm tree, with captive standing right on left and Judaea seated right on cuirass to right; various shields around and behind, SC in exergue. RIC 159; C. 234; BMCRE 533. 22.95g, 33mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Lightly smoothed.

3,000

Roma in Amazonian Style

699. Vespasian Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III, radiate head right / ROMA, Roma seated left on cuirass set before a pair of shields, wearing helmet and drapery exposing right breast, holding wreath and parazonium; SC in exergue. RIC 476; C. 411. 15.15g, 28mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; lovely untouched dark green patina. Attractive, Amazonian style Roma.

204

1,500

700. Vespasian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 74. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / FORTVNA AVGVST, Fortuna standing left on garlanded base decorated with rams’ heads, holding rudder and cornucopiae. RIC 699; C. 172; Calicó 631. 7.31g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine; scattered surface marks.

3,000

701. Vespasian Æ Quadrans. Rome, AD 77-78. IMP VESP AVG COS VIII, winged caduceus between crossed cornucopiae / S•C within laurel wreath. RIC 1017; BMCRE 741; BN 911. 3.02g, 17mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

150

The Jewish War Triumph of Titus

702. Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Struck under Vespasian. Rome, AD 72-73. T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate head right / Titus standing in triumphal quadriga to right, holding branch in right hand and sceptre in left. RIC 370 (Vespasian); BMCRE 520; BN 73; Calicó 722; Hendin 1469. 5.84g, 17mm, 6h. Near Very Fine; edge filed, probably for jewellery. Extremely Rare.

2,500

Among the most difficult issues to obtain of the Judaean series, this aureus depicts the Triumph awarded to Titus for his decisive victory in the Jewish-Roman war, having breached the walls of Jerusalem and sacked the city.

703. Titus, as Caesar, Æ As. Rome, AD 72. T CAES VESPAS IMP•TR•P COS II, laureate head right / AEQVITAS AVGVST, Aequitas standing facing, head left, holding scales and sceptre; S-C across fields. BMCRE 825 (Vespasian); RIC 414 (Vespasian); C. 6 var. (Vespasian); BN -. 10.89g, 27mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare. Ex Helios I, 17 April 2008, lot 442.

205

3,000

Beautiful Titus Aureus

704.

Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 73. T CAES IMP VESP CENS, laureate head right / PONTIF TRI POT, Titus, togate, seated right, feet on footstool, holding sceptre in right hand and branch in left. RIC 555 (Vespasian); CalicĂł 753; BMCRE 114-5 (Vespasian); BN 95/96 (Vespasian); Biaggi 371. 7.25g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; by far the finest example of the type present on CoinArchives.

15,000

At the accession of Vespasian to the purple in AD 69, his sons Titus and Domitian were both raised to the rank of Caesar as was customary, and granted those powers which the emperor traditionally gave his successor. Having returned to Rome in 71 and celebrated his triumph for the victory which he had secured in the east with the siege of Jerusalem, as the elder brother Titus shared tribunician power with his father, became Consul and was given command of the Praetorian Guard, as well as religious roles such as pontifex, as the reverse of this stunning aureus shows us. Domitianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honours, however, were largely ceremonial and highlighted the superior position of Titus, both politically and militarily. In contrast to the extensive Judaea Capta coinage that was first struck under Vespasian to commemorate the military victory in the east and which continued to be struck for 25 years under both Titus and Domitian, this coin celebrates Titus as a respectful, pious figure following the traditional path to becoming emperor, whilst confirming his position as the chosen heir to Vespasian. The attributes which he is depicted with make reference to qualities he was taken to have attained, the sceptre underlining his imperial power and the branch representing the peace he had already brought to the empire. On the death of Vespasian in 79 the careful positioning of Titus as effective co-emperor made for a smooth succession, though by 81 he was dead: according to some sources he was poisoned by the overlooked Domitian, who went on to succeed him.

206

The Rebirth of Rome

705.

Titus, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 77-78. T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate head right / Roma, helmeted, seated right on two shields, left foot on helmet, holding spear before her; wolf standing right at her feet, head turned back, suckling Romulus and Remus; in left and right fields, two eagles flying towards her; COS VI in exergue. RIC 954; BMCRE 223; Calicรณ 738a. 7.21g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

15,000

The Flavians came to power after a year of civil war, vicious intrigue and three short-lived reigns which all ended in bloodshed. Vespasian and his son Titus thus sought to restore the security of the empire, and more importantly the confidence of the people in the office of emperor, by establishing a clear and peaceful succession through a strong father and son line, both of whom had proven themselves capable generals and administrators, that would renew belief in the eternity of Rome. The revival of earlier reverse types was to be a feature of the coinage struck by the Flavian dynasty and Titus, along with his father Vespasian and brother Domitian, struck a series of coins which recalled types of the Republican and Augustan periods. Part of these issues, the present piece is particularly significant as it bears an unusual variant of the Roman foundation myth; the goddess Roma watching over the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, waiting patiently for the day that Rome will be built. Repeating a type seen on an anonymous Republican denarius of 115114 BC (Crawford 287/1), this was the first such representation on an Imperial coin and is clearly used to symbolise the rebirth of Rome under the Flavians.

207

706. Titus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right / TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, dolphin coiled around anchor. RIC 110; Calicรณ 779; BMCRE 71; Biaggi 380. 6.63g, 19mm, 11h. Very Fine.

4,000

707. Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Struck under Vespasian. Rome, AD 79. CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, clasped hands before legionary eagle, set on prow. RIC 1081 (Vespasian); BMCRE 269 (Vespasian); RSC 393 (Vespasian). 3.29g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

708. Domitian, as Caesar AR Denarius. Struck under Titus. Rome, AD 80-81. CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, goat standing left within laurel wreath. RIC 267 (Titus); BMCRE 88 (Titus); RSC 390. 3.53g, 28mm, 6h. Near Mint State; spectacular iridescent toning.

1,000

709. Domitian ร Sestertius. Rome, AD 85. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P, laureate bust right, wearing aegis / Domitian standing right, clasping hands over altar with officer standing left; behind officer, one soldier with standard, and one soldier at right with spear and shield; SC in exergue. RIC 402; C -; BMCRE -; Peus 371, 369. 26.81g, 37mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

208

2,000

710. Domitian Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 86. IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI, laureate bust right wearing aegis / Emperor on horseback, holding shield and brandishing spear, trampling kneeling Germanic warrior; SC in exergue. RIC 280; BMCRE 300a; BN 317. 26.00g, 36mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine.

1,000

711. Trajan Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 103-111. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, laureate head right, with drapery on far shoulder / S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Dacia seated left on pile of arms before trophy; S-C across fields. RIC 560; BMCRE 786; C. 531. 25.18g, 34mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

500

Restored Issue of C. Numonius Vaala

712. Trajan AR Denarius. Rome, circa AD 107. Restored issue of C. Numonius Vaala. C NVMONIVS VAALA, bare head of Caius Numonius Vaala to right, assimilating the features of Octavian and/or Trajan / IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GER DAC P P REST, soldier standing to left, holding spear and shield, assaulting foe who stands behind rampart, brandishing javelin; VALLA in exergue RIC 812; BMCRE 690; cf. RSC Numonia 2 and Crawford 514/2 for prototype. 3.02g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Excessively Rare, one of very few known examples.

4,000

The occasion for this ‘restitution’ series issued under Trajan may have been the melting down of old coinage as mentioned in Cassius Dio (67.15), for Mattingly and Sydenham (RIC II, P. 303) proposed that “since the Romans regarded their coins with a certain amount of reverence as products of the Sacra Moneta it is not unnatural to conclude that they valued them also as historical monuments. The dominating trait in the character of Trajan was a desire to emphasise and expand the glory of Rome. It seems reasonable, therefore, to suggest that this was his motive for issuing the Restored Coins; and, by thus placing together a series of types illustrative of the development of Rome, Trajan may not ineptly be regarded as one of the first to recognize Numismatics as an aid to History.” The C. Numonius Vaala named on the obverse may have been an acquaintance of Horace, who lived near Velia and Salernum in Campania, and to whom in about 22 BC, Horace, seeking a place to spend the winter, addressed a letter, inquiring as to the climate of the area. The ancestor depicted on the reverse is not known to history, though we can deduce that in the course of battle he was the first to storm a vallum (frequently an earthen rampart with a wooden pallisade) and for this was awarded the Corona Vallaris – a prestigious military honour – and took the cognomen Vaala which he passed on to his descendants.

209

Extremely Rare Variant of Very Rare Type

713. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 112-113. IMP TRAIANVS AVG GER DΛC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / DIVVS•PATER•TRAIAN, bare-headed and draped bust of Trajan’s father to right. RIC 762 var. (not cuirassed); BMCRE 505 var. (same); Woytek 407f; Strack 213; Calicó 1137a (same dies). 7.15g, 20mm, 8h. Very Fine; light hairline on rev. An extremely rare variety of a very rare type, one of apparently only three known examples. 12,000 The first of the so-called ‘Adoptive Emperors’, having been chosen by the childless Nerva as his successor and thus beginning the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, Trajan’s biological father was Marcus Ulpius Traianus. He was from a prominent family, the gens Ulpia, who originated from Umbria but had settled in Italica in Spain where Traianus was born in AD 30. Under the future emperor Vespasian, who was at the time governor of Judaea, he commanded the Legio X Fretensis during the early stages of the First Jewish-Roman War. He came into favour with the emperor due to his military successes and in AD 70 Vespasian awarded him with a governorship followed by a suffect consulship. These positions eventually led to the governorship of Cappadocia-Galatia in AD 70/71, and then Syria in 73/74, where he prevented a Parthian invasion of the province. With his father having lived a life of honour and distinction, there is no doubt that Trajan would have felt the pressure of expected success and likely strived to emulate his father’s achievements. It is not known exactly what year Traianus died, however his son paid a joint tribute to him in AD 100 when he founded a colony in North Africa and gave it the name Colonia Marciana Ulpia Traiana Thamugadi, also honouring his late wife and daughter in the process. Highlighting the depth of respect that he had for his father, in AD 113 Trajan deified him, and coins were struck in his honour with his new title of Divus Pater Traianus, the issue during which the present aureus was struck.

714. Trajan AV Aureus. Rome, AD 114-115. IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR, Jupiter standing left, naked except for cloak draped from shoulders, holding sceptre in left hand, and thunderbolt in right, protecting Trajan, togate, standing to lower left, holding laurel branch in right hand. RIC 336 var. (bust not cuirassed); Woytek 512f; Strack 229; Calicó 1065; BMCRE 533; BN 814-6 var. (pellets in rev. legend); Biaggi 515. 6.75g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

6,500

Superb Portrait of Plotina

715. Plotina AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112-114. PLOTINA AVG IMP HADRIANI, draped bust right, wearing double stephane / CAES AVG GERMA DAC COS VI P P, altar decorated with figure of Pudicitia standing on curule chair; ARA PVDIC in exergue. RIC 733 (Trajan); BMCRE 529 (Trajan); Woytek 706. 3.38g, 22mm, 8h. Good Extremely Fine. Minor metal flaws, but otherwise an exceptionally well preserved coin with a superbly sharp portrait of Plotina; arguably the finest example of CoinArchives. Extremely Rare. 7,500

716. Matidia AR Denarius. Rome, AD 112. MATIDIA AVG DIVA F MARCIANAE F, draped bust right, wearing double stephane / PIETAS AVGVST, Matidia as Pietas, standing left holding hands with Sabina and Matidia Minor. RIC 759 (Trajan); BMCRE 660 (Trajan); RSC 10. 3.06g, 18mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

210

1,250

717. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS III, the Genius of the Roman People standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae; GEN-P R across fields. RIC 123; BMCRE 273; C. 796; Calicó 1267. 6.64g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

5,000

718. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 120-123. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS III, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory and spear, right foot on helmet; shield at side, bow and quiver with arrows behind. RIC 77c var. (arms below throne); BMCRE 133; Calicó 1334. 6.91g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine; ‘X’ graffito in obv. field. Rare.

2,000

719. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 124-128. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS III, Hadrian, with cloak floating behind him, on horseback galloping to right, holding couched spear. RIC 187; Calicó 1224a; BMCRE 437; Biaggi 593. 7.15g, 20mm, 5h. Very Fine.

3,000

720. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 124-128. HADRIANVS AVGVST, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS III, she-wolf standing left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus who are seated below. C. 424; RIC 193 var. (obv legend); BMCRE p. 295, 448 note. 7.22g, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely rare variant.

7,500

Extremely Rare Aureus of Hadrian

721. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 125-128. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS III, column with helmet set on top, surrounded by parazonium and spear, shield, cuirass, and greaves. RIC 194; C. 473 var. (bust type); Calicó 1237. 6.58g, 19mm, 6h. Good Fine; scrape and scattered marks on rev. Extremely Rare.

211

2,000

An Allusion to Antinous by the Alphaeus Master?

722.

Hadrian Æ Medallion. Rome, AD 128-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate and draped bust left / Silvanus striding right, holding vine-sickle and leading ram by its forelegs; fruiting tree behind, one Ionic column and a portion of the pediment of a temple before, lighted altar and hound at feet. Gnecchi 16, pl. 39, 1; Mittag, Römische Medaillons, 105. 40.78g, 36mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; Mittag records three examples. 10,000 This medallion is one of very few surviving examples of a prestigious issue struck at the Rome mint that has been associated with the famed ‘Alphaeus Master’ (cf. NAC 15, 1999, 355), who was responsible for some of the most accomplished die engraving in all the great span of Roman coinage. This highly talented individual may have been the sculptor Antonianus of Aphrodisias, a master from the illustrious school at the Carian ‘City of Marble’. This identification may possibly be supported by a marble relief found in 1907 at Torre del Padiglione, between ancient Lanuvium and Antium. That relief, signed by Antonianus, depicts Antinous as a youthful Silvanus, in an otherwise similar compositional piece. Speculative identification aside, this noted engraver’s body of work was recognized by Charles Seltman, and can be seen on bronze medallions of Hadrian (Gnecchi pl. 39, 3 and pl. 42, 3-4), medallic sestertii of Hadrian (see Sotheby’s, 1990, Hunt Sale I, lot 134), and provincial bronze medallions struck in honour of Antinous. The appearance of Silvanus on this medallion of Hadrian may be significant. It is the only depiction on Roman coinage of this tutelary deity of the woods, fields and flocks, who was not officially part of the Roman pantheon, but was an assimilation of numerous native ‘provincial’ gods, including Silenos, Pan, certain Celtic gods, and possibly the Etruscan ‘Selvans’. It is evident, considering the existence of Antonianus’ Antinous as Selvans relief, that Hadrian in some way associated his deceased companion with this god of Arcadian vitality. A medallion of Antinous struck at Bithynium-Claudiopolis displays a reverse very similar in character to this medallion - it shows a Pan-like Antinous in a pastoral scene, holding a pedum and reaching towards a reed or stalk of grain, as a bull stands in the background. It is conceivable then that unless the association with Silvanus was contrived only later, after this medallion was issued, that in the Rome medallion may be a veiled allusion to Antinous, whose image was not struck on coins at that city.

212

213

Extremely Rare and Artistic Hadrian Aureus

723. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed and draped bust right / SECVRITAS AVG, Securitas seated right, bare to waist, on throne with cornucopiae as arms, leaning head on her hand. RIC 272; Calicó 1374 (same rev. die); Strack 270 = BMCRE 731, pl. 61, 8 (same rev. die); Biaggi 656. 7.28g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; some almost invisible marks. Extremely Rare; the only example on CoinArchives.

16,000

Ex CNG 100, 7 October 2015, Lot 1866. An important theme throughout the reign of Hadrian, whose consolidation and fortification of Trajan’s territorial gains was a main priority, Securitas nevertheless appears particularly prominently among the late issues struck c.134-138. Mattingly and Sydenham (RIC II, p. 327) suggest that the use of Securitas may refer, along with Pax, Victory and Pax-Nemesis, to the final subjection of the Jewish Bar Kochba revolt in AD 135 (see lot 725 for further details). Certainly, from a Roman point of view the restoration of order after a four year long uprising that claimed the lives of a great many Romans would have gone a long way towards improving the perception of internal security within the empire. Indeed, the brutal suppression of the revolt, the devastation wrought on the Jewish population and the expulsion of all Jews from Jerusalem by this emperor otherwise characterised by his clemency and enlightened policies ensured that there would not be a fourth Jewish-Roman war. The representation of Securitas on the present type is unusual. This personification is most often depicted in the form of a woman in matronly costume, with dress and draperies after the traditional aristocratic fashion. Here however Securitas is portrayed in more provocative fashion, bare to the waist with only a drapery loosely covering her legs. As she sits on her throne of cornunopiae (denoting abundance and prosperity) with her right elbow resting on the back of her chair and supporting her head, the implication of her state of undress and posture suggests that she is perfectly at ease with nothing to fear.

724. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right with drapery on far shoulder / SPES P R, Fortuna-Spes standing left, leaning on rudder set on globe and holding flower and cornucopiae. RIC 275; C. 1409; Calicó 1379; BMCRE 332. 7.39g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine.

3,000

The present type, which conflates the personifications Spes and Fortuna, has been suggested to relate, along with several other types from the period, to the adoption of Aelius by Hadrian (see RIC II, p. 327). Mattingly and Sydenham here observe that “Fortuna denotes the fruition of Empire, Spes the expectation of it”. Possibly recalling his own adoption by Trajan in controversial circumstances, Hadrian’s circumspect appointment of an heir ensured a smooth succession, thus allowing for the continued prosperity of the empire in what would come to be regarded in later years as a golden age.

214

Victory of Judaea

725. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory standing left, holding palm in left hand and eagle, which bears wreath in beak, in outstretched hand right. RIC 284; Calicó 1397; C. 1459. 7.27g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

7,500

This reverse type most likely makes reference to Hadrian’s victory over Simon Bar Kochba in Judaea during the last Romano-Jewish war. Strack (pp. 132–9) and Mattingly (BMCRE p. cxlvi), both attribute the Victory reverses on the late aurei of Hadrian to the Roman victory in the Bar Kochba War in Judaea (132-135 AD). This large-scale rebellion lasted from 132-136 BC, and succeeded in establishing an independent state of Israel over parts of Judaea for over two years. Jewish gains were short-lived however, as Hadrian drafted in six full legions with auxiliaries and vexillations from up to six further legions, which finally crushed the revolt. According to Cassius Dio, 580,000 Jews were killed during the rebelion, 50 fortified towns and 985 villages were razed to the ground, and many more Jews sold into slavery. Roman military casualties were significant; Cassius Dio claimed that “Many Romans, moreover, perished in this war. Therefore, Hadrian, in writing to the Senate, did not employ the opening phrase commonly affected by the emperors: ‘If you and your children are in health, it is well; I and the army are in health.’” Legio XXII Deiotariana was disbanded after severe losses, and Legio IX Hispana was possibly also disbanded as a result of the war, according to recent scholarship. Though he would be acclaimed Imperator for the second time for putting down the revolt, Hadrian otherwise kept celebrations and memorials to a minimum, viewing the war rather as a “cruel and sudden disappointment to his aspirations” for peace and concord within the empire. The oblique reference to the victorious conclusion of the war on this coin is therefore fitting within the overall subdued character of the commemorations.

AEGYPTOS

726. Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP, laureate and draped bust left / AEGYPTOS, Egypt reclining left, holding a sistrum, left arm resting on a basket around which a snake coils; ibis standing before. RIC 296j; C. 98; Calicó 1186. 7.25g, 21mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

10,000

Ex Heidelberger 64, 20 November 2014, lot 2559. Part of the famous ‘travel series’ of Hadrian struck in the latter years of the emperor’s reign, this coin commemorates his visit to Egypt a few years earlier in AD 130. Heavily relied upon to supply grain to feed the people of Rome, the province of Egypt was itself entirely dependent on the annual floods of the Nile to fertilise the farmland along its banks. Furthermore, the river was a vital transport link for the ships carrying the grain to Rome, just as the Tiber was between the port of Ostia and the city. Hadrian himself travelled up the river with the imperial entourage, including his companion Antinous, during which trip the young man tragically drowned. The ancient sources are rife with speculation as to whether this occurrence was an accident, a suicide on the part of Antinous or a sacrifice to aid the health of the emperor, but what is clear is the strong bond between the two men (Scriptores Historiae Augustae Hadrian, 14, 5-7), which led to Hadrian’s encouragement of a cult in honour of a deified Antinous and his appearance on the coinage, especially in Egypt. Depicting the personification of the province of Egypt, this type was accompanied by reverse designs that feature the personified river-god Nilus. Perhaps issued on the emperor’s return to Rome, or otherwise some time thereafter, these Egypt and Nilus types must certainly have brought the emperor back bitter memories.

215

727. Sabina AV Aureus. Rome, AD 128-136. SABINA•AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, diademed and draped bust right, wearing stephane / CONCORDIA•AVG, Concordia seated to left on throne, holding patera and resting arm on statue of Spes on low cippus. RIC -, 398 note; BMCRE 894; pl. 64,12 (same dies); Calicó 1429 (same dies). 7.19g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare.

8,500

728. Sabina AV Aureus. Rome, AD 128-136. SABINA•AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, diademed and draped bust right wearing stephane / CONCORDIA•AVG, Concordia seated to left on throne, holding patera and resting arm on statue of Spes on low cippus. RIC -, 398 note; BMCRE 894; pl. 64,12 (same dies); Calicó 1429 (same dies). 7.36g, 19mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Light reddish tone. Rare.

7,500

729. Antoninus Pius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Rome, AD 138. IMP T AEL CAES HADR ANTONINVS, bare-headed and draped bust right / AVG•PIVS•P•M•TR•P•COS•DES•II, Pietas standing left, sprinkling incense over lighted altar with right hand, holding fold of her dress with left arm. RIC 14b; Calicó 1478; BMCRE 31. 6.90g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine.

2,000

730. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 139. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right / TR POT COS II, Pietas standing left, sprinkling incense over lighted altar with right hand, holding fold of her dress with left arm. RIC 53b; C. 862 var. (head bare); BMCRE 111; Calicó 1644. 6.65g, 19mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

2,500

731. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 147-148. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XI, bare-headed, and draped bust right / COS IIII, Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae; LIB V across fields. RIC 169b; BMCRE 628 note; C. 505; Calicó 1578. 7.38g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

216

4,000

732. Antoninus Pius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 148-149. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head right / COS IIII, Annona standing left, holding grain-ears over modius and anchor. RIC 175; RSC 284. 3.49g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

200

733. Antoninus Pius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 148-149. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head right / COS IIII, Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC 177; RSC 240. 3.29g, 20mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

200

Rare Laetitia Aureus

734. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 150-151. ANTONINVS PIVS P P TR P XIIII, laureate bust right, slight drapery / LAETITIA, Ceres standing to right, holding two grain ears, Proserpina standing to left at her side, holding pomegranate; COS IIII in exergue. RIC 199 var. (bust); Strack 224; Calicรณ 1559a (same obv. die); BMCRE 724, note; Biaggi 733 var. (rev. legend break). 6.67g, 18.5mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

5,500

735. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 155-156. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head right / TR POT XIX COS IIII, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 255a; Calicรณ 1670; BMCRE 862. 6.80g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

2,000

736. Antoninus Pius AV Aureus. Rome, AD 158-159. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII, laureate head right / VOTA SVSCEPTA DEC III, Antoninus Pius, veiled and togate, standing left, dropping incense onto lighted tripod; COS IIII in exergue. RIC 294d; Strack -; Calicรณ 1714; BMCRE 953; Biaggi 783. 7.30g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

217

6,500

737. Antoninus Pius Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 159-160. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXIII, radiate head right / PIETATI AVG COS IIII, Pietas standing left, holding globe and child, a child at either side; S-C across fields. RIC 1035; C. 625. 13.18g, 26mm, 12h. About Extremely Fine.

500

738. Divus Antoninus Pius AR Denarius. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Rome, after AD 161. DIVVS ANTONINVS, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing right, head left, upon garlanded altar. RIC 431 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 24-4/10; RSC 155-6. 3.47g, 20mm, 1h. Mint State.

300

739. Faustina I AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 138-139. FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG P P, draped bust left / CONCORDIA AVG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and resting left arm on statue of Spes on low cippus; below chair, cornucopiae. RIC 328b (Pius); C. 148; BMCRE 39 (Pius); Calicó 1776. 7.19g, 18mm, 5h. Very Fine.

2,500

740. Diva Faustina I AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, after AD 141. DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / PIETAS AVG, Pietas, draped and veiled, standing left, holding pyxis in left hand and dropping incense with right hand onto lighted candelabrum. RIC 395a (Pius); BMCRE 335 (Pius); C. -; Calicó 1796; Biaggi 830. 7.19g, 19mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Attractive ‘Boscoreale’ tone.

7,500

741. Diva Faustina I AR Denarius. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 141. DIVA FAVSTINA , draped bust right / AETERNITAS, Fortuna standing left, holding globe and rudder. RIC 348 (Pius); RSC 6 (Pius); BMCRE 360. 3.44g, 18mm, 7h. Mint State.

218

150

742. Diva Faustina I AR Denarius. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, after AD 141. DIVA FAVSTINA, veiled and draped bust right / AETERNITAS, throne, against which rests sceptre: in front peacock. RIC 353 (Pius); RSC 61 (Pius); BMCRE 387 (Pius). 3.24g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

250

743. Diva Faustina I AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, after 141. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AVGVSTA, Ceres veiled, standing left, holding torch and sceptre. RIC 356 (Pius); BMCRE 395 (Pius); Calicรณ 1763. 7.34g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; light contact mark in rev. field.

7,500

744. Diva Faustina I AR Denarius. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, after AD 141. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AVGVSTA, Ceres veiled, standing left, holding corn ears and torch. RIC 360 (Pius); C. 78; BMCRE 408 (Pius). 3.50g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

200

745. Diva Faustina I AR Denarius. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, after AD 141. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / CONSECRATIO, peacock walking right, head left. RIC 384a (Pius); RSC 175 (Pius). 3.55g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

200

746. Diva Faustina I AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 150. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AVGVSTA, Fortuna standing left, holding patera in her right hand and rudder on globe with her left. Biaggi -; BMCRE 447 (Pius); C. -; Calicรณ 1761a; RIC 372 (Pius); Strack 473. 7.20g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

219

5,000

747. Diva Faustina I AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 150. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, holding two torches. RIC 357a (Pius); Biaggi 808; BMCRE 403 (Pius); Calic贸 1758. 6.47g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

4,000

748. Diva Faustina I AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 150. DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, holding two torches. RIC 357a (Pius); Biaggi 808; BMCRE 403 (Pius); Calic贸 1758. 7.12g, 19mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

3,000

Extremely Rare Honos Type

749. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 140-144. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II F COS, bare head right / HONOS, Honos, togate, standing left, holding branch and cornucopiae. RIC 422 (Pius); Calic贸 1864 (same dies); BMCRE 263 (Pius) (same dies); Biaggi 852 (same dies). 6.99g, 19mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; only this example in CoinArchives.

12,500

750. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 146-147. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, bare-headed and draped bust right / TR POT COS II, Minerva standing right, holding spear in right hand, left hand on shield set on ground. RIC 435a (Pius); Strack 170; Calic贸 1923; BMCRE 613 (Pius). 7.11g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine. Rare; only three examples in CoinArchives.

220

4,000

751. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 147-148. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, bare-headed and draped bust right / TR•POT•II COS•II, Fides standing facing, head right, holding grain ears and plate of fruits. RIC 440b (Pius); C. 610; BMCRE 641; Calicó 1926. 7.03g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

5,000

752. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 147-148. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, bare-headed and draped bust right / TR POT II COS II, Fides standing facing, head right, holding grain ears and plate of fruits. RIC 440b (Pius); C. 610; BMCRE 641; Calicó 1926. 7.04g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine.

2,000

753. Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, AV Aureus. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 157-158. AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG P II F, bare head right / TR POT XII COS II, Apollo standing left, holding patera and lyre. RIC 474a (Pius); Calicó 1966. 7.23g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

4,000

754. Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 164. ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS, laureate head right / P M TR P XVIII IMP II COS III, Armenia seated left, in mournful attitude, vexillum and shield before, hand on bow behind; ARMEN in exergue. RIC 81; RSC 7; BMCRE 274. 3.45g, 17mm, 6h. Mint State.

200

755. Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius. Rome, AD 166. M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head right / TR P XX IMP IIII COS III, Victory standing facing, head right, holding palm and fixing to a palm-tree a shield inscribed VIC PAR in two lines. RIC 163; RSC 878; BMCRE 406. 3.27g, 19mm, 7h. Mint State.

221

200

End of the Pax Romana

756. Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus. Rome, December AD 166-167. M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / TR P XXI IMP IIII COS III, Victory advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm branch over left shoulder. RIC 174; C. 883; Calicó 1995. 7.31g, 21mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

15,000

Despite later tendencies to view the reign of Marcus Aurelius as a golden age of peace and prosperity, in truth it was neither of these things. The years prior to the striking of this coinage had witnessed a successful invasion of Parthian territory that ensured peace with Parthia for many years, but the returning legionaries brought with them a terrible disease that would come to be known as the Antonine Plague, or the Plague of Galen, which may have been either smallpox or measles. This epidemic may have claimed the life of Lucius Verus, and lasted for some fifteen years. In all, some five million Romans are believed to have died from the plague, with the historian Cassius Dio recording that it had a mortality rate of about one in four, and at its height it caused up to two thousand deaths a day in Rome. As much as a third of the population of some areas was wiped out, and the Roman army too was severely depleted by the plague. In 166 the Lombards invaded Pannonia, and though they were swiftly defeated, Dacia too was invaded, and conflict erupted on the Danube frontier with the Marcomanni tribe. 167, the year this coin was struck, saw the Marcomanni incursion win a decisive victory over a Roman army of 20,000 at Carnuntum. They proceeded to raze Opitergium and besiege Aquileia, destroying aqueducts and irrigation conduits and routing a Roman relief army; the Pax Romana that had lasted since the days of Augustus had come to an abrupt end. Vandals and Sarmatians continued their attacks against the province of Dacia, and the Costoboci invaded Moesia, Macedonia and Greece, sacking the sanctuary of Eleusis near Athens. Though the invaders would ultimately all be repulsed through Marcus Aurelius’ efforts, the Romans suffered at least two serious defeats and the empire, already ravaged by the plague, was now severely weakened. On the coinage, the victory types of previous years were repeated in 167, but it would take the rest of Marcus Aurelius’ life and near-constant military campaigning to re-establish a measure of stability on the empire’s Germanic frontiers.

757. Marcus Aurelius Æ Dupondius. Rome, AD 176-177. M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TR P XXXI, radiate head right / IMP VIII COS III P P, trophy, at base of which are seated two captives; S-C across fields, DE GERM in exergue. RIC 1179; C. 157. 10.52g, 25mm, 11h. Near Extremely Fine. Rare. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 51, 5 March 2009, lot 311.

222

1,000

758. Faustina II AR Denarius. Struck under Antoninus Pius. Rome, AD 147-150. FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG F, draped bust right / VENVS, Venus standing facing, head left, holding apple and dolphin-entwined rudder. RIC 517a (Pius); BMCRE 1077, pl. 23, 5, (same dies). 3.34g, 18mm, 5h. Mint State.

150

759. Faustina II AR Denarius. Rome, AD 147-176. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / FECVNDITAS, Fecunditas standing facing, head right, holding sceptre and child. RIC 677; RSC 99a. 3.35g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

250

760. Faustina II AR Denarius. Rome, AD 161-164. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / IVNONI REGINAE, Juno standing left holding patera and long sceptre; peacock at foot to left. RIC 696; RSC 139a. 2.80g, 18mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Beautifully toned.

200

761. Faustina II AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-175. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right / LAETITIA, Laetitia standing left, holding wreath and long sceptre. RIC 699; Calicรณ 2066. 6.76g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

5,000

762. Faustina II AV Aureus. Rome, AD 161-164. FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, wearing stephane / SALVTI AVGVSTAE, Salus seated left, leaning left arm on chair, holding in right hand a patera from which she feeds a serpent coiled around altar. RIC 717; BMCRE 154; Calicรณ 2074; Biaggi 935 var. (no stephane). 7.20g, 19mm, 6h. Very Fine.

2,500

763. Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 161. IMP L AVREL VERVS AVG, bare head right / PROV DEOR TR P COS II, Providentia standing left, holding globe and cornucopiae. RIC 463 (Aurelius); RSC 144; BMCRE 35. 3.31g, 18mm, 11h. Mint State.

223

150

764. Lucius Verus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 164. •L• VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, bare head right / TR P IIII•IMP II COS II, Victory standing to right, naked to waist, setting round shield inscribed VIC AVG in two lines on palm tree. RIC 522 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 94-12/10 (same obv. die); Calicó 2174 (same dies); BMCRE 294 (same dies); Biaggi 961 (same dies). 6.78g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

10,000

Shortly after Lucius Verus succeeded to the position of co-emperor in AD 161, a position he shared with Marcus Aurelius, the peace Antontinus Pius had negotiated with the Parthians collapsed. The Parthian king Vologases IV invaded the Kingdom of Armenia, then a Roman client state, expelling the king and installing his own. Both initial attempts to recover the territory of Armenia by the Governor of Cappadocia, Marcus Sedatius Severianus, and the Governor of Syria, L. Attidius Cornelianus, were unsuccessful. Marcus Aurelius took the decision to send his imperial colleague Lucius Verus to defend the Eastern territories in person. This aureus was struck shortly following the after invasion of Armenia and capture of Artaxata in AD 183 by M. Statius Priscus, the former Governor of Britain who had been sent to replace Severianus as the Governor of Cappadocia. The obverse proudly boasts the title of Armeniacus, which was granted to Verus despite him having never seen combat. Verus is believed to have spent the majority of the campaign in Antioch, where his contribution to military matters is one of historical dispute. Nevertheless, the recovery of Armenia into the empire as a subordinate client kingdom saw the end of the limited themes which had featured on the early gold issues of the two Augusti in favour of Minerva, Felicitas, Pax and Victory, who is depicted on the reverse of this coin.

765. Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 165. L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, bare head right / TR P V IMP II COS II, Mars standing right, holding spear and shield set on ground. RIC 528 (Aurelius); BMCRE 376; C. 261; RSC 263. 3.50g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

200

766. Lucius Verus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 166. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICT AVG TR P VI COS II, Victory flying left, holding open wreath. RIC 551; C. 337; BMCRE 424; Calicó 2207. 7.24g, 20mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

4,000

767. Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 165-166. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head right / PAX AVG TR P VI COS II, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and cornucopiae. RIC 555; RSC 127. 3.66g, 19mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

224

200

768. Divus Lucius Verus AR Denarius. Struck under Marcus Aurelius. Rome, AD 169. DIVVS VERVS, bare head right / CONSECRATIO, eagle standing right, head left. RIC 596a (Aurelius); RSC 55 (Aurelius). 3.37g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Scarce.

769

500

770

769. Lucilla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 161-163. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust right / CONCORDIA, Concordia seated left, holding patera and resting her elbow on a statue of Spes; cornucopiae under seat. RIC 757; RSC 6. 3.45g, 18mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. 200 770. Lucilla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 161-169. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust right / VENVS, Venus standing left, holding apple and sceptre. RIC 784. 3.32g, 18mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. 100

771. Lucilla AV Aureus. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Rome, AD 161-162. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust right / VOTA • PVBLI-CA in four lines within laurel wreath. RIC 790 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 22-2(a); Calicó 2219; BMCRE 328 (Aurelius and Verus); Biaggi 980 (same rev. die). 7.27g, 20mm, 1h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

8,000

772. Lucilla Æ As. Rome, AD 161-162. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust right / VESTA, Vesta standing left, sacrificing with simpulum over lighted altar and holding palladium; S-C across fields. RIC 1780 (Aurelius); C. 95. 12.08g, 25mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

250

773. Lucilla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 164-169. LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, draped bust right / VOTA PVBLICA in three lines within wreath with jewel at apex. RIC 791 (Aurelius); RSC 98. 3.39g, 20mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin.

225

250

Castor, Patron of the Equites

774.

Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 178. L•AVREL•COMMODVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / TR P III•IMP II•COS•P•P•, Castor standing left, holding horse by its bridle with right hand and spear in left. RIC 648 (Aurelius); C. 760; Calicó 2337b (same dies); BMCRE 774-5 (Aurelius and Commodus); Biaggi 1014 (same dies). 7.21g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

25,000

Ex Lanz 109, 27 May 2002, lot 514; Ex Leo Hamburger 96, 25 October 1932, lot 926. When this type was minted Commodus was only 16 or 17 years old, and yet the reverse legend declares him to have held tribunician power three times, been acclaimed imperator twice, consul once, and ironically, to be pater patriae - father of the state. That he was offered this honorific, accepted it and used it immediately upon his coinage is an indication of his disposition, for it was the custom of emperors to decline the honour if offered to them too early or while they were too young. Even Nero declined the title when it was offered to him in the first year of his reign, accepting it only later. It was also customary for the honoured to defer the usage of the title for a suitable length of time out of humility - Hadrian deferred its use for eleven years. Only the previous year had Commodus been granted the rank of Augustus, thus formally sharing power with his father, being also consul in that year - the youngest in Roman history up until that time. The reverse displays Castor as the patron of the Equites and protector of the young emperor, and represents Commodus in his role as princeps iuventutis, a title of great honour even in the days of the republic that since the reign of Augustus had been conferred on those who were intended to succeed to the throne, and which Commodus had received in AD 175. The unhealthy overindulgence of Commodus by his father Marcus Aurelius, which may have in part led to his megalomania in later life, was perhaps due to his being Aurelius’ only surviving son. He was showered with honours beyond his years, including having been made Caesar at the age of five. Yet still at this time, never far from his father or his entourage of worthy tutors, Commodus did not publicly display any of the maniacal tendencies that would later come to characterise his reign.

226

Extremely Rare Commodus Aureus

775.

Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 186. M COMM•ANT•P•FEL•AVG BRIT, laureate, and draped head right / LIBERT AVG•P M TR P XI•IMP VII COS V P P, Libertas standing left, holding pileus and long sceptre. RIC 135 var.); C. 339; BMCRE -, c.f. 177 note; Calicó 2282 var. (obv bust). 7.33g, 21mm, 6h.. Fleur De Coin. Extremely Rare.

20,000

Commodus’ coinage from AD 181 attests to the official policy of his reign, according to Mattingly and Sydenham (RIC III, p. 357) a “policy of peace, based on victorious power (cp. Types of Victory and Pax, holding branch and spear), leading to public security (‘Securitas Publica’) and prosperity (‘Felicitas’), a policy of constitutional government (‘Libertas’) and care for the material well-being of the subject (‘Annona’ and ‘Aequitas’)”. The types of 186, the year this coin was struck, “continue to witness the happiness of the age, the harmony and loyalty of the troops, the victories of the Roman arms.” There are no direct references to the serious revolts in Gaul and Spain, which are swept under the numismatic carpet; only a type of ‘Concordia Militum’ with the emperor reconciling two groups of soldiers may relate to these troubles. The continued use of Libertas again in 186 seeks to emphasise the emperor’s respect for and adherence to a constitutional government. That this was of course a naked lie should come as no surprise; Cassius Dio (73.5-73.6) relates to us some of the extra-judicial killings carried out by Commodus: “Commodus also killed Salvius Julianus and Tarrutenius Paternus, who was enrolled among the ex-consuls, and others with them, including even a woman of the nobility. And yet Julianus, after the death of Marcus, could have done at once anything whatever that he wished against Commodus, since he was a man of great renown, was in command of a large army, and enjoyed the devotion of his soldiers; but he had refused to make any rebellious move, both because of his own probity and because of the good will that he bore to Marcus even after that emperor’s death. And Paternus, if he had plotted against Commodus, as he was accused of doing, could easily have killed him while he himself was still in command of the Praetorians; but he had not done so. Commodus likewise killed the two Quintilii, Condianus and Maximus; for they had a great reputation for learning, military skill... and wealth, and their notable talents led to the suspicion that, even if they were not planning any rebellion, they were nevertheless displeased with existing conditions. Sextus Condianus, the son of Maximus, who surpassed all others by reason both of his native ability and his training, when he heard that sentence of death had been pronounced against him, too, drank the blood of a hare, after which he mounted a horse and purposely fell from it; then, as he vomited the blood, which was supposed to be his own, he was taken up, apparently on the point of death, and was carried to his room. He himself now disappeared, while a ram’s body was placed in a coffin in his stead and burned. After this, constantly changing his appearance and clothing, he wandered about here and there. And when this story got out, diligent search was made for him high and low. Many were punished in his stead on account of their resemblance to him, and many, too, who were alleged to have shared his confidence or to have sheltered him somewhere; and still more persons who had perhaps never even seen him were deprived of their property.”

227

An Attractive Portrait of Pertinax

776. Pertinax AV Aureus. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right / AEQVIT AVG TR P COS II, Aequitas, draped and standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left. RIC 1a; Woodward, Pertinax, dies 12/F; Calicó 2379; BMCRE 14. 7.22g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Attractive and statesmanlike portrait with full beard. An exceptional example.

35,000

Although his reign as emperor lasted a mere 87 days and was relatively unremarkable from a historical perspective, his journey to the purple is a more fascinating tale. Born to a freed slave, Helvius Successus, and given a classical education, Pertinax eventually became a teacher. Realising that as such he could never earn the glory or financial return that he desired, at the age of 35 he set his sights on a military career. His first command, over of a cohort stationed in Syria, proved successful and he quickly rose through the ranks. Gaining favour with the emperor Commodus, Pertinax was appointed urban prefect in AD 189. At this time, a successful conspiracy against the life of Commodus was orchestrated by the Praetorian Prefect Laetus, aided by the emperor’s mistress Marcia and his chamberlain Eclectus, which some sources have suggested Pertinax played a part in too. In any case, supported by the Praetorian Guard, Pertinax was swiftly proclaimed emperor, a position which would prove to be harder to retain than it had been to gain. To ensure the loyalty of the Guard, Pertinax promised a donativum of twelve thousand sestertii per man. Upon discovering the lack of funds in the imperial treasury Pertinax resorted to auctioning off all of the luxury items once owned by Commodus, including the concubines and youths kept for his sexual pleasures, in order to produce the promised money. His frugal intentions were not only extended to those within government and the military, he also included his own family within his economical ideology. Upon becoming emperor he divided up his wealth between his children and wife, Flavia Titiana so they would not have to rely on funds from the state, and he sensibly refused to give his wife the title of Augusta or corrupt his young son by giving him the title of Caesar too early. He began a wide reform of the coinage and restored the denarius from 74 to 87% silver weight and increased the actual silver weight from 2.22 grams to 2.75 grams. Under the auspices of Aequitas, as utilised for the present type, Pertinax evidently had great intentions to restore some measure of equality and stability to the people of Rome following the capricious and damaging reign of Commodus. However, his attempts to curb the power of the Praetorian Guard and increase discipline within the unit led a contingent of some three hundred soldiers to storm the palace in March of AD 193; though Pertinax attempted to reason with them, and was almost successful in doing so, he was struck down and killed by one of the soldiers. His family, who had not taken imperial titles, were spared. The Praetorian Guard auctioned off the imperial position, which was bought by Senator Didius Julianus, thus triggering a brief civil war over the succession, won later in the same year by Septimius Severus. After his entry to Rome, Septimius recognised Pertinax as a legitimate emperor, executed the soldiers who killed him, and not only pressured the Senate to deify him and provide for him a state funeral, but also adopted his cognomen of Pertinax as part of his name, and for some time held games on the anniversary of Pertinax’s accession and his birthday.

777. Pertinax Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 193. IMP CAES P HELV PERTINAX AVG, laureate head right / AE[QVIT AVG TR P COS II], Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae. RIC 14; C. 5; Banti 2; BMCRE 37. 26.27g, 33mm, 5h. About Very Fine.

228

750

229

Attractive Didius Julianus Aureus

778.

Didius Julianus AV Aureus. Rome, 28 March - 1 June AD 193. IMP CAES M DID IVLIAN AVG, laureate head right / •P•M•TR•P•COS•, Fortuna standing left, holding rudder on globe and cornucopiae. RIC 2a; C. 8; BMCRE 4; Calicó 2395; Woodward pl. VI, 6. 6.42g, 20mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

35,000

The previous emperor Pertinax having been murdered after just three months in the imperial palace, Didius Julianus was raised to the Purple in a shameful episode, where the sources record, the empire was ‘auctioned’ to the highest bidder by the Praetorian Guard. In fear of what troubles Julianus and the Praetorians could create if challenged, the Senate were forced to submit to his rule and ratify his elevation to the throne, whilst at the same time bestowing honorific titles on his wife and daughter, Manlia Scantilla and Didia Clara. Cassius Dio relates that “The next day we [the Senators] went up to pay our respects to him, moulding our faces, so to speak, and posturing, so that our grief should not be detected. The populace, however, went about openly with sullen looks, spoke its mind as much as it pleased, and was getting ready to do anything it could. Finally, when he came to the senate-house and was about to sacrifice to Janus before the entrance, all fell to shouting, as if by preconcerted arrangement, calling him stealer of the empire and parricide” (LXXIV, 13, 2-3). However, Julianus’ time in the palace was to be limited by the challenges of three provincial governors, all of whom laid claim to the imperial throne. Pescennius Niger in Syria, Clodius Albinus in Britain and Septimius Severus in Upper Pannonia all had themselves acclaimed emperor, Cassius Dio relating that it was the populace of the city that had first called for Niger to come to their aid. As the closest to Italy, Severus had the advantage and marched toward Rome, the spectre of his approaching army being enough to further weaken Julianus’ grip on power so that the Senate were able to condemn him to death and appoint Severus in his place. Seen in the knowledge of Julianus’ demise, the reverse type of the present piece featuring Fortuna is then somewhat ironic. The goddess of fortune and personification of luck in Roman religion, her depiction on the coinage would involved the goddess’ blessing for the both emperor and empire; however she was as equally dedicated to ensuring life’s capriciousness, as it must quickly have become apparent to Julianus.

230

231

Extremely Rare Manlia Scantilla Aureus

779. Manlia Scantilla AV Aureus. Struck under Didius Julianus. Rome, 28th March-early June AD 193. MANL SCANTILLA AVG, draped bust right / IVNO REGINA, Juno standing left, draped and veiled, holding patera in right hand and sceptre in left; peacock to left at her feet. RIC 7a (Julianus); C. 1; BMCRE 10 and pl. 3, 13 (same obv die); Woodward, NC 1961, 1 and pl. VI, 9 (same); Kent-Hirmer pl. 108, 372 (same); CalicĂł 2004. 6.65g, 20mm, 6h. Very Fine. Extremely Rare.

25,000

This aureus, struck during the brief 66 day reign that her husband Didius Julianus bought for himself when the Praetorian Guard put the empire up for auction, shows Manlia Scantilla as the proud bearer of the title Augusta. Granted by the Senate on the accession of Julianus, Scantilla and her daughter Didia Clara were both struck coinage with their new honours in all three metals, though in a peculiar departure from normal practice only utilising one reverse type throughout: the goddesses Juno for Scantilla, and Hilaritas for Clara. Very little is known of the life of Scantilla, save that her husband having been killed in favour of Septimius Severus as emperor, she and her daughter were stripped of their imperial titles. Scantilla died in obscurity, in marked contrast from the associations she chose to make with the single reverse type featuring Juno for her coins. One third of the Capitoline Triad and married to Jupiter, Juno Regina looked after the women of Rome, presiding over marriage and fidelity, and was afforded an attribute in the peacock, equivalent to the eagle present in depictions of Jupiter, which was both the signifier of conjugal concord but also a solemn and ever-watchful attendant as befitted the patron goddess of Rome and the Empire. It was with this iconography that Scantilla directly placed herself in line with the divine principate and began to develop a public image of herself and her role as the one to carry on the dynasty.

Exceptional Pescennius Niger Denarius

780. Pescennius Niger AR Denarius. Antioch, AD 193. IMP CAES PESC NIGER IVST AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IVSTITIA AVGVS, Justitia standing facing, head left, holding scales and cornucopiae. BMCRE -; RSC -; RIC -, cf. 45-47 for type. 3.09g, 18mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Excellent metal quality, and engraved in fine style. A supremely attractive example of Pescenniusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; silver coinage.

3,000

781. Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Struck under Septimius Severus. Rome, AD 193. D CLOD SEPT ALBIN CAES, bare head right / MINER PACIF COS II, Minerva standing left, holding olive branch and spear and shield. RIC 7 (Severus); RSC 48. 3.64g, 19mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Somewhat weakly struck on rev., but a beautiful portrait.

232

300

782. Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, Æ Sestertius. Struck under Septimius Severus. Rome, AD 194-195. D CLOD SEPT ALBIN CAES, bare head right / MINER PACIF COS II, Minerva standing left, holding olive branch, spear and shield; S-C across fields. RIC 54 (Severus); BMCRE 535 (Severus). 25.74g, 31mm, 12h. Good Very Fine.

750

An Association with Venus

783. Julia Domna AV Aureus. Rome, AD 193-196. IVLIA DOMNA AVG, draped bust right / VENERI VICTR, Venus standing right, seen from behind, half nude with drapery hanging low beneath her posterior, holding a palm branch in her left hand, a globe in her right and leaning with her left elbow on a low column to her left. RIC 536 (Severus); BMCRE 47; Calicó 2641a; Hill 100. 7.26g, 18mm, 3h. Good Extremely Fine. A very attractive example with beautiful lustre.

10,000

Cassius Dio relates an anecdote that, prior to the wedding of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna, Septimius is supposed to have dreamt that Faustina Senior, wife to the last worthy emperor Marcus Aurelius, prepared their nuptial chamber within the Temple of Venus and Roma, near the imperial palace. Such a link back to the golden years before the depravations of Commodus and the ensuing civil war implied to the eversuperstitious plebs Faustina’s approval of Septimius and Julia, offering her blessing to them while portending their destiny as the rightful rulers of the empire, sent to guide Rome back to better times. Septimius aspired to restore peace and stability to the Roman Empire, and his wife Julia was to play an instrumental role in this endeavour. By all accounts their marriage was a very happy one, and it is testament to the affection in which Julia held her husband that she chose to accompany Septimius on all of his military campaigns at a time when the women of Rome were expected to stay behind in the city and await their husband’s return. Fittingly, the high regard in which Septimius held his wife for her resilience, political views and faithfulness is attested to by the great number of titles conferred upon her, including that of Mater Senatus et Patriae (mother of the Senate and Rome) and, on account of her companionship in the field, Mater Castrorum (mother of the camp). The naturally strong bond exhibited by Septimius and Julia could not have been a better stabiliser to the teetering empire after the so-called ‘Year of the Five Emperors’ in AD 193, and the opportunity was not lost on the new emperor and empress to secure their own positions. An association with Venus was favoured for the Empress’ early coinage, so that the first issues struck for Julia feature the goddess, as we see on this stunning aureus. Julia was to be presented as a model of traditional Roman values, and here we see why the association with Venus was a crucial starting point: Venus is represented as the goddess of victory, holding a globe in her hand to signify Roman dominion over the known world. Of course, her other roles as goddess of love, beauty, fertility and motherhood, all equally important to Julia, are not forgotten in the design of this reverse type and further secure her position as the mother of the state.

784. Caracalla with Geta, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Rome, AD 199-201. ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right / P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta right. RIC 38 (Caracalla); RSC 2. 2.90g, 18mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

233

750

Very Rare and Attractive Dynastic Aureus

785. Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, AD 201. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG PON TR P IIII, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIAE AETERNAE, jugate busts right of Septimius Severus, radiate and draped, and Julia Domna on crescent, diademed and draped. RIC 52 var.; C. 1; BMCRE 260; Calicó 2849. 7.38g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

25,000

Struck during the period of rule in which both Caracalla and his father Septimius Severus were co-Augusti, this coin’s obverse legend refers to Caracalla’s official name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, given to him in order to further legitimise the rule of the Severans through a fictitious link to the Antonine adoptive emperors who came before them. A decade before the death of Septimius, and Caracalla’s despicable murder of his brother Geta, the Severan family are here portrayed as unified in the rule of the empire. The imagery presented is a strong propagandistic message of stability offered by a virtuous imperial family, creating the potential for a long-lasting dynasty by grooming the next generation for the duty of ruling the empire. Having been made Augustus at the age of ten, and only thirteen when this type was minted, the clear implication is that Rome should look forward to many more years of Severan peace. The mutual dependence of the sun and the moon is used as a means to portray the strong bond of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna, while emphasising the concept of permanence – in this case, of the principate and the empire it ruled. Septimius’ radiate crown denotes him as a representation of Sol, and the bust of Domna is set upon a crescent moon, the attribute of Luna. The legend CONCORDIAE AETERNAE (eternal harmony) is intended to refer not only to the imperial family, connoting firm hands on the tiller of the empire and a secure succession, but also reflects Septimius’ (largely justifiable) claim to have brought peace and a renewed golden age to Rome. There existed among the general populace a heartfelt belief that a stable imperial family was conducive to having a stable domain, and this reassurance is dovetailed neatly into another key element of the Roman collective psyche - the idea that Rome and its empire were everlasting - a concept that features heavily in literature such as the Aeneid, a work that had had a profound impact on Roman culture.

786. Caracalla AR Denarius. Rome, AD 208. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right / PONTIF TR P XI COS III, Caracalla on horseback right, holding spear; PROF in exergue. RIC 107; RSC 510; BMCRE 572; Hill 963. 3.31g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful light tone with golden highlights.

234

250

Caracalla’s Infamous Visit to Alexandria

787.

Caracalla Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 215. M AVREL ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XVIII [IMP III] COS IIII P P, Isis standing right, holding sistrum and presenting grain ears to Caracalla standing left, holding reversed spear, foot on crocodile between. BMCRE 287; C. 334; RIC 544. 18.25g, 31mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

7,500

Ex E. P. Nicolas Collection, Maison Platt, 9-10 March 1982, lot 597. This type records the infamous visit of Caracalla to Alexandria, the capital of the province of Egypt. Since the conclusion of his campaign against the Alamanni in 213-4, it had become apparent that the emperor was unhealthily obsessed with the great Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great. At this point he appears to have begun openly emulating Alexander in his personal style. Indeed, Cassius Dio (78.7-78.23) relates that “he was so enthusiastic about Alexander that he used certain weapons and cups which he believed had once been his, and he also set up many likenesses of him both in the camps and in Rome itself. He organised a phalanx, composed entirely of Macedonians, sixteen thousand strong, named it ‘Alexander’s phalanx’, and equipped it with the arms that warriors had used in his day.” Caracalla’s visit in 215 to Alexandria while on his way east should then have been a happy occasion. However the emperor, “hearing that he was ill-spoken of and ridiculed by them for various reasons, not the least of which was the murder of his brother... concealing his wrath and pretending that he longed to see them... first greeted [the leading citizens] cordially... and then put them to death. Then, having arrayed his whole army, he marched into the city, after first notifying all the inhabitants to remain at home and after occupying all the streets and all the roofs as well. And, to pass over the details of the calamities that then befell the wretched city, he slaughtered so many persons that he did not even venture to say anything about their number, but wrote to the senate that it was of no interest how many of them or who had died, since all had deserved to suffer this fate.”

235

Spectacular Aureus of Macrinus

788. Macrinus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 217. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PONTIF MAX TR P COS P P, Felicitas standing left, cradling cornucopiae with her left arm and holding long caduceus with her right. RIC 20c; BMCRE 34; Hunter -; C. 64; Calicó 2954. 6.50g, 22mm, 6h. Near Mint State; stunning lustre. Extremely Rare.

50,000

Having orchestrated the assassination of Caracalla, we are told by Cassius Dio (79.4), on account of a prophesy that had been noised abroad that he and his son were destined to hold imperial power, Macrinus was declared emperor by the army four days after his predecessor’s death. He had used the intervening time well, communicating with all the nearby detachments of soldiers to obtain their allegiance. The Senate, so far away, was powerless to intervene, and so because he had removed the hated Caracalla and more importantly because he had the support of the army, Macrinus was accorded the title Augustus, and the title of Caesar was conferred on his son Diadumenian. Macrinus himself, the first emperor to hail from the equestrian class and the first emperor of Mauretanian descent, took the name Severus to suggest continuity with the Severan dynasty who had ruled since 193. A shameful end to the campaign against Parthia, now under Macrinus’ direction, was reached when the emperor agreed to pay a large indemnity in return for peace, so that he might instead face the threats from Dacia and Armenia. His popularity fell further when he undertook to return Rome to economic stability following the ruinously profligate spending of Caracalla; as part of his reforms Macrinus proposed to reduce the burden of military spending by lowering the pay of future recruits to the level set by Septimius. Though the veteran soldiers were to be unaffected by the pay reduction, they viewed the policy as a foreshadowing of eventual reductions in their own privileges and pay, thus significantly reducing Macrinus’ popularity with the legions that had declared him emperor. For the whole of his short reign, Antioch was Macrinus’ principal residence and an imperial mint was set up there to meet the immediate monetary demands of the emperor. The coinage struck at this mint was Roman in character and style, rejecting local references in favour of traditional and time-honoured themes, such as Felicitas as depicted here, who represented the virtue of harmony that resulted from good governance and was closely associated with the ‘blessedness’ renewed under each new reign. Such an association was particularly important for an emperor raised by an army previously loyal to Caracalla and the Severans, of which house there were still a number of living members.

789. Macrinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 217-218. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / PONTIF MAX TR P II COS II P P, Annona seated left, holding grain ears over modius and cornucopiae. RIC 39; RSC 102. 3.38g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

236

200

237

Extremely Rare Salus Type

790. Macrinus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 218. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust right / SALVS PVBLICA, Salus seated left, feeding serpent rising from altar. Clay, Macrinus, p.35, 2 = BMCRE 5, pl. 78, 16 (same dies); RIC 82; C. 113; Calicó 2973. 6.41g, 20mm, 1h. Extremely Fine; beautiful lustre. Extremely Rare.

20,000

This reverse depicts Salus, the daughter of Aesculapius and goddess responsible for the welfare of the people, feeding a snake from a petera. This allusion to the welfare of the people was directly associated with the welfare of the state, the health of which was linked to the figure of the emperor himself as head of state. Depictions of Salus first appear on the Roman imperial coinage of Tiberius and frequently thereafter. Erika Manders (Coining Images of Power: Patterns in the Representation of Roman Emperors Imperial Coinage, 2012) identified that the number of Salus types stuck under Macrinus was ‘conspicously high’ when compared to the low numbers issued under his Severan predecessors. As a usurper, it was particularly important for Macrinus to propagate the message that the health of the empire was inextricably entwined with his person.

791. Maximinus I AR Denarius. Rome, AD 235-236. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PAX AVGVSTI, Pax standing left, holding branch and transverse sceptre. RIC 12; RSC 31; BMCRE 5. 2.93g, 20mm, 12h. Near Mint State.

100

792. Maximus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. Struck under Maximinus. Rome, AD 236-237. IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right / PIETAS AVG, emblems of the pontificate: lituus, secespita, guttus, simpulum, and aspergillum. RIC 2 (Maximinus); RSC 3 (Maximinus); BMCRE 201-203 (Maximinus). 3.10g, 20mm, 7h. Good Very Fine.

238

300

793. Balbinus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 238. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PROVIDENTIA DEORVM, Providentia standing left, holding a wand in lowered right hand over a globe at feet to left, and cornucopiae in left hand. RIC 7; RSC 23. 2.74g, 21mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

500

794. Balbinus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 238. IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P COS II P P, emperor, togate, standing left, holding branch and parazonium. RIC 16; BMCRE 28. 18.35g, 32mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine.

750

Extremely Rare Denarius of Philip I

795. Philip I AR Denarius. Rome, AD 244. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRIT ORBIS, Securitas seated left, holding sceptre and leaning head on left hand. RIC 48a; C. 214. 2.96g, 22mm, 7h. Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; the only example on CoinArchives.

7,500

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 72, 16 May 2013, lot 713. The denarii of Philip I are of very great rarity; only two have been offered at auction in the past two decades, including the present specimen. Maximinus I (235-238) was the last reigning emperor to have struck the denarius as the principal silver denomination intended for regular circulation. The reign of his successor Gordian III (238-244) saw the ‘Antoninianus’ or double-denarius become, virtually overnight, the mainstay of the Roman currency, due to the inflationary pressures of the early third century in part caused by ever greater military expenditure and associated successive debasements of the coinage. The denarius, though not yet relegated to the status of a mere unit of account, was now a critically endangered species. Issued sporadically throughout the reign of Gordian III, mass production of the denarius came to an end with the fourth issue at Rome in 241-243. By the time of Philip I’s accession in 244 the common use of the Antoninianus was well entrenched; Philip himself issued only three denarius types, ADVENTVS AVG (RIC 26), PIETAS AVGG (RIC 43a) and the present SECVRIT ORBIS. Of these, the first two may securely be said to represent ceremonial coins produced for the arrival of Philip at Rome in the late summer of 244, and for the elevation of his son Philip II to the rank of co-Augustus in 247. The present type is of no less rarity than the other two, and must therefore also have been produced for a special purpose. A possible occasion may be found at the beginning of Philip’s reign in early 244, when he was required to negotiate peace with Shapur I of the Sasanian Empire in order to return to Rome to secure his position. A scarce emission produced at this time at Antioch records the peace with the legend PAX FVNDATA CVM PERSIS, accompanied by types including SPES FELICITATIS ORBIS. The present coin therefore, with its reverse announcing the security of the (Roman) world, would seem a fitting type for concurrent issue at Rome, where the Antiochan legend would probably have been viewed with no small measure of distaste.

239

Second Known Rhea Silvia Antoninianus

796. Gallienus AR Antoninianus. Rome, AD 267-268. GALLIENVS P F AVG, cuirassed bust left, wearing crested helmet, holding spear over right shoulder, shield with aegis on left / P M TR P X V COS•P P (sic?), Mars, wearing crested helmet and chlamys, and carrying spear and shield, descending right towards to Rhea Silvia, who reclines left, nude to waist, raising right hand above head. Roma XIII, 890 (same dies); RIC -; RSC -; C. -; Göbl, MIR -, cf. 945-946 for reverse type with alternate legends. 2.48g, 20mm, 4h. Extremely Fine. The second (and arguably finest) known example.

2,000

A beautiful coin combining a bold militaristic portrait engraved in fine style, with a classic scene from Roman mythology. This scene, while well attested in surviving Roman artwork, occurs only one other time in the entirety of the vast Roman coinage series, on an As of Antoninus Pius; a medallion of Faustina Senior, clearly not intended for monetary use, also bears the type, and was probably created around the same time.

797. Postumus Æ Double Sestertius. Colonia Agrippinensis, AD 260. IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / EXERCITVS AVG, emperor on horseback left, raising right hand and addressing three soldiers standing to right before, each holding signa; SC in exergue. RIC 116; Elmer 199; Bastien 21. 29.02g, 34mm, 6h. Very Fine. Very Rare.

1,250

798. Aurelian AV Aureus. Antioch, AD 270-275. IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust left / I VCTORIA AVG (sic) Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm. RIC 377; C. 252 var. (obv legend, rev scene); Calicó 4012. 5.10g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; fields and details extensively smoothed and repaired.

240

2,500

Unique Aureus of Probus

799. Probus AV Aureus. Antioch, AD 281-282. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left / CONSERVAT AVG, Sol entering quadriga to left, holding reins in raised right hand, whip in left; VOT X in exergue. RIC -; BMCRE -; C. -; Calicó -, cf. 4154a = NFA XXV, 29 November 1990, 461 (bust right). 6.71g, 21mm, 11h. Extremely Fine, reverse field smoothed behind quadriga. Unique and unpublished.

15,000

This unusual aureus bears the formula VOT X on the reverse; while it appears in various similar formats on aurei and antoniniani, it of course cannot refer to the celebration of a Decennalia by Probus, who reigned for only six years. Its employment here therefore is not the usual “vows (prayers) on the tenth anniversary of the emperor’s rule” but rather its intended meaning is “vows for his hoped-for tenth anniversary”. The almost surreptitious placement of the formula and its variants on the shields of busts and in other obscure places is perhaps indicative of the tenuous and often swiftly fatal nature of the job Probus now found himself in. Probus himself, though aged only forty four at his accession, had lived through the reigns of no fewer than twenty five emperors of whom only two ruled for longer than ten years, nine ruled for less than a year, and none of whom died a peaceful death.

Unique and Important Diocletian Gilded Medallion

800. Diocletian Gilded Æ Medallion. Rome, AD 287. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, radiate, and mantled bust left, holding eagle-tipped sceptre / VICTORIA AVGG, two Victory’s attatching shield to plam tree between them. Unpublished in the standard references. 14.22g, 27mm, 1h. Good Very Fine; much of the original gold plating remaining. Unique.

5,000

Ex A. Tkalec, 8 September 2008, lot 380. Struck in AD 287, this coin commemorates the co-consulship of Diocletian and Maximian. The joint consulship was essentially a required formality, since Maximian had been elevated from the rank of Caesar to that of Augustus the year before by Diocletian in order to assist in better governing the empire and responding to military threats (and in particular to deal with the rebel Carausius on an equal footing, Carausius having proclaimed himself Augustus when he caused the secession of Britain and northern Gaul). However it was also necessary as a public display of unity between the two Augusti, which is also borne out on the coins issued in their names at this time. Despite having been elevated to Caesar in 285, no coinage was struck for Maximian until he had been made co-Augustus in 286. Thereafter the imperial mints struck parallel issues for both emperors. The consulships of Diocletian and Maximian were marked on issues of aurei (rare heavy aurei are attested for both colleagues from the Antioch mint, which are considered ceremonial in nature and perhaps part of a donative) and bronze medallions, which no doubt followed the usual pattern of presentation pieces produced as gifts for court officials, or visiting dignitaries. The obverse of this coin portrays Diocletian in his consular regalia: mantled, and holding a sceptre topped with the Roman imperial eagle. The victory alluded to on the reverse of the coin probably represents the achievements in 285/6 of his right hand man Maximian in mounting successful raids on the Burgundian and Alemanni tribes of the Moselle-Vosges region, the Heruli, and the Chaibones, all of whom he defeated and whose lands he laid waste. Maximian struck deep into their territories, defeating their armies in battle and reducing them through famine and disease. By the winter of 287 he had cleared the Rhinelands of Germanic tribesmen, leading his panegyrist to declare “All that I see beyond the Rhine is Roman.”

241

801. Diocletian AR Argenteus. Rome, circa AD 295-297. DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets; dot in archway, B in exergue. RIC 40a. 3.88g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine. Scarce.

500

The Usurper Domitius Domitianus

802. Domitius Domitianus BI Octadrachm. Alexandria, dated RY 2 = AD 297/8. ΔOMITIANOC CEB, radiate head right / Sarapis standing right, raising right arm, holding sceptre in left; palm frond to left, L B (date) to right. Köln 3367; Dattari (Savio) 10822-3; K&G 126.1. 11.91g, 25mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Attractive desert patina.

3,000

Whilst the dating of the revolt of Domitius Domitianus has been the subject of much debate, the coins issued in his name suggest that he did not control the Alexandrian mint until shortly before his second regnal year (starting 29 August 296). Upon gaining control of the mint, Domitianus revived the local billon which Diocletian had ceased to issue around March 296, while continuing to issue bronze on the imperial standard. Whilst the reasons for this are unknown, it has been suggested by A. Johnson (Lucius Domitius Domitianus Augustus in Classical Philology, Vol. 45, No. 1, 1950) that there was an influential section of Egyptian society who preferred the old familiar billon, while others realised the commercial advantage of the uniform currency introduced by Diocletian. Despite this, Diocletian’s swift and brutal invasion of Egypt put an end to the revolt of Domitianus, marking the end of the Alexandrian system of coinage and that of Roman provincial coinage as a whole. The mint at Alexandria was to be closed shortly after Diocletian regained control of Egypt and imperial currency was made uniform throughout the empire.

803. Galerius, as Caesar, AR Argenteus. Heraclea, AD 295. MAXIMIANVS CAESAR, laureate bust right / VIRTVS MILITVM, four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with six turrets; dot in archway, HΔ in exergue. RIC 8; RSC 220e. 3.58g, 18mm, 11h. Good Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

750

Unique Aureus of Licinius I

804. Licinius I AV Aureus. Thessalonica, circa AD 310. LICINIVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing left, chlamys hanging from left shoulder, holding thunderbolt in right hand and vertical sceptre in left; to left, eagle standing left, holding wreath in beak; Δ in right field, •SM•TS• in exergue. RIC -, cf. 44a (different control letter); cf. Calicó 5121 (this control not noted); cf. Depeyrot 5/2. 5.11g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State; highly lustrous. An apparently unique variety for Licinius I, an unique aureus of Constantine I from Thessolonica, being noted by RIC. 10,000

242

Very Rare Martinian Nummus

805. Martinian Æ Nummus. Nicomedia, AD 324. D N M MARTINIANO P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left, captive on ground to right, X-IIΓ above, eagle to left holding wreath in beak; SMNB in exergue. RIC 46. 2.57g, 21mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

3,000

806. Commemorative Series Æ Medallette(?). Struck under Constantine I. Constantinople, circa AD 330. Eight-rayed star / Laurel wreath with central jewel. RIC -; Ntantalia -; cf. Bendall, Anonymous 6; Vagi -; CNG 103, 880. 1.11g, 15mm. Extremely Fine; attractive desert patina.

300

807. Fausta Æ Nummus. Thessalonica, AD 318-319. FAVSTA N F, draped bust right / Eight-rayed star within wreath with large central jewel at apex. RIC 51; LRBC 824. 2.55g, 20mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine; an uncommonly beautiful example. Rare.

1,500

808. Crispus, as Caesar, Æ Nummus. Treveri 323 AD. [IVL CRISPVS] NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed half-length bust left, with right hand holding horse by bridle, and left hand holding spear over shoulder, shield on left arm / BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, altar inscribed VO-TIS XX in three lines, surmounted by globe; three stars above, [•STR(crescent)] in exergue. RIC -; Triton III, 1202. 3.44g, 18mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine; attractive desert patina. Extremely Rare.

243

500

Unique 1.5 Solidi Multiple of Constans

809.

Constans AV Multiple of 1 1/2 Solidi. Treveri, AD 342-343. FL IVL CONSTANS P F AVG, laurel and rosettediademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA EXERCITVS, emperor standing left in military dress, holding trophy in right hand, left resting on shield set on ground; TR in exergue. RIC -; cf. 120; Gnecchi -; Depeyrot -. 6.71g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

30,000

This previously unpublished multiple, forms part of an extremely rare series issued at Treveri in AD 342/3. It formerly was known from only two unique specimens: one issued in the name of Constantius II (in Bonn) and one other in the name of Constans (in Berlin, with different obverse legend). Following the death of Constantine II in 340 after a botched invasion of his brother Constans’ Italian territories, Constans inherited all of the western territories: Hispania, Britannia and Gaul, as well as the African provinces, which his elder malcontent brother had been so dissatisfied with. Assuming his dead brother’s duties, in 341/2 Constans led a victorious campaign against the Franks, and in the early months of 343 he crossed to Britain, for which visit our source Julius Firmicus Maternus does not provide a reason, but it has been suggested that this was to repel an invasion by the Picts (Ammianus 20.1.1). The mint at Treveri, now under Constans’ control had not struck any multiples under Constantine II. Thought not securely datable, it seems probable that this extremely rare multiple solidi series honouring the two remaining Augusti (and now according Constans the laurel and rosette diadem denied him by his brother) was struck in a celebratory first issue. This year also coincided with Constans’ decennalia, for which a very rare gold and silver issue is known. Interestingly the Treveri mint (an important centre of coinage production in the West) appears to have struck no billon coinage from the point at which it came under Constans’ control until about 347/8. Though his reign began promisingly with a righteous victory over his covetous and aggressive brother Constantine II, and victories against the Franks and (possibly) Picts, Constans appears to have quickly slipped into less virtuous ways. The historian Eutropius tells us that “when he fell prey to ill-health and associated with rather depraved friends he turned to serious vices, and when he became intolerable to the provincials and unpopular with the soldiers he was killed by Magnentius’ faction.”

244

245

810. Constantius II AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 337-340. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA DD NN AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding trophy in right hand and palm branch in left; TES in exergue. RIC 26; C. 261; Depeyrot 4/2 (misdescribed). 4.70g, 21mm, 5h. Near Mint State.

2,000

811. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, laurel and rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis, seated left on right, supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX; SMANZ in exergue. RIC 84; Depeyrot 6/4. 4.40g, 22mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

1,000

812. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, laurel and rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis, seated left on right, supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX; SMANI in exergue. RIC 84; Depeyrot 6/4. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

Ex MPM Collection.

813. Constantius II AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 347-355. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REIPVBLICAE, Roma, seated facing on left, and Constantinopolis, seated left on right, supporting round shield inscribed VOT XX MVLT XXX in four lines; SMANE in exergue. RIC 83; Depeyrot 6/3. 4.51g, 21mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine.

246

1,500

Very Rare Miliarense

814. Constantius II AR Miliarense. Aquileia, AD 352-355. DN CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / FELICITAS ROMANORVM, Constantius II and Constantius Gallus standing facing under an arch supported by two spiralled columns, wearing military attire and chlamys, their heads turned towards one another, each holding a spear in right hand; AQ in exergue. RIC 182; C. 73. Paolucci and Zub, La monetazione di Aquileia Romana (2000), 454. 4.16g, 23mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful old tone. Very Rare.

3,000

Ex Hess-Divo 321, 25 October 2012, lot 314; Ex Chippenham Hoard.

815. Julian II Æ Maiorina. Lugdunum, AD 360-363. D N FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS REI PVB, bull standing right; two stars above, LVGDOFFS in exergue. RIC 236; LRBC 268. 9.03g, 28mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

300

Julian II ‘Medallion’ or Solidus Weight

816. Julian II Æ ‘Medallion’ or solidus weight. Antioch, AD 361-363. FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / IVSTITIA, Justitia standing right, holding scales in right hand and scroll(?) in left; ANT in exergue. RIC -; C. -; Gnecchi -. 4.30g, 22mm, 11h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unique and unpublished.

1,500

This highly interesting piece may have been distributed as a commemorative medallion or as part of an issue of largesse, however the reverse type is not particularly indicative of the latter. It does however bear remarkable similarity to the exagium solidi issues some four decades later, which portray Moneta standing with scales and cornucopiae, and its weight is consistent with the lighter end of Julian’s solidi.

817. Valentinian I AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 364-367. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum inscribed with a Christogram and Victory on globe; TR• in exergue. RIC 1a; Depeyrot 22/1. 4.40g, 22mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

247

1,500

818. Valentinian I AV Solidus. Antioch, late AD 366-367. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum inscribed with Christogram and Victory on globe; ANTB in exergue. RIC 2a.ii. var. (officina not listed); Depeyrot 27/2. 4.55g, 21mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

300

819. Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 364-367. D N VALENS PERF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum inscribed with Christogram and Victory on globe; cross in left field, *ANTS* in exergue. RIC 2d.xxxvii.3; Depeyrot 20/2. 4.50g, 22mm, 5h. Near Extremely Fine; light marks in rev. field.

500

820. Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, late AD 366-367. D N VALENS PERF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum inscribed with Christogram and crowning Victory on globe; ANTΘ• in exergue. RIC 2d.xviii var. (unlisted officina); Depeyrot 27/3. 4.47g, 21mm, 12hC Extremely Fine.

750

821. Valens AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 367-375. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed and draped bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head right, holding labarum inscribed with Christogram and Victory on globe; SMTR in exergue. RIC 14b. 4.38g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Lustrous surfaces.

2,500

822. Valens AV Solidus. Treveri, AD 367-375. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Valens and Valentinian I seated facing on throne, holding globe between them; palm between legs, figure of Victory with wings spread above; TROBC in exergue. RIC 17c; C. 53; Depeyrot 43/2. 4.53g, 21mm, 1h. Extremely Fine.

248

750

823. Valens AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 367. D N VALENS P F AVG, laurel and rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, emperor standing left, head facing, holding labarum inscribed with Christogram and Victory on globe; CONS(wreath) in exergue. RIC 25(b); Depeyrot 21/2. 4.43g, 22mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Superb portrait, well framed within a full border. Lustrous metal.

3,000

824. Valens AV Solidus. Nicomedia, AD 368. D N VALENS AVG, diademed bust left, wearing imperial mantle (trabea) and holding short sceptre in left hand, mappa in raised right hand / VOTA PVBLICA, the two emperor nimbate and wearing imperial mantle, seated facing on throne, holding short sceptre and mappa; SNÎ&#x2DC; and two captives, kneeling and facing each other in exergue. RIC 16c; C. 86; Depeyrot 19/3; Bastien, Donativa 96a and note 1. 4.44g, 22mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. A beautiful and historical issue. Very Rare.

3,500

This beautiful coin was a donativum struck for the celebration of the 2nd Consulate of Valentinian I and Valens, January 368.

825. Valens AR Siliqua. Siscia, AD 375-378. D N VALENS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOT XV MVLT XX in four lines; all within wreath with jewel at apex, SISCPS in exergue. RIC 19a.1; RSC 98c. 2.08g, 18mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

200

826. Gratian AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 382-383. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA AVGGG, Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing, head right, right foot on prow, holding sceptre in left hand, globe in right, lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heads on throne; CONOB in exergue. RIC 44a; Depeyrot 33/1. 4.47g, 22mm, 12h. Mint State.

249

1,000

827. Gratian AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 382-383. D N GRATIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA AVGGG Є, Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, head right, with right foot on prow, holding sceptre in right hand and globe in extended left; CONOB in exergue. RIC 45a; Depeyrot 32/1. 4.21g, 20mm, 12h. Extremely Fine.

750

828. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 379. D N VALENTINIANVS IVN P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Valentinian II and Gratian enthroned facing holding a globe between them, Victory facing above throne with wings spread; palm frond between, TESOB• in exergue. RIC 34e; Depeyrot 35/4; Biaggi -. 4.42g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,500

Third Known Example

829. Valentinian II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 380. D N VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA AVGGG•, turreted figure of Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, with head to right and foot on prow, holding globe and sceptre. RIC -; Depeyrot 30, note; N. Dürr and P. Bastien, Trésor de Solidi (353-388), SNG 63, p. 225, 92; Nomos 1, 173. 4.49g; 20mm, 12h. Near Mint State. Extremely Rare - the third example known.

3,000

The unbroken legend on this type is a convention that indicates the junior status of the depicted emperor. Valentinian II was only nine years old in AD 380, and was therefore not accorded the honour of a legend with breaks.

Extremely Rare Solidus of Theodosius

830. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 379. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA REIPVB, Theodosius I and Gratian enthroned facing, holding a globe between them, Victory above facing with wings spread, crowning them with laurel wreathes; TESOB in exergue. RIC 33b var. (emperors holding mappa); Depeyrot 33/2 var. (same); DO -. 4.25g, 20mm, 5h. Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare, known to Depeyrot by only two examples for Gratian and two for Theodosius I. Only one example is represented on CoinArchives. 1,000 This was evidently a very short-lived issue, and the reverse legend appears to have been swiftly supplanted by VICTORIA AVGG, and Victory was now shown hovering between the two emperors, no longer holding wreaths above their heads.

250

831. Theodosius I AV Solidus. Thessalonica, AD 379. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Theodosius and Gratian seated facing on throne, holding globe between them; palm between legs, figure of Victory with wings spread above, TESOB in exergue. RIC 34c; Depeyrot 34/3. 4.23g, 20mm, 11h. Near Mint State; minor scuff on obv.

750

832. Magnus Maximus AR Siliqua. Treveri, AD 383-388. D N MAG MAXIMVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS ROMANORVM, Roma enthroned facing, head left, holding globe and spear; TRPS in exergue. RIC 84b; RSC 20a. 1.86g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Beautiful iridescent tones.

200

833. Arcadius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 388-392. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / CONCORDIA AVGGG Δ, Constantinopolis, turreted, seated facing, head right, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT V MVL X; CONOB in exergue. RIC 70c.2; Depeyrot 46/3. 4.45g, 12mm, 5h. Mint State.

1,000

834. Arcadius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 397-402. D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust three-quarters facing, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / CONCORDIA AVGG Z, Constantinopolis, helmeted, seated facing, head left, holding Victory on globe and spear; CONOB in exergue. RIC 7; Depeyrot 55/1. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin.

1,000

835. Honorius Æ Exagium Solidi Weight. AD 393-423. D N HONORIVS AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; all within square beaded border / EXAGIVM SOLIDI, Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae; all within square beaded border. Bendall, Byzantine Weights, p. 17, 5; Sabatier 3; NGSA 5, 3 December 2008, 322. 4.24g, 16mm, 12h. Near Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

251

1,250

836. Honorius AV Solidus. Mediolanum, AD 394-395. D N HONORIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Emperor standing right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, treading on captive to right; M-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. Depeyrot 16/2; RIC IX 35c; cf. RIC X 1206a. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

750

837. Honorius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 397-402. DN HONORIVS P F AVG, helmeted bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / CONCORDIA AVGG I, Constantinopolis seated facing, head to right, placing right foot on prow and holding sceptre and Victory on globe; CONOB in exergue. RIC 8, officina I=10; Depeyrot 55/2, p. 246 (23 specimens from officina 10); Hahn 13g; C. 3. 4.46g, 19mm, 12h. Good Extremely Fine, some minor surface marks. Rare.

1,500

Constantine III

838. Constantine III AV Solidus. Lugdunum, AD 408-409. D N CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AAAVGGGG, Emperor standing right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, treading on captive to right; L-D across fields, COMOB in exergue. RIC 1506, Depeyrot 20/3. 4.45g, 21mm, 12h. Mint State.

5,000

839. Theodosius II AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 441-450. D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / IMP XXXXII COS XV•II•P•P (sic), Constantinopolis enthroned left with shield behind, holding globus cruciger and sceptre; foot on prow, star in left field, COIIOB in exergue. RIC 319 var. (placements of punctuation); Gorny & Mosch 233, 2754 corr. (same reverse die); Depeyrot 84/1. 4.40g, 21mm, 6h. Mint State.

252

600

840. Aelia Pulcheria AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 414. AEL PVLCHERIA AVG, diademed and draped bust right, wearing necklace and earrings, and being crowned by the Hand of God / SALVS REI PVBLICAE, Victory seated right on cuirass, supporting on her left knee a shield inscribed with Christogram, shield behind cuirass; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 205; MIRB 14; LRC 436 var. (no shield behind cuirass); Depeyrot 60/1. 4.44g, 22mm, 5h. Good Very Fine.

3,000

841. Aelia Pulcheria AV Tremissis. Constantinople, AD 414-420. AEL PVLCHERIA AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Latin cross pattĂŠe within wreath with jewel at apex; CONOB* in exergue. RIC 214; Depeyrot 72/4. 1.50g, 14mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin. Rare.

2,000

842. Valentinian III AR Half Siliqua. Ravenna, AD 425-455. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; RV in exergue. RIC 2085; Ranieri 111-2; RSC 11b. 0.89g, 14mm, 12h. Extremely Fine; exceptional for the issue. Very Rare.

1,000

843. Valentinian III AV Solidus. Rome, AD 440-455. D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVGGG, Valentinian standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and Victory on globe in left, foot on head of human-headed coiled serpent; R-M across fields, CONOB in exergue. RIC 2014; Lacam 12; Depeyrot 46/1; DOCLR 849-50; Biaggi -. 4.50g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

1,000

844. Marcian AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 450. D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield decorated with horseman / VICTORIA AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 507; Depeyrot 87/1. 4.42g, 21mm, 5h. Extremely Fine. Very Rare.

253

750

Extremely Rare Marcian Siliqua

845. Marcian AR Siliqua. Constantinople, AD 450-457. D N MARCIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / SAL REI- PUI (sic) in three lines within wreath with jewel at apex; CONS* in exergue. RIC 529 and 532; RSC 10Da. 2.07g, 19mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.

500

846. Leo I AV Solidus. Constantinople, circa AD 465-466. D N LEO PERPET AVG, helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust three quarters facing, holding spear over right shoulder and shield, decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Γ, Victory standing left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. RIC 605; MIRB 3b; LRC 527; Depeyrot 93/1. 4.32g, 20mm, 5h. Good Very Fine; Θ graffito in obv. field.

300

An Unpublished Zeno Nummus

847. Zeno Æ Nummus. Constantinople, AD 476-491. D N ZENO PVG (sic), helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust of Roma right / ZENO, the emperor standing facing atop slain enemy, holding long cross and globe. Apparently unpublished in the standard references. 1.45g, 15mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Apparently unpublished, and possibly unique.

500

COINS OF THE MIGRATION PERIOD

848. The Gepids, Pseudo-imperial coinage AR Quarter Siliqua. In the name of Anastasius. Sirmium, circa AD 520-540. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / A INVICTA RVMAN, monogram of Theoderic; cross above and star beneath. Kraus 63-64 (Theoderic); MIB I, 46 var. (Theoderic); MEC I, -; Demo 75 var. (Theoderic); Metlich -, cf. p. 43, fig. 22 (Theoderic). 0.86g, 15mm, 2h. Extremely Fine.

200

849. Visigoths, Spain. Witteric AV Tremissis. Emerita (Mérida), AD 603-609. + VVITTERICYS RE+, facing bust / + EMERE T Λ PIV(horizontal S), facing bust. CNV 175.8; MV 193b; Miles, Visigoths 143a; MEC 1, 227. 1.48g, 18mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Minor flatness, otherwise sharply struck and well centred. Very Rare.

254

1,000

850. Visigoths, Spain. Gundemar AV Tremissis. Ispali (Seville), AD 610-612. +GVNDEMARVS RE, facing bust / + ISPALI PIVS, facing bust. Spink 15006, 2015, lot 344 (same dies); MEC I, -; cf. CNV 190.5. 1.44g, 19mm, 6h. As Struck. Lightly toned. An exquisite example of this very rare type.

2,000

851. Visigoths, Spain. Swinthila AV Tremissis. Cordoba, AD 621-631. + SVINTHIIIΛ RE, facing bust / + CORDOBΛ PIVS ( S in retrograde), facing bust. MEC I, -; cf. MEC I, 236; cf. Miles 226(c) var. 1.40g, 19mm, 7h. Near Extremely Fine. Minor flatness. Lustrous metal.

750

852. Visigoths, Spain. Egica and Wittiza AV Tremissis. Toleto (Toledo), AD 687-702. +INDINNEGICAR, cruciform sceptre between two confronted busts / +VVITTIZAR, monogram of TOLETO. Cf. MEC I, 281-283. 1.27g, 20mm, 6h. Almost as Struck. Three minor flan breaks. Very sharp strike, excellent detail. Toned.

300

COINS OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

853. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with cavalryman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG B, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by Christogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.23g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slight wave in flan.

300

854. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with cavalryman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG I, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by Christogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.41g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; slight crease in flan.

255

300

855. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with cavalryman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG A, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 7a; MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.47g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

856. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with cavalryman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG A, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Slightly wavy flan.

300

857. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with cavalryman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG S, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

858. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with cavalryman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Є, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.48g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

500

859. Anastasius I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 498-518. D N ANASTASIVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with cavalryman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Δ, Victory standing left, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram; star in left field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 7; Sear 5. 4.41g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

256

750

860. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 518-527. D N IVSTINVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif; spear in right hand over shoulder / VICTORIA AVGGG A, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 2a; MIBE 3; Sear 56. 4.34g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. A few minor marks.

300

861. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 518-527. D N IVSTINVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, sholding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG B, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 2; MIBE 3; Sear 56. 4.45g, 20mm, 7h. Extremely Fine. Well centred.

500

862. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 518-527. D N IVSTINVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Z, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 2g; MIBE 3; Sear 56. 4.49g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; very slight bend in flan.

500

863. Justin I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 518-527. D N IVSTINVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG Î&#x201C;, angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 2c; MIBE 3; Sear 56. 4.35g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

500

864. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 527-538. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG (uncertain officina), angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 3a; MIBE 5; Sear 137. 4.43g, 21mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Mint lustre.

257

500

865. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 527-538. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG B, angel standing facing holding long cross in right hand, globus cruciger in left hand; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. MIBE 5; Sear 137. 4.45g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine. Mint lustre.

500

866. Justinian I AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 538-545. D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGGG A, angel standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC 8d; MIBE 61; Sear 139. 4.44g, 22mm, 5h. Good Extremely Fine. Unusual style.

500

867. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. D N MAVRC TIb P P AV, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGG I, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. DOC 5j; MIB 6; Sear 478. 4.55g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

300

868. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. D N MAVRC TIb P P AVG, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGG E, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. DOC 5e; MIBE 6; Sear 478. 4.47g, 21mm, 6h. Extremely Fine; slight crease in flan.

300

869. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. D N MAVRC TIb P P AV, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGG H, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. DOC 5h; MIBE 6; Sear 478. 4.37g, 23mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine.

258

300

870. Maurice Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 583-602. D N MAVRC TIb P P AVG, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGG E, angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; CONOB in exergue. DOC 5e; MIBE 6; Sear 478. 4.47g, 21mm, 7h. Near Mint State.

500

871. Phocas AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 604-607. dN FOCAS PERP AVG, crowned and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger; star to right / VICTORIA AVGG Θ, angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by staurogram and globus cruciger; star in right field, CONOB in exergue. DOC -; MIBE 14; Sear 624. 4.27g, 23mm, 6h. Near Mint State; area of metal impurity. Rare.

450

872. Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas AV Solidus. Constantinople, dated IY 10 = AD 636/7. Crowned figures of Heraclonas, Heraclius, and Heraclius Constantine standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; cross above left / VICTORIA AVGЧ B, cross potent on three steps; monogram to left, I (date) to right, CONOB in exergue. DOC 36; Sear 761. 4.44g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

250

873. Constans II, with Constantine IV, Heraclius, and Tiberius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 661-663. DN C AN (sic), crowned and draped facing busts of Constans, wearing plumed helmet, and Constantine; cross above / VICTORIA AVGЧS, cross potent on three steps; Heraclius and Tiberius, each holding globus cruciger, standing facing to either side; CONOB in exergue. DOC 30e; MIB 31; Sear 964. 4.39g, 20mm, 6h. Near Extremely Fine.

259

300

874. Constantine IV AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 681-685. P CONSƮANVS P P A, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield / VICTORA AVGV E, cross potent on three steps, CONOBA in exergue. DOC 15; MIB 11; Sear 1158. 4.32g, 19mm, 6h. Mint State.

1,500

875. Leontius AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 695-698. D LЄON PЄ AV, crowned bust facing, wearing loros, holding mappa and globus cruciger / VICTORIA AVGЧ HA, cross potent set on three steps; CONOB in exergue. Sear 1331; DOC 2; MIB 2. 4.28g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

1,250

876. Tiberius III Apsimar AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 698-705. D TIBERIVS PE AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, with short beard, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif / VICTORIA AVGЧ I, cross potent on three steps, CONOB in exergue. Sear 1360; DOC 1i; MIB 1. 4.31g, 20mm, 6h. Near Mint State.

1,000

877. Justinian II AV Solidus. Second reign. Constantinople, AD 705-711. d N IhS ChS RЄX RЄGNANTIUM, facing bust of Christ, with curled hair and short beard, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding codex in left hand; cross behind head / D N IUSTINIANUS ЄT TIbЄRIUS P P A’, crowned half-length figures of Justinian, on left, and smaller figure of his son Tiberius, on right, both wearing divitision and chlamys, jointly holding with their right hands a cross potent on two steps. DOC 2a; MIB 2a; Sear 1414. 4.32g, 20mm, 6h. Extremely Fine.

260

1,500

Michael III, Theodora and Thecla

878.

Michael III, with Theodora and Thecla, AV Solidus. Constantinople, AD 842-850. +ΘEOdORA dESPVn’ A, facing bust of Theodora, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, and holding cruciform sceptre and globus surmounted by patriarchal cross / •mIXAHLS ӨЄCLA, facing busts of Thecla on left, wearing crown with pendilia and loros and holding patriarchal cross, and Michael on right, wearing crown and chlamys and holding globus cruciger. DOC 1; Füeg 1 (these dies not listed); Sear 1686. 4.51g, 21mm, 6h. Near Mint State; light edge bruise at 1 o’clock (rev), and traces of overstriking, as expected for this issue. Uncommonly refined style for the type, which is normally characterised by crude and cartoonish engraving. 10,000 Born in AD 840, Michael III assumed the throne at the age of three following the unexpected death of his father Theophilus. His mother Theodora governed as regent during his infancy, apparently along with her daughter Thecla (Michael’s oldest surviving sister), who seems to have been entitled to share in the regency since she is portrayed on the coinage and named on official government documents of the period. On this type the domination of Theodora and Thecla can be clearly seen in how the emperor himself is belittled as a lesser figure in the depiction. Theodora’s desire for power reportedly led her to restrict Michael’s education in order to make him less fit for the throne and more malleable in her grasp. However, as the boy grew up he developed a close bond with his wily uncle Bardas, and in 856, aged fourteen, Michael consented for Bardas to overthrow the regency, having murdered Theodora’s most trusted minister the year before. Theodora and her daughters, including Thecla, were banished to a nunnery by the new sole ruler. Michael went on to be a successful military leader against the Arabs and the Slavs. Under his rule many ruined cities were rebuilt, monasteries were reopened and the imperial university was rejuvenated. Michael invaded Bulgaria, and adopted its ruler Boris I, and through the said monarch’s baptism replaced Tengrism with Christianity in that area. The conversion of the Bulgarians has been evaluated as one of the greatest cultural and political achievements of the Byzantine Empire. Despite these successes Michael had failed to produce any offspring with his wife Eudocia. Their marriage was not a particularly happy one, and Michael was instead enamoured by his mistress named Ingerina. In order to avoid any scandal by wedding her, he joined Ingerina with his favourite courtesan Basil in matrimony. He continued his relationship with her, and in order to maintain positive relations with Basil, brought his sister Thecla back from the nunnery and gave her to his friend as an offering. Ingerina bore a son named Leo, much to the joy of Michael, although to this day it is uncertain who the father of the future ruler of the empire was. Basil gained increasing influence over Michael, and in April 866 he convinced the emperor that the Caesar Bardas was conspiring against him, and so was duly allowed to murder Bardas. Now without serious rivals, Basil was crowned co-emperor on 26 May 866. Basil soon became wary of an intimate relationship Michael was forging with a new courtier named Basiliskianos, and conspired to put an end to it. Accompanied by some close relatives and friends, he brutally murdered Michael as he lay insensible with drink following a banquet. The unsavoury reputation of Michael as a spineless drunk was partially created by Byzantine authors operating under Basil and his successors in order to legitimise the new emperor’s vicious act of homicide. Indeed, some Arab accounts describe him as a strong and capable military leader, and his reign was in fact beneficialin many ways, particularly in stabilising the internal state of the empire.

261

879. Constantine VII, with Romanus II, AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 955-959. + IҺS XPS REX REGNANTIVM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / CONSTANT CE ROMAN’ AVGG Ь R, crowned facing busts of Constantine VII on left, wearing loros, and Romanus II on right, wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 15; Sear 1751. 4.47g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine. Well struck in high relief.

1,000

880. Constantine VII, with Romanus II, AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 955-959. + IҺS XPS REX REGNANTIVM, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / CONSTANT CE ROMAN’ AVGG b R, crowned facing busts of Constantine VII on left, wearing loros, and Romanus II on right, wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 15; Sear 1751. 4.37g, 30mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

300

881. Romanus III AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1028-1034. +IhS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTINM, Christ enthroned facing, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in left / ΘCЄ bOHΘ RWMANW, the Virgin, nimbate on right, and Romanus, bearded to 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 hand; MΘ between their heads. DOC 1; Sear 1819. 4.34g, 23mm, 6h. Good Very Fine.

262

500

263

Spectacular Michael VI Histamenon Nomisma

882.

Michael VI Stratioticus AV Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople, AD 1056-1057. + IhS XIS REX REGNANTIhm, facing bust of Christ Pantokrator / + mIXA HL AVTOCRAT, Michael standing facing on left, wearing crown with pendilia and jewelled chlamys, holding globus cruciger, and being crowned by the Theotokos standing facing on right, wearing nimbus crown, pallium and maphorium; barred MӨ between. DOC 1a; Sear 1840; Berk 310. 4.39g, 25mm, 6h. Fleur De Coin; one of the finest known examples. Extremely Rare.

20,000

Michael’s reign was short. The elderly patrician was chosen as heir by the Empress Theodora on her deathbed in early September 1056. Having been military finance minister (hence the epithet Stratioticus), and apparently a relative of the powerful courtier Joseph Bringas (who had been influential during the reign of Romanovs II), he was recommended to Theodora for the position. His appointment ended the 189 year long Macedonian Dynasty that had begun with Basil I. Although Michael was able to survive an early conspiracy organised by a nephew of the former emperor Constantine IX Monomachos, Michael faced the disaffection of the military aristocracy, which he further alienated by ignoring the perceived rights of the general Nikephoros Bryennios. Thus putting himself at odds with this still powerful element of society, when Nikephoros was arrested for plotting to overthrow the emperor the military aristocracy rallied around a general named Isaac Komnenos, who was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Paphlagonia on 8 June 1057. On 26 August 1057, Michael’s army was routed at the Battle of Petroe near Nicaea, leaving nothing between Isaac and Constantinople. Michael attempted to negotiate by offering Isaac the position of Caesar, and so the position of heir to the empire. During the negotiations riots erupted in the city in favour of Isaac, and the Patriarch of Constantinople convinced Michael to abdicate. Following the Patriarch’s advice, Michael lived out the rest of his days as a monk, and retired to his private home, dying there in or around 1059.

264

265

883. Byzantine Empire Ӕ Two Nomismata Coin Weight. Circa 4th-6th Century. Georgios, magistrate. Silver inlaid design of cruciform monogram: Γεοργιος; a cross in each of the upper fields, N°-B across lower fields, all within circular ornate design, corner border around / Blank. For similar square weights, cf. S. Bendall, Byzantine Weights, An Introduction, London 1996, 82-110. 8.79g, 14mm x 14mm x 8mm. An attractive square coin weight with an exceptionally well-preserved silver inlay design and unusual edge of three tiers.

200

Remarkable Jewish-Byzantine Weight

884. Byzantine Empire Æ Three Unciae Commercial Weight. Circa 5th-7th Century AD. Γ° Γ; menorah above, all within wreath divided by four annulets; circular border containing annulets / Blank. Cf. Bendall 116. 74.62g, 38mm, 9mm thick. An attractive circular commercial weight with a pleasing patina. Recessed top, two grooves around the edge.

5,000

Engraved on this remarkable Jewish-Byzantine three-unciae official imperial weight, in the typical ‘angular chisel’ technique often favoured in this period, is with what Christians at the time would have considered a blasphemous image replacing the usual Christian Holy Cross. It was conceivably engraved at the time of the Byzantine-Sasanian War of 602-628 CE, when many disgruntled Jews sided against the Byzantines in the Jewish revolt against Heraclius, which successfully assisted the invading Persians led by Khosru II in conquering the Byzantine Empire’s richest provinces in the Diocese of the East: Antioch in 611, Jerusalem in 614, Alexandria in 619 and the rest of Egypt by 621. Most of the Byzantine mints closed at this time, with the exception of that of the second city of the empire, Alexandria, which continued to produce imperial standard bronze coin denominations in the form of 12, 6, 3 and 1 nummi, without imperial titles, but with the characteristic Persian symbols of the sun and moon (cf. MIB 202, 211, 214 and 215). Another possible period for this Jewish-Byzantine weight might be after the death of Muhammad in 632 and the rise of the first Caliph Abu Bakr, who set in motion a military expansion that in a few short decades overwhelmed the whole the Levant, starting with the province of Syria in 634, the Exarchate of Africa in 686 and Visigothic Spain by 712-716. The new Islamic authorities in Syria, North Africa and Spain continued the Byzantine monetary system by issuing what we call Arab-Byzantine coins, until they were gradually replaced by the Umayyad Post-Reform coinage starting in 696/7 (77H) with its own well recorded weights and measures (cf. G. Bernardi, ‘Umayyad Caliphate Globular Coins’ in Arabic Gold Coins I, Trieste 2010, pp. 101-104 and S. Album, Checklist of Islamic Coins, Santa Rosa 2011, 115-124). These Muslim invaders were seen as a liberating force by the long suffering Jewish population within the Christian empire. Eager to aid the Arab invaders in administering the newly conquered territories many towns and garrisons were left in the hands of the Jews while the invaders proceeded further west and north. The destruction of the Second Temple by Titus in 70 CE and the subsequent triumphal procession in Rome was a momentous event celebrated by many coin issues over several years and the erection of a triumphal arch in the Forum. The renowned Arch of Titus depicts Roman soldiers carrying away the spoils of the Second Temple, in particular, the seven-branched menorah, or candelabrum. The menorah was then deposited in the temple of Pax, where it remained until it was looted by the Vandals in 455 and taken to their capital, Carthage. After the fall of Carthage in 533 to the Byzantine general Belisarius the menorah was removed to Constantinople and later sent to Jerusalem (Prociopius, Vandal Wars IV.9.5). There exists no record of it after this and it was probably destroyed when Jerusalem was sacked by the Sasanian Persians in 614, when the Holy Cross was carried off to Ctesiphon. After the destruction of Jerusalem at the end of the Bar Kokhba War in 135, the menorah had become the iconic symbol of the Jewish Diaspora and the festival of Sukkot. In a religiously tolerant pagan Roman Empire the menorah image was placed prominently on signet rings, lamps, and amulets and even appears in the roundels of prestigious Roman gold glass cups, along with other Jewish symbols. With Constantine I the empire became Christian, and under the Theodosian Code of 404 Jews were excluded from certain governmental posts and by 425 all public offices, both civilian and military - a prohibition that was repeated under the Justinian Code of 545. Although the Justinian Code remained in force in the Eastern Empire until the ninth century, the period following Justinian’s reign was generally characterised by tolerance of non-Christians, particularly the Jews. However, the Jewish revolt against Heraclius provoked severe anti-Jewish measures to be enacted throughout the empire and applied as far away as Byzantine North Africa, Merovingian France and Visigothic Spain, the alleged provenance of this weight. The first Visigothic rulers of Spain were not much interested in the religious affairs of the kingdom until 506, when Alaric II (484–507) published his Breviarium Alaricianum or Lex Romana Visigothorum, which adopted the laws Byzantium. Following the conversion of the Visigothic royal family under Recared from Arianism to Catholicism in 587, the situation became far worse for Jews, now subject to forced conversion, resulting in the utter embitterment and alienation of Spanish Catholic rule by the time of the Muslim invasion in 711. Under Muslim rule Jews experienced tolerance and integration and given the status of dhimmi, by which they remained second class citizens, but were accorded many rights and protections as a “people of the book’.

266

MEDIEVAL AND MODERN COINS AUSTRIA

885. Austria, Archduke Karl II (1564-1590) AR Reichstaler. Graz, 1574. +CAROLVS D G ARCHIDVX AVSTRÆ, crowned and armoured half figure of Karl II right, holding sceptre / DVX BVRGVNDIAE STYRIÆ Z C 1574, fire spiting panther rampant to left. Davenport 8122; Hahn 17a, Voglh. 78/ II. Good Very Fine; sound metal. Very Rare.

CHILE

2,000

Scarce ‘Admiral’s Bust’ of Ferdinand VII

886. Chile, Colonial, Ferdinand VII (King of Spain, 1808-1833) AR 8 Reales. Santiago de Chile, 1811 So-FJ. Francisco Rodriguez Brochero and Jose Maria de Bobadilla, assayers. •FERDIN•VII•DEI•GRATIA•, laureate bust right, wearing Admiral’s Frock Coat, 1811 below / •HISPAN•ET•IND•REX•SO•8R•F•J•, crowned coat-of-arms flanked by composite columns with encircling banner. ME 15846; KM 75. 27.03g, 41mm, 12h. Good Very Fine. Sharply struck, has seen light circulation. Pleasing light cabinet tone with golden iridescence over lustrous metal.

800

Following the abdication of his father Charles IV of Spain after an uprising against him, Ferdinand VII ascended the throne on the 19 March 1808 and promptly turned to the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte for support, a mistake that resulted in his own abdication less than two months later. Napoleon installed his brother Joseph as king of Spain, a choice which proved unpopular with the Spanish people who organised juntas across the kingdom and colonies in opposition to the new French king. Although Ferdinand did not officially become king again until 11 December 1813, throughout the period of his abdication Spain fought for her independence in the Peninsular War, the juntas minting coinage in his name. The bust on the present piece is one of the ‘Imaginary Busts’ created by the assayers of the colonial mints in the absence of dies showing his true image, and presents Ferdinand laureate and wearing an Admiral’s Frock Coat. Used only on 8 Reales of 1808-1811, 2 Reales of 1810 and 1811, and gold 8 Escudos of 1808-1811 the ‘Admiral’s Bust’ is an interesting and unusual rarity rooted in colonial history.

GREAT BRITAIN Exceptional Penny of Aethelred II

887. Great Britain. Aethelred II (978-1016) AR Penny. Winchester, circa AD 997-1003. Moneyer Beorhtnoth. Bare-headed bust left / + BУRHTNOÐ M•ΩO PIN, long cross, voided with pellet in centre, each limb terminating in three crescents. SCBI 7 (Copenhagen), 1372; Hild. 4169; BMC 375; North 774; SCBC 1151. 1.72g, 20mm, 10h. Good Extremely Fine.

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1,500

Magnificent Gold Seal of Carlo d’Angiò

888.

Carlo d’Angiò, as king of Jerusalem and Sicily, duke of Apulia, count of Provence, Achaea, Forcalquer and Piamonte (from 1277-1285) AV Seal. * KAROL : TT REX : IERL : 7 : SICI : DVCAT : APVLIE :, Charles enthroned holding cross on globe and sceptre / +PVNCIE : 7 : ACHAEA 7 FORCALQUER… 7T: PEDIMONT : COMES, Arms of France and Jerusalem. Unpublished in the standard references, for another gold seal cf. P. Sella, Inventari dell’archivio segreto Vaticano: Le bolle d’oro, Vaticano 1934, 10 = A. Martini, I sigilli d’oro - The gold seals of the Vatican Secret Archives, Milano 1984, 11a-b. 17.19g, 49mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Unique and of considerable historic significance.

30,000

From the collection of Gianfranco Galfetti; Privately purchased from Kunst und Münzen, Lugano in 1963. Charles of Anjou, founder of the Angevin dynasty in Naples, was the youngest son of Louis VIII and brother of King Louis IX of France. He took part in Louis IX’s crusades to Egypt in 1248 and Tunisia in 1270. After obtaining Provence by marriage in 1246, which extended his influence into Piedmont, he became senator of Rome (1263, 1265–78) and undertook to champion the papal cause against Manfred, the Hohenstaufen who had usurped the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily in 1258. In reward, he was crowned king of Naples and Sicily in 1266 by Pope Clement IV, which he had already received as a papal grant in 1262. Charles defeated and killed Manfred at the Battle of Benevento in 1266 and then defeated and executed the last of the Hohenstaufen line, Conradin, later that year. As leader of the Guelphs, or papal faction, he gained political hegemony in Italy and won suzerainty over several cities in Tuscany, Piedmont, and Lombardy, but his overbearing policies led to a cooling of his relations with the papacy. Planning to establish his own empire, he allied himself with the deposed Latin ruler of Constantinople, Baldwin II, against Greek Michael VIII and fought for years in the Balkans. Corfu, Epirus, and Albania were taken. On 18 March 1277, he bought the claim and assumed the title of King of Jerusalem, sending Roger of San Severino as his bailli to Acre. There Roger ousted Balian of Arsuf (Balian of Ibelin), the bailli of Hugh III, and compelled the nobles to swear fealty. In the meantime, Gregory had been succeeded by Pope Innocent V, who arranged a peace between Charles and the Genoese. The crushing taxes necessitated by his wars and his appointment of oppressive French officials to exact them led to the Sicilian Vespers in 1282. The ensuing war against the Sicilian rebels and Peter III of Aragón, chosen by the rebels as king of Sicily, continued after his death in Foggia in 1285 under Charles’s son and successor, Charles II, then a prisoner in Catalonia, so the regency passed to his French cousin Robert II of Artois, son of the younger brother of St Louis.

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269

ITALY Beautiful Medieval Gilt Appliqué

889. Medallic gilt Æ appliqué. 14th-15th centuries AD. Busts of three condottieri, each wearing a Italian styled celata (sallet) helmet and low necked scaled armour. 32.38g, 60mm. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries the Italian city-states of Milan, Venice, Florence, and Genova were very rich from their trade with the Levant, yet possessed woefully small national armies. In the event that foreign powers and envious neighbours attacked, the ruling nobles hired foreign mercenaries to fight for them. The military-service terms and conditions were stipulated in a condotta (contract) between the city-state and the soldiers (officer and enlisted man), thus, the contracted leader, the mercenary captain commanding, was titled the Condottiere. 1,000 The origin of the sallet seems to have been in Italy where the term celata is first recorded in an inventory of the arms and armour of the Gonzaga family dated to 1407. In essence the earliest sallets were a variant of the bascinet, intended to be worn without an aventail or visor.

890. Italy, Genova, AR Scudo stretto. 1670. *ETREGE*EOS*ISS, the Virgin with Child seated on clouds, countermark: castle / +DVX*ET*GVB*REIP*GEN*, cross potent surrounded by five stars. MIR 294/30; CNI 20/26; Lunardi 260 (note on castle countermark). 38.24g, 43mm, 7h. Extremely Fine.

300

Ex Pipito Collection, Superior Galleries, 12-14 December 1987, lot 242; Purchased from O.B. Winsau in Cleveland, Ohio in 1954.

891. Italy, Genova, AV 96 Lire. 1796. DVX ET GUB - REIP GENU, crowned coat of arms between two griffins / ET REGE EOS 1796, the Virgin in the clouds holding sceptre and Baby in the womb; L. 96 in exergue. MIR 275/4; CNI 2. Friedberg 444. 25.19g, 45mm, 12h. Fleur De Coin. Struck from polished dies. Ex Stack’s, 4-5 March 1988, lot 2110.

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3,500

892. Italy, Genova, AR Scudo stretto. 1680. *ETREGE*EOS*SM, the Virgin with Child seated on clouds / +DVXET*GVB*REIP*GE[NV +] in incuse, cross potent surrounded by five stars. CNI 10/12; MIR 294/40; Lunardi 260; for incuse letters cf. Santa Maria sale 5 Apile 1962. 38.31g, 43mm, 9h. Extremely Fine.

350

Ex Santamaria, 5 April 1962, lot 179. This is an extraordinary example of a coin struck from a broken and repaired die the reverse legend being struck with incuse letters GENNV + D V.

893. Italy, Rome, Beatus Innocentius XI (1676-1689, Benedetto Odescalchi) AR Piastra. Regnal year III = 1678. INNOCEN XI PONT MAX A III, bust right, wearing camauro, mozzetta, and pallium / VENTI ET MARE OBEDIVNT EI (Christ rebuking the wind and the waves, Matthew 8:23-27), Christ, calming the storm, standing with apostles within capsizing galley under sail slightly left upon tempestuous sea; coat-of-arms below. Muntoni 43; CNI XVI, 25; Serafini 55-6; Berman 2093; Davenport 4089. 32.17gg, 45mm, 12h. Extremely Fine. Rare.

2,500

Pope Innocent XI, (Benedetto Odescalchi) was born on May 16, 1611, into a family of minor nobility in Como, northern Italy. Early in his career within the Church Benedetto became known as a champion of the unfortunate; he was made a Cardinal-Deacon by Innocent X in 1645, and subsequently became legate to Ferrara, where he was sent to assist the people stricken with a severe famine. There, Pope Innocent X introduced him to the people as the ‘father of the poor’. As bishop of Novara from 1650, he spent all the revenues of his see to relieve the suffering of the poor and sick in his diocese. Strongly favoured to succeed Pope Clement IX after his death in 1669, Benedetto was rejected by the French government using the now abolished power of veto. Following the death of Clement X in 1676 however, Louis XIV of France reluctantly acquiesced to Benedetto’s candidacy, and he was chosen to succeed Clement X as Innocent XI, taking this name in honour of Pope Innocent X. A firm proponent of reform, Innocent XI turned his attention to reducing the expenses of the Curia, passing strict ordinances to reduce nepotism, and by way of example to others he lived a frugal life, expecting those around him to follow suit. Seeking to raise moral standards among the general populace, he closed all of the theatres in Rome and famously suspended the Roman opera. Innocent XI’s time as Pope was characterised by an antagonistic relationship with Louis XIV of France, whose absolutist and hegemonic intentions were at direct odds with Innocent XI’s efforts to ensure the primacy of the Church. More successful elsewhere in his foreign relations, Innocent XI was one of the chief proponents of the Holy League formed in 1864 that brought together the Papal States, Holy Roman Empire, Polish-Lithuanian Commonweath and the Venetian Republic (later also joined by the Tsardom of Russia in 1686) to oppose the Ottoman Empire in the Great Turkish War (1683-99), a war to which he contributed millions of scudi in financial support. Innocent XI died on 12 August 1689, leaving behind a legacy as a Servant of God, for which Pope Innocent XII commenced a process of beatification. This was continued by Clement XI and XII, suspended through French influence in 1744 by Benedict XIV, but finally taken up again by Pope Pius XII, by whom he was beatified in 1956.

271

ISLAMIC COINS The Famous AH 77 Dinar

894.

Umayyad Caliphate, time of ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (AH 65-86 / AD 685-705) AV Dinar. Unnamed (Damascus?) mint. Dated AH 77 (AD 696/7). First portion of the kalimat at-tawḥīd: lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu (there is no god except Allah, and one [is] he; (there is) no partner to him) in three lines; in outer margin, the “Umayyad Second Symbol” (Sura 9 [al-tauba]:33): muḥammadur rasūlu-llāh arsalahu bi-’lhudā wa dīn al-haqq lī-yuzhirahu ‘ala al-dīn kollihi walau kariha al-mushrikūn (Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; him He sent with guidance and true faith to make it prevail over all other faiths even though the polytheists may hate it) / The “Umayyad Symbol” (Sura 112 [al-ikhlas]) Āllah ahad Āllah āl-samad lam yalīd wa lam yalūd (Allah [is] One; Allah [is] the Eternal, the Absolute; not begetting and not begotten) in three lines; in outer margin, b-ismi-llāh zarb hazā āl-dinār fī sanat seb’ wa seb’īn (in the name of Allah struck this dinar in the year seven and seventy (after the Hijra)). AGC I 41; Walker, Arab-Byzantine, 186; Album 125; ICV 155. 4.27g, 20mm, 6h. Good Extremely Fine; very minor graffiti and traces of double-striking. Very Rare; an excellent example of what has been described as the most desirable Islamic coin ever struck. 125,000 This famous gold Dinar, struck in the year 77 of the Hijra, marks a defining point in Islamic history. Although there was a dictum that the Byzantine solidus was not to be used outside of the Byzantine Empire, there was some limited trade that involved the use of Byzantine solidi outside of the empire’s borders. Since these solidi were frequently not re-minted as those within the empire were, they quickly became worn. Towards the end of the 7th century CE, ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan began to produce Arabic copies of solidi – ‘dinars’ which corresponded in weight to only 4 grams, but matched with the weight of the worn solidi that were circulating at the time. These copies of Byzantine solidi bore Byzantine legends and iconography, but omitted any Christian symbols on either obverse or reverse. The legends were soon replaced with an Arabic legend – thus bearing witness to the moment at which the faith of Islam became the religion of the state. In AH 77 ‘Abd al-Malik reformed the coinage and issued the first of what would become the standard pattern for Muslim coinage. The AH 77 Dinar bears only the denomination and date of striking, with the Kalima and words from the Holy Qur’an. This new type was used without appreciable change for the whole of Umayyad period, the coins being struck to a new and carefully controlled standard of 4.25 grams, and bearing the year of minting, much as modern coins do today. This issue marked a great turning point - replacing the images of rulers with Qur’anic verses emphasised that the Islamic Empire was ruled by God and not by mortal men.

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273

AH 78

AH 79

AH 80

AH 81

AH 82

AH 83

AH 84

AH 85

AH 86

AH 87

AH 88

AH 89

AH 90

AH 91

AH 92

AH 93

AH 94

AH 95

AH 96

AH 97

AH 98

895. A wonderful and remarkably rare complete set of Umayyad Reform Coinage Gold Dinars, excluding only the AH 77 Dinar (sold separately as lot 894), struck between the years AH 78 and AH 132. All are anonymous (but attributed to the time of the appropriate ruling Caliph) and without mintname, but they were almost certainly struck at the seat of the caliphate in Damascus. 50,000 ‘Abd al-Malik AH 94. 4.25g. Near Mint State. AH 78. 4.28g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 95. 4.21g. Good Very Fine. AH 79. 4.28g. Good Extremely Fine. al-Walid I or Sulayman AH 80. 4.28g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 96. 4.25g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 81. 4.26g. Near Mint State. Sulayman b. ‘Abd al-Malik AH 82. 4.20g. Good Very Fine. AH 97. 4.25g. Near Mint State. AH 83. 4.23g. Extremely Fine. AH 98. 4.26g. Extremely Fine. Some minor deposits. AH 84. 4.23g. Extremely Fine. Some deposits. AH 85. 4.25g. Good Very Fine. ‘Abd al-Malik or al-Walid I AH 86. 4.27g. Near Mint State. al-Walid I b. Abd al-Malik AH 87. 4.35g. Near Mint State. AH 88. 4.23g. Good Very Fine. AH 89. 4.23g. Mint State. AH 90. 4.28g. Near Mint State. AH 91. 4.26g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 92. 4.28g. Mint State. AH 93. 4.26g. Near Mint State.

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AH 99

AH 100

AH 101

AH 102

AH 103

AH 104

AH 105

AH 106

AH 107

AH 108

AH 109

AH 110

AH 111

AH 112

AH 113

AH 114

AH 115

AH 116

AH 117

AH 118

AH 119

Sulayman or ‘Umar II AH 99. 4.23g. Near Mint State. ‘Umar II b. ‘Abd al-‘Aziz AH 100. 4.25g. Extremely Fine. Umar or Yazid II AH 101. 4.28g. Good Extremely Fine. Yazid II b. ‘Abd al-Malik AH 102. 4.27g. Extremely Fine. AH 103. 4.25g. Extremely Fine. AH 104. 4.27g. Mint State.Yazid II or Hisham AH 105. 4.26g. Extremely Fine. Hisham b. ‘Abd al-Malik AH 106. 4.25g. Mint State. AH 107. 4.23g. Extremely Fine. AH 108. 4.25g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 109. 4.25g. Near Mint State. AH 110. 4.21g. Extremely Fine. AH 111. 4.25g. Near Mint State.

AH 112. 4.27g. Near Mint State. AH 113. 4.25g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 114. 4.27g. Near Mint State. AH 115. 4.23g. Good Very Fine. AH 116. 4.22g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 117. 4.26g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 118. 4.24g. Good Very Fine. AH 119. 4.24g. Good Very Fine.

275

AH 120

AH 121

AH 122

AH 123

AH 124

AH 125

AH 126

AH 127

AH 128

AH 129

AH 130

AH 131

AH 132 AH 120. 4.27g. Near Extremely Fine. Some deposts. AH 121. 4.25g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 122. 4.23g. Good Extremely Fine. AH 123. 4.22g. Good Very Fine. AH 124. 4.25g. Extremely Fine. Hisham or al-Walid II AH 125. 4.26g. Near Mint State. al-Walid II or Yazid III or Ibrahim AH 126. 4.26g. Near Mint State. Ibrahim or Marwan II AH 127. 4.25g. Good Extremely Fine. Marwan II b. Muhammad AH 128. 4.24g. Extremely Fine. AH 129. 4.25g. Extremely Fine. AH 130. 4.26g. Good Very Fine. AH 131. 4.25g. Near Mint State. Some minor deposits. AH 132. 4.27g. Near Mint State.

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END OF SALE

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